bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Spatial–Temporal Trend Analysis of Schistosomiasis from 1997 to 2010 in Anhui Province, Eastern China
Authors: Li Si , Chen Yue , Xia Congcong , Lynn Henry , Gao Fenghua , Wang Qizhi , Zhang Shiqing , Hu Yi , Zhang Zhijie
Published: February 2018

Schistosomiasis is still prevalent in some parts of China. A shift in strategy from morbidity control to elimination has led to great strides in the past several decades. The objective of this study was to explore the spatial and temporal characteristics of schistosomiasis in Anhui, an eastern province of China. In this study, township-based parasitological data were collected from annual cross-sectional surveys during 1997–2010. The kernel k-means method was used to identify spatial clusters of schistosomiasis, and an empirical mode decomposition technique was used to analyze the temporal trend for Schistosoma japonicum in each clustered region. Overall, the prevalence of schistosomiasis remained at a low level except for the resurgence in 2005. According to the Caliński–Harabas index, all the townships were classified into three different clusters (median prevalence: 3.6 per 10,100, 1.8 per 10,000 and 1.7 per 10,000), respectively representing high-, median-, and low-risk clusters. There was an increasing tendency observed for the disease over time. The prevalence increased rapidly from 2003 to 2005, peaked in 2006, and then decreased afterward in the high-risk cluster. A moderate increase was observed in the median-risk cluster from 1998 to 2006, but there was an obvious decreasing tendency in the low-risk cluster after the year 2000. The spatial and temporal patterns of schistosomiasis were nonsynchronous across the three clusters. Disease interventions may be adjusted according to the risk levels of the clusters.
Indirect Rotavirus Vaccine Effectiveness for the Prevention of Rotavirus Hospitalization: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Rosettie Katherine L. , Vos Theo , Mokdad Ali H. , Flaxman Abraham D. , Khalil Ibrahim , Troeger Christopher , Weaver Marcia R.
Published: February 2018

Two rotavirus vaccines, RotaTeq and Rotarix, are licensed for global use; however, the protection they confer to unvaccinated individuals through indirect effects remains unknown. We systematically reviewed the literature and quantified indirect rotavirus vaccine effectiveness (VE) for preventing rotavirus hospitalization in children aged less than 5 years. From 148 identified abstracts, 14 studies met our eligibility criteria. In our main analysis using a random-effects model, indirect rotavirus VE was 48% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 39–55%). In a subgroup analysis by country income level, indirect VE was greater in high-income countries (52%; 95% CI: 43–60%) than in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) (25%; 95% CI: 5–41%). In a sensitivity analysis using a quality-effects model, the indirect VE in LMICs was not statistically significant (25%; 95% CI: 0–44%). Our findings highlight the importance of increasing rotavirus vaccine coverage, particularly in LMICs where evidence for indirect VE is limited and rotavirus burden is high.
Surveillance of Antimalarial Resistance Molecular Markers in Imported Plasmodium falciparum Malaria Cases in Anhui, China, 2012–2016
Authors: Zhang Tao , Xu Xian , Jiang Jingjing , Yu Chen , Tian Cuicui , Li Weidong
Published: February 2018

Between 2012 and 2016, over 80% of registered malaria cases in Anhui province were Plasmodium falciparum returned from Africa. However, drug-resistance marker polymorphisms in imported P. falciparum cases have not been assessed. This study looked at the distribution of antimalarial–drug resistance by evaluating K13-propeller, pfmdr1, and pfcrt gene mutations. Fourteen synonymous and 15 nonsynonymous mutations in the K13-propeller gene were detected in samples from nine African countries, yet no candidate and validated K13 resistance mutations were found. The prevalence of pfcrt K76T and pfmdr1 N86Y mutants was 27.7% and 19.9%, respectively. Six different pfcrt genotypes were found, with C72V73M74N75T76 being the most common (89.2%). The pfcrt 76-pfmdr1 86 haplotype combination was evaluated in 173 isolates, and the N86T76 genotype was the most prevalent (50.3%). Notably, the prevalence of the N86Y mutation in Africa marked a decline from 31.0% in 2012 to 8.2% in 2016. Our findings suggest that there is no immediate threat to artemisinin efficacy in imported P. falciparum infections returned from Africa to Anhui province. Nevertheless, pfcrt K76T and pfmdr1 N86Y mutations were modestly prevalent, suggesting the presence of chloroquine resistance in these cases. Accordingly, dihydroartemisinin + piperaquine may be a better choice than artesunate + amodiaquine for the treatment of uncomplicated P. falciparum infections in Anhui province. In addition to, artemether–lumefantrine can be introduced as an alternative measure.
Retrospective Analysis of Fever and Sepsis Patients from Cambodia Reveals Serological Evidence of Melioidosis
Authors: Suttisunhakul Vichaya , Hip Phireak , Ouch Pidor , Ly Piseth , Supaprom Chonthida , Rachmat Agus , Prouty Michael , Vaughn Andrew , Eltayeb Ahreej , Kheng Sim , Clark Danielle V. , Lawler James V. , Chantratita Narisara , Burtnick Mary N. , Brett Paul J. , Schully Kevin L.
Published: February 2018

Burkholderia pseudomallei, the etiologic agent of melioidosis, is predicted to be ubiquitous in tropical regions of the world with areas of highest endemicity throughout Southeast Asia (SEA). Nevertheless, the distribution of B. pseudomallei and the burden of melioidosis in many SEA countries remain unclear. In Cambodia, only two human endemic cases of melioidosis were reported through 2008 and since then only a few hundred cases have been described in the literature. This is in sharp contrast to the annual burden of thousands of cases in surrounding areas. To further investigate the prevalence of melioidosis in Cambodia, we used a recently developed O-polysaccharide–based rapid enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to detect B. pseudomallei–specific antibodies in serum samples obtained from 1,316 febrile illness or sepsis patients from 10 different provinces. Based on a cutoff value derived through culture-confirmed melioidosis cases, the proportion of positive samples in our cohort was approximately 12%. Regression analysis indicated that the odds of obtaining a positive result were 2.2 times higher for males than females controlling for age and province (95% confidence interval: 1.6–3.2, P < 0.001). Consistent with this, 9.2% of females were positive versus 18.2% of males (P < 0.001). Notably, 22.5% of grain or rice farmers were positive versus 10.1% of subjects with occupations not involving regular contact with soil. Positive results varied significantly by province. Collectively, the results of this study suggest that the true burden of melioidosis in Cambodia is greater than has previously been reported.
Estéticas comunitarias y colaborativas y desarrollo a escala humana
Authors: Corzo Morales Maricely
Published: February 2018

La actividad de los artistas plásticos y visuales, así como cualquier actividad humana está inscrita en un determinado modelo de desarrollo  de la sociedad,  y esto implica desde el punto de vista de la enseñanza universitaria que es necesario fomentar capacidades para reflexionar acerca de las diferentes maneras en que nuestro quehacer profesional se insertará en la vida social, económica y cultural, favoreciendo un determinado modelo de desarrollo.

Es verdad que la continua expansión en las últimas décadas de las prácticas artísticas hacia nuevos espacios de intercambio y nuevos modos de hacer ha puesto de manifiesto una mayor preocupación por el lugar, los contextos de intervención/emplazamientos y por ende por lo local.

Sin embargo, desde el punto de vista de las implicaciones de la globalización, ponemos en consideración un acercamiento a las teorías del desarrollo, de modo que cualquier práctica artística, pero especialmente las vertientes que buscan interactuar en contextos sociales, se planteen de forma crítica, el papel, la incidencia y la responsabilidad que tienen en el apoyo, redefinición o construcción de un modelo de vida, dentro de su sociedad.

A lo largo de nuestra investigación doctoral, en la que hemos puesto en diálogo áreas tan disímiles como las estéticas comunitarias y colaborativas y el codesarrollo, hemos identificado posibles zonas de contacto interdisciplinar entre la teoría del Desarrollo a Escala Humana (DEH) del economista chileno Manfred Max-Neef y algunos aspectos transversales que complejizan el entramado entre las prácticas artísticas contemporáneas y sus actores, a saber, lo contextual, lo relacional y lo representacional. Este texto explicará en detalle los fundamentos del DEH para alimentar desde él una serie de preguntas y reflexiones sobre los modos en que las prácticas artísticas inciden a niveles micro y macro en sus contextos de intervención.
Contributions of natural and anthropogenic sources to ambient ammonia in the Athabasca Oil Sands and north-western Canada
Authors: Whaley Cynthia H. , Makar Paul A. , Shephard Mark W. , Zhang Leiming , Zhang Junhua , Zheng Qiong , Akingunola Ayodeji , Wentworth Gregory R. , Murphy Jennifer G. , Kharol Shailesh K. , Cady-Pereira Karen E.
Published: February 2018

Abstract. Atmospheric ammonia (NH3) is a short-lived pollutant that plays an
important role in aerosol chemistry and nitrogen deposition. Dominant NH3
emissions are from agriculture and forest fires, both of which are increasing
globally. Even remote regions with relatively low ambient NH3
concentrations, such as northern Alberta and Saskatchewan in northern Canada,
may be of interest because of industrial oil sands emissions and a sensitive
ecological system. A previous attempt to model NH3 in the region showed a
substantial negative bias compared to satellite and aircraft observations.
Known missing sources of NH3 in the model were re-emission of NH3 from
plants and soils (bidirectional flux) and forest fire emissions, but the
relative impact of these sources on NH3 concentrations was unknown. Here
we have used a research version of the high-resolution air quality
forecasting model, GEM-MACH, to quantify the relative impacts of semi-natural
(bidirectional flux of NH3 and forest fire emissions) and direct
anthropogenic (oil sand operations, combustion of fossil fuels, and
agriculture) sources on ammonia volume mixing ratios, both at the surface and
aloft, with a focus on the Athabasca Oil Sands region during a
measurement-intensive campaign in the summer of 2013. The addition of fires
and bidirectional flux to GEM-MACH has improved the model bias, slope, and
correlation coefficients relative to ground, aircraft, and satellite NH3
measurements significantly. By running the GEM-MACH-Bidi model in three configurations and calculating
their differences, we find that averaged over Alberta and Saskatchewan during
this time period an average of 23.1 % of surface NH3 came from direct
anthropogenic sources, 56.6 % (or 1.24 ppbv) from bidirectional flux
(re-emission from plants and soils), and 20.3 % (or 0.42 ppbv) from forest
fires. In the NH3 total column, an average of 19.5 % came from direct
anthropogenic sources, 50.0 % from bidirectional flux, and 30.5 % from
forest fires. The addition of bidirectional flux and fire emissions caused
the overall average net deposition of NHx across the domain to be
increased by 24.5 %. Note that forest fires are very episodic and their
contributions will vary significantly for different time periods and regions. This study is the first use of the bidirectional flux scheme in GEM-MACH,
which could be generalized for other volatile or semi-volatile species. It
is also the first time CrIS (Cross-track Infrared
Sounder) satellite observations of NH3 have been used
for model evaluation, and the first use of fire emissions in GEM-MACH at
2.5 km resolution.
Predicting decadal trends in cloud droplet number concentration using reanalysis and satellite data
Authors: McCoy Daniel T. , Bender Frida A.-M. , Grosvenor Daniel P. , Mohrmann Johannes K. , Hartmann Dennis L. , Wood Robert , Field Paul R.
Published: February 2018

Abstract. Cloud droplet number concentration (CDNC) is the key state
variable that moderates the relationship between aerosol and the radiative
forcing arising from aerosol–cloud interactions. Uncertainty related to the
effect of anthropogenic aerosol on cloud properties represents the largest
uncertainty in total anthropogenic radiative forcing. Here we show that
regionally averaged time series of the Moderate-Resolution Imaging
Spectroradiometer (MODIS) observed CDNC of low, liquid-topped clouds is
well predicted by the MERRA2 reanalysis near-surface sulfate mass concentration
over decadal timescales. A multiple linear regression between MERRA2
reanalyses masses of sulfate (SO4), black carbon (BC), organic carbon
(OC), sea salt (SS), and dust (DU) shows that CDNC across many different
regimes can be reproduced by a simple power-law fit to near-surface
SO4, with smaller contributions from BC, OC, SS, and DU. This confirms
previous work using a less sophisticated retrieval of CDNC on monthly timescales. The analysis is supported by an examination of remotely sensed sulfur
dioxide (SO2) over maritime volcanoes and the east coasts of North
America and Asia, revealing that maritime CDNC responds to changes in
SO2 as observed by the ozone monitoring instrument (OMI). This
investigation of aerosol reanalysis and top-down remote-sensing observations
reveals that emission controls in Asia and North America have decreased CDNC
in their maritime outflow on a decadal timescale.
High-resolution sampling and analysis of ambient particulate matter in the Pearl River Delta region of southern China: source apportionment and health risk implications
Authors: Zhou Shengzhen , Davy Perry K. , Huang Minjuan , Duan Jingbo , Wang Xuemei , Fan Qi , Chang Ming , Liu Yiming , Chen Weihua , Xie Shanju , Ancelet Travis , Trompetter William J.
Published: February 2018

Abstract. Hazardous air pollutants, such as trace elements in
particulate matter (PM), are known or highly suspected to cause detrimental
effects on human health. To understand the sources and associated risks of PM
to human health, hourly time-integrated major trace elements in
size-segregated coarse (PM2.5–10) and fine (PM2.5) particulate
matter were collected at the industrial city of Foshan in the Pearl River
Delta region, China. Receptor modeling of the data set by positive matrix
factorization (PMF) was used to identify six sources contributing to
PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations at the site. Dominant sources
included industrial coal combustion, secondary inorganic aerosol, motor
vehicles and construction dust along with two intermittent sources (biomass
combustion and marine aerosol). The biomass combustion source was found to be
a significant contributor to peak PM2.5 episodes along with motor
vehicles and industrial coal combustion. Conditional probability function
(CPF) analysis was applied to estimate the source locations using the
PMF-resolved source contribution coupled with the surface wind direction
data. Health exposure risk of hazardous trace elements (Pb, As, Si, Cr, Mn
and Ni) and source-specific values were estimated. The total hazard quotient
(HQ) of PM2.5 was 2.09, higher than the acceptable limit (HQ = 1). The
total carcinogenic risk (CR) was 3.37 × 10−3 for PM2.5, which
was 3 times higher than the least stringent limit (1.0 × 10−4).
Among the selected trace elements, As and Pb posed the highest
non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks to human health, respectively. In
addition, our results show that the industrial coal combustion source is the
dominant non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk contributor, highlighting the
need for stringent control of this source. This study provides new insight
for policy makers to prioritize sources in air quality management and health
risk reduction.
Diverse Chemical Mixing States of Aerosol Particles in the Southeastern United States
Authors: Bondy Amy L. , Bonanno Daniel , Moffet Ryan C. , Wang Bingbing , Laskin Alexander , Ault Andrew P.
Published: February 2018

Abstract. Aerosols in the atmosphere are chemically complex with thousands or more chemical species distributed in different proportions across individual particles in an aerosol population. An internal mixing assumption, with species present in the same proportions across all aerosols, is used in many models and calculations of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation, cloud activation, and aerosol optical properties. However, many of these effects depend on the distribution of species within individual particles, and important information can be lost when internal mixtures are assumed. Herein, we show that during the Southern Oxidant and Aerosol Study (SOAS) in Centreville, Alabama, at a rural, forested location, that aerosols frequently are not purely internally mixed, even in the accumulation mode (0.2–1.0 µm). A range of aerosol sources and mixing states were obtained using computer controlled scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (CCSEM-EDX) and scanning transmission X-ray microscopy-near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (STXM-NEXAFS). Particles that were dominated by SOA and inorganic salts were the majority of particles by number fraction from 0.2–5 microns with an average of 78 % SOA in the accumulation mode. However, during certain periods contributions by sea spray aerosol (SSA) and mineral dust were significant to accumulation (22 % SSA and 26 % dust) and coarse mode number concentrations (38 % SSA and 63 % dust). The fraction of particles containing key elements (Na, Mg, K, Ca, and Fe) were determined as a function of size for specific classes of particles. Within internally mixed SOA/sulfate particles
Evaluation of atmospheric profiles derived from single- and zero-difference excess phase processing of BeiDou radio occultation data from the FY-3C GNOS mission
Authors: Bai Weihua , Liu Congliang , Meng Xiangguang , Sun Yueqiang , Kirchengast Gottfried , Du Qifei , Wang Xianyi , Yang Guanglin , Liao Mi , Yang Zhongdong , Zhao Danyang , Xia Junming , Cai Yuerong , Liu Lijun , Wang Dongwei
Published: February 2018

Abstract. The Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Occultation Sounder (GNOS) is one of the new-generation payloads onboard the
Chinese FengYun 3 (FY-3) series of operational meteorological satellites for sounding the Earth's neutral atmosphere and
ionosphere. The GNOS was designed for acquiring setting and rising radio occultation (RO) data by using GNSS signals from
both the Chinese BeiDou System (BDS) and the US Global Positioning System (GPS). An ultra-stable oscillator with 1 s
stability (Allan deviation) at the level of 10−12 was installed on the FY-3C GNOS, and thus both zero-difference and
single-difference excess phase processing methods should be feasible for FY-3C GNOS observations. In this study we focus
on evaluating zero-difference processing of BDS RO data vs. single-difference processing, in order to investigate the
zero-difference feasibility for this new instrument, which after its launch in September 2013 started to use BDS signals
from five geostationary orbit (GEO) satellites, five inclined geosynchronous orbit (IGSO) satellites and four medium Earth orbit
(MEO) satellites. We used a 3-month set of GNOS BDS RO data (October to December 2013) for the evaluation and compared
atmospheric bending angle and refractivity profiles, derived from single- and zero-difference excess phase data, against
co-located profiles from European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) analyses. We also compared against
co-located refractivity profiles from radiosondes. The statistical evaluation against these reference data shows that the
results from single- and zero-difference processing are reasonably consistent in both bias and standard deviation, clearly demonstrating
the feasibility of zero differencing for GNOS BDS RO observations. The average bias (and standard deviation) of the bending angle and
refractivity profiles were found to be about 0.05 to 0.2 % (and 0.7 to 1.6 %) over the upper troposphere and lower
stratosphere. Zero differencing was found to perform slightly better, as may be expected from its lower vulnerability to
noise. The validation results indicate that GNOS can provide, on top of GPS RO profiles, accurate and precise BDS RO
profiles both from single- and zero-difference processing. The GNOS observations by the series of FY-3 satellites are thus
expected to provide important contributions to numerical weather prediction and global climate change analysis.
Satellite remote sensing reveals a positive impact of living oyster reefs on microalgal biofilm development
Authors: Echappé Caroline , Gernez Pierre , Méléder Vona , Jesus Bruno , Cognie Bruno , Decottignies Priscilla , Sabbe Koen , Barillé Laurent
Published: February 2018

Abstract. Satellite remote sensing (RS) is routinely used for the large-scale
monitoring of microphytobenthos (MPB) biomass in intertidal mudflats and has
greatly improved our knowledge of MPB spatio-temporal variability and its
potential drivers. Processes operating on smaller scales however, such as the
impact of benthic macrofauna on MPB development, to date remain
underinvestigated. In this study, we analysed the influence of wild
Crassostrea gigas oyster reefs on MPB biofilm development using
multispectral RS. A 30-year time series (1985–2015) combining
high-resolution (30 m) Landsat and SPOT data was built in order to explore
the relationship between C. gigas reefs and MPB spatial distribution
and seasonal dynamics, using the normalized difference vegetation index
(NDVI). Emphasis was placed on the analysis of a before–after control-impact
(BACI) experiment designed to assess the effect of oyster killing on the
surrounding MPB biofilms. Our RS data reveal that the presence of oyster
reefs positively affects MPB biofilm development. Analysis of the historical
time series first showed the presence of persistent, highly concentrated MPB
patches around oyster reefs. This observation was supported by the BACI
experiment which showed that killing the oysters (while leaving the physical
reef structure, i.e. oyster shells, intact) negatively affected both MPB
biofilm biomass and spatial stability around the reef. As such, our results
are consistent with the hypothesis of nutrient input as an explanation for
the MPB growth-promoting effect of oysters, whereby organic and inorganic
matter released through oyster excretion and biodeposition stimulates MPB
biomass accumulation. MPB also showed marked seasonal variations in biomass
and patch shape, size and degree of aggregation around the oyster reefs.
Seasonal variations in biomass, with higher NDVI during spring and
autumn, were consistent with those
observed on broader scales in other European mudflats. Our study provides the
first multi-sensor RS satellite evidence of the promoting and structuring
effect of oyster reefs on MPB biofilms.
Microbial Community Structure and Activity Changes in Response
to the Development of Hypoxia in a Shallow Estuary
Authors: Park Yunjung , Kim Sujin , Cho Soonja , Cha Jaeho , An Soonmo
Published: February 2018

Abstract. We examined the effects of changing from oxic to anoxic conditions on microbial communities using both biogeochemical and molecular approaches in a semi-enclosed estuary (Jinhae Bay, Republic of Korea). Total microbial activity, represented by oxygen demand in the water column (WOD) or sediment (SOD), revealed that the respective microbial communities in the water and sediment responded differently to low dissolved-oxygen (DO) conditions. In the sediment, SOD and the total microbial abundance, as assessed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis, decreased under low DO conditions, indicating that the microbial adaptation to anaerobic metabolism was not well established during hypoxia development. In the water column, however, neither the total abundance of microbes nor the WOD were affected by hypoxic conditions. Regardless of DO concentration, WOD showed a positive correlation with water temperature, implying that the aerobic metabolism was sustained even under hypoxic conditions, through the intermittent supply of oxygen. In addition to the spatially different responses of microorganisms, unique responses of specific groups were noted in sulfur (S) and nitrogen (N) cycling microbes. Sulfide-oxidizing prokaryotes (SOP) dominated in the water column, and no significant changes were evident in their abundance or diversity with hypoxia. However, in sediment, distinctive sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) were present at each sampling period during hypoxia development (a SRB succession), implying that each SRB group has varying sensitivity to DO and other electron acceptors. Our results illustrated similarities in composition and activity of N-cycling microbes between the seasonal hypoxia and permanent oxygen minimum zone (OMZ). Vertical profiles of dissolved inorganic nitrogen, including ammonium (NH4+) and nitrate (NO3−), and changes in archaeal abundance indicated that the NH4+-oxidizing archaea (AOA) varied spatially and temporally, depending on NH4+ and oxygen availability in the water column, under mature hypoxic conditions. The intriguing N dynamics recently discovered in the OMZ might also be important in the coastal hypoxic zone.
ORCHIMIC (v1.0), a microbe-driven model for soil organic matter
decomposition designed for large-scale applications
Authors: Huang Ye , Guenet Bertrand , Ciais Philippe , Janssens Ivan A. , Soong Jennifer L. , Wang Yilong , Goll Daniel , Blagodatskaya Evgenia , Huang Yuanyuan
Published: February 2018

Abstract. The role of soil microorganisms in regulating soil organic matter (SOM) decomposition is of primary importance in the carbon cycle, and in particular in the context of global change. Modelling soil microbial community dynamics to simulate its impact on soil gaseous carbon (C) emissions and nitrogen (N) mineralization at large spatial scales is a recent research field with the potential to improve predictions of SOM responses to global climate change. We here present a SOM model called ORCHIMIC whose input data that are consistent with those of global vegetation models. The model simulates decomposition of SOM by explicitly accounting for enzyme production and distinguishing three different microbial functional groups: fresh organic matter (FOM) specialists, SOM specialists, and generalists, while implicitly also accounting for microbes that do not produce extracellular enzymes, i.e. cheaters. This ORCHIMIC model and two other organic matter decomposition models, CENTURY (based on first order kinetics and representative for the structure of most current global soil carbon models) and PRIM (with FOM accelerating the decomposition rate of SOM) were calibrated to reproduce the observed respiration fluxes from FOM and SOM and their possible interactions from incubation experiments of Blagodatskaya et al. (2014). Among the three models, ORCHIMIC was the only one that captured well both the temporal dynamics of the respiratory fluxes and the magnitude of the priming effect observed during the incubation experiment. ORCHIMIC also reproduced well the temporal dynamics of microbial biomass. We then applied different idealized changes to the model input data, i.e. a 5 K stepwise increase of temperature and/or a doubling of plant litter inputs. Under 5 K warming, ORCHIMIC predicted a 0.002 K−1 decrease in the C use efficiency (defined as the ratio of C allocated to microbial growth to the sum of C allocated to growth and respiration) and a 3 % loss of SOC. Under the double litter input scenario, ORCHIMIC predicted a doubling of microbial biomass, while SOC stock increased by less than 1 % due to the priming effect. This limited increase in SOC stock contrasted with the proportional increase in SOC stock as modelled by the conventional SOC decomposition model (CENTURY), which cannot reproduce the priming effect. If temperature increased by 5 K and litter input is doubled, the model predicted almost the same loss of SOC as when only temperature was increased. These tests suggest that the responses of SOC stock to warming and increasing input may differ a lot from those simulated by conventional SOC decomposition models, when microbial dynamics is included. The next step is to incorporate the ORCHIMIC model into a global vegetation model to perform simulations for representative sites and future scenarios.
Characterization and evaluation of controls on post-fire streamflow response across western US watersheds
Authors: Saxe Samuel , Hogue Terri S. , Hay Lauren
Published: February 2018

Abstract. This research investigates the impact of wildfires on watershed flow regimes, specifically focusing on evaluation of fire events within specified hydroclimatic regions in the western United States, and evaluating the impact of climate and geophysical variables on response. Eighty-two watersheds were identified with at least 10 years of continuous pre-fire daily streamflow records and 5 years of continuous post-fire daily flow records. Percent change in annual runoff ratio, low flows, high flows, peak flows, number of zero flow days, baseflow index, and Richards–Baker flashiness index were calculated for each watershed using pre- and post-fire periods. Independent variables were identified for each watershed and fire event, including topographic, vegetation, climate, burn severity, percent area burned, and soils data. Results show that low flows, high flows, and peak flows increase in the first 2 years following a wildfire and decrease over time. Relative response was used to scale response variables with the respective percent area of watershed burned in order to compare regional differences in watershed response. To account for variability in precipitation events, runoff ratio was used to compare runoff directly to PRISM precipitation estimates. To account for regional differences in climate patterns, watersheds were divided into nine regions, or clusters, through k-means clustering using climate data, and regression models were produced for watersheds grouped by total area burned. Watersheds in Cluster 9 (eastern California, western Nevada, Oregon) demonstrate a small negative response to observed flow regimes after fire. Cluster 8 watersheds (coastal California) display the greatest flow responses, typically within the first year following wildfire. Most other watersheds show a positive mean relative response. In addition, simple regression models show low correlation between percent watershed burned and streamflow response, implying that other watershed factors strongly influence response. Spearman correlation identified NDVI, aridity index, percent of a watershed's precipitation that falls as rain, and slope as being positively correlated with post-fire streamflow response. This metric also suggested a negative correlation between response and the soil erodibility factor, watershed area, and percent low burn severity. Regression models identified only moderate burn severity and watershed area as being consistently positively/negatively correlated, respectively, with response. The random forest model identified only slope and percent area burned as significant watershed parameters controlling response. Results will help inform post-fire runoff management decisions by helping to identify expected changes to flow regimes, as well as facilitate parameterization for model application in burned watersheds.
An analytical study of M2 tidal waves in the Taiwan Strait using an extended Taylor method
Authors: Wu Di , Fang Guohong , Cui Xinmei , Teng Fei
Published: February 2018

Abstract. The tides in the Taiwan Strait (TS) feature large
semidiurnal lunar (M2) amplitudes. An extended Taylor method is
employed in this study to provide an analytical model for the M2 tide
in the TS. The strait is idealized as a rectangular basin with a uniform
depth, and the Coriolis force and bottom friction are retained in the
governing equations. The observed tides at the northern and southern
openings are used as open boundary conditions. The obtained analytical
solution, which consists of a stronger southward propagating Kelvin wave, a
weaker northward propagating Kelvin wave, and two families of Poincaré
modes trapped at the northern and southern openings, agrees well with the
observations in the strait. The superposition of two Kelvin waves basically
represents the observed tidal pattern, including an anti-nodal band in the
central strait, and the cross-strait asymmetry (greater amplitudes in the
west and smaller in the east) of the anti-nodal band. Inclusion of
Poincaré modes further improves the model result in that the
cross-strait asymmetry can be better reproduced. To explore the formation
mechanism of the northward propagating wave in the TS, three experiments are
carried out, including the deep basin south of the strait. The results show
that the southward incident wave is reflected to form a northward wave by
the abruptly deepened topography south of the strait, but the reflected wave
is slightly weaker than the northward wave obtained from the above
analytical solution, in which the southern open boundary condition is
specified with observations. Inclusion of the forcing at the Luzon Strait
strengthens the northward Kelvin wave in the TS, and the forcing is thus of
some (but lesser) importance to the M2 tide in the TS.
The potential of complex challenges in undergraduate research to stimulate transformative learning
Authors: Wallin Patric
Published: February 2018

In the present study, I describe and evaluate the transformative learning potential of authentic research projects that students engage in a course on tissue engineering at Chalmers University of Technology. Through the use of weekly reflective diaries and interviews, I explore how students change their perspective on what learning means to them and the purpose of higher education. Based on the empirical data and scientific literature, I discuss complex challenges as one emerging and deciding factor that helps students to have transformative learning experiences. At the end, some general pointers will be provided on how educators can approach the integration of complex challenges into their own courses and settings.
Código de barras de ADN revela el primer registro de Coenosia attenuata Stein (Diptera: Muscidae) en Honduras
Authors: Orozco Jesús
Published: February 2018

Se registra la mosca depredadora Coenosia attenuata Stein por primera vez en Honduras. Un análisis molecular de código de barras del gen COI fue usado para la identificación.
Género, participación ciudadana y poder: una relación problemática
Authors: Editor El
Published: February 2018

No abstract available.Realidad: Revista de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades No. 86, 2002: 123-125
El fragmentado mundo de la cultura y de la percepción estética: un acercamiento al discurso de Pierre Bordieu
Authors: Alfaro Salvador Orlando
Published: February 2018

No abstract available.Realidad: Revista de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades No. 88, 2002: 447-458
Castañeda, J., La vida en rojo. Una biografía del Che Guevara
Authors: González Luis Armando
Published: February 2018

No abstract available.Realidad: Revista de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades No. 88, 2002: 547-552
Een nietig huwelijk, maar (nog) geen nietig testament
Authors: ter Haar J.H.M.
Published: February 2018

Een nietig huwelijk, maar (nog) geen nietig testament

Op grond van artikel 1:69 BW kunnen bloedverwanten in rechte lijn van een der echtgenoten verzoeken een huwelijk nietig te verklaren. Sinds 1 april 2014 kunnen bloedverwanten in neerdalende lijn een dergelijk verzoek al meteen doen na het ontstaan van het huwelijk. Zij hoeven dus niet meer te wachten tot het huwelijk is geëindigd. De wetgever had hierbij oog voor de situatie waarin sprake is van een ouder die ten tijde van de huwelijksvoltrekking niet in staat was zijn wil te verklaren, terwijl dit voor de ambtenaar van de burgerlijke stand niet kenbaar was. In deze bijdrage komt naar aanleiding van een recent geval de vraag aan de orde of het gerechtvaardigd is dat een huwelijk van een persoon die niet in staat was zijn wil te bepalen tijdens zijn leven nietig verklaard kan worden, terwijl een door deze persoon gemaakte uiterste wilsbeschikking gedurende zijn leven niet aantastbaar is. Er wordt een aanbeveling gedaan voor een hanteerbare oplossing.
Adsorption of methylene blue from aqueous solutions by pyrolusite ore
Authors: Demirkıran Nizamettin , Turhan Özdemir G D , Saraç M , Dardağan M
Published: February 2018

In this study, the adsorption of methylene blue dye was examined by using pyrolusite ore as a low-cost alternative adsorbent source. Pyrolusite, which contains mainly MnO2, is a manganese ore. The effects of the initial concentration of dye, contact time, initial pH of solution, adsorbent dosage, stirring speed of solution, and average particle size of adsorbent on the adsorption of methylene blue were studied. It was found that the percentage of the adsorbed dye increased with increasing the amount of pyrolusite. While the initial dye concentration, initial pH, contact time, stirring speed, particle size, and adsorbent dosage were 25 ppm, 6, 90 min, 250 rpm, 63 µm, and 12 g/l, respectively, the efficiency of dye adsorption on pyrolusite ore was 99%. The isotherm and kinetic studies relating to this adsorption process were also made. It was found that the equilibrium data followed the Langmuir isotherm model while the kinetic of process could be described by the pseudo-second order kinetic model.
Approximate Ensemble Methods for Physical Activity Recognition Applications
Authors: Casale Pierluigi
Published: February 2018

The main interest of this thesis is on computational methodologies able to reduce the degree of complexity of learning algorithms and its application to physical activity recognition. Random Projections are used to reduce the learning complexity in Multiple Classier Systems. A new boosting algorithm and a new one-class classication methodology are proposed. In both cases, random projections are used for reducing the dimensionality of the problem and for generating diversity, exploiting in this way the benefits that ensemble learning provides in terms of performances and stability. The practical focus of the thesis is on physical activity recongition using wearable sensors. A new hardware platform for wearable computing application has been developed and used for gathering activity data. Based on the classication methodologies developed and the study conducted on physical activity classication, a machine learning architecture capable to provide a continuous authentication mechanism for mobile-devices users has been designed. The system, based on a personalized classifier, states on the analysis of the characteristic gait patterns typical of each individual ensuring an unobtrusive and continuous authentication mechanism.
A Parallel Framework for Video Super-resolution
Authors: Garcia Freitas Pedro , Farias Mylene C. Q.
Published: February 2018

In this work we propose a framework for increasing the processing efficiency of super-resolution algorithms. The framework is targeted at super-resolution video processing algorithms, that require a large amount of data processing. We propose a set of strategies that use a combination of data simplification and parallel processing. The simplification strategies are used to decrease the amount of complex data and, consequently, decrease the processing time. The parallel processing strategies are designed so that major modifications of the super-resolution algorithms are not required. As presented in this work, the framework is fast and makes the video resolution increase timely.
Registration and analysis for images couple : Application to mammograms
Authors: Boucher Arnaud
Published: February 2018

In this thesis, the problem addressed is the development of a computer-aided diagnosis system (CAD) based on conjoint analysis of several images, and therefore on the comparison of these medical images. The particularity of our approach is to look for evolutions or aberrant new tissues in a given set, rather than attempting to characterize, with a strong a priori, the type of tissues. This problem allows to apprehend one aspect of the analysis of a medical file performed by experts which is the study of a case through comparison and evolution detection. The methodology proposed is carried out within the application context of the development of a CAD applied to mammograms. The first step when a couple of images are involved is to perform an adapted registration. Any automated comparison of signals requires an alignment of similar components present on the pictures, that is to say a registration phase, so that they occupy the same space on the two images. As the registration is never perfect, we must take into account the level of uncertainty and develop a comparison method able to distinguish registration error and real small differences between comparable tissues. In many applications, the assessment of similarity used during the registration step is also used in the interpretation step that yields to prompt suspicious regions. In our case, registration is assumed to match the spatial coordinates of similar anatomical elements.
Monitoring and Diagnosing Neonatal Seizures by Video Signal Processing
Authors: Kouamou Ntonfo Guy Mathurin
Published: February 2018

In this thesis we consider the use of well-known statistical methods to early diagnose, through wire-free low-cost video processing, the potential presence of seizures. For this purpose several approaches, have been proposed: periodicity-based, classification-based and clustering-based approaches.
Cesta k trenérské profesi
Authors: Jůva Vladimír , Tomková Kristýna
Published: February 2018

The paper deals with selected aspects of the sports coach profession. Coaching – like other social professions – is a very complex and demanding profession and its successful performance is related to many social as well as economic aspects. Coaching represents a profession of various forms requiring from its practitioners not only an extensive expert knowledge, but also personal dispositions and social skills. Th e paper analyzes data collected by a questionnaire investigation, which covered selected aspects of the careers of sports coaches. Th e vast majority of examined sports coaches were active athletes at a young age. Th e interest in sport was sparked in particular by their parents. Th e main motives for the choice of coaching included the need to look aft er children, pass on sport experience and in particular sporting eff ort to help others succeed. Th e addressed sports coaches oft en say that the completed training well prepared them as far as theory is concerned, however, they fund it insuffi cient in terms on their own practice. Th e main basis for the improvement of their very diffi cult work is by the addressed coaches mostly seen in coach education.
Kvalita života nemocných s chronickou ischemickou chorobou srdeční: Efekt tříměsíčního kombinovaného vytrvalostního/silového tréninku
Authors: Janský Ivan , Jančík Jiří , Tomíčková Jitka , Pochmonová Jaroslava , Dobšák Petr , Panovský Roman
Published: February 2018

83 patients (men) with stable chronic coronary disease (mean age 62 ± 9 years, mean body weight 86± 11 kg, mean height 177 ± 6 cm, mean ejection fraction of left ventricle 47± 8%) were examined before and aft er three months lasting aerobic training combined with stregth components . Before the training period symptom-limited spiroergometry was provided. Spiroergometry was applied for the evaluation of anaerobic threshold to decide on the aerobic training intensity. Load intensity for the strength training phase was determined by the method of 1-RM (30-60%). Th e training (exercise unit) was performed three times a week. Th e impact on quality of life was measured using SAQ (Th e Seattle Angina Questionnaire). Th e all 5 SAQ dimensions were signifi cantly better aft er the training. Physical limitations (79,7 ± 19,0 vs. 84,9 ± 16,4*) stability of symptoms (78,2 ± 19,1 vs. 85,6 ± 16,1*) frequency of symptoms (83,5 ± 15,6 vs. 88,2 ± 14,5**), treatment satisfaction (87,8 ± 14,6 vs. 92,9 ± 11,5*), and disease perception (67,2 ± 19,7 vs. 73,8 ± 19,5**). Peak exercise oxygen uptake (VO2peak ) increased from 18,6 ± 3,1 to 19,8 ± 4,0** ml. kg-1.min-1 (*P < 0.05, ** P < 0.01, Wilcoxon).
Kinematická analýza vybraného přeskoku „Cukahara“ ve sportovní gymnastice (případová studie)
Authors: Farana Roman , Vaverka František
Published: February 2018

This paper is concerned with kinematics analysis of sport technique of two young female gymnasts, members of Czech Republic junior team. Aim of the study was to compare kinematic variables that governed success of the “Tsukahara” picked vault performed by two young female gymnasts with early studies. Filming was conducted using a  2D digital camera Panasonic NV-MX500EG. Shutter speed was set to 1/500s. Position of camera was perpendicular to vaulting table. Data was digitized using the SIMI MOTION soft - ware. Cohen´s coeffi cient d was used to compare changes in mean of each analyzed variables. Results of study enable to determined errors in chosen kinematics variables and sport technique. Sport biomechanics could improve sport technique, training and minimize injuries.
Česká verze diagnostiky strachu z pádů u seniorů FES-I (Falls Efficacy Scale International)
Authors: Reguli Zdenko , Svobodová Lenka
Published: February 2018

Falls in older people are currently considered as a serious worldwide public health problem. One of the main reason of the fall is reduced capacity for quick adaptation to changing conditions. Fall is always caused by a complex interaction of external and internal factors. Falls often cause injury to the elderly, requiring long-term, complex and expensive treatment. In the cause that a fall does not cause an injury, mobility is reduced because of fear from fall too. Health care facilities, nursing homes and other facilities dealing with prevention of falls. An international network Prevention of Falls Network Europe (ProFaNe) is focused on fall prevention and on improving postural stability. ProFaNe created a diagnostic instrument tool Falls efficacy Scale – International (FES-I) to assess fear of falling among seniors. Diagnostic tool has been successfully translated into several languages using the methodology of Ten Step Translation Protocol. The authors present a valid translations of Falls Efficacy Scale – International for use in the Czech Republic.
Vztah jedinců staršího věku k pohybové aktivitě
Authors: Stará Gabriela , Kopřivová Jitka
Published: February 2018

This article aims to sum up a responses by volunteers of the intervention mobility program for elderly population and their views on their own relationship with physical exercise and  a sport. It explores the questions about  their own physical activity throughout their life and their motivation for joining this program. Also it describes their  feelings about the excise, a relations  with other clients of this program and their other activities apart from this program.