bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global Media, Television, and the Americanization of Young Africans
Authors: Okorie Nelson
Published: February 2020

This chapter examined the perception of young Africans on American values as portrayed in popular entertainment programs. This chapter examined use DSTV as a study example because it is the most popular digital-pay TV with the highest subscription in Africa. Furthermore, the objectives are: (1) To ascertain the major type of western programmes preferred on DSTV among young Africans, (2) To examine the perception of young Africans on whether these TV channels influence the adoption of western values. This research adopted the use of the survey method to achieve the objectives of the study. A value contribution of this chapter is that global television has created multiple media products that have unique elements of American culture, which will distort African values. Also, the influence of American values will have a snowball effect on African youths in different spheres of life.
The Language Challenge of Diabetes Information and Education in Nigeria's Multi-Lingual Setting
Authors: Mbaka Chinyere Azuka
Published: February 2020

Diabetes is a major health challenge in the world, but it can be effectively managed or controlled through diabetes information and education. However, none has dwelt on the language dynamics of communication interactions despite the fact that Nigeria is a multi-lingual nation. Therefore, the study investigates the language challenges faced by persons living with diabetes (PLWDs) and diabetes educators (DEs) in the course of diabetes education in the urban and semi-urban centres of Nigeria. Qualitative methods used to gather information from 120 diabetes patients selected from three health facilities in Ogun and Lagos states. The findings reveal that most diabetes educators use the English language to educate their patients. Reason being that of ease, unavailability of most diabetes education materials in the local languages and a heterogeneous audience made up of different ethnic groups. It is recommended that diabetes educators use locally prepared pamphlets and materials for inclusiveness and good understanding of their patients.
Augmented Intelligence
Authors: Rodrigues João M.F. , Cardoso Pedro J.S. , Monteiro Jânio , Ramos Célia M.Q.
Published: February 2020

Smart systems make decisions incorporating data available from different sensing in a way to control and make smart actions. In this context, smart actions consist in augmenting user's actions and/or decisions by using devices or additional information. Those actions could and should be different from user to user, depending on its characteristics and needs. To obtain smart actions adapted to the users, it is necessary to detect the user's individualities on-the-fly. This chapter focuses on how augmented intelligence can leverage smart systems, addressing: (a) the definitions and relations of artificial intelligence, augmented intelligence, and smart systems, namely the state of the art on how to extract human features that can be used to develop augmented intelligent systems (using only computer vision methods); (b) a brief explanation of a “describing people integrated framework”, a framework to extract user information automatically without any user intervention; and (c) a description of several implemented smart systems, including a future work perspective.
Monitoring, Predicting, and Optimizing Energy Consumptions
Authors: Cardoso Pedro J. S. , Monteiro Jânio , Cabrita Cristiano , Semião Jorge , Cruz Dario Medina , Pinto Nelson , Ramos Célia M.Q. , Oliveira Luís M. R. , Rodrigues João M. F.
Published: February 2020

Energy consumption and, consequently, the associated costs (e.g., environmental and monetary) concern most individuals, companies, and institutions. Platforms for the monitoring, predicting, and optimizing energy consumption are an important asset that can contribute to the awareness about the ongoing usage levels, but also to an effective reduction of these levels. A solution is to leave the decisions to smart system, supported for instance in machine learning and optimization algorithms. This chapter involves those aspects and the related fields with emphasis in the prediction of energy consumption to optimize its usage policies.
Average Speed of Public Transport Vehicles Based on Smartcard Data
Authors: Costa Vera , Borges José Luís , Dias Teresa Galvão
Published: February 2020

In public transport, traveler dissatisfaction is widespread, due to long waits and travel time, or the low frequency of the service provided. Public transport providers are increasingly concerned about improving the service provided. To improve public transport, detailed knowledge of the network and its weaknesses is necessary. An easy and cheap way to achieve this information is to extract knowledge from the data daily collected in a public transport network. Thus, this chapter focuses on data analysis resulting from the smartcard-based ticketing system. The main objective is to detect patterns of average speed for all days of the week and times of the day, along with pairs of consecutive stops. To perform the analyses, the average speed was deduced from ticketing data, and clustering methods were applied. The results show that it is possible to find segments with similar patterns and identify days and times with similar patterns.
Leveraging IoT Framework to Enhance Smart Mobility
Authors: Brito Isabel Sofia , Murta Luís , Loureiro Nuno , Pacheco Pedro Rodrigo Duarte , Bento Pedro
Published: February 2020

The planning, designing, deploying, and measuring the smart mobility concept is very important since it can impact several aspects of city life such as how and where people live and fulfil their needs and desires. Given the complexity of the problem, this chapter proposes a general IoT framework for smart mobility that could guide the development of a smart mobility system to manage communications, devices, and services, as well as applications to achieve smart mobility goals. This chapter describes the U-Bike system within the IoT framework and smart mobility paradigms, i.e., in terms of IoT framework structure and operationalization, as well as quality attributes (i.e. non-functional requirements). Recently, the U-Bike system began to be used, making it possible to estimate if it fulfils the objectives of the project. This assessment was performed using focus group method and interviews.
Tactile Sensations in E-Retailing
Authors: Donato Carmela , Raimondo Maria Antonietta
Published: February 2020

Previous research universally recognized the pivotal role of touch in consumer behavior and considered it as one of the critical factors limiting the adoption of online shopping. In fact, in digital environments, consumers can rely only on the product visual representation and/or written descriptions of its characteristics. Starting from this evidence, several authors have underlined how the provision of a description of a product's tactile characteristics may positively affect consumer behavior. However, previous contributions have devoted little attention to the differential influence of online sources of information on consumers' willingness to buy when a description of a product's tactile characteristics is provided. The research presented in this chapter aims to cover this gap, by demonstrating through two experimental studies that, when a description of the tactile characteristics of the product is provided, the information given by the users of a web-community increases consumer's willingness to buy the product.
Sophisticated Segments of the Market
Authors: Ornelas Sidney , Vera-Martínez Jorge
Published: February 2020

Certain industries have developed segments in which both consumers and businesses have attitudes, expectations, and behaviors that differ significantly from those of the industries they are part of. Some of these new dynamics include a heightened interest in quality and the concomitant development of entities and mechanisms designed to ensure certain standards, as well as an increased level of involvement of the consumer with the product. Consumers who show the various characteristics mentioned above are part of what may be considered sophisticated segments of the market. This chapter analyses the relevance of perception of quality, the importance of educating consumers, and the changes in levels of consumer engagement in these segments. The chapter also suggests theoretical and practical implications regarding marketing strategies, as well as some gaps of knowledge that further research might address.
Food Retail in the Rural Periphery Using the Example of Germany
Authors: Juergens Ulrich
Published: February 2020

Using a mixed-method approach, the author documents processes of decline in food retail on the spatial meso-scale of a northern German federal state and investigates the attitudes and patterns of demand of households dealing with the loss of local retail. Cluster and discriminant analysis are used to identify five relevant sub-groups, all of which are characterised by an ongoing discourse concerning the local retail structures. The five sub-groups define their (dis)interest in local retail using very different spatial, temporal, and substantial criteria. These criteria are drawn upon by local retailers to develop strength and weakness profiles and identify learning potential in an attempt to use innovative forms of niche marketing to better attract non-users or minimal users. Expert interviews with village shopkeepers and local producers of fresh goods indicate which solutions are being implemented to secure the commercial success of rural local retail in the long term and to distinguish such retail from the offerings of ubiquitous chains of supermarkets and discounters.
Evaluation in Higher Education
Authors: Nadejda Butnari , Nina Birnaz
Published: February 2020

Technologies of the 21st century have brought about a new crisis of significance, which is determined by materialism, expedient attitude, narrowness generated by the self-centeredness, lack of sense, and poverty of commitments. This state of affairs is also characteristic for the contemporary Higher Education, which is going through a decisive stage when it must rethink the communication schemes methodologies as well as the spiritual interaction of intelligence. Didactic processes are re-directed towards more interactive communication, learning spaces, and metacognitive strategies. University teachers, as the servant leaders of the successful education, have a special responsibility to develop competence for learning to learn and for social integration through a profession. Thus, the academics have a specific mission to demonstrate not only the deep knowledge, but also the spiritual intelligence. This chapter provides a novel model of spiritual intelligence raining of the Academic Staff. Conclusions and future research directions are provided.
Modern Educational Strategies for the Training of Philologists in Higher Education
Authors: Katyshev Pavel Alekseevich , Leshutina Irina Anatoljevna , Elnikova Svetlana Igorevna
Published: February 2020

The chapter reflects the strategic approaches to the system of higher philological education. Changing the learning objectives and criteria of its effectiveness requires the introduction of new educational strategies in the practice of training philologists, the development of teacher interactive strategies that meet the requirements of student-centered learning work in different age groups and involve an active dialogue between the teacher and the student. All this reflects the goals of modern educational policy aimed at the modernization of education, provides a high level of quality of education and meets modern trends of globalization, information, and humanization of education.
Authentic Assessment as a Tool to Enhance Student Learning in a Higher Education Institution
Authors: Sewagegn Abatihun Alehegn , Diale Boitumelo Molebogeng
Published: February 2020

Authentic assessment plays a great role in enhancing students' learning and makes them competent in their study area. Studies indicate that assessment is authentic when the tasks have real-life value and students perform real-world tasks. Therefore, this chapter shows how lecturers practice authentic assessment to enhance students' learning in a higher education institution. To achieve this, the authors used a phenomenological qualitative research design. An interview was used to collect data. The result indicated that lecturers are highly dependent upon traditional assessment methods, which have no significant contribution to the competency of students. The practice of authentic assessment methods as a tool to enhance students' learning is limited. Therefore, the authors can conclude that enhancing students' learning using authentic assessment in their study areas is untenable if the lecturers continue to utilize their current assessment practices.
Simultaneous Reduction of NOx and Smoke Emissions in Dual Fuel and HCCI Engines Operated on Biogas
Authors: M. Feroskhan , Ismail Saleel
Published: February 2020

Biogas has emerged as a promising alternative to fossil fuels in internal combustion engines in recent times. It could be used as the primary fuel in Compression Ignition (CI) engines in combination with a small quantity of a high cetane fuel in two modes – dual fuel or Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI). This chapter compares the performance, combustion, and emission parameters of a CI engine operated with biogas in dual fuel and HCCI modes vis-à-vis conventional diesel operation. The effects of biogas composition (quantified in terms of the methane content), location of secondary fuel injection and engine load are investigated. It is observed that the use of biogas has the potential to reduce both NOx and smoke emissions simultaneously, with HCCI mode offering ultra-low emissions. Operating the engine in dual fuel mode can provide high thermal efficiency and significant diesel substitution.
Investigation of Alternative Fuels as Low Reactivity Fuel in Port-Charged Compression Ignition (PCCI) Engine
Authors: V. Karthickeyan , S. Thiyagarajan , B. Ashok
Published: February 2020

In this chapter, four alternative fuels were obtained from non-edible oils, namely Moringa oleifera seed oil, pumpkin seed oil, waste cooking palm oil, and lemon oil. The existing diesel engine intake manifold was converted into port charged compression ignition engine by adopting necessary supporting components and control mechanics. In this study, two modes of injection were carried out, namely main injection with conventional fuel and pilot injection with the prepared alternative fuel samples. Due to characteristic fuel properties, lemon oil biofuel in pilot fuel injection experienced high thermal efficiency and low fuel consumption. At all loads, lemon oil biofuel in pilot fuel injection exhibited lower emission than other alternative fuel samples. Lemon oil biofuel in pilot fuel injection and conventional fuel in main injection showed superior combustion characteristics. On the whole, this work recommends the application of the alternative fuel admission in pilot injection mode by adopting PCCI technique to achieve improved engine characteristics.
Process Optimization Study of Alternative Fuel Production From Linseed Oil
Authors: V. Karthickeyan , S. Balamurugan , B. Ashok , S. Thiyagarajan , P. Mohamed Shameer , Balasubramanian Dhinesh
Published: February 2020

This chapter focuses on the selection of optimum parameters for transesterification of linseed oil biodiesel production in the presence of calcium oxide (CaO) obtained from the waste eggshells. The waste chicken eggshells were calcined at 900°C for 4 hours and it was characterized by X-ray diffractometer (XRD). The transesterification process was conducted according to L9 orthogonal array with selected input control parameters such as methanol to oil molar ratio, reaction temperature, and catalyst loading. The output parameters were biodiesel yield and viscosity. The multi-objective, decision-making technique called Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) was used to identify the optimum transesterification process parameters to obtain maximum biodiesel yield with minimal viscosity. The optimized values for transesterification process parameters were depicted as methanol to oil ratio of 6:1, reaction temperature of 65°C, and catalyst loading of 5% w/w.
The Self-Assessment Corner for Shoulder Strength: Reliability, Validity, and Correlations With Upper Extremity Physical Performance Tests
Authors: Decleve Philippe , Van Cant Joachim , De Buck Ellen , Van Doren Justine , Verkouille Julie , Cools Ann M.
Published: February 2020

Context

Rotator cuff weakness and rotation ratio imbalances are possible risk factors for shoulder injury among overhead athletes. In consensus statements, organizations have highlighted the importance of a screening examination to identify athletes at risk of injury. The screening should be portable and designed to be feasible in many different environments and contexts.

Objective

To evaluate the reliability and validity of the Self-Assessment Corner (SAC) for self-assessing shoulder isometric rotational strength and examining whether performance on 2 physical performance tests was correlated with isometric shoulder rotational strength using the SAC in handball players.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Sport setting.

Patients or Other Participants

A first sample of 42 participants (18 men, 24 women) was recruited to determine the reliability and validity of the SAC. In a second sample of 34 handball players (18 men, 16 women), we examined correlations between physical performance tests and the SAC.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

The SAC was used to measure isometric rotational strength with the upper extremity at 90° of abduction in the frontal plane and 90° of external rotation and the elbow flexed to 90° with neutral rotation of the forearm. The SAC findings were compared with those from manual testing. Results from the seated medicine ball throw (SMBT) and closed kinetic chain upper extremity stability test (CKCUEST) were used to establish relationships with the SAC. We calculated intraclass correlation coefficients to determine relative reliability and used standard error of measurement and minimal detectable change to quantify absolute reliability. Relationships among the different strength-testing procedures and with the physical performance tests were determined using the Pearson product moment correlation coefficient (r) or Spearman rank correlation coefficient (rs).

Results

We observed good to excellent reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient [2,k] range = 0.89 to 0.92). The standard error of measurement varied from 3.45 to 3.48 N. The minimal detectable change with 95% confidence intervals ranged from 8.06 to 8.13 N. Strong correlations were present among strength procedures (r = 0.824, rs range = 0.754–0.816). We observed moderate to strong correlations between the CKCUEST findings and rotational strength (r range = 0.570–0.767). Moderate correlations were found between rotational strength and SMBT (r range = 0.573–0.626).

Conclusions

The SAC is a clinically applicable and standardized protocol for self-assessing rotational strength in young healthy adults without pathologic conditions. Performance on the SMBT and CKCUEST may be valuable as a screening tool to further assess shoulder strength.
Shear Strength of Coal Combustion Product by Vane Shear
Authors: Herweynen Wesley J. , Bareither Christopher A. , Scalia Joseph
Published: February 2020

The objective of this study was to evaluate the shear strength of a coal combustion product (CCP) by using the vane shear test.

A series of small-scale vane shear (SS-VS; diameter = 12.7 mm and height = 25.4 mm) and large-scale vane shear (LS-VS;

diameter = 25 mm and height = 50 mm) laboratory tests were conducted. Undrained and drained strength envelopes were determined using consolidated undrained triaxial compression tests, and drained strength was checked via consolidated drained direct shear. In addition, effects of (1) rate of vane rotation, (2) time delay between vane insertion and beginning rotation, and (3) elapsed time under the final vertical effective stress before shear were evaluated via SS-VS. Vane shear strength results were represented in terms of peak shear strength and the initial horizontal effective stress acting on the vertical-oriented failure surface during rotational shear. Both SS-VS and LS-VS yielded shear strengths that plotted between the drained and undrained triaxial strength envelopes. Shear strength of CCP increased with increasing time under load, which was potentially attributed to diagenesis. Peak shear strength in SS-VS was reached after approximately 72 hours of elapsed time under constant vertical effective stress. Peak shear strength in SS-VS and LS-VS compared favorably to the drained strength measured via direct shear testing.

© 2019 The University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research and the American Coal Ash Association

All rights reserved.
Modified walnut shell filter material for the enhanced removal of oil from oilfield wastewater
Authors: Yin Xianqing , Zhang Jian , Wang Xiujun , Zhu Mijia
Published: February 2020

While polymer oil recovery greatly improves oil recovery, the polymer injected into the formation undergoes shearing, degradation, etc., and returns with the output liquid in the form of an anionic polyacrylamide of lower molecular weight, resulting in a production fluid. There is residual polymer, and this kind of polymer–containing wastewater is easy to contaminate the walnut shell filter in the sewage treatment process, resulting in failure of the walnut shell filter material, introduce hydrophilic sulfonic acid groups on the surface of the walnut shell filter material to lipophilic to hydrophilic of the surface. The dosage of NaHSO3 is 10-20% of the mass fraction of walnut shell filter (mass ratio %). Reflux reaction, and the reaction time was 1-5 h; the surface wettability of the walnut shell reversed. The surface contact angle drops from 95° before modification to 36.75°-66.25°, Its surface hydrophilic oleophobic performance has been significantly improved, Treatment of 150-230 mg/L of oily sewage, filtration and oil removal rate increased from 38.05% to 89.51% by modification; Backwashing and degreasing effect is increased by 4 times.
“Isso não é pra você”: diálogos etnográficos entre o trabalho em padarias e a qualificação profissional
Authors: Carriço Antônio De Salvo
Published: February 2020

Este artigo discute condições e limites do discurso sobre a qualificação profissional a partir do diálogo entre dois contextos pesquisados etnograficamente: um curso de formação de padeiros no SENAI e o cotidiano de padarias. A situação ímpar do pesquisador que busca emprego em uma padaria desafia certa “harmonia” de um discurso institucional sobre o tema, trazendo à tona significados específicos que conformam noções de trabalho, trabalhador e qualificação.
O negro no Recôncavo da Bahia: reflexões sobre construções identitárias, retóricas de etnicidade, raça e cultura.
Authors: Comin de Carvalho Ana Paula , Balen Fernandes Mariana
Published: February 2020

O presente artigo tem o objetivo de refletir sobre os limites do reconhecimento público e político da população negra no estado da Bahia. Para tanto realizamos uma análise comparativa dos contextos etnográficos do chamado turismo étnico-afro; de identificação, regularização e proteção dos territórios quilombolas frente a projetos de desenvolvimento na região do Recôncavo. Tomamos como universos empíricos a exploração turística em termos étnicos da Festa da Boa Morte e de algumas comunidades remanescentes de quilombo de Cachoeira e os conflitos das comunidades remanescentes de quilombos de Santo Amaro e municípios adjacentes frente à implantação de um empreendimento imobiliário de âmbito internacional na Ilha de Cajaíba, local considerado fundamental simbólica e materialmente por estes grupos. Em ambos os casos atentamos para as construções identitárias, retóricas da etnicidade, raça e cultura que emergem nesses processos e o quanto elas são aceitas ou não pelos diferentes agentes envolvidos. Práticas e manifestações culturais tidas como tradicionais são acionadas nos dois contextos com sentidos, intencionalidades e resultados distintos. Evidencia-se a grande resistência por parte tanto do Estado quanto da sociedade em reconhecer o negro como sujeito político ou de direito, mas tão somente como objeto cultural, marco da identidade regional e nacional brasileira. Desse modo, a cultura continua sendo o lugar por excelência reservado aos afro-brasileiros, isto é: o espaço da diferença.
Radical Decadence
Authors: Skelly Julia
Published: February 2020

This pioneering book explores the notion of ‘radical decadence’ as concept, aesthetic and lived experience, and as an analytical framework for the study of contemporary feminist textile art. Gendered discourses of decadence that perpetuate anxieties about women’s power, consumption and pleasure are deconstructed through images of drug use, female sexuality and ‘excessive’ living, in artworks by several contemporary textile artists including Orly Cogan, Tracey Emin, Allyson Mitchell, and Rozanne Hawksley.

Perceptions of decadence are invariably bound to the negative connotations of decay and degradation, particularly with regard to the transgression of social norms related to femininity and the female body. Excessive consumption by women has historically been represented as grotesque. Until now, women’s pleasure in relation to drug and alcohol use has largely gone unexamined in feminist art history and craft studies; here, representations of female consumption, from cupcakes to alcohol and cocaine, are opened up for critical discussion.

Drawing on feminist and queer theories, portrayals of ‘bad girls’ in artworks that explore female sexuality are considered as performative art designed to subvert and exceed expected feminine roles. In this provocative book, decadence is understood not as a destructive force but as a liberating aesthetic.
Evaluating different methods for elevation calibration of MAX-DOAS (Multi AXis Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy) instruments during the CINDI-2 campaign
Authors: Donner Sebastian , Kuhn Jonas , Van Roozendael Michel , Bais Alkiviadis , Beirle Steffen , Bösch Tim , Bognar Kristof , Bruchkouski Ilya , Chan Ka Lok , Dörner Steffen , Drosoglou Theano , Fayt Caroline , Frieß Udo , Hendrick François , Hermans Christian , Jin Junli , Li Ang , Ma Jianzhong , Peters Enno , Pinardi Gaia , Richter Andreas , Schreier Stefan F. , Seyler André , Strong Kimberly , Tirpitz Jan-Lukas , Wang Yang , Xie Pinhua , Xu Jin , Zhao Xiaoyi , Wagner Thomas
Published: February 2020

Abstract. We present different methods for in-field elevation calibration of MAX-DOAS (Multi AXis Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy) instruments that were applied and inter-compared during the second Cabauw Intercomparison campaign for Nitrogen Dioxide measuring Instruments (CINDI-2). One necessary prerequisite of consistent MAX-DOAS retrievals is a precise and accurate calibration of the elevation angles of the different measuring systems. Therefore, different methods for this calibration were applied to several instruments during the campaign, and the results were inter-compared. This work first introduces and explains the different methods, namely far- and near-lamp measurements, white-stripe scans, horizon scans and sun scans, using data and results for only one (mainly the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry) instrument. In the second part, the far-lamp measurements and the horizon scans are examined for all participating groups. Here, the results for both methods are first inter-compared for the different instruments; secondly, the two methods are compared amongst each other. All methods turned out to be well-suited for the calibration of the elevation angles of MAX-DOAS systems, with each of them having individual advantages and drawbacks. Considering the results of this study, the systematic uncertainties of the methods can be estimated as ±0.05∘ for the far-lamp measurements and the sun scans, ±0.25∘ for the horizon scans, and around ±0.1∘ for the white-stripe and near-lamp measurements. When comparing the results of far-lamp and horizon-scan measurements, a spread of around 0.9∘ in the elevation calibrations is found between the participating instruments for both methods. This spread is of the order of a typical field of view (FOV) of a MAX-DOAS instrument and therefore affecting the retrieval results. Further, consistent (wavelength dependent) offsets of 0.32∘ and 0.40∘ between far-lamp measurements and horizon scans are found, which can be explained by the fact that, despite the flat topography around the measurement site, obstacles such as trees might mark the visible horizon during daytime. The observed wavelength dependence can be explained by surface albedo effects. Lastly, the results are discussed and recommendations for future campaigns are given.
Estimating the timescale-dependent uncertainty of paleoclimate records – a spectral approach. Part II: Application and interpretation
Authors: Dolman Andrew M. , Kunz Torben , Groeneveld Jeroen , Laepple Thomas
Published: February 2020

Abstract. Proxy climate records are an invaluable source of information about the earth’s climate prior to the instrumental record. The temporal- and spatial-coverage of records continues to increase, however, these records of past climate are associated with significant uncertainties due to non-climate processes that influence the recorded and measured proxy values. Generally, these uncertainties are timescale-dependent and correlated in time. Accounting for structure in the errors is essential to providing realistic error estimates for smoothed or stacked records, detection of anomalies and identifying trend, but this structure is seldom accounted for. In the first of these companion articles we outlined a theoretical framework for handling proxy uncertainties by deriving the power spectrum of proxy error components from which it is possible to obtain timescale-dependent error estimates. Here in part II, we demonstrate the practical application of this theoretical framework using the example of marine sediment cores. We consider how to obtain estimates for the required parameters and give examples of the application of this approach for typical marine sediment proxy records. Our new approach of estimating and providing timescale-dependent proxy errors overcomes the limitations of simplistic single value error estimates. We aim to provide the conceptual basis for a more quantitative use of paleo-records for applications such as model-data comparison, regional and global synthesis of past climate states and data assimilation.
IDENTIFYING HURRICANE IMPACTS ON BARBUDA USING CITIZEN SCIENCE GROUND OBSERVATIONS, DRONE PHOTOGRAPHY AND SATELLITE IMAGERY
Authors: Boger R. , Low R. , Nelson P.
Published: February 2020

Abstract. Barbuda is a low-lying leeward island in the West Indies. In September 2017 Hurricane Irma battered the island with 185 mph winds. Damage to housing and infrastructure was so extensive that all 1800 residents of the island were immediately evacuated post hurricane to the neighboring island of Antigua. Our research is focused on documenting and analyzing the landscape scale changes that took place on the island as a result of the hurricane using a nested methodology. Ground level observations were recorded using a beta version of the Global Learning and Observation to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) Observer Land Cover tool. Aerial photographs provide medium scale landscape resolution. Satellite images were processed to provide NDVI values. We describe how nested data at several spatial scales enable detailed description of Hurricane Irma’s impact across the landscape of this 62 sq. mile island. Here we are connecting observations at different spatial scales, using citizen science observations, aerial drone photography and satellite imagery to document and analyze hurricane impacts on the island of Barbuda, eastern Caribbean.
AGRICULTURALLY CONSISTENT MAPPING OF SMALLHOLDER FARMING SYSTEMS USING REMOTE SENSING AND SPATIAL MODELLING
Authors: Crespin-Boucaud A. , Lebourgeois V. , Lo Seen D. , Castets M. , Bégué A.
Published: February 2020

Abstract. Smallholder agriculture provides 90 % of primary food production in developing countries. Its mapping is thus a key element for national food security. Remote sensing is widely used for crop mapping, but it is underperforming for smallholder agriculture due to several constraints like small field size, fragmented landscape, highly variable cropping practices or cloudy conditions. In this study, we developed an original approach combining remote sensing and spatial modelling to improve crop type mapping in complex agricultural landscapes. The spatial dynamics are modelled using Ocelet, a domain-specific language based on interaction graphs. The method combines high spatial resolution satellite imagery (Spot 6/7, to characterize the landscape structure through image segmentation), high revisit frequency time series (Sentinel 2, Landsat 8, to monitor the land dynamic processes), and spatiotemporal rules (STrules, to express the strategies and practices of local farmers). The method includes three steps. First, each crop type is defined by a set of general STrules from which a model-based map of crop distribution probability is obtained. Second, a preliminary crop type map is produced using satellite image processing based on a combined Random Forest (RF) and Object Based Image Analysis (OBIA) classification scheme, after which each geographical object is labelled with the class membership probabilities. Finally, the STrules are applied in the model to identify objects with classes locally incompatible with known farming constraints and strategies. The result is a map of the spatial distribution of crop type mapping errors (omission or commission) that are subsequently corrected through the joint use of spatiotemporal rules and RF class membership probabilities. Combining remote sensing and spatial modelling thus provides a viable way to better characterize and monitor complex agricultural systems.
DATA IMBALANCE IN LANDSLIDE SUSCEPTIBILITY ZONATION: UNDER-SAMPLING FOR CLASS-IMBALANCE LEARNING
Authors: Gupta S. K. , Jhunjhunwalla M. , Bhardwaj A. , Shukla D. P.
Published: February 2020

Abstract. Machine learning methods such as artificial neural network, support vector machine etc. require a large amount of training data, however, the number of landslide occurrences are limited in a study area. The limited number of landslides leads to a small number of positive class pixels in the training data. On contrary, the number of non-landslide pixels (negative class pixels) are enormous in numbers. This under-represented data and severe class distribution skew create a data imbalance for learning algorithms and suboptimal models, which are biased towards the majority class (non-landslide pixels) and have low performance on the minority class (landslide pixels).In this work, we have used two algorithms namely EasyEnsemble and BalanceCascade for balancing the data. This balanced data is used with feature selection methods such as fisher discriminant analysis (FDA), logistic regression (LR) and artificial neural network (ANN) to generate LSZ maps The results of the study show that ANN with balanced data has major improvements in preparation of susceptibility maps over imbalanced data, where as the LR method is ill-effected by data balancing algorithms. The FDA does not show significant changes between balanced and imbalanced data.
Supra-glacial debris cover changes in the Greater Caucasus from 1986 to 2014
Authors: Tielidze Levan G. , Bolch Tobias , Wheate Roger D. , Kutuzov Stanislav S. , Lavrentiev Ivan I. , Zemp Michael
Published: February 2020

Abstract. Knowledge of supra-glacial debris cover and its changes remain incomplete in
the Greater Caucasus, in spite of recent glacier studies. Here we present
data of supra-glacial debris cover for 659 glaciers across the Greater
Caucasus based on Landsat and SPOT images from the years 1986, 2000 and
2014. We combined semi-automated methods for mapping the clean ice with
manual digitization of debris-covered glacier parts and calculated
supra-glacial debris-covered area as the residual between these two maps. The
accuracy of the results was assessed by using high-resolution Google Earth
imagery and GPS data for selected glaciers. From 1986 to 2014, the total
glacier area decreased from 691.5±29.0 to 590.0±25.8 km2 (15.8±4.1 %, or ∼0.52 % yr−1), while
the clean-ice area reduced from 643.2±25.9 to 511.0±20.9 km2 (20.1±4.0 %, or ∼0.73 % yr−1).
In contrast supra-glacial debris cover increased from 7.0±6.4 %, or
48.3±3.1 km2, in 1986 to 13.4±6.2 % (∼0.22 % yr−1), or 79.0±4.9 km2, in 2014. Debris-free
glaciers exhibited higher area and length reductions than debris-covered
glaciers. The distribution of the supra-glacial debris cover differs between
the northern and southern and between the western, central and eastern Greater
Caucasus. The observed increase in supra-glacial debris cover is
significantly stronger on the northern slopes. Overall, we have observed
up-glacier average migration of supra-glacial debris cover from about 3015
to 3130 m a.s.l. (metres above sea level) during the investigated period.
Quantifying the impact of synoptic weather types and patterns on energy fluxes of a marginal snowpack
Authors: Schwartz Andrew Jonathan , McGowan Hamish Andrew , Theobald Alison , Callow Nik
Published: February 2020

Abstract. Synoptic weather patterns are investigated for their impact on energy fluxes driving melt of a marginal snowpack in the Snowy Mountains, southeast Australia. K-means clustering applied to ECMWF ERA-Interim data identified common synoptic types and patterns that were then associated with in-situ snowpack energy flux measurements. The analysis showed that the largest contribution of energy to the snowpack occurred immediately prior to the passage of cold fronts through increased sensible heat flux as a result of warm air advection (WAA) ahead of the front. Shortwave radiation was found to be the dominant control on positive energy fluxes when individual synoptic weather types were examined. As a result, cloud cover related to each synoptic type was shown to be highly influential on the energy fluxes to the snowpack through its reduction of shortwave radiation and reflection/emission of longwave fluxes. This research is an important step towards understanding changes in surface energy flux as a result of shifts to the global atmospheric circulation as anthropogenic climate change continues to impact marginal winter snowpacks.
Faithfulness as Subhegemonic Antidote to a Precarious Existence: A Response to Peter-Ben Smit
Authors: Sierksma-Agteres Suzan J. M.
Published: February 2020

In this response to Peter-Ben Smit’s article in this volume, two questions are discussed. The first intends to review critically one of the main tenets of Peter-Ben Smit’s contribution by asking exactly how fluid and discursive the construction of gender in the Pastoral Epistles was. The second question is whether hegemonic performance of masculinity is the best explanation for the manner of expressing authority in the Pastorals. As a mostly additional yet partly challenging perspective, a related interpretive frame is introduced: philosophical imitation in virtue. As authority is expressed in terms of imitation in virtuous living, it can be better understood as a form of, in Smit’s vocabulary, “subhegemonic” masculinity: a critical rephrasing of the cultural hegemonic norm in terms of self-control that enables participation of “every body,” male and female. Crucial to this philosophical ideal of masculinity is control over one’s self (sōphrosunē) instead of the hegemonic ideal of control over the world outside. In addition to this virtue, it will be argued that in all three Pastoral Epistles the virtue of pistis, “trust” or “faithfulness,” functions to create a reciprocal, inclusive, and divinely modeled network of imitation. Rather than supporting the author’s masculine self-presentation, as Smit holds, pistis functions to balance hegemonically gendered power play.
Salvific, Ethical, and Consummative “Appearances” in the Pastoral Epistles? A Response to Rob van Houwelingen
Authors: Manomi Dogara Ishaya
Published: February 2020

In his article titled “The Meaning of ἐπιϕάνεια in the Pastoral Epistles,” Rob van Houwelingen argues and concludes that ἐπιϕάνεια is used in 1 Timothy and Titus, on the one hand, to refer to the second coming of Christ, while it is used in 2 Timothy, on the other hand, to refer to the first coming of Christ. He further argues that the testamentary nature of 2 Timothy, unlike 1 Timothy and Titus, accounts for Paul’s focus on the first epiphany of Christ therein. While van Houwelingen’s article title and conclusion suggest an analysis that encompasses comprehensive lexical and conceptual elements, he, however, undertakes only a lexical study of the noun cognate ἐπιϕάνεια, without justifying the exclusion of the verbal (and other) cognates. In response, this article undertakes a comprehensive analysis of all the cognates and concepts of ἐπιϕάνεια in the Pastoral Epistles, focusing on their salvific, ethical, and consummative dimensions. It concludes that, in each of the three letters, depending on the context, ἐπιϕάνεια as a concept is used both in reference to the first and second comings of Christ. The emphasis is, however, more on the first than the second epiphany. Moreover, both epiphanies share an ethical significance that connects them together.
Papel dos flavonoides na doença de Parkinson
Authors: Pereira Jackson Da Silva , Beal Fabiani Lage Rodrigues
Published: February 2020

A Doença de Parkinson (DP) é uma doença neurodegenerativa, crônica e progressiva, que acomete em geral pessoas idosas pela produção de neuroinflamação e ela ocorre pela perda de neurônios do sistema nervoso central. A estimativa em 2005, do número de indivíduos com idade acima de 50 anos apresentando a doença de Parkinson foi de 4,1, espera-se que esse número dobre entre 8,7 e 9,3 milhões em 2030. O uso de flavonoides na dieta com indivíduos com DP, conseguem minimizar ou retardar a progressão da doença e seus sintomas. Esses compostos estudados têm incidência na melhora da função cognitiva e previnem distúrbios neurodegenerativos em humanos. Compostos naturais, como flavonoides, parecem possuir potencial neuroprotetor provavelmente relacionado à sua capacidade de modular as respostas inflamatórias envolvidas emdoenças neurodegenerativas, inibindo a sinalização do Fator Transcrição Nuclear kB. A hipótese é que os flavonoides protegem contra a neurodegeneração que ocorre na enfermidade da DP, com base nos relatos da literatura sobre efeitos antioxidantes e anti-inflamatórios dos flavonoides e o envolvimento da resposta neuroinflamatória e estresse oxidativo da doença. Entre os estudos observados nesta revisão compreende-se que a subclasse de flavonoides, os polifenóis possuem efeitos protetores. Os últimos estudos apontam para a importância de se entender a biodisponibilidade dos flavonóides, colocando em questão a quantidade de fruta que precisaria ser consumida diariamente para fornecer efeitos benéficos contra o envelhecimento cerebral ou doenças neurodegenerativas, por quanto tempo uma dieta rica em frutos silvestres seria necessária para prevenção, tratamento ou manutenção das cognições cerebrais e motoras.
AVALIAÇÃO DA FUNCIONALIDADE, MOBILIDADE FUNCIONAL E EQUILÍBRIO ESTÁTICO DE IDOSAS RELIGIOSAS
Authors: Meneghini Gisele Oltramari , Kohl Suéli Broenstrup , Oltramari José Davi , Renosto Alexandra , Minuscoli Alenia Varela Finger , Giacomet Daiane
Published: February 2020

Introdução: A expectativa de vida aumentou muito nos últimos anos, no mundo nascem mais homens do que mulheres, entretanto há uma sobrevida maior de mulheres do que de homens, algumas mulheres acabam optando pela vida religiosa, seguidas pelo instinto da vocação. Ao longo do processo de envelhecimento ocorrem mudanças físicas como perda de força muscular, resistência, equilíbrio, mobilidade funcional e funcionalidade que acarretam em uma incapacidade generalizada, aumentando o risco de quedas e o imobilismo. Materiais e métodos: Esta pesquisa tratou-se de um estudo transversal com idosas com idade igual ou maior que 60 anos, residentes em uma instituição religiosa chamada Casa Jesus Bom Pastor Caxias do Sul-RS. Utilizou-se uma ficha de avaliação para coleta de dados de identificação pessoal, características sociodemográficas e clínicas, o Timed Up and Go Test para avaliar a mobilidade funcional, o Teste de Alcance Funcional Anterior para o equilíbrio estático e Escala de Lawton para funcionalidade. Resultados: Fizeram parte da amostra 32 mulheres, com idades variando entre 63 e 90 anos, onde observou-se que as duas mulheres que apresentam condição severamente dependente em relação a funcionalidade, possuíam 82 e 84 anos, respectivamente. Já a avaliação do equilíbrio estático indicou que 40,6% das mulheres apresentaram deslocamento normal e 59,4% deslocamento inferior a 15 cm, indicando déficit de equilíbrio. Já com relação ao teste de mobilidade funcional, 75% apresentaram médio e alto risco de quedas. Consideração final: Conclui-se ao fim deste estudo que mulheres religiosas sofrem alterações de equilíbrio estático, de mobilidade funcional e de sua funcionalidade após os 60 anos, acarretando na diminuição da qualidade de vida e aumentando o risco de quedas.
Exploration History and Discovery of the Diavik Diamond Deposits, Northwest Territories, Canada
Authors: Brett R. C. , Kinakin Y. , Howell D. , Davy A. T.
Published: February 2020

The 1991 discovery of the diamondiferous “Point Lake” kimberlite in the Lac de Gras region of the Archean Slave craton ignited one of the greatest staking rushes in history. Rio Tinto initiated a large land consolidation, predominantly up-ice and to the south of the BHP-DiaMet Point Lake discovery, including a 600,000-ha property owned by Aber Resources Ltd. Exploration commenced on this property in 1992 with airborne geophysics and kimberlite indicator mineral sampling. Prior to drilling, targeting decisions utilized ground geophysical surveys that resulted in a high (>90%) kimberlite discovery success rate. Early discoveries were made by drilling strongly magnetic (but reversely polarized) lows. Subsequent discovery of diamondiferous kimberlites characterized by conductive anomalies with subtle to no magnetic responses changed the exploration paradigm.

The East Island area in Lac de Gras contained a preponderance of high-interest indicator minerals; drill testing of several conductive anomalies as imaged by EM techniques resulted in the discovery of kimberlites that would eventually comprise the Diavik diamond mine orebodies. Microdiamond results from more than 60 kimberlites on the property indicated that A154N, A154S, A21, and A418 were the most likely pipes to contain economic grades. Subsequent large-diameter drilling confirmed that A154S and A154N were indeed high grade, with respective sample grades of 4.59 and 2.32 carats per tonne. Initial delineation drilling and favorable valuation of 240 carats from A154S prompted the authorization of a $60 million feasibility study by the end of 1995.

The rapid discovery of Diavik was a result of the quick decision to acquire significant land in and surrounding Lac de Gras, the utilization of state-of-the-art geophysical techniques, the sound implementation of kimberlite indicator mineral exploration in glaciated terrains, and the use of microdiamond size-frequency curves to rank the kimberlites and assess the macrodiamond potential.