bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Framelet-Based Iterative Pan-Sharpening Approach
Authors: Zhang Zi-Yao , Huang Ting-Zhu , Deng Liang-Jian , Huang Jie , Zhao Xi-Le , Zheng Chao-Chao
Published: April 2018

Pan-sharpening is used to fuse multispectral images and panchromatic images to produce a multispectral image with high spatial resolution. In this paper, we design a new iterative method based on framelet for pan-sharpening. The proposed model takes advantage of the upsampled multispectral image and a linear relation between the panchromatic image and the latent high-resolution multispectral image. Since the sparsity of the pan-sharpened image under a B-spline framelet transform is assumed, we regularize the model by penalizing l 1 norm of a framelet based term. The model is solved by a designed algorithm based on alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM). For better performance, we propose an iterative strategy to pick up more spectral and spatial details. Experiments on four datasets demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms several existing pan-sharpening methods.
An Assessment of the Impact of Land Thermal Infrared Observation on Regional Weather Forecasts Using Two Different Data Assimilation Approaches
Authors: Fang Li , Zhan Xiwu , Hain Christopher R. , Yin Jifu , Liu Jicheng , Schull Mitchell A.
Published: April 2018

Recent studies have shown the unique value of satellite-observed land surface thermal infrared (TIR) information (e.g., skin temperature) and the feasibility of assimilating land surface temperature (LST) into land surface models (LSMs) to improve the simulation of land-atmosphere water and energy exchanges. In this study, two different types of LST assimilation techniques are implemented and the benefits from the techniques are compared. One of the techniques is to directly assimilate LST using ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) data assimilation (DA) utilities. The other is to use the Atmosphere-Land Exchange Inversion model (ALEXI) as an “observation operator” that converts LST retrievals into the soil moisture (SM) proxy based on the ratio of actual to potential evapotranspiration (fPET), which is then assimilated into an LSM. While most current studies have shown some success in both directly the assimilating LST and assimilating ALEXI SM proxy into offline LSMs, the potential impact of the assimilation of TIR information through coupled numerical weather prediction (NWP) models is unclear. In this study, a semi-coupled Land Information System (LIS) and Weather Research and Forecast (WRF) system is employed to assess the impact of the two different techniques for assimilating the TIR observations from NOAA GOES satellites on WRF model forecasts. The NASA LIS, equipped with a variety of LSMs and advanced data assimilation tools (e.g., the ensemble Kalman Filter (EnKF)), takes atmospheric forcing data from the WRF model run, generates updated initial land surface conditions with the assimilation of either LST- or TIR-based SM and returns them to WRF for initializing the forecasts. The WRF forecasts using the daily updated initializations with the TIR data assimilation are evaluated against ground weather observations and re-analysis products. It is found that WRF forecasts with the LST-based SM assimilation have better agreement with the ground weather observations than those with the direct LST assimilation or without the land TIR data assimilation.
Performance of a RBSN under the RCP Scenarios: A Case Study in South Korea
Authors: Kwon Youjeong , Hwang Junshik , Seo Yongwon
Published: April 2018

According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) Fifth Assessment Report, the amount of precipitation in South Korea would increase regardless of the reduction of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. However, at the same time, it is expected that the temporal and spatial rainfall variation would also increase. Due to the impact from typhoons, 90% of the annual precipitation in Korea occurs in July, August, and September. Moreover, the Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP) scenario projected that the average precipitation in this period is expected to increase markedly, especially over the next 100 years. These predictions imply an increased variability of available water resources. In this study, we assessed a RBSN (rain barrel sharing network) as an efficient way to respond to the future climate change projections under the RCP scenarios when compared to the historical data. We proposed an evaluation procedure for the reliability, resilience, and vulnerability of RBSN based on a storage-reliability-yield (SRY) relationship. The result shows that the reliability and resiliency of a RBSN will improve but be more vulnerable compared to the results from the historical rainfall data. However, even in the climate change condition, the results showed that a RBSN still contributes to reduce vulnerability. The results of this study imply that a RBSN is an effective and alternative measure that can deal with the impacts of climate change in the future.
Evaluation of Temporal and Spatial Ecosystem Services in Dalian, China: Implications for Urban Planning
Authors: Xin Zhuohang , Li Chao , Liu Haixing , Shang Hua , Ye Lei , Li Yu , Zhang Chi
Published: April 2018

The valuation of ecosystem services is critical to understand the current status of ecosystems and to develop an effective planning strategy for ecosystem protection. This study aims to analyse the spatio-temporal changes in ecosystem services driven by land use changes from 1984 to 2013 in Dalian, China. The land use changes are characterized using remote sensing data and then ecosystem service values (ESVs) are assessed using the equivalent factor method, i.e., assigning value coefficients to different land use categories. The total ESV of Dalian reduced significantly by 44.3% from 1984 to 2013, primarily due to the reduction of forests, water and wetlands. Water and climate regulations are the two largest service functions, contributing about 43.6% of the total ESV on average. In addition, ESVs show a spatial variation in different administrative regions, with the central city area having the maximum decreasing rate. Further, ESV changes and distributions are found to have a strong link with city development policies. This study provides an enhanced understanding of the implications of urban policies on ecosystem services, which is essential for sustaining the provision of ecosystem services and achieving sustainable development goals.
The Upwelling Water Flux Feeding Springs: Hydrogeological and Hydraulic Features
Authors: Fiorillo Francesco , Esposito Libera , Testa Giovanni , Ciarcia Sabatino , Pagnozzi Mauro
Published: April 2018

The upwelling groundwater flux has been investigated by deep piezometers in a spring area characterized by alluvial deposits covering a karst substratum in Southern Italy. The piezometers are of varying depth located in a flat area. They have been monitored for a long period (about 40 years), and when measured, a good relationship between spring discharge and hydraulic head was observed. The local upwelling groundwater flux has been deducted by the increasing of the hydraulic head in depth, which allows the estimation of ascendant hydraulic gradient and groundwater velocity during the dry and wet seasons. A specific analytical solution has been used to estimate the zone involved by the ascendant flow, and could also be used in other spring areas. Some physical and chemical characteristics of spring water have been collected, including the radon (222Rn) activity, to support the phenomenon of the ascendant flux. The man geological and hydrogeological features leading to ascendant flux in karst environments is also discussed for some areas of Southern Italy, where many springs are affected.
Associations of Adiponectin, Leptin Levels, and the Change of Body Composition in Patients on Peritoneal Dialysis: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Xu Xiao , Tian Xue , Chen Yuan , Yang Zhi-Kai , Qu Zhen , Dong Jie
Published: April 2018

Background

Although the association between adipokines such as adiponectin, leptin, and body composition has been noted, whether they could predict the change of fat mass and lean body mass is unknown. We aimed to examine these associations in patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD) through a prospective cohort study.

Methods

Body composition (by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry) including fat mass and lean body mass were examined at baseline and then at year 3. Serum leptin and adiponectin levels were measured. Demographic data, comorbidity, biochemical data, inflammation (high-sensitive C-reactive protein [hs-CRP]) and insulin resistance (homeostatic model assessment [HOMA-IR]) were also examined.

Results

At baseline, serum adiponectin levels were significantly inversely correlated with weight, lean body mass index (LBMI), fat mass index (FMI), lean body mass (LBM), and fat mass (FM) in 213 prevalent patients. At year 3, FMI, LBMI, FM, and the percentage of FM (FM%) increased while the percentage of LBM (LBM%) significantly decreased despite unchanged weight and LBM among the remaining 112 patients. After adjustment for demographic data, comorbidities, hs-CRP, HOMA-IR, and daily energy intake (DEI), serum adiponectin at baseline was not associated with increases in LBMI, FMI, and FM, but independently associated with an increase in FM% and a decrease in LBM%. The predictive effect of high-serum adiponectin level on mortality disappeared after adjusting for diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Serum leptin was not associated with any changes in body composition during the follow-up, nor with the mortality in this cohort.

Conclusions

A high adiponectin level could predict an increase in FM% and a decrease in LBM% during a 3-year follow-up in PD patients. Serum adiponectin could not independently predict mortality in PD patients.
INVISCID QUASI-NEUTRAL LIMIT OF A NAVIER-STOKES-POISSON-KORTEWEG SYSTEM
Authors: Wang Hongli , Yang Jianwei
Published: April 2018

The combined quasi-neutral and inviscid limit of the Navier-Stokes-Poisson-Korteweg system with density-dependent viscosity and cold pressure in the torus T3 is studied. It is shown that, for the well-prepared initial data, the global weak solution of the Navier-Stokes-Poisson-Korteweg system converges strongly to the strong solution of the incompressible Euler equations when the Debye length and the viscosity coeﬃcient go to zero simultaneously. Furthermore, the rate of convergence is also obtained.
MIXED JACOBI-FOURIER SPECTRAL METHOD FOR FISHER EQUATION
Authors: Jiao Yujian , Wang Tianjun , Shi Xiandong , Liu Wenjie
Published: April 2018

In this paper, we propose a mixed Jacobi-Fourier spectral method for solving the Fisher equation in a disc. Some mixed Jacobi-Fourier approximation results are established, which play important roles in numerical simulation of various problems deﬁned in a disc. We use the generalized Jacobi approximation to simulate the singularity of solution at the regional center. This also simpliﬁes the theoretical analysis and provides a sparse system. The stability and convergence of the proposed scheme are proved. Numerical results demonstrate the eﬃciency of this new algorithm and coincide well with the theoretical analysis.
Introduction à la pensée d’Emmanuel Levinas. Le soin ou l’irréductible inquiétude d’une responsabilité infinie
Authors: Svandra Philippe
Published: April 2018

Malgré un abord particulièrement difficile, Emmanuel Levinas reste un philosophe qui « parle » assez naturellement aux soignants. La raison en est simple ; il s’est intéressé à une question longtemps occultée en philosophie, mais qui touche directement le soin : la vulnérabilité. Toutefois, il semble que sa pensée a été trop souvent édulcorée. En la présentant comme une forme d’altruisme bienveillant, l’aspect radical, voire même subversif, de l’approche qu’il nous propose est comme gommée. En effet, la responsabilité levinassienne se vit d’abord comme une déchirure, une violence qui me fait « otage d’autrui ». Selon Levinas, seule l’irruption du tiers impose une limite à la relation au visage d’autrui. Plus précisément, l’exigence de justice vis-à-vis du tiers me place dans la situation difficile à devoir « peser, penser, juger en comparant l’incomparable ». Levinas nous propose donc une éthique de l’absolu, une morale hyperbolique qui tient peu compte des circonstances. Serait-ce alors trahir Levinas que de chercher à atténuer cette responsabilité qui peut sembler, à bien des égards, hors de portée ?
What do Education students think about their ability to write essays?
Authors: Quintero Gisela
Published: April 2018

The present study reflects the results obtained from a diagnosis carried out with Education students concerning the writing of academic essays. The objective was to identify the perceptions that Comprehensive Education students have about their ability to write academic essays. A descriptive cross-sectional research study was conducted at a single point in time, and in this case, in a single period or academic cycle, on the subject of written expression. In order to analyze the results from a mathematical-statistical perspective, descriptive statistics were used, in particular the calculation of the mean and the percentage analysis. The results showed that, of the 26 students, 50% rated themselves to have a fair level of essay writing ability. These self-assessment results do not correspond to the quality of the essays written by the students, who demonstrated a low level of essay writing ability. The practice of writing essays is a fundamental activity for the development of written communication at the university level; however, the teaching-learning process must be planned, since this type of writing is one of the most complex skills and has the greatest potential for explaining one’s position and writing creatively. In no way can it be left in the hands of the students; it is necessary to formulate a different learning process that helps the students write essays of better quality.
How Does Schema Affect Stress and Productivity at the Workplace?
Authors: Sugiura Ko , Shimura Akiyoshi
Published: April 2018

Maintaining mental health has become a great concern not only for one's well-being, but also for companies' management, while one's personality trait has gained its popularity as a cause. In this article, the authors then investigate how worksite productivity loss is accounted for by stress response accompanied with schema. To this end, the conventional stress model is extended so as to include schema. The pivotal idea of the extended model stands in that both stressor and strain are associated with schema. The result of multiple regression analysis showed that workplace productivity loss is most largely affected by irritability, fatigue, and depression. In addition, the result of hierarchical regression analysis revealed that schema affects stress reaction both directly and indirectly, and that there exists a so-called buffering effect between job control and coworkers' support. These findings suggest that work productivity may be improved by intervention regarding schema or by promoting the buffering effect.
How Project Management Overlaps with Lean Six Sigma
Authors: Galli Brian J.
Published: April 2018

This article seeks to discuss how project management can help the Lean Six Sigma methodology impact project outcomes. It is found that projects managers play a vital role in the successful implementation of the LSS tools and on meeting customer requirements. This article analyzes and identifies the factors and constraints that projects face with the implementation of Lean Six Sigma methodology within the project management perspective. Further, this study provides a comparative analysis of different studies based on LSS tools and analyzes their applicability in different industries. This study found that there is a strong need for project management concepts and tools in the LSS methodology and vice versa. The article also identifies specific concepts and tools of project management that can help to improve the likelihood of success of LSS projects and initiatives. This article discusses how these project specific concepts and tools can be effectively used in LSS environments.
Warm Bulge Forming of Small Diameter A1100 Aluminium Tube
Authors: Mitsui Satoshi , Miyagawa Taisuke , Yasui Hajime , Yoshihara Shoichiro
Published: April 2018

In recent years, the small diameter aluminium tube has been widely utilized for chemical instruments and medical devices. These instruments are should be minimized since the usage of the small diameter tubes has been extremely increased. However, the deformation characteristics could not be scaled down similarly to the material dimensions due to the size effect. Thus, tube bulge forming is necessary to clarified the deformation characteristics of the small diameter tubes. In this paper, the formability of the warm tube bulge forming by using the small diameter A1100 aluminium tube with 2.0 mm outer diameter and 0.2 mm thickness has been investigated. As the results, the effect of the different temperature and the different internal pressure on the tube bulge forming of the small diameter A1100 aluminium tubes was clarified. Furthermore, it was confirmed that the variation of the internal pressure loading rate affected the deformation characteristics of the tubes.
Plasma Printing of Micro-Punch Assembly for Micro-Embossing of Aluminum Sheets
Authors: Aizawa Tatsuhiko , Wasa Kenji , Farghali Abdelrahman , Tamagaki Hiroshi
Published: April 2018

This paper concerned with micro-embossing of micro-cavities and micro-grooves into aluminum sheets by CNC-stamping with use of the arrayed DLC multi-punches. Both SKD11 and AISI420 steel die substrates were prepared and DLC-coated with the thickness of 10 to 15 μm. This DLC coating worked as a punch material. The two dimensional micro-patterns were printed onto this DLC film by maskless lithography. The unprinted DLC films were removed by the plasma oxidation to leave the three dimensional DLC-punch array on the steel substrate. This micro-pillared and micro-grooved DLC-punches were placed into the cassette die set for micro-embossing process by using the table-top CNC stamper. The micro-circular patterns transformed to the micro-pillars in the DLC punch by the plasma oxidation. Through the CNC-micro-embossing, this micro-texture further transferred to micro-cavities in the aluminum sheet. The dimensional accuracy of embossed micro-textures by stamping was measured by SEM and three dimensional profilometer with comparison to the tailored micro-pattern and the DLC-punch array configuration.
Comparing Two Selection Laws of Active Slip Systems in Finite Element Polycrystalline Model for Numerical Material Testing
Authors: Onoshima Shin , Oya Tetsuo
Published: April 2018

To meet the demand for high accuracy in metal forming simulation including difficult problems such as anisotropy, many material models have been developed. Since the recent material models usually possess many parameters and require cumbersome experiments, a reliable numerical material testing would be helpful to reduce the number of experiments. Therefore, we have engaged in development of a numerical material testing based on the finite element polycrystalline model in which the successive integration method is used for modeling slip systems. However, implementation based on the strain-rate dependent model, which is considered as the mainstream of such model, has not been rigorously considered in our research. In this study, two polycrystalline models were compared to establish better microstructural modeling for constructing a scheme of numerical material testing to predict material behavior that is not obtained by experiments.
Numerical rolling, uniaxial tensile tests were conducted on aluminum alloy sheet with the strain-rate dependent model and the successive integration method. The crystal orientation calculated by the successive integration method exhibited close agreement with the experimental value of the rolled aluminum alloy sheet. On the other hand, the calculated crystal orientation by the strain-rate dependent model exhibited less close agreement with the experimental value of the same material than the successive integration method. To ascertain the characteristics of each model in terms of slip deformation quantitatively, the other tensile tests were conducted to calculate Lankford values caused by crystal orientation. Lankford values, calculated by the successive integration method, exhibited better agreement with experimental values than the strain-rate dependent model. These comparisons indicate that the successive integration method represented slip deformation more physically valid than the strain-rate dependent model and resulted in better calculation.
Influence of the Friction Factor on the Temperature Field in Upsetting of a Perfectly Plastic Strip under Plane Strain Conditions
Authors: Lang Li Hui , Alexandrov Sergei , Mishuris Wiktoria
Published: April 2018

A fine grain layer is often generated in the vicinity of friction interfaces in metal forming processes. Two important contributory mechanisms responsible for this process are plastic strain and temperature. This paper presents a theoretical investigation into the effect of friction on the heat generation in the continued quasi-static plane strain compression of a thin metal strip between two parallel dies. The strip material is rigid perfectly plastic. The constant friction law is adopted. An approximate solution is given in Lagrangian coordinates. The original initial/boundary value problem at large strain reduces to the standard initial/boundary value problem for the nonhomogeneous heat conduction equation.
Application of FEM and Abductive Network to Determine Forging Force and Billet Dimensions of Near Net-Shape Helical Bevel Gear Forging
Authors: Yang Tung Sheng , Chang Yu Liang
Published: April 2018

In this paper, the use of the finite element method in conjunction with abductive network is presented to predict the maximum forging force and the volume of billet during near net-shape helical bevel gear forging. The maximum forging load and volume of billet are influenced by the process parameters such as modules, number of teeth, and die temperature. A finite element method is used to investigate the forging of helical bevel gear. In order to verify the prediction of FEM simulation for forging load, the experimental data are compared with the results of current simulation. A finite element analysis is also utilized to investigate the process parameters on forging load and volume of billet. Additionally, the abductive network was applied to synthesize the data sets obtained from the numerical simulation. The prediction models are then established for the maximum forging load and volume of billet of near net-shape helical bevel gear forging under a suitable range of process parameters. After the predictions of the maximum forging force and the volume of billet, the optimum of the power of forging machine and the dimensions of billet are determined.
Dry Progressive Stamping of Copper-Alloy Snaps by the Plasma Nitrided Punches
Authors: Aizawa Tatsuhiko , Morita Hiroshi
Published: April 2018

The dry progressive stamping was strongly required to make mass production of clothing parts and beverage cans. The duplex coating was one of the most reliable means to protect the dies and punches from wear and friction and to prolong their life time. In this coating, the die and punch was first surface-treated to have sufficient hardness in compatible to the hard ceramic coatings. In the present study, the low temperature plasma nitriding at 673 K was employed to harden the six kinds of punches and dies for progressive stamping of copper alloyed fucks. The micro-structure and nitrogen mapping were investigated by SEM with EDS to demonstrate that the hardening took place by nitrogen super saturation into SKD11 matrix without nitride precipitations. These nitrogen super-saturated punches and dies were fix into the progressive die set for dry stamping. No significant wear of tools as well as reduction of stamping loads even after a million shots proved that the low temperature plasma nitriding should be suitable to make hardening of dry stamping die substrates even without use of hard ceramic coatings.
Process Analysis of Fabricating Elbow Tubes by Mandrel Bending Process
Authors: Oh Il Yeong , Han Sang Wook , Woo Young Yun , Ra Jae Hyeon , Moon Young Hoon
Published: April 2018

The process of tube bending involves using mechanical force to push stock material pipe or tubing against a die, forcing the pipe or tube to conform to the shape of the die. For some tube bending processing, a mandrel is placed inside the tube to prevent collapsing. In this study, the elbow bending process using mandrel has been investigated to fabricate precise elbow-shaped tubes. To fabricate tube having target shape within the dimensional tolerance, the process analysis has been performed at various processing parameters such as tube dimensions, tilting angles, curved cutting surface and the radius of curvature. To estimate the dimensional accuracies of formed tubes, the standard deviations of dimensional errors between target and formed tubes have been used as a quantitative index. Results show that the elbow tube having larger radius of curvature shows higher dimensional accuracy due to the relatively uniform strain distribution. And the convex cutting surface is desirable to increase contacts between the punch and the tube ends during the bending process.
Research on Single Pass Deep Drawing Spinning Formability of Cup-Shaped Parts
Authors: Xia Qin Xiang , Long Jin Chuan , Du Fei , Xiao Gang Feng
Published: April 2018

The deep drawing spinning (DDS) formability of metal material refers to the ability to produce an opened hollow part with a circular blank through DDS without fracture or wrinkling defect. The cup-shaped parts of DP600 were selected as the research object, the coefficient m=d/D0was put forward as the evaluation index of DDS formability, and the minimum coefficient without the occurrences of wrinkle and fracture is defined as the limit DDS coefficient mlim. The single pass DDS formability of cup-shaped parts was investigated experimentally and the influences of blank thickness, roller feed rate and roller fillet radius on the DDS formability were discussed in detail. The results show that the DDS coefficient decreases with the increasing of blank thickness; fracture or wrinkling occurs easily when the roller feed rate is excessively large or excessively small; the large roller fillet radius is helpful to improve the DDS formability of metal material.
Clinical Relationship of Degenerative Changes between the Cervical and Lumbar Spine
Authors: Morishita Yuichiro , Buser Zorica , D'Oro Anthony , Shiba Keiichiro , Wang Jeffrey C.
Published: April 2018

Study Design

Retrospective, observational, case series.

Purpose

To elucidate the prevalence of degenerative changes in the cervical and lumbar spine and estimate the degenerative changes in the cervical spine based on the degeneration of lumbar disc through a retrospective review of magnetic resonance (MR) images.

Overview of Literature

Over 50% of middle-aged adults show evidence of spinal degeneration. However, the relationship between degenerative changes in the cervical and lumbar spine has yet to be elucidated.

Methods

A retrospective review of positional MR images of 152 patients with symptoms related to cervical and lumbar spondylosis with or without a neurogenic component was conducted. The degree of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) was assessed on a grade of 1–5 for each segment of the cervical and lumbar spine using MR T2-weighted sagittal images. The grades across all segments were summed to produce the degenerative disc score (DDS) for the cervical and lumbar spine. The patients were divided into two groups based on the IDD grade for each lumbar segment: normal (grades 1 and 2) and degenerative (grades 3–5).

Results

DDSs for the cervical and lumbar spine were positively correlated. Significant differences in cervical DDSs between the groups were observed in all lumbar segments. Although there were no significant differences in cervical DDSs among the degenerative lumbar segment, cervical DDSs at the L1–2 and L2–3 segments tended to be higher than those at the L3–4, L4–5, and L5–S degenerative segments.

Conclusions

Our study shows that participants with degenerative changes in the upper lumbar segments are more likely to have a certain amount of cervical spondylosis. This information could be used to lower the incidence of a missed diagnosis of cervical spine disorders in patients presenting with lumbar spine symptomology.
MAX-DOAS NO2 observations over Guangzhou, China; ground-based and satellite comparisons
Authors: Drosoglou Theano , Koukouli Maria Elissavet , Kouremeti Natalia , Bais Alkiviadis F. , Zyrichidou Irene , Balis Dimitris , van der A Ronald J. , Xu Jin , Li Ang
Published: April 2018

Abstract. In this study, the tropospheric NO2 vertical column density (VCD) over an urban site in Guangzhou megacity in China is investigated by means of MAX-DOAS measurements during a campaign from late March 2015 to mid-March 2016. A MAX-DOAS system was deployed at the Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and operated there for about 1 year, during the spring and summer months. The tropospheric NO2 VCDs retrieved by the MAX-DOAS are presented and compared with space-borne observations from GOME-2/MetOp-A, GOME-2/MetOp-B and OMI/Aura satellite sensors. The comparisons reveal good agreement between satellite and MAX-DOAS observations over Guangzhou, with correlation coefficients ranging between 0.795 for GOME-2B and 0.996 for OMI. However, the tropospheric NO2 loadings are underestimated by the satellite sensors on average by 25.1, 10.3 and 5.7 %, respectively, for OMI, GOME-2A and GOME-2B. Our results indicate that GOME-2B retrievals are closer to those of the MAX-DOAS instrument due to the lower tropospheric NO2 concentrations during the days with valid GOME-2B observations. In addition, the effect of the main coincidence criteria is investigated, namely the cloud fraction (CF), the distance (d) between the satellite pixel center and the ground-based measurement site, as well as the time period within which the MAX-DOAS data are averaged around the satellite overpass time. The effect of CF and time window criteria is more profound on the selection of OMI overpass data, probably due to its smaller pixel size. The available data pairs are reduced to half and about one-third for CF  ≤  0.3 and CF  ≤  0.2, respectively, while, compared to larger CF thresholds, the correlation coefficient is improved to 0.996 from about 0.86, the slope value is very close to unity ( ∼  0.98) and the mean satellite underestimation is reduced to about half (from  ∼  7 to  ∼  3.5  ×  1015 molecules cm−2). On the other hand, the distance criterion affects mostly GOME-2B data selection, because GOME-2B pixels are quite evenly distributed among the different radii used in the sensitivity test. More specifically, the number of collocations is notably reduced when stricter radius limits are applied, the r value is improved from 0.795 (d ≤  50 km) to 0.953 (d ≤  20 km), and the absolute mean bias decreases about 6 times for d ≤  30 km compared to the reference case (d ≤  50 km).
Physico-chemical and biological factors influencing dinoflagellate cyst production in the Cariaco Basin
Authors: Bringué Manuel , Thunell Robert C. , Pospelova Vera , Pinckney James L. , Romero Oscar E. , Tappa Eric J.
Published: April 2018

Abstract. We present a 2.5-year-long sediment trap record of dinoflagellate cyst production in the Cariaco Basin, off Venezuela (southern Caribbean Sea). The site lies under the influence of wind-driven, seasonal upwelling which promotes high levels of primary productivity during boreal winter and spring. Changes in dinoflagellate cyst production is documented between November 1996 and May 1999 at ∼ 14-day intervals and interpreted in the context of in situ observations of physico-chemical and biological parameters measured at the mooring site. Dinoflagellate cyst assemblages are diverse (57 taxa) and dominated by cyst taxa of heterotrophic affinity, primarily Brigantedinium spp. (51 % of the total trap assemblage). Average cyst fluxes to the trap are high (17.1  ×  103 cysts m−2 day−1) and show great seasonal and interannual variability. On seasonal timescales, dinoflagellate cyst production responds closely to variations in upwelling strength, with increases in cyst fluxes of several protoperidinioid taxa observed during active upwelling intervals, predominantly Brigantedinium spp. Cyst taxa produced by autotrophic dinoflagellates, in particular Bitectatodinium spongium, also respond positively to upwelling. Several spiny brown cysts contribute substantially to the assemblages, including Echinidinium delicatum (9.7 %) and Echinidinium granulatum (7.3 %), and show a closer affinity to weaker upwelling conditions. The strong El Niño event of 1997/98 appears to have negatively impacted cyst production in the basin with a 1-year lag, and may have contributed to the unusually high fluxes of cysts type Cp (possibly the cysts of the toxic dinoflagellate Cochlodinium polykrikoides sensu Li et al., 2015), with cyst type Cp fluxes up to 11.8  ×  103 cysts m−2 day−1 observed during the weak upwelling event of February–May 1999. Possible trophic interactions between dinoflagellates and other major planktonic groups are also investigated by comparing the timing and magnitude of cyst production with proxies for phytoplanktonic communities (from photopigment data) and micro- to macrozooplankton abundance indicators (from palynological data) at the site. This work provides new, detailed insights into the ecology of cyst-producing dinoflagellates and will allow for more detailed interpretations of fossil assemblages extracted from sedimentary records in the basin and elsewhere.
On the effect of model parameters on forecast objects
Authors: Marzban Caren , Jones Corinne , Li Ning , Sandgathe Scott
Published: April 2018

Abstract. Many physics-based numerical models produce a gridded, spatial field of forecasts, e.g., a temperature map. The field for some quantities generally consists of spatially coherent and disconnected objects. Such objects arise in many problems, including precipitation forecasts in atmospheric models, eddy currents in ocean models, and models of forest fires. Certain features of these objects (e.g., location, size, intensity, and shape) are generally of interest. Here, a methodology is developed for assessing the impact of model parameters on the features of forecast objects. The main ingredients of the methodology include the use of (1) Latin hypercube sampling for varying the values of the model parameters, (2) statistical clustering algorithms for identifying objects, (3) multivariate multiple regression for assessing the impact of multiple model parameters on the distribution (across the forecast domain) of object features, and (4) methods for reducing the number of hypothesis tests and controlling the resulting errors. The final output of the methodology is a series of box plots and confidence intervals that visually display the sensitivities. The methodology is demonstrated on precipitation forecasts from a mesoscale numerical weather prediction model.
Analysis of groundwater flow and stream depletion in L-shaped fluvial aquifers
Authors: Lin Chao-Chih , Chang Ya-Chi , Yeh Hund-Der
Published: April 2018

Abstract. Understanding the head distribution in aquifers is crucial for the evaluation
of groundwater resources. This article develops a model for describing flow
induced by pumping in an L-shaped fluvial aquifer bounded by impermeable
bedrocks and two nearly fully penetrating streams. A similar scenario for
numerical studies was reported in Kihm et al. (2007). The water level of the
streams is assumed to be linearly varying with distance. The aquifer is
divided into two subregions and the continuity conditions of the hydraulic
head and flux are imposed at the interface of the subregions. The
steady-state solution describing the head distribution for the model without
pumping is first developed by the method of separation of variables. The
transient solution for the head distribution induced by pumping is then
derived based on the steady-state solution as initial condition and the
methods of finite Fourier transform and Laplace transform. Moreover, the
solution for stream depletion rate (SDR) from each of the two streams is also
developed based on the head solution and Darcy's law. Both head and SDR
solutions in the real time domain are obtained by a numerical inversion
scheme called the Stehfest algorithm. The software MODFLOW is chosen to
compare with the proposed head solution for the L-shaped aquifer. The
steady-state and transient head distributions within the L-shaped aquifer
predicted by the present solution are compared with the numerical simulations
and measurement data presented in Kihm et al. (2007).
Design and results of the ice sheet model initialisation experiments initMIP-Greenland: an ISMIP6 intercomparison
Authors: Goelzer Heiko , Nowicki Sophie , Edwards Tamsin , Beckley Matthew , Abe-Ouchi Ayako , Aschwanden Andy , Calov Reinhard , Gagliardini Olivier , Gillet-Chaulet Fabien , Golledge Nicholas R. , Gregory Jonathan , Greve Ralf , Humbert Angelika , Huybrechts Philippe , Kennedy Joseph H. , Larour Eric , Lipscomb William H. , Le clec'h Sébastien , Lee Victoria , Morlighem Mathieu , Pattyn Frank , Payne Antony J. , Rodehacke Christian , Rückamp Martin , Saito Fuyuki , Schlegel Nicole , Seroussi Helene , Shepherd Andrew , Sun Sainan , van de Wal Roderik , Ziemen Florian A.
Published: April 2018

Abstract. Earlier large-scale Greenland ice sheet sea-level projections (e.g. those run during the ice2sea and SeaRISE initiatives) have shown that ice sheet initial conditions have a large effect on the projections and give rise to important uncertainties. The goal of this initMIP-Greenland intercomparison exercise is to compare, evaluate, and improve the initialisation techniques used in the ice sheet modelling community and to estimate the associated uncertainties in modelled mass changes. initMIP-Greenland is the first in a series of ice sheet model intercomparison activities within ISMIP6 (the Ice Sheet Model Intercomparison Project for CMIP6), which is the primary activity within the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) focusing on the ice sheets. Two experiments for the large-scale Greenland ice sheet have been designed to allow intercomparison between participating models of (1) the initial present-day state of the ice sheet and (2) the response in two idealised forward experiments. The forward experiments serve to evaluate the initialisation in terms of model drift (forward run without additional forcing) and in response to a large perturbation (prescribed surface mass balance anomaly); they should not be interpreted as sea-level projections. We present and discuss results that highlight the diversity of data sets, boundary conditions, and initialisation techniques used in the community to generate initial states of the Greenland ice sheet. We find good agreement across the ensemble for the dynamic response to surface mass balance changes in areas where the simulated ice sheets overlap but differences arising from the initial size of the ice sheet. The model drift in the control experiment is reduced for models that participated in earlier intercomparison exercises.
Latent Functions of Brands and Brandings
Authors: Tahmasebifard Hamid , Pouyan Mohammad Mahdi , Mirzaagha Mahdie
Published: April 2018

Brands and their positive consequences as an economic constructs, have been well studied. But, in addition to economic, brands are also regarded as a social construct, which has remained fairly unrecognized due to lack of academic investigations. So, the purpose of this paper is to focus on and address negative functions and effects of brands and brandings. With utilizing critical point of view and Merton’s functional analysis, this research presents a literature-based conceptual analysis of the negative functions of brands and brandings. The paper identifies that brands have their own demerits (latent functions) in addition to their merits (manifest functions). With referencing to existing literature, this paper identifies some negative effects of brands for societies such as class differences, self-alienation, cultural imperialism, emotional relationships.
Salud mental de base: la teoría y la práctica centroamericana
Authors: Sisti Elvio
Published: April 2018

No abstract available.Realidad: Revista de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades No. 73, 2000: 65-73
Effect of excessive internet use in Saudi and Egyptian teenagers’ health: Comparative study
Authors: Nafee Hoda M. , Mohammed Boshra A. , Al-Hamdan Ahlam Y.
Published: April 2018

Using of the internet today is a growing part of any society. Teenagers are the most users of the internet at their home and/or school. Therefore, it changes their daily lives in terms of physical, social, and psychological status that may exaggerated to be an internet addiction disorder or a physical problem. The aim of the study was to recognize the effects of excessive internet use in Saudi and Egyptian teenagers’ health. The design used to conduct the present study was a descriptive correlation design, a convenient sample of 668 teenagers who were recruited from intermediate and secondary school from both countries, 331 teenagers from King Saudi Arabia (KSA) and 337 from Arab Republic of Egypt (ARE). Three tools were used for data collection: the first one was a questionnaire including demographic background of the participants and their families. The second was Internet Addiction Test (IAT) Young (1998) and the third pain rating scale to assess the intensity of musculoskeletal pain that encountered by the students. Results show that 86.6% of KSA teenagers used the internet daily compared to 69.6% in ARE. Regarding internet addiction, in teenagers, 0.9% were severe, 45.3% moderate and 47.7% mild compared to 0.3%, 46.3% and 44.2% in ARE one, 67.3% of KSA teenagers have musculoskeletal pain with internet usage compared to 74.3% in ARE teenagers. No significant relation was found between both groups in relation to internet addiction. A significant relations were found in Saudi students’ socio-demographic data and their level of internet addiction in the area of academic level (p ≤ .001), and level of academic achievement (p = .037). No significant relation was found in the same area for Egyptian students. The researchers suggest further studies to be conducted in this field on larger sample size for both genders to identify the other factors related to excessive internet use.
Reading Preferences of Middle School Students
Authors: Aydın Gülnur , Bağcı Ayrancı Bilge
Published: April 2018

Four fundamental language skills interact with each other. Developing reading skills will also develop listening,speaking, and writing skills. Reading comprehension, using what is understood on new subjects and learning newwords during reading can influence listening comprehension as well as oral and written self-expression. Generalcomplaints of teachers and parents regarding middle school students are that the students do not read enough.Increasing love for reading in middle school students can only be possible by determining the interests and needs ofthose students and guiding the students towards those needs and interests. When the literature was reviewed, therewere no functional researches regarding the reading preferences of middle school students. In this regard, this studywas necessary to contribute to the literature.The purpose of this study was to determine the reading preferences of middle school students. The pattern of thisresearch was created based on qualitative case study and under the scope of this study, 25 participants were selectedfor each class level including 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students. Data was collected with the semi-structuredinterview technique. Data was themed by two experts using content analysis. Similar answers were converted intonumerical data and presented in the form of tables. Examples from student statements were given to support thetables. The results of the research indicated that a majority of students preferred reading on printed resources,selected novels as genre, read texts with 300 or more pages, and preferred adventure as subject. Additionally,students expressed that unknown words in reading texts should be low, they voluntarily spend 1-2 hours per dayreading, and preferred silent reading.
New Orleans Educational System in Public Schools Pre/Post Hurricane Katrina as Perceived by Special Education Teachers
Authors: Alzahrani Sultan
Published: April 2018

This modified narrative study is an exploration of the perceptions of two special educators who experienced thedramatic changes in the New Orleans public school system as a result of Hurricane Katrina. The participants in thisstudy will consist of two special education professionals (See Table 1). From their perspectives, the reader shall gaina deeper understanding of how the educational system has evolved from its pre-Katrina structure.
Teacher Educators’ Understanding of Their Language-Oriented Development in Content-Based Classroom Interaction
Authors: Swart Fenna , Onstenk Jeroen , Knèzic Dubravka , Graaff Rick De
Published: April 2018

Many studies have suggested that personal practical knowledge is essential for professional development. Recently,there has been growing recognition of the importance of teacher educators’ personal practical knowledge of‘language’ for student learning development. However, the need for teacher educators to first understand their ownlanguage-oriented development in content-based classroom interaction has not received as much emphasis. Thecurrent intervention study investigates how eleven experienced teacher educators understand their language-orienteddevelopment through the control of task difficulty, small-group instruction and directed response questioning. Datawere examined by conducting content and constant comparison analyses. The results showed that the interventionaffected the educators’ language-oriented development, which in turn affected their awareness and decisions made toimprove their methods of initiation and response during classroom interaction. The results call for more concreteways to expend teacher educators’ practical knowledge of language to further develop and enhance theirlanguage-oriented teaching performance in content-based classroom interaction.
Feeling of Psychological Security at a Sample of Adolescents in Jordan
Authors: Maali Ibrahim Bajes
Published: April 2018

This study aims at recognizing the effect of parents’ role in feeling of psychological security at a sample of adolescents in Jordan. The sample of study consisted of (450) male and female adolescents, their ages range from (13-18), the individuals of the sample were classified into two groups; the dictator parental role group and the democratic parental role group. Results indicated that the group of democratic parental role have a higher feeling of psychological security and females are more feeling of security than males of the dictator parental role group, and no effect of a housing real did not appear on the feeling of psychological security between both groups.