bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modified Small Incision Cataract Surgery and Intraocular Lens Implantation in HIV Patients
Authors: Giles Kagmeni , Domngang Christelle , Nguefack-Tsague Georges , Come Ebana Mvogo , Wiedemann Peter
Published: November 2015

Aim

To describe a surgical technique suitable for cataract surgery in regions with a high prevalence of HIV infection.

Methods

We reviewed the medical records of 20 consecutive AIDS patients with cataract who underwent modified small-incision cataract surgery (mSICS) with posterior chamber lens implantation. Classic extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) was compared to mSICS. The number of potentially risky steps for contamination during surgery and duration of surgery were analyzed. A risky step was defined as any time when the surgeon had to use a sharp instrument. Student's paired t-test was carried out to compare continuous variables, and P-values <0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results

Twenty patients were included in the study, 13 males (65%) and seven females (35%). The mean age was 46.3 ± 13.6 years (range 22–70 years). The number of potentially risky steps for contamination was significantly higher in the classical ECCE than in mSICS ( P < 0.001). The mean duration of cataract surgery with mSICS was significantly shorter as well ( P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Conversion to mSICS is essential in order to reduce accidental injuries during cataract surgery in sub-Saharan countries. Sharp instruments should be passed through a neutral zone to ensure that the surgeon and nurse do not touch the same instrument at the same time.
Reglas de secuenciación en el problema de secuenciación en línea de montaje con mezcla de modelos
Authors: Maheut Julien , Garcia-Sabater José P.
Published: November 2015

El problema de secuenciación de unidades en el caso de líneas de montaje con mezcla de modelo es un problema tratado  en la literatura dónde se suele considerar restricciones en forma de reglas. Los algoritmos de resolución pretenden no-violar dichas reglas puesto que la violación afecta negativamente a la actividad en la línea de montaje. Estas reglas hacen referencia en la mayor parte de la literatura a consideraciones físicas de la línea o están relacionadas con la carga de trabajo. Se propone en este trabajo clasificar las diferentes reglas existentes y conocidas en la realidad industrial y se introducen ejemplos prácticos conocidos.
Occupational Therapists’ Opinions of Two Pediatric Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy Protocols
Authors: Christman Emily , McAllister Kaitlin , Claar Katie , Kaufman Samantha , Page Stephen J.
Published: November 2015

OBJECTIVE. We sought to determine occupational therapists’ opinions of two pediatric constraint-induced movement therapy (pCIMT) protocols.

METHOD. A total of 272 therapists in pediatric rehabilitation clinics completed an electronic survey to determine their opinions of two published pCIMT protocols. In Protocol A, restraint is worn 24 hr/day on the nonparetic upper extremity (UE), and in-clinic, therapist-supervised practice sessions occur 7 days/wk for 6 hr/day over 3 wk. In Protocol B, restraint is worn 2 hr/day on the nonparetic UE, and in-clinic, therapist-supervised practice sessions occur 1 day/wk for 2 hr/day over 8 wk.

RESULTS. The majority of participants reported moderate to high concerns about every facet of Protocol A. Conversely, >50% of participants reported low or no concerns about five of seven facets of Protocol B.

CONCLUSION. This study adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that therapists strongly prefer low-duration pCIMT protocols.
Multiple Treatments of Pediatric Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (pCIMT): A Clinical Cohort Study
Authors: DeLuca Stephanie C. , Ramey Sharon Landesman , Trucks Mary Rebekah , Wallace Dorian Ainsworth
Published: November 2015

Pediatric constraint-induced movement therapy (pCIMT) is one of the most efficacious treatments for children with cerebral palsy (CP). Distinctive components of pCIMT include constraint of the less impaired upper extremity (UE), high-intensity therapy for the more impaired UE (≥3 hr/day, many days per week, for multiple weeks), use of shaping techniques combined with repetitive task practice, and bimanual transfer. A critical issue is whether multiple treatments of pCIMT produce additional benefit. In a clinical cohort (mean age = 31 mo) of 28 children with asymmetrical CP whose parents sought multiple pCIMT treatments, the children gained a mean of 13.2 (standard deviation [SD] = 4.2) new functional skills after Treatment 1; Treatment 2 produced a mean of 7.3 (SD = 4.7) new skills; and Treatment 3, 6.5 (SD = 4.2). These findings support the conclusion that multiple pCIMT treatments can produce clinically important functional gains for children with hemiparetic CP.
Effects of recreational therapy for youth in a secured substance abuse treatment program: An exploratory study
Authors: Stockhecke, MS Timothy J. , Yang, PhD, CTRS Heewon , Malkin, EdD, CTRS Marjorie J.
Published: November 2015

The purpose of the study was to examine if a recreational therapy program decreased substance craving scores among youth at a juvenile detention center. Existing data from three male and three female youths’ craving scores, recorded before and after four recreation therapy interventions per week, were used to obtain the results of the two research questions over an 8-week period. This secured substance abuse treatment program utilized the Craving Identification Management (CIM) model. The craving scores identified by the youth prior to and following all of the recreational therapy activities were analyzed through descriptive statistics to determine the effectiveness of recreation therapy (RT). Results of the research project indicated that recreational therapy may be an effective intervention for lowering the craving scores of youth in a secured substance abuse treatment program.
Care staff experiences of facilitating person-centered care and resident involvement through the use of individualized music in dementia care
Authors: Skrivervik, MHS Eva , Buettner, PhD, LRT, CTRS† Linda L. , Testad, PhD Ingelin
Published: November 2015

Introduction: To meet the needs of persons with dementia, adequate psychosocial interventions such as individualized music (IM) therapy is needed through resident involvement and person-centered care.Aim: The aim of this study was to explore the experience of care staff working with IM in nursing home residents with dementia.Method: A qualitative, explorative, and descriptive design was used. Semistructured interviews of seven care staff from four nursing homes were carried out.Result: The main findings included improved person-centered care and resident involvement, categorized in the three main themes: (1) IM in care staff-resident relation, (2) IM as a psychosocial intervention for agitation and restlessness, and (3) IM and job satisfaction in care staff.Conclusion: These findings suggest that IM can improve facilitation of person-centered care, thus providing an increased focus on resident involvement.
The role of the aquatic professional in the collaboration process
Authors: Grosse, MS Susan J.
Published: November 2015

The professional in therapeutic recreation has the potential to interact with a variety of other persons who are involved in the life of an individual with a disability. If that individual participates in an aquatic program, one of the persons with whom a therapeutic recreation staff member interacts is the professional in aquatics. To make that interaction as productive as possible, this article will explore several aspects of the interaction between professionals in therapeutic recreation and professionals in aquatics. There are two aspects to the role of the aquatic professional and that professional’s interaction with therapeutic recreation staff participating in the collaboration process when working with individuals with disabilities. The aquatic professionals’ first job is to obtain information that can possibly impact the aquatic participation of the individual with a disability. If the aquatic program is part of a broader therapeutic recreation program, the primary source for that information may be the therapeutic recreation staff. Second and more often overlooked, there is information that the aquatic professional can provide to other individuals, professionals in therapeutic recreation, and caregivers alike, who also interact with the person with a disability. Because of the unique nature of staffing and participation in aquatics, participation in the collaborative process may be difficult. This article explores the specific details of the interactions of the aquatic professional in the collaboration process. Barriers to collaboration are discussed and possible solutions are presented.
Participation incentives among US adult, US youth, and Polish adult wheelchair basketball players
Authors: Szyman, PhD Robert J. , Molik, PhD Bartosz
Published: November 2015

Wheelchair basketball may be the world’s oldest and most popular team sport for persons with a physical disability. At present, there are at least eight major international tournaments as well as zonal qualifying tournaments for the Paralympic Games and the Men’s and Women’s Gold Cup under the auspices of the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation. There were two purposes of this study. The first was to evaluate the participation motives of Polish wheelchair basketball players and the second was to compare the participation motives of Polish and American wheelchair basketball players. Data for this study were obtained from two sources: men and women who participated on Polish wheelchair basketball teams and data reported in studies by Brasile and Hedrick.1 In general, the results indicate that the incentives for participation in wheelchair basketball across these samples of players are more similar than dissimilar. The groups have similar mean scores and standard deviations for the task-oriented incentives. Future research may address whether American or European wheelchair basketball players have more similar participation motives than players from Africa, Asia, Australia, or South America or that the participants in noncompetitive sports or extreme sports have similar motives.
Working with hearing-impaired clients: Techniques to optimize communication
Authors: Lane, PhD, RN, MOT Kari R. , Clark, ARNP, PhD, RN M. Kathleen
Published: November 2015

The prevalence of hearing impairment in older adult populations is more than 33 percent. It is essential that all therapists understand how to ensure their patients’ speech understanding when a hearing loss is present. This article reviews how to assess hearing loss and identify what types of resources are available for a patient to use while in therapy to ensure speech understanding.
Are we ready? A personal reflection
Authors: Richeson, PhD, CTRS Nancy E.
Published: November 2015

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The recreational therapy work force: One county’s view
Authors: Hoss, PhD, CTRS, FACHE, FDRT Mary Ann Keogh
Published: November 2015

The Occupational Outlook Handbook for 2010-2011 edition states a growth rate of approximately 15 percent for recreational therapists throughout the country through 2018. This article explores the growth rate examining one county in one state. Washington State was chosen because data for four therapist types, occupational, physical, recreational, and speech were available to view and compare. Information regarding various aspects of employment for recreational therapists is examined. Estimated occupational employment for 2018 for recreational therapists in Washington State and Spokane County are included with a comparison for occupational employment of physical, occupational, and speech therapists in the same state and county. Both the state and county projections for the growth rate for recreational therapists are above 15 percent.
On not taking ourselves seriously as individuals working in a vital profession
Authors: Austin, PhD David R.
Published: November 2015

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Intergenerational science programming: A catalyst for motivation in older adults
Authors: Schepisi, MTS, CTRS-Specialization in Geriatrics Ila , Faas, MS Caitlin
Published: November 2015

The purpose of this study was to determine if increased use of science processing skills would in turn increase motivation in older adults. There were three complimentary curricular topics that informed this project: intergenerational (IG) programming, natural motivation, and science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) curriculum. For this study, a facilitator in-service intervention was developed to specifically focus on STEM practices in IG programming. Overall, increasing use of science processing skills in the context of an IG program engaged certain natural motivators in older adults. Following the training, the same older adult participants experienced improved life satisfaction with trends in decreasing depression. Increased use of communication-related science processing skills is an effective method to improve well-being among older adults with dementia.
Quantifying atmospheric nitrogen deposition through a nationwide monitoring network across China
Authors: Xu W. , Luo X. S. , Pan Y. P. , Zhang L. , Tang A. H. , Shen J. L. , Zhang Y. , Li K. H. , Wu Q. H. , Yang D. W. , Zhang Y. Y. , Xue J. , Li W. Q. , Li Q. Q. , Tang L. , Lu S. H. , Liang T. , Tong Y. A. , Liu P. , Zhang Q. , Xiong Z. Q. , Shi X. J. , Wu L. H. , Shi W. Q. , Tian K. , Zhong X. H. , Shi K. , Tang Q. Y. , Zhang L. J. , Huang J. L. , He C. E. , Kuang F. H. , Zhu B. , Liu H. , Jin X. , Xin Y. J. , Shi X. K. , Du E. Z. , Dore A. J. , Tang S. , Collett J. L. , Goulding K. , Sun Y. X. , Ren J. , Zhang F. S. , Liu X. J.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. A Nationwide Nitrogen Deposition Monitoring Network (NNDMN) containing 43 monitoring sites was established in China to measure gaseous NH3, NO2, and HNO3 and particulate NH4+ and NO3− in air and/or precipitation from 2010 to 2014. Wet/bulk deposition fluxes of Nr species were collected by precipitation gauge method and measured by continuous-flow analyzer; dry deposition fluxes were estimated using airborne concentration measurements and inferential models. Our observations reveal large spatial variations of atmospheric Nr concentrations and dry and wet/bulk Nr deposition. On a national basis, the annual average concentrations (1.3–47.0 μg N m−3) and dry plus wet/bulk deposition fluxes (2.9–83.3 kg N ha−1 yr−1) of inorganic Nr species are ranked by land use as urban > rural > background sites and by regions as north China > southeast China > southwest China > northeast China > northwest China > Tibetan Plateau, reflecting the impact of anthropogenic Nr emission. Average dry and wet/bulk N deposition fluxes were 20.6 ± 11.2 (mean ± standard deviation) and 19.3 ± 9.2 kg N ha−1 yr−1 across China, with reduced N deposition dominating both dry and wet/bulk deposition. Our results suggest atmospheric dry N deposition is equally important to wet/bulk N deposition at the national scale. Therefore, both deposition forms should be included when considering the impacts of N deposition on environment and ecosystem health.
Synergistic use of Lagrangian dispersion modelling, satellite and surface remote sensing measurements for the investigation of volcanic plumes: the Mount Etna eruption of 25–27 October 2013
Authors: Sellitto P. , di Sarra A. , Corradini S. , Boichu M. , Herbin H. , Dubuisson P. , Sèze G. , Meloni D. , Monteleone F. , Merucci L. , Rusalem J. , Salerno G. , Briole P. , Legras B.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. In this paper we combine SO2/ash plume dispersion modelling, satellite and surface remote sensing observations to study the regional influence of a relatively weak volcanic eruption from Mount Etna on the optical and micro-physical properties of Mediterranean aerosols. We analyse the Mount Etna eruption episode of 25–27 October 2013. The evolution of the plume along the trajectory is investigated by means of the FLEXPART (FLEXible PARTicle dispersion model) Lagrangian dispersion model. The satellite dataset includes true colour images, retrieved values of volcanic SO2 and ash, and estimates of SO2 and ash emission rates derived from MODIS (MODerate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) observations, and estimates of cloud top pressure from SEVIRI (Spinning Enhanced Visible and InfraRed Imager). Surface remote sensing measurements of aerosol and SO2 made at the ENEA Station for Climate Observations (35.52° N, 12.63° E, 50 m a.s.l.) on the island of Lampedusa are used in the analysis. The combination of these different datasets suggests that SO2 and ash, despite the initial injection occurred at about 7.0 km altitude, reached altitudes around 10–12 km and influenced the aerosol size distribution at a distance more than 350 km downwind. This study indicates that even a relatively weak volcanic eruption may produce an observable effect on the aerosol properties at the regional scale. The impact of secondary sulphate particles on the aerosol size distribution at Lampedusa is discussed, and estimates of the clear sky direct aerosol radiative forcing are derived. Daily shortwave radiative forcing efficiencies are calculated with the LibRadtran model. They are estimated between −39 and −48 W m−2 AOD−1 at the top of the atmosphere, and between −66 and −49 W m−2 AOD−1, at the surface, with the variability in the estimates mainly depending on the aerosol single scattering albedo. These results suggest that sulphate particles played a large role, while the contribution by ash particles was small in the volcanic plume arriving at Lampedusa during this event.
Potential impact of a US climate policy and air quality regulations on future air quality and climate change
Authors: Lee Y. H. , Shindell D. T. , Faluvegi G. , Pinder R. W.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. We have investigated how future air quality and climate change are influenced by the US air quality regulations that existed or were proposed in 2013 and a hypothetical climate mitigation policy that reduces 2050 CO2 emissions to be 50 % below 2005 emissions. Using NASA GISS ModelE2, we look at the impacts in year 2030 and 2055. The US energy-sector emissions are from the GLIMPSE project (GEOS-Chem LIDORT Integrated with MARKAL for the Purpose of Scenario Exploration), and other US emissions and the rest of the world emissions are based on the RCP4.5 scenario. The US air quality regulations are projected to have a strong beneficial impact on US air quality and public health in the future but result in positive radiative forcing. Surface PM2.5 is reduced by ~ 2 μg m−3 on average over the US, and surface ozone by ~ 8 ppbv. The improved air quality prevents about 91 400 premature deaths in the US, mainly due to the PM2.5 reduction (~ 74 200 lives saved). The air quality regulations reduces the light-reflecting aerosols (i.e., sulfate and organic matter) more than the light-absorbing species (i.e., black carbon and ozone), leading a strong positive radiative forcing (RF) by both aerosols direct and indirect forcing: total RF is ~ 0.04 W m−2 over the globe; ~ 0.8 W m−2 over the US. Under the hypothetical climate policy, future US energy relies less on coal and thus SO2 emissions are noticeably reduced. This provides air quality co-benefits, but it leads to climate dis-benefits over the US. In 2055, the US mean total RF is +0.22 W m−2 due to positive aerosol direct and indirect forcing, while the global mean total RF is −0.06 W m−2 due to the dominant negative CO2 RF (instantaneous RF). To achieve a regional-scale climate benefit via a climate policy, it is critical (1) to have multi-national efforts to reduce GHGs emissions and (2) to target emission reduction of light-absorbing species (e.g., BC and O3) on top of long-lived species. The latter is very desirable as the resulting climate benefit occurs faster and provides co-benefits to air quality and public health.
Sun-induced chlorophyll fluorescence and photochemical reflectance index improve remote-sensing gross primary production estimates under varying nutrient availability in a typical Mediterranean savanna ecosystem
Authors: Perez-Priego O. , Guan J. , Rossini M. , Fava F. , Wutzler T. , Moreno G. , Carvalhais N. , Carrara A. , Kolle O. , Julitta T. , Schrumpf M. , Reichstein M. , Migliavacca M.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. This study investigates the performances of different optical indices to estimate gross primary production (GPP) of herbaceous stratum in a Mediterranean savanna with different nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P) availability. Sun-induced chlorophyll fluorescence yield computed at 760 nm (Fy760), scaled photochemical reflectance index (sPRI), MERIS terrestrial-chlorophyll index (MTCI) and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) were computed from near-surface field spectroscopy measurements collected using high spectral resolution spectrometers covering the visible near-infrared regions. GPP was measured using canopy chambers on the same locations sampled by the spectrometers. We tested whether light-use efficiency (LUE) models driven by remote-sensing quantities (RSMs) can better track changes in GPP caused by nutrient supplies compared to those driven exclusively by meteorological data (MM). Particularly, we compared the performances of different RSM formulations – relying on the use of Fy760 or sPRI as a proxy for LUE and NDVI or MTCI as a fraction of absorbed photosynthetically active radiation (fAPAR) – with those of classical MM. Results showed higher GPP in the N-fertilized experimental plots during the growing period. These differences in GPP disappeared in the drying period when senescence effects masked out potential differences due to plant N content. Consequently, although MTCI was closely related to the mean of plant N content across treatments (r2 = 0.86, p < 0.01), it was poorly related to GPP (r2 = 0.45, p < 0.05). On the contrary sPRI and Fy760 correlated well with GPP during the whole measurement period. Results revealed that the relationship between GPP and Fy760 is not unique across treatments, but it is affected by N availability. Results from a cross-validation analysis showed that MM (AICcv = 127, MEcv = 0.879) outperformed RSM (AICcv =140, MEcv = 0.8737) when soil moisture was used to constrain the seasonal dynamic of LUE. However, residual analyses demonstrated that GPP predictions with MM are inaccurate whenever no climatic variable explicitly reveals nutrient-related changes in the LUE parameter. These results suggest that RSM is a valuable means to diagnose nutrient-induced effects on the photosynthetic activity.
Late quaternary temperature variability described as abrupt transitions on a 1/f noise background
Authors: Rypdal M. , Rypdal K.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. We show that in order to have a scaling description of the climate system that is not inherently non-stationary, the rapid shifts between stadial and interstadial conditions during the last glaciation cannot be included in the scaling law. The same is true for the shifts between the glacial and interglacial states in the quaternary climate. When these events are omitted from a scaling analysis we find that the climate noise is consistent with a 1/f law on time scales from months to 105 years.
A comprehensive data acquisition and management system for an ecosystem-scale peatland warming and elevated CO2 experiment
Authors: Krassovski M. B. , Riggs J. S. , Hook L. A. , Nettles W. R. , Hanson P. J. , Boden T. A.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. Ecosystem-scale manipulation experiments represent large science investments that require well-designed data acquisition and management systems to provide reliable, accurate information to project participants and third party users. The SPRUCE project (Spruce and Peatland Responses Under Climatic and Environmental Change, http://mnspruce.ornl.gov) is such an experiment funded by the Department of Energy's (DOE), Office of Science, Terrestrial Ecosystem Science (TES) Program. The SPRUCE experimental mission is to assess ecosystem-level biological responses of vulnerable, high carbon terrestrial ecosystems to a range of climate warming manipulations and an elevated CO2 atmosphere. SPRUCE provides a platform for testing mechanisms controlling the vulnerability of organisms, biogeochemical processes, and ecosystems to climatic change (e.g., thresholds for organism decline or mortality, limitations to regeneration, biogeochemical limitations to productivity, and the cycling and release of CO2 and CH4 to the atmosphere). The SPRUCE experiment will generate a wide range of continuous and discrete measurements. To successfully manage SPRUCE data collection, achieve SPRUCE science objectives, and support broader climate change research, the research staff has designed a flexible data system using proven network technologies and software components. The primary SPRUCE data system components are the following: 1. data acquisition and control system – set of hardware and software to retrieve biological and engineering data from sensors, collect sensor status information, and distribute feedback to control components; 2. data collection system – set of hardware and software to deliver data to a central depository for storage and further processing; 3. data management plan – set of plans, policies, and practices to control consistency, protect data integrity, and deliver data. This publication presents our approach to meeting the challenges of designing and constructing an efficient data system for managing high volume sources of in situ observations in a remote, harsh environmental location. The approach covers data flow starting from the sensors and ending at the archival/distribution points, discusses types of hardware and software used, examines design considerations that were used to choose them, and describes the data management practices chosen to control and enhance the value of the data.
Quantification of the contribution of the Beauce groundwater aquifer to the discharge of the Loire River using thermal infrared satellite imaging
Authors: Lalot E. , Curie F. , Wawrzyniak V. , Baratelli F. , Schomburgk S. , Flipo N. , Piegay H. , Moatar F.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. Seven Landsat thermal infrared (TIR) images taken over the period 2000–2010 were used to establish longitudinal temperature profiles of the middle Loire River where it flows above the Beauce aquifer. The groundwater discharge along the river course was quantified for each identified groundwater catchment area using a heat budget based on temperature variations of the Loire River estimated from the TIR images. The results showed that 75 % of the temperature differences, between in situ observations and TIR image-based estimations, remained within the ±1 °C interval. The main discharge area of the Beauce aquifer into the Loire River was located between river kilometers 630 and 650, where there was a temperature drop of 1–1.5 °C in the summer and a rise of 0.5 °C in winter. According to the heat budgets, groundwater discharge was higher during the winter period (13.5 m3 s−1) than during the summer period (5.3 m3 s−1). These findings are in line with the results of both a groundwater budget and a process-based distributed hydrogeological model. Groundwater input was also found to be higher during the Loire's flow recession periods.
Exploring the linkage between spontaneous grass cover biodiversity and soil degradation in two olive orchard microcatchments with contrasting environmental and management conditions
Authors: Taguas E. V. , Arroyo C. , Lora A. , Guzmán G. , Vanderlinden K. , Gómez J. A.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. Spontaneous grass covers are an inexpensive soil erosion control measure in olive orchards. Olive farmers allow grass to grow on sloping terrain to comply with the basic environmental standards derived from the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP, European Commission). However, to date there are few studies assessing the environmental quality considering such covers. In this study, we measured biodiversity indices for spontaneous grass cover in two olive orchards with contrasting site conditions and management regimes in order to evaluate the potential for biodiversity metrics to serve as an indicator of soil degradation. In addition, the differences and temporal variability of biodiversity indicators and their relationships with environmental factors such as soil type and properties, precipitation, topography and soil management were analysed. Different grass cover biodiversity indices were evaluated in two olive orchard catchments under conventional tillage and no tillage with grass cover, during 3 hydrological years (2011–2013). Seasonal samples of vegetal material and photographs in a permanent grid (4 samples ha−1) were taken to characterize the temporal variations of the number of species, frequency of life forms, diversity and modified Shannon and Pielou indices. Sorensen's index showed strong differences in species composition for the grass covers in the two olive orchard catchments, which are probably linked to the different site conditions. The catchment (CN) with the best site conditions (deeper soil and higher precipitation) and most intense management presented the highest biodiversity indices as well as the highest soil losses (over 10 t ha−1). In absolute terms, the diversity indices of vegetation were reasonably high for agricultural systems in both catchments, despite the fact that management activities usually severely limit the landscape and the variety of species. Finally, a significantly higher content of organic matter in the first 10 cm of soil was found in the catchment with worse site conditions in terms of water deficit, average annual soil losses of 2 t ha−1 and the least intense management. Therefore, the biodiversity indices considered in this study to evaluate spontaneous grass cover were not found to be suitable for describing the soil degradation in the study catchments.
Long-term coastal-polynya dynamics in the southern Weddell Sea from MODIS thermal-infrared imagery
Authors: Paul S. , Willmes S. , Heinemann G.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. Based upon thermal-infrared satellite imagery in combination with ERA-Interim atmospheric reanalysis data, we derive long-term polynya characteristics such as polynya area, thin-ice thickness distribution, and ice-production rates for a 13-year investigation period (2002–2014) for the austral winter (1 April to 30 September) in the Antarctic southern Weddell Sea. All polynya parameters are derived from daily cloud-cover corrected thin-ice thickness composites. The focus lies on coastal polynyas which are important hot spots for new-ice formation, bottom-water formation, and heat/moisture release into the atmosphere. MODIS has the capability to resolve even very narrow coastal polynyas. Its major disadvantage is the sensor limitation due to cloud cover. We make use of a newly developed and adapted spatial feature reconstruction scheme to account for cloud-covered areas. We find the sea-ice areas in front of the Ronne and Brunt ice shelves to be the most active with an annual average polynya area of 3018 ± 1298 and 3516 ± 1420 km2 as well as an accumulated volume ice production of 31 ± 13 and 31 ± 12 km3, respectively. For the remaining four regions, estimates amount to 421 ± 294 km2 and 4 ± 3 km3 (Antarctic Peninsula), 1148 ± 432 km2 and 12 ± 5 km3 (iceberg A23A), 901 ± 703 km2 and 10 ± 8 km3 (Filchner Ice Shelf), as well as 499 ± 277 km2 and 5 ± 2 km3 (Coats Land). Our findings are discussed in comparison to recent studies based on coupled sea-ice/ocean models and passive-microwave satellite imagery, each investigating different parts of the southern Weddell Sea.
Reducing uncertainties in projections of Antarctic ice mass loss
Authors: Durand G. , Pattyn F.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. Climate model projections are often aggregated into multi-model averages of all models participating in an intercomparison project, such as the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP). The "multi-model" approach provides a sensitivity test to the models' structural choices and implicitly assumes that multiple models provide additional and more reliable information than a single model, with higher confidence being placed on results that are common to an ensemble. A first initiative of the ice sheet modeling community, SeaRISE, provided such multi-model average projections of polar ice sheets' contribution to sea-level rise. The SeaRISE Antarctic numerical experiments aggregated results from all models devoid of a priori selection, based on the capacity of such models to represent key ice-dynamical processes. Here, using the experimental setup proposed in SeaRISE, we demonstrate that correctly representing grounding line dynamics is essential to infer future Antarctic mass change. We further illustrate the significant impact on the ensemble mean and deviation of adding one model with a known bias in its ability of modeling grounding line dynamics. We show that this biased model can hardly be identified from the ensemble only based on its estimation of volume change, as ad hoc and untrustworthy parametrizations can force any modeled grounding line to retreat. However, tools are available to test parts of the response of marine ice sheet models to perturbations of climatic and/or oceanic origin (MISMIP, MISMIP3d). Based on recent projections of Pine Island Glacier mass loss, we further show that excluding ice sheet models that do not pass the MISMIP benchmarks decreases the mean contribution and standard deviation of the multi-model ensemble projection by an order of magnitude for that particular drainage basin.
Contributions to biodiversity theory: the importance of formal rigor
Authors: Contoli L. , Luiselli L.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. In this short paper, some consideration is given to the term biodiversity. We stress the need for a strong formal rigor in using this term in order to maintain the credibility by non-ecologists and environmental agencies over the scientific community involved in biodiversity studies. After a historical introduction to the use and concept of the term biodiversity, this paper presents some theoretical aspects, concrete methodological proposal, and discussion for the further scientific and consistent use of the term biodiversity.
“Culture” a Panacea for Brand Survival: Feasibility Analysis of Zimbabwe Tourism Destination
Authors: Chigora Farai , Zvavahera Promise
Published: November 2015

The study investigated culture as one the strategies that can be used to enhance survival of Zimbabwe tourism brand. This is because like other African tourism destinations, Zimbabwe is rich in unique traditional culture but failing to improve its global tourism brand identity. The study was based on a mixed methods research design combining both quantitative and qualitative approaches in collecting data from respondents. The qualitative method was used to find out the most crucial variables that contribute to culture identity in Zimbabwe tourism destination. This was done through in-depth interviews with the experts and managers in the tourism industry. The responses showed that the most common sources of culture identity are beliefs and norms, national dress code, galleries and heritage, originality in values and language. These variables were then investigated on their effect to Zimbabwe tourism destination branding using survey questionnaires as quantitative research instruments. The respondents for the questionnaires were from the travel sector, accommodation sector, resorts, Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Environment. The results of the study show that national dress code is the most important source for Zimbabwe tourism cultural branding followed by galleries and heritages and originality in values. The study therefore recommended these three as the most core source for branding Zimbabwe tourism destination using culture. The other variables which are language, beliefs and norms have been regarded as supporting cultural factors and a model was designed to show the relationships.
Díez interrogantes sobre el juicio notarial de capacidad: Un intento de posibles respuestas
Authors: Pérez Gallardo Leonardo B.
Published: November 2015

A partir de disímiles interrogantes, se hace un análisis doctrinario del juicio notarial de capacidad, como juicio problemático que da el notario, en razón del desempeño de la función que le compete. Se debate sobre su carácter exclusivo o no en las escrituras públicas, y las consecuencias de su ausencia en el orden material y formal, así como de su apreciación dolosa o falsaria por el notario. Especial referencia se ofrece del juicio notarial de capacidad en personas con discapacidad psíquica o intelectual, a la luz de los postulados de la Convención de los derechos de las personas con discapacidad, aprobada en Nueva York, en el 2006.
Las fuentes de imputación de la Responsabilidad penal corporativa
Authors: Roso Cañadillas Raquel
Published: November 2015

La LO 5/2010, aprobada el 22 de junio y que entró en vigor el pasado 23 de diciembre de 2010 contiene dos fuentes de imputación penal de la persona jurídica. Este trabajo se centra en el análisis de estas fuentes y ofrece una construcción interpretativa del precepto, contribuyendo a delimitar su ámbito de aplicación.
Actuación en conciencia y objeción de conciencia como causa de justificación y como causa de exculpación frente a la punición del delincuente por convicción
Authors: Luzón Peña Diego-Manuel
Published: November 2015

La realización de hechos típicos por motivos de conciencia (actuación en conciencia) puede estar justificada a veces en delitos omisivos como ejercicio de los derechos fundamentales constitucionalmente reconocidos de libertad de conciencia o de objeción de conciencia; tales derechos en unos casos tienen admisión y regulación legal expresa, en otros su admisión se basa en una ponderación de intereses. En los supuestos de actuación en conciencia no justificados porque no están amparados por estos derechos o exceden de sus límites, no obstante el conflicto de conciencia puede operar como causa supralegal de exculpación por inexigibilidad penal individual si, primero, fácticamente supone un conflicto motivacional extremo, insoportable para el sujeto, y si además normativa y preventivamente no merece valoración individual negativa por no haber peligro de repetición. Si no se dan ambos requisitos, el conflicto de conciencia puede al menos atenuar a veces la culpabilidad. Por el contrario, la situación de delincuencia por convicción no excluye la culpabilidad (salvo algún caso extremo de total inimputabilidad del sujeto, p.ej. por lavado de cerebro dentro de una secta de fanáticos), porque fácticamente no hay un conflicto motivacional insoportable y sobre todo se opone frontalmente a la disculpa y comprensión la valoración normativa-preventiva totalmente negativa.
Collaborative Methods for Real-Time Localization in Urban Centers
Authors: Peyraud Sébastien , Royer Eric , Renault Stéphane , Meizel Dominique
Published: November 2015

This article presents an effective solution for the localization of a vehicle in dense urban areas where GNSS-based methods fail because of poor satellite visibility. It advocates the use of a visual-based method processing georeferenced landmarks obtained after a learning path and stored in a new layer of the geographical information system (GIS) used for navigation. Real-time localization gives, with few failures, accurate results in the areas covered by the GIS. The integrity of the localization is obtained by running another algorithm in parallel, processing odometric data combined with the geometric model of the drivable area and, when available, GNSS data in tight coupling. An ellipsoidal confidence domain is updated by using both extended Kalman filtering (EKF) and set-membership estimation. Although less accurate, this estimation is reliable and, when the visual method fails, the availability of a confidence domain enables us to speed up the restart of the visual method while navigating cautiously. A large-scale experiment (>4 km) was conducted in the centre of Paris. We compare the absolute localization results with the ground truth obtained by combining RTK-GPS and a high-end inertial measurement unit (IMU).
Evaluating the efficacy of therapeutic HIV vaccines through analytical treatment interruptions
Authors: Graziani Gina M , Angel Jonathan B
Published: November 2015

Introduction

The development of an effective therapeutic HIV vaccine that induces immunologic control of viral replication, thereby eliminating or reducing the need for antiretroviral therapy (ART), would be of great value. Besides the obvious challenges of developing a therapeutic vaccine that would generate effective, sustained anti‐HIV immunity in infected individuals is the issue of how to best assess the efficacy of vaccine candidates.

Discussion

This review discusses the various outcome measures assessed in therapeutic HIV vaccine clinical trials involving individuals receiving suppressive ART, with a particular focus on the role of analytical treatment interruption (ATI) as a way to assess the virologic control induced by an immunotherapy. This strategy is critical given that there are otherwise no readily available measures to determine the ability of a vaccine‐induced immune response to effectively control HIV replication. The various outcome measures that have been used to assess vaccine efficacy in published therapeutic HIV vaccine clinical trials will also be discussed. Outcome measures have included the kinetics of viral rebound, the new viral set point and changes in the size of the viral reservoir. Clinically relevant outcomes such as the CD4 decline, the time to resume therapy or the time to meet the criterion to resume therapy, the proportion of participants who resume therapy and/or the development of clinical symptoms such as acute retroviral syndrome are also measures of vaccine efficacy.

Conclusions

Given the lack of consistency between therapeutic HIV vaccine trials in how efficacy is assessed, comparing vaccines has been difficult. It would, therefore, be beneficial to determine the most clinically relevant measure for use in future studies. Other recommendations for future clinical trials also include studying compartments in addition to blood and replacing ATIs with single‐copy assays in situations in which the use of an ATI is not ideal.
Structural and optical analysis of single phase CuInS2 nanocrystals for solar cell applications
Authors: Sivagami A. D. , Sarma Bornali , Sarma Arun
Published: November 2015

Nanostructured phase pure CuInS2 particles have been successfully synthesized by solid state melt growth method. The crystallographic structure, morphological, chemical composition and optical properties of synthesized sample have been characterized by various analytical techniques, includes X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDAX), UV–vis–NIR diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopy. From the XRD spectra chalcopyrite structure of CuInS2 sample with phase pure nano particles is confirmed. Annealing promotes the grain size and crystallinity of the CuInS2 sample and is clearly indicated by XRD analysis. The optical band gap energy of CuInS2 sample is calculated to be 2.61 eV, which has also been confirmed by photoluminescence spectroscopy. SEM micrograph shows that the CuInS2 sample is composed of particles ranges from 25–50 nm in size. Annealed sample confirms the increase of particle size up to 85 nm. Compositional stability of CuInS2 phase pure nano particles have been studied by thermo gravimetric analysis. The effect of annealing temperatures on the structural and morphological properties of CuInS2 nanocrystals synthesized by solid state reactions has also been studied in this report.
An Intelligent, Solar‐Responsive, and Thermally Conductive Phase‐Change System Toward Solar‐Thermal‐Electrical Conversion Featuring Daytime Blooming for Solar Energy Harvesting and Nighttime Closing for Thermal Preservation
Authors: Zhao Hao‐Yu , Wang Xin , Wu Jing , Shu Chao , Gao Fu‐Lin , Li Changjun , Lu Xiao‐Hang , Zhang Yan , Wang Qianlong , Li Xiaofeng , Yu Zhong‐Zhen
Published: August 2024

To alleviate resource shortage and environmental pollution, solar energy can be converted into thermal energy stored in phase change materials and in turn generate electrical energy. To enhance the solar energy utilization efficiency of solar‐thermal‐electrical conversion devices and prevent the heat loss to the environment at night, an intelligent solar‐responsive phase‐change system is innovatively designed consisting of a graphene aerogel film/paraffin wax stamen with an ultra‐high thermal conductivity of 46.7 W m−1 K−1, and thermally preserving aerogel film/liquid crystal elastomer bilayer petals that can bend solar‐responsively by the synergistic effect of solar‐thermal energy conversion and heat‐induced contraction. The solar‐responsive phase‐change system achieves daytime blooming for solar‐thermal conversion with simultaneous energy storage and nighttime closing for minimizing heat loss to the environment, exhibiting a high solar‐thermal conversion and energy storage efficiency of 89.4% and delaying its temperature drop by the thermal preservation effect of the petals. The assembled solar‐responsive solar‐thermal‐electric generator can reach an output voltage of 1033.8 mV at a light intensity of 500 mW cm−2 and continue to generate electrical energy during nighttime, holding tremendous promise in efficient solar energy conversion, storage, and utilization.
Bi‐Functional Green Additive Anchoring Interface Enables Stable Zinc Metal Anodes for Aqueous Zinc‐Ions Batteries
Authors: Li Yiming , Liu Lantao , Zhang Hu , Wang Hongxing , Sun Ziyu , Zhang Zhigang , Pang Weiwei , Omanovic Sasha , Sun Shuhui , Chen Xiaohong , Song Huaihe
Published: August 2024

As one of the most promising anodes for aqueous batteries, Zn metal faces uncontrollable side reactions and deleterious dendrite growth, which drastically compromise its cycle life and coulombic efficiency (CE). In this work, a bi‐functional and environmentally‐friendly high‐performance electrolyte is prepared by introducing maleic anhydride (MA) as an additive. In situ/ex situ experiments and simulation indicate that MA can enter the Zn2+ solvated sheath to replace the distribution of some water molecules and form a cross‐linked hydrogen bond network with H2O to inhibit the side reactions caused by the decomposition of active water molecules. In addition, MA can induce uniform deposition of Zn by adsorption on Zn (002) crystal surface and inhibit dendrite growth. The symmetric cells assembled with MA as the electrolyte additive have a long cycle life of 4000 h at 25 °C and can be stably cycled for >400 h at −8 °C (1 mA cm−2/1 mAh cm−2). In the presence of MA in the electrolyte, Zn//MnO2 full cell shows good cycle stability over 200 cycles (N/P = 4.1). This study reports a simple and effective strategy for promoting the commercial application of aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs).