bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Life cycle versus balanced funds: An emerging market perspective
Authors: Louw Elbie , Van Schalkwyk Cornelis H. , Reyers Michelle
Published: August 2017

Background: Inadequate retirement savings is an international challenge. Additionally, individuals are not cognisant of how asset allocation choices ultimately impact retirement savings. Life cycle and balanced funds are popular asset allocation strategies to save towards retirement. However, recent research is questioning the efficacy of life cycle funds that switch to lower risk asset classes as retirement approaches.Aim: The purpose of this study is to compare the performance of life cycle funds with balanced funds to determine whether either dominates the other. The study compares balanced and life cycle funds with similar starting asset allocations as well as those where the starting asset allocations differ.Setting: The study has a South African focus and constructs funds using historical data for the main local asset classes; that is, equity, fixed income and cash, as well as a proxy for foreign equity covering the period 1986–2013.Method: The study makes use of Monte Carlo simulations and bootstrap with replacement, and compares the simulated outcomes using stochastic dominance as decision-making criteria.Results: The results indicate that life cycle funds fail to dominate balanced funds by first-order or almost stochastic dominance when funds have a similar starting asset allocation. It is noteworthy that there are instances where the opposite is true, that is, balanced funds dominate life cycle funds. These results highlight that while the life cycle funds provide more downside protection, they significantly suppress the upside potential compared to balanced funds. When the starting asset allocations of the balanced and life cycle funds differ, the stochastic dominance results are inconsistent as to the efficacy of the life cycle fund strategies considered.Conclusion: The study shows that whether one fund is likely to dominate the other is strongly dependent on the underlying asset allocation strategies of the funds. Additionally, the length of the glide path and the risk and return characteristics of the investable universe are also likely to influence the findings.
Photosensitive disorders in HIV
Authors: Koch Karen
Published: August 2017

Photosensitive disorders are common, affecting up to 5% of HIV-positive patients. HIV itself induces photosensitivity but photoaggravated drug reactions, porphyria cutanea tarda and nutritional disorders such as pellagra are also more common in patients with HIV. In South Africa, actinic lichenoid leukomelanoderma of HIV is a unique photosensitive disorder which is associated with advanced HIV. It is important to be able to recognise these conditions and withdraw photosensitising medications wherever possible.
Traumatic Cerrebral Fungus: Experience From an Institution in North East India
Authors: Singh Binoy Kumar , Dutta Abinash , Ahmed Shameem , Hussain Zakir , Hazarika Rajib , Singh Bineta
Published: August 2017

Background: Traumatic brain fungus is manifestation of neglected head injury. Although rare it is not uncommon. The patients are usually intact with good Glasgow coma (GCS) score inspite of complex injuries and exposed brain parenchyma but morbidity and mortality is very high with time if no proper and timely management is offered. There is very less study on traumatic brain fungus with no defined management protocols. So an attempt was made to explain in details the surgical strategies and other management techniques in patients with traumatic brain fungus. Aims: To study and evaluate the pattern of causation, clinical presentations, modalities of management of traumatic brain fungus and outcome after treatment. Methods: All patients with fungus cerebri, admitted to our centre from January 2012 to December 2015 were studied prospectively. All the patients were examined clinically and triaged urgently for surgery. CT head was done in all patients to look for any brain parenchymal injury. All patients were managed surgically. Outcome was assessed as per the Glassgow Outcome Score. Results: Total 10 patients were included in the study. 8 were men and 2 women. The patients' ages ranged from 3-48 years (mean 31.6 years). The interval between initial injury and protrusion ranged from 3 days to 6 days (mean 4.1 days). Mean GCS at the time of presentation was 13.2.60% of the patients (n =6) sustained moderate head injury. (GCS-9-13). Size of the fungus ranged from 5cm×3cm to 8cm×10cm. Conclusion: Early and proper local wound treatment prevents fungus formation. Pre-emptive antibiotics, AEDs and cerebral decongestants are recommended. Loose water-tight duroplasty prevents CSF leak. But mortality and morbidity can be reduced significantly if brain fungus is managed properly by applying basic surgical principles and antibiotic protocols combined with newer surgical modalities.
Rescue Measure in Giant Intracranial Meningioma Resection by Tranexamic Acid
Authors: Raghavendra H. , Varsha K. S. , Reddy M. Arun , Kumar Samsun Sujith , Sunanda G. , Nagarjuna T. , Latha Swarna
Published: August 2017

Neurosurgeons may find themselves in a precarious situation, while unable to secure haemostasis following tumour resection. We report intraoperative use of tranexamic acid to secure complete haemostasis as rescue measure in intracranial meningioma resection in uncontrollable bleeding.
High Frequency of Depressive Symptoms among Adults with Epilepsy: Results from a Hospital-based Study
Authors: Chandrasekharan Syam C. , Menon Vikas , Wadwekar Vaibhav , Nair Pradeep Pankajakshan
Published: August 2017

Context: Assessment of comorbid burden of depression and associated factors among adult people living with epilepsy (PWE) has the potential to inform clinical evaluation and management to improve outcomes. Aim: The aim of this study is to determine frequency of depressive symptoms and factors associated with it among PWE attending a tertiary care hospital. Setting and Design: This was a cross-sectional observational study conducted in the outpatient clinic of a tertiary care center. Subjects and Methods: One hundred and fifty patients with epilepsy were recruited between May 2016 and August 2016. For assessing depression, Tamil validated version of Patient Health Questionnaire-12 was used. Frequency of depression and its association with various sociodemographic and clinical factors were assessed. Statistical Analysis Used: Student t-test and Chi-square test for univariate analysis and logistic regression for multivariate analysis were used for statistical analysis. Results: Of the 150 subjects, 89 (59.3%) were males. Generalized tonic–clonic seizures were present in 131 people (87.3%). Genetic and unknown epilepsies contributed higher proportion (44.7%) as compared to structural epilepsies (37.3%). Majority (88%) were on one or two antiepileptic drugs. Thirty-one people (20.3%) had less than one seizure per year. Depressive symptoms were present in 95 patients (63.3%). In multivariate regression analysis, secondary generalized seizures and seizure frequency >1/month emerged as significant predictors of depression ([OR]: 5.48 [95% (CI): 1.35–22.28] and OR: 2.53 [95% CI: 1.11–5.75], respectively). Conclusion: Depression is prevalent in a majority of adult PWE. Hence, a routine screening for depression as part of comprehensive epilepsy care is advisable for PWE attending the outpatient clinic.
Prehospital Management of Acute Stroke in Rural versus Urban Responders
Authors: Hansen Gregory , Bal Simerpreet , Schellenberg Kerri Lynn , Alcock Susan , Ghrooda Esseddeeg
Published: August 2017

Objective: Stroke guideline compliance of rural Canadian prehospital emergency medical services (EMS) care in acute stroke is unknown. In this quality assurance study, we sought to compare rural and urban care by prehospital EMS evaluation/management indicators from patients assessed at an urban Canadian stroke center.Materials and Methods: One hundred adult patients were randomly selected from the stroke registry. Patients were transported through Rural EMS bypass protocols or urban EMS protocols (both bypass and direct) to our stroke center between January and December 2013. Patients were excluded if they were first evaluated at any other health center. Prehospital care was assessed using ten indicators for EMS evaluation/management, as recommended by acute stroke guidelines. Results: Compliance with acute stroke EMS evaluation/management indicators were statistically similar for both groups, except administrating a prehospital diagnostic tool (rural 31.8 vs. urban 70.3%; P = 0.002). Unlike urban EMS, rural EMS did not routinely document scene time. Conclusion: Rural EMS responders' compliance to prehospital stroke evaluation/management was similar to urban EMS responders. Growth areas for both groups may be with prehospital stroke diagnostic tool utilization, whereas rural EMS responders may also improve with scene time documentation.
Headache Patterns in Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis
Authors: Botta Ragasudha , Donirpathi Sheshagiri , Yadav Ravi , Kulkarni Girish B. , Kumar M. Veerendra , Nagaraja Dindigur
Published: August 2017

Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the clinical characteristics, patterns, and factors associated with headache in patients with cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVT). Methods: In this prospective cohort study, we recruited conscious CVT patients who were able to give reliable history after consent. Institutional ethics approval was obtained. The diagnosis of CVT was based on the clinical and imaging parameters. Data regarding headache characteristic, severity (visual analog scale [VAS]), imaging findings and outcome was recorded. Results: Forty-seven patients (19 males and 28 females) with mean age 29.7 ± 8.7 years were recruited. The mean duration of headache was 12.6 ± 26.8 days, and VAS was 79.38 ± 13.41. Headache onset was acute in 51.1%, subacute in 42.6%, thunderclap in 4.3%, and chronic in 2.1%; location was holocranial in 36.2%, frontal in 27.7% patients; description was throbbing in 44.7% and aching in 25.5% patients. Superior sagittal sinus and transverse sinus were involved in 63.8% cases each. The prothrombotic factors were anemia in 55.3%, puerperal in 38.3%, hyperhomocysteinemia in 29.8%, and polycythemia in 19.1%. Conclusion: Holocranial and bifrontal headache of increasing severity may be a marker of CVT. This may be useful in clinical judgment in identifying conscious patients with CVT.
Maintainence Treatment of Opioid Dependence with Tramadol
Authors: Sarkar Siddharth , Varshney Mohit , Patil Vaibhav , Lal Rakesh
Published: August 2017

Background: Although tramadol has been used in the management of acute withdrawal in patients with opioid dependence, its use for maintenance treatment as a harm reduction approach has not been assessed systematically. This case series describes patients with opioid dependence who were treated with tramadol for long-term maintenance. Methods: Patients with opioid dependence who received treatment at the National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre of All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, were included in the study. Patients who received at least 6 months of tramadol and had follow-up adherence of more than 80% were included in the case series. Results: A total of 25 cases were included, all of whom were males. The types of opioids being taken at the time of initiation of tramadol were natural opiates (poppy husk and raw opium), followed by heroin. The median dose of tramadol at initiation and maintenance was 300 mg/day. Nineteen patients were able to achieve complete abstinence to other opiates on tramadol. Conclusion: Tramadol may be an effective option in the long-term management of patients with opioid dependence. Further studies are required for establishing the efficacy of tramadol for agonist management of patients with opioid dependence.
Catatonia in Patients with Dementia Admitted to a Geriatric Psychiatry Ward
Authors: Sharma Puja , Sawhney Ina , Jaimes-Albornoz Walter , Serra-Mestres Jordi
Published: August 2017

To determine the frequency and characteristics of catatonia in persons with dementia, all patients admitted to an old age psychiatry ward were screened for catatonia with the Bush-Francis Catatonia Screening Instrument (BFCSI) over a period of 6 months. Thirty-seven patients were admitted, and there were 14 patients with dementia. The rate of catatonia in these patients was 42.8% (6 out of 14). Five out of six of these patients received treatment for catatonia with lorazepam, all achieving complete remission. Catatonia occurred frequently in patients admitted with dementia.
Household food-waste composting using a small-scale composter
Authors: Vich Daniele Vital , Miyamoto Hitomi Pires , Queiroz Luciano Matos , Zanta Viviana Maria
Published: August 2017

Household food-waste composting is an attractive alternative for Brazilian waste management; however, there are few programs or studies regarding the implementation or management of this small-scale process. This study investigates the performance of food‑waste composting using a simple and small-scale domestic composter. Three composting trials were conducted using food waste and wood chips in 10 L plastic bins using different filling schemes. In the first trial, the composter was filled weekly over two months. In the second, the composter was filled once with a mixture of food waste and 100% of the used wood chips from the previous trial. In the last third trial, the composter was filled with food waste and wood chips (50% of wood chips used in the second trial and 50% of untreated wood chips). The physical chemical parameters of the compost were monitored and the total coliforms and E. coli were measured. In all trials, the temperature varied between 26.7°C and 46.2°C throughout the process. The reduction in wet mass was 58-69%, while the reduction in dry mass was 37-61%. The pH value, the contents of carbon and nitrogen and the C/N ratio were in accordance with the values recommended in norm 25 (July, 2009) adopted by Brazil's Agriculture Ministry. Only the compost from Trial 2, which had 1900 MPN g-1total solids, did not meet the E. coli standards; this was likely due to the fact that when the temperatures did not reach the thermophilic phase, the relatively long time the waste remains in the composter allows these pathogenic microorganisms to decay naturally.
Rapid assessment protocols of rivers as instruments of environmental education in elementary schools
Authors: Guimarães Ariane , Rodrigues Aline Sueli de Lima , Malafaia Guilherme
Published: August 2017

The aim of the present study is to assess the use of rapid assessment protocols (RAPs) of rivers as environmental education (EE) instruments in elementary schools. Therefore, EE activities were proposed to students from a Brazilian public elementary school. The activities included ranged from environmental-monitoring workshops to RAPs adapted to the level of schooling of the students. The students completed questionnaires before and after the activities in order to check their degree of knowledge prior to the activities and to assess the information acquired after participation in the activities. The results established that the RAP provided and/or helped to instill social values, knowledge, skills, actions, and competences linked to the environmental conservation of local rivers. The study therefore proves that the use of the RAP would be a valuable addition to EE projects and programs in elementary schools.
Vulnerabilidade e mudanças climáticas: análise socioambiental em uma mesorregião da Amazônia
Authors: Santos Marcos Ronielly da Silva , Vitorino Maria Isabel , Pimentel Marcia Aparecida da Silva
Published: August 2017

O estudo da vulnerabilidade socioambiental associado às mudanças climáticas é uma das temáticas mais discutidas pela comunidade científica internacional. Os efeitos das mudanças do clima sobre a sociedade têm origem em diferentes causas, e sua análise deve levar em consideração os contextos cultural, econômico e social de uma população. Deste modo, os estudos envolvendo riscos associados a eventos extremos de clima devem ser feitos de forma integrada e interdisciplinar. Neste contexto, a presente pesquisa visa contribuir para análise da vulnerabilidade na mesorregião metropolitana de Belém, com vistas à redução dos efeitos causados pelas mudanças climáticas e sociais. Para tanto, se aplicou o Índice de Vulnerabilidade Geral (IVG), com base em indicadores socioeconômicos, epidemiológicos e climáticos no período de 2000 a 2010. Os resultados mostram que o município de Belém apresentou o maior valor de IVG (0,61), com alta vulnerabilidade, apresentando os maiores índices de vulnerabilidade climática (1,00) e epidemiológica (0,76). Em contrapartida o município de Bujaru apresentou uma baixa vulnerabilidade, com o valor do IVG (0,14), explicada pelo valor mínimo do índice de vulnerabilidade climática (0,00) e baixos índices de vulnerabilidade epidemiológica (0,03) e socioeconômica (0,38). Espera-se que este estudo possa subsidiar a gestão de políticas públicas para os municípios, e motivar estudos da vulnerabilidade socioambiental na região amazônica, com abordagem interdisciplinar.
Comparative characterization of humic substances extracted from freshwater and peat of different apparent molecular sizes
Authors: Rigobello Eliane Sloboda , Campos Sandro Xavier , Azevedo Eduardo Ribeiro de , Dantas Angela Di Bernardo , Vieira Eny Maria
Published: August 2017

This paper compares the structural characteristics of aquatic humic substances (AHS) with humic substances from peat (HSP) through different analytical techniques, including elemental analysis, solid state 13C cross polarization/magic-angle-spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (13C CP-MAS NMR), ultraviolet/visible (UV/Vis) spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and total organic carbon (TOC). The AHS were extracted from water collected in a tributary of the Itapanhaú River (Bertioga/SP) using XAD 8 resin, and the HSP were extracted from peat collected in the Mogi Guaçu River bank (Luis Antonio/SP) with a KOH solution. After dialysis, both AHS and HSP extracts were filtered in membrane of 0.45 µm pore size (Fraction F1: < 0.45 µm) and fractioned by ultrafiltration in different apparent molecular sizes (AMS) (F2: 100 kDa-0.45 μm; F3: 30 kDa-100 kDa and F4: < 30 kDa). The extracts with the lowest AMS (F3 and F4) showed a higher number of aliphatic carbons than aromatic carbons, a higher concentration of groups containing oxygen and a higher percentage of fulvic acids (FA) than humic acids (HA) for both AHS and HSP. However, the AHS presented higher FA than HA content in relation to the HSP and distinct structural properties.
Regionalização da vazão Q95: comparação de métodos para a bacia hidrográfica do Rio Taquari-Antas, RS
Authors: Bazzo Kássia Regina , Guedes Hugo Alexandre Soares , Castro Andréa Souza , Siqueira Tirzah Moreira , Teixeira-Gandra Claudia Fernanda Almeida
Published: August 2017

A baixa densidade espacial da rede hidrométrica nacional tem resultado em grandes limitações para a representação do comportamento dos recursos hídricos. Dessa forma, a regionalização de vazões é uma alternativa para melhor explorar os dados já existentes, transferindo informações de um local para outro dentro de uma área com comportamento hidrológico semelhante. Nesse sentido, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar as estimativas da vazão mínima de permanência Q95 obtidas através dos métodos Tradicional e Conservação de Massas na bacia do Rio Taquari-Antas, pertencente ao Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, visando auxiliar o planejamento dos recursos hídricos, além de facilitar as tomadas de decisão em relação aos processos de outorga do direito de uso das águas. Como variável explicativa para a regressão matemática foi utilizada a área de drenagem proveniente do Modelo Digital de Elevação Hidrograficamente Condicionado (MDEHC). Foram obtidas as equações de regionalização da vazão de referência Q95 e as respectivas regiões hidrologicamente homogêneas para os dois métodos testados, sendo a magnitude dos erros relativos inerente às metodologias empregadas. Consideradas as particularidades deste trabalho, ambos os métodos avaliados apresentaram resultados satisfatórios na obtenção de modelos para estimativa da vazão Q95, entretanto destaca-se que as técnicas aplicadas não substituem as informações hidrológicas obtidas com uma rede hidrométrica suficientemente densa.
Analysis of water leached from soil treated with leachate from plant biomass ash
Authors: Skoronski Everton , Fernandes Mylena , Machado Diego Bitencourt , Souza Diego Hoefling , Rodrigues Aline , Alves Maurício Vicente
Published: August 2017

This work analyzed water leached from soil treated with leachate from plant biomass ash. The ash was generated by industrial boilers used in the pulp and paper industry. Experiments were carried out in columns filled with soil, and the ash was then added to the soil to simulate field conditions. The ash was applied at 30 and 60 tons per hectare rate. The simulated rainwater was prepared for three scenarios: pH 3.0, 6.5 and 8.0. Each leaching experiment simulated an annual precipitation of 2,045 mm. The results showed that the parameter that demands more attention is aluminum concentration. In this context, in acidic conditions (pH 3.0) and with a significant amount of ash added (60 tons per hectare), the level of aluminum may reach the maximum level for drinking water. Despite the potential impact of aluminum, the use of ash from plant biomass in soil for agricultural purposes may serve as an alternative strategy for disposal of this waste.
Energetic aspects and opportunities for reusing water on offshore platforms in Campos Basin, Brazil
Authors: Duarte Victor Magalhães , Queiroz Luciano Matos , Torres Ednildo Andrade , Kiperstok Asher
Published: August 2017

In the drilling and production of oil at sea, a large quantity of potable water used is most commonly transported to oil platforms using offshore supply vessels (OSVs). Sea water desalination is used as well, but only in a few oil platforms. To minimize energy consumption, water supply options were studied. The desalination of seawater and the reusing of streams of grey water and black water were evaluated and compared with the characteristics of the current supply via OSVs. In both desalination and OSV water supply options an electrolytic wastewater treatment plant is used. The objective of this study was to analyze the current situation regarding water supply on offshore platforms located in the Campos Basin, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and to propose measures to take advantage of opportunities to reuse water and reduce energy expenditure. Two alternative scenarios were developed that involved the reuse of water that comes from the effluent of a biological wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). Information on the logistics of supplying water to platforms was obtained through direct consultation with companies and sources in the literature. The results show that annual energy consumption (uptake, treatment, transportation, use and waste water treatment) of water on offshore platforms is currently 1.89 GWh, and that a reduction of 1.8 GWh of the energy consumed can be achieved using advanced reuse treatments. Energy consumption in the water reuse treatment is more competitive than those of transport by OSVs or seawater desalination.
Optimization of the Double Loop Electrochemical Potentiokinetic Reactivation Method for Detecting Sensitization of Nickel Alloy 690
Authors: Gonzalez Magalí E. , Kappes Mariano A. , Rodríguez Martín A. , Bozzano Patricia , Carranza Ricardo M. , Rebak Raul B.
Published: August 2017

Nickel alloy 690 (UNS N06690) is one of the current choices for nuclear power plant steam generator tubing. The severity of certain stress corrosion cracking submodes in Ni-Cr-Fe alloys, such as Alloy 690, may be a function of the alloy sensitization condition. Sensitization results from chromium carbide precipitation at or near grain boundaries when the alloy is exposed to temperatures from 500°C to 800°C, which causes local chromium depletion in the adjacent matrix. The objective of this work was to study the parameters that control the double loop electrochemical potentiokinetic reactivation (DL-EPR) method and to develop an optimized test routine for Alloy 690. Alloy 690 specimens were tested under different thermal treatments, tailored to obtain a variety of concentrations of chromium in solid solution near the grain boundary (GB) region. The DL-EPR method was applied to Alloy 690 in solutions with different concentrations of sulfuric acid and potassium thiocyanate, at 30°C and 50°C. The optimal condition for detecting sensitization of Alloy 690 was 0.5 M H2SO4 + 0.001 M KSCN, at 30°C. Optical micrographs confirmed an intergranular type of attack under thermally aged (sensitized) conditions. The ratio of the reactivation to the activation peak intensities (Ir/Ia) obtained in the DL-EPR test agreed well with mass loss obtained in boiling nitric acid solution with Cr(VI) additions (modified Huey test). Chromium depletion profiles near the GB of thermally treated specimens under different conditions were measured with the energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy technique, performed on a transmission electron microscope. A model available in the literature was fitted to those results. The Ir/Ia ratio for Alloy 690, obtained when using the optimal DL-EPR testing conditions, correlated well with the Cr depletion zone width and depth near the GB.
Chemical composition and droplet size distribution of cloud at the summit of Mount Tai, China
Authors: Li Jiarong , Wang Xinfeng , Chen Jianmin , Zhu Chao , Li Weijun , Li Chengbao , Liu Lu , Xu Caihong , Wen Liang , Xue Likun , Wang Wenxing , Ding Aijun , Herrmann Hartmut
Published: August 2017

Abstract. The chemical composition of 39 cloud samples and droplet size distributions in 24 cloud events were investigated at the summit of Mt. Tai from July to October 2014. Inorganic ions, organic acids, metals, HCHO, H2O2, sulfur(IV), organic carbon, and elemental carbon as well as pH and electrical conductivity were analyzed. The acidity of the cloud water significantly decreased from a reported value of pH 3.86 during 2007–2008 (Guo et al., 2012) to pH 5.87 in the present study. The concentrations of nitrate and ammonium were both increased since 2007–2008, but the overcompensation of ammonium led to an increase in the mean pH value. The microphysical properties showed that cloud droplets were smaller than 26.0 µm and most were in the range of 6.0–9.0 µm at Mt. Tai. The maximum droplet number concentration (Nd) was associated with a droplet size of 7.0 µm. High liquid water content (LWC) values could facilitate the formation of larger cloud droplets and broadened the droplet size distribution. Cloud droplets exhibited a strong interaction with atmospheric aerosols. Higher PM2. 5 levels resulted in higher concentrations of water-soluble ions and smaller sizes with increased numbers of cloud droplets. The lower pH values were likely to occur at higher PM2. 5 concentrations. Clouds were an important sink for soluble materials in the atmosphere. The dilution effect of cloud water should be considered when estimating concentrations of soluble components in the cloud phase.
Sensitivity of the tropical stratospheric ozone response to the solar rotational cycle in observations and chemistry–climate model simulations
Authors: Thiéblemont Rémi , Marchand Marion , Bekki Slimane , Bossay Sébastien , Lefèvre Franck , Meftah Mustapha , Hauchecorne Alain
Published: August 2017

Abstract. The tropical stratospheric ozone response to solar UV variations associated with the rotational cycle (∼ 27 days) is analyzed using MLS satellite observations and numerical simulations from the LMDz-Reprobus chemistry–climate model. The model is used in two configurations, as a chemistry-transport model (CTM) where dynamics are nudged toward ERA-Interim reanalysis and as a chemistry–climate model (free-running) (CCM). An ensemble of five 17-year simulations (1991–2007) is performed with the CCM. All simulations are forced by reconstructed time-varying solar spectral irradiance from the Naval Research Laboratory Solar Spectral Irradiance model. We first examine the ozone response to the solar rotational cycle during two 3-year periods which correspond to the declining phases of solar cycle 22 (October 1991–September 1994) and solar cycle 23 (September 2004–August 2007), when the satellite ozone observations of the two Microwave Limb Sounders (UARS MLS and Aura MLS) are available. In the observations, during the first period, ozone and UV flux are found to be correlated between about 10 and 1 hPa with a maximum of 0.29 at ∼ 5 hPa; the ozone sensitivity (% change in ozone for 1 % change in UV) peaks at ∼ 0.4. Correlation during the second period is weaker and has a peak ozone sensitivity of only 0.2, possibly due to the fact that the solar forcing is weaker during that period. The CTM simulation reproduces most of these observed features, including the differences between the two periods. The CCM ensemble mean results comparatively show much smaller differences between the two periods, suggesting that the amplitude of the rotational ozone signal estimated from MLS observations or the CTM simulation is strongly influenced by other (non-solar) sources of variability, notably dynamics. The analysis of the ensemble of CCM simulations shows that the estimation of the ensemble mean ozone sensitivity does not vary significantly either with the amplitude of the solar rotational fluctuations or with the size of the time window used for the ozone sensitivity retrieval. In contrast, the uncertainty of the ozone sensitivity estimate significantly increases during periods of decreasing amplitude of solar rotational fluctuations (also coinciding with minimum phases of the solar cycle), and for decreasing size of the time window analysis. We found that a minimum of 3- and 10-year time window is needed for the 1σ uncertainty to drop below 50 and 20 %, respectively. These uncertainty sources may explain some of the discrepancies found in previous estimates of the ozone response to the solar rotational cycle.
Patterns and controls of inter-annual variability in the terrestrial carbon budget
Authors: Marcolla Barbara , Rödenbeck Christian , Cescatti Alessandro
Published: August 2017

Abstract. The terrestrial carbon fluxes show the largest variability among the components of the global carbon cycle and drive most of the temporal variations in the growth rate of atmospheric CO2. Understanding the environmental controls and trends of the terrestrial carbon budget is therefore essential to predict the future trajectories of the CO2 airborne fraction and atmospheric concentrations. In the present work, patterns and controls of the inter-annual variability (IAV) of carbon net ecosystem exchange (NEE) have been analysed using three different data streams: ecosystem-level observations from the FLUXNET database (La Thuile and 2015 releases), the MPI-MTE (model tree ensemble) bottom–up product resulting from the global upscaling of site-level fluxes, and the Jena CarboScope Inversion, a top–down estimate of surface fluxes obtained from observed CO2 concentrations and an atmospheric transport model. Consistencies and discrepancies in the temporal and spatial patterns and in the climatic and physiological controls of IAV were investigated between the three data sources. Results show that the global average of IAV at FLUXNET sites, quantified as the standard deviation of annual NEE, peaks in arid ecosystems and amounts to  ∼  120 gC m−2 y−1, almost 6 times more than the values calculated from the two global products (15 and 20 gC m−2 y−1 for MPI-MTE and the Jena Inversion, respectively). Most of the temporal variability observed in the last three decades of the MPI-MTE and Jena Inversion products is due to yearly anomalies, whereas the temporal trends explain only about 15 and 20 % of the variability, respectively. Both at the site level and on a global scale, the IAV of NEE is driven by the gross primary productivity and in particular by the cumulative carbon flux during the months when land acts as a sink. Altogether these results offer a broad view on the magnitude, spatial patterns and environmental drivers of IAV from a variety of data sources that can be instrumental to improve our understanding of the terrestrial carbon budget and to validate the predictions of land surface models.
A revised Law Dome age model (LD2017) and implications for last glacial climate
Authors: Roberts Jason , Moy Andrew , Plummer Christopher , van Ommen Tas , Curran Mark , Vance Tessa , Poynter Samuel , Liu Yaping , Pedro Joel , Treverrow Adam , Tozer Carly , Jong Lenneke , Whitehouse Pippa , Loulergue Laetitia , Chappellaz Jerome , Morgan Vin , Spahni Renato , Schilt Adrian , MacFarling Meure Cecilia , Etheridge David , Stocker Thomas
Published: August 2017

Abstract. Here we present a revised Law Dome, Dome Summit South (DSS) ice core age model (denoted LD2017) that significantly improves the chronology over the last 88 ka. An ensemble approach was used, allowing for the computation of both a median age and associated uncertainty as a function of depth. The revised chronology incorporates extended continuous annual layer counting to 853 m using chemical species with seasonally-varying behaviours. The annual layer counted age at 853 m is 2332 years before 2000 (y b2k) with an error of +13/−7 y, i.e. 2345–2325 y b2k . Below this depth, non-linear interpolation between age ties using a probability density function for age/depth is used to constrain and model the age of the ice. The ice-based age ties below the annual layer counted section are based on matching volcanic event markers, methane (CH4) gas concentration, isotopic composition of ice (δ18O) and the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) dust peak to other records. For consistency, the timescale used for all matching is the AICC2012 timescale (Veres et al., 2013). The first ice-based age tie is the base of the annual layer counting record (2332 y b2k) and the age ties from ~ 2400–4000 y b2k are volcanic synchronised ice-based age ties. The detection of abrupt changes in CH4 gas concentrations within the DSS record provides further independent gas-based age ties, including the tightly constrained 8200 y b2k event. The improved age control between 9000 and 21000 y b2k is supplemented by CH4 and δ18O ice measurements (Pedro et al., 2011). Over the period 16600 to 18600 y b2k large changes in dust concentration, matched to the EDC dust record, are used to constrain two ice-based age ties. Unlike previous studies, where the modelling was used to simultaneously infer both age and snow accumulation rate, we made an independent estimate of the snow accumulation rate, where required, for the use of gas based age ties.
The Global Energy Balance Archive (GEBA) version 2017: a database for worldwide measured surface energy fluxes
Authors: Wild Martin , Ohmura Atsumu , Schär Christoph , Müller Guido , Folini Doris , Schwarz Matthias , Hakuba Maria Zyta , Sanchez-Lorenzo Arturo
Published: August 2017

Abstract. The Global Energy Balance Archive (GEBA) is a database for the central storage of the worldwide measured energy fluxes at the Earth's surface, maintained at ETH Zurich (Switzerland). This paper documents the status of the GEBA version 2017 dataset, presents the new web interface and user access, and reviews the scientific impact that GEBA data had in various applications. GEBA has continuously been expanded and updated and contains in its 2017 version around 500 000 monthly mean entries of various surface energy balance components measured at 2500 locations. The database contains observations from 15 surface energy flux components, with the most widely measured quantity available in GEBA being the shortwave radiation incident at the Earth's surface (global radiation). Many of the historic records extend over several decades. GEBA contains monthly data from a variety of sources, namely from the World Radiation Data Centre (WRDC) in St. Petersburg, from national weather services, from different research networks (BSRN, ARM, SURFRAD), from peer-reviewed publications, project and data reports, and from personal communications. Quality checks are applied to test for gross errors in the dataset. GEBA has played a key role in various research applications, such as in the quantification of the global energy balance, in the discussion of the anomalous atmospheric shortwave absorption, and in the detection of multi-decadal variations in global radiation, known as global dimming and brightening. GEBA is further extensively used for the evaluation of climate models and satellite-derived surface flux products. On a more applied level, GEBA provides the basis for engineering applications in the context of solar power generation, water management, agricultural production and tourism. GEBA is publicly accessible through the internet via http://www.geba.ethz.ch. Supplementary data are available at https://doi.org/10.1594/PANGAEA.873078.
On the importance of the albedo parameterization for the mass balance of the Greenland ice sheet in EC-Earth
Authors: Helsen Michiel M. , van de Wal Roderik S. W. , Reerink Thomas J. , Bintanja Richard , Madsen Marianne S. , Yang Shuting , Li Qiang , Zhang Qiong
Published: August 2017

Abstract. The albedo of the surface of ice sheets changes as a function of time due to the effects of deposition of new snow, ageing of dry snow, bare ice exposure, melting and run-off. Currently, the calculation of the albedo of ice sheets is highly parameterized within the earth system model EC-Earth by taking a constant value for areas with thick perennial snow cover. This is an important reason why the surface mass balance (SMB) of the Greenland ice sheet (GrIS) is poorly resolved in the model. The purpose of this study is to improve the SMB forcing of the GrIS by evaluating different parameter settings within a snow albedo scheme. By allowing ice-sheet albedo to vary as a function of wet and dry conditions, the spatial distribution of albedo and melt rate improves. Nevertheless, the spatial distribution of SMB in EC-Earth is not significantly improved. As a reason for this, we identify omissions in the current snow albedo scheme, such as separate treatment of snow and ice and the effect of refreezing. The resulting SMB is downscaled from the lower-resolution global climate model topography to the higher-resolution ice-sheet topography of the GrIS, such that the influence of these different SMB climatologies on the long-term evolution of the GrIS is tested by ice-sheet model simulations. From these ice-sheet simulations we conclude that an albedo scheme with a short response time of decaying albedo during wet conditions performs best with respect to long-term simulated ice-sheet volume. This results in an optimized albedo parameterization that can be used in future EC-Earth simulations with an interactive ice-sheet component.
My Bakhtin: A reply to the commentaries
Authors: Groys Boris
Published: August 2017

No abstract
Aesthetics and the possibility of an anti-totalitarian communism: reading Bakhtin through the lens of Groys
Authors: Larraín Antonia
Published: August 2017

No abstract
Comment on Groys’ essay “Between Stalin and Dionysus: Bakhtin's Theory of the Carnival”
Authors: Miyazaki Kiyotaka
Published: August 2017

No abstract
Bakhtin’s mystical organic holism and its consequences for education
Authors: Matusov Eugene , Marjanovic-Shane Ana
Published: August 2017

No abstract
Investigating the Effect of L1 Pragmatic Transfer on the Acquisition of English Language by Saudi Speakers
Authors: Alhadidi Amal Hamdan
Published: August 2017

This paper investigates the effect of native language pragmatic transfer on the acquisition of English Language by Saudi adult speakers. Participants in this study were 42 Saudi speakers of English divided into two groups; beginners and advanced speakers according to their levels of proficiency. A multiple-choice questionnaire was designed to examine their pragmatic awareness of various speech acts. The findings in this study showed that beginner speaking English as Foreign Language tend to rely on their native language pragmatics due to the shortage of second language pragmatic knowledge. During Second Language Acquisition, they actively transfer knowledge of their native language to generate the missing competence of L2 acquisition. In addition, no L1 pragmatic transfer is found among the advanced group, which shows that the higher the proficiency level of English, the less L1 pragmatic transfer is found.
The Evaluation of Specific Competences in Online Training Courses for Teachers of Italian to Foreigners: A Case Study
Authors: Serragiotto Graziano
Published: August 2017

The purpose of this study is to describe a model for online evaluation within the training of teachers of Italian to foreigners. What follows is a case study where, thanks to a multimedial environment, what wants to be created are the conditions for a different sort of interaction between teachers and students in the moment of evaluation. Such a context requires organizational and didactic choices that have been considered carefully in order to be consistent with the development of the technologies used in the interaction, perfecting in such manner training processes capable of acknowledging objectively specific competences concerning didactics.
Jurisdição constitucional e política
Authors: Nobre Júnior Edilson Pereira
Published: August 2017

Guardiã do respeito à constituição, a jurisdição constitucional nas suas decisões forçosamente incursiona no campo da política. Diante disso, este artigo visa examinar os limites e possibilidades da atuação dos tribunais e cortes no controle dos atos do Legislativo e do Executivo e no estabelecimento de diretrizes para a sociedade. O texto, à medida do possível, nos remete à nossa realidade.
Decadência administrativa e atos inconstitucionais: uma análise a partir do recurso extraordinário nº 817.338
Authors: Rossato Willian , Da Silva Cristóvam José Sérgio
Published: August 2017

A questão da decadência dos atos administrativos no caso de inconstitucionalidade é analisada a partir da análise do Recurso Extraordinário nº 817.338 – que aguarda julgamento no Supremo Tribunal Federal (STF). Nele se discute a possibilidade de anulação de ato administrativo pela Administração Pública, caso evidenciada violação direta a texto constitucional, mesmo se decorrido o prazo decadencial previsto no artigo 54 da Lei nº 9.784/99. Aqui, não cabe verificar a (in)constitucionalidade da Portaria nº 2.340/03, expedida pelo Ministro da Justiça em 09 de dezembro de 2003, sua suposta carência de pressuposto de validade (motivo) e a afronta direta ou indireta ao artigo 8º do Ato das Disposição Constitucionais Transitórias (ADCT). Pretende-se sim discutir se esse ato, caso reconhecido como inconstitucional, poderia ter seus efeitos estabilizados pelo tempo, em observância ao disposto no inciso XXXVI, do artigo 5º da Constituição Federal, a partir do debate sobre a extensão do dever-poder de a Administração Pública anular seus próprios atos, bem como os efeitos da decadência sobre atos tidos como nulos, anuláveis ou inconstitucionais. Cumpre apontar que, ante as particularidades do caso e a ausência de outros precedentes específicos, o Recurso Extraordinário nº 817.338 poderá ser primeiro caso em que o Supremo Tribunal Federal enfrentará, efetivamente, o conflito entre a tutela da confiança versus o império da ordem constitucional. O método de abordagem será o dedutivo, pelo método de procedimento comparativo e pela técnica de pesquisa bibliográfica e documental, com análise da legislação envolvida, da doutrina sobre o tema e dos precedentes do STF que se mostram importantes ao desenvolvimento do trabalho.
Sumário bilingue
Authors: Table of Contents Bilingual
Published: August 2017

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Expediente
Authors: Masthead Journal
Published: August 2017

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Drug utilization patterns of antidepressants in Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Kehinde Oyinlade A. , Anyika Emmanuel N. , Abah Isaac
Published: August 2017

Backgroud: The paucity of information on prescribing patterns and use of antidepressants in accordance with practice guidelines necessitated this study in Nigeria.Objective: To assess the prescribing patterns of antidepressants, average cost of prescriptions and the index of rational drug prescribing (IRDP) in a Nigerian tertiary care hospital.Methods: A retrospective study which involved the assessment of 683 prescriptions and case records of patients who received antidepressants from 1st January 2013 to 31st December 2014 was conducted. Information on diagnosis, patients’ demographics, prescribing patterns and cost of medications was obtained therefrom. Compliance to the World Health Organization (WHO) prescribing indicators and Nigerian Standard Treatment Guidelines (STG) was assessed. The IRDP for antdepressants was determined using a validated mathematical model. The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20.Results: Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) were the most commonly prescribed drug group (61.3%), followed by selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) with a total of 38.7%. On the average, three drugs were prescribed per prescription, while 60.3% and 38.3% of the drugs were prescribed from National Essential Medicine List (NEML) and STG respectively. The IRDP was 3.96 over 5 points. The average cost of drugs per prescription was 4.2 USD. The cost of drugs in the prescriptions written according to STG was lower compared to that in prescriptions not compliant with the STG (p < .001).Conclusions: TCAs are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants due to their affordability. The generic prescribing, medicines prescribed from the NEML and in compliance with the STG were less than the WHO standard. The rational drug use is suboptimal. Better prescribing habits, affordability and use of newer antidepressants should be encouraged by the hospital management.
Improvement work as a coursework requirement in nursing training can improve nursing competence
Authors: Sægrov Solveig
Published: August 2017

Objective: Nursing students must acquire the competence to work as nurses in a health service that is complex and where improvements can prove demanding. The purpose of the study is to examine how students’ coursework requirement in improvement work is performed in practice and whether it improves nursing competence.Methods: This is a single case study based on an interview with one student.Results and conclusions: During the study it emerged that students' improvement work in nursing practice is an instructive and interesting process and that as such will contribute to providing patients with better nursing care. It also emerged that a student can find it difficult to raise an issue that ought to be improved in practice. The informant emphasized that it was important to be taken seriously when one suggested new measures for improvement. Having sufficient time to complete the improvement process would improve overall competence.