bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global Gibbs Free Energy Minimization in Reactive Systems via Harmony Search
Authors: Bonilla-Petriciolet Adrian , Moreno-Virgen Ma. del Rosario , Soto-Bernal Juan Jose
Published: June 2012

Phase equilibrium calculations in systems subject to chemical reactions play a major role in the design of reactive separation schemes including chemical reaction engineering. Basically, these calculations involve the global minimization of Gibbs free energy constrained by the material balances and chemical equilibrium restrictions. However, Gibbs free energy function is non-convex, highly non-linear with many decision variables, and may have several local minimums including trivial and nonphysical solutions. In these conditions, conventional numerical methods are not suitable for solving reactive phase equilibrium problems. Recently, there has been a significant and increasing interest in the development of global strategies for reliably solving reactive phase equilibrium problems subject. Harmony search (HS) is a global stochastic optimization method, which has been conceptualized using the musical process of searching for a perfect state of harmony. Until now, HS has been successfully applied to solve various engineering and optimization problems. However, there are few studies concerning the application of this optimization method for chemical engineering calculations. To the best of our knowledge, the performance of HS for solving reactive phase equilibrium problems has not yet been reported. Therefore, this paper introduces the application of HS-based algorithms to the constrained global minimization of Gibbs free energy in reactive systems. Specifically, we have studied the performance of three variants of HS in reactive phase equilibrium calculations. Our results are useful to identify the capabilities and relative strengths of HS with respect to other stochastic optimization methods for the simultaneous calculation of physical and chemical equilibrium.
Study on Heat Transfer from a Bubbling Fluidized Bed Combustor to a Membrane Wall
Authors: Neto Paula , Ribeiro Albina M. , Pinho Carlos
Published: June 2012

The importance of projection and splashing of bubbling bed particles on the heat transfer rate towards a membrane wall heat exchanger placed above the bed was studied.To characterize the heat transferred from a bubbling fluidized bed to a membrane wall heat exchanger placed above the freeboard, a laboratory scale fluidized bed reactor, heated by a 2 kW electric resistance, was used. The reactor, with an internal diameter of 54.5 mm, had two 0.83 m height double pipe heat exchangers placed one above the other. Only the heat exchanger close to the bed surface participated in the heat exchange process. Tests were done without and with combustion.For experiments without combustion the bed was fluidized with air at superficial velocities of 0.2 to 0.5 m/s in the 400-700 °C temperature range. For experiments with combustion, the fluidizing gas was obtained through propane combustion in the bed in 700-720 °C temperature range, for superficial velocities of 0.2 to 0.3 m/s. Five different bed particle sizes were considered: 107.5, 142.5, 180, 282.5 and 357.5 µm.Particle convective heat transfer coefficients were obtained in the range of 2 to 16 W/m²/K and a correlation for the corresponding Nusselt number as a function of the fluidization characteristics and the combustion equivalence ratio is proposed.For the three smaller bed particle sizes, the particle entrainment ratio had a strong influence on the heat transferred towards the membrane wall and the corresponding bed particle entrainment rate was determined and correlated with the fluidization characteristics and the combustion equivalence ratio.
Is Xfinity TV Anticompetitive? Let the Courts, not Regulators, Decide
Authors: Wallsten Scott J.
Published: June 2012

Comcast counts Netflix traffic, but not its own streaming on-demand service, against users' data limits. Critics contend that this behavior violates at least the spirit of network neutrality. This controversy highlights the complexity of defining and regulating neutrality as services continue to migrate to IP platforms. The right question is how Comcast's behavior affects consumers. Antitrust, not regulations, are best suited for making that determination.
A Matrix Converter for Compensating Unbalanced and Harmonic Input Voltages
Authors: Lozano Jose M. , Ramirez Juan M.
Published: June 2012

A dynamic voltage restorer (DVR) based on an AC-AC converter is presented. It is able to compensate different common disturbances in distribution systems, with the purpose of improving the power quality delivered to the users. A prototype has been assembled to test the feasibility of the proposition. In this paper a modulation strategy based on the well known space vector modulation (SVM) algorithm is presented in order to synthesize controllable voltages in magnitude and waveform for compensation purposes. Unbalanced and harmonic distortion conditions in the supply voltages are taken into account. These results positively confirm the design, simulation, assembling, and expectations about the device.
Production and Characterization of Ovalbumin and Ovotransferrin from Chicken Egg White
Authors: Liu Jianguo , Liu Jing , Zhang Xuefang
Published: June 2012

An efficient and easily scaled up method to separate ovalbumin and ovotransferrin simultaneously from chicken egg white using ultrafiltration is proposed. The purities of ovalbumin and ovotransferrin obtained were 94% and 89%, with the yields of 82% and 76%, respectively. The resulting ovalbumin and ovotransferrin products was then characterized by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, isoelectric focusing, dynamic light scattering, circular dichroism, and amino acid analysis to confirm their molecular weights, isoelectric points, aggregate sizes, molecular secondary structures, and amino acid compositions. The iron-binding capacity of the purified ovotransferrin was also evaluated.
Fostering Interdependence to Minimise Political Risks in a European-North African Renewable Electricity Supergrid
Authors: Lilliestam Johan , Ellenbeck Saskia
Published: June 2012

The option of decarbonisation of the European power sector with the help of significant imports of renewable electricity from North Africa via a trans-continental electricity
Hilfe für Witwen und Waisen
Authors: Schellenberg Annette
Published: June 2012

The motif of help for widows and orphans is well attested throughout the ANE, but it is used quite differently in different writings. This contribution investigates these differences by first giving an overview of the ANE material and then asking how the different lines of tradition identified are continued in different parts of the OT (Wisdom and Psalms; Prophets; Deuteronomy). The investigation shows that the way help for widows and orphans is articulated reveals much about the theology/ideology of a particular writing.

Le motif de l’assistance de la veuve et de l’orphelin est bien attesté dans tout le Proche-Orient antique, mais il est utilisé différemment selon ses traditions. Cette contribution analyse ces différents emplois, tout en donnant d’abord une vue générale de la documentation du Proche- Orient antique, puis en interrogeant comment les lignes de tradition ont persisté dans différents écrits de l’Ancien Testament (Sagesse et Psaumes, Prophètes, Deutéronome). L’analyse montre clairement que la façon dont est traité le motif de l’assistance de la veuve et de l’orphelin est révélateur de la théologie ou idéologie de chaque écrit.

Das Motiv der Hilfe für Witwen und Waisen ist im gesamten AO gut bezeugt, wird im Einzelnen aber verschieden gebraucht. Dieser Beitrag geht diesen Unterschieden nach, wobei zuerst ein Überblick über den gesamt-altorientalischen Befund gegeben wird und daran anschließend danach gefragt wird, wie sich die verschiedenen Traditionslinien in verschiedenen Textbereichen des AT fortsetzen (Weisheit und Psalmen; Propheten; Deuteronomium). Die Untersuchung macht deutlich, dass die Art, wie über die Hilfe für Witwen und Waisen gesprochen ist, stets viel über die Theologie/Ideologie der entsprechenden Schriften besagt.
Der Berg Garizim im Deuteronomium
Authors: Jericke Detlef
Published: June 2012

Mount Gerizim is mentioned in Deuteronomy 11 and 27, at the two connecting points between the central core of the book (Deut 12–26) and the chapters which form its framework. Deuteronomy 11,29–30 combines names of different places where cultic activities are carried out immediately after the entrance into the land of Canaan. Gerizim and Ebal are the places where Israel has to demonstrate obedience to Jhwh after forty years of rebellion in the wilderness. Deuteronomy 27,4 poses a problem of textual criticism. The Masoretic text calls the place of the veneration of Jhwh »Ebal« whereas the Samaritan Pentateuch writes »Gerizim«. I interpret the difference as a result of productive discussions between the two cultic centres in Jerusalem and on Mt. Gerizim in Persian and Hellenistic times.

Le livre du Deutéronome fait mention du mont Garizim dans les chapitres 11 et 27. Deutéronome 11,29–30 combine la mention des noms des lieux où se déroulent des activités cultuelles immédiatement après que le peuple d’Israël ou Abraham soient entrés en Canaan. Garizim et Ébal sont les lieux ou Israël est obligé de démontrer l’obéissance envers Jhwh après les quarante ans de révolte dans le désert. Le problème cardinal de Deutéronome 27 est une question de critique textuelle: en Dtn 27,4, le texte massorétique dit que »Ébal« est le lieu ou Jhwh serait vénéré, alors que le texte samaritain écrit: »Garizim«. La différence pourrait être le résultat d’une discussion productive entre les temples de Jérusalem et du mont Garizim aux époques perse et hellénistique.

Der Berg Garizim ist in Dtn 11 und Dtn 27 jeweils an den Nahtstellen zwischen dem Kernbestand des Buchs (Dtn 12–26) und den Rahmenkapiteln erwähnt. Dtn 11,29f. stellt Toponyme zusammen, die auf kultische Anfangshandlungen im Land Kanaan verweisen: Garizim, Ebal, Gilgal, More. Garizim und Ebal markieren dabei die Plätze, an denen Israel einen Nachweis seiner Bundestreue nach den von Auflehnung gegen Jhwh geprägten Jahren der Wüstenwanderung zu erbringen hat. Dtn 27 stellt textkritische Probleme. Der masoretische Text in Dtn 27,4 nennt den Berg Ebal als den Platz der ersten Kulthandlung in Kanaan, der samaritanische Pentateuch liest hier »Garizim«. Die Varianten werden als Niederschlag der Auseinandersetzungen zwischen den Gemeinden in Jerusalem und auf dem Garizim in spätpersischer und hellenistischer Zeit gedeutet.
Suzanne Lacy: Chewing More Than the Fat
Authors: shaw cameron
Published: June 2012

This article looks at the work of Suzanne Lacy, an artist who emerged from the Feminist Art Program at the California Institute of the Arts in the early 1970s. It focuses on key examples of Lacy's large-scale dinners, including the food-based performance network staged in conjunction with the opening of The Dinner Party by Judy Chicago at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art in 1979. This article argues that these dinners served to transition Lacy from an early performance practice centered on rape and violence against women to the later coalition-building exercises that helped define “new genre public art.” Drawing on interviews with the artist, it traces the use of meat and foodstuffs in Lacy's practice, beginning with beef kidneys in 1972. Much prior writing on Lacy investigates her performances of the 1970s. This article examines the way in which Lacy used elements of these performances, namely food, to further understand the roles of relationships and conversation in art.
Caregivers' Social Capital and Satisfaction with Their Children's Service Providers
Authors: Galaskiewicz Joseph , Hobor George , Duckles Beth M. , Mayorova Olga V.
Published: June 2012

The authors examine children's access to and caregiver's satisfaction with organizations that provide leisure time activities for children on Saturdays. The authors argue that access and satisfaction are a function of families' financial, cultural, and social capital. Using data on 1,036 households in the Phoenix metropolitan area in 2003–04, the authors found that families' financial and cultural capital affected whether or not children participated in activities organized by organizations, but family ties to the organization directly (e.g., either worked there, volunteered, donated) resulted in caregivers being more satisfied with the services. The authors also found that the benefits of network closure (caregivers knowing the parents of the other children on site) were greater the riskier the activities of the child (e.g., sports or cheerleading). Contrary to the authors' expectations, having family or friends in the area did not affect caregiver's satisfaction with the child's provider.
Pulmonary infections following solid organ transplantation
Authors: Müller Veronika , Kováts Zsuzsanna , Horváth Gábor
Published: June 2012

Solid organ transplantation is the standard of care for selected patients with severe vital organ dysfunction. The need for immunosuppression to prevent organ rejection is a common characteristic of recipients. Immunosuppression increases the risk of infections, especially with low virulence opportunistic pathogens. Infections following solid organ transplantation mainly affect the lungs and the airways. Establishing the diagnosis includes a wide spectrum of pulmonary diagnostics, high standard microbiological analysis and various imaging methods. With the improvement of treatment options, the number of kidney, liver, heart and lung transplant recipients is increasing and, therefore, more and more physicians may meet pulmonary complications in these patients. Orv. Hetil., 2012, 153, 899–903.
Screening for lung cancer
Authors: Barta Péter , Losonczy György
Published: June 2012

The authors give an overview about the novel results and shifting paradigm of lung cancer screening. They also summarize the results of previous and most recent clinical trials, which re-directed the international interest on lung cancer screening. Orv. Hetil., 2012, 153, 904–907.
Solar and Lunar Lines in the Mahabharata
Authors: Brodbeck Simon
Published: June 2012

This paper discusses ancestral genealogies descending from the moon and the sun, as found in the Mahabharata, the Harivamsa, and the Ramayana. In particular, the paper explores changes in the way that the ancestry of the Bharata kings was reckoned, and shows how certain narratives may be understood in terms of those changes.
The Buddha as Ender and Transformer of Lineages
Authors: Strong John S.
Published: June 2012

This paper looks at three types of lineage in traditions about the Buddha. First, it traces the Buddha’s Sakya ancestry and shows how he puts an end to his genealogical lineage and transforms it into a Sakya monastic lineage. Second, it argues that the Buddha acts as a point of convergence for the synchronic lineage of his many past lives (Jatakas), and then as a dispersion point for the lineage of his many relics. Finally, it sees him as a pivotal figure in the ongoing lineage of Buddhas through the ages, past and present.
Heir to one’s Karma
Authors: Appleton Naomi
Published: June 2012

Buddhist and Jain texts contain many stories that trace a person’s biography through multiple lives, illustrating karmic consequences, progress towards spiritual goals, and the preservation or deconstruction of relationships across several births. These stories can be seen as a form of genealogy, since they explain a person’s identity and form an alternative lineage to the family. This paper explores the ways in which karmic genealogies are constructed in some early Buddhist and Jain narratives, and how these interact with other forms of lineage, namely the family and networks of significant religious figures.
Lines of Descent and Dissent
Authors: Lindquist Steven E.
Published: June 2012

This paper analyses the three genealogical lists found in the Brhadaranyaka Upanisad, not only as ascriptions of authority for the White Yajurvedic tradition, but as integral to the literary production of this text. I analyse the theme of ‘inheritance’ in Upanisadic narratives and in genealogical lists and show how a comparison of the two allows for a deeper understanding of the inclusion of genealogical lists in this text. In particular, I posit a new interpretation of the metronymic list found at the conclusion of Brhadaranyaka Upanisad 6, arguing that its ‘problematic’ form is not so problematic after all given its context.
Purana Pañcalaksana as Genealogy and Jatipurana
Authors: Bailey Greg
Published: June 2012

This paper investigates the extent and significance of a genealogical component within all the narratives dealing with the five famous characteristic topics (pañcalaksana) of the Puranas: creation, re-creation, lineage, periods of Manu, and the histories of dynasties. Whilst there is some evidence of a concern with genealogy in the narratives of creation and re-creation, lineage as both subject and framing device is far more in evidence in the other three, as these deal with a distinctive ‘social and political history’ of Jambudvipa portrayed in a mythological mode. Two lineage narratives from the Markandeya Purana are studied, and on the basis of these it is shown that there is a much greater concern with resolving breaks in the lineage and dealing with new infusions into a lineage than with giving a simple account of lineal succession. Such a concern may reflect a realistic assessment by the Puranic composers of the complex socio-political situation they actually confronted and the attempts they had to make in order to validate (and translate) this in terms of Brahmanical social theory. Finally, a similar example of lineage problems and class mobility is illustrated from a near contemporary Jatipurana from Maharashtra.
The Genealogy of the Pallavas
Authors: Francis Emmanuel
Published: June 2012

In their epigraphical genealogies the Pallavas of South India (fourth to ninth centuries CE) claim to belong to a brahmin lineage that gradually embraced the duty of kings. As such, these genealogies present a definition of kingship that differs from its Brahmanical conceptualization. I show how the Pallavas accounted in their ‘mythical genealogies’ for their royal occupation through a transformation in two steps: from pure brahmins to brahmin-warriors, and from brahmin-warriors to kings. I explain how the birth of the eponymous hero Pallava, from Asvatthaman and a mother who has a strong link with royalty, marks the shift towards kingship. I describe how this royal status of the dynasty is confirmed by the integration of royal figures from other dynasties into the ‘pseudo-historical genealogies’ that link the eponym to the historical kings. I then explore the mythical patrimony of the Pallavas, discussing how we might understand in a broader context the ideological purport of this royal claim to both brahmin and ksatriya descent.
Lineage, Power and Perception
Authors: Sharma Mahesh
Published: June 2012

This paper deconstructs the royal genealogy (vamsavali) of Chamba, a western Himalayan kingdom in present-day Himachal Pradesh, and compares it with other such attempts to recast and/or reassert the dynastic lineage in the contemporary epigraphs issued over a period of eight hundred years. My assumption is that genealogies should be critically treated, like any other literary texts or other cultural objects which are influenced by, or have a bearing on, contemporary social and political issues. I argue that genealogies are systemic responses to strains and ruptures, and that they manipulate the lineage and social distinctions. They help not only in forging links with larger Indian political and socio-cultural ideologies, but also in contriving a sacred-cultural space through cultic affiliations, through the appropriation of history and charismatic personalities, and by antiquating legitimatory symbols to lend validity to the state process and manufacture ‘consent to rule’. Genealogies are also the sites of authorized perceptions, whereby the rulers manipulate facts and events in order to fashion the past in a particular perspective. In the process, genealogies not only manipulate history, but also (re)invent the trajectory of the lineage, cultural tradition and polity.
Genealogy and History in South Asia (Religions of South Asia, Special Issue)
Authors: Brodbeck Simon , Hegarty James M.
Published: June 2012

This piece introduces the topic of genealogy as an important topic in the humanities in general, and in the study of religions and the study of the religions of South Asia in particular. Then it introduces a project on that topic at Cardiff University, and the international conference held in connection with it. It then provides an overview of the collected papers of that conference, which are presented in this volume.
Low carbon/nitrogen ratio increases laccase production from basidiomycetes in solid substrate cultivation
Authors: D'Agostini Érica Clarissa , Mantovani Talita Rafaele D'Agostini , Valle Juliana Silveira do , Paccola-Meirelles Luzia Doretto , Colauto Nelson Barros , Linde Giani Andrea
Published: June 2012

Basidiomycetes are laccase producers used for hydrolysis of lignocellulosic byproducts in fermentative processes and could be used on biofuel production or ruminant feeding. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of concentrations of non-protein nitrogen sources on laccase production and mycelial growth of Pleurotus ostreatus, Lentinula edodes and Agaricus blazei. The fungi were grown on soybean hulls to which urea (U), ammonium sulfate (AS) or mixture of AS:U (1:1) were added to achieve carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratios of 5, 15, 20 or 30. The average longitudinal mycelial growth was measured and laccase activity was determined by the oxidation of 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid. Higher C/N ratios increased mycelial growth and decreased laccase production. The highest activities were obtained with a C/N ratio of 5. P. ostreatus, L. edodes and A. blazei produced more laccase when AS, AS:U and U, respectively, were added. In addition, C/N ratios lower than 30 induced laccase syntheses, inhibited mycelial growth and were a better condition for pre-hydrolysis of plant residues.
Confiança e possibilidade de conflitos em redes estratégicas hierárquicas
Authors: Maciel Cristiano Oliveira , Reinert Maurício , Camargo Camila
Published: June 2012

Tem sido cada vez mais comum para as organizações a participação em redes estratégicas como um meio de obter as vantagens associadas com esse tipo de arranjo. Entretanto, outra dimensão dessa forma de arranjo tem emergido, isto é, a ocorrência de conflitos em função da proximidade no relacionamento em tais redes. Mas a confiança surge como uma possível forma de atenuar esses conflitos. Assim, o objetivo desta pesquisa é verificar, de acordo com a avaliação dos proprietários de lojas de shopping centers, quais são as dimensões mais significativas da confiança para reduzir a possibilidade de conflitos com a gestão de uma rede estratégica. No referencial teórico, são apresentados os conceitos de redes estratégicas, confiança e conflito, bem como a relação entre eles. Em relação à confiança, são discutidas suas três dimensões: 1. confiança na capacidade, 2. na benevolência e 3. na integridade. Foi realizado um survey com 79 proprietários de lojas, todos inseridos em redes estratégicas. Esse survey serviu para medir a percepção de confiança e da possibilidade de conflito. A análise dos dados ocorreu por meio da análise fatorial exploratória, para validar os construtos e suas dimensões, bem como por meio de uma análise de regressão múltipla para testar as hipóteses propostas. Somente a confiança na benevolência foi estatisticamente significativa no teste das hipóteses. Três considerações merecem ser destacadas. A primeira se refere à validação do modelo com três dimensões proposto por Mayer, Davis e Schoorman (1995). A segunda foi a hipótese corroborada de que a confiança na benevolência contribui para a atenuar a possibilidade de conflitos. Assim, a crença dos lojistas de que a gestão da rede está interessada no seu bem-estar diminui a possibilidade de conflitos. A terceira indica que outras variáveis não incluídas no modelo são importantes para mitigação de conflitos, uma vez que o poder de explicação do modelo testado foi de aproximadamente 15%. Esses achados são importantes para o entendimento das redes, porque destacam a complexidade do conceito de confiança e a importância da solução de conflitos. Entre as limitações centrais para esta pesquisa, estão o tamanho da amostra e a impossibilidade de generalização.
Os atingidos por barragens: reflexões e discussões teóricas e os atingidos do assentamento Olhos D'água em Uberlândia-MG
Authors: Silva Rene Gonçalves Serafim , Silva Vicente de Paulo da
Published: June 2012

Objetivou-se neste trabalho discutir o conceito de atingido, utilizado atualmente pela comunidade científica para denominar aqueles que sofrem de alguma forma com as construções de barragens, refletindo e debatendo as concepções teóricas do termo e suas variações. Para tanto é utilizada a conceituação mais recente, e em uso, tanto do meio acadêmico quanto institucional. Os atingidos, consequência dos grandes empreendimentos hidrelétricos, são aqueles que foram desprovidos de morar ou trabalhar em áreas alagadas ou próximas das barragens das usinas, acarretando em perdas territoriais e transformando as identidades destes indivíduos. Utilizou-se, como estudo de caso, o assentamento Olhos D'água, localizado no município de Uberlândia-MG, demonstrando como os atingidos por barragens precisam modificar seus modos de vida, e como isso resulta na transformação das relações socioculturais, estabelecidas anteriormente, após a chegada das usinas hidrelétricas que fazem parte do Complexo Energético Amador Aguiar.
Living With Diabetes: What Patients Are Saying
Authors: Harris Susie T. , Pokorny Marie E.
Published: June 2012

The purpose of this study was to explore the thoughts and feelings of patients with diabetes. The study analyzed the responses to an open-ended question, which was the last item (Question 43) on a diabetes survey that was mailed to 2,615 persons, 534 (22%) with diabetes in eastern North Carolina. Content analysis of the data revealed the following themes: coping/prayer, support, effects of diabetes, metaphors, controlling, comorbidities, and appreciation/thankfulness.
Data-mining approach to investigate sedimentation features in combined sewer overflows
Authors: Carbone M. , Berardi L. , Laucelli D. , Piro P.
Published: June 2012

Sedimentation is the most common and effectively practiced method of urban drainage control in terms of operating installations and duration of service. Assessing the percentage of suspended solids removed after a given detention time is essential for both design and management purposes. In previous experimental studies by some of the authors, the expression of iso-removal curves (i.e. representing the water depth where a given percentage of suspended solids is removed after a given detention time in a sedimentation column) has been demonstrated to depend on two parameters which describe particle settling velocity and flocculation factor. This study proposes an investigation of the influence of some hydrological and pollutant aggregate information of the sampled events on both parameters. The Multi-Objective (EPR-MOGA) and Multi-Case Strategy (MCS-EPR) variants of the Evolutionary Polynomial Regression (EPR) are originally used as data-mining strategies. Results are proved to be consistent with previous findings in the field and some indications are drawn for relevant practical applicability and future studies.
Development of dynamic three-dimensional coastal information system: a case study in Hong Kong
Authors: Chen Bi Yu , Lu Jianzhong , Wai Onyx W. H. , Chen Xiaoling
Published: June 2012

Coastal-related data are four-dimensional in nature, varying not only in location and water depth but also in time. The heterogeneous and dynamic nature of coastal-related data makes modeling and visualization of these data a challenging task. A new object-oriented spatiotemporal data model to represent dynamic three-dimensional coastal data is proposed in this study. In the proposed model, a set of abstract data types allowing suitable spatiotemporal operations is defined to manipulate complex coastal data. In addition, a logical data model is proposed for the design of a spatiotemporal database. The proposed object-oriented and logical data models are implemented in a real-world coastal information management system in Hong Kong. An elegant visualization framework for displaying the coastal data, based on the concept of a time–depth bar, is presented in the case study.
Contaminant source characterization in water distribution systems using binary signals
Authors: Kumar Jitendra , Brill E. Downey , Mahinthakumar G. , Ranjithan S. Ranji
Published: June 2012

This paper presents a simulation–optimization-based method for identification of contamination source characteristics in a water distribution system using filtered data from threshold-based binary water quality signals. The effects of quality and quantity of the data on the accuracy of the source identification methodology are investigated. This study also addresses the issue of non-uniqueness in contaminant source identification under various data availability conditions. To establish the robustness and applicability of the methodology, numerous scenarios are investigated for a wide range of contamination incidents associated with two different networks. Results indicate that, even though use of lower resolution sensors lead to more non-unique solutions, the true source location is always included among these solutions.
Development of an integrated computational tool to improve performance of irrigation districts
Authors: Urrestarazu L. Pérez , Díaz J. A. Rodríguez , Poyato E. Camacho , Luque R. López , Jaraba F. M. Borrego
Published: June 2012

Nowadays irrigation district managers require several tools to assess irrigation networks' performance such as hydraulic models, geographic information systems (GIS) or decision support systems (DSS) which are available but as independent elements. Thus, simplifying the use of these tools by means of applications that integrate all these components would be helpful for irrigation district managers. In this paper, a computer tool combining a GIS, a hydraulic model and performance indicators (PIs) has been developed creating a database to deal with most information required in an irritation district. MapObjects Java Edition was used for the GIS integration and EPANET calculation module for the hydraulic modeling. This tool enables the study of the network performance, taking into account real measures (data from the remote control system) and simulated measures (obtained when running the hydraulic model) which are stored in a database and used to calculate different indicators that can be represented in the GIS. The PIs calculated with this tool give important information regarding the network response to different conditions, malfunction problems and failures in supply. Therefore, this tool is also useful to study the effects of improvements and the quality of service provided to farmers.
Spatio-temporal prediction of suspended sediment concentration in the coastal zone using an artificial neural network and a numerical model
Authors: Bhattacharya B. , van Kessel T. , Solomatine D. P.
Published: June 2012

A problem of predicting suspended particulate matter (SPM) concentration on the basis of wind and wave measurements and estimates of bed shear stress done by a numerical model is considered. Data at a location at 10 km offshore from Noordwijk in the Dutch coastal area is used. The time series data have been filtered with a low pass filter to remove short-term fluctuations due to noise and tides and the resulting time series have been used to build an artificial neural network (ANN) model. The accuracy of the ANN model during both storm and calm periods was found to be high. The possibilities to apply the trained ANN model at other locations, where the model is assisted by the correctors based on the ratio of long-term average SPM values for the considered location to that for Noordwijk (for which the model was trained), have been investigated. These experiments demonstrated that the ANN model's accuracy at the other locations was acceptable, which shows the potential of the considered approach.
Disinfection of an Advanced Primary Effluent with Peracetic Acid and Ultraviolet Combined Treatment: A Continuous‐Flow Pilot Plant Study
Authors: González Abelardo , Gehr Ronald , Vaca Mabel , López Raymundo
Published: June 2012

Disinfection of an advanced primary effluent using a continuous‐flow combined peracetic acid/ultraviolet (PAA/UV) radiation system was evaluated. The purpose was to determine whether the maximum microbial content, established under Mexican standards for treated wastewaters meant for reuse—less than 240 most probable number fecal coliforms (FC)/100 mL—could be feasibly accomplished using either disinfectant individually, or the combined PAA/UV system. This meant achieving reduction of up to 5 logs, considering initial concentrations of 6.4·10+6 to 5.8·10+7 colony forming units/100 mL. During the tests performed under these experiments, total coliforms (TC) were counted because FC, at the most, will be equal to TC. Peracetic acid disinfection achieved less than 1.5 logs TC reduction when the Ct·t product was less than 2.26 mg·minimum (min)/L; 3.8 logs for Ct·t 4.40 mg·min/L; and 5.9 logs for Ct·t 24.2 mg·min/L. In continuous‐flow UV irradiation tests, at a low‐operating flow (21 L/min; conditions which produced an average UV fluence of 13.0 mJ/cm2), the highest TC reduction was close to 2.5 logs. The only condition that produced a disinfection efficiency of approximately 5 logs, when both disinfection agents were used together, was the combined process dosing 30 mg PAA/L at a pilot plant flow of 21 L/min and contact time of 10 minutes to attain an average Ct·t product of 24.2 mg·min/L and an average UV fluence of 13 mJ/cm2. There was no conclusive evidence of a synergistic effect when both disinfectants were employed in combination as compared to the individual effects achieved when used separately, but this does not take into account the nonlinearity (tailing‐off) of the dose‐response curve.
Overestimation of Umbilical Cord Coiling Index with Segmental versus Total Length Assessment
Authors: Peres Luiz Cesar , Taylor Deborah
Published: June 2012

The umbilical cord is the only communication between the fetus and the placenta and, not surprisingly, lesions or conditions affecting it may have detrimental effects in both. One important feature of the umbilical cord is its coiling index (UCI), with hypo- and hypercoiling being associated with fetal thrombotic vasculopathy, intolerance of labor, intrauterine growth restriction, cord stricture, thrombosis of cord and chorionic blood vessels, and fetal demise. It is essential that every placenta report include the UCI. The UCI could also be assessed prenatally, but there is currently no way of accurately assessing the entire length of the umbilical cord. The aim of this study was to compare UCI measured in a segment of cord 10 cm long (UCI-10) and over its total length (UCI-T). One hundred fifty consecutive placenta reports in which both measurements were recorded were retrieved from the files and analyzed. Gestational age ranged from 16 to 42 weeks, with a mean of 33.67 ± 5.96 weeks and a median of 36 weeks. Mean UCI-10 was 0.4360 ± 0.2625 coils/cm and mean UCI-T was 0.3530 ± 0.2022 coils/cm; the difference between these measurements was highly statistically significant ( P < 0.0001). Counting the number of umbilical cord coils in 10 cm led to an overestimation of the UCI-T by 23.5%; it can be concluded, therefore, that the latter should be used.
Monitoring of yeast population isolated during spontaneous fermentation of Moravian wine
Authors: Šuranská Hana , Vránová Dana , Omelková Jiřina , Vadkertiová Renáta
Published: June 2012

In enology, yeasts play an important role in the characteristics of the final product. They are predominant in the biochemical interaction with components of must. Rapid identification of the yeast population is necessary for fermentation process monitoring and for obtaining a good quality wine. The main goal of this study was the isolation and characterisation of the yeast microbial community naturally present on grape berries, leaves and occurring during the spontaneous fermentation process of the white wine Veltlin green from the South Moravian region, Czech Republic. The results, based on PCR-RFLP of the 5.8S-ITS region of rDNA, PCR-fingerprinting using microsatellite oligonucleotide primers (GAG)5, (GTG)5, (GAC)5, and M13 primer, showed great diversity of the yeast population. Including grape berries and fermented must, the following yeast species were identified: Hanseniaspora uvarum, Aureobasidium pullulans, Metschnikowia pulcherrima, Torulaspora delbrueckii, a number of Pichia species such as P. fermentans, P. membranifaciens, P. kluyveri, also Sporidiobolus salmonicolor, Rhodosporidium toruloides, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, Rhodotorula glutinis as well as Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Saccharomyces bayanus. Monitoring of the yeast strains during the wine fermentation process of traditional Moravian wine can contribute to the improvement of wine quality.
From the discovery of radioactivity to the development of the K-Ar dating method
Authors: Hałas Stanisław
Published: June 2012

In this paper I try to explain why the potassium-argon dating method was developed much later than other radiometric methods (like U-He and U-Pb), which were established at the beginning of the 20th century. In fact the pioneering paper by Aldrich and Nier (1948) was published 50 years after the discovery of polonium and radium, when nearly all the details concerning potassium isotopes and radioactivity of potassium-40 had been investigated. The role of Marie Curie’s concept of the nature of radioactivity in the discovery of the radioactivity of potassium is emphasized.
The School of Pharmacy Geneva-Lausanne (EPGL) – The First Ten Years
Authors: Borchard Gerrit , Carrupt Pierre-Alain
Published: June 2012

With the creation of the School of Pharmacy Geneva-Lausanne (EPGL) in 2003, cantons Geneva and Vaud pooled their resources with the objective of reinforcing the research and teaching in the pharmaceutical sciences. Its core research units cover all aspects of fundamental pharmaceutical
research and include collaborative research with the University Hospitals of Geneva and Lausanne.
Dosage Optimization of Treatments Using Population Pharmacokinetic Modeling and Simulation
Authors: Guidi M. , Arab-Alameddine Mona , Rotger Margalida , Aouri Manel , Telenti Amalio , Decosterd Laurent A. , Buclin Thierry , Csajka Chantal
Published: June 2012

Pharmacokinetic variability in drug levels represent for some drugs a major determinant of treatment success, since sub-therapeutic concentrations might lead to toxic reactions, treatment discontinuation or inefficacy. This is true for most antiretroviral drugs, which exhibit high inter-patient
variability in their pharmacokinetics that has been partially explained by some genetic and non-genetic factors. The population pharmacokinetic approach represents a very useful tool for the description of the dose-concentration relationship, the quantification of variability in the target
population of patients and the identification of influencing factors. It can thus be used to make predictions and dosage adjustment optimization based on Bayesian therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). This approach has been used to characterize the pharmacokinetics of nevirapine (NVP) in 137
HIV-positive patients followed within the frame of a TDM program. Among tested covariates, body weight, co-administration of a cytochrome (CYP) 3A4 inducer or boosted atazanavir as well as elevated aspartate transaminases showed an effect on NVP elimination. In addition, genetic polymorphism
in the CYP2B6 was associated with reduced NVP clearance. Altogether, these factors could explain 26% in NVP variability. Model-based simulations were used to compare the adequacy of different dosage regimens in relation to the therapeutic target associated with treatment efficacy. In conclusion,
the population approach is very useful to characterize the pharmacokinetic profile of drugs in a population of interest. The quantification and the identification of the sources of variability is a rational approach to making optimal dosage decision for certain drugs administered chronically.
Validation of the Simplified UVB Model to Assess the Pharmacodynamics of Analgesics in Healthy Human Volunteers
Authors: Lorenzini Kuntheavy Ing , Besson Marie , Daali Youssef , Salomon Denis , Dayer Pierre , Desmeules Jules
Published: June 2012

A pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic, randomized, crossover, placebo-controlled study was conducted in healthy human volunteers with the primary objective of exploring the existence of a positive interaction between paracetamol 1 g and ketorolac 20 mg intravenously on experimental pain
models. Further, the simplified UVB model was validated as a screening tool for analgesics or a combination of analgesics in clinical drug development. It was observed that the UVB irradiation induced primary hyperalgesia, evidenced by significant decreases of the heat pain threshold from
(mean ± SD) 46.9 ± 1.1 °C to 40.1 ± 1.7 °C (p
Psychiatric Illness in the Paediatric Population Presenting to a Psychiatry Clinic in a Tertiary Care Centre
Authors: Risal A , Sharma P P
Published: June 2012

Background A variety of psychiatric manifestations can be seen in children below the age of 18 years. Such cases rarely present directly to psychiatric care. Methods Retrospective study in Tertiary care hospital . The study population included all the patients of paediatric age group presenting to Psychiatry Outpatient Department of Dhulikhel Hospital directly or referred by a paediatrician or other specialists from October 2008 to October 2010. Results Among the paediatric population evaluated in the psychiatry clinic for two years from October 2008 to October 2010 (N=168), 66.7% were in the age group 15-18 years {mean = 14.77 (±2.99)}, 71.4% were female and 42.3% belonged to Brahmin cast. The highest number of (15%) patients was seen during the month of August 2010. Six months analysis of the psychiatric illnesses of the patients from April 2010 up to October 2010 (n=80) showed dissociative disorder (15%), and seizure disorder (15%) to be the most common diagnoses, followed by depressive disorder and intentional self harm (ISH) (13.8% each). 15% of patients were found to be treated by magico-religious means, with the majority of patients (66.7%) diagnosed as having dissociative disorder. Conclusion The majority of the paediatric population presenting to a psychiatry clinic were in the age group 15-18 years and of female sex. Dissociative disorder was the most common diagnosis followed by depressive disorders. The majority of patients with dissociative disorder had previously been treated by magico-religious means.http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v8i4.6235 Kathmandu Univ Med J 2010;8(4):375-81
Incidence of Simian Crease in Normal Nepalese Children
Authors: Malla T , Malla K K , Gauchan E , Brijesh S , Sharma R
Published: June 2012

Backgroud Simian crease is usually associated with some chromosomal anomalies and syndromes but it is also seen in some populations without any chromosomal defects. Objective To see the incidence of simian crease in children without chromosomal anomalies and to detect the Ethnic group variations. Methods A prospective study in children attending the paediatric outpatient department of Manipal Teaching Hospital, Pokhara. –2,067 children were screened randomly from the 1st June 2007 to the 31st December 2007. Palm crease and axial triradius angle were detected in every child. Axial Triradius angle was compared between those who have simian crease to those who do not simian crease.Children who were found with simian crease underwent IQ testing. The exclusion criteria were children with Down syndrome, other chromosomal and minor anomalies, plus or any other chronic disease condition. Results 2,067children (1,084 boys & 983 girls) were screened. Among them four were cases of Down syndrome so were excluded from the study. Finally total of 2,063 (1,082 boys & 981 girls) were the study group. There were a total 14 ethnic groups who attended the outpatient department of Manipal Hospital during a seven months period. Among the seven ethnic groups Brahaman, Gurung, Tamang, Lama, Newar, Chettri and Dalit had single palmar crease. The incidence of simian crease was14.6%.This incidence was highly significant (p<0001) in Lama population (71.2%). In these seven ethnic groups axial triradius angle was compared between those who had simian crease and with those who did not have simian crease. Comparisons were made statistically and found to be significant. ConclusionIncidence of simian crease in Nepalese children was 14.6% and was observed only in certain ethnic groups. It was significantly high in the Lama population (71.2%0.http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v8i4.6241 Kathmandu Univ Med J 2010;8(4):410-14
A Spinal Triage Programme Delivered by Physiotherapists in Collaboration with Orthopaedic Surgeons
Authors: Bath Brenna , Grona Stacey Lovo , Janzen Bonnie
Published: June 2012

Purpose: To describe the characteristics of participants in a physiotherapist spinal triage programme, compare the profiles of patients for whom surgery was and was not recommended by a surgeon, and determine the surgical yield among those referred to surgeons. Methods: Data were collected retrospectively by reviewing charts of people who used the service over a 3-year period (2003–2006). Data from up to1,096 people were used in the analysis; complete data were available for 299 people. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize demographics, clinical features, and management recommendations. Characteristics of those who were and were not recommended for surgery were examined using Pearson's chi-square or Fisher's Exact tests. Results: The majority of 746 participants were classified as “mechanical spine” (92.5%), 2.9% were “other body part,” 2.5% were “medical/other,” and only 2% were classified as “surgical spine.” Recommendations for surgery (by a surgeon) were independent of patients' age, sex, duration of symptoms, residence (urban/rural), source of health care funding, and diagnosis. The surgical yield was 80%. Conclusions: Most people were not considered candidates for surgery. Triage assessment by physiotherapists can increase the efficiency of an orthopaedic surgeon's caseload by reducing the number of non-surgical referrals and can thus help to ensure more timely access to appropriate health care.
Ta' Pinu
Authors: Kao Philip
Published: June 2012

This article explores the miracles and ex-votos (votive offerings) associated with the Ta' Pinu shrine on Gozo, Malta's northernmost island. Drawing from ethnographic data, analysis of various personal accounts, and observations of people's interactions with the bricolage of Ta' Pinu ex-votos, I seek to show that Gozitans perform a highly personal yet ritualised form of empathy in the context of miracle worship. The miracles associated with Ta' Pinu are thus seemingly 'contagious' and meaningful, because they elicit existential connections and reflections on the nature of supplication and Gozitan social relations.