bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Private Sector Development in Waste Management in Rural Areas
Authors: Alhanaqtah Veronika , Alhanaqtah Omar , Pakhomova Antonina
Published: October 2018

The chapter dwells on the theoretical and practical aspects of the private sector involvement in the system of waste management in rural communities. First, the authors discuss the advantages and disadvantages as well as the risks of the private sector involvement. Second, typical features for developing countries' case studies on the private sector development are analyzed. Third, the authors provide a summary of experience and practical recommendations for decision making concerning the development of the private sector for waste management in rural communities. The authors conclude that public-private partnerships, namely the involvement of the private sector where most effective and appropriate, is the most favorable solution. Commercialization of the public sector could be a reasonable solution for the countries with the middle- and below-middle-income levels, at least at the start.
The Mitochondrial Isoform of FASTK Modulates Nonopsonic Phagocytosis of Bacteria by Macrophages via Regulation of Respiratory Complex I
Authors: García Del Río Ana , Delmiro Aitor , Martín Miguel Angel , Cantalapiedra Roberto , Carretero Raquel , Durántez Carlos , Menegotto Fabiola , Morán María , Serrano-Lorenzo Pablo , De la Fuente Miguel Angel , Orduña Antonio , Simarro María
Published: October 2018

Phagocytosis is a pivotal process by which innate immune cells eliminate bacteria. In this study, we explore novel regulatory mechanisms of phagocytosis driven by the mitochondria. Fas-activated serine/threonine kinase (FASTK) is an RNA-binding protein with two isoforms, one localized to the mitochondria (mitoFASTK) and the other isoform to cytosol and nucleus. The mitoFASTK isoform has been reported to be necessary for the biogenesis of the mitochondrial ND6 mRNA, which encodes an essential subunit of mitochondrial respiratory complex I (CI, NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase). This study investigates the role and the mechanisms of action of FASTK in phagocytosis. Macrophages from FASTK─/─ mice exhibited a marked increase in nonopsonic phagocytosis of bacteria. As expected, CI activity was specifically reduced by almost 50% in those cells. To explore if decreased CI activity could underlie the phagocytic phenotype, we tested the effect of CI inhibition on phagocytosis. Indeed, treatment with CI inhibitor rotenone or short hairpin RNAs against two CI subunits (NDUFS3 and NDUFS4) resulted in a marked increase in nonopsonic phagocytosis of bacteria. Importantly, re-expression of mitoFASTK in FASTK-depleted macrophages was sufficient to rescue the phagocytic phenotype. In addition, we also report that the decrease in CI activity in FASTK─/─ macrophages is associated with an increase in phosphorylation of the energy sensor AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and that its inhibition using Compound C reverted the phagocytosis phenotype. Taken together, our results clearly demonstrate for the first time, to our knowledge, that mitoFASTK plays a negative regulatory role on nonopsonic phagocytosis of bacteria in macrophages through its action on CI activity.
MAbTope: A Method for Improved Epitope Mapping
Authors: Bourquard Thomas , Musnier Astrid , Puard Vincent , Tahir Shifa , Ayoub Mohammed Akli , Jullian Yann , Boulo Thomas , Gallay Nathalie , Watier Hervé , Bruneau Gilles , Reiter Eric , Crépieux Pascale , Poupon Anne
Published: October 2018

Abs are very efficient drugs, ∼70 of them are already approved for medical use, over 500 are in clinical development, and many more are in preclinical development. One important step in the characterization and protection of a therapeutic Ab is the determination of its cognate epitope. The gold standard is the three-dimensional structure of the Ab/Ag complex by crystallography or nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. However, it remains a tedious task, and its outcome is uncertain. We have developed MAbTope, a docking-based prediction method of the epitope associated with straightforward experimental validation procedures. We show that MAbTope predicts the correct epitope for each of 129 tested examples of Ab/Ag complexes of known structure. We further validated this method through the successful determination, and experimental validation (using human embryonic kidney cells 293), of the epitopes recognized by two therapeutic Abs targeting TNF-α: certolizumab and golimumab.
GM-CSF Culture Revisited: Preparation of Bulk Populations of Highly Pure Dendritic Cells from Mouse Bone Marrow
Authors: Jin Dongbin , Sprent Jonathan
Published: October 2018

Dendritic cells (DC) loaded with specific peptides are strongly immunogenic for T cells and can be used for cancer immunotherapy. For immunogenic tumors such as melanoma, injection of autologous DC loaded with tumor cell extracts or peptides can induce tumor regression but in only a small proportion of patients. Nevertheless, recent studies on the efficacy of checkpoint blockade for boosting antitumor immunity plus advances in defining tumor neoantigens are stimulating renewed interest in DC immunotherapy. Despite intensive investigation, however, preparation of bulk populations of mature DC has proved difficult, and most preparations contain a significant proportion of potentially tolerogenic immature DC. In this study, we have modified the well-established GM-CSF culture system to prepare substantial quantities of highly pure (>95%) mature DC from mouse bone marrow cells and defined their progenitors. We show that obtaining high yields and purity of DC are heavily dependent on cell density in the cultures and the tempo of addition of growth and maturation stimuli. When loaded with specific peptide, the DC are strongly immunogenic for CD4 and CD8 T cells in vivo and elicit effective antitumor immunity.
Antioxidant properties of topical Caulerpa sp. extract on UVB-induced photoaging in mice
Authors: Wiraguna Anak Agung Gde Putra , Pangkahila Wimpie , Astawa I. Nyoman Mantik
Published: October 2018

Caulerpa sp., a genus of seaweed native to the Indo-Pacific region, has been known for its antioxidant properties and health benefits when consumed as food. Previous studies have reported Caulerpa sp.’s potential as a strong antioxidant, but its effects on the skin in a topical preparation, especially its role in ultraviolet (UV) protection, have not been studied extensively. Our study investigated the protective effects of 0.2% and 0.4% Caulerpa sp. extract gels on photoaging in the UVB-irradiated skin of Wistar mice. The subjects were divided into naive control, vehicle control, and 3 treatment groups (0.2% Caulerpa sp. extract gel, 0.4% Caulerpa sp. extract gel, and 0.02% astaxanthin gel as a standard antioxidant). The groups, except the naive control group, received a total of 840 mJ/cm2 of UVB irradiation in four weeks. Protective effects of the extract were measured through the evaluation of collagen expression, MMP-1 expression and levels, and 8-OhDG expression. Mice who received topical application of Caulerpa sp. extract gel had higher collagen expression, better-preserved collagen structure, lower levels of MMP-1, and less MMP-1 and 8-OHdG expressions compared to the vehicle control group. There was no difference between different concentrations of the extract. Our findings demonstrated that topical application of Caulerpa sp. extract gel significantly protected UVB-irradiated mice skin from photoaging.
Cephalexin-induced acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis
Authors: DaCunha Matthew , Moore Sarah , Kaplan David
Published: October 2018

Cephalexin is a cephalosporin antibiotic that is commonly used in the treatment of infectious diseases. We report a patient exhibiting a rare adverse effect of cephalexin: drug-induced Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis (AGEP). We present this case because of the scarcity of reports associating cephalexin with AGEP in hopes that clinicians will consider AGEP in their differential diagnosis in the appropriate clinical setting.
Lupus pernio (Besnier-Tenneson syndrome): A rare form of sarcoidosis
Authors: Hubail Amal , Belkharoeva Roza , Tepluk Natalya , Belerosova Tatyana
Published: October 2018

Lupus pernio (LP) is a chronic non-life threatining type of cutaneous sarcoidosis that can be related to chronic fibrotic sarcoidosis, hyperglobulinemia and hypercalcemia. The aim of this case report is to evaluate the clinical and demographic features of cutaneous sarcoidosis mainly presenting with a rare manifestation of LP. In this paper we report a case of systemic sarcoidosis presenting with LP and a review of the available literature. LP is a rare presentation with infiltrated erythematoviolaceous plaques affecting the nose. We address the main management approach, and possible association with an underlying systemic sarcoidosis. LP is a rare but chronic manifestation of systemic sarcoidosis that needs to be treated in order to prevent cosmetic defects and psychological effects. It is important to recognize such a condition early in order to avoid a delay in treatment and worsening of the condition, both physically and psychologically. Further research regarding the diagnostic approach and management is required to understand this condition thoroughly.
Non-cognitive factors predicting success in orthopedic surgery residency
Authors: Valley Benjamin , Camp Christopher , Grawe Brian
Published: October 2018

Admissions to orthopedic surgery is a highly competitive process. Traditionally measures such as United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1, class rank, AOA status have been major determinants in the ranking process. However, these traditional objective measures show mixed correlation to clinical success in orthopedic surgery residency. There have been several studies on the cognitive factors and their correlation with success in residency. However, it is clear that residency requires more than objective cognition, emphasizing complex social interactions that are influenced by non-cognitive variables including personality, work ethic, etc. This review aims to summarize the current understanding of non-cognitive factors influencing performance in orthopaedic surgical residency.
Sielsorg aan die bejaarde
Authors: Prins S.J.
Published: October 2018

No abstract available.
Religious beliefs and climate change adaptation: A study of three rural South African communities
Authors: Schuman Simone , Dokken Jon-Vegard , Van Niekerk Dewald , Loubser Ruth A.
Published: October 2018

This article argues that religious beliefs significantly influence a community’s understanding and experience of climate change adaptation, indicating the need for an inclusion of such information in climate change adaptation education. Data were collected using the Q-method, whereby recurring statements were identified from semi-structured interviews with participants from three rural communities in the North-West province of South Africa: Ikageng, Ventersdorp and Jouberton. The research found that community members who regard themselves as religious (overall of the Christian faith) fall under two groups: the religious determinists or fatalists, who see climate as a natural process that is governed by God, and religious participants who deny this ‘naturalness’ and acknowledge humans’ impact on the climate.
Correlation study of thyroid nodule cytopathology and histopathology at two institutions in Jordan
Authors: Abdullah Niveen , Hajeer Manar , Abudalu Loay , Sughayer Maher
Published: October 2018

Background:

Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) plays a fundamental role in determining the appropriate management for patients presenting with thyroid nodules.

Aims:

The aims of this study are to evaluate thyroid FNA test performance parameters through a cytohistological correlation.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective analysis of all thyroid FNAs received over a period of 18 months was carried out. The findings were compared to their subsequent definite diagnoses on surgical specimens as well as to their follow-up repeat FNA results. A total of 499 thyroid FNAs were collected and reviewed against The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (TBSRTC). The percentage of each diagnostic category was calculated, and the implied risk of malignancy was determined by comparing the cytology results to their definite diagnoses obtained on the resection specimens. Analytical procedures were performed using Microsoft Excel.

Results:

Out of 499 thyroid FNAs, a benign interpretation was found in 273 patients (54.7%), atypia of undetermined significance in 81 (16.2%), follicular neoplasm in 20 (4%), suspicious for malignancy in 36 (7.2%), malignant in 32 (6.4%) and were nondiagnostic in 57 patients (11.4%). Only 101 patients (20.2%) underwent surgical resection and 47 (9.4%) underwent a follow-up FNA. After cytohistological correlation, FNA test performance, calculated by excluding the inadequate and undetermined categories revealed test sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of 95.6%, 54.8%, and 78.9%, respectively. The positive predictive value was 75.4%, and the negative predictive value was 89.5%.

Conclusions:

Our results are comparable to those previously published figures. The rate of atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance is higher than what is currently recommended in TBSRTC.
Retour d’expérience : programme de sélection d’équipements et infrastructures de gestion des déchets adaptés au contexte des villes secondaires d’Afrique de l’Ouest
Authors: Dabire James , Gango Abdoulaye
Published: October 2018

With the support of CEAS Suisse, Ingénieurs sans frontières (ISF Belgium), and NGO Autre Terre (Belgium), CEAS Burkina is implementing since 2008 a Project which aim to support municipal solid wastes management in seven secondary towns in Burkina Faso. Municipal solid wastes management are indeed one of the major challenge municipalities of Burkina Faso which always do not have the human, technical and financial resources to correctly ensure this public service, transferred to them within the framework of decentralisation. CEAS Burkina’s challenges in supporting these five collectivities is to help set up and implement a waste management system that can be technically and financially assumed by the communes. In this process, the issue of equipments and infrastructures emerged as a preliminary.This article presents the challenges and the results reached by research/design of infrastructures and equipment adapted to secondary cities context. It highlights some difficulties, draws lessons learned from the implementation of the research activities and concludes with recommendations for wide diffusion of the innovations.

Avec l’appui de ses partenaires techniques et financiers, que sont le CEAS (Suisse), Ingénieurs sans frontières (ISF Belgique), l'ONG Autre Terre (Belgique), l'Association Centre écologique Albert Schweitzer du Burkina Faso (CEAS Burkina) met en œuvre depuis 2008 un Projet d’appui à la gestion des déchets municipaux dans sept villes secondaires du Burkina. La gestion des déchets solides municipaux est en effet un des défis majeurs pour les municipalités des pays en développement qui ne disposent pas toujours des moyens organisationnels, humains, techniques et financiers nécessaires pour assurer correctement ce service public qui leur a été transféré. L’enjeu pour le développement durable de ces collectivités est donc de mettre en place un système de gestion des déchets adapté qui puisse être techniquement et financièrement assumé par les communes. La question des équipements et infrastructures s’avère majeure dans ce processus de recherche/développement.Cet article présente quelques innovations en matière d’équipements et infrastructures pour la gestion des déchets municipaux qui ont été développées suite aux travaux de recherche/conception réalisés par le CEAS Burkina. Il en analyse les principales forces et faiblesses avant de conclure par des recommandations spécifiques pour la diffusion de ces innovations.
Pedagoško-andragoški dnevi 2017: Migracije in izobraževanje
Authors: Jeznik Katja
Published: October 2018

Oddelek za pedagogiko in andragogiko Filozofske fakultete Univerze v Ljubljani vsako leto konec januarja organizira Pedagoško-andragoške dneve (PAD), ki so namenjeni srečanju diplomantov pedagogike in andragogike. Tema 35. srečanja z naslovom Migracije in izobraževanje je bila močno vpeta v aktualno družbeno dogajanje.
Uršula Lipovec Čebron (ur.) Kulturne kompetence in zdravstvena oskrba: Priročnik za razvijanje kulturnih kompetenc zdravstvenih delavcev Ljubljana, Nacionalni inštitut za javno zdravje, 2016
Authors: Pahor Majda
Published: October 2018

Slovensko zdravstvo lahko k svoji večji učinkovitosti pripomore tudi skozi sistematično razvijanje znanj in spretnosti zdravstvenih delavcev na nekaterih področjih, ki doslej niso bila dovolj tematizirana niti v dodiplomskem niti v vseživljenjskem izobraževanju zaposle­ nih. Gre predvsem za zajemanje iz bogate zakladnice znanja družboslovnih in humanistič­ nih ved, ki pretežno naravoslovno­medicinsko izobraženim strokovnjakom omogoča razvoj sposobnosti za učinkovito delo s kulturno raznolikimi uporabniki zdravstvenega varstva.
Determinante antirasističnega izobraževanja
Authors: Zadnikar Darij
Published: October 2018

Vnovični vzpon fašizma v podobi »alt-desnice« kaže, da se liberalno antirasistično izobraževanje in propagiranje večkulturne družbe nista pokazali za posebej uspešni, navkljub velikim finančnim vložkom in institucionalnim prizadevanjem. Borni rezultati so posledica konceptualne redukcije rasizma na psiho- loško raven, na kognitivni spodrsljaj, ki ga ugotavljamo pri predsodkih, in na pomanjkljivo poznavanje, kar vse naj bi premagovali s primernim izobraževanjem in spoznavanjem drugih kultur. Nepoučenost o drugih kulturah pa je zgolj ena od determinant širše mreže rasizma, pri katerem gre v temelju za vzpostavljanje avtoritarne hierarhije z namenom izkoriščanja in zlorabe, brez katerih moderni ekonomski in politični sistem ne more obstajati. Sodobni rasizem postkolonialne dobe v razmerah kulturne in ekonomske globalizacije, pa tudi novih oblik komunikacije, ima vrsto novih značilnosti, ki zahtevajo drugačne pristope k antirasizmu. Ker ne gre zgolj za izobraževalni projekt in ker je v sodobni šoli znanje praviloma omejeno na instrumentalni vidik, zahteva premagovanje rasizma tudi ponovni premislek neuspeha doseganja izobraževalnih ciljev in temu ustrezne spremembe. Te spremembe zadevajo predvsem preseganje neoliberalizma, dekolonizacijo razvitih dežel in vključitev epistemologij Juga.
Change of students’ activities in the process of becoming a teacher
Authors: Malinowska Joanna
Published: October 2018

The article presents a part of research focused on teacher education in Poland. Becoming a teacher is a process that takes place in the space of universities and schools as educational entities in which two discursive communities meet. The distinctness and the hermetic character of the communities are an epistemological barrier to the creation of cooperation, which is essential for effective teacher education. The research is directly related to the need to introduce changes in this area and to define the conditions for these changes to occur. The purpose of the research is to establish how an institution which trains teachers functions. In order to achieve this goal, the author reconstructs a set of rules of discursive practices which were revealed during a group discussion among the students. In the research, a reconstructive formula based on critical discourse analysis was adopted. On the basis of the analysis, recommendations for the practice of teacher education are offered.
The internationalisation of studies in adult education. The Example of COMPALL: Comparative Studies in Adult Education and Lifelong Learning
Authors: Egetenmeyer Regina
Published: October 2018

This paper analyses international contexts of adult education and higher education as a framework for the COMPALL Joint Module. The module is designed to develop international knowledge, comparative research methods, intercultural competences, didactical insights, and networking experiences. The paper outlines the structure of the module and describes how such internationalisation impacts the participants. The evaluation shows that participants of the Joint Module develop not only intercultural competences, but also methodological, didactical, and networking competences. Furthermore, the module forges close partnerships between the respective universities as well as sustainable networks that extend beyond those of young students in adult education. The Joint Module gave several participants a fresh outlook on employability by integrating international perspectives into their prospective work contexts.
Vpliv globalizacije na neoliberalne oblike internacionalizacije univerze
Authors: Potočnik Mesarić Tanja
Published: October 2018

Globalizacija je proces, ki zaznamuje praktično vse sfere družbenega življenja, tudi izobraževanje oziroma konkretneje univerzo, z njenim izrednim študijem pa tudi izobraževanje odraslih. Internacionalizacija je bistvena konstitutivna lastnost univerze (poleg akademske svobode, avtonomije, kolegialnega vodenja in elitnosti), ki je skozi čas, predvsem v obdobju nacionalne zaprtosti, zbledela. Vsako zgodovinsko obdobje je univerzi in njeni internacionalizaciji dalo neizbrisan pečat, zato moramo novodobni proces ponovne internacionalizacije univerze razumeti v kontekstu današnjih neoliberalnih motivov. Univerza si mora prizadevati, da obdrži svoj konstitutivni člen – internacionalizacijo, pri čemer pa bo morala braniti svoje akademske korenine nasproti neoliberalnim tržnim vplivom (na primer GATS), ki poleg vprašljive kakovosti prinašajo tudi skrb vzbujajoči akademski imperializem.
An instrument for quantifying heterogeneous ice nucleation in multiwell plates using infrared emissions to detect freezing
Authors: Harrison Alexander D. , Whale Thomas F. , Rutledge Rupert , Lamb Stephen , Tarn Mark D. , Porter Grace C. E. , Adams Michael P. , McQuaid James B. , Morris George J. , Murray Benjamin J.
Published: October 2018

Abstract. Low concentrations of ice-nucleating particles (INPs) are thought to be
important for the properties of mixed-phase clouds, but their detection is
challenging. Hence, there is a need for instruments where INP concentrations
of less than 0.01 L−1 can be routinely and efficiently determined. The
use of larger volumes of suspension in drop assays increases the sensitivity
of an experiment to rarer INPs or rarer active sites due to the increase in
aerosol or surface area of particulates per droplet. Here we describe and
characterise the InfraRed-Nucleation by Immersed Particles Instrument
(IR-NIPI), a new immersion freezing assay that makes use of IR emissions to
determine the freezing temperature of individual 50 µL droplets each
contained in a well of a 96-well plate. Using an IR camera allows the
temperature of individual aliquots to be monitored. Freezing temperatures are
determined by detecting the sharp rise in well temperature associated with
the release of heat caused by freezing. In this paper we first present the
calibration of the IR temperature measurement, which makes use of the fact
that following ice nucleation aliquots of water warm to the ice–liquid
equilibrium temperature (i.e. 0 ∘C when water activity is
∼1), which provides a point of calibration for each individual
well in each experiment. We then tested the temperature calibration using
∼100 µm chips of K-feldspar, by immersing these chips
in 1 µL droplets on an established cold stage (µL-NIPI) as well
as in 50 µL droplets on IR-NIPI; the results were consistent with one
another, indicating no bias in the reported freezing temperature. In addition
we present measurements of the efficiency of the mineral dust NX-illite and a
sample of atmospheric aerosol collected on a filter in the city of Leeds.
NX-illite results are consistent with literature data, and the atmospheric INP
concentrations were in good agreement with the results from the µL-NIPI instrument. This demonstrates the utility of this approach, which
offers a relatively high throughput of sample analysis and access to low INP
concentrations.
Towards imaging of atmospheric trace gases using Fabry Perot
Interferometer Correlation Spectroscopy in the UV and visible
spectral range
Authors: Kuhn Jonas , Platt Ulrich , Bobrowski Nicole , Wagner Thomas
Published: October 2018

Abstract. Many processes in the lower atmosphere including transport, turbulent mixing and chemical conversions happen on time scales of the order of seconds (e.g. at point sources). Remote sensing of atmospheric trace gases in the UV and visible spectral range (UV/Vis) commonly uses dispersive spectroscopy (e.g. Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy, DOAS). The recorded spectra allow for the direct identification, separation and quantification of narrow band absorption of trace gases. However, these techniques are typically limited to a single viewing direction and limited by the light throughput of the spectrometer setup. While two dimensional imaging is possible by spatial scanning, the temporal resolution remains poor (often several minutes per image). Therefore, processes on time scales of seconds cannot be directly resolved by state of the art dispersive methods. We investigate the application of Fabry-Perot Interferometers (FPIs) for the optical remote sensing of atmospheric trace gases in the UV/Vis. By choosing a FPI transmission spectrum, which is optimised to correlate with narrow band (ideally periodic) absorption structures of the target trace gas, column densities of the trace gas can be determined with a sensitivity and selectivity comparable to dispersive spectroscopy, using only a small number of spectral channels (FPI tuning settings). Different from dispersive optical elements, the FPI can be implemented in full frame imaging setups (cameras), which can reach high spatio-temporal resolution. In principle, FPI Correlation Spectroscopy can be applied for any trace gas with distinct absorption structures in the UV/Vis. We present calculations for the application of FPI Correlation Spectroscopy to SO2, BrO and NO2 for exemplary measurement scenarios. Besides high sensitivity and selectivity we find that the spatio temporal resolution of FPI Correlation Spectroscopy can be more than two orders of magnitude higher than state of the art DOAS measurements. As proof of concept we built a one-pixel prototype implementing the technique for SO2 in the UV. Good agreement with our calculations and conventional measurement techniques are demonstrated and no cross sensitivities to other trace gases are observed.
Baseline for ostracod-based northwestern Pacific and Indo-Pacific shallow-marine paleoenvironmental reconstructions: ecological modeling of species distributions
Authors: Hong Yuanyuan , Yasuhara Moriaki , Iwatani Hokuto , Mamo Briony
Published: October 2018

Abstract. Fossil ostracods have been widely used for Quaternary paleoenvironmental reconstructions especially in marginally marine environments (e.g. for water depth, temperature, salinity, oxygen levels, pollution). But our knowledge of the autoecology of indicator species, the base of paleoenvironmental reconstructions, remains limited and commonly lacks robust statistical support and comprehensive comparison with environmental data. We analysed marginally marine ostracod taxa at 52 sites in Hong Kong for which comprehensive environmental data are available. We applied linear regression models to reveal relationships between species distribution and environmental factors, and identified indicator species of environmental parameters. For example, Sinocytheridea impressa and Neomonoceratina delicata indicate botttom-water hypoxia – eutrophication, and heavy-metal pollution - increased turbidity, respectively. Many taxa are widespread throughout the northwestern Pacific – Indo-Pacific regions, including temperate (South China Sea to Japan and Russia), subtropical (i.e., Indo-Pacific to the East China Sea), and tropical (i.e., Indo-Pacific and South China Sea) taxa. With statistical support from ecological modeling and comprehensive environmental data, These results provide a robust baseline for ostracod-based Quaternary-Anthropocene paleoenvironmental reconstructions in the tropic–extratopic northwestern Pacific and Indo-Pacific.
A hybrid fluxgate and search coil magnetometer concept using a racetrack core
Authors: Miles David M. , Narod B. Barry , Milling David K. , Mann Ian R. , Barona David , Hospodarsky George B.
Published: October 2018

Abstract. A proof-of-concept hybrid magnetometer is presented, which
simultaneously operates as both a fluxgate and a search coil, allowing it to
sense the magnetic field from DC to 2 kHz using a single sensor.
Historically, such measurements would normally require two dedicated
instruments, and each would typically require deployment on its own dedicated
boom as the instruments mutually interfere. A racetrack fluxgate core
combined with a long solenoidal sense winding is shown to be moderately
effective as a search coil magnetometer, and the search coil effect can be
captured without introducing significant hardware complexity beyond what is
already present in a typical fluxgate instrument. Several methods of
optimising the search coil action of the hybrid instrument are compared with
the best method providing sensitivity and noise
performance between comparably sized traditional air-core and solid-core
search coil instruments. This hybrid sensor topology should miniaturise to
platforms such as CubeSats for which multiple boom-mounted instruments are
generally impractical, so a single hybrid instrument providing modest, but
scientifically useful, sensitivity from DC to kHz frequencies would be
beneficial.
Precise DEM extraction from Svalbard using 1936 high oblique imagery
Authors: Girod Luc , Nielsen Niels Ivar , Couderette Frédérique , Nuth Christopher , Kääb Andreas
Published: October 2018

Abstract. Stretching time series further in the past with the best
possible accuracy is essential to the understanding of climate change impacts
and geomorphological processes evolving on decadal-scale time spans. In the
first half of the twentieth century, large parts of the polar regions were
still unmapped or only superficially so. To create cartographic data, a
number of historic photogrammetric campaigns were conducted using oblique
imagery, which is easier to work with in unmapped environments as collocating
images is an easier task for the human eye given a more familiar viewing
angle and a larger field of view. Even if the data obtained from such
campaigns gave a good baseline for the mapping of the area, the precision and
accuracy are to be considered with caution. Exploiting the possibilities
arising from modern image processing tools and reprocessing the archives to
obtain better data is therefore a task worth the effort. The oblique angle of
view of the data is offering a challenge to classical photogrammetric tools,
but the use of modern structure-from-motion (SfM) photogrammetry offers an
efficient and quantitative way to process these data into terrain models. In
this paper, we propose a good practice method for processing historical
oblique imagery using free and open source software (MicMac and Python) and
illustrate the process using images of the Svalbard archipelago acquired in
1936 by the Norwegian Polar Institute. On these data, our workflow provides
5 m resolution, high-quality elevation data (SD 2 m for moderate terrain)
as well as orthoimages that allow for the reliable quantification of terrain
change when compared to more modern data.
Interactive Impacts of Fire and Vegetation Dynamics on Global Carbon and Water Budgets using Community Land Model version 4.5
Authors: Seo Hocheol , Kim Yeonjoo
Published: October 2018

Abstract. Fire plays an important role in terrestrial ecosystems. The burning of biomass affects carbon and water fluxes and the distribution of vegetation. To understand the effect of the interactive processes of fire and ecological succession on land surface carbon and water fluxes, this study utilized the Community Land Model version 4.5 to conduct a series of experiments that included and excluded fire and dynamic vegetation processes. Results of the experiments that excluded dynamic vegetation showed a global increase in net ecosystem production (NEP) in post-fire regions, which has been shown in previous studies with the similar modeling practices. However, inclusion of dynamic vegetation revealed a fire-induced decrease in NEP in some regions. Additionally, the carbon sink in post-fire regions reduced when the dominant vegetation type was changed from trees to grasses. This study shows that inclusion of dynamic vegetation enhances carbon emissions from fire by reducing terrestrial carbon sinks; however, this effect is somewhat mitigated by the increase in terrestrial carbon sinks when dynamic vegetation is not used. Results also show that fire-induced changes in vegetation modify the soil moisture profile because grasslands are more dominant in post-fire regions; this results in less moisture within top soil layers compared to non-burned regions, even though transpiration is reduced overall. These findings are different from those of previous fire model evaluations, that ignore vegetation dynamics, and thus highlight the importance of interactive processes between fire and vegetation dynamics, particularly when evaluating recent model developments with respect to fire and vegetation dynamics.
Multimodel assessments of human and climate impacts on mean
annual streamflow in China
Authors: Liu Xingcai , Liu Wenfeng , Yang Hong , Tang Qiuhong , Flörke Martina , Masaki Yoshimitsu , Müller Schmied Hannes , Ostberg Sebastian , Pokhrel Yadu , Satoh Yusuke , Wada Yoshihide
Published: October 2018

Abstract. Human activities, as well as climate change, have had increasing impacts on natural hydrological systems, particularly streamflow. However, quantitative assessments of these impacts are lacking on large scales. In this study, we use the simulations from six global hydrological models driven by three meteorological forcings to investigate direct human impact (DHI) and climate change impact on streamflow in China. Results show that, in the sub-periods of 1971–1990 and 1991–2010, one-fifth to one-third of mean annual streamflow (MAF) reduced due to DHI in northern basins and much smaller (< 4 %) MAF reduced in southern basins. From 1971–1990 to 1991–2010, total MAF changes range from −13 % to 10 % across basins, wherein the relative contributions of DHI change and climate change show distinct spatial patterns. DHI change caused decreases in MAF in 70 % of river segments, but climate change dominated the total MAF changes in 88 % of river segments of China. In most northern basins, climate change results in changes of −9 % to 18 % of MAF, while DHI change results in decreases of 2 % to 8 % in MAF. In contrast with the impacts of climate change that may increase or decrease streamflow, DHI change almost always contributes to decreases in MAF over time, wherein water withdrawals are supposed to be the major impact on streamflow. This quantitative assessment can be a reference for attribution of streamflow changes at large scales despite uncertainty remains. We highlight the significant DHI in northern basins and the necessity to modulate DHI through improved water management towards a better adaptation to future climate change.
Value of uncertain streamflow observations for hydrological modelling
Authors: Etter Simon , Strobl Barbara , Seibert Jan , van Meerveld H. J. Ilja
Published: October 2018

Abstract. Previous studies have shown that hydrological models can be parameterised using a
limited number of streamflow measurements. Citizen science projects can
collect such data for otherwise ungauged catchments but an important question
is whether these observations are informative given that these streamflow
estimates will be uncertain. We assess the value of inaccurate streamflow estimates for calibration of a
simple bucket-type runoff model for six Swiss catchments. We pretended that
only a few observations were available and that these were affected by
different levels of inaccuracy. The level of inaccuracy was based on a
log-normal error distribution that was fitted to streamflow estimates of 136
citizens for medium-sized streams. Two additional levels of inaccuracy, for
which the standard deviation of the error distribution was divided by 2 and
4, were used as well. Based on these error distributions,
random errors were added to the measured hourly streamflow data. New time
series with different temporal resolutions were created from these synthetic
streamflow time series. These included scenarios with one observation each
week or month, as well as scenarios that are more realistic for crowdsourced
data that generally have an irregular distribution of data points throughout
the year, or focus on a particular season. The model was then calibrated for
the six catchments using the synthetic time series for a dry, an average and
a wet year. The performance of the calibrated models was evaluated based on
the measured hourly streamflow time series. The results indicate that
streamflow estimates from untrained citizens are not informative for model
calibration. However, if the errors can be reduced, the estimates are
informative and useful for model calibration. As expected, the model
performance increased when the number of observations used for calibration
increased. The model performance was also better when the observations were
more evenly distributed throughout the year. This study indicates that
uncertain streamflow estimates can be useful for model calibration but that
the estimates by citizen scientists need to be improved by training or more
advanced data filtering before they are useful for model calibration.
Wind-driven transport of fresh shelf water into the upper 30 m of the Labrador Sea
Authors: Schulze Chretien Lena M. , Frajka-Williams Eleanor
Published: October 2018

Abstract. The Labrador Sea is one of a small number of deep convection
sites in the North Atlantic that contribute to the meridional overturning
circulation. Buoyancy is lost from surface waters during winter, allowing the
formation of dense deep water. During the last few decades, mass loss from
the Greenland ice sheet has accelerated, releasing freshwater into the high-latitude North Atlantic. This and the enhanced Arctic freshwater export in
recent years have the potential to add buoyancy to surface waters, slowing or
suppressing convection in the Labrador Sea. However, the impact of freshwater
on convection is dependent on whether or not it can escape the shallow,
topographically trapped boundary currents encircling the Labrador Sea.
Previous studies have estimated the transport of freshwater into the central
Labrador Sea by focusing on the role of eddies. Here, we use a Lagrangian
approach by tracking particles in a global, eddy-permitting (1/12∘)
ocean model to examine where and when freshwater in the surface 30 m enters
the Labrador Sea basin. We find that 60 % of the total freshwater in the
top 100 m enters the basin in the top 30 m along the eastern side. The
year-to-year variability in freshwater transport from the shelves to the
central Labrador Sea, as found by the model trajectories in the top 30 m, is
dominated by wind-driven Ekman transport rather than eddies transporting
freshwater into the basin along the northeast.
Models for Prediction of Industrial Insolvency of Manufacturing Companies in India
Authors: Joshi Nisarg A , Desai Jay M
Published: October 2018

Investors, activists and corporations across the world are emphasizing on prediction of insolvency well in advance so that corrective actions can be taken and erosion of funds can be prevented. For this purpose, this study attempts to construct models for forecasting industrial sickness and to validate the performance of these models. This paper proposes new models for prediction of industrial sickness or leading bankruptcy using three different techniques i.e. a model using Multi Discriminant Analysis (MDA), a model using MDA + PCA (Principle Component Analysis), and a model using ANN (Artificial Neural Network).This paper focuses to propose prediction models for bankruptcy which contribute more to this impact in emerging economies like India.The results show that the forecasting ability of the models is higher than the empirical models already available such Altman’s Z score model, Ohlson’s model and model developed by Odom and Sharda to name a few. The prediction accuracy of MDA model is highest among proposed models for prediction of industrial sickness. These results are recommended to financial institutions, banks and executives. This study may also be used for evaluating the repayment behavior of a borrower. These models may be used by the potential investors for screening out undesirable investments. Since the models are of predictive nature, the investors may use it for portfolio selection.
Two Men in a Trickbag: White, Black, and the Operation of Schopenhauerian Ethics in Cormac McCarthy'sThe Sunset Limited
Authors: Hillier Russell M.
Published: October 2018

The operation of Schopenhauerian ethics is perhaps nowhere more painstakingly expounded in McCarthy's oeuvre than in The Sunset Limited. When set within Schopenhauer's ethical system, the respective positions of Black and White readily yield to evaluation. On the one hand, White, who appears to be a classic embodiment of Schopenhauer's pessimism, is lacking according to Schopenhauer's standard of ethical excellence. White's egoistic standpoint on the world is devoid of substance and credibility and his disdain for and willful isolation from others betrays an unhealthy, narcissistic, and other-denying egoism. On the other hand, Black's ethical conduct not only satisfies the criteria of Schopenhauer's virtuous man, his way of life is also depicted as making significant progress on the path toward Schopenhauerian sainthood. Once an egoist himself and now a devoted altruist, Black has awoken from his “beggar's dream” to recognize a human fellowship of pain, the presence of his “innermost self” in all others, and the need to obey a moral imperative to be compassionate. Considered against the backdrop of Schopenhauer's ethical framework, The Sunset Limited plays out a fierce opposition between the troubled egoism of White, “a professor of darkness,” and the saintly altruism of Black, “an emissary of Jesus.”
Similitud de bases de datos de infecciones asociadas a atención sanitaria de hospitales de tercer nivel.
Authors: Oliva José Eduardo
Published: October 2018

Objetivo. Determinar el grado de similitud entre las bases de datos de infecciones asociadas a atención sanitaria diagnosticadas en hospitales de tercer nivel del Ministerio de Salud. Metodología. Observacional, descriptivo, comparando retrospectivamente las bases de datos digitales y formularios físicos de recolección de información de las infecciones asociadas a atención sanitaria de los hospitales de tercer nivel, durante 2015. La similitud entre las bases se especificó en porcentajes. Resultados. El Hospital Nacional de Niños Benjamín Bloom y el Hospital Nacional Rosales no elaboraron formularios para Notificación Individual de Infecciones Asociadas a Atención Sanitaria durante 2015. Lo anterior podría deberse a que los clínicos responsables del llenado del Formulario para Notificación Individual de Infecciones Asociadas a Atención Sanitaria, como los clínicos responsables de registrarla en los Formularios de Ingreso/Egreso, no ejecutan la obligatoriedad de reportar toda infección asociada a atención sanitaria detectada. El Hospital Nacional de la Mujer, a través del Formulario para Notificación Individual de Infecciones Asociadas a Atención Sanitaria, reportó en el Sistema Nacional de Vigilancia Epidemiológica cerca del 80% de las infecciones asociadas a atención sanitaria reportadas por su laboratorio durante 2015. Conclusiones. La similitud entre bases digitales de datos de infecciones asociadas a la atención sanitaria, así como entre estas y los formularios que las alimentan, no es satisfactoria en el Hospital Nacional de Niños Benjamín Bloom y Hospital Nacional Rosales. En el Hospital Nacional de la Mujer es satisfactoria, exceptuando el traslado de datos de los Formularios de Ingreso/Egreso, al Sistema de Morbimortalidad en Línea.Alerta Año 2018, Vol. 1 No. 1: 53-60
Optimum combination of soil amendments under drip irrigation with different water sources in coastal areas of East China
Authors: Liu Yahui , Zhou Shumei , Sun Jianping , Wang Xiuping , Yuan Zaijian
Published: October 2018

The effects of drip irrigation (DI) with fresh water (FW) and brackish water (BW) on saline-alkali soil improvement were compared under treatments of five amendment combinations. The experiment was designed using the orthogonal test method and performed using an indoor DI system. Soil electrical conductivity (EC), pH, sodium adsorption ratio and soil nutrients were analyzed after DI both before evaporation and after one month of evaporation. The results showed that after one month of evaporation, soil EC increased by an average of 97.26% and 27.76% for the FW and BW treatments, respectively. Furthermore, it was shown that soil nutrients increased greatly under the BW treatment and that cow dung proved to be a leading agent influencing soil nutrients except available soil potassium (p<0.05). Consequently, the optimum combination of soil amendments was determined as 0.03 m3/m2 of straw, 3 kg/m2 of phosphogypsum, 0.04 m3/m2 of cow dung, 0.6 kg/m2 of humic acid and 0.18 kg/m2 of microbial fertilizer under the BW treatment.
Financing Prospects in the Gas Industry: A Nigerian Perspective
Authors: Onuorah A. C. , Osuji C. C.
Published: October 2018

The objective of this paper is to investigate the financing prospects in gas industry. This paper classified gas financing into four (4) areas such as (a) associated gas (b) dry gas (c) condensated gas and (d) natural liquid gas. There are fourteen (14) job classifications in the gas industry which corporate bodies or individuals can be engaged. Variables are classified as y = gas production, x/ = gas utilization and xj = gas flared. The values of these variables were obtained from the 2004 statistical bulletin of central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from 1983-2017. The SPSS/PC was used to subject these variables by the step wise regressional analysis. The result shows that 29.10% of gas produced was utilized while 70.90% were flared as financial waste. We tested hypotheses / by the use of coefficient of variation, we concluded that gas utilization has the highest risk investment potential. Hypothesis 2 accepted Ha2 that means v > Mean x/. While HA was accepted because skewness of x; > .v/. u e recommended a comprehensive investment policy in the gas industry.