bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adaptive management for competing forest goods and services under climate change
Authors: Temperli Christian , Bugmann Harald , Elkin Ché
Published: June 2012

Developing adaptive forest management strategies is essential to maintain the provisioning of forest goods and services (FGS) under future climate change. We assessed how climate change and forest management affect forest development and FGS for a diverse case‐study landscape in Central Europe. Using a process‐based forest model (LandClim) we simulated forest dynamics and FGS under a range of climate change and management scenarios in the Black Forest, Germany, which is shaped by various management practices. We focused on the interdependencies between timber production and forest diversity, the most valued FGS in this region.

We found that the conversion to more drought‐adapted forest types is required to prevent climate change‐induced forest dieback and that this conversion must be the target of any adaptive management, especially in areas where monocultures of drought‐sensitive Norway spruce (Picea abies) were promoted in the past. Forest conversion takes up to 120 years, however, with past and future adaptive management being the key drivers of timber and forest diversity provision. The conversion of drought‐sensitive conifer monocultures maintains timber production in the short term and enhances a range of forest diversity indices. Using uneven‐aged forest management that targets a drought‐adapted, diverse, and resilient species mixture, high species diversity can be combined with timber production in the long term. Yet, the promotion of mature‐stand attributes requires management restrictions. Selecting future adaptive management options thus implies the consideration of trade‐offs between forest resource use and environmental objectives, but also the exploitation of synergies between FGS that occur during forest conversion. Lastly, the large impact of past management practices on the spatial heterogeneity of forest dynamics underpins the need to assess FGS provisioning at the landscape scale.
Soil carbon sequestration in prairie grasslands increased by chronic nitrogen addition
Authors: Fornara Dario A. , Tilman David
Published: June 2012

Human‐induced increases in nitrogen (N) deposition are common across many terrestrial ecosystems worldwide. Greater N availability not only reduces biological diversity, but also affects the biogeochemical coupling of carbon (C) and N cycles in soil ecosystems. Soils are the largest active terrestrial C pool and N deposition effects on soil C sequestration or release could have global importance. Here, we show that 27 years of chronic N additions to prairie grasslands increased C sequestration in mineral soils and that a potential mechanism responsible for this C accrual was an N‐induced increase in root mass. Greater soil C sequestration followed a dramatic shift in plant community composition from native‐species‐rich C4 grasslands to naturalized‐species‐rich C3 grasslands, which, despite lower soil C gains per unit of N added, still acted as soil C sinks. Since both high plant diversity and elevated N deposition may increase soil C sequestration, but N deposition also decreases plant diversity, more research is needed to address the long‐term implications for soil C storage of these two factors. Finally, because exotic C3 grasses often come to dominate N‐enriched grasslands, it is important to determine if such N‐dependent soil C sequestration occurs across C3 grasslands in other regions worldwide.
Calibration of Xinanjiang model parameters using hybrid genetic algorithm based fuzzy optimal model
Authors: Wang Wen-Chuan , Cheng Chun-Tian , Chau Kwok-Wing , Xu Dong-Mei
Published: June 2012

Conceptual rainfall–runoff (CRR) model calibration is a global optimization problem with the main objective to find a set of optimal model parameter values that attain a best fit between observed and simulated flow. In this paper, a novel hybrid genetic algorithm (GA), which combines chaos and simulated annealing (SA) method, is proposed to exploit their advantages in a collaborative manner. It takes advantage of the ergodic and stochastic properties of chaotic variables, the global search capability of GA and the local optimal search capability of SA method. First, the single criterion of the mode calibration is employed to compare the performance of the evolutionary process of iteration with GA and chaos genetic algorithm (CGA). Then, the novel method together with fuzzy optimal model (FOM) is investigated for solving the multi-objective Xinanjiang model parameters calibration. Thirty-six historical floods with one-hour routing period for 5 years (2000–2004) in Shuangpai reservoir are employed to calibrate the model parameters whilst 12 floods in two recent years (2005–2006) are utilized to verify these parameters. The performance of the presented algorithm is compared with GA and CGA. The results show that the proposed hybrid algorithm performs better than GA and CGA.
Generalizing WDN simulation models to variable tank levels
Authors: Giustolisi Orazio , Berardi Luigi , Laucelli Daniele
Published: June 2012

In water distribution network (WDN) steady-state modelling, tanks and reservoirs are modelled as nodes with known heads. As a result, the tank levels are upgraded after every steady-state simulation (snapshot) using external mass balance equations in extended period simulation (EPS). This approach can give rise to numerical instabilities, especially when tanks are in close proximity. In order to obtain a stable EPS model, an unsteady formulation of the WDN model has recently introduced. This work presents an extension of the steady-state WDN model, both for demand-driven and pressure-driven analyses, allowing the direct prediction of head variation of tank nodes with respect to an initial state. Head variations at those nodes are introduced as internal unknowns in the model, the variation of tank levels can be analyzed in the single steady-state simulation and EPS can be performed as a sequence of simulations without the need for external mass balances. The extension of mass balance at tank nodes allows the analysis of some technically relevant demand components. Furthermore, inlet and outlet head losses at tank nodes are introduced and large cross-sectional tank areas are allowed by the model and reservoirs become a special case of tanks. The solution algorithm is the generalized-global gradient algorithm (G-GGA), although the proposed WDN model generalization is universal.
Resilience and entropy as indices of robustness of water distribution networks
Authors: Greco R. , Di Nardo A. , Santonastaso G.
Published: June 2012

The use of entropy and resilience indices for measuring robustness of water distribution networks has been investigated. The effects on network performance, caused by the failure of one or two links, have been evaluated by means of several indices for two existing medium sized water distribution networks serving two towns in southern Italy. All the possible network configurations obtained by suppressing one or two links have been studied, excluding only the cases in which disconnection of some nodes from the remaining part of the network occurred. The hydraulic simulations, carried out with a demand-driven approach by means of the EPANET2 software, have shown that, unlike entropy, resilience may represent a useful index of network robustness with regard to link failures.
Occurrence and Formation of Trihalomethanes in Marine Aquaria Studied Using Solid‐Phase Microextraction Gas Chromatography‐Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Shi Honglan , Adams Craig
Published: June 2012

The occurrence and formation of chlorinated and brominated trihalomethanes (THMs) were studied in artificial saltwater and natural seawater marine aquaria as well as in groundwater and surface waters. A new headspace solid‐phase microextraction method was used, which included gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry and provided method detection limits of less than 0.1 µg/L, with a signal‐to‐noise ratio of 3 to 5. The results showed that disinfection by using either chlorine or ozone caused a significant formation of THMs in situ. Speciation of the THMs was a strong function of the water matrix, with initial bromide concentrations playing a pivotal role. These results provide a tool for understanding and monitoring the formation of key disinfection byproducts in marine aquaria that may cause respiratory, eye irritation, or other health concerns.
Factors Diminishing the Effectiveness of Phosphorus Loading from Municipal Effluent: Critical Information for TMDL Analyses
Authors: Effler Steven W. , Auer Martin T. , Peng Feng , Perkins MaryGail , O'Donnell Susan M. , Prestigiacomo Anthony R. , Matthews David A. , DePetro Phillip A. , Lambert Renn S. , Minott Natalie M.
Published: June 2012

Factors that diminish the effectiveness of phosphorus inputs from a municipal wastewater treatment facility (Metro) in contributing to phosphorus levels and its availability to support algae growth in a culturally eutrophic urban lake (Onondaga Lake, NY) were characterized and quantified. These factors included the bioavailability and settling characteristics of particulate phosphorus from this effluent, the dominant form (70%) of phosphorus in this input, and the plunging of the discharge to stratified layers in the lake. Supporting studies included: (1) chemical and morphometric characterization of the phosphorus‐enriched particles of this effluent, compared to particle populations of the tributaries and lake, with an individual particle analysis technique; (2) conduct of algal bioavailability assays of the particulate phosphorus of the effluent; (3) conduct of multiple size class settling velocity measurements on effluent particles; and (4) determinations of the propensity of the discharge to plunge, and documentation of plunging through three‐dimensional monitoring of a tracer adjoining the outfall. All of these diminishing effects were found to be operative for the Metro effluent in Onondaga Lake and will be integrated into a forthcoming phosphorus “total maximum daily load” analysis for the lake, through appropriate representation in a supporting mechanistic water quality model. The particulate phosphorus in the effluent was associated entirely with Fe‐rich particles formed in the phosphorus treatment process. These particles did not contribute to concentrations in pelagic portions of the lake, due to local deposition associated with their large size. Moreover, this particulate phosphorus was found to be nearly entirely unavailable to support algae growth. While substantial differences are to be expected for various inputs, the effective loading concept and the approaches adopted here to assess the diminishing factors are broadly applicable.
Prevention of Struvite Scaling in Digesters Combined With Phosphorus Removal and Recovery—The FIX‐Phos Process
Authors: Petzet Sebastian , Cornel Peter
Published: June 2012

The fixation of phosphorus (FIX‐Phos) combines struvite prevention and phosphorus recovery by the addition of calciumsilicatehydrate (CSH) particles into the anaerobic digester. The CSH fixates phosphorus as calcium phosphate and reduces the phosphorus concentration in the sludge water that allows for control of struvite formation. The phosphorus‐containing recovery product can be separated and recovered from the digested sludge. In pilot plant experiments, 21% to 31% of phosphorus contained in digested sludge could be recovered when CSH was added at concentrations of 2 g/L to 3.5 g/L to a mixture of primary sludge and waste activated sludge (WAS) from enhanced biological phosphorus removal. The recovery product contained few heavy metals and a phosphorus content of 18 wt % P2O5, which allows for recycling as fertilizer. The fixation of phosphorus within the digester may increase wastewater sludge dewaterability. The phosphorus recycle stream to the headworks of the wastewater treatment plant is reduced.
Modeling and optimization of ethanol fermentation using Saccharomyces cerevisiae: Response surface methodology and artificial neural network
Authors: Esfahanian Mehri , Nikzad Maryam , Najafpour Ghasem , Ghoreyshi Asghar
Published: June 2012

In this study, the capabilities of response surface methodology (RSM) and
artificial neural networks (ANN) for modeling and optimization of ethanol
production from glucoseusing Saccharomyces cerevisiae in batch fermentation
process were investigated. Effect of three independent variables in a
defined range of pH (4.2-5.8), temperature (20-40?C) and glucose
concentration (20-60 g/l) on the cell growth and ethanol production was
evaluated. Results showed that prediction accuracy of ANN was apparently
similar to RSM. At optimum condition of temperature (32?C), pH (5.2) and
glucose concentration (50 g/l) suggested by the statistical methods, the
maximum cell dry weight and ethanol concentration obtained from RSM were
12.06 and 16.2 g/l whereas experimental values were 12.09 and 16.53 g/l,
respectively. The present study showed that using ANN as fitness function,
the maximum cell dry weight and ethanol concentration were 12.05 and 16.16
g/l, respectively. Also, the coefficients of determination for biomass and
ethanol concentration obtained from RSM were 0.9965 and 0.9853 and from ANN
were 0.9975 and 0.9936, respectively. The process parameters optimization
was successfully conducted using RSM and ANN; however prediction by ANN was
slightly more precise than RSM. Based on experimental data maximum yield of
ethanol production of 0.5 g ethanol/g substrate (97 % of theoretical yield)
was obtained.
The Effect of Financial Analysts' Strategic Behavior on Analysts' Forecast Dispersion
Authors: Liu Xiaohui Gloria , Natarajan Ramachandran
Published: June 2012

Financial analysts' forecast dispersion has been used in a variety of contexts in accounting and finance studies. In this study, we provide large sample evidence on the cross-sectional determinants of forecast dispersion and examine to what extent analysts' strategic behavior biases the observed dispersion from the dispersion of unmanaged forecasts. We propose a method to estimate the dispersion bias for each sample observation. We find that observed dispersion, on average, understates dispersion of unmanaged forecasts by 53.4 percent and this downward bias varies considerably across firms. We further discuss the implications of the significant cross-sectional variation in the bias in observed dispersion for studies that rely on dispersion to estimate constructs such as consensus and information quality as well as those that use dispersion directly in research design.

Data Availability: The data are publicly available for the sources indicated.
Plasma Cell Myeloma Associated with Epstein-Barr Virus Infection in an 11-Year-Old Girl
Authors: Garcéa-Álvarez Karla Gisela , Garibaldi-Covarrubias Roberto , Flores-Márquez Maréa Rosa , Ortiz-Hidalgo Carlos
Published: June 2012

Multiple myeloma is extremely rare in children and represents fewer than 1% of all patients with myeloma. We report a case of multiple myeloma in an 11-year-old girl, who presented with a well-differentiated immunoglobulin A/kappa plasmacytoma at the base of the skull at 9 years of age; at that time, the bone marrow biopsy was negative. Two years later, the patient experienced generalized bone pain with multiple lytic bone lesions that affected the skull, long bones, ribs, and clavicle. The bone marrow biopsy showed a well-differentiated (Marschalko-type) multiple myeloma that was positive for CD138 and immunoglobulin A, with kappa light chain restriction. Interestingly, the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) was detected by in situ hybridization for EBV-encoded RNA (EBER) in the majority of the neoplastic cells from both biopsy specimens. The patient responded favorably to treatment with dexamethasone, thalidomide, and zoledronic acid and is scheduled for bone marrow transplantation.
The compressed baryonic matter experiment at FAIR
Authors: Senger Peter
Published: June 2012

The Compressed Baryonic Matter (CBM) experiment will be one of the major scientific pillars of the future Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research (FAIR) in Darmstadt. The goal of the CBM research program is to explore the QCD phase diagram in the region of high baryon densities using high-energy nucleus-nucleus collisions. This includes the study of the equation-of-state of nuclear matter at high densities, and the search for the deconfinement and chiral phase transitions. The CBM detector is designed to measure both bulk observables with large acceptance and rare diagnostic probes such as charmed particles and vector mesons decaying into lepton pairs.
Gaussian beam diffraction in inhomogeneous and logarithmically saturable nonlinear media
Authors: Berczynski Pawel
Published: June 2012

The method of paraxial complex geometrical optics (PCGO) is presented, which describes Gaussian beam (GB) diffraction and self-focusing in smoothly inhomogeneous and nonlinear saturable media of cylindrical symmetry. PCGO reduces the problem of Gaussian beam diffraction in nonlinear and inhomogeneous media to the system of the first order ordinary differential equations for the complex curvature of the wave front and for GB amplitude, which can be readily solved both analytically and numerically. As a result, PCGO radically simplifies the description of Gaussian beam diffraction in inhomogeneous and nonlinear media as compared to the numerical and analytical methods of nonlinear optics. The power of PCGO method is presented on the example of Gaussian beam evolution in logarithmically saturable medium with either focusing and defocusing refractive profile. Besides, the influence of initial curvature of the wave front on GB evolution in nonlinear saturable medium is discussed in this paper.
The chiral and deconfinement phase transitions
Authors: Xu Fukun , Huang Mei
Published: June 2012

By introducing the dressed Polayakov loop or dual chiral condensate as a candidate order parameter to describe the deconfinement phase transition for light flavors, we discuss the interplay between the chiral and deconfinement phase transitions, and propose the possible QCD phase diagram at finite temperature and density. We also introduce a dynamical gluodynamic model with dimension-2 gluon condensate, which can describe the color electric deconfinement as well as the color magnetic confinement.
Bianchi I in scalar and scalar-tensor cosmologies
Authors: Belinchón José
Published: June 2012

We study how the constants G and Λ may vary in different theoretical models (general relativity (GR) with a perfect fluid, scalar cosmological models (SM) (“quintessence”) with and without interacting scalar and matter fields and three scalar-tensor theories (STT) with a dynamical Λ) in order to explain some observational results. We apply the program outlined in section II to study the Bianchi I models, under the self-similarity hypothesis. We put special emphasis on calculating exact power-law solutions which allow us to compare the different models. In all the studied cases we conclude that the solutions are isotropic and noninflationary. We also arrive at the conclusion that in the GR model with time-varying constants, Λ vanishes while G is constant. In the SM all the solutions are massless i.e. the potential vanishes and all the interacting models are inconsistent from the thermodynamical point of view. The solutions obtained in the STT collapse to the perfect fluid one obtained in the GR model where G is a true constant and Λ vanishes as in the GR and SM frameworks.
Conformational changes in humic acids in aqueous solutions
Authors: Klučáková Martina , Kargerová Andrea , Nováčková Kristýna
Published: June 2012

Conformational changes in humic acids in two different aqueous solutions (NaCl and NaOH) are studied by means of high resolution ultrasound spectrometry. The method is based on the measurement of parameters of ultrasonic waves propagating through the sample. The attenuation describes the decay of the amplitude of the ultrasonic wave with the distance travelled. The velocity is the speed of this wave and is related to the wavelength and the frequency of oscillation of the deformation. It is determined by the density and elasticity of the sample, which is strongly influenced by the molecular arrangement. The minimal velocity of ultrasound was observed at 1 g dm−3 for lignitic humic acids and at 0.5 g dm−3 for IHSS Leonardite standard. The values of compressibility as computed are almost constant up to humic acids’ content corresponding to the minimum velocity of ultrasound and then decrease with the increase in concentration. This shows that the organisation of particles in diluted and concentrated humic acids sols is different. The decrease in compressibility points to the formation of a more rigid structure, which could lead to the decrease in humic acids’ binding ability. It was confirmed that the method employed was very sensitive and could be utilised as an indicator of conformational changes in humic acids in solutions with varying concentrations.
Quartz OSL dating of sand dunes in Ghaggar Basin, northwestern India
Authors: Shitaoka Yorinao , Maemoku Hideaki , Nagatomo Tsuneto
Published: June 2012

Several studies have used luminescence dating to investigate sand mobilization activity in extreme western areas and the southern margin of the Thar Desert, India. However, room exists for a chronology of sand profiles for the northern margins of the Thar Desert. The Ghaggar River flood plain at Rajasthan, northwestern India, in the northern margin of the Thar Desert, is bordered by sand dunes. Elucidation of the environmental changes of the Ghaggar Basin requires knowledge of many aspects of sand dune formation.

We measured optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) using the single aliquot regenerative-dose (SAR) protocol for sand of eight palaeo-dunes and two flood silts of both sides of the present Ghaggar Basin and Chautang Basin flood plains. Their OSL ages were obtained respectively, as 15–10 ka or 5 ka, and 9–8 ka. Results of this study reinforce the hypothesis that sand dune deposition had started or had already been completed by 15‐10 ka. Aeolian deposition was subdued by enhanced moisture during 9–8 ka. Our interpretation is that, at least since 5 ka, the scale of the flood plain of the Ghaggar River has remained equivalent to that of the present day.
New Roles for Community Pharmacists in Modern Health Care Systems: A Challenge for Pharmacy Education and Research
Authors: Bugnon Olivier , Hugentobler-Hampaï Denise , Berger Jérôme , Schneider Marie Paule
Published: June 2012

The academic activities led by the Unit of Community Pharmacy can be classified as translational. Our group is interested in person-centered pharmaceutical services aimed at a more responsible use of drugs (effectiveness, safety, efficiency) in collaboration with physicians and other
health care professionals in a primary care setting. The following domains of education and research are high priorities for our group: medication therapy management, medication adherence, integrated care, individualization of therapies, care management for the elderly and e-health.
Pharmaceutical Technology at the Service of Targeted Drug Delivery
Authors: Allémann Eric , Delie Florence , Lange Norbert
Published: June 2012

Research in pharmaceutical technology has drifted from formulation of systems with improved drug absorption and bioavailability to systems targeting molecular sites of diseases. The research unit of Pharmaceutical Technology from the University of Geneva focuses on the development of
systems for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Three types of constructs for targeting are reviewed. With a fine-tuning of size and surface composition, polymeric nanoparticles are developed to improve detection of micrometastasis by fluorescence imaging. Furthermore, surface coating
with specific antibodies increase the therapeutic efficiency of the encapsulated chemotherapeutic agent for tumor treatment in animal models. Constructs that are activated by remote sources of energy are investigated in the unit. For instance, microbubbles bearing specific antibody fragments
at their surface are useful contrast agents for ultrasound molecular imaging. Microbubbles, if combined with a thrombolytic drug and ultrasound, improve clot lysis, which is promising for stroke treatments. Enzymatically activated prodrug scaffolds are also under development. With this approach,
intrinsic enzymatic activity of a diseased tissue activates the formulations. This concept led to the development of theranostic agents that can be used for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
LC-MS (/MS) in Clinical Toxicology Screening Methods
Authors: Viette Véronique , Hochstrasser Denis , Fathi Marc
Published: June 2012

Toxicological screening is the analysis of biological samples to detect and identify unknown compounds. The high selectivity and sensitivity of liquid chromatography (LC) coupled to mass spectrometry (MS) or tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) technology provide an attractive alternative
to the current methods (LC-UV, GC/MS, etc.). For these reasons, an increasing number of applications are being published. This paper is a brief overview of LC-MS(/MS) screening methods developed for clinical toxicology in recent years. Various sample treatments, chromatographic separations
and detection by mass spectrometry can be combined to obtain screening methods adapted to the constraints and needs of clinical toxicology laboratories. Currently the techniques are in the hands of specialists, mainly in academic institutions. However, the evolution in technology should allow
application of these techniques as a tool in toxicology laboratories, thus allowing a more widespread exploitation of their potential.
Reduced Vision and Refractive Errors, Results from a School Vision Screening Program in Kanchanpur district of Far Western Nepal
Authors: Awasthi S , Pant B P , Dhakal H P
Published: June 2012

Background At present there is no data available on reduced vision and refractive errors in school children of far western Nepal. So, school screening records were used to obtain data useful for planning of refractive services. Methods Data are provided from school screening conducted by Geta Eye Hospital during February/March 2008. The cases with complete data sets on visual acuity, refractive error and age were included and analyzed using computer software. Results Of 1165 children (mean age 11.6±2.5 years) examined, 98.8% (n= 1151) had uncorrected visual acuity of 6/9 and better in at least one eye whereas 1.2% (n= 14) had acuity 6/12 and worse in both eyes. Among them, either eye of 9 children improved to 6/9 and better with correction. However, visual acuity was 6/12 and worse in both eyes of 5 children even after correction. There were 24 children with refractive errors (myopia, 1.54%; n= 18 and hypermetropia, 0.51%; n=6) in at least one eye. The spherical equivalent refraction was not significantly different with age and gender. ConclusionsThe incidence of reduced vision and refractive errors among school children of this semi rural district were low.http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v8i4.6233 Kathmandu Univ Med J 2010;8(4):370-4
Phonatory Vocal Tract Stability in Stuttering Children before and after Fluency–Enhancing Therapy
Authors: Dehqan A , Ali Dashti G , Mirzadeh M
Published: June 2012

Background Stuttering is a complex disorder. Essentially, it is a neuromuscular disorder whose core consists of tiny lags and disruptions in the timing of the complicated movements required for speech. Objective The purpose of the current study was to collec and comparg jitters and shimmer values in children who stutter before and aftea fluency – enhancing therapy. Methods Subjects consisted of 15 Iranian preschool girls with stutterg, and 15 Iranial preschool girls without afflictions, matched according to age. Vocal jittering and shimmer measurements of thesphonation of the children were compared before and after therapy. Each subject phonated vowels nine times in a random order. Each phonation was sustained for at least five seconds and was recorded. The middle three-second portion of each recorded vowel phonation was subjected to jitter and shimmer analysis. Results On shimmer measures between pre-treatment and post treatment, significant differences were found in all sustained vowels of persons who stutter group and means of shimmer in post therapy were significantly lowerthan pre-treatment. Differences in jitter measurements were not significant between pre-treatment and post-treatment statuses and this parameter did not change after therapy. Conclusion The findings showed that therapy resulted in decreaseg irregularity in the amplitude of vibrations (shimmer). In other words, the therapy increases the steady-state of the laryngeal system. Moreover, this parameter may be used as an index for the effectiveness of therapy. http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v8i4.6240 Kathmandu Univ Med J 2010;8(4):405-9
Branch Retinal Arterial Occlusion
Authors: Subedi S , Shrestha C
Published: June 2012

Retinal arterial occlusion is an ocular emergency in which visual prognosis is poor mostly due to late presentation of the patient and macular involvement. The casee described, in this report is ane incidence of Branch Retinal Arterial Occlusion in a 22 year old female with grade II Mitral Regurgitation. The patiente presented witha complaint of painless, diminution of vision in the right eyn. She alsod presented with perception of black shadow in the superior visual fiel n of the same eye5 for five days. There was no significant systemic ord personal history. Her visual acuity at presentation was 6/60 and 6/6 in the right and left eyes,y which did not improve with glasses or pin-hole. Anterior segment including papillary reaction was normal in both eyes while Fundus examination of the right eye revealed retinal whitening inside the inferotemporal vascular arcade that was encroaching foveolar avascular zone. Visual field defect was detected at superonasally inside arhade but Fundus Fluorescence Angiography was normal. An echoycardiograph revealed grade II Mitral Regurgitation. The patient was kept on observation and after two2 days of follow-up, vision in the right eye was improved to 6/6 unaided but visual field defect was remained same.http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v8i4.6244 Kathmandu Univ Med J 2010;8(4):423-5
Exploring the Concept of Leadership from the Perspective of Physical Therapists in Canada
Authors: Desveaux Laura , Nanavaty Gargi , Ryan Jeremy , Howell Phillip , Sunder Rana , Macdonald Allan A. , Schleifer Taylor Jackie , Verrier Molly C.
Published: June 2012

Purpose: To explore the concept of leadership from the perspective of physical therapists in Canada. Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional nationwide study was performed using a Web-based survey distributed to all members of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA) with a registered e-mail address (n=6,156). Frequency distributions and percentages were obtained for all leadership characteristics, and chi-square tests were performed, with significance set at p<0.05. Results: A total of 1,875 members responded, for a 30% response rate. Communication, professionalism, and credibility were rated as extremely important leadership characteristics by the majority of respondents across all three settings (workplace, health care system, and society); practising in the private sector contributed significantly to the perceived importance of business acumen (p<0.001). Overall, 79.6% of respondents self-declared as leaders; male gender, primary work facility in private practice or educational institution, and supervision of students were factors associated with self-declaration as a leader. Conclusions: The top three characteristics that physical therapists perceive as important differ from those reported among other health care professions. Further research is required to understand whether the presence of multiple health care professionals in an acute-care setting facilitates leadership opportunities or whether physical therapists feel overshadowed. Future studies should also investigate whether individuals practising outside the private sector recognize the business aspects of their workplace.
Dante Alighieri Was Here
Authors: Kozorog Miha
Published: June 2012

The article addresses the question of local identification, proposing that local identification in the contemporary world can be linked to locals' imagining 'their place' as inscribed within wider contexts outlined by symbols with supra-local references, whereby place-centric imaginary geographies emerge. Locals are active producers of symbols linking a place to such geographies. The author discusses the case of Dante Alighieri's alleged stay in the town of Tolmin in 1319, which failed as a possible symbol for inscribing the town into the imaginary geography of Western literature because in this part of Slovenia Dante was also associated with Italian fascism.
Emotions and Authority in Religious Organisations
Authors: Halemba Agnieszka
Published: June 2012

This article reflects on the place of emotionally arousing ex- periences within religious organisations. Using data obtained through participant observation and interviews, it outlines a research approach for investigations of the interrelationships between particular features of religious practices. Those features have been pointed out in many previous anthropo- logical and sociological works, but few works attempted to analyse connections and interdependencies between con- crete features of religious traditions. The present article takes inspiration from contemporary 'modes of religiosity' theory to explore further the relationships between highly emotion- ally arousing religious experiences and centralised religious authority. Going beyond Whitehouse's theory, it is argued that centralised religious organisations can influence the so- cial features of a religious movement through management of emotionality in ritual practice.
Impacts of Prescribed Fire Frequency on Coarse Woody Debris Volume, Decomposition and Termite Activity in the Longleaf Pine Flatwoods of Florida
Authors: Hanula James L. , Ulyshen Michael D. , Wade Dale D.
Published: June 2012

Longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) ecosystems have been reduced dramatically throughout their range. Prescribed burning is considered the best way to restore and maintain plant communities associated with longleaf pine, but little is known about its effects on coarse woody debris and associated organisms. We conducted a 5-year study on the Osceola National Forest in northeastern Florida to determine how dormant-season prescribed burns at different frequencies (annual, biennial, quadrennial or unburned) applied over a 40-year period affected coarse woody debris volume, decomposition and nitrogen content, and subterranean termite (Reticulitermes spp.) activity. Burn frequency had no effect on standing dead tree or log volumes. However, freshly cut longleaf pine logs placed in the plots for four years lost significantly less mass in annually burned plots than in unburned plots. The annual exponential decay coefficient estimate from all logs was 0.14 yr−1 (SE = 0.01), with the estimated times for 50 and 95% loss being 5 and 21.4 years, respectively. Termite presence was unaffected by frequent burning, suggesting they were able to survive the fires underground or within wood, and that winter burning did not deplete their food resources.
Using Crowdsourced Indoor Geodata for the Creation of a Three-Dimensional Indoor Routing Web Application
Authors: Goetz Marcus
Published: June 2012

Routing services for outdoor areas are omnipresent and also three-dimensional (3D) visualization is quite common within this area. Recent research efforts are now trying to adapt well known outdoor routing services to complex indoor environments. However, most of the current indoor routing systems only focus on two-dimensional visualization, thus only one level can be depicted. Especially multi-level routes therefore lack visualization. Also, most of the (few) existing 3D indoor routing services utilize proprietary software or plugins, thus a widespread accessibility for those services by using common computers or mobile devices is not feasible. Therefore this paper describes the development of a web-based 3D routing system based on a new HTML extension. The visualization of rooms as well as the computed routes is realized with XML3D. Since this emerging technology is based on WebGL and will likely be integrated into the HTML5 standard, the developed system is already compatible with most common browsers such as Google Chrome or Firefox. Another key difference of the approach presented in this paper is that all utilized data is actually crowdsourced geodata from OpenStreetMap (OSM). Such data is collaboratively collected by both amateurs and professionals and can be used at no charge under the Open Data Commons Open Database License (ODbL). Our research combines user-generated geo content of the Web 2.0 with future Internet technology for the provision of a ubiquitously accessible 3D indoor routing application.
An intramolecular inverse electron demand Diels–Alder approach to annulated α-carbolines
Authors: Ma Zhiyuan , Ni Feng , Woo Grace H C , Lo Sie-Mun , Roveto Philip M , Schaus Scott E , Snyder John K
Published: June 2012

Intramolecular inverse electron demand cycloadditions of isatin-derived 1,2,4-triazines with acetylenic dienophiles tethered by amidations or transesterifications proceed in excellent yields to produce lactam- or lactone-fused α-carbolines. Beginning with various isatins and alkynyl dienophiles, a pilot-scale library of eighty-eight α-carbolines was prepared by using this robust methodology for biological evaluation.
Two-directional synthesis as a tool for diversity-oriented synthesis: Synthesis of alkaloid scaffolds
Authors: O’Connell Kieron M G , Díaz-Gavilán Monica , Galloway Warren R J D , Spring David R
Published: June 2012

Two-directional synthesis represents an ideal strategy for the rapid elaboration of simple starting materials and their subsequent transformation into complex molecular architectures. As such, it is becoming recognised as an enabling technology for diversity-oriented synthesis. Herein, we provide a thorough account of our work combining two-directional synthesis with diversity-oriented synthesis, with particular reference to the synthesis of polycyclic alkaloid scaffolds.
Research on CRT Rear-Projection Television Adjustment by Chkscrn Software
Authors: Li Tian Hua , Sun Hong
Published: June 2012

Based on computer platform and Chkscrn testing software, this paper analyzes the structure and operation principle of CRT rear-projection television. It also adjusts luminance uniformity, white balance and geometrical linear of CRT rear-projection television by Chkscrn software. The application has shown that the adjustment of CRT rear-projection television by Chkscrn can effectively update the display effect of television.
Advanced Optimal Buffer Scheduling Policy in Opportunistic Networks
Authors: Liu Qi Lie , Li Guang De , Li Yun , Pan Ying Jun , Yu Feng Zhi
Published: June 2012

Opportunistic Networks (ONs) are the newly emerging type of Delay Tolerant Network (DTN) systems that opportunistically exploit unpredicted contacts among nodes to share information. As with all DTN environments ONs experience frequent and large delays, and an end-to-end path may only exist for a brief and unpredictable time. In this paper, we employ optimal theory to propose a novel buffer management strategy named Optimal Buffer Scheduling Policy (OBSP) to optimize the sequence of message forwarding and message discarding. In OBSP, global optimization considering delivery ratio, transmission delay, and overhead is adopted to improve the overall performance of routing algorithms. The simulation results show that the OBSP is much better than the existing ones.
Analysis and Prediction of Thermal Resistance for High Power LED Using GA-SVR
Authors: Zeng De Huai , Liu Yuan , Li Li , Yu De Gui , Xu Gang
Published: June 2012

With the development of high power LED technology, junction temperature as a key factor constrains the performance and the service life of LED, and the main parameter of junction temperature is thermal resistance. Therefore, how to measure the thermal resistance of high power LED quickly and accurately plays an important part in improving the performance and the service life of LED. In this paper the accurate and fast measurement equipment was applied to study the thermal characteristics of high power LED. The forward-voltage based method was conducted to measure the junction temperature of high power. Then, support vector regression (SVR) combined with genetic algorithm (GA) for its parameter optimization, was proposed to establish a model to predict the thermal resistance of high power LED. The prediction performance of GA-SVR was compared with those of BPNN model. The result demonstrated that the estimated errors GA-SVR models, such as Mean Absolute Relative Error (MARE) and Root Mean Squared Errors (RMSE), all are smaller than those achieved by the BPNN applying identical samples.
Establishment of Network Platform of Virtuai Teaching Laboratories in Colleges and Universities Based on JSP Technology
Authors: Luo Jun , Gu Wen Xuan
Published: June 2012

Virtual network laboratory system is the application of virtual reality technology to simulate the experimental software system. Based on the virtual network teaching platform using the JSP technology development, used to solve the current virtual education the existence of the problem. This paper introduced an overview of virtual teaching laboratory network platform, to create a virtual teaching laboratory platform with virtual technology and construction of platform strategies.
Applications of the Wireless LAN Technology in the Nursing Work
Authors: Zhang Jun Lei , Zhang Hui Min , Lian Cui Min , Li Rong
Published: June 2012

With the rapid development of computer network technology, wireless networks have developed to wireless wide area network from a single wireless personal area network. Expansion of coverage was spread from a few meters to a global range and transmission speed was also doubled. The wireless network is gradually used into complicated module network environment, especially in the field of medical treatment, depending on the flexibility and the sound extendibility of its module network. This article is to introduce the wireless LAN technique and its character, and also to express its scientific use in the care.
Weak Signal Detection Based on Stochastic Resonance of Piecewise Model
Authors: Zhao Wen Li , Yin Yuan Ping , Fang Qian
Published: June 2012

Based on traditional theory of bistable stochastic resonance, this paper puts forward a piecewise stochastic resonance model which used to detect medium- low-frequency weak periodic signal and deducts analytical results of signal-to-noise ratio. Besides, we have done simulation experiments and contrast analysis of the two models also. The result shows that the piecewise model is better to detect medium- low-frequency weak periodic signal in background of strong noise with higher SNR and wider frequency range. It has raised adaptability to detect periodic signal which is common in mechanical failure. Combined with the piecewise bistable stochastic resonance model and the modulate method, it is more effectively to achieve judgment and detection of the mechanical fault signals.
Acoustic Pressure Minimization for Diffuse Fields
Authors: Tseng Wen Kung
Published: June 2012

In this paper performance of actively controlling diffuse fields using acoustic pressure minimization has been presented. The technique is -norm acoustic pressure minimization. The theory and simulations of pressure minimization over space and frequency using two-channel and three-channel systems are presented. This paper focuses on diffuse primary fields with two and three secondary sources. A constrained pressure minimization is also introduced in this paper, to control pressure at various spaces and frequencies. The results show that a good attenuation is achieved at the microphone location or desired range over space and frequency using a two-channel system and a three-channel system. Also the shape of the attenuation contour could be controlled using the proposed method in this paper.
Targets Detection in Sea Clutter Based on Echo State Network
Authors: Xu Zhan , Wan Jian Wei , Li Gang , Su Fang
Published: June 2012

A novel method to predict the sea clutter time series and detect target embedded in sea clutter is presented. The method is actually a recurrent neural network called an echo state network (ESN). A recursive least squares (RLS) algorithm is used for updating the output weights of ESN. A set of time series from IPIX radar data is tested. Numerical experiments reveal that the proposed network shows higher prediction precision in pure sea clutter data. Moreover, the mean squared error (MSE) between real-life data and prediction value by ESN can be used to detect target effectively.
Wireless Sensor Networks Scheduling Algorithm Based on the Probability of Monitoring
Authors: Chen Jin Song
Published: June 2012

This paper introduces the basics of wireless sensor networks, focusing on the concept of sensor network data collection, data collection mechanisms, data collection in-network data aggregation, data collection and data collection applications Research. This paper presents the data collection in WSN node scheduling concept, analyzed the two data collection in WSN scheduling mechanism, which is based on data collection interval node scheduling mechanism and turn the data based on perceived probability of node sleep scheduling mechanism.
Robust Multiuser Detection in Synchronous DS-CDMA System with MRC Receive Diversity over Nakagami-m Fading Channel
Authors: Srinivasa Rao V. , Vinay Kumar P. , Balaji S. , Habibulla Khan , Anil Kumar T.
Published: June 2012

This paper presents the robust multiuser detection in synchronous direct sequence-code division multiple access (DS-CDMA) systems with Maximal Ratio Combiner (MRC) receive diversity over frequency-nonselective, slowly fading Nakagami-m channels in a non-Gaussian environment. Average probability of error is derived for decorrelating detector over single path Nakagami-m fading channel. A new M-estimator proposed to robustify the detector is studied and analyzed. Simulation results show that the new M-estimator outperforms linear decorrelating detector, the Huber, and the Hampel estimator based detectors.
Analysis of the Effect of Idle Rollers on Tension Vibration in Discontinuous Web Transport Systems
Authors: Chen Jian Kui , Huang Yong An , Yin Zhou Ping
Published: June 2012

Tension control and precise conveyance in web-handling machines are critical to ensure product quality. This paper is focused on analyzing the effect of idle rollers on flexible web tension vibration for discontinuous web transport systems. First, the simplified algebraic dynamical models of the inertia and friction are presented, which plays an important role for the design of idle rollers’ layout systems. Second, the tension vibration test method and tension data collection scheme are introduced, respectively. Finally, based on the mathematical model and test strategies, an experiment platform is established. Several experiments have been performed to show idle rollers’ effect on tension control and tension vibration in the discontinuous web transport system.
Research on Modeling and Simulating of Discrete Event System Based on Petri Net
Authors: Pan Xing Long , He Guo , Zhang Chao Jie , Ming Ting Feng , Wang Xiao Chuan
Published: June 2012

A framework of modeling and simulating a typical artificial system is proposed based on discrete event system and Petri net. Firstly, the system model is constructed based on discrete event system theory. Secondly, the model is described and analyzed by using Petri net. Then, the simulation procedures on Matlab platform are presented in detail. The proposed framework is applied to modeling and simulating a logical control system of a marine diesel engine. The simulation results indicate that this logical control system model can be constructed by the given framework and the proposed method is effective in simulating and analyzing this kind of artificial system.