bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemical characterization of atmospheric ions at the high altitude research station Jungfraujoch (Switzerland)
Authors: Frege Carla , Bianchi Federico , Molteni Ugo , Tröstl Jasmin , Junninen Heikki , Henne Stephan , Sipilä Mikko , Herrmann Erik , Rossi Michel J. , Kulmala Markku , Hoyle Christopher R. , Baltensperger Urs , Dommen Josef
Published: February 2017

Abstract. The ion composition at high altitude (3454 m a.s.l.) was measured with an atmospheric pressure interface time-of-flight mass spectrometer (APi-TOF) during a period of 9 months, from August 2013 to April 2014. The negative mass spectra were dominated by the ions of sulfuric, nitric, malonic, and methanesulfonic acid (MSA) as well as SO5−. The most prominent positive ion peaks were from amines. The other cations were mainly organic compounds clustered with a nitrogen-containing ion, which could be either NH4+ or an aminium. Occasionally the positive spectra were characterized by groups of compounds each differing by a methylene group. In the negative spectrum, sulfuric acid was always observed during clear sky conditions following the diurnal cycle of solar irradiation. On many occasions we also saw a high signal of sulfuric acid during nighttime when clusters up to the tetramer were observed. A plausible reason for these events could be evaporation from particles at low relative humidity. A remarkably strong correlation between the signals of SO5− and CH3SO3− was observed for the full measurement period. The presence of these two ions during both the day and the night suggests a non-photochemical channel of formation which is possibly linked to halogen chemistry. Halogenated species, especially Br− and IO3−, were frequently observed in air masses that originated mainly from the Atlantic Ocean and occasionally from continental areas based on back trajectory analyses. We found I2O5 clustered with an ion, a species that was proposed from laboratory and modeling studies. All halogenated ions exhibited an unexpected diurnal behavior with low values during daytime. New particle formation (NPF) events were observed and characterized by (1) highly oxygenated molecules (HOMs) and low sulfuric acid or (2) ammonia–sulfuric acid clusters. We present characteristic spectra for each of these two event types based on 26 nucleation episodes. The mass spectrum of the ammonia–sulfuric acid nucleation event compares very well with laboratory measurements reported from the CLOUD chamber. A source receptor analysis indicates that NPF events at the Jungfraujoch take place within a restricted period of time of 24–48 h after air masses have had contact with the boundary layer. This time frame appears to be crucial to reach an optimal oxidation state and concentration of organic molecules necessary to facilitate nucleation.
Typical meteorological conditions associated with extreme nitrogen dioxide (NO2) pollution events over Scandinavia
Authors: Thomas Manu Anna , Devasthale Abhay
Published: February 2017

Abstract. Characterizing typical meteorological conditions associated with extreme pollution events helps in the better understanding of the role of local meteorology in governing the transport and distribution of pollutants in the atmosphere. The knowledge of their co-variability could further help to evaluate and constrain chemistry transport models (CTMs). Hence, in this study, we investigate the statistical linkages between extreme nitrogen dioxide (NO2) pollution events and meteorology over Scandinavia using observational and reanalysis data. It is observed that the south-westerly winds dominated during extreme events, accounting for 50–65 % of the total events depending on the season, while the second largest annual occurrence was from south-easterly winds, accounting for 17 % of total events. The specific humidity anomalies showed an influx of warmer and moisture-laden air masses over Scandinavia in the free troposphere. Two distinct modes in the persistency of circulation patterns are observed. The first mode lasts for 1–2 days, dominated by south-easterly winds that prevailed during 78 % of total extreme events in that mode, while the second mode lasted for 3–5 days, dominated by south-westerly winds that prevailed during 86 % of the events. The combined analysis of circulation patterns, their persistency, and associated changes in humidity and clouds suggests that NO2 extreme events over Scandinavia occur mainly due to the long-range transport from the southern latitudes.
Stratospheric Aerosol Climatology over Ethiopia and Retrieval of its Size Distribution
Authors: Homa Milkessa Gebeyehu , Tsidu Gizaw Mengistu , Nega Derese Tekestebrihan
Published: February 2017

Abstract. Stratospheric aerosols play significant role both positively and negatively in Earths energy balance and climate change. Its main sources are particulate matters which arises from either of natural or anthropogenic activities. In the context of our country, Ethiopia, the stratospheric aerosol climatology has not been studied yet. However, Ethiopia is undergoing a boom of infrastructural development like increase of urbanization, which comes with a boom of development like building and road constructions, expansion of industries, traffic density, etc, which contributes to air pollution and influences the solar radiation budget of the earth-atmosphere system, which in turn influences the climate on the surface of the Earth by different ways. Hence, this study aimed to provide the stratospheric aerosol climatology for nearly 21 years extending from Oct., 1984 to Sept., 2005. The study was carried out by defining the stratospheric region from the temperature profile of the study area provided by Stratospheric Aerosols and Gas Experiment II (SAGEII) instrument aboard on Earths Radiation Budget Satellite (ERBS). Then, the data was filtered out over Ethiopian region at four aerosol channels and the optical depth is used as input to the Mie algorithm for aerosol size distribution (ASD) retrieval. Finally, it was observed that the spectral and vertical variation of the extinction is maximum between 17–25 km and the total column aerosol optical depth (AOD) temporal variation shows nearly steadily increasing trend with maximum variation during spring. Furthermore, from the ASD result it was observed that the maximum size distribution was in April. This paves a clue about their sources to be mechanical process on the ground and gas to particle conversion in the stratosphere with the dominant size distribution in the range of 0.452–0.525 μm radius.
Large- and small-scale periodicities in the mesosphere as obtained from variations in O2 and OH nightglow emissions
Authors: Singh Ravindra P. , Pallamraju Duggirala
Published: February 2017

Abstract. Using 3 years (2013–2015) of O2(0–1) and OH(6–2) band nightglow emission intensities and corresponding rotational temperatures as tracers of mesospheric dynamics, we have investigated large- and small-timescale variations in the mesosphere over a low-latitude location, Gurushikhar, Mount Abu (24.6° N, 72.8° E), in India. Both O2 and OH intensities show variations similar to those of the number of sunspots and F10.7 cm radio flux with coherent periodicities of 150 ± 2.1, 195 ± 3.6, 270 ± 6.4, and 420 ± 14.8 days, indicating a strong solar influence on mesospheric dynamics. In addition, both mesospheric airglow intensities also showed periodicities of 84 ± 0.6, 95 ± 0.9, and 122 ± 1.3 days which are of atmospheric origin. With regard to the variability of the order of a few days, O2 and OH intensities were found to be correlated, in general, except when altitude-dependent atmospheric processes were operative. To understand mesospheric gravity wave behavior over the long term, we have carried out a statistical study using the periodicities derived from the nocturnal variations in all four parameters (O2 and OH intensities and their respective temperatures). It was found that the major wave periodicity of around 2 h duration is present in all the four parameters. Our analyses also reveal that the range of periods in O2 and OH intensities and temperatures is 11 to 24 and 20 to 60 min, respectively. Periods less than 15 min were not present in the temperatures but were prevalent in both emission intensities. No seasonal dependence was found in either the wave periodicities or the number of their occurrence.
Organic matter dynamics along a salinity gradient in Siberian
steppe soils
Authors: Bischoff Norbert , Mikutta Robert , Shibistova Olga , Dohrmann Reiner , Herdtle Daniel , Gerhard Lukas , Fritzsche Franziska , Puzanov Alexander , Silanteva Marina , Grebennikova Anna , Guggenberger Georg
Published: February 2017

Abstract. Salt-affected soils will become increasingly important in the next decades as arid and semi-arid ecosystems are predicted to expand as a result of climate change. Nevertheless, little is known about organic matter (OM) dynamics in these soils, though OM is largely controlling soil fertility and represents an important C sink. We aimed at investigating OM dynamics along a salinity and sodicity gradient in soils of the south-western Siberian Kulunda steppe (Kastanozem, Non-sodic Solonchak, Sodic Solonchak) by assessing the organic carbon (OC) stocks, the quantity and quality of particulate and mineral-associated OM in terms of non-cellulosic neutral sugar contents and carbon isotopes (δ13C, 14C activity), and the microbial community composition based on phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) patterns. Our hypotheses were that (i) soil OC stocks decrease along the salinity gradient, (ii) the proportion and stability of particulate OM is larger in salt-affected Solonchaks as compared to non-salt-affected Kastanozems, and (iii) sodicity reduces the proportion and stability of mineral-associated OM. Against our first hypothesis, OC stocks increased along the salinity gradient with most pronounced differences between topsoils. In contrast to our second hypothesis, the proportion of particulate OM was unaffected by salinity, thereby accounting for only  90 %. Isotopic data (δ13C, 14C activity) and neutral sugars in the OM fractions indicated a comparable degree of OM transformation along the salinity gradient, thus particulate OM was not more persistent under saline conditions. This we attribute to a resilient microbial community composition and function, which was nearly unaffected by salt occurrence, and capable of decomposing OM at a similar rate in salt-affected and non-salt-affected soils. Also our third hypothesis was rejected, as saline-sodic soils contained more than twice as much mineral-bound OC than non-salt-affected soils, what we ascribe to the flocculation of OM and mineral components under higher ionic strength conditions. We conclude that salt-affected soils contribute significantly to the OC storage in the semi-arid soils of the Kulunda steppe while most of the OC is associated to minerals and therefore effectively sequestered in the long-term.
Enabling BOINC in infrastructure as a service cloud system
Authors: Montes Diego , Añel Juan A. , Pena Tomás F. , Uhe Peter , Wallom David C. H.
Published: February 2017

Abstract. Volunteer or crowd computing is becoming increasingly popular for solving complex research problems from an increasingly diverse range of areas. The majority of these have been built using the Berkeley Open Infrastructure for Network Computing (BOINC) platform, which provides a range of different services to manage all computation aspects of a project. The BOINC system is ideal in those cases where not only does the research community involved need low-cost access to massive computing resources but also where there is a significant public interest in the research being done.We discuss the way in which cloud services can help BOINC-based projects to deliver results in a fast, on demand manner. This is difficult to achieve using volunteers, and at the same time, using scalable cloud resources for short on demand projects can optimize the use of the available resources. We show how this design can be used as an efficient distributed computing platform within the cloud, and outline new approaches that could open up new possibilities in this field, using Climateprediction.net (http://www.climateprediction.net/) as a case study.
Implementation of methane cycling for deep time, global warming
simulations with the DCESS Earth System Model (Version 1.2)
Authors: Shaffer Gary , Fernández Villanueva Esteban , Rondanelli Roberto , Pedersen Jens Olaf Pepke , Olsen Steffen Malskær , Huber Matthew
Published: February 2017

Abstract. Geological records reveal a number of ancient, large and rapid negative excursions of carbon-13 isotope. Such excursions can only be explained by massive injections of depleted carbon to the Earth System over a short duration. These injections may have forced strong global warming events, sometimes accompanied by mass extinctions, for example the Triassic-Jurassic and End-Permian extinctions, 201 and 252 million years ago. In many cases evidence points to methane as the dominant form of injected carbon, whether as thermogenic methane, formed by magma intrusions through overlying carbon-rich sediment, or from warming-induced dissociation of methane hydrate, a solid compound of methane and water found in ocean sediments. As a consequence of the ubiquity and importance of methane in major Earth events, Earth System models should include a comprehensive treatment of methane cycling but such a treatment has often been lacking. Here we implement methane cycling in the Danish Center for Earth System Science (DCESS) model, a simplified but well-tested Earth System Model of Intermediate Complexity. We use a generic methane input function that allows variation of input type, size, time scale and ocean-atmosphere partition. To be able to treat such massive inputs more correctly, we extend the model to deal with ocean suboxic/anoxic conditions and with radiative forcing and methane lifetimes appropriate for high atmospheric methane concentrations. With this new model version, we carried out an extensive set of simulations for methane inputs of various sizes, time scales and ocean-atmosphere partitions to probe model behaviour. We find that larger methane inputs over shorter time scales with more methane dissolving in the ocean lead to ever-increasing ocean anoxia with consequences for ocean life and global carbon cycling. Greater methane input directly to the atmosphere leads to more warming and, for example, greater carbon dioxide release from land soils. Analysis of synthetic sediment cores from the simulations provides guidelines for the interpretation of real sediment cores spanning the warming events. With this improved DCESS model version and paleo-reconstructions, we are now better armed to gauge the amounts, types, time scales and locations of methane injections driving specific, observed deep time, global warming events.
Changes in regional climate extremes as a function of global mean temperature: an interactive plotting framework
Authors: Wartenburger Richard , Hirschi Martin , Donat Markus G. , Greve Peter , Pitman Andy J. , Seneviratne Sonia I.
Published: February 2017

Abstract. This article extends a previous study (Seneviratne et al., 2016) to provide regional analyses of changes in climate extremes as a function of projected changes in global mean temperature. We introduce the DROUGHT-HEAT Regional Climate Atlas, an interactive tool to analyse and display a range of well-established climate extremes and water-cycle indices and their changes as a function of global warming. These projections are based on simulations from the 5th phase of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5). A selection of example results are presented here, but users can visualize specific indices of interest using the online tool. This implementation enables a direct assessment of regional climate changes associated with global temperature targets, such as the 2 degree and 1.5 degree limits agreed within the 2015 Paris Agreement.
The internal seiche field in the changing South Aral Sea (2006–2013)
Authors: Roget Elena , Khimchenko Elizaveta , Forcat Francesc , Zavialov Peter
Published: February 2017

Abstract. Internal standing waves (seiches) in the South Aral Sea are studied for the first time. The study, based on numerical simulations and field data, focuses on two different campaigns: the first in autumn 2006, when the stratification was weak and there was a mild prevailing northeasterly wind, and the second in autumn 2013, when the stratification was strong and there was a mild easterly wind. Between these two campaigns, the sea surface level decreased by 3.2 m. The periods of the fundamental modes were identified as 36 and 14 h, respectively. In both years, either second or third vertical modes were found. In general, the vertical modes in 2013 were higher because of the broad and strong pycnocline. For both years, it was found that the deep quasi-homogeneous mixed upper layer could sustain internal waves under mild wind conditions. The observed first and second vertical modes in 2006 are the first and second horizontal modes and the second and third vertical modes in 2013 are the second and third horizontal modes. The results suggest that, due to sea level variations, the neck connecting the Chernyshev Bay to the main body of the lake can become a critical location for the development of a nodal line for all principal oscillation modes. Rotation effects on waves were not analyzed in this study.
Dealing with deep uncertainties in landslide modelling for disaster risk reduction under climate change
Authors: Almeida Susana , Holcombe Elizabeth Ann , Pianosi Francesca , Wagener Thorsten
Published: February 2017

Abstract. Landslides have large negative economic and societal impacts, including loss of life and damage to infrastructure. Slope stability assessment is a vital tool for landslide risk management, but high levels of uncertainty often challenge its usefulness. Uncertainties are associated with the numerical model used to assess slope stability and its parameters, with the data characterizing the geometric, geotechnic and hydrologic properties of the slope, and with hazard triggers (e.g. rainfall). Uncertainties associated with many of these factors are also likely to be exacerbated further by future climatic and socio-economic changes, such as increased urbanization and resultant land use change. In this study, we illustrate how numerical models can be used to explore the uncertain factors that influence potential future landslide hazard using a bottom-up strategy. Specifically, we link the Combined Hydrology And Stability Model (CHASM) with sensitivity analysis and Classification And Regression Trees (CART) to identify critical thresholds in slope properties and climatic (rainfall) drivers that lead to slope failure. We apply our approach to a slope in the Caribbean, an area that is naturally susceptible to landslides due to a combination of high rainfall rates, steep slopes, and highly weathered residual soils. For this particular slope, we find that uncertainties regarding some slope properties (namely thickness and effective cohesion of topsoil) are as important as the uncertainties related to future rainfall conditions. Furthermore, we show that 89 % of the expected behaviour of the studied slope can be characterized based on only two variables – the ratio of topsoil thickness to cohesion and the ratio of rainfall intensity to duration.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for Journal of Biology and Life Science, Vol. 8, No. 1
Authors: Lee Kelvin
Published: February 2017

Journal of Biology and Life Science (JBLS) would like to thank the following reviewers for reviewing manuscripts from Auguest 1, 2016 to February 1, 2017. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Many authors, regardless of whether JBLS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Macrothink Institute appreciates the following reviewers’ rigorous and conscientious efforts for this journal. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review during this period. Abhay Anand ShuklaGokul Babarao KaleHossam El-Din Mohamed OmarJemimah NaineKhyati Hitesh Shah Mohamed Ahmed El-EsawiPrashanth Chandramani ShivalingappaRajeshwari ValiathanWaldiney Mello
AVALIAÇÃO DO GERENCIAMENTO DE RESÍDUOS PERIGOSOS EM INDÚSTRIA DE DEFENSIVOS AGRÍCOLAS
Authors: Barbosa Bruna Beatriz Sousa , Franchi Tássio , Gentil Valéria Almeida
Published: February 2017

Defensivos agrícolas são potencialmente causadores de impactosambientais. Para produzi-los de forma ambientalmente correta, existe anecessidade de adoção de práticas ecológicas. Este artigo avalia o Sistemade Gestão Ambiental (SGA) dos resíduos perigosos, adotado por umaindústria de defensivos agrícolas. O estudo foi realizado em uma empresacom certificação da ISO 14001. A metodologia adotada foi qualitativa,observando-se a realidade, as normativas e as recomendações bibliográficas.Foram realizadas visitas técnicas, entrevistas com funcionários e análisesde documentos do ano de 2013. Observou-se que as práticas ambientaisadotadas pela empresa visam atender as condicionantes de sua licençaambiental e das certificações internacionais. Os resultados indicam que amaior quantidade de resíduos perigosos foi de solventes contaminados, sendoque a aquisição de equipamentos e tecnologia para tratamento dos mesmos,quando formulados à base de água, trouxe benefícios no gerenciamento eassegurou uma economia considerável. Entretanto, foi observado que existea possibilidade de aperfeiçoamento do processo produtivo e da gestão parase alcançar uma produção ainda mais limpa. Concluiu-se que os principaisfatores para adoção de um SGA eficaz miram o atendimento à legislação, oaumento na competitividade de mercado e a redução dos custos.
ORGANIZAÇÃO SOCIAL DE CATADORES DE RECICLÁVEIS E SEUS DESAFIOS
Authors: Corrêa Neliane Robaldo Guedes , Ayach Lucy Ribeiro
Published: February 2017

Existe uma vasta discussão teórica sobre a organização social de grupos decatadores de materiais recicláveis, mas poucos avanços são percebidos naprática. Muitos são os desafios a serem enfrentados para manter o grupounido em torno de um projeto comum. O objetivo deste artigo é realizaruma abordagem da experiência vivenciada com o grupo de catadores derecicláveis da cidade de Aquidauana, Mato Grosso do Sul, e dos desafiosenfrentados na tentativa de organização social desses trabalhadores, em umregime de economia solidária, traçando um paralelo com a literatura. A basemetodológica utilizada foi a geografia humanística voltada à percepção. Comoresultado do projeto, muitos benefícios foram percebidos pelos catadores,entretanto, não foram suficientes para diminuir a rotatividade dessesprofissionais no empreendimento. O tempo limitado de desenvolvimentodo projeto-piloto, três anos, pode ter contribuído para que as mudançassofressem tanta resistência por parte dos participantes.
CHARACTERIZATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS AND IMPACTS OF FIVE UNIVERSITY RESTAURANTS AT A PUBLIC HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTION IN BRAZIL
Authors: Strasburg Virgílio José , Jahno Vanusca Dalosto
Published: February 2017

University Restaurants (URs) of Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul(UFRGS) are distributed across four campi at Porto Alegre, the capital of thestate of Rio Grande do Sul. More than 1.5 million meals were served in 2012.This paper describes a characterization study of the environmental aspectsand impacts of the activities involved in producing meals at the five URs.Two checklists were developed to conduct the survey of the environmentalaspects and impacts, and they were applied at the URs. A typology ofthe waste produced at the URs was compiled, identifying organic wasteoriginating from the employed foodstuffs and recyclable waste from thepackaging of a wide range of items. It was observed that the URs’ wasteseparation practices were inadequate. As to the use of natural resources, weidentified: the water supply outlets, and the equipment that use electricityand liquefied petroleum gas. The identification and understanding of theenvironmental aspects and impacts of providing meals is the first step inthe direction of improving sustainability.
CATEGORIZAÇÃO DA INFRAESTRUTURA VERDE DO MUNICÍPIO DE SOROCABA (SP) PARA CRIAÇÃO DE UM SISTEMA MUNICIPAL INTEGRANDO ESPAÇOS LIVRES E ÁREAS PROTEGIDAS
Authors: Mota Maurício Tavares da , Cardoso-Leite Eliana , Sola Fernanda , Mello Kaline de
Published: February 2017

As áreas protegidas e os espaços livres no ambiente urbano podemproporcionar diversos serviços ecossistêmicos que contribuem para a melhoriada qualidade de vida. Entretanto, existe uma confusão de terminologia dessasáreas e a gestão delas muitas vezes não é feita de forma integrada. O presentetrabalho propõe uma categorização dos elementos naturais no município deSorocaba (SP) para a criação de um sistema municipal integrando espaçoslivres e áreas protegidas, com base em suas características físicas, bióticase suas funções sociais. A metodologia de investigação foi dividida em trêsetapas: a primeira, revisão bibliográfica do conceito de “parque” utilizadono Brasil e no mundo; a segunda, análise documental e espacial dos espaçoslivres e áreas protegidas no município de Sorocaba; e a terceira, construçãode um sistema municipal de espaços livres e áreas protegidas. A classificaçãofinal propõe a divisão dos espaços em categorias, entre elas: Unidades deConservação, dividida em proteção integral (uso indireto) e uso sustentável(uso direto), Áreas de Interesse Ambiental e Espaços Livres de Uso Públicode Interesse Social. Foram ainda traçadas metas de expansão dessas áreascom base em recomendações de órgãos ambientais e nas metas mundiais daConvenção da Diversidade Biológica.
Modern-day prostate cancer is not meaningfully associated with lower urinary tract symptoms: Analysis of a propensity scorematched cohort
Authors: Bhindi Amar , Bhindi Bimal , Kulkarni Girish S. , Hamilton Robert J. , Toi Ants , Van der Kwast Theodorus H. , Evans Andrew , Zlotta Alexandre R. , Finelli Antonio , Fleshner Neil E.
Published: February 2017

Introduction: We sought to determine if prostate cancer (PCa) is associated with worse lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) than matched benign prostates, with attention to cancer characteristics, in a contemporary cohort.Methods: Using a single-institution database (January 1, 2009‒ June 30, 2013), men diagnosed with PCa on biopsy and controls with negative biopsies were matched 1:1 on age, prostate volume, and a propensity score predicting the probability of PCa diagnosis. International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) was compared between PCa cases and controls using paired statistics, stratifying on grade, cancer volume, stage, and D’Amico risk group. Sensitivity analyses were performed separately, repeating the match for highgrade, high-volume, and high-stage cancers only, and excluding users of benign prostatic hyperplasia medications.Results: In our cohort of 1330 men (665 with PCa), there were 284 (42.7%) Gleason 6 cancers (Grade Group 1), 315 (47.4%) Gleason 7 cancers (Grade Group 2‒3), and 66 (9.9%) Gleason 8‒10 cancers (Grade Group 4‒5). There was no difference in IPSS between PCa cases (median 6.5, interquartile range [IQR] 3‒12) and benign controls (median 7, IQR 3‒13; p=0.34). Subgroup analyses based on cancer grade, volume, or stage, showed no significant differences in IPSS between men with and without PCa, except among men with cT2b-cT4 PC (median 9, IQR 5‒16) vs. matched benign counterparts (median 8, IQR 3‒12; p=0.03). Sensitivity analyses supported these findings.Conclusions: Modern PCa does not appear to be associated with worse LUTS compared to benign prostates of the same size. Outlet obstruction is likely a late event in the natural history of PCa. This has implications for timely PCa detection, which should ideally be prior to the onset of LUTS.
Inverted urothelial papilloma: A review of diagnostic pitfalls and clinical management
Authors: Sweeney Mary K. , Rais-Bahrami Soroush , Gordetsky Jennifer
Published: February 2017

Inverted urothelial papilloma (IUP) is a rare, non-invasive endophytic lesion that accounts for 1‒2% of urothelial tumours. On cystoscopy, IUP appears as a pedunculated/papillary mass with a smooth surface. On microscopy, IUP has an endophytic growth pattern with the bulk of the tumour covered by a superficial layer of urothelium, which can be hyperplastic or attenuated. The cytology should be bland, with uniform, spindled cells arranged in anastomosing trabeculae and cords with peripheral palisading of basaloid cells. Exophytic papillae and mitotic activity should be absent or focal. Pseudoglandular spaces and squamous metaplasia may also be present. There are distinct molecular differences between IUP and urothelial carcinoma (UC). IUP rarely has mutations of FGFR3, homozygous loss of 9p21, or gain of chromosomes 3, 7, and 17, whereas these mutations are frequently seen in UC. In addition, IUP is much less likely to have TERT mutations compared to UC. Immunohistochemistry can also be helpful in distinguishing the two entities as IUP is typically negative for CK20 and has a low Ki-67 proliferation index. Positivity for p53 may be seen in a minority of IUP. IUP can recur and be seen in association with UC. Distinguishing IUP from UC can be difficult due to the similarity between the two entities both on cystoscopy and histology, as up to 25% of UCs will also have inverted growth. Given the morphologic variants of IUP and UC, it is possible for a diagnostic error to occur, which can significantly impact patient management.
Measuring Customer Based Brand Equity: A Case of Heineken from the Beer Market in Vietnam
Authors: Vinh Tran Trung
Published: February 2017

This study aims at examining the practicality of a customer-based brand equity model with a case of Heineken in the Vietnamese beer market. Based on a sample of 322 consumers by using a structured questionnaire, structural equation modeling (SEM) is applied to test hypotheses. The result reveals that perceived quality, brand awareness, brand association and brand loyalty have positive and direct effects on overall brand equity. These findings have implications for marketers.
Dagum Distribution: Properties and Different Methods of Estimation
Authors: Dey Sanku , Al-Zahrani Bander , Basloom Samerah
Published: February 2017

This article addresses the various properties and different methods of estimation of the unknown parameters of a three-parameter Dagum distribution from the frequentist point of view. Although, our main focus is on estimation from frequentist point of view, yet, various mathematical and statistical properties of the Dagum distribution (such as quantiles, moments, moment generating function, hazard rate, mean residual lifetime, mean past lifetime, mean deviation about mean and median,  various entropies, Bonferroni and Lorenz curves and order statistics) are derived. We briefly describe different frequentist approaches, namely, maximum likelihood estimators, moments estimators, L-moment estimators, percentile based estimators, least squares estimators, maximum product of spacings estimators,  minimum distances estimators, Cram\'{e}r-von-Mises estimators, Anderson-Darling and right-tail Anderson-Darling estimators and compare them using extensive numerical simulations. Monte Carlo simulations are performed to compare the performances of the proposed methods of estimation for both small and large samples. Finally, a real data set have been analyzed for illustrative purposes.
The Mechanisms Used to Review Existing Legislation in the Civil Law System
Authors: Albanesi Enrico
Published: February 2017

The Mechanisms Used to Review Existing Legislation in the Civil Law System. Case Study – Italy

The aim of this article is to describe the mechanisms that are used in the civil law system to review existing legislation. The case study will be based on the Italian system. In the civil law system we are not familiar with the concept of law reform, in the sense used in the common law system, because there is no law reform agency in the civil law world. The mechanisms used to review the existing law in civil law systems are: codification, consolidation, repeal, law revision and legal restatement. To understand how the mechanisms used to review existing legislation work in Italy, an overview of the Italian law-making and drafting processes will be carried out here, underlying the bad impact that the Italian equal bicameralism has on the quality of legislation and also on the mechanisms to review existing legislation. After this, the article will focus on the specific tools that are used in Italy for codification and consolidation (decreti legislativi), for law revision (the so-called taglia-leggi) and for legal restatement (examining the role of the Consiglio di Stato). Particular attention will also be paid to the parliamentary scrutiny on the quality of legislation. Finally, the article will focus on the constitutional amendment process Italy carried out in 2014-2016 and that was expected to fundamentally change the Italian law-making process, superseding the equal bicameralism arrangement (a referendum on this was held on 4 December 2016, and the reform was rejected by the Italian people).
Managing the EU Acquis
Authors: Robinson William
Published: February 2017

Managing the EU Acquis

EU legislation plays a key role in filling in the gaps in the framework created by the EU Treaties. The body of EU legislation known as the acquis has grown piecemeal over 60 years to a confused and confusing patchwork of over 100,000 pages. There is an urgent need for a more coherent approach to updating, condensing and revising that legislation to ensure that it is readily accessible. New mechanisms should be established for those tasks, or else the existing mechanisms should be enhanced and exploited to the full.
Prohibition of Discrimination: Citizenship as a Possible Discrimination Basis
Authors: Jović-Prlainović Olga , Belović Jelena
Published: February 2017

Prohibition of Discrimination – Citizenship as a Possible Discrimination Basis

In modern society, the right to equality is not just a universal moral obligation; it is rather an expression of a generally accepted rule in international law that all people have equal rights, independently of differences based on innate or acquired personal characteristics. Prohibition of discrimination is a civilization heritage, and it is determined by systematically overcoming prejudices and stereotypes as key factors of discrimination, where educational institutions, media, public authority, and non-governmental organizations all have a vital role. Tackling with discrimination is not just the application of rules regulated by law and taking necessary measures towards social groups which are in an unequal position, but it is also a continuous development of tolerance when it comes to ethnicity, religion, gender, minorities, as well as acceptance of the existing interpersonal differences. It is well known that the area of West Balkans is often a breeding ground where stereotypes and prejudices thrive for decades. The strategic aim of the Republic of Serbia is membership in the European Union, and so nation-wide law regulation concerning this matter is directed at complying with the European Union Law since the prohibition of discrimination is one of the pillars of the European Union Law. In this article, the influence of the European Union Law and practical measures taken by the European Court of Human Rights in order to prohibit discrimination in a specific international and private domain are analyzed.
Different Spectrophotometric and Chromatographic Methods for Determination of Mepivacaine and Its Toxic Impurity
Authors: Abdelwahab Nada S , Fared Nehal F , Elagawany Mohamed , Abdelmomen Esraa H
Published: February 2017

Stability-indicating spectrophotometric, TLC-densitometric, and ultra-performance LC (UPLC) methods were developed for the determination of mepivacaine HCl (MEP) in the presence of its toxic impurity, 2,6-dimethylanaline (DMA). Different spectrophotometric methods were developed for the determination of MEP and DMA. In a dual-wavelength method combined with direct spectrophotometric measurement, the absorbancedifference between 221.4 and 240 nm was used for MEPmeasurements, whereas the absorbance at 283 nm was used for measuring DMA in the binary mixture. In the second-derivative method, amplitudes at 272.2 and 232.6 nm were recorded and used for the determination of MEP and DMA, respectively. The developed TLC-densitometric method depended on chromatographic separation using silica gel 60 F254 TLC plates as a stationary phase and methanol–water–acetic acid (9 + 1 + 0.1, v/v/v) as a developing system, with UV scanning at 230 nm. The developed UPLC method depended on separation using a C18 column (250 × 4.6 mm id, 5 μm particle size) as a stationary phase and acetonitrile–water (40 + 60, v/v; pH 4 with phosphoric acid) as a mobilephase at a flow rate of 0.4 mL/min, with UV detection at 215 nm. The chromatographic run time was approximately 1 min. The proposed methods were validated with respect to International Conference on Harmonization guidelines regarding precision, accuracy, ruggedness, robustness, and specificity.
FORENZIČKO PSIHIJATRIJSKI ASPEKTI VJEŠTAČENJA BOLESTI ZAVISNOSTI
Authors: Stojaković Milan , Stojaković Bogdan
Published: February 2017

Bolesti zavisnosti mogu da izazivaju u značajnoj mjeri psihičku ili/i fizičku zavisnost, dovodedo psihopatoloških promjena i produkuju asocijalno i antisocijalno ponašanje. Diferencirajuse psihološki i patopsihološki motivi u izvršenju krivičnog djela. Daje se akcenat naapstinencijalnu krizu kod zavisnika, delirium tremens, patološko napito stanjeU radu se razmatraju specifičnosati u psihijatrijskom vještačenju osoba koje boluju od bolestizavisnosti. Ističu se i drugi faktori, kao što su poremećaj ličnosti, bipolarni afektivniporemećaji, koji mogu znatno da doprinesu prekršajnom ili kriminalnom ponašaju. Navode sei neke pravne kategorije koje vještak treba da zna kao npr. Actiones liberae in causa, a i uslovikad ovo pravilo ne može da bude primjenjeno, te osnovi prevencije kriminogenog ponašanja udomenu bolesti zavisnosti.
The AP-2 complex has a specialized clathrin-independent role in apical endocytosis and polar growth in fungi
Authors: Martzoukou Olga , Amillis Sotiris , Zervakou Amalia , Christoforidis Savvas , Diallinas George
Published: February 2017

Filamentous fungi provide excellent systems for investigating the role of the AP-2 complex in polar growth. Using Aspergillus nidulans, we show that AP-2 has a clathrin-independent essential role in polarity maintenance and growth. This is in line with a sequence analysis showing that the AP-2 β subunit (β2) of higher fungi lacks a clathrin-binding domain, and experiments showing that AP-2 does not co-localize with clathrin. We provide genetic and cellular evidence that AP-2 interacts with endocytic markers SlaBEnd4 and SagAEnd3 and the lipid flippases DnfA and DnfB in the sub-apical collar region of hyphae. The role of AP-2 in the maintenance of proper apical membrane lipid and cell wall composition is further supported by its functional interaction with BasA (sphingolipid biosynthesis) and StoA (apical sterol-rich membrane domains), and its essentiality in polar deposition of chitin. Our findings support that the AP-2 complex of dikarya has acquired, in the course of evolution, a specialized clathrin-independent function necessary for fungal polar growth.
Teachers’ actions and children’s interests. Quality becomings in preschool documentation
Authors: Pettersson Katarina Elfström
Published: February 2017

High quality is considered to be important for children’s development and learning in early childhood education. Swedish preschool teachers are required to systematically develop their practice and support children’s learning, using documentation and taking children’s interests into account. From a posthumanist perspective, preschool documentation, models and templates could be seen as actively producing certain elements of quality.  Reading  documentation from eight Swedish preschool groups diffractively through different texts, such as the national curriculum, supportive texts and research, this article discusses how teachers’ actions and children’s interests are produced as important quality aspects in one of these groups.
Government to Business E-Services – Accountability and Trust
Authors: Stančić Hrvoje , Ivanjko Tomislav , Garic Ana
Published: February 2017

The authors divide their research in several phases. First, they conduct a literature review in order to identify relevant studies and theoretical papers covering the topic of governmental e-services. Then, they conduct an environmental scan in order to identify relevant governmental e-services in the EU countries. Further, the authors focus their research on eight European countries and conduct a deeper analysis of the implemented Government to Business (G2B) e-services. Research is centered on the eight G2B e-services. The identified e-services are firstly ranked according to their maturity level, and then analysed by using a developed questionnaire. The aim was to systematically collect enough information on the e-services in order to be able to conclude if the users may consider an e-service as responsible, reliable, accurate, secure, transparent and trustworthy as well as to conclude if an e-service addresses privacy issues, duties to remember, and the right to be forgotten. The comparative analysis of the identified G2B e-services in the eight European countries identifies weak spots of e-services and points them out in order for them to be improved. The identified gaps refer to the long-term service continuity plans, policies giving information on storage and preservation methods, long-term preservation of digitally signed records, use of clients’ data etc. One of the by-products of this research is a check list which can be used by the users of e-services as guidance for establishing trust in an e-service they (intend to) use but it also can be used as guidelines by e-service providers. The authors conclude that not only the comparative study provides an insight into the state of development of G2B e-services in the investigated countries but it also reveals the areas of possible improvements in the context of establishing accountability and trust in governmental e-services in general.
How patch size and refuge availability change interaction strength and population dynamics: a combined individual- and population-based modeling experiment
Authors: Li Yuanheng , Brose Ulrich , Meyer Katrin , Rall Björn C.
Published: February 2017

Knowledge on how functional responses (a measurement of feeding interaction strength) are affected by patch size and habitat complexity (represented by refuge availability) is crucial for understanding food-web stability and subsequently biodiversity. Due to their laborious character, it is almost impossible to carry out systematic empirical experiments on functional responses across wide gradients of patch sizes and refuge availabilities. Here we overcame this issue by using an individual-based model (IBM) to simulate feeding experiments. The model is based on empirically measured traits such as body-mass dependent speed and capture success. We simulated these experiments in patches ranging from sizes of petri dishes to natural patches in the field. Moreover, we varied the refuge availability within the patch independently of patch size, allowing for independent analyses of both variables. The maximum feeding rate (the maximum number of prey a predator can consume in a given time frame) is independent of patch size and refuge availability, as it is the physiological upper limit of feeding rates. Moreover, the results of these simulations revealed that a type III functional response, which is known to have a stabilizing effect on population dynamics, fitted the data best. The half saturation density (the prey density where a predator consumes half of its maximum feeding rate) increased with refuge availability but was only marginally influenced by patch size. Subsequently, we investigated how patch size and refuge availability influenced stability and coexistence of predator-prey systems. Following common practice, we used an allometric scaled Rosenzweig–MacArthur predator-prey model based on results from ourin silicoIBM experiments. The results suggested that densities of both populations are nearly constant across the range of patch sizes simulated, resulting from the constant interaction strength across the patch sizes. However, constant densities with decreasing patch sizes mean a decrease of absolute number of individuals, consequently leading to extinction of predators in the smallest patches. Moreover, increasing refuge availabilities also allowed predator and prey to coexist by decreased interaction strengths. Our results underline the need for protecting large patches with high habitat complexity to sustain biodiversity.
Modeling using clinical examination indicators predicts interstitial lung disease among patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Wang Yao , Song Wuqi , Wu Jing , Li Zhangming , Mu Fengyun , Li Yang , Huang He , Zhu Wenliang , Zhang Fengmin
Published: February 2017

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a severe extra-articular manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) that is well-defined as a chronic systemic autoimmune disease. A proportion of patients with RA-associated ILD (RA-ILD) develop pulmonary fibrosis (PF), resulting in poor prognosis and increased lifetime risk. We investigated whether routine clinical examination indicators (CEIs) could be used to identify RA patients with high PF risk. A total of 533 patients with established RA were recruited in this study for model building and 32 CEIs were measured for each of them. To identify PF risk, a new artificial neural network (ANN) was built, in which inputs were generated by calculating Euclidean distance of CEIs between patients. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated that the ANN performed well in predicting the PF risk (Youden index = 0.436) by only incorporating four CEIs including age, eosinophil count, platelet count, and white blood cell count. A set of 218 RA patients with healthy lungs or suffering from ILD and a set of 87 RA patients suffering from PF were used for independent validation. Results showed that the model successfully identified ILD and PF with a true positive rate of 84.9% and 82.8%, respectively. The present study suggests that model integration of multiple routine CEIs contributes to identification of potential PF risk among patients with RA.