bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolution of Pressure on Bearing's Surface in Dislocated Single Floating Ring Bearing
Authors: Wang Xue Hui , Dai Yu Jie
Published: October 2012

The pressure on bearing’s surface in the dislocated single floating ring bearing with different radius of floating ring (Rf) and velocity of floating ring (Uf) were simulated by boundary element method (BEM). The numerical results indicate that the pressure on bearing increases with the increases of Ufwhen displacement of bearing (DR) is fixed. The pressure on bearing increases with the increases of Rfwhen DR is fixed. The pressure on bearing increases with the increases of DR when Rfis fixed.
Construct 2D Stable and Unstable Manifolds of Nonlinear Maps
Authors: Yao Peng , Zhang Wei
Published: October 2012

The procedure resolves the insertion of new mesh point, the searching of the image (or pre-image) and computation of the 1D sub-manifolds following the new mesh point tactfully, it does not require the 1D sub-manifolds to be computed from the initial circle and avoids the assembling of mesh points. The performance of the algorithm is demonstrated with hyper chaotic 3D Hénon map and Lorenz system.
Experimental Research and Simulation in a Thermosyphon
Authors: Yang K.M. , Wang N.H. , Jiang C.H. , Cheng L.
Published: October 2012

Heat pipes are devices capable of very high heat transfer and have been widely used in many thermal management applications. An experimental investigation and CFD simulation of thermal characteristics of heat pipe was presented in this paper. It can be found that UDF in FLUENT can simulate the evaporation and condensation in heat pipe. The pressure difference between evaporation section and condenser ensure the vapor can flow successfully from the evaporation section to condenser. In steady state, the fluctuation of axial velocity is very small in the most area in heat pipe. In general, the magnitudes of velocity vary from 0 to maximum from the end of both evaporation section and condenser, and the maximum value was maintained in the adiabatic section.
Study on Control Technology of Double-Fed Motor Based on PLC and General Inverter
Authors: Lin Cheng Wu , Shi Jia Lin , Lu Bo
Published: October 2012

In this paper, a voltage and frequency control model of double-fed motor excitation is put forward. This method has the ability to separate frequency and voltage adjustment of a general inverter by using USS communication protocol between the PLC and the general inverter. On this basis, the experimental system is constructed, and the related experiments are studied. Theoretical analysis and experimental results show that the proposed control method is feasible and has wide application prospects. It is very suitable for doubly-fed motors and other loads which need control of frequency and voltage.
Influence of Carbon Content on Corrosion Resistance Performance of Weathering Steel
Authors: Liu Zhi Yong , Chen Ji Qing , Liang Wen , Hu Min
Published: October 2012

The corrosion resistance performance of different carbon content weathering steels were investigated by cycle immersion corrosion test, rust layer micro-analysis and electrochemical impedance spectra techniques. The results show that the corrosion resistance performance is enhanced with decreasing carbon content of weathering steel. And the corrosion potential of rust layer becomes more positive, corrosion current density decreases, the anode dissolution of rust layer is impeded and the rust layer have more protect performance for test steel with decreasing carbon content of weathering steel.
The Glass Phase Characterization of Coal Ash Slag
Authors: Quan Hong Zhu
Published: October 2012

In recent years, coal power generation are strongly desired lower environmental burden, emissions of SOx, NOx, and CO2 are reduced to the level. Since high efficiency of combustion or gasification systems are discharges coal ash component of complex ashes or glassy molten slag(what is CCP), and the other point of view these CCPs are expected to be effectively used for sustainable development as component for civil engineering etc. Using the CCPs for civil engineering work, Pozzolanic reactions are very important character with hydration materials, but to measure Pozzolanic reaction by mortar test is necessary to wait very long term, waiting the new method of determine the Pozzolanic reactions. So, chemical and mineralogical investigations were carried out on these inorganic materials. The glass phase which was formed by quenching is difficult to characterize by X-ray analysis by every CCP, and discussed only how percentage of glass phases, without not good explanation of CCP reactions in each steps. So in this study, we promote the new method by optical analysis and acid extraction tests etc. In this study, three phases are distinguished, such as glass I, glass II, and crystal phase. Glass I has low flux compositions, and glass II has high flux compositions which makes the basic character of Class C ash in ASTM and Chinese GB standards.
The Coupling Effect of Composite Material with Foundation Pile and Soil Mass
Authors: Li Yong Suo
Published: October 2012

The computer-aided design method is used in modeling for the interaction between pile and geotechnical material soil. The behavior of the shear coupling springs is identical to the shear behavior of a grouted cable. Then a numerical model is founded by FLAC3D, deformation and stress responses are obtained as well as the mechanical response of pile during calculation, whose result reveals the mechanism of pile with soil under the load of gravitation and load transferring mode along pile shaft for different ground surface surcharge load, during simulation, the soil consists of two types, the less consolidated soil and normal consolidated soil, both the negative skin friction stress and positive skin friction stress are studied.
Preparation and its Properties of the Urea Modified Soy Protein Isolate Adhesives
Authors: Xie Jian Jun , Li Na , Zeng Nian
Published: October 2012

Soy proteins have shown great potential for use as renewable and environmentally friendly adhesives. The orthogonal experiments are designed for the urea-modified soy protein isolate(SPI) adhesives and the optimum formula is obtained. The mass concentrations of SPI and urea are 14% and 8%(relative to the total mass of SPI and water), the reaction temperature and time are 35°C and 60 min, respectively. Some basic and adhesion properties and its structure of the modified SPI adhesive for the optimum formula are measured. The viscosity is 43Pa.s, and the dry- and wet-state adhesion strengths of the urea-modified SPI optimum formula are 0.96MPa and 0.78MPa(>0.72MPa), respectively according to GB/T10724-2006, which satisfied with the requirement of the II-type plywood. Its surface hydrophobicity is improved and the thermal properties is slightly improved after 200°C. Recently, some concerns about environmental pollution, resource scarcity, and related health issues have pushed scientists to replace the petrochemicals-based synthetic polymers, which are used extensively in construction, packaging, glue and plywood industries, with the bio-based adhesives. SPI adhesives have shown great potential for use as environmentally friendly adhesives in plywood since 1930s when it’s first be developed. And it has been modified by chemical alkali[1], sodium dodecyl sulfate(SDS)[2,3], and urea[2], guanidine hydrochloride[4], etc. However, most of these modifications can not very well improve the water resistance and the bonding strength separately. Poor water resistance is a fatal weakness which seriously restricts the application in the industry. Many studies[5~8] have shown that the adhesives with some enhanced performances, for example, adhesion strength and water-resistant, can be obtained by unloading SPI molecular chain with the hydrophobic group using urea, SDS, other surfactant and guanidine hydrochloride, etc. And the unloading mechanism of the SPI molecular chain with the hydrophobic group is proclaimed. The optimum concentration of urea is 1mol/L for the water-resistant. The aim of this research was to improve the tacky strength and the water resistance[9] by using urea to modify SPI and evaluate the resulting adhesive’s potential for use in the plywood.
Analysis on New Functional Material - Applied Research of Clothing Based on New Thermal Insulation Materials
Authors: Sun Qin Fei , Wang Xue
Published: October 2012

The analysis on thermal insulation material of new functional material presented its application on clothing, clarified its superior characteristic on clothing is more and more popular with the development of science and technology, promoted people developing new functional material.
Natural Packaging Materials and Green Package Design
Authors: Sun Mei Jiao
Published: October 2012

This paper focuses on the natural packaging materials. Based on the research and exploration of natural packaging materials and green packaging design, t describes some Ideas such as "unity of heaven and man","the isomorphism", combining with the idea of the traditional packaging design. The concept of nationality and the green design are blended in packaging design so as that it has unique chinese flavour and embodies the spirit of primitive art, Then the design make full use of the advantages of natural materials at the same times.
Effect of High-Pressure Solution Temperature on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of AZ61 Magnesium Alloy
Authors: Li Yu Shan
Published: October 2012

As-cast AZ61 magnesium alloy was treated by solution under a high-pressure of 3 Gpa at different temperatures, atmospheric temperature, 200, 400, 600, 800 and 1000 °C. The microstructure of the products was observed by optical microscope. The mechanical properties of the products were investigated by brinell hardness tester and tensile testing. The results show that increasing solution temperature promotes the dissolution into α-Mg matrix of β-Mg17Al12 phase of AZ61 alloy, especially for over 400 °C. With increasing solution temperature, the tensile strength and elongation percentage of AZ61 increase gradually, but the hardness decreases.
Research and Analysis on Aerial Passenger Device Train
Authors: Cao Lian Min , Zhao Wen Ming
Published: October 2012

Based on the research and analysis on the train structure and installation of aerial passenger device, this study puts forward a kind of simple and reliable train structure with flexible installation. It can provide convenient, efficient and reliable installation and maintenance for the underground aerial passenger device, to avoid the trail rope and rope-falling accidents, also ensure the safety operation of aerial passenger system.
The Influence of Granite Powder on Mechanics Properties of Cement Mortar
Authors: Dong Gang Gang , Liu Fu Sheng , Ren Shu Xia , Lin Cong
Published: October 2012

large amount of granite powders wastages were produced during the process of the stone processing, therefore the research on recycling and utilizing the wastages was carried out. Based on the size distribution of granite powders specified by the laser particle size analyzer, the research on the influence of granite stone powder on the mechanical properties of cement mortar was carried out through the cement grinding test and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The test result shows as follows. The flexural and compressive strength of cement mortar with replacement rate of granite stone powders of 20% is the highest when the same particle size of granite stone powder is incorporated. When the replacement rate of granite powders is the same, the smaller the particle size of granite stone powder is, the higher the flexural and compressive strength of cement mortar is. When the replacement rate of granite powders is 20%, with the particle size ranging from 0μm to 45μm, the filling effect of the granite stone powder can be fully utilized to the best.
People Oriented - The Application and Design of Smart Materials in Digital Reading Media Platform
Authors: Yan Gen
Published: October 2012

Through the analysis of smart materials in digital reading media platform, this article tells us the development essence of smart materials and the application situations in explicit environment. Besides, this article also introduces the smart materials development tendency from function application to smart design. The intention of this article is to make us realize the optimization of smart materials must adhere to people oriented and attach importance to the reading experience of customers.
Experiment on the Characteristic of Viscosity-Temperature
Authors: Liu Xiao Yan , Xu Ying , Li Xiao Qing
Published: October 2012

Taking the crude oil from DaQing oilfield the tenth oil production plant as study, the tests about characteristic of viscosity-temperature are made by rotational rheometre. The viscosities in different temperature, rate of shearing and water cut were tested. The results show that the viscosity of crude oil is temperature-sensitive. As the temperature increase, the viscosity reduces greatly. When the water cut is about 30%, the viscosity is maximum value. Water cut has small influence on viscosity when the water cut exceeds 70%.
Investigation of Stress Field and Wear Depth of Cr-Mo-Cu Alloy Cast Iron with Nano-Additives under Abrasive Wear
Authors: Wang Chao Hui , Wang You , Pan Zhao Yi , Gu Xiao Hua , Li Sheng Xiao
Published: October 2012

The finite element method (FEM) was used to simulate the sliding wear progress. The stress field and strain field of Cr-Mo-Cu alloy cast iron with nano-additives under wear abrasion were analyzed through experiment and numerical investigation in this paper. And then the wear depth was got by calculation for different alloy cast irons by taking graphite morphology into account. The graphite morphology was changed by addition of nano-additives, with the aspect ratio of graphite was transformed from 2 to 10, three kinds of graphite aspect ratio prepared including 2, 5 and 10.
Preparation and Characterization of Fluoroalkyl Methacrylate Copolymer Emulsion Using in Glass Fiber
Authors: Sun Yi Ming , Xie Xia , Chen Xu Huang , Chen Yan Lin
Published: October 2012

Copolymer emulsions containing fluorine were prepared by emulsion polymerization with MMA, BA and G06B using SDBS as emulsifier. The copolymer was characterized by FTIR and DSC. The size and distribution of the latex particle in emulsion were obtained by particle size analyzer. The stability of emulsion was observed and the solvent resistance of latex films was investigated. Surface properties of the copolymer film were investigated by contact angle measurement. The results showed that adding fluorine group to copolymer could increase hydrophobic property of the latex film and decrease the surface free energy of copolymer film. Glass fiber will have excellent properties when combining with the copolymer emulsion.
Local Buckling of 2A12 Angle Aluminum Alloy under Axial Compression
Authors: Zhou Hai Ying , Jiang Ming , Bu Chun Lei
Published: October 2012

The limiting width-thickness ratio of 2A12 angle Aluminum Alloy under axial compression is discussed using guide for design of transmission tower by American society of civil engineers, Chinese Technical regulation of design for tower and pole structure of overhead transmission line (DL/T5154-2002) and Chinese code for design of steel structures (GB50017-2003). The results show that the formula of Chinese code for design of steel structures about limiting width-thickness ratio is reasonable. And there is unreasonable in Chinese technical regulation of design for tower and pole structure of overhead transmission line and guide for design of transmission tower by American society of civil engineers about the formula of limiting width-thickness ratio. Some useful suggestions are given.
Experimental Study on Air-Entraining Capability of Fly Ash Mortar
Authors: Quan Hong Zhu
Published: October 2012

The applicability of fly ash recently used in Japan was evaluated in this paper. The characteristics of 45 batches of fly ashes obtained in Japan in 2007 are evaluated and the results show that there were large differences in physical characteristics due to the degree of grinding of the coal and the chemical composition of coal ash. The recently evaluatiion method of fly ash in Japan is not considered to be suitable by change of methylene blue color because the chemical characteristics of Ph and ORP (oxidation reduction potential) are defferent in each fly ashes. The results of the measurement of air-entraining content in mortar show that there was a tendency when the air-entraining capability reduced with the increase of the Igloss value, the brain specific surface area value, and the BET specific surface area value. The adsorption character of the air-entraining agent can be expressed approximately by the BET adsorption formula. There was a good correlation between the air-entraining content and the BET specific surface area of fly ash, cement and fine aggregate. The high purity of limestone crushed sand with a low specific surface area is suitable for accurately evaluation for higher specific surface area of fly ash.
The Contact Point Regress Method and Error Calculation’s Mathematical Model of the Spatial Cam Profile Inspection
Authors: Yin Ming Fu , Song Chao
Published: October 2012

Based on the CMM, the paper firstly proposes and analyzes a new contact point regress method, which adapts to measure any type of spatial cam profile. The coordinates of the measure point are regressed to that of the practical contact point of the cutter. This method realizes the measure of the practical profile of the spatial cam and establishes the mathematical model and error calculate method. In the end, a design example is present. This method will offer a new method for the inspection and error calculation of the spatial cam.
Development of a Novel Biomimetic Dental Wear System
Authors: Mehzabeen Kazi Rizwana , Sureshkumar Abhinav , Thangavel Arun , Chong Bevan , Guazzato Max , Ruys Andrew John , Boughton Philip C.
Published: October 2012

A Novel Six-Chamber Biomimetic Dental Wear System with Multi-Axis Mechanical, Thermal, Chemical, and Biologic Control Capabilities Was Developed for in Vitro Dental Wear Testing. User and Mechanical Requirements Were Ascertained from the Ivoclar Wear Method as a Part of Review of Existing Dental Wear Systems. A Thermocyling Irrigation System with Water Medium Was Incorporated to Mimic the Physiologic Temperature Variation of the Oral Environment. Configuration Details of the Design Were Explained. the Outcome of the Development Was Specified and Application Potentials Were Discussed.
Hydroxyapatite Matrix Composites by Hot Isostatic Pressing: Part 1. Alumina Fibre Reinforced
Authors: Ehsani N. , Ruys A.J. , Sorrell C.C.
Published: October 2012

Fracture Toughness Improvement of the Hydroxyapatite Matrix Composite, to a Level Comparable to that of Natural Bone for in Vivo Applications, Was the Aim of the Present Work. Hot Isostatic Press Using a Graphite/stainless Steel Encapsulation System Enabled the Production of Fully Dense Decomposition-Free Hap with Toughness Improvements of: 2.4 Times (Al2O3 Fibres, Optimally 20 Vol%). Glass Encapsulation of Fibre-Reinforced Hap Resulted in Aeration from Sample Volatilization. Further, it Was Found that the Hap Decomposition Temperature Was Higher at 100 Mpa (the Hiping Pressure) than for Pressureless Sintering. the Toughening Effect of the Al2o3 Fibre Additive Induced Plastic Deformation and Ductile Fracture.
Hydroxyapatite Matrix Composites by Hot Isostatic Pressing: Part 2. Zirconia Fibre and Powder Reinforced
Authors: Ehsani N. , Sorrell C.C. , Ruys A.J.
Published: October 2012

The Aim of the Project Was to Enhance the Fracture Toughness of Hydroxyapatite to a Level Comparable to that of Natural Bone for in Vivo Applications. to this Aim, the Effect of Various Parameters, Were Studied. Fully Dense Decomposition-Free Hap Matrix Composite Was Produced Using Hot Isostatic Pressing Technique. A Graphite/stainless Steel Encapsulation System Was Found to Be an Appropriate Method. Glass Encapsulation Was Unsuccessful Technique due to the Excessive Low-Temperature Volatilisation, which Aerated the Glass. Toughness Improvement Was 2.7 Times for PSZ Fibres, and 2.4 Times for PSZ Powder. the Optimal Addition Level of PSZ Fibre and PSZ Powder Was 20 Vol% and ~30 Vol% Respectively. Further, it Was Found that the Hap Decomposition Temperature Was Higher at 100 Mpa (the Hiping Pressure) than for Pressureless Sintering. the Toughening Effect of the Additives Induced Plastic Deformation and Ductile Fracture.
Introduction : L’essor de la psychologie de l’adolescence
Authors: Bariaud Françoise
Published: October 2012

Résumé Cet article introductif brosse l’apport du champ de la psychologie de l’adolescence dans ses quatre décennies d’histoire, montrant combien son rapide essor est significatif. L’adolescence s’avère doublement intéressante à étudier : pour elle-même, en tant que phase unique de l’ontogenèse, et plus généralement pour ce qu’elle permet de comprendre des processus complexes du développement humain théorisés dans les modèles contemporains des systèmes développementaux. À ces objectifs de connaissance fondamentale s’associe une préoccupation constante d’application : fonder sur la science des interventions visant à aider les adolescents en difficulté, et, plus encore, à optimiser le développement de tous. Dans leur immense majorité, les études en psychologie de l’adolescence ont pour objet des conduites complexes en situations naturelles, et celles-ci sont généralement saisies à partir d’auto-déclarations, en réponse à des questionnements. Les observations directes de conduites effectives sont rares, compliquées à réaliser. L’utilisation excessive des questionnaires est une limitation des études. Mais on se rassure en se disant que c’est l’expérience subjective, l’interprétation personnelle des situations qui provoque les comportements, et l’on tire grand profit des capacités cognitives qu’ont les adolescents d’analyser leurs expériences sociales et leur vie intérieure.
QUALITY OF LIFE IN PATIENTS WITH THALASSEMIA MAJOR AND INTERMEDIA IN KERMAN-IRAN (I.R.)
Authors: Safizadeh Hossein , Farahmandinia Zahra , Soltani nejad Simin , Pourdamghan Nasim , Araste Majid
Published: October 2012

Thalassemia is the most common hemoglobin disorder in the world and thalassemia major and intermedia stand among the most severe forms. Due to recent improvements in treatment, patients with thalassemia have longer life expectancies; hence it is of utmost importance to pay careful attention to their quality of life together with life expectancy. This study was conducted to assess the quality of life in patients with thalassemia and also to compare it between thalassemia major and intermedia. In this cross-sectional study, patients who referred for blood transfusion or follow-up visits were evaluated for their quality of life (QOL). Short Form-36 questionnaire was applied to evaluate QOL. In this study, 308 patients with a mean age of 22.95±4.82 years were evaluated. The scores of QOL were regarded as moderate in eight domains under evaluation; the least score was given to General Health (53.05±16.96) whereas the highest score was given to Physical Functioning (67.95±22.68). The QOL in the patients with thalassemia major was better than those with thalassemia intermedia regarding Physical Functioning and Role Limitation Emotional domains. Compared to injecting chelators, patients who received oral chelators showed to have a better QOL considering Social Functioning and Mental Health domain. The patients under study didn’t have a satisfying QOL ;  the QOL of patients with thalassemia major was better than that of patients with  thalassemia intermedia in only 2 domains of sf-36(Physical Functioning & Role limitation-Emotional). It is then essential that experts pay proper attention to improve QOL among patients.
ROLE OF HEMATOPOIETIC STEM CELL TRANSPLANTATION
Authors: Carella Angelo Michele
Published: October 2012

Hodgkin lymphoma is one of the most curable human tumors. Despite this, about 30% of these patients relapsed or are primary refractory to the first line treatment. Autografting is generally considered the standard of care for these patients. Alternative salvage strategies have been evaluated such as high dose sequential and tandem autografting strategies. In younger patients,  refractory or early relapsed after autografting, allogeneic stem cell transplantation has been employed but this approach has been followed by significant concerns since the treatment related mortality often exceeded 40-50%, and relapses were not uncommon. It is clear that patient selection remains an issue in all allografting reports.At the end, new drugs and novel treatment strategies, that are based on our understanding of the disease biology and signaling pathways, are needed to improve treatment outcome for these patients. The two leading compounds Brentuximab Vedotin and Panobinostat, are currently under evaluation  in several clinical trials.
PATHOGENESIS OF MALARIA IN TISSUES AND BLOOD
Authors: Autino Beatrice , Corbett Yolanda , Castelli Francesco , Taramelli Donatella
Published: October 2012

The clinical manifestations of severe malaria are several and occur in different anatomical sites. Both parasite- and host-related factors contribute to the pathogenicity of the severe forms of the disease. Cytoadherence of infected red blood cells to the vascular endothelium of different organs and rosetting are unique features of malaria parasites which are likely to contribute to the vascular damage and the consequent excessive inflammatory/immune response of the host. In addition to cerebral malaria or severe anaemia, which are quite common manifestation of severe malaria, clinical evidences of thrombocytopenia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), liver and kidney disease, are reported. In primigravidae from endemic areas, life threatening placental malaria may also be present.In the following pages, some of the pathogenetic aspects will be briefly reviewed and then data on selected and less frequent manifestation of severe malaria, such as liver or renal failure or ARDS will be discussed
CHEMOTHERAPY-INDUCED NEUTROPENIA IN HIV POSITIVE PATIENTS WITH LYMPHOMA: COMPARISON OF PEGFILGRASTIM WITH DAILY FILGRASTIM ADMINISTRATION.
Authors: Teofili Luciana , Izzi Immacolata , Nuzzolo Eugenia Rosa , Scoppettuolo Giancarlo , De Gaetano Donati Katleen , Torti Lorenza , Rossi Marianna
Published: October 2012

We retrospectively compared the incidence of neutropenia  in two groups of  HIV patients with lymphoma,  who underwent chemotherapy supported by once-per-cycle administration of pegfilgrastim or by daily subcutaneous injection of filgrastim, respectively. Our findings indicate that pegfilgrastim and filgastrim produce similar results in preventing both neutropenia and febrile neutropenia.
Flow Cytometry Method as a Diagnostic Tool for Pleural Fluid Involvement in a Patient with Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Keklik Muzaffer , Sivgin Serdar , Pala Cigdem , Eroglu Celalettin , Akyol Gulsah , Kaynar Leylagul , Koker Mustafa Yavuz , Camlica Demet , Unal Ali , Cetin Mustafa , Eser Bulent
Published: October 2012

Multiple myeloma is a malignant proliferation of plasma cells that mainly affects bone marrow. Pleural effusions secondary to pleural myelomatous involvement have rarely been reported in the literature. As it is rarely detected, we aimed to report a case in which pleural effusion of a multiple myeloma was confirmed as true myelomatous involvement by flow cytometry method. A 52-years old man presented to our clinic with chest and back pain lasting for 3 months. On the chest radiography, pleural fluid was detected in left hemithorax. Pleural fluid flow cytometry was performed. In the flow cytometry, CD56, CD38 and CD138 found to be positive, while CD19 was negative. True myelomatous pleural effusions are very uncommon, with fewer than 100 cases reported worldwide. Flow cytometry is a potentially useful diagnostic tool for clinical practice. We presented our case; as it has been rarely reported, although flow cytometer is a simple method for detection of pleural fluid involvement in multiple myeloma.
Local governance in disaster risk reduction in Cameroon
Authors: Gaston Buh-Wung , Tongwa Aka F. , Burnley Clementine , Isabella Zouh T.
Published: October 2012

At the 2005 World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction held in Hyogo, Japan, 168 countries including Cameroon adopted the Hyogo Framework for Action, committing to take action to reduce human and socio-economic disaster losses. Geotechnology, Environmental Assessment and Disaster Risk Reduction was commissioned by the Global Network of Civil Society Organisations for Disaster Risk Reduction as the coordinating organisation in Cameroon to evaluate progress in implementation of the framework from the civil society perspective, particularly the role of local governance in disaster risk reduction (DRR). Seven regions of the country were identified for evaluation, where people have suffered losses from disasters during the last three decades. Three approaches were used: administration of questionnaires; consultations with local communities; and four case studies. It was found that there was significant scope for improvement on individual local governance indicators, and that effective progress depends on:1. level of achievement in the decentralisation process currently under way.2. adoption of a participatory approach to DRR.3. clear distribution of roles in the DRR process.4. adequate allocation of necessary financial and human resources.5. enhancement of capacity of local communities to prepare for and respond to all types of disasters.Creation of an independent body to carry out fundamental research, forecast new and emerging hazards and manage all disasters in the country will contribute greatly to moving things forward.
Visit to general practitioners as a proxy for accessing chronic benefits by members of medical schemes, South Africa
Authors: Willie Mncedisi M. , Gantsho Monwabisi
Published: October 2012

Background: Prescribed Minimum Benefits is a list of conditions that all medical schemes need to cover in full, and includes a select of chronic conditions. Chronic conditions affect people’s lifestyles and require ongoing management over a period of years for long-term survival. Objectives: This study examined the association between prevalence of selected chronic diseases and health service use, in particular visits to general practitioners (GPs) by medical scheme members.Method: This was a retrospective study on medical schemes data. The median imputation method was employed to deal with missing and unreported chronic diseases prevalence. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed to assess effects of chronic disease prevalence, age stratum and scheme size on GP visits per annum.Results: The study showed that prevalence of asthma was significantly associated with more than three GP visits (OR = 1.081; 95% CI = 1.008–1.159), as was prevalence of type 2 diabetes (OR = 1.087; 95% CI = 1.027–1.152), whilst prevalence of hyperlipidaemia (OR = 0.92; 95% CI = 0.875–0.97) was more likely to be associated with less than three GP visits. Prevalence of hypertension was associated with more than three GP visits per year (OR = 1.132; 95% CI = 1.017–1.26).Conclusion: This study shows that scheme size, prevalence of chronic diseases such as asthma, type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidaemia and hypertension are related to GP visits. GPs and managed care programmes employed by schemes should give special attention to certain disease states with high prevalence rates in an effort to better manage them.
The development of socially responsible life-sciences teachers through community service learning.
Authors: De Villiers J.J. Rian
Published: October 2012

In South Africa, polices in higher education are urging tertiary institutions to produce graduates who are socially responsible citizens. One method of achieving this is through service-learning initiatives. Zoos as community partners can provide exciting educational opportunities for students to do animal behaviour studies and to develop their social responsibility. A sample of 58 preservice life-sciences teachers from a South African university completed a questionnaire on their animal behaviour studies. This study sought to determine how animal behaviour studies could successfully be incorporated as a community service-learning project in a zoo setting, what the educational value of these studies was and what the benefits were of incorporating this community service-learning component in the life-sciences course. The incorporation of the service-learning component into the zoology course led to the students’ personal and professional development, knowledge about themselves, sensitivity to cultural diversity, civic responsibility and insights into the ways in which communities operate. For a successful service-learning project, lectures, students and community partners should all have a sense of engagement. A number of suggestions are made to improve the incorporation of this service-learning component into the existing zoology course.
Huldah�s oracle: The origin of the Chronicler�s typical style?
Authors: Jonker Louis C.
Published: October 2012

Scholars of Chronicles normally emphasise that the Chronicler used typical words and phrases in those parts that belong to his Sondergut. Amongst these are phrases like �to humble yourself�, �to seek Yahweh�, and �not to forsake Yahweh�. The writer�s typical changes to the burial notices of the royal narratives also belong in this category. Something which is often overlooked, however, is that many of these features already occur in the narrative about Huldah�s oracle (2 Chr 34:19�28) which was taken over with only minor changes from the Deuteronomistic version (2 Ki 22:11�20). My paper investigates whether or not the Huldah oracle could have served as theological paradigm according to which the Chronicler developed his own unique style. If so, the investigation will prompt me to revisit the issue of how continuity and discontinuity, with the older historiographical tradition, characterise the identity negotiation process that we witness in this literature.
Genome-Wide Survey of Ds Exonization to Enrich Transcriptomes and Proteomes in Plants
Authors: Liu Li-yu Daisy , Charng Yuh-Chyang
Published: October 2012

Insertion of transposable elements (TEs) into introns can lead to their activation as alternatively spliced cassette exons, an event called exonization which can enrich the complexity of transcriptomes and proteomes. Previously, we performed the first experimental assessment of TE exonization by inserting a Ds element into each intron of the rice epsps gene. Exonization of Ds in plants was biased toward providing splice donor sites from the beginning of the inserted Ds sequence. Additionally, Ds inserted in the reverse direction resulted in a continuous splice donor consensus region by offering 4 donor sites in the same intron. The current study involved genome-wide computational analysis of Ds exonization events in the dicot Arabidopsis thaliana and the monocot Oryza sativa (rice). Up to 71% of the exonized transcripts were putative targets for the nonsense-mediated decay (NMD) pathway. The insertion patterns of Ds and the polymorphic splice donor sites increased the transcripts and subsequent protein isoforms. Protein isoforms contain protein sequence due to unspliced intron-TE region and/or a shift of the reading frame. The number of interior protein isoforms would be twice that of C-terminal isoforms, on average. TE exonization provides a promising way for functional expansion of the plant proteome.
Nervonic Acid (24:1n-9) is a Dominant Unsaturated Fatty Acid in the Intestinal Brush Border of Atlantic Cod
Authors: Gylfason Gudjón Andri , Knútsdóttir Erna , Ásgeirsson Bjarni
Published: October 2012

Atlantic cod is a coldwater teleost of commercial importance. The intestinal epithelium is a large organ in vertebrates serving an important role in nutrient selection and uptake as well as an immunological barrier. Here, we perform lipid and fatty acid analysis of the plasma membrane from the cod intestinal enterocytes after separation of the brush border membrane and the basolateral membrane fractions. Our results show that both membrane fractions contain an unusually high amount of cholesterol and glycolipids but low levels of glycerophospholipids compared with other reported studies on fish. Sphingomyelin was the dominant lipid in the brush border fraction and was also prominent in the basolateral fraction where phosphatidylcholine was the dominant glycerophospholipid. Furthermore, our results show a distinct difference in fatty acids content, where monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) were more abundant than polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA). Nervonic acid (24:1n-9) was a prominent fatty acid in the BBM at ~50% of the total MUFA. We hypothesize that the high cholesterol content and the presence of this rare fatty acid may serve to maintain membrane fluidity in the cold environment.
La evolución de la comunicación publicitaria: Análisis de la obra de Federico Ribas para Perfumería Gal (1916-1936)
Authors: Quintas-Froure Eva
Published: October 2012

Este artículo contiene un análisis de 1.436 piezas publicitarias impresas ilustradas por el artista publicitario Federico Ribas para la Perfumería Gal entre 1916 y 1936. Valiéndonos de un doble nivel de análisis –técnico y figurativo- se han obtenido resultados referentes a la dimensión argumentativa e iconográfica de los anuncios catalogados. Mediante el estudio del discurso publicitario de uno de los anunciantes que marcaron la historia publicitaria española, podemos constatar los cambios socioculturales así como la evolución publicitaria desde una etapa de artesanal a otra más técnica y sistemática como resultado de la adopción de los principios de la publicidad científica.
A Jacobian-Free Newton Krylov Implicit-Explicit Time Integration Method for Incompressible Flow Problems
Authors: Kadioglu Samet Y. , Knoll Dana A.
Published: October 2012

We have introduced a fully second order IMplicit/EXplicit (IMEX) time in-tegration technique for solving the compressible Euler equations plus nonlinear heat conduction problems (also known as the radiation hydrodynamics problems) in Kadioglu et al., J. Comp. Physics [22,24]. In this paper, we study the implications when this method is applied to the incompressible Navier-Stokes (N-S) equations. The IMEX method is applied to the incompressible flow equations in the following manner. The hyperbolic terms of the flow equations are solved explicitly exploiting the well understood explicit schemes. On the other hand, an implicit strategy is employed for the non-hyperbolic terms. The explicit part is embedded in the implicit step in such a way that it is solved as part of the non-linear function evaluation within the framework of the Jacobian-Free Newton Krylov (JFNK) method [8,29,31]. This is done to obtain a self-consistent implementation of the IMEX method that eliminates the potential order reduction in time accuracy due to the specific operator separation. We employ a simple yet quite effective fractional step projection methodology (similar to those in [11,19,21,30]) as our preconditioner inside the JFNK solver. We present results from several test calculations. For each test, we show second order time convergence. Finally, we present a study for the algorithm performance of the JFNK solver with the new projection method based preconditioner.
Efficient Grid Treatment of the Time Dependent Schrödinger Equation for Laser-Driven Molecular Dynamics
Authors: Li Fang , Hao Xiangying , Li Xiaogang
Published: October 2012

We present an efficient method to solve the time dependent Schrodinger equation for modeling the dynamics of diatomic molecules irradiated by intense ultrashort laser pulse without Born-Oppenheimer approximation. By introducing a variable prolate spheroidal coordinates and discrete variable representations of the Hamiltonian, we can accurately and efficiently simulate the motion of both electronic and molecular dynamics. The accuracy and convergence of this method are tested by simulating the molecular structure, photon ionization and high harmonic generation of H+2
Morphological Similarities between Single-Walled Nanotubes and Tubelike Structures of Polymers with Strong Adsorption Affinity to Nanowires
Authors: Vogel Thomas , Mutat Tali , Adler Joan , Bachmann Michael
Published: October 2012

In their tubelike phase, nanowire-adsorbed polymers exhibit strong structural similarities to morphologies known from single-walled carbon (hexagonal) and boron (triangular) nanotubes. Since boron/boron nitride tubes require some disorder for stability the triangular polymer tubes provide a closer analog to the carbon tubes. By means of computer simulations of both two and three dimensional versions of a coarse-grained bead-spring model for the polymers, we investigate their structural properties and make a detailed comparison with structures of carbon nanotubes.
A Variational Binary Level Set Method for Structural Topology Optimization
Authors: Dai Xiaoxia , Tang Peipei , Cheng Xiaoliang , Wu Minghui
Published: October 2012

This paper proposes a variational binary level set method for shape and topology optimization of structural. First, a topology optimization problem is pre-sented based on the level set method and an algorithm based on binary level set method is proposed to solve such problem. Considering the difficulties of coordination between the various parameters and efficient implementation of the proposed method, we present a fast algorithm by reducing several parameters to only one parameter, which would substantially reduce the complexity of computation and make it easily and quickly to get the optimal solution. The algorithm we constructed does not need to re-initialize and can produce many new holes automatically. Furthermore, the fast algorithm allows us to avoid the update of Lagrange multiplier and easily deal with constraints, such as piecewise constant, volume and length of the interfaces. Finally, we show several optimum design examples to confirm the validity and efficiency of our method.
Gas Kinetic Scheme for Anisotropic Savage-Hutter Model
Authors: Chen Wen-Chi , Kuo Chih-Yu , Shyue Keh-Ming , Tai Yih-Chin
Published: October 2012

The gas-kinetic scheme is applied to a depth-integrated continuum model for avalanche flows, namely the Savage-Hutter model. In this method, the continuum fluxes are calculated based on the pseudo particle motions which are relaxed from nonequilibrium to equilibrium states. The processes are described by the Bhatnagar-Gross-Krook (BGK) equation. The benefit of this scheme is its capability to resolve shock discontinuities sharply and to handle the vacuum state without special treatments. Because the Savage-Hutter equation bears an anisotropic stress on the tangential space of the topography, the equilibrium distribution function of the microscopic particles are shown to be bi-Maxwellian. These anisotropic stresses are the key to preserve the coordinate objectivity in the Savage-Hutter model. The effect of the anisotropic stress is illustrated by two examples: an axisymmetric dam break and a finite mass sliding on an inclined plane chute. It is found that the propagation of the flow fronts significantly depends on the orientation of the principal axes of the tangential stresses.
Optimal Error Estimates of Compact Finite Difference Discretizations for the Schrödinger-Poisson System
Authors: Zhang Yong
Published: October 2012

We study compact finite difference methods for the Schrodinger-Poisson equation in a bounded domain and establish their optimal error estimates under proper regularity assumptions on wave function and external potential V(x). The Crank-Nicolson compact finite difference method and the semi-implicit compact finite difference method are both of order Ҩ(h4 + τ2) in discrete l2,H1 and l∞ norms with mesh size h and time step t. For the errors ofcompact finite difference approximation to the second derivative andPoisson potential are nonlocal, thus besides the standard energy method and mathematical induction method, the key technique in analysisis to estimate the nonlocal approximation errors in discrete l∞ and H1 norm by discrete maximum principle of elliptic equation and properties of some related matrix. Also some useful inequalities are established in this paper. Finally, extensive numerical re-sults are reported to support our error estimates of the numerical methods.
Retrieving Topological Information of Implicitly Represented Diffuse Interfaces with Adaptive Finite Element Discretization
Authors: Zhang Jian , Du Qiang
Published: October 2012

We consider the finite element based computation of topological quantities of implicitly represented surfaces within a diffuse interface framework. Utilizing an adaptive finite element implementation with effective gradient recovery techniques, we discuss how the Euler number can be accurately computed directly from the nu-merically solved phase field functions or order parameters. Numerical examples and applications to the topological analysis of point clouds are also presented.
An Optimized Correction Procedure via Reconstruction Formulation for Broadband Wave Computation
Authors: Li Yi , Wang Z.J.
Published: October 2012

Recently, a new differential discontinuous formulation for conservation laws named the Correction Procedure via Reconstruction (CPR) is developed, which is in-spired by several other discontinuous methods such as the discontinuous Galerkin (DG), the spectral volume (SV)/spectral difference (SD) methods. All of them can be unified under the CPR formulation, which is relatively simple to implement due to its finite-difference-like framework. In this paper, a different discontinuous solution space including both polynomial and Fourier basis functions on each element is employed to compute broad-band waves. Free-parameters introduced in the Fourier bases are optimized to minimize both dispersion and dissipation errors through a wave propagation analysis. The optimization procedure is verified with a mesh resolution analysis. Numerical results are presented to demonstrate the performance of the optimized CPR formulation.
Extended Thermodynamic Approach for Non-Equilibrium Gas Flow
Authors: Tang G. H. , Zhai G. X. , Tao W. Q. , Gu X. J. , Emerson D. R.
Published: October 2012

Gases in microfluidic structures or devices are often in a non-equilibrium state. The conventional thermodynamic models for fluids and heat transfer break down and the Navier-Stokes-Fourier equations are no longer accurate or valid. In this paper, the extended thermodynamic approach is employed to study the rarefied gas flow in microstructures, including the heat transfer between a parallel channel andpressure-driven Poiseuille flows through a parallel microchannel andcircular microtube. The gas flow characteristics are studied and it is shown that the heat transfer in the non-equilibrium state no longer obeys the Fourier gradient transport law. In addition, the bimodal distribution of streamwise and spanwise velocity and temperature through a long circular microtube is captured for the first time.