bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
OPTIMAL CONTROL WITH THE DYNAMIC CHANGE OF THE STRUCTURE OF THE ROAD NETWORK
Authors: Bede Zsuzsanna , Péter Tamás
Published: March 2014

Optimization of traffic on a large public road network is a complex task. Reversible direction lane theory is an interesting and special method within this subject. This can completely support the fluctuation or alteration of main congested directions existing in the traffic dynamics (time of day, seasonal, etc.) on the existing road surfaces. In such case, certain subsystems of the main network cease to exist, and subsystems working with new connections take their place. This type of routing therefore changes the structure of the system ‘in an optimal direction’, but many practical and safety questions arise. The authors have examined the modelling of a Reversible Lane System (RLS) created based on a simple part of a road network, which is segmented into elements. Functions of each network element and contacts between them cease operating in the course of such change while new contacts and new function elements are activated instead. The article presents the mathematical modelling of the problem. It points out the fundamental questions of the structure change and exemplifies the above using a simple example. The authors studied a general mathematical model describing the RLS. They examined the availability of the optimal control in a sample network depending on the traffic density, using a new principle, which responds to the dynamic change of the structure of the network graph. It can be shown, that the results from the model are in harmony with the real traffic values based on measurements made in road traffic systems working with RLS.
KEY FACTORS AFFECTING RAIL SERVICE QUALITY IN THE NORTHERN ITALY: A DECISION TREE APPROACH
Authors: Oña Rocío De , Eboli Laura , Mazzulla Gabriella
Published: March 2014

This work concerns with the analysis of transit service quality on the basis of the perceptions directly expressed by the passengers of the services. The transit services supporting the research are offered by rail operators of the Northern Italy, and particularly by regional and suburban lines connecting different towns of the hinterland of the city of Milan, and express lines connecting Milan with the Malpensa airport. The experimental data were collected in a survey conducted in May 2012, and addressed to a sample of more than 16,000 passengers. Passengers expressed their opinions about service characteristics such as safety, cleanliness, comfort, information, personnel. The tool chosen for evaluating service quality is a Classification and Regression Tree Approach (CART), useful for identifying the characteristics mostly influencing the overall service quality. We found that service characteristics like ‘Windows and Doors Working’, ‘Courtesy and Competence on Board’, ‘Information at Stations’, ‘Punctuality of Runs’, ‘Courtesy and Competence in Station’ and ‘Regularity of Runs’ mainly influence service quality.
La crise sur un plateau
Authors: Timbeau Xavier
Published: March 2014

L’accélération attendue de la croissance mondiale en 2014 pourrait enfin laisser espérer la fin du marasme après six années de crise. Le terme possible de la crise dans la zone euro porte l’espoir d’une normalisation du fonctionnement de l’économie mondiale. Mais, au-delà de quelques chiffres positifs publiés depuis le début de l’année et de l’anticipation d’une fin de récession dans la zone euro, rien aujourd’hui n’indique que les difficultés sont surmontées. Les mécanismes de la crise des dettes souveraines peuvent se réactiver, les péripéties politico-budgétaires américaines, qui ont trouvé une issue temporaire, peuvent resurgir début 2014 et les tensions autour de la fiscalité et la hausse du chômage nourrissent les inquiétudes sociales. Selon les tenants de la rigueur à marche forcée, l’amélioration du climat conjoncturel dans la zone euro illustrerait les premiers bénéfices de la stratégie de consolidation budgétaire telle qu’elle a été conduite depuis 2010. C’est négliger l’effet multiplicateur très négatif de la rigueur sur l’activité, l’absence de coordination des ajustements qui a accentué l’effet récessif de ces choix de politique économique, et le mauvais calibrage de l’effort imposé aux pays qui a étouffé la reprise naissante en 2010 et empêché la résorption de la partie conjoncturelle des déficits. On peut plutôt voir dans l’embellie de la conjoncture en zone euro la conséquence des arrangements institutionnels qui ont permis de contenir la crise des dettes souveraines et qui ont consisté à faire endosser le risque de détention de dette souveraine par des tiers via une forme de mutualisation. La zone euro sera enlisée dans la faible croissance d’ici à 2015 et ne pourra guère compter sur le dynamisme vacillant de ses partenaires extérieurs, les États-Unis et les pays émergents.
Interpreting Folk Dance Heritage: Local, National and Transnational Level
Authors: Knific Bojan
Published: March 2014

Programska različnost evropskih folklornih skupin je deloma povezana z različnostjo plesnega in drugega izročila, a bolj kot različnost izročil nanjo vplivajo selekcije pričevanj o plesnem izročilu in njegovo folkloriziranje. Folklorna dejavnost se namreč uresničuje s poudarjanjem drugačnosti našega izročila od izročila drugih, in sicer že v nacionalnih mejah, ko so nekatere prvine plesnega izročila določenega območja poudarjene in druge zapostavljene. Še bolj pa se to kaže, če primerjamo dojemanje in interpretiranje izročila na mednarodni ravni. Glede načinov folkloriziranja izročila obstajajo nadnacionalna kulturna območja s posebnostmi, ki vodijo k podobnosti programov folklornih skupin med njimi, in različnosti, če se primerjajo s skupinami zunaj njih.
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The variety among programmes of the European folk dance groups is partly linked to the diversity of dance and other traditions, but is due more to the selection of testimonies on dance tradition and their folklorization. Folk dance activity is namely actualized in emphasizing the distinctiveness of Our tradition from the tradition of Others. This is not only the case within national borders, where certain elements of the dance tradition of a certain area have been exposed and the others neglected, but even more so when we compare the perception and interpretation of traditions on an international level. Concerning the transformation of traditions into folk traditions, there exist transnational cultural areas with their own features that account for the resemblances among the programmes of the folk dance groups within the areas as well as the differences when comparing dances from different areas.
La dimensione della tradizione orale contemporanea a Resia (Italia)
Authors: Dapit Roberto
Published: March 2014

Po izredno pomembnem terenskem delu, ki ga je v 60. in 70. letih prejšnjega stoletja opravil Milko Matičetov, stanju ustnega izročila Rezijanske doline v Italiji v zadnjih desetletjih stalno sledimo. Terensko delo, ki je bilo nedavno opravljeno na tem območju, omogoča nekaj primerjav med sodobno rezijansko kulturno dediščino in stanjem pred približno petdesetimi leti. Ker je v primerjavi s sosednjimi jezikovnimi območji (npr. furlanskim) ustno izročilo, predvsem pripovedništvo, razmeroma dobro ohranjeno, avtor želi ugotoviti, kakšno vlogo ima v sodobnem času in v procesu samopredstavljanja rezijanske skupnosti, v katerih oblikah se to izročilo prenaša in izraža, ter prepoznati spremembe in morebitne funkcije ali simbolične vloge novih razsežnosti izročila v in zunaj Rezije.
***
The situation of the oral tradition in ResiaValley (Italy) has been the subject of continual research interest in the decades following the crucial field surveys carried out by Milko Matičetov in the 1960s and 1970s. Recent field research in the same area allows for comparison between contemporary Resian cultural heritage and the state of affairs recorded approximately fifty years ago. Given that oral tradition, especially narratives, seem to be relatively better preserved in Resia than in nearby linguistic areas (e.g. Friulia), the author wishes to ascertain the role of oral tradition in present processes of self representation of the Resian community. Moreover, he depicts the different ways of transmitting and performing oral tradition, recognising its transformations and functions as well as its new dimensions of its symbolic role inside and outside of Resia.
Istrian Folk Narrative Tradition from the Perspective of Changing Borders
Authors: Kropej Monika
Published: March 2014

This paper focuses on the folk narrative tradition of Istria, which reflect the area’s cultural landscape as well as the everyday life of its inhabitants. Presented is an overview of the changing narrative tradition in the area situated along presently disappearing formal state borders within the expanded European Union. The author explores older studies and research conducted by contemporary scholars who focused their scholarly interest in the spiritual culture of this area. Special interest is dedicated to the narrative tradition connected with cultural landscape, to traditional narratives as part of intangible heritage, as well as their role in overcoming ethnic as well as social and economic problems.
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Članek obravnava ljudsko pripovedno izročilo Istre, v katerem odsevata kulturna krajina in vsakdanje življenje ljudi. Predstavljen je kratek pregled spreminjajočega se istrskega pripovednega izročila na tem območju, kjer danes s širitvijo Evropske unije formalne meje počasi izginjajo. Raziskava se opira na dela starejših piscev, prav tako pa tudi na objave novejših raziskovalcev in zbiralcev istrskega duhovnega izročila. Posebna pozornost je namenjena ljudskemu pripovednemu izročilu, povezanem s kulturno krajino, in vlogi, ki ga lahko ima pri ohranjanju kulturne podobe krajin ter oživljanju nesnovne dediščine, prav tako pa tudi pri preseganju etničnih, posredno pa tudi družbenih in ekonomskih problemov.
Ethnologist and the Integral Approach to Cultural Heritage Protection
Authors: Koželj Zvezda
Published: March 2014

Etnološki vidik in vsebine delovanja etnologov konservatorjev so kot osrednje zadolžitve pri postopkih ohranjanja kulturne dediščine prepoznali tudi snovalci novejše mednarodne in domače varstvene zakonodaje. Že utečene in dodatne naloge etnologov konservatorjev so predstavljene in utemeljene v varstveni zakonodaji in povezane v programski model delovanja etnologov konservatorjev. Ohranitev dediščine bi morala biti predsem vzajemna odločitev in naloga nosilcev kulturnih pojavov, lastnikov in stroke ob sodelovanju vseh potrebnih deležnikov. Izbrane kulturne pojave bi morali predstaviti v preverjenih, utečenih ali inovativnih rešitvah v več različicah, kot mogoče razvojne potenciale načrtovalcem na vseh, vertikalnih in horizontalnih ravneh.
***
The planners of contemporary international and domestic protection legislation have now also recognized the crucial roles of the ethnological perspective and conservator-ethnologists in processes of cultural heritage conservation. The well-established and the additional tasks of conservator-ethnologists are presented and substantiated through the protective legal framework and connected in the work programme model of conservatorethnologists. Heritage preservation should be mainly a mutual decision and obligation of agents, proprietors and experts as well as all other stakeholders. The selected cultural phenomena should be presented with the help of tried and tested, recognised or innovative solutions as possible development potential to planners at all levels, both vertical and horizontal.
Effects of Recruitment, Growth, and Exploitation on Walleye Population Size Structure in Northern Wisconsin Lakes
Authors: Hansen Michael J. , Nate Nancy A.
Published: March 2014

We evaluated the dynamics of walleye Sander vitreus population size structure, as indexed by the proportional size distribution (PSD) of quality-length fish, in Escanaba Lake during 1967–2003 and in 204 other lakes in northern Wisconsin during 1990–2011. We estimated PSD from angler-caught walleyes in Escanaba Lake and from spring electrofishing in 204 other lakes, and then related PSD to annual estimates of recruitment to age-3, length at age 3, and annual angling exploitation rate. In Escanaba Lake during 1967–2003, annual estimates of PSD were highly dynamic, growth (positively) explained 35% of PSD variation, recruitment explained only 3% of PSD variation, and exploitation explained only 7% of PSD variation. In 204 other northern Wisconsin lakes during 1990–2011, PSD varied widely among lakes, recruitment (negatively) explained 29% of PSD variation, growth (positively) explained 21% of PSD variation, and exploitation explained only 4% of PSD variation. We conclude that population size structure was most strongly driven by recruitment and growth, rather than exploitation, in northern Wisconsin walleye populations. Studies of other species over wide spatial and temporal ranges of recruitment, growth, and mortality are needed to determine which dynamic rate most strongly influences population size structure of other species. Our findings indicate a need to be cautious about assuming exploitation is a strong driver of walleye population size structure.
Working Capital Management in Select Indian Pharmaceutical Companies
Authors: Sur Debasish , Maji Sumit Kumar , Banerjee Deep
Published: March 2014

The Indian pharmaceutical industry is the fifth largest pharmaceutical industry in the world in terms of volume and the fourteenth largest in value terms. There have been sevaral notable changes in the scenario of Indian pharmaceutical industry after the signing of GATT (now WTO). The mergers, acquisitions, and takeovers at both national and international levels have become a common phenomenon in this industry. In today's challenging and competitive environment, efficient management of working capital is an integral component of the overall strategy to create shareholders' wealth. So, the task of designing appropriate strategies for managing working capital in accomplishing the objective of maximizing shareholders' wealth of companies in the Indian pharmaceutical industry is of prime importance. In this backdrop, the chapter seeks to analyze the working capital management of ten selected companies in the Indian pharmaceutical industry during the period 1996-97 to 2010-11. While satisfying the objective of the study, relevant statistical tools and techniques have been applied at appropriate places.
A Resource-Based Approach to Mergers and Concentration of the Banking System in Mexico post Crisis 1994
Authors: Vargas-Hernández José G.
Published: March 2014

The strength of the companies is sustained in the resources that it owns that can be considered like a barrier to the entrance for other companies. The case of the banking sector of these resources was affected by the crisis of 1994, devastated with the anti-crisis measures and the entrance of foreign competitors at the end of the 1990s. Under this environment, this chapter analyzes the acceleration of the concentration at the Mexican banking system based on the resource-based theory. To have competitive advantages in resources and a solid global expansion strategy, foreign banks were able to climb to a position in the Mexican banking system, with the subsequent generation of barriers to entry to maintain its leadership.
A Diagnosis of the Determinants of Dividend Payout Policy in India
Authors: Kumar Rajesh , Jha Pawan Kumar
Published: March 2014

Dividend decision involves the portion of a firm's net earnings that are paid out to the shareholders, and the remaining is ploughed back in the company for its growth purpose. Despite comprehensive theoretical and empirical explanations, dividend policy and its determinants are a puzzle to be fixed in corporate finance. This chapter is an attempt to assess the dynamics and determinants of dividend-payout policy using a factor analytical tool and a multiple regression analysis as a supportive tool. The authors take into account the sample of ten automobile companies based on Market Capitalization listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) for a period of 10 years from 2002-2003 to 2012-2013. The results of the factor analysis show that six factors, current ratio, cash flow, retained earnings per share, earnings per share, equity dividend, and corporate dividend tax, are identified as the most critical factors determining dividend payout in Indian automobile companies. However, regression results depict only three factors (i.e. cash flow, equity dividend, and corporate dividend tax) have been found statistically significant in determining dividend payout policy.
Organisational Justice Perception
Authors: Bhattacharya Anshuman
Published: March 2014

The mutual relationship between employer and employee develops at the workplace on the premise of reciprocity of expectations from each other. Fulfilment of these expectations is the perception of either of the two. When an employee perceives prevalence of justice in the organization, he correlates the perception with all organisational stimuli. This chapter shows that work attitude varies in employees as a result of the difference in perceived justice in the organization. It also hypothesizes the relationship among justice perception, responses to organisational facilities, and interpersonal interactional opportunities. The chapter is a correlation analysis of variables through a self-administered questionnaire consisting of responses in Likert's scale. Some of the responses and attitudes in the study significantly correlated with the perceived level of a component of organisational justice. The study re-establishes significance of non-pecuniary means in determining work attitudes.
Mutual Fund Performance and Investor's Perception
Authors: Adhikary Anindita , Bora Bedanta , Kumar Jitendra
Published: March 2014

The Indian mutual fund industry is playing a significant role in the development of capital market and in the growth of the Indian economy. It is considered to be a better opportunity where savings are collected from investors and diverted to the capital market to generate better returns for them with lower risk and volatility. Hence, it is of utmost significance to understand the mutual fund industry in India. As such, this chapter makes an attempt to review the various literatures available in regard to mutual funds to evaluate the performance of various mutual fund schemes and to study the investor's perception in selection of a mutual fund. The study shows that mutual funds have failed to offer advantages of diversification and professionalism to the investors and hence could not fulfil their scheme's objectives. It is also found that retail investors are still confused about the mutual funds as an investment avenue. In order to attain sustained profitable growth, the industry should focus on developing distribution networks, increasing retail participation and expanding the reach of mutual funds by conducting awareness programs and extending financial literacy.
Overview of Venture Capital Avenues for Business Process Outsourcing Companies in India
Authors: Srividhya S. , Pandian P.
Published: March 2014

India became a prominent destination for outsourcing in the services sector in the 1990s. Outsourcing to India started with the IT industry, which has responded to the changing market requirements by increasing the scale of operations and capability to handle complexity. Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) in India has grown rapidly as compared to software services as the advantages offered by the country (low cost and abundant talent pool) were well known and tested in IT outsourcing. Most of the infrastructure required was already in place, and companies needed to set the processes right to get BPO going in India. Funding is the essence of any corporate growth story, and the Indian corporate are spreading around the globe with some remarkable takeovers. Coupled with the fact that India has highly skilled manpower with leading global tech, companies are setting their ventures, research and developmental activities in India with the help of venture capital avenues. This chapter highlights some of the venture capital avenues and government policies that have proven very beneficial in the growth of the IT/BPO industry. These favorable government policies have gone a long way in making India an outsourcing/IT hub. Finally, this chapter conceptualizes the implementation of venture capital avenues and application in IT/BPO industry. The major limitation of this chapter is conceptual in nature, which will definitely form a base to test empirically.
Usage of Protective Eye Wear among the Dental Practitioners of Bengaluru City: A Survey with Review of Literature
Authors: Kaul Rachna , Shilpa PS , Sanjay CJ
Published: March 2014

Background

Eye is one of the organs that is disposed to many hazards among dental practitioners due to the long strenuous working hours and various kinds dental equipment. These workrelated eye hazards range from eye injuries, fatigue, hazards due to lasers and light-curing units. Awareness among dental practitioners regarding the same is important so that they employ protective measures to avoid any eye hazards.

Aim

The aim of this study was to find the awareness regarding the occupational eye hazards among dental practitioners of Bengaluru city by assessing the usage of protective eye wear among them.

Study and design

A questionnaire-based survey was conducted among 150 dental practitioners of Bengaluru city.

Materials and methods

The questionnaire comprised of questions regarding their age and gender and whether they used protective eye wear while working.

Statistical analysis

Using percentage, the number of dental practitioners using protective eye wear and those not using the same were compared.

Results and conclusion

It was found that slightly more than half of the surveyed dental practitioners used protective eye wear while the rest did not use any eye protection while working. There is need to make more and more dental practitioners aware about the eye hazards that can happen due to work and emphasis needs to be laid on the use of protective eye wear while working so that these hazards can be minimized.

How to cite this article

Kaul R, Shilpa PS, Sanjay CJ. Usage of Protective Eye Wear among the Dental Practitioners of Bengaluru City: A Survey with Review of Literature. World J Dent 2014;5(1):17-20.
Root Resorption of Maxillary Incisors caused by Bilaterally Impacted Canines: An Evaluation by Cone-Beam Computed Tomography
Authors: Tonetto Mateus Rodrigues , Borges Alvaro Henrique , Bandéca Matheus Coelho , Volpato Luiz Evaristo Ricci , Oliveira Thais Marchini , de Campos Neves Ana Thereza Sabóia , Palma Vinicius Canavarros
Published: March 2014

When root resorption of incisors occurs due to impaction of maxillary canines, several factors interfere in the treatment plan, such as the location and severity of root resorption, canine position, lack of space and dental development stage. The case of severe root resorption of permanent maxillary incisors caused by bilaterally impacted permanent maxillary canines and its multidisciplinary therapeutic approach in a 12-year-old girl is presented. After clinical and imaging examination, a treatment plan was outlined including preservation of primary canines, extraction of the permanent maxillary right canine and permanent maxillary left lateral incisor followed by its replacement with the orthodontically tractioned permanent canine and esthetic restoration of the permanent maxillary anterior teeth. One year after treatment, the result was satisfactory and the remaining teeth were still asymptomatic. The risk of root resorption in children with impacted permanent maxillary canines should not be neglected thus reducing subsequent complications.

How to cite this article

de Campos Neves ATS, Volpato LER, Oliveira TM, Palma VC, Tonetto MR, Bandeca MC, Borges AH. Root Resorption of Maxillary Incisors caused by Bilaterally Impacted Canines: An Evaluation by Cone-Beam Computed Tomography. World J Dent 2014;5(1):67-71.
Triple X Syndrome Woman Presenting as Premature Ovarian Failure
Authors: Chandana C
Published: March 2014

Triple X syndrome is a sex chromosome abnormality characterized by extra X chromosome, occurring in approximately 1 in 1,000 female births. This condition often remains undiagnosed as most of them have normal phenotype, puberty and fertility. We report a case of Triple X syndrome with normal phenotype and intelligence presented with secondary amenorrhea and diagnosed to have premature ovarian failure. This case emphasizes the need for chromosomal analysis in women presenting with premature ovarian failure leading to primary or secondary amenorrhea.

How to cite this article

Chandana C, Venkatesh S. Triple X Syndrome Woman Presenting as Premature Ovarian Failure. Int J Infertility Fetal Med 2013;4(3):96-98.
Seasonality of halogen deposition in polar snow and ice
Authors: Spolaor A. , Vallelonga P. , Gabrieli J. , Martma T. , Björkman M. P. , Isaksson E. , Cozzi G. , Turetta C. , Kjær H. A. , Curran M. A. J. , Moy A. D. , Schönhardt A. , Blechschmidt A.-M. , Burrows J. P. , Plane J. M. C. , Barbante C.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. The atmospheric chemistry of iodine and bromine in polar regions is of interest due to the key role of halogens in many atmospheric processes, particularly tropospheric ozone destruction. Bromine is emitted from the open ocean but is enriched above first-year sea ice during springtime bromine explosion events, whereas iodine is emitted from biological communities hosted by sea ice. It has been previously demonstrated that bromine and iodine are present in Antarctic ice over glacial-interglacial cycles. Here we investigate seasonal variability of bromine and iodine in polar snow and ice, to evaluate their emission, transport and deposition in Antarctica and the Arctic and better understand potential links to sea ice. We find that bromine enrichment (relative to sea salt content) and iodine concentrations in polar ice do vary seasonally in Arctic snow and Antarctic ice and we relate such variability to satellite-based observations of tropospheric halogen concentrations. Peaks of bromine enrichment in Arctic snow and Antarctic ice occur in spring and summer, when sunlight is present. Iodine concentrations are largest in winter Antarctic ice strata, contrary to contemporary observations of summer maxima in iodine emissions.
Hygroscopic properties of newly formed ultrafine particles at an urban site surrounded by a deciduous forest in northern Japan during the summer of 2011
Authors: Jung J. , Kawamura K.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. To investigate the hygroscopic property of ultrafine particles during the new particle formation event, hygroscopic growth factors (g(RH)) of size-segregated atmospheric particles were measured at an urban site in Sapporo, northern Japan, during the summer of 2011. Hygroscopic growth factors at 85% RH (g(85%)) of freshly formed nucleation mode particles were measured at a dry particle diameter (Dp) centered at 20 nm to be 1.11 to 1.28 (average 1.16 ± 0.06), which are equivalent to 1.17 to 1.35 (1.23 ± 0.06) for a dry Dp centered at 100 nm after considering the Kelvin effect. These values are comparable with those of secondary organic aerosols, suggesting that low-volatility organic vapors are important to the burst of nucleation mode particles at the measurement site surrounded by a deciduous forest. Gradual increases in mode diameter after the burst of nucleation mode particles were obtained under southerly wind condition with a dominant contribution of intermediately-hygroscopic particles. However, sharp increases in mode diameter were obtained when wind direction shifted to northwesterly or northeasterly with a sharp increase in highly-hygroscopic particle faction in the Aitken mode particles, indicating that local wind direction is an important factor controlling the growth of newly formed particles and their hygroscopic properties. Higher g(85%) values (1.27 ± 0.05) were obtained at a dry Dp of 120 nm when the air masses originated from the Asian Continent, whereas lower g(85%) values (1.19 ± 0.06) were obtained when clean marine air masses arrived at the urban site. These results indicate that the hygroscopic property of large Aitken and small accumulation mode particles (80–165 nm) is highly influenced by the long-range atmospheric transport of particles and their precursors.
Modelling global-scale climate impacts of the late Miocene Messinian Salinity Crisis
Authors: Ivanovic R. F. , Valdes P. J. , Flecker R. , Gutjahr M.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. Late Miocene tectonic changes in Mediterranean–Atlantic connectivity and climatic changes caused Mediterranean salinity to fluctuate dramatically, including a ten-fold increase and near-freshening. Recent proxy- and model-based evidence suggests that at times during this Messinian Salinity Crisis (MSC, 5.96–5.33 Ma), highly saline and highly fresh Mediterranean water flowed into the North Atlantic Ocean, whilst at others, no Mediterranean Outflow Water (MOW) reached the Atlantic. By running extreme, sensitivity-type experiments with a fully coupled ocean–atmosphere general circulation model, we investigate the potential of these various MSC MOW scenarios to impact global-scale climate. The simulations suggest that although the effect remains relatively small, MOW had a greater influence on North Atlantic Ocean circulation and climate than it does today. We also find that depending on the presence, strength and salinity of MOW, the MSC could have been capable of cooling mid–high northern latitudes by a few degrees, with the greatest cooling taking place in the Labrador, Greenland–Iceland–Norwegian and Barents seas. With hypersaline MOW, a component of North Atlantic Deep Water formation shifts to the Mediterranean, strengthening the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) south of 35° N by 1.5–6 Sv. With hyposaline MOW, AMOC completely shuts down, inducing a bipolar climate anomaly with strong cooling in the north (mainly −1 to −3 °C, but up to −8 °C) and weaker warming in the south (up to +0.5 to +2.7 °C). These simulations identify key target regions and climate variables for future proxy reconstructions to provide the best and most robust test cases for (a) assessing Messinian model performance, (b) evaluating Mediterranean–Atlantic connectivity during the MSC and (c) establishing whether or not the MSC could ever have affected global-scale climate.
Probabilistic calibration of a Greenland Ice Sheet model using spatially-resolved synthetic observations: toward projections of ice mass loss with uncertainties
Authors: Chang W. , Applegate P. J. , Haran M. , Keller K.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. Computer models of ice sheet behavior are important tools for projecting future sea level rise. The simulated modern ice sheets generated by these models differ markedly as input parameters are varied. To ensure accurate ice sheet mass loss projections, these parameters must be constrained using observational data. Which model parameter combinations make sense, given observations? Our method assigns probabilities to parameter combinations based on how well the model reproduces the Greenland Ice Sheet profile. We improve on the previous state of the art by accounting for spatial information, and by carefully sampling the full range of realistic parameter combinations, using statistically rigorous methods. Specifically, we estimate the joint posterior probability density function of model parameters using Gaussian process-based emulation and calibration. This method is an important step toward probabilistic projections of ice sheet contributions to sea level rise, in that it uses observational data to learn about parameter values. This information can, in turn, be used to make projections while taking into account various sources of uncertainty, including parametric uncertainty, data–model discrepancy, and spatial correlation in the error structure. We demonstrate the utility of our method using a perfect model experiment, which shows that many different parameter combinations can generate similar modern ice sheet profiles. This result suggests that the large divergence of projections from different ice sheet models is partly due to parametric uncertainty. Moreover, our method enables insight into ice sheet processes represented by parameter interactions in the model.
Negative trade-off between changes in vegetation water use and infiltration recovery after reforesting degraded pasture land in the Nepalese Lesser Himalaya
Authors: Ghimire C. P. , Bruijnzeel L. A. , Lubczynski M. W. , Bonell M.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. This work investigates the trade-off between increases in vegetation water use and rain water infiltration afforded by soil improvement after reforesting severely degraded grassland in the Lesser Himalaya of Central Nepal. The hillslope hydrological functioning (surface- and sub-soil hydraulic conductivities and overland flow generation) and the evapotranspiration (rainfall interception and transpiration) of the following contrasting vegetation types were quantified and examined in detail: (i) a nearly undisturbed natural broad-leaved forest; (ii) a mature, intensively-used pine plantation; and (iii) a highly degraded pasture. Planting pines increased vegetation water use relative to the pasture and natural forest situation by 355 and 55 mm year−1, respectively. On balance, the limited amount of extra infiltration afforded by the pine plantation relative to the pasture (only 90 mm year−1 due to continued soil degradation associated with regular harvesting of litter and understory vegetation in the plantation) proved insufficient to compensate the higher water use of the pines. As such, observed declines in dry season flows in the study area are thought to reflect the higher water use of the pines although the effect could be moderated by better forest and soil management promoting infiltration. In contrast, a comparison of the water use of the natural forest and degraded pasture suggests that replacing the latter by (mature) broad-leaved forest would (ultimately) have a near-neutral effect on dry season flows as the approximate gains in infiltration and evaporative losses were very similar (ca. 300 m year−1 each). The results of the present study underscore the need for proper forest management for optimum hydrological functioning as well as the importance of protecting the remaining natural forests in the region.
Recent land subsidence caused by the rapid urban development in the Hanoi region (Vietnam) using ALOS InSAR data
Authors: Dang V. K. , Doubre C. , Weber C. , Gourmelen N. , Masson F.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. Since the 1990s the land subsidence due to the rapid urbanization has been considered a severely destructive hazard in the center of Hanoi City. Although previous studies and measurements have quantified the subsiding deformation in Hanoi center, no data exist for the newly established districts in the south and the west, where construction development has been most significant and where groundwater pumping has been very intensive over the last decade. With a multi-temporal InSAR approach, we quantify the spatial distribution of the land subsidence in the entire Hanoi urban region using ALOS images over the 2007–2011 period. The map of the mean subsidence velocity reveals that the northern bank of the Red River appears stable, whereas some areas in southern bank are subsiding with a mean vertical rate up to 68.0 mm yr−1, especially within the three new urban districts of Hoang Mai, Ha Dong – Thanh Xuan and Hoai Duc – Tu Liem. We interpret the spatial distribution of the surface deformation as the combination of the nature of the unsaturated layer, the lowering of groundwater in the aquifers due to pumping withdrawal capacity, the increase of built-up surfaces and the type of building foundation. The piezometric level in Qp aquifer lowers particularly after 2008, whereas the groundwater level in Qh aquifer remains steady, even if it loses its seasonal fluctuation in urban areas and drawdowns in neighboring water production plants. The time evolution deduced from the InSAR time series is consistent with previous leveling data and shows that the lowering rate of the surface slightly decreases till 2008. The analysis of groundwater levels in instrumented wells shows a correlation between the behavior of groundwater with the urban development and the acceleration of groundwater withdrawal. Also, the time variations suggest that the deformation became non-stationary, with upward and downward transient displacements related to the charge and discharge of the aquifers.
Elevation and elevation change of Greenland and Antarctica derived from CryoSat-2
Authors: Helm V. , Humbert A. , Miller H.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. The ESA satellite CryoSat-2 has been observing Earth's polar regions since April 2010. It carries a sophisticated radar altimeter and aims for the detection of changes in sea ice thickness as well as surface elevation changes of Earth's land and marine ice sheets. This study focuses on the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets, considering the contemporary elevation of their surfaces. Based on 2 years of CryoSat-2 data acquisition, elevation change maps and mass balance estimates are presented. Additionally, new digital elevation models (DEMs) and the corresponding error maps are derived. Due to the high orbit of CryoSat-2 (88° N/S) and the narrow across-track spacing, more than 99% of Antarctica's surface area is covered. In contrast, previous radar altimeter measurements of ERS1/2 and ENVISAT were limited to latitudes between 81.5° N and 81.5° S and to surface slopes below 1°. The derived DEMs for Greenland and Antarctica have an accuracy which is similar to previous DEMs obtained by satellite-based laser and radar altimetry (Liu et al., 2001; Bamber et al., 2009, 2013; Fretwell et al., 2013; Howat et al., 2014). Comparisons with ICESat data show that 80% of the CryoSat-2 DEMs have an error of less than 3 m ± 30 m. For both ice sheets the surface elevation change rates between 2011 and 2012 are presented at a resolution of 1 km. Negative elevation changes are concentrated at the west and south-east coast of Greenland and in the Amundsen Sea embayment in West Antarctica (e.g. Pine Island and Thwaites glaciers). They agree well with the dynamic mass loss observed by ICESat between 2003 and 2008 (Pritchard et al., 2009). Thickening occurs along the main trunk of Kamb Ice Stream and in Dronning Maud Land. While the former is a consequence of an ice stream stagnated ∼150 years ago (Rose, 1979; Retzlaff and Bentley, 1993), the latter represents a known large-scale accumulation event (Lenaerts et al., 2013). This anomaly partly compensates for the observed increased volume loss in West Antarctica. In Greenland the findings reveal an increased volume loss of a factor of 2 compared to the period 2003 to 2008. The combined volume loss of Greenland and Antarctica for the period 2011 and 2012 is estimated to be −448 ± 122 km3 yr−1.
Firm, Country and Macroeconomic Determinants of Capital Structure: Evidence from Turkish Banking Sector
Authors: Baltacı Nuri , Ayaydın Hasan
Published: March 2014

This study explores the significance of firm-specific, country, and macroeconomic factors in explaining variation in leverage using a sample of banks from Turkish banking sector. The analysis is based on quarterly firm-level data from Turkish banking sector in 2002–2012. We aims to contribute to the empirical capital structure literature in the following ways. Our first contribution comes from assessing the importance of firm-specific factors, country-level factors and industrial factors for capital structure decisions in Turkish banking sector. Second, we employ appropriate and advanced dynamic panel data estimators, Blundell and Bond’s (1998) generalized methods of moment’s estimators (GMM System). We find that leverage is significantly and positively associated with average industry leverage, firm size and GDP growth. We find also that leverage is significantly and negatively associated with tangibility, profitability, inflation and financial risk. The regression results for leverage are both theoretically and empirically plausible for banks in Turkey. Moreover, tangibility, profitability and GDP growth are consistent with the predictions of the pecking order theory, while firm size is consistent with the predictions of the trade-off theory. Our findings suggest that the capital structures of financial and non-financial firms are ultimately determined by the same drivers.
Organizational Culture Types and Their Effects on Organizational Performance in Turkish Hospitals
Authors: Acar A.Zafer , Acar Pınar
Published: March 2014

Nowadays a cultural transformation is seen in healthcare industry in Turkey because of important structural changes due to implemented exchange programs and liberalization policies on national basis. In this condition hospitals, as a business, make an effort to gain above average returns while serving the health services. According to the literature, one of the substantial intangible forces that affect performance is organizational culture. Thus, this study aims to identify the dominant organizational culture types of private and public hospitals while make a comparison between their effects on business performance. To examine the research questions a questionnaire survey performed, and data collected from 512 employees of 99 hospitals which are located in large cities of Turkey are analysed by using SPSS 15 program.
The Data of Labor Market In Turkey and Time Series Analysis On Economic Growth (2000:01-2013:03)
Authors: Kargı Bilal
Published: March 2014

In the present study, labor markets were analyzed, in particular, the reasons of low labor force rate to make sense based on the data of Turkish economy. While in the advanced economies, the labor force rate is quite high and has small fluctuations around a certain extent over a long-term. In the Turkish economy, prominently falls in a long-term. Turkey is ranked at 18th by population size and ranked at 17th by GDP in the world and although its population effectively provides labor force rate, it will be highly effective on its economic growth. The study based on cointegration analysis with long-term labor data with respect to the economy of Turkey concluded that labor variables concern with GDP and cointegration in a long-term. In particular, when the presence of strong relation between the growth and the non-institutional population is produced, it is emphasized that the present relation between the growth and the labor variable isn’t strong enough.
Technical Efficiency and Determinants of Mobility Patterns in European Agriculture
Authors: Bakucs Zoltán , Fertő Imre , Latruffe Laure , Desjeux Yann
Published: March 2014

European agriculture has undergone considerable structural changes in the last two decades, with a decreasing number of farms and increasing farm size. One important question is whether these changes have been translated into improvements in technical efficiency. The paper provides a comparative analysis of farm technical efficiency in eight EU member states. More specifically, the authors focus on the relative performance fluctuation over time – namely, whether poorly performing farms always remain inefficient whilst some farms are always efficient. The most striking results are as follows. First, there is a remarkable robustness of farm efficiency stability across countries: on average, 60% of farms maintain their efficiency ranking in two consecutive years, while 20% improve and 20% worsen their positions. Second, there is a clear difference between the mobility indicators with respect to farm technical efficiency ranking between the EU15 and the new member states (NMS) included in the study. Due to unstable economic conditions, farms in NMS are more mobile than those in the EU15. Finally, using second-stage regression of mobility scores on a set of farm-specific explanatory variables, some explanations of the mobility patterns are offered.
A Dual Approach to Evaluating the Agricultural Productivity of Fruit Farms in Emilia-Romagna
Authors: Bertazzoli Aldo , Ghelfi Rino , Guzmán Isidoro , Rivaroli Sergio
Published: March 2014

Productivity analysis is a frequent topic on the agenda for many researchers, whose efforts are focused on establishing adequate measurement criteria and then applying them to specific case studies. Based on accountancy micro-data for 2000 to 2009 for a group of fruit-growing farms, the purpose of this study was to verify the similarity between two methods of productivity measurement: the total factor productivity (TFP) index and the Malmquist index. The results broadly confirm the substantial congruence of the two indices and show an increase in the productivity of fruit farms in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. However, the results should be carefully interpreted, since the productivity fluctuations during the decade suggest that this kind of analysis should be conducted using medium to long-term time-series data. Furthermore, the TFP index seems to be generally higher than the Malmquist index, implying that these measures are suitable for an overview of trends rather than exact measures of productivity.
Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals and Pesticides in Honey From Sicily (Italy)
Authors: Naccari Clara , Macaluso Andrea , Giangrosso Giuseppe , Naccari Francesco , Ferrantelli Vincenzo
Published: March 2014

Honey, obtained by the honeybee (Apis mellifera) from nectar plants, with different composition according to floral sources, regional and climatic conditions, is widely consumed for its nutritional value and various properties. It could be considered a bio-indicator of environmental pollution to assess the presence of metals, naturally present in soil, and pesticides, widely used in agricultural practices. Actually no specific legislation on honey’s metals and pesticides content exists. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of toxic metals (Pb and Cd) and insecticides (organochlorines, organophosphates, pyrethrins and pyrethroids) in carob, chestnut and eucalyptus honey samples from Sicily and carried out a risk assessment to dietary intake of these contaminants. The results obtained showed low residual levels of Pb (0.1709 ± 0.078 mg kg-1) and Cd (0.0153 ± 0.004 mg kg-1) while the concentrations of all pesticides analyzed were under the LOD (< 0.01 mg kg-1). To explain the source of metals contamination in honey, the analytical investigation was conducted also in carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.), chestnut (Castanea sativa) and eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globules Labill.) powders, from which nectar honey is produced, confirming the presence of Pb and Cd concentrations with statistically significant differences (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01) in all three types. The risk assessment, evaluated through the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and confirmed also by EFSA Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake (PTWI), showed that metals daily intake through Sicilian honey consumption is not likely to cause deleterious effect for consumers.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for Journal of Food Research, Vol. 3, No. 2
Authors: Dong Bella
Published: March 2014

Reviewer acknowledgements for Journal of Food Research, Vol. 3, No. 2, 2014
What is so Special about Media Innovations? A Characterization of the Field
Authors: Dogruel Leyla
Published: March 2014

Based on existing research in media economics, media management as well as media history this paper analyzes media innovation’s characteristics. These media specific attributes help distinguishing media innovation from other types of innovation and justify the necessity to establish a distinct field of research on media innovation. As a result, eight attributes that refer to media innovation products and processes were deduced. They characterize media innovations as multidimensional and risky products and highlight the importance of approaching media innovation development as interactive, long term processes that go beyond the control of single media organizations. Concluding, several implications with respect towards studying media innovation from an interdisciplinary perspective were derived.