bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Business Process Management
Authors: Baporikar Neeta
Published: May 2016

In today's business environment it is impossible for one or one group of people to fully know or understand all the dynamics associated with the operational business processes within an organization. This is why it is essential that companies map, monitor, analyze and collaborate on process knowledge and management improvement. It is here that organizations are looking towards Business Process Management (BPM), which would help to maximize the bottom-line impact of process improvement efforts through effective communication. It supports all elements of business processes - from modeling and documentation, communicating, measurement and analysis, to continuous process management and improvement. BPM is the orchestration of various business systems into identifiable and controllable systems. This paper through in depth literature review and keen observation attempts to look at what BPM means, what it includes and how it would be strategically advantageous if the organizations adopt it.
Políticas públicas/estatais: contribuição para o estudo da relação estado-sociedade
Authors: Costa Sidiney Alves , Bezerra Neto Luiz
Published: May 2016

Os estudos de políticas públicas têm crescido no Brasil, embora alguns autores apontem a indefinição conceitual da temática e outros ainda assinalem a prevalência da perspectiva de ação neutra do Estado e a aceitação da objetividade das políticas públicas. Fatores como esses têm dificultado a apreensão das políticas públicas como produto histórico e expressão do modo de organização do Estado no capitalismo. Portanto, o artigo adota uma análise política da questão, tendo como pressuposto o fato de que a relação íntima entre o tratamento neutro e objetivo das políticas públicas como ‘Estado em ação’ fortalece a coesão social própria do sistema capitalista. O artigo questiona se as políticas públicas visam realmente ao interesse público, ou seja, de ‘todos’. Após estudos de referência que envolvem a temática, o artigo aponta breve contribuição e, sobretudo, postula se não é o caso de se repensar a positividade da expressão ‘políticas públicas’, dado que o termo ‘público’, presente nessa definição, além de controverso, diz respeito à atuação interessada do Estado para atingir parcela definida da sociedade, e não à ação dirigida a todos - tratando-se, portanto, na maioria dos casos, de políticas públicas/estatais.
Coconut land fragmentation in Sri Lanka: an inquiry into the potential moral hazard behavior of landowners seeking for the approval
Authors: Weerawardana W. P.  T.  D. , Jayasinghe-Mudalige U. K. , Pathiraja P. M. E. K. , Jayalath K. V. N. N.
Published: May 2016

The Tea, Rubber and Coconut Estates (Control of Fragmentation) Board was set up under the Act No: 20 of 2005 (An amendment of Act No: 2 of 1958) to control transferring of the ownership of coconut lands of more than four hectares as a single unit or sub divisions. The owner of a coconut land who wants to fragment her block is, thus, required to undergo a formal procedure to get approval to which the first step was the submission of a duly filled application explaining the characteristics of, and management practices used in, the coconut land to be fragmented. The specific objective of this study was to examine whether this process is associated with moral hazard and/or adverse selection behavior of owners, because any applicant may tend to manage her coconut land incongruously to gain advantage in the selection process. The outcome of analysis, which used first hand information from 50 applications submitted to the regional offices of the Coconut Cultivation Board from July 2005 to January 2008, showed that nearly 22% owners did not maintain their plantation up to their capacity, although their lands belonging to the best and moderate suitable soil classes with high productivity. This implies the need for evidence-based assessment criteria in the process of selection of coconut land for fragmentation to avoid potential failures in the process, and in turn, the Act. COCOS Vol. 20: 39-48 (2013)
Effect of temperature on local and Philippine isolates of Metarhizium anisopliae and their virulence on larvae of Oryctes rhinoceros, a pest of coconut in Sri Lanka
Authors: Subhathma W. G. R. , Suwandharathna N. I. , Fernando L. C. P. , Ahangama D.
Published: May 2016

The effect of temperature on mycelial growth and spore production in Sri Lankan (local isolate) and Philippine isolates (DRC) of Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch.) Sorokin and their virulence to larvae of the black beetle, Oryctes rhinoceros L. were compared in the laboratory. Mycelial growth and spore production in each isolate were evaluated at 25°C, 27.5°C, 30°C and 32.5°C. Healthy third instar larvae of black beetle were inoculated with spore suspensions of 106spores/ml of each isolate to compare the virulence. There was no considerable difference between the two isolates with respect to mycelial growth at the end of the experimental period of 40 days. However, the mycelial growth of the local isolate significantly differed among the four temperatures, with the highest growth at 27.5°C and lowest at 32.5°C. The growth of DRC isolate was similar at all temperatures. The two isolates differed significantly in spore production. Spore production was extremely low at 32.5°C in both isolates. The local isolate produced a significantly higher number of spores at other three temperatures than that of the DRC isolate. In the local isolate spore production was higher at 25°C and 27.5°C and in the DRC isolate it was highest at 25°C. Both isolates caused death in black beetle larvae, the local isolate recorded a significantly higher mortality (67%) than the DRC isolate (42%), 17 days after inoculation. The LT50of the local and DRC isolates were 14 and 18 days respectively. The study reveals that the local isolate has more desirable characteristics than the DRC isolate for use in the management of black beetle larvae in Sri Lanka. COCOS Vol. 20: 49-58 (2013)
Evaluation of phosphorus availability in a lateritic gravelly, coconut grown and long term phosphate fertilizer applied soil in Sri Lanka with an indicator plant
Authors: Wijebandara D. M. D. I. , Kurudukubura C. P. A.
Published: May 2016

The residual phosphorus availability and response of Ginger (Zinigiber officinale) to residual available phosphorus in (lateritic gravelly) Red Yellow Podzolic soil (RYP - Rhodustults) of Andigama soil series from Rathmalagara estate, Madampe was evaluated after 10 years of continuous application of 03 sources of phosphates to young coconut palms. A pot experiment was established using Andigama soil series which was collected from field experimental site where coconut palms were treated with 03 levels of phosphate with 03 different phosphate sources i.e., Eppawela Rock Phosphate (ERP, 30 % P2O5), Imported Rock Phosphate (1RP, 27.5% P205) and Triple Super Phosphate (TSP, 46 % P205) from the seedling stage up to the age of 10 years. The initial rates of phosphate applications were P205 equivalent of 50, 100 and 200 g palnrf'year'1 respectively which were annually increased by 5, 10 and 20 g respectively. Ginger was used as an indicator plant as the growth parameters, yield and the total P content in the ginger can be taken as an indication of the response to different treatments. Ginger rhizomes were planted in pots filled with 5 kg of phosphate treated soil and all the plants were treated with a basal dose of nitrogen (N) and potassium (K.) at every 1 V2 month intervals for 6 months. Number of tillers per bush, height of the plants and number of leaves in bush in each pot were recorded. Six months after planting, ginger plants were uprooted and fresh and dry weight of shoots of the plants, roots and rhizomes were recorded. All the plant parts were analysed for total P. Soil samples were collected before planting the ginger and analyzed for available P by 2.5 % acetic acid method, Olsen’s bicarbonate and Bray and Kurtz 1 method. The overall result showed that the extractable P in soil treated with all 03 levels of ERP, IRP and TSP by 2.5 % HAc-P, Olsen - P and Bray - P values were above the sufficiency soil P values of 7.8 mg kg-1, 8.5 mg kg-1 and 5.8 mg kg-1 respectively. The highest level of TSP, IRP and ERP treatments were significantly effective in increasing the dry weight of rhizomes and the shoots of ginger. It indicated that residual phosphorus availability of TSP, IRP and ERP was high and its effectiveness on response to ginger was more or less similar. This might be due to low dissolution of ERP and fixation of TSP in lateritic gravel soil. According to the findings of this experiment, P fertilizers can be taken out from the coconut fertilizer recommendation for a period of time by monitoring the effectiveness of the residual P status in soil and coconut leaf. Findings of this experiment can be included into site specific fertilizer recommendation programmes of the other perennial crops. By monitoring the availability of P in soil, intercrops can be grown in coconut plantations without application of P fertilizers. COCOS Vol. 20: 59-70 (2013)
4th International Conference on Acetic Acid Bacteria - Vinegar and other products (AAB 2015)
Authors: Chen Fusheng , Gullo Maria
Published: May 2016

This Abstract Book contains oral and poster presentations from the 4th International Conference on Acetic Acid Bacteria - Vinegar and other products (AAB 2015), held in Taiyuan, P. R. China, 15-19 September 2015.
Major contribution of prokaryotes to carbon fluxes in the pelagic microbial food webs of the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Zoccarato Luca , Malusà Anna , Fonda Umani Serena
Published: May 2016

In this study, we carried out dilution experiments at the surface and in the mesopelagic and bathypelagic layers at 15 sites in the Mediterranean Sea that covered a wide range of trophic conditions. The main aim was to test the hypothesis that prokaryotes, and particularly heterotrophic prokaryotes, are pivotal in sustaining both nanoplankton and microzooplankton energy requirements at all of the considered trophic states. These data highlight that bacterivory is the major pathway of organic carbon transfer in the oligotrophic and meso-eutrophic environments. The microzooplankton mostly feed on prokaryotes, directly or indirectly (through nanoplankton exploitation), rather than on microalgae. Under eutrophic conditions, herbivory is the main trophic pathway; however, the heterotrophic prokaryotes always represent an important source of carbon. The lowest food-web efficiency (i.e., ratio between productivity of the highest trophic level and productivity of the lower trophic levels) was determined for the eutrophic status due to possible grazer satiation, which translates into an excess of autotrophic biomass available for export or transfer to higher trophic levels. The food-web efficiency is higher under mesoeutrophic and oligotrophic conditions, where the main pathway is bacterivory. In the mesopelagic and bathypelagic layers, only nanoplankton predation on heterotrophic prokaryotes was investigated. The food-web efficiency in these layers was relatively high and nanoplankton appear to efficiently exploit the available biomass of heterotrophic prokaryotes.
Evaluating laboratory request forms submitted to haematology and blood transfusion departments at a hospital in Northwest Nigeria
Authors: Jegede Feyisayo , Mbah Henry A. , Dakata Ado , Gwarzo Dalhatu H. , Abdulrahman Surajudeen A. , Kuliya-Gwarzo Aisha
Published: May 2016

Background: The laboratory request form (LRF) is a communication link between laboratories, requesting physicians and users of laboratory services. Inadequate information or errors arising from the process of filling out LRFs can significantly impact the quality of laboratory results and, ultimately, patient outcomes.Objective: We assessed routinely-submitted LRFs to determine the degree of correctness, completeness and consistency.Methods: LRFs submitted to the Department of Haematology (DH) and Blood Transfusion Services (BTS) of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital in Kano, Nigeria, between October 2014 and December 2014, were evaluated for completion of all items on the forms. Performance in four quality indicator domains, including patient identifiers, test request details, laboratory details and physician details, was derived as a composite percentage.Results: Of the 2084 LRFs evaluated, 999 were from DH and 1085 from BTS. Overall, LRF completeness was 89.5% for DH and 81.2% for BTS. Information on patient name, patient location and laboratory number were 100% complete for DH, whereas only patient name was 100% complete for BTS. Incomplete information was mostly encountered on BTS forms for physician’s signature (60.8%) and signature of laboratory receiver (63.5%). None of the DH and only 9.4% of BTS LRFs met all quality indicator indices.Conclusion: The level of completion of LRFs from these two departments was suboptimal. This underscores the need to review and redesign the LRF, improve on training and communication between laboratory and clinical staff and review specimen rejection practices.
Anaphylaxis during intraoperative indocyanine green angiography: A complication to watch out
Authors: Singh Harnarayan , Bajaj Ankur , Jangra Kiran , Dhandapani Sviashanmugam
Published: May 2016

Indocyanine green (ICG) angiography is widely used in cerebrovascular neurosurgery. We would like to report a case of intraoperative anaphylaxis to ICG during aneurysmal clipping and a view from the neurosurgeons’ perspective during such an event.
Perioperative anaesthetic concerns during paediatric epilepsy surgeries: A retrospective chart review
Authors: Sheshadri Veena , Raghavendra Seetharam , Chandramouli B.
Published: May 2016

Background: Epilepsy in children is a common medical condition which usually responds well to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Surgical intervention is required in 30-40% of patients for refractory epilepsy. Paediatric patients present challenges to neurosurgeons as well as anaesthesiologists in view of the inherent physiological and developmental differences. We aimed to analyse the key perioperative factors affecting the paediatric epilepsy surgeries as well as the intraoperative and intensive care unit (ICU) complications and safety of the procedure in children. Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of perioperative data of 39 patients who underwent surgery for refractory epilepsy. Results: The surgical procedures were either resective or disconnective. The fraction of blood volume lost intraoperatively correlated well with the duration of surgery (P < 0.001, r =0.76). In the postoperative course in ICU, 7 children required postoperative ventilation and 14 developed fever, which was significantly more (P < 0.001) after disconnective surgeries. Conclusions: The blood loss and delayed recovery were found to be the main anaesthetic concerns perioperatively, especially with disconnective surgeries. The choice of anaesthetic agents did not affect electrocorticography or the course of surgery. Neurological complications and fever of non-infectious aetiology must be considered in the postoperative period in ICU. Paediatric epilepsy surgery can be safe and feasible with multidisciplinary team approach.
Health Promotion and Health Behaviors of Diverse Ethnic/Racial Women Cosmetologists: A Review
Authors: Thelusma Naomi , Ralston Penny
Published: May 2016

Women from diverse ethnic/racial backgrounds have higher chronic disease mortality rates when compared to White non-Hispanic women. Community-based programs, such as beauty salons, have been used to reach diverse ethnic/racial women, yet little is known about diverse ethnic/racial women cosmetologists' involvement in health promotion and their health behaviors, which is the purpose of this review. The growing beauty salon health promotion literature indicates that their roles in these studies have been varied, not only as health promoters but also as recruiters, facilitators, and in general major catalysts for investigator-initiated studies. However, the review also identified a major void in the literature in that there were few studies on health behaviors of diverse ethnic/racial women cosmetologists, especially African American women cosmetologists. Recommendations include increasing the capacity of diverse ethnic/racial women cosmetologists as community health leaders and investigating their health status, knowledge, attitudes, and practices.
Multilevel Circulant Preconditioner for High-Dimensional Fractional Diffusion Equations
Authors: Lei Siu-Long , Chen Xu , Zhang Xinhe
Published: May 2016

High-dimensional two-sided space fractional diffusion equations with variable diffusion coefficients are discussed. The problems can be solved by an implicit finite difference scheme that is proven to be uniquely solvable, unconditionally stable and first-order convergent in the infinity norm. A nonsingular multilevel circulant pre-conditoner is proposed to accelerate the convergence rate of the Krylov subspace linear system solver efficiently. The preconditoned matrix for fast convergence is a sum of the identity matrix, a matrix with small norm, and a matrix with low rank under certain conditions. Moreover, the preconditioner is practical, with an O(NlogN) operation cost and O(N) memory requirement. Illustrative numerical examples are also presented.
An Adaptive Time Stepping Method for Transient Dynamic Response Analysis
Authors: Huang Jianguo , Sheng Huashan
Published: May 2016

An efficient adaptive time stepping method is proposed for transient dynamic response analysis, which is frequently encountered in civil engineering and elsewhere. The reduced problem following the spatial discretisation can be discretised in the time by a C0-continuous discontinuous Galerkin method, and the adaptive time stepping strategy is based on optimal a posteriori error estimates developed using the energy method. Some numerical experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach.
Ceilometer evaluation of the East Mediterranean summer boundary layer height – first study of two Israeli sites
Authors: Uzan L. , Egert S. , Alpert P.
Published: May 2016

Abstract. Active remote sensing instruments such as ceilometers have been shown to be potentially useful for the investigation of the behavior of the atmospheric mixing layer height (MLH). For the first time, high resolution measurements of backscatter intensity from two CL31 ceilometers situated inland and onshore of Israel, enable to evaluate the diurnal MLH in the east Mediterranean region. Although the Israeli summer synoptic conditions are considered quite stable, results for the summer season (July-August 2014) showed the inland MLH was about 200 m higher than the onshore site only 7.5 km apart. The prevailing influence of the sea breeze front (SBF) as it progresses inland is presented by the ceilometer plots. A good comparison is found between the radiosonde profiles and the adjacent ceilometer in the inland site of Beit Dagan. The ceilometers revealed significant cloud cover throughout the day with higher presence onshore, in contrary to the often assumed clear skies of the Israeli summer. For further research, a prospective on cloud thickness, inland and onshore, will serve to define the inversion intensity as the MLH evolves.
Decoupled carbonate chemistry controls on the incorporation of boron into Orbulina universa.
Authors: Howes E. L. , Kaczmarek K. , Raitzsch M. , Mewes A. , Bijma N. , Horn I. , Misra S. , Gattuso J.-P. , Bijma J.
Published: May 2016

Abstract. In order to fully constrain paleo-carbonate systems, proxies for two out of seven parameters, plus temperature and salinity are required. The boron isotopic composition (δ11B) of planktonic foraminifera shells is a powerful tool to reconstruct changes in past surface ocean pH. As B(OH)4− is substituted into the biogenic calcite lattice in place of CO32−, it has been suggested that B/Ca ratios in biogenic calcite are a possible proxy for [CO32−]. However, differentiating between the effects of pH and [CO32−] is problematic, as they co-vary closely in natural systems, and so the major control on boron incorporation remains unclear. To deconvolve the effects of pH and [CO32−] on the B/Ca ratio and to test whether δ11B remains constant at constant pH, but under changing [CO32−] (pH 8.05 with 238, 285 and 532 µmol kg−1 CO32−) and vice versa, we decoupled pH and [CO32−] (276 ± 19.5 µmol kg−1 CO32− with pH 7.7, 7.9 and 8.05) and grew the planktonic foraminifer Orbulina universa in these manipulated culture media. Measurements of the isotope composition of boron and the B/Ca ratio were performed simultaneously using a femtosecond laser ablation system coupled to an MC ICP-MS. Results show that δ11B is controlled by pH and does not respond to changes in [CO32−]. On the other hand, the B/Ca ratio is driven by [HCO3−] independently of pH. This suggests that B/Ca ratios in foraminiferal calcite may be used as a second, independent, proxy for paleo-carbonate system reconstructions.
Travel-time-based thermal tracer tomography
Authors: Somogyvári Márk , Bayer Peter , Brauchler Ralf
Published: May 2016

Abstract. Active thermal tracer testing is a technique to get information about the flow and transport properties of an aquifer. In this paper we propose an innovative methodology using active thermal tracers in a tomographic setup to reconstruct cross-well hydraulic conductivity profiles. This is facilitated by assuming that the propagation of the injected thermal tracer is mainly controlled by advection. To reduce the effects of density and viscosity changes and thermal diffusion, early-time diagnostics are used and specific travel times of the tracer breakthrough curves are extracted. These travel times are inverted with an eikonal solver using the staggered grid method to reduce constraints from the pre-defined grid geometry and to improve the resolution. Finally, non-reliable pixels are removed from the derived hydraulic conductivity tomograms. The method is applied to successfully reconstruct cross-well profiles as well as a 3-D block of a high-resolution fluvio-aeolian aquifer analog data set. Sensitivity analysis reveals a negligible role of the injection temperature, but more attention has to be drawn to other technical parameters such as the injection rate. This is investigated in more detail through model-based testing using diverse hydraulic and thermal conditions in order to delineate the feasible range of applications for the new tomographic approach.
Optimal index related to the shoreline dynamics during a storm: the case of Jesolo beach
Authors: Archetti Renata , Paci Agnese , Carniel Sandro , Bonaldo Davide
Published: May 2016

Abstract. The paper presents an application of shoreline monitoring aimed at understanding the response of a beach to single storms and at identifying its typical behaviour, in order to be able to predict shoreline changes and to properly plan the defence of the shore zone. On the study area, in Jesolo beach (northern Adriatic Sea, Italy), a video monitoring station and an acoustic wave and current profiler were installed in spring 2013, recording, respectively, images and hydrodynamic data. The site lacks previous detailed hydrodynamic and morphodynamic data. Variations in the shoreline were quantified in combination with available near-shore wave conditions, making it possible to analyse the relationship between the shoreline displacement and the wave features. Results denote characteristic patterns of beach response to storm events, and highlight the importance of improving beach protection in this zone, notwithstanding the many interventions experimented in the last decades. A total of 31 independent storm events were selected during the period October 2013–October 2014, and for each of them synthetic indexes based on storm duration, energy and maximum wave height were developed and estimated. It was found that the net shoreline displacements during a storm are well correlated with the total wave energy associated to the considered storm by an empirical power law equation. A sub-selection of storms in the presence of an artificial dune protecting the beach (in the winter season) was examined in detail, allowing to conclude that the adoption of this coastal defence strategy in the study area can reduce shoreline retreat during a storm. This type of intervention can sometimes contribute to prolonging overall stability not only in the replenished zone but also in downdrift areas. The implemented methodology, which confirms to be economically attractive if compared to more traditional monitoring systems, proves to be a valuable system to monitor beach erosive processes and provide detailed indications on how to better plan beach-maintenance activities. The presented methodology and the proposed results can therefore be used as a basis for improving the collaboration between coastal scientists and managers to solve beach erosion problems, in locations where data are scattered and sporadic.
A flexible and efficient multi-model framework in support of water management
Authors: Wolfs Vincent , Tran Quoc Quan , Willems Patrick
Published: May 2016

Abstract. Flexible, fast and accurate water quantity models are essential tools in support of water management. Adjustable levels of model detail and the ability to handle varying spatial and temporal resolutions are requisite model characteristics to ensure that such models can be employed efficiently in various applications. This paper uses a newly developed flexible modelling framework that aims to generate such models. The framework incorporates several approaches to model catchment hydrology, rivers and floodplains, and the urban drainage system by lumping processes on different levels. To illustrate this framework, a case study of integrated hydrological-hydraulic modelling is elaborated for the Grote Nete catchment in Belgium. Three conceptual rainfall-runoff models (NAM, PDM and VHM) were implemented in a generalized model structure, allowing flexibility in the spatial resolution by means of an innovative disaggregation/aggregation procedure. They were linked to conceptual hydraulic models of the rivers in the catchment, which were developed by means of an advanced model structure identification and calibration procedure. The conceptual models manage to emulate the simulation results of a detailed full hydrodynamic model accurately. The models configured using the approaches of this framework are well-suited for many applications in water management due to their very short calculation time, interfacing possibilities and adjustable level of detail.
Modeling human-water-systems: towards a comprehensive and spatially distributed assessment of co-evolutions for river basins in Central Europe
Authors: Krahe Peter , Nilson Enno , Knoche Malte , Ebner von Eschenbach Anna-Dorothea
Published: May 2016

Abstract. In the context of river basin and flood risk management there is a growing need to improve the understanding of and the feedbacks between the driving forces “climate and socio-economy” and water systems. We make use of a variety of data resources to illustrate interrelationships between different constituents of the human-water-systems. Taking water storage for energy production as an example we present a first analysis on the co-evolution of socio-economic and hydrological indicators. The findings will serve as for the development of conceptual, but fully coupled socio-hydrological models for selected sectors and regions. These models will be used to generate integrated scenarios of the climate and socio-economic change.
Hydrological and hydraulic models for determination of flood-prone and flood inundation areas
Authors: Aksoy Hafzullah , Kirca Veysel Sadan Ozgur , Burgan Halil Ibrahim , Kellecioglu Dorukhan
Published: May 2016

Abstract. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are widely used in most studies on water resources. Especially, when the topography and geomorphology of study area are considered, GIS can ease the work load. Detailed data should be used in this kind of studies. Because of, either the complication of the models or the requirement of highly detailed data, model outputs can be obtained fast only with a good optimization. The aim in this study, firstly, is to determine flood-prone areas in a watershed by using a hydrological model considering two wetness indexes; the topographical wetness index, and the SAGA (System for Automated Geoscientific Analyses) wetness index. The wetness indexes were obtained in the Quantum GIS (QGIS) software by using the Digital Elevation Model of the study area. Flood-prone areas are determined by considering the wetness index maps of the watershed. As the second stage of this study, a hydraulic model, HEC-RAS, was executed to determine flood inundation areas under different return period-flood events. River network cross-sections required for this study were derived from highly detailed digital elevation models by QGIS. Also river hydraulic parameters were used in the hydraulic model. Modelling technology used in this study is made of freely available open source softwares. Based on case studies performed on watersheds in Turkey, it is concluded that results of such studies can be used for taking precaution measures against life and monetary losses due to floods in urban areas particularly.
Improving predictions of the effects of extreme events, land use, and climate change on the hydrology of watersheds in the Philippines
Authors: Benavidez Rubianca , Jackson Bethanna , Maxwell Deborah , Paringit Enrico
Published: May 2016

Abstract. Due to its location within the typhoon belt, the Philippines is vulnerable to tropical cyclones that can cause destructive floods. Climate change is likely to exacerbate these risks through increases in tropical cyclone frequency and intensity. To protect populations and infrastructure, disaster risk management in the Philippines focuses on real-time flood forecasting and structural measures such as dikes and retaining walls. Real-time flood forecasting in the Philippines mostly utilises two models from the Hydrologic Engineering Center (HEC): the Hydrologic Modeling System (HMS) for watershed modelling, and the River Analysis System (RAS) for inundation modelling. This research focuses on using non-structural measures for flood mitigation, such as changing land use management or watershed rehabilitation. This is being done by parameterising and applying the Land Utilisation and Capability Indicator (LUCI) model to the Cagayan de Oro watershed (1400 km2) in southern Philippines. The LUCI model is capable of identifying areas providing ecosystem services such as flood mitigation and agricultural productivity, and analysing trade-offs between services. It can also assess whether management interventions could enhance or degrade ecosystem services at fine spatial scales. The LUCI model was used to identify areas within the watershed that are providing flood mitigating services and areas that would benefit from management interventions. For the preliminary comparison, LUCI and HEC-HMS were run under the same scenario: baseline land use and the extreme rainfall event of Typhoon Bopha. The hydrographs from both models were then input to HEC-RAS to produce inundation maps. The novelty of this research is two-fold: (1) this type of ecosystem service modelling has not been carried out in the Cagayan de Oro watershed; and (2) this is the first application of the LUCI model in the Philippines. Since this research is still ongoing, the results presented in this paper are preliminary. As the land use and soil parameterisation for this watershed are refined and more scenarios are run through the model, more robust comparisons can be made between the hydrographs produced by LUCI and HEC-HMS and how those differences affect the inundation map produced by HEC-RAS.
An update on multivariate return periods in hydrology
Authors: Gräler Benedikt , Petroselli Andrea , Grimaldi Salvatore , De Baets Bernard , Verhoest Niko
Published: May 2016

Abstract. Many hydrological studies are devoted to the identification of events that are expected to occur on average within a certain time span. While this topic is well established in the univariate case, recent advances focus on a multivariate characterization of events based on copulas. Following a previous study, we show how the definition of the survival Kendall return period fits into the set of multivariate return periods.Moreover, we preliminary investigate the ability of the multivariate return period definitions to select maximal events from a time series. Starting from a rich simulated data set, we show how similar the selection of events from a data set is. It can be deduced from the study and theoretically underpinned that the strength of correlation in the sample influences the differences between the selection of maximal events.
Scaling issues in multi-criteria evaluation of combinations of measures for integrated river basin management
Authors: Dietrich Jörg
Published: May 2016

Abstract. In integrated river basin management, measures for reaching the environmental objectives can be evaluated at different scales, and according to multiple criteria of different nature (e.g. ecological, economic, social). Decision makers, including responsible authorities and stakeholders, follow different interests regarding criteria and scales. With a bottom up approach, the multi criteria assessment could produce a different outcome than with a top down approach. The first assigns more power to the local community, which is a common principle of IWRM. On the other hand, the development of an overall catchment strategy could potentially make use of synergetic effects of the measures, which fulfils the cost efficiency requirement at the basin scale but compromises local interests. Within a joint research project for the 5500 km2 Werra river basin in central Germany, measures have been planned to reach environmental objectives of the European Water Framework directive (WFD) regarding ecological continuity and nutrient loads. The main criteria for the evaluation of the measures were costs of implementation, reduction of nutrients, ecological benefit and social acceptance. The multi-criteria evaluation of the catchment strategies showed compensation between positive and negative performance of criteria within the catchment, which in the end reduced the discriminative power of the different strategies. Furthermore, benefit criteria are partially computed for the whole basin only. Both ecological continuity and nutrient load show upstream-downstream effects in opposite direction. The principles of "polluter pays" and "overall cost efficiency" can be followed for the reduction of nutrient losses when financial compensations between upstream and downstream users are made, similar to concepts of emission trading.
An analysis of changes in flood quantiles at the gauge Neu Darchau (Elbe River) from 1875 to 2013
Authors: Mudersbach Christoph , Bender Jens , Netzel Fabian
Published: May 2016

Abstract. Within this investigation, we focus on a detailed analysis of the discharge data of the gauge Neu Darchau (Elbe River). The Elbe River inflows onto the North Sea. The gauge Neu Darchau is the most downstream discharge gauge of the Elbe River before it becomes an estuary. We follow the questions, whether the discharge characteristics of the Elbe River have changed over the last decades and how much common flood quantiles (i.e. 100-year flood) are affected by the latest extreme events in 2002, 2006, 2011, and 2013. Hence, we conduct (i) trend and seasonality analysis and (ii) an assessment of time-dependencies of flood quantiles by using quasi non-stationary extreme value statistics with both block maxima and peak-over-threshold approaches. The (iii) significance of the changes found in flood quantiles are assessed by using a stochastic approach based on autoregressive models and Monte Carlo simulations. The results of the trend analyses do show no clear evidences for any significant trends in daily mean discharges and increasing flood frequencies. With respect to the extreme events in 2002, 2006, 2011, and 2013 our results reveal, that those events do not lead to extraordinary changes in the 100-year floods. Nevertheless, in the majority an increase in the 100-year floods over the recent decades can be stated. Although these changes are not significant, for many time series of the 100-year flood quantiles there is a clear tendency towards the upper confidence band.
Predictions in ungauged basins – where do we stand?
Authors: Blöschl Günter
Published: May 2016

Abstract. The spatial dimensions of water management heavily rely on accurate hydrological estimates in the landscape. This has exactly been the focus of the Predictions in Ungauged Basins (PUB) initiative of the IAHS. The initiative has significantly advanced the science by furthering process understanding and estimation methods, and by synthesising the knowledge across processes, places and scales. Ongoing research on PUB is increasingly treating water management as an intrinsic part of the hydrological cycle and is developing processes understanding and methods to account for the feedbacks between humans and water in the landscape.
Climate, orography and scale controls on flood frequency in Triveneto (Italy)
Authors: Persiano Simone , Castellarin Attilio , Salinas Jose Luis , Domeneghetti Alessio , Brath Armando
Published: May 2016

Abstract. The growing concern about the possible effects of climate change on flood frequency regime is leading Authorities to review previously proposed reference procedures for design-flood estimation, such as national flood frequency models. Our study focuses on Triveneto, a broad geographical region in North-eastern Italy. A reference procedure for design flood estimation in Triveneto is available from the Italian NCR research project "VA.PI.", which considered Triveneto as a single homogeneous region and developed a regional model using annual maximum series (AMS) of peak discharges that were collected up to the 1980s by the former Italian Hydrometeorological Service. We consider a very detailed AMS database that we recently compiled for 76 catchments located in Triveneto. All 76 study catchments are characterized in terms of several geomorphologic and climatic descriptors. The objective of our study is threefold: (1) to inspect climatic and scale controls on flood frequency regime; (2) to verify the possible presence of changes in flood frequency regime by looking at changes in time of regional L-moments of annual maximum floods; (3) to develop an updated reference procedure for design flood estimation in Triveneto by using a focused-pooling approach (i.e. Region of Influence, RoI). Our study leads to the following conclusions: (1) climatic and scale controls on flood frequency regime in Triveneto are similar to the controls that were recently found in Europe; (2) a single year characterized by extreme floods can have a remarkable influence on regional flood frequency models and analyses for detecting possible changes in flood frequency regime; (3) no significant change was detected in the flood frequency regime, yet an update of the existing reference procedure for design flood estimation is highly recommended and we propose the RoI approach for properly representing climate and scale controls on flood frequency in Triveneto, which cannot be regarded as a single homogeneous region.
New data on geology of the Southern Urals: a concise summary of research after the period of EUROPROBE activity
Authors: Puchkov Victor
Published: May 2016

Abstract. The period of an official activity of the EUROPROBE commission was inconnected in the Urals with implementation of the URALIDES Program, that stimulated many qualified geologists from the Western research institutes and Universities to come to the region and work with local geologists at actual problems of the Uralian geology. The author tries to answer a question: what interesting results had been obtained in the Southern Urals in the last decade, when the most of foreign researchers left the Urals, and how these results correspond to the scientific conclusions that had been done before.
Una nota a Tucídides I 22, 2
Authors: Rodríguez Alfageme Ignacio
Published: May 2016

Este trabajo estudia las distintas interpretaciones del inicio del capítulo 22 centrándose en la segunda frase. Se propone una nueva interpretación basada en la construcción sintáctica del participio πυνθανόμενος.
The Interplay between Language Skills and Dynamic Assessment
Authors: Shakki Farzaneh , Derakhshan Ali , Sedigh Ziabari Roya
Published: May 2016

Dynamic assessment (DA), as a pro-learning style of assessment, has been investigated in the educational literature for three decades or more. DA has been encouraged by the dearthof conventional static tests to prepare precise information about the individual’slearning abilities, change processes, specific deficient functions, and mediationalstrategies that are in charge for cognitive modifiability. DA, strongly rooted in Socio-cultural Theory (SCT) and Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD), is essentially defined as an approach which takes into account personal differences and their uses for teaching which accepts intervention in the assessment method.As stated by Lantolf and Poehner (2011), both collaborative functioning and interaction with others in DA differentiates it from traditional assessment. In DA processes, the emphasis is on the process rather than the products of learning. The important point is that dynamic assessment, as opposed to non-dynamic assessment (NDA), does not separate teaching from testing but instead takes them into account as two aspects of the same thing. Many authors have offered that DA could be used in all language skills, while others postulated that it cannot be useful in the ordinary classes. Regarding the significant contributions of DA in EFL/ESL contexts, the present paper, therefore, aims to review some important studies that have implemented DA on different language skills and the process of their research. It brings to the fore different theories underlying DA, including SCT and ZPD. It then elucidates two approaches to DA, namely interactionist and interventionist. It finally suggests some strands of research and emphasizes the implications of other studies conducted on the interplay between language skills and DA. 
Knowledge and Consumer Behavior Related to Safe Practices of Food Handling
Authors: Costa Graziela Alvarez Corrêa da , Akutsu Rita De Cássia , Gallo Lorenza R. dos Reis , Araújo Wilma Maria Coelho
Published: May 2016

The purpose of this research was to analyze the perceptions and practices of participants involved in safe food handling. The sample was composed by 204 participants. To assess behavior, knowledge and psychosocial factors, the instrument used was divided in six topics: sociodemographic characteristics; behavioral measures regarding safe food production; measures about knowledge and practices in pest control and food purchase; Food Safety scale with two factors and Cronbach's alpha of 0.75; Credence declaration scale with three factors and Cronbach's alpha of 0.78, both scales with seven points, Likert type; Self-efficacy scale with one factor and Cronbach's alpha of 0.86, also Likert type with five points. A linear model of multiple variance analysis was used to evaluate if the variables gender, age, income, education and professional experience were used to determine the behavioral, knowledge and psychosocial measures. When the detected differences were significant, a post-hoc analysis was used with the Tukey adjustment. The knowledge about safe food production and food poisoning showed that 95.1% of participants consider very important hygiene precautions in food preparation in their homes; 30.4% of participants said that they or someone in their family have developed symptoms related to food poisoning in the last 12 months. The data obtained for self-efficacy showed significant differences for the variables gender, age and education. Women and college graduates replied that they Are Sure they Can Do That when asked about the execution of tasks that promote food safety. These results substantiate the need for educational initiatives tailored to develop the food safety knowledge and food-handling practices in Brasil.
Psychological and sexual effects of circumcision in adult males
Authors: Aydogmus Yasin , Semiz Murat , Er Okan , Bas Okan , Atay Irfan , Kilinc Muhammet Fatih
Published: May 2016

Introduction: Our aim was to investigate the psychological and sexual effects of circumcision in adult men, and analyze these changes following circumcision.Methods: We included 37 adults who applied to our clinic for circumcision and who did not have any psychiatric or urologic disorders and age-matched 30 controls in our study. Body Cathexis Scale (BCS), Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS), and Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT) were applied to the study group twice, once before and once three months after circumcision, and only once in the control group. Also, intravaginal ejaculation latency time (IELT) was noted and premature ejaculation (PE) evaluation was done. Intra- and intergroup comparisons were performed.Results: The two groups were similar with regard to demographic data. Comparison of preoperative BCS and LSAS scores with the scores of the control group showed significant differences (p=0.003, p0.05, and p>0.05, respectively). Scores of all scales showed significant improvements postoperatively. Also, PEDT scores and IELT changes before and after circumcision were significant in the study group, but not when compared to the control group.Conclusions: Our results indicated that social anxiety and anxiety levels decreased after circumcision in adult Turkish men, and their body gratification increased. We found that not being circumcised might negatively affect individuals in adulthood when it comes to body image and sexual satisfaction, however, both improve after circumcision.
Religie en de geestelijke infrastructuur van staat en samenleving
Authors: Labuschagne Bart
Published: May 2016

Religion and the spiritual infrastructure of state and society. A philosophical analysis in the light of Jürgen Habermas and G.W.F. Hegel.

How can the debate on the place of religion in society in relation to the state, that has reached a deadlock in unbridgeable opposites, be drawn afloat again? In this contribution a lance will be broken for a philosophical approach to this issue. In view of an analysis of the main religious- and legal-philosophical work of two philosophical giants, the 19th Century German Idealist G.W.F. Hegel, and the contemporary Discourse theorist Jürgen Habermas, a double perspective will be cast on the central question of this debate. It will show surprising deep structures and sorely needed prospects.
Determination of Gluten in Processed and Nonprocessed Corn Products by Qualitative R5 Immunochromatographic Dipstick: Collaborative Study, First Action 2015.16
Authors: Lacorn Markus , Scherf Katharina , Uhlig Steffen , Weiss Thomas ,   Collaborators:, Augustin G , Baumert J , Brown H , Chirdo F , Da Costa P , Flanagan A , Gelroth J , Hallgren M , Hochegger R , Koehler P , Koerner T , Kraft L , Lattanzio R , O’Connor G , Sontag-Strohm T , Thompson D , Tömösközi S , Wehling P
Published: May 2016

In September 2013, the AACC International (AACI) Protein Technical Committee (now Protein and Enzymes Technical Committee) initiated a collaborative study of a method for the qualitative analysis of intact gluten in processed and nonprocessed corn products, using an R5 immunochromatographic dipstick system. It was validated to demonstrate that potential gluten-free products contain gluten lower than the Codex threshold of 20 mg/kg gluten. The results of the collaborative test with 18 participants confirmed that the method is suitable to detect gluten contaminations that are clearly lower than the threshold. It is recommended that the method be accepted by AOAC as Official First Action.