bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pricing of Biomethane Products Targeted at Private Households in Germany—Product Attributes and Providers’ Pricing Strategies
Authors: Herbes Carsten , Braun Lorenz , Rube Dennis
Published: March 2016

In the effort to combat global warming, renewable energies play a key role. However, most efforts are still focused on the electricity market, so renewables remain underrepresented in the heat market. Biomethane derived from biogas is an intriguing option for using renewable energy to generate heat in residential homes. However, biomethane comes at a significantly higher cost than natural gas, meaning providers have to ask a price premium from consumers. Determining a pricing strategy is thus of crucial importance. Besides cost, providers have to consider consumers’ willingness-to-pay (WTP) for the product. We propose that they could draw on existing research on WTP for green electricity, albeit with some important modifications and scarce research on biomethane. To explore this proposition, we performed a first-of-its-kind analysis of providers’ pricing strategies for biomethane, using both providers’ published data and data provided in response to e-mail queries. Based on the features and prices of 165 biomethane-based gas products for private households in Germany, we find that features that could, according to existing research, elicit a higher WTP are not priced accordingly. As the consumer market for biomethane is still in its early development, our results suggest opportunities for providers to ask higher prices for certain biomethane-based gas products.
Public Debt, Public Investment and Economic Growth in Mexico
Authors: Sánchez-Juárez Isaac , García-Almada Rosa
Published: March 2016

The primary objective of this article is to answer the following two research questions: has the growing public debt of state governments promoted increased public investment? If the answer is yes, then does any increase in public investment lead to more growth in the Mexican states? Dynamic Models of panel data and the Generalized Method of Moments, with information for 32 states from 1993 to 2012, were used for this purpose. The econometric results confirmed that public debt is positively correlated with public investment and that this in turn generates economic growth. This does not mean that a good economic policy strategy has been followed, since the marginal positive impact of public investment, and therefore the public debt on the production per person, is reduced (1% increase in the interaction between public investment and public debt variable causes a 0.0005% increase in economic growth). This suggests deviations from the debt contracted for purposes other than production, which could lead to a situation of unsustainability of state public finances in the medium term.
Distribution Pattern of Landslides Triggered by the 2014 Ludian Earthquake of China: Implications for Regional Threshold Topography and the Seismogenic Fault Identification
Authors: Zhou Suhua , Chen Guangqi , Fang Ligang
Published: March 2016

The 3 August 2014 Ludian earthquake with a moment magnitude scale (Mw) of 6.1 induced widespread landslides in the Ludian County and its vicinity. This paper presents a preliminary analysis of the distribution patterns and characteristics of these co-seismic landslides. In total, 1826 landslides with a total area of 19.12 km2 triggered by the 3 August 2014 Ludian earthquake were visually interpreted using high-resolution aerial photos and Landsat-8 images. The sizes of the landslides were, in general, much smaller than those triggered by the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake. The main types of landslides were rock falls and shallow, disrupted landslides from steep slopes. These landslides were unevenly distributed within the study area and concentrated within an elliptical area with a 25-km NW–SE striking long axis and a 15-km NW–SE striking short axis. Three indexes including landslides number (LN), landslide area ratio (LAR), and landslide density (LD) were employed to analyze the relation between the landslide distribution and several factors, including lithology, elevation, slope, aspect, distance to epicenter and distance to the active fault. The results show that slopes consisting of deeply weathered and fractured sandstones and mudstones were the more susceptible to co-seismic landslides. The elevation range of high landslide susceptibility was between 900–1300 m and 1800–2000 m. There was a generally positive correlation between co-seismic landslides and slope angle, until a maximum for the slope class 40°–50°. The co-seismic landslides occurred preferably on Southeast (SE), South (S) and Southwest (SW) oriented slopes. Results also show that the landslide concentration tends to decrease with distance from the surface projection of the epicenter rather than the seismogenic fault, and the highest landslide concentration is located within a 5–6 km distance of the seismogenic fault. Regarding the epicenter, the largest landslide clusters were found on the SE, northeast by east (NEE) and nearly West (W) of the epicenter. In addition, we also suggest that statistical results of slope gradients of landslides might imply a threshold topography of the study area within a tectonically active background. By analogy with other events, the statistical results of landslides aspects also imply the seismogenic fault of the Ludian earthquake might have been the Northwest (NW)-trending fault, which is consistent with other studies.
Combining miRNA and mRNA Expression Profiles in Wilms Tumor Subtypes
Authors: Ludwig Nicole , Werner Tamara , Backes Christina , Trampert Patrick , Gessler Manfred , Keller Andreas , Lenhof Hans-Peter , Graf Norbert , Meese Eckart
Published: March 2016

Wilms tumor (WT) is the most common childhood renal cancer. Recent findings of mutations in microRNA (miRNA) processing proteins suggest a pivotal role of miRNAs in WT genesis. We performed miRNA expression profiling of 36 WTs of different subtypes and four normal kidney tissues using microarrays. Additionally, we determined the gene expression profile of 28 of these tumors to identify potentially correlated target genes and affected pathways. We identified 85 miRNAs and 2107 messenger RNAs (mRNA) differentially expressed in blastemal WT, and 266 miRNAs and 1267 mRNAs differentially expressed in regressive subtype. The hierarchical clustering of the samples, using either the miRNA or mRNA profile, showed the clear separation of WT from normal kidney samples, but the miRNA pattern yielded better separation of WT subtypes. A correlation analysis of the deregulated miRNA and mRNAs identified 13,026 miRNA/mRNA pairs with inversely correlated expression, of which 2844 are potential interactions of miRNA and their predicted mRNA targets. We found significant upregulation of miRNAs-183, -301a/b and -335 for the blastemal subtype, and miRNAs-181b, -223 and -630 for the regressive subtype. We found marked deregulation of miRNAs regulating epithelial to mesenchymal transition, especially in the blastemal subtype, and miRNAs influencing chemosensitivity, especially in regressive subtypes. Further research is needed to assess the influence of preoperative chemotherapy and tumor infiltrating lymphocytes on the miRNA and mRNA patterns in WT.
Direct Control of Spin Distribution and Anisotropy in Cu-Dithiolene Complex Anions by Light
Authors: Noma Hiroki , Ohara Keishi , Naito Toshio
Published: March 2016

Electrical and magnetic properties are dominated by the (de)localization and the anisotropy in the distribution of unpaired electrons in solids. In molecular materials, these properties have been indirectly controlled through crystal structures using various chemical modifications to affect molecular structures and arrangements. In the molecular crystals, since the energy band structures can be semi-quantitatively known using band calculations and solid state spectra, one can anticipate the (de)localization of unpaired electrons in particular bands/levels, as well as interactions with other electrons. Thus, direct control of anisotropy and localization of unpaired electrons by locating them in selected energy bands/levels would realize more efficient control of electrical and magnetic properties. In this work, it has been found that the unpaired electrons on Cu(II)-complex anions can be optically controlled to behave as anisotropically-delocalized electrons (under dark) or isotropically-localized electrons like free electrons (under UV), the latter of which has hardly been observed in the ground states of Cu(II)-complexes by any chemical modifications. Although the compounds examined in this work did not switch between conductors and magnets, these findings indicate that optical excitation in the [Cu(dmit)2]2− salts should be an effective method to control spin distribution and anisotropy.
An Effective Electrodeposition Mode for Porous MnO2/Ni Foam Composite for Asymmetric Supercapacitors
Authors: Tsai Yi-Chiun , Yang Wein-Duo , Lee Kuan-Ching , Huang Chao-Ming
Published: March 2016

Three kinds of MnO2/Ni foam composite electrode with hierarchical meso-macroporous structures were prepared using potentiodynamic (PD), potentiostatic (PS), and a combination of PS and PD(PS + PD) modes of electrodeposition. The electrodeposition mode markedly influenced the surface morphological, textural, and supercapacitive properties of the MnO2/Ni electrodes. The supercapacitive performance of the MnO2/Ni electrode obtained via PS + PD(PS + PD(MnO2/Ni)) was found to be superior to those of MnO2/Ni electrodes obtained via PD and PS, respectively. Moreover, an asymmetric supercapacitor device, activated carbon (AC)/PS + PD(MnO2/Ni), utilizing PS + PD(MnO2/Ni) as a positive electrode and AC as a negative electrode, was fabricated. The device exhibited an energy density of 7.7 Wh·kg−1 at a power density of 600 W·kg−1 and superior cycling stability, retaining 98% of its initial capacity after 10,000 cycles. The good supercapacitive performance and excellent stability of the AC/PS + PD(MnO2/Ni) device can be ascribed to its high surface area, hierarchical structure, and interconnected three-dimensional reticular configuration of the nickel metal support, which facilitates electrolyte ion intercalation and deintercalation at the electrode/electrolyte interface and mitigates volume change during repeated charge/discharge cycling. These results demonstrate the great potential of the combination of PS and PD modes for MnO2 electrodeposition for the development of high-performance electrodes for supercapacitors.
Influences of Fucoxanthin on Alveolar Bone Resorption in Induced Periodontitis in Rat Molars
Authors: Kose Oguz , Arabaci Taner , Yemenoglu Hatice , Kara Adem , Ozkanlar Seckin , Kayis Sevki , Duymus Zeynep
Published: March 2016

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of systemic fucoxanthin treatment on alveolar bone resorption in rats with periodontitis. Thirty rats were divided into control, experimental periodontitis (EP), and experimental periodontitis-fucoxanthin (EP-FUCO) groups. Periodontitis was induced by ligature for four weeks. After removal of the ligature, the rats in the EP-FUCO group were treated with a single dose of fucoxanthin (200 mg/kg bw) per day for 28 consecutive days. At the end of the study, all of the rats were euthanized and intracardiac blood and mandible tissue samples were obtained for biochemical, immunohistochemical, and histometric analyses. Fucoxanthin treatment resulted in a slight decrease in tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and interleukin-6 levels and a significant decrease in oxidative stress index. It was observed that fucoxanthin caused a significant reduction in receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-β ligand (RANKL) levels and a statistically non-significant elevation in osteoprotegerin and bone-alkaline phosphatase levels. There were no significant differences in alveolar bone loss levels between the EP and EP-FUCO groups. This experimental study revealed that fucoxanthin provides a limited reduction in alveolar bone resorption in rats with periodontitis. One of the mechanisms underlying the mentioned limited effect might be related to the ability of fucoxanthin to inhibit oxidative stress-related RANKL-mediated osteoclastogenesis.
Resonant Varifocal Micromirror with Piezoresistive Focus Sensor
Authors: Nakazawa Kenta , Sasaki Takashi , Furuta Hiromasa , Kamiya Jiro , Sasaki Hideki , Kamiya Toshikazu , Hane Kazuhiro
Published: March 2016

This paper reports a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) resonant varifocal mirror integrated with piezoresistive focus sensor. The varifocal mirror is driven electrostatically at a resonant frequency of a mirror plate to obtain the wide scanning range of a focal length. A piezoresistor is used to monitor the focal length of the varifocal mirror. The device is made of a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafer and a glass wafer. A mirror plate and a counter electrode are fabricated by a top silicon layer of the SOI wafer and on the glass wafer, respectively. The piezoresistor is fabricated by ion implantation on a supporting beam of the mirror plate. The stress variation of the beam, which is detected by the piezoresistor, correspond the focal length of the varifocal mirror. The focus length varies from −41 to 35 mm at the resonant frequency of 9.5 kHz. The focal length of the varifocal mirror is monitored by the piezoresistor in real time.
Geochemical Characteristics of Trace Elements in the No. 6 Coal Seam from the Chuancaogedan Mine, Jungar Coalfield, Inner Mongolia, China
Authors: Xiao Lin , Zhao Bin , Duan Piaopiao , Shi Zhixiang , Ma Jialiang , Lin Mingyue
Published: March 2016

Fourteen samples of No. 6 coal seam were obtained from the Chuancaogedan Mine, Jungar Coalfield, Inner Mongolia, China. The samples were analyzed by optical microscopic observation, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope equipped with an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer (SEM-EDS), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) methods. The minerals mainly consist of kaolinite, pyrite, quartz, and calcite. The results of XRF and ICP-MS analyses indicate that the No. 6 coals from Chuancaogedan Mine are higher in Al2O3, P2O5, Zn, Sr, Li, Ga, Zr, Gd, Hf, Pb, Th, and U contents, but have a lower SiO2/Al2O3 ratio, compared to common Chinese coals. The contents of Zn, Sr, Li, Ga, Zr, Gd, Hf, Pb, Th, and U are higher than those of world hard coals. The results of cluster analyses show that the most probable carrier of strontium in the coal is gorceixite; Lithium mainly occurs in clay minerals; gallium mainly occurs in inorganic association, including the clay minerals and diaspore; cadmium mainly occurs in sphalerite; and lead in the No. 6 coal may be associated with pyrite. Potentially valuable elements (e.g., Al, Li, and Ga) might be recovered as byproducts from coal ash. Other harmful elements (e.g., P, Pb, and U) may cause environmental impact during coal processing.
Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng: Botanical, Phytochemical, Pharmacological and Nutritional Significance
Authors: Arumugam Greetha , Swamy Mallappa , Sinniah Uma
Published: March 2016

Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng. is a perennial herb belonging to the family Lamiaceae which occurs naturally throughout the tropics and warm regions of Africa, Asia and Australia. This herb has therapeutic and nutritional properties attributed to its natural phytochemical compounds which are highly valued in the pharmaceutical industry. Besides, it has horticultural properties due to its aromatic nature and essential oil producing capability. It is widely used in folk medicine to treat conditions like cold, asthma, constipation, headache, cough, fever and skin diseases. The leaves of the plant are often eaten raw or used as flavoring agents, or incorporated as ingredients in the preparation of traditional food. The literature survey revealed the occurrence 76 volatiles and 30 non-volatile compounds belonging to different classes of phytochemicals such as monoterpenoids, diterpenoids, triterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, phenolics, flavonoids, esters, alcohols and aldehydes. Studies have cited numerous pharmacological properties including antimicrobial, antiinflammatory, antitumor, wound healing, anti-epileptic, larvicidal, antioxidant and analgesic activities. Also, it has been found to be effective against respiratory, cardiovascular, oral, skin, digestive and urinary diseases. Yet, scientific validation of many other traditional uses would be appreciated, mainly to discover and authenticate novel bioactive compounds from this herb. This review article provides comprehensive information on the botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology and nutritional importance of P. amboinicus essential oil and its various solvent extracts. This article allows researchers to further explore the further potential of this multi-utility herb for various biomedical applications.
Effect of Different Pretreatment Methods on Birch Outer Bark: New Biorefinery Routes
Authors: Karnaouri Anthi , Rova Ulrika , Christakopoulos Paul
Published: March 2016

A comparative study among different pretreatment methods used for the fractionation of the birch outer bark components, including steam explosion, hydrothermal and organosolv treatments based on the use of ethanol/water media, is reported. The residual solid fractions have been characterized by ATR-FTIR, 13C-solid-state NMR and morphological alterations after pretreatment were detected by scanning electron microscopy. The general chemical composition of the untreated and treated bark including determination of extractives, suberin, lignin and monosaccharides was also studied. Composition of the residual solid fraction and relative proportions of different components, as a function of the processing conditions, could be established. Organosolv treatment produces a suberin-rich solid fraction, while during hydrothermal and steam explosion treatment cleavage of polysaccharide bonds occurs. This work will provide a deeper fundamental knowledge of the bark chemical composition, thus increasing the utilization efficiency of birch outer bark and may create possibilities to up-scale the fractionation processes.
Comparison of Anti-Oxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects between Fresh and Aged Black Garlic Extracts
Authors: Jeong Yi , Ryu Ji , Shin Jung-Hye , Kang Min , Kang Jae , Han Jaehee , Kang Dawon
Published: March 2016

Numerous studies have demonstrated that aged black garlic (ABG) has strong anti-oxidant activity. Little is known however regarding the anti-inflammatory activity of ABG. This study was performed to identify and compare the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of ABG extract (ABGE) with those of fresh raw garlic (FRG) extract (FRGE). In addition, we investigated which components are responsible for the observed effects. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were used as a pro-oxidant and pro-inflammatory stressor, respectively. ABGE showed high ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging activities and low ROS generation in RAW264.7 cells compared with FRGE. However, inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 and 5-lipooxygenase activities by FRGE was stronger than that by ABGE. FRGE reduced PGE2, NO, IL-6, IL-1β, LTD4, and LTE4 production in LPS-activated RAW264.7 cells more than did ABGE. The combination of FRGE and sugar (galactose, glucose, fructose, or sucrose), which is more abundant in ABGE than in FRGE, decreased the anti-inflammatory activity compared with FRGE. FRGE-induced inhibition of NF-κB activation and pro-inflammatory gene expression was blocked by combination with sugars. The lower anti-inflammatory activity in ABGE than FRGE could result from the presence of sugars. Our results suggest that ABGE might be helpful for the treatment of diseases mediated predominantly by ROS.
A Dynamic Optimization Model for Designing Open-Channel Raceway Ponds for Batch Production of Algal Biomass
Authors: Yadala Soumya , Cremaschi Selen
Published: March 2016

This work focuses on designing the optimum raceway pond by considering the effects of sunlight availability, temperature fluctuations, and harvest time on algae growth, and introduces a dynamic programing model to do so. Culture properties such as biomass productivity, growth rate, and concentration, and physical properties, such as average velocity, pond temperature, and rate of evaporation, were estimated daily depending on the dynamic behavior of solar zenith angle, diurnal pattern of solar irradiance, and temperature fluctuations at the location. Case studies consider two algae species (Phaeodactylum. tricornutum and Isochrysis. galbana) and four locations (Tulsa, USA; Hyderabad, India; Cape Town, South Africa; and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). They investigate the influences of the type of algae strain and geographical location on algae biomass production costs. From our case studies, the combination of I. galbana species grown in Hyderabad, India, with a raceway pond geometry of 30 cm channel depth, about a meter channel width, and 300 m in length, and a harvest interval of every six days yielded the minimum algal biomass production costs. The results of the sensitivity analysis reveal that smaller channel depths and longer ponds (within the ranges considered) are recommended to minimize the net present cost of algae biomass production.
Vibration Measurement in High Precision for Flexible Structure Based on Microscopic Vision
Authors: Tao Xian , Xu De , Zhang Zhengtao , Wang Kai , Qi Xiaobo
Published: March 2016

Vibration measurement for flexible structures is widely used in various kinds of precision engineering fields. However, it is a challenge to measure vibration in special applications, such as cryogenic, dangerous and magnetic interference. In this paper, a high-precision vibration measurement system based on machine vision is designed. The circle center on the target is employed as the image feature. The circle feature is extracted using the improved algorithm based on gradient Hough transform. Then the image Jacobian matrix is used to compute the vibrations in Cartesian space from the image feature changes. Experiments verify the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
An Integrated Field and Remote Sensing Method for Mapping Seagrass Species, Cover, and Biomass in Southern Thailand
Authors: Koedsin Werapong , Intararuang Wissarut , Ritchie Raymond , Huete Alfredo
Published: March 2016

Accurate and up-to-date maps of seagrass biodiversity are important for marine resource management but it is very challenging to test the accuracy of remote sensing techniques for mapping seagrass in coastal waters with variable water turbidity. In this study, Worldview-2 (WV-2) imagery was combined with field sampling to demonstrate the capability of mapping species type, percentage cover, and above-ground biomass of seagrasses in monsoonal southern Thailand. A high accuracy positioning technique, involving the Real Time Kinematic (RTK) Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), was used to record field sample data positions and reduce uncertainties in matching locations between satellite and field data sets. Our results showed high accuracy (90.67%) in mapping seagrass distribution and moderate accuracies for mapping percentage cover and species type (73.74% and 75.00%, respectively). Seagrass species type mapping was successfully achieved despite discrimination confusion among Halophila ovalis, Thalassia hemprichii, and Enhalus acoroides species with greater than 50% cover. The green, yellow, and near infrared spectral channels of WV-2 were used to estimate the above-ground biomass using a multiple linear regression model (RMSE of ±10.38 g·DW/m2, R = 0.68). The average total above-ground biomass was 23.95 ± 10.38 g·DW/m2. The seagrass maps produced in this study are an important step towards measuring the attributes of seagrass biodiversity and can be used as inputs to seagrass dynamic models and conservation efforts.
Background Subtraction Based on Three-Dimensional Discrete Wavelet Transform
Authors: Han Guang , Wang Jinkuan , Cai Xi
Published: March 2016

Background subtraction without a separate training phase has become a critical task, because a sufficiently long and clean training sequence is usually unavailable, and people generally thirst for immediate detection results from the first frame of a video. Without a training phase, we propose a background subtraction method based on three-dimensional (3D) discrete wavelet transform (DWT). Static backgrounds with few variations along the time axis are characterized by intensity temporal consistency in the 3D space-time domain and, hence, correspond to low-frequency components in the 3D frequency domain. Enlightened by this, we eliminate low-frequency components that correspond to static backgrounds using the 3D DWT in order to extract moving objects. Owing to the multiscale analysis property of the 3D DWT, the elimination of low-frequency components in sub-bands of the 3D DWT is equivalent to performing a pyramidal 3D filter. This 3D filter brings advantages to our method in reserving the inner parts of detected objects and reducing the ringing around object boundaries. Moreover, we make use of wavelet shrinkage to remove disturbance of intensity temporal consistency and introduce an adaptive threshold based on the entropy of the histogram to obtain optimal detection results. Experimental results show that our method works effectively in situations lacking training opportunities and outperforms several popular techniques.
On the Achievable Throughput Over TVWS Sensor Networks
Authors: Caleffi Marcello , Cacciapuoti Angela
Published: March 2016

In this letter, we study the throughput achievable by an unlicensed sensor network operating over TV white space spectrum in presence of coexistence interference. Through the letter, we first analytically derive the achievable throughput as a function of the channel ordering. Then, we show that the problem of deriving the maximum expected throughput through exhaustive search is computationally unfeasible. Finally, we derive a computational-efficient algorithm characterized by polynomial-time complexity to compute the channel set maximizing the expected throughput and, stemming from this, we derive a closed-form expression of the maximum expected throughput. Numerical simulations validate the theoretical analysis.
Integrated Social Housing and Health Care for Homeless and Marginally-Housed Individuals: A Study of the Housing and Homelessness Steering Committee in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Buccieri Kristy
Published: March 2016

Homelessness is a complex social issue that requires a coordinated systems approach. In recent years, Canada has seen an emergence of integrated care, the joining of health care and social care, to address the needs of homeless persons. This article documents the findings of open-ended interviews with eleven members of the central east Ontario Housing and Homelessness Framework Steering Committee, comprised of service managers and the Local Health Integration Network. As the system planners for social housing and health care, respectively, members of the group work together to align system approaches for homeless persons. Research by this group identified three challenges of collaborating—their different histories and legislation, varied accountability structures, and differing roles and responsibilities within the central east region of Ontario. The study findings indicate that developing a joint document to guide the work was a process through which members began to work through these differences.
The Impact of Countries’ Roles on the International Photovoltaic Trade Pattern: The Complex Networks Analysis
Authors: Guan Qing , An Haizhong , Hao Xiaoqing , Jia Xiaoliang
Published: March 2016

The expansion of the international PV trade encourages governments to focus on their trade roles in this market, which has increasing impact on their future development of sustainable energy. Thus, an exploration of top traders and their influence on global PV trade pattern is essential as governments seek to develop strategies to improve their global PV market’s discourse power. This study introduces the complex network theory to examine top traders whose default would lead to the collapse of trade pattern and their impactful ways. Moreover, the potential structural reason for top traders’ influence on trade is explored via link prediction. We find that a group of European countries account for 80% of global importation and are the most influential traders and bridges; a group of Asian countries are among the top exporters with half of the global share; and European countries’ high influence is due to their large number of trade partners instead of their trade volume. Above all, a high number of trade partners is more important than trade volume for countries seeking to be top traders. Finally, we discuss these results given the recent promising development of international PV trade.
Bivariate Drought Analysis Using Streamflow Reconstruction with Tree Ring Indices in the Sacramento Basin, California, USA
Authors: Kwak Jaewon , Kim Soojun , Kim Gilho , Singh Vijay , Park Jungsool , Kim Hung
Published: March 2016

Long-term streamflow data are vital for analysis of hydrological droughts. Using an artificial neural network (ANN) model and nine tree-ring indices, this study reconstructed the annual streamflow of the Sacramento River for the period from 1560 to 1871. Using the reconstructed streamflow data, the copula method was used for bivariate drought analysis, deriving a hydrological drought return period plot for the Sacramento River basin. Results showed strong correlation among drought characteristics, and the drought with a 20-year return period (17.2 million acre-feet (MAF) per year) in the Sacramento River basin could be considered a critical level of drought for water shortages.
Rapid range expansion of a newly formed allopolyploid weed in the genus Salsola
Authors: Welles Shana R. , Ellstrand Norman C.
Published: March 2016

PREMISE OF THE STUDY:

Newly formed species (neospecies) can experience a variety of demographic fates, ranging from rapid invasive expansion to rapid extinction. Here we investigate the fate of the neospecies Salsola ryanii 10 years after its initial discovery in the Central Valley of California, USA. This species is an allopolyploid derived via hybridization between the invasive species, S. australis and S. tragus.

METHODS:

We conducted a systematic collection of Salsola species from 53 sites in California. Species‐specific intersimple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers were used to determine the species of each individual collected. The range of S. ryanii identified in this study was compared to the range in 2002 to determine how the range has shifted in the decade between surveys.

KEY RESULTS:

In this survey, we identified 15 sites where S. ryanii was present (28% of sites), a significant population number increase since 2002.

CONCLUSIONS:

Salsola ryanii has undergone a dramatic population number expansion in the decade since it was originally documented. We are not aware of any plant neospecies whose range spontaneously experienced such a dramatic expansion. Salsola ryanii has every indication of being just as invasive as its highly invasive parents.
NONLINEAR REFLECTION PROCESS OF LINEARLY POLARIZED, BROADBAND ALFVÉN WAVES IN THE FAST SOLAR WIND
Authors: Shoda M. , Yokoyama T.
Published: March 2016

Using one-dimensional numerical simulations, we study the elementary process of Alfvén wave reflection in a uniform medium, including nonlinear effects. In the linear regime, Alfvén wave reflection is triggered only by the inhomogeneity of the medium, whereas in the nonlinear regime, it can occur via nonlinear wave–wave interactions. Such nonlinear reflection (backscattering) is typified by decay instability. In most studies of decay instabilities, the initial condition has been a circularly polarized Alfvén wave. In this study we consider a linearly polarized Alfvén wave, which drives density fluctuations by its magnetic pressure force. For generality, we also assume a broadband wave with a red-noise spectrum. In the data analysis, we decompose the fluctuations into characteristic variables using local eigenvectors, thus revealing the behaviors of the individual modes. Different from the circular-polarization case, we find that the wave steepening produces a new energy channel from the parent Alfvén wave to the backscattered one. Such nonlinear reflection explains the observed increasing energy ratio of the sunward to the anti-sunward Alfvénic fluctuations in the solar wind with distance against the dynamical alignment effect.
SOLAR PROMINENCES EMBEDDED IN FLUX ROPES: MORPHOLOGICAL FEATURES AND DYNAMICS FROM 3D MHD SIMULATIONS
Authors: Terradas J. , Soler R. , Luna M. , Oliver R. , Ballester J. L. , Wright A. N.
Published: March 2016

The temporal evolution of a solar prominence inserted in a three-dimensional magnetic flux rope is investigated numerically. Using the model of Titov & Démoulin under the regime of weak twist, the cold and dense prominence counteracts gravity by modifying the initially force-free magnetic configuration. In some cases a quasi-stationary situation is achieved after the relaxation phase, characterized by the excitation of standing vertical oscillations. These oscillations show a strong attenuation with time produced by the mechanism of continuum damping due to the inhomogeneous transition between the prominence and solar corona. The characteristic period of the vertical oscillations does not depend strongly on the twist of the flux rope. Nonlinearity is responsible for triggering the Kelvin–Helmholtz instability associated with the vertical oscillations and that eventually produces horizontal structures. Contrary to other configurations in which the longitudinal axis of the prominence is permeated by a perpendicular magnetic field, like in unsheared arcades, the orientation of the prominence along the flux rope axis prevents the development of Rayleigh–Taylor instabilities and therefore the appearance of vertical structuring along this axis.
STELLAR POPULATIONS OF EARLY-TYPE GALAXIES WITH MID-INFRARED EXCESS EMISSION
Authors: Ko Jongwan , Chung Haeun , Hwang Ho Seong , Lee Jong Chul
Published: March 2016

We present a stellar population analysis of quiescent (without Hα emission) and bright (M

r
< −21.5) early-type galaxies (ETGs) with recent star formation. The ETGs are selected from a spectroscopic sample of SDSS galaxies at 0.04 < z < 0.11 with WISE mid-infrared (IR) and GALEX near-ultraviolet (UV) emissions. We stack the optical spectra of ETGs with different amounts of mid-IR and near-UV excess emissions to measure the strength of 4000 Å break D

n
4000 and the width of Balmer absorption line

that are indicative of recent (∼1 Gyr) star formation activity. The WISE [3.4]–[12] colors show stronger correlations with the spectral features than NUV–r colors. We fit to the stacked spectra with a spectral fitting code, STARLIGHT, and find that the mass fraction of young (

Gyr) and intermediate-age (∼1–5 Gyr) stars in the ETGs with mid-IR excess emission is ∼4%–11%, depending on the template spectrum used for the fit. These results show that the ETGs with mid-IR excess emission have experienced star formation within the last 1–5 Gyr and that the mid-IR emission is a useful diagnostic tool for probing recent star formation activity in ETGs.
THE SHAPING OF THE MULTIPOLAR PRE-PLANETARY NEBULA CRL 618 BY MULTIDIRECTIONAL BULLETS
Authors: Huang Po-Sheng , Lee Chin-Fei , Moraghan Anthony , Smith Michael
Published: March 2016

In order to understand the formation of the multipolar structures of the pre-planetary nebula CRL 618, we perform 3D simulations using a multidirectional bullet model. The optical lobes of CRL 618 and fast molecular outflows at the tips of the lobes have been found to have similar expansion ages of ∼100 yr. Additional fast molecular outflows were found near the source along the outflow axes with ages of ∼45 yr, suggesting a second episode of bullet ejections. Thus, in our simulations, two episodes of bullet ejections are assumed. The shaping process is simulated using the ZEUS-3D hydrodynamics code that includes molecular and atomic cooling. In addition, molecular chemistry is also included to calculate the CO intensity maps. Our results show the following: (1) Multiepoch bullets interacting with the toroidal dense core can produce the collimated multiple lobes as seen in CRL 618. The total mass of the bullets is ∼0.034 M
⊙, consistent with the observed high-velocity (HV) CO emission in fast molecular outflows. (2) The simulated CO J = 3–2 intensity maps show that the low-velocity cavity wall and the HV outflows along the lobes are reasonably consistent with the observations. The position–velocity diagram of the outflows along the outflow axes shows a linear increase of velocity with distance, similar to the observations. The ejections of these bullets could be due to magnetorotational explosions or nova-like explosions around a binary companion.
WATER ICE AT THE SURFACE OF THE HD 100546 DISK*
Authors: Honda M. , Kudo T. , Takatsuki S. , Inoue A. K. , Nakamoto T. , Fukagawa M. , Tamura M. , Terada H. , Takato N.
Published: March 2016

We made near-infrared multicolor imaging observations of a disk around Herbig Be star HD 100546 using Gemini/NICI. K (2.2 μm), H2O ice (3.06 μm), and L′ (3.8 μm) disk images were obtained and we found a 3.1 μm absorption feature in the scattered light spectrum, likely due to water ice grains at the disk surface. We compared the observed depth of the ice absorption feature with the disk model based on Oka et al., including the water ice photodesorption effect by stellar UV photons. The observed absorption depth can be explained by both the disk models with and without the photodesorption effect within the measurement accuracy, but the model with photodesorption effects is slightly more favored, implying that the UV photons play an important role in the survival/destruction of ice grains at the Herbig Ae/Be disk surface. Further improvement to the accuracy of the observations of the water ice absorption depth is needed to constrain the disk models.
THE IBIS SOFT GAMMA-RAY SKY AFTER 1000 INTEGRAL ORBITS*
Authors: Bird A. J. , Bazzano A. , Malizia A. , Fiocchi M. , Sguera V. , Bassani L. , Hill A. B. , Ubertini P. , Winkler C.
Published: March 2016

Here we report an all-sky soft gamma-ray source catalog based on IBIS observations performed during the first 1000 orbits of INTEGRAL. The database for the construction of the source list consists of all good-quality data available, from the launch in 2002, up to the end of 2010. This corresponds to ∼110 Ms of scientific public observations, with a concentrated coverage on the Galactic Plane and extragalactic deep exposures. This new catalog includes 939 sources above a 4.5σ significance threshold detected in the 17–100 keV energy band, of which 120 sources represent previously undiscovered soft gamma-ray emitters. The source positions are determined, mean fluxes are provided in two main energy bands, and these are both reported together with the overall source exposure. Indicative levels of variability are provided, and outburst times and durations are given for transient sources. A comparison is made with previous IBIS catalogs and catalogs from other similar missions.
INTEGRAL UPPER LIMITS ON GAMMA-RAY EMISSION ASSOCIATED WITH THE GRAVITATIONAL WAVE EVENT GW150914
Authors: Savchenko V. , Ferrigno C. , Mereghetti S. , Natalucci L. , Bazzano A. , Bozzo E. , Brandt S. , Courvoisier T. J.-L. , Diehl R. , Hanlon L. , Kienlin A. von , Kuulkers E. , Laurent P. , Lebrun F. , Roques J. P. , Ubertini P. , Weidenspointner G.
Published: March 2016

Using observations of the INTErnational Gamma-Ray Astrophysics Laboratory (INTEGRAL), we place upper limits on the gamma-ray and hard X-ray prompt emission associated with the gravitational wave event GW150914, which was discovered by the LIGO/Virgo Collaboration. The omnidirectional view of the INTEGRAL/SPI-ACS has allowed us to constrain the fraction of energy emitted in the hard X-ray electromagnetic component for the full high-probability sky region of LIGO triggers. Our upper limits on the hard X-ray fluence at the time of the event range from

erg cm−2 to

erg cm−2 in the 75 keV–2 MeV energy range for typical spectral models. Our results constrain the ratio of the energy promptly released in gamma-rays in the direction of the observer to the gravitational wave energy E

E

. We discuss the implication of gamma-ray limits for the characteristics of the gravitational wave source, based on the available predictions for prompt electromagnetic emission.
Perceptions et attitudes liées à la norme ISO 9001 : une analyse auprès de salariés opérationnels
Authors: Eve Arnaud , Sprimont Pierre-Antoine
Published: March 2016

La norme de management de la qualité ISO 9001 est un outil de contrôle. Elle vise la satisfaction du client et l’amélioration continue par la maîtrise des processus de l’organisation. Malgré la littérature abondante sur la norme ISO 9001, les effets de sa perception par les salariés opérationnels sont mal connus. L’article explore au moyen d’entretiens et de cartes cognitives, les déterminants de la perception de la norme ISO 9001 et ses effets sur les attitudes de salariés opérationnels. La recherche est menée dans quatre entreprises françaises. L’étude révèle une typologie des perceptions de la norme ISO 9001. Les résultats montrent que des salariés opérationnels perçoivent en majorité favorablement la norme et que des attitudes positives au travail en résultent. Les attitudes influencées par la norme ISO 9001 s’inscrivent dans le contrôle de l’organisation. L’étude souligne la prépondérance du management dans l’appropriation et la perception de la norme ISO 9001.
Business Model et normalisation comptable : quelle intégration du modèle économique par les IFRS ?
Authors: Disle Charlotte , Périer Stéphane , Bertrand Frédéric , Gonthier-Besacier Nathalie , Protin Philippe
Published: March 2016

L’utilisation du concept de Business Model (BM) dans la littérature académique et dans les échanges professionnels et institutionnels s’est sensiblement accrue au cours des dernières années. Partant du constat qu’il existe dans la littérature plusieurs niveaux de caractérisation du concept de Business Model, cet article se propose d’analyser dans quelle mesure le référentiel IFRS prend en compte ce concept dans son acception la plus sophistiquée. L’analyse approfondie des textes composant le référentiel IFRS nous permet de montrer qu’une grande partie des composantes du Business Model est peu intégrée dans les normes. Considérant que la prise en compte du Business Model par les IFRS pourrait se traduire soit par une divulgation obligatoire d’informations complémentaires sur le BM soit par une comptabilisation conditionnée par le BM, l’article s’interroge alors sur les voies d’intégration potentielles de ce concept par les normes IFRS.
Optimal fluorite/gypsum mineralizer ratio in Portland cement clinkering
Authors: Tobón J. I. , Díaz-Burbano M. F. , Restrepo-Baena O. J.
Published: March 2016

This paper presents an analysis of the joint effect of fluorite and gypsum as mineralizers in the manufacture of Portland cement. A laboratory- scale Box-Behnken statistical design was used to quantify the effects of the explanatory variables fluorite content (0.00, 0.25, 0.50, and 0.75%), fluorite/gypsum ratio (2/15, 1/3 and 8/15), and clinkering temperature (1250, 1300, and 1350 °C) on the response variable free CaO content in the clinker produced. The clinker was characterized by the ethylene method, XRD, DSC and optical microscopy. Free CaO decreases of 81% and 56% were found in the mineralized clinker, compared to the same clinker without mineralizers, at 1300 °C and 1250 °C, respectively. Petrographic analysis showed that at lower temperatures, the amount of alite in the mineralized clinker was higher than the amount of alite in the clinker without mineralizers. The best condition was found for the fluorite/gypsum ratio of 2/15.
An Analysis of Digital Literacy Skills among Thai University Seniors
Authors: Phuapan Piatip , Viriyavejakul Chantana , Pimdee Paitoon
Published: March 2016

Digital literacy and the associated skills are becoming the basic and essential skill set of any employer that wishes to survive in a highly competitive world. Given the global importance of these skills for many sectors including education, medicine, information technology, tourism, etc., the researchers sought to determine which digital literacy skills were most important in using digital technology, communications tools, and/or networks to access, manage, integrate, evaluate, create and communicate information in order to function in a knowledge society. From a multistage random sampling survey of 400 second semester university seniors finishing their degrees in 2014 at 9 Thai public and private universities, it was determined that the ability to evaluate was the most important skill indicator in the development of digital literacy. Analysis was conducted by use of LISREL 8.72.
Application of Courseware Based on Information Retrieval Technology
Authors: Qi Aili , Wang Yunsong , Shen Chengchun
Published: March 2016

distance teaching has become one of important approaches for people to acquire knowledge. However, due to time limit, it is very difficult for people to spare much time from work and life on distance teaching. Besides, for numerous employees, they have mastered some knowledge in their fields, so it is unnecessary to complete all courses of distance teaching. Thus, retrieval knowledge acquisition becomes very crucial. The author proposed a courseware teaching system with retrieval function which effectively solves courseware retrieval based on multimedia information such as image, audit and video. The author applied this system in actual teaching of “Sports Psychology” course, gained favorable teaching effect, and improved students’ learning efficiency and learning effect as well as their initiative and enthusiasm for acquiring knowledge.
Analysis of Blended Learning Scheme Based on Cloud Computing Assisted Instructions
Authors: Sun Zeyu , Shu Yunxing
Published: March 2016

With the development of science and technology, cloud computing technology has been widely applied in a variety of engineering fields, while its application and promotion in the education is always neglected. In this paper, the cloud computing assisted hybrid learning scheme is put forward based on the analysis of the cloud computing technology and the hybrid method. Firstly, the cloud computing platform architecture and key technology are explained. Secondly, the four stages of the blended learning scheme model are established in accordance with its guiding ideology and construction principle. Furthermore, the four stages are given a detailed description and analysis in which seven blended teaching links are concluded in combination with Baihui cloud platform application characteristics. Finally, the scores from students of different grades and different years are compared. The comparison result verifies the blended learning scheme is effective in the classroom, and is helpful to stimulate the students’ learning interest and enthusiasm, which is significant for the further in-depth study.