bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mobilizing Senior Citizens in Co-Design of Mobile Technology
Authors: Malmborg Lone , Grönvall Erik , Messeter Jörn , Raben Thomas , Werner Katharina
Published: August 2016

This paper disseminates work from the European Give&Take project, which aims at co-designing service sharing among senior citizens based on a mobile and distributed platform. With this project as a frame, the authors' paper addresses methodological considerations of participation in co-design for ageing. Based on the notions of design culture, communities of everyday practice and situated elderliness the authors present accounts from two European countries, and discuss methodological issues related to mobilizing senior citizens in co-design work as they have manifested themselves and influenced the Give&Take project. Challenges for mobilization are identified, based on an analysis of attitudes and values among design researchers and senior citizens. This analysis lead them to identify and discuss three strategies for mobilizing senior citizens in co-design of mobile technology: 1) Understanding being ‘elderly' as situated elderliness rather than closed categories; 2) Understanding how ad hoc or loosely coupled infrastructures can define a community rather than a formal, organisational structure; and 3) Understanding the nature of mobilization and motivation for participation as processes that continue, and need to be supported, also after completion of the project. These strategies have emerged in the authors' work on mobilization and service sharing, but may apply to a broader context of infrastructuring and ongoing negotiations.
Progressive Care of Obese Patients
Authors: Dambaugh Lori A. , Ecklund Margaret M.
Published: August 2016

Obese patients have complex needs that complicate their care during hospitalization. These patients often have comorbid conditions, including hypertension, heart failure, obstructive sleep apnea, pressure ulcers, and difficulty with mobility. Obese patients may be well served in the progressive care setting because they may require more intensive nursing care than can be delivered in a general care unit. Progressive care nurses have core competencies that enable them to safely and effectively care for obese patients. A plan of care with interdisciplinary collaboration illustrates the integrative care for obese progressive care patients. (Critical Care Nurse. 2016; 36[4]:58–63)
Impacts of the July 2012 Siberian Fire Plume on Air Quality in the
Pacific Northwest
Authors: Teakles Andrew , So Rita , Ainslie Bruce , Nissen Robert , Schiller Corinne , Vingarzan Roxanne , McKendry Ian , Macdonald Anne Marie , Jaffe Daniel A. , Bertram Allan K. , Strawbridge Kevin B. , Leaitch W. Richard , Hanna Sarah , Toom Desiree , Baik Jonathan , Huang Lin
Published: August 2016

Abstract. Biomass burning emissions emit a significant amount of trace gases and aerosols and can affect atmospheric chemistry and radiative forcing for hundreds or thousands of kilometers downwind. They can also contribute to exceedances of air quality standards and have negative impacts on human health. We present a case study of an intense wildfire plume from Siberia that affected the air quality across the Pacific Northwest on July 6–10, 2012. Using satellite measurements (MODIS True Colour RGB imagery and MODIS AOD), trajectories, and dispersion modelling, we track the wildfire smoke plume from its origin in Siberia to the Pacific Northwest where subsidence ahead of a subtropical Pacific High made the plume settle over the region. The normalized enhancement ratio of O3 and PM1 relative to CO of 0.26 and 0.09 are consistent with a plume aged 6–10 days. The aerosol mass in the plume was mainly submicron in diameter (PM1/PM2.5 = 0.97) and the part of the plume sampled at the peak of Whistler Mountain was 87 % organic material. Stable atmospheric conditions along the coast limited the initial entrainment of the plume and caused local anthropogenic emissions to buildup. A synthesis of air quality from the regional surface monitoring networks describes changes in ambient O3 and PM2.5 during the event and contrasts them to baseline air quality estimates from the AURAMS chemical transport model without wildfire emissions. Overall, the smoke plume contributed significantly to the exceedances in O3 and PMM2.5 air quality standards and objectives that occurred at several communities in the region during the event. Peak enhancements in 8-hr O3 of 34–44 ppbv and 24-hr PM2.5 of 14–32 μg/m3 were attributed to the effects of the smoke plume across the Interior of British Columbia and at the Whistler Peak high elevation site (2182 m ASL). Lesser enhancements of 10–12 ppbv for 8-hr O3 and of 4–9 μg/m3 for 24-hr PM2.5 occurred at Whistler Peak and across coastal British Columbia and Washington State. The findings suggest that the large air quality impacts seen during this event were a combination of the efficient transport of the plume across the Pacific, favorable entrainment conditions across the BC interior and the large scale of the Siberian wildfire emissions. A warming climate increases the risk of increased wildfire activity and events of this scale re-occurring under appropriate meteorological conditions.
Integrated studies of a regional ozone pollution synthetically affected by subtropical high and typhoon system in the Yangtze River Delta region, China
Authors: Shu Lei , Xie Min , Wang Tijian , Chen Pulong , Han Yong , Li Shu , Zhuang Bingliang , Li Mengmeng , Gao Da
Published: August 2016

Abstract. Severe high ozone (O3) episodes usually have close relations to synoptic systems. A regional continuous O3 pollution episode is detected over the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) region in China during August 7–12, 2013, in which the O3 concentrations in more than half of the cities exceeding the national air quality standard. The maximum hourly concentration of O3 reaches 167.1 ppb. By means of the observational analysis and the WRF/CMAQ numerical simulation, the characteristics and the essential impact factors of the typical regional O3 pollution is integratedly investigated. The observational analysis shows that the atmospheric subsidence dominated by Western Pacific subtropical high plays a crucial role in the formation of high-level O3. The favorable weather conditions, such as extremely high temperature, low relative humidity and weak wind speed, caused by the abnormal strong subtropical high are responsible for the trapping and the chemical production of O3 in the boundary layer. In addition, when the YRD cities at the front of Typhoon Utor, the periphery circulation of typhoon system can enhance the downward airflows and cause worse air pollution. But when the typhoon system weakens the subtropical high, the prevailing southeasterly surface wind leads to the mitigation of the O3 pollution. The Integrated Process Rate (IPR) analysis incorporated in CMAQ is applied to further illustrate the combined influence of subtropical high and typhoon system in this O3 episode. The results show that the vertical diffusion (VDIF) and the gas-phase chemistry (CHEM) are two major contributors to O3 formation. During the episode, the contributions of VDIF and CHEM to O3 maintain the high values over 10 ppb/h in Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Nanjing. On August 10–11, the cities close to the sea are apparently affected by the typhoon system, with the contribution of VDIF increasing to 28.45 ppb/h in Shanghai and 19.76 ppb/h in Hangzhou. When the YRD region is under the control of the typhoon system, the contribution values of all individual processes decrease to a low level in all cities. These results provide an insight for the O3 pollution synthetically impacted by the Western Pacific subtropical high and the tropical cyclone system.
Understanding Severe Winter Haze Pollution in the North-Central North China Plain in 2014
Authors: Yin Zhicong , Wang Huijun , Chen Huopo
Published: August 2016

Abstract. Atmospheric pollution has become a serious environmental and social problem in China. The winter (December–February) haze days over the North-Central North China Plain (WHDNCP) in 2014 was the highest in the past 30 years. Thus, it is necessary to analyze atmospheric pollution of this year in detail. Taking the anti-cyclone circulation over North China as an intermediary, the positive phases of the East Atlantic/West Russia (EA/WR), the Western Pacific (WP) and the Eurasia (EU) patterns led to a stable atmosphere that contributed to a larger number of WHDNCP. In 2014, these three patterns could be recognized from the wind anomalies in the lower troposphere, which can influence WHDNCP. The pre-autumn (September–November) Arctic sea ice (ASI) anomalies over the Eastern Hemisphere and the warmer winter surface over Eurasia might have induced or intensified the positive EA/WR pattern in 2014. These two external forcings, together with the pre-autumn sea surface temperature anomaly in the Pacific, might have also stimulated or enhanced the positive EU-like patterns. The anomalous surface temperature in autumn 2014 was efficient in intensifying anomalous circulations such as the positive phase of the WP pattern. The opposite case of minimum WHDNCP in 2010 further supports the mechanism of how EA/WA and WP patterns and associated external factors impact the WHDNCP.
HoloGondel: in-situ cloud observations on a cable car in the Swiss
Alps using a holographic imager
Authors: Beck Alexander , Henneberger Jan , Schöpfer Sarah , Lohmann Ulrike
Published: August 2016

Abstract. In-situ observations of cloud properties in complex alpine terrain where research aircraft cannot sample are commonly conducted at mountain-top research stations and limited to single-point measurements. The HoloGondel platform overcomes this limitation by using a cable car to obtain vertical profiles of the microphysical and meteorological cloud parameters. The main component of the HoloGondel platform is the HOLographic Imager for Microscopic Objects (HOLIMO 3G), which uses digital 5 in-line holography to image cloud particles. Based on a two dimensional shadow-graph the phase resolved microphysical cloud parameters for the size range from small cloud particles to large precipitation particles are obtained. The low travelling velocity of a cable car on the order of 10 m s−1 allows measurements with high spatial resolution, however, at the same time it leads to an unstable air speed towards the HoloGondel platform. Holographic cloud imagers, which have a sample volume that is independent of the air speed are therefore well suited for measurements on a cable car. Example measurements 10 of the vertical profiles observed in a liquid cloud and a mixed-phase cloud at the Eggishorn in the Swiss Alps in the winters 2015 and 2016 are presented. The HoloGondel platform reliably observes cloud droplets larger than 6.5 μm, partitions between cloud droplets and ice crystals for a size larger than 25 μm and obtains a statistically significantly size distribution for every 5 m in vertical ascent.
A new approach for retrieving the UV–vis optical properties of ambient
aerosols
Authors: Bluvshtein Nir , Flores J. Michel , Segev Lior , Rudich Yinon
Published: August 2016

Abstract. Atmospheric aerosols play an important part in the Earth's energy budget by scattering and absorbing incoming solar and outgoing terrestrial radiation. To quantify the effective radiative forcing due to aerosol–radiation interactions, researchers must obtain a detailed understanding of the spectrally dependent intensive and extensive optical properties of different aerosol types. Our new approach retrieves the optical coefficients and the single-scattering albedo of the total aerosol population over 300 to 650 nm wavelength, using extinction measurements from a broadband cavity-enhanced spectrometer at 315 to 345 nm and 390 to 420 nm, extinction and absorption measurements at 404 nm from a photoacoustic cell coupled to a cavity ring-down spectrometer, and scattering measurements from a three-wavelength integrating nephelometer. By combining these measurements with aerosol size distribution data, we retrieved the time- and wavelength-dependent effective complex refractive index of the aerosols. Retrieval simulations and laboratory measurements of brown carbon proxies showed low absolute errors and good agreement with expected and reported values. Finally, we implemented this new broadband method to achieve continuous spectral- and time-dependent monitoring of ambient aerosol population, including, for the first time, extinction measurements using cavity-enhanced spectrometry in the 315 to 345 nm UV range, in which significant light absorption may occur.
Ocean acidification over the next three centuries using a simple global
climate carbon-cycle model: projections and sensitivities
Authors: Hartin Corinne A. , Bond-Lamberty Benjamin , Patel Pralit , Mundra Anupriya
Published: August 2016

Abstract. Continued oceanic uptake of anthropogenic CO2 is projected to significantly alter the chemistry of the upper oceans over the next three centuries, with potentially serious consequences for marine ecosystems. Relatively few models have the capability to make projections of ocean acidification, limiting our ability to assess the impacts and probabilities of ocean changes. In this study we examine the ability of Hector v1.1, a reduced-form global model, to project changes in the upper ocean carbonate system over the next three centuries, and quantify the model's sensitivity to parametric inputs. Hector is run under prescribed emission pathways from the Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) and compared to both observations and a suite of Coupled Model Intercomparison (CMIP5) model outputs. Current observations confirm that ocean acidification is already taking place, and CMIP5 models project significant changes occurring to 2300. Hector is consistent with the observational record within both the high- (> 55°) and low-latitude oceans (< 55°). The model projects low-latitude surface ocean pH to decrease from preindustrial levels of 8.17 to 7.77 in 2100, and to 7.50 in 2300; aragonite saturation levels (ΩAr) decrease from 4.1 units to 2.2 in 2100 and 1.4 in 2300 under RCP 8.5. These magnitudes and trends of ocean acidification within Hector are largely consistent with the CMIP5 model outputs, although we identify some small biases within Hector's carbonate system. Of the parameters tested, changes in [H+] are most sensitive to parameters that directly affect atmospheric CO2 concentrations – Q10 (terrestrial respiration temperature response) as well as changes in ocean circulation, while changes in ΩAr saturation levels are sensitive to changes in ocean salinity and Q10. We conclude that Hector is a robust tool well suited for rapid ocean acidification projections and sensitivity analyses, and it is capable of emulating both current observations and large-scale climate models under multiple emission pathways.
The importance of an estuarine salinity gradient on soil organic
carbon stocks of tidal marshes
Authors: Van de Broek Marijn , Temmerman Stijn , Merckx Roel , Govers Gerard
Published: August 2016

Abstract. Tidal marshes are sedimentary environments that are among the most productive ecosystems on earth. As a consequence tidal marshes, and vegetated coastal ecosystems in general, have the potential to reduce atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations as they efficiently sequester soil organic carbon (SOC). In the past decades, most research has focused on salt marshes, leaving carbon dynamics in brackish- and freshwater marshes largely understudied and neglecting the diversity among tidal marshes. Moreover, most existing studies underestimate total organic carbon (OC) stocks due to shallow soil sampling, which also influences reported patterns in OC storage along estuaries. We find that SOC stocks vary significantly along the salinity gradient of a temperate estuary (Scheldt estuary, Belgium and The Netherlands), from 46 kg OC m−2 in freshwater marshes to 10 kg OC m−2 in saltmarshes. In all tidal marsh sediments the OC concentration has a constant value from a certain depth below the surface downward. However, this concentration decreases with increasing salinity, indicating that the amount of stabile SOC decreases from the upper estuary towards the coast. Although net primary production of macrophytes differs along the estuary, our data suggest that these differences in OC storage are caused mainly by variations in suspended sediment concentration and stable particulate OC (POC) content in the water along the estuary. The fraction of suspended sediments and POC that is transported downstream the maximum turbidity zone is very limited, contributing to smaller amounts of long term OC sequestration in brackish- and saltmarsh sediments. In addition, high rates of sediment deposition on freshwater tidal marshes in the maximum turbidity zone promote efficient burial of OC in these marsh sediments.
Exploring the distance between nitrogen and phosphorus limitation in mesotrophic surface waters using a sensitive bioassay
Authors: Hrustic Enis , Lignell Risto , Riebesell Ulf , Thingstad Tron Frede
Published: August 2016

Abstract. The balance in microbial consumption of nitrogen and phosphorus was investigated in samples collected in two mesotrophic coastal environments: the Baltic Sea (Tvärminne field station) and the North Sea (Espegrend field station). For this, we have refined a bioassay based on the response in alkaline phosphatase activity (APA) over a matrix of combinations in nitrogen and phosphorus additions. This assay not only provides information on which element (N or P) is the primary limiting, but also gives a quantitative estimate for the excess of the secondary limiting element (P* or N*, respectively), as well as the ratio between N and P consumption over short time scales (days). As expected for a Baltic Sea late spring-early summer situation, the Tvärminne assays (n=5) indicated N-limitation with an average P*=0.30 ± 0.10 µM-P, when incubated for 4 days. For short incubations (1–2 days), the Espegrend assays indicated P-limitation, but the shape of the response surface changed with incubation time, resulting in a drift in parameter estimates toward N-limitation. Extrapolating back to zero incubation time gave P-limitation with N* ≈ 0.9 µM-N. The N:P ratio (molar) of nutrient consumption varied considerably between investigated locations; from 2.3 ± 0.4 in the Tvärminne samples to 13 ± 5 and 32 ± 3 in two samples from Espegrend. Our assays included samples from mesocosm acidification experiments, but statistically significant effects of ocean acidification were not found by this method.
European UV DataBase (EUVDB) as a repository and quality analyser for solar spectral UV irradiance monitored in Sodankylä
Authors: Heikkilä Anu , Kaurola Jussi , Lakkala Kaisa , Karhu Juha Matti , Kyrö Esko , Koskela Tapani , Engelsen Ola , Slaper Harry , Seckmeyer Gunther
Published: August 2016

Abstract. Databases gathering atmospheric data have great potential not only as data storages but also in serving as platforms for coherent quality assurance (QA). We report on the flagging system and QA tools designed for and implemented in the European UV DataBase (EUVDB; http://uv.fmi.fi/uvdb/) for measured data on solar spectral UV irradiance. We confine the study on the data measured by Brewer #037 MkII spectroradiometer in Sodankylä (67.37° N, 26.63° E) in 1990–2014. The quality indicators associated with the UV irradiance spectra uploaded into the database are retrieved from the database and subjected to a statistical analysis. The study demonstrates the performance of the QA tools of the EUVDB. In addition, it yields an overall view of the availability and quality of the solar UV spectra recorded in Sodankylä over a quarter of a century. Over 90 % of the four main quality indicators are flagged as GREEN, indicating the highest achievable quality. For the BLACK flags, denoting data not meeting the pre-defined requirements, the percentages for all the indicators remain below 0.12 %.
A diagram for evaluating multiple aspects of model performance in simulating vector fields
Authors: Xu Zhongfeng , Hou Zhaolu , Han Ying , Guo Weidong
Published: August 2016

Abstract. Vector quantities, e.g. vector winds, play an extremely important role in climate system. Energy and water exchanges between different regions are strongly dominated by wind, which in turn shapes regional climate. Thus, how well climate models can simulate vector fields directly affect model performance in reproducing the nature of regional climate. The paper devises a new diagram, termed vector field evaluation (VFE) diagram, which is very similar to Taylor diagram but to provide a concise evaluation of model performance in simulating vector fields. The diagram can measure how well of two vector fields match each other in terms of three statistical variables, i.e. vector similarity coefficient, root-mean-square (RMS) length (RMSL), and RMS vector difference (RMSVD). As the Taylor diagram, the VFE diagram is especially useful in evaluating climate models. The pattern similarity of two vector fields is measured by a vector similarity coefficient (VSC) that is defined by the arithmetic mean of inner product of normalized vector pairs. Examples are given showing that VSC can well identify how close one vector field resemble another. Note that VSC can only describe the pattern similarity and do not reflect the systematic difference in the mean vector length between two vector fields. To measure the vector length, RMSL is included in the diagram. The third variable, RMSVD, is used to identify the magnitude of overall difference between two vector fields. Examples show that the new diagram can clearly illustrate how much the overall RMSVD is attributed to the systematic difference in RMSL and how much is due to the poor pattern similarity.
Variation of soil hydraulic properties with alpine grassland degradation in the Eastern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Pan Tao , Hou Shuai , Wu Shaohong , Liu Yanhua , Zou Xintong , Herzberger Anna , Liu Jianguo
Published: August 2016

Abstract. Ecosystems in alpine mountainous regions are usually more vulnerable and easily be disturbed by environmental change globally. Alpine swamp meadow, a unique grassland type in the eastern Tibetan Plateau which provides important ecosystem services to the upstream and downstream regions of international rivers of Asia even the world, is undergoing severe degradation, which can dramatically alter the soil hydraulic properties and water cycling processes. However, the effects of alpine swamp meadow degradation on soil hydraulic properties are still poorly understood, and exiting findings were inconsistent. In this study, soil field capacity (FC) and saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) together with several basic soil properties under light degraded (LD), moderate degraded (MD) and severe degraded (SD) alpine swamp meadow were investigated. Then the variation of FC and Ks with alpine swamp meadow degradation and their dominant influencing factors were analysed. The results show that FC decreased consistently from LD to SD, while Ks decreased from LD to MD and then increased from MD to SD, following the order of LD > SD > MD. Significant differences of soil hydraulic properties between degradation degrees were found at upper soil layers (0–20 cm), indicating that the influences of degradation were most pronounced in the top soils. FC was positively correlated with capillary porosity (CP), water-stable aggregates (WSA), soil organic carbon (SOC), silt and clay content, and Ks were positively correlated with non-capillary porosity (NCP). Relative to other soil properties, soil porosity is the dominant influencing factor of FC and Ks. CP explained the 91.1 % total variance of FC, and NCP explained that by 97.3 % for Ks. The combined effect of vanishing root activities and increasing sand content was responsible for the inconsistent patterns of NCP and Ks. Our findings suggest that alpine swamp meadow degradation would inevitably lead to reduced water holding capacity and rainfall infiltration. This study gives out a more comprehensive understanding of the soil hydrological effects of vegetation degradation. Further hydrological modelling researches in Tibetan Plateau and similar regions are recommended to understand the effects of degraded alpine swamp meadow on soil hydraulic properties.
Acclimatizing Fast Orthogonal Search (FOS) Model for River
Stream-flow Forecasting
Authors: Osman Abdalla , Allawi Mohammed Falah , Afan Haitham Abdulmohsin , Noureldin Aboelmagd , El-shafie Ahmed
Published: August 2016

Abstract. River stream-flow is well-thought-out as an essential element in the hydrology studies, especially for reservoir management. Forecasting river stream-flow is the key for the hydrologists in proposing certain short or long-term planning and management for water resources system. In fact, developing stream-flow forecasting models are generally categorized into two main classes; process and data-driven model. Different model techniques based on empirical methods, such as stochastic model or regression model, more recently, Artificial Intelligent (AI) models have been examined and could provide accurate stream-flow forecasting. However, AI models experienced crucial difficulty is the necessity to utilize appropriate pre-processing methods for the raw data. In addition, the AI model should be augmented with proper optimization model to adjust the model parameters to achieve the optimal accuracy. In this paper, a novel model namely; Fast Orthogonal Search (FOS) model is proposed to develop river stream-flow forecasting. FOS is basically structured for recognizing the difference equation and its functional expression model for the mapping between the model input and output. The major advantage of using FOS is the waiver of the requirement of data pre-processing and optimization model for model parameters adjustment as these procedures are performed implicitly inside FOS. In addition, pole-zero cancellation procedure within FOS process can detect the over-fitted models and avoid them. The proposed FOS method was adopted in this research to perform stream-flow forecasting model at Aswan High Dam using monthly basis for130 years. Results showed outstanding performance for stream-flow forecasting accuracy compared to other AI models developed during the last 10 years.
Diagnosing the decline in climatic mass balance of glaciers in Svalbard over 1957–2014
Authors: Østby Torbjørn Ims , Schuler Thomas Vikhamar , Hagen Jon Ove , Hock Regine , Kohler Jack , Reijmer Carleen H.
Published: August 2016

Abstract. Longterm mass balance of all glaciers of the high Arctic Svalbard archipelago is difficult to achieve due to spatial and temporal incompleteness of geodetic and direct glaciological measurements. To close these gaps, we use a coupled surface energy balance and snow pack model to analyze Svalbard glacier mass changes and its evolution for the period 1957–2014. The model is forced by ERA-40 and ERA-Interim reanalysis data downscaled to 1 km resolution. Model validation is based on measured snow/firn temperature and density, mass balance from stakes and ice cores, meteorological measurements, snow depths from radar profiles and remotely sensed surface albedo and skin temperatures. Overall model performance is good, but varies regionally. Over the entire period the model yields a climatic mass balance of 8.2 cm w.e. yr−1 which correspond to a mass surplus (excluding frontal ablation) of 175 Gt. Climatic mass balance has a linear trend of −1.4 ± 0.4 cm w.e. yr−2 with a shift from a positive to negative regime around 1980. Modeled mass balance exhibit large interannual variability, which is controlled by summer temperatures and further amplified by albedo feedback. For the period 2004–2013 climatic mass balance was −21 cm w.e. yr−1, and accounting for frontal ablation estimated by Błaszczyk et al. (2009) yields a total Svalbard mass balance of −39 cm w.e. yr−1 for this 10 year period. In terms of eustatic sea level, this corresponds to a rise of 0.037 mm yr−1. Refreezing of water in snow and firn is substantial at 22 cm w.e. yr−1, or 26 % of the accumulation. However, as warming lead to reduced firn area over the period, refreezing decrease both absolutely and relative to the mass budget. Negative mass balance and elevated equilibrium lines result in a massive loss of the thick firn (> 2 m) extent and an increase of the superimposed ice, thin firn (
La iluminación de Macabea: el fracaso del narrador en La hora de la estrella, de Clarice Lispector
Authors: Pérez Méndez Kevin Andrés
Published: August 2016

Este ensayo analiza la problemática presente en la narrativa de Clarice Lispector, específicamente en su novela La hora de la estrella (1977), respecto de los modos de hacer ficción y de organizar las instancias narrativas en una historia. El autor pretende mostrar cómo en La hora de la estrella se articulan mecanismos que desestabilizan la norma tradicional de construir un relato, mostrando, en este caso, los límites que la voz narrativa padece en su deber de idear y exponer lo que constituye el argumento de la novela, así como el surgimiento de lo que se puede denominar como una voz alternativa de enunciación. El articulo, por lo tanto, también indaga la presencia y la disposición de ciertos obstáculos que, a modo de amenazas, ponen en crisis la autoridad de la narración y destruyen el orden establecido entre quien subordina y quienes son subordinados dentro del texto.
“La generalización masculina de la figura del intelectual público”. Reseña. Diamela Eltit. Réplicas. Ensayos de literatura, arte y política. Santiago: Seix Barral, 2016.
Authors: Richard Nelly
Published: August 2016

Reseña de Diamela Eltit
CATHODIC DISBONDING OF INDUSTRIAL CHLORINATED RUBBER-BASED PRIMER USED IN RUBBER/METAL COMPOSITES: AN ELECTROCHEMICAL IMPEDANCE SPECTROSCOPY ANALYSIS
Authors: Ismail I. , Harun M. K.
Published: August 2016

Chemlok 205 primer is a common bonding agent used together with a top coat in rubber/metal–bonded composites. Recent studies indicated that a stand-alone Chemlok 205 primer failed when its metal substrate underwent corrosion. The failure was suspected to be caused by coating degradation, followed by cathodic disbonding, induced from the corrosion reaction. Therefore, in this work, the effect of cathodic polarization on the coating delamination was further investigated. The work intends to focus on understanding the adhesion failure processes involved. Thus, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was employed on a stand-alone industrial coating Chemlok 205 primer on mild steel substrate subjected to cathodic polarization potential of −0.8 V versus Ag/AgCl reference electrode in 0.5 M NaCl. The coating barrier properties were interpreted through Nyquist and Bode plots of the EIS plots for a selected time interval. The data obtained were modeled against three distinguished electrical equivalent circuits representing the stages of coating degradation against time. Analysis through Nyquist and Bode plots indicated that the stand-alone Chemlok 205 primer coating experienced a significant drop in coating impedance before experiencing adhesion loss. The changes in the coating capacitance and coating resistance indicated that the coating underwent degradation first before adhesion failure.
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy for digital ulcers associated with systemic sclerosis
Authors: Saito Shinichiro , Ishii Tomonori , Ito Kenta , Shimokawa Hiroaki
Published: August 2016

Patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) often have Raynaud's phenomenon and digital skin ulcers. These ulcers are painful, and can sometimes cause major functional limitation. Skin ulcers are not associated with autoimmune factors or abnormal coagulation; hence, conventional immunosuppressive therapies, vasodilators, and anticoagulants are often ineffective. Sometimes, patients are forced to continue expensive medication without appreciable change. Therefore, the loss in time and expense for both patients and society is not negligible, and appropriate management is needed.

Low-energy extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) enhances vascular endothelial growth factor production by endothelial cells and angiogenesis in vivo. Clinical application of low-energy ESWT for severe ischemic heart disease or refractory skin ulcers has been effective in treating ischemic symptoms. This treatment does not require anesthesia or any invasive procedure, and can be repeated without harmful side effects.

We conducted a pilot study involving a small group of subjects to collect basic data on the efficacy and safety of ESWT for digital ulcers associated with SSc and to compare the effect of ESWT with that of conventional therapies. The results of our study suggest that ESWT has the potential to be a novel and efficacious treatment for digital ulcers associated with SSc, and can be added to pharmacological therapy.
Gender differences in systemic sclerosis: relationship to clinical features, serologic status and outcomes
Authors: Peoples Christine , Medsger Thomas A. , Lucas Mary , Rosario Bedda L. , Feghali-Bostwick Carol A.
Published: August 2016

Introduction

There is a strong female preponderance reported in many connective tissue diseases and in almost all systemic sclerosis (SSc) case series.

Methods

We compared gender differences in SSc patients in a large single-center cohort, including demographic features, disease subtype, environmental exposures, disease-specific serum autoantibodies, organ system involvement (frequency and severity) and survival. Adjustment for cutaneous subset (diffuse cutaneous [dc] and limited cutaneous [lc]) was performed.

Results

We identified key characteristics which distinguished female from male SSc patients. Females were more frequently younger at disease onset with a longer disease duration at the time of their first visit. Females more often had lcSSc and, if an overlap syndrome was present, it was most often systemic lupus erythematosus. In contrast, males more frequently had dcSSc and overlap with myositis. Females more frequently had peripheral vascular involvement but in males it was more often severe. Males were more often cigarette smokers and more frequently had environmental exposures. Males more frequently had interstitial lung disease (ILD or pulmonary fibrosis) which was more severe. Females had a significantly increased frequency of anti-centromere antibody and males anti-topoisomerase I and anti-U3RNP antibody. Males had significantly reduced survival (73% at 5 years and 45% at 10 years after onset of SSc). The most frequent causes of death were ILD in males and pulmonary hypertension in females.

Conclusions

Gender differences may be important clues to understanding the natural history and pathogenesis of SSc.
Google apps para el desarrollo de comunidades de aprendizaje: fortalecimiento de habilidades en el idioma inglés en un ambiente universitario
Authors: Intriago Eder , Villafuerte Jhonny Saulo , Morales Jaramillo María Antonieta , Lema Andrea , Echeverria Jesus
Published: August 2016

Introduction: This action research project aims to strengthen English language reading comprehension and speaking skills in college students through the use of Google Apps and Literature Circles (LCs) in virtual communities for learning. Method: The study involved 70 students at a public university in Ecuador. The educational intervention lasted a semester, included the implementation of LCs virtually and in person with a phase of independent reading and another for the discussion. 14 learning communities were organized and students assumed specific roles in order to warranty equality participation. The “Google Apps” were chosen for their ease of access. To monitor the progress of learning English, a pretest and a posttest were applied using the Preliminary English Test (PET) by Cambridge University, whose validity and reliability are amply recognized internationally. Results: It showed an improvement of the reading comprehension and speaking skills in English Language in the participants group, who went from A1 to B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL) at the end of the process. Conclusion: it is confirmed that the use of “Google Apps” aided in the building of virtual learning communities to support the second language acquisition process (L2) in the university context.
Use of an Institutional Personal Learning Environment to support learning actions in Higher Education
Authors: Pérez Cascante Lucila , Salinas Jesús , Marín Victoria
Published: August 2016

Introduction: This paper presents a pilot experience on the use of an Institutional Personal Learning Environment (iPLE) which aimed to describe the conception, design and development of the iPLE, as well as to determine how users approached the iPLE, and to identify the structure of the Personal Learning Environments (PLEs) designed by students. Method: The iPLE supported graduated students - specialized on research for social sciences and education –of the University Casa Grande (Guayaquil, Ecuador) - in the development of their final master projects and to support other people interested in building and using a PLE. The experiment data sources included academic records, virtual classrooms design, the very PLEs built by the students, statistics of use and access to the iPLE; and a questionnaire held to the participants. Results: The initial results allow the research team to report a favorable acceptance of the iPLE by the students not only as a support for research work, but also to provide a model for the construction of PLEs. In addition, the questionnaire shows that the users of the iPLE rated the environment as having high usability and felt a high grade of satisfaction. Conclusions: The conclusions point out different lines of research related to iPLEs, such as use an iPLE as portfolio of evidence and interaction among students, peers and teachers or the customization of an iPLE by using technological and teaching learning resources.
University Students’ Attitudes towards Advertising: A Study of Dhaka City of Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Md. Ashiqur
Published: August 2016

This research examines the attitudes of university students of Dhaka city towards advertising. The data were collected from randomly selected 200 students from both private and public universities in Dhaka city. The respondents were solicited to answer a self-administered questionnaire consisting of 20 statements about advertising. R-mode factor analysis, frequency distribution were used to explore data. The consequences of the study reveal that students have positive judgment about the economic impact of advertising. However, they have negative judgment about the ethical and social consequences of advertising. The students stipulate more regulations to control the advertising. The study recommends that advertisers should design factor-oriented, entertainment, excitement based advertising which may contain some sorts of emotional messages keeping in mind the traditions of Bangladesh. The advertising agencies should create successful advertising messages to reach the customers. Moreover, the study makes available a useful benchmark for future research studies.
Review of Recommended Peaceful Projects and Contracts for Israeli-Palestine Conflict in Terms of International Rights
Authors: Doulah Abdolsamad , Shafee Mirshahbiz
Published: August 2016

Israeli-Palestinian conflict is one of the most complex and longest conflict in history. The problem which officially recognized with UN resolution 1947 and creation of two countries ,was the initial point of consistent and continuous conflict. This is the beginning of wars, creation of movement, contracts and peace projects. Mentioning these contracts and plans and investigating the importance of its provisions could answer to the lack of permanent peace as well as the most important cases of parties. Some of these projects include the Camp David proposal, Fahd, Fez, Reagan, Mubarak, Madrid, Oslo, Maryland, Sharm el-Sheikh. Each one ,according to political and its historical position is accepted, rejected, or partially accepted by the parties that led to the creation of the conditions and obligations for the parties of the conflict. Despite all the peace plans and agreements, parties did not agree on a comprehensive plan for the establishment of lasting peace in the region the. In fact, it seems as long as there is no determination beyond the interests of the Palestinian-Israeli groups and parties there, getting to the ultimate goal which is the sustainable peace, is elusive and this destructive cycle of war and peace will continue.
Comparison of Renovation of Damaged Fabrics with Smart Growth Approach (Case Study: Renovation of Qarani Neighborhood in Mashhad)
Authors: Saeid Rezvani Kakhki , Rahim Rahnama Mohammad
Published: August 2016

A special position is dedicated to preservation and reconstruction of old city centers in the world with the aim of cultural, economic, social and historical revival. Economic revival is considered as an important strategy which means boosting suitable and harmonious economic activities to both strengthening the existing activities and attracting new economic activities. Over time, the centers of cities gradually wear out and their importance and application decrease. This will lead to migration of city center residents to suburbs and consequently horizontal growth of cities. Smart growth and form-oriented regulations formulation known as transport regulations is as one of the introduced approaches in developed cities to deal with horizontal growth and urban sprawl. In the recent study, the processes of old areas reconstruction are compared to the transport criteria and indices of smart growth to deal with horizontal growth. We have attempted to make it possible to evaluate local projects and reconstruct damaged urban textures. In addition, hypotheses were examined using mean comparison test to determine the conformity of these methods with the smart growth. Results showed that the local project of reconstruction of Qarani neighborhood in Mashhad is inconsistent with the smart growth regulations.
Modeling and Analysis of Cooling Coil for Control System Design Using Gray Box Approach
Authors: Nazari Masoud , Ghaffari Ali
Published: August 2016

The purpose of the study is to design a method analyzing dynamic behavior of cooling coil in order to be applicable in online simulations. Coils account for the highest energy consumers among other components in an Air Handling Unit (AHU). Essential data as input-output of neural network is provided using energy and mass conservation equations. An implicit numerical method is used to solve dynamic equations of coil. The results of mathematical methods are applied in the output of neural network to design an online model. The proposed model is based on an active coil used in Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems of clean rooms in Iran Pasteur Institute. Since in active air handlers, input and outputs are not measured, here we model air conditioning systems generally. The results in comparison with actual system data indicate an acceptable performance of the proposed method, so that combination of numerical results with a nonlinear autoregressive exogenous model (NARX) makes it possible to control system effectively by saving a significant amount of time.
Effectiveness of Group Counseling with Solution Focused (Brief) Therapy (SFBT) on Increasing Self-Efficacy of Fifth Grade Primary School Female Students
Authors: Sarvi Zahra , Ghazi Mitra
Published: August 2016

The present study is aimed at investigating the effectiveness of group counseling with solution focused (brief) therapy (SFBT) on increasing self-efficacy of fifth grade primary school female students. Therefore, from among 88 fifth grade primary school female students, 16 individuals who had achieved the lowest scores in the pretest were selected and then divided into two 8 participant groups. SFBT was performed in five session for the experimental group and the second group received no educational and therapeutic intervention during these sessions. Regarding the obtained results, the research hypothesis was confirmed at the significance level p>0.01. These results indicate that using SFBT, primary school students’ self-efficacy can be improved.
Country-Level Bio-Economic Modeling of Agricultural Technologies to Enhance Wheat-Based Systems Productivity in the Dry Areas
Authors: Frija Aymen , Telleria Roberto
Published: August 2016

Conservation Agriculture (CA) have a large potential for enhancing cereal yields in the semi-arid areas through better management of soil moisture. The objective of the current paper is to quantify, at national level, the impact of CA adoption in wheat-based agricultural systems in Syria. A country-level bio-economic approach was used for this purpose. Different CA technical packages (TPs) were first developed and simulated through APSIM crop modeling software, in order to estimate the long-term yields of wheat under different CA TPs for the period 2015-2039. The considered CA packages are a combination of zero-tillage, mulching, raised bed, fertilizer doses, and planting dates. The simulated yields are then introduced into IMPACT model while assuming that TPs will be adopted on 35% of the wheat areas in the countries. Results show that the comparative advantages of CA TPs on overcoming the effect of climate change will only be significant after 2030. In 2039, the effect of different TPs on average wheat yields in Syria will be 4% to 12% (depending on the TP) higher than the average yields under climate change and no CA technology adoption. These yield enhancements may reduce the wheat trade deficit with 30 up to 140%, also depending on the technical package. The combination of mulching techniques, together with average nitrogen dose of 30kg/ha, and late planting date of wheat provides the best prospective for the wheat sector in Syria.
Common Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization Applications in Cytology
Authors: Savic Spasenija , Bubendorf Lukas
Published: August 2016

Context.—

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is a well-established method for detection of genomic aberrations in diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive marker testing.

Objective.—

To review common applications of FISH in cytology.

Data Sources.—

The published literature was reviewed.

Conclusions.—

Cytology is particularly well suited for all kinds of FISH applications, which is highlighted in respiratory tract cytology with an increasing demand for predictive FISH testing in lung cancer. Fluorescence in situ hybridization is the gold standard for detection of predictive anaplastic lymphoma kinase gene (ALK) rearrangements, and the same evaluation criteria as in histology apply to cytology. Several other gene rearrangements, including ROS proto-oncogene 1 receptor tyrosine kinase (ROS1), are becoming clinically important and share the same underlining cytogenetic mechanisms with ALK. MET amplification is one of the most common mechanisms of acquired resistance to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors and can be targeted by crizotinib. As genomic aberrations are a hallmark of malignant cells, FISH is a valuable objective ancillary diagnostic tool. In urinary tract cytology, atypical urothelial cells equivocal for malignancy are a common diagnostic dilemma and multitarget FISH can help clarify such cells. Diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma remains one of the most challenging fields in effusion cytology, and ancillary FISH is useful in establishing the diagnosis. Fluorescence in situ hybridization is a morphology-based technique, and the prerequisite for reliable FISH results is a targeted evaluation of the cells in question (eg, cancer or atypical cells). Cytopathologists and cytotechnicians should therefore be involved in molecular testing in order to select the best material and to provide their morphologic expertise.