bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
De Grecia a Narnia: la fábula del león y el ratón fuera de las colecciones de fábulas
Authors: Mariño Arias Ana María
Published: June 2015

De Grecia a Narnia: la fábula del león y el ratón fuera de las colecciones de fábulas
Alcohol Consumption and Periodontitis: Quantification of Periodontal Pathogens and Cytokines
Authors: Lages Eugênio J.P. , Costa Fernando O. , Cortelli Sheila C. , Cortelli José R. , Cota Luís O.M. , Cyrino Renata Magalhães , Lages Elizabeth M.B. , Nobre‐Franco Gilson C. , Brito João A.R. , Gomez Ricardo S.
Published: June 2015

Background: There are few studies on periodontal status related to microbiologic and immunologic profiles among individuals not or occasionally using alcohol and those with alcohol dependence. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of alcohol consumption on the levels of subgingival periodontal pathogens and proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin [IL]‐1β and tumor necrosis factor [TNF]‐α) in the gingival fluid among individuals with and without periodontitis.

Methods: This observational analytic study includes 88 volunteers allocated in four groups (n = 22): individuals with alcohol dependence and periodontitis (ADP), individuals with alcohol dependence and without periodontitis (ADNP), individuals not or occasionally using alcohol with periodontitis (NAP), and individuals not or occasionally using alcohol without periodontitis (NANP). Levels of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Prevotella intermedia, Eikenella corrodens, and Fusobacterium nucleatum were determined by real‐time polymerase chain reaction on the basis of the subgingival biofilm, and IL‐1β and TNF‐α were quantified by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in gingival fluid samples.

Results: Individuals with alcohol dependence showed worse periodontal status and higher levels of P. intermedia, E. corrodens, F. nucleatum, and IL‐1β than non‐users. No significant correlations between TNF‐α and bacterial levels were observed. However, in the ADP group, higher levels of E. corrodens were correlated with higher levels of IL‐1β.

Conclusion: A negative influence of alcohol consumption was observed on clinical and microbiologic periodontal parameters, as well as a slight influence on immunologic parameters, signaling the need for additional studies.
Joint Effects of Structural Racism and Income Inequality on Small-for-Gestational-Age Birth
Authors: Wallace Maeve E. , Mendola Pauline , Liu Danping , Grantz Katherine L.
Published: June 2015

Objectives. We examined potential synergistic effects of racial and socioeconomic inequality associated with small-for-gestational-age (SGA) birth.

Methods. Electronic medical records from singleton births to White and Black women in 10 US states and the District of Columbia (n = 121 758) were linked to state-level indicators of structural racism, including the ratios of Blacks to Whites who were employed, were incarcerated, and had a bachelor’s or higher degree. We used state-level Gini coefficients to assess income inequality. Generalized estimating equations models were used to quantify the adjusted odds of SGA birth associated with each indicator and the joint effects of structural racism and income inequality.

Results. Structural racism indicators were associated with higher odds of SGA birth, and similar effects were observed for both races. The joint effects of racial and income inequality were significantly associated with SGA birth only when levels of both were high; in areas with high inequality levels, adjusted odds ratios ranged from 1.81 to 2.11 for the 3 structural racism indicators.

Conclusions. High levels of racial inequality and socioeconomic inequality appear to increase the risk of SGA birth, particularly when they co-occur.
Brief Intervention and Follow-Up for Suicidal Patients With Repeat Emergency Department Visits Enhances Treatment Engagement
Authors: Stanley Barbara , Brown Gregory K. , Currier Glenn W. , Lyons Chelsea , Chesin Megan , Knox Kerry L.
Published: June 2015

We implemented an innovative, brief, easy-to-administer 2-part intervention to enhance coping and treatment engagement. The intervention consisted of safety planning and structured telephone follow-up postdischarge with 95 veterans who had 2 or more emergency department (ED) visits within 6 months for suicide-related concerns (i.e., suicide ideation or behavior). The intervention significantly increased behavioral health treatment attendance 3 months after intervention, compared with treatment attendance in the 3 months after a previous ED visit without intervention. The trend was for a decreasing hospitalization rate.
Intimacy, Loneliness & Infidelity
Authors: Rokach Ami , Philibert-Lignières Gwenaëlle
Published: June 2015

This article explores the experience of loneliness in intimacy, with a special focus on infidelity. First, the notion of intimacy and love are examined and related to the concept of loneliness. To be in love is often thought to exclude being lonely but research shows otherwise.’ Loneliness is exacerbated when intimacy is shattered by interpersonal events like infidelity. A review of recent literature regarding infidelity is presented. The concepts of depression, social support, self-esteem, and betrayal as a result of infidelity are examined and linked to loneliness. Also included, is a small discussion regarding the psychological distress and loneliness of the adulterer, before and after the revelation of infidelity. It is further asserted that loneliness is a two-way construct when speaking of infidelity; not only is it a salient product of infidelity, but also a strong predictor of its occurrence.
Mapping the Lonely Landscape - Assessing Loneliness and Its Consequences
Authors: Junttila Niina , Kainulainen Sakari , Saari Juho
Published: June 2015

The subjective nature of loneliness poses challenges for valid and reliable assessment methods - what should we ask when we want to evaluate one´s loneliness? Therefore, this study aimed to compare loneliness assessed by different indicators: frequency of loneliness over the last year, number of good friends, satisfaction with existing social relationships, and the short version of the UCLA Loneliness Scale. These indicators were used to study the gender and age-related differences between lonely and non-lonely adults and as predictors for the self-reported consequences of loneliness. The sample consisted of 17,258 Finnish adults aged 30 to 60 years. Based on our results, the number of good friends had less power as an indicator for the self-reported negative consequences of loneliness than did the other indicators (i.e., satisfaction with existing personal relationships and resultant [based on confirmatory factor analysis] social and emotional loneliness factors of the UCLA Loneliness Scale). The importance of identifying loneliness in the prevention of psychosocial and economic issues, substance abuse and eating disorders, and negative consequences on health is discussed. More broadly, based on our results, we find that there is a legitimate reason to consider loneliness as a form of social inequality.
New construction of minimal (v,3,2)-coverings
Authors: Nikolic Nebojsa
Published: June 2015

A (v,3,2)-covering is a family of 3-subsets of a v-set, called blocks, such
that any two elements of v-set appear in at least one of the blocks. In this
paper, we propose new construction of (v,3,2)-coverings with the minimum
number of blocks. This construction represents a generalization of Bose?s and
Skolem?s constructions of Steiner systems S(2,3,6n+3) and S(2,3,6n+1). Unlike
the existing constructions, our construction is direct and it uses the set of
base blocks and permutation p, so by applying it the remaining blocks of
(v,3,2)-covering are obtained.
Nonfinancial Information Preferences of Professional Investors
Authors: Cohen Jeffrey R. , Holder-Webb Lori , Zamora Valentina L.
Published: June 2015

Academics, regulators, and the general business community have called for the assessment of the decision-usefulness of three key categories of nonfinancial information: economic, governance, and corporate social responsibility (CSR). This study builds on prior research by examining the nonfinancial information preferences of professional investors, how their demand for the nonfinancial information categories compares to those of nonprofessional investors, and whether these demands vary across subgroups of professional investors. Based on survey responses from 228 professional investors, the results show that this investor class prefers nonfinancial information that is concise, comprehensive, comparable, and credible. Similar to prior research, the results indicate that professional and nonprofessional investors have similar demand orderings: they are most interested in economic information, then governance information, and then CSR information. However, professional investors demand greater detail than do nonprofessional investors for subcategories of economic and governance information. Further, while both professional and nonprofessional investors' demand is increasing for all subcategories of governance and CSR information, the change in demand is more pronounced for nonprofessional relative to professional investors, and particularly for CSR information subcategories. These variations in preferences suggest potential differences in perspectives between professional and nonprofessional investors. Finally, the findings indicate that institutional investors have recently used less economic information. For the subgroups whose investment research consists of at least a quarter of socially responsible investments (SRI), the higher the SRI investor level, the higher the recent usage of more information categories; and the higher the SRI investor level, the higher the future demand for economic information, but the lower the SRI investor level, and the higher the demand for CSR information. These findings suggest potential differences in investment approaches among subgroups of professional investors. Together, these results provide support for more integrated reporting of nonfinancial information to meet professional investors' multidimensional preferences and differences in demand relative to those of nonprofessional investors.
Multicolored Femtosecond Pulse Synthesis Using Coherent Raman Sidebands in a Reflection Scheme
Authors: Wang Kai , Zhdanova Alexandra , Zhi Miaochan , Hua Xia , Sokolov Alexei
Published: June 2015

Broadband coherent Raman generation emerges as a successful method to produce multicolored femtosecond pulses and time-shaped laser fields. In our study, coherent Raman sidebands are generated in a Raman-active crystal, driven by two-color femtosecond laser pulses. An interferogram of the sidebands based on coherent Raman scattering is produced in a novel reflection scheme. The relative spectral phases of the sidebands are obtained from the interferogram using a numerical simulation. This enables us to retrieve the ultrafast waveform using coherent Raman sidebands.
Supramolecular Approaches to Nanoscale Morphological Control in Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Haruk Alexander , Mativetsky Jeffrey
Published: June 2015

Having recently surpassed 10% efficiency, solar cells based on organic molecules are poised to become a viable low-cost clean energy source with the added advantages of mechanical flexibility and light weight. The best-performing organic solar cells rely on a nanostructured active layer morphology consisting of a complex organization of electron donating and electron accepting molecules. Although much progress has been made in designing new donor and acceptor molecules, rational control over active layer morphology remains a central challenge. Long-term device stability is another important consideration that needs to be addressed. This review highlights supramolecular strategies for generating highly stable nanostructured organic photovoltaic active materials by design.
In vitro Hypolipidemic and Antioxidant Effects of Leaf and Root Extracts of Taraxacum Officinale
Authors: García-Carrasco Belén , Fernandez-Dacosta Raquel , Dávalos Alberto , Ordovás José , Rodriguez-Casado Arantxa
Published: June 2015

Adipose tissue dysfunction constitutes a primary defect in obesity and might link this disease to severe chronic health problems. We aimed to evaluate the antioxidant activity of three extracts from Taraxacum officinale (dandelion) as well as their effects on mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes concerning intracellular lipid accumulation and cytotoxicity, this would give indications regarding therapeutic interest of dandelion as potential anti-obesity candidate. Antioxidant activities of extracts from dandelion roots and leaves were evaluated in vitro using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhyorazyl (DPPH) and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) methods at the concentration range used in cellular assays (300–600 µg/mL). The influence of the extracts on mature 3T3-L1 adipocyte viability was determined by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Lipid content was determined by Oil-red-O staining. The extracts showed effective antioxidant activity correlating with total flavonoid and polyphenol contents. However, the functionality level was weakly associated with the antioxidant activity. Further, our data demonstrated that mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes reduced in size and number when incubated with the extracts, which suggests a significant increase in lipolysis activity. Particularly, leaf extract and crude powdered root of dandelion reduced triglyceride accumulation in mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes to a greater extent that the extract from the root. Our study shows anti-lipogenic effects of dandelion extracts on adipocytes as well as radical scavenging and reducing activity. Importantly, along with previous results indicating that cell populations cultivated in the presence of the dandelion extracts decrease in 3T3-L1 adipogenesis capacity, these results suggests that these extracts might represent a treatment option for obesity-related diseases by affecting different processes during the adipocyte life cycle.
Oxidation of Disulfides to Thiolsulfinates with Hydrogen Peroxide and a Cyclic Seleninate Ester Catalyst
Authors: McNeil Nicole , McDonnell Ciara , Hambrook Miranda , Back Thomas
Published: June 2015

Cyclic seleninate esters function as mimetics of the antioxidant selenoenzyme glutathione peroxidase. They catalyze the reduction of harmful peroxides with thiols, which are converted to disulfides in the process. The possibility that the seleninate esters could also catalyze the further oxidation of disulfides to thiolsulfinates and other overoxidation products under these conditions was investigated. This has ramifications in potential medicinal applications of seleninate esters because of the possibility of catalyzing the unwanted oxidation of disulfide-containing spectator peptides and proteins. A variety of aryl and alkyl disulfides underwent facile oxidation with hydrogen peroxide in the presence of catalytic benzo-1,2-oxaselenolane Se-oxide affording the corresponding thiolsulfinates as the principal products. Unsymmetrical disulfides typically afforded mixtures of regioisomers. Lipoic acid and N,N′-dibenzoylcystine dimethyl ester were oxidized readily under similar conditions. Although isolated yields of the product thiolsulfinates were generally modest, these experiments demonstrate that the method nevertheless has preparative value because of its mild conditions. The results also confirm the possibility that cyclic seleninate esters could catalyze the further undesired oxidation of disulfides in vivo.
Crosslinked Carbon Nanotubes/Polyaniline Composites as a Pseudocapacitive Material with High Cycling Stability
Authors: Liu Dong , Wang Xue , Deng Jinxing , Zhou Chenglong , Guo Jinshan , Liu Peng
Published: June 2015

The poor cycling stability of polyaniline (PANI) limits its practical application as a pseudocapacitive material due to the volume change during the charge-discharge procedure. Herein, crosslinked carbon nanotubes/polyaniline (C-CNTs/PANI) composites had been designed by the in situ chemical oxidative polymerization of aniline in the presence of crosslinked carbon nanotubes (C-CNTs), which were obtained by coupling of the functionalized carbon nanotubes with 1,4-benzoquinone. The composite showed a specific capacitance of 294 F/g at the scan rate of 10 mV/s, and could retain 95% of its initial specific capacitance after 1000 CV cycles. Such high electrochemical cycling stability resulting from the crosslinked skeleton of the C-CNTs makes them potential electrode materials for a supercapacitor.
“I Heard the Voice. I Felt the Presence”: Prayer, Health and Implications for Clinical Practice
Authors: Esperandio Mary , Ladd Kevin
Published: June 2015

Research concerning the relation between physical health and prayer typically employs an outcome oriented paradigm and results are inconsistent. This is not surprising since prayer per se is not governed by physiological principles. More revealing and logically compelling, but more rare, is literature examining health and prayer from the perspective of the participants. The present study examines the health–prayer experience of 104 Christians in the United States. Data were collected through recorded video interviews and analyzed by means of content analysis. Results show that prayer is used as a context nuanced spiritual tool for: dealing with physical suffering (spiritual-religious coping); sustaining hope and spirituality via a sacred dimension; personal empowerment; self-transcendence. These findings demonstrate that practitioners primarily engage prayer at a spiritual rather than a physical level, underscoring the limitations of a biomedical or “Complementary and Alternative Medicine” perspective that conceptualizes prayer as a mechanism for intentionally improving physical health. In clinical practice, regarding the medical, psychotherapeutic, or pastoral, the challenge is to understand prayer through the framework of the practitioner, in order to affirm its potential in healthcare processes.
Modulated Raman Spectroscopy for Enhanced Cancer Diagnosis at the Cellular Level
Authors: De Luca Anna , Dholakia Kishan , Mazilu Michael
Published: June 2015

Raman spectroscopy is emerging as a promising and novel biophotonics tool for non-invasive, real-time diagnosis of tissue and cell abnormalities. However, the presence of a strong fluorescence background is a key issue that can detract from the use of Raman spectroscopy in routine clinical care. The review summarizes the state-of-the-art methods to remove the fluorescence background and explores recent achievements to address this issue obtained with modulated Raman spectroscopy. This innovative approach can be used to extract the Raman spectral component from the fluorescence background and improve the quality of the Raman signal. We describe the potential of modulated Raman spectroscopy as a rapid, inexpensive and accurate clinical tool to detect the presence of bladder cancer cells. Finally, in a broader context, we show how this approach can greatly enhance the sensitivity of integrated Raman spectroscopy and microfluidic systems, opening new prospects for portable higher throughput Raman cell sorting.
The Role of Biotechnology in Sustainable Agriculture: Views and Perceptions among Key Actors in the Swedish Food Supply Chain
Authors: Björnberg Karin , Jonas Elisabeth , Marstorp Håkan , Tidåker Pernilla
Published: June 2015

Researchers have put forward agricultural biotechnology as one possible tool for increasing food production and making agriculture more sustainable. In this paper, it is investigated how key actors in the Swedish food supply chain perceive the concept of agricultural sustainability and the role of biotechnology in creating more sustainable agricultural production systems. Based on policy documents and semi-structured interviews with representatives of five organizations active in producing, processing and retailing food in Sweden, an attempt is made to answer the following three questions: How do key actors in the Swedish food supply chain define and operationalize the concept of agricultural sustainability? Who/what influences these organizations’ sustainability policies and their respective positions on agricultural biotechnology? What are the organizations’ views and perceptions of biotechnology and its possible role in creating agricultural sustainability? Based on collected data, it is concluded that, although there is a shared view of the core constituents of agricultural sustainability among the organizations, there is less explicit consensus on how the concept should be put into practice or what role biotechnology can play in furthering agricultural sustainability.
NEW DESIGN EQUATIONS FOR ELASTIC MODULUS OF CONCRETE USING MULTI EXPRESSION PROGRAMMING
Authors: Gandomi Amir H. , Faramarzifar Ali , Rezaee Peyman Ghanad , Asghari Abazar , Talatahari Siamak
Published: June 2015

An innovative multi expression programming (MEP) approach is used to derive new predictive equations for tangent elastic modulus of normal strength concrete (NSC) and high strength concrete (HSC). Similar to several building codes, the modulus of elasticity of NSC and HSC is formulated in terms of concrete compressive strength. Furthermore, a generic model is developed for the estimation of the elastic modulus of both NSC and HSC. Comprehensive databases are gathered from the literature to develop the models. For more verification, a parametric analysis is carried out and discussed. The proposed formulas are found to be accurate for the prediction of the elastic modulus of NSC and HSC. The predictions made by the MEP-based models are more accurate than those obtained by the existing models.
Constructions of Banksy
Authors: Spiegel Cheri Lemieux
Published: June 2015

This chapter examines how multiple, often competing, identities of the street artist Banksy are constructed through a variety of media. It uses actor network theory and activity theory to trace and analyze the contexts, or networks, wherein Bansky's identity is constructed. Banksy's identity is of particular interest because he is an anonymous figure, and he actively abstains from social media. This examination of how he is constructed online sheds light on the agency that individuals have in constructing their identity in digital spaces. The insight from this investigation should be of great relevance for all professionals as they consider the non-professional writing they do, or chose not to do, beyond their office walls, within the public domain.
Marketing in an Interactive World
Authors: Sasser Sheila , Kilgour Mark , Hollebeek Linda D.
Published: June 2015

The focus of this chapter is to address emerging trends, opportunities, and key challenges facing managers in their communication processes in an increasingly interactive social media environment. A review of the current social media literature and two qualitative research studies provide insights into the changing nature of the communications process in social media, as opposed to more traditional, communications environments. These insights are drawn together to provide a number of managerial implications for social media marketers.
The influence of Canadian research on semiochemical-based management of forest insect pests in Canada
Authors: Evenden Maya L. , Silk Peter J.
Published: June 2015

Insects use semiochemicals to mediate important behaviours such as mating, oviposition, and foraging for resources. Chemical ecology research aims to identify these message-bearing chemicals and develop synthetic copies of semiochemicals for use in integrated pest management (IPM). There has been, and continues to be, an extensive research effort to understand the chemical ecology of various insects considered to be pests of forests in Canada. Canadian chemical ecology research has had an impact on IPM of forest insect pests in Canada and around the world. Canadian researchers have been involved in the identification of semiochemicals used by forest insects and the development and implementation of semiochemical-based management tactics for forest pest management. Semiochemicals have been incorporated into forest pest management for a variety of insect taxa primarily as tools to monitor and control forest insect pests in Canada. The goals of the current review are to: (1) highlight research conducted on semiochemical-based management of forest pests in Canada; (2) discuss the current and potential uses of semiochemicals in IPM of forest pests in Canada; and (3) evaluate potential areas for increased research and implementation of semiochemicals into the management of forest pests in Canada.
Chemical characterization of submicron regional background aerosols in the western Mediterranean using an Aerosol Chemical Speciation Monitor
Authors: Minguillón M. C. , Ripoll A. , Pérez N. , Prévôt A. S. H. , Canonaco F. , Querol X. , Alastuey A.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. An Aerosol Chemical Speciation Monitor (ACSM, Aerodyne Research Inc.) was deployed at the Montseny (MSY; 41° 46'46" N, 02° 21'29" E, 720 m a.s.l.) regional background site in the western Mediterranean, Spain, from June 2012 to July 2013 to measure real-time inorganic (nitrate, sulfate, ammonium and chloride) and organic submicron aerosol concentrations. Co-located measurements, including real-time submicron particulate matter (PM1) and black carbon (BC) concentrations, and off-line PM1 chemical analysis were also carried out. This is one of the few studies that compare ACSM data with off-line PM1 measurements, avoiding the tail of the coarse mode included in the PM2.5 fraction. The ACSM + BC concentrations agreed with the PM1 measurements, and a strong correlation was found between the concentrations of ACSM species and the off-line measurements, although some discrepancies remain unexplained. Results point to a current underestimation of the relative ionization efficiency (RIE) established for organic aerosol (OA), which should be revised in the future. The OA was the major component of submicron aerosol (53% of PM1), with a higher contribution in summer (58% of PM1) than in winter (45% of PM1). Source apportionment of OA was carried out by applying positive matrix factorization (PMF), using the multilinear engine (ME-2) to the organic mass spectral data matrix. Three sources were identified in summer: hydrocarbon-like OA (HOA), low-volatile oxygenated OA (LV-OOA), and semi-volatile oxygenated OA (SV-OOA). The secondary OA (SOA; 4.8 μg m−3, sum of LV-OOA and SV-OOA) accounted for 85% of the total OA, and its formation during daytime (mainly SV-OOA) was estimated to be 1.1 μg m−3. In winter, HOA was also identified (12% of OA), a contribution from biomass burning OA (BBOA) was included and it was not possible to differentiate between two different SOA factors, but a single oxygenated OA (OOA) factor was resolved. The OOA contribution represented 60% of the total OA, with a degree of oxidation higher than both OOA summer factors. An intense wildfire episode was studied, obtaining a region-specific BBOA profile.
Sensitivity of water scarcity events to ENSO driven climate variability at the global scale
Authors: Veldkamp T. I. E. , Eisner S. , Wada Y. , Aerts J. C. J. H. , Ward P. J.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. Globally, freshwater shortage is one of the most important risks for society. Changing hydro-climatic and socioeconomic conditions have aggravated water scarcity over the past decades. A wide range of studies show that water scarcity will intensify in the future, as a result of both increased consumptive water use and in some regions climate change However, less attention has been paid to the impacts of climate variability on water scarcity, despite its importance for adaptation planning. Therefore, we present the first global scale sensitivity assessment of water scarcity and water availability to El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), the most dominant signal of climate variability. We show that over the time period 1961–2010, both water availability and water scarcity conditions are significantly correlated with ENSO-driven climate variability over a large proportion of the global land area (> 28.1%); an area inhabited by more than 31.4% of the global population. We also found, however, that climate variability alone is often not enough to trigger the actual incidence of water scarcity events. The sensitivity of a region to water scarcity events, expressed in terms of land area or population impacted, is determined by both hydro-climatic and socioeconomic conditions. Currently, the population actually impacted by water scarcity events consists of 39.6% (water stress) and 41.1% (water shortage) of the global population whilst only 11.4% (water stress) and 15.9% (water shortage) of the global population is at the same time living in areas sensitive to ENSO driven climate variability. These results are contrasted however by differences in found growth rates under changing socioeconomic conditions, which are relatively high in regions affected by water scarcity events. Given the correlations found between ENSO and both water availability and water scarcity, and the relative developments of water scarcity impacts under changing socioeconomic conditions, we suggest that there is potential for ENSO-based adaptation and risk reduction which could be facilitated by more research on this emerging topic.
Flood risk governance arrangements in Europe
Authors: Matczak P. , Lewandowski J. , Choryński A. , Szwed M. , Kundzewicz Z. W.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. The STAR-FLOOD (Strengthening and Redesigning European Flood Risk Practices Towards Appropriate and Resilient Flood Risk Governance Arrangements) project, funded by the European Commission, investigates strategies for dealing with flood risk in six European countries: Belgium, the UK, France, the Netherlands, Poland and Sweden and in 18 vulnerable urban regions in these countries. The project aims to describe, analyse, explain, and evaluate the main similarities and differences between the selected EU Member States in terms of development and performance of flood risk governance arrangements. It also discusses the scientific and societal importance of these similarities and differences. Attention is paid to identification and characterization of shifts in flood risk governance arrangements and in flood risk management strategies and to determination of triggering factors and restraining factors. An assessment of a change of resilience and appropriateness (legitimacy, effectiveness, efficiency) of flood risk governance arrangements in Poland is presented and comparison with other European countries is offered.
Extreme flood estimations on a small alpine catchment in Switzerland, the case study of Limmerboden
Authors: Zeimetz F. , García-Hernández J. , Schleiss A. J.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. In this paper, a case study on the estimations of extreme floods is described. The watershed chosen for the analysis is the catchment of the Limmernboden dam situated in Switzerland. Statistical methods and the simulation based "Probable Maximum Precipitation – Probable maximum Flood" (PMP-PMF) approach are applied for the estimation of the safety flood according to the Swiss flood directives. The results of both approaches are compared in order to determine the discrepancies between them. It can be outlined that the PMP-PMF method does not always overestimate the flood.
Evaluating extreme flood characteristics of small mountainous basins of the Black Sea coastal area, Northern Caucasus
Authors: Lebedeva L. S. , Semenova O. M. , Vinogradova T. A. , Kruchin M. N. , Volkova N. V.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. The probability of heavy rains and river floods is expected to increase with time in the Northern Caucasus region. Densely populated areas in the valleys of small mountainous watersheds already frequently suffer from catastrophic peak floods caused by intense rains at higher elevations. This study aimed at assessing the flood characteristics of several small basins in the piedmont area of the Caucasus Mountains adjacent to the Black Sea coast including ungauged Cemes River in the Novorossiysk city. The Deterministic-Stochastic Modelling System which consists of hydrological model Hydrograph and stochastic weather generator was applied to evaluate extreme rainfall and runoff characteristics of 1% exceedance probability. Rainfall intensity is shown to play more significant role than its depth in formation of extreme flows within the studied region.
Effectiveness of Water Infrastructure for River Flood Management: Part 2 – Flood Risk Assessment and Its Changes in Bangladesh
Authors: Kwak Y. , Gusyev M. , Arifuzzaman B. , Khairul I. , Iwami Y. , Takeuchi K.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. A case study of Bangladesh presents a methodological possibility based on a global approach for assessing river flood risk and its changes considering flood hazard, exposure, basic vulnerability and coping capacity. This study consists of two parts in the issue of flood change: hazard assessment (Part 1) and risk assessment (Part 2). In Part 1, a hazard modeling technology was introduced and applied to the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna (GBM) basin to quantify the change of 50- and 100-year flood hazards in Bangladesh under the present (1979–2003) and future (2075–2099) climates. Part 2 focuses on estimating nationwide flood risk in terms of affected people and rice crop damage due to a 50-year flood hazard identified in Part 1, and quantifying flood risk changes between the presence and absence of existing water infrastructure (i.e., embankments). To assess flood risk in terms of rice crop damage, rice paddy fields were extracted and flood stage-damage curves were created for maximum risk scenarios as a demonstration of risk change in the present and future climates. The preliminary results in Bangladesh show that a tendency of flood risk change strongly depends on the temporal and spatial dynamics of exposure and vulnerability such as distributed population and effectiveness of water infrastructure, which suggests that the proposed methodology is applicable anywhere in the world.
Farlige forbindelser? En refleksjon over forholdet mellom teori, praksis og moralsk ansvarlighet i økonomifaget
Authors: Dybvig Dagfinn Døhl
Published: June 2015

Finanskrisen har satt fornyet fokus på den praktiske betydningen av samfunnsøkonomifaget. I det følgende vil jeg diskutere fagets problematiske posisjon i overgangen mellom teori og praksis. Dette danner utgangspunkt for min påstand om at økonomene bærer et moralsk ansvar for hvordan faget direkte og indirekte legger premisser for økonomisk politikk og dermed også for den økonomiske utviklingen i samfunnet, finanskrisen inkludert. Jeg vil argumentere for at dette påkaller en etisk og epistemologisk bevisstgjøring av samfunnsøkonomiprofesjonen, og jeg antyder noen forslag til hvordan dette kan angripes.
Kriser og etikk
Authors: Nydal Rune , Myskja Bjørn , Solberg Berge
Published: June 2015

Moderne samfunn synes mer sårbare enn vi synes å like og ta inn over oss. Flere tenkere som Ulrich Beck og Anthony Giddens har påpekt sammenhengen mellom teknologi, kompleksitet og risiko som et særtrekk ved det moderne samfunnet. De teknologier som bidrar til vår velstand og trygghet, er samtidig opphav til nye former for risiko. Vi utsettes dermed for risikoformer som er skapt av en utvikling vi alle har medansvar for, og som ingen enkeltpersoner eller grupper alene kan bære ansvaret for. Det førmoderne livet var farefullt, og samfunnet ble utsatt for alvorlige kriser, men det var en type krise man i mindre grad kunne kalle menneskeskapt og som vi derfor ikke behøvde å laste oss selv og andre for. Noen av de mest alvorlige av vår tids kriser, derimot, er knyttet til våre egne, kollektive handlinger, og det stiller oss overfor spesifikt moderne etiske og politiske utfordringer.
Mobile communication and ethics: implications of everyday actions on social order
Authors: Ling Rich , McEwen Rhonda
Published: June 2015

Of the many opportunities and affordances that mobile technologies bring to our day-to-day lives, the ability to cheat physical separation and remain accessible to each other—in an instant—also brings pressure to bear on well-established social conventions as to how we should act when we are engaged with others in shared spaces. In this paper we explore some ethical dimensions of mobile communication by considering the manner in which individuals in everyday contexts balance interpretations of emergent social conventions with personal desires to connect in the moment. As we later discuss, the decisions made in response to a ringing mobile phone or flashing text message emerge from consequential versus deontological ethical frames used to determine what to do versus what we ought to do. This is particularly true in western and North American cultural contexts from which our data are collected. Using Goffman's dramaturgy, we suggest that these conflicts occurring on an individual level provide evidence of social structure, and are simultaneously entwined with our less obvious ruminations on the maintenance of social order.
Deltagende overvågning og sociale fællesskaber på nettet
Authors: Albrechtslund Anders
Published: June 2015

Artiklen handler om de forskelligartede overvågningspraksisser, der er opstået i forbindelse med nye sociale medier. Fokus er særligt på den måde overvågning indgår som et bærende element i den sociale interaktion, hvor brugerne deler informationer med et netværk.Nøgleord: overvågning, sociale medier, deltagelse, magtEnglish summary: Participatory surveillance and online social networkingThe article is about the different surveillance practices that have appeared in the wake of new social media. Focus is on how surveillance is a central part of social interaction, as users share information with a network.
Profesjonsetiske utfordringer
Authors: Solberg Berge , Nydal Rune , Myskja Bjørn
Published: June 2015

Dette nummeret av Etikk i praksis er i utgangspunktet ikke et temanummer. Profesjonsetiske utfordringer synes likevel å utgjøre et gjennomgangstema i de fleste av artiklene som utgis i dette nummeret. Det er en påminnelse om at en aldri blir ferdig med etiske problemstillinger innenfor et fagfelt, siden fagfeltene og profesjonelle oppgaver samt forventninger til profesjonen forandres hele tiden.
Mangfold og felles utfordringer i anvendt etikk
Authors: Nydal Rune , Solberg Berge , Myskja Bjørn
Published: June 2015

Da dette tidsskriftet ble etablert for seks år siden, var det ut fra tanken om at det finnes noen felles problemstillinger innen etikk og politikk som får en spesiell karakter i nordiske land. Den velferdsmodellen vi har utviklet innenfor rammene av et deltakende demokrati, gir vilkår for debatten som vi ikke deler fullt ut med de fleste andre demokrati i verden. Mange av de artiklene vi har trykket i disse årene, har vist betydningen av denne nordiske konteksten. Det gjelder også noen av bidragene i dette nummeret.
Household food waste in Nordic countries: Estimations and ethical implications
Authors: Gjerris Mickey , Gaiani Silvia
Published: June 2015

This study focuses on food waste generated by households in four Nordic countries: Finland, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Based on existing literature we present (A) comparable data on amounts and monetary value of food waste; (B) explanations for food waste at household level; (C) a number of public and private initiatives at national levels aiming to reduce food waste; and (D) a discussion of ethical issues related to food waste with a focus on possible contributions from ecocentric ethics. We argue that reduction of food waste at household level, which has an impact on issues such as climate change and unjust distribution of food resources, needs to be based on an appreciative and relational understanding of nature and food and not only on economic and moralizing arguments. This is done by drawing on an ecocentric perspective where food is seen as one of the areas where new narratives need to be developed to establish cultural habits replacing a focus on affluence and individual choice with a focus on participatory embeddedness in a more-than-human lifeworld.
Governance of mineral resources: Towards the end of national states’ supremacy?
Authors: Verrax Fanny
Published: June 2015

This paper addresses the issue of mineral resources’ governance and trading rules. In doing so, it takes a closer look at the 2012 World Trade Organization (WTO) case pertaining to Chinese exportation quotas of rare earth elements and other minerals. It argues that the current governance system based on national responsibility over resources control and global trading rules is not well adapted to a sustainable and fair management of mineral resources, and concludes by suggesting two paths towards a better governance of such resources.
Geen analoge toepassing van het Hangmat-arrest op artikel 6:179 BW
Authors: Verheijden M.
Published: June 2015

Geen analoge toepassing van het Hangmat-arrest op artikel 6:179 BW. Rb. Den Haag 4 maart 2015, ECLI:NL:RBDHA:2015:2443

Eiseres wordt gebeten door hond Jengo, die gezamenlijk bezit is van haar en haar echtgenoot. Zij spreekt de aansprakelijkheidsverzekeraar van haar echtgenoot aan en vordert 50% van haar schade. Eiseres meent dat de regel uit het Hangmat-arrest voor artikel 6:174 BW ook van toepassing is op de aansprakelijkheid voor dieren (art. 6:179 BW). De rechtbank trekt de lijn van het Hangmat-arrest niet door naar artikel 6:179 BW. De rechtbank overweegt daartoe dat artikel 6:179 en 6:174 BW een andere grondslag kennen en dat de bezitter van een dier ook het ‘profijt’ van het bezit daarvan heeft.
SIMULATION MODEL OF TRANSPORT SYSTEM OF POLAND AS A TOOL FOR DEVELOPING SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT
Authors: Jacyna Marianna , Wasiak Marian , Kłodawski Michał , Lewczuk Konrad
Published: June 2015

Paper presents features of simulation model of proecological transport system on the example of Poland. Model allows computational experimentation and inference on transport modal split and emission of pollution in national transport system. Particular elements of the model are characterized: transport networks for different modes, stock of vehicles, demand model for passenger and freight transport, and mechanism of material and passenger flows distribution into a network. Characteristics describing infrastructure, vehicles, and harmful compounds of exhaust gases are given. Model is implemented in PTV VISUM. Road and rail vehicles for passenger and freight transport are characterized and divided into groups according to types. The demand for transport services and emission of exhaust gases components are reflected in model of proecological transport system of Poland. The last part of paper presents exemplary results of research on estimating emission from transport activities.
La Garantie de Qualité des Données Géospatiales
Authors: Plante Katherine , Gervais Marc
Published: June 2015

Les données géospatiales sont maintenant omniprésentes au sein de notre société et sont abondamment utilisées autant par les institutions publiques pour remplir leur mission que par les citoyens dans la gestion courante de leurs affaires. La diffusion des données géospatiales soulève des interrogations quant à la nature du contrat applicable et de la garantie de qualité qui peut y être applicable.

Les données doivent-elles être appréhendées telles des biens corporels ou incorporels? Les garanties usuelles définies au sein de notre législation trouvent-elles application si ce sont des biens incorporels? Qu'en est-il des caractéristiques particulières des données géospatiales? Est-ce simple d'en garantir la qualité?

Cet article vise à présenter un tour d'horizon en matière de garantie de qualité des données géospatiales en droit québécois. Nous abordons d'abord les caractéristiques intrinsèques des données géospatiales, la notion de garantie de qualité et le concept d'exactitude ainsi que les garanties implicites et conventionnelles. Ensuite, nous investiguerons les effets que peuvent avoir les différentes catégories de contrat sur la portée, voire l'existence de la garantie de qualité.

Le résultat de l'analyse est à l'effet que plusieurs déclinaisons possibles de la garantie de qualité existent, qu'il perdure encore certaines incertitudes juridiques faisant en sorte de compliquer la tâche d'une organisation désirant mettre en circulation des données géospatiales.
Performance Analysis of GPS / GALILEO PPP Model for Static and Kinematic Applications
Authors: Rabbou Mahmoud Abd , El-Rabbany Ahmed
Published: June 2015

In this paper, the contribution of Galileo observations to GPS precise point positioning (PPP) is assessed for both static and kinematic applications. As well, the performance of Galileo-only PPP is investigated in static mode using the existing four operational Galileo satellites. Un-differenced ionosphere-free linear combinations of pseudorange and carrier phase measurements are considered herein. Rigorous models are used to account for tropospheric delay, satellite clock error, ocean loading, Earth tide, carrier phase windup, relativity, and satellite antenna phase-center variations. The accuracy of combined GPS/ Galileo PPP solution is assessed in static mode using data from a number of GNSS stations within the multi-GNSS experiment (MGEX). To assess the accuracy of kinematic GPS/Galileo PPP, we use data from a real test scenario in downtown Kingston, Ontario. The results indicate that Galileo-only PPP achieves decimetre to metre-level positioning accuracy. However, the solution convergence time exceeds the one-hour level due to the presence of code biases. The addition of Galileo observations slightly enhances the PPP accuracy and convergence time in comparison with the GPS-only PPP solution.
Stabilisation of geodetic points in the surroundings of Johann Gregor Mendel Station, James Ross Island, Antarctica
Authors: Stachoň Zdeněk , Russnák Jan , Nývlt Daniel , Hrbáček Filip
Published: June 2015

The article is focused on issuing of the permanent stabilisation of geodetic points in the periglacial environment. Periglacial environment of ice-free areas of northern James Ross Island is characterised by specific geomorphological processes connected with freezing and thawing and mass movement processes in the superficial part of the ground. Variable intensity of periglacial processes creates main limitations for traditional methods of permanent geodetic point’s stabilisation. This article describes periglacial processes with regards to the traditional stabilisation methods and suggests alternative solutions, which were practically applied and verified on the ice-free area of Ulu Peninsula, northern James Ross Island.
Concise Review: Manufacturing of Pancreatic Endoderm Cells for Clinical Trials in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Schulz Thomas C.
Published: June 2015

The cellular component of ViaCyte's VC-01 combination product for type 1 diabetes, pancreatic endoderm cells (PEC-01) derived from CyT49 human embryonic stem cells, matures after transplantation and functions to regulate blood glucose in rodent models. The aims in manufacturing PEC-01 at scale are to generate a consistent and robust transplantable population that functions reliably and safely in vivo. ViaCyte has integrated multiple bioprocessing strategies to enable a tightly controlled PEC-01 manufacturing process for clinical entry.

Significance

This review summarizes the manufacturing process for the first human embryonic stem cell-based candidate treatment for type 1 diabetes to enter clinical testing. It presents the key strategic principles used to enable scaled production of pancreatic endoderm and will have widespread interest in academia and biopharma.