bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RoCoMAR: Robots’ Controllable Mobility Aided Routing and Relay Architecture for Mobile Sensor Networks
Authors: Le Duc , Oh Hoon , Yoon Seokhoon
Published: July 2013

In a practical deployment, mobile sensor network (MSN) suffers from a low performance due to high node mobility, time-varying wireless channel properties, and obstacles between communicating nodes. In order to tackle the problem of low network performance and provide a desired end-to-end data transfer quality, in this paper we propose a novel ad hoc routing and relaying architecture, namely RoCoMAR (Robots’ Controllable Mobility Aided Routing) that uses robotic nodes’ controllable mobility. RoCoMAR repeatedly performs link reinforcement process with the objective of maximizing the network throughput, in which the link with the lowest quality on the path is identified and replaced with high quality links by placing a robotic node as a relay at an optimal position. The robotic node resigns as a relay if the objective is achieved or no more gain can be obtained with a new relay. Once placed as a relay, the robotic node performs adaptive link maintenance by adjusting its position according to the movements of regular nodes. The simulation results show that RoCoMAR outperforms existing ad hoc routing protocols for MSN in terms of network throughput and end-to-end delay.
Transferring the Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) Approach and Best Available Techniques (BAT) Concepts to Egypt, Tunisia and Morocco
Authors: Daddi Tiberio , De Giacomo Maria , Dils Evelien , Polders Caroline , Lepe Gloria , Calvo Víctor
Published: July 2013

The principles introduced by the Directive Concerning Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) (currently known as the Industrial Emissions Directive (2010/75/EU)) are innovative and have raised interests in the framework of the literature debate on environmental regulation. Many articles describe and analyze the application of the Directive in European countries, but only a few articles focus on how the interest for the Directive’s principles, including the integrated approach, have reached countries outside the European Union. This paper aims to contribute to this topic, describing the experience of the authors in carrying out an EU-funded project on transferring the IPPC approach and Best Available Techniques (BAT) concepts to three Arab countries, i.e., Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia. The paper presents the experience referring to two sectors falling within the scope of the IPPC Directive: the textile and dairy sector. The objectives, methodologies, activities and experiences are described and can be used and valorized to integrate the IPPC approach and BAT concepts in the current environmental legislation of the three countries.
Differentiation and Distribution of Cordyline Viruses 1–4 in Hawaiian ti Plants (Cordyline fruticosa L.)
Authors: Melzer Michael , Ayin Caleb , Sugano Jari , Uchida Janice , Kawate Michael , Borth Wayne , Hu John
Published: July 2013

Common green ti plants (Cordyline fruticosa L.) in Hawaii can be infected by four recently characterized closteroviruses that are tentative members of the proposed genus Velarivirus. In this study, a reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay developed to detect and distinguish Cordyline virus 1 (CoV-1), CoV-2, CoV-3, and CoV-4 was used to determine: (i) the distribution of these viruses in Hawaii; and (ii) if they are involved in the etiology of ti ringspot disease. One hundred and thirty-seven common green ti plants with and without ti ringspot symptoms were sampled from 43 sites on five of the Hawaiian Islands and underwent the RT-PCR assay. Eleven ornamental ti varieties were also sampled and assayed. Based on this survey, it appears none of the CoVs are involved in the etiology of ti ringspot. The observation of a non-uniform geographic distribution of the CoVs in common green ti, combined with the presence of CoVs in seed-derived ornamental varieties, suggests active vector transmission. Eight herbarium specimens collected between 1903 and 2003 from plants on the island of Oahu also underwent the RT-PCR assay. Amplifiable RNA was isolated from accessions collected in 1985 or later, however only the 2003 accession was found to harbor CoVs.
La distribution départementale des catégories socio-professionnelles
Authors: Delcros L. , Matter
Published: July 2013

Complément au Numéro spécial « l'Espace économique français ». Étude, par départements, des huit grands groupes socio- professionnels tels qu'ils ressortent du recensement de la population de 1954. La place que chacun occupe dans l'ensemble de la population française.
Les perspectives économiques en France pour le premier semestre 1957 d'après les chefs d'entreprises
Authors: Jankeliowitch R.
Published: July 2013

Au début de novembre, les chefs d'entreprises formulaient pour le semestre à venir des prévisions optimistes, au moins sur l'évolution de la production et de l'emploi.

Leurs perspectives paraissaient défavorables pour les exportations. L'insuffisance de la main-d'œuvre restait leur principal souci, et ils craignaient souvent de la voir s'aggraver encore. Une hausse modérée des prix était très généralement prévue.

Les événements du Moyen-Orient ont altéré ces perspectives, mais beaucoup moins lorsque les industriels envisagent leur propre activité que lorsqu'ils se réfèrent à l'ensemble de l'économie française.
Les investissements dans les entreprises privées de l'industrie et du commerce
Authors: Lévêque P.
Published: July 2013

Le mouvement d'expansion des investissements, déjà constaté en 1954 et en 1955 s'est poursuivi en 1956 à une échelle encore plus importante. Pour 1957 la prévision est encore à l'expansion mais à un rythme moins important, encore que les chefs d'entreprises soient généralement «prudents » dans l'expression de leurs prévisions.

Les investissements en matériel et outillage dans l'industrie, en installations et constructions dans le commerce viennent toujours en tête des investissements par nature.

Le mode de financement largement majoritaire est toujours l'appel aux ressources propres. Légère régression de l'appel aux crédits bancaires. Net recul de l'appel au marché financier.

Les retards de livraison des fournisseurs sont fréquemment évoqués comme difficulté rencontrée dans la mise en place des investissements.
Les travailleurs musulmans d'Algérie dans la métropole
Authors: Smolski T.
Published: July 2013

L'effectif global des musulmans d'Algérie établis en France est assez mal connu, les différentes évaluations qui en ont été faites paraissant inférieures à la réalité. Cet effectif doit être actuellement assez voisin de 300.000 personnes.

Seuls sont exactement relevés les mouvements de la main-d'œuvre musulmane entre l'Algérie et la France. Les départs d'Algérie obéissaient jusqu'au début de l'année 1956 à des rythmes bien déterminés : tendance croissante au cours des dix dernières années, variations saisonnières bien établies, variations d'ordre conjoncturel et paraissant liées à celles de l'activité de l'emploi en France, accessoirement, influence du rendement des récoltes. Ces rythmes se sont trouvés complètement bouleversés en 1956 par les événements politiques.
La population non originaire des territoires d'outre-mer français.
Authors: Grenier René
Published: July 2013

Si, dans l'ensemble de la population des territoires d'outre-mer, l'élément non originaire a une faible importance, il s'est, depuis les dernières années, notablement accru. Profitant de l'amélioration des conditions de vie : habitat, hygiène, santé, circulation, enseignement, la population non autochtone dépasse 200.000 personnes en 1951.

L'Afrique Noire a été de beaucoup la principale bénéficiaire de cette expansion ultra-marine. Celle-ci, en majorité française, se caractérise par une prédominance d'adultes — du sexe masculin — célibataires — exerçant des activités tertiaires.
Les investissements industriels en Allemagne occidentale
Authors: Sebastiani Charles
Published: July 2013

A la veille de la réforme monétaire de 1948, la situation économique de l'actuelle République fédérale était précaire. Une très grande partie du potentiel de production était détruite ou diminuée par les démontages. En juin 1948, la production industrielle atteignait à peine la moitié de celle de 1936.

La réforme monétaire a permis des investissements considérables et a été à l'origine d'une rapide expansion de la production et de l'accroissement de l'emploi. De juin 1948 à la fin de 1956, les investissements d'équipement bruts de l'industrie ont atteint 68 milliards de DM (5.665 milliards de francs). Le pourcentage du produit national consacré aux investissements a été constamment supérieur à celui de la première guerre mondiale ou de l'entre deux guerres.

En 1956, la production industrielle a plus que doublé par rapport à l'avant-guerre et les exportations de l'industrie sont passées de 6,7 milliards de DM en 1950, à 26,4 milliards.
Single‐copy nuclear gene primers for Streptanthus and other Brassicaceae from genomic scans, published data, and ESTs
Authors: Cacho N. Ivalú , Strauss Sharon Y.
Published: July 2013

• Premise of the study: We report 11 primer sets for nine single‐copy nuclear genes in Streptanthus and other Thelypodieae (Brassicaceae) and their utility at tribal‐level and species‐level phylogenetics in this poorly resolved group.

• Methods and Results: We selected regions based on a cross‐referenced matrix of previous studies and public Brassica expressed sequence tags. To design primers, we used alignments of low‐depth‐coverage Illumina sequencing of genomic DNA for two species of Brassica mapped onto Arabidopsis thaliana. We report several primer combinations for five regions that consistently amplified a single band and yielded high‐quality sequences for at least 70% of the species assayed, and for four additional regions whose utility might be clade specific.

• Conclusions: Our primers will be useful in improving resolution at shallow depths across the Thelypodieae, and likely in other Brassicaceae.
Identification and characterization of microsatellites from calafate (Berberis microphylla, Berberidaceae)
Authors: Varas Benjamín , Castro María H. , Rodriguez Roberto , von Baer Dietrich , Mardones Claudia , Hinrichsen Patricio
Published: July 2013

• Premise of the study: Southern barberry or calafate (Berberis microphylla) is a shrub species endemic to the Patagonian region of South America that is used for human consumption. The fruit is very rich in vitamin C and anthocyanins and has a very high antioxidant capacity. There have been only a few genetic studies of this and other closely related species.

• Methods and Results: Here we present the first 18 microsatellite markers of B. microphylla that were characterized using 66 accessions of calafate from Patagonia. On average, they had 7.6 alleles per marker, with an expected heterozygosity of 0.688. The informativeness of these markers was also evaluated in another 15 Berberis species, including most of the native and endemic Chilean species.

• Conclusions: The results confirm that these new simple sequence repeat markers are very polymorphic and potentially useful in genetic studies in any species of the genus Berberis.
NUMERICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS OF GROUTED HOLLOW BLOCK MASONRY UNDER COMPRESSION / BLOKŲ SU BETONU UŽPILDYTOMIS TUŠTYMĖMIS GNIUŽDOMOJO MŪRO ĮTEMPIŲ BŪVIO SKAITINĖ IR EKSPERIMENTINĖ ANALIZĖ
Authors: Zavalis Robertas , Jonaitis Bronius , Marčiukaitis Gediminas
Published: July 2013

Highly hollow masonry units, which allow reducing the weight of masonry constructions and improving heat and sound insulation qualities, are commonly used in masonry construction. Filling the hollows with concrete, or concrete with light additives, results in complex masonry. Overall performance of such masonry is affected by initial stresses, which are caused by shrinkage deformations of different infill concrete and masonry units. Behaviour of infill concrete and concrete blocks is analysed by applying numerical detailed micro modelling. Experiments revealed that masonry deformations of blocks with concrete filled hollows are similar to those of longitudinal deformations of infill concrete samples. σ-ε relations were received through numerical micro modelling and compressive strength of masonry match values were estimated during experiments.

Santrauka

Straipsnyje pateikiama betoninių blokų su betonu užpildytomis tuštymėmis gniuždomojo mūro įtempių būvio analizė. Mechaninėms tokio mūro savybėms įtakos turi pradiniai įtempiai, kuriuos sukelia skirtingos užpildymo betonu ir mūro gaminių traukiosios deformacijos. Užpildymo betono ir betoninių blokų elgsena analizuojama taikant tikslų skaitinį mikromodeliavimą. Eksperimentais nustatyta, kad blokų su užpildytomis betonu tuštymėmis mūro deformacijos artimos užpildymo betono deformacijoms. Skaitiniu modeliavimu gautos σ-ε priklausomybės ir gniuždomasis mūro stipris gerai sutampa su eksperimentais nustatytomis reikšmėmis.
Editorial Foreword
Authors: Mahaliyanaarachchi Rohana P
Published: July 2013

http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/jas.v8i2.5730The Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2013, vol.8, no2
Development of yoghurt-based weaning foods for 1-3 years old toddlers by incorporation of mung bean (Vigna radiata), soybean (Glycine max) and brown rice (Oryza sativa) for the Sri Lankan market
Authors: Munasinghe MADD , Silva KFST , Jayarathne K , Sarananda KH
Published: July 2013

Three extruded yoghurt-based weaning foods were formulated at different ratios by blending of brown rice: Rathu kekulu (Oryza sativa), soybean (Glycine max), mung bean (Vigna radiata) and milk powder which blend with yoghurt to achieve the recommended level of nutrients for a toddler aged between 1-3 years. These three formulated products were compared with a commercially available weaning food, Cerelac. Protein, fat, energy, dry matter, ash and water solubility index of formulated weaning foods were significantly (P˂0.05) higher than that of the commercial weaning food. Moisture, carbohydrate and water binding capacity were significantly (P˂0.05) lower than that of the commercial weaning food. The microbial counts of both flour and yoghurt separately, and for the gruel form were within the limits of recommendations. Moisture content data showed that flour mixtures were stable more than 21 days. Titratable acidity and pH indicated that the yoghurt was stable until16 days. Overall chemical evaluation results suggested the weaning food-2 (Rice-2%, mung bean-17%, soybean-3%, milk-3%, yoghurt-75%) as the best weaning food among the yoghurt-based weaning foods evaluated. Results concluded that formulation of the yoghurt-based weaning foods is a good approach to alleviate the malnurishment associated with conventional stipulated cereal-beased weaning floor mixtures given in liquid-gruel form. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/jas.v8i2.5731The Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2013, vol.8, no2 p.43-56
Effect of pressure infiltration of calcium chloride on postharvest storage life of avocado (Persia americana Mill)
Authors: Wickramasinghe WRKDWKV , Abayagunawardane WAAS , Dissanayake PK
Published: July 2013

Fruits of avocado var. Pollock, harvested at physiologically matured stage, were pressure infiltrated with four concentrations of aqueous solutions of CaCl2 (0%, 2%, 4% and 6%) at 250 mmHg pressure with a view of improving the shelf-life and quality. Fruits were assessed for firmness, ascorbic acid, and total Ca in peel and flesh. Postharvest pressure infiltration of CaCl2 extended the storage life and slowed down the ripening process of avocado. Ripening of fruits was delayed for 2-3 days with pressure infiltration of CaCl2 compared with untreated fruits, while treated fruits maintained considerable quantity of ascorbic acid at ripened stage. Sensory evaluation revealed that there were no significant differences among treatments for sweetness, color, odor and hardness of fruits. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/jas.v8i2.5738 The Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2013, vol.8, no2 p.70-75
Effect of pre emergence herbicides on weed control and performance of cowpea in Samaru
Authors: Usman Ibrahim
Published: July 2013

Field experiments were carried out in 2010 and 2011 cropping seasons at the Institute for Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria- Nigeria located on latitude11011’, longitude7038’ and 686m above sea level in Northern Guinea Savannah Ecological Zone to evaluate the effect of pre emergence herbicides on growth and yield parameters of cowpea. In this study, different pre emergence herbicides were compared for their efficiency on weed control of various weed species under rain- fed conditions in Nigeria. The different herbicides used are, S-metolachlor 960 EC @ the rate of 3.5 litre ha-1, pendimenthaline 33% (w/v) EC @ the rate of 3.5 liter ha-1 and Butalachlor E.C at the rate of 3.5Lha-1. There was significant yield increase due to Application of pendimenthaline at 3.5 L ha-1 + Hand weeding of cowpea at 6WAS. There was significantly superior performances in terms of plant height, number of leaves per plant, number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant and grain yield ha1. However Leaf area per plant and 100 – grain weight were not significantly influenced by the treatments. Of all the weed control methods, chemical weed control using pendimenthaline at 3.5 L ha-1 + Hand weeding at 6WAS, significantly gave better results than the other treatments on both growth and yield parameters.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/jas.v8i2.5746 The Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2013, vol.8, no2 p.76-81
Experiences of Fast Queue health care users in primary health care facilities in eThekwini district, South Africa
Authors: Sokhela Dudu G. , Makhanya Nonhlanhla J. , Sibiya Nokuthula M. , Nokes Kathleen M.
Published: July 2013

Background: Comprehensive Primary Health Care (PHC), based on the principles of accessibility, availability, affordability, equity and acceptability, was introduced in South Africa to address inequalities in health service provision. Whilst the Fast Queue was instrumental in the promotion of access to health care, a major goal of the PHC approach, facilities were not prepared for the sudden influx of clients. Increased access resulted in long waiting times and queues contributing to dissatisfaction with the service which could lead to missed appointments and non-compliance with established treatment plans. Objectives: Firstly to describe the experiences of clients using the Fast Queue strategy to access routine healthcare services and secondly, to determine how the clients’ experiences led to satisfaction or dissatisfaction with the Fast Queue service.Method: A descriptive qualitative survey using content analysis explored the experiences of the Fast Queue users in a PHC setting. Setting was first identified based on greatest number using the Fast Queue and geographic diversity and then a convenience sample of health care users of the Fast Queue were sampled individually along with one focus group of users who accessed the Queue monthly for medication refills. The same interview guide questions were used for both individual interviews and the one focus group discussion. Five clinics with the highest number of attendees during a three month period and a total of 83 health care users of the Fast Queue were interviewed. The average participant was female, 31 years old, single and unemployed.Results: Two themes with sub-themes emerged: health care user flow and communication, which highlights both satisfaction and dissatisfaction with the fast queue and queue marshals, could assist in directing users to the respective queues, reduce waiting time and keep users satisfied with the use of sign posts where there is a lack of human resources.Conclusion: Effective health communication strategies contribute to positive experiences by health care users and these can be effected by: (1) involvement of health care providers in planning the construction of health facilities to give input about patient flow, infection prevention and control and provision of privacy, (2) effective complaints mechanisms for users to ensure that complaints are followed up and (3)encouraging users to arrive at the facility throughout the day, rather than the present practice where all users arrive at the clinic early in the morning.
Adherence barriers and facilitators for cervical screening amongst currently disadvantaged women in the greater Cape Town region of South Africa
Authors: De Abreu Chantelle , Horsfall Hannah , Learmonth Despina
Published: July 2013

Background: In South Africa cervical cancer is the second most commonly occurring cancer amongst women, and black African women have the highest risk of developing this disease. Unfortunately, the majority of South African women do not adhere to recommended regular cervical screening.Objectives: The purpose of this research was to explore the perceptions, experiences and knowledge regarding cervical screening of disadvantaged women in two informal settlements in South African urban areas.Method: The Health Belief Model (HBM) provided a theoretical framework for this study. Four focus groups (n = 21) were conducted, using questions derived from the HBM, and thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. The ages of the women who participated ranged from 21 to 53 years.Results: The analysis revealed lack of knowledge about screening as a key structural barrier to treatment. Other structural barriers were: time, age at which free screening is available, and health education. The psychosocial barriers that were identified included: fear of the screening procedure and of the stigmatisation in attending screening. The presence of physical symptoms, the perception that screening provides symptom relief, HIV status, and the desire to know one’s physical health status were identified as facilitators of cervical screening adherence.Conclusion: This knowledge has the potential to inform healthcare policy and services in South Africa. As globalisation persists and individuals continue to immigrate or seek refugee status in foreign countries, increased understanding and knowledge is required for successful acculturation and integration. Developed countries may therefore also benefit from research findings in developing countries.
Another approach on an elliptic equation of Kirchhoff type
Authors: de Araujo Anderson L.A.
Published: July 2013

This paper is concerned with the existence of solutions to the class of nonlocal boundary value problems of the type

-M\left(\int_{\Omega}|\nabla u|^2\right)\Delta u = f(x,u), \text { in } \Omega, \ u=0, \text{ on } \partial \Omega,

where

\Omega

is a smooth bounded domain of

\mathbb{R}^N

and

M

is a positive continuous function. By assuming that

f(x, u)

is a Carathéodory function which growths at most

|u|^{\frac{N}{N-2}}

,

N \geq 3

, and under a suitable growth condition on

M

, one proves an existence result by applying the Leray–Schauder fixed point theorem.
Enhancement of photoacoustic detection of inhomogeneities in polymers
Authors: Grondona P. , Di Rocco H. O. , Iriarte D. I. , Pomarico J. A. , Ranea-Sandoval Héctor F. , Bilmes G. M.
Published: July 2013

We report a series of experiments on laser pulsed photoacoustic excitationin turbid polymer samples addressed to evaluate the sound speed in the samples and the presence of inhomogeneities in the bulk. We describe a system which allows the direct measurement of the speed of the detected waves by engraving the surface of the piece under study with a fiduciary pattern of black lines..We also describe how this pattern helps to enhance the sensitivity for the detection of an inhomogeneity in the bulk. These two facts are useful for studies in soft matter systems including, perhaps, biological samples. We have performed an experimental analysis on Grilon® samples in different situations and we show the limitations of the method. Received: 7 December 2012,  Accepted: 19 June 2013; Reviewed by: V. Lakshminarayanan, Waterloo University, Canada; Edited by: J. J. Niemela; DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4279/PIP.050005Cite as: P. Grondona, H. O. Di Rocco, D. I. Iriarte, J. A. Pomarico, H. F. Ranea-Sandoval, G. M. Bilmes, Papers in Physics 5, 050005 (2013)
Notional Defined Contribution (NDC) Pension Schemes and Income Patterns
Authors: Nisticò Sergio , Bevilacqua Mirko
Published: July 2013

During the 1990s, some important European countries, particularly Italy and Sweden, have radically transformed their public pension system by adopting defined-contribution rules while retaining a pay-as-you-go financial architecture. This paper inquires into the theoretical properties of these “Notional Defined Contribution” pension schemes in order to identify the determinants of the replacement rates awarded to individuals with different income patterns. Three typical career patterns are taken into consideration, according to whether the individual wage growth is equal to, higher than, or lower than average wage growth. The impact of, and the possible remedies to, a possible discontinuity on the replacement rates is finally discussed by means of a sensitivity analysis of the replacement rates with respect to the career length (for a given retirement age), the retirement age, and the conventional rate of return credited on all individual accounts.
Impact of land convection on temperature diurnal variation in the tropical lower stratosphere inferred from COSMIC GPS radio occultations
Authors: Khaykin S. M. , Pommereau J.-P. , Hauchecorne A.
Published: July 2013

Abstract. Following recent studies evidencing the influence of deep convection on the chemical composition and thermal structure of the tropical lower stratosphere, we explore its impact on the temperature diurnal variation in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere using the high-resolution COSMIC GPS radio-occultation temperature measurements spanning from 2006 through 2011. The temperature in the lowermost stratosphere over land during summer displays a marked diurnal cycle characterized by an afternoon cooling. This diurnal cycle is shown collocated with most intense land convective areas observed by the Tropical Rainfall Measurement Mission (TRMM) precipitation radar and in phase with the maximum overshooting occurrence frequency in late afternoon. Two processes potentially responsible for that are identified: (i) non-migrating tides, whose physical nature is internal gravity waves, and (ii) local cross-tropopause mass transport of adiabatically cooled air by overshooting turrets. Although both processes can contribute, only the lofting of adiabatically cooled air is well captured by models, making it difficult to characterize the contribution of non-migrating tides. The impact of deep convection on the temperature diurnal cycle is found larger in the southern tropics, suggesting more vigorous convection over clean rain forest continents than desert areas and polluted continents in the northern tropics.
Spatial distributions and seasonal cycles of aerosol climate effects in India seen in global climate-aerosol model
Authors: Henriksson S. V. , Pietikäinen J.-P. , Hyvärinen A.-P. , Räisänen P. , Kupiainen K. , Tonttila J. , Hooda R. , Lihavainen H. , Backman L. , Klimont Z. , Laaksonen A.
Published: July 2013

Abstract. Climate-aerosol interactions in India are studied by employing the global climate-aerosol model ECHAM5-HAM and the GAINS inventory for anthropogenic aerosol emissions. Seasonal cycles and spatial distributions of radiative forcing and the temperature and rainfall responses are presented for different model setups. While total aerosol radiative forcing is strongest in the summer, anthropogenic forcing is considerably stronger in winter than in summer. Local seasonal temperature anomalies caused by aerosols are mostly negative with some exceptions, e.g. Northern India in March–May and the eastern Himalayas in September–November. Rainfall increases due to the elevated heat pump (EHP) mechanism and decreases due to solar dimming effects are studied. Aerosol light absorption does increase rainfall significantly in Northern India, but effects due to solar dimming and circulation work to cancel the increase. The total aerosol effect on rainfall is negative when considering all effects if assuming that aerosols have cooled the Northern Indian Ocean by 0.5 °K compared to the equator.
Megalake Chad impact on climate and vegetation during the late Pliocene and the mid-Holocene
Authors: Contoux C. , Jost A. , Ramstein G. , Sepulchre P. , Krinner G. , Schuster M.
Published: July 2013

Abstract. Given the growing evidence for megalakes in the geological record, assessing their impact on climate and vegetation is important for the validation of palaeoclimate simulations and therefore the accuracy of model–data comparison in lacustrine environments. Megalake Chad (MLC) occurrences are documented not only for the mid-Holocene but also for the Mio-Pliocene (Schuster et al., 2009). At this time, the surface covered by water would have reached up to ~350 000 km2 (Ghienne et al., 2002; Schuster et al., 2005; Leblanc et al., 2006), making it an important evaporation source, possibly modifying climate and vegetation in the Chad Basin. We investigated the impact of such a giant continental water area in two different climatic backgrounds within the Paleoclimate Model Intercomparison Project phase 3 (PMIP3): the late Pliocene (3.3 to 3 Ma, i.e. the mid-Piacenzian warm period) and the mid-Holocene (6 kyr BP). In all simulations including MLC, precipitation is drastically reduced above the lake surface because deep convection is inhibited by overlying colder air. Meanwhile, convective activity is enhanced around MLC because of the wind increase generated by the flat surface of the megalake, transporting colder and moister air towards the eastern shore of the lake. The effect of MLC on precipitation and temperature is not sufficient to widely impact vegetation patterns. Nevertheless, tropical savanna is present in the Chad Basin in all climatic configurations, even without MLC presence, showing that the climate itself is the driver of favourable environments for sustainable hominid habitats.
Expected changes in future temperature extremes and their elevation dependency over the Yellow River source region
Authors: Hu Y. , Maskey S. , Uhlenbrook S.
Published: July 2013

Abstract. Using the Statistical DownScaling Model (SDSM) and the outputs from two global climate models, we investigate possible changes in mean and extreme temperature indices and their elevation dependency over the Yellow River source region for the two future periods 2046–2065 and 2081–2100 under the IPCC SRES A2, A1B and B1 emission scenarios. Changes in interannual variability of mean and extreme temperature indices are also analyzed. The validation results show that SDSM performs better in reproducing the maximum temperature-related indices than the minimum temperature-related indices. The projections show that by the middle and end of the 21st century all parts of the study region may experience increases in both mean and extreme temperature in all seasons, along with an increase in the frequency of hot days and warm nights and with a decrease in frost days. By the end of the 21st century, interannual variability increases in all seasons for the frequency of hot days and warm nights and in spring for frost days while it decreases for frost days in summer. Autumn demonstrates pronounced elevation-dependent changes in which around six out of eight indices show significant increasing changes with elevation.
Comment on "Estimating actual, potential, reference crop and pan evaporation using standard meteorological data: a pragmatic synthesis" by McMahon et al. (2013)
Authors: McMahon T. A. , Peel M. C. , Szilagyi J.
Published: July 2013

Abstract. In the paper by McMahon et al. (2013, Supplement Sects. S8 and S19 (Worked Example 8)), the Szilagyi–Jozsa Advection–Aridity model (Szilagyi, 2007; Szilagyi and Jozsa, 2008), which is a modification of the original Advection Aridity model of Brutsaert and Strickler (1979), was not applied in the worked example as intended by author J. Szilagyi. This Commentary seeks to clarify the issue and provide the correct procedure.
Relationship between Socioeconomic Deprivation or Urban/Rural Residence and Visual Acuity before Cataract Surgery in Northern Scotland
Authors: Chua Paul Y. , Mustafa Mohammed S. , Scott Neil W. , Kumarasamy Manjula , Azuara-Blanco Augusto
Published: July 2013

Purpose

To evaluate the influence of socioeconomic factors on visual acuity before cataract surgery.

Methods

The medical case notes of 240 consecutive patients listed for cataract surgery from January 1, 2010, at Grampian University Hospital, Aberdeen, were reviewed retrospectively. Patients with ocular comorbidity were excluded. Demographics, postal codes, and visual acuity were recorded. Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation was used to determine the deprivation rank. Home location was classified as urban or rural. The effect of these parameters on preoperative visual acuity was investigated using chi-square tests or Fisher exact test as appropriate.

Results

A total of 184 patients (mean 75 years) were included. A total of 127 (69%) patients had visual acuity of 6/12 or better. An association was found between affluence and preoperative visual acuity of 6/12 or better (χ2trend = 4.97, p = 0.03), with a significant rising trend across quintile of deprivation. There was no evidence to suggest association between geographical region and preoperative visual acuity (p = 0.63).

Conclusions

Affluence was associated with good visual acuity (6/12 or better) before cataract surgery. There was no difference in preoperative visual acuity between rural and urban populations.
Effect of Timolol on Central Corneal Thickness
Authors: Grueb Matthias , Rohrbach Jens Martin
Published: July 2013

Purpose

Timolol is an effective and safe medication that is widely used in glaucoma treatment. Although it is known that it is quickly taken up by the cornea following topical administration and that the cornea exhibits β-adrenergic receptors, there are few studies available on the clinical impact of timolol on central corneal thickness (CCT).

Methods

Twenty healthy subjects were tested in a double-blind, prospective, and randomized study. Intraocular pressure (IOP) and CCT were measured before and during administration of timolol 0.5% eyedrops over 28 days.

Results

Administration of timolol 0.5% resulted in a reduction of IOP from an initial value of 16 ± 2 mm Hg to 13 ± 0 mm Hg (p<0.001, R2 = 0.7033) as well as an increase in CCT from 555 ± 11 μm from the time of the baseline examination to 567 ± 9 μm (p = 0.005, R2 = 0.8754), an increase of epithelial thickness from 53 ± 2 μm to 59 ± 3 μm (p<0.001, R2 = 0.5063), and an increase of stromal thickness from 494 ± 4 μm to 498 ± 9 μm (p = 0.045, R2 = 0.4352) after 9 days each. From day 10 on, a decrease in CCT (R2 = 0.6164), epithelial thickness (R2 = 0.2216), and stromal thickness (R2 = 0.2092) was observed. At the end, the values had returned toward the initial values measured (CCT 553 ± 8 μm, p = 0.391; epithelial thickness, 50 ± 2 μm, p = 0.214; and stromal thickness, 493 ± 8 μm, p = 0.483). In contrast, endothelial thickness did not vary following administration of timolol 0.5% (p = 0.727, R2 = 0.009).

Conclusions

Topical administration of timolol 0.5% results in a reversible increase in CCT. These modest changes are unlikely to influence tonometry or clinical decision-making.
Influence of Biometric Parameters on Rotational Stability of Toric IOLs
Authors: Klamann Matthias K.J. , Von Sonnleithner Christoph , Gonnermann Johannes , Maier Anna-Karina B. , Torun Necip , Bertelmann Eckart
Published: July 2013

Purpose

The aim of the study was to determine the influence of axial length (AL) and anterior chamber depth (ACD) on the rotational stability of a toric intraocular lens (IOL).

Methods

In this retrospective study, 40 eyes of 40 patients were included. All patients underwent phacoemulsification and had AcrySof toric IOL implantations. The AL and the ACD (epithelium to lens) were measured using optical coherence biometry. Cornea astigmatism was determined by topography. Rotational stability was measured 1 day, 1 week, 4 weeks, and 3 months postoperatively.

Results

The mean AL and ACD were 23.91 ± 1.51 and 2.91 ± 0.37 mm. The medial rotation was 2.47 ± 22.7, 2.92 ± 2.93, 2.56 ± 2.07, and 2.37 ± 2.29 degrees from baseline at 1 day, 1 week, 4 weeks, and 3 months, respectively. No correlation occurred between AL and ACD and IOL rotation at any time.

Conclusions

Biometric parameters may not influence the rotational stability of this type of acrylic posterior chamber toric IOL in the short term.
Fluorescein Angiography–Based Diagnosis for Retinopathy of Prematurity: Expert-non Expert Comparison
Authors: Guagliano Rosanna , Barillà Donatella , Bertone Chiara , Maffia Anna , Periti Francesca , Spallone Laura , Anselmetti Giovanni , Giacosa Elisabetta , Stronati Mauro , Tinelli Carmine , Bianchi Paolo Emilio
Published: July 2013

Purpose

To evaluate accuracy and inter-rater reliability of RetCam fundus images and digital camera fluorangioscopic images in acute retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) by comparing diagnoses given by trainee ophthalmologists with those provided by expert ophthalmologists.

Methods

This is a multicenter retrospective observational study of diagnostic data from 48 eyes of 24 premature infants with classical ROP, stage II, as evaluated by RetCam 3 and fluorescein angiography (FA). Average gestational age was 25.4 weeks, average weight 804.7 g. A staging grid (with ocular fundus divided into 3 concentric zones) and 24 15° sectors centered around the optic papilla were superimposed on 360° retina photomontages (Photoshop) made from RetCam and FA images. Non expert vs expert diagnosis agreement was measured for each sector by means of Cohen kappa (Fleiss, 1981).

Results

A high degree of concordance was found. Inter-rater agreement between expert and non expert interpretations of retinal photomontages was greater for fluorangiographic images than for RetCam images, with κ = 0.61–1 for 120/152 (78.9%) sectors examined on the RetCam images and κ = 0.61–1 for 168/198 (84.8%) sectors examined on the FA images.

Conclusions

The FA images appear to be easier to interpret than RetCam images, both by expert and non expert ophthalmologists. The results confirm that FA is a good examination technique with a high degree of reliability, even where trainee practitioners are involved. This suggests that retinopathy management can be improved by entrusting diagnostic responsibilities to trainee ophthalmologists, in order to extend access to correct diagnosis, recognition of threshold lesions, and prompt treatment.
Evaluation of the Tightness of Contact between Limbal Sclera Tunnel and Tube following Ahmed Glaucoma Valve Implantation
Authors: Holló Gábor , Naghizadeh Farzaneh
Published: July 2013

Purpose

To investigate whether the tightness of contact between the tube and the limbal sclera tunnel can be evaluated with high-magnification anterior segment optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging following Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation.

Methods

Tightness between the tube and the limbal sclera tunnel was investigated with the CAM-L cornea lens adapter of the Optovue Fourier-domain OCT (RTVue-OCT) for 21 uncomplicated Ahmed glaucoma valves implanted in 20 eyes of 19 patients with glaucoma. Nineteen valves were implanted 4 to 124 months earlier (late postoperative cases) and 2 valves 1 day prior to the imaging (early postoperative cases). All valves were introduced into the anterior chamber via a limbal sclera tunnel.

Results

The limbal intratunnel part of the tube was successfully imaged in all but 2 cases where an additional full-thickness sclera patch was used. In 14 cases, the contact was tight without tube compression. In 5 cases, the tube was partially compressed but remained open in the limbal sclera tunnel, and redilated behind the limbus. No case with loose contact or peritubular filtration was seen. The posterior run of the tube was successfully imaged in all 19 cases without a full-thickness sclera patch.

Conclusions

High-magnification imaging with the CAM- L anterior segment adapter of the RTVue-OCT allows detailed examination of the limbal insertion area of tubes in both the early and late postoperative periods. Therefore this method may potentially be applied for detection of complications related to tube insertion after glaucoma drainage device surgery.
High-dose (2.0 mg) Intravitreal Ranibizumab for Recalcitrant Radiation Retinopathy
Authors: Finger Paul T. , Chin Kimberly J.
Published: July 2013

Purpose

To evaluate the safety and tolerability and treatment efficacy of high-dose (2.0 mg) intravitreal ranibizumab for recalcitrant radiation retinopathy.

Methods

A phase I to II open-label, nonrandomized prospective clinical trial was performed on 10 eyes of 10 patients with recalcitrant radiation retinopathy who were failing standard dose anti–vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy. External beam or plaque brachytherapy–associated retinopathy was characterized by persistent macular edema or leakage on optical coherence tomography or fluorescein angiography. Intravitreal 2.0 mg ranibizumab was given monthly up to 12 months and monitored for tolerability and change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central foveal thickness, and clinical signs of radiation retinopathy.

Results

Seven patients completed the 1-year study and received all 12 injections; 3 withdrew from the study due to worsening retinopathy (1 after external beam, 2 following plaque). Treatment was well-tolerated with no severe adverse reactions. A total of 70% had stable (n = 3) or improved (n = 4) BCVA. Mean change in BCVA was +3.3 letters at 6 months and +0.7 letters at 1 year. Mean improvement in central foveal thickness (CFT) was −19.3% (range −57 to +15%) at 1 year. Initial mean CFT was 428 μm (range 192–776); final mean CFT was 333 μm (range 190–532). A total of 80% demonstrated a statistically significant (p<0.05) reduction in CFT.

Conclusions

Regardless of radiation source, intravitreal injections of 2.0 ranibizumab induced significant reductions in macular edema and maintained or improved BCVA in most patients who were failing standard dose anti-VEGF therapy.
ALGORITMOS PARA CONSTRUÇÃO DE PANORAMA DE IMAGENS 360 E VISUALIZAÇÃO
Authors: Hiraga Alan Kazuo , Silva Francisco Assis da , Artero Almir Olivette
Published: July 2013

This paper presents a methodology for the construction of mosaic images to form360 panorama and an application for viewing. We used the SIFT and RANSAC algorithms commonly found in the literature for matching images. The algorithms for projection, adjustment of images and Blend forsmoothingthe joints were implemented in this paper using the OpenCV Computer Vision library. The methodology of this research techniques were applied to reduce the distortions caused in the joints of successive images, as well as increase the quality of the final panorama and get better performance.The viewer application developed in C# shows the 360 image resulting from images stitching into a cylinder with the point of view inside. The results of the experiments performed using the proposed technique has proved satisfactory, the mosaic formed by the joining of multiple pictures suffers little distortion, however, these distortions do not interfere with the final formation of the panorama 360, which provides good visual quality.
Using Industrial Robots to Manipulate the Measured Object in CMM
Authors: Lemes Samir , Strbac Damir , Cabaravdic Malik
Published: July 2013

Coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) are widely used to check dimensions of manufactured parts, especially in the automotive industry. The major obstacles in automation of these measurements are fixturing and clamping assemblies, which are required in order to position the measured object within the CMM. This paper describes how an industrial robot can be used to manipulate the measured object within the CMM work space, in order to enable automation of complex geometry measurement.
Integrative Health Coaching and Motivational Interviewing: Synergistic Approaches to Behavior Change in Healthcare
Authors: Simmons Leigh Ann , Wolever Ruth Q.
Published: July 2013

As rates of preventable chronic diseases and associated costs continue to rise, there has been increasing focus on strategies to support behavior change in healthcare. Health coaching and motivational interviewing are synergistic but distinct approaches that can be effectively employed to achieve this end. However, there is some confusion in the literature about the relationship between these two approaches. The purpose of this review is to describe a specific style of health coaching—integrative health coaching—and motivational interviewing, including their origins, the processes and strategies employed, and the ways in which they are similar and different. We also provide a case example of how integrative health coaching and motivational interviewing might be employed to demonstrate how these approaches are synergistic but distinct from each other in practice. This information may be useful for both researchers and clinicians interested in investigating or using behavior change interventions to improve health and cost outcomes in chronic disease.
Real‐Time Noninvasive Monitoring of In Vivo Inflammatory Responses using a pH Ratiometric Fluorescence Imaging Probe
Authors: Tsai Yi‐Ting , Zhou Jun , Weng Hong , Shen Jinhui , Tang Liping , Hu Wen‐Jing
Published: July 2013

It is often difficult to continuously monitor and quantify inflammatory responses in vivo. These dynamic responses however are often accompanied by specific pH changes. A new ratiometric optical pH probe is developed by combining pH‐sensitive (CypHer5E) and pH‐insensitive (Oyster800) fluorescent dyes into nanoparticles for in vivo optical imaging. By taking the ratio of fluorescence intensities at different wavelengths, these nanosized sensors provide excellent measurement capabilities, and unique mapping, of the continuous in vivo pH changes for three different inflammation models. In each model a strong positive correlation is found between ratiometric pH changes and the corresponding inflammatory response measured by histological analyses. These results indicate that ratiometric imaging can provide a noninvasive, rapid, and highly sensitive optical readout for the pH‐ratio changes in vivo. Furthermore this technique may be used to monitor the real‐time dynamics of inflammatory processes.
Combinatorial Biomatrix/Cell‐Based Therapies for Restoration of Host Tissue Architecture and Function
Authors: Cantu David Antonio , Kao W. John
Published: July 2013

This Progress Report reviews recent advances in the utility of extracellular matrix (ECM)‐mimic biomaterials in presenting and delivering therapeutic cells to promote tissue healing. This overview gives a brief introduction of different cell types being used in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering while addressing critical issues that must be overcome before cell‐based approaches can be routinely employed in the clinic. A selection of five commonly used cell‐associated, biomaterial platforms (collagen, hyaluronic acid, fibrin, alginate, and poly(ethylene glycol)) are reviewed for treatment of a number of acute injury or diseases with emphasis on animal models and clinical trials. This article concludes with current challenges and future perspectives regarding foreign body host response to biomaterials and immunological reactions to allogeneic or xenogeneic cells, vascularization and angiogenesis, matching mechanical strength and anisotropy of native tissues, as well as other non‐technical issues regarding the clinical translation of biomatrix/cell‐based therapies.