bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Performance of CMIP3 and CMIP5 GCMs to Simulate Observed Rainfall Characteristics over the Western Himalayan Region
Authors: Meher Jitendra Kumar , Das Lalu , Akhter Javed , Benestad Rasmus E. , Mezghani Abdelkader 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe western Himalayan region (WHR) was subject to a significant negative trend in the annual and monsoon rainfall during 1902–2005. Annual and seasonal rainfall change over the WHR of India was estimated using 22 rain gauge station rainfall data from the India Meteorological Department. The performance of 13 global climate models (GCMs) from phase 3 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP3) and 42 GCMs from CMIP5 was evaluated through multiple analysis: the evaluation of the mean annual cycle, annual cycles of interannual variability, spatial patterns, trends, and signal-to-noise ratio. In general, CMIP5 GCMs were more skillful in terms of simulating the annual cycle of interannual variability compared to CMIP3 GCMs. The CMIP3 GCMs failed to reproduce the observed trend, whereas approximately 50% of the CMIP5 GCMs reproduced the statistical distribution of short-term (30 yr) trend estimates than for the longer-term (99 yr) trends from CMIP5 GCMs. GCMs from both CMIP3 and CMIP5 were able to simulate the spatial distribution of observed rainfall in premonsoon and winter months. Based on performance, each model of CMIP3 and CMIP5 was given an overall rank, which puts the high-resolution version of the MIROC3.2 model [MIROC3.2 (hires)] and MIROC5 at the top in CMIP3 and CMIP5, respectively. Robustness of the ranking was judged through a sensitivity analysis, which indicated that ranks were independent during the process of adding or removing any individual method. It also revealed that trend analysis was not a robust method of judging performances of the models as compared to other methods.
A New Method of Measuring Meaning
Authors: Georgiev Hristo C. , Piotrowskij R.G. 
Published: July 2017

Despite repeated denials that transmissional (syntactic) information can be used to estimate semantic information, a new and working method is offered giving the possibility of estimating quantitatively the semantic content of any text-segment. The method is based on prediction of speech elements and enables us to measure the meaning which the reader extracts from the text, and on the basis of which he predicts the further meaning of the same text. The prediction is carried out on the syntactical level: good prediction decreases the syntactical information of a text more than a bad prediction. If one knows two words from the beginning of a text, one can predict better than if he knows one word.
The Birth Rate Decline in Developing Countries
Authors: Robey Bryant 
Published: July 2017

Birth rates are falling in much of the developing world. In the mid-1960s women in Asia, Africa and Latin America gave birth to an average of six children. Today, the average is about four—a drop of one-third. In some regions and countries the average is substantially lower, approaching levels in the developed world. This remarkable decline in birth rates is no cause for complacency about rapid population growth, however, as the Look at it this way article in this issue, by Catley-Carlson, rightly observes. Average family size is still well above the 2.1 ‘replacement level ’—the number of children per couple that over the long run leads to zero population growth because each couple has only enough children to replace itself in the population. Thus world population, already about 5.5 billion, continues to grow. Even as the average number of children born per woman falls, population will continue to grow rapidly for many years because the number of women of childbearing age is rising as a result of previous high birth rates—a phenomenon that demographers call ‘population momentum ’. That the world's population is growing larger in a hurry is not news. But it is something of a surprise to learn that birth rates have declined so rapidly in so many countries, including some that experts considered too poor and traditional for this to occur. In fact, birth rates have fallen much faster than experts expected. The Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) and similar family planning surveys conducted in more than 40 developing countries since 1985 tell the story of this striking decline.
Satellite Field Developments
Authors: Kenny Gerald M. , Tweedie J. Andrew 
Published: July 2017

In the UK offshore area a significant petroleum resource occurs in relatively small accumulations close to existing platforms. Many of these discoveries remain undeveloped for a variety of technical and/or economic reasons. Exploitation of these reserves may be achieved by means of established production technology, such as small fixed platforms, floating systems or subsea installations, or may require novel, low cost solutions. In any case, proximity to existing fields will provide an opportunity for shared facilites such as transportation, gas separation, power generation or manpower accommodation. A number of fiscal disincentives to development currently exist within the UK tax regime, principally the loss of Petroleum Revenue Tax PRT allowances which would occur if the satellite were deemed part of an existing field rather than a separate entity with its own ‘ring fence’. Possible approaches to overcoming this problem include a relaxation of restrictions on capital uplift, safeguard and oil allowances for PRT, and a move to ‘project’ definition rather than ‘field’ definition wherever possible. These approaches are examined for several examples and the effects on cash flows demonstrated. Difficulties which may occur in reaching asset-sharing agreements between licencees in different fields are also highlighted, and a more active role for government in encouraging such agreements is suggested.
The Trend toward Total Quality Managment in Australian Coal Mining
Authors: Jeffreys J.T. 
Published: July 2017

The paper examines the trends and techniques now being adopted by the Australian coal mining industry to improve efficiency and competitiveness in the face of an increasingly difficult international and domestic coal market. Quality Assurance certification to internationally accepted standards has been gained by some operators whilst many more companies are implementing varied forms of Total Quality Control concepts. These concepts now so well established in traditional manufacturing industries, have not previously been associated with the vagaries of the coal industry but are now being pursued by many in an effort to gain or retain a competitive edge. The paper also explains some of the actual processes being undertaken by the mining companies and outlines some of the systems being developed and utilised to undertake preliminary analysis and evaluation of existing and proposed management systems prior to implementing TQC systems.
Coal Preparation Developments in Indonesia and Australia
Authors: Walters A.D. 
Published: July 2017

There is considerable development within the coal processing industries of both Indonesia and Australia. Indonesia is rapidly becoming a major coal producer of thermal coal and there is little need for conventional coal preparation of the generally low ash coal. However, much of Indonesia's lower grade coal is high moisture, high volatile sub-bituminous and new methods of thermal moisture reduction and briquetting will have to be used to increase quality, particularly for export. The coal briquetting industry in Indonesia is also planned to grow dramatically to some 4 M tpy to conserve Indonesia's oil products. Australia's mature coal industry has been carrying out a considerable amount of practical research and development with programmes that will result in improved process control and optimization resulting in increases in yield and better quality control.
An Inverse Stratigraphic Simulation Model – Is Stratigraphic Inversion Possible?
Authors: Lessenger Margaret A. , Cross Timothy A. 
Published: July 2017

Inversion is a systematic method of determining values of process parameters of a forward model that allow a match between observed and modeled data. Historically, geologists have considered the stratigraphic record to be nonunique. That is, geologists have assumed that it is impossible to determine values for and separate stratigraphic process variables such as eustasy, tectonics and sediment supply that operated to form the stratigraphic record. If stratigraphic data are nonunique, then inversion of stratigraphic data is impossible. In an influential paper. Burton et al. (1987) argued that inversion of stratigraphic data using a stratigraphic forward model is not possible. The purpose of this study was to determine if inversion of stratigraphic data using a stratigraphic forward model is theoretically possible. In this study, we designed a stratigraphic inverse simulation model using a forward stratigraphic model capable of simulating realistic temporal and spatial distributions of fades tracts and stratigraphic surfaces. For numerical optimization, we used a gradient descent method that minimizes errors in the least squares sense. We tested this inverse model on synthetic stratigraphic data which act as a proxy for real-world stratigraphic data, to test multiple aspects of the inverse model. In these experiments, we inverted synthetic stratigraphic data for eustasy, sediment supply, tectonic subsidence, lithosphere flexural rigidity, and initial basin topography. Results from these inversion experiments establish that inversion of stratigraphic data is theoretically possible. We determined limits of convergence, degrees of parameter separatability, nonuniqueness of data, and types of data necessary for inversion. Results suggest that using distributions of facies tracts and stratigraphic surfaces within a genetic sequence stratigraphic framework is necessary for inversion. Results from inverse model experiments also suggest that nonuniqueness of these data types with respect to stratigraphic process parameters such as eustasy, tectonics, sediment supply and depositional topography is bounded. Moreover, the bounds of nonuniqueness are quite small. The next phase of our research is to first test an inverse algorithm that is more appropriate for stratigraphic inversion, and then to test an inverse stratigraphic model using a real stratigraphic data set.
Efficacy of Early Enteral Immunonutrition on Immune Function and Clinical Outcome for Postoperative Patients With Gastrointestinal Cancer
Authors: Luo Zhenzhen , Wang Junxia , Zhang Zhen , Li Hong , Huang Lan , Qiao Yamin , Wang Dan , Huang Jingjing , Guo Luwei , Liu Jinbo , Liu Yanhua , Zhang Yi 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBackground: Nutrition support is crucial for patients with gastrointestinal (GI) cancer after the operation. However, the controversy over the application of parenteral nutrition (PN) and early enteral immunonutrition (EEIN) has no determinate conclusion. Materials and Methods: We compared the effects of PN and EEIN on the postoperative nutrition condition, immune status, inflammation level, long‐term survival, and quality of life of the patients with GI cancer. Seventy‐eight patients were randomly divided into the PN group (n = 44) or EEIN group (n = 34). After an 8‐day nutrition treatment, clinical and immunological parameters were evaluated. Results: The EEIN group had a significantly shorter hospital stay and higher body mass index level on postoperative day 30 than those in the PN group (P < .05). However, total hospital cost and incidences of short‐term postoperative complications had no significant difference (P > .05). The percentages of CD4+, natural killer, and natural killer T lymphocyte cells and the ratio of CD4+/CD8+ in peripheral blood were significantly increased. Compared with the PN group, the EEIN group had a higher expression of activated cell surface markers such as CD27 and CD28. In addition, the secretion of interleukin (IL)–2 and interferon‐γ was significantly higher, and the secretion of tumor necrosis factor–α and IL‐10 was lower. Complication‐free survival in the EEIN group were longer than those in the PN group (P = .04). Conclusion: EEIN is superior to PN in improving nutrition status, enhancing immune function, and elevating quality of life.
Numerical Simulation of Multicomponent Isobaric Adsorption in Fixed Bed Columns
Authors: Roušar I. , Ditl P. 
Published: July 2017

A model has been formulated for multicomponent isobaric adsorption in fixed bed columns. The following mass transfer mechanisms were used: convective flow, axial dispersion, external particle mass transfer and intraparticle diffusion. Analysis was applied on the system of governing equations to obtain controlling dimensionless criteria for the fixed bed adsorber. The derived criteria can be divided into three groups, namely: main dynamic criteria, equilibrium criteria and multicomponent dynamic criteria, their physical meaning has been discussed. The system of equations has been numerically solved using a finite difference method with an implicit conservative scheme. On the basis of this model a numerical simulation has been made to determine the influence of external particle mass transfer, axial dispersion, intraparticle diffusion and adsorption equilibrium on adsorber dynamics.
Some Peculiarities of Silica Modification under High Reagent Pressure. II. Influence of Chemical Nature of Modifying Reagent
Authors: Sidorchuk V.V. , Tertykh V.A. , Leboda R. , Hubicki Z. 
Published: July 2017

The modes of interaction between organic substances and aerosilogel at high pressures and high temperatures were considered. The analysis was performed on the basis of data from IR spectroscopy and differential thermal analysis, and the porous structure characteristics of the modified aerosilogel. The following types of substances were used as modifiers of the silica surface: (a) substances which did not interact chemically with the silica surface; (b) substances capable of polymerization or polycondensation; and (c) substances capable of chemical reaction with the surface. From an analysis of data obtained for 26 adsorbents, it results that depending on the nature of the substance used for modification such substances can promote the process of silica mass transfer. During this process, the possibility occurs of the occlusion of the substances inside silica globules, changes in the parameters of the porous structure, physical or chemical bonding of the modifier molecules with the aerosilogel surface, destruction of the reaction products, etc. The mechanism of the reaction was discussed.
Removal of Cobalt from Aqueous Solutions using Haro River Sand
Authors: Hasany Syed Moosa , Chaudhary Munawar Hussain 
Published: July 2017

The sorption of cobalt on Haro river sand has been optimized with respect to shaking time, amount of sand and concentration of cobalt. Maximum sorption (>94%) was achieved from deionized water at a v/w ratio of 90 cm3/g. Among the ions tested, EDTA, citrate, thiosulphate, tartrate, PbII, ZnII, CrIII, AlIII, CdII and MnII reduced the sorption significantly. Manganese(II), ZnII, SeIV, CrIII and HlIV showed low sorption affinity towards the sand whereas ScIII, AuIII and ZrIV were strongly sorbed. Cobalt, along with elements having higher sorption, could be separated from metal ions showing low sorption. The sand could be used for the preconcentration and removal of cobalt from aqueous solutions. The sand may be exploited for wastewater treatment and water pollution abatement. The sorption data followed the Freundlich adsorption isotherm. The characteristic parameters 1/n = 0.81 ± 0.03 and A = 14.2 ± 0.5 mmol/g were evaluated for the system.
Adsorption of Pb2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+ Ions on to Waste Fluidized Catalytic Cracking (FCC) Catalyst
Authors: Yubin Tang , Fangyan Chen , Honglin Zhang 
Published: July 2017

Batch adsorption experiments of Pb2+ Cu2+ and Zn2+ ions on to waste fluidized catalytic cracking (FCC) catalyst were performed. The results obtained indicate that adsorption time, temperature and pH were the main factors influencing the adsorptive capacities. The adsorption data for each ion were well described by the Freundlich and Langmuir adsorption models. The mechanisms for the adsorption of Pb2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+ ions on to waste FCC catalyst involved ion-exchange adsorption of the three kinds of heavy metallic ions studied or the formation of hydroxo complexes. Under the experimental conditions employed, the removal of Pb2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+ ions attained values of 97.0%, 90.5% and 91.5%. respectively. In addition, dynamic adsorption of the respective ions on to a column of FCC catalyst was investigated together with studies of the regeneration of the adsorbent. The results of such column tests showed that Pb2+ ions can be effectively removed from aqueous solutions by waste FCC catalyst in a packed bed. The adsorbent was easily regenerated by the use of a flow of hydrochloric acid through the packed bed under the experimental conditions employed.
Examining the Application of the Opening Minds Survey in the Community Health Centre Setting
Authors: van der Maas Mark , Stuart Heather , Patten Scott B. , Lentinello Emily K. , Bobbili Sireesha J. , Mann Robert E. , Hamilton Hayley A. , Sapag Jamie C. , Corrigan Patrick , Khenti Akwatu 
Published: July 2017

Objective: Stigma has been identified as a complex and problematic issue. It acts as a major barrier to accessing care and can exacerbate the experience of a health condition, particularly for clients with mental illness and substance use issues. Scales designed to assess stigmatising attitudes towards those with mental illness and substance use problems among health care providers are necessary to evaluate programs designed to reduce that stigma. The goal of this study was to evaluate the internal reliability and external validity of the Opening Minds Survey for Health Care Providers (OMS-HC). Methods: The current study examined the use of the OMS-HC in assessing stigma held by Community Health Centre (CHC) staff towards clients with mental and/or substance use problems. Participants represented staff from 6 CHCs in the Greater Toronto Area ( n = 190). Results: The OMS-HC was found to have acceptable internal reliability for the 15-item version of the scale (α = 0.766) and mixed reliability for its subscales (α = 0.792-0.673). Confirmatory factor analysis showed good absolute (root mean square error of approximation = 0.013) and relative fit (Tucker-Lewis index = 0.996) for the current data. The OMS-HC was also shown to correlate with a series of scales commonly used in stigma research. Conclusions: After testing for internal validity and comparing the OMS-HC to other commonly used scales for assessing stigma and attitudes concerning recovery, the scale was found to be appropriate for the CHC setting and may be advantageous over the use of multiple scales.
Determinants of Home Death in Patients With Cancer
Authors: Raziee Hamid , Saskin Refik , Barbera Lisa 
Published: July 2017

Aim: To determine factors associated with home death in patients with cancer in Ontario, particularly to assess the association between death at home and (1) patients’ rural/urban residence and (2) neighborhood income in urban areas. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study in Ontario (2003-2010) using linked administrative databases. In order to account for clustering phenomenon, multivariable generalized estimating equation model was used to evaluate factors associated with home death. Analysis was performed in both rural and urban areas. For urban areas, neighborhood income was tested as a determinant of the place of death. Results: A total of 193 783 deaths were analyzed, 9.1% of which occurred at home. In urban areas, home death was more likely for patients living in richer neighborhoods (odds ratio 1.69 for the highest compared to lowest neighborhood income quintile, 95% confidence interval: 1.54-1.86). The odds of dying at home when living in a rural area were no different from those living in the poorest urban neighborhood. Other variables associated with lower odds of home death were comorbidity index, certain cancers, and year of death. Conclusion: The likelihood of dying at home significantly increases with living in higher-income urban neighborhoods and decreases with rural residence. Urban neighborhoods with lowest income have odds of home death similar to rural areas. These findings underline the importance of targeting proper populations for public support at the end of life.
Sustainability Reporting in India: Exploring Sectoral Differences and Linkages with Financial Performance
Authors: Goel Puneeta , Misra Rupali 
Published: July 2017

Introduction of sustainability reporting reforms has increased awareness in Indian companies regarding the social and environmental disclosures. In the absence of standardized reporting norms, companies are free to structure sustainability report as per their understanding, willingness and intent. Although some voluntary guidelines have been issued by the regulatory authorities, the norms are still not clear as to what to report and how to report. We study sustainability reporting practices of 120 BSE-listed companies across 8 industries. Self-constructed sustainability reporting construct with seven sub-parameters has been used for comparing sector-wise reporting and correlating it with financial performance indicators company-wise. Although India is at an infant stage of adopting global reporting indicators (GRI), big four of each of the eight sectors under study has documented comprehensive sustainability initiatives taken in the company. We note sectoral differences in reporting quality with refineries and power following most of the prescribed norms of GRI. However, no significant difference is found in ISO certifications and environment initiatives among different sectors. Though Indian companies are involved in social initiatives, reporting on pollution emission is found to be low. The relationship between the financial performance and sustainability score was inconsistent across different financial measures.
Psychometric Profiling of the Elderly Using the Cambridge Cognitive Examination
Authors: Johnston Brian , Scott Noel , Li Wan Po Alain , Broadfoot Jack David 
Published: July 2017

Objectives: To (1) build a psychometric profile of elderly subjects attending specialist day care centers and residential homes using the Cambridge Cognitive Examination (CAMCOG); (2) identify factors that are predictive of the score obtained; and (3) determine whether scores from CAMCOG and the less time-consuming Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) were correlated sufficiently for the latter to replace the former for general cognitive screening. Design: Nonrandom convenience sampling of elderly subjects attending specialist day care centers, residential homes, and units for the elderly mentally ill. Setting: Belfast, Northern Ireland. Main Outcome: CAMCOG and MMSE scores with age, sex, educational level, marital status, visual and hearing ability, various central nervous system diseases, and handedness as independent variables. Results: Age, sex, the wearing of glasses, Parkinson's disease, stroke, and epilepsy were found to be significant predictors of the CAMCOG score. This pattern held true for the MMSE score, except for stroke. CAMCOG and MMSE scores were correlated closely, even after deletion of overlapping scores. However, the CAMCOG score showed an increasing bias when the mean score increased. The cognitive function of the subjects attending the 3 types of establishment differed significantly, with those in the residential homes being the most heterogenous. Conclusions: The subjects profiled showed significant cognitive impairment. The MMSE score appears to give much the same information as the CAMCOG score in this general screening of our patient group. The population considered is probably representative of subjects attending similar units in the United Kingdom.