bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Short-Term Daily Intake of Polydextrose Fiber Does Not Shorten Intestinal Transit Time in Constipated Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Duncan Peter I. , Enters-Weijnen Catherine F. , Emami Nashmil , McLean Peter , Nunes Tiago , Beaumont Maurice , Crabbe Rafael , Whelan Kevin , Scott S. Mark , DeWit Niek J. , Weits Teunis , Bergonzelli Gabriela , Grobbee Diederick E.
Published: July 2018

Chronic constipation (CC) remains a common gastrointestinal (GI) disorder that conveys a substantial healthcare burden. Expert guidelines recommend increasing fiber intake, yet the clinical evidence to support this needs strengthening for specific fibers. The aim was to evaluate changes in intestinal transit time and GI symptoms in CC patients who consumed polydextrose. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 128 adults with CC received 8 g or 12 g polydextrose, or placebo, daily for 4 weeks. Transit time, as primary outcome, was assessed by radiopaque marker distribution after 2-weeks intervention. Bowel habits, GI symptoms and quality of life (QOL) were assessed by questionnaire, including the Patient-Assessment of Constipation (PAC) Symptoms (SYM), and PAC-QOL. Following 2-weeks intervention, no reduction was seen in transit time in any group and following 2- or 4-weeks intervention, no improvements were seen in stool frequency or consistency in any group. After 2-weeks intervention with 8 g/day polydextrose an improvement was seen in the PAC-SYM rectal score (p = 0.041). After 4-weeks intervention both rectal (p = 0.049) and stool (p = 0.029) scores improved while improvement in the QOL satisfaction score did not reach significance (p = 0.071). Overall, the results suggest that 2-weeks consumption of 8 or 12 g/day polydextrose does not significantly improve physiological measures of gut function in CC adults. Longer term consumption may improve clinical measures, but further studies will be required to substantiate this.
Testing the Feasibility and Preliminary Efficacy of an 8-Week Exercise and Compensatory Eating Intervention
Authors: West Jessica , Guelfi Kym , Dimmock James , Jackson Ben
Published: July 2018

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of an intervention comprised of regular exercise alongside educational and motivational support for participants’ avoidance of unhealthy compensatory eating. Forty-five sedentary individuals were randomized to an 8-week exercise plus compensatory eating avoidance program (CEAP; n = 24), or an 8-week exercise intervention only (control; n = 21). The feasibility and preliminary efficacy of the intervention were assessed using quantitative measures and supplemented with written responses to open-ended questions. The CEAP workshop was well-received; however, self-reported use of some of the included behavior change strategies was lower than expected. Post-intervention, there was evidence of reduced self-reported compensatory eating for participants in the CEAP group but not controls, with CEAP participants also reporting greater use of coping plans relative to controls post-intervention. The exercise program had benefits for waist circumference, body fat percentage, blood pressure, and cardiovascular fitness; however, improvements were similar between groups. Taken together, the results of this study indicate that the CEAP is feasible and may reduce compensatory eating around exercise; however, this effect is small. Potential modifications to the CEAP are discussed within the paper.
Neuroprotective Effects of Taraxacum officinale Wigg. Extract on Glutamate-Induced Oxidative Stress in HT22 Cells via HO-1/Nrf2 Pathways
Authors: Huang Shan , Meng Ning , Liu Zhiming , Guo Li , Dong Linsha , Li Bin , Ye Qiang
Published: July 2018

Oxidative stress-mediated neuron damage is considered an important contributor to the pathogenesis and development of neurodegenerative diseases. Taraxacum officinale has been reported to possess antioxidant activities. However, whether it can protect neurons against oxidative damage and the underlying molecular mechanisms have not been fully determined. In the present study, we examined the neuroprotective effects of ethanol extracts of this plant (ETOW) on glutamate-induced oxidative stress in HT22 cells. Both cell viability and reactive oxygen species (ROS) assays showed that ETOW effectively attenuated glutamate-induced cytotoxicity and ROS generation. Furthermore, our results revealed that ETOW increased the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and promoted the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-2 (Nrf2). The inhibitory effects of ETOW on glutamate-stimulated cell toxicity and ROS production were partially reversed by tin protoporphyrin (SnPP), an HO activity inhibitor. Taken together, these results demonstrate that ETOW can protect HT22 cells against glutamate-induced oxidative damage by inducing the Nrf2/HO-1 pathways. Our study supports the idea that Taraxacum officinale Wigg. is a promising agent for preventing neurodegenerative diseases.
Lecture 2—What Is a Formulary, Anyway? (Or the Cliff Notes Version of Drug Stewardship and Expense Control)
Authors: Parrish Richard H.
Published: July 2018

A formulary is the product of an evaluative process, the formulary system, conducted by an expert panel that both sanctions and guides the selection, prescription, administration, and monitoring of pharmaceuticals and related items for a given environment. An expert panel, often called the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee (P&T), is a group of pharmacists, physicians, nurses, and administrators assembled for the purpose of providing guidance and validation for pharmaceutical utilization in a given organization. Expert panels became prominent because of qualitative and quantitative changes in drug production and marketing strategies employed by industry, the expansion of public health sector medicine, and organized, macro-level drug control systems. It could be argued that, as a clinical instrument, the formulary is predicated on the role pharmacy is perceived to play in actual direct patient care. In this lecture, the concept and defining characteristics of a formulary (the perspective of an expert panel, differences in the environment of application, and interprofessional relationships), the modifiers used to describe a formulary, which modifiers enhance or distract from its meaning, and the outlook for comprehensive and objective evaluation through the formulary mechanism are discussed.
Synthesis of Low Melting Temperature Aliphatic-Aromatic Copolyamides Derived from Novel Bio-Based Semi Aromatic Monomer
Authors: Rwei Syang-Peng , Ranganathan Palraj , Chiang Whe-Yi , Lee Yi-Huan
Published: July 2018

This work investigated the synthesis of a novel low melting temperature polyamide 6 (PA6) copolyamide (PA6-BABT/SA) with different aliphatic/aromatic units weight content using a melt poly-condensation process. The bio-based aromatic N1,N4-bis(4-aminobutyl) terephthalamide diamine (BABT) and long-chain aromatic polyamide salt (BABT/SA, salt of BABT, and sebacic acid), components used for the synthesis of copolyamides, were obtained from bio-based monomers. For the first time, the pertinent BABT/SA aromatic polyamide salt was isolated as a white solid and completely characterized. By varying the weight ratio of BABT/SA salt, a series of copolyamides with different molecular weights and physical properties were prepared. The aromatic BABT/SA salt disrupted crystallization of the final copolyamides and lowered the onset of melting. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction results indicated a steady decrease in the degrees of crystallinity with increasing BABT/SA salt segment ratio. Furthermore, compared to neat PA6, the obtained PA6-BABT/SA copolymers possessed a similar thermal stability and high transparency, but lower glass transition temperature around human body temperature. The PA6-BABT/SA copolymers with number-average molecular weight ≥30,000 Da presented good mechanical properties, specifically showing excellent tensile strength and elongation at break up to 105.2 MPa and 218.3%, respectively.
A New Pseudo Steady-State Constant for a Vertical Well with Finite-Conductivity Fracture
Authors: Cui Yudong , Lu Bin , Wu Mingtao , Luo Wanjing
Published: July 2018

The Pseudo Steady-State (PSS) constant bDpss is defined as the difference between the dimensionless wellbore pressure and dimensionless average pressure of a reservoir with a PSS flow regime. As an important parameter, bDpss has been widely used for decline curve analysis with Type Curves. For a well with a finite-conductivity fracture, bDpss is independent of time and is a function of the penetration ratio of facture and fracture conductivity. In this study, we develop a new semi-analytical solution for bDpss calculations using the PSS function of a circular reservoir. Based on the semi-analytical solution, a new conductivity-influence function (CIF) representing the additional pressure drop caused by the effect of fracture conductivity is presented. A normalized conductivity-influence function (NCIF) is also developed to calculate the CIF. Finally, a new approximate solution is proposed to obtain the bDpss value. This approximate solution is a fast, accurate, and time-saving calculation.
A Scientometric Study of Neurocomputing Publications (1992–2018): An Aerial Overview of Intrinsic Structure
Authors: Janmaijaya Manvendra , Shukla Amit K. , Abraham Ajith , Muhuri Pranab K.
Published: July 2018

The international journal of neurocomputing (NC) is considered to be one of the most sought out journals in the computer science research fraternity. In this paper, an extensive bibliometric overview of this journal is performed. The bibliometric data is extracted from the Web of Science (WoS) repository. The main objective of this study is to reveal internal structures and hidden inferences, such as highly productive and influential authors, most contributing countries, top institutions, collaborating authors, and so on. The CiteSpace and VOS viewer is used to visualize the graphical mapping of the bibliometric data. Further, the document co-citations network, cluster detection and references with strong citation burst is analyzed to reveal the intellectual base of NC publications.
A Data-Driven Critical Review of Second Language Acquisition in the Past 30 Years
Authors: Chen Meng-Lin
Published: July 2018

This study aims to provide a comprehensive and data-driven review of the knowledge domain of second language acquisition (SLA) and pedagogy in the past 30 years. Using knowledge domain visualization techniques, the study first provides a review of SLA at the disciplinary level. It then identifies the major research areas and current research frontiers in the SLA research landscape based on high-quality data retrieved from Web of Science (WoS) databases. The study provides useful references for future research and pedagogy in the field in which literature reviews employing scientometric methodology and driven by data, such as the present one, are rare, and thus, are much in need of supplement views produced by traditional literature reviews.
Detecting and Quantifying a Massive Invasion of Floating Aquatic Plants in the Río de la Plata Turbid Waters Using High Spatial Resolution Ocean Color Imagery
Authors: Dogliotti Ana I. , Gossn Juan I. , Vanhellemont Quinten , Ruddick Kevin G.
Published: July 2018

The massive development of floating plants in floodplain lakes and wetlands in the upper Middle Paraná river in the La Plata basin is environmentally and socioeconomically important. Every year aquatic plant detachments drift downstream arriving in small amounts to the Río de la Plata, but huge temporary invasions have been observed every 10 or 15 years associated to massive floods. From late December 2015, heavy rains driven by a strong El Niño increased river levels, provoking a large temporary invasion of aquatic plants from January to May 2016. This event caused significant disruption of human activities via clogging of drinking water intakes in the estuary, blocking of ports and marinas and introducing dangerous animals from faraway wetlands into the city. In this study, we developed a scheme to map floating vegetation in turbid waters using high-resolution imagery, like Sentinel-2/SMI (MultiSpectral Imager), Landsat-8/OLI (Operational Land Imager), and Aqua/MODIS (MODerate resolution Imager Spectroradiometer)-250 m. A combination of the Floating Algal Index (that make use of the strong signal in the NIR part of the spectrum), plus conditions set on the RED band (to avoid misclassifying highly turbid waters) and on the CIE La*b* color space coordinates (to confirm the visually “green” pixels as floating vegetation) were used. A time-series of multisensor high resolution imagery was analyzed to study the temporal variability, covered area and distribution of the unusual floating macroalgae invasion that started in January 2016 in the Río de la Plata estuary.
The Benefit of the Geospatial-Related Waveforms Analysis to Extract Weak Laser Pulses
Authors: Teo Tee-Ann , Yeh Wan-Yi
Published: July 2018

Waveform lidar provides both geometric and waveform properties from the entire returned signals. The waveform analysis is an important process to extract the attributes of the reflecting surface from the waveform. The proposed method analyzes the geospatial relationship between the return signals by combining the sequential waves. The idea of this method is to analyze the waveform parameters from sequential waves. Since the adjacent return signals are geospatially correlated, they have similar waveform properties that can be used to validate the correctness of the extracted waveform parameters. The proposed method includes three major steps: (1) single-waveform processing for the initial echo detection; (2) multi-waveform processing using waveform alignment and stacking; (3) verification of the enhanced weak return. The experimental waveform lidar data were acquired using Leica ALS60, Optech Pegasus, and Riegl Q680i. The experimental result indicates that the proposed method successfully extracts the weak returns while considering the geospatial relationships. The correctness and increasing rate of the extracted ground points are related to the vegetated coverage such as the complexity and density. The correctness is above 76% in this study. Because the nearest waveform has a higher correlation, the increase in distance of adjacent waveforms will reduce the correctness of the enhanced weak return.
Assessment of Circular Economy within Portuguese Organizations
Authors: Fonseca Luis Miguel , Domingues José Pedro , Pereira Maria Teresa , Martins Florinda Figueiredo , Zimon Dominik
Published: July 2018

The move towards a new Circular Economy (CE) economic model has been advocated and supported in Portugal, however, there is limited research on this topic. To address this gap, a quantitative research based on an online survey was carried out among 99 Portuguese organizations, encompassing a wide range of sectors and sizes. The results show that CE is regarded as a strategic and relevant issue for profitability and value creation. Furthermore, the perception that it requires the adoption of new business models in addition to the classical “reduce, reuse and recycle” approach is growing. Moreover, based on the hypotheses raised, results suggest that the level of CE adoption is positively impacted by the status of the EMS (Environmental Management System) certification and the willingness to improve the environmental performance and achieve a sustainable business model. However, CE activities are still relatively modest and a friendlier context (fiscal, legal, organizational, etc.) and the stronger support from supply chain agents and consumers are required. Future research should focus on how to design and shape the transition from a linear to a CE economy and to ascertain if the positive attitude towards CE is materialized in changing the way business is done.
Evaluation of Silage Corn Yield Gap: An Approach for Sustainable Production in the Semi-Arid Region of USA
Authors: Nilahyane Abdelaziz , Islam M. Anowarul , O. Mesbah Abdel , Garcia y Garcia Axel
Published: July 2018

Water and nitrogen (N) play an important role in closing the yield gap of crops by reducing associated stresses and yield variability. Field research data coupled to the CSM-CERES-Maize model of Decision Support System Agrotechnology Transfer were used to advance our understanding of the effect of water and N on silage corn growth and yield. The objectives of the study were to determine: (i) the best combination of irrigation water and N for optimum biomass yield, and (ii) the yield gap of silage corn grown at different locations in Wyoming, USA. Field experiments were conducted under sub-surface drip irrigation using a randomized complete block design in a split-plot arrangement with four replications. The main plot was irrigation and consisted of 100% crop evapotranspiration (100ETc), 80% (80ETc), and 60% (60ETc), and the sub-plot was N rates, including 0, 90, 180, 270, and 360 kg N ha−1 as urea-ammonium-nitrate. The simulated results indicated full irrigation and at least 150 kg N ha−1 as the best combination for silage corn production in Wyoming. Our observed and simulated results show the potential to increase the biomass and reduce the yield gap of silage corn in the region if irrigation water and N are properly managed.
Human Capital Management in Transport Enterprises with the Acceptance of Sustainable Development in the Slovak Republic
Authors: Kucharčíková Alžbeta , Mičiak Martin
Published: July 2018

Transport enterprises produce emissions during their activity, which is how they contribute to the polluting of the environment. The requirement of sustainability should therefore be incorporated into their concept of human capital management as well. The aim of this article is to point out the possibilities of application of various human capital management approaches leading to the requirement of increasing the efficiency, performance, competitiveness and sustainability of a transport enterprise in conditions of the Slovak Republic. Via the survey conducted in Slovak enterprises, we found out that the enterprises do not use human capital management much because they have only little knowledge about this concept of work with human capital. Based on the studying of professional literature, the results from the survey, and own experience, we designed two approaches for better implementation of human capital management leading to the increase of efficiency, performance and sustainability of enterprises operating in the field of public transport. The first one is the increase of human capital value via training, and the second consists of the metrics for the assessment of how effectively the enterprises use human capital. We have verified the application of the metrics in conditions of a concrete particular enterprise.
Decomposition Analysis of Carbon Emissions from Energy Consumption in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei, China: A Weighted-Combination Model Based on Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index and Shapley Value
Authors: Liang Yi , Niu Dongxiao , Zhou Weiwei , Fan Yingying
Published: July 2018

The Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (B-T-H) region, who captures the national strategic highland in China, has drawn a great deal of attention due to the fog and haze condition and other environmental problems. Further, the high carbon emissions generated by energy consumption has restricted its further coordinated development seriously. In order to accurately analyze the potential influencing factors that contribute to the growth of energy consumption carbon emissions in the B-T-H region, this paper uses the carbon emission coefficient method to measure the carbon emissions of energy consumption in the B-T-H region, using a weighted combination based on Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index (LMDI) and Shapley Value (SV). The effects affecting carbon emissions during 2001–2013 caused from five aspects, including energy consumption structure, energy consumption intensity, industrial structure, economic development and population size, are quantitatively analyzed. The results indicated that: (1) The carbon emissions had shown a sustained growth trend in the B-T-H region on the whole, while the growth rates varied in the three areas. In detail, Hebei Province got the first place in carbon emissions growth, followed by Tianjin and Beijing; (2) economic development was the main driving force for the carbon emissions growth of energy consumption in B-T-H region. Energy consumption structure, population size and industrial structure promoted carbon emissions growth as well, but their effects weakened in turn and were less obvious than that of economic development; (3) energy consumption intensity had played a significant inhibitory role on the carbon emissions growth; (4) it was of great significance to ease the carbon emission-reduction pressure of the B-T-H region from the four aspects of upgrading industrial structure adjustment, making technological progress, optimizing the energy structure and building long-term carbon-emission-reduction mechanisms, so as to promote the coordinated low-carbon development.
What Will Make Energy Systems Sustainable?
Authors: Köppl Angela , Schleicher Stefan P.
Published: July 2018

Despite the success of the German Energiewende in increasing the production of electricity from renewables and the positive global spillover effects of renewable technologies, one of the lessons learned is the insight that simply shifting to renewables and recommending improving energy efficiency is not sufficient to lower greenhouse gas emissions. Combined with the expected radical change of technologies, this requires a more profound understanding of our energy systems. Therefore, in contrast to many conventional energy economy approaches, we propose a deepened structural analysis that covers the full energy value chain from the required functionalities for mechanical, thermal and specific electric energy services via application and transformation technologies up to primary energy. This deepened structural approach opens and substantially enhances our understanding of policy designs that are compatible with the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals. We discover the essential role of four energy grids, namely for electricity, heat, gas, and information as the key for integrating all components of a newly structured energy system. Consequently, we conclude that policy strategies focusing on individual components of an energy system like shifting to renewables may, from a comprehensive perspective on more sustainable energy systems, prove even counterproductive.
Intestinal Barrier Function in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Meijers Björn , Farré Ricard , Dejongh Sander , Vicario Maria , Evenepoel Pieter
Published: July 2018

The kidneys are key contributors to body homeostasis, by virtue of controlled excretion of excessive fluid, electrolytes, and toxic waste products. The syndrome of uremia equals the altered physiology due to irreversible loss of kidney function that is left uncorrected for, despite therapeutic intervention(s). The intestines and its microbial content are prime contributors to this syndrome. The intestinal barrier separates the self (or the so-called “milieu intérior”) from the environment. In the large intestine, the intestinal barrier keeps apart human physiology and the microbiota. The enterocytes and the extracellular mucin layer functions form a complex multilayered structure, facilitating complex bidirectional metabolic and immunological crosstalk. The current review focuses on the intestinal barrier in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Loss of kidney function results in structural and functional alterations of the intestinal barrier, contribution to the syndrome of uremia.
Decomposition of Contaminants of Emerging Concern in Advanced Oxidation Processes
Authors: Kudlek Edyta
Published: July 2018

This paper compares the removal degrees of selected contaminants of emerging concern in water solutions during advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), such as H2O2, O3, UV, UV/TiO2, UV/H2O2, and UV/O3. The tested micropollutants belong to the following groups: pharmaceuticals, dyes, UV filters, hormones, pesticides, and food additives. The highest removal rate of pharmaceutical compounds was observed during the UV/TiO2 process. The decomposition of hormones in this process exceeded 96% and the concentration of the UV filter dioxybenzone was reduced by 75%. The pesticide triallat and the food additive butylated hydroxytoluene were most effectively oxidized by the UV process and their removal degrees exceeded 90%. The lowest removal degree in all examined processes was observed in the case of caffeine. Toxicological analysis conducted in post-processed water samples indicated the generation of several oxidation by-products with a high toxic potential. The presence of those compounds was confirmed by the GC-MS analysis. The performance of the UV/O3 process leads to the increase of the toxicity of post-processed water solutions, especially solutions containing degradation by-products of carbamazepine, diclofenac sodium salt, acridine, trialatte, triclosan, and β-estradiol were characterized by high toxicity.
A variable probe pitch micro-Hall effect method
Authors: Witthøft Maria-Louise , Østerberg Frederik W , Bogdanowicz Janusz , Lin Rong , Henrichsen Henrik H , Hansen Ole , Petersen Dirch H
Published: July 2018

Hall effect metrology is important for a detailed characterization of the electronic properties of new materials for nanoscale electronics. The micro-Hall effect (MHE) method, based on micro four-point probes, enables a fast characterization of ultrathin films with minimal sample preparation. Here, we study in detail how the analysis of raw measurement data affects the accuracy of extracted key sample parameters, i.e., how the standard deviation on sheet resistance, carrier mobility and Hall sheet carrier density is affected by the data analysis used. We compare two methods, based primarily on either the sheet resistance signals or the Hall resistance signals, by theoretically analysing the effects of electrode position errors and electrical noise on the standard deviations. We verify the findings with a set of experimental data measured on an ultrashallow junction silicon sample. We find that in presence of significant electrical noise, lower standard deviation is always obtained when the geometrical analysis is based on the sheet resistance signals. The situation is more complicated when electrode position errors are dominant; in that case, the better method depends on the experimental conditions, i.e., the distance between the insulating boundary and the electrodes. Improvement to the accuracy of Hall Effect measurement results is crucial for nanoscale metrology, since surface scattering often leads to low carrier mobility.
In-situ Star Formation in the Outskirts of the Large Magellanic Cloud: Gaia DR2 Confirmation
Authors: Casetti-Dinescu Dana I. , Girard Terrence M. , Bidin Christian Moni , Zhang Lan , Mendez Rene A. , Vieira Katherine , Korchagin Vladimir I. , van Altena William F.
Published: July 2018

We explore the Gaia data release 2 (DR2) proper motions of six young, main-sequence stars, members of the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) reported by Moni Bidin et al. These stars are located in the outskirts of the disk, between 7° and 13° from the LMC’s center where there is very low H i content. Gaia DR2 proper motions confirm that four stars formed locally, in situ, while two are consistent with being expelled via dynamical interactions from inner, more gas-rich regions of the LMC. This finding establishes that recent star formation occurred in the periphery of the LMC, where thus far only old populations were known.
The Imprint of Cosmic Ray Driven Outflows on Lyman-α Spectra
Authors: Gronke Max , Girichidis Philipp , Naab Thorsten , Walch Stefanie
Published: July 2018

Recent magnetohydrodynamic simulations of the star-forming interstellar medium (ISM) with parsec-scale resolution indicate that relativistic cosmic rays (CRs) support the launching of galactic outflows on scales of a few kpc. If these fundamental constituents of the ISM are injected at the sites of supernova (SN) explosions, the outflows are smoother, colder, and denser than the highly structured, hot-phase driven outflows forming, e.g., by thermal SN energy injection alone. In this Letter we present computations of resonant Lyman-α(Lyα) radiation transfer through snapshots of a suite of stratified disk simulations from the SILCC project. For a range of thermal, radiative, and kinetic feedback models only simulations including non-thermal CRs produce Lyα spectra with enhanced red peaks and strong absorption at line center—similar to observed systems. The absence of CR feedback leads to spectra incompatible with observations. We attribute this to the smoother neutral gas distribution of CR supported outflows within a few kpc from the disk midplane.
Low-frequency noise characteristics of high-power white LED during long-term aging experiment
Authors: Glemža Justinas , Matukas Jonas , Pralgauskaitė Sandra , Palenskis Vilius
Published: July 2018

Low-frequency electrical and optical noise characteristics of a high power white InGaN LED and the cross-correlation coefficient between these fluctuations are investigated during the long-term ageing experiment (28000 h). The analysis of cross-correlation shows that the correlated part of the low-frequency electrical noise, which indicates physical processes in the active area of the LED, varies during the ageing experiment. Two main stages are distinguished considering the rapid changes of the noise characteristics. The initial stage (after the first 1100 h) is followed by the decrease in the noise power at low forward currents and the increase in the light output. The final stage (after 28000 h) is characterized by a strong growth of the low-frequency noise, the decrease of the light output and the increase of the correlated part of electrical and optical fluctuations. These changes mean a failure in the active layer of the LED. The optical output decomposition into two spectral parts, the radiation generated by the LED chip and the radiation generated by the phosphor layer, enables evaluation of the phosphor layer influence on the degradation process of device optical characteristics. Despite the fact that this layer contributes to the variation of the LED chromatic properties, the cross-correlation analysis has shown that the phosphor layer does not act as a possible noise source during the ageing experiment.
Editorial
Authors: Tapia Ladino Marcela
Published: July 2018

Editorial
Trayectorias de género en la migración sur-sur de mujeres mexicanas calificadas en Santiago de Chile
Authors: Gissi Barbieri Nicolás , Martínez Ruiz Susana
Published: July 2018

Con un enfoque de género, transnacional y cualitativo, el presente artículo se propone conocer los procesos de continuidad y transformación en los roles y estatus de género de mujeres mexicanas calificadas que actualmente reciden en Santiago de Chile. Para ello, se realizaron seis historias de vida, poniendo en relieve las diferentes motivaciones migratorias (laborales, educativas y amorosas) y los perfiles de cambio o continuidad de los roles de género que tensionan las esferas de la producción y la reproducción en el contexto de la migración femenina. Finalmente, se problematiza acerca de las valoraciones otorgadas a la experiencia migratoria y cómo estas dan cuenta de la transformación hacia posiciones más autónomas, más emancipadas e independientes, promoviendo la migración como escenario propicio para desestabilizar la estructura tradicional de género.
Nuevas (viejas) políticas migratorias en la Argentina del cambio
Authors: Canelo Brenda , Gavazzo Natalia , Nejamkis Lucila
Published: July 2018

Desde el cambio de gestión presidencial ocurrido en Argentina a fines del año 2015. distintos referentes del campo migratorio comenzaron a sospechar un inminente "cambio de paradigma" respecto de la cuestión. Estos precoces temores se afirmaron en prácticas políticas posteriores, que fueron consolidando un pasaje desde lo que fuera considerado un "paradigmas de derechos" hacia uno securitista. En este artículo proponemos: a) Reconstruir el proceso social y político que enmarca dicho "cambio de paradigma" y el "nuevo" tratamiento de la cuestión migratoria en la Argentina actual; b) Presentar y analizar las características de las modificaciones realizadas, identificar a sus promotores y alos recursos y argumentos que vienen utilizando, y c) Describir e indagar las principales respuestas de los migrantes y organismos que los acompañan ante esta forma de problematizar a la inmigración contemporánea. Los materiales aquí analizados (normativas, notas periodísticas, discursos públicos, entrrevistas y trabajo etnográfico) fueron producidos para este trabajo, con la urgencia por reconstruir un proceso histórico y político trascendente en curso. No obstante, ellos son analizados desde una perspectiva que excede la coyuntura, posibilitada por investigaciones acerca de los procesos migratorios en Argentina que las autoras vienen desarrollando desde hace más de una década.
Additional new combinations in Sesamum L. (Pedaliaceae: Sesameae)
Authors: Manning John C. , Magee Anthony R.
Published: July 2018

Background: Ongoing systematic studies in the African flora necessitate periodic nomenclatural adjustments and corrections.Objectives: To effect requisite nomenclatural changes.Method: Relevant literature was surveyed and requisite nomenclatural transfers provided.Results: The new combination Sesamum byngianum Christenh. proposed for Josephinia africana Vatke is superfluous as an available synonym exists.Conclusions: The new combination Sesamum rosaceum (Engl.) J.C. Manning Magee is also provided for Josephinia africana Vatke. Three new sectional combinations are provided to accommodate the species previously placed in Ceratotheca Endl., Josephinia Vent. and Dicerocaryum Bojer in the current infrageneric classification of Sesamum.
Traditional Chinese Medicine and Herbal Supplements for Treating Overactive Bladder
Authors: Liu Yu-Liang , Lee Wei-Chia
Published: July 2018

Overactive bladder (OAB) has a high prevalence of approximately 16%–18% of the population worldwide. Currently, the understanding of and strategies for pharmacological treatment of OAB remain limited to antimuscarinics and β3 agonists. Ethnopharmacology applies knowledge from traditional medicine to treat diseases. For example, several presently used drugs, such as aspirin, digoxin, and artemisinin, have originated from plant extracts. Ancient people have historically required treatments for urinary urgency, urinary frequency, nocturia, and urgent incontinence. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been developed in China over the course of thousands of years. Some regimens and single-herb medicines of TCM have been demonstrated to manage such OAB symptoms. Herein, we summarize the evidence, obtained through current scientific methodology, which supports the use of regimens and single-herb medicine for treatment of OAB. An understanding of the pros and cons of TCM from the viewpoint of current science would improve future research and provide patients with more alternative and complementary therapies.
Vanishing theorems for mixed Hodge modules and applications
Authors: Suh Junecue
Published: July 2018

We prove two Kawamata–Viehweg type vanishing theorems with coefficients, one for polarisable variations of Hodge structures (PVHSs) and the other for general mixed Hodge modules. They generalise previous vanishing theorems of Kawamata, Viehweg, Esnault and Viehweg, Illusie, Saito, and Popa.

The two theorems are complementary. One applies to all mixed Hodge modules, but only covers (of necessity) the lowest Hodge graded piece. The other applies only to Deligne’s canonical extension of PVHSs across simple normal crossings divisors, but covers all the Hodge graded pieces.

As application, we obtain new results on the cohomology of Shimura varieties and an alternative proof of a known result in birational geometry: (i) Using the one for PVHSs, we obtain new vanishing theorems for the cohomology of arbitrary Shimura varieties (including the ones attached to exceptional groups) with automorphic coefficients, extending works of Faltings, Li and Schwermer, and our own with Lan. (ii) The vanishing theorem for mixed Hodge modules contains, as a special case, Kollár’s vanishing theorem for the higher direct images of dualising sheaves and big and nef line bundles.
О точной асимптотике малых уклонений $L_2$-норм некоторых гауссовских случайных полей
Authors: Rozovskii Leonid Victorovich
Published: July 2018

В работе исследуется асимптотическое поведение вероятности $\mathbf P(V^2<r)$ при $r\to 0$, где сумма $V^2$ задана формулой
$$
V^2=a^2 \sum_{i,j\ge 1} (i+\beta)^{-2c}(j+\delta)^{-2}\xi^2_{ij}.
$$
Здесь $\{\xi_{ij}\}$ - независимые стандартные гауссовские случайные величины, а $A>0$, $\beta >-1$, $\delta>-1$, $c>1/2$, $\ne 1$, - некоторые постоянные. Тем самым изучаются малые уклонения $L_2$-нормы некоторых двупараметрических гауссовских случайных полей, имеющих структуру тензорного произведения.
Различение близких гипотез о хвостах распределений по максимальным членам вариационного ряда
Authors: Rodionov Igor Vladimirovich
Published: July 2018

Рассматривается задача различения близких гипотез о хвостах распределений, принадлежащих области максимального притяжения Гумбеля, по максимальным членам вариационного ряда выборки. Полученные результаты являются продолжением классических результатов теории контигуальных мер.
A note on the quasi-stationary distribution of the Shiryaev martingale on the positive half-line
Authors: Polunchenko Aleksey S , Martinez Servet , Martin Jamie San
Published: July 2018

В работе получена явная формула для квазистационарного распределения классического мартингального диффузионного процесса Ширяева, рассматриваемого на луче $[A,+\infty)$, где $A>0$ фиксировано; предполагается, что левая граница фазового пространства процесса является поглощающей. Вывод формулы осуществляется аналитически, посредством решения соответствующей вырожденной задачи Штурма-Лиувилля; последняя была впервые рассмотрена в [7, п. 7.8.2], однако оставалась нерешенной до настоящего момента.
Двуграничная задача для случайного блуждания в случайной среде
Authors: Afanasyev Valeriy Ivanovich
Published: July 2018

Пусть задана последовательность независимых одинаково распределенных пар случайных величин $(p_i,q_i)$, $i\in\mathbf{Z}$, причем $p_0+q_0=1$ и п.н. $p_0>0$, $q_0>0$. Рассматривается случайное блуждание в случайной среде $(p_i,q_i)$, $i\in\mathbf{Z}$. Это означает, что при фиксированной случайной среде блуждающая частица совершает переход из состояния $i$ либо в состояние $(i+1)$ с вероятностью $p_i$, либо в состояние $(i-1)$ с вероятностью $q_i$. Предполагается, что $\mathbf{E}\ln (p_0/q_0)=0$, т.е. блуждание является осциллирующим. Решается задача о выходе рассматриваемого блуждания из интервала $(-\lfloor an\rfloor,\lfloor bn\rfloor)$, где $a$, $b$ - произвольные положительные постоянные. Найдена асимптотика вероятности выхода блуждания из указанного интервала справа (слева). Установлена предельная теорема для времени выхода блуждания из этого интервала.
Non-metric digital reconstruction of Roman mosaics excavated in the city of Ravenna (Italy)
Authors: Monti Mariapaola , Maino Giuseppe
Published: July 2018

During the excavations carried out in summer 2011 in Piazza Anita Garibaldi in Ravenna, during construction of the new underground  waste  containers,  five  rooms  decorated  with  mosaic  floors  were  found,  probably  dating back to  the  early Roman Empire (1st-2ndcentury AD). The mosaics were removed for restoration and musealisation, however –given the size of the large lacunae-it would not be possible to reintegrate them in a traditional restoration without creating arbitrary reconstructions. Therefore, we opted for a digital reconstruction of the lacunae, attempting virtual restoration hypotheses for the recovered mosaics. Subsequently, it was possible to grasp the trend of the figuration and how it could have appeared in the past. The characteristics of many mosaics, such as the symmetry and the repetition of geometric patterns, make them suitable for both a simulated integration and are construction by the analogies of the pattern. As a matter of fact, we used simple and easily accessible software to perform this work.  The purpose of this digital workflow was to give an example of virtual processing useful for conservators and restorers, as well as for scholars (archaeologists, art historians, etc.) that can be carried out without specific information technology expertise and computer skills. After the images were acquired digitally, we were able to proceed with the reconstruction of the floor, by taking into account the geometric motifs that make up the mosaic assembly and that made the recomposition the most reliable. The virtual restoration also provides the  opportunity  of  simulating  the  type  of  integration  and  the  colour  so  that  scholars,  restorers  and  conservators  may evaluate the final appearance of the work and the different aesthetic choices. The virtual restoration is finally considered an essential tool for the enhancement of cultural heritage.

Highlights:

An example of virtual restoration is presented relevant to Roman mosaics recently found in Ravenna (Italy).

A simulated integration by the analogies of the geometric patterns present in the mosaics allows a reliable reconstruction.

Virtual restoration results in a useful tool for enhancement, knowledge and improvement of understanding of mosaics by the general public.
Estimation of turbulence dissipation rate and its variability from sonic anemometer and wind Doppler lidar during the XPIA field campaign
Authors: Bodini Nicola , Lundquist Julie K. , Newsom Rob K.
Published: July 2018

Abstract. Despite turbulence being a fundamental transport process in the boundary
layer, the capability of current numerical models to represent it is
undermined by the limits of the adopted assumptions, notably that of local
equilibrium. Here we leverage the potential of extensive observations in
determining the variability in turbulence dissipation rate (ϵ).
These observations can provide insights towards the understanding of the
scales at which the major assumption of local equilibrium between generation
and dissipation of turbulence is invalid. Typically, observations of
ϵ require time- and labor-intensive measurements from sonic and/or
hot-wire anemometers. We explore the capability of wind Doppler lidars to
provide measurements of ϵ. We refine and extend an existing method
to accommodate different atmospheric stability conditions. To validate our
approach, we estimate ϵ from four wind Doppler lidars during the
3-month XPIA campaign at the Boulder Atmospheric Observatory (Colorado), and
we assess the uncertainty of the proposed method by data intercomparison
with sonic anemometer measurements of ϵ. Our analysis of this
extensive dataset provides understanding of the climatology of turbulence
dissipation over the course of the campaign. Further, the variability in
ϵ with atmospheric stability, height, and wind speed is also
assessed. Finally, we present how ϵ increases as nocturnal
turbulence is generated during low-level jet events.
Mean and extreme precipitation over European river basins better simulated in a 25 km AGCM
Authors: Schiemann Reinhard , Vidale Pier Luigi , Shaffrey Len C. , Johnson Stephanie J. , Roberts Malcolm J. , Demory Marie-Estelle , Mizielinski Matthew S. , Strachan Jane
Published: July 2018

Abstract. Limited spatial resolution is one of the factors that may hamper applications
of global climate models (GCMs), in particular over Europe with its complex
coastline and orography. In this study, the representation of European mean
and extreme precipitation is evaluated in simulations with an atmospheric
GCM (AGCM) at different resolutions between about 135 and 25 km grid spacing in the
mid-latitudes. The continent-wide root-mean-square error in mean precipitation
in the 25 km model is about 25  % smaller than in the 135 km model in
winter. Clear improvements are also seen in autumn and spring, whereas the
model's sensitivity to resolution is very small in summer. Extreme
precipitation is evaluated by estimating generalised extreme value
distributions (GEVs) of daily precipitation aggregated over river basins whose
surface area is greater than 50 000 km2. GEV location and scale parameters
are measures of the typical magnitude and of the interannual variability of
extremes, respectively. Median model biases in both these parameters are
around 10 % in summer and around 20 % in the other seasons. For some river
basins, however, these biases can be much larger and take values between 50 %
and 100 %. Extreme precipitation is better simulated in the 25 km model,
especially during autumn when the median GEV parameter biases are more than
halved, and in the North European Plains, from the Loire in the west to the
Vistula in the east. A sensitivity experiment is conducted showing that these
resolution sensitivities in both mean and extreme precipitation are in many
areas primarily due to the increase in resolution of the model orography. The
findings of this study illustrate the improved capability of a global
high-resolution model in simulating European mean and extreme precipitation.
Proportionality: Lessons from the Somme
Authors: Biggar Nigel
Published: July 2018

In “just war” thinking, proportionality is a criterion both of going to war and of fighting in it. This article uses the Battle of the Somme—a byword for immorally profligate warfare—to consider how proportionality should be understood. It reaches six conclusions: (1) a very large number of casualties is not in itself disproportionate; (2) the proportionality of a particular military operation depends on the moral standing of the larger belligerency to which it belongs; (3) aptness in the sense of being a fit response to injustice requires an account of what kinds of injustice warrant the costs of war; (4) strategy or tactics that are inefficient in the spending of lives are disproportionate; (5) if a strategist or tactician could have known that his plans were inefficient, and if we judge that he should have known, then the disproportion is culpable; nevertheless, (6) attrition can be the most efficient way of fighting.
Are clearcut borders an effective tool for Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) natural regeneration?
Authors: Bílek Lukáš , Vacek Zdeněk , Vacek Stanislav , Bulušek Daniel , Linda Rostislav , Král Jan
Published: July 2018

Aim of the study: To describe the effect of stand edge after clearcut on the process of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) natural regeneration along the edge-to-interior gradient. The density, height, horizontal structure and quality of natural regeneration was evaluated.Area of the study: Kokořínsko Protected Landscape Area, Northern Bohemia (Czech Republic). The study sites naturally host Scots pine Pinetum oligotrophicum with cover of Vaccinium myrtillus L. and Vaccinium vitis-idaea L. in the herbal storey.Material and methods: Two 40 × 40 m permanent research plots were situated at the forest edge, two adjacent plots were established within the forest stand as control plots. Differences in regeneration characteristics were tested by analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by the Tukey HSD test. Interactions between regeneration characteristics and the distance from the edge were evaluated by Pearson correlation. The relationship between the top storey and natural regeneration was depicted by pair-correlation function. Principal components analysis was carried out to assess overall data structure.Main results: Generally, the further from the stand edge, the lower natural regeneration density (r ≤ -0.64, p<0.001), mean height (r ≤ -0.54, p<0.001) and the best-quality promising individuals (r = -0.40, p<0.05) were found, whereas significant influence on overall average pine quality was not observed. The highest regeneration density (15,250 pcs/ha) was reached at a distance of 5-10 m from the stand edge.Research highlights: The forest edge interior can become favourable location for natural regeneration and can be implemented into traditional regeneration approaches in pine regions.