bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exposures in Aquatic Ecosystems: The Weak Link in Risk Assessments - A Critical Perspective
Authors: Burton Jr. G.A. , Nedrich S.M.
Published: June 2018

The foundation of assessing risk for both humans and wildlife is understanding the connection between exposure to stressors and the resulting adverse effects on life. Humans and wildlife are surrounded by a plethora of stressors in human-dominated ecosystems. Most of these stressors do not pose a threat because the exposures to adverse effect levels do not occur or occur only briefly. While the practice of risk assessment has advanced significantly in the past three decades, it still has a number of shortcomings related to our inability to characterize exposures. Widely accepted traditional monitoring and assessment methods continue to be used, which focus on measuring chemicals in water and occasionally sediments or tissues at a small number of sites, then draw conclusions on risk to biota assuming exposures are constant. Spatial and temporal variation are a dominant component of aquatic ecosystems for stressors and biological receptors. The practicality associated with characterizing these exposures and receptor movements must and can be effectively addressed to provide decision-makers with scientifically-based evidence of exposure. More accurate and cost-effective options are described for future improvements in risk assessments.
Rapid tests for the toxicity evaluation of soil contaminated by lead-acid batteries manufacture
Authors: Tavares Carlos Bento Borges , Honscha Laiz Coutelle , Tavella Ronan Adler , Fernandes Caroline Lopes Feijo , Fanton Tassia , Baisch Paulo Roberto Martins , Chaves Isabel Soares , Da Silva Júnior Flavio Manoel Rodrigues
Published: June 2018

Lead-acid battery manipulation is one of the major sources of environmental contamination of lead in developing and underdeveloped countries. For the preliminary investigation of the soil ecotoxicological potential of a mechanical workshop with deposit of lead-acid battery tailings, the avoidance behavior response test with Eisenia andrei and the phytotoxicity test with Lactuca sativa were made. The quantification of cadmium, copper, lead, zinc, manganese, iron and arsenic, was also performed. The level of lead found in the test soil was 56 times higher than the permitted value in Brazilian legislation, but the soil only showed toxicity in the avoidance behavior response test with earthworms. None of the phytotoxicity tests showed toxicity to lettuce seeds in germination rate and seedling length. This preliminary study confirms the contamination of these sites by lead and indicates that this contamination can cause damages to the edaphic fauna, suggesting further studies in areas contaminated by tailings of lead-acid batteries.
Application of the Total Reflection X-Ray Fluorescence to assess mercury contamination in the sediments of the estuary of Santos, SP, Brazil
Authors: Torres Ronaldo , Rezende Victoria , Sousa Thalita
Published: June 2018

For decades, the region of Baixada Santista has been undergoing an intensive process of industrialization. The area concentrates industrial activities, chemical and petrochemical companies that continuously release expressive amounts of trace metals and several organic pollutants into the ocean, and the estuarine sediments trap and store these contaminant residues. Due to its differentiated characteristics such as high bioaccumulation capacity and high toxicity at low concentrations, Mercury became the target of this study. Results obtained by Total Reflection X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry (TXRF) presented Hg concentrations of 0.15 to 0.77 mg kg-1 in the sediments of the Santos estuary, with an 88% recovery rate of Certified Sediments. The comparison with other methodologies applied in previous researches shows that this approach has proven to be compatible with previously used techniques, obtaining results consistent with the history of mercury contamination of the estuary within the last 20 years.
Comparison of ECHAM5/MESSy Atmospheric Chemistry (EMAC) simulations of the Arctic winter 2009/2010 and 2010/2011 with Envisat/MIPAS and Aura/MLS observations
Authors: Khosrawi Farahnaz , Kirner Oliver , Stiller Gabriele , Höpfner Michael , Santee Michelle L. , Kellmann Sylvia , Braesicke Peter
Published: June 2018

Abstract. We present model simulations with the atmospheric chemistry–climate model
ECHAM5/MESSy Atmospheric Chemistry (EMAC) nudged toward European Centre for
Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) ERA-Interim reanalyses for the Arctic
winters 2009/2010 and 2010/2011. This study is the first to perform an
extensive assessment of the performance of the EMAC model for Arctic winters
as previous studies have only made limited evaluations of EMAC simulations
which also were mainly focused on the Antarctic winter stratosphere. We have
chosen the two extreme Arctic winters 2009/2010 and 2010/2011 to evaluate the
formation of polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs) and the representation of the
chemistry and dynamics of the polar winter stratosphere in EMAC. The EMAC
simulations are compared to observations by the Michelson Interferometer for
Passive Atmospheric Soundings (Envisat/MIPAS) and the observations from the
Aura Microwave Limb Sounder (Aura/MLS). The Arctic winter 2010/2011 was one
of the coldest stratospheric winters on record, leading to the strongest
depletion of ozone measured in the Arctic. The Arctic winter 2009/2010 was,
from the climatological perspective, one of the warmest stratospheric winters
on record. However, it was distinguished by an exceptionally cold
stratosphere (colder than the climatological mean) from mid-December 2009 to
mid-January 2010, leading to prolonged PSC formation and existence.
Significant denitrification, the removal of HNO3 from the
stratosphere by sedimentation of HNO3-containing polar stratospheric
cloud particles, occurred in that winter. In our comparison, we focus on PSC
formation and denitrification. The comparisons between EMAC simulations and
satellite observations show that model and measurements compare well for
these two Arctic winters (differences for HNO3 generally within
±20 %) and thus that EMAC nudged toward ECMWF ERA-Interim
reanalyses is capable of giving a realistic representation of the evolution
of PSCs and associated sequestration of gas-phase HNO3 in the polar
winter stratosphere. However, simulated PSC volume densities are smaller than
the ones derived from Envisat/MIPAS observations by a factor of 3–7. Further,
PSCs in EMAC are not simulated as high up (in altitude) as they are observed.
This underestimation of PSC volume density and vertical extension of the PSCs
results in an underestimation of the vertical redistribution of HNO3
due to denitrification/re-nitrification. The differences found here between
model simulations and observations stipulate further improvements in the EMAC
set-up for simulating PSCs.
Satellite observations of aerosols and clouds over South China from
2006 to 2015: analysis of changes and possible interactions
Authors: Benas Nikos , Meirink Jan Fokke , Karlsson Karl-Göran , Stengel Martin , Stammes Piet
Published: June 2018

Abstract. Aerosol and cloud properties over South China during the 10-year period 2006–2015 are analysed based on observations from passive and active satellite sensors and emission data. The results show a decrease in aerosol optical depth over the study area by about 20 % on average, accompanied by an increase in liquid cloud cover and cloud liquid water path (LWP) by 5 % and 13 %, respectively. Analysis of aerosol types and emissions suggests that the main driver for their reduction is a decrease in biomass burning aerosols. These changes occurred mainly in late autumn and early winter months and coincided with changes in cloud properties. For the latter, possible explanatory mechanisms were examined, including changes in circulation patterns and aerosol-cloud interactions. Further analysis of changes in aerosol vertical profiles demonstrates a consistency of the observed aerosol and cloud changes with the aerosol semi-direct effect, which depends on their relative heights. Based on this mechanism, less absorbing aerosols in the cloud layer would lead to an overall decrease in evaporation of cloud droplets, thus increasing cloud LWP and cover.
Elucidating ice formation pathways in the aerosol-climate model ECHAM6-HAM2
Authors: Dietlicher Remo , Neubauer David , Lohmann Ulrike
Published: June 2018

Abstract. Cloud microphysics schemes in global climate models have long suffered from a lack of reliable satellite observations of cloud ice. At the same time there is a broad consensus that the correct simulation of cloud phase is imperative for a reliable assessment of Earth's climate sensitivity. Combining new satellite products (from CloudSat and CALIPSO) and physically-based ice microphysics parameterizations allows for rapid progress in reducing the inter-model spread in predicting the cloud phase partitioning at sub-zero temperatures. This work introduces a new method to build a sound cause-and-effect relation between the microphysical parameterizations employed in our model and the resulting cloud field through a quantitative cloud formation pathway analysis. We find that heterogeneous freezing in super-cooled liquid clouds only dominates ice formation in roughly 7 % of the simulated cloud volume, a small fraction compared to almost 65 % of the cloud volume governed by homogeneous freezing below −35 °C. Compared to the CALIPSO-GOCCP satellite product, our model overestimates the relative frequency of occurrence of cloud ice in the mixed-phase temperature regime. The ice formation pathway analysis reveals that this is caused by too much cloud ice propagating from the cirrus into the mixed-phase cloud regime, an unexpected result. This suggests that further efforts to improve the cloud phase partitioning must target cloud overlap assumptions for sedimentation and the related below cloud sublimation.
Laboratory and in-flight evaluation of measurement uncertainties from a commercial Cloud Droplet Probe (CDP)
Authors: Faber Spencer , French Jeffrey R. , Jackson Robert
Published: June 2018

Abstract. Laboratory and in-flight evaluations of uncertainties of measurements from a
Cloud Droplet Probe (CDP) are presented. A description of a
water-droplet-generating device, similar to those used in previous studies, is
provided along with validation of droplet sizing and positioning. Seven
experiments with droplet diameters of 9, 17, 24, 29, 34, 38, and
46 µm tested sizing and counting performance across a
10 µm resolution grid throughout the sample area of a CDP. Results
indicate errors in sizing that depend on both droplet diameter and position
within the sample area through which a droplet transited. The CDP undersized
9µm droplets by 1–4 µm. Droplets with diameters of 17 and
24 µm were sized to within 2 µm, which is the nominal CDP
bin width for droplets of that size. The majority of droplets larger than
17 µm were oversized by 2–4 µm, while a small percentage
were severely undersized, by as much as 30 µm. This combination led
to an artificial broadening and skewing of the spectra such that mean
diameters from a near-monodisperse distribution compared well (within a few
percent), while the median diameters were oversized by 5–15 %. This has
implications on how users should calibrate their probes. Errors in higher-order
moments were generally less than 10 %. Comparisons of liquid water
content (LWC) calculated from the CDP and that measured from a Nevzorov
hot-wire probe were conducted for 17 917 1 Hz in-cloud points. Although some
differences were noted based on volume-weighted mean diameter and total
droplet concentration, the CDP-estimated LWC exceeded that measured by the
Nevzorov by approximately 20 %, more than twice the expected difference
based on results of the laboratory tests and considerations of Nevzorov
collection efficiency.
Calibration of isotopologue-specific optical trace gas analysers: A practical guide
Authors: Griffith David W. T.
Published: June 2018

Abstract. The isotopic composition of atmospheric trace gases such as CO2 and CH4 provides a valuable tracer for the sources and sinks that contribute to atmospheric trace gas budgets. In the past, isotopic composition has typically been measured with high precision and accuracy by Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS) offline and separately from real-time or flask-based measurements of concentrations or mole fractions. In recent years, development of infrared optical spectroscopic techniques based on laser and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy has provided high precision measurements of the concentrations of one or more individual isotopologues of atmospheric trace gas species in continuous field and laboratory measurements, thus providing both concentration and isotopic measurements simultaneously. Several approaches have been taken to the calibration of optical isotopologue-specific analysers to derive both total trace gas amounts and isotopic ratios, converging into two different approaches: calibration via the individual isotopologues as measured by the optical device, and calibration via isotope ratios, analogous to IRMS. This paper sets out a practical guide to the calculations required to perform calibrations of isotopologue-specific optical analysers, applicable to both laser- or broadband FTIR-based spectrosopy. Equations to calculate the relevant isotopic and total concentration quantities without approximation are presented, together with worked numerical examples from actual measurements. Potential errors which may occur when all required isotopic information is not available, or is approximated, are assessed. Fortunately, in most such realistic cases, the errors incurred are acceptably small and within the compatibility limits specified by the World Meteorological Organisation – Global Atmosphere Watch. Isotopologue-based and ratio-based calibration schemes are compared. Calibration based on individual isotopologues is simpler because the analysers fundamentally measure amounts of individual isotopologues, not ratios. Isotopologue calibration does not require a range of isotopic ratios in the reference standards used for the calibration, only a range of concentrations or mole fractions covering the target range. Ratio-based calibration leads to concentration dependence which must also be characterised.
ESD Ideas: The stochastic climate model shows that underestimated
Holocene trends and variability represent two sides of the same coin
Authors: Lohmann Gerrit
Published: June 2018

Abstract. Holocene sea surface temperature trends and variability are underestimated in models as compared to paleoclimate data. The idea is presented that the trends and variability are related which is elaborated in a conceptual framework of the stochastic climate model. The relation is a consequence of the fluctuation-dissipation theorem, connecting the linear response of a system to its statistical fluctuations. Consequently, the spectrum can be used to estimate the timescale-dependent climate sensitivity. The non-normality in the propagation operator introduces enhanced long-term variability related to non-equilibrium and/or Earth system sensitivity.
A meteorological and blowing snow dataset (2000–2016) from a high-altitude alpine site (Col du Lac Blanc, France, 2720 m a.s.l.)
Authors: Guyomarc'h Gilbert , Bellot Hervé , Vionnet Vincent , Naaim Bouvet Florence , Déliot Yannick , Fontaine Firmin , Puglièse Philippe , Naaim Mohamed , Nishimura Kouichi
Published: June 2018

Abstract. A meteorological and blowing snow dataset issued from the high-altitude experimental site of Col du Lac Blanc (2720 m altitude, Grandes Rousses mountain range, France) is presented and detailed in this paper. Emphasis is placed on data relevant to the observations and modelling of wind-induced snow transport in alpine terrain. This process strongly influences the spatial distribution of snow cover in mountainous terrain with consequences for snowpack, hydrological and avalanche hazard forecasting. In-situ data consist of wind (speed and direction), snow depth, and air temperature measurements (recorded at four automatic weather stations), a database of blowing snow occurrence and measurements of blowing snow fluxes obtained from a vertical profile of Snow Particle Counters. Observations data span the period from December 1st to March 31st for each winter season from 2000–2001 until 2015–2016. The time resolution varies from 15 min. at the beginning of the period to 10 min. for the last years. Atmospheric data from a local meteorological reanalysis (SAFRAN) are also provided from 1 August 2000 to 1 August 2016. A Digital Elevation Model (DEM) of the study area (1,5 km2) at 20-cm resolution is also provided in RGF 93 Lambert 93 coordinates This dataset has been used in the past to develop and evaluate physical parameterizations and numerical models of blowing and drifting snow in alpine terrain. Col du Lac Blanc is also a target site to evaluate meteorological and climate models in alpine terrain. It belongs to the Cryobs-Clim observatory (the CRYosphere, an OBServatory of the CLIMate) which is a part of the national research infrastructure OZCAR (Critical Zone Observatories – Application and Research) (Gaillardet et al., 2018). The data are placed on the repository of the OSUG datacenter https://doi.org/10.17178/CRYOBSCLIM.CLB.all.
Rip current rescues and drowning in the United States
Authors: Brewster B. Chris , Gould Richard E. , Brander Robert W.
Published: June 2018

Abstract. Rip currents are the greatest hazard to swimmers on surf beaches, but due to a lack of consistent incident reporting in many countries, it is often difficult to quantify the number of rip current related rescues and drowning deaths occurring along surf beaches. This study uses rescue data reported to the United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) by surf beach lifeguards from 1997 through 2016 to provide an estimate of rip current related rescues in the United States. Results show that rip currents are the primary cause of 81.9 % of rescues on surf beaches, with regional variation from 75.3% (East Coast) to 84.7 % (West Coast). These values are significantly higher than those previously reported in the scientific literature. Using this value as a proxy when examining overall surf beach related drowning fatalities, it is suggested that an annual figure of 100 fatal drownings per year due to rip currents in the United States is possibly an under-estimate. However, it is clear that the United States data would benefit by an increase in the number of lifeguard agencies which report surf related rescues by primary cause.
Assimilating high-resolution sea surface temperature data improves the ocean forecast potential in the Baltic Sea
Authors: Liu Ye , Fu Weiwei
Published: June 2018

Abstract. We assess the impact of assimilating the satellite sea surface temperature
(SST) data on the Baltic forecast, particularly on the forecast of ocean
variables related to SST. For this purpose, a multivariable data assimilation
(DA) system has been developed based on a Nordic version of the Nucleus for
European Modelling of the Ocean (NEMO-Nordic). We use Kalman-type filtering
to assimilate the observations in the coastal regions. Further, a low-rank
approximation of the stationary background error covariance metrics is used
at the analysis steps. High-resolution SST from the Ocean and Sea Ice
Satellite Application Facility (OSISAF) is assimilated to verify the
performance of the DA system. The assimilation run shows very stable improvements
of the model simulation as compared with both independent and dependent
observations. The SST prediction of NEMO-Nordic is significantly enhanced by
the DA forecast. Temperatures are also closer to observations in the DA
forecast than the model results in the
water above 100 m in the Baltic Sea. In the deeper layers, salinity is also
slightly improved. In addition, we find that sea level anomaly (SLA) is
improved with the SST assimilation. Comparisons with independent tide gauge
data show that the overall root mean square error (RMSE) is reduced by
1.8 % and the overall correlation coefficient is slightly increased.
Moreover, the sea-ice concentration forecast is improved considerably in the
Baltic Proper, the Gulf of Finland and the Bothnian Sea during the sea-ice
formation period, respectively.
The Modern and the Traditional African Women and Colonial Morality
Authors: Omer Rabah
Published: June 2018

The meanings of modernity have radically shifted over time, yet interestingly, the modern continues to be the modern and the traditional is still the traditional. I address this observation by asking: what is the modern and what is the traditional, how are they identified, by whom, when and according to what premises? I examine one cultural component: women and sexual morality. I focus on women-men relationships, dress, and dance to examine as cultural themes. I focus on African women and colonial morality and I bring examples across different eras and and different regions to discuss the contours of the changing notion of modernity. The signs of modernity have been inconsistent over time and across regions but modernity have always been consistent on particular features that makes it a fluid biased concept.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for International Journal of Culture and History, Vol. 5, No. 1
Authors: Johnson Bill
Published: June 2018

Reviewer Acknowledgements for International Journal of Culture and History, Vol. 5, No. 1, 2018
GESTÃO DE ESTOQUE E ARMAZENAGEM: UMA ANÁLISE EM UM SUPERMERCADO NO NOROESTE FLUMINENSE
Authors: Gomes Vanessa , Oliveira Altina Silva , Barros Marta , Barbosa Fábio , Vieira José Artur
Published: June 2018

O presente estudo pretende analisar a gestão de estoque e armazenagem em um supermercado. Apresenta os aspectos teóricos da gestão de estoque. O trabalho tem estruturado um estudo de caso, desenvolvido na área de gestão de estoques de um supermercado do noroeste fluminense, apresentando como é realizada a gestão de estoque e armazenagem na empresa em estudo. Após a análise, propôs-se alternativas para a melhoria do estoque e armazenagem com a intuito de reduzir de custos, melhorar a qualidade dos serviços e produtos oferecidos, eliminar
ESTRATÉGIA E/DE INOVAÇÃO: UM ESTUDO EM PERIÓDICOS DA ENGENHARIA DE PRODUÇÃO E ADMINISTRAÇÃO
Authors: Silveira Caio Marcello Recart da , Albano Claudio Sonáglio , Rodrigues Andressa Oliveira , Lombardy Wanderson Pereira
Published: June 2018

Reconhecendo a importância dos temas estratégia e/de inovação, este trabalho teve como objetivo apresentar um panorama dos trabalhos que abordam estes temas e que foram publicados em periódicos brasileiros da área de Engenharia de Produção e Administração. Para atender a este objetivo foi realizada uma pesquisa nos trabalhos publicados na base Qualis da Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior sendo o recorte pela classificação A1, A2, B1 e B2. Ao identificar os autores mais produtivos, instituições de origem, os ambientes onde os estudos foram desenvolvidos e os periódicos onde os trabalhos foram publicados foi possível elaborar um diagnóstico (perfil) e o atendimento dos objetivos propostos. Como principais resultados pode-se destacar a presença de algumas instituições que originam autores com maior número de publicações. A ausência de organizações públicas nos trabalhos, este fato talvez mereça uma maior investigação dos motivos que fazem com que as organizações públicas não sejam objeto de estudos relacionados aos temas.
CONTROLE E GESTÃO DE ESTOQUES: ESTUDO DE CASO EM UMA MICROEMPRESA
Authors: Diniz Veloso Thamiris , Fernandes da Fonseca Cassio
Published: June 2018

Devido ao crescimento da competitividade e à busca por atender uma maior demanda de mercado, a maximização de resultados é o alvo mais pretendido pelas empresas. O presente trabalho buscou apresentar uma proposta de ferramentas de controle e gerenciamento de estoque em uma microempresa de prestação de serviços, cujo nome é OSD Instalação. Diagnosticar os problemas enfrentados e avaliar as medidas corretivas a serem adotadas para, que a empresa se consolide no mercado de serviços. Através de uma pesquisa de natureza qualitativa e quantitativa, utilizando a técnica estudo de caso do tipo descritiva, buscou-se um estudo mais profundo da empresa em análise, onde incluiu-se coletas de dados, análises, entrevistas e observação direta.  Foi proposta a implantação de ferramentas de controle de estoque como o Ciclo PDCA, o 5S, a Curva ABC, o Just in Time e o software CEST, que garantirão o controle eficiente dos materiais que entram e saem da empresa. Tornando a empresa mais organizada e competitiva.
DEFINIÇÃO DE UM MODELO DE PROCESSOS PARA PROJETOS DE DESENVOLVIMENTO DE SOFTWARES EM UMA EMPRESA PÚBLICA
Authors: Pedroso Caetano Bocchi , Coimbra Ana Cristina Cardoso , Maracci Francisco Virginio
Published: June 2018

O desenvolvimento de softwares é uma atividade complexa que possui etapas bem definidas para a obtenção de um bom produto. O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar a forma como eram desenvolvidos os softwares em uma empresa pública e propor melhorias no processo. Foram feitas análises dos processos de desenvolvimento existentes e pesquisas bibliográficas, de forma a permitir que um modelo de processos para a gerência de projetos de desenvolvimento de software fosse proposto. Com um bom modelo de processos gerindo os projetos de desenvolvimento os problemas tendem a diminuir e a satisfação com o produto final aumenta.
CRÉDITOS
Authors: Bernardi Pereira Gustavo
Published: June 2018

CRÉDITOS
BIOREMEDIATION OF CLAY SOILS IMPACTED BY PETROLEUM
Authors: Pala Danielle Marins , Freire Denize Dias de Carvalho , SantAnna Jr. Geraldo Lippel
Published: June 2018

The application of bioremediation processes in recuperating contaminated sites is gaining ground, due to its efficiency in removing a number of different classes of contaminants and its cost, which tends to be lower than that of other technologies. In this work, the influence of some factors that are important for the biodegradation of the petroleum present in clay soil was studied. Experiments were conducted using two types of reactor, a slurry-phase reactor and a fixed bed reactor. The processes employed were shown to be highly effective in decontaminating the soil, achieving removal rates of around 80%.
UNCERTAINTY OF MEASUREMENT RESULTS IN FUEL ANALYSES
Authors: Couto Paulo Roberto Guimarães , Lemos Ilse Maria Guilhermino
Published: June 2018

The result of a measurement serves as a parameter in a variety of applications,
such as: the sale of products; the inspection of materials in relation to specifications/
limits set by a standard; providing support for a judicial ruling; improving the
specific quality of products; estimating profitability and making comparisons
with a view to mutual recognition between metrology laboratories and systems.
The aim of this work is to demonstrate the relevance and applications of the ISO
GUM 95 in the fuel analyses conducted by the LABCOM at the EQ/UFRJ,
presenting results tables and discussions. The paper further discusses the strategic
importance of metrological reliability of measurement results and of the actions of
a laboratory within the context of the science of metrology in Brazil.
SELECTION OF ALTERNATIVES FOR OIL FIELD DEVELOPMENT BY GENETIC ALGORITHMS
Authors: Túpac Yvan J. , Vellasco Marley Maria B.R. , Pacheco Marco Aurélio C.
Published: June 2018

This paper presents a Genetic Algorithm application for selecting the best alternative for oil field development under certainty. The alternatives in this study are related to the arrangement of wells in a known and delimited oil reservoir and serve as a basis for calculating the net present value, which is used to assess the optimization process: the optimal alternative is the one that maximizes the Net Present Value of the field. The results obtained have revealed that the Genetic Algorithm model was able to find good alternatives for the oil field development, achieving good results for the Net Present Value.
Evaluation of a local goat population for fertility traits aiming at the improvement of its economic sustainability through genetic selection
Authors: Atoui Ahlem , Carabaño María J. , Najari Sghaier
Published: June 2018

The study aims to determine the environmental and genetic components for the reproductive performance of a Tunisian local goat population to set up the basis for the future improvement of this important component of efficient production. The reproductive traits considered were kidding interval (KI) and litter size at birth (LSB). Records of 462 kiddings belonging to 185 dams and 11 sires were collected over a period of 22 years in the caprine herd of the Arid Areas Institute of Médenine. Significance of environmental effects was tested with ANOVA techniques. Genetic parameters were estimated using restricted maximum likelihood fitting an animal mixed model. Mean KI and LSB were 13.85 ± 5.20 months and 1.33 ± 0.49 kids, respectively. The effect of parity number and the interaction between year and month of kidding were significant for LSB and KI. Trait LSB increased with parity number up to the fifth parity while KI decreased with parity number indicating that young females show compromised reproductive performance probably because of growth requirements and scarcity of food resources. A detrimental effect for kiddings occurring during winter (matings in summer) was observed from estimates of the year by month of kidding effect. Heritability estimates for KI and LSB were 0.13 and 0.08, respectively. A moderate repeatability estimate of 0.31 was obtained for LSB while 0.17 was obtained for KI. The low estimates of heritability obtained for reproductive traits indicated that accurate selection based on the doe’s own performance will require large amounts of data. However, the estimated genetic variability was substantial, providing the grounds for the genetic improvement of the reproductive parameters in this population.
Analyst Coverage and Earnings Management Using Classification Shifting
Authors: Zhao Fang
Published: June 2018

This study examines the association between analyst coverage and classification shifting. Prior studies on external monitoring factors and classification shifting provide mixed results: international studies (Haw, Ho, & Li, 2011; Behn, Gotti, Herrmann, & Kang, 2013) find that external monitoring factors mitigate classification shifting, while Abernathy, Beyer, and Rapley (2014) find that external monitoring factors promote classification shifting when accrual-based earnings management and real earnings management are constrained. Using a sample of firms in the United States, this study finds a positive association between classification shifting and an external monitoring factor: analyst coverage. This result suggests that when higher analyst coverage has stronger monitoring role on earnings management, managers are more likely to use classification shifting. The implication of this study should be of interest to financial analysts.
The Nexus Between the Elasticity of Intertemporal Substitution and the Coefficient of Relative Risk Aversion
Authors: Azar Samih Antoine
Published: June 2018

One advantage of the Epstein-Zin preference function is that it disentangles the elasticity of intertemporal substitution (EIS) from the coefficient of relative risk aversion (CRRA). The paper subjects this preference function to statistical analysis. The methodology is to calculate the unconditional average of this new Euler equation and to find out if such an average is statistically insignificantly different from zero. Seventeen individual and different stocks are used. The results show that, when the EIS is fixed, the CRRA has multiple solutions. In some cases there are three solutions and not only two. Moreover these solutions extend to wide ranges.
Is the Discretionary Income Effect of Oil Price Shocks a Hoax?
Authors: Baumeister Christiane , Kilian Lutz , Zhou Xiaoqing
Published: June 2018

The transmission of oil price shocks has been a question of central interest in macroeconomics since the 1970s. There has been renewed interest in this question since the large and persistent fall in the real price of oil in 2014-16. In the context of this debate, Ramey (2017) makes the striking claim that the existing literature on the transmission of oil price shocks is fundamentally confused about the question of how to quantify the effect of oil price shocks. In particular, she asserts that the discretionary income effect on private consumption, which plays a central role in contemporary accounts of the transmission of oil price shocks to the U.S. economy, makes no economic sense and has no economic foundation. Ramey suggests that the literature has too often confused the terms-of-trade effect with this discretionary income effect, and she makes the case that the effects of the oil price decline of 2014-16 on private consumption are smaller for a multitude of reasons than suggested by empirical models of the discretionary income effect. We review the main arguments in Ramey (2017) and show that none of her claims hold up to scrutiny. Our analysis highlights the theoretical basis of the discretionary income effect. We also discuss improved regression-based estimates of this effect that allow for changes in the dependence on oil and gasoline imports, and we highlight the fact that alternative estimates used by policymakers involve strong simplifying assumptions.
Renewable Generation and Network Congestion: An Empirical Analysis of the Italian Power Market
Authors: Ardian Faddy , Concettini Silvia , Creti Anna
Published: June 2018

This article empirically investigates the impact of renewable production on congestion using a unique database on the Italian Power Market, where zonal pricing is implemented. We estimate two econometric models: a multinomial logit model, to assess whether renewables increase the occurrence of congestion, and a two stage least squares (2SLS) model to evaluate the impact of wind and photo-voltaics on congestion costs. Our analysis suggests that larger renewable supply in importing regions decreases the probability of congestion compared to the no congestion case, while the reverse occurs when renewable production is located in an exporting region. The 2SLS estimations reveal that the same mechanisms explain the level of congestion costs. Our results also highlight that the magnitude of the congestion effects, both in terms of probability and costs, is very sensitive to the location of the historical efficient production, mainly hydro power, and to the geographical configuration of the transmission network.
Counterpart Choice in Emission Markets: Beyond Pollution Abatement Motives
Authors: Sanin Maria Eugenia
Published: June 2018

This paper examines the determinants of electricity generator's trading strategies in the U.S. Acid Rain Market. Model estimates show that the SO2 allowances market is de facto regionalized due to the regionalization of the electricity market. The national dimension only appears when there are local imbalances in the electricity market that give strong incentives to search for a better deal outside of the generator's regional market. We also identify the importance of counterpart differentiation and the influence on the counterpart choice of the regulatory framework, market evolution and transaction size. These findings are shown to be robust to Enron's abnormal behavior during 2000-2001 and its subsequent bankruptcy. The results suggest that, contrary to received knowledge, abatement costs are not the only consideration when trading pollution allowances: market microstructure can play a crucial role.
Short Report: Adherence to Neuropsychological Recommendations in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Stimmel Marnina , Shagalow Shaina , Seng Elizabeth K. , Portnoy Jeffrey G. , Archetti Roseann , Mendelowitz Elana , Sloan Jessica , Botvinick Jason , Glukhovsky Lisa , Foley Frederick W.
Published: June 2018

Background:

Adherence to nonmedication recommendations is typically low, as seen in various health populations. Because literature on adherence to treatment recommendations made after neuropsychological testing in multiple sclerosis (MS) is lacking, this study evaluated adherence and reasons for nonadherence. Relationships between adherence to recommendations and various other factors in patients with MS were also evaluated.

Methods:

Of 66 adult patients seen for neuropsychological testing at an MS center, 55 were eligible for this study. Forty-five patients (mean age, 43.4 years; 75.6% women) were reached by phone, and all agreed to an interview involving questions regarding adherence to treatment recommendations. Other information was obtained through retrospective medical record review.

Results:

Overall self-reported adherence to recommendations made from neuropsychological testing was 38%. Adherence rates varied by recommendation type: psychopharmacological management had the highest rate (80%), and referrals for cognitive rehabilitation had the lowest (6.5%). Reasons for nonadherence included needing more information and wanting to speak with one's physician regarding the recommendations. Adherence was associated with patients' ability to spontaneously recall at least some of their recommendations and with receiving both a written report and a phone call with test results.

Conclusions:

Adherence to recommendations made after neuropsychological testing for patients with MS is low. Points of intervention may be to give directed feedback for each recommendation and to provide both a written report and a phone call with results and recommendations. Asking patients to repeat back the recommendations may be a simple and efficient way to increase understanding and improve adherence.
Computerized Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Treatment of Depression in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Ratajska Adrianna , Zurawski Jonathan , Healy Brian , Glanz Bonnie I.
Published: June 2018

Depression is common in multiple sclerosis (MS), affecting up to 50% of patients at some point in their lifetime. Although the rate of depression in MS is higher than that in the general population and that in patients with other chronic medical conditions, depression in MS is underdiagnosed and undertreated. Antidepressant agents are used empirically in the management of MS-related depression, but evidence specifically demonstrating the efficacy of these medications in patients with MS is sparse. Considerable work suggests that psychological interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may be effective in the management of depression in MS. Recently there has been an expansion of computerized adaptations of CBT, allowing patients to complete therapy sessions remotely via online programs. This article reviews our current understanding of depression in MS and the role of CBT in its management, focusing on recent developments in computerized formats for CBT. Four computerized CBT programs that have been previously tested in patients with MS are described: Deprexis, MoodGYM, Beating the Blues, and MS Invigor8. We conclude that despite challenges inherent to computerized CBT interventions, such platforms have the potential to positively affect mental health care delivery to the MS patient population.
Nose-Angle Bridge Piers as Alternative Countermeasures for Local Scour Reduction
Authors: Habib Ibtesam Abudallah , Mohtar Wan Hanna Melini Wan , Elsaiad Atef , El-Shafie Ahmed
Published: June 2018

This study investigates the performance nose-angle piers as countermeasures for local scour reduction around piers. Four nose angles were studied, i.e., 90°, 70°, 60° and 45° and tested in a laboratory. The sediment size was fixed at 0.39 mm whereas the flow angle of attack (or skew angle) was varied at four angles, i.e., skew angles, i.e., 0°, 10°, 20° and 30°. Scour reduction was clear when decreasing nose angles and reached maximum when the nose angle is 45°. Increasing the flow velocity and skew angle was subsequently increasing the scour profile, both in vertical and transversal directions. However, the efficiency of nose angle piers was only high at low Froude number less than 0.40 where higher Froude number gives minimal changes in the maximum scour depth reduction. At a higher skew angle, although showed promising maximum scour depth reduction, the increasing pier projected width resulted in the increase of transversal lengths.
KEKERASAN FISIK DAN PSIKOLOGIS PADA NARAPIDANA LANSIA DI LEMBAGA PEMASYARAKATAN JAWA BARAT
Authors: Adiansyah Adiansyah , Sukihananto Sukihananto
Published: June 2018

Lansia merupakan kelompok rentan dengan berbagai risiko kesehatan. Kelompok rentan lebih mudah terpapar masalah kesehatan, salah satunya adalah kekerasan fisik dan psikologis. Kelompok rentan yang berada dalam tempat berisiko,   salah satu tempat berisko adalah lemabaga pemasyarakatan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui gambaran kekerasan fisik dan psikologis pada narapidana lansia di lembaga pemasyarakatan Jawa Barat. Penelitian menggunakan sampel total berjumlah 36 responden yang terdapat di tiga lembaga pemasyarakatan. Instrumen penelitian merujuk pada Hwalek-Sengstock Elder Abuse Screening Test (H-S/EAST) dengan menggunakan skala likert. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa kekerasan fisik yang terjadi di lembaga pemasyarakatan sebesar 41,67% dan kekerasan psikologis 36,11%. Suku Sunda adalah suku yang mengalami kekerasan fisik dan psikologi paling besar dibandingkan dengan suku lainnya. Hasil penelitian merekomendasikan perawat, psikolog dan petugas lapas untuk bekerjasama dalam melakukan pencegahan kekerasan fisik dan psikologis, serta meningkatkan sarana keagamaan dan spiritual sebagai koping yang dilakukan oleh narapidana lansia. Kata kunci: kekerasan fisik, kekerasan psikologis, lansia, lembaga pemasyarakatan. Physical and psychological violence at the Penitentiary Convicts Elderly in West Java. Aging process causing elderly to become one of the vulnerable groups. Vulnerable groups are susceptible to health problems, including physical and psychological abuse. Penitentiaries is one of vulnerable places that causes elderly as a vulnerable groups. This study aimsto describe physical and psychological abuse on elderly inmates in West Java Penitentiaries.This study was conducted at three penitentiaries in West Java with 36 respondents usingHwalek-Sengstock Elder Abuse Screening Test (H-S/EAST) instrument. The result showed that physical abuse 41,67% and psychological abuse 36,11%.Sundanese is one of ethnic groups that showed the biggest percentage of elderly physical and psychological abuse among the other ethnics. Nurses, psychiatrist, and penitentiary officers need to prevent physical and psychological abuse together. Furthermore, nurses need to optimize spiritual and religious activities as a coping mechanism among elderly inmates. Keywords: physical abuse, psychological abuse, elderly, penitentiaries.
HUBUNGAN KECERDASAN EMOSI DENGAN RESILIENSI PENYINTAS BANJIR
Authors: Fauziya Lina Iffata , Daulima Novy Helena Catharina
Published: June 2018

Paska terjadinya bencana, penyintas mengalami beberapa fase bencana yang dapat mengarah pada masalah psikologis akibat peristiwa traumatik. Kemampuan resiliensi yang dihasilkan berdasarkan kecerdasan emosi penyintas diperlukan dalam fase pemulihan bencana. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui hubungan karakteristik dan kecerdasan emosi dengan resiliensi pada penyintas banjir. Penelitian deskriptif analitik ini dilakukan di Desa Cemara Kulon dengan stratified random sampling pada 122 penyintas bencana banjir Indramayu dengan menggunakan instrumen Schutte Self-Report Emotional Intelligence Test dan Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale. Hasil analisis menunjukkan terdapat hubungan antara pendidikan (p= 0,033) dan kecerdasan emosi (p= 0,000) dengan resiliensi. Penyintas dengan ke-cerdasan emosi tinggi memiliki peluang lebih besar untuk beresiliensi dengan baik. Oleh karena itu asuhan keperawatan jiwa dengan mengacu pada kecerdasan emosi penyintas diharapkan dapat membuat penyintas dalam kondisi yang resilien di fase pemulihan bencana. Kesegeraan asuhan keperawatan jiwa dan edukasi kesehatan jiwa paska bencana juga diharapkan dapat menurunkan angka kejadian dampak psikologis paska bencana. Kata kunci: banjir, Indramayu, kecerdasan emosi, penyintas, resiliensi The Relationship of Emotional Intelligence and Resilience of the Flood Survivor’s. Post-occurrence of disaster makes survivors experienced several phases of disaster that could lead to mental health problems because as a result of traumatic event. Resilience with the role of emotional intelligence is needed in post-disaster recovery phase. This study aims to determine the relationship between the characteristics of the flood survivors and their emotional intelligence with resilience. Analytic descriptive study was conducted in Cemara Kulon with stratified random sampling on 122 flood Indramayu survivors. The instruments used in this study were Schutte Self-Report Emotional Intelligence Test and Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale. The result showed there were bound relationship between education (p= 0.033) and emotional intelligence (p= 0.000) with resilience. Survivors with high emotional intelligence have greater opportunities to resilience well. Therefore the mental health nursing care shall refer to the survivors’ emotional intelligence so that survivors will be resilient in the recovery phase of disaster. The urgency of mental health nursing care and education on post-disaster is expected to reduce the incidence of post-disaster psychological impact. Keywords: emotional intelligence, flood, Indramayu, resilience, survivor
HUBUNGAN POLA ASUH ORANGTUA DAN HARGA DIRI ANAK JALANAN USIA REMAJA
Authors: Mentari Puji , Daulima Novy Helena Catharina
Published: June 2018

Fenomena anak jalanan merupakan fokus perhatian banyak kalangan karena jumlahnya yang terus meningkat. Penelitian sebelumnya menyebutkan bahwa anak jalanan memiliki harga diri yang rendah dan identik dengan pola asuh uninvolved. Desain penelitian ini menggunakan deskriptif korelatif yang bertujuan mengidentifikasi hubungan pola asuh orangtua dan harga diri anak jalanan usia remaja. Penelitian ini dilakukan di daerah binaan rumah singgah di Jakarta Timur dengan 98 sampel, diambil menggunakan metode consecutive sampling. Harga diri diukur dengan menggunakan Rosenberg’s Self Esteem Scale dan pola asuh diukur dengan Instrumen Pola Asuh Mashoedi yang dikembangkan dari teori pola asuh orangtua milik Diana Baumrind. Hasil analisis menunjukkan bahwa terdapat hubungan antara pola asuh orangtua dengan tingkat harga diri anak jalanan usia remaja di Jakarta Timur (p= 0,04). Untuk menangani masalah anak jalanan, diperlukan kerjasama dari pemerintah, perawat komunitas, pekerja sosial dan pihak rumah singgah untuk bersama-sama melakukan pemberdayaan anak jalanan berbasis keluarga dalam upaya merehabilitasi anak jalanan. Kata kunci: anak jalanan, harga diri, pola asuh orangtua, remaja Abstract  Relationship of Parenting Style and Self-Esteem of Street Children the Teen Years. The phenomenon of street children is a matter that has become the focus by many people because the number of street children itself is always increasing. Previous research stated that the street children have low self-esteem and they are identical with uninvolved parenting style. It is descriptive correlative study which aims to identify the relationship between parenting style and self-esteem on street children at East Jakarta. This research was conducted in the target area of shelter in East Jakarta towards 98 samples recruited using consecutive sampling. Self-esteem is measured using Rosenberg's Self Esteem Scale and parenting style measured using Mashoedi’s Parenting Style which was developed from the theory of Diana Baumrind’s parenting style. The results showed, there is a relationship between parenting style and a level of self-esteem street children in East Jakarta (p= 0.04). To overcome the problem of street children, the cooperation between governments, community nurses, social workers and shelter is needed to do the family-based empowerment together to rehabilitate street children. Keywords: Street children, self-esteem, parenting style, adolescent
A new twist on peer review
Authors: Patterson Mark , Schekman Randy
Published: June 2018

eLife is conducting a trial in which authors will decide how to respond to the issues raised during peer review.