bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A New Meta-Heuristic Based on Social Bees for Detection and Filtering of Spam
Authors: Hamou Reda Mohamed , Amine Abdelmalek , Boudia Amine
Published: December 2013

Spam is now seized the Internet in phenomenal proportions since a high percentage of total emails exchanged on the Internet. In the fight against spam, the authors are interested in this article experiencing a meta-heuristic based on social bees. The authors took inspiration from biological model of social bees and especially, their organization in the workplace, and collective intelligence. The authors chose this meta-heuristic because it presents effects allow the authors to detect the characteristics of unwanted data. Messages are indexed and represented by the n-gram words and characters independent of languages ??(because a message can be received in any language). The results are promising and provide an important way for the use of this model for solving other problems in data mining.
Statistical Based Analysis of Electrooculogram (EOG) Signals
Authors: D’Souza Sandra , Sriraam N.
Published: December 2013

The use of Electrooculogram (EOG) signals for developing Human-Computer Interfaces is increasing in the recent times. Several advantages including ease and flexibility in acquiring EOG signals have encouraged insight into EOG based research. In order to identify optimal features for EOG signals for rehabilitation applications, it is necessary to apply the statistical basis to decide the selection of best feature. This paper suggests a pilot study on non-parametric statistical based approach for analyzing EOG signals. This paper considers the detailed statistical analysis of Electrooculogram (EOG) signals. The EOG signals are acquired by considering the horizontal and vertical movements of the eye. The recording includes subjects with identified age groups with different activities. Power spectral densities based on Welch, Yule-Walker, Burg methods are estimated from the acquired EOG signals. Then non-parametric based statistical analysis is performed to show whether the gender or age of the subject influences the EOG signal obtained for different activities. The experimental results based on statistical analysis show that the raw data did not hold any significance to categorize male-female or age wise grouping. However, some features extracted set from the raw data provides useful statistical information which will be of great importance when used for selective rehabilitation.
On the Study of Certified Originality for Digital Alteration Problem
Authors: Ohashi Masakazu , Hori Mayumi
Published: December 2013

In our modern clock-ruled culture, it is not too much to say that no society can exist unless based on “time”. Computers, which are the key device of an information society, are equipped with high precision clocks to synchronize their entire circuit function. In an electronic environment or digital society built on computers, recordkeeping relates inevitably to the time that is ticked away by the clocks embedded in the computers. Time is thus the infrastructure of this information society. The scope of discussion here focuses on some specific industries and applications for time-stamping technologies. We focused mainly on time-authentication (time-stamp). This study will be further refined step by step as their validity is verified in actual use.
Intellectual Property Protection in Small Knowledge Intensive Enterprises
Authors: Kulmala Riikka , Kettunen Juha
Published: December 2013

Knowledge-based assets, intellectual property, and capital play a fundamental role in an enterprise’s competitiveness, especially in small knowledge intensive enterprises. Small knowledge intensive enterprises need to create new ways of operating in order to manage the intellectual and knowledge-based assets in their organizations more efficiently. Organizational knowledge and intellectual property can be protected, either formally via IPR, or informally via efficient knowledge management. Successful IP protection requires systematic intellectual property and knowledge management. Intellectual property protection via efficient knowledge management affects the entire organization rather than being just a separate task. It needs to be embedded in organizational work routines, practices, and processes as an overall operational strategy. When embedded in organizational work processes, IP protection and knowledge management become a continuous part of work routines and tasks in the enterprise, not a separate action.
Fostering Digital Literacy between Schools and the Local Community
Authors: Petrucco Corrado
Published: December 2013

This article proposes the use of a conceptual framework for developing digital skills at school using Service Learning and Project-Based learning approaches. In this context, an important role is played by “digital citizenship” understood as a stimulus for participation in the community also through social software. The author also presents the results of a project carried out by students in technical high school on a very sensitive local issue: the installation of new antennas for mobile phones and the dangers of radiation. The students measured cell phone emissions and created videos that were distributed in a blog, accessed by both the local community and the general online community. The project results were positive on various levels, both at school, evidenced by an improvement in student performance and the motivation to learn, and socially, by satisfying the knowledge needs of the community.
Digital Reading Fluency and Text Presentation Medium Preference in EFL Context
Authors: Hasaskhah Jaleh , Barekat Behzad , Asa Nahid Farhang
Published: December 2013

With the advent of digital literacy, fluency in reading from the screen has become a key category in shaping reading proficiency. Furthermore, research focusing on digital reading fluency, especially in the English as Foreign Language (EFL) context, is scarce. Therefore, this study first seeks to explore the differences in the participants’ reading fluency in paper and digital reading environments, and second to examine the participants’ attitude towards text presentation medium. To this end, the reading fluency of 30 students doing their Master’s was examined in two reading environments. Then, by using a checklist, the participants self- assessed themselves for their preference for either type of the texts. The results revealed that not only were the EFL participants more fluent in the traditional paper texts than digital ones, but also the majority had a stronger preference for the former. The findings call for greater ‘diversity adjustment’ in scholarship on digital literacy.
Acceptance of ERP Solutions in Maturity Use Phase
Authors: Sternad Simona , Bobek Samo
Published: December 2013

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions have been implemented in a lot of organizations in the past few years. Notwithstanding the fact that ERP solutions benefit organizations only to the extent that users accept and use them, most studies regarding ERP solutions today refer to selection and implementation process. The most widely used model in the area of investigating user acceptance is technology acceptance model (TAM) proposed by Davis (1989). In this paper, the TAM was extended to measure groups of extended factors (personal characteristics and information literacy, system and technological characteristics and organizational-process characteristics) that influence ERP acceptance. Because ERP solutions are implemented in different organization types and by different methodology, the authors also analyze external factors importance regarding user acceptance of two global solutions – SAP and Microsoft Dynamics.
Antecedents of Information Technology Trust and the Effect of Trust on Perceived Performance Improvement
Authors: Kivijärvi Hannu , Leppänen Akseli , Hallikainen Petri
Published: December 2013

Trust is a broad and multidimensional concept that has been widely studied in many disciplines, such as psychology, sociology, and management. In addition to interpersonal relations trust also plays a significant role when technology acceptance is concerned. Information technology (IT) is not an exception but there is a growing interest for understanding the mechanisms of trust formation as well as the impacts of technology trust in IT field, too. This research investigates the impact of social, institutional, and technological antecedents on the formation of technology trust as well as the effect of the trust on the perceived performance. The authors specially study the behavior of technologists, people who have technological education and experience and who are currently working in a high-tech organization. Drawing on the existing theoretical literature a conceptual research model with hypotheses is deduced. Data for the study were collected through a survey among IT technologists working in a high-tech organization. The survey data were analyzed using structural equation modeling technique. The findings show that the perception of a user’s skills, power relations, and appropriately utilized organizational structure aid in increasing an individual’s level of technology trust. Moreover, it was found that technology trust plays an important role in increasing an individual’s perception of the performance increase.
Adopting Agile Methods for Graduate Employability
Authors: Griffin Bernard , Udall Mark , Ross Margaret , Georgiadou Elli
Published: December 2013

The paper evaluates the impacts of using adaptive contemporary workplace methods for the enhancement of student motivation and learning, along with future employability. The interim effects of incorporating an ‘Agile’ project management approach within an established Activity-Based Learning strategy are considered for second year undergraduate students in Software Engineering and Computer Games Development environments. A range of observations and measurements are analysed to determine likely cause and effect relationships, supported by the university's virtual learning environment, as a key communications component. The findings suggest that student motivation may be significantly enhanced through online access to interactive multi-media materials in support of an incremental facilitated learning strategy. In addition, local employer interest in graduate recruitment has been increased.
Market Orientation and Manager's Innovativeness in the Adoption of Managerial IT in Small Firms: Application to the Retail Sector
Authors: Crespo Ángel Herrero , Agudo Jesús Collado , Sánchez Ma Mar García de los Salmones
Published: December 2013

This research examines the effect of market orientation and the managers’ propensity for implementing technological innovations in small retailers. In particular, the authors consider four management IT: computerized order management systems, inventory and sales control systems, customer information management systems, and commercial web pages. Information was collected through a personal survey from managers and owners of 272 small retail companies. The results obtained show that the manager’s innovativeness is the main determinant of the implementation of new administrative and commercial technologies in small retailers. The market orientation of an organisation does not directly influence the adoption of IT. However, this variable positively affects the manager’s innovativeness and therefore plays an indirect role in the implementation of IT. Therefore, the results obtained show that, in reduced dimension companies, corporate behaviours are widely determined by the individual decisions of the manager.
Social Ties in Video Sharing Services
Authors: Akoumianakis Demosthenes , Karadimitriou Nikolas , Kafousis Ioannis
Published: December 2013

The paper explores excavation as a metaphor or conceptual lens for gaining insights into social formations and cyber-structures enacted in video sharing virtual settlements. The emphasis is on conditions for virtual excavations, techniques which could be used to support them as well as their analytical value to making sense (for academic, business-related or other purposes) of what people do online. Two case studies are used to provide baseline data for framing the notion of digital remains or traces of virtual settlements, the form they take in today’s social web and the means through which they are revealed and made sense of using knowledge visualization techniques. It turns out that virtual excavations organized around cultural artifacts of practice can serve as ‘gold mines’ for business intelligence, providing a means for understanding, not only structural properties of ‘social’ technologies and the way in which they are appropriated, but also dynamic aspects of the enacted cyber-structures resulting from recurrent co-engagement in practice and online collaboration.
A Cross-Country Comparison of Virtual Discussion Board Use in United States and Costa Rican Education Settings
Authors: Hodge Kari , Saxon Terrill F. , Trumble Jason
Published: December 2013

The purpose of the current study was to compare the use of virtual discussion boards in various educational settings in the United States and Costa Rica. Participants included professors of education, in-service and pre-service teachers in the United States and Costa Rica where a survey was used that included demographic, knowledge, attitude, and behavioral questions regarding the use of virtual discussion boards. Results indicated that sixty-two percent of the participants used discussion boards in an educational setting. Instructors reported creating discussion board prompts that were constructivist in nature, and responses were frequently assessed for reflection, application, or collaboration. Findings show implications for educators in Costa Rica the United States due to the extensive rural landscape that perpetuates a need for alternative forms of communication and distance learning as well as to provide a comparison to how this technology is used in United States educational settings.
Atti Sociali
Authors: Italiana Società Entomologica
Published: December 2013

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Deep cold‐water coral ecosystems in the Brittany submarine canyons (Northeast Atlantic): Hydrodynamics, particle supply, respiration, and carbon cycling
Authors: Khripounoff Alexis , Caprais Jean-Claude , Le Bruchec Julie , Rodier Philippe , Noel Philippe , Cathalot Cécile
Published: December 2013

The submarine canyons of the Brittany continental slope (Bay of Biscay—Northeast Atlantic) were studied to describe the conditions in which cold‐water corals occur in these areas and their consequences for coral metabolism. Near‐bottom current, oxygen, temperature, and particle flux, simultaneously measured for 2 yr at 850 m depth, revealed by spectral analysis the presence of several frequencies with a dominant semidiurnal tidal cycle and a current direction determined exclusively by the canyon topography. Sediment trap data also showed a seasonal input of material with a large peak of particles and carbon fluxes at the end of winter. Daily particle and carbon fluxes at 20 m above the bottom were 2.49 g m−2 d−1 and 20 mg C m−2 d−1, respectively. At the same area, in situ incubation of two cold‐water coral species, Lophelia pertusa and Madrepora oculata, using the Calmar benthic chamber indicated a coral oxygen consumption rate of 7.3 µmol O2 dry weight g−1 d−1, and a production rate of ΣCO2 and NH+4 equal to 7.6 µmol CO2 g−1 d−1 and 0.18 µmol NH+4 g−1 d−1, respectively. The respiratory coefficient was equal to 1, indicating an omnivore food source. This conclusion was also confirmed by the O : N index. The coral energy requirement was equal to 2.1 mmol C m−2 d−1. Comparison between carbon input in terms of particle flux and carbon oxidation rate by corals indicates that the energy supply to the bottom seems not sufficient to sustain the development and growth of cold‐water coral all year in the Brittany canyons. However, coral necessarily require another source of energy such as zooplankton, particularly in summer and autumn when particle flux is reduced. Overall, the presence of abundant cold‐water coral in the Brittany submarine canyons indicates that this location is ideal for their development given appropriate hydrological condition, favorable hard substrate, and also food availability.
In situ rapid measures of total respiration rate capture the super labile DOC bacterial substrates of freshwater
Authors: Pollard Peter C.
Published: December 2013

Super labile dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in freshwater supports high rates of bacterial respiration. However, this DOC fraction has been overlooked because of methodological and instrument limitations, until now. Here, a simple inexpensive respiration chamber‐valve system is described that can be attached to an optical dissolved oxygen probe to measure in situ bacterial respiration. The dissolved oxygen (DO) probe and chamber capture a 2 L water sample at depth and immediately begin measuring the DO loss over time at in situ pressure and temperature. DO measures over 5 min provided enough DO data to determine the DOC decay rate, and subsequently, the rate of bacterial respiration and carbon demand. The method was validated for a mixed bacterial community in a batch reactor and applied to the freshwater of boreal, sub‐tropical, and tropical climatic zones. The surface water mean bacterial respiration rate was 0.58 ± 0.4 mol C m−3 d−1, whereas below 6 m, it was 4.8 ± 1.8 mol C m−3 d−1. Globally these are amongst the highest respiration rates measured in freshwater. This in situ method captured the freshwater respiration of the super labile DOC and shows how most often this DOC fraction is missed because water samples are removed from the water body to measure respiration. Terrestrial DOC inputs into freshwater ecosystems and current global estimates of pCO2 outgassing into the atmosphere from freshwater are being underestimated using existing methods because of the time lost with sample manipulation and long incubation times.
Inner filter correction of dissolved organic matter fluorescence
Authors: Kothawala Dolly N. , Murphy Kathleen R. , Stedmon Colin A. , Weyhenmeyer Gesa A. , Tranvik Lars J.
Published: December 2013

The fluorescence of dissolved organic matter (DOM) is suppressed by a phenomenon of self‐quenching known as the inner filter effect (IFE). Despite widespread use of fluorescence to characterize DOM in surface waters, the advantages and constraints of IFE correction are poorly defined. We assessed the effectiveness of a commonly used absorbance‐based approach (ABA), and a recently proposed controlled dilution approach (CDA) to correct for IFE. Linearity between corrected fluorescence and total absorbance (ATotal; the sum of absorbance at excitation and emission wavelengths) across the full excitation‐emission matrix (EEM) in dilution series of four samples indicated both ABA and CDA were effective to an absorbance of at least 1.5 in a 1 cm cell, regardless of wavelength positioning. In regions of the EEMs where signal to background noise (S/N) was low, CDA correction resulted in more variability than ABA correction. From the ABA algorithm, the onset of significant IFE (>5%) occurs when absorbance exceeds 0.042. In these cases, IFE correction is required, which was the case for the vast majority (97%) of lakes in a nationwide survey (n= 554). For highly absorbing samples, undesirably large dilution factors would be necessary to reduce absorbance below 0.042. For rare EEMs with ATotal > 1.5 (3.0% of the lakes in the Swedish survey), a 2‐fold dilution is recommended followed by ABA or CDA correction. This study shows that for the vast majority of natural DOM samples the most commonly applied ABA algorithm provides adequate correction without prior dilution.
Modeling the influences of aerosols on pre-monsoon circulation and rainfall over Southeast Asia
Authors: Lee D. , Sud Y. C. , Oreopoulos L. , Kim K.-M. , Lau W. K. , Kang I.-S.
Published: December 2013

Abstract. We conduct several sets of simulations with a version of the GEOS-5 Atmospheric Global Climate Model (AGCM) equipped with a two-moment cloud microphysical scheme to understand the role of biomass burning (BB) aerosol emissions in Southeast (SE) Asia in the pre-monsoon period February–May. Our experiments are designed so that both direct and indirect aerosol effects can be evaluated. For climatologically prescribed monthly sea surface temperatures, we conduct sets of model integrations with and without biomass burning emissions in the area of peak burning activity, and with direct aerosol radiative effects either active or deactivated. Taking appropriate differences between AGCM experiment sets we find that BB aerosols affect liquid clouds in statistically significantly ways, increasing cloud droplet number concentrations, decreasing droplet effective radii (i.e., a classic aerosol indirect effect), and locally suppressing precipitation due to a decelerate of the autoconversion process, with the latter effect apparently also leading to cloud condensate increases. Geographical re-arrangements of precipitation patterns, with precipitation increases downwind of aerosol sources are also seen, most likely because of advection of weakly precipitating cloud fields. Somewhat unexpectedly, the change in cloud radiative effects (cloud forcing) is in the direction of less cooling because of decreases in cloud fraction. Overall, however, because of direct radiative effect contributions, aerosols exert a negative forcing at both the top of the atmosphere and, perhaps most importantly, the surface, where decreased evaporation triggers feedbacks that further reduce precipitation. Invoking the approximation that direct and indirect aerosol effects are additive, we estimate that the overall precipitation reduction is about 40% due to the direct effects of absorbing aerosols which stabilize the atmosphere and reduce surface latent heat fluxes via cooler land surface temperatures. Further refinements of our two-moment cloud microphysics scheme are needed for a more complete examination of the role of aerosol-convection interactions in the seasonal development of the SE Asia monsoon.
Beyond direct radiative forcing: the case for characterizing the direct radiative effect of aerosols
Authors: Heald C. L. , Ridley D. A. , Kroll J. H. , Barrett S. R. H. , Cady-Pereira K. E. , Alvarado M. J. , Holmes C. D.
Published: December 2013

Abstract. The direct radiative effect (DRE) of aerosols, which is the instantaneous radiative impact of all atmospheric particles on the Earth's energy balance, is often confused with the direct radiative forcing (DRF), which is the change in DRE from pre-industrial to present-day (not including climate feedbacks). We use here a coupled global chemical transport model (GEOS-Chem) and radiative transfer model (RRTMG) to contrast these concepts. We estimate a global mean all-sky aerosol DRF of −0.36 Wm−2 and a DRE of −1.83 Wm−2 for 2010. Therefore, natural sources of aerosol (here including fire) affect the global energy balance over four times more than do present-day anthropogenic aerosols. If global anthropogenic emissions of aerosols and their precursors continue to decline as projected in recent scenarios due to effective pollution emission controls, the DRF will shrink (−0.22 Wm−2 for 2100), while the climate feedbacks on aerosols under rising global temperatures will likely amplify. Secondary metrics, like DRE, that quantify temporal changes in both natural and anthropogenic aerosol burdens are therefore needed to quantify the total effect of aerosols on climate.
The very short-lived ozone depleting substance CHBr3 (bromoform): revised UV absorption spectrum, atmospheric lifetime and ozone depletion potential
Authors: Papanastasiou D. K. , McKeen S. A. , Burkholder J. B.
Published: December 2013

Abstract. CHBr3 (bromoform) is a short-lived atmospheric trace compound that is primarily of natural origin and is a source of reactive bromine in both the troposphere and stratosphere. Estimating the overall atmospheric impact of CHBr3 and its transport to the stratosphere requires a thorough understanding of its atmospheric loss processes, which are primarily UV photolysis and reaction with the OH radical. In this study, UV absorption cross sections, σ (λ,T), for CHBr3 were measured at wavelengths between 300 and 345 nm at temperatures between 260 and 330 K using cavity ring-down spectroscopy. The present results are compared with currently recommended values for use in atmospheric models and the discrepancies are discussed. A parameterization of the CHBr3 UV spectrum for use in atmospheric models is developed and illustrative photolysis rate calculations are presented to highlight the impact of the revised σ (λ,T) values on its calculated local lifetimes. Seasonally dependent ozone depletion potentials (ODPs) for CHBr3 emitted in the Indian sub-continent were calculated to be 0.08, 0.26, 0.54, and 0.17 (Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall) using the semi–empirical relationship of Brioude et al. (2010).
Calibration of sealed HCl cells used for TCCON instrumental line shape monitoring
Authors: Hase F. , Drouin B. J. , Roehl C. M. , Toon G. C. , Wennberg P. O. , Wunch D. , Blumenstock T. , Desmet F. , Feist D. G. , Heikkinen P. , De Mazière M. , Rettinger M. , Robinson J. , Schneider M. , Sherlock V. , Sussmann R. , Té Y. , Warneke T. , Weinzierl C.
Published: December 2013

Abstract. The TCCON (Total Carbon Column Observing Network) FTIR (Fourier transform infrared) network provides highly accurate observations of greenhouse gas column-averaged dry-air mole fractions. As an important component of TCCON quality assurance, sealed cells filled with approximately 5 mbar of HCl are used for instrumental line shape (ILS) monitoring at all TCCON sites. Here, we introduce a calibration procedure for the HCl cells which employs a refillable, pressure-monitored reference cell filled with C2H2. Using this method, we identify variations of HCl purity between the TCCON cells as a non-negligible disturbance. The new calibration procedure introduced here assigns effective pressure values to each individual cell to account for additional broadening of the HCl lines. This approach will improve the consistency of the network by significantly reducing possible station-to-station biases due to inconsistent ILS results from different HCl cells. We demonstrate that the proposed method is accurate enough to turn the ILS uncertainty into an error source of secondary importance from the viewpoint of network consistency.
Evaluation of biospheric components in Earth system models using modern and palaeo-observations: the state-of-the-art
Authors: Foley A. M. , Dalmonech D. , Friend A. D. , Aires F. , Archibald A. T. , Bartlein P. , Bopp L. , Chappellaz J. , Cox P. , Edwards N. R. , Feulner G. , Friedlingstein P. , Harrison S. P. , Hopcroft P. O. , Jones C. D. , Kolassa J. , Levine J. G. , Prentice I. C. , Pyle J. , Vázquez Riveiros N. , Wolff E. W. , Zaehle S.
Published: December 2013

Abstract. Earth system models (ESMs) are increasing in complexity by incorporating more processes than their predecessors, making them potentially important tools for studying the evolution of climate and associated biogeochemical cycles. However, their coupled behaviour has only recently been examined in any detail, and has yielded a very wide range of outcomes. For example, coupled climate–carbon cycle models that represent land-use change simulate total land carbon stores at 2100 that vary by as much as 600 Pg C, given the same emissions scenario. This large uncertainty is associated with differences in how key processes are simulated in different models, and illustrates the necessity of determining which models are most realistic using rigorous methods of model evaluation. Here we assess the state-of-the-art in evaluation of ESMs, with a particular emphasis on the simulation of the carbon cycle and associated biospheric processes. We examine some of the new advances and remaining uncertainties relating to (i) modern and palaeodata and (ii) metrics for evaluation. We note that the practice of averaging results from many models is unreliable and no substitute for proper evaluation of individual models. We discuss a range of strategies, such as the inclusion of pre-calibration, combined process- and system-level evaluation, and the use of emergent constraints, that can contribute to the development of more robust evaluation schemes. An increasingly data-rich environment offers more opportunities for model evaluation, but also presents a challenge. Improved knowledge of data uncertainties is still necessary to move the field of ESM evaluation away from a "beauty contest" towards the development of useful constraints on model outcomes.
Topoclimatological case-study of Alpine pastures near the Albula Pass in the eastern Swiss Alps
Authors: Michna P. , Eugster W. , Hiller R. V. , Zeeman M. J. , Wanner H.
Published: December 2013

Abstract. Alpine grasslands are an important source of fodder for the cattle of Alpine farmers. Only during the short summer season can these pastures be used for grazing. With the anticipated climate change, it is likely that plant production – and thus the fodder basis for the cattle – will be influenced. Investigating the dependence of biomass production on topoclimatic factors will allow us to better understand how anticipated climate change may influence this traditional Alpine farming system. Because small-scale topoclimatological variations of the main meteorological variables: temperature, humidity, precipitation, shortwave incoming radiation and wind speed are not easily derived from available long-term climate stations in mountainous terrain, it was our goal to investigate the topoclimatic variations over the pastures belonging to the Alp Weissenstein research station north of the Albula Pass in the eastern Swiss Alps. We present a basic assessment of current topoclimatic conditions as a site characterization for ongoing ecological climate change studies. To be able to link short-term studies with long-term climate records, we related agrometeorological measurements with those of surrounding long-term sites run by MeteoSwiss, both on valley bottoms (Davos, Samedan), and on mountain tops (Weissfluhjoch, Piz Corvatsch). We found that the Davos climate station north of the study area is most closely correlated with the local climate of Alp Weissenstein, although a much closer site (Samedan) exists on the other side of the Albula Pass. Mountain top stations, however, did not provide a convincing approximation for the climate at Alp Weissenstein. Direct comparisons of near-surface measurements from a set of 11 small weather stations distributed over the domain where cattle and sheep are grazed indicate that nocturnal minimum air temperature and minimum vapor pressure deficit are mostly governed by the altitudinal gradient, whereas daily maxima – including also wind speed – are more strongly depending on vegetation cover and less on the altitude.
Coastal vulnerability assessment of Puducherry coast, India, using the analytical hierarchical process
Authors: Mani Murali R. , Ankita M. , Amrita S. , Vethamony P.
Published: December 2013

Abstract. As a consequence of change in global climate, an increased frequency of natural hazards such as storm surges, tsunamis and cyclones, is predicted to have dramatic affects on the coastal communities and ecosystems by virtue of the devastation they cause during and after their occurrence. The tsunami of December 2004 and the Thane cyclone of 2011 caused extensive human and economic losses along the coastline of Puducherry and Tamil Nadu. The devastation caused by these events highlighted the need for vulnerability assessment to ensure better understanding of the elements causing different hazards and to consequently minimize the after- effects of the future events. This paper demonstrates an analytical hierarchical process (AHP)-based approach to coastal vulnerability studies as an improvement to the existing methodologies for vulnerability assessment. The paper also encourages the inclusion of socio-economic parameters along with the physical parameters to calculate the coastal vulnerability index using AHP-derived weights. Seven physical–geological parameters (slope, geomorphology, elevation, shoreline change, sea level rise, significant wave height and tidal range) and four socio-economic factors (population, land use/land cover (LU/LC), roads and location of tourist areas) are considered to measure the physical vulnerability index (PVI) as well as the socio-economic vulnerability index (SVI) of the Puducherry coast. Based on the weights and scores derived using AHP, vulnerability maps are prepared to demarcate areas with very low, medium and high vulnerability. A combination of PVI and SVI values are further utilized to compute the coastal vulnerability index (CVI). Finally, the various coastal segments are grouped into the 3 vulnerability classes to obtain the coastal vulnerability map. The entire coastal extent between Muthiapet and Kirumampakkam as well as the northern part of Kalapet is designated as the high vulnerability zone, which constitutes 50% of the coastline. The region between the southern coastal extent of Kalapet and Lawspet is the medium vulnerability zone and the remaining 25% is the low vulnerability zone. The results obtained enable the identification and prioritization of the more vulnerable areas of the region in order to further assist the government and the residing coastal communities in better coastal management and conservation.
Hydrographic situation during cruise M84/3 and P414 (spring 2011) in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Hainbucher D. , Rubino A. , Cardin V. , Tanhua T. , Schroeder K. , Bensi M.
Published: December 2013

Abstract. Hydrography and large scale circulation observed in the Mediterranean Sea during the M84/3 and P414 cruises (April and June 2011, respectively) are presented. In contrast to most of the recent expeditions, which were limited to special areas of the basin, these two cruises, especially the M84/3, offered the opportunity of delineating a quasi-synoptic picture of the distribution of the relevant physical parameters through the whole Mediterranean. A section was observed from the Lebanese coast up to the Strait of Gibraltar. The focus of our analysis are the water mass properties, also in the context of the recently observed variability, and a comparison between the velocity fields observed using a vessel-mounted ADCP and those calculated from the observed density fields. Overall, a distribution of temperature, salinity, and geostrophic velocities emerges, which seems far from that observed before the beginning of the so-called "Eastern Mediterranean Transient", a major climatic shift in the hydrography and circulation of the Mediterranean Sea occurred at the end of 1980s. Here, our focus is a discussion of the observed water mass properties analysed through T–S diagrams and through an Optimum Multiparameter (OMP) analysis. Additionally, ADCP velocities are compared to geostrophic calculations.
Strong Adhesiveness of a New Biodegradable Hydrogel Glue, LYDEX, for Use on Articular Cartilage
Authors: Kazusa Hiromi , Nakasa Tomoyuki , Shibuya Hayatoshi , Ohkawa Shingo , Kamei Goki , Adachi Nobuo , Deie Masataka , Nakajima Naoki , Hyon Suong-Hyu , Ochi Mitsuo
Published: December 2013

Aim

Until recently, only fibrin glue has been available for clinical usage to repair articular cartilage, although its adhesiveness is not strong enough for use with articular cartilage, and it is derived from human blood and thus carries the risk of contamination. Recently, LYDEX, a new biodegradable hydrogel glue, has come onto the market. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the adhesive strength and cytotoxicity of LYDEX when used on articular cartilage.

Materials and Methods

The differing adhesive strengths of collagen membrane and articular cartilage with LYDEX versus with fibrin glue were measured using a tensile tester. In addition, the cytotoxity of LYDEX in vitro was evaluated. The cytotoxity of LYDEX for the articular cartilage of rats was evaluated histopathologically.

Results

The adhesive strength of LYDEX was significantly stronger than that of fibrin glue, giving values about 3.8 times higher. LYDEX has no discernible effect on normal articular cartilage.

Conclusions

Our study is the first to assess the usefulness and safety of LYDEX for use on articular cartilage.
Companion-able Species: A Queer Pedagogy for Music Education
Authors: Gould Elizabeth
Published: December 2013

What might the "coming out" of LGBTQ studies in music education mean for the profession? How might we interact with each other, enacting a pedagogy based not on a discourse of inclusion situated in terms of identities that necessitate exclusion, but one holding each other in regard, meeting face to face, as companion-able species? What makes lives mundane in affect yet consequential in effect is integral to a queer pedagogy that would seek to create (music-al) lives worth living. As a "category-in-question," Donna Haraway’s (2008) concept of "companion species" acknowledges difference in the context of conjoined processes of bodily worldly entanglements. I add the suffix -able to underscore underlying affection and active participation requisite for the relationality in which we all take part. We are messmates at table, the terms of which do not exist a priori, but which we co-create--a table at which all are guests and no one is host. Rather than "including" queer perspectives in straight music education, a queer pedagogy of companion-able species opens spaces for co-creating a contingent, dynamic table where music education messmates might commit to practices of regard and response in ways that compel us to learn from and with each other in the context of humility, doubt, and respect, using felt, as opposed to sufficient, reason.
Why are Women Underrepresented in Czech Politics? An Analysis of Candidate Lists and Voting Behavior in the Olomouc Region
Authors: Kouba Karel , Nálepová Marie , Filipec Ondřej
Published: December 2013

The article explores several reasons why women in Czech politics are underrepresented not only relative to their overall share in the society but also relative to their presence at lower levels of politics. The article tests two principal hypotheses using data from both a unique post-electoral public opinion survey carried out in the Olomouc region in 2010, and from official electoral statistics. First, it concentrates on the structural barriers of female underrepresentation presented by the candidate nomination and selection processes of the political parties. Second, it explores the possibility that more flexible candidate lists are beneficial for female representation. We compare the proportions of preference votes received by women both prior to and after electoral reforms in 2010, which for the first time gave voters the possibility to cast four preference votes and thus made the list structures more flexible. The research design includes both OLS and logistic regression models, which specify the empirical relationships derived from previous theoretical debates. The results suggest that Czech women are heavily disadvantaged by the Czech parties’ candidate selection mechanisms, and also that we do not have enough evidence to conclude that flexible lists are more conducive to higher female representation. The article concludes by considering various institutional means of reducing female political underrepresentation, including the introduction of electoral gender quotas.
Issues and Tonality of Václav Klaus’ Public Speeches
Authors: Eibl Otto , Gregor Miloš , Macková Alena
Published: December 2013

Research on political speeches is often done in countries with strong presidential powers, typically in the USA. However, political speeches by presidents are also a critical method of influencing public opinion in the Czech Republic. Therefore this article is focused on the analysis of speeches of the former President of the Czech Republic, Václav Klaus. Our research is based on a combination of quantitative and qualitative content analysis of Klaus’ speeches (thematic units are used as the unit of analysis) found on his website (www.klaus.cz) in the period from 1995 to the end of his presidency, March 2013 (N = 470). We aim to identify the changing structure of political issues in Klaus’ speeches and changes in Klaus’ position on those issues, and to uncover any characteristic features of his speeches (the use of personal pronouns, the role of the speaker, the tone of the speech, etc.).
The Dynamics of Pre-electoral Issues and Policy Space Transformation in Slovakia: Can Two Years Change Anything?
Authors: Chytilek Roman , Nemčok Miroslav
Published: December 2013

This paper maps and compares the main topics articulated by political parties in their manifestos published for the Slovak parliamentary elections in 2010 and 2012. First, the paper discusses the conceptual grounds of policy space dynamics. Next, it outlines the method used for the research, based upon quantitative content analysis of the parties’ manifestos of the Comparative Manifestos Project Group. Relevance of individual issues is measured by their representation in manifestos. The paper also examines the change in parties’ priorities for the 2012 election compared to the election of 2010. With the help of an additional methodology tool, the parties under review are then put along a left-right spectrum. Using this technique, the policy space during the period of both elections is examined. Simultaneously, party shifts along the left-right spectrum that emerged from the obtained data are presented. The final section of the article exposes the descriptive results to the theoretical assumptions about policy space dynamics presented in the beginning.
Formal Powers of Current European Monarchs and their Actual Use
Authors: Kozubík Jan , Chytilek Roman
Published: December 2013

The study analyzes the formal powers of current European monarchs, and examines their actual use. We investigate the royal prerogatives of monarchs from ten European nations: Belgium, Denmark, Lichtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. The text deals with four powers – legislative initiative, royal assent/veto, selection/appointment of the prime minister and dissolution of parliament. The constitutional power is described first; its real use in the period of 1990–2012 is then examined. At the end, a comparison of every single prerogative is carried out, conclusions about the actual position of monarchs in current European political systems are drawn, and a tentative answer to questions concerning the future of kings, princes, and grand dukes serving as heads of state in European countries is suggested.
Un genre en construction : féminité et théâtre à la Congrégation Notre-Dame de Montréal
Authors: Plourde Julie
Published: December 2013

Le théâtre et la construction du genre féminin, dans la Congrégation Notre-Dame (CND), semblent avoir été intrinsèquement liés. Genre littéraire pouvant s’exercer à l’oral et s’analyser à l’écrit, le théâtre présentait donc un double intérêt que cette institution éducative sut exploiter afin de former des jeunes filles en accord avec les conventions sociales de l’époque. En examinant l’esprit des fondateurs, en situant le théâtre au sein du programme scolaire et en analysant plusieurs productions écrites de jeunes filles, nous explorerons le pourquoi et le comment de l’utilisation de l’art dramatique par la Congrégation de Notre-Dame. Nous tenterons par là de cerner certaines caractéristiques du genre féminin qui sont transmises à travers cette pratique artistique.
Boire comme un homme : la masculinité dans les publicités de bière au Québec dans les années 1920
Authors: Myre McCallum Marc
Published: December 2013

Cet article s’intéresse aux campagnes publicitaires de bière diffusées dans divers journaux et magazines dans les années 1920 au Québec, une période d’après-guerre marquée par une certaine prospérité économique et le développement de la consommation de masse. Il cherche à montrer comment les publicitaires ont eu recours aux discours dominants sur la masculinité et la féminité qui circulent durant cette décennie pour embellir l’image de ce produit et pour créer un rapprochement avec le consommateur. Nous soutenons l’hypothèse que le genre, mais plus particulièrement le discours dominant sur la masculinité, a fortement influencé la construction des campagnes publicitaires lors de la période étudiée ; la culture de l’alcool, mais plus particulièrement celle de la bière, est un bastion masculin qui tend à résister à l’intégration des femmes et de la féminité.
Un pédéraste érudit : masculinité et homoérotisme chez Johann Joachim Winckelmann
Authors: McCutcheon Shawn
Published: December 2013

Dans le parcours social et littéraire de Johann Joachim Winckelmann, il est possible de dégager les contours d’une masculinité particulière, mais intégrée à la culture européenne du xviiie siècle. Cette masculinité distinguait positivement l’homme qu’elle construisait dans la société. L’inclusion d’homoérotisme dans cet ensemble tient de la stylisation de l’érotisme chez Winckelmann à l’aide de ce qu’il savait des pratiques grecques. Cet idéal néohellénisé influença la construction d’une masculinité érotique et affective chez lui. Issu d’une problématisation de la virilité dans les pratiques sexuelles entre hommes, le modèle pédérastique marqua les pratiques et les représentations érotiques et affectives de Winckelmann.
Les légitimations complexes de l’internationalisation de l’enseignement supérieur : le cas de la mobilité des étudiants maghrébins en France et au Québec
Authors: Garneau Stéphanie , Bouchard Caroline
Published: December 2013

Cet article offre une analyse, dans une perspective comparative France-Québec, des différentes modalités d’adhésion au processus d’internationalisation de l’enseignement supérieur. Il traite plus spécifiquement de l’une des dimensions de l’internationalisation des universités, les mobilités d’étudiants étrangers, en s’intéressant à des flux en importance dans ces deux sociétés d’accueil : ceux en provenance du Maroc, d’Algérie et de Tunisie. La démonstration prend appui sur des entretiens réalisés auprès de trente acteurs institutionnels, sur des données statistiques ainsi que sur des documents publics. L’article montre que les acteurs rencontrés en France et au Québec se trouvent au centre de deux tensions principales : la première, entre la logique marchande et la mission culturelle et linguistique des universités ; et la seconde, entre un objectif d’accroissement de l’accueil d’étudiants étrangers et un impératif de gestion du risque migratoire. Il présente en quoi chacune de ces tensions appelle, pour susciter leur réconciliation et l’adhésion des acteurs, des procédés de légitimation complexes. L’article éclaire ces processus de légitimation à l’aide des flux d’étudiants maghrébins dans ces deux sociétés. Il conclut sur deux catégories normatives — le « bon immigrant » au Québec et le « bon étudiant étranger » en France — qui tendent à s’imposer à travers ces opérations de pensée.