bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automated Test System for Monitoring the Efficacy and Reliability of Leakage Detection in Pipelines
Authors: Inaudi Daniele , Walder Roberto
Published: December 2014

Distributed Fiber optic sensing system is a unique tool for the evaluation of distributed temperature over several kilometers. It is a powerful diagnostic instrument for the identification and localization of potential problems, such as leakages in pipelines and dykes, hot-spots in high-voltage cables and other events that create temperature anomalies. Such distributed temperature sensing (DTS) systems have the advantage of being relatively easy to deploy over long pipeline sections and have been shown to detect leakages events with good accuracy and reliability. However, when distributed fiber optic sensing systems are deployed in security-critical applications, where availability and reliability are crucial, it is important to continuously verify and assess the correct functioning and reliability of the whole system, including the sensing cables, the measurement system, the data analysis software and the alert transmission. In the past, such testing have been performed periodically by the pipeline personnel, but testing frequencies are typically low, e.g. once per year. The DTS Automated Trip Testing System is a fully independent device that is able to produce a controlled and localized thermal anomaly (hot spot or cold spot) and verify its correct detection. This allows a continuous verification of the DTS system reliability and functionality and a periodic statistical evaluation of the confidence level (proven by experience SIL rating).

This paper will present more specifically the development, the functioning and deployment, and its applications of an automated system and method for testing the efficacy and reliability of distributed temperature sensing (DTS) systems, in particular those DTS systems used for pipeline leakage detection.
The Application of Lean Six Sigma Methodology in Execution Process, Management and Attribution of Maintenance Activities
Authors: de Souza Robson Ferreira , Tomaz Luciane G. , Real Vicente J. C. , Cardoso Tatiana Malafaia
Published: December 2014

One of any company’s major assets is information and there is no information without data. In this regard, there are numerous market solutions for maintenance data records. At times, data quality is not satisfactory and this prevents obtaining information, thus jeopardizing reliability of the assets, affecting efficacy of a company’s management decisions and causing serious problems.

This article aims to explain the use of the six sigma methodology to improve quality in maintenance records in the Natural Gas Department of Transpetro. To this end, the Maintenance Record Improvement Project was created, which involved plotting the execution process and maintenance records, development of portable tools for field records, redefining execution and management of routine maintenance processes, workforce training and cultural change. The article demonstrates how improvement opportunities were identified, mapping and measuring gaps, analysis of needs jointly with ways for treating them and preparing the action plan to prioritize the correction of deviations.

In order to control the process, an indicator was developed to monitor progress in the quality of completing the records in the diverse Work Centers in the Transpetro Natural Gas Department (DGN) maintenance area.
An Approach for Maturing Competency Development in the Pipeline Industry
Authors: Lindholm Lark , Robeson Nicole , Flegel Damian , Sahney Reena
Published: December 2014

The pipeline sector is dealing with a multi-faceted challenge in terms of its workforce. A number of factors limit the available workforce in a growing industry that requires more skilled expertise for maintaining an aging infrastructure. To ensure leading edge safety and operational practices, the industry is meeting the challenge in a number of ways — a critical element of this approach is to take a proactive and focused approach to competency development.

As part of its fundamental approach to developing training, PBoK Technical Training Ltd. launched an initiative to review the range of current industry training strategies and put forth a best practice approach for maturing competency development based on these learnings. In particular, the team identified a number of consistent themes, and, upon combining them with both sound educational theory and industry experience, has developed a practical process for effective workforce competency development.
The Pipeline Industry and Social Media
Authors: Douglas Garrath
Published: December 2014

The emergence and use of social media has redefined the nature and reach of vocal minorities. It has meant that communities are better engaged, informed, and networked than ever before. It can take a long time to build the trust necessary for social license, and today’s digital citizen expects engagement across many platforms in order for that trust to be maintained.

Though social media sites are comparatively recent phenomena, the sheer weight of statistics means they are a potent force in the information age. Pipeline companies may strategize to be passive monitors of social media or to be active and engaged participants. Companies should bear in mind, however, that poorly-formulated strategies may be as damaging as having no social media presence at all.

This paper will highlight some of the hazards of an inability to evolve in the area of social media; such as the dangers leaving information voids, potential disproportionate representation of opposition versus support, and the potential of the regulatory bar being raised with each new application that includes social media statistics as a measure of the efficacy of a stakeholder engagement program.

The paper employs case-study analysis of successful utilization of social media, and focuses on challenges from activists and project opponents whose astute use of social media has mobilized previously disconnected groups, and shaped debates in a way that places the resource and pipeline industry at a potential disadvantage.
Safety in Mountain Field Investigations
Authors: Benay Stephanie
Published: December 2014

Every working environment that includes challenging remote wilderness locations, extreme temperatures, potentially threatening wildlife, and multiple contractors with varying degrees of safety systems and culture, requires a systematic, comprehensive safety approach. Lack of preplanning, misunderstanding risk management and poor communication are all sources of risk to safety on the project. Developing, implementing and communicating the HSE system in a mountain field program are essential to keeping people safe and alive. This paper will provide some insight into areas that provided significant challenges, as well as some possible solutions.

In today’s industrial world, safe execution is an essential project driver. Safe execution is paramount to a project’s success, along with budget and time. Best-in-class companies have realized that to be successful, safety must be an integral part of their DNA and not an afterthought.

Zero harm to people, assets and the environment is a core value at WorleyParsons. Our OneWay™ framework, which applies to every person regardless of location or role, consists of simple expectations that align our entire business on a path toward zero harm. OneWay™ is supported by a comprehensive set of processes, systems, policies and standards that describe in detail what needs to be done.

A systematic integrated safety framework to the field would manage risk in a highly challenging environment and would contribute to an overall safe and productive mountain field investigation program. In this context, to achieve the goal of zero harm, a systematic, thorough approach is taken, that includes developing and implementing the following:

• Project-specific field safety plan with the input from all participating disciplines

• Quantifiable leading and lagging indicators

• HSE performance targets

• Comprehensive, relevant risk register

• Effective contractor maturity analysis and mitigation plan

• Safe behaviour observation program

• Field level risk assessment program

• Mentoring and coaching program.

This paper will highlight some major safety risks to the projects, and provide potential solutions during mountain field investigation programs.
Application of Weibull Stress Criterion to Brittle Fracture Assessment of HAZ-Notched Welds With Residual Stress
Authors: Seko Yusuke , Imai Yasuhito , Mitsuya Masaki , Oguchi Noritake , Minami Fumiyoshi
Published: December 2014

This paper presents a method for estimating the brittle fracture limit of a weld with a notch in the heat-affected zone (HAZ) and residual stress based on the Weibull stress criterion. A constraint loss correction procedure using the Weibull stress criterion is specified in ISO 27306. However, this standard is applicable only to structural steel components with defects, not to welded joints. Therefore, we conducted fracture tests and finite element analyses to propose a new evaluation method for welded structural components.

In this study, three-point bending (3PB) tests and wide-plate (WP) tension tests of HAZ-notched welds made of 780-MPa-class high-strength steel were conducted at −40°C. Brittle fractures occurred in the HAZ regions of all the specimens, and the critical crack tip opening displacement (CTOD) values obtained in the 3PB and WP tests were approximately 0.02–0.07 mm and 0.08–0.11 mm, respectively. The minimum critical CTOD of the WP specimen fracturing at the coarse-grained region of the HAZ (CGHAZ) was approximately four times that of the 3PB specimen. These results confirmed that the difference of specimen geometry affects the brittle fracture resistance of a HAZ-notched weld with residual stress. Hence, the assessment of the brittle fracture limit of a welded structural component with a defect obtained by the fracture toughness of a 3PB specimen would be excessively conservative.

The effects of specimen geometry, residual stress, crack-front shape and HAZ microstructure classification on the Weibull stress were investigated to clarify the difference of experimental critical CTOD for 3PB and WP by using a finite element analysis. The results of this analysis showed that the Weibull stress of WP specimen was larger than one of 3PB specimen in all CTOD region due to difference of geometry. The welding residual stress increased the Weibull stress only for WP. Compressive residual stress and crack front shape for 3PB specimen did not affect the Weibull stress. The difference of HAZ microstructure distribution for same welded joint affects the Weibull stress for 3PB and WP specimens.

Finally, it was confirmed that the brittle fracture limit of a HAZ-notched weld with residual stress could be predicted from the Weibull stress criterion because critical CTOD of WP specimens predicted by critical CTOD of 3PB specimens fracturing at the CGHAZ included critical CTOD of WP specimens obtained by experiments.
In-Line Inspection Tool Performance Evaluation Using Field Excavation Data
Authors: Skow Jason , LeBlanc Len
Published: December 2014

This paper is based on some of the findings resulting from the PRCI project NDE-4E which examined the performance of various crack ILI technologies based on an industry data mining exercise. One of the project deliverables was an extensive database of crack in-line inspection (ILI) and excavation information collected from operators. This was used to characterize the field performance of ILI technologies with respect to detection, identification and sizing of crack features.

Thousands of feature measurements were collected from several operating companies. The data were validated to ensure completeness, consistency and accuracy, and stored in a database. The main results to date are as follows:

• Most profiles have shallow areas along the feature length — they are not semi-elliptical or parabolic in shape as usually assumed in burst pressure computations. Shallow regions increase the defect length, but do not increase the defect cross-section proportionally.

• If it is assumed that the ILI tool requires a minimum depth before a portion of a feature is reported, it follows that the length reported by the ILI tool would differ from that observed in the field. This is due to the fact that the ILI tool would be reporting the length of the crack at some threshold depth and the field would be reporting the feature length at the surface.

• Using depth profiles, an effective detection depth was calculated, that is the average depth at which the ILI length aligns with the profile. This was determined to be an average value of 0.88 mm for cracks and 0.83 mm for crack-fields which exceeds published ILI tool specification.

• Shallow parts of a crack profile have significant impact on the field-measured length, but do not significantly impact the burst pressure.

• For 83% of the data, the remaining strength factor (RSF) calculated using ILI data is within 10% of the RSF value calculated using field profiles.

• Feature depth recorded in depth categories by the ILI tools show sensitivity to their proximity to long seam welds for crack-like features.

• Overall, Burst pressure is more relevant to pipeline integrity than either length or depth individually and burst pressure calculated from ILI measurements is conservatively biased compared to burst pressure calculated from profile data.
Dynamic Testing
Authors: Kalivoda Raymond J. , Smith Jim H. , Gailey Nicole L.
Published: December 2014

Dynamic factory testing is an important step in the manufacturing of ultrasonic meters for custody transfer and other high accuracy petroleum applications. By utilizing a multiple product, high accuracy test system and a proper test program, a meter’s performance can be simulated over a wide flow and viscosity operating range. The test results give the user a detailed graph of the meter’s performance over the actual site operating parameters. The test verifies the meter’s performance prior to shipment but more importantly provides k-factor sensitivity to optimize measurement accuracy throughout the operating range. This paper outlines the theoretical basis and fundamentals of dynamic testing. It illustrates the process with data from an ultrasonic meter factory test recently conducted for a North Sea operating company. The meter was a 12 inch multi-path ultrasonic meter operating over a flow range of 636 to 1,113 m3/h (4,000 to 7,000 BPH) and a viscosity range of 5 to 350 cSt.

The details of dynamic testing and the relationship between the measurement accuracy of a meter and dynamic testing will be the focus of this paper. It will include:

• The fundamental operating principle of ultrasonic

• Fluid dynamic properties such as boundary layer and flow profiles

• The characteristics of the flow profiles in the different flow regimes that affect crude oil measurement

• The dynamic operating range of crude oil meters

• How dynamic testing is used in factory testing to verify the performance of a meter

• Results of the 12 inch multi-path ultrasonic meter factory testing

This paper will provide the necessary information to fully understand the basis and proper methods for dynamic testing to determine the operating performance of an ultrasonic meter.
The Marathon Journey of My Body-Self and Performing Identity
Authors: Fisette Jennifer L.
Published: December 2014

In this autoethnography, I provide voice to the wounded storyteller (Frank, 1995) in my journey to address issues of embodiment, ‘the body’, and illness in relation to my performing identity, with a particular focus on how I was able to overcame a spinal injury, partial paralysis, and lower back surgeries to cross the finish line as a ‘runner’. I explore how my embodied identity was initially centered on my athletic identity early on in my life to how my sense of body-self has been translated due to an unexpected ‘illness’ and deteriorated physical conditions I have encountered over the past decade, causing me to question, challenge, and critique my perceptions of my performing identity in my altered and new ‘body.’
TAPPING REGIONAL AND CORPORATE SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE FOR INNOVATION: THE MODERATING ROLE OF SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE DURATION
Authors: BRUYAKA OLGA , JI FIONA XIAOYING , TEGARDEN LINDA F. , HATFIELD DONALD E. , LAMB WILLIAM B.
Published: December 2014

We develop and test how business entities tap regional and corporate scientific knowledge for their innovations in a revolutionary technology. Building on the knowledge-based view of the firm, we argue that while both regional and corporate scientific knowledge may improve a business entity's innovation, it is the business entity's own accumulative research efforts that improve its ability to absorb regional scientific knowledge. In contrast, we expect and find that the longer the entity has been researching the revolutionary technology, the less likely corporate scientific knowledge will impact the focal entity's innovation. Our results support this theory regarding the moderating effect of a business entity's own accumulative research efforts with corporate scientific knowledge but not with regional knowledge. Further, we find different effects between regional scientific knowledge and innovation among single and multi-location firms.
Locating Valid SLCAs for XML Keyword Search with NOT Semantics
Authors: Lin Rung-Ren , Chang Ya-Hui , Chao Kun-Mao
Published: December 2014

Keyword search provides an easy way for users to pose queries against XML documents, and it is important to support queries with arbitrary combinations of AND, OR, and NOT operators. The previous RELMN algorithm processed such kind of queries by extending the original SLCA definition in a straightforward way, but it did not work correctly in some cases. In this paper, we propose the concept of valid SLCAs as query results. Basically, nodes in an XML document are classified according to their usages, which is further used to define the scope affected by a negative keyword. Only valid nodes, which are not affected by any negative keyword, are qualified to identify valid SLCAs. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm achieves higher precision and recall, and is more efficient than the previous work.
SIGCSE travel grants
Authors: Settle Amber
Published: December 2014

The SIGCSE Board is pleased to announce the opening of applications for the second round of the Travel Grant Program. The Travel Grant Program was established through a generous donation by Henry Walker to support faculty and teachers who have not yet had an opportunity to attend the SIGCSE Symposium. Five awards were given during 2014, and we anticipate funding at least five additional awards for the 2015 Symposium.
Dynamic Exchange of Communication Services
Authors: Georgiadis Leonidas , Iosifidis George , Tassiulas Leandros
Published: December 2014

Motivation.The increasing mobile data demand and the proliferation of advanced user-owned network equipment have given rise to collaborative schemes, where users satisfy each other's communication needs whenever they have spare network resources [2]. A prerequisite for the success of these models is to ensure that users will share their resources in a fair fashion, and hence will agree to cooperate. Ideally, from a system design point of view, each user should receive resources (or, service) commensurate to his contribution. When this is not possible, e.g., due to asymmetries in resource availability, we would prefer to have a
lexicographically optimal
(or, lex-optimal) outcome that balances the resource exchanges as much as possible. Nevertheless, achieving such an allocation is an intricate task since: (i) the service exchange is constrained by an underlying graph that prescribes, for each node, the subset of the nodes he can serve and receive services from, (ii) each user takes servicing decisions independently whenever he has idle network resources, aiming to maximize the total service he receives in exchange, (iii) each user is not aware of the resource availability of other users, nor he is aware of their current service allocation decisions (towards the other nodes). In this totally dynamic, fully decentralized and graph-constrained market setting, the following question arises:
how the lex-optimal allocation can be achieved in an asynchronous fashion by the users?
..
Evaluation of Core Hopping on POWER7
Authors: Miwa Shinobu , Lefurgy Charles R.
Published: December 2014

Controlling and limiting the peak runtime temperature of a microprocessor has the potential to reduce chip leakage power consumption, improve chip reliability, reduce provisioned cooling, and reduce operational costs. Previously, the technique of core hopping has been proposed as one method to reduce peak runtime temperature. However, there is no study that shows core hopping is beneficial for modern many-core microprocessors found in high-end servers. This paper thoroughly examines heat spreading in the 8-core POWER7 microprocessor which provides 5 temperature sensors per core. We find that the POWER7 heatsink has excellent heat spreading capabilities which negates the benefits of core hopping. We conclude that high-performance servers with similar thermal solutions will also not see benefit from core-hopping methods.
Efficacy of 2-Phenoxyethanol as an Anaesthetic for Adult Redline Torpedo Fish,Sahyadria denisonii(Day 1865)
Authors: Thoranam Varkey Anna Mercy , Sajeevan Sajan
Published: December 2014

Efficacy of 2-phenoxyethanol for redline torpedo fish exposed to five concentrations (200, 300, 400, 500, and 600 μlL−1) was evaluated. The time periods necessary for each characteristic stage of induction and recovery were recorded. Results indicated that the induction time of the fish exposed to five anaesthetic concentrations significantly(P<0.05)decreased with increasing concentration but recovery time was independent of concentration. Concentration of 500 μlL−1(induction time: 173 ± 7 and recovery time: 129 ± 41 seconds) was determined as the minimum effective concentration that induces anaesthesia in less than 3 minutes.
Pleural Effusions in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Pneumatikos Ioannis , Bouros Demosthenes
Published: December 2014

Pleural effusions (PEs) are common in critically ill patients mainly as a consequence of severe cardiopulmonary disorders frequently encountered in these patients. Their impact on the pathophysiology of acute respiratory failure remains unknown. They are usually small and uncomplicated transudates that are easily overlooked on a supine portable chest X-ray and do not require drainage or infectious exudates that always require thoracocentesis. The diagnosis of PEs in critically ill patients has been revolutionized with the advent of chest ultrasound allowing easy bedside quantification of pleural fluid and making thoracocentesis a safe procedure especially in high-risk patients on mechanical ventilation. CT provides a much more accurate evaluation of the size and location of PEs and is extremely helpful in the guidance of catheters into loculated fluid collections. Hemothorax in critically ill patients is usually related to trauma or surgical interventions and requires early drainage and possibly surgical exploration.
Addition of Local Hepatic Therapy to Sorafenib in Patients with Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma (Stage BCLC C)
Authors: Schmidt Laura , op den Winkel Mark , Fischer Katharina , Straub Gundula , Rauch Barbara , Paprottka Philpp Marius , Göke Burkhard , Kolligs Frank Thomas
Published: December 2014

Background/Aims: For most patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), diagnosis is invariably done only in the advanced stages of the disease. For advanced, non-metastatic stage, standard therapy is transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). For metastatic disease, the recommended therapy is systemic treatment with sorafenib. In this study, we evaluated the benefit of an additional local hepatic treatment for patients with advanced metastatic disease. Methods: In a retrospective study, we assessed the overall survival (OS), time to progression (TTP), and disease control rate (DCR) in 37 patients with metastasized HCC treated with sorafenib. Sixteen patients received additional local therapy, while 21 patients received only sorafenib. Results: Median OS of patients with combined therapy was significantly higher with 25 months (95% CI: 13.7-36.3 months) as compared to 11 months (95% CI: 6.2-15.8 months) in patients treated with sorafenib alone. TTP was 7 months (95% CI: 5.3-8.7 months) compared to 5 months (95% CI: 3-7 months) and DCR was 87 versus 72% after 3 months and 31 versus 22% after 9 months. Conclusion: These data suggest that control of the liver tumor burden by local therapy in combination with sorafenib might prove beneficial for metastasized HCC. Randomised studies are needed to confirm this exploratory finding. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel
The Effect of Ageing on Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Behaviour - A Mini-Review
Authors: Monk Bethan Alice , George Sarah Jane
Published: December 2014

Ageing is a prominent risk factor for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are an integral part of atherosclerotic plaque formation, progression and subsequent rupture. Emerging evidence suggests that VSMC behaviour is modified by age, which in turn may affect disease outcome in the elderly. In this review, we discuss the effect of age on VSMC behaviour, proliferation, migration, apoptosis, inflammation, extracellular matrix synthesis and calcification. In addition, we discuss the multiple signalling factors underlying these behavioural changes including angiotensin-II, matrix metalloproteinases, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, and transforming growth factor-β1. Understanding the molecular processes underpinning altered VSMC behaviour with age, may lead to the identification of novel therapeutic targets for suppressing atherosclerosis in the elderly population.
Segmental Approach to Lung Volume Reduction Therapy for Emphysema Patients
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Sourish , Henne Erik , Gupta Avina , Barry Robert , Snell Greg , Strange Charlie , Herth Felix J.F.
Published: December 2014

Emphysema is often distributed heterogeneously throughout the lungs, even at the segmental level. It is important for interventional lung volume reduction therapies to target and treat the most diseased regions of the lung while preserving the less diseased functional regions. Identification and determination of the severity of emphysema can be done using the various quantification measures reviewed in this article. However, all of these measures are similar in what they quantify and are equally good indicators of emphysema. The tissue/air ratio was chosen for our purposes. Software capable of quantifying emphysema severity at the segmental level exists, and can be utilized to identify the most diseased segments while following anatomical boundaries. The segmental heterogeneity index is a new measure being introduced to help quantify differences in emphysema severity at the segmental level. The goal of segmental targeting is to improve efficacy and safety outcomes of vapor ablation patients. The Sequential Staged Treatment of Emphysema with Upper Lobe Predominance (STEP-UP, NCT01719263) trial is currently enrolling patients with upper lobe heterogeneous emphysema using these techniques.
An Approach to the Concept of Tonic: Suggested Definitions and Historical Aspects
Authors: Götti Robert P. , Melzer Jörg , Saller Reinhard
Published: December 2014

In traditional medicine, especially CAM, the concept of (herbal) tonics has a long history in the different medical systems (TEN -- Traditional European Naturopathy; TCM - Traditional Chinese Medicine). Nevertheless, the ideas concerning the function of a tonic differ, e.g., stimulation of body functions, strengthening of organ function, enhancement of adaption, and well-being. Although no exact pharmacodynamic or pharmacokinetic properties of tonics can be given, the following general definition, even in the transcultural comparison between European and Chinese concepts, seems meaningful: A tonic is an agent that has the capability to restore and/or maintain the physiological functioning of an organ system, leading to the subjective feeling of well-being of the patient treated with it.
The Impact of Natural and Anthropogenic Climate Change on Western North Pacific Tropical Cyclone Tracks*
Authors: Colbert Angela J. , Soden Brian J. , Kirtman Ben P.
Published: December 2014

The impact of natural and anthropogenic climate change on tropical cyclone (TC) tracks in the western North Pacific (WNP) is examined using a beta and advection model (BAM) to isolate the influence of changes in the large-scale steering flow from changes in genesis location. The BAM captures many of the observed changes in TC tracks due to El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), while little change is noted for the Pacific decadal oscillation and all-India monsoon rainfall in either observations or BAM simulations. Analysis with the BAM suggests that the observed shifts in the average track between the phases of ENSO are primarily due to changes in the large-scale steering flow, with changes in genesis location playing a secondary role.

Potential changes in TC tracks over the WNP due to anthropogenic climate change are also assessed. Ensemble mean projections are downscaled from 17 CMIP3 models and 26 CMIP5 models. Statistically significant decreases [~(4%–6%)] in westward moving TCs and increases [~(5%–7%)] in recurving ocean TCs are found. These correspond to projected decreases of 3–5 TCs per decade over the Philippines and increases of 1–3 TCs per decade over the central WNP. The projected changes are primarily caused by a reduction in the easterlies. This slows the storm movement, allowing more time for the beta drift to carry the storm northward and recurve. A previous study found similar results in the North Atlantic. Taken together, these results suggest that a weakening of the mean atmospheric circulation in response to anthropogenic warming will lead to fewer landfalling storms over the North Atlantic and WNP.
Eating and ageing: A comparison over time of Italy, Ireland, the United Kingdom and France
Authors: Healy Amy Erbe
Published: December 2014

This research analysed household budget survey data from Ireland, the United Kingdom, France and Italy from 1985/1987 to 2004/2005 to determine how age groups differ in terms of food-related practices, how these patterns are changing and to see if these patterns differ across countries. Descriptive analysis and fractional multinomial logistic regression were used. Food practices seem to be changing over time across all age cohorts in Ireland and the United Kingdom; older people have different food practices now than they would have had a few decades ago. However, in Italy and France, food-related practices seem to be related to age and life course with older people eating out less as they age than they did when they were younger. If these trends continue, older people will continue to prepare their own meals to a greater extent in Italy and France in the future with the retention of home preparation skills, while the home preparation of food will continue to decline in Ireland and the United Kingdom. These trends have implications for the health and well-being of older people in those countries.
DIFFUSION AND SEGREGATION PROCESSES IN HEAVY-LOADED FRICTION UNITS
Authors: Kolesnikov Igor Vladimirovich
Published: December 2014

It is stated analytically and proved experimentally that in the heavy-loaded conjugations such as a break system of the rolling stock the maximum temperature in the wheel is reached not on the surface but in the subsurface layer. The study of the non-stationary contact coupled thermoelasticity problem on the brake disk rotation, and on the experimental research of the hydrogen diffusion has shown that the design dependence type of the thermal field describes adequately the process of the hydrogen diffusion in its functional dependence on the temperature. Under these conditions, maximum of the hydrogen concentration coincides with maximum temperature. The study results on the segregation processes of the alloying and doping elements in the wheel - brake shoe tribosystem are presented. The elemental composition on the boundaries of the steel grains of the railway wheel is determined using Auger spectroscopy. The upper metal layers in the defected wheel contain iron, sulfur, phosphorus, and zinc. In the tread working layer, the sulfur and phosphorus content is much less, and it conforms to their volumetric content.
Hold the front page
Authors: Hart Karen
Published: December 2014

When children develop an interest and understanding of current affairs it can have positive repercussions across the whole curriculum. Karen Hart reports.
All about one-to-one
Authors: Ashworth Sally
Published: December 2014

Making the most of volunteer reading help is all about ensuring that sessions are consistent, fun and tailored to the individual child, says Sally Ashworth.
Is everyone on message?
Authors: Adams Margaret
Published: December 2014

There are ways to effectively sell your school without overburdening yourself or your colleagues. Forget the slogans and define what you stand for, advises Margaret Adams.
Setting their own goals
Authors: Lepkowska Dorothy
Published: December 2014

Pedagogy, curriculum and assessment all have equal weighting at Wroxham School in Potters Bar, where children enjoy a system of ‘choice and challenge’.
Weltumsegler
Authors: Kleinert Martina
Published: December 2014

Unter Segeln um die Welt - wie viel Realität verträgt der Traum? Die erste deutschsprachige Ethnographie »gewöhnlicher« Weltumsegelungen diskutiert in einmalig umfassender Weise die Lebenswelt von Fahrtenseglern. Die Kulturanthropologin und Filmemacherin Martina Kleinert untersucht im Kontext von mobile culture studies, Reise- und Migrationsforschung die sozialen Beziehungen an Bord und in der Seglergemeinschaft - der Cruising Community -, aber auch die materielle Kultur der Fahrtenyacht selbst. Und sie behandelt die zentrale Frage nach der historischen Entwicklung: Veränderte GPS wirklich alles, und endete damit eine Ära? Segelten in den 1970ern durchwegs junge Zivilisationsflüchtlinge, während heute nur mehr wohlhabende Ruhestandsmigranten die südliche Sonne suchen?
A fast method for L1–L2 modeling for MR image compressive sensing
Authors: Zhu Yonggui , Liu Xiaoman
Published: December 2014

We use a positive parameter to develop a differentiable perturbed reconstruction model to solve the L1–L2 magnetic resonance image (MRI) reconstruction problem. We use Bregman iterative formulation to solve the differentiable perturbed L1–L2 model, and lagged diffusivity fixed-point iteration to solve the minimization problem in the Bregman iteration. Two Fourier transforms and an inverse Fourier transform are used to accelerate L1–L2 MRI reconstruction. Real MR images are used to test the method in numerical experiments. The results demonstrate that the proposed method is very efficient for L1–L2 MRI reconstruction.
Franz von Kutschera über ungegenständliche Erfahrungen und ihre (religions-)philosophische Bedeutung
Authors: Kraschl Dominikus
Published: December 2014

Der Beitrag diskutiert im Anschluss an Franz von Kutschera die (religions-)philosophische und theologische Bedeutung ungegenständlicher Erfahrungen. Es handelt sich um Erfahrungen, die sich nicht oder nur bedingt als Erfahrungen eines Subjekts von einem Objekt beschreiben lassen. Besonders in den Blick genommen wird die Relevanz ungegenständlicher Erfahrungen sowohl für die Semantik religiöser Rede als auch für die Epistemologie religiöser Überzeugungen. In diesem Zusammenhang wird argumentiert, dass die kognitive Relevanz dieser Erfahrungen davon abhängt, ob sie innerhalb eines weltanschaulichen Paradigmas einen Beitrag zu einem kohärenten und umfassenden Verständnis der uns begegnenden Wirklichkeit leisten.
The Turnover and Politicisation of Lithuanian Public Sector Managers
Authors: Nakrošis Vitalis
Published: December 2014

This article presents the results of our research on party patronage and state politicisation in different Lithuanian public sector organisations (government agencies and agencies under the ministries, state-owned enterprises, personal health care and educational institutions). Although repeating alterations of governments best explained the frequent turnover of some public sector heads, their politicisation was related to the length of party rule in power, beliefs of the political and administrative elite and density of the party networks. The legal protection of civil service jobs was only important in the case of the agencies under the ministries whose managers always held career civil service positions. Furthermore, substantial variation in the scope of politicisation was related to such administrative factors as the political salience of policy areas and organisational functions, as well as budget size, which suggested different motivations and opportunities of party patronage in the Lithuanian public sector.
First record of Rineloricaria reisi, R. stellata and R. zaina (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) from the Río Uruguay basin in Argentina
Authors: Almiron Adriana Edith , Casciotta Jorge Rafael , Piálek Lubomir , Ruiz Diaz Federico , Říčan Oldrich
Published: December 2014

Rineloricaria reisi, R. stellata, and R. zaina are registered for the first time in freshwaters of Argentina. These three species were found in the Río Uruguay basin in Misiones Province. As a result of these findings, five species of Rineloricaria are found in the Río Uruguay basin in Argentina. A key of Rineloricaria species from that basin is also provided.
Anatomic Severity, Midfacial Growth, and Speech Outcomes in Van der Woude/Popliteal Pterygium Syndromes Compared to Nonsyndromic Cleft Lip/Palate
Authors: Reardon Jeffrey B. , Brustowicz Katherine A. , Marrinan Eileen M. , Mulliken John B. , Padwa Bonnie L.
Published: December 2014

Objective

To summarize the clinical characteristics and surgical and speech outcomes for patients with Van der Woude/popliteal pterygium syndromes (VWS/PPS) and to compare them with a historic cohort of patients with nonsyndromic cleft lip/cleft palate (CL/P)

Design

Retrospective chart review.

Setting

Tertiary care center.

Patients

All patients with VWS/PPS seen at Boston Children's Hospital from 1979 to 2012: 28 patients with VWS (n = 21)/PPS (n = 7) whose mean age was 17.3 ± 10.4 years, including 18 females (64%) and 10 males (36%); 18 patients (64%) had a family history of VWS/PPS.

Main Outcome Measures

Cleft type, operative procedures, speech, and midfacial growth. Data were compared with historic cohorts of patients with nonsyndromic CL/P treated at one tertiary care center.

Results

There were 24 patients (86%) with CP±L, Veau types I (n = 4,17%), II (n = 4, 17%), III (n = 5, 21%), and IV (n = 11, 46%). Nine patients (38%) had palatal fistula after palatoplasty. Fourteen of 23 (61%) patients with CL/P age 5 years or older had midfacial retrusion, and 10 (43%) required a pharyngeal flap for velopharyngeal insufficiency. Fisher's exact test demonstrated higher frequencies of Veau type IV CP±L ( P = .0016), bilateral CL±P ( P = .0001), and complete CL±P ( P < .0001) in VWS/PPS compared with nonsyndromic patients. Incidences of midfacial retrusion ( P = .0001), palatal fistula ( P < .0001), and need for pharyngeal flap ( P = .0014) were significantly greater in patients with VWS/PPS.

Conclusions

Patients with VWS/PPS have more severe forms of labiopalatal clefting and higher incidences of midfacial retrusion, palatal fistula, and velopharyngeal insufficiency following primary repair as compared with nonsyndromic CL/P.
Bitcoin: Technical Background and Data Analysis
Authors: Badev Anton , Chen Matthew
Published: December 2014

This paper provides the necessary technical background to understand basic Bitcoin operations and documents a set of empirical regularities related to Bitcoin usage. We present the micro-structure of the Bitcoin transaction process and highlight the use of cryptography for the purposes of transaction security and distributed maintenance of a ledger. Using publicly available transaction-level data, we examine patterns of general usage together with usage by Satoshi Dice, the largest online gambling service using Bitcoin as the method of payment. Our analysis suggests that less than 50 percent of all bitcoins in circulation are used in transactions. About half of these transactions involve less than U.S.$100 equivalent, and for the period for which we have data for Satoshi Dice, most of these small-value transactions were related to the online gambling service. Relatively less frequent large value transactions drive the average transaction value to levels above U.S.$40,00 0 equivalent value, and are not likely to involve payments for goods and services. Bitcoin exchange rates exhibit somewhat complicated dynamics. In the past 24 months, the USD-BTC exchange rate increased more than 50-fold. The daily variance of the USD-BTC exchange rate remained remarkably stable for this same period, once the variance calculations account for the changing exchange rate level. We also document that the exchange rates between bitcoin and other major currencies are not well aligned. We interpret this as lack of depth of the exchange markets and as costly exchange rather than as unexploited arbitrage opportunities. Finally, we examine the economic incentives for the participants in the distributed implementation of the Bitcoin scheme.
Effect of dietary fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis) extract on growth performance, body composition and haematological parameters of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus Linnaeus)
Authors: Dada Adekunle Ayokanmi , Abiodun Anike Dolapo
Published: December 2014

The effect of dietary fluted pumpkin extract on growth, body composition and haematological profile was investigated in Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus. Fingerlings of about 5.23-5.44 g were fed diets supplemented with four concentrations ((2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0 gkg−1) of fluted pumpkin extract powder for eight weeks. Fish fed supplemented diets showed significantly improved growth performance and feed utilization over the control (0 gkg−1 fluted pumpkin extract powder) treatment. The highest specific growth rate (0.79±0.10% per day) and best food conversion ratio (0.98±0.14) were obtained in fish fed 2.5 gkg−1 fluted pumpkin extract powder diet. No differences occurred in fish carcass moisture, protein or crude lipid content among the treatments (p>0.05). Similarly no differences occurred in white blood cells among the treatments (p>0.05) but there were greater improvement in the white blood cells of fish fed on dietary fluted pumpkin extract powder compared to the fish fed the control diet. The results suggest that dietary supplementation with fluted pumpkin extract powder improved growth rate, feed utilization, white blood cells and survival of Nile tilapia O. niloticus fingerlings.
Effect of Two Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors on the Color Stability of a Nanofilled Resin Composite
Authors: Iskander M , Elkassas D , Mohsen MA
Published: December 2014

Objectives

This in vitro study evaluated the effect of two matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitors on the color stability of two shades of a nanofilled resin composite.

Methods and Materials

A total of 60 sound human molars were used in this study. Flat dentin surfaces were obtained by wet grinding the occlusal surfaces. Following acid etching, the molars were divided into three equal groups according to the MMP inhibitor used: Group 1: no inhibitor (control group), group 2: chlorhexidine digluconate based (CHX; Consepsis, Ultradent, South Jordan, UT, USA); group 3: doxycycline based (MTAD; Biopure, Dentsply TulsaDental, Johnson, TN, USA). Adper Single Bond 2 Adhesive (3M ESPE, St Paul, MN, USA) was applied to the treated dentin surfaces. Each group was then subdivided into two equal subgroups of 10 molars each, according to the shade of the resin composite (Filtek Z350 XT, 3M ESPE) used, either B1 or A3. The color was assessed for each subgroup at three times: baseline (after 24 hours); after aging using a total energy of 600 kJ/m2 (Weather-Ometer Ci35A, Atlas Electronic Devices Company, Chicago, IL, USA); and then after a second period of aging, for a total energy of 1200 kJ/m2. Color assessment was carried out using a spectrophotometer. Color change (ΔE) was calculated according to the Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage L*a* b* color scale, comparing each aging period with the baseline color measurement. Data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance and Tukey post hoc test.

Results

All tested subgroups showed greater discoloration than the clinically acceptable level (3.3). MTAD induced the highest statistically significant color change, followed by CHX, whereas the control groups showed the lowest statistical ΔE values with both tested shades. Shade B1 subgroups showed higher ΔE values when compared with shade A3 subgroups.

Conclusion

Accelerated aging caused color change in a nanofilled resin composite regardless of MMP inhibitor used. Furthermore, lighter shades showed less color stability when compared with darker shades.
Step counts and self-reported physical activity among upper elementary school students vary with aerobic fitness
Authors: McGee Annie , Williams Skip M. , Coleman Margaret M. , Hurd Amy , Laurson Kelly R.
Published: December 2014

Study aim: The purpose of this study was to examine if step-counts during PE and self-reported PA of elementary grade students varied based on the aerobic capacity.

Material and methods: Ninety elementary physical education students, enrolled in the 4th and 5th grade, from one elementary school in the Midwestern USA participated. Each participant completed the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children (PAQ-C), wore a pedometer in PE to measure steps taken, and completed the PACER aerobic fitness test. A multiple regression analysis was conducted to determine the relationship between steps taken by students and PAQ-C score in predicting aerobic capacity as measured through the PACER test.

Results: Average steps significantly predicted PACER laps (β = 0.48, p < 0.01), as did the PAQ-C (β = 0.28, p < 0.001). For males, average steps significantly predicted PACER laps (β = 0.48 p < 0.01), while the PAQ-C and the PACER beta coefficients were not statistically significant (β = 0.14, p = 0.30). Results for females indicated average steps significantly predicted PACER laps (β = 0.38, p < 0.01), as did the PAQ-C (β = 0.46, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Results from this study indicate that student steps taken during PE and self-report PA has an association with students’ completed PACER laps.
Active queue management with discrete sliding modes in TCP networks
Authors: Ignaciuk P. , Karbowańczyk M.
Published: December 2014

In this paper, a new active queue management (AQM) algorithm for data traffic control in TCP/IP networks is developed. The algorithm design is based on the principles of discrete sliding-mode control. Unlike majority of earlier studies, the design procedure considers the effects of both non-negligible delay in transferring data and feedback information and unpredictable capacity variations. The switching function is selected to incorporate a delay compensation mechanism, which ensures efficient network operation even for large bandwidthdelay product connections. The proposed algorithm, implemented as a packet marking scheme, is tested in discrete event ns-2 simulator. The results show that the algorithm provides fast convergence to steady state after sudden, unanticipated capacity changes. By generating smaller overshoots, the proposed algorithm also allows for reducing buffer space requirements to avoid packet loss as compared to the benchmark AQM solutions.
Security of Nyberg-Rueppel digital signatures without message recovery
Authors: Adamski T. , Nowakowski W.
Published: December 2014

The paper deals with Nyberg-Rueppel digital signatures without message recovery. Probability of signature forgery is analyzed and assessed. Some simple methods to minimize probability of signature forgery are proposed.