bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Parallel Bayesian Toolbox for High-performance Bayesian Filtering in Metrology
Authors: Garcia E. , Hausotte T.
Published: January 2014

The Bayesian theorem is the most used instrument for stochastic inferencing in nonlinear dynamic systems and also the fundament of measurement uncertainty evaluation in the GUM. Many powerful algorithms have been derived and applied to numerous problems. The most widely used algorithms are the broad family of Kalman filters (KFs), the grid-based filters and the more recent particle filters (PFs). Over the last 15 years, especially PFs are increasingly the subject of researches and engineering applications such as dynamic coordinate measurements, estimating signals from noisy measurements and measurement uncertainty evaluation. This is rooted in their ability to handle arbitrary nonlinear and/or non-Gaussian systems as well as in their easy coding. They are sampling-based sequential Monte-Carlo methods, which generate a set of samples to compute an approximation of the Bayesian posterior probability density function. Thus, the PF faces the problem of high computational burden, since it converges to the true posterior when number of particles NP→∞. In order to solve these computational problems a highly parallelized C++ library, called Parallel Bayesian Toolbox (PBT), for implementing Bayes filters (BFs) was developed and released as open-source software, for the first time.

In this paper the PBT is presented, analyzed and verified with respect to efficiency and performance applied to dynamic coordinate measurements of a photogrammetric coordinate measuring machine (CMM) and their online measurement uncertainty evaluation.
Towards an Optimal Interest Point Detector for Measurements in Ultrasound Images
Authors: Zukal Martin , Beneš Radek , Číka Petr , Říha Kamil
Published: January 2014

This paper focuses on the comparison of different interest point detectors and their utilization for measurements in ultrasound (US) images. Certain medical examinations are based on speckle tracking which strongly relies on features that can be reliably tracked frame to frame. Only significant features (interest points) resistant to noise and brightness changes within US images are suitable for accurate long-lasting tracking. We compare three interest point detectors - Harris-Laplace, Difference of Gaussian (DoG) and Fast Hessian - and identify the most suitable one for use in US images on the basis of an objective criterion. Repeatability rate is assumed to be an objective quality measure for comparison. We have measured repeatability in images corrupted by different types of noise (speckle noise, Gaussian noise) and for changes in brightness. The Harris-Laplace detector outperformed its competitors and seems to be a sound option when choosing a suitable interest point detector for US images. However, it has to be noted that Fast Hessian and DoG detectors achieved better results in terms of processing speed.
Tacky “Shakespeares” in Japan
Authors: Yoshihara Yukari
Published: January 2014

There is no doubt that Shakespeare is “the flagship commodity” in the globalized cultural market. The fact that his works are being studied, performed, and admired, or, adapted and parodied almost all over the world, would surely testify that his works are great sources to be capitalized on (both culturally and materially) in the consumerist society in which we live. However, it could be also argued that the brand logo, “Shakespeare,” no longer holds such a privileged status, that it is merely one of numerous cultural artifacts that can be used and recycled, and that one of the few convenient things about “Shakespeare” is that it can be reproduced, copied, and parodied without the need for any royalty payments being made? Some popular, global, tacky “shakespeares” seek to destabilize the presupposed notion that “Shakespeare” is the dominant, central, hegemonic icon by juxtaposing “Shakespeare” with other artifacts, which are presumed to be of minimal capitalist and cultural value. This article attempts to illustrate how (in)significant or (un)influential Shakespeare, as a residual socio-cultural icon, can be. Tackyfying “Shakespeares” can, however, also be a means to proliferate the Bard. Japanese pop “Shakespeares,” proudly and assertively tacky, offer tributes to the great Bard.
Shakespeare Comes to Indonesia
Authors: Skupin Michael
Published: January 2014

This paper discusses the circumstances of Shakespeare’s arrival in Indonesia via the translations of Trisno Sumardjo, published in the early 1950’s. Biographical material about the translator will be presented, and there will be a discussion of the characteristics the Indonesian language and of Indonesian verse which would determine the expectations of his readers, such as rhyme, meter and style, that would influence his renderings of the poetic passages in the Bard’s plays. These are illustrated in a sampling of passages from As You Like It, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Macbeth and The Merchant of Venice. The Dutch translation of L. A. J. Burgersdijk was an indirect influence on the translations, and not always for the good. The paper concludes with a lengthy discussion of the extremely difficult problems that Sumardjo encountered in his translation of King Lear. This Lear was not published during the translator’s lifetime, Sumardjo’s prestige notwithstanding because he was not satisfied with the solutions he proposed.
Theatre Reviews
Authors: Bogdańska Olga , D’Auria Verónica , Heijes Coen , Georgopoulou Xenia
Published: January 2014

The Tempest. Dir. Silviu Purcarete. The National Theatre “Marin Sorescu” of Craiova, Romania. 16th Shakespeare Festival, Gdansk, Poland  

Richard III. Dir. Gabriel Villela. Blanes Museum Garden, Montevideo, Uruguay

Henry V. Dir. Des McAnuff. Stratford Shakespeare Festival, Ontario, Canada

Julius Caesar. Dir. Gregory Doran. Royal Shakespeare Company

A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Adapted and dir. Georgina Kakoudaki. Theatre groups _2 and 4Frontal, Theatro tou Neou Kosmou, Greece

Julius Caesar: Scripta Femina. Dir. Roubini Moschochoriti. Theatre group Anima Kinitiras Studio, Greece
COMPARATIVE PERFORMANCE OF VARIOUS SUNFLOWER HYBRIDS FOR YIELD AND ITS RELATED ATTRIBUTES
Authors: Sarwar M.A. , Khalil-Ur-Rehman M.N. , Javeed H.M.R. , Ahmad W. , Shehzad M.A. , Iqbal S. , Abbas H.T.
Published: January 2014

An experiment to evaluate comparative performance of various sunflower hybrids for yield and its related attributes was conducted at the Agronomic Research Area, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan, during autumn 2008. Twelve sunflower hybrids, i.e. G-101 (H1), DK-4040 (H2), SF-187 (H3), S-278 (H4), Hysun-33 (H5), FH-37 (H6), Ausigold-61 (H7), Ausigold-62 (H8), FSS-50 (H9), NX- 00989 (H10), NX-00997 (H11) and XIYU-12 (H12) were included in the trail. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD), having three replicates with plot size of 5m x 3m. Statistical analysis of the data showed significant differences for all the parameters. It was observed that Hysun-33 showed greater plant height (148.47 cm) and achene per head (682.70) than all other hybrids, however in case of yield (3891.0 kg ha-1) and other related traits such as number of plants m-2, leaf area index, head diameter and 1000-achene weight SF-187 displayed better performance by recording values (6.87), (4.33), (18.62) and (49.11g), respectively, following Hysun-33 for most of the traits. From the results of experiment it can be concluded that the hybrids SF-187 and Hysun-33 showed high productivity and are best adapted to the climatic conditions of Faisalabad.
Republicanism and the division of powers in Canada
Authors: Kong Hoi L.
Published: January 2014

Republicanism has emerged as an important school of thought in political theory and has exerted a strong influence on Anglo-American legal scholarship. Republicanism has, however, been largely absent from Canadian constitutional law scholarship and this absence is particularly noticeable in the legal literature on federalism. In this article, I intend to show that a particular version of republicanism, which stresses the norm of non-domination, provides a promising normative framework for analysing the multinational elements of Canadian federalism. The argument seeks to achieve two main goals. First, it aims to build on Philip Pettit’s suggestive analyses of minority rights and federalism in order to arrive at a robust republican conception of multinational federations. Second, the argument aims to demonstrate that republican theory can benefit from a close contextual analysis of a particular set of political institutions and that Pettit’s version of republicanism is amenable to this kind of attention to context.
A Decomposition Technique For Solving Integer Programming Problems
Authors: Hossain Md. Istiaq , Hasan M Babul
Published: January 2014

Dantzig-Wolfe decomposition as applied to an integer program is a specific form of problem reformulation that aims at providing a tighter linear programming relaxation bound due to the non-convexity of an integer problem. In this paper, we develop an algorithm for solving large scale integer program relying on column generation method. We implemented our algorithm for solving Capital budgeting and scheduling type problems. Moreover, we used the Computer Aided System (CAS) AMPL to convert our algorithm into programming codes and illustrated the same problem in our program. We demonstrate our method by illustrating some numerical examples. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ganit.v33i0.17649 GANIT J. Bangladesh Math. Soc.Vol. 33 (2013) 1-11
Numerical Solution of a Multilane Traffic Flow Model
Authors: Kabir MH , Andallah LS
Published: January 2014

This paper performs the numerical solution of a macroscopic multilane traffic flow model based on a linear density-velocity relationship. A multilane traffic flow is modeled by a system of nonlinear partial differential equation appended with initial and boundary conditions reads as an initial boundary value problem (IBVP). We present numerical simulation of the IBVP by a finite difference scheme named Lax-Friedrichs scheme and report on the stability and efficiency of the scheme by performing numerical experiments. The computed result satisfies some well known qualitative features of the solution. GANIT J. Bangladesh Math. Soc. Vol. 33 (2013) 25-32 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ganit.v33i0.17653
An Improved Decomposition Approach and its Computational Technique for Analyzing Primal-Dual Relationship in LP & LFP Problems
Authors: Das HK , Hasan M Babul
Published: January 2014

In this paper, we study the methodology of primal dual solutions in Linear Programming (LP) & Linear Fractional Programming (LFP) problems. A comparative study is also made on different duals of LP & LFP. We then develop an improved decomposition approach for showing the relationship of primal and dual approach of LP & LFP problems by giving algorithm. Numerical examples are given to demonstrate our method. A computer programming code is also developed for showing primal and dual decomposition approach of LP & LFP with proper instructions using AMPL. Finally, we have drawn a conclusion stating the privilege of our method of computation. GANIT J. Bangladesh Math. Soc. Vol. 33 (2013) 65-75 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ganit.v33i0.17660
Traveling Wave Solutions of Nonlinear Evolution Equation via Enhanced(G/G)- Expansion Method
Authors: Islam Md. Ekramul , Khan Kamruzzaman , Akbar M Ali , Islam Rafiqul
Published: January 2014

In this article, the Enhanced (G'/G)-expansion method has been projected to find the traveling wave solutions for nonlinear evolution equations(NLEEs) via the (2+1)-dimensional Burgers equation. The efficiency of this method for finding these exact solutions has been demonstrated with the help of symbolic computation software Maple. By this method we have obtained many new types of complexiton soliton solutions, such as, various combinations of trigonometric periodic function and rational function solutions, various combination of hyperbolic function and rational function solutions. The proposed method is direct, concise and effective, and can be used for many other nonlinear evolution equations. GANIT J. Bangladesh Math. Soc. Vol. 33 (2013) 83-92 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ganit.v33i0.17662
The k-Derivation Acting as a k-Endomorphism and as an Anti-k-Endomorphism on Semiprime Nobusawa Gamma Ring
Authors: Chakraborty Sujoy , Paul Akhil Chandra
Published: January 2014

This article defines k-endomorphism and anti-k-endomorphism on ?N-rings, and uses the concept of k-derivation of ?N-rings. Considering M as a semiprime ?N-ring and d as a k-derivation of M, it aims to prove that (i) if d acts as a k-endomorphism on M such that M?M=M and xk(?)x=0 for all x?M and ?? ?, then d=0; and (ii) if d is acting as an anti-k-endomorphism on M such that M?M=M, xk(?)x=0 and k(?)x?=?xk(?) for all x?M and ?? ?, then d=0. GANIT J. Bangladesh Math. Soc. Vol. 33 (2013) 93-101 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ganit.v33i0.17663
Quantification of Deltaic Coastal Zone Change Based on Multi-Temporal High Resolution Earth Observation Techniques
Authors: Vassilakis Emmanuel , Papadopoulou-Vrynioti Kyriaki
Published: January 2014

A series of methodologies are described in this paper aiming to quantify the natural hazard due to the coastal changes at a deltaic fan. The coastline of Istiaia (North Evia, Greece) has been chosen for this study as several areas of accretion and erosion have been identified during the past few decades. We combined different types of datasets, extracted from high resolution panchromatic aerial photographs and traced the contemporary shoreline by high accuracy surveying with Real Time Kinematics (RTK) GPS equipment. The interpretation of all shorelines required geo-statistical analysis in a Geographical Information System. A large number of high resolution morphological sections were constructed normally to the coast, revealing erosional and depositional parts of the beach. Retreating and extension rates were calculated for each section reaching the values of 0.98 m/yr and 1.36 m/yr, respectively. The results proved to be very accurate, allowing us to expand the developed methodology by using more complete time-series of remote sensing datasets along with more frequent RTK-GPS surveying.
Structural Characterization of the Degradation Products of a Minor Natural Sweet Diterpene Glycoside Rebaudioside M under Acidic Conditions
Authors: Prakash Indra , Chaturvedula Venkata , Markosyan Avetik
Published: January 2014

Degradation of rebaudioside M, a minor sweet component of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni, under conditions that simulated extreme pH and temperature conditions has been studied. Thus, rebaudioside M was treated with 0.1 M phosphoric acid solution (pH 2.0) and 80 °C temperature for 24 h. Experimental results indicated that rebaudioside M under low pH and higher temperature yielded three minor degradation compounds, whose structural characterization was performed on the basis of 1D (1H-, 13C-) & 2D (COSY, HSQC, HMBC) NMR, HRMS, MS/MS spectral data as well as enzymatic and acid hydrolysis studies.
A Study of Crystalline Mechanism of Penetration Sealer Materials
Authors: Teng Li-Wei , Huang Ran , Chen Jie , Cheng An , Hsu Hui-Mi
Published: January 2014

It is quite common to dispense a topping material like crystalline penetration sealer materials (CPSM) onto the surface of a plastic substance such as concrete to extend its service life span by surface protections from outside breakthrough. The CPSM can penetrate into the existing pores or possible cracks in such a way that it may form crystals to block the potential paths which provide breakthrough for any unknown materials. This study investigated the crystalline mechanism formed in the part of concrete penetrated by the CPSM. We analyzed the chemical composites, in order to identify the mechanism of CPSM and to evaluate the penetrated depth. As shown in the results, SEM observes the acicular-structured crystals filling capillary pores for mortar substrate of the internal microstructure beneath the concrete surface; meanwhile, XRD and FT-IR showed the main hydration products of CPSM to be C-S-H gel and CaCO3. Besides, MIP also shows CPSM with the ability to clog capillary pores of mortar substrate; thus, it reduces porosity, and appears to benefit in sealing pores or cracks. The depth of CPSM penetration capability indicated by TGA shows 0–10 mm of sealer layer beneath the concrete surface.
Micronutrient Intakes from Food and Supplements in Australian Adolescents
Authors: Gallagher Caroline , Black Lucinda , Oddy Wendy
Published: January 2014

Objective: Low micronutrient intakes in adolescents are frequently reported. We assessed micronutrient intakes in adolescents to determine whether supplement use optimises intakes. Methods: Dietary intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire in 17 year old participating in the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study (n = 991). We calculated median daily micronutrient intakes in supplement users and non-users (from food sources only and from food and supplements), along with the percentage of adolescents meeting the Estimated Average Requirements (EAR) or Adequate Intake (AI) where appropriate. Results: Intakes of calcium, magnesium, folate and vitamins D and E from food only were low. Although supplements significantly increased micronutrient intakes in supplement users, more than half of supplement users failed to meet the EAR or AI for some key micronutrients. Compared with non-users, supplement users had higher micronutrient intakes from food sources with the exception of vitamins D and B12 and were more likely to achieve the EAR or AI for many micronutrients from food only. Conclusions: Intakes of some key micronutrients were low in this population, even among supplement users. Those facing the greatest risk of micronutrient deficiencies were less likely to use supplements.
Estimating Hantavirus Risk in Southern Argentina: A GIS-Based Approach Combining Human Cases and Host Distribution
Authors: Andreo Veronica , Neteler Markus , Rocchini Duccio , Provensal Cecilia , Levis Silvana , Porcasi Ximena , Rizzoli Annapaola , Lanfri Mario , Scavuzzo Marcelo , Pini Noemi , Enria Delia , Polop Jaime
Published: January 2014

We use a Species Distribution Modeling (SDM) approach along with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) techniques to examine the potential distribution of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) caused by Andes virus (ANDV) in southern Argentina and, more precisely, define and estimate the area with the highest infection probability for humans, through the combination with the distribution map for the competent rodent host (Oligoryzomys longicaudatus). Sites with confirmed cases of HPS in the period 1995–2009 were mostly concentrated in a narrow strip (~90 km × 900 km) along the Andes range from northern Neuquén to central Chubut province. This area is characterized by high mean annual precipitation (~1,000 mm on average), but dry summers (less than 100 mm), very low percentages of bare soil (~10% on average) and low temperatures in the coldest month (minimum average temperature −1.5 °C), as compared to the HPS-free areas, features that coincide with sub-Antarctic forests and shrublands (especially those dominated by the invasive plant Rosa rubiginosa), where rodent host abundances and ANDV prevalences are known to be the highest. Through the combination of predictive distribution maps of the reservoir host and disease cases, we found that the area with the highest probability for HPS to occur overlaps only 28% with the most suitable habitat for O. longicaudatus. With this approach, we made a step forward in the understanding of the risk factors that need to be considered in the forecasting and mapping of risk at the regional/national scale. We propose the implementation and use of thematic maps, such as the one built here, as a basic tool allowing public health authorities to focus surveillance efforts and normally scarce resources for prevention and control actions in vast areas like southern Argentina.
« L’Empire de la liberté» selon Thomas Jefferson : un oxymore emblématique de la pensée nationale américaine à l’époque de l’expédition de Lewis et Clark (1804-1806)
Authors: Marienstras Élise
Published: January 2014

The transcontinental expedition of Lewis and Clark, as the first step of America’swestward expansion, was set within the framework of

Jefferson’s project for an •empire of liberty”, or •for” liberty. The phrase itself gives insights into the tensions of Jefferson’sdiscourse, tensions that are detected in the policy of the Jefferson administration, regarding Indian lands and slavery. The influence of this founding paradox is still to be felt today.
L’éducation dans Chrestomathia de Jeremy Bentham
Authors: Cléro Jean-Pierre
Published: January 2014

Chrestomathia est la définition justifiée d’un programme scolaire utilitariste. Bentham descend dans le détail de l’éducation du nouveau travailleur.

Or cette école dont il analyse jusqu’à l’équilibre budgétaire, ne verra jamais le

jour ; Bentham le sait. Cette contradiction n’est pas la seule. L’élève de l’Externat

chrestomathique serait-il plus heureux que celui d’une autre école ? La pratique de la délation, des classements, de l’apprentissage par coeur peut en faire douter. L’externat semble délibérément ouvert pour constituer la main d’oeuvre dont le marché, bouleversé par la révolution industrielle, a besoin. L’instruction ne

semble pas centrée sur la formation du citoyen. Si éloigné que fut le projet

benthamien de celui d’un Condorcet par exemple, les deux auteurs promeuvent

un enseignement puisé aux principes les plus élevés et les plus efficaces des sciences et des arts. Chrestomathia est l’un des meilleurs témoignages de l’état

organisé de la science et des techniques anglaises au début du XIXe siècle.
Transcriptional Regulator CTR9 Inhibits Th17 Differentiation via Repression of IL-17 Expression
Authors: Yoo Hyeon-Seok , Choi Yongwook , Ahn Narae , Lee Saseong , Kim Wan-Uk , Jang Min Seong , Jang Myoung Ho , Kim Yon Su , Yoo Joo-Yeon
Published: January 2014

PAF complex is an evolutionarily conserved transcriptional complex that associates with RNA polymerase II in the coding region of actively transcribing genes. Although its transcriptional activity is closely related to diverse cellular processes, such as cell-cycle progression or development in mammals, its role in immune responses has not been addressed yet. In this study, we show that CTR9, a component of PAF complex, functions as a repressor of Th17 differentiation. Both mRNA and protein levels of CTR9 were significantly decreased during the differentiation processes of naive T into Th17 effector cells. When CTR9 was depleted, IL-17 expression was induced and differentiation into Th17 cells enhanced. In naive T cells, CTR9 occupied the coding region of Il17a, but dissociated under Th17 in vitro-polarizing conditions. In contrast, both CDC73 and PAF1 were recruited to the Il17a locus under Th17-differentiation conditions. In the IL-6–stimulated splenocytes, expression of CTR9 was decreased, and chromatin-bound CTR9 disappeared in the coding region of Il17a. IL-6 also directly repressed expression of CTR9 gene, as promoter activity of CTR9 was similarly repressed by IL-6 treatment. Moreover, in mice with collagen-induced arthritis, lentivirus-mediated CTR9 overexpression in the joints ameliorated arthritis severity, decreasing the frequency of CD4+IL-17+ T cells in lymph nodes. In conclusion, our data propose a novel feed-forward loop of IL-17 transcriptional regulatory circuit, via IL-6–mediated repression of CTR9 which is a transcriptional repressor of IL-17.
Second-Generation Langerhans Cells Originating from Epidermal Precursors Are Essential for CD8+ T Cell Priming
Authors: Elnekave Mazal , Furmanov Karina , Shaul Yaffa , Capucha Tal , Eli-Berchoer Luba , Zelentsova Katya , Clausen Björn E. , Hovav Avi-Hai
Published: January 2014

In vivo studies questioned the ability of Langerhans cells (LCs) to mediate CD8+ T cell priming. To address this issue, we used intradermal immunization with plasmid DNA, a system in which activation of CD8+ T cells depends on delayed kinetics of Ag presentation. We found that dendritic cells (DCs) located in the skin at the time of immunization have limited ability to activate CD8+ T cells. This activity was mediated by a second generation of DCs that differentiated in the skin several days after immunization, as well as by lymph node–resident DCs. Intriguingly, CD8+ T cell responses were not affected following treatment with clodronate liposomes, immunization of CCR2−/− mice, or local neutralization of CCL20. This suggests that local, rather than blood-derived, DC precursors mediate CD8+ T cell priming. Analysis of DC differentiation in the immunized skin revealed a gradual increase in the number of CD11c+ cells, which reached their maximum 2 wk after immunization. A similar differentiation kinetics was observed for LCs, with the majority of differentiating LCs proliferating in situ from epidermal precursors. By using B6/Langerin–diphtheria toxin receptor chimeric mice and LC ablation, we demonstrated that epidermal LCs were crucial for the elicitation of CD8+ T cell responses in vivo. Furthermore, LCs isolated from lymph nodes 2 wk after immunization contained the immunization plasmid and directly activated Ag-specific CD8+ T cells ex vivo. Thus, these results indicate that second-generation Ag-expressing LCs differentiating from epidermal precursors directly prime CD8+ T cells and are essential for optimal cellular immune responses following immunization with plasmid DNA.
Zinc level and obesity
Authors: Zaky Doaa S. E. , Sultan Eman A. , Salim Mahmoud F. , Dawod Rana S.
Published: January 2014

Background

Obesity is a chronic condition that is associated with disturbances in the metabolism of zinc. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between serum zinc level and different clinical and biochemical parameters in obese individuals.

Patients and methods

Twenty-four individuals with BMI more than 30 kg/m2 and 14 healthy controls (BMI < 24 kg/m2) were assessed for BMI and waist circumference using anthropometric measurements. Colorimetric tests were carried out for the determination of zinc in serum.

Results

In this study, BMI and waist circumference were higher in the obese group than in the control group (P < 0.05). The mean serum zinc levels were 92 ± 31.1 and 101 ± 70 μg/dl in the obese group and control group (P > 0.05), respectively. There was a significant negative correlation between the serum zinc level and BMI, waist circumference and low-density lipoprotein (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Plasma zinc concentration in obese individuals showed an inverse relationship with the waist circumference and BMI as well as serum low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and correlated positively with high-density lipoprotein.
Absence of an Association Between Plasmodium falciparum Infection and Post-Ivermectin Loa-Related Non-Neurologic Serious Adverse Events
Authors: Fokom-Domgue Joël , Pion Sébastien D. , Gounoue Raceline , Akame Julie , Nguipdop-Djomo Patrick , Twum-Danso Nana A. Y. , Thylefors Björn , Boussinesq Michel , Kamgno Joseph
Published: January 2014

Although ivermectin treatment can induce serious adverse events (SAEs) in individuals harboring high Loa loa microfilaremia (mf), not all patients with high mf levels develop such reactions, suggesting that cofactors may be involved. A study was conducted in Cameroon to investigate the possible role of Plasmodium coinfection at the time of ivermectin treatment in the development of SAEs. Before their first ivermectin treatment, thick smears were obtained from 4,175 individuals to determine the burden of Plasmodium sp., L. loa, and Mansonella perstans. After treatment, 18 (4.3 per 1,000) patients developed a non-neurologic SAE. Logistic regression analysis, adjusting for age, sex, P. falciparum infection, and M. perstans infection intensities, confirmed that L. loa mf was the main risk factor for SAEs. We found no evidence that coinfection with P. falciparum at the time of ivermectin treatment was associated with the occurrence of Loa-related SAEs in this population.
Detection of Coliforms in Drinking Water Using Skin Patches: A Rapid, Reliable Method that Does Not Require an External Energy Source
Authors: Nam Sehee , Kim Min-jeong , Park MinSun , Kim Nuri , Lee Yu-jin , Lee Gyu-Cheol
Published: January 2014

The detection of coliforms requires incubation in a laboratory, generally powered using electricity. In many parts of the developing world, however, external energy sources such as electricity are not readily available. To develop a fast, reliable method for detecting coliforms in water without an external energy source, we assessed the efficacy of six test kits for the identification of coliforms in water samples. To assess the possibility of using body temperature as the sole source of heat for incubation, bacterial samples were then mixed with the enzymatic test kit reagent and attached to the human body surface using a patch system. The patches were attached to the bodies of volunteers for 24 hours and the practicality and accuracy of the patches were assessed. Coliforms were detected within 24 hours in all patches. This innovation will facilitate the testing of water quality by researchers and by economically disadvantaged people without electricity.
Evidence of a Major Reservoir of Non-Malarial Febrile Diseases in Malaria-Endemic Regions of Bangladesh
Authors: Swoboda Paul , Fuehrer Hans-Peter , Ley Benedikt , Starzengruber Peter , Ley-Thriemer Kamala , Jung Mariella , Matt Julia , Fally Markus A. , Mueller Milena K. S. , Reismann Johannes A. B. , Haque Rashidul , Khan Wasif A. , Noedl Harald
Published: January 2014

In malaria-endemic regions any febrile case is likely to be classified as malaria based on presumptive diagnosis largely caused by a lack of diagnostic resources. A district-wide prevalence study assessing etiologies of fever in 659 patients recruited in rural and semi-urban areas of Bandarban district in southeastern Bangladesh revealed high proportions of seropositivity for selected infectious diseases (leptospirosis, typhoid fever) potentially being misdiagnosed as malaria because of similarities in the clinical presentation. In an area with point prevalences of more than 40% for malaria among fever cases, even higher seroprevalence rates of leptospirosis and typhoid fever provide evidence of a major persistent reservoir of these pathogens.
Sidewalks and City Streets: A Model for Vibrant Agricultural Education in Urban American Communities
Authors: Brown Nicholas R. , Kelsey Kathleen D.
Published: January 2014

In 2005, The National Council for Agricultural Education (NCAE) unveiled The Long Range Goal for Agricultural Education also known as 10 x 15. According to NCAE, the primary goal of 10 x 15 was to create 10,000 new agricultural education programs by 2015 that focused on an integrated model of classroom and laboratory instruction, experiential learning, leadership, and personal skill development. In an effort to meet this goal, NCAE identified a need to design programs that focused on specific customers and communities. Urban programing was one area of emphasis cited in the report. In light of the call for several thousand new agricultural education programs nationwide and the dearth of literature to support direction for creating new programs, this instrumental case study resulted in a deeper understanding of the process that led one urban school district to create a new, communityfocused agricultural education program. Five themes emerged that informed a model for originating future urban agricultural education programs: 1) reasoned motivation, 2) hourglass advocacy, 3) intentional innovation, 4) community rejuvenation, and 5) program regeneration. Each theme is presented in the sequence in which it unfolded and, subsequently, resulted in the creation of an urban agricultural education program.
Development and Evolution of Agriculturally Related Merit Badges Offered by the Boy Scouts of America
Authors: Terry Jr.
Published: January 2014

Badges of Merit have been a primary component of Scouting programs since the inception of the movement more than 100 years ago. The diverse range of subjects for merit badges has included 32 programs relating directly to agriculture. The focus of this historical research was to identify when agriculturally related merit badges were introduced, describe changes made to these programs since their introduction, and to determine their popularity with Scouts. Records reveal that merit badges on a variety of agricultural subjects such as beef cattle production, rabbit raising, gardening, landscaping, agribusiness, and agricultural mechanics have been offered by Boy Scouts of America (BSA) since before the founding of the National FFA Organization or passage of the Smith-Hughes Act. Forestry and Soil and Water Management have been the two most popular agriculturally related merit badges, while Animal Science and Plant Science are among the least popular of all merit badges offered currently. It is recommended that agricultural educators support these merit badge programs and help facilitate their offering to BSA members. This study provides the foundation for further investigation into the promotion of agricultural literacy through BSA and other organizations not normally associated with agricultural education.
Instructional Supervision of Agricultural Education Teachers: Perceptions Regarding Selected Beliefs
Authors: Paulsen Thomas H. , Martin Robert A.
Published: January 2014

The purpose of this study was to identify beliefs held by agricultural education teachers regarding the supervision of instruction by the principal. This study was based on the work of Ferguson and Bargh (2004) regarding how social perception can automatically influence behavior. Data were reported on ten general beliefs regarding instructional supervision. Agricultural education teachers indicated that instructional supervision should be used in all teachable moment situations where teachers and learners interact; is collaborative in nature; is conducted to help the learner; and is more art than science. Female agricultural education teachers’ beliefs varied from their male counterparts regarding location of the instructional supervision process. Recommendations indicate that agricultural education teachers should become engaged in a holistic approach to supervision that takes into consideration the formal and nonformal aspects of their professional practice.
The Relationship between Students’ Leadership Style
and Self-Directed Learning Level
Authors: Strong Robert , Wynn J. Thomas , Irby Travis L. , Lindner James R.
Published: January 2014

Leadership is a versatile process that requires working with others in personal and professional
relationships to accomplish a goal. Cultivating leadership skills is important for students who are
developing professional competencies. Leadership characteristics and abilities should be evaluated to
assist in learning student traits to better prepare students for their professions. This study examined the
relationship between students’ leadership style and self-directed learning levels. This was a descriptive
and correlational study with undergraduate students enrolled in agricultural leadership courses (N =
138). The theoretical framework for this study was based on transactional and transformational
leadership theory, self-directed learning theory, and andragogy. Students were more oriented toward
relationship leadership style versus task orientation. Task oriented leadership style was found to be
correlated with students’ self-directedness levels. Professional development specialists and human
resources trainers should develop comprehension on the effects of how employee leadership style may
influence other job performance variables. Agricultural leadership researchers and practitioners should
gain a better understanding of variables that may affect students’ leadership styles in order to best
prepare students for future leadership oriented careers. Agricultural education faculty could gain a
better understanding of the academic and professional leadership experiences that most interest students.
Effects of dust aerosols on tropospheric chemistry during a typical pre-monsoon season dust storm in northern India
Authors: Kumar R. , Barth M. C. , Madronich S. , Naja M. , Carmichael G. R. , Pfister G. G. , Knote C. , Brasseur G. P. , Ojha N. , Sarangi T.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. This study examines the effect of a typical pre-monsoon season dust storm on tropospheric chemistry through a case study in northern India. Dust can alter photolysis rates by scattering and absorbing solar radiation, and provide surface area for heterogeneous reactions. We use the Weather Research and Forecasting model coupled with Chemistry (WRF-Chem) to simulate the dust storm that occurred during 17–22 April 2010 and investigate the contribution of different processes on mixing ratios of several key trace gases including ozone, nitrogen oxides, hydrogen oxides, methanol, acetic acid and formaldehyde. We revised the Fast Troposphere Ultraviolet Visible (F-TUV) photolysis scheme to include effects of dust aerosols on photolysis rates in a manner consistent with the calculations of aerosol optical properties for feedback to the meteorology radiation schemes. In addition, we added twelve heterogeneous reactions on the dust surface, for which six reactions have relative humidity dependent reactive uptake coefficients (γ). The inclusion of these processes in WRF-Chem is found to reduce difference between observed and modeled ozone from 16 ± 9 to 2 ± 8 ppbv and that in NOy from 2129 ± 1425 to 372 ± 1225 pptv compared to measurements at the high altitude site Nainital in the central Himalayas, and reduce biases by up to 30% in tropospheric column NO2 compared to OMI retrievals. The simulated dust storm acted as a sink for all the trace gases examined here and significantly perturbed their spatial and vertical distributions. The reductions in these gases are estimated as 5–100% and more than 80% of this reduction was due to heterogeneous chemistry. The RH dependence of γ is also found to have substantial impact on the distribution of trace gases, with changes of up to 20–25% in ozone and HO2, 50% in H2O2 and 100% in HNO3. A set of sensitivity analyses revealed that dust aging can reduce the uptake of trace gases (especially of H2O2 and acetic acid) by up to 50% in dust source regions.
Aspects of quality control of wind profiler measurements in complex topography
Authors: Maruri M. , Romo J. A. , Gomez L.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. It is well known in the scientific community that some remote sensing instruments assume that sample volumes present homogeneous conditions within a defined meteorological profile. At complex topographic sites and under extreme meteorological conditions, this assumption may be fallible depending on the site, and it is more likely to fail in the lower layers of the atmosphere. This piece of work tests the homogeneity of the wind field over a boundary layer wind profiler radar located in complex terrain on the coast under different meteorological conditions. The results reveal the qualitative importance of being aware of deviations in this homogeneity assumption and evaluate its effect on the final product. Patterns of behavior in data have been identified in order to simplify the analysis of the complex signal registered. The quality information obtained from the homogeneity study under different meteorological conditions provides useful indicators for the best alternatives the system can offer to build wind profiles. Finally, the results are also to be considered in order to integrate them in a quality algorithm implemented at the product level.
Retrieval of δ18O and δD in atmospheric water vapour from ground-based FTIR
Authors: Rokotyan N. V. , Zakharov V. I. , Gribanov K. G. , Bréon F.-M. , Jouzel J. , Imasu R. , Werner M. , Butzin M. , Petri C. , Warneke T. , Notholt J.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. This paper investigates the possibility of retrieving isotopic composition of atmospheric water vapour from high-resolution ground based measurements of atmospheric transmittance spectra in the near-infrared region (4000–11 000 cm−1). Simulated measurements of atmospheric transmittance were analyzed in order to find clear spectral signatures of H218O, HDO and H216O. Appropriate signals of the species of interest were found and also identified in measured spectra recorded by ground-based Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR) at the Institute of Environmental Physics of Bremen University. A set of H218O, HDO and H216O spectroscopic windows is presented. Theoretical estimations of the retrieval precision indicate that spectra recorded by ground-based FTIR spectrometers can be used to measure the seasonal cycle of δ18O and δD in the atmosphere. Studying the influence of the a priori on retrieval results shows low sensitivity to a priori assumptions. Impact of the uncertainties in spectroscopic line parameters of water isotopologues on precision of the retrieval of δ18O and δD is investigated. Time series of δ18O retrieved from ground-based FTIR spectra are represented for the first time. Comparison with the results of ECHAM5-wiso isotopic general circulation model simulations demonstrates a good agreement for "summer" measurements. Conversely, the comparison of "winter" measurements and modeling result show a discrepancy that demonstrate worse agreement that may be connected with incorrect temperature dependence of spectroscopic parameters.
Regional climate modeling on European scales: a joint standard evaluation of the EURO-CORDEX RCM ensemble
Authors: Kotlarski S. , Keuler K. , Christensen O. B. , Colette A. , Déqué M. , Gobiet A. , Goergen K. , Jacob D. , Lüthi D. , van Meijgaard E. , Nikulin G. , Schär C. , Teichmann C. , Vautard R. , Warrach-Sagi K. , Wulfmeyer V.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. EURO-CORDEX is an international climate downscaling initiative that aims to provide high-resolution climate scenarios for Europe. Here an evaluation of the ERA-Interim-driven EURO-CORDEX regional climate model (RCM) ensemble is presented. The study documents the performance of the individual models in representing the basic spatio-temporal patterns of the European climate for the period 1989–2008. Model evaluation focuses on near-surface air temperature and precipitation, and uses the E-OBS dataset as observational reference. The ensemble consists of 17 simulations carried out by seven different models at grid resolutions of 12 km (nine experiments) and 50 km (eight experiments). Several performance metrics computed from monthly and seasonal mean values are used to assess model performance over eight sub-domains of the European continent. Results are compared to those for the ERA40-driven ENSEMBLES simulations. The analysis confirms the ability of RCMs to capture the basic features of the European climate, including its variability in space and time. But it also identifies non-negligible deficiencies of the simulations for selected metrics, regions and seasons. Seasonally and regionally averaged temperature biases are mostly smaller than 1.5 °C, while precipitation biases are typically located in the ±40% range. Some bias characteristics, such as a predominant cold and wet bias in most seasons and over most parts of Europe and a warm and dry summer bias over southern and south-eastern Europe reflect common model biases. For seasonal mean quantities averaged over large European sub-domains, no clear benefit of an increased spatial resolution (12 km vs. 50 km) can be identified. The bias ranges of the EURO-CORDEX ensemble mostly correspond to those of the ENSEMBLES simulations, but some improvements in model performance can be identified (e.g., a less pronounced southern European warm summer bias). The temperature bias spread across different configurations of one individual model can be of a similar magnitude as the spread across different models, demonstrating a strong influence of the specific choices in physical parameterizations and experimental setup on model performance. Based on a number of simply reproducible metrics, the present study quantifies the currently achievable accuracy of RCMs used for regional climate simulations over Europe and provides a quality standard for future model developments.
Comparison of the ensemble Kalman filter and 4D-Var assimilation methods using a stratospheric tracer transport model
Authors: Skachko S. , Errera Q. , Ménard R. , Christophe Y. , Chabrillat S.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. The Ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) assimilation method is applied to the tracer transport using the same stratospheric transport model as in the 4D-Var assimilation system BASCOE. This EnKF version of BASCOE was built primarily to avoid the large costs associated with the maintenance of an adjoint model. The EnKF developed in BASCOE accounts for two adjustable parameters: a parameter α controlling the model error term and a parameter r controlling the observational error. The EnKF system is shown to be markedly sensitive to these two parameters, which are adjusted based on the monitoring of a χ2-test measuring the misfit between the control variable and the observations. The performance of the EnKF and 4D-Var versions was estimated through the assimilation of Aura-MLS ozone observations during an 8 month period which includes the formation of the 2008 Antarctic ozone hole. To ensure a proper comparison, despite the fundamental differences between the two assimilation methods, both systems use identical and carefully calibrated input error statistics. We provide the detailed procedure for these calibrations, and compare the two sets of analyses with a focus on the lower and middle stratosphere where the ozone lifetime is much larger than the observational update frequency. Based on the Observation-minus-Forecast statistics, we show that the analyses provided by the two systems are markedly similar, with biases smaller than 5% and standard deviation errors smaller than 10% in most of the stratosphere. Since the biases are markedly similar, they have most probably the same causes: these can be deficiencies in the model and in the observation dataset, but not in the assimilation algorithm nor in the error calibration. The remarkably similar performance also shows that in the context of stratospheric transport, the choice of the assimilation method can be based on application-dependent factors, such as CPU cost or the ability to generate an ensemble of forecasts.
Selection of intense rainfall events based on intensity thresholds and lightning data in Switzerland
Authors: Gaal L. , Molnar P. , Szolgay J.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. This paper presents a method to identify intense warm season storms of convective character based on intensity thresholds and lightning, and analyzes their statistical properties. Long records of precipitation and lightning data at 4 stations and 10 min resolution in different climatological regions in Switzerland are used. Our premise is that thunderstorms associated with lightning generate bursts of high rainfall intensity. We divided all storms into those accompanied by lightning and those without lightning and found the threshold I* that separates intense events based on peak 10 min intensity Ip ≥ I* for a chosen misclassification rate α. The performance and robustness of the selection method was tested by investigating the inter-annual variability of I* and its relation to the frequency of lightning strikes. The probability distributions of the main storm properties (rainfall depth R, event duration D, average storm intensity Ia and peak 10 min intensity Ip) for the intense storm subsets show that the event average and peak intensities are significantly different between the stations, and highest in Lugano in southern Switzerland. Non-parametric correlations between the main storm properties were estimated for the subsets of intense storms and all storms including stratiform rain. The differences in the correlations between storm subsets are greater than those between stations, which indicates that care must be exercised not to mix events when they are sampled for multivariate analysis, e.g. copula fitting to rainfall data.