bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Issues of a Combination of Ultrasonic Doppler Velocity Measurement with a Venturi for Multiphase Flow Metering
Authors: Huang S. , Xie C. , Lenn C. , Yang W. , Wu Z.
Published: December 2013

Multiphase flowmeters (MPFMs) available today are mostly based on a combination of differential pressure measurement, provided by at least one flow constriction, such as a Venturi device, with phase holdup measurement based on nuclear techniques, electromagnetic techniques, or both. This paper investigates the issues of combining the ultrasonic Doppler velocity measurement with the differential pressure measurement for multiphase flow metering. The intention is to measure at least one "useful" velocity of the flow, such as the bulk liquid velocity or the homogeneous mixture velocity, which can then be combined with a measured differential pressure across a "constriction" device, such as a Venturi, to derive parameters needed to calculate liquid and gas flow rates. An ultrasonic Doppler velocity sensor has been tested in combination with a Venturi under multiphase flow conditions. The results show that, due to the effect of gas bubbles in the liquid phase, the interrogation depth of the ultrasonic wave is often limited to a shallow liquid region near the pipe wall. As a result, the ultrasonic Doppler sensor can measure neither the bulk liquid velocity nor the homogeneous velocity reliably. It is generally difficult to interpret the measured Doppler velocity and to derive the flow rates of a multiphase flow without employing an elaborate flow model. This work was part of a project co-funded by the UK Technology Strategy Board1, with industry partners The University of Manchester, Schlumberger Gould Research, and TUV-NEL.
Improved Permeability Prediction from Seismic and Log Data using Artificial Intelligence Techniques
Authors: Anifowose Fatai A. , Abdulraheem Abdulazeez , Al-Shuhail Abdullatif , Schmitt Denis P.
Published: December 2013

Accurate prediction of permeability remains the key to the determination of oil and gas reservoir quality. A number of studies have been carried out to investigate the predictability of reservoir permeability from log measurements. More recent studies have attempted to predict permeability from seismic signals. Both log measurements and seismic signals have shown to provide rich information about the structure and texture of the subsurface and hence have jointly proven to be good predictors of permeability. However, previous studies on this subject were limited to the application of Artificial Neural Networks (ANN).

With the persistent quest for more accurate predictions for more successful exploration and improved production, this paper investigates the effect of combining both seismic and log datasets with the application of more advanced Artificial Intelligence techniques on the accuracy of reservoir permeability predictions.

Log measurements and seismic signals obtained from several wells in a giant oil and gas reservoir were used to train and evaluate the performance of Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Type-2 Fuzzy Logic (T2FL) models in the prediction of permeability. The log measurements were matched with the seismic signals of the exact corresponding wells taken from 10-, 20-, 30- and 40ms seismic zones.

When compared with the long-existing ANN model, the SVM model gave the most accurate permeability predictions, with the highest correlation coefficient and the least error measures. The results also showed that a combination of seismic and log data has the potential to give more accurate permeability predictions than using either of them separately. A wider field application of the proposed techniques will give more insight, and is expected to save more time, effort and improve hydrocarbon recovery.
Inflow Profiling in Challenging Complex Deep Gas Environment
Authors: AlSharif Tasneem , AlMalki Bandar , Bawazir Mustafa , Zeybek Murat , Zaouali Zouhir
Published: December 2013

Sustaining long-term well production in deep gas wells can exhibit unique challenges in shaly sands. The wells can be vertical or slanted gas producers and completed with stand-alone screens. The challenges were to quantify zonal contributions, detect smaller water entries on these high-temperature deep gas wells where reservoir heterogeneity with different depletion layers can result in strong crossflow, and evaluate the existing sand formation behind the screen to avoid restricting the wells’ productivity.

This paper describes an integrated approach taken to overcome these challenges with three field examples. A multiphase production logging tool was run to measure the water flow together with the gas contributions across the stand-alone screens on these wells. A pulsed neutron logging tool was run to identify the small amount of water by using a water flow log model. To assess and evaluate the conditions of sand behind the screens, two independent logging techniques were implemented: silica activation and carbon–oxygen inelastic silicon yield techniques.

A combination of pre-job planning, an optimized logging program, and proactive real-time monitoring allowed a safe logging operation by drastically minimizing the time exposed by the tool downhole in a high-temperature environment. Early monitoring of water production is important to achieve optimal well productivity and reduce the possibility of the hydrate formation obstructing the flow lines. The source of sand production and the quality of the packing behind the screen were also evaluated. This best practice was established in the field and will greatly improve well deliverability and maximize gas field production.
Water policy of Serbia and the European Union
Authors: Indjic Trivo
Published: December 2013

The paper provides a critical view of the state of water and water policy in
Serbia. It points out the slow acceptance of technical and legal standards of
the EU, whose member Serbia aspires to become. The author offers some
critical remarks of the EU Water Framework Directives and the EU policy of
commercialization and privatization of water as a capital natural resource.
Terrorism and the power of the state intelligence
Authors: Mijalkovski Milan , Konatar Veselin
Published: December 2013

The world has always been an arena where various conflicts, visible and
invisible have been happening and unfortunately happen nowadays. The most
frequent conflict is (was) the conflict of sovereign subjects (states), while
the first decade of the 21st century was mostly marked by many asymmetrical
conflicts, between a state (or states) on the one side and not sovereign
terrorist subjects on the other side. Every imperilled state, as in any other
conflict, has realistic prospects to successfully defend itself and win only
when it is adequately informed about the aggressor which, in this particular
case, implies terrorist collectivity. Guided by that knowledge, a state
endeavours to develop adequate intelligence as an inseparable component of
national power, whose success against aggressor, proven in practice, could be
optimal, partially successful or weak (inadequate, unsuccessful etc).
Accordingly, some aspects of national intelligence power and powerlessness
against terrorism are considered in this work.
Measurement in Financial Reporting: The Need for Concepts
Authors: Barth Mary E.
Published: December 2013

SYNOPSIS

The Conceptual Framework neither specifies the objective or definition of accounting measurement, nor provides a conceptual basis for choosing among alternative measurement bases. This paper offers a starting point for developing measurement concepts based on existing Framework concepts, including the objective of financial reporting, the qualitative characteristics of useful financial information, and the definitions of assets and liabilities. The paper focuses on subsequent measurement of individual assets and liabilities and concludes that fair value measurement is more consistent with existing concepts than either modified or unmodified historical cost. Although unmodified historical cost is consistent with some concepts, modified historical cost—which is widely used today—largely is not. Also, aggregate amounts, such as total assets and total liabilities based on modified or unmodified historical cost, lack meaning. Because financial statements include such aggregate amounts and changes in amounts of individual assets and liabilities determine comprehensive income, measurement concepts also need to contemplate these measurements.
Peregrine—Twenty Years of Fraudulent Cash Balances
Authors: Elder Randal J. , Janvrin Diane J. , Caster Paul
Published: December 2013

In July 2012, Peregrine Financial Group filed for bankruptcy following the discovery that $215 million in customer balances had been embezzled. Investigation revealed that its Chief Executive Officer, Russell Wasendorf, Sr., fooled auditors and regulators for 20 years by preparing fictitious bank statements and cash balance confirmations to hide the theft of cash. The fraud was uncovered when Peregrine's regulator, the National Futures Association (NFA), demanded that Peregrine participate in an electronic confirmation process for verification of customer accounts. This case discusses how the fraud was allowed to go undetected for 20 years, the importance of auditing cash, and how new electronic confirmation technology improves the ability to authenticate confirmation responses. The case is suitable for use in both auditing and accounting information system courses.
KCNQ1 Long QT Syndrome Patients Have Hyperinsulinemia and Symptomatic Hypoglycemia
Authors: Torekov Signe S. , Iepsen Eva , Christiansen Michael , Linneberg Allan , Pedersen Oluf , Holst Jens J. , Kanters Jørgen K. , Hansen Torben
Published: December 2013

Patients with loss-of-function mutations in KCNQ1 have KCNQ1 long QT syndrome (LQTS). KCNQ1 encodes a voltage-gated K+ channel located in both cardiomyocytes and pancreatic β-cells. Inhibition of KCNQ1 in β-cells increases insulin secretion. Therefore KCNQ1 LQTS patients may exhibit increased insulin secretion. Fourteen patients, from six families, diagnosed with KCNQ1 LQTS were individually matched to two randomly chosen BMI-, age-, and sex-matched control participants and underwent an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), a hypoglycemia questionnaire, and continuous glucose monitoring. KCNQ1 mutation carriers showed increased insulin release (area under the curve 45.6 ± 6.3 vs. 26.0 ± 2.8 min ⋅ nmol/L insulin) and β-cell glucose sensitivity and had lower levels of plasma glucose and serum potassium upon oral glucose stimulation and increased hypoglycemic symptoms. Prolonged OGTT in four available patients and matched control subjects revealed hypoglycemia in carriers after 210 min (range 1.4–3.6 vs. 4.1–5.3 mmol/L glucose), and 24-h glucose profiles showed that the patients spent 77 ± 18 min per 24 h in hypoglycemic states (<3.9 mmol/L glucose) with 36 ± 10 min (<2.8 mmol/L glucose) vs. 0 min (<3.9 mmol/L glucose) for the control participants. The phenotype of patients with KCNQ1 LQTS, caused by mutations in KCNQ1, includes, besides long QT, hyperinsulinemia, clinically relevant symptomatic reactive hypoglycemia, and low potassium after an oral glucose challenge, suggesting that KCNQ1 mutations may explain some cases of “essential” reactive hypoglycemia.
Thermodynamic investigation of the binary and ternary complexes involving 1-aminocyclopropane carboxylic acid with reference to plant hormone
Authors: Shoukry Mohamed , Hassan Safaa
Published: December 2013

Complex formation equilibria of 1-aminocyclopropane carboxylic acid (ACC) and 3,3-bis(1-methylimidazol-2-yl) propionic acid (BIMP) with metal ions Cu2+, Ni2+, Co2+, Zn2+, Mn2+ and Fe2+ were investigated. ACC forms 1:1 and 1:2 complexes in addition to the hydrolysed form of the 1:1 complex, except in the case of Mn2+ and Fe2+, where the hydrolysed complex is not formed. BIMP forms 1:1 and 1:2 complexes in addition to the hydrolsed form of the 1:1 complex in the case of Mn2+ and Cu2+, however the hydrolysed complex is not detected for Ni2+, Co2+, Zn2+ and Fe2+. The concentration distribution diagrams of the complexes were determined. The Fe2+-complex with BIMP is exothermic and the thermodynamic parameters were calculated. The effect of organic solvent on the acid dissociation constants of 1-aminocyclopropane carboxylic acid (ACC) and 3,3-bis(1-methylimidazol-2-yl) propionic acid (BIMP) and the formation constants of Fe2+ complexes were investigated. Fe2+ forms a mixed-ligand complex with ACC and BIMP with stoichiometric coefficients 1:1:1. The formation constant was determined. The ternary complex is enhanced by back donation from the negatively charged 1-aminocyclopropane carboxylate to the π-system of BIMP. From the concentration distribution diagram, the ternary complex prevails in the physiological pH range.
Lead and cadmium atomic absorption determination in solid carbonized food samples using flame-furnace atomizer
Authors: Lugovyy Kostyantyn , Buhay Olexander , Alemasova Antonina
Published: December 2013

Direct atomic absorption solid sampling analysis using flame-furnace atomizer enables a significant decrease in the analysis duration, to avoid sample pollution and to exclude toxic reagents. The selection of the chemical modifiers decreasing the detection limit and improving the results repeatability is based on the analyte’s free atoms formation mechanism. The developed kinetic approach has allowed to determine pre-exponential factors k0 and apparent activation energies Ea of atomization processes for Pb(II) and Cd(II) compounds and to propose effective chemical modifiers sodium N,N-diethyldithiocarbamate and urea for food samples. The express and precision technique for lead and cadmium determination in food, using proposed chemical modifiers and carbonization techniques was developed.
Spectral properties and photophysical behaviour of water soluble cationic Mg(II) and Al(III) phthalocyanines
Authors: Idowu Mopelola , Arslanoğlu Yasin , Nyokong Tebello
Published: December 2013

Peripherally and non-peripherally tetrasubstituted-[(N-methyl-2-pyridylthio)]phthalocyaninato magnesium (II) (5 and 6) and chloro aluminium (III) (7 and 8) tetraiodide have been synthesized and characterized. The photophysical properties of the complexes in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and aqueous medium in the presence and absence of cremophore EL have been studied. These complexes show high solubility in aqueous medium though they were aggregated. The triplet state quantum yields (FT) and the triplet lifetimes (tT) were found to be higher in DMSO with ΦT ranging from 0.32 to 0.51, while tT ranged from 282 to 622 ms in DMSO, compared to aqueous medium (pH 7.4 buffer) where ΦT ranged from 0.15 to 0.19 and tT from 26 to 35 ms. Addition of cremophore EL in aqueous solution resulted in partial disaggregation and increased photoactivity. The fluorescence lifetimes of the complexes showed strong dependence on their immediate environment. The ionic magnesium(II) and aluminium(III) phthalocyanines strongly bind to bovine serum albumin (BSA).
Signed k-independence in graphs
Authors: Volkmann Lutz
Published: December 2013

Let k ≥ 2 be an integer. A function f: V(G) → {−1, 1} defined on the vertex set V(G) of a graph G is a signed k-independence function if the sum of its function values over any closed neighborhood is at most k − 1. That is, Σx∈N[v]
f(x) ≤ k − 1 for every v ∈ V(G), where N[v] consists of v and every vertex adjacent to v. The weight of a signed k-independence function f is w(f) = Σv∈V(G)
f(v). The maximum weight w(f), taken over all signed k-independence functions f on G, is the signed k-independence number α
sk(G) of G.

In this work, we mainly present upper bounds on α
sk (G), as for example α
sk(G) ≤ n − 2⌈(Δ(G) + 2 − k)/2⌉, and we prove the Nordhaus-Gaddum type inequality $$\alpha _S^k \left( G \right) + \alpha _S^k \left( {\bar G} \right) \leqslant n + 2k - 3$$, where n is the order, Δ(G) the maximum degree and $$\bar G$$ the complement of the graph G. Some of our results imply well-known bounds on the signed 2-independence number.
Some problems on narrow operators on function spaces
Authors: Popov Mikhail , Semenov Evgenii , Vatsek Diana
Published: December 2013

It is known that if a rearrangement invariant (r.i.) space E on [0, 1] has an unconditional basis then every linear bounded operator on E is a sum of two narrow operators. On the other hand, for the classical space E = L
1[0, 1] having no unconditional basis the sum of two narrow operators is a narrow operator. We show that a Köthe space on [0, 1] having “lots” of nonnarrow operators that are sum of two narrow operators need not have an unconditional basis. However, we do not know if such an r.i. space exists. Another result establishes sufficient conditions on an r.i. space E under which the orthogonal projection onto the closed linear span of the Rademacher system is a hereditarily narrow operator. This, in particular, answers a question of the first named author and Randrianantoanina (Problem 11.9 in [Popov M., Randrianantoanina B., Narrow Operators on Function Spaces and Vector Lattices, de Gruyter Stud. Math., 45, Walter de Gruyter, Berlin, 2013]).
Time-resolved multi-channel optical system for assessment of brain oxygenation and perfusion by monitoring of diffuse reflectance and fluorescence
Authors: Milej D. , Gerega A. , Kacprzak M. , Sawosz P. , Weigl W. , Maniewski R. , Liebert A.
Published: December 2013

Time-resolved near-infrared spectroscopy is an optical technique which can be applied in tissue oxygenation assessment. In the last decade this method is extensively tested as a potential clinical tool for noninvasive human brain function monitoring and imaging. In the present paper we show construction of an instrument which allows for: (i) estimation of changes in brain tissue oxygenation using two-wavelength spectroscopy approach and (ii) brain perfusion assessment with the use of single-wavelength reflectometry or fluorescence measurements combined with ICG-bolus tracking. A signal processing algorithm based on statistical moments of measured distributions of times of flight of photons is implemented. This data analysis method allows for separation of signals originating from extra- and intracerebral tissue compartments. In this paper we present compact and easily reconfigurable system which can be applied in different types of time-resolved experiments: two-wavelength measurements at 687 and 832 nm, single wavelength reflectance measurements at 760 nm (which is at maximum of ICG absorption spectrum) or fluorescence measurements with excitation at 760 nm. Details of the instrument construction and results of its technical tests are shown. Furthermore, results of in-vivo measurements obtained for various modes of operation of the system are presented.
Acteurs et dynamiques de médiation dans une plateforme de formation à l’intercompréhension
Authors: Araújo e Sá Maria Helena , de Carlo Maddalena , Melo-Pfeifer Sílvia
Published: December 2013

Résumé:

Après une révision du concept de médiation, tel qu’il circule dans les espaces sociaux et en Didactique des Langues, nous analysons dans ce texte les forums de discussion plurilingues d’une session de formation de formateurs à l’intercompréhension en Langues Romanes (Galapro), pour y dégager les spécificités des dynamiques de médiation (en ce qui concerne le soutien relationnel et socio-affectif, la co-médiation et le rôle de l’artefact technologique). Cette analyse nous permettra de discuter le rapport entre les dynamiques de médiation décrites et les rares manifestations de désaccord dans la situation de formation observée.
The Crime Drop and the General Social Survey
Authors: Farrell Graham , Brantingham Paul J.
Published: December 2013

Most indicators including Uniform Crime Reports and the International Crime Victims Survey suggest that Canada has experienced a dramatic “crime drop” similar to other advanced countries. Yet Canada’s General Social Survey (GSS), which ought to be the most methodologically sophisticated measure, suggests crime in this country has been stable or increasing. This study reviews the evidence. It concludes with the hypothesis that the GSS trends are misleading but that further research is needed to identify an explanation for this anomaly. Potential research and policy implications are discussed.
Provincial Nominee Programs: An Evaluation of the Earnings and Settlement Rates of Nominees
Authors: Pandey Manish , Townsend James
Published: December 2013

Provincial Nominee programs have increased the role of the provinces in selecting immigrants to Canada. We use administrative data to compare the earnings and settlement rates of Provincial Nominees (PNs) and immigrants through comparable federal programs, such as economic class immigrants (ECIs). We find that PNs experienced higher entry earnings, but slower subsequent earnings growth. While differences in observable characteristics of immigrants through the two programs played a nominal role in accounting for differences in entry earnings, they were more important in accounting for differences in subsequent earnings growth. Further, we find that PNs were more likely than ECIs to stay in the province to which they were initially destined, and that differences in observable characteristics account for most of the higher settlement rate of PNs.
Reflexive Modes and Narrative Production: Metatextual Discourse in Contemporary American Narrative
Authors: Mackay Ruth
Published: December 2013

Abstract:

Nearly half a century has passed since the emergence of metafiction as a critical category. The self-consciousness associated with metafiction, however, has undergone profound transformations in the intervening period. Self-reflexivity—often a comedic destabilization and a simultaneous celebration of narrative structure—continues to emerge in increasingly complicated ways. This article examines contemporary metatextual discourse within the specific histories of literature and television but reads individual texts within the context of changing production values. It argues that metatextuality is an aesthetic suited to the precise demands of a context characterized by new narrative forms and platforms for production.
De l’amour électif comme réel absolu: Mémoire et passion dans La Nouvelle Héloïse de J.-J. Rousseau
Authors: Perrin Jean-François
Published: December 2013

Dans La Nouvelle Héloïse de Jean-Jacques Rousseau, roman qui fut ressenti par toute son époque comme résolument moderne, l’ancien idéalisme romanesque issu de L’Astrée se trouve à la fois dépassé et relancé à travers une puissante réactivation de la dialectique platonicienne de l’amour. L’approche sensationniste des rapports entre sensibilité et conscience passionnée, alors courante dans la fiction libertine, y est combattue par la mise en scène très concertée du primat du sentiment sur la sensation et de l’accent sur la représentation, et par la démonstration de ce que l’intériorité passionnée de l’âme sensible est bien pour elle toute la réalité: les suites problématiques des expériences de M. de Wolmar avec l’imaginaire mémoriel des héros illustrent ce qu’on risque, par conséquent, à manipuler les êtres en négligeant la spiritualité de leurs affects (et révèlent au passage la familiarité méconnue de Rousseau avec l’enseignement classique des Arts de la mémoire). On constate enfin la puissante capacité d’exploration artistique du temps subjectif qu’a permise, bien avant Les Confessions, une assomption à la fois méditée et vécue de la thèse lockienne sur le fondement mémoriel de l’identité personnelle.
Subarachnoid hemorrhage as a psychological trauma
Authors: Hütter Bernd-Otto , Kreitschmann-Andermahr Ilonka
Published: December 2013

Object

Despite the progress made in the management of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), many patients complain of persistent psychosocial and cognitive problems. The present study was performed to explore the significance of psychological traumatization by the bleeding with respect to psychosocial results after SAH.

Methods

A series of 45 patients were examined in a cross-sectional study an average of 49.4 months after SAH by means of a quality-of-life questionnaire, the Beck Depression Inventory, the German version of the Impact of Event Scale (IES), and a clinical interview (Structured Clinical Interview for DSM Disorders) to make the diagnosis of chronic posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Twenty-nine patients underwent surgery for treatment of a ruptured aneurysm; the remaining 16 patients had SAH of unknown origin.

Results

Twelve patients (27%) exhibited PTSD, and almost two-thirds of the 45 patients in the study reported substantial fear of recurrent hemorrhage. Not only the presence of PTSD but the severity of psychological traumatization as assessed by the IES explained up to 40% of the variance of the self- and proxy-rated impairments. Multivariate analyses revealed psychological traumatization (IES) and neurological state on admission (Hunt and Hess grade) as substantial predictors of the self- and proxy-rated quality of life, explaining 31% and 42% of the variance, respectively.

Conclusions

Even several years after SAH, the severity of psychological traumatization by the bleeding substantially determines the degree of psychosocial impairment. In the future, this issue should be addressed in the care of these patients. Furthermore, the development of psychological interventions is called for to prevent the emergence of PTSD after SAH.
Challenges of Palliative Care
Authors: Laskar Shamima Parvin
Published: December 2013

It has been moral duty of physicians to save and prolong patients? life for as long as possible. But the philosophy of treatment regime for terminally ill patients had been changed. To save and prolong human life if it is meaningful has got added value. Many criticizes the modern way of death. Palliative sedation, euthanasia as a good death model is criticized for medicalization of management of death. Currently, end of life issues are one of the top 10 health care ethics challenges facing the public. There is a new ethical challenge that human life can be ended by a doctor, passively or actively or a doctor kills the patient. Withholding and withdrawing, refusal of treatments, physician-assisted suicide, do not resuscitate (DNR) orders, advance directives, consent and quality of end of life care and are the main debates in this field. There are many complex ethical issues that can affect patients and families in the health care setting. Good understanding of medical ethics will contribute to the health professional's decision-making and dayto- day practice of medicine for a terminally ill patient. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bioethics.v4i3.17374 Bangladesh Journal of Bioethics 2013; 4(3):19-24
BBS News Vol.4(3)
Authors: Editor The
Published: December 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bioethics.v4i3.17376Bangladesh Journal of Bioethics 2013; 4(3):34
Wilhelm Reich, the FBI and the Norwegian Communist Party: The Consequences of an Unsubstantiated Rumor
Authors: Bennett Philip W.
Published: December 2013

Soon after his arrival in the United States from Oslo, radical psychoanalyst Wilhelm Reich became the subject of intensive inquiry by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Part of what motivated the FBI's case against Reich was an anonymous claim that he had been a member of the Norwegian Communist Party. The initial investigation led to Reich's arrest and detention for nearly a month after the United States declared war on Germany in December, 1941. Some years later, after Reich became a naturalized citizen of the United States, a more extensive investigation occurred, this time by the Immigration and Naturalization Service. The INS looked to strip Reich of his citizenship, and central to their efforts was the very same anonymous claim about his membership in the Norwegian Communist Party. In this essay, relying upon US government documents, Reich's reported membership is examined and its veracity assessed.
Biological Activities of Phenolic Compounds of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Authors: Servili Maurizio , Sordini Beatrice , Esposto Sonia , Urbani Stefania , Veneziani Gianluca , Di Maio Ilona , Selvaggini Roberto , Taticchi Agnese
Published: December 2013

Over the last few decades, multiple biological properties, providing antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, chemopreventive and anti-cancer benefits, as well as the characteristic pungent and bitter taste, have been attributed to Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) phenols. In particular, growing efforts have been devoted to the study of the antioxidants of EVOO, due to their importance from health, biological and sensory points of view. Hydrophilic and lipophilic phenols represent the main antioxidants of EVOO, and they include a large variety of compounds. Among them, the most concentrated phenols are lignans and secoiridoids, with the latter found exclusively in the Oleaceae family, of which the drupe is the only edible fruit. In recent years, therefore, we have tackled the study of the main properties of phenols, including the relationships between their biological activity and the related chemical structure. This review, in fact, focuses on the phenolic compounds of EVOO, and, in particular, on their biological properties, sensory aspects and antioxidant capacity, with a particular emphasis on the extension of the product shelf-life.
Noise Producing Toys and the Efficacy of Product Standard Criteria to Protect Health and Education Outcomes
Authors: McLaren Stuart , Page Wyatt , Parker Lou , Rushton Martin
Published: December 2013

An evaluation of 28 commercially available toys imported into New Zealand revealed that 21% of these toys do not meet the acoustic criteria in the ISO standard, ISO 8124-1:2009 Safety of Toys, adopted by Australia and New Zealand as AS/NZS ISO 8124.1:2010. While overall the 2010 standard provided a greater level of protection than the earlier 2002 standard, there was one high risk toy category where the 2002 standard provided greater protection. A secondary set of toys from the personal collections of children known to display atypical methods of play with toys, such as those with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), was part of the evaluation. Only one of these toys cleanly passed the 2010 standard, with the remainder failing or showing a marginal-pass. As there is no tolerance level stated in the standards to account for interpretation of data and experimental error, a value of +2 dB was used. The findings of the study indicate that the current standard is inadequate in providing protection against excessive noise exposure. Amendments to the criteria have been recommended that apply to the recently adopted 2013 standard. These include the integration of the new approaches published in the recently amended European standard (EN 71) on safety of toys.
Associations of Meteorology with Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes: A Systematic Review of Preeclampsia, Preterm Birth and Birth Weight
Authors: Beltran Alyssa , Wu Jun , Laurent Olivier
Published: December 2013

The relationships between meteorology and pregnancy outcomes are not well known. This article reviews available evidence on the relationships between seasonality or meteorology and three major pregnancy outcomes: the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (including preeclampsia, eclampsia and gestational hypertension), gestational length and birth weight. In total 35, 28 and 27 studies were identified for each of these outcomes. The risks of preeclampsia appear higher for women with conception during the warmest months, and delivery in the coldest months of the year. Delivery in the coldest months is also associated with a higher eclampsia risk. Patterns of decreased gestational lengths have been observed for births in winter, as well as summer months. Most analytical studies also report decreases in gestational lengths associated with heat. Birth weights are lower for deliveries occurring in winter and in summer months. Only a limited number of studies have investigated the effects of barometric pressure on gestational length or the effects of temperature and sunshine exposure on birth weight, but these questions appear worth investigating further. Available results should encourage further etiological research aiming at enhancing our understanding of the relationships between meteorology and adverse pregnancy outcomes, ideally via harmonized multicentric studies.
Spatio-Temporal Variation of PM2.5 Concentrations and Their Relationship with Geographic and Socioeconomic Factors in China
Authors: Lin Gang , Fu Jingying , Jiang Dong , Hu Wensheng , Dong Donglin , Huang Yaohuan , Zhao Mingdong
Published: December 2013

The air quality in China, particularly the PM2.5 (particles less than 2.5 μm in aerodynamic diameter) level, has become an increasing public concern because of its relation to health risks. The distribution of PM2.5 concentrations has a close relationship with multiple geographic and socioeconomic factors, but the lack of reliable data has been the main obstacle to studying this topic. Based on the newly published Annual Average PM2.5 gridded data, together with land use data, gridded population data and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) data, this paper explored the spatial-temporal characteristics of PM2.5 concentrations and the factors impacting those concentrations in China for the years of 2001–2010. The contributions of urban areas, high population and economic development to PM2.5 concentrations were analyzed using the Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) model. The results indicated that the spatial pattern of PM2.5 concentrations in China remained stable during the period 2001–2010; high concentrations of PM2.5 are mostly found in regions with high populations and rapid urban expansion, including the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region in North China, East China (including the Shandong, Anhui and Jiangsu provinces) and Henan province. Increasing populations, local economic growth and urban expansion are the three main driving forces impacting PM2.5 concentrations.
Toxic Metal Concentrations in Cigarettes Obtained from U.S. Smokers in 2009: Results from the International Tobacco Control (ITC) United States Survey Cohort
Authors: Caruso Rosalie , O'Connor Richard , Stephens W. , Cummings K. , Fong Geoffrey
Published: December 2013

Smoking-related diseases can be attributed to the inhalation of many different toxins, including heavy metals, which have a host of detrimental health effects. The current study reports the levels of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), and lead (Pb) in cigarettes obtained from adult smokers participating in the 2009 wave of the ITC United States Survey (N = 320). The mean As, Cd, Cr, Ni, and Pb levels were 0.17, 0.86, 2.35, 2.21, and 0.44 µg/g, respectively. There were some differences in metal concentrations of cigarette brands produced by different manufacturers, suggesting differences in the source of tobaccos used by different companies. For Ni, there were significant pairwise differences between Philip Morris U.S. (PMUSA) and R.J. Reynolds (RJR) brands (PMUSA higher; p < 0.001), PMUSA and other manufacturer (OM) brands (PMUSA higher; p < 0.001), and RJR and OM brands (RJR higher; p = 0.006). For Cr, RJR brands had higher levels than did OM brands (p = 0.02). Levels of As, Cd, and Pb did not differ significantly across manufacturer groups (p > 0.10). Because of the variety of toxic heavy metals in cigarette tobacco, and their numerous negative health effects, metal content in cigarette tobacco should be reduced.
Efficacy and Feasibility of the Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule (EpCAM) Immunomagnetic Cell Sorter for Studies of DNA Methylation in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Failli Alessandra , Legitimo Annalisa , Migheli Francesca , Coppedè Fabio , Mathers John , Spisni Roberto , Miccoli Paolo , Migliore Lucia , Consolini Rita
Published: December 2013

The aim of this work was to assess the impact on measurements of methylation of a panel of four cancer gene promoters of purifying tumor cells from colorectal tissue samples using the epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM)-immunomagnetic cell enrichment approach. We observed that, on average, methylation levels were higher in enriched cell fractions than in the whole tissue, but the difference was significant only for one out of four studied genes. In addition, there were strong correlations between methylation values for individual samples of whole tissue and the corresponding enriched cell fractions. Therefore, assays on whole tissue are likely to provide reliable estimates of tumor-specific methylation of cancer genes. However, tumor cell tissue separation using immunomagnetic beads could, in some cases, give a more accurate value of gene promoter methylation than the analysis of the whole cancer tissue, although relatively expensive and time-consuming. The efficacy and feasibility of the immunomagnetic cell sorting for methylation studies are discussed.
Effect of Stretching on Ultraviolet Protection of Cotton and Cotton/Coolmax Blended Weft Knitted Fabric in a Wet State
Authors: Kan Chi-wai , Yam Lim-yung , Ng Sun-pui
Published: December 2013

In this paper, the ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of plain knitted fabrics made from 20Ne cotton yarns, Coolmax yarn and their combinations in wet, relaxed and stretched states were studied. According to the fiber composition, fabric samples are divided into three groups including Group I (single cotton yarn), Group II (cotton/cotton combination) and Group III (Coolmax/cotton combination) for discussion. In order to study the effect of wet condition on the UPF of different plain knitted fabrics, five wetting solutions, namely: (i) chlorinated pool water; (ii) sea water, (iii) acidic perspiration; (iv) alkaline perspiration and (v) deionized water (DI water) were prepared and the fabrics were wetted with different percentages of 50%, 75% and 100%. The UPF of the plain knitted fabrics in wet, relaxed and stretched states was measured and the results were discussed. In addition, yarn and fabric properties such as yarn tenacity, yarn strength, fiber combination and water vapor transmission, which affect the corresponding UPF values, were used for generating a prediction model in order to determine UPF. Verification of the prediction model was also conducted.
Vitamin D2 Supplementation Amplifies Eccentric Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage in NASCAR Pit Crew Athletes
Authors: Nieman David , Gillitt Nicholas , Shanely R. , Dew Dustin , Meaney Mary , Luo Beibei
Published: December 2013

This study determined if 6-weeks vitamin D2 supplementation (vitD2, 3800 IU/day) had an influence on muscle function, eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD), and delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS) in National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) NASCAR pit crew athletes. Subjects were randomized to vitD2 (n = 13) and placebo (n = 15), and ingested supplements (double-blind) for six weeks. Blood samples were collected and muscle function tests conducted pre- and post-study (leg-back and hand grip dynamometer strength tests, body weight bench press to exhaustion, vertical jump, 30-s Wingate test). Post-study, subjects engaged in 90 min eccentric-based exercise, with blood samples and DOMS ratings obtained immediately after and 1- and 2-days post-exercise. Six weeks vitD2 increased serum 25(OH)D2 456% and decreased 25(OH)D3 21% versus placebo (p < 0.001, p = 0.036, respectively), with no influence on muscle function test scores. The post-study eccentric exercise bout induced EIMD and DOMS, with higher muscle damage biomarkers measured in vitD2 compared to placebo (myoglobin 252%, 122% increase, respectively, p = 0.001; creatine phosphokinase 24 h post-exercise, 169%, 32%, p < 0.001), with no differences for DOMS. In summary, 6-weeks vitD2 (3800 IU/day) significantly increased 25(OH)D2 and decreased 25(OH)D3, had no effect on muscle function tests, and amplified muscle damage markers in NASCAR pit crew athletes following eccentric exercise.
A Self-Timed Multipurpose Delay Sensor for Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs)
Authors: Osuna Carlos , Ituero Pablo , López-Vallejo Marisa
Published: December 2013

This paper presents a novel self-timed multi-purpose sensor especially conceived for Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). The aim of the sensor is to measure performance variations during the life-cycle of the device, such as process variability, critical path timing and temperature variations. The proposed topology, through the use of both combinational and sequential FPGA elements, amplifies the time of a signal traversing a delay chain to produce a pulse whose width is the sensor’s measurement. The sensor is fully self-timed, avoiding the need for clock distribution networks and eliminating the limitations imposed by the system clock. One single off- or on-chip time-to-digital converter is able to perform digitization of several sensors in a single operation. These features allow for a simplified approach for designers wanting to intertwine a multi-purpose sensor network with their application logic. Employed as a temperature sensor, it has been measured to have an error of ±0.67 °C, over the range of 20–100 °C, employing 20 logic elements with a 2-point calibration.
Managing Sustainability of Fennoscandian Forests and Their Use by Law and/or Agreement: For Whom and Which Purpose?
Authors: Tuomasjukka Diana , Berg Staffan , Lindner Marcus
Published: December 2013

Sustainability and sustainable behaviour is of crucial importance in the management of Fennoscandian forests and forest-related industries. This paper reviews a number of voluntary instruments, which aim at promoting or assessing sustainability impacts at different levels. The multitude of available instruments brings confusion in practice, where companies, consumers and investors meet legal and different voluntary regulatory and non-regulatory instruments. The practical suitability and covered sustainability dimension for each instrument is reviewed with an analysis of strengths, weaknesses, actors and purposes for assessing different aspects of sustainability. Each of them is compared against the other in an overview about which sustainability dimensions they cover (workplace, human rights, community, market place, environment, economy). Results highlight covered, overlapping and missing aspects for each approach and how they can support or reinforce each other. Special attention is given to current approaches in impact assessment, particularly on their areas of application (companies, NGOs, products, operations, production practices, etc.), and recommendations for supplementing it with sustainability impact assessment.
Encouraging Sustainable Transport Choices in American Households: Results from an Empirically Grounded Agent-Based Model
Authors: Natalini Davide , Bravo Giangiacomo
Published: December 2013

The transport sector needs to go through an extended process of decarbonisation to counter the threat of climate change. Unfortunately, the International Energy Agency forecasts an enormous growth in the number of cars and greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Two issues can thus be identified: (1) the need for a new methodology that could evaluate the policy performances ex-ante and (2) the need for more effective policies. To help address these issues, we developed an Agent-Based Model called Mobility USA aimed at: (1) testing whether this could be an effective approach in analysing ex-ante policy implementation in the transport sector; and (2) evaluating the effects of alternative policy scenarios on commuting behaviours in the USA. Particularly, we tested the effects of two sets of policies, namely market-based and preference-change ones. The model results suggest that this type of agent-based approach will provide a useful tool for testing policy interventions and their effectiveness.
Cultural Resources as Sustainability Enablers: Towards a Community-Based Cultural Heritage Resources Management (COBACHREM) Model
Authors: Keitumetse Susan
Published: December 2013

People inhabit and change environments using socio-cultural and psycho-social behaviors and processes. People use their socio-cultural understanding of phenomena to interact with the environment. People are carriers of cultural heritage. These characteristics make cultural values ubiquitous in all people-accessed and people-inhabited geographic spaces of the world, making people readily available assets through which environmental sustainability can be implemented. Yet, people’s conservation development is rarely planned using cultural resources. It is against this background that a Community-Based Cultural Heritage Resources Management (COBACHREM) model is initiated as a new approach that outlines the symbiosis between cultural heritage, environment and various stakeholders, with a view to create awareness about neglected conservation indicators inherent in cultural resources and better placed to complement already existing natural resources conservation indicators. The model constitutes a two-phased process with four (04) levels of operation, namely: level I (production); level II (reproduction); level III (consumption) that distinguish specific components of cultural heritage resources to be monitored at level IV for sustainability using identified cultural conservation indicators. Monitored indicators, which are limitless, constitute work in progress of the model and will be constantly reviewed, renewed and updated through time. Examples of monitoring provided in this article are the development of cultural competency-based training curriculum that will assist communities to transform cultural information into certifiable intellectual (educational) and culture-economic (tourism) assets. Another monitoring example is the mainstreaming of community cultural qualities into already existing environmental conservation frameworks such as eco-certification to infuse new layers of conservation indicators that enrich resource sustainability. The technical COBACHREM model acknowledges existing academic frameworks of communal identity formation (e.g., indigenity and autochthony) and is designed to add value onto these.
Évolution des constrictives en chypriote ancien
Authors: Panayotou-Triantaphyllopoulou Anna
Published: December 2013

English summary: Development of fricatives in ancient Cypriot.

After the pioneering article of A. Morpurgo Davies (1988), this study attempts to reconsider, from a different perspective, the development of all fricatives in ancient Cypriot. The relevant data consists mainly of personal names, a very conservative and particular linguistic domain. This paper argues that the following occurred at least from the archaic period: (1) Intervocalic, initial or final /s/ before strong pause shows a tendency to weakening or to sheer loss from the seventh century B.C. on, in all regions of the island. This tendency is in parallel in place and time with that of [w], in the positions where the latter is permitted in terms of phonotactic constraints. The same loss seems to happen to all the constrictives, these being anyway rare before the Hellenistic period. This constitutes a supplementary indication that Cypriot was a psilotic dialect. It also indicates that the thesis about a recent (classical ?) [h-], resulting from s- and supposed to be represented by the sign , is untenable. (2) Within a word or in sandhi conditions, /s/ is occasionally omitted before a continuant consonant, including another that is fricative (or supposed so). (3) In clusters of s + voiceless stop (usually the dental stop), the sequence (C)VstV is in most cases considered as heterosyllabic, (C)Vs|tV, and because of the loose (if any) pronunciation of s, the latter is usually omitted in writing. The weakening and/or the loss of fricatives, mainly in intervocalic position, are live characteristics in many Cypriot Greek local varieties.
Xénophon narrateur : autour de Théramène
Authors: Somville Pierre
Published: December 2013

English summary: Xénophon as a Narrative writer: about Theramenes.

Semantical and style analysis in two narratives passages of Xénophon about Theramenes (Hell. II, 2, 23 et 3, 56).