bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Zinc Supplementation Enhances Linear Growth in School-Aged Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Rerksuppaphol Sanguansak , Rerksuppaphol Lakkana
Published: January 2018

Zinc supplementation in children in endemic area of zinc deficiency had been reported of growth enhancement; however, the results were inconsistence. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of zinc supplementation on growth of school-aged children. A randomized double-blinded controlled trial was conducted in 140 Thai school children. Placebo or zinc bisglycinate (15 mg element zinc) were taken on school day for 6 months. Pre- and posttreatment anthropometric parameters were recorded. Changes in height from the baseline was considered as the primary outcome whereas, changes in other anthropometric parameters were considered as the secondary outcomes. The mean age was 8.9 years; baseline anthropometric data were not significant different between groups. At the end of study, children in zinc group had significantly higher gain in height (5.6±2.4 vs 4.7±1.4 cm, respectively; P=0.009) and height Z-score (0.45±0.37 vs 0.37±0.27, respectively; P=0.048) than children in control group. No significant differences of other anthropometric parameters were observed. In conclusion, zinc supplementation increased linear growth in Thai schoolaged children over a 6-month period but it had no effects on other anthropometric parameters.
Zika Virus Infection in a Pediatric Patient With Acute Gastrointestinal Involvement
Authors: Slavov Svetoslav , Matsuno Alessandra , Yamamoto Aparecida , Otaguiri Katia , Cervi Maria , Covas Dimas , Kashima Simone
Published: January 2018

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus, which has been related to severe neurological complications in neonates. However, many clinical aspects of the infection remain unclear, especially in pediatric patients. In this case report we describe the uncommon presentation of ZIKV infection in a pediatric patient with acute gastrointestinal involvement hospitalized in a Brazilian Emergency Unit. Dengue hemorrhagic fever was initially suspected, however, the molecular result for Dengue was negative. Molecular testing for other arboviruses (ZIKV and Chikungunya), revealed positive for ZIKV RNA result in both blood and saliva. The ZIKV load in saliva (6.947 copies/mL) was higher than the vetected ZIKV RNA in plasma (1.945 copies/mL). Additionally, the performed abdominal ultrasound revealed mesenteric lymphadenitis without abdominal retention of fluids. The presentation of this case demonstrates that ZIKV can be involved in a broader range of clinical conditions than currently assumed, including pediatric emergencies, especially in regions with extensive ZIKV outbreaks.
Profile of patients undergoing palliative radiotherapy: A single-institute study from a tertiary care oncology center
Authors: Suhag Virender , Sunita B. S. , Vats Pankaj , Chakravarty Nilotpal , Jain Mayuri , Vashisht Rekha S.
Published: January 2018

Background: Palliative radiotherapy (PRT) plays a significant role in the palliation of symptoms in patients with cancer and constitutes nearly 50% of the workload in different settings. Aims: The aim is to study patient-, disease-, and treatment-related characteristics in locoregionally advanced and metastatic malignancies meriting palliative management. Setting and Design: This was a retrospective observational study in a tertiary care government institute with academic and research potential. Methodology: The electronic medical records, medical documents, and radiotherapy (RT) treatment charts were retrieved and studied. Observations: A total of 460 patients were included in the study over 2 years, forming 30% of the total number of patients treated during the study period. Three hundred and ninety-six patients received PRT to the metastatic sites, while 64 patients received extremely hypofractionated PRT to the primary for symptomatic relief. Totally 442 patients showed good symptomatic response to PRT. One hundred and thirty-eight patients underwent re-irradiation. Lung was the most common primary site seen in 155 cases. The most common indication for PRT was palliation of pain from painful metastases as seen in 240 cases, and the next common indication was palliative whole-brain RT for brain metastases as seen in 159 cases. Conclusion: PRT forms an integral and important aspect of palliative care to the vast number of patients harboring metastatic disease that warrants some form of treatment for symptomatic relief. Short course of PRT in outdoor setting is a preferred mode of treatment to improve the quality of life of these distressed patients.
Long-term follow-up of retinoblastoma survivors: Experience from India
Authors: Seth Rachna , Singh Amitabh , Guru Vijay , Chawla Bhavna , Pathy Sushmita , Sapra Savita
Published: January 2018

Background: Retinoblastoma (Rb) is the most common primary intraocular tumor of infancy and childhood. Survivors' ocular and visual problems and increased risk for subsequent malignancy are well documented, but data on long-term health status of Rb survivors are limited, this being particularly true for India. Methodology: Children who had completed treatment for Rb at least 2 years ago before and were under follow-up at the after cancer treatment clinic were evaluated. Results: In our series of 213 patients, the median age was 29 months, there was a male preponderance, and majority had unilateral disease. Enucleation was done in almost three-fourth and 3% underwent bilateral enucleation. Majority of the patients received chemotherapy, and few received radiation. Growth was affected in about one-third and majority were those who had received radiation. Diminished vision was noticed in about one-sixth. Orbital hypoplasia and contracted socket were seen in 14.1% cases. 2.7% were hearing impaired. About one-sixth had a global intelligence delay. Second neoplasms were seen in 0.01%. No other abnormalities were seen. Conclusions: Common late effects in our Rb survivors include diminished vision in the salvage eye, intellectual disability, and contracted socket; there is a need for timely institution of prosthesis to avoid late effects such as hypoplasia, contracted sockets, and better cosmesis and enhanced self-esteem. Second neoplasm is a concern. Lifelong follow-up and counseling of a healthy lifestyle are needed for Rb survivors.
Prognostic significance of bone only metastasis compared to visceral metastasis in patients with carcinoma cervix treated with platinum-based chemotherapy
Authors: Mallekavu Suresh Babu , Thanky Aditi Harsh , Kanakasetty Govind Babu , Kuntegowdanahalli Lakshmaiah , Dasappa Lokanatha , Jacob Linu A.
Published: January 2018

Context: Carcinoma cervix is a leading cause of cancer in Indian females where 15%–60% of the cases eventually metastasize. Bone only metastasis is rare, and data on its response and survival with systemic therapy as compared to other visceral metastasis are limited. Settings and Design: The study design was a retrospective analysis. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed our data between May 2013 and April 2015 to identify the cases of bone only metastasis and visceral metastasis and tried to analyze their outcomes with paclitaxel- and carboplatin-based chemotherapy and bisphosphonates (for bone metastasis only). Results: Totally, 12 cases with bone only metastasis (Group 1) and 43 cases with visceral metastasis (Group 2) were identified. Most common sites of bone metastasis were vertebrae (66.67%) and pelvis (25%) while that of visceral metastasis was liver (44.18%) and lung (34.88%). Only 33.33% and 34.88% of cases in Group 1 and Group 2, respectively, could complete all six cycles of chemotherapy. Overall, response rates were 41.67% and 30.32% in Group 1 and Group 2, respectively. Median progression-free survival and overall survival (OS) were 10 months and 14 months, respectively, in Group 1 as compared to 4 months and 9 months, respectively, in Group 2. The difference in survival was statistically significant. Statistical Analysis Used: It was carried out by SPSS software version 20. Conclusion: Bone only metastasis is a rare and distinct entity with favorable outcomes as compared to visceral metastasis. However, disease remains aggressive and poor OS emphasizing the need of further research.
Intrauterine lignocaine versus paracervical block for pain relief during cervical dilatation and endometrial curettage
Authors: Sayed Alaa El Deen Mahmoud , Mohamed Ahmed Shaaban
Published: January 2018

Background

Dilatation and curettage and fractional curettage are commonly performed gynecological procedures. Randomized-controlled trials have concluded that topical anesthesia effectively reduces pain in endometrial sampling and hysteroscopy. A major obstacle to the successful completion of outpatient gynecologic procedures is pain. Most patients can tolerate pain to complete necessary procedures, but studies show that pain scores are often high.

Objective

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of intrauterine instillation of lidocaine, paracervical block, and a combination of both techniques to control pain during endometrial curettage in a randomized, double-blinded trial in premenopausal and postmenopausal women.

Patients and methods

A total of 90 patients scheduled for endometrial curettage were allocated randomly to three groups: group L, group P, and group LP according to the type of anesthesia that was administered. Group L received lidocaine 2% injected into the uterine cavity (n=30). Group P received paracervical block (n=30). Group LP received combined intrauterine lidocaine and paracervical block (n=30). Women were observed for pulse rate and the mean arterial blood pressure was monitored continuously and recorded manually. The pain score assessed using 10 mm visual analog scale. Also, types and incidence of adverse events were reported.

Results

In terms of heart rate changes, there was a statistically significant increase in both groups L and P than group LP. The changes in the mean arterial blood pressure showed no statistical significance difference among the study groups. Statistically significant differences were found in the number of patients who received fentanyl and the total fentanyl required among the three groups; this was less in group LP than the other two groups. Also, the number of patients who received propofol was significantly lower in group LP compared with the other groups. In terms of the quality of intraoperative analgesia, there was statistically significant adequate analgesia in group LP compared with the other groups.

Conclusion

This study concluded that intrauterine lidocaine in combination with paracervical block significantly provides adequate intraoperative and postoperative analgesia, whereas intrauterine lidocaine alone or paracervical block alone provides intraoperative analgesia that requires the addition of intraoperative opioid analgesics and sometimes hypnotics and mostly requires immediate postoperative analgesia.
Niche Construction and Theory of Agricultural Origins. Case studies in punctuated equilibrium
Authors: Weninger Bernhard Paul
Published: January 2018

In contemporary archaeological and anthropological research, the domestication of plants and animals in the Near East during the Early Holocene is alternatively interpreted as an over­all slow and gradual, or as a rapid process. The present reanalysis of published archaeobotanical and archaeozoological data shows that the wild-domesticate-transition (WDT) was indeed initially slow (millennial scale), but terminated at 10.2 ± 0.2 ka cal BP with an abrupt switch to herding and agriculture. The abruptness of WDT can be understood as due to amplification under positive feedback conditions (resonance) of some few biological and social factors, primarily the short and long- distance transport of domesticates, in conjunction with a synchronous, abrupt climatic switch to higher precipitation.
Chronology of Neolithic sites in the forest-steppe area of the Don River
Authors: Smolyaninov Roman , Skorobogatov Andrey , Surkov Aleksey
Published: January 2018

The first ceramic complexes appeared in the forest-steppe and forest zones of Eastern Europe at the end of the 7th–5th millennium BC. They existed until the first half of the 5th millennium BC in the Don River basin. All these first ceramic traditions had common features and also local particularities. Regional cultures, distinguished nowadays on the basis of these local particularities, include the Karamyshevskaya and Middle Don cultures, as well pottery of a new type found at sites on the Middle Don River (Cherkasskaya 3 and Cherkasskaya 5 sites).
Chronology and development of the Chalcolithic necropolis of Varna I
Authors: Krauß Raiko , Schmid Clemens , Kirschenheuter David , Abele Jonas , Slavchev Vladimir , Weninger Bernhard
Published: January 2018

In the following paper, we present the main results of our now completed studies of the Varna I cemetery, based on the excavations undertaken by Ivan Ivanov in the years 1972–1991. The richness of the assemblages is singular in Old World prehistory. To tackle the question of its inter­nal, chronological development, we applied correspondence analysis (CA) to a newly created database that includes the inventories of all presently known graves, symbolic burials and find de­posits. The rank order of the seriated inventories was used to establish a CA-based 14C-age model for wiggle matching. In combination with topographic observations and social network analysis (SNA), our studies provide a new understanding both of the chronological and spatial distribution of the graves and burial goods, as well as new insights into the social structure, gender roles, individual relation­ships and ritual practices of the Chalcolithic community.
Depiction of hairstyle, reflection of identity? Some considerations concerning Neolithic depictions of hairstyles in the Anzabegovo – Vršnik and Velušina – Porodin cultural milieu
Authors: Tomaž Alenka
Published: January 2018

The phenomenon of Neolithic figurines and other anthropomorphic representations depicting humans with styled hair is an issue that has been generally overlooked in research. Their occurrence in Neolithic contexts all around Southeast Europe is fascinating in itself, and the same holds for the territory of the Anzabegovo – Vršnik and Velušina – Porodin cultural milieus, which is the case study presented in this article.
A new Pre-Pottery Neolithic site in Southeastern Turkey: Ayanlar Höyük (Gre Hut)
Authors: Celik Bahattin
Published: January 2018

Ayanlar Höyük (Gre Hut), located 30km west of Şanlıurfa, was discovered during surface surveys conducted in 2013. Ayanlar Höyük dated to the Pre-Pottery Neolithic Period, is a large- scale mound like Göbekli Tepe and Karahan Tepe, covering an overall surface area of 14 hectares. It was learned recently that three artefacts dated to the Pre-Pottery Neolithic period which are held by Şanlıurfa Museum were brought from Ayanlar Höyük. The artefacts in Şanlıurfa Museum and the finds recovered from Ayanlar Höyük during a surface survey have been identified as having characteristics similar to those from Körtik Tepe, Göbekli Tepe, Nevali Çori and Karahan Tepe. Con­sequently, Ayanlar Höyük should be dated between the early Pre-Pottery Neolithic Period B (EPPNB) and the mid-Pre-Pottery Neolithic Period B (MPPNB).
The Earliest villages in Iron Age Iberia (800–400 BC): a view from Cerro de San Vicente (Salamanca, Spain)
Authors: Blanco-González Antonio , Alario García Cristina , Macarro Alcalde Carlos
Published: January 2018

The onset of the Iron Age underwent manifold disruptions. The emergence of long-lasting nucleated villages in Iberia c. 900/800 BC best encapsulates such profound changes. This paper draws on the results of excavations over the last few decades at a fortified tell-like settlement in central Iberia: Cerro de San Vicente (Spain). The article focuses on formation dynamics in earth architecture to understand the role of cultural choices in the genesis of these sites. The occurrence of sophisticated lifestyles and novel cultural expressions in this village (avant-garde devices such as a drain pipe, unprecedented building techniques, exotic imports and alien practices) suggests the plausible role of inter-regional migration in their adoption. The appraisal of intra-site spatial ar­rangements sheds fresh light upon the diachronic social trajectories of these agrarian communities, from a seemingly egalitarian organisation to an increasingly ranked one.
Modelling the earliest north-western dispersal of Mediterranean Impressed Wares: new dates and Bayesian chronological model
Authors: Binder Didier , Lanos Philippe , Angeli Lucia , Gomart Louise , Guilaine Jean , Manen Claire , Maggi Roberto , Muntoni Italo M. , Panelli Chiara , Radi Giovanna , Tozzi Carlo , Arobba Daniele , Battentier Janet , Brandaglia Mario , Bouby Laurent , Briois François , Carré Alain , Delhon Claire , Gourichon Lionel , Marinval Philippe , Nisbet Renato , Rossi Stefano , Rowley-Conwy Peter , Thiébault Stéphanie
Published: January 2018

The authors attempt to specify the diffusion pattern of the Impressed-Ware Neolithic (Im­presso-cardial complex, ICC), from south-eastern Italy onto the French Mediterranean coasts. Using ChronoModel® software, a Bayesian model was built with sets of dates obtained on well-contextualised, short-lived samples. The results highlight a clear tightening of the chronology in the so-called nuclear area (Apulia, Basilicata, Calabria) and a pioneer dispersal at record speed in the Tyrrhe­nian Basin. Moreover, they question the origins and initial developments of the Impressed-Wares techno-complex.
Chronology of Kama Neolithic culture
Authors: Lychagina Evgenia Leonidovna , Vybornov Aleksandr Alexeevich
Published: January 2018

The concept of the Kama Neolithic culture was proposed by Otto Bader, but lacked ra­diocarbon dates in the 20th century. Now, we have more than 50 radiocarbon dates that can be at­tributed to the Kama Neolithic culture. The results of radiocarbon analysis of organogenic materials of the Kama culture allow us to determine its chronological limits between the second quarter of the 6th and the beginning of 4th mill. cal BC. The early phase of the Kama culture is now dated between the second quarter of the 6th and the beginning of the 5th mill. cal BC, the middle phase is dated to the first half of the 5th mill. cal BC, and the late phase is dated between the second half of 5th and the beginning of 4th mill. cal BC.
Influence of temperature on the molecular composition of ions and charged clusters during pure biogenic nucleation
Authors: Frege Carla , Ortega Ismael K. , Rissanen Matti P. , Praplan Arnaud P. , Steiner Gerhard , Heinritzi Martin , Ahonen Lauri , Amorim António , Bernhammer Anne-Kathrin , Bianchi Federico , Brilke Sophia , Breitenlechner Martin , Dada Lubna , Dias António , Duplissy Jonathan , Ehrhart Sebastian , El-Haddad Imad , Fischer Lukas , Fuchs Claudia , Garmash Olga , Gonin Marc , Hansel Armin , Hoyle Christopher R. , Jokinen Tuija , Junninen Heikki , Kirkby Jasper , Kürten Andreas , Lehtipalo Katrianne , Leiminger Markus , Mauldin Roy Lee , Molteni Ugo , Nichman Leonid , Petäjä Tuukka , Sarnela Nina , Schobesberger Siegfried , Simon Mario , Sipilä Mikko , Stolzenburg Dominik , Tomé António , Vogel Alexander L. , Wagner Andrea C. , Wagner Robert , Xiao Mao , Yan Chao , Ye Penglin , Curtius Joachim , Donahue Neil M. , Flagan Richard C. , Kulmala Markku , Worsnop Douglas R. , Winkler Paul M. , Dommen Josef , Baltensperger Urs
Published: January 2018

Abstract. It was recently shown by the CERN CLOUD experiment that biogenic highly
oxygenated molecules (HOMs) form particles under atmospheric conditions in
the absence of sulfuric acid, where ions enhance the nucleation rate by 1–2 orders of magnitude. The biogenic HOMs were produced from ozonolysis of
α-pinene at 5 ∘C. Here we extend this study to compare the
molecular composition of positive and negative HOM clusters measured with
atmospheric pressure interface time-of-flight mass spectrometers (APi-TOFs),
at three different temperatures (25, 5 and −25 ∘C). Most negative HOM clusters include a
nitrate (NO3-) ion, and the spectra are similar to those seen in the nighttime
boreal forest. On the other hand, most positive HOM clusters include an
ammonium (NH4+) ion, and the spectra are characterized by mass bands
that differ in their molecular weight by ∼ 20 C atoms,
corresponding to HOM dimers. At lower temperatures the average oxygen to
carbon (O : C) ratio of the HOM clusters decreases for both polarities,
reflecting an overall reduction of HOM formation with decreasing temperature.
This indicates a decrease in the rate of autoxidation with temperature due to
a rather high activation energy as has previously been determined by quantum
chemical calculations. Furthermore, at the lowest temperature
(−25 ∘C),
the presence of C30 clusters shows that HOM monomers start to
contribute to the nucleation of positive clusters. These experimental
findings are supported by quantum chemical calculations of the binding
energies of representative neutral and charged clusters.
Vertical distributions of aerosol optical properties during the spring 2016 ARIAs airborne campaign in the North China Plain
Authors: Wang Fei , Li Zhanqing , Ren Xinrong , Jiang Qi , He Hao , Dickerson Russell R. , Dong Xiaobo , Lv Feng
Published: January 2018

Abstract. Vertical distributions of aerosol optical properties derived from measurements made during 11 aircraft flights over the North China Plain (NCP) in May–June 2016 during the Air Chemistry Research In Asia (ARIAs) were analyzed. Aerosol optical data from in situ aircraft measurements shows good correlation with ground-based measurements. The regional variability of aerosol optical profiles such as aerosol scattering and backscattering, absorption, extinction, single scattering albedo (SSA), and the Ångström exponent (α) are for the first time thoroughly characterized over the NCP. The SSA at 550 nm showed a regional mean value of 0.85 ± 0.02 with moderate to strong absorption and the α ranged from 0.49 to 2.53 (median 1.53) indicating both mineral dust and accumulation mode aerosols. Most of the aerosol particles were located in the lowest 2 km of the atmosphere. We describe three typical planetary boundary layer (PBL) scenarios and associated transport pathways as well as the correlation between aerosol scattering coefficients and relative humidity (RH). Aerosol scattering coefficients decreased slowly with height in the clean PBL condition, but decreased sharply above the PBL under polluted conditions, which showed a strong correlation (R2 ≥ 0.78) with ambient RH. Back-trajectory analysis shows that clean air masses generally originated from the distant north-western part of China while most of the polluted air masses were from the heavily polluted interior and coastal areas near the campaign area.
2010–2015 methane trends over Canada, the United States, and Mexico observed by the GOSAT satellite: contributions from different source sectors
Authors: Sheng Jian-Xiong , Jacob Daniel J. , Turner Alexander J. , Maasakkers Joannes D. , Benmergui Joshua , Bloom Anthony A. , Arndt Claudia , Gautam Ritesh , Zavala-Araiza Daniel , Boesch Hartmut , Parker Robert J.
Published: January 2018

Abstract. We use six years (2010–2015) of methane column observations from the Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite (GOSAT) to examine trends in atmospheric methane concentrations over North America and infer trends in emissions. Local methane enhancements above background are diagnosed in the GOSAT data on a 0.5° × 0.5° grid by estimating the local background as the low (10th–25th) percentiles of the deseasonalized frequency distributions of the data for individual years. Trends in methane enhancements on the 0.5° × 0.5° grid are then aggregated nationally and for individual source sectors, using information from state-of-science bottom-up inventories, to increase statistical power. Our results suggest that US methane emissions increased by 2.1 ± 1.4 % a−1 (mean ± one standard deviation) over the six-year period, with contributions from both oil/gas systems (possibly unconventional oil/gas production) and from livestock in the Midwest (possibly swine manure management). Mexican emissions show a decrease that can be attributed to a decreasing cattle population. Canadian emissions show interannual variability driven by wetlands emissions and correlated with wetland areal extent. The US emission trends inferred from the GOSAT data account for about 20 % of the observed increase in global methane over the 2010–2014 period but may be too small to be detectable with surface observations from the North American Carbon Program (NACP) network.
The efficiency of secondary organic aerosol particles to act as ice nucleating particles at mixed-phase cloud conditions
Authors: Frey Wiebke , Hu Dawei , Dorsey James , Alfarra M. Rami , Pajunoja Aki , Virtanen Annele , Connolly Paul , McFiggans Gordon
Published: January 2018

Abstract. Secondary Organic Aerosol (SOA) particles have been found to be efficient ice nucleating particles under the cold conditions of (tropical) upper tropospheric cirrus clouds. Whether they also are efficient at initiating freezing at slightly warmer conditions as found in mixed phase clouds remains undetermined. Here, we study the ice nucleating ability of photo-chemically produced SOA particles with the combination of the Manchester Aerosol and Ice Cloud Chambers. Three SOA systems were tested resembling biogenic/anthropogenic particles and particles of different phase state. After the aerosol particles were formed, they were transferred into the cloud chamber where subsequent quasi-adiabatic cloud evacuations were performed. Additionally, the ice forming abilities of ammonium sulfate and kaolinite were investigated as a reference to test the experimental setup. Clouds were formed in the temperature range of −20 °C to −28.6 °C. Only the reference experiment using dust particles showed evidence of ice nucleation. No ice particles were observed in any other experiment. Thus, we conclude that SOA particles produced under the conditions of the reported experiments are not efficient ice nucleating particles starting at liquid saturation under mixed-phase cloud conditions.
Quantifying and correcting the effect of vertical penetration assumptions on droplet concentration retrievals from passive satellite instruments
Authors: Grosvenor Daniel P. , Sourdeval Odran , Wood Robert
Published: January 2018

Abstract. Droplet concentration (Nd) retrievals from passive satellite retrievals of cloud optical depth (τ) and effective radius (re) usually assume the model of an idealised cloud in which the liquid water content (LWC) increases linearly between cloud base and cloud top (i.e., at a fixed fraction of the adiabatic LWC) with a constant Nd profile. Generally it is assumed that the retrieved re value is that at the top of the cloud. In reality, barring re retrieval biases due to cloud heterogeneity, etc., the retrieved re is representative of that lower down in the cloud due to the vertical penetration of photons at the shortwave infra-red wavelengths used to retrieve re. This inconsistency will cause an overestimate of Nd (referred to here as the penetration depth bias), which this paper quantifies. Here we estimate penetration depths in terms of optical depth below cloud top (dτ) for a range of idealised modelled adiabatic clouds using bispectral retrievals and plane-parallel radiative transfer. We find a tight relationship between dτ and τ and that a 1-D relationship approximates the modelled data well. Using this relationship we find that dτ values and hence Nd biases are higher for the 2.1 μm channel re retrieval (re2.1) compared to the 3.7 μm one (re3.7). The theoretical bias in the retrieved Nd is likely to be very large for optically thin clouds, nominally approaching infinity for clouds whose τ is close to the penetration depth. The relative Nd bias rapidly reduces as cloud thickness increases, although still remains above 20 % for τ
Continuous Static Gait with Twisting Trunk of a Metamorphic Quadruped Robot
Authors: Zhang Chunsong , Dai Jian S.
Published: January 2018

Abstract. The natural quadrupeds, such as geckos and lizards, often
twist their trunks when moving. Conventional quadruped robots cannot perform
the same motion due to equipping with a trunk which is a rigid body or at
most consists of two blocks connected by passive joints. This paper proposes
a metamorphic quadruped robot with a reconfigurable trunk which can
implement active trunk motions, called MetaRobot I. The robot can imitate
the natural quadrupeds to execute motion of trunk twisting. Benefiting from
the twisting trunk, the stride length of this quadruped is increased
comparing to that of conventional quadruped robots. In this paper a continuous static gait benefited from the twisting trunk
performing the increased stride length is introduced. After that, the
increased stride length relative to the trunk twisting will be analysed
mathematically. Other points impacting the implementation of the increased
stride length in the gait are investigated such as the upper limit of the
stride length and the kinematic margin. The increased stride length in the
gait will lead the increase of locomotion speed comparing with conventional
quadruped robots, giving the extent that natural quadrupeds twisting their
trunks when moving. The simulation and an experiment on the prototype are
then carried out to illustrate the benefits on the stride length and
locomotion speed brought by the twisting trunk to the quadruped robot.
Characteristics and fate of isolated permafrost patches in coastal Labrador, Canada
Authors: Way Robert G. , Lewkowicz Antoni G. , Zhang Yu
Published: January 2018

Abstract. Bodies of peatland permafrost were examined at five sites along a 300 km transect spanning the isolated patches permafrost zone in the coastal barrens of southeastern Labrador. Mean annual air temperatures ranged from +1 °C in the south (latitude 51.4° N) to −1.1 °C in the north (53.7° N) while mean ground temperatures at the top of permafrost varied respectively from −0.7 °C to −2.3 °C with shallow active layers (40–60 cm) throughout. Small surface offsets due to wind scouring of snow from the crests of palsas and peat plateaux, and large thermal offsets due to thick peat are critical to permafrost, which is therefore absent in wetland, forested and forest-tundra areas inland, notwithstanding average air temperatures much lower than near the coast. Most permafrost peatland bodies are less than 5 m thick with a maximum of 10 m with steep geothermal gradients. One-dimensional thermal modelling for two sites showed that they are in equilibrium with the current climate, but the permafrost mounds are generally relict and could not form today without the low snow depths that result from a heaved peat surface. Despite the warm permafrost, model predictions using downscaled global warming scenarios (RCP2.6, 4.5 and 8.5) indicate that perennially frozen ground will thaw from the base up and may persist at the southern site until the middle of the 21st Century. At the northern site, permafrost is more resilient, persisting to the 2060s under RCP8.5, the 2090s under RCP4.5, or beyond the 21st century under RCP2.6. Despite evidence of peatland permafrost degradation in the study region, the local-scale modelling suggests that the southern boundary of permafrost may not move as quickly as had previously been thought.
ANÁLISE DO CUSTO OPERACIONAL DA PRODUÇÃO DE ÁCIDO LÁCTICO E DE LACTOBACILLUS PLANTARUM CCT 0580 UTILIZANDO MELAÇO DE CANA-DE-AÇÚCAR
Authors: Vargas André Luiz Vasconcellos , Lepsch Letícia Hotz , Peres Afonso Aurélio de Carvalho , Branco Ricardo de Freitas
Published: January 2018

Neste trabalho, estudaram-se as produções de ácido láctico e de biomassa deLactobacillus plantarum CCT 0580 utilizando diferentes fontes de carbono:glicose (GLIC), melaço de cana-de-açúcar (MEL) e meio Man, Rogosa eSharpe (MRS), como controle. Com base nos resultados dos processosfermentativos, foram realizadas análises de custos de produção, utilizando atécnica de orçamentação parcial (OP), para comparar os custos operacionaisefetivos encontrados na produção, em escala laboratorial. Os resultadosmostraram a máxima concentração de ácido láctico em 72 h: MRS 12,60 ±0,42 g.L-1, MEL 6,50 ± 0,21 g.L-1 e GLIC 0,90 ± 0,00 g.L-1. Para as concentraçõesde biomassa úmida de L. plantarum CCT 0580, os resultados máximos foram:MRS 16,90 ± 3,54 g.L-1 (48 h), MEL 7,59 ± 0,66 g.L-1 (72 h) e GLIC 3,00 ± 0,85g.L-1 (24 h). Os resultados econômicos encontrados na orçamentação parcialmostraram ser vantajosas as substituições de glicose e MRS por melaço paraa produção de ácido láctico e de biomassa, independentemente do tempode fermentação.
ANT FAUNA ASSOCIATED WITH AREAS UNDER THE DIRECT IMPACT OF SMALL HYDROPOWER PLANTS IN THE STATE OF PARANÁ, BRAZIL
Authors: Lutinski Junir Antônio , Ilha Cristiano , Lutinski Cladis Juliana , Baucke Leandro , Filtro Milton de , Busato Maria Assunta , Garcia Flávio Roberto Mello
Published: January 2018

Ants can be important tools to assess the conditions of a given environment,as well as to monitor restoration of degraded areas. This study evaluated therichness and abundance of ant assemblages associated with areas directlyimpacted by the construction of small hydropower plants in the State ofParaná. To survey the ant fauna, samples were collected in September 2014and January 2015 using pitfall and malaise traps. The association of the antfauna composition with fragments and seasonality was analyzed by detrendedcorrespondence. Fifty-eight species of ants were registered. The subfamilyMyrmicine and the genus Camponotus were the most abundant (S= 25, S = 10, respectively). The removal of vegetation and formation of lakes inthe directly affected area cause impacts that can be monitored based on theresults of this study.
RECUPERAÇÃO DA COBERTURA VEGETAL E DA ATIVIDADE FOTOSSINTÉTICA EM JAZIDAS REVEGETADAS NO DISTRITO FEDERAL
Authors: Corrêa Rodrigo Studart , Balduíno Alexander Paulo do Carmo , Teza Cláusio Tavares Viana , Baptista Gustavo Macedo de Mello , Silva Douglas José da
Published: January 2018

A recuperação da cobertura vegetal e da capacidade de produção debiomassa são etapas essenciais para a reabilitação de ecossistemas. Por essemotivo, este trabalho avaliou, com o uso de sensoriamento remoto, opadrão temporal de desenvolvimento da cobertura vegetal e da atividadefotossintética em jazidas de cascalho revegetadas por meio de cincodiferentes tratamentos comumente usados no Distrito Federal: regeneraçãonatural, plantio de árvores, plantio de árvores conjugadas a ervas, reposiçãoda camada superficial do solo conjugada ao plantio de árvores e incorporaçãode lodo de esgoto aos horizontes de solos expostos pela mineração.Os resultados indicaram que uma jazida minerada deixada à regeneraçãonatural demandaria um tempo secular para obter uma cobertura vegetalsatisfatória. O plantio exclusivo de árvores nativas do Cerrado demandou15 anos para prover 80% de cobertura vegetal à área estudada. A reposiçãoda camada superficial do solo sobre a superfície minerada ou a incorporaçãode lodo de esgoto aos horizontes de solos expostos pela mineração conciliouos menores tempos de desenvolvimento da cobertura vegetal (2,5 a 5,0 anos)e os maiores percentuais de superfície revegetada (80 a 95%). Todavia, oscinco tratamentos estudados limitaram a atividade fotossintética a 60–80%dos valores medidos em áreas nativas de Cerrado.
ÍNDICES DE PRECIPITAÇÃO EXTREMA PARA OS PERÍODOS ATUAL (1961-1990) E FUTURO (2011-2100) NA BACIA DO RIO TAQUARI-ANTAS, RS
Authors: Bork Carina Krüger , Castro Andréa Souza , Leandro Diuliana , Corrêa Luciara Bilhalva , Siqueira Tirzah Moreira
Published: January 2018

A região da Bacia do Rio Taquari-Antas eventualmente sofre com extremosclimáticos como estiagens e precipitações extremas. Este trabalho objetivoucomparar índices de precipitação extrema entre o período atual (1961-1990)e os futuros (2011-2040, 2041-2070 e 2071-2100) por meio de projeçõesde precipitação anual para três pontos na bacia, obtidas de modelos decirculação global (MCGs) e regional (MCR), referentes ao cenário climáticoA1B do Quarto Relatório de Avaliação do Painel Intergovernamental sobreMudanças Climáticas (IPCC). Para cada ponto foram consideradas dezprojeções climáticas diferentes geradas pelos modelos. Tendências maisexpressivas nos índices analisados foram identificadas nos MCRs. Segundo osíndices obtidos, a região poderá ser afetada com o aumento de eventosextremos de precipitação, principalmente pelo acréscimo de precipitaçãototal anual, que pode ser verificado pelo aumento de dias no índice R30mme pela maior concentração nos índices R95p e R99p. Tais alterações podeminfluenciar os setores econômico, ambiental e social da região.
Impact of a Practical Flowcharts Approach on Educating the Control Risk Assessment
Authors: Wahdan Mohamed A.
Published: January 2018

The assessment of a control risk is a difficult task which has to be learned over the years. Experience is a good teacher in this respect. So, education guided by experience may be expected to be fruitful. The purpose of this paper is to develop practical flowcharts (PFs) to assist in educating the novices the assessment of control risk and to present the results of validation of PFs approach in classroom. The main research questions examined in the paper are: (1) how can the PFs be developed to help students and novice auditors assess the control risk? And (2) to what extent is using PFs effective as a tool to improve the education of assessing the control risk? To answer these questions, adequate field work and experiment were performed. The knowledge is acquired (a) from the literature and (b) from experienced auditors. The findings of the paper indicated that the conceptual model of PFs is successfully designed consisting of eleven submodels and ten PFs. Moreover, using a PFs approach is an effective tool to improve the education of assessing the control risk, i.e., the learning performance of students significantly improved via the PFs assignment. From the results of the validation, it may be concluded that the conceptual model of PFs provides a vital contribution to the auditing literature and the application of it constitutes a new education method of auditing.
Exploring Factors Influencing the Success of Crowdfunding Campaigns of Startups in Vietnam
Authors: Thanh Tu Tran Thi , Anh Dinh Phuong , Ha Thu Tang Thi
Published: January 2018

Over the past years, crowdfunding has been known as an effective funding channel for startups, especially in developed countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom and Germany. Nowadays, along with the rise of startups in Vietnam, will crowdfunding be a fruitful funding channel? What are the success determinants for a crowdfunding campaign of startups in Vietnam? With the data from five most well-known crowdfunding platforms (CFP) in Vietnam, we explore the factors which are significant for the success of crowdfunding campaigns of startups. Besides, this article also shed lights on the prospects and challenges ofcrowdfunding in Vietnam and proposes some recommendations for parties participating in the crowdfundingsystem.
Generation of a Historical Weapon Ge and Its Impacts on Huaxia Culture
Authors: Lu Zhuo
Published: January 2018

The history of Huaxia (Chinese: , a historical concept representing the Chinese nation and civi-lization) is full of wars. Various weapons were developed that are suitable for ground combat with horse-drawn vehicles. The weapon Ge (Chinese: ) was already used before 221 BC (before the Qin Dynasty, ca. 221–206 BC), and disappeared in around 25 AD (at the end of Western Han Dynasty). In most other regions in the world, this type of weapon has hardly been used. The weapon axe was used in the ancient wars (in the same period) outside Ancient China (also called the Middle King-dom), such as in Mesopotamia (the area of the Tigris–Euphrates river system). However, the weapon axe is different from Ge, although there seem some similarities. This article provides an in-depth study and analysis of the reasons for the historic use of this unique weapon Ge, of its development in Ancient China, and of its influence on (military and civil) culture.
Why Won’t They Exercise More? Development of a Tool to Assess Motivators and Barriers to Exercise in Older Adults
Authors: Moss Lucy , Moss Mark , McInnes Lynn
Published: January 2018

Objectives

The aim was to develop a quantitative tool to measure perceived motivators and barriers to exercise amongst older adults in order to facilitate the development of bespoke interventions.

Methods

Focus groups conducted with participants over the age of 65 informed the initial development of a 56-item Motivators and Barriers Questionnaire (MBQ). This was administered to a second sample of 72 sedentary and active older adults (65 to 90 years).

Results

Principle components analysis resulted in five factors defined as motivators to exercise and six factors representing barriers to exercise. A subsequent confirmatory factor analysis provided support for the model as assessed by RMSEA criteria.

Discussion

These findings suggest that the MBQ may help to identify an individual’s ‘profile’ of motivators and barriers to exercise, and so inform personalized interventions that might successfully increase activity levels in adults over 65 years of age when compared to standardised approaches.
Schikken, of toch maar niet?
Authors: Knigge M.W.
Published: January 2018

Schikken, of toch maar niet? Een onderzoek naar het verschil in werking tussen een rechterlijke uitspraak en een schikking neergelegd in een proces-verbaal

Zowel een rechterlijke uitspraak als een schikking neergelegd in een proces-verbaal levert een executoriale titel op. Voor het overige bestaan echter grote verschillen in werking tussen beide. Een schikking neergelegd in een proces-verbaal is een overeenkomst, zodat de rechtsgevolgen worden bepaald door het overeenkomstenrecht. Meer specifiek is sprake van een vaststellingsovereenkomst. In dit artikel is een aantal knelpunten gesignaleerd dat voortvloeit uit dit verschil in werking en zijn suggesties gedaan om deze knelpunten te ondervangen.
Griffierechten vanuit rechtseconomisch oogpunt
Authors: Vleeschhouwer T.
Published: January 2018

Griffierechten vanuit rechtseconomisch oogpunt

Griffierechten in civiele zaken vormen een bron van debat. Voorstanders wijzen erop dat griffierechten ongefundeerde vorderingen tegengaan. Tegenstanders vrezen ervoor dat de toegang tot de rechter belemmerd wordt. Dit artikel bespreekt de totstandkoming van het Nederlandse griffierechtensysteem en ontwikkelt daarnaast een rechtseconomisch model op basis van gedragseconomische inzichten om te beoordelen of griffierechten inderdaad de toegang tot de rechter beperken. Deze analyse laat zien dat het Nederlandse griffierechtenstelsel degressief is; bij vorderingen met een hogere geldwaarde wordt relatief minder griffierecht geheven. Het rechtseconomische model voorspelt juist dat een progressief stelsel, waarbij de griffierechten laag zijn bij lage vorderingen en relatief steeds hoger worden bij hogere vorderingen, de toegang tot de rechter het minst beperkt. Het verdient dan ook aanbeveling om het stelsel te heroverwegen.
Het sociaal netwerk van een criminele jeugdgroep
Authors: Wolters Gerard , Oosterhuis Matthijs , Dijkstra Jan Kornelis
Published: January 2018

The social network of a criminal youth gang. Size, core and key players

In this study the authors examined a criminal youth gang of 35 persons in the Netherlands, using social network analysis, to answer the following questions. To what extent is it possible by means of police records to estimate the size of the complete social network of this criminal youth gang? To what extent are members of this original group part of the core of the complete network? To what extent have members of the original group a central position in the complete network (key players) and are, as such, responsible for holding the complete network together? Information is derived from police records. Results show that the size of the total network of this criminal youth gang consists of 593 individuals with a core of around hundred persons. Seven persons were identified as key players, among which six persons belonged to the original group. The social network approach in this study provides police and justice important indications for a more tailored approach regarding individuals within criminal networks.
Effects of laser heat treatment of steel following diffusion chromizing
Authors: Bauer I. , Paczkowska M.
Published: January 2018

Purpose: This paper presents the findings of a study of laser heat treatment of C45 steel
following diffusion chromizing. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of laser heating
of steel subjected on the microstructure of its surface layer.
Design/methodology/approach: Diffusion chromizing was conducted at the
temperature of 1050°C for 8 hours in a LABOTHERM LH15/14 laboratory furnace.
A powder mixture of the following composition was used to produce the layer: Cr2O3
with an addition of Al, kaolin and an activator – ammonium chloride NH4Cl. Diffusion
chromizing of C45 steel was followed by laser heat treatment with a dual diode TRUDISK
1000 laser device. The treatment was carried out in four variants with a laser beam of 400
to 900 W. The microstructure of the surface layer was assessed with a scanning electron
microscope Tescan Vega 5135. Hardness tests were carried out by the Vickers method on
crosswise microsections. The chemical composition of the diffusion layer was assessed
by optical emission spectrometry.
Findings: The results revealed the presence of a modified surface layer following laser heat
treatment in each of the variants.
Research limitations/implications: This study focuses on the effect of laser heating
of C45 steel subjected to diffusion chromizing on the microstructure of its top layer.
Presented research are the first step of the investigation of the surface layer of steel
after diffusion chromizing and laser treatment. Next one will be consisted in detailed
investigation of microstructure (phases identification) of the achieved surface layer using
(among other methods) X-ray diffraction.
Practical implications: Laser heat treatment of C45 steel after diffusion chromizing can
be applied to parts of machines and devices used in various branches of industry exposed
to tribological wear and corrosion.
Originality/value: The results of the experiment were affected by the composition of the
powder mixture and process parameters of the diffusion chromizing and the laser treatment.