bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mongwalelo wa sefela sa Serote: 'A re thabeng re rete' (Difela t�a kereke, 2010)
Authors: Mampuru Deborah , Mojalefa Jerry
Published: November 2015

Bangwadi ba Bathobaso ba difela t�a kereke ba huedit�we ke bangwadi ba baruti (ba Matoit�hi ba Kereke ya Lutere ya Berlin) ge ba tlo ngwala difela. Ka go realo ke ba mathomo ba go ngwala poleloopelwa ya Sepedi. Ka lebaka la gore baruti ba Matoit�hi ba be ba sa tsebe melao ya go laola metara wa Sepedi, ba thomile go hlama difela t�a bona ka mokgwa wo difela t�a Setoit�hi di hlamilwego ka wona. Bangwadi ba difela ba Bapedi le bona ba ba �ala morago bjalo. Ka go realo go ka thwe mothopomogolo wa khuet�o ya sebjalebjale dingwalong t�a Sepedi ke mediro ya kereke ya mathomothomo. Le ge go le bjalo bohlokwa bjo bja kgolo ya theto ka tsela ya difela dingwalong t�a Sepedi ga se bja �alwa morago le go gatelelwa ke basekaseki. Maikemi�et�o a taodi�wana ye ke go lekola, ka botlalo, mongwalelo wa difela ka go nepi�a sefela sa Serote sa 147 sa go bit�wa �A re thabeng re rete� (Difela t�a kereke 2010:130). Go yo tsitsinkela ka fao mongwalelo o t�wet�ago pele kgegeo. Ka mant�u a mangwe, go yo sekasekwa dipharologant�ho t�a mongwalelo t�e di t�wet�ago pele kgegeo. Go tlo lemogwa gore kgegeo yeo e bonagat�wa ka modiro wa Selalelo se Sekgethwa sa Morena seo se hlalo�wago ka tsela ya khuduego/maikutlo go t�wet�a pele morero wa mongwadi/moopedi wa sefela se ka ge bjale Selalelo e le selo seo Bakriste ba se hlomphago (se lebane le tshwarelo ya dibe t�a bona), go ya ka fao se hlalo�wago ka gona ka tsela yeo ya kgegeo.�AbstractBlack composers of church hymns were influenced by German pastors of the Berlin Lutheran Church to do so. In other words, these pastors were the first composers to write the Sepedi language in the form of music; because they did not know the rules that control the Sepedi meter, the writers started to compose their hymns in the way that the German hymns were patterned. Therefore, one might argue that the main source of modern influence in Sepedi literature lies in the workings of the very first hymns of the said church. Nevertheless, the importance of the development of poetry in the form of hymns in the Sepedi literature has not been followed up and emphasised by reviewers.The aim of this article is to survey thoroughly the style of writing hymns, by discussing Rev Serote�s hymn number 147, entitled �A re thabeng re rete� (Difela t�a kereke 2010:130).The scrutiny will examine the way in which style depicts irony in the very hymn. In other words, the investigation considers especially the characteristics of style that indicate and develop irony in the work. It will be shown that the irony becomes clear during the service of Baptism which is expressed by way of emotions to develop the author�s aim, as this sacrament is something that Christians respect (it goes hand in hand with the forgiveness of their sins).
On Formal Stability of Stratified Shear Flows
Authors: Sakuma Hirofumi , Fukumoto Yasuhide
Published: November 2015

A novel linear stability criterion is established for the equilibria of general three-dimensional (3D) rotating flows of an ideal gas satisfying Boyle-Charles\rq\ law by a newly refined energy-Casimir convexity (ECC) method that can exploit a larger class of Casimir invariants. As a conventional ECC method cannot be applied directly to stratified shear flows, in our new approach, rathern than checking the local convexity of a Lyapunov functional

L\equiv E+C_{E}

defined as a sum of the total energy and a ceratin Casimir, we seek the condition for non-existence of unstable manifolds: orbits (physically realisable flow in phase space) on the leaves of invariants including

L

as well as other Casimirs connecting a given equilibrium point

O

and other points in the neighbourhood of it. We argue that the separatrices of the second variation of

L

(

\delta^{2}L=0

) generally consist of such unstable manifolds as well as pseudo unstable ones for which either the total energy or Casimirs actually serves as a barrier for escaping orbits. The significance of new method lies in the fact that it eliminates the latter so as to derive a condition that

O

being an isolated equilibrium point in terms of orbital connections.
О корректной разрешимости обратной задачи определения правой части в вырождающемся параболическом уравнении с условием интегрального наблюдения
Authors: Kamynin Vitaly Leonidovich
Published: November 2015

Получены теоремы существования, единственности и устойчивости
относительно возмущения входных данных решения обратной задачи
для вырождающегося параболического уравнения на плоскости
при условии интегрального наблюдения.
Рассмотрены случаи ограниченных и неограниченных коэффициентов.
Получены оценки решения с константами,
явно выписываемыми через входные данные задачи.
Библиография: 20 названий.
Exemples d’émergences récentes des maladies vectorielles en Europe : la fièvre catarrhale ovine et Schmallenberg. Cas de la peste équine pour la filière équine
Authors: Zientara Stéphan , Lecollinet Sylvie
Published: November 2015

Examples of recent emergences of arthropod-borne diseases in europe : bluetongue and Schmallenberg. case of african horse sickness for the equine industry.

Up to 1998, Bluetongue (BT) was regarded as an exotic disease in Europe. In 2006 and 2007, its unexpected spread in Northern Europe has underlined the emergence potential of vector-borne diseases. Impressively, since 2008, nine BT virus serotypes (out of 26 currently described) have been reported in Europe. African Horse Sickness (AHS) is an arthropod-borne disease which only affects the Equidae but which shares many similarities with BT : similar endemic zones in Africa, structure, transmission routes, preventive and control methods, identical or comparable insect vectors (Culicoides). Moreover, at the end of 2011, a novel orthobunyavirus (the Schmallenberg virus – or SBV –), also transmitted by Culicoides midges, was identified in Germany and subsequently spread to all Europe. This paper will describe the analogies between BT, SBV disease and AHS and considering the experience gained through BT and SBV epizootics in Europe, will underline the prevention methods, the strengths and weaknesses of the European systems in facing the probable reemergence of AHS in Europe or France.
Borréliose de Lyme : impact de l’homme sur la persistance et la circulation de Borrelia Burgdorferi sensu lato dans l’environnement
Authors: Boulanger Nathalie , Jaulhac Benoît
Published: November 2015

La borréliose de Lyme est une infection bactérienne transmise par les tiques dures du genre Ixodes.

C’est avant tout une zoonose qui circule dans un large panel d’hôtes vertébrés sauvages (lézards, oiseaux, rongeurs, cervidés…) et domestiques ; l’homme est un hôte accidentel. Ces dernières années, la notion d’émergence a été évoquée pour cette pathologie, notamment à cause des modifications climatiques. Les raisons sont plus complexes. La pathologie est mieux connue sur un plan médical grâce aux progrès diagnostiques, cliniques et épidémiologiques. De plus, l’analyse des différents facteurs biotiques et abiotiques laissent penser que l’anthropisation des environnements où évoluent les tiques, est responsable de l’émergence des maladies transmises par les tiques dont la borréliose de Lyme. En effet, l’homme modifie pour des raisons socio-économiques surtout, les écosystèmes forestiers et la faune sauvage qui favorisent le développement des populations de tique et donc des maladies qu’elles transmettent.
Surveillance des maladies vectorielles : méthodes, avantages et limites
Authors: Dufour Barbara , Hendrikx Pascal , Leblond Agnès
Published: November 2015

Monitoring of vector-borne diseases : methods, strengths / weak point.

Recent outbreaks of vector-borne diseases in France over the past decade have illustrated the need for efficient surveillance methods to monitor the onset and / or spread of these diseases. Epidemiological surveillance can detect the emergence of new or exotic diseases or monitor the epidemiological situation of an already established disease in an area to adapt control measures. Epidemiological surveillance can take many forms that can be combined to monitor a disease : Eventdriven surveillance (also called passive surveillance), programmed surveillance (or active surveillance) and syndromic surveillance.

The specificities of the vector-borne diseases surveillance are based on the frequent complexity of their epidemiological cycles and the surveillance of the vectors. Entomological surveillance uses specific methods that are sometimes heavy and expensive to implement. It can track the geographical distribution of vectors, periods of vector activity, but due to a frequently low vector competence, usually cannot monitor diseases transmitted by these vectors.
Le système kisspeptine: au coeur du contrôle de la reproduction
Authors: Beltramo Massimiliano , Dufourny Laurence
Published: November 2015

Kisspeptin system : into the heart of reproduction control.

Since the discovery of its importance in reproduction, the system formed by the neuropeptide kisspeptin and its receptor (KISS1R) has been the object of intense research activities. The results obtained in mammals show that this system plays an important role in several aspects of reproduction. Considering the extent of available data, we have focused our attention on a limited number of points that allow anyhow drawing a general picture of the field. First, we will illustrate the neuroanatomical and physiological data that permitted to establish that the main action of the system is the regulation of GnRH neurons and of their secretion patterns (pulsatile or surge). Then we will describe evidence for the implication of this system in initiating puberty and triggering ovulation. Finally, we will sketch a picture of the possible applications of Kp system modulation to better manage reproduction or to treat pathologies of the reproductive system either in veterinary or human medicine.
Predictive Time Series Analysis Linking Bengal Cholera with Terrestrial Water Storage Measured from Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment Sensors
Authors: Jutla Antarpreet , Akanda Ali , Unnikrishnan Avinash , Huq Anwar , Colwell Rita
Published: November 2015

Outbreaks of diarrheal diseases, including cholera, are related to floods and droughts in regions where water and sanitation infrastructure are inadequate or insufficient. However, availability of data on water scarcity and abundance in transnational basins, are a prerequisite for developing cholera forecasting systems. With more than a decade of terrestrial water storage (TWS) data from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment, conditions favorable for predicting cholera occurrence may now be determined. We explored lead–lag relationships between TWS in the Ganges–Brahmaputra–Meghna basin and endemic cholera in Bangladesh. Since bimodal seasonal peaks in cholera in Bangladesh occur during spring and autumn seasons, two separate logistical models between TWS and disease time series (2002–2010) were developed. TWS representing water availability showed an asymmetrical, strong association with cholera prevalence in the spring (τ = −0.53; P < 0.001) and autumn (τ = 0.45; P < 0.001) up to 6 months in advance. One unit (centimeter of water) decrease in water availability in the basin increased odds of above normal cholera by 24% (confidence interval [CI] = 20–31%; P < 0.05) in the spring, while an increase in regional water by 1 unit, through floods, increased odds of above average cholera in the autumn by 29% (CI = 22–33%; P < 0.05).
Short-Course Treatment Regimen of Indian Visceral Leishmaniasis with an Indian Liposomal Amphotericin B Preparation (Fungisome™)
Authors: Goswami Rama P. , Goswami Rudra P. , Das Sukhen , Satpati Aditya , Rahman Mehebubar
Published: November 2015

India bears the burden of about half of global visceral leishmaniasis (VL) cases with emerging problems of stibanate resistance. Liposomal preparations have improved treatment outcome through shorter duration of therapy and lower toxicity compared with conventional amphotericin B. We report the efficacy of two short-course regimens of an Indian preparation of liposomal amphotericin B (Fungisome™) for VL caused by Leishmania donovani in India. An open-label, randomized, single-center comparative study was undertaken from 2008 to 2011, involving 120 treatment naive non–human immunodeficiency virus VL patients randomly allocated to two groups. Fungisome™ was given, in groups A (N = 60), 5 mg/kg daily for 2 days and B (N = 60), 7.5 mg/kg daily for 2 days, as intravenous infusion. Initial cure rate was 100% in both the groups after 1 month posttreatment. At 6 months after completion of treatment, definitive cure rate was group A 90% (54/60, 95% confidence interval (CI): 80.55–95.72%); group B: 100% (95% CI: 95.92–100%); (P = 0.027). No serious adverse events occurred in either group. The short-course, 2-day regimen of 15 mg/kg Fungisome™ infusion is easy to administer, effective, and safe for treatment of VL caused by L. donovani in India.
Diagnosis of Opisthorchis viverrini Infection with Handheld Microscopy in Lao People's Democratic Republic
Authors: Bogoch Isaac I. , Sayasone Somphou , Vonghachack Youthanavanh , Meister Isabel , Utzinger Jürg , Odermatt Peter , Andrews Jason R. , Keiser Jennifer
Published: November 2015

Opisthorchiasis is a neglected tropical disease, yet it is of considerable public health importance in Southeast Asia given the predilection for chronically infected persons to develop cholangiocarcinoma. We evaluated a handheld microscope for the diagnosis of Opisthorchis viverrini in a community-based setting in Lao People's Democratic Republic in comparison with conventional light microscopy. In stool samples collected from 104 individuals, handheld microscopy revealed a sensitivity of 70.6% and a specificity of 89.5% for O. viverrini infection. Pearson's correlation for quantitative fecal egg counts between the two devices was 0.98 (95% confidence interval: 0.98–0.99). With small adjustments to further increase diagnostic sensitivity, a handheld microscope may become a helpful tool to screen for O. viverrini and other helminth infections in public health settings.
Peak-fitting and integration imprecision in the Aerodyne aerosol mass spectrometer: effects of mass accuracy on location-constrained fits
Authors: C. Corbin J. , Othman A. , D. Allan J. , R. Worsnop D. , D. Haskins J. , Sierau B. , Lohmann U. , A. Mensah A.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. The errors inherent in the fitting and integration of the pseudo-Gaussian ion peaks in Aerodyne high-resolution aerosol mass spectrometers (HR-AMSs) have not been previously addressed as a source of imprecision for these or similar instruments. This manuscript evaluates the significance of this imprecision and proposes a method for their estimation in routine data analysis. In the first part of this work, it is shown that peak-integration errors are expected to scale linearly with peak height for the constrained-peak-shape fits performed in the HR-AMS. An empirical analysis is undertaken to investigate the most complex source of peak-integration imprecision: the imprecision in fitted peak height, σh. It is shown that the major contributors to σh are the imprecision and bias inherent in the m/z calibration, both of which may arise due to statistical and physical non-idealities of the instrument. A quantitative estimation of these m/z-calibration imprecisions and biases show that they may vary from ion to ion, even for ions of similar m/z. In the second part of this work, the empirical analysis is used to constrain a Monte Carlo approach for the estimation of σh and thus the peak-integration imprecision. The estimated σh for selected well-separated peaks (for which m/z-calibration imprecision and bias could be quantitatively estimated) scaled linearly with peak height as expected (i.e. as n1). In combination with the imprecision in peak-width quantification (which may be easily and directly estimated during quantification), peak-fitting imprecisions therefore dominate counting imprecisions (which scale as n0.5) at high signals. The previous HR-AMS uncertainty model therefore underestimates the overall fitting imprecision even for well-resolved peaks. We illustrate the importance of this conclusion by performing positive matrix factorization on a synthetic HR-AMS data set both with and without its inclusion. In the third part of this work, the Monte Carlo approach is extended to the case of an arbitrary number of overlapping peaks. Here, a modification to the empirically constrained approach was needed, because the ion-specific m/z-calibration bias and imprecision can generally only be estimated for well-resolved peaks. The modification is to simply overestimate the m/z-calibration imprecision in all cases. This overestimation results in only a slight overestimate of σh, while significantly reducing the sensitivity of σh to the unknown, ion-specific m/z-calibration biases. Thus, with only the measured data and an approximate estimate of the order of magnitude of m/z-calibration biases as input, conservative and unbiased estimates of peak-integration imprecisions may be obtained for each peak in any ensemble of overlapping peaks.
Application of bias correction methods to improve the accuracy of quantitative radar rainfall in Korea
Authors: Lee J.-K. , Kim J.-H. , Suk M.-K.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. There are many potential sources of the biases in the radar rainfall estimation process. This study classified the biases from the rainfall estimation process into the reflectivity measurement bias and the rainfall estimation bias by the Quantitative Precipitation Estimation (QPE) model and also conducted the bias correction methods to improve the accuracy of the Radar-AWS Rainrate (RAR) calculation system operated by the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA). In the Z bias correction for the reflectivity biases occurred by measuring the rainfalls, this study utilized the bias correction algorithm. The concept of this algorithm is that the reflectivity of the target single-pol radars is corrected based on the reference dual-pol radar corrected in the hardware and software bias. This study, and then, dealt with two post-process methods, the Mean Field Bias Correction (MFBC) method and the Local Gauge Correction method (LGC), to correct the rainfall estimation bias by the QPE model. The Z bias and rainfall estimation bias correction methods were applied to the RAR system. The accuracy of the RAR system was improved after correcting Z bias. For the rainfall types, although the accuracy of the Changma front and the local torrential cases was slightly improved without the Z bias correction the accuracy of the typhoon cases got worse than the existing results in particular. As a result of the rainfall estimation bias correction, the Z bias_LGC was especially superior to the MFBC method because the different rainfall biases were applied to each grid rainfall amount in the LGC method. For the rainfall types, the results of the Z bias_LGC showed that the rainfall estimates for all types was more accurate than only the Z bias and, especially, the outcomes in the typhoon cases was vastly superior to the others.
A novel ZePoC encoder for sinusoidal signals with a predictable accuracy for an AC power standard
Authors: Vennemann T. , Frye T. , Liu Z. , Kahmann M. , Mathis W.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. In this paper we present an analytical formulation of a Zero Position Coding (ZePoC) encoder for an AC power standard based on class-D topologies. For controlling a class-D power stage a binary signal with special spectral characteristics will be generated by this ZePoC encoder for sinusoidal signals. These spectral characteristics have a predictable accuracy within a separated baseband to keep the noise floor below a specified level. Simulation results will validate the accuracy of this novel ZePoC encoder. For a real-time implementation of the encoder on a DSP/FPGA hardware architecture a trade-off between accuracy and speed of the ZePoC algorithm has to be made. Therefore the numerical effects of different floating point formats will be analyzed.
A programmable energy efficient readout chip for a multiparameter highly integrated implantable biosensor system
Authors: Nawito M. , Richter H. , Stett A. , Burghartz J. N.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. In this work an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) for an implantable electrochemical biosensor system (SMART implant, Stett et al., 2014) is presented. The ASIC drives the measurement electrodes and performs amperometric measurements for determining the oxygen concentration, potentiometric measurements for evaluating the pH-level as well as temperature measurements. A 10-bit pipeline analog to digital (ADC) is used to digitize the acquired analog samples and is implemented as a single stage to reduce power consumption and chip area. For pH measurements, an offset subtraction technique is employed to raise the resolution to 12-bits. Charge integration is utilized for oxygen and temperature measurements with the capability to cover current ranges between 30 nA and 1 μA. In order to achieve good performance over a wide range of supply and process variations, internal reference voltages are generated from a programmable band-gap regulated circuit and biasing currents are supplied from a wide-range bootstrap current reference. To accommodate the limited available electrical power, all components are designed for low power operation. Also a sequential operation approach is applied, in which essential circuit building blocks are time multiplexed between different measurement types. All measurement sequences and parameters are programmable and can be adjusted for different tissues and media. The chip communicates with external unites through a full duplex two-wire Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI), which receives operational instructions and at the same time outputs the internally stored measurement data. The circuit has been fabricated in a standard 0.5-μm CMOS process and operates on a supply as low as 2.7 V. Measurement results show good performance and agree with circuit simulation. It consumes a maximum of 500 μA DC current and is clocked between 500 kHz and 4 MHz according to the measurement parameters. Measurement results of the on-chip ADC show a Differential Non Linearity (DNL) lower than 0.5 LSB, an Integral Non Linearity (INL) lower than 1 LSB and a Figure of Merit (FOM) of 6 pJ/conversion.
Design investigation to improve voltage swing and bandwidth of the SiGe driver circuit for a silicon electro-optic ring modulator
Authors: Fatemi A. , Gaul H. , Keil U. , Klar H.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. This paper reports on a new SiGe driver IC to address the low breakdown voltage level of modern BiCMOS transistors. An optical modulator driver IC in SiGe 250 nm technology with a supply voltage of 4.5 V is presented. This driver IC consists of pre- and main driver stages where a newly modified cascode topology and capacitance degeneration technique is employed to meet current application requirements; high voltage swing at high datarate. The simulation results show a differential output voltage swing of 3.9 Vp-p at 14 Gbps data rate, according to the FDR Infiniband standard.
A test method for analysing disturbed ethernet data streams
Authors: Kreitlow M. , Sabath F. , Garbe H.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. Ethernet connections, which are widely used in many computer networks, can suffer from electromagnetic interference. Typically, a degradation of the data transmission rate can be perceived as electromagnetic disturbances lead to corruption of data frames on the network media. In this paper a software-based measuring method is presented, which allows a direct assessment of the effects on the link layer. The results can directly be linked to the physical interaction without the influence of software related effects on higher protocol layers. This gives a simple tool for a quantitative analysis of the disturbance of an Ethernet connection based on time domain data. An example is shown, how the data can be used for further investigation of mechanisms and detection of intentional electromagnetic attacks.
Transmission characteristics of a TEM waveguide for transient signals by the use of a damped sinusoidal
Authors: Briest N. , Garbe H. , Potthast S.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. This article broaches the issue of the propagation of transient signals in gigahertz transverse electromagnetic (GTEM) cells. As a representative for transient signals a damped sinusoidal (DS) is used with three different mid-band frequencies. The signal transmission of the DS in the GTEM1250 is qualified and discussed on the basis of the Pearson correlation coefficient (Pcc). The Pcc gives an overview of the signal transmission quality for all measuring points within the testvolume and signal distortions can be identified. A 100 MHz DS is weakly distorted in several measuring points. The Pcc at those points decreases and a signal shape variance can be assumed. Furthermore inhomogeneities of the GTEM1250 caused by the cell door can be identified.
Local Dynamic Map als modulares Software Framework für Fahrerassistenzsysteme
Authors: Reisdorf P. , Auerswald A. , Wanielik G.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. Moderne Fahrerassistenzsysteme basieren auf der Verarbeitung von Informationen, welche durch die Umfeldwahrnehmung mit unterschiedlicher Sensorik erfolgt. Neben den Informationen aus dem eigenen Fahrzeug ergeben sich durch unterschiedliche Kommunikationsmöglichkeiten (Car2Car, Car2X,...) erweiterte Umfeldwahrnehmungen (siehe Abb. 1). Diese Daten gilt es aufbereitet und zielorientiert einer Anwendung zur Verfügung zu stellen, was mit Hilfe einer Local Dynamic Map (LDM) erfüllt werden kann. Die vorliegende Veröffentlichung beschreibt den Aufbau, Verwendungszweck und Eigenschaften einer entwickelten LDM und geht auf einige Applikationen ein, die mit Hilfe dieser realisiert wurden.
Investigations and system design for simultaneous energy and data transmission through inductively coupled resonances
Authors: Schmidt C. , Lloret Fuentes E. , Buchholz M.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) with simultaneous data transmission through coupled magnetic resonators is investigated in this paper. The development of this system is dedicated to serve as a basis for applications in the field of Ambient Assisted Living (AAL), for example tracking vital parameters remotely, charge and control sensors and so on. Due to these different scenarios we consider, it is important to have a system which is reliable under the circumstance of changing positioning of the receiving device. State of the art radio systems would be able to handle this. Nevertheless, energy harvesting from far field sources is not sufficient to power the devices additionally on mid-range distances. For this reason, coupled magnetic resonant circuits are proposed as a promising alternative, although suffering from more complex positioning dependency. Based on measurements on a simple prototype system, an equivalent circuit description is used to model the transmission system dependent on different transmission distances and impedance matching conditions. Additionally, the simulation model is used to extract system parameters such as coupling coefficients, coil resistance and self-capacitance, which cannot be calculated in a simple and reliable way. Furthermore, a mathematical channel model based on the schematic model has been built in MATLAB©. It is used to point out the problems occurring in a transmission system with variable transmission distance, especially the change of the passband's centre frequency and its bandwidth. Existing solutions dealing with this distance dependent behaviour, namely the change of the transmission frequency dependent on distance and the addition of losses to the resonators to increase the bandwidth, are considered as not inventive. First, changing the transmission frequency increases the complexity in the data transmission system and would use a disproportional total bandwidth compared to the actually available bandwidth. Additionally, adding losses causes a decrease in the energy transmission efficiency. Based on these facts, we consider a system that changes the channel itself by tuning the resonant coils in a way that the passband is always at a fixed frequency. This would overcome the previously described issues, and additionally could allow for the possibility to run several independent transmission systems in parallel without disturbing each other.
Potential of dynamic spectrum allocation in LTE macro networks
Authors: Hoffmann H. , Ramachandra P. , Kovács I. Z. , Jorguseski L. , Gunnarsson F. , Kürner T.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. In recent years Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) worldwide are extensively deploying LTE networks in different spectrum bands and utilising different bandwidth configurations. Initially, the deployment is coverage oriented with macro cells using the lower LTE spectrum bands. As the offered traffic (i.e. the requested traffic from the users) increases the LTE deployment evolves with macro cells expanded with additional capacity boosting LTE carriers in higher frequency bands complemented with micro or small cells in traffic hotspot areas. For MNOs it is crucial to use the LTE spectrum assets, as well as the installed network infrastructure, in the most cost efficient way. The dynamic spectrum allocation (DSA) aims at (de)activating the available LTE frequency carriers according to the temporal and spatial traffic variations in order to increase the overall LTE system performance in terms of total network capacity by reducing the interference. This paper evaluates the DSA potential of achieving the envisaged performance improvement and identifying in which system and traffic conditions the DSA should be deployed. A self-optimised network (SON) DSA algorithm is also proposed and evaluated. The evaluations have been carried out in a hexagonal and a realistic site-specific urban macro layout assuming a central traffic hotspot area surrounded with an area of lower traffic with a total size of approximately 8 × 8 km2. The results show that up to 47 % and up to 40 % possible DSA gains are achievable with regards to the carried system load (i.e. used resources) for homogenous traffic distribution with hexagonal layout and for realistic site-specific urban macro layout, respectively. The SON DSA algorithm evaluation in a realistic site-specific urban macro cell deployment scenario including realistic non-uniform spatial traffic distribution shows insignificant cell throughput (i.e. served traffic) performance gains. Nevertheless, in the SON DSA investigations, a gain of up to 25 % has been observed when analysing the resource utilisation in the non-hotspot cells.
Confirming anthropogenic influences on the major organic and inorganic constituents of rainwater in an urban area
Authors: Chon K. , Kim Y. , Bae D. H. , Cho J.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. Recently, rainwater composition affected by atmospheric pollutants has been the topic of intense study in East Asia because of its adverse environmental and human health effects. In the present study, the chemical composition and organic compounds of rainwater were investigated from June to December 2012 at Gwangju in Korea. The aim of this study is to determine the seasonal variation of rainwater chemical composition and to identify possible sources of inorganic and organic compounds. The volume-weighted mean of pH ranged from 3.83 to 8.90 with an average of 5.78. Of rainwater samples, 50 % had pH values below 5.6. The volume-weighted mean concentration (VWMC) of major ions followed the order Cl− > SO42− > NH4+ > Na+ > NO3− > Ca2+ > Mg2+ > K+. The VWMC of trace metals decreased in the order Zn > Al > Fe > Mn > Pb > Cu > Ni > Cd > Cr. The VWMCs of major ions and trace metals were higher in winter than in summer. The high enrichment factors indicate that Zn, Pb, Cu, and Cd originated predominantly from anthropogenic sources. Factor analysis (principal component analysis) indicates the influence of anthropogenic pollutants, sea salt, and crustal materials on the chemical compositions of rainwater. Benzoic acids, 1H-isoindole-1,3(2H)-dione, phthalic anhydride, benzene, acetic acids, 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acids, benzonitrile, acetaldehyde, and acetamide were the most prominent pyrolysis fragments for rainwater organic compounds identified by pyrolysis gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). The results indicate that anthropogenic sources are the most important factors affecting the organic composition of rainwater in an urban area.
Global scale modeling of melting and isotopic evolution of Earth's mantle
Authors: van Heck H. J. , Davies J. H. , Elliott T. , Porcelli D.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. Many outstanding problems in solid Earth science relate to the geodynamical explanation of geochemical observations. Currently, extensive geochemical databases of surface observations exist, but satisfying explanations of underlying mantle processes are lacking. One way to address these problems is through numerical modelling of mantle convection while tracking chemical information throughout the convective mantle. We have implemented a new way to track both bulk compositions and concentrations of trace elements in a finite element mantle convection code. Our approach is to track bulk compositions and trace element abundances via particles. One value on each particle represents bulk composition, and can be interpreted as the basalt component. In our model, chemical fractionation of bulk composition and trace elements happens at self-consistent, evolving melting zones. Melting is defined via a composition-dependent solidus, such that the amount of melt generated depends on pressure, temperature and bulk composition of each particle. A novel aspect is that we do not move particles that undergo melting; instead we transfer the chemical information carried by the particle to other particles. Molten material is instantaneously transported to the surface layer, thereby increasing the basalt component carried by the particles close to the surface, and decreasing the basalt component in the residue. The model is set to explore a number of radiogenic isotopic systems but as an example here the trace elements we choose to follow are the Pb isotopes and their radioactive parents. For these calculations we will show: (1) The evolution of the distribution of bulk compositions over time, showing the build up of oceanic crust (via melting-induced chemical separation in bulk composition); i.e. a basalt-rich layer at the surface, and the transportation of these chemical heterogeneities through the deep mantle. (2) The amount of melt generated over time. (3) The evolution of the concentrations and abundances of different isotopes of the trace elements (U, Th, K and Pb), throughout the mantle. (4) A comparison to a semi-analytical theory relating observed arrays of correlated Pb isotope compositions to melting age distributions (Rudge, 2006).
Identification of anthropogenic and natural inputs of sulfate into a karstic coastal groundwater system in northeast China: evidence from major ions, δ13CDIC and δ34SSO4
Authors: Han D. , Song X. , Currell M. J.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. The hydrogeochemical processes controlling groundwater evolution in the Daweijia area of Dalian, northeast China, were characterized using hydrochemistry and isotopes of carbon and sulfur (δ13CDIC and δ34SSO4). The aim was to distinguish anthropogenic impacts as distinct from natural processes, with a particular focus on sulfate, which is found at elevated levels (range: 54.4 to 368.8 mg L−1; mean: 174.4 mg L−1) in fresh and brackish groundwater. The current investigation reveals minor seawater intrusion impact (not exceeding 5 % of overall solute load), in contrast with extensive impacts observed in 1982 during the height of intensive abstraction. This indicates that measures to restrict groundwater abstraction have been effective. However, hydrochemical facies analysis shows that the groundwater remains in a state of ongoing hydrochemical evolution (towards Ca-Cl type water) and quality degradation (increasing nitrate and sulphate concentrations). The wide range of NO3 concentrations (74.7–579 mg L−1) in the Quaternary aquifer indicates considerable input of fertilizers and/or leakage from septic systems. Both δ13C (−14.5 to −5.9 ‰) and δ34SSO4 (+5.4–+13.1 ‰) values in groundwater show increasing trends along groundwater flow paths. While carbonate minerals may contribute to increasing δ13CDIC and δ34SSO4 values in deep karstic groundwater, high loads of agricultural fertilizers reaching the aquifer via irrigation return flow are likely the main source of the dissolved sulfate in Quaternary groundwater, as shown by distinctive isotopic ratios and a lack of evidence for other sources in the major ion chemistry. According to isotope mass balance calculations, the fertilizer contribution to overall sulfate has reached an average of 62.1 % in the Quaternary aquifer, which has a strong hydraulic connection to the underlying carbonate aquifer. The results point to an alarming level of impact from the local intensive agriculture on the groundwater system, a widespread problem throughout China.
Analysis of the drought resilience of Andosols on southern Ecuadorian Andean páramos
Authors: Iñiguez V. , Morales O. , Cisneros F. , Bauwens W. , Wyseure G.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. The neotropical Andean grasslands above 3500 m a.s.l. known as "páramo" offer remarkable ecological services for the Andean region. Most important is the water supply – of excellent quality – to many cities and villages established in the lowlands of the inter-Andean valleys and to the coast. However, the páramo ecosystem is under constant and increased threat by human activities and climate change. In this paper we study the resilience of its soils for drought periods during the period 2007–2013. In addition, field measurements and hydrological conceptual modelling at the catchment-scale are comparing two contrasting catchments in the southern Ecuadorian Andes. Both were intensively monitored during two and a half years (2010–2012) in order to analyse the temporal variability of the soil moisture storage. A typical catchment on the páramo at 3500 m a.s.l. was compared to a lower grassland one at 2600 m a.s.l. The main aim was to estimate the resilience capacity of the soils during a drought period and the recovery during a subsequent wet period. Local soil water content measurements in the top soil (first 30 cm) through TDR were used as a proxy for the catchment's average soil moisture storage. The local measurements were compared to the average soil water storage as estimated by the probabilistic soil moisture (PDM) model. This conceptual hydrological model with 5 parameters was calibrated and validated for both catchments. The study reveals the extraordinary resilience capacity of this type of shallow organic soils during the droughts in 2009 and 2010. During these droughts, the soil water content dropped from a normal value of about 0.80 to ~ 0.60 cm3 cm−3, while the recovery time was only two to three months.
Combining satellite observations to develop a daily global soil moisture product for a wide range of applications
Authors: Enenkel M. , Reimer C. , Dorigo W. , Wagner W. , Pfeil I. , Parinussa R. , De Jeu R.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. The soil moisture dataset that is generated via the Climate Change Initiative (CCI) of the European Space Agency (ESA) (ESA CCI SM) is a popular research product. It is composed of observations from nine different satellites and aims to exploit the individual strengths of active (radar) and passive (radiometer) sensors, thereby providing surface soil moisture estimates at a spatial resolution of 0.25°. However, the annual updating cycle limits the use of the ESA CCI SM dataset for operational applications. Therefore, this study proposes an adaptation of the ESA CCI processing chain for daily global updates via satellite-derived near real-time (NRT) soil moisture observations. In order to extend the ESA CCI SM dataset from 1978 to present we use NRT observations from the Advanced SCATterometer on-board the MetOp satellites and the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer 2 on-board GCOM-W. Since these NRT observations do not incorporate the latest algorithmic updates, parameter databases, and intercalibration efforts, by nature they offer a lower quality than reprocessed offline datasets. Our findings indicate that, despite issues in arid regions, the new "CCI NRT" dataset shows a good correlation with ESA CCI SM. The average global correlation coefficient between CCI NRT and ESA CCI SM (Pearson's R) is 0.8. An initial validation with 40 in-situ observations in France, Kenya, Senegal and Kenya yields an average R of 0.58 and 0.49 for ESA CCI SM and CCI NRT respectively. In summary, the CCI NRT dataset is getting ready for operational use, supporting applications such as drought and flood monitoring, weather forecasting or agricultural applications.
GPS derived ground motions (2005–2014) within the Gulf of Mexico region referred to a stable Gulf of Mexico reference frame
Authors: Yu J. , Wang G.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. This study investigates current ground motions derived from the GPS geodesy infrastructure in the Gulf of Mexico region. The positions and velocity vectors of 161 continuous GPS (CGPS) stations are presented with respect to a newly established local reference frame, the Stable Gulf of Mexico Reference Frame (SGOMRF). Thirteen long-term (> 5 years) CGPS are used to realize the local reference frame. The root-mean-square (RMS) of the velocities of the 13 SGOMRF reference stations achieves 0.2 mm yr−1 in the horizontal and 0.3 mm yr−1 in the vertical directions. GPS observations presented in this study indicate significant land subsidence in the coastal area of southeastern Louisiana, the greater Houston metropolitan area, and two cities in Mexico (Aguascalientes and Mexico City). The most rapid subsidence is recorded at the Mexico City International airport, which is up to 26.6 cm yr−1 (2008–2014). Significant spatial variation of subsidence rates is observed in both Mexico City and the Houston area. The overall subsidence rate in the Houston area is decreasing. GPS observations in southeastern Louisiana indicate minor (4.0–6.0 mm yr−1) but consistent subsidence over time and space. This poses a potential threat to the safety of costal infrastructure in the long-term.
Life Cycle of Tree Frogs (Hyla savygnyi) in Semi-Arid Habitats in Northern Israel
Authors: Degani Gad
Published: November 2015

The life cycle of tree frogs (Hyla savygnyi) in localities of various habitats in northern Israel in the Upper Galilee and Golan Heights (annual rainfall range of 500-1,000 mm) and the Hula Valley, ranging from 212 to 740 m above sea level (ASL), was studied. Tree frogs were observed around winter rain pools, springs and streams. Fifty-one different breeding places were monitored. Only ponds and springs having stable non-flowing water are used by tree frogs for reproduction and are where larvae can metamorphose. The male call in the breeding places attracts the female, who then comes to the male, and breeding occurs underwater. Breeding time in Israel varies according to location and geographical and ecological conditions. It takes place in March-April in northern Israel, the Upper Galilee, the Golan Heights and the Hula Valley. In various breeding places, larvae grow between April and June. Apparently tree frog larvae adapt to breeding places where stable water is found, such as in ponds or springs, but not to breeding places with flowing water such as streams or rivers. Various Anuran and Urodela larvae were found in the same breeding sites where the larvae of H. savygnyi were found, including Pseudepidalea Viridis, Rana bedriagae, Pelobates syriacus, Salamandra infraimmaculata and Triturs vittatus. Following metamorphosis, H. savygnyi adapt to terrestrial life in semi-arid habitats, and is found on plants or in hiding places under rocks and in holes to prevent dehydration particularly during hot and dry weather. The ability to change color helped the frogs to hide in various substrates. The rate of water loss of terrestrial H. savygnyi during dehydration is around 50% of body weight. Plasma osmolality increased from 200 mOsm/kg to about 450 mOsm/kg, which helped the tree frog to survive in semi-arid habitats.
Performance of Robust Linear Classifier with Multivariate Binary Variables
Authors: Egbo I. , Egbo M. , Onyeagu S. I.
Published: November 2015

This paper focuses on the robust classification procedures in two group discriminant analysis with multivariate binary variables. A normal distribution based data set is generated using the R-software statistical analysis system 2.15.3 using Barlett’s approximation to chi-square, the data set was found to be homogenous and was subjected to five linear classifiers namely: maximum likelihood discriminant function, fisher’s linear discriminant function, likelihood ratio function, full multinomial function and nearest neighbour function rule. To judge the performance of these procedures, the apparent error rates for each procedure are obtained for different sample sizes. The results obtained ranked the procedures as follows: fisher’s linear discriminant function, maximum likelihood, full multinomial, likelihood function and nearest neigbour function.
Accelerated Bidirectional Modifications of the Steepest Descent Method for Ill-posed Linear Algebraic Systems with Dynamics-theoretical and Optimization Interpretation
Authors: Liu Li-Wei , Hong Hong-Ki , Liu Chein-Shan
Published: November 2015

It is well known that the classical numerical algorithm of the steepest descent method (SDM) is effective for well-posed linear systems, but performs poorly for ill-posed ones. In this paper we propose accelerated and/or bidirectional modifications of SDM, namely the accelerated steepest descent method (ASDM), the bidirectional method (2DM), and the accelerated bidirectional method (A2DM). The starting point is a manifold defined in terms of a minimum functional and a fictitious time variable; nevertheless, in the end the fictitious time variable disappears so that we arrive at purely iterative algorithms. The proposed algorithms are justified by dynamics-theoretical and optimization interpretation. The accelerator plays a prominent role of switching from the situation of slow convergence to a new situation that the functional tends to decrease stepwise in an intermittent and ceaseless manner. Three examples of solving ill-posed systems are examined and comparisons are made with exact solutions and with the existing algorithms of the SDM, the Barzilai-Borwein method, and the random SDM, revealing that the new algorithms of ASDM and A2DM have better computational efficiency and accuracy even for the highly ill-posed systems.
Mediación semiótica en pro de la construcción de significado de rayo al hacer operativa su definición
Authors: Camargo Uribe Leonor , Perry Carrasco Patricia , Samper de Caicedo Carmen , Sáenz-Ludlow Adalira , Molina Oscar
Published: November 2015

El significado de un objeto geométrico se va consolidando en el uso que se hace de su definición y de los enunciados que establecen sus propiedades; también, en el uso que se hace del objeto mismo como herramienta. Así, entender un objeto geométrico involucra, entre otras cosas, hacer operativa su definición. Es decir, el estudiante debe poder llegar a usar de manera pertinente la definición, en calidad de garantía, en el marco de la producción de demostraciones. En este artículo se analizan aspectos de la construcción del significado de rayo asociados al uso de la definición como garantía. Este análisis tiene sus raíces en el signo triádico de Peirce y en la evolución de los interpretantes del profesor y de los estudiantes mientras se esfuerzan por hacer operativa tal definición. Además, ilustra la articulación de las nociones «construcción de significado» y «mediación semiótica del profesor».