bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE GUT MICROBIOTA AND IMMUNE SYSTEM RELATIONSHIP IN HUMAN GRAFT-VERSUS-HOST DISEASE
Authors: Laterza Lucrezia , Rizzatti Gianenrico , Gaetani Eleonora , Chiusolo Patrizia , Gasbarrini Antonio
Published: April 2016

Gutmicrobiotahas gainedincreasinginterestin the pathogenesisofimmune-related diseases. We reviewedtherole ofgutmicrobiotain the normaldevelopmentof immune systemand its involvementin graft-versus-hostdisease, focusingon dataavailableon humans.Gutmicrobiotahas gainedincreasinginterestin the pathogenesisofimmune-related diseases. We reviewedtherole ofgutmicrobiotain the normaldevelopmentof immune systemand its involvementin graft-versus-hostdisease, focusingon dataavailableon humans.
Pure endoscopic management of fourth ventricle arachnoid cyst: Case report and literature review
Authors: Aljohani Hani , Romano A , Iaccarino C , Ganau M , Diemidio P , Chibbaro S
Published: April 2016

Arachnoid cysts (ACs) within the fourth ventricle are rare, and only a few cases have been reported in the literature. These are benign lesions within the arachnoid membrane, and they have been reported to occur in almost all locations where arachnoid is present. Different procedures have been performed to restore a normal cerebrospinal fluid dynamic and/or pressure, including shunting and partial or complete excision of the cyst by open microsurgery or endoscopic fenestration. We report the case of a fourth ventricle AC successfully treated using only endoscopic anterior trans-frontal cyst fenestration/marsupialization and standard third ventriculostomy. Clinical and technical features are discussed, along with the pertinent literature.
A case-based roadmap for lateral transshipment in supply chain inventory management
Authors: Lau Henry , Nakandala Dilupa , Shum Paul
Published: April 2016

Manufacturers and wholesalers are increasingly cost conscious in response to today’s hyper-competitive environment. Lateral transshipment (LT) has been proposed as a viable solution to drive total inventory costs down whilst increasing customer service level. Our study proposes five LT decision rules with a case-based roadmap to guide professional inventory management. Results of this large fast moving consumer goods case study company demonstrate superior inventory management performance with implementing a combined reactive and proactive LT strategy to determine whether to transship emergency stock from other warehouse or to backorder from suppliers, size of transshipment, favorite wholesaler, preferred supplier, and extra quantity for preventive LT, which are the key LT decision points among the professional supply chain management practitioners.
CRM Adoption in a Higher Education Institution
Authors: Rigo Guy-Emmanuel , Pedron Cristiane Drebes , Caldeira Mário , De Araújo Cíntia Cristina Silva
Published: April 2016

More and more organisations, from private to public sectors, are pursuing higher levels of customer satisfaction, loyalty and retention. With this intent, higher education institutions (HEI) have adopted CRM – Customer Relationship Management. In order to analyse some of the interesting aspects of this phenomenon n, we conducted an action research in a European Institute. The main research question we answered is “how to adopt a CRM strategy in a Higher Education Institution?” Some of the main findings of this study are (1) even though HEI’s main customer is the student, there are others stakeholders that a CRM project must consider; (2) universities can use their internal resources to implement a CRM project successfully; and (3) using Agile software methodology is an effective way to define clearer, more objective and more assertive technical requirements which result in a CRM software that meet send user’s expectations and organizational strategic goals. These findings can help other HEIs planning to adopt CRM as a strategic tool to improve their relationship with the stakeholders´ community and expand their student body.
Smote_easy: um algoritmo para tratar o problema de classificação em bases de dados reais
Authors: Rufino Hugo Leonardo Pereira , Veiga Antônio Cláudio Paschoarelli , Nakamoto Paula Teixeira
Published: April 2016

A maioria das ferramentas de classificação assume que a distribuição dos dados seja balanceada ou com custos iguais, quando classificados incorretamente. Mas, na prática, é muito comum a ocorrência de bases de dados onde existam classes desbalanceadas, como no diagnóstico de doenças, no qual os casos confirmados são geralmente raros quando comparados com a população sadia. Outros exemplos são detecção de chamadas fraudulentas, detecção de intrusos em redes. Nestes casos, a classificação incorreta de uma classe minoritária (ex. diagnosticar uma pessoa portadora de câncer como sadia) pode resultar em consequências mais graves que classificar de forma incorreta uma classe majoritária. Por isso, é importante o tratamento de bases de dados em que ocorram classes desbalanceadas. Este artigo apresenta o algoritmo SMOTE_Easy, que é capaz de efetuar a classificação de dados, mesmo com uma alta taxa de desbalanceamento entre as diferentes classes. Para provar sua eficácia, foi feita uma comparação com os principais algoritmos para tratar problemas de classificação onde existam dados desbalanceados. Obteve-se êxito em praticamente todas as bases de dados testadas.
Redução nos custos de conformidade tributária e os investimentos no sistema público de escrituração digital – SPED no Brasil
Authors: Lima Edson Sampaio de , Galegale Napoleão Verardi , Arima Carlos Hideo , Côrtes Pedro Luiz
Published: April 2016

O Sistema Público de Escrituração Digital (SPED) foi desenvolvido com a intenção de prover maior integração entre as próprias administrações tributárias, depois entre elas e os contribuintes, através do uso de tecnologia e, consequentemente, de dados socioeconômicos padronizados num único ambiente, elevando a eficiência arrecadatória e reduzindo os custos de administração e de conformidade. Este artigo intenciona contribuir para a análise dos gastos públicos direcionados ao estabelecimento e manutenção do SPED quanto à efetividade da redução dos custos de conformidade tributária, temporários e permanentes. O método Survey não aleatório foi utilizado como mecanismo de levantamento de dados, com um questionário desenvolvido contendo 22 questões com base no modelo de previsão de impacto regulatório desenvolvido e aplicado pela Australian Taxation Office (ATO) em seu país, adaptado para identificar a redução nos custos de conformidade relacionados às três vertentes organizacionais específicas: Pessoas, Tecnologia e Contratação de Serviços de Consultoria. O questionário foi enviado por email a 20 pessoas com cargo de direção ou gerência envolvidos diretamente no projeto SPED em empresas de tamanho e segmento distintos. Responderam à pesquisa 20 das 20 empresas. As informações coletadas foram analisadas estatisticamente sob a ótica descritiva e exploratória, neste último caso utilizando-se da análise de cluster. A abordagem de pesquisa realizada atendeu tanto à pesquisa qualitativa como a pesquisa quantitativa. Os resultados obtidos indicam que o SPED provocou aumento dos custos de conformidade temporários e permanentes, sobretudo, devido à estratégia de implementação definida e aplicada unicamente pela administração pública. O estudo também evidenciou que, mesmo que os gastos públicos direcionados à implantação e manutenção do SPED não sejam comparativamente semelhantes aos gastos privados direcionados para o mesmo fim, demonstrou-se tendência de transferência dos custos de administração para os custos de conformidade dos contribuintes.
Tecnologias e mediação pedagógica na educação superior a distância
Authors: Slomski Vilma Geni , Procópio de Araujo Adriana Maria , Silva Santana Alessandra , Weffort Elionor Farah Jreige
Published: April 2016

Este estudo investigou as percepções sobre limites e possibilidades do uso pedagógico das tecnologias na educação superior a distancia de docentes que atuam em um curso presencial de ciências contábeis. Realizou-se uma pesquisa descritiva - qualitativa, os dados foram coletados por meio de formulário online com questões “abertas” e analisados por meio da análise de conteúdo. Constatou-se que os benefícios da EaD, na visão dos docentes são “o acesso à educação superior”; a “flexibilização do tempo e do espaço”; a “autodisciplina e a autoaprendizagem do aluno”. Como pontos críticos citaram a “falta de formação para a inclusão digital do grupo de professores e alunos e a “dificuldade para promover a interação”. Como desafio citaram a “superação da ausência da relação direta aluno/professor, o “face-a-face”, típico da sala de aula; o “uso de estratégias e recursos que promovam a troca de experiências e a interação”; o “perfil do aluno”; a ”falta de maturidade” a “autodisciplina” . Conclui-se, assim, que, as mídias digitais são vistas pelos docentes ainda como instrumentos didáticos apenas, fato que dificulta uma leitura mais critica das tecnologias e a exploração de todo o potencial que possuem, principalmente como meio de expressão e de produção cultural. Palavras
Errata - “IT outsourcing management: the state of the art recognition by a constructivist process and bibliometrics”
Authors: Ensslin Leonardo , Mussi Clarissa Carneiro , Chaves Leonardo Corrêa , Demetrio Sandro Natalino
Published: April 2016

The objective of this paper is to improve the knowledge of researchers on the subject of Information Technology Outsourcing (ITO) Management, identifying their most relevant articles and their issues by the use of a constructivist process - Knowledge Development Process - Constructivist (ProKnow-C). For this purpose, publications were identified in the literature, aligned with the subject, resulting in a Bibliographic Portfolio with 23 articles. Using the Bibliographic Portfolio, it was shown that: i) the most present journal was The Journal of Strategic Information Systems; ii) the most cited article was Poppo, L. & Zenger, T. (2002); iii) the most present author was the J. Goo; iv) the most cited authors in general were L. P. Willcocks and M. C. Lacity; v) the most present keywords in the portfolio was “Outsourcing”.
Acabar con la magia sin dejar el método La restauración de Sant Pere de Serrallonga
Authors: González Moreno-Navarro Antoni
Published: April 2016

¿Es posible “conservar” sin antes “transformar”? pregunta Antoni González en una reflexión teórica que, con la habitual agudeza que le caracteriza, realiza sobre la esencia del acto restaurador y la actividad restauradora de los últimos años. La intervención en Sant Pere de Serrallonga, que puede entenderse como un significativo giro del SPAL hacia actitudes más conservadoras, se presenta como ejemplo del intento de olvidar ciertas “magias” de otros tiempos pero sin renunciar al método de “restauración objetiva”, con el propósito de compatibilizar el rigor metodológico con un mayor rendimiento patrimonial de los recursos económicos.
First continuous ground-based observations of long period oscillations in the vertically resolved wind field of the stratosphere and mesosphere
Authors: Rüfenacht Rolf , Hocke Klemens , Kämpfer Niklaus
Published: April 2016

Abstract. Direct measurements of middle-atmospheric wind oscillations with periods between 5 and 50 days in the altitude range between mid-stratosphere (5 hPa) and upper mesosphere (0.02 hPa) have been made using a novel ground-based Doppler wind radiometer. The oscillations were not inferred from tracer measurements, as the radiometer offers the unique capability of near-continuous horizontal wind profile measurements. Observations from four campaigns at high, middle and low latitudes with an average duration of 10 months have been analyzed. The dominant oscillation has mostly been found to lie in the extra-long period range (20–50 days), while the well-known atmospheric normal modes around 5, 10 and 16 days have also been observed. Comparisons of our results with ECMWF operational analysis data revealed remarkably good agreement below 0.3 hPa but discrepancies above.
Forecasting the northern African dust outbreak towards Europe in April 2011: a model intercomparison
Authors: Huneeus N. , Basart S. , Fiedler S. , Morcrette J.-J. , Benedetti A. , Mulcahy J. , Terradellas E. , Pérez García-Pando C. , Pejanovic G. , Nickovic S. , Arsenovic P. , Schulz M. , Cuevas E. , Baldasano J. M. , Pey J. , Remy S. , Cvetkovic B.
Published: April 2016

Abstract. In the framework of the World Meteorological Organisation's Sand and Dust Storm Warning Advisory and Assessment System, we evaluated the predictions of five state-of-the-art dust forecast models during an intense Saharan dust outbreak affecting western and northern Europe in April 2011. We assessed the capacity of the models to predict the evolution of the dust cloud with lead times of up to 72 h using observations of aerosol optical depth (AOD) from the AErosol RObotic NETwork (AERONET) and the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and dust surface concentrations from a ground-based measurement network. In addition, the predicted vertical dust distribution was evaluated with vertical extinction profiles from the Cloud and Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP). To assess the diversity in forecast capability among the models, the analysis was extended to wind field (both surface and profile), synoptic conditions, emissions and deposition fluxes. Models predict the onset and evolution of the AOD for all analysed lead times. On average, differences among the models are larger than differences among lead times for each individual model. In spite of large differences in emission and deposition, the models present comparable skill for AOD. In general, models are better in predicting AOD than near-surface dust concentration over the Iberian Peninsula. Models tend to underestimate the long-range transport towards northern Europe. Our analysis suggests that this is partly due to difficulties in simulating the vertical distribution dust and horizontal wind. Differences in the size distribution and wet scavenging efficiency may also account for model diversity in long-range transport.
Effect of local and remote sources and new particle formation events on the activation properties of cloud condensation nuclei in the Brazilian megacity of São Paulo
Authors: Souto-Oliveira Carlos Eduardo , Andrade Maria de Fátima , Kumar Prashant , Lopes Fábio Juliano da Silva , Babinski Marly , Landulfo Eduardo
Published: April 2016

Abstract. Atmospheric aerosol is the most important source of cloud condensation nuclei (CCN). Microphysics and chemical composition of aerosols can affect cloud development and precipitation process. Only a few studies in Latin American have reported the impact of urban aerosol on CCN activation parameters such as activated ratio (AR) and activation diameter (Dact). Sao Paulo Metropolitan Area (SPMA) is the biggest megacity of South America with over 20 million inhabitants. This is the first study in a megacity on South America to assess the impact of remote sources and new particle formation (NPF) events on CCN activation properties. The measurements were conducted at São Paulo city from August to September 2014. The CCN were measured within the 0.2–1.0 % range of supersaturation, simultaneous with particle number concentration (PNC) and distribution (PND), trace elemental concentrations (TEC) and black carbon (BC). The NPF events were identified during 35 % of the sampling days. Combination of TEC and BC associated with aerosol profile from Lidar analysis and Hysplit trajectories allowed to identify sea-salt and biomass burning contribution from remote regions as 28 % and 21 % of total number of days, respectively. The AR and Dact parameters presented a clearly different pattern for diurnal and nocturnal periods. The diurnal periods presented lower CCN activation than the nocturnal durations and this pattern was found to be associated mainly with local vehicular traffic emissions. NPF events showed a negative feedback to CCN activation. Weak effects of sea-salt and biomass burning aerosols could be observed on activation parameters as sea-salt showed a positive feedback. The results of this study show that particulate matter from local traffic emissions has the main effect on activation parameters compared with remote sources.
In-cloud measurements highlight the role of aerosol hygroscopicity in cloud droplet formation
Authors: Väisänen Olli , Ruuskanen Antti , Ylisirniö Arttu , Miettinen Pasi , Portin Harri , Hao Liqing , Leskinen Ari , Komppula Mika , Romakkaniemi Sami , Lehtinen Kari E. J. , Virtanen Annele
Published: April 2016

Abstract. The relationship between aerosol hygroscopicity and cloud droplet activation was studied at the Puijo measurement station in Kuopio, Finland, during the autumn 2014. The hygroscopic growth of 80, 120 and 150 nm particles was measured at 90 % relative humidity with a hygroscopic tandem differential mobility analyzer. Typically, the growth factor (GF) distributions appeared bimodal with clearly distinguishable peaks around 1.0‒1.1 and 1.4‒1.6. However, the relative contribution of the two modes appeared highly variable reflecting the varying presence of fresh anthropogenic particle emissions. The hygroscopicity-dependent activation properties were estimated in a case study comprising three separate cloud events with varying characteristics. At 120 and 150 nm, the activation efficiencies within the low- and high-GF modes varied between 0‒0.33 and 0.66‒0.86, respectively, indicating that the less hygroscopic particles remained almost non-activated, whereas the more hygroscopic mode was predominantly scavenged into cloud droplets. By modifying the measured GF distributions, it was estimated how the cloud droplet concentrations would change if all the particles belonged to the more hygroscopic group. According to the κ-Köhler simulations, the cloud droplet concentrations increased up to 70 % with increasing hygroscopicity. This is an indirect but clear illustration of the sensitivity of cloud formation to aerosol chemical composition.
Paleohydrological changes over the last 50 ky in the central Gulf of Cadiz: Complex forcing mechanisms mixing multi-scale processes
Authors: Penaud Aurélie , Eynaud Frédérique , Voelker Antje Helga Luise , Turon Jean-Louis
Published: April 2016

Abstract. New dinoflagellate cyst (dinocyst) analyses were carried out at high-resolution in core MD99-2339, retrieved from a contouritic field in the central part of the Gulf of Cadiz, for the Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 3 interval, allowing to discuss paleohydrological changes over the last 50 ky in the subtropical NE Atlantic Ocean. Some index dinocyst taxa, according to their (paleo) ecological significance, shed light on significant sea-surface changes. Superimposed on the general decreasing pattern of dinocyst export to the seafloor over the last 50 ky, paralleling the general context of decreasing aeolian dust fertilization, a complex variability in dinocyst assemblages was detected at millennial timescale. Enhanced fluvial discharges occurred during Greenland Interstadials (GI) and especially GI 1, 8 and 12, while enhanced upwelling cell dynamics were suggested during the Last Glacial Maximum and Heinrich Stadials. Finally, during the early Holocene, and more specifically during the Sapropel 1 interval (around 7–9 ka BP), we evidenced a strong decrease in dinocyst fluxes, which occurred synchronously to a strong reduction in Mediterranean Outflow Water strength, and that we attributed to an advection of warm and nutrient-poor subtropical North Atlantic Central Waters. Over the last 50 ky, our study thus allows capturing and documenting the fine tuning existing between terrestrial and marine realms in North Atlantic subtropical latitudes, not only in response to the regional climate pattern, but also to monsoonal forcing interfering during precession-driven northern hemisphere insolation maxima. This mechanism, well expressed during the Holocene, is superimposed on the pervasive role of the obliquity as a first major trigger for explaining migration of dinocyst productive centres in the NE Atlantic margin to the subtropical (temperate) latitudes during glacial (interglacial) periods.
Daily black carbon emissions from fires in Northern Eurasia from 2002 to 2013
Authors: Hao Wei Min , Petkov Alex , Nordgren Bryce L. , Silverstein Robin P. , Corley Rachel E. , Urbanski Shawn P. , Evangeliou Nikolaos , Balkanski Yves , Kinder Brad
Published: April 2016

Abstract. Black carbon (BC) emitted from fires in Northern Eurasia can be transported and deposited on ice and snow in the Arctic and can accelerate its melting during certain times of the year. Thus, we developed a high spatial resolution (500 m × 500 m) dataset to examine daily BC emissions from fires in this region from 2002 to 2013. BC emissions were estimated based on MODIS land cover maps and detected burned areas, the Forest Inventory Survey of the Russian Federation, the IPCC Tier-1 Global Biomass Carbon Map for the year 2000, and biomass specific BC emission factors. Annual BC emissions from Northern Eurasian fires varied greatly, ranging from 0.43 Tg in 2010 to 2.14 Tg in 2013, with an average of 0.82 ± 0.50 Tg from 2002 to 2013. BC emissions from forest fires accounted for about two-thirds of the emissions, followed by grassland fires (15 %). Central and Western Asia was the major source region for BC emissions from grassland fires (53 %). Russia contributed 83 % of the total BC emissions from fires in Northern Eurasia. BC emissions were the highest in the years of 2003, 2008, and 2012. Approximately 57 % of the BC emissions from fires occurred in spring (March, April, and May) and 31 % in summer. The high emissions in spring also coincide with the most intense period of ice and snow melting in the Arctic.
An 11-year global gridded aerosol optical thickness reanalysis (v1.0) for atmospheric and climate sciences
Authors: Lynch Peng , Reid Jeffrey S. , Westphal Douglas L. , Zhang Jianglong , Hogan Timothy F. , Hyer Edward J. , Curtis Cynthia A. , Hegg Dean A. , Shi Yingxi , Campbell James R. , Rubin Juli I. , Sessions Walter R. , Turk F. Joseph , Walker Annette L.
Published: April 2016

Abstract. While stand alone satellite and model aerosol products see wide utilization, there is a significant need in numerous atmospheric and climate applications for a fused product on a regular grid. Aerosol data assimilation is an operational reality at numerous centers, and like meteorological reanalyses, aerosol reanalyses will see significant use in the near future. Here we present a standardized 2003–2013 global 1 × 1° and 6-hourly modal aerosol optical thickness (AOT) reanalysis product. This data set can be applied to basic and applied Earth system science studies of significant aerosol events, aerosol impacts on numerical weather prediction, and electro-optical propagation and sensor performance, among other uses. This paper describes the science of how to develop and score an aerosol reanalysis product. This reanalysis utilizes a modified Navy Aerosol Analysis and Prediction System (NAAPS) at its core and assimilates quality controlled retrievals of AOT from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on Terra and Aqua and the Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR) on Terra. The aerosol source functions, including dust and smoke, were regionally tuned to obtain the best match between the model fine- and coarse-mode AOTs and the Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) AOTs. Other model processes, including deposition, were tuned to minimize the AOT difference between the model and satellite AOT. Aerosol wet deposition in the tropics is driven with satellite-retrieved precipitation, rather than the model field. The final reanalyzed fine- and coarse-mode AOT at 550 nm is shown to have good agreement with AERONET observations, with global mean root mean square error around 0.1 for both fine- and coarse-mode AOTs. This paper includes a discussion of issues particular to aerosol reanalyses that make them distinct from standard meteorological reanalyses, considerations for extending such a reanalysis outside of the NASA A-Train era, and examples of how the aerosol reanalysis can be applied or fused with other model or remote sensing products. Finally, the reanalysis is evaluated in comparison with other available studies of aerosol trends, and the implications of this comparison are discussed.
Cloud Tolerance of Remote Sensing Technologies to Measure Land Surface Temperature
Authors: Holmes Thomas R. H. , Hain Christopher , Anderson Martha C. , Crow Wade T.
Published: April 2016

Abstract. Conventional means to estimate land surface temperature (LST) from space relies on the thermal infrared (TIR) spectral window and is limited to cloud-free scenes. To also provide LST estimates during periods with clouds, a new method was developed to estimate LST based on passive microwave (MW) observations. The MW-LST product is informed by 6 polar orbiting satellites to create a global record with up to 8 observations per day for each 0.25° resolution grid box. For days with sufficient observations, a continuous diurnal temperature cycle (DTC) was fitted. The main characteristics of the DTC were scaled to match that of a geostationary based TIR-LST product. This paper tests the cloud tolerance of the MW-LST product. In particular, we demonstrate its stable performance with respect to flux tower observation sites (4 in Europe and 9 in the United States), over a range of cloudiness conditions up to heavily overcast skies. The results show that TIR-based LST has slightly better performance than MW-LST for clear sky observations but suffers an increasing negative bias as cloud cover increases. This negative bias is caused by incomplete masking of cloud covered areas within the TIR scene that affects many applications of TIR-LST. In contrast, for MW-LST we find no direct impact of clouds on its accuracy and bias. MW-LST can therefore be used to improve TIR cloud screening. Moreover, the ability to provide LST estimates for cloud-covered surfaces can help expand current clear-sky-only satellite retrieval products to all-weather applications.
Organic wastes from bioenergy and ecological sanitation as a soil fertility improver: a field experiment in a tropical Andosol
Authors: Krause Ariane , Nehls Thomas , George Eckhard , Kaupenjohann Martin
Published: April 2016

Abstract. Andosols require the regular application of phosphorus (P) to sustain crop productivity. On an Andosol in NW Tanzania, we studied the short-term effects of amending standard compost, biogas slurry and CaSa compost (containing biochar and sanitized human excreta) on (i) the soil's physico-chemical properties, on (ii) biomass growth and crop productivity, and on (iii) the plants' nutrient status. The practice-oriented experiment design included the intercropping of seven locally grown crop species planted on 9 m2 plots with five repetitions arranged as a Latin rectangle. Differences in plant growth (biomass production and crop yield, e.g., of Zea mays) and crop nutrition (total C, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, etc.) were related to pH, CEC (cation exchange capacity), total C and the availability of nutrients (N, P, K, etc.) and water (water retention characteristics, bulk density, etc.) in the soil. None of the amendments had any significant effect on soil water availability, so the observed variations in crop yield and plant nutrition are attributed to nutrient availability. Applying CaSa compost increased the soil pH from 5.3 to 5.9 and the level of available P from 0.5 to 4.4 mg per kg. Compared to the control, adding biogas slurry, standard compost and CaSa compost increased the aboveground biomass of Zea mays by, respectively, 140, 154 and 211 %. The grain yields of maize on soil treated with biogas slurry, standard compost and CaSa compost were, respectively, 2.63, 3.18 and 4.40 t ha−1, compared to only 1.10 t ha−1 on unamended plots. All treatments enhanced crop productivity and increased the uptake of nutrients into the maize grains. The CaSa compost was most effective in mitigating P deficiency and soil acidification. We conclude that all treatments are viable as a substitute for synthetic fertilizers. Nevertheless, further steps are required to integrate the tested soil amendments into farm-scale nutrient management and to balance the additions and removals of nutrients, so that the cycle can be closed.
The Effect of a Stimulating Learning Environment on Pre-Service Teachers’ Motivation and 21st Century Skills
Authors: Nissim Yonit , Weissblueth Eyal , Scott-Webber Lennie , Amar Shimon
Published: April 2016

We investigated the effect of an innovative technology-supported learning environment on pre-service student teachers’ motivation and 21st century skills. Students and instructors filled-in the Active Learning Post Occupancy Evaluation (AL-POE) questionnaire. Analysis included tests for individual items and a comparison of the overall mean, composite differences between pre- and post- occupation of the new classes. Over 80% reported high increase in creativity, motivation, ability to get higher grades and engagement in class while studying in the new learning environment. They gave significantly higher evaluations for practices and solutions in the new vs. traditional classrooms and perceived working there adequately and better, on many of the 21st century skills. Therefore, learning environment plays an important role in preparing pre-service teachers.
Public‐Private Partnerships Used to Manage Water in Mexico: Puebla, a Case Study
Authors: Rincón Abelardo Arroyo
Published: April 2016

A public – private partnership model used in Puebla, Mexico, reveals opportunities for improving water services and supply for consumers.
Comparison of animal welfare indices in dairy herds based on different sources of data
Authors: Otten ND , Rousing T , Houe H , Thomsen PT , Sørensen JT
Published: April 2016

The present study seeks to evaluate the potential of a more cost-efficient animal welfare assessment by investigating the association between animal welfare indices (AWI) based on different data sources, namely register data (AWI 1, ie routine registrations, such as treatment, reproduction and abattoir data) and resource data (AWI 2, ie barn design and equipment) validated against animal-based data (AWI 3, ie direct animal observations). AWIs were created based on data from 73 Danish dairy herds. Indices for each information source were created by a weighted linear aggregation of herd level incidence and prevalence of the given indicators. Indicator weights were assigned by expert opinion for each of the AWIs. Linear dependency between the high cost AWI 3 and the two low cost AWI 1 and AWI 2 was investigated. Additionally, different time-periods of 90, 180 and 365 days prior to the actual on-farm collection of AWI 3 measures were evaluated in order to find the most predictive time-period of AWI 1. Predictive key indicators for on-farm animal welfare were investigated in uni- and multivariable analyses. Significant associations were found between the AWI 1 based on incidences 180 days prior to the farm visit and the AWI 3. Predictive key indicators were milk yield, abattoir and mortality data. Predictive models for 180 and 365 days prior to the on-farm assessment consisted of abattoir indicators, while the model 90 days prior included mortality and milk yield. The limited associations between indices and the predictive key indicators and models suggest that these cost-effective welfare assessments are not suitable to stand alone and cannot replace the actual animal welfare assessed by on-farm collection of animal-based measures.
Behavioural differences between weaner pigs with intact and docked tails
Authors: Paoli MA , Lahrmann HP , Jensen T , D’Eath RB
Published: April 2016

Tail-biting in pigs (Sus scrofa) reduces welfare and production. Tail-docking reduces (but does not eliminate) tail-biting damage. The reason tail-docking reduces tail damage is unknown. It may reduce pigs’ attraction to tails (H1), or increase tails’ sensitivity to investigation (H2). To investigate these hypotheses, behavioural differences between 472 individually marked grower pigs with intact tails (nine groups of 25-34 pigs) or docked tails (nine groups of 22-24 pigs) were observed from 5-8 weeks of age on a commercial farm in Denmark. Pens had part-slatted floors, dry feeding and two handfuls of straw per day, and enrichment objects were provided. Behavioural sampling recorded actor and recipient for tail-directed (tail interest, tail in mouth, tail reaction) and investigatory behaviours (belly-nosing, ear-chewing, interaction with enrichment). Scan sampling recorded pig posture/activity and tail posture. Intact-tail pigs performed more overall investigatory behaviours but tail type did not affect the amount of tail-directed behaviours. Larger pigs performed more investigatory and tail-directed behaviours than smaller pigs and females performed slightly more tail investigation. Tail-directed behaviours were not consistent over time at the individual or group level. However, ear-chewing was consistent at the group level. One group with intact tails was affected by a tail-biting outbreak in the final week of the study (evidenced by tail-damage scores) and showed an increase over time in tail posture (tail down) and tail-directed behaviour but not activity. Overall, there were few behavioural differences between docked and undocked pigs: no evidence of reduced tail investigation (H1) or an increased reaction to tail investigation (H2) in docked pigs, and yet docked pigs had less tail damage. We propose that docking might be effective because longer tails are more easily damaged as pigs are able to bite them with their cheek teeth.
Great Houses, Shrines, and High Places: Intervisibility in the Chacoan World
Authors: Van Dyke Ruth M. , Bocinsky R. Kyle , Windes Thomas C. , Robinson Tucker J.
Published: April 2016

Phenomenological archaeologists and GIS scholars have turned much attention to visibility—who can see whom, and what can be seen—across ancient landscapes. Visible connections can be relatively easy to identify, but they present challenges to interpretation. Ancient peoples created intervisible connections among sites for purposes that included surveillance, defense, symbolism, shared identity, and communication. In the American Southwest, many high places are intervisible by virtue of the elevated topography and the open skies. The Chaco phenomenon, centered in northwestern New Mexico between A.D. 850 and 1140, presents an ideal situation for visibility research. In this study, we use GIS-generated viewsheds and viewnets to investigate intervisible connections among great houses, shrines, and related features across the Chacoan landscape. We demonstrate that a Chacoan shrine network, likely established during the mid-eleventh century, facilitated intervisibility between outlier communities and Chaco Canyon. It is most likely that the Chacoans created this network to enable meaningful connections for communication and identity. We conclude that the boundaries of the Chaco phenomenon are defined in some sense by intervisibility.
In Surplus and in Scarcity: Agricultural Development, Risk Management, and Political Economy on ofu Island, American Samoa
Authors: Quintus Seth , Allen Melinda s. , Ladefoged Thegn N.
Published: April 2016

Much attention has been paid to the role of increased food production in the development of social complexity. However, increased food production is only one kind of agricultural process, and some changes in agronomic practices were geared toward stabilizing production or counteracting periodic shortfalls. The intersection between these latter strategies and sociopolitical development are poorly understood, while the long-term value of risk management strategies is often hypothesized but empirically not well demonstrated. We address these issues using recent archaeological data from the Samoan Archipelago, Polynesia. We investigate variability in, and the development of, one type of agricultural infrastructure: ditch- and-parcel complexes. In the context of Samoa’s high-volume rainfall, recurrent cyclones, and steep topography, these novel risk management facilities offered production stability and, by extension, long-term selective benefits to both emergent elites and the general populace. Their effectiveness against known hazards is demonstrated by hydrologicai modeling, while their long-term success is indicated by increased distribution and size over time. Additionally, based on their morphologies, funetional properties, chronology, and spatial patterning, we argue that this infrastructure could have been effectively used by emergent elites to gain political advantage, particularly in conjunction with environmental perturbations that created production bottlenecks or shortfalls.
The Timing of Precolumbian Militarization in the U.S. Midwest and Southeast
Authors: Krus Anthony M.
Published: April 2016

Bayesian chronological modeling is used to investigate the chronology of bastioned palisades during the precolumbian period in the Midwestern and Southeastern United States. Nine precolumbian settlements in the Midwest and Southeast with bastioned palisades have been subject to scientific dating (Angel Mounds, Annis Village, Aztalan, Cahokia Mounds, Etowah, Kincaid Mounds, Jonathan Creek, Moundville, and Southwind). Complete radiocarbon datasets from these sites are presented within an interpretative Bayesian statistical framework. The results provide a glimpse into the history of Mississippi period (A.D. 1000–1700) fortifications with bastions and indicate that the analyzed fortifications were built and maintained predominantly in A.D. 1200–1400. This finding suggests a greater institutionalized role for defense and warfare in post-A.D. 1200 Mississippian societies. Additionally, modeling results further indicate that the investigated Mississippian centers continued to maintain fortifications for generations after their construction.
Labor Market Need Analysis as Basis for the Foundedness of Occupational Standards in the Field of Maritime Management
Authors: Slišković Merica , Ukić Helena , Marušić Eli
Published: April 2016

This paper presents the results of a maritime sector labor market research conducted to identify key tasks, specific knowledge and skills required for the development of appropriate occupational standards in the field of maritime management. Data were collected by survey of a sample of potential employers for the professions of “Manager in Marinas and Nautical Tourism“ and “Maritime Personnel Training and Education Coordinator”. Research results indicate both professions are recognized by prospective employers and that appropriate standards need to be developed.
The structure of the core NuRD repression complex provides insights into its interaction with chromatin
Authors: Millard Christopher J , Varma Niranjan , Saleh Almutasem , Morris Kyle , Watson Peter J , Bottrill Andrew R , Fairall Louise , Smith Corinne J , Schwabe John WR
Published: April 2016

The NuRD complex is a multi-protein transcriptional corepressor that couples histone deacetylase and ATP-dependent chromatin remodelling activities. The complex regulates the higher-order structure of chromatin, and has important roles in the regulation of gene expression, DNA damage repair and cell differentiation. HDACs 1 and 2 are recruited by the MTA1 corepressor to form the catalytic core of the complex. The histone chaperone protein RBBP4, has previously been shown to bind to the carboxy-terminal tail of MTA1. We show that MTA1 recruits a second copy of RBBP4. The crystal structure reveals an extensive interface between MTA1 and RBBP4. An EM structure, supported by SAXS and crosslinking, reveals the architecture of the dimeric HDAC1:MTA1:RBBP4 assembly which forms the core of the NuRD complex. We find evidence that in this complex RBBP4 mediates interaction with histone H3 tails, but not histone H4, suggesting a mechanism for recruitment of the NuRD complex to chromatin.
Effect of surface pretreatment of r-plane sapphire substrates on the crystal quality of a-plane AlN
Authors: Lin Chia-Hung , Yasui Daiki , Tamaki Shinya , Miyake Hideto , Hiramatsu Kazumasa
Published: April 2016

Single-crystal a-plane AlN

films were grown on r-plane sapphire

substrates by hydride vapor phase epitaxy (HVPE). We performed the optimization of thermal cleaning and nitridation conditions for r-plane sapphire substrates, and investigated the effect of ammonia (NH3) preflow on the crystallinity of a-plane AlN. An r-plane sapphire substrate with uniformly straight atomic steps was formed at 1000 °C, and NH3 preflow was subsequently supplied. The growth mode of a-plane AlN was promoted to be three-dimensional (3D) growth by the nitridation of r-plane sapphire substrates, and sizes of 3D islands were modified by changing the NH3 preflow time. The crystallinity of a-plane AlN films was improved by varying the NH3 preflow time from 30 to 90 s. The optimum crystal quality of a-plane AlN films was obtained with NH3 preflow for 30 s.
Enhanced oxidation of Si using low-temperature oxidation catalyst SrTi1−
xMgxO3−δ
Authors: Li Li , Ikeda Akihiro , Asano Tanemasa
Published: April 2016

We newly propose the use of functional oxide to produce O* radicals in an oxidation furnace for the application to oxidation of semiconductor at low temperatures. SrTi1−

x
Mg
x
O3−δ is prepared and placed together with a Si wafer in an electric furnace to perform oxidation of Si in flowing O2 under the atmospheric pressure. X-ray diffraction and gas desorption analyses show that SrTi1−

x
Mg
x
O3−δ contains oxygen vacancies and emits atomic oxygen at temperatures above 400 °C. Growth rate of SiO2 at the Si surface is shown to be increased by placing SrTi1−

x
Mg
x
O3−δ with Si and the rate increases with increasing the composition x of the oxide. It is also shown that the activation energies of the linear and parabolic rate constants in the Deal–Grove oxidation model is reduced by using SrTi1−

x
Mg
x
O3−δ oxidation catalyst.
A comparison of species composition and community assemblage of secondary forests between the birch and pine-oak belts in the mid-altitude zone of the Qinling Mountains, China
Authors: Chai Zongzheng , Wang Dexiang
Published: April 2016

The mid-altitude zone of the Qinling Mountains in China was once dominated by birch and pine-oak belts but are now mainly covered by secondary growth following large-scale deforestation. Assessing the recovery and sustainability of these forests is essential for their management and restoration. We investigated and compared the tree species composition and community assemblages of secondary forests of the birch and pine-oak belts in the Huoditang forest region of the Qinling Mountains after identical natural recoveries. Both types of belts had rich species compositions and similar floristic components but clearly different community structures. Tree diversity was significantly higher for the birch than the pine-oak belt. Niche and neutral processes simultaneously influenced the species distribution and community dynamics of the belts, and these forests were able to maintain stable development during natural recoveries. The conservation and management of these forests should receive more attention to protect biodiversity and the forest resources in the Qinling Mountains.
Three‐Dimensional Transvaginal Sonography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Local Staging of Cervical Cancer
Authors: Arribas Sara , Alcázar Juan Luis , Arraiza Maria , Benito Alberto , Minguez José Angel , Jurado Matias
Published: April 2016

Objectives

To evaluate the agreement of clinical examination, 2‐dimensional (2D) sonography, and 3‐dimensional (3D) sonography with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for local staging of cervical cancer.

Methods

We conducted a prospective study including women with a diagnosis of carcinoma of the cervix. All women were staged clinically and underwent 2D and 3D transvaginal sonography and MRI before treatment for assessing tumor size and parametrial, bladder, and rectal involvement using the examiner's subjective impression. Agreement between sonography and MRI was assessed by calculating the κ index and percentage of agreement.

Results

Forty women were included (mean age ± SD, 46.6 ± 11.4 years). Eleven had early‐stage (IA and IB1) disease, and 29 had advanced‐stage (IB2–IVB) disease. A significant correlation for tumor size estimation was found between MRI and pelvic examination (r = 0.754; P < .001), MRI and 2D sonography (r = 0.649; P < .001), and MRI and 3D sonography (r = 0.657; P< .001). Agreement for parametrial infiltration between MRI and pelvic examination was fair (κ = 0.26; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.10–0.54; 62.5% agreement), between MRI and 2D sonography was moderate (κ = 0.41; 95% CI, 0.15–0.66; 70.0% agreement), and between MRI and 3D sonography was good (κ = 0.60; 95% CI, 0.35–0.85; 80.0% agreement). Agreement for bladder involvement between MRI and pelvic examination was moderate (κ = 0.48; 95% CI, 0.10–0.99; 95.0% agreement), between MRI and 2D sonography was moderate (κ = 0.48; 95% CI, 0.10–0.99; 95.0% agreement), and between MRI and 3D sonography was very good (κ = 0.84; 95% CI, 0.55–1.0; 97.5% agreement). Agreement for rectal involvement was not calculated because of the very small number of cases.

Conclusions

Three‐dimensional sonography showed good agreement with MRI for assessing parametrial infiltration and bladder involvement in cervical cancer.
Second‐Trimester Sonographic Thymus Measurements Are Not Associated With Preterm Birth and Other Adverse Obstetric Outcomes
Authors: Brandt Justin S. , Bastek Jamie A. , Wang Eileen , Purisch Stephanie , Schwartz Nadav
Published: April 2016

Objectives

Previous studies have demonstrated an association between adverse obstetric outcomes, such as preterm birth, and in utero inflammation. The fetal thymus, which can be visualized in the anterior mediastinum on obstetric sonography, may involute in response to such inflammation and thus may identify pregnancies at increased risk for these outcomes. We therefore sought to determine whether second‐trimester fetal thymus measurements are associated with preterm birth.

Methods

Transabdominal fetal thymus measurements were prospectively obtained in singleton pregnancies at gestational ages of 18 weeks to 23 weeks 6 days during a 5‐month period. The transverse and anterorposterior thymus diameters and the thymic‐thoracic ratio were measured. Delivery outcomes were collected from our clinical database. The primary outcome was preterm birth, which we defined as delivery between 24 weeks and 36 weeks 6 days. Small for gestational age (SGA) and pregnancy‐related hypertension, which are adverse obstetric outcomes that may also be associated with in utero inflammation, were included as secondary outcomes.

Results

We included 520 patients with thymus measurements and obstetric outcome data. The prevalence of preterm birth was 12.3% (n = 64). None of the thymus measurements were associated with preterm birth. Similarly, there was no association between thymus measurements and SGA or pregnancy‐related hypertension.

Conclusions

Sonographic assessment of the second‐trimester fetal thymus did not identify patients at increased risk for preterm birth, SGA, and pregnancy‐related hypertension. Routine thymus measurements during the second‐trimester anatomic scan are not clinically useful for prediction of preterm birth and other adverse outcomes.