bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of neural networks and regression time series when predicting the export development from the USA to PRC
Authors: Horák Jakub , Šuleř Petr , Vrbka Jaromír
Published: May 2019

Purpose – artificial neural networks are compared with mixed conclusions in terms of forecasting performance. The most researches indicate that deep-learning models are better than traditional statistical or mathematical models. The purpose of the article is to compare the accuracy of equalizing time series by means of regression analysis and neural networks on the example of the USA export to China. The aim is to show the possible uses and advantages of neural networks in practice.

Research methodology – the period for which the data (USA export to the PRC) are available is the monthly balance starting from January 1985 to August 2018. First of all, linear regression as the relatively simple mathematical method is carried out. Subsequently, neural networks as the computational models used in artificial intelligence are used for regression.

Findings – in terms of linear regression, the most suitable one appeared to be the curve obtained by means of the least squares methods by negative-exponential smoothing, and the curve obtained by means of the distance-weighted least squares method. In terms of neural networks, all retained structures appeared to be applicable in practice. Artificial neural networks have better representational power than traditional models.

Research limitations – the simplification (quite a significant one) appears both in the cases of linear regression and regression by means of neural networks. We work only with two variables – input variable (time) and output variable (USA export to the PRC).

Practical implications – in practice, the results – especially the method of artificial neural networks – can be used in the measurement and prediction of the development of exports, but especially in the short term. It can be stated that due to great simplification of the reality it isnʼt possible to predict extraordinary situations and their effect on the USA export to the PRC.

Originality/Value – the article focuses on the comparison of two statistical methods, in particular, artificial intelligence is not used in such applications. However, in many economic industries, it has proven better results. It is found that artificial neural networks are able to effectively learn dependencies in and between the time series in the form of export development data.
Popularity in social media and company growth: evidence for local banks
Authors: Kozłowski Łukasz , Kuchciak Iwa
Published: May 2019

Purpose – we investigate models of social media activity of small local banks (SLBs) in Poland and the consequences of their adoption for SLBs’ growth.

Research methodology – with the use of k-medoid clustering, we differentiate between types of SLBs’ social media activity. Then, after controlling for bank specificity and local environment, we employ these activity types in regression models explaining a bank’s popularity in social media and bank growth.

Findings – although SLBs draw attention if they concentrate their social media activity on local affairs, conversion of such popularity into a bank growth is difficult to achieve.

Research limitations – a relatively limited number of SLBs (111 entities) adopted an active social media policy. As a result, we have to look for social media activity models instead of describing the activity directly with numerous variables employed simultaneously in regressions.

Practical implications – in order to reach the highest recognition in social media, a small bank should widely discuss local affairs. Nevertheless, SLBs’ managers should carefully enter the social media world as even suitably selected social media strategy does not automatically lead to economic outcomes.

Originality/Value – first, we extend the scarce evidence on social media adoption by financial companies. Second, we clearly define different types of social media activity of local firms. Third, we differentiate between the attention drawn through social media activity and its economic repercussions.
Financial convergence at the world financial market: pension funds and insurance entities prospects: case of China, EU, USA
Authors: Kuznetsova Natalia , Pisarenko Zhanna
Published: May 2019

Purpose − to find whether large international institutional investors regardless of their country of origin due
to the influence of external factors demonstrate convergence on some basic performance indicators.
Research methodology is based on testing the set of selected entities for sigma convergence. The paper presents an
empirical analysis of financial convergence for autonomous pension funds and insurance corporations of China, the EU
and the USA.
Findings − the insurance segment of the world financial market is more converged; however, current pension reforms
in many countries is supposed to and must unify the requirements for both market segments and will lead to even greater
convergence between pension funds and insurance corporations.
Practical implications − results of the research are another step towards understanding the convergence processes,
which are an objective trajectory for the development of the modern global financial market.
Originality/Value − found intersegment convergence of pension and insurance entities, which needs further research.
The difficulty of an official performing in public administration with a focus on the Czech Republic
Authors: Kamrádová Lucie , Sciskalová Marie
Published: May 2019

Purpose – the paper aims to present public administration as a managerial organisation which puts many
requirements on its employees, respectively on officials in public administration. In today’s globalised society, the
boundaries between the public and private sectors are mutually intertwined. The difficulty of official’s profession, both
in terms of knowledge and psychology, is often wrongly criticised by civil society. The paper intends to point out the
particular requirements and specify the risks carried by this profession.
Research methodology – the basic methods used are from the area of qualitative research. These are methods of analysis,
induction and deduction. The method of description is used in the whole paper.
Findings – the result of the article is the identification of the principal risks and threats in the exercise of official activity.
Research limitations – the authors of the article see a certain limit that it is impossible to assess the demandingness of
the official’s performance in terms of the quantitative, as the structure of executive positions within the Czech Republic
is problematic.
Practical implications – the identified risks can be beneficial for human resources management in public administration,
to avoid frequent burnout in this profession.
Originality/Value – the paper presents the new perspective of a public servant
Digital business and media platforms – enablers of manifold regional and global opportunities
Authors: Brazinskas Sigitas , Pipirienė Vida , Khayrzoda Shukrullo
Published: May 2019

Purpose – digital platforms play a growing role in business development and create opportunities beyond
earlier existed boundaries as countries, regions and industrial sectors. Industrial Internet concepts as a holistic application emerge, disruptive challenges trigger changes and evolution of existing business models. This paper unravels and
analyses models and features of networks, market places, media platforms across various sectors along with arising
opportunities.
Research methodology – research is based on benchmarking across selected digital platforms and impact analysis according to defined criteria and selected business models.
Findings – results justify scientific approach and contribute with a benchmarked view across different sectoral platforms,
assess opportunities of the emerging digital era. The evolution of business patterns and the impact on changing models
are key findings of the paper.
Research limitations – a certain number of platform models and their features are analyzed as well as impact, represented
sectors are largely grouped.
Practical implications – results will have substantial practical application to business strategies adjustment, updated
view on existing transformations across several business sectors and emerging business models.
Originality/Value – a united view is possessed on different platforms across regions and sectors, it combines several
integrated angles towards digital development and provides with clear and applicable solutions
Assessment of the main technological and economic capabilities for the transition to a digital economy
Authors: Stremousova Elena , Buchinskaia Olga
Published: May 2019

Purpose – the purpose of the article is to a study of factors that allow to test the impact of digitalization on
the economy.
Research methodology – the main method of the research is panel analysis of 8 digital economy indicators on GDP per
capita for 28 countries for over 17 years. The study asserts that digitalization will ensure the growth of GDP as a key
indicator of economic development.
Findings – it was found that that transformation into a digital economy is likely to have a positive impact on countries
where there is a growth of the net export of ICT services is achieved while communications and computer service
imports are reduced.
Research limitations – the limitations of the research are that the method applied allows to determine the influence of
the studied factors on GDP per capita, but the results of the evaluation require further detailed analysis of the studied
factors for each country.
Practical implications – the study helps to identify the factors of high importance in the digitalization process and to
determine factors what should be focused on achieving the desired results of digitalization.
Originality/Value – the method allows to make an express-evaluation, reducing the complexity of calculations and time
costs
The R&D personnel – a key competitive factor for the innovative enterprises in Bulgaria
Authors: Dimov Dimcho , Taneva Neviana
Published: May 2019

Purpose – the article explores the R&D personnel as a competitive factor of the innovative enterprises in Bulgaria.

Research methodology – a wide literature review and survey are conducted on R&D personnel and its performance together with a comparative analysis of secondary data resources.

Findings – the article presents the essence, the peculiarities, the innovation results, the R&D competencies in the context of the innovative enterprises in Bulgaria. A generalized classification of the innovation goals and results is developed. The approach and the model clearly describe the R&D personnel as a factor, influencing the innovation activity and focus on its improvement.

Research limitations – lack of relevant research studies on the topic in Bulgaria.

Practical implications – the results help managers to make decisions on how to raise the enterprise’s innovation activity. The model can be implemented in the enterprise's innovation system to distinguish the R&D personnel's needs for improving their innovation competencies, motivation or performance measurement, and management.

Originality/Value – a model for decreasing the discrepancies between the R&D personnel and the organisationаl innovation requirements. Framing constructs for developing an approach for identifying the needs for more competitive R&D personnel and overcoming the innovation gaps in search of high innovation activity.
Does carnivory pay off? Experiments on the effects of different types of diet on growth and development of Bufo bufo (Linnaeus, 1758) tadpoles and carry-over effects after metamorphosis
Authors: Craioveanu Octavian , Craioveanu Cristina , Ghira Ioan , Mireșan Vioara , Hartel Tibor
Published: May 2019

Natural diets of anuran larvae vary widely in their relative amounts of nutrients. The proportion of these ingested nutrients has significant influence on larval and post-metamorphic performance.

Here, we use the Common Toad to address the role of diet (exclusively carnivore, exclusively vegetarian and mixed) on growth and development of tadpoles and short-term carry-over effects on post-metamorphic animals. Larvae fed on an exclusively vegetarian diet performed better (faster growth and development) than larvae fed on exclusively carnivore and mixed diets. Larvae fed on the exclusively carnivore diet had the lowest performance. Regarding the carry-over effects of larval diets, although the body condition indices of the toadlets were similar in all treatments, there was a major difference in the survival rate. While toadlets, originating from larvae fed on a vegetarian diet, were more successful and had the lowest mortality, those fed on a carnivore diet had the highest mortality level. Our results suggest that a plant-based diet may contain all the necessary nutrients needed by Bufobufo larvae. Furthermore, a diet based exclusively on food of animal origin might be detrimental for the larval performance and could have significant carry-over effects on the post-metamorphic animal.
Mal de mère
Authors: Durrmeyer Lucile
Published: May 2019

L'enfant, confronté à la jouissance sexuelle de la mère, est privé de sa croyance d'être son objet exclusif d'amour et de plaisir. En tant que femme animée par la pulsion sexuelle elle cesse à ses yeux d'être mère. Cette intolérable découverte fait des vœux de mort. L'auteure parcourt toute une variété de situations, à travers les mythes, la littérature et le cinéma – Hugo et les Borgia, Rousseau, Jellinek ou Woody Alen –, où apparaît le matricide dont la représentation directe a longtemps été impossible.
Duel
Authors: de Azambuja Miguel
Published: May 2019

Nous voudrions explorer Duel , le film de Steven Spielberg, avec l'aide de l'outil psychanalytique. Rentrer dans le film en quelque sorte, comme si l'on rentrait dans un rêve. Ainsi, nous allons suivre le parcours psychique du personnage principal, en mettant en avant son rapport à la figure maternelle et au meurtre, aspects peu explorés dans les films de ce réalisateur. Le langage, la persécution, la figure maternelle et le meurtre constituent les points nodaux de ce véritable Bildungsfilm .
State of the Art and Gap Analysis of Precision Agriculture
Authors: Bhatnagar Vaibhav , Poonia Ramesh C. , Sunda Surendra
Published: May 2019

Precision Agriculture (PA) is now becoming the base for rapid development of a nation. So many technologies are used in precision agriculture such as Global Positioning System (GPS), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Sensor Network and Geographical Information System (GIS). This manuscript per the authors will review all the factors that influence the precision agriculture. This article describes the major endeavors in the past of precision agriculture. The noble intention behind this literature review and analogy is to figure out the gap between theoretical research and actual needs of farmers. In order to find out the actual requirements manuscripts per the authors have conducted a questionnaire in Rajasthan State of India. This gap analysis would be helpful for researchers to design an effective and efficient decision support system for irrigation and fertilization can be designed for Indian farmers.
Surface Plasmon Biosensor Platform for Food Industry
Authors: Pechprasarn Suejit , Ittipornnuson Kodchakorn , Jungpanich Thitika , Pensupa Nattha , Albutt Naphat
Published: May 2019

Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) based biosensor is a gold standard optical sensor for biological protein interaction in life science. In this paper, we firstly discuss how the SPR based sensor can give unique advantages over other sensing techniques for food safety and food quality control in food industry. We discuss the differences in sample preparation process for the SPR system and other screening methods and point out that the SPR can reduce the food screen quality control cost and time. A brief review of food analysis that has been tested under SPR system. Key requirements for building up a surface plasmon resonance based sensor for food industry especially in Thailand are highlighted. An SPR based sensor has been recently developed and constructed based on the requirements. We also discuss practical issues and how to possibly get around them.
Facile Synthesis of CeO2/SnO2 N-N Heterostructure
Authors: Leangtanom Pimpan , Charoenrat Nattharinee , Phanichphant Sukon , Kruefu Viruntachar
Published: May 2019

Cerium oxide and tin oxide nanocomposites (CeO2-SnO2 NCs) were successfully synthesized via a simple co-precipitation method. The structure and properties of the synthesized materials were characterized using several X-ray and electron-based techniques including XRD, FE-SEM, TEM, EDS and BET to unravel the structure, morphology, element composition and specific surface area. The XRD and BET results showed that the NCs have the characteristic crystalline structures of SnO2 and CeO2-SnO2 NCs, and high specific surface area (66.45 and 86.29 m2/g), respectively. Amorphous phase of CeO2 and SnO2 were not found in XRD patterns. EDS analysis confirms the absence of all element composition and the FE-SEM and TEM analysis observed as particles having the clear spherical morphologies with the average particle size of of SnO2 and CeO2-SnO2 NCs was about 13 and 10 nm, respectively.
Study, Magnetic Properties of BaTiFeO3 Perovskite Prepared by Solid State Method
Authors: Aitviriyaphan Vanussanun , Sareein Thanapong , Suntaropas Sudarath , Thonglor Panakamon , Sawekwiharee Sangwoei , Pechprasarn Suejit , Ritthong Wirote , Pinitsoontorn Supree , Albutt Naphat
Published: May 2019

The magnetic properties of BaFeTiO3 (BTFO) perovskite are investigated. BTFO samples were prepared by solid state reaction method through compression. Magnetic properties are influenced by electron environments of the Fe3+ ions within the perovskite structure. Furthermore, the values of Ms and Mr indicate ferromagnetic behaviour in BFMO ceramics sintered at 800 oC for sintering as 800 oC for 6 hours at 1.898 emu/g, which is magnetization strength material more than sintering at 4 hours, 8 hours, 10 hours as 1.794 emu/g, 1.333 emu/g and 1.192 emu/g at measured of low temperature. Using the Curie-Weiss law fitting for investigate μeff~38μB high spin of Fe, negative of θ present to antiferromagnetic characteristics of BTFO sample. Finally, BTFO sintering at the high temperature of 800 oC for 6 hours exhibited the high Ms~1.898 emu/g at 50 K and ~1.216emu/g at room temperature.
Staged deep brain stimulation of ventral intermediate nucleus of the thalamus for suppression of essential tremors
Authors: Tanaka Riki , Ansari Ahmed , Kajita Yasukazu , Yamada Yasuhiro , Kawase T , Kato Yoko
Published: May 2019

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the ventral intermediate nucleus (VIM) of the thalamus is a powerful surgical option in the treatment of essential tremors (ETs). However, its therapeutic efficacy depends on the tremor distribution. DBS is highly efficient in the relief of distal appendicular tremor but not other types of tremor. We report a case of staged DBS of ventral intermediate nucleus (VIM) of thalamus for the suppression of ETs.
Double-balloon trapping for coil embolization of ruptured internal carotid artery aneurysm: A novel technique
Authors: Ansari Ahmed , Ohshima Tomotaka , Goto Shunsaku , Yamamoto Taiki , Ishikawa Kojiro , Kato Yoko
Published: May 2019

Introduction: Endovascular treatment of complex ruptured aneurysms in the internal carotid (IC) artery is extremely challenging. Navigation of double-balloon catheters becomes all the more difficult in tortuous vessels. Patients and Methods: A 57-year-old female with more than three times previously ruptured left IC artery aneurysm with subarachnoid hemorrhage had a left IC small aneurysm with a neck of 3.2 mm. Proximal and distal balloons were inflated in left IC artery in respect to the aneurysm, to prevent further rupture during navigation of the microcatheter and first coil. Discussion: The technique uses two balloons placed proximal and distal to the ruptured aneurysm, to reduce further bleeding, just as the application of temporary clips, followed by inertion of coils rapidly to obliterate the aneurysm. Conclusion: It is a novel technique of double-balloon trapping of proximal and distal segment of IC artery with aneurysm coiling technique as an alternative to balloon-assisted coiling and stent-assisted coiling in patients with ruptured aneurysm.
A rare chronic presentation of schwannoma with hemorrhage
Authors: Gotecha Sarang , Punia Prashant , Patil Anil , Chugh Ashish , Kotecha Megha , Raghu Vybhav , Mubashshir Ali , Shobhit Chhabra , Kashyap Dushyant
Published: May 2019

Spinal schwannomas are slow-growing benign tumors arising from the nerves. In the spinal cord, they arise most commonly from cervical and lumbar levels. They are mostly intradural extramedullary (IDEM) accounting for 30% of intradural tumors showing a female preponderance. They are seen occurring between 25 and 50 years of age. Most of these cases show acute presentation as hemorrhage within the tumor with weakness. This is a rare presentation by itself reported by only 12 cases world over. It is even rarer to see them show chronic presentation. We are reporting one such case of a 61-year-old female who presented to us with chronic low backache for 3 years with radicular symptoms in the bilateral lower limbs following a fall on her back. Magnetic resonance imaging was done which showed a well-defined IDEM lesion from L3 to L5 vertebral level which was isointense on T1 and hyperintense on T2 with a peripheral rim and short inversion time inversion-recovery showed fluid-fluid level within. Gradient-recalled echo showed blooming with no suppression on fat-sat and no diffusion restriction. A computed tomography angiography was done which ruled out vascular malformation. Intraoperatively, a large feeding vessel with a tumor was visualized after laminectomy was done for the corresponding levels. Postoperatively, the patient showed a significant decrease in radicular symptoms and was discharged after 2 weeks with an uneventful postoperative period. HPE of the lesion showed sheets of fascicles of elongated spindle cells arranged in loose myxoid matrix with hyperchromatic nuclei and scanty hemorrhage and lymphocytic infiltrates suggestive of schwannoma with myxoid degeneration. Immunohistochemistry also confirmed a diagnosis of schwannoma. From this case, it is seen that the diagnosis of a spinal schwnnoma showing delayed presentation with atypical imaging findings is a challenge and must needs a high index of suspicion and appropriate surgical planning.
Factors predicting outcomes in surgically treated pediatric traumatic brain injury
Authors: Lee Sean , Ming Yang , Jain Swati , Chee Shu , Teo Kejia , Chou Ning , Lwin Sein , Yeo Tseng , Nga Vincent
Published: May 2019

Introduction: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common presentation to the pediatric emergency department. Understanding factors that predict outcomes will be useful in clinical decision-making and prognostication. The objective of this study was to identify important clinical parameters predictive of outcomes in pediatric TBI patients who underwent surgery. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 43 pediatric TBI patients who underwent surgery from January 2011 to January 2017. Clinical parameters, including presenting signs and symptoms, mechanism of injury, intracranial pressure (ICP), need for inotropes, and computed tomography findings were collected. Outcomes were assessed using the Glasgow outcome score (GOS) based on the latest follow-up. Outcomes were divided into favorable (GOS 4–5) and unfavorable (GOS 1–3). Results: Surgery was performed in 43 patients. The mean age was 9.6 ± 4.9. The mean follow-up period was 31 weeks. Thirty (70%) patients had favorable outcome and 13 (30%) had unfavorable outcome. On univariate analysis, mechanism of injury, vomiting, Glasgow coma scale score, pupil size and reactivity, hypotension, inotropic use, need for blood transfusion, and raised ICP (all P < 0.005) were significantly associated with outcomes. On step-wise logistic regression, only raised ICP (odds ratio [OR] = 35.6, P = 0.008) and hypotension (OR = 26.1, P = 0.01) were found to be statistically significant. Conclusion: The present study suggests that the majority of pediatric TBI patients who required neurosurgical intervention have favorable outcomes. Closer attention should be paid to raised ICP and hypotension as they were strong predictors of unfavorable outcomes. These findings also help manage expectations of patients' family and clinicians.
Surgical significance of infra-optic course of A1 segment of anterior cerebral artery: Report of two cases
Authors: Nandish H , Selvapandian Srinivasalu , Ghosh Siddhartha
Published: May 2019

Anatomic variations of the anterior cerebral artery-anterior communicating artery complex (ACA-AComA) are common. An infra-optic course of the A1-ACA is extremely rare, and recognition of this variant is very important in planning surgery for ACA-AComA complex aneurysms. We present two cases of spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage due to ruptured AComA aneurysms with unilateral infra-optic course of the A1-ACA. In both the cases, the preoperative catheter angiography revealed low bifurcation with a horizontal course of internal carotid artery. In our first case, the finding was rather unexpected; however, in our second case, we could anticipate an infra-optic course of A1-ACA. Preoperative recognition of this anomaly helps in achieving proximal vascular control with ease and confidence. It also enhances surgical safety of aneurysm clipping, by avoiding unnecessary dissection elsewhere. This emphasizes the importance of careful preoperative angiographic evaluation. In the presence of this anomaly, one should always search for other associated vascular anomalies.
Mandated State Medical Licensing Board Disclosures Regarding Resident Performance
Authors: Murano Tiffany , Gajewski Michal , Anana Michael , Hillen Machteld , Kunac Anastasia , Matassa Daniel , Pompeo Lisa , Kothari Neil
Published: May 2019

Background

State medical licensing boards ask program directors (PDs) to complete verification of training (VOT) forms for licensure. While residency programs use Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education core competencies, there is no uniform process or set of metrics that licensing boards use to ascertain if academic competency was achieved.

Objective

We determined the performance metrics PDs are required to disclose on state licensing VOT forms.

Methods

VOT forms for allopathic medical licensing boards for all 50 states, Washington, DC, and 5 US territories were obtained via online search and reviewed. Questions were categorized by disciplinary action (investigated, disciplined, placed on probation, expelled, terminated); documents placed on file; resident actions (leave of absence, request for transfer, unexcused absences); and non-disciplinary actions (remediation, partial or no credit, non-renewal, non-promotion, extra training required). Three individuals reviewed all forms independently, compared results, and jointly resolved discrepancies. A fourth independent reviewer confirmed all results.

Results

Most states and territories (45 of 56) accept the Federation Credentials Verification Service (FCVS), but 33 states have their own VOT forms. Ten states require FCVS use. Most states ask questions regarding probation (43), disciplinary action (41), and investigation (37). Thirty-four states and territories ask about documents placed on file, 36 ask about resident actions, and 7 ask about non-disciplinary actions. Eight states' VOT forms ask no questions regarding resident performance.

Conclusions

Among the states and territories, there is great variability in VOT forms required for allopathic physicians. These forms focus on disciplinary actions and do not ask questions PDs use to assess resident performance.
Copyright law and the promotion of scientific networks: some reflections on the rules on co-authorship in the EU
Authors: Priora Giulia
Published: May 2019

In the digital era the co-creation of content by several authors has become easier in a number of ways. Networks, the symbol of today's information society, are reshaping and supporting our communication, education, creativity and professional development. Embracing the prospective of co-creators, this paper aims to provide a new insight into the on-going debate on the effectiveness of copyright rules in the European Union (EU). The focus lies on the scientific sector, which offers both empirical evidence of the co-production phenomenon and specific policy goals set by the EU legislator with regard to collaborative knowledge production. The analysis shows how the EU copyright framework neither includes a comprehensive body of harmonized rules on co-authorship nor displays prospective plans to do so, while the related national regulations present highly diverging approaches. The paper highlights how the impact of this regulatory inhomogeneity is increasingly at odds with the policy objective of a collaborative and high-profile European Research Area, thus calling for a more substantial harmonization under an inclusive definition of co-author and an enhanced valorization of joint endeavours in the networked system of production of knowledge.
Instant-messaging for improving literacy and communication skills in FLT: students’ evaluation
Authors: Garrote Marta
Published: May 2019

The present work presents an example of using Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC) in Foreign Language Teaching (FLT) with the aim to increase students’ hours of exposure to English as a Foreign Language (EFL). Since class time is sometimes limited, it is necessary to look for reinforcement tasks for students to properly develop literacy and communication skills. In addition, CMC is considered by scholars a new variety of language, with its own features and rules, one that students must master as well as other traditional language varieties. As secondary goals, this project intended to develop students’ motivation, autonomy, linguistic awareness and cooperative learning. By using a Mobile Instant Messaging (MIM) application, Remind, students were encouraged to communicate in groups and, thereby, supplement hours of practicing the foreign language outside the classroom, without limitation of time and space. Students evaluated the task by means of an online questionnaire and results proved to be positive, showing that they enjoyed the activity and considered it useful and effective. Moreover, they realised the importance of cooperative learning, of responsibility and of being aware of their own learning process. Likewise, the real and authentic purpose of communication enhanced motivation among students.
Quantifying variations in shortwave aerosol–cloud–radiation interactions using local meteorology and cloud state constraints
Authors: Douglas Alyson , L'Ecuyer Tristan
Published: May 2019

Abstract. While many studies have tried to quantify the sign and the magnitude of the
warm marine cloud response to aerosol loading, both remain uncertain, owing to
the multitude of factors that modulate microphysical and thermodynamic
processes within the cloud. Constraining aerosol–cloud interactions using the
local meteorology and cloud liquid water may offer a way to account for
covarying influences, potentially increasing our confidence in observational
estimates of warm cloud indirect effects. A total of 4 years of collocated satellite
observations from the NASA A-Train constellation, combined with reanalysis
from MERRA-2, are used to partition marine warm clouds into regimes based on
stability, the free atmospheric relative humidity, and liquid water path.
Organizing the sizable number of satellite observations into regimes is shown
to minimize the covariance between the environment or liquid water path and
the indirect effect. Controlling for local meteorology and cloud state
mitigates artificial signals and reveals substantial variance in both the
sign and magnitude of the cloud radiative response, including regions where
clouds become systematically darker with increased aerosol concentration in
dry, unstable environments. A darkening effect is evident even under the most
stringent of constraints. These results suggest it is not meaningful to
report a single global sensitivity of cloud radiative effect to aerosol. To
the contrary, we find the sensitivity can range from −0.46 to
0.11 Wm−2 ln(AI)−1 regionally.
Effects of stabilized Criegee Intermediates (sCI) on the sulfate formation: A case study during summertime in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH), China
Authors: Liu Lang , Bei Naifang , Wu Jiarui , Liu Suixin , Zhou Jiamao , Li Xia , Yang Qingchuan , Feng Tian , Cao Junji , Tie Xuexi , Li Guohui
Published: May 2019

Abstract. Sulfate aerosols exert profound impacts on climate, ecosystem, visibility, and public health, but the sulfate formation pathway remains elusive. In the present study, a source-oriented WRF-Chem model is applied to simulate a persistent air pollution episode from 04 to 15 July 2015 in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH), China to study contributions of four pathways to the sulfate formation. When comparing simulations to measurements in BTH, the index of agreement (IOA) of meteorological parameters, air pollutants and aerosol species generally exceeds 0.6. On average in BTH, the heterogeneous reaction of SO2 involving aerosol water and the SO2 oxidation by OH constitutes the two most important sulfate sources, with a contribution of about 35 %–38 % and 33 %–36 % respectively. The primary emission accounts for around 22 %–24 % of sulfate concentrations due to high SO2 emissions. The SO2 oxidation by stabilized Criegee Intermediates (sCI) also plays an appreciable role in the sulfate formation, with a contribution of around 9 % when an upper limit of the reaction rate constant of sCI with SO2 (κsCI + SO2 = 3.9 × 10−11 cm3 s−1) and a lower limit of the reaction rate constant of sCI with H2O (κsCI + H2O = 1.97 × 10−18 cm3 s−1) are used. Sensitivity studies reveal that there still exist large uncertainties in the sulfate contribution of the SO2 oxidation by sCI. The sulfate contribution of the reaction is decreased to less than 3 % when κsCI + SO2 is decreased to 6.0 × 10−13 cm3 s−1. Furthermore, when κsCI + H2O is increased to 2.38 × 10−15 cm3 s−1 based on the reported ratio of κsCI + SO2 to κsCI + H2O (6.1 × 10−5), the sulfate contribution becomes insignificant, less than 2%. Further studies need to be conducted to better determine κsCI + SO2 and κsCI + H2O to evaluate effects of the sCI chemistry on the sulfate formation.
Tidal and seasonal forcing of dissolved nutrient fluxes in reef communities
Authors: Gruber Renee K. , Lowe Ryan J. , Falter James L.
Published: May 2019

Abstract. Benthic fluxes of dissolved nutrients in reef communities
are controlled by oceanographic forcing, including local hydrodynamics and
seasonal changes in oceanic nutrient supply. Up to a third of reefs
worldwide can be characterized as having circulation that is predominantly
tidally forced, yet almost all previous research on reef nutrient fluxes has
focused on systems with wave-driven circulation. Fluxes of dissolved
nitrogen and phosphorus were measured on a strongly tide-dominated reef
platform with a spring tidal range exceeding 8 m. Nutrient fluxes were
estimated using a one-dimensional control volume approach, combining flow
measurements with modified Eulerian sampling of waters traversing the reef.
Measured fluxes were compared to theoretical mass-transfer-limited uptake
rates derived from flow speeds. Reef communities released 2.3 mmol m−2 d−1 of nitrate, potentially derived from the remineralization of
phytoplankton and dissolved organic nitrogen. Nutrient concentrations and
flow speeds varied between the major benthic communities (coral reef and
seagrass), resulting in spatial variability in estimated nitrate uptake
rates. Rapid changes in flow speed and water depth are key characteristics
of tide-dominated reefs, which caused mass-transfer-limited nutrient uptake
rates to vary by an order of magnitude on timescales of ∼ minutes–hours. Seasonal nutrient supply was also a strong control on reef
mass-transfer-limited uptake rates, and increases in offshore dissolved
inorganic nitrogen concentrations during the wet season caused an estimated
twofold increase in uptake.
Multi-model approach to quantify groundwater-level prediction uncertainty using an ensemble of global climate models and multiple abstraction scenarios
Authors: Mustafa Syed M. Touhidul , Hasan M. Moudud , Saha Ajoy Kumar , Rannu Rahena Parvin , Van Uytven Els , Willems Patrick , Huysmans Marijke
Published: May 2019

Abstract. Worldwide, groundwater resources are under a constant threat of
overexploitation and pollution due to anthropogenic and climatic pressures.
For sustainable management and policy making a reliable prediction of
groundwater levels for different future scenarios is necessary. Uncertainties
are present in these groundwater-level predictions and originate from
greenhouse gas scenarios, climate models, conceptual hydro(geo)logical models
(CHMs) and groundwater abstraction scenarios. The aim of this study is to
quantify the individual uncertainty contributions using an ensemble of 2
greenhouse gas scenarios (representative concentration pathways 4.5 and 8.5),
22 global climate models, 15 alternative CHMs and 5 groundwater abstraction
scenarios. This multi-model ensemble approach was applied to a drought-prone
study area in Bangladesh. Findings of this study, firstly, point to the
strong dependence of the groundwater levels on the CHMs considered. All
groundwater abstraction scenarios showed a significant decrease in
groundwater levels. If the current groundwater abstraction trend continues,
the groundwater level is predicted to decline about 5 to 6 times faster for
the future period 2026–2047 compared to the baseline period (1985–2006).
Even with a 30 % lower groundwater abstraction rate, the mean monthly
groundwater level would decrease by up to 14 m in the southwestern part of
the study area. The groundwater abstraction in the northwestern part of
Bangladesh has to decrease by 60 % of the current abstraction to ensure
sustainable use of groundwater. Finally, the difference in abstraction
scenarios was identified as the dominant uncertainty source. CHM uncertainty
contributed about 23 % of total uncertainty. The alternative CHM
uncertainty contribution is higher than the recharge scenario uncertainty
contribution, including the greenhouse gas scenario and climate model
uncertainty contributions. It is recommended that future groundwater-level
prediction studies should use multi-model and multiple climate and
abstraction scenarios.
Time-lapse gravity and levelling surveys reveal mass loss and ongoing subsidence in the urban subrosion-prone area of Bad Frankenhausen, Germany
Authors: Kobe Martin , Gabriel Gerald , Weise Adelheid , Vogel Detlef
Published: May 2019

Abstract. We present results of
sophisticated, high-precision time-lapse gravity monitoring that was
conducted over 4 years in Bad Frankenhausen (Germany). To our knowledge, this
is the first successful attempt to monitor subrosion-induced mass changes in
urban areas with repeated gravimetry. The method provides an approach to
estimate the mass of dissolved rocks in the subsurface. Subrosion, i.e. leaching and transfer of soluble rocks, occurs worldwide.
Mainly in urban areas, any resulting ground subsidence can cause severe
damage, especially if catastrophic events, i.e. collapse sinkholes, occur.
Monitoring strategies typically make use of established geodetic methods,
such as levelling, and therefore focus on the associated deformation
processes. In this study, we combine levelling and highly precise time-lapse gravity
observations. Our investigation area is the urban area of Bad Frankenhausen
in central Germany, which is prone to subrosion, as many
subsidence and sinkhole features on the surface reveal. The city and the
surrounding areas are underlain by soluble Permian deposits, which are
continuously dissolved by meteoric water and groundwater in a strongly
fractured environment. Between 2014 and 2018, a total of 17 high-precision
time-lapse gravimetry and 18 levelling campaigns were carried out in
quarterly intervals within a local monitoring network. This network covers
historical sinkhole areas but also areas that are considered to be stable.
Our results reveal ongoing subsidence of up to 30.4 mm a−1
locally, with distinct spatiotemporal variations. Furthermore, we observe a
significant time-variable gravity decrease on the order of 8 µGal
over 4 years at several measurement points. In the processing workflow, after the application of all required corrections
and least squares adjustment to our gravity observations, a significant
effect of varying soil water content on the adjusted gravity differences was
figured out. Therefore, we place special focus on the correlation of these
observations and the correction of the adjusted gravity differences for soil
water variations using the Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS) Noah model to separate
these effects from subrosion-induced gravity changes. Our investigations demonstrate the feasibility of high-precision time-lapse
gravity monitoring in urban areas for sinkhole investigations. Although the
observed rates of gravity decrease of
1–2 µGal a−1 are small, we suggest that it is significantly
associated with subterranean mass loss due to subrosion processes. We discuss
limitations and implications of our approach, as well as give a first
quantitative estimation of mass transfer at different depths and for
different densities of dissolved rocks.
Experimental grain growth of quartz aggregates under wet conditions and its application to deformation in nature
Authors: Fukuda Junichi , Raimbourg Hugues , Shimizu Ichiko , Neufeld Kai , Stünitz Holger
Published: May 2019

Abstract. Grain growth of quartz was investigated using two quartz samples
(powder and novaculite) with water under pressure and temperature
conditions of 1.0–2.5 GPa and 800–1100 ∘C. The compacted powder
preserved a substantial porosity, which caused a slower grain growth than in
the novaculite. We assumed a grain growth law of
dn-d0n=k0fH2Orexp⁡(-Q/RT)t
with grain size d (µm) at time t (seconds), initial grain size
d0 (µm), growth exponent n, a constant k0 (µmn MPa−r s−1), water fugacity
fH2O (MPa) with the exponent r,
activation energy Q (kJ mol−1),
gas constant R, and temperature T in
Kelvin. The parameters we obtained were n=2.5±0.4, k0=10-8.8±1.4, r=2.3±0.3, and Q=48±34 for the powder and n=2.9±0.4, k0=10-5.8±2.0, r=1.9±0.3, and Q=60±49 for the novaculite. The grain growth parameters obtained for
the powder may be of limited use because of the high porosity of the powder
with respect to crystalline rocks (novaculite), even if the differences
between powder and novaculite vanish when grain sizes reach ∼70 µm. Extrapolation of the grain growth laws to natural conditions
indicates that the contribution of grain growth to plastic deformation in the
middle crust may be small. However, grain growth might become important for
deformation in the lower crust when the strain rate is < 10−12 s−1.
Post-Glacial Radiocarbon Ages for the Southern Cordilleran Ice Sheet
Authors: Gombiner Joel
Published: May 2019

The Pleistocene Cordilleran Ice Sheet (CIS) formed over mountainous terrain in northwestern North America, and last reached a maximum extent around 15 to 17 ka BP. Following this maximum, the ice sheet began to diminish in size. Retreat was rapid in some sectors, but was punctuated by still-stands and readvances in other sectors. Geochronology of CIS retreat is key for understanding the pace and style of this deglaciation, and for testing hypothesized feedbacks between the changing ice sheet and the ocean, atmosphere, and solid earth. One method of reconstructing ice sheet retreat relies on radiocarbon ages of immediate post-glacial organic material. Such ages are minima for deglaciation and are often utilized to infer the timing of ice sheet retreat. This paper describes a database of post-glacial radiocarbon dates on non-marine carbon for the region from 47° to 52°N that was once covered by the southern CIS. The data were collected from published literature. Each entry includes name, lab ID, location, elevation, the material dated, its stratigraphic context, the event dated, additional details, and a reference to the original data. This information is useful for validating numerical models of the CIS, for connecting CIS evolution to climate change, and for reconstructing late Pleistocene environments of the Pacific Northwest.
VERTICALIZAÇÃO URBANA: UM QUANTITATIVO DE EDIFICAÇÕES VERTICAIS NA RUA DO COMÉRCIO EM IJUÍ - RS
Authors: Dorn de Oliveira Tarcisio , Neumann Marcio André , Gemelli Wieczorek Lucas
Published: May 2019

A verticalização urbana constitui-se da apropriação do solo urbano, o qual representa mudanças sociais e econômicas, principalmente pelo déficit de moradia, sendo assim um marco revolucionário para paisagem urbana e um símbolo de modernidade. A partir da verticalização sem planejamento nas cidades, podem emergir consequências como geração de sombras, acarretando um aumento de umidade gerando assim problemas relacionados à saúde. As primeiras cidades onde ocorreu o processo de verticalização no Brasil foi São Paulo e Rio de Janeiro na década de 1920, sendo o primeiro edifício construído em 1912 na cidade de São Paulo, sendo este um edifício de escritórios e estabelecimentos comerciais e em 1925 foi o primeiro voltado para habitação. A metodologia utilizada para a elaboração deste artigo foi inicialmente uma revisão bibliográfica e posteriormente um estudo de caso com uma pesquisa quantitativa de prédios verticais localizados na Rua do Comércio em Ijuí, tendo com resultado as vantagens em se investir em edifícios verticais para o crescimento do município.
USO DA BIOMASSA DE ALGAS COMO BIOSSORVENTE PARA REMOÇÃO DE METAIS PESADOS: UMA REVISÃO
Authors: Bugs Leila Cristina , Cuperitini Patrícia Mara , Wolf Taís Carla , Treichel Helen
Published: May 2019

Neste trabalho busca-se realizar uma revisão bibliográfica referente aos processos de biossorção para remoção de metais pesados utilizando a biomassa de algas como biossorvente. Para tanto, inicialmente, faz-se uma análise sobre os tipos de algas, seguida da descrição dos principais processos utilizados para a produção do biossorvente e do processo de biossorção. E, por fim, são apresentados diversos resultados que são referência para esse estudo e que representam as melhores condições de operação da coluna de adsorção, além da eficiência do processo. Com base nestes resultados, pôde-se concluir que o uso de algas no processo de adsorção de metais pesados é eficiente e inovador, entretanto, seu uso apresenta algumas limitações, que devem ser analisadas para proporcionar a melhor condição de operação.
PROPOSTA DE INTEGRAÇÃO DA MOBILIDADE CICLOVIÁRIA DO NOVO CAMPUS UNIVERSITÁRIO FEDERAL DA UFABC, SÃO BERNARDO DO CAMPO (SP)
Authors: Barbosa Maria Teresa Gomes , Medina Mara Bastos , Castañon José Alberto
Published: May 2019

As bicicletas são ideais para realizar viagens de curtas e medias distâncias e se apresentam como proposta que colabora com a mobilidade sustentável resultando em benefícios para meio ambiente e para os usuários. Considerando que as universidades são polo gerador de pesquisas e inovações, estas tendem a impulsionar o uso dos modos de transportes ativos, implantando infraestrutura adequada e adotando políticas de incentivo ao uso dos transportes não motorizados entre seu público. Este trabalho objetiva investigar as dificuldades e facilidades do emprego desse meio de transporte através da análise da infraestrutura cicloviária do campus da UFABC e sua relação com a malha viária dos bairros adjacentes. Para tanto, empregaram-se as ferramentas computacionais Google Street View e Google Earth no estudo da elaboração de proposta de implementação de uma malha cicloviária no entorno deste estudo de caso possibilitando a sugestão de rotas de viagens mais adequadas aos usuários. Como resultado este trabalho pretende contribuir para a solução de problemas de congestionamento, poluição do ar e ocupação do solo quando são destinadas grandes áreas reservadas a vagas de estacionamento para veículos automotores.