bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE HANLE AND ZEEMAN POLARIZATION SIGNALS OF THE SOLAR Ca II 8542 Å LINE
Authors: Štěpán Jiří , Bueno Javier Trujillo
Published: July 2016

We highlight the main results of a three-dimensional (3D) multilevel radiative transfer investigation about the solar disk-center polarization of the Ca ii 8542 Å line. First, through the use of a 3D model of the solar atmosphere, we investigate the linear polarization that occurs due to the atomic level polarization produced by the absorption and scattering of anisotropic radiation, taking into account the symmetry-breaking effects caused by its thermal, dynamic, and magnetic structure. Second, we study the contribution of the Zeeman effect to the linear and circular polarization. Finally, we show examples of the Stokes profiles produced by the joint action of the atomic level polarization and the Hanle and Zeeman effects. We find that the Zeeman effect tends to dominate the linear polarization signals only in the localized patches of opposite magnetic polarity, where the magnetic field is relatively strong and slightly inclined; outside such very localized patches, the linear polarization is often dominated by the contribution of atomic level polarization. We demonstrate that a correct modeling of this last contribution requires taking into account the symmetry-breaking effects caused by the thermal, dynamic, and magnetic structure of the solar atmosphere, and that in the 3D model used the Hanle effect in forward-scattering geometry (disk-center observation) mainly reduces the polarization corresponding to the zero-field case. We emphasize that, in general, a reliable modeling of the linear polarization in the Ca ii 8542 Å line requires taking into account the joint action of atomic level polarization and the Hanle and Zeeman effects.
NuSTAR OBSERVATIONS OF THE BLACK HOLE GS 1354–645: EVIDENCE OF RAPID BLACK HOLE SPIN
Authors: El-Batal A. M. , Miller J. M. , Reynolds M. T. , Boggs S. E. , Chistensen F. E. , Craig W. W. , Fuerst F. , Hailey C. J. , Harrison F. A. , Stern D. K. , Tomsick J. , Walton D. J. , Zhang W. W.
Published: July 2016

We present the results of a NuSTAR study of the dynamically confirmed stellar-mass black hole GS 1354−645. The source was observed during its 2015 “hard” state outburst; we concentrate on spectra from two relatively bright phases. In the higher-flux observation, the broadband NuSTAR spectra reveal a clear, strong disk reflection spectrum, blurred by a degree that requires a black hole spin of

a
=
cJ

/

GM

2

≥
0.98

(

1
σ

statistical limits only). The fits also require a high inclination:

θ
≃
75

(
2
)

◦

. Strong “dips” are sometimes observed in the X-ray light curves of sources viewed at such an angle; these are absent, perhaps indicating that dips correspond to flared disk structures that only manifest at higher accretion rates. In the lower flux observation, there is evidence of radial truncation of the thin accretion disk. We discuss these results in the context of spin in stellar-mass black holes, and inner accretion flow geometries at moderate accretion rates.
Comorbidity Issues and Treatment in Chronic Mental Illness
Authors: Srivastav Deepika , Singh Tej Bahadur
Published: July 2016

Comorbidity refers to presence of one or more additional disorders along with a primary disorder. It affects the prognosis and course of treatment. It is often difficult for clinician to make correct diagnosis in presence of various disorders. The clinical picture of various disorders interferes with treatment process and the outcome. There are some disorders in psychiatry, known as chronic illness. These are schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. All these three disorder have a major effect on individual's life. Anxiety, depression, substance abuse and panic symptoms are common in schizophrenia; hence the clinical picture changes frequently. While the literature suggests that presence of two or three disorders make treatment worse, hence multidisciplinary treatment need to be used.
Psychotherapeutic Interventions in Emotional and Behavioural Problems with Adolescents
Authors: Tripathi Mahesh A. , Sridevi Godishala
Published: July 2016

Children undergo a variety of interrelated changes in their adolescence and at times most children exhibits difficult behaviours. The problem becomes more severe in adopted children because such status of adoption affects various aspects of the developing personality. Feeling of rejection in early childhood generates a tendency of insecurity and fear in these children and to overcome from these beliefs they adopt aggressive behaviour. Psychotherapy with adolescents is different in a number of substantive ways from adults, because an adolescent is a person who is no longer a child but is not yet an adult. They are special population for whom psychotherapeutic intervention needs to be customized considering the emotional and behavioural exigencies. Identification and changing unhealthy thoughts and behaviours is the central idea of CBT and is becoming the treatment of choice for children and adolescents. The chapter deals with application of CBT in adolescent.
Student Participation in Assessment Processes
Authors: Quesada Victoria , Garcia-Jimenez Eduardo , Gomez-Ruiz Miguel Angel
Published: July 2016

The participation of students in higher education assessment processes has been proven to have many benefits. However, there is a diverse range of techniques and options when implementing participative assessment, with each offering new possibilities. This chapter focuses on the topic of student participation in assessment processes, and it explores the main stages when it can be developed: participation in design, during implementation, and in grading. This chapter also considers the different modalities that can be used, especially self-assessment, peer assessment, and co-assessment and the three stages that characterise them. Finally, it analyses three experiences of student participation in higher education assessment, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. These experiences show how participative assessment can be developed in everyday classes, in groups, or individually and how participative assessment can occur in different class settings. They also demonstrate the importance of design, assessment literacy, and some difficulties that might appear during the process.
Serious Games for Students' E-Assessment Literacy in Higher Education
Authors: Ibarra-Sáiz María Soledad , Rodriguez-Gomez Gregorio
Published: July 2016

In this chapter it will present partial results from the DevalS Project (Developing Sustainable Assessment – Improving Students' Assessment Competence through Virtual Simulations), financed by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (Ref. EDU2012-31804). The results will be focused on the use and usefulness of serious games for e-assessment literacy from a students' point of view. Firstly, it will introduce the project. Secondly, it will review the serious games that have been developed and implemented in different undergraduate courses. Finally, it will present the results and conclusions of surveys undertaken by students.
Biomedical Image Processing Overview
Authors: Mannai Monia Mannai , Karâa Wahiba Ben Abdessalem
Published: July 2016

Over the years, there are different sorts of medical imaging have been developed. Where the most known are: X-ray, computed tomography (CT), nuclear medicine imaging (PET, SPECT), ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), each one has its different utilities. Various studies in biomedical informatics present a process to analyze images for extracting the hidden information which can be used after that. Image analysis combines several fields that are classified into two categories; the process of low-level, that requires very little information about the content image and the process of high-level, which may need information about the image content. The topic of this chapter is to introduce the different techniques for medical image processing and to present many research studies in this domain. It includes four stages, firstly, we introduce the most important medical imaging modalities and secondly, we outline the main process of biomedical image.
Endoscopic Imaging Results
Authors: Braga Joel , Laranjo Isabel , Rolanda Carla , Lopes Luís , Correia-Pinto Jorge , Alves Victor
Published: July 2016

The technological evolution seen in the past years led to an increase in the number therapeutic and diagnostic tests. In this paper a new solution for storage, diffusion, and real-time remote assistance in endoscopic exams is presented. The aim is to solve the problem of endoscopic examinations not being archived and easily accessed anywhere within a health care network by authorized health care professionals and researchers. Solving that problem avoids unneeded repetition of unpleasant exams and allows the comparison of video segments with future procedures. The presented solution also allows the streaming and real-time remote assistance of exams being carried out. This way health care professionals can contribute with their expertise even if they cannot attend onsite.
Nanotechnology Applications in Cardiology
Authors: Malhotra Ashim
Published: July 2016

Nanotechnology studies particles and fibers in the 10e-9 m dimensional range. Multiple advancements, availability of materials, manufacturing and process technology, and improvements in targeted-delivery capabilities have dramatically impacted the use of nanotechnology in medical science. However, nowhere has the benefit been as profound as in the field of cardiology. This chapter discusses various aspects of the use of nanotechnology, including materials, design, and formulation characteristics. The authors begin by introducing the complexity of cardiovascular disease, identifying the problem of scale, and of targeted delivery, followed by a brief history of nanotechnology. Specific instances of innovation milestones, such as the invention of Drug Eluting Stents are followed by a detailed discussion of materials and a proposed classification scheme. Nanotechnology-based cardiovascular imaging systems for use in diagnostic and preventive medicine and scaffolds for the design of 3D artificial constructs as putative futuristic replacements of transplant hearts are discussed in detail.
Computer Aided Modeling and Finite Element Analysis of Human Elbow
Authors: Gupta Arpan , Singh O.P.
Published: July 2016

Finite element modeling (FEM) plays a significant role in the design of various devices in the engineering field of automotive, aerospace, defense etc. In the recent past, FEM is assisting engineers and healthcare professional in analyzing and designing various medical devices with advanced functionality. Computer aided engineering can predict failure circumstances, which can be avoided for the health and well-being of people. In this research work, computer aided engineering analysis of human elbow is presented beginning with modeling of human elbow from medical image data, and predicting the stresses in elbow during carrying heavy loads. The analysis is performed by using finite element method. The results predict the stress level and displacement in the human bone during heavy weight lifting. Thus, it can be used to predict the safe load that a particular person can carry without bone injury. The present analysis focused on a particular model of bone for a particular individual. However, safe load can be determined for various age groups by generating more detailed model including tendons, ligaments and by using patient specific material properties.
GPU-Based Level Set Method for MRI Brain Tumor Segmentation Using Modified Probabilistic Clustering
Authors: Kumar Ram , Rani Sweta , Sarkar Abahan , Talukdar Fazal Ahmed
Published: July 2016

The level set method (LSM) has been widely used in image segmentation due to its intrinsic nature which allows handling complex shapes and topological changes easily. We propose a new level set algorithm, which is based on probabilistic c mean objective function which incorporates intensity inhomogeneity in image and robust to noise. The computational complexity of the proposed LSM is greatly reduced by using highly parallelizable lattice Boltzmann method (LBM). So the proposed algorithm is effective and highly parallelizable. The proposed LSM is implemented using Experimental results demonstrate the performance of the proposed method.
Brain Tumor Segmentation and Classification Using Intelligent Hybrid Morphology and Diffusion
Authors: Jaffar M. Arfan
Published: July 2016

Noise present in the images degrades the image quality as well as the performance of tumor detection from images. The main objective of this research work is to improve the image quality and develop an accurate and effective automated computer-aided diagnosis system for tumor detection from brain MR images. Contourlet transform is used for image enhancement. Thresholding and morphological operators are used for detecting tumor segment. After segmentation, features extraction and classification has been performed by using Support Vector Machine and Neural Networks. The proposed method is tested on various brain MR images and this system generates good and accurate results.
Classification of Brain MR Images Using Corpus Callosum Shape Measurements
Authors: Bhalerao Gaurav Vivek , Sampathila Niranjana
Published: July 2016

The corpus callosum is the largest white matter structure in the brain, which connects the two cerebral hemispheres and facilitates the inter-hemispheric communication. Abnormal anatomy of corpus callosum has been revealed for various brain related diseases. Being an important biomarker, Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the brain followed by corpus callosum segmentation and feature extraction has found to be important for the diagnosis of many neurological diseases. This paper focuses on classification of T1-weighted mid-sagittal MR images of brain for dementia patients. The corpus callosum is segmented using K-means clustering algorithm and corresponding shape based measurements are used as features. Based on these shape based measurements, a back-propagation neural network is trained separately for male and female dataset. The input data consists of 54 female and 31 male patients. This paper reports classification accuracy up to 92% for female patients and 94% for male patients using neural network classifier.
Neuroimaging Approaches for Elderly Studies
Authors: Styliadis Charis , Kartsidis Panagiotis , Paraskevopoulos Evangelos
Published: July 2016

Advances in the field of neuroimaging have allowed for the examination of the effects of age-related changes on cognitive capacity in elderly populations. Structural techniques are now routinely used to report cortical atrophic rates in aging and particularly within the context of the Alzheimer's disease, and may be integrated with functional techniques which examine the functional characteristics of the cortex at rest and during the performance of a task. Despite advancing age cognitive function remains highly plastic, allowing for interventions that aim to maintain or even remediate its capacity and the mechanisms by which structure and function are altered among seniors. Overall, information on the integrity of the cerebral structure and function aid in the early detection and treatment of the Alzheimer's disease as well as the evaluation and track of the disease's progression. In this chapter, neuroimaging methods are presented along with findings that are particularly relevant for the study of neuroplasticity in the aging brain.
An Approach for Automatic Detection and Grading of Macular Edema
Authors: Medhi Jyoti Prakash
Published: July 2016

Prolonged Diabetes causes massive destruction to the retina, known as Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) leading to blindness. The blindness due to DR may consequence from several factors such as Blood vessel (BV) leakage, new BV formation on retina. The effects become more threatening when abnormalities involves the macular region. Here automatic analysis of fundus images becomes important. This system checks for any abnormality and help ophthalmologists in decision making and to analyze more number of cases. The main objective of this chapter is to explore image processing tools for automatic detection and grading macular edema in fundus images.
A New Approach for Analyzing the Performance of the WiMAX Networks based on QoS Traffic Prediction Routing Protocol using Gene Expression Programming
Authors: Sangeetha J. , Nagaraj Keerthiraj , Murthy K. N. Balasubramanya , Rustagi Ram P.
Published: July 2016

WiMAX is one of the broadband wireless access technologies, which provides the efficient QoS to the large number of users. The multimedia applications such as real time and non-real time services are gaining importance in the WiMAX network. To support such applications, there is a need to propose an efficient QoS traffic prediction routing protocol for the WiMAX networks. To address this, the authors are using Gene Expression Programming technique. They have generated datasets for CBR based traffic and file transfer applications. Here, they focus to develop the mathematical expressions for throughput of the network in terms of bandwidth, average end-to-end delay and average jitter for CBR based traffic and file transfer applications, so that they can analyze and predict the QoS traffic of the network. The simulation results show that the model values and the target values match with better approximation. Further, sensitivity analysis has been carried out for both CBR based traffic and file transfer applications.
An Adaptive Second Order Neural Network with Genetic-Algorithm-based Training (ASONN-GA) to Forecast the Closing Prices of the Stock Market
Authors: Nayak Sarat Chandra , Misra Bijan Bihari , Behera Himansu Sekhar
Published: July 2016

Successful prediction of stock indices could yield significant profit and hence require an efficient prediction system. Higher order neural networks (HONN) have several advantages over traditional neural networks such as stronger approximation, higher fault tolerance capacity and faster convergence characteristics. This paper proposes an adaptive single layer second order neural network with genetic algorithm based training (ASONN-GA) applied to forecast daily closing prices of the stock market. For comparative study of performance, two conventional neural based models such as a recurrent neural network (RNN) and a multilayer perceptron (MLP) have been developed. The optimal network parameters for all the three models are tuned by genetic algorithm (GA). The efficiencies of the models have been evaluated by forecasting the one-day-ahead closing prices of real stock markets. From simulation studies, it is revealed that the ASONN-GA model achieve better forecasting accuracy over other two models.
Detection and Ignoring of Blackhole Attack in Vanets Networks
Authors: Bensaid Chaima , Hacene Sofiane Boukli , Faraoun Kamel Mohamed
Published: July 2016

Vehicular networks or VANET announce as the communication networks of the future, where the mobility is the main idea. These networks should be able to interconnect vehicles. The optimal goal is that these networks will contribute to safer roads and more effective in the future by providing timely information to drivers and concerned authorities. They are therefore vulnerable to many types of attacks among them the black hole attack. In this attack, a malicious node disseminates spurious replies for any route discovery in order to monopolize all data communication and deteriorate network performance. Many studies have focused on detecting and isolating malicious nodes in VANET. In this paper, the authors present two mechanisms to detect this attack. The main goal is detecting as well as bypass cooperative black hole attack. The authors' approaches have been evaluated by the detailed simulation study with NS2 and the simulation results shows an improvement of protocol performance.
Enhanced Trust Path between Two Entities in Cloud Computing Environment
Authors: Divakarla Usha , Chandrasekaran K.
Published: July 2016

Trust is the common factor of any network security. In cloud, trust is the major factor as this trust develops a relation between the user and resource of the service provider. To develop a strong trust there has to be a strong trust path between two entities. The model proposed builds a strong trust path between two important entities in cloud namely user and resources of the service provider. The trust path thus built strengthens the security of the resources as well as the authentication of the user. The implementation proved that trust model developed is more efficient in terms of computation time.
A Security Framework for Secure Cloud Computing Environments
Authors: Jouini Mouna , Rabai Latifa Ben Arfa
Published: July 2016

Cloud computing technology is a relatively new concept of providing scalable and virtualized resources, software and hardware on demand to consumers. It presents a new technology to deliver computing resources as a service. It offers a variety of benefits like services on demand and provisioning and suffers from several weaknesses. In fact, security presents a major obstacle in cloud computing adoption. In this paper, the authors will deal with security problems in cloud computing systems and show how to solve these problems using a quantitative security risk assessment model named Multi-dimensional Mean Failure Cost (M2FC). In fact, they summarize first security issues related to cloud computing environments and then propose a generic framework that analysis and evaluate cloud security problems and then propose appropriate countermeasures to solve these problems.
Human Skin Detection in Color Images Using Deep Learning
Authors: Hajiarbabi Mohammadreza , Agah Arvin
Published: July 2016

Human skin detection is an important and challenging problem in computer vision. Skin detection can be used as the first phase in face detection when using color images. The differences in illumination and ranges of skin colors have made skin detection a challenging task. Gaussian model, rule based methods, and artificial neural networks are methods that have been used for human skin color detection. Deep learning methods are new techniques in learning that have shown improved classification power compared to neural networks. In this paper the authors use deep learning methods in order to enhance the capabilities of skin detection algorithms. Several experiments have been performed using auto encoders and different color spaces. The proposed technique is evaluated compare with other available methods in this domain using two color image databases. The results show that skin detection utilizing deep learning has better results compared to other methods such as rule-based, Gaussian model and feed forward neural network.
Deception Detection in Cyber Conflicts
Authors: Chen Jim Q.
Published: July 2016

Deception is a strategy that has been widely used in cyber conflicts. How to detect deception in a timely manner is always a challenge, especially for a cyber commander who is at the point of making decisions with respect to the actual target to go after, the exact location of the target, the starting and ending time of a cyber operation, the type of cyber operation, the way of launching the cyber operation, and the amount of resources and support needed. It is absolutely important for a cyber commander to know for sure that he/she is not deceived by an adversary so he/she will be able to make right decisions. Varied solutions do exist. However, they are either too narrow or too broad. The solutions represented by signature technology are narrow in scope, so that they are not capable of dealing with the deception that they have not handled before. The solutions represented by behavioral analysis are relatively broad, so that they require extra time to re-adjust their focuses, incorporate contextual information, and combine heterogeneous data resources in order to get to what is exactly needed. In addition, the use of contexts in analysis is at random and not in a systematic way in most cases. Even when contexts are included in analysis, their relations with the relevant events are not well explored in all these solutions. To address these issues, this paper proposes a new strategic and systematic solution applying the Operational-Level Cybersecurity Strategy Formation Framework. This new solution employs purpose analysis, contextual analysis, and risk analysis. A case study is provided to test the effectiveness of this solution in detecting deception in a timely manner. The benefits and limitations of this solution are discussed. The capabilities of the Operational-Level Cybersecurity Strategy Formation Framework are evidently proved via this use case.
Conceptions and Instructional Strategies of Pre-Service Teachers towards Digital Game based Learning Integration in the Primary Education Curriculum
Authors: Romero Margarida , Proulx Jean-Nicolas
Published: July 2016

Teachers' digital literacy is part of the 21st century professional competences and is an essential part of the decision-making process leading to integrate the use of technologies in the classroom according to the curricular needs. This article focus on the teachers' competence to integrate technologies in the classroom by analyzing their integration strategies. The teachers' curricular integration strategies are analyzed in this article by analyzing Digital Game Based Learning (DGBL) curricular integration strategies with a group of 73 pre-service primary teachers in Université Laval (Canada). The results show the pre-service teachers selected the use of existing resources instead of the creation of new ones. The majority of the selected resources were games in the are of Mathematics. The participants discussed this strategy as the easiest way to align the digital games in the primary education curriculum. The authors discuss, at the end of the paper, the limits of this strategy and the opportunities to develop alternative ways to integrate digital games in the classroom to develop the curricular objectives such game repurposing and the creation of digital games as a learning activity.
Design and Development of an Inclusive Learning Videogames Aimed to Promote the Development of Reading and Writing Skills
Authors: Di Tore Stafano , Zollo Iolanda , Maffei Safa , Sibilio Maurizio
Published: July 2016

Inclusive didactics can be defined as the set of strategies, methods and resources that enable the teacher to pay more attention to the personal profile of the student in terms of learning. With reference to the teaching resources applied, technology offers effective opportunities for the implementation of an inclusive approach. The aim of this paper is to illustrate, on the basis of recent literature, how action videogames can foster the development of reading and writing skills in an inclusive way, through the specific types of human-machine interactions on which they are based. In addition, the design and development phases of the game, targeted for pupils attending Italian primary schools, is presented.
Regional effect on urban atmospheric nucleation
Authors: Salma Imre , Németh Zoltán , Kerminen Veli-Matti , Aalto Pasi , Nieminen Tuomo , Weidinger Tamás , Molnár Ágnes , Imre Kornélia , Kulmala Markku
Published: July 2016

Abstract. Secondary aerosol particle production via new particle formation (NPF) has been shown to be a major contributor to the global aerosol load. NPF has also been observed frequently in urban environments. Here, we investigate the effect of regional NPF on urban aerosol load under well-defined atmospheric conditions. The Carpathian Basin, the largest orogenic basin in Europe, represents an excellent opportunity for exploring these interactions. Based on long-term observations, we revealed that NPF seen in a central large city of the basin (Budapest) and its regional background occur in a consistent and spatially coherent way as a result of a joint atmospheric phenomenon taking place on large horizontal scales. We found that NPF events at the urban site are usually delayed by > 1 h relative to the rural site or even inhibited above a critical condensational sink level. The urban processes require higher formation rates and growth rates to be realized, by mean factors of 2 and 1.6, respectively, than the regional events. Regional- and urban-type NPF events sometimes occur jointly with multiple onsets, while they often exhibit dynamic and timing properties which are different for these two event types.
Characteristics of an avalanche-feeding and partially debris-covered glacier and its response to atmospheric warming in Mt. Tomor, Tian Shan, China
Authors: Wang Puyu , Li Zhongqin , Li Huilin
Published: July 2016

Abstract. Qingbingtan Glacier No. 72 in Mt. Tomor region is a small cirque-valley glacier with complex topography and debris-covered areas. Investigating its variation process will provide meaningful information for understanding the response of debris-covered glaciers existing broadly to climate change. The glacier accumulation area is characterized by receiving large amounts of precipitation and experiencing frequent snow/ice avalanches; temperature and flow regimes are analogous to a temperate or a monsoonal maritime glacier. Data from in-situ observations since 2008 and digitized earlier maps indicate the glacier has been in retreat and experienced thinning during the past 50 years. Between 1964 and 2008, its terminus retreat was 41 m a−1, area reduction was 0.034 km2 a−1, and its thickness decreased at an average rate of 0.6 m a−1 in the ablation area. With the melting enhancing, the proportion of the debris-covered area and thickness increased as well as inhibition of debris cover to melting. Thus, despite the persistent atmospheric warming during the last several decades, the strongest ablation and most significant terminus retreat and area reduction of the glacier occurred at the end of the last century and the beginning of this century rather than in most recent years. Based on a comprehensive analysis of climate change, glacier response delay, glacial topographic features and debris-cover influence, the glacier will continue to retreat in the upcoming decades, yet with a gradually decreasing speed. Then it will stabilize after its terminus retreats to an elevation of approximately 4000 m a.s.l.
“Goldilocks” Theorizing in Supply Chain Research: Balancing Scientific and Practical Utility via Middle‐Range Theory
Authors: Craighead Christopher W. , Ketchen David J. , Cheng Li
Published: July 2016

While supply chain scholars have made considerable progress in theory building and testing, there has been a relative dearth of middle range theory. Middle‐range theory (MRT) is context‐specific conceptualization providing theoretically grounded insights readily applicable to an empirical context. It promotes rigorous and relevant research, bridges practice and theory, and conveys deeper understanding of how and why phenomena occur. The lack of significant MRT is surprising given the considerable efforts supply chain scholars exert to stay grounded in industry practices. As a result, we put forth a broad call for more middle‐range theorizing and provide guidance on how supply chain scholars may meet this call. Specifically, we describe a MRT lever—theoretical contextualization—that strikes a balance between theory and industry and then present two overarching strategies (bottom‐up and top‐down) for MRT development. We discuss these strategies in the supply chain domain and identify how middle‐range theorizing may be undertaken in four emerging, yet important, topics.
Full Steam Ahead: Firms in the US Economy Adjust Inventory for Changes in Transportation Costs But Not the Reverse
Authors: Swanson David , Williams Brent D. , Gu Jingping , Waller Matthew A.
Published: July 2016

Logistics theory suggests that transportation and inventory policies are jointly considered by managers because these costs have offsetting properties. For example, when inventory is ordered less frequently, total transportation costs are likely to be lower due to economies of scale; yet inventory carrying costs are likely to be higher. This research analyzes aggregate transportation and inventory costs in the United States from 1960 to 2013, finding that, in the US economy as a whole, inventory and transportation costs are in long‐term equilibrium. Furthermore, inventory seems to be adjusted for changes in transportation costs; however, transportation costs are not adjusted for changes in inventory costs.
Supply Chain Cost Minimization by Collaboration between Liner Shipping Companies and Port Operators
Authors: Liu Zhiyuan , Wang Shuaian , Du Yuquan , Wang Hua
Published: July 2016

The container handling rates at ports are input for container shipping operations planning by shipping lines. The handling rates are unilaterally determined by port operators. This article points out that it may be possible for port operators to provide higher handling rates at some additional costs. The higher handling rates will enable ships to have more time sailing at sea, leading to less fuel consumption. The reduction in fuel costs for shipping lines may be more significant than the additional costs incurred by port operators. We therefore propose a practical and easy‐to‐implement collaborative mechanism between shipping lines and port operators, where the shipping lines compensate the port operators for their additional costs. As a result, the overall efficiency of container transportation is improved.
PRECIPITAÇÃO SOBRE A AMÉRICA DO SUL E SUAS RELAÇÕES COM A OSCILAÇÃO MULTIDECADAL DO ATLÂNTICO E A OSCILAÇÃO DO ATLÂNTICO NORTE (RAINFALL OVER SOUTH AND ITS RELATIONS WITH AMERICA SWING MULTIDECADAL ATLANTIC AND SWING THE NORTH ATLANTIC)
Authors: Santos Nayara Arroxelas dos , Siqueira Anderlan Henrique Batista , Melo Maria Luciene Dias de
Published: July 2016

Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar e avaliar qual o grau de correlação entre a precipitação sobre a América do Sul e as oscilações que ocorrem sobre a região do atlântico norte, Oscilação Multidecadal do Atlântico (OMA), sobre o oceano, e Oscilação do Atlântico Norte (OAN), na atmosfera. Foram coletados os dados dos índices das oscilações e da precipitação que cobrem um períodos de janeiro de 1900 a dezembro de 2012 para os índices e de janeiro de 1900 a dezembro de 2008 para a precipitação. Para tal, fez o uso das técnicas estatísticas Análise Exploratória de Dados e Correlação ordinária de Pearson. Analisaram-se os índices e se observou que existem dois modos preponderantes da OMA, um positivo de 1927 a 1964 e um negativo de 1965 a 1995. Todas as análises foram feitas baseadas nesses dois modos. Observaram-se nas anomalias, levando em consideração os dois modos da OMA, da precipitação um padrão único e oposto entre os modos da OMA, isto é, as regiões que apresentaram aumento da precipitação no modo positivo e apresentaram redução da precipitação no modo negativo e vice-versa. Os coeficientes de correlação entre o índice da OMA e a precipitação sobre o continente apresentou o mesmo padrão em ambos os modos da OMA, mostrando que a maior parte do continente apresentou correlação negativa. Isso mostra uma relação inversa entre a OMA e a precipitação, quando a OMA se apresentou negativa/positiva, a precipitação sobre o continente aumentou/diminuiu. Já em relação a OAN, durante o modo positivo da OMA, observou-se o mesmo padrão da correlação com a OMA. Contudo, no modo negativo da OMA, a correlação da precipitação com OAN mostrou um padrão aleatório. Esse fato pode estar relacionado com as teleconexões com outros fenômenos, por exemplo, El Niño – Oscilação Sul. Notou-se que a interação entre os fenômenos que ocorrem na parte norte do oceano atlântico é evidente.
AVALIAÇÃO DA TEMPERATURA DE SUPERFÍCIE CONTINENTAL (TSC) E O USO DA TERRA NA BACIA DA USINA HIDRELÉTRICA DE BARRA DOS COQUEIROS (GO), POR MEIO DO SENSORIAMENTO REMOTO (CONTINENTAL SURFACE TEMPERATURE (TSC) ASSESSMENT AND THE USE OF LAND IN THE BASIN OF THE HYDROELECTRIC PLANT OF BARRA DOS COQUEIROS (GO) BY MEANS OF REMOTE SENSING.)
Authors: Pereira Clarissa Cardoso , Mariano Zilda De Fátima , Wachholz Flávio , Cabral João Batista Pereira
Published: July 2016

O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar a temperatura de superfície continental (TSC) nos diferentes usos da terra da bacia da Usina Hidrelétrica (UHE) de Barra dos Coqueiros. O uso da terra e estimativa da TSC foram realizados a partir da imagem do Landsat 5, em datas  representativas dos períodos chuvoso e seco. A TSC foi calculada a partir da metodologia de Lucena (2012), na qual os dados de temperatura e umidade relativa do ar serviram para obtenção da TSC. Para o período seco, identificaram-se 6 usos (pastagens, matas, agricultura, água, cerrado e área urbana), sendo os mesmos para o período chuvoso, entretanto, com diferença nas áreas de pastagens que diminuíram e de cerrado e mata que aumentaram. A TSC no período chuvoso apresentou dois intervalos, entre 10,0º C e 45,0º C, em que as TSC amenas apresentaram-se nas áreas de lago e as elevadas predominaram na área urbana. A TSC no período seco apresentou intervalo entre 10,0 ºC e 50,0 °C, com valores amenos em área do reservatório e elevado em solo exposto. Constatou-se que a TSC apresentou comportamento espacial de acordo com os diferentes usos da terra e comportamento temporal no período seco e chuvoso, devido às condições da vegetação.
REGIÕES COM SIMILARIDADE DE HORAS DE FRIO NO OUTONO-INVERNO NO SUL DO BRASIL (CHILLING HOURS HOMOGENEOUS AREAS IN AUTUMN-WINTER IN SOUTHERN BRAZIL)
Authors: Wrege Marcos Silveira , Herter Flávio Gilberto , Fritzsons Elenice
Published: July 2016

O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar, na Região Sul do Brasil, zonas homogêneas quanto às horas de frio no período outono-inverno e contribuir, assim, para estudos de riscos climáticos para espécies frutíferas e florestais criófilas, cultivadas em regiões de clima temperado. As regiões foram delimitadas por análise de agrupamento, com variáveis classificatórias definidas pela disponibilidade estacional de horas de frio (<7,2 oC) acumuladas no período maio-setembro. A análise permitiu o reconhecimento de cinco zonas homogêneas de horas de frio na Região Sul do Brasil. O Litoral e o Noroeste do Paraná apresentam os menores valores, enquanto as regiões serranas apresentam os maiores valores. Nas demais regiões, os valores são intermediários, permitindo a diversificação das atividades de fruticultura e de florestas.
EXPOSIÇÃO DO TRABALHADOR RURAL À RADIAÇÃO ULTRAVIOLETA: ESTUDO NO SUL DE MINAS GERAIS (RURAL WORKER EXPOSURE TO ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION: A STUDY IN THE SOUTH OF MINAS GERAIS)
Authors: Silva Luiz Felipe , Franco Julia Martins , Fernandes Gisele Aparecida , Corrêa Marcelo De Paula
Published: July 2016

Introdução: Pela natureza da atividade do trabalhador rural, predominatemente em ambientes externos, a exposição à radiação ultravioleta (RUV) se configura como um risco importante. Objetivos: avaliar o nível de exposição à RUV entre trabalhadores rurais. Materiais e métodos:  foi realizada avaliação da exposição de 40 trabalhadores rurais à R-UV, com o auxílio do instrumento Solarmeter – Model 6.5, em zona rural de Conceição das Pedras, no sul de Minas Gerais. As doses de RUV eritematosa (RUV-E), expressa em Dose Erimatosa Padrão (DEP), foram calculadas. As medições foram efetuadas nos meses de maio e junho. Aos trabalhadores, foi aplicado questionário para obtenção de variáveis sociodemográficas, agravos associados e fototipos. Resultados: Dos trabalhadores analisados, 20% deles apresentaram 10 eventos de queimaduras ou mais. Sobre histórico familiar de câncer de pele, 22,5% deles manifestaram a ocorrência. Da amostra, 80% dos trabalhadores exercem a atividade com frequência entre às 10h00 e 14h00. Das avaliações realizadas, em três dos quatro dias estudados, a DEP esteve acima de 4,5; faixa de máxima atenção. O fototipo abaixo de III foi observado em 87,5% dos trabalhadores, indicando maior sensibilidade à radiação solar. Para todos os valores registrados de DEP, há risco de desenvolvimento de eritema, para doses entre 2,0 e 4,5 DEP, em fototipos de I a III. Conclusões: Este estudo é uma abordagem inicial, em um tema pouco estudado. Embora a avaliação tenha sido no inverno, os valores observados da dose podem ser considerados importantes, em relação ao risco à saúde.
SAZONALIDADE DA PRECIPITAÇÃO SOBRE A AMAZÔNIA LEGAL BRASILEIRA: CLIMA ATUAL E PROJEÇÕES FUTURAS USANDO O MODELO REGCM4 (SEASONAL PRECIPITATION OVER THE BRAZILIAN LEGAL AMAZON: CLIMATE CURRENT AND FUTURE PROJECTIONS USING REGCM4 MODEL)
Authors: De Souza Everaldo Barreiros , Carmo Alexandre Melo Casseb , Moares Bergson Cavalcante , Nacif Adelaide , Ferreira Douglas Batista da Silva , Rocha Edson José Paulino , Souza Paulo Jorge De Oliveira Ponte
Published: July 2016

Um downscaling dinâmico usando o modelo regional RegCM4 aninhado ao modelo global HadGEM2 com cenário RCP45 do IPCC-AR4 foi conduzido para a Amazônia, com a finalidade de investigar os aspectos regionais da precipitação sazonal durante o clima atual (últimos 25 anos, 1989/2013) e clima futuro (próximos 25 anos, 2015/2039). As simulações para o clima atual indicaram que o modelo regional é capaz de simular as principais características da variabilidade espacial da precipitação nos quatro trimestres ao longo do ano, contudo apresenta erros sistemáticos ao longo da região, especialmente a subestimativa de precipitação na porção nordeste da Amazônia (Amapá e norte/nordeste do Pará) no período chuvoso. As projeções regionais mostram que as mudanças mais expressivas no clima futuro devem ocorrer no setor sudeste/leste da Amazônia com indicações de reduções de até 30% no volume de chuva do trimestre JJA numa grande área que abrange o norte do Mato Grosso e Tocantins, sudeste do Pará e leste do Maranhão.
CARACTERIZAÇÃO DAS CHUVAS ATRAVÉS DO SATÉLITE TRMM EM PETROLÂNDIA-PE (CHARACTERISTICS OF RAINFALL THROUGH THE TRMM SATELLITE IN PETROLÂNDIA-PE)
Authors: Anjos Rafael Silva , Candeias Ana Lucia Bezerra , Nóbrega Ranyére Silva
Published: July 2016

A precipitação é considerada como um dos elementos hidrológicos que mais variam no espaço e no tempo. Portanto, é de suma importância estudos que visam a compreensão dos fatores climáticos que determinam as variações das chuvas para que seus resultados favoreçam melhor aproveitamento da água, assim como a prevenção de eventos extremos. Diante disso, o monitoramento das chuvas através de dados de precipitação torna-se extremamente importante, no entanto, os dados oriundos de estações pluviométricas são susceptíveis a erros humanos e pouca representatividade espacial dependendo da região. Diante dessa problemática, o sensoriamento remoto torna-se uma ferramenta para minimizar esses erros, aumentando a disponibilidade de dados de chuvas. O satélite TRMM vem sendo usado para levantamento de dados de chuvas para toda a região dos trópicos, com objetivo de estudar a precipitação e sua variação por todo o globo. O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar a qualidade das estimativas do satélite TRMM no município de Petrolândia em Pernambuco, analisando as variações das chuvas convectivas e estratiformes, relacionando-as com fenômenos climáticos e eventos extremos.
Editorial
Authors: Mendonça Francisco De Assis
Published: July 2016

Editorial
Study on Germination of Seven Barley Cultivars (Hordeum vulgare L.) under Salt Stress
Authors: Abdi Najoua , Wasti Salma , Salem Moncef Ben , Faleh Mouldi El , Mallek-Maalej Elhem
Published: July 2016

The present work aims to study the germination behavior of seven Tunisian varieties of barley (Kounouz, Faiz, Roho, Manel, Lemsi, Rihane and Tej) during germination without or with NaCl. These varieties have been chosen in order to have the greatest possible diversity on the agro-physiologic level and to select tolerant plants to salinity. Barley grains are germinated (in Petri dishes lined with a double layer of filter paper soaked) in a solution of NaCl 0, 50, 100, 150, 200 mM for 7days. Two germination criteria were studied: the radicle breaching and the coleoptile’s emergence. The measured parameters were the kinetics, the germination rate, the final germination and the GSI (Germination Stress Index). The results showed that, daily germination decreased significantly under NaCl. If we consider the two germination criteria, salt exerts a depressive effect on seed germination capacity of barley and slows germination speed. There is also an important intra-specific variability opposite of salinity. The studied barley varieties were classified in descending order of salt tolerance as following: Roho > Faiz > Kounouz > Manel > Rihane > Lemsi > Tej.
Transgender women, hormonal therapy and HIV treatment: a comprehensive review of the literature and recommendations for best practices
Authors: Radix Asa , Sevelius Jae , Deutsch Madeline B
Published: July 2016

Introduction

Studies have shown that transgender women (TGW) are disproportionately affected by HIV, with an estimated HIV prevalence of 19.1% among TGW worldwide. After receiving a diagnosis, HIV‐positive TGW have challenges accessing effective HIV treatment, as demonstrated by lower rates of virologic suppression and higher HIV‐related mortality. These adverse HIV outcomes have been attributed to the multiple sociocultural and structural barriers that negatively affect their engagement within the HIV care continuum. Guidelines for feminizing hormonal therapy among TGW recommend combinations of oestrogens and androgen blockers. Pharmacokinetic studies have shown that certain antiretroviral therapy (ART) agents, such as protease inhibitors (PIs), non‐nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) and cobicistat, interact with ethinyl estradiol, the key oestrogen component of oral contraceptives (OCPs). The goal of this article is to provide an overview of hormonal regimens used by TGW, to summarize the known drug‐drug interactions (DDIs) between feminizing hormonal regimens and ART, and to provide clinical care recommendations.

Methods

The authors identified English language articles examining DDIs between oestrogen therapy, androgen blockers and ART published between 1995 and 2015 using PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature and EBSCOhost.

Results and Discussion

Published articles predominantly addressed interactions between ethinyl estradiol and NNRTIs and PIs. No studies examined interactions between ART and the types and doses of oestrogens found in feminizing regimens. DDIs that may have the potential to result in loss of virologic suppression included ethinyl estradiol and amprenavir, unboosted fosamprenavir and stavudine. No clinically significant DDIs were noted with other anti‐retroviral agents or androgen blockers

Conclusions

There are insufficient data to address DDIs between ART and feminizing hormone regimens used by TGW. There is an urgent need for further research in this area, specifically pharmacokinetic studies to study the direction and degree of interactions between oral, injectable and transdermal estradiol and ART. Clinicians need to be vigilant about possible interactions and monitor hormone levels if concerns arise. More research is also needed on the provision of hormone therapy and gender‐affirming care on the long‐term health outcomes of HIV‐positive TGW.