bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Geometric Symmetry Condition in Numerical Simulations of Thermal Process of Packed Liquid Food by Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
Authors: Augusto Pedro Esteves Duarte , Cristianini Marcelo
Published: September 2010

The growing demand for safer food and better nutritional and sensory quality creates the need for a better understanding of the processes involved in food production. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has been used by several authors for a better understanding of liquid food thermal process, one of the safest and most frequently used methods for food preservation. This study evaluated the condition of geometric symmetry used in numerical simulations of thermal process of packed liquid food via CFD. The analysis of temperature profiles obtained experimentally and through models built on 1/1, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16 and 1/32 of package geometry showed good correlation with the CFD simulations. The results indicate that the axial symmetry of the bottles allows the use of smaller models, which saves computational effort.
Effect of Temperature and Catalyst Concentrations on the Thermal Properties of Polyamide Adhesives at Low Operating Pressure
Authors: Ghasem Nayef M.
Published: September 2010

The polyamides used for hot-melt adhesives were synthesized from C36 dimer fatty acids and ethylenediamine under 200 mmHg and atmospheric pressures. The kinetics of the reaction rate at low pressure and the effect on the thermal properties of the produced polyamide adhesive were experimentally investigated. The effects of reaction temperature and catalyst concentration on polyamide melting point, glass transition temperature, sample weight loss and foaming height were studied. The kinetic rate constants were obtained for polymerization reaction carried out at three different reaction temperatures, 115, 120, and 135 °C, fixed mixing rate of 100 rpm and low operation pressure of 200 mmHg. Polymers produced at atmospheric pressure and reaction temperatures 140, 170, 180, and 190 °C where used to investigate the polyamide thermal properties using thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Thermal properties such as melting point, glass transition temperature and the temperature at which 5% and 10% weight loss were recorded by TGA at a heating rate of 10 C/min in N2 atmosphere. The effect of foaming height as a function of reaction temperature and catalyst concentration was measured. The analysis makes known that the reaction temperature and catalyst concentration has a noteworthy impact on the glass transition temperature, foam height and melting point and insignificant effect on the sample weight loss.
Commodity Taxation under Habit Formation and Myopia
Authors: Cremer Helmuth , De Donder Philippe , Maldonado Dario , Pestieau Pierre
Published: September 2010

This paper analyzes the pattern of consumption taxes in a two period model with habit formation and myopia. An individuals second-period needs increase with first period consumption. However, myopic individuals do not see this habit formation relation when they take their saving decision. The first-best solution is decentralized by a simple Pigouvian (paternalistic) consumption tax (along with suitable lump-sum taxes). In a second-best setting, when personalized lump-sum transfers are not available, consumption taxes may have conflicting paternalistic and redistributive effects. Taxes should discourage consumption of goods that entail negative externalities (unforeseen habits), but instead they discourage less the consumption of goods that are proportionately consumed by individuals with high net social marginal utility of income. Both myopic and farsighted individuals may benefit more from the second-best policy as the proportion of myopic agents in society increases.
Prior Audits and Taxpayer Compliance: Experimental Evidence on the Effect of Earned Versus Endowed Income
Authors: Boylan Scott J.
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACT: This paper provides evidence from a laboratory experiment designed to investigate the effect of prior audits on taxpayer compliance. The experiment provides evidence that when taxable income requires comparatively little time and effort to generate (endowed income), taxpayer compliance increases following an audit. In contrast, when taxable income requires comparatively large amounts of time and effort to generate (earned income), compliance decreases following an audit.

The results from this study suggest that taxpayer compliance is influenced by whether one has been audited in the past, but that the specific effect of prior audits depends on the amount of time and effort required to generate one’s income. This information should be of interest to policy makers who are concerned about improving taxpayer compliance. In addition, these results add to the body of evidence indicating that taxpayer decisions appear to be influenced by whether taxable income is earned or endowed. Finally, the results suggest that mixed findings documented in prior research on the role of prior audits can be attributed in part to systematic differences in whether taxable income was earned or endowed.
Common Variants at 10 Genomic Loci Influence Hemoglobin A1C Levels via Glycemic and Nonglycemic Pathways
Authors: Soranzo Nicole , Sanna Serena , Wheeler Eleanor , Gieger Christian , Radke Dörte , Dupuis Josée , Bouatia-Naji Nabila , Langenberg Claudia , Prokopenko Inga , Stolerman Elliot , Sandhu Manjinder S. , Heeney Matthew M. , Devaney Joseph M. , Reilly Muredach P. , Ricketts Sally L.
Published: September 2010

OBJECTIVE

Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), used to monitor and diagnose diabetes, is influenced by average glycemia over a 2- to 3-month period. Genetic factors affecting expression, turnover, and abnormal glycation of hemoglobin could also be associated with increased levels of HbA1c. We aimed to identify such genetic factors and investigate the extent to which they influence diabetes classification based on HbA1c levels.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We studied associations with HbA1c in up to 46,368 nondiabetic adults of European descent from 23 genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and 8 cohorts with de novo genotyped single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). We combined studies using inverse-variance meta-analysis and tested mediation by glycemia using conditional analyses. We estimated the global effect of HbA1c loci using a multilocus risk score, and used net reclassification to estimate genetic effects on diabetes screening.

RESULTS

Ten loci reached genome-wide significant association with HbA1c, including six new loci near FN3K (lead SNP/P value, rs1046896/P = 1.6 × 10−26), HFE (rs1800562/P = 2.6 × 10−20), TMPRSS6 (rs855791/P = 2.7 × 10−14), ANK1 (rs4737009/P = 6.1 × 10−12), SPTA1 (rs2779116/P = 2.8 × 10−9) and ATP11A/TUBGCP3 (rs7998202/P = 5.2 × 10−9), and four known HbA1c loci: HK1 (rs16926246/P = 3.1 × 10−54), MTNR1B (rs1387153/P = 4.0 × 10−11), GCK (rs1799884/P = 1.5 × 10−20) and G6PC2/ABCB11 (rs552976/P = 8.2 × 10−18). We show that associations with HbA1c are partly a function of hyperglycemia associated with 3 of the 10 loci (GCK, G6PC2 and MTNR1B). The seven nonglycemic loci accounted for a 0.19 (% HbA1c) difference between the extreme 10% tails of the risk score, and would reclassify ∼2% of a general white population screened for diabetes with HbA1c.

CONCLUSIONS

GWAS identified 10 genetic loci reproducibly associated with HbA1c. Six are novel and seven map to loci where rarer variants cause hereditary anemias and iron storage disorders. Common variants at these loci likely influence HbA1c levels via erythrocyte biology, and confer a small but detectable reclassification of diabetes diagnosis by HbA1c.
Some boundedness results for systems of two rational difference equations
Authors: Lugo Gabriel , Palladino Frank
Published: September 2010

We study k
th order systems of two rational difference equations $$
x_n = \frac{{\alpha + \sum\nolimits_{i = 1}^k {\beta _i x_{n - 1} + } \sum\nolimits_{i = 1}^k {\gamma _i y_{n - 1} } }}
{{A + \sum\nolimits_{j = 1}^k {B_j x_{n - j} + } \sum\nolimits_{j = 1}^k {C_j y_{n - j} } }}, y_n = \frac{{p + \sum\nolimits_{i = 1}^k {\delta _i x_{n - i} + } \sum\nolimits_{i = 1}^k {\varepsilon _i y_{n - i} } }}
{{q + \sum\nolimits_{j = 1}^k {D_j x_{n - j} + } \sum\nolimits_{j = 1}^k {E_j y_{n - j} } }} n \in \mathbb{N}
$$. In particular, we assume non-negative parameters and non-negative initial conditions, such that the denominators are nonzero. We develop several approaches which allow us to extend well known boundedness results on the k
th order rational difference equation to the setting of systems in certain cases.
The F4-algorithm for Euclidean rings
Authors: Sadiq Afshan
Published: September 2010

In this short note, we extend Faugére’s F4-algorithm for computing Gröbner bases to polynomial rings with coefficients in an Euclidean ring. Instead of successively reducing single S-polynomials as in Buchberger’s algorithm, the F4-algorithm is based on the simultaneous reduction of several polynomials.
A description of Banach space-valued Orlicz hearts
Authors: Labuschagne Coenraad , Offwood Theresa
Published: September 2010

Let Y be a Banach space, (Ω, Σ; μ) a probability space and φ a finite Young function. It is shown that the Y-valued Orlicz heart H
φ(μ, Y) is isometrically isomorphic to the l-completed tensor product $$
H_\varphi \left( \mu \right)\tilde \otimes _l Y
$$ of the scalar-valued Orlicz heart Hφ(μ) and Y, in the sense of Chaney and Schaefer. As an application, a characterization is given of the equality of $$
\left( {H_\varphi \left( \mu \right)\tilde \otimes _l Y} \right)*
$$ and $$
H_\varphi \left( \mu \right)*\tilde \otimes _l Y*
$$ in terms of the Radon-Nikodým property on Y. Convergence of norm-bounded martingales in H
φ(μ, Y) is characterized in terms of the Radon-Nikodým property on Y. Using the associativity of the l-norm, an alternative proof is given of the known fact that for any separable Banach lattice E and any Banach space Y, E and Y have the Radon-Nikodým property if and only if $$
E\tilde \otimes _l Y
$$ has the Radon-Nikodým property. As a corollary, the Radon-Nikodým property in H
φ(μ, Y) is described in terms of the Radon-Nikodým property on H
φ(μ) and Y.
Postural variables in girls practicing sport gymnastics
Authors: Grabara Małgorzata
Published: September 2010

Postural variables in girls practicing sport gymnastics

Study aim: To assess body posture variables in girls practicing sport gymnastics vs. their untrained mates.

Material and methods: Two groups of girls aged 7 - 11 years were studied: 48 young female gymnasts (Group SG) and 54 untrained girls (Group C) of comparable age, body height and BMI. The gymnast girls had 3 - 7 training sessions a week, their training experience ranging 1 - 5 years. Body posture was assessed by photogrammetry.

Results: Shoulder blades and pelvis were significantly (p<0.05) more symmetrical in gymnast girls than in the control group and their spine was better shaped in the youngest gymnasts (p<0.01). Gymnast girls were significantly (p<0.01) superior to their untrained mates in overall posture rating, Lumbar lordosis was less expressed (p<0.05) in gymnast girls aged 7 - 10 years than in the control ones.

Conclusions: Sport gymnastics practiced at young age may affect posturogenesis bringing about body symmetrisation and shaping spine curvatures, especially lumbar lordosis.
The Shrinking Elephants: The 2009 Election and the Changing Party System
Authors: Conradt David P.
Published: September 2010

While the 2009 election resulted in a familiar governing coalition, the dealignment of the party systems continued. Support for the once-major parties dropped to historic lows as did turnout. This article delves into the factors underlying this dealignment process. In addition to familiar demandside variables—social structure, values, and interests—particular attention is given to the supply side of the dealignment equation: the role of the parties, their leaders, strategies, and policies. The consequences of these changes for the future of the party and political system are then discussed in a comparative context.
The SPD and the Debacle of the 2009 German Federal Election: An Opportunity for Renewal
Authors: Paterson William E. , Sloam James
Published: September 2010

The 2009 German federal election marked a devastating defeat for the German Social Democratic Party (SPD). The debacle led some commentators to speculate about the end of the SPD as a “catch-all party“ and—given the recent poor performance of center-left parties across Europe—“the end of social democracy.“ In this article, we contextualize the result of the 2009 Bundestag election within the settings of German party politics and European social democracy, and show how the electoral disaster for the SPD can be explained by broad, long-term political developments. We nevertheless argue that the German Social Democrat's defeat in 2009 provides an opportunity for renewal at a time when the governing Conservative-Liberal coalition—already in disarray—must take some tough decisions with regard to the resource crunch in German public finances.
Exploring African Holism with Respect to the Environment
Authors: Behrens Kevin
Published: September 2010

Contrary to a pervasive presumption of anthropocentricism in African thought, I identify an emphasis on the interrelatedness or interconnectedness of everything in nature, and argue that this is best construed as a rejection of anthropocentrism, and as something similar in conception to, and yet distinct from, holist perspectives. I propose that this strand of African thought, suitably reconstructed, should be construed as providing the basis for a promising non-anthropocentric African environmentalism. I name this position ‘African Relational Environmentalism', and suggest that it is what distinguishes this position from holism that can most enrich environmental ethics.
L'avenir du Forum social mondial : le travail de traduction
Authors: de Sousa Santos Boaventura
Published: September 2010

Résumé Boaventura de Sousa Santos soutient l’idée que le FSM est le premier large mouvement progressiste qui fait suite à l’offensive réactionnaire néolibérale du début des années 1980. Le FSM porte l’espoir qu’un autre monde est possible, et s’il révèle la diversité des luttes sociales contre la globalisation néolibérale dans le monde entier, il appelle à un travail géant de traduction. D’un côté, les organisations et mouvements locaux sont très différents dans leurs pratiques et leurs objectifs, et évoluent dans des contextes très divers. De l’autre, les organisations transnationales, du Sud et du Nord, diffèrent grandement les unes des autres. Il se demande comment articuler, agréger et organiser des coalitions entre ces différents mouvements et organisations et propose la traduction comme alternative à la théorie générale.
La conférence mondiale des peuples sur le changement climatiques et les droits de la Terre-Mère
Authors: Houtart François
Published: September 2010

Résumé Dix ans après la guerre de l’eau qui fut un moment important dans l’arrivée au pouvoir du Mas et de Morales, le gouvernement Bolivien accueillait à Cochabamba en avril 2010 la Conférence mondiale des peuples sur le changement climatique et les Droits de la Mère Terre. Après le piteux résultat de la conférence de Copenhague, François Houtart considère que c’est étape une significative dans la construction d’un mouvement global pour la justice climatique. Tout en discutant les limites d’une initiative conviée par un chef d’État, l’auteur revient sur les propositions que comporte sa déclaration finale.
Ce que l'histoire fait aux femmes
Authors: Bernheim Cathy
Published: September 2010

Résumé 1970-2010 : quarante années de mouvement de libération des femmes en France, de ce mouvement dit « de la deuxième vague » par les historiennes. À l’initiative de quelques groupes et individu(e)s, l’année 2010 est donc consacrée à raviver la mémoire contemporaine, vite oublieuse du chemin qu’il leur a fallu faire, ensemble ou séparément, pour que les choses changent. Cette « libération des femmes » est trop souvent tue ou minorée, dans le discours politique français, même lorsqu’il s’agit de célébrer le bel élan de Mai 68. Mais les femmes qui l’ont traversée ne l’oublient pas. Dans les livres, les revues, se met en place, progressivement, un récit collectif souvent véhiculé par celles qui ont participé à la création du mouvement, et/ou à son maintien à travers des structures à peine perceptibles par le commun des mortels. Au fil de l’année, de nombreuses interventions ont eu lieu et vont avoir lieu, qui présentent le travail accompli ou soulèvent les questions que la société dans son ensemble, ne se pose pas à propos des femmes. Cet article cherche à retracer le parcours qui fut nécessaire pour parvenir à (nous) remémorer nos luttes et leurs échos.
Entre refus de l'assignation et norme de genre : regards anthropologiques
Authors: Selim Monique , Absi Pascale
Published: September 2010

Résumé Dans cet article, une anthropologue en questionne une autre sur son engagement féministe depuis 1970 et son lien avec son travail de recherche. En prenant l’exemple de quelques uns de ses terrains échelonnés sur 40 ans – le pays basque français, une multinationale au Bangladesh, une cité HLM, l’Ouzbékistan – Monique Selim montre l’indissociabilité d’une implication personnelle, intellectuelle et politique actualisée sur la France et les slogans mystificateurs de parité et de diversité.
Chemins de rencontre et de mise en commun de savoir en milieu étudiant. Étude de quatre figures de passeurs
Authors: Roselli Mariangela
Published: September 2010

Résumé L’objectif de l’article est de décrire de manière rigoureuse, détaillée et circonstanciée, les parcours suivis par certains étudiants pour créer des conditions de partage de connaissances et de techniques méthodologiques (comment lire un ouvrage long et difficile, comment rédiger une fiche de lecture, comment prendre la parole en cours, comment s’approprier le lexique de la discipline, comment identifier des thèmes de recherche « porteurs », etc.) dans une université de masse où l’étudiant ne peut compter que sur son autonomie et sa responsabilité. Sortant de ce paradigme réducteur et individualisant, un certain nombre d’étudiants ont inventé des stratégies pour se mettre en dialogue (en binômes, en réseaux, en groupes virtuels), entrer dans des communautés d’intérêt (par unité d’enseignement, par type d’évaluation, par difficulté rencontrée), travailler en groupe. Les observations régulières menées sur la longue durée dans une bibliothèque universitaire (novembre 2006-mai 2008) montrent que ces stratégies, loin d’être de simples tactiques d’efficacité et de réussite aux examens, répondent à des instances de travail dialogique, cognitif, intellectuel et affectif qui sont traversées par des forces intenses. L’investissement de chacun des étudiants suivis au cours de l’enquête, son implication dans l’acte de rencontre et de partage avec l’autre, indique l’importance de produire et de donner quelque chose venant de soi et non de l’institution. Cette posture exigeante et contraignante change radicalement la perspective dans laquelle chacun d’eux se met au travail jour après jour.
La construction de la légitimité de pratiques de travail social. La pertinence du quotidien et des espaces de frontière
Authors: Pinto Albuquerque Cristina
Published: September 2010

Résumé Dans cet article nous nous intéresserons aux processus de légitimation des pratiques de travail social. À cet effet, nous considérerons d’une part que la légitimité est le produit de dynamiques de construction des actions au quotidien et d’autre part que ce processus est combinatoire entre des fragments de situations concrètes et d’éléments généraux, qui échappent à l’immédiat. Notre argumentation repose sur le fait qu’au quotidien les travailleurs sociaux activent des dynamiques de traduction et de circulation de sens entre des niveaux d’action différentiés. Les espaces de frontière qui encadrent et articulent l’action des travailleurs sociaux acquièrent, dans cette optique, pertinence et centralité dans la construction des pratiques de travail social reconnues.
La virtud cívica como concepto sociológico. Definición y extensión social
Authors: Tena Jordi
Published: September 2010

En este trabajo se intenta ofrecer algunas líneas básicas de lo que debería ser una definición sociológica del concepto de virtud cívica. Se sostiene que debemos entender la virtud cívica como la motivación para actuar de forma públicamente orientada. Se argumenta que la virtud cívica es constituida por las motivaciones que causan las acciones concretas, no por las conductas ni por las disposiciones de carácter. Asimismo, también se sostiene que las motivaciones virtuosas pueden consistir en motivaciones para la cooperación y para sancionar a los que no cooperen, así como en motivaciones de tipo solidario y altruista. No obstante, se sostiene también que no todas las motivaciones morales y, en particular, no todas las motivaciones altruistas pueden ser calificadas de virtuosas. Finalmente, se argumenta que la extensión social de la virtud cívica debe consistir en la extensión de un cuerpo de normas morales y sociales públicamente orientadas. En este sentido, se aportan razones en favor de concebir la correcta articulación entre virtud cívica y diseño institucional como un óptimo social.
¿Políticas privatizadoras o políticas degradadoras? El caso de los ferrocarriles españoles
Authors: López Peláez Antonio , Segado Sánchez-Cabezudo Sagrario
Published: September 2010

Una estrategia clave en el proceso de modernización de la economía europea es la liberalización del transporte ferroviario, separando el mantenimiento de las infraestructuras de la gestión del transporte. Nos encontramos en un momento de transformación de las organizaciones, de la carrera profesional y de la propia cultura de trabajo ferroviaria. La percepción que trabajadores y directivos tienen sobre las tendencias de cambio en el ámbito de la seguridad y salud pueden contribuir a un diagnóstico acertado que permita no repetir anteriores fracasos en procesos liberalizadores del transporte ferroviario. En este artículo, analizamos las consecuencias, en un sector estratégico, de este modelo liberalizador sobre las condiciones de seguridad y salud de los trabajadores, y su efecto sobre la seguridad de los pasajeros y mercancías.
La percepción de los trabajadores de la normativa del sistema público de pensiones. El caso español
Authors: Cobo-Reyes Ramón , Díaz-Saavedra Julián
Published: September 2010

Durante las últimas décadas, la edad media de jubilación de los trabajadores en los países desarrollados se ha reducido notablemente. Una cuestión discutida, sin embargo, es si esta conducta de jubilación es consecuencia o no de la normativa que rige los sistemas públicos de pensiones. Si esta conducta es consecuencia principalmente de dicha normativa esto indica que los trabajadores la conocen y la comprenden. Caso contrario, entonces los trabajadores no la conocen, o la conocen pero no la comprenden. En este trabajo, analizamos la normativa del Sistema Público de Pensiones en España, y basándonos en ella, obtenemos una conducta teórica óptima de jubilación, dadas las características individuales del trabajador. Posteriormente, analizamos la conducta empírica de jubilación de los trabajadores en España. Encontramos que esta conducta empírica es similar a la conducta teórica, con lo cual concluimos que los trabajadores de edad avanzada sí conocen y entienden la normativa del Sistema Público de Pensiones español.
Definición y medición de la conciencia ambiental
Authors: Jiménez Sánchez Manuel , Lafuente Regina
Published: September 2010

A partir de las principales aproximaciones analíticas presentes en la literatura, en este trabajo establecemos una definición de conciencia ambiental multidimensional y orientada a la conducta; proponemos un método para su operacionalización con el objetivo de elaborar medidas sintéticas de este fenómeno en distintos contextos sociales. La operacionalización propuesta utiliza como base empírica los resultados del Ecobarómetro de Andalucía (EBA 2004). Los indicadores resultantes son utilizados seguidamente para identificar distintos grupos sociales según la naturaleza de su conciencia ambiental.
La reconfiguración de los movimientos sociales en el proceso global de urbanización capitalista
Authors: Párraguez Sánchez Leslie
Published: September 2010

Para avanzar en la comprensión de las nuevas configuraciones de “lo colectivo”, se propone una discusión teórica que relaciona dialécticamente esta transformación con los cambios urbanos que acompañan a la nueva estructura productiva global. Primero, identificando las limitaciones de la Sociología de la Acción de Touraine para explicar los movimientos sociales desde la ambivalencia del individualismo moderno. Luego, enriqueciéndola con otros planteamientos teóricos innovadores. De esta manera, se visualiza un sujeto emergente que se moviliza por una política de estilo de vida, es decir, por elegir cómo quiere vivir en función de su manera de combinar los principios generales de la modernidad y las identidades particulares. Así, se resignifican a las luchas urbanas que se conciertan hoy frente a cambios en las ciudades, especialmente, el surgimiento de la lucha por el derecho a la ciudad, en tanto nueva identidad-proyecto que permite a diversos movimientos sociales emergentes, dentro de ciudades concretas, definir nuevas posibilidades de vida urbana.
El movimiento por la vivienda digna en España o el porqué del fracaso de una protesta con amplia base social
Authors: Aguilar Fernández Susana , Fernández Gibaja Alberto
Published: September 2010

Antes de la irrupción de la crisis económica internacional de 2008 las encuestas de opinión mostraban que los españoles consideraban la problemática de la vivienda como una de sus máximas prioridades. En 2003, y como resultado de esta preocupación, surgió un movimiento social que se centraba en el difícil acceso a la misma. El movimiento adquirió un renovado impacto social y un mayor ímpetu con la creación de una nueva organización tres años más tarde: la Asamblea por la Vivienda Digna. Liderada principalmente por jóvenes y estudiantes, la Asamblea ha propiciado el desarrollo de un nuevo movimiento por una vivienda digna (MVD) de tipo más rupturista y menos convencional al tiempo que se ha embarcado en una estrategia de acción colectiva contenciosa en las calles. A pesar de la importancia que la sociedad otorgaba a la situación del mercado inmobiliario, el MVD ha sido incapaz de “explotar” el tema y de conseguir resultados tangibles. El uso de un enmarcado radical e intransigente, la ausencia de estrategias que facilitaran el establecimiento de amplias alianzas sociales y la falta de disposición para cooperar con potenciales aliados políticos pueden explicar por qué esta organización no ha sido capaz de generar un movimiento social exitoso.
Automatic Evaluation of Studentâ??s Performance in Online Laboratories
Authors: Maiti Ananda
Published: September 2010

Online laboratories are increasingly being deployed in traditional on-campus as well as Web-based distance-learning courses (distance education) around the world. An online laboratory generally will consist of several experiments (a module). Evaluation of studentâ??s performance and grading in laboratory courses involves quiz/viva-voce examinations, checking of experimental data and the submitted laboratory report. The students submit online laboratory report containing experimental data, interpretation, and extracted parameters. The submitted values are automatically compared and graded, with the grading criteria decided by the instructor along with the option of awarding credit for the particular experiment session. In this paper, we describe in detail a proposal on the design and prototype implementation of automatic student performance evaluation and grading system in NetLAB laboratory management system (LMS) currently in use for undergraduate and graduate online laboratories at IIT Kharagpur.
Developing Tele-Operated Laboratories for Manufacturing Engineering Education. Platform for E-Learning and Telemetric Experimentation (PeTEX)
Authors: Terkowsky Claudius , Jahnke Isa , Pleul né: Burkhardt Christian , Licari Roberto , Johannssen Per , Buffa Gianluca , Heiner Matthias , Fratini Livan , LoValvo Ernesto , Nicolescu Mihai , Wildt Johannes , Tekkaya A. Erman
Published: September 2010

The aim of the PeTEX-project is to establish an e-Learning platform for the development, implementation, and delivery of educational training programs in the field of manufacturing engineering. The PeTEX team designs both: a technical platform for eLearning based on â??Moodle
LXI Technologies for Remote Labs: An Extension of the VISIR Project
Authors: Hernandez-Jayo Unai , García-Zubia Javier , Angulo Ignacio , Lopez-de-Ipiña Diego , Orduña Pablo , Irurzun Jaime , Dziabenko Olga
Published: September 2010

Several remote labs to support analog circuits are presented in this work. They are analyzed from the software and the hardware point of view. VISIR remote lab is one of these labs. After this analysis, a new VISIR remote lab approach is presented. This extension of the VISIR project is based on LXI technologies with the aim of becoming it in a remote lab easily interchangeable with other instruments. The addition of new components and experiments is also easier and cheaper.
Remotely Controlled Real-Time DSP Applications through Customized GUIs based on LabVIEW
Authors: Kalantzopoulos Athanasios , Karageorgopoulos Dimitrios , Zigouris Evangelos
Published: September 2010

The purpose of this paper is to present an approach which could expand the features of Remote Laboratories focused on embedded Digital Signal Processing (DSP) systems. The proposed approach is based on a system which is designed and developed with LabVIEW and is called R-DSP Server. Exploiting this system, users are able to develop their own Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs), named Customized GUIs, for the remote control and validation of real-time DSP applications. These GUIs are tailored to the needs of each DSP application and can be implemented in any programming language. The rapid design of Customized GUIs using LabVIEW for the communication with the R-DSP Server is achieved utilizing an implemented set of functions, called R-DSP LabVIEW Toolkit.
Prevention of Mutation, Cancer, and Other Age‐Associated Diseases by Optimizing Micronutrient Intake
Authors: Ames Bruce N.
Published: September 2010

I review three of our research efforts which suggest that optimizing micronutrient intake will in turn optimize metabolism, resulting in decreased DNA damage and less cancer as well as other degenerative diseases of aging. (1) Research on delay of the mitochondrial decay of aging, including release of mutagenic oxidants, by supplementing rats with lipoic acid and acetyl carnitine. (2) The triage theory, which posits that modest micronutrient deficiencies (common in much of the population) accelerate molecular aging, including DNA damage, mitochondrial decay, and supportive evidence for the theory, including an in‐depth analysis of vitamin K that suggests the importance of achieving optimal micronutrient intake for longevity. (3) The finding that decreased enzyme binding constants (increased Km) for coenzymes (or substrates) can result from protein deformation and loss of function due to an age‐related decline in membrane fluidity, or to polymorphisms or mutation. The loss of enzyme function can be compensated by a high dietary intake of any of the B vitamins, which increases the level of the vitamin‐derived coenzyme. This dietary remediation illustrates the importance of understanding the effects of age and polymorphisms on optimal micronutrient requirements. Optimizing micronutrient intake could have a major effect on the prevention of cancer and other degenerative diseases of aging.
Modelling of base cation emissions, concentrations and deposition in the UK
Authors: Werner M. , Kryza M. , Dore A. J. , Błaś M. , Hallsworth S. , Vieno M. , Tang S. , Smith R.
Published: September 2010

Abstract. Base cations exerts a large impact on various geochemical and geophysical processes both in the atmosphere and at the Earth surface. One of the essential roles of these compounds is impact on surface pH causing an increase in alkalinity and neutralizing the effects of acidity generated by sulphur and nitrogen deposition. During recent years anthropogenic emissions of base cations in the UK have decreased substantially, by about 70% for Na+, 78% for Mg2+, 75% for Ca2+ and about 48% for K+ for the period 1990–2006. For the island regions, such as the is UK, the main source of base cation particles is the aerosol produced from the sea surface. Here, the sea salt aerosol (SSA) emissions are calculated with parameterisations proposed by Maårtensson et al. (2003); ultra fine particles, Monahan et al. (1986); fine particles and Smith and Harisson (1998); coarse particles continuously with a 0.1 μ m size step using WRF-modelled wind speed data at a 5 km × 5 km grid square resolution with a 3 h time step for two selected years 2003 and 2006. SSA production has been converted into base cation emissions, with the assumption that the chemical composition of the particle emitted from the sea surface is equal to the chemical composition of sea water, and used as input data in the Fine Resolution Atmospheric Multi-pollutant Exchange Model (FRAME). FRAME model results, yearly mean concentrations and total wet deposition at a 5 km × 5 km grid resolution, are compared with concentrations in air and wet deposition from the National Monitoring Network and measurements based estimates of UK deposition budget. The correlation coefficient for wet deposition achieves high values for Na+ and Mg2+, and for Ca2+ there is significant scattering. Base cation concentration is also represented well, with some overestimations on the west coast and underestimations in the centre of the land.
Atmospheric emissions from vegetation fires in Portugal (1990–2008): estimates, uncertainty analysis, and sensitivity analysis
Authors: Rosa I. M. D. , Pereira J. M. C. , Tarantola S.
Published: September 2010

Abstract. Atmospheric emissions from wildfires in Portugal were estimated yearly over the period 1990–2008 using Landsat-based burnt area maps and land cover maps, national forest inventory data, biometric models, and literature review data. Emissions were calculated as the product of area burnt, biomass loading per unit area, combustion factor, and emission factor, using land cover specific values for all variables. Uncertainty associated with each input variable was quantified with a probability density function or a standard deviation value. Uncertainty and sensitivity analysis of estimates were performed with Monte Carlo and variance decomposition techniques. Area burnt varied almost 50-fold during the study period, from about 9000 ha in 2008 to 440 000 ha in 2003. Emissions reach maximum and minimum in the same years, with CO2eq values of 159 and 5655 Gg for 2008 and 2003, respectively. Emission factors, and the combustion factor for shrubs were identified as the variables with higher impact on model output variance. There is a very strong correlation between area burnt and emissions, allowing for accurate emissions estimates once area burnt is quantified. Pyrogenic emissions were compared against those from various economy sectors and found to represent 1% to 9% of the total.
Polar baseline surface radiation measurements during the International Polar Year 2007–2009
Authors: Lanconelli C. , Busetto M. , Dutton E. G. , König-Langlo G. , Maturilli M. , Sieger R. , Vitale V. , Yamanouchi T.
Published: September 2010

Abstract. Downwelling and upwelling shortwave and longwave radiation components from six active polar sites, taking part of the Baseline Surface Radiation Network (BSRN), were selected for the period of the last International Polar Year (March 2007 to March 2009), and included in the BSRN-IPY dataset, along with metadata and supplementary data for some of the stations. Two sites, located at Svalbard archipelago (Ny Ålesund) and Alaska (Barrow), represent Arctic sea-level conditions. Four Antarctic stations represent both sea-level (Dronning Maud Land and Cosmonaut Sea) and high-elevation conditions (South Pole and East Antarctic Plateau). The BSRN-IPY dataset content and quality are discussed. The dataset is now available at doi:10.1594/PANGAEA.737668 (to resolve a DOI name use http://dx.doi.org), and can be used for free after accepting the BSRN data release guidelines.
Suspended particles in the Canada Basin from optical and bottle data, 2003–2008
Authors: Jackson J. M. , Allen S. E. , Carmack E. C. , McLaughlin F. A.
Published: September 2010

Abstract. It is expected that coastal erosion, upwelling, and increased river runoff from Arctic warming will increase the concentration of suspended particles in the Arctic Ocean. Here we analyze in situ transmissometer and fluorometer data from the summers of 2003 through 2008 and bottle-derived particulate organic carbon (POC) and total suspended solids (TSS) measurements sampled in the summers of 2006 and 2007 from the Canada Basin and surrounding shelves. We divided our study area into five regions to account for the significant spatial variability and found that the highest attenuation, POC and TSS values were observed along the Beaufort shelf and the lowest values were located along the eastern shelf of the Canada Basin. We then explored the correlation of POC and TSS with beam attenuation coefficients to assess the viability of estimating POC concentrations from archived transmissometer data. POC (but not TSS) and attenuation were well-correlated over the Northwind Ridge, in the Canada Basin interior, and along the eastern shelf of the Canada Basin. Neither TSS nor POC were well-correlated with attenuation along the entire Beaufort shelf. An interannual comparison of the attenuation and fluorescence data was done. We found no evidence of increasing attenuation from the summers of 2003 through 2008 and, although not statistically significant, it even appeared that attenuation decreased over time in the upper 25 m of the Northwind Ridge and in the 25–100 m layer (that includes the chlorophyll maximum) of the eastern Beaufort shelf and within the Canada Basin. In the Canada Basin interior, the subsurface chlorophyll maximum deepened at a rate of 3.2 m per year from an average of 45 m in 2003 to 61 m in 2008, an example of how changes to the Arctic climate are impacting its ecology.
Validation of a new pediatric joint scoring system from the International Hemophilia Prophylaxis Study Group: Validity of the hemophilia joint health score
Authors: Feldman Brian M. , Funk Sharon M. , Bergstrom Britt‐Marie , Zourikian Nichan , Hilliard Pamela , van der Net Janjaap , Engelbert Raoul , Petrini Pia , van den Berg H. Marijke , Manco‐Johnson Marilyn J. , Rivard Georges E. , Abad Audrey , Blanchette Victor S.
Published: September 2010

Objective

Repeated hemarthrosis in hemophilia causes arthropathy with pain and dysfunction. The Hemophilia Joint Health Score (HJHS) was developed to be more sensitive for detecting arthropathy than the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) physical examination scale, especially for children and those using factor prophylaxis. The HJHS has been shown to be highly reliable. We compared its validity and sensitivity to the WFH scale.

Methods

We studied 226 boys with mild, moderate, and severe hemophilia at 5 centers. The HJHS was scored by trained physiotherapists. Study physicians at each site blindly determined individual and total joint scores using a series of visual analog scales.

Results

The mean age was 10.8 years. Sixty‐eight percent were severe (93% of whom were treated with prophylaxis), 15% were moderate (24% treated with prophylaxis), and 17% were mild (3% treated with prophylaxis). The HJHS correlated moderately with the physician total joint score (rs = 0.42, P < 0.0001) and with overall arthropathy impact (rs = 0.42, P < 0.0001). The HJHS was 97% more efficient than the WFH at differentiating severe from mild and moderate hemophilia. The HJHS was 74% more efficient than the WFH at differentiating subjects treated with prophylaxis from those treated on demand. We identified items on the HJHS that may be redundant or rarely endorsed and could be removed from future versions.

Conclusion

Both the HJHS and WFH showed evidence of strong construct validity. The HJHS is somewhat more sensitive for mild arthropathy; its use should be considered for studies of children receiving prophylaxis.
Selective Synthesis of Peapodlike Ni/Ni3S2 Nanochains and Nickel Sulfide Hollow Chains and Their Magnetic Properties
Authors: Zhou Wei , Chen Weimeng , Nai Jianwei , Yin PengGang , Chen Chinping , Guo Lin
Published: September 2010

Peapodlike Ni/Ni3S2 chains of about 30 nm in outer diameter, with Ni cores of 10–15 nm, can be synthesized by a sacrificial template route. The Ni3S2 shell exhibits paramagnetic properties with a mass susceptibility of χ ≈ 5 × 10−5 emu (gOe)−1, while the ferromagnetic Ni cores show a superparamagnetic behavior with a blocking temperature of TB ≈ 130 K. The shape anisotropy of the chainlike structure is determined as 5.0 × 104 J·m−3, which is larger than the bulk magnetocrystalline anisotropy by one order of magnitude. The demagnetization factor is determined as ΔN = 0.29. The sample provides an ideal structure for studying the magnetization reversal property by the chain‐of‐sphere model. The observations on the formation of the peapod structure verify a growth mechanism of the nanoscale Kirkendall effect. Based on the preparation of peapod chains, a series of nickel sulfide hollow chains with average diameters of 25, 50, and 100 nm are fabricated. In addition, the phase transition for hollow chains from Ni3S2 to NiS is studied.
A Highly Efficient Large‐Scale Asymmetric Direct Intermolecular Aldol Reaction Employing L‐Prolinamide as a Recoverable Catalyst
Authors: Yang Yang , He Yan‐Hong , Guan Zhi , Huang Wei‐Da
Published: September 2010

A new, simple bifunctional, recoverable and reusable L‐prolinamide organocatalyst that promotes aldol reactions while achieving a respectable level of enantioselectivity is reported. This organocatalyst is applicable to the reactions of a wide range of aromatic and heteroaromatic aldehydes with cyclic and acyclic ketones, and the anti‐aldol products could be obtained with up to 99:1 anti/syn ratio and 98% ee. The catalyst can be easily recovered and reused, and only a slight decrease of enantioselectivity was observed for five cycles. This novel catalyst can be efficiently used in large‐scale reactions with the enantioselectivity being maintained at the same level, which offers a great possibility for application in industry.
A New and Direct Trifluoromethoxylation of Aliphatic Substrates with 2,4‐Dinitro(trifluoromethoxy)benzene
Authors: Marrec Olivier , Billard Thierry , Vors Jean‐Pierre , Pazenok Sergii , Langlois Bernard R.
Published: September 2010

The reaction of tetrabutylammonium triphenyldifluorosilicate with 2,4‐dinitro(trifluoromethoxy)benzene, in acetonitrile and under microwave irradiation, generates a trifluoromethoxide anion which is able to substitute activated bromides (benzyl bromide, cinnamyl bromide), as well as, to some extent, alkyl iodides. Aliphatic trifluoromethyl ethers are thus formed. This is the first example of the nucleophilic displacement of the trifluoromethoxy group from an activated aromatic ring.
Respiratory health of two cohorts of terminal grain elevator workers studied 30 years apart
Authors: Dimich‐Ward Helen , Beking Kris J. , Dybuncio Anne , Bartlett Karen H. , Karlen Barbara J. , Chow Yat , Chan‐Yeung Moira
Published: September 2010

Introduction

We evaluated the respiratory health of two cohorts of grain terminal elevator workers who participated in one of either respiratory health surveys undertaken in 1978 and 2008.

Methods

Questionnaire and spirometry data from 584 workers from the 1978 survey and 215 workers from the 2008 survey were compared using logistic regression and general linear modeling.

Results

The geometric means of area samples of grain dust averaged 8.28 mg/m3 in 1978 and 2.06 mg/m3 in 2008. Workers in the 1978 survey had a significantly higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms (with the largest adjusted odds ratio of 3.78, 95% CI 2.07–7.25, for shortness of breath), a lower prevalence of atopic conditions and lower mean lung function.

Conclusion

Current grain workers had a lower risk of respiratory health consequences and a greater prevalence of atopic conditions than workers surveyed 30 years prior, most likely associated with reduced exposure to grain dust in the terminal elevator environment. Am. J. Ind. Med. 54:263–268, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Exposure to flour dust and sensitization among bakery employees
Authors: Page Elena H. , Dowell Chad H. , Mueller Charles A. , Biagini Raymond E. , Heederik Dick
Published: September 2010

Background

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health conducted a study to determine prevalences of sensitization to bakery‐associated antigens (BAAs) and work‐related respiratory symptoms at a large commercial bakery.

Methods

The following measurements were carried out: personal breathing zone (PBZ) and general area (GA) monitoring for inhalable flour dust, α‐amylase and wheat, a questionnaire, and blood tests for IgE specific to flour dust, wheat, α‐amylase, and common aeroallergens.

Results

Of 186 bakery employees present during our site visit, 161completed the questionnaire and 96 allowed their blood to be drawn. The geometric mean PBZ and GA inhalable flour dust concentrations for the lower‐exposure group was 0.235 mg/m3, and for the higher‐exposure group was 3.01 mg/m3. Employees in the higher‐exposure group had significantly higher prevalences of work‐related wheezing, runny nose, stuffy nose, and frequent sneezing than the lower‐exposure group. The prevalence of IgE specific to wheat was significantly higher among employees who ever had a job in the higher‐exposure group or in production at another bakery at both the ≥ 0.10 kU/L and the ≥ 0.35 kU/L cutoffs, and to flour dust and α‐amylase at the ≥ 0.10 kU/L cutoff, compared to the lower‐exposure group.

Conclusions

Despite knowledge of the risks of exposure to flour being available for centuries, U.S. employees are still at risk of sensitization and respiratory symptoms from exposure to high levels of BAA. Am. J. Ind. Med. 53:1225–1232, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.