bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Discriminate Condition for Foot-Cut of the Conjugation with Two Degrees of Freedom
Authors: Liu Hu Ran
Published: March 2011

This paper deduced a new kind of discriminate equation of foot-cut of the gearing with 2-degrees of freedom, and introduced the application of this new equation. Some times the surface to be machined or the gear profile to be generated could be expressed by the equation as: , but some times the surface to be machined or the gear to be generated could only be expressed by the equation as: F ( x,y,z ) = 0 . If the surface or gear profile is expressed by the formal one, we already have several kinds of discriminate equations to deal with the problem of foot cut. But how about the occasions when the surface to be machined can be expressed by the equation as: F ( x,y,z ) = 0 . This paper deduced a new discriminate equation to calculate the foot cut condition and find the way to prevent it.
The Self-Organizing Modeling for NC Scheduling in Grid System
Authors: Luo Ya Bo
Published: March 2011

This Sharing over web is an effective approach to improve the utilization factor of Numeric Control (NC) equipments. However, the complex schedule of the multi-queuing system has always been the difficulty of the sharing system. This research applies the burgeoning grid technology regarding the NC resource scheduling as the Constraint Satisfaction Problem (CSP) to develop the correlation-based self-organizing model, involving both logic model and computational model, which constructed based on the analysis of the complex correlations among the NC resource. The self-organizing CSP model is able to provide the mathematic foundation for overcoming the above difficulty in multi-queuing system.
Micromechanics Analysis of the Tensile Behavior of Twaron Fiber Tows at Various Strain Rates
Authors: Zhu Lv Tao , Sun Bao Zhong
Published: March 2011

In this study, tensile experiments of Twaron fiber tows under different strain rates (quasi-static:0.001s-1, dynamic: 800s-1~2400s-1) were carried out with MTS 810.23 materials tester and split Hopkinson tension bar (SHTB) respectively. The results showed that the mechanical properties of the Twaron fiber tows were sensitive to strain rate: the stiffness and failure stress of the fiber tows increased distinctly as the strain rate increased, while the failure strain decreased. From scanning electronic microscope (SEM) photographs of the fracture surface, it is indicated that the Twaron fiber tows failed in a more tough mode and the axial split will become more severe as the strain rate increases.
An Effective Tabu Search for Vehicle Routing Problem with Pickup and Delivery Service
Authors: Li Yun Yao , Liu Chang Shi
Published: March 2011

The vehicle routing problem with delivery and pick-up service was considered in this paper. A tabu search was proposed to determine the optimal set of routes to totally satisfy both the delivery and pick-up demand. Performances are compared with other heuristics appeared in the literature recently by the bench-mark data sets. The computational results show that the proposed approaches produce high quality results within a reasonable computing time.
Influence of Multi-Step Cumulative Deformation on Static Recrystallization of Steel 26Cr2Ni4MoV
Authors: Ni Li Yong , Kang Peng Chao , Yu Suo Qing , Liu Zhu Bai
Published: March 2011

Considering the difficulty for the dynamic recrystallization to happen in Steel 26Cr2Ni4MoV, which was used to manufacture low-pressure steam turbine rotors generally, after-forging static recrystallization was studied with the thermo-torsion method. In order to investigate the influence of multi-step cumulative deformation on after-forging static recrystallization of Steel 26Cr2Ni4MoV, the thermo-torsion method was adopted to conduct a constant-temperature four-step torsion test at 900°C. The time gap between each step in the test agreed with that in real production. Results show that the influence of multi-step cumulative deformation on after-forging static recrystallization is almost the same with that of single-step deformation. It means that the nucleation and the growth of after-forging static recrystallization are related mainly to the last deformation and temperature-keeping time. Grain size can be controlled through the last deformation and temperature-keeping time. The findings supply the theoretical foundation for the said-steel controlled forging processes.
Research on Variant Design of Parts Based on Tabular Layouts of Article Characteristics
Authors: Lu Yu Jun , Liu Guang Wei
Published: March 2011

Variant design of parts for mass customization is a rapidly custom process with standardized and modularized modules. Tabular layouts of article characteristics (TLAC) describe standardization and regularization information of product, and can expediently implement product variant design and variant response of process. On the basis of analyzing TLAC, combined with programming language Visual C++, an approach of part’s rapid responding design based on UG NX6.0 and TLAC was presented. The basic principle and the modeling method of master model technology based on TLAC were discussed. Finally, an application example of gear was given to verify the feasibility of the method
“Nonintelligective Factors Inducing Scenario” Teaching Paradigm Developed and Applied Research
Authors: Xu Guang , Zhao Chen Guang , Xu Yan Li
Published: March 2011

Nonintelligective factors inducing scenario, as a new teaching paradigm of teaching model, compared with the traditional teaching model is a kind of innovation and development, which is a more effective teaching model. This paper is based on scenario cognitive theory, which put forward the dynamic relationship model of the nonintelligective factors inducing scenario teaching paradigm, and emphasizing the teaching of both dynamic learning and the non-intellectual factors in learning, in order to stimulate strong interest of learners’ and increase participation. In the teaching process, it emphasizes more on the creation of scenarios, learning motivation and feedback behavior of learners’, in order to improve teaching effect.
Ethylene Polymerization by Phenyl Sulfide Bridged Dinuclear Titanocene Complex/MAO
Authors: Nie Yu Jing , Yang Ming
Published: March 2011

The phenyl sulfide bridged metallocene complex [(C5H5)Cl2TiC5H4CH2(C6H4-p)]2S has been synthesized by treating the dilithium salts of the phenyl sulfide bridged cyclopentadienyl ligand with two equivalents of C5H5TiCl3 and characterized by 1HMNR and elemental analysis. After activation with methylaluminoxane (MAO), the complex was highly active catalysts for homogeneous ethylene polymerization in toluene. The influence of the molar ratio [MAO]/[Cat], the catalyst concentration, time and temperature have been studied systematically. The highest catalytic activity of 1 is up to 8.30×105 g PE/mol•Cat•h. Rising the polymerization temperature decreases the catalytic activity for 1. High temperature gel permeation chromatography (HT-GPC) proves the production of polyethylene with a broad molecular weight distribution (MWD), which is reached 10.11.
A Method Based on Support Vector Machine for Feature Selection of Latent Semantic Features
Authors: Li Min Song
Published: March 2011

Latent Semantic Indexing(LSI) is an effective feature extraction method which can capture the underlying latent semantic structure between words in documents. However, it is probably not the most appropriate for text categorization to use the method to select feature subspace, since the method orders extracted features according to their variance,not the classification power. We proposed a method based on support vector machine to extract features and select a Latent Semantic Indexing that be suited for classification. Experimental results indicate that the method improves classification performance with more compact representation.
The Studying on the Influence of Coupling Agents to Short Glass Fiber Reinforced Polyamide Composites
Authors: Liu Jiang , Liu Xiang Guo
Published: March 2011

Influence of coupling agents on microstructure and mechanical properties of short glass fiber reinforced PA66 composites(SGF/PA66) were investigated by using twin screws extruder and injection machine in this paper. When coupling agents (A1100 or A1100+A+B) were added, short glass fiber was distributed in the PA66 matrix more homogeneously; at the same time, the microstructure and properties of GF/PA66 were improved too. Modified effect of multiple coupling agent (A1100+A+B) is better than that of only A1100 and the desired content of A1100 is about 1.5~2.0wt%. When glass fiber content was less than the critical value (35~40%), mechanical properties of PA composites increase with fiber content increasing, but it begin to decrease when content was excess that value. At last, Failure mechanism of GF/PA66 (treated by A1100 or A1100+A+B) was obtained: adhesion of interface between glass fiber and PA66 matrix, friction after the adhesion, glass fiber pullouted and matrix failure.
Application and Research on Warm Mix Asphalt in China
Authors: Hu Chun Hua
Published: March 2011

Environment protection and sustainable development are recognized to be more and more important in the construction of road engineering. For this reason, a new kind of mixture-warm mix asphalt (WMA) is put forward，whose mix temperature lies between hot mix asphalt (HMA) and cold mix asphalt (CMA). Moreover, WMA may be compact in lower temperature without sacrificing performance. The review is focused on research and application of warm mix asphalt in China. And a few problems in application of warm mix asphalt are stated.
Influence of Compression-Flexure to Shear Lag Effect of Box Beam
Authors: Su Qiang , Wu Ya Ping
Published: March 2011

In this paper, the differential equations of box beams are established based on the principle of minimum potential energy and the variational method. The elastic stiffness matrix and geometric stiffness matrix considering shear lag and compression-flexure effects are induced in this paper. And a finite element program is developed. Then the influence of compression-flexure effects to shear lag effect of box beam is analyzed.
Study on Non-Equilibrium Grain-Boundary Segregation of Sulfur among Hastelloy X
Authors: Yang Ming , Nie Yu Jing
Published: March 2011

Sulfur is the main element which caused Nickel-based alloy embrittlement. In this study, the sulfur in Hastelloy X superalloy was determinated with Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES) for samples quenched from 1180 °C and aged at 500 °C for different time. Experiments results confirmed the non-equilibrium segregation characteristics of sulfur. The results showed that a segregation peak of sulfur is at about 20 min during ageing. This peak was satisfactorily elucidated by the theory of non-equilibrium grain-boundary segregation. By theoretical calculation, the critical time constant of impurities sulfur atom in the Hastelloy X δs= 357. At the same time, the result provides a theoretical basis for sulfur segregation mechanism.
Spin-Polarization Electronic Transport through a Quantum Dot in the Influence of Microwave Field
Authors: Zhou Yun Qing , Yao Jian Ming , Kong Ling Min , Wang Rui
Published: March 2011

The evolution operator method is applied to studying the time-dependent and spin-related electron transport through a quantum dot coupled to two magnetic-metal leads. When the microwave field is applied on quantum dot there are additional peaks of PAT current besides the main peak of resonant tunneling current, and the energy distance between peaks relate to the frequency of microwave fields. Furthermore, Furthermore, owe to the magnetism of lead, the spin-up and spin-down current is different in the parallel magnetization configuration while the same in the antiparallel magnetization configuration.
Effect of Cutting Parameters on Dimensional Deviation and Surface Roughness in Machining 0Cr18Ni12Mo2Cu2 Steel
Authors: Xia Ru Ting
Published: March 2011

The aim of this study is to find the influence of cutting parameters and tools on surface roughness and dimensional deviation for better production quality in machining 0Cr18Ni12Mo2Cu2 steel. The most important parameters like cutting velocities, depth of cut and feed rate are considered. The experiments designed four types of boring tool rake angle and two types of coolant, and measured surface roughness and radial runout of workpiece with three acclivitous holes. The results showed that the surface integrity of workpiece obtained by 0.16 mm/rev feed rate with rake angle of tool 25o were superior to that obtained by the previous boring processes. Radial runout precision was highest when feed rate and rake angle were 0.13 mm/rev and 23o, respectively. According to experimental results, the rake angle and structure of boring tool were improved.
Acoustic Reconstructing Method in Prolate Spheroidal Coordinate System
Authors: Zhu Cai Xia , Wang Shi Yuan , Yang Rui Liang
Published: March 2011

An acoustic reconstructing method in prolate spheroidal coordinate system is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the entire acoustic field in prolate spheroidal coordinate system is divided by some infinite domains and every domain has some nodes. Then pressure functions are determined by requiring the assumed-form solution to satisfy the pressure boundary condition at the measured points. Finally, once nodal pressures are specified, the acoustic pressure everywhere is completely determined due to the known pressure function. The efficiency and precision of reconstruction can be significantly enhanced and satisfactory reconstruction can be obtained with relatively few measurements using the new method. The new method proposed in this paper is suitable for the acoustic sources with a characteristic aspect ratio y:z close 1:1 and x at random, which extends the appropriate application domain of traditional acoustic reconstructing method largely.
The Design of Two-Wheel Mobile Platform Using Digital DC Servo Motor Based on CompactRIO
Authors: Liao Yuan Jiang , Li Ming , Xu Chang Kai
Published: March 2011

This paper describes some main design methods of the mechatronics system and control system of the self-balancing two-wheel mobile platform based on a CompactRIO embedded controller, two digital DC servo motors with two odometry encoders, etc. We use mechatronics-oriented virtual prototyping tools to design the mechatronics system using SolidWorks and LabVIEW. And we use fuzzy controller to control this mobile platform. Through several experiments of self-balancing, linear running, it was confirmed that the mobile platform could realize stable mobile motion in a flat surface environment by the fuzzy controller. Using these methods, we have designed a two-wheel mobile platform to keep itself balancing in order to carry something from someplace to another in the future. The two-wheel mobile platform has been manufactured successfully by CIMS & Robotics Center of Shanghai University. The self-balancing control software and the other software have been developed.
Algorithm Research and System Development on Free-Form Surface CNC Processing Parameters Automatically Determination/Equipment Selection/Process Management
Authors: Cao Shu Kun , Song Li , Sui Zhi Ming , Wu Chang Zhong , Jia Jia
Published: March 2011

In view of the randomness of determining free-form surface machining processing program and the complexity and the unpredictable nature of process, in this paper we proposed automatically determination of free-form surface CNC processing technical parameters, research on processing equipment selection algorithm and system development. The method, firstly determine process parameters on the base of the free-form surface characteristics and the precision requirements, or by calculation methods, or by querying the process repository, and secondly, query the existing equipment and their working status from resources repository on the base of the process parameters to select processing equipment, and then have the free-form surface machining, finally, track the parts processing and the process working conditions of equipment.
Finite Deformation of a Class of Rubber Cylindrical Tubes Subjected to Axial Loads
Authors: Yuan Xue Gang , Zhang Wen Zheng , Zhang Hong Wu
Published: March 2011

In this paper, the problem of finite deformation of a cylindrical rubber tube with an internal rigid tube is examined, where the rubber tube is subjected to axial loads on its two ends. A reasonable mathematic model is formulated by using the nonlinear field theory. Then, the implicit solutions that describe the cases of tension and compression are derived. The influence of end loads, thickness and length on the finite deformation is discussed in detail. Numerical simulations are given simultaneously. It also shows that for a large domain of the middle part of the tube, the deformation is very close to a uniform case, but near the two ends of the tube, the change is very fast, which coincides with the mechanical backgrounds.
Study on Recycling of Waste Styrofoam for Adhesive
Authors: Yang Ming , Sui Wen Yun , Qin Yan , Nie Yu Jing
Published: March 2011

Styrofoam has been widely used as an insulator and inpackaging. The disposal of these products creates environmental pollution because of their nondegradable nature. In this paper, a new formulation for recycling waster styrofoam which used for binder is introduced. Some additives, such as rosin resin, phenolic resin, isocyanate and dibutyl phthalate was reacted with styrofoam to produce high performance adhesive. Influences of reaction parameters, such as temperature, time, and additives amount was investigated by orthogonal experiment. Experimental results showed that the amount of rosin and phenolic resin is the biggest influence factor on the reaction. The optimized formulation was rosin (8-10) %, phenolic resin (8-10) %, isocyanate 10%, BPO 2%, DBP 10%. Under the optimum conditions, peel strength of obtained binder reaches 1.056 kN/m, which is higher than that of commerical milky glue.
A Fuzzy-AHP Method to Enterprise’s Partner Selection under the Green Operation Strategy
Authors: Cao Jian , Tang Feng , Xu Qing
Published: March 2011

To solve partner selection problems under enterprise’s green operation strategy nowadays, a new fuzzy-AHP method based on the AHP and basic theory of the triangular fuzzy number was given. Moreover, the evaluation hierarchy structure and corresponding evaluation process were described. Compared with traditional AHP approach, the proposed model combines subjective analysis with quantitative analysis more reasonably, synthesizes group opinions more adequately. The method can be practiced easily and widely, mainly because of the model’s simple, normative arithmetic formulas and the consistency of triangular-fuzzy-number-based judgment matrices. The results of a case study on selecting fabric suppliers in a middle-scale clothing enterprise indicate that, by applying the method-based software system, fair and reasonable conclusions under group decision-making environment can be acquired clearly.
Pumping Currents from Applying a Microwave Field and a Magnetic Field to a Quantum Dot
Authors: Zhou Yun Qing , Yao Jian Ming , Kong Ling Min , Wang Rui
Published: March 2011

The evolution operator approach is applied to studying photon-electron pumping effects on a quantum dot connected to two magnetic leads in the presence of both via-dot and over-dot tunneling channels. It is found that a microwave field applied to the quantum dot may give rise to charge and spin pumping at zero bias voltage for asymmetric magnetic junctions.
Antigen Is Required for Maturation and Activation of Pathogenic Anti-DNA Antibodies and Systemic Inflammation
Authors: Venkatesh Jeganathan , Yoshifuji Hajime , Kawabata Daisuke , Chinnasamy Prameladevi , Stanevsky Anfisa , Grimaldi Christine M. , Cohen-Solal Joel , Diamond Betty
Published: March 2011

Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease characterized by autoantibodies and systemic inflammation that results in part from dendritic cell activation by nucleic acid containing immune complexes. There are many mouse models of lupus, some spontaneous and some induced. We have been interested in an induced model in which estrogen is the trigger for development of a lupus-like serology. The R4A transgenic mouse expresses a transgene-encoded H chain of an anti-DNA Ab. This mouse maintains normal B cell tolerance with deletion of high-affinity DNA-reactive B cells and maturation to immunocompetence of B cells making nonglomerulotropic, low-affinity DNA-reactive Abs. When this mouse is given estradiol, normal tolerance mechanisms are altered; high-affinity DNA-reactive B cells mature to a marginal zone phenotype, and the mice are induced to make high titers of anti-DNA Abs. We now show that estradiol administration also leads to systemic inflammation with increased B cell-activating factor and IFN levels and induction of an IFN signature. DNA must be accessible to B cells for both the production of high-affinity anti-DNA Abs and the generation of the proinflammatory milieu. When DNase is delivered to the mice at the same time as estradiol, there is no evidence for an abrogation of tolerance, no increased B cell-activating factor and IFN, and no IFN signature. Thus, the presence of autoantigen is required for positive selection of autoreactive B cells and for the subsequent positive feedback loop that occurs secondary to dendritic cell activation by DNA-containing immune complexes.
An Anti-Inflammatory Role for Carbon Monoxide and Heme Oxygenase-1 in Chronic Th2-Mediated Murine Colitis
Authors: Sheikh Shehzad Z. , Hegazi Refaat A. , Kobayashi Taku , Onyiah Joseph C. , Russo Steven M. , Matsuoka Katsuyoshi , Sepulveda Antonia R. , Li Fengling , Otterbein Leo E. , Plevy Scott E.
Published: March 2011

Cigarette smoking is a significant environmental factor in the human inflammatory bowel diseases, remarkably, conferring protection in ulcerative colitis. We previously demonstrated that a prominent component of cigarette smoke, CO, suppresses Th17-mediated experimental colitis in IL-10−/− mice through a heme oxygenase (HO)-1–dependent pathway. In this study, homeostatic and therapeutic effects of CO and HO-1 were determined in chronic colonic inflammation in TCR-α–deficient (−/−) mice, in which colitis is mediated by Th2 cytokines, similar to the cytokine milieu described in human ulcerative colitis. TCRα−/− mice exposed to CO or treated with the pharmacologic HO-1 inducer cobalt protoporphyrin demonstrated amelioration of active colitis. CO and cobalt protoporphyrin suppressed colonic IL-1β, TNF, and IL-4 production, whereas IL-10 protein secretion was increased. CO induced IL-10 expression in macrophages and in vivo through an HO-1–dependent pathway. Bacterial products regulate HO-1 expression in macrophages through MyD88- and IL-10–dependent pathways. CO exposure and pharmacologic HO-1 induction in vivo resulted in increased expression of HO-1 and IL-10 in CD11b+ lamina propria mononuclear cells. Moreover, induction of the IL-10 family member IL-22 was demonstrated in CD11b− lamina propria mononuclear cells. In conclusion, CO and HO-1 induction ameliorated active colitis in TCRα−/− mice, and therapeutic effects correlated with induction of IL-10. This study provides further evidence that HO-1 mediates an important homeostatic pathway with pleiotropic anti-inflammatory effects in different experimental models of colitis and that targeting HO-1, therefore, is a potential therapeutic strategy in human inflammatory bowel diseases.
P2Y6 Agonist Uridine 5′-Diphosphate Promotes Host Defense against Bacterial Infection via Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1–Mediated Monocytes/Macrophages Recruitment
Authors: Zhang Zhi , Wang Ziqiang , Ren Hua , Yue Miaomiao , Huang Kan , Gu Hongjie , Liu Mingyao , Du Bing , Qian Min
Published: March 2011

Extracellular nucleotides are important messengers involved in series crucial physiological functions through the activation of P2 purinergic receptors. The detailed function and mechanism of the P2Y family in regulating immune response against invaded pathogens still remains unknown. In this study, the activation of purinoreceptor P2Y6 by UDP was found to play a crucial role in promoting host defense against invaded bacteria through monocytes/macrophages recruitment. The expression level of P2Y6 was much higher than other purinoreceptors in RAW264.7 cells, bone marrow macrophages, and peritoneal macrophages determined by real-time PCR. The supernatant of UDP (P2Y6-specific agonist)-treated RAW264.7 cells exhibited direct chemotaxis to monocytes/macrophages in vitro through Boyden Chambers assay. Meanwhile, the releasing of MCP-1 (MCP-1/CCL2) was enhanced obviously by UDP both in mRNA and protein level. Furthermore, the activation of P2Y6 receptor by UDP also promotes ERK phosphorylation and AP-1 activation in a concentration- and time-dependent manner in RAW264.7 cells. This UDP-induced activation could be inhibited by P2Y6 selectivity antagonist (MRS2578), MEK inhibitor (U0126), and MCP-1 blocking Ab, respectively. Moreover, i.p. injection with UDP resulted in a more efficacious clearance of invaded Escherichia coli and lower mortality in peritonitis mouse model. Together, our studies demonstrate that P2Y6 receptor could be a novel mediator in upregulating innate immune response against the invaded pathogens through recruiting monocytes/macrophages.
Characterization of Chicken Mda5 Activity: Regulation of IFN-β in the Absence of RIG-I Functionality
Authors: Karpala Adam J. , Stewart Cameron , McKay Jim , Lowenthal John W. , Bean Andrew G. D.
Published: March 2011

In mammals, Mda5 and RIG-I are members of the evolutionary conserved RIG-like helicase family that play critical roles in the outcome of RNA virus infections. Resolving influenza infection in mammals has been shown to require RIG-I; however, the apparent absence of a RIG-I homolog in chickens raises intriguing questions regarding how this species deals with influenza virus infection. Although chickens are able to resolve certain strains of influenza, they are highly susceptible to others, such as highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1. Understanding RIG-like helicases in the chicken is of critical importance, especially for developing new therapeutics that may use these systems. With this in mind, we investigated the RIG-like helicase Mda5 in the chicken. We have identified a chicken Mda5 homolog (ChMda5) and assessed its functional activities that relate to antiviral responses. Like mammalian Mda5, ChMda5 expression is upregulated in response to dsRNA stimulation and following IFN activation of cells. Furthermore, RNA interference-mediated knockdown of ChMda5 showed that ChMda5 plays an important role in the IFN response of chicken cells to dsRNA. Intriguingly, although ChMda5 levels are highly upregulated during influenza infection, knockdown of ChMda5 expression does not appear to impact influenza proliferation. Collectively, although Mda5 is functionally active in the chicken, the absence of an apparent RIG-I–like function may contribute to the chicken’s susceptibility to highly pathogenic influenza.
The Effect of Paricalcitol on Vascular Calcification and Cardiovascular Disease in Uremia: Beyond PTH Control
Authors: Cozzolino Mario , Mehmeti Florjan , Ciceri Paola , Volpi Elisa , Stucchi Andrea , Brenna Irene , Cusi Daniele
Published: March 2011

Secondary hyperparathyroidism is a systemic disorder that associates with bone and cardiovascular disease, including arterial calcification. Treatment with calcitriol, the active form of vitamin D, reduces parathyroid hormone levels, but may result in elevations in serum calcium and phosphorus, increasing the risk of vascular calcification in dialysis patients. New vitamin D receptor activators (VDRAs) have been developed and investigated with the rationale to treat high serum PTH levels, with a reduced risk of hypercalcemia and hyperphosphatemia. Paricalcitol is a selective VDRA that suppresses PTH secretion with minimal increases on serum calcium and phosphate. Moreover, paricalcitol prevents vascular calcification in experimental models of renal failure, compared with calcitriol.
A sociological approach to the concept of God amongst Iranian youth
Authors: Safa Mina , Ahmadi Habib
Published: March 2011

One of the most fundamental concepts in Sociology of Religion, the concept of God, was emphasised in this article. Although the God concept is not the same as the transcendental existence of God, it is this concept that is the most fundamental social construct in the entire history of world religions. The aim of this article was the conceptual reconstruction of God amongst the youth of Iran, who may be free from a theological approach. This article aimed to examine the God concept in the ‘epistemological’, ‘emotional’ and ‘social action’ domains. The Iranian society is in transition, faced with delusion about the traditional and modern belief systems, and multiplicity of interpretations and new presentation of One God Allah. A spectrum of these plural presentations of God embodies micro and macro social levels. Some of the most important of these concepts are: individual and personal concept of God, the God in family, in educational system, in religious rituals, and the dominant concept in the society.
The socio-economic impact of Africa’s oldest marine park
Authors: Oberholzer Susan , Saayman Melville , Saayman Andrea , Slabbert Elmarie
Published: March 2011

South African National Parks (SANParks) plays a major role in the tourism industry and has three primary functions, namely to conserve biodiversity, to create tourism and recreational opportunities and to build strong community relations. These parks, therefore, have a definite socio-economic impact on adjacent communities, although little is known about this impact. The main aim of this study was to determine the socio-economic impact of Africa’s oldest marine park, namely Tsitsikamma National Park, which forms part of the newly created Garden Route National Park. This was done by conducting three surveys during April 2008: a visitor’s survey (156 respondents), a community survey (132 respondents) and a business survey (11 respondents). We found that the park has a positive economic impact on the surrounding area and that the community exhibits a favourable attitude towards Tsitsikamma National Park. The results also differed when compared to similar studies conducted at other national parks in South Arica and one of the main reasons for this was that the park is located in a touristic area. For a greater impact however, the park should expand its marine activities, while communication with the local community could also be improved.Conservation implications: Good community relations and ecotourism activities are important components of good conservation practices. This research indicates that tourism activities not only generated funds for conservation, but also benefited the local communities of Tsitsikamma National Park. The positive attitude of local communities makes conservation of biodiversity more sustainable.
A floristic description and utilisation of two home ranges by vervet monkeys in Loskop Dam Nature Reserve, South Africa
Authors: Barrett Alan S. , Brown Leslie R. , Barrett Louise , Henzi Peter
Published: March 2011

The plant communities occurring in the home ranges of two vervet monkey (Chlorocebus aethiops) troops (referred to as the Donga and Picnic troops) were investigated as part of a comprehensive research project on the spatial and temporal patterns in resource dispersion or distribution and range use. From two-way indicator species analysis (TWINSPAN) multivariate classifications refined by Braun-Blanquet procedures, seven plant communities that can be placed into three major groups were identified in the home range of the Donga troop, and eight plant communities that can be placed into four major groups were identified in the home range of the Picnic troop. Classifications and descriptions of the major groups, including vegetation maps, are presented. Diagnostic as well as prominent species of tree, shrub, forb and grass strata are outlined. Ordinations and floristic analyses were undertaken for the two home ranges to highlight vegetative differences between the areas. The phenology of vervet resources and the available resource energy were determined as a basis for the comprehensive study.Conservation implications: This vegetation description and phenology provide valuable information on the utilisation of home ranges by vervets and demonstrate how various management applications can affect the home range dependence of troops.
Identifying the barriers to affirmative action training: Perceptions of affirmative action appointees in Mpumalanga public hospitals
Authors: Rankhumise Edward , Netswera Fulufhelo G.
Published: March 2011

Orientation: Since the advent of democracy in 1994 numerous policies and programmes were put in place to address the imbalances of race and gender in the South African labour force.Research purpose: The aim of this study is to gauge the perceptions about existing barriers in the implementation of affirmative action (AA) training interventions at public hospitals in the Mpumalanga Province.Motivations for the study: The research conducted in this study provides valuable information which would enable the Mpumalanga health department and public hospital management to develop improved interventions associated with AA training interventions.Research design, approach and method: The population of the study consists of two groups of participants which are AA appointees and AA mentors. The study mixed qualitative and quantitative research methodological processes.Main findings: Results of this study show that there are differences in perceptions between Black respondents who believe that mentors should be held liable for the failure of the mentees and White respondents who disagreed. The findings suggest that employees are of the opinion that internal policy guidelines on the implementation of AA are not communicated to all employees.Practical implications: Public hospital management should articulate the purpose of AA interventions and its targets to both mentors and mentees and continuously review the implementation thereof.Contribution: The study contributes towards explaining the importance of training interventions that are useful for the success of AA appointees in their respective duties and also give account of barriers that are experienced by these appointees.
The Heat Shock Protein 26 Gene is Required for Ethanol Tolerance in Drosophila
Authors: Awofala Awoyemi A. , Jones Susan , Davies Jane A.
Published: March 2011

Stress plays an important role in drug- and addiction-related behaviours. However, the mechanisms underlying these behavioural responses are still poorly understood. In the light of recent reports that show consistent regulation of many genes encoding stress proteins including heat shock proteins following ethanol exposure in Drosophila, it was hypothesised that transition to alcohol dependence may involve the dysregulation of the circuits that mediate behavioural responses to stressors. Thus, behavioural genetic methodologies were used to investigate the role of the Drosophila hsp26 gene, a small heat shock protein coding gene which is induced in response to various stresses, in the development of rapid tolerance to ethanol sedation. Rapid tolerance was quantified as the percentage difference in the mean sedation times between the second and first ethanol exposure. Two independently isolated P-element mutations near the hsp26 gene eliminated the capacity for tolerance. In addition, RNAi-mediated functional knockdown of hsp26 expression in the glial cells and the whole nervous system also caused a defect in tolerance development. The rapid tolerance phenotype of the hsp26 mutants was rescued by the expression of the wild-type hsp26 gene in the nervous system. None of these manipulations of the hsp26 gene caused changes in the rate of ethanol absorption. Hsp26 genes are evolutionary conserved, thus the role of hsp26 in ethanol tolerance may present a new direction for research into alcohol dependency.
Knot polynomial identities and quantum group coincidences
Authors: Morrison Scott , Peters Emily , Snyder Noah
Published: March 2011

We construct link invariants using the

\mathcal{D}_{2n}

subfactor planar algebras, and use these to prove new identities relating certain specializations of colored Jones polynomials to specializations of other quantum knot polynomials. These identities can also be explained by coincidences between small modular categories involving the even parts of the

\mathcal{D}_{2n}

planar algebras. We discuss the origins of these coincidences, explaining the role of SO level-rank duality, Kirby–Melvin symmetry, and properties of small Dynkin diagrams. One of these coincidences involves

G_2

and does not appear to be related to level-rank duality.
Universal skein theory for finite depth subfactor planar algebras
Authors: Kodiyalam Vijay , Tupurani Srikanth
Published: March 2011

We describe an explicit finite presentation for a finite depth subfactor planar algebra. We also show that such planar algebras are singly generated with the generator subject to finitely many relations.
A quaternionic braid representation (after Goldschmidt and Jones)
Authors: Rowell Eric C.
Published: March 2011

We show that the braid group representations associated with the (3,6)-quotients of the Hecke algebras factor over a finite group. This was known to experts going back to the 1980s, but a proof has never appeared in print. Our proof uses an unpublished quaternionic representation of the braid group due to Goldschmidt and Jones. Possible topological and categorical generalizations are discussed.
HOMFLY-PT polynomial and normal rulings of Legendrian solid torus links
Authors: Rutherford Dan
Published: March 2011

We show that for any Legendrian link

L

in the 1-jet space of

S^1

the 2-graded ruling polynomial,

R^2_L(z)

, is determined by the Thurston–Bennequin number and the HOMFLY-PT polynomial. Specifically, we recover

R^2_L(z)

as a coefficient of a particular specialization of the HOMFLY-PT polynomial. Furthermore, we show that this specialization may be interpreted as the standard inner product on the algebra of symmetric functions that is often identified with a certain subalgebra of the HOMFLY-PT skein module of the solid torus.

In contrast to the 2-graded case, we are able to use 0-graded ruling polynomials to distinguish many homotopically non-trivial Legendrian links with identical classical invariants.
Missing links: Connecting emergency management and the cultural heritage industry
Authors: Crue, MS, CEM, Christina , Clark, JD Robin
Published: March 2011

Cultural heritage is a source of community identity and local income, two elements that are necessary in any successful disaster recovery effort.The cultural heritage industry, however, has been historically underprepared for disaster events, as recent events demonstrate. This lack of preparedness may result in the loss of irreplaceable artifacts and lagging recovery efforts. It is time to remedy this lack of preparedness through emergency planning. Although the planning process for cultural institutions is similar to other types of emergency planning, some components are unique.This article outlines the elements of emergency planning particular to cultural heritage institutions and provides guidance for emergency managers and the cultural heritage industry so that they may develop emergency plans.
Preparing children for disasters: Evaluation of the Ready and Resilient program
Authors: Blanchet-Cohen, PhD Natasha , Nelems, MA Rebeccah
Published: March 2011

This article demonstrates the value of integrating psychosocial programs for children and youth within emergency management responses, particularly in the context of natural disasters. This article presents the main findings of an evaluation of the Ready and Resilient (R&R) program, an interactive 1-hour workshop delivered to children living in disaster-prone areas, developed by Save the Children in response to the growing number of natural disasters in the United States. Beyond the collection of qualitative data, which included in-person interviews and a survey of adult observers, evaluation data are based on the results of a survey questionnaire administered to participants after the R&R workshop.The survey was administered in New Orleans summer camps to 305 participants. The total number of survey respondents supports a confidence level of 95 percent and a confidence interval of 5.33. Evaluation results show the workshop is meeting a significant need, including children who have experienced disaster in the past. Participants felt more prepared for disasters, equipped with new information, skills, strategies, and evacuationrelated tools. This notwithstanding, 55.4 percent of participants stated that they felt at least “somewhat” more worried about disasters since the workshop, suggesting the need for follow-up support to participants. The authors also identify the need for future research on long-term impacts, while realizing this is a challenge for research in emergency contexts.
Pandemic influenza: The ethics of scarce resource allocation and the need for a hospital Scarce Resource Allocation Committee
Authors: Cinti, MD Sandro K. , Barnosky, DO, MPH Andrew R. , Gay, MD Steven E. , Goold, MD Susan Dorr , Lozon, MD Marie , Kim, MD Kristin , Rodgers, MD Phil , Baum, PhD Nancy M. , Blessing, JD Thomas J. , Cadwallender, MS, CSP, CPSM Bruce , Loik, RRT Paul , Wright, MS Carrie , Winfield, MD Robert A.
Published: March 2011

In the event of a virulent influenza pandemic, certain resources including ventilators, antibiotics, vaccines, oxygen, hospital beds, and antiviral medications will need to be carefully allocated. It is essential that scarce resources are allocated in an ethical manner taking into account the patient’s individual right to competent care and a population’s right to the fair distribution of potentially life-saving treatments. This article summarizes the ethical basis for distributing scarce resources and the rationale for establishing a hospital-based Scarce Resource Allocation Committee, a system of multiple triage officers, and a Clinical Review Committee.
Intriguing diversity among diazotrophic picoplankton along a Mediterranean transect: a dominance of rhizobia
Authors: Le Moal M. , Collin H. , Biegala I. C.
Published: March 2011

Abstract. The Mediterranean Sea is one of the most oligotrophic marine areas on earth where nitrogen fixation has formally believed to play an important role in carbon and nitrogen fluxes. Although this view is under debate, the diazotrophs responsible for this activity have still not been investigated in the open sea. In this study, we characterised the surface distribution and species richness of unicellular and filamentous diazotrophs across the Mediterranean Sea by combining microscopic counts with size fractionated in situ hybridization (TSA-FISH), and 16S rDNA and nifH genes phylogenies. These genetic analyses were possible owing to the development of a new PCR protocol adapted to scarce microorganisms that can detect as few as 1 cell ml−1 in cultures. Low concentrations of diazotrophic cyanobacteria were detected and this community was dominated at 99.9% by picoplankton hybridized to the Nitro821 probe, specific for unicellular diazotrophic cyanobacteria (UCYN). Among filamentous cyanobacteria only 0.02 filament ml−1 of Richelia were detected in the eastern basin, while small (0.7–1.5 μm) and large (2.5–3.2 μm) Nitro821-targeted cells were recovered at all stations with a mean concentration of 3.5 cell ml−1. The affiliation of the small Nitro821-targeted cells to UCYN-A was confirmed by 16S and nifH phylogenies in the western Mediterranean Sea. In the central and the eastern Mediterranean Sea no 16S rDNA and nifH sequence from UCYN was obtained as cells concentration were close to, or below PCR detection limit. Bradyrhizobium sequences dominated nifH clone libraries from picoplanktonic size fractions. A few sequences of γ-proteobacteria were also detected in the central Mediterranean Sea. While low phosphate and iron concentrations could explain the absence of Trichodesmium sp., the factors that prevent the development of UCYN-B and C remain unknown. We also propose that the dominating picoplankters probably developed specific strategies, such as associations with protists or particles, and/or photosynthetic activity, to acquire carbon for sustaining diazotrophy.
Distribution and lability of land-derived organic matter in the surface sediments of the Rhône prodelta and the adjacent shelf (Mediterranean sea, France): a multi proxy study
Authors: Bourgeois S. , Pruski A. M. , Sun M.-Y. , Buscail R. , Lantoine F. , Vétion G. , Rivière B. , Charles F.
Published: March 2011

Abstract. The Gulf of Lions is a river-dominated ocean margin (RiOMar) that receives high loads of nutrients, sediments and particulate matter from the Rhône river. Most of the particulate materials from the Rhône settle rapidly on the seafloor, this raises the question of the fate of these large quantities of organic carbon delivered to the benthic boundary layer. Surface sediments (0–0.5 cm) were collected in the Rhône prodelta and its adjacent shelf during a period of low river discharge (April 2007, 16 stations). The sources, distribution and lability of sedimentary organic matter was examined using bulk (organic carbon, total nitrogen, grain size) and molecular-level (pigments, amino acids, fatty acids, δ13C of individual fatty acids) analyses. Our results confirmed previous observations of a southwestward Rhodanian imprint in the nearshore sediments. Fatty acid biomarkers and compound-specific δ13C signatures of most fatty acids clearly indicate that the Rhône inputs consist in a mixture of organic matter (OM) from different sources with a strong contribution from terrestrial plants, and a smaller input from freshwater microalgae, mostly diatoms. The influence of the Rhône River was prominent within the first ten kilometers, but may still be observed in the outer shelf (~21 km) as indicated by the occurrence of long chain fatty acids derived from vascular plants and their δ13C signatures. In the proximal prodelta, bacteria-specific fatty acids were abundant (1.65 mg g−1OC at the mouth site) and were relatively depleted in δ13C confirming that bacteria preferentially utilize terrestrial OM in this area. In the shelf area, the inputs of marine OM and its preferential utilization by the bacteria was confirmed, but the coupling between the pelagic and the benthic compartments appeared limited at this period of the year. Overall, degradation indexes based on amino acids (Dauwe's degradation index) and pigments (ratio of intact chlorophyll-a to the sum of chlorophyll-a + phaeopigment-a), as well as isotopic enrichment of source-specific fatty acids reveal an offshore gradient of OM decay reflecting the rapid deposition of the terrestrial material in the prodelta, the low mixing with OM deriving from marine sources and the efficient degradation of the OM once deposited. Terrestrial OM is usually considered as being refractory due to the presence of structural polymers and its advanced stage of degradation. However, the OM delivered by the Rhône is relatively labile as shown by the intermediary value of Dauwe's degradation index (DI = +0.1), the high proportion of bio-available nitrogen and the occurrence of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Deltaic sediments off the Rhône river should thus be of sufficiently high nutritional quality to sustain dense macrofaunal communities.