bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lessons learned from mega-disasters and future policy development on water-related disaster management in Japan
Authors: Tachi Kenichiro
Published: March 2015

Japanese disaster management approaches have been enhanced and strengthened through repeated experiences of disasters in the past. The report presents lessons learned from the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, a disaster caused by a low-probability but extremely large hazard, and introduces the distinct features of Japanese water-related disaster management, including those enhanced and strengthened based on the recent lessons. Finally, drawing from Japan's experiences, messages to be sent to the world from the water-related disaster community are proposed.
Water-related disaster risk reduction (DRR) management in the United States: floods and storm surges
Authors: Priscoli Jerome Delli , Stakhiv Eugene
Published: March 2015

Water resources planning and management has evolved in the United States through several distinct stages over the past two centuries, transitioning from a concern for inland waterways transportation to single purpose flood control and finally to multiple purpose large reservoirs. Disaster risk reduction (DRR) was always considered to be one of the main goals of these strategies. Reviewing history, this paper describes a US federal system that presents major challenges to coordinating water resources development and DRR, at both the watershed and metropolitan area scales. The paper reviews the performance of existing flood protection systems of three recent disasters. Federal, state and local responses to these major events have been mixed, as regulatory and management agencies with different evaluation frameworks and decision rules attempt to coordinate their respective responses. The cases revealed new vulnerabilities and weaknesses in the US DRR responses and planning, while contrasting the relative successes of long-term, strategic DRR planning and investments in the case of the Mississippi River and Tributaries (MR&T) system. The paper analyzes this history and recent cases primarily from the perspective of the US Army Corps of Engineers.
A tale of three cities: water disaster policy responses in Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Metro Manila
Authors: Abdullah Keizrul , Anukularmphai Apichart , Kawasaki Tadashige , Nepomuceno Dolora
Published: March 2015

Floods and typhoons are two of the greatest water disasters affecting South East Asia, causing misery and death to people, damaging properties, infrastructure and crops, and causing disruption to commerce and industry. In many cases the impact can be widespread, affecting not only individual households but also large parts of a country including agriculture areas, towns and cities, and sometimes even beyond national borders. The rapid pace of development has resulted in a disproportionate increase in runoff and a many-fold increase in river discharges leading to more frequent and more intense flooding. This situation is expected to be further aggravated due to the impact of global warming and climate change. To cope with such challenges, countries in South East Asia are developing their policy responses tailored to suit their local conditions and environment. This paper looks at the water disaster situation and the policy responses in three cities in South East Asia: Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Metro Manila, the capital cities of the Kingdom of Thailand, the Federation of Malaysia and the Republic of the Philippines, respectively. Although all three countries are in the same climatic zone, due to their geographical locations, water disasters impact differently on them and the remedial measures also differ.
Translating policies into actions: the case of the Elbe River
Authors: Grabs Wolfgang , Moser Hans
Published: March 2015

This paper describes methods and processes to link policy development to the implementation of those policies in actionable implementation plans. It is shown that policies can only be implemented effectively if they are embedded in a legal framework that is designed to facilitate achievement of the policy objectives. The paper shows different levels of policy making and decision support for the development of policies at different levels, ranging from the level of Federal States in Germany to policy development and implementation at the European level as part of the European Framework Directive. Using the Elbe River as a case study, the paper shows the need to anchor regional, transboundary and state level policies to mandated national institutions. A key lesson learnt from the Elbe River Basin is that policy integration is of utmost importance. The paper also demonstrates that a balance needs to be reached with regard to structural and nonstructural measures in flood risk management to arrive at a truly integrated flood risk management strategy and its implementation. The development of research policies on the basis of sound science is indispensable in support of policy development and its implementation.
Lessons learned from the Big Floods, 1999–2013: The Bavarian Flood Action Programme 2020plus
Authors: Grambow Martin , Eichenseer Erich , Overhoff Gregor , Hafner Tobias , Staton Kerstin , Schaipp Bernhard
Published: March 2015

Flood protection is an integral part of society's development. Meeting a growing vulnerability in the context of geopolitical and global changes, existing systems of natural hazard management must be reviewed on a regular basis. This is illustrated well by Bavaria's recent history. The lessons from the big floods in the period of 1999–2013 led to a fundamental modification of Bavaria's integral flood protection strategy. The concepts of flood risk management, resilience and dealing with extreme flood events which exceed standard structural design limits came to the fore. Management of flash floods and other floods, handling of potential retention areas, the inclusion of insurance, resettlement, and the burden of maintenance are further challenges which are briefly addressed in this paper.
Integrated actions in the management of critical hydrologic events
Authors: De Sá E Mendonça Bruna Craveiro , De Abreu Mateus Monteiro
Published: March 2015

Owing to the increase in urban populations, there has also been an increased incidence of critical events, especially those related to floods and landslides. Since the implementation of the National Civil Defense System in Brazil, a focus on disaster management is no longer the answer when assisting those affected; instead, the answer has become managing disaster risk, in addition to the response, including prevention and minimizing the effects of the critical event. This paper highlights the actions for modernization and expansion of the hydrological monitoring network, in particular the alert network, the completion of an atlas of vulnerability to floods and the deployment of Situation Rooms in the states, with a view to strengthening the role of these bodies in disaster risk management, and enabling greater responsiveness to these events and the use of the information gathered as a water resources management tool, allowing for better use of public resources.
Water-related disaster risk reduction: time for preventive action! Position paper of the High Level Experts and Leaders Panel (HELP) on water and disasters
Authors: Wieriks Koos , Vlaanderen Niels
Published: March 2015

Climate change is exacerbating the extremes in hydro-meteorological events. Together with other global drivers under change – population growth, rapid urbanisation, increased asset values – this may result in increased frequencies and even higher impacts of water-related disasters. Further comprehensive actions are needed to reduce the vulnerability and to increase the resilience of exposed populations and assets.
Physical Activity Interventions in Schools for Improving Lifestyle in European Countries
Authors: Mura Gioia , Rocha Nuno B.F , Helmich Ingo , Budde Henning , Machado Sergio , Wegner Mirko , Nardi Antonio Egidio , Arias-Carrión Oscar , Vellante Marcello , Baum Antonia , Guicciardi Marco , Patten Scott B , Carta Mauro Giovanni
Published: March 2015

Background : In the last decades, children’s and adolescents’ obesity and overweight have increased in European Countries. Unhealthy eating habits and sedentary lifestyle have been recognized to determine such an epidemic. Schools represent an ideal setting to modify harmful behaviors, and physical activity could be regarded as a potential way to avoid the metabolic risks related to obesity. Methods : A systematic review of the literature was carried out to summarize the evidence of school-based interventions aimed to promote, enhance and implement physical activity in European schools. Only randomized controlled trials were included, carried out in Europe from January 2000 to April 2014, universally delivered and targeting pupils aged between 3 and 18 years old. Results : Forty-seven studies were retrieved based either on multicomponent interventions or solely physical activity programs. Most aimed to prevent obesity and cardiovascular risks among youths. While few studies showed a decrease in BMI, positive results were achieved on other outcomes, such as metabolic parameters and physical fitness. Conclusion : Physical activity in schools should be regarded as a simple, non-expensive and enjoyable way to reach all the children and adolescents with adequate doses of moderate to vigorous physical activity.
Influenza A H1N1pdm 2009 Virus in Paraguay: Nucleotide Point Mutations in Hemagglutinin and Neuraminidase Genes are not Associated with Drug Resistance
Authors: Espínola Emilio E , Amarilla Alberto A , Martínez Magaly , Aquino Víctor H , Russomando Graciela
Published: March 2015

Influenza virus is associated with upper respiratory tract infections. The fourth influenza pandemic was declared in 2009. The aim of this study was to determine the genetic variability of the 2009 H1N1 pandemic virus circulating in Paraguay. Nasal swabs were collected from 181 patients with flu symptoms managed at the Hospital of the Medical School in Asunción, Paraguay, between August and October 2009. Virus detection was carried out by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, followed by sequencing of the hemagglutinin and neuraminidase genes, and phylogenetic analysis. H1N1pdm09 was detected in 14.9% (27/181) of the suspected cases. Analysis of 13 samples showed that these viruses the clustered in a single genetic group. Neither the mutation related to exacerbation of disease (D239G in hemagglutinin) nor that related to antiviral resistance (H275Y in neuraminidase), both detected in neighboring countries, were found. This genetic analysis of H1N1pdm09 will help to understand the spread of the disease.
Reducing SCADA System Nuisance Alarms in the Water Industry in Northern Ireland
Authors: O'Donoghue Nigel , Phillips Debra H. , Nicell Ciaran
Published: March 2015

The advancement of telemetry control for the water industry has increased the difficulty of managing large volumes of nuisance alarms (i.e., alarms that do not require a response). The aim of this study was to identify and reduce the number of nuisance alarms that occur for Northern Ireland (NI) Water by carrying out alarm duration analysis to determine the appropriate length of persistence (an advanced alarm management tool) that could be applied. All data were extracted from TelemWeb (NI Water's telemetry monitoring system) and analyzed in Excel. Over a 6‐week period, an average of 40 000 alarms occurred per week. The alarm duration analysis, which has never been implemented before by NI Water, found that an average of 57% of NI Water alarms had a duration of <5 minutes. Applying 5‐minute persistence, therefore, could prevent an average 26 816 nuisance alarms per week. Most of these alarms were from wastewater assets.
Victimization of people by natural disasters: Spatial and temporal distribution of consequences
Authors: Mijalkovic Sasa , Cvetkovic Vladimir
Published: March 2015

This paper is a descriptive statistical analysis of geospatial and temporal
distributions of victimized people (killed, injured, affected and damage)
with specific reference to geophysical, meteorological, climatological,
biological and hydrological disasters that have occurred in the world of from
1900 to 2013 year. In addition, people affected by the various natural
disasters could be classified as invisible victims as they are not recognized
as victims either by the state or society, and consequently they do not
receive adequate protection, assistance and support. Statistical research was
conducted on data from the international database of the Centre for Research
on Disaster Epidemiology Disaster (CRED) in Brussels. Temporal analysis
examined the distribution and effects of natural disasters on people, at
intervals of ten years. The same methodology was adopted for analyses of
geospatial distribution of victimized people because of natural disasters by
continent. The aim of the research is to determine the geospatial and
temporal distribution of victimization of people with natural disasters in
the world geospace in the period from 1900 to 2013. The survey results
clearly indicate an increase in the number and severity of the consequences
of natural disasters.
Understanding the hesitancy to disclose teen dating violence: Correlates of self-efficacy to deal with teen dating violence
Authors: Hébert Martine , van Camp , Lavoie Francine , Blais Martin , Guerrier Mireille
Published: March 2015

Dating violence (DV) is now recognized as an important public health issue.
Prevention and intervention programs are being implemented in school
contexts. Such initiatives aim to raise awareness among potential victims
and offenders as well as among peer bystanders and offer adequate
interventions following disclosure. Yet, a major challenge remains as
teenagers may not disclose their victimization or may not feel
self-efficient to deal with DV if they witness such violence. As such, teen
DV remains largely hidden. A representative sample of 8194 students (age
14-18) in the province of Quebec, Canada was used to explore teenagers?
self-efficacy to reach out for help or to help others in a situation of DV
victimization and perpetration. Analyses are conducted to identify possible
correlates of self-efficacy in terms of socio-demographic variable (sex,
age) and a history of child sexual abuse and dating victimization.
Implications for preven?tion and support strategies are discussed.
Hypocrites of old or water carriers of new era and their invisible victims: Rethinking corporate social responsibility
Authors: Djuric-Kuzmanovic Tatjana
Published: March 2015

Modern business results indicate more clearly the increasing negative effects
which corporation business strategies, exclusively oriented to making profit,
have on population and the planet. Corporative social responsibility (CSR) as
a complex system of business and management that balances among the economic,
social and ecological objectives of stakeholders is increasingly recommended
as an alternative or integral part of modern business and development
strategies. The role and effectiveness of CSR is becoming the subject of
intense debate between all those who interpret it as hypocritical mercy of
employers and those who see it as a possible paradigm shift in thinking about
more effective social and business development strategies. In this paper the
role of CSR is discussed from the perspectives of Feminist development
economics and Another development strategies, primarily in relation to the
safety of employees and the population. The aim of this paper is to recognise
the role of CSR in reproducing the increasing number of, from the neo-liberal
discourse, still insufficiently visible victims of neoliberal capitalism
using comparative theoretical analysis. The paper further aims to emphasise
the need to redefine the action, evaluation and measurement of CSR in terms
of New economy 2 and Another development.
Being (almost) invisible: Victims of crime in the Italian juvenile criminal justice system
Authors: Vezzadini Susanna
Published: March 2015

From 2008 to 2013 the author has been a Special Judge in the Juvenile
Criminal Court of the Emilia Romagna Region. From that privileged
perspective, it was possible to observe the dynamics of how victims of
underage offenders were considered before the law, no differences if they are
adults or minors, too. The reflections presented will first consider EU and
UN provision on victims of crime; then, the normative framework supporting
the Italian criminal juvenile justice system will be considered by an
examining of the difficulties victims meet in that peculiar context. The
implementation of juvenile criminal law shows the paradox victims of crime
have to cope with. The Juvenile Criminal Court in Bologna recently started to
promote a wide use of restorative justice measures as an attempt to correct
the unfair consequences in the application of law, with judicial discretion
interpreted as an instrument to favour victims? harm recognition and to
protect their dignity as persons.
The aflatoxin-affair: the invisible victims of crime in the food-sector
Authors: Kerschke-Risch Pamela
Published: March 2015

The aflatoxin affair is an example which can be assumed as a typical offence
committed in the food sector in a globalized world. In 2013 mouldy Serbian
feed was distributed by an international logistics company to Germany. The
exceptional danger of aflatoxin infested feed is the carry over effect,
which means that harmful substances devolve into animal products like milk.
Generally speaking victims are identifiable persons who have been physically
injured or suffer from financial losses or psychological damage. In contrast
to e.g. victims of violence we know almost nothing about the effects of
victimization as a result of offences committed in the food sector. The aim
of this article is to show and discuss the possible effects of the aflatoxin
scandal on consumers who have been victimized. As a result it suggests that
victimization effects of offences related to food in general are ignored
hitherto both by policy and criminologists.
The new analytical study for boundary-layer slip flow and heat transfer of nanofluid over a stretching sheet
Authors: Mabood Fazle , Khan Waqar , Rashidi Muhammad
Published: March 2015

In this article, the semi-analytical/numerical technique known as the
homotopy analysis method (HAM) is employed to derive solutions for partial
slip effects on the heat transfer of nanofluids over a stretching sheet. An
accurate analytical solution is presented which depends on the Prandtl
number, slip factor, Lewis number, Brownian motion number, and thermophoresis
number. The variation of the reduced Nusselt and reduced Sherwood numbers
with Brownian motion number, and thermophoresis number for various values
Prandtl number, slip factor, Lewis number is presented in tabular and
graphical forms. The results of the present article show the flow velocity
and the surface shear stress on the stretching sheet and also reduced Nusselt
number and reduced Sherwood number are strongly influenced by the slip
parameter. It is found that hydrodynamic boundary layer decreases and thermal
boundary layer increases with slip parameter. Comparison of the present
analysis is made with the previously existing literature and an appreciable
agreement in the values is observed for the limiting case.
Optimization of heat saving in buildings using unsteady heat transfer model
Authors: Dedinec Aleksandra , Dedinec Aleksandar , Markovska Natasa
Published: March 2015

Reducing the energy consumption growth rate is increasingly becoming one of
the main challenges for ensuring sustainable development, particularly in the
buildings as the largest end-use sector in many countries. Along this line,
the aim of this paper is to analyse the possibilities for energy savings in
the construction of new buildings and reconstruction of the existing ones
developing a tool that, in terms of the available heating technologies and
insulation, provides answer to the problem of optimal cost effective energy
consumption. The tool is composed of an unsteady heat transfer model which is
incorporated into a cost-effective energy saving optimization. The unsteady
heat transfer model uses annual hourly meteorological data, chosen as typical
for the last ten-year period, as well as thermo physical features of the
layers of the building walls. The model is tested for the typical conditions
in the city of Skopje, Macedonia. The results show that the most cost
effective heating technology for the given conditions is the wood fired
stove, followed by the inverter air-conditioner. The centralized district
heating and the pellet fired stoves are the next options. The least cost
effective option is the panel that uses electricity. In this paper, the
optimal insulation thickness is presented for each type of heating
technology.
Angiogenesis: A special reference to corneal neovascularization
Authors: Nikolic Ljubisa , Jovanovic Vesna
Published: March 2015

nema
C-reactive protein in drainage fluid as a predictor of anastomotic leakage after elective colorectal resection
Authors: Kostic Zoran , Slavkovic Damjan , Mijuskovic Zoran , Panisic Marina , Ignjatovic Mile
Published: March 2015

Background/Aim. C-reactive protein (CRP) is considered to be an indicator of
postoperative complications in abdominal surgery. The aim of this study was
to determine the significance of serial measurement of CRP in drainage fluid
in the detection of anastomotic leakage (AL) in patients with colorectal
resection. Methods. CRP values in serum and drainage fluid, respectively,
were measured on the first, third, fifth, and seventh postoperative day (POD)
in 150 patients with colorectal resection and primary anastomosis. The values
obtained were compared between the group of patient without complications of
surgical treatment and those with AL. Results. Clinically evident AL was
observed in 15 patients - in two (4.2%) patients with left colonic surgery,
and 13 (12.6%) patients with colorectal anastomosis. Mean values of CRP were
higher in the patients with AL than in the patients without complications,
both in serum and drainage fluid, with the most significant differences
recorded on the PODs 5 and 7 (p < 0.001). Correlation analysis showed a
positive correlation between serum and drainage fluid CRP levels in both
groups of patients. Serum and drainage fluid CRP values on the PODs 5 and 7
are most important in the detection of AL. In 80% of patients with CRP values
in the drainage fluid of 53 mg/L for the POD 5 and 42 mg/L for the POD 7 AL
was observed. The method specificity was 77% for the POD 5, and 83% for the
POD 7. All the patients with CRP values in drainage fluid above 108 mg/L on
the POD 5 and 93 mg/L on the POD 7 had AL. Conclusion. Serial measurement of
CRP in drainage fluid can reliably be used in the detection of AL in patients
with colorectal resection. The most significant values obtained on the PODs 5
and 7 were positively correlated with the values registered in serum.
Understanding heterogeneity of students' preferences towards English medium instruction: A conjoint analysis approach
Authors: Popovic Milena , Vagic Maja , Kuzmanovic Marija , Labrovic Andjelkovic
Published: March 2015

Continuous quality improvement of the educational process and its
modernization are some of the most important factors for ensuring the success
of educational institutions. To attract new students and to provide a stable
competitive position of a college in today?s market suppose already having
satisfied students. This paper introduces the methodology of conjoint
analysis as an appropriate tool to determine students' preferences towards
university subjects taught in English (English Medium Instruction - EMI).
Conjoint analysis is a research technique that also provides an opportunity
to simulate the way in which customers might react to changes in current
services or to new services, introduced into an existing market. We conducted
a survey among the student population at the University of Belgrade, Faculty
of Organizational Science. Preference-based segmentation is performed on the
conjoint data to isolate homogeneous groups of students that possess similar
preferences towards EMI. Based on the results, the study suggests a strategy
for creating more effective courses in English.
Comments by the Auditing Standards Committee of the Auditing Section of the American Accounting Association on The Institute of Internal Auditors' Proposed Enhancements to the International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF)
Authors: Anderson Urton L. , Christ Margaret H. , Janvrin Diane J.
Published: March 2015

According to the IIA, “The International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF) is the conceptual framework that organizes authoritative guidance promulgated by The Institute of Internal Auditors.” The IPPF includes overarching principles and standards of internal audit practice (e.g., the definition of internal audit, the code of ethics, the standards), as well as detailed guidance for carrying out specific activities (e.g., practice advisories). The IPPF is currently organized to differentiate between mandatory guidance and strongly recommended guidance for internal auditors as they carry out the responsibilities of the profession.

On August 4, 2014 the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) solicited public comments on its proposed enhancements to the International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF). This “relook” is intended to modify the existing structure of the IPPF so that it (1) “benefits IIA members, the internal audit profession as a whole, and its stakeholders,” and (2) strengthens “the IPPF's ongoing relevance for the foreseeable future.” The comment period ended November 3, 2014.
Selecting an Enterprise Resource Planning System: An Active Learning Simulation
Authors: Fulmer Bachman P. , Gerard Gregory J.
Published: March 2015

This case provides an opportunity for students to engage in an active learning simulation of a company's enterprise resource planning (ERP) software selection process. Groups of students are assigned to represent management, advisors, and ERP software vendors, each playing their role in the process of identifying requirements, generating and evaluating a request for proposal (RFP), responding to an RFP and making a reasoned recommendation to the CEO and board of directors. The case encourages active learning and provides students a chance to exercise professional business writing and presentation skills. It also provides a unique opportunity to practice persuasive communication skills.
Effects of Acoustic Treatment on Music Teachers' Exposure to Sound
Authors: Kozłowski Emil , Młyński Rafał
Published: March 2015

In this study, music teachers' exposure to sound was tested by measuring the A-weighted equivalent sound pressure level (SPL), the A-weighted maximum SPL and the C-weighted peak SPL. Measurements were taken prior to and after acoustic treatment in four rooms during classes of trumpet, saxophone, French horn, trombone and percussion instruments. Results showed that acoustic treatment affects the exposure of music teachers to sound. Daily noise exposure levels (LEX, 8 h) for all teachers exceeded a limit of 85 dB while teaching music lessons prior to room treatment. It was found that the LEX, 8 h values ranged from 85.8 to 91.6 dB. The highest A-weighted maximum SPL and C-weighted peak SPL that music teachers were exposed to were observed with percussion instruments (LAmax = 110.4 dB and LCpeak = 138.0 dB). After the treatments, daily noise exposure level decreased by an average of 5.8, 3.2, 3.0, 4.2 and 4.5 dB, respectively, for the classes of trumpet, saxophone, French horn, trombone and drums, and did not exceed 85 dB in any case.
Virtual Acoustics
Authors: Vorländer Michael
Published: March 2015

Virtual Reality (VR) systems are used in engineering, architecture, design and in applications of biomedical research. The component of acoustics in such VR systems enables the creation of audio-visual stimuli for applications in room acoustics, building acoustics, automotive acoustics, environmental noise control, machinery noise control, and hearing research. The basis is an appropriate acoustic simulation and auralization technique together with signal processing tools. Auralization is based on time-domain modelling of the components of sound source characterization, sound propagation, and on spatial audio technology. Whether the virtual environment is considered sufficiently accurate or not, depends on many perceptual factors, and on the pre-conditioning and immersion of the user in the virtual environment. In this paper the processing steps for creation of Virtual Acoustic Environments and the achievable degree of realism are briefly reviewed. Applications are discussed in examples of room acoustics, archeological acoustics, aircraft noise, and audiology.
Book Review. Leo L. Beranek and Tim J. Mellow, Acoustics - Sound Fields and Transducers, Elsevier-Academic Press 2012
Authors: Dobrucki Andrzej
Published: March 2015

The reviewed book is a new, expanded and modernized edition of the classical position of the book “Acoustics” published in 1954 and reprinted in 1986. The subtitle: “Sound Fields and Transducers” reflects well the nature of the changes in relation to the original. The chapters concerning sound fields and transducers have been added or significantly expanded and chapters on other subjects, such as noise control, hearing, and speech, have been removed. The chapter about acoustic measurements has been also removed, although some parts of it concerning reciprocity calibration of transducers would be compatible with the concept of the present version of the book. The book consists of 14 chapters. The chapters are divided into parts which are numbered consecutively, independently on numeration of chapters, and sections numbered within chapters. The book contains also three appendices. The scientific level of the book is high and it is designed for advanced readers, e.g., graduate students, and professionals who want to expand their knowledge.
Of Billy’s Time: Temporality in Melville’sBilly Budd
Authors: Looby Christopher
Published: March 2015

Abstract:

Billy Budd is replete with invocations of various temporalities. This article brings the tale’s “juggling temporalities” to bear upon the questions of sexuality that the story also addresses and shows that Billy Budd is a searching exploration of (and meditation on) the profound historicity of sexuality. Unfinished and unpublished at the time of Melville’s death, the extant manuscript of Billy Budd is a complicated palimpsest of additions and revisions. Reconstructing the genealogy of the manuscript’s development reveals that Melville moved the action back in time; made Billy younger; added, at different stages of composition, the characters of Claggart (the “homosexual in the text,” according to Eve Kosofsky Sedgwick’s well-known reading) and Captain Vere. But there are several homosexuals in the text, who, although they ostensibly co-exist in one time and place, nevertheless belong to different historical regimes of sexuality.
Nathaniel Hawthorne and the Anxieties of the Archive
Authors: Savoy Eric
Published: March 2015

Abstract:

Twenty-five years ago, Robert K. Martin published an important essay that explored the gendered anxiety of authorship that left its traces throughout Nathaniel Hawthorne’s career. Given that novel-writing was understood in mid-nineteenth-century America as an essentially feminine occupation, did Hawthorne perceive himself as emasculated? Savoy supplements Martin’s argument by taking up the “fiction” of authorship, specifically the personage of “Nathaniel Hawthorne” that is constructed in “The Custom-House.” Previously, Savoy focused on Hawthorne’s gothic poetics as the figurative matrix within which the “author” accepts the exhortation of Surveyor Pue to fulfill his “filial duty” by delivering to the public the historical romance of Hester Prynne. This new article explores the “psychic economy” of what Jacques Derrida conceptualizes as the event of the archive—that is, the performative ways in which subjects are constituted precisely as subjects, in conformity with the regulatory ideals of nation, religious tradition, and gender. If there is no subject without a subtending and largely mythical archive of cultural practice, then “The Custom-House” is a spectacular mise-en-scène—rhetorically rich and charged with affect—of the ritualistic protocols of assujettissement.
Concord Companions: Margaret Fuller, Friendship, and Desire
Authors: Martin Robert K. , Edwards Justin D.
Published: March 2015

Abstract:

In this paper, we examine the rhetoric of friendship and desire in mid-nineteenth-century American writing. We begin by looking at Emerson’s essay on friendship and Thoreau’s poem “Sympathy” (1840) to provide a context for reading Margaret Fuller’s fascinating texts on same-sex bonds between women. Of particular interest to us is Fuller’s translation of Elizabeth von Arnim’s Die Günderode (1840), a collection of letters between Arnim and the German Romantic poet Karoline von Günderode which provides compelling insights into the early to mid-nineteenth-century continuum between female friendship and same-sex desire. We situate this translation alongside Fuller’s own female friendships and expressions of love for women, more specifically her declarations of love to Anna Barker and, later, to George Sand. This latter relationship, we suggest, was a source of admiration and anxiety, for Sand’s cross-dressing and fluid sense of gender identity was simultaneously celebrated and condemned in Fuller’s Women in the Nineteenth Century (1843).
A Facile Regioselective 1,3-Dipolar Cycloaddition Reaction for the Synthesis of Dispiro[Indole-3,2-Pyrrolidine-3′,5″-[1,3]Thiazolidine] Derivatives
Authors: Feng Guo-Liang , Li Yue , Geng Li-Jun
Published: March 2015

The 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction of azomethine ylides generated in situ from isatin and sarcosine with 5-arylmethylene-3-phenyl-2-thioxothiazolidin-4-one in refluxing toluene produced the 2″-thioxodispiro[indole-3,2′-pyrrolidine-3′,5″-[1,3]thiazolidine]-2,4″-dione derivatives in good yields (80–88%). The structures were assigned by 1H NMR, IR, elementary analysis and single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis through which the cycloaddition reaction was found to be highly regio- and stereo-selective.
Solvent-Free Synthesis of Novel Styrenesulfonamide Derivatives and Evaluation of their Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Maghsoodi Narjes Khaton , Khazaeli Tooba , Massah Ahmad Reza
Published: March 2015

Novel N-aryl-styrenesulfonamide derivatives have been prepared from styrenesulfonyl chloride and a variety of amines under solvent-free conditions and their in vitro anti-bacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli have been determined.
Synthesis of [1,2,4]Triazolo[4″,3″:1′,6′]Pyrimido[4′,5′:3,4]Pyridazino[1,6-D] [1,2,4]Triazine; A Novel Tetracyclic System
Authors: Hazrathoseyni Ayla , Seyedi Seyed Mohammad , Shiri Ali , Eshghi Hossein
Published: March 2015

The condensation reaction of 6-acetyl-3-amino-5-aryl-2-phenyl-2,5-dihydropyridazine-4-carbonitrile with triethyl orthoformate and then with hydrazine hydrate to obtain the new fused bicyclic 4-aryl-5-hydrazinyl-3-(1-hydrazonoethyl)-1-phenyl-1,4-dihydropyrimido[4,5-c]pyridazines via the Dimroth rearrangement is reported. Further cyclisation was achieved by the treatment of latter compounds with triethyl orthoformate to afford several derivatives of a novel tetracyclic fused system [1,2,4] triazolo[4″,3″:1′,6′]pyrimido[4′,5′:3,4]pyridazino[1,6-d][1,2,4]triazine.
Synthesis of a Benvitimod Impurity: (Z)-3,5-Dihydroxy-4-Isopropylstilbene
Authors: Zhang Yue , Du Man , Xie Hong-wei , Song Hai-wen , Song Yong-xing , Qu Hong-ying , Yang Ji-xia
Published: March 2015

(E)-3,5-dihydroxy-4-isopropylstilbene (Benvitimod), a new medicine for the treatment of psoriasis and eczema, belongs to the hydroxystilbene family. The synthesis leads to the E-isomer, (Z)-3,5-dihydroxy-4-isopropylstilbene being present as a major impurity in the preparation of Benvitimod. We describe a synthesis of the Benvitimod impurity: (Z)-3,5-dihydroxy-4-isopropylstilbene starting from 3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid, through an isopropyl reaction, esterification and etherification, reduction, oxidation, Perkin condensation, decarboxylation and demethylation. The optimal reaction conditions were also determined.
Regioselective One-Pot Synthesis of Functionalised 6,7-Dihydro-1H-Indol-4(5H)-Ones
Authors: Alizadeh Abdolali , Bayat Fahimeh
Published: March 2015

A one-pot two-step synthesis of functionalised 6,7-dihydro-1H-indol-4(5H)-ones from 1,3-cyclohexanediones, benzylamines, and 2-(2-oxo-2-phenylethylidene)-1H-indene-1,3(2H)-dione has been achieved. The advantages of this approach are operational simplicity, good yields of the products and avoidance of the use of any ligands, metal catalysts, acidic media, or column chromatography.
The aromatisation of terpenes and steroids by dehydrogenation
Authors: Hanson James R.
Published: March 2015

The formation of aromatic compounds by the dehydrogenation of terpenes and steroids and some of the current uses of the products are reviewed.
Improved Beam Angle Arrangement in Intensity Modulated Proton Therapy Treatment Planning for Localized Prostate Cancer
Authors: Cao Wenhua , Lim Gino , Li Yupeng , Zhu X. , Zhang Xiaodong
Published: March 2015

Purpose: This study investigates potential gains of an improved beam angle arrangement compared to a conventional fixed gantry setup in intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT) treatment for localized prostate cancer patients based on a proof of principle study. Materials and Methods: Three patients with localized prostate cancer retrospectively selected from our institution were studied. For each patient, IMPT plans were designed using two, three and four beam angles, respectively, obtained from a beam angle optimization algorithm. Those plans were then compared with ones using two lateral parallel-opposed beams according to the conventional planning protocol for localized prostate cancer adopted at our institution. Results: IMPT plans with two optimized angles achieved significant improvements in rectum sparing and moderate improvements in bladder sparing against those with two lateral angles. Plans with three optimized angles further improved rectum sparing significantly over those two-angle plans, whereas four-angle plans found no advantage over three-angle plans. A possible three-beam class solution for localized prostate patients was suggested and demonstrated with preserved dosimetric benefits because individually optimized three-angle solutions were found sharing a very similar pattern. Conclusions: This study has demonstrated the potential of using an improved beam angle arrangement to better exploit the theoretical dosimetric benefits of proton therapy and provided insights of selecting quality beam angles for localized prostate cancer treatment.
Acyclic Diene Metathesis (ADMET) Polymerization for Precise Synthesis of Defect-Free Conjugated Polymers with Well-Defined Chain Ends
Authors: Haque Tahmina , Nomura Kotohiro
Published: March 2015

This accounts introduces unique characteristics by adopting the acyclic diene metathesis (ADMET) polymerization for synthesis of conjugated polymers, poly(arylene vinylene)s, known as promising molecular electronics. The method is more suitable than the other methods in terms of atom efficiency affording defect-free, stereo-regular (exclusive trans) polymers with well-defined chain ends; the resultant polymers possess better property than those prepared by the conventional methods. The chain ends (vinyl group) in the resultant polymer prepared by ruthenium-carbene catalyst(s) can be modified by treating with molybdenum-alkylidene complex (olefin metathesis) followed by addition of various aldehyde (Wittig type cleavage), affording the end-functionalized polymers exclusively. An introduction of initiating fragment, the other conjugated segment, and one-pot synthesis of end-functionalized block copolymers, star shape polymers can be achieved by adopting this methodology.
Geometry of Fisher Information Metric and the Barycenter Map
Authors: Itoh Mitsuhiro , Satoh Hiroyasu
Published: March 2015

Geometry of Fisher metric and geodesics on a space of probability measures defined on a compact manifold is discussed and is applied to geometry of a barycenter map associated with Busemann function on an Hadamard manifold \(X\). We obtain an explicit formula of geodesic and then several theorems on geodesics, one of which asserts that any two probability measures can be joined by a unique geodesic. Using Fisher metric and thus obtained properties of geodesics, a fibre space structure of barycenter map and geodesical properties of each fibre are discussed. Moreover, an isometry problem on an Hadamard manifold \(X\) and its ideal boundary \(\partial X\)—for a given homeomorphism \(\Phi\) of \(\partial X\) find an isometry of \(X\) whose \(\partial X\)-extension coincides with \(\Phi\)—is investigated in terms of the barycenter map.
Fluctuation of the Water Environmental Carrying Capacity in a Huge River-Connected Lake
Authors: Wang Hua , Zhou Yiyi , Tang Yang , Wu Mengan , Deng Yanqing
Published: March 2015

A new method, with the non-fully mixed coefficient (NFMC) considered, was put forward to calculate the water environmental carrying capacity (WECC) for huge river-connected lakes, of which the hydrological conditions always vary widely during a year. Poyang Lake, the most typical river-connected lake and the largest freshwater lake in China, was selected as the research area. Based on field investigations and numerical simulation, the monthly pollutant degradation coefficients and non-fully mixed coefficients of different lake regions were determined to explore the WECCs of COD, TN and TP of Poyang Lake in a common water year. It was found that under the hydrological conditions of a common water year the total WECCs of COD, TN and TP in the lake were respectively 181.9 × 104 t, 33.3 × 104 t and 1.86 × 104 t. Due to the varied lake water volume and self-purification ability, an evident temporal fluctuation of WECCs in Poyang Lake was observed. The dry seasons were characterized by a higher NFMCs but lower WECCs owing to the lower water level and degradation ability. Variation coefficients of COD and TN WECC were close to each other, of which the average level was about 58.5%, a little higher than that of TP.
MicroRNA-16 Modulates HuR Regulation of Cyclin E1 in Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Guo Xun , Connick Melanie , Vanderhoof Jennifer , Ishak Mohammad-Ali , Hartley Rebecca
Published: March 2015

RNA binding protein (RBPs) and microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) are post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression that are implicated in development of cancers. Although their individual roles have been studied, the crosstalk between RBPs and miRNAs is under intense investigation. Here, we show that in breast cancer cells, cyclin E1 upregulation by the RBP HuR is through specific binding to regions in the cyclin E1 mRNA 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) containing U-rich elements. Similarly, miR-16 represses cyclin E1, dependent on its cognate binding sites in the cyclin E1 3'UTR. Evidence in the literature indicates that HuR can regulate miRNA expression and recruit or dissociate RNA-induced silencing complexes (RISC). Despite this, miR-16 and HuR do not affect the other’s expression level or binding to the cyclin E1 3'UTR. While HuR overexpression partially blocks miR-16 repression of a reporter mRNA containing the cyclin E1 3'UTR, it does not block miR-16 repression of endogenous cyclin E1 mRNA. In contrast, miR-16 blocks HuR-mediated upregulation of cyclin E1. Overall our results suggest that miR-16 can override HuR upregulation of cyclin E1 without affecting HuR expression or association with the cyclin E1 mRNA.
N,N',N"-Tris[(5-methoxy-1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl]benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxamide
Authors: Schmidt Ute , Stapf Manuel , Mazik Monika
Published: March 2015

The title indole-based compound that enforces tripodal topology and is potential applicable for the use as artificial receptor, was prepared by a simple reaction of 1,3,5-benzenetricarbonyl trichloride with 5-methoxytryptamine. The compound was characterized by elemental analysis, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and mass spectrometry.
PAD-MAC: Primary User Activity-Aware Distributed MAC for Multi-Channel Cognitive Radio Networks
Authors: Ali Amjad , Piran Md. , Kim Hansoo , Yun Jihyeok , Suh Doug
Published: March 2015

Cognitive radio (CR) has emerged as a promising technology to solve problems related to spectrum scarcity and provides a ubiquitous wireless access environment. CR-enabled secondary users (SUs) exploit spectrum white spaces opportunistically and immediately vacate the acquired licensed channels as primary users (PUs) arrive. Accessing the licensed channels without the prior knowledge of PU traffic patterns causes severe throughput degradation due to excessive channel switching and PU-to-SU collisions. Therefore, it is significantly important to design a PU activity-aware medium access control (MAC) protocol for cognitive radio networks (CRNs). In this paper, we first propose a licensed channel usage pattern identification scheme, based on a two-state Markov model, and then estimate the future idle slots using previous observations of the channels. Furthermore, based on these past observations, we compute the rank of each available licensed channel that gives SU transmission success assessment during the estimated idle slot. Secondly, we propose a PU activity-aware distributed MAC (PAD-MAC) protocol for heterogeneous multi-channel CRNs that selects the best channel for each SU to enhance its throughput. PAD-MAC controls SU activities by allowing them to exploit the licensed channels only for the duration of estimated idle slots and enables predictive and fast channel switching. To evaluate the performance of the proposed PAD-MAC, we compare it with the distributed QoS-aware MAC (QC-MAC) and listen-before-talk MAC schemes. Extensive numerical results show the significant improvements of the PAD-MAC in terms of the SU throughput, SU channel switching rate and PU-to-SU collision rate.
Adaptation Strategies and Resilience to Climate Change of Historic Dwellings
Authors: Rubio-Bellido Carlos , Pulido-Arcas Jesus , Cabeza-Lainez Jose
Published: March 2015

Historic city centres have a large amount of dwellings in Europe, which were built to provide a comfortable shelter with the absence of mechanical means. The knowledge of climate responsive design strategies can play a significant role in reducing the energy demand of extant buildings, paving the way for its sustainable development in the face of the rising threat to its occupants of climate change. The residential architecture, developed, in most cases, in dense urban centres, was built using both available materials and traditional and academic construction technologies. This paper thoroughly investigates the extant urban conglomerate in Cádiz and analyses, in a qualitative and quantitative manner, which bioclimatic design strategies were applied and the city’s adaptation for future climate scenarios. The results indicate that historic housing in Cádiz is creatively adapted to the local natural conditions by means of a combination of climate responsive strategies, and there is significant scope for improvement in the ongoing response to global warming.