bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Meta-Analysis of the Efficacy of Behavioral Interventions to Reduce Risky Sexual Behavior and Decrease Sexually Transmitted Infections in Latinas Living in the United States
Authors: Althoff Meghan D. , Grayson Cary T. , Witt Lucy , Holden Julie , Reid Daniel , Kissinger Patricia
Published: July 2014

The objective of this meta-analysis was to determine the effect of behavioral interventions in reducing risky sexual behavior and incident sexually transmitted infections (STI) among Latina women living in the United States. Studies were found by systematically searching the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsychInfo databases without language restriction. Two independent reviewers screened abstracts and full texts of articles to find randomized control trials testing the effects of behavioral interventions aimed at changing risky sexual behavior among Latinas. Articles were selected using prespecified inclusion criteria. Two independent reviewers extracted data from the included trials in duplicate using a standardized data extraction form. Six randomized control trials met the inclusion criteria for a total of 2,909 participants. Using random effects models with inverse variance weighting, we found a protective effect of the behavioral intervention on reported risky sexual behavior (odds ratio = 0.52; 95% confidence interval = 0.42, 0.64) and on incident nonviral STI (odds ratio = 0.65; 95% confidence interval = 0.46, 0.93). Behavioral interventions targeted toward Latina populations are effective in reducing risky sexual behaviors and incident STI and should be considered by policymakers as a potential tool for HIV/STI prevention in this population.
Motivating Customers to Adhere to Expert Advice in Professional Services
Authors: Seiders Kathleen , Flynn Andrea Godfrey , Berry Leonard L. , Haws Kelly L.
Published: July 2014

This study focuses on the mechanisms by which professional service providers effectively influence customers to adhere to their expert guidance and advice. Eliciting customer adherence is a critical concern for professional service firms since customers of these need-based (rather than want-based) services are often reluctant to adhere, and nonadherence can result in serious negative consequences to customer well-being and firm resource utilization. The study examines this scenario by developing a conceptual framework that integrates the following three theoretical areas: professional services theory, advice utilization theory, and social cognitive theory. The framework proposes associations between professional service provider actions and customer reactions, including adherence to expert advice, adherence intentions, and organizational resources needed to serve the customer (time cost and monetary cost). The study empirically tests the hypothesized relationships based on professional service provider-customer (physician-patient) interactions in a large health care organization setting using both primary survey data and objective, longitudinal customer data encompassing a 48-month period. Results indicate that advice giving frequency and focus on negative consequences impact customer outcomes and the effects are moderated by perceived customer efficacy and service provider efficacy. The findings shed light on the underlying dynamics of customer adherence to advice in professional service settings and provide guidance as to how that adherence can be effectively elicited.
Improving Productivity in Design and Development of Information Technology (IT) Service Delivery Simulation Models
Authors: Beloglazov Anton , Banerjee Dipyaman , Hartman Alan , Buyya Rajkumar
Published: July 2014

The unprecedented scale of Information Technology (IT) service delivery requires careful analysis and optimization of service systems. The simulation is an efficient way to handle the complexity of modeling and optimization of real-world service delivery systems. However, typically developed custom simulation models lack standard architectures and limit the reuse of design and implementation artifacts across multiple models. In this work, following the design science research methodology, based on a formal model of service delivery systems and applying an adapted software product line (SPL) approach, we create a design artifact for building product lines of IT service delivery simulation models, which vastly simplify and reduce the cost of simulation model design and development. We evaluate the design artifact by constructing a product line of simulation models for a set of IBM’s IT service delivery systems. We validate the proposed approach by comparing the simulation results obtained using our models with the results from the corresponding custom simulation models. The case study demonstrates that the proposed approach leads to 5–8 times reductions in the time required to design and develop related simulation models. The potential implications of the application of the proposed approach within an organization are quicker responses to changes in the business environment, more information to assist in managerial decisions, and reduced workload on the process reengineering specialists.
Management of acute kidney injury with continuous venovenous haemodiafiltration in a cat
Authors: Stanzani Giacomo , Jepson Rosanne E , Chan Daniel L
Published: July 2014

Continuous renal replacement therapy is an emerging technique for the treatment of acute kidney injury (AKI). Data regarding its use in cats are limited. This report describes the use of a novel continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) system for the treatment of AKI in a cat. A 1.3-year-old cat developed uraemic signs following the administration of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent for the treatment of a suspect traumatic episode. CRRT was provided with a Prismaflex Gambro machine used in continuous venovenous haemodiafiltration mode, with an AN-69 surface-treated membrane, synthetic colloid priming and heparin anticoagulation. Two treatment cycles were performed, totalling 51 h of CRRT. The treatment was effective in controlling uraemic signs, and no major complications were noted. Owing to financial constraints the owners declined further CRRT treatments, and on day 8 of hospitalisation, owing to the lack of significant clinical improvement, humane euthanasia was performed. The set-up detailed in this report provides a viable option for the initial treatment of cats with AKI.
An appraisal-based coping model of attachment and adjustment to arthritis
Authors: Sirois Fuschia M , Gick Mary L
Published: July 2014

Guided by pain-related attachment models and coping theory, we used structural equation modeling to test an appraisal-based coping model of how insecure attachment was linked to arthritis adjustment in a sample of 365 people with arthritis. The structural equation modeling analyses revealed indirect and direct associations of anxious and avoidant attachment with greater appraisals of disease-related threat, less perceived social support to deal with this threat, and less coping efficacy. There was evidence of reappraisal processes for avoidant but not anxious attachment. Findings highlight the importance of considering attachment style when assessing how people cope with the daily challenges of arthritis.
Judging health risk as a function of risk factors and type of illness: Do people weight risk factors in a flexible way?
Authors: Guedj Myriam , Mullet Etienne , Cambon-Thomsen Anne
Published: July 2014

We examined the extent to which lay people and health professionals are able to assess occurrence risks for multifactorial diseases. We asked 341 participants to assess the risk of developing lung cancer, coronary artery disease or rheumatoid arthritis in 16 scenarios, each featuring a combination of four factors (family history, daily alcohol intake, daily tobacco consumption and genetic test results). Participants considered all factors. However, they accorded more weight to tobacco and genetic test results. Moreover, it appears that where one of the factors (e.g. the presence of the incriminated gene) exerted a strong influence, the influence of the other factor(s) was correspondingly weaker. The health risk judgements of health professionals were more dependent on the specific disease and were also influenced to a greater degree by genetic information than lay people.
Lighting energy performance determination for Turkey
Authors: Yılmaz FS , Yener AK
Published: July 2014

Energy certification of buildings is promoted by the current energy policy of the European Union. The Building Energy Performance Regulation was published in 2002 and since then several studies have been conducted in European countries. The lighting energy requirements of buildings are determined using the methodology described in the European Standard EN 15193 which takes into account the required visual comfort conditions. In Turkey, a new national calculation methodology, Building Energy Performance-Turkey (BEP-TR), has been developed based on Turkey’s particular conditions. In this paper, the BEP-TR lighting module is briefly described. Its use is then demonstrated by the prediction of the lighting energy requirements for a prototype primary school classroom in different locations in Turkey. The paper also performs a sensitivity analysis of the BEP-TR methodology on the developed daylighting and electric lighting design alternatives.
Predictors of Knowledge-Sharing Behavior for Teams in Extreme Environments
Authors: Gross Nina , Kluge Annette
Published: July 2014

Knowledge-sharing behavior seems to be important for team functioning and performance. A theoretical model explaining antecedents that impact knowledge-sharing behavior and its interplay with shared knowledge within teams was investigated. In the present study, we examined the effect of the individual’s intention and five organizational antecedents (team communication, perceived appraisal, organizational communication, organizational support, and social ties) on knowledge-sharing behavior. Five production and five maintenance teams (123 participants altogether) working in a steel mill took part in the study to investigate the assumed relationships. The results indicate that knowledge-sharing behavior is positively affected by intention, organizational communication, and social ties. in turn, knowledge-sharing behavior had a significant impact on the shared knowledge corresponding to the four types of shared mental models (task, equipment, interaction, team), and as a trend, teams with a higher knowledge-sharing behavior seem to have greater shared mental model similarity. The implications of the findings are discussed in terms of further research in production settings and with regard to developing a knowledge-sharing intervention.
Cystic adventitial disease of the popliteal artery: Two case reports and a review of the literature
Authors: Del Canto Peruyera P , Vázquez MJ Vallina-Victorero , Velasco M Botas , Álvarez P Calvín , Salgado A Álvarez , Álvarez J Cerviño , Fernández LJ Álvarez
Published: July 2014

Two cases of cystic adventitial disease treated at our institution over the last year are presented. They were middle-aged and apparently healthy patients, and the symptoms begin with a sudden onset of unilateral claudication. After performing a magnetic resonance angiography, a cystic formation attached to the adventitia of the popliteal artery was identified. Both patients were treated in the same manner, with resection of the affected arterial segment and vein bypass interposition. Both remain asymptomatic after one year of follow-up in one case and six months in the other. Cystic adventitial disease is a rare entity, which presents in patients without cardiovascular risk factors, so sometimes it takes long to reach a definitive diagnosis. Concerning the different treatment options, cyst excision together with the affected arterial segment seems to offer better mid- and long-term results when compared with other treatment options such as cyst aspiration or endovascular techniques, although there are no multicenter trials evidencing the superiority of one against the others.
‘We offer unparalleled flexibility’: Purveying conceptual values in higher educational corporate branding
Authors: Ng Carl Jon Way
Published: July 2014

Observations have been made about branding’s shift from a material to conceptual focus. Consequently, corporate branding has become more focused on associating and imbuing corporate brands with supposedly positive values and attributes. This article locates this emphasis in the context of Singapore’s marketized higher education sector, and examines how conceptual values like flexibility, freedom and empowerment are expressed linguistically and, more significantly, symbolized in and through photographic images in corporate brand communication. It is argued that while the circulation of conceptual values in branding has arisen in part due to the imperatives of branding, the privileging of values like flexibility, freedom and empowerment is symptomatic of neoliberal capitalist influence and the subjection of higher education in Singapore to a knowledge-based economic logic. This helps to shape stakeholders’ concepts and expectations of higher education as well as public attitudes towards the neoliberal knowledge-based market system more broadly.
The food safety impact of salt and sodium reduction initiatives
Authors: Christopher Deborah , Wallace Carol A
Published: July 2014

Excessive or high salt or sodium intake is known to cause hypertension and other diseases. Within the United Kingdom voluntary targets for salt reduction have been set and laid out in the Secretary of State responsibility deal. This review considers the options available to food manufacturers to enable them to reduce salt and the potential food safety risks associated with those options. Gaps in research and knowledge within the areas of information supplied to food manufacturers, alternative solutions for salt replacement and the food safety impact of salt reduction are discussed.
Producing Protest News
Authors: Tenenboim-Weinblatt Keren
Published: July 2014

This article examines journalists’ narratives of the constellations of factors that shaped the coverage of the 2011–2012 social protest in Israel, and how journalists used the protest to negotiate their roles, practices, and values against the backdrop of their own professional and economic struggles. Based on in-depth interviews with reporters and editors who were involved in the coverage of the protest movement, this article analyzes journalists’ interpretations and negotiations of the various influences on their work during the two major waves of the protest. An analysis of patterns of collision and concurrence between individual, organizational, and professional domains of influence in journalists’ narratives shows that while the norm of objectivity remains a key site of tension in relation to other factors, considerations of newsworthiness are constructed as complementing and justifying all other types of influence. An examination of diachronic patterns suggests that journalists’ individual conditions and positions play a greater role in journalists’ narratives in the first stage of the protest, giving way to professional values and organizational economic considerations in later stages. Although these findings further complicate the protest paradigm, they also show a dominant pattern of “paradigm repair” at the level of both journalists’ professional ideology and protest coverage.
Emerging practices and perspectives on Big Data analysis in economics: Bigger and better or more of the same?
Authors: Taylor Linnet , Schroeder Ralph , Meyer Eric
Published: July 2014

Although the terminology of Big Data has so far gained little traction in economics, the availability of unprecedentedly rich datasets and the need for new approaches – both epistemological and computational – to deal with them is an emerging issue for the discipline. Using interviews conducted with a cross-section of economists, this paper examines perspectives on Big Data across the discipline, the new types of data being used by researchers on economic issues, and the range of responses to this opportunity amongst economists. First, we outline the areas in which it is being used, including the prediction and ‘nowcasting’ of economic trends; mapping and predicting influence in the context of marketing; and acting as a cheaper or more accurate substitute for existing types of data such as censuses or labour market data. We then analyse the broader current and potential contributions of Big Data to economics, such as the ways in which econometric methodology is being used to shed light on questions beyond economics, how Big Data is improving or changing economic models, and the kinds of collaborations arising around Big Data between economists and other disciplines.
German cohort of HCV mono-infected and HCV/HIV co-infected patients reveals relative under-treatment of co-infected patients
Authors: Beisel Claudia , Heuer Martin , Otto Benjamin , Jochum Johannes , Schmiedel Stefan , Hertling Sandra , Degen Olaf , Lüth Stefan , van Lunzen Jan , Schulze zur Wiesch Julian
Published: July 2014

Background

Current German and European HIV guidelines recommend early evaluation of HCV treatment in all HIV/HCV co-infected patients. However, there are still considerable barriers to initiate HCV therapy in everyday clinical practice. This study evaluates baseline characteristics, “intention-to-treat” pattern and outcome of therapy of HCV/HIV co-infected patients in direct comparison to HCV mono-infected patients in a “real-life” setting.

Methods

A large, single-center cohort of 172 unselected HCV patients seen at the Infectious Diseases Unit at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf from 2000–2011, 88 of whom HCV/HIV co-infected, was retrospectively analyzed by chart review with special focus on demographic, clinical and virologic aspects as well as treatment outcome.

Results

Antiviral HCV combination therapy with PEG-interferon plus weight-adapted ribavirin was initiated in 88/172 (52%) patients of the entire cohort and in n = 36 (40%) of all HCV/HIV co-infected patients (group A) compared to n = 52 (61%) of the HCV mono-infected group (group B) (p = 0.006). There were no significant differences of the demographics or severity of the liver disease between the two groups with the exception of slightly higher baseline viral loads in group A. A sustained virologic response (SVR) was observed in 50% (n = 18) of all treated HIV/HCV co-infected patients versus 52% (n = 27) of all treated HCV mono-infected patients (p = 0.859). Genotype 1 was the most frequent genotype in both groups (group A: n = 37, group B: n = 49) and the SVR rates for these patients were only slightly lower in the group of co-infected patients (group A: n = 33%, group B: 40% p = 0.626). During the course of treatment HCV/HIV co-infected patients received less ribavirin than mono-infected patients.

Conclusion

Overall, treatment was only initiated in half of the patients of the entire cohort and in an even smaller proportion of HCV/HIV co-infected patients despite comparable outcome (SVR) and similar baseline characteristics. In the light of newer treatment options, greater efforts to remove the barriers to treatment that still exist for a great proportion of patients especially with HIV/HCV co-infection have to be undertaken.
Age group performances in 100 km and 100 miles ultra-marathons
Authors: Rüst Christoph A , Rosemann Thomas , Zingg Matthias A , Knechtle Beat
Published: July 2014

Improved performance has been reported for master runners (i.e. athletes older than 40 years) in both single marathons and single ultra-marathons. This study investigated performance trends of age group ultra-marathoners competing in all 100 km and 100 miles races held worldwide between 1971 and 2013. Changes in running speeds across years were investigated for the annual ten fastest 5-year age group finishers using linear, non-linear and multi-level regression analyses. In 100 km, running speed remained unchanged in women in 25–29 years, increased non-linearly in 30–34 to 55–59 years, and linearly in 60–64 years. In men, running speed increased non-linearly in 18–24 to 60–64 years and linearly in 65–69 to 75–79 years. In 100 miles, running speed increased in women linearly in 25–29 and 30–34 years, non-linearly in 35–39 to 45–49 years, and linearly in 50–54 and 55–59 years. For men, running speed increased linearly in 18–24 years, non-linearly in 25–29 to 45–49 years, and linearly in 50–54 to 65–69 years. Overall, the faster race times over the last 30 years are a result of all top ten finishers getting faster. These findings suggest that athletes in younger to middle age groups (i.e. 25–35 to 50–65 years depending upon sex and distance) have reached their limits due to a non-linear increase in running speed whereas runners in very young (i.e. younger than 25–35 years) and older age groups (i.e. older than 50–65 years) depending upon sex and distance might still improve their performance due to a linear increase in running speed.
Protective role of frizzled-related protein B on matrix metalloproteinase induction in mouse chondrocytes
Authors: Bougault Carole , Priam Sabrina , Houard Xavier , Pigenet Audrey , Sudre Laure , Lories Rik J , Jacques Claire , Berenbaum Francis
Published: July 2014

Introduction

Our objective was to investigate whether a lack of frizzled-related protein B (FrzB), an extracellular antagonist of the Wnt signaling pathways, could enhance cartilage degradation by facilitating the expression, release and activation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) by chondrocytes in response to tissue-damaging stimuli.

Methods

Cartilage explants from FrzB−/− and wild-type mice were challenged by excessive dynamic compression (0.5 Hz and 1 MPa for 6 hours). Load-induced glycosaminoglycan (GAG) release and MMP enzymatic activity were assessed. Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) (10, 100 and 1000 pg/mL for 24 hours) was used to stimulate primary cultures of articular chondrocytes from FrzB−/− and wild-type mice. The expression and release of MMP-3 and −13 were determined by RT-PCR, western blot and ELISA. The accumulation of β-catenin was assessed by RT-PCR and western blot.

Results

Cartilage degradation, as revealed by a significant increase in GAG release (2.8-fold, P = 0.014) and MMP activity (4.5-fold, P = 0.014) by explants, was induced by an excessive load. Load-induced MMP activity appeared to be enhanced in FrzB−/− cartilage explants compared to wild-type (P = 0.17). IL-1β dose-dependently induced Mmp-13 and −3 gene expression and protein release by cultured chondrocytes. IL-1β-mediated increase in MMP-13 and −3 was slightly enhanced in FrzB−/− chondrocytes compared to wild-type (P = 0.05 and P = 0.10 at gene level, P = 0.17 and P = 0.10 at protein level, respectively). Analysis of Ctnn1b and Lef1 gene expression and β-catenin accumulation at protein level suggests that the enhanced catabolic response of FrzB−/− chondrocytes to IL-1β and load may be associated with an over-stimulation of the canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that FrzB may have a protective role on cartilage degradation and MMP induction in mouse chondrocytes by attenuating deleterious effects of the activation of the canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway.
Anti-MDA5 autoantibodies in juvenile dermatomyositis identify a distinct clinical phenotype: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Tansley Sarah L , Betteridge Zoe E , Gunawardena Harsha , Jacques Thomas S , Owens Catherine M , Pilkington Clarissa , Arnold Katie , Yasin Shireena , Moraitis Elena , Wedderburn Lucy R , McHugh Neil J
Published: July 2014

Introduction

The aim of this study was to define the frequency and associated clinical phenotype of anti-MDA5 autoantibodies in a large UK based, predominantly Caucasian, cohort of patients with juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM).

Methods

Serum samples and clinical data were obtained from 285 patients with JDM recruited to the UK Juvenile Dermatomyositis Cohort and Biomarker Study. The presence of anti-MDA5 antibodies was determined by immunoprecipitation and confirmed by ELISA using recombinant MDA5 protein. Results were compared with matched clinical data, muscle biopsies (scored by an experienced paediatric neuropathologist) and chest imaging (reviewed by an experienced paediatric radiologist).

Results

Anti-MDA5 antibodies were identified in 7.4% of JDM patients and were associated with a distinct clinical phenotype including skin ulceration (P = 0.03) oral ulceration (P = 0.01), arthritis (P <0.01) and milder muscle disease both clinically (as determined by Childhood Myositis Assessment Score (P = 0.03)) and histologically (as determined by a lower JDM muscle biopsy score (P <0.01)) than patients who did not have anti-MDA5 antibodies. A greater proportion of children with anti-MDA5 autoantibodies achieved disease inactivity at two years post-diagnosis according to PRINTO criteria (P = 0.02). A total of 4 out of 21 children with anti-MDA5 had interstitial lung disease; none had rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease.

Conclusions

Anti-MDA5 antibodies can be identified in a small but significant proportion of patients with JDM and identify a distinctive clinical sub-group. Screening for anti-MDA5 autoantibodies at diagnosis would be useful to guide further investigation for lung disease, inform on prognosis and potentially confirm the diagnosis, as subtle biopsy changes could otherwise be missed.
Value of information analysis and Bayesian inversion for closed skew-normal distributions: Applications to seismic amplitude variation with offset data
Authors: Rezaie Javad , Eidsvik Jo , Mukerji Tapan
Published: July 2014

Information analysis can be used in the context of reservoir decisions under uncertainty to evaluate whether additional data (e.g., seismic data) are likely to be useful in impacting the decision. Such evaluation of geophysical information sources depends on input modeling assumptions. We studied results for Bayesian inversion and value of information analysis when the input distributions are skewed and non-Gaussian. Reservoir parameters and seismic amplitudes are often skewed and using models that capture the skewness of distributions, the input assumptions are less restrictive and the results are more reliable. We examined the general methodology for value of information analysis using closed skew normal (SN) distributions. As an example, we found a numerical case with porosity and saturation as reservoir variables and computed the value of information for seismic amplitude variation with offset intercept and gradient, all modeled with closed SN distributions. Sensitivity of the value of information analysis to skewness, mean values, accuracy, and correlation parameters is performed. Simulation results showed that fewer degrees of freedom in the reservoir model results in higher value of information, and seismic data are less valuable when seismic measurements are spatially correlated. In our test, the value of information was approximately eight times larger for a spatial-dependent reservoir variable compared with the independent case.
Pore-pressure prediction in carbonate rock using wavelet transformation
Authors: Yu Fu , Jin Yan , Chen Kang Ping , Chen Mian
Published: July 2014

Accurate prediction of pore pressure can assist engineers to better work out and optimize an oilfield development plan. Because the P-wave velocity only experiences small-scale fluctuations for pore-pressure change in carbonate rocks, existing well-known pore-pressure prediction methods are incapable of predicting pore pressure in carbonate rocks with field-required accuracy. We evaluated a new method based on the P-wave velocity decomposition and wavelet transformation to predict pore pressure in carbonate rocks. The P-wave velocity was decomposed into contributions from the pore fluid and the rock framework using Biot’s theory. The effect of lithology, pore structure, porosity, and pore pressure on P-wave velocity was studied by theoretical analysis and experiments. Rapid triaxial rock-system tests were carried out to measure the P- and S-wave velocities when pore pressure, pore structure, and porosity were changed, and X-ray diffraction tests were used to measure mineral components. The small-scale fluctuations of the P-wave velocity can be extracted and amplified using wavelet transformation. We found that the small-scale fluctuations of the P-wave velocity were caused by pore-pressure change in carbonate rocks and the large-scale fluctuations of the P-wave velocity depended on the rock framework. Overpressure formation can be identified by the high-frequency detail of wavelet transformation of P-wave velocity. A pore-pressure prediction model relating the contribution from the pore fluid to the P-wave velocity was developed. This model is an improvement over existing pore-pressure prediction methods that mainly rely on empirical relations between the P-wave velocity and the pore pressure. This new method was successfully applied to carbonate rocks in Tazhong Block, Tarim oilfield, demonstrating the feasibility of the proposed pore-pressure prediction method.
Behavioral and metabolic contributions to thermoregulation in freely swimming leatherback turtles at high latitudes
Authors: Casey James P. , James Michael C. , Williard Amanda S.
Published: July 2014

Leatherback turtles in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean have a broad geographic range that extends from nesting beaches near the equator to seasonal foraging grounds as far north as Canada. The ability of leatherbacks to maintain core body temperature (Tb) higher than that of the surrounding water is thought to be a key element of their biology that permits them to exploit productive waters at high latitudes. We provide the first recordings of Tb from freely swimming leatherbacks at a northern foraging ground, and use these data to assess the importance of behavioral adjustments and metabolic sources of heat for maintenance of the thermal gradient (Tg). The mean Tb for individual leatherbacks ranged from 25.4±1.7 to 27.3±0.3°C, and Tg ranged from 10.7±2.4 to 12.1±1.7°C. Variation in mean Tb was best explained by the amount of time that turtles spent in the relatively warm surface waters. A diel trend in Tb was apparent, with daytime cooling suggestive of prey ingestion and night-time warming attributable to endogenous heat production. We estimate that metabolic rates necessary to support the observed Tg are ~3 times higher than resting metabolic rate, and that specific dynamic action is an important source of heat for foraging leatherbacks.
Comparison of Co Particle Catalysts and Supported Cobalt Catalysts for Ethanol Steam Reforming: Primary Factors for Suppressed CH4 Production and Enhanced H2 and CO2 Production
Authors: Ando Yuji , Matsuoka Koichi , Takagi Hideyuki , Kuramoto Koji
Published: July 2014

We compared the performance of supported Co catalysts and Co particle catalysts in ethanol steam reforming. The product yields obtained with the supported Co catalysts, which were prepared from Co(NO3)2·6H2O, were strongly influenced by the composition of the support material. The Co particle catalysts showed higher activity and produced more H2 than any of the supported Co catalysts examined. As the ethanol partial pressure was increased from 317 to 3756 Pa, production of CH4 over both types of catalysts was suppressed relative to that observed previously over Rh catalysts. Highly selective production of H2 and CO2 was achieved over Co particle catalysts prepared from Co(C5H7O2)2·2H2O. We suggest that the larger crystallite size and the resulting smaller specific surface area of the Co particle catalysts suppressed CH4 production and enhanced selective production of H2 and CO2 during the reforming reaction.
Meet the Press: How Voters and Politicians Respond to Newspaper Entry and Exit
Authors: Drago Francesco , Nannicini Tommaso , Sobbrio Francesco
Published: July 2014

This paper uses an original dataset covering the presence of local news in medium-large Italian cities in the period 1993–2010 to evaluate the effects of newspaper entry and exit on electoral participation, political selection, and government efficiency. Exploiting discrete changes in the number of newspapers, we show that newspaper entry increases turnout in municipal elections, the reelection probability of the incumbent mayor, and the efficiency of the municipal government. We do not find any effect on the selection of politicians. Competition plays a relevant role, as the effects are not limited to the first newspaper entry. (JEL D72, L11, L82)
Pioneers of Adsorption Science 1. Stephen Brunauer
Authors: Sing Kenneth S. W.
Published: July 2014

Aspects of the life and work of the eminent scientist Stephen Brunauer (1903–1986) are described from a personal standpoint. Particular attention is given to Brunauer's collaboration with Emmett and Teller, his service to the U.S. Navy and his post-war research on the surface properties of cements, silica gels and other materials. In addition to his well-known status as the ‘B’ in the BET theory, Brunauer should be remembered for his many contributions to adsorption science and pore-size analysis.
Diclofenac Sodium Adsorption onto Montmorillonite: Adsorption Equilibrium Studies and Drug Release Kinetics
Authors: Kaur Manpreet , Datta Monika
Published: July 2014

The aim of the present work was to investigate the role of montmorillonite clay as an oral drug delivery carrier for in vitro controlled release of anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac sodium (DS). For this purpose, the adsorption behaviour of DS onto the clay was studied as a function of pH of the aqueous drug solution, contact time, initial drug concentration and clay dosage. The clay–drug composites synthesized were subsequently characterized by X-ray diffraction studies, Fourier transform-infrared studies, differential scanning calorimetric analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, zeta-potential measurement, scanning electron microscopic and high-resolution transmission electron microscopic techniques. A drug loading of 497 mg/g was obtained in case of intercalated clay–drug composite. The in vitro drug release studies of the synthesized clay–drug composites in simulated gastric fluid (pH 1.2) showed no release, whereas a prolonged drug release profile was obtained for the intercalated clay–drug composite in simulated intestinal fluid (phosphate-buffer saline 7.4) in comparison with the pristine drug.
Prediction of Confined Blast Loading in Single-Layer Lattice Shells
Authors: Ma J.L. , Wu C.Q. , Zhi X.D. , Fan F.
Published: July 2014

Single-layer lattice shells (also known as gridshells) are widely used for architecturally innovative structures. When an explosion occurs inside such a structure, confined blast loading on the structural components will be seriously affected by different factors, such as charge locations and weight, structural types and forms. Moreover, slight changes of blast loading perhaps result in various responses for such a complicated structure. In this paper, blast loads on single-layer lattice shell are calculated by AUTODYN software package. The effect of scaled distance, ratio of rise to span and ratio of height to span are investigated. Simplification of blast loading is studied, and the principles of equivalent loading process are validated with a 40 meters single-layer Kiewitt-8 reticulated dome. In order to predict the blast loading, a precise and simple model is derived from numerical results, which is suitable for a wide scope of single-layer lattice shells. Two applications with different charge weight, structural spans and forms are worked out by using the blast prediction model. Good agreements of comparisons are achieved between prediction model and numerical results.
Two-Stage Stress-Strain Models for Light-Gauge Steels
Authors: Quach W.M. , Huang J.F.
Published: July 2014

An accurate stress-strain relationship is needed for use in the advanced numerical modelling of cold-formed light-gauge steel members covering a wide range of strains. Existing stress-strain models for carbon steels are either capable of accurate predictions over a limited strain range or defined using many material parameters for a full range of strains. The values of some material parameters are not always available in existing design codes. This paper presents two stress-strain models for light-gauge carbon steels, which are capable of accurate predictions over the full range of tensile strains up to the strain at the ultimate stress. Both stress-strain models are solely defined using either three basic Ramberg-Osgood parameters ( E0, σ0.2, and n) or even two basic parameters ( E0, and σ0.2), and are based on a careful interpretation of existing experimental data of virgin materials and materials from flat portions of cold-formed steel sections. The accuracy of these two proposed models is demonstrated by comparing their predictions with experimental stress-strain curves.
Reinforcement Layout Optimisation of RC D-regions
Authors: Zhang H.Z. , Liu X. , Yi W.J.
Published: July 2014

Topology optimisation techniques are used to automate the design of the reinforcement layouts of the D-regions of reinforced concrete (RC). An integrated elements model with genetic evolutionary structural optimisation (GESO) can be used to derive an optimal strut-and-tie model (STM) from an initial ground structure defined for a general concrete member. However, many problems still exist, such as the transformation of the calculated results into STMs, centralised reinforcement layouts and so on. This study proposes a modified GESO method, specifically a separated elements model GESO, for the design of RC D-regions. This model improves the precision of calculation and targets the object of optimisation. Intuitive reinforcement layout results can be obtained and used to significantly reduce the work of transformation. The numerical examples are optimised to verify the stability and feasibility of the new method. One of the examples is combined with the previous test results to examine the load transfer path. To demonstrate the superiority of the new method, it is compared to three existing methods in terms of steel consumption.
An Engineering Solution to Improve Post-Earthquake Fire Resistance in Important Reinforced Concrete Structures
Authors: Behnam Behrouz , Ronagh Hamid
Published: July 2014

An investigation based on sequential analysis is performed here on the Immediate Occupancy performance level of important structures designed to the ACI 318–08 code after they are subjected to earthquake level with PGA of 0.30 g. This is followed by a fire analysis of the damaged structure, from which the time it takes for the damaged structure to collapse is calculated. As a benchmark, the fire analysis is also performed for the undamaged structure and before the occurrence of earthquake. The results indicate that the vulnerability of structures increases when a previously damaged structure is exposed to fire. A post-earthquake fire (PEF) factor as a function of the required fire resistance time is then proposed to improve the fire resistance of important buildings subjected to PEF. Whilst the investigation is for a certain class of structures (important building, intermediate reinforced structure, 5 stories) and the results can only be expected to be applicable to the cases investigated, it is hoped that it paves the way for further research into this important phenomenon.
Effects of Numerical Treatment of Viscous and Surface Tension Forces on Predicted Motion of Interface
Authors: Hayashi K. , Tomiyama A.
Published: July 2014

Effects of numerical treatment of viscous and surface tension forces on predicted motion of an interface are investigated. The viscous force and tangential surface tension force (Marangoni force) are treated in two different ways: one is a smeared-out interface method and the other is a ghost fluid method. In the smeared-out interface method, the arithmetic mean and harmonic mean are tested for evaluation of the viscous stress. Linear shear flows, single oscillating drops and surface tension waves are simulated using these methods. These benchmark tests show that the ghost fluid method gives the most accurate evaluations of the viscous and the Marangoni forces. The harmonic mean can give good evaluations of the tangential viscous stress at clean interface, whereas large errors in the viscous stress are caused for contaminated interface. Although the arithmetic mean causes some errors for clean and contaminated interfaces compared to the ghost fluid method, the error can be reduced by increasing spatial resolution and this method can give more reasonable predictions for contaminated interface than the harmonic mean. The arithmetic mean is therefore recommended rather than the harmonic mean when using the smeared-out interface method.
Study on Eliminating Spurious Eddies at the Interfaces of Two-Phase Flows Using Lattice Boltzmann Simulations
Authors: Wei Y. , Yang J.F. , Wang Z.D. , Yan W.W. , Qian Y.H.
Published: July 2014

Stationary bubbles simulated by the multiphase lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) lead to eight symmetric eddies at the interfaces of two-phase flows. A distribution function is introduced in the lattice Boltzmann equation. Numerical simulations conform that eight symmetric eddies at the interfaces of two-phase flows are eliminated effectively by using this method, and the spurious velocities are reduces effectively.
An Eulerian-Eulerian CFD Simulation of Air-Water Flow in a Pipe Separator
Authors: Afolabi E.A. , Lee J.G.M.
Published: July 2014

This paper presents a three dimensional Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) of air-water flow using Eulerian –Eulerian multiphase model and RSM mixture turbulence model to investigate its hydrodynamic flow behaviour in a 30 mm pipe separator. The simulated results are then compared with the stereoscopic PIV measurements at different axial positions. The comparison shows that the velocity distribution can be predicted with high accuracy using CFD. The numerical velocity profiles are also found to be in good qualitative agreement with the experimental measurements. However, there were some discrepancies between the CFD results and the SPIV measurements at some axial positions away from the inlet section. Therefore, the CFD model could provide good physical understanding on the hydrodynamics flow behaviour for air-water in a pipe separator.
Introduction to an Ontology-Driven Documentation System of Damages to Cultural Heritage
Authors: Cacciotti R. , Valach J. , Kuneš P. , Čerňanský M. , Blaško M. , Křemen P.
Published: July 2014

Deriving from the complex nature of cultural heritage conservation and its heterogeneous tasks it is the need for enhancing a systematic but flexible organization of expert knowledge in the field. Such organization should address comprehensively the interrelations and complementariness among the different factors that come into play in the understanding of diagnostic and intervention problems. The purpose of the system introduced in this paper, called MONDIS, is to endorse this kind of organization. The system allows replicating in a computer readable form the basic dependence among factors influencing the description, diagnosis and intervention of damages to immovable objects. More specifically MONDIS allows to input and search entries concerning object description, structural evolution, location characteristics and risk, component, material properties, surveys and measurements, damage typology, damage triggering events and possible interventions. The system supports searching features typical of standard databases, as it allows for the digitalization of a wide range of information including professional reports, books, articles and scientific papers. It also allows for computer aided retrieval of information tailored to user's requirements. The approach consists in formalising an ontological representation of the field of heritage conservation compatible with the professional approach commonly employed to processing of data. The paper also presents a series of applications which run on such ontology, including a web-based interface for data inputting, a terminology editor for defining and searching a pictographic glossary of all terms stored in the system, a knowledge matrix for browsing the cause-effect relationships in damage formation together with insights on possible interventions and a mobile application for supporting in-situ condition assessment of buildings.
HBIM Library Objects for Conservation and Management of Built Heritage
Authors: Oreni D. , Brumana R. , Georgopoulos A. , Cuca B.
Published: July 2014

The paper illustrates the possibility to shift from a 3D content model to a Historic Building Information Modelling (HBIM) in order to support conservation and management of built heritage. This three-dimensional solution is based on parametric models, suitable for industrial elements and modern architecture, that can be usefully applied to heritage documentation and management of the data on conservation practices. In this sense, the research investigates the definition of an HBIM targeted library, starting from surface surveying and representation towards the logic of object definition. In order to promote wider use and uptake of these 3D object modelling instruments, some case studies are illustrated by the paper. Vault and wooden beam floor analysis show how HBIM for architectural heritage could be implemented in order to assemble different kind of data on historical buildings, such as e.g. dimensional, geometrical, thematic, historical and architectural information.
The Survey as Experience of Critical Reading: The Case of Villa Rufolo in Ravello
Authors: Iannizzaro Vincenzo , Messina Barbara , Cundari Maria R.
Published: July 2014

The work that the present paper summarizes expresses the results of a wider research conducted within the PhD in Structural Engineering and Building and Urban Rehabilitation, active in the Department of Civil Engineering – Salerno University. The research entitled Integrated Surveys of architectural heritage. The laser scans and the digital processing (PHD Maria Rosaria Cundari; tutor prof. Vincenzo Iannizzaro; cotutor prof. Barbara Messina), have addressed several particularly relevant issues in the field of representation and documentation of historical built heritage. The target also has been test the reliability of a procedure to survey and interpret the architecture, with reference to deeply transformed buildings. In these cases, in fact, the documentation, firstly but not only metric-formal, is the starting point for a real knowledge. Then, recovering – albeit only virtually – shapes and features deduced from experimental data, it finally becomes possible a space's reading, back in time, through infographic modelling, so returning its original image1.
The Silk Roads Cultural Heritage Resource Information System: For World Heritage Monitoring and Preservation
Authors: Vileikis Ona , Dumont Barbara , Tigny Vincent , Van Balen Koen , Serruys Eline , De Maeyer Philippe
Published: July 2014

Serial transnational World Heritage nominations are challenging the way cultural heritage has been managed and evaluated in the past. This type of nomination requires different methodologies and tools to improve the monitoring cycle from the beginning of the nomination towards the periodic reporting. The case study of the Silk Roads Cultural Heritage Resource Information System (CHRIS) illustrates the use of a Geospatial Content Management System (Geo-CMS) supporting the serial transnational World Heritage nominations and the future monitoring of the Silk Roads in Central Asia. The Silk Roads CHRIS is an initiative supported by UNESCO WHC and the Belgian Federal Science Policy Office (BELSPO), and developed by a consortium headed by the Raymond Lemaire International Centre for Conservation, KULeuven. The Silk Roads CHRIS has been successfully assisting in the preparation of the nomination dossiers of the Republics of Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan and will be used as a monitoring tool in the Central Asian countries. This paper discusses the use of the system in serial transnational nomination, and describes the architecture of the system, its main features, its effectiveness in the preparation of the nomination dossier and its use during monitoring and reporting.