bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interconnected Risk Contributions: A Heavy-Tail Approach to Analyze U.S. Financial Sectors
Authors: Bernardi Mauro , Petrella Lea
Published: April 2015

This paper investigates the dynamic evolution of tail risk interdependence among U.S. banks, financial services and insurance sectors. Life and non-life insurers have been considered separately to account for their different characteristics. The tail risk interdependence measurement framework relies on the multivariate Student-t Markov switching (MS) model and the multiple-conditional value-at-risk (CoVaR) (conditional expected shortfall (CoES)) risk measures introduced in Bernardi et al. (2013), accounting for both the stylized facts of financial data and the contemporaneous multiple joint distress events. The Shapley value methodology is then applied to compose the puzzle of individual risk attributions, providing a synthetic measure of tail interdependence. Our empirical investigation finds that banks appear to contribute more to the tail risk evolution of all of the remaining sectors, followed by the financial services and the insurance sectors, showing that the insurance sector significantly contributes as well to the overall risk. We also find that the role of each sector in contributing to other sectors’ distress evolves over time according to the current predominant financial condition, implying different interdependence strength.
Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Nanoparticles for Bacterial Inhibition: Synthesis and Characterization of Doped and Undoped ONPs with Ag/Au NPs
Authors: Aguilar Carlos , Jiménez Adriana , Silva Antonio , Kaur Navneet , Thangarasu Pandiyan , Ramos Jorge , Singh Narinder
Published: April 2015

Organic nanoparticles (ONPs) of lipoic acid and its doped derivatives ONPs/Ag and ONPs/Au were prepared and characterized by UV-Visible, EDS, and TEM analysis. The antibacterial properties of the ONPs ONPs/Ag and ONPs/Au were tested against bacterial strains (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi). Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and bacterial growth inhibition tests show that ONPs/Ag are more effective in limiting bacterial growth than other NPs, particularly, for Gram positive than for Gram-negative ones. The order of bacterial cell growth inhibition was ONPs/Ag > ONPs > ONPs/Au. The morphology of the cell membrane for the treated bacteria was analyzed by SEM. The nature of bond formation of LA with Ag or Au was analyzed by molecular orbital and density of state (DOS) using DFT.
Ring-Opening Graft Polymerization of Propylene Carbonate onto Xylan in an Ionic Liquid
Authors: Zhang Xueqin , Chen Mingjie , Liu Chuanfu , Zhang Aiping , Sun Runcang
Published: April 2015

The amidine organocatalyst 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU) is an effective nucleophilic catalyst. Biocomposites with tuneable properties were successfully synthesized by ring-opening graft polymerization (ROGP) of propylene carbonate (PC) onto xylan using DBU as a catalyst in the ionic liquid (IL) 1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Amim]Cl). The effects of reaction temperature, reaction time and the molar ratio of PC to anhydroxylose units (AXU) in xylan were investigated. The physico-chemical properties of xylan-graft-poly(propylene carbonate) (xylan-g-PPC) copolymers were characterised by FT-IR, NMR, TGA/DTG, AFM and tensile analysis. The FT-IR and NMR results indicated the successful attachment of PPC onto xylan. TGA/DTG suggested the increased thermal stability of xylan after the attachment of PPC side chains. AFM analysis revealed details about the molecular aggregation of xylan-g-PPC films. The results also showed that with the increased DS of xylan-g-PPC copolymers, the tensile strength and Young’s modulus of the films decreased, while the elongation at break increased.
Appropriate First-Line Regimens to Combat Helicobacter pylori Antibiotic Resistance: An Asian Perspective
Authors: Miftahussurur Muhammad , Yamaoka Yoshio
Published: April 2015

Asia has the largest population of any continent and the highest incidence of gastric cancer in the world, making it very important in the context of Helicobacter pylori infection. According to current guidelines, standard triple therapy containing a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) and two antibiotics; amoxicillin (AMX) and clarithromycin (CAM) or metronidazole (MNZ), is still the preferred first-line regimen for treatment of H. pylori infection. However, the efficacy of legacy triple regimens has been seriously challenged, and they are gradually becoming ineffective. Moreover, some regions in Asia show patterns of emerging antimicrobial resistance. More effective regimens including the bismuth and non-bismuth quadruple, sequential, and dual-concomitant (hybrid) regimens are now replacing standard triple therapies as empirical first-line treatments on the basis of the understanding of the local prevalence of H. pylori antimicrobial resistance. Selection of PPI metabolized by the non-enzymatic pathway or minimal first pass metabolism and/or increasing dose of PPI are important to increase H. pylori eradication rates. Therefore, local antibiotic resistance surveillance updates, selection of appropriate first-line regimens with non-enzymatic PPI and/or increased doses of PPI, and detailed evaluation of patients’ prior antibiotic usage are all essential information to combat H. pylori antibiotic resistance in Asia.
Thapsigargin—From Thapsia L. to Mipsagargin
Authors: Andersen Trine , López Carmen , Manczak Tom , Martinez Karen , Simonsen Henrik
Published: April 2015

The sesquiterpene lactone thapsigargin is found in the plant Thapsia garganica L., and is one of the major constituents of the roots and fruits of this Mediterranean species. In 1978, the first pharmacological effects of thapsigargin were established and the full structure was elucidated in 1985. Shortly after, the overall mechanism of the Sarco-endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) inhibition that leads to apoptosis was discovered. Thapsigargin has a potent antagonistic effect on the SERCA and is widely used to study Ca2+-signaling. The effect on SERCA has also been utilized in the treatment of solid tumors. A prodrug has been designed to target the blood vessels of cancer cells; the death of these blood vessels then leads to tumor necrosis. The first clinical trials of this drug were initiated in 2008, and the potent drug is expected to enter the market in the near future under the generic name Mipsagargin (G-202). This review will describe the discovery of the new drug, the on-going elucidation of the biosynthesis of thapsigargin in the plant and attempts to supply the global market with a novel potent anti-cancer drug.
Trans-Selective Rhodium Catalysed Conjugate Addition of Organoboron Reagents to Dihydropyranones
Authors: Edwards Hannah , Goggins Sean , Frost Christopher
Published: April 2015

The selective synthesis of 2,6-trans-tetrahydropyran derivatives employing the rhodium catalysed addition of organoboron reagents to dihydropyranone templates, derived from a zinc-catalysed hetero-Diels-Alder reaction, is reported. The addition of both arylboronic acids and potassium alkenyltrifluoroborates have been accomplished in high yields using commercially-available [Rh(cod)(OH)]2 catalyst. The selective formation of the 2,6-trans-tetrahydropyran stereoisomer is consistent with a mechanism involving alkene association and carbometalation on the less hindered face of the dihydropyranone.
Teaching Augustine’s On the Teacher
Authors: Anderson Robert
Published: April 2015

This paper examines the merits of introducing undergraduates to the philosophical thought of Augustine by means of his short dialogue On the Teacher.
The Justice Game: Augustine, Disordered Loves, and the Temptation to Change the World
Authors: Johnson Kristen
Published: April 2015

Augustine’s thought on justice offers enduring wisdom to today’s undergraduates as they grapple with the difficult questions that arise when they ponder what it means to change the world in the light of the reality of injustice in this world. By juxtaposing Augustine’s theological writings on the nature of justice and power within the earthly and heavenly cities with Augustine’s letters that demonstrate his public engagement with injustice, we learn how Augustine thought about justice and how his convictions intersected with his practice. Through exposure to Augustine’s life and thought, students can be encouraged to wrestle with the existence of injustice, their complicity in its existence, their understanding of justice, and what it takes to seek justice today.
Putting Corporate Social Responsibility to Work in Mining Communities: Exploring Community Needs for Central Appalachian Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Cook Nicholas , Sarver Emily , Krometis Leigh-Anne
Published: April 2015

Due to the finite nature of non-renewable mineral and energy resources such as coal, resource extraction is inherently unsustainable; however, mining and related activities can contribute to sustainable development. Indeed, the principles of corporate social responsibility (CSR) require that mine operators design and conduct their activities in ways that provide for net positive impacts on surrounding communities and environments. In Central Appalachia, there appears to be a particularly ripe opportunity for the coal industry to put CSR to work: participation in sustainable solutions to the long-standing problem of inadequately treated wastewater discharges—which not only represent a potential human health hazard, but also contribute to the relatively high incidence of bacterial impairments in surface waters in the region. In this paper, we outline the underlying factors of this problem and the advantages of industry-aided solutions in a region where limited economic and technical resources are not always aligned with social and environmental needs. We also suggest a framework for problem-solving, which necessarily involves all interested stakeholders, and identify the primary challenges that must be overcome in pursuit of sustainable solutions.
Improved POLSAR Image Classification by the Use of Multi-Feature Combination
Authors: Deng Lei , Yan Ya-nan , Wang Cuizhen
Published: April 2015

Polarimetric SAR (POLSAR) provides a rich set of information about objects on land surfaces. However, not all information works on land surface classification. This study proposes a new, integrated algorithm for optimal urban classification using POLSAR data. Both polarimetric decomposition and time-frequency (TF) decomposition were used to mine the hidden information of objects in POLSAR data, which was then applied in the C5.0 decision tree algorithm for optimal feature selection and classification. Using a NASA/JPL AIRSAR POLSAR scene as an example, the overall accuracy and kappa coefficient of the proposed method reached 91.17% and 0.90 in the L-band, much higher than those achieved by the commonly applied Wishart supervised classification that were 45.65% and 0.41. Meantime, the overall accuracy of the proposed method performed well in both C- and P-bands. Polarimetric decomposition and TF decomposition all proved useful in the process. TF information played a great role in delineation between urban/built-up areas and vegetation. Three polarimetric features (entropy, Shannon entropy, T11 Coherency Matrix element) and one TF feature (HH intensity of coherence) were found most helpful in urban areas classification. This study indicates that the integrated use of polarimetric decomposition and TF decomposition of POLSAR data may provide improved feature extraction in heterogeneous urban areas.
Potentials and capabilities of the Extracellular Vesicle (EV) Array
Authors: Jørgensen Malene Møller , Bæk Rikke , Varming Kim
Published: April 2015

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) and exosomes are difficult to enrich or purify from biofluids, hence quantification and phenotyping of these are tedious and inaccurate. The multiplexed, highly sensitive and high‐throughput platform of the EV Array presented by Jørgensen et al., (J Extracell Vesicles, 2013; 2: 10) has been refined regarding the capabilities of the method for characterization and molecular profiling of EV surface markers. Here, we present an extended microarray platform to detect and phenotype plasma‐derived EVs (optimized for exosomes) for up to 60 antigens without any enrichment or purification prior to analysis.
Production et accumulation de sédiments biogènes dans les estrans sableux (Production and accumulation of biogenetics sediments in sandy beaches)
Authors: Hénaff Alain
Published: April 2015

Résumé. - Les tests des organismes marins sont à l'origine d'une production renouvelable de sédiments calcaires et siliceux sur les plages. Sur la plage de Combrit dans le sud-Finistère (Bretagne occidentale, France), les sables de l'estran montrent des teneurs en carbonates de calcium d'origine organique variant de 7 à 46,5%. L'examen et le dénombrement au microscope des composants calcaires et siliceux permettent d'identifier les organismes producteurs, leurs origines et de comprendre la redistribution de ces particules organogènes sur l'estran. Les résultats mettent en évidence l'importance des apports locaux par les organismes vivant dans l'avant-plage et sur les platiers rocheux dans cette production.
Culture, religion et esclavage à Bahia (1549-1888) (Culture, religion and slavery in Bahia (1549-1888))
Authors: de Almeida Vasconcelos Pedro
Published: April 2015

Abstract. - The collusion between the Roman Catholic Church and the Kingship, together with slavery, confered very early specific forms of social organization and culture to Salvador and Brazil : the strong imprint of clerical and monastic institutions on both the white and black population, the official erasure of African culture, but its survival thanks to Christian associations and the cult of saints.
G-CSF as an Adjunctive Therapy with Umbilical Cord Blood Cell Transplantation for Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: De La Peña Ike , Sanberg Paul R. , Acosta Sandra , Lin Shinn-Zong , Borlongan Cesar V.
Published: April 2015

Traumatic brain injury (TBI), a major contributor to deaths and permanent disability worldwide, has been recently described as a progressive cell death process rather than an acute event. TBI pathophysiology is complicated and can be distinguished by the initial primary injury and the subsequent secondary injury that ensues days after the trauma. Therapeutic opportunities for TBI remain very limited with patients subjected to surgery or rehabilitation therapy. The efficacy of stem cell-based interventions, as well as neuroprotective agents in other neurological disorders of which pathologies overlap with TBI, indicates their potential as alternative TBI treatments. Furthermore, their therapeutic limitations may be augmented when combination therapy is pursued instead of using a single agent. Indeed, we demonstrated remarkable combined efficacy of human umbilical cord blood (hUCB) cell therapy and granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) treatment in TBI models, providing essential evidence for the translation of this approach to treat TBI. Further studies are warranted to determine the mechanisms underlying therapeutic benefits exerted by hUCB + G-CSF in order to enhance its safety and efficacy in the clinic.
« L’émancipation des femmes » par le travail dans la Chine communiste de 1958 à 1976
Authors: Tang Xiaojing , Lévy Florence , Mei Chai , Heiniger Alix
Published: April 2015

Cet article se veut une contribution à l’étude de l’expérience professionnelle et de la vie familiale des femmes pendant le Grand Bond en avant. Son objectif est d’analyser les processus qui ont amené l’État à construire, au nom de l’émancipation féminine, un marché secondaire de l’emploi. Comment cette politique a-t-elle pu être mise en place ? Comment les femmes l’ont-elles vécue ? Contrairement aux femmes relevant de la catégorie des cadres et des ouvrières statutaires, celles qui étaient considérées comme « femmes au foyer » ont connu un système d’emploi temporaire, caractérisé par des postes instables, pénibles et mal rémunérés. En dépit de longues périodes de travail en usine, elles ont dû endosser l’étiquette stigmatisante de « femmes au foyer ». Dès le début cependant, elles ont lutté pour réclamer une égalité de traitement et plus d’indépendance. Ainsi le combat de ces femmes appartient-il à l’histoire de l’émancipation féminine de la période du Grand Bond en avant.
Les parrainages d’enfants étrangers au 20 e siècle
Authors: Denéchère Yves
Published: April 2015

Le parrainage international (ou transnational) peut être défini comme une aide, essentiellement matérielle, apportée par des personnes vivant dans des pays développés à des enfants étrangers (et à leur famille ou à leur communauté) vivant dans des conditions difficiles. Cet article explore l’histoire générale des parrainages internationaux des années 1920 à la fin du 20 e  siècle. Il vise à montrer en quoi ces formes de dons constituent des relations interpersonnelles transnationales qui participent à la formation de liens entre des sociétés très différentes. La problématique implique d’investiguer plusieurs questions afin de préciser les logiques des associations, les motivations des parrains et définir la nature du lien construit.
Le CAPES d’histoire et de géographie
Authors: Bourdon Étienne , Chevalier Dominique , De Cock Laurence , Delacroix Christian , Garcia Patrick , Leduc Jean
Published: April 2015

Cet article s’inscrit dans l’actualité de la réforme des concours de recrutement dont le ministère souhaite accentuer la « professionnalisation ». S’interrogeant sur la définition de ce terme pour des candidats qui n’ont, par définition, jamais eu charge de classe, les auteurs dressent un panorama des débats qui traversent le CAPES d’histoire-géographie à l’aune de leur histoire et des récents textes de cadrage. En refusant d’entrer dans une grille binaire qui opposerait le pédagogique et le scientifique, ils montrent que la professionnalisation, au niveau du recrutement, ne peut se penser sans convoquer l’épistémologie de la discipline de référence sauf à sombrer dans la restitution de modèles de séances dépourvues de tout esprit critique.
Efficiency Assessment of Immunochromatographic Strip Test for the Diagnosis of Alpha-Thalassemia-1 Carriers
Authors: Sudjaroen Yuttana
Published: April 2015

Context: The prevention and control of thalassemia in Thailand focus on the appropriate diagnosis with a simple, cheap, and practical tool for any staff to use.

Aims: (1) To screen alpha-thalassemia-1 carriers among pregnant women and spouses by immunochromatographic (IC) strip test and one tube osmotic fragility test (OFT) and (2) to evaluate the accuracy of both screening methods.
Setting and Design: Cross-sectional study for 6 months duration from January to June 2013 at Kudjab Hospital located in Udonthani Province, Thailand.

Subjects and Methods: Pregnant women and spouses attending the antenatal care clinic joined the study for blood sample collection (n = 414). The specimens were then taken for screening by osmotic fragility and IC strip test to specify alpha-thalassemia carriers. Another set of the specimens was sent for testing using hemoglobin (Hb) typing for thalassemia and abnormal Hb carriers and using multiplex polymerase chain reaction for alpha-thalassemia-1 carriers diagnosis as a gold standard.

Results: There were 27 cases found as positive for alpha-thalassemia including alpha-thalassemia-1 carriers, South East Asian type, alpha-thalassemia-1 carriers, Thai deletion type, HbH and Hb constant spring, which were 18, 2, 3, and 2 cases, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of IC strip test were 92.6%, 95.1%, 56.8%, 99.4%, and 94.9%, respectively, which were higher than those of OFT.

Conclusions: Accuracy of IC strip test was better than those of OFT. IC strip test may probably be very helpful in a massive thalassemia screening program.
Performance of a 27 kDa Fasciola hepatica Antigen in the Diagnosis of Human Fascioliasis
Authors: Shafiei Reza , Sarkari Bahador , Sadjjadi Seyed Mahmoud
Published: April 2015

Background: Serological diagnosis, based on antigenic fractions of the parasite can be used for the early diagnosis of human fascioliasis. The current study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a 27 kDa immunodominant antigen of Fasciola hepatica adult worms, in an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) system for serological diagnosis of human fascioliasis.

Materials and Methods: The immunodiagnosis of human fascioliasis, using a 27 kDa immunodominant antigen, purified from F. hepatica somatic antigens (SAs), was evaluated by Western blotting and ELISA with sera samples of human fascioliasis patients, healthy controls and patients with other parasitic infections.

Results: Using western blotting, from 12 sera of fascioliasis patients, 11 sera (91.6%) detected the 27 kDa subunit. None of 30 samples from healthy controls or 32 sera from nonfascioliasis patients reacted with the 27 kDa antigen. Accordingly, sensitivity and specificity of the system was found to be 91.6% and 100%, respectively. The 27 kDa antigen was purified from the SAs and was used in an indirect ELISA system. Of 15 sera of fascioliasis patients, all (100%) were found to be positive by ELISA whereas only 4 cases (6.25%) of nonfascioliasis patients or healthy controls were false-positive by this system. Accordingly, the sensitivity and specificity of the test were 100% and 93.6%, respectively.

Conclusion: Findings of this study demonstrated that both Western blotting and the indirect ELISA, based on the 27 kDa subunit of F. hepatica SA, are reliable methods for serodiagnosis of human fascioliasis.
A Rare Case of Mycetoma Due to Curvularia
Authors: Shinde Rupali S , Hanumantha Sreedevi , Mantur Basappa G , Parande Mahantesh V
Published: April 2015

Mycetoma due to Curvularia is a rare clinical entity. Here, we report a case of 27-year-old female presented with multiple swellings and discharging wounds around left shoulder joint since 12 years. Local examination showed diffuse nodular swellings over left anterior chest wall, posterior chest wall, and axilla. Multiple nodules and discharging sinuses were seen. Fungal culture of the biopsy of the lesion revealed Curvularia species. Patient showed significant clinical improvement with itraconazole therapy.
Hepatic Tuberculosis Mimicking Metastasis in a Case of Carcinoma Sigmoid Colon
Authors: Husain Musharraf , Khan Sabina , Hassan Mohammad Jaseem
Published: April 2015

Tuberculosis (TB) presenting as isolated liver mass without clinical evidence of TB is difficult to diagnose preoperatively and is usually mimicked by primary or metastatic carcinoma of the liver. Hepatic TB associated with carcinoma colon is a rare association which has very rarely been reported in the literature. This case illustrates the diagnostic difficulties of hepatic TB and the need to consider it in the differential diagnosis of hepatic nodular lesions in carcinoma colon patients. Here, we report a case of 48-year-old female who presented in the casualty with features of acute intestinal obstruction. Preoperatively a mass was seen at the hepatic flexure along with three lesions in the liver presumed to be metastatic in origin. However, histopathology of the mass revealed adenocarcinoma colon and the liver lesion proved to be hepatic TB. We wish to highlight that on encountering a hepatic lesion in a carcinoma colon patient the possibility of hepatic TB should also be kept in mind apart from the obvious possibility of metastasis especially in an endemic country like India.
Classification of Finite-Dimensional Irreducible Representations of Generalized Quantum Groups via Weyl Groupoids
Authors: Azam Saeid , Yamane Hiroyuki , Yousofzadeh Malihe
Published: April 2015

Let

\chi

be a bi-homomorphism over an algebraically closed field of characteristic zero. Let

U(\chi)

) be a generalized quantum group, associated with

\chi

, such that dim

U^+(\chi) = \infty

,

\| \mathbb R^+(\chi)| < \infty

, and

R^+(\chi)

is irreducible, where

U^+(\chi)

is the positive part of

U(\chi)

, and

R^+(\chi)

is the Kharchenko positive root system of

U^+(\chi)

. In this paper, we give a list of finite-dimensional irreducible

U(\chi)

-modules, relying on a
special
reduced expression of the longest element of the Weyl groupoid of

R(\chi) := R^+(\chi) \cup (–R^+(\chi))

. From the list, we explicitly obtain lists of finite-dimensional irreducible modules for simple Lie superalgebras

\mathfrak g

of types A–G and the (standard) quantum superalgebras

U_q(\mathfrak g)

. An intrinsic gap appears between the lists for

\mathfrak g

and

U_q(\mathfrak g)

, e.g, if

≥\mathfrak g

is B

(m, n)

or D

(m, n)

.
A mechanism for biologically-induced iodine emissions from sea-ice
Authors: Saiz-Lopez A. , Blaszczak-Boxe C. S. , Carpenter L. J.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Ground- and satellite-based measurements have reported high concentrations of iodine monoxide (IO) in coastal Antarctica. The sources of such a large iodine burden in the coastal Antarctic atmosphere remain unknown. We propose a mechanism for iodine release from sea-ice based on the premise that micro-algae are the primary source of iodine emissions in this environment. The emissions are triggered by the biological production of iodide (I−) and hypoiodous acid (HOI) from micro-algae (contained within and underneath sea-ice) and their diffusion through sea-ice brine channels, to accumulate in the quasi-liquid layer (QLL) on the surface of sea-ice. Prior to reaching the QLL, the diffusion timescale of iodine within sea-ice is depth-dependent. The QLL is also a vital component of the proposed mechanism as it enhances the chemical kinetics of iodine-related reactions, which allows for the efficient release of iodine to the polar boundary layer. We suggest iodine is released to the atmosphere via 3 possible pathways: (1) emitted from the QLL and then transported throughout snow atop sea-ice, to be released to the atmosphere, (2) released directly from the QLL to the atmosphere in regions of sea-ice that are not covered with snowpack; or (3) emitted to the atmosphere directly through fractures in the sea-ice pack. To investigate the proposed biology-ice-atmosphere coupling at coastal Antarctica we use a multiphase model that incorporates the transport of iodine species, via diffusion, at variable depths, within brine channels of sea-ice. Model simulations were conducted to interpret observations of elevated springtime IO in the coastal Antarctic, around the Weddell Sea. The results show that the levels of inorganic iodine (i.e., I2, IBr, ICl) released from sea-ice through this mechanism could account for the observed IO concentrations during this timeframe. The model results also indicate that iodine may trigger the catalytic release of bromine from sea-ice through phase equilibration of IBr. We propose that this mechanism may also result in the emission of iodocarbons from the sea-ice to the polar atmosphere. Considering the extent of sea-ice around the Antarctic continent, we suggest that the resulting high levels of iodine may have widespread impacts on catalytic ozone destruction and aerosol formation in the Antarctic lower troposphere.
Reconstructing European forest management from 1600 to 2010
Authors: McGrath M. J. , Luyssaert S. , Meyfroidt P. , Kaplan J. O. , Buergi M. , Chen Y. , Erb K. , Gimmi U. , McInerney D. , Naudts K. , Otto J. , Pasztor F. , Ryder J. , Schelhaas M.-J. , Valade A.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. European forest use for fuel, timber and food dates back to pre-Roman times. Century-scale ecological processes and their legacy effects require accounting for forest management when studying today's forest carbon sink. Forest management reconstructions that are used to drive land surface models are one way to quantify the impact of both historical and today's large scale application of forest management on today's forest-related carbon sink and surface climate. In this study we reconstruct European forest management from 1600 to 2010 making use of diverse approaches, data sources and assumptions. Between 1600 and 1828, a demand-supply approach was used in which wood supply was reconstructed based on estimates of historical annual wood increment and land cover reconstructions. For the same period demand estimates accounted for the fuelwood needed in households, wood used in food processing, charcoal used in metal smelting and salt production, timber for construction and population estimates. Comparing estimated demand and supply resulted in a spatially explicit reconstruction of the share of forests under coppice, high stand management and forest left unmanaged. For the reconstruction between 1829 and 2010 a supply-driven back-casting method was used. The method used age reconstructions from the years 1950 to 2010 as its starting point. Our reconstruction reproduces the most important changes in forest management between 1600 and 2010: (1) an increase of 593 000 km2 in conifers at the expense of deciduous forest (decreasing by 538 000 km2), (2) a 612 000 km2 decrease in unmanaged forest, (3) a 152 000 km2 decrease in coppice management, (4) a 818 000 km2 increase in high stand management, and (5) the rise and fall of litter raking which at its peak in 1853 removed 50 Tg dry litter per year.
An approach to enhance pnetCDF performance in environmental modeling applications
Authors: Wong D. C. , Yang C. E. , Fu J. S. , Wong K. , Gao Y.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Data intensive simulations are often limited by their I/O (input/output) performance, and "novel" techniques need to be developed in order to overcome this limitation. The software package pnetCDF (parallel network Common Data Form), which works with parallel file systems, was developed to address this issue by providing parallel I/O capability. This study examines the performance of an application-level data aggregation approach which performs data aggregation along either row or column dimension of MPI (Message Passing Interface) processes on a spatially decomposed domain, and then applies the pnetCDF parallel I/O paradigm. The test was done with three different domain sizes which represent small, moderately large, and large data domains, using a small-scale Community Multiscale Air Quality model (CMAQ) mock-up code. The examination includes comparing I/O performance with traditional serial I/O technique, straight application of pnetCDF, and the data aggregation along row and column dimension before applying pnetCDF. After the comparison, "optimal" I/O configurations of this application-level data aggregation approach were quantified. Data aggregation along the row dimension (pnetCDFcr) works better than along the column dimension (pnetCDFcc) although it may perform slightly worse than the straight pnetCDF method with a small number of processors. When the number of processors becomes larger, pnetCDFcr outperforms pnetCDF significantly. If the number of processors keeps increasing, pnetCDF reaches a point where the performance is even worse than the serial I/O technique. This new technique has also been tested for a real application where it performs two times better than the straight pnetCDF paradigm.
Revision of the convective transport module CVTRANS 2.4 in the EMAC atmospheric chemistry–climate model
Authors: Ouwersloot H. G. , Pozzer A. , Steil B. , Tost H. , Lelieveld J.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. The convective transport module, CVTRANS, of the ECHAM/MESSy Atmospheric Chemistry (EMAC) model has been revised to better represent the physical flows and incorporate recent findings on the properties of the convective plumes. The modifications involve (i) applying intermediate time stepping based on a settable criterion, (ii) using an analytic expression to account for the intra time step mixing ratio evolution below cloud base, and (iii) implementing a novel expression for the mixing ratios of atmospheric compounds at the base of an updraft. Even when averaged over a year, the predicted mixing ratios of atmospheric compounds are significantly affected by the intermediate time stepping. For example, for an exponentially decaying atmospheric tracer with a lifetime of 1 day, the zonal averages can locally differ by more than a factor of 6 and the induced root mean square deviation from the original code is, weighted by the air mass, higher than 40% of the average mixing ratio. The other modifications result in smaller differences. However, since they do not require additional computational time, their application is also recommended.
Improving multi-objective reservoir operation optimization with sensitivity-informed problem decomposition
Authors: Chu J. G. , Zhang C. , Fu G. T. , Li Y. , Zhou H. C.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. This study investigates the effectiveness of a sensitivity-informed method for multi-objective operation of reservoir systems, which uses global sensitivity analysis as a screening tool to reduce the computational demands. Sobol's method is used to screen insensitive decision variables and guide the formulation of the optimization problems with a significantly reduced number of decision variables. This sensitivity-informed problem decomposition dramatically reduces the computational demands required for attaining high quality approximations of optimal tradeoff relationships between conflicting design objectives. The search results obtained from the reduced complexity multi-objective reservoir operation problems are then used to pre-condition the full search of the original optimization problem. In two case studies, the Dahuofang reservoir and the inter-basin multi-reservoir system in Liaoning province, China, sensitivity analysis results show that reservoir performance is strongly controlled by a small proportion of decision variables. Sensitivity-informed problem decomposition and pre-conditioning are evaluated in their ability to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of multi-objective evolutionary optimization. Overall, this study illustrates the efficiency and effectiveness of the sensitivity-informed method and the use of global sensitivity analysis to inform problem decomposition when solving the complex multi-objective reservoir operation problems.
The role of diffraction effects in extreme run-up inundation at Okushiri Island due to 1993 tsunami
Authors: Kim K. O. , Kim D. C. , Choi B. H. , Jung K. T. , Yuk J. H. , Pelinovsky E.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. The tsunami generated on 12 July 1993 by the Hokkaido–Nansei–Oki earthquake (Mw = 7.8) brought about a maximum wave run-up of 31.7 m, the highest recorded in Japan during the 20th century, near the Monai Valley on the west coast of Okushiri Island (Hokkaido Tsunami Survey Group, 1993). To reproduce the extreme run-up height, the three-dimensional non-hydrostatic model (Flow Science, 2012), referred to here as the NH-model, has been locally applied with open boundary conditions supplied in an offline manner by the three-dimensional hydrostatic model (Ribeiro et al., 2011), referred to here as the H-model. The area of the H-model is sufficiently large to cover the entire fault region with one-way nested multiple domains. For the initial water deformation, Okada's fault model (1985) using the sub-fault parameters is applied. Three NH-model experiments have been performed, namely without islands, with one island and with two islands. The experiments with one island and with two islands give rise to values close to the observation with maximum run-up heights of about 32.3 and 30.8 m, respectively, while the experiment without islands gives rise to about 25.2 m. The diffraction of the tsunami wave primarily by Muen Island, located in the south, and the southward topographic guiding of the tsunami run-up at the coast are, as in the laboratory simulation (Yoneyama et al., 2002), found to result in the extreme run-up height near Monai Valley. The presence of Hira Island enhances the diffraction of tsunami waves but its contribution to the extreme run-up height is marginal.
Scenario-based numerical modelling and the palaeo-historic record of tsunamis in Wallis and Futuna, Southwest Pacific
Authors: Lamarche G. , Popinet S. , Pelletier B. , Mountjoy J. , Goff J. , Delaux S. , Bind J.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. We investigated the tsunami hazard in the remote French territory of Wallis and Futuna, Southwest Pacific, using the Gerris flow solver to produce numerical models of tsunami generation, propagation and inundation. Wallis consists of the inhabited volcanic island of Uvéa that is surrounded by a lagoon delimited by a barrier reef. Futuna and the island of Alofi forms the Horn Archipelago located ca. 240 km east of Wallis. They are surrounded by a narrow fringing reef. Futuna and Alofi emerge from the North Fiji Transform Fault that marks the seismically active Pacific-Australia plate boundary. We generated fifteen tsunami scenarios. For each, we calculated maximum wave elevation (MWE), inundation distance, and Expected Time of Arrival (ETA). The tsunami sources were local, regional and distant earthquake faults located along the Pacific Rim. In Wallis, the outer reef may experience 6.8 m-high MWE. Uvéa is protected by the barrier reef and the lagoon, but inundation depths of 2–3 m occur in several coastal areas. In Futuna, flow depths exceeding 2 m are modelled in several populated areas, and have been confirmed by a post-September 2009 South Pacific tsunami survey. The channel between the islands of Futuna and Alofi amplified the 2009 tsunami, which resulted in inundation distance of almost 100 m and MWE of 4.4 m. This first-ever tsunami hazard modelling study of Wallis and Futuna compares well with palaeotsunamis recognised on both islands and observation of the impact of the 2009 South Pacific tsunami. The study provides evidence for the mitigating effect of barrier and fringing reefs from tsunamis.
Family Medicine as a Model of Primary Health Services Delivery: A Pilot Study in Almaty, Kazakhstan
Authors: Orynbassarova Dilara
Published: April 2015

Introduction. Advanced models of delivering primary health care are being implemented in various countries of the world. This is especially true for countries undergoing a healthcare transition in Central Asia, such as Kazakhstan, which obtained independence from Soviet Union in 1991. The Kazakhstan National Program of Health Reform, implemented between 2005-2010, aimed to create an effective system of primary care. One of the key directions of healthcare reform implemented in Kazakhstan included the development of family medicine, which has become cutting-edge agenda for Kazakhstan Health Ministry over the past 10 years. While many papers have been published about the importance of family medicine and primary healthcare models, few have focused on analyzing family medicine effectiveness in Kazakhstan and its impact on access to family doctor services and patient satisfaction. The key aims of this pilot investigation were 1) to assess the model’s impact on access to primary care and patients’ satisfaction, and 2) to explore the model’s effectiveness in some Central Asian and transitional countries in the literature. Methods. This pilot study was based on semi-structured interviews and questionnaires about the perception and impact of the primary care model to 86 respondents aged 19-51 (54% females, 46% males). The majority of respondents were Almaty city residents (71%), while the rest were Almaty Province rural residents (22%) and residents of other Kazakhstan regions (7%).Results. Respondents from rural areas associated general practitioners, or family doctors, with community clinics (also referred to as feldsher posts). Even though urban area respondents use family doctor services, they were more likely to get those services in private rather than public clinics. Rural residents appear to have better access to primary care providers than urban residents participating in our study. Also, respondents from rural areas were more satisfied with services provided by family doctors than respondents from urban areas.Conclusions. This pilot study helped to improve our understanding of primary health care reforms implemented in Kazakhstan, a topic that is not traditionally covered in international literature. This pilot study suggests that primary care is more effectively implemented in rural areas of Kazakhstan (Almaty Province); however, future full-scale research in this area is needed to fully understand the complexity of primary healthcare access in Kazakhstan.
O corpo do outro: O guerreiro gaulês nos comentários às guerras das Gálias de Júlio César.
Authors: Silva Priscilla Ylre Pereira da
Published: April 2015

Neste artigo, temos por finalidade analisar, num primeiro momento, a relação galo-romana no período do final da República e a importância das características e práticas corporais na elaboração da imagem do homem gaulês. Apoiando-nos principalmente nos relatos de Júlio César (100 – 44 a.C.) acerca de seus oito anos de campanha militar nas Gálias, compilados em seus Comentários Num segundo momento, enfatizaremos as características atribuídas aos guerreiros gauleses e as mudanças nas técnicas militares ao decorrer do crescimento do contato com o mundo grecorromano.
Experiências educacionais no Assentamento José Eduardo Raduan: escola, educação e terra
Authors: Callegari Ricardo
Published: April 2015

Busco discutir sobre a relação existente entre a luta, educação e a terra e quais os significados que estas possuem para as famílias assentadas no Assentamento José Eduardo Raduan, em Marmeleiro, Sudoeste do Paraná (1983/2003). Compreende-se que a luta feita pelos Sem Terra traz significados sobre educação e escola que se diferenciam do modelo tradicional e neoliberal de educação, principalmente por conciliar a educação com a prática e a vivência dos alunos buscando a transformação intelectual e social deste. Partindo do pressuposto que a educação é uma importante ferramenta para compreendermos o mundo em que se vive e dasrelações que está inserido; serve para ver a história e as lutas buscando valorizar a formação da identidade – Sem Terra – através do conhecimento destas lutas. Para tanto será analisado entrevistas orais e materiais produzidos pelo movimento.
Fontes on-line em arquivos brasileiros: Reflexões sobre a Internet no ofício do historiador
Authors: Baumann Celeste , Granzoto Junior Elson , Nogueira Patrícia Moreira , Broda Paula De Castro , Souza Renata Soares de , Rodrigues Vanessa Neri
Published: April 2015

Esta pesquisa está inserida em um momento no qual as Tecnologias de Informação e Comunicação (TICs) potencializam diariamente a interface entre preservação, divulgação e produção de conhecimentos históricos. Neste artigo, procuramos apontar brevemente o caminho por nós percorrido, ancorados pela leitura dos principais debates a respeito do tema. Subsidiados pela experiência do contato direto com os sites dos arquivos, foi nos permitido refletir acerca da situação atual das fontes on-line, seus processos de digitalização, critérios de seleção e a organização das fontes, ampliando o escopo para se pensar os usos possíveis da Internet para o ofício do historiador e os desafios futuros impostos pelas novas tecnologias.
DETERMINAÇÃO DAS PROPRIEDADES ENERGÉTICAS DA MADEIRA E DO CARVÃO VEGETAL PRODUZIDO A PARTIR DE Eucalyptus benthamii
Authors: Nones Daniela Letícia , Brand Martha Andreia , Da Cunha Alexsandro Bayestorff , De Carvalho Adriel Furtado , Weise Solange Maria Krug
Published: April 2015

Este trabalho teve como objetivo caracterizar energeticamente a madeira e o carvão vegetal obtidos a partir da espécie Eucalyptus benthamii Maiden & Cambage para duas diferentes idades, 5 e 13 anos. Para a madeira de cada idade, foram confeccionados 48 corpos de prova, com aproximadamente 2 x 2 x 2 cm, que foram utilizados para determinação da massa específica, poder calorífico superior, análise química imediata e carbonização. Após a carbonização, as propriedades energéticas do carvão vegetal foram avaliadas a partir da massa específica aparente, rendimento gravimétrico e volumétrico, poder calorífico superior e análise química imediata. Tanto para a madeira quanto para o carvão vegetal houve influência da idade. A madeira com 13 anos apresentou maior massa específica básica e maior poder calorífico. Porém as diferenças nas propriedades físicas e energéticas da madeira das duas idades não justificam a manutenção da floresta até os 13 anos de idade, quando seu uso final é a geração de energia na forma de carvão. Em relação ao carvão, aquele produzido com madeira de 13 anos apresentou maior rendimento, enquanto o carvão vegetal de 5 anos apresentou melhor qualidade final para uso energético.Palavras-chave: Energia de biomassa; propriedades energéticas; eucalipto. AbstractDetermination of energetic properties of wood and charcoal produced from Eucalyptus benthamii. This research aimed to characterize the energetic properties of wood and charcoal obtained from Eucalyptus benthamii for two different ages, 5 and 13 years. For each timber age, we prepared 48 specimens, approximately 2 x 2 x 2 cm, used to determine specific gravity, calorific value, immediate analysis and carbonization. After carbonization, we evaluated the energetic properties of the charcoal in relation to density, gravimetric and volumetric yield, calorific value and immediate chemical analysis. As the wood as charcoal were influenced by age. The 13 years old timber revealed higher specific gravity and higher calorific value. However, the differences in the physical and energetic properties of the wood of the two ages do not justify maintaining the forest until the age of 13, as its end use is generation of energy as coal. The charcoal produced from 13 years old trees had the highest yield, while the charcoal from 5 years old trees had better quality to energy usage.Keywords: Biomass energy; energy properties; Eucalyptus.