bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Random Forest, k-Nearest Neighbor, and Support Vector Machine Classifiers for Land Cover Classification Using Sentinel-2 Imagery
Authors: Thanh Noi Phan , Kappas Martin
Published: December 2017

In previous classification studies, three non-parametric classifiers, Random Forest (RF), k-Nearest Neighbor (kNN), and Support Vector Machine (SVM), were reported as the foremost classifiers at producing high accuracies. However, only a few studies have compared the performances of these classifiers with different training sample sizes for the same remote sensing images, particularly the Sentinel-2 Multispectral Imager (MSI). In this study, we examined and compared the performances of the RF, kNN, and SVM classifiers for land use/cover classification using Sentinel-2 image data. An area of 30 × 30 km2 within the Red River Delta of Vietnam with six land use/cover types was classified using 14 different training sample sizes, including balanced and imbalanced, from 50 to over 1250 pixels/class. All classification results showed a high overall accuracy (OA) ranging from 90% to 95%. Among the three classifiers and 14 sub-datasets, SVM produced the highest OA with the least sensitivity to the training sample sizes, followed consecutively by RF and kNN. In relation to the sample size, all three classifiers showed a similar and high OA (over 93.85%) when the training sample size was large enough, i.e., greater than 750 pixels/class or representing an area of approximately 0.25% of the total study area. The high accuracy was achieved with both imbalanced and balanced datasets.
The Great Scottish Housing Disaster: The Impacts of Feudalism, Modernism, Energy Efficiency and Vapour Barriers on Indoor Air Quality, Asthma and Public Health
Authors: Howieson Stirling
Published: December 2017

This paper represents 30 years of research into the arena of housing and health. It brings together the conclusions of three books and the findings of multiple research papers undertaken by the author and published by medical, engineering and social policy journals. This work aims to highlight the links and connections between the diverse arenas of urban form, building design, energy efficiency, indoor air quality, respiratory medicine and immunology, all within the socio-economic framework of a small damp country on the fringe of northern Europe.
Behaviour of Charged Spinning Massless Particles
Authors: Morales Ivan , Neves Bruno , Oporto Zui , Piguet Olivier
Published: December 2017

We revisit the classical theory of a relativistic massless charged point particle with spin and interacting with an external electromagnetic field. In particular, we give a proper definition of its kinetic energy and its total energy, the latter being conserved when the external field is stationary. We also write the conservation laws for the linear and angular momenta. Finally, we find that the particle’s velocity may differ from c as a result of the spin—electromagnetic field interaction, without jeopardizing Lorentz invariance.
Model Selection and Quality Estimation of Time Series Models for Artificial Technical Surface Generation
Authors: Eifler Matthias , Ströer Felix , Rief Sebastian , Seewig Jörg
Published: December 2017

Standard compliant parameter calculation in surface topography analysis takes the manufacturing process into account. Thus, the measurement technician can be supported with automated suggestions for preprocessing, filtering and evaluation of the measurement data based on the character of the surface topography. Artificial neuronal networks (ANN) are one approach for the recognition or classification of technical surfaces. However the required set of training data for ANN is often not available, especially when data acquisition is time consuming or expensive—as e.g., measuring surface topography. Thus, generation of artificial (simulated) data becomes of interest. An approach from time series analysis is chosen and examined regarding its suitability for the description of technical surfaces: the ARMAsel model, an approach for time series modelling which is capable of choosing the statistical model with the smallest prediction error and the best number of coefficients for a certain surface. With a reliable model which features the relevant stochastic properties of a surface, a generation of training data for classifiers of artificial neural networks is possible. Based on the determined ARMA-coefficients from the ARMAsel-approach, with only few measured datasets many different artificial surfaces can be generated which can be used for training classifiers of an artificial neural network. In doing so, an improved calculation of the model input data for the generation of artificial surfaces is possible as the training data generation is based on actual measurement data. The trained artificial neural network is tested with actual measurement data of surfaces that were manufactured with varying manufacturing methods and a recognition rate of the according manufacturing principle between 60% and 78% can be determined. This means that based on only few measured datasets, stochastic surface information of various manufacturing principles can be extracted in a way that a distinction of these surfaces is possible by an ANN. The ARMAsel approach is proven to provide the relevant stochastic information for the training of the ANN with artificially generated lapped, reamed, ground, horizontally milled, milled and turned surface profiles.
Role of Seawater Desalination in the Management of an Integrated Water and 100% Renewable Energy Based Power Sector in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Caldera Upeksha , Bogdanov Dmitrii , Afanasyeva Svetlana , Breyer Christian
Published: December 2017

This work presents a pathway for Saudi Arabia to transition from the 2015 power structure to a 100% renewable energy-based system by 2050 and investigates the benefits of integrating the power sector with the growing desalination sector. Saudi Arabia can achieve 100% renewable energy power system by 2040 while meeting increasing water demand through seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) and multiple effect distillation (MED) desalination plants. The dominating renewable energy sources are PV single-axis tracking and wind power plants with 243 GW and 83 GW, respectively. The levelised cost of electricity (LCOE) of the 2040 system is 49 €/MWh and decreases to 41 €/MWh by 2050. Corresponding levelised cost of water (LCOW) is found to be 0.8 €/m3 and 0.6 €/m3. PV single-axis tracking dominates the power sector. By 2050 solar PV accounts for 79% of total electricity generation. Battery storage accounts for 41% of total electricity demand. In the integrated scenario, due to flexibility provided by SWRO plants, there is a reduced demand for battery storage and power-to-gas (PtG) plants as well as a reduction in curtailment. Thus, the annual levelised costs of the integrated scenario is found to be 1–3% less than the non-integrated scenario.
Using Artificial Neural Networks to Solve the Problem Represented by BOD and DO Indicators
Authors: Gomolka Zbigniew , Twarog Boguslaw , Zeslawska Ewa , Lewicki Arkadiusz , Kwater Tadeusz
Published: December 2017

The paper presents a new approach to solving the problem of water quality control in rivers. We proposed an intelligent system that monitors and controls the quality of water in a river. The distributed measuring system works with a central control system that uses the intelligent analytical computing system. The Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Dissolved Oxygens (DO) index was used to assess the state of water quality. Because the results for the DO measurement are immediate, while the measurement of the BOD parameter is performed in a laboratory environment over a period of several days, we used Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) for immediate estimation BOD to overcome the problem of controlling river water quality in real time. Mathematical models of varying complexity that represent indicators of water quality in the form of BOD and DO were presented and described with ordinary and distributed-parameters differential equations. The two-layered feed-forward neural network learned with supervised strategy has been tasked with estimating the BOD state coordinate. Using classic ANN properties, the difficult-to-measure river ecological state parameters interpolation effect was achieved. The quality of the estimation obtained in this way was compared to the quality of the estimation obtained using the Kalman–Bucy filter. Based on the results of simulation studies obtained, it was proved that it is possible to control river aeration based on the measurements of particular state coordinates and the use of an intelligent module that completes the “knowledge” concerning unmeasured data. The presented models can be further applied to describe other cascade objects.
MYBL2 Is Targeted by miR-143-3p and Regulates Breast Cancer Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis
Authors: Chen Jianli , Chen Xiaowen
Published: December 2017

Breast cancer remains a public health issue on a global scale. The present study aimed to explore the functional role of MYB proto-oncogene like 2 (MYBL2) in breast cancer, as well as underlying mechanisms. The regulatory relationship between miR-143-3p and MYBL2 was analyzed, and the
effects of dysregulation of miR-143-3p and MYBL2 on cell proliferation and apoptosis were investigated. The results showed that MYBL2 and miR-143-3p were inversely expressed in breast cancer tissues and cells: MYBL2 was highly expressed, whereas miR-143-3p was lowly expressed. MYBL2 was confirmed
as a target gene of miR-143-3p. Suppression of MYBL2 inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis of breast cancer cells, which was similar to the effects of overexpression of miR-143-3p. Our findings reveal that MYBL2 is targeted by miR-143-3p and regulates breast cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis.
Facile synthesis of silver/silver thiocyanate (Ag@AgSCN) plasmonic nanostructures with enhanced photocatalytic performance
Authors: Zhao Xinfu , Chen Dairong , Qayum Abdul , Chen Bo , Jiao Xiuling
Published: December 2017

A nanostructured plasmonic photocatalyst, silver/silver thiocyanate (Ag@AgSCN), has been prepared by a simple precipitation method followed by UV-light-induced reduction. The ratio of Ag to silver thiocyanate (AgSCN) can be controlled by simply adjusting the photo-induced reduction time. The formation mechanism of the product was investigated based on the time-dependent experiments. Further experiments indicated that the prepared Ag@AgSCN nanostructures with an atomic ratio of Ag/AgSCN = 0.0463 exhibited high photocatalytic activity and long-term stability for the degradation of oxytetracycline (84%) under visible-light irradiation. In addition to the microstructure and high specific surface area, the enhanced photocatalytic activity was mainly caused by the surface plasmon resonance of Ag nanoparticles, and the high stability of AgSCN resulted in the long-term stability of the photocatalyst product.
Quality and Readability of English-Language Internet Information for Tinnitus
Authors: Manchaiah Vinaya , Dockens Ashley L. , Flagge Ashley , Bellon-Harn Monica , Azios Jamie Hartwell , Kelly-Campbell Rebecca J. , Andersson Gerhard
Published: December 2017

Background:Because of the wealth of information available on the internet and increasing numbers of individuals relying on websites as a primary source of information for health-related questions, it is important that the readability of their content is within the comprehension
level of most readers.Objective:The study evaluated the quality and readability of English-language Internet information for tinnitus.Research Design:Analysis of Internet websites on tinnitus.Study Sample:A total of 134 websites with tinnitus information.Data Collection
and Analysis:Three key words (i.e., tinnitus, ringing in the ear, and buzzing in the ear) were entered in five country-specific versions of the most commonly used internet search engine in August 2016. For each of the 15 searches, the first 20 relevant websites were examined. After removing
duplicates, a total of 134 websites were assessed. Their origin (commercial, nonprofit organization, government, personal, or university), quality (Health On the Net [HON] certification and DISCERN scores), and readability (Flesch Reading Ease score, Flesch-Kincaid Reading Grade Level Formula,
and Simple Measure of Gobbledygook) were assessed.Results:Most websites were of commercial (49.3%) or nonprofit organization (38.8%) origin. Their quality and readability was highly variable. Only 13.5% of websites had HON certification. χ2 analysis showed that there
was significant association between website origin and HON certification [χ2(4) = 132.9, p < 0.0001]. The mean DISCERN scores were 2.39. No association between DISCERN scores and website origin was found. Readability measures showed that on average, only people with
at least 10‐12 yr of education could read and understand the internet information for tinnitus in websites. Almost all the websites exceeded the most stringent reading level recommended for health information.Conclusions:The results highlight great variability in the quality
and readability of health information, specifically for tinnitus in the internet. These findings underscores the need for stakeholders (e.g., web-developers, clinicians) to be aware of this and to develop more user-friendly health information on websites to make it more accessible for people
with low literacy.
Determining the Lorentz Factor and Viewing Angle of GRB 170817A
Authors: Zou Yuan-Chuan , Wang Fei-Fei , Moharana Reetanjali , Liao Bin , Chen Wei , Wu Qingwen , Lei Wei-Hua , Wang Fa-Yin
Published: December 2017

The weak short gamma-ray burst (GRB) 170817A was accompanied by the GW170817 gravitational-wave event and is believed to have been produced by an off-beam relativistic jet. Here, we use the

and

relations to determine its Lorentz factor Γ and the viewing angle from the edge of the jet

of GRB 170817A. Our results indicate that

and

, corresponding to an on-axis

and

erg. Therefore, the GRB was an intrinsically weak short GRB. We also find that the afterglow emission was in good agreement with the follow-up multiband observations and that the radio emissions at around 20 days may have come from the off-axis jet. Interestingly, the Doppler factor and luminosity follow a universal relation for GRBs and blazars, thus suggesting that they may share a similar radiation mechanism.
Une politique sans État ?
Authors: Brejon de Lavergnée Matthieu
Published: December 2017

Le premier xix e siècle connaît un contexte de régulation libérale de l’assistance où l’État se tient en retrait, favorisant une gestion locale des secours dévolue aux échelons communal, associatif et congréganiste. Il s’agit ici de montrer comment les catholiques investissent le champ traditionnel de la charité, renouvelé par la veine philanthropique, au sein de vastes associations particulièrement développées à Paris tout autant que de congrégations féminines qui jouissent d’une quasi-délégation de service public dans les bureaux de bienfaisance, les écoles et les hôpitaux. La démonstration s’appuie sur une analyse de l’espace parisien conduite à l’échelle du quartier et de la rue qui permet de tester l’hypothèse d’une « nébuleuse » charitable / philanthrope / réformatrice à l’heure où la résolution de la question sociale mobilise des univers sociaux et religieux variés.
L’État comme ressource symbolique dans le monde philanthropique ?
Authors: Monier Anne
Published: December 2017

L’article pose la question des formes de soutien que l’État apporte aux American Friends – associations qui lèvent des fonds aux États-Unis pour les institutions culturelles françaises. Il analyse la centralité des ressources symboliques que les acteurs étatiques étudiés (diplomates, élus, présidents d’institution culturelle, conservateurs, etc.) mettent à leur disposition : ouverture des lieux de pouvoir, remise de décoration, etc. Pour ce faire, il s’appuie sur une enquête qualitative multisituée menée en France et aux États-Unis, qui éclaire la dimension transnationale de la philanthropie, et questionne l’idée souvent avancée d’un désengagement de l’État face à la globalisation.
Comment étudier les pratiques mémorielles liées aux attentats ?
Authors: Antichan Sylvain
Published: December 2017

En s’appuyant sur une enquête ethnographique localisée autour des mémoriaux éphémères qui ont pris place dans le 11 e arrondissement parisien après le 13 novembre 2015, l’article propose une réflexion méthodologique visant à approcher les logiques sociales qui façonnent les pratiques mémorielles liées aux attentats. À côté des travaux fondés sur l’hypothèse d’une « mémoire traumatique », une telle démarche montre le rôle des situations sociales, des habitudes et des institutions dans ce qui est dit et fait face aux mémoriaux. Ces derniers induisent en effet des gestes et des propos qui épurent et dépolitisent les représentations hétérogènes des acteurs.
Un art guerrier aux frontières des Grands Lacs. Aux racines dansées du Front patriotique rwandais
Authors: Riot Thomas , Bancel Nicolas , Rutayisire Paul
Published: December 2017

Entre le début des années 1960 et la fin des années 1980, des danses guerrières inventées au Rwanda furent exportées dans les territoires de la diaspora tutsi au Burundi, en Ouganda, en Tanzanie et dans l’ex-Zaïre. Ces actions chorégraphiques composent des techniques de soi empruntées aux mondes de la vache, du roi et du guerrier. Au cours des années 1960-1970, tandis que les groupes politisés et armés de la diaspora faisaient face à d’importantes divisions (stratégiques, militaires), les danses œuvrèrent à la réunion de deux corps, politique et combattant. Dans l’espace poreux et internationalisé des organisations qui formaient peu à peu le nouvel État du Front patriotique rwandais, un art chorégraphique se déploya comme l’une des matrices d’un nouvel élan de nationalisme guerrier.
Le son et lumière de Friedrich Kittler
Authors: Peters John Durham
Published: December 2017

Après une présentation de l’ancrage intellectuel, universitaire et disciplinaire de l’œuvre de Friedrich Kitter, l’article dégage les thèses majeures des Médias optiques et des principales œuvres antérieures, notamment des Aufschreibesysteme et de Grammophon, Film, Typewriter. Cette introduction de la part d’un universitaire américain permet de rappeler que le monde anglo-saxon s’est familiarisé avec la théorie des médias de Kittler depuis plusieurs années déjà. La lecture de Kittler en France gagne à être complexifiée par l’histoire de ses différentes réceptions, dans le monde germanique mais aussi anglo-saxon.
Poétique du réel et optiques littéraires : Friedrich A. Kittler
Authors: Waelti Slaven
Published: December 2017

La notion lacanienne du réel est au cœur de la pensée de Friedrich A. Kittler. Elle en informe la systématicité autant qu’elle permet de déployer une véritable poétique dans laquelle s’inscrit la science des médias – ou Medienwissenschaft. Cette poétique met en jeu des métaphores et des images, elle met en jeu une théorie de l’optique en tant que déterminée par le rapport de l’homme à ses médias, et une théorie de la littérature fondée sur l’axiome mcluhanien selon lequel le médium c’est le message. De la théorie à la pratique, se pose alors la question de la fécondité des thèses kittlériennes pour les études de lettres en général, et pour les questions qui touchent à l’implémentation de l’optique dans des œuvres littéraires en particulier – des médias traditionnels (lanterne magique) ou techniques (film) jusqu’à l’ordinateur. Si l’ordinateur enfin, médium de tous les médias, élimine dans son fonctionnement toute forme d’optique, l’imaginaire prend chez Kittler une éclatante revanche en organisant le réel lui-même en un grand récit, impensable en dehors de cadres poético-spéculatifs.
Fronteiras sociais e simbólicas no espaço público liminar: Um estudo de caso
Authors: Maciel Wellington
Published: December 2017

Este artigo discute a emergência do que se pode chamar espaço público liminar e a natureza das desigualdades que se estruturam segundo os condicionantes topográficos que lhe dão substância. Busca-se apontar a especificidade das marcações e das fronteiras sociais e simbólicas, tomando a Praia do Futuro, em Fortaleza (Ceará, Brasil), como caso típico. Argumenta-se que a característica do espaço urbano e as práticas sociais que o individualizam no interior de uma cidade são fatores que não podem ser menosprezados na análise das novas formas de desigualdades no Brasil contemporâneo. A particularidade deste trabalho está em contribuir para o debate sobre a articulação entre o espaço urbano e as apropriações simbólicas associadas ao lazer praiano.
On the Coloniality of Human Rights
Authors: Maldonado-Torres Nelson
Published: December 2017

The universality of human rights is delimited by what is considered to effectively constitute the state of being human in the first place. In addition to a secular-line that separated the divine from the human, the hegemonic modern Western concept of the human emerged in relation to an onto-Manichean colonial line that often makes human rights discourse inefficient for addressing modern colonialism, or complicit with it. For any decolonization of human rights to occur, there needs to be a decolonization of the concept of the human. Frantz Fanon’s prayer to his body in Black Skin, White Masks offers a basis for building a decolonial humanism and humanities that counter the coloniality of human rights and serve as propaedeutics for any effort to make human rights relevant for decolonization.
Deve a economia feminista ser pós-colonial? Colonialidade económica, género e epistemologias do Sul
Authors: Santos Luciane Lucas dos
Published: December 2017

Neste artigo analiso o fenómeno da colonialidade económica, observando os seus impactos no tecido social e o modo como atinge particularmente a vida das mulheres – nomeadamente as subalternas, estejam elas nas periferias das grandes cidades do mundo ou constituam minorias numéricas ou simbólicas no Sul ou Norte globais. Interessa-me verificar de que modo as colonialidades económica e de género interagem, acentuando a situação de desigualdade em que se encontram estas mulheres. Por fim, indago em que medida as economias feministas podem vir a dialogar mais estreitamente com as teorias pós-coloniais – em particular os estudos pós-coloniais da Economia – e com as epistemologias do Sul, de modo a expor as contradições do discurso moderno de desenvolvimento. Argumento que as economias feministas podem beneficiar da perspetiva pós-colonial e das epistemologias do Sul para analisar as inconsistências da universalização deste discurso e a dinâmica interseccional que conecta questões de género, raça/etnia e classe no âmbito da Economia.
Desobediências político­-epistêmicas de movimentos indígenas no Brasil e na Bolívia como aprendizagens contra­-hegemônicas
Authors: Hashizume Maurício Hiroaki
Published: December 2017

Perduram por quase um século as contribuições teórico­-políticas de Antonio Gramsci, em especial no sentido das definições e das interpretações em torno da noção de hegemonia – combinação de relações de poderes que se sustenta fundamentalmente no consentimento de oprimidos perante opressores. Com base em reflexões sobre a obra gramsciana que consideram a matriz abissal fundada na coisificação de povos racializados/subalternizados, são problematizados os potenciais enfrentamentos da hegemonia capitalista – a qual se vale também da dominação via coerção colonial, desde a sua formação histórica até à contemporaneidade. Daí os aportes de movimentos indígenas no Brasil e na Bolívia que, com seus atos de desobediências político­-epistêmicas em eventos públicos ou posicionamentos políticos, podem ser entendidos como aprendizagens contra­-hegemônicas, em consonância com as epistemologias do Sul.
Osservazioni sulla fauna a Lepidotteri Ropaloceri delle Isole Eolie (Sicilia) (Lepidoptera: Papilionoidea)
Authors: Favilli Leonardo
Published: December 2017

Nel 2014 sono stati raccolti dati su alcune specie di Ropaloceri delle Isole Eolie (Sicilia, Italia). Questi dati precisano meglio la distribuzione di otto specie e nel caso di Cacyreus marshalli Butler, [1898] e di Danaus chrysippus (Linné, 1758) costituiscono la prima segnalazione per queste isole.
Histochemistry today: Detection and location of single molecules
Authors: Pellicciari Carlo
Published: December 2017

Especially in the latest years, histochemical investigations have progressively been oriented toward the visualization and quantitative assessment of single molecules, thanks to the availability of stains, reactions and procedures allowing to detect in situ proteins, or carboydrates or nucleic acid sequences with high specificity. This is evident from the recent literature, where in the large majority of the published articles immunohistochemistry, lectin histochemistry or fluorescence in situ hybridization were used as experimental methodologies. Since in biomedical research it is crucial to specifically label and localize molecules there, where they exert their structural roles and activities, histochemistry will continue to provide scientists the most appropriate tools for tracing molecular maps suitable for reaching a mechanistic explanation of cell functions in tissues.
The genus Anterhynchium in the Philippine Islands (Hymenoptera: Vespidae, Eumeninae)
Authors: Selis Marco
Published: December 2017

A taxonomic study on the genus Anterhynchium de Saussure, 1863 from the Philippine Islands is presented. Two species are recorded: A. astrophilum Giordani Soika, 1996 and A. townesi van der Vecht, 1963. Anterhynchium astrophilum is recorded for the first time since its description, A. flavomarginatum townesi is raised to species rank (A. townesi stat. nov.) and its unknown male is described. A key to the species and new distributional records are provided.
First record of Lindenia tetraphylla (Vander Linden, 1825) and rediscovery of Orthetrum nitidinerve (Selys, 1841) in Sicily (Insecta: Odonata)
Authors: Surdo Salvatore
Published: December 2017

The first Sicilian record of Lindenia tetraphylla and a new regional record of Orthetrum nitidinerve, species not recorded since 1975 in mainland Sicily, are here reported. All individuals of L. tetraphylla and O. nitidinerve were observed in the same site in the province of Trapani.
Coleoptera, Beetles. Volume 1: Morphology and Systematics. Archostemata, Adephaga, Myxophaga, Polyphaga partim.
Authors: Minelli Alessandro
Published: December 2017

Not available
I Lepidotteri della “Palude del Busatello” (Verona, Mantova)
Authors: Triberti Paolo , Longo Turri Giuseppe , Adami Renzo , Zanetti Adriano
Published: December 2017

Con il presente lavoro vengono riportati i risultati di 5 anni di ricerche (2011-2015) sui Lepidotteri della zona umida “Palude del Busatello” (comuni di Gazzo Veronese ed Ostiglia, province di Verona e Mantova). Complessivamente, sommando i dati storici di una precedente campagna (1981-1983), sono state censite 429 specie delle quali 2 nuove per la fauna italiana: Acleris lorquiniana (Duponchel, 1835) e Rhyparioides metelkana (Lederer, 1861). Altre due specie, Monochroa suffusella (Douglas, 1850) e M. divisella (Douglas, 1850) sono state solo recentemente segnalate come nuove per l’Italia in alcune aree umide del Friuli Venezia Giulia. Tutte le specie sono elencate in una tabella e per ognuna vengono riportati distribuzione, corologia, regime alimentare, fenologia, modalità di raccolta ed ecotipo. Le specie strettamente legate all’ambiente palustre sono state commentate, assieme alle più caratteristiche dell’area circumpalustre. L’importanza dell’area è sottolineata dalla presenza di Lycaena dispar (Haworth, 1803), una specie protetta inclusa nella Direttiva Comunitaria Habitat (Dir. 92/43 CEE). Una comparazione con il precedente studio ha evidenziato un aumento del numero di specie caratteristiche della fascia arborea (dal 22 al 40%), dovuto principalmente alla riforestazione effettuata in alcuni settori del biotopo. Ulteriori comparazioni sono state effettuate con alcuni biotopi umidi friulani recentemente censiti e studiati. Sono inoltre discussi in dettaglio gli aspetti gestionali dell’area.
Remark on the equations of axially symmetric gravitational fields
Authors: Cimatti Giovanni
Published: December 2017

A local theorem of existence and uniqueness of solutions of the equations of stationary axially symmetric vacuum gravitational fields in the general theory of relativity close to the flat space solution is proved using the implicit function theorem in Banach spaces.
The Dark Side of British Horror Fiction: Politics, Taboos and Censorship
Authors: Lázaro Alberto
Published: December 2017

Nearly two and a half centuries have passed since the first British Gothic novels began to attract attention with their pages full of monstrous characters, excessive violence, explicit sexual content and all kinds of horrific scenes. For the most part, the reception of this type of literature has been very positive, though not exempt from controversies. This paper seeks to show how, beyond the alluring mystery, inventive plots and attraction of the dark side, British horror fiction appeals to the reader’s inner desires and imagination by means of transgressive political, religious or sexual contents that often defy taboos and social decorum. To illustrate this argument, three well-known authors and texts from three different periods will be discussed: Matthew Gregory Lewis’s The Monk (1796), Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu’s “Carmilla” (1872) and Anthony Burgess’s A Clockwork Orange (1962).
English Word-Formation Types in Croatian: The Case of Morphological Adaptation of Noun Phrases in Economic Terminology
Authors: Fabijanić Ivo
Published: December 2017

The influx of Anglicisms is no longer limited to simple and open-class words in a lexicon, but it is also open to complex words and multiword expressions (e.g., phraseological units and simple sentences). Complex words are not only borrowed with their original English affixes (prefixes), but can also be formed with the addition of bound morphemes from the recipient language. This paper aims to shed more light on current Anglicisms in terms of noun phrase formation and adaptation from economic terminology into the Croatian language. It presents the results of transmorphemisation within a three-degree adaptational framework: zero, partial/compromise and complete transmorphemisation. Each adaptational degree is exemplified by English models and Croatian replicas, all described and explained in these terms. For the sake of comparison, illustration and the applicability of the model, some examples of noun phrases found in Russian, Slovene and Serbian are also provided.
Improved methods for signal processing in measurements of mercury by Tekran® 2537A and 2537B instruments
Authors: Ambrose Jesse L.
Published: December 2017

Abstract. Atmospheric Hg measurements are commonly carried out using Tekran® Instruments Corporation's model 2537 Hg vapor analyzers, which employ gold amalgamation preconcentration sampling and detection by thermal desorption (TD) and atomic fluorescence spectrometry (AFS). A generally overlooked and poorly characterized source of analytical uncertainty in those measurements is the method by which the raw Hg atomic fluorescence (AF) signal is processed. Here I describe new software-based methods for processing the raw signal from the Tekran® 2537 instruments, and I evaluate the performances of those methods together with the standard Tekran® internal signal processing method. For test datasets from two Tekran® instruments (one 2537A and one 2537B), I estimate that signal processing uncertainties in Hg loadings determined with the Tekran® method are within ±[1 % +  1.2 pg] and ±[6 % + 0.21 pg], respectively. I demonstrate that the Tekran® method can produce significant low biases (≥  5 %) not only at low Hg sample loadings (<  5 pg) but also at tropospheric background concentrations of gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) and total mercury (THg) (∼  1 to 2 ng m−3) under typical operating conditions (sample loadings of 5–10 pg). Signal processing uncertainties associated with the Tekran® method can therefore represent a significant unaccounted for addition to the overall  ∼  10 to 15 % uncertainty previously estimated for Tekran®-based GEM and THg measurements. Signal processing bias can also add significantly to uncertainties in Tekran®-based gaseous oxidized mercury (GOM) and particle-bound mercury (PBM) measurements, which often derive from Hg sample loadings < 5 pg. In comparison, estimated signal processing uncertainties associated with the new methods described herein are low, ranging from within ±0.053 pg, when the Hg thermal desorption peaks are defined manually, to within ±[2 % + 0.080 pg] when peak definition is automated. Mercury limits of detection (LODs) decrease by 31 to 88 % when the new methods are used in place of the Tekran® method. I recommend that signal processing uncertainties be quantified in future applications of the Tekran® 2537 instruments.
Bryophyte-dominated biological soil crusts mitigate soil erosion in an early successional Chinese subtropical forest
Authors: Seitz Steffen , Nebel Martin , Goebes Philipp , Käppeler Kathrin , Schmidt Karsten , Shi Xuezheng , Song Zhengshan , Webber Carla L. , Weber Bettina , Scholten Thomas
Published: December 2017

Abstract. This study investigated the development of biological soil crusts (biocrusts) in an early successional subtropical forest plantation and their impact on soil erosion. Within a biodiversity and ecosystem functioning experiment in southeast China (biodiversity and ecosystem functioning (BEF) China), the effect of these biocrusts on sediment delivery and runoff was assessed within micro-scale runoff plots under natural rainfall, and biocrust cover was surveyed over a 5-year period. Results showed that biocrusts occurred widely in the experimental forest ecosystem and developed from initial light cyanobacteria- and algae-dominated crusts to later-stage bryophyte-dominated crusts within only 3 years. Biocrust cover was still increasing after 6 years of tree growth. Within later-stage crusts, 25 bryophyte species were determined. Surrounding vegetation cover and terrain attributes significantly influenced the development of biocrusts. Besides high crown cover and leaf area index, the development of biocrusts was favoured by low slope gradients, slope orientations towards the incident sunlight and the altitude of the research plots. Measurements showed that bryophyte-dominated biocrusts strongly decreased soil erosion, being more effective than abiotic soil surface cover. Hence, their significant role in mitigating sediment delivery and runoff generation in mesic forest environments and their ability to quickly colonise soil surfaces after disturbance are of particular interest for soil erosion control in early-stage forest plantations.
Multi-proxy reconstructions of May–September precipitation field in China over the past 500 years
Authors: Shi Feng , Zhao Sen , Guo Zhengtang , Goosse Hugues , Yin Qiuzhen
Published: December 2017

Abstract. The dominant modes of variability of precipitation for the whole of China over the past millennium and the mechanism governing their spatial structure remain unclear. This is mainly due to insufficient high-resolution proxy records of precipitation in western China. Numerous tree-ring chronologies have recently been archived in publicly available databases through PAGES2k activities, and these provide an opportunity to refine precipitation field reconstructions for China. Based on 479 proxy records, including 371 tree-ring width chronologies, a tree-ring isotope chronology, and 107 drought/flood indices, we reconstruct the precipitation field for China for the past half millennium using the optimal information extraction method. A total of 3631 of 4189 grid points in the reconstruction field passed the cross-validation process, accounting for 86.68 % of the total number of grid points. The first leading mode of variability of the reconstruction shows coherent variations over most of China. The second mode is a north–south dipole in eastern China characterized by variations of the same sign in western China and northern China (except for Xinjiang province). It is likely controlled by the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) variability. The third mode is a sandwich triple mode in eastern China including variations of the same sign in western China and central China. The last two modes are reproduced by most of the six coupled climate models' last millennium simulations performed in the framework of the Paleoclimate Modelling Intercomparison Project Phase III (PMIP3). In particular, the link of the second mode with ENSO is confirmed by the models. However, there is a mismatch between models and proxy reconstructions in the time development of different modes. This mismatch suggests the important role of internal variability in the reconstructed precipitation mode variations of the past 500 years.
HIMMELI v1.0: HelsinkI Model of MEthane buiLd-up and emIssion for peatlands
Authors: Raivonen Maarit , Smolander Sampo , Backman Leif , Susiluoto Jouni , Aalto Tuula , Markkanen Tiina , Mäkelä Jarmo , Rinne Janne , Peltola Olli , Aurela Mika , Lohila Annalea , Tomasic Marin , Li Xuefei , Larmola Tuula , Juutinen Sari , Tuittila Eeva-Stiina , Heimann Martin , Sevanto Sanna , Kleinen Thomas , Brovkin Victor , Vesala Timo
Published: December 2017

Abstract. Wetlands are one of the most significant natural sources of methane (CH4) to the atmosphere. They emit CH4 because decomposition of soil organic matter in waterlogged anoxic conditions produces CH4, in addition to carbon dioxide (CO2). Production of CH4 and how much of it escapes to the atmosphere depend on a multitude of environmental drivers. Models simulating the processes leading to CH4 emissions are thus needed for upscaling observations to estimate present CH4 emissions and for producing scenarios of future atmospheric CH4 concentrations. Aiming at a CH4 model that can be added to models describing peatland carbon cycling, we composed a model called HIMMELI that describes CH4 build-up in and emissions from peatland soils. It is not a full peatland carbon cycle model but it requires the rate of anoxic soil respiration as input. Driven by soil temperature, leaf area index (LAI) of aerenchymatous peatland vegetation, and water table depth (WTD), it simulates the concentrations and transport of CH4, CO2, and oxygen (O2) in a layered one-dimensional peat column. Here, we present the HIMMELI model structure and results of tests on the model sensitivity to the input data and to the description of the peat column (peat depth and layer thickness), and demonstrate that HIMMELI outputs realistic fluxes by comparing modeled and measured fluxes at two peatland sites. As HIMMELI describes only the CH4-related processes, not the full carbon cycle, our analysis revealed mechanisms and dependencies that may remain hidden when testing CH4 models connected to complete peatland carbon models, which is usually the case. Our results indicated that (1) the model is flexible and robust and thus suitable for different environments; (2) the simulated CH4 emissions largely depend on the prescribed rate of anoxic respiration; (3) the sensitivity of the total CH4 emission to other input variables is mainly mediated via the concentrations of dissolved gases, in particular, the O2 concentrations that affect the CH4 production and oxidation rates; (4) with given input respiration, the peat column description does not significantly affect the simulated CH4 emissions in this model version.
Adding Four Dimensional Data Assimilation by Analysis Nudging to
the Model for Prediction Across Scales – Atmosphere (Version 4.0)
Authors: Bullock Jr. Orren Russell , Foroutan Hosein , Gilliam Robert C. , Herwehe Jerold A.
Published: December 2017

Abstract. The Model for Prediction Across Scales – Atmosphere (MPAS-A) has been modified to allow four dimensional data assimilation (FDDA) by the nudging of temperature, humidity and wind toward target values predefined on the MPAS-A computational mesh. The addition of nudging allows MPAS-A to be used as a global-scale meteorological driver for retrospective air quality modeling. The technique of analysis nudging developed for the Penn State / NCAR Mesoscale Model, and later applied in the Weather Research and Forecasting model, is implemented in MPAS-A with adaptations for its unstructured Voronoi mesh. Reference fields generated from 1° × 1° National Centers for Environmental Prediction FNL (Final) Operational Global Analysis data were used to constrain MPAS-A simulations on a 92–25 km variable-resolution mesh with refinement centered over the contiguous United States. Test simulations were conducted for January and July 2013 with and without FDDA, and compared to reference fields and near-surface meteorological observations. The results demonstrate that MPAS-A with analysis nudging has high fidelity to the reference data while still maintaining conservation of mass as in the unmodified model. The results also show that application of FDDA constrains model errors relative to 2 m temperature, 2 m water vapor mixing ratio, and 10 m wind speed such that they continue to be at or below the magnitudes found at the start of each test period.
Simulation of a thermoelectric gas sensor that determines hydrocarbon concentrations in exhausts and the light-off temperature of catalyst materials
Authors: Ritter Thomas , Wiegärtner Sven , Hagen Gunter , Moos Ralf
Published: December 2017

Abstract. Catalyst materials can be characterized with a thermoelectric gas sensor. Screen-printed thermopiles measure the temperature difference between an inert part of the planar sensor and a part that is coated with the catalyst material to be analyzed. If the overall sensor temperature is modulated, the catalytic activity of the material can be varied. Exothermic reactions that occur at the catalyst layer cause a temperature increase that can then be measured as a sensor voltage due to the Seebeck coefficient of the thermopiles. This mechanism can also be employed at stationary conditions at constant sensor temperature to measure gas concentrations. Then, the sensor signal changes linearly with the analyte concentration. Many variables influence the sensing performance, for example, the offset voltage due to asymmetric inflow and the resulting inhomogeneous temperature distributions are an issue. For even better understanding of the whole sensing principle, it is simulated in this study by a 3-D finite element model. By coupling all influencing physical effects (fluid flow, gas diffusion, heat transfer, chemical reactions, and electrical properties) a model was set up that is able to mirror the sensor behavior precisely, as the comparison with experimental data shows. A challenging task was to mesh the geometry due to scaling problems regarding the resolution of the thin catalyst layer in the much larger gas tube. Therefore, a coupling of a 3-D and a 1-D geometry is shown. This enables to calculate the overall temperature distribution, fluid flow, and gas concentration distribution in the 3-D model, while a very accurate calculation of the chemical reactions is possible in a 1-D dimension. This work does not only give insight into the results at stationary conditions for varying feed gas concentrations and used substrate materials but shows also how various exhaust gas species behave under transient temperature modulation.
POLUIÇÃO ATMOSFÉRICA URBANA A PARTIR DE DADOS DE AEROSSÓIS MODIS: EFEITO DOS PARÂMETROS METEOROLÓGICOS
Authors: De Souza Amaury , Aparecida da Silva Santos Débora , Priscila Gonçalves Caldin Lariane
Published: December 2017

Dados de espessura óptica de aerossóis gerados por satélite (AOT) podem ser utilizados para monitorar a poluição do ar. No entanto, eles estão sujeitos ao efeito de vários parâmetros meteorológicos. Analisa-se a influência de quatro parâmetros meteorológicos (índice de claridade, temperatura do ar, umidade relativa e velocidade do vento) na estimativa de partículas (PM) de dados MODIS AOT para a cidade de Campo Grande durante o ano de 2008. As correlações dos dados da PM com os dados da AOT foram divididas em quatro estações cronológicas. Determinou-se um coeficiente de correlação mínimo igual a 0.48 para o inverno, mas houve uma correlação muito maior (r > 0.80) para as estações de verão e outono. Análises semelhantes realizadas após todas as observações foram separadas em quatro grupos com base na sua similaridade meteorológica, utilizando-se a análise de K-Means e, dos quatro grupos, três apresentam coeficiente de correlação superior a 0.70. A análise de agrupamento permite que o nível de poluição seja determinado com mais precisão a partir de dados MODIS AOT, à temperatura e umidade relativa mais elevada, mas para menores velocidades do vento e índices de claridade.Palavras-chave: Aerossóis, monitoramento, poluição, estações, modelamento.
Publication of Clinical Trials Data: A New Approach to Transparency in the European Legislative Framework
Authors: Stefanini Elisa
Published: December 2017

The European legislative framework is quickly moving towards transparency of the clinical trials data. The European Medicines Agency (EMA)'s Policy/0070, entered into force on January 1, 2015, marked a complete change of approach, moving from a reactive access, upon any interested parties' request, to a proactive publication of the clinical trials data. This approach will be further straightened with the entry into force of Regulation (EU) No. 536/2014 on clinical trials (CT Regulation), expected in 2019, following the activation of the European portal and database. The purpose of ensuring the transparency of the clinical trials data has to be balanced with compelling interests, including, in particular, the protection of the commercially confidential information (CCI) of the sponsors. The criteria to identify what data shall be considered as CCI and what specific reasons might be given by sponsors to support a request for keeping certain data confidential are not clearly stated by the applicable regulations. Moreover, European case law has not discussed this issue in the merits yet and, thus, no clarifications have been provided so far. This article intends to trace the development of the EMA's transparency policy, and make comparisons between the publication requirements under Policy/0070 and the CT Regulation, with particular regard to the issue of the protection of the sponsors' CCI.
Ethical Crossroads: Expanded Access, Patient Advocacy, and the #SaveJosh Social Media Campaign
Authors: Moch Kenneth I.
Published: December 2017

Expanded access programs raise complex ethical dilemmas regarding the use of experimental medicines to treat life-threatening medical conditions – issues for which there are no simple, monolithic solutions. Beyond the risks to an individual, how does society or a company balance the immediate needs of a critically ill individual versus the potential needs of many future patients? This article offers insights into and learning experiences from the case of a 7-year-old boy whose family sought access to an experimental antiviral medicine being developed by Chimerix, where the author was Chief Executive Officer. The high-profile #SaveJosh social media campaign helped to catalyze and crystalize the international debate on issues of ethics and equity in expanded access, raising questions regarding the role of patient advocacy and the impact of social media on healthcare and the biopharmaceutical industry. Additionally, the #SaveJosh campaign demonstrated how easily thoughtful dialogue can be overwhelmed by a hyper-immediacy that increases the intensity and scrutiny under which these issues must be addressed. Given that the decision to grant an expanded access request lies solely with the leadership of the company developing the experimental medicine, management must evaluate and balance a request against what is known about the safety and efficacy of the compound, where it is in its testing pathway, and any other complexities or risks identified during the development process. Furthermore, companies must craft and be prepared to explain their rationale, including the right not to make an experimental medicine available, to regulators, legislators, patient advocates, and patients in need.