bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
One-Bath Dyeing Technology for Cotton Blended Fabric - Part 1: Elaboration of a Dyebath Content
Authors: Borisova Anna
Published: February 2018

The present study deals with the one-step one-bath dyeing of twill weaved 50/50 cotton/polyester blended fabric using disperse dyes only. The study includes dyeing recipe development, considering the determination of optimum concentrations of dyestuff and auxiliaries, and sufficient pH of dyebath. The proposed method is time consuming and hence can be recommended for industrial testing.
Production and Characterization of Oxyhydroxyapatites
Authors: Pluduma Liene , Gross Karlis Agris , Rey Christian , Ubelis Arnolds , Berzina Astrida
Published: February 2018

The amount and alignment of hydroxyl ions influence the bioactivity of hydroxyapatite. Hydroxyl ions in hydroxyapatite are the most mobile and upon heating are the first to leave the lattice to form oxyhydroxyapatite. This work describes a method for producing hydroxyapatite with different amounts of hydroxyl ions, and reports on the changes in Fourier transform infrared absorption at increasing level of dehydroxylation. Detailed analysis of spectra in the 500 – 700 cm-1 range showed a peak shift for the hydroxyl ion absorption line at 632 cm-1 to 637 cm-1 and an increase in the wavenumber for the phosphate line at 575 cm-1.
Evaluation of Glyphosate Ecotoxicity and Biodegradability in the Municipal Wastewaters
Authors: Birsa Tjaša , Kalneniece Kristīne , Jansons Mārtiņš , Kalniņš Mārtiņš , Ozoliņa Inga , Bērziņš Andrejs , Švinka Visvaldis , Švinka Ruta , Bartkevičs Vadims , Muter Olga
Published: February 2018

Glyphosate (G) is a broad-spectrum systemic organophosphate herbicide being widely used to control weeds in agricultural fields and urban areas. Its safety for both human health and aquatic biomes is a subject of wide debate. This study was aimed at evaluating the removal efficiency and ecotoxicity of G based herbicide (GBH) Klinik® (Nufarm, Austria) added to the raw municipal wastewater (WW) in a lab-scale model column system. The effect of oxide ceramics as a filtering medium (treatment „B”), as well as activated sludge and nutrients (treatment „C”) was compared with the control columns, which contained only WW (treatment „A”). After 72h treatment of WW spiked with 100 mg/L G, the lowest G concentration was detected in the treatment „B”, i.e., 79.4±0.6 mg/L. Treatments „A” and „C” resulted in the remaining G concentrations of 83.3±3.8 and 89.6±3.7 mg/l, respectively. The second addition of 100 mg/L G to the columns followed by 72h incubation also showed the advantage of oxide ceramics. Most probably, this effect could be explained by coupled sorption and biodegradation processes. Experiments were accompanied by microbiological (colony forming units; biological oxygen demand) and ecotoxicological (Daphtoxkit F magna, MicroBioTests) testing. The results indicated that WW-derived microorganisms resist the presence of GBH in the tested concentration range of G, i.e., up to 300 mg/L. As for Daphnia magna, the 24-h EC50 for the GBH Klinik® under standard conditions and in raw WW was found to be 22 mg/L and 6 mg/L G, respectively.
Pure tethered cervical cord and review of literature
Authors: Tewari Vinod , Somvanshi Rituj , Trivedi Ravindra , Hussain Mazhar , Das Gupta H , Dubey R
Published: February 2018

Tethering of the spinal cord in the lumbosacral region with myelomeningocele is a well-known phenomenon. Only sporadic cases of tethering along the rest of the neuraxis, including the hindbrain, cervical, and thoracic spinal cord have been documented, always along with some associated congenital malformations (hydrocephalus, Chiari malformation, myelomeningocele, meningocele, hamartomatous stalk, spina bifida occulta, intramedullary lipoma, intradural fibrous adhesions, the fusion of the sixth and seventh cervical vertebrae, split cord malformation, or low-lying cord). In this report, 14-year-old male developed symptoms related to tethering of the cervical spinal cord, but without any associated congenital malformations, that is the pure tethered cervical cord. This causes his moribund status and makes the manuscript unique and contributes to the hitherto literature. The authors discuss the diagnosis, treatment, and postoperative course of this entity. The uniqueness in treatment is that we have operated the case without the help of intraoperative somatosensory evoked potentials and motor evoked potential from posterolateral approach under local anesthesia.
Endovascular Management of Symptomatic Hypervascular Endometrial Polyposis in a Virgin Patient
Authors: Alrashidi Ibrahim , Garad Fares , Alahmari Faisal , Alammari Sultan , Alqahtani Nayef , Almathami Abdulaziz , Alobaidi Hatim
Published: February 2018

We report a case of uterine artery embolization (UAE) of endometrial polyposis in a 42-year-old virgin female who had a 10-year history of menorrhagia resulting in with chronic anemia. Endometrial polyps resolved and patient's symptoms improved with no recurrence at 18-month follow-up pelvic magnetic resonance imaging. This case presents UAE as an alternative option for the management of endometrial polyps in patients who decline surgical or hysteroscopic options.
ConformaciÃ³n de equipos de proyectos de software aplicando algoritmos metaheurÃ­sticos de trayectoria multiobjetivo
Authors: Infante Ana Lilian , André Margarita , Rosete Alejandro , Rampersaud Lalchandra
Published: February 2018

La inadecuada conformaciÃ³n de equipos de proyecto de software es un problema que afecta a la industria de software a nivel mundial. Este proceso resulta complejo, teniendo en cuenta que debe considerar varios factores, como son, asignar a los roles del equipo las personas con las competencias apropiadas, considerar las incompatibilidades entre los miembros y la carga de trabajo, entre otros. Esta situaciÃ³n se torna mÃ¡s compleja en organizaciones medianas y grandes, debido a la gran cantidad de combinaciones de asignaciones posibles, por lo que esta etapa es prÃ¡cticamente imposible de abordar de manera eficiente, sin la ayuda de modelos matemÃ¡ticos que representen el problema a resolver lo mÃ¡s objetivamente posible. Este trabajo toma como antecedente un modelo que incluye tanto factores individuales como factores de equipo y plantea: maximizar las competencias de los trabajadores, minimizar las incompatibilidades entre los miembros del equipo y balancear la carga de trabajo. Incluye ademÃ¡s, en una versiÃ³n ampliada del modelo, minimizar el costo de desarrollar software a distancia. El modelo citado responde a un problema de optimizaciÃ³n combinatorio multiobjetivo, por lo que para su soluciÃ³n se utilizaron algunas variantes multiobjetivo de los algoritmos metaheurÃ­sticos: BÃºsqueda TabÃº, Recocido Simulado y Escalador de Colinas. El estudio experimental realizado ha llevado a identificar que las variantes multiobjetivo del Escalador de Colinas: Escalador de Colinas EstocÃ¡tico Multiobjetivo, Escalador de Colinas Multiobjetivo por mayor distancia y Escalador de Colinas Multiobjetivo con Reinicio, asÃ­ como el algoritmo Recocido Simulado Multiobjetivo Multicaso son los que mejores resultados obtienen en este problema.
New training approaches for classification based on evolutionary neural networks. Application to product and sigmoidal units
Authors: Tallón-Ballesteros Antonio J.
Published: February 2018

This paper sums up the main contributions of the PhD Dissertation with an homonymous name to the current article. Specifically, three contributions to train feed-forward neural network models based on evolutionary computation for a classification task are described. The new methodologies have been evaluated in three-layered neural models, including one input, one hidden and one output layer. Particularly, two kind of neurons such as product and sigmoidal units have been considered in an independent fashion for the hidden layer. Experiments have been carried out in a good number of problems, including three complex real-world problems, and the overall assessment of the new algorithms is very outstanding. Statistical tests shed light on that significant improvements were achieved. The applicability of the proposals is wide in the sense that can be extended to any kind of hidden neuron, either to other kind of problems like regression or even optimization with special emphasis in the two first approaches.
The Hybrid ColorAnt-RT Algorithms and an Application to Register Allocation
Authors: Mulati, Mauro , Lintzmayer Carla , Da Silva Anderson
Published: February 2018

Ant Colony Optimization is a metaheuristic used to create heuristic algorithms to find good solutions for combinatorial optimization problems. This metaheuristic is inspired on the effective behavior present in some species of ants of exploring the environment to find and transport food to the nest. Several works have proposed using Ant Colony Optimization algorithms to solve problems such as vehicle routing, frequency assignment, scheduling and graph coloring. The graph coloring problem essentially consists in finding a number k of colors to assign to the vertices of a graph, so that there are no two adjacent vertices with the same color. This paper presents the hybrid ColorAnt-RT algorithms, a class of algorithms for graph coloring problems which is based on the Ant Colony Optimization metaheuristic and uses Tabu Search as local search. The experiments with ColorAnt-RT algorithms indicate that changing the way to reinforce the pheromone trail results in better results. In fact, the results with ColorAnt-RT show that it is a promising option in finding good approximations of k. The good results obtained by ColorAnt-RT motivated it use on a register allocation based on Ant Colony Optimization, called CARTRA. As a result, this paper also presents CARTRA, an algorithm that extends a classic graph coloring register allocator to use the graph coloring algorithm ColorAnt-RT. CARTRA minimizes the amount of spills, thereby improving the quality of the generated code.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques to analyze the determinants attributes in housing prices
Authors: Núñez Tabale Julia M. , Rey Carmona Francisco J. , Caridad y Ocerin José MÂª
Published: February 2018

The econometric approach to obtain the value of a property began with hedonic modelling, which were based on a set of property attributes, internal or external, associated to each particular dwelling. The final sale value can be estimated, and also the marginal prices of each exogenous explanatory variable. A good alternative to the hedonic approach is based on several Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques, such as artificial neural networks (ANN), these tend to be more precise. Both methodologies are compared, and a case study is developed using data from Seville, the larger town in the South of Spain.
Clinical Manifestations and Modes of Death among Patients with Ebola Virus Disease, Monrovia, Liberia, 2014
Authors: Mobula Linda M. , Nathalie MacDermott  , Clive Hoggart  , Brantly Kent , Plyler William , Brown Jerry , Kauffeldt Bev , Eisenhut Deborah , Cooper Lisa A. , Fankhauser John
Published: February 2018

Although the high case fatality rate (CFR) associated with Ebola virus disease (EVD) is well documented, there are limited data on the actual modes of death. We conducted a retrospective, observational cohort study among patients with laboratory-confirmed EVD. The patients were all seen at the Eternal Love Winning Africa Ebola Treatment Unit in Monrovia, Liberia, from June to August 2014. Our primary objective was to describe the modes of death of our patients and to determine predictors of mortality. Data were available for 53 patients with laboratory-confirmed EVD, with a median age of 35 years. The most frequent presenting symptoms were weakness (91%), fever (81%), and diarrhea (78%). Visible hemorrhage was noted in 25% of the cases. The CFR was 79%. Odds of death were higher in patients with diarrhea (odds ratio = 26.1, P < 0.01). All patients with hemorrhagic signs died (P < 0.01). Among the 18 fatal cases for which clinical information was available, three distinct modes of death were observed: sudden death after a moderate disease process (44%), profuse hemorrhage (33%), and encephalopathy (22%). We found that these modes of death varied by age (P = 0.04), maximum temperature (P = 0.43), heart rate on admission (P = 0.04), time to death from symptom onset (P = 0.13), and duration of hospitalization (P = 0.04). Although further study is required, our findings provide a foundation for developing treatment strategies that factor in patients with specific disease phenotypes (which often require the use of aggressive hydration). These findings provide insights into underlying pathogenic mechanisms resulting in severe EVD and suggest direction for future research and development of effective treatment options.
A Cluster-Randomized Trial to Evaluate the Impact of an Inclusive, Community-Led Total Sanitation Intervention on Sanitation Access for People with Disabilities in Malawi
Authors: Biran Adam , Danquah Lisa , Chunga Joseph , Schmidt Wolf-Peter , Holm Rochelle , Itimu-Phiri Ambumulire , Singini Wales , Jones Hazel , Kuper Hannah , White Sian
Published: February 2018

Community-led total sanitation (CLTS) is a common method for promoting sanitation in low-income settings. This cluster-randomized trial evaluated an intervention to improve inclusion of people with disability in CLTS through training facilitators. A qualitative study examined intervention acceptability. The trial included 171 people with disabilities (78 control and 93 intervention) living in 15 intervention and 15 control communities. In the intervention arm, respondents were more likely to participate in a community meeting about sanitation (+18.7%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.2, 34.2) and to have been visited to discuss sanitation (+19.7, 95% CI: 0.6, 37.8). More intervention households improved latrine access for the disabled member (+9%, CI: −3.1, 21.0). Inclusive CLTS could improve sanitation access for people with disability but requires support to households beyond that provided in this trial.
SALTO DIGITAL NAS POLÍTICAS PÚBLICAS: OPORTUNIDADES E DESAFIOS
Authors: Varella Marcelo D. , Oliveira Clarice G. , Moesch Frederico
Published: February 2018

Nos últimos anos, o governo brasileiro vem investindo na discussão e aprovação de diversas normas para intensificar o uso dos benefícios trazidos pelas tecnologias com o objetivo de otimizar todo o ciclo de políticas públicas. As recentes alterações normativas incluem a nova identificação civil nacional (ICN), a obrigatoriedade da coleta de dados biométricos dos cidadãos, a interoperabilidade entre as bases de dados, a integração dos dados civis (SIRC), a integração dos dados de registro de imóveis (SINTER), a nota fiscal eletrônica de serviços, entre outros. O aproveitamento da tecnologia nas funções de governo associa-se à discussão sobre a proteção de direitos. Dos projetos de lei em andamento, destacam-se os projetos para estabelecer marco regulatório do uso e proteção dos dados pessoais e sobre valor probante de documentos digitais. A despeito dos avanços ocorridos, o Estado brasileiro ainda encontra dificuldades legais e práticas importantes para se simplificar à luz das oportunidades trazidas pelas novas tecnologias. O presente artigo procura analisar essa situação e é organizado em três partes. Na primeira parte, analisa as recentes alterações normativas já realizadas e as propostas em exame no Congresso Nacional sobre a matéria; na segunda, os problemas que ainda precisam ser enfrentados; na terceira, as oportunidades trazidas pelas novas tecnologias para a criação e o aperfeiçoamento de políticas públicas.
CRIPTOMOEDAS E COMPETÊNCIA TRIBUTÁRIA
Authors: Follador Guilherme Broto
Published: February 2018

Os estudos sobre criptomoedas e tributação têm centrado a análise nas disposições relativas a cada tributo, desprezando as dificuldades adicionais decorrentes do caráter rígido do sistema brasileiro de repartição das competências tributárias. O presente estudo aponta a necessidade de, antes de descer ao exame da legislação de cada tributo, ensaiar possíveis enquadramentos dos atos e negócios jurídicos com criptomoedas nos conceitos utilizados, pela Constituição Tributária, para a outorga de competências. O método é o seguinte: o artigo busca, primeiramente, compreender o que são criptomoedas, a tecnologia nelas envolvida e que sorte de negócios podem encetar; na sequência, incursiona-se pelo Direito Comparado e pelos (ainda poucos) escritos brasileiros sobre o tema, com vistas a identificar alternativas de classificação dos atos e negócios com criptomoedas; feito isso, passa-se ao cotejo entre os novos conceitos, as alternativas de classificação observadas e o sistema brasileiro de repartição das competências tributárias. Conclui-se que o tema ainda suscita mais perguntas do que respostas. Nos casos em que as moedas virtuais funcionam como meio de troca, o fato de as relações jurídicas subjacentes à tributária envolverem o seu tráfego, em substituição ao dinheiro, será normalmente irrelevante para a definição da competência para tributá-las; porém, muitas atividades especificamente relacionadas ao mundo das criptomoedas, como as das exchanges e dos mineradores, suscitarão conflitos na identificação do titular da competência tributária, em especial por conta das zonas cinzentas que envolvem os arquétipos constitucionais dos tributos, somada à eventual sujeição dos seus conceitos-base a processos de mutação constitucional.
ENSAIO SOBRE A PROMESSA JURÍDICA DO ESQUECIMENTO: UMA ANÁLISE A PARTIR DA PERSPECTIVA DO PODER SIMBÓLICO DE BOURDIEU
Authors: Machado Joana , Negri Sergio
Published: February 2018

A partir de método reconstrutivo de abordagem, o presente artigo se propõe a avaliar o estado da arte de uma promessa jurídica bastante complexa: o direito ao esquecimento. Tomando por lente teórica a construção do poder simbólico, de Bourdieu, o trabalho se orienta para responder às seguintes indagações: ao se pretender, pela via do Direito, uma promessa de esquecimento, o que de fato é possível oferecer? Quem concorre pelo poder de dizer o que pode e como pode ser esquecido? Para tanto, remonta as dimensões históricas da privacidade e as linhas gerais de construção do direito ao esquecimento, analisa, por meio de estudos de casos, trilhas distintas de densificação da promessa jurídica de esquecimento e problematiza os riscos autoritários que ela carrega.
An outstanding debt: Noel Pearson’s A Rightful Place. Race, Recognition and a more complete Commonwealth
Authors: Carney-Chapus Zoë
Published: February 2018

‘A Rightful Place’ by Aboriginal lawyer and activist Noel Pearson traverses the contentious spheres of racial distinction and the psychology of anthropological categorisation with estimable fortitude. His historical and sociopolitical analysis highlights the parameters of ‘race’ within the Australian federal constitution and the distorting effect this has had on Indigenous Australians since its inception. Fiercely emotive language and personal narration is used to examine our troublesome history and the national scars created in the wake of western influence and British colonisation. We have deep reparations to account for - and it’s time to pay up.
Carpentaria: a foray into Indigenous consciousness
Authors: Solomon Alessandra
Published: February 2018

As the first novel written by an Indigenous Australian to win the Miles Franklin Literary Award, Alexis Wright’s 2006 epic Carpentaria traverses Australia’s traditionalist literary landscape and allows her readers access into the kaleidoscopic style of Aboriginal storytelling and history. Through her poignant depiction of a town in crisis, Wright challenges established notions of time and authenticity while considering the place of storytelling in contemporary Australia. Still feeling the effects of the white imperialism that arrived with the first fleet, Carpentaria’s predominantly white readership is forced to reassess whether it is truly ‘post colonial’. Through her fairly blunt, ironic characters who serve as representations of the division between Western pragmatism and Indigenous spirituality, Wright eases her readers into the long overdue flow of cross-racial dialogue.
Reimagining the inheritance of loss of country: Stan Grant’s Talking to my country
Authors: Talukdar Ruchira
Published: February 2018

Reading Walkley award winning journalist and Wiradjuri man Stan Grant’s latest book Talking to my country (Grant 2016a) can be a sharply contradictory experience. On the one hand, the book’s short, brisk sentences and emphatic, conversational style (you can almost hear him talking) might tempt you to read it in a single sitting. And on the other, it is advisable to digest its searing contents – phrases, images, metaphors, bleak statistics delivered wrapped in masterfully told stories – at a measured pace. The most poignant aspect of this riveting personal account of growing up Aboriginal in Australia is that it comes from a highly credible professional known for his “inclination to look for common ground, to be diplomatic” (Grant 2015). This is why Stan Grant’s part-memoir, part-polemic achieves the effect it sets out to create – for people to listen.
The politics of recognition
Authors: Borman Sara
Published: February 2018

When Charles Taylor wrote about the importance of seeing oneself reflected in the images that build a sense of identity, both internally and in the eyes of the onlooker (1997, pp. 25-26), he was writing about something that anybody could see the necessity of. I do not pretend to be able to understand the mosaic of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander experiences, but the patterns of erasure and stereotype that underpin systemic cultural oppression are echoed whenever marginalisation is something people try to maintain; for example, Taylor writes about feminist theorists with this idea of recognition and internalised oppression (1997, p. 25). The fact that anyone can then look at the prospect of constitutional recognition and feel ambivalent at the very least is genuinely upsetting to me.
Simultaneous assimilation of ozone profiles from multiple UV-VIS satellite instruments
Authors: van Peet Jacob C. A. , van der A Ronald J. , Kelder Hennie M. , Levelt Pieternel F.
Published: February 2018

Abstract. A three-dimensional global ozone distribution has been derived from
assimilation of ozone profiles that were observed by satellites. By
simultaneous assimilation of ozone profiles retrieved from the nadir
looking satellite instruments Global Ozone Monitoring Experiment 2
(GOME-2) and Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI), which measure the
atmosphere at different times of the day, the quality of the derived
atmospheric ozone field has been improved. The assimilation is using
an extended Kalman filter in which chemical transport model TM5 has
been used for the forecast. The combined assimilation of both GOME-2
and OMI improves upon the assimilation results of a single
sensor. The new assimilation system has been demonstrated by
processing 4 years of data from 2008 to 2011. Validation of the
assimilation output by comparison with sondes shows that biases vary
between −5 and +10 % between the surface and
100 hPa. The biases for the combined assimilation vary
between −3 and +3 % in the region between 100 and
10 hPa where GOME-2 and OMI are most sensitive. This is
a strong improvement compared to direct retrievals of ozone profiles
from satellite observations.
Characterization of atmospheric trace gases and particulate matter in Hangzhou, China
Authors: Zhang Gen , Xu Honghui , Qi Bing , Du Rongguang , Gui Ke , Wang Hongli , Jiang Wanting , Liang Linlin , Xu Wanyun
Published: February 2018

Abstract. The Yangtze River Delta (YRD) is one of the most densely populated regions in China with severe air quality issues that have not been fully understood. Thus, in this study, based on 1-year (2013) continuous measurement at a National Reference Climatological Station (NRCS, 30.22° N, 120.17° E; 41.7 m a.s.l.) in the center of Hangzhou in the YRD, we investigated the seasonal characteristics, interspecies relationships, and the local emissions and the regional potential source contributions of trace gases (including O3, NOx, NOy, SO2, and CO) and particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10). Results revealed that severe two-tier air pollution (photochemical and haze pollution) occurred in this region, with frequent exceedances in O3 (38 days) and PM2.5 (62 days). O3 and PM2.5 both exhibited distinct seasonal variations with reversed patterns: O3 reaching a maximum in warm seasons (May and July) but PM2.5 reaching a maximum in cold seasons (November to January). The overall results from interspecies correlation indicated a strong local photochemistry favoring the O3 production under a volatile organic compound (VOC)-limited regime, whereas it moved towards an optimum O3 production zone during warm seasons, accompanied by the formation of secondary fine particulates under high O3. The emission maps of PM2.5, CO, NOx, and SO2 demonstrated that local emissions were significant for these species on a seasonal scale. The contributions from the regional transport among inland cities (Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Anhui, and Jiangxi Province) on a seasonal scale were further confirmed to be crucial to air pollution at the NRCS site by using backward trajectory simulations. Air masses transported from the offshore areas of the Yellow Sea, East Sea, and South Sea were also found to be highly relevant to the elevated O3 at the NRCS site through the analysis of potential source contribution function (PSCF). Case studies of photochemical pollution (O3) and haze (PM2.5) episodes both suggested the combined importance of local atmospheric photochemistry and synoptic conditions during the accumulation (related with anticyclones) and dilution process (related with cyclones). Apart from supplementing a general picture of the air pollution state in the city of Hangzhou in the YRD region, this study specifically elucidates the role of local emission and regional transport, and it interprets the physical and photochemical processes during haze and photochemical pollution episodes. Moreover, this work suggests that cross-regional control measures are crucial to improve air quality in the YRD region, and it further emphasizes the importance of local thermally induced circulation for air quality.
Snow scavenging and phase partitioning of nitrated and oxygenated aromatic hydrocarbons in polluted and remote environments in central Europe and the European Arctic
Authors: Shahpoury Pourya , Kitanovski Zoran , Lammel Gerhard
Published: February 2018

Abstract. Nitrated and oxygenated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (N/OPAHs) are emitted in combustion processes and formed in polluted air. Their precipitation cycling has hardly been studied. Fresh snow samples at urban and rural sites in central Europe, as well as surface snow from a remote site in Svalbard were analysed for 17 NPAHs, 9 OPAHs, and 11 nitrated mono-aromatic hydrocarbons (NMAHs), of which most N/OPAHs as well as nitrocatechols, nitrosalicylic acids, and 4-nitroguaiacol are studied for the first time in precipitation. In order to better understand the scavenging mechanisms, the particulate mass fractions (θ) at 273 K were predicted using a multiphase gas-particle partitioning model based on polyparameter linear free energy relationships. ∑NPAH concentrations were 1.2–17.6 and 8.8–19.1 ng L−1 at urban and rural sites, whereas ∑OPAHs were 0.3–1.1 and 0.5–2.4 μg L−1 at these sites, respectively. Acenaphthoquinone and 9,10-anthraquinone were predominant in snow dissolved and particulate phase, respectively. NPAHs were only found in the particulate phase with 9-nitroanthracene being predominant followed by 2-nitrofluoranthene. Among NMAHs, 4-nitrophenol showed the highest abundance in both phases. The levels found for nitrophenols were in the same range or lower than those reported in the 1980s and 1990s. The lowest levels of ∑OPAHs and ∑NMAHs were found at the remote site (9.2 and 390.5 ng L−1, respectively). N/OPAHs preferentially partitioned in snow particulate phase in accordance with predicted θ, whereas NMAHs were predominant in the dissolved phase, regardless of θ. It is concluded that the phase distribution of non-polar N/OPAHs in snow is determined by their gas-particle partitioning prior to snow scavenging, whereas that for polar particulate phase substances, i.e. NMAHs, is determined by an interplay between gas-particle partitioning in the aerosol, particle mass size distribution, and dissolution during in- or below-cloud scavenging.
Nitrification and ammonium dynamics in Taihu Lake, China: seasonal competition for ammonium between nitrifiers and cyanobacteria
Authors: Hampel Justyna J. , McCarthy Mark J. , Gardner Wayne S. , Zhang Lu , Xu Hai , Zhu Guangwei , Newell Silvia E.
Published: February 2018

Abstract. Taihu Lake is hypereutrophic and experiences seasonal, cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms. These Microcystis blooms produce microcystin, a potent liver toxin, and are linked to anthropogenic nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) loads to lakes. Microcystis spp. cannot fix atmospheric N and must compete with ammonia-oxidizing and other organisms for ammonium (NH4+). We measured NH4+ regeneration and potential uptake rates and total nitrification using stable-isotope techniques. Nitrification studies included abundance of the functional gene for NH4+ oxidation, amoA, for ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) and bacteria (AOB). Potential NH4+ uptake rates ranged from 0.02 to 6.80 µmol L−1 h−1 in the light and from 0.05 to 3.33 µmol L−1 h−1 in the dark, and NH4+ regeneration rates ranged from 0.03 to 2.37 µmol L−1 h−1. Nitrification rates exceeded previously reported rates in most freshwater systems. Total nitrification often exceeded 200 nmol L−1 d−1 and was  >  1000 nmol L−1 d−1 at one station near a river discharge. AOA amoA gene copies were more abundant than AOB gene copies (p <  0.005) at all times; however, only abundance of AOB amoA (not AOA) was correlated with nitrification rates for all stations and all seasons (p <  0.005). Nitrification rates in Taihu Lake varied seasonally; at most stations, rates were highest in March, lower in June, and lowest in July, corresponding with cyanobacterial bloom progression, suggesting that nitrifiers were poor competitors for NH4+ during the bloom. Regeneration results suggested that cyanobacteria relied extensively on regenerated NH4+ to sustain the bloom. Internal NH4+ regeneration exceeded external N loading to the lake by a factor of 2 but was ultimately fueled by external N loads. Our results thus support the growing literature calling for watershed N loading reductions in concert with existing management of P loads.
Photosynthesis–irradiance parameters of marine phytoplankton: synthesis of a global data set
Authors: Bouman Heather A. , Platt Trevor , Doblin Martina , Figueiras Francisco G. , Gudmundsson Kristinn , Gudfinnsson Hafsteinn G. , Huang Bangqin , Hickman Anna , Hiscock Michael , Jackson Thomas , Lutz Vivian A. , Mélin Frédéric , Rey Francisco , Pepin Pierre , Segura Valeria , Tilstone Gavin H. , van Dongen-Vogels Virginie , Sathyendranath Shubha
Published: February 2018

Abstract. The photosynthetic performance of marine phytoplankton varies in response to a variety of factors, environmental and taxonomic. One of the aims of the MArine primary Production: model Parameters from Space (MAPPS) project of the European Space Agency is to assemble a global database of photosynthesis–irradiance (P-E) parameters from a range of oceanographic regimes as an aid to examining the basin-scale variability in the photophysiological response of marine phytoplankton and to use this information to improve the assignment of P-E parameters in the estimation of global marine primary production using satellite data. The MAPPS P-E database, which consists of over 5000 P-E experiments, provides information on the spatio-temporal variability in the two P-E parameters (the assimilation number, PmB, and the initial slope, αB, where the superscripts B indicate normalisation to concentration of chlorophyll) that are fundamental inputs for models (satellite-based and otherwise) of marine primary production that use chlorophyll as the state variable. Quality-control measures consisted of removing samples with abnormally high parameter values and flags were added to denote whether the spectral quality of the incubator lamp was used to calculate a broad-band value of αB. The MAPPS database provides a photophysiological data set that is unprecedented in number of observations and in spatial coverage. The database will be useful to a variety of research communities, including marine ecologists, biogeochemical modellers, remote-sensing scientists and algal physiologists. The compiled data are available at https://doi.org/10.1594/PANGAEA.874087 (Bouman et al., 2017).
Alluvial cover controlling the width, slope and sinuosity of bedrock channels
Authors: Turowski Jens Martin
Published: February 2018

Abstract. Bedrock channel slope and width are important parameters
for setting bedload transport capacity and for stream-profile inversion to
obtain tectonics information. Channel width and slope development are
closely related to the problem of bedrock channel sinuosity. It is therefore
likely that observations on bedrock channel meandering yields insights into
the development of channel width and slope. Active meandering occurs when
the bedrock channel walls are eroded, which also drives channel widening.
Further, for a given drop in elevation, the more sinuous a channel is, the
lower is its channel bed slope in comparison to a straight channel. It can
thus be expected that studies of bedrock channel meandering give insights
into width and slope adjustment and vice versa. The mechanisms by which
bedrock channels actively meander have been debated since the beginning of
modern geomorphic research in the 19th century, but a final consensus has
not been reached. It has long been argued that whether a bedrock channel
meanders actively or not is determined by the availability of sediment
relative to transport capacity, a notion that has also been demonstrated in
laboratory experiments. Here, this idea is taken up by postulating that the
rate of change of both width and sinuosity over time is dependent on bed
cover only. Based on the physics of erosion by bedload impacts, a scaling
argument is developed to link bedrock channel width, slope and sinuosity to
sediment supply, discharge and erodibility. This simple model built on
sediment-flux-driven bedrock erosion concepts yields the observed scaling
relationships of channel width and slope with discharge and erosion rate.
Further, it explains why sinuosity evolves to a steady-state value and
predicts the observed relations between sinuosity, erodibility and storm
frequency, as has been observed for meandering bedrock rivers on Pacific Arc
islands.
An axisymmetric non-hydrostatic model for double-diffusive water systems
Authors: Hilgersom Koen , Zijlema Marcel , van de Giesen Nick
Published: February 2018

Abstract. The three-dimensional (3-D) modelling of water systems involving double-diffusive processes is challenging due to the large computation times required to solve the flow and transport of constituents. In 3-D systems that approach axisymmetry around a central location, computation times can be reduced by applying a 2-D axisymmetric model set-up. This article applies the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations described in cylindrical coordinates and integrates them to guarantee mass and momentum conservation. The discretized equations are presented in a way that a Cartesian finite-volume model can be easily extended to the developed framework, which is demonstrated by the implementation into a non-hydrostatic free-surface flow model. This model employs temperature- and salinity-dependent densities, molecular diffusivities, and kinematic viscosity. One quantitative case study, based on an analytical solution derived for the radial expansion of a dense water layer, and two qualitative case studies demonstrate a good behaviour of the model for seepage inflows with contrasting salinities and temperatures. Four case studies with respect to double-diffusive processes in a stratified water body demonstrate that turbulent flows are not yet correctly modelled near the interfaces and that an advanced turbulence model is required.
TAMSAT-ALERT v1: A new framework for agricultural decision support
Authors: Asfaw Dagmawi , Black Emily , Brown Matt , Nicklin Kathryn Jane , Otu-Larbi Frederick , Pinnington Ewan , Challinor Andrew , Maidment Ross , Quaife Tristan
Published: February 2018

Abstract. Early warning of weather related hazards enables farmers, policy makers and aid agencies to mitigate their exposure to risk. We present a new operational framework, Tropical Applications of Meteorology using SATellite data and ground based measurements-AgricuLtural EaRly warning sysTem (TAMSAT-ALERT), which provides early warning of meteorological risk to agriculture. TAMSAT-ALERT combines information on land surface properties, seasonal forecasts and historical weather to quantitatively assess the likelihood of adverse weather–related outcomes, such as low yield. This article describes the modular TAMSAT-ALERT framework and demonstrates its application to risk assessment for low maize yield in Northern Ghana. The modular design of TAMSAT-ALERT enables it to accommodate any impact/land surface model driven with meteorological data. The implementation described here uses the well-established General Large Area Model for annual crops (GLAM) to provide probabilistic assessments of the meteorological hazard to maize yield in northern Ghana throughout the growing season. The results show that climatic risk to yield is poorly constrained in the beginning of the season, but as the season progresses, the uncertainty rapidly reduces. The TAMSAT-ALERT methodology implicitly weights forecast and observational inputs according to their relevance to the metric being assessed. TAMSAT-ALERT can thus be used as a test-bed for the value of probabilistic seasonal forecast information. Here, we show that in northern Ghana, the tercile seasonal forecasts of cumulative rainfall and mean temperature, which are routinely issued to farmers, are of limited value for decision making.
Hydrological characterization of cave drip waters in a porous limestone: Golgotha Cave, Western Australia
Authors: Mahmud Kashif , Mariethoz Gregoire , Baker Andy , Treble Pauline C.
Published: February 2018

Abstract. Cave drip water response to surface meteorological conditions is
complex due to the heterogeneity of water movement in the karst unsaturated
zone. Previous studies have focused on the monitoring of fractured rock
limestones that have little or no primary porosity. In this study, we aim to
further understand infiltration water hydrology in the Tamala Limestone of
SW Australia, which is Quaternary aeolianite with primary porosity. We build on
our previous studies of the Golgotha Cave system and utilize the existing
spatial survey of 29 automated cave drip loggers and a lidar-based flow
classification scheme, conducted in the two main chambers of this cave. We
find that a daily sampling frequency at our cave site optimizes the capture
of drip variability with the least possible sampling artifacts. With the optimum
sampling frequency, most of the drip sites show persistent autocorrelation
for at least a month, typically much longer, indicating ample storage of
water feeding all stalactites investigated. Drip discharge histograms are
highly variable, showing sometimes multimodal distributions. Histogram
skewness is shown to relate to the wetter-than-average 2013 hydrological year
and modality is affected by seasonality. The hydrological classification
scheme with respect to mean discharge and the flow variation can distinguish
between groundwater flow types in limestones with primary porosity, and the
technique could be used to characterize different karst flow paths when
high-frequency automated drip logger data are available. We observe little
difference in the coefficient of variation (COV) between flow classification
types, probably reflecting the ample storage due to the dominance of primary
porosity at this cave site. Moreover, we do not find any relationship between
drip variability and discharge within similar flow type. Finally, a
combination of multidimensional scaling (MDS) and clustering by k means is
used to classify similar drip types based on time series analysis. This
clustering reveals four unique drip regimes which agree with previous flow
type classification for this site. It highlights a spatial homogeneity in
drip types in one cave chamber, and spatial heterogeneity in the other, which
is in agreement with our understanding of cave chamber morphology and lithology.
Tidal influences on a future evolution of the Filchner–Ronne Ice Shelf cavity in the Weddell Sea, Antarctica
Authors: Mueller Rachael D. , Hattermann Tore , Howard Susan L. , Padman Laurie
Published: February 2018

Abstract. Recent modeling studies of
ocean circulation in the southern Weddell Sea, Antarctica, project an
increase over this century of ocean heat into the cavity beneath
Filchner–Ronne Ice Shelf (FRIS). This increase in ocean heat would lead to
more basal melting and a modification of the FRIS ice draft. The
corresponding change in cavity shape will affect advective pathways and the
spatial distribution of tidal currents, which play important roles in basal
melting under FRIS. These feedbacks between heat flux, basal melting, and
tides will affect the evolution of FRIS under the influence of a changing
climate. We explore these feedbacks with a three-dimensional ocean model of
the southern Weddell Sea that is forced by thermodynamic exchange beneath the
ice shelf and tides along the open boundaries. Our results show regionally
dependent feedbacks that, in some areas, substantially modify the melt rates
near the grounding lines of buttressed ice streams that flow into FRIS. These
feedbacks are introduced by variations in meltwater production as well as the
circulation of this meltwater within the FRIS cavity; they are influenced
locally by sensitivity of tidal currents to water column thickness (wct) and
non-locally by changes in circulation pathways that transport an integrated
history of mixing and meltwater entrainment along flow paths. Our results
highlight the importance of including explicit tidal forcing in models of
future mass loss from FRIS and from the adjacent grounded ice sheet as
individual ice-stream grounding zones experience different responses to
warming of the ocean inflow.
O linchamento de Gilbercan Mezini e a narrativa midiática: notas sobre a transformação do indivíduo em homo sacer
Authors: Ribeiro Júnior Humberto , Machado Veloso Felipe
Published: February 2018

Este artigo tem como objetivo estudar o linchamento e a forma como ele é noticiadopela mídia. Foi realizada, em um primeiro momento, uma revisão bibliográfica sobreo conceito de linchamento com o intuito de direcionar corretamente a investigaçãodesse fenômeno e de identificá-lo com segurança. Em seguida, foi identificado umcaso de linchamento de grande repercussão, ocorrido em 2013 no estado do EspíritoSanto. A análise desse linchamento foi feita com o objetivo de avaliar a narrativa utilizadapelo jornal A Tribuna para construir a imagem dos responsáveis pelo crime e,principalmente, a imagem da vítima. Percebeu-se que os redatores das notícias do periódicoconsideravam a vítima do linchamento como um bandido cuja culpabilidadenem precisaria ser discutida, ao passo que os linchadores eram justiceiros, e não criminosos.Diante disto, a fim de verificar como a vítima de linchamento foi consideradaum ser matável, utilizou-se como eixo de análise o conceito de homo sacer, construídopor Giorgio Agamben.
Teaching and Learning Numerical Analysis and Optimization: A Didactic Framework and Applications of Inquiry-based Learning
Authors: Lappas Pantelis Z. , Kritikos Manolis N.
Published: February 2018

The main objective of this paper is to propose a didactic framework for teaching Applied Mathematics in higher education. After describing the structure of the framework, several applications of inquiry-based learning in teaching numerical analysis and optimization are provided to illustrate the potential of the proposed framework. The framework is based on the Process of Scientific Inquiry (PoSI), while it consists of three pillars, each characterized by the use of a particular cognitive tool: Algorithm for presenting a list of steps to follow in order to solve a problem, CMAP software for constructing concept maps and MATLAB software for computer programming. In addition to this, a WebQuest Scenario can be used as an “auxiliary” cognitive tool by providing students with the opportunity to combine technology (e.g., MATLAB and CMAP software) with educational concepts (e.g., optimization), and to incorporate inquiry-based learning (i.e., PoSI). Introducing these cognitive tools to the design of the proposed didactic framework provides considerable potential of knowledge consolidation with reference to solving complex numerical problems using efficient algorithms.
RESULTS OF INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFECTS OF BOVINE PLACENTAL PREPARATION ON IMMUNE FUNCTION
Authors: Ts Dolgorsuren , N Lkhagvasuren , D Batsaikhan , D Erdenechimeg , N Oyunnomin , T Enkh-Oyun , P Enkhtuya
Published: February 2018

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of bovine placental preparation under in vitro and in vivo conditions. Cell Proliferation Kit I (MTT) was used for in vitro study of placental preparation effect to proliferate lymphocytes. Lymphocytes were isolated from spleen of Balb C mice, 100 μl cell was added to each well of 96 well culture plate, followed by addition of 10 μl placental preparation and mitogen (concanavalin-A) separately and in combination and cell culture only as control was used. Results were obtained by measuring and comparing the absorbance reading of the wells of the samples against the standards with ELISA microplate reader. Effect of placental preparation to proliferate lymphocytes in vivo condition was investigated in mice, which were divided into 4 groups and 4 subgroups. The results were estimtaed with spleen weight, spleen index and splenocyte counts. Results of in vitro study demonstrated that stimulation index increased by 1.19 or 19% for cell division in wells to which no mitogen was added, but the preparation was added as compared to control wells, cell division index increased with 1.38 or 38% for cell division in wells to which mitogen was added as compared to control wells and stimulation index was higher by 1.68 or 68% for cell division in wells with cells to which both mitogen and preparation were added than control wells. For in vivo experiments, spleen index and splenocyte count for animals of positive control subgroup-1 treated once by 0.2 ml sheep red blood cells were greater by 1.38 and 1.5 times respectively than relevant negative control animals, whereas spleen index and splenocyte count for animals of experimental subgroup -1 were greater by 3.09 and 2.2 times respectively. For animals of positive control subgroup -2, both spleen index and splenocyte count decreased by 1.35 and 1.3 times respectively than negative control animals, whereas they dropped by 1.1 and 1.17 times respectively in mice of experimental subgroup -2. Spleen index and splenocyte count in mice treated with the preprartion only increased by 1.2 times or 20% as compared to negative control animals. From above results, it is shown that bovine placental preparation is able to exert immunomodulatory effect regardless of antigen under both in vitro and in vivo conditions.