bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE LUMINOSITY DEPENDENCE OF QUASAR UV CONTINUUM SLOPE: DUST EXTINCTION SCENARIO
Authors: Xie Xiaoyi , Shao Zhengyi , Shen Shiyin , Liu Hui , Li Linlin
Published: June 2016

We investigate the UV continuum slope α of a large quasar sample from SDSS DR7. By using specific continuum windows, we build two samples at lower (

) and higher (

) redshifts, which correspond to the continuum slopes at longer (near-UV) and shorter (far-UV) rest wavelength ranges, respectively. Overall, the average continuum slopes are −0.36 and −0.51 for

and

with similar dispersions

. For both samples, we confirm the luminosity dependence of the continuum slope, i.e., fainter quasars have redder spectra. We further find that both

and

have a common upper limit (

), which is almost independent of the quasar luminosity

. This finding implies that the intrinsic quasar continuum (or the bluest quasar), at any luminosity, obeys the standard thin-disk model. We propose that the other quasars with redder α are caused by the reddening from the dust locally. With this assumption, we employ the dust extinction scenario to model the observed

relation. We find that a typical value of

(depending on the types of extinction curve) of the quasar local dust is enough to explain the discrepancy of α between the observation (

) and the standard accretion disk model prediction (

).
THE INTRINSIC SHAPE OF SAGITTARIUS A* AT 3.5 mm WAVELENGTH
Authors: Ortiz-León Gisela N. , Johnson Michael D. , Doeleman Sheperd S. , Blackburn Lindy , Fish Vincent L. , Loinard Laurent , Reid Mark J. , Castillo Edgar , Chael Andrew A. , Hernández-Gómez Antonio , Hughes David H. , León-Tavares Jonathan , Lu Ru-Sen , Montaña Alfredo , Narayanan Gopal , Rosenfeld Katherine , Sánchez David , Schloerb F. Peter , Shen Zhi-qiang , Shiokawa Hotaka , SooHoo Jason , Vertatschitsch Laura
Published: June 2016

The radio emission from Sgr A

is thought to be powered by accretion onto a supermassive black hole of

at the Galactic Center. At millimeter wavelengths, Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) observations can directly resolve the bright innermost accretion region of Sgr A

. Motivated by the addition of many sensitive long baselines in the north–south direction, we developed a full VLBI capability at the Large Millimeter Telescope Alfonso Serrano (LMT). We successfully detected Sgr A

at 3.5 mm with an array consisting of six Very Long Baseline Array telescopes and the LMT. We model the source as an elliptical Gaussian brightness distribution and estimate the scattered size and orientation of the source from closure amplitude and self-calibration analysis, obtaining consistent results between methods and epochs. We then use the known scattering kernel to determine the intrinsic two-dimensional source size at 3.5 mm:

, at position angle

east of north. Finally, we detect non-zero closure phases on some baseline triangles, but we show that these are consistent with being introduced by refractive scattering in the interstellar medium and do not require intrinsic source asymmetry to explain.
A NEW ESTIMATOR OF THE DECELERATION PARAMETER FROM GALAXY ROTATION CURVES
Authors: van Putten Maurice H. P. M.
Published: June 2016

The nature of dark energy can be probed by the derivative

at redshift z = 0 of the deceleration parameter q(z). It is probably static if

or dynamic if

, supporting ΛCDM or

, respectively, where H denotes the Hubble parameter. We derive

, enabling a determination of q(z) by measuring Milgrom’s parameter,

, in galaxy rotation curves, equivalent to the coefficient A in the Tully–Fisher relation

between a rotation velocity V

c
and a baryonic mass M

b
. We infer that dark matter should be extremely light, with clustering limited to the size of galaxy clusters. The associated transition radius to non-Newtonian gravity can conceivably be probed in a freefall Cavendish-type experiment in space.
VARIANCE ANISOTROPY IN KINETIC PLASMAS
Authors: Parashar Tulasi N. , Oughton Sean , Matthaeus William H. , Wan Minping
Published: June 2016

Solar wind fluctuations admit well-documented anisotropies of the variance matrix, or polarization, related to the mean magnetic field direction. Typically, one finds a ratio of perpendicular variance to parallel variance of the order of 9:1 for the magnetic field. Here we study the question of whether a kinetic plasma spontaneously generates and sustains parallel variances when initiated with only perpendicular variance. We find that parallel variance grows and saturates at about 5% of the perpendicular variance in a few nonlinear times irrespective of the Reynolds number. For sufficiently large systems (Reynolds numbers) the variance approaches values consistent with the solar wind observations.
A COMPREHENSIVE STATISTICAL DESCRIPTION OF RADIO-THROUGH-γ-RAY SPECTRAL ENERGY DISTRIBUTIONS OF ALL KNOWN BLAZARS
Authors: Mao Peiyuan , Urry C. Megan , Massaro Francesco , Paggi Alessandro , Cauteruccio Joe , Künzel Soren R.
Published: June 2016

We combined multi-wavelength data for blazars from the Roma-BZCAT catalog and analyzed hundreds of X-ray spectra. We present the fluxes and spectral energy distributions (SEDs), in 12 frequency bands from radio to γ-rays, for a final sample of 2214 blazars. Using a model-independent statistical approach, we looked for systematic trends in the SEDs; the most significant trends involved the radio luminosities and X-ray spectral indices of the blazars. We used a principal component analysis (PCA) to determine the basis vectors of the blazar SEDs and, in order to maximize the size of the sample, imputed missing fluxes using the K-nearest neighbors method. Using more than an order of magnitude more data than was available when Fossati et al. first reported trends of SED shape with blazar luminosity, we confirmed the anti-correlation between radio luminosity and synchrotron peak frequency, although with greater scatter than was seen in the smaller sample. The same trend can be seen between bolometric luminosity and synchrotron peak frequency. Finally, we used all of the available blazar data to determine an empirical SED description that depends only on the radio luminosity at 1.4 GHz and the redshift. We verified that this statistically significant relation was not a result of the luminosity–luminosity correlations that are natural in flux-limited samples (i.e., where the correlation is actually caused by the redshift rather than the luminosity).
A STATISTICAL STUDY OF THE AVERAGE IRON CHARGE STATE DISTRIBUTIONS INSIDE MAGNETIC CLOUDS FOR SOLAR CYCLE 23
Authors: Song H. Q. , Zhong Z. , Chen Y. , Zhang J. , Cheng X. , Zhao L. , Hu Q. , Li G.
Published: June 2016

Magnetic clouds (MCs) are the interplanetary counterparts of coronal magnetic flux ropes. They can provide valuable information regarding flux rope characteristics at their eruption stage in the corona, which is unable to be explored in situ at present. In this paper, we make a comprehensive survey of the average iron charge-state (

) distributions inside 96 MCs for solar cycle 23 using Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE) data. Since the

in the solar wind are typically around 9+ to 11+, the Fe charge state is defined as being high when the

is larger than 12+, which implies the existence of a considerable amount of Fe ions with high charge states (e.g., ≥16+). The statistical results show that the

distributions of 92 (∼96%) MCs can be classified into four groups with different characteristics. In group A (11 MCs), the

shows a bi-modal distribution with both peaks being higher than 12+. Group B (4 MCs) presents a unimodal distribution of

, with its peak being higher than 12+. In groups C (29 MCs) and D (48 MCs), the

remains higher and lower than 12+ throughout ACE’s passage through the MC, respectively. Possible explanations of these distributions are discussed.
THE SPITZER-HETDEX EXPLORATORY LARGE-AREA SURVEY
Authors: Papovich C. , Shipley H. V. , Mehrtens N. , Lanham C. , Lacy M. , Ciardullo R. , Finkelstein S. L. , Bassett R. , Behroozi P. , Blanc G. A. , Jong R. S. de , DePoy D. L. , Drory N. , Gawiser E. , Gebhardt K. , Gronwall C. , Hill G. J. , Hopp U. , Jogee S. , Kawinwanichakij L. , Marshall J. L. , McLinden E. , Cooper E. Mentuch , Somerville R. S. , Steinmetz M. , Tran K.-V. , Tuttle S. , Viero M. , Wechsler R. , Zeimann G.
Published: June 2016

We present post-cryogenic Spitzer imaging at 3.6 and 4.5 μm with the Infrared Array Camera (IRAC) of the Spitzer/HETDEX Exploratory Large-Area (SHELA) survey. SHELA covers ≈24 deg2 of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey “Stripe 82” region, and falls within the footprints of the Hobby–Eberly Telescope Dark Energy Experiment (HETDEX) and the Dark Energy Survey. The HETDEX blind R ∼ 800 spectroscopy will produce ∼200,000 redshifts from the Lyα emission for galaxies in the range 1.9 < z < 3.5, and an additional ∼200,000 redshifts from the [O ii] emission for galaxies at z < 0.5. When combined with deep ugriz images from the Dark Energy Camera, K-band images from NEWFIRM, and other ancillary data, the IRAC photometry from Spitzer will enable a broad range of scientific studies of the relationship between structure formation, galaxy stellar mass, halo mass, the presence of active galactic nuclei, and environment over a co-moving volume of ∼0.5 Gpc3 at 1.9 < z < 3.5. Here, we discuss the properties of the SHELA IRAC data set, including the data acquisition, reduction, validation, and source catalogs. Our tests show that the images and catalogs are 80% (50%) complete to limiting magnitudes of 22.0 (22.6) AB mag in the detection image, which is constructed from the weighted sum of the IRAC 3.6 and 4.5 μm images. The catalogs reach limiting sensitivities of 1.1 μJy at both 3.6 and 4.5 μm (1σ, for R = 2″ circular apertures). As a demonstration of the science, we present IRAC number counts, examples of highly temporally variable sources, and galaxy surface density profiles of rich galaxy clusters. In the spirit of the Spitzer Exploratory programs, we provide all of the images and catalogs as part of the publication.
CHARGE EXCHANGE-INDUCED X-RAY EMISSION OF Fe xxv AND Fe xxvi VIA A STREAMLINED MODEL
Authors: Mullen P. D. , Cumbee R. S. , Lyons D. , Stancil P. C.
Published: June 2016

Charge exchange (CX) is an important process for the modeling of X-ray spectra obtained by the Chandra, XMM-Newton, and Suzaku X-ray observatories, as well as the anticipated Astro-H mission. The understanding of the observed X-ray spectra produced by many astrophysical environments is hindered by the current incompleteness of available atomic and molecular data—especially for CX. Here, we implement a streamlined program set that applies quantum defect methods and the Landau–Zener theory to generate total, n-resolved, and

-resolved cross sections for any given projectile ion/target CX collision. By using these data in a cascade model for X-ray emission, theoretical spectra for such systems can be predicted. With these techniques, Fe25+ and Fe26+ CX collisions with H, He, H2, N2, H2O, and CO are studied for single-electron capture (SEC). These systems have been selected because they illustrate computational difficulties for high projectile charges. Furthermore, Fe xxv and Fe xxvi emission lines have been detected in the Galactic center and Galactic ridge. Theoretical X-ray spectra for these collision systems are compared to experimental data generated by an electron-beam ion trap study. Several ℓ-distribution models have been tested for Fe25+ and Fe26+ SEC. Such analyses suggests that commonly used ℓ-distribution models struggle to accurately reflect the true distribution of electron capture as understood by more advanced theoretical methods.
CLASH-VLT: DISSECTING THE FRONTIER FIELDS GALAXY CLUSTER MACS J0416.1-2403 WITH ∼800 SPECTRA OF MEMBER GALAXIES
Authors: Balestra I. , Mercurio A. , Sartoris B. , Girardi M. , Grillo C. , Nonino M. , Rosati P. , Biviano A. , Ettori S. , Forman W. , Jones C. , Koekemoer A. , Medezinski E. , Merten J. , Ogrean G. A. , Tozzi P. , Umetsu K. , Vanzella E. , Weeren R. J. van , Zitrin A. , Annunziatella M. , Caminha G. B. , Broadhurst T. , Coe D. , Donahue M. , Fritz A. , Frye B. , Kelson D. , Lombardi M. , Maier C. , Meneghetti M. , Monna A. , Postman M. , Scodeggio M. , Seitz S. , Ziegler B.
Published: June 2016

We present VIMOS-Very Large Telescope (VLT) spectroscopy of the Frontier Fields cluster MACS J0416.1-2403 (z = 0.397). Taken as part of the CLASH-VLT survey, the large spectroscopic campaign provided more than 4000 reliable redshifts over ∼600 arcmin2, including ∼800 cluster member galaxies. The unprecedented sample of cluster members at this redshift allows us to perform a highly detailed dynamical and structural analysis of the cluster out to ∼2.2 r
200 (∼4 Mpc). Our analysis of substructures reveals a complex system composed of a main massive cluster (M
200 ∼ 0.9 × 1015
M
⊙ and σ

V,r200 ∼ 1000 km s−1) presenting two major features: (i) a bimodal velocity distribution, showing two central peaks separated by ΔV
rf ∼ 1100 km s−1 with comparable galaxy content and velocity dispersion, and (ii) a projected elongation of the main substructures along the NE–SW direction, with a prominent sub-clump ∼600 kpc SW of the center and an isolated BCG approximately halfway between the center and the SW clump. We also detect a low-mass structure at z ∼ 0.390, ∼10′ south of the cluster center, projected at ∼3 Mpc, with a relative line-of-sight velocity of ΔV
rf ∼ −1700 km s−1. The cluster mass profile that we obtain through our dynamical analysis deviates significantly from the “universal” NFW, being best fit by a Softened Isothermal Sphere model instead. The mass profile measured from the galaxy dynamics is found to be in relatively good agreement with those obtained from strong and weak lensing, as well as with that from the X-rays, despite the clearly unrelaxed nature of the cluster. Our results reveal an overall complex dynamical state of this massive cluster and support the hypothesis that the two main subclusters are being observed in a pre-collisional phase, in agreement with recent findings from radio and deep X-ray data. In this article, we also release the entire redshift catalog of 4386 sources in the field of this cluster, which includes 60 identified Chandra X-ray sources and 105 JVLA radio sources.
Information needs and barriers to information sources by open and distance learners: A case of Mzuzu University, Malawi
Authors: Chawinga Winner D. , Zozie Paxton
Published: June 2016

Background: The Centre for Open and Distance Learning at Mzuzu University was established in 2006 with the aim to increase and broaden access to higher education to most Malawians who despite meeting entry requirements into higher education were not selected because of shortage of space on campus and other learning and teaching resources. Although Open and Distance Learning (ODL) is hyped as a practical option for making higher education available to many people as widely reported in the literature, universities need to address several issues for it to hold its ground.Objectives: The study set out to investigate information needs and barriers to information sources by ODL students by addressing three objectives, namely information needs of ODL students, information sources of ODL students and challenges that ODL students face when seeking information for their courses of study.Method: A survey questionnaire with a mix of closed-ended and open-ended questions was distributed to 350 students to find out the information sources and challenges that the ODL students face when searching for information to accomplish their academic activities.Results: According to the findings, all 258 (100%) students who answered the questionnaire need information to prepare for the end-of-semester examinations. Information sources that are used most by students include lecture notes, Internet and library books with scores of 238 (92.6%), 207 (80.5%) and 199 (77.4%), respectively.Conclusion: ODL students have limited access to information materials for accomplishing their academic activities and Mzuzu University can resolve this challenge by introducing satellite information centres in the three geographical regions of Malawi.
Customers repurchase intention formation in e-commerce
Authors: Safa Nader S. , Von Solms Rossouw
Published: June 2016

Background: Electronic loyalty (e-loyalty) has become important in the context of electronic commerce (e-commerce) in recent years. Loyal customers bring long-term revenue to companies and are known to be a valuable asset to them. However, firms lose their customers in a competitive environment on the Internet because of a lack of trust, satisfaction and loyalty.Objectives: This study explains how e-loyalty, e-trust and e-satisfaction form in e-commerce with a focus on customer purchase intention formation.Method: A conceptual framework was formed based upon the literature review. Data were collected from e-customers of online firms in South Africa. After data clarification, confirmatory factor analysis was conducted. The structural equation modelling was applied to test the hypotheses. IBM SPSS AMOS 20 was used for this purpose.Results: Firstly, convenience, customer benefit and enjoyment affect customer satisfaction in e-commerce. In other words, when customers do business activities easily with enjoyment and take benefit, they are satisfied and they will purchase again in future. Secondly, our study demonstrated that customer perception of security, clear shopping process and reliable payment system have a positive relationship with e-trust. Finally, e-satisfaction and e-trust have a positive and strong relationship with e-loyalty formation in e-commerce.Conclusion: The results of the study shed light on important issues relating to e-loyalty formation from a new perspective. Online companies are interested in launching e-loyalty programmes because of the long-term benefits that come from loyal customers. To remain competitive, e-commerce companies should constantly work at enhancing customer trust, satisfaction and loyalty.Keywords: E-commerce; customer satisfaction; trust; loyalty
Whitney extension operators without loss of derivatives
Authors: Frerick Leonhard , Jordá Enrique , Wengenroth Jochen
Published: June 2016

For a compact set

K\subseteq \mathbb R^d

we characterize the existence of a linear extension operator

E\colon \mathcal E(K) \to \mathcal C^\infty(\mathbb R^d)

for the space of Whitney jets

\mathcal E(K)

without loss of derivatives, that is, it satisfies the best possible continuity estimates

\sup\{|\partial^\alpha E(f)(x)|: |\alpha|\le n, x\in\mathbb R^d\} \le C_n \|f\|_{n},

where

\|\cdot\|_n

denotes the

n

-th Whitney norm. The characterization is by a surprisingly simple purely geometric condition introduced by Jonsson, Sjögren, and Wallis: there is

\varrho \in (0,1)

such that, for every

x_0\in K

and

\epsilon \in (0,1)

, there are

d

points

x_1\ldots,x_d

in

K\cap B(x_0,\epsilon)

satisfying

\mathrm {dist}(x_{n+1}, \text{\rm affine hull}\{x_0,\ldots,x_n\}) \ge \varrho \epsilon

for all

n\in\{0,\ldots,d-1\}

.
Estimates for Fourier transforms of surface measures in $\mathbb R^3$ and PDE applications
Authors: Greenblatt Michael
Published: June 2016

An explicit local two-dimensional resolution of singularities theorem and arguments based on the Van der Corput lemma are used to give new estimates for the decay rate of the Fourier transform of a locally defined smooth hypersurface measure in

\mathbb R^3

, as well as to provide new proofs of some known estimates. These are then used to give

L^q

bounds on solutions to certain PDE problems in terms of the

L^p

norms of their initial data for various values of

p

and

q

.
Degree reduction and graininess for Kakeya-type sets in $\mathbb R^3$
Authors: Guth Larry
Published: June 2016

Let

\frak T

be a set of cylindrical tubes in

\mathbb R^3

of length

N

and radius 1. If the union of the tubes has volume

N^{3 - \sigma}

, and each point in the union lies in tubes pointing in three quantitatively different directions, and if a technical assumption holds, then at scale

N^\sigma

, the tubes are clustered into rectangular slabs of dimension

1 \times N^\sigma \times N^\sigma

. This estimate generalizes the graininess estimate in [7]. The proof is based on modeling the union of tubes with a high-degree polynomial.
Bi-Lipschitz parts of quasisymmetric mappings
Authors: Azzam Jonas
Published: June 2016

A natural quantity that measures how well a map

f\colon \mathbb{R}^{d}\rightarrow \mathbb{R}^{D}

is approximated by an affine transformation is

\def\medint{\mathrlap{\,-}{\int}}
\omega_{f}(x,r)=\inf_{A}\Big(\, \medint_{B(x,r)}\Big(\frac{|f-A|}{|A'|r}\Big)^{2}\,\Big)^{{1}/{2}},

where the infimum ranges over all non-zero affine transformations

A

. This is natural insofar as it is invariant under rescaling

f

in either its domain or image. We show that if

f\colon \mathbb{R}^{d}\rightarrow \mathbb{R}^{D}

is quasisymmetric and its image has a sufficient amount of rectifiable structure (although not necessarily

\mathcal{H}^{d}

-finite), then

\omega_{f}(x,r)^{2}{dxdr}/{r}

is a Carleson measure on

\mathbb{R}^{d}\times(0,\infty)

. Moreover, this is an equivalence: if this is a Carleson measure, then, in every ball

B(x,r)\subseteq \mathbb{R}^{d}

, there is a set

E

occupying 90

\%

of

B(x,r)

, say, upon which

f

is bi-Lipschitz (and hence guaranteeing rectifiable pieces in the image).

En route, we make a minor adjustment to a theorem of Semmes to show that quasisymmetric maps of subsets of

\mathbb R^{d}

into

\mathbb R^{d}

are bi-Lipschitz on a large subset quantitatively.
Bioavailable atmospheric phosphorous supply to the global ocean: a 3-D global modelling study
Authors: Myriokefalitakis Stelios , Nenes Athanasios , Baker Alex R. , Mihalopoulos Nikolaos , Kanakidou Maria
Published: June 2016

Abstract. The atmospheric cycle of phosphorus (P) is here parameterized in a global 3-D chemistry-transport model, taking into account primary emissions of total P (TP) and dissolved P (DP) associated with mineral dust, combustion particles of natural and anthropogenic sources, bioaerosols, sea-spray and volcanic aerosols. Global TP emissions are calculated to amount roughly 1.33 Tg-P yr−1 with mineral sources (about 1.10 Tg-P yr−1) contributing more than 80% to these emissions. Additionally, under acidic atmospheric conditions, for the present study we take into account the P mobilization from mineral dust, that is calculated to contribute about one third (0.14 Tg-P yr−1) to the global DP atmospheric source. The calculated global annual DP deposition flux equals to 0.43 Tg-P yr−1 (about 40 % enters the ocean), and shows a strong spatial and temporal variability. Considering that all bioaerosol P is bioavailable (BP) and accounting for all other sources of DP, a flux of 0.16 Tg-P yr−1 BP to the ocean is derived. Present day simulations of atmospheric P aerosol concentrations and deposition fluxes are satisfactory compared with available observations, indicating however a 50 % uncertainty of current knowledge on primary and secondary sources of P that drive its atmospheric cycle. Sensitivity simulations using preindustrial (year 1850) and future (2100) anthropogenic and biomass burning emission scenarios, showed a present-day increase of 75 % in the dissolution flux of P present in dust aerosol compared to the 1850 dissolution flux due to increasing atmospheric acidity over the last 150 years. Future reductions in air pollutants, due to the implementation of air-quality regulations, are expected to decrease P mobilization flux by about 30 % for the year 2100 compared to the present-day. A striking result is that more than 50% of the BP deposition flux to the ocean originates from biological particle and this contribution is found to maximize in summer when atmospheric deposition impact on the marine ecosystem is the highest due to ocean stratification. These findings reveal the largely unknown but important role of terrestrial bioaerosols as suppliers of bioavailable P to the ocean – with very important implications for past and future responses of ecosystems to global change. Therefore, our study provides new insights to the atmospheric P cycle by demonstrating that bioaerosols are as important carriers of bioavailable P as dust aerosol, that was up to now considered as the only large source of DP external to the open ocean.
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PANORAMIC MAPS DESIGN: A PRELIMINARY STUDY BASED ON MOBILE EYE-TRACKING
Authors: Balzarini R. , Murat M.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. This paper presents preliminary results from an ongoing research based on the study of visual attention through mobile eye-tracking techniques. The visual-cognitive approach investigates the reading-comprehension of a particular territorial representation: ski trails maps. The general issue of the study is to provide insights about the effectiveness of panoramic ski maps and more broadly, to suggest innovative efficient representation of the geographic information in mountain. According to some mountain operators, the information provided by paper ski maps no longer meets the needs of a large part of the customers; the question now arises of their adaptation to new digital practices (iPhone, tablets). In a computerized process perspective, this study particularly focuses on the representations, and the inferred information, which are really helpful to the users-skiers to apprehend the territory and make decisions, and which could be effectively replicated into a digital system. The most interesting output relies on the relevance of the panorama view: panorama still fascinates, but contrary to conventional wisdom, the information it provides does not seem to be useful to the skier. From a socio-historical perspective this study shows how empirical evidence-based approach can support the change: our results enhance the discussion on the effectiveness of the message that mountain operators want to convey to the tourist and therefore, on the renewal of (geographical) information in ski resorts.
INTEGRATION OF IMAGES AND LIDAR POINT CLOUDS FOR BUILDING FAÇADE TEXTURING
Authors: Chen L. C. , Chan L. L. , Chang W. C.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. This paper proposes a model-based method for texture mapping using close-range images and Lidar point clouds. Lidar point clouds are used to aid occlusion detection. For occluded areas, we compensate the occlusion by different view-angle images. Considering the authenticity of façade with repeated patterns under different illumination conditions, a selection of optimum pattern is suggested. In the selection, both geometric shape and texture are analyzed. The grey level co-occurrence matrix analysis is applied for the selection of the optimal façades texture to generate of photorealistic building models. Experimental results show that the proposed method provides high fidelity textures in the generation of photorealistic building models. It is demonstrated that the proposed method is also practical in the selection of the optimal texture.
NASA WEBWORLDWIND: MULTIDIMENSIONAL VIRTUAL GLOBE FOR GEO BIG DATA VISUALIZATION
Authors: Brovelli M. A. , Hogan P. , Prestifilippo G. , Zamboni G.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. In this paper, we presented a web application created using the NASA WebWorldWind framework. The application is capable of visualizing n-dimensional data using a Voxel model. In this case study, we handled social media data and Call Detailed Records (CDR) of telecommunication networks. These were retrieved from the "BigData Challenge 2015" of Telecom Italia. We focused on the visualization process for a suitable way to show this geo-data in a 3D environment, incorporating more than three dimensions. This engenders an interactive way to browse the data in their real context and understand them quickly. Users will be able to handle several varieties of data, import their dataset using a particular data structure, and then mash them up in the WebWorldWind virtual globe. A broad range of public use this tool for diverse purposes is possible, without much experience in the field, thanks to the intuitive user-interface of this web app.
EYE TRACKING TO EXPLORE THE IMPACTS OF PHOTOREALISTIC 3D REPRESENTATIONS IN PEDSTRIAN NAVIGATION PERFORMANCE
Authors: Dong Weihua , Liao Hua
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Despite the now-ubiquitous two-dimensional (2D) maps, photorealistic three-dimensional (3D) representations of cities (e.g., Google Earth) have gained much attention by scientists and public users as another option. However, there is no consistent evidence on the influences of 3D photorealism on pedestrian navigation. Whether 3D photorealism can communicate cartographic information for navigation with higher effectiveness and efficiency and lower cognitive workload compared to the traditional symbolic 2D maps remains unknown. This study aims to explore whether the photorealistic 3D representation can facilitate processes of map reading and navigation in digital environments using a lab-based eye tracking approach. Here we show the differences of symbolic 2D maps versus photorealistic 3D representations depending on users’ eye-movement and navigation behaviour data. We found that the participants using the 3D representation were less effective, less efficient and were required higher cognitive workload than using the 2D map for map reading. However, participants using the 3D representation performed more efficiently in self-localization and orientation at the complex decision points. The empirical results can be helpful to improve the usability of pedestrian navigation maps in future designs.
Arab Women in 2015: Hope Amidst Chaos
Authors: Naciri Mohammad
Published: June 2016

In this provocative article, Mohammad Naciri examines the state of women's rights in the Middle-East after the Arab Spring.
The Indescribable Sophia and the Semiotics of Gender: A Brief Excursion
Authors: Zelensky Elizabeth
Published: June 2016

The mysterious figure of Sophia the Wisdom of God has long been the subject of speculation, lapsing occasionally into heterodoxy, in the Eastern Orthodox world. As late as 1935 Father Sergius Bulgakov, one of the leading Russian theologians of the twentieth century was accused of heresy for his writings on Divine Wisdom. Down to the present it remains a source of inspiration for new ideas and images, carrying a special attraction for those with an antipathy towards binary ontologies. This article explores some aspects of the topic, focusing on its mystical, artistic but also its political dimension.
Interview with Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser
Authors: Moza bint Nasser Highness Sheikha
Published: June 2016

In this interview, Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser discusses the status and image of arab women, the situation in the Middle East after the Arab Spring and the tension between modernization and religious traditions in Muslim majority societies.
Rapid Report Hämophilie
Authors: Schönfelder Tonio , Talaschus Anne , Bleß Hans-Holger
Published: June 2016

Das IQWiG nahm im Rahmen eines Rapid Reports eine Nutzenbewertung der Therapie von Hämophilie-Patienten vor. Durch eine systematische Recherche wurden 16 Studien identifiziert, die zeigen, dass die Evidenzlücken bei wichtigen Fragen zur Behandlungen von Hämophilie-Patienten teilweise geschlossen sind. Der Vergleich der Behandlungsergebnisse einer prophylaktischen gegenüber einer On-Demand-Therapie zeigte die Überlegenheit der Prophylaxe bei schweren Blutungen für alle Altersgruppen. Bei Jugendlichen und Erwachsenen wurde zudem ein Zusatznutzen bezüglich Gesundheitszustand und Schmerzen festgestellt. Der Abgleich von Behandlungsempfehlungen mit der identifizierten Evidenz zeigte eine geringe Übereinstimmung zwischen den ermittelten Studien und den in den Empfehlungen verwendeten Referenzen, die Empfehlungen stimmten inhaltlich jedoch überwiegend mit den Ergebnissen der Nutzenbewertung überein. Schlussfolgerung: Die Nutzenbewertung zeigt die deutliche Überlegenheit der Prophylaxe gegenüber der On-Demand-Therapie auf und stellt ein deutliches Signal an die Behandelnden und Kostenträger dar, die prophylaktische Therapie der schweren Hämophilie A regelhaft in Erwägung zu ziehen.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for Journal of Agricultural Science, Vol. 8, No. 7
Authors: Brown Anne
Published: June 2016

Reviewer acknowledgements for Journal of Agricultural Science, Vol. 8, No. 7, 2016.
Economic Evaluation of Weed Control and Herbicide Residues on Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) in Ghana
Authors: Quee Dan David , Sarkodie-Addo Joseph , Duku Stephanie , Samura Alusaine Edward , Conteh Abdul Rahman , Bebeley Jenneh Fatima , Sesay Janatu Veronica
Published: June 2016

A study on economic evaluation of some weed management strategies and herbicide residues analysis on roots of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) was conducted during 2014 and 2015 cropping season in Kumasi, Ghana. Cost and benefits were computed from the use of two manual weedings (hoeing and cutlassing), two pre-emergence herbicides (Butachlor 60% EC and Terbulor 500 EC) with two-supplemenatary hoe weeding, weed-free and weedy check. These were evaluated using two varieties of cassava, Ampong (Early branching) and Dokuduade (Late branching). The treatment was a factorial laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replicates. Partial farm budgeting were used for economic analysis of data and herbicide residues analysis in roots of cassava were determined using Gas Chromatography-Electron Capture Detector (GC-ECD). Results showed that Terbulor 500 EC with two supplementary hoe weeding was more economical, profitable and beneficial than those other treatments applied in the production of cassava. In addition, the average concentration of Terbulor 500 EC (0.003 mg/kg) and Butachlor 60% EC (0.001 mg/kg) residues in roots of cassava varieties were below the maximum residue limit (MRL) of 0.01 mg/kg set by Ghana Standards Authority for cassava. In conclusion, Terbulor 500 EC with two supplementary hoe weeding was more effective and financially rewarding and both herbicides had lower residual effects on cassava.
A Newly Practice to Mitigate N2O Emission from Winter Wheat Soil by Intercropping Isatis indigotica
Authors: Wu Hong-Sheng , Li Ji , Chen Su-Yun , Liu Dong-Yang , Kendall Joshua , Xu Ya , Yu Lu-Ji , Wei Dong-Yang , Li Shun-Yi , Wang Ke-Ke , Shang Xiao-Xia , Fang Xiao-Hang , Liu Ya-Dong
Published: June 2016

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emitted from agricultural field was received considerable attention worldwide, depending on differed land use and cropping system. An innovative strategy to mitigate agricultural N2O by intercropping traditional Chinese medicinal herb Isatis indigotica in winter wheat field was assessed. By exogenously applying root exudates of I. indigotica in a lab incubation study, we testify and quantify whether N2O emission was inhibited.

Results demonstrated great reduction of N2O emission from winter field soil intercropping I. indigotica (NPKWR-N+P+K+wheat+I. indigotica) compared to CK (NPKW-N+P+K+wheat but no I. Indigotica) was found. N2O emission in treatment of NPKWR was decreased by 32% than that in CK during the whole winter wheat growth season, among which the best decreasing N2O emission was obtained in the stage of grain filling of winter wheat, N2O emitting from NPKWR was reduced by 60% than that in CK. The N2O emission intensity per kg of harvested wheat grain treated with I. indigotica was declined to 0.15 g N2O/kg grain from 0.24 g N2O/kg grain in CK.

qPCR (quantitative fluorescent polymerase chain reaction) analysis indicated nitrifying microbial population in wheat soil was severely suppressed by I. indigotica. The number of qPCR gene copy in both soil intercropping I. indigotica and exogenously applying root exudates of I. indigotica was lower than in CK. Such trend of decreased microbial population number was in agreement with that of N2O emission from winter wheat field. This suggested that intercropping I. indigotica was a practical and simple technique to reduce N2O emission from winter wheat field which was an effective strategy for mitigating and adapting global change worldwide in agriculture.
La représentation diagrammatique chez Peirce et Wittgenstein : quelques remarques sur une ressemblance de famille
Authors: Latraverse François
Published: June 2016

Cet article esquisse quelques moyens permettant de rapprocher les propos que Wittgenstein a tenus dans leTractatuslogico-philosophicusà propos de la figurativité du langage et divers aspects de la réflexion que Peirce a conduite au sujet de l’iconicité. Il ne saurait être question de conclure à quelque influence que ce soit du second sur le premier mais plutôt de suggérer comment deux pensées construites autour de l’idée de ressemblance peuvent elles-mêmes être similaires.
Esthétique du signe et interprétation des oeuvres d’art
Authors: Lefebvre Martin
Published: June 2016

Y a-t-il un usage en art pour la théorie esthétique de Peirce? À première vue, l’esthétique peircéenne semble assez peu concernée par le problème de l’art. Or, un examen plus poussé montre que ce n’est pas tout à fait le cas. Aussi, plutôt que de plaquer les conceptions de Peirce sur un aspect ou un autre de la pratique ou de la théorie de l’art (par exemple, la créativité, l’histoire de l’art, le style, le genre), ou encore à une oeuvre en particulier, il s’agira ici d’examiner de quelle manière l’art s’insère dans la conception peircéenne de l’esthétique. L’argument est divisé en deux partie. La première section présente la conception peircéenne de l’esthétique dans le contexte des sciences normatives. J’y montre comment l’esthétique entretient des liens avec plusieurs thèmes de la pensée de Peirce, dont sa cosmologie et son agapisme, et le rôle joué par l’abduction et la notion d’insight. La deuxième section considère de quelle manière l’art peut être “admirable” et contribuer au summum bonum. L’esthétique peircéenne suggère que ce qui nous attire vers l’art est une qualité sémiotique entendue comme qualité de l’esprit ou qualité de la Troisièmeté.
Peirce: Re-Staging the Sign in the Work of Art1
Authors: Morris Sharon
Published: June 2016

In the tradition of Rosalind Krauss’ essay “Notes on the Index” (1986) I want to re-posit the importance of the indexical status of the work of art and look at how Peirce’s views of aesthetics, his theory of the sign, and his version of phenomenology, can be useful to our understanding of contemporary works of art. The work of art that emerges from reading Peirce is not a representation of an object in the world but a mode of presentation of experience and in particular feeling. Defined as a complex form of icon, a hypoicon, the work of art is not constrained to mimetic representation but engaged in actively re-interpreting our world and our sense of self, cutting through preconceptions by returning us to the present : presentness, and the possibilities of firstness. Peirce’s late discussion on the study of phenomena, phaneroscopy, allows us to understand the work of art both as a part of our experience, and also as giving meaning to our experience : the work of art as a re-staging of the sign on the cusp between possibility and existence.
Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment for the Treatment of Hospitalized Premature Infants With Nipple Feeding Dysfunction
Authors: Lund Gregg C. , Edwards Garrett , Medlin Brenda , Keller David , Beck Bryan , Carreiro Jane E.
Published: June 2016

Premature newborns and infants are usually required to successfully transition from gavage to nipple feeding using breast or bottle before discharge from the hospital. This transition is frequently the last discharge skill attained. Delayed acquisition of this skill may substantially prolong hospital length of stay. The authors describe a case of hospitalized premature twins who had considerable delays in attaining nipple-feeding skills. Because of their inability to take all feedings by nipple, preparation for surgical placement of gastrostomy tubes was initiated. Before the surgeries were scheduled, the inpatient osteopathic manipulative medicine service was consulted, and the twins received a series of evaluations and osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) sessions. During the OMT course, the twins' nipple feeding skills progressed to full oral feeding, which allowed them to be discharged to home without placement of gastrostomy tubes. The authors also review the literature and discuss the development of nipple feeding in premature newborns and infants and the use of OMT in the management of nipple feeding dysfunction.
Efficacy of a Physician's Words of Empathy: An Overview of State Apology Laws
Authors: Saitta Nicole , Hodge Samuel D.
Published: June 2016

Apology laws are gaining traction in the United States, prompting health care professionals to offer words of condolence for adverse medical outcomes without the fear of being sued for malpractice. Although these laws vary by jurisdiction, they have been shown to reduce the financial consequences of a medical malpractice lawsuit. The authors provide an overview of the laws regarding this issue and discuss apologies as a means to reduce medical malpractice claims.
Biotensegrity: A Unifying Theory of Biological Architecture With Applications to Osteopathic Practice, Education, and Research—A Review and Analysis
Authors: Swanson Randel L.
Published: June 2016

Since its inception, osteopathic medicine has sought to identify the mechanical causes of disease and to understand the body's structure-function relationship. Research conducted during the past 25 years has demonstrated that the architectural principles of tensegrity can be applied to biological organisms (termedbiotensegrity) and that these principles can demonstrate the mechanical structure-function relationship at all size scales in the human body. Further, biotensegrity at the cellular level allows the cell to mechanically sense its environment and convert mechanical signals into biochemical changes. When applied to the principles of osteopathic medicine, biotensegrity provides a conceptual understanding of the hierarchical organization of the human body and explains the body's ability to adapt to change. Further, biotensegrity explains how mechanical forces applied during osteopathic manipulative treatment could lead to effects at the cellular level, providing a platform for future research on the mechanisms of action of osteopathic manipulative treatment.
Different RNA splicing mechanisms contribute to diverse infective outcome of classical swine fever viruses of differing virulence: insights from the deep sequencing data in swine umbilical vein endothelial cells
Authors: Ning Pengbo , Zhou Yulu , Liang Wulong , Zhang Yanming
Published: June 2016

Molecular mechanisms underlying RNA splicing regulation in response to viral infection are poorly understood. Classical swine fever (CSF), one of the most economically important and highly contagious swine diseases worldwide, is caused by classical swine fever virus (CSFV). Here, we used high-throughput sequencing to obtain the digital gene expression (DGE) profile in swine umbilical vein endothelial cells (SUVEC) to identify different response genes for CSFV by using both Shimen and C strains. The numbers of clean tags obtained from the libraries of the control and both CSFV-infected libraries were 3,473,370, 3,498,355, and 3,327,493 respectively. In the comparison among the control, CSFV-C, and CSFV-Shimen groups, 644, 158, and 677 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were confirmed in the three groups. Pathway enrichment analysis showed that many of these DEGs were enriched in spliceosome, ribosome, proteasome, ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis, cell cycle, focal adhesion, Wnt signalling pathway, etc., where the processes differ between CSFV strains of differing virulence. To further elucidate important mechanisms related to the differential infection by the CSFV Shimen and C strains, we identified four possible profiles to assess the significantly expressed genes only by CSFV Shimen or CSFV C strain. GO analysis showed that infection with CSFV Shimen and C strains disturbed ‘RNA splicing’ of SUVEC, resulting in differential ‘gene expression’ in SUVEC. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) was identified as a significant response regulator contributed to impact on SUVEC function for CSFV Shimen. This computational study suggests that CSFV of differing virulence could induce alterations in RNA splicing regulation in the host cell to change cell metabolism, resulting in acute haemorrhage and pathological damage or infectious tolerance.
Use of Targeted Neonatal Echocardiography and Focused Cardiac Sonography in Tertiary Neonatal Intensive Care Units
Authors: Mukerji Amit , Diambomba Yenge , Lee Shoo K. , Jain Amish
Published: June 2016

Focused cardiac sonography and targeted neonatal echocardiography refer to goal‐directed cardiac imaging using ultrasound, typically by noncardiologic specialists. Although the former consists of a rapid qualitative assessment of cardiac function, which is usually performed by acute care practitioners, the latter refers to detailed functional echocardiography to obtain quantitative and qualitative indexes of pulmonary and systemic hemodynamics in sick neonates and is typically performed by neonatologists. Although the use of these modalities is increasing, they still remain unavailable in most North American centers providing acute care to neonates, partly because of limited data regarding their direct impact on patient care. Here we present a series of 5 cases from a large perinatal unit in which immediate availability of relevant expertise led to important and arguably life‐saving clinical interventions. In 4 of these cases, focused cardiac sonography was sufficient to make the diagnosis, whereas in 1 case, clinical integration of detailed systemic hemodynamics measured on target neonatal echocardiography was required.
A Simple Rule for Prenatal Diagnosis of Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return
Authors: Tongsong Theera , Luewan Suchaya , Jatavan Phudit , Tongprasert Fuanglada , Sukpan Kornkanok
Published: June 2016

The objective of this series was to describe a simple rule for prenatal diagnosis of total anomalous pulmonary venous return (TAPVR). Fourteen fetuses had a prenatal diagnosis of TAPVR by the simple rule, including the following components: (1) the major criterion, which was the absence of a connection between the pulmonary vein and the left atrium; and (2) at least 1 of the following minor criteria: (a) the presence of a vascular confluence behind the atria, (b) abnormal spectral Doppler waveforms in the pulmonary veins, (c) a smooth posterior wall of the left atrium, (d) increased retroatrial space, (e) a dilated coronary sinus (cardiac type), (f) a dilated superior vena cava or brachiocephalic vein, and (g) an additional vessel on the 3‐vessel/3‐vessel and trachea view or a vertical descending vein. All were accurately diagnosed, and none were missed by the diagnosis. In summary, the simple rule described is helpful in increasing the number of accurate prenatal diagnoses of TAPVR.
Sonography of Gastrointestinal Tract Diseases
Authors: Ahn Sung Eun , Moon Sung Kyoung , Lee Dong Ho , Park Seong Jin , Lim Joo Won , Kim Hyun Cheol , Lee Han Na
Published: June 2016

Sonographic evaluation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract may be difficult because of overlying intraluminal bowel gas and gas‐related artifacts. However, in the absence of these factors and with the development of high‐resolution scanners and the technical experience of radiologists, sonography can become a powerful tool for GI tract assessment. This pictorial essay focuses on sonographic findings of GI tract lesions compared with endoscopic, computed tomographic, and magnetic resonance imaging findings. Neoplastic and non‐neoplastic diseases and postoperative complications are illustrated, and the distinctive sonographic characteristics of these entities are highlighted.