bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Climate Change Mitigation
Authors: Srivastava Nishi
Published: November 2015

Climate change caused due to our careless activities towards our nature, ecosystem, and whole earth system. We are paying and will be paying in future for our irresponsible activities in past and present. Increased concentration of Green House Gases (GHG) has caused severe global warming which will cause melting of glacier and results in sea level rise. To avoid and reduce the intensity and severity of global warming and climate change, its mitigation is essential. In this chapter we have focused on various issues related with climate change and mitigation strategies.
Greenhouse Gas Mitigation through Energy Efficiency
Authors: Osmani Ali Reja
Published: November 2015

Pursuant to the Thirteenth Conference of Parties to the UNFCCC held at Bali in 2007, based on Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Action plan, India has introduced its very own Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) called Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) market mechanism. The country has already achieved remarkable success in the renewable energy front. This chapter studied the existing policy regime of renewable energy and energy efficiency, and tried to understand how far the country practically can achieve the objective enshrined by PAT mechanism. This paper highlighted the background of the market based ETS, where various policies and legislation were put in place to provide energy efficient service and energy efficient system to the large energy intensive sectors of Indian economy. However it is not conducive to come to a conclusion regarding PAT's success or failure unless the First PAT cycle is completed, i.e. 2012-13 to 2014-15 compliance period is over.
A Mixed Methods Examination of Instructor Social Presence in Accelerated Online Courses
Authors: Lowenthal Patrick Ryan
Published: November 2015

Social Presence theory seeks to explain how people present themselves as being “there” and “real” while using a communication medium. Most studies on social presence focus on how students present themselves and/or are perceived as being “there” and “real” in computer-mediated environments. However, to date, very few studies have focused on how instructors establish and maintain their own social presence in online learning environments. The following study explored the phenomenon of instructor social presence in accelerated online courses. The results suggest that the construct of presence is more complicated than previously thought and that future studies should employ multiple methods to further explore the concept of instructor social presence.
Web-Based Technologies for Ensuring Interaction in Online Courses
Authors: Morris Olivia P.
Published: November 2015

This chapter discusses findings from a study of five faculty and 33 students from micro- and macroeconomics sections of online economics courses over the course of a semester. The study investigated faculty choice of web-based technologies for interaction and students' perceptions of such technologies. The objectives of the study were twofold. First, the author investigated faculty choice of web-based technologies for three major types of online interactions (learner–instructor, learner–content, and learner–learner). Second, the author examined student perceptions of technologies and recorded recommendations. Results from two online surveys of faculty and students at 2- and 4-year colleges showed strong agreement with perceptions of Moore, Drouin, Rhode, and Gardner. Faculty and students reported learner–learner interactions as the least important of the three interaction types. Although the discussion board was most effective for all three types of interactions, students from this sample did not prefer more learner–learner discussions.
Building Relationship Through Learning Communities and Participation in Online Learning Environments
Authors: Cardullo Victoria M. , Burton Megan
Published: November 2015

With the increase demand for distance education, institutions of higher education are actively exploring opportunities to weave self, subject and students for web based distance education. The pedagogical skills necessary to create effective active learning opportunities are explored throughout this chapter as well as lessons learned from research. The authors used vignettes to position effective course design and implementation aligned with both Bloom's Taxonomy and the SAMR (Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, Redefinition) model to enhance online learning environments. Learning objectives and course goals provided direction for developing task for social presence, cognitive presence and a collaborative stance in authentic online learning.
Deepening Understanding of Multicultural Online Education
Authors: Kumi-Yeboah Alex , Smith Patriann , Yuan Guangji , Nash Christina
Published: November 2015

In the 21st century, online education provides an alternative instructional medium for teachers and students in United States educational systems and the world at large. Technology transforms how, when, and where students can learn, as well as the trends and use of instructional tools by students and teachers in the teaching-learning process. Online learning has developed during the past two decades to support traditional face-to-face classroom instruction and provides an opportunity for students to “interact with faculty and peers about substantive matters” (National Survey of Student Engagement, 2007, p. 7). The increase in minority students within U.S. schools has created a rise in socio-cultural, personal histories, educational, religious, and language/linguistic differences within the virtual classroom, requiring online instructors who teach in these contexts to be prepared to meet students' diverse needs. Despite the increase in online instruction, many questions remain unanswered with regards to how one group of minorities, particularly, English learners, adjust to instructional processes and teacher presence in an online learning environment. This chapter addresses the role of teacher presence in multicultural and online education, potential challenges of online learning for English learners, and teacher presence in multicultural online education.
Leveraging Human Capital Assets with Cognitive Computing
Authors: Worden Daniel J.
Published: November 2015

Computer science, data proliferation and cognitive studies are interwoven as complementary (even while potentially disruptive) concerns affecting virtually every other domain and discipline. As these concerns cut across fields, their impact takes multi-disciplinary approaches to new levels. This chapter introduces Watson, the cognitive science cloud-based computing service offered by IBM, as it relates to several areas of high abstraction, high information processing activities – the work of experts. Watson's capabilities are shown to be far more complex than keyword search engines, demonstrating that through the use of supervised machine learning, additional value to the organization in the form of a learning cognitive system is created. The quantification of the value of the investment an organization makes in leveraging the expertise of their employees through cognitive systems, software and processes is considered from a financial accounting perspective. A new role in the organization to oversee adoption and ensure delivery of the value promised by the technologies is described – the metacognition analyst.
Using Temporal Versioning and Integrity Constraints for Updating Geographic Databases and Maintaining Their Consistency
Authors: Jaziri Wassim , Sassi Najla , Damak Dhouha
Published: November 2015

The use of geographic data has become a widespread concern, mainly within applications related to spatial planning and spatial decision-making. Therefore, changing environments require databases adaptable to changes that occur over time. Thus, supporting geographic information evolution is essential and extremely important within changing environments. The evolution is expressed in the geographic database by series of update operations that should maintain its consistency. This paper proposes an approach for updating geographic databases, based on update operators and algorithms of constraints integrity checking. Temporal versioning is used to keep the track of changes. Every version presents the state of the geographic database at a given time. Algorithms of constraints integrity checking allow maintaining the database consistency upon its update. To implement our approach and assist users in the evolution process, the GeoVersioning tool is developed and tested on a sample geographic database.
Numerical Simulation of Polysilicon Chemical Vapor Deposition in Siemens Reactor
Authors: Nie Zhi Feng , Xie Gang , Hou Yan Qing , Cui Yan , Yu Zhan Liang , Tian Lin
Published: November 2015

The Siemens CVD reactor should be refined when addressing the low energy consumption requirement for the production of solar grade polysilicon. The object of this paper is to investigate the heat transfer in Siemens reactor, which will provide the theoretical guidance for saving energy of polysilicon scale production. Based on Discrete Ordinates (DO) radiation model, an analysis is presented which studies the radiation exchange between the hot polysilicon rods and the cold reactor wall of four typical reactor configurations, especially the variation of the average power emitted per rod under various conditions of different rod diameter and wall emissivity. The results show that the energy consumption can be reduced by decreasing the emissivity of the reactor wall and enlarging the reactor capacity.
Substrate Temperature and La0.9Sr0.1Ga0.8Mg0.2O3-δ Electrolyte Film Growth by Radio Frequency Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Yu Jie , Xing Jie , Chen Xiu Hua , Ma Wen Hui , Li Rui , Yang Jian Jun
Published: November 2015

La0.9Sr0.1Ga0.8Mg0.2O3-δ (LSGM) electrolyte thin films were fabricated on La0.7Sr0.3Cr0.5Mn0.5O2.75 (LSCM) porous anode substrates by Radio Frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering method. The compatibility between LSGM and LSCM was examined. Microstructures of LSGM thin films fabricated were observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The effect of substrate temperature on LSGM thin films was clarified by X-ray Diffraction (XRD). Deposition rate increases firstly at the range of 50°C~150°C, and then decreases at the range of 150°C ~300°C. After annealing, perovskite structure with the same growth orientation forms at different substrate temperature. Crystallite size decreases at first, to the minimum point at 150°C, then increases as substrate temperature rises.
Effects of the Complex Strengthening Process on Microstructureand Properties of Low Carbon Steel
Authors: Wang Jian Gang , Hu Jian Wen , Mao Lei , Dai Yong Juan , Ju Dong Ying
Published: November 2015

A numerical simulation method is used to predict the depth distribution of martensite and hardness in the case layer of carburizing (carbonitriding)-quenched 20CrMnTi steel. Microstructure and mechanical properties of 20CrMnTi steel after carbonitriding and subsequent induction hardening is investigated. The results show that the microstructure after nitriding and subsequent induction hardening is main tempered martensite and nitrides; after carbonitriding and subsequent induction hardening is main martensite and a small amount nitrides. The simulation results were a little different from experimental results. According to the results, the factors of reducing the accuracy of the numerical simulation method have been discussed.
Study on the Necessity for Deironing from Al-Si Alloys Prepared by CFA via Hydrometallurgy Pretreatment
Authors: Liu Zi Liang , Xie Ke Qiang , Ma Wen Hui , Zhou Yang , Wang Yi
Published: November 2015

Coal fly ash (CFA), as a major solid waste of coal-fired power plants in China, is widely applied in building materials, pavement, and soil improvement. However, its potential value hasn’t been fully utilized yet. In recent years, CFA has received attractive attention as a potential raw material to prepare Al-Si alloy because of the main components of SiO2, Al2O3 and a small amount of iron in it. The presence of iron in CFA will benefit the process of carbothermic reduction which can be carried out at lower temperature for preparing Al-Si alloys. On the other hand, the content of iron in the Al-Si alloys products need to be controlled strictly, otherwise it will have the significant influence on the mechanical properties of the alloys and lead to the formation of excessive shrinkage defects. In this paper, we studied the necessity for deironing from Al-Si alloys prepared by CFA via hydrometallurgy pretreatment. Results indicate that the optimal route to prepare the qualified Al-Si alloys products is to remove most of the iron from CFA using hydrometallurgical pretreatment before carbothermic reduction. Other pyrometallurgy refining methods are applied to further deironing if necessary after the primary Al-Si alloys are obtained.
Modeling of Dynamic Recrystallization Process in AZ31 Magnesium Alloy Using Cellular Automaton Method
Authors: Deng Xiao Hu , Ju Dong Ying , Hu Xiao Dong , Zhao Hong Yang
Published: November 2015

A modified 2-D CA model has been developed to simulate dynamic recrystallization behavior of Magnesium (Mg) alloy during hot deformation processing. Based on the fact that Mg has an HCP crystal structure with six-fold symmetry, the model employs the hexagonal CA lattice. The initial microstructure with prescribed grain size was generated by a normal grain growth algorithm. The DRX model consists of dislocation density evolution model, DRX nucleation model and recrystallization grain growth model. DRX grain morphology and size, flow curve were simulated by the present model. The calculated results were compared with the available experimental findings in AZ31 Mg alloy, the predictions show very good agreement with the experimental results.
General Equivalent Magnetic Circuit Calculation Software Based on the Quasi-Newton Algorithm
Authors: Shi Zhan , Li Xiao Fei , Chi Tian Hui , Wang Cui Ping , Liu Xing Jun , Yang Shui Yuan , Lu Yong , Han Jia Jia , Liu W. B.
Published: November 2015

Equivalent magnetic circuit method is a rapid calculation method used in magnetic circuit simulation. But for a long time this method can’t be used widely because the algorithm is not general and there is no commercial software developed for this method. In this paper, general software for magnetic circuit calculation was developed using LabVIEW language. Quasi-Newton algorithm was used in solving nonlinear Kirchhoff equation of magnetic circuit in this software. The project file in this software can be shared freely in different calculations. This software is expected to save the time-cost in the design of new product.
Electric Field Numerical Simulation on the Magnesium Alloy Quantitative Transmission of Direct Current Electromagnetic Pump
Authors: Teng Wei , Ju Dong Ying , Lu Yan Qing , Zhao Hong Yang , Zhang Yu Jun , Zhang Wen Yu
Published: November 2015

According to the electromagnetic pump in Magnesium Alloy Casting Experiments Center of University of Science and Technology Liaoning, with the help of ANSYS software, we realized three-dimensional simulation of electric field of the pump by finite element analysis method, and calculated the distribution of electric field generated by five data sets , whose slot length and width were 30mm, 50 mm, 60 mm, 70 mm and 80 mm. We have explored how different runner dimensions affected electric field distribution in electromagnetic field, and simulated the distribution of current density. The optimal size of the runner is 50mm according to the current density distribution.
Luminescence Properties of a Novel Blue-Emitting Phosphor NaBaBO3:Tm3+,K+
Authors: Zheng Jiang Hui , Cheng Qi Jin , Ying Li Li , Cai Li Han , Chen Chao
Published: November 2015

A novel blue-emitting phosphor NaBaBO3doped with Tm3+was prepared using a conventional high temperature solid-state reaction method. Its crystal structure and luminescence properties were studied. Photoluminescence measurements indicate that the phosphor features a satisfactory blue performance due to the1D2→3F4transition of Tm3+with the highest photoluminescence intensity located at 460 nm excited by 359 nm near-ultraviolet (NUV) light. In addition, the concentration of Tm3+was adjusted in order to obtain the optimum emission intensity. When the Tm3+concentration in NaBaBO3is 6.0 mol% the maximum intensity can be obtained. The concentration quenching occurs when Tm3+concentration is beyond 6.0 mol% and the concentration quenching mechanism can be explained by the dipole–dipole interaction. The measured chromaticity coordinate for the NaBaBO3:Tm3+phosphor under 359 nm excitation is determined to be (0.1470, 0.1090). The present work suggests that the NaBaBO3:Tm3+,K+phosphor is a promising blue-emitting material for NUV white light-emitting diodes.
Synthesis and Structural Characterization of Ti2C Nanosheets
Authors: Li Jing Xiao , Du Yu Lei , Cui Chong
Published: November 2015

In this paper, two-dimensional (2D) Ti2C nanosheets were synthesized by exfoliation of Ti2AlC powders in HF solution at room temperature. The surface atomic composition and chemistry of as-prepared Ti2C nanosheets were studied by XPS. The specific surface area of Ti2C nanosheets were determined by BET. The as-prepared Ti2C nanosheets are stacked and held together, which leads to the lower specific surface area of the as-prepared Ti2C nanosheets.
Thiolated Carbon Nanotubes/CdSe Quantum Dot Based Hybrid Solar Cells with Improved Long-Term Stability
Authors: Madsuha Alfian Ferdiansyah , Van Pham Chuyen , Krueger Michael
Published: November 2015

In this work, the development of room-temperature solution-processed hybrid solar cells based on carbon nanotubes (CNT) - CdSe quantum dot (QD) hybrid material incorporated into a layer of conjugated polymer poly [2,6-(4,4-bis-(2-ethylhexyl)-4H-cyclopenta [2,1-b;3,4-b′] dithiophene)-alt-4,7-(2,1,3-benzothiadiazole)], PCPDTBT, has been demonstrated. Incorporation of multi walled CNTs helps to improve the long-term efficiency of the solar cells in respect of power conversion efficiency (PCE) and short-circuit current density (Jsc) compared to QD only based devices. For the formation of the hybrid material hexadecylamine (HDA)/ trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO) capped CdSe QDs were attached to CNTs by engineering the interface between CNTs and CdSe QDs by introducing thiol functional groups to CNTs. Initial PCE values of about 1.9 % under AM1.5G illumination have been achieved for this hybrid CNT-CdSe photovoltaic device. Furthermore, the long term stability of the photovoltaic performance of the devices was investigated and found superior to CdSe QD only based devices. About 90 % of the original PCE remained after storage in a glove box for almost one year without any further encapsulation. It is assumed that the improvement is mainly due to the thiol-functionalization of the CNT interface leading to a strong binding of CdSe QDs and a resulting preservation of the nanomorphology of the hybrid film over time.
Patient safety culture in a district hospital in South Africa: An issue of quality
Authors: Mayeng Lorraine M. , Wolvaardt Jacqueline E.
Published: November 2015

Background: The Nursing Act 33 of 2005 holds nurse practitioners responsible for all acts and omissions in the delivery of quality patient care. But quality patient care is influenced by a number of factors beyond the control of nurse practitioners. Patient safety culture is one such factor and is seldom explored in hospitals in developing countries. This article describes the patient safety culture of a district hospital in South Africa.Objectives: The study identified and analysed the factors that influence the patient safety culture by using the Manchester Patient Safety Framework at the National District Hospital, Bloemfontein, Free State Province.Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted and included the total population of permanent staff; community service health professionals; temporarily employed health professionals and volunteers. The standard Manchester Patient Safety Framework questionnaire was distributed with a response rate of 61%.Results: Less than half of the respondents (42.4%; n = 61) graded their units as acceptable. Several quality dimensions were statistically significant for the employment profile: overall commitment to quality (p = 0.001); investigating patient incidents (p = 0.031); organisational learning following incidents (p < 0.001); communication around safety issues (p = 0.001); and team working around safety issues (p = 0.005). These same quality dimensions were also statistically significant for the professional profiles. Medical doctors had negative perceptions of all the safety dimensions.Conclusion: The research measured and described patient safety culture (PSC) amongst the staff at the National District Hospital (NDH). This research has identified the perceived inadequacies with PSC and gives nurse managers a clear mandate to implement change to ensure a PSC that fosters quality patient care.
Visual loss in HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis: A case series and review of the mechanisms involved
Authors: Moodley Anand , Rae William , Bhigjee Ahmed
Published: November 2015

Permanent visual loss is a devastating yet preventable complication of cryptococcal meningitis. Early and aggressive management of cerebrospinal fluid pressure in conjunction with antifungal therapy is required. Historically, the mechanisms of visual loss in cryptococcal meningitis have included optic neuritis and papilloedema. Hence, the basis of visual loss therapy has been steroid therapy and intracranial pressure lowering without clear guidelines. With the use of high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging of the optic nerve, an additional mechanism has emerged, namely an optic nerve sheath compartment syndrome (ONSCS) caused by severely elevated intracranial pressure and fungal loading in the peri-optic space. An improved understanding of these mechanisms and recognition of the important role played by raised intracranial pressure allows for more targeted treatment measures and better outcomes. In the present case series of 90 HIV co-infected patients with cryptococcal meningitis, we present the clinical and electrophysiological manifestations of Cryptococcus-induced visual loss and review the mechanisms involved.
The effect of a total rewards strategy on school teachers’ retention
Authors: Makhuzeni Boitomelo , Barkhuizen E. Nicolene
Published: November 2015

Orientation: South African schools are facing significant challenges to retain a talented pool of school teachers. A total rewards strategy could assist schools to reduce teacher turnover.Research purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a total rewards strategy on the turnover intentions of school teachers in the North-West province.Motivation: The under supply of quality teachers has negative consequences for both school pupils and the larger community.Research approach, design and method: A qualitative research approach was followed using semi-structured interviews to gather data from teachers in the North-West province (N = 6).Main findings: The findings showed that performance management, career development and compensations of teachers were poorly applied in schools. Teachers strongly considered leaving the teaching profession as a result of poor rewards. The participants were fairly satisfied with their work benefits and work-life balance.Practical/managerial implications: School management should implement reward practices and policies that will attract and enhance retention of school teachers.Contribution: This research highlighted the problematic areas in the reward systems for school teachers and the subsequent impact thereof on their turnover intentions.
Congenital infiltrating lipomatosis of the face with enlargement of the ipsilateral cerebellar hemisphere
Authors: Gous Eric , Smal Janet , Suleman Farhana E.
Published: November 2015

Congenital infiltrating lipomatosis of the face (CILF) is a rare disorder in which overgrowth of fatty tissue with infiltration of underlying structures leads to craniofacial deformities and asymmetry. Imaging plays an important role in the diagnosis, surgical planning and evaluation of underlying structures. To our knowledge, our case is the first to describe CILF associated with isolated enlargement of a cerebellar hemisphere in the absence of an enlarged ipsilateral cerebral hemisphere (hemimegalencephaly).
Answer to quiz case: Temporal bone imaging
Authors: Arkink Enrico , Frijns J. , Verbist Berit
Published: November 2015

Computed tomographic scanning of the petrous bone and magnetic resonance imaging sequences of the inner ear and cerebellopontine angle of a deaf patient were performed to find an explanation for his deafness, and to establish whether he would be a good candidate for cochlear implantation. The imaging features were considered pathognomonic for incomplete partition type III (IP type III). Further management and discussion of this deafness subtype are detailed.
Managing nuclear power plant induced disasters
Authors: Kyne, PhD, MPA, MPS Dean
Published: November 2015

Objective: To understand the management process of nuclear power plant (NPP) induced disasters. The study shields light on phases and issues associated with the NPP induced disaster management. Setting: This study uses Palo Verde Nuclear Generation Station as study subject and Arizona State as study area.Design: This study uses the Radiological Assessment System for Consequence Analysis (RASCAL) Source Term to Dose (STDose) of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, a computer software to project and assess the source term dose and release pathway. This study also uses ArcGIS, a geographic information system to analyze geospatial data. A detailed case study of Palo Verde Nuclear Power Generation (PVNPG) Plant was conducted.Results: The findings reveal that the NPP induced disaster management process is conducted by various stakeholders. To save lives and to minimize the impacts, it is vital to relate planning and process of the disaster management.Conclusions: Number of people who expose to the radioactive plume pathway and level of radioactivity could vary depending on the speed and direction of wind on the day the event takes place. This study findings show that there is a need to address the burning issue of different racial and ethnic groups’ unequal exposure and unequal protection to potential risks associated with the NPPs.
An assessment of Chemical, Biological, Radiologic, Nuclear, and Explosive preparedness among emergency department healthcare providers in an inner city emergency department
Authors: Kotora, DO, MPH Joseph G.
Published: November 2015

Introduction: Emergency healthcare providers are required to care for victims of Chemical, Biological, Radiologic, Nuclear, and Explosive (CBRNE) agents. However, US emergency departments are often ill prepared to manage CBRNE casualties. Most providers lack adequate knowledge or experience in the areas of patient decontamination, hospital-specific disaster protocols, interagency familiarization, and available supply of necessary medical equipment and medications. This study evaluated the CBRNE preparedness of physicians, nurses, and midlevel providers in an urban tertiary care emergency department.Methods: This retrospective observational survey study used a previously constructed questionnaire instrument. A total of 205 e-mail invitations were sent to 191 eligible providers through an online survey distribution tool (Survey Monkey®). Respondents were enrolled from February 1, 2014 to March 15, 2014. Simple frequencies of correct answers were used to determine the level of preparedness of each group. Cronbach’s coefficient á was used to validate the precision of the study instrument. Finally, validity coefficients and analysis of variance ANOVA were used to determine the strength of correlation between demographic variables, as well as the variation betweenindividual responses. Results: Fifty-nine providers responded to the questionnaire (31.14 percent response rate). The overall frequency of correct answers was 66.26 percent, indicating a relatively poor level of CBRNE preparedness. The study instrument lacked precision and reliability (coefficient á 0.4050). Significant correlations were found between the frequency of correct answers and the respondents’ gender, practice experience, and previous experience with a CBRNE incident. Significant variance exists between how providers believe casualties should be decontaminated, which drugs should be administered, and the interpretation of facility-specific protocols.Conclusions: Emergency care providers are inadequately prepared to manage CBRNE incidents. Furthermore, a valid and precise instrument capable of measuring preparedness needs to be developed. Standardized educational curriculums that consider healthcare providers’ genders, occupations, and experience levels may assist in closing the knowledge gaps between providers and reinforce emergency departments’ CBRNE preparedness.
Upscaling with the dynamic two-layer classification concept (D2C): TreeMig-2L, an efficient implementation of the forest-landscape model TreeMig
Authors: Nabel J. E. M. S.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. Models used to investigate impacts of climatic changes on spatio-temporal vegetation dynamics need to balance required accuracy with computational feasibility. To enhance the computational efficiency of these models, upscaling methods are required that maintain key fine-scale processes influencing vegetation dynamics. In this paper, an adjustable method – the dynamic two-layer classification concept (D2C) – for the upscaling of time- and space-discrete models is presented. D2C aims to separate potentially repetitive calculations from those specific to single grid cells. The underlying idea is to extract processes that do not require information about a grid cell's neighbourhood to a reduced-size non-spatial layer, which is dynamically coupled to the original two-dimensional layer. The size of the non-spatial layer is thereby adaptive and depends on dynamic classifications according to pre-specified similarity criteria. I present how D2C can be used in a model implementation on the example of TreeMig-2L, a new, efficient version of the intermediate-complexity forest-landscape model TreeMig. To discuss the trade-off between computational expenses and accuracy, as well as the applicability of D2C, I compare different model stages of TreeMig-2L via simulations of two different application scenarios. This comparison of different model stages demonstrates that applying D2C can strongly reduce computational expenses of processes calculated on the new non-spatial layer. D2C is thus a valuable upscaling method for models and applications in which processes requiring information about the neighbourhood constitute the minor share of the overall computational expenses.
Anisotropy of seasonal snow measured by polarimetric phase differences in radar time series
Authors: Leinss S. , Löwe H. , Proksch M. , Lemmetyinen J. , Wiesmann A. , Hajnsek I.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. Snow settles under the force of gravity and recrystallizes by vertical temperature gradients. Both effects are assumed to form oriented ice crystals which induce an anisotropy in mechanical, thermal, and dielectric properties of the snow pack. On microscopic scales, the anisotropy could be hitherto determined only from stereology or computer tomography of samples taken from snow pits. In this paper we present an alternative method and show how the anisotropy of a natural snow pack can be observed contact- and destruction-free with polarimetric radar measurements. The copolar phase differences (CPD) of polarized microwaves transmitted through dry snow were analyzed for four winter seasons (2009–2013) from the SnowScat Instrument, installed at a test site near the town of Sodankylä, Finnland. An electrodynamic model was established based on anisotropic optics and on Maxwell–Garnett-type mixing formulas to provide a link between the structural anisotropy and the measured CPD. The anisotropy values derived from the CPD were compared with in-situ anisotropy measurements obtained by computer tomography. In addition, we show that the CPD measurements obtained from SnowScat show the same temporal evolution as space-borne CPD measurements from the satellite TerraSAR-X. The presented dataset provides a valuable basis for the future development of snow models capable of including the anisotropic structure of snow.
Las Comisiones del Mapa de España en la década de 1850
Authors: Arístegui Cortijo Andrés , Ruíz Ramírez Ángela del Carmen , Dávila Martínez Franciso Javier
Published: November 2015

La necesidad de contar con un mapa de base científica que cubriera todo el territorio español llevó al Estado a crear en paralelo varias Comisiones con cometidos geodésicos, topográficos y cartográficos durante la década de 1850. La labor simultánea de estas Comisiones se prolongó hasta 1859, cuando se aprobó la Ley de Medición del Territorio, que las fusionó en un único organismo. Este artículo analiza aspectos técnicos de los trabajos que realizaron estas Comisiones a partir de la información contenida en algunos documentos que custodia el Archivo Topográfico del IGN. Las conclusiones que se extraen son que estas Comisiones acometieron operaciones geodésicas que resultaron cruciales en el establecimiento ulterior de la red de triangulación peninsular, realizaron mediciones topográficas que fueron reutilizadas veinte años después en el levantamiento del Mapa Topográfico Nacional, e idearon las características catastrales que fueron adoptadas durante todo el siglo posterior para el Catastro de España.
Migración latinoamericana en el área central de Iquique: Nuevos frentes de localización residencial y formas desiguales de acceso a la vivienda
Authors: Contreras Gatica Yasna , Palma Calorio Pedro
Published: November 2015

Históricamente el área central de la ciudad de Iquique se ha constituido como espacio de elección residencial de migrantes de diferentes orígenes, no obstante desde finales de la década del 2000 se diversifican los flujos migratorios siendo mayoritariamente migrantes latinoamericanos quienes habitan en condición de precariedad, accediendo a inmuebles tugurizados, deteriorados en un mercado informal cada vez más creciente. Los resultados aquí presentados son de carácter cuantitativo derivados de la localización residencial de los migrantes, así como también de la aplicación de 13 entrevistas en profundidad. De estos se desprenden que los migrantes latinoamericanos acceden a los mismos sitios donde antiguamente habitaron migrantes internos, sin embargo habitan en un mercado del arriendo restrictivo, desigual y con inadecuadas condiciones de habitabilidad, pero que les permite articular residencia y próximidad a las redes laborales, sociales y al comercio popular.
Claves para el reconocimiento de la dehesa como "paisaje cultural" de Unesco
Authors: Silva Pérez Rocío , Fernández Salinas Victor
Published: November 2015

La dehesa española y su homónimo portugués (el montado) son sistemas agrosilvopastoriles mediterráneos que proyectan un paisaje excepcional y de elevados valores patrimoniales. Sobre ellos se ciernen nuevas o renovadas amenazas que comprometen su futuro, en un momento (el actual) de creciente revalorización socio-institucional de sus paisajes. Su declaración como paisaje cultural de Unesco puede constituir un potente instrumento para atajar dichas amenazas, pero requiere de la clarificación de ciertos interrogantes relacionados con las escalas. Este artículo se adentra en el valor universal excepcional de la dehesa y propone algunas claves para sustentar su posible incorporación a la Lista de Patrimonio Mundial de Unesco. El análisis se acomete a nivel de tipos de paisaje, pero se avanzan algunos criterios para la selección de ámbitos concretos y representativos susceptibles de integrar una candidatura como “bien en serie”.
La evolución de destinos turísticos litorales consolidados. Análisis comparado de Balneario Camnoriú (Brasil) y Benidorm (España)
Authors: Soares Jennifer Caroline , Ivars Baidal Josep Antoni , Gândara José Manoel
Published: November 2015

El objetivo de este trabajo consiste en estudiar la evolución de los destinos turísticos litorales consolidados a partir del análisis comparado entre Balneario Camboriú y Benidorm. Se trata de dos destinos localizados en contextos territoriales y turísticos diferentes, en los que se contrastan de manera empírica los indicadores de evolución de los destinos y se vinculan las dinámicas evolutivas con el modelo territorial-turístico resultante en cada destino. El análisis realizado permite contrastar los postulados de los modelos evolutivos clásicos (Butler, 1980) e incorporar los nuevos planteamientos de la geografía económica evolutiva. La investigación delimita cronológicamente los periodos de desarrollo de ambos destinos para identificar los factores con mayor incidencia en la evolución de los mismos. Una evolución marcada, fundamentalmente, por la ubicación geográfica, la planificación y gestión urbanoturística a diferentes escalas, la dependencia de determinados mercados emisores y la influencia de factores macroeconómicos. Un conjunto de factores interrelacionados que dibujan trayectorias dispares para los destinos analizados.
Algunas observaciones a normas procesales del Código de Familia
Authors: Torrez Peralta William
Published: November 2015

El Código de Familia ―Ley N°. 870, aprobada el 24 de junio de 2014, publicada en La Gaceta N°. 190 de 8 de octubre de 2014―, regula en su texto normas de carácter procesal. La regulación por parte de textos sustantivos de materia ajena a su propia naturaleza debe ser muy rigurosa para evitar incursionar en contradicciones, vacíos, deficiencias o arbitrariedades que complican la interpretación en el mejor de los casos o reducen las garantías procesales, en los peores. Este es el caso en el que nos encontramos con respecto a las normas de carácter procesal reguladas en la norma de familia. Si bien se ha aprobado con anterioridad a la norma procesal supletoria, ello no es justificación para incurrir en tales errores tanto de doctrina como de práctica, por cuanto, lo esencial en este asunto es la garantía de los derechos de sus destinatarios.
Escrituras subversivas: pensamiento crítico desde Centroamérica
Authors: Gómez Juan Pablo , Hilgert Bradley
Published: November 2015

¿Qué significa escribir durante la guerra? ¿Qué posicionalidades y sensibilidades se producen a partir de estas experiencias límites y de qué forma nos pueden ayudar a comprender el pasado y el presente? Para responder estas preguntas analizamos la política de escritura de tres pensadores centroamericanos: Ignacio Martín-Baró, Ricardo Falla e Ileana Rodríguez. A través del método etnográfico de la historia propuesto por Cristina Rivera Garza, postulamos que estos intelectuales nos permiten establecer un puente para presenciar el pasado. Cada uno de ellos nos ofrece una imagen del pasado reciente de tres países de la región. El pensamiento producido desde Centroamérica durante los contextos revolucionarios y de guerra nos permite dialogar críticamente con el pasado, a la vez que nos da luces para pensar los cambios que continúan pendientes hoy.
Determinants of Microfinance Repayment Performance: Evidence from Small Medium Enterprises in Malaysia
Authors: Shu-Teng L. , Zariyawati M. A. , Suraya-Hanim M. , Annuar M. N.
Published: November 2015

Microfinance was introduced in Malaysia to provide financing services to the poor and Small Medium Enterprises (SME) to start up business. The borrower may use the facility to finance business activities such as to purchase assets and additional capital to expand their business. Microfinance helps SME that have limited access to get loan from financial institutions. Financial institutions specifically commercial bank refuse to provide microfinance facilities to SME due to the high default rate among the majority of borrowers who obtain loan without collateral. In addition, the percentage of non-performing loan (NPL) of microfinance in Malaysia has been increasing. Therefore, the objective of this research is to analyze the determinants of SMEs loan repayment performance in Malaysia. Results showed that there are four variables with significant relationship towards loan repayment namely educational level, business experience, amount of loan and loan tenure.
An Analysis of the Bank Credit Marketization’s Effects on the Economic Fluctuation in China
Authors: Jing Zhang , Xiangshun Hu , Qiuyan Yin
Published: November 2015

In recent years, more and more scholars began to emphasize the study of factors affecting macroeconomic fluctuations. As the bank credit market is a major part of the financial market in China, how bank credit marketization influences economic fluctuation has undoubtedly caused much attention. This paper mainly studies the role of bank credit marketization in the conductive process of macroeconomic fluctuations caused by real shocks and monetary shocks. According to the theoretical model created by Bacchetta (2000) and Beck (2006), this paper theoretically analyses the mechanism of bank credit marketization’s effects. The results show that bank credit marketization amplifies real shocks but offsets monetary shocks in the conductive process of macroeconomic fluctuations. The government scale and the development of the stock market also have a significant influence on economic fluctuations. Based on the theoretical and empirical analysis, some policy recommendations are proposed.
Jump Volatility Estimates of High Frequency Data and Analysis Based on HHT
Authors: Chen Jiangrui , Yin Lianqian , Hou Sizhe , Zhang Wei , Liu Xiaojie , Li Haoting
Published: November 2015

As the global financial market risk increases, countries stress more onthe management and prevention of financial risks. These financial risks come from the volatility of the market, and thus we can build more comprehensive understanding of financial markets by analyzing the composition and the law of the financial volatility in different frequency. Based on Hilbert Huang Transform, the realized volatility analysis model is establishedto decompose the volatility into various signal in dissimilar frequency. First of all, the realized leap volatility is obtained through the previous research findings and Capital Asset Pricing Model. Then, considering thenonlinearity and instability of the volatility, we use the Hilbert Huang Transform to decompose the volatility and obtain IMFs in different frequencies and trend functions.
Effects of Regional Bank Merger on Small Business Borrowing: Evidence from Japan
Authors: Miyazaki Hironobu , Aman Hiroyuki
Published: November 2015

This study examines the impact of a regional bank merger in Japan on borrowing by small businesses, focusing on firms that borrow from the acquiring bank, the acquired bank, or both. First, we find that post-merger borrowing costs declined. This result suggests that small borrowers enjoy more favorable post-merger financing conditions because efficiencies from economies of scale lead to lower costs. Second, we find that post-merger borrowing costs decline for firms that borrow only from the acquiring or acquired bank, whereas they did not decline for firms that borrow from both. Third, we find that only small business loans to firms that borrow from both the acquiring and acquired banks decrease post-merger. This result suggests that small business lending might decline because of a merged bank’s loan portfolio and lending strategy.
Quasi-arithmetic Means Inequalities Criteria for Differentiable Functions
Authors: Ivankovic Bovzidar
Published: November 2015

Quasi-arithmetic means are defined for continuous, strictly monotone functions. In the case that functions are twice differentiable, we obtained criteria for inequalities between finite number of quasi-arithmetic means  in additional and multiplicative case. Applications for H\"older and Minkowski type inequalities are given.
Minimal Orbicularis Myectomy: Does it Relieve Spasms in Benign Essential Blepharospasm?
Authors: Irfan Sameera
Published: November 2015

Introduction:

A new technique of minimally invasive orbicularis myectomy is described. A study is presented to show its efficacy in relieving spasms in benign essential blepharospasm and to note any complications resulting from it.

Materials and Methods:

In a prospective clinical, interventional study conducted at oculoplastics department of a tertiary care center, 25 consecutive cases (50 eyes) of benign essential blepharospasm were included, from January 2012 to December 2014. The patients consisted of 19 women and 6 men between the ages 28 and 66 years (mean age, 52 years). After a thorough history, a complete ophthalmological examination, and assessment of functional disability, they received appropriate therapy for triggering factors such as dry eyes, meibomitis, blepharitis, and trachoma for 1 month, after which a minimal orbicularis myectomy of both the upper and lower lids was performed simultaneously under local anesthesia by a single surgeon. The cases were followed up after 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year.

Results:

Six cases (24%) needed simultaneous brow suspension; 4 cases (16%) had blepharoplasty for dermatochalasis. Postoperatively, ecchymosis of lids was noted in 13 cases (52%) and lid swelling in 3 cases (12%). No lad lag, lid asymmetry, or corneal exposure was seen in any case. Three cases needed frontalis suspension for apraxia of upper lids, which was done 1 month postoperatively. Patient satisfaction was 100%, with improved functional disability.

Conclusion:

Minimal orbicularis myectomy was found to be effective in providing a long-term relief of spasms and was not associated with any complications. However, proper patient selection is mandatory.
The Bulimulidae (Mollusca: Pulmonata) from the Región de Atacama, northern Chile
Authors: Araya Juan Francisco
Published: November 2015

The bulimulid genusBostryxTroschel, 1847 is the most species-rich genus of land snails found in Chile, with the majority of its species found only in the northern part of the country, usually in arid coastal zones. This genus has been sparsely studied in Chile and there is little information on their distribution, diversity or ecology. Here, for the first time, a formal analysis of the diversity of bulimulids in the Región de Atacama, northern Chile, is reported. Of the seventeen species recorded for the area, most of them were efectively found in the field collections and one record was based on literature. Five taxa are described as new:Bostryx ancavilorumsp. nov.,Bostryx breureisp. nov.,Bostryx calderaensissp. nov.,Bostryx ireneaesp. nov. andBostryx valdovinosisp. nov., and the known geographic distribution of seven species is extended. Results reveal that the Región de Atacama is the richest region in terrestrial snails in Chile, after the Juan Fernández Archipelago. All of the terrestrial molluscan species occurring in the area are endemic to Chile, most of them with restricted geographic distributions along the coastal zones, and none of them are currently protected by law. Further sampling in northern Chile will probably reveal more snail species to be discovered and described.