bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Horizontal positional accuracy of Google Earth's imagery over rural areas: a study case in Tamaulipas, Mexico
Authors: Paredes-Hernández Cutberto Uriel , Salinas-Castillo Wilver Enrique , Guevara-Cortina Francisco , Martínez-Becerra Xicoténcatl
Published: January 2014

Due to the popularity of Google Earth (GE), users commonly assume that it is a credible and accurate source of information. Consequently, GE's imagery is frequently used in scientific and others projects. However, Google states that data available in their geographic products are only approximations and, therefore, their accuracy is not officially documented. In this paper, the horizontal positional accuracy of GE's imagery is assessed by means of comparing coordinates extracted from a rural cadastral database against coordinates extracted from well-defined and inferred check points in GE's imagery. The results suggest that if a large number of well-defined points are extracted from areas of high resolution imagery, GE's imagery over rural areas meets the horizontal accuracy requirements of the ASPRS for the production of "Class 1" 1:20,000 maps. Nonetheless, the results also show that georegistration and large horizontal errors occur in GE's imagery. Consequently, despite its overall horizontal positional accuracy, coordinates extracted from GE's imagery should be used with caution.
Polyelectrolyte films with Prussian blue nanoparticles and conductive polymers
Authors: Pajor-Świerzy Anna , Kolasińska-Sojka Marta , Warszyński Piotr
Published: January 2014

The authors have investigated the formation and electroactive properties of the multilayer films of poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) and Prussian blue (PB) nanoparticles. The films were deposited on gold electrode surface using layer-by-layer deposition. Using cyclic voltamperometry, the authors demonstrated that the PAH/PB films exhibited the electroactive properties, increasing with the number of deposited PB layers. They were also electrocatalytically active toward reduction and oxidation of hydrogen peroxide. By introducing the conductive polymers, polypyrrole (PPy) and polyaniline (PANi), into the multilayer films structure, their electroactive properties were enhanced. They were also more sensitive for electrochemical detection of hydrogen peroxide.
Combining demographic and genetic factors to assess population vulnerability in stream species
Authors: Landguth E. L. , Muhlfeld C. C. , Waples R. S. , Jones L. , Lowe W. H. , Whited D. , Lucotch J. , Neville H. , Luikart G.
Published: January 2014

Accelerating climate change and other cumulative stressors create an urgent need to understand the influence of environmental variation and landscape features on the connectivity and vulnerability of freshwater species. Here, we introduce a novel modeling framework for aquatic systems that integrates spatially explicit, individual‐based, demographic and genetic (demogenetic) assessments with environmental variables. To show its potential utility, we simulated a hypothetical network of 19 migratory riverine populations (e.g., salmonids) using a riverscape connectivity and demogenetic model (CDFISH). We assessed how stream resistance to movement (a function of water temperature, fluvial distance, and physical barriers) might influence demogenetic connectivity, and hence, population vulnerability. We present demographic metrics (abundance, immigration, and change in abundance) and genetic metrics (diversity, differentiation, and change in differentiation), and combine them into a single vulnerability index for identifying populations at risk of extirpation. We considered four realistic scenarios that illustrate the relative sensitivity of these metrics for early detection of reduced connectivity: (1) maximum resistance due to high water temperatures throughout the network, (2) minimum resistance due to low water temperatures throughout the network, (3) increased resistance at a tributary junction caused by a partial barrier, and (4) complete isolation of a tributary, leaving resident individuals only. We then applied this demogenetic framework using empirical data for a bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) metapopulation in the upper Flathead River system, Canada and USA, to assess how current and predicted future stream warming may influence population vulnerability. Results suggest that warmer water temperatures and associated barriers to movement (e.g., low flows, dewatering) are predicted to fragment suitable habitat for migratory salmonids, resulting in the loss of genetic diversity and reduced numbers in certain vulnerable populations. This demogenetic simulation framework, which is illustrated in a web‐based interactive mapping prototype, should be useful for evaluating population vulnerability in a wide variety of dendritic and fragmented riverscapes, helping to guide conservation and management efforts for freshwater species.
Grassland fires may favor native over introduced plants by reducing pathogen loads
Authors: Roy Bitty A. , Hudson Kenneth , Visser Matt , Johnson Bart R.
Published: January 2014

Grasslands have been lost and degraded in the United States since Euro‐American settlement due to agriculture, development, introduced invasive species, and changes in fire regimes. Fire is frequently used in prairie restoration to control invasion by trees and shrubs, but may have additional consequences. For example, fire might reduce damage by herbivore and pathogen enemies by eliminating litter, which harbors eggs and spores. Less obviously, fire might influence enemy loads differently for native and introduced plant hosts. We used a controlled burn in a Willamette Valley (Oregon) prairie to examine these questions. We expected that, without fire, introduced host plants should have less damage than native host plants because the introduced species are likely to have left many of their enemies behind when they were transported to their new range (the enemy release hypothesis, or ERH). If the ERH holds, then fire, which should temporarily reduce enemies on all species, should give an advantage to the natives because they should see greater total reduction in damage by enemies. Prior to the burn, we censused herbivore and pathogen attack on eight plant species (five of nonnative origin: Bromus hordaceous, Cynosuros echinatus, Galium divaricatum, Schedonorus arundinaceus (=Festuca arundinacea), and Sherardia arvensis; and three natives: Danthonia californica, Epilobium minutum, and Lomatium nudicale). The same plots were monitored for two years post‐fire. Prior to the burn, native plants had more kinds of damage and more pathogen damage than introduced plants, consistent with the ERH. Fire reduced pathogen damage relative to the controls more for the native than the introduced species, but the effects on herbivory were negligible. Pathogen attack was correlated with plant reproductive fitness, whereas herbivory was not. These results suggest that fire may be useful for promoting some native plants in prairies due to its negative effects on their pathogens.
Timing and propagule size of invasion determine its success by a time‐varying threshold of demographic regime shift
Authors: Yamamichi Masato , Yoshida Takehito , Sasaki Akira
Published: January 2014

Theory of invasion ecology indicates that the number of invading individuals (propagule size) and the timing of invasion are important for invasion success. Propagule size affects establishment success due to an Allee effect and the effect of demographic stochasticity, whereas the timing of invasion does so via niche opportunity produced by fluctuating predation pressure and resource abundance. We propose a synthesis of these two mechanisms by a time‐varying dose–response curve where the dose is propagule size and the response is establishment probability. We show an example of the synthesis in a simple predator–prey model where successful invasion occurs as a demographic regime shift because of the bistability of the system. The two mechanisms are not independent, but simultaneously determine invasion success in our model. We found that positive growth rate of an invading species does not ensure its establishment, especially when its propagule size is small or when its growth rate is in a decreasing trend. We suggest the difficulty of understanding invasion process based on a dose–response curve of propagule size as no unique curve can be determined due to the effects of invasion timing (i.e., the threshold of demographic regime shift is time varied). The results of our model analysis also have an implication on the phase relationship between population cycles of predators and prey.
Influence of Crown/Implant Ratio on Marginal Bone Loss: A Systematic Review
Authors: Garaicoa‐Pazmiño Carlos , Suárez‐López del Amo Fernando , Monje Alberto , Catena Andrés , Ortega‐Oller Inmaculada , Galindo‐Moreno Pablo , Wang Hom‐Lay
Published: January 2014

Background: With the increased use of short dental implants (<10 mm), a high crown/implant (C/I) ratio has become a common finding. However, the effect of the C/I ratio on the marginal bone loss (MBL) has not yet been examined extensively. Hence, the aim of the present systematic review is to explore the influence of the C/I ratio on the success rate and MBL of dental implants.

Methods: Three electronic databases (PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, and Cochrane Central) and a manual search for human trials with a minimal follow‐up of 6 months are used for the present study. A statistical analysis of the influence of the C/I ratio was performed on the peri‐implant MBL while considering follow‐up period, type of implants, implant connection, and technical and biologic complications.

Results: One hundred ninety‐six potential articles were identified on the selected databases. Only 57 articles were selected for full‐text evaluation. According to the inclusion criteria, a total of 13 articles were included in this systematic review. A significant negative association between the C/I ratio and the MBL was found (P = 0.012). However, no statistically significant difference was found (P >0.15) for potential effects regarding the observation period, the type of implant connection, or between both methods of evaluating the C/I ratio.

Conclusions: Within the limitations of the present study, the C/I ratio of implant‐supported restorations has an effect on peri‐implant marginal bone level. Within the range of 0.6/1 to 2.36/1, the higher the C/I ratio, the less the peri‐implant MBL.
The Onset of Depression During the Great Recession: Foreclosure and Older Adult Mental Health
Authors: Cagney Kathleen A. , Browning Christopher R. , Iveniuk James , English Ned
Published: January 2014

Objectives. We examined neighborhood-level foreclosure rates and their association with onset of depressive symptoms in older adults.

Methods. We linked data from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (2005–2006 and 2010–2011 waves), a longitudinal, nationally representative survey, to data on zip code–level foreclosure rates, and predicted the onset of depressive symptoms using logit-linked regression.

Results. Multiple stages of the foreclosure process predicted the onset of depressive symptoms, with adjustment for demographic characteristics and changes in household assets, neighborhood poverty, and visible neighborhood disorder. A large increase in the number of notices of default (odds ratio [OR] = 1.75; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.14, 2.67) and properties returning to ownership by the bank (OR = 1.62; 95% CI = 1.06, 2.47) were associated with depressive symptoms. A large increase in properties going to auction was suggestive of such an association (OR = 1.45; 95% CI = 0.96, 2.19). Age, fewer years of education, and functional limitations also were predictive.

Conclusions. Increases in neighborhood-level foreclosure represent an important risk factor for depression in older adults. These results accord with previous studies suggesting that the effects of economic crises are typically first experienced through deficits in emotional well-being.
Hybrid metaheuristics for multi-objective design of water distribution systems
Authors: Wang Qi , Savić Dragan A. , Kapelan Zoran
Published: January 2014

Multi-objective design of Water Distribution Systems (WDSs) has received considerable attention in the past. Multi-objective evolutionary algorithms (MOEAs) are popular in tackling this problem due to their ability to approach the true Pareto-optimal front (PF) in a single run. Recently, several hybrid metaheuristics based on MOEAs have been proposed and validated on test problems. Among these algorithms, AMALGAM and MOHO are two noteworthy representatives which mix their constituent algorithms in contrasting fashion. In this paper, they are employed to solve a wide range of benchmark design problems against another state-of-the-art algorithm, namely NSGA-II. The design task is formulated as a bi-objective optimisation problem taking cost and network resilience into account. The performance of three algorithms is assessed via normalised hypervolume indicator. The results demonstrate that AMALGAM is superior to MOHO and NSGA-II in terms of convergence and diversity on the networks of small-to-medium size; however, for larger networks, the performance of hybrid algorithms deteriorates as they lose their adaptive capabilities. Future improvement and/or redesign on hybrid algorithms should not only adopt the strategies of adaptive portfolios of sub-algorithms and global information sharing, but also prevent the deterioration mainly caused by imbalance of constituent algorithms.
Improving applicability of neuro-genetic algorithm to predict short-term water level: a case study
Authors: Lee Gooyong , Lee Sangeun , Park Heekyung
Published: January 2014

This paper proposes a practical approach of a neuro-genetic algorithm to enhance its capability of predicting water levels of rivers. Its practicality has three attributes: (1) to easily develop a model with a neuro-genetic algorithm; (2) to verify the model at various predicting points with different conditions; and (3) to provide information for making urgent decisions on the operation of river infrastructure. The authors build an artificial neural network model coupled with the genetic algorithm (often called a hybrid neuro-genetic algorithm), and then apply the model to predict water levels at 15 points of four major rivers in Korea. This case study demonstrates that the approach can be highly compatible with the real river situations, such as hydrological disturbances and water infrastructure under emergencies. Therefore, proper adoption of this approach into a river management system certainly improves the adaptive capacity of the system.
Impact of climate change on future stream flow in the Dakbla river basin
Authors: Raghavan Srivatsan V. , Tue Vu Minh , Shie-Yui Liong
Published: January 2014

A systematic ensemble high-resolution climate modelling study over Vietnam was performed and future hydrological changes over the small catchment of Dakbla, Central Highland region of Vietnam, were studied. Using the widely used regional climate model WRF (Weather Research and Forecasting), future climate change over the period 2091–2100 was ascertained. The results indicate that surface temperature over Dakbla could increase by nearly 3.5 °C, while rainfall increases of more than 40% is likely. The ensemble hydrological changes suggest that the stream flow over the peak and post-peak rainfall seasons could experience a strong increase, suggesting risks of flooding, with an overall average annual increase of stream flow by 40%. These results have implications for water resources, agriculture, biodiversity and economy, and serve as useful findings for policy makers.
Free-surface flow simulations for discharge-based operation of hydraulic structure gates
Authors: Erdbrink C. D. , Krzhizhanovskaya V. V. , Sloot P. M. A.
Published: January 2014

We combine non-hydrostatic flow simulations of the free surface with a discharge model based on elementary gate flow equations for decision support in the operation of hydraulic structure gates. A water level-based gate control used in most of today's general practice does not take into account the fact that gate operation scenarios producing similar total discharged volumes and similar water levels may have different local flow characteristics. Accurate and timely prediction of local flow conditions around hydraulic gates is important for several aspects of structure management: ecology, scour, flow-induced gate vibrations and waterway navigation. The modelling approach is described and tested for a multi-gate sluice structure regulating discharge from a river to the sea. The number of opened gates is varied and the discharge is stabilized with automated control by varying gate openings. The free-surface model was validated for discharge showing a correlation coefficient of 0.994 compared to experimental data. Additionally, we show the analysis of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) results for evaluating bed stability and gate vibrations.
An optimization model for water resources allocation risk analysis under uncertainty
Authors: Xie Y. L. , Huang G. H.
Published: January 2014

In order to deal with the risk of low system stability and unbalanced allocation during water resources management under uncertainties, a risk-averse inexact two-stage stochastic programming model is developed for supporting regional water resources management. Methods of interval-parameter programming and conditional value-at-risk model are introduced into a two-stage stochastic programming framework, thus the developed model can tackle uncertainties described in terms of interval values and probability distributions. In addition, the risk-aversion method was incorporated into the objective function of the water allocation model to reflect the preference of decision makers, such that the trade-off between system economy and extreme expected loss under different water inflows could be analyzed. The proposed model was applied to handle a water resources allocation problem. Several scenarios corresponding to different river inflows and risk levels were examined. The results demonstrated that the model could effectively communicate the interval-format and random uncertainties, and risk aversion into optimization process, and generate inexact solutions that contain a spectrum of water resources allocation options. They could be helpful for seeking cost-effective management strategies under uncertainties. Moreover, it could reflect the decision maker's attitude toward risk aversion, and generate potential options for decision analysis in different system-reliability levels.
Encapsulation of parametric uncertainty statistics by various predictive machine learning models: MLUE method
Authors: Shrestha Durga L. , Kayastha Nagendra , Solomatine Dimitri , Price Roland
Published: January 2014

Monte Carlo simulation-based uncertainty analysis techniques have been applied successfully in hydrology for quantification of the model output uncertainty. They are flexible, conceptually simple and straightforward, but provide only average measures of uncertainty based on past data. However, if one needs to estimate uncertainty of a model in a particular hydro-meteorological situation in real time application of complex models, Monte Carlo simulation becomes impractical because of the large number of model runs required. This paper presents a novel approach to encapsulating and predicting parameter uncertainty of hydrological models using machine learning techniques. Generalised likelihood uncertainty estimation method (a version of the Monte Carlo method) is first used to assess the parameter uncertainty of a hydrological model, and then the generated data are used to train three machine learning models. Inputs to these models are specially identified representative variables. The trained models are then employed to predict the model output uncertainty which is specific for the new input data. This method has been applied to two contrasting catchments. The experimental results demonstrate that the machine learning models are quite accurate. An important advantage of the proposed method is its efficiency allowing for assessing uncertainty of complex models in real time.
Spatial evaluation of complex non-point source pollution in urban–rural watershed using fuzzy system
Authors: Wang Haijun , Zhang Wenting , Hong Song , Zhuang Yanhua , Lin Hongyan , Wang Zhen
Published: January 2014

Non-point source (NPS) pollution has become the major reason for water quality deterioration. Due to the differences in the generation and transportation mechanisms between urban areas and rural areas, different models are needed in rural and urban places. Since land use has been rapidly changing, it is difficult to define the study area as city or country absolutely and the complex NPS pollution in these urban–rural mixed places are difficult to evaluate using an urban or rural model. To address this issue, a fuzzy system-based approach of modeling complex NPS pollutant is proposed concerning the fuzziness of each land use and the ratio of belonging to an urban or rural place. The characteristic of land use, impact of city center and traffic condition were used to describe spatial membership of belonging to an urban or rural place. According to the spatial membership of belonging to an urban or rural place, the NPS distributions calculated by the urban model and rural model respectively were combined. To validate the method, Donghu Lake, which is undergoing rapid urbanization, was selected as the case study area. The results showed that the urban NPS pollutant load was significantly higher than that of the rural area. The land usage influenced the pollution more than other factors such as slope or precipitation. It also suggested that the impact of the urbanization process on water quality is noteworthy.
Enzymatic Detachment of Therapeutic Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Grown on Glass Carriers in a Bioreactor
Authors: Salzig Denise , Schmiermund Alexandra , P. Grace Pablo , Elseberg Christiane , Weber Christian , Czermak Peter
Published: January 2014

Cell therapies require the in vitro expansion of adherent cells such as mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs) in bioreactor systems or other culture environments, followed by cell harvest. As hMSCs are strictly adherent cells, cell harvest requires cell detachment. The use of hMSCs for cell therapy requires GMP production in accordance with the guidelines for advanced therapeutic medical products. Therefore, several GMP-conform available proteolytic enzymes were investigated for their ability to promote hMSC detachment. An allogeneic hMSC cell line (hMSC-TERT) that is used in clinical trials in the form of alginate cell capsules was chosen as a model. This study investigated the influence of several factors on the outcome of proteolytic hMSC-TERT detachment. Therefore, hMSC-TERT detachment was analyzed in different cultivation systems (static, dynamic) and in combination with further cell processing including encapsulation. Only two of the commercially available enzymes (AccutaseTM, TrypZeanTM) that fulfill all process requirements (commercial availability, cost, GMP conditions during manufacturing and non-animal origin) are found to be generally suitable for detaching hMSC-TERT. Combining cell detachment with encapsulation demonstrated a high impact of the experimental set up on cell damage. It was preferable to reduce the temperature during detachment and limit the detachment time to a maximum of 20 minutes. Cell detachment in static systems was not comparable with detachment in dynamic systems. Detachment yields in dynamic systems were lower and cell damage was higher for the same experimental conditions. Finally, only TrypZeanTM seemed to be suitable for the detachment of hMSC-TERT from dynamic reactor systems.
Tension Analysis of Submarine Cables during Laying Operations
Authors: Yang N. , Jeng D-S , Zhou X. L.
Published: January 2014

This paper presents a semi-analytical approximation for a two-dimensional (2D) tension
analysis of submarine cables during laying operations. In the analysis, based on geometric
compatibility relations and equilibrium equations, a set of non-linear differential equations are
obtained. The present model considers effects of ocean currents, cable ship motion, pay-out rate,
water depth and material properties on submarine cable behavior in water, which are crucial
during laying operations. As shown in numerical examples, with consideration of currents and
cable ship motion, the cable tension appears to be smaller and cable configuration curve tends
to be fatter than the conventional catenary theory.
Disturbance Observer Based Heave Compensation Control for Benthic Coring Drill
Authors: Guo Y. , Jing Y.P. , Jiang M. , Luo B.W.
Published: January 2014

Severe environment in deep ocean affects operating reliability and security of coring drill. Adopting heave
motion signal measured by accelerometer to confirm heave compensation of coring drill, the compensation control
method is proposed using disturbance observer to restrain the disturbance. Then, the disturbance observer is designed. The
heave motion simulation for coring drill is done with this control method, and the results show that the heave motion
compensation control of coring drill using disturbance observer avoids the disturbance with high tracking quality, and
provides high reliability and security to coring drill operating.
Current efficiency in the chlorate cell process
Authors: Spasojevic Miroslav , Ribic-Zelenovic Lenka , Spasojevic Pavle , Nikolic Branislav
Published: January 2014

A mathematical model has been set up for current efficiency in a chlorate
cell acting as an ideal electrochemical tubular reactor with a linear
increase in hypochlorite concentration from the entrance to the exit. Good
agreement was found between the results on current efficiency experimentally
obtained under simulated industrial chlorate production conditions and the
theoretical values provided by the mathematical model.
Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of Sclerochloa dura (Poaceae)
Authors: Bukhari Syed , Feuerherm Astrid , Boulfrad Fayssal , Zlatkovic Bojan , Johansen Berit , Simic Nebojsa
Published: January 2014

The plant Sclerochloa dura is traditionally used in South-East Serbia to
treat menstrual disorders characterized by pain and excessive bleeding.
According to subjects? statements, a reduction in bleeding and pain is
experienced shortly after oral intake. The focus of this investigation was to
determine the inhibitory effects of the plant on the arachidonic acid (AA)
cascade alongwith the spectrophotometric determination of antioxidant
capacity. The AA release assay was performed using the human fibroblastlike
synoviocyte cell line SW982 to determine the AA release and hence
phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity. The crude extract and subsequent fractions
of S. dura inhibit IL-1 induced release of AA in a time- and dose-dependent
manner in SW982 cells. The IC50 for the crude extract is 1.5 mg/mL at 4 h and
24 h of stimulation. Treating the cells with 0.22, 0.11 and 0.06 mg/mL of
methanolic fraction resulted in 97%, 91%, and 63% inhibition of AA-release,
respectively. One milligram of the crude extract contained 34.78 ?g
pyrocatechol equivalent phenolic content, 22.80 ?g quercetin equivalent
flavonoid content and antioxidant activity of 70.11 ?g ?-tocopherol
equivalents. Strong inhibitory effects of the S. dura extracts on AA cascade
may explain the reported pain- and discomfort relieving effects.
Stereotypical behaviour at high yielding dairy cows farms - "tongue rolling"
Authors: Prodanovic Radisa , Kirovski Danijela , Vujanac Ivan , Nesic Ksenija , Janevski Aleksandar , Maric Jovan , Kukric Vladimir
Published: January 2014

The objective of this work was to determine if there was a connection between
stereotypical behaviour of high yielding dairy cows breeds and values of
biochemical blood parameters. The investigation was carried out in august at
loose-housing type of farms, in 30 heads of cattle from four groups: drying
(15 to 7 days before calving), puerperium (up to 40 days after calving, early
lactation (up to 120 days after calving) and late lactation (200 to 300 days
after calving). Assessment of stereotypical behaviour (tongue rolling) was
carried out by the method of careful observation of all the tested animals 2
to 4 hours after morning feeding. Blood samples were taken by puncture of
jugular vein from 8 cows out of each animal group. In these blood samples
there was determined the concentration of glucose, beta hydroxy-butyric acid
(BHBA), total protein (TP), albumin, urea, total bilirubin (TBI), Ca, P, and
Mg as well as AST and ALT activities. During the period up to 40 days after
calving (puerperium), behavioral disorder in the form of ?tongue rolling? was
found out in 4 out of 30 observed animals (13.33%). Average concentrations of
all the tested blood parameters during the drying period as well as in early
and late lactation were within physiological values for cattle. During
puerperium there were found significantly lower values of glycaemia,
proteinemia, albuminemia, uremia and magnesiemia in regard to antepartal
values (p<0.05), where the values of glycaemia and magnesiemia were below the
physiological limit. A the same time, in this group of cows the values of TBI
and AST activities were higher than physiological values. Frequent appearance
of ?tongue rolling? phenomenon only among cows in the group with deviation of
biochemical parameters values, points out to a possible connection between
the stereotypical behaviour and biochemical composition of blood. It seems
that hypomagnesiemia could be a significant etiopathogenetic factor causing
the change in behaviour of cows in intensive livestock production.
How Auditors Perceive Sanction Severity and the Detection of Violations: Insights into Professional Vulnerabilities
Authors: Peytcheva Marietta , Warren Danielle E.
Published: January 2014

In this study of auditor perceptions, we examine sanction severity for a broad array of workplace sanctions, ranging from informal to formal, and stemming from multiple sources (clients, coworkers, audit partners, professional bodies). We also probe perceptions of violation detection, with a specific focus on the individuals most likely to detect a violation (coworker, audit partner, client, professional body). Through detailed examinations, we are able to identify gaps in patterns of sanction severity and sources of detection. While the profession assigns the most severe sanctions, our study suggests auditors believe the violations associated with professional sanctions are more likely to be detected by the client rather than the coworker or the audit partner. We assert that such perceptions could lead to vulnerabilities in the power and effectiveness of professional sanctions.
Inhibition effect of free ammonia and free nitrous acid on nitrite-oxidising bacteria during sludge liquor treatment: influence of feeding strategy
Authors: Svehla Pavel , Bartacek Jan , Pacek Lukas , Hrncirova Helena , Radechovsky Josef , Hanc Ales , Jenicek Pavel
Published: January 2014

The importance of feeding strategy for the long-term selective inhibition of nitrite-oxidising bacteria (NOB) was demonstrated by comparison of laboratory-scale bioreactors: Completely Stirred Tank Reactor (CSTR) and Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR). Moreover, the effect of the change of reactor operation regime from CSTR to SBR was demonstrated. Sludge liquor containing ammonia nitrogen in a range of 970–1500 mg L−1 was the influent of the reactors. The experiments were performed at (23 ± 2)°C, with high concentration of dissolved oxygen (up to 8 mg L−1) and with unlimited sludge retention time. In the SBR, permanent restriction of NOB activity was achieved for more than 700 days by the strong inhibition effect of fluctuating concentrations of free ammonia and free nitrous acid during the operational cycles of SBR. In contrast, nitrite-oxidising bacteria were able to gradually adapt to the conditions prevailing in CSTR and produce nitrate although the concentration of free ammonia and free nitrous acid significantly exceeded inhibition limits for NOB activity in this system. Transferring the reactor operation regime from CSTR to SBR resulted in immediate and permanent inhibition of NOB activity in the reactor.
High-Quality Public Transport and Promotion of Nonmotorized Transport—Compromise or Complement?
Authors: Naegeli Lorenzo , Orth Hermann , Weidmann Ulrich , Nash Andrew
Published: January 2014

Public transport is a very efficient way to handle large traffic flows in urban areas. At the same time, and especially in Europe, nonmotorized transport is being promoted as a further environmentally friendly and healthful way of urban mobility. This push includes the introduction and extension of separate lanes to increase safety and convenience of bikers and pedestrians. However, most cities have limited space for expanding streets and roads, and this limitation can lead to a conflict over the different uses. A clear understanding of the impacts of these changes on public transport is critical. A quick assessment model was developed to analyze the impact of changes to roadway design and policy that can affect public transport services. The model was developed to help public transport operator Verkehrsbetriebe Zürich in Zurich, Switzerland, assess changes quickly; these changes included the elimination of separate rights-of-way or the introduction of slow zones. The model will also help to explain the impacts of these changes to nontechnical audiences. The model uses a series of analytical calculations to analyze the main relationships between key public transport inputs and outputs. The model was validated with data from Zurich's tram and bus network. The case studies examined the influence of the reduction of separate rights-of-way, the expansion of 30 km/h zones, and the changes to stop distances on public transport operations.
Modeling the Practical Capacity of Escalators
Authors: Kauffmann Peter , Kikuchi Shinya
Published: January 2014

Escalators are an essential mode of public transportation that enable people to travel vertically within a facility at a continuous, high flow rate. Despite the importance of the role of escalators in many facilities, little systematic analysis of the capacity of escalators has been conducted within the field of transportation engineering. A method is presented to calculate the practical capacity of escalators with a simulation based on pedestrian behavioral rules. The capacity of an escalator is defined traditionally only as a function of speed with speed–capacity curves defined by manufacturers or found in empirical studies. These methods do not consider pedestrian behavioral patterns and preferences such as following distance, passing aggressiveness, and other local factors. A rule-based model provides the flexibility to analyze conditions in various public facilities and to answer hypothetical research questions. Three major findings are reported. First, the practical capacity of escalators in commercial facilities such as shopping malls is significantly lower than the maximum capacity in a commuter facility such as a transit station, at only 20% to 40% of what is generally reported by manufacturers to provide for freedom of movement and pedestrian comfort. Second, the model shows that prohibition of walking on escalators can streamline operations in emergency scenarios because it reduces variability in the system and increases flow, particularly during peak periods. Finally, contrary to some claims in the literature, uphill flow on escalators operates at a lower capacity than does downhill flow because of the presence of a “facial ellipse,” the region directly in front of a pedestrian's face.
Improving Transportation Resource Coordination for Multimodal Evacuation Planning
Authors: Hess Daniel Baldwin , Conley Brian W. , Farrell Christina M.
Published: January 2014

In a large-scale urban evacuation necessitated by a disaster, many people can evacuate in their own automobiles, but evacuating individuals and families who do not have cars poses a great logistical challenge that many cities, counties, and states cannot overcome. Most emergency operations plans for large urbanized areas are insufficient in describing in specific and measurable terms how a major evacuation could be successfully conducted. This study systematically reviews the challenge of multimodal evacuation planning and presents a detailed literature review of published research and government documents to identify barriers to the enhancement of multimodal evacuation planning through the use of high-capacity vehicles to transport those who cannot evacuate on their own. Findings suggest that despite knowledge about multimodal transportation and the importance of integrating multimodalism into evacuation planning, most state and local governments do not apply the planning processes, training exercises, and resources necessary to evacuate households without automobiles. A research agenda for furthering multimodal evacuation planning is outlined, and recommendations are made for providing adequate multimodal transport during large-scale urban evacuations.
Sensitivity of Evacuation Performance Estimates to Evacuee Route Choice Behavior
Authors: Fang Lei , Edara Praveen
Published: January 2014

The objective of this paper is to illustrate the sensitivity of evacuation travel time estimates in relation to assumptions about evacuee route choice behavior. The user equilibrium (UE) assignment procedure in which evacuees are assumed to choose the shortest (or fastest) path from their origins to destinations is considered as the base case. Few studies have documented the actual route choice behavior of evacuees during a hurricane. These studies were used to develop realistic route choice behavior assumptions: the types of route choices and proportion of evacuees for those types. The impact of route choice behavior on evacuation performance, especially travel times, was then explored with a large-scale regional simulation model of the Hampton Roads, Virginia, region. The model was developed in an earlier study with real-world network data and actual evacuee behavioral data. The analysis indicates that using UE to generate average travel time estimates for evacuation planning significantly underestimates the actual evacuation travel times. The extent of underestimation of evacuation travel times depends on the total evacuation demand (a function of storm intensity) and the percentage of evacuees willing to use en route information to seek alternate routes when facing congestion. For the three en route percentages reported in the literature (30%, 50%, and 70%), the UE travel times were 58%, 42%, and 33% lower than actual travel times in a Category 1 evacuation; 94%, 71%, and 58% lower than in a Category 2 evacuation; and 90%, 69%, and 54% lower than in a Category 3 evacuation.
Learning from Crisis
Authors: Kim Karl , Yamashita Eric , Ghimire Jiwnath , Burke James , Morikawa Lydia , Kobayashi LeeAnna
Published: January 2014

The major transit agency in Honolulu, Hawaii, is Oahu Transit Services, Inc., also known as The Bus. The agency implemented emergency evacuation procedures because of tsunamis triggered by earthquakes in Chile in 2010 and Japan in 2011. Although the damage in Hawaii was minimal in both events, the experience provided important lessons for emergency operations. This paper provides a brief account of the events and describes the transit agency and its procedures for emergency evacuation. The important lessons for Honolulu and other cities that have bus transit operations and are concerned about evacuation are also discussed. It is important that standard operating procedures be well documented and disseminated. It is also critical to conduct after-action reports to ensure that key problems and challenges are identified; potential solutions are generated, discussed, and implemented; and organizational learning occurs. Training and experience at all levels are important, but creating an ethos of public service and professionalism is essential for effective disaster response. Although the lessons are applicable to tsunamis in Hawaii, these lessons are potentially valuable for other types of hazards in other locations.
Inventory Routing Problem
Authors: Yang Xianfeng , Feng Lei
Published: January 2014

This paper extends the study of the inventory routing problem with slack maximization (IRPSM), which addresses the distribution of relief supplies in response to a sudden emergency. Compared with the classical routing problem, the objective of IRPSM is to maximize the slack in inventory, defined as the difference between the arrival time of new deliveries and the estimated time that the inventory will run out, rather than to minimize the total cost of delivery. Previous researchers have proposed a two-stage (scheduling and routing) solution framework, which was proved to be efficient to solve this problem. On the basis of this two-stage framework, this study developed an initial heuristic at the routing stage. With full realization of the limitations of the initial heuristic, an improved heuristic was proposed to prevent trapping of the solution at a local optimal condition. Compared with several existing solution algorithms, the results of a case study showed the effectiveness of the proposed heuristics.
Dynamic Collection Scheduling Using Remote Asset Monitoring
Authors: McLeod Fraser , Erdogan Gunes , Cherrett Tom , Bektas Tolga , Davies Nigel , Speed Chris , Dickinson Janet , Norgate Sarah
Published: January 2014

Remote sensing technology is now coming onto the market in the waste collection sector. This technology allows waste and recycling receptacles to report their fill levels at regular intervals. This reporting enables collection schedules to be optimized dynamically to meet true servicing needs in a better way and so reduce transport costs and ensure that visits to clients are made in a timely fashion. This paper describes a real-life logistics problem faced by a leading UK charity that services its textile and book donation banks and its high street stores by using a common fleet of vehicles with various carrying capacities. Use of a common fleet gives rise to a vehicle routing problem in which visits to stores are on fixed days of the week with time window constraints and visits to banks (fitted with remote fill-monitoring technology) are made in a timely fashion so that the banks do not become full before collection. A tabu search algorithm was developed to provide vehicle routes for the next day of operation on the basis of the maximization of profit. A longer look-ahead period was not considered because donation rates to banks are highly variable. The algorithm included parameters that specified the minimum fill level (e.g., 50%) required to allow a visit to a bank and a penalty function used to encourage visits to banks that are becoming full. The results showed that the algorithm significantly reduced visits to banks and increased profit by up to 2.4%, with the best performance obtained when the donation rates were more variable.
Albedo variations and the impact of clouds on glaciers in the Chilean semi-arid Andes
Authors: Abermann Jakob , Kinnard Christophe , MacDonell Shelley
Published: January 2014

Albedo variations are presented at two on-glacier sites in the semi-arid Andes, Chile, with >3 years of continuous measurements. Although <2 km apart and at similar elevations, the sites show significantly different albedo cycles. Whereas Toro 1 exhibits a clear seasonal cycle, Guanaco reveals a more complicated pattern, as exposed ice can occur in any month of the year. Daily albedo values are as low as 0.18 for debris-covered Toro 1, while minima are higher on Guanaco (0.38). A method is presented to discern cloud-free from cloudy conditions using measured incoming shortwave radiation only. A cloud climatology is provided showing very low cloudiness values. We see that effective cloud cover relates inversely to cloud occurrence (i.e. either more but thin or fewer but thick clouds). The cloud-free diurnal albedo cycle is pronounced, with lowest values around noon. Clouds increase albedo by 0.04 as a median hourly value, and 0.20 for the 95% quantile. There is a positive relationship between effective cloud cover and resulting albedo rise. Calculations as to whether the diurnal albedo cycle or the effect of clouds on albedo should be considered in energy-balance estimations show that the former is necessary whereas the latter can be neglected in the semi-arid Andes.
Ecological Variability and Carbon Stock Estimates of Mangrove Ecosystems in Northwestern Madagascar
Authors: Jones Trevor , Ratsimba Harifidy , Ravaoarinorotsihoarana Lalao , Cripps Garth , Bey Adia
Published: January 2014

Mangroves are found throughout the tropics, providing critical ecosystem goods and services to coastal communities and supporting rich biodiversity. Despite their value, world-wide, mangroves are being rapidly degraded and deforested. Madagascar contains approximately 2% of the world’s mangroves, >20% of which has been deforested since 1990 from increased extraction for charcoal and timber and conversion to small to large-scale agriculture and aquaculture. Loss is particularly prominent in the northwestern Ambaro and Ambanja bays. Here, we focus on Ambaro and Ambanja bays, presenting dynamics calculated using United States Geological Survey (USGS) national-level mangrove maps and the first localized satellite imagery derived map of dominant land-cover types. The analysis of USGS data indicated a loss of 7659 ha (23.7%) and a gain of 995 ha (3.1%) from 1990–2010. Contemporary mapping results were 93.4% accurate overall (Kappa 0.9), with producer’s and user’s accuracies ≥85%. Classification results allowed partitioning mangroves in to ecologically meaningful, spectrally distinct strata, wherein field measurements facilitated estimating the first total carbon stocks for mangroves in Madagascar. Estimates suggest that higher stature closed-canopy mangroves have average total vegetation carbon values of 146.8 Mg/ha (±10.2) and soil organic carbon of 446.2 (±36.9), supporting a growing body of studies that mangroves are amongst the most carbon-dense tropical forests.
Beyond the Role of Dietary Protein and Amino Acids in the Prevention of Diet-Induced Obesity
Authors: Petzke Klaus , Freudenberg Anne , Klaus Susanne
Published: January 2014

High-protein diets have been shown to prevent the development of diet-induced obesity and can improve associated metabolic disorders in mice. Dietary leucine supplementation can partially mimic this effect. However, the molecular mechanisms triggering these preventive effects remain to be satisfactorily explained. Here we review studies showing a connection between high protein or total amino nitrogen intake and obligatory water intake. High amino nitrogen intake may possibly lower lipid storage, and prevent insulin resistance. Suggestions are made for further systematical studies to explore the relationship between water consumption, satiety, and energy expenditure. Moreover, these examinations should better distinguish between leucine-specific and unspecific effects. Research in this field can provide important information to justify dietary recommendations and strategies in promoting long-term weight loss and may help to reduce health problems associated with the comorbidities of obesity.