bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
After Onto-Theology: What Lies beyond the ‘End of Everything’
Authors: Sands Justin
Published: May 2017

This article takes up the onto-theological critique of metaphysics and questions whether onto-theology is not something to evade or overcome, but is inevitable. Consequently, it furthers the exploration of onto-theology by asking, if it is inevitable, then what comes after onto-theology? For the past half-century, onto-theology has been a central concern for philosophy, particularly in phenomenology where one sees a theological turn in order to understand and incorporate what might be beyond, or within, consciousness that does not readily appear to the self. In this turn, one often sees philosophers (and theologians) attempt to craft a post-metaphysical understanding. Resultantly, many of these philosophers herald what I call the ‘end of everything,’ often due to their onto-theological character: from the ‘end’ of philosophy of religion, to the ‘end’ of metaphysics, to the ‘end’ of theology. However, when investigating their findings, one often sees these concepts arise from the grave, perhaps showing that some onto-theological construction is inevitable. This paper proceeds by first giving a brief overview of the philosophers Jean-Luc Nancy, Richard Kearney, John Caputo, and Merold Westphal to propose how onto-theology is still an issue for their philosophies by revealing a necessary link between ontology and empirical reality. It then builds off of this proposal through the work of Joeri Schrijvers to show what might lie ahead of philosophy (and philosophy of religion in particular), arguing that if onto-theology is inevitable then philosophy should turn further into theology to explore how theology deals with this inevitability on an empirical basis. Basically, since theology always already accepts being in default (through concepts like original sin), then how does it help believers cope with this inevitability and how does it focus upon the empirical reality of this ontological gesture. Finally, this paper investigates the work of Colby Dickinson in order to solidify this finding into a programmatic, philosophical framework.
Effect of Urine, Poultry Manure, and Dewatered Faecal Sludge on Agronomic Characteristics of Cabbage in Accra, Ghana
Authors: Amoah Philip , Adamtey Noah , Cofie Olufunke
Published: May 2017

The study was to assess the: (i) effect of human urine and other organic inputs on cabbage growth, yield, nutrient uptake, N-use efficiency, and soil chemical characteristics; (ii) economic returns of the use of urine and/or other organic inputs as a source of fertiliser for cabbage production. To meet these objectives, participatory field trials were conducted at Dzorwulu, Accra. Four different treatments (Urine alone, Urine + dewatered faecal sludge (DFS), Urine + poultry droppings (PD), NPK (15-15-15) + PD) were applied in a Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD) with soil alone as control. Each treatment was applied at a rate of 121 kg·N·ha−1 corresponding to the Nitrogen requirement of cabbage in Ghana. Growth and yield parameters, plant nutrient uptake, and soil chemical characteristics were determined using standard protocols. There were no significant differences between treatments for cabbage head weight, or total and marketable yields. However, unmarketable yield from NPK + PD was 1 to 2 times higher (p < 0.05) than those from Urine + PD, Urine + DFS, and Urine alone. Seasonal effect on yields was also pronounced with higher (p < 0.001) cabbage head weight (0.95 kg) and marketable yields (12.7 kg·ha−1) in the dry season than the rainy season (0.42 kg and 6.27 kg·ha−1). There was higher (p < 0.005) phosphorous uptake in cabbage from Urine + PD treated soil than those from other treatments. Nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), and potassium (K) uptake in the dry season was significantly higher than the rainy season. Soils treated with Urine + DFS and Urine + PD were high in total N content. Urine + PD and Urine + DFS treated soils gave fairly high yield than PD + NPK with a net gain of US$1452.0 and US$1663.5, respectively. The application of urine in combination with poultry droppings has the potential to improve cabbage yields, nutrient uptake, and soil nitrogen and phosphorous content.
Multi-Decadal Surface Water Dynamics in North American Tundra
Authors: Carroll Mark , Loboda Tatiana
Published: May 2017

Over the last several decades, warming in the Arctic has outpaced the already impressive increases in global mean temperatures. The impact of these increases in temperature has been observed in a multitude of ecological changes in North American tundra including changes in vegetative cover, depth of active layer, and surface water extent. The low topographic relief and continuous permafrost create an ideal environment for the formation of small water bodies—a definitive feature of tundra surface. In this study, water bodies in Nunavut territory in northern Canada were mapped using a long-term record of remotely sensed observations at 30 m spatial resolution from the Landsat suite of instruments. The temporal trajectories of water extent between 1985 and 2015 were assessed. Over 675,000 water bodies have been identified over the 31-year study period with over 168,000 showing a significant (p < 0.05) trend in surface area. Approximately 55% of water bodies with a significant trend were increasing in size while the remaining 45% were decreasing in size. The overall net trend for water bodies with a significant trend is 0.009 ha year−1 per water body.
Modulation Model of High Frequency Band Radar Backscatter by the Internal Wave Based on the Third-Order Statistics
Authors: Chen Pengzhen , Liu Lei , Wang Xiaoqing , Chong Jinsong , Zhang Xin , Yu Xiangzhen
Published: May 2017

Modulation model of radar backscatters is an important topic in the remote sensing of oceanic internal wave by synthetic aperture radar (SAR). Previous studies related with the modulation models were analyzed mainly based on the hypothesis that ocean surface waves are Gaussian distributed. However, this is not always true for the complicated ocean environment. Research has showed that the measurements are usually larger than the values predicted by modulation models for the high frequency radars (X-band and above). In this paper, a new modulation model was proposed which takes the third-order statistics of the ocean surface into account. It takes the situation into consideration that the surface waves are Non-Gaussian distributed under some conditions. The model can explain the discrepancy between the measurements and the values calculated by the traditional models in theory. Furthermore, it can accurately predict the modulation for the higher frequency band. The model was verified by the experimental measurements recorded in a wind wave tank. Further discussion was made about applicability of this model that it performs better in the prediction of radar backscatter modulation compared with the traditional modulation model for the high frequency band radar or under lager wind speeds.
Characterizing Dynamic Walking Patterns and Detecting Falls with Wearable Sensors Using Gaussian Process Methods
Authors: Kim Taehwan , Park Jeongho , Heo Seongman , Sung Keehoon , Park Jooyoung
Published: May 2017

By incorporating a growing number of sensors and adopting machine learning technologies, wearable devices have recently become a prominent health care application domain. Among the related research topics in this field, one of the most important issues is detecting falls while walking. Since such falls may lead to serious injuries, automatically and promptly detecting them during daily use of smartphones and/or smart watches is a particular need. In this paper, we investigate the use of Gaussian process (GP) methods for characterizing dynamic walking patterns and detecting falls while walking with built-in wearable sensors in smartphones and/or smartwatches. For the task of characterizing dynamic walking patterns in a low-dimensional latent feature space, we propose a novel approach called auto-encoded Gaussian process dynamical model, in which we combine a GP-based state space modeling method with a nonlinear dimensionality reduction method in a unique manner. The Gaussian process methods are fit for this task because one of the most import strengths of the Gaussian process methods is its capability of handling uncertainty in the model parameters. Also for detecting falls while walking, we propose to recycle the latent samples generated in training the auto-encoded Gaussian process dynamical model for GP-based novelty detection, which can lead to an efficient and seamless solution to the detection task. Experimental results show that the combined use of these GP-based methods can yield promising results for characterizing dynamic walking patterns and detecting falls while walking with the wearable sensors.
Does Avalanche Shovel Shape Affect Excavation Time: A Pilot Study
Authors: Schindelwig Kurt , Hoffmann Alexander , Mössner Martin , Nachbauer Werner
Published: May 2017

In Europe and North America, approximately 150 fatalities occur as a result of avalanches every year. However, it is unclear whether certain shovel shapes are more effective than others in snow removal during avalanche victim recovery. The objective was to determine the performance parameters with a developed standardized test using different shovel shapes and to determine sex-specific differences. Hence, several parameters were determined for clearing the snow from a snow filled box (15 men, 14 women). A flat (F) and a deep (D) shovel blade with the shaft connected straight (S) or in clearing mode (C) were used for the investigation of the shovel shapes FS, DC and the subsequent use of DC&DS. Mean snow mass shifted per unit time increased significantly from 1.50 kg/s with FS to 1.71 kg/s (14%) with DS and further to 1.79 kg/s (4%) with DC&DS for all participants. Snow mass shifted per unit time was 44% higher (p < 0.05) for men than for women. In excavation operations, the sex-specific physical performance should be taken into account. The results were limited to barely binding snow, because only with this snow did the tests show a high reliability.
Effects of Clean Air Act on Patenting Activities in Chemical Industry: Learning from Past Experiences
Authors: Durmuşoğlu Alptekin
Published: May 2017

The chemical industry provides essential goods we use in our daily lives and key ingredients for many diverse industries. On the other hand, their production and use require serious attention while they may be seriously harmful to local air quality. The Clean Air Act (CAA) and its subsequent amendments regulate the emissions of hazardous air pollutants to protect public health and welfare in the U.S.A. since 1970. This study aimed to assess the impact of CAA on the rate of patenting in the chemical industry. With this in mind, basic chemical utility patents were analyzed to detect the effects of CAA on the patenting activities. Subsequent to the fitting of the ARIMA (Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average) model (producing the least square of errors), a significant outlier was detected with the Dixon’s r22 Ratio Test. This outlier was the number of patents granted in 1972. Contextual queries in the text of those patent documents have shown that there was a considerable increase in the patents of chemistry which takes the sustainability relevant terms (air, emission, pollution, etc.) into consideration. It was concluded that companies in the chemistry industry adapted themselves very rapidly to the changes and CAA was an important incentive to create novel technologies.
Oxidative Photodegradation of Pyrene and Fluoranthene by Fe-Based and Zn-Based Fenton Reagents
Authors: Hussain Abid , Al-Barakah Fahad , Al-Sewailem Mohamed , El-Saeid Mohamed , Waqar Muhammad , Ahmad Mahtab
Published: May 2017

Increased industrialization has introduced a lot of hazardous materials into ecosystems. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are among the most toxic and persistent organic pollutants emanating from petrochemical industrial areas. Remediation of PAHs-contaminated soil has been a particularly big challenge. Photochemical oxidation–reduction processes have gained attention because of their high efficiency and robustness for PAH removal from contaminated soils. In this study, the efficacy of Fe-based and Zn-based Fenton reagents for remediating soil contaminated with pyrene (Pyr) and fluoranthene (Flr) is evaluated. UV treatment (2-h exposure) at 254 nm resulted in 21.6 and 28.5% degradations of Pyr and Flr, respectively. The Zn-based Fenton reagent performed better than the Fe-based reagent by degrading 99.9% of Pyr. The Fe-based Fenton reagent (under UV light) resulted in 97.1–99.7% and 95.1–98.9% Pyr and Flr degradations, respectively, in 0.5–2 h. Notably, the temperature increase during UV irradiation facilitated the enhanced degradation of Pyr and Flr, as observed from negative correlations (r = (−)0.902–0.961 and p = 0.039–0.098) between the temperature and PAH concentrations. The newly tested Zn-based Fenton reagent was equally effective as the Fe-based Fenton reagent in degrading Pyr and Flr in soil. Hence, it can be used as a new alternative reagent to remediate PAH-polluted soils.
Management of a Tourist Village Establishment in Mountainous Area through Analysis of Costs and Incomes
Authors: Ciolac Ramona , Rujescu Ciprian , Constantinescu Simona , Adamov Tabita , Dragoi Mihaela , Lile Ramona
Published: May 2017

The popularity of rural areas and especially the mountainous ones, as a possibility to spend the vacation has increased in most countries. Almost all mountain areas can provide great opportunities for the development of various forms of rural tourism, there being many examples according to which many mountain areas, through appropriate and effective strategies of capitalizing the resources through the forms of rural tourism, start from the pioneer stage to a real valuable alternative in socio-economic terms for the rural area. One of the concepts that are increasingly used is the “tourist village”, its main issue, consisting in the return of the investment, an aspect that we will discuss in this paper. The paper presents an analysis of the way in which the occupancy degree affects the period of amortization of the initial investment. Concretely, in the case of the medium-sized tourist village, the minimum occupancy degree for the amortization of the initial investment, starts from about 25% for the investment without a loan, but subsidy in proportion of 50% and reaches at about 85% in the case of an investment with loan, for a period of 10 years, without advance or subsidy and with an interest of 7%. Initial investments were established for a holiday village in the Romanian countryside.
A Study on Immersion and VR Sickness in Walking Interaction for Immersive Virtual Reality Applications
Authors: Lee Jiwon , Kim Mingyu , Kim Jinmo
Published: May 2017

This study analyzes walking interaction to enhance the immersion and minimize virtual reality (VR) sickness of users by conducting experiments. In this study, the walking interaction is composed of three steps using input devices with a simple structure that can be easily used by anyone. The first step consists of a gamepad control method, which is the most popular but has low presence. The second step consists of a hand-based walking control interface, which is mainly used for interaction in VR applications. The last step consists of a march-in-place detection simulator that interacts with the legs—the key body parts for walking. Four experiments were conducted to determine the degree of direct expression of intention by users in the course of walking interactions that can improve immersion, presence, and prevent VR sickness in VR applications. With regard to the experiments in this study, survey experiments were conducted for general users using the Wilcoxon test, a presence questionnaire, and simulator sickness questionnaire (SSQ). In addition, the technical performance of the VR scenes used in the experiment was analyzed. The experimental results showed that higher immersion was achieved when interactions that felt closer to real walking were provided in VR. Furthermore, it was found that even control methods with a simple structure could be used for walking interactions with minimal VR sickness. Finally, a satisfactory presence was found in VR if the user was able interact using his or her own legs.
The Investigation of Unexpected Arsenic Compounds Observed in Routine Biological Monitoring Urinary Speciation Analysis
Authors: Leese Elizabeth , Clench Malcolm , Morton Jackie , Gardiner Philip H.E. , Carolan Vikki A.
Published: May 2017

This study investigates the identity of two unexpected arsenic species found separately in a number of urine samples sent to the Health and Safety Executive’s Health and Safety Laboratory for arsenic speciation (arsenobetaine, AB; arsenite, As3+; arsenate, As5+; monomethylarsonic acid, MMA5+; and dimethylarsinic acid, DMA5+). Micro liquid chromatography coupled to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (µLC-ICP-MS) and electrospray time of flight tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-QqTOF-MS/MS) were used to identify the two arsenic peaks by comparison to several characterized arsenicals: arsenocholine, AC; trimethyl arsine oxide, TMAO; dimethylarsenoacetate, DMAA; dimethylarsenoethanol, DMAE; thio-dimethylarsinate, thio-DMA; thio-dimethylarsenoacetate, thio-DMAA and thio-dimethylarsenoethanol, thio-DMAE. The results from both the ICP-MS and ESI-QqTOF-MS/MS investigations indicate that the unexpected arsenic species termed peak 1 was thio-DMA. While the unexpected arsenic species termed peak 2 has yet to be identified, this investigation shows that it was not AC, TMAO, DMAA, DMAE, thio-DMA, thio-DMAA or thio-DMAE. This study demonstrates the incidence of unexpected arsenic species in both routine and non-routine urine samples from both workers and hospital patients.
Development of a LC-MS/MS Method for the Multi-Mycotoxin Determination in Composite Cereal-Based Samples
Authors: De Santis Barbara , Debegnach Francesca , Gregori Emanuela , Russo Simona , Marchegiani Francesca , Moracci Gabriele , Brera Carlo
Published: May 2017

The analytical scenario for determining contaminants in the food and feed sector is constantly prompted by the progress and improvement of knowledge and expertise of researchers and by the technical innovation of the instrumentation available. Mycotoxins are agricultural contaminants of fungal origin occurring at all latitudes worldwide and being characterized by acute and chronic effects on human health and animal wellness, depending on the species sensitivity. The major mycotoxins of food concern are aflatoxin B1 and ochratoxin A, the first for its toxicity, and the second for its recurrent occurrence. However, the European legislation sets maximum limits for mycotoxins, such as aflatoxin B1, ochratoxin A, deoxynivalenol, fumonisins, and zearalenone, and indicative limits for T-2 and HT-2 toxins. Due to the actual probability that co-occurring mycotoxins are present in a food or feed product, nowadays, the availability of reliable, sensitive, and versatile multi-mycotoxin methods is assuming a relevant importance. Due to the wide range of matrices susceptible to mycotoxin contamination and the possible co-occurrence, a multi-mycotoxin and multi-matrix method was validated in liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) with the purpose to overcome specific matrix effects and analyze complex cereal-based samples within the Italian Total Diet Study project.
Coagulating Colubrids: Evolutionary, Pathophysiological and Biodiscovery Implications of Venom Variations between Boomslang (Dispholidus typus) and Twig Snake (Thelotornis mossambicanus)
Authors: Debono Jordan , Dobson James , Casewell Nicholas , Romilio Anthony , Li Bin , Kurniawan Nyoman , Mardon Karine , Weisbecker Vera , Nouwens Amanda , Kwok Hang , Fry Bryan
Published: May 2017

Venoms can deleteriously affect any physiological system reachable by the bloodstream, including directly interfering with the coagulation cascade. Such coagulopathic toxins may be anticoagulants or procoagulants. Snake venoms are unique in their use of procoagulant toxins for predatory purposes. The boomslang (Dispholidus typus) and the twig snakes (Thelotornis species) are iconic African snakes belonging to the family Colubridae. Both species produce strikingly similar lethal procoagulant pathologies. Despite these similarities, antivenom is only produced for treating bites by D. typus, and the mechanisms of action of both venoms have been understudied. In this study, we investigated the venom of D. typus and T. mossambicanus utilising a range of proteomic and bioactivity approaches, including determining the procoagulant properties of both venoms in relation to the human coagulation pathways. In doing so, we developed a novel procoagulant assay, utilising a Stago STA-R Max analyser, to accurately detect real time clotting in plasma at varying concentrations of venom. This approach was used to assess the clotting capabilities of the two venoms both with and without calcium and phospholipid co-factors. We found that T. mossambicanus produced a significantly stronger coagulation response compared to D. typus. Functional enzyme assays showed that T. mossambicanus also exhibited a higher metalloprotease and phospholipase activity but had a much lower serine protease activity relative to D. typus venom. The neutralising capability of the available boomslang antivenom was also investigated on both species, with it being 11.3 times more effective upon D. typus venom than T. mossambicanus. In addition to being a faster clotting venom, T. mossambicanus was revealed to be a much more complex venom composition than D. typus. This is consistent with patterns seen for other snakes with venom complexity linked to dietary complexity. Consistent with the external morphological differences in head shape between the two species, CT and MRI analyses revealed significant internal structural differences in skull architecture and venom gland anatomy. This study increases our understanding of not only the biodiscovery potential of these medically important species but also increases our knowledge of the pathological relationship between venom and the human coagulation cascade.
Doses of Immunogen Contribute to Specificity Spectrums of Antibodies against Aflatoxin
Authors: Li Peiwu , Wu Jing , Zhang Li , Fan Zhiyong , Yu Tingting , Jiang Feng , Tang Xiaoqian , Zhang Zhaowei , Zhang Wen , Zhang Qi
Published: May 2017

Research about antibody specificity spectra was conducted to develop single-specific antibodies or broad-specific antibodies. Aflatoxins, as one class of high-toxicity mycotoxins, were selected as the research targets to investigate the effect of the immunogen dose on antibody specificity spectra. For this aim, 16 monoclonal antibodies were induced by low or high doses of aflatoxin B1-BSA, and 34 monoclonal antibodies were induced by low or high doses of aflatoxin M1-BSA. The specificities of the antibodies induced, whether by aflatoxin B1 conjugate or aflatoxin M1 conjugate, indicated that the low dose of the immunogen induced a narrow spectrum of antibody specificity, while the high dose of the immunogen showed an advantage to form a broad spectrum of antibody specificity. Therefore, this report provides important information for the development of new antibodies against small molecules like aflatoxins.
Understanding the Complex Patterns Observed during Hepatitis B Virus Therapy
Authors: Carracedo Rodriguez Andrea , Chung Matthias , Ciupe Stanca
Published: May 2017

Data from human clinical trials have shown that the hepatitis B virus (HBV) follows complex profiles, such as bi-phasic, tri-phasic, stepwise decay and rebound. We utilized a deterministic model of HBV kinetics following antiviral therapy to uncover the mechanistic interactions behind HBV dynamics. Analytical investigation of the model was used to separate the parameter space describing virus decay and rebound. Monte Carlo sampling of the parameter space was used to determine the virological, pharmacological and immunological factors that separate the bi-phasic and tri-phasic virus profiles. We found that the level of liver infection at the start of therapy best separates the decay patterns. Moreover, drug efficacy, ratio between division of uninfected and infected cells, and the strength of cytotoxic immune response are important in assessing the amount of liver damage experienced over time and in quantifying the duration of therapy leading to virus resolution in each of the observed profiles.
Thermal and Physical Investigations into Lake Deepening Processes on Spillway Lake, Ngozumpa Glacier, Nepal
Authors: Horodyskyj Ulyana
Published: May 2017

This paper investigates physical processes in the four sub-basins of Ngozumpa glacier’s terminal Spillway Lake for the period 2012–2014 in order to characterize lake deepening and mass transfer processes. Quantifying the growth and deepening of this terminal lake is important given its close vicinity to Sherpa villages down-valley. To this end, the following are examined: annual, daily and hourly temperature variations in the water column, vertical turbidity variations and water level changes and map lake floor sediment properties and lake floor structure using open water side-scan sonar transects. Roughness and hardness maps from sonar returns reveal lake floor substrates ranging from mud, to rocky debris and, in places, bare ice. Heat conduction equations using annual lake bottom temperatures and sediment properties are used to calculate bottom ice melt rates (lake floor deepening) for 0.01 to 1-m debris thicknesses. In areas of rapid deepening, where low mean bottom temperatures prevail, thin debris cover or bare ice is present. This finding is consistent with previously reported localized regions of lake deepening and is useful in predicting future deepening.
Understanding the Role of Groundwater in a Remote Transboundary Lake (Hulun Lake, China)
Authors: Gao Hongbin , Ryan M. , Li Changyou , Sun Biao
Published: May 2017

Hulun Lake, located in a remote, semi-arid area in the northeast part of Inner Mongolia, China, shares a transboundary basin with Mongolia and supports a unique wetland ecosystem that includes many endangered species. Decadal scale decreases in the lake stage and increased salinity make an understanding of the lake’s water and salt sources critical for appropriate design of strategies to protect and manage the lake. Multiple tracers (chloride, and δ18O and δ2H in water) in samples collected from lake water, rivers, and nearby water wells were used in conjunction with an annual water balance based on historic data to better understand the lake’s major water and salt sources. The average annual water balance was conducted for two time periods: 1981–2000 and 2001–2013. The contribution of river discharge to the annual lake input decreased by half (from 64% to 31%) between the two time periods, while the volumetric contribution of groundwater discharge increased four-fold (from about 11% to about 50% of the total lake input). Significant evaporation was apparent in the stable isotope composition of the present-day lake water, however, evaporation alone could not account for the high lake water chloride concentrations. Limited domestic well water sampling, a regional salinity survey, and saline soils suggest that high chloride groundwater concentrations exist in the region south of the lake. The chloride mass balance suggested that groundwater currently contributes more than 90% of the annual chloride loading to the lake, which is likely four times greater than the earlier period (1981–2000) with lower groundwater input. The use of water and chloride mass balances combined with water isotope analyses could be applied to other watersheds where hydrologic information is scarce.
Shoreline Response to a Sequence of Typhoon and Monsoon Events
Authors: Almar Rafael , Marchesiello Patrick , Almeida Luis , Thuan Duong , Tanaka Hitoshi , Viet Nguyen
Published: May 2017

Shoreline continuously adapts to changing multi-scale wave forcing. This study investigates the shoreline evolution of tropical beaches exposed to monsoon events and storms with a case study in Vietnam, facing the South China Sea, over the particularly active 2013–2014 season, including the Cat-5 Haiyan typhoon. Our continuous video observations show for the first time that long-lasting monsoon events have more persistent impact (longer beach recovery phase) than typhoons. Using a shoreline equilibrium model, we estimate that the seasonal shoreline behavior is driven by the envelope of intra-seasonal events rather than monthly-averaged waves. Finally, the study suggests that the interplay between intra-seasonal event intensity and duration on the one hand and recovery conditions on the other might be of key significance. Their evolution in a variable or changing climate should be considered.
Les datations radiocarbone du Tardigravettien ancien à crans de l’abri de Chinchon 1 à Saumane-de-Vaucluse et la chronologie du Paléolithique supérieur récent provençal / Radiocarbon dates for the early shouldered Tardigravettian from the rockshelter of Chinchon 1 at Saumane-de-Vaucluse and the chronology of the recent Provençal Upper Palaeolithic
Authors: Brochier Jacques-Élie
Published: May 2017

The lithic industry with shouldered points and truncated backed bladelets from the rockshelter of Chinchon 1 in the Vaucluse has been variously interpreted over the past few decades : some authors clearly see it as belonging to an ultimate, classic, phase of the final Magdalenian, whereas others link it just as clearly to an early, Italic, phase of the Tardigravettian. The results of stratigraphic, sedimentological and palaeontological analyses speak for an early date for this complex, a date that had hitherto eluded absolute dating. Here we present a series of new chronological markers for this episode, subjected to Bayesian analysis and modelling. We examine the chronological relationship between these new data and the Salpetrian Tardisolutrean of Languedoc as well as the recent phase of activity in Cosquer Cave and show that the (early) Salpetrian Tardisolutrean and early Tardigravettian with shouldered points are partly synchronous ; further, that in the Tardigravettian region where Cosquer Cave is located, it is in the early phase of the Tardigravettian with shouldered points that the paintings and engravings of the second period of activity at Cosquer were created.
L’enceinte rubanée de Menneville Derrière le Village et les structures associées (Aisne, France) : de la diversité du traitement des défunts à la cohérence d’un système / The LBK enclosure and associated structures at Menneville Derrière le Village (Aisne, France): from diversity in mortuary behaviour to a coherent system
Authors: Thevenet Corinne
Published: May 2017

L’enceinte de Menneville est constituée de segments de fossé sur une longueur de près de 1000 m et encercle un vaste habitat rubané témoignant d’au moins deux phases d’occupation (étapes moyenne et récente du RRBP). Les fossés de l’enceinte rubanée ont livré de nombreux restes humains, ainsi que de nombreux vestiges de faune domestique et de plus rares artefacts céramiques et lithiques. Les restes humains témoignent de traitements variés des défunts : corps entiers, os isolés, manipulations post-mortem, dépôts soignés ou non. En dépit de cette diversité, une structuration similaire se dégage de l’organisation des dépôts à l’intérieur des segments et permet de reconnaître un système d’une grande cohérence. Quatre types d’associations de dépôts sont possibles, du plus simple au plus complexe, certains mettant en jeu une asymétrie de traitement des individus. Ils permettent de proposer un schéma de fonctionnement de l’enceinte et de discuter de l’identité de ses utilisateurs. L’ensemble de ces résultats oriente l’interprétation vers des événements d’ordre cérémoniel qui auraient été reproduits périodiquement. Ils amènent également à s’interroger sur la nature positive ou négative des différents traitements réservés aux défunts.
The Early Bronze Age in Azerbaijan in the light of recent discoveries
Authors: Lyonnet Bertille
Published: May 2017

L’article concerne l’âge du Bronze ancien en Azerbaïdjan, période au cours de laquelle a commencé puis s’est développée la culture Kura-Araxe. Les fouilles anciennes sur des établissements et des tombes ou kourganes de cette culture manquent souvent de repères stratigraphiques et de dates précises. Les sites les plus importants sont revus ici sur la base de fouilles récentes faites à Mentesh Tepe : après une longue occupation remontant jusqu’au Néolithique, trois phases du Bronze ancien ont été mises en évidence (de la seconde moitié du 4e à la seconde moitié du 3e millénaire). La première phase correspond à une tombe collective sous kourgane, la deuxième à de nombreuses fosses et la troisième à une tombe à char à quatre roues en bois assez riche, datée de la phase Martkopi de la «culture des Premiers Kourganes » . Cette dernière phase est contemporaine de la dernière séquence de la culture Kura-Araxe et l’on estime qu’elle est liée au développement d’un commerce «international » , basé principalement sur l’étain. L’absence d’établissement visible sur une large étendue de l’Azerbaïdjan occidental conduit l’auteur à considérer que la population était probablement mobile pendant toute cette longue période.
New evidence for the Anatolian origins of ‘Khirbet Kerak Ware people’ at Tel Bet Yerah (Israel), ca 2800 BC
Authors: Greenberg Raphael , Shimelmitz Ron , Iserlis Mark
Published: May 2017

A Tel Bet Yerah, la fouille intensive de contextes associés à de grandes quantités de céramique Khirbet-Kerak (KKW), ainsi que de contextes associés à la poterie de tradition locale, qu’ils soient antérieurs aux contextes KKW ou contemporains, nous a permis d’élargir la définition du complexe culturel KKW. L’usage du torchis, le mobilier en terre cuite polie, une technologie lithique particulière, les supports de foyers en argile, des objets symboliques et des éléments de mobilier lourd en pierre, peuvent tous être attribués aux contextes KKW. Ils diffèrent nettement de la tradition locale et trouvent de nombreux précédents dans le monde ETC / Kura-Araxe en Anatolie orientale et dans le Haut Euphrate. Ces découvertes donnent plus de crédibilité à l’approche qui voit l’introduction vers 2800 av. J.-C. de la KKW au Levant comme un témoignage de la migration d’un groupe familial.
Aggregation behaviour of a single-chain, phenylene-modified bolalipid and its miscibility with classical phospholipids
Authors: Drescher Simon , Garamus Vasil M , Garvey Christopher J , Meister Annette , Blume Alfred
Published: May 2017

In the present work, we describe the synthesis of a single-chain, phenylene-modified bolalipid with two phosphocholine headgroups, PC-C18pPhC18-PC, using a Sonogashira cross-coupling reaction as a key step. The aggregation behaviour was studied as a function of temperature using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and small angle neutron scattering (SANS). We show that our new bolalipid self-assembles into nanofibres, which transform into flexible nanofibres at 27 °C and further to small elongated micelles at 45 °C. Furthermore, the miscibility of the bolalipid with bilayer-forming phosphatidylcholines (DMPC, DPPC, and DSPC) was investigated by means of DSC, TEM, FTIR, and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). We could show that the PC-C18pPhC18-PC is partially miscible with saturated phosphatidylcholines; however, closed lipid vesicles with an increased thermal stability were not found. Instead, bilayer fragments and disk-like aggregates are formed.
Liability of a Technical Supervisor of Construction: Analysis of Lithuanian Case Law
Authors: Mitkus Sigitas
Published: May 2017

The article deals with the liability issues of a technical supervisor of construction in Lithuania. It is established in statutory law that a technical supervisor of construction is liable against an owner jointly with other parties involved in the construction (contractor, designer); however, it provides no explanation as to how this liability is distributed between the parties. Analysis of case law of the Supreme Court of Lithuania is used as a basis for crystallizing the rules applied by the courts in defining liability of a technical supervisor of construction and distributing it between other construction players. It has been found out that the liability attributed in case law to the technical supervisor of construction found guilty for defective construction works usually varies from 15% to 20%. The findings of this research may be used in systems for predicting court judgements and decision support systems for judicial disputes.
Contemporary Tendencies in Third Party Logistics
Authors: Kotlars Aleksandrs , Solovjovs Dmitrijs , Skribans Valerijs
Published: May 2017

Contemporary third party logistics (3PL) companies tend to broaden their competences in different fields and apart from traditional logistics services provide various value-added services to their customers. An inductive analysis of 3PL related literature is required, in order to define possible directions for development of contemporary 3PL companies. The purpose of this paper is, foremost, to discover contemporary tendencies of 3PL activities through investigation of literature. Second, to systematically classify 3PL activities discussed in scientific literature. Third, discover areas that require further development. The paper is based on systematic review and classification of articles related to 3PL activities that were published in scientific journals and databases. This paper is organized as follows. First part contains quantitative analysis of literature and description of authors’ developed directions of 3PL activities. Subsequent sections contain qualitative review of modern 3PL tendencies by each of pre-defined areas. Last section aims at providing conclusions and suggestions for further research. The key findings are following. Majority of studies of 3PL activities are based on particular business case or survey that does not allow to make conclusion about industry in general. Main emphasis in contemporary research is done on knowledge-based services. It is agreed that core logistics services are tended to be replaced by value-added services.
Clusters’ Role in Globalization
Authors: Razminienė Kristina , Tvaronavičienė Manuela
Published: May 2017

The purpose of this study is to review globalization literature and cluster literature to see how these two
phenomena are understood, which perspective scholars refer to when analysing globalization and clusters, how can the
approaches explain each other. The attention was focused more on the outcomes of globalization for the countries that
are a part of the ongoing proccess rather than theoretical aspects, while cluster literature was chosen to address globalization
and the attempt was to see the links between these phenomena. Bibliometrical analysis is used for the purpose,
articles selected from the Emerald Insight database. The findings suggest that the main concern caused by globalization
is inequality of income and wage which can be reduced by education for people can gain skills and knowledge which
would make them competitive in demanding environment. Competitiveness is emphasized in cluster definition and the
processes of globalization are seen as advantageous for cluster development. This literature review needs further analysis
with more articles taken into consideration. The concept is advanced and developed, so there are many studies made
regarding this topic. In this paper a certain aspect is observed to see how far the concept has advanced and how scholars
view it.
International Business Negotiations: Search of the Balance and the Equilibrium of Negotiating Powers, under Distorting Market Conditions of Competition (Monopsony, Oligopsony and Monopoly Cases)
Authors: Peleckis Kęstutis , Peleckienė Valentina , Peleckis Kęstutis
Published: May 2017

Certain challenges arise in business negotiations when competition in the market is more or less distorted. This can take place in various markets conditions. In such situations great possibilities open up to the development of international business relations as overclocking new market participants can provide additional alternatives for companies and organizations or other business units, by reducing the negative impact of competition distortions for the balance of negotiating power of participants in negotiations. In the development and implementation of effective international business negotiation strategy, it is important to identify the balance of negotiating power of major participants in negotiations in order to make more efficient use of the potential of business negotiations – the negotiating powers. The aim of this article is to analyze in complex the unfolding theory and practice of development and implementation of international business negotiations and negotiating strategies under distorting market competition conditions, to reveal opportunities on development and implementing improvements of these strategies in cases of monopsony, oligopsony and monopoly. Object of the research is the search of balance on negotiating powers in international business negotiations under conditions of distorted competition in the market. The scientific problem - negotiation theory lacks measures for assessment and balancing the negotiating powers of negotiation’s participants under distorted market competition.
The Public Debt of Latvia: Short-Term and Long-Terms Aspects
Authors: Keišs Staņislavs , Seregina Alla
Published: May 2017

The article investigates the structure and dynamics of public debt of Latvia for the period from 2006–2016 year. The relevance of the study long-term effects of public debt on the economy of Latvia is predetermined by a significant increase in its volume of low GDP growth rates in recent years. This article discusses conceptual approaches and criteria for evaluation of the public debt. An analysis of the main reasons for the growth of public debt of Latvia after joining the EU, considers its specific characteristics and consequences as compared with the more developed EU countries on the basis of these annual reports of Latvia Treasury over the past ten years. Analysis of the structure of the debt of Latvia on maturity shows that an effective public debt management necessarily involves consideration of the long-term effects of the growth of public debt to the public. High level of the external indebtedness in the structure of Latvian public debt is a factor of the growth of “debt overhang” even following Maastricht criterions of public debt. As a result of the research is justification of differentiated approach necessity to the evaluation of public debt with considering of intertemporal effects.
Income Inequality and Food Security in the Light of the Experience of the OECD Countries
Authors: Grzelak Aleksander
Published: May 2017

The main aim of this article is evaluate the relationships between income inequality and food security in the light of the experiences of the OECD countries. Understanding the problems of inequality of income and food security is one of the main challenge for economic and social development of the contemporary world. In the part of empirical studies one has used a data from the selected OECD countries by prism of the Gini coefficient of income distribution and relative poverty. In turn, food security is presented from the perspective of the global index of food security (Global Food Security Index), which was developed at the request of DuPont by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). In the case of empirical verification one has used regression analysis and cluster (agglomeration) for typing of the studied countries. Time scope of analysis refers to the period 2010–2015. It was stated that there is a considerable variation in the level of food security, and especially income inequality between countries. This is a consequence of both the differences in the level of economic development, as well as the model of functioning of the economy. A relationships between income inequality and food security are complex and ambiguous. A clearer regularities can be seen in the case of income inequality and food security in the dimension related to the economic affordability of food price. This is due to the fact that issues related to food security are mainly connected with low level of income. In turn, the cluster analysis made it possible to distinguish three groups of countries with different characteristics in terms of income inequality and food security.
Pro-Environmental Municipal Governance Developments in Latvia: Sustainability and Integration Principles in the Practice
Authors: Ernsteins Raimonds , Kudrenickis Ivars , Kaulins Janis , Lontone-Ievina Anita
Published: May 2017

Studies being presented here have been done as initial part of wider research-and-developemnt (R&D) programme, aiming to investigate preconditions and all instruments set necessary for environmental governance adequate integration into legally required societal (sustainable) development governance/planning framework and municipal governance practice. This have been done studying governance by its triple complementary dimensions of governance content, governance process and governance stakeholders and approaching municipality as a complex and interactive socio-ecological system. Accordingly, pilot investigations have been done as various thematical case studies in preselected model municipalities – six studies/pilot studies, based on the integrated case study research methodology, including and complementary applying document studies, interviews, surveys, observations and focus groups. Existing development planning and other instruments combined with municipal planning capacities are neither sufficient nor effective, and, since step-wise developmental process for sustainability principle integration seems to be not perspective as quite similar also with integration principle as for complex planning process and also as for thematical meaning of integrations of environmental governance into develoment one. Since environmental sector planning documents are not mandatory anymore at local municipalities, environmental sector planning process and content in the development planning practice is often limited, but few ad hoc available and used formal environmental planning instruments are neither sufficient or used just temporaly. There is to be seen necessity to develop innovative methodologies and tools as done during this research-and-development project.
PAVIRŠINIŲ NUOTEKŲ TINKLO HIDRAULINIŲ SKAIČIAVIMŲ METODŲ ANALIZĖ
Authors: Aleksaitė Agnė , Janeliauskienė Dalia
Published: May 2017

Palaipsniui dėl miestų urbanizacijos miestuose didėja paviršinis (lietaus bei sniego tirpsmo vandens) nuotėkis, kuris lemia kietų, nepralaidžių vandeniui dangų didėjimą bei žaliųjų plotų mažėjimą. Vis didesnis paviršinių nuotekų kiekis nuteka že-mės paviršiniumi į nuotekų tinklus, o tai lemia anksčiau įrengtų tinklų apkrovą – nuotekų tekėjimas tampa slėginis, susidaro patvankos, netgi užliejamos gatvės. Taigi, projektuojant paviršinių nuotekų surinkimo sistemas, pagrindinis ir lemiamas pa-rametras yra lietaus metu susidarančių nuotekų tūris patenkantis į tinklus, taigi labai svarbu tiklsiai įvertinti susidarančių nuo-tekų debitą. Straipsnyje aptariama dviejų hidraulinų skaičiavimų būdų (pagal STR 2.07.01:2003 ir kompiuterinės programos StormCAD) panaudojimo metodika bei nagrinėjami skaičiavimų rezultatai.