bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Military Expenditures and Income Inequality
Authors: Doğan Buhari , Can Muhlis , Değer Osman
Published: May 2018

Regardless of their level of developments, the income distribution problem is one of the most important economic and social problems the countries face. In recent years, scholars have performed multiple studies to determine the factors affecting income distribution. The purpose of this chapter is to examine the impact of military expenditures on income inequality in a sample of North American countries (the USA, Canada, and Mexico), within the context of the Kuznets curve. The study covers between 1995-2013. In unit root Peseran approach, in cointegration analysis, Durbin-Hausmann approach were employed. The findings show that the coefficient of the military expenditures series is positive and the coefficient of square of the military expenditures is negative. This situation shows that military expenditures first increase and then reduce income inequality. Findings indicate that there is an inverse “U” relationship between military expenditures and income inequality. Moreover, it has been detected that as economic growth increases income inequality decreases.
FDI Inflows and Military Expenditure
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Debabrata , Das Dipankar
Published: May 2018

This chapter attempts to investigate the effect of military expenditure on FDI inflows in the 15 emerging market economies over the year 2002 to 2015. Military expenditure takes away scarce public resources, which could have been used for the development of crucial physical and social infrastructure leads to have a negative impact on FDI inflows. The authors have followed both the static and dynamic panel data methodology along with other relevant macroeconomic variables for this exercise. They have found from their analysis that military expenditure is statistically significant on FDI inflows in emerging economies over the year 2002 to 2015. The authors have also examined the relationship between military spending and FDI inflows in the context of economic growth across the emerging economies during the period 2002 to 2014. It has also been found that the military expenditure has a significant impact on FDI inflows in special reference to BRICS countries.
Trend and Impact of Military Expenditure on Economic Growth in South Asia
Authors: Patra Sudhakar
Published: May 2018

The objective of the chapter is to analyze trend, pattern, and impact of military expenditure in South Asian countries, namely Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The study is based on secondary data from World Bank database, South Asian report, and RBI macroeconomic indicators. The trend of military expenditure has been analyzed using line graphs for all five South Asian countries. Military spending is higher as percentage of GDP in Pakistan among all South Asian countries. Military expenditure has positive impact on economic growth in South Asian countries. The study suggested effective military expenditure strategies and expenditure which is important for improving economic productivity and growth of countries. There is positive correlation between total military personnel and per capita GDP in all South Asian countries except Pakistan.
Military Spending, Terrorism, and Economic Growth Vinculum in India
Authors: Mukherjee Sovik , Karmakar Asim Kumar
Published: May 2018

Different schools of thought have explained the concept of military expenditures from different angles. The objective of this chapter is to look into the relationship among the focus variables (i.e., military expenditure and growth together with the incorporation of terrorism) as an explanatory variable to see to what extent the level of growth gets hampered by terrorism using Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) and Kernel non-parametric regressions. To the best of the authors' knowledge, studies concerning the examination of this trivariate nexus (i.e., military spending, terrorism, and growth) in the post-reform period in the Indian context are very hard to come by. This brings us to the research question, how will India's increased spending affect the country's militaristic goals which not only involve the mitigation of terrorist attacks but also responding to revolutions by militant groups and the consequential impact on growth? The chapter comes to a close by highlighting the future scope of research.
Political Economy of Growth Effects of Defense Expenditure in Nigeria
Authors: Ukwueze Ezebuilo R. , Urama Chinasa E. , Asogwa Henry T. , Ogbonna Oliver E.
Published: May 2018

National security is as important as the existence of a nation. Nigeria has witnessed consistent rise in defense expenditure, with attendant opportunity costs. Internal threats have contributed immensely to the rise in defense expenditure as proliferation of arms and uprising of different ethno-rival groups and incipient militancy and insurgency have created insecurity in the country. Similar pressure and general insecurity has been intensified by increasing spate of kidnapping, politically motivated killings, ethno-religious uprisings, and terrorist web-like war by the Boko Haram sect. It is expedient to investigate the political motivation behind the military expenditure rise. This study is poised to estimate the politico-economic determinants of military expenditure in Nigeria using unrestricted VAR model for estimation. The data were sourced from World Bank's WDI, ICRG data, transparency international and SIPRI data, using Stata 13 software. The results show that ethnic violence, index of corruption, quality of governance, population growth, freedom from corruption affect military expenditure. The authors recommend that improved quality of governance will reduce corruption, ethnic violence, and improve welfare.
Optimality Principles for Fuzzy Dual Uncertain Systems
Authors: Mora-Camino Félix , Bouadi Hakim , Faye Roger Marcelin , Zhong Lunlong
Published: May 2018

This chapter considers the extension of the calculus of variations to the optimization of a class of fuzzy systems where the uncertainty of variables and parameters is represented by symmetrical triangular membership functions. The concept of fuzzy dual numbers is introduced, and the consideration of the necessary differentiability conditions for functions of dual variables leads to the definition of fuzzy dual functions. It is shown that when this formalism is adopted to represent performance indexes for uncertain optimization problems, the calculus of variations can be used to establish necessary optimality conditions as an extension to this case of the Euler-Lagrange equation. Then the chapter discusses the propagation of uncertainty when the fuzzy dual formalism is adopted for the state representation of a time continuous system. This leads to the formulation of a fuzzy dual optimization problem for which necessary optimality conditions, corresponding to an extension of Pontryagine's optimality principle, are established.
Supply Chain Network Design in Uncertain Environment
Authors: Nasiri Gholam Reza , Jolai Fariborz
Published: May 2018

Dynamic environment imposes such conditions that make it necessary for companies to consider sources of uncertainty in designing core business processes and optimizing supply chain operations. Efficient management of a supply system requires an integrated approach towards various operational functions and related source of uncertainties. Uncertain conditions in supply network design problem such as market demands, delivery time, and facility capacity are considered and incorporated by many studies at the mathematical programming formulations as well. In this chapter, extensive review of existing SCND literature, brief overview and classification on uncertainty sources, useful strategies to deal uncertainties, model formulation with uncertain/stochastic parameters, efficient developed solution methodologies, and improvement adjustment mechanisms are discussed. Lastly, some directions for further research in this area are suggested.
Women as Social Entrepreneurs in Turkey
Authors: Cicek Berat , Türkmenoğlu Mehmet Ali
Published: May 2018

Entrepreneurship has been an attractive topic for scholars over several decades. However, social entrepreneurship has remained relatively understudied in scale and scope. More specifically, the aspect of women in entrepreneurship is mostly untouched. Therefore, this chapter aims to examine the role of women in social entrepreneurship in an emerging economy such as Turkey. This research provides literature on definitions of social entrepreneurship and the differences between social entrepreneurship and business entrepreneurship by taking the historical development of entrepreneurship into account. Secondary data of four difference-maker women entrepreneurs are demonstrated through analyzing videos, newspapers, websites, and interviews of the entrepreneurs. Four different life stories of social entrepreneurs suggest that Turkish women social entrepreneurs face many challenges from their environment. The life stories indicate that they touched women's lives by improving their social status as well as economic conditions.
Experience of Female Entrepreneurs With Disabilities in Zimbabwe
Authors: Rugoho Tafadzwa , Chindimba Agnes
Published: May 2018

The global population of people with disabilities is estimated to be around one billion which represents 15% of the population. It is further estimated that the majority of people with disabilities are found in developing countries to which the majority are women. Adding on to the challenge, 82% percent of disabled people live below the poverty line and can barely employ sustainable means of earning a living and neither can they widen livelihood options due to their circumstances. Thus, they are languishing in absolute poverty. Developing countries are lagging behind in promoting the economic rights of women with disabilities. This is mainly shown by their absence in formal employment because many developing countries do not have policies which facilitate the employment of women with disabilities. Women with disabilities in Zimbabwe are concentrated in light industry entrepreneurship. The majority are found in vending, buying, and selling of cloth and electrical items, others are involved in cross-border trading.
Contemporary Perspectives on Women Entrepreneurship in India
Authors: Baporikar Neeta
Published: May 2018

An entrepreneur is a person who initiates and establishes an enterprise. Entrepreneurship refers to the decisions one takes in setting up and running a new enterprise. The individual constitutes the most important element in entrepreneurship. This individual who decides to be an entrepreneur can be a “HE” or “SHE.” So though the word “Entrepreneur” does not discriminate between genders, yet there is an underlying thread which is of interest to researchers and practitioners alike to study “women entrepreneurship.” Because of the economic restructuring and societal acceptance more women have started establishing enterprises. Being women for whom the social barriers are now breaking and acceptance coming, one should say that women entrepreneurship is in its infancy and transitionary period. Due to this fact, it has its own unique facets. Based on in depth literature review and grounded theory approach, this chapter intends to explore factors which influence women entrepreneurship and provide contemporary perspectives on women entrepreneurship in the Indian context.
Women Entrepreneurship in a Fragile and Volatile Economy
Authors: Chibebe Wellington , Chakanya Naome
Published: May 2018

Women entrepreneurship in Zimbabwe has undergone a formidable structural transformation since independence (1980) and has significantly contributed towards survival of the economy, especially during the hyperinflationary period which heightened in 2008. What is peculiar about Zimbabwe is that the economy has suffered a protracted deterioration for almost two decades, fitting into the category of a fragile and volatile economy. This coincided with an exponential growth of women-owned enterprises (WOEs) in the informal economy with the wide recognition of the informal economy as the “new” economy supporting the livelihoods of the majority of people. Women entrepreneurs are increasingly becoming active economic agents in this new economy. Unpacking the paradox of a volatile and fragile economy coexisting with the growth of WOEs is critical. Analyzing the survivalist and coping strategies employed by these women in order to sustain and grow their enterprises in such an economic context is critical in order to influence policy direction and development.
The Turbo Principle in Sustainable and Developmental Learning Design
Authors: Ahamer Gilbert
Published: May 2018

This chapter conveys two key success strategies for complex, self-guided interdisciplinary learning: (1) rhythmizing as a theatrical tool (regarding organization along time) and (2) multi-perspectivism as a tool allowing the organization regarding viewpoints (in the space of perceptions). While the first can be achieved by a suitable script of the didactic process, the second can be supported by seating orders, the arrangement of tables, and allocation of roles to role-playing learners. The meaning of “roles” in game-based learning is analyzed, based on both literature and interdisciplinary teaching experience. As an example of role-based and game-based learning, this chapter analyzes the temporal dynamics of several social dimensions of learning in the case of the five-level negotiation game “Surfing Global Change” (SGC, © G. Ahamer).
Innovative Approaches for Realization of Electronic Textbooks and Didactic Tests
Authors: Vasileva Svetlana , Yoveva Ivelina , Goranova Marinela
Published: May 2018

The implementation of information technology (IT) in the process of studying different subject areas, the realization of the possibilities of the educational information interaction, and the potential of the allocated informative resource of the local and global networks are main tasks for the contemporary lecturer. By solving these tasks, the intellectual potential of the learner can be developed and not only habits for self-acquisition of knowledge can be attained but also skills for obtaining, processing, transmition, and production of the necessary information. The authors' purpose is to showcase the rich capabilities of some freely available web applications and platforms such as the content management system (CMS), in particular CMS Drupal for the creation of educational web sites and electronic learning materials. Some of the newest specialized applications such as Google Forms and LearningApps for creating electronic tests and integrating the educational game approach to IT training have also been explored.
Critical Theory and Transformative Learning
Authors: Fleming Ted
Published: May 2018

Mezirow relies on the critical theory of Habermas to give his theory of transformative learning rigor. Yet critiques persist and focus on whether the theory has an adequate understanding of the social dimension of learning and whether it is overly rational. This article addresses these issues and explores relevant ideas from Habermas and Honneth. Critical theory has evolved and Honneth's theory of recognition has implications for transformative learning. Following the communicative turn of Habermas, Honneth makes recognition and freedom key concepts that contribute to developing transformative learning theory. Intersubjectivity and recognition become the necessary preconditions for critical reflection, discourse, democracy and transformative learning. Freedom is also reconfigured and these ideas address the main critiques of transformation theory.
Academics with Professional Doctorate Degrees in Ghanaian Universities
Authors: Cobbinah Joseph Ezale , Aryeh-Adjei Abigail Ayorkor
Published: May 2018

Over the years, entry into the academia in any Ghanaian university requires an advanced research degree, more preferably traditional doctorate. In the last ten years, a reasonable number of academics entering Ghanaian universities enter with professional doctorate degrees. This article seeks to investigate the acceptability of professional doctorate degree holders in Ghanaian universities, how they are perceived by their counterparts in the academia and their suitability in the universities. The data was gathered from respondents in public universities using interview schedule. The study concluded that since university education is not only to prepare students to enter the academia the involvement of professional doctorate holders in university teaching and learning would also help universities to effectively train students to acquire skills that will make them versatile in the present world of work.
Editorial v.35, n.3 (2017)
Authors: Geografia - UEM Boletim De
Published: May 2018

Editorial do volume 35, número 3, do ano de 2017.
IL-36α from Skin-Resident Cells Plays an Important Role in the Pathogenesis of Imiquimod-Induced Psoriasiform Dermatitis by Forming a Local Autoamplification Loop
Authors: Hashiguchi Yuriko , Yabe Rikio , Chung Soo-Hyun , Murayama Masanori A. , Yoshida Kaori , Matsuo Kenzo , Kubo Sachiko , Saijo Shinobu , Nakamura Yuumi , Matsue Hiroyuki , Iwakura Yoichiro
Published: May 2018

IL-36α (gene symbol Il1f6), a member of the IL-36 family, is closely associated with inflammatory diseases, including colitis and psoriasis. In this study, we found that Il1f6−/− mice developed milder psoriasiform dermatitis upon treatment with imiquimod, a ligand for TLR ligand 7 (TLR7) and TLR8, whereas Il1f6−/− mice showed similar susceptibility to dextran sodium sulfate–induced colitis to wild-type mice. These effects were observed in both cohoused and separately housed conditions, and antibiotic treatment did not cancel the resistance of Il1f6−/− mice to imiquimod-induced dermatitis. Bone marrow (BM) cell transfer revealed that IL-36α expression in skin-resident cells is important for the pathogenesis of dermatitis in these mice. Following stimulation with IL-36α, the expression of Il1f6 and Il1f9 (IL-36γ), but not Il1f8 (IL-36β), was enhanced in murine BM-derived Langerhans cells (BMLCs) and murine primary keratinocytes but not in fibroblasts from mice. Upon stimulation with agonistic ligands of TLRs and C-type lectin receptors (CLRs), Il1f6 expression was induced in BMLCs and BM-derived dendritic cells. Furthermore, IL-36α stimulation resulted in significantly increased gene expression of psoriasis-associated Th17-related cytokines and chemokines such as IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-23, CXCL1, and CXCL2 in BMLCs and fibroblasts, and IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-17C, and CXCL2 in keratinocytes. Collectively, these results suggest that TLR/CLR signaling–induced IL-36α plays an important role for the development of psoriasiform dermatitis by enhancing Th17-related cytokine/chemokine production in skin-resident cells via a local autoamplification loop.
Innate Recognition of the Microbiota by TLR1 Promotes Epithelial Homeostasis and Prevents Chronic Inflammation
Authors: Kamdar Karishma , Johnson Andrew M. F. , Chac Denise , Myers Kalisa , Kulur Vrishika , Truevillian Kyle , DePaolo R. William
Published: May 2018

There is cross-talk between the intestinal epithelium and the microbiota that functions to maintain a tightly regulated microenvironment and prevent chronic inflammation. This communication is partly mediated through the recognition of bacterial proteins by host-encoded innate receptors, such as TLRs. However, studies examining the role of TLR signaling on colonic homeostasis have given variable and conflicting results. Despite its critical role in mediating immunity during enteric infection of the small intestine, TLR1-mediated recognition of microbiota-derived ligands and their influence on colonic homeostasis has not been well studied. In this study, we demonstrate that defective TLR1 recognition of the microbiome by epithelial cells results in disruption of crypt homeostasis specifically within the secretory cell compartment, including a defect in the mucus layer, ectopic Paneth cells in the colon, and an increase in the number of rapidly dividing cells at the base of the crypt. As a consequence of the perturbed epithelial barrier, we found an increase in mucosal-associated and translocated commensal bacteria and chronic low-grade inflammation characterized by an increase in lineage-negative Sca1+Thy1hi innate lymphoid-like cells that exacerbate inflammation and worsen outcomes in a model of colonic injury and repair. Our findings demonstrate that sensing of the microbiota by TLR1 may provide key signals that regulate the colonic epithelium, thereby limiting inflammation through the prevention of bacterial attachment to the mucosa and exposure to the underlying immune system.
PRMT1 Plays a Critical Role in Th17 Differentiation by Regulating Reciprocal Recruitment of STAT3 and STAT5
Authors: Sen Subha , He Zhiheng , Ghosh Shubhamoy , Dery Kenneth J. , Yang Lu , Zhang Jing , Sun Zuoming
Published: May 2018

Th17 cells are a class of Th cells that secrete IL-17 and mediate pathogenic immunity responsible for autoimmunity including experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, a murine model of multiple sclerosis. Retinoic acid–related orphan receptor γ t (RORγt) is the critical transcription factor that controls the differentiation of Th17 cells. However, little is known about the transcriptional cofactors for RORγt in the regulation of Th17 differentiation. In this study, we demonstrate that protein arginine N-methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1) associates with RORγt and regulates mouse Th17 differentiation. Overexpression of PRMT1 promoted Th17 differentiation, whereas inactivation or knockdown of PRMT1 decreased Th17 differentiation while expanding Foxp3+ regulatory T cells. Consistently, pharmacological inhibition of PRMT1 impaired the generation of Th17 cells and prevented induction of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in mice. Mechanistically, PRMT1-dependent modification of asymmetric histone 4 arginine 3 dimethylation is required to stabilize the stimulatory STAT3 to displace the inhibitory STAT5 at IL-17 locus, resulting in the activation of IL-17 gene. Furthermore, PRMT1-facilitated recruitment of STAT3 overcame the inhibition of Th17 differentiation exerted by IL-2–induced STAT5 activation. PRMT1 thus regulates Th17 differentiation by controlling the reciprocal recruitment of STAT3 and STAT5. Our study thus reveals PRMT1 as a novel target for alleviating Th17-mediated autoimmunity by decreasing RORγt-dependent generation of pathogenic Th17 cells.
Naturally Occurring Missense MRGPRX2 Variants Display Loss of Function Phenotype for Mast Cell Degranulation in Response to Substance P, Hemokinin-1, Human β-Defensin-3, and Icatibant
Authors: Alkanfari Ibrahim , Gupta Kshitij , Jahan Tahsin , Ali Hydar
Published: May 2018

Human mast cells (MCs) express a novel G protein–coupled receptor (GPCR) known as Mas-related GPCR X2 (MRGPRX2). Activation of this receptor by a diverse group of cationic ligands such as neuropeptides, host defense peptides, and Food and Drug Administration–approved drugs contributes to chronic inflammatory diseases and pseudoallergic drug reactions. For most GPCRs, the extracellular (ECL) domains and their associated transmembrane (TM) domains display the greatest structural diversity and are responsible for binding different ligands. The goal of the current study was to determine if naturally occurring missense variants within MRGPRX2’s ECL/TM domains contribute to gain or loss of function phenotype for MC degranulation in response to neuropeptides (substance P and hemokinin-1), a host defense peptide (human β-defensin-3) and a Food and Drug Administration–approved cationic drug (bradykinin B2 receptor antagonist, icatibant). We have identified eight missense variants within MRGPRX2’s ECL/TM domains from publicly available exome-sequencing databases. We investigated the ability of MRGPRX2 ligands to induce degranulation in rat basophilic leukemia–2H3 cells individually expressing these naturally occurring MRGPRX2 missense variants. Using stable and transient transfections, we found that all variants express in rat basophilic leukemia cells. However, four natural MRGPRX2 variants, G165E (rs141744602), D184H (rs372988289), W243R (rs150365137), and H259Y (rs140862085) failed to respond to any of the ligands tested. Thus, diverse MRGPRX2 ligands use common sites on the receptor to induce MC degranulation. These findings have important clinical implications for MRGPRX2 and MC-mediated pseudoallergy and chronic inflammatory diseases.
Comparative analysis of low-Earth orbit (TROPOMI) and geostationary (GeoCARB, GEO-CAPE) satellite instruments for constraining methane emissions on fine regional scales: application to the Southeast US
Authors: Sheng Jian-Xiong , Jacob Daniel J. , Maasakkers Joannes D. , Zhang Yuzhong , Sulprizio Melissa P.
Published: May 2018

Abstract. We conduct observing system simulation experiments (OSSEs) to compare the ability of future satellite measurements of atmospheric methane columns (TROPOMI, GeoCARB, GEO-CAPE) for constraining methane emissions down to the 25 km scale through inverse analyses. The OSSE uses the GEOS-Chem chemical transport model 0.25˚ × 0.3125˚ grid resolution) in a 1-week simulation for the Southeast US with 216 emission elements to be optimized through inversion of synthetic satellite observations. Clouds contaminate 73–91 % of the viewing scenes depending on pixel size. Comparison of GEOS-Chem to TCCON surface-based methane column observations indicates a model transport error standard deviation of 12 ppb, larger than the instrument errors when aggregated on the 25 km model grid scale, and with a temporal error correlation of 6 hours. We find that TROPOMI (7 × 7 km2 pixels, daily return time) can provide a coarse regional optimization of methane emissions, and is highly sensitive to cloud cover. The geostationary instruments can do much better and are less sensitive to cloud cover, reflecting both their finer pixel resolution and more frequent observations. The information content from GeoCARB toward constraining methane emissions increases by 20–25 % for each doubling of the GeoCARB measurement frequency. Temporal error correlation in the transport model moderates but does not cancel the benefit of more frequent measurements for geostationary instruments. We find that GeoCARB observing twice a day would provide 70 % of the information from the nominal GEO-CAPE mission considered by NASA in response to the Decadal Survey of the US National Research Council.
Evidence of high N2 fixation rates in productive waters of the
temperate Northeast Atlantic
Authors: Fonseca-Batista Debany , Li Xuefeng , Riou Virginie , Michotey Valérie , Deman Forian , Fripiat François , Guasco Sophie , Brion Natacha , Lemaitre Nolwenn , Tonnard Manon , Gallinari Morgane , Planquette Hélène , Planchon Frédéric , Sarthou Géraldine , Elskens Marc , Chou Lei , Dehairs Frank
Published: May 2018

Abstract. Diazotrophic activity and primary production (PP) were investigated along two transects (Belgica BG2014/14 and GEOVIDE cruises) off the western Iberian Margin and the Bay of Biscay (38.8–46.5° N; 8.0–19.7° W) in May 2014 close to the end of the spring bloom. We report substantial N2 fixation activities, reaching up to 65 nmol N L−1 d−1 and 1533 µmol N m−2 d−1 close to the Iberian Margin between 38.8° N and 40.7° N. Similar figures in the basin have only been reported in the temperate and tropical western North Atlantic waters with coastal, shelf or mesohaline characteristics, as opposed to the mostly open ocean conditions studied here. In agreement with previous studies, the qualitative assessment of nifH gene diversity (encoding the nitrogenase enzyme that fixes N2) suggested a predominance of heterotrophic diazotrophs, and the absence of filamentous cyanobacteria. At the sites where N2 fixation activity was highest sequences affiliated to UCYN-A1, obligate symbiont of eukaryotic prymnesiophyte algae, were recovered. The remaining phylotypes were non-cyanobacterial diazotrophs, known to live in association with suspended particles and zooplankton (i.e., Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes and Proteobacteria). Outside the area of exceptional activity, N2 fixation in the open ocean and at shelf-influenced sites was also relatively high, ranging from 81 to 384 µmol N m−2 d−1, but was undetectable in the central Bay of Biscay. We propose that the unexpectedly high heterotrophic N2 fixation activity recorded at the time of our study was sustained by the availability of phytoplankton derived organic matter (dissolved and/or particulate) resulting from the ongoing to post spring bloom. We pose that this organic material not only sustained bacterial production, but also provided sufficient nutrients essential for the nitrogenase activity (e.g., phosphorus). Dissolved Fe was supplied through atmospheric dust deposition during the month preceding our study and through advection of surface waters from the subtropical region and the shelf area. Our findings stress the need for a more detailed monitoring of the spatial and temporal distribution of oceanic N2 fixation in productive waters of the temperate North Atlantic to better constrain the basin-scale nitrogen input to the ocean inventory.
Conversion of tropical forests to smallholder rubber and oil palm plantations impacts nutrient leaching losses and nutrient retention efficiency in highly weathered soils
Authors: Kurniawan Syahrul , Corre Marife D. , Matson Amanda L. , Schulte-Bisping Hubert , Utami Sri Rahayu , van Straaten Oliver , Veldkamp Edzo
Published: May 2018

Abstract. Conversion of forest to rubber and oil palm plantations is widespread in Sumatra, Indonesia, and it is largely unknown how such land-use conversion affects nutrient leaching losses. Our study aimed to quantify nutrient leaching and nutrient retention efficiency in the soil after land-use conversion to smallholder rubber and oil palm plantations. In Jambi province, Indonesia, we selected two landscapes on highly weathered Acrisol soils that mainly differed in texture: loam and clay. Within each landscape, we compared two reference land uses: lowland forest and jungle rubber (defined as rubber trees interspersed in secondary forest) with two converted land uses, smallholder rubber and oil palm plantations. Within each landscape, the first three land uses were represented by four replicate sites and the oil palm by three sites, totaling to 30 sites. We measured leaching losses using suction cup lysimeters, sampled biweekly to monthly from February to December 2013. Forests and jungle rubber had low solute concentrations in drainage water, suggesting low internal inputs of rock-derived nutrients and efficient internal cycling of nutrients. These reference land uses on the clay Acrisol soils had lower leaching of dissolved N and base cations (P = 0.01–0.06) and higher N and base cation retention efficiency (P
Calibration of tri-axial MEMS accelerometers in the low-frequency range – Part 2: Uncertainty assessment
Authors: D'Emilia Giulio , Gaspari Antonella , Mazzoleni Fabrizio , Natale Emanuela , Schiavi Alessandro
Published: May 2018

Abstract. A comparison among three methods for the calibration of tri-axial
accelerometers, in particular MEMS, is presented in this paper, paying
attention to the uncertainty assessment of each method. The first method is
performed according to the ISO 16063 standards. Two innovative methods are
analysed, both suitable for in-field application. The effects on the whole
uncertainty of the following aspects have been evaluated: the test bench
performances in realizing the reference motion, the vibration reference
sensor, the geometrical parameters and the data processing techniques. The
uncertainty contributions due to the offset and the transverse sensitivity
are also studied, by calibrating two different types of accelerometers, a
piezoelectric one and a capacitive one, to check their effect on the accuracy
of the methods under comparison. The reproducibility of methods is
demonstrated. Relative uncertainty of methods ranges from 3 to 5 %,
depending on the complexity of the model and of the requested operations. The
results appear promising for low-cost calibration of new tri-axial
accelerometers of MEMS type.
The susceptibility assessment of multi-hazard in the Pearl River Delta Economic Zone, China
Authors: Ma Chuanming , Wu Xiaoyu , Li Bin , Hu Ximei
Published: May 2018

Abstract. The multi-hazard susceptibility assessment can provide a basis to decision-making for land use planning and geo-hazards management. The main scope of this paper is assess multi-hazard susceptibility to identify susceptibility area by using an integrated method of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the Difference Method (MD) within MapGIS environment. The basic principle of this method is to predict future geological hazards based on occurrence mechanism of occurred geological hazards and the geological conditions that caused past geological hazards. Typical geo-hazards susceptibility are separately assessed by applying Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). The multi-hazard susceptibility is completed by synthesizing individual geo-hazards susceptibility result with the Difference Method (MD), the multi-hazard susceptibility map is generated by utilizing MapGIS platform. The multi-hazard map can provide decision-makers with visual information for geo-hazards management and land use planning, which reduce confusion of decision-makers on high number of individual geo-hazard map. The study area was categorized into high susceptibility zone, moderate susceptibility zone, low susceptibility zone, and insusceptible zone, accounting for 16.5 %, 41.6 %, 33.8 % and 8.1 % of the total study area, respectively. The multi-hazad susceptibility result can be combined with other conditions to provide decision-makers with theoretical basis for geo-hzards management and planning of development.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon in urban soils of an Eastern European megalopolis: distribution, source identification and cancer risk evaluation
Authors: Shamilishvily George , Abakumov Evgeny , Gabov Dmitriy
Published: May 2018

Abstract. This study explores qualitative and quantitative composition of 15 priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in urban soils of some parkland, residential and industrial areas of the large industrial centre of Saint Petersburg (Russian Federation) in Eastern Europe. The aim of the study was to test the hypothesis on the PAH loading differences among urban territories with different land use scenarios. Benzo(a)pyrene toxic equivalency factors (TEFs) were used to calculate BaPeq in order to evaluate carcinogenic risk of soil contamination with PAHs. Results of the study demonstrated that soils within residential and industrial areas are characterized by common loads of PAHs generally attributed to high traffic activity in the city. Considerable levels of soil contamination with PAHs were noted. Total PAH concentrations ranged from 0.33 to 8.10 mg kg−1. A larger portion of high-molecular-weight PAHs along with determined molecular ratios suggest the predominance of pyrogenic sources, mainly attributed to combustion of gasoline, diesel and oil. Petrogenic sources of PAHs have a significant portion and define the predominance of low-molecular-weight PAHs associated with petroleum, such as phenanthrene. Derived concentrations of seven carcinogenic PAHs as well as calculated BaPeq were multiple times higher than reported in a number of other studies. The obtained BaPeq concentrations of the sum of 15 PAHs ranged from 0.05 to 1.39 mg kg−1. A vast majority of examined samples showed concentrations above the safe value of 0.6 mg kg−1 (CCME, 2010). However, estimated incremental lifetime risks posed to the population through distinct routes of exposure were in an acceptable range. One-way ANOVA results showed significant differences in total PAHs and the sum of seven carcinogenic PAH concentrations as well as in levels of FLU, PHE, FLT, PYR, BaA, CHR, BbF, BaP and BPE among parkland, residential and industrial land uses, suggesting the influence of the land use factor.
Deriving micro- to macro-scale seismic velocities from ice-core c axis orientations
Authors: Kerch Johanna , Diez Anja , Weikusat Ilka , Eisen Olaf
Published: May 2018

Abstract. One of the great challenges in glaciology is the ability to estimate the bulk ice anisotropy in ice sheets and glaciers, which is needed to improve our understanding of ice-sheet dynamics. We investigate the effect of crystal anisotropy on seismic velocities in glacier ice and revisit the framework which is based on fabric eigenvalues to derive approximate seismic velocities by exploiting the assumed symmetry. In contrast to previous studies, we calculate the seismic velocities using the exact c axis angles describing the orientations of the crystal ensemble in an ice-core sample. We apply this approach to fabric data sets from an alpine and a polar ice core. Our results provide a quantitative evaluation of the earlier approximative eigenvalue framework. For near-vertical incidence our results differ by up to 135 m s−1 for P-wave and 200 m s−1 for S-wave velocity compared to the earlier framework (estimated 1 % difference in average P-wave velocity at the bedrock for the short alpine ice core). We quantify the influence of shear-wave splitting at the bedrock as 45 m s−1 for the alpine ice core and 59 m s−1 for the polar ice core. At non-vertical incidence we obtain differences of up to 185 m s−1 for P-wave and 280 m s−1 for S-wave velocities. Additionally, our findings highlight the variation in seismic velocity at non-vertical incidence as a function of the horizontal azimuth of the seismic plane, which can be significant for non-symmetric orientation distributions and results in a strong azimuth-dependent shear-wave splitting of max. 281 m s−1 at some depths. For a given incidence angle and depth we estimated changes in phase velocity of almost 200 m s−1 for P wave and more than 200 m s−1 for S wave and shear-wave splitting under a rotating seismic plane. We assess for the first time the change in seismic anisotropy that can be expected on a short spatial (vertical) scale in a glacier due to strong variability in crystal-orientation fabric (±50 m s−1 per 10 cm). Our investigation of seismic anisotropy based on ice-core data contributes to advancing the interpretation of seismic data, with respect to extracting bulk information about crystal anisotropy, without having to drill an ice core and with special regard to future applications employing ultrasonic sounding.
The Evaluation of the Effectiveness of the Laboratory Centers of the Technical and Vocational Secondary Schools in Athens, Greece
Authors: Brinia Vasiliki , Manioudakis Georgios
Published: May 2018

In the present research we evaluated the effectiveness of the Laboratory Centers (L.C.) of the Technical and Vocational Secondary Schools in Athens, Greece in relation to the needs of the labor market, through teachers’ and graduates’ point of views. The research method followed was quantitative and concerned the L.C. that are subject to the Athens Secondary Education Administration. The findings of the research reveal that the curricula that are implemented by the L.C. are effective, as they meet the needs of the labor market, but they also highlight significant problems related to the lack of connection between the Greek L.C. and the local society and labor market as well as problems related to the laboratory infrastructures and to the teachers’ training needs. The originality of the present study lies in the participation of L.C. graduates, who contributed to the revelation of the main obstacles that arise in the relationship between the educational process and the real educational needs.
Dinámica y distribución espacial de la población salvadoreña en el siglo XX
Authors: Morales Velado Oscar Armando
Published: May 2018

No abstract availableRealidad: Revista de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades No. 46, 1995: 641-669
Enfoque epistemológico para el estudio de las formaciones sociales capitalistas subdesarrolladas
Authors: Arrizabalo Montoro Xabier
Published: May 2018

No abstract availableRealidad: Revista de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades No. 47, 1995: 837-852
FATORES DE RISCO ÀS INFECÇÕES RELACIONADAS À ASSISTÊNCIA EM UNIDADES DE TERAPIA INTENSIVA*
Authors: Sinésio Marcia Cardoso Teixeira , Magro Marcia Cristina da Silva , Carneiro Tatiane Aguiar , Da Silva Kamilla Grasielle Nunes
Published: May 2018

Objetivo: identificar os pacientes e os fatores de risco associados à ocorrência de infecções relacionadas à assistência à saúde em unidades de terapia intensiva. Método: estudo transversal realizado com 155 pacientes internados entre 2012 e 2014 em duas unidades de terapia intensiva de dois hospitais públicos do Distrito Federal. Os dados foram coletados em prontuário e registrados em planilha no programa Microsoft Excel®. Foram considerados significativos resultados com p-value<0,05. Resultados: do total de 155 pacientes, 55 (35,5%) pacientes foram acometidos por infecções relacionadas à assistência à saúde durante a internação na unidade de terapia intensiva. Tempo de internação (p=0,001), internação por causas clínicas (p=0,017), diabetes mellitus (p=0,002) e cirurgia eletiva (p=0,011), foram fatores de risco, independentes para essas infecções. Conclusão: as complicações infecciosas acometeram cerca de um terço dos pacientes no cenário de terapia intensiva. A vigilância dessas complicações pode orientar ações para melhoria da segurança do paciente crítico.
ESTUDOS SOBRE A HISTORIOGRAFIA DA ARQUEOLOGIA MAIA
Authors: Akiyama Eduardo Teixeira
Published: May 2018

O texto aqui apresentado é fruto de minha iniciação científica orientada pelos professores Doutores Pedro Paulo Abreu Funari e Alexandre Guida Navarro e financiada pela CNPq, edital n° 01/2007, que vigorou de 01/10/2009 a 31/07/2010. O que buscaremos abaixo é uma análise arqueológica sobre os maias. Partiremos do chamado "modelo tradicional" de análise desta civilização, em voga dos anos 1930 aos 1970, aproximadamente, e da revisão desse modelo, que se fez de então. Passaremos por importantes aspectos - como o urbanismo, a guerra, o governo como teocracia ou Estado laico e a religião - buscando compreender a construção de padrões e de modelos a partir dos escritos dos maiores expoentes dessas duas correntes arqueológicas. Ressalto que a pesquisa não teve o intuito de refutar nenhuma das obras, mas expor os méritos e as limitações dos diferentes períodos, tais quais as tecnologias, os métodos arqueológicos e até as ideologias que influenciaram cada pesquisador.
NOTAS SOBRE O NEONAZISMO NO SITE EXTREME VIOLENT RACISM
Authors: Oliveira Pedro Carvalho
Published: May 2018

O trabalho busca compreender como o fascismo vem ressurgindo no tempo presente e como este discurso extremista tem sido difundido atualmente, assim como observar de que maneira os grupos voltados para estas ideias se apropriam da Internet para expor propagandas violentas contra os opositores deste pensamento. Para tanto, analisaremos o site norte-americano Extreme Violent Racism (http://www.whitehonor.com/), que em suas páginas utilizam de apelos de todos os tipos para angariar adeptos tentando convencê-los da necessidade de tornarem-se nacional-socialistas.
A Verification of Involvement Load Hypothesis on Chinese Adult English Learners
Authors: Huang Shuyun
Published: May 2018

The present research designed six tasks with various distributions of involvement components: need, search and evaluation to verify the predictability of Involvement Load Hypothesis on Chinese adult English learners. The results showed that the vocabulary exercises did facilitate the incidental vocabulary acquisition, but the exercise with higher involvement load did not necessarily benefit the students more than the exercise with lower involvement. Three components of involvement did not reveal the same effect on incidental vocabulary acquisition. And the superiority of exercise with higher involvement load existing in the immediate vocabulary test did not survive in the delayed vocabulary test. In the delayed vocabulary test there were not any statistically significant differences among six groups. The further analysis reported besides the cognitive processing aroused by the tasks, other critical factors also worked on the incidental vocabulary acquisition: inference skill and repetition of occurrence.
Positive and Negative Politeness: A Cross-Cultural Study of Responding to Apologies by British and Pakistani Speakers
Authors: Saleem Tahir , Anjum Uzma
Published: May 2018

Speech etiquette is an essential part of culture, behavior and human communication. Based upon a theoretical framework of politeness and face-threatening acts (FTAs), this study investigates cultural differences in apology responses (ARs) moderated by the threatened face type and the relationship between participants. A discourse completion test, consists of twelve situations is used for data collection. The data was collected from 150 Pakistani Urdu speakers (teachers, doctors, army personals, lawyers, journalists and academicians) working in different institutions and 30 British English speakers (faculty members of English Department, Coventry University, UK, Leeds University, UK and British Association of Applied Linguistics members). The findings reveal that Pakistanis are found using more positive face threatening apology responses (Acceptance and Acknowledgment) including Absolution, Dismissal, Intensifiers, and Acknowledgement with Thanking, Advice, and Suggestion, than British speakers who tend to use both positive FTAs (Acceptance) based on Absolution “That’s Okay”, and Dismissal “no worries at all but be careful next time” and negative FTAs based on Evasion with Deflection and Evasion with Thanking. The findings further illustrate that the understanding and demonstration of politeness and face in conversation functions are susceptible to cultural and sociolinguistic variations.
Deixis Role as an Index of Style: A Comparative Corpus Stylistics Analysis of Self, Pakistani and Other Translators
Authors: Kubra Khadija , Murtza Ayesha , Mahmood Muhammad
Published: May 2018

Deixis are the linguistic expressions which are used for the reference within the context and out of the context to share knowledge. These are functional keys for contextual coherence and for strong involvement of interlocutors. In this dissertation, role of deixis are interpreted with reference of three different categories of novels; Pakistani novels, other translated, and self-translated novels. The aim of this research is to extract the style difference due to the use of deixis as a style indicator in other and self-translated novels in comparison with non-translated novels. Further, we will try to find out how the use of different types of deixis effects on the context of the text. Generally it has witnessed that the other and self-translators are different in their styles. The reason behind such difference is that the self-translator has more freedom while translating their own novels for other audience. For analysis, in total nine novels are selected, three novels of one category and in total three categories are involved. This research adopted the quantitative approach and for analysis corpus software tool, AntConc is used. Whole data is tagged by POS tagger and manually as well, than interpreted through AntConc. The results of this research indicate that the Self translated novels used more deixis and have more simple and direct language then the others translated categories. In these novels the first person and second person communication is more oriented. Similarly other deixis expressions as time, past tense and special deixis are more referred which make language explicit.