bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cloud Computing
Authors: Lee-Post Anita , Pakath Ram
Published: February 2014

Cloud Computing refers to providing computing and communications-related services with the aid of remotely located, network-based resources without a user of such resources having to own these resources. The network in question typically, though not necessarily, is the Internet. The resources provisioned encompass a range of services including data, software, storage, security, and so on. For example, when we use a mail service such as Gmail, watch a movie on YouTube, shop at Amazon.com, or store files using DropBox, we are using cloud-based resources (The Google Chrome Team, 2010). In this chapter, the authors examine the evolution of Cloud Computing from its early roots in mainframe-based computing to the present day and also explain the different services rendered by Cloud Computing in today’s business and personal computing contexts. This chapter provides a comprehensive view of the rapidly flourishing field of Cloud Computing and sets the stage for more in-depth discussions on its security, trust, and regulatory aspects elsewhere in this compendium.
Regulatory Aspects of Cloud Computing in Business Environments
Authors: Losavio Michael , Pastukhov Pavel , Polyakova Svetlana
Published: February 2014

Cloud computing allows us to solve problems of information on a global scale and of a full range of tasks. Cloud computing has many advantages, but the reliability of data protection is a major concern of provider-client, industry, and governmental regulation. These information systems must comply with existing standards and anticipate new standards of information security. The legal process must distinguish who is responsible for what within a dynamically changing infrastructure significantly different from traditional models. The authors first examine the models and substance of regulation as established by service-level agreements between cloud providers, their clients, and their clients' customers. The authors discuss industry self-regulation and government regulations regarding data protection, privacy, criminal and tort law, and intellectual property law complicated by the inherent cross-jurisdictional nature of cloud computing.
Authentication and Identity Management for Secure Cloud Businesses and Services
Authors: He Bing , Tran Tuan T. , Xie Bin
Published: February 2014

Today, cloud-based services and applications are ubiquitous in many systems. The cloud provides undeniable potential benefits to the users by offering lower costs and simpler deployment. The users significantly reduce their system management responsibilities by outsourcing services to the cloud service providers. However, the management shift has posed significant security challenges to the cloud service providers. Security concerns are the main reasons that delay organizations from moving to the cloud. The security and efficiency of user identity management and access control in the cloud needs to be well addressed to realize the power of the cloud. In this chapter, the authors identify the key challenges and provide solutions to the authentication and identity management for secure cloud business and services. The authors first identify and discuss the challenges and requirements of the authentication and identity management system in the cloud. Several prevailing industry standards and protocols for authentication and access control in cloud environments are provided and discussed. The authors then present and discuss the latest advances in authentication and identity management in cloud, especially for mobile cloud computing and identity as a service. They further discuss how proximity-based access control can be applied for an effective and fine-grained data access control in the cloud.
Improving the Efficiency of an Emergency Department
Authors: Omachonu Vincent , Gitlow Howard
Published: January 2014

“Voice of the Stakeholder” data collected from Patients and Hospital Administrators showed that both groups believe that “time to see a doctor” is the most critical metric in an Emergency Department (ED). Further research determined that controlling “inpatient bed assignments” was the most critical in-process variable to effect the “time to see a doctor.” This paper reports a dramatic reduction in the average time a patient waits to see a doctor in an Emergency Department, as well as improvements in other key metrics.
Business Model Change Methodology: Applying New Technology in Organization
Authors: Hajiheydari Nastaran , Hanafizadeh Payam
Published: January 2014

The present study intends to design a methodology for examining the influence of modern information and communication technology on business models (BMs). Theoretical framework is mainly selected based on literature as well as consultation with expert focus groups. This methodology is validated by expert judgment and simulated as a real case applying system dynamics. The outcome of the survey includes a change methodology formulated in 5 phases and 37 activities. Not only has this study covered the specification of the theory structure; it was carried out in an organization in order to test its feasibility, as well. The proposed methodology in this research could help business analysts and managers with changing business model while adopting new technologies.
Application of Lean Thinking in Supply Chain Management by the Small and Medium Sized Manufacturers in China
Authors: Lau Kwok Hung , Wang Jue
Published: January 2014

With increasing pressure for higher wages and growing competition from other developing countries such as Vietnam and Mexico, China can no longer rely heavily on cheap labor supply as a competitive advantage to secure her position as the world’s largest manufacturing base. Other competitive edges, such as lean manufacturing and lean supply chain management that help cut cost and reduce waste, have to be explored. Using a self-administered questionnaire survey, this study investigates the current status of lean thinking application in supply chain management by the small- and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs) in China. It also explores if there are benefits in the application and the challenges faced by the SMMs in implementation. The findings suggest that application of lean thinking in China is not widespread. For those firms that have applied lean thinking, the major benefits obtained include reductions in cost, waste, inventory, labor, and cycle time. The major difficulties encountered lie in the accurate communication of the requirements between workers and managers and the collaboration with supply chain members. Proper application of lean thinking in supply chain management can bring substantial benefits to the manufacturing industry. Managers can use this research to benchmark their lean thinking application and revise their supply chain strategy accordingly.
Modeling Supply Chain Performance: A Structural Equation Approach
Authors: Singh Rajwinder , Sandhu H. S. , Metri B. A. , Kaur Rajinder
Published: January 2014

Supply chain management (SCM) has become an effective tool now a day to survive in this competitive world. Organizations do their best to improve performance by adopting better supply chain (SC) performance indicators. In this paper 19 key performance indicators (KPI) were identified based on strong literature support in consultation of practitioners and consultants in the field of non-livestock retailing (NLR). NLR is the retailing of agriculture and horticulture products. The technique of factor analysis using principal component analysis with Varimax rotation has classified KPI into four factors as; inventory metrics, customer metrics, flexibility metrics and growth and learning metrics. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) approach was used to develop and validate a model for measuring SC performance of organized NLR industry based on KPI. The data for analysis was collected from top 10 organized NLR players operating in Punjab, Chandigarh, New Delhi and Gurgaon in India. The results were subjected to rigorous statistical tests for reliability and validity. Finally, these classified KPI were presented in the form of a model to measure SC performance of organized NLR industry using SEM.
An Approach for Setting Inventory Norms for a Two-Echelon Supply Chain
Authors: Ramkumar N. , Subramanian P. , Narendran T. T. , Ganesh K.
Published: January 2014

Managing inventories is crucial to the objective of minimizing supply chain costs. This paper presents an approach for setting inventory norms in context of a real-life case of an industry which practices Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI). The role of warehouses and the inventories held by them becomes significant in such an environment. This paper presents a two-phase approach to determine various components of inventory norms taking into account lead time and demand variability. Innovative strategic product classification has been done to decide upon stocking quantity at warehouses.
Integrating Production Planning and Control Business Processes
Authors: Lima Rui M.
Published: January 2014

Organizations have production planning and control (PPC) processes supported by systems that execute, mainly, repetitive calculations. Based on these calculation results, decisions are taken by production managers. These decision processes make the connection between different levels of aggregation of information and could benefit from the increment of the level of automation. An increased level of application of business process modelling languages is proposed in order to contribute to increment the level of process automation and the detail of business analysis. Thus being, concepts of integration of production management processes, specifically of production planning and control processes are presented. These concepts, the application of business process modelling language (BPML) and some solutions of PPC integration compose the core content of this work. Additionally, criteria for evaluation of these processes of integration are identified and discussed. Finally, the presentation of an industrial case will be supported by BPML model.
Intellectual Capital Management in Long-Lasting Family Firms
Authors: Trevinyo-Rodríguez Rosa Nelly
Published: January 2014

How to acknowledge, manage and measure intangible strategic resources embedded in organizational settings—such as intellectual capital—has been a widely discussed topic during the last two decades. However, when referring to unique organizational forms such as family-owned or controlled firms, the topic is understudied. Considering that approximately one third of S&P 500 are family-controlled firms—i.e. DuPont—, which have survived beyond a lifetime, the author asks herself how these long-lasting family businesses managed to balance the strategic and parallel creation, development and use of their intellectual capital both at the family and business levels in order to support growth and regeneration. She introduces the ICFB-Family Wealth matrix in order to describe their findings.
Learning Workflow Models from Event Logs Using Co-clustering
Authors: Liu Xumin , Ding Chen
Published: January 2014

The authors propose a co-clustering approach to extract workflow models by analyzing event logs. The authors consider two major issues that are overlooked by most of the existing process mining approaches. First, a complex system typically runs multiple workflow models, all of which share the same log system. However, current approaches mainly focus on learning a single workflow model from event logs. Second, most systems support multi-users and each user is typically associated with (or use) certain number of operation sequences, which may follow one or more than one workflow models. Users can thus be leveraged as an important context when learning workflow models. However, this is not considered by current approaches. Therefore, the authors propose to learn User Behavior Pattern (UBP) that reflects the usage pattern of a user when accessing a business process system and exploit it to discover multiple workflow models from the event log of a complex system. The authors model a UBP as a probabilistic distribution on sequences, which allows computing the similarity between UBPs and sequences. The authors then co-cluster users and sequences to generate two types of clusters: user clusters that group users sharing similar UBP, and sequence clusters that group sequences that are the instances of the same workflow models. The workflow model can then be learned by analyzing its instances. The authors conducted a comprehensive experimental study to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed approach.
Effect of Self-Directed Learning Readiness by Learner’s Interaction on Social Network Games
Authors: Park Hyungsung
Published: January 2014

The purpose of this study is to find the educational meaning of activity on social network games. It was explored whether social network games can be used effectively to support learning via focusing on interaction. Social network games have a structure to facilitate self-directed learning readiness that is the nature of game-learning activity in terms of four dimensions. Four types of interaction on game learning activity are as follows: player-corresponding player interaction, player-content interaction, player-NPC (non-player character or game system) interaction, and player-context interaction. The result of this research, there are meaningful difference of self-directed learning readiness between learners who perform social network games and did not perform in their effect on the student's self-directed learning readiness on social network gaming activity. In other words, the group that performed the experience activity on social network game of higher interaction experienced improving of self-directed learning readiness than the group that did not perform the game.
B-1a Cell Diversity: Nontemplated Addition in B-1a Cell Ig Is Determined by Progenitor Population and Developmental Location
Authors: Holodick Nichol E. , Vizconde Teresa , Rothstein Thomas L.
Published: January 2014

Natural Abs produced by B-1a cells are required for immediate protection against infection. The protective capacity of natural Abs is attributed to germline-like structure, which includes the relative absence of N-region addition. Previous studies have shown B-1a cell Ig from aged mice contains abundant nontemplated (N)-additions. B-1a cells have been shown to derive from a specific lineage-negative (Lin−)CD45Rlow/−CD19+ progenitor found both in fetal liver and adult bone marrow. In this study, we report identification of a fetal liver population characterized phenotypically as Lin−CD45R−CD19−, which gives rise to IgM+IgDlowCD45RlowCD5+Mac-1+CD19highCD43+CD23low B-1a cells upon adoptive transfer to SCID recipients. These B-1a cells derived from the Lin−CD45R−CD19− fetal liver population produce natural Ab that binds pneumococcal Ags, but this Ig contains substantial N-addition despite initial absence of TdT. Furthermore, we show extensive N-addition is also present in B-1a cells derived from the Lin−CD45Rlow/−CD19+ B-1 progenitor found in the bone marrow. Together these results demonstrate B-1a cell N-addition depends on the type of progenitor and the location of the progenitor during its development. These findings have implications for how regulation of different progenitors from fetal liver and bone marrow may play a role in the age-related increase in N-region addition by B-1a cells in normal animals.
Galectin-9 Signaling through TIM-3 Is Involved in Neutrophil-Mediated Gram-Negative Bacterial Killing: An Effect Abrogated within the Cystic Fibrosis Lung
Authors: Vega-Carrascal Isabel , Bergin David A. , McElvaney Oliver J. , McCarthy Cormac , Banville Nessa , Pohl Kerstin , Hirashima Mitsuomi , Kuchroo Vijay K. , Reeves Emer P. , McElvaney Noel G.
Published: January 2014

The T cell Ig and mucin domain–containing molecule (TIM) family of receptors have emerged as potential therapeutic targets to correct abnormal immune function in chronic inflammatory conditions. TIM-3 serves as a functional receptor in structural cells of the airways and via the ligand galectin-9 (Gal-9) can modulate the inflammatory response. The aim of this study was to investigate TIM-3 expression and function in neutrophils, focusing on its potential role in cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease. Results revealed that TIM-3 mRNA and protein expression values of circulating neutrophils were equal between healthy controls (n = 20) and people with CF (n = 26). TIM-3 was detected on resting neutrophil membranes by FACS analysis, and expression levels significantly increased post IL-8 or TNF-α exposure (p < 0.05). Our data suggest a novel role for TIM-3/Gal-9 signaling involving modulation of cytosolic calcium levels. Via TIM-3 interaction, Gal-9 induced neutrophil degranulation and primed the cell for enhanced NADPH oxidase activity. Killing of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was significantly increased upon bacterial opsonization with Gal-9 (p < 0.05), an effect abrogated by blockade of TIM-3 receptors. This mechanism appeared to be Gram-negative bacteria specific and mediated via Gal-9/ LPS binding. Additionally, we have demonstrated that neutrophil TIM-3/Gal-9 signaling is perturbed in the CF airways due to proteolytic degradation of the receptor. In conclusion, results suggest a novel neutrophil defect potentially contributing to the defective bacterial clearance observed in the CF airways and suggest that manipulation of the TIM-3 signaling pathway may be of therapeutic value in CF, preferably in conjunction with antiprotease treatment.
Epigenetic Silencing of the Human NOS2 Gene: Rethinking the Role of Nitric Oxide in Human Macrophage Inflammatory Responses
Authors: Gross Thomas J. , Kremens Karol , Powers Linda S. , Brink Brandi , Knutson Tina , Domann Frederick E. , Philibert Robert A. , Milhem Mohammed M. , Monick Martha M.
Published: January 2014

Macrophages, including alveolar macrophages, are primary phagocytic cells of the innate immune system. Many studies of macrophages and inflammation have been done in mouse models, in which inducible NO synthase (NOS2) and NO are important components of the inflammatory response. Human macrophages, in contrast to mouse macrophages, express little detectable NOS2 and generate little NO in response to potent inflammatory stimuli. The human NOS2 gene is highly methylated around the NOS2 transcription start site. In contrast, mouse macrophages contain unmethylated cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) dinucleotides proximal to the NOS2 transcription start site. Further analysis of chromatin accessibility and histone modifications demonstrated a closed conformation at the human NOS2 locus and an open conformation at the murine NOS2 locus. In examining the potential for CpG demethylation at the NOS2 locus, we found that the human NOS2 gene was resistant to the effects of demethylation agents both in vitro and in vivo. Our data demonstrate that epigenetic modifications in human macrophages are associated with CpG methylation, chromatin compaction, and histone modifications that effectively silence the NOS2 gene. Taken together, our findings suggest there are significant and underappreciated differences in how murine and human macrophages respond to inflammatory stimuli.
Adult Thymic Epithelium Contains Nonsenescent Label-Retaining Cells
Authors: Dumont-Lagacé Maude , Brochu Sylvie , St-Pierre Charles , Perreault Claude
Published: January 2014

Progress in our understanding of thymic epithelial cell (TEC) renewal and homeostasis is hindered by the lack of markers for TEC progenitors. Stem and progenitor cell populations display remarkable diversity in their proliferative behavior. In some but not all tissues, stemness is associated with quiescence. The primary goal of our study was to discover whether quiescent cells were present in neonatal and adult TECs. To this end, we used a transgenic label-retaining cell (LRC) assay in which a histone H2B-GFP fusion protein is expressed under the control of the reverse tetracycline-controlled transactivator and the tetracycline operator minimal promoter. In adult mice, we found that both cortical and medullary TECs (cTECs and mTECs) proliferated more actively in females than males. Moreover, we observed three main differences between neonatal and adult TECs: 1) neonatal TECs proliferated more actively than adult TECs; 2) whereas cTECs and mTECs had similar turnover rates in young mice, the turnover of mTECs was more rapid than that of cTECs in adults; and 3) although no LRCs could be detected in young mice, LRCs were detectable after a 16-wk chase in adults. In female mice, LRCs were found almost exclusively among cTECs and expressed relatively low levels of p16INK4a, p19ARF, and Serpine1, and high levels of Bmi1, Foxn1, Trp63, and Wnt4. We conclude that LRCs in adult TECs are not senescent postmitotic cells and may represent the elusive progenitors responsible for TEC maintenance in the adult thymus.
Satellite observations of cloud regime development: the role of aerosol processes
Authors: Gryspeerdt E. , Stier P. , Partridge D. G.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. Many different interactions between aerosols and clouds have been postulated, based on correlations between satellite retrieved aerosol and cloud properties. Previous studies highlighted the importance of meteorological covariations to the observed correlations. In this work, we make use of multiple temporally-spaced satellite retrievals to observe the development of cloud regimes. The observation of cloud regime development allows us to account for the influences of cloud fraction (CF) and meteorological factors on the aerosol retrieval. By accounting for the aerosol index (AI)-CF relationship, we reduce the influence of meteorological correlations compared to "snapshot" studies, finding that simple correlations overestimate any aerosol effect on CF by at least a factor of two. We find an increased occurrence of transitions into the stratocumulus regime over ocean with increases in MODIS AI, consistent with the hypothesis that aerosols increase stratocumulus persistence. We also observe an increase in transitions into the deep convective regime over land, consistent with the aerosol invigoration hypothesis. We find changes in the transitions from the shallow cumulus regime in different aerosol environments. The strength of these changes is strongly dependent on Low Troposphere Static Stability and 10 m windspeed, but less so on other meteorological factors. Whilst we have reduced the error due to meteorological and CF effects on the aerosol retrieval, meteorological covariation with the cloud and aerosol properties is harder to remove, so these results likely represent an upper bound on the effect of aerosols on cloud development and CF.
Investigation of convectively generated gravity wave characteristics and generation mechanisms during the passage of thunderstorm and squall line over Gadanki (13.5° N, 79.2° E)
Authors: Arunachalam Srinivasan M. , Rao S. V. B. , Suresh R.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. This study illustrates the convectively generated gravity wave generation mechanisms during the passage of thunderstorms and squall line using Indian MST radar. For the first time, it has been shown that all three generation mechanisms have been involved in the generation of gravity waves during the passage of squall line event. It is observed that the periodicities in the range of 8–80 min in the tropospheric and 8–32 min in the lower stratospheric regions and vertical wavelengths in the range of 3.2–4.8 km in the tropospheric and 1.2–1.92 km in the lower stratospheric regions are found to be dominant in the present study and are distinctly different during initial, mature and dissipative phases of convection. Amplitude of vertical wind has been weakened (from ~ 4–6 m s−1 to ~ 1 m s−1) considerably after 10–30 min of a convection event. It appears that the wind shear associated with the convective clouds acted like an obstacle to the mean background flow during the squall line passage generated gravity waves. The phase profiles corresponding to the dominant period show both downward and upward propagation of waves. The vertical extent of heating is found to be deeper during squall line event compared with thunderstorm event. From the phase profiles, during 27 September 2004, two peaks of constant phase region are observed. One is due to convective elements and the other is due to strong background wind shear; however, only one peak is observed on 29 September 2004, which is only due to convective processes.
Modelling effects of seasonal variation in water table depth on net ecosystem CO2 exchange of a tropical peatland
Authors: Mezbahuddin M. , Grant R. F. , Hirano T.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. Seasonal variation in water table depth (WTD) determines the balance between aggradation and degradation of tropical peatlands. Longer dry seasons together with human interventions (e.g. drainage) can cause WTD drawdowns making tropical peatland C storage highly vulnerable. Better predictive capacity for effects of WTD on net CO2 exchange is thus essential to guide conservation of tropical peat deposits. Mathematical modelling of basic eco-hydrological processes under site-specific conditions can provide such predictive capacity. We hereby deploy a process-based mathematical model ecosys to study effects of seasonal variation in WTD on net ecosystem productivity (NEP) of a drainage affected tropical peat swamp forest at Palangkaraya, Indonesia. Simulated NEP suggested that the peatland was a C source (NEP ~ −2 g C m−2 d−1, where a negative sign represents a C source and a positive sign a C sink) during rainy seasons with shallow WTD, C neutral or a small sink (NEP ~ +1 g C m−2 d−1) during early dry seasons with intermediate WTD and a substantial C source (NEP ~ −4 g C m−2 d−1) during late dry seasons with deep WTD from 2002 to 2005. These values were corroborated by regressions (P < 0.0001) of hourly modelled vs. eddy covariance (EC) net ecosystem CO2 fluxes which yielded R2 > 0.8, intercepts approaching 0 and slopes approaching 1. We also simulated a gradual increase in annual NEP from 2002 (−609 g C m−2) to 2005 (−373 g C m−2) with decreasing WTD which was attributed to declines in duration and intensity of dry seasons following the El Niño event of 2002. This increase in modelled NEP was corroborated by EC-gap filled annual NEP estimates. Our modelling hypotheses suggested that (1) poor aeration in wet soils during shallow WTD caused slow nutrient (predominantly phosphorus) mineralization and consequent slow plant nutrient uptake that suppressed gross primary productivity (GPP) and hence NEP (2) better soil aeration during intermediate WTD enhanced nutrient mineralization and hence plant nutrient uptake, GPP and NEP and (3) deep WTD suppressed NEP through a combination of reduced GPP due to plant water stress and increased ecosystem respiration (Re) from enhanced deeper peat aeration. These WTD effects on NEP were modelled from basic eco-hydrological processes including microbial and root oxidation-reduction reactions driven by soil and root O2 transport and uptake which in turn drove soil and plant carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus transformations within a soil-plant-atmosphere water transfer scheme driven by water potential gradients. Including these processes in ecosystem models should therefore provide an improved predictive capacity for WTD management programs intended to reduce tropical peat degradation.
Applying the concept of "energy return on investment" to desert greening of the Sahara/Sahel using a global climate model
Authors: Bowring S. P. K. , Miller L. M. , Ganzeveld L. , Kleidon A.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. Altering the large-scale dynamics of the Earth system through continual and deliberate human intervention now seems possible. In doing so, one should question the energetic sustainability of such interventions. Here, from the basis that a region might be unnaturally vegetated by employing technological means, we apply the metric of "energy return on investment" (EROI) to benchmark the energetic sustainability of such a scenario. We do this by applying EROI to a series of global climate model simulations where the entire Sahara/Sahel region is irrigated with increased rates of desalinated water to produce biomass. The energy content of this biomass is greater than the energy input rate for a minimum irrigation rate of about 200 mm yr−1 in the winter and 500 mm yr−1 in the summer, thereby yielding an EROI ratio >1 : 1, expressing energetic sustainability. Quantified annually, the EROI was >1 : 1 for irrigation rates more than 500 mm yr−1, progressively increasing to a maximum of 1.8 : 1 with 900 mm yr−1, and then decreasing with further increases in the irrigation rate. Including the precipitation feedback arising from changes in moisture recycling within the study region approximately doubles these EROI ratios. This overall result varies spatially and temporally, so while the entire Sahara/Sahel region is irrigated equally, the western coastal region from June to August had the highest EROI. Other factors would complicate such a large-scale modification of the Earth system, but this sensitivity study concludes that with a required energy input, desert greening may be energetically sustainable. More specifically, we have shown how this type of EROI analysis could be applied as a metric to assess a diverse range of human alterations to, and interventions within, the Earth system.
A framework for profiling the characteristics of risk governance in natural hazard contexts
Authors: Walker G. , Tweed F. , Whittle R.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. Over recent decades there have been moves away from traditional forms of government towards broader practices of "governance". These moves are as relevant to the handling of natural hazards as they are to other societal concerns. Key characteristics of such changes include the emergence of multi-level governance processes, shifts away from the exercise of centralised authority towards the involvement and collaboration of a multiplicity of actors, the creation of new forms of authority and control, and changing distributions of responsibilities between the state and other actors. However, the extent to which these shifts have taken place across the varied national contexts in Europe and can be observed specifically in relation to the governance of natural hazards is not at all clear. Such developments may also be evaluated in different ways; where some might see progressive reforms, others might see damaging undermining of established arrangements. In this paper, we propose a risk governance profiling framework that can be used to draw out the key characteristics of the ways in which natural hazards are governed in a particular governance setting. The framework can be flexibly applied in relation to a specific hazard and national, regional or local context, and enables qualitative profiling across a spectrum of eight key governance characteristics. Past trends and likely future changes can also be represented. We discuss the formulation of this framework as well as giving examples of profiles for different hazards in different parts of Europe. We suggest ways in which comparisons can be made between governance profiles, providing a stimulus and focus for debate and discussion around the trends of change in governance practice that have been, and are continuing, to take place.
Lightning flash multiplicity in eastern Mediterranean thunderstorms
Authors: Yair Y. , Shalev S. , Erlich Z. , Agrachov A. , Katz E. , Saaroni H. , Price C. , Ziv B.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. Cloud-to-ground lightning flashes usually consist of one or several strokes coming in very short temporal succession and close spatial proximity. A commonly used method for converting stroke data into flashes is using the National Lightning Detection Network (NLDN) thresholds of maximum temporal separation of 0.5 s and maximum lateral distance of 10 km radius between successive strokes. In the present study, we tested a location-based algorithm with several spatial and temporal ranges, and analyzed stroke data obtained by the Israel Lightning Location System (ILLS) during one year (1.8.2009–31.7.2010). We computed the multiplicity, the percentage of single stroke flashes and the geographical distribution of average multiplicity values for thunderstorms in the Eastern Mediterranean region. Results show that for the NLDN thresholds, the percentage of single stroke flashes in Israel was 37% and the average multiplicity was 1.7. We reanalyzed the data with a spatial range that equals twice the ILLS location error and shorter times. For the new thresholds of maximum distance of 2.5 km and maximum allowed temporal separation of 0.2 s we find that the mean multiplicity of negative CGs is lowered to 1.4 and find a percentage of 58% of single stroke flashes. A unique severe storm from 30 October 2009 is analyzed and compared with the annual average of 2009/2010, showing that large deviations from the mean values can occur in specific events.
Earthquake and hurricane coupling is ascertained by ground-based laser interferometer and satellite observing techniques
Authors: Dubrov M. N. , Volkov V. A. , Golovachev S. P.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. The most destructive disasters such as the strongest earthquakes and the most powerful tropical cyclones can be treated as tightly coupled geophysical phenomena in their origin. Results of comparison of geophysical field variations and seismic activity of the Earth have evidently shown the correlation between lithosphere–atmosphere interactive disturbances, tropical cyclonic activity in the World Ocean, and seismic processes in the solid Earth. The ground-based laser interferometer techniques being supplemented by satellite observational systems can be considered as promising methods for common earthquake and hurricane monitoring and prediction.
Thermohaline properties in the Eastern Mediterranean in the last three decades: is the basin returning to the pre-EMT situation?
Authors: Cardin V. , Civitarese G. , Hainbucher D. , Bensi M. , Rubino A.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. We present temperature, salinity and oxygen data collected during the M84/3 and P414 cruises in April and June 2011 on a basin-wide scale to determine the ongoing oceanographic characteristics in the Eastern Mediterranean (EM). The east–west transect through the EM sampled during the M84/3 cruise together with data gained on previous cruises over the period 1987–2011 are analysed in terms of regional aspects of the evolution of water mass properties and heat and salt content variation. The present state of the EM basin is also evaluated in the context of the evolution of the Eastern Mediterranean Transient (EMT). From this analysis we can infer that the state of the basin is still far from achieving the pre-EMT conditions. Indeed, the 2011 oceanographic conditions of the deep layer of the central Ionian lie between the thermohaline characteristics of the EMT and the pre-EMT phase, indicating a possible slow return towards the latter. In addition, the thermohaline properties of the Adriatic Deep Water are still in line (warmer and saltier) as when it restarted to produce dense waters after the EMT. Special attention is given to the variability of thermohaline properties of the Levantine Intermediate Water and Adriatic Deep Water in three main areas: the Cretan, the central Levantine and the central Ionian Seas. Finally, this study evidences the relationships among the hydrological property distributions of the upper-layer in the Levantine basin and the circulation regime in the Ionian.
Effect of uncertainty in surface mass balance–elevation feedback on projections of the future sea level contribution of the Greenland ice sheet
Authors: Edwards T. L. , Fettweis X. , Gagliardini O. , Gillet-Chaulet F. , Goelzer H. , Gregory J. M. , Hoffman M. , Huybrechts P. , Payne A. J. , Perego M. , Price S. , Quiquet A. , Ritz C.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. We apply a new parameterisation of the Greenland ice sheet (GrIS) feedback between surface mass balance (SMB: the sum of surface accumulation and surface ablation) and surface elevation in the MAR regional climate model (Edwards et al., 2014) to projections of future climate change using five ice sheet models (ISMs). The MAR (Modèle Atmosphérique Régional: Fettweis, 2007) climate projections are for 2000–2199, forced by the ECHAM5 and HadCM3 global climate models (GCMs) under the SRES A1B emissions scenario. The additional sea level contribution due to the SMB–elevation feedback averaged over five ISM projections for ECHAM5 and three for HadCM3 is 4.3% (best estimate; 95% credibility interval 1.8–6.9%) at 2100, and 9.6% (best estimate; 95% credibility interval 3.6–16.0%) at 2200. In all results the elevation feedback is significantly positive, amplifying the GrIS sea level contribution relative to the MAR projections in which the ice sheet topography is fixed: the lower bounds of our 95% credibility intervals (CIs) for sea level contributions are larger than the "no feedback" case for all ISMs and GCMs. Our method is novel in sea level projections because we propagate three types of modelling uncertainty – GCM and ISM structural uncertainties, and elevation feedback parameterisation uncertainty – along the causal chain, from SRES scenario to sea level, within a coherent experimental design and statistical framework. The relative contributions to uncertainty depend on the timescale of interest. At 2100, the GCM uncertainty is largest, but by 2200 both the ISM and parameterisation uncertainties are larger. We also perform a perturbed parameter ensemble with one ISM to estimate the shape of the projected sea level probability distribution; our results indicate that the probability density is slightly skewed towards higher sea level contributions.
Is the Effect of Intravitreal Triamcinolone Acetonide on Diabetic Macular Edema Dose-Dependent?
Authors: Šarić Borna , Šarić Vlatka Brzović , Motušić Ranka , Predović Jurica
Published: January 2014

Purpose:

To determine whether the effect of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide in diffuse diabetic macular edema is dose-dependent regarding the velocity and duration of macular edema reduction, visual acuity improvement, and induction of predictable complications.

Methods:

This clinical prospective study included 32 consecutive patients (32 eyes) with diffuse diabetic macular edema. All patients had visual acuity, fluorescein angiogram, and optical coherence tomography performed at the initial visit (baseline). Single triamcinolone acetonide injection was applied intravitreally in different high doses using sterile technique followed by timolol-maleate 0.5%/acetazolamide fixed combination eyedrops twice a day for 6 consecutive months. Macular edema, intraocular pressure, and best-corrected distance visual acuity were reviewed after 5 days and 1, 3, and 6 months.

Results:

Intraocular pressure did not change significantly during 6 months and was maintained within normal levels in all patients using prescribed antiglaucoma therapy. Best-corrected distance visual acuity and macular edema were better than preoperatively even 6 months after treatment while the highest improvement was recorded 1 month after treatment. There was a slight correlation of macular edema reduction and triamcinolone dose, especially in central 1-mm diameter zone 6 months post triamcinolone acetonide intravitreal injection, but it was not statistically significant.

Conclusions:

Triamcinolone intravitreal injection is a relatively safe, inexpensive, and effective method used for diabetic macular edema reduction but its effect is not proven to be dose-dependent, at least in 10-32 mg dose range. Macular edema reduction rate correlated significantly with preoperative edema.
Air as Tamponade for Retinal Detachments
Authors: Mateo-Montoya Aránzazu , de Smet Marc D.
Published: January 2014

Purpose:

To determine whether air can be used as a reliable tamponade agent after pars plana vitrectomy in selected primary retinal detachment (RD).

Methods:

Twelve eyes with fresh RD were included. Exclusion criteria were presence of fibrosis, fixed folds, proliferative vitreoretinopathy of grade C or greater, and giant retinal tears. The number, location, and types of breaks, extension of RD, and whether the macula was attached were documented. A 25-gauge 3-port pars plana vitrectomy was carried out. Central and peripheral vitreous was removed to eliminate traction and relieve tractional forces provoked by the air bubble injected at the end. Argon endolaser or cryotherapy was applied around all breaks. Filtered air was used as an internal tamponade. Patients were followed up at 24 hours, 1 week, and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months.

Results:

Air bubble took 10.7 days (range 7-15 days) to resolve. Visual acuity (VA) improved from 1.35 ± 1.21 logMAR preoperatively to 0.20 ± 0.25 after a follow-up time of 12 months. We achieved a primary postoperative success rate of 100% at 1 month and 91.6% at 12 months.

Conclusions:

We achieved a good success rate with air tamponade and limited laser. This approach allows for quicker VA recovery associated with a rapid disappearance of air. This may benefit patients who live at higher altitudes.
Functional and Anatomic Changes in Acute Multifocal Placoid Pigment Epitheliopathy: A Case Report
Authors: Cennamo Gilda , Nicoletti Giuseppe , Amoroso Francesca , Velotti Nunzio , Soda Mauro , De Crecchio Giuseppe
Published: January 2014

Purpose:

To report the functional and anatomic features of a case of acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy (APMPPE).

Methods:

Case report.

Results:

A 30-year-old man presented with a decrease of visual acuity that started a few days earlier. Fundus examination showed multiple, subretinal, white-yellowish lesions at the posterior pole in both eyes, suggesting APMPPE. Symptoms and clinical signs resolved within a few weeks, leaving well-defined areas of atrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE).

Conclusions:

This case report emphasizes the role of the RPE in the pathogenesis of APMPPE.
Stability-Indicating Micellar Electrokinetic Chromatography Technique for Simultaneous Measurement of Delapril and Manidipine from a Combination Drug Formulation
Authors: Todeschini Vítor , da Silva Sangoi Maximiliano , da Silva Meira Alianise , Miron Diogo , Lange Alini Dall Cortivo , Volpato Nadia Maria
Published: February 2014

A stability-indicating micellar electrokineticchromatography (MEKC) method was developed and validated for simultaneous analysis of delapril (DEL) and manidipine (MAN) using salicylic acid as an internal standard. The MEKC method was performed using a fused-silica capillary (effective length of 72 cm) with 50 mM of borate buffer and 5 mM of anionic surfactant sodium dodecylsulfate at pH9.0 as the background electrolyte. The separationwas achieved at 25 kV applied voltage and 35°C. The injection was performed at 50 mbar for5s, with detection at 208 nm. The method was linear in the range of 15–150 μg/mL (r2 = 0.9966) for DEL and 5–50 μg/mL (r2 = 0.9985) for MAN with adequate results for the precision (≤1.87%) and accuracy (98.94% for DEL and 100.65% for MAN). The specificity of the method and its stability-indicating capability was demonstrated through forced degradation studies, which showed that there was no interference from the excipients. The Plackett-Burman experimental design was used for robustness evaluation, giving results within the acceptable range. The method was successfully applied for analysis of the drugs, and the results were compared to an LC method, resulting in nonsignificant differences (P = 0.78 and0.84 for DEL and MAN, respectively).
Highly Selective Colorimetric Method to Determine Gemifloxacin Mesylate in the Presence of a Synthetic Impurity
Authors: Paim Clésio S , Führ Fernanda , Miron Diogo S , Steppe Martin , Schapoval Elfrides E S
Published: February 2014

A simple visible spectrophotometric method wasdeveloped for the determination of gemifloxacin mesylate (GFM) in tablets. The method was based onthe formation of a yellow ion-pair complex between the basic nitrogen of the drug and the sulfonphthalein acid dye in phthalate buffer. The method was validated by the study of its specificity, linearity, precision, accuracy, and robustness. Theassay was compared with an LC and a microbiological method, and the analysis of variance showed nosignificant difference between the methods (P > 0.05). The results demonstrated that the visible spectrophotometric method is suitable for determination of GFM in tablets, evenin the presence of a synthetic impurity.
Stability-Indicating Determination of Rebamipide in the Presence of its Acid Degradation Products
Authors: Abbas Samah S , Zaazaa Hala E , Essam Hebat Allah M , El-Bardicy Mohammed G
Published: February 2014

Four sensitive and precise stability-indicating methods for the determination of rebamipide (REB) in the presence of its acid-degradation products and ina pharmaceutical formulation were developed and validated. Method A used the first derivative of the ratio spectra (1DD) spectrophotometric method by measuring the peak amplitude at 249.4 nm (maximum) and at 259 nm (minimum), and at the total peak amplitude (from 249.4 to 259 nm, 1DD249.4 + 259 nm) in the range of 2–14 μg/mL. This method yielded mean recoveries of 99.87 ± 0.83, 100.04 ± 0.75, and 100.28 ± 1.11%, respectively. Method B is a dual wavelength method, which allows the determination of REB in presence of its acid-degradation products by measuring the absorbance difference between 254 and 269 nm within a linearity range of 5–65 μg/mL; it showed a mean recovery of 99.84 ± 1.06. Method C is a TLC-densitometric procedure in which REB was separated from its degradation products using a developing solution of methanol–chloroform–ammonia (8.5 + 1.5 + 0.5, v/v/v). The quantitative evaluation of REB at 329 nm was linear over the concentration range of 0.50–4.5 μg/band, with a mean recovery of 99.49 ± 0.99% even in the presence of up to 90% degradation products. Method D is an RP-HPLC procedure. It provided the complete separation of REB from its degradation products on an XterraTM C18 column using phosphate buffer (pH 6, 0.01 M)–methanol (1 + 1, v/v) as the mobile phase (UV detection at 254 nm). Recovery was 99.28 ± 0.78% within the range of 10–190 μg/mL. The selectivity of the proposed methods was checked using laboratory-prepared mixtures. The proposed methods have been successfully applied to the analysis of REBin pharmaceutical dosage forms without interference from other dosage form excipients.
Determination of Trace Amounts of Ethylene Glycol and its Analogs in Water Matrixes by Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Tran Buu N , Okoniewski Richard , Bucciferro Anthony , Jansing Robert , Aldous Kenneth M
Published: February 2014

Contamination of drinking water by ethylene glycol (EG) is a public health concern. EG causes adverse health effects in humans and animals, including cardiopulmonary and acute renal failure. EGand other glycols, such as propylene glycol (PG) are major components in antifreeze liquids, whichmay be the main source of contamination of groundwater. A sensitive LC/electrospray ionization (ESI)-MS/MS method was developed to measure trace amounts of EG, diethylene glycol, and 1,2- and 1,3-PG in several water sources, including municipal tap, lake, river, and salinated water. In this method, glycols in water samples were derivatized with benzoyl chloride by the Schotten-Baumann reaction, followed by liquid–liquid extractionusing pentane as the organic solvent prior to theLC/ESI-MS/MS determination. QC included analysis of a method blank and samples fortified at low and high levels. Analytical data showed excellent linear calibration for all observed glycols, with good precision and accuracy. The method detectionlimits for the studied glycols ranged from 1.9 to6.1 ng/mL across the water matrixes tested. This method is suitable to help assess water quality in areas that may be prone to glycol contamination.