bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Mal-D96N Mice Provide New Insights into Functionality of Mal in TLR Immune Responses
Authors: Dowling Jennifer K. , Tate Michelle D. , Rosli Sarah , Bourke Nollaig M. , Bitto Natalie , Lauterbach Mario A. , Cheung Shane , Ve Thomas , Kobe Bostjan , Golenbock Douglas , Mansell Ashley
Published: February 2019

MyD88 adaptor-like (Mal) protein is the most polymorphic of the four key adaptor proteins involved in TLR signaling. TLRs play a critical role in the recognition and immune response to pathogens through activation of the prototypic inflammatory transcription factor NF-κB. The study of single nucleotide polymorphisms in TLRs, adaptors, and signaling mediators has provided key insights into the function of the corresponding genes but also into the susceptibility to infectious diseases in humans. In this study, we have analyzed the immune response of mice carrying the human Mal-D96N genetic variation that has previously been proposed to confer protection against septic shock. We have found that Mal-D96N macrophages display reduced cytokine expression in response to TLR4 and TLR2 ligand challenge. Mal-D96N macrophages also display reduced MAPK activation, NF-κB transactivation, and delayed NF-κB nuclear translocation, presumably via delayed kinetics of Mal interaction with MyD88 following LPS stimulation. Importantly, Mal-D96N genetic variation confers a physiological protective phenotype to in vivo models of LPS-, Escherichia coli–, and influenza A virus–induced hyperinflammatory disease in a gene dosage-dependent manner. Together, these results highlight the critical role Mal plays in regulating optimal TLR-induced inflammatory signaling pathways and suggest the potential therapeutic advantages of targeting the Mal D96 signaling nexus.
Delayed Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in a Case of Acute Cholecystitis and Intestinal Malrotation Type I
Authors: Arias Ana , Ordieres Carlos , Huergo Adrian , Posadilla Marta , Amor Pedro , Milla Ana
Published: February 2019

In adults, intestinal malrotation is an oligosymptomatic entity that is occasionally discovered during the course of diagnostic studies for other causes. In the case described herein, intestinal malrotation was discovered during investigation for cholelithiasis and acute cholecystitis. Malrotation may occur due to alterations in the asymmetric cellular dynamics of the mesentery responsible for intestinal shortening and unilateral retraction, this may occur as a secondary event following alterations in the expression of homeodomain transcription factors. The incidental finding of asymptomatic intestinal malrotation in adults does not preclude its surgical treatment. However, when intestinal malrotation is associated with cholecystitis, due to cholelithiasis, it is advisable, to first treat the cholecystitis conservatively, in our case, and then perform partial adhesiolysis of the Ladd bands that hinder access to the cystic area and carry out cholecystectomy by elective laparoscopy.
The dissociative identity disorder. How to proceed in case of crime committed under mental illness
Authors: Fabris Alexa
Published: February 2019

Dissociative identity disorder means a mental pathology that involves the normal interaction of the most important psychic processes of the human mind, bringing the one who is afflicted by it, to be no longer fully aware of himself and his actions. Among the various mental disorders within the DSM is perhaps the most specific to damage the conscious side of a person. The concept of awareness is very difficult to internalize and this is often taken for granted. Those who are unaware of their actions, if they commit a crime, are declared not imputable and for them a rehabilitative path opens up within structures for the execution of the security measures suitable for their psychiatric condition, these institutes are called R.E.M.S.
Criminal couples. From ‘madness shared by two’ to the mental illness: A review of brutal crimes
Authors: Righi Francesca
Published: February 2019

The criminal couple is an uncommon phenomenon, since criminals act alone or involving other individuals in a fortuitous manner. The murders committed in pairs represent a rather rare eventuality (it is estimated that in Italy they are about 5%). At the base of this very particular dynamic there is the c.d. folie à deux, otherwise indicated in the psychiatric nosography as “Shared Psychotic Disorder” and ICD-10 as “Induced Delusional Disorder”. Described for the first time in 1887 by Lasègue and Falret, it is characterized by the appearance of a delirium in a subject called the Primary Case, shared by the induced subject. The delusional couple lives in close correlation and at the same time isolated from the social context, conditions that facilitate the influence of the incube, bearer of a more serious mental pathology, on the succubus not necessarily affected by a psychotic pathology, nor, by force coming from a criminal subculture. The succubus therefore welcomes the delirious ideas of the incube and makes them its own, giving life not to the simple sum of two individuals but to a quid novi represented by the couple, united by a very strong pathological dependence. This contribution aims to highlight, through the analysis of some famous homicidal couples, the recognition or otherwise of the perpetrators of crimes, a total or partial defect of mind and the consequent imputability not omitting considerations on the social reintegration of them; once the prison sentence has been expiated.
Effect of Supportive Supervision on Competency of Febrile Clinical Case Management in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Martin Troy , Eliades M. James , Wun Jolene , Burnett Sarah M. , Alombah Fozo , Ntumy Raphael , Gondwe McPherson , Onyando Beatrice , Onditi Samwel , Guindo Boubacar , Hamilton Paul
Published: February 2019

Since 2010, the WHO has recommended that clinical decision-making for malaria case management be performed based on the results of a parasitological test result. Between 2015 and 2017, the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative–funded MalariaCare project supported the implementation of this practice in eight sub-Saharan African countries through 5,382 outreach training and supportive supervision visits to 3,563 health facilities. During these visits, trained government supervisors used a 25-point checklist to observe clinicians’ performance in outpatient departments, and then provided structured mentoring and action planning. At baseline, more than 90% of facilities demonstrated a good understanding of WHO recommendations—when tests should be ordered, using test results to develop an accurate final diagnosis, severity assessment, and providing the correct prescription. However, significant deficits were found in history taking, conducting a physical examination, and communicating with patients and their caregivers. After three visits, worker performance demonstrated steady improvement—in particular, with checking for factors associated with increased morbidity and mortality: one sign of severe malaria (72.9–85.5%), pregnancy (81.1–87.4%), and anemia (77.2–86.4%). A regression analysis predicted an overall improvement in clinical performance of 6.3% (P < 0.001) by the third visit. These findings indicate that in most health facilities, there is good baseline knowledge on the processes of quality clinical management, but further training and on-site mentoring are needed to improve the clinical interaction that focuses on second-order decision-making, such as severity of illness, management of non-malarial fever, and completing the patient–provider communication loop.
Introduction and Evaluation of an Electronic Tool for Improved Data Quality and Data Use during Malaria Case Management Supportive Supervision
Authors: Burnett Sarah M. , Wun Jolene , Evance Illah , Davis Kelly M. , Smith Graham , Lussiana Cristina , Tesha Goodluck , Quao Andrew , Martin Troy , Alombah Fozo , Robertson Molly , Hamilton Paul
Published: February 2019

Although on-site supervision programs are implemented in many countries to assess and improve the quality of care, few publications have described the use of electronic tools during health facility supervision. The President’s Malaria Initiative–funded MalariaCare project developed the MalariaCare Electronic Data System (EDS), a custom-built, open-source, Java-based, Android application that links to District Health Information Software 2, for data storage and visualization. The EDS was used during supervision visits at 4,951 health facilities across seven countries in Africa. The introduction of the EDS led to dramatic improvements in both completeness and timeliness of data on the quality of care provided for febrile patients. The EDS improved data completeness by 47 percentage points (42–89%) on average when compared with paper-based data collection. The average time from data submission to a final data analysis product dropped from over 5 months to 1 month. With more complete and timely data available, the Ministry of Health and the National Malaria Control Program (NMCP) staff could more effectively plan corrective actions and promptly allocate resources, ultimately leading to several improvements in the quality of malaria case management. Although government staff used supervision data during MalariaCare-supported lessons learned workshops to develop plans that led to improvements in quality of care, data use outside of these workshops has been limited. Additional efforts are required to institutionalize the use of supervision data within ministries of health and NMCPs.
Direito, saúde e suicídio: Impactos das leis e decisões judiciais na saúde dos jovens LGBT
Authors: Silva Nogueira Barbosa Bruno Rafael , Antão de Medeiros Robson
Published: February 2019

O suicídio tem sido considerado na atualidade um grande problema de saúde pública. Esse é um fenômeno complexo que tem crescido significativamente em todo o mundo, de modo mais acentuado em jovens. Diversos pesquisadores apontam uma maior vulnerabilidade a ideações, tentativas e suicídios da população de certos grupos sociais, como a de Lésbicas, Gays, Bissexuais e Transexuais (LGBT) se comparado aos seus pares cis-heterossexuais. Essa maior propensão a esse fenômeno é descrita por tais pesquisadores como sendo resultante do estigma, violência e preconceito sofrido por esses sujeitos em razão da sua sexualidade/identidade de gênero desviante. Assim, visando compreender a relação do Estado com esses fatores de riscos específicos ao suicídio da população LGBT, o objetivo deste artigo é analisar se a garantia de direitos promovida pelo Estado repercute na redução das ideações, tentativas e suicídios na população Jovem LGBT. Esse trabalho foi produzido a partir de uma pesquisa de abordagem qualitativa, já quanto aos objetivos foi uma pesquisa exploratória e em relação aos procedimentos é uma pesquisa bibliográfica e documental. Foi evidenciado através da presente pesquisa que o Estado ao garantir/negar direitos a população LGBT ele contribui para a diminuição/aumento do estigma social dirigido a tal população. Desse modo, tais leis/decisões judiciais de garantia/negação, podem influenciar, significativamente, nos índices de ideações, tentativas e suicídios na população jovem LGBT. Esse trabalho se mostra importante em razão da escassez de estudos em língua portuguesa com essa perspectiva do direito como meio possível de produção de saúde para a população LGBT.
Os Mecanismos de Participação da Agência Nacional de Saúde Suplementar (ANS)
Authors: Salinas Natasha Schmitt Caccia , Martins Fernanda
Published: February 2019

Este artigo pretende analisar empiricamente os mecanismos de participação adotados pela Agência Nacional de Saúde Suplementar ("ANS") para a sua tomada de decisão. Os mecanismos de participação se traduzem em consultas à população, presenciais ou por meio da internet, sobre normas, programas e políticas regulatórias que a agência pretende adotar. Embora não se negue sua importância, pouco ainda se conhece sobre a efetividade destes mecanismos. Nesse artigo, será dada ênfase a três questões principais: (i) as circunstâncias nas quais a ANS utiliza-se de mecanismos de participação para legitimar seu processo decisório; (ii) a transparência dos mecanismos de participação; (iii) o engajamento dos segmentos populacionais nos mecanismos de participação. A análise descritiva dessas três dimensões foi possível a partir da construção de um banco de dados que permitiu a coleta, classificação e mensuração de informações sobre todos os mecanismos de participação da ANS, realizados entre janeiro de 2001 e julho de 2018. O artigo está estruturado em três partes. Na primeira, apresenta-se o arcabouço teórico-institucional sobre o qual os mecanismos de participação foram introduzidos no modelo brasileiro das agências reguladoras. Serão também apontadas algumas das dificuldades enfrentadas no processo de institucionalização destes mecanismos decorrentes sobretudo da falta de clareza do que se pretende com sua adoção. A segunda parte descreve brevemente o desenho institucional dos mecanismos de participação no âmbito da ANS, destacando seus aspectos formais. A terceira e última parte apresenta os resultados do estudo empírico, acompanhados de uma breve descrição sobre a metodologia adotada na pesquisa.
As Redes de Atenção à Saúde nos 30 anos do Sistema Único de Saúde: histórias, propostas e desafios
Authors: Sabino de Freitas Márcia Araújo , Araújo Maria Rizoneide Negreiros de
Published: February 2019

No aniversário de 30 anos do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), avaliou-se o caminho já percorrido pela Rede de Atenção à Saúde (RAS), formalizada em 2010 pela portaria n. 4.279 e reeditada pela portaria de consolidação n. 3 de 2017, ambas do Ministério da Saúde. Objetivou-se identificar as suas dificuldades como organização da assistência em prol de maior efetividade das ações de saúde e de integração dos serviços utilizando-se de publicações científicas havidas depois da publicação da referida norma. Para tanto, após considerações sobre as bases valorativas e estruturais do SUS, realizou-se pesquisa bibliográfica na base de dados da Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), obtendo-se 29 ocorrências para análise, dentre artigos, teses e dissertações. Verificou-se que a integração permanece desafiando a Rede, principalmente em razão de problemas com: i) a relação entre os entes federativos, sobretudo quanto à falta de diálogo entre as estruturas e serviços que são mantidas pelos municípios com as providas pelos respectivos Estados; ii) a fragmentação decorrente da coexistência dos setores público e privado, que não conversam entre si, nem mesmo quando o poder público compra serviços na rede privada; iii) a interferência da política partidária em questões que deveriam ser de política de Estado. Contudo, e apesar do agravamento do subfinanciamento do SUS atingir a Rede bem em seu momento de construção, a RAS segue sendo implantada no país e já apresenta resultados positivos, sobretudo com o fortalecimento da Atenção Primária à Saúde.
edição completa
Authors: Varella Marcelo D. , Dellaux Julien
Published: February 2019

edição completa
Borderland City in New India. Frontier to Gateway
Authors: McDuie-Ra Duncan
Published: February 2019

While India has been a popular subject of scholarly analysis in the past decade, the majority of that attention has been focused on its major cities. This volume instead explores contemporary urban life in a smaller city located in India's Northeast borderland at a time of dramatic change, showing how this city has been profoundly affected by armed conflict, militarism, displacement, interethnic tensions, and the expansion of neoliberal capitalism.
Aliphatic carbonyl compounds (C8–C26) in wintertime atmospheric aerosol in London, UK
Authors: Lyu Ruihe , Alam Mohammed S. , Stark Christopher , Xu Ruixin , Shi Zongbo , Feng Yinchang , Harrison Roy M.
Published: February 2019

Abstract. Three groups of aliphatic carbonyl compounds, the n-alkanals
(C8–C20), n-alkan-2-ones (C8–C26), and
n-alkan-3-ones (C8–C19), were measured in both particulate
and vapour phases in air samples collected in London from January to
April 2017. Four sites were sampled including two rooftop background sites,
one ground-level urban background site, and a street canyon location on
Marylebone Road in central London. The n-alkanals showed the highest
concentrations, followed by the n-alkan-2-ones and the n-alkan-3-ones, the
latter having appreciably lower concentrations. It seems likely that all
compound groups have both primary and secondary sources and these are
considered in light of published laboratory work on the oxidation
products of high-molecular-weight n-alkanes. All compound groups show
a relatively low correlation with black carbon and NOx in the
background air of London, but in street canyon air heavily impacted by
vehicle emissions, stronger correlations emerge, especially for the
n-alkanals. It appears that vehicle exhaust is likely to be a major
contributor for concentrations of the n-alkanals, whereas it is a much smaller
contributor to the n-alkan-2-ones and n-alkan-3-ones. Other primary sources
such as cooking or wood burning may be contributors for the ketones but were
not directly evaluated. It seems likely that there is also a significant
contribution from the photo-oxidation of n-alkanes and this would be consistent
with the much higher abundance of n-alkan-2-ones relative to
n-alkan-3-ones if the formation mechanism were through the oxidation of
condensed-phase alkanes. Vapour–particle partitioning fitted the Pankow model
well for the n-alkan-2-ones but less well for the other compound groups,
although somewhat stronger relationships were seen at the Marylebone Road
site than at the background sites. The former observation gives support to
the n-alkane-2-ones being a predominantly secondary product, whereas primary
sources of the other groups are more prominent.
Remineralization rate of terrestrial DOC as inferred from CO2 supersaturated coastal waters
Authors: Fransner Filippa , Fransson Agneta , Humborg Christoph , Gustafsson Erik , Tedesco Letizia , Hordoir Robinson , Nycander Jonas
Published: February 2019

Abstract. Coastal
seas receive large amounts of terrestrially derived organic carbon (OC). The
fate of this carbon, and its impact on the marine environment, is however
poorly understood. Here we combine underway CO2 partial pressure
(pCO2) measurements with coupled 3-D
hydrodynamical–biogeochemical modelling to investigate whether
remineralization of terrestrial dissolved organic carbon (tDOC) can explain
CO2 supersaturated surface waters in the Gulf of Bothnia, a subarctic
estuary. We find that a substantial remineralization of tDOC and a strong
tDOC-induced light attenuation dampening the primary production are required
to reproduce the observed CO2 supersaturated waters in the nearshore
areas. A removal rate of tDOC of the order of 1 year, estimated in a
previous modelling study in the same area, gives a good agreement between
modelled and observed pCO2. The remineralization rate is on
the same order as bacterial degradation rates calculated from published
incubation experiments, suggesting that bacteria has the potential to cause
this degradation. Furthermore, the observed high pCO2 values
during the ice-covered season argue against photochemical degradation as the
main removal mechanism. All of the remineralized tDOC is outgassed to the
atmosphere in the model, turning the northernmost part of the Gulf of Bothnia
into a source of CO2 to the atmosphere.
Hydromorphological attributes for all Australian river reaches derived from Landsat dynamic inundation remote sensing
Authors: Hou Jiawei , Van Dijk Albert I. J. M. , Renzullo Luigi J. , Vertessy Robert A. , Mueller Norman
Published: February 2019

Abstract. Hydromorphological attributes such as flow width, water extent and gradient play an important role in river hydrological, biogeochemical and ecological processes; helping to predict river conveyance capacity, discharge and flow routing. While there are some river width datasets at global or regional scales, they do not consider temporal variation in river width and do not cover all Australian rivers. We combined detailed mapping of 1.4 million river reaches across the Australian continent with inundation frequency mapping from 27-years of Landsat observations. From these, the average flow width at different recurrence frequencies was calculated for all reaches, having a combined length of 3.3 million km. A parameter γ was proposed to describe the shape of the frequency-width relationship and can be used to classify reaches by the degree to which flow regime tends towards permanent, frequent, intermittent or ephemeral. Proposed scaling rules relating river width to gradient and contributing catchment area and discharge were investigated, demonstrating that such rules capture relatively little of real-world variability. Uncertainties mainly occur in multi-channel reaches and reaches with unconnected water bodies. The calculated reach attributes are easily combined with the river vector data in GIS, which should be useful for research and practical applications such as water resource management, aquatic habitat enhancement, and river engineering and management. The dataset is available at https://doi.org/10.25914/5c637a7449353 (Hou et al. 2019).
Using observed river flow data to improve the hydrological functioning of the JULES land surface model (vn4.3) used for regional coupled modelling in Great Britain (UKC2)
Authors: Martínez-de la Torre Alberto , Blyth Eleanor M. , Weedon Graham P.
Published: February 2019

Abstract. Land surface models (LSMs) represent terrestrial hydrology in weather and
climate modelling operational systems and research studies. We aim to improve
hydrological performance in the Joint UK Land Environment Simulator (JULES)
LSM that is used for distributed hydrological modelling within the new
land–atmosphere–ocean coupled prediction system UKC2 (UK regional Coupled environmental
prediction system 2). Using river flow observations from gauge stations, we
study the capability of JULES to simulate river flow at 1 km2 spatial
resolution within 13 catchments in Great Britain that exhibit a variety of
climatic and topographic characteristics. Tests designed to identify where
the model results are sensitive to the scheme and parameters chosen for
runoff production indicate that different catchments require different
parameters and even different runoff schemes for optimal results. We
introduce a new parameterisation of topographic variation that produces the
best daily river flow results (in terms of Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency and
mean bias) for all 13 catchments. The new parameterisation introduces a
dependency on terrain slope, constraining surface runoff production to wet
soil conditions over flatter regions, whereas over steeper regions the model
produces surface runoff for every rainfall event regardless of the soil
wetness state. This new parameterisation improves the model performance
across Great Britain. As an example, in the Thames catchment, which has
extensive areas of flat terrain, the Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency exceeds 0.8
using the new parameterisation. We use cross-spectral analysis to evaluate
the amplitude and phase of the modelled versus observed river flows over
timescales of 2 days to 10 years. This demonstrates that the model
performance is modified by changing the parameterisation by different amounts
over annual, weekly-to-monthly and multi-day timescales in different
catchments, providing insights into model deficiencies on particular
timescales, but it reinforces the newly developed parameterisation.
The Air-temperature Response to Green/blue-infrastructure Evaluation Tool (TARGET v1.0): an efficient and user-friendly model of city cooling
Authors: Broadbent Ashley M. , Coutts Andrew M. , Nice Kerry A. , Demuzere Matthias , Krayenhoff E. Scott , Tapper Nigel J. , Wouters Hendrik
Published: February 2019

Abstract. The adverse impacts of urban heat and global climate change are leading
policymakers to consider green and blue infrastructure (GBI) for heat
mitigation benefits. Though many models exist to evaluate the cooling impacts
of GBI, their complexity and computational demand leaves most of them largely
inaccessible to those without specialist expertise and computing facilities.
Here a new model called The Air-temperature Response to
Green/blue-infrastructure Evaluation Tool (TARGET) is presented. TARGET
is designed to be efficient and easy to use, with fewer user-defined
parameters and less model input data required than other urban climate
models. TARGET can be used to model average street-level air temperature at
canyon-to-block scales (e.g. 100 m resolution), meaning it can be used to
assess temperature impacts of suburb-to-city-scale GBI proposals. The model
aims to balance realistic representation of physical processes and
computation efficiency. An evaluation against two different datasets shows
that TARGET can reproduce the magnitude and patterns of both air temperature
and surface temperature within suburban environments. To demonstrate the
utility of the model for planners and policymakers, the results from two
precinct-scale heat mitigation scenarios are presented. TARGET is available
to the public, and ongoing development, including a graphical user interface,
is planned for future work.
GLOBAL-FATE: A GIS-based model for assessing contaminants
fate in the global river network
Authors: Font Carme , Bregoli Francesco , Acuña Vicenç , Sabater Sergi , Marcé Rafael
Published: February 2019

Abstract. GLOBAL-FATE is an open-source, multiplatform, and flexible contaminant fate model that links human consumption of pharmaceutical-like compounds with their concentration in the river network at the global scale. GLOBAL-FATE simulates human consumption and excretion of pharmaceuticals, the attenuation of the contaminant load in wastewater treatment plants, and runoff and contaminant routing along the river network under steady-state, including first order decay of the contaminant in rivers reaches, lakes, and reservoirs. We provide a comprehensive description of model equations and the overall structure of the model, with particular attention to input/output datasets. GLOBAL-FATE is written in C and can be compiled in any platform, and uses inputs in standard GIS format. Additionally, the model can be run inside QGIS as a plug-in. The model has no built-in working resolution, which depends on the user inputs. We exemplify the application of GLOBAL-FATE solving the global concentration of diclofenac in the river network. A comparison with a dataset of diclofenac concentration observations in rivers suggest that GLOBAL-FATE can be successfully applied in real case modelling exercises. The model is particularly sensitive to the generation of contaminant loads by human pharmaceutical consumption, and also to the processes governing contaminant attenuation in the river network.
Global sinusoidal seasonality in precipitation isotopes
Authors: Allen Scott T. , Jasechko Scott , Berghuijs Wouter R. , Welker Jeffrey M. , Goldsmith Gregory R. , Kirchner James W.
Published: February 2019

Abstract. Quantifying seasonal variations in precipitation δ2H and δ18O is important for many stable isotope applications, including inferring plant water sources and streamflow ages. Here we present global maps that concisely quantify the seasonality of stable isotope ratios in precipitation. We fit sine curves defined by amplitude, phase and offset parameters to quantify annual precipitation isotope cycles at 653 meteorological stations on all seven continents. At most of these stations, including in tropical and subtropical regions, sine curves can adequately represent the seasonal cycles in precipitation isotopes. Additionally, the amplitude, phase, and offset parameters of these sine curves correlate with site climatic and geographic characteristics. Multiple linear regression models based on these site characteristics can map global precipitation isotope amplitudes, phases, and offsets. We then adjusted the regression-based maps for residual spatial variations that were not captured by the regression models. We make these gridded global maps of precipitation δ2H and δ18O cycles publicly available. We also make tabulated site data and fitted sine curve parameters available to support the development of regionally calibrated models, which will generally be more accurate than our global model for regionally specific studies.
HESS Opinions: Socio-economic and ecological trade-offs of flood management – benefits of a transdisciplinary approach
Authors: Auerswald Karl , Moyle Peter , Seibert Simon Paul , Geist Juergen
Published: February 2019

Abstract. In light of climate change and growing numbers of people
inhabiting riverine floodplains, worldwide demand for flood protection is
increasing, typically through engineering approaches such as more and bigger
levees. However, the well-documented “levee effect” of increased
floodplain use following levee construction or enhancement often results in
increased problems, especially when levees fail or are compromised by big
flood events. Herein, we argue that there are also unintended socio-economic
and ecological consequences of traditional engineering solutions that need
to be better considered, communicated and weighed against alternative
solutions. Socio-economic consequences include reduced aesthetic and
recreational values as well as increased downstream flooding risk and
reduced ecosystem services. Ecological consequences include hydraulic
decoupling, loss of biodiversity and increased risk of contamination during
flooding. In addition, beyond river losses of connectivity and natural
riparian vegetation created by levees, changes in groundwater levels and
increased greenhouse gas emissions are likely. Because flood protection
requires huge financial investments and results in major and persistent
changes to the landscape, more balanced decisions that involve all
stakeholders and policymakers should be made in the future. This requires a
transdisciplinary approach that considers alternative solutions such as
green infrastructure and places emphasis on integrated flood management
rather than on reliance on technical protection measures.
Impact of the dry day definition on Mediterranean extreme dry spells analysis
Authors: Rivoire Pauline , Tramblay Yves , Neppel Luc , Hertig Elke , Vicente-Serrano Sergio M.
Published: February 2019

Abstract. To define a dry day, the most common approach is to identify a fixed threshold below which precipitation is considered equivalent to zero. This fixed threshold is usually set to account for measurements errors and also for precipitation losses due to the atmospheric evaporation demand. Yet, this threshold could vary in time according to the seasonal cycle but also in the context of long-term trends such as the increase of temperature due to climate change. In this study, we compare extreme dry spells defined either with a fixed threshold for a dry day (1 mm) or with a time-varying threshold estimated from reference evapotranspiration (ET0) for a large data base of 160 rain gauges covering large parts of the Mediterranean basin. Results indicated positives trends in ET0 in particular during summer months (June, July and August). However, these trends do not imply longer dry spells since the daily precipitation intensities remains higher than the increase in the evaporative demand. Results also indicated a seasonal behavior: in winter the distribution of extreme dry spells is similar when considering a fixed threshold (1 mm) or a time-varying threshold defined with ET0. However, during summer, the extreme dry spell durations estimated with a 1 mm threshold are strongly underestimated by comparison with extreme dry spells computed with ET0. We stress the need to account for the atmospheric evaporative demand instead of using fixed thresholds to define a dry day when analyzing dry spells, in particular with respect to agricultural impacts.
Using a composite flow law to model deformation in the NEEM deep
ice core, Greenland: Part 2 the role of grain size and premelting on
ice deformation at high homologous temperature
Authors: Kuiper Ernst-Jan N. , de Bresser Johannes H. P. , Drury Martyn R. , Eichler Jan , Pennock Gill M. , Weikusat Ilka
Published: February 2019

Abstract. The ice microstructure in the lower part of the North Greenland Eemian Ice Drilling (NEEM) ice core consists of relatively fine grained glacial ice with a single maximum crystallographic preferred orientation (CPO) alternated by much coarser grained Eemian ice with a partial girdle type of CPO. In this study, the grain size sensitive (GSS) composite flow law of Goldsby and Kohlstedt (2001) was used to study the effects of grain size and premelting on strain rate in the lower part of the NEEM ice core. The results show that the strain rates predicted in the fine grained glacial layers are about an order of magnitude higher than in the much coarser grained Eemian layers. The dominant deformation mechanisms between the layers is also different with basal slip accommodated by grain boundary sliding (GBS-limited creep) being the dominant deformation mechanism in the glacial layers, while GBS-limited creep and dislocation creep (basal slip accommodated by non-basal slip) contribute both roughly equally to bulk strain in the coarse grained layers. Due to the large difference in microstructure between the impurity-rich glacial ice and the impurity-depleted Eemian ice at premelting temperatures (T>262 K), it is expected that the fine grained layers deform mainly by simple shear at high strain rates, while the coarse grained layers are relatively stagnant. The difference in microstructure, and consequently in viscosity, between glacial and interglacial ice at temperatures just below the melting point can have important consequences for ice dynamics close to the bedrock.
Impact of seasonal changes on the vegetation composition of some selected areas in Lagos state, Nigeria
Authors: Adeonipekun Peter Adegbenga , Oyebanji Oyetola Olusegun , Adebayo Michael Babatunde
Published: February 2019

Rapid degradation of wetlands and habitat fragmentation are major threats to species diversity and ecological paradigm in Lagos state, Nigeria. Best to our knowledge, no empirical study has explored the effects of seasonal changes on covering three major cities in the statewithin the major cities in Lagos state. For this, we carried out a study covering the three major cities in Lagos: Badagry, Epe and Ikorodu. Permanent plots were randomly established for monthly data collection (quadrat method; size=10 x 10 m), that span across one-year period covering the wet and dry season). We observed two major vegetation types (secondary forest and mangrove) in the studied areas. Additionally, we documented 107 species belonging to 90 genera and 40 families. Species diversity analysis indicated higher diversity, abundance, species richness and evenness in Ikorodu and Epe during the wet has a greater while high species diversity was observed in Badagry during the dry season. The Dahomey gap phenomenon have greater implication on the Badagry vegetation while the coastal nature of Epe and Badagry negatively influenced their vegetation structure. Analyses inferred that species diversity pattern in the studied area seem to be determined by seasonal changes alongside anthropogenic activities and as a environmental factors (rainfall, geomorphology and geology). Further, our result suggests that Ikorodu could be regarded potential biodiversity hotspot area for conservation purposes because of its high floral composition and diversity. Therefore, improved management and conservation of the vegetation of the Ikorodu area is hereby recommended. The findings from this study will be useful in guiding the Physical Planning and Urban Development and Environment ministries in Lagos state for appropriate management and monitoring of developmental projects for sustainable development.
Spatio-temporal changes (1956-2013) of coastal ecosystems in Southern Iberian Peninsula (Spain)
Authors: Díez-Garretas Blanca , Comino Olga , Asensi Alfredo
Published: February 2019

Spatial and temporal changes of coastal vegetation since the 1950s along the southern Iberian Peninsula coast (Andalusia, Spain), have been analysed. Three examples have been selected: one on the Atlantic coast (Punta Umbria, Huelva) and two in the Mediterranean: Marbella (Malaga) and Punta Entinas-Sabinar (Almeria). The three areas are currently included in the Andalusian Network of Protected Natural Areas (RENPA). Aerial photographs dated in the years 1956-57 have been used and compared with the most recent (2013) using photointerpretation techniques and GIS (geographic information system) software. Observations have been completed with phytosociological data and historical cartography (forest and vegetation maps) that allowed us to analyse and identify the different communities and their transformation over 60 years. The results show the changes and impacts linked to the anthropic actions in this territory. In recent decades, the reforestation and expansion of urbanized areas are the main cause of coastal ecosystem alteration, especially affecting the Marbella coast that has had its dune system considerably reduced.
"Verrucario viridulae-Staurotheletum hymenogoniae", a new calcicolous lichen community as a component of petrophytic grassland habitats in the Northern Black Sea region
Authors: Khodosovtsev Alexander Ye. , Darmostuk Valeriy V. , Didukh Yakiv P. , Pylypenko Igor O.
Published: February 2019

The new lichen association, Verrucario viridulae-Staurotheletum hymenogoniae (Aspicilion contortae Roux 2009, Aspicilietalia calcareae Roux 2009, Verrucarietea nigrescentis Wirth 1980) is described here. It is formed on marl limestone pebbles in arid landscapes in the Northern Black Sea lowland. Forty-six species of lichens and ten lichenicolous fungi were observed and Staurothele hymenogonia, Verrucaria muralis s. lat., V. viridula are diagnostic for the association. The new association is a component of the Nord-Pontic calcicline pale fescue grasslands habitats (EUNIS). It occurs in protected areas “Yelanetsky Steppe” (Mykolayiv region), “Troitska balka” (Zaporizha region), the National Nature Park “Kam`yanska Sich” and the Regional Landscape Park “Gavrylovsky” (Kherson region).
Assessment of the Effect of Organizational Support and Investment in Employee Development on Affective Commitment
Authors: Bodjrenou Kossivi , Ming Xu
Published: February 2019

The purpose of this research is to identify factors and conditions that improve the affective commitment of employees so as to increase the chances of organizations to retain their employees. This research took the form of a multiple regression analysis and assessed the ability of Perceived Investment in Employee Development and Perceived Organizational Support to predict Affective Commitment controlling nationality. The Perceived Investment in Employee Development questionnaire, Perceived Organizational Support assessment tool, and Affective Commitment survey have been utilized as instruments to collect data and a nonprobability purposive sampling technique involving 250 full-time employees in the service industry in Shanghai was carried out.

It was observed that Perceived Investment in Employee Development and Perceived Organizational Support are significant predictors of Affective Commitment among various categories of employees that were distinguished in this study. It was found that employees welcome developmental programs where Perceived Organizational Support is high. It was suggested that endeavors to retain employees in China should not just implement observations made in Western countries but consider the socio-economic realties of the country so as to be effective. More light needs to be thrown on the predictors of Affective Commitment in China and this research recommended areas that require further investigations.
Language Games and Their Impact on the Development of Reading Skills among Non-Native Speakers of Arabic Language: An Analytical Study
Authors: ALRababah Ibrahim
Published: February 2019

The aim of this study is to find out the effect of the use of language games in the development of reading skills among non-native Arabic language speakers. The study has consisted of 40 learners from the beginner level at the Language Center / University of Jordan. The participants were divided into two groups: experimental group which were taught using the strategy of language games and a control group taught using the normal method. To fulfill the purpose of the study, the researcher prepared a test to measure reading skills, and to verify the validity and stability of the test. After doing all the necessary processing and analyzing procedures, the results of the study showed that there were statistically significant differences at the level of significance (a = 00.5) for the experimental group. This indicates the positive effect of learning using language games in reading skills. Whereas, There were no statistically significant differences at the level of significance (a = 00.5) in the development of reading skills among non-speaking Arabic language learners attributed to gender (male, female). Therefore, the researcher recommended the need to use the strategy of language games for the development of reading skills among non-speaking Arabic language learners.
DEVELOPMENT OF A HIGH-SPEED MIRROR-LIKE FINISH POLISHING TECHNOLOGY FOR MINUTE PARTS BASED ON A LINEAR MOTOR
Authors: TANABE Ikuo , SOUSA GAMA Valerio DE , ISE Yoshifumi , ISOBE Hiromi , TAKAHASHI Satoshi
Published: February 2019

As high speed, high acceleration and stable drive on machine tools is constantly growing in demand, the use
of linear motors in machine tools has increased. On the other hand, in order to achieve a high degree of quality, the need for mirror-like finish surfaces on industrial products has also considerably increased. This research explores the use of linear motors to develop a high-speed fine polishing process that achieves a mirror-like finish surface on small parts. The first stage of this process consisted in developing a polishing device, which was composed of a NC milling machine, a linear motor drive and a polishing head. Specifically, a polishing head attached to a linear motor drive was coupled with the spindle of a NC milling machine. A substitute for a small linear motor drive was obtained from a commercially available shaver, while the polishing head was made
of propylene. The polishing head elaboration process, linear motor drive properties, lapping agent and
the optimum polishing conditions were investigated in several experiments. The evaluation consisted in the high-speed polishing of minute areas on flat surfaces using the selected optimum conditions. It is concluded that, (1)
the proposed system was able to achieve a mirror-like finish surface, (2) when compared to polishing with an ultrasonic motor, the machining time of the proposed system was reduced by half, (3) the proposed system was able to achieve a mirror-like finish on a 3 mm square sided area.
PREDICTION OF THE SHAPE ACCURACY OF PARTS FABRICATED
BY MEANS OF FLM PROCESS USING FEM SIMULATIONS
Authors: MÖHRING H.-Christian , STEHLE Thomas , MAUCHER Clemens , BECKER Dina , BRAUN Steffen
Published: February 2019

The prediction of component properties from the Additive manufacturing (AM) process poses a challenge. Therefore, this paper presents the development of a novel machine data (G-Code) based procedure as well as its programming implementation of a process simulation in ANSYS Mechanical for the fused layer modelling (FLM) process. For this purpose, an investigation of additively produced components with varying parameters made of polylactic acid (PLA) is carried out and simulated by means of the developed method. Application
of the developed method makes it possible to predict the thermally induced distortion of PLA-Parts based on the machine data from the FLM process before production.
DIGITAL TWIN BASED SYNCHRONISED CONTROL AND SIMULATION
OF THE INDUSTRIAL ROBOTIC CELL USING VIRTUAL REALITY
Authors: KUTS Vladimir  , OTTO Tauno  , TÄHEMAA Toivo , BONDARENKO Yevhen
Published: February 2019

During the years common understanding of the possibilities and perspectives of Virtual Reality (VR) usage has been changed. It is thought that VR is mainly used in entertainment purposes, but it is being used already for many years in different industries, and now with easier access to the hardware it became a helpful and accessible tool that could be used and developed in any field of human activities. In manufacturing, immersive technologies are mainly used nowadays for the visualisation of processes and products combining those visuals into
the factory Digital Twin (DT) which is possible to view from the inside look. This feature is already being used in several manufacturing simulation tools, which enable to view onto industrial line / robotic cells via Virtual Reality glasses. However, the potential of using simulations with VR in manufacturing is not fully uncovered. The main aim of this, industrial robotics targeted research is to enable besides simulation also universal control algorithms through Virtual Reality experience, produced by game engine Unity3D, which can be easily modified for a wide range of industrial equipment. The primary outcome of this work is the development of the synchro-nisation model of real and virtual industrial robots and experimental testing the developed model in Virtual Reality and shop floor labs
Toxic Sovereignty:Understanding Fraud as the Expression of Special Liberty within Late-Capitalism
Authors: Tudor Kate
Published: February 2019

As a result of the pressures exerted by neoliberal economics and consumer capitalism, late-capitalist subjects are forced to compete in increasingly brutal circumstances in order to avoid the fate of symbolic and material annihilation. Economic and consumer engagement are not, however, solely based on coercion but are simultaneously facilitated by seductive ideals such as sovereignty. Conversations with those convicted for their involvement in investment fraud indicate the centrality of the notion of sovereignty to their subjective experience and, in turn, their motivation for fraud. The notion of economic sovereignty was key to their understanding of economic enterprise whereby they carved out spaces of extreme personal freedom in which they were free to engage in acts of serious and sustained economic predation. Similarly, perspectives on consumer sovereignty were characterised by a degree of excess whereby the individual who self-governs consumptive choices was replaced by the individual who is characterised by the absolute right to pursue pleasure in an unrestrained way. As a consequence, many personal barriers against harm and criminality were eroded. Thus, whilst acts of economic predation were driven by the deep-seated cultures of anxiety and insecurity produced within contemporary capitalism, they were also facilitated by the cultural profusion of notions of sovereignty in this context which ultimately served as a means of obfuscating the reality of the individual’s relationship with capital.
Der Verbandsstrafenregress im Nachgang an störendes Zuschauerverhalten
Authors: Nees Thorsten
Published: February 2019

Football associations taking recourse to imposing penalties is not only an issue that the German Federal Court of Justice, the Bundesgerichtshof, has had to deal with repeatedly, but is also the subject of numerous articles. However, the topic has not yet been sufficiently covered by monographs. This work closes that gap in research by addressing the topic and discussing in detail the legal issues that arise when football associations impose a penalty on a spectator.
The author first addresses the offences that cause liability, pointing out the need for more in-depth reflections. He then examines known problem areas (attribution of damage, limiting the value of the compensation for damages, case-by-case partition of damages and the legal practice of association courts). He also focuses on answering the question of whether the possibility of imposing a penalty is affected in cases where the penalty imposed by the football association is based on its own ineffective regulations. Considering previously expressed positions on this issue, the author presents his own solutions to it.