bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wake-blade interaction in steam turbine stages
Authors: Świrydczuk Jerzy
Published: July 2013

The article discusses the phenomenon of stator Wake/Rotor cascade (W/R) interaction in a steam turbine stage, and the ability to capture it in turbine stage design calculations making use of standard numerical codes. Firstly, the W/R interaction is analysed by comparing its real, experimentally recorded course with the numerical results obtained using vortex theory models and methods. This part of the analysis ends with formulating a conclusion about stochastic nature of the W/R interaction and indicating its reason, which is the vortex structure of the stator wake. Next, a question is discussed whether and how this stochastic nature of the examined phenomenon can be taken into account in calculations of Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations. Differences are indicated between the uniform pattern of the stator wake obtained using a RANS code and the vortex structure of the real wake. It is concluded, however, that despite these differences the RANS results correctly reflect the time-averaged course of the real W/R interaction, and the process of averaging the flow parameters on the sliding plane between stator and rotor calculation areas can be treated as sort of “numerical averaging” of different realisations of the W/R interaction.
Numerical model to study the combustion process and emissions in the Wärtsilä 6L 46 four-stroke marine engine
Authors: Lamas M. I. , Rodríguez C. G.
Published: July 2013

The aim of the present paper is to develop a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis to study the combustion process in a four-stroke marine diesel engine, the Wartsila 6L 46. The motivation comes from the importance of emissions from marine engines in the global emissions, particularly for nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulfur oxides (SOx). The pressure and temperature fields were obtained, as well as the exhaust gas composition. In order to validate this work, the numerical results were satisfactory compared with experimental ones, which indicates that this model is accurate enough to reproduce the fluid pattern inside the cylinder during the combustion process. Accordingly, the aim of future works is to use this numerical procedure to optimize the performance and reduce the emissions of the new marine engine designs.
Competitiveness of Countries in the World Innovation Economy: Central-Eastern Europe and Russia
Authors: Rodionova Irina
Published: July 2013

The positions of countries of Central and Eastern Europe as well as Russia are listed in ranking tables by aggregated indices which characterise the readiness of the countries to transfer their economies to innovative development. The connection between the use of information technologies and national economic development based on the innovative economy is established. The author characterises the positions of Russia and the new EU members in terms of international indices, including the Global Competitiveness Index.
Rhyacophila kashmirensis sp. n. (Trichoptera: Rhyacophilidae) from India
Authors: Kaur Lakhwinder , Saini Malkiat S.
Published: July 2013

Rhyacophila kashmirensis sp. n. in the R. nabochepa subgroup belonging to the R. divaricata group from Gulmarg (Jammu and Kashmir) is described and illustrated. With the addition of this new species the R. nabochepa subgroup is now represented by four species from India.
Distribution of Salmonella enterica isolates from human cases in Italy, 1980 to 2011
Authors: Graziani C , Mughini-Gras L , Owczarek S , Dionisi A M , Luzzi I , Busani L
Published: July 2013

We describe trends of Salmonella enterica serovars isolated from humans in Italy from January 1980 to December 2011. A total of 229,279 Salmonella isolates were reported during this period. Serovars Enteritidis, Typhimurium, Infantis, Derby, 4,[5],12,:i:-, and Napoli accounted for 135,783 (59%) of these isolates. Temporal trends from 2000 to 2011 varied by serovar: Enteritidis and Infantis decreased significantly (with a mean of -3.0% and -2.8% isolates per year, respectively, p<0.001); Typhimurium remained stable; while 4,[5],12:i:-, Derby and Napoli increased significantly (+66.4%, p<0.001; +8.1%, p<0.001; and +28.2%, p<0.05, respectively). Since 2000, Enteritidis fell consistently below Typhimurium, which is the most reported serovar in Italy in contrast to the international situation where Enteritidis still ranks at the top despite its significant decrease. Most serovars showed a marked seasonality, increasing over the summer months and peaking in August/September. Typhimurium, 4,[5],12:i:-, and Napoli were most likely to be isolated from children, whereas Enteritidis, Derby, and Infantis from adults. We conclude that the applied control measures are not equally efficient against the considered Salmonella serovars and that sources of infection other than those of Enteritidis (laying hens and eggs) have become increasingly important. Further investigations on the emerging serovars and on the causes related to their emergence are needed to define and implement newly tailored control measures.
Measuring the Effectiveness of Small-Group and Web-Based Training Methods in Teaching Clinical Communication: A Case Comparison Study
Authors: Artemiou Elpida , Adams Cindy L. , Vallevand Andrea , Violato Claudio , Hecker Kent G.
Published: July 2013

Current teaching approaches in human and veterinary medicine across North America, Europe, and Australia include lectures, group discussions, feedback, role-play, and web-based training. Increasing class sizes, changing learning preferences, and economic and logistical challenges are influencing the design and delivery of communication skills in veterinary undergraduate education. The study's objectives were to (1) assess the effectiveness of small-group and web-based methods for teaching communication skills and (2) identify which training method is more effective in helping students to develop communication skills. At the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine (RUSVM), 96 students were randomly assigned to one of three groups (control, web, or small-group training) in a pre-intervention and post-intervention group design. An Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) was used to measure communication competence within and across the intervention and control groups. Reliability of the OSCEs was determined by generalizability theory to be 0.65 (pre-intervention OSCE) and 0.70 (post-intervention OSCE). Study results showed that (1) small-group training was the most effective teaching approach in enhancing communication skills and resulted in students scoring significantly higher on the post-intervention OSCE compared to the web-based and control groups, (2) web-based training resulted in significant though considerably smaller improvement in skills than small-group training, and (3) the control group demonstrated the lowest mean difference between the pre-intervention/post-intervention OSCE scores, reinforcing the need to teach communication skills. Furthermore, small-group training had a significant effect in improving skills derived from the initial phase of the consultation and skills related to giving information and planning.
Drama
Authors: Knowles Richard Paul
Published: July 2013

Reviews of drama published in Canada in 1992.
Posttrauma cotreatment with lithium and valproate: reduction of lesion volume, attenuation of blood-brain barrier disruption, and improvement in motor coordination in mice with traumatic brain injury
Authors: Yu Fengshan , Wang Zhifei , Tanaka Mikiei , Chiu Chi-Tso , Leeds Peter , Zhang Yumin , Chuang De-Maw
Published: July 2013

Object

Although traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the leading cause of death and morbidity in young adults, no effective pharmaceutical treatment is available. By inhibiting glycogen synthase kinase–3 (GSK-3) and histone deacetylases (HDACs), respectively, lithium and valproate (VPA) have beneficial effects in diverse neurodegenerative diseases. Furthermore, in an excitotoxic neuronal model and in animal models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington disease, and stroke, combined treatment with lithium and VPA produces more robust neuroprotective effects than treatment with either agent alone. Building on previous work that establishes that therapeutic doses of either lithium or VPA have beneficial effects in mouse models of TBI, this study evaluated the effects of combined treatment with subeffective doses of lithium and VPA in a mouse model of TBI.

Methods

Male C57BL/6 mice underwent TBI and were subsequently treated with lithium, VPA, or a combination of lithium and VPA 15 minutes post-TBI and once daily thereafter for up to 3 weeks; all doses were subeffective (1 mEq/kg of lithium and 200 mg/kg of VPA). Assessed parameters included lesion volume via H & E staining; blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity via immunoglobulin G extravasation; neurodegeneration via Fluoro-Jade B staining; motor coordination via a beam-walk test; and protein levels of acetylhistone H3, phospho-GSK-3β, and β-catenin via Western blotting.

Results

Posttrauma treatment with combined subeffective doses of lithium and VPA significantly reduced lesion volume, attenuated BBB disruption, and mitigated hippocampal neurodegeneration 3 days after TBI. As expected, subeffective doses of lithium or VPA alone did not have these beneficial effects. Combined treatment also improved motor coordination starting from Day 7 and persisting at least 21 days after TBI. Acetylation of histone H3, an index of HDAC inhibition, was robustly increased by the combined treatment 3 days after TBI.

Conclusions

Cotreatment with subeffective doses of lithium and VPA significantly attenuated TBI-induced brain lesion, BBB disruption, and neurodegeneration, and robustly improved long-term functional recovery. These findings suggest that potentiating histone acetylation by HDAC inhibition is probably part of the mechanism underlying the beneficial effects associated with this combined treatment for TBI. Because both lithium and VPA have a long history of safe clinical use, the results suggest that using a combination of these 2 agents at subtherapeutic doses to treat patients with TBI may also reduce side effects and enhance tolerability.
Dysphagia following combined anterior-posterior cervical spine surgeries
Authors: Chen Ching-Jen , Saulle Dwight , Fu Kai-Ming , Smith Justin S. , Shaffrey Christopher I.
Published: July 2013

Object

This study was undertaken to evaluate the incidence of and risk factors associated with the development of dysphagia following same-day combined anterior-posterior cervical spine surgeries.

Methods

The records of 30 consecutive patients who underwent same-day combined anterior-posterior cervical spine surgery were reviewed. The presence of dysphagia was assessed by a formalized screening protocol using history/clinical presentation and a bedside swallowing test, followed by formal evaluation by speech and language pathologists and/or fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing/modified barium swallow when necessary. Age, sex, previous cervical surgeries, diagnoses, duration of procedure, specific vertebral levels and number of levels operated on, degree of sagittal curve correction, use of anterior plate, estimated blood loss, use of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2), and length of hospital stay following procedures were analyzed.

Results

In the immediate postoperative period, 13 patients (43.3%) developed dysphagia. Outpatient follow-up data were available for 11 patients with dysphagia, and within this subset, all cases of dysphagia resolved subjectively within 12 months following surgery. The mean numbers of anterior levels surgically treated in patients with and without dysphagia were 5.1 and 4.0, respectively (p = 0.004). All patients (100%) with dysphagia had an anterior procedure that extended above C-4, compared with 58.8% of patients without dysphagia (p = 0.010). Patients with dysphagia had significantly greater mean correction of C2–7 lordosis than patients without dysphagia (p = 0.020). The postoperative sagittal occiput–C2 angle and the change in this angle were not significantly associated with the occurrence of dysphagia (p = 0.530 and p = 0.711, respectively). Patients with postoperative dysphagia had significantly longer hospital stays than those who did not develop dysphagia (p = 0.004). No other significant difference between the dysphagia and no-dysphagia groups was identified; differences with respect to history of previous anterior cervical surgery (p = 0.141), use of an anterior plate (p = 0.613), and mean length of anterior cervical operative time (p = 0.541) were not significant.

Conclusions

The incidence of dysphagia following combined anterior-posterior cervical surgery in this study was comparable to that of previous reports. The risk factors for dysphagia that were identified in this study were increased number of anterior levels exposed, anterior surgery that extended above C-4, and increased surgical correction of C2–7 lordosis.
Dense avalanche friction coefficients: influence of physical properties of snow
Authors: Naaim Mohamed , Durand Yves , Eckert Nicolas , Chambon Guillaume
Published: July 2013

The values of the Voellmy friction parameters of 735 historical avalanches that have occurred along 26 paths in the Chamonix valley, France, since 1958 are back-analyzed with a depth-averaged hydraulic model, including sub-models for erosion, entrainment and deposition. For each path, the longitudinal and crosswise topographic profiles were derived from a high-resolution digital elevation model acquired by laser scanning. The initial snow depth and snow cohesion, as well as various physical properties of snow, were computed from numerical simulations of the detailed snowpack model Crocus fed by the SAFRAN meteorological analysis. For each event, the full ranges of the two friction parameters were scanned and the pairs of friction parameters for which the run-out altitude is found close enough to the observed one (with an uncertainty of ±5 m) were retained. Statistical class analysis was used to investigate the correlation between the obtained friction coefficients and the snow physical properties. No evident trend with the snow parameters was found for the inertial friction coefficient. For the static friction coefficient, an increasing trend with temperature and density was observed, as well as a decreasing trend with liquid water content and initial snow depth. Although modeling assumptions and limitations regarding data and the calibration procedure should be kept in mind, these trends are worth noting, allowing avalanche simulations to be refined to take into account prevailing weather and snow conditions.
Emotional Verbal Fluency: A New Task on Emotion and Executive Function Interaction
Authors: Sass Katharina , Fetz Karolina , Oetken Sarah , Habel Ute , Heim Stefan
Published: July 2013

The present study introduces “Emotional Verbal Fluency” as a novel (partially computerized) task, which is aimed to investigate the interaction between emotionally loaded words and executive functions. Verbal fluency tasks are thought to measure executive functions but the interaction with emotional aspects is hardly investigated. In the current study, a group of healthy subjects (n = 21, mean age 25 years, 76% females) were asked to generate items that are either part of a semantic category (e.g., plants, toys, vehicles; standard semantic verbal fluency) or can trigger the emotions joy, anger, sadness, fear and disgust. The results of the task revealed no differences between performance on semantic and emotional categories, suggesting a comparable task difficulty for healthy subjects. Hence, these first results on the comparison between semantic and emotional verbal fluency seem to highlight that both might be suitable for examining executive functioning. However, an interaction was found between the category type and repetition (first vs. second sequence of the same category) with larger performance decrease for semantic in comparison to emotional categories. Best performance overall was found for the emotional category “joy” suggesting a positivity bias in healthy subjects. To conclude, emotional verbal fluency is a promising approach to investigate emotional components in an executive task, which may stimulate further research, especially in psychiatric patients who suffer from emotional as well as cognitive deficits.
Efficient Approximation of the Conditional Relative Entropy with Applications to Discriminative Learning of Bayesian Network Classifiers
Authors: Carvalho Alexandra , Adão Pedro , Mateus Paulo
Published: July 2013

We propose a minimum variance unbiased approximation to the conditional relative entropy of the distribution induced by the observed frequency estimates, for multi-classification tasks. Such approximation is an extension of a decomposable scoring criterion, named approximate conditional log-likelihood (aCLL), primarily used for discriminative learning of augmented Bayesian network classifiers. Our contribution is twofold: (i) it addresses multi-classification tasks and not only binary-classification ones; and (ii) it covers broader stochastic assumptions than uniform distribution over the parameters. Specifically, we considered a Dirichlet distribution over the parameters, which was experimentally shown to be a very good approximation to CLL. In addition, for Bayesian network classifiers, a closed-form equation is found for the parameters that maximize the scoring criterion.
An Energy Storage System Sizing Method for Wind Power Integration
Authors: Wang Wei , Mao Chengxiong , Lu Jiming , Wang Dan
Published: July 2013

Combining an energy storage system (ESS) with a wind farm is an effective way to increase the penetration rate of wind power. ESS sizing is an important part in wind farm planning nowadays. In this paper, a basic method for determining the optimal capacity of an ESS integrated with a wind power generator to meet the requirements of grid integration is presented. With the proposed method, the necessary ESS capacity which can provide the best benefits between the regulation effects and energy storage size was calculated. The segmentation method and automatic segmentation method are proposed to improve the performance of the basic method. Further work on expanding the method to determine the necessary capacity of ESS for real-time control is studied. The time window method is used to enable the proposed method available under all working conditions. The simulation results verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Operation and Control of a Direct-Driven PMSG-Based Wind Turbine System with an Auxiliary Parallel Grid-Side Converter
Authors: Wu Zaijun , Dou Xiaobo , Chu Jiawei , Hu Minqiang
Published: July 2013

In this paper, based on the similarity, in structure and principle, between a grid-connected converter for a direct-driven permanent magnet synchronous generator (D-PMSG) and an active power filter (APF), a new D-PMSG-based wind turbine (WT) system configuration that includes not only an auxiliary converter in parallel with the grid-side converter, but also a coordinated control strategy, is proposed to enhance the low voltage ride through (LVRT) capability and improve power quality. During normal operation, the main grid-side converter maintains the DC-link voltage constant, whereas the auxiliary grid-side converter functions as an APF with harmonic suppression and reactive power compensation to improve the power quality. During grid faults, a hierarchical coordinated control scheme for the generator-side converter, main grid-side converter and auxiliary grid-side converter, depending on the grid voltage sags, is presented to enhance the LVRT capability of the direct-driven PMSG WT. The feasibility and the effectiveness of the proposed system’s topology and hierarchical coordinated control strategy were verified using MATLAB/Simulink simulations.
Functional Expression of Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Receptor on Nano-Sized Bacterial Magnetic Particles in Magnetospirillum magneticum AMB-1
Authors: Sugamata Yasuhiro , Uchiyama Ryo , Honda Toru , Tanaka Tsuyoshi , Matsunaga Tadashi , Yoshino Tomoko
Published: July 2013

The measurement of autoantibodies to thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) is important for the diagnosis of autoimmune thyroid disease such as Graves’ disease (GD). Although TSHR from porcine thyroid membrane is commonly used for the measurement of TSHR autoantibodies (TRAb), recombinant human TSHR (hTSHR) remains ideal in terms of stable supply and species identity. Here we set out to express recombinant hTSHR on the lipid-bilayer surface of magnetic nanoparticles from a magnetotactic bacterium, Magnetospirillum magneticum AMB-1. Using a tetracycline-inducible expression system, we successfully overexpressed functional hTSHR on bacterial magnetic particles (BacMPs) in AMB-1 via an anchor protein specific for BacMPs. The overexpressed hTSHR was membrane integrated and possessed both ligand and autoantibody binding activity. Our data suggest that hTSHR-displayed BacMPs have potential as novel tools for ligand-receptor interaction analysis or for TRAb immunoassay in GD patients.
Uterine Micro-Environment and Estrogen-Dependent Regulation of Osteopontin Expression in Mouse Blastocyst
Authors: Xie Qing-Zhen , Qi Qian-Rong , Chen Ying-Xian , Xu Wang-Ming , Liu Qian , Yang Jing
Published: July 2013

Embryo implantation is a highly synchronized bioprocess between an activated blastocyst and a receptive uterus. In mice, successful implantation relies on the dynamic interplay of estrogen and progesterone; however, the key mediators downstream of these hormones that act on blastocyst competency and endometrium receptivity acquisition are largely unknown. In this study, we showed that the expression of osteopontin (OPN) in mouse blastocysts is regulated by ovarian estrogen and uterine micro-environment. OPN mRNA is up-regulated in mouse blastocyst on day 4 of pregnancy, which is associated with ovarian estrogen secretion peak. Hormone treatment in vivo demonstrated that OPN expression in a blastocyst is regulated by estrogen through an estrogen receptor (ER). Our results of the delayed and activated implantation model showed that OPN expression is induced after estrogen injection. While estrogen treatment during embryo culture in vitro showed less effect on OPN expression, the tubal ligation model on day 3 of pregnancy confirmed that the regulation of estrogen on OPN expression in blastocyst might, through some specific cytokines, have existed in a uterine micro-environment. Collectively, our study presents that estrogen regulates OPN expression and it may play an important role during embryo implantation by activating blastocyst competence and facilitating the endometrium acceptable for active blastocyst.
Exploiting CRISPR/Cas: Interference Mechanisms and Applications
Authors: Richter Hagen , Randau Lennart , Plagens André
Published: July 2013

The discovery of biological concepts can often provide a framework for the development of novel molecular tools, which can help us to further understand and manipulate life. One recent example is the elucidation of the prokaryotic adaptive immune system, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated (Cas) that protects bacteria and archaea against viruses or conjugative plasmids. The immunity is based on small RNA molecules that are incorporated into versatile multi-domain proteins or protein complexes and specifically target viral nucleic acids via base complementarity. CRISPR/Cas interference machines are utilized to develop novel genome editing tools for different organisms. Here, we will review the latest progress in the elucidation and application of prokaryotic CRISPR/Cas systems and discuss possible future approaches to exploit the potential of these interference machineries.
Successful Integration of Membrane Technologies in a Conventional Purification Process of Tannery Wastewater Streams
Authors: Stoller Marco , Sacco Olga , Sannino Diana , Chianese Angelo
Published: July 2013

The aim of this work is to design and integrate an optimized batch membrane process in a conventional purification process used for the treatment of tannery wastewater. The integration was performed by using two spiral wound membrane modules in series, that is, nanofiltration and reverse osmosis, as substitutes to the biological reactor. The membrane process was designed in terms of sensible fouling issues reduction, which may be observed on the nanofiltration membrane if no optimization is performed. The entity of the fouling phenomena was estimated by pressure cycling measurements, determining both the critical and the threshold flux on the nanofiltration membrane. The obtained results were used to estimate the need of the overdesign of the membrane plant, as well as to define optimized operating conditions in order to handle fouling issues correctly for a long period of time. Finally, the developed membrane process was compared, from a technical and economic point of view, with the conventional biological process, widely offered as an external service near tannery production sites, and, here, proposed to be substituted by membrane technologies.
Vitamin A Derivatives as Treatment Options for Retinal Degenerative Diseases
Authors: Perusek Lindsay , Maeda Tadao
Published: July 2013

The visual cycle is a sequential enzymatic reaction for vitamin A, all-trans-retinol, occurring in the outer layer of the human retina and is essential for the maintenance of vision. The central source of retinol is derived from dietary intake of both retinol and pro-vitamin A carotenoids. A series of enzymatic reactions, located in both the photoreceptor outer segment and the retinal pigment epithelium, transform retinol into the visual chromophore 11-cis-retinal, regenerating visual pigments. Retina specific proteins carry out the majority of the visual cycle, and any significant interruption in this sequence of reactions is capable of causing varying degrees of blindness. Among these important proteins are Lecithin:retinol acyltransferase (LRAT) and retinal pigment epithelium-specific 65-kDa protein (RPE65) known to be responsible for esterification of retinol to all-trans-retinyl esters and isomerization of these esters to 11-cis-retinal, respectively. Deleterious mutations in these genes are identified in human retinal diseases that cause blindness, such as Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) and retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Herein, we discuss the pathology of 11-cis-retinal deficiency caused by these mutations in both animal disease models and human patients. We also review novel therapeutic strategies employing artificial visual chromophore 9-cis-retinoids which have been employed in clinical trials involving LCA patients.
Sustainability of US Organic Beef and Dairy Production Systems: Soil, Plant and Cattle Interactions
Authors: Hafla Aimee , MacAdam Jennifer , Soder Kathy
Published: July 2013

In 2010, the National Organic Program implemented a rule for the US stating that pasture must be a significant source of feed in organic ruminant systems. This article will focus on how the pasture rule has impacted the management, economics and nutritional value of products derived from organic ruminant systems and the interactions of grazing cattle with pasture forages and soils. The use of synthetic fertilizers is prohibited in organic systems; therefore, producers must rely on animal manures, compost and cover crops to increase and maintain soil nitrogen content. Rotational and strip grazing are two of the most common grazing management practices utilized in grazing ruminant production systems; however, these practices are not exclusive to organic livestock producers. For dairy cattle, grazing reduces foot and leg problems common in confinement systems, but lowers milk production and exposes cows to parasites that can be difficult to treat without pharmaceuticals. Organic beef cattle may still be finished in feedlots for no more than 120 days in the US, but without growth hormones and antibiotics, gains may be reduced and illnesses increased. Grazing reduces the use of environmentally and economically costly concentrate feeds and recycles nutrients back to the soil efficiently, but lowers the rate of beef liveweight gain. Increased use of pasture can be economically, environmentally and socially sustainable if forage use efficiency is high and US consumers continue to pay a premium for organic beef and dairy products.
Thiourea-catalyzed Diels–Alder reaction of a naphthoquinone monoketal dienophile
Authors: Kramer Carsten S , Bräse Stefan
Published: July 2013

A variety of organocatalysts were screened for the catalysis of the naphthoquinone monoketal Diels–Alder reaction. In this study we found that Schreiner's thiourea catalyst 10 and Jacobson's thiourea catalyst 12 facilitate the cycloaddition of the sterically hindered naphthoquinone monoketal dienophile 3 with diene 4. The use of thiourea catalysis allowed for the first time the highly selective synthesis of the exo-product 2a in up to 63% yield. In this reaction a new quaternary center was built. The so formed cycloaddition product 2a represents the ABC tricycle of beticolin 0 (1) and is also a valuable model substrate for the total synthesis of related natural products.
Reconfigurable and Modular Mobile Robotics Platform for Remote Experiments
Authors: Verbelen Yannick , Taelman Pieter , Braeken An , Touhafi Abdellah
Published: July 2013

In this paper a hardware and software architecture

based on a modular approach for a recon?gurable mobile robot

is developed with intended use as remote experiment. A Field

Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) was chosen as control unit for

the robot and allows the implementation of custom hardware and

software by the user. FPGA con?gurations are downloaded to the

robot using a selectable wireless interface. Users can take control

of all elementary robot hardware, and an on-system recovery

mechanism is included to ensure a fallback to a golden image in

case of errors in downloaded bit streams.
Security Aspects of Remote e-Laboratories
Authors: Krbeček Michal , Schauer František , Jašek Roman
Published: July 2013

The paper is focussed on remote, sometimes denoted by e- laboratories and their security. In the introduction the basic features, working principles and state of the art of this new ICT teaching tool are described. The main topic of the paper is a new and emerging issue of the safety and security of e-laboratories, whose safety measures are often inadequate. For easy-to â?? follow purposes e-laboratories are divided into three working groups according to their complexity. The analysis of potential risks that may occur in both hardware and software side are presented and possible precautions to eliminate these risks are given. As an example the measures, taken in our e-laboratories (in Prague http://www.ises.info, Zlin and Trnava http://kf.truni.sk/remotelab) are mentioned.
The Supercapacitor Degradation State Diagnostic System Based on LabVIEW
Authors: Hao Meijuan , Wu Lifeng , Guan Yong , Pan Wei , Tang Wubing , Li Xiaojuan
Published: July 2013

In this thesis, we design and implement the degradation state diagnostic system for supercapacitor. In order to detect the degradation degree of supercapacitor, it is necessary to test the changes of the parameters that include capacitance, ESR (equivalent series resistance) and the leakage current between the terminals of supercapacitor. The way to obtain these parameters is to measure the voltage and current value by the data acquisition card, and then transmit to the software of LabVIEW calculating the values. By comparing the values of capacitance and ESR with the original value separately, the degradation state of the supercapacitor can be estimated.
Real-time Traffic Flow Forecasting based on Wavelet Neural Network
Authors: Li Rihan , Xu Jianmin , Luo Qiang , Hu Sangen
Published: July 2013

Real-time traffic flow forecasting is the core of Intelligent Transportation System (ITS), and the foundation of multi-subsystemâ??s implementation in ITS. Traffic flow, which is highly time-relevant, with the features of high non-linear and non-determinism, can be treated as the time sequence forecast. On the basis of these features of traffic flow, this paper tries to deal with this issue based on Wavelet Neural Network (WNN) specially. At the same time, the paper realizes the analogue simulation through the Matlab software programming, by taking a road for example. And the simulation results show that the traffic flow can be precisely forecasted using Wavelet Neural Network, and its value is close to the expectations.
From Touchpad to Smart Lens
Authors: Baldauf Matthias , Fröhlich Peter , Buchta Jasmin , Stürmer Theresa
Published: July 2013

Today’s smartphones provide the technical means to serve as interfaces for public displays in various ways. Even though recent research has identified several new approaches for mobile-display interaction, inter-technique comparisons of respective methods are scarce. The authors conducted an experimental user study on four currently relevant mobile-display interaction techniques (‘Touchpad’, ‘Pointer’, ‘Mini Video’, and ‘Smart Lens’) and learned that their suitability strongly depends on the task and use case at hand. The study results indicate that mobile-display interactions based on a traditional touchpad metaphor are time-consuming but highly accurate in standard target acquisition tasks. The direct interaction techniques Mini Video and Smart Lens had comparably good completion times, and especially Mini Video appeared to be best suited for complex visual manipulation tasks like drawing. Smartphone-based pointing turned out to be generally inferior to the other alternatives. Examples for the application of these differentiated results to real-world use cases are provided.
Applying Open Course Ware to Improve Non-Information Majors’ Computer Skills and Self-Directed Learning
Authors: Tsai Chia-Wen , Shen Pei-Di , Huang Huei-Jhe
Published: July 2013

In recent years, more and more institutions are using e-learning techniques to help students learn better. Many online resources such as Open Course Ware enhance students’ finding their own solutions to solve problems. Teachers are also better able to create and locate digital materials for their students. This study aimed to demonstrate the effects of using Open Course Ware in a Cloud Classroom to improve the computer skills and the ability for self-directed learning (SDL) of students who are not information or technology majors. This study focused on university students taking a course titled ‘Information Technology: Office Applications’. Data from students’ computer skills exams and results from a self-directed learning scale were compiled and analyzed. The findings showed that students who used Open Course Ware improved their overall computer skills and the ability to self-direct their learning than those did not use it. The findings and results of this study could contribute to the further development of web-based learning and offer a creative teaching direction to teachers who are presently using web-based instruction or those who may want to do so in the future.
Abuse in the church? A social constructionist challenge to pastoral ministry
Authors: Visser Rosemaré A. , Dreyer Yolanda
Published: July 2013

The article focuses on abusive practices in the faith community. It indicates that abusive behaviour is more often than not unintentional and is ostensibly driven by a zeal for God and the church. The article explores this anomaly by examining the phenomenon of abuse in the faith community from a social constructionist, psychological, sociological and theological perspective. Pastoral ministry is challenged to foster self-reflexivity and awareness, as well as to revisit current (outdated) beliefs and practices, to test their suitability for the postmodern context in which the church is to tell and live her story.
Oxytetracycline and penicillin-G residues in cattle slaughtered in south-western Nigeria: Implications for livestock disease management and public health
Authors: Adesokan Hezekiah K. , Agada Charity A. , Adetunji Victoria O. , Akanbi Ibikunle M.
Published: July 2013

After the discovery of indiscriminate antibiotic use in ready-for-slaughter cattle in south-western Nigeria, 90 tissue samples from randomly selected slaughtered cattle were evaluated for oxytetracycline and penicillin-G residues using high performance liquid chromatography and the data analysed by one-way Analysis of variance (ANOVA). The findings revealed residues of oxytetracycline (kidney: 9.47 µ/kg ± 3.24 µ/kg; liver: 12.73 µ/kg ± 4.39 µ/kg; muscle: 16.17 µ/kg ± 5.52 µ/kg) and penicillin-G (kidney: 6.27 µ/kg ± 2.46 µ/kg; liver: 8.5 µ/kg ± 2.80 µ/kg; muscle: 11.67 µ/kg ± 2.94 µ/kg) in all tissues screened. Significantly high levels (oxytetracycline: F = 16.77; penicillin-G: F = 29.38) were, however, found in muscles, followed by liver and then kidney – findings confirming recent antibiotic administration to the animals before slaughter. The dietary intakes through the tissues screened were 0.024% (oxytetracycline) and 0.017% (penicillin-G) of the acceptable daily intake (ADI). Although the concentrations in the tissues screened were below the maximum residue limits despite recent administration of these antibiotics before slaughter, the lower concentrations are suggestive of the probable low dosages often administered by those involved in indiscriminate use of antibiotics. This therefore raises serious concerns for the livestock industry as well as human health, given the resultant emergence and spread of resistant strains of bacterial pathogens that could ensue from prolonged use of low dosages of antibiotics. Additionally, the lower concentrations of the daily intakes notwithstanding, the plausible exposure to these antibiotics from other food sources is a cause for concern. Since antimicrobial misuse and its consequent effects are not just a problem limited to Nigeria but also a concern in sub-Saharan Africa, the need for national and international stakeholder intervention is emphasised.
Ten-year trends in atmospheric mercury concentrations, meteorological effects and climate variables at Zeppelin, Ny-Ålesund
Authors: Berg T. , Pfaffhuber K. A. , Cole A. S. , Engelsen O. , Steffen A.
Published: July 2013

Abstract. Results from ten years of gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) measurements at Zeppelin station, Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard, show no overall annual trend between 2000 and 2009. Seasonal trend analysis showed significantly decreasing trends in January, February, March and June (−4.5 to −14.9 pg m−3 yr−1) and significantly increasing trends in May and July through December (1.5 to 28.7 pg m−3 yr −1). Results showed that atmospheric mercury depletion events (AMDEs) were equally distributed between April and May with only a few having been observed in March and June. A negative correlation between AMDEs and temperature is reported and supports earlier observations that AMDEs tend to occur at low temperatures. Lower concentrations of GEM were seen at lower temperatures below a threshold of 0 °C. The occurrence of AMDEs and wind direction were well correlated with the lowest GEM measured when the wind direction was from the Arctic Ocean region. Wind speed was found to not correlate with AMDEs, but the lowest GEM concentrations were observed at low wind speeds between 4 and 11 m s−1. AMDEs and relative humidity did not correlate well, but the lowest GEM levels appeared when the relative humidity was between 80 and 90%. Diurnal variation was observed especially during the month of March and is probably due to daytime snow surface emission induced by solar radiation. Relationships between GEM concentration and the Northern Hemisphere climate indices were investigated to assess if these climate parameters might reflect different atmospheric conditions that enhance or reduce spring AMDE activity. No consistent pattern was observed.
Variability of aerosol properties over Eastern Europe observed from ground and satellites in the period from 2003 to 2011
Authors: Bovchaliuk A. , Milinevsky G. , Danylevsky V. , Goloub P. , Dubovik O. , Holdak A. , Ducos F. , Sosonkin M.
Published: July 2013

Abstract. The paper presents some results of the study on aerosol variability in the period from 2003 to 2011 over the Eastern Europe region, with latitude ranging from 40° N to 60° N and longitude from 20° E to 50° E. The analysis was based on the POLDER/PARASOL and POLDER-2/ADEOS satellites and AERONET (AErosol RObotic NETwork) ground-based sun photometer observations. The aerosol optical thickness (AOT) of the studied area is characterized by values (referenced to 870 nm wavelength) ranging from 0.05 to 0.2, except for in the period of July–August 2010 with strong forest and peat wildfires when the AOT typical values range from 0.3 to 0.5 according to both retrievals. The analysis of seasonal dynamics of aerosol loading has revealed two AOT high value peaks. The spring peak observed in April–May is the result of solitary transportation of Saharan dust in the atmosphere over Eastern Europe, infrequent agricultural fires, transportation of sea salt aerosols by southern winds to Ukraine and Moldova from the Black and Azov seas. The autumn peak in August–September is associated with forest and peat wildfires, considerable transportation of Saharan dust and the presence of soil dust aerosols due to harvesting activity. The maximum values of AOT are observed in May 2006 (0.1–0.15), April 2009 (0.07–0.15) and August 2010 (0.2–0.5). Furthermore, the study has identified a distinct pattern of anthropogenic aerosols over the industrial areas, especially in central Ukraine and eastern Belarus as well as Moscow region in Russia. The comparison of the AOT derived by standard algorithm POLDER/PARASOL with those recomputed from AERONET inversions for fine mode particles with radius < 0.3 μm was performed over several AERONET sites. The correlation coefficients for the POLDER/AERONET AOT retrieval comparisons are equal: 0.78 for Moscow site, 0.76 – Minsk, 0.86 – Belsk, 0.81 – Moldova (period 2005–2009), 0.93 – Kyiv and 0.63 for Sevastopol sites (2008–2009). The deviations are explained by the spatial inhomogeneity of the surface polarization that has a stronger effect on aerosol retrieval for clear atmospheric conditions with low aerosol loading when surface impact on satellite observations is more pronounced. In addition, the preliminary analysis of the detailed aerosol properties derived by a new generation PARASOL algorithm was evaluated. The comparison of AOT and single scattering albedo retrieved from the POLDER/PARASOL observations over Kyiv with the closest AERONET retrievals within 30 min of satellite overpass time and with a cloudless day shows acceptable agreement of the aerosol dynamics. The correspondence of those data is observed even for extreme AOT440 value 1.14, which was caused by the forest and peat fires in August 2010.
Temperature dependent ozone absorption cross section spectra measured with the GOME-2 FM3 spectrometer and first application in satellite retrievals
Authors: Chehade W. , Gür B. , Spietz P. , Gorshelev V. , Serdyuchenko A. , Burrows J. P. , Weber M.
Published: July 2013

Abstract. The Global Ozone Monitoring Experiment-2 (GOME-2) Flight Model (FM) absorption cross section spectra of ozone were measured under representative atmospheric conditions in the laboratory setup at temperatures between 203 K and 293 K in the wavelength range of 230–790 nm at a medium spectral resolution of 0.24 to 0.54 nm. Since the exact ozone amounts were unknown in the gas flow system used, the measured ozone cross sections were required to be scaled to absolute cross section units using published literature data. The Hartley, Huggins and Chappuis bands were recorded simultaneously and their temperature dependence is in good agreement with previous studies (strong temperature effect in the Huggins band and weak in the Hartley and Chappuis bands). The overall agreement of the GOME-2 FM cross sections with the literature data is well within 3%. The total ozone column retrieved from the GOME-2/MetOp-A satellite using the new cross section data is within 1% compared to the ozone amounts retrieved from the standard retrieval performed for GOME-2.
Development and testing of an online method to measure ambient fine particulate reactive oxygen species (ROS) based on the 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin (DCFH) assay
Authors: King L. E. , Weber R. J.
Published: July 2013

Abstract. An online, semi-continuous instrument to measure fine particle (PM2.5) reactive oxygen species (ROS) was developed based on the fluorescent probe 2'7'-dichlorofluorescin (DCFH). Parameters that influence probe response were first characterized to develop an optimal method for use in a field instrument. The online method used a mist chamber scrubber to collect total (gas plus particle) ROS components (ROSt) alternating with gas phase ROS (ROSg) by means of an inline filter. Particle phase ROS (ROSp) was determined by the difference between ROSt and ROSg. The instrument was deployed in urban Atlanta, Georgia, USA, and at a rural site during various seasons. Concentrations from the online instrument generally agreed well with those from an intensive filter measurement of ROSp. Concentrations of the ROSp measurements made with this instrument were lower than reported in other studies, often below the instrument's average limit of detection (0.15 nmol H2O2 equivalents m−3). Mean ROSp concentrations were 0.26 nmol H2O2 equivalents m−3 at the Atlanta urban sites compared to 0.14 nmol H2O2 equivalents m−3 at the rural site.
Tracking isotopic signatures of CO2 at the high altitude site Jungfraujoch with laser spectroscopy: analytical improvements and representative results
Authors: Sturm P. , Tuzson B. , Henne S. , Emmenegger L.
Published: July 2013

Abstract. We present the continuous data record of atmospheric CO2 isotopes measured by laser absorption spectroscopy for an almost four year period at the High Altitude Research Station Jungfraujoch (3580 m a.s.l.), Switzerland. The mean annual cycles derived from data of December 2008 to September 2012 exhibit peak-to-peak amplitudes of 11.0 μmol mol−1 for CO2, 0.60‰ for δ13C and 0.81‰ for δ18O. The high temporal resolution of the measurements also allow us to capture variations on hourly and diurnal timescales. For CO2 the mean diurnal peak-to-peak amplitude is about 1 μmol mol−1 in spring, autumn and winter and about 2 μmol mol−1 in summer. The mean diurnal variability in the isotope ratios is largest during the summer months too, with an amplitude of about 0.1‰ both in the δ13C and δ18O, and a smaller or no discernible diurnal cycle during the other seasons. The day-to-day variability, however, is much larger and depends on the origin of the air masses arriving at Jungfraujoch. Backward Lagrangian particle dispersion model simulations revealed a close link between air composition and prevailing transport regimes and could be used to explain part of the observed variability in terms of transport history and influence region. A footprint clustering showed significantly different wintertime CO2, δ13C and δ18O values depending on the origin and surface residence times of the air masses. Several major updates on the instrument and the calibration procedures were performed in order to further improve the data quality. We describe the new measurement and calibration setup in detail and demonstrate the enhanced performance of the analyzer. A measurement precision of about 0.02‰ for both isotope ratios has been obtained for an averaging time of 10 min, while the accuracy was estimated to be 0.1‰, including the uncertainty of the calibration gases.