bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient Semi-Lagrangian Vlasov-Maxwell Simulations of High Order Harmonic Generation from Relativistic Laser-Plasma Interactions
Authors: Lehmann Götz
Published: August 2016

We describe a relativistic semi-Lagrangian scheme for the numerical solution of the relativistic Vlasov-Maxwell system. The implementation strategy on a modern non-unified memory access (NUMA) architecture using the OpenMP framework is discussed. We demonstrated that close to perfect scaling can be obtained on modern many-core, multi-socket systems. Application of this code to the problem of relativistic generation of high-harmonic laser radiation is demonstrated. The results are compared to particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations, indicating in particular that for warm plasma the Vlasov simulation is superior. We discuss the impact of plasma temperature on the radiation spectrum and show that the efficiency of harmonic generation depends on the plasma temperature.
Protecting Our Elderly Patients from Adverse Drug Reactions
Authors: Brown Glen
Published: August 2016

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Inadvertent Overdose of Low-Molecular- Weight Heparin in an Elderly Patient with Deep Vein Thrombosis and Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Al Saleh Abdullah S , Anderson David
Published: August 2016

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Identification of Patients Eligible for IV-to-PO Conversion: A Cost-Minimization Study
Authors: Mok Merisa , Kinkade Angus , Tung Anthony , Tejani Aaron M
Published: August 2016

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Регулярный рост различных характеристик целых функций нулевого порядка
Authors: Zabolotskii N V , Kostjuk Oksana Vladimirovna
Published: August 2016

Исследуется связь между сильно регулярным ростом целой функции $f$
нулевого порядка, существованием угловой плотности ее нулей,
поведением коэффициентов Фурье логарифма $f$,
регулярным ростом логарифма модуля и аргумента $f$
в $L^{p}[0,2\pi]$-метрике, $p\geqslant1$.
Библиография: 15 названий.
Инвариантность порядка и типа последовательности операторов
Authors: Mishin Sergei Nikolaevich
Published: August 2016

В работе доказано свойство инвариантности характеристик
(порядка и типа) оператора и последовательности операторов
относительно топологического изоморфизма. Эти характеристики дают
точные верхние и нижние оценки выражений $\|A_n(x)\|_p$
и позволяют ставить и решать задачи теории операторов
в локально выпуклых пространствах в общей постановке.
Примерами таких задач являются задача о полноте значений
вектор-функции в локально выпуклом пространстве;
задача о структуре подпространства, инвариантного относительно
оператора $A$; задача о применимости операторного ряда
к локально выпуклому пространству;
теория голоморфных операторнозначных функций; теория операторных
и дифференциально-операторных уравнений
в ненормируемых пространствах и т.п. Однако прямое вычисление
характеристик операторов (последовательностей операторов)
непосредственно по определению в пространствах
с более сложной структурой, чем счетно-нормируемые,
практически нереализуемо из-за отсутствия явного вида полунорм
или их сложной структуры. Рассмотренный метод позволяет
путем перехода к сопряженному пространству находить характеристики
операторов и последовательностей операторов, минуя определение,
и дает возможность получать оценки для выражений $\|A_n(x)\|_p$
даже если явный вид полунорм не известен.
Библиография 30 названий.
О точках совпадения многозначных векторных отображений метрических пространств
Authors: Zhukovskiy Evgeny Semenovich
Published: August 2016

Понятие метрической регулярности распространяется
на многозначные отображения, действующие в произведениях
метрических пространств. Доказан векторный аналог
теоремы А. В. Арутюнова о точках совпадения
двух многозначных отображений. Получены утверждения о существовании
и оценках решений систем включений специального вида,
возникающих в задаче о кратных неподвижных точках.
Из этих результатов следуют, в частности, известные теоремы
о двойных точках.
Библиография 17 названий.
Знакоопределенность решения неоднородного уравнения смешанного эллиптико-гиперболического типа высокого порядка
Authors: Sabitov Kamil Basirovich
Published: August 2016

Для неоднородного уравнения смешанного эллиптико-гиперболического типа высокого порядка
установлена знакоопределенность решения в зависимости
от знака правой части.
Библиография: 15 названий.
Смешанный обобщенный модуль гладкости и приближение "углом" из тригонометрических полиномов
Authors: Runovskii Konstantin Vsevolodovich , Omel'chenko Natal'ya Viktorovna
Published: August 2016

Введено понятие общего смешанного модуля гладкости
в пространствах $L_p$ периодических функций нескольких переменных.
Предлагаемая конструкция является, с одной стороны,
естественным обобщением введенного в работе первого автора
общего модуля гладкости в одномерном случае, в котором коэффициенты
при значениях данной функции в узлах равномерной решетки суть
коэффициенты Фурье некоторой $2\pi$-периодической функции,
названной генератором модуля, а с другой - обобщением
классических смешанных модулей гладкости и смешанных модулей
произвольных положительных порядков.
Для введенного модуля в случае $1 \leqslant p \leqslant +\infty$
доказаны прямая и обратная теоремы о приближении "углом"
из тригонометрических полиномов. Известные ранее оценки такого типа
получены в качестве прямых следствий общих результатов,
построены новые смешанные модули,
а также дано универсальное структурное описание классов функций,
наилучшие приближения "углом" которых имеют определенный порядок
стремления к нулю.
Библиография 15 названий.
Квантильная функция нечетко-случайной величины и выражения для ожиданий
Authors: Shvedov Alexei Sergeevich
Published: August 2016

В работе рассматривается квантильная функция
нечетко-случайной величины. Получены
выражения для некоторых ожиданий, связанных
с нечетко-случайными величинами,
через интегралы от квантильных функций.
Библиография: 7 названий.
Гармонические преобразования полного риманова многообразия
Authors: Stepanov Sergey Evgenevich , Tsyganok Irina Ivanovna
Published: August 2016

Доказывается ряд теорем исчезновения для гармонических
и инфинитезимальных гармонических преобразований полных
римановых многообразий. При доказательстве используются
известные лиувиллевы теоремы о субгармонических функциях
на полных некомпактных римановых многообразиях.
Библиография: 30 названий.
Integrating Genomic Resources with Electronic Health Records using the HL7 Infobutton Standard
Authors: Overby Casey , Del Fiol Guilherme , Rubinstein Wendy , Maglott Donna , Nelson Tristan , Milosavljevic Aleksandar , Martin Christa , Goehringer Scott , Freimuth Robert , Williams Marc , Heale Bret
Published: August 2016

The Clinical Genome Resource (ClinGen) Electronic Health Record (EHR) Workgroup aims to integrate ClinGen resources with EHRs. A promising option to enable this integration is through the Health Level Seven (HL7) Infobutton Standard. EHR systems that are certified according to the US Meaningful Use program provide HL7-compliant infobutton capabilities, which can be leveraged to support clinical decision-making in genomics.

To integrate genomic knowledge resources using the HL7 infobutton standard. Two tactics to achieve this objective were: (1) creating an HL7-compliant search interface for ClinGen, and (2) proposing guidance for genomic resources on achieving HL7 Infobutton standard accessibility and compliance.

We built a search interface utilizing OpenInfobutton, an open source reference implementation of the HL7 Infobutton standard. ClinGen resources were assessed for readiness towards HL7 compliance. Finally, based upon our experiences we provide recommendations for publishers seeking to achieve HL7 compliance.

Eight genomic resources and two sub-resources were integrated with the ClinGen search engine via OpenInfobutton and the HL7 infobutton standard. Resources we assessed have varying levels of readiness towards HL7-compliance. Furthermore, we found that adoption of standard terminologies used by EHR systems is the main gap to achieve compliance.

Genomic resources can be integrated with EHR systems via the HL7 Infobutton standard using OpenInfobutton. Full compliance of genomic resources with the Infobutton standard would further enhance interoperability with EHR systems.

Citation: Heale BSE, Overby CL, Del Fiol G, Rubinstein WS, Maglott DR, Nelson TH, Milosavljevic A, Martin CL, Goehringer SR, Freimuth RR, Williams MS. Integrating genomic resources with electronic health records using the HL7 Infobutton standard.
Post-Human Families? Dog-Human Relations in the Domestic Sphere
Authors: Charles Nickie
Published: August 2016

In this article I explore the ways in which dogs and other companion species become family members and engage with the argument that this indicates the emergence of post-human families. Using empirical data from responses to a Mass Observation directive on Animals and Humans and in-depth interviews with people who share their homes with companion animals, I explore the ways in which humans and dogs live with each other and the ‘daily practices of kinship’ which constitute them as kin. I argue that practices of kinship blur the species barrier but that human-dog relations take place in the context of unequal power relations which are an inevitable consequence of dogs’ incorporation into families as dependents. I conclude that while it may be possible to identify post-human practices in multi-species households, they exist alongside practices which reinforce the human-animal boundary and that, given the unequal relations of entanglement within which humans and animals interact, attempts to identify empirically a post-human family seem problematic. What can be said, however, is that a post-human approach to kinship practices highlights the porousness of the category human and alerts us both to the deep connections between humans and other animals and to the profoundly unequal ways in which animals are incorporated into social relations with humans.
Contesting and Resisting Environmental Gentrification: Responses to New Paradoxes and Challenges for Urban Environmental Justice
Authors: Pearsall Hamil , Anguelovski Isabelle
Published: August 2016

This paper analyzes environmental gentrification (EG), or the exclusion, marginalization, and displacement of long-term residents associated with sustainability planning or green developments and amenities, such as smart growth, public park renovations, and healthy food stores. We consider how activists, communities, and urban planners address these unjust processes and outcomes associated with EG and how these strategies compare to those used by environmental justice (EJ) activists. Our evaluation of relevant literature indicates several similarities with EJ resistance tactics, including collective neighborhood action, community organizing, and direct tactics. We also identify several different strategies enabled by certain urban environmental conditions, such as leveraging environmental policies and taking an active role in neighborhood redevelopment planning processes, collaborating with ‘gentrifiers,’ and creating complementary policies to manage displacement and exclusion. Our analysis indicates a need for more research on how activists can better assert the social and political dimensions of sustainability and their right to the city, and how green and sustainable cities can achieve justice and equity.
Field-of-view characteristics and resolution matching for the Global
Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Microwave Imager (GMI)
Authors: Petty Grant W. , Bennartz Ralf
Published: August 2016

Abstract. Representative parameters of the scan geometry are empirically determined for the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Microwave Imager (GMI). Effective fields-of-view (EFOVs) are computed for the GMI's 13 channels taking into account the blurring effect of the measurement interval on the instantaneous fields-of-view (IFOVs). Using a Backus-Gilbert procedure, coefficients are derived that yield an approximate spatial match between synthetic EFOVs of different channels, using the 18.7 GHz channels as a target and with due consideration of the tradeoff between the quality of the fit and noise amplification and edge effects. Modest improvement in resolution is achieved in for the 10.65 GHz channels, albeit with slight "ringing" in the vicinity of coastlines and other sharp brightness temperature gradients. For all other channels, resolution is coarsened to approximate the 18.7 EFOV.
Application of oxygen A-band equivalent width to disambiguate downwelling
radiances for cloud optical depth measurement
Authors: Niple Edward R. , Scott Herman E. , Conant John A. , Jones Stephen H. , Iannarilli Frank J. , Pereira Wellesley E.
Published: August 2016

Abstract. This paper presents the three-waveband spectrally agile technique (TWST) for measuring cloud optical depth (COD). TWST is a portable field-proven sensor and retrieval method offering a unique combination of fast (1 Hz) cloud-resolving (0.5° field of view) real-time-reported COD measurements. It entails ground-based measurement of visible and near-infrared (VNIR) zenith spectral radiances much like the Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) cloud-mode sensors. What is novel in our approach is that we employ absorption in the oxygen A-band as a means of resolving the COD ambiguity inherent in using up-looking spectral radiances. We describe the TWST sensor and algorithm, and assess their merits by comparison to AERONET cloud-mode measurements collected during the US Department of Energy's Atmospheric Radiation Measurements (ARM) Two-Column Aerosol Project (TCAP). Spectral radiance agreement was better than 1 %, while a linear fit of COD yielded a slope of 0.905 (TWST reporting higher COD) and offset of −2.1.
Modified ion-Weibel instability as a possible source of wave activity at Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko
Authors: Meier Patrick , Glassmeier Karl-Heinz , Motschmann Uwe
Published: August 2016

Abstract. We analytically discuss wave excitation in a homogeneous three component plasma consisting of solar wind protons, electrons and a beam of cometary water ions applied to the plasma environment of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko. The resulting dispersion relations are studied in a solar wind rest frame, where a cometary current is solely generated by the water ion beam, and a cometary rest frame representing the rest frame of the Rosetta spacecraft. A modified ion-Weibel instability is excited by the cometary current and predominantly grows perpendicular to this current. The corresponding water ion mode is connected to a frequency of about 40 mHz in agreement with wave measurements of Rosetta's magnetometer in the cometary rest frame. Furthermore, the superposition of the strongest growing waves result in a fan-like phase structure close to the comet.
How many measurements are needed to estimate accurate daily and annual soil respiration fluxes? Analysis using data from a temperate rainforest
Authors: Perez-Quezada Jorge F. , Brito Carla E. , Cabezas Julián , Galleguillos Mauricio , Fuentes Juan P. , Bown Horacio E. , Franck Nicolás
Published: August 2016

Abstract. Making accurate estimations of daily and annual Rs fluxes is key for understanding the carbon cycle process and projecting effects of climate change. In this study we used high-frequency sampling (24-measurements per day) of Rs in a temperate rainforest during one year, with the objective of answering the questions of when and how often measurements should be made to obtain accurate estimations of daily and annual Rs. In this aim, we randomly selected data to simulate samplings of 1, 2, 4 or 6 measurements per day (distributed either during the whole day or only during daytime) combined with 4, 6, 12, 26 or 52 measurements per year. Based on the comparison of partial-data series with the full-data series, we estimated the performance of different partial sampling strategies based on bias, precision and accuracy. In the case of annual Rs estimation, we compared the performance of interpolation vs. using non-linear modelling based on soil temperature. The results show that, under our study conditions, sampling twice a day was enough to accurately estimate daily Rs (RMSE
A year in the life of a central California kelp forest: physical and
biological insights into biogeochemical variability
Authors: Koweek David A. , Nickols Kerry J. , Leary Paul R. , Litvin Steve Y. , Bell Tom W. , Luthin Timothy , Lummis Sarah , Mucciarone David A. , Dunbar Robert B.
Published: August 2016

Abstract. Kelp forests are among the world's most productive marine ecosystems, yet little is known about their biogeochemistry. This study presents a fourteen-month time series (July 2013–August 2014) of surface and benthic dissolved inorganic carbon and total alkalinity measurements, along with accompanying hydrographic measurements, from six locations within a central California kelp forest. We present ranges and patterns of variability in carbonate chemistry, including pH (7.70–8.33), pCO2 (172–952 µatm), and the aragonite saturation state, ΩAr (0.94–3.91). Surface-to-bottom gradients in CO2 system chemistry were as large as the spatial gradients throughout the bottom of the kelp forest. Dissolved inorganic carbon variability was the main driver of the observed CO2 system variability. The majority of spatial variability in the kelp forest can be explained by advection of cold, dense high CO2 waters into the bottom of the kelp forest, with deeper sites experiencing high CO2 conditions more frequently. Despite the strong imprint of advection on the biogeochemical variability of the kelp forest, surface waters were undersaturated with CO2 in the spring through fall, indicative of the strong role of photosynthesis on biogeochemical variability. We emphasize the importance of spatially distributed measurements for developing a process-based understanding of kelp forest ecosystem function in a changing climate.
Minimal change of thermal continentality in Slovakia within the period
1961–2013
Authors: Vilček Jozef , Škvarenina Jaroslav , Vido Jaroslav , Nalevanková Paulína , Kandrík Radoslav , Škvareninová Jana
Published: August 2016

Abstract. Thermal continentality plays an important role not only in the basic characterisation of the climate in particular regions but also in the phytogeographic distribution of plants and ecosystem formation. Due to ongoing climate change, questions surrounding the changes of thermal continentality are very relevant. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the characteristics of thermal continentality and its temporal changes in the Slovak Republic between the years of 1961 and 2013. The study was carried out on several meteorological stations selected in respect to the geographical and geomorphological heterogeneity of Slovakia. Our results show that the continentality of Slovakia increased in the period 1961 to 2013; however, this trend is not significant. These non-significant trends are confirmed at all the stations. Nevertheless, it is necessary to be aware of this signal, especially because these changes could cause changes in ecosystem formation in future.
Socio-hydrologic perspectives of the co-evolution of humans and ground water in Cangzhou, North China Plain
Authors: Han Songjun , Tian Fuqiang , Liu Ye , Duan Xianhui
Published: August 2016

Abstract. This paper presents a historical analysis of the coupled human–groundwater system centered on the Cangzhou region in North China Plain, from the socio-hydrologic perspectives. The history of the co-evolution of the system is divided into five eras (i.e., natural, exploitation, degradation and restoration, drought triggered deterioration, and getting back to balance). The balance of the social productive force and natural variability dominate the evolution of the human–groundwater system in Cangzhou, which has been interpreted in terms of the Taiji-Tire model. The interaction between the groundwater utilization and the water table are regarded as the inner Taiji, with the over-exploitation as the major reason for the groundwater depletion, and the groundwater utilization pattern affected by the changing groundwater table. The external drivers of the co-evolution of the human-groundwater system in Cangzhou were specified as the social productive force and natural variability, which represents the outer Tire. An upgrading of the social productive force, which was triggered by the drought during 1997–2002, enhanced the ability to rebalance the human-groundwater system in Cangzhou, and increased the ability to mitigation climate variability. In the future, along with the launch of most strict water resource management strategy and the South-to-North Water Diversion Project, further restoration of groundwater environment could be anticipated. However, the occurrence of drought, as an external environment forcing, still remains an undetermined variable.
Recent geodetic mass balance of Monte Tronador glaciers, North Patagonian Andes
Authors: Ruiz Lucas , Berthier Etienne , Viale Maximiliano , Pitte Pierre , Masiokas Mariano
Published: August 2016

Abstract. Glaciers in the North Patagonian Andes (35°–46° S) have shown a dramatic area decline in the last decades. However, little it is known about glacier mass balance changes in this region. This study presents a geodetic mass balance estimate of Monte Tronador (41.15° S; 71.88° W) glaciers by comparing a Pléiades DEM acquired in 2012 with the SRTM X-band DEM acquired in 2000. We find a slightly negative Monte Tronador-wide mass budget of −0.17 m w.e. a-1 (range from −0.54 to 0.14 m w.e. a-1 for individual glaciers) and a slightly negative trend in glacier extent (−0.098 km2 a-1) over the 2000–2012 period. With few exceptions, debris covered valley glaciers that descend below a bedrock cliff are losing mass at higher rates, while mountain glaciers whose termini are located above this cliff are closer to mass equilibrium. Climate variations over the last decades show a notable increase in warm season temperatures in the late 1970s but limited warming afterward. These warmer conditions combined with an overall drying trend may explain the moderate ice mass loss observed at Monte Tronador. The almost balanced mass budget of mountain glaciers suggests that they are probably approaching a dynamic equilibrium with current (post-1977) climate, whereas the valley glaciers tongues will continue to retreat. The slightly negative overall mass budget of Monte Tronador glaciers contrasts with the highly negative mass balance estimates observed in the Patagonian Icefields further south.
New Wella Salon: Exploring Growth Opportunities (A)
Authors: Nisar Nabeel , Sattar Muhammad Muzamil , Memon Ubedullah , Raza Ali
Published: August 2016

This case discusses about the dilemma faced by a famous barber Mr. Fayaz, who has been refused by his loyal customers to get their services from him at the age of 55 years. The incident has taken him to think seriously about his future as a barber and the future of his sons, who share the same profession with him. Over the years, his son Meer has changed the image of the salon from a traditional salon into a trendier and sophisticated salon keeping in mind the changing mind set of consumer and services provided by leading salons of Pakistan. At a brainstorming session, Mr. Fayaz & Meer are trying to address three difficult questions: Was it just an incident and could it be ignorable? What future growth options are available to sustain our position? Would closing the business and investing in some other business be a viable option?
Perspectives on palatalization
Authors: Krämer Martin , Urek Olga
Published: August 2016

In this article we provide a discussion of the definition of palatalization as a ­phonological ­phenomenon, its crosslinguistic variation, phonetic or functional grounding and phonetic (un)naturalness of palatalization, and theoretical approaches to palatalization patterns. After ­providing this background to the collection of articles in this special issue of Glossa we will give an overview of the contributions collected here.
O PENSAMENTO DE JACQUES DERRIDA E SUA RECEPÇÃO NO SEIO DOS ESTUDOS JURÍDICOS: UMA ANÁLISE CRÍTICA
Authors: Magalhães José Antonio Rego , Magalhães Juliana Neuenschwander
Published: August 2016

Este artigo trata da recepção do pensamento de Jacques Derrida, conhecido sob o título de desconstrução, no seio dos estudos jurídicos. Como a recepção de Derrida nesse âmbito se deu, principalmente, na academia de língua inglesa, é por meio da discussão de uma seleção de autores de destaque nessa tradição que o presente artigo se desenvolve. Partimos da desconstrução como forma de leitura e escrita, questionando porém a possibilidade de fazer dela um método em sentido estrito. Começamos por fazer uma introdução da noção de desconstrução. Analisamos diferentes modalidades de recepção da desconstrução nos estudos jurídicos, passando pelos Critical Legal Studies e por autores de matiz mais liberal. Ao final, observamos que essa recepção, em muitos casos, incorreu em problemas, sendo ela própria passível de desconstrução. Dado isso, concluímos que a desconstrução permanece, portanto, a apresentar-se ao campo dos estudos jurídicos como desafio à frente. Chamamos finalmente atenção ao caráter marcadamente político e ético desse desafio.
LIBERDADE DE INFORMAÇÃO E DE EXPRESSÃO: REFLEXÃO SOBRE AS BIOGRAFIAS NÃO AUTORIZADAS
Authors: Tepedino Gustavo
Published: August 2016

O artigo tem por escopo apresentar reflexão sobre a interpretação funcional dos artigos 20 e 21 do Código Civil à luz dos princípios constitucionais, com base na decisão do Supremo Tribunal Federal no julgamento da ADI 4.815/DF, que afastou a exigência de autorização prévia à publicação de biografias. Primeiramente, examina-se a linguagem empregada pelos dispositivos em comento, concluindo-se que sua interpretação literal constitui ofensa ao direito fundamental à liberdade de expressão, sobretudo a partir da concepção da privacidade como um direito bilateralmente dinâmico. Em seguida, aponta-se a inadequação da lógica patrimonial contida na norma infraconstitucional em análise, a qual se preocupa unicamente com o aproveitamento econômico de bem alheio, em detrimento da qualidade e da função informativa dos dados divulgados. Por fim, analisa-se a técnica da ponderação de princípios a ser aplicada no caso concreto e a posteriori na identificação e na repressão do dano injusto, passível de indenização.
EXPEDIENTE
Authors: Tomio Fabricio Ricardo de Limas , Lobo Judá Leão , Venturi Eliseu Raphael , Zuba Márcio Eduardo
Published: August 2016

EXPEDIENTE
Sex at a Crossroads: The Gender Politics of Racial Uplift and Afro-Caribbean Activism in Panama, 1918–32
Authors: Parker Jeffrey W.
Published: August 2016

This article explores the historical debates surrounding sexual deviancy among migrant Afro-Caribbean activists in Panama from the era of World War I until the 1930s. In addition to Panama Canal Zone records and Panamanian court records, this article utilizes a collection of West Indian newspapers published in Panama in order to trace the intersections of race, sex, labor, and class during the early twentieth century. This research highlights the central role that deviant sexuality played in articulating notions of black manliness during labor strikes on the Panama Canal led by Garveyite activists. Moreover, it highlights how Caribbean women shaped the gendered politics surrounding Pan-African activism through local courts, union halls, and newspaper columns. Their active engagement with patriarchal discourses and organizational culture influenced debates around sexual morality and racial uplift during a period of racist U.S. empire building as well as nationalistic xenophobia in Panama.
Accessing Pan-African Feminist Humanism: Unlocking the Metacolonial in the Poetry of Una Marson and Dionne Brand
Authors: Wallace Belinda Deneen
Published: August 2016

This essay places the poetry of Una Marson (Jamaica) in conversation with that of Dionne Brand (Trinidad and Tobago) in order to revisit and explore the importance of Pan-Africanism in the Caribbean imagination. More precisely, it examines the role of Pan-African feminist humanisms in Caribbean women’s poetry as a means to demonstrate how the creative can bring forth a different understanding and a rearticulation of subjectivity, discourse, belonging, and power beyond the rigid limitations imposed by Western epistemologies.
Short communication: Biochemically active humic substances in contrasting agricultural managements
Authors: Benitez Emilio , Nogales Rogelio , Doni Serena , Masciandaro Grazia , Moreno Beatriz
Published: August 2016

Because their crucial role in several soil biochemical cycles and their fast response to changes in soil management, extracellular enzymes activities are widely used as sensitive indicators of ecological change and soil quality. The aim of this work was to determine the effects of soil management on the stable pool of soil carbon cycling enzymes as indicators of essential functions. For this, extracellular β-glucosidase enzymes bounded by humic acids (C higher than 104 Da) were used to compare four long-term contrasting agricultural managements in a rainfed olive orchard representative of semi-arid Mediterranean habitats. The study was conducted for 30 years by designing a random-block of four treatments (nude vs. covered soils) and four replicates. Maintaining cover crops through fall, winter and early spring provoked a more stable and active pool of extracellular β-glucosidase in soils only if spontaneous vegetation was managed with mechanical methods. When herbicides were used during 30 years, the pattern of the molecular composition and activity of humus β-glucosidase complexes were similar in covered and nude soils, although higher activity was retrieved in the former. Tillage management increased carbon mineralization and the level of humic substances and the activity of β-glucosidase humic-bound were quite lower than in the rest of treatments. Given the ecological role of extracellular soil carbon cycling enzymes, the characterization of humus β-glucosidase complexes could be an adequate indicator of sustainability of agricultural management systems.
Short communication: Inhibitory effects of dietary aflatoxin B1 on cytokines expression and T-cell subsets in the cecal tonsil of broiler chickens
Authors: Liu Chunyu , Jiang Min , Fang Jing , Peng Xi , Cui Hengmin
Published: August 2016

Aﬂatoxin B1 (AFB1) is the most toxic form among the mycotoxins. Cytokines are important mediators of the immune system. T-cell subsets play a crucial role in cell-mediated immunity. The aim of present study was to evaluate the effects of dietary AFB1 on the cytokines expression and T-cell subsets in the cecal tonsil of broiler chickens throughout a 21-day experimental period. One hundred and fifty six one-day-old broiler chickens were randomly divided into control group (0 mg AFB1/kg feed) and AFB1 group (0.6 mg pure AFB1/kg feed). At 7, 14 and 21 days of age, the levels of seven cytokines (IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, IFN-γ and TNF-α) mRNA expression as well as the proportions of T-cell subsets (CD3+, CD3+CD4+, CD3+CD8+) by qRT-PCR and flow cytometry methods were assessed in the cecal tonsils. The levels of the seven cytokines mRNA expression and the percentages of T-cell subsets significantly decreased at 14 and 21 days of age in the AFB1 group compared with the control group. However, the CD4+/CD8+ ratio was not significantly changed. These results demonstrate that 0.6 mg/kg AFB1 dietary exposure reduced the levels of cytokines mRNA expression and the percentages of T-cell subsets in the cecal tonsils of broiler chickens, suggesting that the cell-mediated immunity of cecal tonsils might be impaired in broilers.
Integrated biovalorization of wine and olive mill by-products to produce enzymes of industrial interest and soil amendments
Authors: Reina Rocio , Ullrich René , García-Romera Inmaculada , Liers Christiane , Aranda Elisabet
Published: August 2016

An integral and affordable strategy for the simultaneous production of lignin-modifying and carbohydrate active enzymes and organic amendment, with the aid of a saprobe fungus was developed by using olive oil and wine extraction by-products. The polyporal fungus Trametes versicolor was cultivated in soy or barley media supplemented with dry olive mill residue (DOR) as well as with grape pomace and stalks (GPS) in solid state fermentation (SSF). This strategy led to a 4-fold increase in the activity of laccase, the principal enzyme produced by SFF, in DOR-soy media as compared to controls. T. versicolor managed to secrete lignin-modifying enzymes in GPS, although no stimulative effect was observed. GPS-barley media turned out to be the appropriate medium to elicit most of the carbohydrate active enzymes. The reuse of exhausted solid by-products as amendments after fermentation was also investigated. The water soluble compound polymerization profile of fermented residues was found to correlate with the effect of phytotoxic depletion. The incubation of DOR and GPS with T. versicolor not only reduced its phytotoxicity but also stimulated the plant growth. This study provides a basis for understanding the stimulation and repression of two groups of enzymes of industrial interest in the presence of different carbon and nitrogen sources from by-products, possible enzyme recovery and the final reuse as soil amendments.
Short communication: Effects of summer rainfall variations on sheep body state and farming sustainability in sub-Mediterranean pastoral systems
Authors: Scocco Paola , Piermarteri Karina , Malfatti Alessandro , Tardella Federico M. , Catorci Andrea
Published: August 2016

In sub-Mediterranean climate the grassland aboveground phytomass production peaks in late spring and drops in summer, when the decrease of the pasture feed value may lead to the worsening of the animal welfare. Our goal was to define the summer rainfall values leading to a decrease of semi-extensive farming system sustainability in sub-Mediterranean regions. Summer rainfall variations reflect in the aboveground phytomass production and on the sheep body state. Differences of body condition score (BCS) among years were significant in late summer, which is the mating period for sheep. In the driest year the BCS of end August drops down to 2.1, largely below the value considered sufficient to ensure the animal breeding/milking performances (2.5). Reduction of summer rainfall greater than 15–20% compared to the normal average value (thus less than expected by the scenario of climate change) might be detrimental for semi-extensive rearing sustainability in sub-Mediterranean climate.
Changes in productivity in the virgin olive oil sector: An application to Protected Designations of Origin in Spain
Authors: Aparicio Juan , Monge Juan F. , Ortiz Lidia , Pastor Jesus T.
Published: August 2016

Virgin olive oil is a key ingredient of the renowned Mediterranean diet. In this context, the main objective of this study was to estimate and decompose productivity change for Protected Designations of Origin (PDOs) in the Spanish virgin olive oil sector for the period 2008-2013. To this end, we introduced a Luenberger-type indicator based on a specific weighted additive model in Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), which, in contrast to previous studies, captured all sources of inefficiency and avoided infeasibilities. Regarding the results, we found a reduction in productivity, in average terms, in the first periods analyzed (-0.12 and -1.65), followed by an improvement (0.79 and 0.54), that in the last period analyzed (2012-2013), however, returned to adverse figures (-0.47). In Spain, where foreign competition is weak, the most productive PDOs were those with an important number of oil mills and packaging/marketing companies such as “Montes de Toledo” and “Siurana”; productivity changes were mainly the consequence of downwards and upwards of the frontier of the technology over time. These changes were explained, to a certain extent, by the evolution of the economic crisis; and the productivity of the sector declined, in general, from 2008 to 2010, improving thereafter except for the last registered period, 2012-2013, where expectations for market recovery exceeded actual sales.
Does empowerment matter? Perceptions of nursing leaders in Pakistan through qualitative approach
Authors: Gulzar Saleema A. , Karamaliani Rozina , Khan Kausar S. , Barolia Rubina , Rahim Shirin , Pasha Aneeta
Published: August 2016

Background: In a patriarchal society like Pakistan, where women are oppressed, women dominating professions like nursing is mostly seen as disempowered and requires considerable struggle to achieve its due recognition and respect. Aim: This study aims to explore the experiences of empowerment among the nursing leaders of Pakistan.Methods: This study uses a qualitative descriptive design. Total of twelve Pakistani Nursing leaders were interviewed using semi-structured interview guideline to explore their experiences of empowerment.Results: The study findings revealed five major categories which include: status of a nurse, nursing profession, power relationships, value-belief system, and leadership and management.Conclusions: Nurses’ empowerment is essential for enhancing the image and status of nursing profession in Pakistan. The study identified various personal and professional factors affecting nurses’ empowerment in the country and suggests various strategies, such as access to higher nursing education, development of enhanced nursing leadership competencies and understanding of power and politics of the organization, through which nurses can achieve empowerment.
The Relationship between Metacognitive Awareness Levels, Learning Styles, Genders and Mathematics Grades of Fifth Graders
Authors: Baltaci Serdal , Yildiz Avni , Özcakir Bilal
Published: August 2016

Previous studies have shown that students, who have high levels of metacognitive awareness, perform better achievement levels than other students. Besides, it can be said that learning styles may affect metacognitive awareness of students. In the literature, studies about metacognition focused on problem solving and learners’ mathematical achievement, improvement in metacognition, and supporting some learning environments with metacognition. Therefore, in this study, relationship between metacognitive differences, learning styles, genders and mathematics grades of the fifth grade students are examined. This study was designed as descriptive study and conducted by using relational screening model. The participants consist of 330 fifth grade students from public middle schools. Data collection tools of this study are “Metacognitive Awareness Scale for Children” and “Learning Styles Scale”. The data gathered through these scales were analyzed by using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) 21.0. As a result, there is no statistically significant relationship between learning styles and gender. But, there is statistically significant relationship between learning styles-mathematics grades, metacognitive awareness levels (MAL)—grade levels in mathematics, MAL-gender and MAL-learning styles. Learning styles may affect individuals’ way of thinking in every moment of the life. Thus, this result has a significant part in education. In fact, parents, teachers and administrators should know metacognitive awareness and learning styles. Thus, knowing these terms can be helpful to understand how the problematic and unsuccessful students show undesirable behaviors since those students’ learning styles and metacognitive awareness levels are not considered.
Solving the Financial Barriers of New Innovative Startups in Jordan
Authors: Siam Ahmad , Rifai Firas
Published: August 2016

In this study, the authors aimed to examine the role of the informal financial sector financing new innovative startups projects. It is popular that the formal financial sector including banking and other financial institutions always try to avoid financing new innovative startups especially in their early stages where the risk is classified as very high.

This study was based on descriptive analytical approach with reliance on statistical instruments in order to test the hypotheses of this study. Thus, 120 survey questionnaires were distributed over the study’s sample. One hundred of those questionnaires were retrieved and used for the analysis. Results revealed that there are many barriers for financing new innovative startups, and that the formal financial sector, including banking institutions, tends to avoid financing new innovative startups especially at the first phases. This study contained implications and recommendation for academics and practitioners.
The Effect of Management Policy & Process on Adopting Entrepreneurship Aspects by Jordanian Universities
Authors: Rifai Firas , Yousif Abdul Sattar H.
Published: August 2016

This paper aims at exploring the role of the university managerial systems and policies in the process of implementing the concept of entrepreneurship and innovation by Jordanian universities. A questionnaire was used as a means of data collection. Seven Jordanian universities were chosen from both governmental and private sectors and 320 questionnaires were distributed to a random sample of managerial staff of these seven universities. The resulting data was carefully viewed, audited and statistically analyzed using the most appropriate statistical tests. The outcomes and results of the statistical analysis clearly indicated that the three independent variables (i.e. The university managerial process related to conducting the entrepreneurial concept implementation problems and obstacles, the university general managerial and financial policies and managerial staff awareness of entrepreneurial aspects) had a positive impact on both dependent variables individually and collectively (i.e. university expansion and the consolidation of university competitive advantage).
Innovation Management in South Africa: An Inquiry
Authors: Herbst Derrick , Barnard Brian
Published: August 2016

The study assesses innovation management in South African organizations, through semi-structured interviews. Some of the key attributes of innovation considered, include a) value proposition, b) organizational context, c) innovation process and management. Based on the interviews, some of the greatest challenges the organizations face are a) risk mitigation and management, b) innovation project evaluation and appraisal, as well as c) innovation process standardization and improvement. The conclusion is that innovation and innovation management still contain residual ambiguity. Still, there is always room at the top—organizations can still actively build their innovation competencies, from a range of dimensions, ranging from culture to process. No reason can be found why innovation can not be turned on itself—innovating innovation as organizational activity and competency.
A New Revenue Management Framework for Hong Kong Travel Agencies
Authors: Chan Grace Suk Ha , Guillet Basak Denizci
Published: August 2016

Today’s highly unpredictable and competitive global environment has had profound effects on the travel industry. Higher operational costs and reduced profit margins have caused many Hong Kong travel agencies go out of business altogether, the profit margins of Hong Kong travel agencies are shrinking. As this sector shares many features with traditional revenue management (RM) users such as the airline and hotel industries, travel agencies have the potential to enhance revenue by incorporating RM techniques into their businesses. Most travel agencies sell product on behalf of suppliers, and do not own or control their inventories. The adoption of RM techniques could optimize the financial health of travel agencies by freeing them from dependence on commissions. This study presents a RM framework formulated specifically for travel agents. It provides a deterministic model for the business operations of travel agencies.
Entrepreneurial Thinking and Small Business performance: The Case of Beneficiary Companies of Jordanian Erada Program
Authors: Alhnaity Haitham , Mohamad Armanurah Bint , Awaniskuishak Awaniskuishak
Published: August 2016

This paper focused on the relationship between the four main dimensions of entrepreneurial thinking and the performance of 384 Jordanian companies. A survey of 384 small companies exposed the presence of a direct and positive relationship between the four dimensions of entrepreneurial thinking, namely identification of opportunity, risk-taking, tolerance ambiguity and creative and innovative, and performance. The findings highlighted the idea that the more the Jordanian companies identify their opportunities, accept the risk of success or failure, accept tolerance ambiguity and encourage the innovation, the more they will improve their performance. Furthermore, the outcome of the four relationships; innovation-performance, risk taking-performance, tolerance ambiguity-performance and opportunity identification-performance is enormous and statistically significant. This study offered references for enterprises of how their entrepreneurial thinking positively influences their performance.
Measuring the Conservatism Level in the Accounting Policies and Its Effect on the Financial Information Disclosure Quality in the Jordanian Commercial Banks
Authors: Attar Mohammad Khalid Al , Altal Abdel Razaq F. , Ali Haitham Y.
Published: August 2016

The objective of this study is to measure the level of conservatism in accounting policies and its effect on disclosure quality in commercial banks in Jordan. The research was implemented on the Jordanian commercial banks listed at Amman Stock Exchange from the period 2005 to 2014. The study population consists (14) banks used as a sample. The total data observations for the last 10 years were (130), (29) of which were dismissed either because missing observation or outlier, leaving a final study sample of (101) observations. The research used the book value-to-market value ratio and the accruals-to-profit (before extraordinary events and discontinued operations) ratio as proxies for conservatism. While the level of compliance with disclosure instructions was used as a proxy for disclosure quality. The study used two hypotheses to achieve its goals. The results showed that there is a good level of conservatism in accounting policies used by Jordanian commercial banks, which is one of the banking sector characteristics. The study showed a significant effect of accounting conservatism measured by using the accruals-to-profit ratio on the disclosure quality, but not when using the book value-to-market value ratio. This difference in results could be referred to the presence of pure accounting factors in the accruals-to-profit ratio, but there are additional environmental factors in the book value-to-market value ratio.
The Critique of Leo Strauss to Modernist Political Thought
Authors: Ardakani Mohammad Abedi , Tavana Mohammad Ali , Nobandegani Gholamreza Mohebzadeh
Published: August 2016

As a conservative philosopher, Leo Strauss reconsiders and criticizes modern political thought methodologically and epistemologically, in that he believes it has faced crises leading history of philosophical thinking to deviate. To put simply, Strauss claims that the major part of critical thinking arisen in the West is the by-product of the modern political thought. According to this, the present paper reviews Strauss’s critique of modern political thought, putting the question “what kind of insights and enlightenments does Strauss’ critique of modern political thought encompass?” As a finding of the research, we can hold that Strauss attempted to show that methodology of historical and epistemology of relativism governing modern political thought disregard trans-spatial and timeless principles of natural law; as a result, it substitutes suspicion for real knowledge and certainty.Thus, it encourages nihilism; on the one hand, it introduces any form of autonomous agreement by human beings as fair right, as it neglects universal morality on the other hand, turning it to the matter of validity. Therefore, it resorts to irresponsibility, and eventually introduces human reason as the only instrumental benchmark for living rules, which in turn encompasses the emergence of totalitarianism. The method of the research is an analytical-descriptive method.