bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Suicide Ideation in Older Adults Recovering from Acute Conditions in a Clinical Recovery Facility
Authors: Campos Rui C. , Santos Sara , Piteira Margarida , Abreu Marta , Tavares Sofia
Published: April 2017

The aim of the current study was to assess suicide ideation in a sample of older adults recovering from acute conditions in a clinical recovery facility of the Portuguese Red Cross. Four indicators of suicide ideation were used. Clinical, contextual, and psychological variables—namely, previous suicide attempts, death of a family member by suicide, loneliness, and interpersonal needs—were also tested to determine whether they were related to suicide ideation. Findings show suicide ideation is frequent at admission and related to patients' previous suicide attempts. Death of a family member by suicide and patients' functional dependency are related to some indicators of suicide ideation, and loneliness and interpersonal needs are important psychological variables relating to suicide ideation. Interpersonal needs were related to suicide ideation even after controlling for previous suicide attempts. Implications of the results for clinical practice are discussed. [
Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 43
(9), 31–37.]
Predicting Health Promotion and Quality of Life With Symptom Clusters and Social Supports Among Older Adults With Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Zhang Wenhui , Becker Heather , Stuifbergen Alexa K. , Brown Adama
Published: April 2017

Symptoms common among individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) may influence health promotion and quality of life, especially among older adults, who often experience multiple chronic conditions. To identify and examine symptom clusters' effect on health promotion and quality of life, data from 215 adults with MS older than 60 (average years with diagnosis = 29) were analyzed. Correlations among symptoms ranged from 0.33 to 0.81. Factor analysis identified two symptom clusters: (a) physical/psychological/cognitive symptoms and (b) pain symptoms. In multiple hierarchical regressions, controlling for demographics and functional limitations, physical/psychological/cognitive symptoms significantly improved prediction on Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II interpersonal relations, stress management, and total scores; pain symptoms predicted nutrition scores. Both symptom clusters predicted spiritual growth and quality of life. Social support was a significant predictor of all outcomes. Symptom clusters, along with social support, should be considered in care and interventions for older adults with MS. [
Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 43
(10), 27–36.]
DNA Computing: Challenges and Application
Authors: El-Seoud Samir Abou , Mohamed Reham Fouad , Ghoneimy Samy
Published: April 2017

Much of our scientific, technological, and economic future depends on the availability of an ever-increasing supply of computational power. However, the increasing demand for such power has pushed electronic technology to the limit of physical feasibility and has raised the concern that this technology may not be able to sustain our growth in the near future. It became important to consider an alternative means of achieving computational power. In this regard, DNA computing was introduced based on the usage of DNA and molecular biology hardware instead of the typical silicon based technology. The molecular computers could take advantage of DNA's physical properties to store information and perform calculations. These include extremely dense information storage, enormous parallelism and extraordinary energy efficiency. One of the main advantages that DNA computations would add to computation is its self - parallel processing while most of the electronic computers now use linear processing. In this paper, the DNA computation is reviewed and its state of the art challenges and applications are presented. Some of these applications are those require fast processing, at which DNA computers would be able to solve the hardest problems faster than the traditional ones. For example, 10 trillion DNA molecules can fit in one cubic centimeter that would result in a computer that holds 10 terabytes of data. Moreover, this work focuses on whether a large scale molecular computer can be built.
Utilizing DNA Strands for Secured Data-Hiding with High Capacity
Authors: Marwan Samiha Abdelrahman Mohammed , Shawish Ahmed , Nagaty Khaled
Published: April 2017

There are continuous threats to network technologies due to its rapidly-changing nature, which raises the demand for data-safe transmission. As a result, the need to come up with new techniques for securing data and accommodating the growing quantities of information is crucial. From nature to science, the idea that genes themselves are made of information stimulated the research in molecular deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). DNA is capable of storing huge amounts of data, which leads to its promising effect in steganography. DNA steganography is the art of using DNA as an information carrier which achieves high data storage capacity as well as high security level. Currently, DNA steganography techniques utilize the properties of only one DNA strand, since the other strand is completely dependent on the first one. This paper presents a DNA-based steganography technique that hides data into both DNA strands with respect to the dependency between the two strands. In the proposed technique, a key of the same length of the reference DNA sequence is generated after using the second DNA strand. The sender sends both the encrypted DNA message and its reference DNA sequence together into a microdot. If the recipient receives this microdot uncontaminated, the sender can safely send the generated key afterwards. The proposed technique doubles the amount of data stored and guarantees a secure transmission process as well, for even if the attacker suspects the first-sent DNA sequence, they will never receive the key, and hence full data extraction is nearly impossible. The conducted experimental study confirms the effectiveness of the proposed.
A Concept Analysis Scheme of Simple Stories for Learning Resources through Extraction of Domain-based Multimedia Elements
Authors: Mwinyi Masoud U. , Alja'am Jihad M. , Abou El-Seoud Samir
Published: April 2017

Children with special needs face major difficulties to understand the script of stories. They cannot comprehend the words’ meaning properly. Instructors use different techniques to explain them. They read the script several times, use glossy images, symbols, and short clips. The instructors spend a lot of time searching for these elements. The preparation of every tutorial requires several hours of hard work. The objective of this work is to build a system to assist the instructor finding multimedia elements in real time that can be used during the learning sessions. The proposed system is based on a domain-oriented architecture focusing on animals and food. We use different techniques for text processing including concept analysis, key words extraction and sentence ranking. We can then determine the most significant words and sentences and generate the corresponding multimedia elements. Instructors and children can use smart devices in learning inside and outside the classroom.
Employing Information Extraction for Building Mobile Applications
Authors: Daoud Daoud M. , Abou El-Seoud Samir
Published: April 2017

We describe a SMS-based information system called CATS, which allows posting and searching through free Arabic text using Information Extraction (IE) technology. We discuss the challenges of applying IE technology for unedited real Arabic text. In addition, we describe the structure of this system and our approach to produce an open robust system capable of including more sub domains with the minimum effort.
Malware Detection in Cloud Environment (MDCE)
Authors: El-Khouly Mahmoud M. , Abou El-Seoud Samir
Published: April 2017

Since cloud computing technology is growing day by day, it comes with many security problems, especially from threats such as malware. As more services migrate to the cloud architecture, the cloud will become a more appealing target for cyber criminals. In this paper, we present the current threats to the cloud environment, and the proposed detection systems for malware in the cloud environment. We then present a multiple detection system that is aimed at combating the spread of malware by cloud environment.
On Bubble Sizing in Water by Ultrasound
Authors: Hussein Walid B. , Essmat Sarah A. , Yoma Nestor
Published: April 2017

Classifying bubbles in liquids is a crucial problem that is demanded within multiple fields. This paper discusses a new method for classifying bubble sizes in non-contact and inexpensive approach using ultrasound analysis. Exploiting the principle of buoyancy, free rising bubbles with larger volumes elevate faster to the surface compared to the smaller ones, given that they have the same densities. An envelope detector is proposed which tracks the changes in the ultrasound signals reflected by the bubbles when they cross the ultrasound field. These changes in the reflected signals are distinctive for the sizes under consideration. Relevant spectral and linear predictive coding features that represent the distinct characteristics are extracted. These features are fed to a feed-forward artificial neural network to successfully classify air bubbles according to their sizes with an accuracy of 98.8%. This method provides promising applications to be implemented in industrial, biomedical and environmental fields.
Proteínas transmembranales de organismos tipo rickettsia (OTR) en animales acuáticos: Factores de adherencia, invasión e infección
Authors: Pérez Acosta Jesús , Martínez Porchas Marcel , Gollas Galván Teresa , Martínez Córdova Luis R. , Gutiérrez Millán Luis E. , López Torres Marco
Published: April 2017

Las proteínas transmembranales de organismos tipo rickettsia (OTR) además de participar en el transporte de compuestos esenciales y como receptoras de fagos, desempeñan un papel importante en el proceso de infección sobre organismos de importancia comercial como peces, moluscos y crustáceos. Recientemente se dio a conocer una nueva clasificación de los OTR la cual los divide en cuatro grupos: ancestral, tifo, de la fiebre manchada y transicional. Hasta el momento, solo los grupos tifo y de la fiebre manchada (TG y SFG, por sus siglas en inglés ‘Typhus Group’ y ‘Spotted Fever Group’) han sido reportados como patogénicos de organismos acuáticos. El grupo TG posee en su membrana externa antígenos celulares de superficie tipo 0, 1, 2, 4, 5 (Sca0, Sca1, Sca2, Sca4, Sca5, por sus siglas en inglés Surface cell antigens). Sca0 también es conocido como proteína transmembranal A y Sca5 como proteína transmembranal B (OmpA y OmpB, por sus siglas en inglés ‘Outer Membrane Protein’). Además se han encontrado en esta membrana externa algunas enzimas llamadas translocasas (Tlc) entre las cuales se encuentran la traslocasa 1, 4 y 5 (Tlc1, Tlc4 y Tlc5). En el grupo SFG también se han detectado estas proteínas con excepción de Sca0. Estas proteínas varían en cuanto a características y funciones. Sin embargo, la información de OTR que afectan organismos acuáticos, no es tan común como en mamíferos terrestres. En esta revisión se hace un análisis del estado del arte del estudio de proteínas transmembranales de OTR en organismos acuáticos y se contrasta con la información reportada respecto a OTR de origen terrestre, con el objetivo de inferir el posible mecanismo de infección de este tipo de patógenos.
Aumento de la sobrevivencia de larvas de Seriola lalandi usando Pseudoalteromonas sp. como probióticos
Authors: Leyton Yanett , Sayes Camila , Mejías Cristian , Abarca Marcelo , Wilson Rodolfo , Riquelme Carlos
Published: April 2017

La demanda mundial de alimentos aumenta el interés en el desarrollo de la acuicultura. En Chile se están hacienda esfuerzos significativos para desarrollar el cultivo de Seriola lalandi, debido a la alta demanda de su carne a nivel nacional e internacional. Sin embargo, esta especie plantea dificultades persistentes con respecto a la sobrevivencia de las larvas. El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar los efectos de la bacteria Pseudoalteromonas sp. como un suplemento probiótico en el cultivo de larvas de S. lalandi. Para esto, larvas de S. lalandi se alimentaron con rotíferos (Brachionus rotundiformis y Brachionus plicatilis) y Artemia sp. que se cultivaron previamente usando microalgas mezclado con Pseudoalteromonas sp. Rotíferos y artemias fueron buenos vectores de probióticos debido a que las larvas de S. lalandi alimentadas con suplemento probiótico presentaron mayor sobrevivencia y longitud que el control al final del experimento. Estos hallazgos ponen en evidencia que los probióticos de Pseudoalteromonas sp. son buenos candidatos para el uso en cultivos de larvas de S. lalandi. Sin embargo, se necesita más investigación en una escala de cultivo mayor para validar su uso a nivel comercial.
Análisis bioinformático del sistema flagelar de la alphaproteobacteria tipo rickettsia Candidatus Hepatobacter penaei
Authors: Manuel Leyva Juan , Martínez Porchas Marcel , Vargas Albores Francisco , Hernández López Jorge , Gollas Galván Teresa
Published: April 2017

La presencia de sistemas flagelares es común en muchas bacterias de vida libre, sin embargo, estos han sido considerados ausentes en bacterias del orden Rickettsiales. Candidatus Hepatobacter penaei es una bacteria Rickettsial de origen marino descrita como un microorganismo con motilidad, propulsada por un sistema flagelar, el cual también facilita la infección. Siendo esta bacteria uno de los principales riesgos de infección en granjas camaronícolas. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar la presencia de genes que codifiquen proteínas del sistema flagelar de la bacteria Candidatus Hepatobacter penaei. Para el análisis se utilizó la secuencia genómica la base de datos del GenBank con número de acceso NZ_JQAJ00000000.1, una vez detectados los genes, se dedujeron las secuencias de aminoácidos. Las secuencias de aminoácidos del sistema flagelar se identificaron mediante BlastP, por medio de un alineamiento múltiple de dominios conservados. Posteriormente, se realizó un modelado de la proteína FlhA y se comparó con la proteína reportada para Oceanibaculum indicum para la conformación hojas  y  hélices. Los resultados mostraron la presencia de algunas secuencias de aminoácidos relacionadas con los genes del sistema flagelar de la bacteria como MotA, FliG, FliN, FliL FlhA, FlhB, FliQ, FliR y FliF. Finalmente, estos resultados sugieren que Candidatus Hepatobacter penaei es una bacteria tipo Rickettsia que posee un sistema flagelar, el cual posiblemente le confiere motilidad y forma parte del proceso de infección en hospederos como crustáceos marinos.
Diferencias morfométricas de dos especies del género Eatoniella en Isla Navarino, Reserva de Biosfera Cabo de Hornos, Chile
Authors: Rosenfeld Sebastián , Aldea Cristian , Ojeda Jaime , Mansilla Andrés , Rozzi Ricardo
Published: April 2017

The external morphometrics of shell and radula morphology were performed in two species of micromollusks of the genus Eatoniella in Navarino Island, Chile. A total of 50 specimens of E. picea and 72 of E. nigra were analyzed. These species have similar morphology, but E. picea has a smaller diameter/length ratio (0.53 ± 0.02) than E. nigra (0.61 ± 0.04). In relation to the radula morphology, E. picea has wider middle cuspid teeth and small denticles in its border, meanwhile E. nigra has pointed central cuspid teeth.
Análisis de la explotación del pez espada Xiphias gladius y de la tintorera Prionace glauca por la flota palangrera catalana durante el periodo 2010-2015 en el Mediterráneo occidental
Authors: Biton Porsmoguer Sebastián
Published: April 2017

Swordfish and blue shark are species exploited by the Catalan longline fleet. The number of longliners registered in Catalonia increased between 2010 and 2015. The period when is not allowed to fish swordfish from 2014 would not meet the biological objectives. This species is overexploited in the Mediterranean Sea. Landed quantities of blue shark increased and could illustrate a possible recovery in this marine zone. The authorities must establish measures for sustainable exploitation.
Modelando el crecimiento individual de la ostra japonesa Crassostrea gigas cultivado en el Golfo de California mediante el modelo de von Bertalanffy
Authors: Góngora Gómez Andrés Martín , Aragón Noriega E. Alberto , Domínguez-Orozco Ana Laura , Villanueva Fonseca Brenda Paulina
Published: April 2017

This study demonstrate the advantage of multi-model approach to calculate the growth of Crassostrea gigas cultivated in the Gulf of California. The generalized von Bertalanffy growth model (VBGM) and its modification to represent the seasonal variations (VBGM seasonal) were tested. The parameters of each model and their confidence intervals were computed using the maximum-likelihood method. The best-fitting model was selected using the Akaike information criterion (AIC). According to the AIC, the VBGM seasonal best described the growth of the C. gigas. The conclusion was that C. gigas exhibits a seasonal growth pattern under the cultivation conditions of the present study.
Validity of somatic cell count as indicator of pathogen-specific intramammary infections
Authors: Petzer Inge-Marié , Karzis Joanne , Donkin Edward F. , Webb Edward C. , Etter Eric M.C.
Published: April 2017

The objective of this study was to determine whether somatic cell count (SCC) was an effective test, with a sensitivity exceeding 85%, to determine species-specific bacterial infections. In addition, the relation between the SCC and various udder pathogen groups was investigated. SCC thresholds of greater than 200 000 cells/mL were used in quarter and greater than 150 000 cells/mL in composite milk samples. A retrospective study was conducted on a data set for 89 635 quarter and 345 467 composite cow milk samples. Eleven SCC threshold values were used to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy for the following bacteria: Gram-positive major pathogens: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus dysgalactiae and Streptococcus uberis; Gram-negative major pathogens: Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia and Serratia spp.; minor pathogens: coagulase-negative staphylococci, Micrococcus spp., Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, Streptococcus pyogenes, Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus canis, Trueperella pyogenes and other Enterobacteriaceae. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated taking the effect of clustering into account with quarter milk samples. Most samples yielding major Gram-positive pathogens (88.9% in quarter and 79.9% in composite samples) and minor pathogens (61.4% in quarter and 51.7% in composite samples) had SCC greater than 200 000 cells/mL. Sensitivity of the SCC test to detect major pathogens at an SCC threshold of greater than 200 000 cells/mL in quarter samples and greater than 150 000 cells/mL in composite milk samples was 88.2% and 84.2%, respectively, but specificity was low (57.7% and 52.8%, respectively).
Chikungunya and Zika Virus Cases Detected against a Backdrop of Endemic Dengue Transmission in Vietnam
Authors: Quyen Nguyen Than Ha , Kien Duong Thi Hue , Rabaa Maia , Tuan Nguyen Minh , Vi Tran Thuy , Van Tan Le , Hung Nguyen Thanh , Tuan Ha Manh , Van Tram Ta , Le Da Ha Nguyen , Quang Han Khoi , Doanh Nguyen Quoc , Van Vinh Chau Nguyen , Wills Bridget , Simmons Cameron P.
Published: April 2017

Between 2010 and 2014, four chikungunya and two Zika virus infections were identified among 8,105 febrile children in southern Vietnam. Zika viruses were linked to French Polynesian strains, chikungunya to Cambodian strains. Against a backdrop of endemic dengue transmission, chikungunya and Zika present an additional arboviral disease burden in Vietnam.
Case Report: Microcephaly in Twins due to the Zika Virus
Authors: Santos Victor S. , Oliveira Sheila J. G. , Gurgel Ricardo Q. , Lima Dorothy R. R. , dos Santos Cliomar A. , Martins-Filho Paulo R. S.
Published: April 2017

Recent studies have demonstrated an association between congenital Zika virus (ZIKV) infection and microcephaly; however, to date, there have been no reports on the consequences of ZIKV infection on fetuses in twin pregnancies. Herein, we reported on the first case of a monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twin pregnancy having ZIKV-related microcephaly. Our findings suggested that, in an MCDA twin pregnancy, the ZIKV may cause infection in both fetuses, resulting in severe abnormalities in the central nervous system due to neural cell destruction and the disruption of the normal development processes of the brain. This case report and other similar twin cases may help to understand the pathogenesis and to confirm the etiology of ZIKV as a teratogenic microorganism.
Carbohydrate distribution in the strawberry plant
Authors:   Colegio de Postgraduados Montecillo México, Becerril Román A.E. , Beech M.G. ,   Horiculture Research International East Malling Maidstone, Quinlan J.D. ,   Horiculture Research International East Malling Maidstone
Published: April 2017

The production of assimilates through photosynthesis and their distribution within the plant are important processes which help determine plant growth and development (Forney and Breen, 1985) Plant growth is a result of complex inter-relationships between physiological and morphological processes in the meristems, response to internai and external factors and supply of metabolites and inorganic nutrients (Moorby, 1981). Hence, efforts to improve plant growth and development (yield) must be related to those inter-relationships.
OMI air-quality monitoring over the Middle East
Authors: Barkley Michael P. , González Abad Gonzalo , Kurosu Thomas P. , Spurr Robert , Torbatian Sara , Lerot Christophe
Published: April 2017

Abstract. Using Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) trace gas vertical column observations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), formaldehyde (HCHO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and glyoxal (CHOCHO), we have conducted a robust and detailed time series analysis to assess changes in local air quality for over 1000 locations (focussing on urban, oil refinery, oil port, and power plant targets) over the Middle East for 2005–2014. Apart from NO2, which is highest over urban locations, average tropospheric column levels of these trace gases are highest over oil ports and refineries. The highest average pollution levels over urban settlements are typically in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. We detect 278 statistically significant and real linear NO2 trends in total. Over urban areas NO2 increased by up to 12 % yr−1, with only two locations showing a decreasing trend. Over oil refineries, oil ports, and power plants, NO2 increased by about 2–9 % yr−1. For HCHO, 70 significant and real trends were detected, with HCHO increasing by 2–7 % yr−1 over urban settlements and power plants and by about 2–4 % yr−1 over refineries and oil ports. Very few SO2 trends were detected, which varied in direction and magnitude (23 increasing and 9 decreasing). Apart from two locations where CHOCHO is decreasing, we find that glyoxal tropospheric column levels are not changing over the Middle East. Hence, for many locations in the Middle East, OMI observes a degradation in air quality over 2005–2014. This study therefore demonstrates the capability of OMI to generate long-term air-quality monitoring at local scales over this region.
Direct comparisons of ice cloud macro- and microphysical properties simulated by the Community Atmosphere Model version 5 with HIPPO aircraft observations
Authors: Wu Chenglai , Liu Xiaohong , Diao Minghui , Zhang Kai , Gettelman Andrew , Lu Zheng , Penner Joyce E. , Lin Zhaohui
Published: April 2017

Abstract. In this study we evaluate cloud properties simulated by the Community Atmosphere Model version 5 (CAM5) using in situ measurements from the HIAPER Pole-to-Pole Observations (HIPPO) campaign for the period of 2009 to 2011. The modeled wind and temperature are nudged towards reanalysis. Model results collocated with HIPPO flight tracks are directly compared with the observations, and model sensitivities to the representations of ice nucleation and growth are also examined. Generally, CAM5 is able to capture specific cloud systems in terms of vertical configuration and horizontal extension. In total, the model reproduces 79.8 % of observed cloud occurrences inside model grid boxes and even higher (94.3 %) for ice clouds (T ≤ −40 °C). The missing cloud occurrences in the model are primarily ascribed to the fact that the model cannot account for the high spatial variability of observed relative humidity (RH). Furthermore, model RH biases are mostly attributed to the discrepancies in water vapor, rather than temperature. At the micro-scale of ice clouds, the model captures the observed increase of ice crystal mean sizes with temperature, albeit with smaller sizes than the observations. The model underestimates the observed ice number concentration (Ni) and ice water content (IWC) for ice crystals larger than 75 µm in diameter. Modeled IWC and Ni are more sensitive to the threshold diameter for autoconversion of cloud ice to snow (Dcs), while simulated ice crystal mean size is more sensitive to ice nucleation parameterizations than to Dcs. Our results highlight the need for further improvements to the sub-grid RH variability and ice nucleation and growth in the model.
Wintertime aerosol chemistry and haze evolution in an extremely polluted city of the North China Plain: significant contribution from coal and biomass combustion
Authors: Li Haiyan , Zhang Qi , Zhang Qiang , Chen Chunrong , Wang Litao , Wei Zhe , Zhou Shan , Parworth Caroline , Zheng Bo , Canonaco Francesco , Prévôt André S. H. , Chen Ping , Zhang Hongliang , Wallington Timothy J. , He Kebin
Published: April 2017

Abstract. The North China Plain (NCP) frequently experiences heavy haze pollution, particularly during wintertime. In winter 2015–2016, the NCP region suffered several extremely severe haze episodes with air pollution red alerts issued in many cities. We have investigated the sources and aerosol evolution processes of the severe pollution episodes in Handan, a typical industrialized city in the NCP region, using real-time measurements from an intensive field campaign during the winter of 2015–2016. The average (±1σ) concentration of submicron aerosol (PM1) during 3 December 2015–5 February 2016 was 187.6 (±137.5) µg m−3, with the hourly maximum reaching 700.8 µg m−3. Organic was the most abundant component, on average accounting for 45 % of total PM1 mass, followed by sulfate (15 %), nitrate (14 %), ammonium (12 %), chloride (9 %) and black carbon (BC, 5 %). Positive matrix factorization (PMF) with the multilinear engine (ME-2) algorithm identified four major organic aerosol (OA) sources, including traffic emissions represented by a hydrocarbon-like OA (HOA, 7 % of total OA), industrial and residential burning of coal represented by a coal combustion OA (CCOA, 29 % of total OA), open and domestic combustion of wood and crop residuals represented by a biomass burning OA (BBOA, 25 % of total OA), and formation of secondary OA (SOA) in the atmosphere represented by an oxygenated OA (OOA, 39 % of total OA). Emissions of primary OA (POA), which together accounted for 61 % of total OA and 27 % of PM1, are a major cause of air pollution during the winter. Our analysis further uncovered that primary emissions from coal combustion and biomass burning together with secondary formation of sulfate (mainly from SO2 emitted by coal combustion) are important driving factors for haze evolution. However, the bulk composition of PM1 showed comparatively small variations between less polluted periods (daily PM2. 5  ≤  75 µg m−3) and severely polluted periods (daily PM2. 5  >  75 µg m−3), indicating relatively synchronous increases of all aerosol species during haze formation. The case study of a severe haze episode, which lasted 8 days starting with a steady buildup of aerosol pollution followed by a persistently high level of PM1 (326.7–700.8 µg m−3), revealed the significant influence of stagnant meteorological conditions which acerbate air pollution in the Handan region. The haze episode ended with a shift of wind which brought in cleaner air masses from the northwest of Handan and gradually reduced PM1 concentration to  <  50 µg m−3 after 12 h. Aqueous-phase reactions under higher relative humidity (RH) were found to significantly promote the production of secondary inorganic species (especially sulfate) but showed little influence on SOA.
Responses of surface ozone air quality to anthropogenic nitrogen deposition in the Northern Hemisphere
Authors: Zhao Yuanhong , Zhang Lin , Tai Amos P. K. , Chen Youfan , Pan Yuepeng
Published: April 2017

Abstract. Human activities have substantially increased atmospheric deposition of reactive nitrogen to the Earth’s surface, inducing unintentional effects on ecosystems with complex environmental and climate consequences. One consequence remaining unexplored is how surface air quality might respond to the enhanced nitrogen deposition through surface-atmosphere exchange. Here we combine a chemical transport model (GEOS-Chem) and a global land model (Community Land Model) to address this issue with a focus on ozone pollution in the Northern Hemisphere. We consider three processes that are important for surface ozone and can be perturbed by addition of atmospheric deposited nitrogen, namely, emissions of biogenic volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ozone dry deposition, and soil nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. We find that present-day anthropogenic nitrogen deposition (65 Tg N a−1 to the land), through enhancing plant growth (represented as increases in vegetation leaf area index (LAI) in the model), could increase surface ozone from increased biogenic VOC emissions (e.g., a 6.6 Tg increase in isoprene emission), but could also decrease ozone due to higher ozone dry deposition velocities (up to 0.02–0.04 cm s−1 increases). Meanwhile, deposited anthropogenic nitrogen to soil enhances soil NOx emissions. The overall effect on summer mean surface ozone concentrations show general increases over the globe (up to 1.5–2.3 ppbv over the western US and South Asia), except for some regions with high anthropogenic NOx emissions (0.5–1.0 ppbv decreases over the eastern US, Western Europe, and North China). We compare the surface ozone changes with those driven by the past 20-year climate and historical land use changes. We find that the impacts from anthropogenic nitrogen deposition can be comparable to the climate and land use driven surface ozone changes at regional scales, and partly offset the surface ozone reductions due to land use changes reported in previous studies. Our study emphasizes the complexity of biosphere-atmosphere interactions, which can have important implications for future air quality prediction.
Sustainable use of renewable resources in a stylized social–ecological network model under heterogeneous resource distribution
Authors: Barfuss Wolfram , Donges Jonathan F. , Wiedermann Marc , Lucht Wolfgang
Published: April 2017

Abstract. Human societies depend on the resources ecosystems provide. Particularly since the last century, human activities have transformed the relationship between nature and society at a global scale. We study this coevolutionary relationship by utilizing a stylized model of private resource use and social learning on an adaptive network. The latter process is based on two social key dynamics beyond economic paradigms: boundedly rational imitation of resource use strategies and homophily in the formation of social network ties. The private and logistically growing resources are harvested with either a sustainable (small) or non-sustainable (large) effort. We show that these social processes can have a profound influence on the environmental state, such as determining whether the private renewable resources collapse from overuse or not. Additionally, we demonstrate that heterogeneously distributed regional resource capacities shift the critical social parameters where this resource extraction system collapses. We make these points to argue that, in more advanced coevolutionary models of the planetary social–ecological system, such socio-cultural phenomena as well as regional resource heterogeneities should receive attention in addition to the processes represented in established Earth system and integrated assessment models.
ASIS v1.0: an adaptive solver for the simulation of atmospheric chemistry
Authors: Cariolle Daniel , Moinat Philippe , Teyssèdre Hubert , Giraud Luc , Josse Béatrice , Lefèvre Franck
Published: April 2017

Abstract. This article reports on the development and tests of the adaptive semi-implicit scheme (ASIS) solver for the simulation of atmospheric chemistry. To solve the ordinary differential equation systems associated with the time evolution of the species concentrations, ASIS adopts a one-step linearized implicit scheme with specific treatments of the Jacobian of the chemical fluxes. It conserves mass and has a time-stepping module to control the accuracy of the numerical solution. In idealized box-model simulations, ASIS gives results similar to the higher-order implicit schemes derived from the Rosenbrock's and Gear's methods and requires less computation and run time at the moderate precision required for atmospheric applications. When implemented in the MOCAGE chemical transport model and the Laboratoire de Météorologie Dynamique Mars general circulation model, the ASIS solver performs well and reveals weaknesses and limitations of the original semi-implicit solvers used by these two models. ASIS can be easily adapted to various chemical schemes and further developments are foreseen to increase its computational efficiency, and to include the computation of the concentrations of the species in aqueous-phase in addition to gas-phase chemistry.
The Met Office Unified Model Global Atmosphere 6.0/6.1 and JULES Global Land 6.0/6.1 configurations
Authors: Walters David , Boutle Ian , Brooks Malcolm , Melvin Thomas , Stratton Rachel , Vosper Simon , Wells Helen , Williams Keith , Wood Nigel , Allen Thomas , Bushell Andrew , Copsey Dan , Earnshaw Paul , Edwards John , Gross Markus , Hardiman Steven , Harris Chris , Heming Julian , Klingaman Nicholas , Levine Richard , Manners James , Martin Gill , Milton Sean , Mittermaier Marion , Morcrette Cyril , Riddick Thomas , Roberts Malcolm , Sanchez Claudio , Selwood Paul , Stirling Alison , Smith Chris , Suri Dan , Tennant Warren , Vidale Pier Luigi , Wilkinson Jonathan , Willett Martin , Woolnough Steve , Xavier Prince
Published: April 2017

Abstract. We describe Global Atmosphere 6.0 and Global Land 6.0 (GA6.0/GL6.0): the latest science configurations of the Met Office Unified Model and JULES (Joint UK Land Environment Simulator) land surface model developed for use across all timescales. Global Atmosphere 6.0 includes the ENDGame (Even Newer Dynamics for General atmospheric modelling of the environment) dynamical core, which significantly increases mid-latitude variability improving a known model bias. Alongside developments of the model's physical parametrisations, ENDGame also increases variability in the tropics, which leads to an improved representation of tropical cyclones and other tropical phenomena. Further developments of the atmospheric and land surface parametrisations improve other aspects of model performance, including the forecasting of surface weather phenomena. We also describe GA6.1/GL6.1, which includes a small number of long-standing differences from our main trunk configurations that we continue to require for operational global weather prediction. Since July 2014, GA6.1/GL6.1 has been used by the Met Office for operational global numerical weather prediction, whilst GA6.0/GL6.0 was implemented in its remaining global prediction systems over the following year.
Multi-decadal analysis of root-zone soil moisture applying the
exponential filter across CONUS
Authors: Tobin Kenneth J. , Torres Roberto , Crow Wade T. , Bennett Marvin E.
Published: April 2017

Abstract. This study applied the exponential filter to produce an estimate of root-zone soil moisture (RZSM). Four types of microwave-based, surface satellite soil moisture were used. The core remotely sensed data for this study came from NASA’s long lasting AMSR-E mission. Additionally three other products were obtained from the European Space Agency Climate Change Initiative (CCI). These datasets were blended based on all available satellite observations (CCI-Active; CCI-Passive; CCI-Combined). All of these products were quarter degree and daily. We applied the filter to produce a soil moisture index (SWI) that others have successfully used to estimate RZSM. The only unknown in this approach was the characteristic time of soil moisture variation (T). We examined five different eras (1997–2002; 2002–2005; 2005–2008; 2008–2011; 2011–2014) that represented periods with different satellite data sensors. SWI values were compared with in situ soil moisture data from the International Soil Moisture Network at a depth ranging from 20 to 25 cm. Selected networks included the U.S. Department of Energy Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) program (25 cm), Soil Climate Analysis Network (SCAN; 20.32 cm), SNOwpack TELemetry (SNOTEL; 20.32 cm), and the U.S. Climate Reference Network (USCRN; 20 cm). We selected in situ stations that had reasonable completeness. These datasets were used to filter out periods with freezing temperatures and rainfall using data from the Parameter elevation Regression on Independent Slopes Model (PRISM). Additionally, we only examined sites where surface and root zone soil moisture had a reasonable high lagged correlation coefficient (r > 0.5). The unknown T value was constrained based on two approaches: optimization of root mean square error (RSME) and calculation based on the NDVI value. Both approaches yielded comparable results; although, as to be expected, the optimization approach generally outperformed NDVI based estimates. Best results were noted at stations that had an absolute bias within 10 %. SWI estimates were more impacted by the in situ network than the surface satellite product used to drive the exponential filter. Average Nash-Sutcliffe coefficients (NS) for ARM ranged from −0.1 to 0.3 and were similar to the results obtained from the USCRN network (0.2 to 0.3). NS values from the SCAN and SNOTEL networks were slightly higher (0.1 to 0.5). These results indicated that this approach had some skill in providing an estimate of RZSM. In terms of root mean square error (RMSE; in volumetric soil moisture) ARM values actually outperformed those from other networks (0.02 to 0.04). SCAN and USCRN RMSE average values ranged from 0.04 to 0.06 and SNOTEL average RMSE values were higher ranging (0.05 to 0.07). These values were close to 0.04, which is the baseline value for accuracy designated for many satellite soil moisture missions.
Estimating Grassland Curing with Remotely Sensed Data
Authors: Chaivaranont Wasin , Evans Jason P. , Liu Yi Y. , Sharples Jason J.
Published: April 2017

Abstract. Wildfire can become a catastrophic natural hazard, especially during dry summer seasons in Australia. Severity is influenced by various meteorological, geographical, and fuel characteristics. Modified Mark 4 McArthur's Grassland Fire 10 Danger Index (GFDI) is a commonly used approach to determine the fire danger level in grassland ecosystems. The degree of curing (DOC, i.e. proportion of dead material) of the grass is one key ingredient in determining the fire danger. It is difficult to collect accurate DOC information in the field, therefore, ground observed measurements are rather limited. In this study, we used satellite observed vegetation greenness (Normalised Difference Vegetation Index, NDVI) and vegetation water content (Vegetation Optical Depth, VOD) information to improve the accuracy of the DOC estimation. First, a statistically 15 significant relationship is established between selected ground observed DOC and satellite observed vegetation datasets (NDVI and VOD) with an r2 of 0.67. DOC levels estimated using satellite observations were then evaluated using field measurements with an r2 of 0.55. Results suggest that satellite based DOC estimation can reasonably reproduce ground based observations in space and time. Comparison with currently available satellite based DOC products shows that our model has a comparable and arguably more balanced performance.
Characterization and Mechanical Testing of Manufacturing Defects Common to Composite Wind Turbine Blades
Authors: Nelson Jared W. , Riddle Trey W. , Cairns Douglas S.
Published: April 2017

Abstract. The Montana State University Composites Group performed a study to ascertain the effects of defects that often result from the manufacture of composite wind turbine blades. The first step in this multi-year study was to systematically quantify and database these defects before embedding similar defects into manufactured coupons. Through the Blade Reliability Collaborative, it was determined that the key defects to investigate were fiber waves and porosity. An inspection of failed commercial-scale wind turbine blades yielded metrics that utilize specific parameters to physically characterize a defect. Methods to easily and consistently discretize, measure, and assess these defects based on the identified parameters were established to allow for statistical analysis. Data relating flaw parameters to frequencies of occurrence were analyzed and found to fit within standard distributions. Additionally, mechanical testing of coupons with flaws based on this physical characterization data was performed to understand effects of these defects. Representative blade materials and manufacturing methods were utilized and both material properties and damage progression were measured. It was observed that flaw parameters directly affected the mechanical response. While the data gathered in this first step is widely useful, it was also intended for use as a foundation for the rest of the study; to perform probabilistic analysis and comparative analysis of progressive damage models.
On quasi compact spaces and some functions
Authors: Al-Omari Ahmad , Noiri Takashi
Published: April 2017

In this paper, we introduce and investigate a new class of sets called A -open sets which are weaker than co-zero sets. Moreover, we obtain characterizations and preserving theorems of quasi compact spaces.
Infinitely many weak solutions for fourth-order equations depending on two parameters
Authors: Shokooh Saeid , Afrouzi Ghasem A. , Zahmatkesh Hossain
Published: April 2017

In this paper, by employing Ricceri variational principle, we prove the existence of infinitely many weak solutions for fourth-order problems depending on two real parameters. We also provide some particular cases and a concrete example in order to illustrate the main abstract results of this paper.
On Schouten-van Kampen connection in Sasakian manifolds
Authors: Ghosh Gopal
Published: April 2017

We study the Schouten-van Kampen connection associated to a Sasakian structure. With the help of the Schouten-van Kampen connection we characterize Sasakian manifolds and find certain curvature properties of this connection on Sasakian manifolds. Also we study Ricci solitons on a Sasakian manifold with respect to the Schouten-van Kampen connection. Finally, an illustrative example is given to verify some results.
New fixed point approach for a fully nonlinear fourth order boundary value problem
Authors: Quang A Dang , Kim Quy Ngo Thi
Published: April 2017

In this paper we propose a method for investigating the solvability and iterative solution of a nonlinear fully fourth order boundary value problem. Namely, by the reduction of the problem to an operator equation for the right-hand side function we establish the existence and uniqueness of a solution and the convergence of an iterative process. Our method completely differs from the methods of other authors and does not require the condition of boundedness or linear growth of the right-hand side function on infinity. Many examples, where exact solutions of the problems are known or not, demonstrate the effectiveness of the obtained theoretical results.
Highest-weight vectors in tensor products of Verma modules for U_q(sl_2)
Authors: Creath Elizabeth , Jakelic Dijana
Published: April 2017

We obtain an explicit basis for the subspace spanned by highest-weight vectors in a tensor product of two highest-weight modules for the quantized universal enveloping algebra of sl_2. The structure constants provide a generalization of the Clebsh-Gordan coefficients. As a byproduct, we give an alternative proof for the decomposition of these tensor products as direct sums of indecomposable modules and supply generators for all highest weight summands.
The Factors Impact on the Service Quality of People’s Credit Funds: The Case of Mekong Delta River in Vietnam
Authors: Thanh Tu Tran Thi , Nhung Do Hong , Duc Dang Ngoc
Published: April 2017

The paper used results of the survey of 100 clients from 24 PCFs in 3 provinces in the Mekong Delta River in Vietnam. By applying Explanatory Factor Analysis methodology, the result of study showed that  tangibles (TAN), responsiveness (RES), reliability (REL), assurances (ASS), and empathy (EMP)affecting to the service quality of PCFs in Mekong Delta River in Vietnam. The research found that PCFs’ service quality would be increased if their empathy and tangibility improved. Then, PCFs’ managers should pay more on creating incentives for credit officers to improve their sympathy and understanding customers needs as well as enhancing appearances of PCF staffs and transaction offices.
Determinants of Student Mobility in Primary School in Rural Malawi: An Event History Analysis
Authors: Taniguchi Kyoko
Published: April 2017

This study identifies individual, family, and school factors associated with student mobility. Specifically, for Grade 5students, parents alive and school location were associated with transfer. For students in Grade 7, gender differences,levels of achievement, feelings about school, number of household tasks, distance to school, and parental habits ofpaying school fees were related to student mobility. Also, school location and mean number of grade repetitions forthe institution are correlated with Grade 7 student mobility. The findings contribute to ongoing discussions abouteducational policy regarding transfer.
The Effect of Using K.W.L Strategy upon Acquiring Religious Concepts
Authors: Alsoudi Khalid A
Published: April 2017

This study aimed to investigate the effect of using K.W.L in acquiring religious concepts among 8th grade students inJordan. The study sample consisted of 139 students (4sections) the sections were chosen randomly from 8th gradestudents from Tafila Directorate of Education. 2 sections formed the experimental group (1 section for males and 1section for females) they were taught using K.W.L strategy, while the control groups were consisted of 2 sections 69students (1 section for males and 1 section for females); they were taught by using the ordinary teaching strategy.The result indicated that the difference in achievement was statistically significant in favor of experimental groups(α=0.05), and there was no statistical significant differences in achievement attributed to gender or to the interactionbetween gender and the teaching strategy.