bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automated Methodology for Dependability Evaluation of Wireless Visual Sensor Networks
Authors: Jesus Thiago C. , Portugal Paulo , Vasques Francisco , Costa Daniel G.
Published: August 2018

Wireless sensor networks have been considered as an effective solution to a wide range of applications due to their prominent characteristics concerning information retrieving and distributed processing. When visual information can be also retrieved by sensor nodes, applications acquire a more comprehensive perception of monitored environments, fostering the creation of wireless visual sensor networks. As such networks are being more often considered for critical monitoring and control applications, usually related to catastrophic situation prevention, security enhancement and crises management, fault tolerance becomes a major expected service for visual sensor networks. A way to address this issue is to evaluate the system dependability through quantitative attributes (e.g., reliability and availability), which require a proper modeling strategy to describe the system behavior. That way, in this paper, we propose a methodology to model and evaluate the dependability of wireless visual sensor networks using Fault Tree Analysis and Markov Chains. The proposed modeling strategy considers hardware, battery, link and coverage failures, besides considering routing protocols on the network communication behavior. The methodology is automated by a framework developed and integrated with the SHARPE (Symbolic Hierarchical Automated Reliability and Performance Evaluator) tool. The achieved results show that this methodology is useful to compare different network implementations and the corresponding dependability, enabling the uncovering of potentially weak points in the network behavior.
TLTD: A Testing Framework for Learning-Based IoT Traffic Detection Systems
Authors: Liu Xiaolei , Zhang Xiaosong , Guizani Nadra , Lu Jiazhong , Zhu Qingxin , Du Xiaojiang
Published: August 2018

With the popularization of IoT (Internet of Things) devices and the continuous development of machine learning algorithms, learning-based IoT malicious traffic detection technologies have gradually matured. However, learning-based IoT traffic detection models are usually very vulnerable to adversarial samples. There is a great need for an automated testing framework to help security analysts to detect errors in learning-based IoT traffic detection systems. At present, most methods for generating adversarial samples require training parameters of known models and are only applicable to image data. To address the challenge, we propose a testing framework for learning-based IoT traffic detection systems, TLTD. By introducing genetic algorithms and some technical improvements, TLTD can generate adversarial samples for IoT traffic detection systems and can perform a black-box test on the systems.
IPO Underpricing After the 2008 Financial Crisis: A Study of the Chinese Stock Markets
Authors: Li Rui , Liu Wei , Liu Yong , Tsai Sang-Bing
Published: August 2018

A firm’s capability of raising funding is closely related to its sustainable development. With a more efficient allocation of funding among the whole society, social resources will be better utilized. Initial Public Offering (IPO) can indeed be an effective means of raising capital for corporate ventures. Using 1069 firms which completed IPOs on Chinese stock exchanges between 1st January 2004 and 1st January 2013, we investigate the difference in IPO underpricing before and after the 2008 financial crisis. Based on OLS regression models, we find that the IPOs are less underpriced in the post-crisis period. We examine the moderating effects of firm size on the difference in IPO underpricing between pre- and post-crisis periods, finding that small firms experienced less IPO underpricing than large firms after the financial crisis. After applying different model specifications such as Robust and OProbit regressions, the results remain consistent. Our study contributes to understanding the dynamics and influences of the financial crisis on firms’ IPO cost from the perspective of information asymmetry.
Energy Conservation Potential Assessment Method for Table Grapes Supply Chain
Authors: Xiao Xinqing , Zhang Xu , Fu Zetian , Mu Weisong , Zhang Xiaoshuan
Published: August 2018

Energy consumption is one of the most crucial issues in the table grapes supply chain. However, the potential for energy conservation assessment is still limited because of the complexity of the process. The aim of this paper is to propose an energy conservation potential assessment method in order to increase energy consumption transparency and help managers take appropriate energy conservation measures to reduce the energy consumption in the table grapes supply chain. The conservation potential assessment in three kinds of the supply chain modes (the normal chain, the cold insulation chain and the cold chain), were realized by integrating the actual energy consumption investigated with the unified energy consumption per unit energy factor that represents the energy consumption throughout the entire product lifecycle. According to the comprehensive analysis of the energy consumption compared with the energy conservation potential in actual supply chain of table grapes, the proposed energy conservation potential assessment method could provide a unified method for evaluating the energy conservation potential in different supply chain mode of table grapes. The energy conversation potential in cold insulation chain, which was about 0.985, was the highest and that in cold chain, which was about 0.935, was the smallest. However, the cold chain was still the optimal supply chain for the table grapes because of the characteristics of the longest storage shelf life and the lowest quality decay, and the cold chain energy consumption would be further reduced by adopting the more advanced refrigeration and preservation technologies. The proposed energy conservation potential assessment method could be extended for other supply chain applications to evaluate their own energy conservation potential, and thus, reduce their energy consumption.
Impact of Land Input on Economic Growth at Different Stages of Development in Chinese Cities and Regions
Authors: Jin Wanfu , Zhou Chunshan , Luo Lijia
Published: August 2018

Regional industrial structure and land use patterns differ between the different stages of development, and the impact of land input on economic growth may vary. On the basis of land supply data obtained from http://www.landchina.com/ for 2010–2015, this study used an econometric model to explore the impact of land input on the economic growth of Chinese cities and regions at the different stages of development. Empirical results show that the development of 352 cities and regions in China in 2015 can be divided into five stages; namely, primary production stage (PPS), primary industrialization stage (PIS), middle industrialization stage (MIS), later industrialization stage (LIS), and developed stage (DS). The economic growth of cities and regions at the LIS or DS was significantly dependent on capital and labor input rather than land input. The land input of cities and regions at PPS, PIS, and MIS significantly promoted economic growth. This article enriches the study of regional economic growth and is beneficial to further understanding of the impact of land input on the economic growth of China.
Systemic Semantics: A Systems Approach to Building Ontologies and Concept Maps
Authors: Rousseau David , Billingham Julie , Calvo-Amodio Javier
Published: August 2018

The field of systemology does not yet have a standardised terminology; there are multiple glossaries and diverse perspectives even about the meanings of fundamental terms. This situation undermines researchers’ and practitioners’ ability to communicate clearly both within and outside their own specialist communities. Our perspective is that different vocabularies can in principle be reconciled by seeking more generalised definitions that reduce, in specialised contexts, to the nuanced meaning intended in those contexts. To this end, this paper lays the groundwork for a community effort to develop an ‘Ontology of Systemology’. In particular we argue that the standard methods for ontology development can be enhanced by drawing on systems thinking principles, and show via four examples how these can be applied for both domain-specific and upper ontologies. We then use this insight to derive a systemic and systematic framework for selecting and organising the terminology of systemology. The outcome of this paper is therefore twofold: We show the value in applying a systems perspective to ontology development in any discipline, and we provide a starting outline for an Ontology of Systemology. We suggest that both outcomes could help to make systems concepts more accessible to other lines of inquiry.
Species Composition and Trichothecene Genotype Profiling of Fusarium Field Isolates Recovered from Wheat in Poland
Authors: Bilska Katarzyna , Jurczak Sebastian , Kulik Tomasz , Ropelewska Ewa , Olszewski Jacek , Żelechowski Maciej , Zapotoczny Piotr
Published: August 2018

Fusarium head blight (FHB) of cereals is the major head disease negatively affecting grain production worldwide. In 2016 and 2017, serious outbreaks of FHB occurred in wheat crops in Poland. In this study, we characterized the diversity of Fusaria responsible for these epidemics using TaqMan assays. From a panel of 463 field isolates collected from wheat, four Fusarium species were identified. The predominant species were F. graminearum s.s. (81%) and, to a lesser extent, F. avenaceum (15%). The emergence of the 15ADON genotype was found ranging from 83% to 87% of the total trichothecene genotypes isolated in 2016 and 2017, respectively. Our results indicate two dramatic shifts within fungal field populations in Poland. The first shift is associated with the displacement of F. culmorum by F. graminearum s.s. The second shift resulted from a loss of nivalenol genotypes. We suggest that an emerging prevalence of F. graminearum s.s. may be linked to boosted maize production, which has increased substantially over the last decade in Poland. To detect variation within Tri core clusters, we compared sequence data from randomly selected field isolates with a panel of strains from geographically diverse origins. We found that the newly emerged 15ADON genotypes do not exhibit a specific pattern of polymorphism enabling their clear differentiation from the other European strains.
Revisiting ring-degenerate rearrangements of 1-substituted-4-imino-1,2,3-triazoles
Authors: Fletcher James T , Hanson Matthew D , Christensen Joseph A , Villa Eric M
Published: August 2018

The 1-substituted-4-imino-1,2,3-triazole motif is an established component of coordination compounds and bioactive molecules, but depending on the substituent identity, it can be inherently unstable due to Dimroth rearrangements. This study examined parameters governing the ring-degenerate rearrangement reactions of 1-substituted-4-imino-1,2,3-triazoles, expanding on trends first observed by L’abbé et al. The efficiency of condensation between 4-formyltriazole and amine reactants as well as the propensity of imine products towards rearrangement was each strongly influenced by the substituent identity. It was observed that unsymmetrical condensation reactions conducted at 70 °C produced up to four imine products via a dynamic equilibrium of condensation, rearrangement and hydrolysis steps. Kinetic studies utilizing 1-(4-nitrophenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazole-4-carbaldehyde with varying amines showed rearrangement rates sensitive to both steric and electronic factors. Such measurements were facilitated by a high throughput colorimetric assay to directly monitor the generation of a 4-nitroaniline byproduct.
THE INFLATED VALUATION PROBLEM IN VALENCIA, SPAIN, AND IMPLICATIONS FOR FIRM SIZE
Authors: Guadalajara Natividad , López Miguel A.
Published: August 2018

Home purchase-sale prices have been widely modeled by several authors. Nonetheless, other values exist, such as home mortgage appraisal values, used by financial institutions, which have played a key role in the recent financial crisis. This article attempts to model the appraisal price of one m2 of residential properties obtained by 31 appraisal companies in Valencia (Spain). Mortgage appraisal values of 17 007 residential properties were used for this purpose. Spatial autocorrelation was detected in both the data and residuals of the ordinary regression model, which justified using spatial regression models. Of the four employed models, the error model offered the best results. Significant differences were found among appraisal companies, which varied as much as 83% for some. Generally speaking, small appraisal companies obtained higher over-valuation percentages, which confirms their situation of weakness. The fact that over-valuations exist in mortgage securities is a high risk for a stable financial system.
Pharmacological screening of substances with cardioprotective effect in the group of 3-oxypyridine derivatives
Authors: Danilenko Lyudmila M. , Skachilova Sophiya Ya. , Nadezhdin Sergey V. , Timokhina Alena S. , Shcheblykina Olesya V. , Kotelnikova Alla S.
Published: August 2018

Introduction: The search for new compounds with antihypoxic and cardioprotective effects among 3-oxypyridine derivatives is promising.

Research objectives: To study the anti-hypoxic and cardioprotective effects of 3-oxypyridine derivatives.

Materials and methods: The search for compounds with an antihypoxic effect was carried out on blood leukocytes of rats in in vitro. To simulate hypoxia, Oil for Tissue Culture (SAGE) was used, 500 µl of which was applied into wells over a growth medium in order to block gas exchange. The cardioprotective effect of 3-oxypyridine derivatives was studied in the model of coronary-occlusive myocardial infarction (30 minutes of ischemia, 90 minutes of reperfusion). The level of troponin I (Tn I) was determined as a biochemical marker of myocardial damage.

Results and discussion: In the in vitro experiments, when culting white blood cells, the lead compound in the group of 3-oxypyridine derivatives was identified under code LKhT 21–16, which increases the number of viable cells in the presence of hypoxia, surpassing the reference drugs. When confirming the chemical structure of the lead compound, LHT 21–16, a high sensitivity of the NMR spectroscopy method was revealed.

In studying the cardioprotective activity in the model of coronary-occlusive myocardial infarction compound LHT 21–16 exerted a marked cardioprotective effect when reducing the size of the necrotic zone and the level of biochemical marker Tn I.

Conclusions: 3-oxypiridine derivatives have antihypoxic and cardioprotective effects, which shows in a high number of surviving cells in the presence of hypoxia in the in vitro model, a reduced size of the necrotic zone and a reduced level of Tn I in the coronary-occlusive myocardial infarction.
A new species of the genus Euxaldar Fennah, 1978 from China (Hemiptera, Fulgoroidea, Issidae)
Authors: Zhang Zheng-Guang , Chang Zhi-Min , Chen Xiang-Sheng
Published: August 2018

A new species Euxaldarguangxiensissp. n. is described and illustrated from southeastern China. The generic characteristics are redefined. A checklist and key to the species of the genus Euxaldar are provided.
WATER PERMEABILITY OF EXTERIOR WOOD COATINGS: WATERBORNE ACRYLATE DISPERSIONS FOR WINDOWS
Authors: Hýsek Štěpán , Fidan Hakan , Pánek Miloš , Böhm Martin , Trgala Kamil
Published: August 2018

Permeability of coatings for water and water vapor is an important factor in their wood protective function. In this study, the permeability of coatings in terms of liquid water and water vapor absorption and desorption was measured based on different parts of the standard EN 927. This study evaluated the permeability of commercial coating systems and ascertained effects of coating layering on the coating permeability. For this measurement, six different waterborne acrylate dispersions were used as paint on spruce test samples. The results clearly revealed that liquid water and water vapor uptake were affected by coating film thickness, number of coats, and coating composition (producer). It was ascertained that the type of coating pigmentation affected water absorption of coatings and that with a constant coating film thickness, the number of coats affected water vapor absorption and desorption, but not water absorption. Furthermore, it was observed that the number of coats affected the correlation between the coating film thickness and water vapor absorption and desorption. The values for water vapor absorption were much higher than for liquid water absorption and, unlike the water vapor absorption rate, the water vapor desorption rate was approximately 50% lower.
THE MECHANICAL PERFORMANCE OF TRADITIONAL ADOBE MASONRY COMPONENTS: AN EXPERIMENTAL-ANALYTICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF SOIL BRICKS AND MUD MORTAR
Authors: Piani Tiziano Li , Krabbenborg Dennis , Weerheijm Jaap , Koene Lambertus , Sluijs Lambertus J.
Published: August 2018

Adobe is an ancient building technology made of sun dried bricks joined together by mud mortar. This paper deals with the physical and mechanical characterization of three different typologies of adobe bricks and one typology of mud mortar produced in Europe. They differed in terms of internal soil element proportions and amount of organic content. Physical tests consisted of granulometry, moisture content and density tests. The mechanical characterization consisted of uniaxial compressive tests and three point bending tests. Tests were performed according to modern material standards. The main mechanical properties both in tension and compression were determined at different curing conditions. The outcome provided in this study offers a general overview on the assessment of the mechanical performance of adobe in relation to the properties and interactions of its soil constituents. In fact, the comparison between components with the same soil mineralogical family and production process made it possible to assess both at a qualitative and quantitative level the effect of the physical properties of the mixture (such as fiber and clay percentages or moisture content) on the mechanical parameters of the resulting bricks and mortar. This paper proposes new predictive formulations of the most relevant material parameters in strength and deformation, such as compressive strength, deformation at peak stress and ultimate displacement for both adobe bricks and mortar. They quantify the influence that water content, clay percentage and fiber reinforcement produce on the mechanical performance of the tested adobe components. This was made possible by means of multivariate statistical analyses on the mechanical parameters derived from all the tested samples.
COLLABORATIVE STRATEGIES FOR SEA LEVEL RISE ADAPTATION IN HAMPTON ROADS, VIRGINIA
Authors: Considine Carol , Steinhilber Emily
Published: August 2018

INTRODUCTION

The Hampton Roads region is located in southeastern Virginia where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. The region includes seventeen municipal governments and has a large federal government presence with 26 federal agencies represented (See Figure 1). The region has a population that exceeds 1.7 million and is home to the deepest water harbor on the U.S. East Coast. Hampton Roads' economy is dependent on the local waterways and houses the world's largest naval facility, the sixth largest containerized cargo complex and supports a thriving shipbuilding and repair industry as well as a tourism industry. However, the region's vast coastline also contributes to its vulnerability from climate change.

Hampton Roads is experiencing sea level rise at twice the global rate with regional projections in the January 2017 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) report, Global and Regional Sea Level Rise Scenarios for the United States, of 1.9 feet of sea level rise at the low end and 11.5 feet of sea level rise under the most extreme case between 2000 and 2100 (NOAA, 2017). Planning for adaptation to sea level rise requires regional partnerships and strategies, especially for watersheds that cross municipal boundaries.

While many of the municipalities in the region are forward thinking in their approaches to sea level rise, there is not a regional plan for adaptation and current federal funding models do not support analysis of and planning for sea level rise impacts on a regional scale. For coastal communities to be successful in sea level rise adaptation, there has to be a national understanding that water knows no borders and only collaborative problem-solving approaches that cross municipal boundaries will move regions toward adaptation. Functional boundaries of ecosystems or watersheds need to be the focus of adaptation rather than political boundaries of local, state, and federal entities. Coordination and collaboration between entities is the only way to achieve optimal outcomes.
Implications of Spatially Variable Costs and Habitat Conversion Risk in Landscape-Scale Conservation Planning
Authors: van der Burg Max Post , Chartier Neil , Drum Ryan
Published: August 2018

“Strategic habitat conservation” refers to a process used by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to develop cost-efficient strategies for conserving wildlife populations and their habitats. Strategic habitat conservation focuses on resolving uncertainties surrounding habitat conservation to meet specific wildlife population objectives (i.e., targets) and developing tools to guide where conservation actions should be focused on the landscape. Although there are examples of using optimization models to highlight where conservation should be delivered, such methods often do not explicitly account for spatial variation in the costs of conservation actions. Furthermore, many planning approaches assume that habitat protection is a preferred option, but they do not assess its value relative to other actions, such as restoration. We developed a case study to assess the implications of accounting for and ignoring spatial variation in conservation costs in optimizing conservation targets. We included assumptions about habitat loss to determine the extent to which protection or restoration would be necessary to meet an established population target. Our case study focused on optimal placement of grassland protection or restoration actions to influence bobolink Dolichonyx oryzivorus populations in the tallgrass prairie ecoregion of the north central United States. Our results show that not accounting for spatially variable costs doubled or tripled the cost of meeting the population target. Furthermore, our results suggest that one should not assume that protecting existing habitat is always a preferred option. Rather, our results show that the balance between protection and restoration can be influenced by a combination of desired targets, assumptions about habitat loss, and the relative cost of the two actions. Our analysis also points out how difficult it may be to reach targets, given the expense to meet them. We suggest that a full accounting of expected costs and benefits will help to guide development of viable management actions and meaningful conservation plans.
Integrating African Pentecostalism into the theological education of South African Universities: An urgent task
Authors: Kgatle Mookgo S.
Published: August 2018

African Pentecostalism continues to be a growing part of Christianity both in Africa and the rest of the world. Pentecostal churches in Africa are on the rise at a very high rate. However, theological education in South African universities does not reflect this reality, but continues to be of a western orientation. Therefore, there is an urgent need and demand for a theological education that will be relevant to Africa. It is an urgent need for African Pentecostalism to be integrated into the theological education of South African universities. This can be achieved by integrating African Pentecostalism into the curriculum, by decolonising Pentecostal research and by the emergence of critical African scholars that can address cutting-edge issues in a South African context. Thus, theological education in South African universities shall be a contextual and relevant one.
‘This generation’ in Matthew 24:34 as a timeless, spiritual generation akin to Genesis 3:15
Authors: Du Toit Philip La Grange
Published: August 2018

In this article, the phrase ‘this generation’ [ἡ γενεὰ αὕτη] in Matthew 24:34 is read in terms of the larger category to which it is argued to belong, namely the two respective timeless, spiritual generations akin to Genesis 3:15: the one that bears the right fruit and belongs to God’s kingdom and the other one that bears the wrong fruit and belongs to the kingdom of the devil (the serpent). Such a connotation is especially traced in the three occurrences of the expression γεννήματα ἐχιδνῶν [offspring or generation of vipers] in the gospel (Mt 3:7; 12:34; 23:33) and other generational language within the gospel that differentiates these two generations. The same connotations are argued to lie behind the generational language in the other gospels too. Such an understanding of ‘this generation’ would solve the eschatological problems that are often attached to prevalent interpretations thereof and would alleviate much of the charges of anti-Judaism levelled against the gospels.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: The two main areas where this research challenges traditional discourses are (1) on the traditional interpretation that Jesus would envision his contemporary generation to witness his second coming and (2) that generational language in Matthew would be confined to a group of people being time-bound or being defined by racial and/or ethnic affiliation. On an interdisciplinary level, this has implications for (1) the perception of eschatology in Systematic Theology or Biblical Theology, especially in terms of the way in which a distinction is often drawn between Paul and Jesus’ eschatology and (2) the perception of ethnicity or race in the New Testament, which has to do with identity formation and overlaps with both Systematic Theology and Sociology. In other words, Jesus would critique prevalent perceptions of identity by critiquing them on a spiritual level.
Awareness and use of massive open online courses among academic librarians in Ogun state, Nigeria
Authors: Soyemi Opeyemi D. , Babalola Yemisi T.
Published: August 2018

The dynamism of the current digital era requires academic librarians to be lifelong learners who can take advantage of available opportunities to improve their professional competence continuously. Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) are online learning platforms that provide training to learners at little or no costs. While it is documented that a lot of Africans participate in MOOCs, it is not certain whether academic librarians in Nigeria are aware of and take full advantage of MOOCs. The study surveyed awareness and use of MOOCs among academic librarians in Nigeria. A questionnaire was used for data collection. This was administered to 83 librarians from five randomly selected university libraries in Ogun state, Nigeria. Data were subjected to descriptive analysis. The findings revealed that more than half (61.4%) of the respondents were aware of MOOCs whereas, only (42.9%) enrolled for MOOCs. MIT Open Courseware (40%) was the most popular MOOC website among the librarians. Many (53.3%) of those that enrolled expressed inactive participation. Lack of time (50%) was a major barrier to MOOC participation among librarians. The paper recommended that university as well as library management need to formulate strategies and programs that will promote active participation in MOOC among librarians.Keywords: MOOCs, Academic Librarian, Awareness, Use
Effects of social media use on the reading habits of selected high school students in Nigeria
Authors: Akande Samson Oyeniyi , Oyedapo Racheal Oyeranti
Published: August 2018

The study investigates the effect of social media use on the reading habits of high school students: a case study of Obafemi Awolowo University International School, Ile-Ife, Osun State and International School, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria. Descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. Out of a total of 200 copies of questionnaire administered, 196 copies were duly filled, representing 98% response ratio, while the drop ratio was 2%. The findings of the study revealed that 113 (57.7%) of the respondents were male while 83 (42.9%) of the respondents were female counterparts. Majority of the respondents (99%) were between ages 13 to 20 and only 1% of the respondents is above 20 years of age. Furthermore, majority of the respondents, 154 (78.6%) were Day students, while 42 (21.4%) were Boarders. The study found that high school students spent more time on the use of social media especially with the affordability of smart phones, thereby causing an uncultured lifestyle of reading. The study concluded that, indisputably, it is obvious that the use of social media has constituted a great havoc on the reading culture of high school students. Thus, stakeholders such as the school teachers, parents, educationist and policymakers should ensure they sensitize students on the profitability of reading and also organise seminars and symposia on how to use the social media to promote and enhance good reading habits.Keywords: Effect, Use, Social Media, Reading Habits, High School Students
Planning a collection development policy for effective e-resources’ acquisition in federal universities in South-South Zone, Nigeria
Authors: Ndor Monday B. , Okpokwasili Nonyelum P.
Published: August 2018

The study investigated planning as a factor for effective acquisition of electronic resources in the federal universities in South-South Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was used for the study. A sample size of 614 comprising the 69 Professionals and 85 Para-professional Librarians, 10 IT personnel / System analyst and 450 Post graduate students registered 2014/ 2015 session in the three federal universities in South-South Nigeria was used. A questionnaire of 9 items was used for data collection. Out of total number 614 copies of questionnaire distributed, 578 copies were returned and analyzed using frequency, tables, percentages and mean rating. Findings revealed from the study that e-resource are preferred by users to print, acquisition librarians are involved in planning for acquisition and management of e-resources, staff training and retraining is required to update knowledge and information on e-resources. Libraries should not depend on government alone for funds of e-resources. Based on the findings, recommendations were made. Implications for the study were enumerated and suggestions for further research made.Keywords: Planning, Collection development policy, E-resources, University libraries, South-South zone
Publication pattern of Library and Information Science Digest journal: 2007 – 2016: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Anyaoku Ebele N. , Okonkwo Ifeyinwa N.
Published: August 2018

This study is a bibliometric analysis of Library and Information Science Digest. This is the official journal of Nigerian Library Association, Anambra State Chapter. The journal was launch in 2007 as an annual publication of the Association. The bibliometric analysis covered ten year period from 2007 to 2016. A total of 9 volumes of the journal containing 82 articles were analyzed. Findings showed that half (50%) of the articles published were research articles reporting on original research while the other half (50%) were reviews and feature articles. Majority (76.5%) of the authors was affiliated to universities and highest percentage (35.7%) was from institutions situated in Anambra State which is the place of publication of the journal. Other contributors were from seventeen states of Nigeria. Results of the bibliometric analysis also showed that journals, books and web pages were the highest cited sources in the published articles. Information and Communication Technology / Internet use and school library services were the two major themes of the articles for the period reviewed. Based on the findings, it was recommended that the frequency of publication of the journal be increased and there should be innovative marketing of the journal to create awareness and attract more diverse authors.Keywords: Bibliometric Analysis, Journal Bibliometrics, Library and Information Science Digest, Nigerian Library Association, Citations
Exploring the roles of libraries in using digital platforms to achieve quality education for sustainable development in Nigeria
Authors: Nworie Josiah C. , Obinyan Oziegbe M. , Nworie Happiness O. , Irunegbo Godwin C.
Published: August 2018

This paper explores the roles of Libraries in achieving Quality Education using digital platforms for Sustainable Development in Nigeria. It is of the view that Librarians have a strong commitment to make towards the realization of the global initiative of Sustainable Development Goals 2030 especially in this digital era. The context of SDGs, Quality Education, roles of libraries towards quality education, and various ways libraries in Nigeria can achieve quality education towards Sustainable Development using various digital platforms in the library were critically outlined. This paper agrees that information providers and managers, as part of their responsibility should ensure that Nigeria achieved the SDGs by 2030 through the provision of Qualitative Education using various digital platforms in the library. This study therefore recommends that libraries in Nigeria should be adequately supported by the parent institutions by providing and making accessible needed/relevant information resources in various formats for the users; encourage and promote information literacy programmes aimed at creating awareness of library and internet resources for the pupils/ student/ teachers/ librarians; and approve staff trainings towards improvement of skills of librarians and library staff locally, nationally and internationally.Keywords: Library, Librarians, Quality Education, Sustainable Development Goals
Microplots and food security: encouraging replication studies of policy relevant research
Authors: Wood Benjamin Douglas Kuflick , Vasquez Maria
Published: August 2018

Replication research is a valuable, yet often misunderstood, tool for increasing our understanding of promising research findings. In this short paper the authors discuss their principles for conducting replication research, explain how they chose a candidate study for replication, describe their replication analysis robustness checks, and give an overview of their approach to interpreting replication results. They also describe some of their lessons learned after working in replication research for over six years.
Volcanic impact on the climate – the stratospheric aerosol load in the period 2006–2015
Authors: Friberg Johan , Martinsson Bengt G. , Andersson Sandra M. , Sandvik Oscar S.
Published: August 2018

Abstract. We present a study on the stratospheric aerosol load during 2006–2015,
discuss the influence from volcanism and other sources, and reconstruct an
aerosol optical depth (AOD) data set in a resolution of 1∘
latitudinally and 8 days timewise. The purpose is to include the “entire”
stratosphere, from the tropopause to the almost particle-free altitudes of
the midstratosphere. A dynamic tropopause of 1.5 PVU was used, since it enclosed almost all
of the volcanic signals in the CALIOP data set. The data were successfully
cleaned from polar stratospheric clouds using a temperature threshold of
195 K. Furthermore, a method was developed to correct data when the CALIOP
laser beam was strongly attenuated by volcanic aerosol, preventing a negative
bias in the AOD data set. Tropospheric influence, likely from upwelling dust,
was found in the extratropical transition layer in spring. Eruptions of both
extratropical and tropical volcanoes that injected aerosol into the
stratosphere impacted the stratospheric aerosol load for up to a year if
their clouds reached lower than 20 km altitude. Deeper-reaching tropical
injections rose in the tropical pipe and impacted it for several years. Our
AODs mostly compare well to other long-term studies of the stratospheric AOD.
Over the years 2006–2015, volcanic eruptions increased the stratospheric AOD
on average by ∼40 %. In absolute numbers the stratospheric AOD and
radiative forcing amounted to 0.008 and −0.2 W m−2, respectively.
Cements based on kaolinite waste
Authors: García Giménez Rosario , Vigil de la Villa Mencía Raquel , Frías Moises , Martínez Ramírez Sagrario , Vegas Ramiro Iñigo , Fernández Carrasco Lucía
Published: August 2018

Abstract. The cement industry involves high-energy consumption that
generates high CO2 emissions into the atmosphere. Environmental
concerns can be addressed by replacing parts of Portland cement clinkers with
pozzolanic materials in mortars and concrete. Slag, fly ash and silica fume
are materials considered for the planned replacement. Research studies on
clay minerals, such as kaolinite, are being followed with special attention
by the scientific community and the cement industry. It is well known that these
minerals require an activation process to transform kaolinite (K) into
metakaolinite (MK). MK is an amorphous material from the transformation of K
with high pozzolanic activity, which is its capacity to react with the
portlandite released during the hydration of Portland cement, generating
compounds such as C–S–H gels and some aluminum-phase hydrates. One of the MK
production methods is heat treatment controlled by kaolinite at
temperatures in the range of 600–900 ∘C. Different residues have been used (coal mining,
paper sludge and waste from a drinking water treatment plant) activated at
600 ∘C for 2 h to elaborate blended cements. Due to their good
behaviour as future eco-efficient additions, this research is a study by
x-ray fluorescence (XRF), x-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron
microscopy (SEM) of their influence on the performances of blended cement
mixtures (binary and ternary one), with substitutions of pozzolan ratio at
28 days of hydration. The porosity of pozzolanic cements decreases because of the
formation of hydrated phases during pozzolanic reaction.
On the improved stability of the version 7 MIPAS ozone record
Authors: Laeng Alexandra , Eckert Ellen , von Clarmann Thomas , Kiefer Michael , Hubert Daan , Stiller Gabriele , Glatthor Norbert , López-Puertas Manuel , Funke Bernd , Grabowski Udo , Plieninger Johannes , Kellmann Sylvia , Linden Andrea , Lossow Stefan , Babenhauserheide Arne , Froidevaux Lucien , Walker Kaley
Published: August 2018

Abstract. The Michelson Interferometer for Passive Atmospheric Sounding (MIPAS) was an
infrared limb emission spectrometer on the Envisat platform. From 2002 to 2012, it
performed pole-to-pole measurements during day and night, producing more than
1000 profiles per day. The European Space Agency (ESA) recently released the
new version 7 of Level 1B MIPAS spectra, in which a new set of time-dependent
correction coefficients for the nonlinearity in the detector response
functions was implemented. This change is expected to reduce the long-term
drift of the MIPAS Level 2 data. We evaluate the long-term stability of ozone
Level 2 data retrieved from MIPAS v7 Level 1B spectra with the IMK/IAA
scientific level 2 processor. For this, we compare MIPAS data with ozone
measurements from the Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) instrument on NASA's Aura
satellite, ozonesondes and ground-based lidar instruments. The ozonesondes
and lidars alone do not allow us to conclude with enough significance that
the new version is more stable than the previous one, but a clear improvement
in long-term stability is observed in the satellite-data-based drift
analysis. The results of ozonesondes, lidars and satellite drift analysis are
consistent: all indicate that the drifts of the new version are less negative/more positive nearly everywhere above 15 km. The 10-year MIPAS ozone
trends calculated from the old and the new data versions are compared. The
new trends are closer to old drift-corrected trends than the old uncorrected
trends were. From this, we conclude that the nonlinearity correction
performed on Level 1B data is an improvement. These results indicate that
MIPAS data are now even more suited for trend studies, alone or as part of a
merged data record.
Mid-Cretaceous paleoenvironmental changes in the western Tethys
Authors: Bottini Cinzia , Erba Elisabetta
Published: August 2018

Abstract. We present a continuous record of surface water temperature and fertility
variations through the latest Barremian–Cenomanian interval (ca.
27 Myr)
based on calcareous nannofossil abundances from the western Tethys. The
nannofossil temperature index, calibrated with TEX86 sea surface
temperatures, suggests that warmest (34–36 ∘C) conditions were
reached during oceanic anoxic event (OAE) 1a onset, the Aptian–Albian
boundary interval hyperthermals (113, Kilian level and Urbino level OAE 1b)
and during a ca. 4 Myr long phase in the middle Albian. Coolest temperatures
(29 ∘C) correspond instead to the late Aptian. Generally warm
conditions characterized the Albian followed by a progressive cooling trend
that started in the latest Albian (at the Marne a Fucoidi–Scaglia Bianca Formation
transition). Temperate conditions occurred in the Cenomanian with frequent
short-term variations highlighted by abundance peaks of the cold-water
nannofossil species E. floralis and R. parvidentatum.
Mid-Cretaceous surface water fertility was rather fluctuating and mostly
independent from climatic conditions as well as from black shales intervals.
Intense warming and fertility spikes were systematically associated
only with black shales of OAE 1a and of the Aptian–Albian boundary
hyperthermals. The Albian–Cenomanian rhythmic black shales are, in fact,
associated with varying long-term climatic and fertility conditions. The
similarity of western Tethys climatic and fertility fluctuations during OAE 1a,
OAE 1b, the middle Albian and OAE 1d with nannofossil-based records from
other basins indicated that these paleoenvironmental conditions were
affecting the oceans at supra-regional to global scale.
The multi-assumption architecture and testbed (MAAT v1.0): R code for generating ensembles with dynamic model structure and analysis of epistemic uncertainty from multiple sources
Authors: Walker Anthony P. , Ye Ming , Lu Dan , De Kauwe Martin G. , Gu Lianhong , Medlyn Belinda E. , Rogers Alistair , Serbin Shawn P.
Published: August 2018

Abstract. Computer models are ubiquitous tools used to represent systems across many scientific and engineering domains. For any given system, many computer models exist, each built on different assumptions and demonstrating variability in the ways in which these systems can be represented. This variability is known as epistemic uncertainty, i.e. uncertainty in our knowledge of how these systems operate. Two primary sources of epistemic uncertainty are (1) uncertain parameter values and (2) uncertain mathematical representations of the processes that comprise the system. Many formal methods exist to analyse parameter-based epistemic uncertainty, while process-representation-based epistemic uncertainty is often analysed post hoc, incompletely, informally, or is ignored. In this model description paper we present the multi-assumption architecture and testbed (MAAT v1.0) designed to formally and completely analyse process-representation-based epistemic uncertainty. MAAT is a modular modelling code that can simply and efficiently vary model structure (process representation), allowing for the generation and running of large model ensembles that vary in process representation, parameters, parameter values, and environmental conditions during a single execution of the code. MAAT v1.0 approaches epistemic uncertainty through sensitivity analysis, assigning variability in model output to processes (process representation and parameters) or to individual parameters. In this model description paper we describe MAAT and, by using a simple groundwater model example, verify that the sensitivity analysis algorithms have been correctly implemented. The main system model currently coded in MAAT is a unified, leaf-scale enzyme kinetic model of C3 photosynthesis. In the Appendix we describe the photosynthesis model and the unification of multiple representations of photosynthetic processes. The numerical solution to leaf-scale photosynthesis is verified and examples of process variability in temperature response functions are provided. For rapid application to new systems, the MAAT algorithms for efficient variation of model structure and sensitivity analysis are agnostic of the specific system model employed. Therefore MAAT provides a tool for the development of novel or toy models in many domains, i.e. not only photosynthesis, facilitating rapid informal and formal comparison of alternative modelling approaches.
Estimating irrigation water use over the contiguous United States by
combining satellite and reanalysis soil moisture data
Authors: Zaussinger Felix , Dorigo Wouter , Gruber Alexander , Tarpanelli Angelica , Filippucci Paolo , Brocca Luca
Published: August 2018

Abstract. Effective agricultural water management requires accurate and timely information on the availability and use of irrigation water. However, most existing information on irrigation water use (IWU) lacks the objectivity and spatio-temporal representativeness needed for operational water management and meaningful characterisation of land-climate interactions. Although optical remote sensing has been used to map the area affected by irrigation, it does not physically allow for the estimation of the actual amount of irrigation water applied. On the other hand, microwave observations of the moisture content in the top soil layer are directly influenced by agricultural irrigation practices, and thus potentially allow for the quantitative estimation of IWU. In this study, we combine surface soil moisture retrievals from the spaceborne SMAP, AMSR2, and ASCAT microwave sensors with modelled soil moisture from MERRA-2 reanalysis to derive monthly IWU dynamics over the contiguous United States (CONUS) for the period 2013–2016. The methodology is driven by the assumption that the hydrology formulation of the MERRA-2 model does not account for irrigation, while the remotely sensed soil moisture retrievals do contain an irrigation signal. For many CONUS irrigation hot spots, the estimated spatial irrigation patterns show good agreement with a reference data set on irrigated areas. Moreover, in intensively irrigated areas, the temporal dynamics of observed IWU is meaningful with respect to ancillary data on local irrigation practices. State-aggregated mean IWU volumes derived from the combination of SMAP and MERRA-2 soil moisture show a good correlation with statistically reported state-level irrigation water withdrawals but systematically underestimate them. We argue that this discrepancy can be mainly attributed to the coarse spatial resolution of the employed satellite soil moisture retrievals, which fails to resolve local irrigation practices. Consequently, higher resolution soil moisture data are needed to further enhance the accuracy of IWU mapping.