bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PREPERATION FOR A CLEAN SURFACE / ŠVARIŲ PAVIRŠIŲ PARUOŠIMAS
Authors: Ralys Aurimas , Prokopovič Valdemar , Striška Vytautas
Published: October 2013

The article reviews techniques for preparing clean surfaces used in the manufacturing process, considers the types of clean surfaces and their role in modern production and provides the classification methods of arranging such surfaces. The paper also discusses the principles of methods for solvent cleaning, aqueous cleaning, ultrasonic cleaning, precision cleaning and mechanical cleaning. The study focuses on the possibility of adjusting a clean surface using a water flow, including cavitation. Santrauka Apžvelgiami švarių paviršių paruošimo metodai, naudojami gamyboje. Aptariami švarūs paviršiai, jų tipai ir svarba šiuolaikinei gamybai. Pateikiama švarių paviršių paruošimo metodų klasifikacija. Aptariami valymo tirpikliais, valymo vandeniu, ultragarsinio valymo, precizinio valymo, mechaninio valymo ir valymo, naudojant sūkurinį pulsuojantį vandens srautą, metodų principai.
RESEARCH ON THE DURABILITY OF THE SPLINTS OF LOWER LIMBS / APATINIŲ GALŪNIŲ ĮTVARŲ ILGAAMŽIŠKUMO TYRIMAS
Authors: Ardatov Oleg , Šešok Andžela
Published: October 2013

The paper presents research on the durability of the splint of the ankle joint and suggests a solution to the raised problem of the fatigue behaviour of the splint of the ankle joint. With the help of computer aided modelling and SolidWorks software, the model of the splint of the ankle joint has been created. The article analyses social problems, ankle joint biomechanics and describes modelling methods and results of the fatigue test.
The results of research show instructions on the use and adaptation of the splints of the ankle joint made of high density polyethylene and polypropylene. The models produced from high density polyethylene were rather endurant (3 •107 cycles of load) compared to those made of polypropylene (1,6 •107 cycles of load). Thus, the use of polyethylene splints should be extended at bigger loads. Polypropylene splints can be used in cases under smaller load (the weight of a splint user should not exceed 70 kg) thus increasing the thickness of the material.

Santrauka

Straipsnyje nagrinėjama čiurnos sąnario įtvarų patvarumo problema ir nustatoma jos sprendimo metodika. Kompiuterinio modeliavimo būdu, naudojant SolidWorks programinę įrangą, sudaromi įtvarų modeliai, apskaičiuojamos veikiančios apkrovos, atliekami įtempių ir poslinkių pasiskirstymo tyrimai ir modelių nuovargio bandymai. Atsižvelgiant į tyrimų rezultatus, nustatoma įtvarų iš aukštatemperatūrių plastikų taikymo metodika.
OPTIMIZATION OF GRILLAGES USING GENETIC ALGORITHMS FOR INTEGRATING MATLAB AND FORTRAN ENVIRONMENTS / MATLAB IR FORTRAN APLINKŲ SUJUNGIMAS ROSTVERKAMS OPTIMIZUOTI GENETINIAIS ALGORITMAIS
Authors: Mačiūnas Darius , Kauna Juozas , Šešok Dmitrij
Published: October 2013

The purpose of the paper is to present technology applied for the global optimization of grillage-type pile foundations (further grillages). The goal of optimization is to obtain the optimal layout of pile placement in the grillages. The problem can be categorized as a topology optimization problem. The objective function is comprised of maximum reactive force emerging in a pile. The reactive force is minimized during the procedure of optimization during which variables enclose the positions of piles beneath connecting beams. Reactive forces in all piles are computed utilizing an original algorithm implemented in the Fortran programming language. The algorithm is integrated into the MatLab environment where the optimization procedure is executed utilizing a genetic algorithm. The article also describes technology enabling the integration of MatLab and Fortran environments. The authors seek to evaluate the quality of a solution to the problem analyzing experimental results obtained applying the proposed technology. Santrauka Straipsnyje pateikiama sijynų tipo pamatų (toliau sijynų) globalaus optimizavimo technologija. Optimizavimo tikslas – nustatyti optimalų polių išdėstymą sijynuose. Šis uždavinys priskiriamas topologijos optimizavimo uždavinių grupei. Tikslo funkciją sudaro maksimali poliuje kylanti atraminė reakcijos jėga, kuri minimizuojama optimizavimo procese. Šio uždavinio projektavimo kintamieji - polių padėtys po jungiančiosiomis sijyno sijomis. Tiesioginis reakcijų poliuose skaičiavimo uždavinys sprendžiamas originaliu algoritmu, sukurtu Fortran programavimo kalba. Šis algoritmas juodosios dėžės principu jungiamas prie MatLab aplinkos, kurioje genetiniu algoritmu sprendžiamas optimizavimo uždavinys. Straipsnyje taip pat aprašyta technologija, kuri leidžia sujungti Matlab ir Fortran aplinkas, t. y. iš Matlab aplinkos iškviesti Fortran paprogramį. Analizuodami eksperimentinius duomenis autoriai bando įvertinti gaunamų sprendinių kokybę.
RESEARCH ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF AERATORS / AERATORIŲ EFEKTYVUMO TYRIMAS
Authors: Leonavičius Vytenis
Published: October 2013

In biological wastewater treatment plants, the right selection of an aerator is one of the most important elements. The choice of the aerator must take in account its performance – dissolved oxygen content per unit of energy consumed, oxidative capacity and supply of the required amount of air so that the required concentration of oxygen is saturated properly. The experiments have been conducted carefully examining the efficiency of the selected deep–cavitation aerator operating without the aerator tip or with attached two and three–blade tips. The performed investigation included air dispersion methods of opposite ejecting for determining air flow, flow pressure and dependence of vibration on different placement of the aerator under varying positions of corners. It has been established that compared to air ejecting flow, changes in pressure and vibration are most significantly influenced by a deep–cavitation aerator having a three–blade tip.

Santrauka

Biologiniuose nuotekų valymo įrenginiuose tinkamo aeratoriaus parinkimas yra vienas iš svarbiausių elementų. Parenkant aeratorių reikia atsižvelgti į jo darbo efektyvumą – ištirpinamą deguonies kiekį, tenkantį suvartotos energijos vienetui, oksidacinį pajėgumą ir reikiamą tiekti oro kiekį, kad būtų prisotintos nuotekos deguonimi iki reikiamos koncentracijos. Bandymai atlikti tiriant pasirinkto giluminio kavitacinio aeratoriaus veikimo efektyvumą be antgalio ir prie aeratoriaus pritvirtinus dviejų ir trijų menčių antgalius. Tyrimo metu taikant priešpriešinio srauto ežektoriaus oro dispergavimo metodus, buvo siekiama nustatyti ežektoriaus oro debitą, srauto slėgį ir vibracijos pokyčio priklausomybę nuo aeratoriaus padėties esant skirtingiems aeratoriaus statymo kampams. Nustatyta, kad lyginant pagal ežektoriaus oro debitą, slėgio ir vibracijos pokytį efektyviausiai veikia giluminis kavitacinis aeratorius su trijų menčių antgaliu.
Spinaxinus (Bivalvia: Thyasiroidea) from sulfide biogenerators in the Gulf of Mexico and hydrothermal vents in the Fiji Back Arc: chemosymbiosis and taxonomy
Authors: Graham Oliver P. , Rodrigues Clara F. , Carney Robert , Duperron Sebastien
Published: October 2013

Two new species of the thyasirid genus Spinaxinus (S. emicatus Oliver n. sp. and S. phrixicus Oliver n. sp.) are described from the Gulf of Mexico and the southwest Pacific, respectively. Both are compared with the type species of the genus, the eastern Atlantic S. sentosus Oliver and Holmes, 2006. Living specimens from the Gulf of Mexico were retrieved from artificial sulfide bio-generators on the upper Louisiana Slope. Gill morphology and molecular markers from the symbiotic bacteria confirm that Spinaxinus is chemosynthetic and that the chemoautotrophic bacteria are related to sulfide oxidizing Gammaproteobacteria. Living specimens from the southwest Pacific were retrieved from hydrothermal vent sites in the Fiji and Lau Back Arc Basins. In the Atlantic Spinaxinus is now recorded from two anthropogenic situations and appears to be generally absent from natural cold seep sites and not yet recorded at any hydrothermal sites. The primarily anthropogenic distribution of Spinaxinus in the Atlantic is discussed with reference to the natural hydrothermal vent habitat of the Pacific S. phrixicus.
Unveiling Culturally Diverse Markets
Authors: Koeman Joyce
Published: October 2013

Although culture is often recognized as a multi-leveled construct, it is mostly examined at the macro (national) level, for instance, by cross-national comparisons on specific cultural dimensions. Consequently, the heterogeneity within culturally diverse societies such as that found in Flanders is often overlooked. Therefore, this study examines cultural variability among ethnic minority and majority youngsters in Flanders at the personal level by mapping their personal values and self-construal. By doing so, a typology of a culturally diverse youth market is formed based on the similarities and differences in the personal values and self-construal among ethnic minority and majority youngsters. This typology is used to examine the advertising beliefs and attitudes of distinct subgroups and to assess the relevance of values and self-construal for both advertising research and the emerging practices of ethnic and diversity marketing.
International Diversity Management Approaches for Marketing to Create Innovation
Authors: Garib Geetha
Published: October 2013

This chapter provides an overview of several approaches to International Diversity Management (IDM) for marketing departments striving for innovation. Approaches to IDM are explained and distinguished in two groups: four process and three structure approaches. Process approaches are IDM approaches that explain how diversity is considered in a model or perspective. Structure approaches are IDM approaches on how to act in an organization to deal with diversity. The four discussed process approaches to IDM are the following: the relational framework (Syed & Özbilgin, 2009), the diversity typology (Harrison & Klein, 2007), the Categorization-Elaboration Model (CEM) (Van knippenberg, De dreu, & Homans, 2004), and the social categorization versus the information-decision-making perspective (Williams & O’Reilly, 1998). The following three structure approaches to IDM are discussed: a conceptual IDM framework, the perspective approach, and the multicultural approach. Then, two sections are dedicated to the suitability and relevance of the approaches to marketing. Finally, a retrospective view is given to the link between marketing, IDM, and innovation. The approaches, guidelines, and factors mentioned in this chapter provide insight into how IDM can be implemented to achieve innovation in the marketing field.
Expanding Technology-Based Transcultural Diffusion
Authors: Hume Margee , Johnston Paul , Argar Mark , Hume Craig
Published: October 2013

This chapter focuses on addressing: the screening criteria used to evaluate potential new energy- related technology ventures in two international markets, namely the Philippines and Brazil; adopting a single case methodology to communicate the firm strategies used to attract investment and the behaviour adopted to try and effectively and efficiently enter the global market; and based on the descriptions and behaviours found, the case offers a holistic entry framework which will advance understanding of transcultural marketing and entry needs of the Philippines and Brazil regarding new energy-related innovations. This chapter uses qualitative case analysis of a single case technology commercialisation organisation and the experience of entering two new world markets: the Philippines and Brazil. These two markets have been selected as they are focused on energy securitisation, possess a distinct business culture related to early stage and Venture Capital (VC) investment and the behaviour of VCs, and are currently commercially attractive and interested in international investment and new technology market development (Broad & Cavanagh, 2011; Castells, 2011). This chapter reports on data focused on investment activity within the technology market in Brazil and the Philippines and cultural factors affecting investment and market entry specific to these markets. The chapter integrates the cultural issues of each destination with current literature and develops a checklist of actions related to each market destination. The chapter will assist with the success of attracting investment, sales growth, and performance in the new market and enhance profitability of the venture. The chapter will offer specific actions related to the entry and investment in each market and contribute to international marketing knowledge. This chapter offers a new transcultural marketing perspective on international venture capital exploring and learning from these two diverse emerging world markets. The lessons learnt from each market creates a shared and advanced outlook on seeking successful venture capital in newer global markets (Broad & Cavanagh, 2011).
The Term “Global” in Cross-Cultural Studies
Authors: Della Piana Bice , Monteleone Mario
Published: October 2013

Globalization in its broadest sense is part of the strongest external environmental forces that affect organisations today (Daniels, Radebaugh, & Sullivan, 2011). Despite the “slogan” that globalization is likely to produce homogeneity in various cultures, different civilizations of the world will reassert themselves to preserve their cultural heritages. This means it is necessary to consider the dynamics of the continued interplay between various trends in world cultures and the process of globalization. Moving from these considerations, cross-cultural management research seems to be the natural framework for using the term globalization. Cross-cultural research has received considerable attention by management scholars. The purpose of this study is to understand the connotation of the term “global” used in the context of cross-cultural studies and the enrichment of his meaning in the last four decades. To achieve it, the authors use a computational linguistic tool, namely an automatic textual analysis software, by means of which they locate and extract specific linguistic expressions. This allows retrieval and location of a series of concepts that denote and connote the term “global” over the last four decades.
The Strategic Use of Social Media in the Fashion Industry
Authors: Kontu Hanna , Vecchi Alessandra
Published: October 2013

The importance of social media is evident as millions of people use it to connect with others, share content, and discuss different topics (Kaplan & Haenlein, 2010; Kim & Ko, 2010). Although it is clear that social media is powerful and ubiquitous, many fashion brands have been reluctant or unable to develop strategies and allocate resources to effectively engage with the new media. The goal of this chapter is to critically review the literature that explicitly addresses the adoption, application, and impact of social media by fashion brands. In particular, the purpose of this chapter is to provide a critical assessment of the adoption of social media amongst three well-established fashion brands in order to identify the importance of social media as a strategic marketing tool and to propose a number of alternative social media strategies for fashion brands. Such a critical assessment is necessary since, as demonstrated by the research findings, implementing these strategies will allow brands not only to survive, but also to create new competitive advantages and thrive in the new global fashion business environment.
Modernization without Westernization
Authors: Ayub Nailah , Kassim Norizan M , Zain Mohamed
Published: October 2013

This chapter examines various radical and incremental changes and innovations (physical, economic, educational, societal, and cultural) introduced by the government of Saudi Arabia in view of the slogan “modernization without westernization.” The slogan highlights the government efforts to encourage incremental change to integrate development or modernization with the traditional values. However, the authors aim to confirm whether this is an incremental change accepted by the public or a radical change where the tradition is being replaced by westernization, that is, whether it is modernization with or without westernization. The approach taken in this study is to examine the literature in order to find some evidence that supports or refutes the slogan. The authors also conducted a questionnaire survey involving 237 respondents in order to determine their perceptions toward this slogan. The results provide strong support for both modernization and westernization since these two practices have brought about many positive changes to Saudi Arabia. Thus, if one were to include certain Saudi values into the concept of modernization, particularly those related to culture and religion, one could safely say that the slogan or motto, “modernization without westernization,” is true or acceptable only up to a certain extent. In other words, the findings suggest Saudi society is more accepting of both “modernization” and “westernization” as long as they do not go against the basic tenets of Islam.
E-Marketing and Online Consumer Behavior
Authors: Jain Neha , Ahuja Vandana , Medury Y.
Published: October 2013

The evolution of human society, improvement in communication processes, and digital convergence have provided innovative opportunities and challenges for marketing as the Internet moves ahead to play significant roles in the consumer decision making process. This chapter explores significant issues in the context of the Internet, consumer decision making, and organizational strategy formulation. This framework addresses noteworthy aspects with respect to the role of the Internet in decision making, effect of the Internet on consumer behavior, post-purchase behavior, and the consumer decision-making process. It traces the research design and formulation of a research instrument to address the proposed issues.
The Starbucks Culture
Authors: Marques Joan , Camillo Angelo A. , Holt Svetlana
Published: October 2013

As we are bombarded with reports of immoral performances of larger and smaller corporations, we are nearly convinced that ethical companies are a thing of the past. Indeed, the pressure increases daily, and CEOs, facing narrow performance windows, often feel pressured to adopt a hit-and-run mentality, thereby contaminating their entire corporate culture. Yet, there are companies that continue to outperform their competitors and redefine their industries nationally and internationally while simultaneously following a strict moral compass. One such company is the Starbucks Coffee Company, a seasoned brand entailing 18,000 stores worldwide of which approximately 13,000 are located in North America. The Starbucks Corporation holds 5,500 coffeehouses in 61 countries under its direct supervision. After a successful expansion into China, Starbucks is now moving into India. Yet, through all of these aggressive moves, the coffee giant has managed to recurrently make the list of the world’s most ethical companies for good reasons. This case reviews Starbucks’ internal and external culture, examining its partner treatment, environmental awareness, farmer support, stakeholder inclusion, and other revolutionary strategies, in hopes to have these elements serve as a set of focus points for current and future leaders to consider.
Convergence towards Excellence Diversity
Authors: Ochôa Paula , Pinto Leonor Gaspar
Published: October 2013

This chapter extends current discussions about excellence and proposes a look beyond the dominant line of e-resources research where transition cycles in information management, knowledge management, competences management, and performance management are the multi-contextual value creators for individuals and organizations. This is done by an extensive review of European policies (single information market, agenda for culture) in two steps: first, excellence triggers are analyzed, discussing digital agenda and consumer culture. Next, an integrated model of e-resources excellence management is presented. It locates the argument for the importance of convergence in excellence diversity where e-resources values are uniquely and contextually interpreted, requiring understanding, and assesses customer consumption processes as an experiential, social, and cultural phenomenon. A variety of informational behaviors, skills, and activities is the measure of the complexity of personal values possibilities and of excellence framework development, maturity, and sustainability.
Patron-Driven Acquisitions
Authors: Joshipura Smita , Mehrens Christopher E.
Published: October 2013

During a time when libraries are facing reductions in budget, personnel, and space, it is not viable to continue the traditional “just-in-case” approach to collection development. In a user-centric library world, Patron Driven Acquisitions (PDA) has been shown to be an effective acquisition model in building “just-in-time” monograph collections to support the information and curricular needs of a variety of users in different settings. Arizona State University (ASU) Libraries have implemented a PDA model for electronic as well as print books for their users. The chapter explores the history of the use of PDA in a variety of library settings, provides a related literature review, discusses the application of PDA to the purchase of e-books at ASU from the perspective of an Electronic Resources Librarian and a Subject Librarian and Administrator of a branch library, and provides a sustainable model, which may be applied in different types of library settings.
Comparative Analysis of Electronic Resource Management Systems (ERMS)
Authors: Patra Nihar K. , Jha Shiv S.
Published: October 2013

Electronic Resource Management Systems (ERMSs) have been developed to manage e-resources by several proprietary and open source products, which are now available on the market. The main purpose of these ERMSs is to manage the workflow of e-resources, access, centralize data, and improve administrative interfaces, etc. This chapter compares and analyzes the 16 ERMSs’ information available on their respective Websites. The comparison covers on ERMSs’ functionality, use of standards and compatibility, distinguish features, modules, etc. These 16 ERMSs are Innovative Interface’s Innovative ERM, TDNet’s TDNet ERM Solutions, Ex Libris’s Verde ERM, OCLC’s Web-Share License Manager, SemperTool’s SMDB, University of Notre Dame’s CORAL, MIT’s VERA, SerialsSolutions’s 360 Resource Manager, HARRASSOWITZ’s HERMIS, The Johns Hopkins University’s HERMIES, Colorado Alliance’s Gold Rush, WT Cox’s Journal Finder, EBSCO’s EBSCONET ERM Essentials, Simon Fraser University Library’s CUFTS, SIRSI Corp’s E-Resource Center, Priory Solution’s Research Monitor. This comparison found that basic features and standards adopted are more or less common in all ERMSs. However, the modules, programming language, and platform used in the ERMSs are somewhat unalike. This study concludes with usefulness of ERMSs for librarians and end-users.
Open E-Resources in Libraries
Authors: Injac-Malbaša Vesna
Published: October 2013

In general, electronic resources include articles, online journals, e-books, e-theses, databases, Websites, portals, gateways, blogs, etc. The author distinguishes Open Access (OA) resources mainly intended for researchers and open digital heritage mainly intended for the general public. The author’s objective is to present the background of OA resources, different OA initiatives and software, first institutional repositories, open archives browsers and harvesters, open access registries, activities in Europe and UNESCO, and personalities who are the most important advocates of OA. Concerning the open digital heritage, the author’s objective is to present the most important international and national projects like the European Library, Europeana, the World Digital Library, Gutenberg Project, Google Books Project, Hathitrust Digital Library, Digital Public Library of America, International Children’s Digital Library, the Library of Congress Digital Library, Gallica of the French National Library, National Digital Library of China, etc. The author’s opinion is that libraries have to accept all challenges of the open e-resources for researchers and open digital heritage and that the future of open access for all users is not impossible. The world’s knowledge should be accessible as a public good to every citizen of the planet.
Towards Innovative Library Services
Authors: Babbar Parveen
Published: October 2013

This chapter discusses emerging innovative technologies and examines how Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) Library is increasingly benefited by its new and future services. It discusses the National Open Distance Learners' Library and Information Network (NODLINET), a project of IGNOU Library created for distance learning libraries for sharing collections, e-resources, and services on a common platform. The chapter discusses how IGNOU Library is moving towards innovative Library Services by providing its users with updated contents and constantly strengthening service capability in network information environment. It also explains in detail the component of Remote Access to E-resources, which is a quick, easy, and convenient service to gain off-campus access to all IGNOU Library subscribed databases and other online resources. It also enumerates the copyright restrictions and licensing restrictions through Remote Access Service. There is also a discussion in detail on various other innovative initiatives taken by IGNOU Library like Cloud Computing, Course Reserves, Institutional Repository, Discovery, and AtoZ Services.
The Construction of a Personalised and Social U-Learning Environment for Third Level Education
Authors: Ayoola Olapeju Latifat , Mangina Eleni
Published: October 2013

This paper presents a ubiquitous learning (u-learning) system, the “Personalised Ubiquitous Learning Platform” (PULP), which integrates collaborative and social learning for the enhancement of the third level educational learning experience. University College Dublin (UCD) provides its students with managed learning environments (MLEs) and adaptive learning via UCD Horizon which enables students to take different courses from different colleges throughout the university. The main objective of this platform is to complement the current MLEs with a single supported intelligent and personalised ubiquitous learning environment that will promote and make provisions for adaptive and collaborative learning, human computer interaction on mobile and desktop clients anywhere and anytime. The system aims to enhance the students’ learning experience in third level educational environment by employing personalisation techniques such as the agent-oriented recommendation technique to engage students and help them access the content material for their studies.
Mobility Support for IPv6-based Next Generation Wireless Networks
Authors: Zhang Li Jun , Pierre Samuel
Published: October 2013

This paper presents an overview of IPv6-based mobility management protocols: mobile IPv6 (MIPv6), fast handovers for mobile IPv6 (FMIPv6), hierarchical mobile IPv6 (HMIPv6), and fast handover for hierarchical mobile IPv6 (F-HMIPv6). All these protocols play an important role in the next generation wireless networks, because in such networks, mobile users need to be freely change their access network or domain with on-going real-time multimedia services. The mobility management procedure for each protocol is described in details. Furthermore, handover performance is compared for host-based mobility protocols using analytical modeling. The effect of various wireless network parameters on the performance is studied carefully. Numerical analysis shows that handoff performance in wireless networks is largely dependent on various system parameters such as the user velocity, subnet radius, and session-to-mobility ratio, domain size and binding lifetime; there is a trade-off between performance metrics and such parameters.
Using the Analytic Hierarchy Process Methodology to Assess the Drivers Affecting the Implementation of Interactive Digital Television as a Commerce Platform
Authors: Chao Ching Ju , Lin Chad , Lin Hao Chiang Koong , Shen Chyi Lin , Wang Cheng Hung
Published: October 2013

Interactive Digital Television (IDTV) service providers have been looking for ways to maintain their competitive advantage in the marketplace. To do this, IDTV service providers need to carefully evaluate the drivers affecting their existing commercial operations and practices. Hence, this study was undertaken to investigate various adoption drivers for IDTV commerce. A combination of research methods and tools (literature search, semi-structured interviews, mail survey, and the analytic hierarchy process (AHP)) were utilized to identify, examine, analyze, and rank the major adoption drivers for IDTV commerce. The results indicated that the development and implementation of IDTV commerce should be managed and operated in-house. The results also showed that AHP was a powerful tool in assisting decision makers in arriving at the best decision, particular for the IDTV service providers.
Evolutionary Malware
Authors: Pope Michael Brian , Warkentin Merrill , Luo Xin (Robert)
Published: October 2013

Much as information systems themselves evolve and incorporate innovation, so too has malicious software, or “malware.” The increasing threat to those who use and trust in these systems is dangerous to overlook. This article examines recent trends in malware development. Reviewing statistics of dangerous infections of various malware families, it also expands on recent developments of actual exploit code. It further expands on the evolution of recent malware development techniques, particularly the use of malware development kits, or “exploit kits.” Mobile exploits taking advantage of smart phones, as well as malicious “polymorphic” code that self-mutates to evade detection are also discussed in detail.
On the Performance of Li’s Unsupervised Image Classifier and the Optimal Cropping Position of Images for Forensic Investigations
Authors: Soobhany Ahmad Ryad , Leary Richard , Lam KP
Published: October 2013

Images from digital imaging devices are prevalent in society. The signatures of these images can be extracted as sensor pattern noise (SPN) and classified according to their source devices. In this paper, the authors assess the reliability of an unsupervised classifier for forensic investigation of digital images recovered from storage devices and to identify the best position for cropping the images before processing. Cross validation was performed on the classifier to assess the error rate and determine the effect of the size of the sample space and the classifier trainer on the performance of the classifier. Moreover, the authors find that the effect of saturation and subsequently the contamination of the SPN in the images affected performance negatively. To alleviate the negative performance, the authors identify the areas of images where less contamination occurs to perform cropping.
Revenue Optimization of Service Compositions using Conditional Request Retries
Authors: Živković Miroslav , van den Berg Hans
Published: October 2013

Due to the inherent stochastic nature of services execution environment within service oriented systems, a runtime adaptation of the given composition may be required. The authors investigate a runtime service adaptation mechanism based on conditional retries for orchestrated web services. The conditional retry may be issued while a concrete service within composition is executed. The retry could either invoke the same concrete service or a functionally equivalent web service that implements the same task. The authors use dynamic programming to determine the optimal time instances at which the current request should be terminated before request replication. The calculation takes into account different QoS parameters like services' response-time distributions and cost-related parameters, and the solution optimizes the expected revenue of the composite service provider. The authors illustrate the benefits of their approach by numerical calculations, and discuss the impact of considered QoS parameters to the solution at hand.
A Method for Optimizing Top-k Composite Services towards Preference-Aware Service Dominance
Authors: Zhang Shaoqian , Lin Wenmin , Dou Wanchun , Chen Jinjun
Published: October 2013

Web service composition allows users to create value-added composite Web services on existent services, where top-k composite services are helpful for users to find a satisfying composite service efficiently. However, with an increasing number of Web services and users' various composition preferences, computing top-k composite services dynamically for different users is difficult. In view of this challenge, an optimization method for top-k composite services is proposed, based on a preference-aware service dominance relationship. Concretely speaking, firstly, user preferences are modeled with the preference-aware service dominance. Then, in local service selection, a multi-index based algorithm is proposed, named Multi-Index, for computing candidate services of each task dynamically. After that, in global optimization, combined with a service lattice, top-k composite services are selected under a dominant number-aware service ranking. A case study is also presented for illustrating the authors’ solution. At last, an experiment was conducted to verify the proposed method.
Trends in Concussion Return-to-Play Timelines Among High School Athletes From 2007 Through 2009
Authors: McKeon Jennifer M. Medina , Livingston Scott C. , Reed Ashley , Hosey Robert G. , Black Williams S. , Bush Heather M.
Published: October 2013

Context:

Whereas guidelines about return-to-play (RTP) after concussion have been published, actual prognoses remain elusive.

Objective:

To develop probability estimates for time until RTP after sport-related concussion.

Design:

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Setting:

High school.

Patients or Other Participants:

Injured high school varsity, junior varsity, or freshman athletes who participated in 1 of 13 interscholastic sports at 7 area high schools during the 2007–2009 academic years.

Intervention(s):

Athletic trainers employed at each school collected concussion data. The athletic trainer or physician on site determined the presence of a concussion. Athlete-exposures for practices and games also were captured.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Documented concussions were categorized by time missed from participation using severity outcome intervals (same-day return, 1- to 2-day return, 3- to 6-day return, 7- to 9-day return, 10- to 21-day return, >21-day return, no return [censored data]). We calculated Kaplan-Meier time-to-event probabilities that included censored data to determine the probability of RTP at each of these time intervals.

Results:

A total of 81 new concussions were documented in 478 775 athlete-exposures during the study period. After a new concussion, the probability of RTP (95% confidence interval) was 2.5% (95% confidence interval = 0.3, 6.9) for a 1- to 2-day return, 71.3% (95% confidence interval = 59.0, 82.9) for a 7- to 9-day return, and 88.8% (95% confidence interval = 72.0, 97.2) for a 10- to 21-day return.

Conclusions:

For high school athletes, RTP within the first 2 days after concussion was unlikely. After 1 week, the probability of return rose substantially (approximately 71%). Prognostic indicators are used to educate patients about the likely course of disease. Whereas individual symptoms and recovery times vary, prognostic time-to-event probabilities allow clinicians to provide coaches, parents, and athletes with a prediction of the likelihood of RTP within certain timeframes after a concussion.
Frostbite in an Adolescent Football Player: A Case Report
Authors: Rivlin Michael , King Marnie , Kruse Richard , Ilyas Asif M.
Published: October 2013

Objective:

To present the case of vascular compromise of a finger from a confluent circumferential blister due to an inappropriately applied commercial cold pack in a high school athlete and to describe the mechanism of iatrogenic injury, acute surgical management, rehabilitation, and pathophysiology of frostbite and constriction injuries.

Background:

A 17-year-old male football player presented with a frostbite and constriction injury to the index finger secondary to prolonged use of a cooling pack after a mild traumatic injury to the digit. He developed a prolonged sensory deficit from thermal injury, as well as acute vascular compromise requiring urgent operative intervention.

Differential Diagnosis:

Frostbite and constriction injury to the index finger.

Treatment:

Emergency surgical decompression and occupational therapy.

Uniqueness:

Frostbite injuries can occur iatrogenically because of inappropriate use of cooling devices or gel packs. Fingers are commonly injured extremities that are particularly susceptible to frostbite and compression injuries. To our knowledge, no case of vascular compromise from the blister constriction of digits has been reported.

Conclusions:

Patients and their caregivers must be educated about how to properly use cooling devices. Clinicians need to fully evaluate patients with iatrogenic frostbite injuries, giving particular attention to neurovascular status, and must recognize the need for surgical release of constriction syndrome to prevent substantial morbidity.
Supplier evaluation: The first step in effective sourcing
Authors: Pikousová Kateřina , Průša Petr
Published: October 2013

The evaluation and selection of suppliers are important tasks in any organisation. Each organisation needs to have a supplier evaluation matrix or model in place. The goal of this article is not only to give an overview of supplier performance evaluation techniques but also to present an example of such a supplier evaluation matrix used in practice. The article shows that suppliers’ qualities, strategies and abilities affect a buying company’s business. Reliable suppliers can help to develop stabile, long-term relationships that will be beneficial to both parties. Effective sourcing and purchasing require high-quality suppliers.
Short Probabilistic Proof of the Brascamp-Lieb and Barthe Theorems
Authors: Lehec Joseph
Published: October 2013

We give a short proof of the Brascamp–Lieb theorem, which asserts that a certain general formof Young's convolution inequality is saturated by Gaussian functions. The argument is inspired by Borell's stochastic proof of the Prèkopa-Leindler inequality and applies also to the reversed Brascamp-Lieb inequality, due to Barthe.
Ocean-atmosphere exchange of organic carbon and CO2 in the Antarctic Peninsula – physical and biological controls
Authors: Ruiz-Halpern S. , Calleja M. L. , Dachs J. , Del Vento S. , Pastor M. , Palmer M. , Agustí S. , Duarte C. M.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. Exchangeable organic carbon (OC) dynamics and CO2 fluxes in the Antarctic Peninsula region during austral summer are highly variable. By stations, the region is a weak source of CO2 to the atmosphere, however, continuous records of CO2 revealed this area as a weak sink. OC fluxes are also in both directions but generally towards the ocean and much higher than CO2 fluxes, sometimes by a factor of 10. Surface exchangeable dissolved organic carbon (EDOC) measurements had a 43 ± 3 μmol C L−1 overall mean, while the gaseous organic carbon equilibrated in water as given by the Henry's Law constant (H') resulted in (GOC H'−1) concentrations of 46 ± 3 μmol C L−1. EDOC represents around 66% of surface dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in Antarctic waters. There is a tendency towards low partial pressures of CO2 in waters with high Chlorophyll a (Chl a) content and high fCO2 in areas with high krill densities. However, such relationships were not found for EDOC. Depth profiles of EDOC were also quite variable and followed Chl a profiles, but only in some instances, while diel cycles of EDOC revealed two distinct peaks around midday and middle of the short austral dark period concurrent with solar radiation maxima and krill night migration patterns. However, there was no evident diel pattern for GOC H'−1. The pool of exchangeable OC reveals itself as an important compartment of the carbon budget in the Antarctic Peninsula and adds to previous studies highlighting its importance in the redistribution of carbon in marine environments.
An optimally tuned ensemble of the "eb_go_gs" configuration of GENIE: parameter sensitivity and bifurcations in the Atlantic overturning circulation
Authors: Marsh R. , Sóbester A. , Hart E. E. , Oliver K. I. C. , Edwards N. R. , Cox S. J.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. The key physical parameters for the "eb_go_gs" configuration of version 2.7.4 of GENIE, an Earth system model of intermediate complexity (EMIC), are tuned using a multi-objective genetic algorithm. An ensemble of 90 parameter sets is tuned using two ocean and two atmospheric state variables as targets. These are "Pareto-optimal", representing a range of trade-offs between the four tuning targets. For the leading five parameter sets, simulations are evaluated alongside a simulation with untuned "default" parameters, comparing selected variables and diagnostics that describe the state of the atmosphere, ocean and sea ice. Further experiments are undertaken with these selected parameter sets to compare equilibrium climate sensitivities and transient climate responses. The pattern of warming under doubled CO2 is strongly shaped by changes in the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC), while the pattern and rate of warming under rising CO2 is closely linked to changing sea ice extent. One of the five tuned parameter sets is identified as marginally optimal, and the objective function (error) landscape is further analysed in the vicinity of the tuned values of this parameter set. "Cliffs" along some dimensions motivate closer inspection of corresponding variations in the AMOC. This reveals that bifurcations in the AMOC are highly sensitive to parameters that are not typically associated with MOC stability. Specifically, the state of the AMOC is sensitive to parameters governing the wind-driven circulation and atmospheric heat transport. For the GENIE configuration presented here, the marginally optimal parameter set is recommended for single simulations, although the leading five parameter sets may be used in ensemble mode to admit a constrained degree of parametric uncertainty in climate prediction.
A new Myrmecridium species from Guizhou, China
Authors: Jiea Chun-Yu , Zhoua Qing-Xin , Zhao Wen-Sheng , Jiang Yu-Lan , Hyde Kevin D. , Mckenzie Eric H.C. , Wang Yong
Published: October 2013

A strain of Myrmecridium was isolated from farmland soil in Guizhou Province, China. The strain produced distinctive obovoid or fusoid conidia that taper to a subtruncate darkened hilum at the base that distinguished it from other Myrmecridium species. Phylogenetic analysis
of combined ITS1–5.8S–ITS2 and large subunit rDNA sequences supported this morphological separation. We describe Myrmecridium obovoideum as new and provide a key to Myrmecridium species.
Scolecobeltrania, an interesting new microfungus from Venezuela
Authors: Iturriaga Teresa , Fernández Roberto , Castañeda-Ruiz Rafael F. , Minter David W. , da Cruz Alisson Cardoso Rodrigues
Published: October 2013

A new microfungus collected on dead plant material from the “Cerro El Ávila” mountain range and “Parque Nacional Canaima” tropical forest in Venezuela is described and illustrated. Scolecobeltrania vermispora gen. & sp. nov. is characterized
by macronematous branched conidiophores, polyblastic conidiogenous cells, and unicellular vermiform to sigmoid pale brown conidia with up to 11 hyaline transverse bands.
New record of Scedosporium dehoogii from India
Authors: Sharma Rohit , Kulkarni Girish , Sonawane Mahesh S. , Shouche Yogesh S.
Published: October 2013

Three strains of Scedosporium were isolated from Pimpri (Pune), Maharashtra, India, during a survey of soil fungi in industrial areas. Morphological and sequence (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 rDNA) analyses confirm them to be Scedosporium dehoogii (reported here as a new record for
India) and S. apiospermum.
Russula changbaiensis sp. nov. from northeast China
Authors: Li Guo-Jie , Zhao Dong , Li Sai-Fei , Yang Huai-Jun , & Hua-An Wen A , Liu Xing-Zhong B
Published: October 2013

Russula changbaiensis (subg. Tenellula sect. Rhodellinae) from the Changbai Mountains, northeast China, is described as a new species. It is characterized by the red tinged pileus, slightly yellowing context, small basidia, short pleurocystidia, septate dermatocystidia
with crystal contents, and a coniferous habitat. The phylogenetic trees based on ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 rDNA sequences fully support the establishment of the new species.
Studies on three rare coprophilous plectomycetes from Italy
Authors: Doveri Francesco , Sarrocco Sabrina , Vannacci Giovanni
Published: October 2013

The concept of plectomycetes is discussed and their heterogeneity emphasised. Three ascohymenial cleistothecial ascomycetes, collected or isolated from herbivore or omnivore dung in damp chamber cultures, are described. Emericella quadrilineata and Lasiobolidium orbiculoides
are discussed and compared morphologically with similar taxa. A key to Lasiobolidium and the related Orbicula is provided. The importance of the second worldwide isolation of Cleistothelebolus nipigonensis and the difficulties of distinguishing it from Pseudeurotium
species are stressed. The Italian collection of C. nipigonensis from canid dung is compared with the original strain from wolf, and its epidermoid peridial tissue is regarded as one of the main morphological differentiating features from Pseudeurotium ovale. The morphological
characteristics of the monospecific genus Cleistothelebolus are discussed and compared with those of Pseudeurotiaceae and Thelebolaceae, particularly with Pseudeurotium and Thelebolus. ITS and LSU rDNA sequences of the Cleistothelebolus isolate support
its placement in Thelebolaceae.
Phialophora avicenniae sp. nov., a new endophytic fungus in Avicennia marina in China
Authors: Liu Yue-Lian , Xi Ping-Gen , He Xiao-Lan , Jiang Zi-De
Published: October 2013

Three isolates of an endophytic fungus were obtained from Avicennia marina. Morphological and molecular evidence indicates that they are identical and represent a new species of Phialophora, described here as P. avicenniae. The new species is characterized by brown
colonies, branched conidiophores, and catenulate conidia.
Lichenological notes 6: nomenclatural acts
Authors: Knudsen Kerry , Kocourková Jana
Published: October 2013

Lecanora peltastictoides is transferred to Aspicilia. Thelenella americana is treated as Melanophloea americana and T. montana as M. montana. Sarcogyne athroocarpa is treated as a synonym of Acarospora badiofusca and a lectotype
is designated. Pleopsidium stenosporum is treated as a synonym of P. flavum.
Coleosporium in Europe
Authors: Helfer Stephan
Published: October 2013

The species of Coleosporium (Uredinales) occurring in Europe are not clearly differentiated morphologically. Most taxa in Europe have been combined into formae speciales (ff. spp.) of Coleosporium tussilaginis by the majority of researchers. This study includes
the taxa C. doronici, C. inulae, and C. telekiae as further ff. spp. in C. tussilaginis and redefines the existing ff. spp. campanulae-rapunculoidis and senecionis-silvatici. It is hoped that this treatment will establish a pragmatic basis on which
future taxonomic work can be built.