bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MONTE CARLO POPULATION SYNTHESIS OF POST-COMMON-ENVELOPE WHITE DWARF BINARIES AND TYPE Ia SUPERNOVA RATE
Authors: Ablimit Iminhaji , Maeda Keiichi , Li Xiang-Dong
Published: July 2016

Binary population synthesis (BPS) studies provide a comprehensive way to understand the evolution of binaries and their end products. Close white dwarf (WD) binaries have crucial characteristics for examining the influence of unresolved physical parameters on binary evolution. In this paper, we perform Monte Carlo BPS simulations, investigating the population of WD/main-sequence (WD/MS) binaries and double WD binaries using a publicly available binary star evolution code under 37 different assumptions for key physical processes and binary initial conditions. We considered different combinations of the binding energy parameter (λ
g: considering gravitational energy only; λ
b: considering both gravitational energy and internal energy; and λ
e: considering gravitational energy, internal energy, and entropy of the envelope, with values derived from the MESA code), CE efficiency, critical mass ratio, initial primary mass function, and metallicity. We find that a larger number of post-CE WD/MS binaries in tight orbits are formed when the binding energy parameters are set by λ
e than in those cases where other prescriptions are adopted. We also determine the effects of the other input parameters on the orbital periods and mass distributions of post-CE WD/MS binaries. As they contain at least one CO WD, double WD systems that evolved from WD/MS binaries may explode as type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) via merging. In this work, we also investigate the frequency of two WD mergers and compare it to the SNe Ia rate. The calculated Galactic SNe Ia rate with λ = λ
e is comparable to the observed SNe Ia rate, ∼8.2 × 10−5 yr−1 – ∼4 × 10−3 yr−1 depending on the other BPS parameters, if a DD system does not require a mass ratio higher than ∼0.8 to become an SNe Ia. On the other hand, a violent merger scenario, which requires the combined mass of two CO WDs ≥ 1.6M
⊙ and a mass ratio >0.8, results in a much lower SNe Ia rate than is observed.
La pédagogie nouvelle de Victor d’Hupay : utopie et émancipation des femmes (1789-1807)
Authors: Fayolle Caroline
Published: July 2016

Pédagogue et homme de lettres, Victor d’Hupay élabore pendant la Révolution française une utopie pédagogique dans sa propriété à Fuveau près d’Aix-en-Provence. Sa pédagogie nouvelle est fondée sur le jeu et sur la capacité des enfants des deux sexes à s’instruire par eux-mêmes. Marginal sur le plan social et politique, Victor d’Hupay dénonce l’oppression des femmes à la fois par le mariage et par une éducation aliénante. En mobilisant la méthodologie du genre, cet article se propose d’analyser en quoi l’utopie pédagogique de Victor d’Hupay s’inscrit dans un projet politique visant à émanciper les femmes. Une éducation nouvelle permettrait l’instauration d’une égalité concrète entre les sexes dans l’organisation de la vie quotidienne, affective et sexuelle.
Formas modernas de resacralización en disputa. La nación y la persona
Authors: Beriain Josetxo
Published: July 2016

Este trabajo aborda –frente a un enfoque teleológico y canónico de la teoría de la secularización, según el cual la evolución social lleva de lo religioso a lo secular, convirtiéndose de esta guisa la religión en una reliquia o un atavismo del pasado en un estadio de modernidad plena– el análisis de procesos sociales de resacralización moderna que afectan a la nación y a la persona humana. Por una parte, analizo tres casos, como son, la Revolución Francesa, la religión civil americana y la sacralidad emergente tras el ataque al WTC el 9/11, presentando la base empírica que explica la emergencia de formas sagradas múltiples postaxiales. Por otra parte, examino la emergencia, casi de forma paralela, de un proceso de sacralización de otra esfera secular, el de la persona humana, visible en las diversas declaraciones de derechos humanos. Finalmente, analizo dos casos de sociedades modernas donde tales narrativas de resacralización moderna –de la nación y de la persona– fungen como ejes de lucha simbólica.
La imagen al servicio del texto: masora ornamental en el manuscrito bíblico hebreo BH Mss1
Authors: Martín Contreras Elvira
Published: July 2016

Las noticias masoréticas escritas en formas geométricas o figurativas que aparecen junto al texto bíblico han sido poco estudiadas hasta la fecha. Los escasos estudios existentes se suelen centrar en la forma, sin tener en cuenta el contenido. El manuscrito bíblico BH Mss1 (M1) contiene un gran número de noticias masoréticas en forma figurativa que, si bien ya habían sido mencionadas, sus diseños no han sido descritos ni estudiados en relación con su contenido. El presente trabajo se centra en las noticias de Masora figurativa, su localización, forma y contenido. El análisis conjunto de la forma y el contenido de las noticias permite concluir que la razón principal para escribir la Masora en forma figurativa en M1 es práctica.
Integración religiosa y social de los conversos en las comunidades de la diáspora sefardí occidental a la luz de fuentes inquisitoriales
Authors: Moreno-Goldschmidt Aliza
Published: July 2016

Paralelamente al proceso de emigración desde la Península Ibérica hacia las comunidades de la diáspora sefaradí occidental durante el siglo XVII, tuvo lugar un fenómeno en dirección contraria. Individuos que habían residido en el seno de estas congregaciones, decidieron retornar, temporal o definitivamente, a España, Portugal o sus colonias. Algunos de estos fueron procesados por la Inquisición. En los documentos de sus procesos de fe se encuentran interesantes descripciones a partir de las cuales se puede reconstruir algunos aspectos sociales y religiosos de la vida judía en dichas comunidades de la diáspora sefaradí. El presente artículo recoge una selección de fuentes inquisitoriales a partir de las cuales se abordan aspectos sobre el rito de la circuncisión, la educación y la vida sinagogal, y el papel que estos jugaron en el proceso de socialización de los cristianos nuevos que retornaron al judaísmo.
The Influence of Fuels Quality on Tribological Wear in Slow Speed Diesel Engines
Authors: Adamkiewicz Andrzej , Drzewieniecki Jan
Published: July 2016

In this article, there are presented problems of tribological wear occurring in slow speed diesel engines elements such as piston – piston rings – cylinder liner assembly and fuel injection pumps caused by use of poor quality fuels. There are defined specific quality standards for bunkered marine residual and distillate fuels with accordance to ISO Standard 8217:2010 and recommended by engine maker’s fuel quality at engine inlet. Moreover, there are characterized common contaminants in this fuels with special attention to the most harmful the residual fuel catalytic particles so-called Cat-Fines, specified the maximum limits and described their influence on engine’s tribological pairs. Furthermore, this paper considers the operational precautions and treatment of poor quality fuels with elaboration of specific procedures to prevent and reduce the influence of Cat-fines to tribological wear in engine elements containing issues of fuel oil storage and distribution on board, fuel oil treatment, usage of poor quality fuels and condition monitoring of engine elements.
The Identification of Selected Issues of Port Facilities Wear in Dusty Environments of Bulk Cargoes
Authors: Chmiel Jarosław , Szyszko Małgorzata , Kaczmarek Krzysztof , Pańcyk Krzysztof
Published: July 2016

The article addresses issues of wear selected port facilities in the conditions of the occurrence of dusty fraction of bulk cargoes on examples of coal and iron ore. Presented in the article results basis on simulation studies on the laboratory stand "pin-on-roll" for the conditions of pollution of lubricants dust loads, taking into account the impact of the simulated marine environment containing corrosive saline mist.
Selected Issues of Corrosive - Mechanical Wear in the Port Grain Elevator
Authors: Chmiel Jarosław , Śmiechowski Jarosław , Jasiński Marcin , Szyszko Małgorzata
Published: July 2016

The article presents results of long years operational research of the real object localized in the maritime port. The aim of research was the identification of phenomena occurring between grain cargoes and handling equipment. The properties of grains and related products make, that in devices for internal transport systems take place the phenomena of intense erosive wear. The corrosive phenomena, typical for moist environment in the port; additionally speed up the destruction of the steel elements of internal transport system inside the grain silos. There has been discussed the main mechanisms of wear, indicating the fundamental role of the corrosive - mechanical processes. The results of studies of selected properties of grain products, affecting the intensity of the wear of materials of the handling facilities in the port grain elevator have been presented in the article, as well.
Role of Cytosolic Calcium Diffusion in Murine Cardiac Purkinje Cells
Authors: Limbu Bijay , Shah Kushal , Weinberg Seth H. , Deo Makarand
Published: July 2016

Cardiac Purkinje cells (PCs) are morphologically and electrophysiologically different from ventricular myocytes and, importantly, exhibit distinct calcium (Ca2+) homeostasis. Recent studies suggest that PCs are more susceptible to action potential (AP) abnormalities than ventricular myocytes; however, the exact mechanisms are poorly understood. In this study, we utilized a detailed biophysical mathematical model of a murine PC to systematically examine the role of cytosolic Ca2+ diffusion in shaping the AP in PCs. A biphasic spatiotemporal Ca2+ diffusion process, as recorded experimentally, was implemented in the model. In this study, we investigated the role of cytosolic Ca2+ dynamics on AP and ionic current properties by varying the effective Ca2+ diffusion rate. It was observed that AP morphology, specifically the plateau, was affected due to changes in the intracellular Ca2+ dynamics. Elevated Ca2+ concentration in the sarcolemmal region activated inward sodium-Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) current, resulting in a prolongation of the AP plateau at faster diffusion rates. Artificially clamping the NCX current to control values completely reversed the alterations in the AP plateau, thus confirming the role of NCX in modifying the AP morphology. Our results demonstrate that cytosolic Ca2+ diffusion waves play a significant role in shaping APs of PCs and could provide mechanistic insights in the increased arrhythmogeneity of PCs.
Health Disparity among Latina Women: Comparison with Non-Latina Women
Authors: Paz Karen , Massey Kelly P.
Published: July 2016

Analyzing the Latino community and focusing on the women that make up this fast-growing demographic create a better understanding of the needs and considerations for health-care professionals and social policies. It is important that national health and health-care data on the Latino ethnic group be presented by gender in order to determine areas specific to women. This review focuses on the existing health and health-care data of Latino women (Latinas). The ability to distinguish the health-care experiences of Latinas will increase the understanding of existing barriers to their health care, the initiatives needed to overcome them, and increase the overall quality of health among Latina women.
Jacobi Spectral Collocation Method for the Time Variable-Order Fractional Mobile-Immobile Advection-Dispersion Solute Transport Model
Authors: Ma Heping , Yang Yubo
Published: July 2016

An efficient high order numerical method is presented to solve the mobile-immobile advection-dispersion model with the Coimbra time variable-order fractional derivative, which is used to simulate solute transport in watershed catchments and rivers. On establishing an efficient recursive algorithm based on the properties of Jacobi polynomials to approximate the Coimbra variable-order fractional derivative operator, we use spectral collocation method with both temporal and spatial discretisation to solve the time variable-order fractional mobile-immobile advection-dispersion model. Numerical examples then illustrate the effectiveness and high order convergence of our approach.
A Mixed Analytical/Numerical Method for Velocity and Heat Transfer of Laminar Power-Law Fluids
Authors: Li Botong , Zheng Liancun , Lin Ping , Wang Zhaohui , Liao Mingjie
Published: July 2016

This paper presents a relatively simple numerical method to investigate the flow and heat transfer of laminar power-law fluids over a semi-infinite plate in the presence of viscous dissipation and anisotropy radiation. On one hand, unlike most classical works, the effects of power-law viscosity on velocity and temperature fields are taken into account when both the dynamic viscosity and the thermal diffusivity vary as a power-law function. On the other hand, boundary layer equations are derived by Taylor expansion, and a mixed analytical/numerical method (a pseudosimilarity method) is proposed to effectively solve the boundary layer equations. This method has been justified by comparing its results with those of the original governing equations obtained by a finite element method. These results agree very well especially when the Reynolds number is large. We also observe that the robustness and accuracy of the algorithm are better when thermal boundary layer is thinner than velocity boundary layer.
Finite Volume Element Methods for Two-Dimensional Three-Temperature Radiation Diffusion Equations
Authors: Gao Yanni , Zhao Xiukun , Li Yonghai
Published: July 2016

Two-dimensional three-temperature (2-D 3-T) radiation diffusion equations are widely used to approximately describe the evolution of radiation energy within a multi-material system and explain the exchange of energy among electrons, ions and photons. Their highly nonlinear, strong discontinuous and tightly coupled phenomena always make the numerical solution of such equations extremely challenging. In this paper, we construct two finite volume element schemes both satisfying the discrete conservation property. One of them can well preserve the positivity of analytical solutions, while the other one does not satisfy this property. To fix this defect, two as repair techniques are designed. In addition, as the numerical simulation of 2-D 3-T equations is very time consuming, we also devise a mesh adaptation algorithm to reduce the cost. Numerical results show that these new methods are practical and efficient in solving this kind of problems.
The role of literary theory in teaching and learning of French literature in Nigeria
Authors: Teryima Akese Mannasseh
Published: July 2016

Literary theory is the apex of literary studies. We have various theoretical subdivisions of the literary theory that facilitate the teaching and learning of literature. For example, the university theory, socialism, modernism, feminism, existentialism, naturalism, romanticism, feminism, absurdity, etc. It is a truism that we have different types of literature in the world. For example, African literature, French literature, Caribbean literature, Igala literature, Tiv literature and Yoruba literature, etc. These are products of the society. It is pertinent to note that the primordial role and the specific value of literary pedagogy is to project the society. It is indeed, by this specific value that we look at literature as the mirror of the society. French literature is also a perfect illustration of this reality. Unfortunately, the pedagogy of French literature, be it in colleges of education, be it in universities doesn’t captivate the interest of most students. This has provoked the researcher to re-examine the place and efficiency of literary theory in the in-depth study of French literature. This will give us another intellectual opportunity to look at some of the academic problems associated with the domain. For example, the methodological problems, the problem of materials and that of the socio-milieu. It is in view of this that the paper calls for possible solutions that will render the literary pedagogy in this domain more motivating and efficient.
The Novelist and Social Commitment: A Study of Meja Mwangi’s The Bushtrackers
Authors: Ukande Chris K.
Published: July 2016

Meja Mwangi is one of the literary giants who have emerged in the literary scene of Kenya. His works have however, not received much critical attention the way the works of, for instance, Ngugi have. The study has therefore, brought to limelight Mwangi’s literary prowess as a socially committed writer of his time and space. As a socially committed writer, Mwangi explores the social ills that were associated with colonial Africa and the ones that are inherent in the post-independence contemporary African society. In his The Bushtrackers, Mwangi captures the traumatic existence of Africans even though independence has been achieved. His main worry is that all is not well with African continent despite independence. The study therefore, concludes that until the psychological traumas that have brought pains and sufferings to the people of Africa are surmounted by our so-called leaders, true African peaceful existence, progress and above all, human happiness, will continue to remain a mirage ad infinitum.Keywords: Social commitment, neo-colonialism
Literature and development: perspectives from stylistics
Authors: Obobolo Vincent
Published: July 2016

This study seeks solution to the problem of underdevelopment. It examines how indigenous narrative knowledge and literary information could bring development to post-colonial societies and the human society. It focuses on the role of mediatory/ternary force in stylistic analysis of texts, and it attempts an analysis of selected African texts: Amos Tutuola’s The Palm-wine Drinkard, Wole Soyinka’s Death and the King’s Horseman, and Niyi Osundare’s Waiting Laughters. The study establishes/re-establishes stylistics and post-structuralism’s mediatory/ternary force as significant determiners to the interpretation of literary discourse. The study finds that hidden/hitherto overlooked meanings and cultural information from literary texts could serve as tools for societal development.Keywords: Stylistics, Post-colonialism, African Literature, Development, Post-culturalism
The religious and socio-cultural implication of African names: Igbo naming system as a paradigm
Authors: Udechukwu Gladys I. , Nnyigide Nkoli Mercy
Published: July 2016

Man is a religious being and whatever he does revolves around his religious belief because humans’ belief is that the spiritual controls the physical and the supernatural controls the natural. All over the world, name has been an important aspect of human life. Some people of the world give their children names without considering the implications of those names on their children. By implications we mean the effects of the names given; but this is not so with Africans. Africans in the past valued their culture and their worldview so much that they portray them through their names. In Africa, particularly in Igbo land, names given to children are sacred because they are given before the presence of both the living (man) and the dead (spirit) as witnesses. Name and naming ceremony in Igbo land especially in Anambra State of Nigeria is a very important issue that cannot be toyed with. These days, it has been observed that the present Igbo people in particular, and Africans in general have lost sight of the sacredness and values of their names as well as the implications of the type of names they give their children. To correct this error, this paper therefore, aspires to look into the different Igbo names as one of the African countries as well as their religious and socio- cultural implications. This will be beneficial to the present Africans, particularly the Igbo people in choosing the names they give their children, knowing that names given to a person can affect him or her negatively or positively.Keywords: Religious, Socio-cultural, Implication and Paradigm
Meaning and interpretation of Igbo body-parts based idioms
Authors: Okoye Adaobi Ngozi , Mmadike Benjamin I.
Published: July 2016

The traditional view of idioms suggests that they are expressions with arbitrary meanings. The cognitive linguistics view however, has it that the meanings of idioms can be interpreted by some cognitive operations. This study, using Igbo idioms pertaining to body-parts, attempts to ascertain the cognitive operations that apply in Igbo idiomatic meaning interpretation. Data for the study were extracted from Igbo textbooks and analysed based on the cognitive linguistics framework. The study shows that the figurative meanings of the selected body-part idioms are generally achieved by  conventional knowledge, metaphor and metonymy. It equally reveals that conventional knowledge is a basic tool in idiomatic meaning interpretation as it can solely account for the meaning of an expression. Finally, it can be concluded that a single cognitive mechanism or a combination of two or more of such mechanisms can be employed in the figurative meaning interpretation of Igbo body-parts idioms.Keywords: Conventional knowledge, Idioms, Metaphor, Metonymy
Radical chemistry at a rural site (Wangdu) in the
North China Plain: Observation and model
calculations of OH, HO2 and RO2 radicals
Authors: Tan Zhaofeng , Fuchs Hendrik , Lu Keding , Bohn Birger , Broch Sebastian , Dong Huabin , Gomm Sebastian , Haeseler Rolf , He Lingyan , Hofzumahaus Andreas , Holland Frank , Li Xin , Liu Ying , Lu Sihua , Rohrer Franz , Shao Min , Wang Baolin , Wang Ming , Wu Yusheng , Zeng Limin , Zhang Yinsong , Wahner Andreas , Zhang Yuanhang
Published: July 2016

Abstract. A comprehensive field campaign was carried out in summer 2014 in Wangdu located in the North China Plain. A month of continuous OH, HO2 and RO2 measurements were achieved. Observations of radicals by laser induced fluorescence (LIF) technique gave daily maximum concentrations between (5–15) × 106 cm−3, (3–14) × 108 cm−3 and (3–15) × 108 cm−3 for OH, HO2 and RO2, respectively. Measured OH reactivities (inverse OH lifetimes) were 10 to 20 s−1 during daytime. A chemical box model constrained by trace-gas observations and based on a state-of-the-art chemical mechanism is used to interpret the observed radical concentrations. In general, the model can reasonably well reproduce measured radical concentrations during daytime. Like in previous field campaigns in China, modelled and measured OH concentrations agree for NO mixing ratios higher than 1 ppbv, but systematic discrepancies are observed in the afternoon for NO mixing ratios of less than 300 pptv (the model-measurement ratio is between 1.4 to 2 in this case). If additional OH recycling equivalent to 100 pptv NO is assumed, the model is also capable of reproducing the observed OH concentrations for conditions of high VOC and low NOx concentrations with good agreement in HO2 and RO2. Observed RO2 concentrations are underestimated in the morning hours by a factor of 3 to 5. This indicates that an additional chemical source of RO2 is missing in the model. The OH reactivity is also underpredicted in the early morning. Increasing VOC concentrations to match measured OH reactivity helps to reduce the discrepancy between modelled and measured RO2. The underprediction of RO2 coincides with high NO concentrations and therefore leads to a significant underestimation of the local ozone production rates determined from the peroxy radical (HO2 and RO2) reactions with NO. The underestimation corresponds to a daily integral ozone production of about 20 ppbv per day.
Diversity and mineral substrate preference in endolithic microbial communities
from marine intertidal outcrops (Isla de Mona, Puerto Rico)
Authors: Couradeau Estelle , Roush Daniel , Guida Brandon Scott , Garcia-Pichel Ferran
Published: July 2016

Abstract. Endolithic microbial communities are prominent features of intertidal marine habitats, where they colonize a variety of substrates, contributing to their erosion. Almost two centuries worth of naturalistic studies focused on a few true-boring (euendolithic) phototrophs, but substrate preference has received little attention. The Isla de Mona (Puerto Rico) intertidal zone offers a unique setting to investigate substrate specificity of endolithic communities since various phosphate rock, limestone, and dolostone outcrops occur there. High-throughput 16S rDNA genetic sampling, enhanced by targeted cultivation, revealed that, while euendolithic cyanobacteria were dominant, the communities were invariably of high diversity, well beyond that reported in traditional studies, and implying an unexpected metabolic complexity, potentially contributed by secondary colonizers. While the overall community composition did not show differences traceable to the nature of the mineral substrate, we detected specialization among particular euendolithic cyanobacterial clades towards the type of substrate they excavate, but only at the OTU phylogenetic level, implying that close relatives have specialized recurrently into particular substrates. The cationic mineral component was determinant in this preference, calling for the existence in nature of alternatives to the boring mechanism described in culture that is based exclusively on transcellular calcium transport.
First occurrence of Panthera atrox
(Felidae, Pantherinae) in the Mexican state of Hidalgo and a review of the
record of felids from the Pleistocene of Mexico
Authors: Bravo-Cuevas Victor Manuel , Priego-Vargas Jaime , Cabral-Perdomo Miguel Ángel , Pineda Maldonado Marco Antonio
Published: July 2016

Abstract. Panthera atrox was a common large-sized cat in North America during the late Pleistocene. An isolated lower canine and a fifth metacarpal bone referable to this species were recovered from fluvial Quaternary deposits that outcrop in southeastern Hidalgo, central Mexico. Associated fossil material belonging to Bison indicates a Rancholabrean North American Land Mammal Age; the age assignment is corroborated by the presence of P. atrox. A comparative study with selected specimens of Panthera and Smilodon indicates that the Hidalgoan sample shares the following diagnostic features with P. atrox: a large, robust, and non-strongly curved lower canine; a large and relatively slender fifth metacarpal with a well-developed projection on the palmar side at the proximal end, narrow articulating surface for the unciform; a narrow notch on the articulating surface for the fourth metacarpal; and a diaphysis that at the middle is oval in cross section. The record supplements the evidence of P. atrox in central Mexico and represents the first reported occurrence of this cat species in the state of Hidalgo. By the same token, the known geographic distribution of P. atrox in the Mexican territory suggests that it was relatively common in temperate areas of central Mexico between 19 and 24° N at an altitudinal range from 1500 to 2250 m a.s.l. The large size (mean body mass of 300 kg) and hypercarnivorous adaptations of the American lion suggest it was the top predator of the mammalian community recorded at southeastern Hidalgo, displacing other members of the carnivore guild at the mesopredator level, such as the dire wolf (Canis dirus ), which has been also reported in the area. The high diversity of large herbivores recorded at southeastern Hidalgo, which in turn could represent potential prey of P. atrox, suggests that some areas that now are part of central Mexico were suitable hunting sites for this large-sized cat. A review of the Pleistocene record of Felidae from Mexico revealed that it encompasses 87.5 and 73.3 % of generic and specific diversity known for North America, respectively, including seven genera (Felis, Miracinonyx, Panthera, Puma, Lynx, Leopardus, and Smilodon) and 11 species (Felis rexroadensis, Miracinonyx inexpectatus, Panthera atrox, Panthera onca, Puma concolor, Puma yagouaroundi, Lynx rufus, Leopardus pardalis, Leopardus wiedii, Smilodon fatalis, and Smilodon gracilis). The majority of these taxa have been reported from numerous late Pleistocene localities; in particular, Panthera atrox was relatively common and widely distributed across the Mexican territory.
Estado del arte de la medición de la productividad y la eficiencia técnica en América Latina: Caso Nicaragua
Authors: López-González Álvaro Santiago , Zúniga-González Carlos Alberto , López Mario Ramón , Quirós-Madrigal Olman José , Colón-García Adelfa Patricia , Navas-Calderón José , Martínez-Andrades Erick , Rangel-Cura Raúl Alberto
Published: July 2016

En este artículo se plasman los resultados de una revisión bibliográfica de textos y artículos científicos que abordan la teoría de la “Productividad” y de la “Eficiencia técnica” como dos magnitudes económicas claves para determinar el crecimiento económico de una unidad productiva, un sector económico o de una nación. En el estudio se encontró que los países donde se registró una mayor contribución del progreso técnico a la variación de la productividad en el período de 50 años (de 1960-2010) analizado fueron la Argentina, el Brasil, Colombia y el Ecuador, con índices de alrededor del 0,3%. Además, se evidencia que los 19 países analizados en este trabajo registraron una eficiencia técnica decreciente, que supone que el aporte de dicha eficiencia a la PTF fue negativo en todos los países. En el caso de Nicaragua se notó que la PTF algunos autores la estimaron entre un 0.08 y 0.016 de ritmo de crecimiento interanual.
Princípios sobre o direito de acesso à informação oficial na América Latina
Authors: Perlingeiro Ricardo , Díaz Ivonne , Liani Milena
Published: July 2016

O presente texto tem como ponto de partida os 10 princípios sobre o direito de acesso à informação, declarados, em 2008, pelo Comitê Jurídico Interamericano (CJI) da Organização dos Estados Americanos (OEA), e a Lei Modelo Interamericana sobre Acesso à Informação Pública da OEA, de 2010, os quais sistematizam a jurisprudência da Corte Interamericana de Direitos Humanos (Corte I.D.H.). Trata-se de estudo comparado que – à luz da teoria dos direitos fundamentais - afere o nível da influência do Sistema Interamericano de Direitos Humanos em face da legislação e precedentes judiciais dos 18 Estados latino-americanos de origem ibérica sujeitos à Convenção Americana (Argentina, Bolívia, Brasil, Chile, Colômbia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Equador, Guatemala, Honduras, México, Nicarágua, Panamá, Paraguai, Peru, República Dominicana, Uruguai e Venezuela). Em consequência, traz à evidência os pontos positivos e negativos das leis nacionais na América Latina acerca do acesso à informação.
Expediente
Authors: Masthead Journal
Published: July 2016

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Estimate of biomass and carbon pools in disturbed and undisturbed oak forests in Tunisia
Authors: Zribi Lobna , Chaar Hatem , Khaldi Abdelhamid , Henchi Belgacem , Mouillot Florent , Gharbi Fatma
Published: July 2016

Aim of the study. To estimate biomass and carbon accumulation in a young and disturbed forest (regenerated after a tornado) and an aged cork oak forest (undisturbed forest) as well as its distribution among the different pools (tree, litter and soil).Area of study. The north west of TunisiaMaterial and methods. Carbon stocks were evaluated in the above and belowground cork oak trees, the litter and the 150 cm of the soil. Tree biomass was estimated in both young and aged forests using allometric biomass equations developed for wood stem, cork stem, wood branch, cork branch, leaves, roots and total tree biomass based on combinations of diameter at breast height, total height and crown length as independent variables.Main results. Total tree biomass in forests was 240.58 Mg ha-1 in the young forest and 411.30 Mg ha-1 in the aged forest with a low root/shoot ratio (0.41 for young forest and 0.31 for aged forest). Total stored carbon was 419.46 Mg C ha-1 in the young forest and 658.09 Mg C ha-1 in the aged forest. Carbon stock (Mg C ha-1) was estimated to be113.61(27.08%) and 194.08 (29.49%) in trees, 3.55 (0.85%) and 5.73 (0.87%) in litter and 302.30 (72.07%) and 458.27 (69.64%) in soil in the young and aged forests, respectively.Research highlights. Aged undisturbed forest had the largest tree biomass but a lower potential for accumulation of carbon in the future; in contrast, young disturbed forest had both higher growth and carbon storage potential.Keywords: Tree biomass; disturbance; allometry; cork oak forests; soil organic carbon stock.
Short Communication. Using high resolution UAV imagery to estimate tree variables in Pinus pinea plantation in Portugal
Authors: Hernandez Juan Guerra , Gonzalez-Ferreiro Eduardo , Sarmento Alexandre , Silva João , Nunes Alexandra , Correia Alexandra Cristina , Fontes Luis , Tomé Margarida , Diaz-Varela Ramon
Published: July 2016

Aim of study: The study aims to analyse the potential use of low‑cost unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) imagery for the estimation of Pinus pinea L. variables at the individual tree level (position, tree height and crown diameter).Area of study: This study was conducted under the PINEA project focused on 16 ha of umbrella pine afforestation (Portugal) subjected to different treatments.Material and methods: The workflow involved: a) image acquisition with consumer‑grade cameras on board an UAV; b) orthomosaic and digital surface model (DSM) generation using structure-from-motion (SfM) image reconstruction; and c) automatic individual tree segmentation by using a mixed pixel‑ and region‑based based algorithm.Main results: The results of individual tree segmentation (position, height and crown diameter) were validated using field measurements from 3 inventory plots in the study area. All the trees of the plots were correctly detected. The RMSE values for the predicted heights and crown widths were 0.45 m and 0.63 m, respectively.Research highlights: The results demonstrate that tree variables can be automatically extracted from high resolution imagery. We highlight the use of UAV systems as a fast, reliable and cost‑effective technique for small scale applications.Keywords: Unmanned aerial systems (UAS); forest inventory; tree crown variables; 3D image modelling; canopy height model (CHM); object‑based image analysis (OBIA), structure‑from‑motion (SfM). ERRATUM PDF
StandsSIM-MD: a Management Driven forest SIMulator
Authors: Barreiro Susana , Rua João , Tomé Margarida
Published: July 2016

Aim of the study: The existing stand level forest simulators available in Portugal were not developed with the aim of including up-to-date model versions and were limited in terms of accounting for forest management. The simulators’ platform, sIMfLOR was recently created to implement different growth models with a common philosophy. The objective was developing one easily-updatable, user-friendly, forest management and climate change sensitive simulator capable of projecting growth for the main tree species in Portugal.Area of the study: Portugal.Material and methods: The new simulator was programmed in a modular form consisting of several modules. The growth module integrates different forest growth and yield models (empirical and process-based) for the main wood production tree species in Portugal (eucalypt, umbrella and maritime pines); whereas the management module drives the growth projections along the planning horizon according to a range of forest management approaches and climate (at present only available for eucalypt).Main results: The main result is the StandsSIM-MD Management Driven simulator that overcomes the limitations of the existing stand level simulators. It is a step forward when compared to the models currently available in the sIMfLOR platform covering more tree species, stand structures and stand compositions. It is focused on end-users and it is based on similar concepts regarding the generation of required inputs and generated outputs.Research highlights:-          Forest Management Driven simulations approach-          Multiple Prescriptions-Per-Stand functionality-          StandsSIM-MD can be used to support landowners decisions on stand forest management-          StandsSIM-MD simulations at regional level can be combined with optimization routinesKeywords: Forest simulator, Forest Management Approaches; StandsSIM-MD; forest management.
Short Communication. Resin tapping activity as a contribution to the management of maritime pine forest
Authors: Palma Amélia , Pereira João Miguel , Soares Paula
Published: July 2016

Aim of the study: In this work potential resin yield in a region of high forest ability where maritime pine is the main species was estimated in order to understand the viability of promoting resin exploitation.Area of study: This study was conducted in Castro Daire County in central region of Portugal.Material and methods: To quantify the resin yield of trees tapped for the first time two plots were installed in a maritime pine stand with average tree age 65 years. Before the beginning of the resin tapping, dendrometric tree variables were measured. Also, in a neighbouring stand, 25 trees were selected to check the relation between tree dbh and resin yield. Gum resin from every tree was weighted during the season. Estimates of potential resin yield in Castro Daire County were made based on data from National Forest Inventory plots, resin tapping legislation and resin yield values obtained in the field. Two scenarios were considered: high and low resin yield. To understand the intentions of forest owners towards restarting resin tapping activity 16 maritime pine forest owners were interviewed.Main results: The results point out a high yield potential capacity for gum resin production in the County: values between 2,025 and 5,873 tons were obtained.Research highlights: Results may highlight the important socio-economical role of the resin tapping activity and can be used to support national forest policies to the resin sector and give forest owners motivation to reactivate resin tapping activity.Keywords: non-wood forest product; resin yield potential; forest owner.
Effect of giberellic acid (GA4/7) and girdling on induction of reproductive structures in Pinus patula
Authors: Vargas-Hernandez J-Jesus , Vargas-Abonce Jeniffer-Ivette
Published: July 2016

Aim of study: Seed production in forest tree species commonly takes a long time due to the length of the juvenile stage. Even though several treatments have been used to induce early flowering in conifer species, experience on their use in subtropical Pinus species is limited. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of GA4/7 dose (0, 1.27 and 2.54 mg cm-2) and application time (July-October), alone or in combination with partial stem girdling, on male and female strobili production in young Pinus patula Schiede ex Schltdl. et Cham. clones.  Area of study: Nine clones with different flowering background of high-elevation Pinus patula growing in a six-year old seed orchard established in Central México (Aquixtla, Puebla) at 2,800 m elevation.Material and methods: Two independent flowering trials (FT1 and FT2) were carried out in the seed orchard during the 2009 and 2010 flowering cycles; similar factors were evaluated at both trials but time of application, clones tested, and experimental design used varied for each of them. Partial stem girdling was done at the base of the trunk and the GA4/7 solution was injected into the xylem above the point of girdling. The following spring, the percentage of trees with strobili and the number of strobili per tree were determined for both male and female structures.Main results: Significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) among clones in flowering capacity were found at both trials. None of the treatments applied in FT1 resulted in an increase of strobili formation, most probably because they were applied too late in the growing season. In FT2, however, application of GA4/7 combined with partial stem girdling increased the percentage of trees with strobili and the number of strobili of both sexes, particularly when applied in early July. Partial stem girdling was more effective on promoting male strobili than female ones in gibberellin-treated grafts.Research highlights: Timing of GA4/7 application and stem girdling was important, with a significant interaction with clones tested in FT2 on production of male strobili but not on female strobili. Application of 1.27 mg cm-2 GA4/7 and stem girdling in July promoted the highest percentage of trees with strobili, and increased 25-fold the number of female strobili and 5-fold the number of male strobili per tree as compared to the control treatment. Thus, operational use of this induction treatment would be valuable to increase and accelerate seed production in Pinus patula seed orchards in the region.Keywords: early flowering; gibberellins; juvenile stage; seed orchard; seed production.Abbreviations: GA: Gibberellic acid; GA4: Gibberellic acid 4; GA7: Gibberellic acid 7; GA4/7: Mix of gibberellic acids 4 and 7; FT1: Flowering trial carried out in the 2009 season; FT2: Flowering trial carried out in the 2010 season.
Exchange Rate Regime, Inflation Targeting and Macroeconomic Performance
Authors: El Achnab Houda Jendoubi
Published: July 2016

This study aims to examine whether emerging countries can use both an inflation targeting strategy and exchange rate regime targeting in order to improve their macroeconomic performance. Empirically, we are based on a sample of 28 emerging countries, over the period 1985-2000. Our findings yielded from mean comparisons tests reveal that in addition to the inflation targeting strategy, countries may adopt an exchange rate regime to improve their growth and decrease their inflation. Moreover, the use of interactive variables in panel models shows that the inflation targeting strategy is a complement to the flexible exchange-rate regime and a substitute for the fixed exchange rate regime.
An Analysis of the Financial Performance of Selected Savings and Credit Co-Operative Societies in Botswana
Authors: Sathyamoorthi C R , Mbekomize Christian J. , Radikoko Ishmael , Wally-Dima Lillian
Published: July 2016

The co-operative sector plays an important role in a country’s socio-economic development. This paper evaluated the financial performance of 9 selected Savings and Credit Co-operative Societies (SACCOSs) in Botswana by analysing audited financial statements of a five-year period from 2008 to 2012. The analytical techniques used include descriptive statistics of financial aggregates and ratios, correlation, regression and common size analyses. The financial aggregates analysed included all items that impact income generation as well as items that represent the financial position of the selected societies. The findings underscored that the selected SACCOSs achieved good financial results and were in strong financial position. The results also indicated a significant relationship between Net Profit ratio and Capital Employed Ratio to inform that the Net Profit Ratio was the most important explainer of Return on Capital Employed. The 5 year common size analysis also revealed a growth in income and in the financial status of the selected societies. The capital structure of these societies was characterised by substantial share of internal funds. Conclusively, maintaining an optimal balance between the interest on loans and interest on members’ savings, and investing extra cash in diversified portfolio to reduce the risk levels would make the SACCOSs grow and function more productively and profitably. They would also then succeed in attracting more members and thereby significantly contribute towards poverty reduction and economic diversification drives in the country.
Assessing Growers’ Perceptions of Effective Extension Methods and Information Communication Technologies for Training Vegetable Growers in Jordan
Authors: Al-Rimawi Ahmad , Tabieh Mohammad , Al-Qudah Hussein
Published: July 2016

The study examined the effectiveness of agricultural extension education methods as perceived by vegetable growers in Jordan to meet their assessed needs in areas of production, marketing and management. A random sample of 98 vegetable growers in two governorates in Jordan was used. Four point Likert-type scales were used as instruments to gather primary data. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients ranged from 0.88 to 0.91 indicated high internal consistency for the scales. Nonparametric methods were used to analyze the data based on approximations to normal distribution. The results showed that aged people with basic education and who are very largely dependent on farm income are still the ones most engaged in vegetable farming. The most preferred extension methods by farmers were farm visit, meeting groups of farmers, result demonstrations and farm tours. Low rated methods include information and communications technologies (ICTs). The method to be chosen depends on the goal and adoption stage, i.e. whether we wish to change knowledge, attitude, skills or behavior. Extension staff needs to be trained on how to use ICT tools as an extension method to enable them to train farmers on how they can use them in extension. The involvement of public extension staff in the survey contributes to the selection of extension delivery method on the bases of its ability to deliver the appropriate information to the targeted farmers in the right time.
Regulations in Scheduled Intercity Coach Transport Sector in Turkey
Authors: Solak Ali Osman
Published: July 2016

The most common mode of intercity passenger transportation in Turkey is coach transport. This study focuses on regulations adopted in 2003 on scheduled intercity coach market and the consequences of these regulations, and offers several insights on the future of the sector. Due to regulations adopted and increased intermodal competition, the number of companies in the market has dropped to a certain extent. It is predicted that intermodal competition will increase further in the coming years, leading to a further decline in the number of companies, which will in turn intensify collaboration among companies. In a nutshell, the lessons to be taken from the Turkish experiment can be summarized as follows: It is possible to carry out intercity transportation unsubsidized. Having a free transportation market is key to the development of the market. Intermodal and potential competition is crucial for passenger transportation.
A Review of Pharmacological Management of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Briars Leslie , Todd Timothy
Published: July 2016

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common psychological diagnosis in children. This disorder impacts children and adolescents in all areas of life, including academic performance, extracurricular activities, and social interactions. ADHD can continue into adulthood where unemployment and substance abuse has been described. Although behavioral therapy is recommended for all patients with ADHD, medication management typically is initiated soon after diagnosis. Psychostimulants remain the primary medication of choice. This review focuses on the clinical use of psychostimulant medication in children and adolescents. The pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic differences between the newest long-acting formulations as well as commonly encountered adverse drug reactions, with suggested management strategies, will be highlighted. Non-stimulant therapy with atomoxetine or alpha2-adrenergic agonists is also reviewed. These agents may be warranted for patients who cannot tolerate psychostimulant therapy or have a comorbid condition. Finally, the 8-year multimodal treatment study results are also discussed.