bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optical system for Doppler cooling of trapped calcium ions
Authors: Klosowski Lukasz , Pleskacz Katarzyna , Wójtewicz Szymon , Lisak Daniel , Piwiński Mariusz
Published: January 2018

In the experiments involving trapped ions, application of a cooling procedure is required. The optical Doppler scheme is one of the most commonly used methods for slowing down the ions motion. In this paper we present an optical system sufficient for cooling calcium ions in such scheme. The system allows also for optical detection of the trapped ions. Full Text: PDF ReferencesF. Major, V. Gheorghe, and G. Werth, Charged Particle traps, Physics and Techniques of Charged Particle Field Confinement (Springer 2005). DirectLink Ł. Kłosowski, M. Piwiński, and M. Drewsen, "Integral electron impact ionization cross section of molecules through Coulomb crystallization of the product ions", J. Phys. Conf. Ser. 635, 072003 (2015) CrossRef D. J. Wineland and Wayne M. Itano, "Laser cooling of atoms", Phys. Rev. A 20, 1521 (1979) CrossRef R. Drever et al., "Laser phase and frequency stabilization using an optical resonator", Appl. Phys. B 31, 97 (1983) CrossRef P. W. Smith, "Mode-locking of lasers", Proceedings of the IEEE 58, 1342 (1970) CrossRef S. Stenholm, "The semiclassical theory of laser cooling", Rev. Mod. Phys. 58, 699 (1986) CrossRef
Health IT Usability Focus Section: Adapting EHR-Based Medication Instructions to Comply with Plain Language Guidance—A Randomized Experiment
Authors: Ancker Jessica , Send Alexander , Hafeez Baria , Osorio Snezana , Abramson Erika
Published: January 2018

Objective Patient instructions are generally written by clinicians. However, clinician-centered language is challenging for patients to understand; in the case of pediatric medication instructions, consequences can be serious. Using examples of clinician-written medication instructions from an electronic health record, we conducted an experiment to determine whether parental misinterpretations would be reduced by instructions that followed best practices for plain language.

Methods We selected examples of dosing instructions from after-visit summaries in a commercial electronic health record. A demographically diverse sample of parents and adult caregivers was recruited from an online panel to participate in an English-language experiment, in which they received a comprehension questionnaire with either original after-visit summary instructions or instructions revised to comply with federal and other sources of plain-language guidance.

Results Nine-hundred and fifty-one respondents completed the experiment; 50% were women, the mean age was 36 years, and 38% had less than a 4-year college education. The revisions were associated with an 8 percentage point increase in correct answers overall (from 55% to 63%, p < 0.001), although revisions were not equally effective for all instructions. Health literacy and health numeracy were strong and independent predictors of comprehension. Overall, mistakes on comprehension questions were common, with respondents missing an average of 41% (6.1 of 15) of questions.

Conclusion In this experimental study, a relatively simple intervention of revising text was associated with a modest reduction in frequency of misinterpretations of medication instructions. As a supplement to more intensive high-touch interventions, revising electronic health record output to replace complex language with patient-centered language in an automated fashion is a potentially scalable solution that could reduce medication administration errors by parents.
Evaluación de la eficiencia comunicativa de los sitios web del destino arqueológico-patrimonial de Cartagena (España)
Authors: Teruel María Dolores , Viñals María Jose
Published: January 2018

Archaeological  heritage  is  presented  as  a  driven force  of  tourism  in  Mediterranean  destinations.  To  obtain  a  balance between heritage conservation and tourism development is a challenge to achieve in most of heritage destinations. For this, it is proposed to grant to strategic communication through the Information and Communications Technology(ICT) greater valuation whether appropriate objectives are assigned beyond promotional or informative. Thus, this research work is  devoted  to identifying the  capacities  for  strategic  communication  of  three  tourist and  cultural  heritage  websites  of Cartagena (Murcia, Spain) through a methodological analysis and evaluation resource called “Communicative Efficiency Questionnaire”(CEC).This instrument is based on three analysis criteria and consists of 11 indicators and 36 variables that demonstrate the communication efficiency of ICT and its relationship with tourism. The first analysis criterion focuses its attention on tourism-heritage relations. In this sense, it is concerned with promoting the necessary tools to manage tourism efficiently, responsibly and sustainably based on the local context and the needs of the managed population. The second analysis criterion seeks to know if the heritage site is concerned with the involvement of the stakeholders and local communities in management and that they have the knowledge and professional skills to carry out their work properly. Finally,  the third analysis  criterion assess  whether  the  website  includes  interpretative  messages  that  contribute  to  the appreciation of the public and residents about the heritage. This criterion is developed by six indicators and is very important for the CEC since they focus on the analysis of the importance of the information and its transmission through the websites. The results highlight the potential of strategic communication and the opportunity to attribute it higher uses in touristic and cultural heritage management aspects.
When new technology joins old documents and east meets west: virtually reconstructing the Fisher Island Pagoda Lighthouse (China)
Authors: Leung Anthony K.H. , Davies Stephen , Ching Steve H.
Published: January 2018

Located on the route between Xiamen and Taiwan (China), the Penghu (Pescadores Islands) are an archipelago and the site of a military garrison. The second largest island, Xiyu or Fisher Island, was accordingly an obvious point to build a navigational marker to guide sailors. Records indicate that some type of a marker, in the form of a tower or pagoda, was constructed in the 17thcentury. However, in 1778the original was replaced by a different sort of pagoda tower. The new structure has long been known to have been a purpose fully designed lighthouse. Although today’s Yuwengdao lighthouse, built in 1875, has become a famous heritage landmark, the earlier 1778 structure, it can be argued has greater heritage significance in that it was an entirely original creation preceding the introduction of western lighthouse technology in China by nearly a century. Thanks to the fortunate discovery of a hitherto unknown photograph of this earlier lighthouse backed by further research in early navigational documents, gazetteers, charts and inscriptions and The authors have been able to make a 3D virtual reconstruction using state-of-the-art Revit software and thus answer several research questions about this old lighthouse pagoda, including dimensions, location, orientation, function and materials.
Agriculture Teacher Awareness and Application of Self-Regulation Strategies
Authors: McKendree R. Bud , Washburn Shannon G.
Published: January 2018

This qualitative study investigated four rural Kansas high school agriculture teachers’ comprehension and implementation of self-regulation strategies in their own professional growth and in their instructional practice. The participants included two males and two females, each one having between five and 20 years of teaching experience. Participants were interviewed three times, using symbolic interactionism as the philosophical overview and the Seidman technique of interviewing. Three questions guided this study: 1) how do rural Kansas high school agriculture teachers make meaning of self-regulation and the processes needed to facilitate self-regulation, 2) in what ways do teachers self-regulate for their own professional growth purposes, and 3) what strategies do teachers use to foster self-regulation in their students? Findings suggest while participants described utilizing strategies associated with self-regulated learning, they most closely associated self-regulation with effort and motivation. Key implications for practice include incorporating a self-regulated learning focus into preservice education, specifically during microteaching and student teaching experiences. Recommendations for future research include exploring the effectiveness of self-regulated learning instructional strategies that hold promise for teaching teachers and students to utilize self-regulation cognitive strategies.
A Profile of Agricultural Education Teachers with Exemplary Rural Agricultural Entrepreneurship Education Programs
Authors: Heinert Seth B. , Roberts T. Grady
Published: January 2018

Rural entrepreneurship education programs may be a great tool for enhancing rural livelihoods and reducing rural outmigration. Entrepreneurship has received attention in school based agricultural education, primarily through implementation of Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) programs. Very little research has looked at the teaching of entrepreneurship. As a part of a larger research project, this study looked at characteristics of teachers who implement exemplary rural agricultural entrepreneurship education programs. Results revealed that teachers: (a) were experienced, (b) held advanced degrees, (c) had prior experience with entrepreneurship, (d) generally were considered outstanding teachers, and (e) were described as being open minded and enthusiastic. Recommendations are made based on these conclusions.
Exploring How Pedagogical Strategies Change Student Perceptions of Writing Apprehension
Authors: Fischer Laura M. , Meyers Courtney A. , Dobelbower Sinclaire E.
Published: January 2018

Writing skills are imperative for students in any career; however, many students have acknowledged avoiding courses that emphasize writing. These same students fail to learn proper mechanics during their post-secondary education. Writing intensive courses have served as a place where students have the opportunity to improve confidence, minimize avoidance-like attitudes, and improve writing techniques. Prior literature has found a relationship between self-efficacy and writing apprehension; additionally, research has suggested how pedagogical strategies can be used to improve self-efficacy. This study sought to explore how the implementation of pedagogical activities changes self-efficacy and the student’s level of writing apprehension. A qualitative research design allowed for a thick description of the students’ perceptions and reactions to pedagogical activities. The findings suggested pedagogical practices and the role of the instructor played important roles to improve student confidence in writing. Specifically, practicing writing, opportunities to edit and reflect, following a guide, and writing about what matters may be used in courses to improve confidence and writing skills. Additionally, the instructor should provide constructive criticism and serve as a coach during the learning process. In order to improve writing curriculum and student confidence toward writing, instructors should incorporate these recommendations into their curriculum.
A comparison of atmospheric CO2 flux signals obtained from GEOS-Chem flux inversions constrained by in situ or GOSAT observations
Authors: Polavarapu Saroja M. , Deng Feng , Byrne Brendan , Jones Dylan B. A. , Neish Micheal
Published: January 2018

Abstract. The CO2 flux signal is defined as the difference of the four-dimensional CO2 field obtained by integrating an atmospheric transport model with posterior fluxes and that obtained with prior fluxes. It is a function of both the model and the prior fluxes and it can provide insight into how posterior fluxes inform CO2 distributions. Here, we use the GEOS-Chem transport model constrained by either GOSAT or in situ observations to obtain two sets of posterior flux estimates in order to compare the flux signals obtained from the two different observing systems. Flux signals are also computed using two different models. The global flux signal in the troposphere primarily reflects the northern extratropics whereas the global flux signal in the stratosphere mainly reflects tropical contributions. While both observing systems constrain the global budget for 2010 equally well, stronger seasonal variations of the flux signal are obtained with GOSAT. Posterior CO2 distributions obtained with in situ observations better agree with TCCON measurements over an 18-month time period, but GOSAT-informed posterior fluxes better constrain the seasonal cycle at northern extratropical sites. Zonal standard deviations of the flux signal exceed the minimal value (defined by uncertainty in meteorological analyses) through most of the year when GOSAT observations are used, but when in situ observations are used, the minimum value is exceeded only in boreal summer. This indicates a potential for flux estimates constrained by GOSAT data to retrieve spatial structures within a zonal band throughout the year in the tropics and through most of the year in the northern extratropics. Verification of such spatial structures will require a dense network of independent observations.
Wave-optics uncertainty propagation and regression-based bias model in GNSS radio occultation bending angle retrievals
Authors: Gorbunov Michael E. , Kirchengast Gottfried
Published: January 2018

Abstract. A new reference occultation processing system (rOPS) will include a Global
Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) radio occultation (RO) retrieval chain
with integrated uncertainty propagation. In this paper, we focus on
wave-optics bending angle (BA) retrieval in the lower troposphere and introduce
(1) an empirically estimated boundary layer bias (BLB) model then employed to
reduce the systematic uncertainty of excess phases and bending angles in about the
lowest 2 km of the troposphere and (2) the estimation of
(residual) systematic uncertainties and their propagation together with
random uncertainties from excess phase to bending angle profiles. Our BLB
model describes the estimated bias of the excess phase transferred from the
estimated bias of the bending angle, for which the model is built, informed
by analyzing refractivity fluctuation statistics shown to induce such biases.
The model is derived from regression analysis using a large ensemble of
Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate
(COSMIC) RO observations and concurrent European Centre for Medium-Range
Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) analysis fields. It is formulated in
terms of predictors and adaptive functions (powers and cross products of predictors),
where we use six main predictors derived from observations: impact altitude,
latitude, bending angle and its standard deviation, canonical transform (CT)
amplitude, and its fluctuation index. Based on an ensemble of test days,
independent of the days of data used for the regression analysis to establish
the BLB model, we find the model very effective for bias reduction and capable
of reducing bending angle and corresponding refractivity biases by about a
factor of 5. The estimated residual systematic uncertainty, after the BLB
profile subtraction, is lower bounded by the uncertainty from the (indirect) use
of ECMWF analysis fields but is significantly lower than the systematic
uncertainty without BLB correction. The systematic and random uncertainties
are propagated from excess phase to bending angle profiles, using a
perturbation approach and the wave-optical method recently introduced by
Gorbunov and Kirchengast (2015), starting with estimated excess phase
uncertainties. The results are encouraging and this uncertainty propagation
approach combined with BLB correction enables a robust reduction and
quantification of the uncertainties of excess phases and bending angles in
the lower troposphere.
Measurement of atmospheric CO2 column concentrations to cloud tops with a pulsed multi-wavelength airborne lidar
Authors: Mao Jianping , Ramanathan Anand , Abshire James B. , Kawa Stephan R. , Riris Haris , Allan Graham R. , Rodriguez Michael , Hasselbrack William E. , Sun Xiaoli , Numata Kenji , Chen Jeff , Choi Yonghoon , Yang Mei Ying Melissa
Published: January 2018

Abstract. We have measured the column-averaged atmospheric CO2 mixing ratio to a
variety of cloud tops by using an airborne pulsed multi-wavelength
integrated-path differential absorption (IPDA) lidar. Airborne measurements
were made at altitudes up to 13 km during the 2011, 2013 and 2014 NASA Active Sensing of CO2 Emissions over Nights, Days,
and Seasons (ASCENDS) science campaigns flown in the United States West and Midwest and were
compared to those from an in situ sensor. Analysis of the lidar backscatter
profiles shows the average cloud top reflectance was ∼ 5 % for the
CO2 measurement at 1572.335 nm except to cirrus clouds, which had lower
reflectance. The energies for 1 µs wide laser pulses reflected
from cloud tops were sufficient to allow clear identification of CO2
absorption line shape and then to allow retrievals of atmospheric column
CO2 from the aircraft to cloud tops more than 90 % of the time.
Retrievals from the CO2 measurements to cloud tops had minimal bias but
larger standard deviations when compared to those made to the ground,
depending on cloud top roughness and reflectance. The measurements show this
new capability helps resolve CO2 horizontal and vertical gradients in
the atmosphere. When used with nearby full-column measurements to ground, the
CO2 measurements to cloud tops can be used to estimate the
partial-column CO2 concentration below clouds, which should lead to better
estimates of surface carbon sources and sinks. This additional capability of
the range-resolved CO2 IPDA lidar technique provides a new benefit for
studying the carbon cycle in future airborne and space-based CO2
missions.
Error sources in the retrieval of aerosol information over bright surfaces from satellite measurements in the oxygen A band
Authors: Nanda Swadhin , de Graaf Martin , Sneep Maarten , de Haan Johan F. , Stammes Piet , Sanders Abram F. J. , Tuinder Olaf , Veefkind J. Pepijn , Levelt Pieternel F.
Published: January 2018

Abstract. Retrieving aerosol optical thickness and aerosol layer height over a bright
surface from measured top-of-atmosphere reflectance spectrum in the oxygen A
band is known to be challenging, often resulting in large
errors. In certain atmospheric conditions and viewing geometries, a loss of
sensitivity to aerosol optical thickness has been reported in the literature.
This loss of sensitivity has been attributed to a phenomenon known as
critical surface albedo regime, which is a range of surface albedos for which
the top-of-atmosphere reflectance has minimal sensitivity to aerosol optical
thickness. This paper extends the concept of critical surface albedo for
aerosol layer height retrievals in the oxygen A band, and discusses its
implications. The underlying physics are introduced by analysing the
top-of-atmosphere reflectance spectrum as a sum of atmospheric path
contribution and surface contribution, obtained using a radiative transfer
model. Furthermore, error analysis of an aerosol layer height retrieval
algorithm is conducted over dark and bright surfaces to show the dependence
on surface reflectance. The analysis shows that the derivative with respect
to aerosol layer height of the atmospheric path contribution to the
top-of-atmosphere reflectance is opposite in sign to that of the surface
contribution – an increase in surface brightness results in a decrease in
information content. In the case of aerosol optical thickness, these
derivatives are anti-correlated, leading to large retrieval errors in high
surface albedo regimes. The consequence of this anti-correlation is
demonstrated with measured spectra in the oxygen A band from the GOME-2
instrument on board the Metop-A satellite over the 2010 Russian wildfires
incident.
Measurement of interferences associated with the detection of the hydroperoxy radical in the atmosphere using laser-induced fluorescence
Authors: Lew Michelle M. , Dusanter Sebastien , Stevens Philip S.
Published: January 2018

Abstract. One technique used to measure concentrations of the hydroperoxy radical (HO2) in the atmosphere involves chemically converting it to OH by addition of NO and subsequent detection of OH. However, some organic peroxy radicals (RO2) can also be rapidly converted to HO2 (and subsequently OH) in the presence of NO, interfering with measurements of ambient HO2 radical concentrations. This interference must be characterized for each instrument to determine to what extent various RO2 radicals interfere with measurements of HO2 and to assess the impact of this interference on past measurements. The efficiency of RO2-to-HO2 conversion for the Indiana University laser-induced fluorescence–fluorescence assay by gas expansion (IU-FAGE) instrument was measured for a variety of RO2 radicals. Known quantities of OH and HO2 radicals were produced from the photolysis of water vapor at 184.9 nm, and RO2 radicals were produced by the reaction of several volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with OH. The conversion efficiency of RO2 radicals to HO2 was measured when NO was added to the sampling cell for conditions employed during several previous field campaigns. For these conditions, approximately 80 % of alkene-derived RO2 radicals and 20 % of alkane-derived RO2 radicals were converted to HO2. Based on these measurements, interferences from various RO2 radicals contributed to approximately 35 % of the measured HO2 signal during the Mexico City Metropolitan Area (MCMA) 2006 campaign (MCMA-2006), where the measured VOCs consisted of a mixture of saturated and unsaturated species. However, this interference can contribute more significantly to the measured HO2 signal in forested environments dominated by unsaturated biogenic emissions such as isoprene.
The influence of instrumental line shape degradation on NDACC gas retrievals
Authors: Sun Youwen , Palm Mathias , Liu Cheng , Hase Frank , Griffith David , Weinzierl Christine , Petri Christof , Wang Wei , Notholt Justus
Published: January 2018

Abstract. Instrumental line shape (ILS) degradation can cause significant biases between global FTIR (Fourier transform infrared) networks if not properly treated. Currently, how ILS degradation influences the global NDACC (Network for Detection of Atmospheric Composition Change) gases retrieval and how much ILS deviation is acceptable for each NDACC gas are still not fully quantified. We simulated ILS degradations with respect to typical types of misalignment, and compared their influence on each NDACC gas. The sensitivities of total column, root mean square of fitting residual (RMS), total random uncertainty, total systematic uncertainty, total uncertainty, degrees of freedom for signal (DOFs), and profile with respect to different levels of ILS degradation for all current NDACC gases, i.e., O3, HNO3, HCl, HF, ClONO2, CH4, CO, N2O, C2H6, and HCN, were investigated. The influence of an imperfect ILS on NDACC gases retrieval were assessed, and the consistency under different meteorological conditions and solar zenith angles (SZA) were examined. The study concluded that the influence of ILS degradation can be approximated by the linear sum of individual modulation efficiency (ME) amplitude influence and phase error (PE) influence. The PE influence is of secondary importance compared with the ME amplitude influence. For total column retrieval, the stratospheric gases are more sensitive to ILS degradation than the tropospheric gases. For profile retrieval, the positive ME has more influence on tropospheric gases than the stratospheric gases. In contrast, the negative ME has more influence on stratospheric gases than the tropospheric gases. In order to suppress the influence on total column for ClONO2 and other NDACC gases within 10 % and 1 %, respectively, the permitted maximum ILS degradation for each NDACC gas was deduced (summarized in Table 5).
GreenHouse gas Observations of the Stratosphere and Troposphere (GHOST): an airborne shortwave infrared spectrometer for remote sensing of greenhouse gases
Authors: Humpage Neil , Boesch Hartmut , Palmer Paul I. , Vick Andy , Parr-Burman Phil , Wells Martyn , Pearson David , Strachan Jonathan , Bezawada Naidu
Published: January 2018

Abstract. GHOST is a novel, compact shortwave infrared grating spectrometer, designed for remote sensing of tropospheric columns of greenhouse gases (GHGs) from an airborne platform. It observes solar radiation at medium to high spectral resolution (better than 0.3 nm) which has been reflected by the Earth's surface, using similar methods to those used by polar orbiting satellites such as the JAXA GOSAT mission, NASA's OCO-2, and the Copernicus Sentinel-5 Precursor. By using an original design comprising optical fibre inputs along with a single diffraction grating and detector array, GHOST is able to observe CO2 absorption bands centred around 1.61 μm and 2.06 μm (the same wavelength regions used by OCO-2 and GOSAT) whilst simultaneously measuring CH4 absorption at 1.65 μm (also observed by GOSAT) and CH4 and CO at 2.30 μm (observed by Sentinel-5P). With emissions expected to become more concentrated towards city sources as the global population residing in urban areas increases, there emerges a clear requirement to bridge the spatial scale gap between small-scale urban emission sources and global scale GHG variations. In addition to the benefits achieved in spatial coverage through being able to remotely sense GHG tropospheric columns from an aircraft, the overlapping spectral ranges and comparable spectral resolutions mean that GHOST has unique potential for providing validation opportunities for these platforms, particularly over the ocean where ground-based validation measurements are not available. In this paper we provide an overview of the GHOST instrument, calibration and data processing, demonstrating the instrument's performance and suitability for GHG remote sensing. We also report on the first GHG observations made by GHOST during its maiden science flights on board the NASA Global Hawk unmanned aerial vehicle, which took place over the eastern Pacific Ocean in March 2015 as part of the CAST/ATTREX joint Global Hawk flight campaign.
Dynamics of phytoplankton and heterotrophic
bacterioplankton in the western tropical South Pacific Ocean
along a gradient of diversity and activity of diazotrophs
Authors: Van Wambeke France , Gimenez Audrey , Duhamel Solange , Dupouy Cécile , Lefevre Dominique , Pujo-Pay Mireille , Moutin Thierry
Published: January 2018

Abstract. Heterotrophic prokaryotic production (BP) was studied in the Western Tropical South Pacific using the leucine technique. Integrated over the euphotic zone, BP ranged from 58–120 mg C m−2 d−1 within the Melanesian Archipelago, and from 31–50 mg C m−2 within the subtropical gyre. Nitrogen was often one of the main factor controlling BP on short time scale as shown using enrichment experiments, followed by dissolved inorganic phosphate (DIP) near the surface and labile organic carbon deeper in the euphotic zone. With N2 fixation being one of the most important fluxes fueling new production, we explored relationships between BP, primary production (PP) and N2 fixation rates. BP variability was better explained by the variability of N2 fixation rates than by that of PP in surface waters of the Melanesian Archipelago, which were characterized by N depleted layers, and low DIP turnover times (TDIP < 100 h). However, BP was more significantly correlated with PP but not with N2 fixation rates where DIP was more available (TDIP > 100 h), i.e. in a layer deeper than the euphotic zone -including the deep chlorophyll maximum depths- in the Melanesian Archipelago, or within the entire euphotic zone in the subtropical gyre. Bacterial growth efficiency (BGE) ranged from 6–10 %. Applying correcting factors to estimate gross primary production and correcting BP for Prochlorococcus assimilation of leucine, we showed a large variability in the contribution of gross primary production to bacterial C demand. Exploration of a bloom collapse at one site south of Vanuatu showed the importance of blooms, which can persist over extensive distance for long periods of time, and can maintaining net autotrophy where they occur. Using a Lagragian sampling strategy during 6 days, long duration sites allowed for the study of the rapid changes including BP, primary production and BGE, that occurred during the bloom collapse.
Satellite observations for describing fire patterns and climate-related fire drivers in the Brazilian savannas
Authors: Mataveli Guilherme Augusto Verola , Silva Maria Elisa Siqueira , Pereira Gabriel , da Silva Cardozo Francielle , Kawakubo Fernando Shinji , Bertani Gabriel , Costa Julio Cezar , de Cássia Ramos Raquel , da Silva Viviane Valéria
Published: January 2018

Abstract. In the Brazilian savannas (Cerrado biome) fires are natural and a tool for
shifting land use; therefore, temporal and spatial patterns result from the
interaction of climate, vegetation condition and human activities. Moreover,
orbital sensors are the most effective approach to establish patterns in the
biome. We aimed to characterize fire, precipitation and vegetation condition
regimes and to establish spatial patterns of fire occurrence and their
correlation with precipitation and vegetation condition in the Cerrado. The
Cerrado was first and second biome for the occurrence of burned areas (BA)
and hotspots, respectively. Occurrences are higher during the dry season and
in the savanna land use. Hotspots and BA tend to decrease, and concentrate in
the north, but more intense hotspots are not necessarily located where
concentration is higher. Spatial analysis showed that averaged and summed
values can hide patterns, such as for precipitation, which has the lowest
average in August, but minimum precipitation in August was found in 7 %
of the Cerrado. Usually, there is a 2–3-month lag between minimum
precipitation and maximum hotspots and BA, while minimum VCI and maximum
hotspots and BA occur in the same month. Hotspots and BA are better
correlated with VCI than precipitation, qualifying VCI as an indicator of the
susceptibility of vegetation to ignition.
Developing fragility functions for aquaculture rafts and eelgrass in the case of the 2011 Great East Japan tsunami
Authors: Suppasri Anawat , Fukui Kentaro , Yamashita Kei , Leelawat Natt , Ohira Hiroyuki , Imamura Fumihiko
Published: January 2018

Abstract. Since the two devastating tsunamis in 2004 (Indian Ocean) and 2011 (Great
East Japan), new findings have emerged on the relationship between tsunami
characteristics and damage in terms of fragility functions. Human loss and
damage to buildings and infrastructures are the primary target of recovery
and reconstruction; thus, such relationships for offshore properties and
marine ecosystems remain unclear. To overcome this lack of knowledge, this
study used the available data from two possible target areas (Mangokuura Lake
and Matsushima Bay) from the 2011 Japan tsunami. This study has three main
components: (1) reproduction of the 2011 tsunami, (2) damage investigation,
and (3) fragility function development. First, the source models of the 2011
tsunami were verified and adjusted to reproduce the tsunami characteristics
in the target areas. Second, the damage ratio (complete damage) of the
aquaculture raft and eelgrass was investigated using satellite images taken
before and after the 2011 tsunami through visual inspection and binarization.
Third, the tsunami fragility functions were developed using the relationship
between the simulated tsunami characteristics and the estimated damage ratio.
Based on the statistical analysis results, fragility functions were developed
for Mangokuura Lake, and the flow velocity was the main contributor to the
damage instead of the wave amplitude. For example, the damage ratio above 0.9
was found to be equal to the maximum flow velocities of 1.3 m s−1
(aquaculture raft) and 3.0 m s−1 (eelgrass). This finding is
consistent with the previously proposed damage criterion of 1 m s−1
for the aquaculture raft. This study is the first step in the development of
damage assessment and planning for marine products and environmental factors
to mitigate the effects of future tsunamis.
Using satellite laser ranging to measure ice mass change in Greenland and Antarctica
Authors: Bonin Jennifer A. , Chambers Don P. , Cheng Minkang
Published: January 2018

Abstract. A least squares inversion of satellite laser ranging (SLR) data over
Greenland and Antarctica could extend gravimetry-based estimates of mass loss
back to the early 1990s and fill any future gap between the current Gravity
Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) and the future GRACE Follow-On
mission. The results of a simulation suggest that, while separating the mass
change between Greenland and Antarctica is not possible at the limited
spatial resolution of the SLR data, estimating the total combined mass change
of the two areas is feasible. When the method is applied to real SLR and
GRACE gravity series, we find significantly different estimates of inverted
mass loss. There are large, unpredictable, interannual differences between
the two inverted data types, making us conclude that the current 5×5
spherical harmonic SLR series cannot be used to stand in for GRACE. However,
a comparison with the longer IMBIE time series suggests that on a 20-year
time frame, the inverted SLR series' interannual excursions may average out,
and the long-term mass loss estimate may be reasonable.
Intonation, yes and no
Authors: Goodhue Daniel , Wagner Michael
Published: January 2018

English polar particles yes and no are interchangeable in response to negative sentences, that is, either one can be used to convey both positive and negative responses. We provide a critical discussion of recent research into this phenomenon (Kramer & Rawlins 2009; Krifka 2013; Roelofsen & Farkas 2015; Holmberg 2016), which leads to three questions: Does the intonation produced on yes and no depend on whether the response is positive or negative, and can intonation affect the interpretation of bare polar particle responses? Which particles do speakers prefer to use when? Are preference patterns sensitive to the polarity of preceding sentences in the context? In a series of experiments, we demonstrate that the contradiction contour (Liberman & Sag 1974) is an intonation that is commonly produced on positive responses to negative sentences, and that it affects hearers’ interpretations of bare particle responses. Beyond intonation, our experimental results add new evidence regarding speakers’ preferences for using yes and no in response to negative polar questions and rising declaratives. Finally, our results suggest that preference patterns are not sensitive to the polarity of context sentences.
Procesos innovativos y la competitividad del sector lácteo procesador de quesos en Nicaragua
Authors: Amaya López Ana Lissette
Published: January 2018

La investigación pretende identificar algunos aspectos de competitividad e innovación dentro del sector de productores artesanales de quesos en el país.  El estudio se basa en una búsqueda de información documental, que permita rastrear desde diversos actores que se ha hecho y que resultados se han podido observar.  Los resultados de la investigación, apuntan a la presencia de diversos actores y acciones, realizadas tanto desde la perspectiva gubernamental como por organismos no gubernamentales y de desarrollo, que con apoyo de fondos internacionales han interactuado en los territorios, sin embargo aún se evidencia una débil estructura productiva, serias restricciones en cuanto al acceso de medios, capital y conocimiento que permita a corto plazo cambiar el estado de los procesos dentro de este sector de productores.
Aplicación del análisis de regresión lineal simple para la estimación de los precios de las acciones de Facebook, Inc
Authors: Brenes González Humberto Antonio
Published: January 2018

El análisis de regresión lineal, es una herramienta sumamente importante en el mundo de las Finanzas, debido a que permite realizar proyecciones y pronósticos de una variable dependiente explicada por una o más variables independientes.  El objetivo de este trabajo, fue determinar una ecuación que permitiera estimar el precio promedio mensual de las acciones de la empresa Facebook, Inc., a través de un modelo de regresión lineal simple.  Los coeficientes betas estimados para el modelo fueron significativos tanto para la constante como para la pendiente, medidos a través de la prueba estadística t. Así mismo, se realizó la prueba global de significancia de los coeficientes betas, determinada a través de la prueba estadística F, esta resultó ser sumamente significativa, lo cual, permitió la validación del modelo
Os bacharéis na política nacional durante as duas democracias
Authors: Lorencetti Mariana Arcos
Published: January 2018

Dentre aqueles de profissão tradicional na política, relevantes em parlamentos e tantos outros postos políticos, temos os advogados. Este texto presume a necessidade de descrever, definir este grupo e ilustrar uma possível diferenciação interna, tomando como base os advogados-deputados do período 1945-1962 e do período 1986-2010. Tal processo se dá mediante o uso de análise de correspondência múltipla, com formação de planos visuais de aproximação de características em caso de ocorrência concomitante, tomando variáveis de ordem sócio-profissional e política. Os resultados nos mostram que a ideologia vai de encontro a determinados subgrupos mesmo numa mesma divisão profissional; e também a duração e prestígio de uma carreira dependem de uma precoce entrada nesta, sobretudo.
O acesso à informação ambiental e a gestão hídrica: uma análise da implementação do Sistema Nacional de Informações de Recursos Hídricos (SNIRH)
Authors: Martins João Vitor Rodrigues
Published: January 2018

O presente artigo realiza uma análise da implementação do Sistema Nacional de Informações de Recursos Hídricos (SNIRH), tendo como foco os gestores públicos responsáveis pela sua elaboração e manutenção e os representantes da sociedade civil presentes no Conselho Nacional de Recursos Hídricos (CNRH), responsável pelo gerenciamento da Política Nacional de Recursos Hídricos, como aponta a Lei das Águas. Discutindo inicialmente a construção do debate sobre a informação ambiental enquanto ferramenta de participação democrática e como concretização do direito fundamental ao meio ambiente, o acesso a tais informações é apontado enquanto forma de possibilitar o controle participativo na gestão hídrica. Por fim, o trabalho apresenta os resultados de uma análise qualitativa de redes sociais a partir de dados extraídos das atas das reuniões ordinárias e extraordinárias do CNRH entre 2006 e 2016 e de questionários eletrônicos respondidos pelos conselheiros, entre eles estão a avaliação do caráter marginal conferido ao tema do acesso à informação na gestão hídrica nacional e a necessidade de que seja atribuída uma maior centralidade ao SNIRH.
Use of LiDAR data during multi-annual periods for estimating forestry variables
Authors: Valbuena Manuel A. , Mateos Esperanza , Rodríguez Francisco
Published: January 2018

Aim of study: To test the use of LiDAR data from a single acquisition in order to estimate volume overbark variations ina 5-yr period of Pinus radiata D. Don.Area of study: Province of Bizkaia in the Autonomous Community of the Basque Country (Spain).Material and methods: Two field plot measurements were made in 2011 and 2015 and two wood volume models (one for each year) were fitted using the metric variables of the 2012 LiDAR points cloud. The models were applied to a 26.59 m raster covering the study area and the increase in volume at each pixel was calculated by subtraction.Main results: The increase in estimated wood volume, when added to the volume of timber extracted in the area during the 5-yr period under consideration, yielded an average increase of 13.74 m3 ha-1 yr-1, which corresponds to the average growth of the P. radiata in that area. The harvest area estimated using this procedure largely coincides with the actual harvest area in the same period. The value of R2 (85%) of the wood volume model for 2011 is similar to that obtained in other studies. However, as expected, the one obtained for the wood volume model for 2015 (80%) is significantly lower.Research highlights: The increase in wood volume can be estimated using a single LiDAR flight and field data from the 5-yr period provided that data from plots subjected to this kind of harvest is included in the models.
A haplotype regression approach for genetic evaluation using sequences from the 1000 bull genomes Project
Authors: Lakhssassi Kenza , González-Recio Oscar
Published: January 2018

Haplotypes from sequencing data may improve the prediction accuracy in genomic evaluations as haplotypes are in stronger linkage disequilibrium with quantitative trait loci than markers from SNP chips. This study focuses first, on the creation of haplotypes in a population sample of 450 Holstein animals, with full-sequence data from the 1000 bull genomes project; and second, on incorporating them into the whole genome prediction model. In total, 38,319,258 SNPs (and indels) from Next Generation Sequencing were included in the analysis. After filtering variants with minor allele frequency (MAF< 0.025) 13,912,326 SNPs were available for the haplotypes extraction with findhap.f90. The number of SNPs in the haploblocks was on average 924 SNP (166,552 bp). Unique haplotypes were around 97% in all chromosomes and were ignored leaving 153,428 haplotypes. Estimated haplotypes had a large contribution to the total variance of genomic estimated breeding values for kilogram of protein, Global Type Index, Somatic Cell Score and Days Open (between 32 and 99.9%). Haploblocks containing haplotypes with large effects were selected by filtering for each trait, haplotypes whose effect was larger/lower than the mean plus/minus 3 times the standard deviation (SD) and 1 SD above the mean of the haplotypes effect distribution. Results showed that filtering by 3 SD would not be enough to capture a large proportion of genetic variance, whereas filtering by 1 SD could be useful but model convergence should be considered. Additionally, sequence haplotypes were able to capture additional genetic variance to the polygenic effect for traits undergoing lower selection intensity like fertility and health traits.
Prestígio e produção na ciência brasileira: os bolsistas de produtividade e a produtividade dos bolsistas
Authors: Silva Cláudio Nei Nascimento da , Mueller Suzana Pinheiro Machado
Published: January 2018

Introdução: A avaliação da produção científica é um processo complexo e possui critérios diferenciados em cada área do conhecimento. Entretanto, são esses critérios que definem o prestígio dos pesquisadores em cada área do conhecimento.  Objetivo: Este trabalho tem o objetivo de analisar a produção dos bolsistas de produtividade do CNPq no que se refere à publicação e revisão de artigos de periódicos, revisão de artigos em periódicos internacionais, publicação de artigos em coautoria e publicação de artigos em periódicos internacionais e identificar, nessa comparação, elementos que permitem apontar especificidades em cada grupo analisado. Metodologia: Os dados foram colhidos junto a bolsistas de produtividade dos três colégios que compõem as 48 áreas temáticas do CNPq, por meio de um questionário de múltipla escolha, analisados e apresentados utilizando-se a estatística descritiva. Resultados: Os dados revelaram diferenças importantes nos três colégios analisados, como também no interior de cada colégio, indicando variações expressivas no comportamento dos pesquisadores no âmbito de um mesmo colégio. Conclusões: Além das diferenças observadas entre as áreas do conhecimento, este estudo revelou diferenças marcantes entre os pesquisadores de um mesmo colégio de área do conhecimento, evidenciando que a ciência é um ambiente marcado por uma distribuição desigual de prestígio entre os cientistas.
Estudos de Usuários e Práticas Informacionais: do que estamos falando?
Authors: Berti Ilemar Christina Lansoni Wey , Araújo Carlos Alberto Ávila
Published: January 2018

Introdução: O trabalho apresenta uma breve discussão acerca das diferenciações entre estudos de Comportamento informacional e Práticas informacionais presentes no campo de estudos de usuários de informação. Objetivo: Refletir sobre a relação das Práticas informacionais com o campo de Usuários da informação e propor uma análise das perguntas que as temáticas abordam e como abordam com base na Teoria social. Metodologia: Recuperam-se alguns pontos da história do desenvolvimento do campo e a influência da Teoria social para compreensão das Práticas informacionais, relacionadas à formação do conhecimento e a reciprocidade das ações na sua constituição. Resultados: Ressalta a importância da construção das significações para compreensão das necessidades, busca e uso da informação em diferentes contextos. Conclusões: As Práticas informacionais abordam as ações e significações dos sujeitos informacionais, uma perspectiva social da informação presente nos estudos de usuários.
Indexação de acórdãos no contexto dos tribunais de contas: estudos preliminares para a elaboração de um modelo de leitura técnica
Authors: Ferreira Ana Carolina , Maculan Benildes Coura Moreira dos Santos
Published: January 2018

Introdução: Este trabalho discute a organização da informação jurídica, em especial os acórdãos produzidos pelos tribunais de contas. Na literatura da Biblioteconomia e da Ciência da Informação foi identificada uma lacuna referente à falta de procedimentos sistematizados para a análise de assunto, que visa à identificação do assunto tratado nos documentos. Ressalta-se que a indexação dos acórdãos depende do conhecimento da estrutura do documento, da terminologia jurídica e de técnicas para a análise de assunto. Objetivo: Partindo da lacuna verificada, o objetivo deste estudo, qualificado no âmbito do Programa de Pós-graduação em Gestão e Organização do Conhecimento da UFMG, em junho de 2017, é a elaboração de um modelo de leitura técnica de acórdãos para orientar o processo da análise de assunto, que é a primeira etapa da indexação. Metodologia: É um estudo de caso com abordagem qualitativa, aplicada no Tribunal de Contas do Estado de Minas Gerais (TCEMG). Resultados parciais: A criação do modelo tem como base as diretrizes da norma NBR 12.676/1992, que normatiza e sistematiza o processo de indexação, e os fundamentos teórico-metodológicos de Guimarães (1994; 2004), com a análise por categorias, de Cintra (1987) e Fujita (2003), com as estratégias de leitura documentária, e os princípios para a indexação de acórdãos de Silva (2008). Conclusão: Como resultado espera-se oferecer estratégias de leitura que irão auxiliar o indexador em sua atividade e minimizar a subjetividade na representação temática dos acórdãos.