bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Surface Modification of Nanodiamond Particles for Nucleation Enhancement during Its Film Growth by Microwave Plasma Jet Chemical Vapour Deposition Technique
Authors: Lin Chii-Ruey , Wei Da-Hua , BenDao Minh-Khoa , Chang Hong-Ming , Chen Wei-En , Lee Jen-Ai
Published: May 2014

The seedings of the substrate with a suspension of nanodiamond particles (NDPs) were widely used as nucleation seeds to enhance the growth of nanostructured diamond films. The formation of agglomerates in the suspension of NDPs, however, may have adverse impact on the initial growth period. Therefore, this paper was aimed at the surface modification of the NDPs to enhance the diamond nucleation for the growth of nanocrystalline diamond films which could be used in photovoltaic applications. Hydrogen plasma, thermal, and surfactant treatment techniques were employed to improve the dispersion characteristics of detonation nanodiamond particles in aqueous media. The seeding of silicon substrate was then carried out with an optimized spin-coating method. The results of both Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering measurements demonstrated that plasma treated diamond nanoparticles possessed polar surface functional groups and attained high dispersion in methanol. The nanocrystalline diamond films deposited by microwave plasma jet chemical vapour deposition exhibited extremely fine grain and high smooth surfaces (~6.4 nm rms) on the whole film. These results indeed open up a prospect of nanocrystalline diamond films in solar cell applications.
Electrochemical Deposition of Te and Se on Flat TiO2for Solar Cell Application
Authors: Ito Seigo , Kitagawa Noriyuki , Shibahara Takahiro , Nishino Hitoshi
Published: May 2014

Te and Se layers were deposited on〈glass/FTO/flat-TiO2〉by electrochemical deposition. The Te-Se-stacked layer was annealed at 200°C, and then, the migration of Te into the Se layer by annealing was confirmed using auger electron spectroscopy (AES), which was performed by Te doping on the Se layer. Au back contact was coated by vacuum deposition on the Te-doped Se layer, resulting in superstrate-structured solar cells of〈glass/FTO/flat-TiO2/Se-doped Te/Au〉with a 0.50 V open-circuit voltage, 6.4 mA/cm2photocurrent density, 0.36 fill factor, and 1.17% conversion efficiency.
L-Dopa Is a Potent Stimulator of Cortisol in Short Children
Authors: Marakaki C. , Papadimitriou D.T. , Papadopoulou A. , Fretzayas A. , Papadimitriou A.
Published: May 2014

Aims: In this study, we evaluated the diagnostic usefulness of oral L-dopa as a stimulatory agent for cortisol. Methods: In 27 short children that were evaluated for possible growth hormone deficiency (GHD), the levels of serum GH and cortisol were determined after oral L-dopa administration and after i.m. glucagon administration. We defined cortisol concentrations >18 μg/dl (496 nmol/l) as adequate response. Peak GH concentration <10 ng/ml in both tests defined GHD. Results: Twenty-five out of the 27 children (93%) studied showed a normal cortisol response, i.e. a peak serum cortisol >18 μg/dl in the L-dopa test, whereas 19 children (70%) had a normal cortisol response after stimulation with glucagon. In the children with normal cortisol response in both tests, the mean peak serum cortisol concentration was 28.7 (SD 1.59) after L-dopa and 26.65 (SD 1.26) μg/dl after glucagon administration. There was no statistically significant difference in peak serum cortisol response to L-dopa between GH-deficient and GH-sufficient children [25.90 (SD 4.9) vs. 29.87 (SD 9.9) μg/dl, respectively]. Conclusions: These results clearly suggest that L-dopa administration is a potent stimulus for cortisol secretion at least in short children.
Pharmacokinetics of Single- and Multiple-Dose Emtricitabine in Healthy Male Chinese Volunteers
Authors: Han Wen-Li , Shang Jing-Chuan , Yan Bo , Tan Rui , Huang Wen-Xiang , Zhong Xiao-Ni , Yang Jun-Qing , Huang Ai-Long
Published: May 2014

Emtricitabine (FTC) is used for the treatment of HIV infection and pre-exposure chemoprophylaxis. It is often used in combination with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF). This study was designed to evaluate FTC pharmacokinetics in healthy male Chinese volunteers. Sixty subjects were recruited into this single-centre, randomised, open-label study and randomly received single (groups A, B and C) or multiple oral doses (once daily for 6 days; groups D, E and F) of 200-mg FTC capsules alone (A and D), or combined with 300-mg TDF tablets (B and E), or 200 mg of FTC plus 300 mg of TDF with a high-fat diet (C and F), respectively. FTC was well-tolerated in all groups. After a single dose, there were no differences in the mean AUC0-∞ values; however, there were significant differences in the mean Tmax values (1.05, 1.40 and 2.10 h for groups A, B and C, respectively; p < 0.05). In the multiple-dose study, our results were significantly different from published t1/2 values following single-dose FTC.
On the identity of Chironius flavolineatus (Serpentes: Colubridae)
Authors: HAMDAN BRENO , SCALI STEFANO , FERNANDES DANIEL SILVA
Published: May 2014

The snake genus Chironius Fitzinger, 1826 is endemic to the Neotropical region, occurring from Honduras to Uruguay and northeastern Argentina. Some species of the genus have taxonomic and/or nomenclatural problems, such as C. flavolineatus which lacks agreement in the literature about its authorship and type locality. Some researchers have been suggesting Jan (1863) as the author of the species since he first described C. flavolineatus based on two specimens. However, other researchers report that Jan's description is so incomplete that it is not possible to ascertain what snake he had in mind and therefore suggest Boettger (1885) as the author, since he was the first to provide a detailed description of the species. In the present study one of the syntypes of C. flavolineatus, supposedly destroyed in Second World War, was found. Thus, the taxonomic identity of C. flavolineatus was redefined, its lectotype was designated and the authorship of the taxa is attributed to Jan (1863).
China–Sri Lanka Economic Relations
Authors: Kelegama Saman
Published: May 2014

This article fills a gap in the literature by focusing on the growing economic links between China and Sri Lanka. Starting from the 1952 Rubber-Rice Pact, the economic relations between the two countries have grown over the years with an unprecedented growth since 2005. Chinese military assistance helped overcome three decades of conflict in North/East Sri Lanka and Chinese financial assistance to other areas of the Sri Lankan economy, in particular, infrastructure development have also strengthened. Although Sri Lanka’s trade and investment links with China are not very strong, the increased Chinese financial assistance has had some spill over effects in strengthening these in recent years. Sri Lanka will sign a Free Trade Agreement with China most probably in 2014 but growing economic relations with China present both opportunities and challenges to Sri Lanka.
Global Context, National Interdependencies, and the Ecological Footprint
Authors: Kick Edward L. , McKinney Laura A.
Published: May 2014

This paper develops a theoretical integration and estimates an associated structural equation model of the ecological footprints of nations. The ecological footprint is an approximation of environmental pressure on natural resources that stems from production, consumption, and the resultant disposal of waste. We use structural equation modeling techniques to test an integrative perspective based on direct and indirect effects, taken from human ecology, ecological economics, modernization, and political economy approaches, as well as from the natural sciences. We find evidence for the conjuncture of many of the theories investigated and for contextualizing the footprint in a global network of causes. The model raises questions about conclusions reached in prior analyses based on direct effects only. The significant roles played by natural and economic forces suggest a need to attend to multidisciplinary dynamics. With the exception of “weak sustainability,” the indirect and direct impacts suggest ever-escalating levels of the footprints of nations.
The Effectiveness of Crime Analysis for Crime Reduction
Authors: Santos Rachel Boba
Published: May 2014

Many researchers and police chiefs have asked the question, “Does crime analysis reduce crime?” This question is a difficult one is because the link between crime analysis and crime reduction is not direct. Just like the use of MRI results does not cure an illness, crime analysis is the process of using examining data and making conclusions; it is not a crime reduction strategy (cure) by itself. The connection between crime analysis and crime reduction is only through an effective police strategy that uses crime analysis. So, instead of evaluating whether crime analysis reduces crime, this article examines the role of crime analysis as a component in specific police crime reduction strategies. The evidence presented is not based on research of effectiveness of crime analysis, since there is none, but on the effectiveness research of police approaches, such as the standard model of policing, community policing, disorder policing, problem-oriented policing, hot spots policing, and the “pulling levers” focused deterrence approach, as well as popular and new approaches, such as Compstat, intelligence-led policing (ILP), and predictive policing, and the level at which crime analysis plays a role in each. Through a qualitative assessment, the author concludes that there is a clear pattern that crime analysis plays a significant role in police approaches that are effective, and just as apparent, crime analysis plays a very limited role in policing approaches that are ineffective. In addition, assessment of the policing approaches that have not been systematically evaluated, but have been widely adopted (i.e., Compstat) or are relatively new (i.e., ILP and predictive policing), reveals that crime analysis plays a central and visible role. This article shows that crime analysis is a key component in successful crime reduction efforts. Because this is a qualitative assessment from a fairly broad perspective, several recommendations are made for future research that will more fully understand the relationship between crime analysis and police effectiveness.
Virtue in Media
Authors: Plaisance Patrick Lee
Published: May 2014

This study contributes to an empirical basis for media ethics theorizing by constructing a moral psychology profile of exemplars in journalism and public relations. Drawing on theories and instruments from psychology, this inductive project assesses descriptive and inferential patterns of personality traits, moral-reasoning skills, ethical ideology, and perceived workplace ethical climate among twenty-four exemplars selected for professional and ethical leadership qualities. The emerging profile suggests clear “clustering” of personality traits and an overarching emphasis on notions of care and respect for others, professional duty, concern for harm, and proactive social engagement—all of which characterize higher stages of moral development.
Presidential Vote within State Legislative Districts
Authors: McDonald Michael P.
Published: May 2014

Presidential vote shares in legislative districts are widely available for congressional districts and are often used by scholars in their research. Here, I describe the general methodology to construct statewide vote shares within districts and apply these methods to a new database of presidential vote shares within 36 states' legislative districts.
The Trishul on the Cross
Authors: Rizvi Samer Moiz
Published: May 2014

This article intends to study the methods used by Hindu missionaries to bring the tribals within their fold in order to avoid the spread and popularity of Christianity among the tribals. Barring a few scholars like S.C. Roy and K.N. Sahay, no one has ever tried to look into the activities of Hindu missionaries in the region prior to 1947. The primary sources clearly show that in their methods they were quite organised and united, contrary to the views of most scholars. It is argued in the article that the main objective of Hindu missionaries was to check Christian missionary activities instead of promoting upliftment work among the tribals. The information culled from newspapers, the Patna State Archives and other materials form the source of evidences used to formulate and substantiate arguments in the article.
Performance of seven serological assays for diagnosing tularemia
Authors: Chaignat Valérie , Djordjevic-Spasic Marina , Ruettger Anke , Otto Peter , Klimpel Diana , Müller Wolfgang , Sachse Konrad , Araj George , Diller Roland , Tomaso Herbert
Published: May 2014

Background

Tularemia is a rare zoonotic disease caused by the Gram-negative bacterium Francisella tularensis. Serology is frequently the preferred diagnostic approach, because the pathogen is highly infectious and difficult to cultivate. The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of tularemia specific tests.

Methods

The Serazym®Anti-Francisella tularensis ELISA, Serion ELISA classic Francisella tularensis IgG/IgM, an in-house ELISA, the VIRapid® Tularemia immunochromatographic test, an in-house antigen microarray, and a Western Blot (WB) assay were evaluated. The diagnosis tularemia was established using a standard micro-agglutination assay. In total, 135 sera from a series of 110 consecutive tularemia patients were tested.

Results

The diagnostic sensitivity and diagnostic specificity of the tests were VIRapid (97.0% and 84.0%), Serion IgG (96.3% and 96.8%), Serion IgM (94.8% and 96.8%), Serazym (97.0% and 91.5%), in-house ELISA (95.6% and 76.6%), WB (93.3% and 83.0%), microarray (91.1% and 97.9%).

Conclusions

The diagnostic value of the commercial assays was proven, because the diagnostic accuracy was >90%. The diagnostic sensitivity of the in-house ELISA and the WB were acceptable, but the diagnostic accuracy was <90%. Interestingly, the antigen microarray test was very specific and had a very good positive predictive value.
Prenatal Stress-Induced Increases in Placental Inflammation and Offspring Hyperactivity Are Male-Specific and Ameliorated by Maternal Antiinflammatory Treatment
Authors: Bronson Stefanie L. , Bale Tracy L.
Published: May 2014

Adverse experiences during gestation such as maternal stress and infection are known risk factors for neurodevelopmental disorders, including schizophrenia, autism, and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. The mechanisms by which these distinct exposures may confer similar psychiatric vulnerability remain unclear, although likely involve pathways common to both stress and immune responses at the maternal-fetal interface. We hypothesized that maternal stress-induced activation of immune pathways within the placenta, the sex-specific maternal-fetal intermediary, may contribute to prenatal stress programming effects on the offspring. Therefore, we assessed for markers indicative of stress-induced placental inflammation, and examined the ability of maternal nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) treatment to ameliorate placental effects and thereby rescue the stress-dysregulation phenotype observed in our established mouse model of early prenatal stress (EPS). As expected, placental gene expression analyses revealed increased levels of immune response genes, including the proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-1β, specifically in male placentas. NSAID treatment partially ameliorated these EPS effects. Similarly, in adult offspring, males displayed stress-induced locomotor hyperactivity, a hallmark of dopaminergic dysregulation, which was ameliorated by maternal NSAID treatment. Fitting with these outcomes and supportive of dopamine pathway involvement, expression of dopamine D1 and D2 receptors was altered by EPS in males. These studies support an important interaction between maternal stress and a proinflammatory state in the long-term programming effects of maternal stress.
Mortalidade perinatal em gestantes de alto risco em um hospital terciário
Authors: Silva Rita de Cássia Alves Ferreira , Vieira Gabriel de Deus , Monteiro Pedro Sadi
Published: May 2014

Introdução: A mortalidade perinatal, é um importante indicador de qualidade da atenção médica à gestante e ao recém-nascido. Esse estudo teve como objetivo identificar possíveis causas de mortalidade perinatal em gestantes de alto risco em um hospital terciário de Porto Velho, Rondônia. Metodologia: Realizou-se um estudo transversal descritivo de julho a dezembro de 2010, sendo a amostra composta por 48 gestantes considerando período gestacional de 22 semanas ou mais. Os dados secundários foram coletados de prontuários. Foram analisadas as seguintes variáveis: tipo e evolução do parto, indicadores obstétricos e evolução clínica dos recém-nascidos. Resultados: A taxa de mortalidade perinatal foi de 35,68/1000. A maioria dos partos ocorreu em ambiente hospitalar. 28 (60,9%) partos ocorreram por via vaginal, a faixa etária variou entre 15 e 43 anos. Em relação à duração da gestação, 36,2% das gestantes se encontravam entre 32 a 37 semanas. Quanto às consultas pré-natais, a maiorias das gestantes realizaram entre 3 e 4 consultas, 42,3%. Os diagnósticos maternos mais comuns foram infecção urinária (22,9%) e trabalho de parto prematuro (22,9%). Em relação ao diagnóstico dos produtos, 47,9% eram natimortos e 20,8% apresentaram mal formação congênita. Conclusão: A taxa de mortalidade perinatal é elevada quando comparada com instituições similares. Infecção urinária e parto prematuro foram às causas mais frequentes de mortalidade perinatal, seguidas por eclampsia e coriamnionite.
INCIDENCE OF BRONCHOPULMONARY DYSPLASIA IN PRETERM NEWBORNS SUBMITTED TO MECHANICAL VENTILATION: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF 1250 PRETERM NEWBORNS
Authors: Vieira Leilianna de Souza , De Vasconcelos Thiago Brasileiro , De Freitas Nilce Almino , De Sousa Cristiano Teles , Magalhães Clarissa Bentes de Araujo , Câmara Teresa Maria da Silva , Barros Geórgia Guimarães , Bastos Vasco Pinheiro Diógenes
Published: May 2014

Objective: To determine the incidence of preterm newborn infants in mechanical ventilation who developed bronchopulmonary dysplasia in a public hospital at Fortaleza/CE. Method: Descriptive, retrospective and longitudinal quantitative analysis with 1250 preterm infants admitted to the Intensive Care Unit, Dr. César Cals General Hospital, at Fortaleza, from July 2006 to June 2007. Data collection occurred during two months, with visits to units twice a week, where the medical records were done. Were included in these sample newborns that were in mechanical ventilation and developed bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Then the gestational average was 28.6 weeks; the mean weight of infants was 1125.33 grams, born vaginally or cesarean section, of both sexes and with various primary diseases such as respiratory distress syndrome, jaundice and neonatal infection. Results: In the sample from the total admissions, 34.48% were for mechanical ventilation and 3.48% developed bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Conclusion: Despite the low prevalence, bronchopulmonary dysplasia is a important complication of prematurity, directly related to the duration of mechanical ventilation, thus the team must be committed on weaning and extubation of those as soon as possible, preferably within the first week of life.
Erlang-R: A Time-Varying Queue with Reentrant Customers, in Support of Healthcare Staffing
Authors: Yom-Tov Galit B. , Mandelbaum Avishai
Published: May 2014

We analyze a queueing model that we call Erlang-R, where the “R” stands for reentrant customers. Erlang-R accommodates customers who return to service several times during their sojourn within the system, and its modeling power is most pronounced in time-varying environments. Indeed, it was motivated by healthcare systems, in which offered-loads vary over time and patients often go through a repetitive service process. Erlang-R helps answer questions such as how many servers (physicians/nurses) are required to achieve predetermined service levels. Formally, it is merely a two-station open queueing network, which, in a steady state, evolves like an Erlang-C (M/M/s) model. In time-varying environments, on the other hand, the situation differs: here one must account for the reentrant nature of service to avoid excessive staffing costs or undesirable service levels. We validate Erlang-R against an emergency ward (EW) operating under normal conditions as well as during a mass casualty event (MCE). In both scenarios, we apply time-varying fluid and diffusion approximations: the EW is critically loaded and the MCE is overloaded. In particular, for the EW we propose a time-varying square-root staffing policy, based on the modified offered-load, which is proved to perform well over small-to-large systems.
A new species of Beamerana Young, 1952 (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Typhlocybinae) from southeastern Brazil
Authors: Coelho Luci Boa Nova , Da-Silva Elidiomar Ribeiro , Nessimian Jorge Luiz
Published: May 2014

A new species of the Neotropical leafhopper genus Beamerana Young, 1952 (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Typhlocybinae) is described and illustrated based on the specimens from Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil. Beamerana boomerang sp. nov. differs from its congeners by the fore wing venation and the male genitalia. A key to the species of Beamerana is provided. The genus is recorded for Brazil for the first time.
Muro Mediterráneo versus movimiento moderno
Authors: Martínez-Medina Andrés , Sanjust Paolo
Published: May 2014

Una década antes de que fuera construido el Muro Atlántico fue ejecutado un sistema de defensas a lo largo de la costa del Mediterráneo español (1936-39). La recuperación de estas construcciones (de sus documentos gráficos) y su puesta en valor pueden ayudar a consolidar una memoria propia del siglo XX. Este trabajo consiste en inventariar, medir y dibujar los planos de estas arquitecturas a fin de fijar la memoria que se diluye por la erosión del tiempo. Estas defensas militares se sitúan en muchas fronteras: ¿son propiamente arquitectura o piezas industriales? ¿Son arquitectura moderna? Estas transitan entre dos mundos: uno que proyecta arquitecturas ligeras, flexibles y con caducidad frente a otro que construye obras compactas, rígidas y eternas. También se mueven por dos épocas: una que perpetúa las hazañas épicas frente a otras que muestra los desastres. Espacio, tiempo y materia. Son las ruinas de hormigón más modernas de nuestra historia que se encuentran camufladas en la topografía: templos y tumbas a la vez. En esta reconstrucción de la memoria, resulta crucial la restitución gráfica que es donde comienza el conocimiento.
Getting deeper insight into stopping power problems in radiation physics using the Noether's theorem corollary
Authors: Ristic Vladimir , Radulovic Mirko , Miladinovic Tatjana , Stevanovic Jasna
Published: May 2014

The theories that combine two different approaches in dealing with
interacting objects, for instance, treating electromagnetic laser field
classically, and the interacting atom as a quantum object, have some
ambiguities and, as such, they should be labeled as ?mixed?. From the
Noether's Theorem Corollary, which we proved earlier, about the conservation
laws of energy, momentum and angular momentum in mixed theories, follows that
the aforementioned theories do not support the law of angular momentum/spin
conservation (to be precise, the obtained result does not imply that the law
of conservation of angular momentum and spin is not valid generally, but
rather that mixed theories can produce the results which might violate this
law). In present paper, an additional explanation following our Corollary is
given to why the calculation of the stopping power in the fully quantized
theory gives better results than those that were obtained in mixed theories,
which further confirms the predictions of our Corollary.
Assessment of radiation exposure around abandoned uranium mining area of Stara planina Mt., Serbia
Authors: Tanic Milan , Momcilovic Milan , Kovacevic Jovan , Dragovic Snezana , Bacic Goran
Published: May 2014

The aim of this work was to estimate the health and radiation hazard due to
external irradiation from terrestrial radionuclides in the Stara planina Mt.
region, which is important because of past uranium mining activities on the
mountain. Soil samples were collected inside the flotation processing
facilities, their surroundings and more distant locations, i.e. from areas
considered certainly affected, potentially affected, and unaffected by former
mining and uranium ore processing activities. The radiological and health
risk assessments were done by calculating the six main parameters, based on
the activity concentration of 238U, 232Th, and 40K in soil samples as
determined by gamma-ray spectrometry. Increased values of the risk parameters
were observed only for sites where uranium ore was processed, while the
location surrounding these compounds showed values that are usual for this
mountain or slightly above them. Calculations of the risk parameters for the
background area showed no radiation risk for the local and seasonal
population. The presence of U and Th was detected in all water samples from
creeks surrounding the facilities, but only in the water from the facility
drainage pipe did their concentration exceed the limits given for the uranium
content in drinking water. In conclusion, the results obtained in this study
fall within the range of values in similar studies conducted worldwide and
are below the values which can cause a significant radiation hazard.
Brendan Behan's Borstal Boy: Politics in the Vernaculars
Authors: Schrank Bernice
Published: May 2014

This essay examines the political uses to which Behan puts language in his autobiographical fiction, Borstal Boy, both as an instrument of domination and a means of liberation. Identifying Standard English language and literature as important components of the British imperial project, Behan creates, as a linguistic alternative, ‘englishes’, a composite language in which differences of geography, class, age, education, and occupation create a demotic speech of great variability and expressive force. In so doing, Behan sabotages the cultural assumptions and justifications for colonial exploitation embedded and validated in Standard English literature and language.
Atmospheric Black Carbon along a Cruise Path through the Arctic Ocean during the Fifth Chinese Arctic Research Expedition
Authors: Xing Jie , Bian Lingen , Hu Qihou , Yu Juan , Sun Chen , Xie Zhouqing
Published: May 2014

From July to September 2012, during the fifth Chinese National Arctic Research Expedition (CHINARE), the concentrations of black carbon (BC) aerosols inside the marine boundary layer were measured by an in situ aethalometer. BC concentrations ranged from 0.20 ng∙m−3 to 1063.20 ng∙m−3, with an average of 75.74 ng∙m−3. The BC concentrations were significantly higher over the mid-latitude and coastal areas than those over the remote ocean and high latitude areas. The highest average concentration was found over offshore China (643.44 ng∙m−3) during the cruise, while the lowest average was found over the Arctic Ocean (5.96 ng∙m−3). BC aerosol was found mainly affected by the terrestrial input and displayed seasonal and spatial variations. Compared with the results from the third and fourth CHINARE of summer 2008, and summer 2010, the inter-annual variation of BC over the Arctic Ocean was negligible.
Anti-Ulcer Activity of Essential Oil Constituents
Authors: Oliveira Francisco , Andrade Luciana , De Sousa Élida , De Sousa Damião
Published: May 2014

Essential oils have attracted considerable worldwide attention over the last few decades. These natural products have wide-ranging pharmacological activities and biotechnological applications. Faced with the need to find new anti-ulcer agents and the great effort on the development of drugs for the treatment of ulcers, in this review, the anti-ulcer activities of 21 bioactive compounds found in essential oils are discussed.
A Non-MLE Approach for Satellite Scatterometer Wind Vector Retrievals in Tropical Cyclones
Authors: Alsweiss Suleiman , Hanna Rafik , Laupattarakasem Peth , Jones W. , Hennon Christopher , Chen Ruiyao
Published: May 2014

Satellite microwave scatterometers are the principal source of global synoptic-scale ocean vector wind (OVW) measurements for a number of scientific and operational oceanic wind applications. However, for extreme wind events such as tropical cyclones, their performance is significantly degraded. This paper presents a novel OVW retrieval algorithm for tropical cyclones which improves the accuracy of scatterometer based ocean surface winds when compared to low-flying aircraft with in-situ and remotely sensed observations. Unlike the traditional maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) wind vector retrieval technique, this new approach sequentially estimates scalar wind directions and wind speeds. A detailed description of the algorithm is provided along with results for ten QuikSCAT hurricane overpasses (from 2003–2008) to evaluate the performance of the new algorithm. Results are compared with independent surface wind analyses from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Hurricane Research Division’s H*Wind surface analyses and with the corresponding SeaWinds Project’s L2B-12.5 km OVW products. They demonstrate that the proposed algorithm extends the SeaWinds capability to retrieve wind speeds beyond the current range of approximately 35 m/s (minimal hurricane category-1) with improved wind direction accuracy, making this new approach a potential candidate for current and future conically scanning scatterometer wind retrieval algorithms.
Determination of Carbonate Rock Chemistry Using Laboratory-Based Hyperspectral Imagery
Authors: Zaini Nasrullah , Van der Meer Freek , Van der Werff Harald
Published: May 2014

The development of advanced laboratory-based imaging hyperspectral sensors, such as SisuCHEMA, has created an opportunity to extract compositional information of mineral mixtures from spectral images. Determining proportions of minerals on rock surfaces based on spectral signature is a challenging approach due to naturally-occurring minerals that exist in the form of intimate mixtures, and grain size variations. This study demonstrates the application of SisuCHEMA hyperspectral data to determine mineral components in hand specimens of carbonate rocks. Here, we applied wavelength position, spectral angle mapper (SAM) and linear spectral unmixing (LSU) approaches to estimate the chemical composition and the relative abundance of carbonate minerals on the rock surfaces. The accuracy of these classification methods and correlation between mineral chemistry and mineral spectral characteristics in determining mineral constituents of rocks are also analyzed. Results showed that chemical composition (Ca-Mg ratio) of carbonate minerals at a pixel (e.g., sub-grain) level can be extracted from the image pixel spectra using these spectral analysis methods. The results also indicated that the spatial distribution and the proportions of calcite-dolomite mixtures on the rock surfaces vary between the spectral methods. For the image shortwave infrared (SWIR) spectra, the wavelength position approach was found to be sensitive to all compositional variations of carbonate mineral mixtures when compared to the SAM and LSU approaches. The correlation between geochemical elements and spectroscopic parameters also revealed the presence of these carbonate mixtures with various chemical compositions in the rock samples. This study concludes that the wavelength position approach is a stable and reproducible technique for estimating carbonate mineral chemistry on the rock surfaces using laboratory-based hyperspectral data.
Adolescent Physical Fighting in Ghana, Their Demographic and Social Characteristics
Authors: Acquah Emmanuel , Lloyd Jennifer , Davis Laura , Wilson Michael
Published: May 2014

Physical fighting is an important behavioral concern of public health importance among adolescents worldwide. The present study examines the patterns and correlates of physical fighting among a school-based population in a low-income country setting. Data on 6235 adolescents aged 11–16 years were derived from the Republic of Ghana contributions to the Global School-based Health Survey. Three thresholds of participation in a physical fight during a 12-month recall period were compared against several independent sociodemographic variables. Bivariate analyses were used to screen for statistically significant associations and multinomial logistic regression was used to examine significant relationships while adjusting for covariates. Within the recall period, 32% of adolescents had reported being involved in two or more physical fights. Those involved in a physical fight during three or more days during the recall period were more likely to have been bullied (relative risk ratios (RRR) = 1.86; 99% confidence intervals (CI): 1.38–2.52), have had a troubled experience with alcohol (RRR = 2.202; CI = 1.55–2.64), and miss days of school (RRR = 2.02; CI = 1.39–2.92). When adjusted only for age and sex, having understanding parents was protective (RRR = 0.64; CI = 0.53–0.78) as was having a positive school environment (RRR = 0.73; CI = 0.55–0.97). Our findings suggest that school-based programming which simultaneously targets multiple risk behaviors and conflict resolution may be helpful in interventions to reduce rates of physical fighting.
Establishment of the Underlying Rationale and Description of a Cheap Nanofiltration-Based Method for Supplementing Desalinated Water with Magnesium Ions
Authors: Birnhack Liat , Nir Oded , Lahav Ori
Published: May 2014

The importance of supplying drinking water with a balanced mineral composition, including a minimal concentration of Mg(II) ions, has been recently acknowledged by many publications, as well as in official WHO guidelines. The issue is relevant to naturally occurring soft waters and lately to the rapidly increasing volume of supplied desalinated water. This paper presents an enhancement of a recently developed nanofiltration-based method for the selective separation of soluble Mg(II) species from seawater. The generated rich-Mg(II) brine is demonstrated to be suitable for supplementing soft waters with magnesium ions. The brine, generated using a commercial membrane (DS-5 DL, Osmonics) at various operational conditions is characterized by high Mg(II) concentrations (~8.5 g/L) and low Cl:Mg and Na:Mg molar concentration ratios (1.6 and 0.6, respectively, at 28-bar operation). A food-grade antiscalant is dosed to the feed seawater to prevent scaling; however, since the Mg(II) concentration in the brine is high, for attaining 10 mg Mg/L of desalinated water, the dilution ratio with the desalinated water is ~1:850, resulting in maximal additional concentrations of 0.024 antiscalant, 34.9 Cl(−I), 12.9 Na(I), 0.05 Sr(II) and 0.003 B (all concentrations in mg/L). The overall cost of 1 kg of Mg(II) separated by the presented process amounts to between $0.05 and $0.07, i.e., much cheaper than the estimated costs of alternative processes for Mg(II) addition to desalinated water.
Artificial sunlight and ultraviolet light induced photo-epoxidation of propylene over V-Ti/MCM-41 photocatalyst
Authors: Nguyen Van-Huy , Lin Shawn D , Wu Jeffrey Chi-Sheng , Bai Hsunling
Published: May 2014

The light irradiation parameters, including the wavelength spectrum and intensity of light source, can significantly influence a photocatalytic reaction. This study examines the propylene photo-epoxidation over V-Ti/MCM-41 photocatalyst by using artificial sunlight (Xe lamp with/without an Air Mass 1.5 Global Filter at 1.6/18.5 mW·cm−2) and ultraviolet light (Mercury Arc lamp with different filters in the range of 0.1–0.8 mW·cm−2). This is the first report of using artificial sunlight to drive the photo-epoxidation of propylene. Over V-Ti/MCM-41 photocatalyst, the propylene oxide (PO) formation rate is 193.0 and 112.1 µmol·gcat−1·h−1 with a PO selectivity of 35.0 and 53.7% under UV light and artificial sunlight, respectively. A normalized light utilization (NLU) index is defined and found to correlate well with the rate of both PO formation and C3H6 consumption in log–log scale. The light utilization with a mercury arc lamp is better than with a xenon lamp. The selectivity to PO remains practically unchanged with respect to NLU, suggesting that the photo-epoxidation occurs through the same mechanism under the conditions tested in this study.
Sodium silicate solutions from dissolution of glasswastes. Statistical analysis
Authors: Torres-Carrasco M. , Palomo J. G. , Puertas F.
Published: May 2014

It has studied the solubility process of four different waste glasses (with different particle sizes, 125 µm) in alkaline solutions (NaOH and NaOH/Na₂CO₃) and water as a reference and under different conditions of solubility (at room temperature, at 80°C and a mechano-chemical process). Have established the optimal conditions of solubility and generation of sodium silicates solutions, and these were: the smaller particle size (
Effects of seabird nitrogen input on biomass and carbon accumulation after 50 years of primary succession on a young volcanic island, Surtsey
Authors: Leblans N. I. W. , Sigurdsson B. D. , Roefs P. , Thuys R. , Magnússon B. , Janssens I. A.
Published: May 2014

Abstract. What happens during primary succession after the first colonizers have occupied a pristine surface largely depends on how they ameliorate living conditions for other species. For vascular plants the onset of soil development and associated increase in nutrient (mainly nitrogen, N) and water availability is especially important. Here, we report the relation between N accumulation and biomass- and ecosystem carbon (C) stocks in a 50 year old volcanic island, Surtsey, in Iceland, where N stocks are still exceptionally low. However, 27 year old seagull colony on the island provided nutrient-enriched areas, which enabled us to assess the relationship between N stock and biomass- and ecosystem C stocks across a much larger range in N stock. Further, we compared areas on shallow and deep tephra sands as we expected that deep-rooted systems would be more efficient in retaining N. The sparsely vegetated area outside the colony was more efficient in N retention than we expected and had accumulated 0.7 kg N ha−1 yr−1, which was ca. 60% of the estimated N input rate from wet deposition. The seagulls have added, on average, 47 kg N ha−1 yr−1, which induced a shift from belowground to aboveground in ecosystem N and C stocks and doubled the ecosystem "N use efficiency", determined as the ratio of biomass and C storage per unit N input. Soil depth did not significantly affect total N stocks, which suggests a high N retention potential. Both total ecosystem biomass and C stocks were strongly correlated with N stock inside the colony, which indicated the important role of N during the first steps of primary succession. Inside the colony, the ecosystem biomass C stocks (17–27 kg C ha−1) had reached normal values for grasslands, while the soil organic carbon stocks (SOC; 4–10 kg C ha−1) were only a fraction of normal grassland values. Thus, it will take a long time until the SOC stock reaches equilibrium with the current primary production; during which conditions for new colonists may change.
Seasonal evolution of net and regenerated silica production around a natural Fe-fertilized area in the Southern Ocean estimated from Si isotopic approaches
Authors: Closset I. , Lasbleiz M. , Leblanc K. , Quéguiner B. , Cavagna A.-J. , Elskens M. , Navez J. , Cardinal D.
Published: May 2014

Abstract. A massive diatom-bloom is observed each year in the surface waters of the naturally Fe fertilized Kerguelen Plateau (Southern Ocean). We measured biogenic silica production and dissolution fluxes in the mixed layer in the vicinity of the Kerguelen Plateau during austral spring 2011 (KEOPS-2 cruise). We compare results from a High-Nutrient Low-Chlorophyll reference station and stations with different degrees of iron enrichment and bloom conditions. Above the Plateau biogenic silica production fluxes are among the highest reported so far in the Southern Ocean (up to 47.9 mmol m−2 d−1). Although significant (10.2 mmol m−2 d−1 in average), silica dissolution rates were generally much lower than production rates. Uptake ratios (Si:C and Si:N) confirm that diatoms strongly dominate the primary production in this area. At the bloom onset, decreasing dissolution to production ratios (D:P) indicate that the remineralization of silica could sustained most of the low silicon uptake and that the system progressively shifts toward a silica production regime which must be mainly supported by new source of silicic acid. Moreover, by comparing results from the two KEOPS-expeditions (spring 2011 and summer 2005), we suggest that there is a seasonal evolution on the processes decoupling Si and N cycles in the area. Indeed, the consumption of H4SiO4 standing stocks occurs only during the growing stage of the bloom when strong net silica production is observed, contributing to a higher H4SiO4 depletion relative to NO3−. Then, the decoupling between H4SiO4 and NO3− is mainly controlled by the more efficient nitrogen recycling relative to Si. Gross-Si:N uptake ratios were higher in the Fe-rich regions compared to the HNLC area, likely due to different diatoms communities. This suggests that the diatom responses to natural Fe fertilization are more complex than previously thought, and that natural iron fertilization over long time scales does not necessarily decrease Si:N uptake ratios as suggested by the Silicic Acid Leakage Hypothesis. Finally, we propose the first seasonal estimate of Si-biogeochemical budget above the Kerguelen Plateau based on direct measurements. This study points out that naturally iron fertilized areas of the Southern Ocean could sustain very high regimes of biogenic silica production, similar to those observed in highly productive upwelling systems.
Improved routines to model the ocean carbonate system: mocsy 1.0
Authors: Orr J. C. , Epitalon J.-M.
Published: May 2014

Abstract. Software used by modelers to compute ocean carbonate chemistry is often based on code from the Ocean Carbon Cycle Model Intercomparison Project (OCMIP), last revised in 2005. As an update, we offer here new publicly available Fortran 95 routines to model the ocean carbonate system (mocsy). Both codes take as input dissolved inorganic carbon CT and total alkalinity AT, the only two tracers of the ocean carbonate system that are unaffected by changes in temperature and salinity and conservative with respect to mixing, properties that make them ideally suited for ocean carbon models. With the same basic thermodynamic equilibria, both codes compute surface-ocean pCO2 in order to simulate air–sea CO2 fluxes. The mocsy package goes beyond the OCMIP code by computing all other carbonate system variables (e.g., pH, CO32−, and CaCO3 saturation states) and by doing so throughout the water column. Moreover, it avoids three common model approximations: that density is constant, that modeled potential temperature is equivalent to in situ temperature, and that depth is equivalent to pressure. These approximations work well at the surface, but total errors in computed variables grow with depth, e.g., reaching −8 μatm in pCO2, +0.010 in pH, and +0.01 in ΩA at 5000 m. Besides the equilibrium constants recommended for best practices, mocsy also offers users three new options: (1) a recent formulation for total boron that increases its ocean content by 4%, (2) an older formulation for KF common to all other such software, and (3) recent formulations for K1 and K2 designed to also include low-salinity waters. More total boron increases borate alkalinity and reduces carbonate alkalinity, which is calculated as a difference from total alkalinity. As a result, the computed surface pCO2 increases by 4 to 6 μatm, while the computed aragonite saturation horizon (ASH) shallows by 60 m in the North Atlantic and by up to 90 m in the Southern Ocean. Changes due to the new formulation for K1 and K2 enhance pCO2 by up to 8 μatm in the deep ocean and in high-latitude surface waters. These changes are comparable in magnitude to errors in the same regions associated with neglecting nutrient contributions to total alkalinity, a common practice in ocean biogeochemical modeling. The mocsy code with the standard options for best practices and none of the 3 approximations agrees with results from the CO2SYS package generally within 0.005%.
A new approach to flood vulnerability assessment for historic buildings in England
Authors: Stephenson V. , D'Ayala D.
Published: May 2014

Abstract. The recent increase in frequency and severity of flooding in the UK has led to a shift in the perception of risk associated with flood hazards. This has extended to the conservation community, and the risks posed to historic structures that suffer from flooding are particularly concerning for those charged with preserving and maintaining such buildings. In order to fully appraise the risks in a manner appropriate to the complex issue of preservation, a new methodology is presented here that studies the nature of the vulnerability of such structures, and places it in the context of risk assessment, accounting for the vulnerable object and the subsequent exposure of that object to flood hazards. The testing of the methodology is carried out using three urban case studies and the results of the survey analysis provide guidance on the development of fragility curves for historic structures exposed to flooding. This occurs through appraisal of vulnerability indicators related to building form, structural and fabric integrity, and preservation of architectural and archaeological values. Key findings of the work include determining the applicability of these indicators to fragility analysis, and the determination of the relative vulnerability of the three case study sites.
Usefulness of Syndromic Surveillance during Ultra-endurance Running Races: Example with the “Grand Raid de la Réunion” Ultra Trail
Authors: Martin Aurélie , Vilain Pascal , Bourdé Arnaud , Combes Xavier , Marianne dit Cassou Pierre-Jean , Jacques-Antoine Yves , Mougin Damour Katia , Filleul Laurent
Published: May 2014

The "Grand Raid de la Réunion" is one of the hardest ultra trails in the world. This endurance running race has consequences on health's runners. We used syndromic surveillance to estimate the health impact of this sporting event on the Emergency Departments (ED) of Reunion Island. During the race's period, a global increase of the ED visits all causes was observed. The syndromic surveillance system detected a significant ED visits' increase for hydro-electrolytic disorders. These results highlight the usefulness of syndromic surveillance to estimate the impact on health of a mass gathering on a sporting event of great magnitude.