bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new model of meteoric calcium in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere
Authors: Plane John M. C. , Feng Wuhu , Gómez Martín Juan Carlos , Gerding Michael , Raizada Shikha
Published: October 2018

Abstract. Meteoric ablation produces layers of metal atoms in the
mesosphere and lower thermosphere (MLT). It has been known for more than 30 years that the Ca atom layer is depleted by over 2 orders of magnitude
compared with Na, despite these elements having nearly the same
elemental abundance in chondritic meteorites. In contrast, the Ca+ ion
abundance is depleted by less than a factor of 10. To explain these
observations, a large database of neutral and ion–molecule reaction
kinetics of Ca species, measured over the past decade, was incorporated into
the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model (WACCM). A new meteoric input
function for Ca and Na, derived using a chemical ablation model that has
been tested experimentally with a Meteoric Ablation Simulator, shows that Ca
ablates almost 1 order of magnitude less efficiently than Na. WACCM-Ca
simulates the seasonal Ca layer satisfactorily when compared with lidar
observations, but tends to overestimate Ca+ measurements made by rocket
mass spectrometry and lidar. A key finding is that CaOH and CaCO3 are
very stable reservoir species because they are involved in essentially
closed reaction cycles with O2 and O. This has been demonstrated
experimentally for CaOH, and in this study for CaCO3 using electronic
structure and statistical rate theory. Most of the neutral Ca is therefore
locked in these reservoirs, enabling rapid loss through polymerization into
meteoric smoke particles, and this explains the extreme depletion of Ca.
An in situ flow tube system for direct measurement of N2O5 heterogeneous uptake coefficients in polluted environments
Authors: Wang Weihao , Wang Zhe , Yu Chuan , Xia Men , Peng Xiang , Zhou Yan , Yue Dingli , Ou Yubo , Wang Tao
Published: October 2018

Abstract. The heterogeneous reactivity of dinitrogen pentoxide
(N2O5) on ambient aerosols plays a key role in the atmospheric fate of
NOx and formation of secondary pollutants. To better understand the
reactive uptake of N2O5 on complex ambient aerosols, an in situ
experimental approach to direct measurement of N2O5 uptake
coefficient (γN2O5) was developed for application in
environments with high, variable ambient precursors. The method utilizes an
aerosol flow tube reactor coupled with an iterative chemical box model to
derive γN2O5 from the depletion of synthetically
generated N2O5 when mixed with ambient aerosols. Laboratory
tests and model simulations were performed to characterize the system and the
factors affecting γN2O5, including mean residence time,
wall loss variability with relative humidity (RH), and N2O5 formation and titration
with high levels of NO, NOx, and O3. The overall uncertainty was
estimated to be 37 %–40 % at γN2O5 of 0.03 for RH
varying from 20 % to 70 %. The results indicate that this flow tube
coupled with the iterative model method could be buffered to NO
concentrations below 8 ppbv and against air mass fluctuations switching
between aerosol and non-aerosol modes. The system was then deployed in the
field to test its applicability under conditions of high ambient
NO2 and O3 and fresh NO emission. The results demonstrate that the
iterative model improved the accuracy of γN2O5
calculations in polluted environments and thus support the further field
deployment of the system to study the impacts of heterogeneous
N2O5 reactivity on photochemistry and aerosol formation.
A bulk-mass-modeling-based method for retrieving Particulate Matter Pollution using CALIOP observations
Authors: Toth Travis D. , Zhang Jianglong , Reid Jeffrey S. , Vaughan Mark A.
Published: October 2018

Abstract. In this proof-of-concept paper, we apply a bulk-mass-modeling method using observations from the NASA Cloud-Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP) instrument for retrieving particulate matter (PM) concentration over the contiguous United States (CONUS) over a 2-year period (2008–2009). Different from previous approaches that rely on empirical relationships between aerosol optical depth (AOD) and PM2.5 (PM with particle sizes less than 2.5 µm), for the first time, we derive PM2.5 concentrations, both at daytime and nighttime, from near surface CALIOP aerosol extinction retrievals using bulk mass extinction coefficients and model-based hygroscopicity. Preliminary results from this 2-year study conducted over the CONUS show a good agreement (r2 ~ 0.48; mean bias of −3.3 µg m−3) between the averaged nighttime CALIOP-derived PM2.5 and ground-based PM2.5 (with a lower r2 of ~ 0.21 for daytime; mean bias of −0.4 µg m−3), suggesting that PM concentrations can be obtained from active-based spaceborne observations with reasonable accuracy. Results from sensitivity studies suggest that accurate aerosol typing is needed for applying CALIOP measurements for PM2.5 studies. Lastly, the e-folding correlation length for surface PM2.5 is found to be around 600 km for the entire CONUS (~ 300 km for Western CONUS and ~ 700 km for Eastern CONUS), indicating that CALIOP observations, although sparse in spatial coverage, may still be applicable for PM2.5 studies.
Surface transport of DOC acts as a trophic link among Mediterranean sub-basins
Authors: Santinelli Chiara , Iacono Roberto , Napolitano Ernesto , Ribera d'Alcalá Maurizio
Published: October 2018

Abstract. Characterizing carbon cycling and redistribution in the ocean is an important issue for Mankind, because it may affect key ecosystem services, e.g., support to climate system and food provision. In this paper, using an integrated approach, we explore the impact of the surface circulation on carbon dynamics in the Western Mediterranean Sea, where strong inter-basin differences in primary production do exist. Detailed information on the surface circulation, derived from high-resolution model simulations, is combined with the analysis of accurate, repeated dissolved organic carbon (DOC) data. Our work indicates that the advection of the Atlantic Water acts as a trophic link between the Algerian Basin and the Tyrrhenian Sea, determining a flux of 8.8–37.9 × 1012 g DOC yr−1 into the basin. Thus, surface transport of DOC can redistribute chemical energy among regions with different trophic regimes. We hypothesize that this overlooked mechanism plays an important role also in the global ocean.
A global compilation of coccolithophore calcification rates
Authors: Daniels Chris J. , Poulton Alex J. , Balch William M. , Marañón Emilio , Adey Tim , Bowler Bruce C. , Cermeño Pedro , Charalampopoulou Anastasia , Crawford David W. , Drapeau Dave , Feng Yuanyuan , Fernández Ana , Fernández Emilio , Fragoso Glaucia M. , González Natalia , Graziano Lisa M. , Heslop Rachel , Holligan Patrick M. , Hopkins Jason , Huete-Ortega María , Hutchins David A. , Lam Phoebe J. , Lipsen Michael S. , López-Sandoval Daffne C. , Loucaides Socratis , Marchetti Adrian , Mayers Kyle M. J. , Rees Andrew P. , Sobrino Cristina , Tynan Eithne , Tyrrell Toby
Published: October 2018

Abstract. The biological production of calcium carbonate (CaCO3), a process termed calcification, is a key term in the marine carbon cycle. A major planktonic group responsible for such pelagic CaCO3 production (CP) is the coccolithophores, single-celled haptophytes that inhabit the euphotic zone of the ocean. Satellite-based estimates of areal CP are limited to surface waters and open-ocean areas, with current algorithms utilising the unique optical properties of the cosmopolitan bloom-forming species Emiliania huxleyi, whereas little understanding of deep-water ecology, optical properties or environmental responses by species other than E. huxleyi is currently available to parameterise algorithms or models. To aid future areal estimations and validate future modelling efforts we have constructed a database of 2765 CP measurements, the majority of which were measured using 12 to 24 h incorporation of radioactive carbon (14C) into acid-labile inorganic carbon (CaCO3). We present data collated from over 30 studies covering the period from 1991 to 2015, sampling the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, Arctic and Southern oceans. Globally, CP in surface waters ( < 20 m) ranged from 0.01 to 8398 µmol C m−3 d−1 (with a geometric mean of 16.1 µmol C m−3 d−1). An integral value for the upper euphotic zone (herein surface to the depth of 1 % surface irradiance) ranged from  < 0.1 to 6 mmol C m−2 d−1 (geometric mean 1.19 mmol C m−2 d−1). The full database is available for download from PANGAEA at https://doi.org/10.1594/PANGAEA.888182.
Evaluating simplified chemical mechanisms within present-day simulations of the Community Earth System Model version 1.2 with CAM4 (CESM1.2 CAM-chem): MOZART-4 vs. Reduced Hydrocarbon vs. Super-Fast chemistry
Authors: Brown-Steiner Benjamin , Selin Noelle E. , Prinn Ronald , Tilmes Simone , Emmons Louisa , Lamarque Jean-François , Cameron-Smith Philip
Published: October 2018

Abstract. While state-of-the-art complex chemical mechanisms expand our understanding
of atmospheric chemistry, their sheer size and computational requirements
often limit simulations to short lengths or ensembles to only a few members.
Here we present and compare three 25-year present-day offline simulations
with chemical mechanisms of different levels of complexity using the
Community Earth System Model (CESM) Version 1.2 CAM-chem (CAM4): the Model
for Ozone and Related Chemical Tracers, version 4 (MOZART-4) mechanism, the
Reduced Hydrocarbon mechanism, and the Super-Fast mechanism. We show that,
for most regions and time periods, differences in simulated ozone chemistry
between these three mechanisms are smaller than the model–observation
differences themselves. The MOZART-4 mechanism and the Reduced Hydrocarbon
are in close agreement in their representation of ozone throughout the
troposphere during all time periods (annual, seasonal, and diurnal). While
the Super-Fast mechanism tends to have higher simulated ozone variability and
differs from the MOZART-4 mechanism over regions of high biogenic emissions,
it is surprisingly capable of simulating ozone adequately given its
simplicity. We explore the trade-offs between chemical mechanism complexity
and computational cost by identifying regions where the simpler mechanisms
are comparable to the MOZART-4 mechanism and regions where they are not. The
Super-Fast mechanism is 3 times as fast as the MOZART-4 mechanism, which
allows for longer simulations or ensembles with more members that may not be
feasible with the MOZART-4 mechanism given limited computational resources.
Projected intensification of sub-daily and daily rainfall extremes in
convection-permitting climate model simulations over North
America: Implications for future Intensity–Duration–Frequency curves
Authors: Cannon Alex J. , Innocenti Silvia
Published: October 2018

Abstract. Convection-permitting climate models have been recommended for use in projecting future changes in local-scale, short-duration rainfall extremes that are of greatest relevance to engineering and infrastructure design, e.g., as commonly summarized in Intensity–Duration–Frequency (IDF) curves. Based on thermodynamic arguments, it is expected that rainfall extremes will become more intense in the future. Recent evidence also suggests that shorter-duration extremes may intensify more than longer durations and that changes may depend on event rarity. Based on these general trends, will IDF curves shift upward and steepen under global warming? Will long return period extremes experience greater intensification than more common events? Projected changes in IDF curve characteristics are assessed based on sub-daily and daily outputs from historical and late 21st century pseudo-global warming convection-permitting climate model simulations over North America. To make more efficient use of the short model integrations, a parsimonious Generalized Extreme Value Simple Scaling (GEVSS) model is used to estimate historical and future IDF curves (1-hr to 24-hr durations). Simulated historical sub-daily rainfall extremes are first evaluated against in situ observations and compared with two high-resolution observationally-constrained gridded products. The climate model performs well, matching or exceeding performance of the gridded datasets. Next, inferences about future changes in GEVSS parameters are made using a Bayesian False Discovery Rate approach. Large portions of the domain experience significant increases in GEVSS location (> 99 % of grid points), scale (> 88 %), and scaling exponent (> 39 %) parameters, whereas almost no significant decreases are projected to occur (
Ice shelf basal melt rates from a high-resolution DEM record for Pine Island Glacier, Antarctica
Authors: Shean David E. , Joughin Ian R. , Dutrieux Pierre , Smith Benjamin E. , Berthier Etienne
Published: October 2018

Abstract. Ocean-induced basal melting is directly and indirectly responsible for much of the Amundsen Sea Embayment ice loss in recent decades, but the total magnitude and spatiotemporal evolution of this melt is poorly constrained. To address this problem, we generated a record of high-resolution Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) for Pine Island Glacier (PIG) using commercial sub-meter satellite stereo imagery and integrated additional 2002–2015 DEM/altimetry data. We implemented a Lagrangian elevation change (Dh/Dt) framework to estimate ice shelf basal melt rates at 32–256-m resolution. We describe this methodology and consider basal melt rates and elevation change over the PIG shelf and lower catchment from 2008–2015. We document the evolution of Eulerian elevation change (dh/dt) and upstream propagation of thinning signals following the end of rapid grounding line retreat around 2010. Mean full-shelf basal melt rates for the 2008–2015 period were ~82–93 Gt/yr, with ~ 200–250 m/yr basal melt rates within large channels near the grounding line, ~ 10–30 m/yr over the main shelf, and ~ 0–10 m/yr over the North and South shelves, with the notable exception of a small area with rates of ~ 50–100 m/yr near the grounding line of a fast-flowing tributary on the South shelf. The observed basal melt rates show excellent agreement with, and provide context for, in situ basal melt rate observations. We also document the relative melt rates for km-scale basal channels and keels at different locations on the shelf and consider implications for ocean circulation and heat content. These methods and results offer new indirect observations of ice-ocean interaction and constraints on the processes driving sub-shelf melting beneath vulnerable ice shelves in West Antarctica.
An efficient frequency-domain model for quick load analysis of floating offshore wind turbines
Authors: Pegalajar-Jurado Antonio , Borg Michael , Bredmose Henrik
Published: October 2018

Abstract. A model for Quick Load Analysis of Floating wind turbines (QuLAF) is
presented and validated here. The model is a linear, frequency-domain,
efficient tool with four planar degrees of freedom: floater surge, heave,
pitch and first tower modal deflection. The model relies on state-of-the-art
tools from which hydrodynamic, aerodynamic and mooring loads are extracted
and cascaded into QuLAF. Hydrodynamic and aerodynamic loads are pre-computed
in WAMIT and FAST, respectively, while the mooring system is linearized
around the equilibrium position for each wind speed using MoorDyn. An
approximate approach to viscous hydrodynamic damping is developed, and the
aerodynamic damping is extracted from decay tests specific for each degree of
freedom. Without any calibration, the model predicts the motions of the
system in stochastic wind and waves with good accuracy when compared to FAST.
The damage-equivalent bending moment at the tower base is estimated with
errors between 0.2 % and 11.3 % for all the load cases
considered. The largest errors are associated with the most severe wave
climates for wave-only conditions and with turbine operation around rated
wind speed for combined wind and waves. The computational speed of the model
is between 1300 and 2700 times faster than real time.
De la metáfora del mercado a la sinécdoque del emprendedor: la reconfiguración política del modelo referencial de trabajador
Authors: Serrano Pascual Amparo , Fernández Rodríguez Carlos J.
Published: October 2018

De la metáfora del mercado a la sinécdoque del emprendedor: la reconfiguración política del modelo referencial de trabajador.
Tipo de emprendimiento y fase de desarrollo como factores clave para el resultado de la actividad emprendedora
Authors: Almodóvar Manuel
Published: October 2018

No todas las manifestaciones de actividad emprendedora son necesariamente productivas, en términos de crecimiento económico. Por otro lado, el impacto del emprendimiento parece seguir una pauta diferente en función del estado de desarrollo del país en que se aplique, puesto que su impacto es negativo o nulo en las economías en desarrollo, y positivo en las economías desarrolladas. Es decir, el resultado del emprendimiento depende del tipo de emprendimiento y de la economía en que se aplique. Este artículo pone en cuestión, a partir de una revisión de la literatura científica, la concepción prevaleciente en las políticas públicas que establece una relación directa entre el emprendimiento y el crecimiento económico y reflexiona acerca de la necesidad de diferenciar entre tipos de emprendimiento y tipos de economía, así como sus vínculos”
Mujeres y emprendimiento a través de Lean In: una perspectiva crítica
Authors: Medina-Vicent Maria
Published: October 2018

La lógica del emprendimiento empresarial responde a los intereses del neoliberalismo y requiere de la construcción de los individuos como sujetos autoresponsables, autoexigentes y despolitizados para su expansión. En este contexto de mercantilización de las capacidades humanas, la posición social de las mujeres se vuelve más que vulnerable. Dicha constitución de las mujeres como sujetos emprendedores debe enmarcarse en la confluencia entre neoliberalismo y género, donde se crea el espacio para una peligrosa alianza: el feminismo neoliberal. A través de dicha lógica las mujeres son construidas como sujetos neoliberales, cuestión que permite a su vez la cabida del emprendimiento como nueva lógica de vida. En el presente trabajo se establecerá el marco teórico del fenómeno acabado de mencionar, identificando el discurso del emprendimiento en la literatura gerencial, particularmente la dirigida a mujeres a través del análisis del discurso del bestseller titulado Lean In de Sheryl Sandberg (2013).
El impacto de la economía 4.0 sobre las condiciones de trabajo y empleo. Estudio de caso en dos empresas de base tecnológica
Authors: Rodríguez Fernández María Luz , Pérez del Prado Daniel
Published: October 2018

Este artículo analiza, desde una perspectiva práctica, los cambios en las condiciones de trabajo que están teniendo lugar en las empresas que más de cerca están viviendo la era de la digitalización. Para alcanzar este objetivo, se empleará un enfoque metodológico que integra el análisis interdisciplinar, tanto jurídico como sociológico, con el estudio de caso. Los principales resultados destacan el éxito del sistema educativo para proporcionar la formación básica que este sector necesita y el correlativo fracaso del sistema de formación para el empleo; el uso extremadamente flexible del tiempo de trabajo, lo que tiene claras repercusiones en materia de conciliación; la altísima rotación laboral; y la ausencia de eficacia práctica de ciertas instituciones clásicas, como el contrato indefinido o la representación legal de los trabajadores.
La conquête de l’Afrique romaine par les Vandales (429-439 après J.-C.)
Authors: Le Bohec Yann
Published: October 2018

Menacés par l’arrivée des Goths et attirés par la prospérité de l’Afrique, une région militairement mal défendue, les Vandales traversèrent le détroit de Gibraltar. Arrivés sur leur nouvelle terre, ils remportèrent une première bataille en rase campagne, mais ils connurent des difficultés pour prendre Hippone. Ensuite, ils vainquirent une deuxième fois en plaine, à l’est d’Hippone, puis ils s’emparèrent de Carthage, par ruse.
Alfareros indígenas de la Hispania Citerior. Un catálogo de sellos con	antropónimos vernáculos
Authors: Simón Cornago Ignacio
Published: October 2018

El objetivo de este trabajo es recopilar los ejemplos de productores con nombre vernáculo que aparecen en los sellos inscritos sobre cerámica producida en el interior de la provincia de Hispania Citerior. Los sellos aparecen sobre dolia, cerámicas engobadas, tegulae, lateres y terra sigillata.
To disclose or not to disclose? Communication between mothers with cancer and their young children
Authors: Kenne Dornel Ana Luísa , Alves de Souza Miguel Luis , Kern de Castro Elisa
Published: October 2018

Objective: Understand how mothers with cancer communicate about the disease with their children. Method: We used qualitative methods. Ten mothers participated in a semi-structured interview about their experiences of disclosing the disease to their young children. The interviews were audio recorded and transcribed. Results: Two main themes emerged, including three sub-themes for the second theme: 1) The cancer was disclosed to the children; 2) The cancer was not disclosed to the children; 2.1 Did not tell her child and has no intention to do so; 2.2 Did not tell her child but plans to do so in the future; and 2.3 Did not tell her child but believes her child knows about the disease. Mothers who succeed in maintain a sincere dialogue with their children show a strong affective closeness with their children. Conclusions: The findings may be useful for understanding and planning communication strategies that favor the mother-child bond and that positively contribute to the treatment of mothers with cancer.
Rumination and social support as predictors of posttraumatic growth in women with breast cancer: a systematic review
Authors: Villanova Quiroga Carolina , Fritzen Binfaré Laura , Rudnicki Tânia , Iracema de Lima Argimon Irani
Published: October 2018

Objective: Posttraumatic Growth (PTG) is a perceived positive change after a stressful situation. Studies describe different predictors of PTG. The purpose of this study was to (1) review the evidence that rumination and social support are predictors of PTG; (2) analyze the results of the screened studies. Method: A systematic review was conducted by searching for articles with quantitative or mixed methods that evaluated PTG using the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, rumination and/or social support in women with breast cancer. Results: Were identified twelve articles that corresponded to the inclusion criteria. All of them reported some degree of PTG in their samples. Rumination was evaluated in three studies, social support was evaluated in ten, and both were considered to have a positive correlation with PTG. Conclusions: This review concludes that rumination and social support are predictors of PTG in women with breast cancer. These results contribute to the development of new interventions in mental health.
Fase cualitativa del desarrollo de una Escala de Motivos a favor y en contra de la Reconstrucción Mamaria (EMRM)
Authors: Miaja Ávila Melina , Moral de la Rubia José , Villarreal-Garza Cynthia
Published: October 2018

Objetivo: Aunque en la clínica e investigación del cáncer de mama se considera las razones para hacerse la reconstrucción mamaria, no existe una escala validada para su evaluación. El objetivo del estudio fue crear una escala para medir los motivos a favor y en contra de la reconstrucción mamaria. Método: A través de la técnica de las redes semánticas naturales, se obtuvieron los ítems de la escala, y a través de un juicio de expertos estos fueron modificados. La técnica de las redes semánticas se aplicó a 65 mujeres mexicanas con cáncer de mama. El grupo de expertos quedó formado por 12 especialistas en cáncer de mama. Resultados: El núcleo central de los motivos para hacerse la reconstrucción mamaria se compuso de 16 motivos, los cuales se pueden agrupar en estéticos/imagen corporal, funcionales, emocionales/psicológicos y de relación con los hijos y la pareja. El núcleo central de los motivos en contra de hacerse la reconstrucción mamaria se compuso de 11 motivos, los cuales se pueden agrupar en miedos, aceptación/comodidad con la situación presente, costos y salud. Desde estos contenidos se redactaron 16 ítems sobre motivos para hacerse la reconstrucción y 11 en contra. Esta escala de 27 ítems fue evaluada en adecuación y comprensibilidad por el grupo de 12 expertos. Se conservaron los 27 ítems, pero siete ítems fueron modificados. Finalmente, se añadieron dos ítems sobre la falta de información señalada en estudios en México. Conclusiones: Se sugiere estudiar la confiabilidad, validez y distribución de la escala de 29 ítems.
Intervención cognitivo-conductual en cuidados paliativos pediátricos: un caso clínico
Authors: Gómez Zarco Alberto , Becerra Gálvez Ana Leticia , Tron Álvarez Rocio , Hernández Solís Patricia
Published: October 2018

Objetivo: El cáncer infantil es una enfermedad que modifica el estilo y calidad de vida de los niños y sus familias debido al impacto físico, emocional y económico que provoca. Los Cuidados Paliativos Pediátricos tienen entre sus funciones otorgar atención psicológica a los niños y sus familiares desde la etapa prediagnóstica con la finalidad de mejorar el estado anímico del paciente y promover pensamientos y conductas que le permitan adaptarse a su nueva condición y mejoren la adherencia al tratamiento. Se expone el caso de una paciente pediátrica con diagnóstico de Sarcoma Sinovial que presenta sintomatología depresiva y evitación ansiosa a raíz de su padecimiento. Método: La evaluación se realizó mediante entrevista conductual y observación directa de la sintomatología ansiosa y depresiva intrahospitalaria y la Escala Visual Análoga (EVA) para el dolor. El tratamiento se llevó a cabo en siete sesiones en las que se emplearon técnicas de la Terapia Cognitivo-Conductual. Resultados: Entre los resultados se obtuvieron verbalizaciones adaptativas sobre su padecimiento, posibles tratamientos médicos, autoconcepto, una mejora en la expresión emocional y control del dolor. Conclusiones: El presente caso es una muestra de la importancia que tiene la labor del psicólogo en los Cuidados Paliativos Pediátricos, así comoel impacto del trabajo con los niños que padecen enfermedades oncológicas y sus familiares. La Terapia Cognitivo-Conductual ha demostrado ser altamente eficaz en este tipo de pacientes, aún en intervenciones breves.
Los viernes en la academia: veinte años de historia del grupo de psicooncologia de la "Acadèmia de Ciències Mèdiques i de la Salut de Catalunya i de Balears"
Authors: Bierge Cristina , Blasco Tomás
Published: October 2018

Los viernes en la academia: veinte años de historia del Grupo de Psicooncología de la Acadèmia de Ciències Mèdiques I de la Salut de Catalunya i de Balears
Constructing a Financial Condition Index for a Small-Open Economy: The Case of Malta
Authors: Ian Borg , Brian Micallef
Published: October 2018

This paper develops a Financial Conditions Index (FCI) for Malta for the period 1996-2017. This index provides a summary measure of financial conditions by combining several financial variables, both domestic and foreign, that influence economic activity. The indicators in the FCI are grouped in four categories: interest rates, bank balance sheet, asset prices and external variables. The weights are derived using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and cross-checked using simulations from STREAM, the Central Bank of Malta’s macro-econometric model. Financial conditions in Malta were relatively benign in the mid-to-late 90s, followed by a period of tightening in the early 2000s. Financial conditions improved again during the pre-crisis period but deteriorated during the financial crisis and remained tight until 2013. In recent years these have recovered and became broadly neutral by 2017. The proposed FCIs correlate the most with one to three quarters ahead real GDP growth, suggesting potential predictive capacity for short-term forecasting.
A Dual-Process Activation Model: Processing definiteness and information status
Authors: Brocher Andreas , von Heusinger Klaus
Published: October 2018

The introduction of a new discourse referent with a descriptive noun phrase involves the introduction of a new concept and the assignment of a referent to that concept. Concepts can be inferred from previous context, and thus be pre-activated (e.g., gym activates the concept of the noun trainer), or can be discourse-new. The function of the definite article is to signal unique identifiability of the referent, and the function of the indefinite article is to assert the existence of a set introduced by the descriptive content. We tested to what extent concept pre-activation and the function of the definite and indefinite article affect referent activation during retrieval and integration as well as referent activation at the sentence level. In Experiment 1, a visual world eye tracking experiment, we found that inferred referents of definite noun phrases were more accessible at subsequent pronoun resolution than inferred referents of indefinite noun phrases. No effects of definiteness were observed for referents with brand-new concepts. In Experiment 2, recording event-related potentials at the noun phrase itself, referents with pre-activated concepts were accessed and integrated more easily than referents with brand-new concepts. Furthermore, definite and indefinite articles yielded differently large frontal negativities. We discuss our results within a Dual-Process Activation Model, which distinguishes two processes in referent management: concept activation and referent activation. Our data suggest that these processes not only affect noun phrase processing but also trigger specific pragmatic inferences at the sentence level.
Quality Measures in Foot and Ankle Care
Authors: Xiong Grace , Bennett Chase G. , Chou Loretta , Kamal Robin N.
Published: October 2018

Background:

Quality measures may be operationalized in payment models or quality reporting programs to assess foot and ankle surgeons, but if existing measures allow accurate representation of a foot and ankle surgeon's practice is unclear.

Methods:

National quality measures databases, clinical guidelines, and MEDLINE/PubMed were systematically reviewed for quality measures relevant to foot and ankle care. Measures meeting internal criteria were categorized by clinical diagnosis, National Quality Strategy priority, and Donabedian domain.

Results:

Of 12 quality measures and 16 candidate measures, National Quality Strategy priorities most commonly addressed “Effective Clinical Care” (n = 19) and “Communication and Coordination of Care” (n = 6). Donabedian classifications addressed were process (n = 25) and outcome (n = 3). Diabetic foot care was most commonly addressed (n = 18).

Conclusions:

Available foot and ankle quality measures are limited in number and scope, which may hinder appropriate assessment of care, analysis of trends, and quality improvement. Additional measures are needed to support the transition to a value-based system.

Level of Evidence:

Level I
The impact of marriage on the overall survival of prostate cancer patients: A Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) analysis
Authors: Liu Yu , Xia Qi , Xia Jianling , Zhu Hua , Jiang Haihong , Chen Xiangjian , Zheng Yuancai , Zhang Fangyi , Li Shi
Published: October 2018

Introduction: Marital status has long been associated with positive patient outcomes in several malignances; however, little is known about its influence on prostate cancer. We analyzed data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database to evaluate whether married patients with prostate cancer had a better prognosis than unmarried patients.

Methods: We identified 824 554 patients diagnosed with prostate cancer between 1973 and 2012 in the SEER database. Using the Cox proportional hazard models, we analyzed the impact of marital status (single, married, divorced/separated, and widowed) on survival after diagnosis with prostate cancer. Chi-square tests were used to analyze the association between marital status and other variables, and the Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate survival curves.

Results: Married men were more likely to be diagnosed with a lower Gleason score and undergo surgery than patients in the other groups (p<0.001). The married group had a lower risk of mortality caused by prostate cancer than the other groups. The five-year survival rate for married patients was higher than that for patients in the other groups.

Conclusions: Marital status is a prognostic factor for the survival of prostate cancer patients, as being married was associated with better outcomes.
Adoption of Mobile Commerce and Service in Adentan Municipality of Ghana: An Examination of Factors Influencing Small Enterprises
Authors: Tuffour Joseph Kwadwo , Akuffo Dinah , Kofi Awuah Ayebi , Frimpong Philip Agyemang , Sasu Terrick
Published: October 2018

After the introduction of mobile commerce and service, people have acceptance, adopted and used the services for various purposes. However, little attention has been given its continual usage in small enterprises sector in Ghana. Also, studies on the benefits to businesses and barriers of use of mobile commerce and service have been carried out, but extensions of the studies to include examination of the effect of social and demographic factors of small business owners on mobile services use is lacking in the small enterprises sector in Ghana. The study investigates the factors which determine the adoption of mobile commerce and services among small enterprises in the Adentan Municipality of Ghana. The objective of the study is to determine the effects of demographic factors, experience and attitude on the adoption of mobile commerce and service. Data was collected using questionnaires administered to 400 owners of small enterprises in Adentan Municipality. Using structural equation model analysis, the results show that males have less attitude to use mobile commerce and service than females. Also, as people age, attitude to use mobile commerce and service improves. Education and experience have positive effect on attitude to use mobile commerce and service. On the contrary, there is a negative effect of income on attitude. There is a significant positive effect of attitude on mobile commerce and service’s actual usage. The study recommends that, internet service practitioners should develop effective strategies and tactics to improve the attitude to use mobile commerce and service among small businesses owners in Ghana.
De aanval is de beste verdediging
Authors: Steenwijk P. , Nelen H.
Published: October 2018

De aanval is de beste verdediging – Het indammen van witwaspraktijken in de professionele voetballerij

Complexe geldstromen, irrationele prijsvorming van transfers en het ontbreken van gerichte wetgeving maken het betaald voetbal aantrekkelijk voor het witwassen van crimineel geld. Bij de belangrijkste stakeholders is het besef inmiddels doorgedrongen dat het noodzakelijk is de witwasbestrijding binnen de sector serieus aan te pakken. De preventieve toetsing van grote investeerders in clubs door de KNVB en de aanbevelingen van De Nederlandsche Bank aan banken om alert te zijn op witwasrisico’s bij voetbalklanten zijn stappen in de goede richting.

Voor een effectieve aanpak wordt gepleit voor de invoering van een periodieke integriteitstoetsing van eigenaren en leidinggevenden van betaaldvoetbalorganisaties, in combinatie met een breder screeningsinstrument, zoals is opgenomen in de Wet Bibob.
The Interrelationship between Competitiveness and Value Chain: Case Study in a Metal-Mechanical Company in Santa Catarina
Authors: Machado Nelson Santos , Casagrande Juceli , Roman Darlan José , Carvalho Carlos Eduardo
Published: October 2018

Objective: To understand the interrelationship between the analysis of competitiveness and the value chain for the strategic diagnosis of a company in the metal-mechanical industry and its importance for the identification of a competitive advantage. Method: This study is predominantly a qualitative, descriptive and interpretative approach.  Data collection was done through semi-structured interviews with four company executives as well as documentary research.  The analysis was based on the content analysis technique. Originality / Relevance: Competitive advantage is built from the adequacy of the competences developed by the company with the demands of the environment.  This research sought to integrate a real case and analysis of the competitive forces along with the analysis of the value chain, with a systemic look of the company’s ability to meet the target audience’s needs. Results: We found that the company built a competitive advantage directly linked to the adequacy of its value chain, achieved through automation and the effectiveness of the primary activities of internal logistics, production, external logistics and sales operations.  The primary competitive advantage is based on the differentiation of a robust quality that guarantees customer satisfaction.  While the company does not achieve cost leadership in the industry, it manages to be competitive due to the level of automation and consistency of processes. Theoretical / methodological contributions: The proposal to establish the intersection between value chain analysis and the five competitive forces model to identify the competitive advantage was methodologically adequate and relevant for the company under study.
Digital Image Correlation and nanoindentation
in evaluation of material parameters
of cancellous bone microstructure
Authors: Kokot G. , Skalski K. , Makuch A. , Ogierman W.
Published: October 2018

Purpose: Purpose of this paper is to present the possibilities of the application of the two methods: Digital Image Correlation and nanoindentation in porous bone tissues testing. Firstly, as a tool in the evaluation process of material parameters for porous microstructures, such as bone tissues or other foams and, secondly, as validation and verification tools for finite element analysis of bone or foams structures. Those methods are helpful when the high accuracy of the mechanical parameters of porous microstructures is required.Design/methodology/approach: Two methods: Digital Image Correlation (DIC) and nanoindentation are used as an efficient approach in the evaluation process of material parameters or constitutive relationship of porous structures like bone tissues. Digital image correlation enlarges the accuracy of classical mechanical tests and the nanoindentation allows to look inside the microstructure.Findings: The proposed methods were found to be effective in experimental testing and material parameters evaluation process of some special materials. Among them are porous structures, such as bone tissue. Additionally, the DIC is an excellent tool for finite element model validation and results verification.Practical implications: The presented method based on the combination of the Digital Image Correlation and nanoindentation presents new possibilities in material testing fields, material behavior and parameters evaluation. They have great advantages, among others, in the field of testing of porous bone structure or determining the mechanical parameters of bone tissue.Originality/value: The paper presents methods for testing the complicated porous bone structures: evaluating mechanical behavior of the whole structure and evaluating mechanical properties of the single element of the structure. The mechanical parameters of human cancellous bone structures are presented as the preliminary research results.
CAD/CAM silicone auricular prosthesis
with thermoformed stiffening insert
Authors: Żmudzki J. , Burzyński M. , Chladek G. , Krawczyk C.
Published: October 2018

Purpose: Epitheses (facial prostheses) for large facial tissue defects manufacturedfrom silicones exhibit unsatisfactory rigidity and its stiffening is required, which createstechnological problems. Moreover, facial epitheses have to be replaced in a relatively shortperiod of use which creates a significant costs, often impossible to realize. The hypothesisof the study was that with use of additive manufacturing is possible to obtain the reusableform for thermoforming of the stiffening insert of auricular prosthesis and the mould whichallows multiple casting of silicone prosthesis with the insert.Design/methodology/approach: Manufacturing of the epithesis consisted of designingand manufacturing. In the first step, the auricular prosthesis and the stiffening insert weredesigned with use of engineering CAD software. In this first computer step, the split form forvacuum thermoforming of the stiffening insert and the split mould for casting of the siliconeear were designed. In the second step, additive printing was used for manufacturing thesplit and reusable model for vacuum thermoforming of the stiffening insert and the splitform of ear. In the third step, stiffening insert was made of thermoformed polyurethane sheetof 0.1 mm thick (Biolon, Dreve), where dental thermoforming machine (Drufosmart, Dreve)was used. In the fourth step, the stiffening insert was located in the mould and the ear wascasting of silicone.Findings: CAD/CAM of epitheses with stiffening insert for large tissues defect/loss wasproposed, where in case of re-producing, it required only thermoforming of insert andcasting silicone with use of the reusable models. Dental technician, in case of damage orloss of a forms, is not much involved in their creation.Research limitations/implications: Bond strength test between stiffening insert vs. softsilicone and manufacturing tolerance of epitheses have not been investigated.Practical implications: Method of casting in a negative form, despite the more timeconsumingwhen comparing with epithesis direct-printing, allows introducing a stiffeninginsert and performing a manual adjustment of margin shape and thickness. Method ofnegative form allows the use of a commercially available medical silicone without the needfor medical tests of a new printed materials.
Use of modern tribology approaches
for correcting the behaviour of adaptive
biomechanical friction units
Authors: Stotsko Z.A. , Kuzin O.A. , Kuzin M.O.
Published: October 2018

Purpose: Functioning of mechanical system friction units is characterized by the ability of
their self-adaptation under the influence of external loads. Referring to this phenomenon
it becomes possible to provide the necessary correction of the work of friction units being
parts of artificial and natural tribosystems.
Design/methodology/approach: As an approach used to solve the above problem, an
expansion of the function describing friction unit parameters in a given basis with further
refinement of the solution in accordance with the functional optimization is proposed.
Findings: The received ratios allow solving the problem of adaptive control of friction units
functioning when they are incorporated into the biomechanical systems.
Practical implications: Using approaches developed in the present work, a pattern for
the gradual adjustment of instep supports for the restoration of normal weight distribution
in the human foot is presented.
Originality/value: Novel approaches to the methodology of solving the problem in regard
of managing the load condition of biomechanical tribosystems by their commanded control
over time are offered.
Quando a HbA1c não é suficiente: um caso de Hemoglobina de Baltimore
Authors: Silva Costa André , Ramalho Andreia , Lima Marina , Bitoque Anabela
Published: October 2018

A hemoglobina A1c (HbA1c) é o gold standard para monitorização da diabetes mellitus. A HbA1c pode estar falsamente diminuída ou aumentada em algumas situações clínicas, como hemoglobinopatias, não traduzindo adequadamente o controle glicêmico. Apresenta-se aqui o caso de um doente com valor de HbA1c incompatível com os registros de glicemia capilar, devido à presença de hemoglobina N-Baltimore. O caso apresentando é relevante porque, apesar de assintomática, a presença desta hemoglobinopatia conduz a uma diabetes falsamente encarada como controlada, se utilizados os métodos de determinação de HbA1c habituais.
Breve descrição de um Projeto para ensino de física na 3º série do 1º grau
Authors: Axt Ronaldo
Published: October 2018

Instructional materiaIs (text, laboratory equipment, videotape), developed at IFUFRGS for physics teaching in the last grade of brazilian primary school, are briefly described.
Intellectual property problems of biodiversity in multi-dimensional perspective
Authors: Cai Lin
Published: October 2018

The characteristic of biodiversity is the country or national ownership of biodiversity resources, while intellectual property protects private interest and emphasizes privatization. The conflict between them directly results in the weak protection of biodiversity; as a result, many economic benefit disputes generates between the developed countries and the developing countries. Therefore, coordinating the correlation between biodiversity and intellectual property becomes especially important. Though the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), Trade Related Aspects Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) and International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) convention have made stipulations, the complete coordination is still difficult to be realized due to the limitations. Biodiversity is impossible to be the object of intellectual property, but biotechnological products or traditional knowledge produced because of the application of biodiversity can be the direction of intellectual property protection. China which is a great power in aspects of biodiversity resources and biotech cutting-edge technology not only has to keep the biodiversity of China away from infringement, but also needs to positively involve in intellectual property laws formulation and international corporation, maintaining the common interests of the developing countries, and make contributions to the intellectual property protection of biodiversity.
A qualitative study among potential manufacturers on the development of ‘Made in Malaysia’ biological products: Challenges and proposed solutions
Authors: Khoo Yvonne Siew Khoon , Saleh Kamaruzaman
Published: October 2018

Aim: To examine the challenges in development of biological products among Malaysian pharmaceutical manufacturers.Methods: We conducted in-depth interviews (IDIs) with senior management of five local pharmaceutical product manufacturers from December 2015 to September 2016. We performed a purposive sampling focusing on local pharmaceutical manufacturers with existing sterile manufacturing facility and known intentions to develop biological products. Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim and coded, with common themes identified and analysed. Information provided by participants was verified with a policy maker.Results: Participants were generally apprehensive in viewing the sustainability of a local bio manufacturing industry, despite the availability of various government incentives. Our research uncovered some common themes on challenges in developing ‘Made in Malaysia’ biological products. These include: lack of technical capacity (know-how) in bio manufacturing, lack of understanding on regulatory requirements, susceptibility to litigation by originator biological product manufacturers, limited commercial viability of Malaysian biological products, and a fragmented government support system. Through our discussion with participants, some solutions to encourage a thriving bio-based industry in Malaysia through public and private contributions, are proposed.Conclusions: There are genuine challenges to be addressed by local pharmaceutical manufacturers and policy makers in working together to develop a biopharmaceutical industry in Malaysia. From product research and development to commercialisation stage, public and private partnership towards commercial sustenance of ‘Made in Malaysia’ biological products is key to our country’s vision of a successful bio manufacturing industry.