bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What Does “Say on Pay” Say about Audit Risk?
Authors: Bordere X. Jasmine , Ciccotello Conrad S. , Grant C. Terry
Published: December 2014

This paper examines a sample of 36 firms that received a majority of negative shareholder votes on their executive compensation plan in the first round of Dodd-Frank mandated “say-on-pay” voting in 2011. Relative to a control group, the 36 firms tend to perform poorly and have high CEO pay in the pre-vote period, and especially in 2010. We find that about 20 percent of the rejected firms also had income-decreasing restatements that impact the five-year period before the vote, compared to only 3 percent for a control group. The rejected firm sample also has weaker internal controls, as well as greater increases in audit fees in the year before the vote. The voting highlights how rejected firms tend to have higher audit risk environments in the years preceding the say-on-pay vote. In addition, since over half of the restatements occur after the say-on-pay vote, the findings also suggest that auditors should use voting as an input to their risk assessments.
Noise Analysis of Differential Multiport Networks – the Wave Approach
Authors: Dobrowolski Janusz A.
Published: December 2014

In this paper there is presented and discussed a general analysis method for noise characterization of noisy multiport differential networks. It is based on mixed mode, differential and common mode, noise waves representation of noise, generalized mixed-mode scattering parameters and generalized mixed-mode noise wave correlation parameters for the network. There are derived analytical relation between the noise figure for a given output port and the noise matrix and the scattering parameters of the network, as well as the correlations between the input port noise waves. The signal to noise ratio degradation factor is derived and discussed, too. Presented results can be implemented directly in a CAD software noise analysis of differential microwave multiport networks with differential as well as with conventional single ended ports.
Anterior Ethmoidal Artery Emerging Anterior to Bulla Ethmoidalis: An Abnormal Anatomical Variation in Waardenburg's Syndrome
Authors: Wong Danny K. C. , Shao Angus , Campbell Raewyn , Douglas Richard
Published: December 2014

In endoscopic sinus surgery, the anterior ethmoidal artery (AEA) is usually identified as it traverses obliquely across the fovea ethmoidalis, posterior to the bulla ethmoidalis and anterior to or within the ground lamella's attachment to the skull base. Injury to the AEA may result in hemorrhage, retraction of the AEA into the orbit, and a retrobulbar hematoma. The resulting increase in intraorbital pressure may threaten vision. Waardenburg's syndrome (WS) is a rare congenital, autosomal dominantly inherited disorder, distinguished by characteristic facial features, pigmentation abnormalities, and profound, congenital, sensorineural hearing loss. We present a case of AEAs located anterior to the bulla ethmoidalis in a 36-year-old male with WS and chronic rhinosinusitis. The anatomic abnormality was not obvious on a preoperative computed tomography scan and was discovered intraoperatively when the left AEA was injured, resulting in a retrobulbar hematoma. The hematoma was immediately identified and decompressed endoscopically without lasting complications. The AEA on the right was identified intraoperatively and preserved. The characteristic craniofacial features in WS were probably associated with the abnormal vascular anatomy. Endoscopic sinus surgeons should be aware of these potential anatomic anomalies in patients with abnormal craniofacial development.
Treatment of Chronic Frontal Sinusitis with Difficult Anatomy: A Hybrid Balloon Technique in Four Cases
Authors: Fleischman Gitanjali M. , Miller Justin D. , Kim Grace G. , Zanation Adam M. , Ebert Charles S.
Published: December 2014

The presence of frontal cells poses unique challenges when using endoscopic approaches. This study describes the use of a balloon dilation system as an aid for functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) to access the frontal sinus in cases that would traditionally require open approaches. We present a case series of four patients with chronic rhinosinusitis refractive to medical management who underwent FESS with the aid of a balloon dilation system at a tertiary referral center. All patients had variant forms of frontal sinus anatomy. Surgical techniques will be described and use of the balloon system will be reviewed. All patients (aged 13–68 years) successfully underwent fontal sinusotomies with the assistance of a balloon dilation system, which was used in a variety of ways: to dilate the narrow infundibulum of a high intersinus septal cell, to remove an anteriorly located type III frontal sinus cell, to expand the natural frontal ostium in the presence of excessive agger nasi pneumatization, and to remove a type IV frontal sinus cell. All patients were spared an osteoplastic flap or trephination, and there were no intraoperative complications. No postoperative bleeding, infection, or cerebral spinal fluid leaks were reported. Balloon dilation in combination with standard frontal sinus dissection techniques may be beneficial for a select group of patients with complex frontal anatomy. In this series of patients, the balloon dilation system was used as a tool during FESS and eliminated the need for open approaches.
Novel Treatment of Allergic Fungal Sinusitis Using Omalizumab
Authors: Evans Martin Oman , Coop Christopher Albert
Published: December 2014

A case report of recalcitrant allergic fungal sinusitis (AFS) refractory to systemic corticosteroids and multiple functional endoscopic sinus surgeries (FESSs) treated with anti-IgE antibody omalizumab is reported. AFS is often classified with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Although similar symptoms are among the two diseases, AFS has a unique pathophysiology. Patients with AFS demonstrate type 1 hypersensitivity to fungal allergens, increased total serum IgE, increased CD8+ T-cell prevalence, and IL-4 and IL-5 response. Omalizumab should be considered in the treatment of AFS.
Canadian Exclusion of Evidence Under Section 24(2) of the Charter: An Empirical Model of Judicial Discourse
Authors: Murchison Melanie Janelle , Jochelson Richard
Published: December 2014

Margit Cohn and Mordechai Kremnitzer developed a multidimensional 17-parameter model, in 2005, to measure the judicial discourse in the decisions of constitutional courts. A court rendered a decision that was activist when it made a decision outside the traditional scope of judicial constraints on government action and that was restrained when they adhered to the principles of traditional adjudication roles. Previously, this model was successfully operationalized, by Jochelson et al. (2012), to analyse significant changes in the interpretation of search and seizure law in the judicial discourse of the Supreme Court of Canada, before and after 9/11. We now use the model to expand that analysis to section 24(2) exclusion of evidence cases under the Charter. By using a 1–10 Likert scale for each Cohn/Kremnitzer indicium of analysis, a value was assigned to each variable of every case and then the pre-9/11 case group were compared to the post-9/11 one. Our data analysis shows increased restraint on the part of the Supreme Court in 7 of the 13 variables of judicial discourse measured after 9/11, even when factoring in the landmark decision in R v Grant (2009). These changes are consistent with the post-9/11 literature on securitization: 9/11 was a moment when the state was given excuses to control, using security as justification for precautionary and risk-averse actions. While we cannot assert any causal relationships between these changes and 9/11, the caveats still permit significant findings, the most intriguing being that the Court has shifted, in its discourse on the exclusion of evidence, toward an ethic of more restraint. These findings stand alongside other studies that have found similarly in the area of search and seizure law.
Morphometrics of the tribe Merremieae Austin (Convolvulacae) from India
Authors: Deshmukh S. A. , Shimpale Vinod B.
Published: December 2014

Sixteen species of the tribe Merremieae Austin (Convolvulaceae) from India were morphometrically analyzed with the help of Principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis to explain the relationship between them. PCA showed that quantitative characters like corolla breadth, fruit breadth and length of paracot leaf play important role in bringing together all the species in the same tribe while the characters like leaf length, leaf breadth, petiole length, pedicel length, calyx length and calyx breadth play vital role in the delimitation of taxa within the tribe Merremieae. Cluster analysis and dendrogram revealed that, the genus Operculina S. Manso is segregated from Merremia Denns. ex Endlich.; genus Hewittia Wight. & Arn. is very close to Merremia, probably originated from M. aegyptia (L.) Urban and M. dissecta (Jacq.) Hall. f. cluster and genus Xenostegia Austin & Staples is isolated in the separate cluster.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpt.v21i2.21350Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 21(2): 121-128, 2014 (December)
Nitella zamanii sp. nov. (Charophyta) from Bangladesh
Authors: Diba Nasrin Jahan , Naz Sabrina , Schubert Hendrik
Published: December 2014

Nitella zamanii has been described and illustrated as a new species from a rice field at Charghat upazila in Bangladesh. The new species resembles Nitella furcata and N. polycarpa but differs by presence of accessory branchlets, spiky dactyls and size of oogonium, oospore and antheridium.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpt.v21i2.21358Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 21(2): 181-185, 2014 (December)
Primulina lechangensis (Gesneriaceae), A new species from a limestone cave of northern Guangdong, China
Authors: Zhou Shou-Biao , Hong Xin , Ma Wen , Wen Fang
Published: December 2014

Primulina lechangensis (Gesneriaceae), a new species from northern Guangdong province in southern China is described and illustrated. Its morphology suggests affinities to P. longicalyx, but can be distinguished from similar taxon by several distinct characters including: smaller leaf blade (2.0-3.5 × 1.0-1.2 cm), base cuneate-attenuate; smaller bracts (1.0-1.5 × c. 0.15 cm); shorter calyx lobes (0.8-0.9 cm long) tuberculate inside; smaller corolla tube (c. 2 cm long), inflated in the middle and contracted near the mouth; shorter glabrous filaments (0.3-0.4 cm long), inserted 1.3-1.5 cm from base of corolla; stamens and staminodes glabrous; pistil 1.4-1.5 cm long, and capsule c. 1.5 cm long. This species is further exemplified by photographs, and a distribution map is presented.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpt.v21i2.21359Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 21(2): 187-191, 2014 (December)
Colubrina javanica Miq. (Rhamnaceae)  A new angiosperm record for Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Mohammad Sayedur , Hossain Gazi Mosharof , Khan Saleh Ahammad , Uddin Sarder Nasir
Published: December 2014

Not availableDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpt.v21i2.21362Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 21(2): 199-202, 2014 (December)
Effects of temperature on some Physiological traits of Wheat
Authors: Begum Farida , Nessa Ashratun
Published: December 2014

The effect of high temperature on some physiological traits of wheat has been studied under controlled condition in a green house. The temperature stress chosen for the study were 25±1/14±10C (control) 28±1/18±10C day/night and 35±1/25±10C day/night temperature. Total crop duration was reduced under higher temperature. The results showed that leaf dry weight, shoot dry weight, flag leaf area of wheat was reduced under higher temperature. High temperature brought sterility and consequently reduced grain yield. Wheat plant grown under 35±1/25±10C, day night temperature failed to form any seed. Chlorophyll content also directly related to grain weight. High temperature reduced leaf chlorophyll content as well as grain weight. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbas.v38i2.21332 Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, Vol. 38, No. 2, 103-110, 2014
Some features of fuzzy compactness
Authors: Mottalib A , Ali DM
Published: December 2014

In this paper several features of fuzzy compactness to established fuzzy analogues of wellknown theorems on (usual) compact topological spaces have been described. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbas.v38i2.21334 Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, Vol. 38, No. 2, 111-117, 2014
Reactivity of [M4(co)12(µ-pyms)4] (M = Mn, re; pymS = pyrimidine-2-Thiolate) with bis(triphenylphosphino)nickel(ii) dicarbonyl: X-ray crystal structure of [Re(Co)3(?2-pymS)(PPh3)]
Authors: Rahman Md Saifur , Sarker Jagodish C , Kabir Shariff E , Siddiquee Tasneem A
Published: December 2014

The reaction between the tetranuclear compound [Mn4(CO)12(µ -pymS)4] (1) and (PPh3)2Ni(CO)2 at room temperature resulted in the cleavage of the square to afford the dinuclear complex [Mn2(CO)5(µ -pymS)2(PPh3)] (2) (19%) along with two mononuclear complexes fac- [Mn(CO)3(?2-pymS)(PPh3)] (3) (43%) and [Mn(CO)2(?2-pymS)(PPh3)2] (4) (24%). In contrast, a similar reaction of [Re4(CO)12(µ-pymS)4] (5) with (PPh3)2Ni(CO)2 at 25oC did not afford any dinuclear compound leading instead to the monophosphine substituted mononuclear compound fac- [Re(CO)3(?2-pymS)(PPh3)] (6) (72%). Compound 4 is also formed when a toluene solution of 3 is treated with PPh3 at elevated temperature (100oC). A similar treatment of 6 with triphenylphosphine in refluxing toluene gave [Re(CO)2(?2-pymS)(PPh3)2] (7) (60%). All the new compounds have been characterized by elemental analysis, IR, 1H NMR and 31P{1H} NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry along with single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis for 6. Compound 6 consists of a single rhenium atom with three carbonyls, a triphenylphosphine ligand and a chelating pyrimidinethiolate ligand. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbas.v38i2.21340 Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, Vol. 38, No. 2, 155-165, 2014
On Intuitionistic fuzzy T0 spaces
Authors: Ahmed Estiaq , Hossain MS , Ali DM
Published: December 2014

In this paper, intuitionistic fuzzy T0 spaces were studied. The authors investigated some relations among them and also investigated the relationship between intuitionistic fuzzy topological spaces and intuitionistic topological spaces DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbas.v38i2.21344 Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, Vol. 38, No. 2, 197-207, 2014
On T0 fuzzy Bitopological spaces
Authors: Amin MR , Ali DM , Hossain MS
Published: December 2014

In this paper, the authors introduced two notions of fuzzy pairwise-T0 bitopological spaces and compared them with other such concepts. The authors also studied some other properties of these spaces. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbas.v38i2.21345 Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, Vol. 38, No. 2, 209-217, 2014
Effects of quail genotypes on hatchability traits, body weight and egg production
Authors: Islam MS , Faruque S , Khatun H , Islam MN
Published: December 2014

A study was conducted with four genotypes of quail, namely Japanese (J), White (W), Black (Bl) and Brown (Br) quail with the objective to know their hatchability traits, body weight and egg production performances. The parent males and females were maintained in cages for single pair mating through close breeding system for producing each generation. A total of 1866-day-old chicks comprising of 4 types of quail namely J, W, Br, and Bl were hatched in a batch. The egg weight were 10.35 ± 0.3, 11.60 ± 0.42, 10.30 ± 0.42 and 9.78 ± 0.65 for J, W, Br and Bl respectively, which was influenced (p < 0.05) by genotype. White genotype of quail is significantly better for egg weight, chick weight and chick: egg ratio than that of their counterparts. The highest hatchability of incubated eggs was found in Japanese quail genotype (71.01%) and the lowest in Black (31.03%). Significantly higher body weight was found in White and Black followed by Brown and Japanese quail genotype at different period of age. Significantly more number of eggs was obtained in Black (97.31) followed by Japanese, Brown and White respectively DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbas.v38i2.21346 Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, Vol. 38, No. 2, 219-224, 2014
A simple effective treatment of tannery effluents
Authors: Mottalib Md Abdul , Khan Tasmima , Abser Md Nurul
Published: December 2014

Tannery effluents are one of the major sources of environmental pollution with various toxic parameters and the effluent generated during liming and pickling operations of leather processing are even more dangerous due to their high and low pH range, respectively. In the present work, liming and pickling streams generated during the production of chrome tanned cow hide shoe upper was treated at different ratios and optimized the pH range 6.5 - 7.5. The effluents were mixed at different ratios without adding any foreign chemicals and obtained the results 88% reduction of COD, 94% reduction of BOD and 97% removal of total solids. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbas.v38i2.21348 Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, Vol. 38, No. 2, 235-239, 2014
A Decision Support System for Assessing Trade-Offs between Ecosystem Management Goals: An Application in Portugal
Authors: Garcia-Gonzalo Jordi , Bushenkov Vladimir , McDill Marc , Borges José
Published: December 2014

Cork oak (Quercus suber L.) and holm oak (Quercus rotundifolia) ecosystems are characteristic of Mediterranean forestry in Portugal. Even though cork is the most valuable product, these ecosystems provide multiple products and services. Assessing trade-offs between multiple goals is thus critical for the effectiveness of oak ecosystem management planning. This paper focuses on the development of a decision support system for oak ecosystems’ scenario analysis including multiple criteria. It includes an innovative decision support systems (DSS) functionality to assess trade-offs between the criteria that may support negotiation and consensus building between decision-makers and forest stakeholders. Specifically, a module that encapsulates the Feasible Goals Method/Interactive Decision Maps (FGM/IDM) technique is developed for interactive visualization of the Pareto frontier. The Pareto frontier illustrates the degree to which improving one particular criterion requires accepting sacrifices in the achievements of others. It thus provides information about trade-offs between competing decision-makers’ preferences. Results are discussed for a large-scale application encompassing over 1 million ha of cork and holm oak forest ecosystems in Southern Portugal. This study demonstrates the potential of the new DSS functionality to enhance multi-objective forest planning, namely by facilitating participation by stakeholders and providing transparency to the decision-making processes.
Morin, a Flavonoid from Moraceae, Induces Apoptosis by Induction of BAD Protein in Human Leukemic Cells
Authors: Park Cheol , Lee Won , Go Se-Il , Nagappan Arulkumar , Han Min , Hong Su , Kim Gon , Kim Gi , Kwon Taeg , Ryu Chung , Shin Sung , Choi Yung
Published: December 2014

Evidence suggests that phytochemicals can safely modulate cancer cell biology and induce apoptosis. Here, we investigated the anti-cancer activity of morin, a flavone originally isolated from members of the Moraceae family in human leukemic cells, focusing on apoptosis. An anti-cancer effect of morin was screened with several human leukemic cell lines. U937 cells were most sensitive to morin, where it induced caspase-dependent apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. It also induced loss of MMP (ΔΨm) along with cytochrome c release, down-regulated Bcl-2 protein, and up-regulated BAX proteins. The apoptotic activity of morin was significantly attenuated by Bcl-2 augmentation. In conclusion, morin induced caspase-dependent apoptosis through an intrinsic pathway by upregulating BAD proteins. In addition, Bcl-2 protein expression is also important in morin-induced apoptosis of U937 cells. This study provides evidence that morin might have anticancer properties in human leukemic cells.
Bioactive Chemical Constituents from the Brown Alga Homoeostrichus formosana
Authors: Fang Hui-Yu , Chokkalingam Uvarani , Chiou Shu-Fen , Hwang Tsong-Long , Chen Shu-Li , Wang Wei-Lung , Sheu Jyh-Horng
Published: December 2014

A new chromene derivative, 2-(4',8'-dimethylnona-3'E,7'-dienyl)-8-hydroxy-2,6-dimethyl-2H-chromene (1) together with four known natural products, methylfarnesylquinone (2), isololiolide (3), pheophytin a (4), and β-carotene (5) were isolated from the brown alga Homoeostrichus formosana. The structure of 1 was determined by extensive 1D and 2D spectroscopic analyses. Acetylation of 1 yielded the monoacetylated derivative 2-(4',8'-dimethylnona-3'E,7'-dienyl)-8-acetyl-2,6-dimethyl-2H-chromene (6). Compounds 1–6 exhibited various levels of cytotoxic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory activities. Compound 2 was found to display potent in vitro anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting the generation of superoxide anion (IC50 0.22 ± 0.03 μg/mL) and elastase release (IC50 0.48 ± 0.11 μg/mL) in FMLP/CB-induced human neutrophils.
Aggression in Tephritidae Flies: Where, When, Why? Future Directions for Research in Integrated Pest Management
Authors: Benelli Giovanni
Published: December 2014

True fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) include over 4000 species, many of which constitute enormous threats to fruit and vegetable production worldwide. A number of Tephritidae are lekking species, forming aggregations in which males fight to defend a small territory where they court females and mate. Male-male contests also occur in non-lekking species, characterized by resource defense polygyny. Tephritidae females display agonistic behavior to maintain single oviposition sites and reduce larval competition for food. Here, how, where, when and why aggressive interactions occur in Tephritidae flies is reviewed. A number of neglected issues deserving further research are highlighted, with a special focus on diel periodicity of aggression, cues evoking aggressive behavior, the role of previous experience on fighting success and the evolution of behavioral lateralization of aggressive displays. In the final section, future directions to exploit this knowledge in Integrated Pest Management, with particular emphasis on enhancement of Sterile Insect Technique and interspecific competitive displacement in the field are suggested.
Advances in Trace Element “Fingerprinting” of Gem Corundum, Ruby and Sapphire, Mogok Area, Myanmar
Authors: Sutherland F. , Zaw Khin , Meffre Sebastien , Yui Tzen-Fui , Thu Kyaw
Published: December 2014

Mogok gem corundum samples from twelve localities were analyzed for trace element signatures (LA-ICP-MS method) and oxygen isotope values (δ18O, by laser fluorination). The study augmented earlier findings on Mogok gem suites that suggested the Mogok tract forms a high vanadium gem corundum area and also identified rare alluvial ruby and sapphire grains characterised by unusually high silicon, calcium and gallium, presence of noticeable boron, tin and niobium and very low iron, titanium and magnesium contents. Oxygen isotope values (δ18O) for the ruby and high Si-Ca-Ga corundum (20‰–25‰) and for sapphire (10‰–20‰) indicate typical crustal values, with values >20‰ being typical of carbonate genesis. The high Si-Ca-Ga ruby has high chromium (up to 3.2 wt % Cr) and gallium (up to 0. 08 wt % Ga) compared to most Mogok ruby (<2 wt % Cr; <0.02 wt % Ga). In trace element ratio plots the Si-Ca-Ga-rich corundum falls into separate fields from the typical Mogok metamorphic fields. The high Ga/Mg ratios (46–521) lie well within the magmatic range (>6), and with other features suggest a potential skarn-like, carbonate-related genesis with a high degree of magmatic fluid input The overall trace element results widen the range of different signatures identified within Mogok gem corundum suites and indicate complex genesis. The expanded geochemical platform, related to a variety of metamorphic, metasomatic and magmatic sources, now provides a wider base for geographic typing of Mogok gem corundum suites. It allows more detailed comparisons with suites from other deposits and will assist identification of Mogok gem corundum sources used in jewelry.
Photoreduction of Carbon Dioxide to Formic Acid in Aqueous Suspension: A Comparison between Phthalocyanine/TiO2 and Porphyrin/TiO2 Catalysed Processes
Authors: Mele Giuseppe , Annese Cosimo , D'Accolti Lucia , De Riccardis Alberto , Fusco Caterina , Palmisano Leonardo , Scarlino Anna , Vasapollo Giuseppe
Published: December 2014

Composite materials prepared by loading polycrystalline TiO2 powders with lipophilic highly branched Cu(II)- and metal-free phthalocyanines or porphyrins, which have been used in the past as photocatalysts for photodegradative processes, have been successfully tested for the efficient photoreduction of carbon dioxide in aqueous suspension affording significant amounts of formic acid. The results indicated that the presence of the sensitizers is beneficial for the photoactivity, confirming the important role of Cu(II) co-ordinated in the middle of the macrocycles. A comparison between Cu(II) phthalocyanines and Cu(II) porphyrins indicated that the Cu(II)- phthalocyanine sensitizer was more efficient in the photoreduction of CO2 to formic acid, probably due to its favorable reduction potential.
Stem Bark Extract and Fraction of Persea americana (Mill.) Exhibits Bactericidal Activities against Strains of Bacillus cereus Associated with Food Poisoning
Authors: Akinpelu David , Aiyegoro Olayinka , Akinpelu Oluseun , Okoh Anthony
Published: December 2014

The study investigates the in vitro antibacterial potentials of stem bark extracts of Persea americana on strains of Bacillus cereus implicated in food poisoning. The crude stem bark extracts and butanolic fraction at a concentration of 25 mg/mL and 10 mg/mL, respectively, exhibited antibacterial activities against test isolates. The zones of inhibition exhibited by the crude extract and the fraction ranged between 10 mm and 26 mm, while the minimum inhibitory concentration values ranged between 0.78 and 5.00 mg/mL. The minimum bactericidal concentrations ranged between 3.12 mg/mL–12.5 mg/mL and 1.25–10 mg/mL for the extract and the fraction, respectively. The butanolic fraction killed 91.49% of the test isolates at a concentration of 2× MIC after 60 min of contact time, while a 100% killing was achieved after the test bacterial cells were exposed to the butanolic fraction at a concentration of 3× MIC after 90 min contact time. Intracellular protein and potassium ion leaked out of the test bacterial cells when exposed to certain concentrations of the fraction; this is an indication of bacterial cell wall disruptions by the extract’s butanolic fraction and, thus, caused a biocidal effect on the cells, as evident in the killing rate test results.
Remote Sensing of Sonoran Desert Vegetation Structure and Phenology with Ground-Based LiDAR
Authors: Sankey Joel , Munson Seth , Webb Robert , Wallace Cynthia , Duran Cesar
Published: December 2014

Long-term vegetation monitoring efforts have become increasingly important for understanding ecosystem response to global change. Many traditional methods for monitoring can be infrequent and limited in scope. Ground-based LiDAR is one remote sensing method that offers a clear advancement to monitor vegetation dynamics at high spatial and temporal resolution. We determined the effectiveness of LiDAR to detect intra-annual variability in vegetation structure at a long-term Sonoran Desert monitoring plot dominated by cacti, deciduous and evergreen shrubs. Monthly repeat LiDAR scans of perennial plant canopies over the course of one year had high precision. LiDAR measurements of canopy height and area were accurate with respect to total station survey measurements of individual plants. We found an increase in the number of LiDAR vegetation returns following the wet North American Monsoon season. This intra-annual variability in vegetation structure detected by LiDAR was attributable to a drought deciduous shrub Ambrosia deltoidea, whereas the evergreen shrub Larrea tridentata and cactus Opuntia engelmannii had low variability. Benefits of using LiDAR over traditional methods to census desert plants are more rapid, consistent, and cost-effective data acquisition in a high-resolution, 3-dimensional context. We conclude that repeat LiDAR measurements can be an effective method for documenting ecosystem response to desert climatology and drought over short time intervals and at detailed-local spatial scale.
Non-Invasive UWB Sensing of Astronauts’ Breathing Activity
Authors: Baldi Marco , Cerri Graziano , Chiaraluce Franco , Eusebi Lorenzo , Russo Paola
Published: December 2014

The use of a UWB system for sensing breathing activity of astronauts must account for many critical issues specific to the space environment. The aim of this paper is twofold. The first concerns the definition of design constraints about the pulse amplitude and waveform to transmit, as well as the immunity requirements of the receiver. The second issue concerns the assessment of the procedures and the characteristics of the algorithms to use for signal processing to retrieve the breathing frequency and respiration waveform. The algorithm has to work correctly in the presence of surrounding electromagnetic noise due to other sources in the environment. The highly reflecting walls increase the difficulty of the problem and the hostile scenario has to be accurately characterized. Examples of signal processing techniques able to recover breathing frequency in significant and realistic situations are shown and discussed.
Analysis of Discrimination Techniques for Low-Cost Narrow-Band Spectrofluorometers
Authors: Aymerich Ismael , Sánchez Albert-Miquel , Pérez Sergio , Piera Jaume
Published: December 2014

The need for covering large areas in oceanographic measurement campaigns and the general interest in reducing the observational costs open the necessity to develop new strategies towards this objective, fundamental to deal with current and future research projects. In this respect, the development of low-cost instruments becomes a key factor, but optimal signal-processing techniques must be used to balance their measurements with those obtained from accurate but expensive instruments. In this paper, a complete signal-processing chain to process the fluorescence spectra of marine organisms for taxonomic discrimination is proposed. It has been designed to deal with noisy, narrow-band and low-resolution data obtained from low-cost sensors or instruments and to optimize its computational cost, and it consists of four separated blocks that denoise, normalize, transform and classify the samples. For each block, several techniques are tested and compared to find the best combination that optimizes the classification of the samples. The signal processing has been focused on the Chlorophyll-a fluorescence peak, since it presents the highest emission levels and it can be measured with sensors presenting poor sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratios. The whole methodology has been successfully validated by means of the fluorescence spectra emitted by five different cultures.
Fit for the Future? A New Approach in the Debate about What Makes Healthcare Systems Really Sustainable
Authors: Fischer Matthias
Published: December 2014

As healthcare systems face enormous challenges, sustainability is seen as a crucial requirement for making them fit for the future. However, there is no consensus with regard to either the definition of the term or the factors that characterize a “sustainable healthcare system”. Therefore, the aim of this article is twofold. First, it gives examples of the existing literature about sustainable healthcare systems and analyzes this literature with regard to its understanding of sustainability and the strengths and weaknesses of the different approaches. The article then identifies crucial factors for sustainable healthcare systems, and the result, a conceptual framework consisting of five distinct and interacting factors, can be seen as a starting point for further research.
Is the New Variant RHDV Replacing Genogroup 1 in Portuguese Wild Rabbit Populations?
Authors: Lopes Ana , Correia Jorge , Abrantes Joana , Melo Pedro , Ramada Margarida , Magalhães Maria , Alves Paulo , Esteves Pedro
Published: December 2014

The Lagovirus rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV), a member of the family Caliciviridae, severely affects European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) populations by causing rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD). RHDV is subdivided in six genogroups but, more recently, a new RHDV variant with a unique genetic and antigenic profile emerged. We performed a study in rabbits found dead in the field during 2013 and 2014 in Portugal to determine the prevalence of this new variant versus the classical RHDV. Fifty-seven liver samples were screened for the presence of RHDV and positive samples were genotyped. All cases of RHDV infection were caused by the new variant. The only former genogroup circulating in Portugal, G1, was not detected. We hence conclude that the new RHDV variant is replacing G1 in Portugal, probably due to a selective advantage. This sudden and rapid replacement emphasizes the necessity of continued monitoring of wild rabbit populations.
L'impact de la justice organisationnelle sur la fidélisation : étude longitudinale auprès de travailleurs du secteur des TIC au Canada
Authors: Renaud Stéphane , Tremblay François Alexandre , Morin Lucie
Published: December 2014

Cette étude longitudinale analyse l’impact différencié de la justice distributive et de la justice procédurale sur l’intention de rester des salariés. Le modèle d’analyse positionne l’engagement organisationnel affectif comme variable médiatrice entre la justice et l’intention de rester. Les données ont été colligées auprès de salariés canadiens d’une grande entreprise internationale du secteur des technologies de l’information et des communications (TIC). Les résultats indiquent que la justice distributive et la justice procédurale augmentent indirectement l’intention de rester des salariés via l’effet médiateur de l’engagement organisationnel. Les résultats des analyses multivariées longitudinales démontrent également que la justice procédurale affecte davantage l’intention de rester que la justice distributive via l’engagement organisationnel. La discussion présente aux managers des préconisations sur les pratiques de fidélisation du personnel.
Team-Based Learning in Introductory Translation Courses
Authors: Wallace Melissa
Published: December 2014

This chapter explores the implementation of a teaching and learning strategy that lends itself propitiously to social constructivist-oriented introductory translation courses. Team-based learning, a methodology developed by Michaelsen, Knight, and Fink (2004) that purports to foster accountability, cohesion, and solidarity among fixed work teams proved itself to be ideally suited to the undergraduate translation studies environment according to the results of a survey-driven assessment tool. Students revealed their perceptions of the effectiveness of learning teams – teams that were assessed in general for a specific course's course components and learning outcomes as well as in relation to the core make-up of the learning teams themselves. The chapter describes a variety of empowerment-building assignments as well as discusses the implementation of team-based learning in this context. Finally, the degree to which the methodology contributed to students' perceptions of their learning experience is examined.
A Learner Corpus Study of Attributive Clauses and Passive Voice in Student Translations
Authors: Tsai Yvonne
Published: December 2014

This chapter centers on the nuisance caused by passive voice and attributive clauses in student translations. With the use of learner corpus, calculation, categorization, and annotation functions enable analysis of common linguistic features in student translators. The aim of this study is to correct learners' under-use, over-use, and misuse of terms and linguistic structures. By incorporating technology into teaching and by analyzing passive tense and attributive clauses in student translations with learner corpus, the following study can contribute in designing more effective curricula and teaching materials. The use of objective data to examine student translations provides student translators an autonomous learning environment and translation improvement opportunities.
Implementing Business Intelligence in Contemporary Organizations
Authors: Kasemsap Kijpokin
Published: December 2014

This chapter introduces the implementation of Business Intelligence (BI), thus explaining the application overview of BI, the components of BI, the practical implementation of BI, the business value of BI, the trends in implementing BI, and the guidelines for implementing BI. BI is a broad category of business applications and technologies for gathering, providing access to, and analyzing data for the purpose of helping business enterprise users make better business decisions. BI enlarges business performance, thus leading to higher level of efficiency, better quality outputs, better marketing decisions, and lessened risk of business failure in order to gain a competitive advantage in the global business environments. It is important to create and develop a BI system to enable the useful transformation of information into the valuable knowledge for enhancing BI in organizations. Implementing BI will increase organizational performance and achieve business goals in modern business.
The Design of Small H-Style Permanent Magnet Used for NMR
Authors: Zhang Guang Cai , Ai Hong Fu , Xu Ya Jie , Chen Qiao Yan , Yang Xiao Dong
Published: December 2014

This paper introduces the design of permanent magnet that can been used to small nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) system, and its static magnetic field simulation analysis uses Ansoft's Maxwell software. According to the theory of magnetic circuit design and the performance requirements of magnetic field, An H-style permanent magnetic actuator has been designed, and it can generate uniform magnetic field larger than 0.4 T in the interested region of this actuator. The static magnetic field simulation analysis of this permanent magnetic actuator has done by Ansoft's Maxwell 3D software, and the experimental results show that the design of permanent magnet can meet the requirements.
Effects of Process Parameters on Charge Weld Length during Multi-Hole Porthole Die Extrusion
Authors: Chen Liang , Zhao Guo Qun , Wang Ting Ting
Published: December 2014

The evolution of charge weld during multi-hole porthole die extrusion was studied by means of finite element simulation and Taguchi’s design. Moreover, based on S/N analysis, the optimal process parameters that can reduce the charge weld length was obtained, where the billet diameter is 100 mm, extrusion speed is 2.0 mm/s, tool temperature is 430 °C and billet temperature is 465 °C. The accuracy and effectiveness of such optimal process parameters were also verified. The purpose of the present study is to provide some information about the controlling of charge weld for extrusion engineers.
Copolymerization of Propylene Oxide and Carbon Oxide Catalyzed by Nano SalenCoCl Complex
Authors: Tian Jing , Zhang Sai Dan , Zhang Qing , Liu Ming Zhe , Wang Yan Guo
Published: December 2014

In this investigation, nanoSchiff bases Cobaltic complex was synthesized and used as the initiator in the copolymerization of carbon oxide and propylene oxide (PO). The nanoCobaltic complex was characterized by infrared spectroscopy (IR), and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR). The influences of different factors, including reaction time, reaction temperature, and pressure of CO2 on the synthesis of polycarbonate were described. The results show that nanoCobaltic complex could be successfully applied in the copolymerization of CO2 and PO. The optimum conditions of the polymerization, which include CO2 pressure of 30 bar, reaction temperature of 80 °C, and reaction time of 3 hours.
Simulation of Churning Losses in Geared Box
Authors: Wang Bin , Liu Lin Jing , Wang Ping
Published: December 2014

Relative experiments show that churning causes dominant power losses in geared box, which has an important influence on dynamic efficiency assessment of the driving system. This paper put forward a simulation model of churning losses and compared the simulation results with theoretical value. Simulation results testified the simulation model is pretty accurate and is feasible to be used for churning loss simulation.
Adaptive Inverse Fuzzy Decoupling Control of Bearingless Asynchronous Motor
Authors: Sun Jian Dong , Sun Yu Xin , Zhu Huang Qiu , Liu Xian Xing
Published: December 2014

The traditional control has good performance in the control of linear systems while has poor performance in the control of nonlinear systems. The bearingless asynchronous motor is a multivariable nonlinear system with high coupling. In this paper, the method of adaptive inverse control is proposed for these reasons. Firstly, the mathematical model of the bearingless asynchronous motor is built, and the possibility of the existence of the bearingless asynchronous motor system inverse model is explored. Secondly, since the object to be controlled is highly nonlinear and has high variability. In this paper, adaptive inverse fuzzy decoupling control is used to make up the deficiency of traditional adaptive inverse control. Finally, the Matlab simulation model is established. The simulation results show that the control method has good dynamic and static performance.
Research on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of B4C/Al Composites by Liquid Mental Mixing
Authors: Li Dong , Li Qiu Lin , Li Xue Jun , Liu Wei
Published: December 2014

B4C/Al composites of different boron carbide contenting were prepared by the liquid mixing method and hot-rolled to 3mm. Microstructure and mechanical properties of the rolled composite were analyzed after the stress relieving heat treatment. Results showed that: the distribution of boron carbide particles was uniform, and only a few particles appeared fractured. With Ti addition, a reaction product layer was fabricated surrounding B4C particles, which acted as a diffusion barrier to separate B4C particles from liquid aluminum to protect them. With the mass fraction of the B4C particles increasing, it can improve the tensile strength but degrade the plasticity of the composites. The fracture surface of composites showed both ductile and brittle fracture characteristics and when the mass fraction of the B4C particles increased the ductile fracture feature decreased.
Numerical Simulation and Investigation of Transonic & Symmetrical Airfoil for Helicopter Main Rotor Blade Application
Authors: bin Abdul Awal Ziad , bin Ammoo Mohd Shariff
Published: December 2014

Helicopter rotor aerodynamics is prognosticated to be one of the most perplexing and enigmatic affliction encountered by both researchers and aviators throughout the ages. The bewilderment of the flow field around the main rotor blade ceaselessly remains unrequited in tangible flight environments. Appalling calamities repeatedly befall owing to these unforeseen and equivocal instances. In order to extricate these impediments, one must go back to the brass tacks and apprehend the cause. However, it is every so often exceedingly disconcerting to obtain experimental data due to intricacy, perplexity and substantial price tag. Subsequently, computational simulation is progressively becoming more of a preferred choice in recent times. Bearing this in mind, this study intended to simulate and visualize the air flow configuration of the main rotor blade using symmetrical and transonic airfoils to demarcate their physiognomies and behavior. Results have revealed that the transonic airfoil has a higher lift coefficient (Cl) than the symmetrical airfoil. Contrariwise, if used in an actual rotorcraft, the transonic airfoil can cause stern apprehension in terms of stability and control.
Multi-Index Nonlinear Coordinated Control of TCBR and Hydro-Generator Excitation
Authors: Li Xiao Cong , Zheng Tao , Liang Zhi Jian , Xu Jun Hua
Published: December 2014

As a new FACTS device, thyristor controlled braking resistor (TCBR) is one of the effective devices to enhance transient stability of generator. In this paper, a coordinated controller for TCBR and hydro-generator excitation system with the multi-index nonlinear coordinate control method based differential geometry theory is proposed. By means of Hartman-Grobman theorem, differential geometry multi-index nonlinear control (DGMINC) design method can reassign the closed-loop system eigenvalues of linear approximate system to the nonlinear system via appropriately selecting output function parameter matrix. Therefore, the system can get good control performance. The simulation results show that TCBR and generator excitation system controlled by this coordinate control strategy can decrease the generator acceleration area rapidly when the severe fault occurred and increase deceleration area significantly after the fault is cleared. So that, power system transient stability limitation improved significantly.
Development and Evaluation of Mechanical Properties of Al/Ilmenite Nanocomposite
Authors: Rasidhar Lanka , Krishna A. Rama , Rao Ch. Srinivasa , Lakshmi K. Vijaya
Published: December 2014

In the present investigation, microstructure and mechanical properties of nanocomposites fabricated via stir casting were evaluated. The composites were based on Al (99.7) reinforced with ilmenite nanoparticles. The characterization of the nanoparticles and nanocomposites was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) facilities. Microstructure of specimens show that reasonable distribution of FeTiO3 nanoparticles in the matrix, secondary phase FeAl3 observed in the microstructure. Ultimate tensile strength and compression tests were carried out in order to identify the mechanical properties. The hardness of the composites is enhanced with the addition of nanoparticles. The optimum value for ultimate tensile and compression strength are obtained with the addition of 3 % ilmenite nanoparticles. Ductile fracture in tensile fractured samples was observed by fractrography examination.
Design Process of a Master Controller for Electric Omnidirectional Platforms
Authors: Cock Atehortúa Lina Eugenia , Gómez Gilberto Osorio
Published: December 2014

The need vehicles able to move or park easily in narrow or cluttered halls, along with the progress in matter of motors, batteries and controllers applied to electric vehicles has supported the development of electric omnidirectional vehicles, in robotics, industrial and health fields.The solutions currently found in the market generally integrate all the electrical/mechanical components and do not offer an option of a master controller compatible with different omnidirectional platforms.A master controller for electric omnidirectional platforms adaptable to a wide range of usage conditions and mechanical power requirements, would be an interesting component for design purposes at academic level, where engineering students could understand how design variables are related to the component selection.This article presents the design process of a master controller for this kind of vehicles and the procedure for determining its parameters and the specifications for electric motors required on different platforms that will have different mechanical power requirements and use conditions. First, specific characteristic for a general platform have been defined, the kinematic behavior has been characterized and next, a simulation model has been configured and tested with a real platform in order to identify the real behavior or the master controller.