bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rebuilding Long Time Series Global Soil Moisture Products Using the Neural Network Adopting the Microwave Vegetation Index
Authors: Yao Panpan , Shi Jiancheng , Zhao Tianjie , Lu Hui , Al-Yaari Amen
Published: January 2017

This study presents a back propagation neural network (BPNN) method to rebuild a global and long-term soil moisture (SM) series, adopting the microwave vegetation index (MVI). The data used in our study include Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS) Level 3 soil moisture (SMOSL3sm) data, the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer-Earth Observing System (AMSR-E), and Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer 2 (AMSR2) Level 3 brightness temperature (TB) data and L3 SM products. The BPNNs on each grid were trained over July 2010–June 2011, and the entire year of 2013, with SMOSL3sm as a training target, and taking the reflectivities (Rs) of the C/X/Ku/Ka/Q bands, and the MVI from AMSR-E/AMSR2 TB data, as input, in which the MVI is used to correct for vegetation effects. The training accuracy of networks was evaluated by comparing soil moisture products produced using BPNNs (NNsm hereafter) with SMOSL3sm during the BPNN training period, in terms of correlation coefficient (CC), bias (Bias), and the root mean square error (RMSE). Good global results were obtained with CC = 0.67, RMSE = 0.055 m3/m3 and Bias = −0.0005 m3/m3, particularly over Australia, Central USA, and Central Asia. With these trained networks over each pixel, a global and long-term soil moisture time series, i.e., 2003–2015, was built using AMSR-E TB from 2003 to 2011 and AMSR2 TB from 2012 to 2015. Then, NNsm products were evaluated against in situ SM observations from all SCAN (Soil Climate Analysis Network) sites (SCANsm). The results show that NNsm has a good agreement with in situ data, and can capture the temporal dynamics of in situ SM, with CC = 0.52, RMSE = 0.084 m3/m3 and Bias = −0.002 m3/m3. We also evaluate the accuracy of NNsm by comparing with AMSR-E/AMSR2 SM products, with results of a regression method. As a conclusion, this study provides a promising BPNN method adopting MVI to rebuild a long-term SM time series, and this could provide useful insights for the future Water Cycle Observation Mission (WCOM).
Identification of Statistically Homogeneous Pixels Based on One-Sample Test
Authors: Lin Keng-Fan , Perissin Daniele
Published: January 2017

Statistically homogeneous pixels (SHP) play a crucial role in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) analysis. In past studies, various two-sample tests were applied on multitemporal SAR data stacks under the assumption of having stationary backscattering properties over time. In this letter, we propose the Robust T-test (TR) to improve the effectiveness of test operation. The TR test reduces the impact of temporal variabilities and outliers, thus helping to identify SHP with assurances of similar temporal behaviors. This method includes three steps: (1) signal suppression; (2) outlier removal; and (3) one-sample test. In the experiments, we apply the TR test on both simulated and real data. Different stack sizes, types of distributions, and hypothesis tests are compared. Results of both experiments signify that the TR test outperforms conventional approaches and provides reliable SHP for SAR image analysis.
Planning a Career in Engineering: Parental Effects on Sons and Daughters
Authors: Jacobs Jerry , Ahmad Seher , Sax Linda
Published: January 2017

This paper examines the extent to which prospective engineers follow in their parents’ footsteps. Specifically, we investigate the connection between fathers’ and mothers’ employment in the engineering profession and the career plans of sons and daughters. We develop a number of reasons to expect an occupation-specific intergenerational association in this field, as well as hypotheses regarding gender-specific role-modeling. Data are drawn from the UCLA HERI Freshman Survey data spanning 1971 to 2011. The results point to clear and substantial effects on sons and daughters’ plans to pursue engineering, connections that cannot be explained by typical pathways such as social background, education and values. The evidence points to a pattern of increasing salience of mothers with respect to the career plans of their children, especially their daughters. The implications of these findings for the under-representation of women in engineering and for gender-specific family dynamics are discussed in the conclusion.
The Politics of Race, Administrative Appeals, and Medicaid Disenrollment in Tennessee
Authors: Franklin Sekou
Published: January 2017

In 2004, Democratic Governor Philip Bredesen of Tennessee announced a plan to reform TennCare, the state’s Medicaid program. The reform package proposed to remove 323,000 adults from the program, which represented the most drastic cuts to Medicaid since its creation in 1965. The reform measure also allowed beneficiaries disenrolled from the program to appeal the decisions to the state Department of Human Services. This study examines how race and policy backlash—that is the backlash against Medicaid expansion—influenced the appellate process for beneficiaries removed from the program in Tennessee. The main argument is that race—especially the predisposition of African Americans—influenced the outcome of the appellate proceedings. The theoretical framework advanced in this study explains how procedural deliberations (legal decisions, policy disputes, administrative hearings) exacerbate disparities and produce differential outcomes that correspond with racial and other ascriptive hierarchies. The data for this research, comprising more than 60,000 former TennCare beneficiaries, were obtained through Open Records Requests in compliance with Tennessee state law. Using logistic regressions, the findings reveal a relationship between race and appellate proceedings. African Americans were treated unfairly in the early stage of the appellate process and those from racially polarized voting areas were less likely to receive fair rulings by hearing examiners. Additional findings identified age-related disparities between younger and older appellants, as well as a regional disadvantage between rural and urban beneficiaries.
Characterization of Polyethylene Oxide and Sodium Alginate for Oil Contaminated-Sand Remediation
Authors: Jung Jongwon , Hu Jong
Published: January 2017

Biopolymers have been employed in many soil applications, such as oil-contaminated soil remediation, due to their environmentally friendly characteristics. This study focused on changes in the wettability and viscosity of polyethylene oxide (PEO) and sodium alginate (SA), according to the variation in concentration and their impact on oil-contaminated soil remediation using biopolymer-decane displacement tests. The contact angle and interfacial tension vary with concentration by adding biopolymer to water; however both parameters yield relatively constant values within the range of 2–10 g/L for the concentration of PEO and SA. In this study, their influence on fluid invasion patterns is insignificant compared to viscosity and flow rate. Viscosity increases with the concentration of PEO and SA, within the range of 0–10 g/L, which causes the biopolymer-decane displacement ratio to increase with concentration. Biopolymer-decane displacement increases with injected fluid velocity. At low flow rates, the effect of the biopolymer concentration on the displacement ratio is prominent. However the effect decreases with an increase in flow rate. Thus both biopolymer concentration and injection velocity should be considered to achieve the economic efficiency of soil remediation. The experimental results for the distribution of soils with different grain sizes indicate that the displacement ratio increases with the uniformity of the coefficient of soils.
Forthcoming Challenges in Mycotoxins Toxicology Research for Safer Food—A Need for Multi-Omics Approach
Authors: Dellafiora Luca , Dall’Asta Chiara
Published: January 2017

The presence of mycotoxins in food represents a severe threat for public health and welfare, and poses relevant research challenges in the food toxicology field. Nowadays, food toxicologists have to provide answers to food-related toxicological issues, but at the same time they should provide the appropriate knowledge in background to effectively support the evidence-based decision-making in food safety. Therefore, keeping in mind that regulatory actions should be based on sound scientific findings, the present opinion addresses the main challenges in providing reliable data for supporting the risk assessment of foodborne mycotoxins.
Attacked from All Sides: RNA Decay in Antiviral Defense
Authors: Molleston Jerome , Cherry Sara
Published: January 2017

The innate immune system has evolved a number of sensors that recognize viral RNA (vRNA) to restrict infection, yet the full spectrum of host-encoded RNA binding proteins that target these foreign RNAs is still unknown. The RNA decay machinery, which uses exonucleases to degrade aberrant RNAs largely from the 5′ or 3′ end, is increasingly recognized as playing an important role in antiviral defense. The 5′ degradation pathway can directly target viral messenger RNA (mRNA) for degradation, as well as indirectly attenuate replication by limiting specific pools of endogenous RNAs. The 3′ degradation machinery (RNA exosome) is emerging as a downstream effector of a diverse array of vRNA sensors. This review discusses our current understanding of the roles of the RNA decay machinery in controlling viral infection.
Performance of a Novel Fertilizer-Drawn Forward Osmosis Aerobic Membrane Bioreactor (FDFO-MBR): Mitigating Salinity Build-Up by Integrating Microfiltration
Authors: Wang Jin , Pathak Nirenkumar , Chekli Laura , Phuntsho Sherub , Kim Youngjin , Li Dengxin , Shon Ho
Published: January 2017

In this paper, three different fertilizer draw solutions were tested in a novel forward osmosis-microfiltration aerobic membrane bioreactor (MF-FDFO-MBR) hybrid system and their performance were evaluated in terms of water flux and reverse salt diffusion. Results were also compared with a standard solution. Results showed that ammonium sulfate is the most suitable fertilizer for this hybrid system since it has a relatively high water flux (6.85 LMH) with a comparatively low reverse salt flux (3.02 gMH). The performance of the process was also studied by investigating different process parameters: draw solution concentration, FO draw solution flow rate and MF imposed flux. It was found that the optimal conditions for this hybrid system were: draw solution concentration of 1 M, FO draw solution flow rate of 200 mL/min and MF imposed flux of 10 LMH. The salt accumulation increased from 834 to 5400 μS/cm during the first four weeks but after integrating MF, the salinity dropped significantly from 5400 to 1100 μS/cm suggesting that MF is efficient in mitigating the salinity build up inside the reactor. This study demonstrated that the integration of the MF membrane could effectively control the salinity and enhance the stable FO flux in the OMBR.
Mapping Evapotranspiration Coefficients in a Temperate Maritime Climate Using the METRIC Model and Landsat TM
Authors: Spiliotopoulos Marios , Holden Nicholas , Loukas Athanasios
Published: January 2017

The applicability of a land surface temperature (LST)-evapotranspiration (ET) regression model to estimate ET fraction (ETrF) was tested in the temperate maritime climate of Central Ireland. In this study, the Mapping ET at high Resolution and with Internalized Calibration (METRIC) model was applied to calculate evapotranspiration from a mixed land cover area in Central Ireland. The ETrF values estimated on a pixel-by-pixel basis using two different surface roughness maps derived from two different estimates of Leaf Area Index (LAI) showed no significant differences. The METRIC based ETrF values from a Landsat Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+) image from 12 July 2013 were in similar range with those obtained from a regression model using land surface temperature (LST)-ET relationship derived from a Landsat 5 Thematic Mapper (TM) image of 17 July 2006. Results indicated that ETrF values could be estimated by using LST values from Landsat TM, even when stress conditions were prevailing in the region.
Effects of Exposed Artificial Substrate on the Competition between Phytoplankton and Benthic Algae: Implications for Shallow Lake Restoration
Authors: He Hu , Luo Xuguang , Jin Hui , Gu Jiao , Jeppesen Erik , Liu Zhengwen , Li Kuanyi
Published: January 2017

Phytoplankton and benthic algae coexist in shallow lakes and the outcome of the competition between these two photoautotrophs can markedly influence water clarity. It is well established that exposed artificial substrate in eutrophic waters can remove nutrients and fine particles from the water column via the attached periphyton canopy. However, the effects of the introduction of artificial substrate on the competition between planktonic and benthic primary producers remain to be elucidated. We conducted a short-term outdoor mesocosm experiment to test the hypothesis that the nutrient and light changes induced by exposed artificial substrate (polythene nets) would benefit the benthic algae. Artificial substrate significantly reduced total nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations and water clarity improved, the latter due to the substrate-induced reduction of both organic and inorganic suspended solids. Consequently, as judged from changes in chlorophyll a (Chl-a) concentrations in water and sediment, respectively, exposed artificial substrate significantly reduced the phytoplankton biomass, while benthic algae biomass increased. Our results thus indicate that exposed artificial substrate may be used as a tool to re-establish benthic primary production in eutrophic shallow lakes after an external nutrient loading reduction, paving the way for a benthic- or a macrophyte-dominated system. Longer term and larger scale experiments are, however, needed before any firm conclusions can be drawn on this.
Synthesis and evaluation of anti-oxidant and cytotoxic activities of novel 10-undecenoic acid methyl ester based lipoconjugates of phenolic acids
Authors: Narra Naganna , Kaki Shiva Shanker , Prasad Rachapudi Badari Narayana , Misra Sunil , Dhevendar Koude , Kontham Venkateshwarlu , Korlipara Padmaja V
Published: January 2017

The synthesis of five novel methyl 10-undecenoate-based lipoconjugates of phenolic acids from undecenoic acid was carried out. Undecenoic acid was methylated to methyl 10-undecenoate which was subjected to a thiol–ene reaction with cysteamine hydrochloride. Further amidation of the amine was carried out with different phenolic acids such as caffeic, ferulic, sinapic, coumaric and cinnamic acid. All synthesized compounds were fully characterized and their structures were conﬁrmed by spectral data. The anti-oxidant activity of the synthesized lipoconjugates of phenolic acids was studied by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay and also by the inhibition of linoleic acid oxidation in micellar medium by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The prepared compounds were also screened for their cytotoxic activity against five cell lines. It was observed that the lipoconjugates of caffeic acid, sinapic acid, ferulic acid, and coumaric acid displayed anticancer and anti-oxidant properties. The anticancer properties of these derivatives have been assessed by their IC50 inhibitory values in the proliferation of MDA-MB231, SKOV3, MCF7, DU 145 and HepG2 cancer cell lines.
ON ESTIMATING FORCE-FREENESS BASED ON OBSERVED MAGNETOGRAMS
Authors: Zhang X. M. , Zhang M. , Su J. T.
Published: January 2017

It is a common practice in the solar physics community to test whether or not measured photospheric or chromospheric vector magnetograms are force-free, using the Maxwell stress as a measure. Some previous studies have suggested that magnetic fields of active regions in the solar chromosphere are close to being force-free whereas there is no consistency among previous studies on whether magnetic fields of active regions in the solar photosphere are force-free or not. Here we use three kinds of representative magnetic fields (analytical force-free solutions, modeled solar-like force-free fields, and observed non-force-free fields) to discuss how measurement issues such as limited field of view (FOV), instrument sensitivity, and measurement error could affect the estimation of force-freeness based on observed magnetograms. Unlike previous studies that focus on discussing the effect of limited FOV or instrument sensitivity, our calculation shows that just measurement error alone can significantly influence the results of estimates of force-freeness, due to the fact that measurement errors in horizontal magnetic fields are usually ten times larger than those in vertical fields. This property of measurement errors, interacting with the particular form of a formula for estimating force-freeness, would result in wrong judgments of the force-freeness: a truly force-free field may be mistakenly estimated as being non-force-free and a truly non-force-free field may be estimated as being force-free. Our analysis calls for caution when interpreting estimates of force-freeness based on measured magnetograms, and also suggests that the true photospheric magnetic field may be further away from being force-free than it currently appears to be.
MAXIMIZING THE DETECTION PROBABILITY OF KILONOVAE ASSOCIATED WITH GRAVITATIONAL WAVE OBSERVATIONS
Authors: Chan (陳文亮) Man Leong , Hu (胡一鸣) Yi-Ming , Messenger Chris , Hendry Martin , Heng Ik Siong
Published: January 2017

Estimates of the source sky location for gravitational wave signals are likely to span areas of up to hundreds of square degrees or more, making it very challenging for most telescopes to search for counterpart signals in the electromagnetic spectrum. To boost the chance of successfully observing such counterparts, we have developed an algorithm that optimizes the number of observing fields and their corresponding time allocations by maximizing the detection probability. As a proof-of-concept demonstration, we optimize follow-up observations targeting kilonovae using telescopes including the CTIO-Dark Energy Camera, Subaru-HyperSuprimeCam, Pan-STARRS, and the Palomar Transient Factory. We consider three simulated gravitational wave events with 90% credible error regions spanning areas from

∼
30

deg

2

to

∼
300

deg

2

. Assuming a source at

200

Mpc

, we demonstrate that to obtain a maximum detection probability, there is an optimized number of fields for any particular event that a telescope should observe. To inform future telescope design studies, we present the maximum detection probability and corresponding number of observing fields for a combination of limiting magnitudes and fields of view over a range of parameters. We show that for large gravitational wave error regions, telescope sensitivity rather than field of view is the dominating factor in maximizing the detection probability.
ESTIMATION OF MASS OF COMPACT OBJECT IN H 1743-322 FROM 2010 AND 2011 OUTBURSTS USING TCAF SOLUTION AND SPECTRAL INDEX–QPO FREQUENCY CORRELATION
Authors: Molla Aslam Ali , Chakrabarti Sandip K. , Debnath Dipak , Mondal Santanu
Published: January 2017

The well-known black hole candidate (BHC) H 1743-322 exhibited temporal and spectral variabilities during several outbursts. The variation of the accretion rates and flow geometry that change on a daily basis during each of the outbursts can be very well understood using the recent implementation of the two-component advective flow solution of the viscous transonic flow equations as an additive table model in XSPEC. This has dramatically improved our understanding of accretion flow dynamics. Most interestingly, the solution allows us to treat the mass of the BHC as a free parameter and its mass could be estimated from spectral fits. In this paper, we fitted the data of two successive outbursts of H 1743-322 in 2010 and 2011 and studied the evolution of accretion flow parameters, such as two-component (Keplerian and sub-Keplerian) accretion rates, shock location (i.e., size of the Compton cloud), etc. We assume that the model normalization remains the same across the states in both these outbursts. We used this to estimate the mass of the black hole and found that it comes out in the range of

. For the sake of comparison, we also estimated mass using the Photon index versus Quasi Periodic Oscillation frequency correlation method, which turns out to be

using GRO J1655-40 as a reference source. Combining these two estimates, the most probable mass of the compact object becomes

.
DETECTION OF VERY LOW-FREQUENCY, QUASI-PERIODIC OSCILLATIONS IN THE 2015 OUTBURST OF V404 CYGNI
Authors: Huppenkothen D. , Younes G. , Ingram A. , Kouveliotou C. , Göğüş E. , Bachetti M. , Sánchez-Fernández C. , Chenevez J. , Motta S. , van der Klis M. , Granot J. , Gehrels N. , Kuulkers E. , Tomsick J. A. , Walton D. J.
Published: January 2017

In 2015 June, the black hole X-ray binary (BHXRB) V404 Cygni went into outburst for the first time since 1989. Here, we present a comprehensive search for quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs) of V404 Cygni during its recent outburst, utilizing data from six instruments on board five different X-ray missions: Swift/XRT, Fermi/GBM, Chandra/ACIS, INTEGRAL’s IBIS/ISGRI and JEM-X, and NuSTAR. We report the detection of a QPO at 18 mHz simultaneously with both Fermi/GBM and Swift/XRT, another example of a rare but slowly growing new class of mHz-QPOs in BHXRBs linked to sources with a high orbital inclination. Additionally, we find a duo of QPOs in a Chandra/ACIS observation at 73 mHz and 1.03 Hz, as well as a QPO at 136 mHz in a single Swift/XRT observation that can be interpreted as standard Type-C QPOs. Aside from the detected QPOs, there is significant structure in the broadband power, with a strong feature observable in the Chandra observations between 0.1 and 1 Hz. We discuss our results in the context of current models for QPO formation.
NANOGRAIN DENSITY OUTSIDE SATURN’S A RING
Authors: Johnson Robert E. , Tseng Wei-Ling , Elrod M. K. , Persoon A. M.
Published: January 2017

The observed disparity between the radial dependence of the ion and electron densities measured by the Cassini plasma (CAPS) and radio (RPWS) science instruments are used to show that the region between the outer edge of Saturn’s main rings and its tenuous G ring is permeated with small charged grains (nanograins). These grains emanate from the edge of the A ring and from the tenuous F and G rings. This is a region of Saturn’s magnetosphere that is relatively unexplored, but will be a focus of Cassini’s F ring orbits prior to the end of mission in 2017 September. Confirmation of the grain densities predicted here will enhance our ability to describe the formation and destruction of material in this important region of Saturn’s magnetosphere.
The Host Galaxy and Redshift of the Repeating Fast Radio Burst FRB 121102
Authors: Tendulkar S. P. , Bassa C. G. , Cordes J. M. , Bower G. C. , Law C. J. , Chatterjee S. , Adams E. A. K. , Bogdanov S. , Burke-Spolaor S. , Butler B. J. , Demorest P. , Hessels J. W. T. , Kaspi V. M. , Lazio T. J. W. , Maddox N. , Marcote B. , McLaughlin M. A. , Paragi Z. , Ransom S. M. , Scholz P. , Seymour A. , Spitler L. G. , van Langevelde H. J. , Wharton R. S.
Published: January 2017

The precise localization of the repeating fast radio burst (FRB 121102) has provided the first unambiguous association (chance coincidence probability p ≲ 3 × 10−4) of an FRB with an optical and persistent radio counterpart. We report on optical imaging and spectroscopy of the counterpart and find that it is an extended (0.″6–0.″8) object displaying prominent Balmer and [O iii] emission lines. Based on the spectrum and emission line ratios, we classify the counterpart as a low-metallicity, star-forming, m

r′ = 25.1 AB mag dwarf galaxy at a redshift of z = 0.19273(8), corresponding to a luminosity distance of 972 Mpc. From the angular size, the redshift, and luminosity, we estimate the host galaxy to have a diameter ≲4 kpc and a stellar mass of M
* ∼ (4–7) × 107
M
⊙, assuming a mass-to-light ratio between 2 to 3 M
⊙
L
⊙
−1. Based on the Hα flux, we estimate the star formation rate of the host to be 0.4 M
⊙ yr−1 and a substantial host dispersion measure (DM) depth ≲324 pc cm−3. The net DM contribution of the host galaxy to FRB 121102 is likely to be lower than this value depending on geometrical factors. We show that the persistent radio source at FRB 121102’s location reported by Marcote et al. is offset from the galaxy’s center of light by ∼200 mas and the host galaxy does not show optical signatures for AGN activity. If FRB 121102 is typical of the wider FRB population and if future interferometric localizations preferentially find them in dwarf galaxies with low metallicities and prominent emission lines, they would share such a preference with long gamma-ray bursts and superluminous supernovae.
Long-term seasonal dominance of the wasp Trihapsis polita Townes (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae) in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest
Authors: Santos Bernardo , Aguiar Alexandre , Tedesco Anazélia , Fontenelle Julio
Published: January 2017

The temporal dynamics of insect populations in tropical environments is highly complex and poorly known. Long-term seasonality studies are scarce, and particularly so for ichneumonid wasps (Hymenoptera Ichneumonidae). This study represents an effort to elucidate aspects of seasonality and forest succession in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest.

We report on the seasonal and successional dominance of the ichneumonid wasp Trihapsis polita (Cryptinae). A long-term survey of Cryptinae was carried out in a protected area of Brazilian Atlantic Forest, in primary, tall secondary and low secondary forest areas. Specimens were collected during rainy season (RS) and dry season (DS) between 2000 and 2008, with total sampling effort of 4,095 trap-days. A total of 8,385 specimens of Cryptinae were collected, of which 6,655 (79.4%) belonged to T. polita. The occurrence of T. polita species was heavily concentrated in the RS, with abundance 148× higher than during the DS. Seasonal fluctuation was also detected for Cryptinae as a whole, but was two orders of magnitude lower. Sampling efficiency also varied widely among areas, with the peak of abundance at the tall secondary forest. The dominance of T. polita in secondary vegetation might be of general interest, as this type of forest is currently on the rise, due to unprecedented levels of human pressure.
PERFORMANCE OF STEEL MICRO FIBER REINFORCED MORTAR MIXTURES CONTAINING PLAIN, BINARY AND TERNARY CEMENTITIOUS SYSTEMS
Authors: Mardani-Aghabaglou Ali , Yüksel Cihat , Hosseinnezhad Hojjat , Ramyar Kambiz
Published: January 2017

Steel micro fibers provide strengthening, toughening and durability improvement mechanisms in cementitious composites. However, there is not much data in the literature regarding how the extent of their effectiveness changes depending on the type of matrix being reinforced. For clarifying this point, the influence of a constant volumetric ratio (1%) of 6 mm long steel micro fibers on the performance of 5 mortar mixtures was investigated and were prepared using plain, binary and ternary cementitious systems. A total of 10 mixtures were cast. The mineral admixtures used in the study include silica fume (SF), metakaolin (MK) and a Class C fly ash (FA). While the replacement levels of SF and MK were 10% by weight of the total mass of the binder, this ratio was chosen as 30% for FA. In addition to the behavior of the mixtures under compressive, flexural and impact loads, abrasion, water absorption, chloride ion penetration, freezing-thawing resistance and drying shrinkage characteristics of the mixtures were determined. Test results indicate that generally the refinement in the pore structure of the matrix provided by mineral admixtures and the increase in resistance against growth and coalescence of micro-cracks provided by fibers produce a synergistic effect and improve the investigated performances of the mixtures.
ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE FROM WALL TECHNOLOGIES FOR RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS IN ISRAEL
Authors: Pushkar Svetlana , Verbitsky Oleg
Published: January 2017

Four wall technologies used for residential building in Israel (concrete, lightweight concrete block, autoclaved aerated block, and concrete block) were evaluated for their total environmental damage. The production and construction (P&C) and operational energy (OE) stages were considered. Influences of the climate (the four climate zones of Israel), building type (regular and low-energy), and primary fuel source [natural gas and photovoltaic (PV) for energy production] on the selection of the best wall technology were analyzed. EnergyPlus software was used to evaluate building heating and cooling needs for the OE stage. The ReCiPe method was used for both the P&C and OE stages to evaluate environmental damage via human health, ecosystem quality and resource depletion damage categories. It was determined that both concrete block walls and concrete walls were the best choices when natural gas was used, while the concrete block and autoclaved aerated block walls were the best choices when PV was used. The following two conclusions were reached: wall technologies with high thermal mass are environmentally preferred when natural gas is used, whereas wall technologies with reduced cement quantity are environmentally preferred when PV is used.
TROPICAL VERTICAL GREENERY SYSTEMS: IRRIGATION SYSTEMS, BIOPHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS, AND INFLUENTIAL CRITERIA
Authors: Wang Chen , Wood Lincoln C. , Teo Li Tien
Published: January 2017

Recent studies on vertical greenery systems (VGS) mainly focus on thermal performance, acoustics effects, energy savings and environmental sustainability. There are very few studies on tropical VGS irrigation systems, plants' characteristics, and favorable installation locations, indicating that architectural professionals may lack sufficient guidance to support their design work. Through two descriptive case studies and a questionnaire survey of VGS-related professionals including gardeners, mechanical and electrical engineers, consultants, contractors, and developers, this research developed a knowledgebase for tropical vertical greenery systems irrigation systems and determined the suitability of different types of vertical greenery systems according to the biophysical characteristics of plants. The suitability for various plant characteristics has been identified to help potential users while considering vertical greenery systems irrigation systems. Suitable locations, orientations and microclimatic conditions for vertical greenery systems irrigation systems to prevent system failure have been determined. Further research focused on establishing the technical requirements for irrigation scheduling is recommended to improve the application efficiency.
Signet-ring cells in the skin: a case of late-onset cutaneous metastasis of gastric carcinoma and a brief review of histological approach
Authors: Gündüz Özgür , Emeksiz Mehmet Can , Atasoy Pınar , Kıdır Mehtap , Yalçın Selim , Demirkan Serkan
Published: January 2017

Up to 10% of patients with visceral malignancies develop skin metastases during their clinical course and these metastases constitute about 2% of all skin cancers. Skin metastasis may be the first sign of a clinically silent visceral cancer or represent recurrence of an internal malignancy. In both situations, they are associated with poor prognosis, which can partly be attributed to underdiagnosis. In this paper, a case of relapsing gastric adenocarcinoma, which manifested itself as asymptomatic cutaneous papules and nodules on a patient’s head and neck, is reported and histopathological approach to the cutaneous lesions containing signet-ring cell is briefly reviewed.
Cardiac emergencies in neonates and young infants
Authors: Kabbani Nasib , Kabbani Mohamed S , Taweel Hayan Al
Published: January 2017

Cardiac emergencies in children are not infrequent. Early recognition and management are essential to save life and prevent any comorbidity. The presentation of cardiac emergencies and etiologies is variable depending on the age of child at the time of presentation and type of cardiac lesion. Cyanotic and noncyanotic congenital heart diseases are the main causes in neonates and infants. Acquired heart diseases and dysrhythmia are more common causes for cardiac emergencies in toddler and childhood. In this review, we discuss the most common causes for cardiac emergencies in neonates and young infants highlighting important points in the presentation and management that are essential for early recognition and timely management of infants presenting with these conditions.
New particle formation in the southern Aegean Sea during the Etesians: importance for CCN production and cloud droplet number
Authors: Kalkavouras Panayiotis , Bossioli Elissavet , Bezantakos Spiros , Bougiatioti Aikaterini , Kalivitis Nikos , Stavroulas Iasonas , Kouvarakis Giorgos , Protonotariou Anna P. , Dandou Aggeliki , Biskos George , Mihalopoulos Nikolaos , Nenes Athanasios , Tombrou Maria
Published: January 2017

Abstract. This study examines how new particle formation (NPF) in the eastern Mediterranean in summer affects CCN (cloud condensation nuclei) concentrations and cloud droplet formation. For this, the concentration and size distribution of submicron aerosol particles, along with the concentration of trace gases and meteorological variables, were studied over the central (Santorini) and southern Aegean Sea (Finokalia, Crete) from 15 to 28 July 2013, a period that includes Etesian events and moderate northern surface winds. Particle nucleation bursts were recorded during the Etesian flow at both stations, with those observed at Santorini reaching up to 1.5  ×  104 particles cm−3; the fraction of nucleation-mode particles over Crete was relatively diminished, but a higher number of Aitken-mode particles were observed as a result of aging. Aerosol and photochemical pollutants covaried throughout the measurement period; lower concentrations were observed during the period of Etesian flow (e.g., 43–70 ppbv for ozone and 1.5–5.7 µg m−3 for sulfate) but were substantially enhanced during the period of moderate surface winds (i.e., increase of up to 32 for ozone and 140 % for sulfate). We find that NPF can double CCN number (at 0.1 % supersaturation), but the resulting strong competition for water vapor in cloudy updrafts decreases maximum supersaturation by 14 % and augments the potential droplet number only by 12 %. Therefore, although NPF events may strongly elevate CCN numbers, the relative impacts on cloud droplet number (compared to pre-event levels) is eventually limited by water vapor availability and depends on the prevailing cloud formation dynamics and the aerosol levels associated with the background of the region.
Composition of gaseous organic carbon during ECOCEM in Beirut, Lebanon: new observational constraints for VOC anthropogenic emission evaluation in the Middle East
Authors: Salameh Thérèse , Borbon Agnès , Afif Charbel , Sauvage Stéphane , Leonardis Thierry , Gaimoz Cécile , Locoge Nadine
Published: January 2017

Abstract. The relative importance of eastern Mediterranean emissions is suspected to be largely underestimated compared to other regions worldwide. Here we use detailed speciated measurements of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to evaluate the spatial heterogeneity of VOC urban emission composition and the consistency of regional and global emission inventories downscaled to Lebanon (European Monitoring and Evaluation Programme, EMEP; Atmospheric Chemistry and Climate Model Intercomparison Project, ACCMIP; and MACCity, Monitoring Atmospheric Composition and Climate and megaCITY Zoom for the Environment). The assessment was conducted through the comparison of the emission ratios (ERs) extracted from the emission inventories to the ones obtained from the hourly observations collected at a suburban site in Beirut, Lebanon, during summer and winter ECOCEM (Emissions and Chemistry of Organic Carbon in the Eastern Mediterranean) campaigns. The observed ERs were calculated using two independent methods. ER values from both methods agree very well and are comparable to the ones of the road transport sector from near-field measurements for more than 80 % of the species. There is no significant seasonality in ER for more than 90 % of the species, unlike the seasonality usually observed in other cities worldwide. Regardless of the season, ERs agree within a factor of 2 between Beirut and other representative cities worldwide, except for the unburned fuel fraction and ethane. ERs of aromatics (except benzene) are higher in Beirut compared to northern post-industrialized countries and even the Middle Eastern city Mecca. The comparison of the observed ER to the ones extracted from the ACCMIP and MACCity global emission inventories suggests that the overall speciation of anthropogenic sources for major hydrocarbons that act as ozone and secondary organic aerosol (SOA) precursors in ACCMIP is better represented than other species. The comparison of the specific road transport ERs, relative to acetylene derived from near-field measurements, to ERs from ACCMIP and EMEP emission inventories for the road transport sector showed that ERs of more reactive species are usually consistent within a factor of 2 with EMEP, while xylenes and toluene are underestimated by over a factor of 2 by ACCMIP. The observed heterogeneity of anthropogenic VOC emission composition between Middle Eastern cities can be significant for reactive VOCs but is not depicted by global emission inventories. This suggests that systematic and detailed measurements are needed in the eastern Mediterranean Basin in order to better constrain emission inventory.
Global inverse modeling of CH4 sources and sinks: an overview of methods
Authors: Houweling Sander , Bergamaschi Peter , Chevallier Frederic , Heimann Martin , Kaminski Thomas , Krol Maarten , Michalak Anna M. , Patra Prabir
Published: January 2017

Abstract. The aim of this paper is to present an overview of inverse modeling methods that have been developed over the years for estimating the global sources and sinks of CH4. It provides insight into how techniques and estimates have evolved over time and what the remaining shortcomings are. As such, it serves a didactical purpose of introducing apprentices to the field, but it also takes stock of developments so far and reflects on promising new directions. The main focus is on methodological aspects that are particularly relevant for CH4, such as its atmospheric oxidation, the use of methane isotopologues, and specific challenges in atmospheric transport modeling of CH4. The use of satellite retrievals receives special attention as it is an active field of methodological development, with special requirements on the sampling of the model and the treatment of data uncertainty. Regional scale flux estimation and attribution is still a grand challenge, which calls for new methods capable of combining information from multiple data streams of different measured parameters. A process model representation of sources and sinks in atmospheric transport inversion schemes allows the integrated use of such data. These new developments are needed not only to improve our understanding of the main processes driving the observed global trend but also to support international efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Power Plant Fuel Switching and Air Quality in a Tropical Forested Environment
Authors: Medeiros Adan S. S. , Calderaro Gisele , Guimarães Patricia C. , Magalhaes Mateus R. , Morais Marcos V. B. , Rafee Sameh A. A. , Ribeiro Igor O. , Andreoli Rita V. , Martins Jorge A. , Martins Leila D. , Martin Scot T. , Souza Rodrigo A. F.
Published: January 2017

Abstract. How a changing energy matrix for power production affects air quality is considered for an urban region in a tropical, forested environment. Manaus, the largest city in the central Amazon basin of Brazil, is in the process of changing its fossil fuel power energy matrix from entirely fuel oil and diesel to nearly entirely natural gas across an approximately ten-year period. Three scenarios of urban air quality, specifically afternoon ozone concentrations, were simulated using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF-Chem) model. The first scenario used fuel oil and diesel for power production, which was the reality in 2008. The second scenario was based on the fuel mix from 2014, the most current year for which data were available. The third scenario considered nearly complete use of natural gas for power production, which is the anticipated future, possibly for 2018. For each case, inventories of anthropogenic emissions were based on power generation, refining operations, and transportation. Transportation and refinery operations were held constant across the three scenarios to focus on effects of power plant fuel switching in a tropical context. The results of the simulations indicate that a change to natural gas significantly decreases maximum afternoon ozone concentrations over the population center, reaching reductions of 73 % (110 to 30 ppb) on the most polluted days. NOx and CO emissions decreased by approximately 89 % and 55 %, respectively, after the complete change in the energy matrix. The sensitivity of ozone concentrations to the fuel switchover is consistent with a NOx-limited regime, as expected for a tropical forest having high emissions of biogenic volatile organic compounds, high water vapor concentrations, and abundant solar radiation. Thus, policies favoring the burning of natural gas in place of fuel oil and diesel have great potential for ozone reduction and improve air quality for growing urban regions located in tropical, forested environments around the world.
Induction effects of geomagnetic disturbances in the geo-electric field variations at low latitudes
Authors: Doumbia Vafi , Boka Kouadio , Kouassi Nguessan , Grodji Oswald Didier Franck , Amory-Mazaudier Christine , Menvielle Michel
Published: January 2017

Abstract. In this study we examined the influences of geomagnetic activity on the Earth surface electric field variations at low latitudes. During the International Equatorial Electrojet Year (IEEY) various experiments were performed along 5° W in West Africa from 1992 to 1995. Among other instruments, 10 stations equipped with magnetometers and telluric electric field lines operated along a meridian chain across the geomagnetic dip equator from November 1992 to December 1994. In the present work, the induced effects of space-weather-related geomagnetic disturbances in the equatorial electrojet (EEJ) influence area in West Africa were examined. For that purpose, variations in the north–south (Ex) and east–west (Ey) components of telluric electric field were analyzed, along with that of the three components (H,  D and Z) of the geomagnetic field during the geomagnetic storm of 17 February 1993 and the solar flare observed on 4 April 1993. The most important induction effects during these events are associated with brisk impulses like storm sudden commencement (ssc) and solar flare effect (sfe) in the geomagnetic field variations. For the moderate geomagnetic storm that occurred on 17 February 1993, with a minimum Dst index of −110 nT, the geo-electric field responses to the impulse around 11:00 LT at LAM are Ex =  520 mV km−1 and Ey =  400 mV km−1. The geo-electric field responses to the sfe that occurred around 14:30 LT on 4 April 1993 are clearly observed at different stations as well. At LAM the crest-to-crest amplitude of the geo-electric field components associated with the sfe are Ex =  550 mV km−1 and Ey =  340 mV km−1. Note that the sfe impact on the geo-electric field variations decreases with the increasing distance of the stations from the subsolar point, which is located at about 5.13° N on 4 April. This trend does not reflect the sfe increasing amplitude near the dip equator due the high Cowling conductivity in the EEJ belt.
Spatiotemporal dynamics of soil phosphorus and crop uptake in global cropland during the twentieth century
Authors: Zhang Jie , Beusen Arthur H. W. , van Apeldoorn Dirk F. , Mogollón José M. , Yu Chaoqing , Bouwman Alexander F.
Published: January 2017

Abstract. Phosphorus (P) plays a vital role in global crop production and food security. In this study, we investigate the changes in soil P pools and crop P uptake, using a 0.5 by 0.5 degree spatially explicit model for the period 1900–2010. The simulated country-scale crop P uptake agrees well with historical P uptake. Simulated crop P uptake is influenced by both soil properties (available P and the P retention potential) and crop characteristics (maximum uptake). Until 1950, P fertilizer application had a negligible influence on crop uptake, but recently it has become a driving factor for food production in industrialized countries and a number of transition countries like Brazil, Korea and China. Globally, the total P pool per hectare increased rapidly between 1900 and 2010 in soils of Europe (+31 %), South America (+2 %), North America (+15 %), Asia (+17 %) and Oceania (+17 %), while it has been stable in Africa. This comprehensive and spatially explicit model can be used to assess the dynamics of soil P inventories, which serve as indicators for soil fertility and productivity.
A Bayesian posterior predictive framework for weighting ensemble
regional climate models
Authors: Fan Yanan , Olson Roman , Evans Jason P.
Published: January 2017

Abstract. We present a novel Bayesian statistical approach to computing model weights in climate change We present a novel Bayesian statistical approach to computing model weights in climate change projection ensembles. The weight of each climate model is obtained by weighting the current day observed data under the posterior distribution admitted under competing climate models. We use a linear model to describe the model output and observations. The approach accounts for uncertainty in model bias, trend and internal variability, as well as including error in the observations used. Our framework is general, requires very little problem specific input, and works well with default priors. We carry out cross-validation checks that confirm that the method produces the correct coverage.
Value of seasonal streamflow forecasts in emergency response reservoir management
Authors: Turner Sean W. D. , Bennett James , Robertson David , Galelli Stefano
Published: January 2017

Abstract. Considerable research effort has recently been directed at improving ensemble seasonal streamflow forecasts, and transferring these methods into operational services. This paper examines the value of forecasts when applied to a range hypothetical reservoirs. We compare forecast-informed reservoir operations with operations based on more traditional control rules established from historical records. Using synthetic forecasts, we show that forecast-informed operations can improve reservoir operations where forecasts are accurate, but that this benefit is far more likely to occur in reservoirs operated for continually adjusted objectives (e.g., for hydropower generation) than compared with those operated for emergency response objectives (e.g., urban water supply, for which water use restrictions are seldom imposed). We then test whether a modern experimental forecasting system — called Forecast Guided Stochastic Scenarios (FoGSS) — can benefit a wide range of reservoirs operated for emergency response objectives. FoGSS-informed operations improved reservoir operations in a large majority of the reservoirs tested. In the catchments where FoGSS forecasts sometimes failed to improve operations over conventional control rules, we show that this is partly due to less consistently skilful forecasts at the timing during critical decisions are made.