bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation of Three Dimensional Products Using Flow Deformability of Wood Treated by Small Molecular Resins
Authors: Miki Tsunehisa , Seki Masako , Shigematsu Ichinori , Kanayama Kozo
Published: December 2013

To investigate the effect of the additive agents such as polyethylene glycols (PEGs), melamine formaldehyde resin (MF-resin) and phenol formaldehyde resin (PF-resin) on the flow deformability of solid wood, free compression tests during heating were performed. Various molecular weights ranging from 200 to 20,000 for PEGs and almost similar molecular weight around 380 for MF-resin and PF-resin were applied. It was found from the compression tests that the yield stress indicating wood cell deformation resistance was drastically decreased with smaller molecular PEGs in wood, whereas the initiation of flow behavior, which is derived from detachment/slippage between cells, occurred at lower pressure with larger molecular PEGs. For generating the flow behaviors of solid wood, smaller molecular resin/substance was not always suitable. Thermosetting agents also act as a plasticizer during heating and especially the PF-resin showed better softening effect as well as a promoter of flow behavior than the MF-resin with almost similar molecular weight. This indicates that it is important for generating flow behavior to consider affinity/compatibility of resin to wood constituents. A maximum flow deformation ratio in the tangential direction of wood reached 180 % when using PEG 20,000 and MF-resin as an additive agent. It was also demonstrated that using PF-resin and MF-resin deep cup products shaped by a backward extrusion process had a better size stability against water, steam, and acetone.
Polystyrene/Lamellar Germanium Phosphate Nanocomposite Membranes
Authors: Shakshooki S.K. , El-Akari F.A. , El-Fituri S.M. , El-Fituri S.S.
Published: December 2013

Novel nanosized lamellar germanium phosphate, α-Ge (HPO4)2.1.84H2O(nGeP), with interlayer spacing (d001) = 7.71Ǻ, was prepared. Preparations of polystyrene/lamellar germanium phosphate nanocomposite membranes were carried out by mixing slurry tetrahydrofuran (THF) solution of (nGeP) , of different weight percentages (2.5, 5 and 15 wt %), with (THF) solution of 5% polystyrene (PS) in concentration at 45°C with stirring for 48 hours. The resultant mixtures were poured into flat surface containers, of desired thickness, respectively, and allowed to dry in air. The resulting fully dried composites were pealed from the glass containers. The composite membranes were transparent flexible thin films and were characterized by XRD, TGA, FT-IR, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Size particles of lamellar germanium phosphate calculated from XRD broadening method using the Scherrer,s equation, found to be 44.6 nm . TEM images of nanocomposites show that the (nGeP) in the nanometer scale, in the range 38-53 nm. The composite materials show to have mechanical and thermal stability properties superior to that of the original polymer, which a result of the enhancement of the thermal properties of PS/nGeP nanocomposites. The exchange capacities of the resultant composite membranes were investigated.
Contact Width Analysis of Corrugated Metal Gasket Based on Surface Roughness
Authors: Haruyama Shigeyuki , Nurhadiyanto Didik , Kaminishi Ken
Published: December 2013

Contact width is important design parameter for optimizing design of new metal gasket. The contact width was found have relationship with helium leak quantity. Increasing axial force, the contact width will increase and helium leakage will decrease. This study we conducted the surface roughness evaluation of 25A-size metal gasket before and after use. The results denote the real contact width after contact with flange having different surface roughness. The real contact width for the flange having smoother surface roughness is wider than the rougher one.
The Band Structures of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes and ZnO Nanoparticles Used for Oil Recovery in Water Flooding System
Authors: Shafie Afza , Yahya Noorhana , Kashif Muhammad , Zaid Hasnah Mohd , Soleimani Hasan , Alnarabiji Mohamad Sahban
Published: December 2013

A major challenge for the oil industry is increasing the oil recovery from reservoirs. Nanofluid injection with the aid of electromagnetic (EM) waves can improve oil recovery. Nanoparticles of zinc oxide (ZnO) were synthesised using a sol-gel method and characterised using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Nanofluids of SWCNT and zinc oxide (ZnO) were used in this oil recovery study. It was observed that curved antennae with magnetic feeders gave a 472% larger D-field signal than those without magnetic feeders. The Dmol3 simulations showed that the band gap of ZnO is 1.088 eV, and the band gap of the SWCNT was 0.326 eV. The particle sizes of the ZnO nanoparticles were in the range of 30-39 nm. FESEM and HRTEM images showed that the samples were highly crystalline, and the grain size increased as the temperature increased. As a result, these nanoparticles were suitable for the preparation of the nanofluid and oil recovery applications. Oil recovery using 0.001% (w/w) ZnO nanofluid and EM was 16.10 % of OOIP, and using 0.01% SWNT nanofluid yielded an oil recovery of 23 ROIP %. These results imply that injecting a ZnO oxide nanofluid of 0.001% w/w coupled with a curved antenna and magnetic feeders has the potential to improve oil recovery in waterflooding systems.
Photocatalytic Active Nanorutile TiO2: Synthesis Characterization and Photocatalysis Tests
Authors: Meor Sulaiman Meor Yusoff , Mahdi E.M. , Wilfred Paulus , Muslimin Masliana
Published: December 2013

We are able to produce nanoscale rutile TiO2 product from titanium mineral via a modified hydrothermal synthesis method, with the inclusion of an alkaline fusion stage. The mineral was totally dissolved in an acidic solution, and is followed by the nucleation reaction, producing anatase having a crystallite size of 15.4nm. Annealing of the nanoanatase resulted in a phase transformation process, and the rutile phase was detected when annealed at 800°C. Single rutile phase was achieved when the anatase sample was annealed at 1,000°C. As the starting mineral contains a significant amount of Nb and Zr impurities, these elements are naturally doped into the nanosized rutile. A paint formulation was then produced by adding 2g of this nanoanatase/nanorutile into the paint. Using this nanotitania added paint under visible light source, a photocatalytic study on the degradation of methylene blue was conducted. A comparative study was also carried out with commercial grade pure nanorutile under similar condition. The result showed that our nanorutile managed to degrade the methylene blue to almost a similar 85% degradation compared to the commercial pure nanoanatase. A pure nanorutile product resulted in a much lower photodegradation rate, standing at 77%. Tests on the photodegradation of nitrous oxide gas also reveals that the nanorutile paint was able to degrade the VOC in much shorter times compared to the other nanotitania added paints.
Electrophoretic Deposition of Ni/SiO2 Nanocomposite Coating: Fabrication Process and Tribological and Corrosion Properties
Authors: Isfahani Arash Ghalayani , Ghorbani Mohammad
Published: December 2013

To the best of our knowledge, this work presents the first successful effort to fabricate and study nanostructured Ni-based composite coatings using the electrophoretic deposition method with nanostructured SiO2 particles. In this work, Ni/SiO2 nanoparticle composite coatings were prepared by electrophoretic deposition (EPD) [ and their hardness, wear and corrosion resistances [ were examined. After studying the morphology of the coatings and finding the optimum conditions for uniform coating, in order to improve the mechanical properties as well as resistance to corrosion, sintering was performed. The Ni/SiO2 nanocomposite coatings show excellent hardness (~376 HV), reduced Youngs modulus (~180 GPa), contact stiffness (~110 μN/Nm) as well as the wear and corrosion resistances which are considered in the different SiO2 concentrations and particle sizes. In addition, by controlling the size of the SiO2 particles, in optimum coating voltage and proper time duration, hardness and wear resistance of nanocomposite coatings were controlled.
Morphology and Physical Studies of Nanostructured Fe64Cr36 Alloy Elaborated by Ball Milling
Authors: Triaa S. , Faghi L. , Kali-Ali F. , Azzaz M.
Published: December 2013

Nanostructured iron based alloy, elaborated from pure elemental powders by mechanical milling at high energy was studied. The materials obtained were characterized by several techniques, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), which allowed the dissolution of chromium in the iron phase as a function of milling time. The peaks indicate that the obtained solid solution has the body centred cubic (bcc) structure, for a speed of 250 rpm after 24 hours milling time. The Williamson - Hall analysis method was used to exploit the recorded XRD patterns. The crystallite size of about 14 nm and the microstrain of about 0.90% were obtained for 48 hours of milling. Scanning electron microscopes (SEM) and EDX analysis have confirmed the refining of milled particles as a function of milling time and the homogenization of our powders. The measurement of reflection coefficient has revealed an increase in the microwave absorption versus milling time and has confirmed the formation of our alloy during 24 hours of milling.
Improved Oil Recovery by High Magnetic Flux Density Subjected to Iron Oxide Nanofluids
Authors: Yahya Noorhana , Kashif Muhammad , Shafie Afza , Soleimani Hasan , Zaid Hasnah Mohd , Latiff Noor Rasyada Ahmad
Published: December 2013

Oil recovery in offshore environments can be increased by using nanofluids with electromagnetic waves generated from an antenna in the oil reservoir. In the case of offshore environments, these constraints can be avoided if a horizontal antenna is towed close to the seabed, which maximises the electromagnetic energy transferred from the overburden to the reservoir and nanofluids in the reservoir. In this research, a new enhanced antenna is used with iron oxide (Fe2O3) and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanofluids for oil recovery applications at the laboratory scale. In the antenna study, it was observed that the curve antenna with magnetic feeders gave a 1978% increase in the magnetic field signal strength compared to the case without magnetic feeders. The curve antenna with magnetic feeders produced a 473% increase in the electric field signal strength compared to the case without magnetic feeders. Iron oxide (Fe2O3) nanoparticles were prepared by the sol-gel method. The iron oxide (Fe2O3) nanoparticle sizes were in the range of 30.27-37.60 nm. FESEM and HRTEM images show that the samples have good crystallinity and that the grain size increased as temperature increased. Iron oxide (Fe2O3) samples sintered at 500°C showed a high initial permeability and Q-factor and a low loss factor compared to samples sintered at 500°C. The sample had a very high initial permeability and a low loss at low frequencies; therefore, it was suitable for the preparation of the nanofluid and oil recovery applications. Oil recovery through the usage of 0.1 % (w/w) iron oxide (Fe2O3) nanofluid with an EM field generated from the curve antenna with magnetic feeders was 33.45% of OOIP (original oil in place). In a similar case where 0.1 % (w/w) zinc oxide (ZnO) nanofluid with an EM field was used, 22.46 % of OOIP was recovered. These results imply that injecting 0.1% w/w iron oxide nanofluid coupled to the curve antenna with magnetic feeders has potential for oil recovery for improved water flooding systems because the high magnetic flux density that acts on the nanoparticles is proportional to the magnetic field strength.
Fish histopathology as biomarker to evaluate water quality
Authors: Liebel Samuel , Tomotake Maria Eliza Miyoko , Oliveira Ribeiro Ciro Alberto
Published: December 2013

Aquatic environments contaminated by industrial effluents and urban sewage present as common characteristic the release of xenobiotics complex mixture that potentially affects important aspects related with physiological aspects in fish. In the present work, fish specimens, Astyanax aff. fasciatus and Oreochromis niloticus, were used to evaluate the anthropogenic impact in two lakes (Lake Park and Cedeteg) situated in Guarapuava City, southern of Brazil. The occurrence of morphological changes in gills and liver associated with somatic indexes (Hepatosomatic - HSI and Condition Factor - CF) were used as biomarkers, and two reference sites were used. According to the results, individuals from both studied sites presented morphological damages in gills (aneurysms, hyperplasia, lamellar fusion and neoplasia) and liver (necrosis and leukocyte infiltration). The lesion indexes for liver and gills studied in both lakes were significantly impacted when compared with reference sites, but individuals from Lake Park were more affected. The HSI in both species was not different, but the CF in A. fasciatus decreased in both studied sites. These results suggest that the morphological findings found in the present study were developed due to the urban sewage release, reinforcing the importance of histopathological investigation in biomonitoring programs to evaluate the water quality and environmental assessment.
Terrestrial disposal of coal mining residues: acid drainage, acute ecotoxicity and bioavailability of heavy metals
Authors: Castilhos Zuleica Carmen , Bidone Edison Dausacker , Alexandre Nadja Zim , Coelho Mariana Barroso , Colonese Juan Pereira , Egler Silvia Gonçalves , Polivanov Helena , Cesar Ricardo Gonçalves , Alvaro Thiago Teles
Published: December 2013

Potential bioavailability and acute ecotoxicity associated with terrestrial disposal of coal mining residues were studied through acute bioassays with earthworms (Eisenia andrei), lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and aquatic micro-crustaceans (Daphnia similis). A composed sample of coal mining residue was collected at some surface deposits at the Urussanga river Basin, one of the three basis of the Southern Santa Catarina Coal Basin, an area highly degraded by mining activities. The bioassays were performed according to procedures described in standard protocols (ASTM, ISO and ABNT). In a hypothetic risk scenario of pyrite acute exposure, the results indicated low levels of ecotoxicity and low bioavailability of toxic metals for earthworms. Significant effects on the germination and morphology of L. sativa were only detected for high rates (~50%) of residue application on the soil. It is probable that such low toxicity levels are related to the short time of pyrite exposure to oxygen, generating a less intense acid drainage. For D. similis, significant damages (immobility) were observed for doses higher than 25% in elutriates, suggesting the occurrence of adverse effects in scenarios where such coal mining residues could be leached.
Detection of metals by differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV) in pollen collected from a fragment of the atlantic forest in Piracicaba/SP
Authors: Silveira Talita Antonia , Araujo Diogo Feliciano Dias , Marchini Luis Carlos , Moreti Augusta C.C.C , Olinda Ricardo Alves
Published: December 2013

Detection techniques of trace elements have high costs for routine analysis while differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV) has low operational costs and few structural requirements. This technique was considered a good alternative for pollen analysis. In the analyses, Zinc, Copper and Lead showed concentrations higher than the threshold established for human daily intake of food; however, Cadmium concentrations did not exceed the limits. The high concentrations found may be explained by the geographical locality of the apiary, which is located near the main road to access the city and a water and sewage treatment plant. In addition, other anthropogenic processes, namely agricultural, industrial and residential activities may have influenced. The technique of voltammetry can be considered a good alternative for pollen routine analysis, providing accuracy at lower costs. The study provides information about the contamination of the matrix of bee pollen.
Review of embryo-larval assay of the mussel Perna perna (L.)
Authors: Cielo Claudiane Carla Del , Malgarin Jessica , Resgalla Charrid
Published: December 2013

The objective of this work was to review the protocol of the mussel Perna perna embryo-larval test and suggest standardization of the induction technique, exposing time and effect observed in larvae at the end of the experiment. To meet the objectives were employed different physical and chemical methods to accelerate the release of gametes and the success of this release was compared to the index condition of the organisms. Ecotoxicological tests were also performed using the metals cadmium, lead, zinc, copper, chromium and the detergent sodium dodecyl sulfite (SDS) to assess the exposure time and morphological types of effects and their influence on estimates of Median Effective Concentration (EC50). The most efficient induction method to stimulate the release of gametes was the continuous flow system of sea water, but it had a close relationship with the maturation of organisms. It was observed that the short term embryo-larval test can be executed in 24 hours since protracted larvae are considered normal as observed in control flasks experiments. Finally, embryo-larval test of the P. perna showed sensitivity in the same order of magnitude as compared to Lytechinus variegatus the main species of sea urchin commonly used in marine chronic tests in Brazil.
Use of coal mining waste for river water treatment and evaluation of this process using physicochemical parameters and bioassays
Authors: Francisconi Maiara da Silva , Bona Ariana De , Silveira Fernanda Zanette da , Geremias Reginaldo , Pich Claus Troger
Published: December 2013

This work aimed to use calcinated coal mining waste to treat river water contaminated by residues derived from coal mines. Water samples from the Urussanga River (Urussanga, Santa Catarina state, Brazil) were collected. The pH values and the concentrations of aluminum, iron and manganese were determined before and after the treatment. Additionally, acute toxicity tests (CL50) were carried out in the microcrustaceans Artemia sp. and Daphnia magna along with root growth inhibition tests of Allium cepa L. and plasmid DNA cleavage assays. The results demonstrate that the treatment resulted in an increase in the pH and an expressive removal of metals. It was observed that the untreated water caused significant toxicity in Artemia sp., Daphnia magna and Allium cepa L. as well as fostering damage to plasmid DNA. However, after the treatment was detected reduction of the toxicity. It was concluded that the calcinated coal mining waste can be used as alternative system for the treatment of waters affected by coal mining contaminants, while the bioassays consists of an excellent tool for the evaluation of this process.
The determination of chronic toxicity based only in fish survival is enough?
Authors: Arenzon Alexandre , De Lorenzo C , Coimbra N J , Schulz U H
Published: December 2013

In Brazil, the evaluation of short-term chronic effects on fish follows ABNT NBR 15499/2007. It can be conducted with two species: Danio rerio or Pimephales promelas. In the analysis with P. promelas, results are obtained by evaluating survival and growth of the organisms. However, when D. rerio is used, only the survival is evaluated. The objective of this paper is to assess whether the observed chronic toxicity on growth can always be extrapolated from the survival data, as suggested by ABNT NBR 15499/2007. 687 chronic tests with P. promelas were conducted. Three groups of results were observed: samples with toxicity effect only on growth, samples with toxicity effect only on survival and samples that showed toxicity effect on the survival and growth, simultaneously. The toxicity solely on the survival of organisms was observed in 56% and 31% of the tests for environmental samples and effluents, respectively. Analyzing the effluent tests where toxicity was detected on the survival, 32% also showed toxicity on growth. The toxic effect on the growth represented merely 44% of the environmental samples and 37% of the effluent samples. Therefore, chronic toxicity evaluations based exclusively on the survival of organisms may produce false negative results, especially when mortality is not detected at all.
Trends of road dust emissions contributions on ambient PM levels at rural, urban and industrial sites in Southern Spain
Authors: Amato F. , Alastuey A. , de la Rosa J. , González Castanedo Y. , Sánchez de la Campa A. M. , Pandolfi M. , Lozano A. , Contreras González J. , Querol X.
Published: December 2013

Abstract. The impact of road dust emissions on PM10 and PM2.5 mass concentrations recorded from 2003 to 2010 at 11 locations (rural, urban and industrial) in Southern Spain was estimated based on the chemical characterization of PM and a the use of a constrained Positive Matrix Factorization, where the chemical profile of local road dust samples is used as a priori knowledge. Results indicate that road dust emissions increased PM10 levels on average by 21–35% at traffic sites, 29–34% at urban background sites, 17–22% at urban-industrial sites and 9–22% at rural sites. Road dust contributions to ambient PM levels show a marked seasonality with maxima in summer and minima in winter, likely due to the rainfall frequency. Decreasing concentrations trends over the sampling years where found at some traffic and urban sites but in most cases less significant than for vehicle exhaust emissions, while concentrations increased at industrial sites, probably due to local peculiarities. Concerning PM2.5, road dust contributions were lower than in PM10 as expected, but still important (21–31%, 11–31%, 6–16% and 7% for traffic, urban background, urban-industrial and rural sites respectively). In addition the three main sources of road dust (carbonaceous particles, brake wear and road wear/mineral) were identified and their contributions to road dust mass loadings estimated, supporting air quality managers to drive measures aimed at preventing the build-up of road dust particles on roads.
Comparison of SMILES ClO profiles with satellite, balloon-borne and ground-based measurements
Authors: Sagawa H. , Sato T. O. , Baron P. , Dupuy E. , Livesey N. , Urban J. , von Clarmann T. , de Lange A. , Wetzel G. , Connor B. J. , Kagawa A. , Murtagh D. , Kasai Y.
Published: December 2013

Abstract. We evaluate the quality of ClO profiles derived from the Superconducting Submillimeter-Wave Limb-Emission Sounder (SMILES) on the International Space Station (ISS). Version 2.1.5 of the level-2 product generated by the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) is the subject of this study. Based on sensitivity studies, the systematic error was estimated as 5–10 pptv at the pressure range of 80–20 hPa, 35 pptv at the ClO peak altitude (~ 4 hPa), and 5–10 pptv at pressures ≤ 0.5 hPa for daytime mid-latitude conditions. For nighttime measurements, a systematic error of 8 pptv was estimated for the ClO peak altitude (~ 2 hPa). The SMILES NICT v2.1.5 ClO profiles agree with those derived from another level-2 processor developed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) within the bias uncertainties, except for the nighttime measurements in the low and middle latitude regions where the SMILES NICT v2.1.5 profiles have a negative bias of ~ 30 pptv in the lower stratosphere. This bias is considered to be due to the use of a limited spectral bandwidth in the retrieval process of SMILES NICT v2.1.5, which makes it difficult to distinguish between the weak ClO signal and wing contributions of spectral features outside the bandwidth. In the middle and upper stratosphere outside the polar regions, no significant systematic bias was found for the SMILES NICT ClO profile with respect to data sets from other instruments such as the Aura Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS), the Odin Sub-Millimetre Radiometer (SMR), the Envisat Michelson Interferometer for Passive Atmospheric Sounding (MIPAS), and the ground-based radiometer at Mauna Kea, which demonstrates the scientific usability of the SMILES ClO data including the diurnal variations. Inside the chlorine-activated polar vortex, the SMILES NICT v2.1.5 ClO profiles show larger volume mixing ratios by 0.4 ppbv (30%) at 50 hPa compared to those of the JAXA processed profiles. This discrepancy is also considered to be an effect of the limited spectral bandwidth in the retrieval processing. We also compared the SMILES NICT ClO profiles of chlorine-activated polar vortex conditions with those measured by the balloon-borne instruments: Terahertz and submillimeter Limb Sounder (TELIS) and the MIPAS-balloon instrument (MIPAS-B). In conclusion, the SMILES NICT v2.1.5 ClO data can be used at pressures ≤ ~30 hPa for scientific analysis.
Carbon accumulation rates in salt marsh sediments suggest high carbon storage capacity
Authors: Ouyang X. , Lee S. Y.
Published: December 2013

Abstract. Studies on carbon stock in salt marsh sediments are increasing. However, uncertainties exist in estimating global carbon storage in these vulnerable coastal habitats, thus hindering the assessment of their importance. Combining direct data and indirect estimation, this study compiled studies involving 158 sites across the southern and Northern Hemispheres, and estimated the global average carbon accumulation rate (CAR) at 242.2 g C m−2 yr−1 in saltmarsh sediments. Based on region-specific CAR and estimates of salt marsh area in various geographic regions between 40° S to 78.3° N, total CAR in global salt marsh sediments is ~ 10.1 Tg C yr−1. The data indicate that while the capacity for carbon sequestration by salt marsh sediments ranked the first amongst coastal wetland and forested terrestrial ecosystems, their carbon budget was the smallest due to their limited and declining global areal extent. However, there may be uncertainties for our global estimate owing to limited and patchy data availability. CAR of salt marsh sediments changes with latitude, tidal range, halophyte genera and elevation, with considerable variation among different biogeographic regions.
A system of conservative regridding for ice/atmosphere coupling in a GCM
Authors: Fischer E. , Nowicki S. , Kelley M. , Schmidt G. A.
Published: December 2013

Abstract. The method of elevation classes has proven to be a useful way for a low-resolution general circulation model (GCM) to produce high-resolution downscaled surface mass balance fields, for use in one-way studies coupling GCMs and ice flow models. Past uses of elevation classes have been a cause of non-conservation of mass and energy, caused by inconsistency in regridding schemes chosen to regrid to the atmosphere vs. downscaling to the ice model. This causes problems for two-way coupling. A strategy that resolves this conservation issue has been designed and is presented here. The approach identifies three grids between which data must be regridded, and five transformations between those grids required by a typical coupled GCM–ice flow model. This paper shows how each of those transformations may be achieved in a consistent, conservative manner. These transformations are implemented in GLINT2, a library used to couple GCMs with ice models. Source code and documentation are available for download. Confounding real-world issues are discussed, including the use of projections for ice modeling, how to handle dynamically changing ice geometry, and modifications required for finite element ice models.
Calibration of a real-time tsunami detection algorithm for sites with no instrumental tsunami records: application to coastal tide-gauge stations in eastern Sicily, Italy
Authors: Bressan L. , Zaniboni F. , Tinti S.
Published: December 2013

Abstract. Coastal tide gauges play a very important role in a tsunami warning system, since sea-level data are needed for a correct evaluation of the tsunami threat, and the tsunami arrival has to be recognized as early as possible. Real-time tsunami detection algorithms serve this purpose. For an efficient detection, they have to be calibrated and adapted to the specific local characteristics of the site where they are installed, which is easily done when the station has recorded a sufficiently large number of tsunamis. In this case the recorded database can be used to select the best set of parameters enhancing the discrimination power of the algorithm and minimizing the detection time. This chance is however rare, since most of the coastal tide-gauge stations, either historical or of new installation, have recorded only a few tsunamis in their lifetimes, if any. In this case calibration must be carried out by using synthetic tsunami signals, which poses the problem of how to generate them and how to use them. This paper investigates this issue and proposes a calibration approach by using as an example a specific case, which is the calibration of a real-time detection algorithm called TEDA (Tsunami Early Detection Algorithm) for two stations (namely Tremestieri and Catania) in eastern Sicily, Italy, which were recently installed in the frame of the Italian project TSUNET, aiming at improving the tsunami monitoring capacity in a region that is one of the most hazardous tsunami areas of Italy and of the Mediterranean.
Temporal variations in the wind and wave climate at a location in the eastern Arabian Sea based on ERA-Interim reanalysis data
Authors: Shanas P. R. , Sanil Kumar V.
Published: December 2013

Abstract. Temporal variations of wind speed and significant wave height (SWH) at a location in the eastern Arabian Sea is studied using ERA-Interim reanalysis data during 1979–2012. A Shallow water location is selected for the study since measured buoy data is available close to the location for comparison of the reanalysis data. Annual mean wind speed shows a statistically significant decreasing trend of 1.5 cm s-1 yr-1. Weakening of SWH during one of the peak monsoon month (August) is identified from the monthly analysis of SWH, which shows higher upward trend in SWH during south west monsoon period with an exception during August. The annual mean SWH shows slight upward trend (0.012 cm yr-1), whereas larger upward trend (1.4 cm yr-1) is observed for annual maximum SWH. The influence of tropical cyclone activity is also studied and found that the maximum SWH and wind speed during 1996 is directly related to the cyclonic event. The relationship between annual maximum wave height and wind speed with ENSO and Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) are tested and found that larger waves are reported during strong El-Niño and negative IOD year, whereas decrease in maximum wave height and wind speed is observed during strong La-Niña and positive IOD year.
Space, translations and media
Authors: Tosoni Simone , Tarantino Matteo
Published: December 2013

The paper examines the role of media in the processes of the production of urban space in the case of Paolo Sarpi, a central neighborhood of Milan that is characterized by long–standing spatial conflicts between the residents and the Chinese migrants. The purpose of this complex case study is to highlight the many roles played by media in the processes of socio–spatial production, as well as the benefits of reading media within those same processes. To this end, we interrogate the space by drawing on concepts from science and technology studies and media studies. Finally, by analyzing the representations and practices enacted by users of three location–based social networks (TripAdvisor, Foursquare, and Facebook Places), we show that urban processes and media are in a relation of reciprocal shaping. We find that these representations and practices are informed by and feedback on the broader socio–spatial production patterns investing the area. Our conclusion is that extracting media from broader urban processes and focusing on them could be analytically counter–productive. Instead, investigations of the relationship of media and the city should take into account their reciprocal shaping.
From wasteland to wonderland: The hypermedia(tiza)tion of urban regeneration in Leeds’ Holbeck Urban Village
Authors: Aiello Giorgia
Published: December 2013

In this paper, I examine Holbeck Urban Village (HUV), Leeds’ flagship urban regeneration project and a textbook case in approaches to planning and redevelopment via the popular notion of ‘urban village’. Based on an analysis of online planning and promotional media, I argue that the lived space of HUV is hypermediatized, as it is imagined and imaged for key lifestyle publics via top–down multimodal discourses. However, it is not only the social but also the more properly material dimensions of our cities that are increasingly mediatized. In my analysis, I note how specific ‘textures’ of envisioned lived space are mobilized in the communication of HUV to achieve distinction within major genres and formats of urban regeneration. I then posit that this is also a hypermediated approach to urban regeneration, as the imaginations and images that constitute the visual–material performances of the urban village are in turn productive of very specific and therefore also limited (embodied) subjectivities and (emplaced) communities. Overall, the key aim of this article is to draw attention to the increasing hypermedia(tiza)tion of the material and social dimensions of urban regeneration and, in doing so, also generate concepts for the development of a broader critical and theoretical framework for the study of major contemporary approaches to urban regeneration from a communication and media studies perspective.
The Rainbow Flag and the Green Carnation: Grindr in The Gay Village
Authors: Crooks Roderic N.
Published: December 2013

This paper uses autoethnography to examine locative media — specifically, the location–based social network app Grindr — in the context of spatial practices. Because of the way it integrates the physical location of a user in the construction of a digital space, its curious political and logistical challenge to previously defined spatial arrangements such as gay villages, and the negotiation over interpersonal relations its use entails, Grindr poses a unique case to examine questions around space and locative media. I argue that Grindr harkens back to Pre–Stonewall modes of cruising and socializing through the manipulation of cues, codes, and symbols and disturbs the link between spatial arrangements based on co–presence and gay identity politics.
Stadiums as studios: How the media shape space in the new Juventus Stadium
Authors: Palvarini Pietro , Tosi Simone
Published: December 2013

In recent years, Italy has been engrossed in a large debate concerning the construction of new stadiums owned by football (soccer) clubs. Far from being a local issue, this debate is occurring in most Western countries (Trumpbour, 2007). Through the analysis of the new Juventus Stadium in Turin — the first “private and integrated” stadium in Italy — we will shed light on the role of media in the decision to build new stadiums and in their spatial configuration. The role of the media is important for several reasons. First of all, they contribute to creating a favourable climate of opinion regarding the need to build a new stadium. In addition, the needs of the media influence the architectural characteristics and spatial layout of the new stadiums. Finally, innovative marketing and media–intensive campaigns play a central role in the construction of the relationship between fans and stadiums (topophilia).
The diffusion and use of information and communication technologies and the city from 1996 to 2009
Authors: Fortunati Leopoldina , Taipale Sakari
Published: December 2013

The aim of this paper is to investigate whether the diffusion and the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) are associated with the size of the place of residence where people live. The article explores how the relationship between ICTs and place of residence changed between 1996 and 2009. The study presents data from two consecutive telephone surveys collected from Italy, France, Germany, the United Kingdom and Spain. Results show an unexpected role of the relatively rural areas as attractor of new technologies. Although the largest cities have remained the locus of telecommunications on the whole, the relationship between ICTs and the place of abode has changed considerably during the 13 years studied. This is especially due to the innovative role played by the mobile phone. In 2009, although the mobile phone was independent from the place of abode, it was more diffused in relatively rural environments.
Foursquare and the parochialization of public space
Authors: Humphreys Lee , Liao Tony
Published: December 2013

The mobile social network Foursquare has gained popularity in the last few years among both users and businesses. This article explores how the use of Foursquare changes and impacts people’s sense of place. Drawing on the work of Lofland (1998) on the social production of space, we argue that as new socio–spatial information (i.e., who checks in where) is introduced via the mobile social network, it can change the way people experience a place. Based on qualitative in–depth interviews with active Foursquare users, we explore person–to–person and person–to–place connections and argue that Foursquare promotes parochialization of public space.
Making waves: Urban technology and the co–production of place
Authors: Forlano Laura
Published: December 2013

Over the past several years, as cities in the United States have faced increasing fiscal pressures, there has been a reinvigorated interest in the promise of smart cities, intelligent cities, digital cities, open source cities and media cities, which advocate the use of digital technologies to make cities more efficient, productive, innovative and attractive. However, the appropriation and use of urban technologies have transformed the aesthetic, symbolic and lived experience of cities in important ways, which have not been well described or theorized. Based on theories from communications, science and technology studies as well as more specialized fields such as urban informatics, this article attempts to understand the ways in which urban technologies are appropriated and used to co–produce place relying on empirical examples from art and design, social science, and information and computer science. Finally, it illustrates the ways in which place is constituted at the intersection of socio–technical practices as dynamic, relational and interdependent.
The Moravian Church and the Society of Jesus: American Mission and American Utopia in the Age of Confessionalization
Authors: Křížová Markéta
Published: December 2013

In this article, missions of the Moravian Church in North America in the eighteenth and the beginning of the nineteenth century will be compared with missions of the Society of Jesus that took place in New Spain (Mexico) in the period preceding and parallel with the Moravian ones. Through a detailed study of the goals, methods, and results of the mission projects we can better understand the ideological roots and aims of the two specific religious groups and the general intellectual and political atmosphere in Europe of the early modern period.
Cultural Robotics: The Culture of Robotics and Robotics in Culture
Authors: Samani Hooman , Saadatian Elham , Pang Natalie , Polydorou Doros , Fernando Owen Noel Newton , Nakatsu Ryohei , Koh Jeffrey Tzu Kwan Valino
Published: December 2013

In this paper, we have investigated the concept of “Cultural Robotics” with regard to the evolution of social into cultural robots in the 21st Century. By defining the concept of culture, the potential development of a culture between humans and robots is explored. Based on the cultural values of the robotics developers, and the learning ability of current robots, cultural attributes in this regard are in the process of being formed, which would define the new concept of cultural robotics. According to the importance of the embodiment of robots in the sense of presence, the influence of robots in communication culture is anticipated. The sustainability of robotics culture based on diversity for cultural communities for various acceptance modalities is explored in order to anticipate the creation of different attributes of culture between robots and humans in the future.
« L’enfance d’un chef » et les romanciers américains
Authors: Besand Vanessa
Published: December 2013

Malgré toute l’ambiguïté qui a toujours uni Sartre à l’Amérique du Nord, son attirance pour la littérature romanesque américaine de l’entre-deux-guerres ne s’est jamais démentie. Dans la lignée de ces jeunes auteurs outre-Atlantique que furent Hemingway et Dos Passos, le philosophe et romancier a lui-même proposé une nouvelle manière d’écrire, loin du modèle introspectif français de l’époque, qu’il déplorait, et en vue de représenter, à travers la technique narrative et les jeux de focalisations mêmes, la situation de l’homme dans le monde telle qu’il la concevait en tant que penseur existentialiste. Avant même la trilogie des Chemins de la liberté, c’est la nouvelle « L’enfance d’un chef », parue dans le recueil Le mur en 1939, qui incarne le mieux cette tentative sartrienne. Tout particulièrement séduit par la technique de Dos Passos, auquel il a consacré quelques articles critiques, Sartre cherche ici, à travers son personnage de Lucien Fleurier, jeune homme incapable d’accéder à la liberté et de ce fait véritable contre-exemple dans l’univers sartrien, à énoncer les grands principes de son système de pensée (l’importance capitale de l’action, le refus de la mauvaise foi, l’humanisme existentialiste), non pas seulement à travers le parcours de son protagoniste, mais aussi et surtout à travers la technique narrative (multiplicité des focalisations et des types de discours intérieurs). C’est ainsi que, loin de se cantonner à l’imitation d’une technique américaine qu’il juge novatrice et admirable, il se la réapproprie pleinement en en faisant le permanent miroir de ses propres convictions sur l’homme et sur le monde.
Deux nouveaux mystiques : le sacré selon Bataille et Sartre
Authors: Zenkine Serge
Published: December 2013

Les relations littéraires entre Jean-Paul Sartre et Georges Bataille, y compris l’article de Sartre sur L’expérience intérieure de Bataille (1943), montrent leurs convergences et divergences sur la question du sacré non-religieux. Sensibles aux expériences extatiques, ils interprètent différemment la connaissance, l’expérience et l’écriture du sacré. Sartre, en critiquant Bataille, cherche à distinguer deux attitudes intellectuelles devant le sacré, intérieure (existentialiste) et extérieure (scientiste) ; Bataille les tient pour inséparables. Sartre, dans ses oeuvres littéraires et philosophiques, isole deux aspects affectifs du sacré (le bonheur et l’angoisse), en les relatant dans différents textes ou dans différents passages d’un texte ; Bataille au contraire les réunit, montrant l’ambiguïté du sacré. Sartre parle du sacré dans des récits bien bâtis ou dans des traités systématiques, tandis que Bataille emploie une écriture fragmentaire, un « sacrifice des mots ». Si le premier traite le sacré théoriquement, à distance, le second le fait pratiquement, se plaçant au coeur de l’absolument autre.
Numance, Bataille et les fins de la violence théâtrale chez Sartre
Authors: Ireland John
Published: December 2013

La mise en scène de la tragédie de Miguel Cervantès, Le siège de Numance, en 1937, par Jean-Louis Barrault — reprise en 1965, l’année où Sartre signe sa dernière création théâtrale, Les Troyennes — et les réactions qu’elle suscita, notamment chez Georges Bataille, nous accorde une perspective inédite sur le problème inextricable et vexant de la violence chez Sartre. Alors qu’à l’instar du dramaturge de l’Occupation et de l’après-guerre, le militant s’acharne à soutenir la violence révolutionnaire et l’insurrection armée des opprimés dans leurs luttes pour la justice sociale, les dernières pièces de Sartre témoignent d’un pessimisme intellectuel grandissant quant au rôle salutaire de la violence pour assurer le succès des luttes révolutionnaires. Il rejoint ainsi — à sa manière — Bataille pour qui une révolution au pouvoir est une révolution trahie. Pourtant, à la différence de la mythologie religieuse de Bataille, le courant messianique dans la pensée théâtrale de Sartre révèle un optimisme inattendu qui nous aide à comprendre pourquoi l’activiste poursuit la lutte anticolonialiste pendant les années 1960 alors que l’aventure littéraire et théâtrale prend fin.
Sartre et la photographie : autour de la théorie de l’imaginaire
Authors: Sawada Nao
Published: December 2013

Bien qu’il existe de nombreuses études consacrées au thème de Sartre et l’art, la photographie reste encore aujourd’hui un sujet quasi inconnu, voire ignoré. Il est vrai que les mentions de la photographie sont plutôt rares et succinctes dans les textes philosophiques de Sartre. Nous pouvons constater le même phénomène dans les oeuvres romanesques. Pourquoi cette absence ? Qu’est-ce qui explique cette haine de la photo ? Pour répondre à ces questions, nous nous proposons d’analyser le rapport de Sartre à la photographie. Dans un premier temps, nous passons très brièvement en revue la théorie de l’image développée dans L’imagination et L’imaginaire. Dans un deuxième temps, nous examinons les rares scènes où apparaissent les photos dans ses romans. Dans La nausée, Antoine Roquentin a apparemment pris beaucoup de photos pendant ses voyages autour du monde. Mais il parle de ses photos de souvenirs comme des faux passés ou comme un vestige de son véritable vécu. Dans Les chemins de la liberté également, les photos ne jouent qu’un rôle anecdotique et négatif. C’est surtout dans Les mots que nous pouvons trouver les passages les plus significatifs sur la photographie. En se souvenant de son grand-père « photogénique », Sartre brosse le portrait caricatural d’un homme prisonnier de sa propre image charismatique. Et, en contrepartie, il souligne la découverte de sa laideur physique, en se référant à ses photos d’enfance. Ainsi, les photos sont presque toujours convoquées comme des métaphores négatives dans ses textes littéraires. Dans un troisième temps, nous analysons « D’une Chine à l’autre », la préface à l’album de Henri Cartier-Bresson, qui est l’unique texte que Sartre ait consacré à la photographie. Même si l’on ne trouve pas de théorie explicite sur la photo dans ce texte, nous pouvons repérer ce que Sartre apprécie dans certaines photos. Ainsi, à travers cette démarche, nous tâchons, d’une part, de mettre en lumière quelques aspects mal connus du Sartre esthéticien et, d’autre part, de faire une psychanalyse existentielle de Sartre homme à travers sa réticence par rapport à la photographie.
For science and for the Pope-king: writing the history of the exact sciences in nineteenth-century Rome
Authors: MAZZOTTI MASSIMO
Published: July 2002

This paper analyses the contents and the style of the Bullettino di bibliografia e di storia
delle scienze matematiche e fisiche (1868–1887), the first journal entirely devoted to the history of
mathematics. It is argued that its innovative and controversial methodological approach cannot
be properly understood without considering the cultural conditions in which the journal was
conceived and realized. The style of the Bullettino was far from being the mere outcome of the
eccentric personality of its editor, Prince Baldassarre Boncompagni. Rather, it reflected in many
ways, at the level of historiography of science, the struggle of the official Roman Catholic culture
against the growing secularization of knowledge and society.