bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Private Labels in Chile
Authors: Gómez-Suárez Mónica , Paiva Galo , Schnettler Berta
Published: June 2016

The aim of this study was to contribute to the knowledge of Private Label (PL) brands in Chile. The question was whether there are differences in the perception between buyers and non-buyers and what factors affect the intention to purchase this type of brand. This involved an in-home survey in Temuco, Chile on the basis of multistage random sampling. Using a one-way ANOVA, it was determined that private label buyers are looking to save more on their purchases than non-buyers. They also had a better perception of the quality of these brands. Using linear regression, the main factors were obtained that determine the purchase intention: frequency of purchase and attitude towards private labels. The variable that affected attitude was mainly the perception of the quality of private labels. These results do not differ greatly from the studies conducted in Europe or the United States.
Brand Equity of Store Brands and Its Effect on Customer Value
Authors: Rubio Natalia , Villaseñor Nieves , Yague Maria Jesús
Published: June 2016

This chapter develops a comprehensive analysis of the self-perception of value that the customer brings to the different retail chains present in the Spanish consumer goods retail sector. The authors incorporate a metric to determine the value that costumers have for the retail chains included in the study, and the brand equity of their store brands. The value supplied by their customers is defined as the perception of their loyal behavior and profitability on a long-term context. The measurement of this concept is based on personal judgments on repurchase intention and recommendation at present (named actual value), as well as their intention to acquire different products and brands sold by the company in the future (named potential value). Also, the chapter develops an analysis of the components that generate the brand equity of private label brands and their contribution to building customer value for the chains.
Choice of National Brand vs. Private Label “Me-Too” New Products in a Multicultural Context
Authors: Gómez-Suárez Mónica , Abril Carmen
Published: June 2016

Many national brands adopt innovation strategies based on frequent launches of new products to defend and grow market shares against private labels. However, retailers imitate the novelties of national brand new products very fast. One of the key questions to assess the effectiveness of national brands' product innovation is to get a deeper understanding of how consumers react in terms of choice when faced with a national brand new product and a me-too private label product. In particular this research explores the effects of consumer innovativeness and risk aversion on this choice in five European countries and the United States. Results show that consumers with higher innovativeness prefer national brands. However, there are significant differences among countries depending on their uncertainty avoidance and risk aversion.
Does Packaging Matter?
Authors: do Vale Rita Coelho , Matos Pedro Verga
Published: June 2016

This chapter provides an overview on the impact of private labels' trade dress code on consumers' product choices and attitudes, assessing to what extent the adoption of different type of packaging increases the likelihood of purchase of private labels, specifically when retailers opt for a copycatting packaging strategy. Few prior studies have systematically examined the implications of this strategy often adopted by retail marketers. This chapter offers an empirical perspective of this problem, analyzing it in a simulated supermarket experiment, across multiple product categories. Findings suggest that with exception of a few product-categories, copycat strategies have a positive impact on PLs likelihood of purchase. In certain product categories as groceries and pet food, the differential between likelihood of purchase of PL when following a copycat strategy vs a own-packaging strategy can go up to 15 p.p., highlighting the powerful effect that copycat packages can have on consumers' PLs choice.
The Impact of Consumer Values and Perceived Corporate Social Responsibility on the Attitude towards Genetically Modified Food
Authors: Pino Giovanni , Blázquez-Resino Juan José
Published: June 2016

This study aimed to provide food retailers with suggestions useful to design effective private brands. To this end, it addressed the topic of GM food, which is still a highly controversial issue, especially in Italy. The study tested, in particular, a research framework hypothesizing that consumer attitudes towards store-branded GM foods are affected by their values and perceptions about the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of retailers selling these products. A survey conducted on a sample of 260 Italian consumers, revealed that: self-transcending values (benevolence, nature protection) drive consumers to believe that GM food retailers are committed to economic CSR; conservative values (traditions, security) drive consumers to believe that GM food retailers are committed to legal CSR; perceived legal and philanthropic CSR favorably affect consumer attitudes towards store-branded GM foods. The study discusses these results and highlights their practical relevance for the private branding strategies of food retailers.
The Role of Private Labels in the Organic Food Market
Authors: Llorens Miguel , Carcelén Sonia
Published: June 2016

The organic food market has become one of the most rapidly growing sectors in developed economies around the world in the last decade, but it has not grown at the same pace in all the countries. The review of literature clearly indicates that the main motivations of the Spanish consumer to buy organic food are Health, Taste and Quality; also reveals that the main barriers are related to Price and Availability. The organic Store Brand appears as an opportunity for retailers to overcome those barriers, the price gap and the lack of availability. This study investigates the role of Store Brands in the development of the organic food product category. The authors provide a comprehensive picture of the current status in the Spanish distribution channels and review some PL strategies for the retailers to develop the category in different marketing areas such as branding, labelling, pricing, merchandising and promotion.
Fair Trade and Innovation in the Shopping Channel
Authors: Moreno-Gavara Carme , Jimenez-Zarco Ana Isabel
Published: June 2016

The emergence of so-called fair trade has revolutionized the field of commercial distribution. Promoted and managed by Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), fair trade—or also called equitative—is regarded as an initiative to create innovative commercial channels; within which the relationship between the parties is aimed at achieving sustainable development and sustainable supply This chapter highlights the case of Intermon Oxfam, an NGO dedicated to fighting poverty. Their aim is to use effective tools to empower people to eliminate poverty by themselves. They change livelihoods by promoting local development through the production and marketing of local products. In this case Intermon acts as a private label for products of natural origin. These include staple foods from chocolate, coffee, etc. - to fashion products, such as clothes and accessories. The high degree of brand recognition, and images associated with these products have a strong social component while providing credibility and consumer confidence.
Generic Drugs in the Pharmaceutical Market
Authors: Rozano Mercedes
Published: June 2016

Over the past three decades, marketing has increased its interest in studying the role of generic products in the pharmaceutical sector, one that has only recently incorporated the concept of “generic” products, compared to others such as the mass market. Since the emergence of generic products as one of national brands' main competitors, these have shown significant growth in both their market share, as well as in new product categories. Initially, the concept of generic products was limited to categories of packaged foods and later extended to categories such as medicine. Pharmaceutical market presents an opportunity to analyze the expansion of the “generic” concept, in a strongly regulated framework. In Europe, different policies have resulted in a varying development of generic market shares. Today, the sustainability of health system is a matter of increasing concern to European governments. Generic drugs offer an opportunity to contain pharmaceutical expenditures, since generic price are lower than their original brand equivalent. Developing this market is the main objective.
Selling OTC Medicines in Supermarkets
Authors: Zamora Luisa Fauvel , Gallo María Puelles , Cliquet Gérard
Published: June 2016

This chapter aims to develop ideas regarding Over The Counter (OTC) medicines under private label and national brands within the context of retail network, because this is a precondition to selling their retail private labels and OTC and national brands in countries where this practice is currently forbidden by law. The purpose of this chapter is threefold. First, assessing the situation of the sale of OTC medicines in the European Union; second, advancing in consumer behavior analyses in countries where is not possible to buy OTCs in supermarkets; third, understanding the factors behind purchase intentions of private label and national brands OTC medicines since their conception. An empirical study was carried out. Results indicate a good acceptation from consumer in both cases of OTCs in supermarkets. In general, risks are moderated. Great benefits are perceived from these products when they are allocated on the shelves.
Online Distribution Strategies
Authors: Izquierdo-Yusta Alicia , Labajo Victoria , Jiménez-Zarco Ana Isabel , Martínez-Ruiz María Pilar
Published: June 2016

The growing importance of online channels, social media, and mobile commerce (m-commerce) has given rise to new retail formats, that use only channel used and which have enabled many new consumers to access certain establishments despite geographical barriers. The fashion sector may be one of the most heavily affected by these developments, due to the highly seasonal nature of the products, keen competitive rivalry, widespread reliance on outsourcing, high brand power variety of pricing policies, and strong emotional implications for consumers, who identify with specific brands. This chapter aims at analyzing the main strategies that retail operators are currently following in the industry in order to differentiate from other retailers. A special interest will be placed on the role of the brand, examining how retailers in the industry use private labels as a differentiation resource. The authors also review the case of ASOS, a global retailer which has proven able to adapt to every market, with a view to determining how it has dealt with the myriad challenges involved
Notch Signaling Regulates the Homeostasis of Tissue-Restricted Innate-like T Cells
Authors: Chennupati Vijaykumar , Koch Ute , Coutaz Manuel , Scarpellino Leonardo , Tacchini-Cottier Fabienne , Luther Sanjiv A. , Radtke Freddy , Zehn Dietmar , MacDonald H. Robson
Published: June 2016

Although Notch signaling plays important roles in lineage commitment and differentiation of multiple cell types including conventional T cells, nothing is currently known concerning Notch function in innate-like T cells. We have found that the homeostasis of several well-characterized populations of innate-like T cells including invariant NKT cells (iNKT), CD8ααTCRαβ small intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes, and innate memory phenotype CD8 T cells is controlled by Notch. Notch selectively regulates hepatic iNKT cell survival via tissue-restricted control of B cell lymphoma 2 and IL-7Rα expression. More generally, Notch regulation of innate-like T cell homeostasis involves both cell-intrinsic and -extrinsic mechanisms and relies upon context-dependent interactions with Notch ligand-expressing fibroblastic stromal cells. Collectively, using conditional ablation of Notch receptors on peripheral T cells or Notch ligands on putative fibroblastic stromal cells, we show that Notch signaling is indispensable for the homeostasis of three tissue-restricted populations of innate-like T cells: hepatic iNKT, CD8ααTCRαβ small intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes, and innate memory phenotype CD8 T cells, thus supporting a generalized role for Notch in innate T cell homeostasis.
Paired Ig-like Receptor B Inhibits IL-13–Driven Eosinophil Accumulation and Activation in the Esophagus
Authors: Ben Baruch-Morgenstern Netali , Mingler Melissa K. , Stucke Emily , Besse John A. , Wen Ting , Reichman Hadar , Munitz Ariel , Rothenberg Marc E.
Published: June 2016

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a Th2 cytokine–associated disease characterized by eosinophil infiltration, epithelial cell hyperplasia, and tissue remodeling. Recent studies highlighted a major contribution for IL-13 in EoE pathogenesis. Paired Ig-like receptor B is a cell surface immune-inhibitory receptor that is expressed by eosinophils and postulated to regulate eosinophil development and migration. We report that Pirb is upregulated in the esophagus after inducible overexpression of IL-13 (CC10-Il13Tg mice) and is overexpressed by esophageal eosinophils. CC10-Il13Tg/Pirb−/− mice displayed increased esophageal eosinophilia and EoE pathology, including epithelial cell thickening, fibrosis, and angiogenesis, compared with CC10-Il13Tg/Pirb+/+ mice. Transcriptome analysis of primary Pirb+/+ and Pirb−/− esophageal eosinophils revealed increased expression of transcripts associated with promoting tissue remodeling in Pirb−/− eosinophils, including profibrotic genes, genes promoting epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and genes associated with epithelial growth. These data identify paired Ig-like receptor B as a molecular checkpoint in IL-13–induced eosinophil accumulation and activation, which may serve as a novel target for future therapy in EoE.
Cutting Edge: Commensal Microbiota Has Disparate Effects on Manifestations of Polyglandular Autoimmune Inflammation
Authors: Hansen Camilla H. F. , Yurkovetskiy Leonid A. , Chervonsky Alexander V.
Published: June 2016

Polyglandular autoimmune inflammation accompanies type 1 diabetes (T1D) in NOD mice, affecting organs like thyroid and salivary glands. Although commensals are not required for T1D progression, germ-free (GF) mice had a very low degree of sialitis, which was restored by colonization with select microbial lineages. Moreover, unlike T1D, which is blocked in mice lacking MyD88 signaling adaptor under conventional, but not GF, housing conditions, sialitis did not develop in MyD88−/− GF mice. Thus, microbes and MyD88-dependent signaling are critical for sialitis development. The severity of sialitis did not correlate with the degree of insulitis in the same animal and was less sensitive to a T1D-reducing diet, but it was similar to T1D with regard to microbiota-dependent sexual dimorphism. The unexpected distinction in requirements for the microbiota for different autoimmune pathologies within the same organism is crucial for understanding the nature of microbial involvement in complex autoimmune disorders, including human autoimmune polyglandular syndromes.
Improving the lack of missional effectiveness of congregations with small satellite meetings from an interdisciplinary practical theological perspective
Authors: Tucker Arthur R.
Published: June 2016

There is much literature concerning small church groups. We are swamped with articles and blogs about what to do to make your small group succeed. Many of these are purely pragmatic, with a smattering of theology or ecclesiology. I believe it is time to take a fresh practical theological look at their place in congregational life and their ecclesiological role. One aim of the missional concept is that congregations transform the communities in the contemporary worlds in which they exist. Whilst many churches now have a dual structure of small satellite groups attached around the main larger worship meeting variously known as cell groups, life groups, etc., it would appear from research that they are not using this dual combination effectively from a missional perspective and thus are not being as effective as they could be in fulfilling the missio Dei. This article attempts to learn how this may be improved using an interdisciplinary practical theology approach combining what may be learnt about this dual structure from the sociology of groups, church history, ecclesiology, and contemporary contextual studies. It concludes by making appropriate recommendations.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: This article suggests how their effectiveness may be significantly improved using an intra/interdisciplinary practical theology approach combining what may be learnt about this dual structure from the sociology of groups, church history, perception theory in the area of ecclesial paradigms, missional and Trinitarian ecclesiology, and contemporary contextual studies. It concludes by making appropriate recommendations.Keywords: Dual group structures; contemporary developments;actional analysis; improving missional effectiveness; contextual importance
Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Facilities and Hygiene Practices Associated with Diarrhea and Vomiting in Monastic Schools, Myanmar
Authors: Weaver Emma R. N. , Agius Paul A. , Veale Hilary , Dorning Karl , Hlang Thein T. , Aung Poe P. , Fowkes Freya J. I. , Hellard Margaret E.
Published: June 2016

Gastrointestinal diseases are major contributors to mortality among children globally, causing one in 10 child deaths. Although most deaths are in children aged ≤ 5 years, the burden of disease in school-aged children is still considerable and contributes to high rates of school absenteeism. This study investigates behavioral and structural risk factors associated with diarrhea and/or vomiting among schoolchildren in Myanmar. Cross-sectional data from a school-based multistage cluster sample of grade 4 and 5 students were analyzed to explore water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities and hygiene-related practices of students in monastic schools in Myanmar. The outcome of interest was student self-reported diarrhea and/or vomiting in the past week. Random effects multinomial logistic regression models were used to explore correlates at the student and school level. A total of 2,082 students from 116 schools across eight states/regions were included. Of these, 11% (223) self-reported at least one episode of diarrhea only, 12% (253) at least one episode of vomiting only, and 12% (244) diarrhea and vomiting in the past week. Independent risk factors associated with the outcome included poor availability of handwash stations, no access to a septic tank toilet, inconsistent toilet use, and lower student grade. These findings highlight the importance of having an adequate number of handwash stations for students, the provision of septic tank toilets, and consistent toilet use. Future WASH programs need to target not only the provision of these WASH facilities but also their utilization, particularly among younger school-aged children.
Estimation of Plasmodium falciparum Transmission Intensity in Lilongwe, Malawi, by Microscopy, Rapid Diagnostic Testing, and Nucleic Acid Detection
Authors: Parr Jonathan B. , Belson Connor , Patel Jaymin C. , Hoffman Irving F. , Kamthunzi Portia , Martinson Francis , Tegha Gerald , Thengolose Isaac , Drakeley Chris , Meshnick Steven R. , Escamillia Veronica , Emch Michael , Juliano Jonathan J.
Published: June 2016

Estimates of malaria transmission intensity (MTI) typically rely upon microscopy or rapid diagnostic testing (RDT). However, these methods are less sensitive than nucleic acid amplification techniques and may underestimate parasite prevalence. We compared microscopy, RDT, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the diagnosis of Plasmodium falciparum parasitemia as part of an MTI study of 800 children and adults conducted in Lilongwe, Malawi. PCR detected more cases of parasitemia than microscopy or RDT. Age less than 5 years predicted parasitemia detected by PCR alone (adjusted odds ratio = 1.61, 95% confidence interval = 1.09–2.38, Wald P = 0.02). In addition, we identified one P. falciparum parasite with a false-negative RDT result due to a suspected deletion of the histidine-rich protein 2 (hrp2) gene and used a novel, ultrasensitive PCR assay to detect low-level parasitemia missed by traditional PCR. Molecular methods should be considered for use in future transmission studies as a supplement to RDT or microscopy.
Rickettsia sp. Strain Atlantic Rainforest Infection in a Patient from a Spotted Fever-Endemic Area in Southern Brazil
Authors: Krawczak Felipe S. , Muñoz-Leal Sebastián , Guztzazky Ana Carolina , Oliveira Stefan V. , Santos Fabiana C. P. , Angerami Rodrigo N. , Moraes-Filho Jonas , de Souza Julio C. , Labruna Marcelo B.
Published: June 2016

Santa Catarina State in southern Brazil is the state with the second highest number of laboratory-confirmed cases of spotted fever illness in Brazil. However, all these cases were confirmed solely by serological analysis (seroconversion to spotted fever group rickettsiae), which has not allowed identification of the rickettsial agent. Here, a clinical case of spotted fever illness from Santa Catarina is shown by seroconversion and molecular analysis to be caused by Rickettsia sp. strain Atlantic rainforest. This is the third confirmed clinical case due to this emerging rickettsial agent in Brazil. Like the previous two cases, the patient presented an inoculation eschar at the tick bite site. Our molecular diagnosis was performed on DNA extracted from the crust removed from the eschar. These results are supported by previous epidemiological studies in Santa Catarina, which showed that nearly 10% of the most common human-biting ticks were infected by Rickettsia sp. strain Atlantic rainforest.
Burden of Liver Abscess and Survival Risk Score in Thailand: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Poovorawan Kittiyod , Pan-ngum Wirichada , Soonthornworasiri Ngamphol , Kulrat Chotipa , Kittitrakul Chatporn , Wilairatana Polrat , Treeprasertsuk Sombat , Kitsahawong Bubpha , Phaosawasdi Kamthorn
Published: June 2016

In Thailand, the burden of liver abscess, a life-threatening infectious disease, has not been thoroughly evaluated. We developed a predictive scoring system to estimate survival of patients with liver abscess using information from the 2008–2013 Nationwide Hospital Admission Data to evaluate the burden of liver abscess in Thailand. All patients with primary diagnosis of pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) and amoebic liver abscess (ALA) were included. Epidemiological data, baseline characteristics, hospital course, and survival were analyzed. Overall, 11,296 admissions comprising 8,423 patients from 844 hospitals across Thailand were eligible for analysis. The mean age was 52 ± 17 years and 66.1% of patients were male. ALA was significantly prevalent in southern and western border regions of Thailand, and PLA occurred nationwide. The highest incidence of liver abscess occurred in the rainy season (June–November, P < 0.01). The median length of hospital stay was 8 days (interquartile range = 4–13 days), and mean direct cost of hospitalization was 846 ± 1,574 USD. The overall inhospital mortality rate was 2.8%. Incidence of ALA decreased over the 5-year study period, whereas PLA incidence increased (P < 0.01). Using multivariable Cox regression methods with stepwise variable selection, we developed a final model with five highly significant baseline parameters associated with increased 60-day mortality: older age, PLA, underlying chronic kidney disease, cirrhosis, and human immunodeficiency virus infection. Range of estimated probability of 60-day survival was 95–16% at cumulative risk score 0–13. This simplified score is practical, and may help clinicians prioritize patients requiring more intensive care.
AGPAT6 gene EX1_303T > C and EX12_299G > A mutations and associations with economic traits of Chinese Simmental-cross cattle
Authors: Long Xiaojuan , Fang Xibi , Jiang Ping , Xiao Hang , Yu Haibin , Zhou Mengjiao , Pan Yunzhi , Lu Chunyan , Zhao Zhihui , Yang Runjun
Published: June 2016

Abstract. One of the 11 members in the family of 1-acylglycerol-3-phosphate-O- acyltransferases (AGPATs), AGPAT6, is responsible for the second step in the biosynthesis of triacylglycerol in eukaryotes. The AGPAT6 gene is highly expressed in brown adipose tissue, mammary gland epithelial cells and many other tissues. In this study, the PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism technique was applied to detect sites of polymorphism in the bovine AGPAT6 gene, and two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected in the exon 1 and exon 12. Thirty-three traits associated with the meat quality and the carcass were also measured in Chinese Simmental-cross steers. The association between the two SNPs and the traits was then analyzed. The polymorphism site EX1_303T > C was significantly associated with the omasum weight, liver weight, pH value of the beef (carcass), fat coverage rate of the carcass, fat color score, kidney weight and back fat thickness. The polymorphism site EX12_299G > A was significantly associated with bone net weight, forehoof weight, hind feet weight, the fat coverage rate of the carcass, the head and heart weight and the marbling score. Thus, the polymorphisms in the AGPAT6 gene might be important genetic factors that influence the carcass yield and meat quality of beef cattle and may be useful markers of meat quality traits in future marker-assisted selection programs for the breeding and production of beef cattle.
Strong modification of stratospheric ozone forcing by cloud and sea-ice adjustments
Authors: Xia Yan , Hu Yongyun , Huang Yi
Published: June 2016

Abstract. We investigate the climatic impact of stratospheric ozone recovery (SOR), with a focus on the surface temperature change in atmosphere–slab ocean coupled climate simulations. We find that although SOR would cause significant surface warming (global mean: 0.2 K) in a climate free of clouds and sea ice, it causes surface cooling (−0.06 K) in the real climate. The results here are especially interesting in that the stratosphere-adjusted radiative forcing is positive in both cases. Radiation diagnosis shows that the surface cooling is mainly due to a strong radiative effect resulting from significant reduction of global high clouds and, to a lesser extent, from an increase in high-latitude sea ice. Our simulation experiments suggest that clouds and sea ice are sensitive to stratospheric ozone perturbation, which constitutes a significant radiative adjustment that influences the sign and magnitude of the global surface temperature change.
The contribution of oceanic halocarbons to marine and free tropospheric air over the tropical West Pacific
Authors: Fuhlbrügge Steffen , Quack Birgit , Tegtmeier Susann , Atlas Elliot , Hepach Helmke , Shi Qiang , Raimund Stefan , Krüger Kirstin
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Emissions of halogenated very-short-lived substances (VSLSs) from the oceans contribute to the atmospheric halogen budget and affect tropospheric and stratospheric ozone. Here, we investigate the contribution of natural oceanic VSLS emissions to the marine atmospheric boundary layer (MABL) and their transport into the free troposphere (FT) over the tropical West Pacific. The study concentrates on bromoform, dibromomethane and methyl iodide measured on ship and aircraft during the SHIVA (Stratospheric Ozone: Halogen Impacts in a Varying Atmosphere) campaign in the South China and Sulu seas in November 2011. Elevated oceanic concentrations for bromoform, dibromomethane and methyl iodide of on average 19.9, 5.0 and 3.8 pmol L−1, in particular close to Singapore and to the coast of Borneo, with high corresponding oceanic emissions of 1486, 405 and 433 pmol m−2 h−1 respectively, characterise this tropical region as a strong source of these compounds. Atmospheric mixing ratios in the MABL were unexpectedly relatively low with 2.08, 1.17 and 0.39 ppt for bromoform, dibromomethane and methyl iodide. We use meteorological and chemical ship and aircraft observations, FLEXPART trajectory calculations and source-loss estimates to identify the oceanic VSLS contribution to the MABL and to the FT. Our results show that the well-ventilated MABL and intense convection led to the low atmospheric mixing ratios in the MABL despite the high oceanic emissions. Up to 45 % of the accumulated bromoform in the FT above the region originates from the local South China Sea area, while dibromomethane is largely advected from distant source regions and the local ocean only contributes 20 %. The accumulated methyl iodide in the FT is higher than can be explained with local contributions. Possible reasons, uncertainties and consequences of our observations and model estimates are discussed.
Diurnal, weekly, seasonal and spatial variabilities in carbon dioxide flux in different urban landscapes in Sakai, Japan
Authors: Ueyama Masahito , Ando Tomoya
Published: June 2016

Abstract. To evaluate CO2 emissions in urban areas and their temporal and spatial variabilities, continuous measurements of CO2 fluxes were conducted using the eddy covariance method at three locations in Sakai, Osaka, Japan. Based on the flux footprint at the measurement sites, CO2 fluxes from the three sites were partitioned into five datasets representing a dense urban center, a moderately urban area, a suburb, an urban park, and a rural area. Distinct biological uptake of CO2 was observed in the suburb, urban park, and rural areas in the daytime, whereas high emissions were observed at dense and moderate urban areas in daytime. Weekday CO2 emissions in the dense urban center and suburban area were approximately 50 % greater than during weekend and holidays, but the other landscapes did not exhibit a clear weekly cycle. Seasonal variations in the urban park, rural area, and suburban area were influenced by vegetation activities, exhibiting the lowest daily emissions or even uptakes during summer months. In contrast, the dense and moderately urban areas exhibited higher emissions in winter and summer months, when emissions significantly increased as air temperature increased in summer and air temperature decreased in winter. Irrespective of the landcover type, all urban landscapes measured in this study acted as net annual CO2 sources, with emissions ranging from 0.5 to 4.9 kg C m−2 yr−1. The magnitude of the annual CO2 emissions was negatively correlated with green fraction; areas with a smaller green fraction had higher annual CO2 emissions. Upscaled flux estimates based on the green fraction indicated that the emissions for the entire city were 3.3 kg C m−2 yr−1, which is equivalent to 0.5 Tg C yr−1 or 1.8 Mt CO2 yr−1 based on the area of the city (149.81 km2). A network of eddy covariance measurements is a powerful tool to evaluate CO2 emissions from urban areas.
Community Air Sensor Network (CAIRSENSE) project: Evaluation of low-cost sensor performance in a suburban environment in the southeastern United States
Authors: Jiao Wan , Hagler Gayle , Williams Ronald , Sharpe Robert , Brown Ryan , Garver Daniel , Judge Robert , Caudill Motria , Rickard Joshua , Davis Michael , Weinstock Lewis , Zimmer-Dauphinee Susan , Buckley Ken
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Advances in air pollution sensor technology have enabled the development of small and low cost systems to measure outdoor air pollution. The deployment of a large number of sensors across a small geographic area would have potential benefits to supplement traditional monitoring networks with additional geographic and temporal measurement resolution, if the data quality were sufficient. To understand the capability of emerging air sensor technology, the Community Air Sensor Network (CAIRSENSE) project deployed low cost, continuous and commercially-available air pollution sensors at a regulatory air monitoring site and as a local sensor network over a surrounding ~ 2 km area in Southeastern U.S. Co-location of sensors measuring oxides of nitrogen, ozone, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and particles revealed highly variable performance, both in terms of comparison to a reference monitor as well as whether multiple identical sensors reproduced the same signal. Multiple ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon monoxide sensors revealed low to very high correlation with a reference monitor, with Pearson sample correlation coefficient (r) ranging from 0.39 to 0.97, −0.25 to 0.76, −0.40 to 0.82, respectively. The only sulfur dioxide sensor tested revealed no correlation (r  0.5), step-wise multiple linear regression was performed to determine if ambient temperature, relative humidity (RH), or age of the sensor in sampling days could be used in a correction algorithm to improve the agreement. Maximum improvement in agreement with a reference, incorporating all factors, was observed for an NO2 sensor (multiple correlation coefficient R2adj-orig = 0.57, R2adj-final = 0.81); however, other sensors showed no apparent improvement in agreement. A four-node sensor network was successfully able to capture ozone (2 nodes) and PM (4 nodes) data for an 8 month period of time and show expected diurnal concentration patterns, as well as potential ozone titration due to near-by traffic emissions. Overall, this study demonstrates a straightforward methodology for establishing low-cost air quality sensor performance in a real-world setting and demonstrates the feasibility of deploying a local sensor network to measure ambient air quality trends.
No-tillage lessens soil CO2 emissions the most under arid and sandy soil conditions: results from a meta-analysis
Authors: Abdalla Khatab , Chivenge Pauline , Ciais Philippe , Chaplot Vincent
Published: June 2016

Abstract. The management of agroecosystems plays a crucial role in the global carbon cycle with soil tillage leading to known organic carbon redistributions within soils and changes in soil CO2 emissions. Yet, discrepancies exist on the impact of tillage on soil CO2 emissions and on the main soil and environmental controls. A meta-analysis was conducted using 46 peer-reviewed publications totaling 174 paired observations comparing CO2 emissions over entire seasons or years from tilled and untilled soils across different climates, crop types and soil conditions with the objective of quantifying tillage impact on CO2 emissions and assessing the main controls. On average, tilled soils emitted 21 % more CO2 than untilled soils, which corresponded to a significant difference at P<0.05. The difference increased to 29 % in sandy soils from arid climates with low soil organic carbon content (SOCC < 1 %) and low soil moisture, but tillage had no impact on CO2 fluxes in clayey soils with high background SOCC (> 3 %). Finally, nitrogen fertilization and crop residue management had little effect on the CO2 responses of soils to no-tillage. These results suggest no-tillage is an effective mitigation measure of carbon dioxide losses from dry land soils. They emphasize the importance of including information on soil factors such as texture, aggregate stability and organic carbon content in global models of the carbon cycle.
Uncertainties in the land use flux resulting from land use change reconstructions and gross land transitions
Authors: Bayer Anita D. , Lindeskog Mats , Pugh Thomas A. M. , Fuchs Richard , Arneth Almut
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Land-use and land-cover (LUC) changes are a key uncertainty when attributing changes in measured atmospheric CO2 concentration to its sinks and sources, and must also be much better understood to determine possibilities for land-based climate change mitigation, especially in the light of human demand on other land-based resources. On the spatial scale typically used in terrestrial ecosystem models (0.5 or 1 degrees) changes in LUC over time periods of a few years or more can include bi-directional changes on the sub-grid level, such as the parallel expansion and abandonment of agricultural land (e.g. in shifting cultivation), or cropland-grassland conversion (and vice versa). These complex changes between classes within a gridcell have often been neglected in previous studies, and only net changes of land between natural vegetation cover, cropland and pastures accounted for, mainly because of a lack of reliable high-resolution historical information on gross land transitions. In the present study we applied a state-of-the-art dynamic global vegetation model with a detailed representation of croplands and carbon-nitrogen dynamics to quantify the uncertainty in terrestrial ecosystem carbon stocks and fluxes arising from the choice between net and gross representations of LUC. We used three frequently applied global and one recent European LUC datasets, two of which resolve gross land transitions, either in Europe or in tropical regions. When considering only net changes, land-use-transition uncertainties (expressed as one standard deviation around decadal means) in global carbon emissions from LUC (ELUC) are ±0.23, ±0.76 and ±0.49 Pg C a−1 in the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s, respectively, or between 17 % and 42 % of mean ELUC. Carbon stocks at the end of the 20th century vary by ±13 Pg C for vegetation and ±41 Pg C for soil C due to the choice of LUC reconstruction, i.e. around 3 % of the respective C pools. Accounting for sub-grid (gross) land conversions significantly increased the effect of LUC on global and European carbon stocks and fluxes, most noticeably enhancing global cumulative ELUC by 33 Pg C (1750–2014) and entailing a significant reduction in carbon stored in vegetation, although the effect on soil C stocks was limited. Simulations demonstrated that assessments of historical carbon stocks and fluxes are highly uncertain due to the choice of LUC reconstruction and that the consideration of different contrasting LUC reconstructions is needed to account for this uncertainty. The analysis of gross in addition to net land changes showed that the full complexity of gross land-use changes is required in order to accurately predict the magnitude of LUC change emissions. This introduces technical challenges to the process-based models and relies on extensive information on historical land use transitions.
Microphysics parameterization sensitivity of the WRF Model version 3.1.7 to extreme precipitation: evaluation of the 1997 New Year’s flood of California
Authors: Tan Elcin
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Providing high accuracy in quantitative extreme precipitation forecasting (QEPF) is still a challenge. California is vulnerable to extreme precipitation, which occurs due to atmospheric rivers and might be more intense with climate change. Accordingly, this study is an attempt to evaluate the extreme precipitation forecasting performance of a QPF model, the Weather Research and Forecast Model, version 3.1.7, for the extreme precipitation event that caused the 1997 New Year’s flood in California. Sensitivities of 19 microphysics schemes are tested by utilizing 18 various Goodness of Fit (GoF) tests for hourly and point-wise comparisons between 3-km horizontal domain resolution simulations of the WRF Model and observations. The results indicate that the coefficient of persistence (cp) is the first metric that needs to be evaluated because it determines whether simulation versus observation values are reasonable. Comparisons of 3 out of 8 stations in the American River Watershed passed this test. The results also show that Normalized Root Mean Square Errors (NRMSE) and Percent Bias (PBIAS) metrics are more representative than others due to their ability to discriminate model performances. Further, microphysics (MP) schemes are also significantly sensitive to location. Although 3 of the stations that passed the cp test are quite near to each other spatially, different MP schemes become prominent for different observation locations. For instance, for the ALP station, MP3, MP8, MP17, and MP28 indicate better performances, whereas the errors of MP3, MP8, MP9, and MP17 are less than other MPs for the BTA station. However, MP11 has the only reasonable results, according to cp values for the CAP station. The MPs are also evaluated for 72-hr and basin-averaged precipitation estimations of the WRF Model by means of true percent relative errors. The results show that the accuracy of the WRF Model is much higher for the 72-hr total basin-averaged evaluations than for the hourly and point-wise comparisons. Thus, the Thompson Scheme (MP8) indicates more trustworthy results than others, with a 3.1 % true percent relative error. Although WRF simulations overestimate the 72-hr basin-averaged precipitation for most of the MP schemes, this may not be pronounced for moderate, heavy, and extreme precipitation when hourly and point-wise evaluations are performed but is valid for light precipitation.
Modelling evapotranspiration during precipitation deficits: identifying critical processes in a land surface model
Authors: Ukkola Anna M. , Pitman Andy J. , Decker Mark , De Kauwe Martin G. , Abramowitz Gab , Kala Jatin , Wang Ying-Ping
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Surface fluxes from land surface models (LSMs) have traditionally been evaluated against monthly, seasonal or annual mean states. The limited ability of LSMs to reproduce observed evaporative fluxes under water-stressed conditions has been previously noted, but very few studies have systematically evaluated these models during rainfall deficits. We evaluated latent heat fluxes simulated by the Community Atmosphere Biosphere Land Exchange (CABLE) LSM across 20 flux tower sites at sub-annual to inter-annual timescales, in particular focusing on model performance during seasonal-scale rainfall deficits. The importance of key model processes in capturing the latent heat flux was explored by employing alternative representations of hydrology, leaf area index, soil properties and stomatal conductance. We found that the representation of hydrological processes was critical for capturing observed declines in latent heat during rainfall deficits. By contrast, the effects of soil properties, LAI and stomatal conductance were highly site-specific. Whilst the standard model performs reasonably well at annual scales as measured by common metrics, it grossly underestimates latent heat during rainfall deficits. A new version of CABLE, with a more physically consistent representation of hydrology, captures the variation in the latent heat flux during seasonal-scale rainfall deficits better than earlier versions, but remaining biases point to future research needs. Our results highlight the importance of evaluating LSMs under water-stressed conditions and across multiple plant functional types and climate regimes.
OBJECT-BASED GREENHOUSE CLASSIFICATION FROM HIGH RESOLUTION SATELLITE IMAGERY: A CASE STUDY ANTALYA-TURKEY
Authors: Coslu M. , Sonmez N. K. , Koc-San D.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Pixel-based classification method is widely used with the purpose of detecting land use and land cover with remote sensing technology. Recently, object-based classification methods have begun to be used as well as pixel-based classification method on high resolution satellite imagery. In the studies conducted, it is indicated that object-based classification method has more successful results than other classification methods. While pixel-based classification method is performed according to the grey value of pixels, object-based classification process is executed by generating imagery segmentation and updatable rule sets. In this study, it was aimed to detect and map the greenhouses from object-based classification method by using high resolution satellite imagery. The study was carried out in the Antalya province which includes greenhouse intensively. The study consists of three main stages including segmentation, classification and accuracy assessment. At the first stage, which was segmentation, the most important part of the object-based imagery analysis; imagery segmentation was generated by using basic spectral bands of high resolution Worldview-2 satellite imagery. At the second stage, applying the nearest neighbour classifier to these generated segments classification process was executed, and a result map of the study area was generated. Finally, accuracy assessments were performed using land studies and digital data of the area. According to the research results, object-based greenhouse classification using high resolution satellite imagery had over 80% accuracy.
THE APPLICATION OF SUPPORT VECTOR MACHINE (SVM) USING CIELAB COLOR MODEL, COLOR INTENSITY AND COLOR CONSTANCY AS FEATURES FOR ORTHO IMAGE CLASSIFICATION OF BENTHIC HABITATS IN HINATUAN, SURIGAO DEL SUR, PHILIPPINES
Authors: Cubillas J. E. , Japitana M.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. This study demonstrates the application of CIELAB, Color intensity, and One Dimensional Scalar Constancy as features for image recognition and classifying benthic habitats in an image with the coastal areas of Hinatuan, Surigao Del Sur, Philippines as the study area. The study area is composed of four datasets, namely: (a) Blk66L005, (b) Blk66L021, (c) Blk66L024, and (d) Blk66L0114. SVM optimization was performed in Matlab® software with the help of Parallel Computing Toolbox to hasten the SVM computing speed. The image used for collecting samples for SVM procedure was Blk66L0114 in which a total of 134,516 sample objects of mangrove, possible coral existence with rocks, sand, sea, fish pens and sea grasses were collected and processed. The collected samples were then used as training sets for the supervised learning algorithm and for the creation of class definitions. The learned hyper-planes separating one class from another in the multi-dimensional feature space can be thought of as a super feature which will then be used in developing the C (classifier) rule set in eCognition® software. The classification results of the sampling site yielded an accuracy of 98.85% which confirms the reliability of remote sensing techniques and analysis employed to orthophotos like the CIELAB, Color Intensity and One dimensional scalar constancy and the use of SVM classification algorithm in classifying benthic habitats.
SPMK AND GRABCUT BASED TARGET EXTRACTION FROM HIGH RESOLUTION REMOTE SENSING IMAGES
Authors: Cui Weihong , Wang Guofeng , Feng Chenyi , Zheng Yiwei , Li Jonathan , Zhang Yi
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Target detection and extraction from high resolution remote sensing images is a basic and wide needed application. In this paper, to improve the efficiency of image interpretation, we propose a detection and segmentation combined method to realize semi-automatic target extraction. We introduce the dense transform color scale invariant feature transform (TC-SIFT) descriptor and the histogram of oriented gradients (HOG) & HSV descriptor to characterize the spatial structure and color information of the targets. With the k-means cluster method, we get the bag of visual words, and then, we adopt three levels’ spatial pyramid (SP) to represent the target patch. After gathering lots of different kinds of target image patches from many high resolution UAV images, and using the TC-SIFT-SP and the multi-scale HOG & HSV feature, we constructed the SVM classifier to detect the target. In this paper, we take buildings as the targets. Experiment results show that the target detection accuracy of buildings can reach to above 90%. Based on the detection results which are a series of rectangle regions of the targets. We select the rectangle regions as candidates for foreground and adopt the GrabCut based and boundary regularized semi-auto interactive segmentation algorithm to get the accurate boundary of the target. Experiment results show its accuracy and efficiency. It can be an effective way for some special targets extraction.