bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contabilidade Ambiental como ferramenta para o gerenciamento sustentável
Authors: Bonelli Bonelli Vitor , Robles Jr Antonio
Published: August 2016

O objetivo deste trabalho é demonstrar a possibilidade de viabilizar financeiramente e economicamente projetos ambientais com Certificados de Emissões Reduzidas de gases com efeito estufa garantindo a sustentabilidade desses projetos através do Mecanismo de Desenvolvimento Limpo. O ambiente é um “bem mundial”, para reduzir as agressões ambientais a esse “bem público”, em Quioto no Japão foi proposto o MDL – Mecanismo de Desenvolvimento Limpo, onde os países desenvolvidos passariam a financiar os projetos ambientalmente corretos, mediante a compra de créditos de carbono, e para dar transparência a essa operação este artigo propõe a implantação e manutenção da contabilidade da gestão ambiental, para tanto se utilizou o método de pesquisa empírico, onde foi constatada a possibilidade de apoiar a contabilidade da gestão ambiental nas diretrizes propostas pelo “GRI – Global Reporting Initiative”, instituição internacional normatizadora dos padrões de apresentação dos relatórios.
Relação entre os níveis hierárquicos em uma unidade de negócio de uma metalúrgica brasileira e sua competitividade na percepção dos funcionários
Authors: Barreto Antonio Fernandes , Picchiai Djair
Published: August 2016

O mercado e a competição levam a empresa a desenvolver seu plano estratégico, o desafio está em desdobrar este plano na organização e envolver seus profissionais, a fim de obter comprometimento no cumprimento das ações, e principalmente no alinhamento dos objetivos e seus respectivos níveis hierárquicos na organização. Esta pesquisa revela o modelo de gestão empregado em uma unidade de negócio de uma indústria metalúrgica e o relacionamento entre os principais níveis hierárquicos. Utilizando um instrumento de avaliação denominado modelo organizacional flexível desenvolvido por Mendes (2002), aplicou-se um questionário tipo likert de cinco escalas, o número um representava total discordância e o cinco a total concordância. Foram calculadas as medianas do grau de concordância na escala likert e o grau de concordância e discordância por meio de dicotomização dos dados. O estudo apontou um elevado grau de concordância com o modelo organizacional flexível aplicado a esta unidade de negócio, além de confirmar seu nivelamento entre os níveis hierárquicos pesquisados, como elementos do aumento da competitividade na percepção dos respondentes.
New Therapeutic Property of Dimebon as a Neuroprotective Agent
Authors: Ustyugov Aleksey , Shevtsova Elena , Ashraf Ghulam Md , Tarasov Vadim V. , Bachurin Sergey O. , Aliev Gjumrakch
Published: August 2016

Dimebon (or Latrepirdine) was initially used as an anti-histamergic drug but later
new therapeutic properties were rediscovered, adding to a growing body of “old” agents
with prominent neuroprotective effects. In the present manuscript, we are focusing on our
latest study on Dimebon with regard to brain’s pathological processes using in vivo proteinopathy
models. In the study, neurodegenerative pathology has been attributed to a group of
aggregate-prone proteins: hyperphosphorylated tau, fused in sarcoma and γ-synuclein , which
are involved in a number of neurological disorders. We have also presented our in vitro
model based on overexpression of an aberrant mutant form of transactive response DNA
binding 43 kDa protein in cultured SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. Dimebon treatment followed
by the activation of autophagy markers resulted in reduced number of inclusion containing
cells. The most significant effects of Dimebon appeared to be on the improving cellular
energy balance, mitochondria stability by increasing the threshold for nonselective mitochondrial
pore opening as well as on increased calcium retention capacity while reducing
lipid peroxidation. The therapeutic potential of Dimebon and newly designed analogs show
disease modifying properties and could be used to treat neurodegenerative disorders. In addition,
new data hint on a possible anti-aging effect and potential application of Dimebon for
treatment of anxiety, ischemia and depression. Overall, our findings suggest that the most
pronounced effect of Dimebon was observed when treatment was started at the early stages
of disease onset and this factor needs to be taken into account while planning future clinical
trials.
Numerus concelebrantium
Authors: Krakowiak Czesław
Published: August 2016

Msza św. koncelebrowana przywrócona w Kościele łacińskim przez Konstytucję o liturgii (nn. 57–58) początkowo była dozwolona jedynie w uściślonych przypadkach. Wymagano także, aby przewodniczył jej biskup lub jego delegat. W procesie przygotowywania przez Kongregację Kultu Bożego obrzędów koncelebry próbowano określić także liczbę koncelebrujących kapłanów. Jednak w wydanym w 1965 r. Ritus servandus zaznaczono jedynie, że zależy to od konkretnych warunków, w których ma miejsce koncelebracja Mszy św. Najważniejszym kryterium jest wielkość prezbiterium, aby koncelebrujący mogli otaczać ołtarz, nie zasłaniając go wiernym. Obecnie Mszy św. koncelebrowanej może przewodniczyć każdy prezbiter. Taka forma sprawowania Mszy św. stała się zwyczajną praktyką i jest zalecana zawsze wtedy, gdy jest wielu kapłanów i nie ma konieczności indywidualnej celebracji dla dobra wiernych. W ostatnich latach zauważa się tendencję do ograniczania liczby koncelebrujących, zachowując wskazania Ritus servandus. Potwierdza to podejmowanie tego problemu przez Kongregację Kultu Bożego, która przypomina i uzasadnia wcześniejsze przepisy Kościoła. Podkreśla się, że powinny być one zachowane, zwłaszcza w wielkich koncelebracjach i poza zwykłymi miejscami sprawowania Mszy św. Każda bowiem Msza św. koncelebrowana powinna ukazywać i w znakach wyrażać jej teologiczne znaczenie, tzn. jedność kapłaństwa, jedność Ofiary Chrystusa i jedność ludu Bożego.
Liturgy and Morality. Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy Sacrosanctum Concilium in the Context of Moral Theology
Authors: Mielec Bogusław
Published: August 2016

50. rocznica uchwalenia Konstytucji o liturgii świętej zachęca do teologiczno-moralnej interpretacji tego dokumentu Vaticanum II. Jej owocem jest stwierdzenie istniejącej w historii zbawienia korelacji pomiędzy liturgią i moralnością. Objawienie Starego Testamentu odsłania koniunkcję kultu i moralności, a próby jej rozerwania w historii Narodu Wybranego spotykają się z ostrym sprzeciwem proroków. Krytyka ta zawiera jednak zapowiedź nowej przyszłości, w której Bóg usunie podział między kultem a moralnością. Nowy Testament przedstawia realizację tej obietnicy w wydarzeniu Jezusa Chrystusa. Jego zbawcze dzieło ustanawia chrześcijańską liturgię, w której człowiek uczestniczy jako istota duchowo-cielesna. Zbawienie aktualizowane w liturgii uświęca przez łaskę, która może być przyjęta jako miłość Boga respektująca wolne działanie człowieka. Zbawienie uobecniane w liturgii Kościoła jest bowiem relacją, współdziałaniem Boga i człowieka, łaski i wolności. Sacrosantum Concilium wyraża tę objawioną prawdę, podkreślając obiektywny i subiektywny wymiar liturgii jako dzieła Chrystusa, w którym chrześcijanin czynnie, świadomie i owocnie uczestniczy (participatio actuosa). Jest to przede wszystkim udział duchowy, zatem również moralny. Tylko wtedy możliwy jest zewnętrzny wymiar liturgii, w którym zawierają się szczegółowe formy, postawy, gesty i różnego rodzaju działania uczestnika świętej liturgii. Oznacza to, że liturgiczna participatio actuosa wymaga moralnego działania poprzez konkretne naśladowanie Chrystusa, prowadzące do nawrócenia. Wówczas „wiara działa przez miłość” (por. Ga 5, 6). W ten sposób dochodzimy do pojęcia ofiary, która w przypadku człowieka polega na jego całościowej przemianie. Grzeszny człowiek obdarowany miłością Trójjedynego Boga może na nią odpowiedzieć własną, stopniowo dojrzewającą miłością. Proces ten konstytuuje dramat Boga i człowieka, czyli napięcie pomiędzy łaską i wolnością, któremu odpowiada właśnie korelacja liturgii i moralności. Co więcej, zależność ta pozwala na autentyczne doświadczenie liturgii i moralności, chroniąc je przed redukcją do rytualizmu i moralizmu.
Post-conciliar Changes in Liturgy
Authors: Mieszczak Stanisław
Published: August 2016

Pięćdziesiąta rocznica ogłoszenia soborowej Konstytucji o liturgii świętej Sacrosanctum Concilium rozbudziła wiele zainteresowania tym dokumentem i zmianami w liturgii Kościoła katolickiego. Dzieło reformy nie było jednak owocem jedynie tendencji soborowych. Było odpowiedzią na wyzwania, jakie stanęły przed Kościołem już od połowy XIX wieku. W dziedzinie liturgii miał miejsce rozwój nauk historycznych, odnowienie zainteresowania Biblią, ponowne odkrycie wpływu dobrze celebrowanej liturgii na życie społeczne, nowe duszpasterstwo liturgiczne, odnowa muzyki, zarówno w parafiach, jak i w celebracjach pontyfikalnych. Oprócz tego rozwijały się misje ad gentes i w konsekwencji dialog ekumeniczny, różne formy pobożności, co sprzyjało poszukiwaniom bardziej autentycznej religijności. Nie można zapomnieć także wydarzeń politycznych i prądów myślowych z tamtych lat. Reforma była palącą potrzebą, a Sacrosanctum Concilium nie tyle dała początek zmianom, ile raczej ukierunkowała je zgodnie z wymaganiami Kościoła.
Embracing the Insulin Revolution in the Ambulatory Care Setting
Authors: Bzowyckyj Andrew S.
Published: August 2016

IN BRIEF Recent additions of various new formulations of insulin to the U.S. marketplace have increased the number of treatment options available to people living with diabetes. However, it is important to take into consideration the implications of these new insulins in terms of patient safety and medication errors, integration with electronic medical records, and financial considerations. This review outlines several considerations for practitioners regarding the implications of these new insulin products for ambulatory care practice.
Epidemiology of Strongyloides stercoralis in northern Italy: results of a multicentre case–control study, February 2013 to July 2014
Authors: Buonfrate Dora , Baldissera Mara , Abrescia Fabrizio , Bassetti Matteo , Caramaschi Giacomo , Giobbia Mario , Mascarello Marta , Rodari Paola , Scattolo Novella , Napoletano Giuseppina , Bisoffi Zeno ,   on behalf of the CCM Strongyloides Study Group
Published: August 2016

Strongyloides stercoralis is a soil-transmitted helminth widely diffused in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Autochthonous cases have been also diagnosed sporadically in areas of temperate climate. We aimed at defining the epidemiology of strongyloidiasis in immigrants and Italians living in three northern Italian Regions. Screening for S. stercoralis infection was done with serology, confirmation tests were a second serological method or stool agar culture. A case–control approach was adopted and patients with a peripheral eosinophil count ≥ 500/mcL were classified as cases. Of 2,701 individuals enrolled here 1,351 were cases and 1,350 controls; 86% were Italians, 48% women. Italians testing positive were in 8% (97/1,137) cases and 1% (13/1,178) controls (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 8.2; 95% confidence interval (CI): 4.5–14.8), while positive immigrants were in 17% (36/214) cases and in 2% (3/172) controls (aOR 9.6; 95% CI: 2.9–32.4). Factors associated with a higher risk of infection for all study participants were eosinophilia (p < 0.001) and immigration (p = 0.001). Overall, strongyloidiasis was nine-times more frequent in individuals with eosinophilia than in those with normal eosinophil count.
Engaging the Vulnerabilities of Alzheimers disease: a Care Ethics Perspective
Authors: Afolabi Michael O.S.
Published: August 2016

This paper shows that beyond the ethical issues of autonomy and human dignity there some dynamics of vulnerabilities elicited by Alzheimers disease (AD). It therefore underscores how the ethics of care moral lens offers ethically sensitive ways of engaging the individual and social vulnerabilities of associated with AD. Ultimately, the paper highlights some of the social implications of such an approach.
The Situation of the Elderly in Bangladesh
Authors: Barikdar Antoni , Ahmed Tahera , Lasker Shamima Parvin
Published: August 2016

In Bangladesh due to improved quality of life the number of people over 60 years is increasing rapidly. This should be seen as an emerging challenge as the elderly will have special needs and require different care-giving services. Since Bangladesh does not have a social welfare system there will be competition for inadequate resources specially health and medical services. It is envisaged that due to more elderly population the demographic structure will undergo a slow change from the present pyramid structure.  The growing trend towards nuclear family or where children live abroad will put the elderly parents in a dilemma-the financial and social support that is essential for them has not yet emerged. The nutrition and health status of elderly people depend on adequate food safe water, proper sanitation facilities and maintaining hygienic standards. To provide special medical care for the elderly there is a need to establish WHO recommended Age-Friendly Primary Health Care centers and separate wards /units are to be set up in the hospitals. To reduce vulnerability of older women there is a need to distribute assets and properties according to the law. . Our new generations have to be responsive, informed and attentive about their duties and responsibilities towards the elderly people. Taking proper care of the elderly is our ethical duty and responsibility.
Comparative analysis of national and regional models of the silver economy in the European Union
Authors: Klimczuk Andrzej
Published: August 2016

The approach to analysing population ageing and its impacts on the economy has evolved in recent years. There is increasing interest in the development and use of products and services related to gerontechnology as well as other social innovations that may be considered as central parts of the ‘‘silver economy.’’ However, the concept of silver economy is still being formed and requires detailed research. This article proposes a typology of models of the silver economy in the European Union (EU) at the national and regional levels. This typology was created by comparing the Active Ageing Index to the typology of varieties and cultures of capitalism and typology of the welfare states. Practical recommendations for institutions of the EU and directions for further research are discussed.
Effect of Photoanode Design on the Photoelectrochemical Performance of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells Based on SnO2 Nanocomposite
Authors: Hung I-Ming , Bhattacharjee Ripon
Published: August 2016

Li-doped ZnO (LZO) aggregated nanoparticles are used as an insulating layer in SnO2 nanocomposite (SNC) photoanodes to suppress the recombination process in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Various weight percentages of SnO2 nanoparticles (SNPs) and SnO2 nanoflowers (SNFs) were used to prepare SNC photoanodes. The photocurrent-voltage characteristics showed that the incorporation of an LZO insulating layer in an SNC photoanode increased the conversion efficiency of DSSCs. This was due to an increase in the surface area, charge injection, and charge collection, and the minimization of the recombination rate of photoanodes. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) results showed lower series resistance, charge injection resistance, and shorter lifetimes for DSSCs based on an SNC photoanode with an LZO insulating layer. The open circuit voltage and fill factor of the DSSCs based on SNC photoanodes with an LZO insulating layer significantly increased. The DSSC based on a SNC photoanode with a SNC:SNF weight ratio of 1:1 had a high current density of 4.73 mA/cm2, open circuit voltage of 630 mV, fill factor of 69%, and efficiency of 2.06%.
Role of Winter Weather Conditions and Slipperiness on Tourists’ Accidents in Finland
Authors: Lépy Élise , Rantala Sinikka , Huusko Antti , Nieminen Pentti , Hippi Marjo , Rautio Arja
Published: August 2016

(1) Background: In Finland, slippery snowy or icy ground surface conditions can be quite hazardous to human health during wintertime. We focused on the impacts of the variability in weather conditions on tourists’ health via documented accidents during the winter season in the Sotkamo area. We attempted to estimate the slipping hazard in a specific context of space and time focusing on the weather and other possible parameters, responsible for fluctuations in the numbers of injuries/accidents; (2) Methods: We used statistical distributions with graphical illustrations to examine the distribution of visits to Kainuu Hospital by non-local patients and their characteristics/causes; graphs to illustrate the distribution of the different characteristics of weather conditions; questionnaires and interviews conducted among health care and safety personnel in Sotkamo and Kuusamo; (3) Results: There was a clear seasonal distribution in the numbers and types of extremity injuries of non-local patients. While the risk of slipping is emphasized, other factors leading to injuries are evaluated; and (4) Conclusions: The study highlighted the clear role of wintery weather conditions as a cause of extremity injuries even though other aspects must also be considered. Future scenarios, challenges and adaptive strategies are also discussed from the viewpoint of climate change.
Home and Work Physical Activity Environments: Associations with Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Physical Activity Level in French Women
Authors: Oppert Jean-Michel , Charles Marie-Aline , Charreire Hélène , Menai Mehdi , De Bourdeaudhuij Ilse , Brage Soren , De Lauzon-Guillain Blandine , Fagherazzi Guy , Balkau Beverley
Published: August 2016

The influence of the physical activity environment in the home and at work on cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and objectively-measured physical activity has not been extensively studied. We recruited 147 women with a (mean ± SD) age of 54 ± 7 years and without evidence of chronic disease. The physical activity environment was assessed by self-report (Assessing Levels of PHysical Activity or ALPHA questionnaire), CRF using a submaximal step test, usual physical activity using combined heart rate and accelerometry, as well as by a validated questionnaire (Recent Physical Activity Questionnaire). Summary scores of the home environment and the work environment derived from the ALPHA questionnaire were positively correlated with CRF after adjustment for age (r = 0.18, p = 0.03 and r = 0.28, p < 0.01, respectively). Women owning a bicycle or having a garden (which may prompt physical activity) had higher CRF; those with a bicycle at home also had a higher physical activity energy expenditure. Similarly, women who had access to fitness equipment at work had higher CRF. In conclusion, these results provide new insights into potential environmental influences on physical capacity and physical activity that could inform the design of physical activity promotion strategies.
The Risk of Congenital Heart Anomalies Following Prenatal Exposure to Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors—Is Pharmacogenetics the Key?
Authors: Daud Aizati , Bergman Jorieke , Kerstjens-Frederikse Wilhelmina , Groen Henk , Wilffert Bob
Published: August 2016

Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) are often prescribed during pregnancy. Previous studies that found an increased risk of congenital anomalies, particularly congenital heart anomalies (CHA), with SRI use during pregnancy have created concern among pregnant women and healthcare professionals about the safety of these drugs. However, subsequent studies have reported conflicting results on the association between CHA and SRI use during pregnancy. These discrepancies in the risk estimates can potentially be explained by genetic differences among exposed individuals. In this review, we explore the potential pharmacogenetic predictors involved in the pharmacokinetics and mechanism of action of SRIs, and their relation to the risk of CHA. In general, the risk is dependent on the maternal concentration of SRIs and the foetal serotonin level/effect, which can be modulated by the alteration in the expression and/or function of the metabolic enzymes, transporter proteins and serotonin receptors involved in the serotonin signalling of the foetal heart development. Pharmacogenetics might be the key to understanding why some children exposed to SRIs develop a congenital heart anomaly and others do not.
Serum Levels of MicroRNA-206 and Novel Mini-STR Assays for Carrier Detection in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Anaya-Segura Mónica , Rangel-Villalobos Héctor , Martínez-Cortés Gabriela , Gómez-Díaz Benjamín , Coral-Vázquez Ramón , Zamora-González Edgar , García Silvia , López-Hernández Luz
Published: August 2016

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked neuromuscular disorder in which the detection of female carriers is of the utmost importance for genetic counseling. Haplotyping with polymorphic markers and quantitation of creatine kinase levels (CK) allow tracking of the at-risk haplotype and evidence muscle damage, respectively. Such approaches are useful for carrier detection in cases of unknown mutations. The lack of informative markers and the inaccuracy of CK affect carrier detection. Therefore, herein we designed novel mini-STR (Short Tandem Repeats) assays to amplify 10 loci within the DMD gene and estimated allele frequencies and the polymorphism information content among other parameters in 337 unrelated individuals from three Mexican populations. In addition, we tested the utility of the assays for carrier detection in three families. Moreover, given that serum levels of miR-206 discern between DMD patients and controls with a high area under the curve (AUC), the potential applicability for carrier detection was assessed. The serum levels of miR-206 of non-carriers (n = 24) and carriers (n = 23) were compared by relative quantitation using real-time PCR (p < 0.05), which resulted in an AUC = 0.80 in the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve analysis. In conclusion, miR-206 has potential as a “liquid biopsy” for carrier detection and genetic counseling in DMD.
3D Finite Element Simulation of Graphene Nano-Electro-Mechanical Switches
Authors: Kulothungan Jothiramalingam , Muruganathan Manoharan , Mizuta Hiroshi
Published: August 2016

In this paper, we report the finite element method (FEM) simulation of double-clamped graphene nanoelectromechanical (NEM) switches. Pull-in and pull-out characteristics are analyzed for graphene NEM switches with different dimensions and these are consistent with the experimental results. This numerical model is used to study the scaling nature of the graphene NEM switches. We show the possibility of achieving a pull-in voltage as low as 2 V for a 1.5-μm-long and 3-nm-thick nanocrystalline graphene beam NEM switch. In order to study the mechanical reliability of the graphene NEM switches, von Mises stress analysis is carried out. This analysis shows that a thinner graphene beam results in a lower von Mises stress. Moreover, a strong electrostatic force at the beam edges leads to a mechanical deflection at the edges larger than that around the center of the beam, which is consistent with the von Mises stress analysis.
Synthesis of Natural Homoisoflavonoids Having Either 5,7-Dihydroxy-6-methoxy or 7-Hydroxy-5,6-dimethoxy Groups
Authors: Lee Hyungjun , Yuan Yue , Rhee Inmoo , Corson Timothy , Seo Seung-Yong
Published: August 2016

Naturally occurring homoisoflavonoids containing either 5,7-dihydroxy-6-methoxy or 7-hydroxy-5,6-dimethoxy groups such as the antiangiogenic homoisoflavanone, cremastranone, were synthesized via three or four linear steps from the known 4-chromenone. This facile synthesis includes chemoselective 1,4-reduction of 4-chromenone and selective deprotection of 3-benzylidene-4-chromanone a containing C7-benzyloxy group.
Protein-Repellence PES Membranes Using Bio-grafting of Ortho-aminophenol
Authors: Nady Norhan , El-Shazly Ahmed , Soliman Hesham , Kandil Sherif
Published: August 2016

Surface modification becomes an effective tool for improvement of both flux and selectivity of membrane by reducing the adsorption of the components of the fluid used onto its surface. A successful green modification of poly(ethersulfone) (PES) membranes using ortho-aminophenol (2-AP) modifier and laccase enzyme biocatalyst under very flexible conditions is presented in this paper. The modified PES membranes were evaluated using many techniques including total color change, pure water flux, and protein repellence that were related to the gravimetric grafting yield. In addition, static water contact angle on laminated PES layers were determined. Blank and modified commercial membranes (surface and cross-section) and laminated PES layers (surface) were imaged by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and scanning probe microscope (SPM) to illustrate the formed modifying poly(2-aminophenol) layer(s). This green modification resulted in an improvement of both membrane flux and protein repellence, up to 15.4% and 81.27%, respectively, relative to the blank membrane.
Coastal Subsidence Monitoring Associated with Land Reclamation Using the Point Target Based SBAS-InSAR Method: A Case Study of Shenzhen, China
Authors: Xu Bing , Feng Guangcai , Li Zhiwei , Wang Qijie , Wang Changcheng , Xie Rongan
Published: August 2016

Shenzhen, the first special economic zone of China, has witnessed earth-shaking changes since the late 1980s. In the past 35 years, about 80 km2 of land has been reclaimed from the sea in Shenzhen. In order to investigate coastal vertical land motions associated with land reclamation, we proposed an elaborated Point Target (PT) based Small Baseline Subset InSAR (SBAS-InSAR) strategy to process an ENVISAT ASAR ascending and descending orbits dataset both acquired from 2007 to 2010. This new strategy can not only select high density PTs but also generate a reliable InSAR measurement with full spatial resolution. The inter-comparison between InSAR-derived deformation velocities from different orbits shows a good self-consistency of the results extracted by the elaborated PT-based SBAS-InSAR strategy. The InSAR measurements show that the reclaimed land is undergoing remarkable coastal subsidence (up to 25 mm/year), especially at the Shenzhen Airport, Bao’an Center, Qianhai Bay and Shenzhen Bay. By analyzing the results together with land reclamation evolution, we conclude that the ground deformation is expected to continue in the near future, which will amplify the regional sea level rise.
Enhanced Statistical Estimation of Air Temperature Incorporating Nighttime Light Data
Authors: Chen Yunhao , Quan Jinling , Zhan Wenfeng , Guo Zheng
Published: August 2016

Near surface air temperature (Ta) is one of the most critical variables in climatology, hydrology, epidemiology, and environmental health. In situ measurements are not efficient for characterizing spatially heterogeneous Ta, while remote sensing is a powerful tool to break this limitation. This study proposes a mapping framework for daily mean Ta using an enhanced empirical regression method based on remote sensing data. It differs from previous studies in three aspects. First, nighttime light data is introduced as a predictor (besides land surface temperature, normalized difference vegetation index, impervious surface area, black sky albedo, normalized difference water index, elevation, and duration of daylight) considering the urbanization-induced Ta increase over a large area. Second, independent components are extracted using principal component analysis considering the correlations among the above predictors. Third, a composite sinusoidal coefficient regression is developed considering the dynamic Ta-predictor relationship. This method was performed at 333 weather stations in China during 2001–2012. Evaluation shows overall mean error of −0.01 K, root mean square error (RMSE) of 2.53 K, correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.96, and average uncertainty of 0.21 K. Model inter-comparison shows that this method outperforms six additional empirical regressions that have not incorporated nighttime light data or considered predictor independence or coefficient dynamics (by 0.18–2.60 K in RMSE and 0.00–0.15 in R2).
On the Dynamic RSS Feedbacks of Indoor Fingerprinting Databases for Localization Reliability Improvement
Authors: Wen Xiaoyang , Tao Wenyuan , Own Chung-Ming , Pan Zhenjiang
Published: August 2016

Location data is one of the most widely used context data types in context-aware and ubiquitous computing applications. To support locating applications in indoor environments, numerous systems with different deployment costs and positioning accuracies have been developed over the past decade. One useful method, based on received signal strength (RSS), provides a set of signal transmission access points. However, compiling a remeasurement RSS database involves a high cost, which is impractical in dynamically changing environments, particularly in highly crowded areas. In this study, we propose a dynamic estimation resampling method for certain locations chosen from a set of remeasurement fingerprinting databases. Our proposed method adaptively applies different, newly updated and offline fingerprinting points according to the temporal and spatial strength of the location. To achieve accuracy within a simulated area, the proposed method requires approximately 3% of the feedback to attain a double correctness probability comparable to similar methods; in a real environment, our proposed method can obtain excellent 1 m accuracy errors in the positioning system.
The Positioning Accuracy of BAUV Using Fusion of Data from USBL System and Movement Parameters Measurements
Authors: Krzysztof Naus , Aleksander Nowak
Published: August 2016

The article presents a study of the accuracy of estimating the position coordinates of BAUV (Biomimetic Autonomous Underwater Vehicle) by the extended Kalman filter (EKF) method. The fusion of movement parameters measurements and position coordinates fixes was applied. The movement parameters measurements are carried out by on-board navigation devices, while the position coordinates fixes are done by the USBL (Ultra Short Base Line) system. The problem of underwater positioning and the conceptual design of the BAUV navigation system constructed at the Naval Academy (Polish Naval Academy—PNA) are presented in the first part of the paper. The second part consists of description of the evaluation results of positioning accuracy, the genesis of the problem of selecting method for underwater positioning, and the mathematical description of the method of estimating the position coordinates using the EKF method by the fusion of measurements with on-board navigation and measurements obtained with the USBL system. The main part contains a description of experimental research. It consists of a simulation program of navigational parameter measurements carried out during the BAUV passage along the test section. Next, the article covers the determination of position coordinates on the basis of simulated parameters, using EKF and DR methods and the USBL system, which are then subjected to a comparative analysis of accuracy. The final part contains systemic conclusions justifying the desirability of applying the proposed fusion method of navigation parameters for the BAUV positioning.
Sensor Fusion of Gaussian Mixtures for Ballistic Target Tracking in the Re-Entry Phase
Authors: Lu Kelin , Zhou Rui
Published: August 2016

A sensor fusion methodology for the Gaussian mixtures model is proposed for ballistic target tracking with unknown ballistic coefficients. To improve the estimation accuracy, a track-to-track fusion architecture is proposed to fuse tracks provided by the local interacting multiple model filters. During the fusion process, the duplicate information is removed by considering the first order redundant information between the local tracks. With extensive simulations, we show that the proposed algorithm improves the tracking accuracy in ballistic target tracking in the re-entry phase applications.
Comprehensive Benefit Evaluation of the Power Distribution Network Planning Project Based on Improved IAHP and Multi-Level Extension Assessment Method
Authors: Wu Qunli , Peng Chenyang
Published: August 2016

Reasonable distribution network planning is an essential prerequisite of the economics and security of the future power grid. The comprehensive benefit evaluation of a distribution network planning project can make significant contributions towards guiding decisions during the planning scheme, the optimization of the distribution network structure, and the rational use of resources. In this paper, in light of the characteristics of the power distribution network, the comprehensive benefit evaluation index system is constructed considering the influencing factors of technical benefit, economic benefit, and social benefit. To eliminate the influence of subjective factors on the evaluation effects and the uncertainty of the influencing factors effectively, the improved interval analytic hierarchy process is employed to calculate the index weights more simply. Moreover, based on the traditional single-factor extension evaluation, this study proposes a multi-level extension assessment model to evaluate the comprehensive benefit of the power distribution network planning project. The model can not only identify the key factors that affect the evaluation effect of the power distribution network planning project, but also can predict the overall development trend of the project. Finally, using a specific urban distribution network planning project as an example, the findings indicate that the comprehensive benefit grade of this power distribution network planning project is “better” due to the benefit grade variable eigenvalue j * ∈ [ 3.33 , 3.418 ] ∈ [ 3 , 4 ] , and illustrates that the model is credible and practical to achieve the comprehensive benefit evaluation of the power distribution network planning project.
Towards Equitable and Sustainable Urban Space: Introduction to Special Issue on “Urban Land and Sustainable Development”
Authors: Wei Yehua
Published: August 2016

The unprecedented wave of global urbanization has exerted increased pressure on urban land and made land-use sustainability an urgent concern. This Special Issue examines patterns, structures, and dynamics of urban land use from the economic, social, and, to a lesser extent, environmental standpoints, in light of the goal of equitable and sustainable development. This introduction discusses the background and design of the Special Issue and highlights the contribution of the selected papers.
Identification of an Essential Region for Translocation of Clostridium difficile Toxin B
Authors: Chen Shuyi , Wang Haiying , Gu Huawei , Sun Chunli , Li Shan , Feng Hanping , Wang Jufang
Published: August 2016

Clostridium difficile toxin A (TcdA) and toxin B (TcdB) are the major virulence factors involved in C. difficile-associated diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis. TcdA and TcdB both contain at least four distinct domains: the glucosyltransferase domain, cysteine protease domain, receptor binding domain, and translocation domain. Few studies have investigated the translocation domain and its mechanism of action. Recently, it was demonstrated that a segment of 97 amino acids (AA 1756–1852, designated D97) within the translocation domain of TcdB is essential for the in vitro and in vivo toxicity of TcdB. However, the mechanism by which D97 regulates the action of TcdB in host cells and the important amino acids within this region are unknown. In this study, we discovered that a smaller fragment, amino acids 1756–1780, located in the N-terminus of the D97 fragment, is essential for translocation of the effector glucosyltransferase domain into the host cytosol. A sequence of 25AA within D97 is predicted to form an alpha helical structure and is the critical part of D97. The deletion mutant TcdB∆1756–1780 showed similar glucosyltransferase and cysteine protease activity, cellular binding, and pore formation to wild type TcdB, but it failed to induce the glucosylation of Rho GTPase Rac1 of host cells. Moreover, we found that TcdB∆1756–1780 was rapidly degraded in the endosome of target cells, and therefore its intact glucosyltransferase domain was unable to translocate efficiently into host cytosol. Our finding provides an insight into the molecular mechanisms of action of TcdB in the intoxication of host cells.
Treatment of HEV Infection in Patients with a Solid-Organ Transplant and Chronic Hepatitis
Authors: Kamar Nassim , Lhomme Sébastien , Abravanel Florence , Marion Olivier , Peron Jean-Marie , Alric Laurent , Izopet Jacques
Published: August 2016

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection can cause hepatic and extra-hepatic manifestations. Treatment of HEV infection has been thoroughly studied in solid-organ-transplant patients who have developed a chronic HEV infection. In this review, we report on our current knowledge regarding treatment of HEV infection.
Discussion of “The New Role of Biomedical Informatics in the Age of Digital Medicine”
Authors: Bellazzi Riccardo , de Quiros Fernan Gonzalez Bernaldo , Koch Sabine , Kulikowski Casimir , Lovell Nigel , Maojo Victor , Park Hyeoun-Ae , Sanz Ferran , Sarkar Indra , Tanaka Hiroshi , Al-Shorbaji Najeeb
Published: August 2016

This article is part of a For-Discussion-Section of Methods of Information in Medicine about the paper “The New Role of Biomedical Informatics in the Age of Digital Medicine” written by Fernando J. Martin-Sanchez and Guillermo H. Lopez-Campos [1]. It is introduced by an editorial. This article contains the combined commentaries invited to in -dependently comment on the paper of Martin-Sanchez and Lopez-Campos. In subsequent issues the discussion can continue through letters to the editor.
Intensifiers and image schemas: Schema type determines intensifier type
Authors: King Kevin
Published: August 2016

This paper develops a theory whereby the type of intensifier that a source word grammaticalizes as is determined by the semantics of the source word. Three intensifiers (way, thoroughly, and overly) are looked at in-depth and it is shown that their semantics as intensifiers follow from certain features, namely path and endpoint, of the image schemas depicting the meanings of their source words. It is possible that this theory can be extended to all intensifiers, especially given that many intensifiers grammaticalize out of source words that have spatial interpretations.
Optimizing by accident: A/an allomorphy and glottal stop
Authors: Pak Marjorie
Published: August 2016

English a/an appears to be a textbook case of phonologically optimizing allomorphy: it conspires to yield CV syllables instead of hiatus (% ə apple) or extra codas (*an book). But does this effect need to be explained in the synchronic grammar—e.g., is an selected before vowels in order to provide an onset? I argue that it cannot be, based on the selection of an before emphatic glottal stop (an [ʔ]ápple). I provide a serialist analysis of a/an in which allomorphy strictly precedes phonology and cannot ‘see’ surface phonetic forms.
Learning consequences of derived-environment effects
Authors: Chong Adam J.
Published: August 2016

In constraint-based phonological models, it is hypothesized that learning phonotactics first should facilitate the learning of phonological alternations. In this paper, we investigate whether alternation learning is impeded if static phonotactic generalizations and dynamic generalizations about alternations mismatch as in derived-environment patterns. English speakers were trained on one of two artificial languages, one in which static and dynamic generalizations match (Across-the-board), the other where they did not (Derived-environment). In both languages, there was an alternation that palatalized [ti] and [di] to [ʧi] and [ʤi] respectively across a morpheme boundary. In the Across-the-board language, the constraint motivating this (*Ti) was true across-the-board, whereas words with such sequences within stems were attested in the Derived-environment language. Results indicate that alternation learning in both languages was comparable. Interestingly, learners in the Across-the-board language failed to infer the *Ti constraint despite never hearing words with such sequences in training. Overall, our results suggests that alternation learning is not hindered by a static phonotactic mismatch in this type of experimental paradigm and that learners do not readily extend a generalization about legal heteromorphemic sequences to analogous sequences within a morpheme.
Structural and semantic ambiguity of why-questions: An overlooked case of weak islands in English
Authors: Chapman Cassandra , Kučerová Ivona
Published: August 2016

We argue that English why-questions are systematically ambiguous between a purpose and a reason interpretation, similarly to Mandarin, Russian, and Polish (contra Stepanov & Tsai 2008). We argue that the distinct semantic interpretations correspond to two distinct base-generated positions of why. While reason why is base-generated within CP (Rizzi 2001, Ko 2005), purpose why is adjoined to vP (Stepanov & Tsai 2008). Furthermore, we show that English purpose why, similarly to previously reported data from Mandarin, is only compatible with dynamic predicates with agentive subjects. We argue that this selectional restriction follows from two properties: (i) why semantically requires a proposition as its argument, and (ii) only dynamic predicates with agentive subjects have a syntactic structure that accommodates two adjunction sites of the relevant semantic type, i.e., they contain two distinct propositional levels (Bale 2007) and therefore two attachment sites for why. In contrast, propositionally simple predicates only have one propositional level and hence only one possible attachment site, which corresponds to the reason interpretation of why. Evidence for this proposal comes from the observation that only the lower why - associated with the purpose reading - is sensitive to negative islands, which suggests that its attachment site is below negation (vP), whereas the higher why is insensitive to island effects of this sort, which suggests that its base generated position is above negation (CP).
Abstraction of phonological representations in adult nonnative speakers
Authors: Lancaster Alia , Gor Kira
Published: August 2016

Perception of nonnative contrasts by adult second language (L2) learners is affected by native language phonology. The current study contrasted predictions from two models of L2 phonological acquisition that focus on different representational levels as the origin of native language transfer: the abstract categorization level from the Perceptual Assimilation Model for L2 learners (PAM-L2; Best & Tyler, 2007) and the phonetic level from the Automatic Selective Perception model (ASP; Strange, 2011). The target phonemes were pairs of Arabic consonants that were equally similar on the abstract categorization level but unequally similar on the phonetic level—voiced and voiceless pharyngeal fricatives /ʕ/, /ħ/ and uvular fricatives /χ/, /ʁ/. Twenty intermediate-level English-speaking Arabic L2 learners and 10 Arabic native speakers (NS) completed auditory identification and discrimination tasks. We first conducted a discriminant analysis (DA) to quantify ASP predictions based on phonetic variables. L2 learners were generally more accurate when perceiving the pharyngeal consonants compared to the uvulars and when perceiving the voiced phonemes compared to the voiceless. These findings, and L2 learners’ perceptual variation across contexts, predicted by the DA, suggest that L2 speakers were able to track phonetic cues during L2 perception and thus favor the ASP. These results support the interpretation that L2 learners attend to the phonetic detail in nonnative segments; however, they do not build nativelike phonological representations for the segments with weaker phonetic cues. This ability to process low-level phonetic cues opens the possibility for learners to create more robust phonological representations.
Gender features in pronoun resolution processing in Brazilian Portuguese
Authors: Alves Michele
Published: August 2016

Given the fact that the parser has a very restrictive focus of attention, it is memory retrieval that helps us to bind antecedents and pronouns in coreference, which is considered a long distance dependency. Our memory seems to work in a content-addressable way (McElree, 2000; McElree et al, 2003; van Dyke and McElree, 2006), that is, all the antecedent candidates that match the pronoun cues are simultaneously accessed and the correct antecedent is retrieved. However, memory can suffer interference from distractors (Lewis & Vasishth, 2005; Lewis, Vasishth & van Dyke, 2006), items that are similar to the antecedent. Consequently the strength of association between the pronoun’s cues and the antecedent’s features reduces, and distractors can be retrieved instead of the antecedent. According to some psycholinguistic studies, at least two kinds of cues might play a role in this process: the structural constraints related to Principle B and agreement between antecedents and pronouns. This research aims to investigate how nominal antecedents are retrieved in Brazilian Portuguese, which is a language with morphology richness. The question is whether the structural constraints cues and the agreement cues would have the same influence in coreference processing. Moreover, a comparison between different types of agreement features will also be examined in order to find out whether memory retrieves feminine features differently from masculine; and whether grammatical gender, which is an invariable and arbitrary gender, is retrieved differently from semantic gender, which is related to the biological gender of the referent. The results of an eye-tracking study conducted with 24 native speakers of Brazilian Portuguese indicate that at the beginning of coreference processing, the only cues that are taken into account are the gender features. Interestingly, feminine and grammatical gender features were responsible for greater influences in both grammatical and ungrammatical sentences. On the other hand, the structural constraints seem to play a major role at later processing phases. Additionally, an off-line grammatical judgment experiment with the same materials used in the previous experiment was conducted with forty native speakers of Brazilian Portuguese. The results confirmed the eye-tracking findings as it seems that the presence of attractors influenced on-line and off-line processing as well as the comprehension of the sentences. Therefore, ungrammatical sentences with attractors were treated as grammatical and grammatical sentences with attractors were treated as ungrammatical. Besides that, ungrammatical sentences were also vulnerable to semantic illusions in the presence of attractors, that is, distractors were retrieved as semantic referents.
The BAD-LAD split: Secondary /æ/-lengthening in Southern Standard British English
Authors: Kettig Thomas
Published: August 2016

Descriptions of the Received Pronunciation (RP) and Southern Standard British English (SSBE) have previously commented on vowel lengthening in certain words such as bad and glad as opposed to shorter lad and pad. This paper comprises the first thorough description of the conditioning of /æ/ duration in twenty-one young native SSBE speakers, finding inconclusive evidence for a lexically specified split but significant general lengthening effects of postvocalic /g/ and /d/; this secondary /æ/-lengthening is discussed in reference to phonological analyses of the TRAP-BATH split (primary /æ/-lengthening) and previously established descriptions of co-articulatory segmental effects on vowel length.