bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design of more Competitive Products in Natural Stone: What Companies are Offering and what the Market is Looking for
Authors: Paixão-Barradas Susana , Hernandis Ortuño Bernabé , Vicente Agudo Begoña
Published: April 2013

Natural stone is a raw material widely used, especially in the creation of products in construction and architecture. Currently, this sector suffers tough competition from countries with strong trade structures and distribution channels, which should lead us to rethink new design strategies. The objective of this paper is to find out how Portuguese and Spanish companies work and what they offer; but, it also intends to identify what consumers want, showing the most important aspects of design for the development of competitive products. An overview of the stone sector was achieved through a series of personal interviews with the entrepreneurs from companies that participated in the most representative fairs of the Natural Stone industry in Portugal (PEDRA, Batalha) and Spain (CEVISAMA, Valencia), and through a questionnaire distributed on the internet. A total of 439 valid answers from Portuguese and Spanish consumers were obtained. Companies are rather small and structured in a traditional way. Despite possessing a thorough technical knowledge of the materials, they offer to the market mainly exterior cladding in marble and they do not innovate with new designs and other materials. Consumers demonstrate a broad knowledge of the different types of natural stone and their different applications, expressing a growing interest in the design and creation of new products and new applications. It can be conclude that there is some agreement, but also some differences of opinion, between what is offered and what is wanted. New design products in natural stone that emphasize the resistance, the finishing, the textures and the impermeability of the material will increase competitiveness in the studied markets.
Method for the Evaluation of the Reserve of a Metallurgical Quartz Deposit by Advanced Kriging Techniques
Authors: Giraldez Eduardo , Paz Freire Maria , Iglesias Comesaña Carla , Taboada Castro Javier , Saavedra Gonzalez Angeles
Published: April 2013

There are several different methodologies for the evaluation of the reserve of a mineral deposit. Traditionally, classic methods of volume computation for mineral deposits have been used to evaluate the reserve according to its commercial quality. Nevertheless, in previous works it has been demonstrated the functionality of the advanced kriging techniques applied to granite batholiths. Comparing fuzzy kriging techniques with universal classical kriging, it was concluded that the fuzzy techniques had good results for planning the selective mining of the ornamental rock deposit. Since geostatistical methods had good results, these techniques are applied to a metallurgical quartz deposit in this work. The objective of the investigation is to develop the most adequate technique for the determination of the different material qualities in this type of deposits, where the chemical composition of the mineral (aluminium oxide and impurity contents) mainly determines the grade. The obtained results show that the compositional kriging technique is more adequate than fuzzy methods for this type of deposits, allowing a sufficiently coherent prediction of the distribution of grades in the deposit. Based on the results, a 3D geostatistical model composed of cubed cells was done as well. The model provides a visual tool, easy to put into practice for the exploitation management. Keeping all this in mind, the selective mining of the reserves would be possible, being that fact necessary to compete in the rising, competitive world market.
Comparison between Methods of Biological Crust Removal on Granite
Authors: Pozo Santiago , Montojo Cristina , Rivas Teresa , López-Díaz Ana Jesús , Fiorucci Maria Paula , López de Silanes María Eugenia
Published: April 2013

This paper presents the evaluation of the efficacy of the removal of biological crust from ornamental granites. The removal was made applying different procedures and the efficiency was evaluated by means of optic and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transformed Infrared spectrometry (FTIR) and colour measures (CIE-L*a*b* colour spaces). Among the cleaning procedures, an abrasive cleaning method, several chemicals-based methods applied by brush in aqueous media (using acids, bleach, benzalkonium chloride, ethanol and others) and laser (Nd:YVO4 at 355 nm) were used. This last method was previously found very efficient in removing graffiti and biological crusts in other granites. The present study was conducted on a granite of great commercial value from Galicia (NW Spain) and traditionally used on construction of historical buildings in this region and abroad. Slabs of this granite with an intense biological crust were used. Before the cleaning procedures, the biological crust was characterized by the same techniques to establish the comparison between Pre and Post cleaning. The efficacy in the crust removal was evaluated with optic and electronic microscopy; the best cleaning methods were the acid-based methods and laser. In both cases, no biological remains were found on the cleaning surfaces. Hydrogommage (the abrasive cleaning method) obtained intermediate results, and benzalkonium chloride cleaning showed the worst effectiveness. FTIR technique helped to identify the presence of organic signals of biological crust; and also, it provided useful information on the contaminant remains on the stone after cleaning and on mineral damages. Colour differences after cleaning gave additional information about the efficiency of the cleaning.
Towards International Designation of a Heritage Dimension Stone
Authors: Cooper Barry J. , Marker Brian R. , Thomas Ian A.
Published: April 2013

The Global Heritage Stone Resource (GHSR) designation has been proposed to recognise dimension stone types that have achieved important utilisation in human culture. Within internationally recognised rules, a GHSR will be determined on the basis of significant use in human history, wide geographic range of utilisation, and the benefits that would accrue from designation. Nominations will include a detailed description that allows professionals to introduce new scientific terminology, define geotechnical properties, identify the specific geographic/geological occurrence, and also the characteristic texture, colour and variability that contribute to aesthetic suitability for use. GHSR designation will have significant value for all professional groups that work with stone. The necessary GHSR delineation, including current and former quarry sources, will help to facilitate the safeguarding of resources for future use. Specific GHSR geotechnical characteristics associated with a formal name could also aid the development of specific geographical designations for stone, similar to those being currently applied in the European Union for foodstuffs. The international rules will provide a succinct pathway for GHSR designation with the assistance of a governing Board. A draft check list of essential GHSR properties has been prepared and tested using trial citations for “Portland Stone” and “Welsh Slate” from the United Kingdom.
Study on Occupational Safety in the Aggregates Sector
Authors: Martín Suárez Jose Enrique , Iglesias Comesaña Carla , Paz Freire Maria , Taboada Castro Javier
Published: April 2013

The aggregates sector is a key national and international mining sector in terms of both production and value. The rate of workplace accidents (number of accidents during working hours per 100,000 workers) for the mining sector in Spain is considerable, with the rate for Galicia below the national rate until 2007 and slightly above the national rate from 2007 to 2010. We analysed occupational risk prevention in the aggregates sector in Galicia in the three years 2005 to 2007, based on the information provided by 65 companies. This survey period was before the international crisis so the data provide an overview of the sector at its peak, when the consumption of construction aggregates was high. For the same reason the workplace accident rate was considerably higher than the current rate (corresponding to a period of low activity), so the described scenario can be considered as the most adverse situation in terms of occupational risks. The specific objectives of the study were to evaluate general occupational risk prevention management systems in companies in the mining sector and to study compliance with occupational noise exposure and dust control regulations. The information was gathered in the companies via a questionnaire administered in personal interviews. The occupational risk prevention management systems of aggregates companies in Galicia were evaluated and strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats facing the sector were identified.
Comparative Study between Coefficient of Dynamic Friction and Slab Surface Roughness of Brazilian Siliceous Dimension Stones
Authors: Ribeiro Rogério P. , Paraguassú Antenor B. , Moreiras Sérgio T.F.
Published: April 2013

The sawing of granite blocks using multi-blade gangsaws and an abrasive mixture is one of the most complex operations in the transformation of commercial rocks. Many of the technological advances in sawing equipment have been accompanied by a mere handful of studies on the intrinsic properties of the rock that influence the sawing process. To optimize this process, it is vital to consider the rock as a “truly natural product”, keeping in mind that there is no quality control in its genesis. Thus, it is a material that has diversity in its characteristics and needs a technological control that considers, among other variables, the minerals’ relationships and ratios, namely: texture, structure and degree of microcracking and rock alteration. These peculiarities respond differently to the set of requests imposed during sawing, as for instance abrasion resistance and the impact of the blades in the gangsaw machines. This paper presents the study results on the quality of the sawing process developed by researchers at the Geotechnical Engineering Department of the São Carlos School of Engineering - São Paulo University. The surface quality of the finished slabs is the major determinant of the volume of material to be removed in subsequent polishing operations, thus influencing the final cost of the product. This quality was determined by using equipment capable of carrying out direct measurements of the roughness and coefficient of dynamic friction of the slab surface. The measurements carried out on three types of Brazilian siliceous dimension stone slabs showed differences in the sawing speed and industrial process costs. The roughness values obtained, together with the test results for the uniaxial compressive strength, Amsler wear, sawability, coefficient of dynamic friction and petrographic analysis, showed that the rock texture has the most important influence on the production cost of polished slabs.
Tests for the Optimization of Cut-Off Parameters for Seven Galician Granite Varieties
Authors: Araújo Fernández Maria , Taboada Castro Javier , Vilán Vilán Jose Antonio , Sánchez Delgado Nuria
Published: April 2013

The ornamental rock sector in Galicia (NW Spain), in particular the granite extraction and processing sector, has undergone tremendous development in recent years as a direct consequence of the use of non-aggressive rock mass extraction methods and the progressive modernization and automation of the different processes for processing and finishing the slabs, as well as the improvement of in-plant logistics. Nevertheless, it has been ascertained that cutting parameters entered as setpoint values in the diamond circular saws, used for the subdivision of slabs of the different commercial granite varieties, do not fit clear technical criteria for the optimization of cutting efficiency, but are selected and pre-set based on the experience of the circular saw operator. In order to evaluate the validity of thus selected cutting parameters and to provide the sector with a more objective tool, the cutting performance of seven granite varieties from Galicia which have high sales was analysed. Thus, each available slab was subdivided using four different cutting settings resulting from modifying two of the parameters which most affect cutting efficiency: cutting speed (m/min) and cutting depth (mm). These parameters, in turn, have an influence on power consumption (kWh), diamond saw blade wear (mm) and average production (mm2/min). Thereby, an exhaustive data acquisition process was carried out in order to create a complete database with the representative information of the cutting of each of the seven tested varieties and determine the optimum configuration for cutting each material, based on the results of a graphical analysis of the mean of data and the analysis of the variance (ANOVA).
Electro-Contact Discharge Dressing of Cut-Off Grinding Disks for Natural Stone Machining
Authors: Denkena Berend , Konopatzki Benjamin , Pelshenke Christian
Published: April 2013

In cut-off grinding of natural stone the tool performance and stability mainly depends on the self-sharpening behaviour of the cutting segments. Therefore, it is essential to adjust the bonding composition and the process parameters according to the specific separation mechanisms of the work piece material. Different tool wear mechanisms resulting from the different natural stone categories currently avoid the continuous use of one bonding specification. To overcome this limitation an electro-contact discharge dressing (ECDD) process was implemented in the cut-off grinding process. In this way, the backspacing of the bonding can be controlled in-process. The research presented in this paper focuses on the introduction of this technology in the field of stone machining. The demands for applying ECDD in the environment of a stone saw as well as the main influences and interdependencies of ECDD onto the segment topography are discussed.
The Spin-Resolved Electronic Band Structure of Cadmium Oxide Doped with Transition Elements
Authors: Syrotyuk Stepan , Shved Vira
Published: April 2013

The spin-resolved electronic energy bands and partial and total density of states of cadmium oxide doped with Sc, Ti and Cr have been evaluated by means of the ABINIT code. The strong electron correlations of Cd 4d and transition element 3d states have been taken into account. It was found that the CdScO and CdTiO crystals are paramagnetic and CdCrO shows the ferromagnetic ordering.
Influence of Oxygen and Boron Distribution on the Superconducting Characteristics of Nanostructural Mg-B-O Ceramics
Authors: Prikhna Tatiana , Eisterer Michael , Gawalek Wolfgang , Weber Harald W. , Moshchil Viktor , Kozyrev Artem , Karpets Myroslav , Basyuk Tatiana , Habisreuther Tobias , Kovylaev Valeriy , Shaternik Anton , Sverdun Vladimir , Chaud Xavier
Published: April 2013

The superconducting characteristics, such as the critical current density and the critical magnetic fields, of MgB2-based materials, which in fact belong to the Mg-B-O system because of the high concentration of admixed oxygen (up to 17 wt. %), depend on the inhomogeneity of the oxygen and boron distribution, which can be controlled by the synthesis temperature (600-1200 oC) and pressure (up to 2 GPa) as well as by SiC and Ti additions (10 wt%). With increasing manufacturing temperature grain boundary pinning transforms into point pinning, which is well correlated with the transformation of discontinuous oxygen enriched layers into separately located Mg-B-O inclusions in the MgB2 nanostructure and with a reduction of the size and amount of inclusions of higher magnesium borides MgBX (X>2). Ti or SiC additions can influence the oxygen and boron distribution as SEM and Auger structural studies showed.
Comparable Structural and Luminescent Characterization of the La1-xEuxVO4 Solid Solutions Synthesized by Solid State and Co-Precipitation Methods
Authors: Chukova Oksana , Nedilko Sergiy G. , Nedilko Sergiy A. , Sherbatsky Vasyl , Voitenko Tetiana
Published: April 2013

Luminescence properties of the two series of the La1-xEuxVO4 (x ranges from to 0.3) solid solutions synthesized by the solid state and co-precipitation methods were investigated.. Luminescence spectra of the investigated samples consist of narrow spectral lines caused by inner f - f electron transitions in the impurity Eu3+ ions. Excitation spectra consist of three main bands those correspond to different types of transitions in the investigated matrices. There are O - Eu3+ charge transfer transitions, band-to-band transitions in the matrix of the vanadate compounds and electron transitions in the VO43- vanadate anion. Dependences of the structure and luminescence properties on rate compositions and method of synthesis were studied. Origins of the observed differences between luminescence characteristics of the samples obtained by two different methods are discussed.
Luminescent Properties of As-Grown and Vacuum Annealed LiNbO3 Single Crystals
Authors: Sugak Dmytro Yu. , Luchechko Andriy P.
Published: April 2013

This paper reports on the luminescent properties of the congruent as-grown and vacuum annealed LiNbO3 single crystals at the UV and X-ray excitations. The shape of excitation spectra is similar for all emission bands in as-grown sample as well as in vacuum annealed sample. The emission spectra (exc=235 nm) observed in the spectral region 250…800 nm at room temperature consist of five elementary bands. Correlation of the relative intensities bands in luminescence spectra under different types of excitation and their temperature dependencies were determined. The most intensitive maxima in as-grown sample are observed at 295 and 691 nm. The main maximum after vacuum annealing is peaked around 295 nm.
Infrared Spectroscopy Studies of Magnesium Aluminates Spinel Crystals
Authors: Kobyakov Volodymyr A. , Patochkina Oksana L. , Gritsyna Vasyl T.
Published: April 2013

The reflectance and transmittance spectra for magnesium aluminates spinel single crystals MgO•nAl2O3 and ceramics in the IR spectral range were measured to investigate the nature of vibration modes of constituent ions and incorporated hydrogen. Besides of the earlier observed bands at 545, 710, and 835 cm-1 we registered also two bands 1440 and 1670 cm-1 in single crystals grown by different methods and in spinel optical ceramics. The existence of these bands was supported by measurements of non-stoichiometric spinel crystals and crystals doped with transition metals. The variation of intensity of registered bands in spinel of stoichiometric and non-stoichiometric compositions and spinel ceramics was interpreted in terms of vibration modes of divalent and trivalent cations in different coordination, particularky, at the spatially correlated anti-site defects.
Magnetotransport Properties of La0.6Sr0.2Mn1.2O3 Films: Effects of Film Thickness and Substrate-Induced Strain
Authors: Tovstolytkin Alexander I. , Polek Taras I. , Matviyenko Alexander I. , Zakharenko Mykola I. , Semen'ko Mykhailo P. , Pashchenko Alexey V.
Published: April 2013

Electric and magnetoresistive properties of La0.6Sr0.2Mn1.2O3 films deposited on SrTiO3 (001) and LaAlO3 (001) single crystalline substrates by magnetron sputtering have been studied. Characteristic features of the evolution of resistivity, magnetoresistance and Curie temperature upon the decrease of film thickness from 500 to 2 nm are specified. A key role of a thin strained layer adjacent to the substrate is demonstrated. The critical thicknesses of the strained layer are calculated for the films deposited on different substrates
Admittance and Photoadmittance Spectroscopy of Zinc Oxide Layers Grown on p-Si Substrates by Spin Coating Method
Authors: Popielarski Pawel , Bala Waclaw , Paprocki Kazimierz
Published: April 2013

In this work, the dielectric response of ZnO thin films has been studied over a temperature range of 200 K - 550 K. The dielectric response of polycrystalline ZnO thin films in the frequency domain was measured from 42 Hz - to 5 MHz with a small AC signal amplitude at different temperatures. Influence of the light on conductivity has been also investigated. A universal power law relation was brought into picture to explain the frequency dependence of AC conductivity. The temperature dependence of AC conductivity was analyzed in detail. The activation energy obtained from the temperature dependence of AC conductivity was attributed to the shallow trap-controlled space charge conduction in the bulk of the sample.
Oxygen Ionic Transport in Brownmillerite-Type Ca2Fe2O5-δ and Calcium Ferrite-Based Composite Membranes
Authors: Shaula Aliaksandr L. , Kolotygin Vladislav A. , Naumovich Eugene N. , Pivak Yevheniy V. , Kharton Vladislav V.
Published: April 2013

Oxygen ionic transport in mixed-conducting Ca2Fe2O5-δ brownmillerite was analyzed in light of potential applications in the composite materials for oxygen separation membranes and solid oxide fuel cell cathodes. The lattice defect formation and oxygen diffusion mechanisms were assessed by the computer simulations employing molecular dynamics and static lattice modeling. The most energetically favorable oxygen-vacancy location is in the octahedral layers of the brownmillerite structure, which provide a maximum contribution to the ionic migration in comparison with the structural blocks comprising iron-oxygen tetrahedra. The activation energies for the vacancy and interstitial diffusion in the tetrahedral layers, and also between the octahedral and tetrahedral sheets, are several times higher. The calculated values were found comparable to the experimental activation energy for ionic conduction in Ca2Fe2O5-δ, 147 kJ/mol, determined by the steady-state oxygen permeation measurements. The dense membranes of model composite Ca2Fe2O5-δ - Ce0.9Gd0.1O2-δ with equal weight fractions of the components (CGCF5) were sintered and characterized. No critical interdiffusion of the composite constituents, leading to their decomposition, was found by X-ray diffraction and electron microscopic analyses. The electrical conductivity of this composite, with an activation energy of 37 kJ/mol, is intermediate between two parent compounds and is dominantly p-type electronic as for Ca2Fe2O5-δ. Since the ion- and electron-conducting phases are well percolated in the composite ceramics, the oxygen permeation fluxes through CGCF5 are considerably higher than those of both constituents.
Fractal Analysis of Surface Topography of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Materials
Authors: Suchaneck Gunnar , Ponomareva Alina A. , Brychevskyi Mykola M. , Brodnikovskyi Iegor M. , Vasylyev Oleksandr D. , Gerlach Gerald
Published: April 2013

In this work, we investigate the hierarchical surface topography of solid oxide fuel cell electrolytes consisting of zirconia stabilized with 10% Sc2O3 and 1% CeO2 (1Ce10ScSZ) synthesized at 1250-1550°C and anodes of 60 wt% 1Ce10ScSZ and 40 wt% NiO synthesized at 1300 to 1400°C. The fractal dimension of AFM images of the films was determined by the triangulation method. The obtained powers spectral density function was in good agreement with the k-correlation model indicating a self-affine surface topography.
Structure and Gas Sensitivity of the ZnO Sensor of Ethanol
Authors: Tsizh Bohdan , Aksimentyeva Olena , Lazorenko V. , Chokhan Maria
Published: April 2013

In this paper we describe our studies of the influence of substrate nature and type of doping on the structure and sensor properties of thin films of ZnO, obtained on the surface of glass, quartz, pyroceramics, leuco-sapphire and oxidized silicon by thermo vacuum deposition. With X-ray investigation it is shown that the obtained films consist of nanocrystalline zinc oxide, regardless to the nature of the surface, and the best structural perfection characterized ZnO film on the surface of the quartz and glass. The sensitive properties of zinc oxide films to ethanol vapors can be greatly improved by introducing of doping impurities (Al or In), the highest sensitivity to ethanol was detected for the films of ZnO:Al on the quartz substrate. The proposed sensor can be used to monitor gas environments in the food industry and in the evaluation of alcohol in humans breathing.
Effect of Reoxidation Temperature on Electrophysical Properties of High-TC Barium Titanate-Based PTCR Ceramics
Authors: Plutenko Tatiana , V'yunov Oleg I.
Published: April 2013

Ceramic samples of (1 x)BaTiO3–xNa0.5Bi0.5TiO3 system were prepared by sintering in reducing atmosphere of N2/H2 and were subsequently reoxidized in air. The influence of reoxidation temperature firing on the PTCR effect of (1 x)BaTiO3–xNa0.5Bi0.5TiO3 ceramics was investigated. The effect of Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3 concentration on resistivity and microstructure of the reoxidized samples was investigated by means of complex impedance spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. It has been found that the grain size decreases with the increase in Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3 content. The values of minimum ρmin and maximum ρmax resistivities of the samples were observed to increase with the increase in reoxidation temperature in the 600 – 1000°C temperature range. It was shown that with increasing in reoxidation temperature of (1-x)BaTiO3-xNa0.5Bi0.5TiO3 solid solutions, potential barrier at grain boundaries increases.
Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Materials Doped with Eu3+, Tb3+, La3+ and Lithium Ions
Authors: Zelazowska Elzbieta , Rysiakiewicz-Pasek Ewa , Borczuch-Laczka Maria
Published: April 2013

Organic-inorganic hybrid materials doped with Eu3+, Tb3+ La3+ and lithium ions were produced by sol-gel method using Tetraethyl orthosilicate and poly(methyl methacrylate), ethyl methacrylate, butyl methacrylate, ethyl acetyloacetate as inorganic and organic precursors. Morphology and structure of the hybrids heated at 125°C were characterized by Scanning electron microscopy equipped with Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), 29Si MAS Nuclear Magnetic Resonance. In all the hybrids, photoluminescence emissions from (5D3), 5D4 →7FJ and 5D0→7FJ transiSuperscript texttions of Eu3+ and Tb3+ ions were revealed.
Crystallization Paths and Microstructures in Ternary Oxide Systems with Stoichiometric Compounds
Authors: Lutsyk Vasily , Zelenaya Anna
Published: April 2013

The problems of computer model simulation of CаO-SiO2-Al2O3 system are considered. The crystallization scheme and sets of microstructure elements are analyzed for the fields of liquidus CaO, 3CaO*SiO2, 3CaO*Al2O3. The concentration fields both with individual set of microstructure elements and the fields without the unique crystallization scheme and microstructure set were found. The crystallization stages for given compositions are illustrated by the mass balance diagrams.
Manichaean exonyms and autonyms (including Augustine’s writings)
Authors: Pedersen Nils A.
Published: April 2013

Did the Western Manichaeans call themselves ‘Manichaean’ and ‘Christian’? A survey of the evidence, primarily Latin and Coptic, seems to show that the noun and adjective uses of ‘Manichaean’ were very rarely used and only in communication with non-Manichaeans. The use of ‘Christian’ is central in the Latin texts, which, however, is not written for internal use, but with a view to outsiders. The Coptic texts, on the other hand, are written for an internal audience; the word ‘Christian’ is only found twice and in fragmentary contexts, but it is suggested that some texts advocate a Christian self-understanding (Mani’s Epistles, the Psalm-Book) whilst others (the Kephalaia) are striving to establish an independent identity. Hence, the Christian self-understanding may reflect both the earliest Manichaeism and its later Western form whilst the attempt to be independent may be a secondary development.
Biblical quotations in Faustus’s Capitula
Authors: Van den Berg Jacob A.
Published: April 2013

Scholars are still of the opinion that Augustine first started to read and discuss the Bible only once he became a Catholic Christian, or even only after his appointment as a Catholic priest. The possibility of Manichaean influences on Augustine’s reproduction of biblical texts is therefore, in many cases, not taken into account. However, the study of (Latin) Manichaean sources gives us reason to rethink that position. This article is an investigation of the use of Scripture in the most extensive, still existing Manichaean work, originally written in Latin, namely the Capitula. Its author was the Manichaean bishop Faustus (flor. app. 380 CE Roman Africa). The most important subject in the Capitula concerns those parts of Scripture that bear relevance to the real Christian. Therefore, the work provides important insight into the Manichaeans’ use and appreciation of Scripture. Faustus was well-known to the young Augustine and as a consequence the Capitula could well give us important insights into Augustine’s knowledge of and opinions on Scripture as a Manichaean hearer. One problem with this theory is the fact that Augustine only received the work some 13 years after his conversion to Catholic Christianity. However, the examination of the quotations from Scripture, that have as its focus those from the Old Testament, illustrates, amongst others, that Faustus mainly used Biblical texts already quoted in the works of Addas/Adimantus (flor. 270 CE). The Capitula turns out to be an eloquent recycling of earlier Manichaean biblical arguments – a fact that makes it very likely that the content of the Capitula was known to Augustine in his Manichaean years. As a consequence, one should reckon with Manichaean influence on Augustine’s reproduction of biblical texts.
Augustine’s ecclesiology and its development between 354 and 387 AD
Authors: Vuntarde Paul C.V. , Van Oort Johannes
Published: April 2013

The aim of this article is twofold. The first is to describe Augustine’s ecclesiology and its development between his birth (354) and baptism (387). Secondly, it will show that the defining features of Augustine’s later ecclesiology were in place by the year 387 AD.
Current Status of Endovascular Devices to Treat Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms
Authors: Eckroth-Bernard Kamell , Garvin Robert , Ryer Evan
Published: April 2013

The introduction of endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair has revolutionized the therapeutic approach to patients with AAA. Due to an ongoing and prolific collaboration between vascular interventionalists and biomedical engineers, the devices used to perform endovascular AAA repair have also changed dramatically. The purpose of this publication is to provide an overview of the currently available and upcoming options for endovascular AAA repair.
A Case of Left Main Coronary Artery Disease in an Octogenarian Treated Surgically and Complicated by Myocardial Infarction: Decisions, Techniques, Rescue and Final Outcome
Authors: Kossaify Antoine , Grollier Gilles
Published: April 2013

We report on an octogenarian patient presenting with an acute coronary syndrome due to significant left main coronary artery disease and severe ostial stenosis of the left anterior descending artery disease. Emergent bypass graft performed with “beating heart” consisted of left internal mammary graft to the mid left anterior descending artery with an “over-stent” anastomosis. The immediate post-operative phase was simple, however the patient presented on post-operative day 8 with extensive anterior myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock. Emergent coronary angiogram showed subocclusive anastomotic stenosis. Percutaneous coronary intervention was performed on left main, proximal left anterior descending, and proximal circumflex arteries. Subsequently, the patient restored a satisfactory hemodynamic condition. A focus on the importance of decision for management of left main disease especially in octogenarian is presented, along with a review of the pertinent literature.
Circulation of Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Strains among Hospitalized Children with Acute Lower Respiratory Infection in Malaysia
Authors: Etemadi Mohammad Reza , Sekawi Zamberi , Othman Norlijah , Lye Munn-Sann , Moghaddam Faezeh Yazdani
Published: April 2013

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major viral pathogen associated with acute lower respiratory tract infections (ALRTIs) among hospitalized children. In this study, the genetic diversity of the RSV strains was investigated among nasopharyngeal aspirates (NPA) taken from children less than 5 years of age hospitalized with ALRTIs in Hospital Serdang, Malaysia. A total of 165 NPA samples were tested for the presence of RSV and other respiratory viruses from June until December 2009. RSV was found positive in 83 (50%) of the samples using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Further classification of 67 RSV strains showed that subgroups A and B comprised 11/67 (16.4%) and 56/67 (83.6%) of the strains, respectively. The second hypervariable region at the carboxyl-terminal of the G gene was amplified and sequenced in order to do phylogenetic study. The phylogenetic relationships of the samples were determined separately for subgroups A and B using neighbor joining (NJ), maximum parsimony (MP), and Bayesian inference (BI). Phylogenetic analysis of the 32 sequenced samples showed that all 9 RSV-A strains were clustered within NA1 genotype while the remaining 23 strains of the RSV-B subgroup could be grouped into a clade consisted of strains with 60-nucleotide duplication region. They were further classified into newly discovered BA10 and BA9 genotypes. The present finding suggests the emergence of RSV genotypes of NA1 and BA. This is the first documentation of the phylogenetic relationship and genetic diversity of RSV strains among hospitalized children diagnosed with ALRTI in Serdang, Malaysia.
Acute Brucellosis Presenting as Gastroenteritis: Case Report
Authors: Salih Salih Bin , Alothman Adel
Published: April 2013

Brucellosis is a systemic infection with multiple presentations. In spite of its oral mode of transmission and gastrointestinal pathogenesis, systemic symptoms are usually more prominent than gastrointestinal ones. Acute brucellosis presenting as gastroenteritis is rare in adults and could be the only manifestation of the disease. We report a case of gastroenteritis caused by Brucella species.
Validation of an hourly resolved global aerosol model in answer to solar electricity generation information needs
Authors: Schroedter-Homscheidt M. , Oumbe A.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. Solar energy applications need global aerosol optical depth (AOD) information to derive historic surface solar irradiance databases from geostationary meteorological satellites reaching back to the 1980's. This paper validates the MATCH/DLR model originating in the climate community against AERONET ground measurements. Hourly or daily mean AOD model output is evaluated individually for all stations in Europe, Africa and the Middle East – an area highly interesting for solar energy applications being partly dominated by high aerosol loads. Overall, a bias of 0.02 and a root-mean-square error (RMSE) of 0.23 are found for daily mean AOD values, while the RMSE increases to 0.28 for hourly mean AOD values. Large differences between various regions and stations are found providing a feedback loop for the aerosol modelling community. The difference in using daily means versus hourly resolved modelling with respect to hourly resolved observations is evaluated. Nowadays state-of-the-art in solar resource assessment relies on monthly turbidity or AOD climatologies while at least hourly resolved irradiance time series are needed by the solar sector. Therefore, the contribution of higher temporally modelled AOD is evaluated.
Spectral albedo of seasonal snow during intensive melt period at Sodankylä, beyond the Arctic Circle
Authors: Meinander O. , Kazadzis S. , Arola A. , Riihelä A. , Räisänen P. , Kivi R. , Kontu A. , Kouznetsov R. , Sofiev M. , Svensson J. , Suokanerva H. , Aaltonen V. , Manninen T. , Roujean J.-L. , Hautecoeur O.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. We have measured spectral albedo, as well as ancillary parameters, of seasonal European Arctic snow at Sodankylä, Finland (67°22' N, 26°39' E). The springtime intensive melt period was observed during the Snow Reflectance Transition Experiment (SNORTEX) in April 2009. The upwelling and downwelling spectral irradiance, measured at 290–550 nm with a double monochromator spectroradiometer, revealed albedo values of ~0.5–0.7 for the ultraviolet and visible range, both under clear sky and variable cloudiness. During the most intensive snowmelt period of four days, albedo decreased from 0.65 to 0.45 at 330 nm, and from 0.72 to 0.53 at 450 nm. In the literature, the UV and VIS albedo for clean snow are ~0.97–0.99, consistent with the extremely small absorption coefficient of ice in this spectral region. Our low albedo values were supported by two independent simultaneous broadband albedo measurements, and simulated albedo data. We explain the low albedo values to be due to (i) large snow grain sizes up to ~3 mm in diameter; (ii) meltwater surrounding the grains and increasing the effective grain size; (iii) absorption caused by impurities in the snow, with concentration of elemental carbon (black carbon) in snow of 87 ppb, and organic carbon 2894 ppb, at the time of albedo measurements. The high concentrations of carbon, detected by the thermal–optical method, were due to air masses originating from the Kola Peninsula, Russia, where mining and refining industries are located.
Montreal Protocol Benefits simulated with CCM SOCOL
Authors: Egorova T. , Rozanov E. , Gröbner J. , Hauser M. , Schmutz W.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. Ozone depletion is caused by the anthropogenic increase of halogen-containing species in the atmosphere, which results in the enhancement of the concentration of reactive chlorine and bromine in the stratosphere. To reduce the influence of anthropogenic ozone-depleting substances (ODS), the Montreal Protocol was agreed by Governments in 1987, with several Amendments and Adjustments adopted later. In order to assess the benefits of the Montreal Protocol and its Amendments and Adjustments (MPA) on ozone and UV radiation, two different runs of the chemistry-climate model (CCM) SOCOL have been carried out. The first run was driven by the emission of ozone depleting substances (ODS) prescribed according to the restrictions of the MPA. For the second run we allow the ODS to grow by 3% annually. We find that the MPA would have saved up to 80% of the global annual total ozone by the end of the 21st century. Our calculations also show substantial changes of the stratospheric circulation pattern as well as in surface temperature and precipitations that could occur in the world without MPA implementations. To illustrate the changes in UV radiation at the surface and to emphasise certain features, which can only be seen for some particular regions if the influence of the cloud cover changes is accounted for, we calculate geographical distribution of the erythemally weighted irradiance (Eery). For the no Montreal Protocol simulation Eery increases by factor of 4 to 16 between the 1970s and 2100. For the scenario including the Montreal Protocol it is found that UV radiation starts to decrease in 2000, with continuous decline of 5% to 10% at middle latitudes in the both Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
Pollution transport from North America to Greenland during summer 2008
Authors: Thomas J. L. , Raut J.-C. , Law K. S. , Marelle L. , Ancellet G. , Ravetta F. , Fast J. D. , Pfister G. , Emmons L. K. , Diskin G. S. , Weinheimer A. , Roiger A. , Schlager H.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. Ozone pollution transported to the Arctic is a significant concern because of the rapid, enhanced warming in high northern latitudes, which is caused, in part, by short-lived climate forcers, such as ozone. Long-range transport of pollution contributes to background and episodic ozone levels in the Arctic. However, the extent to which plumes are photochemically active during transport, particularly during the summer, is still uncertain. In this study, regional chemical transport model simulations are used to examine photochemical production of ozone in air masses originating from boreal fire and anthropogenic emissions over North America and during their transport toward the Arctic during early July 2008. Model results are evaluated using POLARCAT aircraft data collected over boreal fire source regions in Canada (ARCTAS-B) and several days downwind over Greenland (POLARCAT-France and POLARCAT-GRACE). Model results are generally in good agreement with the observations, except for certain trace gas species over boreal fire regions, in some cases indicating that the fire emissions are too low. Anthropogenic and biomass burning pollution (BB) from North America was rapidly uplifted during transport east and north to Greenland where pollution plumes were observed in the mid- and upper troposphere during POLARCAT. A model sensitivity study shows that CO levels are in better agreement with POLARCAT measurements (fresh and aged fire plumes) upon doubling CO emissions from fires. Analysis of model results, using ΔO3/ΔCO enhancement ratios, shows that pollution plumes formed ozone during transport towards the Arctic. Fresh anthropogenic plumes have average ΔO3/ΔCO enhancement ratios of 0.63 increasing to 0.92 for aged anthropogenic plumes, indicating additional ozone production during aging. Fresh fire plumes are only slightly enhanced in ozone (ΔO3/ΔCO=0.08), but form ozone downwind with ΔO3/ΔCO of 0.49 for aged BB plumes (model-based run). We estimate that aged anthropogenic and BB pollution together made an important contribution to ozone levels with an average contribution for latitudes >55° N of up to 6.5 ppbv (18%) from anthropogenic pollution and 3 ppbv (5.2%) from fire pollution in the model domain in summer 2008.
Coherent amplitude modulation of electron-beam-driven Langmuir waves
Authors: Baumgärtel K.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. A linear approach to the phenomenon of irregular amplitude modulation of beam-driven Langmuir waves, developed in a previous paper, is extended to explain periodic modulation as well. It comes about by beating of the fastest growing mode of the instability with beam-aligned plasma oscillations. They are naturally generated in a uniform domain of beam–plasma interaction prior to the onset of the instability. Particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations support the results of the linear analysis.
The relative importance of decomposition and transport mechanisms in accounting for soil organic carbon profiles
Authors: Guenet B. , Eglin T. , Vasilyeva N. , Peylin P. , Ciais P. , Chenu C.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. Soil is the major terrestrial reservoir of carbon and a substantial part of this carbon is stored in deep layers, typically deeper than 50 cm below the surface. Several studies underlined the quantitative importance of this deep soil organic carbon (SOC) pool and models are needed to better understand this stock and its evolution under climate and land-uses changes. In this study, we tested and compared three simple theoretical models of vertical transport for SOC against SOC profiles measurements from a long-term bare fallow experiment carried out by the Central-Chernozem State Natural Biosphere Reserve in the Kursk Region of Russia. The transport schemes tested are diffusion, advection and both diffusion and advection. They are coupled to three different formulations of soil carbon decomposition kinetics. The first formulation is a first order kinetics widely used in global SOC decomposition models; the second one, so-called "priming" model, links SOC decomposition rate to the amount of fresh organic matter, representing the substrate interactions. The last one is also a first order kinetics, but SOC is split into two pools. Field data are from a set of three bare fallow plots where soil received no input during the past 20, 26 and 58 yr, respectively. Parameters of the models were optimised using a Bayesian method. The best results are obtained when SOC decomposition is assumed to be controlled by fresh organic matter (i.e., the priming model). In comparison to the first-order kinetic model, the priming model reduces the overestimation in the deep layers. We also observed that the transport scheme that improved the fit with the data depended on the soil carbon mineralisation formulation chosen. When soil carbon decomposition was modelled to depend on the fresh organic matter amount, the transport mechanism which improved best the fit to the SOC profile data was the model representing both advection and diffusion. Interestingly, the older the bare fallow is, the lesser the need for diffusion is, suggesting that stabilised carbon may not be transported within the profile by the same mechanisms than more labile carbon.
Synergism between elevated pCO2 and temperature on the Antarctic sea ice diatom Nitzschia lecointei
Authors: Torstensson A. , Hedblom M. , Andersson J. , Andersson M. X. , Wulff A.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. Polar oceans are particularly susceptible to ocean acidification and warming. Diatoms play a significant role in sea ice biogeochemistry and provide an important food source to grazers in ice-covered oceans, especially during early spring. However, the ecophysiology of ice living organisms has received little attention in terms of ocean acidification. In this study, the synergism between temperature and partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2) was investigated in relationship to the optimal growth temperature of the Antarctic sea ice diatom Nitzschia lecointei. Diatoms were kept in cultures at controlled levels of pCO2 (∼390 and ∼960 μatm}) and temperature (−1.8 and 2.5 °C) for 14 days. Synergism between temperature and pCO2 was detected in growth rate and acyl lipid fatty acid content. Carbon enrichment only promoted (3%) growth rate closer to the optimal growth, but not at the control temperature (−1.8 °C). Optimal growth rate was observed around 5 °C in a separate experiment. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) comprised up to 98% of the total acyl lipid fatty acid pool at −1.8 °C. However, the total content of fatty acids was reduced by 39% at elevated pCO2, but only at the control temperature. PUFAs were reduced by 30% at high pCO2. Effects of carbon enrichment may be different depending on ocean warming scenario or season, e.g. reduced food quality for higher trophic levels during spring. Synergy between temperature and pCO2 may be particularly important in polar areas since a narrow thermal window generally limits cold-water organisms.