bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laboratory accelerated and outdoor durability testing of concrete with supplementary cementitious materials
Authors: Nakamura Eisuke , Watanabe Hiroshi
Published: December 2015

This paper aims to clarify the differences in durability test results of concrete containing supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) for both laboratory-accelerated and outdoor exposure conditions. Twenty-six types of concrete specimens fabricated with and without SCMs were used for laboratoryaccelerated and outdoor exposure tests to measure the resistance to carbonation and chloride ingress. An accelerated carbonation test and an immersion test were conducted in accordance with Japanese standard testing procedures, and outdoor exposure tests were performed at three test sites in Japan over 20 months. Although the testing conditions between these two approaches were substantially different, both results exhibited the same trend: the use of SCMs impaired the resistance to carbonation but improved that to chloride ingress. The carbonation depths estimated by the accelerated carbonation test were, however, slightly greater than those measured in the exposed specimens. This conservative estimation for the carbonation depth was assumed to be a result of overly severe testing conditions of the accelerated carbonation test. Additionally, differences in the chloride profiles of the specimens were found between those soaked in a NaCl solution and those exposed to outdoor conditions. These differences were prominent in the specimens containing highvolume SCMs because their chloride profiles were affected by carbonation observed at the concrete surface layer of the specimens. It should be emphasized that the chloride penetration resistance improved by the use of SCMs for the laboratory-accelerated condition was, on the other hand, relatively reduced for the outdoor exposure conditions where carbonation and chloride ingress progressed simultaneously in concrete.
http://researchleap.com/how-does-marketing-strategy-influence-firm-performance-implementation-of-marketing-strategy-for-firm-success/
Authors: Pandurangarao Dasari
Published: December 2015

Marketing strategy has been a focus of organizations and a tool for attaining overall firm performance. Our study contributes to the existing study of marketing strategy by supporting a relationship between marketing strategy factors and overall firm performance. Deduction from existing literature enabled a construction of a conceptual model that explains overall firm performance. Promotion, pricing, distribution, and product standardization and adaptation have an impact on sales, customer and financial performance of firms. The study suggests that the impact is mediated by marketing strategy implementation success. At the same time the impact of moderating factors of product homogeneity, stage of product life cycle and competitive intensity are present.
Derivative Trading and Spot Market Volatility: Evidence from Indian Market
Authors: Alex Dhanya , Varghese Roshna
Published: December 2015

The present study tries to estimate the effect of introduction of individual stock derivatives on the underlying stock volatility in Indian stock market. To estimate the effect of introduction of derivatives on stock market, GARCH family models which are known for their ability to model volatility. The return series of the ten companies were tested using methods like, unit root test and descriptive statistics to confirm that GARCH models could be used. Using these models, the asymmetric nature of stock returns and the volatility of stock returns on the introduction of derivatives are checked. The results reveal that the introduction of derivatives has decreased the volatility of the underlying stock returns. It was also found that most of the stock returns show asymmetric behaviour.
Investigating the Effects of Dividends Pay-out on Stock Prices and Traded Equity Volumes of BSE Listed Firms
Authors: Radikoko Ishmael , Ndjadingwe Emmanuel
Published: December 2015

The main objective of this study is to examine the effect of dividend pay-out on the prices of stock in Botswana’s equity market as well as the effect of traded volumes of such stocks. Other objectives of the research are to determine the optimal pay-out ratio based on the profits of the firm and to determine the optimal time to declare and pay dividends. We use quota-sampling technique and selected 5 companies from the 22 domestic listed companies in the Botswana Stock Exchange. The companies under consideration are Barclay Bank, RDCP, Chobe, Engen and Sefalana Plcs. These companies are chosen based on the availability of daily closing trading information for the past five years and easiness to get information to use for our study that includes dividends pay-outs, profits made, volumes traded, etc. The result of this study reveals that there is a direct relationship between dividend announcement, ex-dividends, dividend pay-out ratio and volume of stock traded and the stock price in Botswana. Furthermore, the study concludes that there is a direct relationship between change in dividends and change in dividend per share. Lastly, the finding reveals that most of the companies sampled pay dividends between December and March. We recommend that companies should have an optimal dividend policy as this have been proven to increase firm value. We also recommend that firms should announce dividends around December to March to counter the end of year effect that usually suppresses stock prices.
Potencial de mejoramiento genético en Dipteryx panamensis a los 33 meses de edad en San Carlos, Costa Rica
Authors: Martínez-Albán Víctor , Fallas-Valverde Lucía , Murillo-Gamboa Olman , Badilla-Valverde Yorleny
Published: December 2015

El almendro (Dipteryx panamensis) es la especie nativa con la madera de mayor dureza que se planta en la región. Como especie leguminosa expresa gran potencial para su cultivo en la zona norte y caribe del país, donde predominan suelos de baja fertilidad, compactados, mal drenados y ácidos, limitantes para la mayoría de las especies forestales. Como especie de alto valor ecológico y potencial económico, se le ha considerado entre el grupo denominado maderas gourmet y parte estratégica del desarrollo forestal del país. Se estudió el potencial de mejoramiento genético en Dipteryx panamensis a los 33 meses de edad, en un ensayo de procedencia/progenie establecido en San Carlos, zona norte de Costa Rica. Se evaluaron 3 procedencias nativas de la zona norte del país, Crucitas (Pocosol, San Carlos), Sarapiquí y Coopesanjuan (Cutris, San Carlos) y, 10 árboles dentro de cada procedencia, todos seleccionados únicamente por su sanidad y vigor en condiciones naturales, para un total final de 29 familias o accesiones. Se utilizó un diseño experimental de bloques completos al azar, con 6 bloques y 6 progenies por familia en cada bloque (parcela), distribuidas en 3 parejas aleatorizadas dentro de cada bloque. Las variables evaluadas fueron: diámetro a la altura del pecho (dap), altura total (h total), presencia de ramas gruesas, presencia de bifurcación, calidad del árbol y sobrevivencia. El análisis de los datos se realizó con el software SELEGEN de EMBRAPA, Brasil. La heredabilidad media de procedencias fue h2mp = 0,72 para el dap, h2mp = 0,81 para la altura total y h2mp = 0,64 para la presencia de ramas gruesas. Mientras que la heredabilidad individual fue h2i = 0,46 para el dap y h2i = 0,29 para la altura total. La heredabilidad media familiar para el dap fue de hmf = 0,80, para la altura total hmf = 0,72 y de 0,55 para la presencia de rama gruesa. En la clasificación genética con base en dap y altura total, 25 de las 29 familias coincidieron como las mejores para ambos caracteres. El coeficiente de variación genético fue de 8,6 % para el dap y de 5,8 % para la altura total. Si se seleccionan las mejores 10 familias la ganancia genética esperada en dap a esta edad sería de un 15 %. La mayor variación se registró entre familias dentro de procedencias y poca variación se obtuvo entre las tres procedencias. La correlación genética entre el dap y las ramas gruesas fue r = 0,53*** y de r = 0,27** con la presencia de bifurcación. Como estrategia de mejoramiento se propone seleccionar dos individuos con el mayor diámetro dentro de cada una de las mejores 10 familias sin importar su procedencia. Esto generará una población con suficiente diversidad genética para atender la demanda de semilla del país en un horizonte de planificación no menor a 15 años. Se propone ampliar la base genética del programa de mejoramiento de almendro mediante nuevas colectas de otras procedencias naturales dentro del país.
The rise of novelty in ecosystems
Authors: Radeloff Volker C. , Williams John W. , Bateman Brooke L. , Burke Kevin D. , Carter Sarah K. , Childress Evan S. , Cromwell Kara J. , Gratton Claudio , Hasley Andrew O. , Kraemer Benjamin M. , Latzka Alexander W. , Marin-Spiotta Erika , Meine Curt D. , Munoz Samuel E. , Neeson Thomas M. , Pidgeon Anna M. , Rissman Adena R. , Rivera Ricardo J. , Szymanski Laura M. , Usinowicz Jacob
Published: December 2015

Rapid and ongoing change creates novelty in ecosystems everywhere, both when comparing contemporary systems to their historical baselines, and predicted future systems to the present. However, the level of novelty varies greatly among places. Here we propose a formal and quantifiable definition of abiotic and biotic novelty in ecosystems, map abiotic novelty globally, and discuss the implications of novelty for the science of ecology and for biodiversity conservation. We define novelty as the degree of dissimilarity of a system, measured in one or more dimensions relative to a reference baseline, usually defined as either the present or a time window in the past. In this conceptualization, novelty varies in degree, it is multidimensional, can be measured, and requires a temporal and spatial reference. This definition moves beyond prior categorical definitions of novel ecosystems, and does not include human agency, self‐perpetuation, or irreversibility as criteria. Our global assessment of novelty was based on abiotic factors (temperature, precipitation, and nitrogen deposition) plus human population, and shows that there are already large areas with high novelty today relative to the early 20th century, and that there will even be more such areas by 2050. Interestingly, the places that are most novel are often not the places where absolute changes are largest; highlighting that novelty is inherently different from change. For the ecological sciences, highly novel ecosystems present new opportunities to test ecological theories, but also challenge the predictive ability of ecological models and their validation. For biodiversity conservation, increasing novelty presents some opportunities, but largely challenges. Conservation action is necessary along the entire continuum of novelty, by redoubling efforts to protect areas where novelty is low, identifying conservation opportunities where novelty is high, developing flexible yet strong regulations and policies, and establishing long‐term experiments to test management approaches. Meeting the challenge of novelty will require advances in the science of ecology, and new and creative conservation approaches.
Masculinities, Femininities and Work – The Horizontal Gender Segregation in the Danish Labour Market
Authors: Bloksgaard Lotte
Published: December 2015

Most job functions, tasks and professions are gendered as either ‘masculine’ or ‘feminine’. On the basis of two empirical studies of women in ‘men’s jobs’ and men in ‘women’s jobs’ the article shows how societal ideas about and relations between gender and work affect the way in which individual women and men develop their identities and hereby influence women’s and men’s work orientations and working life. Thus, the article provides a greater understanding of the gendering processes which contribute to the creation of gender segregation in the Danish labour market.
Padre Antônio Vieira e o projeto colonial: uma análise da IV Parte do Sermão da Sexagésima
Authors: Santos Ivanaldo Oliveira
Published: December 2015

Esse estudo tem por objetivo realizar uma análise da quarta parte do Sermão da Sexagésima, Do Padre Antonio Vieira, tomando-se por base a Análise do Discurso Crítica desenvolvida por Noam Fairclough. Conclui-se afirmando que Antônio Vieira, em seu discurso, enfatiza a importância da coroa portuguesa investir na colonização do Brasil, pois, a partir desse investimento, Portugal seria enaltecido no contexto internacional, assegurando sua permanência no centro das decisões políticas mundiais. E se Portugal, uma nação católica, era o centro das decisões políticas, a Igreja, por conseguinte, seria o centro das decisões religiosas.
Inequitable allocation of deep community wells for reducing arsenic exposure in Bangladesh
Authors: van Geen A. , Ahmed K. M. , Ahmed E. B. , Choudhury I. , Mozumder M. R. , Bostick B. C. , Mailloux B. J.
Published: December 2015

Community wells that extend deeper than most private wells are crucial for reducing exposure to groundwater arsenic (As) in rural Bangladesh. This study evaluates the impact on access to safe drinking water of 915 such intermediate (90–150 m) and deep (>150 m) wells across a 180 km2 area where a total of 48,790 tubewells were tested with field kits in 2012–13. Half the shallow private wells meet the Bangladesh standard of 50 μg/L for As in drinking water, whereas 92% of the intermediate and deep wells meet the more restrictive World Health Organization guideline for As in drinking water of 10 μg/L. As a proxy for water access, distance calculations show that 29% of shallow wells with >50 μg/L As are located within walking distance (100 m) of at least one of the 915 intermediate or deep wells. Similar calculations for a hypothetical more even distribution of deep wells show that 74% of shallow wells with >50 μg/L As could have been located within 100 m of the same number of deep wells. These observations and well-usage data suggest that community wells in Araihazar, and probably elsewhere in Bangladesh, were not optimally allocated by the government because of elite capture.
In-toilet disinfection of fresh fecal sludge with ammonia naturally present in excreta
Authors: Ogunyoku Temitope A. , Habebo Fikreselam , Nelson Kara L.
Published: December 2015

A simple treatment method, Safe Sludge disinfection, was developed to disinfect pathogens in fresh fecal sludge using the ammonia naturally present in excreta. In the first step, urea is hydrolyzed to ammonia (NH3/NH4+). In the second step, Ca(OH)2 is added to raise the pH level such that NH3, a known disinfectant, is the dominant form of ammonia; subsequently, the waste is stored until sufficient disinfection is achieved. In a closed system at 23 °C, Safe Sludge disinfection achieved >9.3 log10 and >4.0 log10 decrease of indigenous Escherichia coli and seeded MS2 coliphage, respectively, within 10.6 hours, and 2.0 log10 inactivation of seeded Ascaris suum eggs within 2 weeks. Disinfection of feces at high pH with no urine addition was tested for comparison, and similar inactivation levels were achieved for E. coli and MS2 bacteriophage. However, for Ascaris eggs only 0.38 log10 inactivation was achieved over 2 weeks. For control samples (feces plus urine only), no inactivation of bacteria or virus indicators was observed and inactivation of Ascaris eggs was also low (0.42 log10). To illustrate how the Safe Sludge concept could be incorporated into a waterless household toilet, a conceptual design and prototype was developed, called the pHree Loo.
Elevating Streets in Urban Topographic Maps Improves the Speed of Map-Reading
Authors: Edler Dennis , Dickmann Frank
Published: December 2015

A fast and accurate reading of maps is relevant for many human orientation, navigation, and wayfinding tasks. Autostereoscopic displays can visualize depth illusions in True-3D and allow map-makers to use the depth axis as an additional cartographic design parameter. This new design parameter has hardly been considered in empirical investigations in cartography. A previous study provided initial evidence that distribution of map information over different depth layers could bring advantages for the speed of map-reading. These results require further investigation. Research from cognitive psychology has demonstrated that the cognitive processing of map information could be enhanced by using linear features of the map graphics that subdivide the map into different sections (“spatial chunks”). These spatial chunks provide map readers an additional orientation pattern that supports information processing. Spatial judgements, for instance, can be made faster when spatial chunks are present in a map. It still remains an open question whether the True-3D accentuation of chunking features, such as dominant street representations in maps, can lead to additional advantages for an efficient transfer of map information. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of True-3D–accentuated streets for map-reading efficiency. To achieve this, an empirical study of the performances of 66 participants was conducted. In this study, a streets-in-True-3D condition (3D-Streets) was compared to a streets-in-2D condition (2D-Streets). Following previous research, map-reading efficiency was measured as both the mean percentage of correct counting tasks (hit rate) and the mean response time to solve a counting task correctly (speed). It was shown that the 3D-Streets condition significantly improved the speed but not the hit rate.
Laser cleaning of steam generator tubing based on acoustic emission technology
Authors: Hou S.-X. , Luo J.-J. , Shen T. , Li R.-S.
Published: December 2015

As a physical method, laser cleaning technology in equipment maintenance will be a good prospect. The experimental apparatus for laser cleaning of heat tubes in the steam generator was designed according to the results of theoretical analysis. There are two conclusions; one is that laser cleaning technology is attached importance to traditional methods. Which has advantages in saving on much manpower and material resource and it is a good cleaning method for heat tubes. The other is that the acoustic emission signal includes lots of information on the laser cleaning process, which can be used as real-time monitoring in laser cleaning processes. When the laser acts for 350 s, 100 % contaminants of heat tubes is cleaned off, and the sensor only receives weak AE signal at that time.
Development of a new analytic function expansion nodal code, HexDANM, for solving the neutron diffusion equation in hexagonal-Z geometry
Authors: Jalili Bahabadi M. H. , Pazirandeh A. , Athari M.
Published: December 2015

In this paper, we developed a new approach of analytic function expansion nodal (AFEN) method to solve the multi-group and multi-dimensional neutron diffusion equation in reactor cores with hexagonal fuel assembly. This method represents a multidimensional intra nodal flux distribution in terms of analytic basis functions at any points in the node. New types of boundary conditions have been considered that constrain the intranodal flux distributions in the hexagonal-z node, which include twelve radial surface-averaged partial currents and two axial surface-averaged partial currents. We utilized the coarse group rebalancing (CGR) method to increase the speed of code calculations. The computer code takes a few-groups cross sections produced by a lattice code and calculates the effective multiplication factor (keff
), flux in multi-group energy, reactivity, and the relative power density at each fuel assembly. Finally, the solution accuracy is tested for two well-known benchmark problems. The numerical results demonstrate that the new AFEN method is an accurate method for calculating keff and power density distribution in hexagonal-z geometries.
Radiotracer application for characterization of nuclear grade anion exchange resins Tulsion A-23 and Dowex SBR LC
Authors: Singare P. U.
Published: December 2015

Radio isotopic tracer technique as one of the versatile nondestructive technique is employed to evaluate the performance of nuclear grade anion exchange resins Tulsion A-23 and Dowex SBR LC. The evaluation was made on the basis of ion-isotopic exchange reaction kinetics by using 131I and 82Br radioactive tracer isotopes. It was observed that for both the resins, the values of specific reaction rate (min−1), amount of ion exchanged (mmol) and initial rate of ion exchange (mmol/min) were calculated to be lower for bromide ion-isotopic exchange reaction than that for iodide ion-isotopic exchange reaction. It was observed that for iodide ion-isotopic exchange reaction under identical experimental conditions of 30.0 °C, 1.000 g of ion exchange resins and 0.001 mol/L labeled iodide ion solution, the values of specific reaction rate (min−1), amount of iodide ion exchanged (mmol), initial rate of iodide ion exchange (mmol/min) and log Kd were calculated as 0.377, 0.212, 0.080 and 15.5 respectively for Dowex SBR LC resin, which was higher than 0.215, 0.144, 0.031 and 14.1 respectively as that obtained for Tulsion A23 resins. Also at a constant temperature of 30.0 °C, as the concentration of labeled iodide ion solution increases from 0.001 mol/L to 0.004 mol/L, the percentage of iodide ions exchanged increases from 84.75 % to 90.20 % for Dowex SBR LC resins which was higher than increases from 57.66 % to 62.38 % obtained for Tulsion A23 resins. The identical trend was observed for the two resins during bromide ion-isotopic exchange reaction. The overall results indicate superior performance of Dowex SBR LC over Tulsion A23 resins under identical experimental conditions.
Solving the criticality problem with the reflected boundary condition for the triplet anisotropic scattering with the modified FN method
Authors: Türeci R. G.
Published: December 2015

One speed, time independent neutron transport equation in slab geometry can be solved with the triplet anisotropic scattering for the criticality problem with the reflected boundary condition. The value of the critical slab thickness is investigated numerically by using the Modified FN (HN) method. Case's eigenfunctions, normalization relation and orthogonality relations must be derived for this scattering in order to use the Modified FN method. Some selected values, which can be calculated from the criticality equation, can be tabulated. Also the term which comes from the Poincaré-Bertrand formula may be added to the orthogonality formula of the continuum eigenfunction.
Evaluation of Recycled Concrete as Aggregates in New Concrete Pavements
Authors: Wen Haifang , McLean David I. , Willoughby Kim
Published: December 2015

This study evaluated the use of recycled concrete as coarse aggregate in new concrete pavements. Recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) produced from demolished pavements in three geographically dispersed locations in Washington State was used to perform tests on aggregate characteristics, fresh concrete properties, and hardened concrete properties. Variables included the source of the RCA, percentage of replacement of coarse natural aggregate with RCA (0% to 45%), and percentage of replacement of portland cement with Class F fly ash (0% or 20%). RCA from all three sources met the Washington State Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements for aggregates, and all fresh and hardened concrete properties met Washington State DOT requirements. Replacement of RCA for natural coarse aggregate by up to 45% by volume had no significant effects on any of the concrete properties. These results indicate that high-quality RCA can be used as a replacement for a portion of the coarse natural aggregates in new portland cement concrete pavements.
Effects of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on the anthropometric variables, lipid profiles and liver enzymes in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Jafarvand Elnaz , Farhangi Mahdieh Abbasalizad , Alipour Beytollah , Khoshbaten Manouchehr
Published: December 2015

This randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial was conducted on 41 patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Patients in intervention group received 100 mg/day coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) for four weeks. There was a significant reduction in waist circumference and aspartate aminotransferase concentrations after CoQ10 supplementation (p<0.05). Dietary fiber was in negative correlation with change in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) concentrations (r = -410, p = 0.04), and dietary fat intake was in positive relation with serum triglyceride (r = 463, p = 0.04) and in negative relation with serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (r = -533, p = 0.02) in CoQ10-treated group. CoQ10 supplement is able to reduce central obesity and improve liver function in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Dietary factors were also significant determinants of change in liver-specific enzyme ALT and lipid profile in these patients. Further trials with higher dose of CoQ10 and longer treatment periods are warranted to better clarify these findings.

 
Raman Spectra of Carbon-Based Materials (from Graphite to Carbon Black) and of Some Silicone Composites
Authors: Bokobza Liliane , Bruneel Jean-Luc , Couzi Michel
Published: December 2015

Carbon-based nanomaterials have emerged as a subject of enormous scientific attention due to their outstanding mechanical, electrical and thermal properties. Incorporated in a polymeric matrix, they are expected to significantly improve physical properties of the host medium at extremely small filler content. In this work, we report a characterization of various carbonaceous materials by Raman spectroscopy that has become a key technique for the analysis of different types of sp2 nanostructures, including one-dimensional carbon nanotubes, two-dimensional graphene and the effect of disorder in their structures. The dispersion behavior of the D and G’ Raman bands, that is, their shift to higher frequencies with increasing laser excitation energy, is used to assess the interfacial properties between the filler and the surrounding polymer in the composites.
Zeolite Catalysts for Phenol Benzoylation with Benzoic Acid: Exploring the Synthesis of Hydroxybenzophenones
Authors: Gliozzi Gherardo , Passeri Sauro , Bortolani Francesca , Ardizzi Mattia , Mangifesta Patrizia , Cavani Fabrizio
Published: December 2015

In this paper, we report on the reaction of phenol benzoylation with benzoic acid, which was carried out in the absence of solvent. The aim of this reaction is the synthesis of hydroxybenzophenones, which are important intermediates for the chemical industry. H-beta zeolites offered superior performance compared to H-Y, with a remarkably high conversion of phenol and high yields to the desired compounds, when using a stoichiometric amount of benzoic acid. It was found that the reaction mechanism did not include the intramolecular Fries rearrangement of the primary product phenyl benzoate, but indeed, the bimolecular reaction between phenyl benzoate and phenol mainly contributed to the formation of hydroxybenzophenones. The product distribution was greatly affected by the presence of Lewis-type acid sites in H-beta; it was suggested that the interaction between the aromatic ring and the electrophilic Al3+ species led to the preferred formation of o-hydroxybenzophenone, because of the decreased charge density on the C atom at the para position of the phenolic ring. H-Y zeolites were efficient than H-beta in phenyl benzoate transformation into hydroxybenzophenones.
Handling Interdependencies in Climate Change Risk Assessment
Authors: Dawson Richard
Published: December 2015

Typically, a climate change risk assessment focuses on individual sectors or hazards. However, interdependencies between climate risks manifest themselves via functional, physical, geographical, economic, policy and social mechanisms. These can occur over a range of spatial or temporal scales and with different strengths of coupling. Three case studies are used to demonstrate how interdependencies can significantly alter the nature and magnitude of risk, and, consequently, investment priorities for adaptation. The three examples explore interdependencies that arise from (1) climate loading dependence; (2) mediation of two climate impacts by physical processes operating over large spatial extents; and, (3) multiple risks that are influenced by shared climatic and socio-economic drivers. Drawing upon learning from these case studies, and other work, a framework for the analysis and consideration of interdependencies in climate change risk assessment has been developed. This is an iterative learning loop that involves defining the system, scoping interaction mechanisms, applying appropriate modelling tools, identifying vulnerabilities and opportunities, and assessing the performance of adaptation interventions.
Designing an Incentive Contract Menu for Sustaining the Electricity Market
Authors: Yu Ying , Jin Tongdan , Zhong Chunjie
Published: December 2015

This paper designs an incentive contract menu to achieve long-term stability for electricity prices in a day-ahead electricity market. A bi-level Stackelberg game model is proposed to search for the optimal incentive mechanism under a one-leader and multi-followers gaming framework. A multi-agent simulation platform was developed to investigate the effectiveness of the incentive mechanism using an independent system operator (ISO) and multiple power generating companies (GenCos). Further, a Q-learning approach was implemented to analyze and assess the response of GenCos to the incentive menu. Numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the incentive contract.
Optimal Design of an Axial-Flux Permanent-Magnet Middle Motor Integrated in a Cycloidal Reducer for a Pedal Electric Cycle
Authors: Yang Yee-Pien , Jiang Jia-Ming
Published: December 2015

This paper proposes an optimal design of a middle motor integrated into a mid-drive unit for pedal electric cycles. This middle motor is an axial-flux permanent magnet brushless DC motor with a stator plate. Facing this plate is a rotor plate that acts as an eccentric component of a cycloidal reducer next to the stator. Both the middle motor and cycloidal reducer are easily installed on the same axle of the bike crankset. In the preliminary design, driving requirements are used to make the middle motor specifications. The numbers of stator slots and magnet poles on the rotor were chosen to achieve the best winding factor, and the winding layout was determined accordingly. A one-dimensional magnetic circuit model of the middle motor was built, and its shape was optimized utilizing a multifunctional optimization system tool. Finally, the resulting design was verified and refined by a finite element analysis. A prototype of the middle motor was fabricated with a stator made of a soft magnetic composite and integrated with a cycloidal reducer. Experimental results show that the motor has a sinusoidal back electromotive force. Additionally, it is easily controlled by sinusoidal currents with acceptable torque and speed curves.
Newborn Screening for Primary Immunodeficiencies: Focus on Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) and Other Severe T-Cell Lymphopenias
Authors: Borte Stephan , Reichenbach Janine
Published: December 2015

Primary immunodeficiencies (PID) are congenital disorders of immune competence, which are mainly characterized by a pathological susceptibility to infection. More than 240 PID disease entities have been defined so far, accounting for a broad spectrum of clinical symptoms and severity. Severe PID are increasingly becoming appreciated as a relevant health problem, and diagnostic procedures and screening profiles to allow earliest possible diagnosis on a population scale have already been developed in the USA and few European countries. The most severe PID are characterized by significant mortality in the first years of life, as well as serious morbidity with irreversible organ damage. This applies in particular to PID that are defined by the absence or functional anergy of T-lymphocytes (severe combined immunodeficiency; SCID) or B-lymphocytes (e.g., X-linked agammaglobulinemia; XLA). A strategy to improve the outcome of severe PID by prompt diagnosis and immediate adequate treatment is screening newborns for the presence of T and B cells.
Col11a1 Regulates Bone Microarchitecture during Embryonic Development
Authors: Hafez Anthony , Squires Ryan , Pedracini Amber , Joshi Alark , Seegmiller Robert , Oxford Julia
Published: December 2015

Collagen XI alpha 1 (Col11a1) is an extracellular matrix molecule required for embryonic development with a role in both nucleating the formation of fibrils and regulating the diameter of heterotypic fibrils during collagen fibrillar assembly. Although found in many different tissues throughout the vertebrate body, Col11a1 plays an essential role in endochondral ossification. To further understand the function of Col11a1 in the process of bone formation, we compared skeletal mineralization in wild-type (WT) mice and Col11a1-deficient mice using X-ray microtomography (micro-CT) and histology. Changes in trabecular bone microstructure were observed and are presented here. Additionally, changes to the periosteal bone collar of developing long bones were observed and resulted in an increase in thickness in the case of Col11a1-deficient mice compared to WT littermates. Vertebral bodies were incompletely formed in the absence of Col11a1. The data demonstrate that Col11a1 depletion results in alteration to newly-formed bone and is consistent with a role for Col11a1 in mineralization. These findings indicate that expression of Col11a1 in the growth plate and perichondrium is essential for trabecular bone and bone collar formation during endochondral ossification. The observed changes to mineralized tissues further define the function of Col11a1.
Comparison of Abdominal Visceral Adipose Tissue Area Measured by Computed Tomography with That Estimated by Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis Method in Korean Subjects
Authors: Lee Dong-Hwa , Park Kyeong , Ahn Soyeon , Ku Eu , Jung Kyong , Kim Yoon , Kim Kyoung , Moon Jae , Choi Sung , Park Kyong , Jang Hak , Lim Soo
Published: December 2015

We evaluated the concordance between visceral fat area (VFA) estimated by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) or computed tomography (CT) in Korean subjects with a wide range in age and body mass index (BMI). In 1006 individuals (mean age 55.2 ± 11.8 (19–87) years, mean BMI 26.0 ± 3.5 (17–46) kg/m2, 48.9% men), VFA quantified by CT was compared with VFA using multifrequency BIA machines within 15 days. Concordance rates were compared by age or BMI using correlation analysis, Bland-Altman plots, and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Using BIA data, we established a regression formula to reflect CT-VFA. The mean VFAs by CT and BIA were 131.9 ± 57.3 cm2 and 110.5 ± 33.9 cm2, respectively (r = 0.605, p < 0.001). The mean difference was 21.4 ± 45.6 cm2, tending to increase with BMI. In women with BMI <25 kg/m2 or age <50 years, the VFAs by BIA were similar to those by CT (ICC = 0.496 in BMI <25 kg/m2 and ICC = 0.638 in age <50 years). However, the difference was greater in men with BMI ≥25 kg/m2 or age ≥50 years. Applying our formula, the difference between estimations decreased to 0.2 ± 38.2cm2. VFA estimated by BIA correlated well with that by CT, but a more accurate formula is needed to match CT data, particularly in older men or subjects with a high BMI.
Planning the Minimum Time and Optimal Survey Trajectory for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles in Uncertain Current
Authors: Hurni Michael , Kiriakidis Kiriakos
Published: December 2015

The authors develop an approach to a “best” time path for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles conducting oceanographic measurements under uncertain current flows. The numerical optimization tool DIDO is used to compute hybrid minimum time and optimal survey paths for a sample of currents between ebb and flow. A simulated meta-experiment is performed where the vehicle traverses the resulting paths under different current strengths per run. The fastest elapsed time emerges from a payoff table. A multi-objective function is then used to weigh the time to complete a mission versus measurement inaccuracy due to deviation from the desired survey path.
Islet Culture/Preservation before Islet Transplantation
Authors: Noguchi Hirofumi , Miyagi-Shiohira Chika , Kurima Kiyoto , Kobayashi Naoya , Saitoh Issei , Watanabe Masami , Noguchi Yasufumi , Matsushita Masayuki
Published: December 2015

Although islet culture prior to transplantation provides flexibility for the evaluation of isolated islets and the pretreatment of patients, it is well known that isolated islets deteriorate rapidly in culture. Human serum albumin (HSA) is used for medium supplementation instead of fetal bovine serum (FBS), which is typically used for islet culture research, to avoid the introduction of xenogeneic materials. However, FBS contains several factors that are beneficial to islet viability and which also neutralize the endogenous pancreatic enzymes or exogenous enzymes left over from the isolation process. Several groups have reported the comparison of cultures at 22°C and 37°C. Recent studies have demonstrated the superiority of 4°C preservation to 22°C and 37°C cultures. We herein review the current research on islet culture/preservation for clinical islet transplantation.
Efficient Gene Transduction of Dispersed Islet Cells in Culture Using Fiber-Modified Adenoviral Vectors
Authors: Hanayama Hiroyuki , Ohashi Kazuo , Utoh Rie , Shimizu Hirofumi , Ise Kazuya , Sakurai Fuminori , Mizuguchi Hiroyuki , Tsuchiya Hiroyuki , Okano Teruo , Gotoh Mitsukazu
Published: December 2015

To establish novel islet-based therapies, our group has recently developed technologies for creating functional neo-islet tissues in the subcutaneous space by transplanting monolithic sheets of dispersed islet cells (islet cell sheets). Improving cellular function and viability are the next important challenges for enhancing the therapeutic effects. This article describes the adenoviral vector-mediated gene transduction of dispersed islet cells under culture conditions. Purified pancreatic islets were obtained from Lewis rats and dissociated into single islet cells. Cells were plated onto laminin-5-coated temperature-responsive polymer poly( N-isopropylacrylamide)-immobilized plastic dishes. At 0 h, islet cells were infected for 1 h with either conventional type 5 adenoviral vector (Ad-CA-GFP) or fiber-modified adenoviral vector (AdK7-CA-GFP) harboring a polylysine (K7) peptide in the C terminus of the fiber knob. We investigated gene transduction efficiency at 48 h after infection and found that AdK7-CA-GFP yielded higher transduction efficiencies than Ad-CA-GFP at a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 5 and 10. For AdK7-CA-GFP at MOI = 10, 84.4 ± 1.5% of islet cells were found to be genetically transduced without marked vector infection-related cellular damage as determined by viable cell number and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assay. After AdK7-CA-GFP infection at MOI = 10, cells remained attached and expanded to nearly full confluency, showing that this adenoviral infection protocol is a feasible approach for creating islet cell sheets. We have shown that dispersed and cultured islet cells can be genetically modified efficiently using fiber-modified adenoviral vectors. Therefore, this gene therapy technique could be used for cellular modification or biological assessment of dispersed islet cells.
Whole Body Magnetic Resonance Imaging Features in Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis in Conjunction with Clinical Variables to Whole Body MRI and Clinical Variables in Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: Weiss Bettina G. , Bachmann Lucas M. , Pfirrmann Christian W.A. , Kissling Rudolf O. , Zubler Veronika
Published: December 2015

Objective.

Discrimination of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) can be challenging. Usefulness of whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (WB-MRI) in diagnosing spondyloarthritis has been recently proved. We assessed the value of clinical variables alone and in combination with WB-MRI to distinguish between DISH and AS.

Methods.

Diagnostic case-control study: 33 patients with AS and 15 patients with DISH were included. All patients underwent 1.5 Tesla WB-MRI scanning. MR scans were read by a blinded radiologist using the Canadian-Danish Working Group’s recommendation. Imaging and clinical variables were identified using the bootstrap. The most important variables from MR and clinical history were assessed in a multivariate fashion resulting in 3 diagnostic models (MRI, clinical, and combined). The discriminative capacity was quantified using the area under the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The strength of diagnostic variables was quantified with OR.

Results.

Forty-eight patients provided 1545 positive findings (193 DISH/1352 AS). The final MR model contained upper anterior corner fat infiltration (32 DISH/181 AS), ankylosis on the vertebral endplate (4 DISH/60 AS), facet joint ankylosis (4 DISH/49 AS), sacroiliac joint edema (11 DISH/91 AS), sacroiliac joint fat infiltration (2 DISH/114 AS), sacroiliac joint ankylosis (2 DISH/119 AS); area under the ROC curve was 0.71, 95% CI 0.64–0.78. The final clinical model contained patient’s age and body mass index (area under the ROC curve 0.90, 95% CI 0.89–0.91). The full diagnostic model containing clinical and MR information had an area under the ROC curve of 0.93 (95% CI 0.92–0.95).

Conclusion.

WB-MRI features can contribute to the correct diagnosis after a thorough conventional workup of patients with DISH and AS.
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Prevalence and Predictors
Authors: Pérez-Peñate Gregorio Miguel , Rúa-Figueroa Iñigo , Juliá-Serdá Gabriel , León-Marrero Fernándo , García-Quintana Antonio , Ortega-Trujillo José Ramón , Erausquin-Arruabarrena Celia , Rodríguez-Lozano Carlos , Cabrera-Navarro Pedro , Ojeda-Betancor Nazario , Gómez-Sánchez Miguel Ángel
Published: December 2015

Objective.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) prevalence has been reported to be between 0.5% and 17% in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study assessed PAH prevalence and predictors in an SLE cohort.

Methods.

The Borg dyspnea scale, DLCO, N-terminal pro–brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and Doppler echocardiographic (DE) were performed. An echocardiographic Doppler exercise test was conducted in selected patients. When DE systolic pulmonary arterial pressure was ≥ 45 mmHg or increased during exercise > 20 mmHg, a right heart catheterization was performed. Hemodynamic during exercise was measured if rest mean pulmonary arterial pressure was < 25 mmHg.

Results.

Of the 203 patients with SLE, 152 were included. The mean age was 44.9 ± 12.3 years, and 94% were women. Three patients had known PAH. The algorithm diagnosed 1 patient with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension and 5 with exercise-induced pulmonary artery pressure increase (4 with occult left diastolic dysfunction). These patients had significantly more dyspnea, higher NT-proBNP, and lower DLCO.

Conclusion.

These data confirm the low prevalence of PAH in SLE. In our cohort, occult left ventricular diastolic dysfunction was a frequent diagnosis of unexplained dyspnea. Dyspnea, DLCO, and NT-proBNP could be predictors of pulmonary hypertension in patients with SLE.
Schönheit und Ekel. Zu Lessings “unklassischer”. Materialität der Künste im Laokoon
Authors: Gibhardt Boris Roman
Published: December 2015

L’esthétique lessingienne de la (com)passion peut également être lue comme une esthétique de la matérialité de l’art : les effets différents que doivent produire l’art visuel et l’art poétique depuis l’Antiquité ne résultent pas d’une norme préconçue, mais d’une conscience sensuelle des effets différents des matières artistiques comme la relation entre froideur, mort et beauté du marbre par rapport au mouvement et à l’énergie de la parole. Ainsi, Lessing oppose à l’idée winckelmanienne, selon laquelle les Anciens auraient voulu réaliser l’idéal du beau, une poétique de l’imagination « matérielle » : afin d’encourager la passion, ils ont tout à fait représenté ce qui est repoussant, laid, dégoûtant, pour équilibrer justement le moment délicat où le beau y prend le dessus sur d’autres expressions sensuelles de la vie et de la mort. Car le plaisir esthétique ne peut se fonder sur l’idéal du beau seul. Ainsi, Lessing se révèle précurseur du « non-classique » et du Romantisme, ce qui sera démontré par rapport à Goethe, Delacroix, Byron, Baudelaire et d’autres.
L’appropriation de la règle de droit : impératif de sauvegarde de l’emploi et dispositifs de départs volontaires
Authors: Bourguignon Rémi , Garaudel Pierre
Published: December 2015

Les plans de départs volontaires mettent en jeu différentes logiques qui entrent en tension les unes avec les autres et vont expliquer une formalisation différenciée par les employeurs. Dans le contexte français, la recherche du consentement individuel dans une perspective de pacification des restructurations peut se heurter à un principe juridique selon lequel l’employeur doit mettre en œuvre les moyens qui sont en son pouvoir pour sauvegarder l’emploi. Pour répondre à ces tensions, la notion de projet professionnel joue un rôle central. Partant de ce constat, les auteurs se donnent pour objectif de rendre compte de la diversité des dispositions prévues dans les plans de départs volontaires. Ils s’appuient, pour cela, sur l’analyse du contenu de 67 plans de départs volontaires en France et dressent une typologie des modes de régulation à l’œuvre 1 .
Interactive Whiteboards in Brazilian’s Primary School: New Barriers
Authors: Esteves Rodolfo Fernandes , Fiscarelli Silvio Henrique , Bizelli José Luís
Published: December 2015

This article focuses on presenting the results from the research Barreiras para implementação da Lousa Digital Interativa: um estudo de caso, thus contributing to the systematization of knowledge about the implementation of this didactic-pedagogic resource. Starting from the set of barriers listed in the BECTA report of the 2004, we have elaborated a panorama composed of the barriers, their main characteristics and whether they occur in the context of the Brazilian school being studied. The field study consisted of an analysis of available hardware and software, interviews with the principal and teachers, as well as direct observation in the classrooms. As a result, we will present an analysis of the barriers in the aforementioned report which were found in the Brazilian context. Furthermore, two new barriers emerge in Brazilian public schools.
Development and Application of Audio-triggered Courseware in Remote Music Teaching
Authors: Liu Lilian
Published: December 2015

This study determined the limitations of current distance video teaching, including unsynchronized audio/video, lack of interaction, and broadband occupancy. The theoretical basis and supporting technology for developing an audio-triggered courseware teaching system were discussed. The corresponding system was designed and developed. The author applied this system to teach a course on Guzheng specialty at the Department of Music and designed a control experiment to verify the effects of this system. Results show that the effect of audio-triggered courseware teaching is significantly superior to that of a traditional distance video teaching system. When students cannot attend classes, using the audio-triggered courseware teaching system may be a preferable option.