bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Potential of Value-Added Performance Measures to Affect the Quality of the Teacher Workforce
Authors: Goldhaber Dan
Published: March 2015

The past decade has seen a tremendous amount of research on the use of value-added modeling to assess individual teachers, and a significant number of states and districts are now using, or plan to use, value added as a component of a teacher’s summative performance evaluation. In this article, I explore the various mechanisms through which the use of value added might affect teacher quality and describe what we know empirically about the potential of each mechanism. Given that many of these mechanisms work through the behavioral response of teachers to the high-stakes uses of evaluation, I argue that the jury is still out on how the use of value added will affect the quality of the teacher workforce.
Editors’ Introduction: The Use of Teacher Value-Added Measures in Schools
Authors: Harris Douglas N. , Herrington Carolyn D.
Published: March 2015

Teacher accountability based on teacher value-added measures could have far-reaching effects on classroom instruction and student learning, for good and for ill. To date, however, research has focused almost entirely on the statistical properties of the measures. While a useful starting point, the validity and reliability of the measures tell us very little about the effects on teaching and learning that come from embedding value added into policies like teacher evaluation, tenure, and compensation. We pose dozens of unanswered questions, not only about the net effects of these policies on measurable student outcomes, but about the numerous, often indirect ways in which these and less easily observed effects might arise. Drawing in part on other articles in the special issue, we consider perspectives from labor economics, sociology of organizations, and psychology. Some of the pathways of these policy effects directly influence teaching and learning and in intentional ways, while other pathways are indirect and unintentional. While research is just beginning to answer the key questions, a key initial theme of recent research is that both the opponents and advocates are partly correct about the influence of these policies.
Rheological Indicators for Environmental Stress Cracking Resistance of Polyethylene
Authors: Sardashti P. , Tzoganakis C. , Zatloukal M. , Polak M. A. , Penlidis A.
Published: March 2015

Most studies on environmental stress cracking resistance (ESCR) of polymers have focused on performing mechanical tests in the solid state. In this work, investigations in the melt state were carried out, to identify potential melt indicators for a relative measure of ESCR. A normalized characteristic relaxation time (λN), obtained from dynamic shear experiments, was established as a valid measure of ESCR of linear low density polyethylene, where a large content of short chain branches is present. In addition, the melt strain hardening coefficient (MSHC), obtained from extensional rheological methodologies, was found to be another potential and reliable indicator of ESCR. An inverse correlation between MSHC and ESCR was observed, indicating an inverse relationship between ESCR and chain extensibility in the melt. Furthermore, a new factor called “melt hardening stiffness (mHS)” was developed from the slope of a stress vs. Hencky strain obtained from a Sentmanat extensional rheometer. mHS was found to be another promising indicator of ESCR obtained from rheological studies conducted in this work.
Decision aids for localized prostate cancer treatment choice: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Violette Philippe D. , Agoritsas Thomas , Alexander Paul , Riikonen Jarno , Santti Henrikki , Agarwal Arnav , Bhatnagar Neera , Dahm Philipp , Montori Victor , Guyatt Gordon H. , Tikkinen Kari A. O.
Published: March 2015

Patients who are diagnosed with localized prostate cancer need to make critical treatment decisions that are sensitive to their values and preferences. The role of decision aids in facilitating these decisions is unknown. The authors conducted a systematic review of randomized trials of decision aids for localized prostate cancer. Teams of 2 reviewers independently identified, selected, and abstracted data from 14 eligible trials (n = 3377 men), of which 10 were conducted in North America. Of these, 11 trials compared decision aids with usual care, and 3 trials compared decision aids with other decision aids. Two trials suggested a modest positive impact on decisional regret. Results across studies varied widely for decisional conflict (4 studies), satisfaction with decision (2 studies), and knowledge (2 studies). No impact on treatment choices was observed (6 studies). In conclusion, scant evidence at high risk of bias suggests the variable impact of existing decision aids on a limited set of decisional processes and outcomes. Because current decision aids provide information but do not directly facilitate shared decision making, subsequent efforts would benefit from user‐centered design of decision aids that promote shared decision making. CA Cancer J Clin 2015;65: 239–251. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Multivariate analysis in yellow inbred lines of Maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Amiruzzaman M , Amin MN , Quadir M , Rashid MH
Published: March 2015

Twenty five yellow inbred lines of normal maize were evaluated for eleven parameters to study the genetic divergence using Mahalonabiss D2 and Rao s canonical variate analysis. The twenty five inbreds fell into five distinct clusters. The intra-cluster distance in all the five clusters was more or less low, indicating the genotypes within the same clusters were closely related. The highest intercluster distance was observed between cluster I and VI and the lowest between the cluster II and III. The cluster IV and V each contained the highest number of genotypes. Cluster V showed the highest mean values for kernel yield and all the yield contributing traits except 1000-kernel weight and cluster II had the lowest mean values for plant and ear height and maturity characters. Days to silking, ear length, number of kernels/row, 1000-kernel weight and kernel yield showed maximum contribution towards total divergence among different characters. Based on medium to high inter-cluster distances, per se performances and desirable traits, fourteen yellow inbred lines viz. BIL 77, BIL 97, CML 287, CML 470, CML 480, CML 486, CZ 2370-22-2, CZ 2370-24-3, CZ 2370-28-2, CZ 23 70-31-3, IPB 911-2, IPB 911-22, IPB 911-36 and IPB 911-50 were selected for future hybridization program. Crossing between these genotypes have the chance to obtain higher heterosis with high performing crosses. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjar.v39i4.22531 Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 39(4): 553-561, December 2014
Effect of zinc and boron on yield and yield contributing characters of lentil in low ganges river floodplain soil at Madaripur, Bangladesh
Authors: Quddus MA , Naser HM , Hossain MA , Hossain M Abul
Published: March 2015

A study was conducted in Calcareous Low Ganges River Floodplain Soil (AEZ 12) at Regional Pulses Research (RPRS), Madaripur during the Rabi season of 2010-12.The objectives were to evaluate the effect of Zinc (Zn) and Boron (B) on the yield and yield contributing characters of lentil (Lens culinaris Medic) and to estimate the optimum dose of Zn and B for yield maximization. There were 16 treatment combinations comprising four levels each of Zinc (0, 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 kg/ha) and Boron (0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 kg/ha) along with a blanket dose of N20 P16 K30 S10 kg/ha were used. The treatments were arranged viz. T1= Zn0B0; T2= Zn0B0.5; T3= Zn0B1.0; T4= Zn0B1.5; T5= Zn1.0B0; T6= Zn1.0B0.5; T7= Zn1.0B1.0; T8= Zn1.0B1.5; T9= Zn2.0B0; T10= Zn2.0B0.5; T11= Zn2.0B1.0; T12= Zn2.0B1.5; T13= Zn3.0B0; T14= Zn3.0B0.5; T15= Zn3.0B1.0 and T16= Zn3.0B1.5. The experiment was laid out in RCBD with three replications. Results showed that the combination of Zn3.0B1.5 produced significantly higher seed yield (1156 kg/ha). The lowest seed yield (844 kg/ha) was found in control (Zn0B0) combination. The combined application of zinc and boron were superior to their single application. Therefore, the combination of Zn3.0B1.5 may be considered as suitable dose for lentil cultivation in Bangladesh. But from regression analysis, the optimum treatment combination was Zn2.85B1.44 for Madaripur, Bangladesh. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjar.v39i4.22538 Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 39(4): 591-603, December 2014
Effect of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulphur on the yield of mango
Authors: Nasreen Shamima , Kamal AM , Siddiky MA , Rannu RP , Islam MS
Published: March 2015

The experiment was conducted at the research field of Regional Horticulture Research Station, Chapai Nawabganj during 2010-11, 2011-12 and 2012-13 to find out the proper combination of fertilizer nutrients (N, P, K and S) in presence of organic manure for obtaining higher yield of mango (var. BARI Aam-1). The treatments were native nutrient i.e. control (T1), N360P80K150S50 (T2), N560P120K200S70 (T3), N760P160K250S90 (T4), N960P200K300S110 (T5), and N1100P300K500S120 i.e. farmers practice (T6) g/tree/year. In addition, 20 kg cowdung/tree was used as blanket dose. Number of fruits/tree, individual fruit weight, fruit size, stone weight, peel weight, TSS content and yield of mango varied significantly due to variations of nutrients in all the years. The highest yield and yield attributes were recorded under treatment N960P200K300S110 g/tree and it was statistically identical with N760P160K250S90 g/tree. The lowest yield was obtained from untreated control plot (native nutrient). The yield benefit for the best treatment (T5) over the control was 86% in 2010-11, 64% in 2011-12 and 73% in 2012-13. The highest gross margin (Tk 2509/tree in 2010-11, Tk 2651/tree in 2011-12 and Tk 2478/tree in 2012-13) and marginal rate of return (2375% in 2010-11, 2225% in 2011-12 and 2300% in 2012-13) was also obtained from the same treatment. Three years study revealed that application of N960P200K300S110 g/tree along with a blanket dose of 20 kg cowdung/tree appears to be the best treatment and economically optimum for achieving higher yield of mango in Chapai Nawabganj region. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjar.v39i4.22542 Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 39(4): 631-640, December 2014
Evaluation of inbred lines of maize (Zea mays L.) through line × tester method
Authors: Amin MN , Amiruzzaman M , Ahmed A , Ali MR
Published: March 2015

Maize inbred lines were evaluated by using line × tester method involving 11 lines and 3 testers for grain yield and its components through estimation of general combining ability (gca) and specific combining ability (sca) effects. Highly significant genotypic differences were observed indicated wide range of variability present among the genotypes. The crosses with high sca effect for grain yield were evolved from high × low general combiner parents which reveled additive × dominance type of gene action. The cross combinations 9MS4-1 × L22, 9MS4-1 × L486, 9MS4-2 × L431, 9MS4-11 × L486 and 9MS4- 15 × L431 with high positive sca effect having high mean values might be used for obtaining high yielding hybrids. The information on the nature of gene action with respective variety and characters might be used depending on the breeding objectives. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjar.v39i4.22547 Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 39(4): 675-683, December 2014
Feasibility of intercropping leafy vegetables and legumes with brinjal
Authors: Islam MR , Rahman MT , Hossain MF , Ara N
Published: March 2015

An experiment was conducted during 2010 and 2011 to find out the suitable crop combination for increasing total productivity, return and maximize land utilization through intercropping system. Six treatments viz. Brinjal 100% + Red amaranth 100%, Brinjal 100% + Leaf amaranth 100%, Brinjal 100% + Jute as patshak 100%, Brinjal 100% + Mungbean 60%, Brinjal 100% + Blackgram 60% and sole of base crops (brinjal) were used in the study. Results showed that different intercropping combination did not influenced yield and yield contributing characters of brinjal. The yield of brinjal comparatively lower in intercropping but total productivity increased due to additional yield of leafy vegetables and legumes. The increases in total productivity in terms of brinjal equivalent yield (BEY) was 8.80 to 26.67 t/ha in intercrop combination compared to base crop. All the intercropping combinations were higher in terms of brinjal equivalent yield, gross return and benefit cost ratio (BCR) over sole crops. Among the intercropping combinations, Brinjal 100% (100 cm × 75 cm) + Mungbean 60% (three rows mungbean in between brinjal rows maintained 30 cm apart rows with continuous seeding) was the most feasible and profitable intercropping system in respect of brinjal equivalent yield (20.85 t/ha), gross return (Tk.312750/ha), gross margin (Tk.212693/ha) and benefit cost ratio (3.13). DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjar.v39i4.22548 Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 39(4): 685-692, December 2014
Yard Sales: A Book and an Exhibition: From Selling Off Objects to Redeeming Memory
Authors: Debary Octave
Published: March 2015

The fate of everyday objects, when they reach the end of their lives — worn out, and sometimes even broken — varies a great deal. In some cases, their remains are exhibited in museums as instances of our heritage; in others, they end up in garages and attics, or are simply disposed of. This paper focuses on the social operations surrounding the redefinition of their status as second-hand objects. We pay special attention to what happens when they are requalified as objects of memory in yard sales. Over the past thirty years, such markets — where personal stories change hands — have become favoured destinations for Sunday outings in France. They are open-air museums, where new memories are cobbled together from old objects. We attempt to show what is at stake in these transactions and transitions through a presentation of a book and an exhibition (2011-2012) devoted to French yard sales.
Growing in Motion: The Circulation of Used Things on Second-hand Markets
Authors: Appelgren Staffan , Bohlin Anna
Published: March 2015

From having been associated with poverty and low status, the commerce with second-hand goods in retro shops, flea markets, vintage boutiques and trade via Internet is expanding in Sweden as in many countries in the Global North. This article argues that a significant aspect of the recent interest in second-hand and reuse concerns the meaning fulness of circulation in social life. Using classic anthropological theory on how the circulation of material culture generates sociality, it focuses on how second-hand things are transformed by their circulation. Rather than merely having cultural biographies, second-hand things are reconfigured through their shifts between different social contexts in a process that here is understood as a form of growing. Similar to that of an organism, this growth is continuous, irreversible and dependent on forces both internal and external to it. What emerges is a category of things that combine elements of both commodities and gifts, as these have been theorized within anthropology. While first cycle commodities are purified of their sociality, the hybrid second-hand thing derives its ontological status as well as social and commercial value precisely from retaining ‘gift qualities’, produced by its circulation.
Introduction: Circulating Stuff on Second-hand, Vintage and Retro Markets
Authors: Appelgren Staffan , Bohlin Anna
Published: March 2015

No abstract available.
A Joint Chow Test for Structural Instability
Authors: Nielsen Bent , Whitby Andrew
Published: March 2015

The classical Chow test for structural instability requires strictly exogenous regressors and a break-point specified in advance. In this paper, we consider two generalisations, the one-step recursive Chow test (based on the sequence of studentised recursive residuals) and its supremum counterpart, which relaxes these requirements. We use results on the strong consistency of regression estimators to show that the one-step test is appropriate for stationary, unit root or explosive processes modelled in the autoregressive distributed lags (ADL) framework. We then use the results in extreme value theory to develop a new supremum version of the test, suitable for formal testing of structural instability with an unknown break-point. The test assumes the normality of errors and is intended to be used in situations where this can be either assumed nor established empirically. Simulations show that the supremum test has desirable power properties, in particular against level shifts late in the sample and against outliers. An application to U.K. GDP data is given.
Ex-Post Critical Evaluations of Energy Policies in Malaysia from 1970 to 2010: A Historical Institutionalism Perspective
Authors: Abdul-Manan Amir , Baharuddin Azizan , Chang Lee
Published: March 2015

Ex-post evaluations of energy policies in Malaysia between 1970 and 2010 were conducted. The developments of energy policies in Malaysia were traced from the early 1970s with the introduction of the country’s first energy-related policy all the way to 2010 with the country’s first endeavour towards a biobased energy system. Analyses revealed that many of the policies were either: (1) directly responding to changes in global/domestic socioeconomic and political events, or (2) provided visions to guide developments of the energy sector in alignment with the country’s growth agenda. Critical examinations of the country’s actual energy consumptions during these 40 years were also conducted to evaluate the efficacy of these energy-related policies. Three noteworthy successes in Malaysia’s energy landscape are: (1) the formation of PETRONAS as the national oil and gas company; (2) reduction of country’s over-reliance on oil as a single source of energy by significantly growing the production and use of natural gas in a short span of time; and (3) creation of a thriving oil and gas value chain and ecosystem in the country. However, the country is still critically dependent on scarce petroleum resources, despite having an abundance of renewable reserves. Progress towards renewable energy has been too little and too slow.
Slit Wall and Heat Transfer Effect on the Taylor Vortex Flow
Authors: Liu Dong , Wang Ying-Ze , Shi Wei-Dong , Kim Hyoung-Bum , Tang Ai-Kun
Published: March 2015

The Taylor vortex flow in the plain model with a constant temperature gradient effect was studied by experimental measurement, and the preliminary features of Taylor vortex flow affected by heat transfer process were obtained. This flow field in the plain model was also studied by numerical simulation. The reliability of numerical simulation was verified by comparing the numerical results with the experimental ones. To study the slit wall effect on this flow regime under the same temperature gradient conditions, another three models with different slit numbers (6, 9 and 12) were considered. The vortex pairs were found to have a motion along the axial direction. Because of the existence of the temperature gradient, the axial flow in the annulus gap was enhanced, but the radial velocity near the inner cylinder was found to be weakened. The heat flux generated by the inner cylinder was also compared among different models, and it was found that the heat flux generated by the 6-slit model was increased by 4.5% compared to that of the plain model, and the 12-slit model generated the maximum heat flux, which has the best heat transfer ability.
Anti-TMV Activity of Malformin A1, a Cyclic Penta-Peptide Produced by an Endophytic Fungus Aspergillus tubingensis FJBJ11
Authors: Tan Qing-Wei , Gao Fang-Luan , Wang Fu-Rong , Chen Qi-Jian
Published: March 2015

Plant-associated microorganisms are known to produce a variety of metabolites with novel structures and interesting biological activities. An endophytic fungus FJBJ11, isolated from the plant tissue of Brucea javanica (L.) Merr. (Simaroubaceae), was proven to be significantly effective in producing metabolites with anti-Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) activities. The isolate was identified as Aspergillus tubingensis FJBJ11 based on morphological characteristics and ITS sequence. Bioassay-guided isolation led to the identification of a cycli penta-peptide, malformin A1, along with two cyclic dipeptides, cyclo (Gly-l-Pro) and cyclo (Ala-Leu). Malformin A1 showed potent inhibitory effect against the infection and replication of TMV with IC50 values of 19.7 and 45.4 μg·mL−1, as tested using local lesion assay and leaf-disc method, respectively. The results indicated the potential use of malformin A1 as a leading compound or a promising candidate of new viricide.
Methodologies and Perspectives of Proteomics Applied to Filamentous Fungi: From Sample Preparation to Secretome Analysis
Authors: Bianco Linda , Perrotta Gaetano
Published: March 2015

Filamentous fungi possess the extraordinary ability to digest complex biomasses and mineralize numerous xenobiotics, as consequence of their aptitude to sensing the environment and regulating their intra and extra cellular proteins, producing drastic changes in proteome and secretome composition. Recent advancement in proteomic technologies offers an exciting opportunity to reveal the fluctuations of fungal proteins and enzymes, responsible for their metabolic adaptation to a large variety of environmental conditions. Here, an overview of the most commonly used proteomic strategies will be provided; this paper will range from sample preparation to gel-free and gel-based proteomics, discussing pros and cons of each mentioned state-of-the-art technique. The main focus will be kept on filamentous fungi. Due to the biotechnological relevance of lignocellulose degrading fungi, special attention will be finally given to their extracellular proteome, or secretome. Secreted proteins and enzymes will be discussed in relation to their involvement in bio-based processes, such as biomass deconstruction and mycoremediation.
A Pharmacogenetics Study in Mozambican Patients Treated with Nevirapine: Full Resequencing of TRAF3IP2 Gene Shows a Novel Association with SJS/TEN Susceptibility
Authors: Ciccacci Cinzia , Rufini Sara , Mancinelli Sandro , Buonomo Ersilia , Giardina Emiliano , Scarcella Paola , Marazzi Maria , Novelli Giuseppe , Palombi Leonardo , Borgiani Paola
Published: March 2015

Steven–Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) are severe adverse drug reactions, characterized by extensive epidermal detachment and erosions of mucous membrane. SJS/TEN is one of the most serious adverse reactions to Nevirapine (NVP) treatment, commonly used in developing countries as first-line treatment of human immunodeficiency virus infection. In the last years TRAF3IP2 gene variants had been described as associated with susceptibility to several diseases such as psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. We hypothesized that this gene, involved in immune response and in NF-κB activation, could also be implicated in the SJS/TEN susceptibility. We performed a full resequencing of TRAF3IP2 gene in a population of patients treated with NVP. Twenty-seven patients with NVP-induced SJS/TEN and 78 controls, all from Mozambique, were enrolled. We identified eight exonic and three intronic already described variants. The case/control association analysis highlighted an association between the rs76228616 SNP in exon 2 and the SJS/TEN susceptibility. In particular, the variant allele (C) resulted significantly associated with a higher risk to develop SJS/TEN (p = 0.012 and OR = 3.65 (95% CI 1.33–10.01)). A multivariate analysis by logistic regression confirmed its significant contribution (p = 0.027, OR = 4.39 (95% CI 1.19–16.23)). In conclusion, our study suggests that a variant in TRAF3IP2 gene could be involved in susceptibility to SJS/TEN.
More is not Always Better: The Relation between Item Response and Item Response Time in Raven’s Matrices
Authors: Goldhammer Frank , Naumann Johannes , Greiff Samuel
Published: March 2015

The role of response time in completing an item can have very different interpretations. Responding more slowly could be positively related to success as the item is answered more carefully. However, the association may be negative if working faster indicates higher ability. The objective of this study was to clarify the validity of each assumption for reasoning items considering the mode of processing. A total of 230 persons completed a computerized version of Raven’s Advanced Progressive Matrices test. Results revealed that response time overall had a negative effect. However, this effect was moderated by items and persons. For easy items and able persons the effect was strongly negative, for difficult items and less able persons it was less negative or even positive. The number of rules involved in a matrix problem proved to explain item difficulty significantly. Most importantly, a positive interaction effect between the number of rules and item response time indicated that the response time effect became less negative with an increasing number of rules. Moreover, exploratory analyses suggested that the error type influenced the response time effect.
Lumazine Peptides from the Marine-Derived Fungus Aspergillus terreus
Authors: You Minjung , Liao Lijuan , Hong Soo , Park Wanki , Kwon Dah , Lee Jeeyeon , Noh Minsoo , Oh Dong-Chan , Oh Ki-Bong , Shin Jongheon
Published: March 2015

Terrelumamides A (1) and B (2), two new lumazine-containing peptides, were isolated from the culture broth of the marine-derived fungus Aspergillus terreus. From the results of combined spectroscopic and chemical analyses, the structures of these compounds were determined to be linear assemblies of 1-methyllumazine-6-carboxylic acid, an amino acid residue and anthranilic acid methyl ester connected by peptide bonds. These new compounds exhibited pharmacological activity by improving insulin sensitivity, which was evaluated in an adipogenesis model using human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. In addition, the compounds exhibited fluorescence changes upon binding to DNA, demonstrating their potential applications to DNA sequence recognition.
“High-Throughput” Evaluation of Polymer-Supported Triazolic Appendages for Metallic Cations Extraction
Authors: Slimi Riadh , Girard Christian
Published: March 2015

The aim of this work was to find and use a low-cost high-throughput method for a quick primary evaluation of several metal extraction by substituted piperazines appendages as chelatants grafted onto Merrifield polymer using click-chemistry by the copper (I)-catalyzed Huisgen’s reaction (CuAAC) The polymers were tested for their efficiency to remove various metal ions from neutral aqueous solutions (13 cations studied: Li+, Na+, K+, Mn2+, Fe3+, Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Cd2+, Ba2+, Ce3+, Hg+ and Pb2+) using the simple conductimetric measurement method. The polymers were found to extract all metals with low efficiencies ≤40%), except for Fe3+ and Hg+, and sometimes Pb2+. Some polymers exhibited a selectively for K+, Cd2+ and Ba2+, with good efficiencies. The values obtained here using less polymer, and a faster method, are in fair correspondence (average difference ±16%) with another published evaluation by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS).
The Thermal Damage Properties of Mudstone, Gypsum and Rock Salt from Yingcheng, Hubei, China
Authors: Chen Jie , Yin Liming , Ren Song , Lin Li , Fang Jinyang
Published: March 2015

The impacts of temperature on the surface thermal damage of rock salt, gypsum and mudstone from the Yingcheng salt mine, China were investigated by the surface crack growth and propagation tests at different temperatures. We found that: (a) high temperature could strengthen the rock salt molecular thermal motion and weaken the cohesion among the rock salt grains, so that the grain boundaries were more prone to slip and thus develop into cracks; (b) high temperature could make the water molecules evaporate from rock specimens, which should change the physical properties of gypsum and mudstone; and (c) high temperature had a significant effect on the interface between rock salt and gypsum and mudstone, therefore it should be easy to produce cracks with white or light yellow cumulate powder here. The surface crack growth and propagation of the rock salt, gypsum and mudstone have a positive correlation with the temperature by stereo microscope and the method of binary images, which could observe the surface thermal damage properties. Finally, the fractal dimension of the rock salt surface cracks was calculated based on fractal theory, and the evolution of the surface thermal damage was found from 50 to 260 °C.
σ- versus π-Activation of Alkynyl Benzoates Using B(C6F5)3
Authors: Bähr Alexander , Wilkins Lewis , Ollegott Kevin , Kariuki Benson , Melen Rebecca
Published: March 2015

We have prepared a range of alkynyl benzoates in high yields and have investigated their reactivities with the strong Lewis acid B(C6F5)3. In such molecules both σ-activation of the carbonyl and π-activation of the alkyne are possible. In contrast to the reactivity of propargyl esters with B(C6F5)3 which proceed via 1,2-addition of the ester and B(C6F5)3 across the alkyne, the inclusion of an additional CH2 spacer switches off the intramolecular cyclization and selective σ-activation of the carbonyl group is observed through adduct formation. This change in reactivity appears due to the instability of the species which would be formed through B(C6F5)3 activation of the alkyne.
FMTPen: A Miniaturized Handheld Fluorescence Molecular Tomography Probe for Image-Guided Cancer Surgery
Authors: Yang Hao , He Bin , Dai Xianjin , Satpathy Minati , Yang Lily , Jiang Huabei
Published: March 2015

We described a novel handheld device (termed FMTPen) for three-dimensional (3D) fluorescence molecular tomography (FMT). The FMTpen is characterized by its bendable structure and miniaturized size (10 mm in diameter) that can be potentially used as an intraoperative tool for the detection of tumor margins and for image-guided surgery. Several phantom experiments based on indocyanine green (ICG), an FDA approved near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent dye, were conducted to evaluate the imaging ability of this device. Two tumor-bearing mice were systematically injected with tumor-targeted NIR fluorescent probes (NIR-830-ATF68-IONP and NIR-830-ZHER2:343-IONP, respectively) and were then imaged to further demonstrate the ability of this FMT probe for imaging small animals.
Naming the Mystery: An Augustinian Ideal
Authors: Fitzgerald Allan
Published: March 2015

This article, by noticing Augustine’s constant questioning, shows that he often talks about not knowing and about his need for God’s help to know more. It is therefore better to see how he identifies the mystery than to focus on his answers, because he too recognizes his limits. His intellectual prowess can be seen more clearly when he “names the mystery” than by thinking that he has solved it.
Validation of a Simplified Model to Generate Multispectral Synthetic Images
Authors: Sola Ion , González-Audícana María , Álvarez-Mozos Jesús
Published: March 2015

A new procedure to assess the quality of topographic correction (TOC) algorithms applied to remote sensing imagery was previously proposed by the authors. This procedure was based on a model that simulated synthetic scenes, representing the radiance an optical sensor would receive from an area under some specific conditions. TOC algorithms were then applied to synthetic scenes and the resulting corrected scenes were compared with a horizontal synthetic scene free of topographic effect. This comparison enabled an objective and quantitative evaluation of TOC algorithms. This approach showed promising results but had some shortcomings that are addressed herein. First, the model, originally built to simulate only broadband panchromatic scenes, is extended to multispectral scenes in the visible, near infrared (NIR), and short wave infrared (SWIR) bands. Next, the model is validated by comparing synthetic scenes with four Satellite pour l'Observation de la Terre 5 (SPOT5) real scenes acquired on different dates and different test areas along the Pyrenees mountain range (Spain). The results obtained show a successful simulation of all the spectral bands. Therefore, the model is deemed accurate enough for its purpose of evaluating TOC algorithms.
Color Filtering Localization for Three-Dimensional Underwater Acoustic Sensor Networks
Authors: Liu Zhihua , Gao Han , Wang Wuling , Chang Shuai , Chen Jiaxing
Published: March 2015

Accurate localization of mobile nodes has been an important and fundamental problem in underwater acoustic sensor networks (UASNs). The detection information returned from a mobile node is meaningful only if its location is known. In this paper, we propose two localization algorithms based on color filtering technology called PCFL and ACFL. PCFL and ACFL aim at collaboratively accomplishing accurate localization of underwater mobile nodes with minimum energy expenditure. They both adopt the overlapping signal region of task anchors which can communicate with the mobile node directly as the current sampling area. PCFL employs the projected distances between each of the task projections and the mobile node, while ACFL adopts the direct distance between each of the task anchors and the mobile node. The proportion factor of distance is also proposed to weight the RGB values. By comparing the nearness degrees of the RGB sequences between the samples and the mobile node, samples can be filtered out. The normalized nearness degrees are considered as the weighted standards to calculate the coordinates of the mobile nodes. The simulation results show that the proposed methods have excellent localization performance and can localize the mobile node in a timely way. The average localization error of PCFL is decreased by about 30.4% compared to the AFLA method.
Urban Sediment Transport through an Established Vegetated Swale: Long Term Treatment Efficiencies and Deposition
Authors: Allen Deonie , Olive Valerie , Arthur Scott , Haynes Heather
Published: March 2015

Vegetated swales are an accepted and commonly implemented sustainable urban drainage system in the built urban environment. Laboratory and field research has defined the effectiveness of a vegetated swale in sediment detention during a single rainfall-runoff event. Event mean concentrations of suspended and bed load sediment have been calculated using current best analytical practice, providing single runoff event specific sediment conveyance volumes through the swale. However, mass and volume of sediment build up within a swale over time is not yet well defined. This paper presents an effective field sediment tracing methodology and analysis that determines the quantity of sediment deposited within a swale during initial and successive runoff events. The use of the first order decay rate constant, k, as an effective pollutant treatment parameter is considered in detail. Through monitoring tagged sediment deposition within the swale, the quantity of sediment that is re-suspended, conveyed, re-deposited or transported out of the swale as a result of multiple runoff events is illustrated. Sediment is found to continue moving through the vegetated swale after initial deposition, with ongoing discharge resulting from resuspension and conveyance during subsequent runoff events. The majority of sediment initially deposited within a swale is not detained long term or throughout its design life of the swale.
Zur Pseudoklementinen-Ausgabe der Berliner Akademie. Überlieferungsverhältnisse, Editionsprinzipien, Stand der Arbeiten
Authors: Paschke Franz
Published: March 2015

Prévue dès 1891 par l'Académie de Berlin, l'édition critique des Pseudo- Clémentines, sous leur double forme — vingt homélies conservées intégralement en grec et dix Recognitiones traduites du grec par Rufin — a subi bien des vicissitudes. W. Frankenberg a publié en 1947, avec rétroversion grecque, les fragments syriaques de ces deux collections (British Museum, Addit. 12150 : a. 411 et 14609 : ixe s.). Pour l'édition des Homélies en 1953 (GCS. 42), B. Rehm a utilisé les deux manuscrits Paris gr. 930 (xie-xne s.) et Vatican Ottoboni gr. 443, plus la première rédaction de l'Epitome et la traduction syriaque. Les matériaux préparés par J. B. Lighfoot et E. C. Richardson, d'une part, et par J. Wrobel à Vienne, d'autre part, pour l'édition des Recognitiones ont été donnés finalement à l'Académie de Berlin, qui les confia à J. Svennung, puis à B. Rehm, enfin à Fr. Paschke qui mena à bon terme cette publication en 1965 {GCS. 51). Les 113 manuscrits répartis en cinq groupes (Italie, Allemagne du Sud, France du Nord, France du Sud et Angleterre) permettent de remonter à un archétype de 450 environ. Les indices des Homélies et des Recognitiones sont préparés à Bonn par G. Strecker, ainsi qu'un volume d'appendices comprenant les deux versions des Epitome, le Martyrium et le Miraculum Clementis.
La critique textuelle de la branche III (Martin) du Roman de Renart et l'édition des textes littéraires français du Moyen Âge
Authors: Rychner Jean
Published: March 2015

Les trois rédactions principales du Roman de Renart ont été publiées séparément les unes des autres, chacune d'après un seul manuscrit, sans que les éditeurs cherchent à en améliorer le texte en recourant systématiquement à l'ensemble de la tradition. Pourtant, l'impossibilité, voire l'utopie d'une restitution complète de l'original, ne devrait plus servir d'alibi à l'effort critique, qui permet de remédier dans une mesure appréciable à la dégradation de l'œuvre par les copistes. On applique ici cet effort à la branche III. Et l'on ose conclure en souhaitant, dans l'édition des anciens textes, l'abandon de la fidélité sans condition au « manuscrit de base » pour un retour à une critique prudente engageant l'ensemble convenablement classé de tous les manuscrits. Ceci par respect profond de l'œuvre et de tous les détails textuels qui la dessinent.
Un recueil de manuscrits du XVe siècle de la bibliothèque de Claude-Enoch Virey
Authors: Droz Eugénie
Published: March 2015

Étude d'un recueil manuscrit du XVe siècle qui appartint à Enoch Virey, puis à son fils Jean-Christofle, habitants de Chalon-sur-Saône et bibliophiles très connus au XVIe siècle et jusque vers la moitié du XVIIe. Le volume contient des œuvres d'Alain Chartier, de Renaud de Louhans, le poème de l'Amant rendu cordelier à l'observance d'amours, Le miroir aux dames et un curieux poème presque inconnu intitulé Le renoncement d'amours qui est l'œuvre de Huet des Vignes, serviteur de Louis XI chargé de fonctions importantes à Andrésy. Cette étude bibliographique se termine par des remarques relatives aux méthodes employées dans les ateliers de la région parisienne vers 1470 pour la fabrication de manuscrits à bas prix.
Note sul manoscritto [Vat. lat. 5991] di cui si è servito Giovanni Andrea Bussi per l'edizione di Plinio del 1470
Authors: Marucchi Adriana
Published: March 2015

L'édition de l'Historia naturalis de Pline l'Ancien par Giovanni Andrea Bassi (Rome, Sweynheim et Pannartz, 1470) a été préparée en deux étapes : le manuscrit Rome, Bibl. Angelica 1097 a servi pour une première correction, mais le texte une fois corrigé a été recopié en deux volumes : le premier volume n'a pas été retrouvé, mais le second (livres 18-37) est conservé à la Bibliothèque Vaticane sous la cote Vat. lat. 5991.

Ces deux manuscrits portent de nombreuses corrections de Giovanni Andrea Bussi, qui a aussi transcrit les manuscrits Vat. lat. 5219 (Suasoriae et Controversiae de Sénèque le Rhéteur), Vat. lat. 11469 (Plaute) et Vat. lat. 1958 (Tacite) et possédé le manuscrit Vat. lat. 1815. Malgré la souscription trompeuse, le manuscrit Vat. lat. 2049 n'a pas été écrit par G. A. Bussi et ne lui a jamais appartenu.
La bibliothèque des Cordeliers de Troyes
Authors: Auger Marie-Louise
Published: March 2015

Cet article publie, avec identification des œuvres et index, un catalogue de la grande et de la petite bibliothèque des Cordeliers de Troyes, dressé en 1527- 1528 et comprenant environ 450 volumes, tant imprimés que manuscrits, et une liste de 32 livres imprimés ajoutés à ladite bibliothèque en 1632. L'examen de l'inventaire révèle une prédominance des auteurs des XIIIe, XIVe et XVe siècles, des ouvrages de théologie dogmatique et biblique et des sermons. Les livres liturgiques, la Règle, les Statuts et Coutumes de l'Ordre, les vies de saint François et de sainte Claire ne sont pas répertoriés. De la bibliothèque du XVIe siècle presque rien ne subsiste à l'heure actuelle. Peut-on penser qu'elle fut remplacée par la riche collection léguée en 1651 par le docteur Jacques Hennequin et que, n'ayant plus sa raison d'être, elle fut en grande partie dispersée au début du XVIIIe siècle ?
La bibliothèque des Franciscains Observants de Tuscanella (Tuscania) au XVe siècle
Authors: Ruysschaert José
Published: March 2015

Dans le fonds Chigi de la Bibliothèque Vaticane a été retrouvé le compte des dépenses effectuées en 1466 par Francesco Carbone, gardien du couvent franciscain de Tuscanella (Italie, Tuscania, province de Viterbe), pour l'achat et la restauration des manuscrits, ainsi que pour l'aménagement local de la bibliothèque. Le compte est édité et brièvement commenté, un certain nombre de manuscrits provenant de Tuscanella sont identifiés dans le fonds Chigi. L'auteur publie aussi la liste des manuscrits ayant appartenu au couvent romain de l'Ara Coeli et conservés actuellement à la Bibliothèque Vaticane.
La Section de Diplomatique de l'Institut des Textes et la refonte de la « Bibliographie générale des cartulaires français »
Authors: Le Braz Jacqueline
Published: March 2015

La Section de Diplomatique de l'Institut de Recherche et d'Histoire des Textes a entrepris une refonte de la Bibliographie générale des cartulaires français ou relatifs à l'histoire de France, de H. Stein, parue en 1907. En effet, les publications et les découvertes faites depuis soixante ans, mais aussi les disparitions dues à deux guerres, imposaient cette refonte de plus en plus impérieusement. Une commission chargée de diriger les travaux a décidé que la matière de la nouvelle Bibliographie pourrait être répartie en deux volumes : Cartulaires ecclésiastiques et Cartulaires laïques. Quant à la notice consacrée à chaque manuscrit, elle devrait, tout en restant brève, comporter quelques précisions supplémentaires, d'une part sur son contenu : répartition des actes par siècle, classement des actes, mention des actes du XIIIe siècle en langue vulgaire et, d'autre part, le cas échéant, sur l'histoire du texte manuscrit : copistes et possesseurs.
Examen d'une charte non datée de l'évêque Hardouin de Tournai pour l'abbaye de Saint-Bertin
Authors: Huyghebaert Nicolas N.
Published: March 2015

Hardouin, évêque de Noyon et de Tournai, donna à l'abbaye de Saint-Bertin, entre 1021 et 1030, quatre autels dans le nord du comté de Flandre. Cet acte, qui nous a été conservé par le chroniqueur Simon, n'est pas daté et présente quelques particularités étonnantes. Est-il faux ? On ne le pense pas. Il ne peut pas avoir été fabriqué par les moines de Saint-Bertin. Bien plus, il laisse percer les aspirations des Tournaisiens à l'autonomie de leur diocèse. Enfin, il s'explique parfaitement, si l'on tient compte de la position de l'évêque Hardouin, exilé auprès du comte de Flandre, et si l'on replace la requête de l'abbé de Saint- Bertin dans le cadre de la réforme de Richard de Saint-Vanne voulue et encouragée par le comte Baudouin IV.
Les copistes de Jean Budé (1430-1502)
Authors: Garand Monique-Cécile
Published: March 2015

Jean Budé, le père de Guillaume Budé, a rassemblé en vingt ans (de 1480 environ à sa mort en 1502) une importante bibliothèque comprenant surtout des manuscrits.

Nous connaissons environ soixante de ces manuscrits, conservés dans différents fonds, à Paris, en province et à l'étranger. Tous présentent des similitudes exceptionnelles de mise en page, de décoration ; les filigranes mêmes des papiers se retrouvent d'un volume à l'autre ; les écritures se répartissent entre six copistes bien reconnaissables, Jean Compère, Jean de Bailleul et quatre anonymes. Jean Budé a annoté ses manuscrits, les a munis de ses armes, des initiales « V. I. » qui lui sont propres et de son ex-libris, presque toujours daté. Ainsi l'examen comparé des renseignements codicologiques fournis par chaque volume permet-il de leur attribuer une origine commune — Paris — et des dates assez précises — entre 1480 et 1490.
Aerodynamics and pollen ultrastructure in Ephedra
Authors: Bolinder Kristina , Niklas Karl J. , Rydin Catarina
Published: March 2015

• Premise of the study: Pollen dispersal is affected by the terminal settling velocity (Ut) of the grains, which is determined by their size, bulk density, and by atmospheric conditions. The likelihood that wind‐dispersed pollen is captured by ovulate organs is influenced by the aerodynamic environment created around and by ovulate organs. We investigated pollen ultrastructure and Ut of Ephedra foeminea (purported to be entomophilous), and simulated the capture efficiency of its ovules. Results were compared with those from previously studied anemophilous Ephedra species.

• Methods: Ut was determined using stroboscopic photography of pollen in free fall. The acceleration field around an “average” ovule was calculated, and inflight behavior of pollen grains was predicted using computer simulations. Pollen morphology and ultrastructure were investigated using SEM and STEM.

• Key results: Pollen wall ultrastructure was correlated with Ut in Ephedra. The relative proportion and amount of granules in the infratectum determine pollen bulk densities, and (together with overall size) determine Ut and thus dispersal capability. Computer simulations failed to reveal any functional traits favoring anemophilous pollen capture in E. foeminea.

• Conclusion: The fast Ut and dense ultrastructure of E. foeminea pollen are consistent with functional traits that distinguish entomophilous species from anemophilous species. In anemophilous Ephedra species, ovulate organs create an aerodynamic microenvironment that directs airborne pollen to the pollination drops. In E. foeminea, no such microenvironment is created. Ephedroid palynomorphs from the Cretaceous share the ultrastructural characteristics of E. foeminea, and at least some may, therefore, have been produced by insect‐pollinated plants.
Growth Theory
Authors: Sengupta Atanu , Hazra Anirban
Published: March 2015

In this chapter, the authors discuss how the modern thinking of growth starts from the classicists. To the classical economists, limitedness of resources is the limit to growth. Neo-classicists transplanted the natural resources with the producible means of production – capital. Limitedness of resources is removed but it is replaced by the limitedness of operational structure – the firm size. The result is the diminishing returns to capital1 that shape the frontier growth. New growth theorists introduce the concept of generating “ideas” – involving human endeavour with its intellect. This is human capital – the seed of unlimited growth. However, this main story does not cover sharper niceties that are of paramount human interest. Issues of inequality and sustainability are some of these. This chapter is not any encyclopedic attempt. It only tries to cover some of the basic dynamics into which man has fashioned to understand his own destiny.
Infrastructure Development in Developing Countries
Authors: Bhattarai Raj Kumar
Published: March 2015

Physical infrastructure development projects mobilize a huge number of diversified workforce, their associates, and relatives to and from the project sites and surrounding areas from initiation of the projects to post-completion period. This chapter focuses on Nepal government's National Plan and reviews the Plan's priorities of the last 60 years concerning project tourism at one part; and the opinions of key informants, socio-cultural patterns, project specifications, and tourism statistics on the other. The analysis indicates a clear fragmentation of the plan, cultural configuration, and infrastructure acceleration efforts. It concludes with a notion of urgency of integrating infrastructure project specifications with the cultural configuration of the actors. It proposes a strategic tripartite model for tourism development in order to achieve sustainable economic growth in developing countries.