bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toward Exosome-Based Neuronal Diagnostic Devices
Authors: Yoo Yong , Lee Junwoo , Kim Hyungsuk , Hwang Kyo , Yoon Dae , Lee Jeong
Published: November 2018

Targeting exosome for liquid biopsy has gained significant attention for its diagnostic and therapeutic potential. For detecting neuronal disease diagnosis such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the main technique for identifying AD still relies on positron-emission tomography (PET) imaging to detect the presence of amyloid-β (Aβ). While the detection of Aβ in cerebrospinal fluid has also been suggested as a marker for AD, the lack of quantitative measurements has compromised existing assays. In cerebrospinal fluid, in addition to Aβ, T-Tau, and P-Tau, alpha-synuclein has been considered a biomarker of neurodegeneration. This review suggests that and explains how the exosome can be used as a neuronal diagnostic component. To this end, we summarize current progress in exosome preparation/isolation and quantification techniques and comment on the outlooks for neuronal exosome-based diagnostic techniques.
The Fine Characterization and Potential Photocatalytic Effect of Semiconducting Metal Minerals in Danxia Landforms
Authors: Xiao Yuxiong , Li Yanzhang , Ding Hongrui , Li Yan , Lu Anhuai
Published: November 2018

The Danxia landform is representative of the Cretaceous continental red sediment. The careful identification and potential environmental effects of minerals in Danxia red beds have yet to be clearly reported. In this work, reddish sandstone samples were collected from Lang Mountain Danxia landform in Xinning, Hunan province, China, and their mineral phases, element distribution, microstructure, and the spatial relationship of different minerals were investigated using polarizing optical microscope, environmental scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, electron probe microanalysis, micro-Raman spectra, micro- X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The results revealed that iron oxide (mainly hematite) and titanium oxide (mainly anatase) were the dominant minerals in Danxia red layers. Microcrystalline hematite was suggested as being the coloring mineral. Anatase, reported here for the first time in Danxia red beds, constituted the content of titanium in the red layer (0.17–0.57%) and was present in a significantly higher amount than the adjacent limestone formation (0.13%). Over 95% of Fe/Ti oxides served as a cementation agent along the framework of coarse-grain minerals (quartz and feldspar). The hematite and anatase were visible-light-responsive semiconductors, with a band gap of 2.01 eV and 3.05 eV, respectively. Photoelectrochemical experiments were performed on synthetic hematite, anatase, and their coupled material. The inactive hematite displayed an enhanced 23-fold photocurrent at 0.8 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) when coupled with anatase. Furthermore, in a photodegradation experiment using methyl orange dye under simulated sunlight, the coupled material showed decolorizing efficiency 2.4 times that of hematite. The anatase, therefore, prominently improved the photocatalytic activities of hematite. It is proposed that these semiconducting minerals in red beds produce oxygen reactive species and have significant environmental effects, which is of great importance.
Novel Bacterial Cellulose-Poly (Acrylic Acid) Hybrid Hydrogels with Controllable Antimicrobial Ability as Dressings for Chronic Wounds
Authors: Chuah Clarence , Wang Jing , Tavakoli Javad , Tang Youhong
Published: November 2018

This investigation examines the combination of poly (acrylic acid) (PAA) and bacterial cellulose (BC) nanofibers to synthesize hydrogel hybrid composites used for wound dressing application. Amoxicillin (AM) was also grafted onto the composites for drug release. Fourier transform infrared analysis and scanning electron microscopy conducted revealed the structure and porosity of the composite being developed, as well as the successful fabrication of BC-PAA composites. The results of mechanical testing and hygroscopicity revealed that the composite shows higher stability than hydrogels which are currently used worldwide, albeit with a slight reduction in swelling capabilities. However, the composite was revealed to be responsive to a rise in pH values with an increase in composite swelling and drug release. These results together with their morphological characteristics suggest that BC-PAA hydrogel hybrid composite is a promising candidate for wound dressing application.
Burned-Area Detection in Amazonian Environments Using Standardized Time Series Per Pixel in MODIS Data
Authors: Santana Níckolas Castro , De Carvalho Júnior Osmar Abílio , Gomes Roberto Arnaldo Trancoso , Guimarães Renato Fontes
Published: November 2018

Fires associated with the expansion of cattle ranching and agriculture have become a problem in the Amazon biome, causing severe environmental damages. Remote sensing techniques have been widely used in fire monitoring on the extensive Amazon forest, but accurate automated fire detection needs improvements. The popular Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) MCD64 product still has high omission errors in the region. This research aimed to evaluate MODIS time series spectral indices for mapping burned areas in the municipality of Novo Progresso (State of Pará) and to determine their accuracy in the different types of land use/land cover during the period 2000–2014. The burned area mapping from 8-day composite products, compared the following data: near-infrared (NIR) band; spectral indices (Burnt Area Index (BAIM), Global Environmental Monitoring Index (GEMI), Mid Infrared Burn Index (MIRBI), Normalized Burn Ratio (NBR), variation of Normalized Burn Ratio (NBR2), and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI)); and the seasonal difference of spectral indices. Moreover, we compared the time series normalization methods per pixel (zero-mean normalization and Z-score) and the seasonal difference between consecutive years. Threshold-value determination for the fire occurrences was obtained from the comparison of MODIS series with visual image classification of Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM), Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+), and Operational Land Imager (OLI) data using the overall accuracy. The best result considered the following factors: NIR band and zero-mean normalization, obtaining the overall accuracy of 98.99%, commission errors of 32.41%, and omission errors of 31.64%. The proposed method presented better results in burned area detection in the natural fields (Campinarana) with an overall accuracy value of 99.25%, commission errors of 9.71%, and omission errors of 27.60%, as well as pasture, with overall accuracy value of 99.19%, commission errors of 27.60%, and omission errors of 34.76%. Forest areas had a lower accuracy, with an overall accuracy of 98.62%, commission errors of 23.40%, and omission errors of 49.62%. The best performance of the burned area detection in the pastures is relevant because the deforested areas are responsible for more than 70% of fire events. The results of the proposed method were better than the burned area products (MCD45, MCD64, and FIRE-CCI), but still presented limitations in the identification of burn events in the savanna formations and secondary vegetation.
Urbanization Impacts on Vegetation Phenology in China
Authors: Ren Qiang , He Chunyang , Huang Qingxu , Zhou Yuyu
Published: November 2018

Urbanization can affect the ecological processes, local climate and human health in urban areas by changing the vegetation phenology. In the past 20 years, China has experienced rapid urbanization. Thus, it is imperative to understand the impact of urbanization on vegetation phenology in China. In this study, we quantitatively analyzed the impact of urbanization on vegetation phenology at the national and climate zone scales using remotely sensed data. We found that the start of the growing season (SOS) was advanced by approximately 2.4 days (P < 0.01), and the end of the growing season (EOS) was delayed by approximately 0.7 days (P < 0.01) in the urban areas compared to the rural areas. As a result, the growing season length (GSL) was extended by approximately 3.1 days (P < 0.01). The difference in the SOS and GSL between the urban and rural areas increased from 2001 to 2014, with an annual rate of 0.2 days (R2 = 0.39, P < 0.05) and 0.2 days (R2 = 0.31, P < 0.05), respectively. We also found that the impact of urbanization on vegetation phenology varied among different vegetation types at the national and climate zone levels (P < 0.05). The SOS was negatively correlated with land surface temperature (LST), with a correlation coefficient of −0.24 (P < 0.01), and EOS and GSL were positively correlated with LST, with correlation coefficients of 0.56 and 0.44 (P < 0.01), respectively. The improved understanding of the impact of urbanization on vegetation phenology from this study will be of great help for policy-makers in terms of developing relevant strategies to mitigate the negative environmental effects of urbanization in China.
Soil Oxygen Limits Microbial Phosphorus Utilization in Humid Tropical Forest Soils
Authors: Gross Avner , Pett-Ridge Jennifer , Silver Whendee L.
Published: November 2018

Soil phosphorus (P) availability is of special interest in many humid tropical forests, especially those on highly weathered, iron (Fe)- and aluminum (Al)-rich soils where P often limits net primary productivity. Phosphorus cycling is partly dependent on the ability of microbes to compete for P with Fe and Al minerals, which strongly bind P. Soil P availability is also indirectly affected by soil redox conditions due to its effects on microbial activity and reductive dissolution of Fe oxides that may weaken Fe-O-P sorption strength. Here, we explored P sorption, soil Fe (II) concentrations, soil CO2 production, organic and inorganic P pools, and microbial biomass P in tropical soils that typically experience frequent low redox (valley soils), or fluctuating redox conditions (slope soils). Soils from both topographic positions were pre-incubated under oxic or anoxic headspaces and then amended with a mixture of P (as orthophosphate) and carbon (C, as acetate, to maintain microbial activity) and incubated in the dark for 24 h. Phosphorus sorption to the mineral phase occurred on a time scale of seconds to minutes in valley and slope soils, reflecting strong abiotic P sorption capacity. Valley soils were characterized by inherently higher Fe(II) concentrations and lower respiration rates. Under anoxic headspaces, Fe(II) concentrations increased 3-to 5-fold in the both soils. Soil respiration and microbial P utilization declined significantly in both soils under anoxic conditions, regardless of Fe(II) concentrations. Microbial P concentrations were highest when slope soils were incubated under an oxic headspace, despite the high P sorption under these conditions. Our results suggest that microbial P utilization is indirectly limited by low O2 availability and that microbes are able to effectively compete with minerals for P under Fe-oxidizing conditions. These results emphasize the central role of soil microorganisms in regulating P availability, even in the presence of strong abiotic sorption capacity.
A Needs-Driven, Multi-Objective Approach to Allocate Urban Ecosystem Services from 10,000 Trees
Authors: Almeter Andrew , Tashie Arik , Procter Andrew , McAlexander Tara , Browning Douglas , Rudder Charles , Jackson Laura , Araujo Rochelle
Published: November 2018

Urban areas face challenges including vehicular emissions, stormwater runoff, and sedentary lifestyles. Communities recognize the value of trees in mitigating these challenges by absorbing pollution and enhancing walkability. However, siting trees to optimize multiple benefits requires a systems approach that may cross sectors of management and expertise. We present a spatially-explicit method to optimize tree planting in Durham, NC, a rapidly growing urban area with an aging tree stock. Using GIS data and a ranking approach, we explored where Durham could augment its current stock of willow oaks through its plans to install 10,000 mid-sized deciduous trees. Data included high-resolution landcover metrics developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), demographics from the U.S. Census, an attributed roads dataset licensed to the EPA, and sidewalk information from the City of Durham. Census block groups (CBGs) were ranked for tree planting according to single and multiple objectives including stormwater reduction, emissions buffering, walkability, and protection of vulnerable populations. Prioritizing tree planting based on single objectives led to four sets of locations with limited geographic overlap. Prioritizing tree planting based on multiple objectives tended to favor historically disadvantaged CBGs. The four-objective strategy met the largest proportion of estimated regional need. Based on this analysis, the City of Durham has implemented a seven-year plan to plant 10,000 trees in priority neighborhoods. This analysis also found that any strategy which included the protection of vulnerable populations generated more benefits than others.
Spatio-Temporal Changes of Oases in the Hexi Corridor over the Past 30 Years
Authors: Xie Yaowen , Bie Qiang , Lu Hui , He Lei
Published: November 2018

In recent decades, the oases in the Hexi Corridor have gone through a tremendous transformation, which has caused a series of social and environmental problems. We aim to explore quantitatively the characteristics of the oasis expansion and their dynamic mechanism(s) in the Hexi Corridor, and their implications and impact on current and future policies. The spatial distribution pattern and dynamic changes experienced by the oases are examined using Landsat imagery. Their spatio-temporal changes are analyzed using the grid-transformed model and the dynamic-degree model. The model drivers are analyzed based on data from statistics yearbooks and field surveys. The total area of oases in the Hexi Corridor has expanded tremendously during the last 30 years from 10,709 km2 to 14,950 km2, almost 40% of the original value. Oasis evolution patterns of ‘unchanged’, ‘expanding’, ‘shrinking’, and ‘oscillating’ are observed at different periods in the three basins. In terms of area, almost half of the oases experienced some change, where most of the changes took place in the ecotone between oases and deserts, and the interior of oases due to the reclamation of abandoned land. Oasis expansion is mainly determined by the human instincts for survival and well-being, which are generally governed by population growth, agricultural policies and economic development. These changes reflect the need to find a balance in the relationship between ecological protection and increasing the well-being of local residents, because unreasonable or excessive development and utilization will cause damage to the local ecological environment.
Coral Reef Socio-Ecological Systems Analysis & Restoration
Authors: Uribe-Castañeda Natalia , Newton Alice , Le Tissier Martin
Published: November 2018

Restoration strategies for coral reefs are usually focused on the recovery of bio-physical characteristics. They seldom include an evaluation of the recovery of the socio-ecological and ecosystem services features of coral reef systems. This paper proposes a conceptual framework to address both the socio-ecological system features of coral reefs with the implementation of restoration activity for degraded coral reefs. Such a framework can lead to better societal outcomes from restoration activities while restoring bio-physical, social and ecosystem service features of such systems. We first developed a Socio Ecological System Analysis Framework, which combines the Ostrom Framework for analyzing socio-ecological systems and the Kittinger et al. human dimensions framework of coral reefs socio-ecological systems. We then constructed a Restoration of Coral Reef Framework, based on the most used and recent available coral reef restoration literature. These two frameworks were combined to present a Socio-Ecological Systems & Restoration Coral Reef Framework. These three frameworks can be used as a guide for managers, researchers and decision makers to analyze the needs of coral reef restoration in a way that addresses both socio-economic and ecological objectives to analyze, design, implement and monitor reef restoration programs.
Redesigning In-Flight Service with Service Blueprint Based on Text Analysis
Authors: Nam Seungju , Ha Chunghun , Lee Hyun Cheol
Published: November 2018

Airline services should be passenger-focused to be sustainable. In this study, we redesign an in-flight service process using a service blueprint while incorporating direct customer perceptions of service experiences. To incorporate these, we apply topic modeling to 64,706 passenger-written online reviews of airline services. Passenger experiences of in-flight services are the sum of experiences from service encounters in all the subsequent steps and we assume that their direct perceptions of their experiences are faithfully contained in the online reviews. Topics extracted from the reviews can be regarded as service encounters based strongly on passenger experiences. Then, the service encounters are reorganized within the framework of a service blueprint. The results show that the complexity, a number of service steps, decreases by 38% compared to the benchmark service blueprint. However, the divergence, a latitude of service steps, should increase for a couple of service encounters. Moreover, we quantitatively analyze the divergence using the probability of word frequency statistically distributed across topics. The in-flight service using the proposed design could be sustainable with respect to customer-focused service while considering direct customer experiences in real-time.
Spatial and Quantitative Analysis of Waste from Rock Raw Minerals Mining: A Case Study of Lower Silesia Region in Poland
Authors: Blachowski Jan , Kaźmierczak Urszula , Górniak-Zimroz Justyna
Published: November 2018

Mining of minerals is associated with waste that needs to be dealt with, e.g., safely deposited or, if possible, reused. From 2010 to 2016, 6,182,277 Mg of waste was deposited during mining of rock raw materials in the Lower Silesia region in Southwest Poland. Extraction activities were responsible for 46.95% of that waste, while mineral processing was responsible for 53.05% of that waste. This study analyzed the spatial and temporal distribution of waste resulting from mining rock raw minerals in Poland’s Lower Silesia region. In the study, an inventory of waste deposited during rock raw mineral mining and processing was prepared. Then, a geographic information systems (GIS) database that included information on the quantity and quality of waste generated during rock raw mineral mining and processing during the 2010–2016 study period was created. It was used for assessment of the variation of waste distribution and density in time and space with GIS kernel density estimation (KDE) functions. Spatial context of mining waste production and distribution over a period of 7 years in Lower Silesia were analyzed and presented graphically. The study revealed increasing accumulation of mining waste and helped to identify spatial clusters of its deposition in the region. Based on a literature study and the identified main waste types, the potential of selected types of this waste for re-use was analyzed and prospective uses were proposed. The methodology of quantitative and spatial analysis used in this research can be applied to studies in other regions coping with the problem of a large amount of mining waste.
Assessing Technology Platforms for Sustainability with Web Data Mining Techniques
Authors: Blazquez Desamparados , Domenech Josep , Garcia-Alvarez-Coque Jose-Maria
Published: November 2018

Public policies have encouraged the proliferation of technology platforms that support the transition towards sustainable agriculture and the development of innovations in the food system. Provided the difficulty associated with assessing the outputs and outcomes of technology platforms, this work proposes a practical assessment method based on the retrieval and analysis of online documents related to the technology platforms. Concretely, the method consists of applying web scraping techniques to retrieve documents related to a technology platform from the Internet and then applying web data-mining techniques to automatically classify these documents into the functions that the platform should fulfill, which are described from the viewpoint of co-evolution of innovation. Data are automatically processed to obtain a variety of metrics, which are applied to measure the impact of European Technology Platforms (ETPs) on promoting an organic food paradigm. This method provides time-series data that helps to follow the evolution of the different functions of the platform and to describe its lifecycle. It has been applied to one platform taken as a case study, TP Organics, which represents a key platform for stakeholders that promote organic farming and agroecology as core components of an ambitious program for sustainable agriculture. The obtained online-based measures have been proven to assess the global evolution of the platform, its dissemination through the European Union (EU) Member States, and the evolution of the different functions expected to be fulfilled by it regarding the diffusion and promotion of innovations in organic agriculture.
Biohydrogen Production from Food Waste: Influence of the Inoculum-To-Substrate Ratio
Authors: Cappai Giovanna , De Gioannis Giorgia , Muntoni Aldo , Spiga Daniela , Boni Maria Rosaria , Polettini Alessandra , Pomi Raffaella , Rossi Andreina
Published: November 2018

In this study, the influence of the inoculum-to-substrate ratio (ISR) on dark fermentative hydrogen production from food waste (FW) was evaluated. ISR values ranging from 0.05 to 0.25 g VSinoculum/g VSsubstrate were investigated by performing batch tests at T = 39 °C and pH = 6.5, the latter being the optimal value identified based on a previous study. The ISR was found to affect the fermentation process, clearly showing that an adequate ISR is essential in order to optimise the process kinetics and the H2 yield. An ISR of 0.14 proved to optimum, leading to a maximum H2 yield of 88.8 L H2/kg VSFW and a maximum production rate of 10.8 L H2/kg VSFW∙h. The analysis of the fermentation products indicated that the observed highest H2 production mostly derived from the typical acetate/butyrate-type fermentation.
Water Conservation Scenic Spots in China: Developing the Tourism Potential of Hydraulic Projects and Water Resources
Authors: Li Wei , He Bao-Jie , Qi Jinda , Dong Jianwen
Published: November 2018

The reservoir-related tourism industry has been developed for leisure purposes since the 1970s and has gained popularity worldwide. To promote reservoir-related tourism in China, the Chinese government launched a “top-down” project titled “Water Conservation Scenic Spot” (WCSS) in 2001. However, because of the lack of reasonable planning, innovative ideas, and effective governance, there are some problems with WCSS constraining its development. To deal with those problems, it is necessary to have a holistic understanding of the WCSS situation. This study analyses the origin, status, opportunities, and challenges of WCSS development in China. The results show a trend of periodic increase in the number of WCSSs between 2001 and 2016, and WCSS development is unbalanced regarding regions and types. Moreover, the main issues for the WCSS include the failure to follow WCSS guidelines in practice, weak awareness of the scientific educational function, monotonous planning and construction, a lack of cultural preservation, insufficient funding, weak marketing, damaging of natural resources, destruction of clusters of animals and plants, land surface erosion, and landscape pollution. These adverse effects can be alleviated by strengthening supervision and fostering balanced development, promoting education and protecting cultural resources, distributing funding and enlarging popularity, controlling the amount of tourism, and avoiding overexpansion. Overall, the findings of this study can encourage the development of WCSSs in the future and are of significance in supporting the reservoir-related tourism industry.
Degravitation and the Cascading DGP Model
Authors: Sbisà Fulvio
Published: November 2018

We consider the 6D Cascading DGP model, a braneworld model which is a promising candidate to realize the phenomenon of the degravitation of vacuum energy. Focusing on a recently proposed thin limit description of the model, we study solutions where the induced metric on the codimension-2 brane is of the de Sitter form. While these solutions have already been recovered in the literature imposing by hand the bulk to be flat, we show that it is possible to derive them without making this assumption, by solving a suitably chosen subset of the bulk equations.
A Critical Evaluation on the Role of Aerodynamic and Canopy–Surface Conductance Parameterization in SEB and SVAT Models for Simulating Evapotranspiration: A Case Study in the Upper Biebrza National Park Wetland in Poland
Authors: Mallick Kaniska , Wandera Loise , Bhattarai Nishan , Hostache Renaud , Kleniewska Malgorzata , Chormanski Jaroslaw
Published: November 2018

Evapotranspiration (ET) estimation through the surface energy balance (SEB) and soil-vegetation-atmosphere-transfer (SVAT) models are uncertain due to the empirical parameterizations of the aerodynamic and canopy-substrate conductances (gA and gS) for heat and water vapor transfers. This study critically assessed the impact of conductance parameterizations on ET simulation using three structurally different SEB and SVAT models for an ecologically important North-Eastern European wetland, Upper Biebrza National Park (UBNP) in two consecutive years 2015 and 2016. A pronounced ET underestimation (mean bias −0.48 to −0.68 mm day−1) in SEBS (Surface Energy Balance System) was associated with an overestimation of gA due to uncertain parameterization of momentum roughness length and bare soil’s excess resistance to heat transfer (kB−1) under low vegetation cover. The systematic ET overestimation (0.65–0.80 mm day−1) in SCOPE (Soil Canopy Observation, Photochemistry and Energy fluxes) was attributed to the overestimation of both the conductances. Conductance parameterizations in SEBS and SCOPE appeared to be very sensitive to the general ecohydrological conditions, with a tendency of overestimating gA (gS) under humid (arid) conditions. Low ET bias in the analytical STIC (Surface Temperature Initiated Closure) model as compared to SEBS/SCOPE indicated the critical need for calibration-free conductance parameterizations for improved ET estimation.
Mechanism of Steady and Unsteady Piping in Coastal and Hydraulic Structures with a Sloped Face
Authors: Kirca V. S. Ozgur , Kilci R. Evren
Published: November 2018

Coastal and hydraulic structures, such as revetments, embankments and levees—as well as their underlying soil—may experience piping when exposed to outward pressure gradients. The aim of the present study is twofold: (1) to derive the force-balance equation for soils with a sloping surface exposed to a steady hydraulic gradient (relevant to hydraulic structures) and to seek a criterion for piping, including the friction terms; (2) to study the case of unsteady hydraulic gradient forcing (relevant to coastal structures) by means of a series of experiments. The derived force-balance equation is compared with the available experimental and numerical model data from the literature and extended to soils protected by a filter/armour layer or rip rap. The experiments conducted to study the mechanism of piping under unsteady hydraulic gradients involved two types of loadings; sudden and oscillatory. The results show that although the mechanism of steady and unsteady piping has some similar aspects, the soil is generally more prone to piping in the unsteady hydraulic loading compared to the steady case, attributed to the inertia terms. The hydraulic conductivity of the soil becomes more distinctive for the unsteady piping case. Finally, remarks are made about practical applications.
Étude par diffraction des rayons X et par spectrométrie infrarouge des produits de dévitrification des silicates de sodium à l'état vitreux
Authors: Trân Thach Lan
Published: November 2018

L'étude par diffraction des rayons X et par spectrométrie infrarouge des produits de dévitrification d'une série de dix verres de silicate de sodium dont la teneur molaire en Na₂O varie de 9 à 33,5 % nous conduit à postuler l'existence d'un silicate de sodium cristallin, non signalé par le diagramme d'équilibre établi par Kracek et qui serait un trisilicate 3SiO₂, Na₂O.
Présence de strontium dans les minéraux uranifères supergènes français
Authors: Agrinier Henri , Guillemaut A. , Pouget R.
Published: November 2018

La présence de strontium dans certains minéraux uranifères phosphatés a été décelée par chromatographie sur papier. Le dosage du strontium a été effectué par spectrométrie de fluorescence X et par spectrophotométrie de flamme après séparation sur résines. Dans certains échantillons, les teneurs en SrO dépassent 1 %.
Étude des bandes de croissance et des dislocations de macle dans la calcite
Authors: Sauvage Michèle , Authier André
Published: November 2018

Nous avons utilisé des méthodes topographiques pour étudier des cristaux de calcite en provenance d'Islande et du Mexique. On observe en général sur les topographies des bandes assez larges qui correspondent aux intersections de la surface de l'échantillon avec des lamelles de croissance parallèles aux faces naturelles. Ces lamelles sont inclinées par rapport à la surface et il leur correspond des franges d'épaisseur. Les dislocations sont en ligne brisée et se coudent au voisinage des interfaces entre lamelles. Nous avons d'autre part mis en évidence les dislocations de macle responsables des macles mécaniques.
Une méthode interférométrique pour la mesure des indices principaux des petits cristaux
Authors: Sabatier Germain
Published: November 2018

Principe d'une méthode de mesure des indices principaux de grains cristallins fondée sur l'étude des franges d'égale épaisseur observées par microscopie interférentielle. Technique des mesures utilisant une platine à aiguille, un microscope interférentiel à deux faisceaux polarisés, et l'appareil de W. L. Bond pour arrondir les grains. Précision sur les indices de l'ordre de 0,001 à 0,002. Exemples d'application.
La tisrouimite, cornéenne charbonneuse du Haut-Atlas marocain
Authors: Termier Henri , Termier Geneviève
Published: November 2018

Au Maroc, dans le Haut-Atlas et plus précisément sur la bordure SW du massif granito-dioritique du Tichka, affleure largement une roche métamorphique qui est une cornéenne charbonneuse et à laquelle nous donnons le nom de tisrouimite. C'est une roche noire à grain très fin où le microscope décèle des cristaux de prehnite et d'andalousite. Certains de ces derniers posent un problème car on peut se demander s'ils ne sont pas nés, les uns, sur des frustules de diatomées, et les autres, sur des coquilles bivalves ressemblant à des ostracodes ou à des phyllopodes. La question n'est pas résolue mais deux faits sont incontestables : la tisrouimite renferme 1,2 % de matière organique et 6,13 % d'alcalis. Les auteurs inclinent donc à penser qu'à la suite du dépôt des calcaires à Archaeocyatha (appartenant au Cambrien inférieur) s'est constitué dans la région d'Alekjane un bassin de caractère lagunaire, assez riche en petits êtres vivants.
Negative events in compositional semantics
Authors: Bernard Timothée , Champollion Lucas
Published: November 2018

Negative events have been used in analyses of various natural language phenomena such as negative perception reports and negative causation, but their conceptual and logical foundations remain ill-understood. We propose that linguistic negation denotes a function Neg, which sends any set of events P to a set Neg(P) that contains all events which preclude every event in P from being actual. An axiom ensures that any event in Neg(P) is actual if and only if no event in P is. This allows us to construe the events in Neg(P) as negative, "anti-P", events. We present a syntax-semantics interface that uses continuations to resolve scope mismatches between subject and verb phrase negation, and a fragment of English that accounts for the interaction of negation, the perception verb see, finite and nonfinite perception reports, and quantified subjects, as well as negative causation.
Epistemic numbers
Authors: Mendia Jon Ander
Published: November 2018

Epistemic numbers are syntactically complex numbers formed by some combination of number and (non-numerical) indefinite expressions that convey uncertainty, vagueness or ignorance. I examine these constructions in a number of languages and provide an analysis that capitalizes on independently motivated properties of their two sub-components: epistemic indefinites and complex numerals. I argue that variability in these two components explain the cross-linguistics variability in the nature and interpretation of epistemic numbers across languages.
MANAGING SELECTION OF WIND POWER GENERATION TECHNOLOGIES
Authors: Tamošiūnas Andrius
Published: November 2018

The article presents the principled model for managing the selection of wind power generation technologies enabling business organizations to transform rationally their fossil fuel-based business models towards greater renewable energy reliance. The model is aimed at complex improvement of management of the evaluation, selection processes for public and private organizations keen on switching their business models towards greater use of wind power (including (or) other renewable energy-based technologies). The set of measures proposed has a pivotal focus on the economic utility of the latter with respect to balanced and sustained strategic development of business concerned. Accordingly, the model involves tools for solving the following tasks: setting up an evaluation unit revealing critical factors for rational execution of this task; contributing to situation analysis when determining wind power generation options and assessment criteria. In this respect, besides recommendations on managing data collection, the paper also provides a spectrum of criteria for measuring the attractiveness of wind power generation technologies in terms of economic utility. The latter allow to evaluate, compare possible options in a comprehensive and complex manner; improving assessment and selection task involving and rationally utilizing multi-criteria decision analysis measures including possibilities for combination of MCDA tools if needed. In the context of empirical investigations of the evolution of wind power generation technologies in the EU and globally over the last decade, the paper reveals the benefit of the use of the proposed model specifying all its phases to relevant techniques and actions. Results of its application in practice also confirm the prevailing flexibility when adjusting the model to the specifics of activities of public and private organizations as well as of economic sectors at state, county, and municipal levels.
On the Faint End of the Galaxy Luminosity Function in the Epoch of Reionization: Updated Constraints from the HST Frontier Fields
Authors: Yue 岳 B. 斌 , Castellano M. , Ferrara A. , Fontana A. , Merlin E. , Amorín R. , Grazian A. , Mármol-Queralto E. , Michałowski M. J. , Mortlock A. , Paris D. , Parsa S. , Pilo S. , Santini P. , Criscienzo M. Di
Published: November 2018

Ultra-faint galaxies are hosted by small dark matter halos with shallow gravitational potential wells, hence their star formation activity is more sensitive to feedback effects. The shape of the faint end of the high-z galaxy luminosity function (LF) contains important information on star formation and its interaction with the reionization process during the Epoch of Reionization. High-z galaxies with

have only recently become accessible thanks to the Frontier Fields (FFs) survey combining deep HST imaging and the gravitational lensing effect. In this paper we investigate the faint end of the LF at redshift >5 using the data of FFs clusters Abell 2744 (A2744), MACSJ0416.1-2403 (M0416), MACSJ0717.5+3745 (M0717), and MACSJ1149.5+2223 (M1149). We analyze both an empirical and a physically motivated LF model to obtain constraints on a possible turnover of LF at faint magnitudes. In the empirical model the LF drops fast when the absolute UV magnitude

is much larger than a turnover absolute UV magnitude

. We obtain

(15.2) at the 1 (2)σ confidence level (C.L.) for z ∼ 6. In the physically motivated analytical model, star formation in halos with circular velocity below

is fully quenched if these halos are located in ionized regions. Using updated lensing models and new additional FFs data, we re-analyze previous constraints on

and f
esc presented by Castellano et al. using a smaller data set. We obtain new constraints on

km s−1 and f
esc ≲ 56% (both at 2σ C.L.) and conclude that there is no turnover detected so far from the analyzed FFs data. Forthcoming JWST observations will be key to tightening these constraints further.
The Karst of Salento Region (Apulia, Southern Italy): Constraints for Management
Authors: Selleri Gianluca , Sansò Paolo , Walsh Nicola
Published: November 2018

Polotok Salento je kraško območje s precejšnjim tveganjem, povezanim s površinsko in podzemno vodo. Da bi preprečili poplavljanje, so velike količine površinskih voda kanalizirali v vrtače. Zaradi tega je v zadnjih letih na večih mestih prišlo do hitrega pogrezanja in udiranja tal. »lanek obravnava dve področji, kjer je do tega prišlo.The Salento peninsula is a karstic area affected by relevant geological risk mainly due to surface water and groundwater. In particular, sinkholes have been used to convey underground large amount of surface waters (rain water, waste water, etc.) aiming to avoid the flooding of wide land surfaces. However, during the last ten years this input of surface water underground has caused several cases of rapid subsidence. In this paper, the detailed study of two areas which have been recently affected by rapid subsidence is reported.
The Origine and Evolution of Coastal and Submarine Springs in Bakar Bay
Authors: Benac Čedomir , Rubinić Josip , Ožanić Nevenka
Published: November 2018

Članek obravnava obalne in podmorske izvire v Bakarskem zalivu. Največ izvirov je ob severovzhodni obali zaliva, kjer je najnižji del kontakta med kraškim vodonosnikom in flišem, ki predstavlja hidrogeološko bariero. Študijsko območje obsega obalo med Črnim in Žminjco, kjer voda izteka koncentrirano v nizu kraških izvirov in difuzno na večih območjih. Ob dvigu morske gladine ob koncu pleistocena so nekateri obalni izviri prešli pod gladino, pojavili pa so se tudi novi, višji izviri. Veliko podmorskih izvirov ni poznanih, vendar na njihov obstoj kaže študija vodne bilance. Zaradi velikega hidravličnega gradienta veliko podmorskih izvirov deluje kot vrulje. Mešanje morske in sladke vode v hidravlično nestabilnem območju je vzrok, da je voda iz teh izvirov po večini brakična.The paper presents coastal and submarine springs in Bakar Bay. The northeastern coast of Bakar Bay is abound in springs, since there is the lowest placed contact between large karst aquifer and flysch lithogenetic complex which forms hydrogeological barrier. Studied area is situated between Črno and Žminjca locations, where water flows out in series of concentrated coastal and submarine springs as well as on the places of a diffuse outflow. A rapid raise of sea-level from the end of the Pleistocene changed the hydrogeological conditions so that coastal springs were submerged and new ones, at higher levels appeared. Some of submerged springs continued to throw out water, that is, they started to function as submarine springs (vrulja) due to a strong inflow from the background and high pressures. Some of them were not registered, although according to water balance analyses of wider area, widespread evidences of groundwater outflow could be expected. Their position reflects geological fabric of the area. Groundwaters have intensive flowing gradient. Their flowing out in hydraulically unstable zone have facilitated mixing of sea- water and fresh-water and as a result spring-water is usually brackish.
Structural Features of Cultural Landscape in the Karst Area (Landscape in Transition)
Authors: Aničić Branka , Perica Dražen
Published: November 2018

Na območju krasa se je v dolgi zgodovinski kontinuiteti razvil svojevrsten krajinski tip, kar je pripisati raznovrstnim podnebnim, geomorfološkim, topografskim kot tudi družbeno-gospodarskim razmeram. To zvrst označuje velika tipološka raznolikost, ki sloni na avtentičnih značilnostih naravnega in kulturnega izvora, nastala pa je kot nasledek uravnotežene gospodarske rabe tal od zgodnjih obdobij dalje. Glavna kvaliteta kraških krajin izvira iz edinstvenih vzorcev rabe prostora, ki pomenijo eno najvrednejših prostorskih dediščin v celotnem Sredozemlju. Toda novejši razvoj, predvsem v družbenogospodarski sferi, je izzval daljnosežne posledice na podeželju, kar močno prizadeva celovitost in tradicionalno skladnost krasa nasploh in njegovih pokrajin posebej. Temeljni namen prispevka je orisati to preobrazbo kot resno grožnjo in veliko izgubo nacionalne kulturne dediščine ter podčrtati odgovornost naše generacije v teh procesih.During a long historical continuity in the karst area a specific landscape type has evolved due to varied climatic, geomorphological, topographic as well as socio-economic conditions. This is characterized by great typological diversity based on authentic features both of natural and cultural origin. These have occurred as a consequence of balanced economic land-uses from early periods on. The main quality of these landscapes is derived from unique agricultural land-use patterns, which constitute one of the most valuable spatial heritages in the entire Mediterranean. However, the recent evolution, mainly in the socio-economic sphere, generated far-reaching impacts in the rural areas which largely affect the integrity and traditional harmony the karst countryside in general and the landscape in particular. The basic intention of the paper is to outline these transformations as a serious threat and immense loss of the national cultural heritage and to emphasize the great responsibility of this generation in these processes.
The Underground Post Offices of Postojnska jama, Slovenia, 1899 - 1945
Authors: Shaw Trevor R. , Čuk Alenka
Published: November 2018

Edina poštna urada, ki sta delovala v podzemlju, sta bila urada v Postojnski jami. Leta 1899 je jamska uprava, število prodanih razglednic je v tem času močno naraslo, nedaleč od Kongresne dvorane oziroma 500 m od vhoda zgradila podzemni poštni urad. Odprt je bil 15. avgusta 1899, poštne oblasti pa so dovolile uporabo posebnega poštnega žiga (“Adelsberger Grotte / Postojnska jama”). Ta urad je posloval do leta 1927 (z italijanskim žigom “Postumia (Grotte)” po letu 1922), nakar ga je nadomestil nov poštni urad, skoraj kilometer in pol oddaljen od vhoda. Urad je zadnjič posloval 15. avgusta 1945, ko je bila Postojnska jama po končani drugi svetovni vojni ponovno odprta.The only cave post offices to have been situated underground were in Postojnska jama. In 1899 the cave management, responding to the growing use of picture postcards, built a stone post office near Kongresna dvorana 500 m from the entrance. It was open by 15 August 1899, with a special ˝Adelsberger Grotte /Postojnska jama˝ cancellation authorised by the postal authorities. This building remained in use until 1927 (with the Italian ˝Postumia (Grotte)˝ postmark after 1922), when it was replaced by a new building 1,4 km inside the cave. Its last recorded use was 15 August 1945 when the cave was reopened under Jugoslav management.
Las competencias profesionales y la formación universitaria: posibilidades y riesgos
Authors: Escudero Muñoz Juan M.
Published: November 2018

Las competencias profesionales tienen múltiples facetas, epistemológica, sociológica, política y práctica; por ello  reclaman una perspectiva multidimencional e integral de los aprendizajes. La comprensión, el juicio y la movilización de diversos recursos cognitivos, personales, sociales y éticos constituyen la estructura interna de una competencia, así como la capacidad de aprender a aprender, que es esencial para captar su carácter cambiante y evolutivo. Una determinada concepción de las competencias puede tener implicaciones para el diseño de las titulaciones. En el artículo se aboga por el modelo de proceso, pues permite integrar mejor que el modelo de objetivos los contenidos, las capacidades, las metodologías y la evaluación de los aprendizajes. 
El discurso de las competencias en España: educación básica y educación superior
Authors: Bolívar Antonio
Published: November 2018

El discurso de las competencias ha entrado en España, casi al tiempo, para la Educación Básica y Superior, aún cuando los orígenes, el modo de plantearse y el papel que puedan jugar, en uno y otro nivel educativo, sean distintos. Sin embargo, confluyen en querer orientar la enseñanza al desarrollo de habilidades complejas, más allá del aprendizaje de contenidos escolarizados, necesarias en la sociedad de la información. Pero también, en ambos casos, al igual que sucediera con aquel otro de la “planificación por objetivos”, la pedagogía por competencias puede quedarse en una nueva ortodoxia en los formatos de planificación que en poco altera la práctica. Por eso, estimo, puede ser de interés una reflexión al respecto, apuntando algunos elementos para un análisis crítico.
A Presença do Petróleo nos Estados Unidos: O Hidrocarboneto na História de uma Grande Potência
Authors: Hage José Alexandre Altahyde
Published: November 2018

O objetivo deste ensaio é fazer um simples balanço do petróleo na história recente dos Estados Unidos. Isto porque o mais importante recurso energético não é desligado da história da principal potência internacional. Analisar a história do petróleo é se voltar para a compreensão dos Estados Unidos desde a segunda metade do século XIX até os anos 1990, quando não houve nenhuma potência com vigor suficiente para contestar o poder americano.
Os Estados Unidos de H. Bush a Donald J. Trump (1989/2017): Dinâmicas políticas de consenso e polarização
Authors: Pecequilo Cristina Soreanu
Published: November 2018

Desde o fim da Guerra Fria, a política interna e externa dos Estados Unidos apresenta tendências de polarização política e fragmentação partidária, que colocam em xeque a continuidade de consensos sobre a agenda doméstica e as relações internacionais. Neste contexto, exacerba-se a transformação social e econômica originada ainda nos anos 1970 que indica o rearranjo de formas políticas em um país cada vez mais dividido. Neste quadro, fenômenos como a ascensão dos neoconservadores, a polarização programática dos partidos, a renovação e a continuidade, sobrepõem-se. O objetivo do artigo é compreender e discutir estas dinâmicas, apontando suas principais características no século XXI e de que forma as mesmas levaram à eleição de Donald J. Trump como presidente dos Estados Unidos.
“God wants me to be president”: O papel do cinturão bíblico na política contra o terror durante os governos de George W. Bush
Authors: Mendonça Filipe Almeida do Prado , Ribeiro Gabriel Almeida
Published: November 2018

Este artigo busca identificar aspectos da relação entre religião e política externa nos Estados Unidos. Afirma-se que tal relação é determinante para a compreensão da política internacional do governo de George W Bush (2001-2009). Isso se dá em grande medida devido o peso eleitoral do cinturão bíblico (bible belt). Esta região compreende a área do extremo sul dos Estados Unidos, predominantemente conservadora e cristã. Dessa maneira, afirmamos que a religião é decisiva no contexto político estadunidense. Sendo assim, verifica-se que o “cinturão bíblico” exerce influência também na política externa, legitimando por meio do discurso parte dos posicionamentos norte-americanos no cenário internacional e nas estruturas da governança global (2001-2009).