bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interaction of Classical Platinum Agents with the Monomeric and Dimeric Atox1 Proteins: A Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study
Authors: Wang Xiaolei , Li Chaoqun , Wang Yan , Chen Guangju
Published: December 2013

We carried out molecular dynamics simulations and free energy calculations for a series of binary and ternary models of the cisplatin, transplatin and oxaliplatin agents binding to a monomeric Atox1 protein and a dimeric Atox1 protein to investigate their interaction mechanisms. All three platinum agents could respectively combine with the monomeric Atox1 protein and the dimeric Atox1 protein to form a stable binary and ternary complex due to the covalent interaction of the platinum center with the Atox1 protein. The results suggested that the extra interaction from the oxaliplatin ligand–Atox1 protein interface increases its affinity only for the OxaliPt + Atox1 model. The binding of the oxaliplatin agent to the Atox1 protein might cause larger deformation of the protein than those of the cisplatin and transplatin agents due to the larger size of the oxaliplatin ligand. However, the extra interactions to facilitate the stabilities of the ternary CisPt + 2Atox1 and OxaliPt + 2Atox1 models come from the α1 helices and α2-β4 loops of the Atox1 protein–Atox1 protein interface due to the cis conformation of the platinum agents. The combinations of two Atox1 proteins in an asymmetric way in the three ternary models were analyzed. These investigations might provide detailed information for understanding the interaction mechanism of the platinum agents binding to the Atox1 protein in the cytoplasm.
Perspectives of Livestock Farmers in an Urbanized Environment
Authors: Paniagua Ángel
Published: December 2013

Agriculture and its conflicts is a traditional debate in contemporary rural geography, associated with the organization and transformation of cultural landscapes by social groups. One of the most important areas of research is the perspectives and responses of farmers on the urban-rural fringe. The problems associated with land use change and the varying influences on new uses of traditional landscape introduce renovating and permanent elements to the management, responses and perspectives of farmers: extensification, changes in the organization of farm, relocation, etc. The purpose of this research is to analyze the conflicts, key responses and perspectives over farmland uses and their coexistence with the main dynamics of local and regional land use governance in the metropolitan rural area of Madrid, Spain. This contribution presents the main results of an empirical research in a key area in the north of the Madrid region: the municipalities of Colmenar Viejo and Tres Cantos. The methodology is mainly qualitative, based on an ethno geographical approach concerning livestock farmers directly affected by the urbanization process. The main results reflect the relevance of local politics and the individual livestock farmers’ strategies.
Effect of Acid Hydrolysis Conditions on the Properties of Cellulose Nanoparticle-Reinforced Polymethylmethacrylate Composites
Authors: Han Guangping , Huan Siqi , Han Jingquan , Zhang Zhen , Wu Qinglin
Published: December 2013

Cellulose nanoparticles (CNPs) were prepared from microcrystalline cellulose using two concentration levels of sulfuric acid (i.e., 48 wt% and 64 wt% with produced CNPs designated as CNPs-48 and CNPs-64, respectively) followed by high-pressure homogenization. CNP-reinforced polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) composite films at various CNP loadings were made using solvent exchange and solution casting methods. The ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) transmittance spectra between 400 and 800 nm showed that CNPs-64/PMMA composites had a significantly higher optical transmittance than that of CNPs-48/PMMA. Their transmittance decreased with increased CNP loadings. The addition of CNPs to the PMMA matrix reduced composite’s coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), and CNPs-64/PMMA had a lower CTE than CNPs-48/PMMA at the same CNP level. Reinforcement effect was achieved with the addition of CNPs to the PMMA matrix, especially at higher temperature levels. CNPs-64/PMMA exhibited a higher storage modulus compared with CNPs-48/PMMA material. All CNP-reinforced composites showed higher Young’s modulus and tensile strengths than pure PMMA. The effect increased with increased CNP loadings in the PMMA matrix for both CNPs-64/PMMA and CNPs-48/PMMA composites. CNPs affected the Young’s modulus more than they affected the tensile strength.
Optical Fiber Embedded in Epoxy Glass Unidirectional Fiber Composite System
Authors: Severin Irina , El Abdi Rochdi , Corvec Guillaume , Caramihai Mihai
Published: December 2013

We aimed to embed silica optical fibers in composites (epoxy vinyl ester matrix reinforced with E-glass unidirectional fibers in mass fraction of 60%) in order to further monitor the robustness of civil engineering structures (such as bridges). A simple system was implemented using two different silica optical fibers (F1—double coating of 172 µm diameter and F2—single coating of 101.8 µm diameter respectively). The optical fibers were dynamically tensile tested and Weibull plots were traced. Interfacial adhesion stress was determined using pull-out test and stress values were correlated to fracture mechanisms based on SEM observations. In the case of the optical fiber (OF) (F1)/resin system and OF (F1)/composite system, poor adhesion was reported that may be correlated to interface fracture at silica core level. Relevant applicable results were determined for OF (F2)/composite system.
Mechanical, Microstructure and Surface Characterizations of Carbon Fibers Prepared from Cellulose after Liquefying and Curing
Authors: Ma Xiaojun , Yuan Cheng , Liu Xinyan
Published: December 2013

In this study, Cellulose-based carbon fibers (CBCFs) were prepared from cellulose after phenol liquefaction and curing. The characteristics and properties of CBCFs were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results showed that, with increasing carbonization temperature, the La, Lc, and Lc/d(002) of CBCFs increased gradually, whereas the degree of disorder R decreased. The –OH, –CH2–, –O–C– and phenyl group characteristic absorption peaks of CBCFs reduced gradually. The cross-linked structure of CBCFs was converted into a graphite structure with a six-ring carbon network during carbonization. The surface of CBCFs were mainly comprised of C–C, C–O, and C=O. The tensile strength, carbonization yield and carbon content of CBCFs obtained at 1000 °C were 1015 MPa, 52%, and 95.04%, respectively.
Pseudo-Four Component Synthesis of Mono- and Di-Benzylated-1,2,3-Triazoles Derived from Aniline
Authors: Mendoza-Espinosa Daniel , Negron-Silva Guillermo , Lomas-Romero Leticia , Gutierrez-Carrillo Atilano , Santillán Rosa
Published: December 2013

The pseudo-four component click synthesis of dibenzylated 1,2,3-triazoles derived from aniline is reported. The cycloaddition of sodium azide to N-(prop-2-ynyl)-benzenamine (I) in the presence of equimolar amounts of p-substituted benzyl derivatives, yields a mixture of mono- and dibenzylated 1,2,3-triazoles. When two equivalents of the benzyl derivative are added to the multicomponent reaction, the selective preparation of the dibenzylated compounds is achieved. The reactivity of the aniline N-H bond in monobenzylated 1,2,3-triazoles was tested by treatment with one equivalent of a p-substituted benzyl chloride at 40 °C, rendering the dibenzylated derivatives quantitatively.
Optimized Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Phenolic Compounds from Polygonum cuspidatum
Authors: Kuo Chia-Hung , Chen Bao-Yuan , Liu Yung-Chuan , Chang Chieh-Ming , Deng Tzu-Shing , Chen Jiann-Hwa , Shieh Chwen-Jen
Published: December 2013

In this study the phenolic compounds piceid, resveratrol and emodin were extracted from P. cuspidatum roots using ultrasound-assisted extraction. Multiple response surface methodology was used to optimize the extraction conditions of these phenolic compounds. A three-factor and three-level Box-Behnken experimental design was employed to evaluate the effects of the operation parameters, including extraction temperature (30–70 °C), ethanol concentration (40%–80%), and ultrasonic power (90–150 W), on the extraction yields of piceid, resveratrol, and emodin. The statistical models built from multiple response surface methodology were developed for the estimation of the extraction yields of multi-phenolic components. Based on the model, the extraction yields of piceid, resveratrol, and emodin can be improved by controlling the extraction parameters. Under the optimum conditions, the extraction yields of piceid, resveratrol and emodin were 10.77 mg/g, 3.82 mg/g and 11.72 mg/g, respectively.
Phase Transformation of Adefovir Dipivoxil/Succinic Acid Cocrystals Regulated by Polymeric Additives
Authors: Jung Sungyup , Ha Jeong-Myeong , Kim Il
Published: December 2013

The polymorphic phase transformation in the cocrystallization of adefovir dipivoxil (AD) and succinic acid (SUC) was investigated. Inspired by biological and biomimetic crystallization, polymeric additives were utilized to control the phase transformation. With addition of poly(acrylic acid), the metastable phase newly identified through the analysis of X-ray diffraction was clearly isolated from the previously reported stable form. Without additives, mixed phases were obtained even at the early stage of cocrystallization. Also, infrared spectroscopy analysis verified the alteration of the hydrogen bonding that was mainly responsible for the cocrystal formation between AD and SUC. The hydrogen bonding in the metastable phase was relatively stronger than that in the stable form, which indicated the locally strong AD/SUC coupling in the initial stage of cocrystallization followed by the overall stabilization during the phase transformation. The stronger hydrogen bonding could be responsible for the faster nucleation of the initially observed metastable phase. The present study demonstrated that the polymeric additives could function as effective regulators for the polymorph-selective cocrystallization.
Interpretation of Forest Resources at the Individual Tree Level at Purple Mountain, Nanjing City, China, Using WorldView-2 Imagery by Combining GPS, RS and GIS Technologies
Authors: Deng Songqiu , Katoh Masato , Guan Qingwei , Yin Na , Li Mingyang
Published: December 2013

This study attempted to measure forest resources at the individual tree level using high-resolution images by combining GPS, RS, and Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies. The images were acquired by the WorldView-2 satellite with a resolution of 0.5 m in the panchromatic band and 2.0 m in the multispectral bands. Field data of 90 plots were used to verify the interpreted accuracy. The tops of trees in three groups, namely ≥10 cm, ≥15 cm, and ≥20 cm DBH (diameter at breast height), were extracted by the individual tree crown (ITC) approach using filters with moving windows of 3 × 3 pixels, 5 × 5 pixels and 7 × 7 pixels, respectively. In the study area, there were 1,203,970 trees of DBH over 10 cm, and the interpreted accuracy was 73.68 ± 15.14% averaged over the 90 plots. The numbers of the trees that were ≥15 cm and ≥20 cm DBH were 727,887 and 548,919, with an average accuracy of 68.74 ± 17.21% and 71.92 ± 18.03%, respectively. The pixel-based classification showed that the classified accuracies of the 16 classes obtained using the eight multispectral bands were higher than those obtained using only the four standard bands. The increments ranged from 0.1% for the water class to 17.0% for Metasequoia glyptostroboides, with an average value of 4.8% for the 16 classes. In addition, to overcome the “mixed pixels” problem, a crown-based supervised classification, which can improve the classified accuracy of both dominant species and smaller classes, was used for generating a thematic map of tree species. The improvements of the crown- to pixel-based classification ranged from −1.6% for the open forest class to 34.3% for Metasequoia glyptostroboides, with an average value of 20.3% for the 10 classes. All tree tops were then annotated with the species attributes from the map, and a tree count of different species indicated that the forest of Purple Mountain is mainly dominated by Quercus acutissima, Liquidambar formosana and Pinus massoniana. The findings from this study lead to the recommendation of using the crown-based instead of the pixel-based classification approach in classifying mixed forests.
A Comparative Study of Three Land Surface Broadband Emissivity Datasets from Satellite Data
Authors: Cheng Jie , Liang Shunlin , Yao Yunjun , Ren Baiyang , Shi Linpeng , Liu Hao
Published: December 2013

This study compared three broadband emissivity (BBE) datasets from satellite observations. The first is a new global land surface BBE dataset known as the Global Land Surface Satellite (GLASS) BBE. The other two are the North American ASTER Land Surface Emissivity Database (NAALSED) BBE and University of Wisconsin Global Infrared Land Surface Emissivity Database (UWIREMIS) BBE, which were derived from two independent narrowband emissivity products. Firstly, NAALSED BBE was taken as the reference to evaluate the GLASS BBE and UWIREMIS BBE. The GLASS BBE was more close to NAALSED BBE with a bias and root mean square error (RMSE) of −0.001 and 0.007 for the summer season, −0.001 and 0.008 for the winter season, respectively. Then, the spatial distribution and seasonal pattern of global GLASS BBE and UWIREMIS BBE for six dominant land cover types were compared. The BBE difference between vegetated areas and non-vegetated areas can be easily seen from two BBEs. The seasonal variation of GLASS BBE was more reasonable than that of UWIREMIS BBE. Finally, the time series were calculated from GLASS BBE and UWIREMIS BBE using the data from 2003 through 2010. The periodic variations of GLASS BBE were stronger than those of UWIREMIS BBE. The long time series high quality GLASS BBE can be incorporated in land surface models for improving their simulation results.
Automatic Registration Method for Fusion of ZY-1-02C Satellite Images
Authors: Chen Qi , Wang Shugen , Wang Bo , Sun Mingwei
Published: December 2013

Automatic image registration (AIR) has been widely studied in the fields of medical imaging, computer vision, and remote sensing. In various cases, such as image fusion, high registration accuracy should be achieved to meet application requirements. For satellite images, the large image size and unstable positioning accuracy resulting from the limited manufacturing technology of charge-coupled device, focal plane distortion, and unrecorded spacecraft jitter lead to difficulty in obtaining agreeable corresponding points for registration using only area-based matching or feature-based matching. In this situation, a coarse-to-fine matching strategy integrating two types of algorithms is proven feasible and effective. In this paper, an AIR method for application to the fusion of ZY-1-02C satellite imagery is proposed. First, the images are geometrically corrected. Coarse matching, based on scale invariant feature transform, is performed for the subsampled corrected images, and a rough global estimation is made with the matching results. Harris feature points are then extracted, and the coordinates of the corresponding points are calculated according to the global estimation results. Precise matching is conducted, based on normalized cross correlation and least squares matching. As complex image distortion cannot be precisely estimated, a local estimation using the structure of triangulated irregular network is applied to eliminate the false matches. Finally, image resampling is conducted, based on local affine transformation, to achieve high-precision registration. Experiments with ZY-1-02C datasets demonstrate that the accuracy of the proposed method meets the requirements of fusion application, and its efficiency is also suitable for the commercial operation of the automatic satellite data process system.
A New Tree Cover Percentage Map in Eurasia at 500 m Resolution Using MODIS Data
Authors: Kobayashi Toshiyuki , Tsend-Ayush Javzandulam , Tateishi Ryutaro
Published: December 2013

Global tree cover percentage is an important parameter used to understand the global environment. However, the available global percent tree cover products are few, and efforts to validate these maps have been limited. Therefore, producing a new broad-scale percent tree cover dataset is valuable. Our study was undertaken to map tree cover percentage, on a global scale, with better accuracy than previous studies. Using a modified supervised regression tree algorithm from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data of 2008, the tree cover percentage was estimated at 500 m resolution in Eurasia. Training data were created by simulation using reference data interpreted from Google Earth. We collected approximately 716 high-resolution images from Google Earth. The regression tree model was modified to fit those images for improved accuracy. Our estimation result was validated using 307 points. The root mean square error (RMSE) between estimated and observed tree cover was 11.2%, and the weighted RMSE between them, in which five tree cover strata (0%–20%, 21%–40%, 41%–60%, 61%–80%, and 81%–100%) were weighted equally, was 14.2%. The result was compared to existing global percent-scale tree cover datasets. We found that existing datasets had some pixels with estimation error of more than 50% and each map had different characteristics. Our map could be an alternative dataset and other existing datasets could be modified using our resultant map.
Actual Evapotranspiration (Water Use) Assessment of the Colorado River Basin at the Landsat Resolution Using the Operational Simplified Surface Energy Balance Model
Authors: Singh Ramesh , Senay Gabriel , Velpuri Naga , Bohms Stefanie , Scott Russell , Verdin James
Published: December 2013

Accurately estimating consumptive water use in the Colorado River Basin (CRB) is important for assessing and managing limited water resources in the basin. Increasing water demand from various sectors may threaten long-term sustainability of the water supply in the arid southwestern United States. We have developed a first-ever basin-wide actual evapotranspiration (ETa) map of the CRB at the Landsat scale for water use assessment at the field level. We used the operational Simplified Surface Energy Balance (SSEBop) model for estimating ETa using 328 cloud-free Landsat images acquired during 2010. Our results show that cropland had the highest ETa among all land cover classes except for water. Validation using eddy covariance measured ETa showed that the SSEBop model nicely captured the variability in annual ETa with an overall R2 of 0.78 and a mean bias error of about 10%. Comparison with water balance-based ETa showed good agreement (R2 = 0.85) at the sub-basin level. Though there was good correlation (R2 = 0.79) between Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS)-based ETa (1 km spatial resolution) and Landsat-based ETa (30 m spatial resolution), the spatial distribution of MODIS-based ETa was not suitable for water use assessment at the field level. In contrast, Landsat-based ETa has good potential to be used at the field level for water management. With further validation using multiple years and sites, our methodology can be applied for regular production of ETa maps of larger areas such as the conterminous United States.
High-Temperature Piezoelectric Sensing
Authors: Jiang Xiaoning , Kim Kyungrim , Zhang Shujun , Johnson Joseph , Salazar Giovanni
Published: December 2013

Piezoelectric sensing is of increasing interest for high-temperature applications in aerospace, automotive, power plants and material processing due to its low cost, compact sensor size and simple signal conditioning, in comparison with other high-temperature sensing techniques. This paper presented an overview of high-temperature piezoelectric sensing techniques. Firstly, different types of high-temperature piezoelectric single crystals, electrode materials, and their pros and cons are discussed. Secondly, recent work on high-temperature piezoelectric sensors including accelerometer, surface acoustic wave sensor, ultrasound transducer, acoustic emission sensor, gas sensor, and pressure sensor for temperatures up to 1,250 °C were reviewed. Finally, discussions of existing challenges and future work for high-temperature piezoelectric sensing are presented.
El proceso de Galba, las quaestiones y la justicia ordinaria (Roma, siglos II/I a.C.)
Authors: Muñiz Coello J.
Published: December 2013

English summary: Galba's Trial, the quaestiones and the Ordinary Justice (Rom, 2nd/lst cent. B.C.).

Galba, the orator and praetor of 150 B.C., was the latest of the Roman aristocrats to be judged apud populum. Later on, the aristocracy managed to transform the quaestio, originally a preliminary phase where only the evidence was exposed, into a real trial, where the indices were chosen among the names submitted by those same ordines. As a result, most verdicts were controlled by nobiles, whose sense of justice was different from the rest of the people. This paper shows that a more accurate understanding of popular conceptions of justice derive from the triumvir's coercitio than from the candid assertions made by Classical writers on the subject.
Grands travaux à Uchi Maius sous Marc Aurèle
Authors: Christol Michel
Published: December 2013

Une inscription d'Uchi Maius (AE 1997, 1673 ; 173 ap. J.-C.) concerne de grands travaux au cœur de l'agglomération romaine. Il a été nécessaire de déplacer un temple afin d'achever la construction d'un aqueduc et d'édifier un monument des eaux. La permission du proconsul, qui était nécessaire, fut obtenue grâce à l'intervention d'un affranchi de l'empereur qui était vraisemblablement procurator regionis Thuggensis. On peut aussi supposer que les constructions furent réalisées sous le contrôle du curateur des travaux.
Deux joyaux poétiques
Authors: Somville Pierre
Published: December 2013

Pierre Somville (Liège), Deux joyaux poétiques.

Analyse rhétorique de deux petits textes (Sappho, apud Th. Reinach 139-140 ; Hadrien, H.A. 1, 25, 9) tentant de mettre au jour les figures de l'hyperbole sous la brachylogie et de la litote sous l'apparente légèreté. L'amour et la mort y sont convoqués.
L'étranger «barbare» à Rome : essai d'analyse sémique
Authors: Ndiaye Emilia
Published: December 2013

Émilia Ndiaye (Orléans), L 'étranger « barbare » à Rome : essai d 'analyse sémique.

Barbarus est l'un des noms de l'«étranger» dont disposent les Latins, souvent considéré comme un synonyme des autres termes (alienigena, exter, externus, hospes, hostis, peregrinus). Le recours à l'étymologie éclaire sur les motivations de cet emprunt au grec. L'analyse sémique de quelques occurrences (principalement des citations de Cicerón) permet de mesurer la qualité de la relation synonymique entre l'adjectif et les autres noms de « ». Les sèmes propres de barbarus, /caractérisé par la feritas/ et /caractérisé par la uanitas/, enrichissent sa polysémie et lui confèrent un poids rhétorique fort. Les auteurs latins choisissent cet adjectif plutôt que ses synonymes dès lors qu'ils cherchent à stigmatiser l'étranger, en soulignant sa « barbarie » qui l'exclut du territoire romain comme dangereux ou indigne.
Effects of CO2 on the tolerance of photosynthesis to heat stress can be affected by photosynthetic pathway and nitrogen
Authors: Dan Wang  , Heckathorn Scott A. , Hamilton E. William , Frantz Jonathan
Published: December 2013

• Premise of the study: Determining effects of elevated CO2 and N on photosynthetic thermotolerance is critical for predicting plant responses to global warming.

• Methods: We grew Hordeum vulgare (barley, C3) and Zea mays (corn, C4) at current or elevated CO2 (370, 700 ppm) and limiting or optimal soil N (0.5, 7.5 mmol/L). We assessed thermotolerance of net photosynthesis (Pn), photosystem II efficiency in the light (Fv′/Fm′), photochemical quenching (qp), carboxylation efficiency (CE), and content of rubisco activase and major heat‐shock proteins (HSPs).

• Key results: For barley, elevated CO2 had no effect on Pn, qp, and CE at both high and low N and only a positive effect on Fv′/Fm′ at high N. However, for corn, Pn, Fv′/Fm′, qp, and CE were decreased substantially by elevated CO2 under high and low N, with greater decreases at high N for all but qp. The negative effects of high CO2 during heat stress on photosynthesis were correlated with rubisco activase and HSPs content, which decreased with heat stress, especially for low‐N corn.

• Conclusion: These results indicate that stimulatory effects of elevated CO2 at normal temperatures on photosynthesis and growth (only found for high‐N barley) may be partly offset by neutral or negative effects during heat stress, especially for C4 species. Thus, CO2 and N effects on photosynthetic thermotolerance may contribute to changes in plant productivity, distribution, and diversity in future.
Studies toward bivalent κ opioids derived from salvinorin A: heteromethylation of the furan ring reduces affinity
Authors: Munro Thomas A , Xu Wei , Ho Douglas M , Liu-Chen Lee-Yuan , Cohen Bruce M
Published: December 2013

The recent crystal structure of the κ-opioid receptor (κ-OR) revealed, unexpectedly, that the antagonist JDTic is a bivalent ligand: in addition to the orthosteric pocket occupied by morphinans, JDTic also occupies a distinct (allotopic) pocket. Mutagenesis data suggest that salvinorin A (1) also binds to this allotopic pocket, adjacent to the aspartate residue that anchors the basic nitrogen atom of classical opiates (Asp138). It has been suggested that an H-bond donor appended to 1 might interact with Asp138, increasing affinity. Such a bivalent ligand might also possess altered functional selectivity. Based on modeling and known N-furanylmethyl opioid antagonists, we appended H-bond donors to the furan ring of 1. (Dimethylamino)methyl groups at C-15 or C-16 abolished affinity for κ-OR. Hydroxymethylation at C-16 was tolerated, but 15,16-bis-hydroxymethylation was not. Since allosteric modulators may go undetected in binding assays, we also tested these and other low-affinity derivatives of 1 for allosteric modulation of dynorphin A in the [35S]GTPγS assay. No modulation was detected. As an alternative attachment point for bivalent derivatives, we prepared the 2-(hydroxyethoxy)methyl ether, which retained high affinity for κ-OR. We discuss alternative design strategies for linked, fused or merged bivalent derivatives of 1.
ASSET DIVESTITURES AND CORPORATE OPERATIONAL RETURNS: AN AGENCY THEORY PERSPECTIVE ON MALAYSIAN PUBLIC-LISTED COMPANIES
Authors: Ym Janice Lee , Nor Fauzias Mat , Alias Norazlan
Published: December 2013

Divestitures of property, plant and equipment (PPE) assets are a common form of corporate restructuring. However, divesting companies do not necessarily attain improved post-divestiture shareholder wealth. Studies show company characteristics and use of divestiture proceeds may influence divestiture outcomes. This paper attempts to determine these divesting company characteristics and use of proceeds associated with improved shareholder wealth based on the Agency Theory. A sample of Malaysian public-listed companies that divested assets within 2002–2005 is used. Logistic regression segregates these companies based on their industry-adjusted operational returns. Companies that improve post-divestiture operational performance require urgent pay out motives to divest. Companies with deteriorated post-divestiture performance divest without urgent pay out motive and tend to retain proceeds. This suggests agency problem of managerial discretion in asset divestitures. In asset selection, divestitures of larger and more inefficient assets were found associated with improved company performance. Malaysian companies prefer divesting assets related to their core businesses indicating a diversified company structure is more beneficial than a focused structure in developing countries.
DFAHP MULTICRITERIA RISK ASSESSMENT MODEL FOR REDEVELOPING DERELICT PUBLIC BUILDINGS
Authors: Hsueh Sung-Lin , Lee Jen-Rong , Chen Yu-Lung
Published: December 2013

Reusing abandoned public buildings is a positive strategy in sustainable urban development. An appropriate assessment method is needed to reduce the risks of redeveloping derelict public properties. The Delphi method is an optimal group decision-making technique; whereas the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) method is useful for solving multicriteria decision-making problems. In addition, fuzzy logic manages artificial uncertainty and ambiguity, where an explicit number or ratio can express the level of preference. This study uses the Delphi method, fuzzy logic, and AHP (DFAHP) as a risk assessment model to redevelop derelict public buildings. The DFAHP provides an objective reference for investment decisions and is beneficial in reducing the risk of the public sector investing in the reuse of abandoned public buildings, in aiding in reuse cases that revitalize urban economic development, and in appreciating the value of sustainable city development.
Un groupe d'accueil pour la fratrie lors d'une naissance à risque dans un service de néonatologie
Authors: Despars Josée , Jaunin Lyne , Monnier Maryline , Wannaz Marinette , Vernez Sara Berg , Tolsa Jean-François , Ansermet François , Müller Nix Carole
Published: December 2013

Cet article a pour objectif de décrire l’expérience d’un groupe d’accueil pour les frères et sœurs d’enfants hospitalisés en néonatologie. Cet événement représente un facteur de stress et suscite d’importantes angoisses chez les parents. Sensibles et perméables au vécu parental, les frères et sœurs peuvent éprouver une difficulté à se représenter ce qui se déroule autour d’eux. Leur offrir un lieu de parole avec leurs parents se révèle important et permet de préparer la rencontre avec le nouveau-né hospitalisé. Il s’agit d’un espace permettant de nouvelles représentations du bébé, pour la fratrie et pour les parents.
2003-2013 : bilan de dix ans de recherche sur la parentalité lors de la naissance d'un enfant avec une fente oro-faciale
Authors: Habersaat Stéphanie , Bolomey Luce , Monnier Maryline , Nessi Jennifer , Borghini Ayala , Despars Josée , Pierrehumbert Blaise , Ansermet François , Müller Nix Carole , Hohlfeld Judith
Published: December 2013

La naissance d’un enfant avec une fente oro-faciale est souvent vécue comme un événement à portée traumatique pour les parents, pouvant avoir un impact sur les représentations de l’enfant et la mise en place de la relation. Cet article propose un bilan des dix années de recherche lausannoise sur le développement de la parentalité et des liens précoces, auprès des familles d’enfants naissant avec une fente, depuis l’annonce du diagnostic jusqu’à l’âge préscolaire. Des aspects tels que les représentations parentales, les interactions précoces, ainsi que la qualité de l’attachement sont investigués.
De président à empereur : Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte dans Le Journal pour rire
Authors: Feudo Michela Lo
Published: December 2013

Fondé par Charles Philipon comme feuille non politique, Le Journal pour rire se heurte bientôt à la nécessité de commenter les événements de 1848. Si les journées de février ont conservé de faibles traces dans les pages de la revue, c’est lors des élections présidentielles que les dessinateurs aiguisent leurs crayons. Le premier président de la République élu par le peuple, Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte, devient ainsi la tête de turc au sein d’une production, de plus en plus engagée et fortement symbolique qui construit son propre langage visuel entre manipulation de thèmes traditionnels et innovations formelles dues à la créativité de dessinateurs talentueux et provocateurs. En analysant le rapport entre processus historiques et procédés graphiques, il s’agira de montrer les spécificités des dessins sur « le prince-président » et la manière dont les caricaturistes se servent d’un tel personnage pour faire éclater les paradoxes et les incohérences d’un pouvoir politique qui, tout en tirant profit des révoltes républicaines, multiplie les clins d’œil au passé impérial.
Loubet le cabossé sous le crayon frondeur d'Orens Denizard
Authors: de Perthuis Bruno
Published: December 2013

Le 4 juin 1899, le président Loubet se rend à l’hippodrome d’Auteuil pour assister au steeple-chase . Lorsqu’il gagne la tribune présidentielle, le baron Christiani administre plusieurs coups de canne à Loubet dont seul le chapeau est touché. Rapidement, l’image du chapeau cabossé s’impose dans la caricature pour ridiculiser le représentant de la République. Un artiste frondeur, Orens Denizard, abuse de ce cliché dévalorisant en allant même jusqu’à présenter la France comme le pays des chapeaux défoncés, figurés jusqu’à vingt-sept fois dans son œuvre. Son insistance finit par indisposer certains collectionneurs d’images satirique. Soucieux de conserver sa clientèle, Orens imagine alors des astuces graphiques pour faire écraser par d’autres que lui, dans ses dessins, le chapeau présidentiel. Finalement, profitant de l’attentat contre Alphonse XIII à Paris en juin 1905, il utilise la puissance de la bombe explosive pour expulser définitivement de son œuvre le fameux chapeau présidentiel cabossé.
« On a bien blagué le pyjama de Deschanel »
Authors: Sandras Agnès
Published: December 2013

En 1920, le président Paul Deschanel tombe d’un train en marche. Cette chute, abondamment commentée, suscite des chansons et quelques dessins. Le peu de caricatures s’explique par divers facteurs très révélateurs de la relation des dessinateurs et du public à la caricature de président. L’étude de la presse permet de mieux comprendre les mécanismes en jeu.
De de Gaulle à Mitterrand : l'assaut de Charlie Hebdo (1969-1982)
Authors: Mazurier Stéphane
Published: December 2013

Journal satirique, pratiquant un humour noir autoproclamé « bête et méchant » dans la lignée de son « grand frère Hara-Kiri  », Charlie Hebdo a, durant ses treize années d’existence, exercé sa verve sarcastique et provocatrice à l’endroit des quatre chefs de l’État qui se sont succédé au cours de la période. Publication de gauche, le journal s’est montré le plus féroce envers les trois présidents de droite : de Gaulle est représenté en souverain mégalomane d’un autre temps, Pompidou en tyran débonnaire et Giscard d’Estaing en monarque hautain. À travers la figure présidentielle, ce sont les valeurs de droite qui sont attaquées, moquées et tournées en dérision : la monarchie républicaine qu’est la V e République fait du chef de l’État la cible privilégiée des polémistes de Charlie Hebdo . En revanche, l’élection de François Mitterrand à la présidence de la République ainsi que les premières mesures du septennat suscitent souvent l’enthousiasme, du moins le soutien, du journal, qui voit ainsi sa position d’organe contestataire du pouvoir être remise en cause.
Enlivening the dying ruins: history and archaeology of the Jesuit Missions in Ethiopia, 1557–1632
Authors: Fernández Víctor M.
Published: December 2013

A summary is presented of the recent archaeological research led by the University Complutense of Madrid on the residences and monuments of the Jesuit missions in Ethiopia, most of them built at the end of the Mission period, between 1621 and 1632. The paper examines the known mission sites in turn, concentrating on the most important ones located in the region of Dembya, north of lake Tana. The emphasis has been put on the contrast between the information available from historical sources, mainly from the Jesuits’ writings and letters, and that obtained in the field, concluding that the differences are limited to the natural tendency to embellishment and self-praise by the missionaries. Finally, the conclusions expose the cultural problems that still exist in Ethiopia to treat this “dark” historical period of the country.
Told by a myth: Thomas Mann’s Felix Krull
Authors: Montiel Luis
Published: December 2013

This article proposes an approach to the novel Bekenntnisse des Hochstaplers Felix Krull by Thomas Mann from the point of view of the imaginal psychology of James Hillman. From this perspective the novel seems to illustrate the most innovative thesis of that psychology, which is especially relevant for having been written prior to the formulation of Hillman’s theories. The unplanned correspondence between both ways of thinking furnishes a valuable argument that supports the new conception of human psyche introduced by Carl Gustav Jung and developed in this way by James Hillman.
Overall Instrumentation and Control Systems
Authors: Rozen Yuri , Gromov Grygoriy , Inyushev Vladislav
Published: December 2013

Chapter 8 considers design principles of Overall Instrumentation and Control (OI&C) systems implemented at Ukrainian NPPs. The first section provides brief information on controlled objects—power units with reactors WWER, which are operated at Ukrainian NPPs. The main principles and features for modernization of OI&C systems and their components in NPPs in Ukraine that were generated in 2000-2011 are further provided. The third section is dedicated to the architecture of OI&C systems that control technological processes on these power units. After that, the central part of this architecture, a group of the most closely connected individual Instrumentation and Control (further, I&C) systems, for which the general term “reactor control and protection system” is used in Ukraine and Russia, is considered in detail. The purpose, composition, and structure of a modernized reactor control and protection system that are implemented at Ukrainian NPPs with WWER reactors are provided.
NPP
Authors: Brezhnev Eugene , Kharchenko Vyacheslav
Published: December 2013

The problem of the safe interaction between a Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) and a Power Grid (PG), considering the Fukushima nuclear accident, is becoming topical. There are a lot different types of influences between NPPs and PG, which stipulate NPPs’ safety levels. To evaluate the influences, two metrics are proposed: linguistic and numerical. The approach to the NPP-PG safety assessment is based on the application of Bayesian Belief Network (BBN), where nodes represent different PG systems and links are stipulated by different types of influences (physical, informational, geographic, etc). It is suggested to evaluate criticality of the PG system considering the change of criticalities of all connected systems. The total criticality of each node in BBN is assessed considering particular criticalities caused by different types of influence. The complex nature of NPP and PG mutual interaction calls for the need for integration of different methods that use input data of different qualimetric nature (deterministic, stochastic, linguistic). Application of one specified group of risk methods might lead to loss and/or disregard of a part of safety-related information. BBN and Fuzzy Logic (FL) represent a basis for development of the hybrid approach to capture all information required for safety assessment of NPP – PG under uncertainties. Integration of FL-based methods and BBNs allows decreasing the amount of input information (measurements) required for safety assessment, when these methods are used independently outside from the proposed integration framework. An illustrative example for the NPP reactor safety assessment is considered in this chapter.
Creating Spatially Compatible Flow Datasets from Three British Censuses
Authors: Feng Zhiqiang , Boyle Paul
Published: December 2013

This paper describes a novel method for re-estimating the migration and commuting data collected in the 1981 and 1991 Censuses for the geographical units used in the 2001 Census in the UK. The estimated flow data are provided as origin-destination flow matrices for wards in England and Wales and pseudo-postcode sectors in Scotland. Altogether, there were about 10,000 zones in 1981, 1991 and 2001, providing huge but sparsely populated matrices of 10,000 by 10,000 cells. Thanks to the boundary changes during inter-censal periods, virtually no work has attempted to compare local level migration and commuting flows in the two decades, 1981-91 and 1991-2001. The re-estimated spatially consistent interaction flows described here provide an opportunity for such comparisons to be made and we use migration change in England and commuting change in Birmingham to demonstrate the value of these new data.
Study of the 2013 Electronic Governance Practices
Authors: Ribeiro de Mello Gilmar , Slomski Valmor , Riccio Edson Luiz
Published: December 2013

The general objective of this work is to identify a set of electronic governance practices for the executive power of the Brazilian States and Federal District, to measure and relate them to the economic and social development of the respective States and Federal District. In order to achieve this objective, the authors first used bibliographic research to build the theoretical platform about electronic governance and controllership in public management and the identification of electronic governance practices; next, a measurement and monitoring index of the development of electronic governance – 2013 is proposed. The Pearson correlation test was performed in order to verify the correlation between electronic governance and economic and social development indexes – GDP AND GDP per capita – and HDI and Gini, respectively. Lastly, the 2009 electronic governance index was used for comparison purposes. By comparing the results of the correlation and the percentage of the implemented practices, it was then concluded that the States with the highest GDP, the highest HDI and the lowest Gini are those which have the highest number of implemented electronic governance practices.
Empowering and Disempowering Aspects of New Media Networking and Digital Democracy
Authors: Hacker Kenneth L. , Morgan Eric L.
Published: December 2013

The relationship between new media networking (NMN) and political participation continues to develop in complex ways. In light of evidence pointing to increased political participation through NMN, the structures of the networks people engage continue to exhibit both empowering and disempowering aspects. While some gaps associated with the Digital Divide are closing, others are opening. This essay utilizes network theory and power law distribution to further understand new media networks. The article concludes that there are inherent inequalities in new media networks, the inequalities can be addressed through public policy, and that they are made relevant through narratives of optimistic but realistic, progress.
A survey of Italian compost dairy barns
Authors: Leso Lorenzo , Uberti Maurizio , Morshed Wasseem , Barbari Matteo
Published: December 2013

Compost-bedded pack barns (CBPB), generally known as compost dairy barns, are alternative housing systems for dairy cows. In these barns, the whole surface of the resting area is covered with a deepbedded pack that is frequently stirred in order to incorporate fresh manure into the pack and to enhance the evaporation of water. Experiences with CBPB for dairy cows are reported in literature from the US, Israel, the Netherlands and Austria. Potential advantages of these housing systems regard animal welfare and manure management. Since 2006, this housing system has been widely applied in Italy. However, there is still little scientific knowledge available about Italian CBPB. This study aims to describe the housing system, assess producers’ satisfaction and measure performance of dairy cows housed in CBPB. Ten commercial dairy farms in northern Italy were involved in the study. All pens in each farm were surveyed to determine the total available surface area, bedded area and pack depth. A questionnaire was submitted to each farm manager in order to investigate management practices, labour requirement, amount of bedding materials used and producers’ satisfaction. The temperature of the bedded pack was measured in summer and in winter. Data from the Italian Dairy Association were collected for each herd over a period of one year (from September 2011 to September 2012). In the barns involved in the study, the average total available area was 10.9 m2/cow and the average pack area was 6.7 m2/cow. The bedded pack was aerated 1.4 times per day.The most commonly used bedding material in these farms was dry sawdust. The consumption of bedding materials was 8.1 m3/cow per year. A tendency towards inverse correlation was found between the space per cow and the amount of bedding needed per cow (R2=0.395; P=0.051). Operations related to pack management required 4.1 hours of labour per cow per year. A direct relationship was found between the bedded area space per cow and the annual labour required for pack management (R2=0.505; P=0.048). Although some concerns were raised about the cost of bedding and ease of management, producers were satisfied with this housing system.
The effects of the forward speed and air volume of an air-assisted sprayer on spray deposition in tendone trained vineyards
Authors: Pascuzzi Simone
Published: December 2013

This paper reports the results of spray application trials in a tendone trained vineyard in order to evaluate the influence of forward speed and air volume on the foliar deposition of plant protection products (PPPs), maintaining roughly constant the volume applied. The trials used an air-assisted sprayer with a centrifugal fan and 4+4 adjustable fan-shaped diffusers, each with a nozzle-holder group. A full factorial experimental design was implemented, with three forward speeds and two airflow rates, organised with a randomised complete block design including three replicates. In order to consider the influence of canopy development, the tests (one spray application for each replicate of a mixture containing a water-soluble food dye as a tracer) were replicated during two phenological stages: i) the end of flowering; and ii) berry touch. Leaves were picked at random from the canopy after each spray treatment, and foliar PPP deposition was evaluated using a spectrophotometer. This analysis of foliar deposition showed that the airflow rates produced by the fan were unsuitable for the dense canopy typical of this type of vineyard. However, the special shape of the diffusers may make this sprayer effective if the main objective of pesticide applications in tendone trained table grape vineyards is to control bunch diseases.
Topological Games and Alster Spaces
Authors: Aurichi Leandro F. , Dias Rodrigo R.
Published: December 2013

In this paper we study connections between topological games such as Rothberger, Menger, and compact-open games, and we relate these games to properties involving covers byGδsubsets. The results include the following: (1) If TWO has a winning strategy in theMenger game on a regular spaceX, thenXis an Alster space. (2) If TWO has a winning strategy in the Rothberger game on a topological spaceX, then theGδ-topology onXis Lindelöf. (3) The Menger game and the compact-open game are (consistently) not dual.