bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Status on Bidimensional Dark Energy Parameterizations Using SNe Ia JLA and BAO Datasets
Authors: Escamilla-Rivera Celia
Published: July 2016

Using current observations of forecast type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) Joint Lightcurve Analysis (JLA) and baryon acoustic oscillations (BAO), in this paper we investigate six bidimensional dark energy parameterizations in order to explore which has more constraining power. Our results indicate that for parameterizations that contain z 2 -terms, the tension (σ-distance) between these datasets seems to be reduced and their behaviour is <1σ compatible with the concordance model (ΛCDM). Also, the results obtained by performing their Bayesian evidence show a striking evidence in favour of the ΛCDM model, but only one parameterization can be distinguished by around 1 % from the other models when the combination of datasets are considered.
Towards an Improved Environmental Understanding of Land Surface Dynamics in Ukraine Based on Multi-Source Remote Sensing Time-Series Datasets from 1982 to 2013
Authors: Ghazaryan Gohar , Dubovyk Olena , Kussul Nataliia , Menz Gunter
Published: July 2016

Ukraine has experienced immense environmental and institutional changes during the last three decades. We have conducted this study to analyze important land surface dynamics and to assess processes underlying the changes. This research was conducted in two consecutive steps. To analyze monotonic changes we first applied a Mann–Kendall trend analysis of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI3g) time series. Gradual and abrupt changes were studied by fitting a seasonal trend model and detecting the breakpoints. Secondly, essential environmental factors were used to quantify their possible relationships with land surface changes. These factors included soil moisture as well as gridded air temperature and precipitation data. This was done using partial rank correlation analysis based on annually aggregated time-series. Our results demonstrate that positive NDVI trends characterize approximately one-third of Ukraine’s land surface, located in the northern and western areas of the country. Negative trends occurred less frequently, covering less than 2% of the area and are distributed irregularly across the country. Monotonic trends were rarely found; shifting trends were identified with a greater frequency. Trend shifts were seen to occur with an increased frequency following the period of the 2000s. We determined that land surface dynamics and climate variability are functionally interdependent; however, the relative influence of the drivers varies in different locations. Among the factors analyzed, the air temperature variable explains the largest portion of NDVI variability. High air temperature/NDVI correlation coefficients (r = 0.36 − 0.77) are observed over the entire country. The soil moisture content is of significant influence in the eastern portion of Ukraine (r = 0.68); precipitation (r = 0.65) was most influential in the central regions of the country. These results increase our understanding of ecosystem responses to climatic changes and anthropogenic activities.
Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp lactis CIDCA 133 modulates response of human epithelial and dendritic cells infected with Bacillus cereus.
Authors: Rolny I.S. , Tiscornia I. , Racedo S.M. , Pérez P.F. , Bollati-Fogolín M.
Published: July 2016

It is known that probiotic microorganisms are able to modulate pathogen virulence. This ability is strain dependent and involves multiple interactions between microorganisms and relevant host’s cell populations. In the present work we focus on the effect of a potentially probiotic lactobacillus strain (Lactobacillus delbrueckiisubsp.lactisCIDCA 133) in anin vitromodel ofBacillus cereusinfection. Our results showed that infection of intestinal epithelial HT-29 cells byB. cereusinduces nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway. Noteworthy, the presence of strainL. delbrueckiisubsp.lactisCIDCA 133 increases stimulation. However,B. cereus-induced interleukin (IL)-8 production by epithelial cells is partially abrogated byL. delbrueckiisubsp.lactisCIDCA 133. These findings suggest that signalling pathways other than that of NF-κB are involved. In a co-culture system (HT-29 and monocyte-derived dendritic cells),B. cereuswas able to translocate from the epithelial (upper) to the dendritic cell compartment (lower). This translocation was partially abrogated by the presence of lactobacilli in the upper compartment. In addition, infection of epithelial cells in the co-culture model, led to an increase in the expression of CD86 by dendritic cells. This effect could not be modified in the presence of lactobacilli. Interestingly, infection of enterocytes withB. cereustriggers production of proinflammatory cytokines by dendritic cells (IL-8, IL-6 and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)). The production of TNF-α (a protective cytokine inB. cereusinfections) by dendritic cells was increased in the presence of lactobacilli. The present work demonstrates for the first time the effect ofL. delbrueckiisubsp.lactisCIDCA 133, a potentially probiotic strain, in anin vitromodel ofB. cereusinfection. The presence of the probiotic strain modulates cell response both in infected epithelial and dendritic cells thus suggesting a possible beneficial effect of selected lactobacilli strains on the course ofB. cereusinfection.
Generic solutions to coordination and organizational costs: informing cooperative longevity
Authors: Cook M.L. , Iliopoulos C.
Published: July 2016

For years, scholars and policy makers have ar gued that cooperatives, particularly agricultural cooperatives, exhibit organizational inefficiencies primarily caused by individual member behavior that is often independent and non-cooperative conflicting with the formation of effective coalition building. This free riding tendency creates significant challenges for a continued joint collaboration between and among member patrons. Yet, agricultural cooperatives have a long history of surviving as successful business enterprises. This paper presents a framework that proposes generic solutions effective as design principles in addressing the negative consequences of high organization costs, thus leading to sustainable common group interest activities.
The 50 Most Cited Articles in Rotator Cuff Repair Research
Authors: Kraeutler Matthew J. , Freedman Kevin B. , MacLeod Robert A. , Schrock John B. , Tjoumakaris Fotios P. , McCarty Eric C.
Published: July 2016

Analysis of the number of citations within a given specialty provides information on the classic publications of that specialty. The goals of this study were to identify the 50 most cited articles on rotator cuff repair and to analyze various characteristics of these articles. The ISI Web of Science (Thomson Reuters, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) was used to conduct a search for the term rotator cuff repair. The 50 most cited articles were retrieved, and the following objective characteristics of each article were recorded: number of times cited, citation density, journal, country of origin, and language. The following subjective characteristics of each article were also recorded: article type (clinical vs basic science), article subtype, and level of evidence for clinical articles. Of the 50 most cited articles on rotator cuff repair, the number of citations ranged from 138 to 677 (mean, 232±133 citations) and citation density ranged from 3.8 to 53.5 citations per year (mean, 16.9±9.2 citations per year). The articles were published between 1974 and 2011, with most of the articles published in the 2000s (29 articles), followed by the 1990s (16 articles). The articles originated from 8 countries, with the United States accounting for 30 articles (60%). Overall, 66% of the articles were clinical and 34% were basic science. The most common article subtype was the clinical case series (48%). Of the 33 clinical articles, 24 (73%) were level IV. Among the 50 most cited articles on rotator cuff repair, the case series was the most common article subtype, showing the effect that publication of preliminary outcomes and new surgical techniques has had on surgeons performing rotator cuff repair. [
Orthopedics.
2016; 39(6):e1045–e1051.]
Stress Fractures of the Distal Femur Involving Small Nonossifying Fibromas in Young Athletes
Authors: Robertson Michael , Gilley Jasen , Nicholas Richard
Published: July 2016

Small nonossifying fibromas (ie, fibrocortical defects) are incidental findings commonly seen on radiographs of young patients evaluated for extremity pain or sport-related trauma. Although pathological fractures have been reported in larger lesions, the subcentimeter, intracortical defects are not generally thought to predispose to pathological fractures. The authors report on 2 young athletes who presented with knee pain after initiating conditioning exercise programs (cross-training). Both were diagnosed with transverse metaphyseal stress fractures involving fibrous cortical defects of the distal femur. Initial radiographs were interpreted without evidence of fractures. However, subsequent magnetic resonance imaging was informative, suggesting that magnetic resonance imaging may have value in identifying potential stress reactions in young athletes. In addition, subsequent plain radiographs of both patients showed subperiosteal new bone formation in these nondisplaced fractures, suggesting that serial radiographs and close clinical follow-up are warranted for patients with persistent symptoms. The authors propose that, in the appropriate clinical setting, the presence of a small nonossifying fibroma may be a clinical indication that further evaluation is needed when plain radiographs show normal findings, as the defect could be an unrecognized area of fracture initiation. [
Orthopedics.
2016; 39(6):e1197–e1200.]
A New Culture of Transparency: Industry Payments to Orthopedic Surgeons
Authors: Lopez Joseph , Ahmed Rizwan , Bae Sunjae , Hicks Caitlin W. , El Dafrawy Mostafa , Osgood Greg M. , Segev Dorry L.
Published: July 2016

Under the Physician Payments Sunshine Act, “payments or transfers of value” by biomedical companies to physicians must be disclosed through the Open Payments Program. Designed to provide transparency of financial transactions between medication and device manufacturers and health care providers, the Open Payments Program shows financial relationships between industry and health care providers. Awareness of this program is crucial because its interpretation or misinterpretation by patients, physicians, and the general public can affect patient care, clinical practice, and research. This study evaluated nonresearch payments by industry to orthopedic surgeons. A retrospective cross-sectional review of the first wave of Physician Payments Sunshine Act data (August through December 2013) was performed to characterize industry payments to orthopedic surgeons by subspecialty, amount, type, origin, and geographic distribution. During this 5-month period, orthopedic surgeons (n=14,828) received $107,666,826, which included 3% of those listed in the Open Payments Program and 23% of the total amount paid. Of orthopedic surgeons who received payment, 45% received less than $100 and 1% received $100,000 or more. Median payment (interquartile range) was $119 ($34–$636), and mean payment was $7261±95,887. The largest payment to an individual orthopedic surgeon was $7,849,711. The 2 largest payment categories were royalty or license fees (68%) and consulting fees (13%). During the study period, orthopedic surgeons had substantial financial ties to industry. Of orthopedic surgeons who received payments, the largest proportion (45%) received less than $100 and only 1% received large payments (≥$100,000). The Open Payments Program offers insight into industry payments to orthopedic surgeons. [
Orthopedics.
2016; 39(6):e1058–e1062.]
An Exploration of Backpropagation Numerical Algorithms in Modeling US Exchange Rates
Authors: Lahmiri Salim
Published: July 2016

This chapter applies the Backpropagation Neural Network (BPNN) trained with different numerical algorithms and technical analysis indicators as inputs to forecast daily US/Canada, US/Euro, US/Japan, US/Korea, US/Swiss, and US/UK exchange rate future price. The training algorithms are the Fletcher-Reeves, Polak-Ribiére, Powell-Beale, quasi-Newton (Broyden-Fletcher-Goldfarb-Shanno, BFGS), and the Levenberg-Marquardt (LM). The standard Auto Regressive Moving Average (ARMA) process is adopted as a reference model for comparison. The performance of each BPNN and ARMA process is measured by computing the Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Mean Absolute Deviation (MAD), and Mean of Squared Errors (MSE). The simulation results reveal that the LM algorithm is the best performer and show strong evidence of the superiority of the BPNN over ARMA process. In sum, because of the simplicity and effectiveness of the approach, it could be implemented for real business application problems to predict US currency exchange rate future price.
Diagnosis of Breast Cancer Using Intelligent Information Systems Techniques
Authors: Al-Khasawneh Ahmad
Published: July 2016

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women worldwide. Early diagnosis of this illness can increase the chances of long-term survival of cancerous patients. To help in this aid, computerized breast cancer diagnosis systems are being developed. Machine learning algorithms and data mining techniques play a central role in the diagnosis. This paper describes neural network based approaches to breast cancer diagnosis. The aim of this research is to investigate and compare the performance of supervised and unsupervised neural networks in diagnosing breast cancer. A multilayer perceptron has been implemented as a supervised neural network and a self-organizing map as an unsupervised one. Both models were simulated using a variety of parameters and tested using several combinations of those parameters in independent experiments. It was concluded that the multilayer perceptron neural network outperforms Kohonen's self-organizing maps in diagnosing breast cancer even with small data sets.
An Intelligent Process Development Using Fusion of Genetic Algorithm with Fuzzy Logic
Authors: Mankad Kunjal Bharatkumar
Published: July 2016

Intelligent System (IS) can be defined as the system that incorporates intelligence into applications being handled by machines. The chapter extensively discusses the role of Genetic Algorithm (GA) in the search and optimization process along with discussing applications developed so far. A very detailed discussion on the Fuzzy Rule-Based System is presented along with major applications developed in different domains. The chapter presents algorithm of implementing intelligent procedure to decide whether a patient is prone to heart disease or not. The procedure evolves solutions using genetic operators and provides its decision automatically. The chapter presents discussion on the results achieved as a result of prototypical implementation of the evolutionary fuzzy hybrid model. The significant advantage of the presented research work is that applications that do not have any mathematical formulation and still demand optimization can be easily solved using the designed approach.
Application of Artificial Intelligence Techniques to Handle the Uncertainty in the Chemical Process for Environmental Protection
Authors: Cai Tianxing
Published: July 2016

In the chemical process, the uncertainties are always encountered. Therefore, the algorithm of process modeling, simulation, optimization, and control should have the capability to handle the uncertain parameter. Meta-Heuristics Optimization (MO) techniques are attractive global optimization methods inspired by the various industrial phenomena with uncertainty. These methods have been successfully applied to a wide range of chemical engineering problems with a higher level of degree of satisfaction. In this chapter, the authors introduce multiple artificial intelligence techniques: Genetic Algorithm (GA), Biogeography-Based Optimization (BBO), Differential Evolution (DE), Evolutionary Strategy (ES), Probability-Based Incremental Learning (PBIL), Stud Genetic Algorithm (SGA), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Ant Colony Optimization (ACO), Artificial Bee Colony (ABC), and Fuzzy Logic (FL). It includes the introduction of algorithms and their applications to handle the uncertainty in the chemical process operation.
Comparative Analysis of Neural Network and Fuzzy Logic Techniques in Credit Risk Evaluation
Authors: Grace Asogbon Mojisola , Williams Samuel Oluwarotimi
Published: July 2016

Credit risk evaluation techniques that aid effective decisions in credit lending are of great importance to the financial and banking industries. Such techniques assist credit managers to minimize the risks often associated with wrong decision making. Several techniques have been developed in the time past for credit risk evaluation and these techniques suffer from one form of limitation or the other. Recently, powerful soft computing tools have been proposed for problem solving among which are the neural networks and fuzzy logic. In this study, a neural network based on backpropagation learning algorithm and a fuzzy inference system based on Mamdani model were developed to evaluate the risk level of credit applicants. A comparative analysis of the performances of both systems was carried out and experimental results show that neural network with an overall prediction accuracy of 96.89% performed better than the fuzzy logic method with 94.44%. Finding from this study could provide useful information on how to improve the performance of existing credit risk evaluation systems.
Role of Consumer Engagement and Swarm Intelligence in Management of a Brand at Social Media
Authors: Singh Rajshree
Published: July 2016

The traditional media has its own place and will always be there but the revolution in marketing era will change the thinking of the society as a whole and the various communication channels will always be in flux. The ability to think collectively seeks cognitive architectures of collective intelligence which today from consumer's perspective is to become a human swarm with the use of social media. With the growth of social media, marketing companies need something more innovative to engage and interact with their customers. As the marketplace becomes noisier, with more products being introduced, fight is not just mindshare but share of attention. Various organizations have started exploring the power of such a large user membership to influence the online buyers at social media and are attempting to engage consumers with their brands, which will finally influence their brand image. The chapter explores the extent of consumer experience and engagement, how online consumers are engaged towards a specific brand. The methodology for study is empirical evidence through netnography, and result of this study is through correlation and regression model. Findings confirm the factors contributing to consumer engagement and swarm intelligence in management of a brand at social media.
Theoretical Analyses of the Universal Approximation Capability of a Class of Higher Order Neural Networks Based on Approximate Identity
Authors: Panahian Fard Saeed , Zainuddin Zarita
Published: July 2016

One of the most important problems in the theory of approximation functions by means of neural networks is universal approximation capability of neural networks. In this study, we investigate the theoretical analyses of the universal approximation capability of a special class of three layer feedforward higher order neural networks based on the concept of approximate identity in the space of continuous multivariate functions. Moreover, we present theoretical analyses of the universal approximation capability of the networks in the spaces of Lebesgue integrable multivariate functions. The methods used in proving our results are based on the concepts of convolution and epsilon-net. The obtained results can be seen as an attempt towards the development of approximation theory by means of neural networks.
Swarm Intelligence for Dimensionality Reduction
Authors: Janecek Andreas , Tan Ying
Published: July 2016

Low-rank approximations allow for compact representations of data with reduced storage and runtime requirements and reduced redundancy and noise. The Non-Negative Matrix Factorization (NMF) is a special low-rank approximation that allows for additive parts-based, interpretable representation of the data. Various properties of NMF are similar to Swarm Intelligence (SI) methods: indeed, most NMF objective functions and most SI fitness functions are non-convex, discontinuous, and may possess many local minima. This chapter summarizes efforts on improving convergence, approximation quality, and classification accuracy of NMF using five different meta-heuristics based on SI and evolutionary computation. The authors present (1) new initialization strategies for NMF, and (2) an iterative update strategy for NMF. The applicability of the approach is illustrated on data sets coming from the areas of spam filtering and email classification. Experimental results show that both optimization strategies are able to improve NMF in terms of faster convergence, lower approximation error, and/or better classification accuracy.
Determination of Bearing Capacity of Shallow Foundation Using Soft Computing
Authors: J. Jagan , Chowdhury Swaptik , Goyal Pratik , Samui Pijush , Dalkiliç Yıldırım
Published: July 2016

The ultimate bearing capacity is an important criterion for the successful implementation of any geotechnical projects. This chapter studies the feasibility of employing Gaussian process regression (GPR), Extreme learning machine (ELM) and Minimax probability machine regression (MPMR) for prediction of ultimate bearing capacity of shallow foundation based on cohesionless soils. The developed models have been compared on the basis of coefficient of relation (R) values (GPR= 0.9625, ELM= 0.938, MPMR= 0.9625). The results show that MPMR is more efficient tool but the models of GPR and ELM also gives satisfactory results.
The effectiveness of the South African Triage Toll use in Mahalapye District Hospital – Emergency Department, Botswana
Authors: Tshitenge Stephane T. , Ogunbanjo Gboyega A. , Mbuka Deogratias O.
Published: July 2016

Background: The study aimed to determine the proportion of each priority level of patients, time of performance in each priority level, and the reliability of the South African Triage Scale (SATS) tool at the Mahalapye District Hospital - Emergency Department (MDH-ED), a setting where the majority of the nurses were not formally trained on the use of the SATS.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study using case records in MDH-ED from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2014. A panel of experts from the Mahalapye site of the Family Medicine Department, University of Botswana, reviewed and scored each selected case record that was compared with the scores previously attributed to the nurse triage.Results: From the 315 case records, both the nurse triage and the panel of expert triage assigned the majority of cases in the routine category (green), 146 (46%) and 125 (40%), respectively, or in the urgent category (yellow), they assigned 140 (44%) and 111 (35%) cases, respectively.Overall, there was an adequate agreement between the nurse triage and the panel of expert triage (k = 0.4, 95% confidence interval: 0.3–0.5), although the level of agreement was satisfactory.Conclusion: Findings of the study reported that the profile of the priority-level categories in MDH-ED was made in the majority of routine and urgent patients, only the routine and the emergency patients were seen within the targeted time and they had a satisfactory level of reliability (between 0.4 and 0.6).
Assessing Latrine Use in Rural India: A Cross-Sectional Study Comparing Reported Use and Passive Latrine Use Monitors
Authors: Sinha Antara , Nagel Corey L. , Thomas Evan , Schmidt Wolf P. , Torondel Belen , Boisson Sophie , Clasen Thomas F.
Published: July 2016

Although large-scale programs, like India's Total Sanitation Campaign (TSC), have improved latrine coverage in rural settings, evidence suggests that actual use is suboptimal. However, the reliability of methods to assess latrine use is uncertain. We assessed the reliability of reported use, the standard method, by comparing survey-based responses against passive latrine use monitors (PLUMs) through a cross-sectional study among 292 households in 25 villages in rural Odisha, India, which recently received individual household latrines under the TSC. PLUMs were installed for 2 weeks and householders responded to surveys about their latrine use behavior. Reported use was compared with PLUM results using Bland–Altman (BA) plots and concordance statistics. Reported use was higher than corresponding PLUM-recorded events across the range of comparisons. The mean reported “usual” daily events per household (7.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 6.51, 7.68) was nearly twice that of the PLUM-recorded daily average (3.62, 95% CI = 3.29, 3.94). There was poor agreement between “usual” daily latrine use and the average daily PLUM-recorded events (ρc = 0.331, 95% CI = 0.242, 0.427). Moderate agreement (ρc = 0.598, 95% CI = 0.497, 0.683) was obtained when comparing daily reported use during the previous 48 hours with the average daily PLUM count. Reported latrine use, though already suggesting suboptimal adoption, likely exaggerates the actual level of uptake of latrines constructed under the program. Where reliance on self-reports is used, survey questions should focus on the 48 hours prior to the date of the survey rather than asking about “usual” latrine use behavior.
Geocoding of German Administrative Data
Authors: Wurdack Anja , Vom Berge Philipp
Published: July 2016

This presentation investigates the intra-urban spatial structure of labourmarket inequality. This has been difficult so far because of the requirement ofstandardized data collection at a very fine spatial scale. We present thepotential of geocoded register data on the German labour market forinequality research. The data cover the entire workforce liable to statutorysocial security and all working-age social benefit recipients. We start ouranalysis with a case study on the three largest German cities: Berlin,Hamburg, and Munich. The three cities show distinctly shaped spatialstructures in social inequality.
A bibliometric overview of the Journal of Business Research
Authors: Merigó José M. , Mas-Tur Alicia , Roig-Tierno Norat , Ribeiro-Soriano Domingo
Published: July 2016

The Journal of Business Research is a leading international journal in business research dating back to 1973. This study analyzes all the publications in the journal since its creation by using a bibliometric approach. The objective is to provide a complete overview of the main factors that affect the journal. This analysis includes key issues such as the publication and citation structure of the journal, the most cited articles, and the leading authors, institutions and countries in the journal. Unsurprisingly, the USA is the leading region in the journal although a considerable dispersion exists, especially during the last years when European and Asian universities are taking a more significant position.
The May 2015 boat crisis: the Rohingya in Aceh
Authors: Thom Graham
Published: July 2016

The 2015 discovery of mass graves in Thailand’s Sadao district, on the border with Malaysia, led to a crack-down on people smugglers by the Thai and Malaysian authorities. Thousands of Rohingya (as well as Bangladeshi migrants) were left stranded in the Andaman Sea as smugglers abandoned their human cargo. Initially pushed back by the Thai, Malaysian and Indonesian navies, it was only after Indonesian fishermen rescued three boats that approximately 1,800 people were permitted to disembark in Indonesia’s Aceh province. The crisis in the Andaman Sea brought into sharp relief the fact that the South East Asia region lacks even the most basic regional protection (or cooperation) framework. While some states are still reticent, there have been attempts to improve government collaboration as demonstrated recently in the March 2016 Bali Declaration on People Smuggling, Trafficking in Persons, and Related Transnational Crime. This paper examines, however, how the ad hoc approach by Indonesia’s regions, in particular Aceh, to the treatment of the Rohingya who arrived in Aceh in May 2015, works against a comprehensive, national, rights-based approach to protect those seeking asylum in Indonesia. The paper explores the reasons why Aceh chose not to engage with the established practices for the treatment of asylum seekers in Indonesia and the human rights impacts this has had on those rescued. It concludes that the current situation in Aceh is not sustainable. The treatment of refugees in Aceh should be included in a broader national approach, commensurate with the treatment of refugees and asylum seekers throughout Indonesia, particularly if Indonesia is to develop a structured, rights-based approach to those seeking protection. This would then play a significant role in any future regional protection framework.
A high-resolution regional emission inventory of atmospheric mercury and its comparison with multi-scale inventories: a case study of Jiangsu, China
Authors: Zhong Hui , Zhao Yu , Muntean Marilena , Zhang Lei , Zhang Jie
Published: July 2016

Abstract. A better understanding of the discrepancies in multi-scale inventories could give an insight on their approaches and limitations, and provide indications for further improvements; international, national and plant-by-plant data sources are primarily obtained to compile those inventories. In this study we develop a high-resolution inventory of Hg emissions at 0.05° × 0.05° for Jiangsu China using a bottom-up approach and then compare the results with available global/national inventories. With detailed information on individual sources and the updated emission factors from field measurements incorporated, the annual Hg emissions of anthropogenic origin in Jiangsu 2010 are estimated at 39 105 kg, of which 51 %, 47 % and 2 % were released as Hg0, Hg2+, and HgP, respectively. This provincial inventory is thoroughly compared to the downscaled results from three national inventories (NJU, THU and BNU) and two global inventories (AMAP/UNEP and EDGARv4.tox2). Attributed to varied methods and data sources, clear information gaps exist in multi-scale inventories, leading to differences in the emission levels, speciation and spatial distributions of atmospheric Hg. The total emissions in the provincial inventory are the largest, i.e., 28 %, 7 %, 19 %, 22 %, and 70 % higher than NJU, THU, BNU, AMAP/UNEP, and EDGARv4.tox2, respectively. For major sectors including power generation, cement, iron & steel and other coal combustion, the Hg contents (HgC) in coals/raw materials, abatement rates of air pollution control devices (APCD) and activity levels are identified as the crucial parameters responsible for the differences in estimated emissions between inventories. Regarding speciated emissions, larger fraction of Hg2+ is found in the provincial inventory than national and global inventories, resulting mainly from the results by the most recent domestic studies in which enhanced Hg2+ were measured for cement and iron & steel plants. Inconsistent information of big power and industrial plants is the main source of differences in spatial distribution of emissions between the provincial and other inventories, particularly in southern and northwestern Jiangsu where intensive coal combustion and industry are located. Quantified with Monte-Carlo simulation, uncertainties of provincial Hg emissions are smaller than those of NJU national inventory, resulting mainly from the more accurate activity data of individual plants and the reduced uncertainties of HgC in coals/raw materials.
Evaluation of 4 years of continuous δ13C(CO2) data using a moving Keeling plot method
Authors: Vardag Sanam Noreen , Hammer Samuel , Levin Ingeborg
Published: July 2016

Abstract. Different carbon dioxide (CO2) emitters can be distinguished by their carbon isotope ratios. Therefore measurements of atmospheric δ13C(CO2) and CO2 concentration contain information on the CO2 source mix in the catchment area of an atmospheric measurement site. This information may be illustratively presented as the mean isotopic source signature. Recently an increasing number of continuous measurements of δ13C(CO2) and CO2 have become available, opening the door to the quantification of CO2 shares from different sources at high temporal resolution. Here, we present a method to compute the CO2 source signature (δS) continuously and evaluate our result using model data from the Stochastic Time-Inverted Lagrangian Transport model. Only when we restrict the analysis to situations which fulfill the basic assumptions of the Keeling plot method does our approach provide correct results with minimal biases in δS. On average, this bias is 0.2 ‰ with an interquartile range of about 1.2 ‰ for hourly model data. As a consequence of applying the required strict filter criteria, 85 % of the data points – mainly daytime values – need to be discarded. Applying the method to a 4-year dataset of CO2 and δ13C(CO2) measured in Heidelberg, Germany, yields a distinct seasonal cycle of δS. Disentangling this seasonal source signature into shares of source components is, however, only possible if the isotopic end members of these sources – i.e., the biosphere, δbio, and the fuel mix, δF – are known. From the mean source signature record in 2012, δbio could be reliably estimated only for summer to (−25.0 ± 1.0) ‰ and δF only for winter to (−32.5 ± 2.5) ‰. As the isotopic end members δbio and δF were shown to change over the season, no year-round estimation of the fossil fuel or biosphere share is possible from the measured mean source signature record without additional information from emission inventories or other tracer measurements.
Brief communication: Organochlorine pesticides
in an archived firn core from Law Dome, East Antarctica
Authors: Bigot Marie , Curran Mark A. J. , Moy Andrew D. , Muir Derek C. G. , Hawker Darryl W. , Cropp Roger , Teixeira Camilla F. , Bengtson Nash Susan
Published: July 2016

Abstract. Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) were, for the first time, quantified in archived firn cores from the East Antarctic ice sheet representative of 1945–1957 C.E. and 1958–1967 C.E. The core sections were melted under high purity nitrogen atmosphere and the melt water analysed. Methods allowed quantification of hexachlorocyclohexanes, heptachlor, trans-chlordane, dieldrin and endrin. While the core presented evidence of nominal modern-use chemical contamination, indicating handling and/or storage contamination, legacy OCP concentrations and deposition rates reported are orders of magnitude lower than those from Arctic regions, lending support for their validity. The study further provides a description of equipment used and suggests adapted methods to overcome logistical challenges associated with trace organic contaminant detection in Polar Regions.
The Application of the 4n Series Method to Categorize Metalloboranes
Authors: Kiremire Enos Masheija Rwantale
Published: July 2016

Metalloboranes have been categorized by using 4n series method. More than one hundred metalloboranes have been analyzed and characterized by the method. The clusters have been found to be centered within the series range S = 4n+6 to 4n-8. According to the classification, the clusters of series S= 4n+0 are mono-capped, S = 4n-2, bi-capped, S = 4n-4, tri-capped, S = 4n-6, tetra-capped and S= 4n-8, penta-capped. Whereas the known stable boranes have almost non-existent capped boranes, such clusters are prevalent within metalloborane complexes. This implies that metal fragments have the potency of stabilizing the fragile capped boranes.
Ultra Structures Assessment and Comparison of Allergenic Features of Mature and Immature Pollens of Quercus persica L.
Authors: Zand Roya
Published: July 2016

There are extensive Persian Oak forests in the west and south west of Iran. Since the pollens are one of the most plants allergenic factor, and 80 up to 90 percent of plant’s allergen is pollen based, therefore in the present study the allergenic features of Persian Oak’s mature and immature pollens were studied, using cello logy and anatomical methods. The pollen samples were fixed by FAA. SEM analysis showed spherical shaped pollen along with tricolpate and warty shape exine. Pollen’s extract achieved using salt phosphate buffer. Electrophoresis profile of proteins showed total 16 bands in the range of 16 to 116 Kd. Mature pollen also had one distinct 52 Kd band. Allergenic test using guinea pig (350-400 Kg and 4-6 old) carried out. The blood tests, based on the numbers of eosinophils, neutrophils and immunoglobulins content of sample and treatments showed significant differences to the control. The mature pollen extract also was more allergenic than that of immature.
A Double-indexed Functional Hill Process and Applications
Authors: Ngom Modou , Lo Gane Samb
Published: July 2016

Let $X_{1,n} \leq .... \leq X_{n,n}$ be the order statistics associated with a sample $X_{1}, ...., X_{n}$ whose pertaining distribution function (\textit{df}) is $F$. We are concerned with the functional asymptotic behaviour of the sequence of stochastic processes

 

\begin{equation}
T_{n}(f,s)=\sum_{j=1}^{j=k}f(j)\left( \log X_{n-j+1,n}-\log
X_{n-j,n}\right)^{s} ,  \label{fme}
\end{equation}

 

indexed by some classes $\mathcal{F}$ of functions $f:\mathbb{N}%^{\ast}\longmapsto \mathbb{R}_{+}$ and $s \in ]0,+\infty[$ and where $k=k(n)$ satisfies

 

\begin{equation*}
1\leq k\leq n,k/n\rightarrow 0\text{ as }n\rightarrow \infty .
\end{equation*}

 

We show that this is a stochastic process whose margins generate estimators of the extreme value index when $F$ is in the extreme domain of attraction. We focus in this paper on its finite-dimension asymptotic law and provide a class of new estimators of the extreme value index whose performances are compared to analogous ones. The results are next particularized for one explicit class $\mathcal{F}$.
Lichens in the agricultural land of Poland – diversity, threats, and protection: a literature review
Authors: Zarabska-Bożejewicz Daria
Published: July 2016

Agricultural landscapes provide interesting habitats and substrates occupied by lichens. Nevertheless, there are still gaps in knowledge about diversity of lichenized fungi in rural areas and factors that determine their occurrence, including anthropogenic impact. The review includes recognition of this topic in the regional context in Poland and presents literature data about species diversity and habitat groups. Human influences in terms of their significance for lichens disappearance as well as preservation of the lichen biota are analyzed. A list of threatened lichens found in rural areas as well as a proposal for protection of the lichen biota are given.
Rearing of Adult Green Lacewing, Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) on Different Artificial Diets in the laboratory
Authors: Sumera Balouch  , Aslam Bukero  , Imtiaz Ahmed Nizamani  , Muhammad Ismail Kumbhar  , Lubna Bashir Rajput  , Riaz Ahmed Buriro  , Ali Raza Shah  , Naeem Ahmed Qureshi  , Javaid Ahmed Sheikh  , Shahzad Ali Nahiyoon  , Zarnain Rajput
Published: July 2016

A laboratory study was conducted on rearing of adult Green lacewing, Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) on different artificial diets. Study was conducted under laboratory conditions at | department of Plant Protection, SAU, Tandojam, Sindh, Pakistan during 2013-14 to determined better artificial diet for mass rearing of adult C. carnea. Six diets containing water:honey:yeast i.e., D1 (20ml:2g:2g), D2 (20ml:4g:2g), D3 (20ml:6g:2g), water:sugar:yeast D4(20ml:2g:2g), D5 (20ml:4g:2g), D6 (20 ml:6g:2g) and two diets containing water:gur:yeast i.e., D7 (20ml:2g:2g), D8(20ml:4g:2g), D9 (20 ml:6g:2g) were tested. The results showed that maximum pre-oviposition period (11.5 ± 3.95 days) recorded, oviposition period (18.0 ± 0.91 days) and post-oviposition period (5.0 ± 0.71 days) was recorded on D4, D9 and D1, respectively. Minimum pre-oviposition period (7.25 ± 0.25 days), oviposition period (5.0 ± 1.73 days) and post-oviposition period (2.5 ± 0.87 days) was recorded on D8, D4, and D7, respectively. The highest fecundity (342.5 ± 89.55 eggs) was recorded on D9, whereas the lowest fecundity (42.5 ± 5.48 eggs) was recorded on D4. The eggs laid by female fed on D4 took lesser time (1.75 ± 0.66 days) to hatch. Maximum larval and pupal longevity was recorded in larvae of adults fed on D9. The adults lived longer for 30.0 ± 0.91 days on D9. The maximum egg hatching (55 %), larval-pupal transformation (45 %) and adults emergence (30 %) was recorded on D9. It is concluded that D9was found the best one for mass rearing of adult C. carnea.
Generalized Higher Order (φ, η, ω, π, ρ, θ, m)-Invexities in Parametric Optimality Conditions for Discrete Minmax Fractional Programming
Authors: Ram U. Verma
Published: July 2016

First several new classes of higher order (φ, η, ω, π, ρ, θ, m)-invexities are introduced, and then a set of higher-order parametric necessary optimality conditions and several sets of higher order sufficient optimality conditions for a discrete minmax fractional programming problem applying various higher order (φ, η, ω, π, ρ, θ, m)-invexity constraints are established. The obtained results are new and generalize a wide range of results in the literature.
Anaerobic Digestion of Tannery Solid Waste for Biogas Production: The case of Modjo Tannery, Modjo; Ethiopia
Authors: Tsegaye Dejene , Dawit Mekibib , Gajananda Khwairakpam
Published: July 2016

The present study characterized the physical property, total solids (TS), volatile solids (VS) and Carbon to Nitrogen ratio (C/N ratio) of tannery solid waste (TSW). Five different combinations with or without cow dung (CD) were assessed for their biogas production suitability in triplicate batch digesters (D-1, D-2, D-3, D-4, and D-5) with a total volume of 2.8L. The results showed that TS, VS and C/N ratio of wastes were 56.37%, 76.34% and 29.05%, respectively. The results also suggested that the highest volume of biogas (4,756 ml) with a methane content of 60.37% was produced by the digester containing 75% TSW and 25% CD and the lowest biogas (2,539 ml) with quality of 68.06% was produced by digester containing 100% CD. The average methane contents of different digesters were D-1 (100% TSW) 53.23%, D-2 (75% TSW: 25% CD) 60.37%, D-3 (50% TSW: 50% CD) 58.78%, D-4 (25% TSW: 75% CD) 57.66% and D-5 (100% CD) 67.31%. Total and volatile solid removal efficiency of all digesters was in the range of 42.27-76.34% and 47.16-79.23%. The study concluded that TSW is a good feedstock for biogas production by utilizing agro-industrial based organic solid waste for bioenergy production.
Questões de Michel Foucault à revista Hérodote e respostas dos geógrafos
Authors: Leite de Barros Ana Maria , Zanotelli Claudio
Published: July 2016

Esse texto foi traduzido livremente do original em francês da Revista Hérodote, abril-junho, segundo trimestre de 1977, n.6, p.3-39, por Ana Maria Leite de Barros e teve revisão técnica de Cláudio Luiz Zanotelli. A versão original da revista foi obtida de gallica.bnf.fr/Bibliothèque Nationale de France.Trata-se de texto inédito em português. Ele é o prosseguimento lógico do primeiro dialogo estabelecido entre Foucault e os geógrafos que gravitavam entorno da Revista Herodote fundada por Yves Lacoste. Em efeito, no primeiro número de revista Hérodote, primeiro trimestre de 1976, janeiro-março, esse geógrafos apresentaram questões a Michel Foucault que as respondeu e a entrevista foi publicada nesse mesmo número (p.71-85). Essa entrevista com Michel Foucault foi traduzida no Brasil por Roberto Machado e Angela Loureiro de Souza e publicada dentre outros artigos no livro Microfísica do poder em capitulo intitulado Sobre Geografia, (Michel Foucault, Microfísica do poder, p.153-166, Rio de Janeiro: Graal, 1999 [ primeira edição em português 1979].O dialogo ora apresentado prolonga o debate, pois desta feita é Foucault que endereça questões os geógrafos. São inúmeros geógrafos que respondem às questões, dentre eles Milton Santos,  Jean-Bernard Racine e Claude Raffestin.
Espaço, saber e poder: Foucault e a geografia
Authors: Leite de Barros Ana Maria , Zanotelli Claudio
Published: July 2016

Texto traduzido livremente do original em inglês: Space, knowledge and power: Foucault and geography (páginas 41 a 64).Editado por Jeremy W. Crampton e Stuart Elden. Ashgate Publishing Limited, 2007.Os  textos aqui agrupados correspondem às respostas de geógrafos anglo-saxões efetuadas trinta anos depois às questões formuladas por Foucault à revista Hérodote (Abril-junho, segundo trimestre de 1977, n.6, p.3-39).  Essas questões e respostas de Foucault datando de 1977 e traduzidas estão sendo publicadas nesse mesmo número da Geografares.Dentre essas respostas à Foucault com trinta anos de intervalo, há notadamente um texto de David Harvey. Desse modo, podemos avaliar as diferentes recepções e comentários às questões e à obra de Michel Foucault, feitas com trinta anos de intervalo por geógrafos de matrizes teóricas distintas.
Terra, terreno, território. Artigo de Stuart Elden
Authors: Mendonça Marcio José
Published: July 2016

Tradução de artigo do inglês por Marcio José Mendonça
[Budget impact analysis for peginterferon beta-1a in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis in Italy]
Authors: Iannazzo Sergio , Santoni Laura , Saleri Cecilia , Puma Elisa , Vestri Giulia , Giuliani Luigi , Centonze Diego , Canonico Pier Luigi
Published: July 2016

BACKGROUND: Peginterferon beta-1a, injected every two weeks, is the first approved pegylated interferon beta-1a for the treatment of relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). The objective of this analysis was to estimate the economic impact due to the introduction of peginterferon beta-1a in Italy.METHODS: This analysis was conducted with a three-year time horizon with the support of a simple decision-analytic model adopting the perspective of the Italian National Healthcare Service (NHS). Healthcare costs sustained by the Italian NHS to manage the RRMS population (drug treatment, monitoring, relapse management, adverse events management) were calculated over 3 years and compared in two scenarios: the base scenario where interferons-beta and glatiramer acetate (GA) are used to treat RRMS patients, and an alternative scenario where peginterferon beta-1a can also be used to treat RRMS patients. The target population was approximately 35,500, 37,500 and 39,500 patients at year 1, 2 and 3 respectively, based on the published literature and market data. The efficacy of treatments was simulated as a reduction of relapse rates and was derived from a Network Meta-analysis. Unit costs were based on current prices and tariffs, and the published literature. A one-way sensitivity analysis was developed.RESULTS: According to current price and described assumptions, it was estimated that the introduction of peginterferon beta-1a would result in a decrease of total costs when compared with the base scenario. The cost in the base scenario was estimated to be  € 321.5, € 339.7 and € 357.8 million in years 1, 2, and 3, respectively. In the alternative scenario, the same costs resulted in about € 321.1, € 338.6 and € 356.2 million, respectively. The cumulative budget impact over three years period was approximately a cost saving of € 3.1 million (about 0.3% saving).CONCLUSION: The adoption of peginterferon beta-1a for the treatment of RRMS would be viewed as economically sustainable by the Italian NHS.[Article in Italian]