bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on Remote Aerobics Network Learning System Based on B/S
Authors: Fan Chao
Published: January 2014

through the design of teaching aerobics web-based course and application practice, the instructional design process based on B/S learning are analyzed, and discusses several key problems in the design and teaching. This paper presents the resource based learning aerobics teaching design network course should adapt to the application mode of network teaching and traditional classroom combination; that will provide teaching demonstration, teaching contents for students as well as the function of self-testing evaluation and provide the job management, teacher online Q & A, database and knowledge base construction, greatly improving the "aerobics" teaching efficiency.
ISCSI Network Storage System Based on Android System
Authors: Zeng Yi , Liu Jing Ning , Chen Jian Xi , Cheng Hao
Published: January 2014

In this article we extend the application of ISCSI protocol to the data storage field of mobile device. First of all, we describe the implement principles and advantages of ISCSI protocol, and discuss the problems and solutions in the design. Then we implement the interface design based on the Android platform, port the ISCSI kernel-mode module, and design the ISCSI communication interface for multiple layers of Adroid system. After that we propose a local cache policy based on the linear mapping method of Device mapper. At last, we analyze the impact of the cache policy on the improvement of system performance according to the experiment results. In a word, we supply a feasible storage solution to solve the problem that there is not enough storage capacity in the mobile device and satisfy the instant accesses from users.
Research of Big Data Processing Platform
Authors: Liu Xiang Ju
Published: January 2014

This paper introduces the operational characteristics of the era of big data and the current era of big data challenges, and exhaustive research and design of big data analytics platform based on cloud computing, including big data analytics platform architecture system, big data analytics platform software architecture , big data analytics platform network architecture big data analysis platform unified program features and so on. The paper also analyzes the cloud computing platform for big data analysis program unified competitive advantage and development of business telecom operators play a certain role in the future.
Interaction Relationship Analysis of Surface Roughness on Aluminium Etched Wafer Using RIE
Authors: Sauli Zaliman , Retnasamy Vithyacharan , Yeow Aaron Koay Terr , Wei Ng Wei
Published: January 2014

This paper presents the interaction relationships between Tetrafluoromethane (CF4) gas, Oxygen (O2) gas, and RF power in response to the surface roughness of an Aluminium deposited wafer after being etched using Reactive Ion Etching (RIE). The investigation was done using the three factors full factorial design of experiment (DOE). Analysis was done qualitatively by plotting the main interaction plots. The results suggest that strong interactions are present between CF4 and RF power, CF4 and O2, and also O2 and RF power due to the intersection of the graphs. This implies that all three factors have interaction between each other towards the surface roughness on the deposited Aluminium after RIE.
Crack Damage Assessment Based on Gaussian Process Model
Authors: Shao Jin Xin , Qiu Zi Xue , Yuan Jiang
Published: January 2014

The material dispersion of structure led to a lager error in crack length evaluating, the assessment method utilizing Gaussian Process (GP) model was proposed to solve the problem. The fatigue crack was monitored by active Lamb monitoring technology, and the four damage indices were extracted from the measured sensor signal, and then inputted to the GP model to realize the online evaluating of crack length. The fatigue test of hole-edge crack was made in LY12-CZ Aluminum specimen, which was used in aerospace structures frequently, the results shows that the method could efficiently decrease the evaluation error of crack length, which caused by material dispersion of structure.
CuDia Slug Size Variation Analysis on Heat Dissipation of High Power LED
Authors: Vairavan Rajendaran , Retnasamy Vithyacharan , Sauli Zaliman
Published: January 2014

The current advancement of LED has prompt thermal challenges from the packaging point of view. The reliability of the LED is significantly influenced by each of its packaging component. This paper presents the investigation of heat slug size effect on the junction temperature and stress of single chip LED through simulation method. Ansys version 11 was utilized and the analysis was done with copper diamond rectangular heat slug under natural convection condition at ambient temperature of 25 °C.The simulation results indicated that junction temperature and the stress of the single chip LED is influenced by the size of heat slug.
Mechanism of Rolling Process and Research on Rolling Tools
Authors: Jing Yan
Published: January 2014

This article introduces the machining mechanism of rolling process and analyzes its influence on hardness, abrasion performance and fatigue strength of the work piece.
Image Analysis of a Moving Bubble Train in a Tube
Authors: Wang Zhan Xu
Published: January 2014

A tube with varying cross sections can capture some essential features of the motion of foam in porous media. In this paper, experiments were carried out concerning a moving bubbles train through cylindrical ducts with sinusoidal cross-section. The test tube has total length of 1.14 m and has constrictions at interval of 0.0095 m. The visual images of a single lamella motion were recorded and were interpreted. It is found the lamella decelerates in the diverging portion while accelerates in the converging part of the tube.
Modeling and Simulation of Lower Extremity Exoskeleton
Authors: Zhang Yu , Wu Xiao Bo , Liu Hui Fang
Published: January 2014

In order to make the paralyzed live on their own and return to the society to the most degree, mechanical exoskeleton technology is tried to applied in the field of auxiliary equipment. First, degrees of freedom and mechanical structure at the each joint of lower extremity exoskeleton was ascertained.Then a three dimensional modeling design for the lower extremity exoskeleton was carried out with SIEMENS NX8.0 and a walking gait on a flat for it was planned on MATLAB basing on inverted pendulum model.Finally the legs model was simulated on ADAMS.The result of the simulation was basically the same as planned gait which can better satisfy the requirement of human walking and can be used as reference for developping the physical prototype of lower extremity exoskeleton.
A Genetic Algorithm Based Approach for Pre-Collision Trajectory Optimization with Multi-Targets
Authors: Zhang Long , Jia Qing Xuan , Chen Gang , Sun Han Xu
Published: January 2014

Aiming at on-orbit capture task, a Genetic Algorithm based approach for pre-collision trajectory optimization with multi-targets is proposed in this paper. Through the analysis of task characteristics, multi-targets before collision are presented, which contain the point-to-point manoeuvre, impact pose control and impact impulse minimization. Genetic algorithm is employed to optimize the pre-collision trajectory after integrating multi-targets by setting task weight. At last, the simulation results verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Research on Image Processing Method of Train Wheel
Authors: Li Fang , Li Wan Tao
Published: January 2014

In order to improve the detection precision and speed of train wheel image,it is necessary to research digital image processing technology.In this paper,a kind of appropriate image filtering method,combination of smoothing and sharpening,and a kind of appropriate edge detection method,combination directly and by column in binarization,were introduced.A clear image of wheel surface can be obtained.The method of detection of scratch was designed.Non-contact measurement of train wheel surface quality can be realized,it will lead to the detection speed is faster, accuracy is higher.
A Preliminary Study on the Anti-Mosquito Nanocapsule
Authors: Wang Jun Hua , Huang Gang , Jia Yong Tang
Published: January 2014

Anti-mosquito nanocapsules were prepared using the copolymer of styrene (ST) and ethyl acrylate (EA) as wall and deet as core by micro-emulsion polymerization. The mean particle size of nanocapsules was about 424nm and the loading of deet was about 73% under the conditions of 2% SDS as emulsifier and the ratio of core/wall 1:1. Scanning electron microscopy and laser particle size analyzer were employed to characterize the nanocapsules.
Obtaining of Polyamide 6/Calcined Nickel Ferrite Composite from Different Temperatures
Authors: de Menezes Patrícia Costa Fernandes , de Gouveia Silva Taciana Regina , Reul Lizzia Tanira Albuquerque , de Melo Costa Ana Cristina Figueiredo , Araújo Edcleide Maria
Published: January 2014

The influence of particle size of the load in the structure and morphology of the composite is an important factor in their final properties. This study will evaluate the behavior of the load of nickel ferrite calcined at different temperatures (700, 900 and 1200 ° C) with the polyamide matrix 6. In the preparation the polymer matrix was previously been dried in a vacuum oven at 80 ° C/48hs for eliminating humidity, and then the load was incorporated in the form of powders calcined at three temperatures in the mass concentration of 50%. Thereafter, the mixture was compressed to obtain composites, which were characterized by XRD and SEM. The results show XRD characteristic peaks of nickel ferrite and polyamide 6, showing that the calcination caused an increase in crystallinity of the load. SEM results show that the calcination caused an increase in the size of the agglomerates of the load, favoring significant changes in the morphology of the composite.
Study of the Tempering Effect in Phase Transformations of 13Cr1Ni0.15C and 13Cr2Ni0.1C Steels
Authors: de Mendonça Renato , Ardisson José D. , Melo Mirian De Lourdes Noronha Motta , Mariano Neide A.
Published: January 2014

The martensitic stainless steels are applied in specific conditions due to theirs corrosion and mechanical resistance. The study of these steels after heat treatment is relevant because it may involve the production and development of new steels with better properties for several applications. This study investigates the effect of heat treatment of quenching and tempering in two martensitic steels - 13Cr2Ni0.1C and 13Cr1Ni0.15C (% weight). Dilatometric tests were performed in the samples after melting process in order to obtain the initial and final temperatures of formation of austenite and martensite. The results showed that the quenched samples have the highest hardness and a martensitic microstructure with delta ferrite presence. On the other hand, the samples after tempering showed different matrix suggesting that the martensite decomposition with no change of the delta ferrite.
Microstructural Characterization of Dual and Multiphase Steels Applied to Automotive Industry
Authors: Fukugauchi Cristina Sayuri , dos Reis Faria Neto Antonio , Ribeiro Rosinei Batista , dos Santos Pereira Marcelo
Published: January 2014

TRIP (Transformation Induced Plasticity) and DP (Dual-Phase) steels are written in a new series of steels which present excellent mechanical properties. As for microstructure aspect, TRIP steels consist on a ferrite matrix with a second phase dispersion of other constituents, such as bainite, martensite and retained austenite, while dual-phase steels consist on martensite dispersion in a ferrite matrix. In order to identify the different microconstituents present in these materials, microstructure characterization techniques by optical microscopy (using different etchants: LePera, Heat-Tinting and Nital) and scanning electron microscopy were carried out. This being so, microstructures were correlated with mechanical properties of materials, determined by means of tensile tests. It is concluded that steels assisted by TRIP effect have a strength and elongation relation higher than the dual-phase one. With microstructure characterization, it was observed phases present in these materials microstructure.
Analysis of the Influence of Liquid and of External Coating Material on the Quality of the Radiographic Image of Offshore Pipes Using Computational Modeling
Authors: de Souza Edmilson M. , Correa Samanda Cristine Arruda , Junior Juraci P.R. , Silva Ademir X. , Lopes Ricardo T.
Published: January 2014

The aim of this work is to evaluate different forms to minimize the scattered radiation contribution in digital radiographic images of offshore pipelines using MCNPX simulations. The influence of oil inside the pipe, seawater surrounded the pipelines and external coating in the scattering component of the radiation beam will be analyzed. The use of backscattering shielding and lead screen will be discussed.
Processing of Silicas Formed by Slip Casting
Authors: Arcaro Sabrina , Neto João Batista Rodrigues , Cesconeto Francielly Roussenq , Teixeira Jaime Domingos , Raupp-Pereira Fabiano , de Oliveira Antonio Pedro Novaes
Published: January 2014

In this work suspensions containing natural amorphous silica fibers (NASF), amorphous silica gel and nanometric colloidal amorphous silica were prepared and rheologically analyzed. The suspensions were prepared by varying the volume percentage of solids between 22 and 32%, ammonium polyacrylate (APA), as dispersant, from 0 to 5% and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), as binder, between 1 and 3.5%. The mixtures were obtained in a propeller mechanical mixer and formed by slip casting. The results of rheological characterization indicated that the suspensions with 30% solids, 4% dispersant and 3% binder were those that showed a stable rheological system and suitable for processing by slip casting.
Preparation of Polyamide 6/PE-g-MA/Compound by Recycled Rubber (SBRr) Blends
Authors: da Silva D.F. , da Paz Renê Anísio , Araújo E.M. , de Melo T.J.A.
Published: January 2014

Polymer blends are better technological response to generate "new" high performance polymers from commercially available polymers and are an alternative to obtaining polymer materials with properties that generally are not found in a single material. The thermoplastic modified with elastomer and/or thermoplastic elastomers have attracted great interest from researchers and industries due to the attractive cost/benefit ratio and the possibility of a significant increase in the toughness of brittle polymers or temperatures subenvironment with the incorporation of a dispersed rubber phase. The destination of compound by recycled rubber has been one of the main problems faced by humanity, because its natural degradation occurs after a long time due to the presence of cross-links, stabilizers and other additives in their structure, causing damage to the environment. This study aimed to prepare blends of polyamide 6/PE-g-MA /compound by recycled rubber (SBRr).
Analysis of Bone Repair Tissue after Implantation of Biomaterials and Application of Vibratory Waves
Authors: Câmara-Pereira Eliana dos Santos , Rolim Ana Emília Holanda , Reale Evelyn , Barreto Rafael , Campos Lilian , Junior Aryon de Almeida Barbosa , Rossi Alexandre Malta , de Albuquerque-Santos Silvia Rachel , Rosa Fabiana Paim
Published: January 2014

Bone tissue in ideal conditions morphofunctional remodeling properly. The bone can be affected by fractures, tumors, hormonal dysfunction, senescence, genetic modifications, among others. In such circumstances, the proper diet, drug use, exercise and other factors are important to the prevention of bone mineral loss. The effect of kinesiotherapy obtained through the application of vibratory waves administered through the vibrating platform, Juvent1000 ® already been established in the prevention of bone mineral density, muscular trophism, among other systems in humans. The response by analyzing bone tissue of bone repair in critical defect is not known in experimental animals and in human clinical. This research evaluated the osteogenic potential critical defect in the calvaria of rats subjected to the application of vibratory waves obtained by vibrating platform and implant in the critical defect of rat calvaria. The bone tissue response was evaluated showed satisfactory results obtained in biological points 15, 45 and 120 days.
Annotated catalogue of the bees described by Léon Provancher (Hymenoptera: Apoidea)
Authors: Sheffield Cory S. , Perron Jean-Marie
Published: January 2014

The bee species described and identified by Léon Provancher are reviewed. From 1882–1896, Provancher published accounts of 179 bee species from North America, which represent 145 currently recognised species. He proposed 67 new names, 21 of which are here considered valid; five species epithets proposed by Provancher were junior homonyms.

The following are considered new junior synonyms of Provancher species:Andrena macrocephalaCockerell underAndrena nigripesProvancher;Pseudopanurgus nebrascensis(Crawford) underPseudopanurgus aestivalis(Provancher);Lasioglossum timberlakeiMcGinley underLasioglossum californicum(Provancher);Osmia kenoyeriCockerell underOsmia tarsataProvancher. Additional new synonymies made here include:Halictus distinguendusDalla Torre underLasioglossum coriaceum(Smith);Osmia parvaProvancher underOsmia atriventrisCresson;Stelis plena(Provancher) underStelis lateralisCresson;Coelioxys tristisProvancher underCoelioxys sodalisCresson;Diadasia tricinctaProvancher underEucera actuosa(Cresson).

Lectotypes for 60 of Provancher's bee species are here designated, but type material for eight other species were not found. The taxonomic placement ofCalliopsis quadrilineataProvancher,Calliopsis interruptaProvancher,Hoplitis alboscopata(Provancher),Hoplitis imperfecta(Provancher), andDiadasia albovestitaProvancher within the bee fauna of North America remain unclear, and are here declarednomina oblita.
Early Eocene big headed flies (Diptera: Pipunculidae) from the Okanagan Highlands, western North America
Authors: Archibald S. Bruce , Kehlmaier Christian , Mathewes Rolf W.
Published: January 2014

Three new species of Pipunculidae (Diptera) are described (one named), from the early Eocene (Ypresian) Okanagan Highlands of British Columbia, Canada and Washington State, United States of America: Metanephrocerus belgardeaenew species from Republic, Washington; and Pipunculidae species A and Pipunculinae species A from Quilchena, British Columbia. We re-describe the late Eocene (Priabonian) species Protonephrocerus florissantius Carpenter and Hull from Florissant, Colorado, United States of America, and assign it to a new genus proposed here, Priabonanew genus. Pipunculinae species A is the oldest known member of the family whose wing lacks a separated M2 vein; previously this had been known in species only as old as Miocene Dominican amber. This is a presumably derived character state that is predominant in modern species. Molecular analysis indicates an origin of the Pipunculidae in the Maastrichtian; the morphological and taxonomic diversity seen here in the Ypresian is consistent with an early radiation of the family. This is concordant with the radiation of Auchenorrhyncha, upon which they mostly prey, which is in turn associated with the early Paleogene diversification of angiosperm-dominated forests recovering from the K-Pg extinction event.
A multi-analytical approach for the characterisation of the oldest pictorial cycle in the 12th century monastery Santa Maria delle Cerrate
Authors: De Benedetto Giuseppe E. , Savino Amedeo , Fico Daniela , Rizzo Daniela , Pennetta Antonio , Cassiano Antonio , Minerva Brizia
Published: January 2014

A multidisciplinary research, currently in progress at the University of Salento in collaboration with the Lecce Provincial Museum, interests different artistic expressions widespread in the Salento peninsula (South Italy). In the present study, the characterisation of organic and inorganic materials used in the oldest pictorial cycle found in the 12th century monastery Santa Maria delle Cerrate was carried out thanks to a multi-analytical approach. Previous investigations have focused on the problem of dating the frescoes mainly on the basis of the stylistic aspects and the material characterisation has been definitely underinvestigated. Chromatographic and spectrometric techniques were used: micro-Raman spectroscopy was used for recognising pigments and gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection for analysing organic binders. These techniques enabled us to characterise pigments and binders. The presence of both true fresco and tempera bound pigments was assessed. Among the different pigments detected, the results relevant to the blue paints were interesting: two different blue pigments were, indeed, identified, lapis lazuli and smalt (cobalt blue glass) both unexpected. As a result, Santa Maria delle Cerrate appears to be the first known example of their use in South Italy. From a conservation point of view, moreover, the knowledge of the palette permitted to highlight the reason of observed decay of some paints: for instance, lead white was used in some panels, explaining their blackening.
On site and laboratory investigation on the 16th-17th century masonries: the Foxi defensive tower (Cagliari Gulf, Sardinia, Italy)
Authors: Giannattasio Caterina , Grillo Silvana Maria
Published: January 2014

This study is part of an ongoing research aimed to examine a number of important defence towers situated along the Sardinian coast, Italy. In this paper we present the investigations of the Foxi coastal towers in the Cagliari Gulf. It has been studied through the analysis of masonries (ashlars, plasters and mortar) by an historical, architectural, technical and petrographical-chemical point of view, through a methodology based on a stratigraphical approach. The aim of this research is the understanding of the traditional building techniques used during the 16th-17th centuries, combining dating strategies, with four different principal objectives: i) put in evidence the peculiarities of the traditional building techniques used during this period; ii) increase the knowledge of the constructions and their degradation phenomena to warranty proper restoration; iii) identify different stones and component materials used for the mortar for the determination of binder/aggregate ratio and to determine the level of weathering of stones and mortars; iv) facilitate, on the basis of acquired data, the dating of other contemporary edifices, especially referring to the socalled minor buildings, which are very often object of inappropriate restoration.
Features of Roman plaster aggregates in Lombardy, Italy
Authors: Bugini Roberto , Folli Luisa
Published: January 2014

Plaster making was reported in the seventh book of Vitruvius’ On Architecture describing two mortar coats: harenatum with sand for the bottom (render coat) and marmoratum with crushed marble for the top (finish coat). Petrographic analyses, with optical microscopy and X-ray diffraction, were made on plasters (2nd century BC - 4th century AD) coming from different roman sites of Lombardy: Milan, Brescia, Camonica valley, lake Garda, river Po plain. The analyses identified the plaster aggregates on the basis of composition, grain size and morphology. The render coats generally show river sand and/or crushed brick with some mineralogical differences due to the different supply areas. The finish coats show different types of aggregate: i) carbonate rocks (limestone, dolomite); ii) quartz crystals; iii) calcite crystals; iv) sand (quartz and silicates crystals and/or limestone clasts); v) sand and crushed brick. These differences can be useful to discriminate the changes among the time periods and among the sites.
Examining changes in the organisation of earthenware production in a prehispanic Philippine polity using laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry
Authors: Niziolek Lisa C.
Published: January 2014

Although significant historical research has been done on traditional Southeast Asian kingdoms and chiefdoms, little archaeological work has been undertaken on changes in the economic systems of pre-colonial maritime societies in Asia, especially on the role of specialised craft production in the development of pre-modern complex societies. This project examines changes in the organisation of earthenware production in the prehispanic coastal polity of Tanjay in the Philippines (A.D. 500-1600). More than 250 earthenware pieces from six archaeological sites from the Tanjay region were analysed using laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) at Chicago’s Field Museum. Ceramic samples were drawn from two residential zones in central Tanjay, an elite neighborhood and a non-elite area; two secondary settlements located several kilometers upriver; an upland, swidden farming site; and a contemporaneous, and likely competing, coastal polity 40 km down the coast from Tanjay. Initially, it was expected that changes in the pattern of earthenware production in the Tanjay region would favour one scenario or the other – either continued production at dispersed, local sites or increased specialised and centralised production. So far, however, the preliminary ceramic compositional evidence indicates that both scenarios seem to have been taking place during the centuries prior to Spanish contact. Ceramic production appears to have continued on a local level, with potters from each site making pottery to be used by nearby inhabitants, but there also is evidence that sites, such as the elite Tanjay neighborhood, began to make ceramics expressly for local consumption by elites and for foreign trade.
Physico-chemical characteristics of the mosquito breeding water in two urban areas of Cairo Governorate, Egypt
Authors: Kenawy M.A. , Ammar S.E. , Abdel-Rahman H.A.
Published: January 2014

Certain physico-chemical characteristics of mosquito breeding habitats [temperature, pH, salinity, turbidity, dissolved oxygen (DO) and nitrite] were examined relative to the distribution of mosquito larval species in two urban areas of Cairo Governorate namely El- Muqattam (M) and Abu-Seir (A). Mean values and ranges of such characteristics for the reported mosquito species (Culex pipiens, Cx. perexiguus, Ochlerotatus caspius, Cx. pusillus and Culiseta longiareolata) were reported. In conclusion, based on the significant correlations of the different characteristics with the abundance of the two common larval species (Culex pipiens and Cx. perexiguus), salinity and DO may be considered the predictor variables associated with the immature abundance. Considering altogether mosquitoes, there is an increasing presence from planned safe (M) to unplanned unsafe (A) habitats mainly due to turbidity and nitrite.
Assessment of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis Strain AM65-52 aqueous suspension for the control of black fly populations, (Simulium spp.) in northern Italy
Authors: Radeghieri P. , Santi F. , Maini S.
Published: January 2014

Four field trials were conducted in Mantua province in northern Italy to evaluate the effect of the Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis Strain AM65-52 based VectoBac® 12 AS larvicide on black flies. Our objective was to examine and compare the efficacy of different concentrations of this microbial larvicide in small plain streams. Larvicidal activity was exhibited in all trials. VectoBac® 12 AS at 2.5 ppm/min rate generated larval mortality from the treatment point to 500 meters downstream. Larvae mortality (over 80%) was observed for 3500 meters downstream of the application site when a concentration of 40 ppm/min was applied.
stepwiseCM: An R Package for Stepwise Classification of Cancer Samples Using Multiple Heterogeneous Data Sets
Authors: Obulkasim Askar , van de Wiel Mark A
Published: January 2014

This paper presents the R/Bioconductor package stepwiseCM, which classifies cancer samples using two heterogeneous data sets in an efficient way. The algorithm is able to capture the distinct classification power of two given data types without actually combining them. This package suits for classification problems where two different types of data sets on the same samples are available. One of these data types has measurements on all samples and the other one has measurements on some samples. One is easy to collect and/or relatively cheap (eg, clinical covariates) compared to the latter (high-dimensional data, eg, gene expression). One additional application for which stepwiseCM is proven to be useful as well is the combination of two high-dimensional data types, eg, DNA copy number and mRNA expression. The package includes functions to project the neighborhood information in one data space to the other to determine a potential group of samples that are likely to benefit most by measuring the second type of covariates. The two heterogeneous data spaces are connected by indirect mapping. The crucial difference between the stepwise classification strategy implemented in this package and the existing packages is that our approach aims to be cost-efficient by avoiding measuring additional covariates, which might be expensive or patient-unfriendly, for a potentially large subgroup of individuals. Moreover, in diagnosis for these individuals test, results would be quickly available, which may lead to reduced waiting times and hence lower the patients’ distress. The improvement described remedies the key limitations of existing packages, and facilitates the use of the stepwiseCM package in diverse applications.
Echocardiography Practice: Insights into Appropriate Clinical Use, Technical Competence and Quality Improvement Program
Authors: Kossaify Antoine , Grollier Gilles
Published: January 2014

Echocardiography accounts for nearly half of all cardiac imaging techniques. It is a widely available and adaptable tool, as well as being a cost-effective and mainly a non-invasive test. In addition, echocardiography provides extensive clinical data, which is related to the presence or advent of different modalities (tissue Doppler imaging, speckle tracking imaging, three-dimensional mode, contrast echo, etc.), different approaches (transesophageal, intravascular, etc.), and different applications (ie, heart failure/resynchronization studies, ischemia/stress echo, etc.). In view of this, it is essential to conform to criteria of appropriate use and to keep standards of competence. In this study, we sought to review and discuss clinical practice of echocardiography in light of the criteria of appropriate clinical use, also we present an insight into echocardiographic technical competence and quality improvement project.
Uniqueness of Preduals in Spaces of Operators
Authors: Godefroy G.
Published: January 2014

We show that if E is a separable reflexive space, and L is a weak-star closed linear subspace of L(E) such that L ∩ K(E) is weak-star dense in L, then L has a unique isometric predual. The proof relies on basic topological arguments.
The Development of Value Systems and the Role of Information Systems in the Portuguese Insurance Industry
Authors: Marques Bruno Alexandre Ribeiro
Published: January 2014

This study aims to analyze the status of partnerships between organizations in the Portuguese insurance industry and design a development strategy that includes the Information Systems (IS) dimension. In this paper, the current role of the IS in insurance partnerships (e.g.: automation of functionalities, alignment with decision makers) is analyzed, as well as their importance in the future. Since insurance information activities are knowledge intensive, a relational and learning approach was followed. The impact of the IS on collaboration and implications for the CIO (responsible for the IS) are presented. The existence of a good exploration of the IS for automation and integration of heterogeneous systems were verified. However, collaborative functionalities (e.g. Web 2.0) and partnership management indicators were not observed as a common practice. The CIO can be an agent of change, highlighting the IT Governance view and the socio-technical approach that are key to increase the maturity and value of the IS in the insurance industry.
Carbon losses from pyrolysed and original wood in a forest soil under natural and increased N deposition
Authors: Maestrini B. , Abiven S. , Singh N. , Bird J. , Torn M. S. , Schmidt M. W. I.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. Pyrogenic organic matter (PyOM) plays an important role as a stable carbon (C) sink in the terrestrial ecosystems. However, uncertainties remain about in situ turnover rates of PyOM in soil, the main processes leading to PyOM C and nitrogen (N) losses from the soil, and the role of N availability in PyOM cycling in soils. We measured PyOM and native soil organic carbon losses from the soil as carbon dioxide and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) using additions of highly 13C-labelled PyOM (2.03 atom %) and its precursor pinewood during one year in a temperate forest soil. The field experiment was carried out under ambient and increased mineral N deposition (+60 kg N ha−1 yr−1). The results showed that after one year: (1) 0.5% of PyOM-C and 22% of wood-C were mineralized as CO2, leading to an estimate of minimum turnover time of 191 and 4 yr respectively, (2) the quantity of PyOM and wood lost as dissolved organic carbon was negligible (0.0004 ± 0.0003% and 0.022 ± 0.007 respectively); and (3) N additions decreased cumulative PyOM mineralization by 43%, but did not affect cumulative wood mineralization and did not affect the loss of DOC from PyOM or wood. We conclude that mineralization to CO2 was the main process leading to PyOM losses during the first year of decomposition in a forest soil, and that N addition can decrease PyOM C cycling while leaving unaltered wood C cycling.
Balancing Unbalanced Breathing: The Clinical Use of Capnographic Biofeedback
Authors: Meckley Andrea
Published: January 2014

Dysfunctional breathing, primarily in the form of overbreathing or hyperventilation, has been reported to play a major role for some individuals with anxiety and panic disorders. This is due to the decrease in carbon dioxide, a state called hypocapnia, which results from hyperventilation. The author reviews the physiological effects of hypocapnia and describes how carbon dioxide levels are measured with capnography. In addition, she introduces the use of capnography as a form of biofeedback and outlines ways to incorporate capnography into a clinical setting. Capnographic biofeedback enables individuals to become aware of the impact dysfunctional breathing has on their symptoms and assists them in learning more balanced, healthy breathing patterns. Use of this type of biofeedback training has been found to decrease panic symptoms and may be useful in improving physiological functioning in other medical and psychiatric disorders as well.
Facilitating Motor Learning in a Child with a Chromosome Translocation: Applications of Quantitative Surface Electromyography
Authors: Bolek Jeffrey E , Fultz Sarah
Published: January 2014

Physical rehabilitation typically conjures up images of an adult in physical therapy to recover from an accident or injury. Children are also the unfortunate victims of strokes, head injuries, and developmental disorders. In this case study, a child with a rare genetic disorder is helped to learn to stand using a modification of surface electromyography, quantitative surface electromyography (QSEMG). Over a period of twelve 1-hour sessions, she learned to stand with minimal assistance. Achieving these types of goals is of critical importance for the development of maximum independence in performing activities of daily living.
Individual and Social Model of Intellectual Disability in Teachers’ and Students’ Beliefs
Authors: Parchomiuk Monika
Published: January 2014

Author’s research discussed in the following article was aimed at determining which model of intellectual disability is preferred by teachers and students, and what the differences are between these respondents in this respect. The assumptions characteristic for the individual model focused on the person with disability, and in particular, on his or her biological (physical) defects. The defects that caused limitations in functioning were treated as the basis of disability. Professional activities (mostly medical) focused on adjusting to the state of limited functioning, seen in a reductionist way: as accepting the loss of ability or independence. The social model situated the origin of disability in society. In this perspective, it defined disability as the product of specific social and economic structures, and its main interest focused on the problems of oppression and discrimination of persons with disability. Research was carried out with special needs teachers who work with individuals with intellectual disability, teachers working with able-bodied individuals, and students of special pedagogy. The Likert type scale, called “The model of an intellectual disability”, was used to determine the model of intellectual disability. The research had a cognitive goal but also a significant practical goal related to the specialists’ professional training. The article offers general recommendations for shaping attitudes and assessments connected with noticing possibilities in the lives of individuals with intellectual disability, taking into account the influence of environmental factors.
Adoption of Integrated forms of Support for Family-Provided Care of Senior Citizens in a Selected Location in the Czech Republic
Authors: Formánková Petra , Mathová Lenka
Published: January 2014

The primary focus of this paper is to outline how integrated forms of support are applied to unofficial care providers who provide care of senior citizens in the administrative region of Písek – a municipality with extended area of operation. The result of the quantitative survey provides information on how families who provide care to senior citizens in their natural home environment make use of the possibilities of professional health and social support provided in the territory of the respective self-administration entity. Also, the survey reveals what services would ease work for these unofficial care providers. The survey was done from 8/2010 to 11/2011 with 475 unofficial care providers. The outcome of the survey is the need for extending the professional services provided to smaller municipalities and rural agglomerations, so that “dead spots” in the Písek region can be filled.
Antecedentes e consequentes de flow em equipes de trabalho: revisão da literatura e aplicações em tecnologia da informação
Authors: Moura Junior Pedro Jácome de , Bellini Carlo Gabriel Porto
Published: January 2014

Assumindo que o estado de fluxo (flow) tem relevância para a gestão do desempenho de equipes profissionais em geral, e de equipes de tecnologia da informação em particular, e que a investigação desse fenômeno preenche lacunas de conhecimento, o presente estudo realiza uma revisão sistemática da literatura para responder a seguinte questão de pesquisa: Quais os antecedentes e os consequentes do estado de flow em equipes de trabalho? Os resultados permitiram a elaboração de um mapa causal e uma agenda para pesquisas futuras.
Cidades digitais e governo eletrônico: inovação para qual cidadania?
Authors: Sampaio Maria Ã‚ngela da Costa Lino Franco , Sampaio Filho Milton Correia , Santos Ernani Marques dos
Published: January 2014

No contexto descrito nesse trabalho pretendeu-se iniciar um estudo sobre a influência da participação digital num clássico problema de filosofia política, a cidadania. O trabalho, a partir de uma revisão teórica sobre os tópicos relacionados e dados empíricos de pesquisa governamental, teve como objetivo analisar a importância da difusão da inovação no projeto das Cidades Digitais, como forma efetiva da utilização dos serviços de governo eletrônico, ampliação da participação cidadã e o consequente exercício da cidadania digital. Um debate que traz à discussão a importância do processo de difusão da inovação como catalizador da real utilização desse projeto.
Proposta de uma ferramenta de código aberto para o gerenciamento do portfólio de serviços de TI nos órgãos públicos
Authors: Carvalho Neto José Teixeira de , Ferreira Douglas Gomes , Ribeiro Anderson Rodrigues
Published: January 2014

O portfólio de serviços representa a lista completa de serviços gerenciados por um provedor de Tecnologia da Informação (TI), possibilitando a adequada visão e gestão dos mesmos no nível estratégico, além do alinhamento entre a TI e o negócio, e a maximização da entrega de valor. Entretanto, a função de Tecnologia da Informação, destacadamente no setor público, possui grande dificuldade em gerenciar adequadamente o seu portfólio de serviços de TI, seja por utilizar-se de uma abordagem tradicional para gestão da TI, totalmente operacional, seja por falta de conhecimento e ferramentas de suporte ao modelo orientado a serviços. Nesse contexto, este artigo apresenta uma proposta de aplicação de código-aberto para auxiliar o processo de Gerenciamento de Portfólio de Serviços, que é a base para um gerenciamento de serviços efetivo. No desenvolvimento da aplicação todos os requisitos foram identificados e detalhados conforme estabelecido no processo documentado pelo framework ITIL 2011. Como parte formal do trabalho, um estudo de caso foi realizado no provedor de serviços de TI (Diretoria de Tecnologia da Informação) do Tribunal de Justiça da Paraíba.
La información sobre la Monarquía española en los nuevos medios digitales: Eldiario.es y Vozpopuli.com
Authors: López Guillermo , Valera Ordaz Lidia
Published: January 2014

Los contenidos mediáticos relativos a la Familia Real española han estado tradicionalmente restringidos a un tratamiento muy respetuoso, positivo, y complaciente. Esta tendencia, como es notorio, ha cambiado vertiginosamente en los últimos meses, por efecto de una serie de informaciones negativas que afectan a distintos miembros de la Casa Real, a su vez potenciadas por la grave crisis económica que afecta al país y por la acción de nuevos medios y espacios de comunicación desarrollados en Internet. El objetivo del presente estudio es analizar las informaciones periodísticas publicadas en dos nuevos medios digitales, Eldiario.es y Vozpopuli.com, referidas a la Monarquía, con el propósito de identificar, mediante un doble enfoque cuantitativo-cualitativo, los temas tratados en torno a esta institución, los principales protagonistas de las noticias, las estrategias discursivas, y el tratamiento periodístico proporcionado a la institución. Se trata, en definitiva, de someter a contrastación empírica la hipótesis de que los nuevos medios digitales ofrecen una cobertura mucho más crítica de la monarquía, si bien matizada por sus respectivas líneas editoriales. El marco temporal seleccionado es el mes de abril de 2013, una elección que se justifica por dos acontecimientos que consideramos relevantes: a) la imputación de la Infanta Cristina y b) el aniversario de la proclamación de la II República española. Los resultados muestran que el tipo de cobertura que ofrecen los medios digitales tiende a ser crítica, si bien ésta se articula en función de la ideología de cada medio, bien como crítica personal a algunos miembros de la Casa Real, bien como cuestionamiento frontal de la monarquía como institución.
Explaining the presence of perennial liquid water bodies in the firn of the Greenland Ice Sheet
Authors: Munneke P. Kuipers , M. Ligtenberg S. R. , van den Broeke M. R. , van Angelen J. H. , Forster R. R.
Published: January 2014

Recent observations have shown that the firn layer on the Greenland Ice Sheet features subsurface bodies of liquid water at the end of the winter season. Using a model with basic firn hydrology, thermodynamics, and compaction in one dimension, we find that a combination of moderate to strong surface melt and a high annual accumulation rate is required to form such a perennial firn aquifer. The high accumulation rate ensures that there is pore space available to store water at a depth where it is protected from the winter cold. Low‐accumulation sites cannot provide sufficiently deep pore space to store liquid water. However, for even higher accumulation rates, the total cold content of the winter accumulation becomes sufficient to refreeze the total amount of liquid water. As a consequence, wintertime or springtime observations of subsurface liquid water in these specific accumulation conditions cannot distinguish between a truly perennial firn aquifer and water layers that will ultimately refreeze completely.
Impact of estuarine convergence on residual circulation in tidally energetic estuaries and inlets
Authors: Burchard H. , Schulz E. , Schuttelaars H. M.
Published: January 2014

Estuarine convergence (landward reduction of width and/or depth) is known to have the potential to significantly enhance estuarine circulation, a result theoretically derived under the assumption of constant eddy viscosity. Recent studies of longitudinally uniform energetic tidal channels indicate that tidal straining, a process driven by tidally varying eddy viscosity, is a major driver of estuarine circulation. The combined effect of estuarine convergence and tidal straining is investigated, for the first time, in this paper. The present idealized numerical study shows that estuarine convergence is reducing or even reversing tidal straining circulation in such a way that estuarine circulation can be weakened. This is a counterintuitive hydrodynamic effect of estuarine convergence, which may reduce (rather than increase) up‐estuary particulate matter transport in estuaries and tidal inlets.
Coupling of winter climate transitions to snow and clouds over the Prairies
Authors: Betts Alan K. , Desjardins Raymond , Worth Devon , Wang Shusen , Li Junhua
Published: January 2014

Using data from 13 climate stations on the Canadian Prairies, together with opaque cloud cover and daily snow depth, to analyze the winter climate transitions with snow, we find that a snow cover acts as a fast climate switch. Surface temperature falls by about 10 K with fresh snowfall and rises by a similar amount with snowmelt, while the daily range of relative humidity falls to around 5–15% with snow cover. These are robust climate signals. For every 10% decrease in days with snow cover over the Canadian Prairies, the mean October to April climate is warmer by about 1.4 K. Stratifying by daily mean opaque cloud cover across snow transitions shows the rapid shift within 5 days from a diurnal cycle dominated by shortwave cloud forcing to one dominated by longwave cloud forcing. We calculate the change in the surface radiative budget with snow using surface albedo data from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer and station longwave data. We find that with the fall‐winter snow transitions, the surface radiative heating is reduced by 50 Wm−2, with 69% coming from the reduced net shortwave flux, resulting from the increased surface albedo and a small increase in effective cloud albedo, and 31% from a reduced incoming longwave flux. This drop in surface radiative heating is sufficient to produce a drop in the surface radiometric skin temperature of 11 K. We find that in winter, the monthly mean diurnal climate is more closely coupled to the diurnal shortwave forcing than the mean diurnal climate.