bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
VECTOR OF THE EU AND RUSSIA INTEGRATION IN THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Ivolga Anna , Labenko Oleksandr , Ivolga Ivan
Published: January 2014

Throughout history, Russia and the EU have always been the key players in the region. However, even though both sides have a massive historical and geographical background, there is still no effective model of RU-EU integration. Furthermore, the power and wealth centers are rapidly moving towards APEC these days, which is a matter of crucial importance for the partners, as Europe loses its positions. The paper includes the number of suggestions about the RU-EU integration, with an emphasis on: previous integration experience, creation of institutional basis, synchronizing the standardization systems, innovation and scientific researches coordination. Moreover, the work also contains the list of possible measures in the fields of energetic trade, CIS policies, with the in-depth analysis of reasons, why the integration is essential for both the Russian Federation and the European Union.
THE IMPORTANCE OF FESTIVAL TOURISM IN THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF HUNGARY
Authors: Nagy Adrienn , Nagy Henrietta
Published: January 2014

Tourism has been a determining factor in the economic growth of Hungary recently and it will continue to have a significant role in the future development of the country. Although Hungary has great potentials in tourism sector, it is concentrated only on a few places of the country at present, especially in the capital, Budapest. While tourism has about 10% share in the national GDP production, most of it is generated in the capital. In addition, to the center of the country, there are only a few places that are really known by foreign tourists and thus are able to attract crowds. Such places are Lake Balaton, the largest lake in Europe; and the city of Debrecen, the second largest city in the country, with its surroundings and several thermal baths. The aim of our paper is to analyze the tendencies of Hungarian tourism, focusing on the festivals, and to follow the changes of the tourism strategies, as well as the direct and indirect effects of the development of the tourism industry on the economic growth of the country. In order to prepare our study, we have collected information on tourism from the Central Statistical Office, from the organizers of the different festivals throughout the country and from the National Tourism Office. Based on our research, we intend to draw consequences on the sector and define recommendations for further developments, because we believe that festivals can be the solution for the sustainable economic and social development of several rural areas, providing income for a huge part of population in the countryside.
Informing Web-Based Communication Curricula in Veterinary Education: A Systematic Review of Web-Based Methods Used for Teaching and Assessing Clinical Communication in Medical Education
Authors: Artemiou Elpida , Adams Cindy L. , Toews Lorraine , Violato Claudio , Coe Jason B.
Published: January 2014

We determined the Web-based configurations that are applied to teach medical and veterinary communication skills, evaluated their effectiveness, and suggested future educational directions for Web-based communication teaching in veterinary education. We performed a systematic search of CAB Abstracts, MEDLINE, Scopus, and ERIC limited to articles published in English between 2000 and 2012. The review focused on medical or veterinary undergraduate to clinical- or residency-level students. We selected studies for which the study population was randomized to the Web-based learning (WBL) intervention with a post-test comparison with another WBL or non-WBL method and that reported at least one empirical outcome. Two independent reviewers completed relevancy screening, data extraction, and synthesis of results using Kirkpatrick and Kirkpatrick's 1 framework. The search retrieved 1,583 articles, and 10 met the final inclusion criteria. We identified no published articles on Web-based communication platforms in veterinary medicine; however, publications summarized from human medicine demonstrated that WBL provides a potentially reliable and valid approach for teaching and assessing communication skills. Student feedback on the use of virtual patients for teaching clinical communication skills has been positive, though evidence has suggested that practice with virtual patients prompted lower relation-building responses. Empirical outcomes indicate that WBL is a viable method for expanding the approach to teaching history taking and possibly to additional tasks of the veterinary medical interview.
Data Dependence For Noor Iterative Scheme Dealing With Contractive-Like Operators
Authors: Asaduzzaman Md. , Ali Md. Zulfikar
Published: January 2014

In this paper, we have established the convergence result and the data dependence for Noor iterative scheme dealing with contractive-like operators. A numerical example has also given, in which instead of computing the fixed point of an operator, we have approximated the operator with a contractive-like one. GANIT J. Bangladesh Math. Soc. Vol. 33 (2013) 13-24 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ganit.v33i0.17651
Generalized Derivations of Prime Gamma Rings
Authors: Dey Kalyan Kumar , Paul Akhil Chandra
Published: January 2014

Let M be a prime ?-ring satisfying a certain assumption a?b?c = a?b?c for all a, b, c?M and ?, ???, and let I be an ideal of M. Assume that (D, d) is a generalized derivation of M and a?M. If D([x, a]?) = 0 or [D(x), a]? = 0 for all x?I, ? ? ?, then we prove that d(x) = p?[x, a]? for all x?I, ?, ? ? ? or a?Z(M) (the centre of M), where p belongs C(M) (the extended centroid of M). GANIT J. Bangladesh Math. Soc. Vol. 33 (2013) 33-39 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ganit.v33i0.17654
Analytical Study of Influence of Chemical Agents in Agricultural Systems
Authors: Islam M , Uddin MS , Islam B , Islam N , Mazumdar HP
Published: January 2014

Modern day agriculture is dependent on the use of chemical agents for maximizing crop yield. This practice has perilous effects on the ecosystem if used in an unchecked manner. The present paper develops a mathematical model of an agricultural system that incorporates the cumulative effect of the chemical agents like pesticides, fertilizers etc. Dynamical behaviour of the system, such as boundedness, permanence and stability, are studied. Numerical simulations are carried out to study the changes in the behaviour of the system due to varying levels of potency of the chemicals. Based on these, an effort is made to determine the conditions necessary for a sustainable and productive agricultural system in presence of chemical agents. Applicability of the model in related scenarios is also discussed. GANIT J. Bangladesh Math. Soc. Vol. 33 (2013) 41-51 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ganit.v33i0.17657
Volatile Profile, Phytochemicals and Antioxidant Activity of Virgin Olive Oils from Croatian Autochthonous Varieties Mašnjača and Krvavica in Comparison with Italian Variety Leccino
Authors: Šarolić Mladenka , Gugić Mirko , Tuberoso Carlo , Jerković Igor , Šuste Marko , Marijanović Zvonimir , Kuś Piotr
Published: January 2014

Virgin olive oils (VOOs) obtained from the fruits of Croatian autochthonous varieties Mašnjača and Krvavica were extensively characterized for the first time. Investigated oils were compared with the oil obtained from Italian variety Leccino, grown and processed under the same conditions. Headspace volatile profile, tocopherols, chlorophylls, carotenoids and total phenolic content, peroxide value, % acidity, K232, K270 as well as antioxidant activity (DPPH) of the oils’ hydrophilic fractions (HFs) including their phenolic composition were assessed by means of HS-SPME/GC-MS, HPLC-FL, HPLC-DAD and spectrophotometric methods, respectively. Most of the studied quality parameters varied between the cultivars. The main volatile compounds detected in all tested olive oils were the C6 compounds derived from polyunsaturated fatty acids through the lipoxygenase pathway. Krvavica oil was characterized by hexanal (8.8%–9.4%). Leccino oil contained the highest percentage of (E)-hex-2-enal (73.4%–74.0%), whereas (Z)-hex-3-enal (21.9%–25.0%) and (E)-hex-2-enal (27.6%–28.9%) dominated in Mašnjača oil. Leccino oil contained the highest amount of tocopherols (312.4 mg/kg), chlorophylls (7.3 mg/kg), carotenoids (4.2 mg/kg) and total phenols (246.6 mg/kg). The HF of Leccino oil showed the highest antioxidant capacity (1.3 mmol TEAC/kg), while the HFs of Mašnjača and Krvavica oils exhibited the activity of 0.5 mmol TEAC/kg.
The Inylchek Glacier in Kyrgyzstan, Central Asia: Insight on Surface Kinematics from Optical Remote Sensing Imagery
Authors: Nobakht Mohamad , Motagh Mahdi , Wetzel Hans-Ulrich , Roessner Sigrid , Kaufmann Hermann
Published: January 2014

Mountain chains of Central Asia host a large number of glaciated areas that provide critical water supplies to the semi-arid populated foothills and lowlands of this region. Spatio-temporal variations of glacier flows are a key indicator of the impact of climate change on water resources as the glaciers react sensitively to climate. Satellite remote sensing using optical imagery is an efficient method for studying ice-velocity fields on mountain glaciers. In this study, temporal and spatial changes in surface velocity associated with the Inylchek glacier in Kyrgyzstan are investigated. We present a detailed map for the kinematics of the Inylchek glacier obtained by cross-correlation analysis of Landsat images, acquired between 2000 and 2011, and a set of ASTER images covering the time period between 2001 and 2007. Our results indicate a high-velocity region in the elevated part of the glacier, moving up to a rate of about 0.5 m/day. Time series analysis of optical data reveals some annual variations in the mean surface velocity of the Inylchek during 2000–2011. In particular, our findings suggest an opposite trend between periods of the northward glacial flow in Proletarskyi and Zvezdochka glacier, and the rate of westward motion observed for the main stream of the Inylchek.
Gearbox Tooth Cut Fault Diagnostics Using Acoustic Emission and Vibration Sensors — A Comparative Study
Authors: Qu Yongzhi , He David , Yoon Jae , Van Hecke Brandon , Bechhoefer Eric , Zhu Junda
Published: January 2014

In recent years, acoustic emission (AE) sensors and AE-based techniques have been developed and tested for gearbox fault diagnosis. In general, AE-based techniques require much higher sampling rates than vibration analysis-based techniques for gearbox fault diagnosis. Therefore, it is questionable whether an AE-based technique would give a better or at least the same performance as the vibration analysis-based techniques using the same sampling rate. To answer the question, this paper presents a comparative study for gearbox tooth damage level diagnostics using AE and vibration measurements, the first known attempt to compare the gearbox fault diagnostic performance of AE- and vibration analysis-based approaches using the same sampling rate. Partial tooth cut faults are seeded in a gearbox test rig and experimentally tested in a laboratory. Results have shown that the AE-based approach has the potential to differentiate gear tooth damage levels in comparison with the vibration-based approach. While vibration signals are easily affected by mechanical resonance, the AE signals show more stable performance.
Association of an Alphasatellite with Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus and Ageratum Yellow Vein Virus in Japan Is Suggestive of a Recent Introduction
Authors: Shahid Muhammad , Ikegami Masato , Waheed Abdul , Briddon Rob , Natsuaki Keiko
Published: January 2014

Samples were collected in 2011 from tomato plants exhibiting typical tomato leaf curl disease symptoms in the vicinity of Komae, Japan. PCR mediated amplification, cloning and sequencing of all begomovirus components from two plants from different fields showed the plants to be infected by Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) and Ageratum yellow vein virus (AYVV). Both viruses have previously been shown to be present in Japan, although this is the first identification of AYVV on mainland Japan; the virus previously having been shown to be present on the Okinawa Islands. The plant harboring AYVV was also shown to contain the betasatellite Tomato leaf curl Java betasatellite (ToLCJaB), a satellite not previously shown to be present in Japan. No betasatellite was associated with the TYLCV infected tomato plants analyzed here, consistent with earlier findings for this virus in Japan. Surprisingly both plants were also found to harbor an alphasatellite; no alphasatellites having previously been reported from Japan. The alphasatellite associated with both viruses was shown to be Sida yellow vein China alphasatellite which has previously only been identified in the Yunnan Province of China and Nepal. The results suggest that further begomoviruses, and their associated satellites, are being introduced to Japan. The significance of these findings is discussed.
Gene Therapy Strategies to Exploit TRIM Derived Restriction Factors against HIV-1
Authors: Chan Emma , Towers Greg , Qasim Waseem
Published: January 2014

Restriction factors are a collection of antiviral proteins that form an important aspect of the innate immune system. Their constitutive expression allows immediate response to viral infection, ahead of other innate or adaptive immune responses. We review the molecular mechanism of restriction for four categories of restriction factors; TRIM5, tetherin, APOBEC3G and SAMHD1 and go on to consider how the TRIM5 and TRIMCyp proteins in particular, show promise for exploitation using gene therapy strategies. Such approaches could form an important alternative to current anti-HIV-1 drug regimens, especially if combined with strategies to eradicate HIV reservoirs. Autologous CD4+ T cells or their haematopoietic stem cell precursors engineered to express TRIMCyp restriction factors, and provided in a single therapeutic intervention could then be used to restore functional immunity with a pool of cells protected against HIV. We consider the challenges ahead and consider how early clinical phase testing may best be achieved.
How to read Tristram Shandy
Authors: De Voogd Peter
Published: January 2014

Tristram Shandy fut publié en cinq étapes sur un peu plus de sept ans, et ne fut pas conçu initialement comme un roman au sens moderne de ce mot, ce dont toute lecture doit en tenir compte. Cet article qui s’adresse au

lecteur novice, s’attache à des aspects souvent négligés de l’art de Sterne et propose un panorama des cadres qui permettent de définir l’une des oeuvres

les plus déroutantes de la littérature anglaise.
Tristram Shandy à mots comptés
Authors: Bandry-Scubbi Anne
Published: January 2014

This article relies on computer-aided textual analysis to examine the distribution of key terms and of specific typographical signs in Tristram Shandy so as to highlight some features of Sterne’s writing.

This is done by focussing on the evolution of these aspects over the nine

volumes, by comparing Sterne’s text with other eighteenth-century works of fiction and by taking into account contemporary reactions to the different instalments. The article first investigates the manner in which Sterne maintained his reputation of making his pages unconventional, notably by his use of dashes, asterisks and chapters. The vocabulary is then probed into by analysing the distribution of hapax legomena and of very frequent words. Confronting imitative texts with Tristram Shandy in a quantitative approach also helps to find out some of the proportions which make Shandean writing unique.
La Théâtralité dans l’oeuvre de Jane Austen
Authors: Goubert Pierre
Published: January 2014

Il est difficile de ne pas être immédiatement sensible à la théâtralité des romans de Jane Austen. Les conversations abondent. Le

bavardage s’y donne libre cours. Mais cette théâtralité est davantage liée

qu’il n’y paraît à la structure même des ouvrages. Les dialogues nous découvrent les caractères. Les paroles influent sur le cours des événements. L’héroïne est sur la scène un témoin, comme dans les pièces de Sheridan,

auquel l’auteur confie le rôle d’aider le lecteur à mieux juger les comportements.
Héritage biblique et emblématique : le Minerva Britanna de Peacham comme art de méditation
Authors: Chardin Jean-Jacques
Published: January 2014

Henry Peacham’s Minerva Britanna (1612) mostly teaches the great lessons of Christian thought (temperance, virtue, compassion). The moral tuition relies upon an intense biblical intertext and quotations from the Fathers, in both poems and paratext, as in «Temperantia». The emblems also resort to the christianization of classical myths : «Divina misericordia» offers a reading of the myth of Prometheus already propounded by

Valeriano’s Hieroglyphica (1556) and Bacon’s De Sapientia veterum. The pictures redevelop the message of the texts. In «Divina misericordia», the

victim’s tortured body conveys a sense of compassion and then of Love in the reader’s heart. The pictures operate as figurations of concepts remaining

out of reach without their mediation. They are founded on a hierarchy between the visible and the intelligible and borrow from St Paul’s theology

(one can see only as through a looking glass, darkly). The reading of emblems is an art of meditation understood as intellectual operation and spiritual awakening.
Du pays de l’exil à la patrie rêvée: le Portugal dans The Journal of William Beckford in Portugal and Spain (1787-1788)
Authors: Bernard Nathalie
Published: January 2014

Source principale de l’un des derniers récits publiés par William Beckford, Italy, with Sketches of Spain and Portugal (1834), le journal qu’il tint lors de son premier séjour au Portugal est pourtant demeuré inconnu jusqu’au XXe siècle. La découverte de cet ouvrage permet de mieux comprendre comment s’est élaboré entre l’anglais Beckford et ce pays étranger un lien profond, intime, mais aussi ambigu : le journal traduit la fascination et l’attachement, mais également l’hostilité éprouvés par le jeune homme à l’égard du Portugal et de ses habitants. Ces sentiments intenses révèlent l’identité complexe d’un voyageur parti en quête de lui-même : si Beckford se montre d’abord nostalgique à l’égard de son domaine anglais, le Portugal deviendra néanmoins la patrie de ses rêves.
Transmission des progrès scientifiques en Europe au XVIIIe siècle
Authors: Gofstein Claude
Published: January 2014

The transmission of knowledge, in the field of sciences in particular, reached a climax during the Enlightenment, through academies, the exchange of scientific journals, the creation of libraries and contacts within the European scientific community. Examples are Peter the Great’s Grand

Embassy to Europe, which made it possible for Russia to expand its scientific community and set up the Saint Petersburg Academy of Science, Lavoisier’s

invention of modern chemistry, and Jenner’sdiscovery of the vaccination against smallpox, which ultimately eradicated the disease, saving tens of millions of lives in Europe and the United States.
Thyroxine mimetics
Authors: Salam Randa F.
Published: January 2014

Thyroid hormones influence heart rate, serum lipids, metabolic rate, body weight, and multiple aspects of lipid, carbohydrate, protein, and mineral metabolism. Although increased thyroid hormone levels can improve serum lipid profiles and reduce fat, these positive effects are counterbalanced by the harmful effects on the heart, muscle, and bone. Thus, attempts to use thyroid hormones for cholesterol-lowering and weight loss purposes have so far been limited. However, over the past decade, thyroid hormone analogs that are capable of uncoupling the beneficial effects from the deleterious effects have been developed. Such drugs could serve as powerful new tools to address two of the largest medical problems, namely atherosclerosis and obesity. Aggressive reduction in LDL-cholesterol by the use of statins is a cornerstone of preventive cardiovascular risk, but additional therapies to prevent atherosclerosis and its clinical sequelae are still needed. Thyromimetics selective for the liver or the thyroid hormone receptor isoform β1 constitute a novel approach to treat dyslipidemia. In preclinical studies, selective thyromimetics were clearly shown to reduce plasma cholesterol and protect from atherosclerosis through the upregulation of hepatic LDL receptor and promotion of the so-called reverse cholesterol transport. Notably, there is the first evidence from on-going clinical trials that selective thyromimetics may reduce plasma cholesterol in humans also. Most importantly, thyromimetics has a synergistic action when used in combination with 3-hydroxy-3- methylglutaryl CoA reductase inhibitors. Animal data have further suggested that thyromimetics might be useful in the treatment of obesity, hepatic steatosis, and atherosclerosis.
Fetal and Neonatal Health Consequences of Vertically Transmitted Hepatitis E Virus Infection
Authors: Krain Lisa J. , Atwell Jessica E. , Nelson Kenrad E. , Labrique Alain B.
Published: January 2014

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infections lead to tens of thousands of deaths annually, mostly in developing countries. Hepatitis E poses a significant threat to the health of expectant mothers, a well-noted epidemiologic feature of the disease, but the contribution of vertically transmitted HEV infection to fetal and neonatal morbidity and mortality has received limited attention. Evidence assembled to date suggests that mother-to-child HEV transmission may be frequent and deleterious to the fetus and newborn in pregnancies affected by hepatitis E. Additional work is required to resolve key questions. (1) What risks do subclinical maternal HEV infections and infections early in pregnancy pose to fetal health and development? (2) Does vertical transmission occur during labor and/or breastfeeding and contribute appreciably to neonatal morbidity and mortality? (3) How do treatment decisions for severely ill mothers affect fetal and neonatal outcomes? (4) Can maternal vaccination effectively prevent vertical transmission of HEV?
West Nile Virus Documented in Indonesia from Acute Febrile Illness Specimens
Authors: Myint Khin Saw Aye , Kosasih Herman , Artika I. Made , Perkasa Aditya , Puspita Mita , Ma'roef Chairin Nisa , Antonjaya Ungke , Ledermann Jeremy P. , Powers Ann M. , Alisjahbana Bachti
Published: January 2014

We report the presence of West Nile virus in a cryopreserved, dengue-negative serum specimen collected from an acute fever case on Java in 2004–2005. The strain belongs to genotype lineage 2, which has recently been implicated in human outbreaks in Europe.
The Usefulness of Serum C-Reactive Protein and Total Bilirubin Levels for Distinguishing Between Dengue Fever and Malaria in Returned Travelers
Authors: Kutsuna Satoshi , Hayakawa Kayoko , Kato Yasuyuki , Fujiya Yoshihiro , Mawatari Momoko , Takeshita Nozomi , Kanagawa Shuzo , Ohmagari Norio
Published: January 2014

The clinical manifestations of dengue fever (DF) and malaria are similar. Specific diagnostic tests are not always available. A retrospective study to compare the laboratory results of malaria and DF was conducted at the National Center for Global Health and Medicine in Japan from January of 2005 to March of 2013. Febrile returned travelers from overseas diagnosed with malaria or DF were included; 86 malaria and 85 DF cases were identified. C-reactive protein (CRP) and total bilirubin (T-bil) had high area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (> 0.9). A cutoff value of CRP > 2.4 mg/dL to predict malaria as opposed to DF had a sensitivity of 91.9% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 83.9–96.7%) and specificity of 90.6% (95% CI = 82.3–95.8%). A cutoff value of T-bil > 0.9 mg/dL to predict malaria as opposed to DF had a sensitivity of 73.8% (95% CI = 62.7–83%) and a specificity of 95.1% (95% CI = 88–98.6%). CRP and T-bil are useful to distinguish between DF and malaria in returned travelers.
Preservice Agricultural Education Teachers’ Perceptions of Teaching Assistants: Implications for Teacher Education
Authors: Shoulders Catherine A. , Stripling Christopher T. , Estepp Christopher M.
Published: January 2014

Graduate assistants have an impact on undergraduate education through course instruction. For preservice agricultural education teachers, experiences with teaching assistants may be particularly influential, as their observations of educators could impact their perceptions and beliefs toward teaching. This qualitative study utilized data collected through individual interviews of six preservice agricultural education teachers at the University of Florida to explore preservice agricultural education teachers’ perceptions regarding the quality of education received when instructed by a teaching assistant. We found that participants held mixed feelings about teaching assistants’ impact on educational quality, and offered five areas of quality indicators participants used to gauge teaching assistant quality. The findings can be utilized to guide teacher educators in addressing students’ experiences with teaching assistants in
order to enhance their overall educational experience.
Student Perceptions of Instructional Methods Towards Alternative Energy Education
Authors: Sallee Clayton W. , Edgar Don W. , Johnson Donald M.
Published: January 2014

The effectiveness of different methods of instruction has been discussed since the early years of formal
education systems. Lecture has been deemed the most common method of presenting information to
students (Kindsvatter, Wilen, & Ishler, 1992; Waldron & Moore, 1991) and the demonstration method
has been symbolized as the most effective tool developed for teaching (Seevers, Graham, Gamon, &
Conklin, 1997). Engaging students is paramount to allowing instructors to expand student knowledge
levels. The purpose of this study was to determine if the Arkansas Secondary Biodiesel Education
Program (ASBEP) over alternative fuels had an effect towards student interest. A significant difference
was found between student interest in method of presentation, t(7) = 8.29, p < .05. Furthermore, a strong
positive correlation (r = .73) was found between posttest scores and student tinkering self-efficacy.
Tinkering self-efficacy was also found to be positively and significantly correlated with method of
instruction. Through understanding perceptions held by student being taught through different methods,
instructors can capitalize and further knowledge acquisition by students.
Teachers’ Perceptions Regarding Experiential
Learning Attributes in Agricultural Laboratories
Authors: Shoulders Catherine W. , Blythe Jessica M. , Myers Brian E.
Published: January 2014

In laboratory settings, research has found a mismatch between teachers’ practices and the likelihood they
have to influence students’ perceptions and behaviors in laboratory work. Various attributes of
experiential learning can enhance learning experiences, yet many have not been subject to exploration in
agricultural education. This nonexperimental, descriptive study sought to investigate how teachers’
perceptions of the attributes which can make up experiential learning activities and how their ability to
address these attributes might be associated with the different learning environments found in
agricultural laboratories. Results indicated teachers found student ownership and the types of motivation
students respond to as most important attributes, while duration of the activity and background
knowledge of the students were found to be least important. Further, teachers reported the actions
required during an activity and types of motivation were most frequently able to be addressed, while use
of senses and family involvement were least frequently able to be addressed. These results, along with
those associating specific laboratory settings with teachers’ ability to address various experiential
learning attributes, hold implications for teacher training related to the use of experiential learning
within laboratory settings.
Freezing nucleation apparatus puts new slant on study of biological ice nucleators in precipitation
Authors: Stopelli E. , Conen F. , Zimmermann L. , Alewell C. , Morris C. E.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. For decades, drop-freezing instruments have contributed to a better understanding of biological ice nucleation and its likely implications for cloud and precipitation development. Yet, current instruments have limitations. Drops analysed on a cold stage are subject to evaporation and potential contamination. The use of closed tubes provides a partial solution to these problems, but freezing events are still difficult to be clearly detected. Here, we present a new apparatus where freezing in closed tubes is detected automatically by a change in light transmission upon ice development, caused by the formation of air bubbles and crystal facets that scatter light. Risks of contamination and introduction of biases linked to detecting the freezing temperature of a sample are then minimized. To illustrate the performance of the new apparatus we show initial results of two assays with snow samples. In one, we repeatedly analysed the sample (208 tubes) over the course of a month with storage at +4 °C, during which evidence for biological ice nucleation activity emerged through an increase in the number of ice nucleators active around −4 °C. In the second assay, we indicate the possibility of increasingly isolating a single ice nucleator from a precipitation sample, potentially determining the nature of a particle responsible for a nucleation activity measured directly in the sample. These two seminal approaches highlight the relevance of this handy apparatus for providing new points of view in biological ice nucleation research.
A fast and easy-to-implement inversion algorithm for mobility particle size spectrometers considering particle number size distribution information outside of the detection range
Authors: Pfeifer S. , Birmili W. , Schladitz A. , Müller T. , Nowak A. , Wiedensohler A.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. Multiple-charge inversion is an essential procedure to convert the raw mobility distributions recorded by mobility particle size spectrometers, such as the DMPS or SMPS (differential or scanning mobility particle sizers), into true particle number size distributions. In this work, we present a fast and easy-to-implement multiple-charge inversion algorithm with sufficient precision for atmospheric conditions, but extended functionality. The algorithm can incorporate size distribution information from sensors that measure beyond the upper sizing limit of the mobility spectrometer, such as an aerodynamic particle sizer (APS) or an optical particle counter (OPC). This feature can considerably improve the multiple-charge inversion result in the upper size range of the mobility spectrometer, for example, when substantial numbers of coarse particles are present. The program also yields a continuous size distribution from both sensors as an output. The algorithm is able to calculate the propagation of measurement errors, such as those based on counting statistics, into on the final particle number size distribution. As an additional aspect, the algorithm can perform all inversion steps under the assumption of non-spherical particle shape, including constant or size-dependent shape factors.
Intercomparison of Hantzsch and fiber-laser-induced-fluorescence formaldehyde measurements
Authors: Kaiser J. , Li X. , Tillmann R. , Acir I. , Rohrer F. , Wegener R. , Keutsch F. N.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. Two gas-phase formaldehyde (HCHO) measurement techniques, a modified commercial wet-chemical instrument based on Hantzsch Fluorimetry and a custom-built instrument based on Fiber-Laser Induced Fluorescence (FILIF), were deployed at the atmospheric simulation chamber SAPHIR to compare the instruments' performances under a range of conditions. Thermolysis of para-HCHO and ozonolysis of 1-butene were used as HCHO sources, allowing for calculations of theoretical HCHO mixing ratios. Calculated HCHO mixing ratios are compared to measurements, and the two measurements are also compared. Experiments were repeated under dry and humid conditions (RH < 2% and RH > 60%) to investigate the possibility of a water artifact in the FILIF measurements. The ozonolysis of 1-butene also allowed for the investigation of an ozone artifact seen in some Hantzsch measurements in previous intercomparisons. Results show that under all conditions the two techniques are well correlated (R2 ≥ 0.997), and linear regression statistics show measurements agree with within stated uncertainty (15% FILIF + 5% Hantzsch). No water or ozone artifacts are identified.
Droplet activation of wet particles: development of the Wet CCN approach
Authors: Nakao S. , Suda S. R. , Camp M. , Petters M. D. , Kreidenweis S. M.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. Relationships between critical supersaturation required for activation and particle dry diameter have been the primary means for experimentally characterizing cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) activity; however, use of the dry diameter inherently limits the application to cases where the dry diameter can be used to accurately estimate solute volume. This study challenges the requirement and proposes a new experimental approach, Wet CCN, for studying CCN activity without the need for a drying step. The new approach directly measures Köhler curves under sub-saturated conditions. The experimental setup consists of a humidity-controlled differential mobility analyzer and a CCN counter; wet diameter equilibrated at known relative humidity is used to characterize CCN activity instead of the dry diameter. The experimental approach was validated against ammonium sulfate, glucose and non-spherical ammonium oxalate monohydrate. Further, the approach was applied to a mixture of non-spherical iodine oxide particles. The Wet CCN approach successfully determined the hygroscopicity of non-spherical particles by collapsing them into spherical, deliquesced droplets. We further show that the Wet CCN approach offers unique insights to the physical and chemical impacts of the aqueous phase on CCN activity; a potential application is to investigate the impact of evaporation/co-condensation of water-soluble semi-volatile species on CCN activity.
Global modeling of withdrawal, allocation and consumptive use of surface water and groundwater resources
Authors: Wada Y. , Wisser D. , Bierkens M. F. P.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. To sustain growing food demand and increasing standard of living, global water withdrawal and consumptive water use have been increasing rapidly. To analyze the human perturbation on water resources consistently over large scales, a number of macro-scale hydrological models (MHMs) have been developed in recent decades. However, few models consider the interaction between terrestrial water fluxes, and human activities and associated water use, and even fewer models distinguish water use from surface water and groundwater resources. Here, we couple a global water demand model with a global hydrological model and dynamically simulate daily water withdrawal and consumptive water use over the period 1979–2010, using two re-analysis products: ERA-Interim and MERRA. We explicitly take into account the mutual feedback between supply and demand, and implement a newly developed water allocation scheme to distinguish surface water and groundwater use. Moreover, we include a new irrigation scheme, which works dynamically with a daily surface and soil water balance, and incorporate the newly available extensive Global Reservoir and Dams data set (GRanD). Simulated surface water and groundwater withdrawals generally show good agreement with reported national and subnational statistics. The results show a consistent increase in both surface water and groundwater use worldwide, with a more rapid increase in groundwater use since the 1990s. Human impacts on terrestrial water storage (TWS) signals are evident, altering the seasonal and interannual variability. This alteration is particularly large over heavily regulated basins such as the Colorado and the Columbia, and over the major irrigated basins such as the Mississippi, the Indus, and the Ganges. Including human water use and associated reservoir operations generally improves the correlation of simulated TWS anomalies with those of the GRACE observations.
A prototype framework for models of socio-hydrology: identification of key feedback loops with application to two Australian case-studies
Authors: Elshafei Y. , Sivapalan M. , Tonts M. , Hipsey M. R.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. It is increasingly acknowledged that, in order to sustainably manage global freshwater resources, it is critical that we better understand the nature of human-hydrology interactions at the broader catchment system-scale. Yet to date, a generic conceptual framework for building models of catchment systems that include adequate representation of socioeconomic systems – and the dynamic feedbacks between human and natural systems – has remained elusive. In an attempt to work towards such a model, this paper outlines a generic framework for a model of socio-hydrology that posits a novel construct, a composite Community Sensitivity state variable, as a key link to elucidate the drivers of behavioural response in a hydrological context. The framework provides for both macro-scale contextual parameters, which allow it to be applied across climate, socioeconomic and political gradients, and catchment-specific conditions, by way of tailored "closure relationships", in order to ensure that site-specific and application-specific contexts of socio-hydrologic problems can be accommodated. To demonstrate how such a framework would be applied, two different socio-hydrological case studies, taken from the Australian experience, are presented and discussed. It is envisioned that the application of this framework across study sites and gradients will aid in developing our understanding of the fundamental interactions and feedbacks in such complex human-hydrology systems, and allow hydrologists to participate in the growing field of social-ecological systems modelling.
The importance of insolation changes for paleo ice sheet modeling
Authors: Robinson A. , Goelzer H.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. The growth and retreat of continental ice sheets in the past has largely been a response to changing climatic forcing. Thus, the calculation of surface melt is an important aspect of paleo ice sheet modeling. Changes in insolation are often not accounted for in calculations of surface melt, under the assumption that the near-surface temperature transmits the majority of the climatic forcing to the ice sheet. To assess how this could affect paleo simulations, here we investigate the importance of different orbital configurations for estimating melt on the Greenland ice sheet. We find that during peak Eemian conditions, increased insolation contributes 20–50% to the surface melt anomaly. However, this percentage depends strongly on the temperature anomaly at the time. Furthermore, the spatial pattern of surface conditions in terms of temperature and albedo exert a strong influence on the relative importance of insolation in the melt calculations. In coupled simulations, the additional insolation-induced melt translates into up to threefold more ice volume loss, compared to output using a model that does not account for insolation changes. We also introduce a simple correction factor that allows reduced complexity melt models to account for changes in insolation.
T cell immunodominance is dictated by the positively selecting self-peptide
Authors: Lo Wan-Lin , Solomon Benjamin D , Donermeyer David L , Hsieh Chyi-Song , Allen Paul M
Published: January 2014

Naive T cell precursor frequency determines the magnitude of immunodominance. While a broad T cell repertoire requires diverse positively selecting self-peptides, how a single positively selecting ligand influences naive T cell precursor frequency remains undefined. We generated a transgenic mouse expressing a naturally occurring self-peptide, gp250, that positively selects an MCC-specific TCR, AND, as the only MHC class II I-Ek ligand to study the MCC highly organized immunodominance hierarchy. The single gp250/I-Ek ligand greatly enhanced MCC-tetramer+ CD4+ T cells, and skewed MCC-tetramer+ population toward V11α+Vβ3+, a major TCR pair in MCC-specific immunodominance. The gp250-selected V11α+Vβ3+ CD4+ T cells had a significantly increased frequency of conserved MCC-preferred CDR3 features. Our studies establish a direct and causal relationship between a selecting self-peptide and the specificity of the selected TCRs. Thus, an immunodominant T cell response can be due to a dominant positively selecting self-peptide.
Evolution and natural selection: learning by playing and reflecting
Authors: Herrero David , del Castillo Héctor , Monjelat Natalia , García-Varela Ana Belén , Checa Mirian , Gómez Patricia
Published: January 2014

Scientific literacy is more than the simple reproduction of traditional school science knowledge and requires a set of skills, among them identifying scientific issues, explaining phenomena scientifically and using scientific evidence. Several studies have indicated that playing computer games in the classroom can support the development of studentsʼ conceptual understanding about scientific phenomena and theories.

Our paper presents a research study where the role of the video game Spore as a learning tool was analysed in a Biology class. An ethnographical perspective served as the framework for the organization and development of a workshop comprised of five sessions with 22 4th grade students, and their Biology teacher.

The results show that this video game could become an interesting learning tool to improve studentsʼ understanding of evolution and natural selection. The students could combine their previous knowledge with the academic knowledge obtained though the simulation presented by the video game.

To sum up, an attempt has been made to give some empirical guidance about effective approaches to the utilisation of games in classrooms, additionally paying attention to a number of concerns related to the effectiveness of video games as learning tools.
Mothers’ Perceived Vulnerability, Perceived Threat, and Intention to Administer Preventive Medication to Their Children
Authors: Nguyen Phuong
Published: January 2014

The present research addressed whether mothers’ perception that their children are vulnerable to and threatened by a certain health problem increases their intention to use over-the-counter (OTC) medications to prevent it. The research aimed to examine the predictive validity and the moderating effects of perceived vulnerability and perceived threat on mothers’ intention to administer over-the-counter preventive medications to their school-aged children. Derived from social cognition models, a causal model was developed and tested with data collected from 299 mothers in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, regarding the vitamin supplement category. The model was found to significantly predict mothers’ intention to use OTC medications. Perceived vulnerability and perceived threat did not predict intention but moderated the relationship between perceived benefit and intention to administer vitamin supplements. Theoretical and managerial implications and limitations of the research are also discussed. Keywords: Intention, Perceived vulnerability, Perceived threat, Vitamin supplement To cite this document: Phuong Nguyen, "Mothers’ Perceived Vulnerability, Perceived Threat, and Intention to Administer Preventive Medication to Their Children", Contemporary Management Research, Vol.9, No.4, pp.399-418, 2013. Permanent link to this document: http://dx.doi.org/10.7903/cmr.11093
The Influence of Internet-Based Customer Relationship Management on Customer Loyalty
Authors: Lam Aris Y. C. , Cheung Ronnie , Lau Mei Mei
Published: January 2014

This research investigates the relationship between the marketing efforts of electronic customer relationship management (e-CRM) and loyalty in Hong Kong’s banking industry. A quantitative approach was employed, and 119 valid questionnaires were collected from 150 respondents. All the respondents are account holders of HSBC (the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited), the largest bank in Hong Kong. Reliability testing and multiple regression analysis were used to determine the relationships between various independent and dependent variables. The results suggest that all four e-CRM marketing tactics (direct mail, interpersonal communication, preferential treatment, and tangible rewards) play important roles in building customer relationships. There were also significant relationships between the e-CRM marketing tactics and customer relationship quality. The study also found that the latter has a positive impact on customer loyalty. The research results indicate that thorough implementation of e-CRM marketing efforts will heighten customer loyalty towards HSBC. Keywords: e-CRM, Customer Loyalty, Relationship Quality, Banking industry, Hong Kong To cite this document: Aris Y. C. Lam, Ronnie Cheung, and Mei Mei Lau, "The Influence of Internet-Based Customer Relationship Management on Customer Loyalty", Contemporary Management Research, Vol.9, No.4, pp.419-440, 2013. Permanent link to this document: http://dx.doi.org/10.7903/cmr.11095
Service Recovery in The Australian Banking Industry
Authors: Valenzuela Fredy , Cooksey Ray , Chandralal Lalith , Hassan Rumman
Published: January 2014

Considering the importance of service recovery as a corrective measure for service failures, this paper explores: (a) when Australian customers complain (b) the process they follow to look for solutions to their complaints and (c) how they evaluate banks’ service recovery efforts. To address these objectives, 25 in-depth interviews were conducted with Australian retail banking customers. Results show that the main reasons for complaints were incorrect transactions, performance not meeting expectations, and unfair fees. The study also showed that Australian customers perceive two steps of the complaining process are very important to have a control over the complaint: gathering all required information and lodging a complaint in person. In relation to evaluating banks’ service recovery efforts, Australian customers felt that banks were not paying much attention to their complaints and that there was a lack of acknowledgement and responsiveness.

Keywords: Service Recovery, Complaining Behavior, Customer Satisfaction

To cite this document: Fredy Valenzuela, Ray Cooksey, Lalith Chandralal, and Rumman Hassan, "Service Recovery in The Australian Banking Industry", Contemporary Management Research, Vol.9, No.4, pp.463-482, 2013.

Permanent link to this document:
http://dx.doi.org/10.7903/cmr.11370