bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Controls on microbial activity and tidal flat evolution in Shark Bay, Western Australia
Authors: Jahnert Ricardo J. , Collins Lindsay B.
Published: February 2013

Microbial deposits at Shark Bay constitute a diverse living microbial carbonate system, developed in a semi‐arid, highly evaporative marine setting. Three tidal flats located in different embayments within the World Heritage area were investigated in order to compare microbial deposits and their Holocene evolution. The stressing conditions in the intertidal–subtidal environment have produced a microbial ecosystem that is trapping, binding and biologically inducing CaCO3 precipitation, producing laminated stromatolites (tufted, smooth and colloform), non‐laminated thrombolitic forms (pustular) and cryptomicrobial non‐laminated forms (microbial pavement). A general shallowing‐upwards sedimentary cycle was recognized and correlated with Holocene sea‐level variations, where microbial deposits constitute the younger (2360 years bp) and shallower sedimentary veneer. In addition, sediments have been documented with evidence of exposure during the Holocene, from 1040 to 940 14C years bp, when sea‐level was apparently lower than present. Filamentous bacteria constitute the dominant group in the blister, tufted and smooth mat types, and coccus bacteria dominate the pustular, colloform and microbial pavement deposit types. In the subtidal environment within colloform and pavement structures, microbial communities coexist with organisms such as bivalves, serpulids, diatoms, green algae (Acetabularia), crustaceans, foraminifera and micro‐gastropods, which are responsible for exoskeleton supply and extensive bioturbation. The internal fabric of the microbial deposits is laminated, sub‐laminar, scalloped, irregular or clotted, depending on the amount of fine‐grained carbonate and the natural ability of microbial communities to trap and bind particles or induce carbonate precipitation. Nilemah tidal flat contains the thickest (1·3 m) and best‐developed microbial sedimentary system; its deposition pre‐dated the Rocky Point and Garden Point tidal flats, with the most positive isotope values for δ13C and δ18O, reflecting strong microbial activity in a highly evaporative environment. There is an evolutionary series preserved within the tidal flats reflecting relative ages and degree of salinity elevation.
On Two Responses to Moral Twin Earth
Authors: Rubin Michael
Published: February 2013

TerenceHorgan andMarkTimmons'sMoralTwinEarth thought experiment poses a serious challenge for an influential kind of moral realism. It presents us with a case in which it is intuitive that two speakers are expressing a substantive disagreement with one another. However, the meta‐semantics associated with this relevant form of moral realism entails that the speakers' moral predicates express different semantic contents, and thus, the moral sentences they utter do not express conflicting propositions. Consequently, this variety of moral realism implies, wrongly, that the speakers do not express substantive disagreement after all. Some philosophers have objected to theMoralTwinEarth argument on the grounds that is possible for two speakers to express disagreement with one another, even if the moral sentences they utter do not express conflicting propositions.HeimerGeirsson supports this claim by appeal to the distinction between semantic reference and speaker reference.DavidMerli supports the same claim by noting that speakers whose moral sentences do not express conflicting propositions may nevertheless express a non‐moral, practical disagreement over what to do. In this article, I argue that neitherGeirsson norMerli provides moral realists with a satisfying response to theMoralTwinEarth argument.
Intimate partner violence during pregnancy in Zimbabwe: a cross‐sectional study of prevalence, predictors and associations with HIV
Authors: Shamu Simukai , Abrahams Naeema , Zarowsky Christina , Shefer Tamara , Temmerman Marleen
Published: February 2013

Objective

To describe the occurrence, dynamics and predictors of intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy, including links with HIV, in urban Zimbabwe.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey of 2042 post‐natal women aged 15–49 years was conducted in six public primary healthcare clinics in low‐income urban Zimbabwe. An adapted WHO questionnaire was used to measure IPV. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with IPV and severe (six or more episodes) IPV during pregnancy.

Results

63.1% of respondents reported physical, emotional and/or sexual IPV during pregnancy: 46.2% reported physical and/or sexual violence, 38.9% sexual violence, 15.9% physical violence and 10% reported severe violence during pregnancy. Physical violence was less common during pregnancy than during the last 12 months before pregnancy (15.9% [95% CI 14.3–17.5] vs. 21.3% [95% confidence interval 19.5–23.1]). Reported rates of emotional (40.3% [95% CI 38.1–42.3] vs. 44.0% [95% CI 41.8–46.1]) and sexual violence (35.6% [95% CI 33.5–37.7] vs. 38.9% [95% CI 36.8–41.0]) were high during and before pregnancy. Associated factors were having a younger male partner, gender inequities, past abuse, problem drinking, partner control of woman's reproductive health and risky sexual practices. HIV status was not associated with either IPV or severe IPV, but reporting a partner with a known HIV status was associated with a lower likelihood of severe abuse.

Conclusion

The rates of IPV during pregnancy in Zimbabwe are among the highest ever reported globally. Primary prevention of violence during childhood through adolescence is urgently needed. Antenatal care may provide an opportunity for secondary prevention but this requires further work. The relationship between IPV and HIV is complex in contexts where both are endemic.
Anatomic features of the cetacean globe
Authors: Miller Sarah , Samuelson Don , Dubielzig Richard
Published: February 2013

Objective

To provide measurements of globe dimensions and describe morphological characteristics of the cetacean globe with an emphasis on Bowman's layer and encapsulated sensory corpuscles (ESC) for available cetacean species.

Animal studied

Cetacean globes housed at the Comparative Ocular Pathology Laboratory of Wisconsin from various odontocete and two mysticete species.

Procedure

Measurements were taken from formalin fixed globes and images of formalin fixed globes with embedded rulers. Histological sections of globes were used to count ESC and measure Bowman's layer.

Results

The horizontal diameter of the globe was longer than the vertical diameter. The posterior sclera was thick, causing the internal axial length (and therefore the optical axis) to be shorter than the vertical diameter. The cornea was composed of an epithelium, Bowman's layer, collagenous stroma, thin Descemet's membrane and endothelial layer. Bowman's layer was present in all specimens except one Kogia breviceps. The thickness was variable, with the acellular layer thickest in Tursiops truncatus and thinnest in Kogia sp. The iris was well vascularized and muscled while the ciliary body lacked musculature, but retained vasculature. Single and clustered ESC were found in the anterior uvea, sclera surrounding the anterior uvea, trabecular meshwork, or some combination of these locations. They were often regionally grouped and varied from 0 to 21. There were three species where no ESC were found, L. borealis, D. capensis, and S. bredanensis, but the presence of these corpuscles cannot be ruled as only one section of the globe was analyzed.
International cricket injury surveillance: a report of five teams competing in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011
Authors: Ranson Craig , Hurley Roanne , Rugless Lorinda , Mansingh Akshai , Cole Joe
Published: February 2013

Background

Injury surveillance is the cornerstone of effective injury management. However, to date no studies using recommended methods and involving multiple nations have been conducted within International Cricket.

Aim

To conduct injury surveillance across multiple teams during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011.

Methods

An electronic system, based on the guidelines for injury surveillance in international cricket, was used to record all new injury episodes was used for data collection.

Results

Twenty-three time-loss and 97 non-time-loss injuries were recorded. The injury incidence was 3.7/100 player-days (0.7 time-loss and 3.0 non-time-loss) with time-loss incidence being; for match injury 20.1/1000 player-days, bowling injury 3.3/100 bowling days and batting injuries 2.2/10 000 balls faced. Thigh muscle strain and medical illness were the diagnoses with the highest incidence. Fast bowlers, slow bowlers and batters all had a similar injury prevalence of approximately 5%. The bowling delivery stride was the activity that resulted in the greatest lost time.

Conclusions

This is the first study to use recommended injury surveillance guidelines to reporting injury rates across multiple teams at a major cricket tournament. Non-time-loss injury incidence appears relatively high and further study of the effect on performance and progression to subsequent time-loss is required. Fast bowler injury prevalence rates are lower than reported elsewhere, however this may be due to the nature of the tournament and match format, which is likely to impose a lower relative workload. In future, data from all competing teams over all formats of the game (Twenty20, ODI and Tests) needs to be analysed to effectively inform injury prevention research and practice.
The impact of alcohol intoxication in patients admitted due to assault at an Australian major trauma centre: a trauma registry study from 1999 to 2009
Authors: Dinh Michael M , Bein Kendall J , Roncal Susan , Martiniuk Alexandra L C , Boufous Soufiane
Published: February 2013

Objective

To examine the long term trend in assault admissions at an inner city major trauma centre and determine the association between clinical evidence of alcohol intoxication and major trauma due to assault.

Methods

Adult trauma patients admitted due to assault between 1999 and 2009 were identified through the hospital based trauma registry at an inner city major trauma centre in Sydney. Demographic data, incident details, clinical evidence of alcohol intoxication, injury severity scores and injury related outcomes were collected. Population based incidences were calculated and outcomes compared between intoxicated and non-intoxicated patients. Major trauma was defined as a composite outcome of severe injury (injury severity score>15), intensive care admission or in-hospital mortality.

Results

There were 2380 patients analysed. Clinical evidence of alcohol intoxication was documented in 12% (287/2380) of cases. There was a marked peak in incidence of hospital admissions due to assault which occurred between 2000 and 2002. Overall, the rate of hospital admissions due to assault decreased during the study period (incident rate ratios 0.94, 95% CI 0.90 to 0.99, p<0.001). The odds of major trauma were three times higher in patients with clinical evidence of intoxication compared to those that did not (adjusted OR 2.9, 95% CI 2.1 to 4.0, p<0.001).

Conclusions

There was a peak in hospital admissions due to inner city assault around 2000–2002 associated with an overall decline in hospital admissions at this trauma centre over 10 years. Clinical evidence of alcohol intoxication in patients admitted for assault appears to be associated with more severe injury, including severe head injury.
Poststroke dementia is associated with recurrent ischaemic stroke
Authors: Sibolt Gerli , Curtze Sami , Melkas Susanna , Putaala Jukka , Pohjasvaara Tarja , Kaste Markku , Karhunen Pekka J , Oksala Niku K J , Erkinjuntti Timo
Published: February 2013

Objective

To investigate whether poststroke dementia (PSD) diagnosed after ischaemic stroke predicts recurrent ischaemic stroke in long-term follow-up.

Methods

We included 486 consecutive patients with ischaemic stroke (388 with first-ever stroke) admitted to Helsinki University Central Hospital who were followed-up for 12 years. Dementia was diagnosed in 115 patients using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 3rd edition (DSM-III) criteria. The effects of risk factors and  PSD on survival free of recurrent stroke were estimated using Kaplan–Meier log-rank analyses, and the HRs for stroke recurrence were calculated using Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

In the entire cohort, patients with PSD had a shorter mean time to recurrent stroke (7.13 years, 95% CI 6.20 to 8.06) than patients without dementia (9.41 years, 8.89 to 9.92; log rank p<0.001). This finding was replicated in patients with first-ever stroke (6.89 years, 5.85 to 7.93 vs 9.68 years, 9.12 to 10.24; p<0.001). In Cox univariate analysis, PSD was associated with increased risk for recurrent stroke both in the entire cohort (HR 2.02; 95% CI 1.47 to 2.77) and in those with first-ever stroke (2.40; 1.68 to 3.42). After adjustment for the significant covariates of age, atrial fibrillation, peripheral arterial disease and hypertension, PSD was associated with increased risk for recurrent stroke both in the entire cohort (1.84; 1.34 to 2.54) and in those with first-ever stroke (2.16; 1.51 to 3.10).

Conclusions

Poststroke dementia predicts recurrence of ischaemic stroke in long-term follow-up and should be considered when estimating prognosis.
Pathophysiology of HNPP explored using axonal excitability
Authors: Jankelowitz Stacey K , Burke David
Published: February 2013

Objective

Hereditary liability to pressure palsies (HNPP) is an autosomal dominant disorder of myelination resulting in susceptibility to pressure palsies from compression or stretching of peripheral nerves.

Patients and methods

This study examined axonal excitability at two sites (one distal and one proximal) in five patients with biopsy and genetically proven HNPP to understand the pathophysiology of the disease. Comparisons were made with age-matched control subjects as well as five Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 1A patients to contrast the findings and explain the different phenotypes of diseases affecting the same gene.

Results

Changes in axonal excitability were found in HNPP subjects, but these were not uniform along the nerve: at the wrist there were prominent alterations in threshold electrotonus, whereas at the elbow there were only subtle alterations in the recovery cycle and the response to strong long-lasting hyperpolarisation. Threshold was raised at both sites, but the nerves were probably not hyperpolarised. Not unexpectedly, changes in CMT1A subjects were more marked than those in HNPP subjects and were uniform along the nerve.

Conclusions

Structural abnormalities at the node of Ranvier are sufficient to explain the changes in axonal excitability in HNPP, and these abnormalities would predispose the nerves to conduction block when subjected to pressure or stretch.
The prevalence of potentially inappropriate medication prescribing in elderly patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Jones Sarah Amy , Bhandari Sunil
Published: February 2013

Introduction

Potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) prescribing is a global problem. Limited data are available on the prevalence of PIMs in elderly patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We examined the PIM prevalence in elderly patients with CKD, the most common drugs implicated and the levels of polypharmacy in this group.

Methods

A retrospective case record analysis of patients with CKD above the age of 70 years was carried out on 100 consecutive inpatients between January 2008 and June 2008 at a University Teaching Hospital. PIMs were defined using the modified Beers' criteria and latest British National Formulary (BNF) guidance for prescribing in patients with renal impairment using creatinine clearance calculated by the Cockroft–Gault formula.

Results

The mean age of the cohort was 80 years with a female predominance (62%). The mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 17.2 ml/min/1.73 m2. 56 patients had one or more PIMs prescribed during the acute admission period. 81 out of the 622 medications prescribed were ‘inappropriate’; therefore, the prevalence of PIMs prescribed was 13%. Antibiotics and antihypertensives accounted for the majority of PIMs. Each patient received an average of six drugs.

Conclusions

The prevalence of PIMs in elderly inpatients with CKD is high. Inclusion of drugs prescribed acutely and use of the BNF to identify PIMs as well as the Beers' criteria may account for this. Use of screening tools may lead to better identification of PIMs in this high risk group. Routine calculation and documentation of eGFR on the medication chart on admission may help reduce PIMs.
ADJOINT LINEAR SYSTEMS ON ALGEBRAIC SURFACES
Authors: ZHANG TONG
Published: February 2013

In this paper, we study the adjoint linear system |KS + L| on a complex surface S of general type. For a nef divisor L on S, we give a numerical criterion for ϕKS+L to be generically finite. A question of Chen and Viehweg [Bicanonical and adjoint linear system on surface of general type, Pacific J. Math.219 (2005) 83–95] is studied and we give some partial evidence for this question to be true.
ON THE MULTIPLICITIES OF FAMILIES OF COMPLEX HYPERSURFACE-GERMS WITH CONSTANT MILNOR NUMBER
Authors: PLENAT CAMILLE , TROTMAN DAVID
Published: February 2013

We show that the possible drop in multiplicity in an analytic family F(z, t) of complex analytic hypersurface singularities with constant Milnor number is controlled by the powers of t. We prove equimultiplicity of μ-constant families of the form f + tg + t2h if the singular set of the tangent cone of {f = 0} is not contained in the tangent cone of {h = 0}.
TWISTED ALEXANDER POLYNOMIALS ON CURVES IN CHARACTER VARIETIES OF KNOT GROUPS
Authors: KIM TAEHEE , KITAYAMA TAKAHIRO , MORIFUJI TAKAYUKI
Published: February 2013

For a fibered knot in the 3-sphere the twisted Alexander polynomial associated to an SL(2, ℂ)-character is known to be monic. It is conjectured that for a nonfibered knot there is a curve component of the SL(2, ℂ)-character variety containing only finitely many characters whose twisted Alexander polynomials are monic, i.e. finiteness of such characters detects fiberedness of knots. In this paper, we discuss the existence of a certain curve component which relates to the conjecture when knots have nonmonic Alexander polynomials. We also discuss the similar problem of detecting the knot genus.
EXUDATES DETECTION AND CLASSIFICATION ALGORITHM OF DIABETIC PATIENTS' RETINA IMAGES
Authors: ZELJKOVIĆ VESNA , BOJIC MILENA , TAMEZE CLAUDE , VALEV VENTZESLAV
Published: February 2013

The chronic hyperglycemia of diabetes is associated with long-term damage, dysfunction, and failure of different organs, especially the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart and blood vessels. The regular examination of diabetic patients can potentially reduce the risk of vision impairment and in the last instance blindness. Early diabetic retinopathy detection enables application of laser therapy treatment in order to prevent or delay loss of vision. The diagnostics and detection of diabetic retinopathy is performed by specialized ophthalmologists manually and represents expensive procedure. Automatic exudates detection and retina images classification would be helpful for reducing diabetic retinopathy screening costs and encouraging regular examinations. We proposed the automated algorithm that applies mathematical modeling which enables light intensity levels emphasis, easier exudates detection, efficient and correct classification of retina images. The proposed algorithm is robust to various appearance changes of retinal fundus images which are usually processed in clinical environments.
BLIND JOINT ANGLE, FREQUENCY AND POLARIZATION ESTIMATION FOR POLARIZATION SENSITIVE ARRAY USING QUADRILINEAR DECOMPOSITION
Authors: ZHANG XIAOFEI , CHEN CHEN , HUANG YINGJIE , WU HAILANG , LI JIANFENG , XU DAZHUAN
Published: February 2013

This paper links the polarization-sensitive-array parameter estimation problem to the quadrilinear model. Exploiting this link, it derives a blind joint angle, frequency and polarization estimation algorithm. The simulation results reveal that the proposed algorithm has better angle, frequency and polarization estimation performance than ESPRIT. This algorithm relies on a fundamental result of the uniqueness of low-rank four-way data decomposition. Furthermore, the proposed algorithm does not require pairing among multiple parameters. Simulation results illustrate performance of this algorithm.
IMPLEMENTATION OF MULTI TRANSFORMER CELL INVERTER WITH REDUCED SWITCHES IN LAST CELL
Authors: BANAEI M. R. , KHOUNJAHAN H. , SALARY E.
Published: February 2013

This paper proposes an isolated multi transformer cell inverter employing several transformer cells. Some of the cells contain two unidirectional switches that generate two voltage levels and only last cell has five switches that provide five voltage levels. The proposed inverter configuration reduces a number of switches compared with both traditional cascaded transformer multilevel inverter and other multi transformer inverters including six switches in last cell. Also, a prototype has been implemented using DSP-based processor provides a high number of output levels in symmetric and asymmetric states. The operation and performance of the suggested inverter has been proved by simulation result and experimental results.
A HIGH SPEED LOW POWER LATCHED COMPARATOR FOR SHA-LESS PIPELINED ADC
Authors: ZHAO LEI , YANG YINTANG , ZHU ZHANGMING
Published: February 2013

A high speed low power latched comparator is presented. The bipolar junction structures are used to enhance latch speed, and the controller is proposed to reduce latch current drain while providing complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) level latch signals. The measured delay time of the comparator is 132.5 ps and the power consumption is 127 μW at 100 MHz. The proposed circuit is used in a 14-bit 100-MSPS SHA-Less pipelined ADC, and is designed by ASMC 0.35-μm 3.3 V BiCMOS technology.
FOKKER–PLANCK-BASED CONTROL OF A TWO-LEVEL OPEN QUANTUM SYSTEM
Authors: ANNUNZIATO M. , BORZI A.
Published: February 2013

The control of a two-level open quantum system subject to dissipation due to environment interaction is considered. The evolution of this system is governed by a Lindblad master equation which is augmented by a stochastic term to model the effect of time-continuous measurements. In order to control this stochastic master equation model, a Fokker–Planck control framework is investigated. Within this strategy, the control objectives are defined based on the probability density functions of the two-level stochastic process and the controls are computed as minimizers of these objectives subject to the constraints represented by the Fokker–Planck equation. This minimization problem is characterized by an optimality system including the Fokker–Planck equation and its adjoint. This optimality system is approximated by a second-order accurate, stable, conservative and positive-preserving discretization scheme. The implementation of the resulting open-loop controls is realized with a receding-horizon algorithm over a sequence of time windows. Results of numerical experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
NODAL PARITY INVARIANTS OF KNOTTED RIGID VERTEX GRAPHS
Authors: KAUFFMAN LOUIS H. , MISHRA RAMA
Published: February 2013

This paper introduces new invariants of rigid vertex graph embeddings by using non-local combinatorial information that is available at each graphical node.
POLYNOMIAL KNOT AND LINK INVARIANTS FROM THE VIRTUAL BIQUANDLE
Authors: CRANS ALISSA S. , HENRICH ALLISON , NELSON SAM
Published: February 2013

The Alexander biquandle of a virtual knot or link is a module over a 2-variable Laurent polynomial ring which is an invariant of virtual knots and links. The elementary ideals of this module are then invariants of virtual isotopy which determine both the generalized Alexander polynomial (also known as the Sawollek polynomial) for virtual knots and the classical Alexander polynomial for classical knots. For a fixed monomial ordering <, the Gröbner bases for these ideals are computable, comparable invariants which fully determine the elementary ideals and which generalize and unify the classical and generalized Alexander polynomials. We provide examples to illustrate the usefulness of these invariants and propose questions for future work.
AN ESTIMATE OF THE UNKNOTTING NUMBERS FOR VIRTUAL KNOTS BY FORBIDDEN MOVES
Authors: SAKURAI MIGIWA
Published: February 2013

It is known that any virtual knot can be deformed into the trivial knot by a finite sequence of forbidden moves. In this paper, we give the difference of the values obtained from some invariants constructed by Henrich between two virtual knots which can be transformed into each other by a single forbidden move. As a result, we obtain a lower bound of the unknotting number of a virtual knot by forbidden moves.
NEW RELIABILITY MEASURE FOR SAFETY INSTRUMENTED SYSTEMS
Authors: JIN HUI , LUNDTEIGEN MARY ANN , RAUSAND MARVIN
Published: February 2013

Safety instrumented systems (SISs) are installed to provide risk reduction and the performance of a SIS can be assessed by its ability to reduce risk. This article introduces a new quantitative measure for the risk reduction, denoted PFD*. Compared with the current reliability measures, the new measure takes into account the demand rate, and therefore can be used for SISs operating in both low-demand and high-demand mode. For a SIS operating in low-demand mode, the PFD* is approximately equal to the standard probability of failure on demand (PFD) used in IEC 61508 and related standards. PFD* can therefore be considered as an extension and improvement of the standard PFD. Successful handling of a demand verifies the functional status of a SIS in a way similar to a functional test, and the PFD* will therefore depend on the demand rate. The PFD* can be used to select the functional test interval according to the risk reduction allocated to the specific SIS. The properties of the new measure are analyzed through a case study of a 1-out-of-2 system of pressure transmitters.
SURFACE ALTERATION OF ACTIVATED CARBON FOR DETOXIFICATION OF COPPER (II) FROM INDUSTRIAL EFFLUENTS
Authors: BHUTTO SADAF , KHAN M. NASIRUDDIN
Published: February 2013

The low-cost modified activated carbons were prepared from Thar and Lakhra (Pakistan) coals by activation with sulfuric acid and further modified with citric, tartaric and acetic acids for the selective adsorption of Cu(II) from aqueous solution. The original carbon obtained from activated Thar and Lakhra coals at pH 3.0 displayed significant adsorption capacity for lead and insignificant capacity values (0.880 and 0.830 mg⋅g-1) for copper. However, after modification with citric, tartaric and acetic acid the copper adsorption capacities enhanced in the range of 5.56–21.85 and 6.05–44.61 times, respectively. The Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin adsorption isotherms were used to elucidate the observed sorption phenomena. The isotherm equilibrium data was well fitted by the Langmuir and sufficiently fitted to the Freundlich models. The calculated thermodynamic parameters such as change in Gibbs free energy (ΔG°), enthalpy (ΔH°) and entropy (ΔS°) inferred that the investigated adsorption was spontaneous and endothermic in nature. Based on the results, it was concluded that the surface alteration with citric and tartaric acid, Thar and Lakhra activated carbons had significant potential for selective removal of copper(II) from industrial wastewater.
EVOLUTION OF THE COPPER SURFACE IN THE COURSE OF OXIDATION BY CCl4–L (L=THF, DMF, DMSO): SCANNING PROBE MICROSCOPE STUDY
Authors: PANTELEEV S. V. , MASLENNIKOV S. V. , IGNATOV S. K. , SPIRINA I. V. , KRUGLOVA M. V. , GRIBKOV B. A. , VDOVICHEV S. N.
Published: February 2013

The evolution of compact surface of the 100 nm copper film deposited on the glass-ceramics doped with vanadium coating in the course of the oxidation by the CCl 4– L (L = dimethylformamide (DMF), tetrahydrofuran (THF), dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), CCl 4 concentration ≈ 1 mol/L) was studied by atomic force microscopy (AFM) in contact mode. The dynamics of active centers formation and destruction was investigated in the course of the oxidation process. The metallic sample dissolution rate was estimated as a function of the coordinating solvent nature. The development of the metal surface oxidation was established to lead to a significant increase of surface roughness. This phenomenon can be explained by the fact that different parts of the surface react at different rates. Further course of the reaction leads to a significant decrease of the surface roughness of copper films. The amount of the metal reacted has an almost linear dependence on the reaction time. AFM scans indicate that there is the same mechanism of the reaction between copper and carbon tetrachloride for all solvents.
STUDY ON THE PREPARATION OF DLC FILMS DEPOSITED ON SILVER NANOPARTICLES AND THE SENSITIVITY OF LSPR INTERFACE
Authors: ZENG DAN , MA NANYU , HUANG YUJIE , FEI ZHENYI , LI MUSEN , DI JUNWEI , WANG MIN
Published: February 2013

Diamond-like carbon (DLC) films were deposited on the surface of silver nanoparticles (NPs) using two different sets of technology parameters by radio-frequency magnetron arc plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) in this paper. The probe profilometer, SEM, AFM, Raman spectroscopy, XPS and UV–vis spectrophotometer were used to characterize the film thickness, microstructure, composition and sensing performance. Results showed that the basic vacuum degree had a greater influence on the properties of DLC films than that of RF forward power. The LSPR interface prepared in short time had sensing performance, but the sensitivity decreased with the thickness of DLC films increase. DLC films of higher sp3 bonds content can slow down the decline rate of the sensitivity caused by increasing of the film thickness.
EFFECTS ON BONE UNION AND PREVENTION OF TENDON ADHESION BY NEW POROUS ANTI-ADHESIVE POLY L-LACTIDE-CO-ε-CAPROLACTONE MEMBRANE IN A RABBIT MODEL
Authors: Sato Takuya , Shimizu Hiroyuki , Beppu Moroe , Takagi Masayuki
Published: February 2013

To prevent adhesion between the tendon and the plate in hand surgery, a porous poly L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone (P(LA/CL)) membrane was developed as a biologically absorbable anti-adhesion material. Our study aims to confirm the efficacy of this new P(LA/CL) membrane and its influences on the osteotomy site by performing a fundamental experiment assessing the possibility of clinical application.

We prepared a rabbit model of tendon-plate adhesion, and evaluated the efficacy of the P(LA/CL) membrane to pullout tendon strength, to be scored in terms of macroscopic, pathological results. Another rabbit model of osteotomy was prepared to confirm the P(LA/CL) membrane influences on bone union by radiological, mechanical and pathological evaluation. The result showed to be significantly lower adhesion in the P(LA/CL) membrane group than in the control group. Also there were no differences between the P(LA/CL) membrane group and control group in the results for bone union.
ADDITIONAL METHOD FOR DIAGNOSIS OF CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME: VALUE OF THE SECOND LUMBRICAL-INTEROSSEI TEST (2L-INT)
Authors: Inukai Tomoo , Uchida Kenzo , Kubota Chikara , Takamura Takaharu , Nakajima Hideaki , Baba Hisatoshi
Published: February 2013

We examined 57 hands referred with suspected carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) using the second lumbrical-interossei nerve test (2L-INT) as well as standard test. Sensory nerve conduction velocity (SCV) was detectible in 67% of patients (38/57), the abductor pollicis brevis-compound muscle action potential (APB-CMAP) in 84% (48/57), 2L-CMAP in 96% (55/57) and the first interossei palmares muscle (INT-CMAP) in 100% (57/57). ABP-CMAP was not recorded in patients in whom severe atrophy of the abductor pollicis brevis muscle was evident. As 2L-CMAP is maintained even in the most severe cases of CTS, the 2L-INT method is a valuable test for improving the accuracy of preoperative diagnosis in the electrophysiological diagnosis of CTS.
RISK FACTORS FOR RE-RECURRENT CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING LONG-TERM HEMODIALYSIS
Authors: Kikuchi Katsuhiko , Matsumoto Koji , Seo Ken-Ichi , Ito Yasumasa , Tomari Shinji
Published: February 2013

The purpose of this study was to evaluate risk factors for re-recurrent carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) in long-term renal hemodialysis (HD) patients. Fifteen wrists of ten HD patients, follow-up period of minimum seven years after reoperation of CTS, were included in this study. Duration of HD, period from first operation to reoperation, shunt side was involved or not, presence of trigger finger and cervical destructive spondyloarthritis, and operative procedure performed during the reoperation (synovectomy was performed or not) were evaluated. Re-recurrent CTS was identified in four out of 15 wrists (27%). The period from first operation to reoperation, which was 3.8 years in the re-recurrence group and eight years in the no re-recurrence group, and the operative procedure had significant differences (synovectomy groups had no re-recurrence vs. no synovectomy groups had 82% re-recurrence). The results of this study suggested that synovectomy would be necessary for recurrent CTS in HD patients.
INTRAOPERATIVE FINDINGS OF NECROTIZING FASCIITIS OF THE HAND CAUSED BY STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS INFECTION
Authors: Chan Jeffrey C. Y. , Fauzi Ziham , O'Broin Eoin
Published: February 2013

A case of a 35-year-old male with necrotizing fasciitis of the hand is presented. Clinical manifestations of necrotizing fasciitis are discussed and intraoperative findings are highlighted to illustrate the disease process that initially affects the deep layer of the superficial fascia.
Shanghai Automotive and Ssangyong Motor — A Tale of Two Dragons (C)
Authors: Xu Leiping , White Steven
Published: February 2013

This final case of the 3-case series describes the grim situation facing SAIC in late 2008, pummeled by the financial crisis after seemingly overcoming some of the major challenges of the first two years as controlling shareholder of Ssangyong. The Ssangyong union was again resisting proposed changes that SAIC saw as inevitable to ensure Ssangyong's continued solvency. SAIC was now faced with the decision to push through the necessary changes in spite of union response, give up control to a court receiver, or divest its share of Ssangyong. The case serves as a basis for discussing the decision of whether and when to divest and, particularly relevant for high-profile acquisitions by Chinese firms, the economic, strategic, political and reputational risks of a “failure” abroad.
StickOn Adhesive Limited: A Strategic Pursuit in Challenging Environment
Authors: Rai Sumita , Banerjee Ashok
Published: February 2013

This case focuses upon the issues that have arisen as StickOn Adhesive Limited (SOAL) faces the challenges of competition in the industry through two-pronged strategies — backward integration and product diversification. The case discusses various initiatives taken by SOAL to meet strategic goals. SOAL has initiated changes in its marketing policies, re-layered the organization structure, and empowered the internal management to realize growth objectives. The case examines the corporate dilemma of finding the right growth path and discusses whether backward integration is a cost reduction or a growth strategy.
Sacombank-SBS Securities in Vietnam: Creation and Sustenance Processes
Authors: Ruangrob Anurug , Pandey I. M.
Published: February 2013

The creation and sustenance processes of new ventures in emerging economies are challenging due to low productivity, lack of innovation, lack of capital, lack of skilled labor, and more importantly, unclear policies or poor implementation of policies by the government that elevate risks. This case illustrates a successful new venture in Vietnam in spite of the constraints as mentioned above. Sacombank-SBS Securities was established at the end of 2006 to offer securities brokerage and investment banking services to take full advantage of this growing market. Within just a few years, the company was able to become a leading player in the market. It also won different awards including the best domestic investment bank in Vietnam in 2009 and 2010. This case offers an insight into Sacombank-SBS in terms of its organizational evolution, strategies, processes, systems and what made Sacombank-SBS Securities so successful.
Proton: Its rise, Fall, and Future Prospects
Authors: Tong Jane Terpstra , Terpstra Robert H. , Lim Ngat Chin
Published: February 2013

This case focuses on the challenges faced by a Malaysian state-owned automobile manufacturer, Proton. In so doing, it exemplifies the political context in which businesses, both domestic and foreign, operate in Malaysia. What makes Proton unique is its origin as the brainchild of Tun Dr. Mahathir bin Mohammad, Malaysia's fourth Prime Minister. Mahathir was one of the longest-serving leaders in Asia when he resigned in 2003. Over his 22-year reign, Mahathir and his government made several fundamental changes to Malaysia's institutions and his legacy is still reflected in the current social, political and economic institutions. One of the more controversial economic programs he championed was the National Car Project, under which Proton was established. When Mahathir decided to industrialise Malaysia's economy, he did not look to the west for direction, but instead turned to the east — Japan. He adopted the Japanese economic development model that emphasises hands-on government involvement in the economy. To form Proton, he selected Japanese Mitsubishi Motors as the joint venture partner and within two years Proton was rolling out its own vehicles, which in effect were the “rebadged” version of Mitsubishi's Lancer. To ensure there were customers for Proton vehicles, the government raised import tariffs, making it very expensive to buy foreign imports. It also made Proton the official supplier for almost all government passenger vehicles.

Under the protection policies of Mahathir, Proton grew to dominate the domestic market. However, it was unable to succeed in obtaining the desired technology from its Japanese partner, or in developing the ability to survive independently and compete effectively, especially in the international market. Part of Proton's weakness stemmed from its social agenda, which favoured bumiputera suppliers, even at the expense of cost and quality efficiency. Proton therefore serves as a good example to illustrate what can happen to a business when it is over-protected, and when business decisions are not made on merit-based principles. Proton's weaknesses were further exposed when the government allowed the establishment of a second national automaker, Perodua, in 1993. The recent free-trade policies adopted by the ASEAN countries, and also by China and India, have put even more pressure on Proton to transform. But the question is how?
Sajo Group's Long Journey: Re-entering a Mature Market
Authors: Park Namgyoo K. , Lee Jeonghwan
Published: February 2013

This case study looked into Sajo Group's re-entrance into the already-mature canned tuna industry. Commonly, re-establishing brand identity that once disappeared from customers' memories is normally considered harder than launching a new brand. Even still, Sajo ambitiously decided to bring back “Sajo's Canned Tuna”.

Sajo faced a management crisis from over-expenditure and failure to expand the market after launching Sajo's Canned Tuna. In order to overcome this, Sajo sold its factory and dissolved its sales organization responsible for direct sales of the product. Although many similar companies exited from the mature fishing and seafood industry when the competition became severe, Sajo remained in the business. The company conducted many M&A transactions focusing on what they knew well and in which they maintained strength. Well-managed M&As enabled Sajo to enhance its business through structural integration, thereby functioning as a new stepping stone for the company's leap back into the market.

When Sajo decided to end its sales consignment strategy and resume direct sales of Sajo's Canned Tuna, Sajo secured a supply of high-quality, raw tuna, realizing economies of scale, and re-organized their sales network by merging with Sajohaepyo. Sajo also improved its products' competitive quality by obtaining HACCP certification as well as differentiating its marketing and promotion strategies from those of its competitors. Further, Sajo sought to improve its in-store presence percentage, which had dropped to almost 50%, while trying to persuade shop-owners to rearrange displays that were predominantly taken by Dongwon and Ottogi. Sajo also resumed advertising and sales promotions. As a result, Sajo was able to achieve over 200% increase in market share in two years, thereby elevating the company to the number two spot in the industry.

Although Sajo had substantially improved the company's sustainability in both the fishing and seafood industry, its competitors, Dongwon's aggressive marketing strategies and Ottogi's strong sales network are sure to continue to be serious threats. It is time for Sajo to plan additional strategies in order to overcome its competitors' attacks.
A NOTE ON COMONOTONICITY AND POSITIVITY OF THE CONTROL COMPONENTS OF DECOUPLED QUADRATIC FBSDE
Authors: DOS REIS GONÇALO , DOS REIS RICARDO J. N.
Published: February 2013

In this note we are concerned with the solution of Forward–Backward Stochastic Differential Equations (FBSDE) with drivers that grow quadratically in the control component (quadratic growth FBSDE or qgFBSDE). The main theorem is a comparison result that allows comparing componentwise the signs of the control processes of two different qgFBSDE. As a by-product one obtains conditions that allow establishing the positivity of the control process.
STOCHASTIC EQUATIONS OF PROCESSES WITH JUMPS
Authors: BOUHADOU S. , OUKNINE Y.
Published: February 2013

We consider one-dimensional stochastic differential equations driven by white noises and Poisson random measure. We introduce new techniques based on local time prove new results on pathwise uniqueness and comparison theorems. Our approach is very easy to handle and do not need any approximation approach. Similar equations without jumps were studied in the same context by [8, 12] and other authors.
IMPACT OF SURFACTANTS ON PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF BaTiO3 NANOPARTICLES
Authors: VIJAYALAKSHMI R. , RAJENDRAN V.
Published: February 2013

Nanocrystalline BaTiO3 particles of about 20–35 nm have been successfully synthesized by using cationic, anionic and nonionic surfactants such as cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB), sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) and poly ethylene glycol (PEG) via hydrothermal method. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The average particle size, measured by powder X-ray diffraction was determined to be 20–35 nm and was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. Spherical-like morphologies were obtained by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. Optical properties of products were investigated by ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) absorption and PL spectroscopies.
PYROMILLING SYNTHESIS OF NANOCRYSTALLINE TITANIUM CARBIDE
Authors: RAZAVI M. , ZAMANI S. , RAHIMIPOUR M. R. , KHATIBZADEH P.
Published: February 2013

For the first time, pyromilling synthesis for production of nanocrystalline titanium carbide was presented in this research. Raw materials containing stoichiometric ratio of titanium and carbon were milled and heated simultaneously. Samplings were done at different times. Then, phase transformation, crystallite size and strain of samples were estimated by XRD technique. Microstructures of milled samples were studied by SEM and TEM. Results showed that by increasing temperature, milling time for synthesizing of titanium carbide was reduced. Crystallite size of milled samples were in nanometer scale which were reduced by increasing of milling time and decreasing of temperature while strain was intensified. Existence of created strain changed lattice parameter of synthesized titanium carbide from standard value.
ROLE OF HARVESTING IN CONTROLLING CHAOTIC DYNAMICS IN THE PREDATOR–PREY MODEL WITH DISEASE IN THE PREDATOR
Authors: DAS KRISHNA PADA , CHAUDHURI SANJAY
Published: February 2013

Predator–prey model with harvesting is well studied. The role of disease in such system has a great importance and cannot be ignored. In this study we have considered a predator–prey model with disease circulating in the predator population only and we have also considered harvesting in the prey and in the susceptible predator. We have studied the local stability, Hopf bifurcation of the model system around the equilibria. We have derived the ecological and the disease basic reproduction numbers and we have observed its importance in the community structure of the model system and in controlling disease propagation in the predator population. We have paid attention to chaotic dynamics for increasing the force of infection in the predator. Chaotic population dynamics can exhibit irregular fluctuations and violent oscillations with extremely small or large population abundances. In this study main objective is to show the role of harvesting in controlling chaotic dynamics. It is observed that reasonable harvesting on the prey and the susceptible predator prevents chaotic dynamics.
THE EXISTENCE AND ASYMPTOTIC BEHAVIOR OF PERIODIC SOLUTIONS TO A QUASILINEAR PARABOLIC SYSTEM
Authors: GAN WEN-ZHEN
Published: February 2013

In this paper, we investigate the existence, stability and global attractivity of T-periodic solutions for a class of quasilinear parabolic equations under Robin boundary conditions. We obtain that periodic solutions exist if the inter-specific competition rates are weak. The numerical simulations are also presented to illustrate our result.
PERFORMANCE AND APPARENT REDOX KINETIC OF A CU-BASED OXYGEN CARRIER FOR CHEMICAL LOOPING OXYGEN PRODUCTION
Authors: WANG KUN , YU QINGBO , XIE HUAQING , QIN QIN
Published: February 2013

The reactivity of Cu -based oxygen carrier prepared by mechanical mixing for producing oxygen was investigated in a thermogravimetric analyzer. The results show that the oxygen carrier has excellent stability during reduction–oxidation cycles. This oxygen carrier showed a maximum oxygen transport capacity of 0.059 g/g during cycle experiments and the time for one cycle is less than 16 min. Phases and surface morphology of oxygen carriers were measured by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope before and after experiments. The phases of reduced oxygen carrier are only Cu2O and TiO2 and of fresh or oxidized samples are only CuO and TiO2 . These reveal that the oxygen carrier is stable using the preparation process and under the operation conditions. SEM images show that the fresh and reacted oxygen carrier particles did not appear to disintegrate after 23 cycles.
USE OF MATERIALS FOR INTERCONNECTORS IN FUEL CELLS
Authors: RENATA WLODARCZYK , ANDRZEJ KACPRZAK , RAFAL KOBYLECKI , ZBIGNIEW BIS
Published: February 2013

This paper presents an analysis of the properties of sintered steels in terms of their practical use for production of interconnectors in fuel cells. The study covers measurements of mechanical properties, microstructural examinations and analysis of surface profile in the sintered samples. The porosity and contact resistance between interconnectors and gas diffusion layer are also examined. The main criterion adopted for choosing a particular material for the components in fuel cells is their corrosion resistance under operating conditions of hydrogen fuel cells. In order to determine resistance to corrosion in the environment of operation of fuel cells, potentiokinetic curves are registered for synthetic solution 0.1 M H2SO4 + 2 ppmF- at 80°C.