bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wet Relaxation of Electrospun Nanofiber Mats
Authors: Grothe Timo , Sabantina Lilia , Klöcker Michaela , Junger Irén Juhász , Döpke Christoph , Ehrmann Andrea
Published: February 2019

Electrospinning can be used to produce nanofiber mats. One of the often used polymers for electrospinning is polyacrylonitrile (PAN), especially for the production of carbon nanofibers, but also for a diverse number of other applications. For some of these applications—e.g., creation of nano-filters—the dimensional stability of the nanofiber mats is crucial. While relaxation processes—especially dry, wet and washing relaxation—are well-known and often investigated for knitted fabrics, the dimensional stability of nanofiber mats has not yet been investigated. Here we report on the wet relaxation of PAN nanofiber mats, which are dependent on spinning and solution parameters such as: voltage, electrode distance, nanofiber mat thickness, and solid content in the solution. Our results show that wet relaxation has a significant effect on the samples, resulting in a dimensional change that has to be taken into account for nanofiber mats in wet applications. While the first and second soaking in pure water resulted in an increase of the nanofiber mat area up to approximately 5%, the dried sample, after the second soaking, conversely showed an area reduced by a maximum of 5%. For soaking in soap water, small areal decreases between approximately 1–4% were measured.
Remote Health Care Provision in Care Homes in England: An Exploratory Mixed Methods Study of Yorkshire and the Humber
Authors: Newbould Louise , Mountain Gail , Ariss Steven , Hawley Mark S.
Published: February 2019

An increasing demand for care homes in the UK, has necessitated the evaluation of innovative methods for delivering more effective health care. Videoconferencing may be one way to meet this demand. However, there is a lack of literature on the provision of videoconferencing in England. This mixed-methods study aimed to map current attitudes, knowledge and provision of videoconferencing in the Yorkshire and Humber region of England. Qualitative interviews with care home managers, a scoping review and field notes from a Special Interest Group (SIG) informed the development of a descriptive convenience survey which was sent out to care home managers in the Yorkshire and Humber region of England. The survey had a 14% (n = 124) response rate. Of those who responded, 10% (n = 12) reported using videoconferencing for health care; with over 78% (n = 97) of respondents’ care homes being based in urban areas. Approximately 62% (n = 77) of the 124 respondents had heard of videoconferencing for health care provision. Of those who reported not using videoconferencing (n = 112), 39% (n = 48) said they would consider it but would need to know more. The top ranked reason for not introducing videoconferencing was the belief that residents would not be comfortable using videoconferencing to consult with a healthcare professional. The main reason for implementation was the need for speedier access to services. Those already using videoconferencing rated videoconferencing overall as being very good (50%) (n = 6) or good (42%) (n = 5). Those who were not using it in practice appeared sceptical before implementing videoconferencing. The main driver of uptake was the home’s current access to and satisfaction with traditionally delivered health care services.
Vehicular Alarm System Using mHealth Data and Lightweight Security Algorithms
Authors: Kang James Jin , Parvin Sazia , Fahd Kiran , Venkatraman Sitalakshmi
Published: February 2019

Among the various factors affecting long distance driving are the risks imposed by a driver’s health, which could result in road accidents. Internet of Things (IoT) and mobile health (mHealth) technologies are increasingly being recognized for their role in monitoring various health parameters of such drivers. IoT devices such as wearable devices could be used efficiently in vehicles by professional long-distance drivers. However, the adoption of such technologies is limited by security and privacy issues. This paper proposes a novel vehicular alarm notification system by integrating mHealth data of the driver with vehicular data for improving vehicle safety. The purpose of the system is to minimize road accidents by integrating the emerging mHealth technologies with the vehicular information system (VIS) using wireless body area network sensors and devices in a secure and lightweight framework. An integrated secure system could facilitate adoptability to provide timely notifications of emergencies to drivers in order to avoid road accidents and take appropriate follow-up actions. Furthermore, the information gathered by the integrated system could assist health service providers to address the driver’s root cause of potential health risks. The lightweight security framework adopted in this study is based on an efficient trust model that can improve the adoption of an mHealth integrated vehicular alarm notification system. Our contribution is to provide a real-time alarm notification service to avoid potential traffic accidents by monitoring the health status of long-distance drivers, achieved through incorporating an affordable and lightweight security system to secure health data transfer.
Hard-Core Radius of Nucleons within the Induced Surface Tension Approach
Authors: Bugaev Kyrill , Ivanytskyi Aleksei , Sagun Violetta , Grinyuk Boris , Savchenko Denis , Zinovjev Gennady , Nikonov Edward , Bravina Larissa , Zabrodin Evgeny , Blaschke David , Taranenko Arkadiy , Turko Ludwik
Published: February 2019

We review the recent approach to model the hadronic and nuclear matter equations of state using the induced surface tension concept, which allows one to go far beyond the usual Van der Waals approximation. Since the obtained equations of state, classical and quantum, are among the most successful ones in describing the properties of low density phases of strongly interacting matter, they set strong restrictions on the possible value of the hard-core radius of nucleons, which is widely used in phenomenological equations of state. We summarize the latest results obtained within this novel approach and perform a new detailed analysis of the hard-core radius of nucleons, which follows from hadronic and nuclear matter properties. Such an analysis allows us to find the most trustworthy range of its values: the hard-core radius of nucleons is 0.3–0.36 fm. A comparison with the phenomenology of neutron stars implies that the hard-core radius of nucleons has to be temperature and density dependent. Such a finding is supported when the eigenvolume of composite particles like hadrons originates from their fermionic substructure due to the Pauli blocking effect.
Induction of Tier 1 HIV Neutralizing Antibodies by Envelope Trimers Incorporated into a Replication Competent Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Vector
Authors: Bresk C. Anika , Hofer Tamara , Wilmschen Sarah , Krismer Marina , Beierfuß Anja , Effantin Grégory , Weissenhorn Winfried , Hogan Michael J. , Jordan Andrea P. O. , Gelman Rebecca S. , Montefiori David C. , Liao Hua-Xin , Schmitz Joern E. , Haynes Barton F. , von Laer Dorothee , Kimpel Janine
Published: February 2019

A chimeric vesicular stomatitis virus with the glycoprotein of the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus, VSV-GP, is a potent viral vaccine vector that overcomes several of the limitations of wild-type VSV. Here, we evaluated the potential of VSV-GP as an HIV vaccine vector. We introduced genes for different variants of the HIV-1 envelope protein Env, i.e., secreted or membrane-anchored, intact or mutated furin cleavage site or different C-termini, into the genome of VSV-GP. We found that the addition of the Env antigen did not attenuate VSV-GP replication. All HIV-1 Env variants were expressed in VSV-GP infected cells and some were incorporated very efficiently into VSV-GP particles. Crucial epitopes for binding of broadly neutralizing antibodies against HIV-1 such as MPER (membrane-proximal external region), CD4 binding site, V1V2 and V3 loop were present on the surface of VSV-GP-Env particles. Binding of quaternary antibodies indicated a trimeric structure of VSV-GP incorporated Env. We detected high HIV-1 antibody titers in mice and showed that vectors expressing membrane-anchored Env elicited higher antibody titers than vectors that secreted Envs. In rabbits, Tier 1A HIV-1 neutralizing antibodies were detectable after prime immunization and titers further increased after boosting with a second immunization. Taken together, VSV-GP-Env is a promising vector vaccine against HIV-1 infection since this vector permits incorporation of native monomeric and/or trimeric HIV-1 Env into a viral membrane.
Analysis of a Hybrid Suspended-Supported Photocatalytic Reactor for the Treatment of Wastewater Containing Benzothiazole and Aniline
Authors: Ferreiro Cristian , Villota Natalia , Lombraña José Ignacio , Rivero María J. , Zúñiga Verónica , Rituerto José Miguel
Published: February 2019

In this work, a study of the main operating variables affecting TiO2/UV photocatalysis was carried out. The treatment of an industrial effluent containing aniline and benzothiazole from the manufacture of accelerants for vulcanization was performed in a TiO2-supported commercial photoreactor. The degradation of both contaminants was monitored by GC-MS analysis. The proposed experiments were able to properly identify the phenomenon of adsorption, as well as to improve the performance of the commercial photoreactor by adding small amounts of TiO2 in suspension. The removal performance, durability of the photocatalytic material, and energy costs were analysed. The results showed that the use of suspensions intensifies the degradation obtaining an improvement of 23.15% with respect to the use of the supported catalyst. For an aniline and benzothiazole solution, the best operating conditions were found at pH = 12.0, introducing 60.0 mg L−1 of suspended TiO2 together with the existing supported catalyst.
QUALITY ASSURANCE FOR HOT WATER SUPPLY FROM DH SYSTEM: SIMULATION TOOL AND APPLICATION
Authors: Kveselis Vaclovas , Masaitis Sigitas , Urbonas Petras
Published: February 2019

Widely developed DH systems in Lithuanian towns and small settlements undergo modernisations aimed to increase their efficiency and heat supply quality. Typically, modernisations include the replacement of building heat substations, the reduction of heat losses in pipes and more efficient heat production, including the use of indigenous fuel resources. It was notified that new heat substations equipped with automatic heating control devices have backward impact on the technological parameters of DH networks. Modelling tools for simulation of hydraulic and thermal parameters in the network allow estimating of potential deviation of heat carrier temperature with loading variations not only during the season of the year, but also over day and night. Special technical measures can be taken to avoid unduly low heat carrier supply temperatures and violation of hot water supply quality requirements. Cost estimation of such measures versus the option of full network renovation is presented in the article.
COMBINED HEAT AND POWER PRODUCTION: SOCIO‐ECONOMIC AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT ASPECTS
Authors: Rasburskis Nerijus , Gudzinskas Juozas , Gylys Jonas
Published: February 2019

The paper is based on the study of Lithuania facing the need for huge investments in both the replacement of the Ignalina nuclear power station and the replacement of district heating production units in many of the existing systems. Lithuania has a big technical potential for implementing small‐scale combined heat and power production (CHP) systems. Meanwhile, such implementation needs public regulation to become feasible not only from a socio‐economic, but also from a business economic point of view. The study focuses upon the analysis of methods for the incorporation of technical, economical and environmental considerations into large‐scale investment decision‐making in the energy sector. The research study could be a guideline for determination of national potential for high efficiency CHP not only from the technical, but both the economical and the environmental point of view. Based upon the results of the study investigation and analysis, areas for improvement in current energy sector investment decision-making processes are highlighted, and areas for further research are recommended.
HEAT FLUX THROUGH THE TIMBER WALLS UNDER SUMMER CLIMATE CONDITIONS IN EASTERN EUROPE
Authors: Kairys Liutauras , Stankevičius Vytautas , Karbauskaite Jūrate
Published: February 2019

The systems of air cooling and conditioning become more and more popular in Lithuania because of the reduced costs of equipment and installation. The popularity of the lightweight, heterogeneous and low thermal inertia envelops of buildings is increasing as well. Thus, there is a great demand for accurate methodology for calculation of non‐steady state heat transfer that will take into account the solar radiation influences, convection and radiation inside partitions. Generally received building thermal behaviour calculation methods were designed for massive partitions, that is why they have to be re‐verified according to the current situation. Thermal receptivity calculation methodology and a common engineering method are analysed in this paper according to experimental results. The research object is a well thermally isolated timber frame wall.
LARGE VOLUME BUILDINGS: CALCULATIONS OF HEAT LOSSES DUE TO CONDUCTION
Authors: Polarczyk Iwona , Malinowski Pawel
Published: February 2019

The paper covers the questions associated with heating of large‐volume buildings using gas‐fired air heaters. Particular attention is given to horizontal and vertical distribution of interior temperatures. The problems of temperature gradient impact on calculation of conduction heat losses are discussed.
INVESTIGATION OF UNSTEADY HEAT TRANSFER PROCESS IN AN ONE‐CELL BUILDING
Authors: Valančius Kestutis , Skrinska Alfonsas Kazys , Paulauskaitė Sabina
Published: February 2019

All energy processes in buildings are usually unsteady, ie time dependent. But mostly the unsteady factors influence is not taken into consideration for energy demands, microclimate changes estimating. Therefore the practical observations and theoretical investigations show an undesirable behaviour of indoor thermal microclimate and energy use, even with modern enough control systems. As a result, new methods for problem solution and investigations develop. The paper presents some theoretical aspects of unsteady heat transfer analysis based on the energy conservation law. Additionally, an experimental research made at Solar energy investigation centre in Spain ‐ Plataforma Solar de Almeria - results and its comparison with theoretical calculations are produced.
THREE PHASES OF MULTIFACTOR MODELLING OF CONSTRUCTION PROCESSES
Authors: Kapliński Oleg , Janusz Leszek
Published: February 2019

A multifactor modelling the construction processes is a subject of the paper. Three phases and several steps of the proposed extended procedure are presented. Tools for these phases from chronometric testing to verifying the assumed model are indicated. The following elements of the procedure as multi‐ and partial regression, correlation analysis, sensitivity analysis and proposed model are presented. Besides the classic verification activities the method of artificial neural networks has been applied. The processes of assembly of structural corrugated steel plate structures are a background of the consideration.
THE IMPACT OF THE STANDARDIZATION OF THE NPD PROCESS ON ITS EFFICIENCY
Authors: Šenk Mateja Karničar , Roblek Matjaž
Published: February 2019

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of the standardization of the new product development (NPD) process on its efficiency. A dilemma exists with regard to determining to what extent NPD processes should be standardized, in order to not hinder the operators during the performance of NPD process and consequently, weaken it. The case analysis for this study was carried out at a company whose process development has been standardized for a decade and has undergone several degrees of standardization. Quantitative and qualitative research methods were applied in the study. A regression method was used for quantitative research in order to study the effects of selected dependent and independent variables; using qualitative analysis, we supported the findings of the quantitative analysis. The results of the analysis indicate that the standardization of the NPD process does have an impact on its efficiency. From the obtained results, it may also be concluded that a very high degree of standardization begins to reduce the efficiency of the NPD process.
Three new species and a new genus of majoid crabs from the eastern Pacific (Decapoda, Brachyura)
Authors: Colavite Jessica , Windsor Amanda , Santana William
Published: February 2019

Three new species and a new genus of majoid crabs from deep waters in the eastern Pacific are described and illustrated using morphological and molecular data. A new species of inachoidid,Collodesanartiussp. n.is described from Peru, which resemblesC.tenuirostrisRathbun, 1893, in the general appearance of the carapace, but is distinguished by the details of tubercles on the carapace and thoracic sternum, proportions of the pereopod articles, and bathymetric distribution. A new epialtid,Nibiliamachalasp. n., is described from Ecuador;NibiliaA Milne-Edwards, 1878 has, until now, been considered to be monotypic, occurring only in the western Atlantic. This new species, from the eastern Pacific, closely resemblesN.antilocapra(Stimpson, 1871) in the general morphology, but can be distinguished by the number of spines on the carapace and pereopods. Another epialtid,Solincaaulixgen. n. et sp. n, is establish for material collected from Ecuador and Peru, and can be easily identified from other taxa by the presence of a deep furrow between the very inflated branchial regions.
A real case study on the physicochemical changes in crude palm oil (Elaeis guineensis) during the deep-frying of akara, traditional cowpea-paste balls, in Brazil
Authors: Feitosa S. , Boffo E. F. , Batista C. S.C. , Velasco J. , Silva C. S. , Bonfim R. , Almeida D. T.
Published: February 2019

The objective of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical changes in crude palm oil during a real case of deep-frying of akara, cowpea-paste balls, fried and sold in the streets of Brazil. Discontinuous frying over five consecutive days, using 5-h frying a day, was performed according to traditional practices. The formation of polar compounds was evaluated by the IUPAC official method and by quick tests based on measures of physical properties, Testo 270 and Fri-check. In addition, 1H-NMR spectroscopy was applied to evaluate physicochemical changes. The results showed that after 15-h frying the total content of polar compounds (TPC) exceeded the limit of 25% established in most of the recommendations and regulations on heated oils. Such a level was reached quickly due to the high content of hydrolytic compounds present in the fresh oil and to the inappropriate use of blends of fresh and used oil in the oil replenishment. The two quick tests presented significantly lower values for TPC than the official method, probably due to the elevated hydrolysis of the fresh oil. In contrast, 1H-NMR results exhibited changes in the fatty acid composition which were similar to those provided by the common GC analysis. The use of crude palm oils of better initial quality and replenishment with fresh oil only are recommended to improve the quality of the oil absorbed by akara.
Next Generation Sequencing of the Pig αβ TCR Repertoire Identifies the Porcine Invariant NKT Cell Receptor
Authors: Yang Guan , Artiaga Bianca L. , Lomelino Carrie L. , Jayaprakash Anitha D. , Sachidanandam Ravi , Mckenna Robert , Driver John P.
Published: February 2019

Swine represent the only livestock with an established invariant NKT (iNKT) cell–CD1d system. In this study, we exploited the fact that pig iNKT cells can be purified using a mouse CD1d tetramer reagent to establish their TCR repertoire by next generation sequencing. CD1d tetramer-positive pig cells predominantly expressed an invariant Vα–Jα rearrangement, without nontemplate nucleotide diversity, homologous to the Vα24–Jα18 and Vα14–Jα18 rearrangements of human and murine iNKT cells. The coexpressed β-chain used a Vβ segment homologous to the semivariant Vβ11 and Vβ8.2 segments of human and murine iNKT cell receptors. Molecular modeling found that contacts within CD1d and CDR1α that underlie fine specificity differences between mouse and human iNKT cells are conserved between pigs and humans, indicating that the response of porcine and human iNKT cells to CD1d-restricted Ags may be similar. Accordingly, pigs, which are an important species for diverse fields of biomedical research, may be useful for developing human-based iNKT cell therapies for cancer, infectious diseases, and other disorders. Our study also sequenced the expressed TCR repertoire of conventional porcine αβ T cells, which identified 48 Vα, 50 Jα, 18 Vβ, and 18 Jβ sequences, most of which correspond to human gene segments. These findings provide information on the αβ TCR usage of pigs, which is understudied and deserves further attention.
Cutting Edge: G Protein Subunit β 1 Negatively Regulates NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation
Authors: Murakami Tomohiko , Ruengsinpinya Lerdluck , Nakamura Eriko , Takahata Yoshifumi , Hata Kenji , Okae Hiroaki , Taniguchi Shun’ichiro , Takahashi Masafumi , Nishimura Riko
Published: February 2019

The NLRP3 inflammasome has important roles in the pathogenesis of various inflammatory diseases. However, the regulatory mechanisms of the NLRP3 inflammasome are not fully understood. In this study, we attempted to identify molecules that interact with NLRP3 upon its activation. We identified G protein subunit β 1 (GNB1), a downstream molecule of G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs), which regulates the NLRP3 inflammasome activation. GNB1 was physically associated with NLRP3 via the pyrin domain of NLRP3. Activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome was enhanced in GNB1-knockdown or GNB1-deficient murine macrophages, although a lack of GNB1 did not affect activation of the AIM2 inflammasome. ASC oligomerization induced by NLRP3 was enhanced by GNB1 deficiency. Conversely, NLRP3-dependent ASC oligomerization was inhibited by the overexpression of GNB1. This study indicates that GNB1 negatively regulates NLRP3 inflammasome activation by suppressing NLRP3-dependent ASC oligomerization, and it provides a regulatory mechanism of the NLRP3 inflammasome.
Fold, Check, Hit Me! Impact of Lifestyle on the Trajectories of Problem Gamblers
Authors: Ouellet Frédéric , Queloz Balthazar
Published: February 2019

Several studies have demonstrated the intermittent nature of problematic gambling behaviours. Despite the upsurge in research in this area, few studies have examined the dynamics of gambling behaviour or the factors influencing gambling trajectories. Using a retrospective self-report gambler survey inspired by the life history calendar method, the current study sheds light on the intermittency of gambling and the static and dynamic factors that may modulate gambling trajectories. Attention was paid to deviant life circumstances, especially criminal offending, and their effects on gambling parameters. The multilevel analyses results, conducted with data gathered from a sample of a hundred problem gamblers, revealed the impact of life circumstances on these trajectories. On the one hand, sources of social control—hours worked, participation in therapy—have the effect of alleviating gambling problems. On the other hand, deviant life circumstances—commission of lucrative crimes, consumption of psychoactive substances, paying off gambling debt—exacerbated gambling.  The dynamic factors that predict changes in gambling behavior and identified in this research support the development of intervention policies based around them.RésuméPlusieurs études ont démontré la nature intermittente des comportements de jeu problématique. Malgré la recrudescence de la recherche dans ce domaine, peu d’études ont examiné la dynamique du comportement de jeu ou les facteurs influençant les trajectoires de jeu. À l’aide d’une enquête rétrospective sur les joueurs compulsifs autodéclarés, inspirée de la méthode du calendrier sur  l’historique de vie, cette étude met en lumière l’intermittence du jeu et les facteurs statiques et dynamiques qui peuvent moduler les trajectoires de jeu. L’attention a été portée sur les conditions de vie déviantes, en particulier les infractions criminelles et leurs effets sur les paramètres de jeu. Les résultats des analyses à plusieurs niveaux, réalisés à partir de données recueillies auprès d’un échantillon de cent joueurs compulsifs, ont révélé l’impact des circonstances de la vie sur ces trajectoires. D’une part, les structures de contrôle social, p. ex., les heures travaillées, la participation à une thérapie, ont pour effet d’atténuer les problèmes de jeu. D’autre part, les circonstances de vie déviantes, comme la perpétration de crimes lucratifs, la consommation de substances psychoactives, le remboursement des dettes de jeu, aggravent le jeu. Les facteurs dynamiques qui prédisent les changements dans le comportement de jeu et qui ont été répertoriés dans cette recherche appuient l’élaboration de politiques d’intervention fondées sur ces facteurs.
The Effect of Zingiber officinale on the Spleen Tissue and Antibody Titer of Broiler Chickens
Authors: Taghdisi Alireza , Hejazi Sajjad
Published: February 2019

Introduction Increasing the immune system's function of fighting infectious diseases is very important in the poultry industry. Ginger, scientifically known as Zingiber officinale, belongs to the Zingiberaceae family. The use of ginger in the diet of poultry increases serum levels of superoxide dismutase enzymes and glutathione peroxidase, which are considered to be important antioxidant enzymes. The main objective of the present study is to evaluate the effect of ginger on the spleen tissue of broiler chickens.

Material and Methods The specimens comprised 2 groups of 20 Ross breed broiler chicks, for 42 days and were then, examined and tested. The diet was supplemented with 1 g/kg of ginger powder from the beginning of the rearing period. Blood samples of the chicks were randomly collected to measure the levels of hemagglutination (HI). The removed spleens were fixed with 10% formalin buffer. The specimens were cut in 5-micron diameters and stained with hematoxylin and eosin.

Results and Conclusion There was a statistically significant difference in the mean of HI blood titers between the chicks in the growth period and final period groups (p < 0.05). The white-pulp tissue samples were more clearly seen in the treatment group than in the control group, and also, it was observed that the wall of the central artery of the white pulp was thicker in the ginger-treated group as compared with the control group. The nutritional value of ginger may vary. Thus, it is necessary to investigate the effect of this plant final on weight gain; the serum factors associated with the metabolic chart, and the response of the immune system to this plant.
Secondary organic aerosol formation from OH-initiated oxidation of m-xylene: effects of relative humidity on yield and chemical composition
Authors: Zhang Qun , Xu Yongfu , Jia Long
Published: February 2019

Abstract. The effect of relative humidity (RH) on the secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation from the photooxidation of m-xylene initiated by OH radicals in the absence of seed particles was investigated in a smog chamber. The SOA yields were determined based on the particle mass concentrations measured with a scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS) and reacted m-xylene concentrations measured with a gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer (GC-MS). The SOA components were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR) and ultrahigh performance liquid chromatograph-electrospray ionization-high-resolution mass spectrometer (UPLC-ESI-HRMS). A significant discrepancy was observed in SOA mass concentration and yield variation with the RH conditions. The SOA yield is 13.8 % and 0.8 % at low RH (13.7 %) and high RH (79.1 %), respectively, with the difference being over an order of magnitude. The relative increase of C-O-C at high RH from the FTIR analysis of functional groups indicates that the oligomers from carbonyl compounds cannot well explain the suppression of SOA yield. Highly oxygenated molecules (HOMs) were observed to be suppressed in the HRMS spectra. The chemical mechanism for explaining the RH effects on SOA formation from m-xylene-OH system is proposed based on the analysis of both FTIR and HRMS measurements as well as Master Chemical Mechanism (MCM) simulations. The reduced SOA at high RH is mainly ascribed to the less formation of oligomers and the suppression of RO2 autoxidation. As a result, high RH can obstruct the oligomerization and autoxidation that contribute to the SOA formation.
An improved total and tropospheric NO2 column retrieval for GOME-2
Authors: Liu Song , Valks Pieter , Pinardi Gaia , De Smedt Isabelle , Yu Huan , Beirle Steffen , Richter Andreas
Published: February 2019

Abstract. An improved algorithm for
the retrieval of total and tropospheric nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
columns from the Global Ozone Monitoring Experiment-2 (GOME-2) is presented.
The refined retrieval will be implemented in a future version of the GOME
Data Processor (GDP) as used by the EUMETSAT Satellite Application Facility
on Atmospheric Composition and UV Radiation (AC-SAF). The first main
improvement is the application of an extended 425–497 nm wavelength fitting
window in the differential optical absorption spectroscopy (DOAS) retrieval
of the NO2 slant column density, based on which initial total
NO2 columns are computed using stratospheric air mass factors (AMFs).
Updated absorption cross sections and a linear offset correction are used for
the large fitting window. An improved slit function treatment is applied to
compensate for both long-term and in-orbit drift of the GOME-2 slit function.
Compared to the current operational (GDP 4.8) dataset, the use of these new
features increases the NO2 columns by
∼1–3×1014 molec cm2 and reduces the slant column error
by ∼24 %. In addition, the bias between GOME-2A and GOME-2B
measurements is largely reduced by adopting a new level 1b data version in
the DOAS retrieval. The retrieved NO2 slant columns show good
consistency with the Quality Assurance for Essential Climate Variables
(QA4ECV) retrieval with a good overall quality. Second, the STRatospheric
Estimation Algorithm from Mainz (STREAM), which was originally developed for
the TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) instrument, was optimised
for GOME-2 measurements to determine the stratospheric NO2 column
density. Applied to synthetic GOME-2 data, the estimated stratospheric
NO2 columns from STREAM shows good agreement with the a priori truth.
An improved latitudinal correction is introduced in STREAM to reduce the
biases over the subtropics. Applied to GOME-2 measurements, STREAM
largely reduces the overestimation of stratospheric NO2 columns over
polluted regions in the GDP 4.8 dataset. Third, the calculation of AMF
applies an updated box-air-mass factor (box-AMF) look-up table (LUT)
calculated using the latest version 2.7 of the Vector-LInearized Discrete
Ordinate Radiative Transfer (VLIDORT) model with an increased number of
reference points and vertical layers, a new GOME-2 surface albedo
climatology, and improved a priori NO2 profiles obtained from the
TM5-MP chemistry transport model. A large effect (mainly enhancement in
summer and reduction in winter) on the retrieved tropospheric NO2
columns by more than 10 % is found over polluted regions. To evaluate the
GOME-2 tropospheric NO2 columns, an end-to-end validation is
performed using ground-based multiple-axis DOAS (MAXDOAS) measurements. The
validation is illustrated for six stations covering urban, suburban, and
background situations. Compared to the GDP 4.8 product, the new dataset
presents improved agreement with the MAXDOAS measurements for all the
stations.
Is the content and potential preservation of soil organic carbon reflected by cation exchange capacity? A case study in Swiss forest soils
Authors: Solly Emily F. , Weber Valentino , Zimmermann Stephan , Walthert Lorenz , Hagedorn Frank , Schmidt Michael W. I.
Published: February 2019

Abstract. The content of organic carbon (C) in soils is not stable, but depends on a number of environmental variables and biogeochemical processes that actively regulate its balance. An improved identification of the environmental variables that can be used as predictors of soil organic C (SOC) content is needed to reduce uncertainties of how the soil C reservoir will respond to environmental change. Although several simulations rely on the amount of clay to reproduce changes in the balance of SOC, recent efforts have suggested that other soil physicochemical properties may serve as better predictors. Here we tested whether the effective cation exchange capacity (CEC eff.), may be a more suitable predictor of the content and potential preservation of SOC as compared to the mere quantification of clay-size particles. We further assessed how various climatic, vegetation and edaphic variables explain the variance of SOC content across different soil depths and soil pH classes. A set of more than 1000 forest sites across Switzerland, spanning a unique gradient of mean annual precipitation (636–2484 mm), altitude (277–2207 m a.s.l), pH (2.8–8.1) and representing different geologies and soil orders was used as a case study for this linear model analysis. Our results showed that CEC eff. has the largest explanatory potential of SOC content (35 % of response variance in the complete mineral soil profile) as compared to the amount of clay (which only explained 7 % of the response variance in the complete mineral soil profile) and other environmental variables. CEC eff. is strongly linked to SOC especially in the top mineral soil (0–30 cm depth) with the larger presence of organic matter. At deeper soil depths most of the variance in SOC is instead explained by climate, which in Switzerland is related to a greater weathering activity and translocation of organic C through leaching with increasing mean annual precipitation. We further observed soil pH to have a complex influence on SOC content, with CEC eff. being a dominant variable controlling SOC content at pH > 4.5 in the upper mineral soil and pH > 6 in the subsoil. Since CEC eff. is an edaphic property which is intimately associated to both the conditions that shaped the soil and the current edaphic physicochemical conditions, these findings indicate that considering CEC eff. as an integrative proxy for the potential preservation of SOC and its alteration could improve future predictions of how the soil C reservoir will feed back to environmental change.
A compilation of global bio-optical in situ data for ocean-colour satellite applications – version two
Authors: Valente André , Sathyendranath Shubha , Brotas Vanda , Groom Steve , Grant Michael , Taberner Malcolm , Antoine David , Arnone Robert , Balch William M. , Barker Kathryn , Barlow Ray , Bélanger Simon , Berthon Jean-François , Beşiktepe Şükrü , Borsheim Yngve , Bracher Astrid , Brando Vittorio , Canuti Elisabetta , Chavez Francisco , Cianca Andrés , Claustre Hervé , Clementson Lesley , Crout Richard , Frouin Robert , García-Soto Carlos , Gibb Stuart W. , Gould Richard , Hooker Stanford B. , Kahru Mati , Kampel Milton , Klein Holger , Kratzer Susanne , Kudela Raphael , Ledesma Jesus , Loisel Hubert , Matrai Patricia , McKee David , Mitchell Brian G. , Moisan Tiffany , Muller-Karger Frank , O'Dowd Leonie , Ondrusek Michael , Platt Trevor , Poulton Alex J. , Repecaud Michel , Schroeder Thomas , Smyth Timothy , Smythe-Wright Denise , Sosik Heidi M. , Twardowski Michael , Vellucci Vincenzo , Voss Kenneth , Werdell Jeremy , Wernand Marcel , Wright Simon , Zibordi Giuseppe
Published: February 2019

Abstract. A global compilation of in situ data is useful to evaluate the quality of ocean-colour satellite data records. Here we describe the data compiled for the validation of the ocean-colour products from the ESA Ocean Colour Climate Change Initiative (OC-CCI). The data were acquired from several sources (including, inter alia, MOBY, BOUSSOLE, AERONET-OC, SeaBASS, NOMAD, MERMAID, AMT, ICES, HOT, GeP&CO) and span the period from 1997 to 2018. Observations of the following variables were compiled: spectral remote-sensing reflectances, concentrations of chlorophyll-a, spectral inherent optical properties, spectral diffuse attenuation coefficients and total suspended matter. The data were from multi-project archives acquired via open internet services or from individual projects, acquired directly from data providers. Methodologies were implemented for homogenisation, quality control and merging of all data. No changes were made to the original data, other than averaging of observations that were close in time and space, elimination of some points after quality control and conversion to a standard format. The final result is a merged table designed for validation of satellite-derived ocean-colour products and available in text format. Metadata of each in situ measurement (original source, cruise or experiment, principal investigator) were propagated throughout the work and made available in the final table. By making the metadata available, provenance is better documented, and it is also possible to analyse each set of data separately. This paper also describes the changes that were made to the compilation in relation to the previous version (Valente et al., 2016). The compiled data are available at https://doi.org/10.1594/PANGAEA.898188.
Lidar-based modelling approaches for estimating solar insolation in heavily forested streams
Authors: Richardson Jeffrey J. , Torgersen Christian E. , Moskal L. Monika
Published: February 2019

Abstract. Methods to quantify solar insolation in riparian landscapes are needed due to the importance of stream temperature to aquatic biota. We have tested two approaches developed for other applications of estimating solar insolation from airborne lidar using field data collected in a heavily forested narrow stream in western Oregon, USA. We show that a raster methodology based on the light penetration index (LPI) and a synthetic hemispherical photograph approach both accurately predict solar insolation, explaining more than 73 % or the variability observed in pyranometers placed in the stream channel. We apply the LPI based model to predict solar insolation for an entire riparian system, and demonstrate that no field-based calibration is necessary to produce unbiased prediction of solar insolation using airborne lidar alone.
Land–atmosphere interactions in the tropics
Authors: Gentine Pierre , Massmann Adam , Lintner Benjamin R. , Hamed Alemohammad Sayed , Fu Rong , Green Julia K. , Kennedy Daniel , Vilà-Guerau de Arellano Jordi
Published: February 2019

Abstract. The continental tropics play a leading role in the terrestrial water and carbon cycles. Land–atmosphere interactions are integral in the regulation of surface energy, water and carbon fluxes across multiple spatial and temporal scales over tropical continents. We review here some of the important characteristics of tropical continental climates and how land–atmosphere interactions regulate them. Along with a wide range of climates, the tropics manifest a diverse array of land–atmosphere interactions. Broadly speaking, in tropical rainforests, light and energy are typically more limiting than precipitation and water supply for photosynthesis and evapotranspiration; whereas in savanna and semi-arid regions water is the critical regulator of surface fluxes and land–atmosphere interactions. We discuss the impact of the land surface, how it affects shallow clouds and how these clouds can feedback to the surface by modulating surface radiation. Some results from recent research suggest that shallow clouds may be especially critical to land–atmosphere interactions as these regulate the energy budget and moisture transport to the lower troposphere, which in turn affects deep convection. On the other hand, the impact of land surface conditions on deep convection appear to occur over larger, non-local, scales and might be critically affected by transitional regions between the climatologically dry and wet tropics.
A study of hand-movement gestures to substitute for mouse-cursor placement using an inertial sensor
Authors: Widodo Romy Budhi , Quita Reyna Marsya , Setiawan Rhesdyan , Wada Chikamune
Published: February 2019

Abstract. This paper examines the new study of hand
orientation as a substitute for computer-mouse movement and is evaluated
based on ISO/TS 9241 part 411: Ergonomics of human–system
interaction-evaluation methods for the design of physical input devices. Two
pairs of hand-orientation candidates were evaluated, using, for example,
pitch–roll and pitch–yaw to substitute for up–down and left–right
mouse-cursor movements. The up–down cursor movement was generated from the
pitch orientation, while the left–right cursor movement was generated from
the roll or yaw orientation, depending on the evaluation of the proposed
gesture. The research employed a standard computer mouse as a baseline
comparison for the study. The empirical study was conducted to evaluate
quantitative performance such as throughput and movement time. The best
impression resulted when the throughput had the greatest value as well as the
shortest movement time. The performance test was based on Fitts's law using a
multi-directional tapping test as suggested by ISO/TS 9241-411. The test was
divided into several levels of difficulty, including high, medium, low, and
very low. The other assessment is qualitative and was performed using the
comfort-rating scale questionnaire and rating of perceived exertion of
comfortability and fatigue. The quantitative results show that pitch–yaw
throughput is slightly higher than for the pitch–roll gesture, and that the
movement time in pitch–yaw is slightly less than in pitch–roll, although
there is no statistically significant difference between the two. We also
found that pitch–yaw movements have a higher level of comfort based on the
comfort-rating scale test. Since the test was divided into levels of
difficulty, we identified those gestures suitable for the task with a low and
very low level of difficulty based on throughput, movement time, and
error-rate results. Finally, this study suggests that pitch–roll and
pitch–yaw movements of the hand can be used as substitutes for the mouse,
and that pitch–yaw movements are superior in regard to causing less fatigue
than pitch–roll movements. Furthermore, this study provides a new suggestion
for a suitable level of difficulty when using an inertial sensor as an
emulator for the movement of a mouse cursor in the field of human–computer
interaction.
The impact of ride hailing on parking (and vice versa)
Authors: Henao Alejandro , Marshall Wesley E.
Published: February 2019

Investigating emerging transportation services is critical to forecasting mode choice and providing appropriate infrastructure. One such infrastructure is parking, as parking demand may shift with the availability of ride-hailing services. This study uses ethnographic methods—complemented with passenger surveys collected when driving for Uber and Lyft in the Denver, Colorado, region—to gather quantitative and qualitative data on ride-hailing and analyze the impacts of ride-hailing on parking, including changes in parking demand and parking as a reason to deter driving. The study also examines relationships between parking time and cost. This includes building a classification tree-based model to predict the replaced driving trips as a function of car ownership, destination land type, parking stress, and demographics.

The results suggest that: i) ride-hailing is replacing driving trips and could reduce parking demand, particularly at land uses such as airports, event venues, restaurants, and bars; ii) parking stress is a key reason respondents chose not to drive; and iii) respondents are generally willing to pay more for reduced parking time and distance. Conversely, parking supply, time, and cost can all influence travel behavior and ride-hailing use. This study provides insight into potential benefits and disadvantages of ride-hailing as related to parking.
Motivations for Classification Shifting: A Systematic Review
Authors: Almaleeh Nisreen Mohammed
Published: February 2019

The purpose of the current paper is to highlight the motivations that may encourage managements of firms to shift core expenses to special items in order to inflate core or operating earnings i.e. to practice classification shifting, which would have an effect on the decisions of financial statements' users. This was done through conducting a systematic review on the available literature about classification shifting. The most obvious findings to emerge from this study is that management may engage in classification shifting for the reason that it is less costly than other earnings management methods, the firm being in current or potential state of financial distress, the desire of the management of the firm to meet or beat earnings benchmarks, the ownership structure of the firm having some characteristics that encourage management to engage in such a practice, the firm performing in a weak corporate governance environment, or due to the fact that classification shifting is tough to be detected by external monitors compared to other earnings management methods.
Work Life Balance in the Non-HR Employee Perception the Case of FMCG Companies in Sri Lanka
Authors: Madhavika Wadanambilage Dona Naduni
Published: February 2019

The study focused on investigating the perception that the non HR employees have regarding the work life balance in their respective organizations in Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector in Sri Lanka. In this study; the data is collected from 16 FMCG companies in Sri Lanka which included 4 foreign (Global) companies and 12 local (Sri Lankan based) companies during the period of 6 months (June 2018 – December 2018). The study adopted the survey strategy with a sample size of 1000. Both the online and manual methods were used in order to collect the data. According to the results obtained it was demonstrated that the perception that the non HR employees have regarding the Work Life Balance in their respective organization to be satisfactory with an average value of 4.5472. However; it was found that there is a gap in between the perception that non HR employees in the local FMCG (Sri Lankan based FMCG companies) companies possess and the perception that non HR employees in the foreign FMCG companies (Global FMCG companies) possess regarding the work life balance in their respective organizations based on the differences in mean values.