bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HAEMATO-BIOCHEMICAL ALTERATIONS AS BIOMARKERS OF LEAD INDUCED TOXICITY IN MALE WISTAR RATS
Authors: Okediran B. S. , Kasali O. B. , Omotainse S. O. , Akinloye Q. A.
Published: February 2017

The present work is devoted to access some of the biomarkers due to lead toxicity in experimental Wistar male rats orally exposed to graded doses of lead (200, 300 and 400 ppm of lead as lead acetate) over a period of four, eight and twelve weeks. A total of sixty Wistar male rats were equally divided into four groups A, B, C and D. Group A served as control. Groups B, C and D were exposed to 200, 300 and 400 ppm of lead as lead acetate respectively. At the end of four, eight and twelve weeks, five animals each were removed from each group; blood sample was obtained via the ocular median canthus for haematological and biochemical studies. The results indicated accumulation of blood lead which was both dose and time dependent, while there was significant decrease (P < 0.05) in packed cell volume and haemoglobin concentration. The erythrocyte indices (mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration) also revealed a significant decrease, revealing microcytic hypochromic anaemia. There was significant decrease (P < 0.05) in both the total plasma protein and albumin while blood urea nitrogen and creatinine revealed a significant increase, giving an indication of compromised liver and kidney functions. It was concluded that oral exposure to lead at vary doses over a period of four, eight and twelve weeks results in alterations of various haematological and biochemical parameters and thus can serve as a sensitive biomarkers in lead toxicity.
MOLECULAR DETECTION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS ISOLATED FROM RAW MILK SOLD IN DIFFERENT MARKETS OF BANGLADESH
Authors: Islam M. A. , Kabir S. M. L. , Rahman M. T.
Published: February 2017

The study was intended for molecular detection of S. aureus isolated from raw cows milk. A total of 20 milk samples were collected from different upazila markets of Jamalpur, Tangail, Kishoreganj and Netrokona districts of Bangladesh. Milk samples were cultured onto various culture media for the isolation of bacteria. The isolated bacteria were identified by studying cultural properties on different selective media, biochemical tests, and finally by PCR. Out of 20 samples, 15 (75%) milk samples were found to be positive for S. aureus. S. aureus specific 16S rRNA gene was amplified from all isolates and identified as S. aureus. Antimicrobial sensitivity test was carried out to ascertain the susceptibility of the organism to various antibiotics. Its results showed that the S. aureus isolates were resistant to amoxicillin (100%), erythromycin (73.33%) and tetracycline (73.33%) but sensitive to azithromycin (93.33%), ciprofloxacin (93.33%), gentamicin (100%), norfloxacin (86.67%) and streptomycin (86.67%).
Using International Law to Protect Children Affected by HIV/AIDS in South Africa – An Audit of HIV/AIDS-Specific International Standards Relevant to Children Affected by HIV/AIDS
Authors: Sarumi Rofiah O. , Strode Ann E.
Published: February 2017

The protection of children as members of a vulnerable group in the society is important as they represent the future of the society. With the grave impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic on global development and stability, the United Nations (UN) has, on several occasions acknowledged the need for member states to take a more progressive role in laying down standards which would ensure that the rights of children living with HIV/AIDS are protected. South Africa as a member of the UN has acknowledged the important role which international law plays in the protection of children generally, and those affected by HIV/AIDS specifically.

It is the duty of UN member states to ensure that the standards set out in international instruments are applied in their national legislation and policies. South Africa has ratified a number of the international instruments applicable to the protection of children affected by HIV/AIDS. It is therefore required to adjust its national laws to conform to the standards set out in these instruments. This paper looks at the extent to which international law is applicable to addressing the human rights issues facing children affected by HIV/AIDS. It also suggests ways by which the instruments can be employed for the protection of children affected by HIV/AIDS.
In Vitro Lipophilic Antioxidant Capacity, Antidiabetic and Antibacterial Activity of Citrus Fruits Extracts from Aceh, Indonesia
Authors: Ernawita  , Wahyuono Ruri , Hesse Jana , Hipler Uta-Christina , Elsner Peter , Böhm Volker
Published: February 2017

This study reports in vitro lipophilic antioxidant, inhibition of α-amylase and antibacterial activities of extracts of peel and pulp of citrus samples from Aceh, Indonesia. HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography), phytochemical, and FTIR (fourier transform infrared) analysis detected carotenoids, flavonoids, phenolic acids and terpenoids, contributing to the biological potencies. Most peel and pulp extracts contained lutein and lower concentrations of zeaxanthin, α-carotene, β-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin. The extracts also contained flavanone glycosides (hesperidin, naringin and neohesperidin), flavonol (quercetin) and polymethoxylated flavones (sinensetin, tangeretin). L-TEAC (lipophilic trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity) test determined for peel extracts higher antioxidant capacity compared to pulp extracts. All extracts presented α-amylase inhibitory activity, pulp extracts showing stronger inhibitory activity compared to peel extracts. All extracts inhibited the growth of both gram (+) and gram (−) bacteria, with peel and pulp extracts of makin showing the strongest inhibitory activity. Therefore, local citrus species from Aceh are potential sources of beneficial compounds with possible health preventive effects.
Evaluation of EphA2 and EphB4 as Targets for Image-Guided Colorectal Cancer Surgery
Authors: Stammes Marieke , Prevoo Hendrica , Ter Horst Meyke , Groot Stéphanie , Van de Velde Cornelis , Chan Alan , De Geus-Oei Lioe-Fee , Kuppen Peter , Vahrmeijer Alexander , Pasquale Elena , Sier Cornelis
Published: February 2017

Targeted image-guided oncologic surgery (IGOS) relies on the recognition of cell surface-associated proteins, which should be abundantly present on tumor cells but preferably absent on cells in surrounding healthy tissue. The transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinase EphA2, a member of the A class of the Eph receptor family, has been reported to be highly overexpressed in several tumor types including breast, lung, brain, prostate, and colon cancer and is considered amongst the most promising cell membrane-associated tumor antigens by the NIH. Another member of the Eph receptor family belonging to the B class, EphB4, has also been found to be upregulated in multiple cancer types. In this study, EphA2 and EphB4 are evaluated as targets for IGOS of colorectal cancer by immunohistochemistry (IHC) using a tissue microarray (TMA) consisting of 168 pairs of tumor and normal tissue. The IHC sections were scored for staining intensity and percentage of cells stained. The results show a significantly enhanced staining intensity and more widespread distribution in tumor tissue compared with adjacent normal tissue for EphA2 as well as EphB4. Based on its more consistently higher score in colorectal tumor tissue compared to normal tissue, EphB4 appears to be a promising candidate for IGOS of colorectal cancer. In vitro experiments using antibodies on human colon cancer cells confirmed the possibility of EphB4 as target for imaging.
An Improved Multi-Objective Artificial Bee Colony Optimization Algorithm with Regulation Operators
Authors: Huo Jiuyuan , Liu Liqun
Published: February 2017

To achieve effective and accurate optimization for multi-objective optimization problems, a multi-objective artificial bee colony algorithm with regulation operators (RMOABC) inspired by the intelligent foraging behavior of honey bees was proposed in this paper. The proposed algorithm utilizes the Pareto dominance theory and takes advantage of adaptive grid and regulation operator mechanisms. The adaptive grid technique is used to adaptively assess the Pareto front maintained in an external archive and the regulation operator is used to balance the weights of the local search and the global search in the evolution of the algorithm. The performance of RMOABC was evaluated in comparison with other nature inspired algorithms includes NSGA-II and MOEA/D. The experiments results demonstrated that the RMOABC approach has better accuracy and minimal execution time.
Electrophoretic Concentration and Electrical Lysis of Bacteria in a Microfluidic Device Using a Nanoporous Membrane
Authors: Islam Md. , Shahid Ali , Kuryllo Kacper , Li Yingfu , Deen M. , Selvaganapathy P.
Published: February 2017

Pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia coli O157, Salmonella and Campylobacter are the main causes for food and waterborne illnesses. Lysis of these bacteria is an important component of the sample preparation for molecular identification of these pathogens. The pathogenicity of these bacteria is so high that they cause illness at very low concentrations (1–10 CFU/100 mL). Hence, there is a need to develop methods to collect a small number of such bacterial cells from a large sample volume and process them in an automated reagent-free manner. An electrical method to concentrate the bacteria and lyse them has been chosen here as it is reagent free and hence more conducive for online and automated sample preparation. We use commercially available nanoporous membranes sandwiched between two microfluidic channels to create thousands of parallel nanopore traps for bacteria, electrophoretically accumulate and then lyse them. The nanopores produce a high local electric field for lysis at moderate applied voltages, which could simplify instrumentation and enables lysis of the bacteria as it approaches them under an appropriate range of electric field (>1000 V/cm). Accumulation and lysis of bacteria on the nanoporous membrane is demonstrated by using the LIVE/DEAD BacLight Bacterial Viability Kit and quantified by fluorescence intensity measurements. The efficiency of the device was determined through bacterial culture of the lysate and was found to be 90% when a potential of 300 V was applied for 3 min.
Real Time Apnoea Monitoring of Children Using the Microsoft Kinect Sensor: A Pilot Study
Authors: Al-Naji Ali , Gibson Kim , Lee Sang-Heon , Chahl Javaan
Published: February 2017

The objective of this study was to design a non-invasive system for the observation of respiratory rates and detection of apnoea using analysis of real time image sequences captured in any given sleep position and under any light conditions (even in dark environments). A Microsoft Kinect sensor was used to visualize the variations in the thorax and abdomen from the respiratory rhythm. These variations were magnified, analyzed and detected at a distance of 2.5 m from the subject. A modified motion magnification system and frame subtraction technique were used to identify breathing movements by detecting rapid motion areas in the magnified frame sequences. The experimental results on a set of video data from five subjects (3 h for each subject) showed that our monitoring system can accurately measure respiratory rate and therefore detect apnoea in infants and young children. The proposed system is feasible, accurate, safe and low computational complexity, making it an efficient alternative for non-contact home sleep monitoring systems and advancing health care applications.
L’enceinte protohistorique de Lattes
Authors: Py Michel , B. López Joan , Asensio David
Published: February 2017

Abstract. Although the antique town of Lattara limits are not yet known in its largest extension, it has been possible after the recent excavations to delimit almost entirely the Protohistoric precinct around the early centre of the city. A first multiple facing rampart is built around the end of the 6th century B. C., at the time when Etruscan people lived at Lattes: this work is built with a monumental corner tower, striddling the curtain, and a gate facing the lagoon, reinforced by a quadrangular bastion. Another gate must have already been installed on the north wall. The presence of water was detected everywhere during the excavations (lagoon and river branches), at the bottom of the rampart. After the violent destruction of the Etruscan buildings, circa 475 B. C., the south curtain was given a repair, apparently localized. A few years later, circa 450 B. C., the rampart is entirely rebuilt. Constituted of a single wall at the base of the previous one, this work will stay in use until the 2nd century B. C. On the south wall, it will successively be reinforced with an earth bank and a first front wall (mid 4th c.), then with a series of square external turrets (early 3rd c.), at last with a second front wall over the earlier wall (end of the 2nd c.). From the 1st century B. C. onwards and during the Principate, the Protohistoric fortification is being partly dismantled, partly reused in a platform system, while some sections are being preserved to support extra muros utility buildings; at that point, the monument has lost altogether its defensive function and its symbolic signification.
Archéobotanique des semences et des fruits de Lattara : bilan des recherches
Authors: Alonso Natàlia , Buxó Ramon , Rovira Núria
Published: February 2017

Résumé. À travers plusieurs études systématiques concernant la fouille du site de Lattes, les analyses de semences et de fruits archéologiques ont permis de retracer l’évolution de la production, du traitement et de la consommation des végétaux entre la fin du premier âge du Fer et l’époque romaine (fin du VIe s. av. J.-C.-IIe s. apr. J.-C.). Faisant valoir la richesse et les potentialités exceptionnelles du gisement, ce bilan de la recherche carpologique résume l’ensemble des données disponibles pour aborder les traits fondamentaux de l’alimentation végétale: acquisition ou cueillette, production ou agriculture. Les informations issues des espèces sauvages permettent de restituer les milieux végétaux fréquentés par les Lattarenses durant l’occupation de la ville antique.
Cinq mesures romaines graduées en bois de la colonie romaine d’Arausio/Orange (Vaucluse) : étude de leurs applications à l’artisanat du petit mobilier
Authors: Prévôt Philippe
Published: February 2017

Résumé. La fouille menée sur le site dit de la Résorption de l’habitat insalubre de Saint-Florent à Orange/ Arausio a permis la découverte d’une série de réglettes graduées en bois. Au-delà du caractère exceptionnel, en Gaule, de ce type d’instruments de mesure, il convient d’analyser les conséquences des concordances métrologiques qui existent avec le pied (pes) romain. En effet, il semble que ces instruments participent à la romanisation par l’adoption du système métrologique dans la colonie romaine d’Arausio. La taille réduite de ces mesures et la précision de leurs graduations laissent supposer qu’elles ont été utilisées à des fins artisanales pour la fabrication de petits objets. Nous poserons la question de leur possible emploi, entre autres, par les artisans de l’os. Ainsi, par une étude des caractères métrologiques de certaines de ces productions, nous verrons de quelle façon l’utilisation de ces règles contribue à la normalisation du travail artisanal.
Measuring the Scatter of the Mass–Richness Relation in Galaxy Clusters in Photometric Imaging Surveys by Means of Their Correlation Function
Authors: Campa Julia , Estrada Juan , Flaugher Brenna
Published: February 2017

Knowledge of the scatter in the mass-observable relation is a key ingredient for a cosmological analysis based on galaxy clusters in a photometric survey. In this paper we aim to quantify the capability of the correlation function of galaxy clusters to constrain the intrinsic scatter

. We demonstrate how the linear bias measured in the correlation function of clusters can be used to determine the value of this parameter. The new method is tested in simulations of a

optical survey up to

, similar to the ongoing Dark Energy Survey (DES). Our results show that our method works better at lower scatter values. We can measure the intrinsic scatter

with a standard deviation of

using this technique. However, the expected intrinsic scatter of the DES RedMaPPer cluster catalog

cannot be recovered with this method at suitable accuracy and precision because the area coverage is insufficient. For future photometric surveys with a larger area such as LSST and Euclid, the statistical errors will be reduced. Therefore, we forecast higher precision to measure the intrinsic scatter including the value mentioned before. We conclude that this method can be used as an internal consistency check method on their simplifying assumptions and complementary to cross-calibration techniques in multiwavelength cluster observations.
Cost-benefit of three different methods for studying Mediterranean rocky benthic assemblages
Authors: Sant Natàlia , Chappuis Eglantine , Rodríguez-Prieto Conxi , Real Montserrat , Ballesteros Enric
Published: February 2017

Here we compare the applicability, the information provided and the cost-benefit of three sampling methods usually used in the study of rocky benthic assemblages. For comparative purposes, sampling was performed seasonally and along a depth gradient (0-50 m) in the Cabrera Archipelago (western Mediterranean). The destructive scraping (collection) method was the least cost-effective but provided the best qualitative and quantitative information. The in situ visual method was the most time-effective but provided low levels of taxonomic resolution and its accuracy decreased with depth due to the increasing difficulty of recognizing species in situ due to nitrogen narcosis, reduced light and cold. The photoquadrat method showed intermediate values of cost-effectiveness and information but was not suitable for multilayered assemblages, as it only accounted for the overstory. A canonical correspondence analysis showed that depth was highlighted as the main environmental gradient (16.0% of variance) by the three methods. However, differences due to the sampling method (7.9% of variance) were greater than differences due to temporal variability (5.8% of variance), suggesting that the three methods are valid but their selection has to be carefully assessed in relation to the targeted assemblages and the specific goals of each study.
Modelling the occurrence of postflexion stages of a marine estuarine-dependent fish in temperate South African estuaries
Authors: Kisten Yanasivan , Strydom Nadine A. , Perissinotto Renzo , Paul Sourav
Published: February 2017

The movement of postflexion larvae of marine estuarine-dependent species into estuaries is critical for the survival of fishes reliant on estuaries as nurseries. However, detailed studies focused on environmental variability experienced by postflexion larvae entering a range of estuary types under varying conditions are rare. This study assessed the in situ conditions (temperature, salinity and water clarity) under which the southern African endemic fish Rhabdosargus holubi (Sparidae) recruits into estuaries. Postflexion larvae were sampled in three biogeographic regions (cool temperate, warm temperate and subtropical boundary), which included three estuary types (permanently open estuaries (POEs), temporarily open/closed estuaries and estuarine lake systems) on a seasonal basis, independent of each other. Rhabdosargus holubi larvae were more abundant in spring and summer, in POEs in the warm temperate region. Models predicted that higher larval occurrence in estuaries is a function of lower salinity (e.g. mesohaline zones of 5-17.9 salinity) and lower water clarity (e.g. 0-0.2 Kd, light extinction coefficient), particularly for warm, temperate POEs. This re-emphasizes the importance of freshwater for optimal nursery functioning, which may be compromised by impoundments, abstraction and climate change in water-short countries like South Africa.
Deciphering potential chemical compounds of gaseous oxidized mercury in Florida, USA
Authors: Huang Jiaoyan , Miller Matthieu B. , Edgerton Eric , Sexauer Gustin Mae
Published: February 2017

Abstract. The highest mercury (Hg) wet deposition in the United States of America (USA) occurs along the Gulf of Mexico, and in the southern and central Mississippi River Valley. Gaseous oxidized Hg (GOM) is thought to be a major contributor due to high water solubility and reactivity. Therefore, it is critical to understand concentrations, potential for wet and dry deposition, and GOM compounds present in the air. Concentrations and dry-deposition fluxes of GOM were measured and calculated for Naval Air Station Pensacola Outlying Landing Field (OLF) in Florida using data collected by a Tekran® 2537/1130/1135, the University of Nevada Reno Reactive Mercury Active System (UNRRMAS) with cation exchange and nylon membranes, and the Aerohead samplers that use cation-exchange membranes to determine dry deposition. Relationships with Tekran®-derived data must be interpreted with caution, since the GOM concentrations measured are biased low depending on the chemical compounds in air and interferences with water vapor and ozone.Criteria air pollutants were concurrently measured. This allowed for comparison and better understanding of GOM.In addition to other methods previously applied at OLF, use of the UNRRMAS provided a platform for determination of the chemical compounds of GOM in the air. Results from nylon membranes with thermal desorption analyses indicated seven GOM compounds in this area, including HgBr2, HgCl2, HgO, Hg–nitrogen and sulfur compounds, and two unknown compounds. This indicates that the site is influenced by different gaseous phase reactions and sources. Using back-trajectory analysis during a high-GOM event related to high CO, but average SO2, indicated air parcels moved from the free troposphere and across Arkansas, Mississippi, and Alabama at low elevation (< 300 m). This event was initially characterized by HgBr2, followed by a mixture of GOM compounds. Overall, GOM chemistry indicates oxidation reactions with local mobile source pollutants and long-range transport.In order to develop methods to measure GOM concentrations and chemistry, and model dry-deposition processes, the actual GOM compounds need to be known, as well as their corresponding physicochemical properties, such as Henry's Law constants.
Evolution of the eastward shift in the quasi-stationary minimum of the Antarctic total ozone column
Authors: Grytsai Asen , Klekociuk Andrew , Milinevsky Gennadi , Evtushevsky Oleksandr , Stone Kane
Published: February 2017

Abstract. The quasi-stationary pattern of the Antarctic total ozone has changed during the last 4 decades, showing an eastward shift in the zonal ozone minimum. In this work, the association between the longitudinal shift of the zonal ozone minimum and changes in meteorological fields in austral spring (September–November) for 1979–2014 is analyzed using ERA-Interim and NCEP–NCAR reanalyses. Regressive, correlative and anomaly composite analyses are applied to reanalysis data. Patterns of the Southern Annular Mode and quasi-stationary zonal waves 1 and 3 in the meteorological fields show relationships with interannual variability in the longitude of the zonal ozone minimum. On decadal timescales, consistent longitudinal shifts of the zonal ozone minimum and zonal wave 3 pattern in the middle-troposphere temperature at the southern midlatitudes are shown. Attribution runs of the chemistry–climate version of the Australian Community Climate and Earth System Simulator (ACCESS-CCM) model suggest that long-term shifts of the zonal ozone minimum are separately contributed by changes in ozone-depleting substances and greenhouse gases. As is known, Antarctic ozone depletion in spring is strongly projected on the Southern Annular Mode in summer and impacts summertime surface climate across the Southern Hemisphere. The results of this study suggest that changes in zonal ozone asymmetry accompanying ozone depletion could be associated with regional climate changes in the Southern Hemisphere in spring.
Remote Sensing of Multiple Cloud Layer Heights using Multi-Angular Measurements
Authors: Sinclair Kenneth , van Diedenhoven Bastiaan , Cairns Brian , Yorks John , Wasilewski Andrzej , McGill Matthew
Published: February 2017

Abstract. Cloud top height (CTH) affects the radiative properties of clouds. Improved CTH observations will allow for improved parameterizations in large-scale models and accurate information on CTH is also important when studying variations in freezing point and cloud microphysics. NASA’s airborne Research Scanning Polarimeter (RSP) is able to measure cloud top height using a novel multi-angular contrast approach. For the determination of CTH, a set of consecutive nadir reflectances is selected and the cross-correlations between this set and co-located sets at other viewing angles are calculated for a range of assumed cloud top heights, yielding a correlation profile. Under the assumption that cloud reflectances are isotropic, local peaks in the correlation profile indicate cloud layers. This technique can be applied to every RSP footprint and we demonstrate that detection of multiple peaks in the correlation profile allow retrieval of heights of multiple cloud layers within single RSP footprints. This paper provides an in-depth description of the architecture and performance of the RSP’s CTH retrieval technique using data obtained during the Studies of Emissions and Atmospheric Composition, Clouds and Climate Coupling by Regional Surveys (SEAC4RS) campaign. RSP retrieved cloud heights are evaluated using collocated data from the Cloud Physics Lidar (CPL). The method’s accuracy associated with the magnitude of correlation, optical thickness, cloud thickness and cloud height are explored. The technique is applied to measurements at a wavelength of 670 nm and 1880 nm and their combination. The 1880-nm band is virtually insensitive to the lower troposphere due to strong water vapor absorption. It is found that each band is well suitable for retrieving heights of cloud layers with optical thicknesses above about 0.1 and that RSP cloud layer height retrievals more accurately correspond to CPL cloud middle than cloud top. It is also found that the 1880 nm band yields most accurate results for clouds at mid and high-altitudes (4.0 to 17 km) while the 670 nm band is most accurate at low and mid altitudes (1.0–13.0 km). The dual band performs best over the broadest range, and is suitable for accurately retrieving cloud layer heights between 1.0 and 16.0 km. Generally, the accuracy of the retrieved cloud top heights increases with increasing correlation value. Improved accuracy is achieved by using customized filtering techniques for each band with the most significant improvements occurring in the primary layer retrievals. RSP is able to measure a primary layer CTH with median error of about 0.5 km when compared to CPL. For multi-layered scenes, the second and third layer heights are determined median errors of about 1.5 km and 2.0–2.5 km, respectively.
Climate change inspector with intentionally biased bootstrapping (CCIIBB ver. 1.0) – methodology development
Authors: Lee Taesam
Published: February 2017

Abstract. The outputs from general circulation models (GCMs) provide useful information about the rate and magnitude of future climate change. The temperature variable is more reliable than other variables in GCM outputs. However, hydrological variables (e.g., precipitation) from GCM outputs for future climate change possess an uncertainty that is too high for practical use. Therefore, a method called intentionally biased bootstrapping (IBB), which simulates the increase of the temperature variable by a certain level as ascertained from observed global warming data, is proposed. In addition, precipitation data were resampled by employing a block-wise sampling technique associated with the temperature simulation. In summary, a warming temperature scenario is simulated, along with the corresponding precipitation values whose time indices are the same as those of the simulated warming temperature scenario. The proposed method was validated with annual precipitation data by truncating the recent years of the record. The proposed model was also employed to assess the future changes in seasonal precipitation in South Korea within a global warming scenario as well as in weekly timescales. The results illustrate that the proposed method is a good alternative for assessing the variation of hydrological variables such as precipitation under the warming condition.
Tiling soil textures for terrestrial ecosystem modelling via clustering
analysis: a case study with CLASS-CTEM (version 2.1)
Authors: Melton Joe R. , Sospedra-Alfonso Reinel , McCusker Kelly E.
Published: February 2017

Abstract. We investigate the application of clustering algorithms to represent sub-grid scale variability in soil texture for use in a global-scale terrestrial ecosystem model. Our model, the coupled Canadian Land Surface Scheme – Canadian Terrestrial Ecosystem Model (CLASS-CTEM), is typically implemented at a coarse spatial resolution (ca. 2.8° × 2.8°) due to its use as the land surface component of the Canadian Earth System Model (CanESM). CLASS-CTEM can, however, be run with tiling of the land surface as a means to represent sub-grid heterogeneity. We first determined that the model was sensitive to tiling of the soil textures via an idealized test case before attempting to cluster soil textures globally. To cluster a high-resolution soil texture dataset onto our coarse model grid, we use two linked algorithms (OPTICS (Ankerst et al., 1999; Daszykowski et al., 2002) and Sander et al. (2003)) to provide tiles of representative soil textures for use as CLASS-CTEM inputs. The clustering process results in, on average, about three tiles per CLASS-CTEM grid cell with most cells having four or less tiles. Results from CLASS-CTEM simulations conducted with the tiled inputs (Cluster) versus those using a simple grid-mean soil texture (Gridmean) show CLASS-CTEM, at least on a global scale, is relatively insensitive to the tiled soil textures, however differences can be large in arid or peatland regions. The Cluster simulation has generally lower soil moisture and lower overall vegetation productivity than the Gridmean simulation except in arid regions where plant productivity increases. In these dry regions, the influence of the tiling is stronger due to the general state of vegetation moisture stress which allows a single tile, whose soil texture retains more plant available water, to yield much higher productivity. Although the use of clustering analysis appears promising as a means to represent sub-grid heterogeneity, soil textures appear to be reasonably represented for global scale simulations using a simple grid-mean value.
Application of Road Safety Audits in Japan —Organizational Culture and Absorptive Capacity Perspectives
Authors: Nishimura Masahiro
Published: February 2017

Road safety audits (RSAs) have been applied in many developing and developed countries as a way to enhance the safety of road infrastructure since they were first introduced in the late 1980s in the United Kingdom. RSAs have proven to be an effective tool to enhance the design of both new and existing roads from an overall safety perspective. In the early 2000s, the Government of Japan (GOJ) reviewed RSAs as well as new public management (NPM) (both viewed as good practices in the United Kingdom and other countries) and now promotes RSAs in developing countries through its bilateral and multilateral official development assistance. However, although NPM has been applied within Japan, RSAs have not been applied on Japan’s domestic road projects. This article reviews factors that may explain why the GOJ has not applied RSAs from the organizational culture perspective of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism (MLIT), which administers the Japanese road transport subsector. The article also reviews an RSA pilot project started in 2013 in Chiba Prefecture, Japan and a nation-wide pilot program started in 2015. Factors that may influence how the GOJ can apply RSAs successfully are discussed in line with the MLIT’s absorptive capacity.
Intra-Cultural Variation, Zone of Acceptance and Managerial Discretion: A Theoretical Discussion
Authors: Haj Youssef Moustafa Salman , Christodoulou Ioannis
Published: February 2017

This paper examines the theoretical relationship between intra-cultural variation and managerial discretion. Research into the degree of discretion, or latitude of actions, has primarily focused on the individual-, organizational-, and industry-level factors, which either allow or constrain executives to take strategic actions. Despite, the recent attempt to discover the impact of national culture, mainly values, on managerial discretion, culture has been studied on an aggregate level by assuming spatial homogeneity within a country. However, recent evidences have shown that intra-cultural variation could be as salient as or sometimes even more than inter-country variation, yet there has been no discussion on its potential association with managerial discretion. As such, we address this gap and investigate the relationship of this cultural aspect with managerial discretion. Using institutional, stakeholder and upper echelons theories, our study proposes a strong relationship between intra-cultural variation and managerial discretion. Therefore, our study contributes to the strategic management and culture literature by providing a more nuanced understanding of such relationship and most importantly by introducing a new national construct that could play an important role in the strategic decision making of business executives.
Evaluation in Moves: An Integrated Analysis of Chinese MA Thesis Literature Reviews
Authors: XIE Jianping
Published: February 2017

The ultimate communicative purpose of literature reviews is to convince the reader of the worthiness of the writer’s research, which is realized stage by stage and evaluation plays an important role in achieving this end. However, concerns about evaluation demonstration in novice academic writers’ literature reviews have been repeatedly voiced in academia. This study examines how Chinese English-major MA students utilize evaluative resources in different rhetorical stages in thesis literature reviews and whether in a way that facilitates building a coherent argument for their own studies. To achieve this, an integrated appraisal analysis applying Martin and White’s (2005) appraisal framework with a move analysis based on Kwan’s (2006) model of the move structure of thesis literature reviews is undertaken. Results show that the Chinese students generally manipulate evaluative resources in a way that is beneficial for realizing the purposes of different rhetorical stages in thesis literature reviews. However, they also have problems in deploying generic structure and constructing evaluative stances, which hamper weaving a strong argument in the texts. Findings of this study provide implications for teaching English academic writing in China and in other L2 contexts as well.
An Assessment of Pathology Resident Access to and Use of Technology: A Nationwide Survey
Authors: Vallangeon Bethany D. , Hawley Jeffrey S. , Sloane Richard , Bean Sarah M.
Published: February 2017

Context.—

Current technologies including digital slide scanners and handheld devices can revolutionize clinical practice and pathology graduate medical education (GME). The extent to which these technologies are used in pathology GME is unknown.

Objectives.—

To determine the types of technologies used, usage amount, and how they are integrated into pathology residency/fellowship programs nationwide.

Design.—

A 40-question online survey for residents/fellows was developed and administered via the Research Electronic Data Capture System after institutional review board approval.

Results.—

Fifty-two program directors (37%) gave permission for participation. One-hundred seventy-one responses were received (18% response rate). Most respondents have access to personal technology (laptop = 78% [134 of 171]), smartphone = 81% [139 of 171], tablet = 49% [84 of 171]), and Web-based digital slide collections (82%, 141 of 171). Few residents are provided electronic devices by their programs (laptop = 22% [38 of 171], smartphone = 0.5% [1 of 171], and tablet = 12% [21 of 171]). Fifty-nine percent have access to digital slide scanners, 33% have access to a program-created database of digitized slides, and 52% use telepathology. Fifteen percent have access to asynchronous learning. Of those with access to video-recorded conferences, 89% review them. Program size was significantly positively correlated with resident access to program-provided laptops (P = .02) and tablets (P < .001), digital slide scanners (P = .01), and telepathology (P = .001). Of all devices, program-provided laptops are used most for professional work (60.5% use this device for more than 5 hours per day).

Conclusions.—

Most residents report access to multiple types of innovative technology, but incorporation of these tools within pathology training programs is highly variable. Opportunities for incorporating innovative technologies exist and could be further explored.
Phosphorus Adsorption Capacity of Four Soil Series for P Requirement of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L)
Authors: Riaz Uddin  , Parwaiz Ahmed Baloch  , Sajid Iqbal  , Qazi Mehmood Ali  , Akhlaq Ahmed  , Muhammad Abbas Bhutto  , Syed Shahbuddin Qadri
Published: February 2017

A pot experiment was conducted in order to know the phosphorus requirement of wheat as affected by different levels of phosphorus (P) for obtaining 95% relative yield grown in four soil series i.e. Gishkori, Buzdar, Sultanpur and Tikken of Dera Ismail Khan Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The various treatment levels were consisted of 0, 5.5, 11.0, 16.5 and 22.0 mg P/kg of soil. Wheat dry matter yield remained at highest (1.1g) where P was supplemented at 22.0 mg P/kg in Gishkori and lowest (0.95g) in Tikken soil with the same P applied level. An increase in phosphorus concentration was recorded in wheat shoot with an increase in applied P level. Maximum phosphorus percentages recorded in wheat were 0.28 and 0.26 grown in Gishkori and Buzdar soil series followed by Sultanpur and Tikken with values of 0.11 and 0.10 respectively against P applied level of 22.0 mg P/kg soil. Minimum P concentration was noted in control. The phosphorus content of wheat and P levels were highly correlated with r values of 0.99. 0.99. 0.98 and 0.74 for Gishkori, Buzdar, Sultanpur and Tikken soil series respectively.
Lien entre réel et virtuel : enseignement de la géographie et construction de la conscience citoyenne
Authors: Campeau Diane
Published: February 2017

Cette recherche-développement réalisée dans le cadre d’une maîtrise en éducation avait pour but de voir si une approche utilisant l’environnement local pour réaliser l’apprentissage des concepts de géographie, permettait à des élèves du secondaire en classe d’adaptation scolaire, de développer les compétences du programme. La pédagogie autochtone, la pédagogie du lieu « place-based », de même que l’écoformation ont constitué les fondements théoriques qui ont étayé la proposition d’élaboration de situations d’apprentissage conçues et expérimentées selon deux modèles, dont l’un pour lequel on a utilisé le milieu de vie des élèves en alternance avec le virtuel. Les conclusions de la recherche sont présentées au regard de la construction d’une conscience citoyenne et du rôle du virtuel dans la proposition.
La différenciation pédagogique : représentations et pratiques rapportées d’enseignantes du primaire
Authors: Moldoveanu Mirela , Grenier Naomi , Steichen Charles
Published: February 2017

La différenciation pédagogique compte parmi les mesures censées améliorer la réussite scolaire de tous les élèves. Toutefois, le construit théorique reste flou et les enseignants y recourent rarement de façon systématique. Dans ce contexte, cet article vise à apporter des éclaircissements théoriques, en opérant tout d’abord la distinction entre différenciation pédagogique et pratique de différenciation. Une conceptualisation de la différenciation pédagogique appuyée sur le construit d’intentionnalité d’action est proposée. Des caractéristiques des pratiques de différenciation sont décrites afin de contribuer à leur opérationnalisation. Les résultats présentés proviennent d’une recherche qui s’est déroulée auprès de 24 enseignants du primaire au Québec, qui a compris une étape d’exploration de leurs représentations relatives à la différenciation pédagogique et une deuxième étape d’observation des pratiques effectives.
Contextes de formation des nouvelles directions d’école au Canada
Authors: Isabelle Claire , Meunier Hélène , Gélinas Proulx Andréanne
Published: February 2017

Compte tenu de leur rôle crucial que jouent les directions dans la gestion d’une école, il s’avère essentiel de porter une attention aux contextes de formation pour développer les compétences des nouvelles directions d’école. Le but de notre étude est d’identifier les contextes de formation (formel, non formel ou informel) qui ont aidé et peuvent aider ces dernières dans le développement de leurs compétences. Une recherche qualitative a été menée auprès de 101 acteurs francophones de l’éducation des 10 provinces canadiennes. Pour la majorité des participants de presque toutes les provinces, les contextes formel et informel ont aidé les nouvelles directions à développer leurs compétences, alors que le contexte non formel constitue celui pouvant le mieux soutenir les nouvelles directions à développer leurs compétences.
Annual cyclicity in export efficiency in the inner Southern California Bight
Authors: Haskell William Z. , Prokopenko Maria G. , Hammond Douglas E. , Stanley Rachel H. R. , Sandwith Zoe O.
Published: February 2017

The balance of marine autotrophy and heterotrophy regulates the ocean's ability to serve as a CO2 sink, as organic material produced by autotrophs sinks into the ocean interior to drive the biological pump. Marine ecosystems over the continental margins, especially coastal upwelling regions, account for a disproportionate amount of carbon export; thus, even small fluctuations in export in these regions can have a large impact on the global carbon cycle. In this study, we estimated the rate of gross oxygen production (GOP), stoichiometrically related to gross primary production, by combining measurements of the triple isotope composition of dissolved oxygen with estimates of vertical advection, eddy diffusion, and air‐sea gas exchange in a one‐dimensional two‐box nonsteady state model of the euphotic zone. Net oxygen production (NOP) estimates based on O2/Ar were then combined with GOP to estimate the NOP/GOP ratio, or potential export efficiency, out of the euphotic zone at the San Pedro Ocean Time‐series during an 18 month period between January 2013 and June 2014. GOP estimates ranged from 161 ± 44 to 477 ± 155 mmol m−2 d−1 during this period, peaking in May each year, and NOP/GOP ratios ranged from 0.05 ± 0.10 to 0.65 ± 0.28. The highest export efficiency occurred in late February/early March, following the onset of spring upwelling, declining as the upwelling season continued. This study demonstrates that export efficiency changes through time in this temperate coastal upwelling region on a repeated annual cycle, and the magnitude of export efficiency suggests efficient photosynthetic energy conversion by phytoplankton in spring.
On the “hidden” phytoplankton blooms on Australia's southern shelves
Authors: Kämpf Jochen , Kavi Ankit
Published: February 2017

Phytoplankton blooms on Australia's southern shelves are revisited using satellite‐derived monthly data of chlorophyll a concentrations for the period 2003–2015. It is known that the region hosts a seasonal coastal upwelling system that develops in austral summer (January–March) with chlorophyll a concentrations of >2 mg/m3. While this summer upwelling is spatially limited to a few hot spots, here we show that widespread phytoplankton blooms of moderate (~1 mg/m3) chlorophyll a concentrations develop during autumn and early winter on most of Australia's extensive southern shelves—from the vast shelves of the Great Australian Bight (GAB) in the west to Bass Strait in the east. This surprising finding disproves the widespread belief that shelf waters of the GAB are generally oligotrophic and may explain the relatively high abundance of both forage fish (sardines) and upper trophic‐level predators (e.g., tuna and whales) in the region.
A theory on thermal spalling of rocks with a focus on thermal spallation drilling
Authors: Kant Michael A. , Rossi Edoardo , Madonna Claudio , Höser Dragana , Rudolf von Rohr Philipp
Published: February 2017

Thermal cracking of rocks is an intensively studied topic in different research areas and for various engineering problems. In this context, we present a modeling approach which describes thermal spalling of rocks with a focus on thermal spallation drilling. This drilling technology uses high thermal loads to locally destruct the surface of the rock formation. With the presented model, the operating conditions which are required to initiate spalling of rocks can be estimated. Additionally, a Spallability number is introduced allowing a categorization of rocks according to their ability to spall. The presented model is based on linear fracture mechanics and the stress intensity concept. It evaluates if a crack with a certain geometry embedded in a rock with specific properties propagates during exposure to different heat loads and external pressures. Thereby, rapid heat transfer processes are coupled with induced thermal stresses and fracture mechanics in rocks.
Study on soliton phase characteristics in 100 Gbps single‐channel telecommunication system
Authors: Mani Naicker Bhupeshwaran , A. Jawahar , S. Radha
Published: February 2017

Here, we demonstrate the peculiar particle nature of soliton pulses with relative to phase, where the adjacent soliton pulses in a sequence attract and repel each other periodically for in‐phase and out‐of‐phase arrangement, respectively. This effect of soliton's interaction and repulsion is studied analytically by using perturbation theory approach. The study of soliton pair characteristics are mainly noted for different relative spacing (qo) between them and for different phase of launched soliton pulses. Following the analytical studies, we analyzed the effect in a 100 Gbps, single channel and uncompensated telecommunication system for different phased soliton sequences. Such that, the performance of the telecommunication system is characterized in terms of Q‐factor (Q) and bit‐error rate to realize the influence of phase on soliton pulses. The system was studied for 1 collision length (LD) of 123.36 km. It is seen that, for 100 Gbps system implemented with standard single mode telecom fiber, with soliton spaced at qo = 5.28, the in‐phase pulses interacted at 61.68 km, which has resulted in Q = 0 (bit‐error rate = 1). It is realized that for small‐phase introduction on soliton pulses, the system yielded fair Q demonstrating the non‐interaction at the Ip as the pulses deviate with respect to increasing phase values. But, it is also shown that large phase between pulses introduces more deviation, which results in overlapping of deviated pulses with adjacent pulses in sequence resulting in degradation of high bitrate system performance.