bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hygroscopic and phase separation properties of ammonium sulfate/organics/water ternary solutions
Authors: Zawadowicz M. A. , Proud S. R. , Seppalainen S. S. , Cziczo D. J.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. Atmospheric aerosol particles are often partially or completely composed of inorganic salts, such as ammonium sulfate and sodium chloride, and therefore exhibit hygroscopic properties. Many inorganic salts have well-defined deliquescence and efflorescence points at which they take up and lose water, respectively. Field measurements have shown that atmospheric aerosols are not typically pure inorganic salt, instead, they often also contain organic species. There is ample evidence from laboratory studies that suggests that mixed particles exist in a phase-separated state, with an aqueous inorganic core and organic shell. Although phase separation has not been measured in situ, there is no reason it would not also take place in the atmosphere. Here, we investigate the deliquescence and efflorescence points, phase separation and ability to exchange gas-phase components of mixed organic and inorganic aerosol using a flow tube coupled with FTIR (Fourier transform infrared) spectroscopy. Ammonium sulfate aerosol mixed with organic polyols with different O : C ratios, including 1,4-butanediol, glycerol, 1,2,6-hexanetriol, 1,2-hexanediol, and 1,5-pentanediol have been investigated. Those constituents correspond to materials found in the atmosphere in great abundance and, therefore, particles prepared in this study should mimic atmospheric mixed-phase aerosol particles. Some results of this study tend to be in agreement with previous microscopy experiments, but others, such as phase separation properties of 1,2,6-hexanetriol, do not agree with previous work. Because the particles studied in this experiment are of a smaller size than those used in microscopy studies, the discrepancies found could be a size-related effect.
Concentrations and solubility of trace elements in fine particles at a mountain site, southern China: regional sources and cloud processing
Authors: Li T. , Wang Y. , Li W. J. , Chen J. M. , Wang T. , Wang W. X.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. The concentrations and solubility of twelve trace elements in PM2.5 at Mt. Lushan, southern China, were investigated during the summer of 2011 and the spring of 2012. The average PM2.5 mass was 55.2 ± 20.1 μg m−3 during the observation period. Temporal variations of all trace elements including total and water-soluble fractions with several dust storm spikes in total fractions of Al and Fe were observed. The enrichment factor (EF) values were 1 order of magnitude higher for the water-soluble fractions versus the total fractions of trace elements. Four major emission sources, namely nonferrous metal mining and smelting (for Cr, As, Ba and parts of Zn), coal combustion (for Pb, Zn, Se, Cu and Mn), crustal materials (for Al and Fe) and municipal solid waste incineration (for Cd and Mo), were classified by principal component analysis (PCA). Trajectory cluster analysis and the potential source contribution function (PSCF) consistently identified the Yangtze River delta (YRD), the Pearl River delta (PRD), and the neighbouring provinces of Mt. Lushan as the major source regions and transport pathways for anthropogenic elements. Northern China was identified as a major source region for crustal elements. It should be noted that apart from the YRD, the area around Mt. Lushan has become the most significant contributor to the solubility of most trace elements. Element solubility can be partially determined by emission sources. However, enhanced solubility of trace elements corresponding to increased concentrations of sulfate after the occurrence of cloud events indicated significant effects of cloud processing on aerosol element dissolution. Metal particles mixed with sulfate in cloud droplet residues were further investigated through transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis. Irreversible alteration of particle morphology by cloud processing was confirmed to be highly responsible for the enhancement of trace element solubility. The findings from this study imply an important role of regional anthropogenic pollution and cloud processing in the evolution of aerosol trace element solubility during transport in the troposphere.
High-resolution measurement of cloud microphysics and turbulence at a mountaintop station
Authors: Siebert H. , Shaw R. A. , Ditas J. , Schmeissner T. , Malinowski S. P. , Bodenschatz E. , Xu H.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. Mountain research stations are advantageous not only for long-term sampling of cloud properties but also for measurements that are prohibitively difficult to perform on airborne platforms due to the large true air speed or adverse factors such as weight and complexity of the equipment necessary. Some cloud–turbulence measurements, especially Lagrangian in nature, fall into this category. We report results from simultaneous, high-resolution and collocated measurements of cloud microphysical and turbulence properties during several warm cloud events at the Umweltforschungsstation Schneefernerhaus (UFS) on Zugspitze in the German Alps. The data gathered were found to be representative of observations made with similar instrumentation in free clouds. The observed turbulence shared all features known for high-Reynolds-number flows: it exhibited approximately Gaussian fluctuations for all three velocity components, a clearly defined inertial subrange following Kolmogorov scaling (power spectrum, and second- and third-order Eulerian structure functions), and highly intermittent velocity gradients, as well as approximately lognormal kinetic energy dissipation rates. The clouds were observed to have liquid water contents on the order of 1 g m−3 and size distributions typical of continental clouds, sometimes exhibiting long positive tails indicative of large drop production through turbulent mixing or coalescence growth. Dimensionless parameters relevant to cloud–turbulence interactions, the Stokes number and settling parameter are in the range typically observed in atmospheric clouds. Observed fluctuations in droplet number concentration and diameter suggest a preference for inhomogeneous mixing. Finally, enhanced variance in liquid water content fluctuations is observed at high frequencies, and the scale break occurs at a value consistent with the independently estimated phase relaxation time from microphysical measurements.
On the consistency of 2-D video disdrometers in measuring microphysical parameters of solid precipitation
Authors: Bernauer F. , Hürkamp K. , Rühm W. , Tschiersch J.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. Detailed characterization and classification of precipitation is an important task in atmospheric research. Line scanning 2-D video disdrometer devices are well established for rain observations. The two orthogonal views taken of each hydrometeor passing the sensitive area of the instrument qualify these devices especially for detailed characterization of nonsymmetric solid hydrometeors. However, in case of solid precipitation, problems related to the matching algorithm have to be considered and the user must be aware of the limited spatial resolution when size and shape descriptors are analyzed. Clarifying the potential of 2-D video disdrometers in deriving size, velocity and shape parameters from single recorded pictures is the aim of this work. The need of implementing a matching algorithm suitable for mixed- and solid-phase precipitation is highlighted as an essential step in data evaluation. For this purpose simple reproducible experiments with solid steel spheres and irregularly shaped Styrofoam particles are conducted. Self-consistency of shape parameter measurements is tested in 38 cases of real snowfall. As a result, it was found that reliable size and shape characterization with a relative standard deviation of less than 5 % is only possible for particles larger than 1 mm. For particles between 0.5 and 1.0 mm the relative standard deviation can grow up to 22 % for the volume, 17 % for size parameters and 14 % for shape descriptors. Testing the adapted matching algorithm with a reproducible experiment with Styrofoam particles, a mismatch probability of less than 3 % was found. For shape parameter measurements in case of real solid-phase precipitation, the 2-DVD shows self-consistent behavior.
The root economics spectrum: divergence of absorptive root strategies with root diameter
Authors: Kong D. , Wang J. , Kardol P. , Wu H. , Zeng H. , Deng X. , Deng Y.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. Plant roots usually vary along a dominant ecological axis, the root economics spectrum (RES), depicting a tradeoff between resource acquisition and conservation. For absorptive roots, which are mainly responsible for resource acquisition, we hypothesized that root strategies as predicted from the RES shift with increasing root diameter. To test this hypothesis, we used seven contrasting plant species for which we separated absorptive roots into two categories: thin roots (< 247 μm diameter) and thick roots. For each category, we analyzed a~range of root traits closely related to resource acquisition and conservation, including root tissue density, carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) fractions as well as root anatomical traits. The results showed that trait relationships for thin absorptive roots followed the expectations from the RES while no clear trait relationships were found in support of the RES for thick absorptive roots. Our results suggest divergence of absorptive root strategies in relation to root diameter, which runs against a single economics spectrum for absorptive roots.
PISCES-v2: an ocean biogeochemical model for carbon and ecosystem studies
Authors: Aumont O. , Ethé C. , Tagliabue A. , Bopp L. , Gehlen M.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. PISCES-v2 (Pelagic Interactions Scheme for Carbon and Ecosystem Studies volume 2) is a biogeochemical model which simulates the lower trophic levels of marine ecosystems (phytoplankton, microzooplankton and mesozooplankton) and the biogeochemical cycles of carbon and of the main nutrients (P, N, Fe, and Si). The model is intended to be used for both regional and global configurations at high or low spatial resolutions as well as for short-term (seasonal, interannual) and long-term (climate change, paleoceanography) analyses. There are 24 prognostic variables (tracers) including two phytoplankton compartments (diatoms and nanophytoplankton), two zooplankton size classes (microzooplankton and mesozooplankton) and a description of the carbonate chemistry. Formulations in PISCES-v2 are based on a mixed Monod–quota formalism. On the one hand, stoichiometry of C / N / P is fixed and growth rate of phytoplankton is limited by the external availability in N, P and Si. On the other hand, the iron and silicon quotas are variable and the growth rate of phytoplankton is limited by the internal availability in Fe. Various parameterizations can be activated in PISCES-v2, setting, for instance, the complexity of iron chemistry or the description of particulate organic materials. So far, PISCES-v2 has been coupled to the Nucleus for European Modelling of the Ocean (NEMO) and Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS) systems. A full description of PISCES-v2 and of its optional functionalities is provided here. The results of a quasi-steady-state simulation are presented and evaluated against diverse observational and satellite-derived data. Finally, some of the new functionalities of PISCES-v2 are tested in a series of sensitivity experiments.
The Parallelized Large-Eddy Simulation Model (PALM) version 4.0 for atmospheric and oceanic flows: model formulation, recent developments, and future perspectives
Authors: Maronga B. , Gryschka M. , Heinze R. , Hoffmann F. , Kanani-Sühring F. , Keck M. , Ketelsen K. , Letzel M. O. , Sühring M. , Raasch S.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. In this paper we present the current version of the Parallelized Large-Eddy Simulation Model (PALM) whose core has been developed at the Institute of Meteorology and Climatology at Leibniz Universität Hannover (Germany). PALM is a Fortran 95-based code with some Fortran 2003 extensions and has been applied for the simulation of a variety of atmospheric and oceanic boundary layers for more than 15 years. PALM is optimized for use on massively parallel computer architectures and was recently ported to general-purpose graphics processing units. In the present paper we give a detailed description of the current version of the model and its features, such as an embedded Lagrangian cloud model and the possibility to use Cartesian topography. Moreover, we discuss recent model developments and future perspectives for LES applications.
Modeling global water use for the 21st century: Water Futures and Solutions (WFaS) initiative and its approaches
Authors: Wada Y. , Flörke M. , Hanasaki N. , Eisner S. , Fischer G. , Tramberend S. , Satoh Y. , van Vliet M. T. H. , Yillia P. , Ringler C. , Wiberg D.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. To sustain growing food demand and increasing standard of living, global water use increased by nearly 6 times during the last 100 years and continues to grow. As water demands get closer and closer to the water availability in many regions, each drop of water becomes increasingly valuable and water must be managed more efficiently and intensively. However, soaring water use worsens water scarcity condition already prevalent in semi-arid and arid regions, increasing uncertainty for sustainable food production and economic development. Planning for future development and investments requires that we prepare water projections for the future. However, estimations are complicated because the future of world's waters will be influenced by a combination of environmental, social, economic, and political factors, and there is only limited knowledge and data available about freshwater resources and how they are being used. The Water Futures and Solutions initiative (WFaS) coordinates its work with other on-going scenario efforts for the sake of establishing a consistent set of new global water scenarios based on the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) and the Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs). The WFaS "fast-track" assessment uses three global water models, namely H08, PCR-GLOBWB, and WaterGAP. This study assesses the state of the art for estimating and projecting water use regionally and globally in a consistent manner. It provides an overview of different approaches, the uncertainty, strengths and weaknesses of the various estimation methods, types of management and policy decisions for which the current estimation methods are useful. We also discuss additional information most needed to be able to improve water use estimates and be able to assess a greater range of management options across the water-energy-climate nexus.
Technical Note: Testing an improved index for analysing storm nutrient hysteresis
Authors: Lloyd C. E. M. , Freer J. E. , Johnes P. J. , Collins A. L.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. Analysis of hydrochemical behaviour in extreme flow events can provide new insights into the process controls on nutrient transport in catchments. The examination of storm behaviours using hysteresis analysis has increased in recent years, partly due to the increased availability of high temporal resolution datasets for discharge and nutrient parameters. A number of these analyses involve the use of an index to describe the characteristics of a hysteresis loop in order to compare different storm behaviours both within and between catchments. This technical note reviews the methods for calculation of the hysteresis index (HI) and explores a new more effective methodology. Each method is systematically tested and the impact of the chosen calculation on the results is examined. Recommendations are made regarding the most effective method of calculating a HI which can be used for comparing data between storms and between different parameters and catchments.
First aid to Cultural Heritage. Training initiatives on rapid documentation
Authors: Almagro Vidal A. , Tandon A. , Eppich R.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. Recent dramatic events have brought to the forefront the debate on how to protect, safeguard and document Cultural Heritage in conflict areas. Heritage places have become battlefields, sources of illicit trafficking and even deliberate targets of destruction because of the politicisation to further conflict ideologies as well as misinterpretation of the values they represent. Is it possible to protect Cultural Heritage under such circumstances? If yes, when is the right time to intervene and who can help in this task? How can documentation and training assist? The International Course on First Aid to Cultural Heritage in Times of Crisis promoted by ICCROM (The International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property) in collaboration with various partners focuses specifically on ways to help in such difficult and stressful situations. This paper explores the methodological approach and highlights the special circumstances that surround rapid documentation and preliminary condition assessment in conflict areas, and in cases of complex emergencies such as an earthquake striking a conflict area. The paper identifies international actors that might play a special and crucial role in the first steps of such a situation and recognizes the need for training activities to strengthen capacities for disaster response to cultural heritage at national and regional levels.
Complex Archaeological Prospection Using Combination of Non-destructive Techniques
Authors: Faltýnová M. , Pavelka K. , Nový P. , Šedina J.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. This article describes the use of a combination of non-destructive techniques for the complex documentation of a fabulous historical site called Devil’s Furrow, an unusual linear formation lying in the landscape of central Bohemia. In spite of many efforts towards interpretation of the formation, its original form and purpose have not yet been explained in a satisfactory manner. The study focuses on the northern part of the furrow which appears to be a dissimilar element within the scope of the whole Devil’s Furrow. This article presents detailed description of relics of the formation based on historical map searches and modern investigation methods including airborne laser scanning, aerial photogrammetry (based on airplane and RPAS) and ground-penetrating radar. Airborne laser scanning data and aerial orthoimages acquired by the Czech Office for Surveying, Mapping and Cadastre were used. Other measurements were conducted by our laboratory. Data acquired by various methods provide sufficient information to determine the probable original shape of the formation and proves explicitly the anthropological origin of the northern part of the formation (around village Lipany).
Development of Tools and Techniques to Survey, Assess, Stabilise, Monitor and Preserve Underwater Archaeological Sites: SASMAP
Authors: Gregory D. J.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. SASMAP’s purpose is to develop new technologies and best practices in order to locate, assess and manage Europe’s underwater cultural heritage in a more effective way than is possible today. SASMAP has taken an holistic- and process- based approach to investigating underwater environments and the archaeological sites contained therein. End user of the results of SASMAP are severalfold; i) to benefiet the SMEs involved in the project and development of their products for the offshore industry (not just for archaeological purposes) ii) a better understanding of the marine environment and its effect on archaeological materials iii) the collation of the results from the project into guidelines that can be used by cultural resource managers to better administer and optimise developer lead underwater archaeological project within Europe in accordance with European legislation (Treaty of Valetta (1992). Summarily the project has utilised a down scaling approach to localise archaeological sites at a large scale regional level. This has involved using innovative satellite imagery to obtain seamless topography maps over coastal areas and the seabed (accurate to a depth of 6m) as well as the development of a 3D sub bottom profiler to look within the seabed. Results obtained from the downscaling approach at the study areas in the project (Greece and Denmark) have enabled geological models to be developed inorder to work towards predictive modelling of where submerged prehistoric sites may be encountered. Once sites have been located an upscaling approach has been taken to assessing an individual site and the materials on and within it in order to better understand the state of preservation and dynamic conditions of a site and how it can best be preserved through in situ preservation or excavation. This has involved the development of equipment to monitor the seabed environment (open water and in sediments), equipment for sampling sediments and assessing the state of preservation of wood, once of the common materials on archaeological sites. The guidelines and all information and experiences obtained during the course of the project will be utilised to enhance and develop existing legislation and best practice for mapping and preserving Europe’s underwater and coastal heritage. The project started in September 2012 and finished at the end of August 2015 and the aim of the paper is to give a brief introduction to the results of the project. Further information on the project is available at www.sasmap.eu
Documentation of cultural heritage; techniques, potentials, and constraints
Authors: Hassani F.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. Cultural Heritage is known as an invaluable asset of human being, which portrays his achievements over centuries. The need for identification and preservation of cultural heritage is well understood and experts‟ attempt is to exploit any possible method to fulfill this aim. There are several published literatures and documents, which emphasize on the importance of the documentation of the cultural heritage such as Burra Charter. However, with the development of human and invention of new tools and technologies, the concept of the conservation of cultural heritage has changed considerably. The new technologies such as computers and digital tools have opened new windows and bestowed new opportunities in the process of conservation of cultural heritage. In this regard, it is important to review different technologies in order to make the best advantage of these tools in the cultural heritage field. The focus of this paper would be on the non-technical users who need to gain an overall comprehension of these new emerging tools. The foundation of this paper will be on the existing literatures published by various experts in addition to the author‟s experience and research in the conservation field.
Study on establishment of Body of Knowledge of Taiwan's Traditional Wooden Structure Technology
Authors: Huang M.T. , Chiou S.C. , Hsu T.W. , Su P.C.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. The timber technology of the Taiwan traditional architecture is brought by the immigrants in the Southern Fujian of China in the early, which has been inherited for a hundred years. In the past, these traditional timber technologies were taught by mentoring, however, due to the change of the social form, the construction of the traditional architecture was faded away, and what is gradually replaced is the repair work of the traditional architecture, therefore, the construction method of the timber technology, use form of the tool and other factors are very different from previous one, and the core technology is faced with the dilemma of endangered loss. There are many relevant studies on architectural style, construction method of technology, schools of craftsman, technical capacity of craftsman and other timber technologies, or the technology preservation is carried out by dictating the historical record, studying the skills and other ways, but for the timber craftsman repairing the traditional architecture on the front line, there is still space for discussing whether to maintain the original construction method and maintain the due repair quality for the core technology. This paper classified the timber technology knowledge with the document analysis method and expert interview method, carried out the architecture analysis of knowledge hierarchy, and finally, built the preliminary framework of the timber technology knowledge system of the Taiwan traditional architecture, and built the standard formulation available for craftsman training and skills identification by virtue of the knowledge system, so that the craftsman did not affect the technical capacity due to the change of the knowledge instruction system, thus, affecting the repair quality of the traditional architecture; and in addition, the building of the database system can also be derived by means of the knowledge structure, so as to integrate the consistency of the contents of core technical capacity. It can be used as the interpretation data; the knowledge is standardized and the authority file is established, which is regarded as a technical specification, so that the technology is standardized, thus, avoid loss or distort.
Accuracy assessment of modeling architectural structures and details using terrestrial laser scanning
Authors: Kedzierski M. , Walczykowski P. , Orych A. , Czarnecka P.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. One of the most important aspects when performing architectural documentation of cultural heritage structures is the accuracy of both the data and the products which are generated from these data: documentation in the form of 3D models or vector drawings. The paper describes an assessment of the accuracy of modelling data acquired using a terrestrial phase scanner in relation to the density of a point cloud representing the surface of different types of construction materials typical for cultural heritage structures. This analysis includes the impact of the scanning geometry: the incidence angle of the laser beam and the scanning distance. For the purposes of this research, a test field consisting of samples of different types of construction materials (brick, wood, plastic, plaster, a ceramic tile, sheet metal) was built. The study involved conducting measurements at different angles and from a range of distances for chosen scanning densities. Data, acquired in the form of point clouds, were then filtered and modelled. An accuracy assessment of the 3D model was conducted by fitting it with the point cloud. The reflection intensity of each type of material was also analyzed, trying to determine which construction materials have the highest reflectance coefficients, and which have the lowest reflection coefficients, and in turn how this variable changes for different scanning parameters. Additionally measurements were taken of a fragment of a building in order to compare the results obtained in laboratory conditions, with those taken in field conditions.
Information support systems for cultural heritage protection against flooding
Authors: Nedvedova K. , Pergl R.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. The goal of this paper is to present use of different kind of software applications to create complex support system for protection of cultural heritage against flooding. The project is very complex and it tries to cover the whole area of the problem from prevention to liquidation of aftermath effects. We used GIS for mapping the risk areas, ontology systems for vulnerability assessment application and the BORM method (Business Object Relation Modelling) for flood protection system planning guide. Those modern technologies helped us to gather a lot of information in one place and provide the knowledge to the broad audience.
Data processing workflows from low-cost digital survey to various applications: three case studies of Chinese historic architecture
Authors: Sun Z. , Cao Y. K.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. The paper focuses on the versatility of data processing workflows ranging from BIM-based survey to structural analysis and reverse modeling. In China nowadays, a large number of historic architecture are in need of restoration, reinforcement and renovation. But the architects are not prepared for the conversion from the booming AEC industry to architectural preservation. As surveyors working with architects in such projects, we have to develop efficient low-cost digital survey workflow robust to various types of architecture, and to process the captured data for architects. Although laser scanning yields high accuracy in architectural heritage documentation and the workflow is quite straightforward, the cost and portability hinder it from being used in projects where budget and efficiency are of prime concern. We integrate Structure from Motion techniques with UAV and total station in data acquisition. The captured data is processed for various purposes illustrated with three case studies: the first one is as-built BIM for a historic building based on registered point clouds according to Ground Control Points; The second one concerns structural analysis for a damaged bridge using Finite Element Analysis software; The last one relates to parametric automated feature extraction from captured point clouds for reverse modeling and fabrication.
Digital 3D Borobudur – Integration of 3D surveying and modeling techniques
Authors: Suwardhi D. , Menna F. , Remondino F. , Hanke K. , Akmalia R.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. The Borobudur temple (Indonesia) is one of the greatest Buddhist monuments in the world, now listed as an UNESCO World Heritage Site. The present state of the temple is the result of restorations after being exposed to natural disasters several times. Today there is still a growing rate of deterioration of the building stones whose causes need further researches. Monitoring programs, supported at institutional level, have been effectively executed to observe the problem. The paper presents the latest efforts to digitally document the Borobudur Temple and its surrounding area in 3D with photogrammetric techniques. UAV and terrestrial images were acquired to completely digitize the temple, produce DEM, orthoimages and maps at 1:100 and 1:1000 scale. The results of the project are now employed by the local government organizations to manage the heritage area and plan new policies for the conservation and preservation of the UNESCO site. In order to help data management and policy makers, a web-based information system of the heritage area was also built to visualize and easily access all the data and achieved 3D results.
Discussion about the effect of digital plants library on the plants landscape restoration in Yuanmingyuan
Authors: Bing L. , Guxin S. , Gongli L.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. Chinese classical garden emphasizes not only the construction of building, mountains and rivers, spring and stone landscape but also the selection and configuration mode of the plant species. Yuanmingyuan, a classical work of Chinese garden art, is of both the magnificence of northern royal garden and the delicacy of southern private garden. The plants landscape in Yuanmingyuan also has its own unique style. But it is regretful that after several disasters, it nearly disappears just as other building clusters. The Re- Yuanmingyuan group re-presents the plants landscape of Yuanmingyuan through investigation, restoration and three-dimensional space generation, and makes proposal about the concept of digital plants library for the first time with the expectation to provide basic support for the digital restoration of cultural heritage by establishing the plants library. The paper also introduces the process of digital plants library system construction as well as the significance of the library construction for the landscape restoration in Yuanmingyuan and even the northern royal garden.
Everything is Data – Overview of Modular System of Sensors for Museum Environment
Authors: Valach J. , Juliš K. , Štefcová P. , Pech M. , Wolf B. , Kotyk M. , Frankl J.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. The main aim of project nearing completion was to develop a modular and scalable system of sensors for monitoring of internal environment of museum exhibitions and depositories. The sensors vary according to parameters being monitored and at the same time also according to required energy autonomy, processing capability and bandwidth requirements. Sensors developed can be divided into three groups: environmental sensors, biosensors and sensors of vibrations. Data acquired by the sensors are archived and stored in open format. Metadata stored alongside true numerical data from measurement, represent assurance of future computer readability in data mining application. Long continuous series of data can provide sufficient data for acquisition of dose-response function.
The pros and cons about the digital recording of Intangible Cultural Heritage and some strategies
Authors: Yang H.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. Intangible Cultural Heritage (referred to as ICH), whose fundamental nature different from the tangible cultural heritage is "Intangible", and the related physical presence of the heritage is not the core content. Digital means have irreplaceable advantages in recording intangible and dynamic ICH resources, while it also needs flexible and rigorous recording means as a support, thus striving to maximize resources recording and protection. This article will focus on the pros and cons about the digital recording of ICH, and preliminarily discuss some strategies used in the process of recording.
A study on fire spreading model for the safety distance between the neighborhood occupancies and historical buildings in Taiwan
Authors: Chen C.H , Chien S.W , Ho M.C
Published: August 2015

Abstract. Cultural heritages and historical buildings are vulnerable against severe threats from fire. Since the 1970s, ten fire-spread events involving historic buildings have occurred in Taiwan, affecting a total of 132 nearby buildings. Developed under the influence of traditional Taiwanese culture, historic buildings in Taiwan are often built using non-fire resistant brick-wood structure and located in proximity to residential occupancies. Fire outbreak in these types of neighborhood will lead to severe damage of antiquities, leaving only unrecoverable historical imagery. This study is aimed to investigate the minimal safety distance required between a historical building and its surroundings in order to reduce the risk of external fire. This study is based on literature analysis and the fire spread model using a Fire Dynamics Simulator. The selected target is Jingmei Temple in Taipei City. This study explored local geography to identify patterns behind historical buildings distribution. In the past, risk reduction engineering for cultural heritages and historical buildings focused mainly on fire equipment and the available personnel with emergency response ability, and little attention was given to external fire risks and the affected damage. Through discussions on the required safety distance, this research provides guidelines for the following items: management of neighborhoods with historical buildings and consultation between the protection of cultural heritages and disaster prevention, reducing the frequency and extent of fire damages, and preserving cultural resource.
Predicting storm-triggered debris flow events: application to the 2009 Ionian Peloritan disaster (Sicily, Italy)
Authors: Cama M. , Lombardo L. , Conoscenti C. , Agnesi V. , Rotigliano E.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. The main assumption on which landslide susceptibility assessment by means of stochastic modelling lies is that the past is the key to the future. As a consequence, a stochastic model able to classify past known landslide events should be able to predict a future unknown scenario as well. However, storm-triggered multiple debris flow events in the Mediterranean region could pose some limits on the operative validity of such an expectation, as they are typically resultant of a randomness in time recurrence and magnitude and a great spatial variability, even at the scale of small catchments. This is the case for the 2007 and 2009 storm events, which recently hit north-eastern Sicily with different intensities, resulting in largely different disaster scenarios. The study area is the small catchment of the Itala torrent (10 km2), which drains from the southern Peloritani Mountains eastward to the Ionian Sea, in the territory of the Messina province (Sicily, Italy). Landslides have been mapped by integrating remote and field surveys, producing two event inventories which include 73 debris flows, activated in 2007, and 616 debris flows, triggered by the 2009 storm. Logistic regression was applied in order to obtain susceptibility models which utilize a set of predictors derived from a 2 m cell digital elevation model and a 1 : 50 000 scale geologic map. The research topic was explored by performing two types of validation procedures: self-validation, based on the random partition of each event inventory, and chrono-validation, based on the time partition of the landslide inventory. It was therefore possible to analyse and compare the performances both of the 2007 calibrated model in predicting the 2009 debris flows (forward chrono-validation), and vice versa of the 2009 calibrated model in predicting the 2007 debris flows (backward chrono-validation). Both of the two predictions resulted in largely acceptable performances in terms of fitting, skill and reliability. However, a loss of performance and differences in the selected predictors arose between the self-validated and the chrono-validated models. These are interpreted as effects of the non-linearity in the domain of the trigger intensity of the relationships between predictors and slope response, as well as in terms of the different spatial paths of the two triggering storms at the catchment scale.
Human Capital Reorganizations and Market Performance: U.S. Firms
Authors: Anderson Anne , Cowan Everard J , Denning Karen C.
Published: August 2015

This empirical examination of human capital reorganizations uses Standard and Poor’s large, mid and small cap firms and demonstrates that the typical market response is suggestive of what casual empiricism would suggest: firms undertake work force reductions in periods of poor performance. Though the average firm experiences negative price impacts, nearly half (45%) do not. Firm size and technological intensity matter in impacting the negative abnormal results.  Bankruptcy potential and financial distress do not appear to be significant indicators. The peace dividend following the Cold War (1992-1997), white collar outsourcing (1995-2009) and the savings and loan crash (1985-1995) have a dampening effect on the market response to layoffs and other human capital restructurings. Regulatory change and changes in foreign competition have a minor impact. During business cycle downturns our sample has a smaller response to layoff announcements. Offshoring and financing changes intensify the market effect whereas asset changes have a positive impact. Changes in business focus and changes in technology seem to have no impact on the market response to layoffs decisions.
An Analysis of Revenue Cycle Internal Controls in Ghanaian Universities
Authors: Ayam Justice Ray Achoanya
Published: August 2015

While corporate organisations in recent years have experienced increasing demands for more effective and efficient internal controls aimed at strengthening and enhancing the reliability of financial statement there exist very little empirical studies focusing on the application of the five components of the COSO control framework in Revenue Cycle Internal Controls in Ghanaian University. The study is relevant in increasing the understanding and evaluating internal control effectiveness of Ghanaian Universities. The purpose of this research paper is to assess the level of effectiveness of the Revenue Cycle Internal Control Systems of Universities in Ghana using the Committee of Sponsoring Organisation of the Treadway commission (COSO) control framework in order to provide the basis for streamlining and improving controls in the Universities in Ghana. The study uses primary data collected through a survey instrument from respondents sampled from Universities and University Colleges. The results indicate that all five components of the COSO framework were in place and functioning effectively. The sampled population consist of Ghanaian Universities only, consequently the research outcome may not necessarily represent all Universities in the world. Only selected Universities and University Colleges in Ghana were included in the research, therefore the findings of this study cannot be attributable to all Higher Educational Institutions in Ghana.
Market Power and Transmission Congestion in the Italian Electricity Market
Authors: Bigerna Simona , Bollino Carlo Andrea , Polinori Paolo
Published: August 2015

Analysis of market power in electricity markets is relevant for understanding the competitive development of the industry’s restructuring and liberalization process, but in the existing literature, there is not an adequate consideration of line transmission congestion. The aim of this paper is to propose a new approach to measuring market power in the Italian Power Exchange (IPEX), explicitly considering transmission line congestion. We construct a new measure of the residual demand curve to disentangle unilateral market power from congestion rent for the main Italian generators during the period April 2004 to December 2007. In Italy, this period was one of stable transmission network structure. Following the approach of Wolak (2003, 2009), we measure the unilateral market power with the Lerner index (LI), computed as the inverse of the residual demand elasticity. In conclusion, the correct modeling of the residual demand curve including transmission congestions enables us to compute the zonal LI and therefore more accurately measure the market power when congestion occurs. Our results show that various generators exercise market power only in specific zones. These findings provide deeper understanding of market outcomes in the presence of congestion, suggesting appropriate policy directions for market surveillance and competition regulation.
Histo-Epidemiological Profile of Digestive Cancers in Togo
Authors: Tchin Darré  , Lantam Sonhaye  , Mazamaesso Tchaou  , Kokou Kanassoua  , Abdoulatif Amadou  , Aklesso Bagny  , Alphonse Aman N’Guiessan  , Koffi Amegbor  , G. Napo-Koura
Published: August 2015

Background:The frequency of digestive cancers is increasing since the last ten years. The aim of the study was to determine the epidemiologic and histologic aspects of digestive cancers in Togo. Method: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study focused on digestive cancers cases diagnosed from 1995 throughout 2014 (20 years) at the pathology laboratory of the Lomé teaching hospital. We included all digestive samples (biopsy, excision, surgical specimens) collected and sent to the pathology laboratory from 1994 to 2013 using data from the records of the laboratory. Results: We have collected 1306 cases of digestive cancers (20.4%). The annual incidence was 65.3 cases. The sex-ratio (M/F) was 1.5. The mean age was 47.8 years. The most common locations were the stomach (35.3%) and the esophagus (27.3%). The adenocarcinoma was predominant in the stomach (84.4%), the rectum (70.2%), and the colon (86.3%). The squamous cell carcinoma was commonly found at the esophagus (94.8%). The lymphomas were observed in the small intestine (53.4%). Conclusion: Digestive cancers are frequent in Togo and occur in young adults. The stomach cancer is the most common cancer
Electrostatically Designing Materials and Interfaces
Authors: Zojer Egbert
Published: August 2024

Collective electrostatic effects arise from the superposition of electrostatic potentials of periodically arranged (di)polar entities and are known to crucially impact the electronic structures of hybrid interfaces. Here, it is discussed, how they can be used outside the beaten paths of materials design for realizing systems with advanced and sometimes unprecedented properties. The versatility of the approach is demonstrated by applying electrostatic design not only to metal‐organic interfaces and adsorbed (complex) monolayers, but also to inter‐layer interfaces in van der Waals heterostructures, to polar metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs), and to the cylindrical pores of covalent organic frameworks (COFs). The presented design ideas are straightforward to simulate and especially for metal‐organic interfaces also their experimental implementation has been amply demonstrated. For van der Waals heterostructures, the needed building blocks are available, while the required assembly approaches are just being developed. Conversely, for MOFs the necessary growth techniques exist, but more work on advanced linker molecules is required. Finally, COF structures exist that contain pores decorated with polar groups, but the electrostatic impact of these groups has been largely ignored so far. All this suggest that the dawn of the age of electrostatic design is currently experienced with potential breakthroughs lying ahead.
Blood DNA methylomic signatures associated with CSF biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease in the EMIF‐AD study
Authors: Smith Rebecca G. , Pishva Ehsan , Kouhsar Morteza , Imm Jennifer , Dobricic Valerija , Johannsen Peter , Wittig Michael , Franke Andre , Vandenberghe Rik , Schaeverbeke Jolien , Freund‐Levi Yvonne , Frölich Lutz , Scheltens Philip , Teunissen Charlotte E. , Frisoni Giovanni , Blin Olivier , Richardson Jill C. , Bordet Régis , Engelborghs Sebastiaan , de Roeck Ellen , Martinez‐Lage Pablo , Altuna Miren , Tainta Mikel , Lleó Alberto , Sala Isabel , Popp Julius , Peyratout Gwendoline , Winchester Laura , Nevado‐Holgado Alejo , Verhey Frans , Tsolaki Magda , Andreasson Ulf , Blennow Kaj , Zetterberg Henrik , Streffer Johannes , Vos Stephanie J. B. , Lovestone Simon , Visser Pieter Jelle , Bertram Lars , Lunnon Katie
Published: August 2024

INTRODUCTION

We investigated blood DNA methylation patterns associated with 15 well‐established cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathophysiology, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration.

METHODS

We assessed DNA methylation in 885 blood samples from the European Medical Information Framework for Alzheimer's Disease (EMIF‐AD) study using the EPIC array.

RESULTS

We identified Bonferroni‐significant differential methylation associated with CSF YKL‐40 (five loci) and neurofilament light chain (NfL; seven loci) levels, with two of the loci associated with CSF YKL‐40 levels correlating with plasma YKL‐40 levels. A co‐localization analysis showed shared genetic variants underlying YKL‐40 DNA methylation and CSF protein levels, with evidence that DNA methylation mediates the association between genotype and protein levels. Weighted gene correlation network analysis identified two modules of co‐methylated loci correlated with several amyloid measures and enriched in pathways associated with lipoproteins and development.

DISCUSSION

We conducted the most comprehensive epigenome‐wide association study (EWAS) of AD‐relevant CSF biomarkers to date. Future work should explore the relationship between YKL‐40 genotype, DNA methylation, and protein levels in the brain.

Highlights

Blood DNA methylation was assessed in the EMIF‐AD MBD study.

Epigenome‐wide association studies (EWASs) were performed for 15 Alzheimer's disease (AD)–relevant cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarker measures.

Five Bonferroni‐significant loci were associated with YKL‐40 levels and seven with neurofilament light chain (NfL).

DNA methylation in YKL‐40 co‐localized with previously reported genetic variation.

DNA methylation potentially mediates the effect of single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in YKL‐40 on CSF protein levels.