bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial Modeling of Biological Soil Crusts to Support Rangeland Assessment and Monitoring
Authors: Bowker Matthew A. , Belnap Jayne , Miller Mark E. ,   Society for Range Management
Published: June 2016

Biological soil crusts are a diverse soil surface community, prevalent in semiarid regions, which function as ecosystem engineers and perform numerous important ecosystem services. Loss of crusts has been implicated as a factor leading to accelerated soil erosion and other forms of land degradation. To support assessment and monitoring efforts aimed at ensuring the sustainability of rangeland ecosystems, managers require spatially explicit information concerning potential cover and composition of biological soil crusts. We sampled low disturbance sites in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument (Utah, USA) to determine the feasibility of modeling the potential cover and composition of biological soil crusts in a large area. We used classification and regression trees to model cover of four crust types (light cyanobacterial, dark cyanobacterial, moss, lichen) and 1 cyanobacterial biomass proxy (chlorophyll a), based upon a parsimonious set of GIS (Geographic Information Systems) data layers (soil types, precipitation, and elevation). Soil type was consistently the best predictor, although elevation and precipitation were both invoked in the various models. Predicted and observed values for the dark cyanobacterial, moss, and lichen models corresponded moderately well (R2 = 0.49, 0.64, 0.55, respectively). Cover of late successional crust elements (moss + lichen + dark cyanobacterial) was also successfully modeled (R2 = 0.64). We were less successful with models of light cyanobacterial cover (R2 = 0.22) and chlorophyll a (R2 = 0.09). We believe that our difficulty modeling chlorophyll a concentration is related to a severe drought and subsequent cyanobacterial mortality during the course of the study. These models provide the necessary reference conditions to facilitate the comparison between the actual cover and composition of biological soil crusts at a given site and their potential cover and composition condition so that sites in poor condition can be identified and management actions can be taken.
Effect of Herbicides for Leafy Spurge Control on the Western Prairie Fringed Orchid
Authors: Erickson Ann M. , Lym Rodney G. , Kirby Don ,   Society for Range Management
Published: June 2016

Leafy spurge has invaded the habitat of the western prairie fringed orchid, a federally listed threatened species. Imazapic ([6]-2- [4,5-dihydro-4-methyl-4-f1-methylethylg-5-oxo-1H-imidazol-2-yl]-5-methyl-3-pyridinecarboxylic acid) and quinclorac (3,7- dichloroquinoline-8-carboxylic acid) are relatively new herbicides that control leafy spurge and can be used in the mesic areas where the orchid is found. Research was initiated to evaluate the effects of imazapic and quinclorac on the survival and fecundity of the western prairie fringed orchid. Herbicides were applied at the commonly used and maximum labeled rates in mid-September. This timing is optimum for leafy spurge control with quinclorac and imazapic and the orchid generally has senesced by mid-September, making injury less likely. Quinclorac applied at 840 and 1 120 g ha-1 did not affect regrowth or fecundity of the western prairie fringed orchid 1 or 2 years after treatment. Orchids treated with quinclorac at 840 or 1 120 g ha-1 generally were as tall, had racemes as long as, and produced as many flowers and seed capsules as untreated orchids. In contrast, orchids treated with imazapic at 140 or 210 g ha-1 tended to regrow as vegetative plants and were shorter, had shorter racemes, and produced fewer flowers and seed capsules than untreated orchids. Orchids treated with imazapic averaged 21 cm in height and produced an average of 1 flower per plant 10 months after treatment, whereas untreated orchids and orchids treated with quinclorac were approximately 36 cm in height and produced 5 flowers per plant. Quinclorac could be a valuable tool to control leafy spurge in the habitat of the orchid because orchids treated with quinclorac regrew as vigorously and were as fecund as untreated orchids. However, the current quinclorac label prohibits grazing or haying for 309 days after application.
Remote Sensing for Grassland Management in the Arid Southwest
Authors: Marsett Robert C. , Qi Jiaguo , Heilman Philip ,   Society for Range Management
Published: June 2016

We surveyed a group of rangeland managers in the Southwest about vegetation monitoring needs on grassland. Based on their responses, the objective of the RANGES (Rangeland Analysis Utilizing Geospatial Information Science) project was defined to be the accurate conversion of remotely sensed data (satellite imagery) to quantitative estimates of total (green and senescent) standing cover and biomass on grasslands and semidesert grasslands. Although remote sensing has been used to estimate green vegetation cover, in arid grasslands herbaceous vegetation is senescent much of the year and is not detected by current remote sensing techniques. We developed a ground truth protocol compatible with both range management requirements and Landsat’s 30 m resolution imagery. The resulting ground-truth data were then used to develop image processing algorithms that quantified total herbaceous vegetation cover, height, and biomass. Cover was calculated based on a newly developed Soil Adjusted Total Vegetation Index (SATVI), and height and biomass were estimated based on reflectance in the near infrared (NIR) band. Comparison of the remotely sensed estimates with independent ground measurements produced r2 values of 0.80, 0.85, and 0.77 and Nash Sutcliffe values of 0.78, 0.70, and 0.77 for the cover, plant height, and biomass, respectively. The approach for estimating plant height and biomass did not work for sites where forbs comprised more than 30% of total vegetative cover. The ground reconnaissance protocol and image processing techniques together offer land managers accurate and timely methods for monitoring extensive grasslands. The time-consuming requirement to collect concurrent data in the field for each image implies a need to share the high fixed costs of processing an image across multiple users to reduce the costs for individual rangeland managers.
Grazing Management Effects on Sediment and Phosphorus in Surface Runoff
Authors: Haan Mathew M. , Russell James R. , Powers Wendy J. ,   Society for Range Management
Published: June 2016

Sediment and phosphorus (P) in runoff from pastures are potential non-point-source pollutants in surface waters that may be influenced by surface cover, sward height, treading damage, surface slope, soil moisture, and soil P. The objectives of the current study were to quantify sediment and total P loads in runoff produced during simulated rainfall from pastures and to evaluate their relationships with the physical and chemical characteristics of the soil and sward. Five forage management treatments—ungrazed (U), hay harvest/fall stockpile grazing (HS), continuous stocking to a sward height of 5 cm (5C), and rotational stocking to sward heights of 5 (5R) or 10 (10R) cm—were established in triplicate 0.40-ha paddocks in 3 smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermisLeyss.) pastures for 3 years. Rainfall simulations were conducted at a rainfall intensity of 7.1 cm h-1 for 1.5 hours over a 0.5-m2 area in 3 locations at 2 slope ranges in each paddock in June, August, and October of each year and the subsequent April. Forage management did not affect mean sediment load (7.365.0 kg ha-1 h-1). Mean total P load was greatest from 5C treatment  (0.071 +/- 0.011 kg ha-1 h-1), did not differ among the U, HS, and 10R treatments (0.019 +/- 0.011 kg ha-1 h-1), and was intermediate in the 5R treatment (0.053 +/- 0.011 kg ha-1 h-1). Of the soil and sward characteristics measured, percentage surface cover was most highly related to sediment load (R2=0.16) and total P load (R2=0.10). Surface runoff from pastures managed to maintain adequate residual forage cover did not contribute greater sediment or P to surface waters than an ungrazed grassland
Grazing and Grazing Exclusion Effects on New Mexico Shortgrass Prairie
Authors: Holecheck Jerry L. , Galt Dee , Khumalo Godfrey ,   Society for Range Management
Published: June 2016

Vegetative differences and changes were evaluated over a 6-year period (1999-2004) on adjoining conservatively grazed and grazing-excluded (22 years) shortgrass rangelands in northwestern New Mexico. Autumn total perennial grass and blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis [Willd. ex Kunth] Lag. Griffiths) standing crop did not differ on grazed and grazing-excluded areas when data were averaged across years. There were no long-term differences in vegetation basal cover or composition between the grazed and grazing-excluded areas. Plant community similarity values between the grazed and grazing-excluded areas were 80% and 93% during the first 2 years (1999-2000) and last 2 years (2003-2004) of study, respectively. Climatic conditions had more impact on vegetation composition of the 2 areas than livestock grazing. Similarity values between 1999-2000 and 2003-2004 periods were 52% and 64% for the grazed and grazing-excluded plant communities, respectively. At the beginning of our study, blue grama productivity was depressed on the grazed area compared to the exclosure, but after 3 years of conservative winter grazing, it was similar on the 2 areas. Our study indicates there is no benefit to blue grama rangelands from long-term rest from the standpoint of vegetation composition.
Using Leaf Traits to Rank Native Grasses According to Their Nutritive Value
Authors: Khaled Raounda Al Haj , Duru Michel , Decruyenaere Virginie ,   Society for Range Management
Published: June 2016

Leaf traits (leaf dry matter content [LDMC], specific leaf area [SLA] and leaf life span [LLS]) previously proposed to predict plant strategies for resource use, were studied to test if they can be used to rank grasses for digestible organic matter (DOM). On 14 native grass species from natural meadows in the French Pyrenees, leaf blade chemical components (fiber, cellulose, hemi-cellulose and lignin) and DOM were estimated for two growing periods using two different methods (chemical-enzymatic and Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy). The ranking of species based on LDMC, SLA and LLS was conserved. Fiber content and DOM were significantly correlated even though the data were obtained in different years (2001 and 2002), on different organs (youngest adult blades in 2001 and all the green blades of tillers in 2002) and by different analytical methods. LDMC seems to be the most suitable trait to rank native grasses according to their nutritive value because it ranks species as well as leaf traits and it is the easiest to measure. We suggest using LDMC as an indicator to rank grassland communities for herbage nutritive values.
Book Review: Cows Eat Weeds: How to Turn Your Cows Into Weed Managers,
Kathy Voth
Authors: Howery Larry ,   Society for Range
                        Management
Published: June 2016

Book Review: Cows Eat Weeds: How to Turn Your Cows Into Weed Managers,
Kathy Voth. Livestock for Landscapes, Loveland, CO, USA (2010).
Three Faces of Fragile X
Authors: Lieb-Lundell Cornelia C.E.
Published: June 2016

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the first of 3 syndromes identified as a health condition related to fragile X mental retardation (FMR1) gene dysfunction. The other 2 syndromes are fragile X–associated primary ovarian insufficiency syndrome (FXPOI) and fragile X–associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS), which together are referred to as fragile X–associated disorders (FXDs). Collectively, this group comprises the 3 faces of fragile X. Even though the 3 conditions share a common genetic defect, each one is a separate health condition that results in a variety of body function impairments such as motor delay, musculoskeletal issues related to low muscle tone, coordination limitations, ataxia, tremor, undefined muscle aches and pains, and, for FXTAS, a late-onset neurodegeneration. Although each FXD condition may benefit from physical therapy intervention, available evidence as to the efficacy of intervention appropriate to FXDs is lacking. This perspective article will discuss the genetic basis of FMR1 gene dysfunction and describe health conditions related to this mutation, which have a range of expressions within a family. Physical therapy concerns and possible assessment and intervention strategies will be introduced. Understanding the intergenerational effect of the FMR1 mutation with potential life-span expression is a key component to identifying and treating the health conditions related to this specific genetic condition.
Interdisciplinary Approach to Fall Prevention in a High-Risk Inpatient Pediatric Population: Quality Improvement Project
Authors: Stubbs Kendra E. , Sikes Lindsay
Published: June 2016

Background

Within a tertiary care pediatric medical center, the largest number of inpatient falls (8.84 falls per 1,000 patient days) occurred within a 14-bed rehabilitation/transitional care unit between February and September 2009. An interdisciplinary fall prevention program, called “Red Light, Green Light,” was developed to better educate all staff and family members to ensure safety of transfers and ambulation of children with neurological impairments.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to develop and implement an interdisciplinary pediatric fall prevention program to reduce total falls and falls with family members present in this population.

Design

Preintervention 2009 data and longitudinal data from 2010–2014 were obtained from retrospective review of event/incident reports. This quality improvement project was based on inpatient pediatric admissions to a rehabilitation care unit accommodating children with neurological impairments.

Methods

Data extraction included: total falls, falls with caregiver (alone versus staff versus family), type of falls, and falls by diagnosis. Descriptive statistics were obtained on outcome measures; chi-square statistics were calculated on preintervention and postintervention comparisons.

Results

Total falls decreased steadily from 8.84 falls per 1,000 patient days in 2009 to 1.79 falls per 1,000 patient days in 2014 (χ12=3.901, P=.048). Falls with family members present decreased 50% postintervention. (χ12=6.26, P=.012).

Limitations

Limitations included unit size nearly doubled postintervention, event reporting changed to both uncontrolled and controlled therapy falls (safely lowering patient to bed, chair, or floor), and enhanced reporting increased numbers of postintervention falls.

Conclusions

The Red Light, Green Light program has resulted in reductions in overall fall rates, falls with family members present, increased staff collaboration, heightened staff and family safety awareness, and a safer environment for patients at high risk for neurological or musculoskeletal impairments.
Ultrasonic fatigue testing in the scanning electron microscope
Authors: Söker Marcus , Galster Michael , Krupp Ulrich , Dönges Benjamin
Published: June 2016

The continuing trend to increase the performance and durability of machines requires the use of materials, whose structural integrity must be ensured far beyond the classical fatigue limit. In this so-called „very high cycle fatigue“ regime (VHCF), the materials show a strong scatter in fatigue life, which makes life service assessment difficult. Present studies on austenitic-ferritic duplex steel 1.4462 (X2CrNiMoN22-5-3) have shown that the reason of this scatter in fatigue life can be found in the microstructural length scale mainly due to the barrier effect of grain and phase boundaries. The integration of an ultrasonic fatigue testing system in a high-resolution scanning electron microscope allows observing and evaluating the active microstructural mechanisms of fatigue crack initiation and early crack propagation, such as the formation and propagation of slip bands, during the majority of VHCF life. Additional micro texture measurements by electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) provide data for the development of a mechanism-oriented numerical short crack simulation. In the context of crack initiation and propagation in the VHCF regime in duplex stainless steel, the focus of the present paper is put on the technical realization of the in-situ ultrasonic fatigue testing in the scanning electron microscope.
Migration as a Failure to Adapt? How Andean People Cope with Environmental Restrictions and Climate Variability
Authors: Zoomers Annelies
Published: June 2016

This article analyzes how people in the Bolivian Andes cope with environmental stress. Specifically, it examines the role environmental migration plays in how people cope with climate change. In the Andes, the climate is highly variable, forcing people to cope with extreme weather conditions that range from extreme droughts and intensive rain and floods to rising temperatures and unexpected frosts. When mobility takes place in such a context, it is often portrayed as “environmental” migration (reflecting the failure of people to adapt to environmental pressures). Though migration in the Andes is in part an adaptive response to adverse climatic conditions, this article argues that environmental limitations do not play a decisive role. Instead, it shows how migration is a strategic mechanism to build up financial, productive, and social capital, opening opportunities to stay. We contend that migration – rather than being a flow of people “moving away” – should be perceived as people building webs of relationships to reduce their vulnerability. Migration allows them to engage in multi-local livelihoods, “catching” opportunities at various localities while remaining connected to their area of origin. The article concludes that migration is not a failure to adapt; rather, it is a choice that reflects agency of local actors to build new lifeways. Thanks to migration, people are capable of enduring in spite of increasing environmental stress.
War and Natural Resources in History: Introduction
Authors: Laakkonen Simo , Tucker Richard
Published: June 2016

Natural resources are rarely alone a sufficient reason for declaring war. Nevertheless, through human history natural resources have been an important motive, target, and resource for warfare. Until recently armies lived off the land; their logistical support systems were so rudimentary that nothing else was possible. This process provides the key to much of the damage caused by wars, from pre-historic tribal wars onwards. Colonial states initiated an era of systematic global looting of natural resources that affected above all indigenous people. Industrial warfare multiplied both qualitatively and quantitatively the consumption of strategic raw materials and energy sources. Today they are targets of a global power play that cover all continents, oceans and seabed.
Some Reflections on the Causes and Effects of the Global Food Crisis
Authors: Quagliarotti Desirée A.L.
Published: June 2016

After the global food crisis occurred in 1972-74, prices of food commodities in real terms have declined rapidly and, for about thirty years, the demand of food was met by an available supply at reasonable prices. Since 2006, prices of food commodities have begun to grow, reaching a first peak in 2008 and a second in early 2011. This trend has marked the end of a long period of low level in food prices and opened the era of crisis in the global food system. This article aims to disclose the nature and underlying causes of the recent food crises focusing on both conjunctural and structural factors; to analyze the socio-economic and geopolitical impacts of food price increases; to identify the possible strategies to minimize the trade-off between the increase of agricultural production and the sustainable use of natural resources.
Calculation of Gamma-ray Attenuation Parameters for Locally Developed Ilmenite-magnetite (I-M) Concrete
Authors: Sahadath Md Hossain , Biswas Ripan , Huq Md Fazlul , Mollah Abdus Sattar
Published: June 2016

The mass attenuation coefficients (?/?) of locally developed ilmenite-magnetite (I-M) concrete over a wide range of photon energy were calculated analytically using Matlab and compared with the values obtained from widely used XCom computer program. A good agreement between the calculated and XCom generated value was found. The linear attenuation coefficients and relaxation lengths were calculated for the same energy range. The transmission curves were drawn for some common gamma-ray energies and half value layer and tenth value layer were calculated. The results of this study will provide some useful information about the shielding material data base for practical shielding calculation. The results will also illustrate the effectiveness of I-M concrete so far as its shielding properties are concerned.Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, Vol. 40, No. 1, 11-21, 2016
Natural Radioactivity and dose Assessment in Sand and Sediment Samples from Kuakata Beach, Bangladesh
Authors: Ahmed Md Murad , Das Suranjan Kumar , Sariful - , Yeasmin Selina
Published: June 2016

The activity concentrations of radionuclides and their respective annual effective dose rates produced by 226Ra, 232Th and 40K were measured by using high purity germanium (HPGe) detector of relative efficiency 20%. The activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in the sand samples were found to vary from 22.83 ± 4.11 to 100.21 ± 2.39 BqKg-1, 68.76 ± 2.86 BqKg-1 to 297.37 ± 4.32 BqKg-1 and 75.87 ± 15.75 to 161.81 ± 19.90 BqKg-1 with mean values 48.76, 126.11 and 292.38 Bqkg-1, respectively. For sediment samples the corresponding radionuclides ranged between 12.11 ± 1.99 and 31.64 ± 1.64 BqKg-1, 18.94 ± 1.90 BqKg-1 and 71.11 ± 2.88 BqKg-1 and 182.73 ± 19.81 BqKg-1 and 345.77 ± 21.07 BqKg-1, with mean values 19.67, 32.13 and 243.38 Bqkg-1, respectively. The absorbed dose rate was estimated to the range from 30.50 to 242.93 nGyh-1 with an average value of 74.87 nGyh-1. The estimated outdoor annual effective dose varied between 0.22 and 1.79 mSv/year with a mean value of 0.55 mSv/year, which is higher than the world average for outdoor annual effective dose (0.07 mSv/year). The external hazard indices for the samples varied from 0.17 to 1.43 with the average value of 0.44, which is less than the unity. The average value of radium equivalent activity was estimated and found to be 161.40 BqKg-1 which is less than the acceptable limit of world average value of 370 BqKg-1.Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, Vol. 40, No. 1, 45-55, 2016
A Novel Approach for Prediction of Industrial Catalyst Deactivation Using Soft Sensor Modeling
Authors: Gharehbaghi Hamed , Sadeghi Jafar
Published: June 2016

Soft sensors are used for fault detection and prediction of the process variables in chemical processing units, for which the online measurement is difficult. The present study addresses soft sensor design and identification for deactivation of zeolite catalyst in an industrial-scale fixed bed reactor based on the process data. The two main reactions are disproportionation (DP) and transalkylation (TA), which change toluene and C9 aromatics into xylenes and benzene. Two models are considered based on the mass conservation around the reactor. The model parameters are estimated by data-based modeling (DBM) philosophy and state dependent parameter (SDP) method. In the SDP method, the parameters are assumed to be a function of the system states. The results show that the catalyst activity during the period under study has approximately a monotonic trend. Identification of the system clearly shows that the xylene concentration has a determining role in the conversion of reactions. The activation energies for both DP and TA reactions are found to be 43.8 and 18 kJ/mol, respectively. The model prediction is in good agreement with the observed industrial data.
Comparison of a Novel Organic-Fluid Thermofluidic Heat Converter and an Organic Rankine Cycle Heat Engine
Authors: Kirmse Christoph , Oyewunmi Oyeniyi , Haslam Andrew , Markides Christos
Published: June 2016

The Up-THERM heat converter is an unsteady, two-phase thermofluidic oscillator that employs an organic working fluid, which is currently being considered as a prime-mover in small- to medium-scale combined heat and power (CHP) applications. In this paper, the Up-THERM heat converter is compared to a basic (sub-critical, non-regenerative) organic Rankine cycle (ORC) heat engine with respect to their power outputs, thermal efficiencies and exergy efficiencies, as well as their capital and specific costs. The study focuses on a pre-specified Up-THERM design in a selected application, a heat-source temperature range from 210 °C to 500 °C and five different working fluids (three n-alkanes and two refrigerants). A modeling methodology is developed that allows the above thermo-economic performance indicators to be estimated for the two power-generation systems. For the chosen applications, the power output of the ORC engine is generally higher than that of the Up-THERM heat converter. However, the capital costs of the Up-THERM heat converter are lower than those of the ORC engine. Although the specific costs (£/kW) of the ORC engine are lower than those of the Up-THERM converter at low heat-source temperatures, the two systems become progressively comparable at higher temperatures, with the Up-THERM heat converter attaining a considerably lower specific cost at the highest heat-source temperatures considered.
The Regulatory Noose: Logan City’s Adventures in Micro-Hydropower
Authors: Hansen Megan , Simmons Randy , Yonk Ryan
Published: June 2016

Recent growth in the renewable energy industry has increased government support for alternative energy. In the United States, hydropower is the largest source of renewable energy and also one of the most efficient. Currently, there are 30,000 megawatts of potential energy capacity through small- and micro-hydro projects throughout the United States. Increased development of micro-hydro could double America’s hydropower energy generation, but micro-hydro is not being developed at the same rate as other renewable sources. Micro-hydro is regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and subject to the same regulation as large hydroelectric projects despite its minimal environmental impact. We studied two cases of micro-hydro projects in Logan, Utah, and Afton, Wyoming, which are both small rural communities. Both cases showed that the web of federal regulation is likely discouraging the development of micro-hydro in the United States by increasing the costs in time and funds for developers. Federal environmental regulation like the National Environmental Policy Act, the Endangered Species Act, and others are likely discouraging the development of clean renewable energy through micro-hydro technology.
Initial Energy Logistics Cost Analysis for Stationary, Quasi-Dynamic, and Dynamic Wireless Charging Public Transportation Systems
Authors: Jang Young , Jeong Seungmin , Lee Min
Published: June 2016

This paper presents an initial investment cost analysis of public transportation systems operating with wireless charging electric vehicles (EVs). There are three different types of wireless charging systems, namely, stationary wireless charging (SWC), in which charging happens only when the vehicle is parked or idle, quasi-dynamic wireless charging (QWC), in which power is transferred when a vehicle is moving slowly or in stop-and-go mode, and dynamic wireless charging (DWC), in which power can be supplied even when the vehicle is in motion. This analysis compares the initial investment costs for these three types of charging systems for a wireless charging-based public transportation system. In particular, this analysis is focused on the energy logistics cost in transportation, which is defined as the cost of transferring and storing the energy needed to operate the transportation system. Performing this initial investment analysis is complicated, because it involves considerable tradeoffs between the costs of batteries in the EV fleet and different kinds of battery-charging infrastructure. Mathematical optimization models for each type of EV and infrastructure system are used to analyze the initial costs. The optimization methods evaluate the minimum initial investment needed to deploy the public transportation system for each type of EV charging solution. To deal with the variable cost estimates for batteries and infrastructure equipment in the current market, a cost-sensitivity analysis is performed. The goal of this analysis is to identify the market cost conditions that are most favorable for each type of wireless charging solution. Furthermore, the cost analysis quantitatively verifies the qualitative comparison of the three different wireless charging types conducted in the previous research.
Mapping Historical Data: Recovering a Forgotten Floristic and Vegetation Database for Biodiversity Monitoring
Authors: Geri Francesco , La Porta Nicola , Zottele Fabio , Ciolli Marco
Published: June 2016

Multitemporal biodiversity data on a forest ecosystem can provide useful information about the evolution of biodiversity in a territory. The present study describes the recovery of an archive used to determine the main Schmid’s vegetation belts in Trento Province, Italy. The archive covers 20 years, from the 1970s to the 1990s. During the FORCING project (an Italian acronym for Cingoli Forestali, i.e., forest belts), a comprehensive process of database recovering was executed, and missing data were digitized from historical maps, preserving paper-based maps and documents. All of the maps of 16 forest districts, and the related 8000 detected transects, have been georeferenced to make the whole database spatially explicit and to evaluate the possibility of performing comparative samplings on up-to-date datasets. The floristic raw data (approximately 200,000 specific identifications, including frequency indices) still retain an important and irreplaceable information value. The data can now be browsed via a web-GIS. We provide here a set of examples of the use of this type of data, and we highlight the potential and the limits of the specific dataset and of the historical database, in general.
Exploring the Influence of Neighborhood Characteristics on Burglary Risks: A Bayesian Random Effects Modeling Approach
Authors: Liu Hongqiang , Zhu Xinyan
Published: June 2016

A Bayesian random effects modeling approach was used to examine the influence of neighborhood characteristics on burglary risks in Jianghan District, Wuhan, China. This random effects model is essentially spatial; a spatially structured random effects term and an unstructured random effects term are added to the traditional non-spatial Poisson regression model. Based on social disorganization and routine activity theories, five covariates extracted from the available data at the neighborhood level were used in the modeling. Three regression models were fitted and compared by the deviance information criterion to identify which model best fit our data. A comparison of the results from the three models indicates that the Bayesian random effects model is superior to the non-spatial models in fitting the data and estimating regression coefficients. Our results also show that neighborhoods with above average bar density and department store density have higher burglary risks. Neighborhood-specific burglary risks and posterior probabilities of neighborhoods having a burglary risk greater than 1.0 were mapped, indicating the neighborhoods that should warrant more attention and be prioritized for crime intervention and reduction. Implications and limitations of the study are discussed in our concluding section.
An Evaluation of Acylated Ghrelin and Obestatin Levels in Childhood Obesity and Their Association with Insulin Resistance, Metabolic Syndrome, and Oxidative Stress
Authors: Razzaghy-Azar Maryam , Nourbakhsh Mitra , Pourmoteabed Abdolreza , Nourbakhsh Mona , Ilbeigi Davod , Khosravi Mohsen
Published: June 2016

Background: Ghrelin is a 28-amino acid peptide with an orexigenic property, which is predominantly produced by the stomach. Acylated ghrelin is the active form of this hormone. Obestatin is a 23-amino acid peptide which is produced by post-translational modification of a protein precursor that also produces ghrelin. Obestatin has the opposite effect of ghrelin on food intake. The aim of this study was to evaluate acylated ghrelin and obestatin levels and their ratio in obese and normal-weight children and adolescents, and their association with metabolic syndrome (MetS) parameters. Methods: Serum acyl-ghrelin, obestatin, leptin, insulin, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), lipid profile, and malondialdehyde (MDA) were evaluated in 73 children and adolescents (42 obese and 31 control). Insulin resistance was calculated by a homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). MetS was determined according to IDF criteria. Results: Acyl-ghrelin levels were significantly lower in obese subjects compared to the control group and lower in obese children with MetS compared to obese subjects without MetS. Obestatin was significantly higher in obese subjects compared to that of the control, but it did not differ significantly among those with or without MetS. Acyl-ghrelin to obestatin ratio was significantly lower in obese subjects compared to that in normal subjects. Acyl-ghrelin showed significant negative and obestatin showed significant positive correlations with body mass index (BMI), BMI Z-score, leptin, insulin, and HOMA-IR. Acyl-ghrelin had a significant negative correlation with MDA as an index of oxidative stress. Conclusion: Ghrelin is decreased and obestatin is elevated in obesity. Both of these hormones are associated with insulin resistance, and ghrelin is associated with oxidative stress. The balance between ghrelin and obestatin seems to be disturbed in obesity.
A Design and Theoretical Analysis of a 145 mV to 1.2 V Single-Ended Level Converter Circuit for Ultra-Low Power Low Voltage ICs
Authors: Huang Yu , Shrivastava Aatmesh , Barnes Laura , Calhoun Benton
Published: June 2016

This paper presents an ultra-low swing level converter with integrated charge pumps that shows measured conversion in a 130-nm CMOS test chip from an input at a 145-mV swing to a 1.2-V output. Lowering the input allowable for a single-ended level converter supports energy harvesting systems that need to use very low voltages.
Computational Evaluation of Nucleotide Insertion Opposite Expanded and Widened DNA by the Translesion Synthesis Polymerase Dpo4
Authors: Albrecht Laura , Wilson Katie , Wetmore Stacey
Published: June 2016

Expanded (x) and widened (y) deoxyribose nucleic acids (DNA) have an extra benzene ring incorporated either horizontally (xDNA) or vertically (yDNA) between a natural pyrimidine base and the deoxyribose, or between the 5- and 6-membered rings of a natural purine. Far-reaching applications for (x,y)DNA include nucleic acid probes and extending the natural genetic code. Since modified nucleobases must encode information that can be passed to the next generation in order to be a useful extension of the genetic code, the ability of translesion (bypass) polymerases to replicate modified bases is an active area of research. The common model bypass polymerase DNA polymerase IV (Dpo4) has been previously shown to successfully replicate and extend past a single modified nucleobase on a template DNA strand. In the current study, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are used to evaluate the accommodation of expanded/widened nucleobases in the Dpo4 active site, providing the first structural information on the replication of (x,y)DNA. Our results indicate that the Dpo4 catalytic (palm) domain is not significantly impacted by the (x,y)DNA bases. Instead, the template strand is displaced to accommodate the increased C1’–C1’ base-pair distance. The structural insights unveiled in the present work not only increase our fundamental understanding of Dpo4 replication, but also reveal the process by which Dpo4 replicates (x,y)DNA, and thereby will contribute to the optimization of high fidelity and efficient polymerases for the replication of modified nucleobases.
Plasma Nanoengineering and Nanofabrication
Authors: Vasilev Krasimir , Ramiasa Melanie
Published: June 2016

With the recent advances in nanotechnology, plasma nanofabrication has become an exciting new niche because plasma-based approaches can deliver unique structures at the nanoscale that cannot be achieved by other techniques and/or in a more economical and environmentally friendly manner.[...]
Phase Separation and Elastic Properties of Poly(Trimethylene Terephthalate)-block-poly(Ethylene Oxide) Copolymers
Authors: Piesowicz Elżbieta , Paszkiewicz Sandra , Szymczyk Anna
Published: June 2016

A series of poly(trimethylene terephthalate)-block-poly(ethylene oxide) (PTT-b-PEOT) copolymers with different compositions of rigid PTT and flexible PEOT segments were synthesized via condensation in the melt. The influence of the block length and the block ratio on the micro-separated phase structure and elastic properties of the synthesized multiblock copolymers was studied. The PEOT segments in these copolymers were kept constant at 1130, 2130 or 3130 g/mol, whereas the PTT content varied from 30 up to 50 wt %. The phase separation was assessed using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA). The crystal structure of the synthesised block copolymers and their microstructure on the manometer scale was evaluated by using WAXS and SAXS analysis. Depending on the PTT/PEOT ratio, but also on the rigid and flexible segment length in PTT-b-PEO copolymers, four different domains were observed i.e.,: a crystalline PTT phase, a crystalline PEO phase (which exists for the whole series based on three types of PEOT segments), an amorphous PTT phase (only at 50 wt % content of PTT rigid segments) and an amorphous PEO phase. Moreover, the elastic deformability and reversibility of PTT-b-PEOT block copolymers were studied during a cyclic tensile test. Determined values of permanent set resultant from maximum attained stain (100% and 200%) for copolymers were used to evaluate their elastic properties.
Speculating the Subject of Money: Georg Simmel on Human Value
Authors: Singh Devin
Published: June 2016

This article initiates an inquiry into the sources and frameworks of value used to denote human subjects in modernity. In particular, I consider the conflation of monetary, legal, and theological registers employed to demarcate human worth. Drawing on Simmel’s speculative genealogy of the money equivalent of human values, I consider the spectrum of ascriptions from specifically quantified to infinite human value. I suggest that predications of infinite human value require and imply quantified—and specifically monetary-economic—human value. Cost and worth, economically and legally defined, provide a foundation for subsequent eternal projections in a theological imaginary. This calls into question the interventionist potential of claims to infinite or unquantifiable human value as resistance to the contemporary financialization of human life and society.
Consistent Re-Calibration of the Discrete-Time Multifactor Vasiček Model
Authors: Harms Philipp , Stefanovits David , Teichmann Josef , Wüthrich Mario
Published: June 2016

The discrete-time multifactor Vasiček model is a tractable Gaussian spot rate model. Typically, two- or three-factor versions allow one to capture the dependence structure between yields with different times to maturity in an appropriate way. In practice, re-calibration of the model to the prevailing market conditions leads to model parameters that change over time. Therefore, the model parameters should be understood as being time-dependent or even stochastic. Following the consistent re-calibration (CRC) approach, we construct models as concatenations of yield curve increments of Hull–White extended multifactor Vasiček models with different parameters. The CRC approach provides attractive tractable models that preserve the no-arbitrage premise. As a numerical example, we fit Swiss interest rates using CRC multifactor Vasiček models.
Spatial Autocorrelation and Uncertainty Associated with Remotely-Sensed Data
Authors: Griffith Daniel , Chun Yongwan
Published: June 2016

Virtually all remotely sensed data contain spatial autocorrelation, which impacts upon their statistical features of uncertainty through variance inflation, and the compounding of duplicate information. Estimating the nature and degree of this spatial autocorrelation, which is usually positive and very strong, has been hindered by computational intensity associated with the massive number of pixels in realistically-sized remotely-sensed images, a situation that more recently has changed. Recent advances in spatial statistical estimation theory support the extraction of information and the distilling of knowledge from remotely-sensed images in a way that accounts for latent spatial autocorrelation. This paper summarizes an effective methodological approach to achieve this end, illustrating results with a 2002 remotely sensed-image of the Florida Everglades, and simulation experiments. Specifically, uncertainty of spatial autocorrelation parameter in a spatial autoregressive model is modeled with a beta-beta mixture approach and is further investigated with three different sampling strategies: coterminous sampling, random sub-region sampling, and increasing domain sub-regions. The results suggest that uncertainty associated with remotely-sensed data should be cast in consideration of spatial autocorrelation. It emphasizes that one remaining challenge is to better quantify the spatial variability of spatial autocorrelation estimates across geographic landscapes.
An Efficient Implementation of Fixed Failure-Rate Ratio Test for GNSS Ambiguity Resolution
Authors: Hou Yanqing , Verhagen Sandra , Wu Jie
Published: June 2016

Ambiguity Resolution (AR) plays a vital role in precise GNSS positioning. Correctly-fixed integer ambiguities can significantly improve the positioning solution, while incorrectly-fixed integer ambiguities can bring large positioning errors and, therefore, should be avoided. The ratio test is an extensively used test to validate the fixed integer ambiguities. To choose proper critical values of the ratio test, the Fixed Failure-rate Ratio Test (FFRT) has been proposed, which generates critical values according to user-defined tolerable failure rates. This contribution provides easy-to-implement fitting functions to calculate the critical values. With a massive Monte Carlo simulation, the functions for many different tolerable failure rates are provided, which enriches the choices of critical values for users. Moreover, the fitting functions for the fix rate are also provided, which for the first time allows users to evaluate the conditional success rate, i.e., the success rate once the integer candidates are accepted by FFRT. The superiority of FFRT over the traditional ratio test regarding controlling the failure rate and preventing unnecessary false alarms is shown by a simulation and a real data experiment. In the real data experiment with a baseline of 182.7 km, FFRT achieved much higher fix rates (up to 30% higher) and the same level of positioning accuracy from fixed solutions as compared to the traditional critical value.
A Novel Line Space Voting Method for Vanishing-Point Detection of General Road Images
Authors: Wu Zongsheng , Fu Weiping , Xue Ru , Wang Wen
Published: June 2016

Vanishing-point detection is an important component for the visual navigation system of an autonomous mobile robot. In this paper, we present a novel line space voting method for fast vanishing-point detection. First, the line segments are detected from the road image by the line segment detector (LSD) method according to the pixel’s gradient and texture orientation computed by the Sobel operator. Then, the vanishing-point of the road is voted on by considering the points of the lines and their neighborhood spaces with weighting methods. Our algorithm is simple, fast, and easy to implement with high accuracy. It has been experimentally tested with over hundreds of structured and unstructured road images. The experimental results indicate that the proposed method is effective and can meet the real-time requirements of navigation for autonomous mobile robots and unmanned ground vehicles.
Optimization Model for Mitigating Global Warming at the Farm Scale: An Application to Japanese Rice Farms
Authors: Masuda Kiyotaka
Published: June 2016

In Japan, greenhouse gas emissions from rice production, especially CH4 emissions in rice paddy fields, are the primary contributors to global warming from agriculture. When prolonged midseason drainage for mitigating CH4 emissions from rice paddy fields is practiced with environmentally friendly rice production based on reduced use of synthetic pesticides and chemical fertilizers, Japanese rice farmers can receive an agri-environmental direct payment. This paper examines the economic and environmental effects of the agri-environmental direct payment on the adoption of a measure to mitigate global warming in Japanese rice farms using a combined application of linear programming and life cycle assessment at the farm scale. Eco-efficiency, which is defined as net farm income divided by global warming potential, is used as an integrated indicator for assessing the economic and environmental feasibilities. The results show that under the current direct payment level, the prolonged midseason drainage technique does not improve the eco-efficiency of Japanese rice farms because the practice of this technique in environmentally friendly rice production causes large economic disadvantages in exchange for small environmental advantages. The direct payment rates for agri-environmental measures should be determined based on the condition that environmentally friendly agricultural practices improve eco-efficiency compared with conventional agriculture.
2. Néologie et idéologie dans la langue française au 18e siècle
Authors: Armogathe Jean-Robert
Published: June 2016

2. Jean-Robert Armogathe : Neologism and ideology in the French

Language in the 18th century.

A prospective article presenting an overall analysis of the problems posed by neologisms : the linguistic intentions of Vaugelas were direct aid to Richelieu's centralising policies ; the neological movement is due to the cultural and economic modifications in French society : in opposition to a fixistic grammatical rationalism upholding the ordo naturalis we have a philosophy of language, sensualist in inspiration and productive of neologisms, promoting a dictionary of synonyms. The double aspect, both technical and poetic, of the neological revolution, is to be found in its double posterity : the modern language of economics, borrowed from the Physiocrats, and the liberation of surrealist language.
6. Ombres et lumières en démographie historique
Authors: Dupâquier Jacques
Published: June 2016

6. Jacques Dupaquier : Light and darkness in historical demography.

In historical demography vast progress has been made in the course of the

last fifteen years in the knowledge we have of the eighteenth century in France. This progress is due mainly to the method of reconstituting families, and its success should have important consequences in the specific domains of history and demography. However, certain sectors are only just beginning to be prospected (geographical distribution of population, urban population, revolutionary period) and many problems remain to be solved (expansion of population in eighteenth century, and reduction of death rate after 1750 ; origins of the deliberate prevention of births ; effects of the Revolution on the demographic behaviour of the French).