bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cost and Service Capability Considerations on the Intention to Adopt Application Service Provision Services
Authors: Yao Yurong , Lee Denis M.S. , Lee Yang W.
Published: February 2012

The Application Service Provision (ASP) model offers a new form of IS/IT resource management option for which the vendor remotely provides the usage of applications over a network. Currently, the ASP industry appears to be more vendor-driven. But without a good understanding of how the ASP offerings might appeal to prospective customers, the industry might not survive. This study investigates empirically the intention to adopt an ASP service from the customers’ perspective, using survey data collected from a national sample of IS/IT executives. Based on the Transaction Cost Theory (Williamson, 1979, 1985) and service capability, a causal model is developed to examine the effects of perceived cost savings and service capability, as well as their antecedent factors, on the intention to adopt an ASP service. The results show a dominant effect of cost savings consideration on ASP adoption intention.
Transforming Activity-Centric Business Process Models into Information-Centric Models for SOA Solutions
Authors: Liu Rong , Wu Frederick Y. , Kumaran Santhosh
Published: February 2012

Much of the prior work in business process modeling is activity-centric. Recently, an information-centric approach has emerged, where a business process is modeled as the interacting lifecycles of business entities. The benefits of this approach are documented in a number of case studies. In this paper, the authors formalize the information-centric approach and derive the relationships between the two approaches. The authors formally define the notion of a business entity, provide an algorithm to transform an activity-centric model into an information-centric process model, and demonstrate the equivalence between these two models. Further, they show the value of transforming from the activity-centric paradigm to the information-centric paradigm in business process componentization and Service-Oriented Architecture design and also provide an empirical evaluation.
An Integrated Query Relaxation Approach Adopting Data Abstraction and Fuzzy Relation
Authors: Huh Soon-Young , Moon Kae-Hyun , Park Jinsoo
Published: February 2012

This paper proposes a cooperative query answering approach that relaxes query conditions to provide approximate answers by utilizing similarity relationships between data values. The proposed fuzzy abstraction hierarchy (FAH) represents a similarity relationship based on the integrated notion of data abstraction and fuzzy relations. Based on FAH, the authors develop query relaxation operators like query generalization, approximation, and specialization of a value. Compared with existing approaches, FAH supports more effective information retrieval by processing various kinds of cooperative queries through elaborate relaxation control and providing ranked query results according to fitness scores. Moreover, FAH reduces maintenance cost by decreasing the number of similarity relationships to be managed.
Accelerating Web Service Workflow Execution via Intelligent Allocation of Services to Servers
Authors: Stamkopoulos Konstantinos , Pitoura Evaggelia , Vassiliadis Panos , Zarras Apostolos
Published: February 2012

The appropriate deployment of web service operations at the service provider site plays a critical role in the efficient provision of services to clients. In this paper, the authors assume that a service provider has several servers over which web service operations can be deployed. Given a workflow of web services and the topology of the servers, the most efficient mapping of operations to servers must then be discovered. Efficiency is measured in terms of two cost functions that concern the execution time of the workflow and the fairness of the load distribution among the servers. The authors study different topologies for the workflow structure and the server connectivity and propose a suite of greedy algorithms for each combination.
Disclosure Control of Confidential Data by Applying Pac Learning Theory
Authors: He Ling , Aytug Haldun , Koehler Gary J.
Published: February 2012

This paper examines privacy protection in a statistical database from the perspective of an intruder using learning theory to discover private information. With the rapid development of information technology, massive data collection is relatively easier and cheaper than ever before. The challenge is how to provide database users with reliable and useful data while protecting the privacy of the confidential information. This paper discusses how to prevent disclosing the identity of unique records in a statistical database. The authors’ research extends previous work and shows how much protection is necessary to prevent an adversary from discovering confidential data with high probability at small error.
Performance and Scalability Assessment for Non-Certificate-Based Public Key Management in VANETs
Authors: Shen Pei-Yuan , Tang Maolin , Liu Vicky , Caelli William
Published: February 2012

Current research in secure messaging for Vehicular Ad hoc Networks (VANETs) focuses on employing a digital certificate-based Public Key Cryptosystem (PKC) to support security. However, the security overhead of such a scheme creates a transmission delay and introduces a time-consuming verification process to VANET communications. This paper proposes a non-certificate-based public key management for VANETs. A comprehensive evaluation of performance and scalability of the proposed public key management regime is presented, which is compared with a certificate-based PKC by employing a number of quantified analyses and simulations. In this paper, the authors demonstrate that the proposal can maintain security and assert that it can improve overall performance and scalability at a lower cost, compared with certificate-based PKC. The proposed scheme adds a new dimension to key management and verification services for VANETs.
Chorea as a First Manifestation in Young Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus who Was Initially Diagnosed with Rheumatic Fever
Authors: Albishri Jamal A
Published: February 2012

Chorea is a rare manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We report on a young patient with chorea who was diagnosed initially with rheumatic fever. Follow up and further evaluation confirmed the diagnosis of SLE and anti-phospholipid syndrome. Of special interest were the negative antiphospholipid (aPL) antibodies and the initial diagnosis of rheumatic fever which is still not uncommon problem in our region. The rarity of such presentation with joint and non specific increase of antistreptolysin O (ASO) titer might be the factors that led to an incorrect diagnosis. Early diagnosis and treatment of SLE and anti-phospholipid syndrome are very crucial and should be considered with such presentation.
Therapeutic Options for the Treatment of Hypertension in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Stephens Mary M. , Fox Beth A. , Maxwell Lisa
Published: February 2012

Primary hypertension in children is increasing in prevalence with many cases likely going undiagnosed. The prevalence is currently estimated at between 3%-5% in the United States and may be higher in certain ethnic groups. Primary hypertension, once felt to be rare in children, is now considered to be about five times more common than secondary hypertension. This review provides information to guide physicians through an organized approach to: 1) screening children and adolescents for hypertension during routine visits; 2) using normative percentile data for diagnosis and classification; 3) performing a clinical evaluation to identify the presence of co-morbidities; 4) initiating a plan of care including subsequent follow-up blood pressure measurements, therapeutic lifestyle changes and pharmacologic therapies.
Paying for Prevention: Associations between Pay for Performance and Cessation Counseling in Primary Care Practices
Authors: Hung Dorothy Y. , Green Larry A.
Published: February 2012

Purpose.

To examine associations between pay for performance (P4P) and recommended cessation counseling among primary care practices (PCPs).

Design.

Cross-sectional survey of 89 PCPs participating in a joint Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF)–Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) health promotion initiative.

Setting and Participants.

100% response rate from PCPs participating in the RWJF-AHRQ initiative.

Measures.

Survey data on cessation counseling, practice involvement with P4P, practice size, public reporting of performance, practice competition, linkages with community resources, integration of evidence-based guidelines, patient recommendations for cessation, and state-specific smoking rates.

Analysis.

Logistic regression was used to examine associations between practice involvement with P4P and cessation counseling offered by PCPs. Practice characteristics, including size and availability of other cessation services, were included in the analysis.

Results.

Practices that were involved with P4P had greater odds of offering recommended cessation counseling (odds ratio [OR] = 27.6, p < .01). Practices that linked patients to community resources, experienced greater competition, and were larger in size also provided more counseling (p < .05). Publicly reporting performance information and being located in states with higher smoking rates were associated with decreased odds of offering counseling support (p < .10).

Conclusions.

Findings suggest that P4P is associated with recommended counseling for smoking cessation. Study limitations include small sample size and unavailability of information on the magnitude of P4P incentives and program design. Further analysis considering these programmatic details is warranted.
Problem Drinking among Mexican-Americans: The Influence of Nativity and Neighborhood Context?
Authors: Markides Kyriakos S. , Snih Soham Al , Walsh Tasanee , Cutchin Malcolm , Ju Hyunsu , Goodwin James S.
Published: February 2012

Purpose.

We examined the influence of nativity and community context (Hispanic neighborhood concentration) on two measures of problem drinking among Mexican-Americans.

Design.

Cross-sectional study.

Setting.

Texas City Stress and Health Study conducted in Texas City, Texas during 2004–2006.

Participants.

A total of 1435 Mexican-Americans aged 25 years and older.

Measures.

Binge drinking (≥ 6 drinks per occasion by men and ≥ 4 drinks per occasion by women) and scoring positive on the CAGE (a four-item clinical measure of problem drinking) as dependent variables. Key independent variables included a measure of language acculturation, proportion of Hispanics in the participant's neighborhood according to 2000 U.S. Census data, and being foreign-born compared with being U.S.-born.

Analysis.

Logistic regression analysis was used to predict being a binge drinker and being positive on the CAGE.

Results.

Foreign-born women were less likely to be binge drinkers than U.S.-born women. Nativity was not significant among men. Moreover women were less likely to be binge drinkers if they lived in heavily Hispanic neighborhoods. No such effect was found among men. Similar results were obtained with the CAGE.

Conclusions.

We found a powerful influence of nativity (being U.S.-born compared with foreign born) and neighborhood Hispanic concentration on problem drinking among women but not among men. It is likely that cultural norms in heavily Hispanic environments discourage problem drinking among women but not among men.
Physical control on methanotrophic potential in waters of the Santa Monica Basin, Southern California
Authors: Heintz M. B. , Mau S. , Valentine D. L.
Published: February 2012

Methane concentrations and turnover rates were measured throughout the water column at nine stations in the Santa Monica Basin (SMB), at one station in the San Pedro Basin (SPB), and at one station in the Santa Catalina Basin (SCtB) in July 2007 and September 2009. Methane concentrations were elevated throughout the water column, with subsurface (4–15 nmol L−1), midwater (7.5–100 nmol L−1), and bottom‐water (5–242 nmol L−1) maxima. The SMB water column was divided into four depth‐dependent regimes, based on temperature‐salinity relationships and patterns in methane concentration and fractional turnover rate. We propose that distinct physical controls on methane dynamics distinguish these regimes. In the upper water column, methanotrophic activity appears to be controlled by borderland‐scale, seasonal fluctuations in circulation. The midwaters represent a transition regime between northern‐sourced shallow waters and southern‐sourced deep waters, wherein methanotrophic activity decreases with depth to its minimum at 500 m, coinciding with the midwater methane maxima. Below 500 m, methanotrophic activity increases to the sill depth of 737 m, coincident with increasingly restricted circulation of water. Bottom waters are restricted from through‐basin circulation. These waters were oxygen depleted, but methane input sustained an active psychrotolerant methanotrophic community and had some of the fastest aerobic methane oxidation rates yet reported in the marine environment.
Predation risk suppresses mating success and offspring production in the coastal marine copepod, Eurytemora herdmani
Authors: Lasley-Rasher Rachel S. , Yen Jeannette
Published: February 2012

We investigated the effects of a common mysid predator, Neomysis americana on the mating success of an estuarine copepod, Eurytemora herdmani. The presence of a mysid predator, or only a predator cue, reduced copulation frequency and spermatophore transfer success of E. herdmani. and led to a substantial decrease in E. herdmani nauplius production. Thus, mysid predators can influence copepod population growth through nonconsumptive processes by reducing the frequency and success of mating events. This highlights the need to look beyond population‐level demographic factors (i.e., sex ratio and population density) and consider community‐level ecological factors (such as predation risk) when modeling population growth rates of prey species critical to marine food webs.
δ13C is a signature of light availability and photosynthesis in seagrass
Authors: Hu Xinping , Burdige David J. , Zimmerman Richard C.
Published: February 2012

We explored the role of light‐saturated (carbon‐limited) photosynthesis on δ13C of turtlegrass (Thalassia testudinum Banks ex Kö;nig) populations from the clear, blue waters of the Great Bahama Bank and the turbid, green waters of Florida Bay using field observations and radiative transfer models. Consistent with numerous previous observations, leaf δ13C decreased significantly with water depth in both regions. However the δ13C for Bahamas turtlegrass was 3‰ heavier than that for Florida Bay turtlegrass at equivalent depths, and broadband irradiance explained even less of the δ13C variations than depth. Instead, leaf δ13C showed a stronger relationship to the fraction of the day that photosynthesis of the intact plant canopy was carbon‐limited. When the Bahamas and Florida Bay δ13C values were related to the fraction of the day that photosynthesis was carbon‐limited, the variations in leaf δ13C observed for Florida and Bahamas populations collapsed into a single relationship that explained 65% of the variation in leaf δ13C. Consequently, turtlegrass from the Bahamas was isotopically heavier than Florida Bay populations growing at equivalent depths because they were more carbon‐limited ( = light‐saturated) for a larger fraction of the day. The ability to predict turtlegrass δ13C from the daily period of carbon‐limited photosynthesis provides a mechanistic link to fundamental relationships between light and photosynthesis that can transcend geographic differences in depth and water‐column optical properties, and may permit leaf δ13C to provide a robust indicator of recent photosynthetic performance and plant survival in response to changing environmental conditions.
Feasibility of Interdisciplinary Community-Based Fall Risk Screening
Authors: Elliott Sharon J. , Ivanescu Andrada , Leland Natalie E. , Fogo Jennifer , Painter Jane A. , Trujillo Leonard G.
Published: February 2012

OBJECTIVE. This pilot study examined the feasibility of (1) conducting interdisciplinary fall risk screens at a communitywide adult fall prevention event and (2) collecting preliminary follow-up data from people screened at the event about balance confidence and home and activity modifications made after receiving educational information at the event.

METHOD. We conducted a pilot study with pre– and posttesting (4-mo follow-up) with 35 community-dwelling adults ≥55 yr old.

RESULTS. Approximately half the participants were at risk for falls. Most participants who anticipated making environmental or activity changes to reduce fall risk initiated changes (n = 8/11; 72.7%) during the 4-mo follow-up period. We found no significant difference in participants’ balance confidence between baseline (median = 62.81) and follow-up (median = 64.06) as measured by the Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale.

CONCLUSION. Conducting interdisciplinary fall risk screens at an adult fall prevention event is feasible and can facilitate environmental and behavior changes to reduce fall risk.
Dynamic Lowenstein Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment: Evaluation of Potential to Change in Cognitive Performance
Authors: Katz Noomi , Bar-Haim Erez Asnat , Livni Liat , Averbuch Sarah
Published: February 2012

OBJECTIVE. We studied the psychometric properties of the dynamic version of the Lowenstein Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment (DLOTCA) and examined the most frequent level of mediation used for planning for intervention.

METHOD. Participants included 83 clients hospitalized after first stroke (mean age = 57.7, standard deviation = 8.33) and 45 healthy control participants. All were assessed with the DLOTCA after providing informed consent.

RESULTS. Interrater reliability showed high correlations between all pairs of raters. Internal consistency reliability showed moderate to high αs (.602–.813) for all domains except Visual Perception. We found significant differences between the groups of participants before mediation; both benefited from mediation, showing moderate to high effect sizes. Stroke clients needed higher levels of mediation.

CONCLUSION. The DLOTCA is effective in providing insight into whether participants need mediation and the level and type of assistance they require. The DLOTCA provides guidance for planning intervention for people with cognitive disabilities.
Occupational Therapy in Fall Prevention: Current Evidence and Future Directions
Authors: Leland Natalie E. , Elliott Sharon J. , O’Malley Lisa , Murphy Susan L.
Published: February 2012

Falls are a serious public health concern among older adults in the United States. Although many fall prevention recommendations exist, such as those published by the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) and the British Geriatrics Society (BGS) in 2010, the specific role of occupational therapy in these efforts is unclear. This article presents a scoping review of current published research documenting the role of occupational therapy in fall prevention interventions among community-dwelling older adults, structured by the AGS and BGS guidelines. We identified evidence for occupational therapy practitioner involvement in fall prevention in environmental modifications, exercise, and multifactorial and multicomponent interventions. Although research documenting the efficacy of occupational therapy interventions is identified as part of the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework: Domain and Process (2nd ed.; American Occupational Therapy Association, 2008), we identified little or no such research examining interventions to modify behaviors (e.g., fear of falling), manage postural hypotension, recommend appropriate footwear, and manage medications. Although occupational therapy is represented in the fall prevention research, the evidence for the profession’s role in many areas is still lacking.
Randomized Controlled Trial of Daily Total End Range Time (TERT) for Capener Splinting of the Stiff Proximal Interphalangeal Joint
Authors: Glasgow Celeste , Fleming Jenny , Tooth Leigh R. , Peters Susan
Published: February 2012

OBJECTIVE. Capener splinting is a common treatment for extension deficit of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint. This study compared the effect of daily splint total end range time (TERT) of 6–12 hr versus 12–16 hr.

METHOD. Twenty-two participants with extension deficits of the PIP joint were randomly allocated to a daily TERT of 6–12 hr or 12–16 hr. Progress after 8 wk of splinting was evaluated.

RESULTS. No significant difference was found in change in extension range of motion (ROM) between groups (active ROM, F[4, 17] = 2.19, p = .13; passive ROM, F[4, 17] = 0.95, p = .46; torque ROM, F[4, 17] = 1.49, p = .26). Considerable crossover between groups resulted in a similar average daily TERT (9.5 hr for the 6–12 hr group vs. 11.5 hr for the 12–16 hr group).

CONCLUSION. Further research with a larger sample is needed to determine whether longer daily TERT is beneficial. Our results suggest, however, that most patients find it difficult to wear splints >12 hr/day.
Ethical Regulation and Visual Methods: Making Visual Research Impossible or Developing Good Practice?
Authors: Wiles Rose , Coffey Amanda , Robison Judy , Prosser Jon
Published: February 2012

The ethical regulation of social research in the UK has been steadily increasing over the last decade or so and comprises a form of audit to which all researchers in Higher Education are subject. Concerns have been raised by social researchers using visual methods that such ethical scrutiny and regulation will place severe limitations on visual research developments and practice. This paper draws on a qualitative study of social researchers using visual methods in the UK. The study explored their views, the challenges they face and the practices they adopt in relation to processes of ethical review. Researchers reflected on the variety of strategies they adopted for managing the ethical approval process in relation to visual research. For some this meant explicitly ‘making the case’ for undertaking visual research, notwithstanding the ethical challenges, while for others it involved ‘normalising’ visual methods in ways which delimited the possible ethical dilemmas of visual approaches. Researchers only rarely identified significant barriers to conducting visual research from ethical approval processes, though skilful negotiation and actively managing the system was often required. Nevertheless, the climate of increasing ethical regulation is identified as having a potential detrimental effect on visual research practice and development, in some instances leading to subtle but significant self-censorship in the dissemination of findings.
Communities, Centres, Connections, Disconnections: Some Reflections on the Riots in Birmingham
Authors: Bhattacharyya Gargi , Cowles James , Garner Steve , Hussain Ajmal
Published: February 2012

This paper presents key ideas from fieldwork conducted in Birmingham between 2009 and 2011. This work examined identity in ‘white’ neighbourhoods, and attitudes to politics and understandings of poverty in more mixed ones. This work revealed that many Birmingham residents were concerned about a perceived loss of values, the impact of ‘unrespectable’ households and individuals in their areas and the apparent disconnect between political representatives and local residents. In the aftermath of the disturbances of August 2011 across England, including in Birmingham, we revisit these themes and examine the implications for understanding disorder in the city of Birmingham.
Video and a Sense of the Invisible: Approaching Domestic Energy Consumption through the Sensory Home
Authors: Pink Sarah , Mackley Kerstin Leder
Published: February 2012

This article proposes and demonstrates an approach to understanding everyday life that takes as its starting point the sensory aesthetics of place. In doing so it advances a video-ethnography approach to studying ‘invisible’ elements of everyday domestic life through the prism of the sensory home. Our concern is chiefly methodological: first, we take a biography of method approach to explain and identify the status of the research knowledge this approach can produce; second, we outline how the video tour as a multisensorial and collaborative research encounter can open up understandings of home as place-event; finally, we probe the status of video as ethnographic description by inviting the reader/viewer to access ways of knowing as they are inscribed in embedded clips, in relation to our written argument. To demonstrate this we discuss and embed clips from a pilot video tour developed as part of an interdisciplinary research project, seeking to understand domestic energy consumption as entangled in everyday practices, experiences and creativities.
Gravity wave reflection and its influence on the consistency of temperature- and wind-based momentum fluxes simulated above Typhoon Ewiniar
Authors: Kim Y.-H. , Chun H.-Y. , Preusse P. , Ern M. , Kim S.-Y.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. For a case study of Typhoon Ewiniar performed with a mesoscale model, we compare stratospheric gravity wave (GW) momentum flux determined from temperature variances by applying GW polarization relations and by assuming upward propagating waves with GW momentum flux calculated from model winds, which is considered as a reference. The temperature-based momentum-flux profile exhibits positive biases which fluctuate with altitude and have peak values of 17–39% at 20–40 km. We found that this deviation stems from the interference between upward and downward propagating waves. The downward propagating GWs are due mainly to partial reflections of upward propagating waves at altitudes where the background wind and stability change with height. When the upward and downward propagating waves are decomposed and their momentum fluxes are calculated separately from temperature perturbations, the fraction of the momentum flux arising from the downward propagating waves is about 4.5–8.2%. The net momentum flux of upward and downward propagating GWs agrees well with the reference from the model wind perturbations. Global distributions of GW momentum flux can be deduced from satellite measurements of temperatures also employing GW polarization relations but using different analysis methods. The implications of this study for the GW momentum-flux observations from satellites are discussed.
Ozone pollution over the Arabian Gulf – role of meteorological conditions
Authors: Smoydzin L. , Fnais M. , Lelieveld J.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. The Middle East and particularly the Arabian Gulf region are characterised by highly favourable conditions for O3 formation in summer. We investigated the role of meteorological conditions in O3 formation using the WRF-chem model. The dispersion of air pollutants strongly depends on local wind patterns, in particular the persistent low-level north-westerly flow known as the summer Shamal, and recurrent land-sea breeze circulation systems. A general finding from our simulations is that extreme pollution events, with O3 mixing ratios exceeding 150 nmol mol−1, can occur regularly over the Arabian Gulf, however, their location and magnitude can vary widely. O3 mixing ratios are highest when the outflow of the regions with major anthropogenic emissions along the coast is advected over the Gulf, where pollution plumes are captured in the shallow and stable marine boundary layer allowing little ventilation. The sea-breeze circulation often causes onshore advection of the pollution in the afternoon, affecting the densely populated coastal regions along the western shoreline of the Gulf. When the pollution is transported deeper over land, O3 mixing ratios are generally lower due to rapid dilution of precursor gases in the very deep convective boundary layer over the desert.
Implementation and validation of a coastal forecasting system for wind waves in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Inghilesi R. , Catini F. , Bellotti G. , Franco L. , Orasi A. , Corsini S.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. A coastal forecasting system was implemented to provide wind wave forecasts over the whole Mediterranean Sea area, and with the added capability to focus on selected coastal areas. The goal of the system was to achieve a representation of the small-scale coastal processes influencing the propagation of waves towards the coasts. The system was based on a chain of nested wave models and adopted the WAve Model (WAM) to analyse the large-scale, deep-sea propagation of waves; and the Simulating WAves Nearshore (SWAN) to simulate waves in key coastal areas. Regional intermediate-scale WAM grids were introduced to bridge the gap between the large-scale and each coastal area. Even applying two consecutive nestings (Mediterranean grid → regional grid → coastal grid), a very high resolution was still required for the large scale WAM implementation in order to get a final resolution of about 400 m on the shores. In this study three regional areas in the Tyrrhenian Sea were selected, with a single coastal area embedded in each of them. The number of regional and coastal grids in the system could easily be modified without significantly affecting the efficiency of the system. The coastal system was tested in three Italian coastal regions in order to optimize the numerical parameters and to check the results in orographically complex zones for which wave records were available. Fifteen storm events in the period 2004–2009 were considered.
Assessing the hydrodynamic boundary conditions for risk analyses in coastal areas: a multivariate statistical approach based on Copula functions
Authors: Wahl T. , Mudersbach C. , Jensen J.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. This paper presents an advanced approach to statistically analyse storm surge events. In former studies the highest water level during a storm surge event usually was the only parameter that was used for the statistical assessment. This is not always sufficient, especially when statistically analysing storm surge scenarios for event-based risk analyses. Here, Archimedean Copula functions are applied and allow for the consideration of further important parameters in addition to the highest storm surge water levels. First, a bivariate model is presented and used to estimate exceedance probabilities of storm surges (for two tide gauges in the German Bight) by jointly analysing the important storm surge parameters "highest turning point" and "intensity". Second, another dimension is added and a trivariate fully nested Archimedean Copula model is applied to additionally incorporate the significant wave height as an important wave parameter. With the presented methodology, reliable and realistic exceedance probabilities are derived and can be considered (among others) for integrated flood risk analyses contributing to improve the overall results. It is highlighted that the concept of Copulas represents a promising alternative for facing multivariate problems in coastal engineering.
Clothing and Teacher Credibility: An Application of Expectancy Violations Theory
Authors: Dunbar Norah E. , Segrin Chris
Published: February 2012

Clothing is an important aspect of communication that can influence the perceptions of wearers' credibility and attractiveness as well as a variety of other judgments. In the classroom, these perceptions are made by students about teachers and are a function of the type of behavior expected from their teachers. This paper argues that we have expectations for appropriate and inappropriate attire. Burgoon's expectancy violations theory was applied to the study of clothing and the credibility of instructors in college classes. Two instructors gave lectures in undergraduate college classes and violated or adhered to the students' expectations for appropriate attire and acted in a highly rewarding or less rewarding manner. The results do not support the U-shaped pattern predicted by expectancy violations theory, but rather, the results suggest that teachers should strive for a moderately formal clothing style. This result is qualified by the finding that students appeared to have attended to their instructors' clothing less under conditions of high reward than in the low-reward conditions. This suggests that teachers' clothing will be a less consequential determinant of the impression that their students form when the teachers are otherwise perceived as having a high instrumental value in and of themselves.
Nitrotyrosine Density of Rabbit Urinary Bladder Muscle and Mucosa Measured via Western Blotting and 96-Well Plate Analysis
Authors: Fitzpatrick Brittany , Schuler Catherine , Leggett Robert E. , Levin Robert M.
Published: February 2012

Purpose. Nitrotyrosine was quantitated in rabbit bladder muscle and mucosa using two analytical systems: Western blotting analyses and a 96-well plate quantitative analysis kit.Materials and Methods. Rabbit bladder muscle and mucosa were obtained from control rabbits. For the Western analysis, the samples were loaded into a SDS page gel and then transferred to a PVDF membrane. The optical density was measured using a Kodak Scanner. Using the 96-well plate, the samples and standards were loaded, incubated with primary and secondary antibody, washed and vacuumed with 10x wash buffer three times between each incubation period. Stop buffer was added to the plate and the results were quantified via the plate reader.Results. For both muscle and mucosa tissue, the optical density readings were linear with tissue concentration; the concentration of nitrotyrosine in the mucosa was significantly higher than in the muscle. However, whereas the Western blot analysis is based on relative optical densities, the 96-well plate kit provides a truly quantitative analysis.Discussion. Mucosa tissue displayed a higher density of nitrotyrosine than did detrusor muscle tissue. This may well be due to the significantly higher metabolic activity of the mucosa compared to the muscle.
Spectroscopic and Physical Properties of --ZnO- Glasses
Authors: Bale Shashidhar , Rahman Syed
Published: February 2012

Bismuth glasses containing ZnO and Li2O were prepared by conventional melt-quench technique. ZnO is gradually substituted by Li2O, and its effect on various physical, thermal, and electrical conduction properties was studied and analyzed. Raman studies revealed that these glasses are mainly made up of [BiO3] and [BiO6] units. The density decreases and molar volume increases with the incorporation of Li2O into these glasses. MDSC studies have been performed on these glasses to determine the glass transition temperature and other related thermal parameters such as change in the glass transition temperature () and specific heat capacity difference (). These studies revealed that the glasses possess high values, and decreases with Li2O content. The trend of these properties is attributed to the changes in the glass network structure. Dc electrical conductivity revealed that the conductivity increases and activation energy decreases with Li2O content.
Isolation of Cellulolytic Bacillus subtilis Strains from Agricultural Environments
Authors: Kim Yu-Kyoung , Lee Shin-Chan , Cho Young-Yun , Oh Hyun-Jeong , Ko Young Hwan
Published: February 2012

The bioconversion of cellulose and hemicellulose to soluble sugars is important for global stabilization and a sustainable human society. Here, hundreds of cellulolytic bacteria were screened and isolated from soil, compost, and animal waste slurry in Jeju Island, South Korea. Among the isolates, three strains, SL9-9, C5-16, and S52-2, showing higher potential for practical uses were purified on carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) agar plates and identified as Bacillus subtilis strains by morphological, physiological, and biochemical characterization and 16S rRNA gene analysis. The production patterns of cellulose or hemicellulose-degrading enzymes were investigated during cell culture. All three isolated strains produced CMCase, Avicelase, β-glucosidase, and xylanase enzymes, which suggested synergic cellulolytic systems in Bacillus subtilis. The enzymes showing CMCase, Avicelase, and xylanase activities existed in cell-free culture supernatant, meanwhile β-glucosidase activity was detected in cell debris suggesting that three of the enzymes, including CMCase, Avicelase, and xylanase, were extracellular, and β-glucosidase was cell membrane bound. The three isolates, SL9-9, C5-16, and S52-2, were not the same strains, presenting slight differences in biochemical characteristics, 16S rRNA gene sequences, and cellulolytic enzyme activities.
Profiling of GEPNETs
Authors: Nilsson Ola
Published: February 2012

The tumorigenesis of gastrointestinal and pancreatic tumors (GEPNETs) is poorly understood. We need a better understanding of the molecular alterations in GEPNETs to obtain an accurate classification, and it may also provide targets for therapeutic intervention. Purpose of Paper. The purpose of this paper was to critically examine recent advances in the molecular understanding of GEPNETs gained from genome-wide and transcriptome-wide profiling studies. Special emphasis was put on diagnostic, predictive, and therapeutic implications of profiling studies. Results. Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (PNETs) were characterised by a distinct pattern of chromosomal alterations and a higher degree of chromosomal instability (CIN) than ileal carcinoids. Subgroups of PNETs and ileal carcinoids were identified on the basis of specific chromosomal alterations. Exome sequencing identified mutations in MEN1, ATRX/DAXX, and mTOR pathway genes as being frequent events in sporadic PNETs. Expression profiles of PNETs and ileal carcinoids were found to be different, and allowed identification of subgroups of tumors, as well discrimination between benign and malignant tumors. The molecular data provided a number of candidate genes and pathways suitable for targeted therapy. For PNETs, candidate targets include BRAF, KRAS, TERT, EGFR, RET, MDM2, IGF, MET/HGF, ANG2, LCK, PDGFRB, AKT-mTOR, and SSTR2. Some of these targets have already been evaluated in clinical trials (mTOR and SSTR2). For ileal carcinoids, significantly fewer candidate targets were provided, including ERBB2 (HER2), RET, APLP1, and Notch. Conclusion. Profiling of GEPNETs is a powerful tool for discovery of novel targets for therapeutic intervention. Further studies, combining genome, epigenome, transcriptome, and proteome data are needed to enable us to identify clinically relevant targets in GEPNETs.
Genetic variability and heritability in cultivated okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench]
Authors: Nwangburuka C. C. , Denton O. A. , Kehinde O. B. , Ojo D. K. , Popoola A. R.
Published: February 2012

Twenty-nine okra accessions from different agro-ecological regions in Nigeria were grown during the rainy and dry seasons, between 2006 and 2007 at Abeokuta (derived savanah) and Ilishan (rainforest) and assessed to determine their genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance from eight yield related characters. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with five replications. There was high genotypic coefficient of variability, % broad-sense heritability and genetic advance in traits such as plant height (26.2, 90.7, 51.5), fresh pod length (23.9, 98.5, 48.8), fresh pod width (23.9, 98.5, 48.8), mature pod length (28.6, 98.5, 52.3), branching per plant (29.3, 82.3, 54.8) and pod weight per plant (33.9, 90.0, 63.3), suggesting the effect of additive genes and reliability of selection based on phenotype of these traits for crop improvement. The positive and significant phenotypic and genotypic correlation between plant height at maturity, fresh pod width, seeds per pod and pods per plant, branches per plant with seed weight per plant and pod weight per plant, suggests that selection on the basis of the phenotype of these characters will lead to high seed and pod yield in okra.
Short communication. Major macroelement exports in fruits of diverse almond cultivars
Authors: Alonso J. M. , Espada J. L. , Socias i Company R.
Published: February 2012

The amount of the major macroelements required to produce a given crop has been determined for a set of 11 almond (Prunus amygdalus Batsch) cultivars growing in the Middle Ebro Valley (NE Spain). A wide diversity of nutrient exports was found among the different cultivars. Although the production of kernels is the main objective when growing almonds, all the different fruit components: the mesocarp (hull), the endocarp (shell) and the seed (kernel), were taken into account. The different fruit components showed a great variation among cultivars, and the amount of fruit dry matter required for producing 1 kg of kernel ranged from 4.32 kg in ‘Guara’ to 10.56 kg in ‘Desmayo Largueta’. Similarly, the macroelement requirements to produce a given amount of kernels varied among the different cultivars. ‘Guara’ has proved to be the most effective cultivar in taking advantage of the mineral elements for producing a crop, showing that this efficiency is independent of the shell type.
Chemical composition and digestibility of some browse plant species collected from Algerian arid rangelands
Authors: Boufennara S. , Lopez S. , Bousseboua H. , Bodas R. , Bouazza L.
Published: February 2012

Many wild browse and bush species are undervalued mainly because of insufficient knowledge about their potential feeding value. The objective was to evaluate some nutritional attributes of various Algerian browse and shub species (Atriplex halimus, Artemisia campestris, Artemisia herba-alba, Astragalus gombiformis, Calobota saharae, Retama raetam, Stipagrostis pungens, Lygeum spartum and Stipa tenacissima). Chemical composition, phenols and tannins concentration, in vitro digestibility, in vitro gas production kinetics and in vitro bio-assay for assessment of tannins using buffered rumen fluid, and in situ disappearence of the edible parts of the plants (leaves, thin twigs and flowers) were determined. In general, protein content in dicotyledon species was always greater than in monocotyledon grasses, these showing higher neutral and acid detergent fibre and lower lignin contents than dicots. The tannin concentrations varied considerably between species, but in general the plants investigated in this study had low tannin contents (except for Artemisia spp. and S. tenacissima). Monocots showed lower in vitro and in situ digestibilities, fermentation rate, cumulative gas production and extent of degradation than dicot species. The plants were clustered by principal components analysis in two groups: poor-quality grasses and the most digestible dicot species. Chemical composition (neutral detergent fibre and protein) and digestibility were the main influential variables determining the ranking. In conclusion, A. halimus, A. campestris, A. herba-alba and A. gombiformis can be considered of greater nutritional value than the highly fibrous and low digestible grasses (S. pungens, L. spartum and S. tenacissima) that should be considered emergency roughages.
Design and construction of a large weighing lysimeter in an almond orchard
Authors: Lorite I. J. , Santos C. , Testi L. , Fereres E.
Published: February 2012

Effective water management is essential to ensure the sustainability of irrigated agriculture. The accurate determination of crop water requirements is the first step in this task. This paper describes the building of a one-tree weighing lysimeter (3m x 3m and 2.15m depth) located in an almond orchard (Prunus dulcis “Guara”), inside the experimental farm “Alameda del Obispo” in Córdoba, Spain, to measure orchard evapotranspiration (ETc). Following a review on lysimetry, the description of the construction of the weighing lysimeter is provided in detail, including considerations relative to system resolution and wind effects on the measurements. Finally, some preliminary results of the evaporation and transpiration of young almond trees are presented demonstrating that lysimetry in orchards provides accurate ET values needed to determine irrigation water requirements.
Support system based on GIS and weighted sum method for drawing up of land suitability map for agriculture. Application to durum wheat cultivation in the area of Mleta (Algeria)
Authors: Abdelkader M. , Delali A.
Published: February 2012

Due to constant decrease in farmlands, it is important to identify the best lands for sustainable agriculture (productive and profitable agriculture that protects the environment and that is socially equitable). This requirement has resulted in the development of land suitability maps for agriculture by combining a range of factors. Spatial analysis approaches, based on the concepts of the weighted sum, combined with Geographical Information Systems (GIS) offer the opportunity to efficiently produce these land suitability maps. The functions of the weighted sum make it possible to assign numerical weights, to distinguish between positive and negative criteria and to rank alternatives. A spatial decision support system has been developed for establishing the land suitability map for agriculture. It incorporates a version of the weighted sum method SAW (Simple Additive Weighting), applicable to the vector data model, in ArcGIS within the GIS program package environment. This approach has been tested on the area of Mleta (Algeria) to assess the land suitability for durum wheat agriculture. The parameters and the classification system used in this work are inspired from the FAO. The coherence of results confirms the system effectiveness.
Effect of gender on growth performance, carcass traits and meat quality of calves of Avileña-Negra Ibérica breed
Authors: Daza A. , Rey A. I. , López Carrasco C. , López-Bote C. J.
Published: February 2012

The objective of this experiment was to study the effect of gender on growth performance and carcass and meat quality of calves of Avileña-Negra Ibérica breed. Sixteen calves, eight males and eight females, were used. The calves were fattened under intensive conditions, housed in confinement and fed with the same feed and cereal straw from 230.7 to 478.3 kg. The males grew more than the females (1.390 vs 0.932 kg day–1 respectively). Carcass weight, carcass length, leg length, leg perimeter, carcass and leg compactness, legs, fore-quarters and loins weights and forequarters percentage regarding carcass weight were higher (p < 0.05) in males than in females. The gender had not significant influence on CIE a*, b*, chroma and hue variables but CIE L* value was significantly (p < 0.05) lower in males than in females. The a* value decreased and b* and hue values increased with ageing time. The subcutaneous backfat from the females had significantly (p < 0.05) higher C14:0, C16:0, C16:1, C18:1 n-9, Σ MUFA and lower C10:0, C18:0, C18:2 n-6, C18:3 n-3, C20:0, C20:3 n-9, C20:4 n-6, C22:5 n-3, Σ n-6, Σ n-3 and Σ PUFA proportions than that from males. It is concluded that the gender has influence on growth performance, carcass traits and fatty acid composition of subcutaneous backfat; gender does not have effect on instrumental colour variables; and meat colour can reach acceptable values for consumers until four days after slaughter.
AWWA Standard Supports Utility Efforts to Protect Source Water
Authors: Sham Chi Ho , Long Sharon C. , Gullick Richard W.
Published: February 2012

This article discusses AWWA Standard G300 as the definitive standard for source water supply protection. Now an operational guide provides further support for drinking water utilities.
What Happens When Chloramines and Chlorine Meet?
Authors: Farley Charles G. , Gentzler Ryan , Flythe Corey W.
Published: February 2012

The growing use of chloramines as a secondary disinfectant has created a significant need for training and regulatory review at the state level. This need is even greater when a system using chloramines interconnects with other systems. As more communities consider interconnections with larger water systems, more combined (chlorine and chloramines) systems can be expected. Distribution system blending and mixing probably won't be the first choice of operational control when an interconnection is planned. However, blending or mixing may be the least expensive option.