bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How AI and Robotics can Support Marine Mining
Authors: Kampmann Peter , Christensen Leif , Fritsche Martin , Gaudig Christopher , Hanff Hendrik , Hildebrandt Marc , Kirchner Frank
Published: April 2018

Marine Mining initiatives open up a completely new field of subsea operations. Offshore oil and gas sites are still primarily located in areas, where divers can support maintenance and repair, while future marine mining will take place in greater depths and with a complexity of machines that require support from robotic systems equipped with a substantial amount of artificial intelligence.

At the Robotics Innovation Center, a department of the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI), technologies are being developed that have the potential to support marine mining in all stages from prospection to decommissioning. Various robotic technologies from systems, subsea-residence operation, inspection manipulation as well as autonomy are presented in the following chapters. Finally, a proposition for a robotic mining system is presented, that strives for minimal invasiveness of the marine environment.
Optimal Kullback–Leibler aggregation in mixture density estimation by maximum likelihood
Authors: Dalalyan Arnak S. , Sebbar Mehdi
Published: April 2018

We study the maximum likelihood estimator of density of

n

independent observations, under the assumption that it is well approximated by a mixture with a large number of components. The main focus is on statistical properties with respect to the Kullback–Leibler loss. We establish risk bounds taking the form of sharp oracle inequalities both in deviation and in expectation. A simple consequence of these bounds is that the maximum likelihood estimator attains the optimal rate

((\mathrm {log} K)/n)^{1/2}

, up to a possible logarithmic correction, in the problem of convex aggregation when the number

K

of components is larger than

n^{1/2}

. More importantly, under the additional assumption that the Gram matrix of the components satisfies the compatibility condition, the obtained oracle inequalities yield the optimal rate in the sparsity scenario. That is, if the weight vector is (nearly)

D

-sparse, we get the rate

(D\mathrm {log} K)/n

. As a natural complement to our oracle inequalities, we introduce the notion of nearly-

D

-sparse aggregation and establish matching lower bounds for this type of aggregation.
Sample complexity of the distinct elements problem
Authors: Wu Yihong , Yang Pengkun
Published: April 2018

We consider the distinct elements problem, where the goal is to estimate the number of distinct colors in an urn containing

k

balls based on

n

samples drawn with replacements. Based on discrete polynomial approximation and interpolation, we propose an estimator with additive error guarantee that achieves the optimal sample complexity within

O(\mathrm {log\:log}\: k)

factors, and in fact within constant factors for most cases. The estimator can be computed in

O(n)

time for an accurate estimation. The result also applies to sampling without replacement provided the sample size is a vanishing fraction of the urn size.

One of the key auxiliary results is a sharp bound on the minimum singular values of a real rectangular Vandermonde matrix, which might be of independent interest.
La eficacia en la comunicación de las ONGD. El uso de Facebook en campañas de emergencia
Authors: Arroyo-Almaraz Isidoro , Calle Mendoza Samuel , Van Wyk Cliff
Published: April 2018

Las redes sociales son la base de la eficacia de la comunicación de las ONGD. El objeto de estudio es determinar el papel de dichas redes y analizar las características de los mensajes en Facebook, la red social más utilizada en campañas de emergencia. Metodología.  Se ha realizado una encuesta a los community managers de las ONGD, se ha estudiado el comportamiento de sus públicos a través de la tasa de interacción y realizado un análisis de contenido de los mensajes de la campaña del huracán Matthew en Haití. Resultados. Los datos muestran que en las campañas de emergencia los públicos tienen más interacciones si están bien articulados los mensajes. Conclusiones y Discusión. Las eficacias de las campañas de emergencia dependen más de la interacción de los públicos que del número de posts publicados. Cuando el público es más activo se genera la conversación horizontal que buscan las ONGD.
The Prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus Antibody in HIV-Negative Persons in Kenya, 2007
Authors: Ly Kathleen N. , Kim Andrea A. , Drobeniuc Jan , Kodani Maja , Montgomery Joel M. , Fields Barry S. , Teshale Eyasu H.
Published: April 2018

The prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in the Kenyan population has not been previously determined. We estimated the Kenyan HCV prevalence in HIV-negative persons aged 15–64 years. This is a retrospective cross-sectional study using data from the 2007 Kenya AIDS Indicator Survey—a nationally representative sample of 15,853 persons aged 15–64 years who completed a health interview and provided a blood specimen. Of the 1,091 randomly selected participants, 50 tested positive for HCV antibody using the automated chemiluminescence immunoassay, corresponding to a weighted HCV antibody positivity rate of 4.4% (95% confidence interval: 3.3–5.9%) or 848,000 (range: 634,000–1,100,000) persons. Hepatitis C virus RNA, a marker for current infection, was not detected in any of the tested antibody-positive specimens. The high HCV antibody prevalence together with no current infection suggests that some HCV antibody serologic testing in Kenya may result in false positives whereas others may be because of spontaneous viral clearance.
Chemical Characterisation of Water-soluble Ions in Atmospheric Particulate Matter on the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Farren Naomi J. , Dunmore Rachel E. , Mead Mohammed Iqbal , Nadzir Mohd Shahrul Mohd , Samah Azizan Abu , Phang Siew-Moi , Sturges William T. , Hamilton Jacqueline F.
Published: April 2018

Abstract. Air quality on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia is influenced by local anthropogenic and biogenic emissions, as well as marine air masses from the South China Sea and aged emissions transported from highly polluted East Asian regions during the winter monsoon season. An atmospheric observation tower has been constructed on this coastline at the Bachok Marine and Atmospheric Research Station. Daily PM2.5 samples were collected from the top of the observation tower over a 3-week period, and ion chromatography was used to make time-resolved measurements of major atmospheric ions present in aerosol. SO42− was found to be the most dominant ion present, and on average made up 66 % of the total ion content. Predictions of aerosol pH were made using the ISOROPPIA-II thermodynamic model and it was estimated that the aerosol was highly acidic, with pH values ranging from −0.97 to 1.12. A clear difference in aerosol composition was found between continental air masses originating from industrialised regions of East Asia and marine air masses predominantly influenced by the South China Sea. For example, elevated SO42− concentrations and increased Cl− depletion was observed when continental air masses that had passed over highly industrialised regions of East Asia arrived at the measurement site. Correlation analyses of the ionic species and assessment of ratios between different ions provided an insight into common sources and formation pathways of key atmospheric ions, such as SO42−, NH4+ and C2O42−. To our knowledge, time-resolved measurements of water-soluble ions in PM2.5 are virtually non-existent in rural locations on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia; overall this dataset contributes towards a better understanding of atmospheric composition in the Maritime Continent, a region of the tropics that is vulnerable to the effects of poor air quality, largely as a result of rapid industrialisation in East Asia.
An 800 year high-resolution black carbon ice-core record from Lomonosovfonna, Svalbard
Authors: Osmont Dimitri , Wendl Isabel A. , Schmidely Loïc , Sigl Michael , Vega Carmen P. , Isaksson Elisabeth , Schwikowski Margit
Published: April 2018

Abstract. Produced by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuel and biomass, black carbon (BC) contributes to Arctic warming by reducing snow albedo and thus triggering a snow-albedo feedback leading to increased snow melting. Therefore, it is of high importance to assess past BC emissions to better understand and constrain their role. However, only few long-term BC records are available from the Arctic, mainly originating from Greenland ice cores. Here, we present the first long-term and high-resolution refractory black carbon (rBC) record from Svalbard, derived from the analysis of two ice cores drilled at the Lomonosovfonna ice field in 2009 (LF-09) and 2011 (LF-11) and covering 800 years of atmospheric emissions. Our results show that rBC concentrations strongly increased from 1860 on due to anthropogenic emissions and reached two maxima, at the end of the 19th century and in the middle of the 20th century. No increase in rBC concentrations during the last decades was observed, which is corroborated by atmospheric measurements elsewhere in the Arctic but contradicts a previous study from another ice core from Svalbard. While melting may affect BC concentrations during periods of high temperatures, rBC concentrations remain well-preserved prior to the 20th century due to lower temperatures inducing little melt. Therefore, the preindustrial rBC record (before 1800), along with ammonium (NH4+), formate (HCOO−) and specific organic markers (vanillic acid (VA) and p-hydroxybenzoic acid (p-HBA)), was used as a proxy for biomass burning. Despite numerous single events, no long-term trend was observed over the time period 1222–1800 for rBC and NH4+. In contrast, formate, VA and p-HBA experience multi-decadal peaks reflecting periods of enhanced biomass burning. Most of the background variations and single peak events are corroborated by other ice-core records from Greenland and Siberia. We suggest that the paleofire record from the LF ice core primarily reflects biomass burning episodes from Northern Eurasia, induced by decadal-scale climatic variations.
Effects of the impact angle on the coefficient of restitution based on a
medium-scale laboratory test
Authors: Wang Yanhai , Jiang Wei , Cheng Shengguo , Song Pengcheng , Mao Cong
Published: April 2018

Abstract. The reliability of a computer program simulating rockfall trajectory depends on the ascertainment of reasonable values for the coefficients of restitution, which typically vary with the kinematic parameters and terrain conditions. The effects of the impact angle on the coefficients of restitution have been identified and studied using laboratory experiments. However, the laboratory tests performed to date have largely been limited to a small scale. This paper presents the results of a medium-scale laboratory test on the coefficients of restitution for spherical polyhedrons impacting concrete slabs. The specimens were made of natural limestone, and the motion trajectories were recorded by a 3D motion capture system. The normal coefficient of restitution Rn and the impact angle α are highly correlated. Comparisons between the results of existing tests and our experiments demonstrate that certain general rules regarding the effect of the impact angle hold regardless of the test scales and conditions. Increasing the impact angle will induce reductions in the values of Rn and the energy coefficient of restitution RE, whereas it will have a significant impact on the tangential coefficient of restitution Rt. A small impact angle will likely cause the rebound angle to exceed the impact angle, which typically causes a higher Rn and lower RE. This phenomenon leads to extreme scatter in the measured data under the conditions of a small impact angle and hinders the prediction of the rockfall trajectory.
On the reflectance spectroscopy of snow
Authors: Kokhanovsky Alexander , Lamare Maxim , Di Mauro Biagio , Picard Ghislain , Arnaud Laurent , Dumont Marie , Tuzet François , Brockmann Carsetn , Box Jason E.
Published: April 2018

Abstract. We propose a system of analytical equations to retrieve snow grain size and absorption coefficient of pollutants from snow reflectance or snow albedo measurements in the visible and near-infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. It is assumed that ice grains and impurities (e.g., dust, black and brown carbon) are externally mixed. The system of nonlinear equations is solved analytically in the assumption that impurities influence registered spectra in the visible and not at near-infrared (and vice versa for ice grains). The theory is validated using spectral reflectance measurements and albedo of clean and polluted snow at various locations (Antarctica Dome C, European Alps). The technique to derive the snow albedo (plane and spherical) from reflectance measurements at a fixed observation geometry is proposed. The technique also enables the simulation of hyperspectral snow reflectance measurements in the broad spectral range from ultraviolet to the near-infrared for a given snow surface in the case, if the actual measurements are performed at restricted number of wavelengths (2–4, depending on the type of snow and the measurements system).
Eugene O'Neill's Irish “Con” Man: Charles Lever
Authors: King William Davies
Published: April 2018

In his late plays Eugene O'Neill attends to forms of inheritance he received from growing up in a family of Irish origin. In 1946 he wrote that Irish heritage is the “thing that explains more than anything about me,” and the odd syntax is telling. A Touch of the Poet has been interpreted as O'Neill's take on his Irish émigré father James O'Neill, an actor in the romantic tradition whose overcoming of class limitations required the devices of dramatic fiction and theatrical aggrandizement, but it also reveals the influence of a novel the young O'Neill seems to have enjoyed along with his father. Confessions of Con Cregan, the Irish Gil Blas is an 1849 picaresque novel by Charles Lever, who centered his light-hearted novels on Irish characters. It contains features of characterization and plot that match elements in O'Neill's play, suggesting direct influence. The self-reflective project of O'Neill's late work reads differently in light of this intertextuality, which leads to the idea that he might have conceived his Irish identification not as a return home but ironically in terms of displacement into the transnational—an appropriate distancing given that he wrote these intimate plays far from home in the isolation of California. The pseudo-confessional aspect of Lever's novel suggests “other” ways of reading O'Neill's sly sincerity.
Uma revisão sobre vibrações em sistemas de piso em aço induzidas por carregamentos oriundos de atividades humanas
Authors: Ribeiro Priscilla Isabel dos Santos , Gomes André Vasconcelos Soares , Ferreira Walnório Graça , Calenzani Adenilcia Fernanda Grobério
Published: April 2018

As novas tendências arquitetônicas e as exigências de mercado levam a engenharia a conceber estruturas capazes de vencer grandes vãos com um número mínimo de pilares, permitindo assim uma maior flexibilidade arquitetônica. Essa filosofia de projeto tem conduzido a elementos estruturais cada vez mais esbeltos e com frequências naturais cada vez mais baixas, portanto, mais próximas das faixas de frequência das excitações dinâmicas associadas a atividades rítmicas humanas. Face ao exposto, a verificação do estado limite de serviço de vibrações excessivas e o atendimento aos critérios normativos de conforto humano se tornaram relevantes já na fase de concepção arquitetônica, antes mesmo da elaboração do projeto. Dentro desse contexto, este artigo faz um levantamento do desenvolvimento histórico das pesquisas referentes ao comportamento dinâmico de diferentes sistemas de pisos utilizados em estruturas de aço e dos principais critérios normativos relacionados ao tema em questão.
Democracia y justicia social en Latinoamérica: aproximación al abierto e incierto debate de fin de siglo
Authors: Sermeño Angel
Published: April 2018

No abstract available.Realidad: Revista de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades No. 67, 1999: 63-68
Cultural Cooperation Activities between Italian and Chinese Universities: A Case Study
Authors: Ha Sha
Published: April 2018

Italy, a country with a great cultural tradition and a founding member of the European Union (EU), since 2004 very actively contributes to the cultural cooperation activities of EU with non European countries. This paper is a detailed review of the status of those activities, which can be subdivided into joint ‘Master Mundus’ Actions and bilateral teaching and research cooperation agreements established between Italian and Chinese higher education institutions. The University of Padova (UP) has been adopted as a relevant a case study, with teaching and research cooperations spanning from the S&T to Medicine, Law and Humanities. The results obtained so far are promising.
Understanding how patient’s personal value systems challenge nurses’ views when providing care
Authors: Stanley Mary Jo
Published: April 2018

Background: Personal conflict as a result of differences in value systems may be a moral challenge faced by nurses when caring for individuals with different cultures and beliefs than their own and is an area of limited study. As nurses care for patients with diverse backgrounds, it is inevitable that there may be differences in values and that these moral conflicts could be distressing. This type of moral distress can cause nurse’s personal conflict as their values and beliefs may not match those of their patients.Methods: Moustakas (1994) phenomenological approach was used to elicit meaning from nurse’s stories regarding morally challenging situations. Ten nurses were solicited, but only two wrote about their experiences; one worked in a busy emergency department and the other in a rural community setting.Results: Four themes were identified: differences, moral code, weight of the transgression, and internal resolution. Value system conflict was the emergent constituent when nurses shared their stories of caring for patients with different values and beliefs than their own.Conclusions: Nurses may be challenged to care for patients who have different cultural practices than themselves. Value system conflicts may cause strife for nurses who have different beliefs than the patients they care for. Interventions that support strategies to mitigate moral distress such as simulation could be included in future research. Use of simulation as a mechanism for training can assist nurses to work through morally challenging situations.
Deployment of Industrial Engineering in Japan after World War Ⅱ
Authors: Yamazaki Tohsio
Published: April 2018

This paper discusses the deployment of American-style management systems in Japan after World War Ⅱ. One of the major American management methods implemented in many countries after the war was industrial engineering (IE), an advanced form of scientific management originating in the United States. Such American methods played an important role in production management and rationalization as well as the Ford system. The primary issue was the implementation of the work factor (WF) method and Methods Time Measurement (MTM) for the deployment of IE. Thus, this paper examines the deployment of IEin Japan in relation to the problems of work measurement and method engineering, the role of industrial engineers, and the influence of institutions on the implementation and promotion of IE, such as the Japan Iron and Steel Federation. Through these discussions, this paper clarifies the Japanese characteristics regarding the deployment of IE and their significance.
The Effect of Climate Change Semantic Expressions on Perceptions and Attitudes Towards Decarbonisation
Authors: Akil Hussein , Hussein Said , Zein Leila E.
Published: April 2018

This paper is proposed to clarify the effectiveness of semantic expressions used to designate climate change in France context, i.e. “réchauffement climatique” (“global warming”); “changement climatique” (“climate change”); and “derangement climatique” (“climate imbalance”). An experimental study (sample size N = 126) based on ‘linguistic semantics’ approach is conducted in order to assess the effect of these expressions on concerns, perceptions risk and sensitivity regarding Climate Change (CC). Our results show that the expression “réchauffement climatique” (“global warming”) is the most appropriate from a statistical standpoint. It increased the importance of the problem (salience of this issue) relative to other societal issues (e.g. unemployment, social justice, crime, etc.); it also enhanced participants' sensitivity (respondents' emotions associated with CC) more than the other expressions. We can still note however a strong difference in impact among the expressions if we were to calculate their impact on the basis of risk perception and communication objective. Results showed that when focusing our communication campaigns on nature, it would be preferable to use the term “changement” ("change"), when focusing our communication on social level, it would be preferable to use the term “réchauffement” ("warming"), whereas the term “dérèglement” ("imbalance") becomes the most suitable in seeking to build a communication campaign focusing on economic aspects. Semantics therefore should be selected depending on the communication objective.
As dimensões da prática pedagógica e a escrita de professores: desafios da formação docente
Authors: Vitória Maria Inês Côrte , Rigo Rosa Maria
Published: April 2018

O texto sistematiza os resultados parciais da pesquisa: Os Diários de Aula como instrumento de reflexão sobre as práticas pedagógicas e como recurso de qualificação da escrita de professores, fruto de reflexões anteriores sobre os desafios de ser professor. Focaliza a proposta de identificar as dimensões presentes na prática pedagógica, assim como promover a qualificação da escrita através dos diários de aula elaborados pelos acadêmicos em etapa de estágio do Curso de Pedagogia em uma Universidade Privada do Rio Grande do Sul. Adotar o recurso dos diários de aula como metodologia de trabalho na perspectiva indicada por Zabalza(2003), mobilizou o exercício do registro escrito como apoio à atitude investigativa e permitiu identificar dilemas que representam entraves à atuação docente no cotidiano de alunos em fase de Estágio Curricular Supervisionado.
Livro de apoio para professor iniciante do município do Rio de Janeiro: clarificando concepções
Authors: Figueira Sandro Tiago Da Silva , Fontoura Helena Amaral
Published: April 2018

Concebendo que perspectivas teóricas e concepções de ensinar e aprender integram os materiais de apoio direcionados aos professores iniciantes, tomamos no presente artigo o objetivo clarificar as concepções e princípios do trabalho pedagógico que ancoram o livro “Aula nota 10”. O percurso analítico baseou-se na tematização onde procuramos os núcleos de sentido que focalizassem as visões de professor, do processo de ensino-aprendizagem e dos referentes formativos. A partir da conjugação dos resultados, concluímos que há a presença da concepção de professor distinguido entre aquele que executa e que pensa. Nesta perspectiva defendemos a necessidade de uma postura docente não aplicacionista, e sim crítica, para que possamos instrumentalizar os professores que se iniciam na profissão a tomarem suas próprias decisões, com conhecimento, competência e criatividade.
Gênero e diversidade sexual: homofobia no contexto escolar
Authors: Graupe Mareli Eliane , Lins Cleci Terezinha Lima de
Published: April 2018

Este artigo objetiva analisar se a escola trabalha gênero e sexualidades na perspectiva do enfrentamento e superação da homofobia. O referencial teórico abarca autores/as como Scott, Butler, Louro, Grossi, Caetano, Junqueira, Borrillo, Miskolci, entre outra/os. Foi desenvolvido uma pesquisa documental sobre o Plano Municipal de Educação e Projeto Político Pedagógico da referida escola. Realizamos observações na escola e entrevistamos cinco estudantes, três pessoas da equipe diretiva e quatro professoras/es que atuam nesta turma, totalizando 12 entrevistas. Os dados foram analisados de acordo com o método de análise de conteúdo qualitativo proposto por Mayring. Os resultados indicam a presença de práticas violentas contra estudantes que apresentam uma identidade de gênero e orientação sexual diferente da heteronormatividade. Também, constatou-se que nessa turma não são desenvolvidas ações educativas para o enfrentamento da homofobia.
A organização da vida e da realidade escolar: olhares sob a perspectiva das experiencias socioculturais
Authors: Dal Ongaro Daniela , Bolzan Doris Pires Vargas , Wisch Tasia Fernanda
Published: April 2018

Neste artigo apresenta-se resultados de pesquisa que teve por objetivo foi investigar quais concepções a equipe gestora tem acerca das variáveis socioculturais apresentadas pelos estudantes e como se utiliza destes conhecimentos na organização da vida/realidade escolar dos anos iniciais do ensino fundamental. A metodologia adotada envolveu entrevistas narrativas semiestruturadas e também a análise documental. Assim, identificaram-se as concepções e experiências da equipe escolar em relação à organização da vida/realidade escolar assentada na valorização das alianças de variáveis socioculturais. Contudo, inferimos que o contexto escolar articulado às experiências socioculturais é imperativo na construção de um ensino e de uma aprendizagem dotada de sentido e significado para os estudantes.Palavras-chave: equipe gestora, vida/realidade escolar, alianças de variáveis socioculturais.
Apresentação
Authors: Quadros Claudemir de
Published: April 2018

Apresentação do v. 7, n. 15, maio/ago. 2018.
Reproducibility and predictors of the apnea hypopnea index across multiple nights
Authors: Alshaer Hisham , Ryan Clodagh , Fernie Geoff R , Bradley T. Douglas
Published: April 2018

Background: Attended polysomnography (PSG) is the standard diagnostic test for sleep apnea (SA). However, due to internight variability in SA, a single night PSG may not accurately reflect the true severity of SA. Although internight variability is a well-known phenomenon, its root causes have not been fully elucidated. The objective of this study was to determine factors associated with internight variability in the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and its magnitude in the home environment.

Methods: Each participant had a full overnight PSG simultaneous with a validated portable sleep apnea monitoring device (BresoDx®) followed by two overnight home tests using the portable monitor only. Patients were stratified into those with variable AHI and consistent AHI (AHI difference ≥10 or <10 between any 2 nights, respectively). Demographics, sleepiness, sleep test variable, and supine-predominant SA (supine-SA) were examined for any association with variable AHI.

Results: Forty patients completed the protocol. The correlation between PSG and simultaneous BresoDx derived AHIs was 93.4%. Inter-class correlation between the three nights’ AHIs was 89.2%. Over two-thirds (67.5%) of patients had consistent AHIs across the three nights while 32.5% had variable AHI. AHI variability was significantly associated with supine-SA (p=0.0014) and correlated with first night’s AHI (r=0.664,p<0.001). None of the other variable, including BMI, sleepiness, gender, or test duration were associated with internight variability.

Conclusion: Although portable monitoring was highly reproducible over three nights in the majority of participants, one third had a variable AHI. Supine-SA and high AHI on the first night were predictors of high internight variability.
Experimental Study of Oblique Pedestrian Streams
Authors: Sun Lishan , Gong Qingsheng , Hao Siyuan , Wang Chao , Chen Yanyan
Published: April 2018

The intersecting of pedestrian streams is a common phenomenon which would lead to the pedestrian deceleration, stopping, and even threat to the safety of walking. The organization of pedestrian flow is a critical factor which influences the intersection traffic. The aim of this paper is to study the characteristics of oblique pedestrian streams by a set of pedestrian experiments. Two groups of experiment participants, three volume levels and five intersecting angles were tested. The qualitative analysis and quantitative analysis methods were applied to find out the relationship between the pedestrian streams angle and pedestrian characteristics. The results indicated that the mean and median speed, exit traffic efficiency decreased initially and increased afterwards with the increase of intersecting angles when the volume was 1,000 p/h/m and 3,000 p/h/m, while the speed standard deviation changing inversely. However, these four factors show the opposite variation tendency in volume 5,000 p/h/m. Meanwhile, the quadratic function was selected to fit them. It is found that the worst speeds of pedestrian streams were 131° and 122° in volume 1,000 p/h/m and 3,000 p/h/m, respectively, and the greatest influence on pedestrian streams was 125° in volume 5,000 p/h/m. The results of this research can help establish the foundation for the organization and optimization of intersecting pedestrian streams.
Global Economy Crisis and its Impact on Operational Container Carrier’s Strategy
Authors: Jerebić Vladimir , Pavlin Stanislav
Published: April 2018

The shipping market is an economic derivative of global production and trade, being precariously subject of their cyclic changes, depressions and expansions. This paper analyses the condition of global container shipping market, caused by long-lasting economic and financial crisis that begun in 2008, but is still much visible within the container industry, particularly through overcapacity and low freight rates. It also deals with major changes of maritime container carrier’s management strategies, development and application of advanced transportation, technological, technical, economical, organizational and commercial measures in order to adapt and cope with new business environment. Finally, an attempt is made to forecast the market, potential difficulties and to propose problem-solving measures.
Landscape genomic prediction for restoration of a Eucalyptus foundation species under climate change
Authors: Supple Megan Ann , Bragg Jason G , Broadhurst Linda M , Nicotra Adrienne B , Byrne Margaret , Andrew Rose L , Widdup Abigail , Aitken Nicola C , Borevitz Justin O
Published: April 2018

As species face rapid environmental change, we can build resilient populations through restoration projects that incorporate predicted future climates into seed sourcing decisions. Eucalyptus melliodora is a foundation species of a critically endangered community in Australia that is a target for restoration. We examined genomic and phenotypic variation to make empirical based recommendations for seed sourcing. We examined isolation by distance and isolation by environment, determining high levels of gene flow extending for 500 km and correlations with climate and soil variables. Growth experiments revealed extensive phenotypic variation both within and among sampling sites, but no site-specific differentiation in phenotypic plasticity. Model predictions suggest that seed can be sourced broadly across the landscape, providing ample diversity for adaptation to environmental change. Application of our landscape genomic model to E. melliodora restoration projects can identify genomic variation suitable for predicted future climates, thereby increasing the long term probability of successful restoration.
Selective eradication of cancer displaying hyperactive Akt by exploiting the metabolic consequences of Akt activation
Authors: Nogueira Veronique , Patra Krushna C , Hay Nissim
Published: April 2018

Akt activation in human cancers exerts chemoresistance, but pan-Akt inhibition elicits adverse consequences. We exploited the consequences of Akt-mediated mitochondrial and glucose metabolism to selectively eradicate and evade chemoresistance of prostate cancer displaying hyperactive Akt. PTEN-deficient prostate cancer cells that display hyperactivated Akt have high intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, in part, because of Akt-dependent increase of oxidative phosphorylation. High intracellular ROS levels selectively sensitize cells displaying hyperactive Akt to ROS-induced cell death enabling a therapeutic strategy combining a ROS inducer and rapamycin in PTEN-deficient prostate tumors in mouse models. This strategy elicited tumor regression, and markedly increased survival even after the treatment was stopped. By contrast, exposure to antioxidant increased prostate tumor progression. To increase glucose metabolism, Akt activation phosphorylated HK2 and induced its expression. Indeed, HK2 deficiency in mouse models of Pten-deficient prostate cancer elicited a marked inhibition of tumor development and extended lifespan.
Regulation of the Drosophila ID protein Extra macrochaetae by proneural dimerization partners
Authors: Li Ke , Baker Nicholas E
Published: April 2018

Proneural bHLH proteins are transcriptional regulators of neural fate specification. Extra macrochaetae (Emc) forms inactive heterodimers with both proneural bHLH proteins and their bHLH partners (represented in Drosophila by Daughterless). It is generally thought that varying levels of Emc define a prepattern that determines where proneural bHLH genes can be effective. We report that instead it is the bHLH proteins that determine the pattern of Emc levels. Daughterless level sets Emc protein levels in most cells, apparently by stabilizing Emc in heterodimers. Emc is destabilized in proneural regions by local competition for heterodimer formation by proneural bHLH proteins including Atonal or AS-C proteins. Reflecting this post-translational control through protein stability, uniform emc transcription is sufficient for almost normal patterns of neurogenesis. Protein stability regulated by exchanges between bHLH protein dimers could be a feature of bHLH-mediated developmental events.
Acute intermittent hypoxia enhances corticospinal synaptic plasticity in humans
Authors: Christiansen Lasse , Urbin MA , Mitchell Gordon S , Perez Monica A
Published: April 2018

Acute intermittent hypoxia (AIH) enhances voluntary motor output in humans with central nervous system damage. The neural mechanisms contributing to these beneficial effects are unknown. We examined corticospinal function by evaluating motor evoked potentials (MEPs) elicited by cortical and subcortical stimulation of corticospinal axons and the activity in intracortical circuits in a finger muscle before and after 30 min of AIH or sham AIH. We found that the amplitude of cortically and subcortically elicited MEPs increased for 75 min after AIH but not sham AIH while intracortical activity remained unchanged. To examine further these subcortical effects, we assessed spike-timing dependent plasticity (STDP) targeting spinal synapses and the excitability of spinal motoneurons. Notably, AIH increased STDP outcomes while spinal motoneuron excitability remained unchanged. Our results provide the first evidence that AIH changes corticospinal function in humans, likely by altering corticospinal-motoneuronal synaptic transmission. AIH may represent a novel noninvasive approach for inducing spinal plasticity in humans.
Antagonism in olfactory receptor neurons and its implications for the perception of odor mixtures
Authors: Reddy Gautam , Zak Joseph D , Vergassola Massimo , Murthy Venkatesh N
Published: April 2018

Natural environments feature mixtures of odorants of diverse quantities, qualities and complexities. Olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) are the first layer in the sensory pathway and transmit the olfactory signal to higher regions of the brain. Yet, the response of ORNs to mixtures is strongly non-additive, and exhibits antagonistic interactions among odorants. Here, we model the processing of mixtures by mammalian ORNs, focusing on the role of inhibitory mechanisms. We show how antagonism leads to an effective ‘normalization’ of the ensemble ORN response, that is, the distribution of responses of the ORN population induced by any mixture is largely independent of the number of components in the mixture. This property arises from a novel mechanism involving the distinct statistical properties of receptor binding and activation, without any recurrent neuronal circuitry. Normalization allows our encoding model to outperform non-interacting models in odor discrimination tasks, leads to experimentally testable predictions and explains several psychophysical experiments in humans.
Analysis of immediate student outcomes following a change in gross anatomy laboratory teaching methodology*
Authors: Afsharpour Salman , Gonsalves Abigail , Hosek Ronald , Partin Eric
Published: April 2018

Objective:

To compare student performance following a change in laboratory teaching methodology from cadavers to models to virtual dissection table in a musculoskeletal gross anatomy course in a doctor of chiropractic program.

Methods:

Three marking periods of laboratory and lecture examination scores from 3 consecutive academic calendar years were evaluated and compared using simple analysis as well as analysis of variance and post hoc t tests. The 1st cohort of students (n = 352) utilized cadavers. The 2nd cohort of students (n = 350) had anatomical models as their primary gross laboratory modality. The 3rd cohort of students (n = 393) utilized virtual dissection tables.

Results:

The midterm and final laboratory examination scores were evaluated and showed successive increase in aggregate averages between cohort 1 (mean = 76.1%), cohort 2 (mean = 81.4%), and cohort 3 (mean = 85.1%). Lecture examination scores remained consistent between the cohorts at 61.2%, 62.4%, and 61.1%, respectively. Significant improvements were seen in lab exam scores between cohorts (F [2, 2113] = 58.6, p < .001), and no significant differences were seen in lecture exam scores.

Conclusion:

Students utilizing virtual dissection tables scored higher on laboratory examinations than students having models or cadavers. However, they displayed a similar testing competency in lecture examinations, suggesting a possible change in laboratory examination difficulty between the cohorts but a similar knowledge base. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the long-term retention of student knowledge.
Aromaten im Blut mittels Headspace‐Gaschromatographie mit massenspektrometrischer Detektion [Biomonitoring Methods in German language, 2018]
Authors: Göen T. , Müller J. , Hoppe H.‐W. , Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: April 2018

The working group „Analyses in Biological Materials“ of the Permanent Senate Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area verified the presented biomonitoring method.

The here described analytical method enables the simultaneous determination of benzene, toluene, chlorobenzene, ethylbenzene, o‐xylene, m‐xylene, p‐xylene, styrene, n‐propylbenzene, isopropylbenzene (cumene), 1,2,3‐trimethylbenzene (hemimellitene), 1,2,4‐trimethylbenzene, 1,3,5‐trimethylbenzene (mesitylene) and 1,2,3,5‐tetramethylbenzene (isodurene) in blood. For determination, the blood samples are introduced into headspace vials. The vials are sealed and heated to 50 °C in the autosampler. Subsequently, an aliquot of the vapour phase is injected into the GC system and analysed using mass spectrometry. Calibration standards are prepared in ovine blood and processed in the same way as the samples to be analysed.
Aromatic Compounds in Blood – Determination using Headspace Gas Chromatography with Mass Spectrometric Detection [Biomonitoring Methods, 2018]
Authors: Göen T. , Müller J. , Hoppe H.‐W. , Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: April 2018

The working group „Analyses in Biological Materials“ of the Permanent Senate Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area verified the presented biomonitoring method.

The here described analytical method enables the simultaneous determination of benzene, toluene, chlorobenzene, ethylbenzene, o‐xylene, m‐xylene, p‐xylene, styrene, n‐propylbenzene, isopropylbenzene (cumene), 1,2,3‐trimethylbenzene (hemimellitene), 1,2,4‐trimethylbenzene, 1,3,5‐trimethylbenzene (mesitylene) and 1,2,3,5‐tetramethylbenzene (isodurene) in blood. For determination, the blood samples are introduced into headspace vials. The vials are sealed and heated to 50 °C in the autosampler. Subsequently, an aliquot of the vapour phase is injected into the GC system and analysed using mass spectrometry. Calibration standards are prepared in ovine blood and processed in the same way as the samples to be analysed.
1,4‐Dichlorbenzol [MAK Value Documentation in German language, 2018]
Authors: Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: April 2018

The German Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area has re‐evaluated 1,4‐dichlorobenzene [106‐46‐7] considering all toxicological endpoints. Available publications and unpublished study reports are described in detail.

In mouse liver, 1,4‐dichlorobenzene causes carcinoma after oral and inhalation exposure and is mitogenic and cytotoxic. In reliable studies it is not genotoxic. As a non‐genotoxic mechanism is of prime importance and genotoxic effects play at most a minor part, provided the maximum concentration at the workplace (MAK value) is observed, 1,4‐dichlororbenzene is now classified in Category 4 for carcinogenic substances.

The chronic local NOAEC of 20 ml/m3for changes in the olfactory epithelium of the rat nose would correspond to a MAK value of 10 ml/m3. However, the most sensitive toxicological effect is hepatocellular hypertrophy with a LOAEL of 10 mg/kg body weight and day in an oral 52‐week study with dogs. Because of the low severity and incidence of the effect, a NAEL of 5 mg/kg body weight and day is assumed. This NAEL is scaled to a MAK value of 2 ml/m3.

Since a systemic effect is critical, Peak Limitation Category II is assigned. As it is not known if the effects are due to the metabolites or 1,4‐dichlorobenzene itself, the default excursion factor of 2 is assigned.

The NOAECs for developmental toxicity in rats and rabbits are 500 and 100 ml/m3, respectively, and the differences to the MAK value are sufficient. Therefore, damage to the embryo or foetus is unlikely when the MAK value is observed and 1,4‐dichlorobenzene is assigned to Pregnancy Risk Group C. Skin contact may contribute significantly to systemic toxicity and 1,4‐dichlorobenzene remains designated with an “H” notation. Sensitization is not expected from the limited data.
Maleinsäureanhydrid [MAK Value Documentation in German language, 2018]
Authors: Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: April 2018

The German Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area has re‐evaluated maleic anhydride [108‐31‐6], considering all toxicological endpoints. Available publications and unpublished study reports are described in detail.

Maleic anhydride is an irritant to the upper respiratory tract. A LOAEC of 0.27 ml/m3for nasal and ocular irritation was obtained from a 6‐month inhalation study in rats, hamsters and monkeys. Since 2014 the Commission uses an empirical approach to set the maximum concentration at the workplace (MAK value) for substances with critical effects on the upper respiratory tract or the eyes. Based on this, the MAK value for maleic anhydride is set at 0.02 ml/m3(0.081 mg/m3). Since the critical effect of maleic anhydride is local, Peak Limitation Category I with an excursion factor of 1 is confirmed and a momentary value of 0.05 ml/m3is set. Damage to the embryo or foetus is unlikely when the MAK value is not exceeded and maleic anhydride remains assigned to Pregnancy Risk Group C. Maleic anhydride is not genotoxic in vitro and in vivo. No increased tumour incidence was observed in a chronic feeding study in rats. Skin contact is not expected to contribute significantly to systemic toxicity. In humans airway sensitization is observed. There are positive results of contact sensitization in mice and guinea pigs. Maleic anhydride continues to be designated with “Sah”.
Isopropoxyethanol [MAK Value Documentation in German language, 2018]
Authors: Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: April 2018

The German Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area has re‐evaluated the maximum concentration at the workplace (MAK value) and the Pregnancy Risk Group of 2‐isopropoxyethanol [
109‐59‐1
].

As 2‐isopropoxyethanol is irritating to rabbit skin and eyes an irritating potential for the respiratory tract of humans has to be assumed. In a poorly documented three‐week inhalation study in rats, nasal irritations at 1000 ml/m
3
are reported, but the nose is not histopathologically investigated in any of the inhalation studies. A MAK value of 10 ml/m
3
for 2‐isopropoxyethanol is derived by analogy with 2‐butoxyethanol (ethylene glycol monobutyl ether) which shows a similar irritation potency. For rats, the critical effect in a 28‐day inhalation study is the concentration dependent hemolytic anemia at 100 ml/m
3
and above. The NOAEC is 30 ml/m
3
. As humans are less sensitive than rats for this effect, which does not increase with prolonged exposure, the MAK value of 10 ml/m
3
should provide sufficient protection from hemolytic anemia. Since a local effect is critical, Peak Limitation Category I is designated. By analogy with 2‐butoxyethanol and 2‐propoxyethanol an excursion factor of 2 is set.

The NOAEC for developmental toxicity in rats is 600 ml/m
3
and after considering the increased respiratory volume at the workplace because the blood:air partition coefficient of 2‐isopropoxyethanol is > 5 (see List of MAK‐ and BAT values chapters I b and I c) the difference to the MAK value is sufficient. Therefore, damage to the embryo or foetus is unlikely when the MAK value is observed and 2‐isopropoxyethanol remains assigned to Pregnancy Risk Group C.
Succinic acid [MAK Value Documentation, 2017]
Authors: Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: April 2018

The German Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area has evaluated succinic acid to derive a maximum concentration at the workplace (MAK value), considering all toxicity endpoints.

The critical effect is severe local irritation as shown with the Draize test in the rabbit eye. Inhalation studies are not available, however, effects on the respiratory tract have to be assumed. Systemic toxicity in rats in the form of reduced body weight gain occurred at 1900 mg/kg body weight/day given in drinking water. After gavage administration, blood urea nitrogen was increased in female rats from 1000 mg/kg body weight/day and urinary protein was increased in males from 300 mg/kg body weight/day. The lower LOAEL in the gavage study as compared with the drinking water study suggests adverse effects on the kidney presumably due to the bolus application.

After comparing succinic acid with other solid acids, a MAK value of 2 mg succinic acid/m3I has been set in analogy to phosphoric acid, which is considered to be the worst‐case.

As the critical effect is local, succinic acid is assigned to Peak Limitation Category I. In analogy to phosphoric acid an excursion factor of 2 is set.

Damage to the embryo or foetus is unlikely when the MAK value is observed; thus, the substance is classified in Pregnancy Risk Group C.

Succinic acid is not genotoxic and not carcinogenic. No contact sensitizing effects have been observed. Skin contact is not expected to contribute significantly to systemic toxicity.