bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Building Information Modeling using Hardware Genetic Algorithms with Field-Programmable Gate Arrays
Authors: Le Khoa N. , Fung Ivan W. H. , Tam Vivian W. Y. , Yip Leslie , Lee Eric W. M.
Published: January 2015

Genetic algorithms (GAs) have found many applications in various fields such as physics, signal processing, artificial intelligence and recently construction engineering management. For a long time, GAs are usually criticized to be time-consuming, making it unpractical for real-time applications. This paper presents a new technique which can be used: (1) to automate construction activities, and (2) to improve building information modeling which has become an attractive research topic around the world. Different from the generic GA techniques employed in the literature, this paper proposes a new GA using hardware with field-programmable gate arrays. The proposed technique is shown to improve speed and lessen computational power. Hardware implementation of GA using static random access memory-based field-programmable gate arrays with synthesizable very hardware description language coding is introduced. Detailed analyses on the field-programmable gate arrays are given which show that it is suitable for real-time applications. As a result, GA is modified so that it can be implemented in series and parallel which can greatly improve computational hardware performance. Configuration of parallelization is available with a peripheral component interconnect interface, which further helps to form a fast optimization tool for real-time applications. The ultimate goal of this paper is thus to design an effective GA technique which can be employed to support building information modeling and to effectively automate critical processes in construction projects.
Dealing with Multiple Models in System Dynamics
Authors: Auping Willem L. , Pruyt Erik , Kwakkel Jan H.
Published: January 2015

This paper introduces an approach to compare simulation runs from multiple System Dynamics simulation models. Three dynamic hypotheses regarding the uncertain evolutions of long-term copper availability are introduced and used to illustrate the new approach. They correspond to three different perspectives on the copper system (global top-down, global bottom-up, and regional top-down). Although each of these models allows to generate a wealth of behavioural patterns, the focus in this paper is on the differences in trajectories caused by different models for identical values of shared parameters and identical settings of other assumptions, not on differences in behavioural patterns caused by each of the models. Hence, differences in trajectories between the three models are identified, quantified, and classified based on a quantified measure of difference. For these models, small differences between the trajectories are only found in stable runs, while the alternative perspectives are largely responsible for medium to large differences. Hence, it is concluded that multiple dynamic hypotheses may have to be modelled when dealing with uncertain issues.
Using System Dynamics Method to Manage Construction and Demolition Waste
Authors: Azhari Fardin , Abdi Farshid , Shojaie Amir abbas
Published: January 2015

During last few decades, construction and demolition waste has attracted great attention from practitioners and researchers, as well as governments in all over the world. It's obvious that construction and demolition waste and its control is very important in many aspects. In other hand, system dynamics is an empirical tool and waste management system is a dynamic system that needs to be studied and analyzed dynamically so that many misconceptions and problems in this area to be avoided. The main question is how we can manage and control waste management system to have a less amount of negative impacts on the environment and society. In order to answer this main question, this paper tries to represent a conceptual model called “cause and effect diagram” to have a general and typical understanding of waste management system especially in Ardabil city. Next, it represents Stock-Flow diagram that has capability of running in computer for further analyzing. Then, it simulates the model by POWERSIM software to analyze and optimize the dynamic model. The study indicated that increasing values of the variables including fines for illegal dumping, unit cost of landfilling, unit cost of collecting, unit cost of transportation and also developing waste management sites has implications of a low illegal waste dumping and a high amount of waste recycling and reuse.
One year of Raman lidar observations of free tropospheric aerosol layers over South Africa
Authors: Giannakaki E. , Pfüller A. , Korhonen K. , Mielonen T. , Laakso L. , Vakkari V. , Baars H. , Engelmann R. , Beukes J. P. , Van Zyl P. G. , Josipovic M. , Tiitta P. , Chiloane K. , Piketh S. , Lihavainen H. , Lehtinen K. E. J. , Komppula M.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. Raman lidar data obtained over a one year period has been analyzed in relation to aerosol layers in the free troposphere over the Highveld in South Africa. In total, 375 layers were observed above the boundary layer during the period 30 January 2010–31 January 2011. The seasonal behavior of aerosol layer geometrical characteristics, as well as intensive and extensive optical properties were studied. The highest center heights of free tropospheric layers were observed during the South African spring (2520 ± 970 m a.g.l.). The geometrical layer depth was found to be maximum during spring, while it did not show any significant difference for the rest of the seasons. The variability of the analyzed intensive and extensive optical properties was high during all seasons. This was attributed to the mixing state of aerosols and the different transport paths of the aerosol layers. Layers were observed at a mean altitude of 2100 ± 1000 m a.g.l. with an average lidar ratio of 67 ± 25 sr (mean value with one standard deviation) at 355 nm and a mean extinction-related Ångström exponent of 1.9 ± 0.8 between 355 and 532 \\unit{nm} during the period under study. During southern hemispheric spring, the biomass burning activity is clearly reflected in the optical properties of the observed free tropospheric layers. Specifically, lidar ratios at 355 nm were 57 ± 20 sr , 65 ± 23 sr, 59 ± 22 sr and 89 ± 21 sr during summer (December–February), winter (June–August), autumn (March–May) and spring (September–November), respectively. The extinction-related Ångström exponents between 355 and 532 nm measured during summer, winter, autumn and spring were 2.4 ± 0.9, 1.8 ± 0.6, 1.8 ± 0.9 and 1.8 ± 0.6, respectively. The mean columnar aerosol optical depth (AOD) obtained from lidar measurements was found to be 0.46 ± 0.35 at 355 nm and 0.25 ± 0.2 at 532 nm.The contribution of free tropospheric aerosols on the AOD had a wide range of values with a mean contribution of 46%.
Correction of raindrop size distributions measured by Parsivel disdrometers, using a two-dimensional video disdrometer as a reference
Authors: Raupach T. H. , Berne A.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. The raindrop size distribution (DSD) quantifies the microstructure of rainfall and is critical to studying precipitation processes. We present a method to improve the accuracy of DSD measurements from Parsivel (particle size and velocity) disdrometers, using a two-dimensional video disdrometer (2DVD) as a reference instrument. Parsivel disdrometers bin raindrops into velocity and equivolume diameter classes, but may misestimate the number of drops per class. In our correction method, drop velocities are corrected with reference to theoretical models of terminal drop velocity. We define a filter for raw disdrometer measurements to remove particles that are unlikely to be plausible raindrops. Drop concentrations are corrected such that on average the Parsivel concentrations match those recorded by a 2DVD. The correction can be trained on and applied to data from both generations of OTT Parsivel disdrometers, and indeed any disdrometer in general. The method was applied to data collected during field campaigns in Mediterranean France for a network of first- and second-generation Parsivel disdrometers, and on a first-generation Parsivel in Payerne, Switzerland. We compared the moments of the resulting DSDs to those of a collocated 2DVD, and the resulting DSD-derived rain rates to collocated rain gauges. The correction improved the accuracy of the moments of the Parsivel DSDs, and in the majority of cases the rain rate match with collocated rain gauges was improved. In addition, the correction was shown to be similar for two different climatologies, suggesting its general applicability.
Validation of satellite SO2 observations in northern Finland during the Icelandic Holuhraun fissure eruption
Authors: Ialongo I. , Hakkarainen J. , Kivi R. , Anttila P. , Krotkov N. A. , Yang K. , Li C. , Tukiainen S. , Hassinen S. , Tamminen J.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. This paper shows the validation results of the satellite SO2 observations from OMI (Ozone Monitoring Instrument) and OMPS (Ozone Mapping Profiler Suite) during the Icelandic Holuhraun fissure eruption in September 2014. The volcanic plume reached Finland on several days during the month of September. The SO2 total columns from the Brewer direct sun (DS) measurements in Sodankylä (67.42° N, 26.59° E), northern Finland, are compared to the satellite data. Challenging retrieval conditions at high latitudes (like large solar zenith angle, SZA) are considered in the comparison. The results show that the best agreement can be found for small SZAs, close-to-nadir satellite pixels, cloud fraction below 0.3 and small distance between the station and the centre of the pixel. Under good retrieval conditions, the difference between satellite data and Brewer measurements remains mostly below the uncertainty on the satellite SO2 retrievals (up to about 2 DU at high latitudes). The satellite products assuming a priori profile with SO2 predominantly in the planetary boundary layer give total column values close to the ground-based data, suggesting that the volcanic SO2 plume was located at particularly low altitudes. This is connected to the fact that this was a fissure eruption and most of the SO2 was emitted into the troposphere. The analysis of the SO2 surface concentrations at four air quality stations in northern Finland supports the hypothesis that the volcanic plume coming from Iceland was located very close to the surface. The time evolution of the SO2 concentrations peaks during the same days when large SO2 total column values are measured by the Brewer in Sodankylä and enhanced SO2 signal is visible over northern Finland from the satellite maps. This is an exceptional case because the SO2 volcanic emission directly affect the air quality levels at surface in an otherwise pristine environment like northern Finland. OMI and OMPS SO2 retrievals from direct-broadcast measurements are validated for the first time in this paper.
Satellite observations of the small-scale cyclonic eddies in the western South China Sea
Authors: Liu F. , Tang S. , Chen C.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. High-resolution ocean color observations offer an opportunity to investigate the oceanic small-scale processes. In this study, the Medium Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MERIS) daily 300 m data were used to study small-scale processes in the western South China Sea. It is indicated that the cyclonic eddies with horizontal scales of 10 km are frequently observed during the upwelling season of each year over the 2004–2009 period. These small-scale eddies were generated in the vicinity of the southern front of the cold tongue, and then propagated eastward with a speed of approximately 12 cm s−1. This propagation speed was consistent with the velocity of the western boundary current. As a result, the small-scale eddies kept the high levels of phytoplankton rotating away from the coastal areas, resulting in the accumulation of phytoplankton in the interior of the eddies. The generation of the small-scale eddies may be associated with strengthening of the relative movement between the rotation speed of the anticyclonic mesoscale eddies and the offshore transport. With the increases of the normalized rotation speed of the anticyclonic mesoscale eddies relative to the offshore transport, the offshore current became a meander under the impacts of the anticyclonic mesoscale eddies. The meandered cold tongue and instability front may stimulate the generation of the small-scale eddies. Unidirectional uniform wind along the cold tongue may also contribute to the formation of the small-scale eddies.
Carbon stocks and soil sequestration rates of riverine mangroves and freshwater wetlands
Authors: Adame M. F. , Santini N. S. , Tovilla C. , Vázquez-Lule A. , Castro L.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. Deforestation and degradation of wetlands are important causes of carbon dioxide emissions to the atmosphere. Accurate measurements of carbon (C) stocks and sequestration rates are needed for incorporating wetlands into conservation and restoration programs with the aim for preventing carbon emissions. Here, we assessed whole ecosystem C stocks (trees, soil and downed wood) and soil N stocks of riverine wetlands (mangroves, marshes and peat swamps) within La Encrucijada Biosphere Reserve in the Pacific coast of Mexico. We also estimated soil C sequestration rates of mangroves on the basis of soil accumulation. We hypothesized that riverine wetlands have large C stocks, and that upland mangroves have larger C and soil N stocks compared to lowland mangroves. Riverine wetlands had large C stocks with a mean of 784.5 ± 73.5 Mg C ha-1 for mangroves, 722.2 ± 83.4 Mg C ha-1 for peat swamps, and 336.5 ± 38.3 Mg C ha-1 for marshes. C stocks and soil N stocks were in general larger for upland (833.0 ± 7.2 Mg C ha-1; 26.4 ± 0.5 Mg N ha-1) compared to lowland mangroves (659.5 ± 18.6 Mg C ha-1; 13.8 ± 2.0 Mg N ha-1). Soil C sequestration values were 1.3 ± 0.2 Mg C ha-1 yr-1. The Reserve stores 32.5 Mtons of C or 119.3 Mtons of CO2, with mangroves sequestering (via soil accumulation) 27 762 ± 0.5 Mg C ha-1 every year.
Pleistocene sediment offloading and the global sulfur cycle
Authors: Markovic S. , Paytan A. , Wortmann U. G.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. Quaternary sea level fluctuations have greatly affected the sediment budgets of the continental shelves. Previous studies suggested that this caused a considerable increase in the net loss of shelf sediments. Since sediment accumulation and erosion are closely tied to the formation and re-oxidation of pyrite, we use a high resolution record of sulfur isotope ratios (34S / 32S) of marine sulfate to evaluate the implications of the so called "shelf sediment offloading" on the global sulfur cycle. Modeling of our δ34S record suggests that erosion during sea level lowstands was only partly compensated by increased sedimentation during times of rising sea level and sea level highstands. Furthermore, our data suggests that shelf systems reached a new equilibrium state about 700 kyr ago, which considerably slowed or terminated shelf sediment offloading.
Primary productivity and its correlation with rainfall on Aldabra Atoll
Authors: Shekeine J. , Turnbull L. A. , Cherubini P. , de Jong R. , Baxter R. , Hansen D. , Bunbury N. , Fleischer-Dogley F. , Schaepman-Strub G.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. Aldabra Atoll, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982, hosts the world's largest population of giant tortoises. In view of recent rainfall declines in the East African region, it is important to assess the implications of local rainfall trends on the atoll's ecosystem and evaluate potential threats to the food resources of the giant tortoises. However, building an accurate picture of the effects of climate change requires detailed context-specific case-studies, an approach often hindered by data deficiencies in remote areas. Here, we present and analyse a new historical rainfall record of Aldabra atoll together with two potential measures of primary productivity: (1) tree-ring measurements of the deciduous tree species Ochna ciliata and, (2) satellite-derived NDVI (normalized difference vegetation index) data for the period 2001–2012. Rainfall declined by about 6 mm yr-1 in the last four decades, in agreement with general regional declines, and this decline could mostly be attributed to changes in wet-season rainfall. We were unable to cross-date samples of O. ciliata with sufficient precision to deduce long-term patterns of productivity. However, satellite data were used to derive Aldabra's land surface phenology (LSP) for the period 2001–2012 which was then linked to rainfall seasonality. This relationship was strongest in the eastern parts of the atoll (with a time-lag of about six weeks between rainfall changes and LSP responses), an area dominated by deciduous grasses that supports high densities of tortoises. While the seasonality in productivity, as reflected in the satellite record, is correlated with rainfall, we did not find any change in mean rainfall or productivity for the shorter period 2001–2012. The sensitivity of Aldabra's vegetation to rainfall highlights the potential impact of increasing water stress in East Africa on the region's endemic ecosystems.
Re-evaluating luminescence burial doses and bleaching of fluvial deposits using Bayesian computational statistics
Authors: Cunningham A. C. , Wallinga J. , Hobo N. , Versendaal A. J. , Makaske B. , Middelkoop H.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. The optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) signal from fluvial sediment often contains a remnant from the previous deposition cycle, leading to a partially bleached equivalent-dose distribution. Although identification of the burial dose is of primary concern, the degree of bleaching could potentially provide insights into sediment transport processes. However, comparison of bleaching between samples is complicated by sample-to-sample variation in aliquot size and luminescence sensitivity. Here we begin development of an age model to account for these effects. With measurement data from multi-grain aliquots, we use Bayesian computational statistics to estimate the burial dose and bleaching parameters of the single-grain dose distribution. We apply the model to 46 samples taken from fluvial sediment of Rhine branches in the Netherlands, and compare the results with environmental predictor variables (depositional environment, texture, sample depth, depth relative to mean water level, dose rate). Although obvious correlations with predictor variables are absent, there is some suggestion that the best-bleached samples are found close to the modern mean water level, and that the extent of bleaching has changed over the recent past. We hypothesise that sediment deposited near the transition of channel to overbank deposits receives the most sunlight exposure, due to local reworking after deposition. However, nearly all samples are inferred to have at least some well-bleached grains, suggesting that bleaching also occurs during fluvial transport.
NCIO 1.0: a simple Fortran NetCDF interface
Authors: Robinson A. , Perrette M.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. The NetCDF library has become an indispensible tool for data and model output management in geoscience. However for simple tasks, particularly in Fortran, the complexity of native NetCDF functionality can be combersome. The module NCIO (NetCDF Input/Output) has been designed as an interface to the NetCDF library with simplicity and ease of use in mind. While this implies that some NetCDF functionality is masked from the user, the subroutines provided here are adequate for basic serial reading and writing tasks of up to 6-D data arrays along with corresponding data attributes. The code is available online and includes an example program to illustrate the approach.
The skill of seasonal ensemble low-flow forecasts in the Moselle River for three different hydrological models
Authors: Demirel M. C. , Booij M. J. , Hoekstra A. Y.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. This paper investigates the skill of 90-day low-flow forecasts using two conceptual hydrological models and one data-driven model based on Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) for the Moselle River. The three models, i.e. HBV, GR4J and ANN-Ensemble (ANN-E), all use forecasted meteorological inputs (precipitation P and potential evapotranspiration PET), whereby we employ ensemble seasonal meteorological forecasts. We compared low-flow forecasts for five different cases of seasonal meteorological forcing: (1) ensemble P and PET forecasts; (2) ensemble P forecasts and observed climate mean PET; (3) observed climate mean P and ensemble PET forecasts; (4) observed climate mean P and PET and (5) zero P and ensemble PET forecasts as input for the models. The ensemble P and PET forecasts, each consisting of 40 members, reveal the forecast ranges due to the model inputs. The five cases are compared for a lead time of 90 days based on model output ranges, whereas the models are compared based on their skill of low-flow forecasts for varying lead times up to 90 days. Before forecasting, the hydrological models are calibrated and validated for a period of 30 and 20 years respectively. The smallest difference between calibration and validation performance is found for HBV, whereas the largest difference is found for ANN-E. From the results, it appears that all models are prone to over-predict runoff during low-flow periods using ensemble seasonal meteorological forcing. The largest range for 90-day low-flow forecasts is found for the GR4J model when using ensemble seasonal meteorological forecasts as input. GR4J, HBV and ANN-E under-predicted 90-day-ahead low flows in the very dry year 2003 without precipitation data. The results of the comparison of forecast skills with varying lead times show that GR4J is less skilful than ANN-E and HBV. Overall, the uncertainty from ensemble P forecasts has a larger effect on seasonal low-flow forecasts than the uncertainty from ensemble PET forecasts and initial model conditions.
Linked hydrologic and social systems that support resilience of traditional irrigation communities
Authors: Fernald A. , Guldan S. , Boykin K. , Cibils A. , Gonzales M. , Hurd B. , Lopez S. , Ochoa C. , Ortiz M. , Rivera J. , Rodriguez S. , Steele C.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. Southwestern US irrigated landscapes are facing upheaval due to water scarcity and land use conversion associated with climate change, population growth, and changing economics. In the traditionally irrigated valleys of northern New Mexico, these stresses, as well as instances of community longevity in the face of these stresses, are apparent. Human systems have interacted with hydrologic processes over the last 400 years in river-fed irrigated valleys to create linked systems. In this study, we ask if concurrent data from multiple disciplines could show that human-adapted hydrologic and socioeconomic systems have created conditions for resilience. Various types of resiliencies are evident in the communities. Traditional local knowledge about the hydrosocial cycle of community water management and ability to adopt new water management practices is a key response to disturbances such as low water supply from drought. Livestock producers have retained their irrigated land by adapting: changing from sheep to cattle and securing income from outside their livestock operations. Labor-intensive crops decreased as off-farm employment opportunities became available. Hydrologic resilience of the system can be affected by both human and natural elements. We find, for example, that there are multiple hydrologic benefits of traditional irrigation system water seepage: it recharges the groundwater that recharges rivers, supports threatened biodiversity by maintaining riparian vegetation, and ameliorates impacts of climate change by prolonging streamflow hydrographs. Human decisions to transfer water out of agriculture or change irrigation management, as well as natural changes such as long-term drought or climate change, can result in reduced seepage and the benefits it provides. We have worked with the communities to translate the multidisciplinary dimensions of these systems into a common language of causal loop diagrams, which form the basis for modeling future scenarios to identify thresholds and tipping points of sustainability. Early indications are that these systems, though not immune to upheaval, have astonishing resilience.
What made the June 2013 flood in Germany an exceptional event? A hydro-meteorological evaluation
Authors: Schröter K. , Kunz M. , Elmer F. , Mühr B. , Merz B.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. The summer flood of 2013 set a new record for large-scale floods in Germany for at least the last 60 years. In this paper we analyse the key hydro-meteorological factors using extreme value statistics as well as aggregated severity indices. For the long-term classification of the recent flood we draw comparisons to a set of past large-scale flood events in Germany, notably the high-impact summer floods from August 2002 and July 1954. Our analysis shows that the combination of extreme initial wetness at the national scale – caused by a pronounced precipitation anomaly in the month of May 2013 – and strong, but not extraordinary event precipitation were the key drivers for this exceptional flood event. This provides additional insights into the importance of catchment wetness for high return period floods on a large scale. The database compiled and the methodological developments provide a consistent framework for the rapid evaluation of future floods.
Thermal characteristics of permafrost in the steep alpine rock walls of the Aiguille du Midi (Mont Blanc Massif, 3842 m a.s.l)
Authors: Magnin F. , Deline P. , Ravanel L. , Noetzli J. , Pogliotti P.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. Permafrost and related thermo-hydro-mechanical processes are thought to influence high alpine rock wall stability, but a lack of field measurements means that the characteristics and processes of rock wall permafrost are poorly understood. To help remedy this situation, in 2005 work began to install a monitoring system at the Aiguille du Midi (3842 m a.s.l). This paper presents temperature records from nine surface sensors (eight years of records) and three 10 m deep boreholes (4 years of records), installed at locations with different surface and bedrock characteristics. In line with previous studies, our temperature data analyses showed that: micro-meteorology controls the surface temperature, active layer thicknesses are directly related to aspect and ranged from <2 m to nearly 6 m, and that thin accumulations of snow and open fractures are cooling factors. Thermal profiles empirically demonstrated the coexistence within a single rock peak of warm and cold permafrost (about −1.5 to −4.5 °C at 10 m depth) and the resulting lateral heat fluxes. Our results also extended current knowledge of the effect of snow, in that we found similar thermo-insulation effects as reported for gentle mountain areas. Thick snow warms shaded areas, and may reduce active layer refreezing in winter and delay its thawing in summer. However, thick snow thermo-insulation has little effect compared to the high albedo of snow which leads to cooler conditions at the rock surface in areas exposed to the sun. A consistent inflection in the thermal profiles reflected the cooling effect of an open fracture in the bedrock, which appeared to act as a thermal cutoff in the sub-surface thermal regime. Our field data are the first to be obtained from an Alpine permafrost site where borehole temperatures are below −4 °C, and represent a first step towards the development of strategies to investigate poorly known aspects in steep bedrock permafrost such as the effects of snow cover and fractures.
Platelet-derived chemokines in atherosclerosis
Authors: von Hundelshausen P. , Duchene J.
Published: January 2015

In atherosclerosis, activated platelets have been recently recognised not only to participate in thrombotic events but also to play an essential role in the development of atherosclerotic lesions. Upon their activation, platelets release several pro-inflammatory mediators including chemokines. Chemokines are key molecules in inflammation as they are able to recruit leukocytes, modulate their activation/differentiation and control their proliferation/apoptosis.

In this review we will discuss recent findings regarding the specific roles of chemokines released by platelets on leukocytes and their effects on atherosclerosis.
Yield Gap Survey in Sudanno-Guinea Savanna Agro-Ecological Zones of Ghana
Authors: Inusah Baba I. Y. , Dogbe Wilson , Abdulai Alhassan Lansah , Yirzagla Julius , Mawunya Michael , Issahak Abu Safiyanu
Published: January 2015

Yield gap survey (YGS) was carried out in nine selected communities in the Sudanno-Guinea Savannah (SGS) rice growing ecologies of Ghana in the 2012 and 2013 cropping seasons. One lead farmer was selected from each community to host researcher-managed fields. The specific objectives of the study were to determine the causes of yield gaps in rain fed and irrigated ecologies of the SGS of Ghana and to suggest ways by which the gaps can be bridged to enhance the production of the crop in Ghana

In both 2012 and 2013 seasons, farmers in the Sudan savannah zone recorded higher gaps in rice yields (average 55%) than their compatriots in the Guinea Savannah (average 49%). The analysis of data collected from YGS indicated that factors such as difficult weather and soil conditions, insufficient access to mechanization services/improper land preparation, lack of fertilizers, the use of unimproved rice seed, untimely field operations and inadequate water and pest (in particular weed) management, were some of the key factors that adversely influence rice yields in the study area.

Unrestricted access to mechanization services delivery, intensified use of improved rice seed, appropriate melioration with organic and inorganic fertilizers, together with robust soil and water management interventions are essential requirements for bridging experiment-based yield gaps for enhanced rice yields in the Sudanno-Guinea Savannah zones of Ghana.
Análise do impacto das patentes no índice global de inovação com aplicação de lógica paraconsistente anotada
Authors: Sousa Demesio Carvalho , Gonçalves Rodrigo Franço , Sakamoto Lilian Sayuri , Abe Jair Minoro , Sacomano Jose Benedito
Published: January 2015

Neste artigo, estuda-se a importância das patentes e seu impacto no The Business School for the World do Global Innovation Index (GII, 2012) e no desenvolvimento econômico dos países emergentes mediante análise do The Global Competitiveness Index (GCI, 2013) do World Economic Forum (WEF). Os países abordados neste estudo são: Brasil, Rússia, Índia, China e África do Sul (BRICS). Neste contexto, busca-se responder as duas seguintes proposições: A – as patentes podem influenciar de forma favorável o desenvolvimento da inovação de um país integrante do Brics. B – as patentes não influenciam de forma desfavorável nenhum país componente do Brics. A metodologia utilizada privilegiou dados secundários obtidos nos relatórios GII e GCI suportada por uma revisão de literatura e criação de um algoritmo para-analisador. A aplicação da Lógica Paraconsistente Anotada (LPA-2v) forneceu parâmetros para analisar e discutir os resultados a fim de formular estratégias e avaliar tendências.
Análise de Alternativas na Cadeia de Suprimentos de Aço para a Indústria Automotiva utilizando a matriz SWOT
Authors: Gontijo Felipe Kich , Anthonijsz Maggie Marianne , Ardigo Julíbio David , Simon Carla Simone
Published: January 2015

O aço estampado é uma das commodities que mais afeta o custo de produção de automóveis. Considerando a potencial quantidade de aço utilizado no fluxo produtivo desse setor, é essencial planejar a configuração do gerenciamento da cadeia de suprimentos e conceber uma forma de análise para a aquisição deste material no intuito de diminuir custos sem afetar a qualidade e a competitividade. Com o objetivo de desenvolver um modelo de análise de decisão estratégica é sugerida a aplicação da matriz SWOT e para a validação é apresentado um estudo comparativo realizado por meio de uma pesquisa ação no ambiente de uma montadora no Brasil, quando foram levantados os dados de cinco alternativas reais de negociação com fornecedores na cadeia de suprimentos do aço estampado ao curto prazo, e realizada uma análise comparativa.
Diagnóstico de inovação no setor da indústria de reparos de automóveis usando o característico de inovação setorial
Authors: De Andrade Lima Telma Lúcia , Perez Celso Roberto , Silva  da Silveira Denis , Monteiro Barreto da Costa Luiz Henrique , Silveira Menelau Almir
Published: January 2015

No Brasil, verifica-se um crescimento médio da frota de automóveis de 5% ao ano. Observa-se que empresas do segmento de indústria de reparos de automóveis vêm estabelecendo novas estratégias promovidas pelas concessionárias com a extensão dos prazos de garantia e com a inserção de equipamentos com tecnologias proprietárias, prejudicando o mercado das oficinas mecânicas que atuam fora da rede credenciada das montadoras. Constata-se que essas oficinas têm perfil de EPP e, por essa razão, apresentam várias dificuldades na estrutura da organização que dificultam acompanhar o desenvolvimento do setor. Nesta pesquisa, utiliza-se o Característico de Inovação Setorial (CIS) para identificar em quais dimensões devem ter recursos prioritários para permitir alavancagens em inovação que permitam melhorar o nível de competitividade dessas empresas. Com base no CIS, realizou-se uma pesquisa do tipo survey a partir da amostra de 150 empresas, sendo identificadas ações prioritárias e os níveis de competição interna.
Concise Review: Modeling Multiple Sclerosis With Stem Cell Biological Platforms: Toward Functional Validation of Cellular and Molecular Phenotypes in Inflammation-Induced Neurodegeneration
Authors: Orack Joshua C. , Deleidi Michela , Pitt David , Mahajan Kedar , Nicholas Jacqueline A. , Boster Aaron L. , Racke Michael K. , Comabella Manuel , Watanabe Fumihiro , Imitola Jaime
Published: January 2015

In recent years, tremendous progress has been made in identifying novel mechanisms and new medications that regulate immune cell function in multiple sclerosis (MS). However, a significant unmet need is the identification of the mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration, because patients continue to manifest brain atrophy and disability despite current therapies. Neural and mesenchymal stem cells have received considerable attention as therapeutic candidates to ameliorate the disease in preclinical and phase I clinical trials. More recently, progress in somatic cell reprogramming and induced pluripotent stem cell technology has allowed the generation of human “diseased” neurons in a patient-specific setting and has provided a unique biological tool that can be used to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration. In the present review, we discuss the application and challenges of these technologies, including the generation of neurons, oligodendrocytes, and oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) from patients and novel stem cell and OPC cellular arrays, in the discovery of new mechanistic insights and the future development of MS reparative therapies.
Defined Culture of Human Embryonic Stem Cells and Xeno-Free Derivation of Retinal Pigmented Epithelial Cells on a Novel, Synthetic Substrate
Authors: Pennington Britney O. , Clegg Dennis O. , Melkoumian Zara K. , Hikita Sherry T.
Published: January 2015

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness, is characterized by the death of the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE), which is a monolayer posterior to the retina that supports the photoreceptors. Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) can generate an unlimited source of RPE for cellular therapies, and clinical trials have been initiated. However, protocols for RPE derivation using defined conditions free of nonhuman derivatives (xeno-free) are preferred for clinical translation. This avoids exposing AMD patients to animal-derived products, which could incite an immune response. In this study, we investigated the maintenance of hESCs and their differentiation into RPE using Synthemax II-SC, which is a novel, synthetic animal-derived component-free, RGD peptide-containing copolymer compliant with good manufacturing practices designed for xeno-free stem cell culture. Cells on Synthemax II-SC were compared with cultures grown with xenogeneic and xeno-free control substrates. This report demonstrates that Synthemax II-SC supports long-term culture of H9 and H14 hESC lines and permits efficient differentiation of hESCs into functional RPE. Expression of RPE-specific markers was assessed by flow cytometry, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and immunocytochemistry, and RPE function was determined by phagocytosis of rod outer segments and secretion of pigment epithelium-derived factor. Both hESCs and hESC-RPE maintained normal karyotypes after long-term culture on Synthemax II-SC. Furthermore, RPE generated on Synthemax II-SC are functional when seeded onto parylene-C scaffolds designed for clinical use. These experiments suggest that Synthemax II-SC is a suitable, defined substrate for hESC culture and the xeno-free derivation of RPE for cellular therapies.
The contrasting phylodynamics of human influenza B viruses
Authors: Vijaykrishna Dhanasekaran , Holmes Edward C , Joseph Udayan , Fourment Mathieu , Su Yvonne CF , Halpin Rebecca , Lee Raphael TC , Deng Yi-Mo , Gunalan Vithiagaran , Lin Xudong , Stockwell Timothy B , Fedorova Nadia B , Zhou Bin , Spirason Natalie , Kühnert Denise , Bošková Veronika , Stadler Tanja , Costa Anna-Maria , Dwyer Dominic E , Huang Q Sue , Jennings Lance C , Rawlinson William , Sullivan Sheena G , Hurt Aeron C , Maurer-Stroh Sebastian , Wentworth David E , Smith Gavin JD , Barr Ian G
Published: January 2015

A complex interplay of viral, host, and ecological factors shapes the spatio-temporal incidence and evolution of human influenza viruses. Although considerable attention has been paid to influenza A viruses, a lack of equivalent data means that an integrated evolutionary and epidemiological framework has until now not been available for influenza B viruses, despite their significant disease burden. Through the analysis of over 900 full genomes from an epidemiological collection of more than 26,000 strains from Australia and New Zealand, we reveal fundamental differences in the phylodynamics of the two co-circulating lineages of influenza B virus (Victoria and Yamagata), showing that their individual dynamics are determined by a complex relationship between virus transmission, age of infection, and receptor binding preference. In sum, this work identifies new factors that are important determinants of influenza B evolution and epidemiology.
Når trenger jeg å tilkalle tolk? Forskning om tolking i helsetjenesten
Authors: Sagli Gry
Published: January 2015

This article is about interpreting in the healthcare sector in Norway. Effective communication between patients and health personnel is vital for the provision of high-quality, patient- centered healthcare services. As Norway, like many other countries, becomes increasingly multi-ethnic and multi-lingual, language barriers and cultural misunderstandings present a significant long-term challenge in healthcare. It is now well established that the use of qualified interpreters significantly improves the quality of healthcare. Accordingly it is crucial that a qualified interpreter be available when necessary. Legal rules and guidelines state that health personnel are responsible for assessing whether the services of an interpreter are necessary. These documents offer few clues, however, about which criteria a healthcare worker should apply when deciding whether to book an interpreter, and in practice healthcare workers find it difficult to assess when an interpreter’s presence will be necessary.

The main aim of this article is to explore what the research literature has to say about this question. What are the main issues that research has focused on? Does research offer any answers as to exactly when an interpreter needs to be called?

Research concerning the use of interpreters in healthcare in Norway is still very limited. Nonetheless, in the past few years some studies and reports have been published. The main issues that have been discussed are: the interpreter’s roles and responsibilities, under-use of qualified interpreters in healthcare; and strategies employed by health personnel in order to cope with language barriers when not using an interpreter. Only some very general conclusions can be drawn from these studies. Little attention has been given to the question of how to decide when a qualified interpreter is required. Two important issues have scarcely been addressed in the context of healthcare in Norway: the level of the patient’s proficiency in Norwegian; and the extent of the language gap between the patient and the healthcare worker. Lack of knowledge on this topic is significant, as obviously the language gap is the principal cause of the need for language assistance in the first instance. Another consideration is the importance of the conversation: depending upon the seriousness of the situation, a healthcare worker must exercise judgment in deciding the extent to which accurate communication needs to be ensured. This question, at least in the context of healthcare personnel and their patients, should be addressed to groups other than researchers on interpreting; the question illustrates the need for an inter-disciplinary research strategy in order adequately to address issues related to interpreting in healthcare.
Utfordringer ved prima vista tolking i asylintervjuer
Authors: Radanović Felberg Tatjana
Published: January 2015

Every year the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) conducts approximately 10,000 interpreter-mediated asylum interviews in Norway. Each asylum interview ends with the interpreter providing a sight translation of the draft interview report (an oral translation of the text) to the asylum seeker. The UDI wished to find out why some interpreters took so much more time than others for sight translation. In response, Oslo and Akershus University College of Applied Sciences initiated a pilot project. The project’s working hypothesis was that slow sight translation was due mainly to a combination of three factors: interpreters’ poor reading skills; interpreters’ poor interpreting techniques; and/or interpreters’ unfamiliarity with the appropriate genre/style. A more complex picture emerged, however, from an analysis of 13 asylum interviews; group work involving 108 UDI interpreters; and discussions with UDI specialists. An asylum report is the joint product of all the participants in an asylum interview, who are typically the asylum seeker, the interviewer and the interpreter. The pilot study showed that each participant could contribute in various ways to slowing the speed of sight translation. Contributing factors identified that were unrelated to the interpreter included the interviewer’s competence in interview techniques; the interviewer’s competence in creating a written record of speech; the asylum seeker’s narrative ability; and the asylum seeker’s ability to correct mistakes in the draft report. All these factors may have just as much impact on the speed of sight translation as the interpreter’s competence. In addition, the physical strain caused by the length of asylum interviews (six hours plus) and the emotional stress potentially caused by such institutional interviews may affect the communicative abilities of all participants. As sight translation in the public sector is an under-researched area, the article starts with a discussion of terminology and an explanation of the UDI context. It then presents a possible explanation for slowness of sight translation and concludes that there is a need for more research into the various factors relevant to sight translation in the public sector and that there is a need to provide systematic training for both interpreters and interpreter users.
Traumatiske reaksjoner hos tolker i offentlig sektor
Authors: Feistritzer Daniela
Published: January 2015

This article aims to see how traumatic reactions may influence public service interpreters in their interpreting performance. It looks at relevant research results and refers to reflective reports and written examinations about secondary traumatic stress and other psychological reactions written by interpreters that attended a one-semester study programme in public service interpreting at Telemark University College in 2004.

The article is divided into three parts starting with a definition of the key concept used to describe traumatic reactions that may arise when meeting traumatised people. Thereafter it briefly presents neurophysiologic research results that show a relation between emotional reactions and the interpreting process.

Part two describes the content of the above mentioned one semester programme in interpreting that included the topic of interpreting in emotional challenging situations and part three connects the students’ reflections to the key concepts around traumatic reactions and analyses how this topic may be integrated in interpreting studies.
Value of Extended Warming in Patients Undergoing Elective Surgery
Authors: Wasfie Tarik J. , Barber Kimberly R.
Published: January 2015

Perioperative temperature management is imperative for positive surgical outcomes. This study assessed the clinical and wellbeing benefits of extending normothermia by using a portable warming gown. A total of 94 patients undergoing elective surgery were enrolled. They were randomized pre-operatively to either a portable warming gown or the standard warming procedure. The warming gown stayed with patients from pre-op to operating room to postrecovery room discharge. Core temperature was tracked throughout the study. Patients also provided responses to a satisfaction and comfort status survey. The change in average core temperature did not differ significantly between groups (P = 0.23). A nonsignificant 48% relative decrease in hypothermic events was observed for the extended warming group (P = 0.12). Patients receiving the warming gown were more likely to report always having their temperature controlled (P = 0.04) and significantly less likely to request additional blankets for comfort (P = 0.006). Clinical outcomes and satisfaction were improved for patients with extended warming.
Documented Complications of Staple Hemorrhoidopexy: A Systematic Review
Authors: Porrett Liesel J. , Porrett Jemma K. , Ho Yik-Hong
Published: January 2015

A systematic review addressing reported complications of stapled hemorrhoidopexy was conducted. Articles were identified via searching OVID and MEDLINE between July 2011 and October 2013. Limitations were placed on the search criteria with articles published from 1998 to 2013 being included in this review. No language restrictions were placed on the search, however foreign language articles were not translated. Two reviewers independently screened the abstracts for relevance and their suitability for inclusion. Data extraction was conducted by both reviewers and entered and analyzed in Microsoft Excel. The search identified 784 articles and 78 of these were suitable for inclusion in the review. A total of 14,232 patients underwent a stapled hemorrhoidopexy in this review. Overall complication rates of stapled hemorrhoidopexy ranged from 3.3%–81% with 5 mortalities documented. Early and late complications were defined individually with overall data suggesting that early complications ranged from 2.3%–58.9% and late complications ranged from 2.5%–80%. Complications unique to the procedure were identified and rates recorded. Both early and late complications unique to stapled hemorrhoidopexy were identified and assessed.