bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Seismic Behaviour for a Single Unit Tunnel Form RC Building before and after Repaired
Authors: Anuar S.A. , Hamid Nor Hayati , Hashim M.H.
Published: April 2014

Repairing and strengthening the structures are gaining more attention from many researchers and structural engineers after the structures suffered damages from natural disasters. Tunnel form RC buildings which are not designed according to seismic code of practice are very vulnerable to ground motion when located to near field earthquake. This paper presents the method of repair and strengthening of 3-storey tunnel form building subjected to in-plane lateral cyclic loading. The building was strengthened using the combination method of steel angle, steel plate and Carbon Fiber Reinforce Polymer (CFRP) sheet. The results show that the lateral strength capacity is increase by 15.66%, ductility increase by 53.57% and equivalent viscous damping increase by 28.88% for the first cycle and 33.65% for the second cycle. However, the stiffness of the structure reduce by 56.6%. It can be concluded that this method can be adopted for the damage of tunnel form building system.
Dynamic Properties of Silicate-Grouted Sand at Low Stress Level
Authors: Kim J.R. , Bakhtiyarov D. , Zhumabekov G. , Saliyev D.
Published: April 2014

The creep behaviors of silicate-grouted sandy soil were investigated. A series of haversine creep tests with three frequencies (0.01 Hz, 0.05 Hz, and 0.1 Hz) were carried out to evaluate the dynamic properties (complex modulus and phase angle) of materials at low stress level. The stress-strain relationship for the sinusoidal test was plotted as an elliptical hysteretic loop. The complex modulus |G*(ω)| and the phase angle δ were determined from the hysteretic loop at a given frequency ω. While the complex modulus |G*(ω)| of the tested material increased, the complex compliance |J*(ω)| and the phase angle δ decreased with frequency ω within the tested frequency range.
Fire Resistance Evaluation of Reinforced Concrete Columns Using Axial Load Ratio and Slenderness Ratio
Authors: Yeo In Hwan , Cho Bum Yean , An Jae Hong , Min Byung Youl
Published: April 2014

Since the column members in buildings deal with both vertical and horizontal loads, appropriated amount of load should be estimated in order to evaluate the fire resistance performance of the columns under loaded condition. However, according to the ISO 834, the international standard for the evaluation of structural members, the fire resistance performance evaluation of column members is only based on the displacement and displacement rate under loaded condition in a standard fire. The purpose of this study is to suggest appropriate axial load ratios for the evaluation of fire resistance performance. The test conducted in this study produced appropriate axial load ratios for different slenderness ratios. They are expected to contribute to more accurate estimation of fire resistance performance and more efficient and cost-effective structural design.
Reduced Stiffness Criteria for the Safe Buckling Design of Thin Shells and its Numerical Validation
Authors: Wang Hong Tao
Published: April 2014

Thin metallic shells have long been adopted as major structural components in weight-sensitive applications, especially in marine engineering. Imperfection sensitive buckling is a critical design factor when these structures are loaded in compression. Traditional experimental design method depends on deriving lower bounds to the scatter of large sets of test results. This paper aims to present an analytical approach, the so-called reduced stiffness method (RSM) to the lower-bound buckling of thin-metallic shells. The validity of the RSM for the prediction of the safe lower bounds to the buckling of thin shells is verified through carefully controlled finite element analysis and the comparative studies confirm the reliability of the RSM.
A Review on the Effects of Various Supplementary Cementitious Materials on Physical Properties of Hardened Concrete
Authors: Barbhuiya Salim , Nikraz Hamid
Published: April 2014

The global development and current trends in social attitude are resulting in an increase in the amount of waste generated by society, the treatment and disposal of which are becoming a serious problem. Therefore, waste management is one of the most important aspects in ensuring sustainable development in todays world. Some of the industrial by-products, such as pulverised-fuel ash (PFA), ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS) and microsilica (MS) can be used in concrete to improve its properties. In this paper the influence of various by-products on the physical properties of concrete is reviewed.
Research on the Shrinkage Performance of Cement-Stabilized Base
Authors: Wang Yan , Sun Xue
Published: April 2014

Shrinkage cracks in cement-stabilized macadam base are seriously influences performance of asphalt surface. Setting about cracking mechanism for transverse shrinkage crack for cement-stabilized macadam base, combined with theoretic analysis and outdoor test method, we shall study for the method for reduction of base crack. Samples with different dosage of cement were selected from test road, as well as select out corresponding parameter to make calculation. Analysis for finite element and outdoor test result indicated that suitable reduction for cement dosage and improvement for construction workmanship shall effectively reduce in crack creation for cement-stabilized macadam base.
Stochastic Perturbation Analysis of Deteriorated Structures
Authors: Allaix D.L. , Carbone V.I. , Mancini Giuseppe
Published: April 2014

The paper addresses a generalized perturbation method for the uncertainty analysis of concrete structures subject to reinforcement corrosion. The initiation phase is modelled by the well known Ficks 2ndlaw of diffusion. Deterioration models derived from experimental studies and a non-linear finite element (FE) model are used to simulate the structural behaviour of beams from the serviceability to the ultimate conditions. The time of corrosion initiation and the failure load are expressed by a Taylor series expansion about the origin of the space of independent standard normal random variables.
Synthesis and Characterization of Antimony-Doped Zinc Oxide Nanostructures via Microwave-Assisted Process
Authors: Jaisamritpon Waralak , Inchidjuy P.
Published: April 2014

Sb-doped ZnO nanostructures have been deposited on to glass substrates via microwave-assisted process form Zn-Sb with different 1, 2 and 3 % by atomic weight. As the Sb/Zn mole ratio of the microwave oven materials increases, the Sb content doped in to the ZnO increases size, and the shape of the ZnO nanomaterials could be controlled via doping Sb. The structural and properties of undoped and doped ZnO were characterized by various techniques including by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and UV-visible spectroscopy. Finally, the controlled growth mechanism of ZnO nanomaterials was discussed in detail.
Predicting Hardness of Four Groundwater Monitoring Stations in Kaohsiung City of Taiwan Using Seven Types of GM (1, 1) Model
Authors: Pai Tzu Yi , Wu Ray Shyan , Chen Ching Ho , Chen Li , Lin Ching Yuan , Lee Hsin Yi , Shih Li Hua , Jiang Yu Ze , Shen Ching Yin
Published: April 2014

In this study, seven types of first-order and one-variable grey differential equation model (abbreviated as GM (1, 1) model) were used to predict the hardness of four groundwater monitoring stations in Kaohsiung City of Taiwan. The mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) was used to evaluate the predicting performance. The results indicated the minimum MAPE of 4.71 %, 3.15 %, 2.66 %, and 16.63 % could be achieved when predicting hardness of Fonsi, Datung, Shaukang, and Chihsien stations, respectively. According to the results, it revealed that GM (1, 1) was an efficiently early warning tool for providing groundwater quality information to the competent authority.
Assessing the Land Use Change and Ecological Security Based on RS and GIS: A Case Study of Pingdingshan City, China
Authors: Lu Di , Yu Hai Long , Yu Guang Ming
Published: April 2014

The land use changes are analyzed based on the interpretation of remote sensing image in the year of 1983, 1995, and 2009, and then an evaluation index system is established on the basis of “Hazard-State-Immune” model in Pingdingshan City, China. The entropy-weight method is used to determine the weights of index; the comprehensive index is used to evaluate the land ecological security in the study area. The results of the study show that the land ecological security is trending to obvious improvement after the gradual development (Common - Common – Good) in the past 30 years. And they also reveal the temporal-spatial distribution of land ecological security in this study area, which provides a foundation of ecological construction and the improvement of land ecological security.
Effect of Kenaf Water Retting Process by Bacillus cereus on the pH of Retting Water
Authors: Othman Mohd Nazrin , Tajuddin Ramlah Mohd , Ahmad Zakiah
Published: April 2014

pH plays an important roles in retting process of kenaf. The aim of this study is to see the changes of retting water pH in the kenaf retting process with and without the use ofBacillus cereus. The retting process duration was one week. The pH of the water was taken daily during the retting period. The results were then compared at the end of retting period.
Long-Term Equilibrium and Short-Term Dynamics between Metropolitan Housing Markets in China
Authors: Zou Gao Lu , Chau K.W.
Published: April 2014

House prices across cities may form long-term relations. Geographic barriers could lead to lack of short-term dynamics. The paper aims to investigate the long-run equilibrium and/or short-run dynamics betweenmetropolitan house pricesin China. The study introduced two cointegration tests and various small-sample corrections. We conductedthe Toda-Yamamoto Granger causality tests. House prices betweencitiesin most regional markets did notshow long-term relations as well as short-term dynamics. Therefore, geographies andtransport costs between cities could reducethe centrifugal forces of city growth. Metropolitan housing markets are typically local.
Physical Model of Estuarine Salinity Intrusion into Rivers: A Review
Authors: Haron Nuryazmeen Farhan , Tahir Wardah
Published: April 2014

This paper reviews the physical models that had been used in order to conduct the experiment of estuarine salinity intrusion into rivers. Several studies used the physical models to get a better understanding of the estuary salinity mixing process and salt-wedge estuary characteristics along the flume. Besides, the laboratory investigations using the physical model also useful for verification purposes as discussed by previous researchers.
Assessing the Carrying Capacity of Water Resources in Wuhan City, China
Authors: Jia Huan Huan , Yu Guang Ming
Published: April 2014

The carrying capacity of water resources is one of the focuses in water resources research, and it has an important significance in measuring the effects of water resources on regional development. Wuhan City is selected as an example in this study. Eight indexes are selected to assess the carrying capacity of water resources in Wuhan City in recent three years based on the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method. The results show that the degree of exploitation and utilization of water resources is relative high, and the potential of carrying capacity is relatively small. In addition, the contradiction between supply and demand of water resources is outstanding, and it tends to overload. The fundamental measures are put forward to improve water resources carrying capacity such as improving the utilization efficiency of water resources and enhancing the capacity of water saving from the perspective of promoting economic and social development
Design of Fuzzy Logic Controller for DSTATCOM
Authors: Rajakumar P. , Saravanakumar R.
Published: April 2014

DSTATCOM is used for recompense of reactive power and disturb caused by different loads in distribution system.To develop a DSTATCOM with battery energy source system and control of energy flow among the system components. Multilevel inverter is used in DSTATCOM for mitigating voltage sag at the load side. Hybrid multilevel inverter with fuzzy logic and minimised switches is presented. Voltage sags are generated by faults in the distribution feeder, with the three-phase 7-level hybrid multi level inverter for mitigating the voltage disturbances. Seven level hybrid inverter which is used for low energy PV source and high power grid connected applications by applying VMC converter. DCDC converters based on the tri-state switching unit and voltage multiplier cells. VMC converter having ability to maintain current and voltage of input source and it gets maximum level for grid applications. Improving the efficiency, by harmonic reduction in the power system and fast load compensation achieved by the combination of voltage multiplier cells and seven level multilevel inverter circuits with fuzzy control techniques. Then, computer simulation by means of the programMatlab/Simulink preliminarily verifies the usefulness of the proposed device.
Micro-Grid Stability in Gapa Island Using Reactive Power Control of STATCOM (Case Study)
Authors: Lee Do Heon , Kim Dong Wan , Kim Eel Hwan
Published: April 2014

This paper proposes a installation of a static synchronous compensator (Statcom) used battery energy storage system (BESS) for compensting the reactive power of the micro-grid in Gapa island. At present, the micro-grid in Gapa island has two squirrel cage induction generator (SCIG), and it consums a lot of the reactive power. To reduce the capacity of the Statcom, a SCIG is replaced by a permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG). The simulation will be carried out in two cases: (i) real system with two SCIGs; (ii) modified system with one SCIG, one PMSG and the Statcom. With the statcom, the reactive power is compensated and the grid voltage is stable. The simulation results will valuate the effectiveness of the proposed control method.
The Belt Conveyor Control of Large Dip Angle by FMBTES
Authors: Hou Yuan Bin , Zheng Mao Quan , Wang Xin Zhao , Xue Ya Li
Published: April 2014

Based on the analysis of dynamic characteristics of the belt conveyor with the long distance and the large dip angle in coal mine, a kind fusion method of Bayes theory and expert system (FMBTES) is proposed which is control method with the change regular of the start process. First, the structure and dynamics model are established for belt conveyor, the priori distributions of the system implementation state is supposed, the conditional probability of dynamics state is made using Bayes theory, next, the change regular of the start process pull force is found, and the change regular of the dynamic resistance is found for belt conveyor,on this basis,the control rule of expert system is established. The FMBTES method is verified by data simulation of Shaanxi Province Huangling Jianzhuang coal mine, which is large dip angle section of the four sections type belt conveyor system, belt length is 1200m. The dynamic characteristic of this method is better than the traditional expert system.
Research on the Coordination Control between STATCOM and VQC in Substation Based on the Identification of System State
Authors: Li Jian Hui , Zou Jia Xin
Published: April 2014

For traditional voltage and reactive power control (VQC) of substation will cause frequent adjustment of transformer taps and switching of capacitor banks, which exerts a certain impact on system voltage, the static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) is supposed to be installed in the substation to improve the effect of VQC. A coordination control strategy between STATCOM and VQC in substation based on the identification of system state is proposed in this paper to coordinate the operation between on-load tap changers (OLTC), capacitors and STATCOM. In addition, we have a research on the application effect of this strategy with BPA. The simulation results show that STATCOM plays an important role in improving the substation performance in both steady state and transient state and it can effectively reduce the frequency of tap changing and capacitor switching. Besides, the system will perform better if both of the main transformers are equipped with STATCOM than only one is configured.
Microwave Induced Thermoacoustic Imaging of Osteoarthritis: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Su Bo Li , Qi Wei Zhi , Xu Xue Liang , Huang L. , Zhong X.C. , Rong J.
Published: April 2014

We present a pilot study for the first time that microwave-induced thermoacoustic tomography (TAT) has the potential to detect osteoarthritis (OA) in the finger jointsin vitro. In this study, we use rabbit hind feet to imitate humans finger joints, one rabbits hind feet was examined carefully by a TAT scanner, and the two-dimensional (2D) thermoacoustic images were reconstructed by the delay-and-sum algorithm. The difference of absorption coefficient of bone and articular cartilage has been displayed clearly in the reconstruction images.
Solid Rocket Motor Design Optimization Using Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Villanueva Fredy M. , He Lin Shu , Xu Da Jun
Published: April 2014

A design optimization approach of a solid propellant rocket motor is considered. A genetic algorithm (GA) optimization method has been used. The optimized solid rocket motor (SRM) is intended to use as a booster of a flight vehicle, and delivering a specific payload following a predefined prescribed trajectory. Sensitivity analysis of the optimized solution has been conducted using Monte Carlo method to evaluate the effect of uncertainties in design parameters. The results show that the proposed optimization approach was able to find the convergence of the optimal solution with highly acceptable value for conceptual design phase.
Multiwavelet-Based Image Fusion Method Using Unit-Linking Pulse Coupled Neural Networks
Authors: Cai Xi , Guang Han , Wang Jin Kuan
Published: April 2014

To simulate biological activities of human visual system to details and make full use of global features of source images, we propose a multiwavelet-based image fusion method using unit-linking pulse coupled neural networks (ULPCNNs) model. After motivated by external stimuli from images, ULPCNNs can produce series of binary pulses containing much global information. Then we employ the first firing time of each neuron as the salience measure. Experimental results demonstrate that, for multifocus images, remote sensing images, and infrared and visible images, our proposed method always generates satisfying fusion results.
Analysis and Optimization of Rail Vehicles Networked Control System Based on Static Scheduling Algorithm
Authors: Zhu Chun Yuan , Guo Qi Yi
Published: April 2014

The system performance of rail vehicles NCS mainly depends on communication performance and control performance. Because of considerably limited availability of computing resources, real-time scheduling of shared resources is among the factors that greatly impact system performance. From a real-time control perspective, the problem of real-time scheduling in NCS is illustrated based on timing analysis of a typical NCS. Take the MVB of rail vehicle NCS for example, The theory and practice of synchronously static Rate Monotonic(RM)are introduced into rail vehicle NCS, with special focus on open-up scheduling and adaptive scheduling, which made communication simplified and reliable. At the same time, build objective function of system performance based on state space equation, wholly benefits optimized design of rail vehicle NCS, considering both communication performance and control performance.
Virtual Machine Deployment Strategy Based on the CPU Weights
Authors: Deng Yong , Li Chun Lin , Li La Yuan
Published: April 2014

Aiming at the cloud computing virtual machine deployment problem of low utilization rate of physical servers, this paper proposes several methods, using quantitative method considering the physical server CPU and memory to deploy the virtual machine, and consider the virtual machines and the physical servers CPU weights, comparing the virtual machines CPU weights with physical servers CPU weights, choose the physical server that the CPU weights is closest as a deployment target. The simulation results show that: these methods can effectively improve server utilization, reduce the number of physical servers.
Action Design of Information Systems Security Governance for Bank Using COBIT 4.1 and Control Standard of ISO 27001
Authors: So Idris Gautama , Setiadi N.J. , Papak B. , Aryanto Rudy
Published: April 2014

The aim of the study is to design remediation information systems security governance at Bank. This study provided proposed solutions to solve the existing gaps between the current condition and the expected information systems of the bank's security governance. A case study of a commercial bank is used in this study. There are 7 process frameworks of COBIT 4.1 used to measure the maturity level of information systems security governance. Of these processes, appropriate controls within the framework of COBIT 4.1 and ISO27001 are undertaken. As a result, the security of governance information systems is increasing. In conclusion, there is a need of reliable information systems security governance to achieve the intended business goals.
Biometric Identification on the Basis of Facial Features and Modifications Thereof
Authors: Nídlová Veronika , Hart Jan , Hruška Michal
Published: April 2014

Biometric user identification is a highly topical theme these days. The most widespread area is identification of a person on the basis of fingerprints, nevertheless it is impossible to overlook other methods, such as scanners of the bloodstream, retina, iris and also identification on the basis of facial features. In the case of scanners which distinguish people according to their facial features, user and functional problems have been demonstrated during testing. One of these problems is the surrounding environment of the scanner device, in particular light conditions. The testing demonstrated that it is necessary to conduct identification of people under laboratory conditions, which is not acceptable from the user perspective. A high error rate was also measured in these systems, both in terms of erroneous acceptance and erroneous rejection of persons. Another highly undesirable factor is the excessively long initial recording of the user template into the system, which is unacceptable for large companies. Due to the conducted tests it was possible to modify the existing technology and design a new method of entering users into the system.
Development of a Racing Game Based on iOS
Authors: Zhao Jing Ying , Guo Hai , Wei Wei
Published: April 2014

Among all the operating systems of the smart phone, iOS and Android launched by Apple Inc. and Google Inc. respectively are the most favored ones of the public. By virtue of its beautiful operation interface and good performance, iPhone, developed based oniOS, has an extensive popularity around the world and has accumulated masses of users at home and abroad. This paper is about the development of Flying Car, a racing game developed based on iPhone system. Flying Car applies the built-in gravity sensor of iPhone to controlling the movements of the racing car so as to avoid and overtake enemy racing cars in the game play. This game is designed to attract players by the fast moving speed of the racing car. Based on the settings of traditional racing games, Flying Car was added with some new functions which present great interestingness and entertainment to players. In practice, this racing game adopted cocos2d game engine to process sprite images, and particle effect was also applied to further rendering the picture. Proved by testing, Flying Car is applicable to both a simulator and a real iPhone.
Cloud Services for Hotel Industry
Authors: Musab Adel Khan , Li Chun Lin , Naji Hasan A.H.
Published: April 2014

This research focuses on the major issues that weigh upon a hotel companys decision to implement cloud computing. In this study there was a random selection done for 15 hotels (5 hotels five stars chains, 5 franchised hotels 3 and 4 stars and 5 local hotels). The aim of this paper revolves to (I) Study and analyze the major issues have an impact on hotel companys decision to move to cloud computing. (II) Test the current benefits and implementing cloud computing in the hotel industry. (III) Test the positive and negative issues in adopting cloud computing. In additions, this type of technology is so new for the Middle East specifically in Saudi Arabia and GCC (Gulf Cooperative Countries), where the hotel industry is growing so fast and it is required a new technology to go along with it. The results showed that excluding the hotel chain which use clouding partially, the other 10 hotel of the sample either franchise or local do not implement this technology due to not having knowledge or they are not sure of the cost because of changing from system to another.
Firepower Assignment of Ship-to-Air Missile System
Authors: Lu Yong Hong , Dou Ji Hua , Yang Xing Bao , Zhu Chuan Wei
Published: April 2014

Hybrid genetic algorithm has been proposed in this paper, which is proposed by combining standard genetic algorithm with hill climbing to solve the unconstrained optimization problem, which can get global optimization results of the firepower assignment, and provide decision support for the firepower assignment.
Customer Interface Preferences to Ecotourism Destination Website
Authors: Aryanto Rudy , Trisnasari  , Sarjono Haryadi , So Idris Gautama
Published: April 2014

This study purpose was to investigate the customer interface combination preferences of tourist toward ecotourism destination website of Mt. Gede Pangrango National Park. Primary data resources obtained through the spread a questionnaire to youth tourists who several times visit this tourism destination and often observe its website. Data analysis techniques used is conjoint analysis. The results of this study show the customer interface attributes combination of preference base on 7 C framework are 1) Context of navigation, primary color, speed and layout. 2) Content attributes i.e. information, services, font, and picture. 3) Communication attribute are news letter, broadcast event, and contact placing. 4) Customization attribute of login and configuration. 5) Community group form. 6) Connection link to private management, government, NGO, private institution, community, related infrastructures. 7) Commerce attributes of registration consists of required preferences of user name, email address, and password combination.
Application of Kmeans Algorithm with Pearson Coefficient in College Student Sports Quality and Sports Resources
Authors: Xi Lian Zheng , Lu Wei
Published: April 2014

Because the higher education has entered popularization stage, the contradiction between the unlimited demand for higher education resources of colleges and universities and the limited supply of resources becomes more and more prominent. Similarly, college sports resources is also limited. How to optimize the sports curriculum according to the students quality is a subject worthy of study. This paper proposes to study the students sport quality such as vital capacity, grip strength, enduranceuse using Pearson correlation and Kmeans clustering algorithm. It can provide guidance for sports education curriculum and teaching content. And we use 2013 freshmen sports test data of an university as example, the experiment proves that the present algorithm can effectively guide for curriculum set.
Toward a Modified UTAUT Model for IT Acceptance by Senior Citizens: Using Technology Life Style as an Individual Difference Factor
Authors: Lu Hsin Ke , Lin Peng Chun
Published: April 2014

An aging population has become a common structural problem for advanced countries worldwide. In the modern era of rapid IT (Information Technology) development, the adoption of technology products by senior citizens is an issue studied by many researchers. Demographic variables have been used as factors for investigating the individual differences in most of the research on IT acceptance; however, little research has actually examined the cognitive-oriented individual difference issues. Therefore, this study uses the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model as the basis for its research and integrates the Technology Life Style (TLS) as the cognitive-oriented individual difference factor to propose an extended model for investigating senior citizens acceptance of new technological products. In a sequence of studies based on this extended model, we will prepare questionnaires and a survey on Taiwans senior citizens using a strict research design procedure. The results can provide the government with suggestions for planning IT education for senior citizens and offers reference indexes of different dimensions for the developers of technology products to evaluate the appropriateness of IT auxiliary products for senior citizens.
On the Growth of Entire Function Defined by Multiple Taylor
Authors: Lu Wan Chun , Peng You Hua
Published: April 2014

It is studied that the growth of entire functions defined by multiple Taylor series by means of Polar coordinates, and established two sufficient and necessary conditions.
Mesozoic Tectonomagmatic Evolution and Gold Metallogeny in Jiaodong Area, East China
Authors: Yu Xue Feng , Li Da Peng , Li Hong Kui , Wang Shu Xing , Shan Wei
Published: April 2014

There were twice major collision orogenic events in Jiaodong area in Mesozoic period. It showed as three times of magmatic activities and stretching in Jiaodong area. In this paper, based on collecting age datas, referring to the previous classification scheme, a chronological frame pattern of Yanshanian granites had been put forward: Linglong-Kunyushan granite emplacement was in in 160~150Ma; the formation of Guojialing granodiorite was in 130~126Ma; Weideshan granodiorite-granite emplacement was in 120~110Ma; Laoshan A-type miarolitic cavity parlkaline alkali feldspar granite emplacement was in 110~100Ma and represented the end of Yanshan movement. Gold mineralization in three periods in this area had coupled relation with Linglong-Kunyushan granite, Guojialing granodiorite and Weideshan granodiorite-granite. Jiaodong tectonic-magmatic events and gold mineralization were controlled by the interactions among Tethyan tectonic domain, Paleo-ocean tectonic domain and the Pacific tectonic domain.
Haemato-immunological and histological responses in Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus exposed to titanium dioxide nanoparticles
Authors: Perera SADS , Pathiratne A
Published: April 2014

Increased industrial application of nanotechnology has potential to increase nanoparticle contaminations in aquatic ecosystems. However a large knowledge gap exists on influence of nanoparticles on fish populations inhabiting receiving waters. The present study reports the effects of exposure to aquatic suspensions of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs, anatase, particle size <25nm: 0, 1, 10 mg l-1, for 7 and 14 days) on some haematological/ innate immune responses and histological structure of gills, liver and intestine of Nile tilapia, an economically important freshwater fish in tropical regions. The results show that TiO2 NPs exposure conditions were not lethal to Nile tilapia but lead to blood parameter alterations and histopathological changes in the organs. Upon exposure of fish to both concentrations of TiO2 NPs for 14 days, erythrocyte counts, haemoglobin levels, total leucocyte counts and percent neutrophils in the peripheral blood were increased significantly (P <0.05) in comparison to the control fish. Despite increases in neutrophils, total phagocytic and myeloperoxidase activities of the blood of fish exposed to 10 mg L-1 TiO2 NPs were depressed significantly (P <0.05) whereas respiratory burst activity was not altered. Serum lysozyme activities in the fish exposed to 10 mg l-1 TiO2 NPs were elevated significantly (P <0.05) compared to the controls. Histological changes seen in the tilapia exposed to TiO2 NPs were epithelial separation, mucous cell proliferation, hyperplasia and lamellae fusion in the gills; hepatocytes with vacuolations, pycnotic nuclei, apoptosis and necrosis in the liver; eroded villi epithelium, reduction of mucous cells and degeneration of mucosa of the intestine. Although blood parameter alterations seen in Nile tilapia can be considered as physiological responses of the fish to cope up with the TiO2 NPs induced stress, observed organ pathologies could lead to serious health implications. Hence, detail studies with a range of environmentally relevant levels are warranted to investigate chronic effects of TiO2 nanoparticles on health of fish populations in the receiving water bodies. We recommend use of Nile tilapia as a tropical fish model for further studies on nanotoxicity.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/sljas.v17i0.6852 Sri Lanka Journal of Aquatic Sciences Vol.17: 1-18
Effect of copper in protein, carbohydrate and lipid contents of the juvenile lobster, Panulirus homarus homarus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Maharajan A , Rajalakshmi S , Vijayakumaran M
Published: April 2014

Copper is one of the most toxic metals for marine organisms. Biochemical changes occurring in the metabolically active tissues of gills (GL), hepatopancreas (HP) and muscles (MU) of the juvenile lobster, Panulirus homarus homarus on exposure to two sub-lethal doses (9.55 and 19.1 μg l-1) of copper were studied for 28 days of exposure (DoE). Sub-lethal doses of copper significantly (P<0.05) altered the levels of the total protein (TP), carbohydrate (TC), and lipid contents (TL) in test lobsters. Percentage decrease in all biochemical components increased with the progressing DoE, irrespective of the exposure concentrations. The order of percent decrease in the concentrations of the TP, TC and TL in different tissues at the end of 28 DoE was found to be MU>HP>GL, HP>MU>GL and HP>MU>GL. Results of this study revealed that sub-lethal doses of copper significantly alter the proximate composition of major tissues, particularly the TP levels in the MU tissues and thereby reducing the nutritive value of this economically important spiny lobster. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/sljas.v17i0.6853 Sri Lanka Journal of Aquatic Sciences Vol.17: 19-34
CD4+ T Cells from Human Neonates and Infants Are Poised Spontaneously To Run a Nonclassical IL-4 Program
Authors: Hebel Katrin , Weinert Soenke , Kuropka Benno , Knolle Julienne , Kosak Bernhard , Jorch Gerhard , Arens Christoph , Krause Eberhard , Braun-Dullaeus Ruediger C. , Brunner-Weinzierl Monika C.
Published: April 2014

Senescence or biological aging impacts a vast variety of molecular and cellular processes. To date, it is unknown whether CD4+ Th cells display an age-dependent bias for development into specific subpopulations. In this study, we show the appearance of a distinct CD4+ T cell subset expressing IL-4 at an early stage of development in infant adenoids and cord blood that is lost during aging. We identified by flow cytometric, fluorescent microscopic, immunoblot, and mass spectrometric analysis a population of CD4+ T cells that expressed an unglycosylated isoform of IL-4. This T cell subpopulation was found in neonatal but not in adult CD4+ T cells. Furthermore, we show that the mRNA of the Th2 master transcription factor GATA3 is preferentially expressed in neonatal CD4+ T cells. The Th2 phenotype of the IL-4+CD4+ T cells could be reinforced in the presence of TGF-β. Although the IL-4+CD4+ T cells most likely originate from CD31+CD4+ T recent thymic emigrants, CD31 was downregulated prior to secretion of IL-4. Notably, the secretion of IL-4 requires a so far unidentified trigger in neonatal T cells. This emphasizes that cytokine expression and secretion are differentially regulated processes. Our data support the hypothesis of an endogenously poised cytokine profile in neonates and suggest a link between cytokine production and the developmental stage of an organism. The determination of the IL-4 isoform–expressing cells in humans might allow the identification of Th2 precursor cells, which could provide novel intervention strategies directed against Th2-driven immunopathologies such as allergies.
NADPH Oxidase Modifies Patterns of MHC Class II–Restricted Epitopic Repertoires through Redox Control of Antigen Processing
Authors: Allan Euan R. O. , Tailor Pankaj , Balce Dale R. , Pirzadeh Payman , McKenna Neil T. , Renaux Bernard , Warren Amy L. , Jirik Frank R. , Yates Robin M.
Published: April 2014

The chemistries within phagosomes of APCs mediate microbial destruction as well as generate peptides for presentation on MHC class II. The antimicrobial effector NADPH oxidase (NOX2), which generates superoxide within maturing phagosomes, has also been shown to regulate activities of cysteine cathepsins through modulation of the lumenal redox potential. Using real-time analyses of lumenal microenvironmental parameters, in conjunction with hydrolysis pattern assessment of phagocytosed proteins, we demonstrated that NOX2 activity not only affects levels of phagosomal proteolysis as previously shown, but also the pattern of proteolytic digestion. Additionally, it was found that NOX2 deficiency adversely affected the ability of bone marrow–derived macrophages, but not dendritic cells, to process and present the I-Ab–immunodominant peptide of the autoantigen myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG). Computational and experimental analyses indicated that the I-Ab binding region of the immunodominant peptide of MOG is susceptible to cleavage by the NOX2-controlled cysteine cathepsins L and S in a redox-dependent manner. Consistent with these findings, I-Ab mice that were deficient in the p47phox or gp91phox subunits of NOX2 were partially protected from MOG-induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and displayed compromised reactivation of MOG-specific CD4+ T cells in the CNS, despite eliciting a normal primary CD4+ T cell response to the inoculated MOG Ag. Taken together, this study demonstrates that the redox microenvironment within the phagosomes of APCs is a determinant in MHC class II repertoire production in a cell-specific and Ag-specific manner, which can ultimately impact susceptibility to CD4+ T cell–driven autoimmune disease processes.
GMO Labeling: A Case of Asymmetric Information and the "Nudge"
Authors: Hartman Katherine
Published: April 2014

From their introduction in the late 1990s, foods containing genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have sparked debate among advocates and policymakers. To correct information asymmetry inherent in the current system of selling genetically modified (GM) and non-GM foods alongside each other with no consistent signal of quality across food products, many have suggested—and the European Union and Japan have implemented—labeling regimes. This paper takes the position that consumers’ empirically supported desire (for reasons ranging from nutritional to religious) to avoid GM goods substantiates a market failure resolvable through information provision. Then, it examines labeling through Akerlof’s “Lemons” model and the behaviorist concept of the “nudge.” It concludes that mandatory labeling would maximize social welfare, enabling informed purchasing for all consumers (not only those who shop at more expensive grocers initiating private labeling). Finally, the paper discusses labeling regime implementation—including label design, product purity baseline setting, administration, and consequences.
Encouraging Savings Behavior through Conditional Cash Transfers: Lessons from Latin America
Authors: Winkler Gillian M.
Published: April 2014

Savings, in the form of financial capital held in formal bank accounts, are an important factor in reducing poverty. They can stimulate financial inclusion of the poor, protect against unforeseen shocks, and fund long-term investments in human and economic development. However, the poor have limited options for formal savings. In recent years, governments around the world have begun to incorporate savings into their conditional cash transfer interventions. This paper focuses on such interventions by national and municipal governments in Latin America. While the evidence base is still too small to draw any firm conclusions about short-term benefits or long-term effectiveness, there have been positive outcomes from pilot projects and adapted savings-linked conditional cash transfer programs in some countries. To ensure successful program design and implementation, governments interested in savings-linked conditional cash transfers should make sure to fully assess the political, economic, regulatory, and infrastructural conditions present in their communities.
Women and Public Service: Barriers, Challenges, and Opportunities
Authors: Breslin Rachel A.
Published: April 2014

No abstract available.
The Solution Revolution: How Business, Government, and Social Enterprises Are Teaming Up to Solve Society’s Toughest Problems
Authors: Raderstrong Jeff
Published: April 2014

No abstract available.
Calvin and the confessions of the Reformation
Authors: Heron Alasdair I.C.
Published: April 2014

This article discusses the complicated question of the connection between Calvin and the confessions of the Presbyterian Reformed tradition. Firstly, a contrast is drawn to the question of the connection between Luther and the Lutheran confessions. It is noted that here a closed canon of Lutheran confessions exists, and Luther himself wrote three of the documents. On the other hand, there is no closed canon of Reformed confessions. However, there is a broad consensus concerning which Reformed confessions from the 16th century are classical. In this article a synopsis is provided of this list, and it is discovered that Calvin himself only wrote one of the classical Reformed confessional documents, although he influenced some others. The article then continues to discuss Calvin’s own contribution, his Catechism of 1542/1545. The historical context of writing in which this Catechism is sketched, its use in Geneva is described, and the outline of the Catechism is mentioned. The article continues to discuss why Calvin thought there was a need for a catechism, and why he wrote it in Latin and sent it to East Friesland. In conclusion the author explains why he has discussed Calvin’s Catechism, instead of focusing on the English Confession of 1556.
Authors attain comparable or slightly higher rates of citation publishing in an open access journal (CytoJournal) compared to traditional cytopathology journals - A five year (2007-2011) experience
Authors: Frisch Nora K. , Nathan Romil , Ahmed Yasin K. , Shidham Vinod B.
Published: April 2014

Background:

The era of Open Access (OA) publication, a platform which serves to better disseminate scientific knowledge, is upon us, as more OA journals are in existence than ever before. The idea that peer-reviewed OA publication leads to higher rates of citation has been put forth and shown to be true in several publications. This is a significant benefit to authors and is in addition to another relatively less obvious but highly critical component of the OA charter, i.e. retention of the copyright by the authors in the public domain. In this study, we analyzed the citation rates of OA and traditional non-OA publications specifically for authors in the field of cytopathology.

Design:

We compared the citation patterns for authors who had published in both OA and traditional non-OA peer-reviewed, scientific, cytopathology journals. Citations in an OA publication (CytoJournal) were analyzed comparatively with traditional non-OA cytopathology journals (Acta Cytologica,Cancer Cytopathology,Cytopathology, andDiagnostic Cytopathology) using the data from web of science citation analysis site (based on which the impact factors (IF) are calculated). After comparing citations per publication, as well as a time adjusted citation quotient (which takes into account the time since publication), we also analyzed the statistics after excluding the data for meeting abstracts.

Results:

Total 28 authors published 314 publications as articles and meeting abstracts (25 authors after excluding the abstracts). The rate of citation and time adjusted citation quotient were higher for OA in the group where abstracts were included (P< 0.05 for both). The rates were also slightly higher for OA than non-OA when the meeting abstracts were excluded, but the difference was statistically insignificant (P= 0.57 andP= 0.45).

Conclusion

We observed that for the same author, the publications in the OA journal attained a higher rate of citation than the publications in the traditional non-OA journals in the field of cytopathology over a 5 year period (2007-2011). However, this increase was statistically insignificant if the meeting abstracts were excluded from the analysis. Overall, the rates of citation for OA and non-OA were slightly higher to comparable.
MRI Findings of Coexistence of Ectopic Neurohypophysis, Corpus Callosum Dysgenesis, and Periventricular Neuronal Heterotopia
Authors: Arslan Harun , Saylık Metin , Akdeniz Hüseyin
Published: April 2014

Ectopic neurohypophysis is a pituitary gland abnormality, which can accompany growth hormone deficiency associated with dwarfism. Here we present magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of a rare case of ectopic neurohypophysis, corpus callosum dysgenesis, and periventricular neuronal heterotopia coexisting, with a review of the literature.
Aggressive Angiomyxoma with Perineal Herniation
Authors: Narang Seema , Kohli Supreethi , Kumar Vinod , Chandoke Raj
Published: April 2014

Aggressive angiomyxoma is a rare mesenchymal tumor involving the pelvic-perineal region. It occurs during the third and fourth decade of life and is predominantly seen in females. It presents clinically as a soft tissue mass in variable locations such as vulva, perianal region, buttock, or pelvis. Assessment of extent of the tumor by radiological evaluation is crucial for surgical planning; however, biopsy is essential to establish diagnosis. We present the radiological and pathological features seen in a 43-year-old female diagnosed with abdominal angiomyxoma with an unusual extension to the perineum.
Effect of Sunlight and Ultraviolet Light on Dissipation of Fipronil Insecticide in Two Soils and Effect of pH on its Persistence in Aqueous Medium
Authors: Verma Ankita , Srivastava Anjana , Chauhan Shailendra Singh , Srivastava Prakash Chandra
Published: April 2014

In a laboratory investigation, the effect of natural sunlight and UV light exposure on dissipation of fipronil insecticide from two soils (clay loam and sandy clay loam) and the effect of pH on the persistence of fipronil in aqueous medium were studied. Dissipation of fipronil insecticide under sunlight followed biphasic first order kinetics in both soils. The half-life of the insecticide in sandy clay loam type soil was found to be 5.71 days for the first faster phase and 23.88 days for the second slower phase, whereas, in clay loam soil, the corresponding half-lives were 4.02 and 8.38 days, respectively. Under the UV light exposure, the dissipation of fipronil followed a single phase first order kinetics in both the soils with a half-life of 3.77 days in clay loam and 5.37 days in sandy clay loam, respectively. Residues of fipronil dissipated faster in clay loam than in sandy clay loam under both sunlight and UV lamp light. As compared to sunlight, dissipation was found to be faster under UV lamp light. Persistence of fipronil in aqueous medium under different pH conditions revealed that fipronil residues were below the limit of detection (LOD), <0.05 μg g−1, after 40 days of sampling at all the three pH. The dissipation of fipronil from aqueous medium increased with increasing pH from 5.0 to 9.0; the corresponding half-lives were 14.12, 9.83, and 6.76 days at pH 5.0, 7.0, and 9.0, respectively.