bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RGloVe: An Improved Approach of Global Vectors for Distributional Entity Relation Representation
Authors: Chen Ziyan , Huang Yu , Liang Yuexian , Wang Yang , Fu Xingyu , Fu Kun
Published: April 2017

Most of the previous works on relation extraction between named entities are often limited to extracting the pre-defined types; which are inefficient for massive unlabeled text data. Recently; with the appearance of various distributional word representations; unsupervised methods for many natural language processing (NLP) tasks have been widely researched. In this paper; we focus on a new finding of unsupervised relation extraction; which is called distributional relation representation. Without requiring the pre-defined types; distributional relation representation aims to automatically learn entity vectors and further estimate semantic similarity between these entities. We choose global vectors (GloVe) as our original model to train entity vectors because of its excellent balance between local context and global statistics in the whole corpus. In order to train model more efficiently; we improve the traditional GloVe model by using cosine similarity between entity vectors to approximate the entity occurrences instead of dot product. Because cosine similarity can convert vector to unit vector; it is intuitively more reasonable and more easily converge to a local optimum. We call the improved model RGloVe. Experimental results on a massive corpus of Sina News show that our proposed model outperforms the traditional global vectors. Finally; a graph database of Neo4j is introduced to store these relationships between named entities. The most competitive advantage of Neo4j is that it provides a highly accessible way to query the direct and indirect relationships between entities.
Identifying Witness Accounts from Social Media Using Imagery
Authors: Truelove Marie , Khoshelham Kourosh , McLean Simon , Winter Stephan , Vasardani Maria
Published: April 2017

This research investigates the use of image category classification to distinguish images posted to social media that are Witness Accounts of an event. Only images depicting observations of the event, captured by micro-bloggers at the event, are considered Witness Accounts. Identifying Witness Accounts from social media is important for services such as news, marketing and emergency response. Automated image category classification is essential due to the large number of images on social media and interest in identifying witnesses in near real time. This paper begins research of this emerging problem with an established procedure, using a bag-of-words method to create a vocabulary of visual words and classifier trained to categorize the encoded images. In order to test the procedure, a set of images were collected for case study events, Australian Football League matches, from Twitter. Evaluation shows an overall accuracy of 90% and precision and recall for both classes exceeding 83%.
TβRII Regulates the Proliferation of Metanephric Mesenchyme Cells through Six2 In Vitro
Authors: Mao Zhaomin , Lyu Zhongshi , Huang Liyuan , Zhou Qin , Weng Yaguang
Published: April 2017

The transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) family signaling pathways play an important role in regulatory cellular networks and exert specific effects on developmental programs during embryo development. However, the function of TGFβ signaling pathways on the early kidney development remains unclear. In this work, we aim to detect the underlying role of TGFβ type II receptor (TβRII) in vitro, which has a similar expression pattern as the crucial regulator Six2 during early kidney development. Firstly, the 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay showed knock down of TβRII significantly decreased the proliferation ratio of metanephric mesenchyme (MM) cells. Additionally, real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Western blot together with immunofluorescence determined that the mRNA and protein levels of Six2 declined after TβRII knock down. Also, Six2 was observed to be able to partially rescue the proliferation phenotype caused by the depletion of TβRII. Moreover, bioinformatics analysis and luciferase assay indicated Smad3 could transcriptionally target Six2. Further, the EdU assay showed that Smad3 could also rescue the inhibition of proliferation caused by the knock down of TβRII. Taken together, these findings delineate the important function of the TGFβ signaling pathway in the early development of kidney and TβRII was shown to be able to promote the expression of Six2 through Smad3 mediating transcriptional regulation and in turn activate the proliferation of MM cells.
A Channel Allocation Mechanism for Cellular Networks
Authors: Chen Chi-Hua , Lin Bon-Yeh , Lei Che-Hao , Lo Chi-Chun
Published: April 2017

In cellular networks, call blocking causes lower customer satisfaction and economic loss. Therefore, the channel allocation for call block avoidance is an important issue. This study proposes a mechanism that considers the real-time traffic information (e.g., traffic flow and vehicle speed) and the user behavior (e.g., call inter-arrival time and call holding time) to analyze the adaptable number of communication calls in the specific cell for channel allocation. In experiments about call block probabilities (CBP), this study simulated two cases that are the situations of the whole day and traffic accident. The simulation results show that all CBPs in the scenario of whole day are less than 21.5% by using the proposed mechanism, which is better than using the static channel allocation (SCA) mechanism. Moreover, all CBPs in the scenario of traffic accidents are less than 16.5% by using the proposed mechanism, which is better than using the SCA mechanism. Therefore, the proposed mechanism can decrease the number of CBPs effectively.
Capital Regulation, the Cost of Financial Intermediation and Bank Profitability: Evidence from Bangladesh
Authors: Zheng Changjun , Rahman Mohammed , Begum Munni , Ashraf Badar
Published: April 2017

In response to the recent global financial crisis, the regulatory authorities in many countries have imposed stringent capital requirements in the form of the BASEL III Accord to ensure financial stability. On the other hand, bankers have criticized new regulation on the ground that it would enhance the cost of funds for bank borrowers and deteriorate the bank profitability. In this study, we examine the impact of capital requirements on the cost of financial intermediation and bank profitability using a panel dataset of 32 Bangladeshi banks over the period from 2000 to 2015. By employing a dynamic panel generalized method of moments (GMM) estimator, we find robust evidence that higher bank regulatory capital ratios reduce the cost of financial intermediation and increase bank profitability. The results hold when we use equity to total assets ratio as an alternative measure of bank capital. We also observe that switching from BASEL I to BASEL II has no measurable impact on the cost of financial intermediation and bank profitability in Bangladesh. In the empirical analysis, we further observe that higher bank management and cost efficiencies are associated with the lower cost of financial intermediation and higher bank profitability. These results have important implications for bank regulators, academicians, and bankers.
A Novel Longwall Mining Layout Approach for Extraction of Deep Coal Deposits
Authors: Wang Pengfei , Zhao Jingli , Chugh Yoginder , Wang Zhiqiang
Published: April 2017

As more easily mined deposits are depleted, the reserves are becoming more limited and less favorable. Deposits of coal or trona that are being longwall mined are deep and are getting deeper. Coal bursts and bumps frequently occur within development entries in longwall mining of deep mines due to high stresses. This paper presents a novel patented longwall mining layout “Longwall Mining with Split-level Gate roads (LMSG)” that has the potential to mitigate several problems related to deep mining (Patent No. ZL98100544.6). LMSG locates gate roads on either end of a longwall panel at different vertical heights within a coal seam or in a geologically split seam, so that the two adjacent panels can be partially offset horizontally. It is novel in that it incorporates unit operations of different mining methods into the system. By employing multiple slice longwall mining method locally at the face ends, and adjacent panels overlapping end to end, pillar-less longwall mining can be achieved to mine deep deposits. A conventional rectangular gate road pillar is therefore transformed into a small triangular pillar and the gate road of the subsequent panel can be located along or under the gob of the previously mined panel where the stresses are lower. Several mines in China and Russia are currently using the technology with reduced incidence of ground control problems. Through theoretical analysis, and physical and numerical modeling approaches, it is demonstrated that LMSG significantly improves stress environment for development entries, with associated reduction in coal bursts and ground control problems.
Nanoscale in Photocatalysis
Authors: Wang Zhaohui , Sun Hongqi
Published: April 2017

Rationally harvesting sunlight to carry out chemical reactions, for example, photochemistry and photocatalysis, has appeared as a beautiful episode within the long history of solar-energy utilization by human beings.[...]
The Effect of Salt Intake and Potassium Supplementation on Serum Gastrin Levels in Chinese Adults: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Wang Yuan-Yuan , He Wen-Wen , Liu Yan-Chun , Lin Yi-Feng , Hong Lu-Fei
Published: April 2017

Excess dietary salt is strongly correlated with cardiovascular disease, morbidity, and mortality. Conversely, potassium likely elicits favorable effects against cardiovascular disorders. Gastrin, which is produced by the G-cells of the stomach and duodenum, can increase renal sodium excretion and regulate blood pressure by acting on the cholecystokinin B receptor. The aim of our study was to assess the effects of altered salt and potassium supplementation on serum gastrin levels in humans. A total of 44 subjects (38–65 years old) were selected from a rural community in northern China. All subjects were sequentially maintained on a relatively low-salt diet for 7 days (3.0 g/day of NaCl), a high-salt diet for 7 days (18.0 g/day of NaCl), and then a high-salt diet supplemented with potassium for another 7 days (18.0 g/day of NaCl + 4.5 g/day of KCl). The high-salt intake significantly increased serum gastrin levels (15.3 ± 0.3 vs. 17.6 ± 0.3 pmol/L). This phenomenon was alleviated through potassium supplementation (17.6 ± 0.3 vs. 16.5 ± 0.4 pmol/L). Further analyses revealed that serum gastrin was positively correlated with 24 h urinary sodium excretion (r = 0.476, p < 0.001). By contrast, gastrin level was negatively correlated with blood pressure in all dietary interventions (r = −0.188, p = 0.031). The present study indicated that variations in dietary salt and potassium supplementation affected the serum gastrin concentrations in the Chinese subjects.
Childhood Rabies Deaths and the Rule of Rescue
Authors: Durrheim David
Published: April 2017

Every childhood rabies death is potentially preventable. The vaccine that prevents rabies disease has a formidable safety and efficacy track record. Rabies vaccination of dogs and timely pre-and post-exposure vaccine administration are life-saving and cost-effective, and yet nearly 60,000 people, mainly children, die unnecessarily each year. Poor performance by many veterinary and public health systems, and neglect by complicit authorities is in stark contravention of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The ethical principle of beneficence and the rule of rescue demand re-energised commitment to eradicating childhood rabies deaths.
Probing the Extragalactic Cosmic-Ray Origin with Gamma-Ray and Neutrino Backgrounds
Authors: Globus Noemie , Allard Denis , Parizot Etienne , Piran Tsvi
Published: April 2017

GeV–TeV gamma-rays and PeV–EeV neutrino backgrounds provide a unique window on the nature of the ultra-high-energy cosmic rays (UHECRs). We discuss the implications of the recent Fermi-LAT data regarding the extragalactic gamma-ray background and related estimates of the contribution of point sources as well as IceCube neutrino data on the origin of the UHECRs. We calculate the diffuse flux of cosmogenic γ-rays and neutrinos produced by the UHECRs and derive constraints on the possible cosmological evolution of UHECR sources. In particular, we show that the mixed-composition scenario considered in Globus et al., which is in agreement with both (i) Auger measurements of the energy spectrum and composition up to the highest energies and (ii) the ankle-like feature in the light component detected by KASCADE-Grande, is compatible with both the Fermi-LAT measurements and with current IceCube limits. We also discuss the possibility for future experiments to detect associated cosmogenic neutrinos and further constrain the UHECR models, including possible subdominant UHECR proton sources.
High Radiation Pressure on Interstellar Dust Computed by Light-scattering Simulation on Fluffy Agglomerates of Magnesium-silicate Grains with Metallic-iron Inclusions
Authors: Kimura Hiroshi
Published: April 2017

Recent space missions have provided information on the physical and chemical properties of interstellar grains such as the ratio β of radiation pressure to gravity acting on the grains in addition to the composition, structure, and size distribution of the grains. Numerical simulation on the trajectories of interstellar grains captured by Stardust and returned to Earth constrained the β ratio for the Stardust samples of interstellar origin. However, recent accurate calculations of radiation pressure cross-sections for model dust grains have given conflicting stories in the β ratio of interstellar grains. The β ratio for model dust grains of so-called “astronomical silicate” in the femto-kilogram range lies below unity, in conflict with

for the Stardust interstellar grains. Here, I tackle this conundrum by re-evaluating the β ratio of interstellar grains on the assumption that the grains are aggregated particles grown by coagulation and composed of amorphous MgSiO3 with the inclusion of metallic iron. My model is entirely consistent with the depletion and the correlation of major rock-forming elements in the Local Interstellar Cloud surrounding the Sun and the mineralogical identification of interstellar grains in the Stardust and Cassini missions. I find that my model dust particles fulfill the constraints on the β ratio derived from not only the Stardust mission but also the Ulysses and Cassini missions. My results suggest that iron is not incorporated into silicates but exists as metal, contrary to the majority of interstellar dust models available to date.
Adaptive Optics of Small Choroidal Melanoma
Authors: Rodrigues Murilo W. , Say Emil A. , Shields Carol L. , Jorge Rodrigo
Published: April 2017

The authors report the use of an adaptive optics (AO) system in an asymptomatic patient with small choroidal melanoma. A noninvasive, novel assessment that detected potential photoreceptor abnormalities in the retina overlying the choroidal lesion and adjacent retina is presented. These findings may help current clinical evaluation to monitor structural damage to the outer retina and possibly justify earlier intervention in borderline cases. Future research is warranted to recognize full potential of this imaging modality.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina.
2017;48:354–357.]
Analysis of the Change in the Audiovisual Ecosystem
Authors: Martínez Fernando Diego Hernández , Navio-Marco Julio , Perez-Leal Raquel
Published: April 2017

This chapter presents a comprehensive analysis of the audiovisual sector in a moment of change and disruption thereof. The different elements of the ecosystem (platforms and technologies, regulation, uses and business models) are analyzed by making a deep diagnosis of their evolution and future perspectives. The sector is heavily impacted by the emergence and integration of technologies that modify the economic status-quo, and the evolution of the sector is guided by the uncertainty of the consumers' behavior, requiring adaptive strategies and innovation on the business models, making them imaginative, flexible and collaborative between the consumer and the platforms. In this analysis of the audiovisual industry and its integration strategies from a technological, regulatory and consumer point of view, relevant phenomena of this market's evolution have been identified, opening new avenues of research to delve in the industrial and economic impact of the observed changes in order to understand the future of this challenging sector.
The Emergence of Social Media and Its Impact on SME Performance
Authors: Ekanem Ignatius , Erukusin Kayode Samuel
Published: April 2017

This study aims to critically analyze the emergence of social media (SM) and its impact on Small- and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) performance. This study employs a qualitative methodology for gathering information which has been able to provide clear insights, good quality, and rich data from the direct source. The evidence from this study suggests there is a relationship between the growth of a company's market share and the adoption of social media. There is also evidence that SM helps to improve sales figure, brand image and awareness. The findings in this study also suggest that SM helps to improve communication between companies and customers. The main implication of these findings is that SMEs should be encouraged to establish their presence on different social media networks in order to enhance their performance.
Innovation and Financial Inclusion in Kenya Innovation and Financial Inclusion in Kenya
Authors: Omanga Josphat Njuguna , Dreyer Johannes Kabderian
Published: April 2017

This chapter analyzes the role of financial innovation and mobile phone technologies to financial inclusion in Kenya. In order to do so, a case study on M-PESA is conducted, the leading mobile service of money transfers in Africa, which is offered by Safaricom. M-PESA services are cheap and easy to use in comparison to other formal and informal providers of financial services. It solves two different problems in Kenya: customers do not have to travel anymore long distances to reach financial services and more people can afford them. As result and in line with the literature, this chapter suggests that M-PESA services can be considered a type of disruptive innovation that promotes financial inclusion and wealth growth in Kenya.
Willingness to Invest in Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting
Authors: Adhikary Maniklal , Chowdhury Samrat
Published: April 2017

Water is increasingly becoming scarce across not only in India but also in World. This paper aims at bringing out the factors responsible for a household's decision to invest in rooftop rainwater harvesting. The paper is based on cross sectional sample of 230 houses from Urban Areas of Hooghly District in West Bengal. The study is conducted in an area which has piped municipal water supply. The study finds that a large number of explanatory variables like income of the household, coping cost incurred by the household positively and significantly affect household's decision to invest in rooftop rainwater harvesting. However, the household demand for water is negatively related to willingness of the household to adopt rooftop rainwater harvesting. Household heads that are educated are more likely to invest in rooftop rainwater harvesting. Houses which are comparatively new or constructed in last five years, as well as households who also undertake gardening are also more likely to invest in rooftop rainwater harvesting as compared to households without the features.
Comparison of the clinical parameters of benign prostate hyperplasia in diabetic and non diabetic patients
Authors: Ozcan Levent , Besiroglu Huseyin , Dursun Murat , Polat Emre Can , Otunctemur Alper , Ozbek Emin
Published: April 2017

Objective: We evaluated the correlation between benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) measures and diabetes mellitus in men with benign prostate hyperplasia in a prospective study. Materials and methods: Between 2008-2012, 100 diabetic and 200 non diabetic patients undergoing surgery due to benign prostate hyperplasia were enrolled in the study. The parameters evaluated for each patients included prostate volume, fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, total testosterone, total prostatic specific antigen (T-PSA), triglicerides, total cholesterol and body mass index (BMI). A questionnaire including international prostate symptom score (IPSS) was sdministered and uroflow test measuring the peak urinary flow rate was performed to appreciate the complaints of the patients objectively. Results: Diabetic patients are more likely to have larger prostate volume. The symptom score evaluated by IPSS and post micturition residual volume were also significantly higher in diabetic groups. The other statistically significant different parameter between two groups was total testosterone that diabetic patients tend to have lower levels. Diabetic counterparts were established to have higher BMI. No statistically significant differentiation was observed about trigliceryde and total cholesterol levels and uroflow rates. Conclusions: Our study suggests a positive correlation between high prostate volume and diagnosis of diabetes mellitus in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. We also observed a positive correlation between symptom scores and post micturion residual volumes and diagnosis of diabetes mellitus suggesting that the presence of diabetes is related to both static and dynamic components of benign prostate hyperplasia. Additionally testosterone levels were lower in diabetic patients. Further studies need to confirm these relationship in a larger population.
Urethroplasty with dorsal buccal mucosa graft. Is it still the method of choice in long term urethral stenosis?
Authors: Pavone Carlo , Fontana Dario , Giacalone Ninfa , Dispensa Nino , Vella Marco , Simonato Alchiede
Published: April 2017

The aim of our work was to evaluate the long-term changes in symptoms (median 42 months) and to analyze data for any negative predictive factors for the application of the procedure, in patients who underwent to urethroplasty with dorsal buccal mucosa graft. During the period from 2010 to 2015 27 patients were examined. Than they underwent urethroplasty using dorsal buccal mucosa graft (graft of 4 x 2.5 cm). The evaluation of symptoms has been addressed through the application of the IPSS Quality of Life Questionnaire (International Prostatic Symptoms Score) and the evaluation of urinary flow has been carried out by a comparative analysis between the pre- and post-operative uroflowmetry. As our study has shown, data obtained by the screening tests in the post-operative follow-up indicate that there is an increase in the maximum flow of urine until 1 month after surgery. The results in the long-term follow-up are different because they show a partial reduction of the maximum flow although it is maintained around an average value of 23 ml/s being still higher than the maximum flow in the pre-operative period. According to our results it follows that there is a low failure rate of the procedure after a median of 42 months. Only in patients with urethral stenosis longer than 2 cm, a lower long term success is achieved. From what we could observe, this length of the stenosis seems to be the only negative predictive factor for long-term maintenance of a good Quality of Life in patients undergoing the procedure. The results obtained from our study confirm literature data according to which, the gold standard for 2-cm long bulbar urethral stricture whose lumen is well preserved with circumferential spongiofibrosis limited to 1-2 mm is the dorsal graft urethroplasty with buccal mucosa that in our study showed success rates higher of 80% after a median follow up of 42 months and a percentage of relapse-free patients of 82.1% ( median 3.5 years).
Renal extracapsular hypoechoic rim and kidney cortical thickness
Authors: Brardi Simone , Cevenini Gabriele , Ponchietti Roberto , Romano Giuseppe , Duranti Ennio
Published: April 2017

Objectives: A renal extracapsular hypoechoic rim was previously recognized and interpreted as a typical sonographic finding of renal failure. Subsequently it was hypothesized that the hypoechoic rim could be produced by a state of sodium retention and oedema caused by nephropathy but not necessarily associated with renal failure. In order to get this cleared we performed a retrospective analysis of 80 renal ultrasound examinations, carried out at our center, in 41 of which it was found a renal extracapsular hypoechoic rim. Materials and methods: For each patient we recorded the glomerular filtration rate, the diameters in the longitudinal axis, the resistive indexes and the cortical thickness of each kidney, the possible presence and thickness of the hypoechoic rim and yet the possible coexistence of diabetes mellitus, proteinuria and clinical signs of fluid overload as peripheral oedema, distended jugular veins, ascites, increased caliber and reduced respiratory excursion of the vena cava. Results: The F value calculated to assess the weight/influence on the hypoechoic rim of each of the variables showed as all variables, except the sex, significantly weighed on the hypoechoic rim although the greatest weight was reached by a glomerular filtration rate < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 and a renal cortical thickness between 7 and 12 mm. The hypoechoic rim was found only when cortical thickness was between 7 and 12 mm while it was absent if the cortical thickness was less than 7 or greater than 12 mm. We also found numerous cases of sidedness of the hypoechoic rim. Conclusions: It is our opinion that in case of unilateral finding of an hypoechoic rim, the association between the hypoechoic rim and the cortical thinning is consistent and therefore more accurate than the correlation between the presence of the hypoechoic rim and the reduction of the glomerular filtration rate.
Challenges and contradictions in Nigeria’s water resources policy development: a critical review
Authors: Okeola Olayinka G. , Balogun Olaitan S.
Published: April 2017

The paper is an exploratory review of Federal Government of Nigeria’s gazettes, agencies reports, intergovernmental documents on water resources policy as primary data source and publications by academia; with the aim to contribute insightfully in the ongoing effort of the government and stakeholders in designing a comprehensive water resources policy. The paper identified contradictions and overlapping statutory responsibility that constituted policy implementation impediments’ and galvanized discourse toward effective implementable policy. A paradigm shift is advocated by making the River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs) the center stage of the nation’s water resources policy development and implementation. But considering the underdeveloped status of Nigeria, there are three critical sectors whose effective functionalities are synergistic for accomplishing the RBDAs vision. These are Energy, Food and Public Health. It is imperative to temporarily focus the nation’s water policy on them for a period of at least ten years through enactment of “Dedicated Water Resources Bill”. The Bill should only address (1) institutional framework (2) Energy, Food and Public Health security and (3) Integrated water resources management. Work should continue on the comprehensive Water Resources Bill through the process of consultation that promote inclusion, accountability, transparency, and the needs of the vulnerable.Keywords: Nigeria, Policy, Water resources, RBDAs, Development
Nutritional quality of kermes oak (Quercus coccifera L.) acorns as affected by altitude in a typical Mediterranean area
Authors: Roukos Christos N. , Parissi Zoi M. , Kyriazopoulos Apostolos P. , Abraham Eleni M.
Published: April 2017

Abstract. The impact of altitudinal zone on the nutritional quality of kermes oak (Quercus coccifera L.) acorns was assessed in Xirovouni Mountain shrublands in northwestern Greece. Whole acorns were collected during autumn 2011 from 15 sites located at three altitudinal zones (i.e. lower, middle, upper). Kermes oak acorn samples were manually separated into kernel and hull and analysed for chemical composition (crude protein, CP; neutral detergent fibre, NDF; acid detergent fibre, ADF; lignin), in vitro dry matter (DM) digestibility (IVDMD), in vitro NDF digestibility (IVNDFD), digestible energy (DE), and minerals (i.e. Ca, P, K, Mg, Mn, Fe, Zn, Cu). Altitude had a negative correlation with CP, IVDMD, and IVNDFD and positively correlated to cell wall contents in both kernel and hull. Acorns growing under higher temperatures (at lower altitude) have more digestible cell wall compared to acorns growing under lower temperatures (at higher altitude) due to increased CP content and decreased cell wall content. It seems that environmental factors affect the nutritional value of acorns. Thus, goat farmers should take this into account when collecting acorns to feed their animals.
Emission characteristics of refractory black carbon aerosols from fresh biomass burning: a perspective from laboratory experiments
Authors: Pan Xiaole , Kanaya Yugo , Taketani Fumikazu , Miyakawa Takuma , Inomata Satoshi , Komazaki Yuichi , Tanimoto Hiroshi , Wang Zhe , Uno Itsushi , Wang Zifa
Published: April 2017

Abstract. The emission characteristics of refractory black carbon (rBC) from biomass burning are essential information for numerical simulations of regional pollution and climate effects. We conducted combustion experiments in the laboratory to investigate the emission ratio and mixing state of rBC from the open burning of wheat straw and rape plants, which are the main crops cultivated in the Yangtze River Delta region of China. A single particle soot photometer (SP2) was adopted to measure rBC-containing particles at high temporal resolution and with high accuracy. The combustion state of each burning case was indicated by the modified combustion efficiency (MCE), which is calculated using the integrated enhancement of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide concentrations relative to their background values. The mass size distribution of the rBC particles showed a perfect Gaussian shape with an average mass equivalent diameter (MED) of 189 nm (the measured MED values varied between 152 nm and 215 nm), assuming an rBC density of 1.8 g/cm3. rBC particles less than 80 nm in size (the lower detection limit of the SP2) accounted for only ~ 5 % of the total rBC mass, on average. The emission ratios, which are expressed as ∆rBC/∆CO (∆ indicates the difference between the observed and background values), displayed a significant positive correlation with the MCE values and varied between 1.8–34 ng/m3/ppbv. Multi-peak fitting analysis of the delay time (∆t, or the time of occurrence of the scattering peak minus that of the incandescence peak) distribution showed that rBC-containing particles with rBC MED = 200 ± 10 nm displayed two peaks at ∆t = 1.7 μs and ∆t = 3.2 μs, which could be attributed to the contributions from both flaming and smoldering combustion in each burning case. Both the ∆t values and the shell/core ratios of the rBC-containing particles clearly increased as the MCE decreased from 0.98 (smoldering-dominant combustion) to 0.86 (flaming-dominant combustion), implying the great importance of the rapid condensation of semi-volatile organics. This study highlights that open biomass burning produces the majority of coated rBC particles, which have considerable ability to affect cloud processes and influence regional climate.
Chromatography related performance of the Monitor for AeRosols and GAses in ambient air (MARGA): laboratory and field based evaluation
Authors: Chen Xi , Walker John T. , Geron Chris
Published: April 2017

Abstract. Evaluation of the semi-continuous Monitor for AeRosols and GAses in ambient air (MARGA, Metrohm Applikon B.V.) was conducted with an emphasis on examination of accuracy and precision associated with processing of chromatograms. Using laboratory standards and atmospheric measurements, analytical accuracy, precision, and method detection limits derived using the commercial MARGA software were compared to an alternative chromatography procedure consisting of a custom Java script to reformat raw MARGA conductivity data and Chromeleon (Thermo Scientific Dionex) software for peak integration. Our analysis revealed issues with accuracy and precision resulting from misidentification and misintegration of chromatograph peaks by the MARGA automated software as well as a systematic bias at low concentrations for anions. Reprocessing and calibration of raw MARGA data using the alternative chromatography method lowered method detection limits and reduced variability (precision) between parallel sampler boxes. Instrument performance was further evaluated during a one-month intensive field campaign in the fall of 2014, including analysis of diurnal patterns of gaseous and particulate water soluble species (NH3, SO2, HNO3, NH4+, SO42− and NO3−), gas-to-particle partitioning, and particle neutralization state. At ambient concentrations below ~ 1 µg/m3, concentrations determined using the MARGA software are biased +30 % and +10 % for NO3− and SO42−, respectively, compared to concentrations determined using the alternative chromatography procedure. Differences between the two methods increase at lower concentrations. We demonstrate that positively biased NO3− and SO42− measurements result in overestimation of aerosol acidity and introduce non-trivial errors to ion balances of inorganic aerosol. Though the source of the bias is uncertain, it is not corrected by the MARGA online single-point internal LiBr standard. Our results show that calibration and verification of instrument accuracy by multi-level external standards is required to adequately control analytical accuracy. During the field intensive, the MARGA was able to capture rapid compositional changes in PM2.5 due to changes in meteorology and air mass history relative to known source regions of PM precursors, including a fine NO3− aerosol event associated with intrusion of arctic air into the southeast U.S.
Characteristics of the Greenhouse Gas Concentration Derived from the Ground-based FTS Spectra at Anmyeondo, Korea
Authors: Oh Young-Suk , Kenea Samuel Takele , Goo Tae-Young , Kim Gawon , Chung Kyu-Sun , Griffith David , Velacco Voltaire , Rhee Jae-Sang , Oh Me-Lim , Lee Haeyoung
Published: April 2017

Abstract. Since the late 1990s, the meteorological observatory established in Anmyeondo (36.5382˚ N, 126.3311˚ E, and 30 m above mean sea level), has been monitoring several greenhouse gases such as CO2, CH4, N2O, CFCs, and SF6, as part of the Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW) Program. A high resolution ground-based (g-b) Fourier Transform Spectrometer (FTS, IFS-125HR model) was installed at such observation site in 2013, and has been fully operated within the frame work of the Total Carbon Column Observing Network (TCCON) since August, 2014. The solar spectra recorded by the g-b FTS are covered in the range between 3,800 and 16,000 cm−1 at the spectral resolution of 0.02 cm−1 during the measurement period between 2013 and 2016. In this work, the GGG2014 version of the TCCON standard retrieval algorithm was used to retrieve XCO2 concentrations from the FTS spectra. Two spectral bands (at 6220.0 and 6339.5 cm−1 center wavenumbers) were used to derive the XCO2 concentration within the spectral residual of +0.01 %. All sources of errors were thoroughly analyzed. In this paper, we introduced a new home made OASIS (Operational Automatic System for Intensity of Sunray) system to our g-b FTS instrument and that allows reducing the solar intensity variations (SIV) below 2 %. A comparison of the XCO2 concentration in g-b FTS and OCO-2 (Orbiting Carbon Observatory) satellite observations were presented only for the measurement period between 2014 and 2015. Nine coincident observations were selected on a daily mean basis. It was obtained that OCO-2 exhibited low bias with respect to the g-b FTS, which is about −0.065 ppm with the standard deviation of 1.66 ppm, and revealed a strong correlation (R = 0.85). Based on seasonal cycle comparisons, both instruments were generally agreed in capturing seasonal variations of the target species with its maximum and minimum levels in spring and late summer respectively. In the future, it is planned to exert further works in utilizing the FTS measurements for the evaluation of satellite observations such as Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite (GOSAT) at observation sites. This is the first report of the g-b FTS observations of XCO2 species over the Anmyeondo station.
Assessment of Social Vulnerability to Natural Hazards in Nepal
Authors: Gautam Dipendra
Published: April 2017

Abstract. This paper disseminates district-wise social vulnerability to natural hazards in Nepal. Disasters like earthquake, flood, landslide, epidemic and drought are common in Nepal. Every year thousands of people are killed along with huge economic and environmental losses are reported in Nepal due to various natural disasters. Although natural hazards are well recognized in Nepal, quantitative as well as qualitative social vulnerability mapping does not exist until now. This study aims to fulfil the hiatus of such quantification considering district level social vulnerability to natural hazards using available census. To perform district level vulnerability mapping, 13 variables were selected and aggregated indexes were plotted in Arc GIS environment to depict the level of social vulnerability for all 75 districts in Nepal. Only 4 districts were found to be under very low social vulnerability whereas 46 districts (61 %) were found to be under moderate to high social vulnerability status. Vulnerability mapping highlights the immediate need for decentralized frameworks to tackle natural hazards in district level and the results of this study can contribute to preparedness, planning and resource management, inter-district coordination, contingency planning and public awareness efforts.
Meanders and eddies formation by a buoyant coastal current flowing over a sloping topography
Authors: Cimoli Laura , Stegner Alexandre , Roullet Guillaume
Published: April 2017

Abstract. This study investigates the linear and non-linear instability of a buoyant coastal current flowing along a sloping topography. In fact, the bathymetry strongly impacts the formation of meanders or eddies and leads to different dynamical regimes that can both enhance or prevent the cross-shore transport. We use the Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS) to run simulations in an idealized channel configuration, using a fixed coastal current structure and testing its unstable evolution for various depths and topographic slopes. The experiments are integrated beyond the linear stage of the instability, since our focus is on the non-linear end state, namely the formation of coastal eddies or meanders, to classify the dynamical regimes. We find three non-linear end states, whose properties cannot be deduced solely from the linear instability analysis. They correspond to a quasi-stable coastal current, the propagation of coastal meanders, and the formation of coherent eddies. We show that the topographic parameter, Tp, defined as the ratio of the topographic Rossby wave speed over the current speed, plays a key role in controlling the amplitude of the unstable cross-shore perturbations. This result emphasizes the limitations of linear stability analysis to predict the formation of coastal eddies, because it does not account for the non-linear saturation of the cross-shore perturbations, which is predominant for large negative Tp values. We show that a second dimensionless parameter, the vertical aspect ratio γ, controls the transition from meanders to coherent eddies. We suggest the use of the parameter space (Tp, γ) to describe the emergence of coastal eddies or meanders from an unstable buoyant current. By knowing the values of Tp and γ for an observed flow, which can be calculated from hydrological sections, we can identify which non-linear end states characterizes that flow, namely if it is quasi-stable, meanders, or forms eddies.
How accurate are estimates of glacier ice thickness? Results from ITMIX, the Ice Thickness Models Intercomparison eXperiment
Authors: Farinotti Daniel , Brinkerhoff Douglas J. , Clarke Garry K. C. , Fürst Johannes J. , Frey Holger , Gantayat Prateek , Gillet-Chaulet Fabien , Girard Claire , Huss Matthias , Leclercq Paul W. , Linsbauer Andreas , Machguth Horst , Martin Carlos , Maussion Fabien , Morlighem Mathieu , Mosbeux Cyrille , Pandit Ankur , Portmann Andrea , Rabatel Antoine , Ramsankaran RAAJ , Reerink Thomas J. , Sanchez Olivier , Stentoft Peter A. , Singh Kumari Sangita , van Pelt Ward J. J. , Anderson Brian , Benham Toby , Binder Daniel , Dowdeswell Julian A. , Fischer Andrea , Helfricht Kay , Kutuzov Stanislav , Lavrentiev Ivan , McNabb Robert , Gudmundsson G. Hilmar , Li Huilin , Andreassen Liss M.
Published: April 2017

Abstract. Knowledge of the ice thickness distribution of glaciers and ice caps is an important prerequisite for many glaciological and hydrological investigations. A wealth of approaches has recently been presented for inferring ice thickness from characteristics of the surface. With the Ice Thickness Models Intercomparison eXperiment (ITMIX) we performed the first coordinated assessment quantifying individual model performance. A set of 17 different models showed that individual ice thickness estimates can differ considerably – locally by a spread comparable to the observed thickness. Averaging the results of multiple models, however, significantly improved the results: on average over the 21 considered test cases, comparison against direct ice thickness measurements revealed deviations on the order of 10 ± 24 % of the mean ice thickness (1σ estimate). Models relying on multiple data sets – such as surface ice velocity fields, surface mass balance, or rates of ice thickness change – showed high sensitivity to input data quality. Together with the requirement of being able to handle large regions in an automated fashion, the capacity of better accounting for uncertainties in the input data will be a key for an improved next generation of ice thickness estimation approaches.
Surface-layer turbulence, energy balance and links to atmospheric circulations over a mountain glacier in the French Alps
Authors: Litt Maxime , Sicart Jean-Emmanuel , Six Delphine , Wagnon Patrick , Helgason Warren D.
Published: April 2017

Abstract. Over Saint-Sorlin Glacier in the French Alps (45° N, 6.1° E; ∼ 3 km2) in summer, we study the atmospheric surface-layer dynamics, turbulent fluxes, their uncertainties and their impact on surface energy balance (SEB) melt estimates. Results are classified with regard to large-scale forcing. We use high-frequency eddy-covariance data and mean air-temperature and wind-speed vertical profiles, collected in 2006 and 2009 in the glacier's atmospheric surface layer. We evaluate the turbulent fluxes with the eddy-covariance (sonic) and the profile method, and random errors and parametric uncertainties are evaluated by including different stability corrections and assuming different values for surface roughness lengths. For weak synoptic forcing, local thermal effects dominate the wind circulation. On the glacier, weak katabatic flows with a wind-speed maximum at low height (2–3 m) are detected 71 % of the time and are generally associated with small turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) and small net turbulent fluxes. Radiative fluxes dominate the SEB. When the large-scale forcing is strong, the wind in the valley aligns with the glacier flow, intense downslope flows are observed, no wind-speed maximum is visible below 5 m, and TKE and net turbulent fluxes are often intense. The net turbulent fluxes contribute significantly to the SEB. The surface-layer turbulence production is probably not at equilibrium with dissipation because of interactions of large-scale orographic disturbances with the flow when the forcing is strong or low-frequency oscillations of the katabatic flow when the forcing is weak. In weak forcing when TKE is low, all turbulent fluxes calculation methods provide similar fluxes. In strong forcing when TKE is large, the choice of roughness lengths impacts strongly the net turbulent fluxes from the profile method fluxes and their uncertainties. However, the uncertainty on the total SEB remains too high with regard to the net observed melt to be able to recommend one turbulent flux calculation method over another.
Snowmobile Impacts on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Different Snowpacks in Colorado, U.S.A.
Authors: Heath Jared T. , Fassnacht Steven R. , Elder Kevin J.
Published: April 2017

Abstract. Physical and material properties of the snowpack, including snow density, temperature, stratigraphy, hardness, and ram resistance were measured from snow pit profiles to examine the statistical difference between no use and varying degrees of snowmobile use (low, medium and high). The properties were examined across the entire snowpack, from the surface to its base, and for the basal layer of the snowpack. Experimental snow compaction study plots were located near Rabbit Ears Pass near Steamboat Springs, Colorado and at Fraser Experimental Forest near Fraser, Colorado. Significant changes in snowpack properties are associated with snowmobile use beginning early in the snow accumulation season when the snowpack is shallow, as well as earlier in the winter and at the base of the snowpack. These effects were amplified when snowmobile use occurred on a shallow snow covered environment and with increasing degrees of snowmobile use. On the contrary, snowmobile use that began on a deeper snowpack showed no significant changes in snowpack properties suggesting later initiation of use minimizes impacts to snowpack properties from snowmobile use.
Analysing the Determinants of Household Pro-Environmental Behaviour: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Kharat Manoj Govind , Murthy Shankar , Kamble Sheetal Jaisingh , Kharat Mukesh Govind
Published: April 2017

What strongly influences or determines household pro-environmental behaviour (PEB) is a question of great curiosity across the globe. Solution to this research question investigating PEB has significant implications for researchers, strategic planners and public policymakers. Multidisciplinary research seems necessary to answer this complex question identifying variables that influence PEB at the individual level. In the light of recent work on environmental paradigms, the currents study attempts to explore and identify the relevant factors that contribute to PEB significantly. To achieve the stated objective, an in-depth literature review and qualitative analysis were carried out. A questionnaire was developed to measure the PEB construct and its determinants. Next, the reliability of the questionnaire was assessed using pilot study. Following this, exploratory factor analysis was conducted to identify the major determinants. The validation of constructs using exploratory factor analysis exhibited an interpretable latent structure consisting of determinants of PEB. Results indicate that PEB comprises of nine dimensions viz., behavioural intention, attitude, personal moral norms, subjective norms, situational factors, perceived behavioural control, community concern, internal attribution and perceived consequences. Finally, the study integrates the internal and external determinants in an understanding framework to predict different types of PEBs. The results of the study provide important insights for researchers, strategic planners and policymakers to help more people act in pro-environmental ways. From the theoretical perspective, the study results provide empirical evidence to researchers and a reliable and valid scale to measure PEBs.