bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding the Spatial Structure of Urban Commuting Using Mobile Phone Location Data: A Case Study of Shenzhen, China
Authors: Yang Xiping , Fang Zhixiang , Yin Ling , Li Junyi , Zhou Yang , Lu Shiwei
Published: May 2018

Understanding commuting patterns has been a classic research topic in the fields of geography, transportation and urban planning, and it is significant for handling the increasingly serious urban traffic congestion and air pollution and their impacts on the quality of life. Traditional studies have used travel survey data to investigate commuting from the aspects of commuting mode, efficiency and influence factors. Due to the limited sample size of these data, it is difficult to examine the large-scale commuting patterns of urban citizens, especially when exploring the spatial structure of commuting. This study attempts to understand the spatial structure characteristics generated by human commutes to work by using massive mobile phone datasets. A three-step workflow was proposed to accomplish this goal, which includes extracting the home and work locations of phone users, detecting the communities from the commuting network, and identifying the commuting convergence and divergence areas for each community. A case study of Shenzhen, China was implemented to determine the commuting structure. We found that there are thirteen communities detected from the commuting network and that some of the communities are in accordance with urban planning; moreover, spatial polycentric polygons exist in each community. These findings can be referenced by urban planners or policy-makers to optimize the spatial layout of the urban functional zones.
Risk Management and Knowledge Management as Critical Success Factors of Sustainability Projects
Authors: Doskočil Radek , Lacko Branislav
Published: May 2018

The paper is focused on the analysis of the key aspects of sustainability projects, namely advanced risk management and project knowledge. These aspects are recommended to the attention of institutions and project managers when designing and executing new projects simultaneously with quality and project status management. The aim of the paper is to point out the critical factors that have recently affected the success of sustainability projects, which is also its contribution. Empirical research focused on the identification of the application level of the post-project phases in project management in the Czech Republic in 2016 and 2017 was performed. The research was performed as qualitative research employing observation and inquiry methods in the form of a controlled semistructured interview. The research identified 21 most common reasons for not executing post-project phases. Ensuring good and efficient progress of post-project phases, in particular by the means of post-implementation system analysis and compilation of a set of improvement suggestions for subsequent project management, forms the practical background for application of knowledge management and project management principles. A case study focused on the application of fuzzy logic in project risk assessment has been elaborated. In practice, current project management requires the application of advanced risk analysis methods that will replace the simple risk values estimated by calculations of separate risk components.
Liquid-Phase Respiration Activity Assays to Assess Organic Waste Stability: A Comparison of Two Tests
Authors: Evangelou Alexandros , Komilis Dimitrios
Published: May 2018

The stability of twenty-seven composts and organic substrates (including raw, less stable and stable materials) was assessed using two different liquid phase tests. One of the tests was introduced in 1998 and was based on the calculation of a Specific Oxygen Uptake Rate (SOUR). The newly introduced liquid phase test presented here is simpler to set-up and to perform than the older liquid phase test and is more representative of the composting process due to its longer experimental duration. It is based on the quantification of oxygen consumption in the headspace of a BOD bottle that contains the liquid-solid solution. The results indicate that a marginal correlation does exist between the main indices calculated from both tests. The correlation was slightly stronger for the indices calculated from the raw materials than from the processed ones. The correlation calculated from the processed substrates was statistically insignificant. The SOUR ranged from 1520 to 3650 mg O2/kg VS-h for the raw materials and from 110 to 1150 mg O2/kg VS-h for the processed materials, respectively. The corresponding stability rate related index (LSRI24) of the new liquid phase test introduced here ranged from 240 to 1180 mg O2/dry kg-h for the raw materials and from 64 to 792 mg O2/dry kg-h for the processed ones.
A Hybrid Model Based on A Modified Optimization Algorithm and An Artificial Intelligence Algorithm for Short-Term Wind Speed Multi-Step Ahead Forecasting
Authors: Yao Zonggui , Wang Chen
Published: May 2018

In the last few years, researchers have paid increasing attention to improving the accuracy of wind speed forecasting because of its vital impact on power dispatching and grid security. However, it is difficult to achieve a good forecasting performance due to the randomness and intermittency characteristics of wind speed time series. Current forecasting models based on neural network theory could adapt to various types of time series data; however, these models ignore the importance of data pre-processing and model parameter optimization, which leads to poor forecasting accuracy. In this paper, a new hybrid model is developed for short-term multi-step wind speed forecasting, which includes four modules: (1) the data pre-processing module; (2) the optimization module; (3) the hybrid nonlinear forecasting module and (4) the evaluation module. In order to estimate the forecasting ability of the proposed hybrid model, 10 min wind speed data were applied in this paper as a case study. The experimental results in six real forecasting cases indicate that the proposed hybrid model can provide not only accurate but also stable performance in terms of multi-step wind speed forecasting can be considered an effective tool in planning and dispatching for smart grids.
Analyzing the Coopetition between Tourism and Leisure Suppliers—A Case Study of the Leisure Card Tirol
Authors: Schnitzer Martin , Seidl Maximilian , Schlemmer Philipp , Peters Mike
Published: May 2018

Even though coopetition in the context of tourism is not new, research lacks concrete examples within the leisure business and about its effects on local communities. Hence, this study investigates a super-regional alliance of tourism and leisure suppliers as well as its effects on the community in the region of Tyrol, Austria. In the framework of 60 guided interviews, all organizations engaged in the Leisure Card Tirol (LCT) were contacted and questioned. The analysis of the qualitative data shows the motives for joining the alliance are either economic or non-economic in nature, and thus the alliance is evaluated differently by the various suppliers. Several corporations including swimming pools, ice skating rinks, museums, a football stadium (limited access), and mountain railway companies attract more locals to consume leisure (a partly merit good) due to their membership in the LCT alliance. However, the suppliers’ heterogeneity in respect of their management (governmental, private, and mixed forms) is suggested to be the reason behind the LCT’s financial survival. In summary, intentional coopetition in the context of a super-regional year-around pass may be a sustainable model of increasing a local community’s welfare by providing affordable leisure activities, although some minor and major issues on the part of the suppliers might occur.
Symmetry Measures of Simplified Neutrosophic Sets for Multiple Attribute Decision-Making Problems
Authors: Tu Angyan , Ye Jun , Wang Bing
Published: May 2018

A simplified neutrosophic set (containing interval and single-valued neutrosophic sets) can be used for the expression and application in indeterminate decision-making problems because three elements in the simplified neutrosophic set (including interval and single valued neutrosophic sets) are characterized by its truth, falsity, and indeterminacy degrees. Under a simplified neutrosophic environment, therefore, this paper firstly defines simplified neutrosophic asymmetry measures. Then we propose a normalized symmetry measure and a weighted symmetry measure of simplified neutrosophic sets and develop a simplified neutrosophic multiple attribute decision-making method based on the weighted symmetry measure. All alternatives can be ranked through the weighted symmetry measure between the ideal solution/alternative and each alternative, and then the best one can be determined. Finally, an illustrative example on the selection of manufacturing schemes (alternatives) in the flexible manufacturing system demonstrates the applicability of the proposed method in a simplified (interval and single valued) neutrosophic setting, and then the decision-making method based on the proposed symmetry measure is in accord with the ranking order and best choice of existing projection and bidirectional projection-based decision-making methods and strengthens the resolution/discrimination in the decision-making process corresponding to the comparative example.
Performance Comparison of Phase Change Materials and Metal-Insulator Transition Materials for Direct Current and Radio Frequency Switching Applications
Authors: Mahanta Protap , Munna Mohiuddin , Coutu Ronald A.
Published: May 2018

Advanced understanding of the physics makes phase change materials (PCM) and metal-insulator transition (MIT) materials great candidates for direct current (DC) and radio frequency (RF) switching applications. In the literature, germanium telluride (GeTe), a PCM, and vanadium dioxide (VO2), an MIT material have been widely investigated for DC and RF switching applications due to their remarkable contrast in their OFF/ON state resistivity values. In this review, innovations in design, fabrication, and characterization associated with these PCM and MIT material-based RF switches, have been highlighted and critically reviewed from the early stage to the most recent works. We initially report on the growth of PCM and MIT materials and then discuss their DC characteristics. Afterwards, novel design approaches and notable fabrication processes; utilized to improve switching performance; are discussed and reviewed. Finally, a brief vis-á-vis comparison of resistivity, insertion loss, isolation loss, power consumption, RF power handling capability, switching speed, and reliability is provided to compare their performance to radio frequency microelectromechanical systems (RF MEMS) switches; which helps to demonstrate the current state-of-the-art, as well as insight into their potential in future applications.
Characterization of an N-Terminal Non-Core Domain of RAG1 Gene Disrupted Syrian Hamster Model Generated by CRISPR Cas9
Authors: Miao Jinxin , Ying Baoling , Li Rong , Tollefson Ann , Spencer Jacqueline , Wold William , Song Seok-Hwan , Kong Il-Keun , Toth Karoly , Wang Yaohe , Wang Zhongde
Published: May 2018

The accumulating evidence demonstrates that Syrian hamsters have advantages as models for various diseases. To develop a Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) model of human immunodeficiency caused by RAG1 gene mutations, we employed the CRISPR/Cas9 system and introduced an 86-nucleotide frameshift deletion in the hamster RAG1 gene encoding part of the N-terminal non-core domain of RAG1. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses demonstrated that these hamsters (referred herein as RAG1-86nt hamsters) had atrophic spleen and thymus, and developed significantly less white pulp and were almost completely devoid of splenic lymphoid follicles. The RAG1-nt86 hamsters had barely detectable CD3+ and CD4+ T cells. The expression of B and T lymphocyte-specific genes (CD3γ and CD4 for T cell-specific) and (CD22 and FCMR for B cell-specific) was dramatically reduced, whereas the expression of macrophage-specific (CD68) and natural killer (NK) cell-specific (CD94 and KLRG1) marker genes was increased in the spleen of RAG1-nt86 hamsters compared to wildtype hamsters. Interestingly, despite the impaired development of B and T lymphocytes, the RAG1-86nt hamsters still developed neutralizing antibodies against human adenovirus type C6 (HAdV-C6) upon intranasal infection and were capable of clearing the infectious viruses, albeit with slower kinetics. Therefore, the RAG1-86nt hamster reported herein (similar to the hypomorphic RAG1 mutations in humans that cause Omenn syndrome), may provide a useful model for studying the pathogenesis of the specific RAG1-mutation-induced human immunodeficiency, the host immune response to adenovirus infection and other pathogens as well as for evaluation of cell and gene therapies for treatment of this subset of RAG1 mutation patients.
Field Studies Evaluating Bait Acceptance and Handling by Free-Roaming Dogs in Thailand
Authors: Kasemsuwan Suwicha , Chanachai Karoon , Pinyopummintr Tanu , Leelalapongsathon Kansuda , Sujit Kitipat , Vos Ad
Published: May 2018

(1) Background: As part of the ongoing endeavor to eliminate dog-mediated human rabies in Thailand, renewed interest has been shown in oral vaccination of dogs as a supplementary tool to increase vaccination coverage of the dog population. (2) Methods: Three different bait types were tested using a hand-out model on the campus of the Kasetsart University and the surrounding temples in Thailand during September 2017, consisting of two industrial manufactured baits (fish meal and egg-flavored) and one bait made from local material (boiled pig intestine placed in collagen casing). A PVC-capsule containing dyed water was inserted in the bait. (3) Results: The fishmeal bait was significantly less often accepted and consumed (50.29%) than the other two baits (intestine bait—79.19%; egg bait—78.77%). Delivery and release of the dyed water in the oral cavity was highest in the egg-flavored bait (84.50%), followed by the intestine bait (76.61%) and fishmeal (54.85%) baits. Bait acceptance was influenced by sex, age, and body size of the dog. Also, the origin of the dogs had a significant effect: temple dogs accepted the baits more often than street dogs. (4) Conclusion: A significant portion of the free-roaming dog population in this study can be vaccinated by offering vaccine baits.
Risk Analysis for Reservoir Real-Time Optimal Operation Using the Scenario Tree-Based Stochastic Optimization Method
Authors: Sun Yimeng , Zhu Feilin , Chen Juan , Li Jinshu
Published: May 2018

The inherent uncertainty of inflow forecasts hinders the reservoir real-time optimal operation. This paper proposes a risk analysis model for reservoir real-time optimal operation using the scenario tree-based stochastic optimization method. We quantify the probability distribution of inflow forecast uncertainty by developing the relationship between two forecast accuracy metrics and the standard deviation of relative forecast error. An inflow scenario tree is generated via Monte Carlo simulation to represent the uncertain inflow forecasts. We establish a scenario tree-based stochastic optimization model to explicitly incorporate inflow forecast uncertainty into the stochastic optimization process. We develop a risk analysis model based on the principle of maximum entropy (POME) to evaluate the uncertainty propagation process from flood forecasts to optimal operation. We apply the proposed methodology to a flood control system in the Daduhe River Basin, China. In addition, numerical experiments are carried out to investigate the effect of two different forecast accuracy metrics and different forecast accuracy levels on reservoir optimal flood control operation as well as risk analysis. The results indicate that the proposed methods can provide decision-makers with valuable risk information for guiding reservoir real-time optimal operation and enable risk-informed decisions to be made with higher reliabilities.
Hidden Cost of Drinking Water Treatment and Its Relation with Socioeconomic Status in Nepalese Urban Context
Authors: Shrestha Khadga Bahadur , Thapa Bhesh Raj , Aihara Yoko , Shrestha Sadhana , Bhattarai Arun P. , Bista Niranjan , Kazama Futaba , Shindo Junko
Published: May 2018

Kathmandu Valley faces water scarcity from decades of the added burden of water storage and treatment, which imposed cost. We estimated the method-specific cost of in-house drinking water treatment (9 L/day used) based on equipment price and life, daily operation time, fuel used, and consumables replacement frequency, which were Nepalese Rupees (NRs) 23, 57, 392, 586 and 799 for chemicals, ceramic filter, boiling, Euro-Guard and reverse osmosis-ultraviolet (RO-UV) water purification, respectively. The monthly average water treatment cost was estimated based on these estimates and treatment methods used in households, obtained from a questionnaire survey of 1500 households, and its socioeconomic relationship in a Nepalese urban context was investigated. Of the households, 75% practiced at least one treatment method, (average, 1.4). The estimated monthly average cost per household was NRs 380. The fixed effects model showed that the cost was significantly higher in Lalitpur district, and in high school education households. Higher water insecurity perception of respondents was the main determinant of higher treatment cost, which was especially true in Lalitpur district. Water treatment added extra financial burden, especially for the poor households which should be averted or minimized by concerned authorities to provide adequate quantity, quality, and access to drinking water for all.
Reconnection in the Post-impulsive Phase of Solar Flares
Authors: Forbes Terry G. , Seaton Daniel B. , Reeves Katharine K.
Published: May 2018

Using a recently developed analytical procedure, we determine the rate of magnetic reconnection in the “standard” model of eruptive solar flares. During the late phase, the neutral line is located near the lower tip of the reconnection current sheet, and the upper region of the current sheet is bifurcated into a pair of Petschek-type shocks. Despite the presence of these shocks, the reconnection rate remains slow if the resistivity is uniform and the flow is laminar. Fast reconnection is achieved only if there is some additional mechanism that can shorten the length of the diffusion region at the neutral line. Observations of plasma flows by the X-ray telescope on Hinode imply that the diffusion region is, in fact, quite short. Two possible mechanisms for reducing the length of the diffusion region are localized resistivity and MHD turbulence.
Swift Observations of Mrk 421 in Selected Epochs. II. An Extreme Spectral Flux Variability in 2009–2012
Authors: Kapanadze B. , Vercellone S. , Romano P. , Hughes P. , Aller M. , Aller H. , Kharshiladze O. , Tabagari L.
Published: May 2018

We present the results from a detailed spectral and timing study of Mrk 421 based on the rich archival Swift data obtained during 2009–2012. Best fits of the 0.3–10 keV spectra were mostly obtained using the log-parabolic model showing the relatively low spectral curvature that is expected in the case of efficient stochastic acceleration of particles. The position of the synchrotron spectral energy density peak E
p of 173 spectra is found at energies higher than 2 keV. The photon index at 1 keV exhibited a very broad range of values a = 1.51–3.02, and very hard spectra with a < 1.7 were observed during the strong X-ray flares, hinting at a possible hadronic jet component. The spectral parameters varied on diverse timescales and showed a correlation in some periods, which is expected in the case of first- and second-order Fermi acceleration. The 0.3–10 keV flux showed strong X-ray flaring activity by a factor of 3–17 on timescales of a few days–weeks between the lowest historical state and that corresponding to a rate higher than 100 cts s−1. Moreover, 113 instances of intraday variability were revealed, exhibiting shortest flux-doubling/halving times of about 1.2 hr, as well as brightenings by 7%–24% in 180–720 s and declines by 68%–22% in 180–900 s. The X-ray and very high-energy fluxes generally showed a correlated variability, although one incidence of a more complicated variability was also detected, indicating that the multifrequency emission of Mrk 421 could not be generated in a single zone.
The Charge State of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons across a Reflection Nebula, an H ii Region, and a Planetary Nebula
Authors: Boersma C. , Bregman J. , Allamandola L. J.
Published: May 2018

Low-resolution Spitzer-IRS spectral map data of a reflection nebula (NGC 7023), H ii region (M17), and planetary nebula (NGC 40), totaling 1417 spectra, are analyzed using the data and tools available through the NASA Ames PAH IR Spectroscopic Database. The polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) emission is broken down into PAH charge  and size subclass contributions using a database-fitting approach. The  resulting charge breakdown results are combined with  those derived using the traditional PAH band strength ratio approach, which interprets particular PAH band strength ratios as proxies for PAH charge. Here the 6.2/11.2 μm PAH band strength ratio  is successfully calibrated against its database equivalent: the

ratio. In turn,  this ratio is converted into the PAH ionization parameter, which relates  it to the strength of the radiation field, gas temperature, and electron density. Population diagrams are used to derive the

density and temperature. The bifurcated plot of the 8.6  versus 11.2 μm PAH band strength for the northwest  photo dissociation region in NGC 7023 is shown to be a robust diagnostic template for the

ratio in all three objects. Template spectra for the PAH charge and size  subclasses are determined for each object and shown to favorably compare. Using the determined template spectra from NGC 7023 to fit the emission in all three objects yields, upon inspection of the Structure SIMilarity maps, satisfactory results. The choice of extinction curve  proves to be critical.  Concluding, the distinctly different astronomical environments of a reflection nebula, H ii region, and planetary nebula are reflected in their PAH emission spectra.
Absorption by Spinning Dust: A Contaminant for High-redshift 21 cm Observations
Authors: Draine B. T. , Miralda-Escudé Jordi
Published: May 2018

Spinning dust grains in front of the bright Galactic synchrotron background can produce a weak absorption signal that could affect measurements of high-redshift 21 cm absorption. At frequencies near 80 MHz where the Experiment to Detect the Global EoR Signature (EDGES) has reported 21 cm absorption at

z
≈
17

, absorption could be produced by interstellar nanoparticles with radii

a
≈
50

Å

in the cold interstellar medium (ISM), with rotational temperature T ≈ 50 K. Atmospheric aerosols could contribute additional absorption. The strength of the absorption depends on the abundance of such grains and on their dipole moments, which are uncertain. The breadth of the absorption spectrum of spinning dust limits its possible impact on measurement of a relatively narrow 21 cm absorption feature.
Don Fernando el Católico, Dueño o «Señor de las Indias del Mar Océano»
Authors: Mena García Carmen
Published: May 2018

Fernando II de Aragón, el rey Católico, sentó las bases de la Monarquía Hispánica con una estratégica política global que provocó la admiración de sus contemporáneos. Al tiempo, la presencia española en las tierras americanas se extendía como una mancha de aceite por las Antillas y la Tierra Firme en un proceso colonizador con sus luces y sus sombras que iba a provocar la admiración y la envidia de toda Europa. Ofrecemos aquí un breve repaso a la figura y el significado histórico de uno de los monarcas más sobresalientes de nuestra Historia Moderna, con especial atención a su faceta como «Dueño» o «Señor de las Indias».
Protesta en Patzicía. Los pueblos de indios y la vacatio regis en el reino de Guatemala
Authors: Pollack Aaron
Published: May 2018

La discusión sobre una protesta acaecida en 1811 en el pueblo de Patzicía permite dilucidar la manera en que las problemáticas asociadas con las reformas gaditanas y los movimientos independentistas y autonomistas en Hispanoamérica influyeron en los pueblos de indios en el altiplano guatemalteco. El manuscrito se basa principalmente en documentación proveniente del Archivo General de Centroamérica y demuestra cómo los indios principales y maceguales, los ladinos del pueblo, el corregidor y el capitán general actuaron en el nuevo contexto político.
Nacionalismo y americanismo entre los voluntarios chilenos en el Ejército Libertador de Cuba durante su segunda guerra de independencia (1895-1898)
Authors: López Muñoz Ricardo
Published: May 2018

La guerra de independencia de Cuba de 1895-1898 movilizó hacia la isla a un importante contingente de voluntarios chilenos, dispuestos a combatir junto a los insurrectos. A partir de fuentes documentales, periódicas y bibliográficas — cubanas y chilenas—, en el presente artículo se analizan las motivaciones y circunstancias que los convocaron y cómo debieron adaptarse y legitimarse dentro de una guerra que asumieron como propia, no obstante ser extranjeros. Si bien subyace en su partida y sus conductas una cultura americanista, fue la resignificación del renovado nacionalismo surgido en la compleja situación de Chile en el período que precede al conflicto antillano, lo que les permitió, la mayoría de las veces, ser reconocidos como legítimos combatientes por sus oficiales superiores y la tropa que comandaron.
CD71+ Erythroid Suppressor Cells Promote Fetomaternal Tolerance through Arginase-2 and PDL-1
Authors: Delyea Cole , Bozorgmehr Najmeh , Koleva Petya , Dunsmore Garett , Shahbaz Shima , Huang Vivian , Elahi Shokrollah
Published: May 2018

Survival of the allogeneic pregnancy depends on the maintenance of immune tolerance to paternal alloantigens at the fetomaternal interface. Multiple localized mechanisms contribute to the fetal evasion from the mother’s immune rejection as the fetus is exposed to a wide range of stimulatory substances such as maternal alloantigens, microbes and amniotic fluids. In this article, we demonstrate that CD71+ erythroid cells are expanded at the fetomaternal interface and in the periphery during pregnancy in both humans and mice. These cells exhibit immunosuppressive properties, and their abundance is associated with a Th2 skewed immune response, as their depletion results in a proinflammatory immune response at the fetomaternal interface. In addition to their function in suppressing proinflammatory responses in vitro, maternal CD71+ erythroid cells inhibit an aggressive allogeneic response directed against the fetus such as reduction in TNF-α and IFN-γ production through arginase-2 activity and PD-1/programmed death ligand-1 (PDL-1) interactions. Their depletion leads to the failure of gestation due to the immunological rejection of the fetus. Similarly, fetal liver CD71+ erythroid cells exhibit immunosuppressive activity. Therefore, immunosuppression mediated by CD71+ erythroid cells on both sides (mother/fetus) is crucial for fetomaternal tolerance. Thus, our results reveal a previously unappreciated role for CD71+ erythroid cells in pregnancy and indicate that these cells mediate homeostatic immunosuppressive/immunoregulatory responses during pregnancy.
Clinical evaluation of Morgellons disease in a cohort of North American patients
Authors: Fesler Melissa C. , Middelveen Marianne J. , Stricker Raphael B.
Published: May 2018

Morgellons disease (MD) is a dermatological condition characterized by aberrant production of keratin and collagen fibers in skin. Although infection with Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease (LD), has been associated with MD, relatively few studies have hitherto provided epidemiological evidence regarding this association. A cohort of 1000 seropositive North American LD patients was evaluated for the presence of MD. Patients were diagnosed with MD based on detection of microscopic fibers in skin lesions or under unbroken skin. Demographic and clinical features of MD patients were analyzed, and laboratory testing for tickborne coinfections and other infectious agents, was performed. Subjective and objective features of MD were analyzed using statistical methods. Of 1000 seropositive LD patients, 60 (6%) were diagnosed with MD. Of these 60 patients, 75% were female and 78% presented in the late disseminated stage of MD. All 60 patients (100%) were seropositive for B. burgdorferi infection. Tickborne coinfections in these patients included Babesia spp (62%), Bartonella and Rickettsia (25% each), Ehrlichia (15%) and i (10%). Helicobacter pylori was detected in 12% of MD patients. In all, 77% of MD patients had one or more coinfections. This study confirms recent findings that MD occurs in a limited subset of LD patients. The clinical and genetic determinants of MD in LD patients require further study.
Infrastructure canadienne de donnnées géospatiales, description de l'architecture
Authors:   Groupe de travail sur l'architecture de l'ICDG
Published: May 2018

L'Infrastructure canadienne de données géospatiales (ICDG) est un ensemble distribué de données et regroupe des services et des applications permettant le partage et l'utilisation d'information à référence géospatiale.
L'ICDG est élaborée par le programme GéoConnexions. Une introduction complète à l'ICDG et à ses divers aspects est présentée dans le document ICDG Vision cible.
L'ICDG est une infrastructure de technologie de l'information ouverte qui se fonde sur des spécifications disponibles au public. Grâce à sa conception, l'architecture permet la mise en oeuvre de systèmes pour appuyer des fournisseurs de services et de données ainsi que des
développeurs d'applications, à l'aide de composantes interopérables et réutilisables. C'est en précisant les interfaces de ces services que l'on peut largement atteindre ce but. Ces spécifications sont inspirées de la série 19100 de l'Organisation
internationale de normalisation (ISO) concernant les normes abstraites en matière d'information géographique et des spécifications connexes pour la mise en oeuvre qu'établit actuellement Open GIS Consortium (OGC).
Le présent document de description de l'architecture fait partie d'un groupe de trois documents évolutifs décrivant l'ICDG :
1. Vision cible de l'ICDG,
2. Description de l'architecture de l'ICDG,
3. Plan de mise en oeuvre de l'ICDG.
The Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure: Better knowledge for better decisions
Authors:   GeoConnections
Published: May 2018

This document is an update of the original Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure (CGDI) Vision that was created in 2000. While consultations and research proved the original Vision to still be valid, it has been enhanced with new (*) ideas.

Vision
*To enable access to the authoritative and comprehensive sources of Canadian geospatial information to support decision-making.
Mission
Enable decision-making and policy development that address Canadamp;gt;'s priority issues such as health, social, cultural, economic, and natural resources.
Facilitate access to the leading sources of Canadian geospatial information
Provide continued involvement and leadership in the development of geospatial standards and specifications.
Foster partnerships and sharing of geospatial information across all sectors, at all levels of government, and at the international level.
Support a broad and vibrant user community.
Ensure that infrastructure operations are on going and sustainable.
Guiding Principles
Open: The CGDI will be based on open and interoperable standards and specifications for operations and information exchange.
Transparent: The CGDI will allow users to access data and services seamlessly, despite any complexities of the underlying technology.
Cooperative: The CGDI will facilitate the cooperation and collaboration of participating organizations from all sectors, levels of government, and academia.
Evolving: The network of organizations participating in the CGDI will continue to address new requirements and business applications for information and service delivery to their respective users.
Timely: The CGDI will be based on technologies and services that support timely or real-time access to information.
Self-sustaining: The CGDI will be sustained through the contributions of the participating organizations and broad user community, and through its relevance to these groups.
Self-organizing: The CGDI will enable various levels of participating organizations to contribute geospatial information, metadata, services and applications.
*User-driven: The CGDI will emphasize the nurturing of and service to a broad user community. Users will drive the future development of the CGDI.
*Closest to Source: The CGDI will build upon its principle of self organization by encouraging organizations that are closest to source to provide data. This will increase quality and efficiency by eliminating duplication and overlap.
*Secure: The CGDI will be secure and protect data that is sensitive or proprietary.
Effect of Trainee Performance Data on Standard-Setting Judgments Using the Mastery Angoff Method
Authors: Prenner Stuart B. , McGaghie William C. , Chuzi Sarah , Cantey Eric , Didwania Aashish , Barsuk Jeffrey H.
Published: May 2018

Background 

Mastery learning in health professions education requires learners to learn and undergo assessment until they demonstrate a high level of competence. Setting defensible standards is key to accurately assessing educational outcomes in mastery learning. The Mastery Angoff method was proposed recently to set a minimum passing standard (MPS) for mastery learning curricula. However, it is unknown whether prior knowledge of trainee performance affects judges' decisions about setting an MPS using the Mastery Angoff method.

Objective 

We sought to determine the effect of introducing baseline data about trainee performance on faculty judges' decisions about the Mastery Angoff MPS for a written examination.

Methods 

We developed a mastery learning curriculum to train internal medicine residents and cardiology fellows about the correct interpretation of inpatient telemetry monitoring. All learners were required to meet or exceed an MPS on a 35-item written examination at the end of training. The MPS was set in 2017 by judges who used the item-based Mastery Angoff method without prior examinee performance information. The judges subsequently reevaluated the test items after receiving baseline data about trainee performance collected during pilot testing. Mastery Angoff MPSs with and without baseline performance data were compared.

Results 

Twelve judges participated in the standard-setting exercise. The initial MPS was similar to the repeat MPS set after judges received trainee performance data (86.2% versus 86.9%, P = .23).

Conclusions 

Prior knowledge about medical trainee performance data did not affect MPS as determined by the Mastery Angoff procedure.
Democracy and taxation
Authors: Balamatsias Pavlos
Published: May 2018

In this paper, the author argues that democracies increase tax revenues, based on the hypothesis that democracies increase direct and indirect taxes due to increased taxpayers’ compliance, diffusion of taxes between democracies and because voters in poor democracies are in favour of import taxes. The author tests this hypothesis using data on 74 countries from 1993 to 2012. His explanatory variable is a dichotomous democracy measure, but he alters his analysis from previous research by assuming that democracy is not an exogenous variable. Instead, he uses the theory of Huntington (The third wave: Democratization in the late twentieth century, 1991) and the methodology of Acemoglu et al. (Democracy does cause growth, 2014) about democratization waves. According to this theory, democratizations occur in regional waves; consequently, diffusion of demand for or discontent with a political system is easier to happen in neighbouring countries due to economic, political and historical similarities. This measure shows us that demand for or discontent with a given political system in a geographical area, influences a country’s political system and its tax choices. Using a 2SLS fixed effects model the author finds that democratization waves positively affect democracy, and in turn democracy increases direct and indirect taxes. These results remain the same using several robustness tests.
Assessing the uncertainty of soil moisture impacts on convective precipitation using a new ensemble approach
Authors: Henneberg Olga , Ament Felix , Grützun Verena
Published: May 2018

Abstract. Soil moisture amount and distribution control evapotranspiration and thus impact the occurrence of convective precipitation. Many recent model studies demonstrate that changes in initial soil moisture content result in modified convective precipitation. However, to quantify the resulting precipitation changes, the chaotic behavior of the atmospheric system needs to be considered. Slight changes in the simulation setup, such as the chosen model domain, also result in modifications to the simulated precipitation field. This causes an uncertainty due to stochastic variability, which can be large compared to effects caused by soil moisture variations. By shifting the model domain, we estimate the uncertainty of the model results. Our novel uncertainty estimate includes 10 simulations with shifted model boundaries and is compared to the effects on precipitation caused by variations in soil moisture amount and local distribution. With this approach, the influence of soil moisture amount and distribution on convective precipitation is quantified. Deviations in simulated precipitation can only be attributed to soil moisture impacts if the systematic effects of soil moisture modifications are larger than the inherent simulation uncertainty at the convection-resolving scale.We performed seven experiments with modified soil moisture amount or distribution to address the effect of soil moisture on precipitation. Each of the experiments consists of 10 ensemble members using the deep convection-resolving COSMO model with a grid spacing of 2.8 km. Only in experiments with very strong modification in soil moisture do precipitation changes exceed the model spread in amplitude, location or structure. These changes are caused by a 50 % soil moisture increase in either the whole or part of the model domain or by drying the whole model domain. Increasing or decreasing soil moisture both predominantly results in reduced precipitation rates. Replacing the soil moisture with realistic fields from different days has an insignificant influence on precipitation. The findings of this study underline the need for uncertainty estimates in soil moisture studies based on convection-resolving models.
Seasonal variation and light absorption property of carbonaceous aerosol in a typical glacier region of the southeastern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Niu Hewen , Kang Shichang , Wang Hailong , Zhang Rudong , Lu Xixi , Qian Yun , Paudyal Rukumesh , Wang Shijin , Shi Xiaofei , Yan Xingguo
Published: May 2018

Abstract. Deposition and accumulation of light-absorbing carbonaceous aerosol on
glacier surfaces can alter the energy balance of glaciers. In this study, 2 years
(December 2014 to December 2016) of continuous observations of
carbonaceous aerosols in the glacierized region of the Mt. Yulong and Ganhaizi (GHZ)
basin are analyzed. The average elemental carbon (EC) and organic carbon (OC)
concentrations were 1.51±0.93 and 2.57±1.32 µg m−3, respectively. Although the annual mean OC ∕ EC
ratio was 2.45±1.96, monthly mean EC concentrations during the
post-monsoon season were even higher than OC in the high altitudes
(approximately 5000 ma.s.l.) of Mt. Yulong. Strong photochemical
reactions and local tourism activities were likely the main factors inducing
high OC ∕ EC ratios in the Mt. Yulong region during the monsoon season. The
mean mass absorption efficiency (MAE) of EC, measured for the first time in
Mt. Yulong, at 632 nm with a thermal-optical carbon analyzer using
the filter-based method, was 6.82±0.73 m2 g−1,
comparable with the results from other studies. Strong seasonal and spatial
variations of EC MAE were largely related to the OC abundance. Source
attribution analysis using a global aerosol–climate model, equipped with
a black carbon (BC) source tagging technique, suggests that East Asia
emissions, including local sources, have the dominant contribution (over
50 %) to annual mean near-surface BC in the Mt. Yulong area. There is
also a strong seasonal variation in the regional source apportionment. South
Asia has the largest contribution to near-surface BC during the pre-monsoon
season, while East Asia dominates the monsoon season and post-monsoon season.
Results in this study have great implications for accurately evaluating the
influences of carbonaceous matter on glacial melting and water resource
supply in glacierization areas.
Heterogeneous N2O5 uptake coefficient and production yield of ClNO2 in polluted northern China: Roles of aerosol water content and chemical composition
Authors: Tham Yee Jun , Wang Zhe , Li Qinyi , Wang Weihao , Wang Xinfeng , Lu Keding , Ma Nan , Yan Chao , Kecorius Simonas , Wiedensohler Alfred , Zhang Yuanhang , Wang Tao
Published: May 2018

Abstract. Heterogeneous uptake of dinitrogen pentoxide (N2O5) and production of nitryl chloride (ClNO2) are important nocturnal atmospheric processes that have significant implications for the production of secondary pollutants. However, the understanding of N2O5 uptake processes and ClNO2 production remains limited, especially in China. This study presents a field investigation of the N2O5 heterogeneous uptake coefficient (γ(N2O5)) and ClNO2 production yield (ϕ) in a polluted area of northern China during the summer of 2014. The N2O5 uptake coefficient and ClNO2 yield were estimated in 10 selected cases using simultaneously measured concentrations of ClNO2 and particulate nitrate. The determined γ(N2O5) and ϕ values varied greatly, with an average of 0.022 for γ(N2O5) (in range of 0.006–0.034) and 0.34 for ϕ (range, 0.07–1.04). The variations in γ(N2O5) could not be fully explained by the previously derived parameterizations of N2O5 uptake that consider nitrate, chloride, and the organic coating. Heterogeneous uptake of N2O5 was found to have a strong positive dependence on the relative humidity and aerosol water content. This result suggests that the heterogeneous uptake of N2O5 in Wangdu is governed mainly by the amount of water in the aerosol, a phenomenon that differs from other field observations in the United States and Europe. Laboratory-derived parameterization also overestimated the ClNO2 yield. The observation-derived ϕ showed a decreasing trend with an increasing ratio of acetonitrile to carbon monoxide, an indicator of biomass burning emissions, which suggests a possible suppressive effect on the production yield of ClNO2 in the plumes influenced by biomass burning in this region. The findings of this study illustrate the need to improve our understanding and to parameterize the key factors for γ(N2O5) and ϕ to accurately assess the photochemical and haze pollution.
Tracking the 10Be–26Al source-area signal in sediment-routing systems of arid central Australia
Authors: Struck Martin , Jansen John D. , Fujioka Toshiyuki , Codilean Alexandru T. , Fink David , Fülöp Réka-Hajnalka , Wilcken Klaus M. , Price David M. , Kotevski Steven , Fifield L. Keith , Chappell John
Published: May 2018

Abstract. Sediment-routing systems continuously transfer information and mass from
eroding source areas to depositional sinks. Understanding how these systems
alter environmental signals is critical when it comes to inferring
source-area properties from the sedimentary record. We measure cosmogenic
10Be and 26Al along three large sediment-routing systems
(∼ 100 000 km2) in central Australia with the aim of
tracking downstream variations in 10Be–26Al inventories and
identifying the factors responsible for these variations. By comparing 56 new
cosmogenic 10Be and 26Al measurements in stream sediments with
matching data (n= 55) from source areas, we show that 10Be–26Al
inventories in hillslope bedrock and soils set the benchmark for relative
downstream modifications. Lithology is the primary determinant of
erosion-rate variations in source areas and despite sediment mixing over
hundreds of kilometres downstream, a distinct lithological signal is retained.
Post-orogenic ranges yield catchment erosion rates of ∼ 6–11 m Myr−1 and silcrete-dominant areas erode as slow as
∼ 0.2 m Myr−1. 10Be–26Al inventories in
stream sediments indicate that cumulative-burial terms increase downstream to
mostly ∼ 400–800 kyr and up to
∼ 1.1 Myr. The magnitude of the
burial signal correlates with increasing sediment cover downstream and
reflects assimilation from storages with long exposure histories, such as
alluvial fans, desert pavements, alluvial plains, and aeolian dunes. We
propose that the tendency for large alluvial rivers to mask their
10Be–26Al source-area signal differs according to geomorphic
setting. Signal preservation is favoured by (i) high sediment supply rates,
(ii) high mean runoff, and (iii) a thick sedimentary basin pile. Conversely,
signal masking prevails in landscapes of (i) low sediment supply and (ii) juxtaposition of sediment storages with notably different exposure histories.
„Wir sind nie säkular gewesen“: Politische Theologie und die Geographien des Religiösen
Authors: Korf Benedikt
Published: May 2018

Abstract. In these afterthoughts to a themed issue on the „Geographies of
Post-Secularity“, I critically interrogate the analytical purchase of
the terminology of post-secularism. I suggest that the concept of the
post-secular is ill-suited to provide a vocabulary for multi-religious
societies in the West as much as elsewhere. Instead, I suggest that the
vocabulary of a descriptive political theology (Assmann) better helps us
grasp the continuing negotiation of the dialectic relations between the
secular and the religious. I illustrate this conceptual vocabulary for the
study of religion and politics in the postcolonial world, first, in the
political-normative debates on Indian secularism, and second, in the everyday
struggles of religious actors in the violent politics of Sri Lanka's civil
war, to then return to debates on (post-) secularity. I conclude that,
indeed, we have never been secular – that the dialectic relations between
the secular and the religious are bound to remain, and to become further
complicated in increasingly multi-religious societies.
Evaluation of flushing time, groundwater discharge and associated nutrient fluxes in Daya Bay, China
Authors: Zhang Yan , Zhang Meng , Li Hailong , Wang Xuejing , Qu Wenjing , Luo Xin , Xiao Kai , Zhang Xiaolang
Published: May 2018

Abstract. Radium quartet have been widely used to quantify the flushing time of water body and submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) in coastal zones. However, previous apparent age model based on mass balance of radium isotopes usually neglected the effects of rivers, open sea water end-member, sedimentary input, atmospheric deposits and recirculated seawater (RSGD). To enhance accuracy in estimating flushing time and SGD, here we present an improved model and then apply in Daya Bay, China. The flushing time estimated by the improved model is 11.8–27.7 d in Daya Bay. It is found that the previous model overestimated the flushing time by 10.7 %–103 %. Considering the radium losses caused by RSGD, the SGD flux is estimated to be (3.87–5.09) × 107 m3 d−1 based on the derived flushing time. The SGD associated nutrient fluxes are estimated to be (1.36–1.76) × 106 mol d−1 and (2.53–3.26) × 104 mol d−1 for DIN and DIP, respectively, about 20 times greater than those from local rivers. The primary production supported by all the external DIN inputs is determined to be 323–390 mg C m−2 d−1, in which SGD provide approximately 73.1 % of total primary production. Our results reveals that SGD plays an important role in nutrient balance and may be responsible for the frequent outburst of red tides in Daya Bay. The present study provides baseline data for evaluating environmental effects in Daya Bay and similar coastal bay systems elsewhere.