bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TV License Refusal and Competition Policy in Hong Kong
Authors: Fournier Knut
Published: June 2015

This chapter looks from the perspective of competition law and regulatory decision-making at an event that reshaped the debate over public participation in Hong Kong. By analyzing the public's reaction to a regulatory decision in 2013 to deny a free-to-air TV licence to HKTV, this chapter attempts to understand how the existing regulatory framework has shaped public discourse and government narrative. This chapter argues that the lack of publicity of debates around regulatory decisions triggers the creation of social movements, and that the Hong Kong government and regulators must learn from this episode in the light of the imminent enforcement of competition law in Hong Kong. Several judicial challenges to the regulatory decision-making process are analyzed, in the context of the competitive environment of Hong Kong. If the Hong Kong government and regulators in Hong Kong do not learn from the HKTV episode, and do not make efforts to explain and publicize their decisions and decision-making process, this may endanger the launch of competition law in Hong Kong.
Trends in Hospitality and the Leisure Industry
Authors: van der Linden Liesbeth
Published: June 2015

Trends in hospitality in the leisure industry always have been strongly linked with family welfare indicators. In addition, economical, emotional, and sometimes state-enforced restrictions are diminishing in exchange for more freedom of choice in holiday destinations and activities. This chapter describes the characteristics of trends and trend development in Europe versus upcoming countries. Five trends are discussed: sustainability, glamping, wellness, well-being, and the need for adjustment of hospitality offer to the Chinese market. In the next five to ten years, the hospitality and leisure industry will have to come up with more innovative high quality service offers. Their offer will have to at least satisfy, but hopefully exceed, expectations of a large number of international travelers with a good holiday budget in search for more unique individual travel and leisure experiences.
Leveraging the Benefits of Fan Page
Authors: Kudeshia Chetna , Sikdar Pallab , Mittal Arun
Published: June 2015

The popularity of Facebook has attracted attention from the small scale business in India and inspired a wide range of marketing activities aimed at utilizing this new platform i.e. brand fan page of Facebook. While using Facebook individuals like number of brands appearing on their news feed. The motivation for liking brands may be diverse for distinctive individuals. But whether liking a brand on fan page truly represents some emotional connection with the brand or not is still unexplored. This study aims to fill this gap by determining whether liking a brand on Facebook results into brand love or is it just a fad. Further, the paper attempts to find whether there exists a relationship between brand “liked” on the fan page and purchase intention, and if this in turn leads to positive word of mouth. A survey of Facebook users who engage with the brand of small scale companies by “liking” it was undertaken as part of the study. The five small scale companies were selected on the basis of their popularity on Facebook. Structural equation modeling was applied using the data collected from 311 survey respondents to arrive at relevant outcomes.
Globalization and Global Health
Authors: Luna Florencia
Published: June 2015

Globalization shrinks the world. The world watches on television people dying of hunger or in extreme poverty conditions. Every year, 8 million children die before they reach the age of 5 from preventable diseases. “Exotic illnesses” cease to be so exotic, they can cross borders easily. Ebola, originally an African worry, in 2014 was an international threat. The revolution in information technologies enables us witness the emergence of transnational epistemic communities exhibiting, measuring and explaining health and disease. Presently, the authors are more aware than ever of the health problems of people from far away countries, which decades ago were unknown and distant. The transparency and availability of this information exhibits, in a quasi-obscene way, an unacceptable world. A world that is willing to rescue banks and ignores the worst off – those people whose unlucky birth seals a never ending cycle of misery with almost no possibility of breaking it. This paper address the situation just described by asking: Are these new empiric circumstances reflected in the authors' moral understanding of the issues? How should the world think of global health and their obligations towards people living in deprivation? How can the new empiric possibilities the global world offers be related to the implementation of such obligations? What are some of the challenges to the translation of new obligations to the present world? In addressing these questions, the paper argues that if the world seriously wants to address the obligations towards those in need, even if they are far away from the places they may need to work not only with ideal proposals such as the “new obligations” pointed by Singer and Pogge, but also with different transitional theories and non-ideal strategies in order to solve some of the big challenges the real world impose to theories.
Viral Art Matters
Authors: Iannone Alejandra Emilia
Published: June 2015

Since the 1990s, Internet communications technologies have influenced human activity. Over the last 15 years, a phenomenon called virality—i.e., when content circulates via Internet among an increasingly broad audience at an exponentially rapid rate—has been especially impactful. Only some information achieves virality, so the phenomenon invites reflection. Yet, scholars have failed to adequately address the topic. The literature is especially sparse when it comes to viral artwork. This essay helps fill that gap in the literature by demonstrating the academic significance of viral artwork through comparative analysis of three cases where Internet-based artworks went viral: “Ten Hours of Princess Leia walking in NYC,” “New Beginnings,” and “McKayla is Not Impressed.” The author asserts that viral artwork merits rigorous study because doing so could: first, augment existing research on other topics; second, fortify investigations in philosophy of art; and third, guide the public toward better-informed engagement with viral artwork.
TLR8 Senses Bacterial RNA in Human Monocytes and Plays a Nonredundant Role for Recognition of Streptococcus pyogenes
Authors: Eigenbrod Tatjana , Pelka Karin , Latz Eicke , Kreikemeyer Bernd , Dalpke Alexander H.
Published: June 2015

Microbial nucleic acids constitute an important group of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) that efficiently trigger innate immune activation. In mice, TLR13 has recently been identified to sense a highly conserved region within bacterial 23S rRNA. However, TLR13 is not expressed in humans, and the identity of its human homolog remains elusive. Moreover, the contribution of bacterial RNA to the induction of innate immune responses against entire bacteria is still insufficiently defined. In the current study, we show that human monocytes respond to bacterial RNA with secretion of IL-6, TNF, and IFN-β, which is critically dependent on lysosomal maturation. Using small interfering RNA and overexpression, we unambiguously identify TLR8 as receptor for bacterial RNA in primary human monocyte-derived macrophages. We further demonstrate that the sequence motif sensed by TLR8 is clearly distinct from that recognized by TLR13. Moreover, TLR8-dependent detection of bacterial RNA was critical for triggering monocyte activation in response to infection with Streptococcus pyogenes. Bacterial RNA within streptococci was also a dominant stimulus for murine immune cells, highlighting the physiological relevance of RNA sensing in defense of infections.
Domain-Specific and Stage-Intrinsic Changes in Tcrb Conformation during Thymocyte Development
Authors: Majumder Kinjal , Rupp Levi J. , Yang-Iott Katherine S. , Koues Olivia I. , Kyle Katherine E. , Bassing Craig H. , Oltz Eugene M.
Published: June 2015

Considerable cross-talk exists between mechanisms controlling genome architecture and gene expression. AgR loci are excellent models for these processes because they are regulated at both conformational and transcriptional levels to facilitate their assembly by V(D)J recombination. Upon commitment to the double-negative stage of T cell development, Tcrb adopts a compact conformation that promotes long-range recombination between Vβ gene segments (Trbvs) and their DβJβ targets. Formation of a functional VβDβJβ join signals for robust proliferation of double-negative thymocytes and their differentiation into double-positive (DP) cells, where Trbv recombination is squelched (allelic exclusion). DP differentiation also is accompanied by decontraction of Tcrb, which has been thought to separate the entire Trbv cluster from DβJβ segments (spatial segregation-based model for allelic exclusion). However, DP cells also repress transcription of unrearranged Trbvs, which may contribute to allelic exclusion. We performed a more detailed study of developmental changes in Tcrb topology and found that only the most distal portion of the Trbv cluster separates from DβJβ segments in DP thymocytes, leaving most Trbvs spatially available for rearrangement. Preferential dissociation of distal Trbvs is independent of robust proliferation or changes in transcription, chromatin, or architectural factors, which are coordinately regulated across the entire Trbv cluster. Segregation of distal Trbvs also occurs on alleles harboring a functional VβDβJβ join, suggesting that this process is independent of rearrangement status and is DP intrinsic. Our finding that most Trbvs remain associated with DβJβ targets in DP cells revises allelic exclusion models from their current conformation-dominant to a transcription-dominant formulation.
Definition of a Novel Pathway Centered on Lysophosphatidic Acid To Recruit Monocytes during the Resolution Phase of Tissue Inflammation
Authors: McArthur Simon , Gobbetti Thomas , Kusters Dennis H. M. , Reutelingsperger Christopher P. , Flower Roderick J. , Perretti Mauro
Published: June 2015

Blood-derived monocytes remove apoptotic cells and terminate inflammation in settings as diverse as atherosclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease. They express high levels of the proresolving receptor ALX/FPR2, which is activated by the protein annexin A1 (ANXA1), found in high abundance in inflammatory exudates. Using primary human blood monocytes from healthy donors, we identified ANXA1 as a potent CD14+CD16− monocyte chemoattractant, acting via ALX/FPR2. Downstream signaling pathway analysis revealed the p38 MAPK-mediated activation of a calcium independent phospholipase A2 with resultant synthesis of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) driving chemotaxis through LPA receptor 2 and actin cytoskeletal mobilization. In vivo experiments confirmed ANXA1 as an independent phospholipase A2–dependent monocyte recruiter; congruently, monocyte recruitment was significantly impaired during ongoing zymosan-induced inflammation in AnxA1−/− or alx/fpr2/3−/− mice. Using a dorsal air-pouch model, passive transfer of apoptotic neutrophils between AnxA1−/− and wild-type mice identified effete neutrophils as the primary source of soluble ANXA1 in inflammatory resolution. Together, these data elucidate a novel proresolving network centered on ANXA1 and LPA generation and identify previously unappreciated determinants of ANXA1 and ALX/FPR2 signaling in monocytes.
Computed Tomography-Guided Cryoablation of Local Recurrence after Primary Resection of Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Pusceddu Claudio , Melis Luca , Sotgia Barbara , Fancellu Alessandro , Meloni Giovanni Battista
Published: June 2015

The optimal management of local recurrences after primary resection of pancreatic cancer still remains to be clarified. A 58-year old woman developed an isolated recurrence of pancreatic cancer six year after distal pancreatectomy. Re-resection was attempted but the lesion was deemed unresectable at surgery. Then chemotherapy was administrated without obtaining a reduction of the tumor size nor an improvement of the patient’s symptoms. Thus the patient underwent percutaneous cryoablation under computed tomography (CT)-guidance obtaining tumor necrosis and a significant improvement in the quality of life. A CT scan one month later showed a stable lesion with no contrast enhancement. While the use of percutaneous cryoblation has widened its applications in patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer, it has never been described for the treatment of local pancreatic cancer recurrence after primary resection. Percutaneous cryoablation deserves further studies in the multimodality treatment of local recurrence after primary pancreatic surgery.
Psychopathology and urine toxicology in methadone patients
Authors: Sadek Gamal , Cernovsky Zack , Chiu Simon
Published: June 2015

Several studies reported high rates of psychiatric commorbidity among methadone patients. We examined the relationships of measures of psychopathology to outcomes of screening urine tests for cocaine, opiates, and benzodiazepines in a sample of 56 methadone patients. They also completed the Symptom Check List-90-Revised (SCL-90-R). The highest scales in the SCL-90-R profile of our patients were those indicating somatic discomfort, anger, phobic anxiety, paranoid ideation, and also obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms (scores above the 39th percentile). The only significant correlations between urine tests and SCL-90-R psychopathology were those involving benzodiazepines: patients with urine tests positive for benzodiazepines had lower social self-confidence (r=0.48), were more obsessive-compulsive (r=0.44), reported a higher level of anger (r=0.41), of phobic tendencies (r=40), of anxiety (r=0.39), and of paranoid tendencies (r=0.38), and also reported more frequent psychotic symptoms (r=0.43).
Knowledge management practices at selected banks in South Africa
Authors: Chigada Joel , Ngulube Patrick
Published: June 2015

Background: Effective knowledge organisations (EKO) create dynamic capabilities through the acquisition, creation, sharing and retention of knowledge. These EKOs are designed to enable an organisation to improve best practices in business. As knowledge is different from other organisational resources, decision-makers ought to understand the importance of knowledge to an organisation. In order to fully utilise knowledge-management (KM) practices and to enhance efficiency, management should appreciate and understand the importance of KM. A proper understanding of KM will add value to organisational knowledge. Objective: This study focused on investigating the knowledge-management practices at selected banks in South Africa. The objective was to establish the extent to which selected banks had implemented knowledge-management practices such as the acquisition, sharing and retention of knowledge.Method: Quantitative and qualitative data for this study were collected through the use of a multi-methods approach. Data were collected from middle and senior managers through the use of questionnaires and an interview protocol. All usable quantitative data were analysed using Survey Monkey and Microsoft Excel 2010 whilst thematic analysis was used to extract detailed, rich and complex data accounts from interviews. Results: Though the study revealed the presence of KM practices at selected banks, KM concepts were not universally understood, thus impeding the organisation-wide implementation of KM practices. Knowledge-management practices were only discussed as a footnote because no formal policies existed to add value to KM initiatives. Conclusion: The study concludes that organisations such as banks should perform a knowledge inventory. Knowledge inventories will become handy during the process of developing KM policies and practices for integrating work processes, collaborating and sharing (including the efficient use of knowledge technology platforms) and developing an enabling institutional culture.
Endoscopic management of Zenker’s diverticulum
Authors: Dhaliwal Harpal S. , Sinha Saroj K. , Kochhar Rakesh
Published: June 2015

Zenker’s diverticulum (ZD) is a posterior hypopharyngeal mucosal and submucosal outpouching through an area of relative muscular weakness, known as Killian’s triangle. It is an uncommon but highly treatable cause of mechanical dysphagia in elderly patients. Diagnosis is established by esophagography and upper endoscopy. The treatment has evolved with the advancement in the understanding of underlying pathophysiology. Traditionally, the management had been open surgical exposure and cricopharyngeal myotomy, combined with diverticular excision, suspension or inversion. Peroral endoscopic techniques (rigid and flexible) have gained popularity as minimally invasive and effective therapeutic options, with lesser mortality and morbidity. Flexible endoscopic myotomy offers additional benefits over rigid endoscopic techniques, as it does not require general anesthesia and neck hyperextension. The initial results of flexible endoscopy are quite encouraging, but long-term data are not yet available. For the optimal outcome, flexible endotherapy requires a formidable endoscopic skill, sound knowledge of the neck anatomy and meticulous understanding of the electrosurgical principles. In this article, we have comprehensively reviewed the current understanding of the pathophysiology involved and various techniques used in the management of ZD, with a focus on flexible endoscopic techniques.
Pancreatic pleural effusion due to ductal disruption upstream of a tight ductal stricture in patient with chronic calcific pancreatitis: Successful management with pancreatic sphincterotomy and dilatation of ductal stricture by Guide Wire
Authors: Sharma Vishal , Prasada K. V. Raghavendra , Kancharla Harish , Sharma Ravi , Rana Surinder S. , Bhasin Deepak K.
Published: June 2015

Endoscopic therapy has evolved as the standard of care for pancreatic pleural effusion and pancreatic ascites. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and bridging the disruption of ductal disruption with stent placement is the treatment of choice. However, it may not be always possible to negotiate tight pancreatic duct (PD) strictures or stricture stone complex, and endoscopic sphincterotomy alone may not be sufficient. We report a 53-year-old male who had chronic calcific pancreatitis with bilateral pancreatic pleural effusion and a tight stricture at head body junction, across which conventional endoscopic accessories could not be negotiated except for the 0.035 inch guidewire, which we kept across the stricture for 48 h for guidewire induced stricture dilation. This led to the complete resolution of symptoms and pancreatic pleural effusion. Combination of endoscopic sphincterotomy and guide wire induced stricture dilation can be used as rescue technique in cases of very tight PD strictures with complications such as pancreatic pleural effusion.
Eighty-year-old man with 10 years dysphagia
Authors: Kadla Showkat A. , Shah Nisar Ahmad , Parveen Shaheena , Khan Bilal A. , Shah Asif I. , Lone Shaheen Nazir , Sharma Sandeep
Published: June 2015

Dysphagia is a sensation of food being "stuck" up in its passage from the mouth to stomach. It is of two main types, oropharyngeal dysphagia, and esophageal dysphagia. In oropharyngeal dysphagia, there is difficulty in transferring the food from the mouth to upper esophagus. Thus, this dysphagia is also called as transfer dysphagia. It occurs within 1 st 1-2 s of the swallow. We also call this dysphagia as instant dysphagia. It is almost always associated with sinobronchial symptoms. The second type of dysphagia is esophageal dysphagia in which there is difficulty in passing the food from upper esophagus to the stomach. The two main mechanisms responsible for dysphagia are either a problem with the motor function of oropharynx or esophagus (neuromuscular causes) or mechanical narrowing of oropharynx or esophagus (mechanical dysphagia). As this dysphagia occurs a little later in the act of swallowing, we can call it delayed dysphagia. The mechanical cause of dysphagia includes benign strictures, malignancies, webs and rings, retropharyngeal abscesses, Zenker′s diverticulum, cricopharyngeal bar, and some vascular causes. We report an 80-year-old male with vascular dysphagia.
Insights Into Circulating Cytokine Dynamics During Pregnancy in HIV-Infected Beninese Exposed to Plasmodium falciparum Malaria
Authors: Ibitokou Samad A. , Denoeud-Ndam Lise , Ezinmegnon Sèm , Ladékpo Rodolphe , Zannou Djimon-Marcel , Massougbodji Achille , Girard Pierre-Marie , Cot Michel , Luty Adrian J. F. , Ndam Nicaise Tuikue
Published: June 2015

We investigated the circulating plasma levels of Th1- (Interleukin-2 [IL-2], tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF-α], interferon-gamma [IFN-γ]) and Th2-type (IL-4, IL-5, IL-10) cytokines in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected pregnant women living in a malaria-endemic area. We analyzed samples from 200 pregnant women included in the prevention of pregnancy-associated malaria in HIV-infected women: cotrimoxazole prophylaxis versus mefloquine (PACOME) clinical trial who were followed until delivery. Cytokine concentrations were measured by flow cytometry-based multiplex bead array. Significantly elevated levels of IL-10 and lower levels of TNF-α were observed at delivery compared with inclusion (P = 0.005). At inclusion, the presence of circulating IFN-γ, a higher CD4+ T cell count and having initiated intermittent preventive treatment of malaria with sulfadoxine pyrimethamine (SP-IPTp) were all associated with a lower likelihood of Plasmodium falciparum infection. At delivery, the inverse relationship between the presence of infection and circulating IFN-γ persisted, although there was a positive association between the likelihood of infection and the presence of circulating TNF-α. Initiation of antiretroviral therapy was associated with elevated IL-5 production. Consistent with our own and others' observations in HIV seronegative subjects, this study shows circulating IL-10 to be a marker of infection with P. falciparum during pregnancy even in HIV-infected women, although plasma IFN-γ may be a marker of anti-malarial protection in such women.
Cultural Encounters with the English-Speaking World
Authors: Kavalir Monika , Stopar Andrej
Published: June 2015

The idea for the present volume grew out of a very successful series of summer schools bringing together students and staff from five different countries under the auspices of the Erasmus Intensive Programme “Cultural Landscapes: Negotiating Cultural Encounters with the English-Speaking World.” Focussing on the cultural aspects of the English-speaking world and on intercultural communication, this volume of ELOPE reflects both the main aims of the summer school and the fundamental mission of the journal to promote the research and discussion of linguistic and literary issues.
Us vs. Them: Cultural Encounters in Warzones through Reading American War Literature
Authors: Poljak Rehlicki Jasna
Published: June 2015

In 1996, Samuel Huntington argued that the end of the Cold War Era marked the end of global instability based on ideological and economic differences and preferences. However, he did not predict any kind of a peaceful future for humankind but maintained that future conflicts will arise from cultural differences. The clashes are inevitable, he claims, as long as one side (usually the West) insists on imposing universalism to other civilizations whose cultural awareness is on the rise. Ever since the Vietnam War, American military tacticians have believed that the knowledge and understanding of the enemy’s culture will lead to victory, and American military academies and schools are dedicating more attention to cultural studies within their general strategy. This paper is based on the reading and analysis of several American fiction and non-fiction novels from the Vietnam and the Iraq Wars. Since all of these works are first-hand accounts of war experience and soldiers’ cultural encounters with their ‘adversaries’, the research is focused on the (im)possibility of soldiers’ true understanding and appreciation of different cultures/civilizations during wartime. It also suggests that knowing the enemy is to no avail if wars are fought with the goal of Westernizing other cultures.
Contrastive Exercises for Teaching Collocations
Authors: Čeh Živa
Published: June 2015

It is generally accepted now that learners of a foreign language need to have command of different word combinations, particularly collocations. However, in spite of the fact that collocations have recently been discussed by many linguists, there is still a lack of understanding of how word combinations, and among them collocations, are learned. It is of great importance that collocations are taught intensively to students who have already acquired the basis of a foreign language they wish to master. Collocations are also of the utmost importance in the study of language for specific purposes. Teachers of a foreign language try to approach this issue in different manners. This paper addresses different ways of making students aware of word combinations and their importance. Moreover, teachers of a foreign language are provided with some ideas for teaching collocations and correcting collocational errors students of a foreign language make when they write or speak. Some mistakes made by Slovene speakers of English are listed. The paper also provides some examples of exercises that may be of help when correcting collocational errors made by Slovene speakers of English. Finally, there is some information about different types of dictionaries.
Dialogizing Communication through Pragmatic Markers
Authors: Toska Bledar
Published: June 2015

The paper discusses the meta-communicative features of pragmatic markers. Communication is approached from the Bakhtinian concept of dialogism, which is seen as a two-way process between interlocutors in speech. In this view, the word is seen as a dialogical item that exists and gains meaning only in the context in which it is used. Pragmatic markers are dialogically fecund in their use. They play an important role in the communicative process thanks not only to their dialogical value but also to their meta-status. They are meta-communicative, meta-linguistic and meta-pragmatic linking words that express our divergent viewpoints and positions in communication.
A corpus-based study of if-conditional forms If I was/were as presented in pedagogical materials
Authors: Novogradec Marina
Published: June 2015

The aim of this paper is to discuss the impact corpora might have on the use of certain grammatical forms in pedagogical materials. As many coursebooks and grammar textbooks are lacking in both text authenticity and some specific forms used for the classroom, it is disputable whether they are applicable to the needs the students might have in their future life. The available corpora for this study were used and then compared to the discourse analysis of pedagogical materials – grammar textbooks and coursebooks. The results showed that if- conditional forms (If I was/were) were used differently across the registers. These results might be applied to the pedagogical materials in order to make students’ learning more natural and interesting. Firstly, general background of corpus linguistics will be discussed, as well as the existing pedagogical materials used in the classroom. Afterwards, specific features in the corpora chosen for this study will be presented and analysed from a corpus-based perspective.
Abraham In Galatians
Authors: Hansen G. Walter
Published: June 2015

This book offers a fresh perspective on Paul’s use of the Abraham story in Galatians by providing a thorough analysis of its epistolary and rhetorical contexts. In Part I, parallels in Galatians to rebuke-request letters in Greek papyri serve as a basis for dividing the letter into two major sections: Rebuke (1.6-4.11) and Request (3.12-6.10), the request formula in 4.12 indicating a major turning point in the letter. The Abraham argument (3.6-29) and the Hagar-Sarah allegory (4.12-31) should be viewed as Paul’s biblical rebuke and biblical appeal respectively. Rhetorical analysis classifies 1.1-4.11 as forensic rhetoric, characterized by defence and accusations regarding past actions, and 4.12-6.18 as deliberative rhetoric, marked by exhortation and dissuasion regarding future actions. In Part II, exegetical analysis of 3.1-29 stresses the subordination of the Abraham argument to the framework provided by Paul’s expressions of the rebuke. Within this framework, the autobiographical section and the Abraham argument section are parallel developments of the thesis statement (1.11-12). Both sections emphasize Paul’s missiological concern to preserve the truth of the Gospel for the freedom of Gentile believers. Analysis of 4.21-31 shows how the allegory functions within the request section of the letter as biblical support for the call to resist the troublemakers, setting the stage for the authoritative appeal of 5.13-6.10. From the perspective provided by this analysis, significant implications which relate to broader theological issues in Pauline theology are set forth; the function of Paul’s doctrine of justification by faith as the basis for his Gentile mission, Paul’s view of the Gentile church as the Israel of God, and the covenantal structure of Paul’s ethics which relates to the response of faith to obedience in the divine will. Three appendices evaluate recent discussion of important background issues: The Opponent’s Use of the Abraham Tradition, Abraham in Jewish Literature, and Paul and Jewish Exegesis.
Source analysis of peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN) in Guangzhou, China: a yearlong observation study
Authors: Wang B. G. , Zhu D. , Zou Y. , Wang H. , Zhou L. , Ouyang X. , Shao H. F. , Deng X. J.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. In recent years, photochemical smog has been a major cause of air pollution in the metropolitan area of Guangzhou, China, with a continuing increase in the concentrations of photochemical pollutants. The concentration of peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN) has often been found to reach very high levels, posing a potential threat to the public health. To better understand the changes in PAN concentration and its sources, a study was carried from January to December of 2012 at the Guangzhou Panyu Atmospheric Composition Station (GPACS) to measure the atmospheric concentrations of PAN as well as those of ozone (O3), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and non-methane hydrocarbon (NMHC). These data were analyzed to investigate the quantitative relationships between PAN and its precursors. In the study period, the hourly concentrations of PAN varied from below instrument detection limit to 12.0 ppbv. The yearly mean concentration of PAN was 0.84 ppbv, with the daily mean concentration exceeding 5 ppbv in 32 of the total observation days. Calculations indicate that among the measured NMHC species, alkenes accounted for 53 % of the total NMHC contribution to the PAN production, with aromatics and alkanes accounting for about 11 and 7 % of the total, respectively. During the period of our observation only a modest correlation was found between the concentrations of PAN and O3 for daytime hours, and observed PAN concentrations were relatively high even though the observed NMHCs/NOx ratio was low. This suggests regional air mass transport of pollutants had a major impact on the PAN concentrations in Guangzhou area.
The stable isotopic composition of Daphnia ephippia reflects changes in δ13C and δ18O values of food and water
Authors: Schilder J. , Tellenbach C. , Möst M. , Spaak P. , van Hardenbroek M. , Wooller M. J. , Heiri O.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. The stable isotopic composition of fossil resting eggs (ephippia) of Daphnia spp. is being used to reconstruct past environmental conditions in lake ecosystems. However, the underlying assumption that the stable isotopic composition of the ephippia reflects the stable isotopic composition of the parent Daphnia, of their diet and of the environmental water have yet to be confirmed in a controlled experimental setting. We performed experiments with Daphnia pulicaria cultures, which included a control treatment conducted at 12 °C in filtered lake water and with a diet of fresh algae and three treatments in which we manipulated the stable carbon isotopic composition (δ13C value) of the algae, stable oxygen isotopic composition (δ18O value) of the water and the water temperature, respectively. The stable nitrogen isotopic composition (δ15N value) of the algae was similar for all treatments. At 12 °C, differences in algal δ13C values and in δ18O values of water were reflected in those of Daphnia. The differences between ephippia and Daphnia stable isotope ratios were similar in the different treatments (δ13C: +0.2 ± 0.4 ‰ (standard deviation); δ15N: −1.6 ± 0.4 ‰; δ18O: −0.9 ± 0.4 ‰), indicating that changes in dietary δ13C values and in δ18O values of water are passed on to these fossilizing structures. A higher water temperature (20 °C) resulted in lower δ13C values in Daphnia and ephippia than in the other treatments with the same food source and in a minor change in the difference between δ13C values of ephippia and Daphnia (to −1.3 ± 0.3 ‰). This may have been due to microbial processes or increased algal respiration rates in the experimental containers, which may not affect Daphnia in natural environments. There was no significant difference in the offset between δ18O and δ15N values of ephippia and Daphnia between the 12 and 20 °C treatments, but the δ18O values of Daphnia and ephippia were on average 1.2 ‰ lower at 20 °C than at 12 °C. We conclude that the stable isotopic composition of Daphnia ephippia provides information on that of the parent Daphnia and of the food and water they were exposed to, with small offsets between Daphnia and ephippia relative to variations in Daphnia stable isotopic composition reported from downcore studies. However, our experiments also indicate that temperature may have a minor influence on the δ13C, δ15N and δ18O values of Daphnia body tissue and ephippia. This aspect deserves attention in further controlled experiments.
Satellite signal shows storage-unloading subsidence in North China
Authors: Moiwo J. P. , Tao F.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. Worsening water storage depletion (WSD) contributes to environmental degradation, land subsidence and earthquake and could disrupt food production/security and social stability. There is need for efficient water use strategies in North China, a pivotal agrarian, industrial and political base in China with a widespread WSD. This study integrates satellite, model and field data products to investigate WSD and land subsidence in North China. In the first step, GRACE (Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment) mass rates are used to show WSD in the region. Next, GRACE total water storage (TWS) is corrected for soil water storage (SWS) to derive groundwater storage (GWS) using GLDAS (Global Land Data Assimilation System) data products. The derived GWS is compared with GWS obtained from field-measured groundwater level to show land subsidence in the study area. Then GPS (Global Positioning System) data of relative land surface change (LSC) are used to confirm the subsidence due to WSD. A total of ~ 96 near-consecutive months (January 2002 through December 2009) of datasets are used in the study. Based on GRACE mass rates, TWS depletion is 23.76 ± 1.74 mm yr−1 or 13.73 ± 1.01 km3 yr−1 in the 578 000 km2 study area. This is ~ 31 % of the slated 45 km3 yr−1 water delivery in 2050 via the South–North Water Diversion Project. Analysis of relative LSC shows subsidence of 7.29 ± 0.35 mm yr−1 in Beijing and 2.74 ± 0.16 mm yr−1 in North China. About 11.53 % (2.74 ± 0.18 mm or 1.58 ± 0.12 km3) of the TWS and 8.37 % (1.52 ± 0.70 mm or 0.88 ± 0.03 km3) of the GWS are attributed to storage reductions accompanying subsidence in the region. Although interpretations of the findings require caution due to the short temporal and large spatial coverage, the concurrence of WSD and land subsidence could have adverse implications for the study area. It is critical that the relevant stakeholders embark on resource-efficient measures to ensure water availability, food security, ecological sustainability and social stability in this pivotal region.
Parameterization of single-scattering properties of snow
Authors: Räisänen P. , Kokhanovsky A. , Guyot G. , Jourdan O. , Nousiainen T.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. Snow consists of non-spherical grains of various shapes and sizes. Still, in many radiative transfer applications, single-scattering properties of snow have been based on the assumption of spherical grains. More recently, second-generation Koch fractals have been employed. While they produce a relatively flat phase function typical of deformed non-spherical particles, this is still a rather ad hoc choice. Here, angular scattering measurements for blowing snow conducted during the CLimate IMpacts of Short-Lived pollutants In the Polar region (CLIMSLIP) campaign at Ny Ålesund, Svalbard, are used to construct a reference phase function for snow. Based on this phase function, an optimized habit combination (OHC) consisting of severely rough (SR) droxtals, aggregates of SR plates and strongly distorted Koch fractals is selected. The single-scattering properties of snow are then computed for the OHC as a function of wavelength λ and snow grain volume-to-projected area equivalent radius rvp. Parameterization equations are developed for λ = 0.199–2.7 μm and rvp = 10–2000 μm, which express the single-scattering co-albedo β, the asymmetry parameter g and the phase function P11 as functions of the size parameter and the real and imaginary parts of the refractive index. The parameterizations are analytic and simple to use in radiative transfer models. Compared to the reference values computed for the OHC, the accuracy of the parameterization is very high for β and g. This is also true for the phase function parameterization, except for strongly absorbing cases (β > 0.3). Finally, we consider snow albedo and reflected radiances for the suggested snow optics parameterization, making comparisons to spheres and distorted Koch fractals.
The Internationalization of Brazilian Design Firms: What do We Know?
Authors: Senra Melissa , Da Rocha Angela Maria Cavalcanti
Published: June 2015

This study investigates the internationalization process of Brazilian brand design firms. The following research question inspired the study: What are the characteristics of the internationalization of these firms? The study, of a technical nature, is based on secondary sources, complemented by personal interviews with specialists. The results show that the design sector in Brazil is still very fragmented, and that internationalization of design firms is incipient.
The phytotoxic action of triazine herbicides on flax, beets and buckwheat seedlings, and some physiological changes connected with it
Authors: Płoszyński M. , Żurawski H.
Published: June 2015

It was found that triazine herbicides exerted, when applied for a longer time, an increasing inhibitory effect on dry and fresh weight yields, transpiration and growth of the seedlings of flax, beet and buckwheat. At the same time enhanced accumulation of free amino acids and decrease of simple sugar values was noted in the aboveground parts of the test plants. The results are interpreted as the secondary effects of the inhibitory action of triazines on plant photosynthesis. The toxicity of the tested chemicals to flax, beet and buckwheat decreased in the following order: atrazine, simazine, propazine, atratone, prometone and prometryne. Flax was more resistant to triazines than beets and buckwheat.
Gojenie się ran w pędach wiśni odm. Minister Podbielski [Wound healing in twigs of sour cherry cv. Minister Podbielski]
Authors: Golisz A.
Published: June 2015

Studies were carried out on anatomical changes in sour cherry twigs after pruning. Changes in the surface of wounds begin by the filling of cells and vessels with gum substances. At the same time drying and splitting of tissues was observed. Healing of the wounds starts from the layer of parenchyma cells from which callus develops. At the end of the growing season spring-made wounds were healed with a thick layer of callus tissue, while healing of summer-made wounds was hastened shortly after formation of the primary callus layer.
Rozmieszczenie i ekologia rozsiewania się chiuastów w zespołach polnych w Gorcach [Distribution and dispersal ecology of weeds in segetal plant communities in the Gorce Mts. (Polish Western Carpathians)]
Authors: Kornaś Jan
Published: June 2015

Dispersal ecology of 113 taxa of weeds studied. The weight of their diaspores was determined and their morphological adaptations to natural dispersal agents were examined. The role of man in weed dispersal was established by analysing 25 crop seed samples of local origin. Dispersal spectra of cereal crop culture community Geranio-Silenetum vicietosum, root-crop culture community G.-S. veronicetosum, and flax culture community Spergulo-Lolietum remoti were compiled. The reasons of decline of the segetal flora with altitude was explained by the limiting action of climatic factors upon weeds.
Dynamika gromadzenia się kwasu L-askorbinoiuego i olejku eterycznego w różnych fazach wegetacji pietruszki [Dynamics of the accumulation of ascorbic acid and volatile oil in different stages of parsley vegetation]
Authors: Zderkiewicz T. , Dyduch J.
Published: June 2015

Evident differences were found in the ascorbic acid and the volatile oil content in various stages of parsley growth. In leaves the maximum content of vitamin C is observed in September–October, while the oil content from the 20-th of July till September–November. The oil content increases during plant growth.
Przebieg procesu chorobowego u młodych jabłoni porażonych proliferacja, (miotlastością) jabłoni [Development of the disease in young apple trees infected with apple proliferation disease]
Authors: Kamińska Maria
Published: June 2015

Proliferation disease development was observed on apple trees one to five years old. The course of the disease was found to be longer and more acute in young trees than in ones about a dozen years old. Apple trees with symptoms of proliferation disease were 27% shorter than healthy ones, had smaller increases (by 52%), thinner trunks (by 35%) and smaller crowns (by 42%).
Chemiczna charakterystyka substancji pektynowych w liściach tytoniu [Chemical analysis of the pectic substances in the tobacco leaves]
Authors: Blaim K. , Szynal J.
Published: June 2015

Chromatographic analysis of pectic substances from leaves of Nicotiana tabacum, N. rustica and N. glauca has shown that the pectic substances from these species have similar composition of monosaccharides. The only differences found are in the relative quantities of the sugars present in pectic substances.
Wpływ nowych syntetycznych regulatorów wzrostu RW3, RW13 i RW14 na wzrost, plon i zdrowotność sałaty w szklami [Influence of new synthetic growth regulators RW3, RW13 and RW14 on the growth, yield and health of lettuce in the glasshouse]
Authors: Borkowski J.
Published: June 2015

Influence of the preparations RW3, RW13 and RW14 synthesized in the Research Institute of Organic Chemistry in Warsaw on lettuce were investigated in the glasshouse. The preparation RW3 was a retardant and the RW13 and RW14 were growth sttandatons. The preparation RW3 at 1000 ppm decreased markedly the diameter of plants and their weight. It also increased the resistance of plaints to dry tipbuirn, and wet rot of lettuce caused by Botrytis sp.
Dystrybucja produktów fotosyntezy w źdźbłach długo- i krótkosłomych pszenic ozimych [Distribution of photosynthetic products in short and long culms of hibernating wheats]
Authors: Wojcieska U. , Ślusarczyk M.
Published: June 2015

The aim of the present study was to obtain the informations on the content of carbohydrates and the physiological behaviour of photosynthetic products formed at the beginning of grain development in short and long culm wheat plants. The effect of chlorcholin chloride (OCX.) as an agent inhibiting elongation of plant organs, especially elongation of the culm was also studied. The differences in the dynamics of dry matter accumulation, in content of carbohydrates and in distribution of assymilates depending on type of variety and effect of CCC were found.
The influence of inorganic salts, sucrose and CEPA on rooting of ujilloir cuttings
Authors: Górecki R. S. , Borys M. W.
Published: June 2015

Hardwood or leafless softwood cuttings of Salix viminalis gallica (hort.) or S. daphnoides acutifolia Will, were soaked in water or separately in IAA, IBA, NaCl, KCl, NaNO3, KNO3, and sucrose solution or in sequence with one of the auxins, or CEPA. The inorganic salt treatments (KCl, KNO3, NaNO3) stimulated rooting of cuttings to the same degree as auxin, while sucrose and NaCl with IAA resulted in high stimulation of rooting, but with IBA no synergistic effect was observed in the other willow species. CEPA induced the largest increase of root number per cutting, stimulated significantly subsequent root growth and also reduced significantly the rooting period.
Magnesium nutrition of apple trees I. Kit eel of K and Mg fertilization and comparison of soil and foliar treatments with magnesium sulphate
Authors: Sadowski A. , Jadczuk E. , Pękacki J. , Ścibisz K.
Published: June 2015

In an experiment, performed in 1968-1970 on young Bancroft and Mclntosh apple trees on sandy loamy soil, Mg fertilization at the dose of 400 kg of MgO per year, in the form of epsomite increased available Mg content in both 0-20 and 20-40 cm soil layers. After 4 years only 20-29% of the Mg applied remained in these layers. K fertilization at the dose of 300 kg of K2O per ha in the form of potassium salts increased available K2O content, and 85–97% of additionally applied potassium remained in the top soil layers. K fertilization decreased leaf Mg content, increased leaf K content, increased Mg deficiency symptoms and in the absence of Mg reduced tree growth. Fruit set and fruit storage quality were adversely affected by the K fertilizer dose of 300 kg of K2O as compared with 60 kg of K2O per ha. Mg fertilization to the soil increased leaf Mg content, decreased Mg deficiency symptoms and counteracted the negative effect of high doses of K2O on growth. It did not have any effect on growth when K fertilization was moderate; no effect on yield was found. Four sprays of 2% epsomite applied each season were less effective in increasing leaf Mg content and in controlling Mg deficiency symptoms than soil dressings of this compound. Foliar sprays increased fruit set and early yields (in the 4th year after planting). Mg applied to the soil or to the leaves increased the green skin colour of Bancroft apples; it did not affect bitter pit incidence.
Occurrence and characteristics of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp.dianthi (Prill et Del.) Snyder et Hansen strains resistant to systemic fungicides
Authors: Leski B.
Published: June 2015

Strains of Fusarium oxysporum 1 sp. dianthi (Prill et Del.) Snyder et Hansen, highly resistant to benomyl (Benlate), carbendazim – MBC (Bavi-stin) and methylthiophanate (Topsin M) were observed for the first time. They grew well in the presence up to 1000 ppm of MBC. The resistant strains usually grow considerably slower than the sensitive ones on unpoisoned media. Sporadic cases were noted of increasing transitional adaptative tolerance to MBC, after several transfers of sensitive strains onto media with low concentrations of the fungicide. An increasing frequency of resistant strains was observed under production conditions. Of the fungitoxicants used, MBC was more active towards the sensitive strains while the resistant strains tolerated considerably lower concentrations of benomyl than that of MBC.