bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circumstellar Light Echo as a Possible Origin of the Polarization of Type IIP Supernovae
Authors: Nagao Takashi , Maeda Keiichi , Tanaka Masaomi
Published: September 2017

Type IIP supernovae (SNe IIP) are the most common class of core-collapse SNe. They often show a rapid increase of polarization degree in the late phase. This time evolution is generally believed to originate from the emergence of an inner aspherical core, while the effect of polarized-scattered echoes by circumstellar (CS) dust around the SN may also substantially contribute to this polarization feature. In this study, we examine the effects of the scattered echoes on the SN polarization through radiative transfer simulations for various geometries and amounts of CS dust. It is found that asymmetrically distributed CS dust, which is generally inferred for red supergiants, can reproduce the observed polarization features. We have applied our results to SNe 2004dj and 2006ov, deriving the geometry and amount of CS dust to explain their observed polarization features in this scenario. For both SNe, the blob-like or bipolar distribution of CS dust rather than the disk-like distribution is favored. The derived dust masses

in the blob model (the bipolar CS dust model) for SNe 2004dj and 2006ov are

(

) and

(

), respectively. Even in the case where this process would not play a dominant role in the observed polarization signals, this effect should in principle contribute to it, the strength of which depends on the nature of the CS dust. Therefore, this effect must be taken into account in discussing the multi-dimensional structure of an SN explosion through polarimetric observations.
Análisis del Ciclo de Vida de una Unidad Prototipo de Vivienda de Emergencia. La búsqueda del impacto nulo
Authors: Ros García J. M. , Sanglier Contreras G.
Published: September 2017

La Unidad Prototipo de Vivienda de Emergencia (UPVE) es el resultado del Proyecto de Investigación Aplicada VEM (Vivienda de Emergencia Militar) desarrollado con la colaboración de la Escuela Politécnica Superior de la Universidad CEU y la empresa Airbus Defense & Space. Es concebido como una unidad modular e industrializable de habitabilidad básica, de crecimiento programado y extensible, diseñada para proporcionar refugio y protección en entornos de crisis humanitaria o en contingencias de vulnerabilidad social con el fin de asegurar un hábitat sostenible de emergencia.La influencia que los procesos de construcción y materiales involucrados en la fabricación de dicha UPVE tienen en el medio ambiente, analizados mediante la metodología de Análisis de Ciclo de Vida (ACV), consideran especialmente crítico el reciclado de los materiales utilizados. Así, con el objetivo de analizar y disminuir el impacto medioambiental, se cuantifican cada una de las partes que componen la Unidad Prototipo desarrollada, valorando los beneficios resultantes de los procesos de fabricación en la disposición final de los materiales según la metodología DfMA (Design for Manufacturing and Assembly).
Metodología de análisis de forjados autotesados de madera
Authors: Suárez-Riestra F. , Estévez-Cimadevila J. , Otero-Chans D.
Published: September 2017

Se describe un sistema de autotesado constituido por un dispositivo multiplicador de fuerza que acoplado a los apoyos extremos del elemento estructural resulta capaz de convertir la resultante vertical de las acciones gravitatorias en una acción efectiva de tesado mediante el movimiento inducido en un juego de bielas. El sistema de autotesado es capaz de ofrecer unas altas prestaciones gracias al efecto beneficioso de la deformación contraria generada por el tesado de forma proporcional al incremento de la acción gravitatoria. Ello permite diseñar forjados nervados de madera de elevada luz empleando cantos reducidos.

La complejidad de cálculo debida a la no linealidad del sistema se puede obviar con la metodología de análisis desarrollada en el artículo.

Con objeto de ilustrar las ventajas del sistema de autotesado y de la metodología de análisis desarrollados se han analizado seis casos de forjado nervado con luces de 9, 12 y 15 m y cargas variables de uso de 3,00 kN/m2 y 5,00 kN/m2.
Estudio, medida y mitigación de la concentración de radón en la Escuela Universitaria de Arquitectura Técnica de la Universidade da Coruña
Authors: Otero-Pazos A. , Fernández-Ibáñez I. , Piñón-Pazos A. J. , Calvo-Rolle J. L. , Giz-Novo J.
Published: September 2017

Se ha llevado a cabo un estudio de la concentración de gas radón en la Escuela Universitaria de Arquitectura Técnica de la Universidade da Coruña. Para ello se ha analizado la ubicación del edificio, el terreno y los materiales de construcción empleados. A continuación se han efectuado mediciones para determinar la concentración de gas radón, empleando dos técnicas: medida in situ con un detector de cámara de ionización (corto espacio de tiempo), y medida con detectores de trazas (largo espacio de tiempo). En función de los resultados obtenidos, y teniendo en cuenta la legislación vigente (BOE, Instrucción IS-33, de 21 de diciembre de 2011), se han efectuado medidas correctoras (sellado de grietas, instalación de un sistema mecánico de ventilación) con el objetivo de mitigar las elevadas concentraciones de radón. Tras la ejecución de dichas medidas correctoras se efectuaron nuevas mediciones, verificándose la mitigación de radón en valores que oscilan entre el 50 y el 90 %.
Zonificación climática para su aplicación al diseño bioclimático. Aplicación en Galicia (España)
Authors: Da Casa Martín F. , Echeverría Valiente E. , Celis D’Amico F.
Published: September 2017

La normativa española actual para la eficiencia energética establece las zonas climáticas para el cumplimiento de la limitación de la demanda y consumo energéticos. Estas zonas establecidas no tienen la función de ser base para el diseño de edificios con estrategias bioclimáticas.

Se propone una metodología para elaborar una cartografía basada en las estrategias de diseño de Givoni, estableciendo una zonificación general entre áreas geográficas de comportamiento similar. La cartografía así obtenida aporta al diseñador información sobre las estrategias que puede utilizar para alcanzar el confort, sin tener que realizar búsquedas de información complejas.

Se valida el funcionamiento de la metodología utilizada en su aplicación a la Comunidad Autónoma de Galicia (España).

Dentro del proceso se establece complementariamente una comparativa entre ambas cartografías de modo que se pueden comprobar las similitudes y divergencias entre las mismas, concluyendo las aplicaciones concretas y diferenciales para cada una de ellas.
Práxis educativa para as populações campesinas brasileiras: do ruralismo pedagógico ao materialismo histórico-dialético
Authors: Santos Flávio Reis dos , Bezerra Neto Luiz
Published: September 2017

Considerando a trajetória de luta dos movimentos sociais em defesa e na construção de uma educação para as populações campesinas, este artigo tem por objetivos apontar e discutir as possibilidades e limitações da concepção de educação do campo, na medida em que entendemos que essa discussão se torna ainda mais importante quando consideramos que a sociedade capitalista está organizada em classes sociais, havendo amplo domínio da classe que detém os meios de produção sobre aquela que vende a sua força de trabalho para assegurar a própria existência. Tomamos como orientação metodológica os elementos constituintes da análise técnica-documental, visto que esta admite como fontes os livros e escritos científicos bem como leis, resoluções, portarias e pareceres federais, estaduais e municipais. Optamos pela análise técnica-documental, pois os documentos constituem fonte estável e perene de informações, persistem ao longo do tempo e podem ser consultados repetidas vezes, o que proporciona maior estabilidade às conclusões do pesquisador. Constatamos o reconhecimento por parte dos movimentos sociais em defesa de uma educação do campo da importância do conhecimento no processo formativo para as populações campesinas, acampadas e assentadas bem como uma compreensão mais objetiva de sua relevância na luta para a transposição da sociedade capitalista.
Democracia y Educación presentes en las Reformas Educacionales Chilenas de los últimos 100 Años
Authors: Escudero Jaime Caiceo
Published: September 2017

Em razão da celebração do primeiro centenário da publicação da obra de John Dewey Democracia y Educación, pretende-se mostrar como nos aspectos mais importantes do desenvolvimento educativo dos últimos 100 anos no Chile, especialmente nas suas reformas, esteve presente o desejo democratizador promovido pelo educador norte-americano. De fato, no processo de promulgação da Ley de Instrucción Primaria Obligatoria de 1920, estiveram presentes no debate, as ideias de Dewey e, igualmente, acontecerá nas Reformas de 1927 e 1945; a primeira, orientada para o ensino fundamental e, a segunda, para o ensino médio. Nelas se postulavam as principais concepções educativas do educador em questão. Mais explicitamente, esteve presente o desejo democratizador na Reforma de 1965, pois a cobertura escolar se expandiu significativamente, chegando a estar, no inicio da década de 90, coberta 98% da demanda educativa do ensino fundamental e 80% do médio; para uma maior educação, maior democracia era o postulado de Dewey e que o Chile colocou em prática. .
HERP Binds TBK1 To Activate Innate Immunity and Repress Virus Replication in Response to Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress
Authors: Ge Maolin , Luo Zhen , Qiao Zhi , Zhou Yao , Cheng Xin , Geng Qibin , Cai Yanyan , Wan Pin , Xiong Ying , Liu Fang , Wu Kailang , Liu Yingle , Wu Jianguo
Published: September 2017

Host innate immunity is crucial for cellular responses against viral infection sensed by distinct pattern recognition receptors and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Enterovirus 71 (EV71) is a causative agent of hand, foot, and mouth disease and neurological diseases. However, the exact mechanism underlying the link between ER stress induced by EV71 infection and host innate immunity is largely unknown. In this study, we demonstrated that EV71 infection induces the homocysteine-induced ER protein (HERP), a modulator of the ER stress response which is dependent on the participation of MAVS. Virus-induced HERP subsequently stimulates host innate immunity to repress viral replication by promoting type-I IFNs (IFN-α and IFN-β) and type-III IFN (IFN-λ1) expression. Through interacting with TANK-binding kinase 1, HERP amplifies the MAVS signaling and facilitates the phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of IFN regulatory factor 3 and NF-κB to enhance the expression of IFNs, which leads to a broad inhibition of the replication of RNA viruses, including EV71, Sendai virus, influenza A virus, and vesicular stomatitis virus. Therefore, we demonstrated that HERP plays an important role in the regulation of host innate immunity in response to ER stress during the infection of RNA viruses. These findings provide new insights into the mechanism underlying the replication of RNA viruses and the production of IFNs, and also demonstrate a new role of HERP in the regulation of host innate immunity in response to viral infection.
Using the multidimensional prognostic index for treatment decisions and monitoring in frail older patients
Authors: Mangoni Arduino A.
Published: September 2017

The routine applicability of clinical guidelines and disease-specific end-points in frail older patients is problematic because of the exclusion of this group from clinical trials, their limited life expectancy, the co-existence of multiple disease states and poor functional status, and the presence of complex drug-drug and drug-disease interactions. In this context, the use of patient-centred end-points that include measures of quality of life might be particularly useful for designing tailored treatment strategies, monitor progress and, ultimately, improve outcomes. The multidimensional prognostic index, an objective, quantifiable, and validated scoring system based on core domains of the comprehensive geriatric assessment, might represent an important tool for the development of clinical guidelines that take into account measures of frailty and patientcentred end-points. However, research is warranted to investigate whether this approach leads to more effective and safe management strategies in old age.
Air bubbles in the rectus abdominis muscle
Authors: Cereda Alberto , Aseni Paolo , Cereda Marco , Vertemati Maurizio
Published: September 2017

Not available
Circadian blood pressure rhythm and intimal media thickness changes in non-dipper normotensives patients
Authors: Rocchietti March Massimiliano , Maggiore Claudia , Salerno Gerardo , De Venanzi Agostino , Scaramucci Elena , Cardelli Patrizia
Published: September 2017

We investigated 25 non-dipper normotensive vs 25 dipper normotensive patients. The aim of our study was to evaluate carotid intimal-medial thickness (IMT) in the two groups. At the admission patients underwent anamnesis and general examination, blood sampling for lipid profile measurement, glycemia, homocysteine, ambulatory blood pressure measurement to assess the circadian blood pressure profile, and Doppler ultrasound to measure carotid intimal-medial thickness (IMT). Our results showed that IMT is significantly higher in the non-dipper group (P<0.006) vs dippers. Non-dipper status has been recognized in several studies a condition with increased risk for target organ damage in hypertensive and normotensive subjects. However, to our knowledge, a possible relationship between IMT and normotensive non-dipper patients has not yet clearly investigated. Our study instead has clearly demonstrated a significant relationship between IMT and the non-dipper status.
The Niguarda MEWS, a new and refined tool to determine criticality and instability in Internal Medicine Ward and Emergency Medicine Unit
Authors: Colombo Fabrizio , Taurino Lucia , Colombo Giulia , Amato Massimo , Rizzo Salvatore , Murolo Matteo , Facchetti Rita , Ruggeri Ruggero
Published: September 2017

This study compares the effect of the modified early warning score (MEWS) versus a new early warning system (Niguarda MEWS) for detecting instability and criticality in hospital medical departments. A retrospective observational study was conducted in the Internal Medicine ward of Niguarda Ca’ Granda Hospital in Milan between November 2013 and October 2014. MEWS and Niguarda-MEWS were gathered using: systolic blood pressure, respiratory frequency, heart rate, temperature, level of consciousness, oxygen saturation, creatinine level, hematocrit level and age. In order to determine if the patient was critical or not the MEWS criticality cut-off value chosen was 3, while in the Niguarda MEWS it was 6. The primary outcome was the correlation between the critical level of the two scores and in-hospital mortality. The secondary endpoint was the correlation between a specific disease and the two scores. In the study, 471 patients were included, using both the MEWS and the Niguarda MEWS score at admittance: 33.4% of patients turned out to be critically ill using the former, 40.98% when using the latter. Therefore, the specificity of scores was 70% for MEWS and 73% for Niguarda MEWS, the sensitivity 58% for MEWS and 63% for Niguarda MEWS, Niguarda MEWS area under the curve (AUC): 0.736, MEWS AUC: 0.670. For the secondary outcome, the new score is higher for genitourinary and respiratory diseases. Niguarda-MEWS could be an optimal tool to detect criticality and instability in order to address the patient to the right level of care.
What to know before starting the process of publishing in a medical journal
Authors: Masina Marco , Gnerre Paola , Granata Paola , Nardi Roberto
Published: September 2017

The Authors analyze the path of the publication of a study starting from the choice of the journal. Subsequently they summarize the different systems of data reporting and how to format a manuscript according to well-established international editorial structures. In conclusion they suggest how to positively manage a rejection.
Herpes simplex esophagitis
Authors: Bahkali Sameer , Al-Zahrani Hajer , Al-Zahrani Rana , Al-Qahtani Sara
Published: September 2017

One of the well-known complications of immunosuppression is herpes simplex esophagitis and It is rarely found in immunocompetent patients. We present a case of 75-year-old female known case of diabetes mellitus, hypertension and dyslipidemia with two months’ history of dysphagia and odynophagia to solid mainly and cough tinged with blood. On esophagogastroduodenoscopy there was right side of oropharynx ulcer, edema and focal erythema with compression on the esophageal entrance. Biopsy confirmed esophagitis and findings characteristic of herpes simplex virus infection. After the diagnosis was made, the patient was treated with prednisone for 10 days and famciclovir for 14 days and showed significant improvement in period of nearly 2 weeks. We recommend antiviral treatment even for immunocompetent patients for the clear acceleration of the recovery time and prevention of possible complications.
Problematiche internistiche in corso di gravidanza
Authors: Gnerre P. , Pinna G. , Nardi R.
Published: September 2017

L’internista in ostetricia
V. Donvito, A. Maina, L. Balbi, D. Manfellotto

Tromboembolismo venoso in gravidanza
A. Fontanella, M. Gino 

Cardiopatie e gravidanza
R. Gerloni, D. Panuccio 

Ipertensione arteriosa in gravidanza e preeclampsia
F. Saladini, N. Lazzarin, D. Manfellotto

Trombocitopenia in gravidanza
R. Mestroni, A. Civardi

Malattie broncopolmonari in gravidanza
 Gravidanza ed apparato respiratorio in fisiologia e patologia
O. Para, A. Sacchetta

Management del diabete mellito in gravidanza
 Parte 1: Gestante con diabete pregravidico
I. Ambrosino, T.M. Attardo, G. Augello

Management del diabete mellito in gravidanza
 Parte 2: Il diabete mellito gestazionale
T.M. Attardo, I. Ambrosino, G. Augello

Tireopatie in gravidanza
E. Barbagelata

Malattie del fegato e gravidanza
P. Crispino, L. Fontanella, M. Visconti, P. Gnerre

Hyperemesis gravidarum
M.S. Montini, P. Gnerre

Batteriuria asintomatica e infezioni delle vie urinarie sintomatiche in gravidanza
P. Gnerre, M. Giusti

Terapia antibiotica in gravidanza
P. Gnerre, M. Giusti

Conclusioni:
 Learning points per chi richiede (e per chi esegue) la consulenza
G. Pinna, R. Re

 
A behavioral and serological survey on HIV prevalence among prisoners in Benin
Authors: Hessou S. , Dougnon V. , Glele-Ahanhanzo Y. , Imorou B.C.A. , Ahoussinou C. , Legba B. , Zannou D.M. , Baba-Moussa L.
Published: September 2017

Cases of HIV are common in Benin, with infection rates varying according to socioeconomic and cultural factors, and by region. Certain segments of the population, such as prison inmates, sex worker clients and truck drivers are at high risk for HIV/AIDS. The aim of this study is to identify which behavioral and serological indicators contribute to the spread of HIV among prisoners. A total of 496 inmates from prisons located in all major cities in Benin were surveyed. Data was collected through interview sessions carried out using a questionnaire and through blood samples. The results show that most inmates are Beninese (83.5%), and the average age is 33 years (range: 14-80 years). No prisoner reported using a condom the last time they engaged in sexual intercourse. Blood exposure was found in 14.6% of inmates and HIV was detected in 1.4% of cases. Our analysis indicates that the length of detention and gender are factors that influence HIV status. However, age, education, nationality and HIV awareness had no significant effect on HIV prevalence among inmates. The results highlight the need to raise awareness in prisons about HIV. This can be achieved by strengthening communication strategies and by organizing HIV and sexually transmitted diseases information sessions for both prison officers and inmates.
Knowledge and quality of adolescents reproductive health communication between parents and their adolescents children in Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Titiloye Musibau A. , Ajuwon Ademola J.
Published: September 2017

Communication between parents and adolescents on Adolescent Reproductive Health (ARH) issues are emerging public health concerns in Nigeria; yet they can be tackled through parents’ intervention. This study was designed to document the parents’ knowledge and quality of communication relating to ARH between parents and their adolescents in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in two Local Government Areas in the state. Interviewer-administered instruments were used to collect data from the parents and adolescents pair. Both instruments included a 28-point knowledge scale and questions on ARH practices. The instrument for adolescents contained an additional 15-point Perceived Quality of ARH Communication (PQARHC). Knowledge scores ≤9, ≤10-18 and ≥20 were categorized as poor, fair and good, respectively for both parents and adolescents. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chisquare tests at P=0.05. Ages of adolescents were 13.9±2.4 years while parents’ ages was 42.6±8.5 years. Parent’s and adolescents knowledge scores 22.6±3.4 and 19.4±5.9, respectively with no significant difference. Adolescents whose parents ever discussed ARH issues with them were 20.9% as against 72.1% by the parents. The proportion of parents and adolescents with good knowledge of ARH were 89.4% and 64.7% with no significant difference while the proportion of Adolescents’ PQARHC with their parents was adjudged to be of good quality communication was 82.2% with P>0.05. Both the parents and adolescents had good knowledge of adolescent reproductive health but practice and quality of communication was poor. Therefore, training intervention to improve the adolescent- parent communication is recommended for the parents.
Surgery for distal hypospadias: what about the catheter?
Authors: Scarpa Maria-Grazia , Perin Giordano , Di Grazia Massimo , Codrich Daniela , Pederiva Federica , Guida Edoardo , Lembo Maria Antonietta , Giannotta Antonio , Schleef Jürgen
Published: September 2017

No agreed recommendations exist for timing of urethral stent removal, after distal hypospadias surgery. We compared our preliminary case series with outcomes from literature: 18/44 patients were treated with catheter and 26/44 without it. The surgical outcome was comparable in the two groups. After hypospadias surgery, the main advantage of the immediate postoperative catheter removal was the shorter hospital stay without negatively affecting the care and home management.
Global and regional brain atrophy is associated with low or retrograde facial vein flow in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Jakimovski Dejan , Marr Karen , Mancini Marcello , Caprio Maria Grazia , Gandhi Sirin , Bergsland Niels , Paunkoski Ivo , Hagemeier Jesper , Chandra Avinash , Weinstock-Guttman Bianca , Zivadinov Robert
Published: September 2017

Increased collateral facial vein (FV) flow may be associated with structural damage in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The objective was to assess differences in FV flow and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-derived outcomes in MS. The study included 136 MS patients who underwent neck and head vascular system examination by echo-color Doppler. Inflammatory MRI markers were assessed on a 3T MRI using a semi-automated edge detection and contouring/ thresholding technique. MRI volumetric outcomes of whole brain (WB), gray matter (GM), white matter (WM), cortex, ventricular cerebrospinal fluid (vCSF), deep gray matter (DGM), thalamus, caudate nucleus (CN), putamen, globus pallidus (GP), and hippocampus were calculated. Independent t-test and ANCOVA, adjusted for age, were used to compare groups based on FV flow quartiles. Thirty-four MS patients with FV flow ≤327.8 mL/min (lowest quartile) had significantly lower WB (P<0.001), WM (P<0.001), thalamus (P=0.004), cortex (P=0.004), GM (P=0.004), DGM (P=0.008), hippocampus (P=0.005), and GP volumes (P=0.044) compared to 102 patients with FV flow of >327.8 mL/min (higher quartiles). There were no differences in T1-, T2- and gadolinium- enhancing lesion volumes between the quartile groups. The lack of an association between FV blood flow and inflammatory MRI measures in MS patients, but an association with brain atrophy, suggests that the severity of neurodegenerative process may be related to hemodynamic alterations. MS patients with more advanced global and regional brain atrophy showed low or retrograde FV volume flow.
Conceptualising megacities and megaslums in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Akanle Olayinka , Adejare Gbenga S.
Published: September 2017

Burgeoning megacities is one of the fascinating realities of the 21st century global development. A huge chunk of individuals across the cosmos continue to crave for expansion of megacity space. Thus, living in a megacity is nothing short of psychosocial nirvana of many in the 21st century. With the growing appetite for increase in the number of megacities emanates issues of conterminous slumhood, gentrification, poverty, increasing crime rate and general hazards for lives and property. It is pertinent not to view megacity as an isolated phenomenon without considering its indelible flipside – megaslum. This article is devoted to intense analysis of pros and cons of the emergence of megacities using secondary data that were analysed in a triangulated manner. Pictorial data further complemented both theoretical and statistical information related in the work. Thus, using Lagos as an example, this article engaged the use of sociological imagination to x-ray how survival of megacities depends on a number of factors without which megacity becomes unsustainable. It is from this standpoint that the authors made useful recommendations to stakeholders in order to make Lagos megacity, and the likes, sustainable.
Pseudospectra of the Schrödinger operator with a discontinuous complex potential
Authors: Henry Raphaël , Krejčiřík David
Published: September 2017

We study spectral properties of the Schrödinger operator with an imaginary sign potential on the real line. By constructing the resolvent kernel, we show that the pseudospectra of this operator are highly non-trivial, because of a blow-up of the resolvent at infinity. Furthermore, we derive estimates on the location of eigenvalues of the operator perturbed by complex potentials. The overall analysis demonstrates striking differences with respect to the weak-coupling behaviour of the Laplacian.
Resonances for 1d Stark operators
Authors: Korotyaev Evgeny L.
Published: September 2017

We consider the Stark operator perturbed by a compactly supported potential (of a certain class) on the real line. We prove the following results: (a) upper and lower bounds on the number of resonances in complex discs with large radii, (b) the trace formula in terms of resonances only, (c) all resonances determine the potential uniquely.
Cauchy problem of the non-self-adjoint Gauss–Laguerre semigroups and uniform bounds for generalized Laguerre polynomials
Authors: Patie Pierre , Savov Mladen
Published: September 2017

We propose a new approach to construct the eigenvalue expansion in a weighted Hilbert space of the solution to the Cauchy problem associated to Gauss–Laguerre invariant Markov semigroups that we introduce. Their generators turn out to be natural non-selfadjoint and non-local generalizations of the Laguerre differential operator. Our methods rely on intertwining relations that we establish between these semigroups and the classical Laguerre semigroup and combine with techniques based on non-harmonic analysis. As a by-product we also provide regularity properties for the semigroups as well as for their heat kernels. The biorthogonal sequences that appear in their eigenvalue expansion can be expressed in terms of sequences of polynomials, and they generalize the Laguerre polynomials. By means of a delicate saddle point method, we derive uniform asymptotic bounds that allow us to get an upper bound for their norms in weighted Hilbert spaces. We believe that this work opens a way to construct spectral expansions for more general non-self-adjoint Markov semigroups.
Dried brewers grains in growing rabbits: nutritional value and effects on performance
Authors: Lima P.J.D.O. , Watanabe P.H. , Cândido R.C. , Ferreira A.C.S. , Vieira A.V. , Rodrigues B.B.V. , Nascimento G.A.J. , Freitas E.R.
Published: September 2017

Two assays were carried out to determine i) the nutritional value of dried brewers’ grains and ii) the effects of inclusion of this ingredient in growing rabbit diets on animal performance and economic performance of the breeding unit. In the digestibility assay, a total of 28 male rabbits were distributed in 2 groups differing in the diet offered to animals: a reference diet (35.51% neutral detergent fibre and 16.50% crude protein [CP]) and a test diet (60% of reference diet and 40% of dried brewers grains). The dried brewers’ grain contained 37.9% of CP and 3371 kcal digestible energy/kg dry matter. In the performance study, 80 weaned rabbits (40 males and 40 females) were allotted at 40 d of age to 5 groups differing in the inclusion levels of dried brewers’ grains (0, 7, 14, 21 and 28%) from 40 d to 90 d of age. Inclusion of dried brewers’ grains did not affect the live weight at 90 d, the feed intake between 40 d and 90 d or the dressing percentage of rabbits (on average 223 g, 96 g/d and 51.3%, respectively). There was no effect of diet on the meat quality parameters (69.5% water holding capacity, 25.6% cooking loss, 3.4 kg/cm2 Warner-Bratzler shear force and pH 5.70) and inclusion levels above 14% reduced the feed cost (–18%; P
Abstracts of the 42nd Symposium on Cuniculture, ASESCU Murcia, Spain, 11th-12th May, 2017
Authors: Conferences, Congresses, Symposiums... Abstracts,
Published: September 2017

The 42nd Congress of the Spanish Association of Cuniculture (ASESCU) was held in Murcia from 11th to 12th May 2017, hosted by the University of Murcia’s Veterinary Faculty. The main papers focussed on analysing the situation of rabbit farming in the Murcia region, the demedicalisation of rabbit health management, a new law on farmers’ organisations and the main presentation forms of infections associated with Staphylococcus aureus. A specific session was devoted to explaining the objectives and progress of the research projects supported by the partnership between the Spanish Institute of Agricultural Research (INIA) and the Rabbit Meat Marketing Board (INTERCUN). In addition, two round tables were held, one on the alternatives to massive use of antibiotics and the other on the farmers’ organisations. Moreover, a total of 28 communications were presented both in working sessions with oral communications and posters (reproduction and genetics, pathology, ethology and welfare, management and production, nutrition and feeding and meat quality). The meeting was attended by more than 160 participants, including researchers from Spain, Portugal, Brazil, Venezuela and Ecuador, among other countries. Abstracts of the contributions presented are reported below.
Suriname
Authors:   International Monetary Fund. Statistics Dept.
Published: September 2017

In response to a request from the General Bureau of Statistics (GBS) of Suriname and in consultation with IMF’s Western Hemisphere Department (WHD), the Real Sector Statistics Advisor (RSA) at the Caribbean Regional Technical Assistance Centre (CARTAC) undertook a technical assistance (TA) mission to Paramaribo during February 7–17, 2017, to review and provide advice on improving the national accounts of Suriname, including consistency with the System of National Accounts 2008.
Sovereign Debt Restructurings in Grenada
Authors: Asonuma Tamon , Li Xin , Papaioannou Michael , Thomas Saji
Published: September 2017

This paper documents the two debt restructurings that Grenada undertook in 2004–06 and 2013–15.Both restructurings emerged as a consequence of weak fiscal and debt situations, whichbecame unsustainable soon after external shocks hit the island economy. The two restructurings provided liquidity relief, with the second one involving a principal haircut. However, the first restructuring was not able to secure long-term debt sustainability. Grenada’s restructuring experience shows the importance of (1) establishing appropriate debt restructuring objectives; (2) committing to policy reforms and maintaining ownership of the restructuring goals; and (3) engaging closely and having clear communications with creditors.
Government Financial Assets and Debt Sustainability
Authors: Henao Arbelaez Camila , Sobrinho Nelson
Published: September 2017

Do government financial assets help improve public debt sustainability? To answer this question, we assemble a comprehensive dataset on government assets using multiple sources and covering 110 advanced and emerging market economies since the late 1980s. We then use this rich database to estimate the impact of assets on two key dimensions of debt sustainability: borrowing costs and the probability of debt distress. Government financial assets significantly reduce sovereign spreads and the probability of debt crises in emerging economies but not in advanced economies, and the effect varies with asset characteristics, notably liquidity. Government finacial assets also help discriminate countries across the distribution of sovereign spreads, thus signaling information about emerging economies’ creditworthiness.
Uphill Capital Flows and the International Monetary System
Authors: Csonto Balazs , Tovar Mora Camilo
Published: September 2017

Uphill capital flows constitute a key transmission channel through which reserve accumulation can distort the stability of the international monetary system. This paper examines and quantifies the importance of this transmission channel by examining how foreign official purchases of U.S. Treasuries influences the U.S. yield curve at different maturities. Our findings suggest that a percentage point increase in foreign official holdings relative to outstanding marketable securities reduces the term premium by 2.0–2.4 basis points at maturities of 2–3 years. These estimates are then used to gauge the role of a global policy in reducing excess reserve accumulation?e.g., a composite global reserve asset or through global liquidity facilities. Findings show that a policy that reduces the demand for Treasuries by $100 billion would increase yields by 1.5–1.8 basis points.
Stabilizing the System of Mortgage Finance in the United States
Authors: Koss Richard
Published: September 2017

It has been over a decade since the peak of house prices in the US was attained, and while
there has been a concerted regulatory response to the subsequent collapse, the two
Government Sponsored Enterprises (GSEs) remain in conservatorship. While this action
served to forestall a deeper crisis at the time, over the past several years risks related to the
system of mortgage finance can be seen building across several dimensions that need to be
addressed. While reforms to the GSEs are an important part of dealing with these
concerns, this paper argues that broader changes need to be made across the entire
mortgage landscape to stabilize the system, even before the final state of the GSEs is fully
determined.
Singapore
Authors:   International Monetary Fund. Asia and Pacific Dept
Published: September 2017

A cyclical upswing in growth is under way driven by goods trade.
But improved momentum has yet to extend beyond the export-oriented sectors, and
structural headwinds to growth from aging, tighter foreign worker policies, and slow
productivity growth remain. Inflation has turned positive after two years of subzero
readings and the financial cycle is firming. Singapore’s external position continues to be
substantially stronger than warranted by medium-term fundamentals and desired
policies. Risks to the outlook are broadly balanced. Being highly open to trade and
financial flows, Singapore stands to benefit from improving global sentiment. But more
inward-looking policies in major economies and slowdowns in emerging economies
would have an adverse impact. Domestic risks mainly relate to elevated household and
corporate sector leverage, and the disruptive potential of economic restructuring
through new technologies and automation for employment and inequality.
Japan
Authors:   International Monetary Fund. Asia and Pacific Dept
Published: September 2017

Abenomics has improved economic conditions and engendered structural reforms
but has not yet achieved a durable exit from deflation. The economy has expanded at
a pace above potential the last five consecutive quarters, and unemployment has fallen to
record low levels. Short-term fiscal stimulus and rising global demand have been key
drivers. However, inflation, public debt sustainability, and growth objectives remain to be
secured. Risks to the outlook are tilted to the downside, particularly in the medium term.
The current favorable economic environment is an opportunity to accelerate
reforms. A comprehensive and mutually reinforcing package of accelerated structural
reform, coordinated demand and income polices, strengthened policy frameworks, and
enhanced financial sector policies is needed. The reform agenda should prioritize
structural measures aimed at facilitating reflation (particularly labor market reforms to
boost wages), followed by policies to lift potential growth.
Structural Reforms and External Rebalancing
Authors: Culiuc Alexander , Kyobe Annette
Published: September 2017

Empirical research on structural reforms has focused primarily on their impact on growth and productivity. Yet an often-invoked rationale for structural reforms is their impact on external adjustment. This paper finds little evidence that structural reforms improve the current account in the short run, but they can increase the responsiveness and resilience of the economy to external shocks. In particular, elasticities of exports with respect to the real effective exchange rate increase with some structural indicators, suggesting that structural reforms facilitate the reallocation of resources to the tradable sector in response to a negative external shock. The paper concludes that structural reforms, while not having an immediate positive impact on the current account balance, can be an important complement to traditional macroeconomic adjustment.
People's Republic of China
Authors:   International Monetary Fund. Asia and Pacific Dept
Published: September 2017

This 2017 Article IV Consultation highlights China’s continuing transition to a more sustainable growth path and the advance of reforms across a wide domain. Growth slowed to 6.7 percent in 2016 and is projected to remain robust, at 6.7 percent, in 2017 owing to the momentum from last year’s policy support, strengthening external demand, and progress in domestic reforms. Inflation rose to 2 percent in 2016 and is expected to remain stable, at 2 percent, in 2017. Essential supervisory and regulatory action is being taken against financial sector risks, and corporate debt is growing more slowly, reflecting restructuring initiatives and overcapacity reduction.
Botswana
Authors:   International Monetary Fund. African Dept.
Published: September 2017

This Selected Issues paper examines the stability of the financial sector in Botswana. The financial system has grown rapidly over the years, but there is still substantial scope for expansion. Banks, institutional investors, and the Botswana Stock Exchange have grown steadily over the years based on political and economic stability, savings from diamond exports, and fiscal surpluses. Botswana’s financial stability framework could benefit from upgrading. Data gaps and incomplete information on cross-border capital flows and growing interconnection with the nonbank financial sector may entail risks. In this regard, close cooperation among regulators and proper assessment of macro-financial risks associated with banks’ large exposures will contribute to more effective financial system supervision.
Luxembourg
Authors:   International Monetary Fund. Monetary and Capital Markets Department
Published: September 2017

This Technical Note discusses the findings and recommendations made in the 2017 Financial Sector Assessment Program for Luxembourg in areas of macroprudential framework and policies. Luxembourg has a large financial system that contributes a significant share of GDP and is globally interconnected. The institutional arrangement is broadly appropriate for effective macroprudential policy, but some areas should be strengthened. The monitoring and analysis of systemic risks by the Banque Centrale du Luxembourg is appropriate and performed on a timely basis. The authorities are encouraged to continue to increase efforts to monitor risks related to the investment fund industry.
Luxembourg
Authors:   International Monetary Fund. Monetary and Capital Markets Department
Published: September 2017

This Technical Note examines aspects of the banking supervision regime in Luxembourg. Significant progress has been made in relation to the recommendations made in the 2011 Financial Sector Assessment Program. The Finance Ministry is no longer responsible for the granting or revocation of banking licenses, the Commission for the Supervision of the Financial Sector (CSSF) is no longer charged with promoting industry, resources have increased substantially, and there has been a significant increase in the implementation of sanctioning powers. There still exists potential for government or industry interference in the operational independence of the CSSF. The frequency of on-site inspections of Luxembourg subsidiaries of significant institutions is also on the low side.
A method to preserve trends in quantile mapping bias correction of climate modeled temperature
Authors: Grillakis Manolis G. , Koutroulis Aristeidis G. , Daliakopoulos Ioannis N. , Tsanis Ioannis K.
Published: September 2017

Abstract. Bias correction of climate variables is a standard practice in climate change impact (CCI) studies. Various methodologies have been developed within the framework of quantile mapping. However, it is well known that quantile mapping may significantly modify the long-term statistics due to the time dependency of the temperature bias. Here, a method to overcome this issue without compromising the day-to-day correction statistics is presented. The methodology separates the modeled temperature signal into a normalized and a residual component relative to the modeled reference period climatology, in order to adjust the biases only for the former and preserve the signal of the later. The results show that this method allows for the preservation of the originally modeled long-term signal in the mean, the standard deviation and higher and lower percentiles of temperature. To illustrate the improvements, the methodology is tested on daily time series obtained from five Euro CORDEX regional climate models (RCMs).
Calibrating climate models using inverse methods: case studies with HadAM3, HadAM3P and HadCM3
Authors: Tett Simon F. B. , Yamazaki Kuniko , Mineter Michael J. , Cartis Coralia , Eizenberg Nathan
Published: September 2017

Abstract. Optimisation methods were successfully used to calibrate parameters in an atmospheric component of a climate model using two variants of the Gauss–Newton line-search algorithm: (1) a standard Gauss–Newton algorithm in which, in each iteration, all parameters were perturbed and (2) a randomised block-coordinate variant in which, in each iteration, a random sub-set of parameters was perturbed. The cost function to be minimised used multiple large-scale multi-annual average observations and was constrained to produce net radiative fluxes close to those observed. These algorithms were used to calibrate the HadAM3 (third Hadley Centre Atmospheric Model) model at N48 resolution and the HadAM3P model at N96 resolution.For the HadAM3 model, cases with 7 and 14 parameters were tried. All ten 7-parameter cases using HadAM3 converged to cost function values similar to that of the standard configuration. For the 14-parameter cases several failed to converge, with the random variant in which 6 parameters were perturbed being most successful. Multiple sets of parameter values were found that produced multiple models very similar to the standard configuration. HadAM3 cases that converged were coupled to an ocean model and run for 20 years starting from a pre-industrial HadCM3 (3rd Hadley Centre Coupled model) state resulting in several models whose global-average temperatures were consistent with pre-industrial estimates. For the 7-parameter cases the Gauss–Newton algorithm converged in about 70 evaluations. For the 14-parameter algorithm, with 6 parameters being randomly perturbed, about 80 evaluations were needed for convergence. However, when 8 parameters were randomly perturbed, algorithm performance was poor. Our results suggest the computational cost for the Gauss–Newton algorithm scales between P and P2, where P is the number of parameters being calibrated.For the HadAM3P model three algorithms were tested. Algorithms in which seven parameters were perturbed and three out of seven parameters randomly perturbed produced final configurations comparable to the standard hand-tuned configuration. An algorithm in which 6 out of 13 parameters were randomly perturbed failed to converge.These results suggest that automatic parameter calibration using atmospheric models is feasible and that the resulting coupled models are stable. Thus, automatic calibration could replace human-driven trial and error. However, convergence and costs are likely sensitive to details of the algorithm.
Climate Change Disclosures in the Annual Reports: Evidence from Bangladesh
Authors: Dey Pappu Kumar , Nakib Mohammad , Dutta Probal
Published: September 2017

This study examines the nature and extent of climate change disclosures in the corporate annual reports of the listed companies in Dhaka Stock Exchange, Bangladesh. For this purpose, annual reports related to the year 2014 of the sample 88 listed companies have been scrutinized. In regard to this study, content analysis approach has been conducted considering thirteen different disclosure issues regarding climate change. Our analysis provides the comprehension of below average climate change disclosure practices by the Bangladeshi companies, though 58 percent companies have reported at least one issue on climate change and global warming. ‘Energy saving & efficiency’ and ‘water management & pollution’ are mostly reported issues that are industry specific requirements in some case. From the viewpoint of industry, Banking industry and Cement industry have started to report some issues related to the climate change, where 4 industries out of selected 17 industries have not provided any climate change disclosure. Disseminating climate change disclosure within 10 sentences by most of the reported companies manifests the desideratum of in-depth disclosure practices.
Student Non-Suicidal Self-Injury: A Protocol for School Counselors
Authors: Stargell Nicole A. , Zoldan Chelsey A. , Kress Victoria E. , Walker-Andrews Laura M. , Whisenhunt Julia L.
Published: September 2017

Schools have a demonstrated need for student non-suicidal self-injury protocols and school counselors play an important role in the development and implementation of such procedures. This article presents an overview of school counselor considerations related to developing and implementing a self-injury protocol. It provides an example of a comprehensive school counseling protocol for addressing student self-injury, including a sample safety plan. The authors present a case study application and discuss implementation considerations.