bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electronification of the Public Procurement System
Authors: Tsygankov Sergey , Gasanova Ekaterina
Published: January 2017

This chapter analyzes the reform of public procurement systems in Russia and Ukraine in the context of electronization, as well as a comparative analysis of the effectiveness of such reforms. The goal is to determine the prospects of expanding the scope of e-procurement based on the analysis of the implementation of the reform of public procurement systems effects in Russia and Ukraine. Public procurement is a fundamental component of social and economic policy of any state, by means of this mechanism the government has the ability to create and influence the industry for future changes in production structures, increase efficiency and more rapid transition to an innovative new type of economy. Procurers are dependent on funds that provide their functioning and providing services to the population. Provision of works, goods and services to such customers is carried out by means of public procurement market, which, enhances the efficiency and transparency of spending money through a contractual relationship satisfying the needs of the state. The share of public procurement (including procurement of state-owned companies) is more over 25% of Russia's GDP, while in Ukraine - more than 7%. That's why it is possible to make a comparative analysis of public procurement reform in Russia and the Ukraine, whose legal approach is quite close (Tsygankov & Syropyatov, 2014).
Competitive Strategies in Retailing in Emerging Economies
Authors: Konuk Faruk Anıl
Published: January 2017

Fierce competition in the retailing sector requires companies to differentiate themselves from competitors. To gain competitive advantage, retailers have started to implement new marketing strategies. The objective of this chapter is to present new competitive strategies in retailing. With this aim, the concepts and strategies of experiential retailing, green retailing, fair trade, customer loyalty program, pop-up store, self-service technologies, expiration date-based pricing, Quick Response Code (QR code) has been discussed along with national and international examples of each kind of strategy. In addition, advantages of each strategy are also covered. At the end of this chapter, some managerial implications and suggestions were discussed based on these new retailing strategies.
Managing Innovation in the Service Sector in Emerging Markets
Authors: Awadalla Husam
Published: January 2017

Emerging markets are the home to most of the world's population and natural resources and as such are a high priority for both local and multinational companies. Emerging markets present attractive investment opportunities in the service sector. To pursue innovation in the service sector in emerging markets innovation managers need not only have a deep understanding of the core issues and challenges that prevail in this sector but also the understanding of the challenges inherent in these markets institutional, technological and legal and policy environments. The challenges to innovation that the service provider confront in emerging markets are varied; such as the lack of qualified labour, lack of substantial funding, risk to intellectual property and even “expropriation risk,” the possibility that host governments would seize foreign-owned assets. This chapter explores the challenges encountered when managing innovation activities in the service sector in emerging markets.
Pre-Purchase User Perceptions of Attributes and Post-Purchase Attitudes in Building Successful Online Retail Promotional Strategies
Authors: Rezaei Sajad , Chandran Rona , Oh Yoke Moi
Published: January 2017

As a critical feature of the human experience, attitude plays an important role which is essential in implementation of effective online retail strategies. The purpose of this chapter is to conceptualize consumer's pre-purchase user perceptions of attributes and post-purchase attitudes in building successful online retail promotional strategy in emerging economies-Malaysia. The chapter proposes an integrative conceptual framework toward implementation of effective promotional strategy which includes usage expediency, trustworthiness, price awareness, navigation design, experiential gratification and electronic word-of-mouth (EWOM). The chapter argues that pre-purchase user perceptions of attributes and post-purchase user perceptions of attitudes are important concept in promoting successful online retail website. Theoretical implications of chapter are further discussed.
Engagement with Online Customers in Emerging Economies
Authors: Arıkan Esra
Published: January 2017

In today's highly dynamic business environment, firms are increasingly seeking customer participation and engagement with their brands. Thus, the role that customer engagement plays in the co-creation of customer experience and value receives utmost attention from both academicians and practitioners and given the inherent characteristics of services, extending firm-customer relationships through customer engagement is especially critical for service firms. However, there still remains a gap in the literature in terms of how customers engage with services online. Drawing mainly on the service-dominant logic along with the relationship marketing and social exchange theories, this chapter addresses this research gap by providing a literature review in this area and examining the key drivers and outcomes of online customer engagement, particularly through online brand communities and social networking sites, so that customer engagement in such virtual environments can be promoted as a new opportunity to create enhanced value, especially in emerging economies.
Getting Off the Engineering Enrollment Rollercoaster
Authors: Plaksina Tatyana
Published: January 2017

Traditionally, petroleum engineering programs trained young professionals for the oil and gas industry. After years, this strong tie made the universities completely dependent on petroleum companies for their student placement and research funding. Similar to the operators and service companies, the universities became sensitive to changes in demand. In the last decade, in response to a rapid increase in crude oil prices and unconventional production, the industry experienced a hiring surge which caused a subsequent agitation among engineering freshmen to claim petroleum engineering as their major. As a result, this short period of high demand for petroleum engineering graduates created tremendous pressure on the departments making them expand beyond their educational capacities. In some cases, that led to doubling of the number of undergraduates. Simultaneously, this rapid expansion of the student enrollment created a growing demand for faculty who are now experiencing serious demographic and research gaps.
Integrated Model of Affordable Housing Delivery for the City of Windhoek
Authors: Randa Isaac Okoth
Published: January 2017

Limited access to affordable and decent housing for the low-medium income households of Namibia, especially in Windhoek, is a major concern. This is evident as nearly 70 percent of the population are unable to access affordable housing. This situation is exacerbated by lack of an integrated framework for affordable housing delivery strategy. Adopting an interpretivist perspective, in depth literature review of published records, and using hybrid value chain model; this paper aims to identify an effective and efficient strategy for the delivery of affordable housing in Windhoek through the application of the stakeholder approach. Also, the paper intends to determine the appropriate division of roles between public, private and community institutions, and to suggest possible policy interventions necessary for a viable affordable housing delivery strategy. Though several non-integrated initiatives are operational in Windhoek, the joint Public-Private-Social-Sector Partnership model represents a new business model in the affordable housing sector.
Eriksonian Analysis of Terrorism in West Africa
Authors: Mensah-Ankrah Chris
Published: January 2017

The objective of an Eriksonian analysis of terrorism is not to discard other theories, but to build on them, addressing their limitations through a personality development analysis which seeks to examine the susceptibility or eventual radicalization of an individual. So, while the concept attests to various socio-economic and political theories underpinning terrorism, it examines how these theories exposes the weaknesses of identity through a psychosocial analysis of personality development. The crux of the theory is therefore to examine reasons underlying the paths to radicalization from an intra-personal perspective largely influenced by one's immediate social conditions. The basic questions are therefore: Why do individuals of the same socio-economic and political pressure respond differently to the “pressures of radicalization”? Recommendations after the study includes; the concept of an integrating highly segregated extremist communities, a concept called “The Melting Pot”, revaluating teaching and learning models of Islamic Institutions offering Islamic studies.
Towards Advanced Quantum Cognitive Computation
Authors: Fiorini Rodolfo A.
Published: January 2017

Computational information conservation theory (CICT) can help us to develop competitive applications and even advanced quantum cognitive computational application and systems towards deep computational cognitive intelligence. CICT new awareness of a discrete HG (hyperbolic geometry) subspace (reciprocal space, RS) of coded heterogeneous hyperbolic structures, underlying the familiar Q Euclidean (direct space, DS) system surface representation can open the way to holographic information geometry (HIG) to recover lost coherence information in system description and to develop advanced quantum cognitive systems. This paper is a relevant contribution towards an effective and convenient “Science 2.0” universal computational framework to achieve deeper cognitive intelligence at your fingertips and beyond.
User-Oriented Video Streaming Service Based on Passive Aggressive Learning
Authors: Oide Makoto , Takahashi Akiko , Abe Toru , Suganuma Takuo
Published: January 2017

The authors propose a method to dynamically determine appropriate quality of service (QoS) required by users for video streaming services. In the proposed method, the video bit rate as the QoS parameter is determined based on the passive aggressive learning, which is an online learning algorithm for a regression problem, according to the user requirements, computational/network resources and service provisioning environments. Moreover, the method makes it possible to provide appropriate QoS by using optimization solution. In this paper, the authors describe the design and implementation of the method, then confirm the feasibility of the proposed method through the experiments.
Low Level of Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Children 20 Years After Initiation of Infant Vaccination Program in Wallis and Futuna
Authors: Pezzoli Lorenzo , Mathelin Jean Pierre , Hennessey Karen , Eswara-Aratchige Padmasiri , Valiakolleri Jayaprakash , Kim Sung Hye
Published: January 2017

The prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in Wallis and Futuna (WAF) was one of the highest in the Pacific and was the driving factor for introducing hepatitis B (HepB) vaccination in 1992 and HepB birth dose (HepB-BD) in 2006. Using lymphatic filariasis (LF) transmission assessment survey (TAS) as a survey platform for eliminating LF, we assessed HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) seroprevalence, HepB vaccination coverage, and its timeliness among schoolchildren in WAF. From one finger prick of all registered fourth and fifth grade students, we tested HBsAg and filariasis antigen simultaneously, and estimated HepB vaccination coverage and timeliness by reviewing students' immunization cards. Since the children targeted were born when the three-dose HepB schedule was 2, 3, and 8 months, we defined timely vaccination if each dose was given by 3, 4, and 12 months. Of 476 targeted, 427 were enrolled. HBsAg prevalence was 0.9%. Estimated HepB vaccination coverage was 97%, 97%, and 96% for the first, second, and third doses, respectively, yielding coverage for all three doses of 96%. Proportion of timely vaccination was lower: 80%, 56%, and 65%, respectively, and less than 50% for all three doses combined. The seroprevalence of HBsAg among schoolchildren in WAF is less than 1%, close to the control goal. HepB vaccination coverage was high, but many children were vaccinated late. We recommend increasing the efforts for timely HepB vaccination. By combining an HBV seroprevalence survey and coverage assessment, we demonstrated the benefit of using TAS as a public health platform to access schoolchildren.
A Malaria Ecology Index Predicted Spatial and Temporal Variation of Malaria Burden and Efficacy of Antimalarial Interventions Based on African Serological Data
Authors: McCord Gordon C. , Anttila-Hughes Jesse K.
Published: January 2017

Reducing the global health burden of malaria is complicated by weak reporting systems for infectious diseases and a paucity of vital statistics registration. This limits our ability to predict changes in malaria health burden intensity, target antimalarial resources where needed, and identify malaria impacts in retrospective data. We refined and deployed a temporally and spatially varying Malaria Ecology Index (MEI) incorporating climatological and ecological data to estimate malaria transmission strength and validate it against cross-sectional serology data from 39,875 children from seven sub-Saharan African countries. The MEI is strongly associated with malaria burden; a 1 standard deviation higher MEI is associated with a 50–117% increase in malaria risk and a 3–5 g/dL lower level of Hg. Results show that the relationship between malaria ecology and disease burden is attenuated with sufficient coverage of insecticide treated nets (ITNs) or indoor residual spraying (IRS). Having both ITNs and IRS reduce the added risk from adverse malaria ecology conditions by half. Readily available climate and ecology data can be used to estimate the spatial and temporal variation in malaria disease burden, providing a feasible alternative to direct surveillance. This will help target resources for malaria programs in the absence of national coverage of active case detection systems, and facilitate malaria research using retrospective health data.
Dimensional Accuracy of Multiple Pour Cast from Different Elastomer Impression Techniques
Authors: Haralur Satheesh B , Toman Majed S , Al-Shahrani Abdullah A , Al-Qarni Abdullah A
Published: January 2017

Context

The elastomeric impression material is the most widely used impression material in contemporary dental practice; their accuracy is critical for the outcome of indirect restorations. The accurate duplicate cast obtained from single impression reduces the professional clinical time, patient inconvenience, and extra material cost.

Aim

To compare the accuracy of the cast obtained from various impression methods utilizing elastomer impression materials.

Materials and methods

The stainless steel working cast model assembly consisting of two abutments and one pontic area was fabricated. Two sets of six each custom aluminum trays were fabricated, with 5 mm spacer and 2 mm space. The impression methods evaluated in the study were additional silicone putty reline (two step), heavy-light body (one step), monophase (one step), and polyether (one step). Type IV gypsum casts were poured at intervals of 1, 12, 24, and 48 hours. The resultant cast was measured with a traveling microscope for comparative dimensional accuracy. The data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance test at significance level <0.05.

Results

The die obtained from putty reline two-step impression techniques had the percentage of variation for the height -0.36 to -0.97% with 0.40 to 0.90% increase in diameter. One-step heavy-light body impression dies recorded the increased width by 0.50 to 0.80% and height reduced by - 0.73 to -1.21%. The resultant dies from additional silicone monophase impressions had a percentage of variation for width 1.20% and height by-1.34%. The similar value for width and height for polyether was -1.46% and -1.30% respectively.

Conclusion

Putty reline technique dies had better dimensional accuracy after repeated pour followed by dies from heavy-light body additional silicone impression.

Key message

The multiple pour cast from putty reline elastomeric impressions is clinically acceptable, while cast from polyether was smaller in dimension.

How to cite this article

Haralur SB, Toman MS, Al-Shahrani AA, Al-Qarni AA. Dimensional Accuracy of Multiple Pour Cast from Different Elastomer Impression Techniques. Int J Prosthodont Restor Dent 2016;6(3):51-56.
Diode Laser as an Adjunctive to Nonsurgical Periodontal Therapy during Maintenance Phase: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Suprith SS , Setty Swati , Thakur Srinath
Published: January 2017

Aim

The aim of the study was to determine and compare the pocket depths (PD), relative attachment levels (RAL), bleeding on probing (BOP) and plaque indices (PI) in patients treated with scaling and root planning (SRP) alone and along with diode laser.

Materials and methods

The study was carried out on 30 subjects who fulfill the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Group I: 15 patients treated with SRP along with diode laser irradiation. Group II: 15 patients treated only with SRP. The clinical parameters were probing PD, RAL, BOP and PI which were recorded at base line, 7 days and after 1 month. Statistical analysis was done using Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Shapiro-Wilk, t-test, chi-square test.

Results

The use of diode lasers as an adjunct to SRP during maintenance phase showed better results when compared to SRP alone. Moderate periodontal pockets with moderate attachment loss showed significant improvement in group I than in group II. There was no change in deep pockets with severe attachment loss in both groups.

Clinical significance

The study shows that the specified laser parameter and the modality of application of the same results in faster healing. This can be recommended as an appropriate treatment for moderate pockets.

How to cite this article

Suprit SS, Setty S, Thakur S. Diode Laser as an Adjunctive to Nonsurgical Periodontal Therapy during Maintenance Phase: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial. Int J Laser Dent 2016;6(1):12-17.
Comparison of Adhesion of Blood Components on Root Surfaces treated with Citric Acid, Nd:YAG, Er:YAG, and CO2 Lasers: An in vitro Analysis
Authors: Sabnis Shweta , Gayathri GV , Chandra Khyati K , Mehta Dhoom S
Published: January 2017

Objectives

Erstwhile studies have emphasized the importance of establishing a secure fibrin linkage between the tooth-soft tissue interface for formation of a new connective attachment. Thus, periodontal regeneration is reliant on the constant adhesion, maturation and absorption of fibrin clots to the root surfaces which are compromised periodontally. Improved fibrin clot formation and blood cell attachment is being aimed by modification of the root surfaces with different agents. Limited studies have evaluated the attachment of blood cell component on various laser treated root surfaces individually.

Hence, the aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate and compare the adhesion of blood components on the root surfaces treated with citric acid, Nd:YAG, Er:YAG and CO2 lasers by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Materials and methods

The proposed study was conducted on 35 root specimens (5 × 5 × 1 mm) obtained from extracted periodontally compromised permanent teeth. The root specimens were randomly divided in five groups depending upon the type of treatment rendered. Group I: Untreated control group, group II: Citric acid (pH:1), group III: Nd:YAG laser (112.5 m J/pulse), group IV: CO2 laser (12.5 J/cm2), group V: Er:YAG laser (120 m J). Following the respective treatments, fresh human whole peripheral blood obtained from a healthy donor was applied to the external surface of all root specimens. The specimens were then analysed and scored for the adhesion of the blood components with photomicrographs of SEM.

Results

Statistically significant increase in the adhesion of blood components was seen in all the test groups compared to control group both citric acid and Er:YAG laser showed higher adhesion of blood cells to the root surface than the Nd:YAG laser and CO2 laser.

Conclusion

Er:YAG laser enhanced the adhesion of blood components over the treated root surfaces. Hence, it can be safely used as a root bio-modifier ensuring stable fibrin linkage to promote periodontal regeneration.

How to cite this article

Sabnis S, Gayathri GV, Chandra KK, Mehta DS. Comparison of Adhesion of Blood Components on Root Surfaces treated with Citric Acid, Nd:YAG, Er:YAG, and CO2 Lasers: An in vitro Analysis. Int J Laser Dent 2016;6(1):18-23.
Reliability and Validity of a Questionnaire to Assess Swallowing Disorders in Parkinson's Disease Cases
Authors: Radhakrishnan Suresh K , Sundaram KR
Published: January 2017

Introduction

Swallowing problems have significant subjective component. Their evaluation necessitates the use of questionnaires to know both extent of symptoms and effect on quality of life. These should be designed to get maximum information with minimum trouble to the patient. Parkinson's disease (PD) involves swallowing disorder as a symptom, often unreported. Hence, this needs to be assessed separately.

Aim

To develop a questionnaire, in the vernacular, to check for the presence of swallowing problems in PD patients and to study its reliability and validity.

Materials and methods

We developed an 11-item questionnaire in English, modeled on the Tel Aviv swallowing disturbance questionnaire (SDQ), chosen for its brevity. This was translated into the vernacular (Malayalam, native tongue of the state of Kerala in India) and administered to patients (n = 106) attending the weekly PD clinic of a tertiary care center, in consultation with the attending n in charge of movement disorder patients. The same questionnaire was also administered to age-matched controls (patients without any swallowing disorders) (n = 63) attending the ear, nose, and throat (ENT); neurology; and geriatric clinics. The scores were documented and statistical analysis done, to check for internal reliability and validity.

Results

Comparison of mean total scores between cases (2.89) and controls (1.51) showed a statistically significant difference, indicating statistical validity (p = 0.009). Guttman's split-half correlation showed fairly good reliability for both cases (0.812) and controls (0.851).

Conclusion

The present questionnaire to assess dysphagia in PD patients has been found to be reliable and valid for use. We recommend it as a screening tool in the neurology outpatient department (OPD).

How to cite this article

Menon U, Radhakrishnan SK, Sundaram KR. Reliability and Validity of a Questionnaire to Assess Swallowing Disorders in Parkinson's Disease Cases. Int J Phonosurg Laryngol 2016;6(2):78-82.
Keratoconic Cone using its Keratometry, Decentration, and Thickness as Staging Parameters
Authors: Tu Kyaw L , Tourkmani Abdo K , Srinivas Singaram
Published: January 2017

Aim

To propose a new system of keratoconus staging using a set of parameters describing the keratoconic cone.

Materials and methods

Retrospective case series study of 101 keratoconic eyes of 58 patients was undertaken. They all had complete eye examination including corneal topography (Oculus Pentacam). Kmean, Kmax, higher order aberrations (HOAs) root mean square (HOARMS) value, pachymetry at thinnest point and steepest corneal meridian were obtained from Pentacam. Apex to thinnest pachymetry distance (D) was calculated using trigonometry. Pearson correlation coefficients between Kmax and HOARMS, between D on the one hand and the adjusted angle of steepest meridian, Kmean and Kmax respectively on the other, were calculated.

Results

There is a statistically significant positive correlation between Kmax and HOARMS (p < 0.00001). There is a negative correlation, a “horizontalization,” of the steep meridian with D increase, although it fell short of statistical significance (p = 0.07). D and Kmean (p = 0.003), and D and Kmax (p = 0.005) are significantly negatively correlated.

Conclusion

Kmax correlates with significant changes in HOAs. D correlates with corneal astigmatic meridian change and has a divergent path to Kmean and to Kmax. We propose a new keratometry, decentration, and thinnest pachymetry staging using the parameters Kmax (K), distance from the corneal apex to the thinnest pachymetry point (D), and corneal thickness at its thinnest point (T) to give a better, detailed description of a keratoconic cornea which could lead to improvements in assessment of its severity and treatment outcomes.

How to cite this article

Tu KL, Tourkmani AK, Srinivas S. Keratoconic Cone using its Keratometry, Decentration and Thickness as Staging Parameters. Int J Kerat Ect Cor Dis 2016;5(3):99-104.
A Case of Cyclopentolate Induced Psychosis
Authors: Vishwaraj Sharath , Vardhan Vishnu
Published: January 2017

Cyclopentolate is the cycloplegic drug of choice in children older than 1 year. Though rare, if absorbed systematically, it is known to cause Central Anticholinergic Syndrome. Children are especially prone due to their lower body weight. Symptoms and signs in children include flushing, tachycardia, feeding intolerance, seizures, and drowsiness. We may also see behavioral changes and transient psychotic reactions. We describe a case in which the patient had acute behavioral and psychotic manifestation following instillation of cyclopentolate.

How to cite this article

Vardhan V, Vishwaraj S. A Case of Cyclopentolate Induced Psychosis. J Med Sci 2016;2(2):36-37.
Multidetector Computed Tomography Evaluation of Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma
Authors: Somayaji Nayana R , Talwade Rahul , Shukla Anil K , Pramila V Seetha , Nagesh R
Published: January 2017

Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma is relatively uncommon accounting for 0.5% of all head and neck tumors occurring exclusively in adolescent males. It is a microscopically benign, yet locally aggressive tumor with high rates of recurrence and results in severe morbidity. Diagnosis requires high index of suspicion as it mimics other sinonasal conditions, like sinonasal polyp, neurofibroma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, etc. A case of 14-year-old boy with history of swelling in the right cheek, bilateral nasal obstruction, epistaxis, and watering from right eye referred for multidetector computed tomography is reported in this study.

How to cite this article

Somayaji NR, Talwade R, Shukla AK, Pramila VS, Nagesh R, Pravin GU. Multidetector Computed Tomography Evaluation of Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma. J Med Sci 2016;2(2):38-41.
In situ and denuder-based measurements of elemental and reactive gaseous mercury with analysis by laser-induced fluorescence – results from the Reno Atmospheric Mercury Intercomparison Experiment
Authors: Hynes Anthony J. , Everhart Stephanie , Bauer Dieter , Remeika James , Tatum Ernest Cheryl
Published: January 2017

Abstract. The University of Miami (UM) deployed a sequential two-photon laser-induced fluorescence (2P-LIF) instrument for the in situ measurement of gaseous elemental mercury, Hg(0), during the Reno Atmospheric Mercury Intercomparison Experiment (RAMIX) campaign. A number of extended sampling experiments, typically lasting 6–8 h but on one occasion extending to ∼ 24 h, were conducted, allowing the 2P-LIF measurements of Hg(0) concentrations to be compared with two independently operated instruments using gold amalgamation sampling coupled with cold vapor atomic fluorescence spectroscopic (CVAFS) analysis. At the highest temporal resolution, ∼ 5 min samples, the three instruments measured concentrations that agreed to within 10–25 %. Measurements of total mercury (TM) were made by using pyrolysis to convert total oxidized mercury (TOM) to Hg(0). TOM was then obtained by difference. Variability in the ambient Hg(0) concentration limited our sensitivity for measurement of ambient TOM using this approach. In addition, manually sampled KCl-coated annular denuders were deployed and analyzed using thermal dissociation coupled with single-photon LIF detection of Hg(0). The TOM measurements obtained were normally consistent with KCl denuder measurements obtained with two Tekran speciation systems and with the manual KCl denuder measurements but with very large uncertainty. They were typically lower than measurements reported by the University of Washington (UW) Detector for Oxidized Hg Species (DOHGS) system. The ability of the 2P-LIF pyrolysis system to measure TM was demonstrated during one of the manifold HgBr2 spikes but the results did not agree well with those reported by the DOHGS system. The limitations of the RAMIX experiment and potential improvements that should be implemented in any future mercury instrument intercomparison are discussed. We suggest that instrumental artifacts make a substantial contribution to the discrepancies in the reported measurements over the course of the RAMIX campaign. This suggests that caution should be used in drawing significant implications for the atmospheric cycling of mercury from the RAMIX results.
Ozonolysis of α-phellandrene, Part 1: Gas- and particle-phase
characterisation
Authors: Mackenzie-Rae Felix A. , Liu Tengyu , Deng Wei , Wang Xinming , Saunders Sandra M. , Fang Zheng , Zhang Yanli
Published: January 2017

Abstract. The ozonolysis of α-phellandrene, a highly reactive conjugated monoterpene largely emitted by Eucalypt species, is characterised in detail for the first time using a smog chamber at the Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Gas-phase species were monitored by a proton-transfer-reaction time-of-flight mass spectrometer (PTR-TOF), with yields from a large number of products obtained, including formaldehyde (5–9 %), acetaldehyde (0.2–8 %). glyoxal (6–23 %), methyl glyoxal (2–9 %), formic acid (22–37 %) and acetic acid (9–22%). Higher m/z second-generation oxidation products were also observed, with products tentatively identified according to a constructed degradation mechanism. OH yields from α-phellandrene and its first-generation products were found to be 35 ± 12 % and 15 ± 7 % respectively, indicative of prominent hydroperoxide channels. An average first-generation rate coefficient was determined as 1.0 ± 0.7 × 10−16 cm3 molecule−1 s−1 at 298 K, showing ozonolysis as a dominant loss process for both α-phellandrene and its first-generation products in the atmosphere. Endocyclic conjugation in α-phellandrene was also found to be conducive to the formation of highly condensible products, with a large fraction of the carbon mass partitioning into the aerosol phase, monitored with a scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS) and a high-resolution time-of-flight aerosol mass spectrometer (AMS). Nucleation was observed almost instantaneously upon ozonolysis, indicating the rapid formation of extremely low volatility compounds. Particle nucleation was found to be suppressed by the addition of a Criegee scavenger, suggesting that stabilised Criegee intermediates are important for new particle formation in the system. Aerosol yields ranged from 25–174 % dependant on mass loadings, with both first- and second-generation products identified as large contributors to the aerosol mass. Effective densities ranged from 1.29–1.90 g cm−3. The aerosol oxidation state was also found to be dependent on mass loadings, with parametrisation of the bulk mass indicating a large contribution of highly functionalised low- and semi-volatile organic compounds to the aerosol phase. With a high chemical reactivity and aerosol forming propensity α-phellandrene is expected to have an immediate impact on the local environment to which it is emitted, with ozonolysis therefore likely to be an important contributor to the significant blue haze and frequent nocturnal nucleation events observed over Eucalypt forests.
Mass spectrometry of planetary exospheres at high relative velocity: direct comparison of open- and closed-source measurements
Authors: Meyer Stefan , Tulej Marek , Wurz Peter
Published: January 2017

Abstract. The exploration of habitable environments on or inside icy moons around the gas giants in the solar system is of major interest in upcoming planetary missions. Exactly this theme is addressed by the JUpiter ICy moons Explorer (JUICE) mission of ESA, which will characterise Ganymede, Europa and Callisto as planetary objects and potential habitats. We developed a prototype of the Neutral Gas and Ion Mass spectrometer (NIM) of the Particle Environment Package (PEP) for the JUICE mission intended for composition measurements of neutral gas and thermal plasma. NIM/PEP will be used to measure the chemical composition of the exospheres of the icy Jovian moons. Besides direct ion measurement, the NIM instrument is able to measure the inflowing neutral gas in two different modes: in neutral mode, where the gas enters directly the ion source (open source), and in thermal mode, where the gas gets thermally accommodated to the wall temperature by several collisions inside an equilibrium sphere, called antechamber, before entering the ion source (closed source). We performed measurements with the prototype NIM using a neutral gas beam of 1 up to 4.5 km s−1 velocity in the neutral and thermal mode. The current trajectory of JUICE foresees a flyby velocity of 4 km s−1 at Europa; other flybys are in the range of 1 up to 7 km s−1 and orbital velocity in Ganymede orbits is around 2 km s−1. Different species are used for the gas beam, such as noble gases Ne, Ar, Kr as well as molecules like H2, methane, ethane, propane and more complex ones. The NIM prototype was successfully tested under realistic JUICE mission conditions. In addition, we find that the antechamber (closed source) behaves as expected with predictable density enhancement over the specified mass range and within the JUICE mission phase velocities. Furthermore, with the open source and the closed source we measure almost the same composition for noble gases, as well as for molecules, indicating no additional fragmentation of the species recorded with the antechamber for the investigated parameter range.
Effects of land use/land cover and climate changes on surface runoff in a semi-humid and semi-arid transition zone in northwest China
Authors: Yin Jing , He Fan , Xiong Yu Jiu , Qiu Guo Yu
Published: January 2017

Abstract. Water resources, which are considerably affected by land use/land cover (LULC) and climate changes, are a key limiting factor in highly vulnerable ecosystems in arid and semi-arid regions. The impacts of LULC and climate changes on water resources must be assessed in these areas. However, conflicting results regarding the effects of LULC and climate changes on runoff have been reported in relatively large basins, such as the Jinghe River basin (JRB), which is a typical catchment (> 45 000 km2) located in a semi-humid and arid transition zone on the central Loess Plateau, northwest China. In this study, we focused on quantifying both the combined and isolated impacts of LULC and climate changes on surface runoff. We hypothesized that under climatic warming and drying conditions, LULC changes, which are primarily caused by intensive human activities such as the Grain for Green Program, will considerably alter runoff in the JRB. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) was adopted to perform simulations. The simulated results indicated that although runoff increased very little between the 1970s and the 2000s due to the combined effects of LULC and climate changes, LULC and climate changes affected surface runoff differently in each decade, e.g., runoff increased with increased precipitation between the 1970s and the 1980s (precipitation contributed to 88 % of the runoff increase). Thereafter, runoff decreased and was increasingly influenced by LULC changes, which contributed to 44 % of the runoff changes between the 1980s and 1990s and 71 % of the runoff changes between the 1990s and 2000s. Our findings revealed that large-scale LULC under the Grain for Green Program has had an important effect on the hydrological cycle since the late 1990s. Additionally, the conflicting findings regarding the effects of LULC and climate changes on runoff in relatively large basins are likely caused by uncertainties in hydrological simulations.
Microstructures and deformation mechanisms in Opalinus Clay: insights from scaly clay from the Main Fault in the Mont Terri Rock Laboratory (CH)
Authors: Laurich Ben , Urai Janos L. , Nussbaum Christophe
Published: January 2017

Abstract. The Main Fault in the shaly facies of Opalinus Clay is a small reverse fault formed in slightly overconsolidated claystone at around 1 km depth. The fault zone is up to 6 m wide, with micron-thick shear zones, calcite and celestite veins, scaly clay and clay gouge. Scaly clay occurs in up to 1.5 m wide lenses, providing hand specimens for this study. We mapped the scaly clay fabric at 1 m–10 nm scale, examining scaly clay for the first time using broad-ion beam polishing combined with scanning electron microscopy (BIB-SEM). Results show a network of thin shear zones and microveins, separating angular to lensoid microlithons between 10 cm and 10 µm in diameter, with slickensided surfaces. Our results show that microlithons are only weakly deformed and that strain is accumulated by fragmentation of microlithons by newly formed shear zones, by shearing in the micron-thick zones and by rearrangement of the microlithons.The scaly clay aggregates can be easily disintegrated into individual microlithons because of the very low tensile strength of the thin shear zones. Analyses of the microlithon size by sieving indicate a power-law distribution model with exponents just above 2. From this, we estimate that only 1 vol % of the scaly clay aggregate is in the shear zones.After a literature review of the hypotheses for scaly clay generation, we present a new model to explain the progressive formation of a self-similar network of anastomosing thin shear zones in a fault relay. The relay provides the necessary boundary conditions for macroscopically continuous deformation. Localization of strain in thin shear zones which are locally dilatant, and precipitation of calcite veins in dilatant shear fractures, evolve into complex microscale re-partitioning of shear, forming new shear zones while the microlithons remain much less deformed internally and the volume proportion of the µm-thick shear zones slowly increases. Grain-scale deformation mechanisms are microfracturing, boudinage and rotation of mica grains, pressure solution of carbonate fossils and pore collapse during ductile flow of the clay matrix. This study provides a microphysical basis to relate microstructures to macroscopic observations of strength and permeability of the Main Fault, and extrapolating fault properties in long-term deformation.
On the impact of non-Gaussian wind statistics on wind turbines – an experimental approach
Authors: Schottler Jannik , Reinke Nico , Hölling Agnieszka , Whale Jonathan , Peinke Joachim , Hölling Michael
Published: January 2017

Abstract. The effect of intermittent and Gaussian inflow conditions on wind energy converters is studied experimentally. Two different flow situations were created in a wind tunnel using an active grid. Both flows exhibit nearly equal mean velocity values and turbulence intensities but strongly differ in their two point statistics, namely their distribution of velocity increments on a variety of timescales, one being Gaussian distributed, and the other one being strongly intermittent. A horizontal axis model wind turbine is exposed to both flows, isolating the effect on the turbine of the differences not captured by mean values and turbulence intensities. Thrust, torque and power data were recorded and analyzed, showing that the model turbine does not smooth out intermittency. Intermittent inflow is converted to similarly intermittent turbine data on all scales considered, reaching down to sub-rotor scales in space. This indicates that it is not correct to assume a smoothing of intermittent wind speed increments below the size of the rotor.
The Influence of Intention to Use the Mobile Banking - The Privacy Mechanism Perspective
Authors: Tseng Juo-Tzu , Han Hsiang-Lin , Su Yea-Huey , Fan Yi-Wen
Published: January 2017

With the rapid development in digital and mobile technologies, banks or other financial institutions have provided various mobile banking solutions or services to their customers for enabling mobile commerce. However, there is always a trade-off between convenience and security for people to decide whether they adopt mobile banking services or not. In the mobile age, people are concerned for transaction security and information privacy immensely. Accordingly, how to provide the secured financial services to their customers become more important for a bank. Survey research method is imported to understand how the privacy mechanism, including privacy policy and privacy empowerment, influences the adaption of mobile banking. Based on a survey of 425 participants, we used a structural equation modeling approach to investigate the research model. The results indicate that privacy mechanisms are matter for people to concern about the privacy of their personal information and their intention to use mobile banking. In other words, we found that privacy empowerment is significant which in turn led customers to be more likely to adopt mobile banking.
MÉTODO(S) EM DIREITO COMPARADO
Authors: Dutra Deo Campos
Published: January 2017

O presente artigo tem como objetivo principal realizar a análise do método em direito comparado. Para isso, o texto percorre algumas etapas. A primeira delas consiste em recuperar o debate sobre o sentido e a importância da metodologia e do método no âmbito do direito. Em um segundo momento dedica-se a analisar o conceito de método em direito comparado e oferecer ao leitor um rol não taxativo dos métodos utilizados no âmbito da disciplina. Por fim, e com o intuito de apresentar uma nova perspectiva ao leitor, o artigo alinha-se com a posição que entende que o direito comparado não possui um único método de comparação mais adequado e eficaz. Ao contrário, entende-se que há uma pluralidade de métodos em direito comparado, que são complementares e que podem inclusive ser utilizados de forma concomitante, para que a pesquisa comparada possa ter resultados mais rigorosos. A escolha do(s) método(s) a ser(em) utilizado(s) torna-se, assim, uma livre e legítima opção do pesquisador, variável conforme seus interesses científicos.
DECIDIR E ARGUMENTAR: RACIONALIDADE DISCURSIVA E A FUNÇÃO CENTRAL DO ARGUMENTO
Authors: Peixoto Fabiano Hartmann , Roesler Claudia Rosane , Bonat Debora
Published: January 2017

A temática da justificação e correção das decisões judiciais colocou um interesse ainda maior pela compreensão das conexões entre decidir e argumentar. Seriam possíveis e identificáveis as inter-relações entre a argumentação jurídica e o direito? Qual seria o papel do argumento no discurso jurídico? Inicialmente, ante a complexidade na definição dos contornos do direito, haveria oportunidades a uma postura de complementaridade entre direito e argumentação jurídica. A partir disso desenvolveu-se o presente trabalho, pelo método dedutivo. Para tanto, utilizaram-se centralmente elementos teóricos apresentados por Manuel Atienza, Klaus Günther, Neil MacCormick e Robert Alexy. O objetivo foi compreender as propostas da argumentação jurídica e, na pesquisa, os autores dedicaram-se à análise teórica da argumentação jurídica e de sua inter-relação com o direito contemporâneo, verificando as suas inter-relações e o papel argumentativo na construção das justificações das opções decisórias. O presente trabalho compõe uma pesquisa mais ampla, com vistas a permitir a criação e/ou aplicação de modelos de análise e avaliação das decisões jurídicas.
ADIVINHE QUEM VEM PARA JANTAR. A LIBERDADE DE EXPRESSÃO DO OFENSOR E O SUBJETIVISMO DO JULGADOR NA ANÁLISE DOS CRIMES DE INJÚRIA
Authors: Leite Fábio Carvalho , Hannikainen Ivar Allan Rodriguez , Nhuch Flavia Kamenetz
Published: January 2017

O crime de injúria tem uma tensão muito forte com a liberdade de expressão, se considerarmos que o valor desta é maior justamente para as manifestações duras, críticas e eventualmente ofensivas. A doutrina de direito penal, contudo, não trata de potenciais conflitos com a liberdade de expressão – termo que, aliás, nem sequer menciona. Os autores limitam-se a apresentar critérios e fazer considerações que aparentemente julgam ser suficientes para a identificação da ocorrência do crime, forjando uma suposta objetividade ao tipo penal. Mas a realidade revela o que a teoria oculta. Neste artigo, pretendemos demonstrar que o conflito com a liberdade de expressão reaparece nos casos concretos e que os critérios doutrinários não dão conta da sua resolução, resultando numa considerável dose de subjetividade por parte do julgador na identificação da ocorrência do crime de injúria. Para tanto foram realizados um estudo correlacional com cem profissionais do direito (dos quais metade atua na área criminal), a quem pedimos para julgar seis casos reais (com os nomes alterados), e uma pesquisa jurisprudencial com decisões tanto pela condenação como pela absolvição, a fim de avaliar a consistência dos fundamentos apresentados pelos julgadores.
DIMENSÕES DA COOPERAÇÃO JURÍDICA INTERNACIONAL: DO DIREITO À COOPERAÇÃO AO DEVER DE COOPERAR
Authors: Capucio Camilla
Published: January 2017

Diante da intensificação do fluxo de pessoas e das atividades humanas, que ultrapassam as fronteiras permeáveis dos Estados, fica clara a insuficiência do império da jurisdição estatal e a necessidade do desenvolvimento de um novo paradigma para compreensão da relação entre os Estados e os sujeitos, atos e pleitos sob sua jurisdição. A cooperação jurídica internacional, em seus diversos instrumentos, está no centro deste novo paradigma, em um contexto de reinterpretação da soberania e da jurisdição estatal, e rumo à justiça universal como um valor internacional. Assim, este trabalho busca analisar as distintas dimensões da cooperação jurídica internacional, com enfoque especial na reflexão sobre a existência de um direito de cooperação e um dever de cooperar, sob a perspectiva da concretização dos direitos humanos dos sujeitos envolvidos. Partindo-se desse intuito, é feita uma análise sistemática por meio da doutrina e da jurisprudência internacional na temática.