bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of Potential Drought Areas in West Africa Under Climate Change and Variability
Authors: Quenum Gandome Mayeul L. D. , Klutse Nana A. B. , Dieng Diarra , Laux Patrick , Arnault Joël , Kodja Japhet. D. , Oguntunde Philip G. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
The study investigates how the rising global temperature will affect the spatial pattern of rainfall and consequently drought in West Africa. The precipitation and potential evapotranspiration variables that are obtained from the Rossby Centre regional atmospheric model (RCA4) and driven by ten (10) global climate models under the RCP8.5 scenario were used. The model data were obtained from the Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling Experiment (CORDEX) and analyzed at four specific global warming levels (GWLs) (i.e., 1.5 °C, 2.0 °C, 2.5 °C, and 3.0 °C) above the pre-industrial level. This study utilized four (4) indices: the standardized precipitation index, the precipitation concentration index, the precipitation concentration degree, and the precipitation concentration period over West Africa to explore the spatiotemporal variations in the characteristics of precipitation concentrations. Additionally, studying the impact of the four GWLs on consecutive dry days, consecutive wet days, and frequency of the intense rainfall events led to a better understanding of the spatiotemporal pattern of extreme precipitation. The results show that, at each GWL studied, the onset of rainfall comes 1 month earlier in the Gulf of Guinea compared to the historical period (1971–2000) with increasing rainfall intensity in the whole study domain, and the northeastern part of the study area becomes wetter. The rainfall concentration is uniformly distributed over the Gulf of Guinea and the Savanna zone for both the historical period and RCP8.5 scenario, while the Sahel zone which has shown an irregular concentration of rainfall for the historical period shows a uniform concentration of rainfall under all four GWLs.
Preparation and Characterization of High-Viscosity Montmorillonite
Authors: Wu Limei , Wang Xiaolong , Xu Changwei , Gao Fei , Gao Lili , Lv Guocheng , Yin Li 
Published: October 2019

AbstractHydrophobicity, high viscosity, and dispersion are important properties for organo-montmorillonites, and all organo-montmorillonite configurations have yet to be fully characterized with respect to this property. High-viscosity montmorillonite (Mnt) is useful in gels and as an adsorber. The current study focused on modifying Mnt using organic cations and anions of various chain lengths in batch experiments with various concentrations and ratios. The viscosity of organic Mnt reached up to 395 mP.s. Molecular dynamics simulations and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to identify the conditions and arrangement of organic cations and anions in the Mnt interlayer area. The intercalation mechanism of organic cations and anions was also determined, providing a theoretical basis for the preparation of high-viscosity Mnt.
Using Meta-Analysis for Large-Scale Ecosystem Service Valuation: Progress, Prospects, and Challenges
Authors: Johnston Robert J. , Bauer Dana Marie 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThis article discusses prospects and challenges related to the use of meta-regression models (MRMs) for ecosystem service benefit transfer, with an emphasis on validity criteria and post-estimation procedures given sparse attention in the ecosystem services literature. We illustrate these topics using a meta-analysis of willingness to pay for water quality changes that support aquatic ecosystem services and the application of this model to estimate water quality benefits under alternative riparian buffer restoration scenarios in New Hampshire's Great Bay Watershed. These illustrations highlight the advantages of MRM benefit transfers, together with the challenges and data needs encountered when quantifying ecosystem service values.
THE EFFECT OF THE ASSUMED INTEREST RATE AND SMOOTHING ON VARIABLE ANNUITIES
Authors: Balter Anne G. , Werker Bas J. M. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractIn this paper, we consider the risk–return trade-off for variable annuities in a Black–Scholes setting. Our analysis is based on a novel explicit allocation of initial wealth over the payments at various horizons. We investigate the relationship between the optimal consumption problem and the design of variable annuities by deriving the optimal so-called assumed interest rate for an investor with constant relative risk aversion preferences. We investigate the utility loss due to deviations from this. Finally, we show analytically how habit-formation-type smoothing of financial market shocks over the remaining lifetime leads to smaller year-to-year volatility in pension payouts, but to increases in the longer-term volatility.
The Elections to Nonterritorial Autonomies of Central and South Eastern Europe
Authors: Dobos Balázs 
Published: October 2019

AbstractIn managing ethno-cultural diversity, several countries in Central and Eastern Europe refer to the notion of nonterritorial/cultural autonomy in their legislation and policies, and in some of them, namely Croatia, Estonia, Hungary, Serbia, and Slovenia, registered minority voters are granted the right to create their own representational, consultative, or decision-making bodies by direct or indirect elections. While a growing body of literature has examined the functioning of these elected minority councils/self-governments at various levels, numerous features of their elections have not been addressed. Elections, commonly understood as formal group decision-making processes, may fulfill various functions both in theory and practice, and these are highly context-dependent. In this regard, little is known about the role played by minority elections in intra-community relations, and whether and how these elections can contribute to increasing legitimacy and accountability and strengthening the political weight and influence of the respective minority groups. This article seeks to address these issues. Written from a theoretical perspective, but based on electoral statistics and country experiences, it comparatively explores the main issues related to the special minority elections in the five countries of analysis and assesses whether they can be considered successful forms of diversity management.
How can a seemingly weak state in the financial services industry act strong? The role of organizational policy capacity in monetary and macroprudential policy
Authors: Bakır Caner , Çoban Mehmet Kerem 
Published: October 2019

AbstractIt is widely held in the public policy and political economy literatures that the Turkish state is weak and cannot adopt a proactive approach in the financial services industry by steering and coordinating the financial policy network. However, it is puzzling that this seemingly “weak” Turkish state, which is often marked by fragmentation, conflict, and a lack of policy coordination within the state apparatus, acted strongly between 2010 and 2016 by taking pre-emptive measures to contain the macrofinancial risks arising from hot money inflows and bank credit expansion. Examining the organizational policy capacity of the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey, this article argues that proactive policy design and implementation are more likely to complement state capacity when the principal bureaucratic actors have strong organizational policy capacities.
Analysis of the disc components of our galaxy via kinematic and spectroscopic procedures
Authors: Karaali S. , Bilir S. , Gökçe E. Yaz , Plevne O. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
We used the spectroscopic and astrometric data provided from the GALactic Archaeology with HERMES (GALAH) Data Release (DR2) and Gaia DR2, respectively, for a large sample of stars to investigate the behaviour of the [

$\alpha$

/Fe] abundances via two procedures, that is, kinematically and spectroscopically. With the kinematical procedure, we investigated the distribution of the [

$\alpha$

/Fe] abundances into the high-/low-probability thin disc, and high-/low-probability thick-disc populations in terms of total space velocity, [Fe/H] abundance, and age. The high-probability thin-disc stars dominate in all sub-intervals of [

$\alpha$

/Fe], including the rich ones: [

$\alpha$

/Fe]

$\,>\,0.3$

dex, where the high-probability thick-disc stars are expected to dominate. This result can be explained by the limiting apparent magnitude of the GALAH DR2 (

$V \lt 14$

mag) and intermediate galactic latitude of the star sample. Stars in the four populations share equivalent [

$\alpha$

/Fe] and [Fe/H] abundances, total space velocities, and ages. Hence, none of these parameters can be used alone for separation of a sample of stars into different populations. High-probability thin-disc stars with abundance

$-1.3 \lt {\rm[Fe/H]}\leq -0.5$

dex and age

$9 \lt \tau\leq13$

Gyr are assumed to have different birth places relative to the metal-rich and younger ones. With the spectroscopic procedure, we separated the sample stars into

$\alpha$

-rich and

$\alpha$

-poor categories by means of their ages as well as their [

$\alpha$

/Fe] and [Fe/H] abundances. Stars older than 8 Gyr are richer in [

$\alpha$

/Fe] than the younger ones. We could estimate the abundance [

$\alpha$

/Fe] = 0.14 dex as the boundary separating the

$\alpha$

-rich and

$\alpha$

-poor sub-samples in the [

$\alpha$

/Fe]

$\,\times\,$

[Fe/H] plane.
The impact of artificial intelligence on the current and future practice of clinical cancer genomics
Authors: Greatbatch Olivia , Garrett Alice , Snape Katie 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the most significant fields of development in the current digital age. Rapid advancements have raised speculation as to its potential benefits in a wide range of fields, with healthcare often at the forefront. However, amidst this optimism, apprehension and opposition continue to strongly persist. Oft-cited concerns include the threat of unemployment, harm to the doctor–patient relationship and questions of safety and accuracy. In this article, we review both the current and future medical applications of AI within the sub-speciality of cancer genomics.
Second primary lung cancer following laryngeal cancer: retrospective study of incidence and multivariate analysis of risk factors in 209 patients
Authors: Adams M , Gray G , Kelly A , Toner F , Ullah R 
Published: October 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo analyse the incidence of second primary lung cancer following treatment for laryngeal cancer and to identify risk factors for its development.MethodRetrospective case series.ResultsThe five-year actuarial incidence of second primary lung cancer was 8 per cent (1.6 per cent per year). This was associated with a very poor median survival of seven months following diagnosis. Supraglottic tumours were associated with an increased risk of second primary lung cancer compared to glottic tumours in both univariate (hazard ratio = 4.32,p= 0.005) and multivariate analyses (hazard ratio = 4.14,p= 0.03).ConclusionSecond primary lung cancer occurs at a rate of 1.6 per cent per year following a diagnosis of laryngeal cancer, and this is associated in a statistically significant manner with supraglottic primary tumour. The recent National Lung Cancer Screening Trial suggests a survival advantage of 20 per cent at five years with annual screening using low-dose computed tomography scanning of the chest in a comparable cohort to ours. These findings have the potential to inform post-treatment surveillance protocols in the future.
Long-term quality of life in patients with vestibular schwannoma managed with microsurgery
Authors: Santa Maria C , Santa Maria P L , Bulsara V , Jayawardena J , Caldow J D , Png L H , Atlas M D 
Published: October 2019

AbstractObjectiveLittle is known about the long term (greater than 10 years) quality of life in patients with vestibular schwannoma. This study aimed to evaluate long-term outcomes in patients with vestibular schwannoma.MethodA retrospective cohort study was performed across 2 academic institutions, with patients followed at least 10 years after vestibular schwannoma surgery (2000 to 2007). Telephone interviews were used to assess quality of life using the Glasgow Benefit Inventory and short form 12 item (version 2) health survey.ResultsA total of 99 out of 110 patients were included. Increasing age and symptom burden were associated with poorer quality of life (p= 0.01 and 0.02, respectively). The presence of imbalance, headache and facial nerve dysfunction were all associated with poorer quality of life scores (p= 0.01, 0.04 and 0.02, respectively).ConclusionIdentifying and managing post-operative symptoms may improve quality of life in vestibular schwannoma patients and can guide clinical decision making.
CREATING GLOBAL DEMAND: POLYCENTRIC APPROACHES, CROSSROADS OF SILK AND SILVER IN CHINA AND IBERIAN EMPIRES DURING THE EARLY MODERN ERA
Authors: Perez-Garcia Manuel 
Published: October 2019

ABSTRACTThis monographic issue of theRHE-JILAEHpresents new case studies in order to compare regions of Asia, Europe and the Americas through analysis of global demand for western goods in China (goods of European and American origin) as well as demand eastern goods (of Chinese and Indian origin) in Europe and the Americas. The global circulation of goods included accumulation of American silver in the hands of Chinese merchants and private institutions. Thus, this issue re-evaluates origins of the first globalisation during the 16thcentury, as opposed to the 1820s. Global trade networks and long-distance alliances in Asia, the Americas and Europe date back to the 16thcentury when Manila galleon routes were established.
Different Demands, Varying Responses: Local Government Responses to Workers’ Collective Actions in South China
Authors: Yang Yujeong , Chen Wei 
Published: October 2019

AbstractWhile Chinese local governments remain extremely wary of workers’ collective actions, they do not always suppress them; sometimes, they tolerate such actions and even seek to placate workers. What accounts for these different government responses to workers’ collective actions? Based on a sample of over 1,491 collective action cases that took place in Guangdong between 2011 and 2016, we find that the types of demands raised by workers during collective actions affect how local governments respond. Local governments are likely to forcefully intervene in collective actions in which workers make defensive claims concerning issues of payment. In contrast, local governments are likely to use non-forceful approaches in response to actions in which workers make defensive claims regarding social security.
Framework for metaphor-based spatial configuration design: a case study of Japanese rock gardens
Authors: Kahlon Yuval , Fujii Haruyuki 
Published: October 2019

AbstractMetaphors are powerful tools for design, enabling designers to encapsulate sets of properties and relations as short verbal descriptions. This paper aims to clarify how simple spatial configurations may emerge from concise metaphoric descriptions at the conceptual design phase. To this aim, we propose a framework for a metaphor-based design process. As a basis for the framework, we introduce the concept of “complementary visual potential” – a property which ties the spatial configuration of the objects in the composition with their metaphoric roles. The framework is developed by studying the practice of metaphor-based spatial configuration design in Japanese rock gardens. Accordingly, it is implemented and tested in this context by attempting to generate alternative designs for an existing rock composition in the famous garden of Ryōan-ji. This is followed by a discussion of its possible implications and potential for generalization to other areas of design.
Inhabiting Whiteness: The Eoan GroupLa traviata, 1956
Authors: Pistorius Juliana M. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractActive at the height of the apartheid regime, the Eoan Group treated South Africans to operas ‘in the true tradition of Italy’. The group relied on elaborate, naturalistic stage settings and the most stereotypical of operatic conventions to construct a hereditary link between itself and Italy, thus creating an alignment with the cultural ideal of Europe and its colonial representative – whiteness. This article offers a materialist reading of the Eoan Group's first operatic endeavour,La traviatain 1956, to argue that their invocation and emulation of the ‘Italian tradition’ served to situate them within a class-based discourse of racially inscribed civility. Drawing on archival records relating to props, costumes, advertisements and funding, it shows how the group constructed an imagined Italian heritage both to emphasise the quality of their productions, and to create an affinity with their white audiences. In this reading, the construction of an Italian operatic tradition functions not as a neutral aesthetic category, but as a historically situated politics of race and class.
Violence for a Good Cause? The Role of Violent Tactics in West German Solidarity Campaigns for Better Working and Living Conditions in the Global South in the 1980s
Authors: Karcher Katharina 
Published: October 2019

AbstractTaking up Frank Trentmann's suggestion of ‘widening the historical frame’ in which we analyse the fair trade movement, this article explores the entangled history of violent and peaceful tactics in two transnational solidarity campaigns in West Germany the 1980s: the German anti-Apartheid movement and a campaign for women workers in a South Korean garment factory. Both campaigns had the aim to improve the living and working conditions of producers in the Global South and were characterised by a complex interplay of peaceful and militant tactics ranging from boycott calls to arson attacks and bombings. Although more research into the impact of violent protest is needed, the two case studies suggest that the use of violent protest tactics can contribute towards the success of protest movements if it attracts considerable media attention, the targeted companies face significant social and political pressure and the cumulative disruption costs clearly exceed the concession costs.
The Everyday Compensation (EComp) Questionnaire: Construct Validity and Associations with Diagnosis and Longitudinal Change in Cognition and Everyday Function in Older Adults
Authors: Tomaszewski Farias Sarah , Gravano Jason , Weakley Alyssa , Schmitter-Edgecombe Maureen , Harvey Danielle , Mungas Dan , Chan Michelle , Giovannetti Tania 
Published: October 2019

AbstractObjective:The Everyday Compensation scale (EComp) is an informant-rated questionnaire designed to measure cognitively based compensatory strategies that support both everyday memory and executive function in the context of completing instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). Although previous findings provided early support for the usefulness of the initial version of EComp, the current paper further describes the development, refinement, and validation of EComp as a new assessment tool of compensation for IADLs.Method:Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to examine its factor structure. Convergent and predictive validity was evaluated by examining the relationship between EComp and markers of disease, including diagnosis, cognitive change, and trajectories of functional abilities.Results:CFA supported a general compensation factor after accounting for variance attributable to IADL domain-specific engagement. The clinical groups differed in compensatory strategy use, with those with dementia using significantly fewer compensatory strategies as compared to individuals with normal cognition or mild cognitive impairment. Greater levels of compensation were related to better cognitive functions (memory and executive function) and functional abilities, as well as slower rates of cognitive and functional decline over time. Importantly, higher levels of compensation were associated with less functional difficulties and subsequently slower rate of functional decline independent of the level of cognitive impairment.Conclusions:Engagement in compensatory strategies among older adults has important implications for prolonging functional independence, even in those with declining cognitive functioning. Results suggest that the revised EComp is likely to be useful in measuring cognitively based compensation in older adults.
Photosynthesis on exoplanets and exomoons from reflected light
Authors: Lingam Manasvi , Loeb Abraham 
Published: October 2019

AbstractPhotosynthesis offers a convenient means of sustaining biospheres. We quantify the constraints for photosynthesis to be functional on the permanent nightside of tidally locked rocky exoplanets via reflected light from their exomoons. We show that the exomoons must be at least half the size of Earth's moon in order for conventional oxygenic photosynthesis to operate. This scenario of photosynthesis is unlikely for exoplanets around late-type M-dwarfs due to the low likelihood of large exomoons and their orbital instability over long timescales. Subsequently, we investigate the prospects for photosynthesis on habitable exomoons via reflected light from the giant planets that they orbit. Our analysis indicates that such photosynthetic biospheres are potentially sustainable on these moons except those around late-type M-dwarfs. We conclude our analysis by delineating certain physiological and biochemical features of photosynthesis and other carbon fixation pathways, and the likelihood of their evolution on habitable planets and moons.
Constitutionalism and populism: national political integration and global legal integration
Authors: Thornhill Chris 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThis article adds to the emergent body of constitutional-theoretical research on populist government. It argues that constitutional analysis has specific importance in explaining the hostility to global legal norms that characterizes many populist or neo-nationalist polities. However, it argues that more classical perspectives in constitutional theory have not provided adequate explanations for this phenomenon. This is because constitutionalism itself misunderstands the sociological foundations of constitutional democracy and it promotes normative models of democracy, based in theories of popular sovereignty and constituent power, which create a legitimational space in which populism can flourish. In contrast, this article sets out a historical-sociological account of national democracy, explaining how democracy has been formed through processes of global norm construction. As a result, the basic subjects imputed to democracy by both constitutionalism and populism only became real on global normative foundations. In advancing these claims, this article presents a global-sociological critique of populism, explaining that populism evolves where the realities of democratic formation enter conflict with the norms of constitutional theory. In so doing, it offers a sociological theory of constitutional democracy that might help to avert democratic self-subversion.
Circularly polarized ferrite patch antenna for LEO satellite applications
Authors: Arnaud E. , Huitema L. , Chantalat R. , Bellion A. , Monediere T. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThis paper presents the capacity of an S band circularly polarized patch antenna using a ferrite material for low-earth orbiting satellites (2025–2100 MHz for TeleCommand) to obtain a semi-isotropic radiation pattern. Indeed, circularly polarized antennas are generally large and bulky which is often incompatible for spatial applications especially for small satellites. A new antenna design is proposed with the following maximum dimensions: a diameter of 80 mm and a height of 12 mm. The structure presents an axial ratio lower than 6 dB (according to requirements) and a realized gain higher than −6 dB over a 4% bandwidth at the limit of coverage i.e. 90° irrespective of the azimuth angle (φ).