bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanisms Fostering Social Entrepreneurship as Potential Instruments for Economic Development: The Eastern Partnership Perspective
Authors: Plotnieks Dāvis
Published: November 2014

With its plan to assign 600 million euros through the European Neighbourhood Instrument for Eastern Partnership countries, the European Union intended to increase the efficiency of institutions, attenuate social problems, and create an environment that fosters economic growth and human well-being in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine. A few scholars have criticized the amount of funding and planned initiatives of the European Neighbourhood Instrument as insufficient and suggested that in order to foster cooperation and support reforms in its Eastern Partnership countries, more action should be taken. In times when European Commission budget is under constraints of consolidation and increase of aid for supporting European Neighbourhood countries is hardly possible, alternative solutions for tempering social problems need to be assessed. Various scientists, philanthropists and entrepreneurs see social entrepreneurship as a tool for solving social problems in a sustainable way where business thinking is being combined with non-profit philosophy. Contrary to government support and intervention for solving social problems, social entrepreneurship is already being used as tool that initially addresses joint needs--solve social problems and create revenue that provides much needed income for sustainable business initiatives. This paper analyzes the concept of social entrepreneurship, examples where social entrepreneurship is solving social problems, and mechanisms that can foster these phenomena. The aim of this paper is to examine different mechanisms of how governments can foster the creation and development of social entrepreneurship. Unique survey data derived from a project examining social entrepreneurship in Europe is used. It is concluded that by adopting mechanisms proven in various developed countries, the Eastern Partnership countries can stimulate social entrepreneurship, thus attenuating social problems and creating environment that fosters economic growth and the wellbeing of people
Need for Service Design Development for Sustainable Rural Tourism in Azerbaijan
Authors: Heikkilä Jonna , Poladova Aytan , Kääriä Juha
Published: November 2014

‘Development of Sustainable Entrepreneurship and Support of Local Handicrafts in Rural Azerbaijan’ is a joint effort between the Turku University of Applied Sciences Ltd. and Sustainable Future in Finland and Ekoloji Tarazliq NGO as a local partner, with the aim of creating rural businesses and services in order to attract tourists to the three project areas. Thus far, most of the tourists in Azerbaijan have been business travellers staying in the capital, Baku. The project (implemented in 2012-2014) has introduced PPP or public-private partnership approaches in the promotion of sustainable tourism through the involvement of various stakeholders from small-scale entrepreneurs to national level authorities. The most important stakeholder groups are the local communities, entrepreneurs, handicraft masters, and owners of households providing accommodation services to travelers.

Several challenges and areas of development in rural tourism have been identified: insufficient infrastructure in rural areas, varying quality of services, and unclear brands of different regions. Rural tourism has great potential in Azerbaijan, but it needs promotion and support, especially in organized structures for service design and marketing channels, which require strong cooperation on the national and local level.

The project envisages eco-cultural tourism as a concept which emphasizes unique environmental conditions and traditional cultural values in order to create favorable conditions for tourists; meanwhile it presents marginal livelihoods a novel source of income. Sustainability and participation are crucial for the long-term future of eco-cultural tourism, which could, with strong multilevel cooperation and comprehensive service design structures, promote economic development and support especially women’s participation and role in the tourism market of the rural areas.
Trade Union Practices in the EU and Latvia: Experience for Eastern Partnership Countries
Authors: Stacenko Sergejs , Sloka Biruta
Published: November 2014

The article will show major dimensions in the experience of EU Member States that could be shared with the Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries. The framework of the study is the EU concept of trade unions in social dialogue and social partnership in the public sector. This study outlines the concept of social dialogue as a core element of industrial relations and will focus on industrial relations specifically in the public sector.

The authors have elaborated the approach to industrial relations and social dialogue taking into account comparative approach to definitions provided by international institutions such as ILO and OECD, as well as institutions in the EU and Latvia. Latvia is also a case study for Eastern Partnership countries as these countries and their trade unions are in a transition period from socialist structures to structures that possess liberal economies. Trade unions in these countries are members of the International Trade Union Confederation. The major transformation that trade unions underwent from being part of the socialist system and becoming an independent institution since Latvia regained independence in 1991 has been studied. The paper discusses the current developments related to the position of Latvian Free Trade Union Federation in the system of decision-making process related to the public administration management. Finally, the prospective role of trade unions in the EU and in Latvia is analysed and possible revitalisation of trade union is discussed. This approach could be applied to the Eastern Partners of the EU.
Historical Regional Demographic Divergence in Latvia: Lessons of the Common Past with Eastern Partnership Countries
Authors: Dahs Aleksandrs
Published: November 2014

In recent decades, scientific literature on demographic research is increasing attention on spatial data analysis. It is considered a useful and reliable analysis methodology in evaluating complex regional development processes. However, due to its complexity and reliance on properly captured and quantified spatial relations, it remains a difficult topic for many scholars and practitioners. In Latvia, spatial demographic analysis may prove useful, providing opportunities for uncovering new dimensions of long-term regional demographic and economic development issues. Here, the author analyses spatial distribution aspects of key demographic indicators in Latvia’s municipalities, the associated socio-economic factors and their impact. The implications of the identified spatial processes and dependencies for regional development policy and aid are discussed, including possible lessons learned from or shared with the EU Eastern Partnership countries facing similar challenges.
A Large-Scale MIMO Precoding Algorithm Based on Iterative Interference Alignment
Authors: Jiang Jing , Lv Wei
Published: November 2014

The performance of Large-scale MIMO system is degraded by Pilot Contamination. In order to reduce Pilot Contamination, a downlink precoding algorithm is put forward, based on Interference Alignment (IA). The main idea of this algorithm is aligning the pilot contamination and inter-cell interference to the same null space in order to acquire the maximal degrees of freedom. Then the downlink receiving precoding matrix is solved with respect to a maximal SINR (Signal Interference Noise Ratio) criterion. Exploiting the channel reciprocity and an iterative process, Base station and User Equipment switch transmitting and receiving roles in the uplink and downlink, the precoding matrices of the Base station and User Equipment is gradually updated until convergence. Finally, the simulation results have shown that the algorithm proposed can efficiently mitigate the impact of pilot contamination and outperform some popular precoding algorithms, e.g., MF precoding algorithm and MMSE precoding algorithm. When the number of antennas increases, the performance of the proposed algorithm will be greatly improved.
A Teaching Quality Evaluation Model Based on a Wavelet Neural Network Improved by Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Li Hui
Published: November 2014

In order to improve the teaching quality of higher education, the paper constructed a teaching quality evaluation index system with five first level indicators and twenty two second level indicators according to the teaching level evaluation index system of ordinary higher education. For the complex nonlinear relationships between the evaluation indices, a mathematical model for evaluating the teaching quality based on WNN, whose parameters were optimized by PSO, was presented in the paper. The experimental results showed that the method proposed could better improve the accuracy of the teaching quality evaluation target by making the mean square error of the actual output value and the desired output value smaller. Simultaneously, the method has been widely used in teaching quality evaluation of our college.
DLTFS Investigation of Ingaasn/Gaas Tandem Solar Cell
Authors: Kósa Arád , Stuchlíková L’ubica , Dawidowski Wojciech , Jakuš Juraj , Sciana Beata , Radziewicz Damian , Pucicki Damian , Harmatha Ladislav , Kováč Jaroslav , Tłaczala Marek
Published: November 2014

In this paper authors present the results of identification of emission and capture processes in tandem solar cell structures based on quaternary InGaAsN semiconductor alloys by DLTFS (Deep Level Transient Fourier Spectroscopy) and by ana- lytical evaluation processes. The energies of five trap levels ET1=0.77 eV, ET2=0.47 eV, ET3=0.64 eV, HT1=0.62 eV and HT2=0.53 eV were identified with reliable accuracy. These values were obtained by available analytical procedures, verified by simulations and confirmed by reference structures with basic layer types and compared with possible reference trap data. Native structural defects in GaAs were stated as the origin of these deep energy levels
Analytical Investigation on Papr Reduction in OFDM Systems Using Golay Codes
Authors: Uppal Sabhyata , Sharma Sanjay , Singh Hardeep
Published: November 2014

Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) is a common technique in multi carrier communications. One of the major issues in developing OFDM is the high peak to average power ratio (PAPR). Golay sequences have been introduced to construct 16-QAM and 256-QAM (quadrature amplitude modulation) code for the orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), reducing the peak-to-average power ratio. In this paper we have considered the use of coding to reduce the peakto- average power ratio (PAPR) for orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) systems. By using QPSK Golay sequences, 16 and 256 QAM sequences with low PAPR are generated
Far Field Measurements of Phc Led Prepared by E–Beam Lithography
Authors: Hronec Pavol , Škriniarová Jaroslava , Benčurová Anna , Nemec Pavol , Pudiš Dušan , Kováč Jaroslav
Published: November 2014

The paper deals with optical characterization of the Al0.295Ga0.705As/GaAs multi-quantum well light emitting diode (LED) structure with photonic crystal (2D PhC) patterned on the top of the structure using Electron Beam Direct Write Lithography (EBDWL). Light-current characteristics measured by integrating sphere shows increase of extracted light intensity as 21.1%. Additionally, extracted light intensity was studied by far-field measurements as a complementary method to light-current characteristics. The far-field measurements show increase of extracted light intensity as 31.2%. We suggest this method as more suitable for evaluation of extracted light intensity because it omits emission from edges of the LED and thus light is measured only from the area where PhC is patterned
Surface Properties of a Nanocrystalline Fe–Ni–Nb–B Alloy After Neutron Irradiation
Authors: Pavùk Milan , Sitek Jozef , Sedlačková Katarína
Published: November 2014

The effect of neutron radiation on the surface properties of the nanocrystalline (Fe0.25Ni0.75)81Nb7B12 alloy was studied. Firstly, amorphous (Fe0.25Ni0.75)81Nb7B12 ribbon was brought by controlled annealing to the nanocrystalline state. After annealing, the samples of the nanocrystalline ribbon were irradiated in a nuclear reactor with neutron fluences of 1×1016cm−2 and 1 × 1017cm−2 . By utilizing the magnetic force microscopy (MFM), topography and a magnetic domain structure were recorded at the surface of the ribbon-shaped samples before and after irradiation with neutrons. The results indicate that in terms of surface the nanocrystalline (Fe0.25Ni0.75)81Nb7B12 alloy is radiation-resistant up to a neutron fluence of 1 × 1017cm−2 . The changes in topography observed for both irradiated samples are discussed
Awareness System Implemented in the European Network
Authors: Jańıček František , Jedinák Martin , Šulc Igor
Published: November 2014

Transmission system in Slovakia is part of a synchronously interconnected system of continental Europe. Besides indisputable technical and economical benefits of cooperation many hazardous factors exist of fault condition spreading with impact on our system. Even today a system break-up escalated into a vast blackout is a real danger. European transmission system operators continually work on preventive measures and develop systems with a goal to handle critical situations. The ambition of the European Awareness System is to signalize the rise of these situations and also assist with system restoration
Quantifying Dry Rubber Content in Latex Solution Using an Ultrasonic Pulse
Authors: Kerdtongmee P. , Pumdaung C. , Danworaphong S.
Published: November 2014

The quality of latex solution harvested from a para rubber tree is determined by the amount of dry rubber content (DRC). In this work, we propose the use of an ultrasonic pulse for quantifying the DRC in latex solution. Fresh latex solutions are acquired locally from different regions in the south of Thailand. The DRC of the solutions is evaluated for calibration purposes by the standard technique as recommended in ISO126:2005. Along with the calibration experiment, the ultrasonic pulse experiment is performed on the same set of the solutions in cylindrical tubes of different lengths. The ultrasonic pulse transverse longitudinally through the tubes which are fully contained with the latex solutions. Ultrasonic speeds and spatial attenuations for different dry rubber contents can then be obtained. Our results reveal that the ultrasonic speed and spatial attenuation are linearly proportional to the amount of dry rubber content in latex solution. Using the empirical relationship between the spatial attenuation and the DRC, we can predict the DRC with the accuracy comparable to that of the microwave-drying technique. Given the size of the tube, our setup is relatively small and can be portable
Polyurethanes from the crystalline prepolymers resistant to abrasive wear
Authors: Domańska Agata , Boczkowska Anna , Izydorzak-Woźniak Marta , Jaegermann Zbigniew , Grądzka-Dahlke Małgorzata
Published: November 2014

The research aimed at the selection of polyurethanes synthesized from poly(tetramethylene ether) glycol (PTMEG), as well as from two different isocyanates 4,4′-methylenebis(cyclohexyl)isocyanate (HMDI) and 4.4′-methylenebis(phenyl isocyanate) (MDI) in order to obtain polyurethane with increased resistance to abrasive wear and degradation for bio-medical application. Polyurethanes were fabricated from crystalline prepolymers extended by water. The paper presents preliminary results on polyurethane surface wettability, friction coefficient for different couples of the co-working materials such as polyurethane-polyurethane, polyurethane-titanium alloy, polyurethane-alumina, in comparison to commonly used polyethylene-titanium alloy. Shear strength of polyurethane-alumina joint, as well as viscosity of prepolymers were also measured. The values of friction coefficient were compared to literature data on commercially available polyurethane with the trade name Pellethane. Polyurethanes obtained are characterized by low abrasive wear and low friction coefficient in couple with the titanium alloy, what makes them attractive as possible components of ceramic-polymer endoprosthesis joints.
Uncertainties Concerning the Free Vibration of Inhomogeneous Orthotropic Reinforced Concrete Plates
Authors: Shahsavar Vahid Lal , Tofighi Samira
Published: November 2014

Analyzing nearly collapsed and broken structures gives good insights into possible architectural and engineering design mistakes and faults in the detailing and mismanagement of a construction by building contractors. Harmful vibration effects of construction operations occur frequently. The background reviews have demonstrated that the problem of the vibration serviceability of long-span concrete floors in buildings is complex and interdisciplinary in nature. In public buildings, floor vibration control is required in order to meet Serviceability Limit States that ensure the comfort of the users of a building. In industrial buildings, machines are often placed on floors. Machines generate vibrations of various frequencies, which are transferred to supporting constructions. Precision machines require a stable floor with defined and known dynamic characteristics. In recent years there has been increasing interest in the motion of elastic bodies whose material properties (density, elastic moduli, etc.) are not constant, but vary with their position, perhaps in a random manner. Concrete is a non-homogeneous and anisotropic material. Modeling the mechanical behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) is still one of the most difficult challenges in the field of structural engineering. One of several methods for determining the dynamic modulus of the elasticity of engineering materials is the vibration frequency procedure. In this method, the required variables except for the modulus of elasticity are accurately and certainly determined. In this research, the uncertainly analysis of the free vibration of inhomogeneous orthotropic reinforced concrete plates has been investigated. Due to the numerous outputs obtained, the software package has been written in Matlab, and an analysis of the data and drawing related charts has been done.
Constitutive Modeling and Numerical Simulation of Frp Confined Concrete Specimens
Authors: Smitha Gopinath , Ramachandramurthy Avadhanam , Nagesh Ranganatha Iyer , Shahulhameed Eduvammal Kunhimoideen
Published: November 2014

Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites are generally used for the seismic retrofit of concrete members to enhance their strength and ductility. In the present work, the confining effect of Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) composite layers has been investigated by numerical simulation. The numerical simulation has been carried out using nonlinear finite element analysis (FEA) to predict the response behaviour of CFRP-wrapped concrete cylinders. The nonlinear behaviour of concrete in compression and the linear elastic behaviour of CFRP has been modeled using an appropriate constitutive relationship. A cohesive model has been developed for modeling the interface between the concrete and CFRP. The interaction and damage failure criteria between the concrete to the cohesive element and the cohesive element to the CFRP has also been accounted for in the modeling. The response behaviour of the wrapped concrete specimen has been compared with the proposed interface model and with a perfectly bonded condition. The results obtained from the present study showed good agreement with the experimental load-displacement response and the failure pattern in the literature. Further, a sensitivity analysis has been carried out to study the effect of the number of layers of CFRP on the concrete specimens. It has been observed that wrapping with two layers was found to be the optimum, beyond which the response becomes flexible but with a higher load-carrying capacity
Dominance of English in the European Union and in European Law
Authors: Křepelka Filip
Published: November 2014

English has become the first global language of international com- munication during the last decades. It is dominant in many fields as science, technology, transportation, business and tourism and diplomacy. The European Union with law applicable directly on individuals is officially multilingual. English is, however, preferred in internal communication and in communication with national experts. National laws are closely related with particular states. Related discourse is therefore realized mostly in national language. Legal education and research are thus less anglicized than other university education and research. Nevertheless, increasing importance of international and supranational rules for harmonization and coordination, growing demand for comparison, pres- sure to publish in internationally recognized journals, Europe-wide research projects and rising numbers of exchange of students cause widespread resort to English also at schools of law. Unfortunately, English is language of countries with Anglo-American law (common law) which differs significantly from continental law (civil law) existing in most European and other countries. Therefore, it is difficult to find adequate English words for phenomena of civil law and to stabilize their use in international discourse.
Waging Wars with Words – Libel and Slander in the Polish Statutory Law and English Common Law
Authors: Strębska Katarzyna
Published: November 2014

This paper aims to investigate the differences between the concepts of libel and slander as understood by the Polish statutory and English common law. As it turns out, the above terms are not only divergent with regard to language (varying linguistic contexts) but also with regard to corresponding acts in the real world. Western cultures cherish such values as dignity, honour and self-fulfillment as the underlying rights of a citizen in democratic countries. The above terms are being constantly referred to in international treaties and conventions but the question which should be asked is whether they receive due attention in legal practice. As regards interpretation, not only in theory (which is rather scarce, especially in common law), but also in practice (the court verdicts in cases dealing with libel and slander) the important issue is not how the defamatory statement makes the person referred to feel, but the impression it is likely to make on those reading it (McBride, Bagshaw, 2008 in: Quinn, 2007:209). The subsequent analysis of particular cases in the practical part supports the above claim. Although it is reiterated by the Polish legal academics that civil regulations are not sufficient to guarantee legal protection of dignity, there is an equal or even greater amount of supporters of the broadly conceived “freedom of speech”. The discussion might be summarized as involving the proponents of liberal and democratic policies on the one hand, and those who wish to avoid complete decriminalization of libel and slander and deem them necessary components of balance in a democratic state
The experience of West Nile virus integrated surveillance system in the Emilia-Romagna region: five years of implementation, Italy, 2009 to 2013
Authors: Bellini R , Calzolari M , Mattivi A , Tamba M , Angelini P , Bonilauri P , Albieri A , Cagarelli R , Carrieri M , Dottori M , Finarelli A C , Gaibani P , Landini M P , Natalini S , Pascarelli N , Rossini G , Velati C , Vocale C , Bedeschi E
Published: November 2014

Binary file ES_Abstracts_Final_ECDC.txt matches
HABITAT UTILIZATION BY ASIATIC WILD ELEPHANT (ELEPHUS MAXIMUS) IN PARSA WILDLIFE RESERVE, NEPAL
Authors: Yadav B. R. , Dutta I. C. , Chilese M. K. , Williums Christy , Sharma B. K.
Published: November 2014

During the habitat survey, elephants foot prints, dungs and dirct observations were performed alongeach sampling grid. GPS points of elephant's presence were recorded. Aiming to provide quantitativeanalysis of habitats, circular quadrats of 10 m, 2 m and 1m radius were used to collect informationabout trees, shrubs and herbs. Importance values of each species of trees were analyzed by addingrelative frequency, relative density and relative dominance. Name of each forest type was determinedfrom the sequencial order of the large Importance Values (IV) of tree species. Prominance valueswere calculated for shrubs and ground flora and were used for classification of the shrub and groundvegetation type. Higher area of the reserve was covered by the forest (85.9%) followed by agricultureand buildup land (5.1%), grassland (3%), water body (3%), riverbed (2%) and shrub land (1%),respectively. Based on the phyto-sociological combination, forests of this reserve incorporated fourtypes namely Sal with Tarai Mixed Hardwood, Sal, Tarai Mixed Hardwood and Riverine.Ample ofevidence found inside lowler part (Tarai, Bhabar and the base of Churia) of Parsa Wildlife Reserve. Asuitable habitat with palatable forages (eg, Mallotus philippinnesis, Bananas, bamboos and climbers)for wild elephants were found inside the reserve. These forests were used as prime habitat by theAsiatic wild elephant.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/eco.v20i0.11440ECOPRINTAn International Journal of EcologyVol. 20, 2013Page 41-52
ASSESSMENT OF PLANT DIVERSITY INDICES OF GOMATI RIPARIAN CORRIDORS IN DISTRICT JAUNPUR, INDIA
Authors: Singh Mayank , Singh M. P.
Published: November 2014

Riparian ecosystems, the central elements in many landscapes, are described as an ecotone stretchedout across the landscape because of their shape diversity and function as filters and corridors still theyare most disturbed and threatened by humans. The present work deals with seasonal dynamics inplant diversity indices at two distinct sites (I and II) at ecotonal belts of River Gomati, Jaunpur (U.P.).The diversity indices of plant community have been computed on the basis of density values recordedfrom April, 2012 to March, 2013. Site I showed more species richness and evenness as compared tosite II. Shannon and Weaver, Evenness, Marglef’s, McIntosh and Menhinic diversity indices valueswere higher at site I compared to site II. In contrast, the concentration dominance showed highervalue at site II, whereas Simpson values of diversity have fluctuated in different seasons at both thesites (I and II). It finally deals to formulate strategies and methods for the management of plantdiversity and other natural resources based on various ecological studies, and logical grounds.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/eco.v20i0.11444ECOPRINTAn International Journal of EcologyVol. 20, 2013Page: 71-76
SCREENING OF VEGETABLES FOR PHYTOEXTRACTION OF HEAVY METALS
Authors: Kafle Baby Sharma
Published: November 2014

To understand the phytoextraction of heavy metals from contaminated soil, eighteen seasonalvegetable crops were investigated. The soil was artificially contaminated each with 300 mg kg-1CuCl2, 500 mg kg-1 Pb (NO3)2, 800 mg kg-1 ZnCl2 or their mixed metal (1600 mg kg-1). Lowestcopper (Cu) accumulation was recorded in Brassica juncea and highest in Vicia faba, while lowestlead (Pb) accumulation in Solanum tuberosum, and highest in Allium fistulossum; and lowest zinc(Zn) accumulation in both Allium fistulossum and Solanum tuberosum, and highest was in Vicia fabafrom the single metal contamination. Similarly, lowest Cu, Pb and Zn was recorded in Brassicajuncea, Brassica caulorapa and Allium fistulossum, respectively; and highest accumulation of Cu andPb was in Spinacea oleracea and Zn in Spinacea oleracea from their mixed metal treatments.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/eco.v20i0.11469ECOPRINTAn International Journal of EcologyVol. 20, 2013page: 81-88
SOIL AND LEAF WATER POTENTIAL OF QUERCUS SEMECARPIFOLIA AT PHULCHOWKI HILL, NEPAL
Authors: Poudyal K.
Published: November 2014

Quercus semecarpifolia is a high altitude oak and dominant species of central Himalayan vegetation.In the central Himalaya, plants are subjected to a prolonged dry period, thus developing moisturestress. Soil water potential at 15 cm and 30 cm depth, predawn and midday leaf water potential andtheir relationship with stomatal conductance and phenological behaviour was studied at PhulchowkiHill, Kathmandu to evaluate the drought adaptation strategy of Q. semecarpifolia in a pure stand at2130 m elevation. The natural ecosystem of Himalayan region has a characteristic climatic pattern ofconcentrated rainfall and a prolonged dry season which have a strong effect on the adaptability of thisspecies. It maintained a high predawn leaf water potential (ΨL pd) and stomatal conductance (gw)despite low soil water Ψ and ΨL pd . Lowest Ψs and ΨL pd were observed in March 1999, when therewas almost no rain for five months. Mean ΨL pd and ΨL md were (–1.79 and –2.29 MPa, respectively).Patterns of ΨL pd and ΨL md correlated significantly with soil Ψ, and phenology as ΨL pd oftenincreased during leafing but not with gw.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/eco.v20i0.11473ECOPRINT An International Journal of EcologyVol. 20, 2013page: 115-121
Converging-Diverging Flow in a Novel Extruder and its Application in Film Blowing
Authors: Yin X. C. , Tang B. , Yu Z. W. , Yang Z. T. , He G. J.
Published: November 2014

This article proposes a novel extruder based on converging-diverging flow for polymer processing. The extruder is composed of four vane plasticizing and conveying units (VPCU) and three mixing units. The working principle of the new extruder is described in detail. Film was produced on this machine by using of CaCO3 filled LDPE composites. The film's mechanical properties were studied in terms of tensile strength and tear strength. The microstructure of the composites was studied in terms of SEM. The thermo-mechanical history of the material suffered in this extruder can be remarkably shortened in contrast to a single screw extruder with the same maximum output. Experimental results showed that the die pressure has little effect on output. More CaCO3 can be filled into the blend without degrading the parts performance.
Modeling of Plasticating Injection Molding – Experimental Assessment
Authors: Fernandes C. , Pontes A. J. , Viana J. C. , Nóbrega J. M. , Gaspar-Cunha A.
Published: November 2014

A computational model for the description of polymer flow during the plasticating phase of the injection molding process is proposed. The polymer behavior is determined during the dynamic and static phases of the process. The model takes into account the backwards movement of the screw, the presence of a non-return valve and the conduction of heat during the idle times. Results for the dynamic and static phases of the plasticization are presented. The model is also used to study the influence of some important operative process parameters, such as, screw speed, backpressure, barrel temperatures and injection chamber length. The assessment of the computational results is made experimentally by comparing the average temperature calculated with measurements made in front of the screw nozzle using both, an IR camera and an IR thermometer. The differences between the computational and the IR camera measurements are below 5%.
Thermal Properties and Morphology Characteristics of a PP Mono-Filament and its Foam
Authors: Chuapon N. , Naithanom O. , Sato Y. , Areerat S. , Ito H.
Published: November 2014

The polypropylene (PP) mono-filament is an alternative material that can be used for insulation, packaging, and polymer composite applications. In this study, PP mono-filaments were prepared by extrusion free-fall at temperatures of 190, 200, and 210°C through a micro extrusion die with a diameter of 900 μm. The free-fall speeds of the filament were controlled by a gear pump driving at speeds ranging from 12.5 to 20.0 min−1, and the extrudates were cooled at room temperature. The PP mono-filaments were subsequently foamed by a batch foaming process with sc-CO2 as the blowing agent at foaming temperatures of 165, 170, 175 and 180°C. The thermal properties and crystallinity of the prepared filaments and their foams were investigated using a DSC. The foam morphology and isotropic foam properties were characterized by SEM micrographs. The results show that the various morphologies of the PP mono-filament foams deviated from the isotropic foam behavior and had isotropic foam index values in the range of 1.1 to 2.3. In addition, the PP mono-filament that was foamed at 175°C expanded in the longitudinal direction and exhibited the highest expansion ratio, but its degree of crystallinity decreased compared to the mono-filaments. PP mono-filament foam represented a narrow crystallization temperature range and crystallization time than mono-filament and tended to a faster crystalline growth.
Analyzing the Maximum Abbreviated Injury Scale in Vehicle Crashes by Using a Logistic Normal Model
Authors: Meguellati Fatima , N'Guessan Assi , Hermitte Thierry
Published: November 2014

This paper presents a model centered on the estimation of the maximum abbreviated injury scale–based injury predicting models by using a logistic normal model with random effects. The study identified energy equivalent speed, collision type, crash year, location, driver's age, and gender for the analysis of the gravity in vehicle crashes. The study showed that the collision type variable was modeled better by random effects than by fixed effects and that energy equivalent speed, crash year, location, driver's age, and gender were contributing factors with fixed effects to the injury severity. Therefore, the authors took advantage of the mixed logit model's ability to account for unobserved effects that are difficult to quantify and may affect the model estimation. Crashes from the database of detailed studies of personal accidents occurring from 1991 to 2010 in France were used. The estimation of the parameters (fixed and random effects) was performed by several approximation methods. Energy equivalent speed was found to be, by far, the most significant variable. If drivers age 75 and older were considered as a reference, drivers in the 25-to-34 age bracket were significant contributors and were followed by those in the 35-to-44 age bracket and then by those in the 55-to-65 age bracket. In addition, vehicles that crashed between 1995 and 1999 were more significant contributors than were those in the reference period, 1991 to 1994. For assessment of the performance of the model proposed, a binary logit model was compared with the mixed logit by means of cross validation. The obtained results revealed that the logistic normal mixed model is preferred because it detects more vehicle crashes with serious injuries than does the classic logistic regression model.
Sampling Serious Injuries in Traffic Crashes at the State Level
Authors: Flannagan Carol , Elliott Michael R. , Mann N. Clay , Rupp Jonathan D.
Published: November 2014

The Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act requires a new emphasis on measurement of serious injuries in crashes. Current practice in states that measure serious injuries is to use the police-reported injury severity of A (suspected serious injury) to define serious injury. However, serious injury is more appropriately defined as a medical diagnosis. The biggest challenge to using a medical diagnosis as the definition of serious injury is that medical outcome data are typically not part of a state crash data set. The most comprehensive solution to this challenge is to link state crash databases with state trauma registries. However, for most states, data linkage is still many years away. This paper discusses sampling medical records as an interim solution. Sampling approaches are discussed, and a stratified sampling approach is recommended. Optimal allocation of a sample provides a framework for determining the proportion of cases to sample from each subgroup, and the desired precision of the estimate and the cost per sample determine the number of cases that should be sampled. A roadmap for developing a stratified sampling plan is presented as is a hypothetical numerical example that uses data from Michigan. Sampling as an interim solution has several advantages, including comparability, progress toward comprehensive linkage, and scalability. Logistical challenges, costs of sampling, and privacy considerations are also discussed. Although sampling is not free, it represents an important way to move ahead with the necessary step of enabling measurement of serious injuries by using a diagnosis-based definition.
Geographical imagination and sociality of sailors of the Black Sea merchant fleet during the Cold War
Authors: Humphrey Caroline
Published: November 2014

The article discusses Soviet sailors' experiences away from home and seaborne social relations—the particular sociality brought to the Black Sea region by ships and sailors. The officers and sailors employed by the Black Sea Fleet had much wider horizons than ordinary Soviet citizens—and the small temporary society of the ship interpenetrated with the varied Black Sea inhabitants in limited but significant ways. They contrasted “high seas” of the world's great oceans, the setting for dangerous, daring and profitable exploits, with the enclosed drudgery of the Black Sea routes. The article shows how the Cold War inflected the imaginaries and practices of seamen and others. It argues that an anthropology of the sea can develop an analysis that combines regional specificities with visions that extend beyond the local and national.
Red salute at work
Authors: Hoffmann Michael
Published: November 2014

This article examines changing labor regimes in the wake of the Nepalese Maoist revolution through a historical and ethnographic exploration of brick factory in the Kailali district, western Nepal. I argue that the Maoist rebellion has helped to produce a new young, mobile, and urbanizing working class that in the new political context feels increasingly secure in claiming new spaces for its own emerging pleasure, pastimes, and sociality vis-à-vis existing hierarchies and customs. I further show that there is a broad base for solidarities among more and less skilled people within this proletariat, though such solidarity does not yet seem to reach beyond “ethnic” and linguistic boundaries. Highlighting these facets of the transformation of everyday labor regimes in a sociopolitical context that is in a high state of flux and change, the article looks into the consequences of the Maoist revolution in the working lives of ordinary people.
Conjunctures, crises, and cultures
Authors: Clarke John
Published: November 2014

This article explores the significance of the work of Stuart Hall for social and political anthropology. It identifies the concern with concrete conjunctural analysis, the continuing attention to the problem of hegemony, and the centrality of a politics of articulation in theory and practice as core features of Hall's work. The article also touches on his complex relationship with theory and theorizing while grounding his work in a series of political and ethical commitments within and beyond the university.
A review of the brittle ice zone in polar ice cores
Authors: Neff Peter D.
Published: November 2014

Maintaining ice-core quality through the brittle ice zone (BIZ) remains challenging for polar ice-core studies. At depth, increasing ice overburden pressurizes trapped air bubbles, causing fracture of cores upon exposure to atmospheric pressure. Fractured ice cores degrade analyses, reducing resolution and causing contamination. BIZ encounters at 18 sites across the Greenland, West and East Antarctic ice sheets are documented. The BIZ begins at a mean depth of 545 ± 162 m (1 standard deviation), extending to depths where ductile clathrate ice is reached: an average of 1132 ± 178 m depth. Ice ages in this zone vary with snow accumulation rate and ice thickness, beginning as young as 2 ka BP at Dye-3, Greenland, affecting ice >160 ka BP in age at Taylor Dome, Antarctica, and compromising up to 90% of retrieved samples at intermediate-depth sites. Effects of pressure and temperature on the BIZ are explored using modeled firn-column overburden pressure and borehole temperatures, revealing complex associations between firn densification and BIZ depth, and qualitatively supporting expected thinning of the BIZ at low ice temperatures due to shallower clathrate stability. Mitigating techniques for drilling, transport, sampling and analysis of brittle ice cores are also discussed.
Modelling the evolution of Vadret da Morteratsch, Switzerland, since the Little Ice Age and into the future
Authors: Zekollari Harry , Fürst Johannes Jakob , Huybrechts Philippe
Published: November 2014

We use a 3-D higher-order glacier flow model for Vadret da Morteratsch, Engadin, Switzerland, to simulate its strong retreat since the end of the Little Ice Age (LIA) and to project its future disintegration under a warming climate. The flow model, coupled to a 2-D energy-balance model, is initialized with the known maximum glacier extent during the LIA and subsequently forced with mean monthly precipitation and temperature records. To correctly reproduce the observed retreat of the glacier front for the period 1864–2010, additional mass-balance perturbations are required to account for uncertainties in the initial state, the mass-balance model and climate variations not captured by the ambient meteorological records. Changes in glacier volume and area are in good agreement with additional information from historical topographic maps. Under constant 2001–10 climate conditions, a strong retreat and mass loss continue and Vadret da Morteratsch disconnects from its main tributary, Vadret Pers, before 2020. The future glacier evolution is analysed in detail to understand the timing and rate of retreat, and to assess the role of ice dynamics. Assuming a linearly increasing warming of >3°C by 2100, only isolated and largely stagnant ice patches remain at high elevation.
Analysis of Criteria Air Pollutant Trends in Three Mexican Metropolitan Areas
Authors: Benítez-García Sandy-Edith , Kanda Isao , Wakamatsu Shinji , Okazaki Yukiyo , Kawano Masahide
Published: November 2014

Data from the annual, seasonal, and hourly behavior of the criteria air pollutants CO, NO2, SO2, O3, and PM10 in three Mexican metropolitan areas (the Mexico City Metropolitan Area (MCMA), Guadalajara Metropolitan Area (GMA), and Monterrey Metropolitan Area (MMA)) over the period 2000–2011 were analyzed; and compliance with Mexican air quality standards was evaluated, highlighting causes of specific episodes of high and low concentrations. Data analyzed were collected from automatic air-monitoring networks located in the MCMA (32 stations), GMA (8 stations), and MMA (5 stations). In the MCMA and MMA, correlations between wind direction and concentrations of SO2 suggest that there was a considerable contribution of trans-boundary transport from outside of these areas. Analysis of annual trends revealed large reductions of CO in the MCMA, and SO2 in the three metropolitan areas. However, the annual mean concentration of O3 increased by 47% and 42% in the GMA and MMA, respectively, from 2000 to 2011, but decreased by 13% in the MCMA from 2005 to 2010. The annual mean concentration of PM10 in the MMA was about 58% and 76% higher than that in the MCMA and GMA, respectively, from 2001 to 2010.
Post Feed-in Scheme Photovoltaic System Feasibility Evaluation in Italy: Sicilian Case Studies
Authors: Squatrito Riccardo , Sgroi Filippo , Tudisca Salvatore , Trapani Anna , Testa Riccardo
Published: November 2014

Thanks to national energy policies, over recent years the Italian photovoltaic (PV) sector has undergone an extraordinary growth, also affecting the primary sector. In this context, Mediterranean greenhouses are well-adapted to photovoltaic systems because they represent one of the most energy-intensive sectors in agriculture. The Italian feed-in scheme ended at the beginning of 2013, making it necessary to investigate the feasibility of photovoltaic systems devoid of any electricity production-related incentives. In this paper, production cost and profitability analyses of photovoltaic electricity have been conducted, considering Mediterranean solar greenhouses in which, thanks to net metering, all the electricity produced by photovoltaic panels is self-consumed. Our results showed that grid parity is already reached for Sicilian PV systems with a capacity greater than 50 kW. Moreover, net present value, internal rate of return and discounted payback time all demonstrate the high economic convenience of all the photovoltaic investments analyzed, due to the huge savings on energy expenditures.
Microenvironment of Tumor-Draining Lymph Nodes: Opportunities for Liposome-Based Targeted Therapy
Authors: Chandrasekaran Siddarth , King Michael
Published: November 2014

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently reported that the total number of global cancer cases in 2013 reached 14 million, a 10% rise since 2008, while the total number of cancer deaths reached 8.2 million, a 5.2% increase since 2008. Metastasis is the major cause of death from cancer, accounting for 90% of all cancer related deaths. Tumor-draining lymph nodes (TDLN), the sentinel nodes, are the first organs of metastasis in several types of cancers. The extent of metastasis in the TDLN is often used in disease staging and prognosis evaluation in cancer patients. Here, we describe the microenvironment of the TDLN and review the recent literature on liposome-based therapies directed to immune cells within the TDLN with the intent to target cancer cells.
Forecasting Hoabinh Reservoir’s Incoming Flow: An Application of Neural Networks with the Cuckoo Search Algorithm
Authors: Chen Jeng-Fung , Hsieh Ho-Nien , Do Quang
Published: November 2014

The accuracy of reservoir flow forecasting has the most significant influence on the assurance of stability and annual operations of hydro-constructions. For instance, accurate forecasting on the ebb and flow of Vietnam’s Hoabinh Reservoir can aid in the preparation and prevention of lowland flooding and drought, as well as regulating electric energy. This raises the need to propose a model that accurately forecasts the incoming flow of the Hoabinh Reservoir. In this study, a solution to this problem based on neural network with the Cuckoo Search (CS) algorithm is presented. In particular, we used hydrographic data and predicted total incoming flows of the Hoabinh Reservoir over a period of 10 days. The Cuckoo Search algorithm was utilized to train the feedforward neural network (FNN) for prediction. The algorithm optimized the weights between layers and biases of the neuron network. Different forecasting models for the three scenarios were developed. The constructed models have shown high forecasting performance based on the performance indices calculated. These results were also compared with those obtained from the neural networks trained by the particle swarm optimization (PSO) and back-propagation (BP), indicating that the proposed approach performed more effectively. Based on the experimental results, the scenario using the rainfall and the flow as input yielded the highest forecasting accuracy when compared with other scenarios. The performance criteria RMSE, MAPE, and R obtained by the CS-FNN in this scenario were calculated as 48.7161, 0.067268 and 0.8965, respectively. These results were highly correlated to actual values. It is expected that this work may be useful for hydrographic forecasting.