bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Socially Aware Heterogeneous Wireless Networks
Authors: Kosmides Pavlos , Adamopoulou Evgenia , Demestichas Konstantinos , Theologou Michael , Anagnostou Miltiades , Rouskas Angelos
Published: June 2015

The development of smart cities has been the epicentre of many researchers’ efforts during the past decade. One of the key requirements for smart city networks is mobility and this is the reason stable, reliable and high-quality wireless communications are needed in order to connect people and devices. Most research efforts so far, have used different kinds of wireless and sensor networks, making interoperability rather difficult to accomplish in smart cities. One common solution proposed in the recent literature is the use of software defined networks (SDNs), in order to enhance interoperability among the various heterogeneous wireless networks. In addition, SDNs can take advantage of the data retrieved from available sensors and use them as part of the intelligent decision making process contacted during the resource allocation procedure. In this paper, we propose an architecture combining heterogeneous wireless networks with social networks using SDNs. Specifically, we exploit the information retrieved from location based social networks regarding users’ locations and we attempt to predict areas that will be crowded by using specially-designed machine learning techniques. By recognizing possible crowded areas, we can provide mobile operators with recommendations about areas requiring datacell activation or deactivation.
Classification of Potential Water Bodies Using Landsat 8 OLI and a Combination of Two Boosted Random Forest Classifiers
Authors: Ko Byoung , Kim Hyeong , Nam Jae
Published: June 2015

This study proposes a new water body classification method using top-of-atmosphere (TOA) reflectance and water indices (WIs) of the Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager (OLI) sensor and its corresponding random forest classifiers. In this study, multispectral images from the OLI sensor are represented as TOA reflectance and WI values because a classification result using two measures is better than raw spectral images. Two types of boosted random forest (BRF) classifiers are learned using TOA reflectance and WI values, respectively, instead of the heuristic threshold or unsupervised methods. The final probability is summed linearly using the probabilities of two different BRFs to classify image pixels to water class. This study first demonstrates that the Landsat 8 OLI sensor has higher classification rate because it provides improved signal-to-ratio radiometric by using 12-bit quantization of the data instead of 8-bit as available from other sensors. In addition, we prove that the performance of the proposed combination of two BRF classifiers shows robust water body classification results, regardless of topology, river properties, and background environment.
A Microfluidic Love-Wave Biosensing Device for PSA Detection Based on an Aptamer Beacon Probe
Authors: Zhang Feng , Li Shuangming , Cao Kang , Wang Pengjuan , Su Yan , Zhu Xinhua , Wan Ying
Published: June 2015

A label-free and selective aptamer beacon-based Love-wave biosensing device was developed for prostate specific antigen (PSA) detection. The device consists of the following parts: LiTaO3 substrate with SiO2 film as wave guide layer, two set of inter-digital transducers (IDT), gold film for immobilization of the biorecongniton layer and a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microfluidic channels. DNA aptamer, or “artificial antibody”, was used as the specific biorecognition probe for PSA capture. Some nucleotides were added to the 3'-end of the aptamer to form a duplex with the 3'-end, turning the aptamer into an aptamer-beacon. Taking advantage of the selective target-induced assembly changes arising from the “aptamer beacon”, highly selective and specific detection of PSA was achieved. Furthermore, PDMS microfluidic channels were designed and fabricated to realize automated quantitative sample injection. After optimization of the experimental conditions, the established device showed good performance for PSA detection between 10 ng/mL to 1 μg/mL, with a detection limit of 10 ng/mL. The proposed sensor might be a promising alternative for point of care diagnostics.
Aux marges des villes, des risques « naturels » accrus, l'exemple de la banlieue parisienne (Increased "natural" risks in the margins of the towns : the example of the parisian suburbs)
Authors: Hugonie Gérard
Published: June 2015

Résumé. - L'urbanisation s'étend aujourd'hui sur des marges des agglomérations qui étaient restées peu construites parce qu'elles étaient menacées par des inondations dans les vallées, par l'humidité ou par des mouvements de terrain sur les versants. Les aléas naturels deviennent alors des risques pour les habitants, qui prennent trop peu en compte toutes les composantes des géosystèmes locaux.
Le marché lillois du blé à l'époque bourguignonne
Authors: Derville Alain
Published: June 2015

Alain Derville, The Lille wheat market in the Burgundian era.

The country around Lille, like all the surrounding loess soils (Artois, Cambrésis), was one of the chief granaries of medieval Europe ; the average wheat yield was over 22 hi per ha (25,26 bushels per acre). The surplus was going through a few large markets (Lille etc... ) towards Flanders and the other countries beyond.

The Lille market has been studied with the help of official prices set by the payment of rents (by tenants and perhaps by lease-holders) three times a year, as well as the accounts of the Hôpital Saint-Sauveur in Lille. It shows that price variations depended, chiefly though not exclusively, on the general economic circumstances in the Low Countries or Northern Europe.

The secular trend shows that, all over Europe as well as here, the high price levels (yet without any upwards tendency) wich were maintained from 1270 to 1370 went down in 1370 opening a period of deep and continued depression which only came to its end in 1500.
Pratique religieuse et église constitutionnelle. Le cas de Dengremont, curé de Sin-le-Noble, 1 791-1801
Authors: Lefebvre Bernard
Published: June 2015

Il s'agit de l'étude quantitative du registre des baptêmes célébrés par ce curé "jureur" de 1795 à 1801. Dengremont semble avoir été un prêtre d'origine modeste dont l'adhésion à l'Église Constitutionnelle fut une forme de promotion ; sa paroisse était un village de paysans relativement pauvres à proximité de Douai. La comparaison entre le nombre de naissances et celui des actes célébrés par le curé montre qu'il a baptisé 57% des enfants selon l'évolution suivante : 1795 : 68 § ; 1796 : 80% ; 1797 : 82% ; 1798 : 72% ; 1799 : 80% ; 1800 : 66% ; 1801 : 26% ; 1802 : 10%.

Le déclin de son activité est conforme à la baisse de la pratique religieuse sous la Révolution mais il est surtout intéressant de noter son rayonnement (comparable à celui de son collègue Caille à Douai), démontrant ainsi que les paroissiens furent plus sensibles au rôle de la hiérarchie en place, même schismatique, qu'à une conception particulière de la foi.
La hiérarchie catholique, le gouvernement de Vichy et l'occupant, dans la zone réservée
Authors: Claude Hubert
Published: June 2015

Le Nord et le Pas-de-Calais forment pendant la seconde guerre mondiale, une zone à part que tout concourt à isoler. La région se montre fort peu disposée à faire crédit au régime de Vichy. Cependant, et c'est un paradoxe, elle fut l'une de celles où les évêques, ceux d'Arras, de Cambrai et de Lille, prêchèrent jusqu'à la libération, une fidélité sans réserve au maréchal Pétain. Au fil des mois et des années, ceux-ci se sont alignés sur le conformisme politique et social de Vichy. Ils n'ont rien fait pour saisir l'occasion d'une crise majeure, le massacre d'Ascq en avril 1944, par exemple, afin d'annoncer la distance à prendre par rapport au régime de Vichy et pour mieux lever les équivoques d'un soutien à Pétain vis-à-vis de l'occupant. Toutefois, et c'est un autre paradoxe, le cardinal Liénart garde la réputation d'un évêque résistant. Ne la doit -il pas en partie à ses déclarations courageuses sur le service du travail obligatoire, en mars 1943 ? Alors qu'en réalité, il fut un grand prélat de sympathies maréchalistes fortement et longuement affirmées. En définitive, l'autorité des évêques s'est trouvée atteinte. A quel niveau ce déclin peut -il être mesuré ? C'est ce qui reste à déterminer.
Les services d'occupation allemands et les églises chrétiennes en France
Authors: Umbreit Hans
Published: June 2015

Parmi les nombreux services allemands qui s'établirent en France occupée, ce furent surtout l'administration militaire, l'ambassade et la SS qui s'intéressaient aux questions religieuses. Tandis qu'il importait aux militaires que les églises en général et les prêtres en particulier ne compromettent pas la sécurité intérieure et ne s'opposent pas à leurs méthodes d'exploitation du territoire conquis, la SS considérait le christianisme comme un adversaire idéologique disposant de relations internationales difficiles à évaluer. Pour l'ambassade, par contre, l'Église Catholique se présentait comme une force morale susceptible de contribuer à un renouveau de la France et à la renaissance d'un nationalisme français. Mais les Allemands ne s'immisçaient guère dans la vie intérieure des églises. Ils se contentaient de les observer avec méfiance parce qu'ils leur attribuaient une influence importante. Aussi longtemps que le déroulement de la guerre ne permettait pas encore d'imposer le "Nouvel Ordre", les églises profitaient d'une période de liberté relative.
Uranius Antonin et deux autres notes de métrologie tardive orientale
Authors: Callu Jean-Pierre , Barrandon Jean-Noël
Published: June 2015

Jean-Pierre Callu en J.-N. Barrandon, "Uranius Antonin en twee andere notities over latere Oosterse métrologie".

Deze studie bestaat uit drie notities over metrologie in verband met het Oostelijke Benenden-Rijk

1. Elf multiples, tetradrachmen e.d., van Uranius Antonin werden geanalyseerd door protonische activering en de resultaten bevestigen wat reeds door het fluoresceringsonderzoek bekend was : de tweede reeks met ca. 97% AR (zilver) vier maal meer dan in de eerste, het gaat om een presti- geuitgifte tegenover de Romeinse keizer en de Sassaniden.

2. De Latijnse versie van de Joodse Oorlog van Flavius Josephus uit 380 ongeveer vertoont in een belangrijke passage een zekere zorg voor monétaire nauwkeurigheid, want de aureus van het Opperrijk wordt er vertaald als binio, wat ongeveer met de waarde overeenstemt als men de solidus als referentiepunt neemt.

3. Het onderzoek van de drie Parisini van de Pré Spirituel van Jean Maschus toont aan dat men in de vierde eeuw nog geen gelijkheid tussen de centenarium en de "denier" van AV heeft opgesteld.

Tot besluit : het is nodig naast de kwantitatieve opzoekingen over gewicht en titel ook verder door te zetten met een filologische métrologie, waarvoor literaire en technische teksten en manuscripten dienen te worden onderzocht.
Fosses gallo-romaines à Acq (Pas-de-Calais)
Authors: Jacques Alain , Tuffreau-Libre Marie
Published: June 2015

Marie Tuffreau-Libre en Alain Jacques, "Gallo-Romeinse putten te Acq (Pas-de-Calais)". Werken voor de aanleg van de R.N. 34 op het grondgebied van Acq (Pas-de-Calais) hebben de ontdekking van twee Gallo-Romeinse putten meegebracht. Zij bevatten tronconische vazen en fragmenten van borden en schalen, die kunnen worden gedateerd van het einde van de IIde eeuw of het begin van de IIIde.
Quelques observations archéologiques dans la sablière "Les Ursulines", commune de Marck (Pas-de-Calais)
Authors: Es W. A. van , Wynia S.L.
Published: June 2015

W.A. Van Es and S.L. Wynia, "A few archaeological observations on the sand-pit of "Les Ursulines" in the commune of Marck (Pas-de-Calais), with an appendix by W. Roeleveld".

The study of the different strata visible on the southern side of the sand-pit of "Les Ursulines" (Marck, Pas-de-Calais, ancient territory of the Morini) has revealed a few traces of human occupation. The substratum is composed of sands of maritime origin, remnants of some coastal strand (at the time of a regression about 500 B.C. C14 g and f datation).

Another level, but of aeolian origin, subsists and shows several stages of accumulation, some of which having filled an ancient channel. Human occupation, irregularly scattered, is visible at the level of a black-coloured stratum (moistening of the ground, organic substances) (elevation : 2.50I.G.N.)

The datation through C14, confirmed by the study of archaeological findings, points to a time preceeding shortly the beginning of our era, and an abandon in the first years of the Roman times. The discovery of some dross suggests the existence of some industrial activity. This coastal strand has also been used now and again all along the Roman times and even in the Lower Middle Ages.

This study followed by an analysis of the geological environment is a contribution to a better knowledge of the different phases of inhabitation on a moving coast -line, situated at the borders of Flanders and the Calais region.
Le paysage rural en Flandre intérieure : son évolution entre le IXème et le XIIIème siècle
Authors: Verhulst Adriaan
Published: June 2015

De systematische studie van de woordenschat en de gebruikte cijfers voor de beschrijving van de 52 131 percelen van het Kadaster van Orvieto (1292) en meer speciaal voor de 18471 percelen van het Kadaster van het "Contado" laten toe het landschap in grote lijnen te begrijpen (relief, hydrografie, bebouwing). Men kan dan de bewoning gegroepeerd in "Castra" en "ville" en de percelen bestuderen. Een statistische studie leidt tot een analyse van de oppervlekte en de waarde en laat toe ze te groeperen in eenheden. Die zich uitstrekken rond de bewoningscentra in stukken van steeds grotere omvang en kleinere waarde. Tuinen, wijnstokken en andere gespecialiseerde culturen, graanland, braakland en van bomen en struiken gezuiverde grond en tenslotte bossen en wouden.
NEW TOOL TO HELP DECISION MAKING IN CIVIL ENGINEERING
Authors: Castillo Enrique , Lozano-Galant Jose Antonio , Nogal Maria , Turmo Jose
Published: June 2015

Structural collapses have indirectly produced important progress in science. The last lesson learnt from structural collapses reveals the important role of polyrational systems of equations in the Civil Engineering field, as all problems in Physics and Engineering involving scale variables lead to systems of these equations. Since no efficient methods are known to solve this type of equations, a powerful and efficient method to multivariate polyrational equations using observability techniques is presented in this paper. It is pointed out that this method can be applied to solve different Civil Engineering problems. The information obtained by this tool can be used to assist decision making and risk management processes during maintenance and service life. As an example of its use, a structural damage detection problem is solved.
A MULTI-OBJECTIVE DECISION-SUPPORT MODEL FOR SELECTING ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIOUS HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION METHODS
Authors: Ozcan-Deniz Gulbin , Zhu Yimin
Published: June 2015

The construction industry has a considerable share in overall resource and energy consumption. Consequently, decision-makers try to achieve environmentally conscious construction by integrating environmental objectives into the selection of construction elements. Due to the complexity of construction projects, it is a known challenge to provide an effective mechanism to select the most feasible construction methods. Thus, it is crucial to learn the interdependency between various resource alternatives, such as material and equipment type, under various project conditions like unavailability of resources. An analytic network process (ANP) was used in this study to construct a decision model for selecting the most feasible construction method. Data collected via interviews with highway construction experts were used to model the dependency between decision parameters, such as project conditions and resource performance indicators. The proposed ANP model output the relative importance weights of decision parameters so that they can be used to identify environmentally conscious construction methods. The proposed mechanism is a valuable asset for construction decision-makers especially when their ability to select construction methods is limited by project constraints. Although the model was tested in a highway project in this paper, it can be further extended to benefit building construction and sustainable decision-making problems.
CONTRIBUTION TO THE DESIGN OF HYDRAULIC LIME-BASED GROUTS FOR MASONRY CONSOLIDATION
Authors: Baltazar Luis G. , Henriques Fernando M. A. , Cidade Maria Teresa
Published: June 2015

Grout is a concentrated suspension that can be employed for the homogenisation and consolidation of systems presenting pores, voids and cracks, such as inner core of old stone masonries. A grout should be well conceived, taking into account the optimisation of its performance; this means that simple binder and water formulations prove to be inadequate. Hence, the effect of different admixtures and pozzolans, which are traditionally used in concrete, on the fresh and hardened properties of hydraulic lime grouts, were investigated. Hydraulic lime binder plays a role of great importance in the rehabilitation of historic structures, due to its compatibility with pre-existing materials, like mortars. However, hardly any information is presently known regarding the effect of these materials on the behaviour of hydraulic lime grouts. The improvement of their properties through the use of these products is still an open field. Hence, and as a first step, the prediction of grout properties in a laboratory setting were made. The results summarised in this paper are part of a large research project and precede the fine tuning of grout composition according to the characteristics of the masonry to which such a grout is to be injected.
Une responsabilité sociale élargie, vecteur d’innovations sociétales et de performance, comme socle de transformation de l’entreprise et recréation de la confiance
Authors: Guillaud Fabienne
Published: June 2015

« Le développement durable, un paradigme capable de générer des innovations de rupture, est lui-même une philosophie économique de rupture » (Asselineau, Pire-Lechalard, 2008, P.3) qui ouvre le champ de la responsabilité sociale (RSE) élargie. Pour nombre d’entreprises, la RSE est principalement une réponse aux risques, notamment d’image et de réputation, perçue comme telle dans la société. Cette RSE utilisatrice (Capron, Quairel-Lanoizelée, 2010) n’intègre pas les processus de création de valeur de l’entreprise, d’innovation. Or, la crise systémique impactant l’activité économique de l’entreprise et sa relation aux parties prenantes, une forme de défiance se cristallise qui affecte son capital humain et érode sa performance. Les grands défis sociaux et environnementaux requièrent de reconsidérer la finalité et l’objet social de l’entreprise, de reconcevoir la place de la société dans sa recherche de performance. Pour Igalens (2012) la RSE se raisonne en un défi de création de valeur permettant de réconcilier performance économique et performance sociale. « Adopter le prisme de la valeur partagée, ouvre l’entreprise à d’importants champs d’innovations » (Porter, Kramer, 2011). De portée générale, ce travail de recherche appliquée en management de la performance durable est nourri d’une expérience de terrain, en management du développement durable dans la banque de détail, complétée d’une analyse académique à l’aune d’un prisme professionnel. Son développement s’articule entre une revue de littérature et une étude de cas centrée sur la démarche de l’entreprise Nespresso 1 . Se situant au plan stratégique, l’étude établit le lien dynamique entre une RSE élargie fortement contributive et l’innovation, lesquels intégrés à la stratégie intrinsèque de l’entreprise engendrent refondation du modèle économique et performance. Cela implique de mobiliser « les conditions pratiques et organisationnelles de la confiance en entreprise qui tiennent à ses préalables éthiques et systémiques » (Bruna, 2014, p.155).
Le contrôle interne et l’influence des parties prenantes. Une application aux entreprises des pays en voie de développement
Authors: Laâsri Mohsin , Zerbib Romain
Published: June 2015

L’objectif de cet article est d’explorer une application de la théorie des parties prenantes dans un environnement marocain. Dans la littérature académique, cette théorie se positionne comme une vision alternative et ambitieuse capable de rivaliser avec l’approche classique dite actionnariale. De manière approfondie, cette vision pluraliste partenariale ne demeure pas en contradiction avec l’approche actionnariale, mais plutôt la complète puisqu’elle cherche à assurer la continuité de l’activité de l’entreprise non seulement par la prise en compte des intérêts des actionnaires mais aussi de ceux des autres parties prenantes, qui sont en interaction avec l’entreprise. Dans ce cadre élargi, le contrôle interne peut être un moyen efficace pour garantir la prise en compte des intérêts des différentes parties prenantes dans les décisions stratégiques. L’analyse ci-après nous apporte quelques éclairages.
Wrestling with Contradictions in Government Social Media Practices
Authors: Haahr Lars
Published: June 2015

Research in government social media practices highlights expectations of co-creation and progression mirrored in maturity models, but research also documents low deployment degree and thereby points to a discrepancy. The paper suggests that the authors instead of co-creation and progression draw on a dialectical approach and understand the development of government social media practices as a wrestling with contradictions. The case of emerging social media practices in a Danish municipality used to illustrate this framework suggests three main categories of contradictions in emerging social media practices: Contradictions between service administration and community feeling as forms of practice, contradictions in organizing between local engagement and central control, and contradictions in the digital infrastructure between proprietary municipal websites and public social media platforms. The paper discusses if a paradox lens will enhance our understanding of inherent contradictions or the dialectical notion of contradiction serve the purpose. The paper contributes to a dialectical theory of contradictions through an analysis of emerging government social media practices.
Strategic Success, Supply Chain Performance, and Social Media
Authors: Hamilton John W. , Kwon Ik-Whan G.
Published: June 2015

This chapter explores the impact of social media to provide critical communication about the firm's strategic plans to all stakeholders. Lack of communication is among the most frequently references for strategic failure. Additionally, the supply chain has become recognized by some firms as a strategic advantage, and social media provides new opportunities to communicate throughout the supply chain. Strategic success and supply chain performance can be enhanced through the use of social media and the resulting communication effectiveness to all stakeholders.
Digital Resources and Approaches Adopted by User-Centred Museums
Authors: Solima Ludovico
Published: June 2015

Society is experiencing unprecedented changes, largely attributable to the evolution of communication technologies, which are steadily reframing our way of life, and the methods we use to establish and maintain social relations. Museums are therefore facing numerous challenges, in general as a result of these developments: apps, open content, and the Internet-of-things. A complex relationship can be created between visitors and the museum, and this also opens new unexplored opportunities for user involvement in the museum's activities, even during the course of the visit itself. It is worth taking care to identify all the variables involved in the museum-visitor-relationship, which also encompasses the social dimension. Both the museum and the individual are active participants in a gradually expanding relationship, namely the growth of the so-called Web 2.0 and social media. Therefore, we can assume the need for museums to develop a conscious strategy for their social media presence, a real social media strategy, which forms part of the museum's wider digital strategy. The increasingly pervasive spread of e-mobile technology is a foretaste of the moment when museumgoers will radically change both the way of establishing relations with these organisations and the actual ways of using museum services. This chapter focuses on digital resources and approaches adopted by user-centred museums, where there is an increasing impact from the internet and social media.
Evaluating the Role of HLA-DM in MHC Class II–Peptide Association Reactions
Authors: Yin Liusong , Maben Zachary J. , Becerra Aniuska , Stern Lawrence J.
Published: June 2015

Ag presentation by MHC class II (MHC II) molecules to CD4+ T cells plays a key role in the regulation of the adaptive immune response. Loading of antigenic peptides onto MHC II is catalyzed by HLA-DM (DM), a nonclassical MHC II molecule. The mechanism of DM-facilitated peptide loading is an outstanding problem in the field of Ag presentation. In this study, we systemically explored possible kinetic mechanisms for DM-catalyzed peptide association by measuring real-time peptide association kinetics using fluorescence polarization assays and comparing the experimental data with numerically modeled peptide association reactions. We found that DM does not facilitate peptide association by stabilizing peptide-free MHC II against aggregation. Moreover, DM does not promote transition of an inactive peptide–averse conformation of MHC II to an active peptide–receptive conformation. Instead, DM forms an intermediate with MHC II that binds peptide with faster kinetics than MHC II in the absence of DM. In the absence of peptides, interaction of MHC II with DM leads to inactivation and formation of a peptide-averse form. This study provides novel insights into how DM efficiently catalyzes peptide loading during Ag presentation.
Nonclassical MHC-Restricted Invariant Vα6 T Cells Are Critical for Efficient Early Innate Antiviral Immunity in the Amphibian Xenopus laevis
Authors: Edholm Eva-Stina , Grayfer Leon , De Jesús Andino Francisco , Robert Jacques
Published: June 2015

Nonclassical MHC class Ib–restricted invariant T (iT) cell subsets are attracting interest because of their potential to regulate immune responses against various pathogens. The biological relevance and evolutionary conservation of iT cells have recently been strengthened by the identification of iT cells (invariant Vα6 [iVα6]) restricted by the nonclassical MHC class Ib molecule XNC10 in the amphibian Xenopus laevis. These iVα6 T cells are functionally similar to mammalian CD1d-restricted invariant NKT cells. Using the amphibian pathogen frog virus 3 (FV3) in combination with XNC10 tetramers and RNA interference loss of function by transgenesis, we show that XNC10-restricted iVα6 T cells are critical for early antiviral immunity in adult X. laevis. Within hours following i.p. FV3 infection, iVα6 T cells were specifically recruited from the spleen into the peritoneum. XNC10 deficiency and concomitant lack of iVα6 T cells resulted in less effective antiviral and macrophage antimicrobial responses, which led to impaired viral clearance, increased viral dissemination, and more pronounced FV3-induced kidney damage. Together, these findings imply that X. laevis XNC10-restricted iVα6 T cells play important roles in the early anti-FV3 response and that, as has been suggested for mammalian invariant NKT cells, they may serve as immune regulators polarizing macrophage effector functions toward more effective antiviral states.
Eos Is Redundant for Regulatory T Cell Function but Plays an Important Role in IL-2 and Th17 Production by CD4+ Conventional T Cells
Authors: Rieder Sadiye Amcaoglu , Metidji Amina , Glass Deborah Dacek , Thornton Angela M. , Ikeda Tohru , Morgan Bruce A. , Shevach Ethan M.
Published: June 2015

Eos belongs to the Ikaros family of transcription factors. It was reported to be a regulatory T cell (Treg) signature gene, to play a critical role in Treg suppressor functions, and to maintain Treg stability. We used mice with a global deficiency in Eos to re-examine the role of Eos expression in both Tregs and conventional T cells (Tconvs). Tregs from Eos-deficient (Eos−/−) mice developed normally, displayed a normal Treg phenotype, and exhibited normal suppressor function in vitro. Eos−/− Tregs were as effective as Tregs from wild-type (WT) mice in suppressing inflammation in a model of inflammatory bowel disease. Bone marrow (BM) from Eos−/− mice was as effective as that from WT mice in controlling T cell activation when used to reconstitute immunodeficient mice in the presence of scurfy fetal liver cells. Surprisingly, Eos was expressed in activated Tconvs and was required for IL-2 production, CD25 expression, and proliferation in vitro by CD4+ Tconvs. Eos−/− mice developed more severe experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis than WT mice, displayed increased numbers of effector T cells in the periphery and CNS, and amplified IL-17 production. In conclusion, our studies are not consistent with a role for Eos in Treg development and function but demonstrate that Eos plays an important role in the activation and differentiation of Tconvs.
Development and application of a short- /long-term composited drought index in the upper Huaihe River basin, China
Authors: Yu M. , Li Q. , Lu G. , Wang H. , Li P.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. Accurate and reliable drought monitoring is of primary importance for drought mitigation and reduction of social-ecological vulnerability. The aim of the paper was to propose a short-term/long-term composited drought index (CDI) which could be widely used for drought monitoring and early warning in China. In the study, the upper Huaihe River basin above the Xixian gauge station, which has been hit by severe droughts frequently in recent decades, was selected as the case study site. The short-term CDI was developed by the Principle Component Analysis of the self-calibrating Palmer Drought Severity Index (sc-PDSI), the 1- and 3-month Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI), Z Index (ZIND), the Soil Moisture Index (SMI) with the long-term CDI being formulated by use of the self-calibrating Palmer Hydrology Drought Index (sc-PHDI), the 6-, 12-, 18- and 24-month SPEI, the Standardized Streamflow Index (SSI), the SMI. The sc-PDSI, the PHDI, the ZIND, the SPEI on a monthly time scale were calculated based on the monthly air temperature and precipitation, and the monthly SMI and SSI were computed based on the simulated soil moisture and runoff by the distributed Xinanjiang model. The thresholds of the short-term/long-term CDI were determined according to frequency statistics of different drought indices. Finally, the feasibility of the two CDIs was investigated against the scPDSI, the SPEI and the historical drought records. The results revealed that the short-term/long-term CDI could capture the onset, severity, persistence of drought events very well with the former being better at identifying the dynamic evolution of drought condition while the latter better at judging the changing trend of drought over a long time period.
Climate change track in river floods in Europe
Authors: Kundzewicz Z. W.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. A holistic perspective on changing river flood risk in Europe is provided. Economic losses from floods have increased, principally driven by the expanding exposure of assets at risk. Climate change (i.e. observed increase in precipitation intensity, decrease of snowpack and other observed climate changes) might already have had an impact on floods. However, no gauge-based evidence had been found for a climate-driven, widespread change in the magnitude/frequency of floods during the last decades. There are strong regional and sub-regional variations in the trends. Moreover, it has not been generally possible to attribute rain-generated peak streamflow trends to anthropogenic climate change. Physical reasoning suggests that projected increases in the frequency and intensity of heavy rainfall would contribute to increases in rain-generated local floods, while less snowmelt flooding and earlier spring peak flows in snowmelt-fed rivers are expected. However, there is low confidence in future changes in flood magnitude and frequency resulting from climate change. The impacts of climate change on flood characteristics are highly sensitive to the detailed nature of those changes. Discussion of projections of flood hazard in Europe is offered. Attention is drawn to a considerable uncertainty - over the last decade or so, projections of flood hazard in Europe have largely changed.
Analysis of hydrological changes and flood increase in Niamey based on the PERSIANN-CDR satellite rainfall estimate and hydrological simulations over the 1983–2013 period
Authors: Casse C. , Gosset M.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. A dramatic increase in the frequency and intensity of floods due to the Niger River in the city of Niamey (Niger) has been observed in the last decade. Previous studies highlighted the role of the land use changes on the flood increase since 1970s. In the last decade, observations have raised the issue of a possible increase in extreme rainfall in the Sahel, which may have caused the recent and extreme floods in Niamey in 2010, 2012 and 2013. The study focuses on the 125 000 km2 basin between Ansongo and Niamey. This is the drainage area of the monsoon rainfall that leads to the rapid flow rise occurring between June and October. To understand the possible role of rainfall in flood intensification, satellite rainfall estimate is attractive in a region where the operational gauge network is sparse. This paper analyses the evolution of the Niger hydrograph in Niamey based on discharge observations, hydrological modelling and the satellite product PERSIANN-CDR, over the 1983–2013 period. PERSIANN-CDR is first compared with four other rainfall products. The salient features of the observed changes, i.e. a marked change in the mean decadal hydrograph, is well mimicked by the simulations, implying that rainfall is the first driver to the observed changes. The increase of flooded years over the period is also well reproduced but with some uncertainties in the exact number of flood days per year.
On the possibilities of watershed parameterization for extreme flow estimation in ungauged basins
Authors: Kohnová S. , Karabová B. , Hlavčová K.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. The estimation of design discharges and water levels of extreme floods is one of the most important parts of the design process for a large number of engineering projects and studies. Design flood estimates require a consideration of the hydrological, meteorological and physiographical situation, the legal requirements, and the available estimation techniques and methods. In the last decades changes in floods have been observed (Hall et al., 2014) which makes design flood estimation particularly challenging. Methods of design flood estimation can be applied either locally or regionally. A significant problem may arise in small catchments that are poorly gauged or when no recorded data exist. To obtain the design values in such cases, many countries have adopted procedures that fit the local conditions and requirements. One of these methods is the Soil Conservation Service – Curve number (SCS-CN) method which is often used in design flood estimation for ungauged sites, including those in Slovakia. Since the method was derived on the basis of the specific characteristics of selected river basins in the United States, it may lead to significant uncertainties in other countries with different hydrological conditions. The aim of this study was to test the SCN-CN method and derive regional runoff curve numbers based on rainfall and discharge measurements for selected region in Slovakia. The results show that the classical CN method gives too high estimates of event runoff depths and is not valid in the study area. To avoid the overestimation of runoff caused by extreme rainfall events, the use of the empirically derived regional runoff curves was tested and finally proposed for practical application in engineering hydrology.
Using subseasonal-to-seasonal (S2S) extreme rainfall forecasts for extended-range flood prediction in Australia
Authors: White C. J. , Franks S. W. , McEvoy D.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. Meteorological and hydrological centres around the world are looking at ways to improve their capacity to be able to produce and deliver skilful and reliable forecasts of high-impact extreme rainfall and flooding events on a range of prediction timescales (e.g. sub-daily, daily, multi-week, seasonal). Making improvements to extended-range rainfall and flood forecast models, assessing forecast skill and uncertainty, and exploring how to apply flood forecasts and communicate their benefits to decision-makers are significant challenges facing the forecasting and water resources management communities. This paper presents some of the latest science and initiatives from Australia on the development, application and communication of extreme rainfall and flood forecasts on the extended-range "subseasonal-to-seasonal" (S2S) forecasting timescale, with a focus on risk-based decision-making, increasing flood risk awareness and preparedness, capturing uncertainty, understanding human responses to flood forecasts and warnings, and the growing adoption of "climate services". The paper also demonstrates how forecasts of flood events across a range of prediction timescales could be beneficial to a range of sectors and society, most notably for disaster risk reduction (DRR) activities, emergency management and response, and strengthening community resilience. Extended-range S2S extreme flood forecasts, if presented as easily accessible, timely and relevant information are a valuable resource to help society better prepare for, and subsequently cope with, extreme flood events.
Adult Education for Meaningful Socio-Economic Development in Nigeria
Authors: Festus Mbalisi Onyeka , Adekola Oyebamiji Morufu
Published: June 2015

This paper establishes adult education as an indispensable tool for the achievement of meaningful socio-economic development of any nation. The paper identified different dimensions of development as well as various phenomena and their resultant effects which constitute a bane to successful socio-economic development in Nigeria. It proposes adult education programmes relevant for the development of a literate, informed, skilled and healthy adult population that drives successful socio-economic development activities. It concludes that adult education programmes are veritable tools designed to equip adults who are the economically productive and active citizens with required knowledge, attitudes, skills and commitment needed for meaningful socio-economic development.
SELECTED PROBLEMS IN RAILWAY VEHICLE DYNAMICS RELATED TO RUNNING SAFETY
Authors: Kardas-Cinal Ewa
Published: June 2015

The paper includes a short review of selected problems in railway vehicle-track system dynamics which are related to the running safety. Different criteria used in assessment of the running safety are presented according to the standards which are in force in Europe and other countries. Investigations of relevant dynamic phenomena, including the mechanism of railway vehicle derailment, and the resulting modifications of the running safety criteria are also discussed.
Guiding young children’s internet use at home: Problems that parents experience in their parental mediation and the need for parenting support
Authors: Nikken Peter , De Haan Jos
Published: June 2015

Using an online questionnaire among 785 parents (children 0-7 years) in the Netherlands we investigated a) whether parents experience problems when guiding children’s digital media usage, b) whether they feel competent in dealing with these problems, c) whether they need parenting support, and d) how these problems, competences and need for support are related to the characteristics of the parents, the family and the child. The analyses reveal that the parents’ experiences of problems is associated with negative views on media effects, the presence of older siblings living at home and occur especially when their child is active on social media. Parents’ feelings of competence are enhanced by positive views on media effects, older children being present in the home, and the involvement of the young child in educational games and media skill level. Parents feel less confident if their child is active on social media. Support is primarily dependent on the level of problems at hand. Moreover, professionals are consulted especially when parents feel less competent, their child is active on social media and no older siblings are present at home. Parents ask family or friends for advice when they have a negative view on media effects.
Gendered mediation of children’s internet use: A keyhole for looking into changing socialization practices
Authors: Talves Kairi , Kalmus Veronika
Published: June 2015

This study focuses on parental mediation of children’s internet use in the context of broader gendered socialization patterns. Analyses were carried out in three steps using quantitative and qualitative methods. Firstly, based on EU Kids Online survey data, gendered patterns in parental mediation across European countries were explored. Secondly, detailed analysis of mediation practices in Estonia, one country in the EU Kids Online survey, was carried out. As the last step, data from two focus group interviews were used for in-depth analysis of Estonian mothers’ everyday practices of mediating their children’s internet use. Quantitative analysis revealed significant correlations between the number of gender differences in parental mediation, and country-level variables of internet penetration and gender equality. In Estonia, as a country with low gender equality, but high internet use, mediation strategies do not depend purely on children’s gender, but on a more complex interrelation of gender and children’s and parents’ socio-demographic characteristics and parent-child interactions. This finding was supported and explained by qualitative analysis, showing that Estonian mothers’ methods for mediating boys’ and girls’ internet use differ in several aspects, reflecting the broader context of changing socialization practices, gender norms, and the generation gap in using digital technologies.
Morphological and functional peculiarities of saltmarsh plants and epilithic lichens in tidal conditions of Russian Arctic Seas
Authors: Markovskaya Evgeniya , Sonina Angella , Sergienko Liudmila , Morosova Kira , Elkina Nadezhda
Published: June 2015

Ecological plasticity in the tidal zone, specifically the effects of daily and seasonal dy-namics of environmental factors on the dominant species of vascular plants and epilithic lichens has been studied. The investigations were conducted on the Pomorian coast of the White Sea (Republic of Karelia) during two growing seasons (2012-2013). The studies of the morphological and anatomical characteristics of dominant individuals in the plant and lichen cover types have been made along the model transect through different substrate types. Determination of plasticity of plants and lichens was made by the method of Cornelissen exploiting coefficient of variation (CV). The obtained data showed that the investigated groups of vascular plants and lichens on the tidal zone on all measured morphological and anatomical parameters have a high level of plasticity.
Transformation or Defiance: The Impact of the European People’s Party on Serbian and Croatia Parties
Authors: Stojić Marko
Published: June 2015

This article examines comparatively the stances of Serbian and Croatian political parties on European integration in relation to their international affiliations. It specifically seeks to explore how and to what extent the European People’s Party (EPP) exerted influence on parties from these two countries. The article analyses the nature of these linkages in a systematic manner by employing the concept of direct and indirect transnational impact. The study argues that, in general, the EPP was not a crucial driving force behind party stances on the European Union (EU) and its direct impact was rather low. However, the EPP appears to have had a considerable indirect impact on parties that were at an early stage of ideological transformation towards becoming credible mainstream and pro-European parties, after a long legacy of Eurosceptic and nationalist politics. These parties strove to obtain European legitimacy by becoming members of the EPP and were, consequently, more willing to harmonise their positions with (potential) European partner. Moreover, ‘EU commitment’ of Serbian and Croatian applicants, closely scrutinised by the EPP, was primarily related to their affirmative positions on EU membership, rather than their stances on any particular model of European integration.
Across language families: Genome diversity mirrors linguistic variation withinEurope
Authors: Longobardi Giuseppe , Ghirotto Silvia , Guardiano Cristina , Tassi Francesca , Benazzo Andrea , Ceolin Andrea , Barbujani Guido
Published: June 2015

Objectives: The notion that patterns of linguistic and biological variation may cast light on each other and on population histories dates back to Darwin's times; yet, turning this intuition into a proper research program has met with serious methodological difficulties, especially affecting language comparisons. This article takes advantage of two new tools of comparative linguistics: a refined list of Indo‐European cognate words, and a novel method of language comparison estimating linguistic diversity from a universal inventory of grammatical polymorphisms, and hence enabling comparison even across different families. We corroborated the method and used it to compare patterns of linguistic and genomic variation in Europe.Materials and Methods: Two sets of linguistic distances, lexical and syntactic, were inferred from these data and compared with measures of geographic and genomic distance through a series of matrix correlation tests. Linguistic and genomic trees were also estimated and compared. A method (Treemix) was used to infer migration episodes after the main population splits.Results: We observed significant correlations between genomic and linguistic diversity, the latter inferred from data on both Indo‐European and non‐Indo‐European languages. Contrary to previous observations, on the European scale, language proved a better predictor of genomic differences than geography. Inferred episodes of genetic admixture following the main population splits found convincing correlates also in the linguistic realm.Discussion: These results pave the ground for previously unfeasible cross‐disciplinary analyses at the worldwide scale, encompassing populations of distant language families. Am J Phys Anthropol 157:630–640, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.