bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular Characterization of Tandem Repeat Protein 36 Gene of Ehrlichia canis Detected in Naturally Infected Dogs from Peru
Authors: Geiger Joseph , Morton Bridget A. , Vasconcelos Elton Jose Rosas , Tngrian Maryam , Kachani Malika , Barrón Eduardo A. , Gavidia Cesar M. , Gilman Robert H. , Angulo Noelia P. , Lerner Richard , Scott Tamerin , Mirrashed N. Hannah , Oakley Brian , Diniz Pedro Paulo V. P.
Published: June 2018

Ehrlichia spp. are emerging infectious pathogens, especially in the Americas. Although Ehrlichia canis is primarily a parasite of dogs, polymerase chain reaction-confirmed human infections have been reported from Mexico, Venezuela, and Costa Rica. This study reports the presence of E. canis DNA in 13.7% of 205 dogs from urban areas in Peru and of those, five were analyzed for phylogenetic variation using the Tandem Repeat Protein 36 (TRP36) gene. The use of the TRP36 gene for such analysis was validated against 16S rRNA and heat shock protein genes using Shannon’s entropy bioinformatic approach. When compared with other E. canis strains previously reported, three unique and novel E. canis strains were detected. In addition, the TRP36 amino acid tandem repeat sequences of the Peruvian strains share close similarity to an E. canis strain detected from four human blood bank samples in Costa Rica. This study reports for the first time domestic dogs infected with E. canis strains closely related to a zoonotic strain, which may be of public health concern as dogs can be chronically infected with this pathogen.
Experimental Infection of Rattus norvegicus by the Group II Intermediate Pathogen, Leptospira licerasiae
Authors: Fernandez Carla , Lubar Aristea A. , Vinetz Joseph M. , Matthias Michael A.
Published: June 2018

Leptospira licerasiae serovar Varillal, a group II intermediate pathogen species/serovar discovered in the Peruvian Amazon city of Iquitos, is commonly recognized in this region by sera from humans (at least 40% seroprevalence) without a known clinical history of leptospirosis. This high frequency of human seroreactivity remains unexplained. To test the hypothesis that the oral route of infection might explain the high rate of human seroreactivity against L. licerasiae, an experimental infection model using Rattus norvegicus was developed, given that rats were one of the original reservoir hosts identified as being colonized by this leptospire. Sprague–Dawley rats were experimentally exposed via mucosa, direct gastric gavage, or parenteral inoculation with nine different isolates of L. licerasiae originally isolated from Peruvian humans, peridomiciliary rodents, and wildlife. As shown by quantitative polymerase chain reaction of kidney tissue, Leptospira infection via these routes of infection was equally successful. Importantly, the data show that L. licerasiae infects R. norvegicus via the oral route, leading to renal colonization. Not only do these findings confirm the infectiousness of group II Leptospira, but also they underscore the potential importance of oral as well as mucosal and transcutaneous routes of Leptospira infection.
A capacidade jurídica pela Convenção sobre os Direitos da Pessoa com Deficiência e a insuficiência dos critérios do status, do resultado da conduta e da funcionalidade
Authors: Menezes Joyceane Bezerra de
Published: June 2018

A Convenção sobre os Direitos da Pessoa com Deficiência impulsionou uma reviravolta no regime das incapacidades e no sistema de direito protetivo pautado na substituição de vontades. A partir dessa norma, a pessoa com deficiência possui igual capacidade legal em relação às demais, de modo que a deficiência não poderá ser utilizada como um critério modulador da capacidade jurídica, seja de modo direto, seja indireto. Para garantir a inclusão participativa da pessoa com deficiência, abandonaram-se os critérios que, ao longo da história, foram utilizados para modular a capacidade jurídica a partir da deficiência. Considerando que a limitação psíquica e/ou intelectual não é suficiente para negar a autonomia, tampouco a capacidade – ambos considerados corolários da dignidade -, a inclusão proposta pela Convenção implica a reabilitação da sociedade para acolher a pessoa com deficiência em uma tentativa de otimizar a sua funcionalidade pela redução das barreiras.
PAHs as quality markers of the sediments in the Lower Taquari sub-basin during the period of intervention in a contaminated site
Authors: Gameiro Paula Hauber , Pereira Naiara Costa , Rocha Jocelita Vaz , Leal K.A. , Vargas Vera Maria Ferrão
Published: June 2018

The region studied on the Taquari River, is close to a site with soil contaminated by wood preservatives, where a route of contaminants into the river was identified. This site was submitted to the first stage of the intervention process excavating the soil to remove the main active sources. To assess sediment quality the PAHs concentrations were analyzed: before, during and after the process. The PAHs concentration was compared to the guide values adopted by CONAMA resolution 344/04, aiming to protect aquatic life. Four points on Taquari River were tested, upper (TA032), in front (TA010) and lower (TA006, TA004) the contaminated site. Besides these, the Stream that is considered a source of contamination for TA010 was evaluated in the last step. The results indicated values between ISQG (Interim Sediment Quality Guidelines and PEL (Probable Effect Level) observed for eight PAHs. The PAHs values, probably carcinogenic to humans, were between ISQG and PEL in different samplings at TA010, more expressives during and after intervention. These values were also found at TA006 and TA004 during the same periods. The persistent contamination of the critical point TA010, even after intervention, is a warning regarding the environmental quality and aquatic life of this region.
Attribution of recent increases in atmospheric methane through 3-D
inverse modelling
Authors: McNorton Joe , Wilson Chris , Gloor Manuel , Parker Rob , Boesch Hartmut , Feng Wuhu , Hossaini Ryan , Chipperfield Martyn
Published: June 2018

Abstract. The atmospheric methane (CH4) growth rate has varied considerably in recent decades. Unexplained renewed growth after 2006 followed seven years of stagnation and coincided with an isotopic trend toward CH4 more depleted in 13C, suggesting changes in sources and/or sinks. Using surface observations of both CH4 and the isotopologue ratio value (δ13CH4) to constrain a global 3D chemical transport model (CTM), we have performed a synthesis inversion for source and sink attribution. Our method extends on previous studies by providing monthly and regional attribution of emissions from 6 different sectors and changes in atmospheric sinks for the extended 2003–2015 period. Regional evaluation of the model CH4 tracer with independent column observations from the Greenhouse gases Observing SATellite (GOSAT) shows improved performance when using posterior fluxes (R = 0.94–0.96, RMSE = 8.3–16.5 ppb), relative to prior fluxes (R = 0.60–0.92, RMSE = 48.6–64.6 ppb). Further independent validation with data from the Total Carbon Column Observing Network (TCCON) shows a similar improvement in the posterior fluxes (R = 0.90, RMSE = 21.4 ppb) compared to the prior (R = 0.71, RMSE = 55.3 ppb). Based on these improved posterior fluxes, the inversion results suggest the most likely cause of the renewed methane growth is a post-2006 1.8 ± 0.4 % decrease in mean OH, a 12.9 ± 2.7 % increase in energy sector emissions, mainly from Africa/Middle East and Southern Asia/Oceania, and a 2.6 ± 1.8 % increase in wetland emissions, mainly from Northern Eurasia. The posterior wetland increases are in general agreement with bottom-up estimates, but the energy sector growth is greater than estimated by bottom-up methods. The model results are consistent across a range of sensitivity analyses performed. When forced to assume a constant (annually repeating) OH distribution, the inversion requires a greater increase in energy sector (13.6 ± 2.7 %) and wetland (3.6 ± 1.8 %) emissions but also introduces an 11.5 ± 3.8 % decrease in biomass burning emissions. Assuming no prior trend in sources and sinks slightly reduces the posterior growth rate in energy sector and wetland emissions and further increases the amplitude of the negative OH trend. We find that possible tropospheric Cl variations do not to influence δ13CH4 and CH4 trends, although we suggest further work on Cl variability is required to fully diagnose this contribution. While the study provides quantitative insight into possible emissions variations which may explain the observed trends, uncertainty in prior source and sink estimates and a paucity of δ13CH4 observations limit the accuracy of the posterior estimates.
Secondary organic aerosol formation from photooxidation of furan:
effects of NOx level and humidity
Authors: Jiang Xiaotong , Tsona Narcisse T. , Jia Long , Liu Shijie , Xu Yongfu , Du Lin
Published: June 2018

Abstract. Atmospheric furan is both primary and secondary pollutants in the atmosphere, and their emission contributes to the formation of ultrafine particles and ground-level ozone. We investigate the effects of NOx level and humidity on the formation of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) generated from the photooxidation of furan in the presence of NaCl seed particles. The particle mass concentration and size distribution were determined with a scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS). SOA mass concentration and yield were determined under different NOx and humidity levels. Owing to condensation and coagulation, the particle number concentration decreases with increasing particle size. A significant difference is observed both in the SOA mass concentration and SOA yield variation with the initial experiment conditions. A relatively high NOx level, ranging from 16.8 to 97.5 ppb, contributes to effective formation of SOA in the presence of NaCl seed particles, with the mass concentration of SOA and SOA yield ranging from 0.96 μg m−3 to 23.46 μg m−3 and from 0.04 % to 1.01 %, respectively. Likewise, the SOA mass concentration and yield increase with increasing humidity, because the increasing RH increases the aerosol liquid water content, which contributes to the liquid phase reactions. Nine organic nitrate species were detected by electrospray ionization exactive orbitrap mass spectrometry (ESI-Exactive-Orbitrap MS). The -COOH，-OH，-C = O and NO2 functional groups were assigned in the FTIR spectra and used as the indicator for the mechanism inference. The present study directly addresses NOx effects and reinforces the implication of humidity on SOA formation during the furan-NOx-NaCl photooxidation. Furthermore, the results illustrate the importance of studying SOA formation over a comprehensive range of environmental conditions. Only such evaluations can induce meaningful SOA mechanisms to be implemented in air quality models.
Utilizing the Drake Passage Time-series to understand variability and change in subpolar Southern Ocean pCO2
Authors: Fay Amanda R. , Lovenduski Nicole S. , McKinley Galen A. , Munro David R. , Sweeney Colm , Gray Alison R. , Landschützer Peter , Stephens Britton B. , Takahashi Taro , Williams Nancy
Published: June 2018

Abstract. The Southern Ocean is highly under-sampled for the purpose of assessing total carbon uptake and its variability. Since this region dominates the mean global ocean sink for anthropogenic carbon, understanding temporal change is critical. Underway measurements of pCO2 collected as part of the Drake Passage Time-series (DPT) program that began in 2002 inform our understanding of seasonally changing air–sea gradients in pCO2, and by inference the carbon flux in this region. Here, we utilize available pCO2 observations to evaluate how the seasonal cycle, interannual variability, and long-term trends in surface ocean pCO2 in the Drake Passage region compare to that of the broader subpolar Southern Ocean. Our results indicate that the Drake Passage is representative of the broader region in both seasonality and long-term pCO2 trends, as evident through the agreement of timing and amplitude of seasonal cycles as well as trend magnitudes both seasonally and annually. The high temporal density of sampling by the DPT is critical to constraining estimates of the seasonal cycle of surface pCO2 in this region, as winter data remain sparse in areas outside of the Drake Passage. An increase in winter data would aid in reduction of uncertainty levels. On average over the period 2002–2016, data show that carbon uptake has strengthened with annual surface ocean pCO2 trends in the Drake Passage and the broader subpolar Southern Ocean less than the global atmospheric trend. Analysis of spatial correlation shows Drake Passage pCO2 to be representative of pCO2 and its variability up to several hundred kilometers away from the region. We also compare DPT data from 2016 and 2017 to contemporaneous pCO2 estimates from autonomous biogeochemical floats deployed as part of the Southern Ocean Carbon and Climate Observations and Modeling project (SOCCOM) so as to highlight the opportunity for evaluating data collected on autonomous observational platforms. Though SOCCOM floats sparsely sample the Drake Passage region for 2016–2017 compared to the Drake Passage Time-series, their pCO2 estimates fall within the range of underway observations given the uncertainty on the estimates. Going forward, continuation of the Drake Passage Time-series will reduce uncertainties in Southern Ocean carbon uptake seasonality, variability, and trends, and provide an invaluable independent dataset for post-deployment assessment of sensors on autonomous floats. Together, these datasets will vastly increase our ability to monitor change in the ocean carbon sink.
Riverine particulate C and N generated at the permafrost thaw front: case study of western Siberian rivers across a 1700-km latitudinal transect
Authors: Krickov Ivan V. , Lim Artem G. , Manasypov Rinat M. , Loiko Sergey V. , Shirokova Liudmila S. , Kirpotin Sergey N. , Karlsson Jan , Pokrovsky Oleg S.
Published: June 2018

Abstract. In contrast to numerous studies on the dynamics of dissolved ( 0.45 µm) matter (RSM) in these regions. In order to test the effect of climate, permafrost and physio-geographical landscape parameters (bogs, forest and lake coverage of the watershed) on RSM and particulate C, N and P concentration in river water, we sampled 33 small and medium size rivers (10–100 000 km2 watershed) along a 1700 km N–S transect including both permafrost-affected and permafrost-free zones of Western Siberian Lowland (WSL). The concentration of C and N in RSM decreased with the increase in river watershed size, illustrating (i) the importance of organic debris in small rivers which drain peatlands and (ii) the role of mineral matter from bank abrasion in larger rivers. The presence of lakes in the watershed increased C and N but decreased P concentrations in RSM. The C : N ratio in the RSM reflected the source from deep rather than surface soil horizon, similar to that of other Arctic rivers. This suggests the export of peat and mineral particles through suprapermafrost flow occurring at the base of the active layer. There was a maximum of particulate C and N concentration at the beginning of permafrost appearance (a sporadic and discontinuous zone, 62–64° N). This presumably reflected the organic matter mobilization from newly thawed organic horizons in soils at the active latitudinal thawing front. The results suggest that a northward shift of permafrost boundaries and an increase in active layer thickness may increase particulate C and N export by WSL rivers to the Arctic Ocean by a factor of 2, while P export may remain unchanged. In contrast, within a long-term climate warming scenario, the disappearance of permafrost in the north, the drainage of lakes and transformation of bogs to forest may decrease C and N concentration in RSM by 2 to 3 times.
Comparison of CO2 and O2 fluxes demonstrate retention of respired CO2 in tree stems from a range of tree species
Authors: Hilman Boaz , Muhr Jan , Trumbore Susan E. , Carbone Mariah S. , Yuval Päivi , Wright S. Joseph , Moreno Gerardo , Pérez-Priego Oscar , Migliavacca ‫‎ Mirco , Carrara Arnaud , Grünzweig José M. , Osem Yagil , Weiner Tal , Angert Alon
Published: June 2018

Abstract. The ratio of CO2 efflux to O2 influx (ARQ, apparent respiratory quotient) in tree stems is expected to be 1.0 for carbohydrates, the main substrate supporting stem respiration. In previous studies of stem fluxes, ARQ values below 1.0 were observed and hypothesized to indicate retention of respired carbon within the stem. Here, we demonstrate that stem ARQ
Sensitivity study of the Regional Climate Model RegCM4 to
different convective schemes over West Africa
Authors: Koné Brahima , Diedhiou Arona , Touré N'datchoh Evelyne , Sylla Mouhamadou Bamba , Giorgi Filippo , Anquetin Sandrine , Bamba Adama , Diawara Adama , Kobea Arsene Toka
Published: June 2018

Abstract. The latest version of RegCM4 with CLM4.5 as land surface scheme was used to assess the performance and the sensitivity of the simulated West African climate system to different convection schemes. The sensitivity studies were performed over the West Africa domain from November 2002 to December 2004, at spatial resolution of 50 km × 50 km and involved five (5) convective schemes: (i) Emanuel; (ii) Grell; (iii) Emanuel over land and Grell over ocean (Mix1); (iv) Grell over land and Emanuel over ocean (Mix2); and (v) Tiedtke. All simulations were forced with ERA-Interim data. Validation of surface temperature at 2 m and precipitation were conducted using respectively data from the Climate Research Unit (CRU) and Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP) during June to September (rainy season). Quantitative assessment of the sensitivity tests were carried out using the mean bias, the pattern correlation coefficient, the root mean square difference, the probability density function of the temperature bias and the Taylor diagram. Results revealed a better performance of the configuration with Emanuel convection scheme to simulate the spatial and temporal variability of the temperature and the precipitation. Therefore, the configuration of RegCM4 with CLM4.5 as land surface model and implementing Emanuel convective scheme is recommended for the study of the West African climate system.
The Berkeley High Resolution Tropospheric NO2 Product
Authors: Laughner Joshua L. , Zhu Qindan , Cohen Ronald C.
Published: June 2018

Abstract. We describe upgrades to the Berkeley High Resolution (BEHR) NO2 satellite retrieval product. BEHR v3.0 builds on the NASA version 3 standard Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) tropospheric NO2 product to provide a high spatial resolution product that is consistent with daily variations in the 12 km a priori NO2 profiles. Other improvements to the BEHR v3.0 product include surface reflectance and elevation, and factors affecting the NO2 a priori profiles such as lightning and anthropogenic emissions. We describe the retrieval algorithm in detail and evaluate the impact of changes to the algorithm between v2.1C and v3.0B has on the retrieved NO2 vertical column densities (VCDs). Not surprisingly, we find that, on average, the changes to the a priori NO2 profiles and the update to the new NASA slant column densities have the greatest impact on the retrieved VCDs. More significantly, we find that using daily a priori profiles results in greater average VCDs than using monthly profiles in regions and times with significant lightning activity. The BEHR product is available as four subproducts on the University of California DASH repository: using monthly a priori profiles at native OMI pixel resolution (https://doi.org/10.6078/D1N086) and regridded to 0.05° × 0.05° (https://doi.org/10.6078/D1RQ3G) and using daily a priori profiles at native OMI ( https://doi.org/10.6078/D1WH41) and regridded (https: //doi.org/10.6078/D12D5X) resolutions.
An improved logistic regression model based on a spatially weighted technique (ILRBSWT v1.0) and its application to mineral prospectivity mapping
Authors: Zhang Daojun , Ren Na , Hou Xianhui
Published: June 2018

Abstract. The combination of
complex, multiple minerogenic stages and mineral superposition during
geological processes has resulted in dynamic spatial distributions and
nonstationarity of geological variables. For example, geochemical elements
exhibit clear spatial variability and trends with coverage type changes.
Thus, bias is likely to occur under these conditions when general regression
models are applied to mineral prospectivity mapping (MPM). In this study, we
used a spatially weighted technique to improve general logistic regression
and developed an improved model, i.e., the improved logistic regression
model, based on a spatially weighted technique (ILRBSWT, version 1.0). The
capabilities and advantages of ILRBSWT are as follows: (1) it is a
geographically weighted regression (GWR) model, and thus it has all
advantages of GWR when managing spatial trends and nonstationarity; (2) while
the current software employed for GWR mainly applies linear regression,
ILRBSWT is based on logistic regression, which is more suitable for MPM
because mineralization is a binary event; (3) a missing data processing
method borrowed from weights of evidence is included in ILRBSWT to extend its
adaptability when managing multisource data; and (4) in addition to
geographical distance, the differences in data quality or exploration level
can be weighted in the new model.
El proceso de traspaso de la administración de justicia como instrumento de análisis de las dinámicas del Estado Autonómico
Authors: López Sánchez Eliseo , Casal Oubiña Daniel
Published: June 2018

El artículo analiza los procesos de traspaso de competencias en materia de administración judicial a las Comunidades Autónomas. Aportando una visión sobre cómo se ha producido el proceso de construcción del actual Estado autonómico y nos permite comprender un importante elemento del funcionamiento de la administración judicial, elemento clave para el buen funcionamiento del poder judicial, un poder del Estado poco estudiado desde la ciencia política española. Además, el traspaso de esta competencia nos permite ejemplificar este tipo de procesos, que tampoco han merecido mucha atención, teniendo en cuenta que estos procesos pueden condicionar el posterior ejercicio de la competencia, y su comprensión nos aporta elementos clave para entender el funcionamiento real del Estado autonómico.
Comunidade de ectoparasitos e levantamento de hemoparasitos em cães (Canis lupus familiaris, Linnaeus, 1758) residentes no entorno da Serra de São José, Minas Gerais
Authors: Rodrigues André Flávio Soares Ferreira , Rosa Marina Helena Figueredo , Fernandes Laura De Brito , Da Silva Eduardo Sérgio
Published: June 2018

Teve-se como principal objetivo descrever a comunidade de ectoparasitos e hemoparasitos de cães residentes no entorno da Serra de São José, Minas Gerais. O levantamento ocorreu em 24 hospedeiros onde foram coletadas amostras de sangue e ectoparasitos. Os ectoparasitos foram identificadospor esterioscopia e/ou microscopia fotônica. Hemoparasitos foram examinados por esfregaço sanguíneo e o diagnóstico de Leishmania sp. foi realizado por método de ELISA e RIFI. A espécie de ectoparasito mais prevalente foi Ctenocephalides felis felis (83,3%) seguida por Rhipicephalus sanguineus (33,3%). Ixodídeos imaturos; Tunga penetrans; Trichodectes canis e Dermatobia hominis também foram regis- trados em menor prevalência. Registra-se variação na quetotaxia no gênero Ctenocephalides (12,5%). Um cão foi diagnosticado positivo para Babesia canis e dois reagentes para Leishmania sp.
Intra-Row Spacing and Variety Interaction Effects on the Yield Performance of Sunflower (Helianthus Annuus L.) in Calabar
Authors: Bassey Effa, Emmanuel , Effiong Uko, Aniefiok , U. L. Undie, , E. O. Ansa, Joseph.
Published: June 2018

There is an increasing interest in Sunflower production in Nigeria as a substitute oil crop to complement oil palm and soybean. Two year field experiments were conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of the University of Calabar to evaluate the interactive effects of intra-row spacing on sunflower varieties, using a 3 x 4 factorial experiment consisting of four spacing regimes (75 x 25, 75 x 30, 75 x 35 and 75 x 40 cm) and three sunflower hybrids (SSL 807, 806 and 803) in randomized complete block design having three replications. The 40 cm intra-row spacing resulted in the highest yield of sunflower seeds (3.95 t ha-1), while SSL 806 and 803 were statistically similar in yield (3.44 and 3.05 t ha-1). The interaction between SSL 806 at 75 x 40 cm gave the best achene yields (5.61 t ha-1). Therefore variety SSL 806 is a more promising variety for production in Calabar.
Governance, Human Security, Safety and Rule of Law in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic from the Twin Eye of WGI and IIAG
Authors: ABIORO Tunde , DARAMOLA Tunji
Published: June 2018

Safety and Rule of Law has been on persistent trial in Nigeria since the independence of 1960 and the return to democratic governance of the republic for the fourth time in 1999 after several military interregnums did not abate the experience. It plays out through attacks on the judicial system, denial of citizens to official information, threats to personal lives as well as civil and domestic armed conflicts among others. The study examines the indicator performance and perception of Nigerian government in Overall Governance (OG) as well as Safety and Rule of Law. It seeks to achieve this through the examination of the World Governance Index (WGI) and Ibrahim Index of African Governance (IIAG) data. The data were generated from continental, global and institutional documents. The study found out there is deficit and gap between the government and the citizens with evidence in the negative perception and performance recorded. It thus suggests the strengthening of democratic institutions, enhancement of rule of law, combating corruption, improving social service delivery to lessen the threats of human and national security as well as governmental openness for improved participation, involvement and improved delivery by government across the levels of government.
ESTUDO DE CASO E PROPOSTA DE MELHORIA A PROBLEMÁTICA: CARRINHOS DE BRINQUEDO COM AS RODAS TRAVADAS
Authors: Leite Ygor Geann dos Santos , Leite Walkiria Batista Mikilis , Silva Adriana Carvalho da , Velho Luciano Izidoro
Published: June 2018

A qualidade de determinado produto, nem sempre está baseada somente a fatores internos a organização. Levando em consideração que geralmente parte da matéria-prima necessária para a produção, vêm de fornecedores externos, a atenção deve ser redobrada, com vistas periódicas, solicitação de documentação que atestem da maneira mais sólida possível que características e demais exigências, estão sendo mantidos precisamente. Por mais árduo que essas ações possam parecer, são de extrema necessidade buscando sempre atender as expectativas dos clientes mais exigentes.  Dessa maneira, o artigo apresentará estudo de caso seguido de proposta de melhoria referente a situação evidenciada em um fabricante de brinquedos, cujo um dos seus produtos de maior rotatividade, carrinhos elétricos, tem apresentados problemas referente as rodas traseiras travadas, impossibilitando o produto realizar movimentos específicos no momento em que requisitados. Essa condição tem causado alguns transtornos com os clientes finais de modo que existe um crescente registro de reclamações. Como maneira de investigação coerente, o artigo buscará pela causa raiz e apresentação de proposta de melhoria eficiente e ainda contará com técnicas específicas por meio metodologias do DMAIC para assim elaborar uma plano de ação imediato e eficiente.
USING STATISTICAL TOOLS TO DETECT GASOLINE ADULTERATION
Authors: Barbeira Paulo Jorge Sanches
Published: June 2018

Histograms and normal distribution curves (Gaussian fit) were used to determine
the average composition of the gasoline commercialized in the state of Minas
Gerais, Brazil, and to detect samples with atypical composition. Atypical
composition may rise from the fact that the gasoline comes from distinct sources
(refinery or petrochemical plant) or may be due to the careful addition of industrial
solvents. A considerable number of samples of atypical composition have been
detected despite the samples tested having the same source. This statistical
analytical tool has been shown useful in the evaluation of fuel quality.
Balanced Scorecard Critical Success Factors of Jordanian Commercial Banks and Its Effect on Financial Performance
Authors: AL-Dweikat Mohanad Fayiz Saleem , Nour Mohmoud Ibrahim
Published: June 2018

The present study aimed to identify the Critical Success Factors of balanced scorecard at Jordanian Commercial Banks, as well as, reveal its effect on Financial Performance The study adapts the quantitative method to achieve their objectives. A randomaly sample of the employees of the higher and middle administrations (managers, deputies, their assistants and sector managers) at Jordanian Commercial Banks selected totaling (120) individuals. Exploratory Factor Analysis, Reliability, Confirmatory Factor Analysis and Structural equation Modelling was performed. The results indicate that the Top Management, Strategic intent, HR aspects and Systems and techniques are Critical Success Factors of balanced scorecard with reliable and valid. Inaddition, the Top Management, Strategic intent, HR aspects and Systems and techniques Success Factors positively effect on financial performance at Jordanian Commercial Banks.
A novel strain sensor using a microchannel embedded in PDMS
Authors: Campigotto Angelica , Leahy Stephane , Choudhury Ayan , Zhao Guowei , Lai Yongjun
Published: June 2018

A novel, inexpensive, and easy-to-use strain sensor using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)  was developed. The sensor consists of a microchannel that is partially filled with a coloured liquid and embedded in a piece of PDMS. A finite element model was developed to optimize the geometry of the microchannel to achieve higher sensitivity. The highest gauge factor that was measured experimentally was 41. The gauge factor was affected by the microchannel’s square cross-sectional area, the number of basic units in the microchannel, and the inlet and outlet configuration. As a case study, the developed strain sensors were used to measure the rotation angle of the wrist and finger joints.
Pediatric vision screening: The Colorado school nurse experience
Authors: Braverman Rebecca S.
Published: June 2018

Colorado schools are required by law to perform vision screening. The aim of the study was to elucidate the vision screening process from the school nurse perspective. An electronic questionnaire distributed to Colorado school nurses, and developed by the author, was used to query Colorado nurses about the logistical challenges they face when performing vision screening. Common challenges faced when performing vision screening included: inadequate staff to perform vision screening, inadequate space to complete testing, uncooperative students, and poor parental compliance with referrals for further evaluation after their child failed their vision screen. Most nurses do not use instrument-based screening. Many nurses did not properly occlude the eyes when performing monocular visual acuity testing, which may lead to false negative screening results. The results of the questionnaire suggest there are opportunities to improve the vision screening process by nurses in Colorado schools.
Stress-Strength Reliability Model with The Exponentiated Weibull Distribution: Inferences and Applications
Authors: Eissa Fathy Helmy
Published: June 2018

In this paper, we deal with the estimation of the reliability $R=P(Y<X)$ where $X$, a unit strength, and $Y$, a unit stress, are independent exponentiated Weibull random variables. The maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods are used to make inference about $R$. We obtain the Baysian estimator using Lindely's procedure under squared error loss and LINEX loss functions with gamma prior for the unknown model parameters. The asymptotic and bootstrap confidence intervals are obtained as well as the credible interval for R is constructed in view of the empirical Bayesian procedure. For illustrative purposes, analysis of real data sets is presented. Mont Carlo simulations are carried out to compare the performances of the different estimators.
Oil Price Risk and Financial Contagion
Authors: Guesmi Khaled , Abid Ilyes , Creti Anna , Chevallier Julien
Published: June 2018

In this paper we test for the existence of equity market contagion, originating from oil price fluctuations, to regional and domestic stock markets. The data are collected over the period from April 1993 to April 2015. We apply an empirical multifactor asset pricing model with three-factor setting to capture the unexpected return and disentangle simple correlation due to fundamentals and contagion. We investigate four regions: the European Monetary Union (EMU), Asia-Pacific (AP), the Non-European Monetary Union (NEMU) and North America (NA). We define contagion as the excess correlation that is not explained by fundamental factors. Oil price risk is shown to be a factor as important as contagion. In addition, oil price fluctuations amplify contagion in the context of regional markets strongly interlinked with the USA.
Market Power and Spatial Arbitrage between Interconnected Gas Hubs
Authors: Massol Olivier , Banal-Estanol Albert
Published: June 2018

This paper examines the performance of the spatial arbitrages carried out between two regional markets for wholesale natural gas linked by a pipeline system. We develop a new empirical methodology to (i) detect if these markets are integrated, i.e., if all the spatial arbitrage opportunities between the two markets are being exploited, and (ii) decompose the observed spatial price differences into factors such as transportation costs, transportation bottlenecks, and the oligopolistic behavior of the arbitrageurs. Our framework incorporates a new test for the presence of market power and it is thus able to distinguish between physical and strategic behavior constraints on marginal cost pricing. We use the case of the "Intercon-nector" pipeline linking Belgium and the UK as an application. Our empirical findings show that all the arbitrage opportunities between the two zones are being exploited but confirm the presence of market power.
Anatomia do lenho de esculturas do Museu Vicente Pallotti (Santa Maria, RS, Brasil). 1 – Descrição e identificação anatômica do “Menino”
Authors: Machado Paulo Fernando dos Santos , Marchiori José Newton Cardoso , Sanchez Danieli
Published: June 2018

O lenho do “Menino”, escultura integrante do acervo do Museu Vicente Pallotti (Santa Maria, RS, Brasil), foi identificado ao microscópio como pertencente ao gênero Tilia L. (Malvaceae, ex Tiliaceae), provando que a obra é de origem européia, não sul-americana.
Consommation d’énergie et théorie des pratiques : vers des pistes d’action pour la transition énergétique
Authors: Roques Patricia , Roux Dominique
Published: June 2018

Dans un contexte d’incitation à la réduction énergétique, quels sont les leviers d’action sur les comportements de consommation des individus, au-delà des valeurs qu’ils associent à la maîtrise de leur consommation ? Sur la base d’une étude qualitative menée avec 40 répondants d’un même complexe locatif réhabilité, cette recherche mobilise la théorie des pratiques appliquée au contexte de la consommation énergétique. Après avoir présenté et discuté ce cadre d’analyse peu usité en marketing, elle propose une typologie de profils. Ceux-ci intègrent à la fois les savoir-faire, les routines et les significations attachées à un ensemble d’activités consommatrices d’énergie, mais aussi le système d’équipement incorporé au logement et les incitations/prescriptions qui ont accompagné le programme de réhabilitation énergétique. Les résultats enrichissent les approches comportementales par la prise en compte de l’environnement socio-technique des individus et fournissent une série de recommandations utiles aux bailleurs sociaux comme aux organisations publiques ou marchandes engagées dans ces problématiques.
Short Report: Impact of Sleep Disorders on Depression and Patient-Perceived Health-Related Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: White Emily K. , Sullivan Amy B. , Drerup Michelle
Published: June 2018

Background:

Sleep disorders in multiple sclerosis (MS) are associated with reduced health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and depression. However, research investigating and comparing how the two most common sleep disorders—insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)—affect depression and HRQOL in MS is limited. The goal of this study is to examine the impact of diagnosed sleep disorders on patient-reported 1) HRQOL and 2) depressive symptoms in patients with MS.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective medical record review of 531 adult patients with MS: 287 (54%) with a comorbid sleep disorder (insomnia or OSA) and 244 (46%) without a diagnosed sleep disorder.

Results:

Neither 1) average ratings of depression or HRQOL nor 2) the proportion of moderate depression or moderately impaired HRQOL differed between individuals with MS and insomnia and those with MS and OSA. Neither sleep disorder predicted increased depression or poorer HRQOL. However, individuals with MS and a comorbid sleep disorder (insomnia or OSA) had poorer HRQOL compared with those without a diagnosed sleep disorder (MS only).

Conclusions:

Presence of a diagnosed sleep disorder may negatively affect HRQOL in MS. Providers should continue to screen for sleep disorders given their negative impact on patients with MS and the availability of effective treatments for insomnia and OSA.
Application of WMA Technology to Bituminous Base Course Mixes
Authors: Choudhary Rajan , Julaganti Asho , Kumar Abhinay , Ugale Dipak Arjun
Published: June 2018

Warm Mix Asphalt, due to lower mixing and compaction temperatures, provides some engineering benefits over conventional Hot Mix Asphalt. In this study, an attempt is made to assess the viability of using Warm Mix Asphalt technology in bituminous base courses. An organic wax-based Warm Mix Asphalt additive was used in this study to produce Dense Bituminous Macadam, a commonly used bituminous base course mix in India. Experimental variables included three additive contents and four mixing temperatures. Rheological properties of binder modified with different doses of additive were examined. In all, twelve Warm Mix Asphalt Dense Bituminous Macadam mix types were prepared, evaluated and compared with Hot Mix Asphalt Dense Bituminous Macadam (control) mix. Rheological test results showed the addition of wax-based additive improved stiffness and resistance against permanent deformation of the base binder. Tensile Strength Ratio and retained Marshall Stability results indicated that Warm Mix Asphalt Dense Bituminous Macadam mixes were resistant to moisture-induced damage.
Investigating the Deviation Angle Method for Ensuring Deflection at One-Lane Rural Roundabouts
Authors: Berloco Nicola , Colonna Pasquale , Intini Paolo , Ranieri Vittorio
Published: June 2018

Roundabouts developed as a road intersection design option has resulted in a series of nonuniform design guidance criteria in Europe, as well as in the United States and other Countries. In addition to different design specifications about the geometry of the elements constituting a roundabout (width and lanes of the circulatory roadway, entry and exit legs, splitter island), the methods for guaranteeing that vehicle paths deflect through the roundabout are also different. These methods ensure proper travel speeds between conflicting traffic flows. Currently, the main parameters used by standards to control the deflection are the deflection radius, the entry path radius, and the deviation angle. After a comparison between International deflection methods for roundabouts, this study checks the geometric requirements of the deviation angle for more than 7.000 hypothetical one-lane rural roundabouts. The Computer-Aided Design (CAD) drawing of the roundabouts takes into account the range of variability of their main geometric parameters, according to the Italian Standard. Subsequently, a number of the considered roundabouts checked with both the entry path radius and the German methods. Some results showing the greater effectiveness of the less popular deviation angle method are discussed. The main aims of this paper are:1) to promote the deviation angle method, which is only used in Switzerland and Italy;2) to improve standards, as regards the applicability and validity of the deflection angle method;3) to help practitioners to know in advance the outcome of the deflection checks at the beginning of the iterative design process, once the boundary conditions are known.
Analysis of Non-Uniform Shrinkage Effect in Box Girder Sections for Long-Span Continuous Rigid Frame Bridge
Authors: Yuan Zhuoya , Ng Pui-Lam , Bačinskas Darius , Du Jinsheng
Published: June 2018

To consider the effect of non-uniform shrinkage of box girder sections on the long-term deformations of continuous rigid frame bridges, and to improve the prediction accuracy of analysis in the design phase, this paper proposes a new simulation technique for use with general-purpose finite element program. The non-uniform shrinkage effect of the box girder is transformed to an equivalent temperature gradient and then applied as external load onto the beam elements in the finite element analysis. Comparative analysis of the difference in deflections between uniform shrinkage and nonuniform shrinkage of the main girder was made for a vehicular bridge in reality using the proposed technique. The results indicate that the maximum deflection of box girder under the action of non-uniform shrinkage is much greater than that under the action of uniform shrinkage. The maximum downward deflection of the bridge girder caused by uniform shrinkage is 5.6 mm at 20 years after completion of bridge deck construction, whereas the maximum downward deflection caused by non-uniform shrinkage is 21.6 mm, which is 3.8 times larger. This study shows that the non-uniform shrinkage effect of the girder sections has a significant impact on the long-term deflection of continuous rigid frame bridge, and it can be accurately simulated by the proposed transformation technique.
Analysis of the Effects of Ageing on the Cohesive Strength of Polymer-Modified Bitumen at Low Temperatures
Authors: Zheng Chuanfeng , Li Genze , Xu Yazhi , Wang Danni , Lv Dan
Published: June 2018

The decay law on the ageing process of the cohesive strength of styrene-butadiene-styrene(SBS)- and polyethylene(PE)-modified bitumens at low temperatures was investigated. The rotated-thin-film oven test was used to age the two types of polymer-modified bitumens. The cohesive strengths at different low-temperature conditions were tested quantitatively according to technology for testing the low-temperature cohesive strength of bitumen. The decay curve of bitumen low-temperature cohesive strengths was drawn, and the embrittlement time of bitumen at different ageing states was obtained according to the decay curve. Results showed that ageing time definitely influenced the attenuation degree of the low-temperature cohesive strength of the two types of polymer-modified bitumens and influenced the appearance of the low-temperature cohesive strength peak, i.e., the bitumen embrittlement time, which advanced after ageing. The lightweight components of polymer-modified bitumen were lost after ageing. The bitumen embrittlement time was advanced, and the sharp attenuation of the low-temperature cohesive strength of bitumen appeared. In the future, bitumen antiageing technology and lighter part pre-supplement technology should be studied in-depth.
William and William; the birth and death of subjectivity in the works of William Shakespeare and William S. Burroughs
Authors: Allen David Frank
Published: June 2018

We open with the question of subjectivity as it is presented in Hamlet; the focus then moves to the breakdown of subjectivity as experienced in extreme situations and clinical psychosis. Gabel’s idea of continuity from psychosis to ideology (false consciousness) is used to show that William S. Burroughs is in fact a theorist of global ideological pathology. The concept of reification allows us to combine the voices of Gabel and Burroughs. This is not a study of what has been said about Burroughs or Shakespeare, our concern is with the future of the City, not the nature of the finger that points towards it. The cycle of “William & William” refers to the birth and destruction of subjectivity as defined by “conditions such as these”.
Experience of Joy and Sadness in Alexithymic Emotional Discourse
Authors: Dupont-Leclerc Marie-Mathilde , Lecours Serge
Published: June 2018

Alexithymia is a personality trait characterized by difficulties identifying and describing emotions. Suffering from a deficit in the cognitive processing of emotions, alexithymic individuals are unable to symbolize their emotions. Even though emotional elaboration is one of the core aspects of alexithymia, it has not been thoroughly investigated. Few studies have reported quantitative features of alexithymic’s discourse. However, the qualitative properties of alexithymic emotional discourse and the difference in symbolization between positive and negative emotions remain to be investigated. This study aims to examine how individuals with alexithymia symbolize their subjective emotional experiences by defining the characteristics of their discourse related to positive and negative emotions. A sample of 9 clinically alexithymic individuals rated on the TAS-20 was interviewed about a typical experience of joy and sadness. Data were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Themes associated with sadness revealed that alexithymic individuals tend to avoid contact with sadness. They also perceived sadness as an imposed state by external events. Themes associated with joy revealed that this emotion seemed easier to share with peers. Moreover, joy seemed easier to express and symbolize for alexithymic individuals than sadness. This comprehensive description of alexithymic emotional discourse allows to better understand the symbolization of emotions according to their valence and to better recognize alexithymic ways of expressing emotions.
Kindergarten Practice: The Situated Socialization of Minority Parents
Authors: Solberg Janne
Published: June 2018

Almost all parents in Norway use kindergarten and part of becoming a kindergarten parent is learning the routines of the particular institution. Thus, kindergarten parents go through a socialization process, learning amongst other how to deliver and pick up their children. Building on ten days observations of bringing and delivery scenes in a kindergarten, it is here suggested that this socialization process may have a racialized character. The kindergarten in question had special delivery routines, which the kindergarten staff expected parents to carry out, but not everybody did, and the article investigates how the staff reacted towards the three deviant cases observed. The bottom-up analysis of the social interaction between the parents and the staff is here supplied by the perspective of racialization, questioning the gaze of majority persons and their naturalized power to define non-complying parents as something other. The kindergarten staff did not overtly orient to the non-compliance as a problem in the case where the parent had a majority background, which was in much contrast to their conduct in the two other cases with minority parents. In these cases, the staff interacted in a unilateral manner by giving advice and even instructions, very much embodying what Palludan in her study of children-staff interaction calls the teaching tone.