bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deteriorating Inventory Model under Permissible Delay in Payments and Fuzzy Environment
Authors: Shah Nita H. , Pareek Sarla , Sangal Isha
Published: February 2016

This paper deals with the problem of determining the EOQ model for deteriorating items in the fuzzy sense where delay in payments is permissible. The demand rate, ordering cost, selling price per item and deterioration rate are taken as fuzzy numbers. The total variable cost in fuzzy sense is de-fuzzified using the centre of gravity method. The solution procedure has been explained with the help of numerical example.
Optimal Inventory Classification using Data Mining Techniques
Authors: Agarwal Reshu , Mittal Mandeep , Pareek Sarla
Published: February 2016

Data mining has long been used in relationship extraction from large amount of data for a wide range of applications such as consumer behavior analysis in marketing. Data mining techniques, such as classification, association rule mining, temporal association rule mining, sequential pattern mining, decision trees, and clustering, have attracted attention of several researchers. Some research studies have also extended the usage of this concept in inventory management to determine the optimal economic order quantity. Yet, not many research studies have considered the application of the data mining approach on inventory classification to predict the most profitable items which is also a significant factor to the manager for optimal inventory control. In this chapter, three different cases for inventory classification based on loss rule is presented. An example is illustrated to validate the results.
Customer Behavior Prediction using K-Means Clustering Algorithm
Authors: Singh Juhi , Mittal Mandeep , Pareek Sarla
Published: February 2016

Due to the increased availability of individual customer data, it is possible to predict customer buying pattern. Customers can be segmented using clustering algorithms based on various parameters such as Frequency, Recency and Monetary values (RFM). The data can further be analyzed to infer rules among two or more purchases of the customer. In this chapter we will present a clustering algorithm, enhanced k- means algorithm, which is based on k- means algorithm to divide customers into various segments. After segmentation, each segment is mined with the help of a priori algorithm to infer rules so that the customer's purchase behavior can be predicted. From large number of association rules with sufficient coverage, the customer's purchasing pattern can be predicted. Experiment on real database is implemented to evaluate the performance on effectiveness and utility of the approach. The results show that the proposed approach can gain a well insight into customers' segmentation and thus their behavior can be predicted.
An Intelligent and Adaptive Hypermedia System Based on Thinking Style (IAHS-TS)
Authors: Lamia Mahnane M. L. , Mohamed Hafidi
Published: February 2016

In this paper, an adaptive and intelligent hypermedia system, AIHS was designed, developed and implemented. This e-learning system was intended for bachelor degree program that is offered in all Algerian public universities, where the studied subjects are: “ORL”, “Dermatology”, “Ophthalmology” and “Language”. Content which was transformed into learning objects in four different ways in accordance with Herrmann Brain Dominance Instrument (HBDI). the developed prototype will assist a learner in accessing and using learning resources which are adapted according to his/her personal characteristics (in this case his/her thinking style and level of knowledge). It will facilitate the learning content teacher in the creation of appropriate learning objects and applying them to suitable pedagogical strategies.
Web-Based Instruction Revolutionizes Environmental Systems Analysis
Authors: Ahamer Gilbert
Published: February 2016

For university teaching in general, and specifically for the transdisciplinary curriculum of “Environmental Systems Analysis”, web-based learning procedures provide excellent opportunities for socially induced understanding and consensus building. This chapter describes how the social processes emerging in a five-level web-based negotiation game may be conceived in such a way that these form a sequence of growing and decaying intensity in various modes of social interaction. Similarly to individual learning in a classroom, a procedure could be applied to collective learning, namely to social procedures among humans who are starting to create institutional networks for combating global climate change – one of the most urgent tasks at present. A coordinate system of the four main social archetypes of action, namely “information”, “team”, “debate”, “integration” is symbolically called soprano, alto, tenor and bass; these four basic dimensions of social action tend to peak one after the other along a suitably designed gaming procedure.
The Relationship between Self-Regulated Learning and PLE Management
Authors: Yen Cherng-Jyh , Tu Chih-Hsiung , Sujo-Montes Laura E. , Armfield Shadow W. J. , Chan Junn-Yih
Published: February 2016

Is Personal Learning Environment (PLE) a new concept for effective teaching and learning? Shouldn't learning always be personalized and individualized? How may digital technology enhance PLE? Web 2.0 technology integration requires a higher level of self-regulated learning skills to create a PLE. This study examined each of the four aspects of learner self-regulation in online learning (i.e., environment structuring, goal setting, time management, & task strategies) as the predictor for level of initiative and sense of control with regard to PLE widgets management in PLE. This study has concluded that goal setting, time management, and task strategies in self-regulated learning can predict level of initiative in organizing PLE. Furthermore, goal setting and task strategies can predict sense of control in PLE management. Based on the study results, PLE Guidelines are suggested to support educators and learners to build and to manage their PLE.
Helping Faculty Overcome Cultural Barriers to Adoption and Use of Web-Based Learning Technologies
Authors: Asunka Stephen
Published: February 2016

This study adopted a participatory action research (PAR) approach to identify and address some cultural factors that contribute in hindering faculty adoption and use of a Learning Management System (LMS) for Web-based learning at a university in Ghana. This followed a realization that an LMS that the university deployed for E-learning purposes, and had been available for over five years, remained largely unused by faculty members despite that they have been trained, motivated and appropriately resourced to do so. With a preliminary investigation revealing the possible role of cultural factors, this study drew on some aspects of Hofstede's cultural dimensions theory to conceptualize a research framework, and subsequently engaged 10 faculty members in a semester-long action study. Findings show that by collectively identifying the cultural underpinnings, and conscientiously working on them, faculty members can change their attitudes (as well as those of their other colleagues) significantly, and be better disposed to integrating Web technologies into their instructional activities.
Positive Technology
Authors: Riva Giuseppe , Villani Daniela , Cipresso Pietro , Gaggioli Andrea
Published: February 2016

This chapter describes and discusses the “Positive Technology” approach: the scientific and applied approach for the use of technology in improving the quality of our personal experience through its structuring, augmentation and/or replacement - as a way for improving and sustaining personal change. On one side, we suggest that our cognitive system is naturally shaped to identify and counter the experiential conflicts that are usually the main motives for change. Optimal experiences, also defined as “flow experiences”, instead allow the individual to consider long-term personal goals differently and start to experiment with changing them. In other words optimal experiences, when meaningful for the individual, widen the array of thoughts and actions, facilitating generativity and behavioral flexibility. On the other side we claim that it is possible to use technology to manipulate the quality of experience, with the goal of increasing wellness, and generating strengths and resilience in individuals, organizations and society.
Technologies for Participatory Wellbeing
Authors: Barello Serena , Menichetti Julia , Graffigna Guendalina
Published: February 2016

The participatory health revolution is shaping consumers' health behaviors that are increasingly influence by people's desire to play an active role in promoting a positive life functioning. Technologies are addressing the emerging needs of the participatory health, as they favor a proactive users' attitude. This chapter describes the results of a software-assisted quali-quantitative study aimed at exploring the scientific debate about technological interventions for wellbeing in the era of participatory health. Based on the study's results, technologies for wellbeing in the participatory health era may be clustered depending on the “context of delivery,” on their degree of personalization,” and on their inner “conceptualization of positive interventions”. According to a consumer health engagement perspective, those technologies are not mutually exclusive but can coexist based on the specific wellness needs and health engagement expectations of their users.
Mindfulness as an Opportunity to Narrow the Grey Digital Divide
Authors: Bercovitz Katherine , Pagnini Francesco
Published: February 2016

With older adults living longer than ever before, more in this age demographic are seeking ways to stay engaged, happy, and healthy in the final decades of life following retirement. In this chapter, we discuss the many ways in which older adults can benefit from learning new technologies, including enjoying more functional independence, social connection, and cognitive engagement. We also discuss the barriers that prevent older adults from learning new technologies, including physical ailment and disability, skepticism over the benefits, and stereotype threat. Finally, we introduce the concept of Langerian mindfulness and how learning to be mindful as opposed to mindless can help older adults over these barriers.
Using the Experience of Evoked Emotion in Virtual Reality to Manage Workplace Stress
Authors: Tichon Jennifer G. , Mavin Timothy
Published: February 2016

This chapter explores how immersion in virtual reality (VR) evokes emotional states similar to those of the real world, and how deliberate immersion in high-stress situations can help teach individuals affective strategies to remain in control of their emotions. Psychological skills training programs teach techniques and strategies to assess, monitor, and adjust thoughts and feelings to cope with stress. VR allows an individual to put these skills to the test through the opportunity to practice coping with their emotional states while immersed in difficult scenarios. Keeping a clear head, ignoring fear when fear isn't useful, learning how to draw on an optimal blend of emotion and reason in times of crisis are all crucial skills for work and life. Affective Control Theory (ACT) proposes that affective strategies that typically strengthen and support performance are skills and that these skills are integral to stress management. Due to its key role in performance, recent research in psychology confirms affect as a crucial variable to consider in interventions in workplace stress.
A Study of the Effects of Teaching Avatars on Students' Learning of Surveying Mathematics
Authors: Adamo-Villani Nicoletta , Dib Hazar Nicholas
Published: February 2016

The paper reports a research study aimed at investigating the appeal and pedagogical efficacy of animated teaching avatars. Specifically, the goal of the study was to determine whether animated characters could be effective and engaging teachers in the context of undergraduate surveying mathematics. The study included two forms of evaluation: formative and summative. Findings from the formative evaluation with forty-four undergraduate students show that three animated lectures delivered by a teaching avatar that speaks, gestures and points to a virtual board were perceived as engaging and useful for learning surveying mathematics concepts and procedures. Results of the summative evaluation with fifty-two undergraduate students show that watching the animated avatar lectures led to an increase in subjects' mathematical competence by 31%. The study also compared the animated avatar lectures to interactive 2D visualizations illustrating equivalent surveying math concepts. Findings show that watching the teaching avatar lectures led to significantly higher learning gains.
Learning Programming Patterns Using Games
Authors: Leal Alexis Vinícius de Aquino , Ferreira Deller James
Published: February 2016

There is still no pedagogy to teach programming that stands out significantly from others and no consensus on what is the best way for learning programming. There is still a need to develop new teaching methods for learning in introductory programming courses. This paper presents a pedagogic approach in support of creativity in programming and the results of a successful case study, where the teacher facilitates the learning of programming patterns by means of students' involvement in game creation. The results show an improvement in motivation and learning introductory programming, when we combine programming patterns with games using concrete materials.
Effectiveness of Online Advising on Honors Student Retention and Engagement
Authors: VanDieren Monica
Published: February 2016

Academic advising is an important component of a student's education, and more often universities are turning to technology to aid in this task. This paper presents a case study of an online advising system that complements a university degree audit system by providing honors students and advisors up-to-date details on individual progress towards completing the honors curriculum and on the level of engagement in the honors co-curricular programming. By leveraging the features of Google Apps for Education, this advising system allows faculty and students to securely and easily access accurate information during schedule planning, and frees up honors staff from repetitive tasks allowing them to dedicate more time to helping students plan their educational journey. Effectiveness of this new system is measured by accuracy of information, time spent by the administration in maintaining the system, student retention and completion of the honors curriculum, and student engagement in honors co-curricular programming. The Google Script described in this paper can be adapted for mail-merge and automatic web page generation in several educational settings beyond academic advising.
Automotive Water Cooling System Analysis Subject to Time Dependence and Failure Issues
Authors: Goyal Nupur , Kaushik Ajay , Ram Mangey
Published: February 2016

In an automobile engine, the heat transfer cannot be possible without cooling system support. The cooling system has a great importance in the engines. It coolants overheat of the engine, and prevents it from breakdown, that's why a highly reliable cooling system is the necessity of every engine but there are many failure issues with a cooling system which are time dependent. This paper investigates the performance of a water cooling system with the consideration of their significant components by taking the attention of three types of time dependent failure issues while the water cooling system is maintained by the sufficient repair facility. It is obvious that in the lack of maintenance, failure issues in water cooling system lead with the increment of time. Maintenance and operating costs of water cooling system affect the economy of overall engine very much, so, it is necessary to be aware about overheating of engines during peak ambient conditions when it is operated with full capacity. Hence, a Mathematical model of water cooling system is proposed by using the Markov process and supplementary variable technique.
A Review on Fabricating Procedures in Rapid Prototyping
Authors: Suresh Ganzi , Narayana K. L.
Published: February 2016

Rapid prototyping (RP) advancements are in light of the rule of making three-dimensional geometries straightforwardly from computer aided design (CAD) by stacking two-dimensional profiles on top of one another. Rapid manufacturing (RM) is the utilization of rapid prototyping advancements to make end-utilize or completed items. Aside from the ordinary assembling methods which are utilized for quite a while assembling of an item, added substance assembling methodologies have picked up force in the late years. The explanation for this is that these techniques don't oblige extraordinary tooling and don't evacuate material which is exceptionally advantageous really taking shape of a segment. Rapid manufacturing is the developing innovation in assembling commercial ventures with a specific end goal to create the model inside the less time and expense effective. In this paper we talked about a portion of the fast assembling advancements in light of the sort of crude material is utilized for the procedures, applications, preferences and limits.
AEGISi
Authors: Racer Michael , Lovgren Robin
Published: February 2016

The quality of a solution to an integer programming problem is a function of a number of elements. Lightly constrained problems are easier to solve than those with tighter constraints. Local search methods generally perform better than greedy methods. In the companion paper to this one, the authors investigated how peripheral information could be gathered and utilized to improve solving subsequent problems of the same type. In the current paper, they extend this to the dynamic environment – that is, utilizing such “peripheral” information as the solver is in progress, in order to determine how best to proceed.
Optimal Transportation and Spatial Integration of Regional Palm Oil Markets in Nigeria
Authors: Nwauwa L.O.E. , Adenegan K.O. , Rahji M.A.Y. , Awoyemi T.T.
Published: February 2016

The poor quality of transportation infrastructure in Nigeria impacts negatively on the competitiveness of palm oil. This leads to increased inter-regional transportation cost, delayed time of arrival to the destination and lowered transaction efficiencies in the distribution chains. Primary and secondary data were used. Random sampling technique was used to collect data from 276 distributors in main palm oil markets. Data were analyzed using linear programming and Ravallion model at 0.05 a-level. Results of the data analyzes show that average cost of transporting palm oil from the production market to the consumption market was N5,831.9 per MT. Observed transportation cost was N60,724,830.5 while the optimal cost was N44,003,500.30 indicating a 38.0% reduction in total cost of transportation. Highest optimal allocations to the destination markets were Owerri-Jos (133,500 MT), Ondo-Lagos (107,200 MT) and Port Harcourt-Kano (82,000 MT) at minimum transportation cost of N5,750, N4000.7and N6500.0 per MT respectively. Two lag periods were identified signifying that it takes about 1-2 months for price information to spread across the markets by the model. Six of the 27 market pairs exhibited high short-run market integration for both lag periods with Port Harcourt-Abuja market pair indicating the highest (0.1 and 0.004). The lowest short-run market integration was recorded in Ondo-Minna market pair indicated by 1.4 and 17.4 respectively. Policies that will enhance redistribution of palm oil supply between producing and consuming regions should be pursued.
Designing a Semantic Tool to Evaluate Web Content of Government Websites
Authors: Thomas Manoj A. , Alalwan Jaffar A.
Published: February 2016

E-government initiatives provide enormous volume of information via online content. As public information changes over time due to changes in laws and regulations, maintaining the currency and consistency of the web content becomes acutely important. Government agencies have to regularly evaluate the web content (WC) to ensure high quality of information available to the citizens, businesses and public administrators. Currently there exists no standardized approach for monitoring and maintaining WC. By analyzing the guidelines of three government organizations, the authors develop WC ontology for the systematic and formal representation of the concepts and functions in evaluating web content. An ontology-based evaluation tool is proposed that can be used to improve the quality of web content and efficiency of the evaluation process. The ontological approach holds promising features and benefits including information sharing, reducing time and paper work during evaluation, assuring more accurate results, and communicating evaluation results to knowledge engineers, public administrators, evaluators and decision makers associated with e-government initiatives.
Systems Administration in Ontology-Based Applications
Authors: Alexandrova Assia , Iordanov Borislav , Abbas Syed , Upadrasta Phani , Sarasti Michael , Hilpold Thomas
Published: February 2016

A Citizen Relationship Management (OpenCiRM) system was built on a semantic web platform using model-driven development principles, to provide a government call center with operational agility and improved technical integration options. Business domain experts from municipal agencies administered the system by directly manipulating its ontology model. This paper highlights the new ontology engineering tasks and user roles that may emerge in organizations implementing the OpenCiRM system.
An Innovative Government Architecture with Semantic Technology
Authors: Hofman Wout
Published: February 2016

Over the past decade, authorities invested highly in public service provision over the Internet via portals. Back office systems of authorities collect and store data entered by citizens and enterprises to support decision-making by civilians. The data represents both the state of citizens and enterprises, public service transactions, and the physical infrastructure including ownership relations. Whilst civilians use the data for decisions, data quality influences decision quality. As data steward, civilians have improved data quality by removing duplicate data and created specific data stores for reference data like addresses, enterprises, and citizens. Citizens and enterprises can use reference data to complete electronic public service request forms. To further improve data quality, civilians perform physical inspections and/or assess external data sources to validate for instance data consistency. Besides data steward, civilians are also data custodian: they provide processing and storage facilities. In this contribution, the author will argue that an innovative architecture separating data steward and data custodian roles, currently held by civilians, decreases the Total Cost of Ownership of authorities' IT and contributes to economic growth. In the proposed approach, persons and organizations take the data stewardship role, facilitated by a provider of a data custodian role either in the public or private domain. Civilians can access the data for decision-making. Civilians still act as data steward with respect to additional data resources than provided by citizens and enterprises in decision-making. The approach is illustrated by a case and supported by the governance policy of for instance Dutch Customs Authority.
Opportunities and Challenges of Policy Informatics
Authors: Puron-Cid Gabriel , Gil-Garcia J. Ramon , Luna-Reyes Luis F.
Published: February 2016

Contemporary societies face complex problems that challenge the sustainability of their social and economic systems. Such problems may require joint efforts from the public and private sectors as well as from the society at large in order to find innovative solutions. In addition, the open government movement constitutes a revitalized wave of access to data to promote innovation through transparency, participation and collaboration. This paper argues that currently there is an opportunity to combine emergent information technologies, new analytical methods, and open data in order to develop innovative solutions to some of the pressing problems in modern societies. Therefore, the objective is to propose a conceptual model to better understand policy innovations based on three pillars: data, information technologies, and analytical methods and techniques. The potential benefits generated from the creation of organizations with advanced analytical capabilities within governments, universities, and non-governmental organizations are numerous and the expected positive impacts on society are significant. However, this paper also discusses some important political, organizational, and technical challenges.
Evaluation of hyperglycaemic response to intra-operative dexamethasone administration in patients undergoing elective intracranial surgery: A randomised, prospective study
Authors: Sethi Rakesh , Naqash Imtiaz , Bajwa Sukhminder , Dutta Vikas , Ramzan Altaf , Zahoor Syed
Published: February 2016

Background and Aim: The glucocorticoid dexamethasone in a bolus dose of 8-10 mg followed by quarterly dose of 4 mg is commonly used during intracranial surgery so as to reduce oedema and vascular permeability. However, the detrimental hyperglycaemic effects of dexamethasone may override its potentially beneficial effects. The present prospective, randomised study aimed at comparing the degree and magnitude of hyperglycaemia induced by prophylactic administration of dexamethasone in patients undergoing elective craniotomy. Materials and Methods: Sixty American Society of Anaesthesiologist (ASA) grade-I and II patients were randomly assigned to three groups of 20 patients each. Group-I received dexamethasone during surgery for the first time. Group-II received dexamethasone in addition to receiving it pre-operatively, whereas Group-III (control group) patients were administered normal saline as placebo. Baseline blood glucose (BG) was measured in all the three groups before induction of anaesthesia and thereafter after every hour for 4 h and then two-hourly. Besides intra- and intergroup comparison of BG, peak BG concentration was also recorded for each patient. Statistical analysis was carried out with analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Student's t-test and value of P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Baseline BG reading were higher and statistically significant in Group-II as compared with Group-I and Group-III (P < 0.05). However, peak BG levels were significantly higher in Group-I than in Group-II and III (P < 0.05). Similarly, the magnitude of change in peak BG was significantly higher in Group-I as compared to Group-II and III (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: Peri-operative administration of dexamethasone during neurosurgical procedures can cause significant increase in BG concentration especially in patients who receive dexamethasone intra-operatively only.
Membrane Contact Sites: Complex Zones for Membrane Association and Lipid Exchange
Authors: Quon Evan , Beh Christopher T.
Published: February 2016

Lipid transport between membranes within cells involves vesicle and protein carriers, but as agents of nonvesicular lipid transfer, the role of membrane contact sites has received increasing attention. As zones for lipid metabolism and exchange, various membrane contact sites mediate direct associations between different organelles. In particular, membrane contact sites linking the plasma membrane (PM) and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) represent important regulators of lipid and ion transfer. In yeast, cortical ER is stapled to the PM through membrane-tethering proteins, which establish a direct connection between the membranes. In this review, we consider passive and facilitated models for lipid transfer at PM–ER contact sites. Besides the tethering proteins, we examine the roles of an additional repertoire of lipid and protein regulators that prime and propagate PM–ER membrane association. We conclude that instead of being simple mediators of membrane association, regulatory components of membrane contact sites have complex and multilayered functions.
Existence of entire solutions to a fractional Liouville equation in $\mathbb R^n$
Authors: Hyder Ali
Published: February 2016

We study the existence of solutions to the problem

(-\Delta)^{\frac{n}{2}}u=Qe^{nu} \quad \mathrm{in }\mathbb R^n, \quad V: = \int_{\mathbb R^n}e^{nu} dx < \infty,

where

Q=(n-1)!

or

Q=-(n-1)!

. Extending the works of Wei–Ye and Hyder–Martinazzi to arbitrary odd dimension

n \geq 3

we show that to a certain extent the asymptotic behavior of

u

and the constant

V

can be prescribed simultaneously. Furthermore if

Q=-(n-1)!

then

V

can be chosen to be any positive number. This is in contrast to the case

n = 3

,

Q = 2

, where Jin–Maalaoui–Martinazzi–Xiong showed that necessarily

V \le |S^3|

, and to the case

n = 4

,

Q = 6

, where C.-S. Lin showed that

V \le |S^4|

.
Some recent results on the convergence of damage to fracture
Authors: Conti Sergio , Focardi Matteo , Iurlano Flaviana
Published: February 2016

We discuss a recent approximation result for Barenblatt’s cohesive fracture energies in the case of antiplane shear. The regularized functionals are damage energies of Ambrosio–Tortorelli type and the approximation is obtained in the sense of

\Gamma

-convergence. The extension to the general case of linearized elasticity in dimension n is still an open problem. To prepare for this extension we study the structure of a subclass of functions of bounded deformation.
Sharp cooling rates in nonlinear friction equations
Authors: Furioli Giulia , Pulvirenti Ada , Terraneo Elide
Published: February 2016

We study some extremal properties of the self-similar solutions of certain one-dimensional kinetic models of granular flows, usually known with the name of nonlinear friction equations. This analysis, inspired by some recent results on nonlinear di¤usion equations [6], allows to obtain various sharp inequalities, which can be fruitfully used to better clarify the large-time behavior of the solution density.
Critical stationary Kirchhoff equations in $\mathbb R^N$ involving nonlocal operators
Authors: Pucci Patrizia , Saldi Sara
Published: February 2016

In this paper we establish existence and multiplicity of nontrivial non-negative entire (weak) solutions of a stationary Kirchhoff eigenvalue problem, involving a general nonlocal integro-differential operator. The model under consideration depends on a real parameter

\Lambda

and involves two superlinear nonlinearities, one of which could be critical or even supercritical.
Lower bounds for the truncated Hilbert transform
Authors: Alaifari Rima , Pierce Lillian B. , Steinerberger Stefan
Published: February 2016

Given two intervals

I, J \subset \mathbb{R}

, we ask whether it is possible to reconstruct a real-valued function

f \in L^2(I)

from knowing its Hilbert transform

Hf

on

J

. When neither interval is fully contained in the other, this problem has a unique answer (the nullspace is trivial) but is severely ill-posed. We isolate the difficulty and show that by restricting

f

to functions with controlled total variation, reconstruction becomes stable. In particular, for functions

f \in H^1(I)

, we show that

\|Hf\|_{L^2(J)} \geq c_1 \exp{\Big(-c_2 \frac{\|f_x\|_{L^2(I)}}{\|f\|_{L^2(I)}}\Big)} \| f \|_{L^2(I)} ,

for some constants

c_1, c_2 > 0

depending only on

I, J

. This inequality is sharp, but we conjecture that

\|f_x\|_{L^2(I)}

can be replaced by

\|f_x\|_{L^1(I)}

.
Fine properties of Newtonian functions and the Sobolev capacity on metric measure spaces
Authors: Malý Lukáš
Published: February 2016

Newtonian spaces generalize first-order Sobolev spaces to abstract metric measure spaces. In this paper, we study regularity of Newtonian functions based on quasi-Banach function lattices. Their (weak) quasi-continuity is established, assuming density of continuous functions. The corresponding Sobolev capacity is shown to be an outer capacity. Assuming sufficiently high integrability of upper gradients, Newtonian functions are shown to be (essentially) bounded and (H¨older) continuous. Particular focus is put on the borderline case when the degree of integrability equals the “dimension of the measure”. If Lipschitz functions are dense in a Newtonian space on a proper metric space, then locally Lipschitz functions are proven dense in the corresponding Newtonian space on open subsets, where no hypotheses (besides being open) are put on these sets.
Об операторах композиции свертки и умножения на функцию
Authors: Zabirova Karina Raisovna , Napalkov Valentin Vasil'evich
Published: February 2016

Изучается оператор, являющийся композицией оператора
свертки и оператора умножения на фиксированную целую
функцию. Такие операторы находят применение в задаче
разложения Фишера, задаче Коши для операторов свертки
и др.
Библиография: 14 названий.
О свойствах топологической энтропии на компактном семействе отображений
Authors: Vetokhin Alexandr Nikolaevich
Published: February 2016

В статье изучаются свойства топологической энтропии
как функции на компактном семействе отображений
компактного метрического пространства.
Библиография: 6 названий.
Коэффициенты Фурье непрерывных функций относительно некоторых ортонормированных систем
Authors: Tsagareishvili Vakhtang Shalvovich
Published: February 2016

В работе изучены свойства коэффициентов Фурье
некоторых классов функций как относительно системы Хаара,
так и для общих ортонормированных систем (ОНС).
Установлено, что полученные результаты неусиляемы.
Библиография: 9 названий.
Dos obras de Sol89. Compacidades ahuecadas
Authors: García-Escudero Daniel , Bardí i Milà Berta
Published: February 2016

El despacho SOL89, compuesto por María González y Juanjo López de la Cruz, desarrolla su actividad profesional desde el año 2000, cuando finalizan sus estudios en la Escuela de Arquitectura de la Universidad de Sevilla. Desde entonces, combinan profesión, docencia e investigación con intensidad y rigor, y alrededor de algunas constantes. Ya sea a través de obra nueva o en construcciones sobre lo existente, cultivan ciertas inquietudes sobre la relación entre los espacios públicos y privados -ámbitos intermedios-, las envolventes gruesas, o la capacidad de la sección para caracterizar espacial y lumínicamente la arquitectura.  Con todo, el artículo se centra en dos obras primerizas: el Instituto Andaluz de Biotecnología en Sevilla (2001-2007) y el Centro de Exposiciones y Congresos de Ayamonte (2004-2014). Ambas comparten similitudes formales y materiales, como las envolventes de prefabricados de hormigón, aunque responden a estrategias de proyecto diversas, que se podrían sintetizar en “apilar” y “esculpir”.
Effects of peripheral administration of ghrelin antagonist [D-Lys3]-GHRP-6 on growth performance and blood biochemical indices in broiler chickens
Authors: Aghdam Shahryar Habib , Lotfi Alireza
Published: February 2016

Abstract. In the present study, possible effects of peripheral administration of ghrelin antagonist [D-Lys3]-GHRP-6 on chicken performance, thyroid hormones level and serum biochemical parameters were investigated. Broiler chicks divided into five experimental groups were reared up to day 42. On day 21, a treatment was assigned to the five groups: group 1 (control), chickens without any administration of peptide or solution; group 2 (G50), chickens with intraperitoneal (IP) injection of 50 ng per 100 g body weight (BW) of D-Lys3 peptide on day 21; group 3 (G100), chickens with IP injection of 100 ng per 100 g BW of D-Lys3 peptide on day 21; group 4 (G150), chickens with IP injection of 150 ng per 100 g BW of D-Lys3 peptide on day 21; and group 5 (G200), chickens with IP injection of 200 ng per 100 g BW of D-Lys3 peptide on day 21. On days 21 (post-injection) and 42 (post-rearing), blood samples were obtained from the animals for laboratory analyses. Experimental groups administered the GHS-R antagonist showed less feed intake – i.e., administration of greater doses led to less feed intake (P < 0.01). Daily weight gains within groups G150 and G200 decreased (P < 0.01) in comparison with the control. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) did not differ among the groups. There was a significant difference between control and experimental groups for glucose, total cholesterol and phosphorus levels (P < 0.01) in post-injection samples. In post-injection and post-rearing blood samples, the thyroid hormone (T3 and T4) in 6 h increased in treated groups in comparison with the control (P < 0.01). The infusion of ghrelin antagonist [D-Lys3]-GHRP-6 reduces feed intake and body weight. With regard to increase in T4 level, it can be inferred that [D-Lys3]-GHRP-6 may increase metabolic rate, lipolysis and weight loss, which is similar to results obtained in mammalian species.
Air quality and radiative impacts of Arctic shipping emissions in the summertime in northern Norway: from the local to the regional scale
Authors: Marelle Louis , Thomas Jennie L. , Raut Jean-Christophe , Law Kathy S. , Jalkanen Jukka-Pekka , Johansson Lasse , Roiger Anke , Schlager Hans , Kim Jin , Reiter Anja , Weinzierl Bernadett
Published: February 2016

Abstract. In this study, we quantify the impacts of shipping pollution on air quality and shortwave radiative effect in northern Norway, using WRF-Chem (Weather Research and Forecasting with chemistry) simulations combined with high-resolution, real-time STEAM2 (Ship Traffic Emissions Assessment Model version 2) shipping emissions. STEAM2 emissions are evaluated using airborne measurements from the ACCESS (Arctic Climate Change, Economy and Society) aircraft campaign, which was conducted in the summer 2012, in two ways. First, emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) are derived for specific ships by combining in situ measurements in ship plumes and FLEXPART-WRF plume dispersion modeling, and these values are compared to STEAM2 emissions for the same ships. Second, regional WRF-Chem runs with and without STEAM2 ship emissions are performed at two different resolutions, 3 km  ×  3 km and 15 km  ×  15 km, and evaluated against measurements along flight tracks and average campaign profiles in the marine boundary layer and lower troposphere. These comparisons show that differences between STEAM2 emissions and calculated emissions can be quite large (−57 to +148 %) for individual ships, but that WRF-Chem simulations using STEAM2 emissions reproduce well the average NOx, SO2 and O3 measured during ACCESS flights. The same WRF-Chem simulations show that the magnitude of NOx and ozone (O3) production from ship emissions at the surface is not very sensitive (< 5 %) to the horizontal grid resolution (15 or 3 km), while surface PM10 particulate matter enhancements due to ships are moderately sensitive (15 %) to resolution. The 15 km resolution WRF-Chem simulations are used to estimate the regional impacts of shipping pollution in northern Norway. Our results indicate that ship emissions are an important source of pollution along the Norwegian coast, enhancing 15-day-averaged surface concentrations of NOx ( ∼  +80 %), SO2 ( ∼  +80 %), O3 ( ∼  +5 %), black carbon ( ∼  +40 %), and PM2.5 ( ∼ +10 %). The residence time of black carbon originating from shipping emissions is 1.4 days. Over the same 15-day period, ship emissions in northern Norway have a global shortwave (direct + semi-direct + indirect) radiative effect of −9.3 m Wm−2.
Evaluation of gas-particle partitioning in a regional air quality model for organic pollutants
Authors: Efstathiou C. I. , Matejovičová J. , Bieser J. , Lammel G.
Published: February 2016

Abstract. Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are of considerable concern due to their well-recognised toxicity and their potential to bioaccumulate and engage in long-range transport. These compounds are semi-volatile and therefore partition between vapour and condensed phases in the atmosphere, while both phases can undergo chemical reactions. This work describes the extension of the Community Multi-scale Air Quality (CMAQ) modelling system to POPs with a focus on establishing an adaptable framework that accounts for gaseous chemistry, heterogeneous reactions, and gas-particle partitioning (GPP). The effect of GPP is assessed by implementing a set of independent parameterisations within the CMAQ aerosol module, including the Junge-Pankow (JP) adsorption model, the Harner-Bidleman (HB) organic matter (OM) absorption model, and the dual Dachs-Eisenreich (DE) black carbon (BC) adsorption and OM absorption model. Use of these descriptors in a modified version of CMAQ for benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), results in different fate and transport patterns as demonstrated by regional scale simulations performed for a European domain during 2006. The dual DE model predicted 24.1 % higher average domain concentrations compared to the HB model, which was in turn predicting 119.2 % higher levels compared to the baseline JP model. Evaluation against measurements from the European Monitoring and Evaluation Programme (EMEP) reveal the capability of the more extensive DE model to better capture the ambient levels and seasonal behaviour of BaP. It is found that the heterogeneous reaction of BaP with O3 may decrease its atmospheric lifetime by 25.2 % (domain and annual average) and near-ground concentrations by 18.8 %. Marginally better model performance was found for one of the six EMEP stations (Košetice) when heterogeneous BaP reactivity was included. Further analysis shows that for the rest of the EMEP locations the model continues to underestimate BaP levels, an observation that can be attributed to low emission estimates for such remote areas. These findings suggest that, when modelling the fate and transport of organic pollutants on large spatiotemporal scales, the selection and parameterisation of GPP can be as important as degradation (reactivity).
The Moon as a photometric calibration standard for microwave sounders
Authors: Burgdorf Martin , Buehler Stefan A. , Hans Imke , Lang Theresa , Michel Simon
Published: February 2016

Abstract. Instruments on satellites for Earth observation on polar orbits usually employ a two-point calibration technique, in which deep space and an on-board calibration target provide two reference flux levels. As the direction of the deep space view is in general close to the celestial equator, the Moon moves sometimes through the field of view and introduces an unwelcome additional signal. One can take advantage of this intrusion, however, by using the Moon as a third flux standard, and this has actually been done for checking the lifetime stability of sensors operating at visible wavelengths. As the disk-integrated thermal emission of the Moon is less well known than its reflected sunlight, this concept can in the microwave range only be used for stability checks and intercalibration. An estimate of the frequency of appearances of the Moon in the deep space view, a description of the limiting factors of the measurement accuracy and models of the Moon's brightness, as well as a discussion of the benefits from complementing the naturally occurring appearances of the Moon with dedicated spacecraft maneuvers show that it would be possible to detect photometric lifetime drifts of a few percent with just two measurements. The pointing accuracy is the most crucial factor for the value of this method. Planning such observations in advance would be particularly beneficial, because it allows to observe the Moon at well-defined phase angles and to put it at the center of the field of view. A constant phase angle eliminates the need for a model of the Moon's brightness when checking the stability of an instrument. With increasing spatial resolution of future microwave sensors another question arises, viz. to what extent foreground emission from objects other than the Moon will contaminate the flux entering the deep space view, which is supposed to originate exclusively in the cosmic microwave background. We conclude that even the brightest discreet sources have flux densities below the detection limit of microwave sensors in a single scan.
Continuous and high precision atmospheric concentration measurements of COS, CO2, CO and H2O using a quantum cascade laser spectrometer (QCLS)
Authors: Kooijmans Linda M. J. , Uitslag Nelly A. M. , Zahniser Mark S. , Nelson David D. , Montzka Stephen A. , Chen Huilin
Published: February 2016

Abstract. Carbonyl sulfide (COS) has been suggested as a useful tracer for Gross Primary Production as it is taken up by plants in a similar way as CO2. To explore and verify the application of this novel tracer, it is highly desired to develop the ability to perform continuous and high precision in situ atmospheric measurements of COS and CO2. In this study we have tested a quantum cascade laser spectrometer (QCLS) for its suitability to obtain accurate and high precision measurements of COS and CO2. The instrument is capable of simultaneously measuring COS, CO2, CO, and H2O after including a weak CO absorption line in the extended wavelength range. An optimal background and calibration strategy was developed based on laboratory tests to ensure accurate field measurements. We have derived water vapor correction factors based on a set of laboratory experiments, and found that line interference with H2O dominates over the dilution effect for COS. This interference can be solved mathematically by fitting the COS spectral line separately from the H2O spectral line. Furthermore, we improved the temperature stability of the QCLS by isolating it in an enclosed box and actively cooling its electronics with the same thermoelectric chiller used to cool the laser. The QCLS was deployed at the Lutjewad atmospheric monitoring station (60 m, 6°21'E, 53°24'N, 1 m a.s.l.) in the Netherlands from July 2014 to April 2015. The measurements of an independent calibration standard showed a mean difference with the assigned cylinder value within 3.3 ppt COS, 0.05 ppm for CO2 and 1.7 ppb for CO over a period of 35 days. The different contributions to uncertainty in measurements of COS, CO2 and CO were summarized and the overall uncertainty was determined to be 7.1 ppt for COS, 0.22 ppm for CO2 and 3.4 ppb for CO for one second data. The comparison of in situ QCLS measurements with measurements from flasks and a cavity ring-down spectrometer showed a difference of −3.5 ± 8.6 ppt for COS, 0.12 ± 0.77 ppm for CO2 and −0.9 ± 3.8 ppb for CO.