bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microwave snow emission modeling uncertainties in boreal and subarctic environments
Authors: Roy Alexandre , Royer Alain , St-Jean-Rondeau Olivier , Montpetit Benoit , Picard Ghislain , Mavrovic Alex , Marchand Nicolas , Langlois Alexandre
Published: March 2016

Abstract. This study aims to better understand and quantify the uncertainties in microwave snow emission models using the Dense Media Radiative Theory Multi-Layer model (DMRT-ML) with in situ measurements of snow properties. We use surface-based radiometric measurements at 10.67, 19 and 37 GHz in boreal forest and subarctic environments and a new in situ data set of measurements of snow properties (profiles of density, snow grain size and temperature, soil characterization and ice lens detection) acquired in the James Bay and Umiujaq regions of Northern Québec, Canada. A snow excavation experiment – where snow was removed from the ground to measure the microwave emission of bare frozen ground – shows that small-scale spatial variability (less than 1 km) in the emission of frozen soil is small. Hence, in our case of boreal organic soil, variability in the emission of frozen soil has a small effect on snow-covered brightness temperature (TB). Grain size and density measurement errors can explain the errors at 37 GHz, while the sensitivity of TB at 19 GHz to snow increases during the winter because of the snow grain growth that leads to scattering. Furthermore, the inclusion of observed ice lenses in DMRT-ML leads to significant improvements in the simulations at horizontal polarization (H-pol) for the three frequencies (up to 20 K of root mean square error). However, representation of the spatial variability of TB remains poor at 10.67 and 19 GHz at H-pol given the spatial variability of ice lens characteristics and the difficulty in simulating snowpack stratigraphy related to the snow crust. The results also show that, in our study with the given forest characteristics, forest emission reflected by the snow-covered surface can increase the TB up to 40 K. The forest contribution varies with vegetation characteristics and a relationship between the downwelling contribution of vegetation and the proportion of pixels occupied by vegetation (trees) in fisheye pictures was found. We perform a comprehensive analysis of the components that contribute to the snow-covered microwave signal, which will help to develop DMRT-ML and to improve the required field measurements. The analysis shows that a better consideration of ice lenses and snow crusts is essential to improve TB simulations in boreal forest and subarctic environments.
Estimating ice albedo from fine debris cover quantified by a semi-automatic method: the case study of Forni Glacier, Italian Alps
Authors: Azzoni Roberto Sergio , Senese Antonella , Zerboni Andrea , Maugeri Maurizio , Smiraglia Claudio , Diolaiuti Guglielmina Adele
Published: March 2016

Abstract. In spite of the quite abundant literature focusing on fine debris deposition over glacier accumulation areas, less attention has been paid to the glacier melting surface. Accordingly, we proposed a novel method based on semi-automatic image analysis to estimate ice albedo from fine debris coverage (d). Our procedure was tested on the surface of a wide Alpine valley glacier (the Forni Glacier, Italy), in summer 2011, 2012 and 2013, acquiring parallel data sets of in situ measurements of ice albedo and high-resolution surface images. Analysis of 51 images yielded d values ranging from 0.01 to 0.63 and albedo was found to vary from 0.06 to 0.32. The estimated d values are in a linear relation with the natural logarithm of measured ice albedo (R  =  −0.84). The robustness of our approach in evaluating d was analyzed through five sensitivity tests, and we found that it is largely replicable. On the Forni Glacier, we also quantified a mean debris coverage rate (Cr) equal to 6 g m−2 per day during the ablation season of 2013, thus supporting previous studies that describe ongoing darkening phenomena at Alpine debris-free glaciers surface. In addition to debris coverage, we also considered the impact of water (both from melt and rainfall) as a factor that tunes albedo: meltwater occurs during the central hours of the day, decreasing the albedo due to its lower reflectivity; instead, rainfall causes a subsequent mean daily albedo increase slightly higher than 20 %, although it is short-lasting (from 1 to 4 days).
Evaluación de la Memoria Tipo Episódica en preescolares empleando una tarea con perspectiva egocéntrica
Authors: Strempler-Rubio Eneida , Vila Javier , Alvarado Angélica , Juárez Rosalba
Published: March 2016

La Memoria Tipo Episódica (MTE) implica la recuperación integrada de elementos mínimos de la memoria episódica: Qué, Dónde y Cuándo (QDC) de un evento personal. Investigaciones sugieren que una tarea adecuada para niños debe realizarse con una perspectiva egocéntrica y ocurrir en un solo ensayo, porque al realizarse con varios ensayos esto implica el uso de información semántica. Se diseñó una tarea con una perspectiva egocéntrica y realizable en un único ensayo de entrenamiento, que manipuló la magnitud de la consecuencia para dos experiencias, así como el intervalo entre entrenamiento y prueba. Niños preescolares, desde una perspectiva egocéntrica, buscaron monedas grandes o pequeñas en tres contenedores y eligieron el contenido preferido tras dos intervalos de tiempo. La elección de los participantes mostró la recuperación integrada del QDC a partir de un solo ensayo de entrenamiento. Además, las elecciones de los preescolares reflejaron sus estrategias de recuperación: la inmediatez o mayor consecuencia. La tarea se basa en las representaciones del participante más que en la capacidad de reporte verbal, lo que hace a esta preparación sensible a la cognición episódica del recuerdo de la MTE en niños.
Conductas parentales: efectos del tipo de interacción y edad de los infantes
Authors: Guerrero Bárbara , Alva Elda Alicia
Published: March 2016

Tanto la edad del niño, como la ausencia o presencia de alguno de los miembros de la pareja parental afectan los patrones conductuales maternos y paternos. No obstante, es posible que padres y madres presenten sensibilidad diferencial a dichos factores, por lo cual deben examinarse de manera conjunta. Los propósitos del presente estudio fueron observar si existían diferencias entre las conductas parentales de padres y madres y si estas eran dependientes de los factores edad del bebé y tipo de interacción. Se registraron longitudinalmente las frecuencias de 15 conductas parentales de 30 parejas mientras jugaban de manera diádica (madre-bebé y padre-bebé) y triádica (simultáneamente madre-padre-bebé) con sus bebés de 15 y 21 meses de edad. Los resultados sugieren que padres y madres presentan una sensibilidad diferencial a los factores edad del bebé y tipo de interacción, ya que las diferencias entre conductas parentales maternas y paternas dependían tanto de la edad del bebé como de la condición de interacción en la que se encontraban los participantes. Esto refleja tanto que la familia es un sistema, como que la interacción triádica es mucho más compleja que la diádica.
A Historical Sketch of Profit Theories in Mainstream Economics
Authors: Alloush Ibrahim
Published: March 2016

In this paper, the main contributions to the development of profit theories are delineated in a chronological order to provide a quick reference guide for the concept of profit and its origins. Relevant theories are cited in reference to their authors and the school of thought they are affiliated with. Profit is traced through its Classical and Marginalist origins into its mainstream form in the literature of the Neo-classical school. As will be seen, the book is still not closed on a concept which may still afford further theoretical refinement.
Examining Switching Intentions, Partial and Total Switching among Mobile Subscribers in Ghana
Authors: Nimako Simon Gyasi , Mbawuni Joseph
Published: March 2016

This paper empirically explores consumer switching intentions, partial and total switching situations in the Ghana mobile telecom industry. Using data from a cross-sectional survey of 736 mobile subscribers from six global telecom networks in Ghana’s mobile telecommunication industry, the results indicate switching intentions are significantly different among customers of various mobile telecom service providers. Customers of MTN and Tigo mobile operators have stronger intentions to switch than those from the other firms. It also found that more non-porters defect and switch to other mobile networks than porters do. Consistent with the hypothesis, defectors (partial switching) are strongly associated with total switching behaviour than non-defectors. Also, in order to reduce subscriber defect or churn rate, mobile telecom operators should direct more effort and resource to promoting and educating their customers on the benefits of porting their mobile numbers to other networks. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed. The paper contributes to the body of knowledge in the area of consumer switching behaviour in mobile telecom industry in emerging countries.
Brand and Brand Strategies
Authors: Durmaz Yakup , Yasar Hatice Vildan
Published: March 2016

With the help of globalized technology, information, and fund, barriers for the product, service production and consuming have been removed in anywhere. Nowadays, it is so normal that any kind of industry shows up in anywhere of the world in a short time. No longer is producing products or services not the work of just some economies. The topic of the nowadays modern economic order is branding rather than production capability. In that context, branding is one of the most important indicators of the competitive capacity nowadays.

One of the most important assets of the businesses is the brand value. So many businesses take the advantage of that value in their new products and services. So brand strategies are highly important issues. Well-designed strategies are going to provide advantages for the businesses against their competitor in the compelling competition environment.

In this study, brand and brand strategies are examined.
The Innovation System on Health Public Service: A Case Study of Posyandu in Makassar, Indonesia
Authors: Idris Idris , Tandi Ismail , Malen Petrus M. , Saade Aminuddin , Syamsuddin Syamsuddin , Aryawiguna Muh. Irfan
Published: March 2016

The purpose of this study is to identify the dynamic development of the national, cross-departmental, and complex program of Integrated Health Service Post or called Posyandu in Indonesian. By using the innovation system approach, this paper aims to view this program in terms of the involved actors, the linkages between the actors, and the possible knowledge sharing and diffusion. The main result from this study is that there is a dynamic and multi-relationship between actors engaged directly and indirectly to this program. In sum, there is a critical suggestions found to improve Posyandu program within the future.
Financial Performance and Economic Impact on Capital Adequacy Ratio in Japan
Authors: Norbaya Yahaya Siti , Mansor Nusaibah , Okazaki Kazuhiro
Published: March 2016

Capital adequacy is a crucial factor in determining the level of risk absorption of a banking institution. This issue has been discussed widely as it is an important yardstick to gauge the complete picture of banking performance. Capital adequacy is closely related to the economic performance of related country, therefore, this study investigates the financial performance and economic impact of capital adequacy ratio on regional banks in Japan. Five variables were employed that represent economic performance - unemployment rate, inflation rate, real exchange rate, money supply and gross domestic product, while financial performance of the regional banks consisted of six variables, namely the deposit-to-asset ratio, return on assets, return on equity, total assets, total deposits and total loans. 64 regional banks were evaluated over a period of 10 years from 2005 to 2014. Secondary data were composed of World Bank data and the individual financial statements of Japanese regional banks. The results show a various signs of relationships between variables and it was slightly different from previous study. This was supported by result tested by panel regression analysis and correlation analysis conducted in order to measure the relationship between capital adequacy and each variable. This paper among others gives a vast reference to depositor, banking institution and policy maker in not only maintaining but also need to improve the level of capital adequacy for a stable security to all parties.
Research on the Radical Innovation of C2M Business Model—A Case Study on Redcollar MTM Men’s Suits in China
Authors: Zhou Yingfen , Xu Ming , Di Rong
Published: March 2016

For recently years, with the deep integration of informatization and industrialization, traditional manufacturing industries in China have been investigating for the road of transformation and upgrading. A Chinese garment enterprise, named Redcollar Group of China, has successfully transformed and upgraded to high-tech industry with high value added from labor-intensive industry. It is very important to explore the reason, method and business model it has created so as to provide some beneficial advice to China’s traditional manufactures. In this case study, indirect research, field research, comparison research and customers’ experience methods have been used. As a result, it is found that the enterprise has successfully created a C2M business mode of men's custom suits and has succeeded in producing customization suits with large-scale production efficiency. Being the first factory in the world by using industrialization measures to produce thoroughly customized men’s suits, the Redcollar’s C2M model is the revolutionary and disruptive radical innovation which breaks through the traditional suits making, the traditional clothing manufacturing model, the value perception of traditional manufacturing industry and the existing business regulations. 
Identifying the Effective Factors on Brand Equity from Consumers Perspective Using Aaker Model: A Case of Tehran Dairy Products
Authors: Jafari Drabjerdi Jamshid , Arabi Masoud , Haghighikhah Maryam
Published: March 2016

Brands are differentiating aspect of products. So, identifying the effective factors in creating brand value and evaluating the value is of great importance. The present study, using structural equation modeling, attempts at investigating and explaining effective factors on brand equity of dairy products with Aaker model. Participants are 381 consumers of Tehran dairy products and the variables of advertisement cost, attitude to advertisement, monetary promotions, non-monetary promotions, packaging and distribution span on perceived dimensions of brand equity including brand awareness, brand associations and the perceived quality were measured. The results showed that variable of brand awareness had the highest explanatory role. Also according to the results, the effects of attitude to advertising on perceived quality and brand awareness, packaging on brand awareness, advertising cost on brand association, non-monetary promotions on brand association and distribution spread on brand association were not supported.
An Empirical Study on Youth’s Preference for Social Networking Sites
Authors: Mahapatra Sabita
Published: March 2016

Internet has dramatically transformed the way present generation youth interact with one another. The usage of social networking sites is increasing drastically among urban youth in India. Ironically online behaviour among youth as an area of research is understudied. The purpose of this paper was to explore the perception, preference and usage of social network sites among the young population. The data was collected by a self-administered questionnaire through personal survey. Data analysis revealed respondents’ perception and preference for various social networking sites on parameters categorized as functional dimension and association dimension. The finding of the study provides useful insights for web designers regarding web features, design and content that would increase usage and preference. The research finding provides suggestions and directions for making social networking sites attractive, unique, engaging and user’s friendly.
Exploring the Determinants Affecting E-Government Cloud Adoption in China
Authors: Ji Haiying , Liang Yikai
Published: March 2016

Cloud computing is the popular tendency in information application and services, and E-Government cloud is no exception. This study uses a case study to explore the determinants of E-Government cloud adoption in China which is influenced by multiple factors. In this study, a combinational model based on the TOE and DOI is applied to gain insights concerning all contextual influences on the adoption of E-Government cloud in China. The results show that the positive and negative influences from cloud technology characteristics, organizational and environmental context, which can reflect the adoption of E-government cloud. These findings not only contribute to academic research, but also expand the understanding of E-government cloud applications.
Characterizing the risk of melanoma and use of indoor tanning beds in high-risk groups to inform public health regulations
Authors: Panning Casey , Smith April , Spohn Olivia , van Wesenbeeck Leah
Published: March 2016

There is concern about increasing incidence of melanoma and its association with indoor tanning devices. Overall, melanoma and indoor tanning devices exhibit a dose–response relationship; risk factors characterized for melanoma include age, gender, skin complexion, knowledge level, social norms, and location. Currently, legislative practices differ across Canada. Recommendations regarding intervention strategies, information dissemination, and legislation are discussed to inform public health regulations regarding the use of indoor tanning devices.
Public Buy‐In: We Can't Succeed Without It
Authors: Kubick Karen
Published: March 2016

Sewers and wastewater systems have the compounded problem of being out of sight and thus out of mind. The public operates dishwashers and washing machines, flushes toilets, and takes showers, all without realizing that each and every building is connected to sewer pipes, which are in turn part of a massive system that collects and treats the public's wastewater. Whether seeking approval for new technology for infrastructure projects, rate increases, or stormwater management through green infrastructure, it is all about public buy‐in. Without it, it is much harder for water utilities to accomplish their goals.
No Moving Parts: Ultrasonic Water Meter Technology Advances
Authors: Parks John , Hinshaw Robert
Published: March 2016

For over a century, water meters most commonly operated according to mechanical principles – the flow of water through the mechanism turned a nutating disc (see the sidebar on page 31), oscillating piston, turbine rotor, and other mechanical parts that measured the volume of water passing through the meter. When solid state electronic technology allowed for encoder registers to operate electronically, the stage was set for a similar revolution (or, in a real sense, a lack of revolutions) in the meter itself.
Moralpolitik og marketing – Dansk Folkepartis brug af pressemeddelelser [Moral politics and marketing – The use of press releases by Dansk Folkeparti]
Authors: Vigsø Orla
Published: March 2016

Dansk Folkeparti (the Danish People's Party) uses press releases to a much larger extent than any other Danish party. But they also use them in a different way. Through an analysis of press releases from a randomly chosen month in 2010, this article discusses the party's use of press releases not only as a source of information about the party's political initiatives but as a way of doing what George Lakoff has called Moral Politics. The use of press releases is then discussed in relation to the distinction presented by Lees-Marshement between product oriented, sales oriented and market oriented parties. The conclusion is that Dansk Folkeparti use the press releases as a part of their political marketing, but that the party due to its moral politics has to be classified as a sales oriented party.
Engagement, bonding, and identity across multiple platforms: Avaaz on Facebook, YouTube, and MySpace
Authors: Kavada Anastasia
Published: March 2016

This article explores the role of social media platforms in transnational activism by examining the case of Avaaz.org, an international advocacy organization aiming to bring people-powered politics to global decision-making. Focusing on the Avaaz website, its channel on YouTube, its page on Facebook and its profile page on MySpace, the article investigates the affordances of these platforms for identity-building, bonding, and engagement. The empirical data is derived from features analysis of the selected web platforms, as well as textual analysis of the comments posted by users. The findings show that while social media platforms make individual voices more visible, their design helps Avaaz to maintain a coherent collective voice. In terms of bonding, platforms allow individual activists to communicate with the organization and to spread its message to their existing social networks, but opportunities for private interpersonal communication with other Avaaz supporters are limited.
Models of and approaches to the station management of six African community radio broadcasters
Authors: Manyozo Linje , Linda Goretti Nassanga , Lopes Claudia
Published: March 2016

This article is a political economy critique that contributes to current scholarship on community radio and development by examining the question of the management of six networks from Mali, Mozambique and Uganda. This discussion argues that understanding the models and functions of management committees will go a long way towards contributing to conversations on how community radios could achieve social, institutional, financial and ideological sustainability. The article also examines how management committees approach their work in the age of new Information Communication Technologies (especially mobile phones, computers and the Internet), and whether there is a gender digital divide within such committees. At the centre of thecurrent discussion, therefore, is an attempt to understand the flow and contestation of power within community radio management committees.
Facebook – selvfremstilling, small talk og social regulering
Authors: Sørensen Anne Scott
Published: March 2016

I denne artikel vil jeg ud fra et medialiseringsperspektiv på sociale medier, der spørger til, hvordan de fremmer en særlig netværkssocialitet (Jensen, 2009; Tække, 2010a/b) og -kommunikation (Miller, 2008) dokumentere brugen af den sociale netværksside Facebook i en dansk kontekst. Det vil jeg gøre på baggrund af en kvalitativ undersøgelse fra 2010, hvortil informanterne blev rekrutteret via et survey. Undersøgelsen afdækker tre dilemmaer, der udspringer af det grundlæggende kommunikative paradoks, som netværksmediet afsætter, og som vedrører præmisserne for selvfremstilling, brugen af statusopdateringen og den sociale regulering. Disse dilemmaer sættes i relief af dels aktuelle genre- og talehandlingsteorier (Miller, 2004; Butler, 2005), dels eksisterende undersøgelser af relaterede aspekter såsom sammensætningen af de personlige netværk (”vennelister”) og graden af åbenhed og adgang til de personlige profiler (”privathed”). Mens herværende undersøgelse i grove træk bekræfter forskningslitteraturen på disse felter, så er de ikke før dokumenteret (og nuanceret) i en dansk sammenhæng. Artiklens væsentligste bidrag ligger dog i identificeringen af de tre kommunikative dilemmaer og i forbindelse hermed en forsøgsvis genrebestemmelse af statusopdateringen og en tematisering af den implicitte sociale regulering og etik, hvilket ikke har været gjort før.
The RNA binding protein IMP3 facilitates tumor immune escape by downregulating the stress-induced ligands ULPB2 and MICB
Authors: Schmiedel Dominik , Tai Julie , Yamin Rachel , Berhani Orit , Bauman Yoav , Mandelboim Ofer
Published: March 2016

Expression of the stress-induced ligands MICA, MICB and ULBP 1–6 are up-regulated as a cellular response to DNA damage, excessive proliferation or viral infection; thereby, they enable recognition and annihilation by immune cells that express the powerful activating receptor NKG2D. This receptor is present not exclusively, but primarily on NK cells. Knowledge about the regulatory mechanisms controlling ULBP expression is still vague. In this study, we report a direct interaction of the oncogenic RNA binding protein (RBP) IMP3 with ULBP2 mRNA, leading to ULBP2 transcript destabilization and reduced ULBP2 surface expression in several human cell lines. We also discovered that IMP3 indirectly targets MICB with a mechanism functionally distinct from that of ULBP2. Importantly, IMP3-mediated regulation of stress-ligands leads to impaired NK cell recognition of transformed cells. Our findings shed new light on the regulation of NKG2D ligands and on the mechanism of action of a powerful oncogenic RBP, IMP3.
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Authors: Craig Timothy J , Kakumanu Sujani , Yeager Michael
Published: March 2016

The chronic fatigue syndrome is an illness of unknown etiology characterized by severe fatigue, myalgias, lymphadenopathy, arthralgias, chills, fevers, and postexertional malaise. Recognizing chronic fatigue syndrome is primarily a method of exclusionwith no definitive diagnostic test or physical findings. As research continues to delve into the many possible etiologic agents for chronic fatigue syndrome-infectious, immunologic, neurologic, or psychiatric alone or in combination- the answer remains elusive. What is known is that chronic fatigue syndrome is a heterogeneous disorder very possibly involving an interaction of biological systems. Therefore, chronic fatigue syndrome may describe a large subset of patients, each exhibiting unique symptoms and serologic profiles dependent on the nature of the onset of illness and the genetic profile of individual patients.
Asthma and gastroesophageal reflux
Authors: Hinsel Tina M , Bielefeldt Klaus , Joss Jacqueline D
Published: March 2016

Gastroesophageal reflux and asthma are common diseases in the developed world, and they often coexist in patients. Animal experiments, epidemiologic data, and clinical studies suggest that gastroesophageal reflux may contribute to the pathogenesis of asthma. In addition to classic reflux symptoms, such patients may notice nightly exacerbations of asthma or postprandial worsening of their pulmonary symptoms. Empiric treatment with an acid-suppressive regimen is the most cost-effective approach for asthmatic patients with classic gastroesophageal reflux symptoms, especially if the asthma remains poorly controlled despite conventional treatment. If patients have persistent problems after an adequate duration of acid-suppressive therapy or if they report symptoms indicating complicated reflux disease, such as dysphagia, additional diagnostic studies should be initiated. In most cases, medical therapy should be chosen for the long-term treatment of patients with asthma and gastroesophageal reflux. With the availability of less-invasive laparoscopic surgery, fundoplication may be an alternative in selected, mostly young individuals who have documented reflux and symptoms responsive to appropriate acid-suppressive regimens.
Herbal products and supplemental nutrients used in the management of diabetes
Authors: Mozersky Robert P
Published: March 2016

As companies, including large pharmaceutical houses, try to market supplemental nutrients and herbal products to ever-increasing numbers of consumers, diabetics will start to approach their physicians about these alternative remedies. A whole new industry know as "neutraceuticals" has evolved. This new industry is a combination of the vitamin supplement and herbal industries trying to work with regulatory agents to develop good manufacturing processes to ensure that consumers obtain good products. In fact, some diabetics may be taking herbal or nutritional supplements without their physician's knowledge. Therefore, it is important to query diabetic patients at least once a year as to whether they are using any herbal or nutritional products. Once it is determined that a patient is using these products, physicians must decide if they or someone else should address the issue of taking these products. Physicians who have a good comfort level with herbal products by all means should recommend them to their patients. If such a comfort level is lacking or low, patients can be referred for a consultation on the use of supplements or told that information will be forwarded to them after contact is made with someone who has knowledge of diabetes and use of appropriate supplements. This article reviews nine nutrient and herbal remedies commonly used for diabetes to facilitate such patient education.
Amnesty International
Authors: Waltz Susan
Published: March 2016

Founded in 1961, Amnesty International (AI) is the world's largest human rights organization as reflected by membership figures, geographic presence, and annual budget. In many ways AI is an archetype of the transnational social movements that flourished in the late twentieth century. More than two million individuals linked to internationally chartered local units work collaboratively across national borders to promote and protect human rights as elaborated in a commonly agreed set of objectives. For many decades AI conducted research and developed centralized campaign strategies from its International Secretariat in London. In 2013, however, AI commenced the most far‐reaching organizational restructuring in its history, relocating most of its research, campaign, and communications work to regional hubs. The organization's advocacy work continues to be done mainly by AI entities organized at the local and national levels. AI is distinguished from other international human rights organizations by its historical focus on individual cases, its democratic decision‐making structure, and the worldwide presence of its organizational and operational structures.
Bologna Process
Authors: Münch Richard
Published: March 2016

In 1999 the ministers of education from 29 European countries met at the University of Bologna, Italy, and decided to create a common European space of higher education. By 2015, 48 countries were included in this process. In 2001 the European Commission, advocating the advancement of European integration, joined this bold project. Bologna stands for the medieval tradition of scholars and students wandering about and exchanging ideas across Europe. This small elite, communicating in Latin as its common language, pioneered in creating a first European space of higher education. The universities affiliated to each other across Europe were the centers of the emerging European culture, which was based on the rediscovery of Hellenistic philosophy and Roman law.
Film festivals
Authors: Vogel Anne
Published: March 2016

Film festivals are events produced by organizations to temporarily showcase movies. The events are typically performed on an annual or biannual schedule and last anywhere from a weekend to two weeks. By majority, film festivals showcase movies that never get theatrical distribution. They therefore have an important function in cultural expression, artist support, and cultural heritage. While having the common goal of celebrating cinema as an art form and showing new and old movies, often framed by related events such as seminars and conferences, the organizational population is highly diverse when it comes to program content, movie formats, movie genre, resources, and organizationally produced effects. Researchers observing this population have found festivals to cluster on two poles: the first pole is the relatively well funded event with international programs and a variety of movie types on display, as well as a capacity to attract celebrities and crowds. The other type is the smaller, often specialized and community rather than cultural‐policy related program of a festival event, which caters mainly to the artist and the cinema‐loving public.
Global futures
Authors: Patomäki Heikki
Published: March 2016

We measure time and coordinate our activities in terms of mechanical movements of clocks (seconds and minutes and fractions of these) and in terms of the rotation of the Earth (days) or its orbit around the sun (a year). However, these constant and repetitious movements do not constitute time. They are just particular rhythmics amongst numerous ongoing causal processes. The present is not a point on a line but an indefinite boundary state of a causal process.
Landscapes
Authors: Puleo Thomas
Published: March 2016

A landscape is an assemblage of matter and meaning in space either as an actual object on the surface of the Earth or as a representation of it. As influenced by Dutch landscape painters of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, the term came to mean the scenic aspect of an area, particularly as it was viewed from a single vantage point. In a global context, landscapes are the functional and symbolic sites of agglomerated economic, political, social, cultural, historical, technological, and environmental phenomena that materially and figuratively mediate global processes.
Migrant sex workers
Authors: Antoinette Hidalgo Danielle , Royce Tracy
Published: March 2016

Migrant sex workers are migrant adults of all genders who perform paid sexual services. Such sexual services may include various forms of sex with clients, or other sexual conduct such as sexual performances like dancing.
Peace
Authors: Iskajyan Mariam , Lynch Cecelia
Published: March 2016

Peace is a composite term that connotes a range of political conditions from the absence of war to the institutionalization of social justice and/or cosmopolitan ethics. Peace is frequently theorized primarily as the absence of war between political units in international relations and diplomatic studies (negative peace), whereas philosophers and social theorists debate the social, economic, and ethical prerequisites for lasting conditions of peace (positive peace). Social and economic prerequisites may be conceptualized as forms of wealth distribution that result in economic justice. Ethical prerequisites are often conceptualized as necessitating one of many forms of cosmopolitanism, such as respect for human rights. These prerequisites are extremely difficult to achieve in a pluralist world. While peace defined as the absence of war frequently occurs, most theorists and observers would not claim that the conditions of lasting peace, including social justice and agreement on ethics, has ever been achieved. Yet twentieth and twenty‐first century global international organizations have attempted to provide a framework within which to do so.
One–step sonochemical irradiation dependent shape controlled crystal growth study of gold nano/microplates with high catalytic activity in degradation of dyes
Authors: Bhosale Manohar A. , Chenna Divya R. , Bhanage Bhalchandra M.
Published: March 2016

A simple, one‐step, low cost and green approach for the sonochemical development of shape controlled triangular and hexagonal gold (Au) nano and microplates in aqueous medium with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) at room temperature has been outlined. DMSO acts as reducing as well as stabilizing agent in the presence of sonication energy. Effect of sonication irradiation time on the morphology of the Au nanostructures has been studied. Further, reaction conditions for shape selective Au nano/microplates with maximum yield under sonication at room temperature were optimized. The detailed study reveals that a short span of time (40 min) is sufficient to obtain triangular and hexagonal Au nano/ microplates with sharp edges having angles 60o and 120o respectively. The catalytic activity of the prepared Au nano/microplates was tested for degradation of dyes like methyl red (MR) and methylene blue (MB). The Au nano/microplates show excellent catalytic activity towards complete degradation of dyes within few minutes.
Trajectories of dating violence: Differences by sexual minority status and gender
Authors: Martin‐Storey Alexa , Fromme Kim
Published: March 2016

The purpose of this study was to examine how sexual minority status (as assessed using both identity and behavior) was associated with trajectories of dating violence. University students from a large Southwestern university completed questions on their sexual minority identity, the gender of their sexual partners, and about experiences of dating violence for six consecutive semesters (N = 1942). Latent growth curve modeling indicated that generally, trajectories of dating violence were stable across study participation. Sexual minority identity was associated with higher initial levels of dating violence at baseline, but also with greater decreases in dating violence across time. These differences were mediated by number of sexual partners. Having same and other‐sex sexual partners was associated with higher levels of dating violence at baseline, and persisted in being associated with higher levels over time. No significant gender difference was observed regarding trajectories of dating violence.
Effect of Focal Muscle Vibration on Calf Muscle Spasticity: A Proof‐of‐Concept Study
Authors: Seo Han Gil , Oh Byung‐Mo , Leigh Ja‐Ho , Chun Changmook , Park Cheol , Kim Choong Hyun
Published: March 2016

Background

Focal vibration has been studied for its ability to reduce spasticity in patients with upper motor neuron lesions, but adequate stimulation parameters remain unclear. Focal muscle vibration with adequate parameters may facilitate gait rehabilitation in patients with lower limb spasticity.

Objective

To determine focal muscle vibration parameters that effectively inhibit the H‐reflex of the gastrocnemius in healthy subjects.

Design

A proof‐of‐concept exploratory study.

Setting

University hospital laboratory.

Subjects

Thirteen healthy volunteers.

Methods

Focal muscle vibrations of 40, 80, and 120 Hz and amplitudes of 0.1, 0.3, and 0.5 mm were tested on the calf muscles of 10 healthy subjects, respectively. The H‐reflex and M‐response were recorded baseline, during vibration, and after vibration for each stimulation parameter. The mean vibratory inhibition index (VII) during vibration, the maximum amplitude of the H‐reflex and M‐response (Hmax and Mmax), minimal onset latency of the H‐reflex, and the ratio of Hmax to Mmax (HMR) at each time point were measured.

Results

No significant difference was found among mean VIIs at 40, 80, and 120 Hz in the healthy subjects. However, a relatively consistent reduction of Hmax and HMR was observed at 80 Hz. Mean VIIs at 0.3 and 0.5 mm were significantly lower than that at 0.1 mm (P < .001).

Conclusion

This study suggests that focal muscle vibration may be an adjuvant therapy during gait rehabilitation in patients with calf muscle spasticity. Focal vibration at 80 Hz and 0.3 mm amplitude applied to the gastrocnemius effectively inhibits the segmental reflex pathway. A future clinical trial on this topic is warranted.

Level of Evidence

II
Cyberbullying in Australian Primary Schools: How Victims Differ in Attachment, Locus of Control, Self-Esteem, and Coping Styles Compared to Non-Victims
Authors: Muller Rachel D. , Skues Jason L. , Wise Lisa Z.
Published: March 2016

This study explored cyberbullying, coping resources and coping styles in a sample of 107 10- to 12-year-old Australian primary school students. Approximately 13% of participants reported experiencing single episodes of cyberbullying victimisation, while almost half of the participants (48.6%) reported being repeatedly cyberbullied. Technological responses employed by cyberbullying victims included blocking, deleting, and changing passwords. Those who reported a single episode of cyberbullying had higher levels of self-esteem compared to the never cyberbullied or repeatedly cyberbullied groups, but there were no significant differences in attachment, locus of control, and coping styles. These findings have important implications for teachers, parents, school psychologists, and researchers in terms of defining and operationalising cyberbullying, and developing cyberbullying interventions for primary school children.
Imaging septaria geobody in the Boom Clay using a Q-compensated reverse-time migration
Authors: Carcione J.M. , Zhu T. , Picotti S. , Gei D.
Published: March 2016

The Boom Clay is being investigated as a host rock for disposal purposes of radioactive wastes. Although the formation is relatively uniform and homogeneous, there are embedded septaria bodies (carbonates) or layers of septaria that may constitute a problem regarding the integrity of the clay. It is therefore essential to locate these geobodies, particularly with seismic experiments. Since the medium shows strong attenuation it is necessary to correct for this amplitude loss if true amplitudes of the reflections are required when imaging these bodies after the stack. To achieve this task, we implement a reverse-time migration algorithm based on a dispersionless anelastic rheology, that is, the phase velocity and attenuation factor are frequency independent, and back-propagation is performed with a negative quality factor, Q. The algorithm is tested on synthetic data. For this we assume that the septaria are diffractors generating waves synchronously to simulate a stacked seismic section, that is, the result of an exploding-reflector experiment. In this case, back-propagation is stopped when all the diffraction points are imaged at the same time. The examples consider layers of septaria and isolated septaria embedded in homogeneous and inhomogeneous Boom Clay with zones of low Q. The amplitude of the geobodies is recovered and the resolution is improved, even in the presence of noise.
Magnetic Field and Early Evolution of Circumstellar Disks
Authors: Tsukamoto Yusuke
Published: March 2016

The magnetic field plays a central role in the formation and evolution of circumstellar disks. The magnetic field connects the rapidly rotating central region with the outer envelope and extracts angular momentum from the central region during gravitational collapse of the cloud core. This process is known as magnetic braking. Both analytical and multidimensional simulations have shown that disk formation is strongly suppressed by magnetic braking in moderately magnetised cloud cores in the ideal magnetohydrodynamic limit. On the other hand, recent observations have provided growing evidence of a relatively large disk several tens of astronomical units in size existing in some Class 0 young stellar objects. This introduces a serious discrepancy between the theoretical study and observations. Various physical mechanisms have been proposed to solve the problem of catastrophic magnetic braking, such as misalignment between the magnetic field and the rotation axis, turbulence, and non-ideal effect. In this paper, we review the mechanism of magnetic braking, its effect on disk formation and early evolution, and the mechanisms that resolve the magnetic braking problem. In particular, we emphasise the importance of non-ideal effects. The combination of magnetic diffusion and thermal evolution during gravitational collapse provides a robust formation process for the circumstellar disk at the very early phase of protostar formation. The rotation induced by the Hall effect can supply a sufficient amount of angular momentum for typical circumstellar disks around T Tauri stars. By examining the combination of the suggested mechanisms, we conclude that the circumstellar disks commonly form in the very early phase of protostar formation.
Suppression of Quadrupole and Octupole Modes in Red Giants Observed by Kepler
Authors: Stello Dennis , Cantiello Matteo , Fuller Jim , Garcia Rafael A. , Huber Daniel
Published: March 2016

An exciting new theoretical result shows that observing suppression of dipole oscillation modes in red giant stars can be used to detect strong magnetic fields in the stellar cores. A fundamental facet of the theory is that nearly all the mode energy leaking into the core is trapped by the magnetic greenhouse effect. This results in clear predictions for how the mode visibility changes as a star evolves up the red giant branch, and how that depends on stellar mass, spherical degree, and mode lifetime. Here, we investigate the validity of these predictions with a focus on the visibility of different spherical degrees. We find that mode suppression weakens for higher degree modes with a reduction in the quadrupole mode visibility of up to 49%, and no detectable suppression of octupole modes, in agreement with theory. We find evidence for the influence of increasing mode lifetimes on the visibilities along the red giant branch, in agreement with previous independent observations. These results support the theory that strong internal magnetic fields cause suppression of non-radial modes in red giants. We also find preliminary evidence that stars with suppressed dipole modes on average have slightly lower metallicity than normal stars.
Diversity in the News? A Study of Interest Groups in the Media in the UK, Spain and Denmark
Authors: Binderkrantz Anne Skorkjær , Bonafont Laura Chaqués , Halpin Darren R.
Published: March 2016

This article provides the first systematic cross-country analysis of interest group appearances in the news media. The analysis included three countries – the UK, Spain and Denmark – each representing one of Hallin and Mancini’s1three overall models of media and politics: the liberal system, the polarized pluralist system and the democratic corporatist system. It finds important similarities across countries with high levels of concentration in media coverage of groups, more extensive coverage of economic groups than citizen groups, and differential patterns of group appearances across policy areas and between right- and left-leaning papers. It also identifies country variation, with the highest degree of concentration among group appearances in Spanish newspapers and the most attention to economic groups in Danish newspapers.