bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Secure and Effective Key Management Using Secret Sharing Schemes in Cloud Computing
Authors: Fatima Shahin , Ahmad Shish
Published: December 2019

Security is a crucial problem in Cloud computing. Storing and accessing the data in the Cloud is very popular nowadays but the security of data is still lagging behind. Secret sharing schemes are widely used to improve the security of data. In this article, a threshold secret sharing scheme using Newton divided difference interpolating polynomial (TSSNIP) is proposed in a distributed Cloud environment to enhance security of keys used for encryption. The proposed method uses a Newton divided difference interpolating polynomial for key splitting and key reconstruction. A threshold value is used to reconstruct the shares in secret sharing schemes. The proposed work made use of dynamic and random threshold generation method to ensure security of key. The experimental output shows reduced execution time, better security, efficiency, and robustness in the proposed scheme. Furthermore, the proposed scheme also outperformed other secret sharing schemes.
Internet Data Analysis Methodology for Cyberterrorism Vocabulary Detection, Combining Techniques of Big Data Analytics, NLP and Semantic Web
Authors: Castillo-Zúñiga Iván , Luna-Rosas Francisco Javier , Rodríguez-Martínez Laura C. , Muñoz-Arteaga Jaime , López-Veyna Jaime Iván , Rodríguez-Díaz Mario A.
Published: December 2019

This article presents a methodology for the analysis of data on the Internet, combining techniques of Big Data analytics, NLP and semantic web in order to find knowledge about large amounts of information on the web. To test the effectiveness of the proposed method, webpages about cyberterrorism were analyzed as a case study. The procedure implemented a genetic strategy in parallel, which integrates (Crawler to locate and download information from the web; to retrieve the vocabulary, using techniques of NLP (tokenization, stop word, TF, TFIDF), methods of stemming and synonyms). For the pursuit of knowledge was built a dataset through the description of a linguistic corpus with semantic ontologies, considering the characteristics of cyber-terrorism, which was analyzed with the algorithms, Random Forests (parallel), Boosting, SVM, neural network, K-nn and Bayes. The results reveal a percentage of the 95.62% accuracy in the detection of the vocabulary of cyber-terrorism, which were approved through cross validation, reaching 576% time savings with parallel processing.
Hybrid Approach for Sentiment Analysis of Twitter Posts Using a Dictionary-based Approach and Fuzzy Logic Methods
Authors: Alharbi Jamilah Rabeh , Alhalabi Wadee S.
Published: December 2019

Recently, sentiment analysis of social media has become a hot topic because of the huge amount of information that is provided in these networks. Twitter is a popular social media application offers businesses and government the opportunities to share and acquire information. This article proposes a technique that aims at measuring customers' satisfaction with cloud service providers, based on their tweets. Existing techniques focused on classifying sentimental text as either positive or negative, while the proposed technique classifies the tweets into five categories to provide better information. A hybrid approach of dictionary-based and Fuzzy Inference Process (FIP) is developed for this purpose. This direction was selected for its advantages and flexibility in addressing complex problems, using terms that reflect on human behaviors and experiences. The proposed hybrid-based technique used fuzzy systems in order to accurately identify the sentiment of the input text while addressing the challenges that are facing sentiment analysis using various fuzzy parameters.
Retention of Online Learners
Authors: Lemoine Pamela A. , Sheeks Gina , Waller Robert E. , Richardson Michael D.
Published: December 2019

The most important word for contemporary global higher education institutions is retention. Although online education enrollment in these institutions has increased by approximately 40 percent in recent years, the dropout rates for online students is approximately 20-30 percent more than for face-to-face classes. Institutions have tried to address this issue, but the dropout rate continues to be a serious concern. The authors of this manuscript propose that the addition of online services for online students as a possible solution.
Online English Reading Instruction in the ESL Classroom Based on Constructivism
Authors: Liu Yan , Liu Hongbing , Xu Yan , Lu Hongying
Published: December 2019

With the development of Internet technology, teachers are constantly seeking innovative methods to match the potential of enhanced technology. Although many studies have been conducted before on this subject, they are not enough in this field. The purpose of this article is to explore innovative designs to change traditional modes of teaching and examine the impact of online English instruction of reading, based on constructivism. The research study was carried out at the Number 9 middle school of Bengbu, an underdeveloped area of China. In the study, online methods were compared with traditional textbook literature methods to improve the reading proficiency of students. A questionnaire survey was designed specifically for this study and it was administered to the students at the end of a semester, and the data was analyzed. The outcome of this study indicated that students considered online method as effective and that they gained more knowledge. This method helped them in improving their reading skills, aroused student interest and motivation, and exam performance of the students has been improved significantly, and thus, it created a positive learning situation.
Precisa-se de um novo Código Florestal: projetos nacionais e os debates em torno da alteração da legislação florestal brasileira entre 1934 e 1965
Authors: De Carvalho Ely Bergo , Rosa Isabela Cristina
Published: December 2019

A legislação florestal brasileira pretérita é frequentemente interpretada de forma anacrônica. O objetivo deste artigo é contribuir para a compreensão da historicidade de tal legislação. De forma específica, serão analisadas, comparativamente, as propostas de alteração do primeiro Código Florestal Brasileiro (1934) até sua substituição em 1965. Apesar de modificações importantes, há uma permanência entre os textos analisados: as posturas conservacionistas, presentes em todos eles, só podem ser compreendidas quando atreladas à lógica produtivista e às políticas desenvolvimentistas evidenciadas no Brasil da época.
The Micro Silicon Additive Effects on the Fine-Grassed Concrete Properties for 3-D Additive Technologies
Authors: Klyuev Sergey V. , Klyuev A.V. , Shorstova E.S.
Published: December 2019

The effectiveness of silica fume for the fine-grained concrete used for 3-D technologies is proved in the give scientific paper. The advantages of silica fume using for concretes are presented. The mathematical modeling is used for the fine-grained concrete high-quality compositions’ development. The effectiveness of silica fume has been proved by the studies. The increase in the strength characteristics of concrete with the addition of silica fume is explained by the active pozzolan reaction, which starts when the concrete mix is ​​mixed with water.
Zeolite-Containing Terra-Silicea as a Component of Composite Binders
Authors: Lesovik Valery S. , Leshchev Sergey I. , Ageeva Marina S. , Alfimova Natalia I.
Published: December 2019

The work is devoted to the study of the zeolite terra silicea (ZTS) for the subsequent development of composite binders based on its properties. Zeolite-containing rock - Terra silicea has high adsorption properties, due to the crystal-chemical features of the structure of its minerals and the predominance of capillary porosity in the rock. The rock-forming zeolite-containing Terra silicea mineral (clinoptilolite), due to the crystal chemical characteristics of its structure, is expected to act as a “battery” of the mortar part of the hydrating system, ensuring the solution intake in the later stages of hardening and, thereby, creating conditions for monolithic structure during the operational period.
Optimization of Formula and Technological Parameters of Fiber-Reinforced Concrete Manufacturing
Authors: Babaev V.B. , Alfimova Natalia I. , Nelubova Victoria V. , Botsman L.N.
Published: December 2019

The development of modern construction technologies requires the development of efficient building materials with a unique property set and the improvement of existing ones. Fiber-reinforced concrete is one of the types of effective composites that meets the specified requirements, ensuring the structures operation reliability. The difficulty of achieving its maximum physical and mechanical characteristics is due to the complexity of the fiber equal distribution in the concrete matrix. Studies aimed at the optimization of the formulation and technological manufacture parameters of fiber-reinforced fine concrete, have revealed that from the perspective of obtaining products with optimal physical and mechanical characteristics, it is most feasible to introduce the agglutinant sand (cement + sand) of pre-prepared suspension from fibers, water of mixing and naphthalene formaldehyde plasticizer. Optimal dosages of input products were also revealed (basalt fiber, cement, plasticizer), which made it possible to create mixes of fine concrete and products based on it with class B25-B60 for compressive strength and Btb2,8-Btb6,0 for bending, frost resistance not less than F300.
Development of Cement Compositions with a Finely Dispersed Additive for Consolidation of Soil by the Injection
Authors: Kozlova Irina V. , Bespalov Alexey E. , Bespalova Alexandra V.
Published: December 2019

Cement compositions prepared by mixing cement with a stabilized finely dispersed slag suspension, which allow improving the structural, physical and mechanical characteristics of the cement stone are considered. On the first day of hardening, the strength of modified specimens increased by 54%, at the grade age - by 43%, and the porosity decreased by 13.8 and 17.3%, respectively. The possibility of obtaining an injection solution for soil consolidation on the basis of Portland cement and a stabilized slag suspension with the concentration of a finely dispersed slag of 50 g/l is considered. Studies have shown that the injection solution under study has reduced viscosity and sedimentation, increased compressive strength. After 28 days of hardening, the strength was 14.2 MPa, which is higher than the recommended values ​​for consolidation of soil under the foundations (4-6 MPa), and at a concentrated load, for the base under the foundations of the columns (9-10 MPa). The data obtained allows considering an injection solution based on Portland cement and slag suspension for the use in the injection technology of soil consolidation.
The Dependence of the Modified Bitumen Properties on the Amount of Vinyl Acetate in the Sevilen Composition
Authors: Yadykina Valentina , Navolokina Svetlana N. , Gridchin Anatoliy M.
Published: December 2019

One of the ways to improve the asphalt mixes properties is a binder modification that is part of them, with polymer additives. Ethylene copolymer with vinyl acetate as a modifying additive for the road bitumen is considered in the article. The content of the vinyl acetate amount of groups influence in the sevilen composition on the binder properties was investigated.
The Raw Materials Genetic Characteristics Role in Autoclave Cellular Concrete Carbonation Process
Authors: Fomina Ekaterina Victorovna , Lesovik Valery S. , Kozhukhova M.I. , Solovyova Elena B.
Published: December 2019

Nowadays, in order to design durable construction materials all collected knowledge on material science as well as modern technologies allow solving the problems by applying mimicry or nature-like are technologies based on interdisciplinary study of geonics. Considering the principles of geology, it is important to study the influence of genetic characteristics of raw materials on structural performance and durability of final construction materials. The following paper focuses on assessment of effect of genetic characteristics of industrial by-products such as materials derived from iron-ore production at the Kursk Magnetic Anomaly on carbonation resistance in autoclave cellular concrete was studied. The secondary products of ore rigging process, the screening fraction of sandstone, shale rocks as well as tailings of wet magnetic separation were used as a quartz-bearing mineral components. The evaluaton parameters in this study were compressive strength, density and carbonation resistance of autoclave cellular concrete (ACC) specimens. The carbonation process was reproduced in laboratory prepared concrete. In order to eccelerate carbonation reaction all specimens were stored in a sealed chamber saturated with CO2. The density and compressive strength characteristics of ACC with regular quartz sand were 630 kg/m3and 3.6 МPа, respectively. The same parameters were slightly higher in case of full replacement of quartz sand by sand stone and demonstrated 655 kg/m3and 3.9 МPа, respectively, and carbonation resistance was increased by 20 %. The results support the view, that screening fraction of sandstone that had been formed under natural metamorphosis is more preferable for use in ACC production. Full replacement of regular quartz sand by sand stone in ACC specimens showed improved compressive strength and carbonation resistance.
Effect of Disperse Reinforcement on the Structural Quality Factor of Vibrated and Centrifuged Concretes on the Сombined Aggregate
Authors: Shcherban Evgeniy M. , Prokopov Albert Yu. , Stelmakh Sergey A. , Shuyskiy Anatoliy I.
Published: December 2019

The article considers and evaluates the impact of dispersed reinforcement of vibrated and centrifuged concretes manufactured with various types of fibers on their strength-density ratio. The authors considered the application of such a recipe manufacturing method as combining aggregates by the example of heavyweight aggregate - crushed stone and light aggregate - expanded clay aggregate for these concretes. Registered strength-density ratio of centrifuged fibrous concretes with a combined aggregate is higher than vibrated concretes with the same composition of the studied fibers. The highest growth of the strength-density ratio for the centrifuged fibrous concretes as compared with the vibrated ones was identified in case of dispersed reinforcement with steel fiber.
Efficiency Comparison of Fiber Reinforcement in Vibrated аnd Centrifuged Concretes at Different Types of the Applied Heavy Aggregate
Authors: Stelmakh Sergey A. , Shuyskiy Anatoliy I. , Shcherban Evgeniy M. , Prokopov Albert Yu.
Published: December 2019

The article considers and evaluates the impact of dispersed reinforcement of heavy concretes manufactured by means of vibration and centrifugation, various types of fibers on their strength-density ratio. The options of applying different types of heavy-weight aggregates for these concretes: crushed stone, limestone and sandstone are considered. The highest strength-density ratio is registered in centrifuged crushed stone fibrous concretes, and all types of centrifuged concretes has the ratio higher than vibrated concretes with the same composition of the studied fibers. The highest growth of the strength-density ratio for the centrifuged crushed stone fibrous concretes as compared with the vibrated ones was identified in case of dispersed reinforcement with steel fiber.
The Influence of the E-Modulus of Coarse Aggregate on the Stress-Strain Diagram of the Concrete with Frame Structure
Authors: Nesvetaev G.V. , Koryanova Y.I. , Ivanchuk Elena , Gortsevskoy A.
Published: December 2019

The stress-strain diagrams of concrete with frame structure made with content of coarse aggregate from 0.56 till 0.64 m3/m3, with crushed granite (E-modulus = 71 GPa) and crushed silica sandstone (E-modulus = 42 GPa) are shown. It is shown that the stress-strain diagram of the concrete with frame structure made with coarse aggregate with E-modulus 42 GPa is almost linear over the entire loading range. Stress-strain diagram of concrete made with coarse aggregate with E-modulus 71 GPa has three zones. It is concluded that the concentration of intrastructural stresses under loading in the concrete with frame structure with a decrease in the ratio of E-modulus of the coarse aggregate/E-modulus of the mortar matrix is decrease that is why bad decision is to use coarse aggregate with high level of E-modulus, such as crushed granite, in concrete with frame structure.
The Relationship of the Asphalt Mixtures Composition and Physical Mechanical Characteristics of the Coating
Authors: Trautvain A.I. , Yakovlev Evgeniy A. , Grichanikov V.A. , Potar' Ye.D.
Published: December 2019

In the course of the work performance the following surveys were carried out: the analysis of the information assurance of the asphalt concrete mixtures production quality, the study of the relationship between the composition of asphalt concrete mixtures and the physical and mechanical characteristics of the coating. This paper presents the results of the analysis of the two types asphalt concrete mixtures qualitative composition and its effect on the physical, mechanical and technological characteristics of the coating. It is established that the deviation of asphalt concrete mixtures in composition from the required values ​​leads to their under-compaction in the coating. It was also found that the increase in the number of inconsistencies in the composition of the asphalt concrete mixture leads to the increase in physical and mechanical characteristics that differ from the requirements of GOST 9128-2013 and GOST 31015-2002. The amount of bitumen on the asphalt concrete main characteristics, the data from the existing AP in the Belgorod Region were used as the information base in assessing the influence of granulometry of the asphalt concrete mineral part. Analysis of the particle size distribution was carried out using the laser analyzer for asphalt concrete AP 7 / 35B. The obtained data will be the basis for further study of the various parameters influence on the asphalt mixes properties, as well as improving the efficiency of the asphalt mix production control system.
Phase Composition and Properties of the Low-Temperature Structural Ceramics in the Clay-Calcium Containing Material System
Authors: Yatsenko N.D. , Vilbitskaya N.A. , Yatsenko Alexander I. , Popova Liliya D.
Published: December 2019

The ceramic materials structure formation with the given esthetics-consumer properties is the most important mission of the modern production and should be based on the knowledge of physical and chemical processes, which are flowing past in masses based on the systems differing in the content of alkaline, alkaline-earth oxides and oxides of iron in clay raw materials.
The Raw Materials Genetic Type Effect on the Water-Reducing Additives Effectiveness
Authors: Elistratkin Mikhail Yurievich , Shatalova Svetlana V. , Pospelova E.A. , Minakova A.V.
Published: December 2019

Due to the variety of the tasks solved by modern construction, the properties of Portland cement are far from optimal in all cases. One of the ways of deep modification is to obtain the composite binders on its basis, the properties of which largely depend on the mineral additive. The right choice is a kind of art, it is based on transdisciplinary principles. Another modern trend of concrete technology is the use of water-reducing additives. In this regard, the article considers the influence of the genetic type of the mineral additive in the composition of the composite binder, on the features of its interaction with a number of common superplasticizers. Criteria for the selection of rational combinations, taking into account the characteristics of the use of composite binders, are proposed.
The Application of Nanostructured Modifier Additives Based on Zeolite-Bearing Tuffs in Asphalt
Authors: Vysotskaya M.A. , Shekhovtsova S.Yu.
Published: December 2019

Often, the quality of contemporary bitumen binders cannot meet the performance requirements for hot mixed asphalt (HMA) concrete intended for severe application conditions. Therefore, the companies involved in the road construction and HMA producers use various chemical admixtures and modifiers to enhance the characteristics of bitumen. These materials are capable to enhance the adhesion between the binder and aggregates, reduce water saturation, as well as increase water and freeze-thaw resistance of HMA. For example, water resistance is considered to be one of the controlling parameters for high-quality asphalt applications. The use of these admixtures has little effect on the rheological characteristics and the temperature range of the binders. As a result, in the regions with hot summers and hot climate zones asphalt pavements are subjected to significant permanent deformations such as rutting. In the regions with cold winters, asphalt pavements can develop a critical fragility resulting in the crack propagation and failure of asphalt pavement. This research reports on the use of nanomodified hybrid additive with zeolite-bearing tuffs used as a mineral filler to control the HMA performance. An effective technology that includes the modification of zeolite-bearing precursor and manufacturing of the hybridized material with nanocarbon was developed. This research demonstrates the effects of carbon nanomaterials on pore structure and surface morphology of the modified hybrid additive. Few methods of the additive incorporation into asphalt mix was proposed. The results of the reported study confirm an improvement of the strength and water resistance performance of asphalt with developed nanohybrid additive.
Reinforcement of Structures with Composite Materials
Authors: Kravchenko Galina M. , Trufanova Elena V. , Osadchiy Artem S. , Sazonova Alina
Published: December 2019

The aim of the work is to study the ways to strengthen the elements of the parametric architecture object framework based on the use of the new materials. The problem of strengthening the elements of the building frame is particularly relevant in connection with the development of the parametric architecture. Unlike the traditional methods of regulation and amplification, composite materials allow to change the stress-strain state and improve the dynamic characteristics of the parametric architecture object without increasing its own structures weight. The studies were performed using numerical simulation by the finite element method. Recommendations are given on the use of the physical and mechanical properties of the composite materials when strengthening the building framework.
Cascade Strengthening of Bent Elements by Polymers with Adhesive Joints
Authors: Danilov Alexander I.
Published: December 2019

The subject of the article is to give a full analysis of the cascade type layouts in elements strengthening design in bending by gluing the fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) materials on their surfaces’ applicability and effectiveness. The research objectives are the substantiation elements cascade method application reinforcement with adhesive joints. Materials and methods are revealed in a few variants of FRP-reinforcement with application of FEM simulation. A number of diagrams and tables represent the results. The results are defined in the cost-effective efficient method presentation of the bent elements strengthening to increase their bearing capacity reserves, the features of the bonded joint behavior, the equations and formulae for the glue joint analysis and design. Conclusions are formulated in depicting the “cascade” reflects, the features of the proposed strengthening design, the base element unloading, which is gradual with each successive element attached. The design examples are oriented on the adhesive joints’ application possibility analysis of attaching the FRP elements. The results suggest the effective use possibility of the adhesive joints to strengthen rather stiff, including steel, elements in bending. The cascade method eliminates the indispensability of highly expensive high-strength materials, thereby reducing the reinforcement structures cost.
Vector Approximation in the Roller Shells Nonlinear Calculations on the Fem Basis
Authors: Gureeva Natalya , Kiselev Anatoly , Kiseleva Rumia , Nikolaev Anatoliy P.
Published: December 2019

In the curvilinear coordinate system, an approximation of the finite element required quantities in the vector formulation is developed with the implementation of the stiffness matrix of the volumetric finite element of the shell of rotation taking into account the geometric nonlinearity.
Percepção dos impactos socioambientais da implantação de parques eólicos na comunidade de Ponta do Mel, Areia Branca/RN
Authors: Ferreira Fabiana Silva Medeiros , Camacho Ramiro Gustavo Valera , Carvalho Rodrigo Guimarães de
Published: December 2019

Devido as características físicas favoráveis – alta incidência de ventos fortes e constantes, o estado do Rio Grande do Norte (RN), investe na implantação de parques de energia eólica, principalmente nos municípios situados na zona costeira, ocasionando diversos os impactos socioambientais. O presente artigo tem o objetivo de identificar esses impactos, através da percepção ambiental dos moradores da comunidade de Ponta do Mel/RN, mediante aplicação de um questionário semiestruturado.  Foram observados que 85,71% apoiariam a instalação de novos parques eólicos. Com esse resultado foi possível observar que os critérios locacionais utilizados para implantação dos parques foram favoráveis ao local.
Territorialidade, identidade e cultura da comunidade remanescente quilombola Ilha de São Vicente/Tocantins
Authors: Almeida Cristina De Sousa Fonseca , Laroque Luís Fernando da Silva
Published: December 2019

O estudo objetiva compreender o processo de ocupação territorial, os impasses e as conquistas pela comunidade quilombola Ilha de São Vicente/Tocantins. A metodologia utilizada foi qualitativa, composta de revisão bibliográfica, análise documental e pesquisa de campo com elaboração de diários e aplicação de entrevistas. O estudo constatou que essa comunidade possui intensa relação com o território dos antepassados e com a reprodução dos seus traços culturais. Observou-se ainda que por meio das lutas e com base na legislação brasileira e da dívida histórica com os escravizados, impasses foram transpostos e reconhecido o direito a esse território, situação que colaborou para revitalização da sua identidade e cidadania como remanescente quilombola da Ilha São Vicente.
A multicomponent intervention to improve adherence to opioid prescribing and monitoring guidelines in primary care
Authors: Huang, MD Kristin T. L. , Blazey-Martin, MD, MPH Deborah , Chandler, MD Daniel , Wurcel, MD, MS Alysse , Gillis, BA Joseph , Tishler, MD Julie
Published: December 2019

Objective: Guidelines for appropriate management of chronic opioid therapy are underutilized by primary care physicians (PCPs). The authors hypothesized that developing a multicomponent, team-based opioid management system with electronic health record (EHR) support would allow our clinicians to improve adherence to chronic opioid prescribing and monitoring guidelines.Design: This was a retrospective pre-post study.Setting: The authors performed this intervention at our large, urban, academic primary care practice.Patients, participants: All patients with the diagnosis of “chronic pain, opioid requiring (ICD-10 F11.20)” on their primary care EHR problem lists were included in this study.Intervention: The authors implemented a five-pronged strategy to improve our system of opioid prescribing, including (1) a patient registry with regular dissemination of reports to PCPs; (2) standardization of policies regarding opioid prescribing and monitoring; (3) development of a risk-assessment algorithm and risk-stratified monitoring guidelines; (4) a team-based approach to care with physician assistant care managers; and (5) an EHR innovation to facilitate communication and guideline adherence.Main outcome measures: The authors measured percent adherence to opioid prescribing guidelines, including annual patient-provider agreements, biannual urine drug screens (UDSs), and prescription monitoring program (PMP) verification.Results: Between September 2015 and September 2016, the percentage of patients on chronic opioid therapy with a signed controlled substances agreement within the preceding year increased from 46 to 76 percent (p < 0.0001), while the percentage of patients with a UDS done within the past 6 months rose from 23 to 79 percent (p < 0.0001). The percentage of patients whose state PMPs profile had been checked by a primary care team member in the past year rose from 45 to 97 percent (p < 0.0001).Conclusion: A comprehensive strategy to standardize chronic opioid prescribing in our primary care practice coincided with an increase in adherence to opioid management guidelines.
Validation of the prescription drug monitoring program Web site
Authors: Hozack, MD Bryan A. , Rivlin, MD Michael , Graham, BS Jack , Lutsky, MD Kevin F. , Beredjiklian, MD Pedro K.
Published: December 2019

Objective: Evaluate the accuracy of the Pennsylvania Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PA PDMP) in patients undergoing upper extremity procedures. The authors hypothesized that the PA PDMP would provide an accurate account of the prescriptions that were filled.Design: The authors prospectively collected post-operative pain prescription information of patients undergoing outpatient upper extremity surgery over a 2-week period. Patient-reported prescription-filling of opioid was cross-referenced with the PA PDMP information.Setting: The study was performed at one private institution.Patients: One hundred and thirty-nine consecutive patients undergoing upper extremity procedures.Main outcome measure(s): The PA PDMP information was cross-referenced with the post-operative prescription in the medical record to confirm the patient filled the surgeon’s prescription.Results: Of the 111 patients who reported filling their prescription, 107 (96.4 percent) of these were confirmed on the PA PDMP Web site (96.4 percent sensitivity; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 91.0-99.0 percent). None of 28 patients who did not fill their prescription appeared in the database search, resulting in 100 percent specificity (95% CI: 87.7-100 percent). Consequently, the overall accuracy of the PA PDMP was shown to be 97.1 percent (95% CI: 92.8-99.2 percent).Conclusions: The authors’ results suggest that the PA PDMP and its many supplementary databases are accurate as it relates to monitoring opioid prescriptions.
Consumption of CH3Cl, CH3Br and CH3I and emission of CHCl3, CHBr3 and CH2Br2 from a retreating Arctic glacier's forefield
Authors: Macdonald Moya L. , Wadham Jemma L. , Young Dickon , Lunder Chris R. , Hermansen Ove , Lamarche-Gagnon Guillaume , O'Doherty Simon
Published: December 2019

Abstract. The Arctic is one of the most rapidly warming regions of the Earth, with predicted temperature increases of 5–7 °C and the accompanying extensive retreat of Arctic glacial systems by 2100. This will reveal new proglacial land surfaces for microbial colonisation, ultimately succeeding to tundra over decades to centuries. An unexplored dimension to these changes is the impact upon the emission and consumption of halogenated organic compounds (halocarbons) from proglacial land surfaces. Halocarbons are involved in several important atmospheric processes, including ozone destruction, and despite considerable research, uncertainties remain in the natural cycles of some of these compounds. Using flux chambers, we measured halocarbon fluxes from proglacial land surfaces spanning recently-exposed sediments (
Biogenic isoprenoid emissions under drought stress: different responses for isoprene and terpenes
Authors: Bonn Boris , Magh Ruth-Kristina , Rombach Joseph , Kreuzwieser Jürgen
Published: December 2019

Abstract. Emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by biogenic sources depend on different environmental conditions. Besides temperature and photosynthetic active radiation (PAR), the available soil water can be a major factor controlling the emission flux. This factor is expected to become more important under future climate conditions, including prolonged drying–wetting cycles. In this paper we use results of available studies on different tree types to set up a parameterization describing the influence of soil water availability (SWA) on different isoprenoid emission rates. Investigating SWA effects on isoprene (C5H8), monoterpene (C10H16) and sesquiterpene (C15H24) emissions separately, it is obvious that different plant processes seem to control the individual emission fluxes, providing a measure to which plants can react to stresses and interact. The SWA impact on isoprene emissions is well described by a biological growth type curve, while the sum of monoterpenes displays a hydraulic conductivity pattern reflecting the plant's stomata opening. However, emissions of individual monoterpene structures behave differently to the total sum, i.e., the emissions of some increase, whereas others decline at decreasing SWA. In addition to a rather similar behavior to that of monoterpene emissions, total sesquiterpene fluxes of species adapted to drought stress tend to reveal a rise close to the wilting point, protecting against oxidative damages. Considering further VOCs as well, the total sum of VOCs tends to increase at the start of severe drought conditions until resources decline. In contrast to declining soil water availability, OH and ozone reactivity are enhanced. Based on these observations, a set of plant protection mechanisms are displayed for fighting drought stress and imply notable feedbacks on atmospheric processes such as ozone, aerosol particles and cloud properties. With increasing lengths of drought periods, declining storage pools and plant structure effects yield different emission mixtures and strengths. This drought feedback effect is definitely worth consideration in climate feedback descriptions and for accurate climate predictions.
Simulating the Early Holocene demise of the Laurentide Ice Sheet with BISICLES (public trunk revision 3298)
Authors: Matero Ilkka S. O. , Gregoire Lauren J. , Ivanovic Ruza F.
Published: December 2019

Abstract. Simulating the demise of the Laurentide Ice Sheet covering the Hudson Bay in the early Holocene (10-7 ka) is important for understanding the role of accelerated changes in ice sheet topography and melt in the 8.2 ka event, a century long cooling of the Northern Hemisphere by several degrees. Freshwater released from the ice sheet through a surface mass balance instability (known as the saddle collapse) has been suggested as a major forcing for the 8.2 ka event, but the temporal evolution of this pulse has not been constrained. Dynamical ice loss and marine interactions could have significantly accelerated the ice sheet demise, but simulating such processes requires computationally expensive models that are difficult to configure and are often impractical for simulating past ice sheets. Here, we developed an ice sheet model setup for studying the Laurentide Ice Sheet’s Hudson Bay saddle collapse and the associated meltwater pulse in unprecedented detail using the BISICLES ice sheet model, an efficient marine ice sheet model of the latest generation, capable of refinement to kilometre-scale resolution and higher-order ice flow physics. The setup draws on previous efforts to model the deglaciation of the North American Ice Sheet for initialising the ice sheet temperature, recent ice sheet reconstructions for developing the topography of the region and ice sheet, and output from a general circulation model for a representation of the climatic forcing. The modelled deglaciation is in agreement with the reconstructed extent of the ice sheet and the associated meltwater pulse has realistic timing. Furthermore,the peak magnitude of the modelled meltwater equivalent (0.07–0.13 Sv) is compatible with geological estimates of freshwater discharge through the Hudson Strait. The results demonstrate that while improved representation of the glacial dynamics and marine interactions are key for correctly simulating the pattern of early Holocene ice sheet retreat, surface mass balance introduces by far the most uncertainty. The new model configuration presented here provides future opportunities to quantify the range of plausible amplitudes and durations of a Hudson Bay ice saddle collapse meltwater pulse and its role in forcing the 8.2 ka event.
ASSESSING THE IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON THE HYDROLOGY OF THE INDRAWATI RIVER BASIN, NEPAL
Authors: Bade B. , Gyawali D. R. , Timilsina S.
Published: December 2019

Abstract. This study details climate change assessment of the hydrological regime of Indrawati basin of Nepal. The study uses Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model to delineate, discretize and parameterize the Indrawati basin to compute model’s input parameters. The model was then run for 1990–2014 to simulate the discharge at the outlet (Dholalghat). The coefficient of determination R2 and Nash-Sutcliffe (ENS) were used to evaluate model calibration and validation. The results found were satisfactory for the gauging station R2 = 0.951 and ENS = 0.901 for calibration and R2 = 0.937 and. ENS = 0.906 for validation. The calibrated hydrological model was run for the future climate change scenario using the RegCM4-LMDZ4 data and the relative changes with the baseline scenarios were analyzed. The comparison suggests that the historical trend of flow is decreasing at the rate of 0.55 m3/s per year. According to RegCM4-LMDZ4 simulations, the trend is going to continue but at a flatter rate. The decreasing trend is observed to be very less. The characteristic peak flow month in the historical scenario is August but the RegCM4-LMDZ4 led simulated flows suggest a shift in monthly peak to October suggesting decrease in monsoon flows and a subsequent significant increase in flows from October to January.
LAND MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS IN NEPAL: REPERCUSSIONS OF LAND USE POLICY AND IMPLEMENTATION GAPS IN REGIONAL AND URBAN PLANNING
Authors: Chand B. J. K.
Published: December 2019

Abstract. In lieu of advancement in human civilization from nomadic age to quest for welfare capitalism in recent days, land resources have been one of the most sought after assets for subsequent socio-economic development. The concept of land, once only geo-political has evolved to be interdisciplinary with developmental and managerial aspects in regional and urban planning worldwide making the facets of land management more complex than ever. In the context of modern Nepal, governance in systematic land management appeared during mid-1960 only with establishment of Ministry of Land Reform (MoLR). This paper aims to provide constructive criticism upon institutional fragmentation, and fragile policy and implementation gaps in land use administration which have been bewildering the concepts of regional and urban planning in Nepal. The recitation of this work is primarily based on selected literature review of relevant research on land use planning along with two representative case studies in national context and in international scenario as well. Despite rigorous efforts, the issues of competence in land administration, migration and syndicate in urban real estate remain as the major problems in land management in Nepal. Also, the new state restructuring of federal Nepal has already upraised the challenges in land resources planning for local governments who but seem muddled up in constructing rural economy and strategic urban plan for regional development. Nevertheless, these concerns in regional and urban planning can be addressed through practice of sustainable land management with thoughtful consideration of ambiguities in land use policy and implementation.
SPATIO-TEMPORAL EVALUATION OF LONG-TERM EARTHQUAKE EVENTS AND ITS CONTRIBUTION IN GENESIS OF TSUNAMI IN THE INDIAN OCEAN
Authors: Khan A. A. , Kumar A. , Lal P.
Published: December 2019

Abstract. A very high magnitude earthquake (9.1 MW) triggered a devastating Tsunami in the Indian Ocean on 26th December 2004. The epicentre was located at 3.3° N, 95.8° E with a focal depth of ~30 km. The impacts of Tsunami were felt as far away in Somalia, Tanzania and Kenya along the east coast of Africa. Considering the role of earthquake, in the present study the spatio-temporal analysis of long term (1901 to 2019) earthquake events was performed, which recorded by USGS to understand the genesis of Tsunami (2004) in the Indian Ocean. The study exhibited that the maximum frequency of earthquake was observed between the ranges of 4 MW to 6 MW on the Richter scale during 2001–2010. There was only one earthquake event > 8 MW on the Richter scale (26th December 2004 having depth 30 km) in the Indian Ocean recorded during 1901–2019. The study exhibited that the maximum earthquake was observed between 30–40 km below the surface, and primarily of moderate to low magnitudes. The proximity analysis along the major fault line indicates that the maximum earthquakes were in the buffer of 200 km from fault line in Bay of Bengal. The decadal variation of earthquake exhibits that the maximum number of earthquake events (8427 events) were triggered during the year 2001–2010, whereas during the year 2004, the total 902 earthquake events > 4 MW was recorded. The study indicates that the earthquakes > 7 MW (on Richter scale) and depth below 30 km (shallow earthquake) are primarily responsible to major Tsunami events in the Indian Ocean. The very high magnitude (> 9 MW on the Richter scale) and shallow depth (~30 km) are the major cause of 2004 Tsunami and its high level of damage. There were very low frequency (10–15 events) of earthquake occurred having magnitude > 7 and depth < 30 km.
SURFACE VELOCITY DYNAMICS OF SAMUDRA TAPU GLACIER, INDIA FROM 2013 TO 2017 USING LANDSAT-8 DATA
Authors: Sahu R. , Gupta R. D.
Published: December 2019

Abstract. In glacier dynamics, surface velocity of glacier is an important parameter to understand the behaviour of glacier in absence of mass balance and long-term glacier area change information. In present study, surface velocity of Samudra Tapu Glacier, India is estimated using freely available Landsat-8 OLI (PAN) images during 2013–2017. To estimate surface velocity, open source COSI-Corr tool is used which is based on cross-correlation algorithm. Maximum annual surface velocity estimated is 55.68 ± 4.01 m/year during 2015–2016 while the minimum surface velocity being 44.99 ± 4.67 m/year in 2016–2017. The average annual velocity during 2013–2017 was 50.51 ± 4.49 m/year which is higher than other glaciers in Chandra basin. The variation in annual surface velocity is analysed which not only depends on mass loss but also on temperature, pressure and internal drainage. Further, as one moves opposite to glacier terminus, the surface velocity increases with the increase in glacier elevation and slope. The higher surface velocity can be attributed to the fact that Samudra Tapu is a top-heavy glacier based on HI index analysis having larger accumulation area along with high glacier ice-thickness.
ESTIMATING THE VOLUME OF ICE LOSS USING LANDSAT IMAGERIES: A CASE STUDY OF RIKHASAMBHA GLACIER, NEPAL
Authors: Sapkota S. , Bhatt N. R. , Bhatt D. P. , Bist A. , Thapa S. , Kayastha R. B.
Published: December 2019

Abstract. Nepal being a part of Hindu Kush Himalayan Region is one of the largest concentration of glaciers. The loss of ice on that region reflects the climate change resulting devastating consequences on billions of people living downstream. This is why regular monitoring of the glaciers on that region is important not only to have insight into the glacier change but also to mitigate the effect of it. The satellite image as an alternate to ground based approach provides much more flexibility for monitoring in a regular basis. Therefore, this research aimed to map the decadal changes in glacier extent followed by estimating volume of ice loss of Rikha Samba Glacier located in Mustang district of Nepal. Multitemporal Landsat satellite images dating back from 1995 to 2015 were utilized in the study. The current research involved the calculation of snow index like NDSI on the radiometrically corrected satellite imageries. An open source GIS software package was used to automatically delineate the boundary of glacier based on the NDSI. It has been revealed that the glacier area shrunk by 2.608 km2 on an average over the period. The ice velocity of the glacier was estimated. Laminar flow approach (Cuffey and Paterson, 2010) was utilized to find the ice thickness of glacier based on the evaluated velocity information. The utilization of thus computed ice thickness gave the volume of ice loss during the study period (i.e. 310000 m3). In addition, 0.69 km glacier retreat was observed over the period.
LAND SURFACE TEMPERATURE PROFILING AND ITS RELATIONSHIPS WITH LAND INDICES: A CASE STUDY ON LUCKNOW CITY
Authors: Sarif M. O. , Gupta R. D.
Published: December 2019

Abstract. Globally, 54.5% of the total population was living in urban settings in 2016 and a projection indicates that if the same trend goes, then this population will be 60% in 2030. Natural land has been converted to impervious space rapidly which is altering the climate change. The main focus of the present paper is the study of Land Surface Temperature (LST) dynamics and its relationship with Land Indices, viz., Normal Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) which is found negative, Normal Difference Built-up Index (NDBI) which is found positive, Enhanced Built-up and Bareness Index (EBBI) which is found positive in Lucknow city on both time points of 1993 and 2019. This study also includes the effects of land indices on LST profiling in nine different parts and eight different directions to explore the spatial dynamics of city landscape. The NDVI is found higher in the southern side than any other parts of the city in 2019 because of high vegetation growth which resulted in reduction of LST by 4.42 °C to 5.76 °C as compared to parts of the city. The results of NDBI and EBBI exhibit high built-up growth in the landscape of the Lucknow city especially from city center to 13 kms (least growth in south-eastern side) from 1993 to 2019. The results indicate intensification of LST in the range of 0.26 °C to 2.24 °C between city centre and city periphery from 1993 to 2019. The findings of the present study will help urban planners and policy makers to adopt suitable measures for sustainable planning for Lucknow city landscape to reduce the adverse effects of LST.
LANDSLIDE EXTRACTION FROM SENTINEL-2 IMAGE IN SIWALIK OF SURKHET DISTRICT, NEPAL
Authors: Budha P. B. , Bhardwaj A.
Published: December 2019

Abstract. Locating landslides and determining its extent is deemed an important task in estimating loss and damage and carry out mitigation works. As landslides are recurring phenomena in the research site, Siwalik Hills of western Nepal, freely available Sentinel-2 satellite images were considered to delineate landslides. The method employed in this process was Object-Based Image Analysis carried out in eCognition software using multiresolution segmentation algorithm. Parameters taken for segmentation were a scale of 20, the shape of 0.3, and compactness of 0.5. When a threshold value of < 0.35 in NDVI was used to distinguish landslides from image objects, some non-landslide objects were also selected. These false positives were removed successively using the threshold values on different bands, band ratios, slope information, hillshade and geometrical properties of image objects. There were altogether 264 landslides detected in the study area with size ranging from 300 m2 to 1675 m2 and landslide density of approximately 2 per km2. The accuracy, when compared to reference inventory, showed correctness and completeness measuring 80.28% and 66.27% respectively. These results showed semi-automatic landslide extraction was successful and Sentinel-2 can be used for similar tasks in other areas of Siwalik.