bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nocturnal aerosol optical depth measurements with modified skyradiometer POM-02 using the moon as a light source
Authors: Uchiyama Akihiro , Shiobara Masataka , Kobayashi Hiroshi , Matsunaga Tsuneo , Yamazaki Akihiro , Inei Kazunori , Kawai Kazuhiro , Watanabe Yoshiaki
Published: July 2019

Abstract. The majority of aerosol data are obtained from daytime measurements, and there are few datasets available for studying nighttime aerosol characteristics. In order to estimate the aerosol optical depth (AOD) and the precipitable water vapor (PWV) during the nighttime using the moon as a light source, a skyradiometer POM-02 (Prede Ltd., Japan) was modified. The amplifier was adjusted so that POM-02 could measure lower levels of input irradiance. In order to track the moon based on the calculated values, a simplified formula was incorporated into the firmware. A new position sensor with a four-quadrant detector to adjust tracking of the sun and the moon was also developed. The calibration constant, which is the sensor output for the extra-terrestrial solar and lunar irradiance at the mean earth-sun distance, was determined by using the Langley method. The measurements for the Langley calibration were conducted at the NOAA/MLO in October and November 2017. By assuming that the relative variation of the reflectance of the Robotic Lunar Observatory (ROLO) irradiance model is correct, the calibration constant for the lunar direct irradiance was successfully determined using the Langley method. The ratio of the calibration constant for the moon to that for the sun was often greater than 1; the value of the ratio was 0.95 to 1.18 in the visible near-infrared wavelength region. This means that the ROLO model often underestimates the reflectance. In addition, this ratio depended on the phase angle. In this study, this ratio was approximated by a quadratic expression of the phase angle. By using this approximation, the reflectance of the moon can be calculated to within an accuracy of 1 % or less. In order to validate the estimates of the AOD and PWV, continuous measurements with POM-02 were conducted at MRI/JMA from January 2018 to May 2018, and the AOD and PWV were estimated. The results were compared with the AOD and PWV obtained by independent methods. The AOD was compared with that estimated from NIES High Spectral Resolution Lidar measurements (wavelength: 532 nm), and the PWV was compared with the PWV obtained from a radiosonde and the Global Positioning System. As a result, the estimations of the AOD and the PWV using the moon as the light source were made with the same degree of precision and accuracy as the estimates using the sun as the light source.
Last Millennium Reanalysis with an expanded proxy database and seasonal proxy modeling
Authors: Tardif Robert , Hakim Gregory J. , Perkins Walter A. , Horlick Kaleb A. , Erb Michael P. , Emile-Geay Julien , Anderson David M. , Steig Eric J. , Noone David
Published: July 2019

Abstract. The Last Millennium Reanalysis (LMR) utilizes an ensemble methodology to assimilate paleoclimate data for the production of annually resolved climate field reconstructions of the Common Era. Two key elements are the focus of this work: the set of assimilated proxy records and the forward models that map climate variables to proxy measurements. Results based on an updated proxy database and seasonal regression-based forward models are compared to the LMR prototype, which was based on a smaller set of proxy records and simpler proxy models formulated as univariate linear regressions against annual temperature. Validation against various instrumental-era gridded analyses shows that the new reconstructions of surface air temperature and 500 hPa geopotential height are significantly improved (from 10 % to more than 100 %), while improvements in reconstruction of the Palmer Drought Severity Index are more modest. Additional experiments designed to isolate the sources of improvement reveal the importance of the updated proxy records, including coral records for improving tropical reconstructions, and tree-ring density records for temperature reconstructions, particularly in high northern latitudes. Proxy forward models that account for seasonal responses, and dependence on both temperature and moisture for tree-ring width, also contribute to improvements in reconstructed thermodynamic and hydroclimate variables in midlatitudes. The variability of temperature at multidecadal to centennial scales is also shown to be sensitive to the set of assimilated proxies, especially to the inclusion of primarily moisture-sensitive tree-ring-width records.
Influences of Lake Malawi on the spatial and diurnal variability of local precipitation
Authors: Koseki Shunya , Mooney Priscilla A.
Published: July 2019

Abstract. We investigate how the intensity and spatial distribution of precipitation
vary around Lake Malawi on a diurnal timescale, which can be valuable
information for water resource management in tropical south-eastern African
nations. Using a state-of-the-art satellite product and regional atmospheric
model, the well-defined diurnal cycle is detected around Lake Malawi with
harmonic and principle component analyses: the precipitation is intense
during midnight to morning over Lake Malawi and the precipitation peaks in
the daytime over the surrounding area. This diurnal cycle in the
precipitation around the lake is associated with the lake–land breeze
circulation. Comparisons between the benchmark simulation and an idealized
simulation in which Lake Malawi is removed reveal that the diurnal
variations in precipitation are substantially amplified by the presence of
Lake Malawi. This is most evident over the lake and surrounding coastal
regions. Lake Malawi also enhances the lake–land breeze circulation; the
nocturnal lakeward land breeze generates surface convergence effectively and
precipitation intensifies over the lake. Conversely, the daytime landward
lake breeze generates the intense divergence over the lake and precipitation
is strongly depressed over the lake. The lake–land breeze and the background
vapour enriched by Lake Malawi drive primarily a diurnal variation in the
surface moisture flux divergence/convergence over the lake and surrounding
area which contributes to the diurnal cycle of precipitation in this region.
Flood risk in a range of spatial perspectives – from global to local scales
Authors: Kundzewicz Zbigniew W. , Su Buda , Wang Yanjun , Wang Guojie , Wang Guofu , Huang Jinlong , Jiang Tong
Published: July 2019

Abstract. The present paper examines flood risk (composed of hazard, exposure, and
vulnerability) in a range of spatial perspectives – from the global to the
local scale. It deals with observed records, noting that flood damage has
been increasing. It also tackles projections for the future, related to
flood hazard and flood losses. There are multiple factors driving flood
hazard and flood risk and there is a considerable uncertainty in our
assessments, and particularly in projections for the future. Further, this
paper analyses options for flood risk reduction in several spatial
dimensions, from global framework to regional to local scales. It is
necessary to continue examination of the updated records of flood-related
indices, trying to search for changes that influence flood hazard and flood
risk in river basins.
How awareness and confidence affect flood-risk precautionary behavior of Greek citizens: the role of perceptual and emotional mechanisms
Authors: Papagiannaki Katerina , Kotroni Vassiliki , Lagouvardos Kostas , Papagiannakis Giorgos
Published: July 2019

Abstract. This study examines the mechanisms of flood-risk
precautionary behavior among Greek citizens. To that end, we specify and
test a mediation model in which awareness-raising factors and confidence
attitudes influence the citizens' current flood preparedness and
preparedness intention through perceptual and emotional processes. Raw data
were obtained via an online survey that received 1855 responses. Causal
relations were tested by means of structural equation modeling (SEM).
Overall, results indicate that risk perception and worry are significant
drivers of preparedness intention. In particular, they act as mediating
variables, explaining how flood experience, access to more risk information,
vulnerability awareness, and trust in authorities affect citizens' intention
to invest in precautionary measures. Especially trust was found to have a
negative effect on worry, leading to lower preparedness levels. Worry was
also found to have a significant role in explaining the current preparedness
levels. Interestingly, citizens who had already undertaken precautionary
measures in the past appear to be more willing to invest in more measures.
Implications for improving flood-risk management in Greece are discussed.
A systematic comparison of experimental set-ups for modelling extensional tectonics
Authors: Zwaan Frank , Schreurs Guido , Buiter Susanne J. H.
Published: July 2019

Abstract. Analogue modellers investigating extensional tectonics often use different
machines, set-ups and model materials, implying that direct comparisons of
results from different studies can be challenging. Here we present a
systematic comparison of crustal-scale analogue experiments using simple
set-ups simulating extensional tectonics, involving either a foam base, a
rubber base, rigid basal plates or a conveyor base system to deform overlying
brittle-only or brittle-viscous models. We use X-ray computed tomography
(CT) techniques for a detailed 3-D analysis of internal and external model
evolution. We find that our brittle-only experiments are strongly affected by their
specific set-up, as the materials are directly coupled to the model base.
Experiments with a foam or rubber base undergo distributed faulting, whereas
experiments with a rigid plate or conveyor base experience localized
deformation and the development of discrete rift basins. Pervasive boundary
effects may occur due to extension-perpendicular contraction of a rubber
base. Brittle-viscous experiments are less affected by the experimental
set-up than their brittle-only equivalents since the viscous layer acts as a
buffer that decouples the brittle layer from the base. Under reference
conditions, a structural weakness at the base of the brittle layer is
required to localize deformation into a rift basin. Brittle-viscous plate
and conveyor base experiments better localize deformation for high
brittle-to-viscous thickness ratios since the thin viscous layers in these
experiments allow deformation to transfer from the experimental base to the
brittle cover. Brittle-viscous-base coupling is further influenced by
changes in strain rate, which affects viscous strength. We find, however,
that the brittle-to-viscous strength ratios alone do not suffice to predict
the type of deformation in a rift system and that the localized or
distributed character of the experimental set-up needs to be taken into
account as well. Our set-ups are most appropriate for investigating crustal-scale extension
in continental and selected oceanic settings. Specific combinations of
set-up and model materials may be used for studying various tectonic
settings or lithospheric conditions. Here, natural factors such as
temperature variations, extension rate, water content and lithology should
be carefully considered. We hope that our experimental overview may serve as
a guide for future experimental studies of extensional tectonics.
Wave energy attenuation in fields of colliding ice floes. Part B: A laboratory case study
Authors: Herman Agnieszka , Cheng Sukun , Shen Hayley H.
Published: July 2019

Abstract. This work analyzes laboratory observations of wave energy attenuation in fragmented sea ice cover composed of interacting, colliding floes. The experiment, performed in a large (72 m long) ice tank, includes several groups of tests in which regular, unidirectional, small-amplitude waves of different periods were run through floating ice with different floe sizes. The vertical deflection of the ice was measured at several locations along the tank, and video recording was used to document the overall ice behavior, including the presence of collisions and overwash of the ice surface. The observational data are analyzed in combination with the results of two types of models: a model of wave scattering by a series of floating elastic plates, based on the matched eigenfunction expansion method (MEEM); and a coupled wave-ice model based on discrete-element model (DEM) of sea ice and a wave model solving the stationary energy transport equation with two source terms, describing dissipation due to ice-water drag and due to overwash. The observed attenuation rates are significantly larger than those predicted by the MEEM model, indicating substantial contribution from dissipative processes. Moreover, the dissipation is frequency dependent, although, as we demonstrate on the example of two alternative theoretical attenuation curves, the quantitative nature of that dependence is difficult to determine and very sensitive to assumptions underlying the analysis. Similarly, more than one combination of the parameters of the coupled DEM-wave model (restitution coefficient, drag coefficient, overwash criteria) produces spatial attenuation patterns in good agreement with observed ones over a range of wave periods and floe sizes, making selection of optimal model settings difficult. The results demonstrate that experiments aimed at identifying dissipative processes accompanying wave propagation in sea ice and quantifying the contribution of those processes to the overall attenuation require simultaneous measurements of many processes over possibly large spatial domains.
Towards a webcam-based snow cover monitoring network: methodology and evaluation
Authors: Portenier Céline , Hüsler Fabia , Härer Stefan , Wunderle Stefan
Published: July 2019

Abstract. Snow cover variability has a significant impact on climate and environment and is of great socio-economic importance for the European Alps. Terrestrial photography offers a high potential to monitor snow cover variability, but its application is often limited to the small catchment scale. Here, we present a semi-automatic procedure to derive snow cover maps from arbitrary webcam images. We use freely available webcam images of the Swiss Alps and propose a procedure for the georectification and snow classification of such images. In order to avoid the effort of manually setting ground control points (GCPs) for each webcam, we implement a new registration approach that automatically resolves camera parameters (camera orientation, principal point, field of view (FOV)) by using an estimate of the webcams position and a high-resolution digital elevation model (DEM). Furthermore, two recent snow classification methods are compared and analyzed. The resulting snow cover maps have the same spatial resolution as the DEM and indicate whether a grid cell is snow-covered, snow-free, or not visible from webcams' positions. GCPs were used to evaluate our novel automatic image registration approach. The evaluation reveals in a root mean square error (RMSE) of 14.1 m for standard lens webcams (FOV
La concienciación de los medios sobre la violencia machista. Una interpretación por parte de sus víctimas
Authors: Bernal-Triviño Ana
Published: July 2019

Diversas leyes y convenios internacionales aconsejan que los medios de comunicación deben desempeñar un papel en la concienciación y ausencia de revictimización en la violencia machista. Estos puntos, a día de hoy, quedan en un marco de autorregulación voluntario. Con el fin de conocer qué papel cumplen los medios en la concienciación de las víctimas, se desarrolla una investigación cualitativa donde se entrevista a mujeres que han sufrido violencia de género y violencia sexual. Las conclusiones demuestran que, para estas mujeres, los medios de comunicación no contribuyeron de forma eficaz a una labor de sensibilización y de identificación contundente de los casos de violencia, aunque este resultado varía en función del aislamiento de la víctima y su normalización de las agresiones.
“Lo femenino” y “lo masculino” del baile flamenco y su actual hibridación: Manuel Liñán
Authors: Cabrera Fructuoso María
Published: July 2019

Nos proponemos avanzar sobre el estudio del baile flamenco en la actualidad desde la perspectiva de género, teniendo en cuenta el cuerpo como medio de expresión a partir del cual se observan los fenómenos de hibridación, diversidad y transgresión presentes en los artistas de la era de la globalización. Por tanto, se investigará así sobre las características de “lo femenino” y “lo masculino” en el baile flamenco “tradicional” y su posterior desarrollo. Y para ello, analizaremos al bailaor Manuel Liñán por ser un ejemplo claro de todo esto, abarcando así su último espectáculo, Baile de autor, como la culminación, hasta el momento, de su desarrollo artístico y estético.
"mecum, cum mecum, conmigo y con mí": saber lingüístico y morfología de prestigio
Authors: Jodl Frank
Published: July 2019

Interpretando al Codex emilianense Em 31 y el glosario latino-latino copiado en él (scriptorium de San Millán de la Cogolla, siglo X o XI), Claudio García Turza (2004, 112s.) destaca, entre otras, la voz cum me que la glosa confronta con mecum. Dado que en el castellano moderno no se ha impuesto ninguna de las dos variantes, trataré de remontar los orígenes de la forma “vencedora” pleonástica cum mecum, o sea, conmigo basándome en el comentario metalingüístico medieval representado por la glosa. El objetivo del presente artículo es demostrar la idoneidad del concepto de la morfología de prestigio (Jodl 2006, 12-16  y Jodl 2018, 275-280) para explicar el fenómeno en cuestión y para completar los modelos del cambio lingüístico en general.
Estructuras participiales y gerundiales en el castellano del s. XVI: caracterización sintáctica y estatuto variacional
Authors: Del Rey Quesada Santiago
Published: July 2019

El trabajo que presentamos analiza, en un primer apartado, la tipología de participios y gerundios en las lenguas romances y sus líneas de evolución desde el latín, trazando un exhaustivo estado de la cuestión, además, sobre la adscripción variacional de estas estructuras como esquemas más o menos típicos de la escrituralidad. Un segundo apartado describe los problemas y posturas en­frentadas entre los especialistas a la hora de caracterizar sintácticamente las construcciones absolutas de participio y de gerundio; en tal descripción se valoran críticamente el criterio de copresencia de sujeto nominal/pronominal + forma no personal y el criterio de correferencialidad entre el sujeto de la construcción absoluta y el sujeto de la oración regente. Un tercer apartado ensaya la aplicación de una tipología a un corpus de textos castellanos en prosa, tanto traducidos como originales, del siglo XVI, poniendo en evidencia las dificultades e inconsistencias de las taxonomías cerradas cuando el análisis se aborda desde una perspectiva discursiva.
Impact of nursing guidelines on nurses’ knowledge and performance regarding to prevention of ventilator associated pneumonia in neonates
Authors: Abou Zed Safaa Abdel Fattah , Mohammed Amira Adel
Published: July 2019

Background: Ventilator Associated Pneumonia (VAP) is a common syndrome in pediatrics primarily in infants and early childhood. Mechanical ventilation is one of the leading supportive modalities of management in the intensive care unit, but it conveys a lot of threats and complications. This study aimed to assess the impact of nursing guidelines on nurses’ knowledge and performance regarding to prevention of ventilator associated pneumonia in neonates through the following: 1) Assessment of nurses’ knowledge and performance regarding to prevention of ventilator associated pneumonia in neonates. 2) Designing, implementing and evaluating the impact of nursing guidelines on nurses’ knowledge and performance regarding to prevention of ventilator associated pneumonia in neonates.Methods: Research design: A quasi-experimental design was utilized to conduct this study.  Settings: The study was convoyed at Maternity & Gynecological and Children’s Hospitals affiliated to Ain shams University Hospitals from neonatal intensive care units. Sample: A convenient sample method of forty three (43) nurses, and fifty (50) neonates’ infants on mechanical ventilation was included in the study as a single study group. Tools: The questionnaire format, the observation checklist and implementation of nursing guidelines was assessed the nurses’ knowledge and performance regarding to prevention of ventilator associated pneumonia in neonates. The implementation of nursing guidelines was premeditated as reference guidelines for nurses.Results: There were statistically significant differences between mean scores of the pre and post test as regards nurses’ knowledge and performance regarding to prevention of ventilator associated pneumonia in neonates.Conclusions: Application of the nursing guidelines has a positive outcome on improving nurses’ knowledge and performance regarding to prevention of ventilator associated pneumonia in neonates. Recommendations: The current study recommended that directing a written protocol for prevention of ventilator associated pneumonia in neonates to support satisfactory knowledge, and competent practices are actually required at neonatal intensive care units.
Sugarcane Family Selection and Genetic Parameter Prediction via the REML/BLUP Methodology
Authors: Neto Hugo Zeni , Santos Renato Frederico dos , Borsuk Luiz Gustavo da Mata , Angeli Henrique Sanches , Berton Guilherme Souza
Published: July 2019

Most sugarcane breeding programs tend to evaluate low heritability characteristics during the initial stages of genotype selection. Thus, family selection has been recently preferred. In this context, the aim of the present study was to select the best family among 78 sugarcane families, as well as estimate genetic values through the mixed models of restricted-maximum likelihood and best non-bias predictor (REML/BLUP) methodology, originating from the República Brasil 2005 (RB05) series. This strategy was deemed efficient, and 34 to 38 families were chosen from four evaluated characteristics underexplored by genetic researchers such as total plot mass (MTT), mean mass of one tiller in the plot (M1C), stature (EST), and mean number of canes per square meter (NCM). The family increments ranging from 6.02 to 82.11%, in the next genetic culture improvement program selection phases.
Macronutrient Omission Affects the Seedling Performance of Eugenia dysenterica DC., an Important Fruiting Species of the Cerrado Biome
Authors: Bessa Layara Alexandre , Vitorino Luciana Cristina , Silva Fabianao Guimarães
Published: July 2019

Cagaita (Eugenia dysenterica DC.) seedling production is currently important for the restoration of degraded areas of the Cerrado biome and to supply the demand for its fruits for regional food production. The plants of Cagaita have been described in the literature as resistant to nutrient-poor soils, but the studies remain inconclusive. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that initial E. dysenterica seedling development could be affected by the lack of specific nutrients. We planted seedlings of this species in complete hydroponic solution and under individual macronutrient omission of N, P, K, Ca, Mg and S. The development of macronutrient deficiency symptoms was visually monitored for 120 days after transplantation in response to the treatment solution, and growth characteristics and tissue contents of different macronutrients were determined. The omissions of Mg and P were the treatments with the strongest effects on seedling growth. The most commonly observed deficiency symptoms were chlorosis and necrosis, in addition to leaf purpling (P deprivation), impaired root hair development (Ca and S deprivation) and a reduced number of leaves (Mg and P deprivation). The macronutrients Ca and N were most accumulated in the shoots and roots of plants subjected to complete nutrient solution, showing the importance of the availability of these nutrients in the initial stages of seedling development for the production of healthy Cagaita plants, with greater viability in the field.
Artikel 4:74 BW: een erfrechtelijke bedrijfsopvolgingsfaciliteit
Authors: Maasland J.L.D.J.
Published: July 2019

Artikel 4:74 BW: een erfrechtelijke bedrijfsopvolgingsfaciliteit

In deze bijdrage bespreekt de auteur de mogelijkheden die het erfrecht biedt om in het kader van een bedrijfsopvolging via het testament van de ondernemer de legitieme portie van de niet-bedrijfsopvolgers in termijnen te voldoen. Dit betreft met name artikel 4:74 BW, het legaat in termijnen aan de legitimaris ter waarborging van de continuïteit van de onderneming, en de algemene erfrechtelijke betalingsregeling van artikel 4:5 BW. De auteur gaat daarbij ook in op de vraag in hoeverre de juridische structurering van de onderneming van invloed is op de toepasselijkheid van de bedoelde erfrechtelijke faciliteiten.
Considering Geographies of Sexualities, Gender and Activism: An Interview with Professor Gavin Brown
Authors: Hartal Gilly , Brown Gavin
Published: July 2019

Gavin Brown (University of Leicester, UK) is one of today’s most eminent scholars of political geography and sexualities. In this intellectual-biographical interview, he describes his academic path, as well as discusses some of his major contributions to the fields of geographies of sexualities and gender and protest movements and activism. This interview by Gilly Hartal introduces some of his major conceptual and theoretical contributions in the fields of sexualities and gender, geopolitics, the spatiality of protest camps and, in particular, the spatial practice of solidarity. Knowledge, as feminist theory has taught us, is always grounded in personal-political contexts and subjectivities. This conversation with Gavin Brown offers an intimate perspective into Brown’s academic experience, which interestingly also reflects the growth and materialization of the field of geographies of sexualities into a sub-discipline. The interview also addresses the current state of critical geographical work and calls for support of and solidarity with scholars and departments under threat.
Predictors of Airway Hyperreactivity in House Dust Mite Allergic Patients
Authors: Pampuch Agnieszka , Milewski Robert , Rogowska Agata , Kowal Krzysztof
Published: July 2019

Introduction: Airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) is a cardinal feature of asthma. Asthma is a heterogenous disorder which consists of different phenotypes and endotypes. Mechanisms leading to AHR may differ in different asthma subtypes. Allergy to perennial allergens, including house dust mites (HDM) is a major risk factor for asthma development. The aim of this study was to determine predictors of AHR in a well-characterized population of HDM-allergic patients. Material and methods: In a retrospective analysis 843 patients with HDM-allergic rhinitis with/without asthma were evaluated. The following parameters were included in the analysis: serum concentration of total (t)- and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Dp)-specific IgE, fractional exhaled nitric oxide concentration (FeNO), lung function tests, bronchial challenge with histamine, age sex, and body mass index (BMI). Linear regression analysis was used to determine predictors of AHR. Results: In a simple linear regression analysis baseline lung function results expressed as either forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) or maximal expiratory flow at 50% of the forced vital capacity (MEF50), FeNO, tIgE, DpIgE, age and BMI affected AHR. A multiple regression analysis demonstrated that in the whole group of HDM-allergic patients the most important, independent predictors of AHR were MEF50, FeNO and DpIgE. Conclusions: Even in a well-characterized asthma phenotype several processes participate in development of AHR. Major, independent predictors of AHR: lung function parameters, FeNO and DpIgE indicate possible targets for therapeutic intervention in a population of HDM-allergic patients.
Political participation, the Betzavta Method and the interpretation of Hegel’s concept of freedom in "Philosophy of Right"
Authors: Pendrakowska Patrycja
Published: July 2019

The aim of this essay is to confront Hegel’s political philosophy regarding ethical community and civil society with the objective of betzavta, which is an educational method promoting democratic decision-making processes. The concepts of freedom and ethical community were strongly present in Hegel’s Philosophy of Right and later on discussed by Zbigniew Pelczynski (1971, 1984a, 1984b), ShlomoAvineri (1972), Charles Taylor (1979) and Marek Siemek (1995,1998). This article reconstructs these Hegelian conceptsbased on their liberalinterpretations andconfrontsthem with contemporary challenges related to minority rights, conflict of values, decision-making processes and political participationin relation to the experiences gained during thebetzavta workshops.The main problem defined is the question whether it’s possible to reach a consensus in a given society that would conclude with the establishment of ethical community. The general assumption of this article is that because of the impossibility to obtain a consensus on fundamental values (lack of compromise on same-sex marriage or abortion), an ethical community that would secure both particular and public freedom cannot be reached. The clash between subjective and objective freedom can be perceived through the lenses of the classical problem of a tyranny of majority, where minorities are pushed towards a submissive compromise with the rules set by the majority. An experience of theBetzavta Method will also be included in the general reflections on the essence of freedom in political participation and the silent presence of certain members in decision taking-processes.

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Recursos e capacidades estratégicos em serviços médicos privados
Authors: Freitas Leninne , Furnielis Claudemir Bertuolo , Vasconcelos Giancarllo Ribeiro
Published: July 2019

A partir do objetivo de identificar que recursos e capacidades os médicos de serviços privados da cidade de Rio Verde, Goiás, têm gerido para diferenciar seus serviços e serem preferidos pelos clientes, este estudo fundamentou-se nos pressupostos da visão baseada em recursos (VBR) por ser a teoria capaz de explicar como empresas obtém vantagem competitiva a partir dos seus recursos e capacidades heterogêneos e inimitáveis. O trabalho adotou abordagem qualitativa descritiva em que os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevistas padronizadas e analisados com a técnica de análise de conteúdo. Foram entrevistados médicos da cidade de Rio Verde, Goiás, que já estiveram associados a algum plano de saúde e que hoje atendem exclusivamente serviços privados. Concluiu-se que os médicos entendem que isoladamente a reformulação no ambiente físico, a maior exposição do conhecimento profissional, a diferenciação do atendimento dos auxiliares e recepcionistas e a maior interação com os pacientes representam os recursos mais importantes, mas só são estratégicos, se estiverem integrados uns aos outros e se refletirem as expectativas dos clientes que pagam pelas consultas. A conexão com o mercado e o relacionamento com clientes demonstraram ser cruciais para os profissionais de serviços privados que pretendem orientar suas ofertas para o mercado, tornando-os diferenciados em comparação aos dos concorrentes.
Comunicación política y personalización de contenidos: ¿es Twitter el nuevo medio de referencia para la interacción entre gobernantes y gobernados?
Authors: Gelado Marcos Roberto , Puebla Martínez Belén , Rubira García Rainer
Published: July 2019

Purpose: The aim of this research is to shed light on how the emergence of social networks has affected political communication in new media. The breaking down of barriers between transmitters and receivers and the potential reconversion of all of them into mass communicators (Fuchs, 2013) affected several spheres: although perhaps only few were affected in such an influential way as the configuration of the social sphere in political communication. Examples such as Barack Obama’s first campaign or Donald Trump’s more recent campaign lead us to think that Twitter is indeed an integral part of political communication strategies.

Design/methodology: The research has been carried out through a comparative analysis of discursive activity on Twitter of the President of the United States, Donald Trump, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Theresa May, and the President of the Spanish government, Pedro Sánchez, between the months of September and December 2018. For this purpose, a methodology has been designed that uses computer-assisted content analysis using the NVivo 11 program. Findings: The results invite us to confirm doubts expressed by several authors collected and presented in our research regarding the potential dynamizing factor of Twitter in the relationship between the governors and the governed.

Research limitations/implications: Despite the limited number of cases analysed, it can be inferred that the contribution of Twitter to the enrichment of public debate is to say, at the least, dubious.

Originality/value: Both the visualisation of the discourse lines of the analysed politicians and the double focus of the study, quantitative and qualitative, on the thematic tools and rhetoric that characterises the speeches by the analysed politicians, can serve as a starting point for the analysis of the role that Twitter plays both in political communication strategies and in its contribution to the public sphere.
From Rivals to Partners: Constructing the Sino-Indonesian Strategic Partnership
Authors: Priyandita Gatra
Published: July 2019

This study is an inquiry into the use of strategic partnerships as an instrument of diplomacy in Indonesia. Strategic partnerships have become a key fixture of Indonesia’s omnidirectional foreign policy in the post-Suharto era. However, the rationale behind the formation of strategic partnerships for Indonesia’s strategic interests, as well as the process behind its formation, remain understudied. This paper seeks to fill this gap in the literature by examining how Indonesia utilizes its strategic partnership to engage China. Using Wilkins’ analytical framework for the study of strategic partnerships, this study finds that Indonesian policymakers have used strategic partnerships as instruments to create multiple channels of communication for the purposes of economic pragmatism and the overarching goal of socializing the target state into accepting Indonesia’s vision of the international order. The case study on China indicates that strategic partnerships have only been partially successful in helping Indonesia deliver its goals. While increased formal interactions have facilitated economic and social interaction, the utility of strategic partnerships has instruments of influencing Chinese behaviour in the international system remain minimal.
Taar1 gene variants have a causal role in methamphetamine intake and response and interact with Oprm1
Authors: Stafford Alexandra M , Reed Cheryl , Baba Harue , Walter Nicole AR , Mootz John RK , Williams Robert W , Neve Kim A , Fedorov Lev M , Janowsky Aaron J , Phillips Tamara J
Published: July 2019

We identified a locus on mouse chromosome 10 that accounts for 60% of the genetic variance in methamphetamine intake in mice selectively bred for high versus low methamphetamine consumption. We nominated the trace amine-associated receptor 1 gene, Taar1, as the strongest candidate and identified regulation of the mu-opioid receptor 1 gene, Oprm1, as another contributor. This study exploited CRISPR-Cas9 to test the causal role of Taar1 in methamphetamine intake and a genetically-associated thermal response to methamphetamine. The methamphetamine-related traits were rescued, converting them to levels found in methamphetamine-avoiding animals. We used a family of recombinant inbred mouse strains for interval mapping and to examine independent and epistatic effects of Taar1 and Oprm1. Both methamphetamine intake and the thermal response mapped to Taar1 and the independent effect of Taar1 was dependent on genotype at Oprm1. Our findings encourage investigation of the contribution of Taar1 and Oprm1 variants to human methamphetamine addiction.
Sample-level sound synthesis with recurrent neural networks and conceptors
Authors: Kiefer Chris
Published: July 2019

Conceptors are a recent development in the field of reservoir computing; they can be used to influence the dynamics of recurrent neural networks (RNNs), enabling generation of arbitrary patterns based on training data. Conceptors allow interpolation and extrapolation between patterns, and also provide a system of boolean logic for combining patterns together. Generation and manipulation of arbitrary patterns using conceptors has significant potential as a sound synthesis method for applications in computer music but has yet to be explored. Conceptors are untested with the generation of multi-timbre audio patterns, and little testing has been done on scalability to longer patterns required for audio. A novel method of sound synthesis based on conceptors is introduced. Conceptular Synthesis is based on granular synthesis; sets of conceptors are trained to recall varying patterns from a single RNN, then a runtime mechanism switches between them, generating short patterns which are recombined into a longer sound. The quality of sound resynthesis using this technique is experimentally evaluated. Conceptor models are shown to resynthesise audio with a comparable quality to a close equivalent technique using echo state networks with stored patterns and output feedback. Conceptor models are also shown to excel in their malleability and potential for creative sound manipulation, in comparison to echo state network models which tend to fail when the same manipulations are applied. Examples are given demonstrating creative sonic possibilities, by exploiting conceptor pattern morphing, boolean conceptor logic and manipulation of RNN dynamics. Limitations of conceptor models are revealed with regards to reproduction quality, and pragmatic limitations are also shown, where rises in computation and memory requirements preclude the use of these models for training with longer sound samples. The techniques presented here represent an initial exploration of the sound synthesis potential of conceptors, demonstrating possible creative applications in sound design; future possibilities and research questions are outlined.
Bats from different foraging guilds prey upon the pine processionary moth
Authors: Garin Inazio , Aihartza Joxerra , Goiti Urtzi , Arrizabalaga-Escudero Aitor , Nogueras Jesús , Ibáñez Carlos
Published: July 2019

Outbreaks of the processionary mothThaumetopoea pityocampa(Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775), a forest pest from the Palearctic, are thought to induce a behavioral response of bats, but up to now the moth has been seldom identified as bats’ prey. Studies on bat diets suggest moths with cyclical outbreaks attract a wide array of bat species from different foraging guilds. We test whether bats feed uponT. pityocampain the Iberian Peninsula irrespective of the predator’s ecological and morphological features. We found that seven out of ten bat species belonging to different foraging guilds containedT. pityocampaDNA in their faeces and no difference was found in the foraging frequency among foraging guilds. A different size of the typical prey or the lack of fondness for moths can explain the absence of the pest in some bat species. Moreover, the intraspecific foraging frequency ofT. pityocampaalso changed with the sampling site likely representing differential availability of the moth. Lack of information on flight and dispersal behavior or the tympanate nature of the adult moth complicates understanding how different foraging guilds of bats prey upon the same prey. Our data suggests thatT. pityocampais a remarkable food source for many thousands of individual bats in the study area and we anticipate that more bats besides the species studied here are consuming this moth.
Genome-wide identification and expression profiling of the C2H2-type zinc finger protein genes in the silkwormBombyx mori
Authors: Wu SongYuan , Tong Xiaoling , Li ChunLin , Lu KunPeng , Tan Duan , Hu Hai , Liu Huai , Dai FangYin
Published: July 2019

Cys2-His2 zinc finger (C2H2-ZF) proteins comprise the largest class of putative eukaryotic transcription factors. The zinc finger motif array is highly divergent, indicating that most proteins will have distinctive binding sites and perform different functions. However, the binding sites and functions of the majority of C2H2-ZF proteins remain unknown. In this study, we identified 327 C2H2-ZF protein genes in the silkworm, 290 in the monarch butterfly, 243 in the fruit fly, 107 in elegans, 673 in mouse, and 1,082 in human. The C2H2-ZF protein genes of the silkworm were classified into three main grouping clades according to a phylogenetic classification, and 312 of these genes could be mapped onto 27 chromosomes. Most silkworm C2H2-ZF protein genes exhibited specific expression in larval tissues. Furthermore, several C2H2-ZF protein genes had sex-specific expression during metamorphosis. In addition, we found that some C2H2-ZF protein genes are involved in metamorphosis and female reproduction by using expression clustering and gene annotation analysis. Among them, five genes were selected,BGIBMGA002091(CTCF),BGIBMGA006492(fru),BGIBMGA006230(wor),BGIBMGA004640(lola), andBIGBMGA004569, for quantitative real-time PCR analysis from larvae to adult ovaries. The results showed that the five genes had different expression patterns in ovaries, among whichBGIBMGA002091(CTCF) gene expression level was the highest, and its expression level increased rapidly in late pupae and adult stages. These findings provide a basis for further investigation of the functions of C2H2-ZF protein genes in the silkworm, and the results offer clues for further research into the development of metamorphosis and female reproduction in the silkworm.
Contractivity and complete contractivity for finite dimensional Banach spaces
Authors:   Department of Mathematics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore - 560 012, India, Misra Gadadhar , Pal Avijit ,   Department of Mathematics, Indian Institute of Technology Bhilai, Raipur - 492015, India, Varughese Cherian ,   Renaissance Communications, Bangalore - 560 058, India
Published: July 2019

It is known that if m⩾3 and B is any ball in Cm with respect to some norm, say ∥⋅∥B, then there exists a linear map \mbox{L:(Cm,∥⋅∥∗B)→Mk} which is contractive but not completely contractive. The characterization of those balls in C2 for which contractive linear maps are always completely contractive, however, remains open. We answer this question for balls of the form ΩA in C2 and the balls in their norm dual, where ΩA={(z1,z2):∥z1A1+z2A2∥Op<1} for some pair of 2×2 matrices A1,A2.
Isotherm Studies of Adsorption of Methylene Blue by Palm Kernel Shell
Authors: Benjamen Niran Oladokun , Abdulwasiu Olawale Salaudeen , John Ushie Utam
Published: July 2019

The main aim of this work is determine the feasibility of palm kernel shell (PKS) with phosphoric acid impregnation to biosorb methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solution by carrying out isotherm studies of the process. The influence of various factors such as contact time, initial dye concentration, adsorbent dosage, pH of dye solution and temperature were investigated in a batch adsorption technique. Result showed that adsorption of methylene blue (MB) dye was favourable at acidic pH. The percentage adsorption was found to increase with time of agitation, temperature, and mass of adsorbent but decreased with increase in initial MB concentration. In order to obtain a suitable model for the MB adsorption process, obtained data were fitted into different isotherm models like Langmuir and Freundlich models. Results showed that Freundlich adsorption isotherm model best describe MB adsorption onto palm kernel shell (PKS).
Rice Straw and Rice Straw Ash for the Removal of Brilliant Green Dye from Wastewater
Authors: El-Chaghaby Ghadir A. , S. Ramis Eman , F. Ahmad Abeer
Published: July 2019

Aims: The use of economical, simply obtained and green adsorbents has been employed as a perfect alternative to the expensive methods of removing dyes from aqueous solution. The capability of rice straw and rice straw ash to remove brilliant green dye by the adsorption process has been studied.

Study Design: Adsorption studies were carried out at different initial dye concentrations, contact time and adsorbent dosages.

Place and Duration of Study: Regional center for food and feed, Agricultural research center.

Methodology: Adsorption data were modeled using Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin adsorption isotherms.

Results: Freundlich model showed the best fit with the equilibrium data for rice straw; however Langmuir model was better fitted for rice straw ash. Kinetic adsorption records were modeled using pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order. It was found that pseudo-second-order was best fit with the equilibrium data. Rice straw and rice straw ash were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Conclusion: Rice straw as an agriculture waste by-product could be used as an alternative to commercial activated carbon as adsorbent due to its availability, removal efficiency and low cost.
Development of Stability Indicating and Robust RP-HPLC Method for Determination of Teneligliptin
Authors: Vinit Ganorkar Anvesha , S. Jibhkate Rekha , Radheshyam Gupta Krishna
Published: July 2019

A simple and rapid reverse-phase HPLC method was developed for determination of Teneligliptin (TGP) in the presence of its degradation products generated from forced decomposition studies. The HPLC separation was achieved on a C18 ACE column (150x 4.6 mm i.d.; 5 μm) using mobile phase as a mixture of Phosphate buffer pH-7.2 using ortho-phosphoric acid: methanol (30:70v/v). The UV detection was carried out at 245nm at ambient temperature and the flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. The calibration curve was found to be linear in the concentration range of 10-50 μg/mL(r=0.9993). Force degradation study was performed under various conditions like acidic, alkaline, oxidative, photolytic and mass balance calculations were carried out from the degradation results. The developed method was validated as per ICH guidelines with respect to linearity, accuracy, precision, limit of detection and quantification. The robustness of the proposed method was evaluated by the Plackett Burman design. The purity of the degraded sample was checked by peak purity analysis. The peaks of degradation products did not interfere with that of pure Teneligliptin.