bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cuckoo Search Based Decision Fusion Techniques for Natural Terrain Understanding
Authors: Sharma Arpita , Goel Samiksha
Published: September 2014

This paper proposes two novel nature inspired decision level fusion techniques, Cuckoo Search Decision Fusion (CSDF) and Improved Cuckoo Search Decision Fusion (ICSDF) for enhanced and refined extraction of terrain features from remote sensing data. The developed techniques derive their basis from a recently introduced bio-inspired meta-heuristic Cuckoo Search and modify it suitably to be used as a fusion technique. The algorithms are validated on remote sensing satellite images acquired by multispectral sensors namely LISS3 Sensor image of Alwar region in Rajasthan, India and LANDSAT Sensor image of Delhi region, India. Overall accuracies obtained are substantially better than those of the four individual terrain classifiers used for fusion. Results are also compared with majority voting and average weighing policy fusion strategies. A notable achievement of the proposed fusion techniques is that the two difficult to identify terrains namely barren and urban are identified with similar high accuracies as other well identified land cover types, which was not possible by single analyzers.
Impacts of Scheduling Decisions Based On PSO Algorithm and Dispatching Rules on FMS Performances
Authors: Souier Mehdi , Sari Zaki
Published: September 2014

This paper investigates the scheduling problem in a typical flexible manufacturing system (FMS) with routing flexibility. The scheduling decisions have been established in terms of how the parts are launched into the system, how these parts are routed through various machines and how parts are sequenced for processing on a machine. The first decision is taken using one of the two dynamic dispatching rules (least work remaining (LWR) and most work remaining (MWR)) or first in first out (FIFO). Concerning the second decision, an algorithm based on particle swarm optimization (PSO) is used for real time alternative routing selection of each part whereas shortest processing time (SPT), longest processing time (LPT) and FIFO are used as sequencing rules for working centres (third decision). The simulation results evaluated in terms of the productivity and the utilisation of the system show that the proposed PSO algorithm performs the best when it is combined with LWR as part launching rule and SPT as machine sequencing rule.
The Great Salmon Run Metaheuristic for Robust Shape and Size Design of Truss Structures with Dynamic Constraints
Authors: Mozaffari Ahmad , Ebrahimnejad Mehrzad
Published: September 2014

In this investigation, the authors intend to demonstrate the applicability of a recent spotlighted metaheuristic called the great salmon run (TGSR) algorithm for shape and size design of truss structures. The algorithmic functioning of TGSR emulates the annual migration of salmons together with dangers laid through their pathways. In a previous study by the authors, it has been proved that the method is as effective as most of the state-of-the-art metaheuristics for a wide range of numerical benchmark problems. Here, the authors utilize TGSR together with some rival metaheuristics, i.e. bee algorithm (BA), scale factor local search differential evolutionary algorithm (SFLSDEA), chaotic particle swarm optimization (CPSO) algorithm, self adaptive penalty function genetic algorithm (SAPFGA) and mutable smart bee algorithm (MSBA), for optimal design of truss structures with dynamic frequency constraints. To effectively handle the constraints, the authors take the advantage of self-adaptive penalty function (SAPF) constraint handling technique to free the user from any priori penalty coefficient tuning. Therefore, an algorithm for automation of constraint shape and size design of truss structures is proposed here. Furthermore, for more elaboration, the authors consider the results of some previous reports for same problems to find out whether TGSR is capable of yielding comparative results as compared to other metaheuristics. Through the experiments, the exploration/exploitation capabilities of TGSR for truss design are investigated. It is proved that TGSR is not only able to handle the nonlinearities and decision making difficulties associated with shape and size optimization of truss structures but also can show comparative results as compared to powerful state-of-the-art metaheuristics.
The Impact of Keyword Caption Ratio on Foreign Language Listening Comprehension
Authors: Rooney Kevin
Published: September 2014

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of three keyword caption modes on the listening comprehension of Arab learners of English as a foreign language (N = 90) while viewing authentic video clips. The keyword caption modes contained approximately 10%, 30% or 50% of the words in the video scripts. The participants watched three different video clips from three science videos, each of which contained one of the three keyword caption modes. Each participant experienced all three modes and the order in which they were viewed was counterbalanced. Their understanding of the content of the video clips was measured using comprehension tests consisting of gap fill and multiple-choice questions. The analysis of the listening comprehension test scores found evidence of an effect for the 50% keyword caption condition.
Employee Acceptance and Use of Unified Communications and Collaboration in a Cross-Cultural Environment
Authors: Silic Mario , Back Andrea , Sammer Thomas
Published: September 2014

At the tip of the iceberg of the global financial crisis organizations are looking for economies of scale to survive in these challenging times. The Unified Communications and Collaboration (UC&C) platform is the perfect answer to support an organization's new strategies, aiming to increase employee productivity while decreasing costs. Our study combines recent collaboration research theories with the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). The authors aim to close the existing research gap by extending previous research with a cross-cultural dimension. They conducted an international field study in 34 countries involving 120 employees who were users of UC&C technology. The authors found that the UTAUT constructs are mainly validated in areas in which results suggest that performance expectancy and social influence are the most influential drivers in employee acceptance and use of UC&C in organizations.
How is Building Information Modeling Influenced by Project Complexity?
Authors: Merschbrock Christoph , Munkvold Bjørn Erik
Published: September 2014

Virtual design and construction of buildings and architectural spaces require extensive collaboration among a diverse set of design professionals. The authors analyze e-collaboration performance in two construction projects of differing complexity, to gain an understanding of how collaborative design based on building information modeling (BIM) is influenced by the complexity of the building project. The findings suggest that the perceived business value of BIM depends on project complexity and that BIM-based collaboration does not yield unconditional positive implications for all types of construction projects. The authors argue that current practice would benefit from a more structured approach to building business cases for e-collaboration, comprising the following aspects: 1) a thorough assessment of BIM's potential benefits based on the complexity of the project; 2) an assessment of all designers' collaborative BIM capabilities and maturity; 3) a reliable cost estimate for full-scale BIM e-collaboration; and 4) a cost benefit analysis to identify the business value of BIM-based e-collaboration. In addition, a systematic approach to collaboration engineering would be required to develop e-collaboration environments customized for the information needs of a specific project.
Planning Ethics in the Age of Wicked Problems
Authors: Hui Jeffrey Chan Kok
Published: September 2014

Ever since the publication of Rittel and Webber's Dilemmas in a General Theory of Planning in 1973, the discourse on wicked problems has grown steadily in planning and other disciplines. Despite this, there has been little attention paid to the ethical dimensions of wicked problems. What are the ethical dimensions of wicked problems in planning and specifically, in e-planning? To answer this question, the author examines planning ethics in relation to the discourse on wicked problems. Following Hendler's framework (2001) on planning ethics, which comprises of five distinct discourses—namely, (i) the ethics of everyday behavior; (ii) the ethics of administrative discretion; (iii) the ethics of planning techniques; (iv) plan making; (v) normative planning theory—the author discusses each in relation to the discourse of wicked problems to draw out their ethical dimensions in the context of urban and regional planning. Through these discussions, the author argues that e-planning should engage with the discourse of planning ethics, and further, that e-planning can begin to develop its own ethical discourse in the face of wicked problems in planning today.
Bridging Gender Gaps in Provision of Agricultural Extension Service Using ICT
Authors: Sanga C. , Kalungwizi V. J. , Msuya C. P.
Published: September 2014

This article was designed to present the assessment of the effectiveness of radio - based, impact driven smallholder farmer extension service system provided by FVR to enhance accessibility of extension services to women and men in the project areas of Tanzania. Specifically, this paper assessed women and men farmers' access to ICT and factors influencing the utilization of ICT to deliver agricultural information and knowledge. The paper used data from impact assessment survey of the project conducted between April 2012 and June 2012. These data were complemented by focus group discussion involving members of gender advisory panel that had been established in the selected project sites. Quantitative data were analyzed to yield frequencies and percentages. Qualitative data were analyzed by content analysis. Even though ownership of mobile phones and radio was higher among women in all study areas both men and women farmers' had almost the same percentage in accessibility to agricultural extension information. The factors that affected women and men farmers to get quality agricultural information via these ICT tools were namely: poor radio signal reception, power outrage and poor timing of radio programs among others. This is important evidence that careful use of ICT can reduce gender imbalance in agricultural extension services and information delivery.
Interaction Patterns and ICT Use to Support the Livelihoods of Microenterprises
Authors: Makoza Frank , Chigona Wallace
Published: September 2014

This paper reports on the nature of interaction patterns and use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) to support the livelihood of microenterprises. The study focused on the case of South Africa where Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) act as a means for addressing unemployment and poverty. The study used qualitative data to understand the interaction patterns and how ICT such as computers, mobile phones and internet are used to support the livelihoods of microenterprises. The findings showed that vertical and horizontal interactions supported the flow of information and sharing of knowledge used in decisions for reducing vulnerabilities in the livelihoods of microenterprises. ICT were improving the interactions that supported the livelihoods of microenterprises. The study recommends use of existing social networks for microenterprises when designing interventions for supporting microenterprises.
An Evolutionary Approach for Question Selection from a Question Bank
Authors: Paul Dimple V. , Naik Shankar B. , Pawar Jyoti D.
Published: September 2014

The success of any educational program depends on its evaluation system. Examinations are a part of learning process which acts as an element in evaluation. For the smooth conduct of examinations of various universities and academic institutions, the question paper generation process would be helpful. However, examination question paper composition is a multi-constraint concurrent optimization problem. Question selection plays a key role in question paper generation systems. Also it is the most significant and time consuming activity. The question selection is handled in traditional question paper generation systems by using a specified question paper format containing a listing of weightages to be allotted to each unit/module of the syllabus. They do not consider other constraints such as total time duration for completion of the paper, total number of questions and the difficulty level of the questions in the question paper etc. In this paper, the authors have modeled the Question Selection Problem as a multi-constraint optimization problem and proposed an Evolutionary Approach for the implementation same. The authors have experimented with this approach on a case study. The results obtained in this case study are interesting and promising to continue its implementation work and further research.
Personal Budgets, Choice and Health
Authors: Gadsby Erica Wirrmann , Segar Julia , Allen Pauline , Checkland Kath , Coleman Anna , McDermott Imelda , Peckham Stephen
Published: September 2014

Personal or individual budgets for purchasing health and social care are intended to offer more choice, control and flexibility to service users when compared with agency-directed care. They are becoming an increasingly common feature in high-income countries for purchasing personal care that often lies on the border line between health and social care. In England, they have recently been introduced explicitly for the purchasing of health care. There are some key motivations behind their introduction: they are expected to give individuals more choice about care they receive; to expand options for care; to improve outcomes; and to reduce expenditure. This paper draws from a review of the international evidence on personal budgets which identified: descriptive detail on personal budget schemes in 11 OECD countries to examine their key features and implementation processes; empirical evidence on the experiences of, and outcomes for, people using these schemes, and; empirical evidence regarding the impact of the schemes on the healthcare system, particularly with regards to resources. The paper examines the motivating factors behind personal budget schemes in light of this evidence. It concludes that there is little in the evidence to suggest that international governments' expectations for personal budget programmes are well-founded. The assumptions that they improve choice, and that more choice will in turn lead to greater autonomy and then improved outcomes at lower cost, are actually far more complex and generally unsupported by evidence.
A Collaborative Rapid Persona-Building Workshop
Authors: Williams Irith , Brereton Margot , Donovan Jared , McDonald Karalyn , Millard Tanya , Tam Alex , Elliott Julian H.
Published: September 2014

In the HealthMap project for People With HIV, (PWHIV) designers employed a collaborative rapid ‘persona-building' workshop with health researchers to develop patient personas that embodied patient-centred design goals and contextual awareness from a variety of qualitative and quantitative data. On reflection, this collaborative rapid workshop was a process for drawing together the divergent user research insights and expertise of stakeholders into focus for a chronic disease self-management design. This paper discusses, (i) an analysis of the transcript of the workshop and, (ii) interviews with five practising senior designers, in order to reflect on how the persona-building process was enacted and its role in the HealthMap design evolution. The collaborative rapid persona-building methodology supported: embedding user research insights, eliciting domain expertise, introducing design thinking, facilitating stakeholder collaboration and defining early design requirements. The contribution of this paper is to model the process of collaborative rapid persona-building and to introduce the collaborative rapid persona-building framework as a method to generate design priorities from domain expertise and user research data.
Evaluation Model of Cognitive Distraction State Based on Eye Tracking Data Using Neural Networks
Authors: Harada Taku , Iwasaki Hirotoshi , Mori Kazuaki , Yoshizawa Akira , Mizoguchi Fumio
Published: September 2014

Eye tracking reveals a person's state of mind. Thus, representing personal cognitive states using eye tracking leads to objective evaluations of these states, and this representation can be applied to various application fields. In this paper, the authors focus on the cognitive distraction state as a cognitive state, and the authors propose a model that evaluates personal cognitive distraction. The model takes as input eye tracking data and outputs the degree of personal cognitive distraction. The authors use a simple recurrent neural network, which is a type of neural network, to build the proposed model. In addition, the authors apply the proposed model to eye tracking for a person driving a car.
Conversio Ad Docelitam: Calvyn oor bekering en Christenwees
Authors: Dreyer Wim A.
Published: September 2014

Conversio ad docelitam: John Calvin on conversion and being a Christian. This contribution describes John Calvin’s understanding of what it means to be a Christian. When Calvin ‘converted’ to the Reformation in the early 1530s, the term ‘Protestant’ did not exist. There was no systematic body of doctrine or a confession you could put your signature under. So Calvin became a ‘lover of Christ’. The unity with Christ was a central part of his theology but also his personal spirituality. Calvin also understood his own conversion as a ‘conversio subita ad docelitam’, a conversion to a ‘teachable frame of mind’. Calvin’s love for Christ, his love for the Word of God and a teachable frame of mind not only defined his theology, but also his piety and spirituality.
Christ alone ... Redeeming Youth Ministry
Authors: Strong Philippa
Published: September 2014

In this article a fresh approach is proposed pertaining the contents and focus of the biblical message being taught in Youth Ministry: a Christocentric message in effective Youth Ministry is proposed as foundation to build on considering the Sola Scriptura approach. This is done to address one of the contributing factors to the current crisis in Youth Ministry, namely the use of behavioural modification techniques to transform the youth instead of spiritual transformation. The crisis in Youth Ministry can be described as not being effective in leading young people into mature Christian adulthood. Only through believing the Christocentric message of grace and allowing the sanctification of Holy Spirit in one’s life genuine spiritual transformation will take place. This article took a stance against behavioural modification techniques or preaching the Law, which may produce outward moralisation without the inward genuine transformation by Holy Spirit. Instead, it proposed four facets of a Christocentric message to be focused on in effective Youth Ministry: firstly, the grace of God as gift, secondly, the Christian’s status in Christ, thirdly, the message of the Kingdom of God, and lastly, the importance of cultivating a personal relationship with God.Alleenlik Christus ... Die herstel van Jeugbediening. In hierdie artikel word ’n vars benadering aangaande die inhoud en fokus van die Bybelse boodskap wat in Jeugbediening oorgedra word, voorgestel. ’n Christosentriese boodskap, gebou op ’n Sola Scriptura-benadering, moet as fondament in effektiewe Jeugbediening dien. Dit word gedoen om die aandag op een van die bydraende faktore tot die huidige krisis in Jeugbediening te vestig, naamlik dat gedragsveranderingstegnieke gebruik word om te poog om geestelike groei by die jeug te bevorder. Só word jongmense egter nie tot geestelike volwassenheid gelei nie. Geestelike transformasie kan slegs plaasvind deur geloof in die Christosentriese boodskap van genade en die werking van Heilige Gees in ’n mens se lewe. Hierdie artikel neem standpunt in teen die moralisasie van jongmense deur gedragsveranderingstegnieke of die verkondiging van die Wet sonder die transformerende werk van die Gees van God. Vier fasette van ’n Christosentriese boodskap om in effektiewe Jeugbediening op te fokus, word voorgestel: eerstens, die genade van God as geskenk, tweedens, die Christen se status in Christus, derdens, die boodskap van die Koninkryk van God, en laastens, die belangrikheid daarvan om aan ’n persoonlike verhouding met God te bou.
Some Normal Numbers Generated by Arithmetic Functions
Authors: Pollack Paul , Vandehey Joseph
Published: September 2014

Let g ≥ 2. A real number is said to be g-normal if its base g expansion contains every finite sequence of digits with the expected limiting frequency. Let φ denote Euler’s totient function, let σ be the sum-of-divisors function, and let λ be Carmichael’s lambda-function. We show that if f is any function formed by composing φ, σ, or λ, then the number

0.f(1)f(2)f(3)···

obtained by concatenating the base g digits of successive f -values is g-normal. We also prove the same result if the inputs 1,2,3.... are replaced with the primes 2, 3, 5.... The proof is an adaptation of a method introduced by Copeland and Erdõs in 1946 to prove the 10-normality of 0:235711131719...
The Equivariant Cohomology Rings of Peterson Varieties in All Lie Types
Authors: Harada Megumi , Horiguchi Tatsuya , Masuda Mikiya
Published: September 2014

Let G be a complex semisimple linear algebraic group and let Pet be the associated Peterson variety in the flag variety G/B. The main theorem of this note gives an eõcient presentation of the equivariant cohomology ring (Pet) of the Peterson variety as a quotient of a polynomial ring by an ideal J generated by quadratic polynomials, in the spirit of the Borel presentation of the cohomology of the flag variety. Here the group S ≌C* is a certain subgroup of a maximal torus T of G. Our description of the ideal J uses the Cartan matrix and is uniform across Lie types. In our arguments we use the Monk formula and Giambelli formula for the equivariant cohomology rings of Peterson varieties for all Lie types, as obtained in the work of Drellich. Our result generalizes a previous theorem of Fukukawa–Harada–Masuda, which was only for Lie type A.
Compilation and evaluation of gas phase diffusion coefficients of reactive trace gases in the atmosphere: volume 1. Inorganic compounds
Authors: Tang M. J. , Cox R. A. , Kalberer M.
Published: September 2014

Abstract. Diffusion of gas molecules to the surface is the first step for all gas–surface reactions. Gas phase diffusion can influence and sometimes even limit the overall rates of these reactions; however, there is no database of the gas phase diffusion coefficients of atmospheric reactive trace gases. Here we compile and evaluate, for the first time, the diffusivities (pressure-independent diffusion coefficients) of atmospheric inorganic reactive trace gases reported in the literature. The measured diffusivities are then compared with estimated values using a semi-empirical method developed by Fuller et al. (1966). The diffusivities estimated using Fuller's method are typically found to be in good agreement with the measured values within ±30%, and therefore Fuller's method can be used to estimate the diffusivities of trace gases for which experimental data are not available. The two experimental methods used in the atmospheric chemistry community to measure the gas phase diffusion coefficients are also discussed. A different version of this compilation/evaluation, which will be updated when new data become available, is uploaded online (https://sites.google.com/site/mingjintang/home/diffusion).
Analysis of the atmospheric composition during the summer 2013 over the Mediterranean area using the CHARMEX measurements and the CHIMERE model
Authors: Menut L. , Mailler S. , Siour G. , Bessagnet B. , Turquety S. , Rea G. , Briant R. , Mallet M. , Sciare J. , Formenti P.
Published: September 2014

Abstract. The ADRIMED campaign provides measurements of all key parameters regarding atmospheric composition in the Mediterranean area during the summer 2013. This is an opportunity to quantify the ability of current models to adequately represent the atmospheric composition in this complex region, which is influenced by anthropogenic emissions from Europe, Africa, the Middle-East and from shipping activities as well as mineral dust emissions mostly from the arid areas in Africa, sea-salt emissions, biomass burning emissions and biogenic emissions from the vegetation. The CHIMERE model in its present version is a chemistry-transport model which takes into account all these processes. We show here by simulating the period from 5 June to 15 July 2013 with the CHIMERE model and comparing the results to both routine and specific ADRIMED measurements that this model allows an adequate representation the atmospheric composition over the western Mediterranean, in terms of ozone concentration, particulate matter (PM) and aerosol optical depth (AOD). It is also shown that the concentrations of PM on all the considered area is dominated by mineral dust, even though local dust emissions in Europe are certainly overestimated by the model. A comparison with sulphate concentrations at Cape Corsica exhibits some discrepancies related to the regridding of shipping emissions.
Biophysical controls on net ecosystem CO2 exchange over a semiarid shrubland in northwest China
Authors: Jia X. , Zha T. S. , Wu B. , Zhang Y. Q. , Gong J. N. , Qin S. G. , Chen G. P. , Qian D. , Kellomäki S. , Peltola H.
Published: September 2014

Abstract. The carbon (C) cycling in semiarid and arid areas remains largely unexplored, despite the wide distribution of drylands globally. Rehabilitation practices have been carried out in many desertified areas, but information on the C sequestration capacity of recovering vegetation is still largely lacking. Using the eddy-covariance technique, we measured the net ecosystem CO2 exchange (NEE) over a recovering shrub ecosystem in northwest China throughout 2012 in order to (1) quantify NEE and its components and to (2) examine the dependence of C fluxes on biophysical factors at multiple timescales. The annual budget showed a gross ecosystem productivity (GEP) of 456 g C m−2 yr−1 (with a 90% prediction interval of 449–463 g C m−2 yr−1) and an ecosystem respiration (Re) of 379 g C m−2 yr−1 (with a 90% prediction interval of 370–389 g C m−2 yr−1), resulting in a net C sink of 77 g C m−2 yr−1 (with a 90% prediction interval of 68–87 g C m−2 yr−1). The maximum daily NEE, GEP and Re were −4.7, 6.8 and 3.3 g C m−2 day−1, respectively. Both the maximum C assimilation rate (i.e., at the optimum light intensity) and the quantum yield varied over the growing season, being higher in summer and lower in spring and autumn. At the half-hourly scale, water deficit exerted a major control over daytime NEE, and interacted with other stresses (e.g., heat and photoinhibition) in constraining C fixation by the vegetation. Low soil moisture also reduced the temperature sensitivity of Re (Q10). At the synoptic scale, rain events triggered immediate pulses of C release from the ecosystem, followed by peaks of CO2 uptake 1–2 days later. Over the entire growing season, leaf area index accounted for 45 and 65% of the seasonal variation in NEE and GEP, respectively. There was a linear dependence of daily Re on GEP, with a slope of 0.34. These results highlight the role of abiotic stresses and their alleviation in regulating C cycling in the face of an increasing frequency and intensity of extreme climatic events.
Air quality forecasts on a kilometer-scale grid over complex Spanish terrains
Authors: Pay M. T. , Martínez F. , Guevara M. , Baldasano J. M.
Published: September 2014

Abstract. The CALIOPE Air Quality Forecast System (CALIOPE-AQFS) represents the current state of the art in air quality forecasting systems of high-resolution running on high-performance computing platforms. It provides a 48 h forecast of NO2, O3, SO2, PM10, PM2.5, CO, and C6H6 at a 4 km horizontal resolution over all of Spain, and at a 1 km horizontal resolution over the most populated areas in Spain with complex terrains (the Barcelona (BCN), Madrid (MAD) and Andalusia (AND) domains). Increased horizontal resolution from 4 to 1 km over the aforementioned domains leads to finer textures and more realistic concentration maps, which is justified by the increase in NO2/O3 spatial correlation coefficients from 0.79/0.69 (4 km) to 0.81/0.73 (1 km). High-resolution emissions using the bottom-up HERMESv2.0 model are essential for improving model performance when increasing resolution on an urban scale, but it is still insufficient. Decreasing grid spacing does not reveal the expected improvement in hourly statistics, i.e., decreasing NO2 bias by only ~ 2 μg m−3 and increasing O3 bias by ~ 1 μg m−3. The grid effect is less pronounced for PM10, because part of its mass consists of secondary aerosols, which are less affected than the locally emitted primary components by a decreasing grid size. The resolution increase has the highest impact over Barcelona, where air flow is controlled mainly by mesoscale phenomena and a lower planetary boundary layer (PBL). Despite the merits and potential uses of the 1-km simulation, the limitations of current model formulations do not allow confirmation of their expected superiority close to highly urbanized areas and large emissions sources. Future work should combine high grid resolutions with techniques that decrease subgrid variability (e.g., stochastic field methods), and also include models that consider urban morphology and thermal parameters.
Empirical relations of rock properties of outcrop and core samples from the Northwest German Basin for geothermal drilling
Authors: Reyer D. , Philipp S. L.
Published: September 2014

Abstract. Information about geomechanical and physical rock properties, particularly uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), are needed for geomechanical model development and updating with logging-while-drilling methods to minimise costs and risks of the drilling process. The following parameters with importance at different stages of geothermal exploitation and drilling are presented for typical sedimentary and volcanic rocks of the Northwest German Basin (NWGB): physical (P wave velocities, porosity, and bulk and grain density) and geomechanical parameters (UCS, static Young's modulus, destruction work and indirect tensile strength both perpendicular and parallel to bedding) for 35 rock samples from quarries and 14 core samples of sandstones and carbonate rocks.

 With regression analyses (linear- and non-linear) empirical relations are developed to predict UCS values from all other parameters. Analyses focus on sedimentary rocks and were repeated separately for clastic rock samples or carbonate rock samples as well as for outcrop samples or core samples. Empirical relations have high statistical significance for Young's modulus, tensile strength and destruction work; for physical properties, there is a wider scatter of data and prediction of UCS is less precise. For most relations, properties of core samples plot within the scatter of outcrop samples and lie within the 90% prediction bands of developed regression functions. The results indicate the applicability of empirical relations that are based on outcrop data on questions related to drilling operations when the database contains a sufficient number of samples with varying rock properties. The presented equations may help to predict UCS values for sedimentary rocks at depth, and thus develop suitable geomechanical models for the adaptation of the drilling strategy on rock mechanical conditions in the NWGB.
Arabised Terminology Issue in the Holy Quran from a Modern and Critical Perspective
Authors: Al-Rawashdeh BasmaOdeh Salman
Published: September 2014

Arabised terms in the Quran have been the core subject for philologists, linguists and scholar's debates and argument throughout history.
This research is considered to be significant because it discusses a significant issue namely the argument of language scholars and philologists over certain terms that allegedly being foreign, while the Quran indicates that it has been revealed in the Arabic tongue. While using the principles of critical scientific researcher is determined to reveal the truth of the Quran, it is without a doubt is true andaccurate when God says “the Quran is revealed in the Arabic tongue”. Majority of the scholars and language philologists accepted this truthful logic. Others claimed the presence of foreign terms in the Quran. While the rest took a middle grounds. Researcher has been able to prove through several scientific methods and the strong evidence of well known scholars, dictionaries and the rules of borrowing among languages, that there is no foreign words especially- Ebla’i and Istebraq- in the Quran. Rather the Quran proves once again that is revealed in Arabic tongue, as well as researcher and every believer.
A Radiographic Comparison of Femoral Offset after Cemented and Cementless Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Berstock James R. , Hughes Adrian M. , Lindh Amy M. , Smith Evert J.
Published: September 2014

Restoring femoral offset during total hip arthroplasty is important. Femoral offset and leg lengths are inextricably linked by the caput-collum-diaphysis (CCD) angle of the implant being used. We investigate the restoration of offset and leg lengths using the radiographs of a consecutive series of patients following implantation with either a high CCD angled cementless, or an anatomical CCD angled cemented femoral component. Although our data suggests that we are able to restore femoral offset and leg lengths using either device, we recommend additional caution when using non-anatomical high CCD angled implants.
The Anterior Supine Intermuscular Approach for Total Hip Arthroplasty: Reducing the Complication Rate by Improving the Procedure
Authors: den Hartog Yvon M. , Mathijssen Nina M.C. , Peters Sebastian J. , Vehmeijer Stephan B.W.
Published: September 2014

This study describes specific complications noticed during the first unselected cases operated by anterior approach for THA in our hospital and specific adjustments that were applied on the procedure to prevent these complications. We retrospectively analysed the differences between 202 patients who were operated by a standardised approach and 248 patients who were operated after adjustments were implemented with the procedure. Injury to the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN), fractures of the greater trochanter and dislocation were specific complications that were noticed with the initial technique.

Prevalence of injury to the LFCN decreased from 7.9% to 0.8% (p<0.001), fractures of the greater trochanter decreased from 5.4% to 0.8% (p = 0.004) and the incidence of dislocation decreased from 4.5% to 1.6% (p = 0.074).
Validation and Cross Cultural Adaptation of the Italian Version of the Harris Hip Score
Authors: Dettoni Federico , Pellegrino Pietro , La Russa Massimo R. , Bonasia Davide E. , Blonna Davide , Bruzzone Matteo , Castoldi Filippo , Rossi Roberto
Published: September 2014

Introduction

The Harris Hip Score (HHS) is one of the most widely used health related quality of life (HRQOL) measures for the assessment of hip pathology: in spite of this, a validation study, and an official Italian version have not been provided yet. The aim of this study was to create an Italian valid and reliable version of the HHS.

Materials and methods

The score was translated and modified in Italian; then 103 patients with different hip pathologies were evaluated using this HHS version and also with the WOMAC and the SF-12 questionnaires. Content, construct and criterion validities were tested, such as interobserver reliability, test-retest reliability and internal consistency.

Results

Cross-cultural adaptation was easy, and only minor adaptation was required in the translation process. Construct and criterion validity of the HHS Italian Version were confirmed by satisfactory values of Spearman's Rho for correlation between specific domains of HHS and Womac and SF12 scores. Interobserver and test-retest reliabilities obtained values of 0.996 and 0.975 respectively; Cronbach's alpha for internal consistency was 0.816.

Discussion

Statistical and clinical analysis showed that HHS is highly valid and reliable in this new Italian version.
Long-Term Result of Cementless Femoral Stem in Avascular Necrosis of the Hip
Authors: Cheung Kin W. , Chiu Kwok H. , Chung Kwong Y.
Published: September 2014

Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the hip may have extensive involvement of the proximal femur which may affect boney ingrowth into cementless femoral stems. From 1994 to 2004, 182 total hip arthroplasties (in 144 patients, 117 AVN hips and 65 non-AVN hips) were performed using hydroxyapatite coated femoral stems. All patients were followed up prospectively. Mean age was 51 years and mean follow-up 14.7 years (range 9.7-19.1 years). Four stems were revised because of aseptic loosening, 3 in AVN group and 1 in non-AVN group. The overall mechanical failure rate was 2.2%, the mechanical failure rate in AVN and non-AVN group was 2.6% and 1.5% respectively (p = 1). The 19.1 year survival using revision for aseptic loosening as an endpoint for AVN and non-AVN patients were 97.1% and 96.2% respectively (p = 0.654). Stable boney ingrowth was present in 99.5% hips. This study represents 1 of the largest series reporting the long-term follow-up of the use of cementless femoral stems in treating AVN of the hip. We report excellent long-term survival of cementless total hip arthroplasty used in managing AVN of the hip and is comparable to that seen in non-AVN total hip arthroplasty.
Early-onset Thrombosis of Internal Jugular Vein Associated with Introducer Catheter for Heart Catheterization in Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Fabiani Adam , Pittiruti Mauro , Russo Savino , Sanson Gianfranco
Published: September 2014

Purpose

In cardiac surgery, Swan-Ganz catheter (SGC) is often necessary and is inserted before the intervention through an introducer catheter. Catheter-related thrombosis (CRT) is a frequent complication of this procedure and often remains subclinical. The aims of this prospective cohort study were to determinate the incidence of CRT after positioning an SGC through an introducer and to identify factors relating to their occurrence.

Methods

One-hundred and sixteen cardiac surgery patients underwent ultrasound examination of the thoracic-cervical vessels, before and after introducer catheter removal. Data about drugs infused through the introducer catheter were also collected.

Results

The incidence of internal jugular vein CRT was 26.7%, corresponding to 70.5 cases per 1,000 catheter days. The incidence of “fibrin sleeve” was 28.4%. All introducer catheter tips lay in the brachiocephalic vein or in the upper third of the superior vena cava. The incidence of CRT was not associated with duration of the placement of the introducer catheter (average 3.9±2 days) or the SGC (average of 2.4±1.7 days). Infusion of total parenteral nutrition and dextran showed a significantly increased risk of thrombosis in both univariate and multivariate analyses. An overly proximal position of the introducer catheter tip was strongly associated with CRT incidence.

Conclusions

The presence of an introducer catheter for SGC, even for a short time, is associated with a high incidence of early-onset CRT. This incidence is significantly related to the catheter tip being positioned in the brachiocephalic vein and to its use as a central venous access.
Modern management of cryptorchidism: which evidences?
Authors: Caione Paolo , Tambucci Roberto
Published: September 2014

The term cryptorchidism is related to the failure of the migration of the testis to the scrotum. In most cases, testis are retained along the physiological route through the inguinal canal. In 1% of cases the gubernaculum testis is abnormally fixed (testicular ectopy).

In 20% of cases, one testis is not clinically palpable. The US has a sensitivity of 45% and a specificity of 78% in detecting intra-abdominal testis. Consequently, laparoscopy should be considered the gold-standard in these cases.

Hormonal therapy has been considered in order to aid testicular descent, without or before surgery. Recent data suggest that these strategies seem to have a success rate 10% higher than placebo, while surgery alone is effective in 33-100% of cases.

Several histological studies showed microscopic damages due to cryptorchidism since age of 6-9 months. Some Authors suggest that up to 40% retained testis completely lose their own germinal cells pool at the age of two years. Consequently guide-lines suggest that surgery should be proposed at the age of 6-18 months.

Cancer relative risk associated to cryptorchidism is calculated to be 1.5-7.5% higher than in general population and lower than what is traditionally estimated (15-33%). Moreover, this risk increases 2.9-32.0 times when surgery is performed after the age of 10-11 years.
Katherine Mansfield and the New Age School of Satire
Authors: Snyder Carey
Published: September 2014

I want to tell you how sensible I am of your wonderful unfailing kindness to me in the “old days.” And to thank you for all you let me learn from you. I am still—more shame to me—very low down in the school. But you taught me to write, you taught me to think; you showed me what there was to be done and what not to do.

—Katherine Mansfield, letter to New Age editor A. R. Orage, February 9, 1921
The effect of culture filtrates of the saprophytic fungi isolated from peas and field peas roots and nodules on the growth of Rhizobium leguminosarum
Authors: Furgał-Węgrzycka Helena
Published: September 2014

In the work the effect of culture filtrates of biotic series of 34 species of saprophytic fungi isolated from roots and root nodules of peas and field peas on the growth of Rhizobium leguminosarum was determined. The results obtained proved that the growth of Rhizobium leguminosarum was inhibited by culture filtrates of saprophytic fungi: Aspergillus niger, A.flavus, Cephalosporium roseum, Cylindrocarpon radicicola, Fusarium oxysporum, F. solani, Glocladium roseum, Penicillium notatum, P. janthinellum, Trichoderma lignorum, and T. viride.
The macromyceles of forest and peatbog communities of the Łęczna-Włodawa lake District
Authors: Fliśińska Zofia
Published: September 2014

The results of six years of research on flora, especially on macromycetes in the forests, peatbog and shrub communities of the Łęczna-Włodawa Lake District (Eastern Poland) are presented in this work. Observations of 9 plant associations carried out at 40 constant plots in 6 nature reservations, where 346 existing species of macromycetes have been discovered.
Mycological notes from Podlasie
Authors: Truszkowska Wanda
Published: September 2014

In september of 1984 fungi (22) were collected in the exploited forest and in the reserve "Liski" (forest district administration Międzyrzec). They were mainly Perenomycetes and Loculoascomycetes which in general developed on dead remains of trees.
Effect of phosphate on lipid metabolism in Fusarium oxysporum
Authors: Arneja J. S.
Published: September 2014

The effect of different phosphate levels in the growth medium on lipid metabolism in Fusarium oxysporum, was studied. An increase in the phosphate level led on to an increase in the phosphorus content of the mycelium, as well as in that of total lipids. However, higher phosphate concentrations, had no profound effect on the total lipid percentage. Among phospholipid compounds phosphatidic acid (PA) and phosphatidyl inositol were the most susceptible while phisphatidyl choline (PC) was found to be the least affected by changes in the phosphate content of the medium. In the pulse and chase experiments, higher specific activities were observed for PA, PGP and cardiolipin (CL) fractions.
Some studies on Septoria nodorum
Authors: Błaszkowski Janusz
Published: September 2014

The author has studied the occurrence and epidemiology of S. nodorum. In addition, attention was paid to the fungus biology, food requirements and other environmental factors (light, temperature) necessary to its full development. Effects of fungicides on growth and germination of conidia in vitro were followed as well.
Taxonomical study of yeasts and yeast-like microorganisms isolated from the denitrification unit biocenosis
Authors: Sláviková Elena , Grabińska-Łoniewska Anna
Published: September 2014

A set of 8 strains of yeasts and yeast-like microorganisms was isolated from the denitrification unit biocenosis fed with a synthetic medium containing methanol as a carbon source. These strains were identified as Candida boidinii, C. maltosa, Rhodotorula rubra and Trichosporon cutaneum.
Comparing patterns of sexual risk among adolescent and young women in a mixed‐method study in Tanzania: implications for adolescent participation in HIV prevention trials
Authors: Tolley Elizabeth E , Kaaya Sylvia , Kaale Anna , Minja Anna , Bangapi Doreen , Kalungura Happy , Headley Jennifer , Baumgartner Joy Noel
Published: September 2014

Introduction

Despite the disproportionate impact of HIV on women, and adolescents in particular, those below age 18 years are underrepresented in HIV prevention trials due to ethical, safety and logistical concerns. This study examined and compared the sexual risk contexts of adolescent women aged 15–17 to young adult women aged 18–21 to determine whether adolescents exhibited similar risk profiles and the implications for their inclusion in future trials.

Methods

We conducted a two‐phase, mixed‐method study to assess the opportunities and challenges of recruiting and retaining adolescents (aged 15–17) versus young women (18–21) in Tanzania. Phase I, community formative research (CFR), used serial in‐depth interviews with 11 adolescent and 12 young adult women from a range of sexual risk contexts in preparation for a mock clinical trial (MCT). For Phase II, 135 HIV‐negative, non‐pregnant adolescents and young women were enrolled into a six‐month MCT to assess and compare differences in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes, including risky sexual behaviour, incident pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), reproductive tract infections (RTIs) and HIV.

Results

In both research phases, adolescents appeared to be at similar, if not higher, risk than their young adult counterparts. Adolescents reported earlier sexual debut, and similar numbers of lifetime partners, pregnancy and STI/RTI rates, yet had lower perceived risk. Married women in the CFR appeared at particular risk but were less represented in the MCT. In addition, adolescents were less likely than their older counterparts to have accessed HIV testing, obtained gynaecological exams or used protective technologies.

Conclusions

Adolescent women under 18 are at risk of multiple negative SRH outcomes and they underuse preventive services. Their access to new technologies such as vaginal microbicides or pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) may similarly be compromised unless greater effort is made to include them in clinical trial research.
ARV‐based HIV prevention for women – where we are in 2014
Authors: Mastro Timothy D , Sista Nirupama , Abdool‐Karim Quarraisha
Published: September 2014

Women continue to be at special risk for HIV acquisition due to a complex mix of biological, behavioural, structural, cultural and social factors, with unacceptable rates of new infection. Scientific advances over the past decade have highlighted the use of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs as pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV acquisition (sexually, parenterally and vertically) and ARV treatment (ART) for HIV‐positive patients to prevent onward transmission (treatment as prevention – TasP). This paper reviews the evidence base for PrEP and TasP, describes new products in development and the need to translate research findings into programmes with impact at the population level.