bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Jovan Hranilovic’s work on founding the Novi Sad section of Journalists’ Association of Yugoslavia
Authors: Barovic Vladimir , Pralica Dejan
Published: October 2014

Jovan Hranilovic was an important poet, literary and theatre critic. Neither
his journalistic career has ever been analysed nor has any research been
made about him although he worked in media as a journalist, an editor and a
manager. Some authors have analyzed his role in foundation and organization
of the first Novi Sad section of the Journalists? association of Yugoslavia
(JNU), which was established in 1922. Jovan Hranilovic was a prominent
manager and, afterwards, the first president of Jedinstvo, a daily paper
famous for its informative and political reporting. He was also the most
important advocate for establishing the support fund for journalists
threatened by sudden illnesses or job losses. The authors have studied moral
and ethical principles in journalism which he advocated as the president of
the Novi Sad section of JNU, as well as how he saw the role and importance
of the newspapers in the media system of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and
Slovenes. The analysis of the texts that Hranilovic published as the editor
and manager of Jedinstvo enables us to determine his specific media
discourse. Furthermore, we can grasp his media initiative used to promote
the journalists? association he was leading and the humanitarian activities
he undertook.
Naphthenic acids - alternative rooting stimulators in black locust microshoots
Authors: Kovacevic Branislav , Kevresan Slavko , Orlovic Sasa , Miladinovic Dragana , Cirin-Novta Vera , Kuhajda Ksenija , Katanic Marina
Published: October 2014

The study describes the rooting effect of naphthenates and their fractions on
in vitro grown Robinia pseudoacacia L. shoots. Natural naphthenic acids have
been isolated by alkaline extraction from middle fraction of crude oil type
?Velebit? from Vojvodina, characterized and fractionated. Black locust shoot
bases were immersed in ACM medium [Ahuja, 1984] without agar supplemented
with either 10, 50 or 100 ?M of basic naphthenate preparation, naphthenate
fractions obtained by extraction at different pHs (pH 2, pH 4, pH 7 and pH
9), or indole- 3-butyric acid (IBA). Treated shoots have been then grown on
hormone-free medium for four weeks. Significant differences among test
treatments were recorded during the third and the fourth week of in vitro
cultivation. Final evaluation was performed on the basis of rooting
percentage after four weeks of cultivation. The highest rooting percentage
(>70%) was achieved after the treatment with solution containing 50 ?M of
IBA. However, treatment with 10 ?M of naphthenate preparation achieved also
positive effect on rooting (>60%). Average rooting percentage in the control
treatment was just 45%. Our results with black locust confirm previous
results gained with some other agricultural and forest tree species that
naphthenates have the potential to stimulate rooting in shoots and cuttings.
Occupational therapy based on Canadian Model of Occupational Performance and Engagement in rehabilitation process in patient with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Bac Aneta , Chrabota Urszula , Aleksander-Szymanowicz Paulina
Published: October 2014

Introduction: The article introduces the fundamental principles of the Canadian Model of Occupational Performance and Engagement (CMOP-E) and the Canadian Practice Process Framework (CPPF).

Case study: The model specifies and describes the main areas of interest of occupational therapists ‒ the person, the occupation and environment, and mutual relations and interdependencies between these components. It takes into consideration not only the aspect the occupation being performed by the patient, but also the significance of the patient’s involvement in the activity performed. The Canadian model is based on the model of client-centred practice.

Summary: Apart from the elaboration on the theoretical principles of the CPPF-based therapeutic process, this paper also presents an example of the practical application of this model involving work with a rheumatoid patient.
The influence of different recultivation techniques on primary production processes in a degraded urban lake
Authors: Grochowska Jolanta , Brzozowska Renata , Parszuto Katarzyna
Published: October 2014

The study was conducted in Lake Długie located in Olsztyn, the Masurian Lake District. In the 1950s and in the 1960s, Lake Długie was used for 20 years as a collector of raw domestic and storm sewage. This has led to complete degradation of the lake. After preliminary protection measures implemented in the catchment, the lake was restored by artificial aeration and phosphorus inactivation methods. Long-term recultivation of the reservoir resulted in a significant and long-lasting improvement of the water quality. Before restoration, the average concentration of organic phosphorus in the surface water layer amounted to 0.166 mg Porg l−1 and of organic nitrogen — to 3.0 mg Norg l−1. After restoration, these values decreased to 0.058 mg Porg l−1 and 2.0 mg Norg l−1. The results obtained eight years after the recultivation of Lake Długie are extremely interesting. The amounts of chlorophyll a did not exceed 7 μg l−1, water transparency remained at a depth of 2.9 m, and BOD5 did not exceed 2 mg O2 l−1. These observations show that during implementation of recultivation treatments, only chemical parameters of the water significantly changed, while biological elements reacted to the treatments with some delay.
Effect of temperature on physiology and bioenergetics of adult Harris mud crab Rhithropanopeus harrisii (Gould, 1841) from the southern Baltic Sea
Authors: Hegele-Drywa Joanna , Normant Monika
Published: October 2014

Rates of physiological processes and bioenergetics of the Harris mud crab Rhithropanopeus harrisii were determined during a 7-day experiment on adult males (mean wet weight 0.83 ± 0.16 g) exposed to temperatures of 15°C and 20°C (S = 7). The results show that the change in temperature by 5°C caused detectable changes in locomotor activity, food consumption and faeces production and significant (p < 0.05) changes in metabolic rates. Food assimilation efficiency and the ammonia excretion rate did not change significantly (p > 0.05). The energy expended on metabolic processes was similar at both temperatures (15°C and 20°C) and amounted to 17.7 ± 6.4% and 16.7 ± 4.3% of the assimilated energy, respectively. Similar values were obtained for net production efficiency K2 (P/A) at 15°C and 20°C, i.e. 80.4 ± 22.4% and 82.9 ± 9.7%, respectively. The amount of energy available for production was 2-fold higher at a temperature of 20°C than at 15°C and amounted to 103.69 ± 25.61 and 206.40 ± 20.76 J d−1g−1 wet wt, respectively. The results show that from the bioenergetic point of view, higher experimental temperature is more “profitable” for adult R. harrisii specimens because it provides better conditions for the growth and reproduction.
The first record of Piscicola pojmanskae Bielecki, 1994 in the Gulf of Gdańsk (the southern Baltic Sea) with species characteristics distinguishing it from Piscicola geometra (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Kendzierska Halina , Dąbrowska Anna , Cichocka Joanna , Janas Urszula , Bielecki Aleksander
Published: October 2014

Specimens of Piscicola pojmanskae were identified in the macrozoobenthos community in Zostera meadows in Puck Bay. The presented paper is the first report on the observation of this species in the Gulf of Gdańsk (the southern Baltic Sea). Leeches are a rare component of the benthic fauna in this brackish water area.
Improving the Generic Camera Calibration technique by an extended model of calibration display
Authors: Reh T. , Li W. , Burke J. , Bergmann R. B.
Published: October 2014

Generic camera calibration is a method to characterize vision sensors by describing a line of sight for every single pixel. This procedure frees the calibration process from the restriction to pinhole-like optics that arises in the common photogrammetric camera models. Generic camera calibration also enables the calibration of high-frequency distortions, which is beneficial for high-precision measurement systems. The calibration process is as follows: To collect sufficient data for calculating a line of sight for each pixel, active grids are used as calibration reference rather than static markers such as corners of chessboard patterns. A common implementation of active grids are sinusoidal fringes presented on a flat TFT display. So far, the displays have always been treated as ideally flat. In this work we propose new and more sophisticated models to account for additional properties of the active grid display: The refraction of light in the glass cover is taken into account as well as a possible deviation of the top surface from absolute flatness. To examine the effectiveness of the new models, an example fringe projection measurement system is characterized with the resulting calibration methods and with the original generic camera calibration. Evaluating measurements using the different calibration methods shows that the extended display model substantially improves the uncertainty of the measurement system.
Reduced symmetry and analogy to chirality in periodic dielectric media
Authors: Giden I. H. , Turduev M. , Kurt H.
Published: October 2014

Much attention has been paid to photonic applications based on periodic media. Meanwhile, quasi-periodic and disordered media have extended the research domain and provided additional novelties for manipulating and controlling light propagation. This review article attempts to highlight the benefits of symmetry reduction in highly symmetric periodic photonic media, and applies the concept of chirality to all-dielectric materials arranged in special orders. Two-dimensional periodic structures known as photonic crystals (PCs) are highly symmetric in terms of structural patterns, due to the lattice types and shape of the elements occupying the PC unit-cell. We propose the idea of intentionally introducing reduced-symmetry, to search for anomalous optical characteristics so that these types of PCs can be used in the design of novel optical devices. Breaking either translational or rotational symmetries of PCs provides enhanced and additional optical characteristics such as creation of a complete photonic bandgap, wavelength demultiplexing, super-collimation, tilted self-collimation, and beam deflecting/routing properties. Utilizing these characteristics allows the design of several types of photonic devices such as polarization-independent waveguides, wavelength demultiplexers, beam deflectors, and routers. Moreover, reducing the symmetry in the PC unit-cell scale produces a novel feature in all-dielectric PCs that is known as chirality. On the basis of above considerations, it is expected that low-symmetric PCs can be considered as a potential structure in photonic device applications, due to the rich inherent optical properties, providing broadband operation, and being free of absorption losses.
Optical-fiber thermal-wave-cavity technique to study thermal properties of silver/clay nanofluids
Authors: Noroozi M. , Radiman S. , Zakaria A. , Shameli K. , Deraman M. , Soltaninejad S. , Abedini A.
Published: October 2014

Thermal properties enhancement of nanofluids have varied strongly with synthesis technique, particle size and type, concentration and agglomeration with time. This study explores the possibility of changing the thermal wave signal of Ag/clay nanofluids into a thermal diffusivity measurement at well dispersion or aggregation of nanoparticles in the base fluid. Optical-Fiber Thermal-Wave-Cavity (OF-TWC) technique was achieved by using a small amount of nanofluid (only 0.2 mL) between fiber optic tip and the Pyroelectric detector and the cavity-length scan was performed. We established the accuracy and precision of this technique by comparing the thermal diffusivity of distilled water to values reported in the literature. Assuming a linear Pyroelectric signal response, the results show that adding clay reduced the thermal diffusivity of water, while increasing the Ag concentration from 1 to 5 wt.% increased the thermal diffusivity of the Ag nanofluid from 1.524 × 10−3 to 1.789 × 10−3 cm2/s. However, in particular, nanoparticles show the tendency to form aggregates over time that correlated with the performance change of thermal properties of nanofluid. Our results confirm the high sensitivity of OF-TWC technique raises the potential to be applied to measuring the optical and thermal properties of nanofluids. Furthermore, this technique allows the extraction of information not obtained using other traditional techniques.
Numerical calculation of temperature sensing in seawater based on microfibre resonator by intensity-variation scheme
Authors: Yang H. J. , Wang J. , Wang S. S.
Published: October 2014

A seawater temperature sensing and detection method based on microfibre resonator (MR) by intensity-variation scheme is proposed, which has the advantages of high sensitivity and low detection limit. The dependences of sensitivity on probing wavelength, fibre diametre and ring diametre are studied. Results show that probing wavelength influences the sensitivity by the absorption loss predominantly. Larger absorption loss results in lower sensitivity, which is much different with resonant-wavelength-shift scheme. And sensitivity increases with the increasing ring diametre due to the decreasing bending loss and increasing Q-factor. In addition, there may exist an optimal fibre diametre, with which the sensitivity is maximized. By tuning the parameters of system, sensitivity can be tuned from 0.0784 NI/°C to 13.79 NI/°C (NI is the abbreviation of normalized intensity). Correspondingly, dynamic range changes from 11.77°C to 0.08°C. Additionally, the dependences of detection limit on wavelength, fibre diametre, and ring diametre are also investigated, which are opposite to that of sensitivity. For different temperatures, the dependences of sensitivity and detection limit at some typical temperatures are studied, which shows that high sensitivity and low detection limit are related to high temperature, and the optimal fibre diametres for high sensitivity and low detection limit are the same at different temperatures. The lowest detection limit is estimated to be 10-7°C level, which is four orders of magnitude smaller than that of the traditional method. Results shown here are beneficial to find the optimal parameters for the temperature sensors, and offer helpful references for assembling micro-photonics device used in seawater sensing and detection.
ECOLOGY AND DIVERSITY OF WILDLIFE IN THE ECO-PARK OF THE JAMUNA BRIDGE AND ITS ADJACENT AREA, SIRAJGONJ, BANGLADESH
Authors: Rahman Hasibur , Jaman M. Firoj , Rahman Md. Saidur
Published: October 2014

Animal diversity of an area is a good indicator for understanding a healthy habitat. We conducted a detail study on ecology and the wildlife diversity in the Eco-park of Jamuna bridge and its adjacent area of Sirajgonj district from April 2010 to March 2011. We employed transect line method and interviewed local people to reveal the status and distribution of wild animal and identify their microhabitats. A total of 89 species of wild animals was recorded, of which, 6 (6.74%) species were amphibians, 11 (12.36%) reptiles, 56 (62.93%) birds and 16 (17.94%) mammals. Regarding relative abundance, 18 (20.22%) species of wildlife were very common, 35 (39.33%) common, 28 (31.46%) fairly common, 7 (7.87%) few and only one (1.12%) was occasionally found. In total 25 species of wildlife were identified as threatened category. In amphibians, 3 species were vulnerable nationally. In reptiles, 4 species were vulnerable and one endangered. In birds, 4 species were vulnerable, 6 endangered and one critically endangered (Gallicrex cinerea). In mammals, 3 vulnerable and 3 endangered nationally. Among the amphibians, skipper frog (Euplyctis cyanophlyctis) and toad (Bufo melanostictus) frequently occurred. Among the reptiles, common garden lizard (Calotis versicolor), common skink (Mabuya carinata) and cheekered keel back water snake (Xenochorphis piscator) were frequently occurred. Among the birds, common myna (Acrodotheres tristis), pied myna (A. fuscus), black drongo (Dicrurus macrocercus) and house crow (Corvus splendens) occurred frequently. Among the mammals, shrew (Suncus murinus), flying fox (Pteropus giganteus) and black rat (Rattus rattus) frequently occurred. Our study shows that illegal exploitation of trees, overgrazing of domestic animals, shooting and collection of young animals are the mentionable causes for declining wild animals. We suggest that awareness creation and preparation of proper management action plan in cooperation with related national and international organizations are necessary in order to protect the wildlife resources in the study area. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/eco.v20i0.11327Ecoprint: An International Journal of EcologyVol. 20, 2013Page : 27-36
Compensatory Plasticity in the Deaf Brain: Effects on Perception of Music
Authors: Good Arla , Reed Maureen , Russo Frank
Published: October 2014

When one sense is unavailable, sensory responsibilities shift and processing of the remaining modalities becomes enhanced to compensate for missing information. This shift, referred to as compensatory plasticity, results in a unique sensory experience for individuals who are deaf, including the manner in which music is perceived. This paper evaluates the neural, behavioural and cognitive evidence for compensatory plasticity following auditory deprivation and considers how this manifests in a unique experience of music that emphasizes visual and vibrotactile modalities.
Bianchi Type I Cosmological Models in Eddington-inspired Born–Infeld Gravity
Authors: Harko Tiberiu , Lobo Francisco , Mak Man
Published: October 2014

We consider the dynamics of a barotropic cosmological fluid in an anisotropic, Bianchi type I space-time in Eddington-inspired Born–Infeld (EiBI) gravity. By assuming isotropic pressure distribution, we obtain the general solution of the field equations in an exact parametric form. The behavior of the geometric and thermodynamic parameters of the Bianchi type I Universe is studied, by using both analytical and numerical methods, for some classes of high density matter, described by the stiff causal, radiation, and pressureless fluid equations of state. In all cases the study of the models with different equations of state can be reduced to the integration of a highly nonlinear second order ordinary differential equation for the energy density. The time evolution of the anisotropic Bianchi type I Universe strongly depends on the initial values of the energy density and of the Hubble function. An important observational parameter, the mean anisotropy parameter, is also studied in detail, and we show that for the dust filled Universe the cosmological evolution always ends into isotropic phase, while for high density matter filled universes the isotropization of Bianchi type I universes is essentially determined by the initial conditions of the energy density.
Association between Screen Viewing Duration and Sleep Duration, Sleep Quality, and Excessive Daytime Sleepiness among Adolescents in Hong Kong
Authors: Mak Yim , Wu Cynthia , Hui Donna , Lam Siu , Tse Hei , Yu Wing , Wong Ho
Published: October 2014

Screen viewing is considered to have adverse impacts on the sleep of adolescents. Although there has been a considerable amount of research on the association between screen viewing and sleep, most studies have focused on specific types of screen viewing devices such as televisions and computers. The present study investigated the duration with which currently prevalent screen viewing devices (including televisions, personal computers, mobile phones, and portable video devices) are viewed in relation to sleep duration, sleep quality, and daytime sleepiness among Hong Kong adolescents (N = 762). Television and computer viewing remain prevalent, but were not correlated with sleep variables. Mobile phone viewing was correlated with all sleep variables, while portable video device viewing was shown to be correlated only with daytime sleepiness. The results demonstrated a trend of increase in the prevalence and types of screen viewing and their effects on the sleep patterns of adolescents.
Structural Aspects LiNbO3 Nanoparticles and Their Ferromagnetic Properties
Authors: Diaz-Moreno Carlos , Farias-Mancilla Rurik , Elizalde-Galindo Jose , González-Hernández Jesus , Hurtado-Macias Abel , Bahena Daniel , José-Yacamán Miguel , Ramos Manuel
Published: October 2014

We present a solid-state synthesis of ferromagnetic lithium niobate nanoparticles (LiNbO3) and their corresponding structural aspects. In order to investigate the effect of heat treatments, two batches of samples with a heat-treated (HT) and non-heat-treated (nHT) reduction at 650 °C in 5% of hydrogen/argon were considered to investigate the multiferroic properties and their corresponding structural aspects; using magnetometry and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). Results indicate the existence of ferromagnetic domains with a magnetic moment per unit cell of 5.24 × 10−3 μB; caused mainly due to voids and defects on the nanoparticle surface, as confirmed by STEM measurements.
Le cycle de la conjoncture chez Schumpeter : éternel retour du même ?
Authors: Lapied André , Swaton Sophie
Published: October 2014

Cet article s’inscrit dans la lignée de précédents travaux visant à rapprocher l’entrepreneur schumpétérien et le surhumain nietzschéen. Les deux partagent une créativité pouvant s’interpréter comme l’extériorisation d’un surcroît de force qui, dans l’optique nietzschéenne, s’assimile à la source extra-morale de l’accroissement de la vie. Reste à savoir si le cadre dans lequel ils évoluent est le même. Au-delà d’une approche historique du cycle de la conjoncture, notre hypothèse est que l’approche philosophique d’un cycle du devenir s’avère être féconde pour une interprétation enrichie du cycle de la conjoncture, complétant et prolongeant ainsi notre interprétation du surhumain et de l’entrepreneur.
Comparison of Expert Modeling Versus Voice-Over PowerPoint Lecture and Presimulation Readings on Novice Nurses’ Competence of Providing Care to Multiple Patients
Authors: Franklin Ashley E. , Sideras Stephanie , Gubrud-Howe Paula , Lee Christopher S.
Published: October 2014

Due to today’s complex needs of hospitalized patients, nurses’ competence and strategies to improve competence are of growing importance. Simulation is commonly used to influence competence, but little evidence exists for comparing how presimulation assignments influence competence. A randomized control trial was used to compare the efficacy of three simulation preparation methods (expert modeling/intervention, voice-over PowerPoint/active control, and reading assignments/passive control) on improving competence for providing care to multiple patients among senior undergraduate novice nurses. Competence was measured at two time points (baseline and following a 5-week intervention) by two blinded raters using the Creighton Simulation Evaluation Instrument. Twenty novice nurses participated in the trial. No significant differences were noted in raw improvements in competence among the three groups, but the expert modeling (Cohen’s
d
= 0.413) and voice-over PowerPoint methods (Cohen’s
d
= 0.226) resulted in greater improvements in competence, compared with the passive control. [
J Nurs Educ.
2014;53(11):615–622.]
Ablación láser de recubrimientos de politetrafluoretileno (PTFE) aplicados sobre sustratos EN AW-5251
Authors: Guerrero Vaca Guillermo R. , Sevilla Hurtado Lorenzo , Soriano Reyes Carlos
Published: October 2014

En la actualidad se utilizan diversos sistemas de eliminación de recubrimientos ricos en politetrafluoretileno (PTFE) sobre sustratos metálicos: granallado, pirólisis, procedimientos químicos y combinaciones de ellos, presentando todos ellos serias dificultades. En el presente trabajo se propone el uso de ablación láser para eliminar recubrimientos ricos en PTFE que previamente han sido aplicados en chapas de la aleación de aluminio magnesio EN AW-5251 H34. Para ello se han analizado los valores del límite elástico convencional, resistencia a la tracción, alargamiento porcentual, energía retenida por impacto y dureza. También se ha evaluado la distribución del tamano de grano a nivel microestructural, el tamano medio de grano ASTM y la distribución de partículas constituyentes. Los estudios se han efectuado en tres etapas sucesivas de aplicación y eliminación láser del recubrimiento. De forma paralela, se determinan y se comparan las propiedades con los mismos sustratos y etapas, pero eliminados por pirólisis. De la comparación de los resultados se concluye que la eliminación por ablación láser no produce un empobrecimiento anadido de las propiedades de los sustratos y que puede convertirse en una alternativa industrial a los procedimientos de eliminación tradicionales.
Effects of Vegetation Structure and Artificial Nesting Habitats on Hatchling Sex Determination and Nest Survival of Diamondback Terrapins
Authors: Grosse Andrew M. , Crawford Brian A. , Maerz John C. , Buhlmann Kurt A. , Norton Terry , Kaylor Michelle , Tuberville Tracey D.
Published: October 2014

It is often the case that multiple factors contribute to wildlife population declines such that management will require simultaneous, integrated interventions to stabilize and recover populations. Diamondback terrapins Malaclemys terrapin are a species of high conservation priority, and local populations can be threatened by multiple factors, including bycatch in commercial and recreational crab pots, vehicle strikes on coastal roads, nest depredation from subsidized and introduced predators, and terrestrial habitat alteration. Mitigation of just one of these factors will often be insufficient for recovering at-risk populations; thus, information to manage multiple threats is needed. We measured the effects of natural vegetation structure and constructed (artificial) nesting habitat on hatchling sex ratios and nest depredation for a declining terrapin population on Jekyll Island, Georgia. Nest temperatures were highest on constructed nesting mounds, intermediate in open grass areas, and coolest under the shrub-dominated hedgerows. Higher nest temperatures led to shorter incubation times for nests on mounds and open habitat, such that all surviving nests on nesting mounds and open areas produced female hatchlings. In contrast, surviving nests under hedge produced 85% male hatchlings. Raccoon Procyon lotor predation rates of simulated (chicken egg) nests were highest on nesting mounds (95.3%), followed by hedge (84.4%) and open habitats (45.2%). Our results demonstrate that vegetation management can positively affect both production of female hatchlings and nest survival. Artificial nest mounds were successful at producing female hatchlings, but we documented high predation of simulated (chicken egg) nests despite structures to exclude predators. Further modifications to nest boxes atop constructed nesting mounds are needed for these devices to effectively contribute to population management. We suggest the relatively low cost and maintenance associated with removing shrubs and trees can be a viable strategy to manage large areas of nesting habitat for the increased production of female turtles, and to reduce the impacts of subsidized predators.
Homeostasis of Thymus-Derived Foxp3+ Regulatory T Cells Is Controlled by Ultraviolet B Exposure in the Skin
Authors: Yamazaki Sayuri , Nishioka Akiko , Kasuya Saori , Ohkura Naganari , Hemmi Hiroaki , Kaisho Tsuneyasu , Taguchi Osamu , Sakaguchi Shimon , Morita Akimichi
Published: October 2014

Accumulating evidence shows that immunological tolerance induced by Ag administration together with UVB irradiation is dependent on Foxp3+ CD4+ regulatory T (Treg) cells. However, the mechanisms by which UVB controls Treg cells in the skin are currently unclear. In this study, we have shown that exposure to UVB induced expansion of Treg cells up to 50–60% of the CD4+ T cells in the irradiated skin. The Treg cell expansion in the skin lasted for 2 wk after exposure, which contributed to homeostasis of Treg cells in the periphery later. UVB-expanded Treg cells formed clusters with dendritic cells and proliferated in situ. Furthermore, the expanded Treg cells appeared to derive from neuropilin 1+ thymus-derived Treg (tTreg) cells in the periphery because UVB-expanded Treg cells possessed Treg cell–specific CpG hypomethylation pattern, as seen in tTreg cells. These results collectively indicate that homeostasis of tTreg cells is controlled by UVB exposure in the skin. UVB therapy may be useful for not only inflammatory skin disorders, but also autoimmunity, transplantation, and allergy.
Differential Requirement for IL-2 and IL-15 during Bifurcated Development of Thymic Regulatory T Cells
Authors: Marshall Daniel , Sinclair Charles , Tung Sim , Seddon Benedict
Published: October 2014

The developmental pathways of regulatory T cells (Treg) generation in the thymus are not fully understood. In this study, we reconstituted thymic development of Zap70-deficient thymocytes with a tetracycline-inducible Zap70 transgene to allow temporal dissection of Treg development. We find that Treg develop with distinctive kinetics, first appearing by day 4 among CD4 single-positive (SP) thymocytes. Accepted models of CD25+Foxp3+ Treg selection suggest development via CD25+Foxp3− CD4 SP precursors. In contrast, our kinetic analysis revealed the presence of abundant CD25−Foxp3+ cells that are highly efficient at maturing to CD25+Foxp3+ cells in response to IL-2. CD25−Foxp3+ cells more closely resembled mature Treg both with respect to kinetics of development and avidity for self-peptide MHC. These population also exhibited distinct requirements for cytokines during their development. CD25–Foxp3+ cells were IL-15 dependent, whereas generation of CD25+Foxp3+ specifically required IL-2. Finally, we found that IL-2 and IL-15 arose from distinct sources in vivo. IL-15 was of stromal origin, whereas IL-2 was of exclusively from hemopoetic cells that depended on intact CD4 lineage development but not either Ag-experienced or NKT cells.
PREDICTING SOIL EROSION AND SEDIMENT YIELD IN THE TAPACURÁ CATCHMENT, BRAZIL
Authors: Da Silva Richarde Marques , Santos Celso A. G. , Silva Alexandro Medeiros
Published: October 2014

The EPM is a model for qualifying the erosion severity and estimating the total annual sediment yield. The EPM uses empirical coefficients (erodibility coefficient, protection coefficient and erosion coefficient) and a matrix of the basin physical characteristics. The EPM gives a quantitative estimation of erosion intensity as well as the estimation of sediment yield and transportation. To analyze the suitability of the Gavrilovic method for use with GIS techniques, we prepared cartographic data on geology, pedology, slope, temperature and land use in digital form. A raster-based Geographic Information System (GIS) was applied to generate the erosion-severity and sediment yield maps. In order to validate the EPM estimated erosion, data annual sediment yield were collected between 1999 and 2007. The results showed a mean sediment delivery ratio (SDR) of around 8% and a calculated mean sediment yield of 0.108 t/ha/year, which is close to the observed one, 0.169 t/ha/year. The obtained soil loss map could be considered as a useful tool for environmental monitoring and water resources management.
WATER AVAILABILITY IN SOUTHERN PORTUGAL FOR DIFFERENT CLIMATE CHANGE SCENARIOS SUBJECTED TO BIAS CORRECTION
Authors: Mourato Sandra , Moreira Madalena , Corte-Real João
Published: October 2014

Regional climate models provided precipitation and temperature time series for control (1961-1990) and scenario (2071-2100) periods. At southern Portugal, the climate models in the control period systematically present higher temperatures and lower precipitation than the observations. Therefore, the direct input of climate model data into hydrological models might result in more severe scenarios for future water availability.

Three bias correction methods (Delta Change, Direct Forcing and Hybrid) are analysed and their performances in water availability impact studies are assessed. The Delta Change method assumes that the observed series variability is maintained in the scenario period and is corrected by the evolution predicted by the climate models. The Direct Forcing method maintains the scenario series variability, which is corrected by the bias found in the control period, and the Hybrid method maintains the control model series variability, which is corrected by the bias found in the control period and by the evolution predicted by the climate models.

To assess the climate impacts in the water resources expected for the scenario period, a physically based spatially distributed hydrological model, SHETRAN, is used for runoff projections in a southern Portugal basin. The annual and seasonal runoff shows a runoff decrease in the scenario period, increasing the water shortage that is already experienced. The overall annual reduction varies between -80% and -35%. In general, the results show that the runoff reductions obtained with climate models corrected with the Delta Change method are highest but with a narrow range that varies between -80% and -52%.
A Pan-Cancer Modular Regulatory Network Analysis to Identify Common and Cancer-Specific Network Components
Authors: Knaack Sara A. , Siahpirani Alireza Fotuhi , Roy Sushmita
Published: October 2014

Many human diseases including cancer are the result of perturbations to transcriptional regulatory networks that control context-specific expression of genes. A comparative approach across multiple cancer types is a powerful approach to illuminate the common and specific network features of this family of diseases. Recent efforts from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) have generated large collections of functional genomic data sets for multiple types of cancers. An emerging challenge is to devise computational approaches that systematically compare these genomic data sets across different cancer types that identify common and cancer-specific network components. We present a module- and network-based characterization of transcriptional patterns in six different cancers being studied in TCGA: breast, colon, rectal, kidney, ovarian, and endometrial. Our approach uses a recently developed regulatory network reconstruction algorithm, modular regulatory network learning with per gene information (MERLIN), within a stability selection framework to predict regulators for individual genes and gene modules. Our module-based analysis identifies a common theme of immune system processes in each cancer study, with modules statistically enriched for immune response processes as well as targets of key immune response regulators from the interferon regulatory factor (IRF) and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) families. Comparison of the inferred regulatory networks from each cancer type identified a core regulatory network that included genes involved in chromatin remodeling, cell cycle, and immune response. Regulatory network hubs included genes with known roles in specific cancer types as well as genes with potentially novel roles in different cancer types. Overall, our integrated module and network analysis recapitulated known themes in cancer biology and additionally revealed novel regulatory hubs that suggest a complex interplay of immune response, cell cycle, and chromatin remodeling across multiple cancers.
The effects of springtime mid-latitude storms on trace gas composition determined from the MACC reanalysis
Authors: Knowland K. E. , Doherty R. M. , Hodges K. I.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. The relationship between springtime air pollution transport of ozone (O3) and carbon monoxide (CO) and mid-latitude cyclones is explored for the first time using the Monitoring Atmospheric Composition and Climate (MACC) reanalysis for the period 2003–2012. In this study, the most intense spring storms (95th percentile) are selected for two regions, the North Pacific (NP) and the North Atlantic (NA). These storms (~60 storms over each region) often track over the major emission sources of East Asia and eastern North America. By compositing the storms, the distributions of O3 and CO within a "typical" intense storm are examined. We compare the storm-centered composite to background composites of "average conditions" created by sampling the reanalysis data of the previous year to the storm locations. Mid-latitude storms are found to redistribute concentrations of O3 and CO horizontally and vertically throughout the storm. This is clearly shown to occur through two main mechanisms: (1) vertical lifting of CO-rich and O3-poor air isentropically from near the surface to the mid- to upper-troposphere in the region of the warm conveyor belt; and (2) descent of O3-rich and CO-poor air isentropically in the vicinity of the dry intrusion, from the stratosphere toward the mid-troposphere. This can be seen in the composite storm's life cycle as the storm intensifies, with area-averaged O3 (CO) increasing (decreasing) between 200 and 500 hPa. At the time of maximum intensity, area-averaged O3 around the storm center at 300 hPa is enhanced by 50 and 36% for the NP and NA regions respectively, compared to the background, and by 11 and 7.6% at 500 hPa. In contrast, area-averaged CO at 300 hPa decreases by 12% for NP and 5.5% for NA, and at 500 hPa area-averaged CO decreases by 2.4% for NP while there is little change over the NA region at 500 hPa. From the mid-troposphere, O3-rich air is clearly seen to be transported toward the surface but the downward transport of CO-poor air is not discernible due to the high levels of CO in the lower troposphere. Area-averaged O3 is slightly higher at 1000 hPa (3.5 and 1.8%, for the NP and NA regions, respectively). There is an increase of CO at 1000 hPa for the NP region (3.3%) relative to the background composite and a slight decrease in area-averaged CO for the NA region at 1000 hPa (−2.7%).
Validation of COSMIC ionospheric peak parameters by the measurements of an ionosonde chain in China
Authors: Hu L. , Ning B. , Liu L. , Zhao B. , Li G. , Wu B. , Huang Z. , Hao X. , Chang S. , Wu Z.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. Although the electron density profiles (EDPs) from Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate (COSMIC) measurement have been validated by ionosonde data at a number of locations during the solar minimum period, the performance of COSMIC measurements at different latitudes has not been well evaluated, particularly during the solar maximum period. In this paper the COSMIC ionospheric peak parameters (peak electron density of the F region – NmF2; peak height of the F region – hmF2) are validated by the ionosonde data from an observation chain in China during the solar maximum period of 2011–2013. The validations show that the COSMIC measurement generally agrees well with the ionosonde observation. The error in NmF2 from COSMIC and ionosonde measurements varies with latitude. At midlatitude stations, the differences between COSMIC NmF2s and those of ionosondes are very slight. However, COSMIC NmF2 overestimates (underestimates) that of the ionosonde at the north (south) of the equatorial ionization anomaly (EIA) crest. The relative errors of hmF2s are much lower than those of NmF2s at all stations, which indicates the EDP retrieval algorithm of the COSMIC measurement has a better performance in determining the ionospheric peak height. The root mean square errors (RMSEs) of NmF2s (hmF2s) are higher (lower) during the daytime than during the nighttime at all stations. Correlation analysis shows that the correlations for both NmF2s and hmF2s are comparably good (correlation coefficients > 0.9) at midlatitude stations, while correlations of NmF2 (correlation coefficients > 0.9) are higher than those of hmF2 (correlation coefficients > 0.8) at low-latitude stations.
Study of the Jacobian of an Extended Kalman Filter for soil analysis in SURFEXv5
Authors: Duerinckx A. , Hamdi R. , Mahfouf J.-F. , Termonia P.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. An externalised surface scheme like SURFEX allows computationally cheap offline runs. This is a major advantage for surface assimilation techniques such as the Extended Kalman Filter (EKF), where the offline runs allow a cheaper numerical estimation of the observation operator Jacobian. In the recent past an EKF has been developped within SURFEX for the initialisation of soil water content and soil temperature based on screen-level temperature and relative humidity observations. In this paper we make a comparison of the Jacobian calculated with offline SURFEX runs and with runs coupled to the atmospheric ALARO model. Comparisons are made with respect to spatial structure and average value of the Jacobian, gain values and increments. We determine the optimal perturbation size of the Jacobian for the offline and coupled approaches and compare the linearity of the Jacobian for these cases. Results show that the offline Jacobian approach gives similar results as the coupled approach and it allows for smaller perturbation sizes that better approximate this linearity assumption. We document a new case of non-linearities that can hamper this linearity assumption and cause spurious 2Δt oscillations in small parts of the domain for the coupled as well as the offline runs. While these oscillations do not have a detrimental effect on the model run, they can introduce some noise in the Jacobian in the affected locations. The oscillations influence both the surface fluxes and the screen-level variables. The oscillations occur in the late afternoon in summer when a stable boundary layer starts to form near the surface. We propose a filter to remove the oscillations and show that this filter works accordingly.
The Value Relevance and Predictability of IFRS Accounting Information: The Case of GCC Stock Markets
Authors: Desoky Abdelmohsen M. , Mousa Gehan A.
Published: October 2014

This paper investigates some earning attributes (as the value relevance and predictability) of accounting information provided under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS ) in the Bahrain Bourse (BHB) and the Muscat Securities Market (MSM). The sample used in this research consists of 280 year-firm observations from 40 different companies listed in BHB; and a total 203 year-firm observations from 29 companies listed in MSM covering the period 2005-11. The findings of the study suggest that, for BHB, the adoption of IFRS leads to improvement in the value relevance of financial reporting contradictory predictability attribute as predictability of accounting information in listed companies of BHB is reduced after the adaption of IFRS. In MSM, the adoption of IFRS captures approximately similar value relevance of accounting information before adoption IFRS, however, predictability of accounting information improves after the adaption of IFRS. It was clear that the IFRS adoption by companies in MSM enhances the predictability of accounting information more than in BHB.
Critical Organisational Success Factors Used In the Evaluation of Training & Development
Authors: Tshukudu Theophilus Tebetso
Published: October 2014

Evaluation of training and development does not take place in a vacuum, but is influenced by various critical organizational success factors. These factors include creating a culture, developing leadership, performance management and creating a learning organization. Various organizational factors are critical to the effective evaluation of training and development initiatives. Evaluation of training and development cannot be separated from organizational culture as culture directs the behavior of employees. As a result, careful attention should be given to establishing a culture that is supportive for the attainment of training and development objectives. The main aim of this article is to highlight the importance of critical organizational success factor for effective evaluation of training and development in the Botswana public service sector.
Effects of fertilization on the production of an edible forest fruit: stone pine (Pinus pinea L.) nuts in south-west Andalusia
Authors: Calama R. , Madrigal G. , Candela J. A. , Montero G.
Published: October 2014

The pine nut from the stone pine (Pinus pinea L.) is the most important edible fruit in mediterranean forests. Despite this fact, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the application of agronomy techniques in stands of this species to increase pine nut production. Our study focuses on the effect of mineral fertilization on cone production and size, which in turn, are closely related to nut yield and quality. Cone production and quality was analysed in a randomized experiment installed in south west Spain, comparing the effect of different doses of lime superphosphate, dolomite and potassium. A significant short term increase in cone production and quality exists as a consequence of fertilization, especially in those treatments involving the addition of larger quantity of dolomite. Nevertheless, effect of mineral fertilization on cone yield and quality was lower than expected, so further increments might be achieved through nitrogenous and organic fertilizations to improve soil structure in these sandy soils.
Stand Density Management Diagrams for two Mediterranean pine species in Eastern Spain
Authors: Valbuena P. , Del Peso C. , Bravo F.
Published: October 2014

Stand Density Management Diagrams are useful tools for designing, displaying and evaluating alternative density management regimes in even-aged stands, with which to achieve a desired future stand condition. The stands studied, of Pinus halepensis and Pinus pinaster, have low productivity, and managers need easy, efficient tools to obtain the best yield. These diagrams help the managers of these stands determine thinning prescriptions. The relationship between stand density, dominant height, quadratic mean diameter and stand volume is represented in just one graph. Two equations were fitted simultaneously: one that relates quadratic mean diameter with stand density and dominant height, and another that relates total stand volume with quadratic mean diameter, stand density and dominant height.
Methodology for the classification and structural characterization of landscapes in Spanish forest districts
Authors: Garcia-Feced C. , González-Ávila S. , Elena-Rosselló R.
Published: October 2014

The Forest Resources Management Plans are basic planning tools of the current Spanish Forest Law. Landscape ecology principles and methods on a regional scale are applicable to these Plans. This paper, part of ECOPORF project, proposes a methodology for the classification of landscapes in forest districts and the characterization of their structure. The definitive Landscape Types integrate the abiotic variables used in a previous Land Classification and the biotic information provided by the Spanish Forest Map (1:50.000). The calculation of certain landscape indices determines the characteristic composition and configuration of each Landscape Type. Finally, a method is proposed for the design of stratified sampling in landscape monitoring studies. This methodology provides a basic starting point for further development of Forest Resources Management Plans.
De posttraumatische stressstoornis als grondslag voor een verzoek tot uitkering uit het Schadefonds Geweldsmisdrijven: een experimentele vignetstudie
Authors: Kunst Maarten
Published: October 2014

Financial compensation from the Dutch Violent Offences Compensation Fund for posttraumatic stress disorder: an experimental vignette study

Victims of violent crime who suffer from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can request financial compensation from the Dutch Violent Offences Compensation Fund (VOCF). Problematic with this is that PTSD is amenable for malingering. Malingering involves the invention or exaggeration of psychological symptoms or the attribution of such symptoms to wrong causes. If malingered PTSD remains undetected, the VOCF will run the risk of compensating damages which do not exist. The literature suggests that malingering can be detected by focusing on extreme scores on symptom screeners. The results of the current study, however, seem to suggest that this may not be an adequate strategy.