bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Targeting Carbonic Anhydrase IX Activity and Expression
Authors: Mahon Brian , Pinard Melissa , McKenna Robert
Published: January 2015

Metastatic tumors are often hypoxic exhibiting a decrease in extracellular pH (~6.5) due to a metabolic transition described by the Warburg Effect. This shift in tumor cell metabolism alters the tumor milieu inducing tumor cell proliferation, angiogenesis, cell motility, invasiveness, and often resistance to common anti-cancer treatments; hence hindering treatment of aggressive cancers. As a result, tumors exhibiting this phenotype are directly associated with poor prognosis and decreased survival rates in cancer patients. A key component to this tumor microenvironment is carbonic anhydrase IX (CA IX). Knockdown of CA IX expression or inhibition of its activity has been shown to reduce primary tumor growth, tumor proliferation, and also decrease tumor resistance to conventional anti-cancer therapies. As such several approaches have been taken to target CA IX in tumors via small-molecule, anti-body, and RNAi delivery systems. Here we will review recent developments that have exploited these approaches and provide our thoughts for future directions of CA IX targeting for the treatment of cancer.
A Sorghum MYB Transcription Factor Induces 3-Deoxyanthocyanidins and Enhances Resistance against Leaf Blights in Maize
Authors: Ibraheem Farag , Gaffoor Iffa , Tan Qixian , Shyu Chi-Ren , Chopra Surinder
Published: January 2015

Sorghum responds to the ingress of the fungal pathogen Colletotrichum sublineolum through the biosynthesis of 3-deoxyanthocyanidin phytoalexins at the site of primary infection. Biosynthesis of 3-deoxyanthocyanidins in sorghum requires a MYB transcription factor encoded by yellow seed1 (y1), an orthologue of the maize gene pericarp color1 (p1). Maize lines with a functional p1 and flavonoid structural genes do not produce foliar 3-deoxyanthocyanidins in response to fungal ingress. To perform a comparative metabolic analysis of sorghum and maize 3-deoxyanthocyanidin biosynthetic pathways, we developed transgenic maize lines expressing the sorghum y1 gene. In maize, the y1 transgene phenocopied p1-regulated pigment accumulation in the pericarp and cob glumes. LC-MS profiling of fungus-challenged Y1-maize leaves showed induction of 3-deoxyanthocyanidins, specifically luteolinidin. Y1-maize plants also induced constitutive and higher levels of flavonoids in leaves. In response to Colletotrichum graminicola, Y1-maize showed a resistance response.
Emerging Structural Insights into Glycoprotein Quality Control Coupled with N-Glycan Processing in the Endoplasmic Reticulum
Authors: Satoh Tadashi , Yamaguchi Takumi , Kato Koichi
Published: January 2015

In the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), the sugar chain is initially introduced onto newly synthesized proteins as a triantennary tetradecasaccharide (Glc3Man9GlcNAc2). The attached oligosaccharide chain is subjected to stepwise trimming by the actions of specific glucosidases and mannosidases. In these processes, the transiently expressed N-glycans, as processing intermediates, function as signals for the determination of glycoprotein fates, i.e., folding, transport, or degradation through interactions of a series of intracellular lectins. The monoglucosylated glycoforms are hallmarks of incompletely folded states of glycoproteins in this system, whereas the outer mannose trimming leads to ER-associated glycoprotein degradation. This review outlines the recently emerging evidence regarding the molecular and structural basis of this glycoprotein quality control system, which is regulated through dynamic interplay among intracellular lectins, glycosidases, and glycosyltransferase. Structural snapshots of carbohydrate-lectin interactions have been provided at the atomic level using X-ray crystallographic analyses. Conformational ensembles of uncomplexed triantennary high-mannose-type oligosaccharides have been characterized in a quantitative manner using molecular dynamics simulation in conjunction with nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. These complementary views provide new insights into glycoprotein recognition in quality control coupled with N-glycan processing.
Factors Associated with Early Introduction of Formula and/or Solid, Semi-Solid or Soft Foods in Seven Francophone West African Countries
Authors: Issaka Abukari , Agho Kingsley , Page Andrew , Burns Penelope , Stevens Garry , Dibley Michael
Published: January 2015

The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with early introduction of formula and/or solid, semi-solid or soft foods to infants aged three to five months in seven Francophone West African countries. The sources of data for the analyses were the most recent Demographic and Health Survey datasets of the seven countries, namely Benin (BDHS, 2012), Burkina Faso (BFDHS, 2010), Cote d’Ivoire (CIDHS, 2011–2012), Guinea (GDHS, 2012), Mali (MDHS, 2012–2013), Niger (NDHS, 2012) and Senegal (SDHS, 2010). The study used multiple logistic regression methods to analyse the factors associated with early introduction of complementary feeding using individual-, household- and community-level determinants. The sample was composed of 4158 infants aged between three and five months with: 671 from Benin, 811 from Burkina Faso, 362 from Cote d’Ivoire, 398 from Guinea, 519 from Mali, 767 from Niger and 630 from Senegal. Multiple analyses indicated that in three of the seven countries (Benin, Guinea and Senegal), infants who suffered illnesses, such as diarrhoea and acute respiratory infection, were significantly more likely to be introduced to formula and/or solid, semi-solid or soft foods between the age of three and five months. Other significant factors included infants who: were born in second to fourth position (Benin), whose mothers did not attend any antenatal clinics (Burkina Faso and Niger), were male (Cote d’Ivoire and Senegal), lived in an urban areas (Senegal), or were delivered by traditional birth attendants (Guinea, Niger and Senegal). Programmes to discourage early introduction of formula and/or solid, semi-solid or soft foods in these countries should target the most vulnerable segments of the population in order to improve exclusive breastfeeding practices and reduce infant mortality.
Research on Initial Alignment and Self-Calibration of Rotary Strapdown Inertial Navigation Systems
Authors: Gao Wei , Zhang Ya , Wang Jianguo
Published: January 2015

The errors of inertial sensors affect the navigation accuracy of the strapdown inertial navigation system (SINS) and are accumulated over time in nature. In order to continuously maintain the high navigation accuracy of vehicles for a long time period, an initial alignment and self-calibration is necessary after the SINS starts. Additionally, the observability analysis is one of the key techniques during the initial alignment and self-calibration process. For marine systems, the observability of inertial sensor errors is extremely low, as their motion states are always slow. Therefore, studying the rotating SINS is urgent. Since traditional analysis methods have their limitations, the global observation analysis method was used in this paper. On the basis of this method, the relationship between the observability and the kinestate of the rotating SINS has been established. After the discussion about the factors that affect the observability in detail, the design principle of the initial alignment and self-calibration rotating scheme, which is appropriate for marine systems, id proposed. With the proposed principle, a novel initial alignment and self-calibration method, named the eight-position rotating scheme, is designed. Simulations and experiments are carried out to verify its performance. The results have shown that compared with other rotating schemes and the static state, the estimated accuracy of the eight-position scheme rotating about axes x and y was the best, and the position error was significantly reduced with this new rotating scheme. The feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed design principle and the rotating scheme were verified.
Computational Experiment Approach to Controlled Evolution of Procurement Pattern in Cluster Supply Chain
Authors: Xue Xiao , Wang Shufang , Lu Baoyun
Published: January 2015

Companies have been aware of the benefits of developing Cluster Supply Chains (CSCs), and they are spending a great deal of time and money attempting to develop the new business pattern. Yet, the traditional techniques for identifying CSCs have strong theoretical antecedents, but seem to have little traction in the field. We believe this is because the standard techniques fail to capture evolution over time, nor provide useful intervention measures to reach goals. To address these problems, we introduce an agent-based modeling approach to evaluate CSCs. Taking collaborative procurement as research object, our approach is composed of three parts: model construction, model instantiation, and computational experiment. We use the approach to explore the service charging policy problem in collaborative procurement. Three kinds of service charging polices are compared in the same experiment environment. Finally, “Fixed Cost” is identified as the optimal policy under the stable market environment. The case study can help us to understand the workflow of applying the approach, and provide valuable decision support applications to industry.
Spatio-Temporal Characteristics of Rural Economic Development in Eastern Coastal China
Authors: Wang Guogang , Wang Mingli , Wang Jimin , Yang Chun
Published: January 2015

Although the regional differences of rural economic development can be easily determined, a challenging problem for research studies regarding rural economic development has been the inter-relatedness between different areas, and this challenge has been noted remarkably little in research data to date. As an empirical investigation, this study analyzes the spatio-temporal characteristics of rural economic development from a period beginning in 1978 to the year 2012, in the eastern coastal region of China. In order to determine the special differentiation characteristics of rural economic development, three indexes, namely the Gini coefficient (G), Tsui–Wang index (TW) and Theil index (T), were employed. To explore the inter-relatedness among the different areas, we selected a spatial autocorrelation model. The results indicated that, to a large extent, rural economic development from 1978 to 2012 in the eastern coastal region of China was greatly influenced, and the per capita annual net income changed significantly, due to the process of rapid urbanization and industrialization. Generally speaking, the annual net income constantly increased, from 87.7 USD in 1978 to 1628.1 USD in 2012. However, the calculation results indicated that the per capita income gap in the same province decreased, while the gap between the provinces presented an aggregate trend. The regional polarization widened continuously. It was also found that the spatial positive autocorrelation for the regional economy was significant, with a waving and ascending trend, and the neighbor effect of regional economic growth was continuously strengthened. Qualitative analysis of the driving mechanism was applied, and it was determined that there are three primary factors affecting the development of the rural regions, namely resource endowments, economic location and policies.
Subacute Microcystin-LR Exposure Alters the Metabolism of Thyroid Hormones in Juvenile Zebrafish (Danio Rerio)
Authors: Liu Zidong , Tang Rong , Li Dapeng , Hu Qing , Wang Ying
Published: January 2015

Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) has been detected extensively in the aquatic environment and has the potential to disturb the thyroid endocrine system. However, limited information is available on the effects of subacute MC-LR exposure on fish thyroid hormone (TH) metabolism. In the present study, juvenile zebrafish (Danio rerio) were exposed to MC-LR at environmentally relevant concentrations (0, 1, 5, and 25 μg/L) for 28 days. Whole-body TH content and thyroid follicle histology were used as direct endpoints to assess thyroid disruption. The activities of iodothyronine deiodinases (IDs) and the transcription of selected genes associated with TH synthesis were also investigated to study the underlying mechanisms of endocrine disruption. Exposure of zebrafish to MC-LR significantly increased whole-body thyroxine (T4) content but decreased whole-body triiodothyronine (T3) content. We also observed hypertrophy and hyperplasia of the thyroid follicle epithelial cells, as well as up-regulation of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroid peroxidase (TPO), and transthyretin (TTR) genes. The decreases in ID1 and ID2 activities coupled with an increase in ID3 activity were observed in MC-LR treatment groups. These results demonstrate that exposure to MC-LR at environmental concentrations results in the disturbance of TH homeostasis by disrupting the synthesis and conversion of THs.
Thème I. Répartition, classification, relation avec les milieux karstiques et karstification (Distribution, classification, relation with karstic medium and karstification)
Authors: Nicod Jean
Published: January 2015

Résumé. - C'est dans les régions calcaires méditerranéennes que les accumulations carbonatées externes offrent la plus grande variété. Leur classification dépend des critères retenus (LANG). On doit analyser le rôle des conditions externes et du chimisme des eaux (cas particulier des eaux hydro-thermales) et leurs variations : cycles hydro-chimiques et biologiques. Poreuses, ces formations sont aisément karstifiées (grottes et ponts naturels) ; le creusement par dissolution pouvant succéder brutalement à l'accumulation si le chimisme varie (la Vis).
Thème III. Stratigraphie et pétrographie des formations travertineuses (Stratigraphy and petrography of travertine rocks)
Authors: Weisrock André
Published: January 2015

Abstract. - The travertine rocks building at emergences, dams and waterfalls results of biolithogenesis processes with algae and mosses supports and bacterian precipitation of Ca. Most of the deposits shows a stromatolitic laminated fades, with alternatively light and dark layers. Dark layers, which are rich in organic matter, growth in spring (Morocco) or in summer (SE of France). In «alluvial», detrital fades, bio-chemical and physical-chemical phenomena are mixed. All study of ancient deposit should claim detailed stratigraphy and micrographie determination of fades, in order to support paleogeographic interpretation tentative.
Thème V. Chronologie locale et synchronisme paléoclimatique (Local chronology and paleoclimatic synchronism)
Authors: Ambert Paul
Published: January 2015

Résumé. - On établit une distinction fondamentale entre travertins étagés et recouverts. Les datations proposées relatives, ou absolues (méthodes radiogéniques) sont confrontées aux grands épisodes du Quaternaire.
Orléans : la perception de l'espace par les décideurs urbains (Perception of space by urban decision-makers in Orléans)
Authors: Bouinot Jean
Published: January 2015

Abstract. - Local management requires a knowledge of the «mental maps» relating to a given municipality - that is to say, the perception and representation of space by socio-professional groups. -An exploratory survey carried out in Orléans shows that the managers of municipal services represent the municipality in terms of dots on a map. Like other groups, this awareness is centripetal and egocentric - they have a relative abundance of information concerning the geographical centre of the town, but lack information concerning the areas away from their professional preoccupations. However, only municipal managers have a diversified and unanimously positive image of the transformations of the urban surroundings of Orleans.
La lutte contre les déchets et les nuisances industriels. Effets géographiques (Geographical effects of the struggle against industrial wastes and noises)
Authors: Dezert Bernard
Published: January 2015

Abstract. 777e French Antipollution Act of 1975 on the wastes elimination has had positive effects. Collective treatment centers have been created near industrial centers. The smallest undertakings has been the most reticent in antipollution struggle, because the charges are too much heavy. From this results the concentration of very polluting undertakings on perimeters where the wastes are able to treat collectively. The most polluting works are surrounded by protection landscapes.
La sidérurgie lorraine et la protection de l'environnement (Iron and steel in lorraine and surroundings protection)
Authors: Rogé Michel
Published: January 2015

Abstract. - Lorrainian iron and steel manufacturers became conscious of the pollutions problems and took steps, from an early date, to protect the environment through large scale investment. Industrial valleys, such as the Orne or the Fensch, have seen the pollution level of their waterways considerably reduced since 1971. The old traditional image of smokes and dusts has progressively disappeared. The recent example of modern cokeworks such as Pont-à-Mousson's is very significative of Lorraine's «clean industry».
Industries et pollution côtière (Industry and coastal pollution)
Authors: Escourrou Gisèle
Published: January 2015

Abstract. - During the warm season, the breezes stimulate the increase of the pollution near the ground. The concentration rate reach high values at the time of breezes changes, in the morning.
Quelques aspects des mutations socio-démographiques dans l'agglomération nantaise (1962-1975) (Social changes in the urban district of Nantes)
Authors: Rapetti Danielle
Published: January 2015

Abstract. - The sifting of a «sign of attraction» or «of desertion» of the socio-professional classes by I.N.S.E.E. allows to appreciate the evolution of the social segregation in greater Nantes, especially between 1968 and 1975.
Les fondements physiques de la géographie régionale : réflexions à partir du cas des Pays de la Loire (Geohistory of western France)
Authors: Gras Jacques
Published: January 2015

Abstract. - A fresh survey of the history of the French western regions before a map of physical geography would show that the latter has conducted the major events throughout the Middle Ages and particularly the history of the Plantagenêt Empire, itself associated with the «angevine» crossroads. Then, towards the end of the fifteenth century, the French history has diverted its route to steer its course for the regions traversed by the Rhone-Rhine corridor and its appendixes.
La porte nantaise dans la France de l'Ouest. Etude de région (The Nantes region as a door)
Authors: Chauvet Alain
Published: January 2015

Résumé. - Combinaison de trois paysages, jonction entre Paris et l'Atlantique, marche bretonne (mais attachée au profit), la «Porte» nantaise a son originalité propre.
La réunification de la Bretagne, condition nécessaire à une vraie réforme régionale
Authors: Le Rhun Pierre-Yves
Published: January 2015

Abstract. - The actual regional boundaries in the western part of France are an economical and cultural nonsense. Without changing them, without the redintegration of the region of Nantes into Brittany, the next regional reformation cannot succeed.
Dissolution spécifique actuelle dans les karsts du Sud méditerranéen de la France
Authors: Fabre Guilhem
Published: January 2015

Résumé. - Présentation et signification de taux de dissolution spécifique théorique relatifs au Sud méditerranéen français karstique. Les valeurs sont comprises entre moins de 10 mm/1 000 ans (ou m3/km2/an) et plus de 50 et bien calées sur les paliers hypso-pluviométriques. Trois unités ressortent : 0-10, 10-30, plus de 30. Les chiffres obtenus se corrèlent raisonnablement avec les analyses morphogénétiques consacrées aux karsts régionaux qui soulignent, pour la plupart, l'importance de la karstification post-Miocène terminal marin dans la mise en place des paysages karstiques visibles actuellement.
Evaluation of the accuracy of a veterinary dynamometric wire tensioner
Authors: Gauthier C. M. , McGilvray K. , Myrick S. , Duerr F. , Palmer R.
Published: January 2015

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of a commonly used veterinary wire tensioner.

Methods: Wire tension was measured using a load cell after each of five tensioners were used to tension each of six wires to the 66, 84, and 118 mm ring settings in an adjustable custom testing fixture. Each tensioner then experienced simulated aging and testing was repeated. Percentage error was calculated for each ring size, before and after tensioner aging. Measured tension values were compared to manufacturer reported tension values for each ring size using a one-sample two-way t-test; p <0.05 was considered significant.

Results: Compared to the manufacturer reported values, measured wire tension values were significantly lower for 66 mm and 84 mm rings and significantly higher for 118 mm rings, before and after simulated aging. Mean wire tension values did not significantly differ between individual wire tensioners.

Clinical significance: The tensioners tested achieved significantly different wire tension values than those reported by the manufacturer. This discrepancy could lead to under-tensioning and allowing excessive movement at a fracture site or over-tensioning, leading to wire breakage. We recommend tensioning wires at least to the recommended line on the device for 66 mm and 84 mm rings and at most to the recommended line for 118 mm rings. Further studies are needed to evaluate other veterinary wire tensioners and to develop a calibration method for these devices in practice.
Auxin activity: Past, present, and future
Authors: Enders Tara A. , Strader Lucia C.
Published: January 2015

Long before its chemical identity was known, the phytohormone auxin was postulated to regulate plant growth. In the late 1800s, Sachs hypothesized that plant growth regulators, present in small amounts, move differentially throughout the plant to regulate growth. Concurrently, Charles Darwin and Francis Darwin were discovering that light and gravity were perceived by the tips of shoots and roots and that the stimulus was transmitted to other tissues, which underwent a growth response. These ideas were improved upon by Boysen‐Jensen and Paál and were later developed into the Cholodny–Went hypothesis that tropisms were caused by the asymmetric distribution of a growth‐promoting substance. These observations led to many efforts to identify this elusive growth‐promoting substance, which we now know as auxin. In this review of auxin field advances over the past century, we start with a seminal paper by Kenneth Thimann and Charles Schneider titled “The relative activities of different auxins” from the American Journal of Botany, in which they compare the growth altering properties of several auxinic compounds. From this point, we explore the modern molecular understanding of auxin—including its biosynthesis, transport, and perception. Finally, we end this review with a discussion of outstanding questions and future directions in the auxin field. Over the past 100 yr, much of our progress in understanding auxin biology has relied on the steady and collective advance of the field of auxin researchers; we expect that the next 100 yr of auxin research will likewise make many exciting advances.
Developmental morphology of the typical cordate gametophyte of a homosporous leptosporangiate fern, Lygodium japonicum (Lygodiaceae), focusing on the initial cell behavior of two distinct meristems
Authors: Takahashi Naoko , Kami Chieko , Ota Isao , Morita Nana , Imaichi Ryoko
Published: January 2015

• Premise of the study: Understanding the origin and early evolution of vascular plants requires thorough consideration of the gametophyte generation of ferns and lycophytes. Unfortunately, information about this generation is quite limited. To reveal the origin and evolution of varied gametophyte shapes, we used comparative morphological studies of meristem behavior of gametophytes of Lygodium japonicum, which exhibit the typical cordate shape.

• Methods: Microscopic images of epi‐illuminated growing gametophytes cultured from spores were captured periodically using a metallurgical microscope equipped with a digital camera to analyze the cell lineage in the meristem.

• Key results: Gametophytes form from two meristems: the apical‐cell‐based meristem and the multicellular meristem. The triangular apical cell produces six to eight derivatives from two lateral facets, then disappears. Subsequently, the multicellular meristem, with a row of several rectangular cells, forms in the notch. These rectangular cells divide asynchronously in the periclinal and anticlinal walls to produce cells to both lateral sides and downward. Usually two, and sometimes three, cells located at the center of the meristem divide at a slower pace in the periclinal and anticlinal planes than others at the periphery. The cells at the periphery are pushed away and become involved in the wing base.

• Conclusions: The triangular apical cell behaves as a permanent initial cell. In the multicellular meristem, however, two or three central cells behave as initial cells that are transient and regulated in a position‐dependent manner. The organization and behavior of both meristems are shared with the ribbon‐shaped gametophytes of Colysis.
Genome size stability despite high chromosome number variation in Carex gr. laevigata
Authors: Escudero Marcial , Maguilla Enrique , Loureiro João , Castro Mariana , Castro Sílvia , Luceño Modesto
Published: January 2015

• Premise of the study: In organisms with holocentric chromosomes like Carex species, chromosome number evolution has been hypothesized to be a result of fission, fusion, and/or translocation events. Negative, positive, or the absence of correlations have been found between chromosome number and genome size in Carex.

• Methods: Using the inferred diploid chromosome number and 80 genome size measurements from 26 individuals and 20 populations of Carex gr. laevigata, we tested the null hypothesis of chromosome number evolution by duplication and deletion of whole chromosomes.

• Key results: Our results show a significant positive correlation between genome size and chromosome number, but the slope of such correlation supports the hypothesis of proliferation and removal of repetitive DNA fragments to explain genome size variation rather than duplication and deletion of whole chromosomes.

• Conclusions: Our results refine the theory of the holokinetic drive: this mechanism is proposed to facilitate repetitive DNA removal (or any segmental deletion) when smaller homologous chromosomes are preferentially inherited, or repetitive DNA proliferation (or any segmental duplication) when larger homologs are preferred. This study sheds light on how karyotype evolution plays an important role in the diversification of the species of the genus Carex.
SEISMIC RESPONSE OF SOIL-PILE RAFT-STRUCTURE SYSTEM
Authors: Saha Rajib , Dutta Sekhar Chandra , Haldar Sumanta
Published: January 2015

This paper presents an initial effort to investigate seismic response of soil-pile raft-structure system considering soil-structure interaction effect. In general, structure and piled raft under seismic load are designed considering fixed base condition. However, soil flexibility may result significant changes in the response of soil-pile raft-structure system. The study considers one storey system consisting of a mass in the form of a rigid floor slab supported by four columns. The piles are modelled by beam-column element supported by laterally distributed springs and dampers. This simple model used in present study is adequately tuned to exhibit reasonably accurate dynamic characteristics while compared to the existing well accepted methodologies. The study shows that soil-structure interaction leads to considerable lengthening of period though the lateral shear in columns are not significantly changed. However, the shear in piles is significantly increased due to SSI effect as inertia of the considerable foundation mass contributes to this increase in shear of pile. Thus, neglecting SSI may lead to unsafe seismic design of piles. A parametric study encompassing feasible variations of parameters is made under spectrum consistent ground motion. Effect of uncertainty in the soil subgrade modulus on the pile and column response variability is also studied.
REDUCING CONCRETE PERMEABILITY BY USING NATURAL POZZOLANS AND REDUCED AGGREGATE-TO-PASTERATIO
Authors: Bustos Fernando , Martinez Patricia , Videla Carlos , Lopez Mauricio
Published: January 2015

Improved durability of concrete is mainly achieved with low-permeability. Permeability depends on permeability of the bulk cement paste (CP) and that of its interfacial transition zone (ITZ). Even though permeability of CP is well understood and can be adequately controlled, permeability of ITZ is not well understood yet. This paper shows that minimizing permeability of concrete requires minimizing permeability of CP by using a supplementary cementing material (SCM) such as natural pozzolans (NP) and minimizing ITZ by reducing aggregate content until maximum cement content. This was done by comparing performance of concrete made with ordinary Portland cement (OPC) and blended cement (OPC+NP) at the same w/b, and by comparing performance of concrete with different amount of ITZ at the same w/b. All of this was performed through testing of mechanical properties, air permeability, sorptivity, chloride ion diffusion, and aggregate specific surface. Results show that NP reduced air permeability by 84% and chloride ion diffusion by 66%, but increased sorptivity up to 140%. ITZ has an important effect in all properties; especially in air permeability where sensitive reduction of more than a 90% was achieved. ITZ effect seems to be as important as using SCMs in improving durability of concrete.
UNDERSTANDING THE REBOUND SURFACE HARDNESS OF CONCRETE
Authors: Szilágyi Katalin , Borosnyói Adorján , Zsigovics István
Published: January 2015

Surface hardness testing of materials can be considered as the oldest method to get information about strength related material properties. In recent decades the rebound hammer has been the most popular surface hardness testing device for concrete uniting the advantages of its predecessors. In the technical literature numerous proposals are available for simple, two-parameter regression analyses of rebound surface hardness vs. compressive strength relationship of concrete. The remarkable diversity of the proposed curves implies the need of the more than two-parameter regression techniques to reveal the most pronounced parameters governing hardness behaviour. The objectives of present experimental studies were to carry out dynamic and static hardness tests, Young’s modulus and compressive strength tests on concrete specimens. From the development of the tested properties with time it can be concluded that the rebound hammers provide a hardness value for high strength concretes connected to the Young’s modulus rather than the compressive strength. Present paper includes a parametric simulation and a parameter fitting of the verified phenomenological constitutive model of the authors which recognizes the w/c ratio as the main driver of the interrelated material properties and gives a realistic formulation for the time dependent behaviour of the rebound surface hardness of concrete.
WIND-INDUCED RESPONSE CONTROL MODEL FOR HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS BASED ON RESIZING METHOD
Authors: Choi Se Woon , Seo Ji Hyun , Lee Hong Min , Kim Yousok , Park Hyo Seon
Published: January 2015

A variety of methods have been applied to reduce the effect of the wind-induced vibration of a high-rise building as the excessive wind-induced vibration at the top of a high-rise building can cause physical and psychological discomfort to the user or the residents. For structural engineers, the most effective approach to control the wind-induced responses of high-rise buildings would be to control the stiffness or natural frequency of the building. This paper presents a practical design model to control the wind-induced responses of a high-rise building. In the model, the stiffness of a high-rise building is maximized to increase the natural frequency of the building by the resizing algorithm. The proposed design model is applied to control the wind-induced vibration of an actual 37-storey building during the initial stage of its structural design.
COMPUTER-AIDED DECISION-MAKING IN CONSTRUCTION PROJECT DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Ksiąźek Mariola Violeta , Nowak Paweł Olaf , Kivrak Serkan , Rosłon Jerzy Hubert , Ustinovichius Leonas
Published: January 2015

One of the most difficult problems in construction is taking objective decisions. A decision-making process is very complicated and time consuming (due to the complex nature of construction projects). Many experts with extensive knowledge of construction industry take subjective decisions related to verbal methods of decision-making. Difficulties are related mostly to the creation of a set of relevant criteria, providing answers to the decision-maker’s questions. A set of proper criteria and mathematical tools (such as computer calculation algorithms with multi-criteria analysis) could significantly improve objective decision-making. The paper presents ESORD – an informatics tool allowing to establish a hierarchy (ranking) of different types of solutions on the basis of mathematical calculation. The authors present a comparison of different methods used for multi-criteria decision-making.
Mutations économiques : des guerres de tranchées aux mutations créatrices
Authors: Aubert Jean-Pierre
Published: January 2015

Comment mener les transformations nécessaires de notre société et de nos entreprises sans abandonner les individus au bord du chemin ? Comment faire se parler un État affaibli et des interlocuteurs méfiants à son égard, mais habitués à dépendre de lui ?
L'enseignement des sciences infirmières en France : contenus et stratégies
Authors: Jovic Ljiljana , Lecordier Didier , Poisson Michel , Vigil-Ripoche Marie-André , Delon Bruno , Mottaz Anne-Marie , Bourkia Dorsafe , Joutard Thierry , Tenza Margot
Published: January 2015

La formation en soins infirmiers dans des contextes académiques renforce la nécessité pour les étudiants de s’approprier et de maîtriser la discipline « sciences infirmières ». Dans certains pays, l’enseignement des sciences infirmières est solidement établi et trouve place au même titre que l’enseignement d’autres disciplines scientifiques avec son épistémologie, ses auteurs, ses méthodes, etc. Dans d’autres pays, il est émergent et les manières de faire ne sont pas stabilisées. Le séminaire consacré à « L’enseignement des sciences infirmières » permet d’identifier les éléments fondamentaux épistémologiques, cliniques et scientifiques, de la discipline afin de soutenir son développement en France. Il a pour but d’identifier les contenus fondamentaux relatifs aux sciences infirmières devant être acquis en formation initiale et maîtrisés par l’ensemble des infirmières. Les réponses aux questions posées, relatives à l’épistémologie et aux paradigmes en soins infirmiers, à l’apprentissage de la clinique, à la culture scientifique et à la recherche, à l’enseignement des sciences infirmières, sont fondées sur l’examen des modèles d’autres pays, des partages d’expériences, des discussions dans une vision prospective. Les préconisations tiennent compte des évolutions nécessaires et conformes aux ambitions de santé publique et de service rendu à la société. Elles sont complétées des stratégies permettant leur appropriation par les infirmières elles-mêmes et par les autres professions et les autres champs.
L'enseignement des sciences infirmières : une discipline inaudible à géométrie variable
Authors: Nadot Michel
Published: January 2015

Comment enseigner les sciences infirmières si le mot science et celui d’infirmière ne sont pas replacés dans leur signification et l’histoire de leur évolution ? Même avec des formations doctorales universitaires de très bon niveau, voire postdoctorales, il est impressionnant de voir que les chercheurs expérimentés restent encore dépendants pour la compréhension de leurs travaux, des visions dominantes, des représentations collectives et du poids du passé. La profession ne peut plus ne penser qu’aux soins et aux malades, mais elle doit aussi penser aux conditions de production du savoir au sein de ses Hautes Écoles et de son utilisation au sein du système de santé.
L'enseignement des disciplines de gestion dans la formation des infirmiers au Brésil : l'expérience d'un groupe de professeurs de l'Université Fédérale de Minas Gerais
Authors: Spagnol Carla Aparecida , Villa Eliana Aparecida , dos Santos Pereira Márcia , Velloso Isabela Silva Câncio
Published: January 2015

La formation en sciences infirmières au Brésil est fondée sur les principes suivants qui guident la profession : les soins infirmiers, la gestion, l’enseignement et la recherche. Ces activités ne peuvent être développées séparément. Leur complémentarité est importante pour fournir des soins infirmiers de qualité et ne pas générer de risques pour la population. Tout en reconnaissant l’importance de cette articulation, les auteurs ont choisi de mettre en évidence la formation en gestion des professionnels. Le but de cet article est de décrire l’enseignement des disciplines de gestion dans la formation des infirmiers, à partir d’une analyse critique et d’une réflexion d’un groupe d’enseignants de l’Université Fédérale de Minas Gerais, au Brésil. La réforme sanitaire brésilienne et les directrices du programme national du grade de licence en sciences infirmières ont conduit à des progrès significatifs dans l’enseignement de l’administration des soins infirmiers. Actuellement, le contenu et les activités pratiques sont abordés à différents moments de la formation. En conclusion, dans ce nouveau contexte, les enseignants ont cherché des références théoriques plus contemporaines, mettant l’accent sur une gestion plus partagée, dans le but de former des professionnels compétents ayant une pratique plus humaine et plus éthique.
Method to Improve the Accuracy of Slope Monitoring Data Based on a Measuring Robot
Authors: Gao Yandong , XU Maolin , Mao Yachun
Published: January 2015

To improve the accuracy of slope monitoring data based on a measuring robot, an effective and viable correction method is proposed. A 3D monitoring system based on a measuring robot and Geomos is utilized to collect data. The monitoring data of 44 cycles of Dagushan and Yanqianshan open-pit iron mines in Anshan City are employed as the data source. Large amounts of data are calculated and compared, and a quantitative analysis of various factors that influence the accuracy of measuring robot is performed. Data calculation shows that the proposed mathematical meteorological correction model and directional deviation correction method can effectively improve the accuracy of measuring robot. The corrected data can accurately represent the displacement of monitoring points, which provides important real-time warning of open-pit slope landslides. Methods to improve the accuracy of measuring robot are studied to increase data reliability. The nature of the data and the factors that affect the quality of data are analyzed.
The Simulation of Artificial Sensory Nerves System to Sense Intestinal Contents with Reflective IR Sensor
Authors: Hanhui Lin , Cai Ken , Li Jianguo , Zeng ZhaoFeng
Published: January 2015

Patients who has fecal incontinence suffer physical and mental painfulness because they can neither actively control any forms of defecation nor detect the state of intestinal contents. It is significantly meaningful to study artificial anus sphincter with “artificial sensory nerves”. In this paper, reflective infrared (IR) sensor, with different responses to the solutes, can simulate the sensory nerves to detect intestinal contents to distinguish different solutes according to the voltage values of the different reflective responses to the IR of the solutes. The study meets the requirements as expected because the outcome shows that the voltage signals of different solution differ dramatically which can detect whether there are any intestinal contents and distinguish the states of them. It turns out to be an effective method that the reflective IR sensor can simulate the sensory nerves to sense intestinal contents.
Using Big Data Opinion Mining to Predict Rises and Falls in the Stock Price Index
Authors: Kim Yoosin , Jeong Michelle , Jeong Seung Ryul
Published: January 2015

In light of recent research that has begun to examine the link between textual “big data” and social phenomena such as stock price increases, this chapter takes a novel approach to treating news as big data by proposing the intelligent investment decision-making support model based on opinion mining. In an initial prototype experiment, the researchers first built a stock domain-specific sentiment dictionary via natural language processing of online news articles and calculated sentiment scores for the opinions extracted from those stories. In a separate main experiment, the researchers gathered 78,216 online news articles from two different media sources to not only make predictions of actual stock price increases but also to compare the predictive accuracy of articles from different media sources. The study found that opinions that are extracted from the news and treated with proper sentiment analysis can be effective in predicting changes in the stock market.
Organizational Performance-Design Process
Authors: Arsham Hossein , Sheikh Shaya
Published: January 2015

Inverse simulation involves finding the control inputs required to achieve a particular performance measure. The designer simulates the process numerically by varying the controllable input for generating desirable output. Clearly, this trial and error is not efficient and effective. This chapter proposes a “stochastic approximation” algorithm to estimate the necessary controllable input parameters within a desired accuracy given a target value for the performance function. The proposed algorithm is based on iterative Newton's method using a single-run simulation to minimize the expected loss function (i.e. risk function). The validity of the input parameter estimates are examined by applying it to some reliability and queuing systems with known analytical solutions. (Keywords: Performance management by simulation; prescriptive analysis for parameter setting; decision support for product and service design; data analysis and design; inverse business performance measure.)
Data, Information, and Knowledge
Authors: Erickson G. Scott , Rothberg Helen N.
Published: January 2015

This chapter examines the similarities and differences between big data and knowledge management. Big data has relatively little conceptual development, at least from a strategy and management perspective. Knowledge management has a lengthy literature and decades of practice but has always explicitly focused only on knowledge assets as opposed to precursors like data and information. Even so, there are considerable opportunities for cross-fertilization. Consequently, this chapter considers data from McKinsey Global Strategies on data holdings, by industry, and contrasts that with data on knowledge development, essentially the intangible assets found in the same industries. Using what we know about the variables influencing the application of intangible assets such as knowledge and intelligence, we can then better identify where successful employment of big data might take place. Further, we can identify specific variables with the potential to grant competitive advantage from the application of big data and business analytics.
Big Data Transforming Small and Medium Enterprises
Authors: Schaeffer Donna M. , Olson Patrick C.
Published: January 2015

The terms big data, analytics, and business intelligence are often used in the media, with much attention on Fortune 500 enterprises. Small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) also handle large amounts of data, and it is important to their decision making and planning. This chapter explores options for handling Big Data in SMEs. It presents a framework that considers not just the volume of data, but the variety of types of data, the velocity in which data is created and transmitted, the importance of data veracity, and its value in transforming small and medium-sized enterprises. SMEs need to work with big data, and doing so will impact their business models and require them transform themselves. Their transformation will be ongoing because all indicators show that the volume of data is rising and will continue to do so simply because of the trends related to customer interaction.
The Role of Business Analytics in Performance Management
Authors: Kasemsap Kijpokin
Published: January 2015

This chapter introduces the role of Business Analytics (BA) in Performance Management (PM), thus explaining the theoretical and practical concepts of BA, Performance Management Analytics (PMA), and organizational performance; the overview of performance measurement and PM; the application of Performance Management System (PMS) through BA; and the significance of BA in PMA. This chapter also explains the practical areas of BA and their advantages within the foundation of PM. BA can be used to validate causal relationships within traditional input, process, output, and outcome categories toward business success. Extending the domain of PM to PMA requires new business data analysis skills to gain organizational effectiveness. PMA fills the existing gap between PMS and effective PM adoption. Understanding the role of BA in PM will significantly enhance the organizational performance and achieve business goals in the global business environments.
Business Intelligence, Knowledge Management, and Customer Relationship Management Technological Support in Enterprise Competitive Competence
Authors: Lee Ming-Chang
Published: January 2015

The approach of knowledge management, business intelligence, and customer relationship management was used as theoretical technologies in order to build an intelligence enterprise framework. Since the business intelligence process can create additional customer value through knowledge creation with the customer, business intelligence can provide users with reliable, accurate information and help them make decisions. Customer relationship management focuses on the integration of customer information and knowledge for finding and keeping customers to grow customer lifetime value. Therefore, integrating intelligence enterprise is needed in order to respond to the challenges the modern enterprise has to deal with and represents not only a new trend in IT but also a necessary step in the emerging knowledge-based economy. In intelligent enterprise operations, KM contains business models, processes, competence, implementation, performance assessment, and enterprise in information, organization, and e-commence processes.
Process Improvements in Supply Chain Operations
Authors: Smith Alan D.
Published: January 2015

The nature of SCM research is constantly evolving and must address a variety of concerns like poor service, large inventory levels, and friction among suppliers and manufacturers. Analytical databases and techniques in SCM are an important part of this research. Many researchers and practitioners have depended on secondary data, but given the dynamic nature of global competition, more recent and relevant data must be gathered. These efforts need to be geared to the development of properly managed supply chain relationships and corporate sustainability initiatives that ultimately promote broad-based sustainable development objectives for the good of people, plants, and profits (i.e., triple bottom-line).