bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extreme summer temperatures in the East Mediterranean—dynamical analysis
Authors: Harpaz Tzvi , Ziv Baruch , Saaroni Hadas , Beja Eran
Published: June 2013

This research analyses the scenarios that break the monotonic summer regime over the East Mediterranean (EM). The study compares the five upper, median and lower percentiles of the 850‐hPa temperature for July–August 1975–2005. The temperature differences were found to be confined to the lower 4 km. They are controlled by the intensity of the negative temperature advection, but not by the prevailing subsidence. Air trajectory analysis shows that the regional prevailing northwest winds are the strongest prior to cool events and the weakest, or nonexistent, prior to hot events. An index representing the location of the air source is proposed as an effective predictor for the temperature. The hot and the cool days were subdivided according to their evolution scenarios. All the cool days were associated with deepening of upper troughs over the EM. Different scenarios were found to generate hot days; ‘tropical’, associated with intrusion of tropical‐like air, ‘subtropical’, resulting from an expansion of the subtropical high from North Africa towards the EM, and ‘baroclinic’, associated with a pronounced upper‐level ridge, part of a Rossby wave over the Mediterranean Basin. The ‘tropical’ scenario was well identified through the mid‐level relative humidity. An alternative classification approach, the objective K‐Means clustering method, was applied to the air back‐trajectories reaching the EM. They isolated successfully only the ‘tropical’ type. Back‐tracking of temperature anomalies indicate two different evolutions for the hot days; one is associated with propagation from the west sector and other is quasi‐stationary, associated with intrusion of tropical air. The cool events are all propagating from northwest. This indicates that extreme summer events over the EM are mostly regulated by mid‐latitudes disturbances travelling eastward rather than by the Asian Monsoon.
Land cover changes and their biogeophysical effects on climate
Authors: Mahmood Rezaul , Pielke Roger A. , Hubbard Kenneth G. , Niyogi Dev , Dirmeyer Paul A. , McAlpine Clive , Carleton Andrew M. , Hale Robert , Gameda Samuel , Beltrán‐Przekurat Adriana , Baker Bruce , McNider Richard , Legates David R. , Shepherd Marshall , Du Jinyang , Blanken Peter D. , Frauenfeld Oliver W. , Nair U.S. , Fall Souleymane
Published: June 2013

Land cover changes (LCCs) play an important role in the climate system. Research over recent decades highlights the impacts of these changes on atmospheric temperature, humidity, cloud cover, circulation, and precipitation. These impacts range from the local‐ and regional‐scale to sub‐continental and global‐scale. It has been found that the impacts of regional‐scale LCC in one area may also be manifested in other parts of the world as a climatic teleconnection. In light of these findings, this article provides an overview and synthesis of some of the most notable types of LCC and their impacts on climate. These LCC types include agriculture, deforestation and afforestation, desertification, and urbanization. In addition, this article provides a discussion on challenges to, and future research directions in, assessing the climatic impacts of LCC.
Variability of circulation and Sahel rainfall in the twentieth century
Authors: Hastenrath Stefan , Polzin Dierk
Published: June 2013

Variations of rainfall in the West African Sahel and circulation in the tropical Atlantic sector in the course of 1901–2010 are documented in recent data sources. From rainfall index series published for 1901–1984 and 1941–2010, an index series of Sahel rainfall, SHL, was reconstructed for 1901–2010. Consistent with circulation diagnostics, SHL has strong positive correlation with latitude position of the intertropical wind confluence, LAT, and southerly wind component off the coast of West Africa, V, which came with steeper northward pressure and southward temperature gradients. Over the century, SHL experienced a drying trend, accompanying southward shift of LAT and weakening V, which came with weaker northward pressure and southward temperature gradients. The greater temperature rise in the South may be related to greater longwave‐induced warming in the region with less cloudiness. Over the twentieth century rains were most abundant in the 1950s, scarcest in the 1980s, and they have still not recovered in the first decade of the new century.
Working on High Performance in the Philippines: The Case of NEH
Authors: de Waal André A. , de Haas Jeroen I.
Published: June 2013

The Philippines is one of the world's leading exporters of bananas. The banana industry, however, is facing severe problems: crop diseases, increasing pressure to keep prices down while improving quality, and poor cooperation among industry partners. To effectively deal with industry‐wide threats, there is an urgent need to increase the quality of the performance of all the players in the banana value chain and transform them into high‐performance organizations (HPOs). At NEH, a banana exporter based in the Philippines, managers tackled that challenge by using the HPO Framework, an instrument for deciding what to do to improve organizational performance and make it sustainable. A thorough assessment of their operations led them to devise a multipronged strategy that improved production and quality after only four months. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Talent Funnel: How to Surface Key Human Resources
Authors: Toterhi Tim , Recardo Ronald J.
Published: June 2013

Despite the efforts of well‐intentioned HR professionals, talent management remains a silo‐driven, disjointed endeavor that rarely meets the human capital needs of today's organizations. This failing, which calls into question the strategic value of HR, stems from both organization‐oriented shortcomings, such as poor strategy, lackluster processes, and immature management, as well as more contextual issues that speak to the heart of senior leader bias. For years, professional sales organizations have navigated a complex process that virtually mirrors strategic talent management. By incorporating a common business development tool called the sales funnel, talent leaders can learn to navigate their most valuable human resources through the employee life cycle while positively shifting the performance curve for all employees. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Aligning Organizational Culture With Leader‐Member Exchange
Authors: Herrera Richard , Duncan Phyllis , Ree Malcolm
Published: June 2013

At an increasing rate, human resource managers are recognizing the need to understand how the dimensions of organizational culture affect the elements of the leader‐member exchange (LMX) model. A study of 300 working adults analyzed the relationship between the organizational cultural dimensions of individualism, collectivism, and gender egalitarianism and the four LMX dimensions of contribution, loyalty, affect, and professional respect. The results show that collectivism is a significant predictor of all four of the LMX dimensions, while gender egalitarianism is a significant predictor of only the LMX dimension of affect. Individualism was not found to be a predictor for any of the LMX dimensions. These findings are instrumental in helping HR managers capitalize on the strengths of collectivism as a driving factor as they design their policies and practices to achieve organizational objectives. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Empirical evaluation of meta‐analytic approaches for nutrient and health outcome dose‐response data
Authors: Yu Winifred W. , Schmid Christopher H. , Lichtenstein Alice H. , Lau Joseph , Trikalinos Thomas A.
Published: June 2013

The objective of this study is to empirically compare alternative meta‐analytic methods for combining dose‐response data from epidemiological studies. We identified meta‐analyses of epidemiological studies that analyzed the association between a single nutrient and a dichotomous outcome. For each topic, we performed meta‐analyses of odds ratios with five approaches: using extreme exposure categories only, two‐step approach (first calculated study‐specific effects then combined across studies) using unadjusted data, two‐step approach using adjusted data, one‐step approach (analyzed all data in one regression model) using unadjusted data, and one‐step approach using adjusted data. Meta‐analyses including only extreme exposure categories gave consistently bigger effects and wider confidence intervals than meta‐analyses using all data. Confidence intervals of effect sizes were generally wider in meta‐analyses with the two‐step approach, compared with the one‐step approach. Meta‐analyses using unadjusted data and adjusted data differed, with no consistent pattern of discordance in direction, statistical significance, or magnitude of effect. We discourage using meta‐analysis approaches that only use data from extreme exposure categories. The one‐step approach generally has higher precision than the two‐step approach. Sensitivity analysis comparing results between meta‐analyses of adjusted and unadjusted data may be useful in indicating the presence of confounding. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Traditional food and tourism: French tourist experience and food heritage in rural spaces
Authors: Bessiere Jacinthe , Tibere Laurence
Published: June 2013

Tourist interest in different food cultures is a factor for local development in the fields of agro‐food and crafts, whilst also contributing to the enhancement of food culture and heritage. As part of the tourist experience, eating local cuisine is a way of breaking with standardised, everyday routine by taking the tourist off into unknown culinary realms. This distancing from daily life is already possible in the home country through eating exotic food at home, or in so‐called ‘ethnic’ restaurants. It takes on another dimension when travelling. This paper therefore aims to examine the role of food and eating in the tourist experience. To be more precise, we shall first attempt to assess its importance in visitors' representations, notably as a motive for travel, or in the images deployed regarding eating and drinking during their stay, as they relate to perceptions of the place visited. As well as studying tourist food perceptions, we shall also examine tourist behaviour as regards food purchase and consumption, together with behaviour relating to food souvenirs. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Metabolite profiling and quantification of phytochemicals in potato extracts using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry
Authors: Chong Esther Swee Lan , McGhie Tony K , Heyes Julian A , Stowell Kathryn M
Published: June 2013

BACKGROUND

Potatoes contain a diverse range of phytochemicals which have been suggested to have health benefits. Metabolite profiling and quantification were conducted on plant extracts made from a white potato cultivar and ‘Urenika’, a purple potato cultivar traditionally consumed by New Zealand Maori. There is limited published information regarding the metabolite profile of Solanum tuberosum cultivar ‘Urenika’.

RESULTS

Using ultra‐high‐ performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐MS), a total of 31 compounds were identified and quantified in the potato extracts. The majority of the compounds were identified for the first time in ‘Urenika’. These compounds include several types of anthocyanins, hydroxycinnamic acid (HCA) derivatives, and hydroxycinnamic amides (HCAA). Six classes of compounds, namely organic acids, amino acids, HCA, HCAA, flavonols and glycoalkaloids, were present in both extracts but quantities varied between the two extracts.

CONCLUSIONS

The unknown plant metabolites in both potato extracts were assigned with molecular formulae and identified with high confidence. Quantification of the metabolites was achieved using a number of appropriate standards. High‐resolution mass spectrometry data critical for accurate identification of unknown phytochemicals were achieved and could be added to potato or plant metabolomic database. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
An approach to the phytochemical profiling of rocket [Eruca sativa (Mill.) Thell]
Authors: Villatoro‐Pulido Myriam , Priego‐Capote Feliciano , Álvarez‐Sánchez Beatriz , Saha Shikha , Philo Mark , Obregón‐Cano Sara , De Haro‐Bailón Antonio , Font Rafael , Del Río‐Celestino Mercedes
Published: June 2013

BACKGROUND

Eruca sativa (rocket) contains a wide range of compounds with nutraceutical and organoleptical properties. This research aimed to characterise the nutraceutical interest of four rocket accessions by analysis of glucosinolates, isothiocyanates, phenolics, carotenoids and carbohydrates. Different methods based on chromatographic separation with ultraviolet absorbance or mass spectrometry detection were used.

RESULTS

The total content of glucosinolates ranged from 14.02 to 28.24 µmol g−1 of dry weight. Glucoraphanin represented up to 52% of the total glucosinolates in leaves of one accession. Accessions showed differences in the hydrolysis of glucoraphanin to the isothiocyanate sulforaphane. No correlation between these compounds was observed, which insisted differences in the myrosinase activity within accessions. Rocket leaves had variable phenolic profiles represented by quercetin‐3‐glucoside, rutin, myricetin, quercetin and ferulic and p‐coumaric acids. A high variability was observed for the total carotenoids ranged from 16.2 to 275 µg g−1 with lutein as the main carotenoid. Glucose was the predominant sugar, representing >70% of the total soluble carbohydrates.

CONCLUSIONS

Some accessions could be candidates for future breeding programmes because of their pattern of beneficial compounds for human health. However, further research is essential to evaluate the biological activity of these accessions before designing functional food. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Prospective, randomized study of ropivacaine wound infusion versus intrathecal morphine with intravenous fentanyl for analgesia in living donors for liver transplantation
Authors: Lee Sang Hyun , Gwak Mi Sook , Choi Soo Joo , Park Hui Gyeong , Kim Gaab Soo , Kim Myung Hee , Ahn Hyun Joo , Kim Jieae , Kwon Choon Hyuck , Kim Tae Seok
Published: June 2013

Postoperative analgesia and care for living liver donors have become particular interests for clinicians as the use of living donor liver transplantation has increased. Local anesthetic–based analgesia has been known to provide effective pain control. In this prospective, randomized study, we compared the postoperative analgesic efficacy of local anesthetic–based analgesia (PainBuster) with the efficacy of opioid-based analgesia [intrathecal morphine (ITM) with intravenous (IV) fentanyl] in liver donors. Forty adult donors were randomly allocated to 1 of 2 groups: an ITM/IV fentanyl group (n = 21) and a PainBuster group (n = 19). Donors in the PainBuster group received 0.5% ropivacaine via a multi-orifice catheter (ON-Q PainBuster) placed at the wound. Donors in the ITM/IV fentanyl group received ITM sulfate (400 μg) preoperatively and a continuous IV fentanyl infusion postoperatively. A visual analogue scale (VAS) at rest and with coughing and rescue IV fentanyl and meperidine consumption were assessed for 72 hours after the operation. Side effects, including sedation, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, pruritus, respiratory depression, wound seroma or hematoma, and the first time to flatus, were recorded. The VAS score at rest during the first 12 postoperative hours was significantly lower for the ITM/IV fentanyl group. At other times, the VAS scores were comparable between the groups. In the PainBuster group, rescue IV fentanyl and meperidine use was significantly reduced 24 to 48 hours and 48 to 72 hours after surgery in comparison with the first 24 postoperative hours. The time to first flatus was significantly reduced in the PainBuster group. There were no differences in side effects. In conclusion, analgesia was more satisfactory with ITM/IV fentanyl versus PainBuster during the first 12 hours after surgery, but they became comparable thereafter, with a shortened bowel recovery time in the PainBuster group. The concurrent use of ITM with PainBuster may be considered in a future investigation. Liver Transpl 19:1036–1045, 2013. © 2013 AASLD.
Prosper‐Haniel and Auguste‐Victoria collieries: Three bunkers at a single stroke
Authors: Reese Reiner , Krawiec Witold , Spekowius Reiner
Published: June 2013

The 'three‐bunker project' described in this paper comprised the excavation and fitting‐out of three gravity‐fed coal bunkers at Prosper‐Haniel and Auguste‐Victoria collieries. The three installations were to be constructed one immediately after the other in order to save time and money. One major advantage of this approach was that the engineering could be carried out as part of a concentrated effort. The engineering services undertaken at one project site could then be adopted – either completely or with some slight modification – at the next bunker.

Another huge benefit was in the provision of logistics: after working on one bunker the mechanised equipment could immediately be deployed to the next site.

RAG Deutsche Steinkohle AG (now RAG Aktiengesellschaft) put the three‐bunker project out to tender in the summer of 2009 (see Table 1). The mining division of Thyssen Schachtbau GmbH (TS) submitted a bid for the contract and was given the go‐ahead in the winter of 2009/2010. The projects were to be completed between late 2009 and the end of 2012.
Plough longwall operations under challenging geological conditions
Authors: Voss Heinz‐Werner , Witthaus Holger , Junker Martin
Published: June 2013

In German coal mining, comprehensive experience is available in the grading of geological faults. The available experience has produced a level of expertise which enables the maintenance of high production figures even under difficult conditions. This is demonstrated by the many successful projects of RAG. The paper describes in the following several successful case examples and illustrates that the collected know‐how can be used globally, even for future challenges, by German RAG Mining Solutions GmbH to successfully operate modern high‐performance plough companies under difficult conditions.
Stowing on longwall faces on the basis of experience acquired in the German coal mining industry
Authors: Witthaus Holger , Gutberlet Karsten , Junker Martin
Published: June 2013

Introduction of stowing in the German coal mining industry has a long tradition. Pneumatic stowing applications are known from the literature since at least 1924 and it is highly probable that simple stowing had been practised far earlier. Highly specific regulations apply to different deposits and extraction methods on the basis of vast experience in the international mining industry and the corresponding boundary conditions. The following contribution will concentrate solely on what advantage is achieved for longwall working in coal and will not cover other extraction methods and deposit prerequisites. The contribution initially describes the aims of introduction of stowing starting from the situation of longwall working with self‐stowing, so‐called caving, and its basic technical and economic features. Tested methods in the German coal mining industry are then described and the experience summarised. The methods, their mechanical effect and the planning possibilities are taken into account and the cost‐effectiveness of previous applications summarised. It is clear that because of the special conditions in the German coal mining industry the use of stowing technology has no longer come into consideration since the mid‐1990s, for technical, infrastructural and in particular, economic reasons. However, the conclusion cannot be applied to international mining and other deposit conditions. For this reason the contribution concludes with consideration of the potential for further optimisation of future applications – as currently being introduced at the highest technical level in China – with the developments in the German coal mining industry.
Delimitation of the use of ploughs and cutter drums in medium to small seam thicknesses with the aid of face simulations
Authors: Plum Dietmar , Kapelczak Lorenz , Hirsch Knut Ansgar
Published: June 2013

The article “Software development as the driving force for automation in the raw materials and mining sector” deals with the basic development of technical engineering software in the raw materials and mining sector at the DMT company. Longwall mining simulation has been created as a special field in the DMT software. This software is designed for calculation and optimisation of different face extraction technologies.

Current studies predict a sharply increasing global demand for energy in future years. The highest demand for raw materials for energy generation is forecast in particular for future markets such as China, India and Russia.

Despite the worldwide efforts to observe climate aims coal as a conventional energy raw material will continue to play a major role. Consequently there is already evidence of an intensified trend towards development of new coal deposits. If can be stated that there is a big future in deep mines and the seams with medium and small thicknesses will attract increasing attention.

DMT has based its portfolio on these developments and offers complete planning for the working of coal deposits in deep mines. This planning starts with the modelling of the underground deposit on the basis of core samples and drilling planning data from exploratory drilling and seismic surveys. The specific geological properties of the actual deposit can be seen with the aid of these deposit models (Fig. 1).
Operating experience with high‐tempered steel roadway supports at West colliery
Authors: Stenmans Karl‐Heinz , Hellwig Rainer
Published: June 2013

West colliery has seen a continuous increase in working depths over the last ten years. With ever deeper mine workings and the accompanying rise in rock pressure levels, combined with the higher excavation ratio, strata control measures at the coal face and in the underground roadways have now assumed critical importance. Sophisticated support profiles have been used in combination with innovative rockbolting technology in order to ensure that performance levels are maintained.

These geomechanical stresses are expected to be particularly pronounced in working district 1 WN in Girondelle seam number 5 at West colliery. Extraction panels 630 and 632 in district 1 WN are at a depth of about 1, 300 m and both panels, which are being worked simultaneously, are separated by a 220 m‐wide pillar. The gate roads in this district therefore provide the ideal proving ground for specially heat‐treated roadway supports.
Effectiveness–equity models for facility location problems on tree networks
Authors: Lejeune Miguel A. , Prasad Srinivas Y.
Published: June 2013

We propose models to investigate effectiveness–equity tradeoffs in tree network facility location problems. We use the commonly used median objective as a measure of effectiveness, and the Gini index as a measure of (in)equity, and formulate bicriteria problems involving these objectives. We develop procedures to identify an efficient set of solutions to these problems, analyze the complexity of the proposed procedures, and finally illustrate the procedures with an example.Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 62(4), 243–254 2013
Exploring why consumers engage in boycotts: toward a unified model
Authors: Albrecht Carmen‐Maria , Campbell Colin , Heinrich Daniel , Lammel Manuela
Published: June 2013

It has become commonplace for consumers to judge companies against social responsibility criteria. Along with such judgments, many consumers are also taking up action, often using the Internet to virally spread their views. Such consumer‐led campaigns can put at risk years of investments in branding. For firms understanding what drives consumers to engage in boycotts is key to minimizing exposure to such viral risk. To date, the academic literature has offered disparate and disconnected findings with respect to boycott participation. In this research paper, we review relevant literature, confirm its appropriateness using a series of in‐depth interviews, and use our findings to identify key antecedents to consumer participation in boycotts. We then test our proposed model through an empirical study, thus revealing key drivers of consumers' intention to participate in such boycotts. Our results offer insight into factors that companies can manage so as to prevent consumers from participating in boycotts. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of sea ice variability on the oxygen isotope content of seawater under glacial and interglacial conditions
Authors: Brennan C. E. , Meissner K. J. , Eby M. , Hillaire‐Marcel C. , Weaver A. J.
Published: June 2013

Records of temporal variability in the oxygen isotopic composition of biogenic carbonates (δ18Oc) from ocean sediment cores inform our understanding of past continental ice volume and ocean temperatures. Interpretation of δ18Ocvariability typically neglects changes due to factors other than ice volume and temperature. Here we investigate whether glacial‐interglacial changes in sea ice, which fractionates seawater during its formation, could shift the isotopic value of seawater—in the deep ocean (affecting benthic foraminiferal δ18Oc and thereby potentially impacting oxygen isotope based sea level reconstructions) or in surface waters (affecting planktic foraminiferal δ18Oc). We simulate glacial and interglacial states with the isotope‐enabled University of Victoria Earth System Climate Model and perform a global analysis. Distinct patterns of sea ice production emerge for the glacial versus interglacial states. We find no substantive shift in δ18Ow in model deep or bottom waters due to the simulated interglacial‐glacial sea ice variability. Small isotopic shifts due to sea ice variability are concentrated in the model's surface waters of the Northern Hemisphere, specifically in the Labrador Sea and northeastern North Atlantic.
Disruption of Phthorimaea operculella (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) oviposition by the application of host plant volatiles
Authors: Anfora Gianfranco , Vitagliano Silvia , Larsson Mattias C , Witzgall Peter , Tasin Marco , Germinara Giacinto S , De Cristofaro Antonio
Published: June 2013

BACKGROUND

Phthorimaea operculella is a key pest of potato. The authors characterised the P. operculella olfactory system, selected the most bioactive host plant volatiles and evaluated their potential application in pest management. The electrophysiological responses of olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) housed in long sensilla trichodea of P. operculella to plant volatiles and the two main sex pheromone components were evaluated by the single‐cell recording (SCR) technique. The four most SCR‐active volatiles were tested in a laboratory oviposition bioassay and under storage warehouse conditions.

RESULTS

The sensitivity of sensilla trichodea to short‐chained aldehydes and alcohols and the existence of ORNs tuned to pheromones in females were characterised. Male recordings revealed at least two types of ORN, each of which typically responded to one of the two pheromone components. Hexanal, octanal, nonanal and 1‐octen‐3‐ol significantly disrupted the egg‐laying behaviour in a dose‐dependent manner. Octanal reduced the P. operculella infestation rate when used under storage conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

This work provides new information on the perception of plant volatiles and sex pheromones by P. operculella. Laboratory and warehouse experiments show that the use of hexanal, octanal, nonanal and 1‐octen‐3‐ol as host recognition disruptants and/or oviposition deterrents for P. operculella control appears to be a promising strategy. © 2013 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Ameliorative Effects of Pine Bark Extract on Spermatotoxicity by α‐Chlorohydrin in Rats
Authors: Kim Sung‐Hwan , Lee In‐Chul , Baek Hyung‐Seon , Moon Changjong , Bae Chun‐Sik , Kim Sung‐Ho , Park Seung‐Chun , Kim Hyoung‐Chin , Kim Jong‐Choon
Published: June 2013

We investigated the protective effects of pine bark extract (Pycnogenol®, PYC, Horphag Research Ltd., Route de Belis, France) against α‐chlorohydrin (ACH)‐induced spermatotoxicity in rats. Rats were orally administered ACH (30 mg/kg/day) with or without PYC (20 mg/kg/day) for 7 days. Administration of ACH significantly decreased sperm motility. α‐Chlorohydrin also caused histopathological alterations and apoptotic changes in caput epididymides. An increased malondialdehyde concentration and decreased glutathione content, as well as catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities were also found. In contrast, PYC treatment significantly prevented ACH‐induced spermatotoxicity, including decreased sperm motility, histopathological lesions, and apoptotic changes in the caput epididymis. Pycnogenol® also had an antioxidant benefit by decreasing malondialdehyde and increasing levels of the antioxidant glutathione and the activities of the antioxidant enzymes catalase and peroxidase in epididymal tissues. These results indicate that PYC treatment attenuated ACH‐induced spermatotoxicity through antioxidant and antiapoptotic effects. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An Optimal Control Procedure based on Multivariate Synthetic Cumulative Sum
Authors: Lee Ming Ha , Khoo Michael B. C. , Xie Min
Published: June 2013

A multivariate synthetic cumulative sum (MSCUSUM) control chart is presented in this study. The MSCUSUM control chart consists of a multivariate cumulative sum (MCUSUM) control chart and a conforming run length (CRL) control chart, and it combines the strengths of both cumulative sum and CRL procedures. Some properties of this new scheme are investigated, and implementation procedure is shown with real data example. Simulation studies are also carried out to show that the MSCUSUM control chart is more efficient than the MCUSUM, synthetic T2 and Hotelling's T2 control charts, for detecting shifts in the process mean vector. The MSCUSUM chart also performs slightly better than the multivariate synthetic exponentially weighted moving average chart in detecting moderate and large shifts. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
STREAM RESTORATION AND CRIBWALL PERFORMANCE: A CASE STUDY OF CRIBWALL MONITORING IN SOUTHERN ONTARIO
Authors: Krymer V. , Robert A.
Published: June 2013

Stream restoration focusing on adaptable natural and inert material use has been implemented through soil bioengineering designs aimed at the stabilization of urbanized streams. Within each design application materials such as large wood, sediment fill and vegetation must be suited to diverse settings. This paper discusses the application of cribwalls as soil bioengineering designs found in two Southern Ontario watersheds and the criteria that influence their performance. Field measurements of cribwall cuttings, sediment sampling, erosion pin monitoring, and computer‐generated stream power analysis are used to compare design performance at several sites. It is determined that the technical specifications of the design and site characteristics such as stream power distribution, sediment, and channel planform are equally involved in long‐term streambank stability. The results indicate that cribwalls with dense cutting growth perform well on streambanks that offer a greater amount of soil cohesion, nutrients, and infiltration in the mid and upper sections of the bank. In streams with moderate channel slopes and stream power distribution that is above the watershed mean, streams with well‐developed floodplains, sinuous channel planforms, and low bank height ratios perform better than those that are confined, straightened, and have greater bank height ratios. Throughout the comparison of several cribwall sites, the implication of this work is to demonstrate how to assess the fitness of similar soil bioengineering designs for application to diverse stream settings and to further validate their significance in stream restoration as designs that are multifunctional. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Survey on network‐based botnet detection methods
Authors: García Sebastián , Zunino Alejandro , Campo Marcelo
Published: June 2013

Botnets are an important security problem on the Internet. They continuously evolve their structure, protocols and attacks. This survey analyzes and compares the most important efforts carried out in a network‐based detection area. It accomplishes four tasks: first, the comparison of previous surveys and the proposal of four new dimensions to analyze their classification schemes; second, a new classification and comparison of network‐based botnet detection proposals, which includes the definition of 20 desired properties of every botnet detection paper; third, an extensive comparison between the most representative detection proposals; and fourth, the description of the most important problems and highlights in the area. We conclude that the area has achieved great advances so far, but there are still many open problems. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Role‐based and time‐bound access and management of EHR data
Authors: Zhang Rui , Liu Ling , Xue Rui
Published: June 2013

Security and privacy are widely recognized as important requirements for access and management of electronic health record (EHR) data. In this paper, we argue that EHR data need to be managed with customizable access control in both spatial and temporal dimensions. We present a role‐based and time‐bound access control (RBTBAC) model that provides more flexibility in both roles (spatial capability) and time (temporal capability) dimensions to control the access of sensitive data. Through algorithmic combination of role‐based access control and time‐bound key management, our RBTBAC model has two salient features. First, we have developed a privacy‐aware and dynamic key structure for role‐based privacy aware access and management of EHR data, focusing on the consistency of access authorization (including data and time interval) with the activated role of user. In addition to role‐based access, a path‐invisible EHR structure is built for preserving privacy of patients. Second, we have employed a time tree method for generating time granule values, offering fine granularity of time‐bound access authorization and control. Our initial experimental results show that tree‐like time structure can improve the performance of the key management scheme significantly, and RBTBAC model is more suitable than existing solutions for EHR data management because it offers high‐efficiency and better security and privacy. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optically Induced Cell Fusion Using Bispecific Nanoparticles
Authors: Yeheskely‐Hayon Daniella , Minai Limor , Golan Lior , Dann Eldad J. , Yelin Dvir
Published: June 2013

Redirecting the immune system to eliminate tumor cells is a promising alternative to traditional cancer therapies, most often requiring direct interaction between an immune system effector cell and its target. Herein, a novel approach for selective attachment of malignant cells to antigen‐presenting cells by using bispecific nanoparticles is presented. The engaged cell pairs are then irradiated by a sequence of resonant femtosecond pulses, which results in widespread cell fusion and the consequent formation of hybrid cells. The dual role of gold nanoparticles as conjugating agents and fusion promoters offers a simple yet effective means for specific fusion between different cells. This technology could be useful for a variety of in vitro and in vivo applications that call for selective fusion between cells within a large heterogenic cell population.
Workshop Report: A New Synoptic Solar Observing Network
Authors: Hill Frank , Thompson Michael J. , Roth Markus
Published: June 2013

Key Points

Ground‐based networks are valuable space weather assets

Multi‐wavelength observations provide solar height information

Multi‐instrument platform provides flexibility
Effect of increased wind penetration on system prices in Korea's electricity markets
Authors: Shcherbakova Anastasia , Kleit Andrew , Blumsack Seth , Cho Joohyun , Lee Woonam
Published: June 2013

In this paper, we examine the effect of increased wind penetration on system marginal prices (SMPs) in South Korea's electricity market. Korea's renewable portfolio standard (RPS) went into effect in 2012, with a goal of increasing the share of renewable generation to 10% of the total load by 2022. We examine the output of wind installations across the Korean peninsula and simulate an increase in wind penetration consistent with Korea's RPS targets. Under a variety of assumptions on demand elasticity, we find that higher shares of wind generation in total supply reduce both the average SMP and its variation. In particular, we find that wind energy output on the Korean peninsula is more correlated with peak electricity demand than has been reported for other regions. The per‐unit value of wind energy to owners of wind assets is thus higher for South Korea than would be the case for European or North American locations with a similar mix of fuels other than wind. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Willingness to pay and benefit–cost analysis of modern contraceptives in Nigeria
Authors: Onwujekwe Obinna , Ogbonna Chinwe , Ibe Ogochukwu , Uzochukwu Benjamin
Published: June 2013

Objective

To determine the willingness to pay (WTP) and the benefit–cost of modern contraceptives delivered through the public sector in Nigeria.

Methods

Data were collected from 4517 randomly selected households. The WTP for the 6 major contraceptive methods available in the public sector was elicited. Logistic regression was used to determine whether the decision to state a positive WTP amount was valid; Tobit regression was used to test the validity of the elicited WTP amounts. For each contraceptive, 3 BCR values were computed, based on the official unit price, the unit cost per couple‐year of protection (CYP), and the average actual expenditure for contraceptives in the month preceding the interview.

Results

The mean WTP for the different contraceptives varied by socioeconomic status and geographic (urban versus rural) location (P< 0.01). The BCR analysis showed that the benefits of providing contraceptives through the public sector far outweighed the costs, except for female condoms, where the CYP‐based BCR was 0.9.

Conclusion

The benefits of providing contraceptives outweigh the costs, making public sector investment worthwhile. The median WTP amounts, which reflect the ideal upper thresholds for pricing, indicate that cost recovery is feasible for all contraceptives.
A multi‐country study of the “intrapartum stillbirth and early neonatal death indicator” in hospitals in low‐resource settings
Authors: Goldenberg Robert L. , McClure Elizabeth M. , Kodkany Bhala , Wembodinga Gilbert , Pasha Omrana , Esamai Fabian , Tshefu Antoinette , Patel Archana , Mabaye Hillary , Goudar Shivaparasad , Saleem Sarah , Waikar Manjushri , Langer Ana , Bose Carl L. , Rubens Craig E. , Wright Linda L. , Moore Janet , Blanc Ann
Published: June 2013

Objective

To determine the feasibility of introducing a simple indicator of quality of obstetric and neonatal care and to determine the proportion of potentially avoidable perinatal deaths in hospitals in low‐income countries.

Methods

Between September 1, 2011, and February 29, 2012, data were collected from consecutive women who were admitted to the labor ward of 1 of 6 hospitals in 4 low‐income countries. Fetal heart tones on admission were monitored, and demographic and birth data were recorded.

Results

Data were obtained for 3555 women and 3593 neonates (including twins). The doptone was used on 97% of women admitted. The overall perinatal mortality rate was 34 deaths per 1000 deliveries. Of the perinatal deaths, 40%–45% occurred in the hospital and were potentially preventable by better hospital care.

Conclusion

The results demonstrated that it is possible to accurately determine fetal viability on admission via a doptone. Implementation of doptone use, coupled with a concise data record, might form the basis of a low‐cost and sustainable program to monitor and evaluate efforts to improve quality of care and ultimately might help to reduce the in‐hospital component of perinatal mortality in low‐income countries.
Response variability to glucose facilitation of cognitive enhancement
Authors: Owen Lauren , Scholey Andrew , Finnegan Yvonne , Sünram-Lea Sandra I.
Published: June 2013

Glucose facilitation of cognitive function has been widely reported in previous studies (including our own). However, several studies have also failed to detect glucose facilitation. There is sparsity of research examining the factors that modify the effect of glucose on cognition. The aims of the present study were to (1) demonstrate the previously observed enhancement of cognition through glucose administration and (2) investigate some of the factors that may exert moderating roles on the behavioural response to glucose, including glucose regulation, body composition (BC) and hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis response. A total of twenty-four participants took part in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised, repeated-measures study, which examined the effect of 25 and 60 g glucose compared with placebo on cognitive function. At 1 week before the study commencement, all participants underwent an oral glucose tolerance test. Glucose facilitated performance on tasks of numeric and spatial working memory, verbal declarative memory and speed of recognition. Moderating variables were examined using several indices of glucoregulation and BC. Poorer glucoregulation predicted improved immediate word recall accuracy following the administration of 25 g glucose compared with placebo. Those with better glucoregulation showed performance decrements on word recall accuracy following the administration of 25 g glucose compared with placebo. These findings are in line with accumulating evidence that glucose load may preferentially enhance cognition in those with poorer glucoregulation. Furthermore, the finding that individuals with better glucoregulation may suffer impaired performance following a glucose load is novel and requires further substantiation.
Clinicopathological determinants of positron emission tomography computed tomography fluorodeoxyglucose standardised uptake value in head and neck carcinoma
Authors: Ozer E , Naiboglu B , Karapinar U , Agrawal A , Ozer H G , Schuller D E
Published: June 2013

Background:

Although positron emission tomography computed tomography has proven diagnostic and staging value in head and neck carcinoma, it does not have optimal sensitivity or specificity. The positron emission tomography computed tomography fluorodeoxyglucose standardised uptake value has been shown to be associated with carcinoma stage. This study evaluated the impact of major clinicopathological factors on the standardised uptake value at the primary site and at neck lymph node metastases.

Subjects and methods:

Two hundred and forty-three oral cavity and laryngopharyngeal carcinoma patients who underwent positron emission tomography computed tomography were included. Correlation between the positron emission tomography computed tomography standardised uptake value and various clinicopathological factors was analysed.

Results:

A positive correlation was found between the standardised uptake value and the size and depth of tumour infiltration, and lymph node positivity. Higher standardised uptake values were seen for more advanced tumour stages. The presence of perineural invasion, lymphatic invasion and extracapsular spread were all associated with increased standardised uptake values.

Conclusion:

Most of the clinicopathological features of head and neck carcinoma which are well known to be poor prognostic factors have a significant impact on positron emission tomography computed tomography fluorodeoxyglucose standardised uptake value.
Temporal and spatial variation in prevalence of the parasiteSyngamus tracheain a metapopulation of house sparrows (Passer domesticus)
Authors: HOLAND HÅKON , JENSEN HENRIK , TUFTO JARLE , SÆTHER BERNT-ERIK , RINGSBY THOR HARALD
Published: June 2013

When investigating parasite–host dynamics in wild populations, a fundamental parameter to investigate is prevalence. This quantifies the percentage of individuals infected in the population. Investigating how prevalence changes over time and space can reveal interesting aspects in the parasite–host relationship in natural populations. We investigated the dynamic between a common avian parasite (Syngamus trachea) in a host metapopulation of house sparrows (Passer domesticus) on the coast of Helgeland in northern Norway. We found that parasite prevalence varied in both time and space. In addition, the parasite prevalence was found to be different between demographic groups in the local populations. Our results reveal just how complex the dynamic between a host and its parasite may become in a fragmented landscape. Although temperature may be an important factor, the specific mechanisms causing this complexity are not fully understood, but need to be further examined to understand how parasite–host interactions may affect the ecological and evolutionary dynamics and viability of host populations.
Animal models of efficacy to accelerate drug discovery in malaria
Authors: JIMÉNEZ-DÍAZ MARÍA BELÉN , VIERA SARA , FERNÁNDEZ-ALVARO ELENA , ANGULO-BARTUREN IÑIGO
Published: June 2013

The emergence of resistance to artemisinins and the renewed efforts to eradicate malaria demand the urgent development of new drugs. In this endeavour, the evaluation of efficacy in animal models is often a go/no go decision assay in drug discovery. This important role relies on the capability of animal models to assess the disposition, toxicology and efficacy of drugs in a single test. Although the relative merits of each efficacy model of malaria as human surrogate have been extensively discussed, there are no critical analyses on the use of such models in current drug discovery. In this article, we intend to analyse how efficacy models are used to discover new antimalarial drugs. Our analysis indicates that testing drug efficacy is often the last assay in each discovery stage and the experimental designs utilized are not optimized to expedite decision-making and inform clinical development. In light of this analysis, we propose new ways to accelerate drug discovery using efficacy models.
Analysis and Verification of Rotation Modulation Effects on Inertial Navigation System based on MEMS Sensors
Authors: Wang Xueyun , Wu Jie , Xu Tao , Wang Wei
Published: June 2013

Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) were large, heavy and expensive until the development of cost-effective inertial sensors constructed with Micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS). However, the large errors and poor error repeatability of MEMS sensors make them inadequate for application in many situations even with frequent calibration. To solve this problem, a systematic error auto-compensation method, Rotation Modulation (RM) is introduced and detailed. RM does no damage to autonomy, which is one of the most important characteristics of an INS. In this paper, the RM effects on navigation performance are analysed and different forms of rotation schemes are discussed. A MEMS-based INS with the RM technique applied is developed and specific calibrations related to rotation are investigated. Experiments on the developed system are conducted and results verify that RM can significantly improve navigation performance of MEMS-based INS. The attitude accuracy is improved by a factor of 5, and velocity/position accuracy by a factor of 10.