bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coping Strategies among Pastoralists Women Entrepreneurs against the Odds: Experiences from Baringo Division, Samburu North, Kenya
Authors: Adhiambo Okello Grace , Ngala Orucho Michael
Published: September 2017

Women in Baragoi Division in Samburu North have had to contend with internal wars involving cattle raids were many of them are caught in between the wars. Added to these is the harsh economic environment where economic activities and businesses are disrupted by frequent raids. Furthermore the situation is compounded by unfavorable climate where very little food for sustenance can grow. Despite these adverse conditions, the women in Baragoi division endure and survive as they take care of their families while gainfully engaged in micro and small enterprises. Given that more established entrepreneurs and the Kenyan government has made insignificant effort to empower pastoralist women and youth, what then drives pastoralists’ women entrepreneurs? This study therefore sought to establish the survival or coping strategies which keep these women entrepreneurs going on with their businesses in such life threatening environment and possible support mechanisms. The main objective of the study was to establish the coping strategic options among women entrepreneurs in Baragoi Division in Samburu North Kenya. Cross sectional survey was adopted as the study design. The population constituted 14419 women across 15 sub-locations within Baragoi division. Proportional sampling technique was used to sample 389 respondents. Descriptive statistics and cross tabulation were used to analyze data. The study established that women entrepreneurs face a number of challenges, the main one (37.5%) being insecurity. The main coping strategy to counter the insecurity challenge was established as group movement at 20%. It was concluded that for women pastoralist entrepreneurs to survive, the stakeholders need to combine efforts and ensure safe environment and general support especially towards women entrepreneurs who are significant contributors to the economy and main players in family support.
Procurement Strategies Using Portfolio Approach Based on Options and Spot Markets Procurement
Authors: Heng Wang , Qi Xu
Published: September 2017

The paper explored the conditions for retailers to implement option contract and the strategies to make joint purchase in spot market. Under the condition of uncertain market demands, a joint purchase model integrating batch ordering, option contract and spot market has been developed. Considering price fluctuation, the conditions for implementing option contract-based ordering have been studied; the impacts of price fluctuation and option execution price on retailers optimal ordering of joint purchase have been analyzed as well. The result shows that if a retailer adopts a joint purchase strategy, certain constraints need to be met. Otherwise, it is more conductive for the retailer to maximize revenues by adopting a single purchase order. When the spot market is involved, the total order quantity and the order quantity of option contract are negatively correlated with the option execution price and are positively correlated with the spot price fluctuation; and, the order quantity of bulk order contract is positively correlated with the option execution price and is negatively correlated with the spot price fluctuation.
Analysis of Farmers’ Safety Capability Reserved Costs of Rubber Gardens
Authors: Jaya Jenahar Tirta , Mamisah Luis
Published: September 2017

The research aims to find out analysis ability of saving farmer to handle rubber replanting cost for traditional farmer and modern farmer. Primary data was collected on August until November 2016 from the samples of traditional farmers and modern farmers. The sample size is 120 respondent household farmers in Musi Banyuasin districts, South Sumatra province. The data analysed by economic analysis.The result showed that the saving traditional farmer and modern farmer are ability to handle rubber replanting cost because only 8 % from saving per year.
Mediating Service Recovery Satisfaction in the Relationship between Internet Service Recovery and Customer Loyalty
Authors: Sciarelli Mauro , Nagm Abdelhakim A. , Dakrory Mona I. , Tani Mario , Khashan Mohamed A.
Published: September 2017

This current study purposes to identify the relationships between service recovery strategies, service recovery satisfaction, and both dimensions of customer loyalty in regard to Internet providers using the partial least squares (PLS-SEM) approach on a sample of 430 internet customers in Egypt.This study contributes insights into how seven service recovery strategies affected customer loyalty with its both attitudinal and behavioral dimensions directly and indirectly via service recovery satisfaction. These insights are helpful for service managers faced with service failure and academicians interested in how service providers respond to service failures and customer dissatisfaction in the B2C context.The results of this study show that some SR strategies positively influence both service recovery satisfaction and customer loyalty toward internet providers. Furthermore, service recovery satisfaction positively influencing the customer loyalty. In addition, SRS plays a mediating role in the relationship between SR strategies and customer loyalty. The results highlight that internet service providers should implement SR strategies quickly and with an empathetic manner to satisfy customers and to encourage customer's loyalty. Finally, some implications and further research directions were presented.
Study on the Duration of Market Microstructure Theory
Authors: Wenjuan Wei
Published: September 2017

This paper starts from the theory of market microstructure, by researching in the development of market microstructure and the theoretical framework, it is found that the proposed duration model is of great significance to market participants. Therefore, based on the theory of market microstructure, this paper summarizes and analyzes the related theories and applications of ACD model.
The Company Fundamental Analysis and the Default Risk Ratio
Authors: De Luca Pasquale
Published: September 2017

The default risk ratio (DRR) proposed in this paper tries to define a novel alternative approach to analyze the company capability to face debt obligation by deriving it on the basis of fundamental analysis of the firm rather than the volatility of the asset’s value on the market.The DRR is defined on the basis of the relationship between debt level and the economic and financial dynamics with regard the Operating and Net Income, Capital Invested and Capital Structure and Free Cash-Flow from Operations and to Equity.The DRR does not define directly the default probability, but it is able to monitoring at a definite time the relevance of the debt level of the firm’s capability to face it, on the basis of its effects on the economic and financial dynamics of the firm. Since the DRR is based on the firm’s fundamental analysis, it can be used also in the structured-form models.
Cultural Distance in the Workplace: Differences in Work-Related Attitudes between Vietnamese Employees and Western Employers
Authors: Tran Tran Thien Quynh , Admiraal Wilfried , Saab Nadira
Published: September 2017

In this globalized and internationalized world, intercultural communication at workplaces is a topic often examined. This study aimed to shed light on the cultural differences in work-related values between Western and Vietnamese employers in Vietnam. In total, 94 Western and Vietnamese companies in two areas in the South of Vietnam participated. Questionnaires were completed by 763 Vietnamese employees, 43 Vietnamese employers/managers and 33 Western employers/managers. The findings from the questionnaire data indicate that there are substantial differences in work-related attitudes between Western employers and Vietnamese employees that are related to both cultural differences and position in a company. Sense of time and face-concern are the two prominent differences between Western and Vietnamese professionals. Implications are discussed for further training of Vietnamese prospective graduates so that they can work effectively with Western employers/managers in the future.
Marshll–Olkin Extended Inverse Pareto Distribution and its Application
Authors: Gharib M- , Mohammed B-I- , Aghel W-E-R-
Published: September 2017

This paper introduces a new extension of the Inverse Pareto distribution along with in the framework of Marshal-Olkin (1997) family of distributions. This model is capable of modeling various shapes of aging and failure criteria. The statistical properties of the new model are discussed and the maximum likelihood and maximum product spacing’s methods are used to estimate the parameters involved. Explicit expressions are derived for the moments and the order statistics are examined for the new proposed model. Finally, the usefulness of the new model for modeling reliability data is illustrated using two real data sets with simulation study.
FinTech: inleiding, huidige ontwikkelingen en (toezichtrechtelijke) stand van zaken
Authors: Voerman J.A. , Baukema J.
Published: September 2017

FinTech: inleiding, huidige ontwikkelingen en (toezichtrechtelijke) stand van zaken

De ontwikkelingen op het gebied van FinTech gaan snel. FinTech lijkt dan ook een ware gamechanger. In deze bijdrage gaan de auteurs nader in op FinTech. Zij verwachten dat gevestigde techbedrijven vanwege hun slagkracht het meest van FinTech (zullen) profiteren. De gevestigde financiële ondernemingen maken echter ook een goede kans indien zij gebruikmaken van start-ups. Verder zien de auteurs dat overheden zich al actief met FinTech bezighouden. Een goede ontwikkeling, die in hun ogen vervolg moet krijgen. Daarnaast is het voor de ontwikkeling van FinTech van belang dat de wetgever bij het opstellen van toekomstige wet- en regelgeving zo veel mogelijk anticipeert op een flexibele wetstoepassing, die dit snel veranderende onderdeel van de financiële sector vergt. Deze bijdrage is van belang voor iedereen die meer wil weten over FinTech en de financieelrechtelijke stand van zaken aangaande dit onderwerp.
Governance Seminar – Bescherming: Nederland op slot?
Authors: van Vliet Q.H.
Published: September 2017

Governance Seminar – Bescherming: Nederland op slot?

Op 7 juni 2017 organiseerde Loyens & Loeff een Governance Seminar onder voorzitterschap van Charles Groenhuijsen. Het thema ‘Bescherming: Nederland op slot?’ werd door prominente sprekers uit allerlei invalshoeken belicht. Aan de hand van vier stellingen (die ook aan het publiek voorgelegd werden) ontstond een interessante discussie. De auteur geeft een beknopt verslag van hetgeen tijdens het seminar is besproken.
Application of the sentinel lymph node biopsy technique in laryngological oncology
Authors: Krawczyk Przemysław Hubert , Marcin Braun , Kaczmarczyk Dariusz , Morawiec-Sztandera Alina
Published: September 2017

Neoplasms of the head and neck stands for 6th most common malignant neoplasms in terms of morbidity in Poland.
The effectiveness of the treatment depends on the complete resection and presence of the lymphatic metastases, detection
of which might not be possible at the moment of diagnosis. Routine performance of the elective neck dissection
among patients without lymphadenopathy (cN0) may favour the occurrence of surgical complication and seems
to be too invasive procedure, particularly in group with non-advanced tumours (cT1-2). The sentinel lymph node biopsy
is diagnostic procedure, which allows to exclude presence of metastases in nodes draining lymph directly from
primary tumour. This technique let for a limitation of the extent of the procedure and the evaluation of the lymphatic
tissue under the microscope in order to exclude presence of neoplastic cells. Sentinel lymph node biopsy is commonly
use among patients with malignant melanoma of the skin and breast cancer. Multiple studies prove its usefulness
during treatment of patients with head and neck cancer.
A New Hematological Marker for Idiopathic Tinnitus: Monocyte/HDL ratio
Authors: Koçak Hasan Emre , Acıpayam Harun , Kaya Kamil Hakan
Published: September 2017

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between the monocyte/HDL ratio (MHR) and idiopathictinnitus.
Study Design: Retrospective case-control study.
Material-method: Eighty-nine patients with idiopathic tinnitus diagnosed on an outpatient basis between March2015 and June 2016 and 87 healthy individuals who presented to our hospital for a routine health examination andhad normal audiometry and otoscopy results were included in the study. Blood samples were obtained from patientsduring the first examination. The MHR was calculated as the ratio of the monocyte count to the HDL level. MHR ratioswere compared statistically between the groups.
Results: The monocyte count and the MHR were higher and HDL was lower in the study group compared to the controlgroup (p< 0.05). The cut-off value of MHR for diagnosing tinnitus was 11.
Conclusion: The MHR ratio was high in patients with idiopathic tinnitus, which supports the fact that atheroscleroticevents and oxidative stress are implicated in the etiology of tinnitus.
Socjalizm jako modernizacja – powojenna historia Polski w perspektywie rewizjonistyczne
Authors: Zysiak Agata
Published: September 2017

Polish science quite rarely identifies the postwar period as well as the time of the
Polish People’s Republic with modernity or modernization. More often the questions on
succumbing and enslavement appear, in particular in recent years we can notice the discourses
which compare the period of the Polish People’s Republic to the times of the German
occupation, thus the state socialism to the Nazism. Although it may seem that currently it is
even more difficult to perceive the times of the Polish People’s Republic as the time of
modernization, this is the approach I would like to propose.
THE INSURANCE PROTECTION OF THE PASSENGERS AS A
COMPONENT OF FINANCIAL AND ECONOMIC SECURITY
OF THE RAILWAY TRANSPORT
Authors: Panchenko Elena
Published: September 2017

The article explores the totality of relations that are formed in the process of compulsory
personal insurance of passengers against accidents in the railway transport. In
the process of analyzing the mechanism of insurance protection of passengers in railway
transport, its features and shortcomings are revealed, and directions for its improvement
are determined. The balance of interests of all subjects of railway-insurance
relations has been taking into account.
Stopień dysfonii u pacjentów w pierwszych dobach porażenia krtani o podłożu jatrogennym
Authors: Jędra Katarzyna , Sielska-Badurek Ewelina , Niemczyk Kazimierz
Published: September 2017

Wstęp: Najczęstszą przyczyną porażeń krtani są urazy jatrogenne. Pacjenci z objawami porażenia krtani trafiają do specjalisty zwykle po kilku tygodniach a nawet miesiącach. W literaturze brakuje informacji dotyczących zaburzeń głosu u pacjentów w pierwszych dobach porażenia krtani o podłożu jatrogennym. Cel pracy: Ocena jakości głosu u pacjentów w pierwszych dobach od wystąpienia porażenia krtani o podłożu jatrogennym. Materiał i metody: W badaniu wzięło udział 25 pacjentów z jatrogennym porażeniem krtani, które zgłaszały się na konsultację foniatryczną do Katedry i Kliniki Otolaryngologii WUM od maja 2015 do grudnia 2016. Pacjenci byli badani w 1-2 dobie od momentu wystąpienia zaburzeń głosu. U wszystkich wykonano wideolaryngostroboskopię krtani, na podstawie której oceniono: ruchomość fałdów głosowych, obecność przesunięcia brzeżnego, zwarcie fonacyjne, jednoczasowość oraz amplitudę drgań fonacyjnych fałdów głosowych. Przeprowadzono analizę akustyczną i na jej podstawie oceniono parametry akustyczne takie jak: DSI, F0, Shimmer, Jitter, NHR. Ponadto, oceniano maksymalny czas fonacji dla głoski [a] (MPT a) oraz przeprowadzono analizę percepcyjną głosu przy pomocy skali GRBAS. Pacjenci dokonali samooceny głosu posługując się 10-cio stopniową skalą VAS. Wyniki: Na podstawie badania wideolaryngostroboskopowego obserwowano występowanie niedomykalności fonacyjnej oraz asymetrii drgań fonacyjnych fałdów głosowych. W ocenie percepcyjnej głosu z wykorzystaniem skali GRBAS obserwowano chrypkę, głos chuchający oraz osłabienie głosu w stopniu lekkim lub średnim. U przeważającej większości osób uzyskano wyraźnie skrócony maksymalny czas fonacji dla głoski [a]. wszyscy pacjenci prezentowali odchylenia w ocenianych parametrach badań akustycznych. Żadna z badanych osób nie określiła, przy pomocy skali VAS swojego głosu jako całkowicie prawidłowy.
Recurrent ameloblastoma 30 years after surgical treatment
Authors: Miranda Fábio Vieira de , Iwaki Filho Liogi , Lima Valthierre Nunes de , Magro Filho Osvaldo , Faverani Leonardo Perez
Published: September 2017

Introduction: Ameloblastoma is a locally invasive, slowly growing odontogenic epithelium, which can reach large proportions. It is preferentially located in the region of mandibular molars. The most indicated treatment is resection with safety margin, since its potential for recurrence is high. Objective: To report a case of recurrence the ameloblastoma. Case report: A 60-year-old female patient came to the hospital with difficulty speaking and eating because of the mass inside the mouth and earaches. The extra-buccal physical examination had an increase in volume in the jugal and right temporal regions. At the intra-buccal physical examination there was a nodule approximately 5X6X7 cm, firm at palpation with normal overlying mucosa in color and continuity. The patient reported that 30 years ago she had undergone a surgical procedure to remove an ameloblastoma in the region of the right mandibular body. Imaging revealed a wide extension of the lesion, extending from the symphysis to the cranial base, in the middle cranial fossa region. Previous incisive biopsy revealed the diagnosis of follicular ameloblastoma. Conclusion: Ameloblastoma should be followed for a long period of time because it is a locally infiltrative benign neoplasm that, even when treated with surgery and safety margin, may recur late. The approach taken was the removal of the lesion associated with mandibular reconstruction.
Experimental In-Vivo Models Used in Fat Grafting Research for Volume Augmentation in Soft Tissue Reconstruction
Authors: Lujan-Hernandez Jorge , Appasani Raghu , Sullivan Kylee , Siegel-Reamer Leah , Lalikos Janice F.
Published: September 2017

As the popularity of fat grafting research increases, animal models are being used as the source of pre-clinical experimental information for discovery and to enhance techniques. To date, animal models used in this research have not been compared to provide a standardized model. We analyzed publications from 1968–2015 to compare published accounts of animal models in fat grafting research. Data collected included: species used, graft characteristics (donor tissue, recipient area, amount injected, injection technique), time of sacrifice and quantification methods. Mice were most commonly used (56% of studies), with the “athymic nude” strain utilized most frequently (44%). Autologous fat was the most common source of grafted tissue (52%). Subcutaneous dorsum was the most common recipient site (51%). On average, 0.80±0.60 mL of fat was grafted. A single bolus technique was used in 57% of studies. Fat volume assessment was typically completed at the end of the study, occurring at less than 1 week to one year. Graft volume was quantified by weight (63%), usually in conjunction with another analysis. The results demonstrate the current heterogeneity of animal models in this research. We propose that the research community reach a consensus to allow better comparison of techniques and results. One example is the model used in our laboratory and others; this model is described in detail. Eventually, larger animal models may better translate to the human condition but, given increased financial costs and animal facility capability, should be explored when data obtained from small animal studies is exhausted or inconclusive.
Effect of Preoperative Nasal Retainer on Nasal Growth in Patients with Bilateral Incomplete Cleft Lip: A 3-Year Follow-Up Study
Authors: Kim Young Chul , Jeong Woo Shik , Oh Tae Suk , Choi Jong Woo , Koh Kyung S.
Published: September 2017

Background The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in nasal growth after the implementation of a preoperative nasal retainer in patients with bilateral incomplete cleft lip.

Methods Twenty-six infants with bilateral incomplete cleft lip and cleft palate were included in the study. A preoperative nasal retainer was applied in 5 patients from the time of birth to 2.6–3.5 months before primary cheiloplasty. Twenty-one patients who were treated without a preoperative nasal retainer were placed in the control group. Standard frontal, basal, and lateral view photographs were taken 3 weeks before cheiloplasty, immediately after cheiloplasty, and at the 1- and 3-year postoperative follow-up visits. The columella and nasal growth ratio and nasolabial angle were indirectly measured using photographic anthropometry.

Results The ratio of columella length to nasal tip protrusion significantly increased after the implementation of a preoperative nasal retainer compared to the control group for up to 3 years postoperatively (P<0.01 for all time points). The ratios of nasal width to facial width, nasal width to intercanthal distance, columellar width to nasal width, and the nasolabial angle, for the two groups were not significantly different at any time point.

Conclusions Implementation of a preoperative nasal retainer provided significant advantages for achieving columellar elongation for up to 3 years postoperatively. It is a simple, reasonable option for correcting nostril shape, preventing deformities, and guiding development of facial structures.
Selection of Implants in Unilateral Prosthetic Breast Reconstruction and Contralateral Augmentation
Authors: Kim Soo Jung , Song Seung Yong , Lew Dae Hyun , Lee Dong Won
Published: September 2017

Background In breast reconstruction using implants after unilateral mastectomy, it is challenging to create a natural, ptotic contour, and asymmetry is a potential drawback. To achieve breast symmetry and an ideal shape for both breasts, we performed contralateral augmentation in patients undergoing breast reconstruction with implants.

Methods Patients underwent unilateral mastectomy and 2-stage reconstruction. During the second stage of the procedure, contralateral augmentation mammoplasty was performed. Preoperatively, we obtained the patients’ demographic information, and we then assessed breast volume, the volume and dimensions of the inserted implants, and complications. Breast symmetry was observed by the surgeon and was assessed by measuring the disparity between the final volume of each breast.

Results Contralateral augmentation was performed in 52 cases. When compared to patients who did not undergo a contralateral balancing procedure, patients who received contralateral augmentation were younger, thinner, and had smaller breasts. During implant selection for contralateral augmentation, we chose implants that were approximately 1 cm shorter in width, 1 level lower in height, and 1 or 2 levels lower in projection than the implants used for reconstruction. The postoperative breast contours were symmetric and the final volume discrepancy between each breast, which was measured by 3-dimensional scanning, was acceptable.

Conclusions We demonstrate that contralateral augmentation can be recommended for patients who perceive their breasts to be small and not beautiful in order to achieve an ideal and beautiful shape for both breasts. Furthermore, this study offers guidelines for selecting the implant that will lead to the optimal aesthetic outcome.
Acute Osteomyelitis in the Hand Due to Dog Bite Injury: A Report of 3 Cases
Authors: Lee Ryun , Lee Hee Young , Kim Ji Hyun , Han Yea Sik , Kim Dong Chul , Tark Kwan Chul
Published: September 2017

As many people keep small dogs as pets, dog bites are common injuries, accounting for approximately 80%–90% of all animal bite injuries. These injuries usually occur on the upper extremities, most commonly on the fingers. Most of these injuries appear as simple lacerations or abrasions of the skin. Common symptoms include inflammatory reactions of the soft tissue, such as pain, swelling, erythema, and cellulitis. However, the complications of small dog bites may include joint or cartilage injuries, including acute osteomyelitis. Once osteomyelitis develops, it is difficult to diagnose since it has a latency period of approximately 2 weeks. Plain radiography, magnetic resonance imaging, and 3-phase bone scans should be performed when acute osteomyelitis is suspected, and broad-spectrum empiric antibiotic treatment should be administered for approximately 8–12 weeks. We report 3 very rare cases of acute osteomyelitis that occurred after a dog bite injury.
Cenomanio-apatinės kreidos sluoksnio požeminio vandens išteklių ir hidrocheminių anomalijų modelinis įvertinimas
Authors: Gregorauskas Marius , Kaušinis Kostas , Bujanauskas Modestas , Samalavičius Vytautas , Mokrik Robert
Published: September 2017

Pietų Lietuvoje esantis cenomanio-apatinės kreidos vandeningasis sluoksnis pasižymi savitomis plačiai paplitusiomis sūraus požeminio vandens anomalijomis. Šis sluoksnis formuojasi vandeniui pertekant per gilumines lūžių zonas iš giliau slūgstančių triaso ir permo vandeningųjų sluoksnių. Sūraus vandens intruzijos išreikštos didesnės chloridų koncentracijos kupolais, aptinkamos iškrovos vietose – Šešupės ir Nemuno upių slėniuose, dažnai siekia net gruntinio vandens sluoksnius. Sūraus vandens kontūras juda link vandenviečių, blogina požeminio vandens eksploatacinių išteklių kokybę ir riboja jų kiekį.
Transformations of the Image of Paneriai in Jozef Mackiewicz’s Essay “Ponary-baza”
Authors: Vitkus Zigmas
Published: September 2017

This paper deals with the examination of the text “Ponary-baza” (1945) by the Polishwriter and journalist Jozef Mackiewicz (1902–1985), in which he describes the massacre of Jews in Paneriai (Ponary, Ponar) in April 1943. The author of the paper explores the historical context and circumstances in which the text “Ponary-baza” emerged, presents genre characteristics of this piece of writing, shows its coherence with other pieces written by Mackiewicz, and analyses the image of Paneriai presented in the text widening its historical and literary contexts. Mackiewicz’s “Ponarybaza” is one of a few examples of texts-testimonies written by a Holocaust witness in which changes of the “genius loci” of a particular Holocaust site and the transformation of its image in public imagination are being reflected upon.
The Promethean Aspects in the Worldview of Jurgis Baltrušaitis and Giovanni Papini
Authors: Keturakis Ugnius
Published: September 2017

The object of the paper is Prometheism in Baltrušaitis’s and Papini’s epistolary leg­acy (letters in Italian that Baltrušaitis wrote to Papini, 153 of which are stored in the Manuscripts Department of the National Library of Russia and in Papini’s archive in Fiesole, Italy) and in the creative work of both authors that was published at the end of the nineteenth century and at the beginning of the twentieth century in the Russian and Italian periodical press and in collections of poetry and prose. Baltrušaitis and Papini had a common viewpoint on creative work: it was Prometheism. Its ideological grounds, however, were different: philosophical conceptions of Solovyov’s “Godman” and Nietzsche’s “superhuman”. Baltrušaitis’s Promethean viewpoint is based on the philosophy of Solovyov, according to which “God-man” is a synthesis of humanity and divinity, whereas Papini’s Promethean viewpoint refers to Nietzsche’s idea of the “superhuman” as an absolute category, a man who became God. Connections between Baltrušaitis’s and Papini’s Prometheism, political attitudes of both authors, and the differences in these attitudes were determined by diverse philosophical fundamentals of Russian and Italian Prometheism.
Static and Dynamic CO2 Storage Capacity Estimates of a Potential CO2 Geological Sequestration Site in Louisiana Chemical Corridor
Authors: Zulqarnain Muhammad , Zeidouni Mehdi , Hughes Richard G.
Published: September 2017

The close proximity of large CO2 emitters and depleted oil and gas reservoirs in the Louisiana Chemical Corridor (LCC) provide unique opportunities for CO2 geological sequestration in coastal Louisiana. The identification of sites with good storage capacity and retention characteristics is of prime importance for successful CO2 storage projects. In this study, the Bayou Sorrel field area located within close proximity of some of the large CO2 emitters in the LCC, is analyzed as a potential candidate site for aquifer storage. The results of static and dynamic aquifer storage capacity estimates are presented in this study. A volumetric approach is used to estimate the static storage capacity, and reservoir simulations are performed to compute dynamic storage capacity. The field and well data from publically available data sources are compiled to characterize the sands for prospective CO2 sequestration intervals (i.e., non-productive sands), and pressure and temperature conditions.

Information of total areal extent, gross formation thickness, and total porosity are used along with a storage efficiency factor to find the pore volume available for storage. The upper depth limit for CO2 injection is dictated by the pressure and temperature conditions at which CO2 exists in a supercritical state. The Peng-Robinson (PR) equation of state is used in conjunction with subsurface pressure and temperature to determine the minimum depth at which CO2 is supercritical. Multiple geological realizations are used for a realistic site specific storage capacity estimate. The reservoir simulations capture the transient nature of the process and provide estimation of storage capacity under dynamic conditions. The sensitivity of injection location and boundaries is also evaluated in the dynamic storage capacity estimates.

The results of the dynamic storage capacity estimate for a 1,000 ft thick interval at an average depth of 7,100 ft show that reasonable values of storage efficiency factors for this region are in the range of 1.14 to 2%. The results of the dynamic model also show that the nature of the storage zone boundary type, end point saturation and injection rate play significant role in estimation of dynamic storage capacity. These factors may induce more than 30% change in estimated dynamic storage value. The calculated storage efficiency factor may be applicable to other potential sites in this region, having similar geological characteristics.
Ubiquilin1 promotes antigen-receptor mediated proliferation by eliminating mislocalized mitochondrial proteins
Authors: Whiteley Alexandra M , Prado Miguel A , Peng Ivan , Abbas Alexander R , Haley Benjamin , Paulo Joao A , Reichelt Mike , Katakam Anand , Sagolla Meredith , Modrusan Zora , Lee Dong Yun , Roose-Girma Merone , Kirkpatrick Donald S , McKenzie Brent S , Gygi Steven P , Finley Daniel , Brown Eric J
Published: September 2017

Ubiquilins (Ubqlns) are a family of ubiquitin receptors that promote the delivery of hydrophobic and aggregated ubiquitinated proteins to the proteasome for degradation. We carried out a proteomic analysis of a B cell lymphoma-derived cell line, BJAB, that requires UBQLN1 for survival to identify UBQLN1 client proteins. When UBQLN1 expression was acutely inhibited, 120 mitochondrial proteins were enriched in the cytoplasm, suggesting that the accumulation of mitochondrial client proteins in the absence of UBQLN1 is cytostatic. Using a Ubqln1−/− mouse strain, we found that B cell receptor (BCR) ligation of Ubqln1−/− B cells led to a defect in cell cycle entry. As in BJAB cells, mitochondrial proteins accumulated in BCR-stimulated cells, leading to protein synthesis inhibition and cell cycle block. Thus, UBQLN1 plays an important role in clearing mislocalized mitochondrial proteins upon cell stimulation, and its absence leads to suppression of protein synthesis and cell cycle arrest.
Benchmarking viromics: an in silico evaluation of metagenome-enabled estimates of viral community composition and diversity
Authors: Roux Simon , Emerson Joanne B. , Eloe-Fadrosh Emiley A. , Sullivan Matthew B.
Published: September 2017

Background

Viral metagenomics (viromics) is increasingly used to obtain uncultivated viral genomes, evaluate community diversity, and assess ecological hypotheses. While viromic experimental methods are relatively mature and widely accepted by the research community, robust bioinformatics standards remain to be established. Here we used in silico mock viral communities to evaluate the viromic sequence-to-ecological-inference pipeline, including (i) read pre-processing and metagenome assembly, (ii) thresholds applied to estimate viral relative abundances based on read mapping to assembled contigs, and (iii) normalization methods applied to the matrix of viral relative abundances for alpha and beta diversity estimates.

Results

Tools specifically designed for metagenomes, specifically metaSPAdes, MEGAHIT, and IDBA-UD, were the most effective at assembling viromes. Read pre-processing, such as partitioning, had virtually no impact on assembly output, but may be useful when hardware is limited. Viral populations with 2–5 × coverage typically assembled well, whereas lesser coverage led to fragmented assembly. Strain heterogeneity within populations hampered assembly, especially when strains were closely related (average nucleotide identity, or ANI ≥97%) and when the most abundant strain represented <50% of the population. Viral community composition assessments based on read recruitment were generally accurate when the following thresholds for detection were applied: (i) ≥10 kb contig lengths to define populations, (ii) coverage defined from reads mapping at ≥90% identity, and (iii) ≥75% of contig length with ≥1 × coverage. Finally, although data are limited to the most abundant viruses in a community, alpha and beta diversity patterns were robustly estimated (±10%) when comparing samples of similar sequencing depth, but more divergent (up to 80%) when sequencing depth was uneven across the dataset. In the latter cases, the use of normalization methods specifically developed for metagenomes provided the best estimates.

Conclusions

These simulations provide benchmarks for selecting analysis cut-offs and establish that an optimized sample-to-ecological-inference viromics pipeline is robust for making ecological inferences from natural viral communities. Continued development to better accessing RNA, rare, and/or diverse viral populations and improved reference viral genome availability will alleviate many of viromics remaining limitations.
Seasonal Crustal Seismic Velocity Changes Throughout Japan
Authors: Wang Qing‐Yu , Brenguier Florent , Campillo Michel , Lecointre Albanne , Takeda Tetsuya , Aoki Yosuke
Published: September 2017

Noise‐based crustal seismic velocity changes are known to be affected by environmental perturbations, such as rainfall, atmospheric pressure loading, and temperature changes. Similar to geodetic observations, these external perturbations can mask the effects of tectonic and volcanic processes. In this study, we benefit from the dense Hi‐net short‐period seismic network that covers the entire Japan to measure continuous changes in seismic velocities over a few years, using noise‐based seismic monitoring. Some strong seasonal seismic velocity changes are observed in both southern Japan (Kyushu Island) and northern Japan (Hokkaido Island). Decreasing of seismic velocities in summer in southern Japan can be clearly explained by a model of increased crustal fluid pore pressure associated with high rainfall. In northern Japan, it is necessary to adopt a more complex model to explain the observed seismic velocity variations, which takes into account precipitation, snow depth, and sea level changes. Moreover, western and eastern Hokkaido Island show very different responses to these different external perturbations. The models developed are used to remove the seasonal components of the seismic velocity changes. The minimum remaining detectable seismic velocity change reduces to 10−5, which allows detection of crustal responses to small earthquakes that are previously hidden in the strong seasonal perturbations.
Optical Measurement of Cell Colonization Patterns on Individual Suspended Sediment Aggregates
Authors: Nguyen Thu Ha , Tang Fiona H. M. , Maggi Federico
Published: September 2017

Microbial processes can make substantial differences to the way in which particles settle in aquatic environments. A novel method (OMCEC, optical measurement of cell colonization) is introduced to systematically map the biological spatial distribution over individual suspended sediment aggregates settling through a water column. OMCEC was used to investigate (1) whether a carbon source concentration has an impact on cell colonization, (2) how cells colonize minerals, and (3) if a correlation between colonization patterns and aggregate geometry exists. Incubations of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and stained montmorillonite at four sucrose concentrations were tested in a settling column equipped with a full‐color microparticle image velocimetry system. The acquired high‐resolution images were processed to map the cell distribution on aggregates based on emission spectra separation. The likelihood of cells colonizing minerals increased with increasing sucrose concentration. Colonization patterns were classified into (i) scattered, (ii) well touched, and (iii) poorly touched, with the second being predominant. Cell clusters in well‐touched patterns were found to have lower capacity dimension than those in other patterns, while the capacity dimension of the corresponding aggregates was relatively high. A strong correlation of colonization patterns with aggregate biomass fraction and properties suggests dynamic colonization mechanisms from cell attachment to minerals, to joining of isolated cell clusters, and finally cell growth over the entire aggregate. This paper introduces a widely applicable method for analyses of microbial‐affected sediment dynamics and highlights the microbial control on aggregate geometry, which can improve the prediction of large‐scale morphodynamics processes.
The Accuracy of Radio Direction Finding in the Extremely Low Frequency Range
Authors: Mlynarczyk Janusz , Kulak Andrzej , Salvador Jacobo
Published: September 2017

In this work, we study the accuracy of direction finding in the extremely low frequency (ELF) range using a newly installed broadband receiver equipped with two active magnetic antennas. The main natural source of ELF radio waves is lightning. In this work, we analyzed 1000 atmospheric discharges at distances of up to 5000 km from the receiver. We identified the most important factors influencing the accuracy of the angle of arrival: the deviation of the radio waves propagating through the day‐night terminator zone and the signal‐to‐noise ratio resulting from local electromagnetic noise and Schumann resonance background. The obtained results clearly show that the accuracy of estimating the direction of arrival is very high (an average error of 0.1° with the standard deviation of 2.3°) when the signal‐to‐noise ratio is large (the amplitude of the magnetic field component above 100 pT), except for short periods in the local morning and evening, when the day‐night terminator is present on the propagation path of the direct wave. For the day‐night propagation paths, the refraction angle was larger than the incidence angle, and for the night‐day propagation paths, the refraction angle was smaller than the incidence angle, which is consistent with theory. Using our analytical ELF radio propagation model allowed us to explain the obtained results.
Phanerozoic Morphotectonic Evolution of the Zimbabwe Craton: Unexpected Outcomes From a Multiple Low‐Temperature Thermochronology Study
Authors: Mackintosh Vhairi , Kohn Barry , Gleadow Andrew , Tian Yuntao
Published: September 2017

The fragmentary Phanerozoic geological record of the anomalously elevated Zimbabwe Craton makes reconstructing its history difficult using conventional field methods. Here we constrain the cryptic Phanerozoic evolution of the Zimbabwe Craton using a spatially extensive apatite (U‐Th‐Sm)/He (AHe), apatite fission track (AFT), and zircon (U‐Th)/He (ZHe) data set. Joint thermal history modeling reveals that the region experienced two cooling episodes inferred to be the denudational response to surface uplift. The first and most significant protracted denudation period was triggered by stress transmission from the adjacent ~750–500 Ma Pan‐African orogenesis during the amalgamation of Gondwana. The spatial extent of this rejuvenation signature, encompassing the current broad topographic high, could indicate the possible longevity of an ancient topographic feature. The ZHe data reveal a second, minor denudation phase which began in the Paleogene and removed a kilometer‐scale Karoo cover from the craton. Within our data set, the majority of ZHe ages are younger than their corresponding AHe and AFT ages, even at relatively low eU. This unexpectedly recurrent age “inversion” suggests that in certain environments, moderately, as well as extremely, damaged zircons have the potential to act as ultra‐low‐temperature thermochronometers. Thermal history modeling results reveal that the zircon radiation damage accumulation and annealing model (ZRDAAM) frequently overpredicts the ZHe age. However, the opposite is true for extremely damaged zircons where the ZHe and AHe data are also seemingly incompatible. This suggests that modification of the ZRDAAM may be required for moderate to extreme damage levels.
Identification of time‐delay Markov jump autoregressive exogenous systems with expectation‐maximization algorithm
Authors: Chen Xin , Zhao Shunyi , Liu Fei
Published: September 2017

This paper is concerned with the identification problem of the Markov jump autoregressive exogenous system with an unknown time delay. The considered problem is solved using the expectation‐maximization algorithm, which estimates the parameters of local models, Markov transition probabilities, and time delay simultaneously. A numerical example and a simulated continuous fermentation reactor example are given to illustrate the capability of the proposed method. It shows that the influences of time delay during identification can be overcome by the proposed algorithm effectively.
Nucleation Crystallography of Ni Grains on CrFeNb Inoculants Investigated by Edge‐to‐Edge Matching Model in an IN718 Superalloy
Authors: Yang Wenchao , Qu Pengfei , Liu Lin , Jie Ziqi , Huang Taiwen , Wang Feng , Zhang Jun
Published: September 2017

In this work, the nucleation crystallography of CrFeNb intermetallic particles as a grain refiner for Ni‐based IN718 superalloys is studied using Edge‐to‐Edge Matching model. Three distinguishable orientation relationships between CrFeNb intermetallic particles and Ni grains are well predicted: , (111)Ni 1.28° from (0004)CrFeNb, , (111)Ni 1.32° from CrFeNb, and Ni//[0001]CrFeNb, (111)Ni 0.72° from CrFeNb. The results indicate that CrFeNb intermetallic particles have a strong nucleation potency as an effective grain refiner for Ni‐based superalloy and the existence of semi‐coherent interfaces between the CrFeNb intermetallic particles and Ni grains. Furthermore, the IN718 superalloy is used to experimentally validate the grain refinement effect of CrFeNb intermetallic particles, showing that its grain size is obviously refined from 8.60 to 1.23 mm. And, the corresponding heterogeneous nucleation mechanism of grain refinement at the atomic level is further identified.
Sonication‐Assisted Synthesis of Gallium Oxide Suspensions Featuring Trap State Absorption: Test of Photochemistry
Authors: Syed Nitu , Zavabeti Ali , Mohiuddin Md , Zhang Baoyue , Wang Yichao , Datta Robi S. , Atkin Paul , Carey Benjamin J. , Tan Cheng , van Embden Joel , Chesman Anthony S. R. , Ou Jian Zhen , Daeneke Torben , Kalantar‐zadeh Kourosh
Published: September 2017

Gallium is a near room temperature liquid metal with extraordinary properties that partly originate from the self‐limiting oxide layer formed on its surface. Taking advantage of the surface gallium oxide (Ga2O3), this work introduces a novel technique to synthesize gallium oxide nanoflakes at high yield by harvesting the self‐limiting native surface oxide of gallium. The synthesis process follows a facile two‐step method comprising liquid gallium metal sonication in DI water and subsequent annealing. In order to explore the functionalities of the product, the obtained hexagonal α‐Ga2O3 nanoflakes are used as a photocatalytic material to decompose organic model dyes. Excellent photocatalytic activity is observed under solar light irradiation. To elucidate the origin of these enhanced catalytic properties, the electronic band structure of the synthesized α‐Ga2O3 is carefully assessed. Consequently, this excellent photocatalytic performance is associated with an energy bandgap reduction, due to the presence of trap states, which are located at ≈1.65 eV under the conduction band minimum. This work presents a novel route for synthesizing oxide nanostructures that can be extended to other low melting temperature metals and their alloys, with great prospects for scaling up and high yield synthesis.
Laser‐Printed Organic Thin‐Film Transistors
Authors: Diemer Peter J. , Harper Angela F. , Niazi Muhammad R. , Petty Anthony J. , Anthony John E. , Amassian Aram , Jurchescu Oana D.
Published: September 2017

Solution deposition of organic optoelectronic materials enables fast roll‐to‐roll manufacturing of photonic and electronic devices on any type of substrate and at low cost. But controlling the film microstructure when it crystallizes from solution can be challenging. This represents a major limitation of this technology, since the microstructure, in turn, governs the charge transport properties of the material. Further, the solvents typically used are hazardous, which precludes their incorporation in large‐scale manufacturing processes. Here, the first ever organic thin‐film transistor fabricated with an electrophotographic laser printing process using a standard office laser printer is reported. This completely solvent‐free additive manufacturing method allows for simultaneous deposition, purification, and patterning of the organic semiconductor layer. Laser‐printed transistors using triisopropylsilylethynyl pentacene as the semiconductor layer are realized on flexible substrates and characterized, making this a successful first demonstration of the potential of laser printing of organic semiconductors.