bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Basalt Fibres and Aggregates on the Thermal Expansion of Cement-Based Composites
Authors: Koňáková Dana , Špedlová Veronika , Čáchová Monika , Vejmelková Eva , Černý Robert
Published: October 2014

The influence of basalt fibres and aggregates on the thermal expansion of cement composites is analyzed. Four different composite mixes based on aluminous cement are designed and tested. Experimental results show that the application of basalt components leads to the reduction of the increase of open porosity after high temperature loading from 47% to 36%, as compared with the reference mix. The matrix densities exhibit almost similar values for all studied composites; the differences are only up to 16%. The thermal strain is more than 50% lower when basalt aggregates are used instead of silica sand.
Properties of Materials from Activated Fly Ash from Fluidized Burning
Authors: Polacek Jaromir , Šulc Rostislav
Published: October 2014

This paper describes basic properties of materials composed of fly ash produced during fluid burning. This material is based on alkali-activated fly ash which contains a portion of fly ash produced during fluid burning. Firstly the physical and chemical properties was described for each type of fly ash and fly ash mixture. The new materials composed of fly ash mixture and fly ash may have the similar mechanical and physical properties. The work focused on findingan appropriate technological procedure, the optimum composition of mixtures. Long-term stability was simulated by means of accelerated aging of these materials.
Application of Mixed Ceramic Powder in Cement Based Composites
Authors: Pokorný Jaroslav , Fořt Jan , Pavlíková Milena , Studnička Jiří , Pavlík Zbyšek
Published: October 2014

Waste ceramic powder coming from grinding the ceramic bricks disposed on demolition depot is investigated as partial Portland cement replacement in blended binders. For the milled ceramic powder, measurement of specific surface area (SSA) and particles size distribution is done. Its chemical composition is accessed using X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis. The blended binders containing ceramic powder in an amount of 8, 16, 24, 32, and 40% of mass of cement are used for the preparation of cement pastes which are then characterized using the measurement of basic physical properties, mechanical properties, hygric and thermal properties. The obtained results show that an application of 8 and 16% ceramic powder in the blended binder provides sufficient mechanical properties of the pastes with relatively low hygric transport properties. From the thermal performance point of view, the incorporation of ceramic powder decreases the heat transport in all the tested pastes. This makes good prerequisites for future research that will be focused on the development of new types of cement-based composites with incorporated ceramic waste powder.
Fracture Properties of Cement Pastes Modified by Fine Ground Ceramic Powder
Authors: Reiterman Pavel , Holčapek Ondřej , Polozhiy Kirill , Konvalinka Petr
Published: October 2014

Paper deals with utilization of fine ground ceramic powder as a supplementary cement addition. Present work follows previous research focused on the basic physical and hygric properties of cement composites with ceramic powder application. Present work introduce rheological, mechanical and fracture properties of cement pastes investigated during maturation at time 7 days. Presented data are added by results of pore characteristic having essential impact to final properties. Obtained data confirm previous assumption of retarding of hydration process, but final fracture properties indicate increased durability of cement pastes with fine ceramic powder addition.
Influence of Metashale as Cement Replacement on the Hygric Transport Properties of Concrete
Authors: Koňáková Dana , Hovorková Veronika , Vejmelková Eva , Keppert Martin , Černý Robert
Published: October 2014

This article is focused on the utilization of metashale as a supplementary cementitious material in concrete. Metashale as well as metakaolin is a product originating in the burning of clay materials, but in metashale production, the raw material is shale (aluminosilicates with granularity up to 0.02 mm). Four mixtures with cement replacement ranging from 0% up to 60% are designed and their properties are examined. Basic physical properties, mechanical strength, as well as hygric transport properties are measured and evaluated, in order to determine the influence of metashale on concrete properties. Experimental results show that for low amounts of cement replacement, metashale admixture leads to the improvement of studied material characteristics. When the material contains 40% of metashale, studied characteristics have almost similar values as the reference material. The worst values of measured properties are obtained for the replacement level of 60%. Nevertheless, all studied materials have appropriate properties to be applicable as high performance concrete.
Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Moderate-Strength Concrete with Ceramic Powder Used as Supplementary Cementitious Material
Authors: Vejmelková Eva , Koňáková Dana , Kulovaná Tereza , Hubáček Adam , Černý Robert
Published: October 2014

The possibilities of utilisation of ceramic powder as supplementary cementitious material are the matter of the presented study. The finely ground ceramic powder originates from the grinding process of thermal insulating brick blocks and shows pozzolanic properties. For the determination of its influence on concrete properties, five mixtures with different percentages of cement replaced by ceramics are designed. The bulk density as well as matrix density are found to decrease with the increasing dosage of waste ceramic material, while the open porosity increases. The compressive strength exhibits a small decrease with the growing amount of cement replacement. The measurement of thermal conductivity shows that by adding ceramic powder the thermal insulating abilities of studied concrete are improved.
Influence of Ceramic Fibers on Mechanical Characteristics of Refractory Composites
Authors: Holčapek Ondřej , Reiterman Pavel , Konvalinka Petr
Published: October 2014

New and unexpected way of using cement composite in industrial sectors represents a current challenge for many research teams all over the world. Following contribution deals with the study of fiber-cement composite ́s mechanical properties after exposure to high temperature. This composite could be used for industry applications or for fire-resistance cladding production. Tensile strength in bending, compressive strength, bulk density and dynamic modulus of elasticity were examined on samples 40 x 40 x 160 mm. All parameters were measured before and after exposure to high temperature in electric furnace. One group contained three specimens was reference, without temperature load, the second group was exposure to 600 °C and the last one to 1000 °C. High aluminous cement Secar®71 works as refractory binder and nature crushed basalt aggregates two fractions works as filler. The composite ́s matrix was supplemented by various amounts of ceramic fibers. Especially the influence of amount of fibers on final properties was the main goal of this research. Measured mechanical parameters provide deep knowledge of their behavior after temperature on 1000 °C level. The compressive strength and tensile strength in bending achieved values 1.5 MPa. Behavior of the composite during and after temperature load was without any negative phenomena such as explosive spalling, cracks in aggregates or cement paste and macro disintegration of the composite ́s structure.
Mechanical Properties of Recycled Binder/Micro-Filler Cement-Based Material
Authors: Lidmila Martin , Topič Jaroslav , Plachy Tomáš , Prošek Zdeněk , Nežerka Václav , Tesárek Pavel
Published: October 2014

The presented study addresses the mechanical performance of micro-filler cement-based material produced from recycled concrete sleepers. Such material can be considered both, as a binder and filler at the same time. The main advantage of such material is the energy efficiency of the production process, since there is no demand for increased temperature. Compression and flexural strength parameters of such material are compared with those of a composite based on commonly used Portland cement. Moreover, the influence of curing conditions on the strength parameters was investigated as well. The results indicate that the recycled sleepers can be used in the form of micro-filler cement-based to replace a certain portion of cement in concrete and reduce cost of concrete structures.
Impact Resistance of Fibre-Reinforced Concrete
Authors: Rehacek Stanislav , Huňka Petr , Citek David , Kolisko Jiří , Simunek Ivo
Published: October 2014

Fibre-reinforced composite materials are becoming important in many areas of technological application. In addition to the static load, such structures may be stressed with short-term dynamic loads or even dynamic impact loads during their lifespan. Impact loading of construction components produces a complex process, where both the characteristics of the design itself and the material parameters influence the resultant behavior. It is clear that reinforced concrete with fibers has a positive impact on increasing of the resistance to impact loads. Results of two different impact load tests carried out on drop-weight test machine are presented in this report.
Nanoparticle Injection into Concrete Using Electromigration
Authors: Němeček Jiří , Xi Yun Ping
Published: October 2014

This paper aims at investigation of possibilities and effectiveness of chloride extraction from concrete and nanoparticle injection into existing reinforced concrete structures by means of electromigration technique. Concrete specimens are exposed to accelerated chloride penetration tests in order to simulate a natural chloride exposure. The developed chloride profile is removed by electroextraction by reversing the polarity in the testing chamber. In a similar manner, concrete specimens are injected with different concentrations of colloidal nanosilica particles. It was shown in the paper that chlorides can be effectively extracted from the concrete using small voltage lasting for several days. Higher concentration solutions of nanosilica can also be effectively transported into concrete via the electric field. Once injected nanosilica can act as microstructure densifier and further reduce chloride penetration as demonstrated by decreased diffusivity of the treated concrete.
Application of Polypropylene Fibre with Various Surface Treatments in Concrete
Authors: Bodnárová Lenka , Macháňová Petra , Kopkáně Daniel , Herka Petr , Stahel Pavel
Published: October 2014

The paper presents results of experimental works focused on property verification of concretes with an admixture of polypropylene fibres with various surface treatments. Common production polypropylene fibres with surface lubrication, polypropylene fibres without surface treatment and low temperature plasma treated polypropylene fibres were used for the testing.
The Possibilities of Application of Cellulose Fibers in Cement Composites, Monitoring the Properties
Authors: Bodnárová Lenka , Kostelanská Katarína , Jankech Filip
Published: October 2014

Application of cellulose fibers in cement composites is one of the possibilities for achieving better utility properties of these composites. This article presents findings of experimental works concerned on increasing the resistance of cement composites to high temperatures. Properties of cement composites with the addition of cellulose fibers Greencel were observed. Rheological properties of fresh composite, mechanical properties and changes of properties after heat load were evaluated. The best mechanical properties showed the samples with technical cellulose, namely with the fiber G-55T and G-700T. The process of cellulose fiber degradation at high temperatures was documented. The process of carbonization of cellulose fibers leads to the creation of pore system, which enables to increase the resistance of cement composites to high temperatures.
Enhancing Arctic Maritime Domain Awareness Through an Off-Grid Multi-sensor Instrument Platform
Authors: Statscewich Hank , Roarty Hugh , Smith Michael , Page Ed , Glenn Scott , Weingartner Tom
Published: October 2014

AbstractSurface current mapping high-frequency radars were installed along the northwest corner of Alaska during the open water periods of 2011‐2013. A combination of wind and solar renewable energy inputs supplied electricity to a single radar site operating at Point
Barrow, Alaska, via an off-grid remote power module (RPM). The radar at Point Barrow was able to simultaneously collect measurements of ocean surface currents, measure the position and velocity of passing vessels, and provide meteorological data in real time. This paper provides a summary
of the performance of the power module from 2011 to 2013 and vessel detection results from 2013 with corresponding Automated Identification System (AIS) data. The RPM provided infrastructure to meteorological stations, high-frequency radars, and AIS in a resilient and robust manner and serves
as an example of how the multi-use capability of integrated sensor modules can provide enhanced maritime domain awareness and persistent surveillance capabilities in remote Arctic environments.
Autonomous Year-Round Sampling and Sensing to Explore the Physical and Biological Habitability of Permanently Ice-Covered Antarctic Lakes
Authors: Winslow Luke A. , Dugan Hilary A. , Buelow Heather N. , Cronin Kyle D. , Priscu John C. , Takacs-Vesbach Cristina , Doran Peter T.
Published: October 2014

AbstractThe lakes of the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica, are some of the only systems on our planet that are perennially ice-covered and support year-round metabolism. As such, these ecosystems can provide important information on conditions and life in polar regions on
Earth and on other icy worlds in our solar system. Working in these extreme environments of the Dry Valleys poses many challenges, particularly with respect to data collection during dark winter months when logistical constraints make fieldwork difficult. In this paper, we describe the motivation,
design, and challenges for this recently deployed instrumentation in Lake Bonney, a lake that has been the subject of summer research efforts for more than 40 years. The instrumentation deployed includes autonomous water, phytoplankton, and sediment samplers as well as cable-mounted profiling
platforms with dissolved gas and fluorometry sensors. Data obtained from these instruments will allow us, for the first time, to define the habitability of this environment during the polar night. We include lessons learned during deployment and recommendations for effective instrument operation
in these extreme conditions.
Measuring Turbulent Dissipation Rates Beneath an Antarctic Ice Shelf
Authors: Venables Emily , Nicholls Keith , Wolk Fabian , Makinson Keith , Anker Paul
Published: October 2014

AbstractMicrostructure shear, temperature, and conductivity observations from a tethered profiler have been made beneath George VI Ice Shelf to examine processes driving vertical heat flux in the oceanic turbulent boundary layer. Such measurements at the ice-ocean interface
within the cavity of an ice shelf are unprecedented, requiring the deployment of a profiler through 400-m deep access boreholes. We describe the drilling technique developed for this purpose, which involves using a brush to widen the deepest section of the borehole, and as evidence that this
novel technique can be successful, we present shear and thermal variance spectra from the profiler. These spectra indicate that dissipation rates of turbulent kinetic energy, from which heat flux can be calculated, can be resolved beneath an ice shelf as well as they can be in open water.
The relationship between strategic planning and business performance: an empirical study of manufacturing SMEs in Western province in Sri Lanka
Authors: Wijetunge W.A.D.S. , Pushpakumari M.D.
Published: October 2014

The economic growth of developing countries can be sustained by the expansion of private sector, as they are the engine of growth. As a consequence, it is important to accelerate the growth of SMEs in order to gain sustainable development in this era. Many scholars have argued that the strategic planning is one of the salient factors which contribute to the performance of SMEs. However the recent literature provides contradictory findings about the relationship between strategic planning and performance. Based on these evidences, the main objective of the study was to examine the relationship between strategic planning and performance of SMEs. More importantly the study focused on strategic planning process where, there is a dearth of studies which have concentrated on strategic planning process. Specific objectives include toi dentify the level of involvement in the process of strategic planning and to examine difficulties faced by SMEs in engaged in strategic planning process. Data were collected through personally attended structured questionnaire distributed among 275 owner/managers of SMEs in Western province. Both descriptive and inferential statistics techniques were used to analyze the collected data. The findings revealed that the SMEs are moderately engaged in strategic planning process and there is a positive relationship between strategic planning and business performance.The Kelaniya Journal of Management, Vol. 3(1); 2014: 23-41
Insects used for animal feed in West Africa
Authors: Kenis M. , Koné N. , Chrysostome C.A.A.M. , Devic E. , Koko G.K.D. , Clottey V.A. , Nacambo S. , Mensah G.A.
Published: October 2014

In West Africa, as in many parts of the world, livestock and fish farming suffer from the increasing cost of feed, especially protein ingredients, which are hardly available for village poultry farming and small-scale fish farming. Insects, which are a natural food source of poultry and fish and are rich in protein and other valuable nutrients, can be used to improve animal diets, a practice which is now strongly promoted by the FAO as a tool for poverty alleviation. This paper reviews practices and research on the use of insects as animal feed in West Africa and the perspectives to further develop the techniques, in particular for smallholder farmers and fish farmers. The most promising insects are flies, especially the house fly (Musca domestica) (Diptera Muscidae) and the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) (Diptera Stratiomyiidae), which can be mass reared on-farm for domestic use, in small production units at the community or industrial level. Flies have the advantage over most other insects of developing on freely available waste material and could even contribute to rural sanitation. Termites are traditionally used by smallholder farmers to feed village poultry. While their mass production is problematic, methods to enhance populations on-farm and facilitate collection can be developed. In any case, new methods will need to demonstrate their economic profitability, social acceptability and environmental sustainability
Chrysojasminum, a new genus for Jasminum sect. Alternifolia (Oleaceae, Jasmineae)
Authors: Banfi Enrico
Published: October 2014

Recent phylogenetic investigations about Jasminum s.l. have shown that species possessing both alternate leaves and yellow flowers (sect. Alternifolia) constitute a clade (monophylum) that is sister to all the other sections of the genus or even to Jasminum itself plus the American/South African genus Menodora. Such evidence sets the need to revise the generic delimitation of Jasminum by establishing a separate genus for the species belonging to sect. Alternifolia. As a consequence, the new genus Chrysojasminum is here established and the relevant nomenclatural combinations are supplied for fifteen taxa.
Phaeopterus unicolor A. Costa, 1856 (Coleoptera, Omalisidae): nuovi ritrovamenti italiani, note nomenclaturali e biologiche
Authors: Fanti Fabrizio , Vitali Francesco
Published: October 2014

A seguito del recente ritrovamento di alcuni esemplari di Phaeopterus unicolor A. Costa, 1856, viene aggiornata la distribuzione italiana della specie e sono delineate alcune caratteristiche biologiche. La data di pubblicazione originaria viene inoltre anticipata di un anno, risultando la specie già validamente descritta nel Rendiconto della Società Reale Borbonica - Accademia delle Scienze di Napoli nel 1856.
Persicaria senegalensis (Polygonaceae), entità nuova per la flora italiana, e chiave di identificazione delle specie del genere Persicaria in Italia
Authors: Galasso Gabriele , Montoleone Erina , Federico Carmelo
Published: October 2014

Viene riferito il ritrovamento a Pantelleria di Persicaria senegalensis, specie sinora mai segnalata in Italia. Segue una descrizione dettagliata e una chiave di tutte le specie del genere Persicaria, autoctone ed esotiche, presenti in Italia.
Is fine needle aspiration cytology a useful diagnostic tool for granular cell tumors? A cytohistological review with emphasis on pitfalls
Authors: Koshy Jason , Schnadig Vicki , Nawgiri Ranjana
Published: October 2014

Background:

Granular cell tumors (GCT) formerly known as Abrikossoff tumor or granular cell myoblastoma, are rare neoplasms encountered in the fine needle aspiration (FNA) service. Named because of their highly granular cytoplasm which is invariably positive for the S-100 antibody, the classic GCT is thought to be of neural origin. The cytomorphological features range from highly cellular to scanty cellular smears with dispersed polygonal tumor cells. The cells have abundant eosinophilic granular cytoplasm, eccentric round to oval vesicular nuclei with small inconspicuous nucleoli. The fragility of the cells can result in many stripped nuclei in a granular background. The differential diagnosis occasionally can range from a benign or reactive process to features that are suspicious for malignancy. Some of the concerning cytologic features include necrosis, mitoses and nuclear pleomorphism.

Methods:

We identified 6 cases of suspected GCT on cytology within the last 10 years and compared them to their final histologic diagnoses.

Results:

Four had histologic correlation of GCT including one case that was suspicious for GCT on cytology and called atypical with features concerning for a malignant neoplasm. Of the other two cases where GCT was suspected, one showed breast tissue with fibrocystic changes, and the other was a Hurthle cell adenoma of the thyroid.

Conclusions:

These results imply that FNA has utility in the diagnosis of GCT, and should be included in the differential diagnoses when cells with abundant granular cytoplasm are seen on cytology. Careful attention to cytologic atypia, signs of reactive changes, use of immunohistochemistry, and clinical correlation are helpful in arriving at a definite diagnosis on FNA cytology.
eMBI: Boosting Gene Expression-based Clustering for Cancer Subtypes
Authors: Chang Zheng , Wang Zhenjia , Ashby Cody , Zhou Chuan , Li Guojun , Zhang Shuzhong , Huang Xiuzhen
Published: October 2014

Identifying clinically relevant subtypes of a cancer using gene expression data is a challenging and important problem in medicine, and is a necessary premise to provide specific and efficient treatments for patients of different subtypes. Matrix factorization provides a solution by finding checkerboard patterns in the matrices of gene expression data. In the context of gene expression profiles of cancer patients, these checkerboard patterns correspond to genes that are up- or down-regulated in patients with particular cancer subtypes. Recently, a new matrix factorization framework for biclustering called Maximum Block Improvement (MBI) is proposed; however, it still suffers several problems when applied to cancer gene expression data analysis. In this study, we developed many effective strategies to improve MBI and designed a new program called enhanced MBI (eMBI), which is more effective and efficient to identify cancer subtypes. Our tests on several gene expression profiling datasets of cancer patients consistently indicate that eMBI achieves significant improvements in comparison with MBI, in terms of cancer subtype prediction accuracy, robustness, and running time. In addition, the performance of eMBI is much better than another widely used matrix factorization method called nonnegative matrix factorization (NMF) and the method of hierarchical clustering, which is often the first choice of clinical analysts in practice.
Malaria Prevalence in Arunachal Pradesh—A Northeastern State of India
Authors: Mutheneni Srinivasa Rao , Upadhyayula Suryanaryana Murty , Kadiri Madhusudhan Rao , Nishing Kartik
Published: October 2014

Malaria is endemic in Arunachal Pradesh, India. To understand seasonal prevalence and malaria transmission, a retrospective surveillance study was conducted from 1995 to 2012. Plasmodium vivax caused 80.8% and P. falciparum caused 17.7% of total malaria cases. It was observed that prevalence rates of P. vivax declined significantly (P < 0.001) from 1995 to 2012 but that P. falciparum remained constant during the study period (P = 0.57). The decrease in the prevalence of P. vivax cases may be because of effective implementation of vector and disease management programs. It is noted that there was a significant correlation between the number of P. falciparum malaria cases and rainfall (P < 0.06). These findings help us to understand the patterns of malaria epidemiology in Arunachal Pradesh and show that P. falciparum is circulating constantly and requires more effective control measures to combat it.
Eco-Epidemiology of Chagas Disease in an Endemic Area of Colombia: Risk Factor Estimation, Trypanosoma cruzi Characterization and Identification of Blood-Meal Sources in Bugs
Authors: Peña-García Víctor H. , Gómez-Palacio Andrés M. , Triana-Chávez Omar , Mejía-Jaramillo Ana M.
Published: October 2014

The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta (SNSM) is a mountainous area in Colombia that is highly endemic to Chagas disease. We explored some eco-epidemiological attributes involved in the Chagas disease transmission scenario in three Indigenous communities. An epidemiological survey was done, where parasite infection in reservoirs and insects, Trypanosoma cruzi genotyping, identification of blood-meal sources in intradomiciliary insects using the high-resolution melting technique, and some risk factors were evaluated. The results suggest that several dwelling conditions such as thatched palm roofs and mud walls carried the highest risk of finding intradomiciliary Rhodnius prolixus, which 56.41% were infected with T. cruzi and fed with human blood. Moreover, T. cruzi Ia was the most frequent haplotype found in insects. These results indicate the existence of a domestic T. cruzi transmission cycle that does not overlap with the sylvatic cycle, and highlight the need for efficient entomological control focused to this area.
Buruli Ulcer Control in a Highly Endemic District in Ghana: Role of Community-Based Surveillance Volunteers
Authors: Abass Kabiru Mohammed , van der Werf Tjip S. , Phillips Richard O. , Sarfo Fred S. , Abotsi Justice , Mireku Samuel Osei , Thompson William N. , Asiedu Kingsley , Stienstra Ymkje , Klis Sandor-Adrian
Published: October 2014

Buruli ulcer (BU) is an infectious skin disease that occurs mainly in West and Central Africa. It can lead to severe disability and stigma because of scarring and contractures. Effective treatment with antibiotics is available, but patients often report to the hospital too late to prevent surgery and the disabling consequences of the disease. In a highly endemic district in Ghana, intensified public health efforts, mainly revolving around training and motivating community-based surveillance volunteers (CBSVs), were implemented. As a result, 70% of cases were reported in the earliest—World Health Organization category I—stage of the disease, potentially minimizing the need for surgery. CBSVs referred more cases in total and more cases in the early stages of the disease than any other source. CBSVs are an important resource in the early detection of BU.
Co-Infection of Rickettsia rickettsii and Streptococcus pyogenes: Is Fatal Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Underdiagnosed?
Authors: Raczniak Gregory A. , Kato Cecilia , Chung Ida H. , Austin Amy , McQuiston Jennifer H. , Weis Erica , Levy Craig , Carvalho Maria da Gloria S. , Zauher Audrey J. , Bjork Adam , Regan Joanna J.
Published: October 2014

Rocky Mountain spotted fever, a tick-borne disease caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, is challenging to diagnose and rapidly fatal if not treated. We describe a decedent who was co-infected with group A β-hemolytic streptococcus and R. rickettsii. Fatal cases of Rocky Mountain spotted fever may be underreported because they present as difficult to diagnose co-infections.
A global model simulation of present and future nitrate aerosols and their direct radiative forcing of climate
Authors: Hauglustaine D. A. , Balkanski Y. , Schulz M.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. The ammonia cycle and nitrate particle formation are introduced into the LMDz-INCA (Laboratoire de Météorologie Dynamique, version 4 – INteraction with Chemistry and Aerosols, version 3) global model. An important aspect of this new model is that both fine nitrate particle formation in the accumulation mode and coarse nitrate forming on existing dust and sea-salt particles are considered. The model simulates distributions of nitrates and related species in agreement with previous studies and observations. The calculated present-day total nitrate direct radiative forcing since the pre-industrial is −0.056 W m−2. This forcing corresponds to 18% of the sulfate forcing. Fine particles largely dominate the nitrate forcing, representing close to 90% of this value. The model has been used to investigate the future changes in nitrates and direct radiative forcing of climate based on snapshot simulations for the four representative concentration pathway (RCP) scenarios and for the 2030, 2050, and 2100 time horizons. Due to a decrease in fossil fuel emissions in the future, the concentration of most of the species involved in the nitrate–ammonium–sulfate system drop by 2100 except for ammonia, which originates from agricultural practices and for which emissions significantly increase in the future. Despite the decrease of nitrate surface levels in Europe and North America, the global burden of accumulation mode nitrates increases by up to a factor of 2.6 in 2100. This increase in ammonium nitrate in the future arises despite decreasing NOx emissions due to increased availability of ammonia to form ammonium nitrate. The total aerosol direct forcing decreases from its present-day value of −0.234 W m−2 to a range of −0.070 to −0.130 W m−2 in 2100 based on the considered scenario. The direct forcing decreases for all aerosols except for nitrates, for which the direct negative forcing increases to a range of −0.060 to −0.115 W m−2 in 2100. Including nitrates in the radiative forcing calculations increases the total direct forcing of aerosols by a factor of 1.3 in 2000, by a factor of 1.7–2.6 in 2030, by 1.9–4.8 in 2050, and by 6.4–8.6 in 2100. These results show that the agricultural emissions of ammonia will play a key role in the future mitigation of climate change, with nitrates becoming the dominant contributor to the anthropogenic aerosol optical depth during the second half of the 21st century and significantly increasing the calculated aerosol direct forcing. This significant increase in the influence that nitrate exerts on climate in the future will at the same time affect regional air quality and nitrogen deposition to the ecosystem.
Improved spectral fitting of nitrogen dioxide from OMI in the 405–465 nm window
Authors: van Geffen J. H. G. M. , Boersma K. F. , Van Roozendael M. , Hendrick F. , Mahieu E. , De Smedt I. , Sneep M. , Veefkind J. P.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. An improved nitrogen dioxide (NO2) slant column density retrieval for the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) in the 405–465 nm spectral region is presented. Since the launch of OMI on board NASA's EOS-Aura satellite in 2004, DOAS retrievals of NO2 slant column densities have been the starting point for the KNMI DOMINO (v2.0) and NASA SP (v2.1) retrievals. However, recent intercomparisons between NO2 retrievals from OMI and other UV/Vis and limb spectrometers, as well as ground-based measurements, clearly suggested that OMI stratospheric NO2 is biased high. This study revises the OMI NO2 retrieval in detail. The representation of the OMI slit function to convolve high-resolution reference spectra onto the relevant spectral grid is improved. The window used for the wavelength calibration is optimised, leading to much-reduced fitting errors. Ozone and water vapour spectra used in the fit are updated, reflecting the recently improved knowledge on their absorption cross section as documented in the literature. The improved spectral fit also accounts for absorption by the O2–O2 collision complex and by liquid water over clear-water areas. The main changes in the improved spectral fitting result from the updates related to the wavelength calibration: the RMS error of the fit is reduced by 23% and the NO2 slant column by 0.85 × 1015 molec cm−2, independent of latitude, solar zenith angle and NO2 value. Including O2–O2 and liquid water absorption and updating the O3 and water vapour cross-section spectra further reduces NO2 slant columns on average by 0.35 × 1015 molec cm−2, accompanied with a further 9% reduction in the RMS error of the fit. The improved OMI NO2 slant columns are consistent with independent NO2 retrievals to within a range that can be explained by photo-chemically driven diurnal increases in stratospheric NO2 and by small differences in fitting window and fitting approach. The revisions indicate that current OMI NO2 slant columns suffered mostly from an additive, positive offset that is removed by the improved wavelength calibration and representation of the OMI slit function. It is therefore anticipated that the improved NO2 slant columns are most important to retrievals of spatially homogeneous stratospheric NO2 rather than to heterogeneous tropospheric NO2.
Protist community composition during early phytoplankton blooms in the naturally iron-fertilized Kerguelen area (Southern Ocean)
Authors: Georges C. , Monchy S. , Genitsaris S. , Christaki U.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. Microbial eukaryotic community composition was examined by 18S rRNA gene tag pyrosequencing, during the early phase of spring phytoplankton blooms induced by natural iron fertilization, off Kerguelen Island in the Southern Ocean (KEOPS2 cruise). A total of 999 operational taxonomical units (OTUs), affiliated to 30 known high-level taxonomic groups, were retrieved from 16 samples collected in the upper 300 m water column. The alveolata group was the most abundant in terms of sequence number and diversity (696 OTUs). The majority of alveolata sequences were affiliated to Dinophyceae and to two major groups of marine alveolates (MALV-I and MALV-II). In the upper 180 m, only 13% of the OTUs were shared between of the fertilized stations and the reference site characterized by high-nutrient low-chlorophyll (HNLC) waters. Fungi and Cercozoa were present in iron-fertilized waters, but almost absent in the HNLC samples, while Haptophyta and Chlorophyta characterized the HNLC sample. Finally, the 300 m depth samples of all stations were differentiated by the presence of MALV-II and Radiolaria. Multivariate analysis, examining the level of similarity between different samples, showed that protistan assemblages differed significantly between the HNLC and iron-fertilized stations, but also between the diverse iron-fertilized blooms.
Explaining the seasonal cycle of the globally averaged CO2 with a carbon-cycle model
Authors: Alexandrov G. A.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. The seasonal changes in the globally averaged atmospheric carbon-dioxide concentrations reflect an important aspect of the global carbon cycle: the gas exchange between the atmosphere and terrestrial biosphere. The data on the globally averaged atmospheric carbon-dioxide concentrations, which are reported by Earth System Research Laboratory of the US National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA/ESRL), could be used to demonstrate the adequacy of the global carbon-cycle models. However, it was recently found that the observed amplitude of seasonal variations in the atmospheric carbon-dioxide concentrations is higher than simulated. In this paper, the factors that affect the amplitude of seasonal variations are explored using a carbon-cycle model of reduced complexity. The model runs show that the low amplitude of the simulated seasonal variations may result from underestimated effect of substrate limitation on the seasonal pattern of heterotrophic respiration and from an underestimated magnitude of the annual gross primary production (GPP) in the terrestrial ecosystems located to the north of 25° N.
The question of Sudan: a hydroeconomic optimization model for the Sudanese Nile
Authors: Satti S. , Zaitchik B. , Siddiqui S.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. The effects of development and the uncertainty of a changing climate in East Africa pose myriad challenges for water managers along the Blue Nile. Sudan's large irrigation potential, hydroelectric dams, and prime location within the basin mean that Sudan's water management decisions will have great social, economic and political implications within the region. At the same time, Sudan's water use options are constrained by tradeoffs between upstream irrigation developments and downstream hydropower facilities as well as by the country's commitments under existing or future transboundary water sharing agreements. Here, we present a model that can be applied to evaluate optimal allocation of surface water resources to irrigation and hydropower in the Sudanese portion of the Blue Nile. Hydrologic inputs are combined with agronomic and economic inputs to formulate an optimization model within the General Algebraic Modeling System (GAMS). A sensitivity analysis is performed by testing model response to a range of economic conditions and to changes in the volume and timing of hydrologic flows. Results indicate that changing hydroclimate inputs have the capacity to greatly influence the productivity of Sudan's water resources infrastructure. Results also show that the economically optimal volume of water consumption, and thus the importance of existing treaty constraints, is sensitive to the perceived value of agriculture relative to electricity as well as to changing hydrological conditions.
On the skill of high frequency precipitation analyses
Authors: Kann A. , Meirold-Mautner I. , Schmid F. , Kirchengast G. , Fuchsberger J.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. The ability of radar-rain gauge merging algorithms to precisely analyse convective precipitation patterns is of high interest for many applications, e.g. hydrological modelling. However, due to drawbacks of methods like cross-validation and due to the limited availability of reference datasets on high temporal and spatial scale, an adequate validation is usually hardly possible, especially on an operational basis. The present study evaluates the skill of very high resolution and frequently updated precipitation analyses (rapid-INCA) by means of a very dense station network (WegenerNet), operated in a limited domain of the south-eastern parts of Austria (Styria). Based on case studies and a longer term validation over the convective season 2011, a general underestimation of the rapid-INCA precipitation amounts is shown, although the temporal and spatial variability of the errors is – by convective nature – high. The contribution of the rain gauge measurements to the analysis skill is crucial. However, the capability of the analyses to precisely assess the convective precipitation distribution predominantly depends on the representativeness of the stations under the prevalent convective condition.
Selective detection of hazardous VOCs for indoor air quality applications using a virtual gas sensor array
Authors: Leidinger M. , Sauerwald T. , Reimringer W. , Ventura G. , Schütze A.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. An approach for detecting hazardous volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in ppb and sub-ppb concentrations is presented. Using three types of metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) gas sensors in temperature cycled operation, formaldehyde, benzene and naphthalene in trace concentrations, reflecting threshold limit values as proposed by the WHO and European national health institutions, are successfully identified against a varying ethanol background of up to 2 ppm. For signal processing, linear discriminant analysis is applied to single sensor data and sensor fusion data. Integrated field test sensor systems for monitoring of indoor air quality (IAQ) using the same types of gas sensors were characterized using the same gas measurement setup and data processing. Performance of the systems is reduced due to gas emissions from the hardware components. These contaminations have been investigated using analytical methods. Despite the reduced sensitivity, concentrations of the target VOCs in the ppb range (100 ppb of formaldehyde; 5 ppb of benzene; 20 ppb of naphthalene) are still clearly detectable with the systems, especially when using the sensor fusion method for combining data of the different MOS sensor types.
A wind-driven nonseasonal barotropic fluctuation of the Canadian Inland Seas
Authors: Piecuch C. G. , Ponte R. M.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. A wind-driven, spatially coherent mode of nonseasonal, depth-independent variability in the Canadian Inland Seas (i.e., the collective of Hudson Bay, James Bay, and Foxe Basin) is identified based on Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) retrievals, a tide-gauge record, and a barotropic model over 2003–2013. This dominant mode of nonseasonal variability is partly related to the North Atlantic Oscillation and is associated with net flows into and out of the Canadian Inland Seas; the anomalous inflows and outflows, which are reflected in mean sea level and bottom pressure changes, are driven by wind stress anomalies over Hudson Strait, possibly related to wind setup, as well as over the northern North Atlantic Ocean, potentially mediated by various wave mechanisms. The mode is also associated with mass redistribution within the Canadian Inland Seas, reflecting linear response to local wind stress variations under the combined influences of rotation, gravity, and variable bottom topography. Results exemplify the usefulness of GRACE for studying regional ocean circulation and climate.
A Critical Exploration of African Spirituality and Democracy in Africa
Authors: Igboin Benson O.
Published: October 2014

This article investigates the spiritual dimension of African politics, a significant, real, and practical variable that has received little recognition in public discourse about the practice of democracy in Africa. I focus on the role of African spiritual agency and its cosmological implications in the development of African democracy. The article argues that African spirituality is pervasive but not sufficiently strong to meet the challenges of new political realities. Through the use of critical case analysis, the study concludes that African politicians exhibit a dual loyalty, affirming Western political theories in public discourse (in most cases) while adhering to African spiritual rituals and oaths in private. The consequences of this include undermining the dividends of democracy and encouraging the dereliction of the environment.
The Regional Polarization of Tourism's Contribution to Economic Growth in Peru: Alternative Solutions
Authors: Llorca-Rodríguez Carmen María , Casas-Jurado Amalia Cristina , García-Fernández Rosa María
Published: October 2014

Peru is characterized by high poverty levels. Serious problems of child malnutrition and illiteracy are prevalent and its economy centres on the primary sector across a large swathe of its territory. The major socio-economic inequality undermines social cohesion in the country and, therefore, increases the risk of social tension. However, Peru has significant and diverse resources which, if managed in accordance with World Tourism Organization's sustainable tourism guidelines, could promote development through better distribution of income and help to eliminate poverty. The promotion of sustainable tourism could increase social cohesion and lessen social tension. Hence, this research identifies the regional inequalities in Peru's tourism activity and suggests measures for promoting the most disadvantaged areas. The methodology used is based on the concept of polarization traditionally applied to income distribution studies. The data used come primarily from Peru's National Institute of Statistics and Information Technology (INEI).
Teología y cultura de paz
Authors: Ruiz Ortiz Carlos Antonio
Published: October 2014

Paz y violencia son dos extremos opuestos. La Paz desde la perspectiva bíblica, la Paz (Šalom), conlleva un compromiso amplio con la creación. ausencia de guerra, armonía con el medio ambiente y la familia, en una palabra bienestar. No se puede reducir la paz a un ámbito racionalista, es necesario tomar en cuenta las emociones y la espiritualidad, pues la paz pasa por un proceso de interiorización. Hoy en día la paz es parte de como Jürgen Moltmann y Ernst Bloch. También Martín Lutero ya tenía preocupaciones sobre la paz, porque la paz siempre ha sido un problema de todas las generaciones y de manera clara en la teología.La idea del Mesías mismo en los profetas está ligada a la paz, el profeta paz a partir de una propuesta de valores para la paz, a lo cual la teología tiene mucho que aportar.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/cultura.v20i62.1466 Cultura de Paz Vol.20 No.62 2014; 16-24
Arnolkis Turro o el palimpsesto cubista
Authors: Lovo Anastasio
Published: October 2014

El poeta y crítico de arte Anastasio realiza una primera aproximación a la obra pictórica de Arnolkis Turro, obra de una belleza compleja, inquietante, sugerente y arriesgada cuya polisemia es inagotable. En la relación con la naturaleza y el arte, Turro la establece a partir de una espiritualidad primordial. Con el arte en cambio establece un compromiso moral, virtud que podemos contemplar en el acabado de la obra, sin perder la misma conexión espiritual.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/cultura.v20i62.1467 Cultura de Paz Vol.20 No.62 2014; 29-31
Un flash en el tiempo
Authors: Miranda Winston
Published: October 2014

“… Significativamente, en las pinturas exquisitamente realizadas por Miranda, en las cuales casi siempre destaca la granadilla, no la manzana, la fruta ya no es un significante para inhibir a la humanidad. Más bien, la forma casi erótica de la sensual granadilla, particularmente con una singular ventana en forma cuadrada esculpida a su lado, se ha convertido en una significante utopía para el potencial humano. Esto es porque la fruta se muestra boyando en el aire, como si desafiara la gravedad asociada con la carga de injusticia y desigualdad histórica de la humanidad…”David CravenProfesor Distinguido de Historia del Arte en la Universidad de Nuevo México (Q.E.PD).DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/cultura.v20i62.1468 Cultura de Paz Vol.20 No.62 2014; 19
Temazcal
Authors: Báez de Lacayo Laura
Published: October 2014

"«…comer no es per se un acto del todo inocente, es decir, desprovisto de las relaciones sociales de los comensales. En este sentido, la colonialidad en todas sus formas (del poder, del saber y del ser) está presente como dispositivo tanto de enunciación como de clasificación alimentaria. Si nuestra historia está signada por una taxonomía de lo social, que en el proceso de  conquista/colonia jerarquizó a los grupos humanos por el color de la piel, también es posible develar que se dio una suerte de suplantación gastronómica…»Adolfo Albán Achinte, Universidad de Cauca, Doctor en Estudios Culturales Latinoamericanos de la Universidad Andina Simón Bolívar (Quito).DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/cultura.v20i62.1469 Cultura de Paz Vol.20 No.62 2014; 20