bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
OrientSTS-Spatio Temporal Sequence Searching for Trip Planning
Authors: Zhou Chunjie , Dai Pengfei , Zhang Zhenxing
Published: March 2018

For a satisfactory trip planning, the following features are desired: 1) automated suggestion of scenes or attractions; 2) personalized based on the interest and habits of travelers; 3) maximal coverage of sites of interest; and 4) minimal effort such as transporting time on the route. Automated scene suggestion requires collecting massive knowledge about scene sites and their characteristics, and personalized planning requires matching of a traveler profile with knowledge of scenes of interest. As a trip contains a sequence of stops at multiple scenes, the problem of trip planning becomes optimizing a temporal sequence where each stop is weighted. This article presents OrientSTS, a novel spatio-temporal sequence (STS) searching system for optimal personalized trip planning. OrientSTS provides a knowledge base of scenes with their tagged features and season characteristics. By combining personal profiles and scene features, OrientSTS generates a set of weighted scenes for each city for each user. OrientSTS can then retrieve the optimal sequence of scenes in terms of distance, weight, visiting time, and scene features. The authors develop alternative algorithms for searching optimal sequences, with consideration of the weight of each scene, the preference of users, and the travel time constraint. The experiments demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed algorithms based on real datasets from social networks.
EFL teachers’ perceptions about an online CALL training. A case from Turkey
Authors: Cengiz Behice Ceyda , Seferoğlu Gölge , Günseli Kaçar Işıl
Published: March 2018

This paper examined a group of Turkish EFL in-service teachers’ perceptions about a four-week online CALL training they received on a voluntary basis. The data were collected via a background questionnaire, interviews and reflection reports written by the participating teachers. Findings demonstrated that online CALL training was beneficial for the teachers since they gained familiarity with cutting-edge CALL technologies and developed ideas about how to use them in their classes. CALL learning in cyberspace, however, was found to be too challenging for some teachers devoid of the computer skills needed to manage the online experience. Most of the teachers also expected the CALL training to be situated in their classroom contexts providing them with ample opportunities to learn and apply CALL in their local teaching contexts. Taking the various needs of the teachers into consideration, the researcher came up with suggestions for future initiatives for in-service CALL teacher education. 
Governmental partnerships for language learning: A commercial language platform for young workers in Colombia
Authors: Garcia Botero Gustavo , Garcia Botero Jacqueline , Questier Frederik
Published: March 2018

In June 2015, the Colombian government via the Labor Ministry announced a project for young workers called 40.000 Primeros Empleos. In the framework of this project, the Ministry of Labor signed an alliance with the language platform Duolingo as a strategy to provide participants with English learning opportunities and a free language certificate. With the help of a monitoring and evaluation perspective, this study describes Colombian English language learning policies and their relationship with the labour market. The discussion presented here intends to maximize the outcomes of these kinds of agreements and to provide insights for researchers and national stakeholders willing to carry out similar projects in their countries. Certification is also thoroughly analyzed as a means of estimating the possible impact of this partnership.
Calibration and field testing of cavity ring-down laser spectrometers measuring CH4, CO2, and δ13CH4 deployed on towers in the Marcellus Shale region
Authors: Miles Natasha L. , Martins Douglas K. , Richardson Scott J. , Rella Christopher W. , Arata Caleb , Lauvaux Thomas , Davis Kenneth J. , Barkley Zachary R. , McKain Kathryn , Sweeney Colm
Published: March 2018

Abstract. Four in situ cavity ring-down spectrometers (G2132-i, Picarro, Inc.) measuring methane dry mole fraction (CH4), carbon dioxide dry mole fraction (CO2), and the isotopic ratio of methane (δ13CH4) were deployed at four towers in the Marcellus Shale natural gas extraction region of Pennsylvania. In this paper, we describe laboratory and field calibration of the analyzers for tower-based applications and characterize their performance in the field for the period January–December 2016. Prior to deployment, each analyzer was tested using bottles with various isotopic ratios, from biogenic to thermogenic source values, which were diluted to varying degrees in zero air, and an initial calibration was performed. Furthermore, at each tower location, three field tanks were employed, from ambient to high mole fractions, with various isotopic ratios. Two of these tanks were used to adjust the calibration of the analyzers on a daily basis. We also corrected for the cross-interference from ethane on the isotopic ratio of methane. Using an independent field tank for evaluation, the standard deviation of 4 h means of the isotopic ratio of methane difference from the known value was found to be 0.26 ‰ δ13CH4. Following improvements in the field tank testing scheme, the standard deviation of 4 h means was 0.11 ‰, well within the target compatibility of 0.2 ‰. Round-robin style testing using tanks with near-ambient isotopic ratios indicated mean errors of −0.14 to 0.03 ‰ for each of the analyzers. Flask to in situ comparisons showed mean differences over the year of 0.02 and 0.08 ‰, for the east and south towers, respectively. Regional sources in this region were difficult to differentiate from strong perturbations in the background. During the afternoon hours, the median differences of the isotopic ratio measured at three of the towers, compared to the background tower, were &minus0.15 to 0.12 ‰ with standard deviations of the 10 min isotopic ratio differences of 0.8 ‰. In terms of source attribution, analyzer compatibility of 0.2 ‰ δ13CH4 affords the ability to distinguish a 50 ppb CH4 peak from a biogenic source (at −60 ‰, for example) from one originating from a thermogenic source (−35 ‰), with the exact value dependent upon the source isotopic ratios. Using a Keeling plot approach for the non-afternoon data at a tower in the center of the study region, we determined the source isotopic signature to be −31.2 ± 1.9 ‰, within the wide range of values consistent with a deep-layer Marcellus natural gas source.
Field calibration of electrochemical NO2 sensors in a citizen science context
Authors: Mijling Bas , Jiang Qijun , de Jonge Dave , Bocconi Stefano
Published: March 2018

Abstract. In many urban areas the population is exposed to elevated levels
of air pollution. However, real-time air quality is usually only measured at
few locations. These measurements provide a general picture of the state of
the air, but they are unable to monitor local differences. New low-cost
sensor technology is available for several years now, and has the potential
to extend official monitoring networks significantly even though the
current generation of sensors suffer from various technical issues. Citizen science experiments based on these sensors must be designed carefully
to avoid generation of data which is of poor or even useless quality. This
study explores the added value of the 2016 Urban AirQ campaign, which focused
on measuring nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
Sixteen low-cost air quality sensor devices were built and distributed among
volunteers living close to roads with high traffic volume for a 2-month
measurement period. Each electrochemical sensor was calibrated in-field next to an air monitoring
station during an 8-day period, resulting in R2 ranging from 0.3 to 0.7.
When temperature and relative humidity are included in a multilinear
regression approach, the NO2 accuracy is improved significantly,
with R2 ranging from 0.6 to 0.9. Recalibration after the campaign is
crucial, as all sensors show a significant signal drift in the 2-month
measurement period. The measurement series between the calibration periods
can be corrected for after the measurement period by taking a weighted average of the calibration
coefficients. Validation against an independent air monitoring station shows good
agreement. Using our approach, the standard deviation of a typical sensor
device for NO2 measurements was found to be
7 µg m−3, provided that temperatures are below
30 ∘C. Stronger ozone titration on street sides causes an
underestimation of NO2 concentrations, which 75 % of the time
is less than 2.3 µg m−3. Our findings show that citizen science campaigns using low-cost sensors based
on the current generations of electrochemical NO2 sensors may
provide useful complementary data on local air quality in an urban setting,
provided that experiments are properly set up and the data are carefully
analysed.
Shipborne Wind Measurement and Motion-induced Error Correction of a Coherent Doppler Lidar over the Yellow Sea in 2014
Authors: Zhai Xiaochun , Wu Songhua , Liu Bingyi , Song Xiaoquan , Yin Jiaping
Published: March 2018

Abstract. Shipborne wind observations by a coherent Doppler lidar (CDL) have been
conducted to study the structure of the marine atmospheric boundary layer
(MABL) during the 2014 Yellow Sea campaign. This paper evaluates
uncertainties associated with the ship motion and presents the correction
methodology regarding lidar velocity measurement based on modified 4-Doppler
beam swing (DBS) solution. The errors of calibrated measurement, both for the
anchored and the cruising shipborne observations, are comparable to those of
ground-based measurements. The comparison between the lidar and radiosonde
results in a bias of −0.23 ms−1 and a standard deviation of 0.87 ms−1 for the wind speed measurement,
and 2.48, 8.84∘ for the wind direction. The biases of horizontal wind speed and random
errors of vertical velocity are also estimated using the error propagation
theory and frequency spectrum analysis, respectively. The results show that
the biases are mainly related to the measuring error of the ship velocity and
lidar pointing error, and the random errors are mainly determined by the
signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the lidar backscattering spectrum signal. It
allows for the retrieval of vertical wind, based on one measurement, with
random error below 0.15 ms−1 for an appropriate SNR threshold and bias
below 0.02 ms−1. The combination of the CDL attitude correction system
and the accurate motion correction process has the potential of continuous
long-term high temporal and spatial resolution measurement for the MABL
thermodynamic and turbulence process.
Towards an assessment of riverine dissolved organic carbon in surface waters of the western Arctic Ocean based on remote sensing and biogeochemical modeling
Authors: Le Fouest Vincent , Matsuoka Atsushi , Manizza Manfredi , Shernetsky Mona , Tremblay Bruno , Babin Marcel
Published: March 2018

Abstract. Future climate warming of the Arctic could potentially enhance the load of terrigenous dissolved organic carbon (tDOC) of Arctic
rivers due to increased carbon mobilization within watersheds. A greater flux of tDOC might impact the biogeochemical processes of
the coastal Arctic Ocean (AO) and ultimately its capacity to absorb atmospheric CO2. In this study, we show that sea-surface tDOC
concentrations simulated by a physical–biogeochemical coupled model in the Canadian Beaufort Sea for 2003–2011 compare
favorably with estimates retrieved by satellite imagery. Our results suggest that, over spring–summer, tDOC of riverine origin
contributes to 35 % of primary production and that an equivalent of ∼ 10 % of tDOC is exported westwards with the
potential of fueling the biological production of the eastern Alaskan nearshore waters. The combination of model and satellite data
provides promising results to extend this work to the entire AO so as to quantify, in conjunction with in situ data, the expected
changes in tDOC fluxes and their potential impact on the AO biogeochemistry at basin scale.
Clay mineralogy, strontium and neodymium isotope ratios in the sediments of two High Arctic catchments (Svalbard)
Authors: Hindshaw Ruth S. , Tosca Nicholas J. , Piotrowski Alexander M. , Tipper Edward T.
Published: March 2018

Abstract. The identification of sediment sources to the ocean is a
prerequisite to using marine sediment cores to extract information on past
climate and ocean circulation. Sr and Nd isotopes are classical tools with
which to trace source provenance. Despite considerable interest in the Arctic
Ocean, the circum-Arctic source regions are poorly characterised in terms of
their Sr and Nd isotopic compositions. In this study we present Sr and Nd
isotope data from the Paleogene Central Basin sediments of Svalbard,
including the first published data of stream suspended sediments from
Svalbard. The stream suspended sediments exhibit considerable isotopic variation
(εNd = −20.6 to −13.4;
87Sr ∕ 86Sr = 0.73421 to 0.74704) which can be related to
the depositional history of the sedimentary formations from which they are
derived. In combination with analysis of the clay mineralogy of catchment
rocks and sediments, we suggest that the Central Basin sedimentary rocks were
derived from two sources. One source is Proterozoic sediments derived from
Greenlandic basement rocks which are rich in illite and have high
87Sr ∕ 86Sr and low εNd values. The second source
is Carboniferous to Jurassic sediments derived from Siberian basalts which
are rich in smectite and have low 87Sr ∕ 86Sr and high
εNd values. Due to a change in depositional conditions throughout
the Paleogene (from deep sea to continental) the relative proportions of
these two sources vary in the Central Basin formations. The modern stream
suspended sediment isotopic composition is then controlled by modern
processes, in particular glaciation, which determines the present-day
exposure of the formations and therefore the relative contribution of each
formation to the stream suspended sediment load. This study demonstrates that
the Nd isotopic composition of stream suspended sediments exhibits seasonal
variation, which likely mirrors longer-term hydrological changes, with
implications for source provenance studies based on fixed end-members through
time.
Data assimilation cycle length and observation impact in mesoscale
ocean forecasting
Authors: Sandery Paul
Published: March 2018

Abstract. A brief examination of the relationship between data assimilation cycle length and observation impact in a practical global mesoscale ocean forecasting setting is provided. Behind real-time reanalyses and forecasts from two different cycle length systems are compared and skill is quantified using all observations typically available for ocean forecasting. A 1-day Ensemble Optimal Interpolation (EnOI) cycle is compared to a 3-day cycle. The mean analysis increments for the 1-day system are significantly smaller suggesting a less biased system. Mean Absolute Increment is used to compare observation impact between the two systems. This shows that the 1-day system has larger mean absolute increments than the 3-day system indicating the observations are having a greater impact with the shorter cycle length. Whilst this alone does not guarantee a better forecast system, analysis of 7-day parallel forecasts shows that the 1-day cycle system delivers improvement in predictability, particularly for western boundary current regions and the sub-surface when compared to all available independent observations. The results are dependent on region, model and observing system, however, suggest the 1-day cycle provides better overall forecast skill. This is thought to come from less biased initial conditions, greater observation impact and improved consistency with respect to the timing of model and observations.
Evaluating the E3SM Land Model at a temperate forest site using flux and soil water measurements
Authors: Liang Junyi , Wang Gangsheng , Ricciuto Daniel M. , Gu Lianhong , Hanson Paul J. , Wood Jeffrey D. , Mayes Melanie A.
Published: March 2018

Abstract. Accurate simulations of soil respiration and carbon dioxide (CO2) efflux are critical to project global biogeochemical cycles and the magnitude of carbon (C) feedbacks to climate change in Earth system models (ESMs). Currently, soil respiration is not represented well in ESMs, and few studies have attempted to address this deficiency. In this study, we evaluated the simulation of soil respiration in the Energy Exascale Earth System Model (E3SM) using long-term observations from the Missouri Ozark AmeriFlux (MOFLUX) forest site in the central U.S. Simulations using the default model parameters significantly underestimated annual soil respiration and gross primary production, while underestimating soil water potential during growing seasons and overestimating it during non-growing seasons. A site-specific soil water retention curve significantly improved modelled soil water potential, gross primary production and soil respiration. However, the model continued to underestimate soil respiration during peak growing seasons, and overestimate soil respiration during non-peak growing seasons. One potential reason may be that the current model does not adequately represent the seasonal cycle of microbial organisms and soil macroinvertebrates, which have high biomass and activity during peak growing seasons and tend to be dormant during non-growing seasons. Our results confirm that modelling soil respiration can be significantly improved by better model representations of the soil water retention curve.
Landslide susceptibility mapping by using GIS along the China–Pakistan economic corridor (Karakoram Highway), Pakistan
Authors: Ali Sajid , Biermanns Peter , Haider Rashid , Reicherter Klaus
Published: March 2018

Abstract. The Karakoram Highway (KKH), as part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), connects Northern Pakistan with Western China. KKH passes through the actively rising mountain ranges of Himalaya, Karakoram and Hindu Kush, forming the junction between the Indian and Eurasian plates, including Kohistan Island Arc. The area is characterized by fractured and weathered rockmass, diverse lithologies (igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary), high seismicity, deep gorges, high relief, arid to Monsoon climate and locally high rates of tectonic activity. These conditions make the study area a unique geohazards laboratory. Starting with its construction in 1979, KKH's stability has been endangered by a variety of geohazards. In that regard, landslides constitute an appreciable threat, having blocked KKH for several times. Therefore, landslide susceptibility mapping was carried out in this study, to support highway authorities in maintaining smooth and hazard free travelling. Geological and geomorphological data were collected and processed using Arc GIS 10.3. Different conditioning and triggering factors for landslide occurrences were considered for preparation of the susceptibility map. These factors include lithology, seismicity, rainfall intensity, faults, elevation, slope angle, aspect, curvature, land cover and hydrology. According to spatial and statistical analyses, active faults, seismicity and slope angle mainly control the spatial distribution of landslides. Each controlling parameter was assigned a numerical weight by utilizing the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method. Additionally, the weighted overlay method (WOL) was employed to determine landslide susceptibility indices. As a final result, the landslide susceptibility map was produced. In the map, KKH was subdivided into four different susceptibility zones. Some sections of the highway fall into high to very high susceptibility zones. According to results, active faults, slope gradient, seismicity and lithology have a strong influence on landslide events. Credibility of the map was validated by landslide density analysis (LDA) and receiver operator characteristics (ROC), yielding a predictive accuracy of 72 % which is rated sufficient for mitigation planning.
A general theory on frequency and time–frequency analysis of irregularly sampled time series based on projection methods – Part 1: Frequency analysis
Authors: Lenoir Guillaume , Crucifix Michel
Published: March 2018

Abstract. We develop a general framework for the frequency analysis of irregularly
sampled time series. It is based on the Lomb–Scargle periodogram, but
extended to algebraic operators accounting for the presence of a polynomial
trend in the model for the data, in addition to a periodic component and a
background noise. Special care is devoted to the correlation between the
trend and the periodic component. This new periodogram is then cast into the
Welch overlapping segment averaging (WOSA) method in order to reduce its
variance. We also design a test of significance for the WOSA periodogram,
against the background noise. The model for the background noise is a
stationary Gaussian continuous autoregressive-moving-average (CARMA) process,
more general than the classical Gaussian white or red noise processes. CARMA
parameters are estimated following a Bayesian framework. We provide
algorithms that compute the confidence levels for the WOSA periodogram and
fully take into account the uncertainty in the CARMA noise parameters.
Alternatively, a theory using point estimates of CARMA parameters provides
analytical confidence levels for the WOSA periodogram, which are more
accurate than Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) confidence levels and, below
some threshold for the number of data points, less costly in computing time.
We then estimate the amplitude of the periodic component with least-squares
methods, and derive an approximate proportionality between the squared
amplitude and the periodogram. This proportionality leads to a new extension
for the periodogram: the weighted WOSA periodogram, which we recommend for
most frequency analyses with irregularly sampled data. The estimated signal
amplitude also permits filtering in a frequency band. Our results
generalise
and unify methods developed in the fields of geosciences, engineering,
astronomy and astrophysics. They also constitute the starting point for an
extension to the continuous wavelet transform developed in a companion
article (Lenoir and Crucifix, 2018). All the methods presented in this paper are
available to the reader in the Python package WAVEPAL.
Diversity work and digital carework in higher education
Authors: Risam Roopika
Published: March 2018

This essay considers digital carework as a frame for the labor required by diversity initiatives in higher education. It situates diversity work in relation to affective labor and uses digital humanities as a case to explore how the emergence of information and communication technologies magnifies the labor demand. Finally, it considers how this hidden labor has important consequences for scholars who undertake diversity work.
Laundering women's history: A feminist critique of the social factory
Authors: Jarrett Kylie
Published: March 2018

Studies of digital labour are closely connected to the concept of immaterial labour and how this has been critically interpreted by Autonomist Marxists who draw upon the concept of the social factory in explaining its wider impacts. The extension of labour and capitalist logics outside factory walls that constitutes the social factory is typically described as a novel feature of contemporary capitalism and particularly the digital economy. This paper critiques this assumption by utilising feminist theories of domestic work and examples of women’s labour history. Using the particular case of Magdalene Laundries in the Irish Free State (1922–1937), it demonstrates that the social factory has a longer history than is usually presumed. It then describes the implications for analysis of digital labour that arise from rejecting the novelty of immaterial labour’s incorporation into capitalism.
Data is airborne; Data is inborn: The labor of the body in technoecologies
Authors: Hogan Mél
Published: March 2018

This article presents a feminist argument about the evolution of data storage in relation to the body — from our current state of wirelessness that relies on data centers for processing and containment, to future imaginaries about embedded and embodied storage in our DNA — as technologies of ‘soft surveillance’ that function largely due to a denial of the body tracked and perforated. It begins with an examination of the proliferation of largely invisible wireless communication technology and intersects with a new materialist feminist framework that complicates which bodies come to matter and explores how the body is repositioned in differently labored environments. This article is also an invitation to critically engage with the forces that propel and, in turn, reinforce what counts, persists, and is made visible in pervasive technoecologies, often at the expense of what remains unaccounted for or hidden. It finishes with a provocation about storing data in DNA — the genetic component of all living things — the future inborn counterpart to our current airborne data.
Examining the Effect of Joint and Dual Audits on Earnings Management Practices
Authors: Mandour Mohamed M. , Elharidy Ali M. , Mokhtar Ekramy S.
Published: March 2018

The purpose of the paper is to determine the impact of the voluntary adoption of the joint external audit approach in reducing earnings management practices through accruals and real operations compared with the adoption of the dual external audit approach. The research follows a quantitative approach to collect and analyze data from companies listed on the Egyptian Stock Exchange during the period 2010-2014. 104 firm-year observations are tested in the sample. The findings of the empirical study shows evidence that there are consistent earnings management practices in the studied sample regardless of the type of audit (joint or dual). There is a negative association between joint audit and discretionary accruals compared to dual audit. This means that firms with joint audit are less engaged in accrual earnings management practices. In addition, large firms that adopt joint audit are less engaged in accrual earnings management. However, there is no effect of joint audit on real earnings management practices compared to dual audit. Our results are consistent for firm size, profitability and leverage. Both firm profitability and leverage show positive association with earnings management practices while size did not have a significant effect on either type of practice. Finally, we find that firms with high (low) profitability that adopt joint audits are less (more) likely to engage in real earnings management practices. Our results are of use to regulators, external auditors and investors.
The Library of Thomas B. Catron and the Transformation of New Mexico
Authors: Taylor Michael L.
Published: March 2018

Thomas B. Catron, an influential lawyer and politician who helped establish the state of New Mexico, formed a large library that provides an alternative perspective on the dramatic transformation of New Mexican society in the territorial period (1850–1912). This article investigates the library's three main parts—an extensive law library, a collection of rare Latin Americana, and the Catron family's home library of general literature—and analyzes the significance of each in regard to major themes in New Mexico history.
“It is simply out of the question to eliminate the colorline”: The Development of Black Library Service in Atlanta and the Integration of the Atlanta Public Library
Authors: Hanbury Dallas
Published: March 2018

The first southern recipient of a library construction grant from Andrew Carnegie, the Atlanta Public Library (APL) from the beginning of its development and throughout the twentieth century struggled with questions of race. As it conformed to southern racial norms of the early twentieth century, the APL institutionalized segregation. After integration, the APL long dealt with the effects of having practiced segregation. The history of the development of public library service in Atlanta, the APL's struggle with race, and its efforts to come to terms with its segregated past, suggests that the APL shared a similar pattern of response to questions of race with other southern, particularly urban, public libraries.
Identification of epiphytic yeasts and bacteria with potential for biocontrol of grey mold disease on table grapes caused by Botrytis cinerea
Authors: Kasfi Kazem , Taheri Parissa , Jafarpour Behrooz , Tarighi Saeed
Published: March 2018

The objective of this study was to identify grapevine epiphytic yeasts and bacteria for biocontrol of Botrytis cinerea on grapes. Antagonistic yeasts and bacteria were isolated from the epiphytic flora associated with grape berries and leaves cv. ‘Thompson seedless’ from vineyards in Iran and identified by sequencing the conserved genomic regions. A total of 130 yeast and bacterial isolates from the surface of grapevine were screened in vitro for determining their antagonistic effect against B. cinerea and used to control postharvest gray mold. Among the 130 isolates, five yeasts and four bacterial isolates showed the greatest antagonistic activity in vitro against B. cinerea. Two yeasts species including Meyerozyma guilliermondii and Candida membranifaciens had high antagonistic capability against the pathogen. Also, 4 bacterial isolates belonging to Bacillus sp. and Ralstonia sp. showed significant biocontrol effect against B. cinerea. The isolates were capable of producing volatile and non-volatile substances, which suppressed the pathogen growth. The antagonistic activity of selected yeasts and bacteria against the pathogen was investigated on wounded berries of ‘Thompson seedless’. On small clusters with intact berries, all of the antagonistic isolates considerably reduced the decay on grape berries and inhibition of gray mold incidence on fruits treated by these isolates was less than 50%, except for the isolate N1, which had higher capability in inhibiting the disease incidence. These results suggest that antagonist yeasts and bacteria with potential to control B. cinerea on grape can be found in the microflora of grape berries and leaves.
Población solo-móvil y estimación electoral en España el caso de las elecciones andaluzas de 2012
Authors: Pasadas-del-Amo Sara
Published: March 2018

El objetivo del artículo consiste en determinar el efecto que tiene la exclusión de la población «solo-móvil» sobre la precisión de las predicciones electorales realizadas con encuestas telefónicas en España. Para ello, se analizan los datos de las elecciones autonómicas andaluzas de 2012, en las que todas las encuestas preelectorales fallaron sus pronósticos. Los resultados demuestran cómo encuestar exclusivamente en fijos produjo sesgos significativos en la estimación de voto, sobrestimando al PP-A y subestimando a PSOE-A e IU-CA. En línea con investigaciones internacionales similares, los datos muestran también que la falta de cobertura está muy estructurada en torno a importantes variables sociodemográficas que apuntan a que este problema podría estar produciendo sesgos en la medición de otros temas de interés para la investigación social y política en nuestro país.
Board Size, Crisis, and Firm Performance: Evidence from Banks
Authors: Zion Uri Ben , Markarian Garen
Published: March 2018

A large body of research has found conflicting results on the relation between board size and firm performance, where studies indicate that board size is positively, negatively, or is unrelated to firm performance. Using a global sample of 120,000 banks, this study extends the extant literature in a number of important ways: we find that an inverted U-curve characterizes the board size-performance relation, especially for publicly owned non-EU firms. Second, and in contrast, we find that the negative board size-performance correlation is explained by a rational risk-return relation, where small board firms are riskier and follow non-traditional banking strategies. Consequently, we find that banks with small boards performed poorly during the 2008 global credit crisis.
Sugarcane Bud Chip Encapsulation for ex vitro Synthetic Seed Formation
Authors: Silva Janniffer C. da , Neto Aurélio R. , Severiano Eduardo Da Costa , Silva Fabiano G. , Dornelles Diego P.
Published: March 2018

Altough the sugarcane crop had a huge world importance the planting system stil the same since the development, needing changes to increase the procution potential. So, the objective of this study was to assess the effect of sugarcane bud chip encapsulation on the initial growth of seedlings. To provide informations for a new planting system, using small stem pieces of sugarcane to produce the seedlings. Two experiments were conducted in a completely randomized design. In the first, bud chip encapsulation was assessed with six concentrations of sodium alginate (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 g L-1) cross-linked with 300 mM calcium chloride, with the encapsulated chips being kept in a greenhouse. In the second experiment, the capsules resulting from the different sodium alginate concentrations were tested for the dry mass adhered to the bud chip, moisture, swelling index, biodegradability, and solubility. Emergence greater than 70% was obtained at sodium alginate concentrations of 0, 10, and 20 g L-1. The 30, 40, and 50 g L-1 concentrations inhibited seedling emergence and initial growth; however, when the capsule was removed, the bud chips formed viable seedlings. Encapsulation inhibited emergence because the capsule acts as a physical barrier; however, encapsulation may be used for bud chip preservation. The study of new capsules and encapsulation methods may enable the ex vitro production of synthetic sugarcane seeds.
Simulated Traffic Dynamic Loading on Physical Properties of a Red Latosol under No-Tillage
Authors: Santos Divina Cleia Resende dos , Viana Paulo Márcio Fernandes , Silva Gisele Carneiro , Reis Elton Fialho
Published: March 2018

The use of intensive mechanization in no-tillage areas can change soil physical conditions, mainly in the “Cerrado”, which has reduced cover ratio. This study aimed to evaluate physical and mechanical properties of a red latosol under no-tillage and subjected to simulated dynamic traffic in different surfaces conditions. For this, soil samples were collected, with dimensions of 0.2 × 0.2 × 0.3 m (height, width and length), in an area subjected to no-tillage in the last four years. Subsequently, samples were transported to the laboratory and subjected to different traffic levels in a simulator. Shortly after, a completely randomized experimental design was set up, in factorial 2 × 5, with two covers (with and without haystack) and five traffic levels (zero, one, two, four and eight run overs) applied by the simulator. Assessed physical properties were superficial settlement, soil density, compaction degree and pre-consolidation pressure. Results showed that superficial settlement, soil density and compaction degree were significantly influenced by soil cover and traffic intensity. Pre-consolidation was not affected by cover, and had higher values when subjected to more traffic intensity.
Repair of Defect in Thoracic Wall Associated with Neoplasms—Literature Review
Authors: Pazzini Josiane Morais , Huppes Rafael Ricardo , Castro Jorge Luiz Costa , Cassino Pedro Carvalho , Moreira Stella Habib , Alvaréz Jorge Luis Gomez , Repetti Cláudia Sampaio Fonseca , Queiroz Thayana Neiva de Lima , Nardi Andrigo Barboza De
Published: March 2018

The major malignant tumors found on the chest wall are sarcomas, including osteosarcomas, chondrosarcomas, fibrosarcomas, and hemangiosarcomas. Treatment of cancer, as well as chronic chest wall conditions, require radical surgical excision of the involved tissues. In addition to surgery, chemotherapy plays a role as adjuvant treatment in tumors affecting the chest wall, reducing chances of metastasis and prolonging the disease. The restoration of the chest wall has the main objective to restore the respiratory function, for this, a procedure is necessary that keeps the chest closed and stable. There are many materials used for chest repair, such as autogenous, synthetic, homologous and heterologous tissues. The main objective of this literature review is to address the main malignancies that affect the chest wall, as well as the resources most used to repair the damage caused by aggressive surgery in an attempt to promote greater safety margins.
Control of Jointvetch (Aeschynomene spp.), Establishment and Productivity of Rice as a Function of [Imazapic + Imazapyr] Doses
Authors: Concenço G. , Andres A. , Schreiber F. , Moisinho I. S. , Martins M. B.
Published: March 2018

We aimed with this work to evaluate the efficiency of the herbicide [imazapic + imazapyr] in the weed control, especially of the jointvetch, and its reflex in rice plant establishment and grain yield. A field study was conducted, where treatments were: control without herbicide application; Kifix® 140g ha-1 (24.5 ga.i. ha-1 imazapic + 73.5 ga.i. ha-1 imazapyr) and Kifix® 280 g ha-1 (49 ga.i. ha-1 imazapic + 147 ga.i. ha-1 imazapyr). We evaluated crop emergence up to 25 days after sowing, crop plant height 12 days after emergence (DAE), jointvetch plant density 31 and 62 DAE, jointvetch dry mass 62 DAE and general weed infestation 62 DAE. At the end of the crop cycle we evaluated grains per panicle, panicle and 1000 grain weight, panicle density and crop grain yield. There is a risk of 15% reduction in the establishment of Clearfield® rice plants when the maximum dose of the herbicide [imazapic + imazapyr] is applied pre-emergence, but under appropriate conditions, the crop development tends to compensate for this reduction in establishment. The herbicide [imazapic + imazapyr] is effective on jointvetch, but under high infestation conditions, as in the present study, a complementary herbicide application is required to achieve adequate control of jointvetch and avoid rice grain yield reduction due to competition.
Production of Cashew Rootstocks Submitted to Organic and Mineral Fertilization
Authors: Sousa Valéria F. de O. , Santos Gisele L. dos , Rodrigues Marília H. B. , Pimenta Senyonne F. , Diniz Genilson L. , Ribeiro Michel D. S. , Oliveira Agda M. F. de , Santos José J. F. dos , Silva Rosilene A. da
Published: March 2018

The use of grafted seedlings is a cultural practice that aims at the optimization of agricultural production, and materials of organomineral added to the substrate can help in the well development. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the application of increasing doses of organic and mineral material on the development of cashew rootstocks. The test was conducted in the experimental area of the Federal University of Campina Grande (UFCG), campus Pombal-PB in the period from July to September 2017. The treatments were constituted of five increasing doses of organic matter (0, 100, 200, 300 and 400 g of bovine manure) and four levels of mineral fertilizer (0, 1, 2 and 3 g of NPK). The design was in randomized blocks, distributed in factorial 5 × 4, with 4 replications. For the planting, it was used creole seeds originary of the city of Livramento do Cariri Paraibano and substrate composed by sand texture Franco sandy. At 60 days after sowing, the following variables were analyzed: plant height (cm), leaf diameter (mm), number of leaves, leaf area (cm2), fresh and dry mass, leaf, stem, shoot (g), percentage of biomass (%) and quality index of seedlings. Based on the results obtained, it is concluded that the organic and mineral combination (1 g of NPK and 200 g of bovine manure) provided the greatest increases in vegetative growth characteristics and quality of rootstocks in the cashew tree.
In vitro Plantlets Regeneration from Nodal Segments of Murici (Byrsonima gardneriana)
Authors: Sá Francisca S. , Porto Jorge M. P. , Brito Alone L. , Santana José R. F. , Souza Rafaeli A. V. , Braga Francyane T.
Published: March 2018

This study aimed to develop efficient protocols for the in vitro micropropagation of Byrsonima gardneriana. Nodal segments were obtained from seedlings germinated in vitro with 60 days of life. These were inoculated in MS/2 supplemented with 87.64 µM of sucrose and solidified with 0.7% of agar, supplemented with different concentrations of cytokinin 6-benzylaminopurine (0.0; 2.0; 4.0 and 8.0 µM) associated with different concentrations of auxin, indole acetic acid (0.0; 0.5 and 1.0 µM) and naphthaleneacetic acid (0.0; 0.5 and 1.0 µM). The sprouting were individualized and transferred to MS/2 cultures with different concentrations of indole butyric acid (0.0; 1.0; 2.0 and 3.0 µM), and presence and absence of activated charcoal (1.0 g L-1). The use of concentrations from 2.0 to 4.0 µM 6-benzylaminopurine was efficient in the multiplication of B. gardneriana, given that, using concentrations above these, a decrease in this efficiency occurs. The use of auxin interfered negatively with the results. In vitro rooting occurs even in medium free of auxin. The activated charcoal was insufficient for rooting. The use of growth regulators 6-benzylaminopurine and indole butyric acid are efficient in micropropagation of B. gardneriana, however, further studies should be performed to optimize this protocol.
Comparison of Bread-Making Quality on Saccharomyces cerevisiae Strain YTPR1 Prepared in Different Conditions
Authors: Nagai Takeshi , Tanoue Yasuhiro , Kai Norihia , Suzuki Nobutaka
Published: March 2018

The aim of study was to investigate bread-making quality on wild-type S. cerevisiae YTPR1 isolated from pear Red Bartlett fruits harvested in Yamagata, Japan, and was to compare its qualities on YTPR1 prepared in different conditions. Bread produced using frozen strain YTPR1 had a thin skin and crisp skin surface in crust, and had a moist and soft eat-feeling in crumb. Loaf was spread largely, but its bottom had relatively density. Loaf showed the same weight and volume, moisture, expansion ratio, specific volume, weight loss, and breaking force of crumb as that using commercially available dried yeast. In crust of loaf, L* value was higher but a* and b* values were lower than those of commercially available dried yeast. From results of brownness index, crust had a light brown color (golden brown color). In crumb, loaf was evaluated as appreciable in color difference. That is, loaf had an even baked color (desirable golden brown color). On the other hand, bread-making qualities on freeze-dried yeast, trehalose-addition yeast, glycerol-addition yeast, and L-glutamic acid-addition yeast were inferior to that on commercially available dried yeast. It concluded that high quality of bread with acceptable attributes could be produced using frozen yeast strain YTPR1 isolated from pear Red Bartlett fruits. However, these substances had not functions as cryoprotectant or cryosensitizer on yeast cells.
Cranially-based nasolabial flaps for the reconstruction of nasal surgical defects
Authors: Kerem Hakan , Bali Ulaş , Sönmez Erhan , Evrenos Mustafa Kürşat
Published: March 2018

Background Cranially-based nasolabial flaps are a good alternative for the reconstruction of nasal defects.

Methods A cranially-based nasolabial flap was used in 18 patients to reconstruct defects of the nose from 2010 to 2016, and the long-term results are presented in this report.

Results Fifteen of the flaps completely survived. All the patients had a bulky appearance, but they did not want to undergo a second operation for cosmesis. The dissection of the flap took approximately 20 minutes, and the total operation lasted for 1 hour. The patients were hospitalized for 1–7 days, and the postoperative follow-up period was 1–28 months (mean, 17 months).

Conclusions The cranially-based nasolabial flap possesses all the advantages of the traditional forehead flap, and can safely be used in selected cases.
Safety of long-term subcutaneous free flap skin banking after skin-sparing mastectomy
Authors: Verstappen Ralph , Djedovic Gabriel , Morandi Evi Maria , Heiser Dietmar , Rieger Ulrich Michael , Bauer Thomas
Published: March 2018

Background A persistent problem in autologous breast reconstruction in skin-sparing mastectomies is skin restoration after skin necrosis or secondary oncological resection. As a solution to facilitate reconstruction, skin banking of free-flap skin has been proposed in cases where the overlying skin envelope must be resected, as this technique spares the patient an additional donor site. Herein, we present the largest series to date in which this method was used. We investigated its safety and the possibility of skin banking for prolonged periods of time.

Methods All skin-sparing mastectomies and immediate autologous breast reconstructions from December 2009 until June 2013 at our institution were analysed.

Results We identified 31 patients who underwent 33 free flap reconstructions in which skin banking was performed. Our median skin banking period was 7 days, with a maximum duration of 171 days. In 22.5% of cases, the banked skin was used to reconstruct overlying skin defects, and in 9.6% of cases to reconstruct the nipple-areolar complex. Microbiological and histological investigations of the banked skin revealed neither clinical infections nor malignancies.

Conclusions In situ skin banking, even for prolonged periods of time, is a safe and cost-effective method to ensure that skin defects due to necrosis or secondary oncological resection can be easily reconstructed.
Ozone Therapy in joint pathology [abstract]
Authors: Shah Gautam
Published: March 2018

Aim.
Ozone therapy is minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of various medical problems including osteoarthritis, frozen shoulder etc .We report the treatment on a series of patients affected by joint pathology, treated by injection of oxygen-ozone gas mixture. This is an experience of treating acute and chronic disease of the large joints (knee, shoulder, hip) by intra and peri-articular injections of an oxygen- ozone gas mixture. The patients were assessed before and after treatment. In addition to a resolution of joint pain, patients had a good functional recovery of their daily activities and the treatment was well-tolerated.

Methods.
Forty–three patients, ages ranging from 32 years through 76 years were treated with the injection of oxygen-ozone mixture. Indications for treatment were hip and knee osteoarthritis, and frozen shoulder .All patients were treated with multiple, intermittent injections at regular intervals. Under local anesthesia approximately 20 ml of an ozone-oxygen mixture of 10ug/ml ozone was injected with1a 22G needle puncture under C –arm guidance where necessary. After 2 and 6 weeks patients were asked to rate the treatment success on a numeric pain scale from 0 to 10.Patients were put on a rehabilitative physiotherapy program at 2 weeks.

Results.
After 2 weeks, most patients had satisfactory pain relief of various degrees. Four patients reported no change (all had advanced stages of osteo arthritis). On follow up, 2 of those had effective pain relief while the remaining 2 had no change, and went on for surgery. At a 6 week follow up pain relief was still satisfactory for all.

Conclusions.
Joint disorders can very successfully be treated by means of oxygen-ozone mixture locally administered. The medical ozone injection is thought to affect both the mechanical and inflammatory components of pain. Ozone therapy is a promising treatment option for patients with symptomatic joint pathology, failed conservative therapies, and are not considered candidates for open surgery.