bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Private Is Your Financial Data?
Authors: Mulukutla Vidya , Gupta Manish , Rao H. R.
Published: September 2016

The ease and convenience of Internet Banking or e-banking has made it the most preferred way for customers as well as the banking industry alike. The fact that e-banking enables remote accessibility of a customer's account translates to round-the-clock service from the bank and has made this mode of operation a success in every sense. The starting and most important point for which would be the authentication to customer's financial data. This chapter sheds light on the different authentication mechanisms that could be followed as per the situational demands taking into consideration the various threat environments and possible vulnerabilities in the system. The advantages and disadvantages arising out of different authentication mechanisms are presented with the possible attack scenarios enumerated. An overview of the personal computer environ and the mobile environ are discussed. The chapter will be invaluable for managers and professionals in understanding the current authentication landscape.
Exploring Digital Scholarship
Authors: Manca Stefania , Ranieri Maria
Published: September 2016

Social media are increasingly perceived as powerful drivers of change for research practices, in terms of openness, sharing and sociability. Numerous studies have reported benefits and factors affecting the progressive adoption of these sites especially for scholarly communication. However, extensive studies that are carried out with large samples at a national level are still rare. This chapter reports the results of a survey addressed to Italian academic scholars, the purpose of which was to identify frequency and way of use of a number of social media tools (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, ResearchGate, Academia.edu, YouTube, Vimeo, SlideShare, Blogs, and Wikis). The study aims at providing evidence on how academic scholars are using social media for scholarly purposes, also by taking into account a number of factors such as gender, age, years of teaching, academic title, and field of knowledge. It also investigates the most valuable tools and the main reasons for use in academic practices. Results of quantitative and qualitative analysis are provided along with considerations for further research.
Digital Identity of Researchers 2.0
Authors: Oliveira Nuno Ricardo , Morgado Lina
Published: September 2016

This chapter results from an investigation into the digital identity of a community of researchers, part of a PhD study on Education focused on Personal Learning Networks (PLN). Today the social web is a massive reality in academic research, which leads to question the importance of the digital presence of researchers in these informal contexts and how they relate to each other. With the evolution of the internet, new challenges are posed to researchers, both socially (social web) and academically. Immersion in these digital environments promotes the development of open research practices, with evidence of interactions between group members, stressing the collaborative way we interact in the context of learning throughout life. Thus, the social web allows the researcher 2.0 to access the work of other researchers quickly and effectively, sharing content and collaborating with others through a PLN. This personal network requires a range of skills related to the digital identity of researchers, considering the environment in which they are operating.
Data-Driven and Practice-Based Evidence
Authors: Osop Hamzah , Sahama Tony
Published: September 2016

Decision making is such an integral aspect in health care routine that the ability to make the right decisions at crucial moments can lead to patient health improvements. Evidence-based practice, the paradigm used to make those informed decisions, relies on the use of current best evidence from systematic research such as randomized controlled trials. Limitations of the outcomes from RCT, such as “quantity” and “quality” of evidence generated, has lowered healthcare professionals' confidence in using EBP. An alternate paradigm of Practice-Based Evidence has evolved with the key being evidence drawn from practice settings. Through the use of health information technology, electronic health records capture relevant clinical practice “evidence”. A data-driven approach is proposed to capitalize on the benefits of EHR. The issues of data privacy, security and integrity are diminished by an information accountability concept. Data warehouse architecture completes the data-driven approach by integrating health data from multi-source systems, unique within the healthcare environment.
Green School Frameworks
Authors: Metzger Anisa Baldwin
Published: September 2016

Many green schools frameworks exist to guide schools toward environmentally responsible choices. Through the various lenses that green school frameworks provide, we can see a fuller picture of what comprises a green school – within the physical space, the organizational culture and the educational mission. This chapter describes the underlying themes within several major K-12 green school frameworks in order to better explain each framework's purpose and interrelationship. The frameworks within this chapter vary in reach and scope, but all have similar aims: to create supportive school environments that teach students a deeper sense of their responsibility toward their community and their world. Because the goals of all green schools are, at root, global in scale, the pathways and the metrics can appear complex. This chapter provides an overview of the most widely-used frameworks to clarify the powerful underlying values that tie them together.
Developing a Framework for Next Generation Integrated Agro Food-Advisory Systems in Developing Countries
Authors: Barakabitze Alcardo Alex , Fue Kadeghe Goodluck , Kitindi Edvin Jonathan , Sanga Camilius Aloyce
Published: September 2016

Farming communities in developing countries are adopting ICT based systems for agriculture. However, few countries have formalized national ICT for agriculture framework to guide farmers and other actors in solving problems as per their technological and agricultural needs. This paper proposes a framework for agriculture productivity in developing countries. First the description of the components of ICT based systems to support different phases of farming cycle is presented. Then the proposed framework is explained how it can be incorporated in the farming cycle to improve agriculture productivity. The authors anticipate that the proposed framework can bring an increase in agriculture productivity by improving communication pathways for agricultural knowledge and innovation systems (AKIS). The proposed framework is grounded on establishment of strong link between farmer-extension agent-researcher (agricultural innovation platform) using participatory approaches.
An Agent Based Hydro Informatics Approach for the Engagement of Farmers in Irrigation Water Management in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Gasmelseid Tagelsir Mohamed
Published: September 2016

The use of software agent systems and technologies to simulate water resources management scenarios and improve the engagement of stakeholders in policy making is gaining paramount importance. Such importance originates from two main concerns or change agents. Firstly, the context of water management is becoming highly complicated due to the intensity of connections with other systems, the diversity of stakeholders and the multiplicity (and sometime conflicting) objectives of decision partners. Moreover, the domain used for capitalizing on water management issues is becoming planetary (as it is the case of shared basins) rather than being local (watershed, watercourse, scheme, etc.). As a result, the concern is not limited to the optimization of the utility matrix of stakeholders but additional attention is required to incorporate many emerging issues such as the maintenance of financial sustainability, functional mainstreaming and improving engagement to promote reconciliation and change of water use behaviors. Secondly, the recent technological developments have improved the processing capacity of hardware, software functionalities and the accessibility of telecommunication platforms. Such developments have been reflected in the improvement of the capacities of decision makers to address complex problem domains. Software agents' technologies possess the qualities that make them useful for the provision of decision support in water management domains. As it is the case of irrigated agriculture, software agents' technology can be used for the design of farm surface irrigation systems, the improvement of irrigation systems management and the enhancement of the involvement of farmers in the processes of integrated water management. This paper is concerned with the use of agent based systems to facilitate the engagement of farmers in Al Ahsaa area in the management of water resources. The government of the Kingdom is adopting a demand management approach for the management of irrigation water by discouraging the cultivation of water-consuming crops such as wheat and dates. Improving the ability of farmers to analyze alternative cropping patterns significantly affects their water use behavior.
Current and Future Trends of Refrigerants Development
Authors: Duarte M. V. , Pires L. C. , Silva P. D. , Gaspar P. D.
Published: September 2016

In this chapter is addressed the thematic of refrigerants: its historical evolution; properties; legislation applied in the area and future trends. The first refrigerant being marketed on a large scale was ethyl ether (R610), in 1834. Since then, the evolution of the utilized refrigerants was stimulated, initially due to constructive issues in the refrigeration system and later to environmental issues. This evolution may be divided into four generations: 1st use of any fluid that worked; 2nd safety and durability of the equipment; 3rd ozone layer protection and 4th increase of global warming concerns. During the process of evolution many refrigerants were tested to understanding of their properties. Currently, environmental concerns are taken as guide in the search for new refrigerants. The most promising refrigerants to be used in future are the HFEs, HFOs and HFCs with low-GWP, natural refrigerants and blends between (HCs/HFCs and HFCs/HFOs) refrigerants.
The Practice of Mentoring
Authors: Juhasz Timea , Gabriella Horvath-Csikós
Published: September 2016

This abstract deals with mentoring as one of the most popular forms of knowledge-sharing nowadays. On one hand the authors give a theoretical introduction about the protocol, the types, and the participants and about the realization of mentoring; while on the other hand some results of a complex research are also shown. The research was carried out with the participation of Hungarian companies and employees, both in qualitative and in quantitative way. Although the researches cannot be considered representative, the authors of the chapter reckon that a clear view can be obtained about the Hungarian mentoring practice. In light of the results it can be stated that the respondents basically consider this form of knowledge-sharing useful, which provides a good base and support for the operation of a consistent knowledge-management system and mentoring should represent positive values and practice in this process.
Estimation of Mixed-Mode Stress Intensity Factors with Presence of the Confinement Parameters T-Stress and A3
Authors: Fodil Lahouari , El Azzizi Abdallah , Hadj Meliani Mohammed
Published: September 2016

A failure criterion is proposed for ductile fracture in U-notched components under mixed mode static loading. The Compact Tension Shear (CTS) is the preferred test specimen used to determine stress intensity factor in the mode I, mode II and the mixed-mode fracture. In this work, the mode I and mode II stress intensity factors were computed for different notch ratio lengths 0.1<a/W<0.7, of the inner radius of notch 0.25mm<ρ<4mm and load orientation angles 0°<α< 90° using finite element analysis. However, a review of numerical analysis results reveals that the conventional fracture criteria with only stress intensity factors (NSIFs) Kρ first term of Williams’s solution provide different description of stress field around notch zone comparing with results introduce the second and third parameter T-stress and A3.
Numerical Comparison of HHO and HHOCNG Fuel Performance Analysis with Pilot Diesel Injection
Authors: Kenanoğlu Raif , Baltacioğlu M. Kaan , Baltacioğlu Ertuğrul
Published: September 2016

Nowadays, alternative fuels usage is increasing due to limited oil reserves and increasing petrol demands. There are many advantages and disadvantages of alternative fuels when used alone. In this study, alternative fuels with various specifications are mixed in different proportions to tolerate these disadvantages. Hydroxy (HHO) and hydroxy enriched compressed natural gas (HHOCNG) fuel mixtures with pilot diesel injection was used as dual-fuels on a non-modified diesel engine and investigated their performance parameters such as torque (T), power (P), brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC), indicated mean effective pressure (IMEP) and volumetric efficiency (ηv). This study conducted with AVL Boost simulation program and all graphs are plotted to compare HHO and HHOCNG fuel mixtures performance outputs, additionally all results are compared with neat diesel performance values. The general results show that, HHOCNG enrichment has the best improvement values with respect to single HHO enrichment. Overall improvements for BSFC, torque, power and IMEP values of 25 HHOCNG are 4,086%, 1.67%, 4.13% and 3.67%, respectively.
Design and Static Magnetic Analysis of Magnetostrictive (Tb0.3Dy0.7Fe1.95) Fuel Injector with Flexible Piston Hydraulic Displacement Amplification
Authors: Patil Mukund A.
Published: September 2016

This paper presents the conceptual design of fuel injector based on giant magnetostrictive material, with displacement amplification mechanism. The permissible emission level EURO norms become stricter in case of fuel injection technology of modern combustion engine. The magnetic circuit of the magnetostrictive fuel injector is analyzed using finite element method. Based on the structure and working principle of our magnetostrictive fuel injector (MFI), the properties of driving magnetic field are researched.
Evaluation of the Management and Use of Water Resources in the Middle Reaches of the Syr Darya Basin (Chirchik-Akhangaran-Keles Irrigation District)
Authors: Mahmudov I.E. , Muradov N. , Bekmamadova G.
Published: September 2016

In the article are presented results of analysis and assessment of water management in the Chirchik-Akhangaran River Basins in the middle reaches of the Syrdarya River. Big quantities of water are discharged into Syrdarya river bed towards Kazakhstan because of hydro energetic use of Chirchik river drain along with municipal sewage and drainage water within the territory of the river basin. The article describes the schemes of discharged water formation and its distribution throughout the year. It also showed the digital maps with the location of hydroelectric power stations, as well as their energy potential.
Electrolytic Behavior Silver Microphases and Nanophases on the Graphite Electrode Surface
Authors: Perevezentseva Daria O. , Gorchakov Eduard , Oskina Yulia A.
Published: September 2016

The stepwise mechanism of electrooxidation and reduction of silver nanophases and microphases is proposed on the graphite electrodes surface in alkaline medium. The electrochemical splitting of silver nanophases peak is observed on the anodic branch of the cyclic current-voltage curve. There is the shoulder at E = 0.2 V on the he anodic branch of cyclic current-voltage curve. The appearance of additional cathodic wave at E = -0.08 V is observed on the cathodic branch of the cyclic current-voltage curve that is caused by the reduction of silver nanoparticles. The additional cathode maximum is represented at 0.3 V on the cathodic branch of the cylic current-voltage curves of only silver nanophases. This effect is associated the catalytic process of decomposition of hydrogen peroxide on silver nanoparticles surface. The offset of the cathodic maxima of current-voltage curves of silver nanophases obtained with an excess of a reducing agent are observed to more negative potentials. There is a significant decrease of the all currents maxima compared to silver nanophases obtained with an equal molar ratio of reactants. These results may be connected with the formation of silver oxide monolayers in the different oxidation in the presence of large amounts a reducing agent. The excess of the reducing agent required for the preparation of silver nanoparticles leads to decrease of the cathodic maximum of silver nanoparticles
Sulfur-Containing Composite Material for the Concrete Production
Authors: Frolova Irina , Tikhonov Viktor V. , Poltoranina Anna P. , Usoltseva Natalya , Fu Shuang Cheng , Knyazev Alexey S.
Published: September 2016

The chemical composition and particle size distribution as well as the physical-mechanical characteristics of fly ash of Krasnokamensk combined heat and power plant (CHPP) were determined. The revealed features provided the development of the technology of fly ash enrichment. The composite building material based on both fly ash of Krasnokamensk CHPP and technical sulfur was developed. Aluminum chloride was proposed to be used as modifier. The basic physical-mechanical properties of sulfur crushed stone were investigated.
Waterproof Magnesia Binder for Composite Materials
Authors: Mitina Natalia A. , Revva Inna B. , Ditts Alexander A. , Simonov Dmitriy
Published: September 2016

The paper presents a study of structure formation during the hardening of a new water resistant hydraulic magnesium cement. Improvement of water resistance and the manifestation of hydraulic properties in magnesium cement are associated with the use of a fundamentally new mixing liquid involving a magnesium bicarbonate solution. Use of this solution makes possible for the magnesium composition to harden not only in air, but also in water. The Coefficient of resistance is 1.0–1.8. When mixing the magnesium cement with an aqueous solution of magnesium bicarbonate, the main products of hardening are magnesium hydroxide and magnesium hydrocarbonates. The increase of the hydrocarbon phase contributes to the strengthening characteristics of magnesia compositions. Magnesium hydrocarbonates are insoluble in water, which provides the increased water resistance of magnesia compositions and the opportunity to harden and gain strength in water.
Particle Size Distribution of Aluminum Powders Obtained by Electric Explosion of Wires
Authors: Yavorovsky Nikolay A. , Pustovalov Alexey V. , Zhuravkov Sergey P. , Lutoshkina Olga S.
Published: September 2016

The paper describes the research into the effect of the energy supplied to the conductor at the time of explosion on the particle size distribution of aluminum powders obtained. Aluminum powders consist of at least three fractions with the average particle size of 20-100 μm, 1-5 μm, and 50-900 nm. The yield of each fraction and average particle size are determined by the level of energy supplied to the conductor.
One-Pot Synthesis of Chloropyridines from Aminopyridines via Diazotization
Authors: Lesina Yulia , Beysembay Perizat , Kassanova Assiya
Published: September 2016

A method for synthesis of chloropyridines from pyridinyl trifluoromethanesulfonates in acetonitrile in the presence of hydrochloric acid was developed. One-pot synthesis of chloropyridines from aminopyridines via diazotization was presented. Pyridyl triflates were obtained in this reaction in situ. This method provides good yields of the target products.
Synthesis and Properties of Iron-Based Magnetic Nanoparticles
Authors: Sashko Nikita , Vaitulevich Elena , Yurmazova Tatiana
Published: September 2016

We have obtained magnetite nanoparticles (MNP) by using chemical coprecipitation of Fe2+ and Fe3+ in water solution. The size of these particles was less than 9 nm, and they possessed corresponding physical and chemical properties. Citric acid was used to stabilize magnetite particles suspension. The acid was affixed to the surface of the particles by adding it in fresh MNP solution during synthesis. Affixing carboxyl groups on the surface of MNP not only does improve particles' dispersion in solvent, but also allows adding further modifications to their surface. The properties of the particles' microstructure and morphology were determined with X-Ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), whereas their magnetic properties were determined by means of automated pulse magnetic field analysis equipment. Magnetic measurements have shown that saturation magnetization was 94 emu/g with nanoparticles being at room temperature. We have also researched possible application of these particles as drug carriers by determining doxorubicin sorption capacity on the surface of MNPs. These MNPs have proven to have perspective ability to be a magnetic field-controlled carrier for cancer-treating drugs. The obtained particles can also potentially be used as a contrast medium for MRI.
Study of Hematite Mineral Samples in Purification of Aqueous Solutions from As3+ and Fe3+ Ions
Authors: Martemianov Dmitrii V. , Zhuravkov Sergey P. , Khaskelberg Mikhail B. , Slyadnikov Pavel E. , Nadeina Luiza V.
Published: September 2016

Hematite mineral samples of Korshunov deposit were the subject of the study. The samples size was less than 0.1 mm; 0.5-1 mm and 1.5-2.5 mm. Some physicochemical properties of adsorbent samples were investigated: specific surface and specific pore volume were identified; zeta potential was measured; thermal and elemental analyses were carried out. Sorption properties of samples obtained under static conditions were studied. They were investigated in removing Fe3+ and As3+ ions from simulated solutions. Content analysis of the ions in filtrates was carried out by stripping voltamperometry and photocolorimetry methods. In using hematite, removal of As+3 ions from the solution increases if adsorption time increases. The smaller grain size, the better purification of simulated solution was. Hematite with the size of particles less than 0.1 mm is more effective in removing of Fe+3 ions from solution, if contact time is short. It has been found that if contact time is longer, hematite with 0.5-1 mm and 1.5-2.5 mm sizes of particles is better to use. The authors have concluded that hematite can be used for efficient water purification from iron ions and arsenic ions
The Use of Laser-Doppler Vibrometry for Modal Analysis of Carbon-Fiber Reinforced Composite
Authors: Filippov Andrey V. , Krasnoveikin Vladimir A. , Druzhinin Nikolay V. , Rubtsov Valery E.
Published: September 2016

Both modal analysis procedure and the results obtained on a three-component 3D-printed carbon-fiber reinforced composite (CFRC) are presented. Experimental modal analysis of on the composite has been carried out to obtain the dynamic behavior characteristics. As revealed, the different eigen-oscillations waveforms possess different sensitivity of its amplitude frequency response to structural defects of the composite. For the similar waveforms we observed the differences in eigen-oscuillation frequencies, vibration velocities and damping factors which can be caused by the presence of numerous defects homogeneously distributed in one of the samples.
Investigation of Acoustic Parameters for Structural Health Monitoring of Sandwich Panel under Cyclic Load
Authors: Eremin Alexander V. , Burkov Mikhail V. , Byakov Anton V. , Lyubutin Pavel S. , Panin Sergey V. , Khizhnyak Stepan A.
Published: September 2016

The paper is devoted to investigation of ultrasonic signal properties and their changes during cyclic loading of CFRP sandwich panels with aluminum honeycomb core. In order to estimate the mechanical state of the composite structures the Lamb wave based technique is proposed. Acoustic signals are generated and sensed by piezoelectric transducers adhesively bonded on the specimen surface. Sensed signals are analyzed by computing the set of informative parameters which characterize ultrasonic signals evolution during cyclic tests. The paper represents the results allowing identification of three stages of fatigue damaging and failure for two specimens subjected to tensile-compressive loading.
HIF-2α in Resting Macrophages Tempers Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species To Selectively Repress MARCO-Dependent Phagocytosis
Authors: Dehn Shirley , DeBerge Matthew , Yeap Xin-Yi , Yvan-Charvet Laurent , Fang Deyu , Eltzschig Holger K. , Miller Stephen D. , Thorp Edward B.
Published: September 2016

Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-α isoforms regulate key macrophage (MΦ) functions during ischemic inflammation. HIF-2α drives proinflammatory cytokine production; however, the requirements for HIF-2α during other key MΦ functions, including phagocytosis, are unknown. In contrast to HIF-1α, HIF-2α was not required for hypoxic phagocytic uptake. Surprisingly, basal HIF-2α levels under nonhypoxic conditions were necessary and sufficient to suppress phagocytosis. Screening approaches revealed selective induction of the scavenger receptor MARCO, which was required for enhanced engulfment. Chromatin immunoprecipitation identified the antioxidant NRF2 as being directly responsible for inducing Marco. Concordantly, Hif-2α−/− MΦs exhibited reduced antioxidant gene expression, and inhibition of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species suppressed Marco expression and phagocytic uptake. Ex vivo findings were recapitulated in vivo; the enhanced engulfment phenotype resulted in increased bacterial clearance and cytokine suppression. Importantly, natural induction of Hif-2α by IL-4 also suppressed MARCO-dependent phagocytosis. Thus, unlike most characterized prophagocytic regulators, HIF-2α can act as a phagocytic repressor. Interestingly, this occurs in resting MΦs through tempering of steady-state mitochondrial reactive oxygen species. In turn, HIF-2α promotes MΦ quiescence by blocking a MARCO bacterial-response pathway. IL-4 also drives HIF-2α suppression of MARCO, leading to compromised bacterial immunosurveillance in vivo.
The accusation of 'world disturbers' (Acts 17:6) in socio-political context
Authors: Punt Jeremy
Published: September 2016

�Acts 17:1�9 presents a narrative of the consequences of Paul�s engagements in Thessalonica�s synagogue. Following Paul and Silas� reported successful 3-week mission, some Jews hauled Paul and Silas� host, Jason, and a number of Jesus followers before the authorities. The threefold accusation was that Paul and Silas turned the world upside down, acted against Caesar�s decrees and claimed another king, Jesus. This incident is investigated from the perspective of Acts� presentation of competing missions, in the context of the intersectionality of religion and politics in the 1st century CE. The article challenges a narrow theological interpretation of Acts 17, insisting on the need for and value of a socio-political interpretive lens to make sense of the rhetoric of this chapter.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: The article challenges a narrow theological interpretation of Acts 17, insisting on the need for and value of a socio-political interpretive lens to make sense of the rhetoric of this chapter.
Toward Developing a Climatology of Fire Emissions in Central Asia
Authors: Park Yun Hee , Sokolik Irina N.
Published: September 2016

Fire emissions are a significant mechanism in the carbon cycling from the Earth's surface to the atmosphere, and fire behavior is considerably interacted with weather and climate. However, due to interannual variation of the emissions and nonlinear smoke plume dynamics, understanding the interactions between fire behavior and the atmosphere is challenging. This study aims to establish a climatology of the fire emission in Central Asia and has estimated a feedback of fire emissions to meteorological variables on a seasonal basis using the Weather Research and Forecasting model coupled with Chemistry. The months of April, May, and September have a relatively large number of pixels, where the plume height is located within the boundary layer, and the domain during these months tends to have unstable conditions at the strongest smoke, showing a lower percentage of stable conditions. From the seasonal analysis, the high fire intensity occurs in the summer as smoke travels above the boundary layer, changing temperature profile and increasing the water vapor mixing ratio.
A Novel Digital Patient-Reported Outcome Platform for Head and Neck Oncology Patients–-A Pilot Study
Authors: Peltola Maria K. , Lehikoinen Joel S. , Sippola Lauri T. , Saarilahti Kauko , Mäkitie Antti A.
Published: September 2016

Introduction

The patient's role in toxicity reporting is increasingly acknowledged. There is also a need for developing modern communication methods between the patient and the medical personnel. Furthermore, the increasing number of head and neck cancer (HNC) patients is reflected in the volume of treatment follow-up visits, which remains a challenge for the health care. Electronic patient-reported outcome (ePRO) measures may provide a cost-efficient way to organize follow-up for cancer patients.

Materials and Methods

We tested a novel ePRO application called Kaiku®, which enables real-time, online collection of patient-reported outcomes, such as side effects caused by treatment and quality of life. We conducted a pilot study to assess the suitability of Kaiku® for HNC patients at the Department of Oncology, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland. Patients used Kaiku® during and one month after radiotherapy to report treatment-related side effects and quality of life. Two physicians and a nurse performed the practical electronic communication part of the study.

Results

Five of the nine patients agreed to participate in the study: three of them had local early-stage larynx cancer (T2N0, T1aN0, and T2N0) and the remaining two patients had early-stage base of tongue cancer (T2N0 and T1N2b). The degree of side effects reported by the patients via Kaiku® ranged from mild to life threatening. The number of outcome data points on patients' progress was significantly increased, which resulted in a better follow-up and improved communication between the patient and the care team.

Conclusions

Kaiku® seems to be a suitable tool to monitor side effects and quality of life during and after radiotherapy among HNC patients. Kaiku® and similar tools could be useful in organizing a cost-effective follow-up process for HNC patients. We recommend conducting a larger study to further assess the impact of an ePRO solution in routine clinical practice. • ePRO solutions may aid in the follow-up for cancer patients. • They seem suitable to monitor, for example, side effects and quality of life. • These systems ensure fast patient-driven reporting.
Genomics Study of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Strains from Different Ethnic Populations in Taiwan
Authors: Dou Horng-Yunn , Chen Yin-Yuan , Chen Ying-Tsong , Chang Jia-Ru , Lin Chien-Hsing , Wu Ken-Ming , Lin Ming-Shian , Su Ih-Jen , Tsai Shih-Feng
Published: September 2016

To better understand the transmission and evolution of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) in Taiwan, six different MTB isolates (representatives of the Beijing ancient sublineage, Beijing modern sublineage, Haarlem, East-African Indian, T1, and Latin-American Mediterranean (LAM)) were characterized and their genomes were sequenced. Discriminating among large sequence polymorphisms (LSPs) that occur once versus those that occur repeatedly in a genomic region may help to elucidate the biological roles of LSPs and to identify the useful phylogenetic relationships. In contrast to our previous LSP-based phylogeny, the sequencing data allowed us to determine actual genetic distances and to define precisely the phylogenetic relationships between the main lineages of the MTB complex. Comparative genomics analyses revealed more nonsynonymous substitutions than synonymous changes in the coding sequences. Furthermore, MTB isolate M7, a LAM-3 clinical strain isolated from a patient of Taiwanese aboriginal origin, is closely related to F11 (LAM), an epidemic tuberculosis strain isolated in the Western Cape of South Africa. The PE/PPE protein family showed a higher dn/ds ratio compared to that for all protein-coding genes. Finally, we found Haarlem-3 and LAM-3 isolates to be circulating in the aboriginal community in Taiwan, suggesting that they may have originated with post-Columbus Europeans. Taken together, our results revealed an interesting association with historical migrations of different ethnic populations, thus providing a good model to explore the global evolution and spread of MTB.
Hymenolepis nana Impact Among Children in the Highlands of Cusco, Peru: An Emerging Neglected Parasite Infection
Authors: Cabada Miguel M. , Morales Maria Luisa , Lopez Martha , Reynolds Spencer T. , Vilchez Elizabeth C. , Lescano Andres G. , Gotuzzo Eduardo , Garcia Hector Hugo , White Clinton A.
Published: September 2016

Hymenolepis nana is the most common cestode infection in the world. However, limited information is available regarding its impact on affected populations. We studied the epidemiology and symptoms associated with hymenolepiasis among children 3–16 years old in 16 rural communities of the highlands of the Cusco region in Peru. Information on demographics, socioeconomic status, symptoms as reported by parents, and parasitological testing was obtained from the database of an ongoing Fasciola hepatica epidemiologic study. A total of 1,230 children were included in the study. Forty-five percent were infected with at least one pathogenic intestinal parasite. Giardia spp. (22.9%) was the most common, followed by Hymenolepis (17.4%), Fasciola (14.1%), Ascaris lumbricoides (6.1%), and Strongyloides stercoralis (2%). The prevalence of Hymenolepis infection varied by community, by other parasitic infections, and by socioeconomic status. However, only years of education of the mother, use of well water, and age less than 10 years were associated with Hymenolepis infection in the multivariate analysis. Hymenolepis nana infection was associated with diarrhea, jaundice, headaches, fever, and fatigue. Children with > 500 eggs/g of stool were more likely to have symptoms of weight loss, jaundice, diarrhea, and fever. Hymenolepis nana infection and age were the only factors retained in the multivariate analysis modeling diarrhea. Hymenolepiasis is a common gastrointestinal helminth in the Cusco region and is associated with significant morbidity in children in rural communities. The impact caused by the emergence of Hymenolepis as a prevalent intestinal parasite deserves closer scrutiny.
Uptake of nitric acid, ammonia, and organics in orographic
clouds: Mass spectrometric analyses of droplet residual and
interstitial aerosol particles
Authors: Schneider Johannes , Mertes Stephan , van Pinxteren Dominik , Herrmann Hartmut , Borrmann Stephan
Published: September 2016

Abstract. Concurrent in-situ analyses of interstitial aerosol and cloud droplet residues have been conducted at the Schmücke mountain site during the Hill Cap Cloud Thuringia campaign in central Germany in September and October 2010. Cloud droplets were sampled from warm clouds (temperatures between −3 and +16 °C) by a counterflow virtual impactor and the submicron-sized residues were analyzed by a C-ToF-AMS, while the interstitial aerosol composition was measured by an HR-ToF-AMS. During cloud-free periods the submicron out-of-cloud aerosol was analyzed using both instruments, allowing for intercomparison between the two instruments. Further instrumentation included black carbon measurements and optical particle counters for the aerosol particles as well as optical sizing instrumentation for the cloud droplets. The results show that under cloud conditions on average 85 % of the submicron aerosol mass partitioned into the cloud liquid phase. Scavenging efficiencies of nitrate, ammonium, sulfate, and organics ranged between 60 and 100 %, with nitrate having in general the highest values. For black carbon, the scavenging efficiency was markedly lower (about 24 %). The nitrate and ammonium mass fractions were found to be markedly enhanced in cloud residues, indicating uptake of gaseous nitric acid and ammonia into the aqueous phase. This effect was found to be temperature dependent: At lower temperatures the nitrate and ammonium mass fractions in the residues were higher. Also, the oxidation state of the organic matter in cloud residues was found to be temperature dependent: The O:C ratio was lower at higher temperatures. A possible explanation for this observation is a more effective uptake and/or higher concentrations of low-oxidized water soluble volatile organic compounds, possibly of biogenic origin, at higher temperatures. Organic nitrates were observed in cloud residuals as well as in the out-of-cloud aerosol, but no indication of a preferred partitioning of organic nitrates into the aqueous phase or into the gas phase was detected. Assuming the uptake of nitric acid and ammonia in cloud droplets to be reversible, it will lead to a redistribution of nitrate and ammonium among the aerosol particles, leading to more uniform, internally mixed particles after several cloud passages.
First characterization and validation of FORLI-HNO3 vertical profiles
retrieved from IASI/Metop
Authors: Ronsmans Gaétane , Langerock Bavo , Wespes Catherine , Hannigan James W. , Hase Frank , Kerzenmacher Tobias , Mahieu Emmanuel , Schneider Matthias , Smale Dan , Hurtmans Daniel , De Mazière Martine , Clerbaux Cathy , Coheur Pierre-François
Published: September 2016

Abstract. Knowing the spatial and seasonal distributions of nitric acid (HNO3) around the globe is of great interest and allows us to comprehend the processes regulating stratospheric ozone, especially in the polar regions. Due to its unprecedented spatial and temporal sampling, the nadir-viewing Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI) is capable of sounding the atmosphere twice a day globally, with good spectral resolution and low noise. With the Fast Optimal Retrievals on Layers for IASI (FORLI) algorithm, we are retrieving, in near real time, columns as well as vertical profiles of several atmospheric species, among which is HNO3. We present in this paper the first characterization of the FORLI-HNO3 profile products, in terms of vertical sensitivity and error budgets. We show that the sensitivity of IASI to HNO3 is highest in the lower stratosphere (10–20 km), where the largest amounts of HNO3 are found, but that the vertical sensitivity of IASI only allows one level of information on the profile (degrees of freedom for signal, DOFS;  ∼  1). The sensitivity near the surface is negligible in most cases, and for this reason, a partial column (5–35 km) is used for the analyses. Both vertical profiles and partial columns are compared to FTIR ground-based measurements from the Network for the Detection of Atmospheric Composition Change (NDACC) to characterize the accuracy and precision of the FORLI-HNO3 product. The profile validation is conducted through the smoothing of the raw FTIR profiles by the IASI averaging kernels and gives good results, with a slight overestimation of IASI measurements in the upper troposphere/lower stratosphere (UTLS) at the six chosen stations (Thule, Kiruna, Jungfraujoch, Izaña, Lauder and Arrival Heights). The validation of the partial columns (5–35 km) is also conclusive with a mean correlation of 0.93 between IASI and the FTIR measurements. An initial survey of the HNO3 spatial and seasonal variabilities obtained from IASI measurements for a 1-year (2011) data set shows that the expected latitudinal gradient of concentrations from low to high latitudes and the large seasonal variability in polar regions (cycle amplitude around 30 % of the seasonal signal, peak to peak) are well represented by IASI data.
Carbonate chemistry in sediment porewaters of the Rhône River delta
driven by early diagenesis (northwestern Mediterranean)
Authors: Rassmann Jens , Lansard Bruno , Pozzato Lara , Rabouille Christophe
Published: September 2016

Abstract. The Rhône River is the largest source of terrestrial organic and inorganic carbon for the Mediterranean Sea. A large fraction of this terrestrial carbon is either buried or mineralized in the sediments close to the river mouth. This mineralization follows aerobic and anaerobic pathways, with a range of impacts on calcium carbonate precipitation and dissolution in the sediment near the sediment–water interface. This study focuses on the production of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and total alkalinity (TA) by early diagenesis, consequential pH variations and the effect on calcium carbonate precipitation or dissolution. The sediment porewater chemistry was investigated along a transect from the Rhône River outlet to the continental shelf. TA and concentrations of DIC, SO42− and Ca2+ were analyzed on bottom waters and extracted sediment porewaters, whereas pH and oxygen concentrations were measured in situ using microelectrodes. The average oxygen penetration depth into the sediment was 1.7 ± 0.4 mm close to the river mouth and 8.2 ± 2.6  mm in the continental shelf sediments, indicating intense respiration rates. Diffusive oxygen fluxes through the sediment–water interface ranged between 3 and 13 mmol O2 m−2 d−1. In the first 30 cm of the sediment, TA and DIC porewater concentrations increased with depth up to 48 mmol L−1 near the river outlet and up to 7 mmol L−1 on the shelf as a result of aerobic and anaerobic mineralization processes. Due to aerobic processes, at all stations pH decreased by 0.6 pH units in the oxic layer of the sediment accompanied by a decrease of the saturation state regarding calcium carbonate. In the anoxic layer of the sediments, sulfate reduction was the dominant mineralization process and was associated with an increase of porewater saturation state regarding calcium carbonate. Ultimately anoxic mineralization of organic matter caused calcium carbonate precipitation demonstrated by a large decrease in Ca2+ concentration with depth in the sediment. Carbonate precipitation decreased in the offshore direction, together with the carbon turnover and sulfate consumption in the sediments. The large production of porewater alkalinity characterizes these sediments as an alkalinity source to the water column, which may increase the CO2 buffering capacity of these coastal waters. Estuarine sediments should therefore receive more attention in future estimations of global carbon fluxes.
A Sudden Stratospheric Warming Compendium
Authors: Butler Amy H. , Sjoberg Jeremiah P. , Seidel Dian J. , Rosenlof Karen H.
Published: September 2016

Abstract. Major mid-winter sudden stratospheric warmings (SSWs) are large and rapid temperature increases in the wintertime polar stratosphere associated with a complete reversal of the climatological westerly winds (i.e., the polar vortex). These extreme events can have substantial impacts on wintertime surface climate, such as cold air outbreaks over North America and Eurasia, or anomalous warming over Greenland. Here we present a SSW Compendium (SSWC), a new database that documents the evolution of the stratosphere, troposphere, and surface conditions 60 days prior to and after SSWs for the period 1958–2014. The SSWC comprises data from six different reanalysis products: MERRA2 (1980–2014), JRA-55 (1958–2014), ERA-interim (1979–2014), ERA-40 (1958–2002), NOAA20CRv2c (1958–2011), and NCEP-NCAR I (1958–2014). Global gridded daily anomaly fields, full fields, and derived products are provided for each SSW event. The compendium will allow users to examine the structure and evolution of individual SSWs, and the variability among events and among reanalysis products. The SSWC is archived and maintained by NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI, doi:10.7289/V5NS0RWP).
Spatio-temporal approach to moving window block kriging of satellite data
Authors: Tadić Jovan M. , Qiu Xuemei , Miller Scot , Michalak Anna M.
Published: September 2016

Abstract. Numerous existing satellites observe physical or environmental properties of the Earth system. Many of these satellites provide global-scale observations, but these observations are often sparse and noisy. By contrast, contiguous, global maps are often most useful to the scientific community (i.e., level 3 products). We develop a spatiotemporal moving window block kriging method to create contiguous maps from sparse and/or noisy satellite observations. This approach exhibits several advantages over existing methods: 1) it allows for flexibility in setting the spatial resolution of the level 3 map, 2) it is applicable to observations with variable density, 3) it produces a rigorous uncertainty estimate, 4) it exploits both spatial and temporal correlations in the data, and 5) it facilitates estimation in real time. Moreover, this approach only requires a limited number of assumptions – that the observable quantity exhibits spatial and temporal correlations that are inferable from the data. We test this method by creating Level 3 products from satellite observations of CO2 (XCO2) from GOSAT, CH4 (XCH4) from IASI and solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) from GOME-2. We evaluate and analyze the difference in performance of spatio-temporal vs. recently developed spatial kriging methods.
How streamflow has changed across Australia since the 1950s: evidence from the network of hydrologic reference stations
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyong Sophie , Amirthanathan Gnanathikkam E. , Bari Mohammed A. , Laugesen Richard M. , Shin Daehyok , Kent David M. , MacDonald Andrew M. , Turner Margot E. , Tuteja Narendra K.
Published: September 2016

Abstract. Streamflow variability and trends in Australia were investigated for 222 high-quality stream gauging stations having 30 years or more continuous unregulated streamflow records. Trend analysis identified seasonal, inter-annual and decadal variability, long-term monotonic trends and step changes in streamflow. Trends were determined for annual total flow, baseflow, seasonal flows, daily maximum flow and three quantiles of daily flow. A distinct pattern of spatial and temporal variation in streamflow was evident across different hydroclimatic regions in Australia. Most of the stations in southeastern Australia spread across New South Wales and Victoria showed a significant decreasing trend in annual streamflow, while increasing trends were retained within the northern part of the continent. No strong evidence of significant trend was observed for stations in the central region of Australia and northern Queensland. The findings from step change analysis demonstrated evidence of changes in hydrologic responses consistent with observed changes in climate over the past decades. For example, in the Murray–Darling Basin, 51 out of 75 stations were identified with step changes of significant reduction in annual streamflow during the middle to late 1990s, when relatively dry years were recorded across the area. Overall, the hydrologic reference stations (HRSs) serve as critically important gauges for streamflow monitoring and changes in long-term water availability inferred from observed datasets. A wealth of freely downloadable hydrologic data is provided at the HRS web portal including annual, seasonal, monthly and daily streamflow data, as well as trend analysis products and relevant site information.