bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corporate enterprises in Albania and Macedonia in comparative law
Authors: Papajorgji Endri
Published: March 2015

Transformation is a process closely connected with reforms in the property-rights regime, but retransfering the ownership has been the core of this process in all post communist countries. The objective of this article is to analyse the drafting of commercial legislation in Albania and Macedonia and in which way corporate enterprises were affected from the structure of economic organizations during socialism.
Economic crisis impact on Remittances and Migration level in Albania
Authors: Shera Adela , Shehaj Ardita
Published: March 2015

Remittances of international migrants as the second largest flow of incomes contribute to the well-being of their households of origin and also have an impact at macro-economic level. Out-migration is an effective means for low-income households to quickly overcome shortages of income. The sustenance of poor households might have been more difficult without such remittances. From a macro perspective, remittances contribute to the equalization of the income distribution among households having out-migrants. Remittances have enforced the Albanian economy since 1992 especially they had a positive and large contribution in consumption level, investment and GDP. But the economic crisis of 2008 has affected large sectors of the population in developed and developing nations and international immigrants have not been the exception because there have been an economic downturn. Remittances in Albania represent the second main source of incomes and this study documents the recent slowdown in workers’ remittances, the money that international immigrants send back home. Current data indicates that remittance flows have slowed for all regions of the globe. This paper tries to analyze the impact of the economic crisis on remittances level and also the negative impact of their slowdown in the Albanian economy.
The Rising of the Cosmopolitan Personalities
Authors: Crimi Davide C.
Published: March 2015

This short essay wants to look at beat literature as a medium that has re-introduced in popular feelings the possibility to change the world, transforming its social rules by using new technologies as instruments for emancipation. Stating this, the essay links the beat movement to hipster’s hopes of the beginning of the XX century, with the need to reflect on the meaning of two WW as barriers to people’s emancipation. From the non-academic side of the perspective, the essay indicates some special sources, trying to demonstrate how beat literature has shaped new meanings to words like “occult”, “magic”, linking them with other words like “awareness” and “emancipation”. Doing this, a tribute is given to the historical role played by the magazine “International Times” as living witness of the years when beat literature was germinating into the generational protest. The conclusions are oriented towards the meaning in the present for a beat attitude to (social) life, with the new awareness of the way indicated by Allen Ginzberg about the unuseful dimension of drugs as instruments to get the vision, and the need to substitute them with natural tools to be able to extract them from unconscious through yoga and meditation systems. This may help to create a new kind of people, involved in a cosmopolitan interpretation of life, able to interconnect by the new information and communication technologies, ready to create a new social intellect. Of course, we do not pretend to present this work of network as a strong link, rather, it seems to be a weak tie. Nevertheless, this weak tie in sociology is a concept used to indicate a relationship that is not as strong as quotidian family or professional relationships. The strength of weak ties theory affirms that weak ties provide access to new audiences where you could find opportunities or contrary opinions that would make ideas stronger, looking at how a person’s network can contribute to their success. Ideas are like germs and they don’t diffuse through populations of people at random, instead, they make their way through networks – that is the kind of relationships we may have with people, creating connections with others. The changes in communication system (Internet, on the immaterial side, the mobility system on the physical side) are creating new opportunities to create network both on the immaterial and on the physical side. Conference driven by intellectual affinities and wishes to know better each others culture seems to generate the conditions of a new kind of people, creating cosmopolitan attitude as something that can be shared by an increasing number of people.
Institute of constitutional revision in the Constitution of the Republic of Albania, comparative view
Authors: Çeço Makbule
Published: March 2015

In its very dynamic essence, a democratic society bears the need for continuous reformation and perfection, and that is why the application of reforms represents an inseparable feature for this type of society. The consolidation of the rule of law, the institutional independence, and the cause of justice itself comprise, inter alia, the need for constitutional revision. This study puts forward a theoretical-historical comparative view of the relevant and dynamic issue of the institute of constitutional revision in the framework of the Constitution of the Republic of Albania, as a complex process accompanied by limitations on constitutional revision. The historical evolution of constitutional drafting, modern constitutions, relevant issues, political and social circumstances as well as drafting and adoption procedures, dynamism of constitutions to cope with the course of time achieved by revisions for the purpose of their stability as well as consolidation of the role of constitutions as a factor that facilitates and precedes social development, comprise the pillar of this study addressed in a comparative point of view.
Contractual Obligations under the Private International Law in Albania.
Authors: Çela Ervis , Qoku Maks
Published: March 2015

This theoretical and practical part is related to the analysis and studies of the contractual obligations under the private international law. This work is divided into three parts, where respectively, the first part deals with the general part of the contractual obligations; the second part deals with the specific contracts, which are actually found also in a general regulation under law No. 10428, dated 02.06.2011 “Private International Law”; and the third part deals with the international and national jurisprudence aspect. This work as based on the ex-positio sinkronik system aims at giving a minimum contribution in the application of the international private law and clarifies the omission, collision and legal problematic aspects in practice. At the end of this work, there are our conclusions which serve as a deduction over the analysis and studies done to this part of the private international law.
The Albanian mechanism for guaranteeing the right to compensation for unjust imprisonment and wrongful conviction, in the light of obligations arising from international acts
Authors: Hajdini Bojana
Published: March 2015

Punishment with imprisonment and the security measureof detention on remand, are among the most severe sanctions and convictions provided by the albanian criminal legislation. The unjust serving of such measures or punishments implies serious psychological and economic consequences for both the convicted person and his/her family members. Similar to the infringement of any right and freedom, the unjust infringement of the right to liberty, induces the obligation to return the person in the previous state and to provide compensation for related consequences. Besides the right to effective remedy, the international human rights acts provide, specifically, for the right to compensation of the person in cases of an unlawful arrest or detention, as well as in the case of serving an unjust punishment as a result of the miscarriage of justice. In both hereof mentioned cases, these acts acknowledge the right to compensation for unjust imprisonment, while leaving it to the member states to establish a special mechanism under the domestic legislation which would enable actual fulfillment of such right for the citizens of the said country. This paper is an attempt to present an overview of the Albanian legislation regarding the mechanism established toward the effective implementation of the right to compensation, in the case of decisions of the respective state institutions causing the unlawful or unjust imprisonment, from the point of view of respective international obligations.
A case study, Bagnoli: a difficult transition
Authors: Selvaggio Maria Antonietta
Published: March 2015

Bagnoli, a neighbourhood on the west outskirts of Naples, has been a typical industrial and working class area for more than eighty years, having put up an important factory district in a wide territory belonging to its seaside zone, where the Ilva-Italsider building, third steel industry centre in Italy, dominated. Since 1993 this huge factory has been definitely closed and its facilities have been phased out. So the large territory has become object of an important conversion and urban requalification project. Between 1995, when the variant Regulation Plan of Naples Municipality was introduced, and 2005, when the Executive Urban Plan was approved, this project has been developing and completing, defining the future of the ex industrial area, according some privileged lines: enhancement of natural and landscape aspects inside the heart of Pozzuoli gulf; recovery and development of the original touristic vocation through the thermal system and bathing restoration. This project opens towards great expectations of transformation and improvement of life and environment quality both for the inhabitants who live there in the neighbourhood and for the whole city. At the same time it has happened a speculation phenomenon through the sale contract concerning buildings and flats by the realties, together with the transfer of many historical inhabitants and the arrival of new people in the neighbourhood. They are attracted by the changing prospective of the area, but they have no relation with the zone and its history. So, during the last twenty years, the neighbourhood identity has been modified. Contemporarily, the soils draining proceeds slowly and among thousands difficulties, while the sea bottom draining isn’t active yet. Today, most of the area is under seizure by judiciary, that found irregularities and defaults in the draining works, realized only for the 65%. The future imagined in the conversion project results, in this way, largely compromised. In this research work we intend to verify how a particular physical-spatial dimension has influenced the social relations and the same identities of the people and their “community”, how we can delineate the perception and the performance of a urban transformation largely failed, and which contribution the citizens of Bagnoli can give to the urban design through their own imaginary and meanings they ascribe to their environment (Lynch 1960). In this sense, the study aim at giving a contribution to the participative practice, that up to now is out of the transition dynamics.
From tolerance to the secular State in Italy
Authors: Tokrri Renata
Published: March 2015

The discourse on tolerance began over two centuries ago and yet is still unfinished. Was Voltaire in 1763 with his “Treatise on Tolerance”, condemned religious intolerance persuaded by religious fanaticism of the judgment of the Court of Toulouse. Although the idea of tolerance was born in Europe, it saw and still sees intolerance. Intolerance of yesterday reminds us wars, inquisitions and crusades, instead the modern Europe shows that even between globalization and multiculturalism often proves incapable of “import” different cultures. But from the legal point of view the term tolerance is far from that of secularism. It follows that individuals in a system that tolerates doesn’t enjoy equality their fundamental rights, because they are not legally placed on the same level. Legal Italian tolerance experience has been for many years a condition for the cults other than Catholic. The Albertine Statute in 1848 welcomed it in the article 1, and it was the task of the new Constitution outlining the principles of a State not only secular but also pluralistic.
Workplace Bullying Scale: The Study of Validity and Reliability
Authors: Doğar Nizamettin
Published: March 2015

The aim of this research is to adapt the Workplace Bullying Scale (Tınaz, Gök & Karatuna, 2013) to Albanian language and to examine its psychometric properties. The research was conducted on 386 person from different sectors of Albania. Results of exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated that Albanian scale yielded 2 factors different from original form because of cultural differences. Internal consistency coefficients are,890 -,801 and split-half test reliability coefficients, 864 -,808. Comfirmatory Factor Analysis results change from,40 to,73. Corrected item-total correlations ranged,339 to,672 and according to t-test results differences between each item’s means of upper 27% and lower 27% points were significant. Thus Workplace Bullying Scale can be use as a valid and reliable instrument in social sciences in Albania.
Challenge of the European Union’s Energy Security Approach
Authors: Maksuti Bekim , Sela Ylber
Published: March 2015

Aim of this research is to answer if organizational commitment changes according to demografic factors. Inputs gained from 200 person sample group from banking sector. According to the analysis it is found that affective and continuance commitment increases with age and job experience, and all componenets of commitment increase according to time in the last job. With the results derived from analysis, research’s support to organizational theory is discussed and some advices put forward.
The Extent of Judicial Administrative Control the Power of the Administrative Court
Authors: Dobjani Erajd
Published: March 2015

The application of the principle of legality must meet various requirements dealing specifically with its extent or its reach in the administrative activity. The question that we will seek to answer in this paper is the following: with the entry into force of the Law on Administrative Courts and the start of the functioning of administrative courts on November 2013, how far extends Albanian judicial review? What are the limits of this control? What is the actual power of the Albanian administrative court? The Law on Administrative Courts has defined and directed the limits of judicial control over the legality of administrative actions towards three aspects: facts, time and discretionary power. Therefore, this paper aims to present an analysis of the different aspects that direct and limit the judicial review of administrative acts and which are: the reach of judicial review in the legal qualification of the facts, the reach of judicial review in time, and the reach of the judicial review in the exercise of discretionary power by the public administration.
Sex trade, social and legal aspect of the phenomena and the Albanian criminal legislation provisions
Authors: Bozo Aurela
Published: March 2015

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the effects of Article 113 of the Albanian Criminal Code on women. This article appears to be gender neutral, but it’s enforcement affects women disproportionately and face them with forms of indirect gender discrimination. Through monitoring of Tirana Judicial District Court’s decisions, with object article 113 of the ACC, “Prostitution”, for a four year period from 2010 through 2013 and interviews with women who have exercised prostitution, there are brought in attention the profiles of the individuals who exercise prostitution and also social aspects of this phenomena. The hypothesis raised in this paper is that the profile of an individual who exercises prostitution is a vulnerable woman, with low education, unemployed, with low income, who is faced with family and social problems. This paper analyses the relation between the social aspects and legal dynamics of article 113 of ACC. The changes of 2012 introduced in the article 113 of the ACC brought sanctions for persons who buy the service of prostitution reflecting the process of social changes and understanding of gender equality. The issue of the next steps to address this phenomenon is analysed in this article too.
Some consideration about the gender violence in two States of Eastern and Western Europe
Authors: Bartholini Ignazia
Published: March 2015

The purpose of the essay is to overcome interpretative dualism between Italian people and Serbian people about gender violence against women. In a comparative approach it will find elements of continuity between the decline of male domination in Italy and the decline of patriarchal power in Serbia as a result of a variety of historical and social causes that, inside the paper, are explained. The emancipation of women finds a block in the violence suffered by partners in some familiar contexts. While globalization and unemployment seem to deprive men of the marks of traditional power, but “men in decline” have an post-patriarchal “identity revanche” in assuming the dominant role of perpetrators in private life. Gender violence ‒ is pessimistic conclusion of Ignazia Bartholini ‒ has an instrumental function within the relational dynamics otherwise destined to run out; has a substantive valence and specific characteristics of type cultural, ethnic, sexual able to give meaning to reality of men otherwise dispossessed of their identity.
Causing non-contractual damages according to Albanian law
Authors: Levanaj Amantia , Arshiaj Besmira
Published: March 2015

This study is mainly focused on handling the causing non-contractual damage, achieving a theoretical analysis of its constituent components as fault, causal connection, unlawful act or omission and damage compensation. Non-contractual liability is provided by our civil code, defining it as at fault or without fault liability. Our country, as a country in transition needs legal investment and its implementation into practice. One of the cases on which liability on damage compensation arises is the combination of the rights of persons, whose dignity has been infringed against the right that is explicitly sanctioned in the Constitution of the Republic of Albania, freedom of speech as well as thought, fundamental principles of law, but always without thereby infringing the dignity of a subject of law and and being faced with moral and material damages. In order to handle legally this issue as well as its civil legal consequences that threaten to influence on the entities that breach the law, but also their sensibilization. Hereafter I am handling the theoretical and legal way – the analysis of such a case, under legal - civil perspective.
Transfer function fitting using a continuous Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) algorithm
Authors: Reineix A. , Guiffaut C.
Published: March 2015

An original approach is proposed in order to achieve the  fitting of ultra-wideband complex frequency functions, such  as the complex impedances, by using the so-called ACO  (Ant Colony Optimization) methods. First, we present the  optimization principle of ACO, which originally was  dedicated to the combinatorial problems. Further on, the  extension to the continuous and mixed problems is  explained in more details. The interest in this approach is  proved by its ability to define practical constraints and  objectives, such as minimizing the number of filters used in  the model with respect to a fixed relative error. Finally, the  establishment of the model for the first and second order  filter types illustrates the power of the method and its  interest for the time-domain electromagnetic computation.
The ULF wave foreshock boundary: Cluster observations
Authors: Andrés Nahuel , Meziane Karim , Mazelle Christian , Bertucci Cesar , Gómez Daniel
Published: March 2015

The interaction of backstreaming ions with the incoming solar wind in the upstream region of the bow shock gives rise to a number of plasma instabilities from which ultralow frequency (ULF) waves can grow. Because of their finite growth rate, the ULF waves are spatially localized in the foreshock region. Previous studies have reported observational evidence of the existence of a ULF wave foreshock boundary, whose geometrical characteristics are very sensitive to the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) cone angle. The statistical properties of the ULF wave foreshock boundary (UWFB) are examined in detail using Cluster data. A new identification of the UWFB is presented using a specific and accurate criterion for identification of boundary crossings. This criterion is based on the degree of IMF rotation as Cluster crosses the boundary. The obtained UWFB is compared with previous results reported in the literature as well as with theoretical predictions. Also, we examined the possible connection between the foreshock boundary properties and the ion emission mechanisms at the bow shock.
Simulation of ULF wave‐modulated radiation belt electron precipitation during the 17 March 2013 storm
Authors: Brito T. , Hudson M. K. , Kress B. , Paral J. , Halford A. , Millan R. , Usanova M.
Published: March 2015

Balloon‐borne instruments detecting radiation belt precipitation frequently observe oscillations in the millihertz frequency range. Balloons measuring electron precipitation near the poles in the 100 keV to 2.5 MeV energy range, including the MAXIS, MINIS, and most recently the Balloon Array for Relativistic Radiation belt Electron Losses balloon experiments, have observed this modulation at ULF wave frequencies. Although ULF waves in the magnetosphere are seldom directly linked to increases in electron precipitation since their oscillation periods are much larger than the gyroperiod and the bounce period of radiation belt electrons, test particle simulations show that this interaction is possible. Three‐dimensional simulations of radiation belt electrons were performed to investigate the effect of ULF waves on precipitation. The simulations track the behavior of energetic electrons near the loss cone, using guiding center techniques, coupled with an MHD simulation of the magnetosphere, using the Lyon‐Fedder‐Mobarry code, during a coronal mass ejection (CME)‐shock event on 17 March 2013. Results indicate that ULF modulation of precipitation occurs even without the presence of electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves, which are not resolved in the MHD simulation. The arrival of a strong CME‐shock, such as the one simulated, disrupts the electric and magnetic fields in the magnetosphere and causes significant changes in both components of momentum, pitch angle, and L shell of radiation belt electrons, which may cause them to precipitate into the loss cone.
Current block motions and strain accumulation on active faults in the Caribbean
Authors: Symithe S. , Calais E. , de Chabalier J. B. , Robertson R. , Higgins M.
Published: March 2015

The Caribbean plate and its boundaries with north and south America, marked by subduction and large intra‐arc strike‐slip faults, are a natural laboratory for the study of strain partitioning and interseismic plate coupling in relation to large earthquakes. Here we use most of the available campaign and continuous GPS measurements in the Caribbean to derive a regional velocity field expressed in a consistent reference frame. We use this velocity field as input to a kinematic model where surface velocities results from the rotation of rigid blocks bounded by locked faults accumulating interseismic strain, while allowing for partial locking along the Lesser Antilles, Puerto Rico, and Hispaniola subduction. We test various block geometries, guided by previous regional kinematic models and geological information on active faults. Our findings refine a number of previously established results, in particular slip rates on the strike‐slip faults systems bounding the Caribbean plate to the north and south, and the kinematics of the Gonave microplate. Our much‐improved GPS velocity field in the Lesser Antilles compared to previous studies does not require the existence of a distinct Northern Lesser Antilles block and excludes more than 3 mm/yr of strain accumulation on the Lesser Antilles‐Puerto Rico subduction plate interface, which appears essentially uncoupled. The transition from a coupled to an uncoupled subduction coincides with a transition in the long‐term geological behavior of the Caribbean plate margin from compressional (Hispaniola) to extensional (Puerto Rico and Lesser Antilles), a characteristics shared with several other subduction systems.
Methane emissions in East Asia for 2000–2011 estimated using an atmospheric Bayesian inversion
Authors: Thompson R. L. , Stohl A. , Zhou L. X. , Dlugokencky E. , Fukuyama Y. , Tohjima Y. , Kim S.‐Y. , Lee H. , Nisbet E. G. , Fisher R. E. , Lowry D. , Weiss R. F. , Prinn R. G. , O'Doherty S. , Young D. , White J. W. C.
Published: March 2015

We present methane (CH4) emissions for East Asia from a Bayesian inversion of CH4 mole fraction and stable isotope (δ13C‐CH4) measurements. Emissions were estimated at monthly resolution from 2000 to 2011. A posteriori, the total emission for East Asia increased from 43 ± 4 to 59 ± 4 Tg yr−1 between 2000 and 2011, owing largely to the increase in emissions from China, from 39 ± 4 to 54 ± 4 Tg yr−1, while emissions in other East Asian countries remained relatively stable. For China, South Korea, and Japan, the total emissions were smaller than the prior estimates (i.e., Emission Database for Global Atmospheric Research 4.2 FT2010 for anthropogenic emissions) by an average of 29%, 20%, and 23%, respectively. For Mongolia, Taiwan, and North Korea, the total emission was less than 2 Tg yr−1 and was not significantly different from the prior. The largest reductions in emissions, compared to the prior, occurred in summer in regions important for rice agriculture suggesting that this source is overestimated in the prior. Furthermore, an analysis of the isotope data suggests that the prior underestimates emissions from landfills and ruminant animals for winter 2010 to spring 2011 (no data available for other times). The inversion also found a lower average emission trend for China, 1.2 Tg yr−1 compared to 2.8 Tg yr−1 in the prior. This trend was not constant, however, and increased significantly after 2005, up to 2.0 Tg yr−1. Overall, the changes in emissions from China explain up to 40% of the increase in global emissions in the 2000s.
A negative phase shift of the winter AO/NAO due to the recent Arctic sea‐ice reduction in late autumn
Authors: Nakamura Tetsu , Yamazaki Koji , Iwamoto Katsushi , Honda Meiji , Miyoshi Yasunobu , Ogawa Yasunobu , Ukita Jinro
Published: March 2015

This paper examines the possible linkage between the recent reduction in Arctic sea‐ice extent and the wintertime Arctic Oscillation (AO)/North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). Observational analyses using the ERA interim reanalysis and merged Hadley/Optimum Interpolation Sea Surface Temperature data reveal that a reduced (increased) sea‐ice area in November leads to more negative (positive) phases of the AO and NAO in early and late winter, respectively. We simulate the atmospheric response to observed sea‐ice anomalies using a high‐top atmospheric general circulation model (AGCM for Earth Simulator, AFES version 4.1). The results from the simulation reveal that the recent Arctic sea‐ice reduction results in cold winters in mid‐latitude continental regions, which are linked to an anomalous circulation pattern similar to the negative phase of AO/NAO with an increased frequency of large negative AO events by a factor of over two. Associated with this negative AO/NAO phase, cold air advection from the Arctic to the mid‐latitudes increases. We found that the stationary Rossby wave response to the sea‐ice reduction in the Barents Sea region induces this anomalous circulation. We also found a positive feedback mechanism resulting from the anomalous meridional circulation that cools the mid‐latitudes and warms the Arctic, which adds an extra heating to the Arctic air column equivalent to about 60% of the direct surface heat release from the sea‐ice reduction. The results from this high‐top model experiment also suggested a critical role of the stratosphere in deepening the tropospheric annular mode and modulation of the NAO in mid to late winter through stratosphere‐troposphere coupling.
Multiple scattering in observations of the GPM dual‐frequency precipitation radar: Evidence and impact on retrievals
Authors: Battaglia A. , Tanelli S. , Mroz K. , Tridon F.
Published: March 2015

This paper illustrates how multiple scattering signatures affect Global Precipitation Measuring (GPM) Mission Dual‐Frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR) Ku and Ka band reflectivity measurements and how they are consistent with prelaunch assessments based on theoretical considerations and confirmed by airborne observations. In particular, in the presence of deep convection, certain characteristics of the dual‐wavelength reflectivity profiles cannot be explained with single scattering, whereas they are readily explained by multiple‐scattering theory. Examples of such signatures are the absence of surface reflectivity peaks and anomalously small reflectivity slopes in the lower troposphere. These findings are relevant for DPR‐based rainfall retrievals and stratiform/convective classification algorithms when dealing with deep convective regions. A path to refining the rainfall inversion problem is proposed by adopting a methodology based on a forward operator which accounts for multiple scattering. A retrieval algorithm based on this methodology is applied to a case study over Africa, and it is compared to the standard DPR products obtained with the at‐launch version of the standard algorithms.
Bayesian model averaging to explore the worth of data for soil‐plant model selection and prediction
Authors: Wöhling Thomas , Schöniger Anneli , Gayler Sebastian , Nowak Wolfgang
Published: March 2015

A Bayesian model averaging (BMA) framework is presented to evaluate the worth of different observation types and experimental design options for (1) more confidence in model selection and (2) for increased predictive reliability. These two modeling tasks are handled separately because model selection aims at identifying the most appropriate model with respect to a given calibration data set, while predictive reliability aims at reducing uncertainty in model predictions through constraining the plausible range of both models and model parameters. For that purpose, we pursue an optimal design of measurement framework that is based on BMA and that considers uncertainty in parameters, measurements, and model structures. We apply this framework to select between four crop models (the vegetation components of CERES, SUCROS, GECROS, and SPASS), which are coupled to identical routines for simulating soil carbon and nitrogen turnover, soil heat and nitrogen transport, and soil water movement. An ensemble of parameter realizations was generated for each model using Monte‐Carlo simulation. We assess each model's plausibility by determining its posterior weight, which signifies the probability to have generated a given experimental data set. Several BMA analyses were conducted for different data packages with measurements of soil moisture, evapotranspiration (ETa), and leaf area index (LAI). The posterior weights resulting from the different BMA runs were compared to the weight distribution of a reference run with all data types to investigate the utility of different data packages and monitoring design options in identifying the most appropriate model in the ensemble. We found that different (combinations of) data types support different models and none of the four crop models outperforms all others under all data scenarios. The best model discrimination was observed for those data where the competing models disagree the most. The data worth for reducing prediction uncertainty depends on the prediction to be made. LAI data have the highest utility for predicting ETa, while soil moisture data are better for predicting soil water drainage. Our study illustrates, that BMA provides an objective framework for data worth analysis with respect to both model discrimination and model calibration for a wide range of applications.
Ordinal Data
Authors: Agresti Alan
Published: March 2015

An ordinal variable is one that has a natural ordering of its possible values, but for which the distances between the values are undefined. For simple bivariate analyses, measures of association such as generalizations ofKendall's tausummarize the strength of positive or negative trend in the data by evaluating relative frequencies ofconcordantand discordant pairs of observations.Log‐linear modelswith scores for the categories can describe the structure of the joint distribution. Generalizations of the binarylogistic regression modeldescribe the dependence of an ordinal response variable on a set of qualitative and/or quantitative explanatory variables. Most commonly used is thecumulative logit model, which applies the logit link function to the set of cumulative probabilities. Theproportional oddsversion of the model assumes the same effect on the logit of each cumulative probability. Extensions of the model apply to correlated multivariate ordinal responses; such extensions often occur in longitudinal studies. These extensions includemarginal models, which simultaneously describe effects of explanatory variables on each marginal response, andgeneralized linear mixed modelswithrandom effects.
Multivariate Matching Methods
Authors: Rosenbaum Paul R.
Published: March 2015

In the absence of random assignment to treatment or control, multivariate matching often permits the comparison of treated and control subjects who appeared similar before treatment in terms of a vectorXof observed covariates. Matching selects and divides treated and control subjects to produce disjoint matched pairs containing one treated and one control subject, disjoint matched sets with multiple controls containing one treated subject and one or more controls, or some more flexible structure. Tools for multivariate matching are reviewed, including (i) the propensity score, (ii) fine balance constraints, (iii) optimal or minimum distance matching, (iv) full matching, (v) use of network optimization algorithms, (vi) limited covariate overlap, (vii) matching to strengthen an instrumental variable, and (viii) available software packages in R.
Geographic Information Systems
Authors: Griffith Daniel A.
Published: March 2015

A geographic information system (GIS) is a computer hardware and software information system designed to capture, edit, manage, house, retrieve, manipulate, analyze, and display georeferenced data. It comprises high‐resolution scientific visualization capabilities, large‐capacity electronic storage devices, efficient and effective structures for data storage and retrieval, high‐volume communication channels, specialized algorithms for data integration and reliability analysis, and specialized query languages. Its reference point is a digital map. The first GIS was developed by the Canadian government and implemented in 1964. A differentiating feature among GISs is whether the underlying map involves a raster or vector surface partitioning. Spatial statistics requires attribute data, a map, and the tagging of each data observation to a location on a map, items furnished by a GIS; GISs increasingly include spatial statistical procedures in their toolboxes. A GIS also supplies a practical and useful way to reveal spatial and temporal relationships among data. The UCGIS is an organization whose mission is to serve as an effective unified voice for the community of GIS users.
Environmental Justice, Statistics in
Authors: Waller Lance A.
Published: March 2015

We briefly review the historical, legal, and regulatory background of environmental justice assessments, paying particular attention to the role of statistical techniques in such assessments. We stress the difference between “disparate impact” and intentional discrimination and the role of statistical comparisons as defined in the associated regulatory statutes. We contrast two general approaches, the first comparing demographic proportions within exposure categories and the second comparing exposure (or exposure surrogate) distributions between demographic categories.
Data Mining, Evaluation Techniques in
Authors: Gür Ali Özden F.
Published: March 2015

In this article, we focus on evaluation techniques for data mining models after feature selection and parameter estimation have already been performed. Although performance evaluation techniques for data mining models are typically independent of the data mining task, quality measures
are
task specific. We discuss the rationale, and the pros and cons of different quality measures by data mining task using illustrative examples to explain the concepts. We cover the following data mining tasks: classification, regression, rank prediction, clustering, and market basket analysis. We provide detailed discussions for accuracy measures such as misclassification rate, confusion matrix, misclassification cost, quadratic and informational loss,
ROC
curve and lift chart,
RMSE
,
MAD
,
AIC
,
BIC
, Spearman's
ρ
, and Kendall's
τ
, and quality measures for unsupervised learning tasks, including within and between cluster distances. The following performance estimation techniques are discussed: resubstitution, holdout,
v
‐fold cross‐validation, leave‐one‐out/jackknife, and bootstrap. Further, we cover statistical hypothesis testing for comparing performance of two algorithms for the same data mining task. Moreover, references for further reading on the topics covered in this article are provided.
Sampling in Data Mining
Authors: Weiß Christian H.
Published: March 2015

After a brief review of basic terms and concepts of knowledge discovery in databases (KDD) and data mining, this article investigates aspects of sampling in data mining. A general scheme of sampling, and particular techniques used in data mining are discussed. The main objective of this article is to provide an overview on areas of KDD and data mining, where sampling approaches are applied.
Machine Learning
Authors: Wilson Susan R.
Published: March 2015

A brief overview is given of machine learning, its diverse applications, and its relationship with various commonly used statistical methods.
Nonresponse
Authors: Kviz Frederick J.
Published: March 2015

Survey nonresponserefers to the condition in which researchers are unsuccessful in collecting data from one or more units targeted for a survey. Nonresponse is a potential source of error in survey estimates because it may introduce bias and it reduces statistical power. This article reviews the nature of nonresponse and its potential impact on survey estimates, the causes of survey nonresponse, and strategies for minimizing and treating nonresponse.
Bioinformatics
Authors: Wilson Susan R.
Published: March 2015

A brief summary, from a statistical perspective, of this interdisciplinary field is given.
Principal Coordinates Analysis
Authors: Gower John C.
Published: March 2015

Principal coordinates analysis, also known asclassical scaling, is a metric multidimensional scaling method based on projection, which uses spectral decomposition to approximate a matrix of distances/dissimilarities by the distances between a set of points in few dimensions. The points may be used in visualizations.
Independent Component Analysis
Authors: Stone James V.
Published: March 2015

Given a set of
M
signal mixtures (e.g., microphone outputs), each of which is a different mixture of a set of
M
statistically independent source signals (e.g., voices), independent component analysis (ICA) recovers the source signals (voices) from the signal mixtures. ICA is based on the assumptions that source signals are statistically independent and that they have non‐Gaussian distributions. Different physical processes usually generate statistically independent and non‐Gaussian signals, so that, in the process of extracting such signals from a set of signal mixtures, ICA effectively recovers the underlying physical causes for a given set of measured signal mixtures.
Structural Equation Modeling: Nontraditional Alternatives
Authors: Rigdon Edward E.
Published: March 2015

The most widely known approach for modeling relations between unobservable conceptual variables with multiple observed variable indicators involves using common factors as proxies for the conceptual variables. An important class of alternative approaches uses composites (weighted sums of observed variables) for the same purpose. Among composite‐based approaches, partial least squares path modeling is the most widely used. Generalized structured component analysis is a newer composite‐based alternative with some advanced capabilities. Regression component analysis uses the parameter estimation tools of factor analysis but renders a solution in terms of composites rather than common factors, thus avoiding factor indeterminacy. Researchers seeking to find models, rather than testing a prespecified model, might employ Tetrad. Confirmatory tetrad analysis allows researchers to test structural equation models without estimating model parameters.
Image Analysis
Authors: Horgan Graham , Glasbey Chris
Published: March 2015

Image analysis is the process of extracting information from digital images. We outline some of the main ideas and illustrate with an application in mapping forestry using satellite images.
A familialGLI2deletion (2q14.2) not associated with the holoprosencephaly syndrome phenotype
Authors: Kordaß Ulrike , Schröder Carmen , Elbracht Miriam , Soellner Lukas , Eggermann Thomas
Published: March 2015

Molecular alterations of theGLI2gene in 2q14.2 are associated with features from the holoprosencephaly spectrum. However, the phenotype is extremely variable, ranging from unaffected mutation heterozygotes to isolated or combined pituitary hormone deficiency, and to patients with a phenotype that overlaps with holoprosencephaly, including abnormal pituitary gland formation/function, craniofacial dysmorphisms, branchial arch anomalies, and polydactyly. Although many point mutations within theGLI2gene have been identified, large (sub) microscopic deletions affecting 2q14.2 are rare. We report on a family with a 4.3 Mb deletion in 2q14 affectingGLI2without any dysmorphologic features belonging to the holoprosencephaly spectrum. This family confirms the incomplete penetrance of genomic disturbances affecting theGLI2gene. However, the family presented here is unique as none of the three identified individuals with aGLI2deletion showed any typical signs of holoprosencephaly, whereas all patients reported so far were referred for genetic testing because at least one member exhibited holoprosencephaly and related features. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A national survey of Rett syndrome: Age, clinical characteristics, current abilities, and health
Authors: Cianfaglione Rina , Clarke Angus , Kerr Mike , Hastings Richard P. , Oliver Chris , Felce David
Published: March 2015

As part of a wider study to investigate the behavioral phenotype of a national sample of girls and women with Rett syndrome (RTT) in comparison to a well‐chosen contrast group and its relationship to parental well‐being, the development, clinical severity, current abilities and health of 91 participants were analyzed in relation to diagnostic, clinical and genetic mutation categories. Early truncating mutations or large deletions were associated with greater severity. Early regression was also associated with greater severity. All three were associated with lower current abilities. Epilepsy and weight, gastrointestinal and bowel problems were common co‐morbidities. Participants with classic RTT had greater health problems than those with atypical RTT. A substantial minority of respondents reported fairly frequent signs of possible pain experienced by their relative with RTT. Overall, the study provides new data on the current abilities and general health of people with RTT and adds to the evidence that the severity of the condition and variation of subsequent disability, albeit generally within the profound range, may be related to gene mutation. The presence of certain co‐morbidities represents a substantial ongoing need for better health. The experience of pain requires further investigation. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Two novel homozygous missense mutations in the GDF5 gene cause brachydactyly type C
Authors: Al‐Qattan Mohammad M. , Al‐Motairi Muhammed I. , Al Balwi Mohammed A.
Published: March 2015

Mutations of the GDF5 gene cause a variable phenotype including brachydactyly type C. A review of the literature showed that it is caused either by heterozygous frameshift mutations within the prodomain or heterozygous missense/nonsense mutations within the active domain. Only a single patient with a homozygous mutation (c.517A > G, which predicts p. Met173Val) has been reported in this disorder. In this paper, we report two children with novel homozygous missense mutations in the GDF5 gene associated with brachydactyly type C: one mutation was within the region coding for the prodomain (c.608C > A, which predicts p.Thr203Asn) and the other was within the region coding for the active domain (c.1456 G > A, which predicts p.Val486Met). The genotype–phenotype correlations in the mutational spectrum of the GDF5 gene are discussed. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Novel poly(vinylidene fluoride)/thermoplastic polyester elastomer composite membrane prepared by the electrospinning of nanofibers onto a dense membrane substrate for protective textiles
Authors: Zhu Fanglong , Xin Qun , Feng Qianqian , Zhou Yu , Liu Rangtong
Published: March 2015

Conventionally, electrospun thin‐film composite (TFC) membranes used in protective clothing are fabricated on the basis of an electrospinning substrate coated with a nonporous hydrophilic polymer layer. However, the incompatibility of common coating solvents with inertia substrate materials requires that the support material should be surface‐modified to promote the crosslinking of the dense and porous layers. In this study, we attempted to fabricate a novel TFC membrane for use in protective clothing by the one‐step deposition of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) nanofibers onto a dense, hydrophilic thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TPEE) membrane substrate via electrospinning. The proposed approach has the advantage of no need for further surface modification of the substrate membrane. The optimized TFC membrane exhibited a better tensile strength than the dense substrate TPEE film. The testing results for the moisture resistance show that the new TFC membrane had a comparatively high water vapor transmission rate, notwithstanding that the value was slightly lower than that of the single‐layered TPEE film. Simultaneously, a resistance‐in‐series model based on Henis–Tripodi's model for explaining the water vapor permeation behavior of the TFC membrane was proposed. The moisture resistance values predicted by the analyzed model were in good agreement with these experimental data. This verified the validity of this in‐series moisture resistance model for the TFC membrane. The influence of the PVDF porosity on the water vapor permeation resistance throughout the TFC membrane was calculated and is discussed. More work is needed to establish the applicability of the new TFC membrane for lamination with nonwoven fabric to form the multilayered fabrics used in firefighters’ protective clothing. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42170.