bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design and Experimental Study of a 3-DOF Parallel Swivel Head
Authors: Wang Dan , Guo Jiang Zhen , Fan Rui , Chen Wu Yi
Published: September 2013

Traditional parallel mechanisms (PMs) are usually characterized by small tilting capability. To overcome this problem, a 3-DOF parallel swivel head (PSH) with large tilting capacity is proposed in this paper. The proposed PSH, which is structurally developed from a conventional 3-PRS parallel mechanism (PM), can achieve a large tilting capability by means of structural improvements. Firstly, a modified spherical joint with a maximum tilting angle of ±120o is devised to diminish the physical restrictions on the orientation workspace. Secondly, a UPS typed leg is introduced for the sake of singularity elimination. The superiority of the proposed PSH is theoretically proved by investigations of singularity-free orientation workspace and then is experimentally validated using a prototype fabricated. The theoretical and experimental results illustrate that the proposed PSH has a large tilting capacity and thus can be used as swivel head for a hybrid machine tool which is designed to be capable of realizing both horizontal and vertical machining.
Human Detection Algorithm by Meanshift Based on Depth Map
Authors: Tian Qing , Zhou Bo , Guo Teng , Wei Yun
Published: September 2013

This paper presents a method of human detection by Meanshift based on depth map. By analyzing and comprehensively applying segmentation method based on height information to extract moving target and remove the background information from depth map, then find the region of interest (ROIs) with moving target, thus through mean shift method to achieve real-time detection of targets (pedestrian). Depth image has nothing to do with color space and not suffer from the factors such as illumination, shadow effect. In this paper, using the depth image pattern recognition is a good way to overcome the difficulties of visible light image pattern recognition often encountered.
Application of Piezoelectric Film to Measure the Shear Wave Velocity
Authors: Piriyakul Keeratikan
Published: September 2013

This paper purposes a new technique to measure the shear wave velocity by using the piezoelectric film. This piezoelectric film is a very thin, light and high sensitive sensor and is used as a receiving sensor. The details of this new technique and its interpretations on Bangkok clay material are explained. The research found that this new technique is a reasonable technique, giving the shear wave velocity result in good agreement with the shear wave velocity data from the field test.
Specification of Forces in Hydraulic Cylinders for Lifting and Transporting Mechanism HR3001
Authors: Monkova Katarina , Monka Peter
Published: September 2013

The article deals with dynamic analysis of mechanism HR 3001 used at the lifting and transporting of various types of bodies or loads. It can be placed on the lorry so the manipulator becomes part of it. The goal of the analysis is to investigate the drive forces in hydraulic cylinders which are necessary for the lifting of load with specified mass. The modern methods used computer aid with the special software for analysis processing, which can simulate not only the motion of the mechanism, but they can define the position, velocity, acceleration, forces, moments and other parameters in every moments of time, but verification and mechanics laws understanding are necessary. The results serve for dimensioning of hydraulic cylinders at the designing of mechanism.
A Study of Robot Platform Based on WiFi Remote Control
Authors: Yang Yu Zhen , Ai Chang Sheng , Lee Kevin
Published: September 2013

In order to complete the complex operation in the dangerous environment and improve the efficiency and accuracy of industrial production. WiFi based remote control system platform is composed by the controlled mobile robot and control terminal such as PC. They communicate with each other through wireless network. The mobile robot constructs of four wheel drive. Microcontroller, sensor, wireless routing module, serial server and network camera are in the robot. Control terminal includes PC, control handle and other equipments. Using a proven and reliable wireless bridge, each network device can realize network communication with others. Based on the TCP/IP protocol, using socket programming technology, data communication can be achieved. Video capture uses the network camera. Through the test of the platform, bilateral operation with real-time haptic and video feedback are achieved. At the same time according to the real-time environmental information feedback, control terminal realizes the effective remote monitoring in the controlled end.
Effect of Rotation Speeds on Friction Coefficients of PPS Race-PTFE Retainer Hybrid Polymer Thrust Bearings under Dry Contact
Authors: Shi Xiao Chen , Mizobe Koshiro , Kashima Yuji , Kida Katsuyuki
Published: September 2013

In the previous study on PPS race-PTFE retainer Hybrid polymer bearings, the relationship between thrust load, rotation speeds and wear loss under dry condition was investigated. It was found that the wear loss obviously changed under the thrust load ranging from 400N to 500N at the rotation speeds of 450rpm and 600rpm. The object of this study is to observe the friction coefficient at the rotation speeds ranging from 450rpm and 600N under thrust load of 400N. Rolling contact fatigue tests were performed and it was concluded that friction coefficient decreases with the rotation speeds.
The Study of CIGS Absorption Layer Grown by Two-Step Growth Method for Thin-Film Solar Cell
Authors: Hsieh Li Zen , Duan Xi Ming , Jeng Ming Jer
Published: September 2013

Two-step growth method was used for CuInGaSe2,(CIGS) absorption layer in this study. The layer was first deposited by thermal evaporator to use indium and gallium sauces at a vacuum of 5 × 10-6 torr and secondly, the deposited thin film was enclosed in a quartz cartridge for the first selenization. The second selenization process was coated by copper and then annealed again in a furnace. Finding best precursor for thin film solar cells was analyzed by scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction analyzer (XRD) and energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS).
Fire Detection System Based-On Mobile Robots
Authors: Su Kuo Lan , Guo Jr Hung , Chung Cheng Yun , Chung Cheng Yun
Published: September 2013

The paper develops a fire detection system using mobile robots, and calculates the risk values of the escaping paths using Bayesian estimated method. Mobile robots contain two types moving in the platform. One is fire detection robot (FDR) to search fire sources. The other represents the people walking in the platform autonomously. The controller of the mobile robot detects fire source using flame sensor, and receives the motion command from the supervised compute via wireless RF interface. The mobile robot transmits ID code, position and orientation information, positions of fire sources to the supervised computer via wireless RF interface, too. We program the motion path of fire detection robots to search fire sources, and uses Gauss distribution function to describe the risk values of each fire source. The supervised computer uses Bayesian estimated algorithm to calculate the relation risk value of each cross point for multiple fire sources. In the fire condition, each FDR calculates shortest displacement from the people. The assigned FDR carries the people leaving the dangerous area. Then the user interface programs the escaping paths using A* searching algorithm for mobile robots. The mobile robot guides the people (mobile robot) leaving the fire area according the programmed safety escaping path.
IPs Design of FPGA for High-Resolution Image Process
Authors: Hunag Wen Tzeng , Huang Chao Nan , Tan Sun Yen , Tuan Chiu Ching , Chen Chin Hsing , Wang Xing Bao
Published: September 2013

With the progress of science and technology, the image resolution of monitoring systems is entered the Full-HD (High Definition) era. The Full-HD refers to resolution of 1920X1080 (1080p), and the image refresh frequency is 30fps (Frames Per Second). Therefore, this thesis uses FPGA as image system processor, as well as uses AFE to implement a camera module. First, the dual-channel serial signal from AFE is converted into single-channel parallel signal, and the image is processed following our image processing procedure before charting and export. The image processing procedure includes AEC, auto color balance, color filter array interpolation, color correction, noise filter, gamma correction and dynamic range correction. Our algorithm counts information instantly, and calculates better correcting function content, so that we can display the brighter and darker parts of images clearly in different environments. Compared with a part of CCD digital cameras on the market, our ISP has better performance in SNR. Finally, the AWB mean error of our ISP design is less than 0.02%, it is difficult to be perceived by human eyes.
Design of a Master Manipulator with Dynamical Simplification for Master-Slave Robot
Authors: Zhang Li Nan , Wang Shu Xin , Li Jian Min , Li Jin Hua
Published: September 2013

Dynamic behavior is an important factor to affect the performance of surgical robot, especially force-feedback master manipulator. In this paper, a force-feedback master manipulator with parallelogram is developed, which can realize self-gravity balance; Compare the dynamics of the force-feedback master manipulator with parallelogram mechanism and another one without parallelogram mechanism. The result shows that the dynamical equation of the master manipulator with parallelogram mechanism is simpler than the one without parallelogram mechanism. This parallelogram mechanism can be generally used in all the mechanical design that is needed to simplify the dynamics.
The Research of Use Database to Build Data String in Robots
Authors: Li Yann Liang , Kao Chang Chun
Published: September 2013

The convenient living is created by IT industry, on the other hand industries are from human production transform robotics automation. In the future, robots not only possess manufacturing functions but also have service property. However, if the interaction that robots with service property just only be entered with a single, it has limited functionality. The purpose of this study is investigating the conception of database into robots, load data from database and save processed data into database, it will lessen wrongs and improve speed of response. In this study, will be compared two programs, one is the input and output processing by program, the order one is add database with function of save and load. Result of the comparison apply to processing mode of robot. The experimental results show that use database model can upgrade speed and accuracy that stream transmit, it will provide more convenient automated service contribution.
Cloud Computing and Mobile Audit Tracking-Using Intelligent Cell Phone as Controller
Authors: Ho Zih Ping , Wu Sen Po
Published: September 2013

Mobile audit mission is always troubling accounting personnel outdoor operations. Indeed, they need intelligent system as operations supports. Over thousands of companies have to audit and over thousands of invoices have to check. It exhausts accounting personnel labor time. This study constructed a cloud computing server and use intelligent cell phone as controller approach to replace human robot auditing process, and apply robot visual recognization for speeding up audit process. The research results showed that it can work when the cloud servers response for calculations and used intelligent cell phone as controller. It both fits government and industry needs and application requirements. Future study suggests initializing i-phone video recording for invoices automatic visual recognization.
The Development of Embedded System for Energy Saving in Electro-Hydraulic System
Authors: Patchim Sema , Po-Ngaen Watcharin
Published: September 2013

In last decade, energy efficiency of hydraulic actuators systems has been especially important in industrial machinery applications [1-. And an advanced electronics world most of the applications are developed by microcontroller based embedded system. Energy processor based variable oil flow of hydraulic controller was presented to improve the efficiency of the motor by maintaining with the load sensing. These PIC processor combined with fuzzy controller were help to design efficient optimal power hydraulic machine controller. A functional design of processor and in this system was completed by using load sensing signal to control oil flow. The advantage of the proposed system was optimized operational performance and low power utility. Without having the architectural concept of any motor we can control it by using this method. This is a low cost low power controller and easy to use. The experiment results verified its validity.
The Design and Implementation of Water Meter Auto Calibration System
Authors: Zhang Hai Feng , Chen Xiao Bing , Ma Xiao Ping
Published: September 2013

With the lack of the water source, the accurate metering is more and more important. This paper designs and realizes a kind of water meter auto calibration system, which can calibrate the water meter within a short time by image recognition technology . Shown by practical application, the system not only improves the testing efficiency, but also save the man-hour.
Chaos Control for a 4D Hyperchaotic System
Authors: Xu Chang Jin , Li Pei Luan
Published: September 2013

In this paper, a four-dimensional (4D) autonomous hyperchaotic system is dealt with. The stability criteria of equilibria of the controlled hyperchaotic chaotic system are established. Using the dislocated feedback control, enhancing feedback control, and nonlinear function feedback control methods, the chaos of the 4D hyperchaotic system can be suppressed to unstable equilibrium. Some numerical simulations revealing the effectiveness of our control strategies are given..
DEVELOPING SUSTAINABILITY INDICATORS FOR WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT IN TIETÊ-JACARÉ BASIN, BRAZIL
Authors: Corrêa Michele Almeida , Teixeira Bernardo Arantes do Nascimento
Published: September 2013

This paper describes a tool to assist in developing water resources management, focusing on the sustainability concept, by a Basin Committee. This tool consists of a Set of Sustainability Indicators for Water Resources Management denominated CISGRH, which was identified by a conceptual and empirical review to meet the specific needs of the study herein - the Basin Committee of Tietê-Jacaré Rivers (CBH-TJ). The framework of CISGRH came about through consecutive consultation processes. In the first consultation the priority problems were identified for the study objectives, listing some possible management sustainability indicators. These preliminary indicators were also submitted to academic specialists and technicians working in CBH-TJ for a new consultation process. After these consultation stages, the CISGRH analysis and structuring were introduced. To verify the indicators’ adaptation and to compose a group as proposed by the study, these were classified according to specific sustainability principles for water resources management. The objective of the CISGRH implementation is to diagnose current conditions of water resources and its management, as well as to evaluate future conditions evidenced by tendencies and interventions undertaken by the committee.
EVALUATION OF NEW TOWNS CONSTRUCTION IN THE AROUND OF TEHRAN MEGACITY
Authors: Zali Nader , Hatamzadeh Sajjad , Azadeh Seyed Reza , Salmani Taravat Ershadi
Published: September 2013

Rapid pace of urbanization which has affected third world countries is a by-product of the post-1945 period. In most developing countries like Iran, spatial population distribution is not balanced, leading to the deficiencies in services, hygiene, formation of slums, and etc. To balance those patterns in the country, different strategies have been applied, one of which is the construction of new cities. This study aims to examine the role of new cities in balancing spatial population distribution in Tehran province. For this purpose, first, the changes in the population of Iran and its urban mechanisms are studied; then, the performances of new towns in previous decades are examined. To analyze data and investigate the role of new cities, entropy coefficient model was used. The results showed that new towns of Tehran have not affected population overflow and deconcentration successfully; as a result, urban officials need to revise construction policies in those cities.
FLOW VELOCITY AND SURFACE TEMPERATURE EFFECTS ON CONVECTIVE HEAT TRANSFER COEFFICIENT FROM URBAN CANOPY SURFACES BY NUMERICAL SIMULATION
Authors: Pillai Sivaraja Subramania , Yoshie Ryuichiro
Published: September 2013

This study investigates the effect of flow velocity and building surface temperature effects on Convective Heat Transfer Coefficient (CHTC) from urban building surfaces by numerical simulation. The thermal effects produced by geometrical and physical properties of urban areas generate a relatively differential heating and uncomfortable environment compared to rural regions called as Urban Heat Island (UHI) phenomena. The urban thermal comfort is directly related to the CHTC from the urban canopy surfaces. This CHTC from urban canopy surfaces expected to depend upon the wind velocity flowing over the urban canopy surfaces, urban canopy configurations, building surface temperature etc. But the most influential parameter on CHTC has not been clarified yet. Urban canopy type experiments in thermally stratified wind tunnel have normally been used to study the heat transfer issues. But, it is not an easy task in wind tunnel experiments to evaluate local CHTC, which vary on individual canyon surfaces such as building roof, walls and ground. Numerical simulation validated by wind tunnel experiments can be an alternative for the prediction of CHTC from building surfaces in an urban area. In our study, wind tunnel experiments were conducted to validate the low-Reynolds-number k-ε model which was used for the evaluation of CHTC from surfaces. The calculated CFD results showed good agreement with experimental results. After this validation, the effects of flow velocity and building surface temperature effects on CHTC from urban building surfaces were investigated. It has been found that the change in velocity remarkably affects the CHTC from urban canopy surfaces and change in surface temperature has almost no effect over the CHTC from urban canopy surfaces.
MANAGING PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT IN PERI-URBAN AREAS OF KUMASI, GHANA: A CASE OF ABUAKWA
Authors: Amoateng Paul , Cobbinah Patrick Brandful , Owusu-Adade Kwasi
Published: September 2013

A remarkable trait of the 21st century has been the high rate of urbanization which has characterized the growth and development of cities especially in developing countries. This situation has fuelled the rapid and unguided development and expansion of peri-urban areas as urban dwellers relocate to cities’ peripheries. Focusing on Abuakwa a peri-urban area in Kumasi, the second largest city in Ghana, this paper assesses the nature and extent of physical development in peri-urban areas, and identifies the factors contributing to the rapid development of peri-urban areas. The paper further examines the effects of the increasing physical growth on the development of peri-urban Abuakwa. Using a case study approach, both primary and secondary sources of data were collected from decentralized government institutions of Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) and Atwima Nwabiagya District Assembly (ANDA), as well as the indigenous residents and relocated urban dwellers in Abuakwa. The paper reveals that the outward drift has manifested itself in an increased scramble for land for residential and commercial purposes in the peri-urban area. The resultant effect has been the fast and spontaneous physical development in the urban periphery which has significantly altered the peri-urban morphology. The paper recommends the establishment of Customary Land Secretariat (CLS) and the application of settlement growth management approaches to ensure the creation of functional city and liveable peri-urban areas.
Aetiology and factors associated with bacterial diarrhoeal diseases amongst urban refugee children in Eastleigh, Kenya: A case control study
Authors: Boru Waqo G. , Kikuvi Gideon , Omollo Jared , Abade Ahmed , Amwayi Samuel , Ampofo William , Luman Elizabeth T. , Oundo Joseph
Published: September 2013

Introduction: Kenya is home to over 400 000 refugees from neighbouring countries. There is scanty information about diarrhoea amongst urban refugees in Kenya.Objectives: We investigated the enteric bacteria causing diarrhoea amongst urban refugee children and described the associated factors.Method: During the period of August–December 2010, urban refugee children between the ages of two and five who attended Eastleigh County Council Health Centre were enrolled into the study. Diarrhoeal cases were compared with age-matched children with no diarrhoea (controls). Stool specimens were collected and enteric bacteria isolated. A questionnaire was administered to identify risk factors.Results: A total of 41 cases and 41 controls were enrolled in the study. The age and country of origin were similar for cases and controls. The bacterial isolation rates amongst the cases were: non-pathogenic Escherichia coli 71%, Shigella dysenteriae 2.4%, Shigella flexneri 2.4%, Salmonella paratyphi 5%. For the controls, non-pathogenic E. coli 90% and enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC)2.4% were amongst the organisms isolated. All isolates were resistant to amoxicillin; resistance to other antibiotics varied by isolate type. Factors associated independently with diarrhoea included children not washing their hands with soap (aOR 5.9, p < 0.05), neighbour(s) having diarrhoea (aOR 39.8, p < 0.05), children not exclusively breastfed for their first 6 months (aOR 7.6, p < 0.05) and children eating food cooked the previous day (aOR 23.8, p = 0.002).Conclusions: Shigella species, Salmonella species and ETEC were found to be responsible for diarrhoea amongst the urban refugee children. Measures to control and guide the use of antibiotics are critical for the prevention of antibiotic resistance. Efforts to improve personal and domestic hygiene, including educational campaigns to promote appropriate handwashing, should be encouraged.
Cardiac Electrophysiology in Lebanon—Part II
Authors: Kossaify Antoine , Refaat Marwan , Khoury Maurice
Published: September 2013

Systematic national effort to improve cardiac electrophysiology practice in Lebanon is lacking, and the quality improvement program mainly relates to individual efforts along with regulations, which are set as a “Road Map” by the Lebanese Arrhythmia Working Group. Lebanon currently has five electrophysiology laboratories. The “Road Map” mainly consists of creating a registry and a National Card for Electronic Device Holder, centralization of complex electrophysiology procedures in institutions where electrophysiologists are available, setting regulations to conform to international guidelines, and creating a National Arrhythmia Website and E-Journal. Most importantly, we emphasize that the practice of device checking must be performed by physicians with expertise and not by industry technicians.
Blurring the Boundaries of Vision: Novel Functions of Intrinsically Photosensitive Retinal Ganglion Cells
Authors: Matynia Anna
Published: September 2013

Mammalian vision consists of the classic image-forming pathway involving rod and cone photoreceptors interacting through a neural network within the retina before sending signals to the brain, and a non image-forming pathway that uses a photosensitive cell employing an alternative and evolutionary ancient phototransduction system and a direct connection to various centers in the brain. Intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) contain the photopigment melanopsin, which is independently capable of photon detection while also receiving synaptic input from rod and cone photoreceptors via bipolar cells. These cells are the retinal sentry for subconscious visual processing that controls circadian photoentrainment and the pupillary light reflex. Classified as irradiance detectors, recent investigations have led to expanding roles for this specific cell type and its own neural pathways, some of which are blurring the boundaries between image-forming and non image-forming visual processes.
Slowing weed evolution with integrated weed management
Authors: Harker K. N.
Published: September 2013

Harker, K. N. 2013. Slowing weed evolution with integrated weed management. Can. J. Plant Sci. 93: 759–764. For millennia, weeds have slowly evolved in response to ever-changing environments and crop production practices. Weeds are now evolving much more quickly due to consistently repeated cropping systems and intense herbicide selection pressures. Weed resistance to herbicides now threatens cropping system sustainability in several industrialized nations. Integrated weed management (IWM) provides opportunities to reduce selection pressure for weed resistance while maintaining current crop yields. Combining optimal IWM tactics that discourage weeds by minimizing disturbance (no till, direct-seeding), adopting diverse crop rotations, and attempting to preclude resource acquisition by weeds are encouraged. New research knowledge on practical IWM systems is available, but despite current and looming threats of major weed resistance, most crop producers will require greater incentives than those currently available to more-fully adopt IWM systems in the near future.
Effects of salinity stress on starch morphology, composition and thermal properties during grain development in triticale
Authors: He Jiang-Feng , Goyal Ravinder , Laroche André , Zhao Meng-Li , Lu Zhen-Xiang
Published: September 2013

He, J.-F., Goyal, R., Laroche, A., Zhao, M.-L. and Lu, Z.-X. 2013. Effects of salinity stress on starch morphology, composition and thermal properties during grain development in triticale. Can. J. Plant Sci. 93: 765–771. Triticale is a man-made cereal crop developed from a cross between wheat and rye. It has excellent agronomic traits for starch production on arid and semi-arid lands. This study investigated the effects of salinity stress on the alterations of starch morphology, composition and physicochemical properties during triticale grain development. Three triticale varieties (AC Certa, AC Ultima and Blue Alta) were treated with three levels of NaCl solutions (50, 100 and 200 mM), termed low salinity stress (LSS), moderate salinity stress (MSS) and high salinity stress (HSS), respectively. Reduction in seed weight and starch content were observed under salinity stress; the values decreased by 9–42% under MSS and 18–51% under HSS. MSS and HSS favored an increase of amylose synthesis and accumulation in triticale starch. Triticale starch synthesized under salinity stress showed a decreased population of small granules and an increased ratio on A-type to B-type granules. MSS and HSS decreased the peak temperature and increased the starch enthalpy, and an inverse relationship between salinity stress and a range of starch gelatinization temperature was also observed. This is the first report demonstrating that starch morphology, composition and thermal properties in triticale grains can be significantly affected by salinity stress.
Comparative study of six methods of protein extraction for two-dimensional gel electrophoresis of proteomic profiling in poplar stems
Authors: Azri Wassim , Ennajah Amel , Jing Mai
Published: September 2013

Azri, W., Ennajah, A. and Jing, M. 2013. Comparative study of six methods of protein extraction for two-dimensional gel electrophoresis of proteomic profiling in poplar stems. Can. J. Plant Sci. 93: 895–901. Protein extraction is a crucial step in two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) analysis of proteins, since it can have significant impact on both the quantity and the quality of protein detection. The present study is a comparison between six previously published protocols of protein extraction (A, B, C, D, E, and F) aiming to determine a suitable method to extract total proteins from poplar stems, a recalcitrant plant tissue. The obtained results revealed that method F (optimized method B), combining detergents (CHAPS, Triton X-100, and low sodium dodecyl sulfate amounts) and chaotropes (thiourea and urea), gave the best solution for the problem of protein solubilization. Method F enabled the detection of more than 300 spots reproducible on the 2-DE gel with pH 4–7 immobilized pH gradient strips and 12% sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, using silver staining. Our results suggest that Method F is expected to have excellent applications in proteomic studies of poplar stems.
A New High Accuracy Off-Step Discretisation for the Solution of 2D Nonlinear Triharmonic Equations
Authors: Singh Swarn , Singh Suruchi , Mohanty R. K.
Published: September 2013

In this article, we derive a new fourth-order finite difference formula based on off-step discretisation for the solution of two-dimensional nonlinear triharmonic partial differential equations on a 9-point compact stencil, where the values ofu,(∂2u/∂n2) and (∂4u/∂n4) are prescribed on the boundary. We introduce new ways to handle the boundary conditions, so there is no need to discretise the boundary conditions involving the partial derivatives. The Laplacian and biharmonic of the solution are obtained as a by-product of our approach, and we only need to solve a system of three equations. The new method is directly applicable to singular problems, and we do not require any fictitious points for computation. We compare its advantages and implementation with existing basic iterative methods, and numerical examples are considered to verify its fourth-order convergence rate.
Live Art as Urban Praxis: The Political Aesthetics of the City
Authors: Lambert Cath
Published: September 2013

This article examines the political possibilities for an aesthetic disruption of urban space and time. Locating the discussion within debates about the neoliberal city, selected art-works from Fierce live art festival in Birmingham, England are used in order to examine how, in a specific and localised context, normative spatial patterns and temporal rhythms can be challenged and subverted. The analysis draws on, and contributes to, a sociological account of the centrality of aesthetics to political and social organisation.
Knowing the Tweeters: Deriving Sociologically Relevant Demographics from Twitter
Authors: Sloan Luke , Morgan Jeffrey , Housley William , Williams Matthew , Edwards Adam , Burnap Pete , Rana Omer
Published: September 2013

A perennial criticism regarding the use of social media in social science research is the lack of demographic information associated with naturally occurring mediated data such as that produced by Twitter. However the fact that demographics information is not explicit does not mean that it is not implicitly present. Utilising the Cardiff Online Social Media ObServatory (COSMOS) this paper suggests various techniques for establishing or estimating demographic data from a sample of more than 113 million Twitter users collected during July 2012. We discuss in detail the methods that can be used for identifying gender and language and illustrate that the proportion of males and females using Twitter in the UK reflects the gender balance observed in the 2011 Census. We also expand on the three types of geographical information that can be derived from Tweets either directly or by proxy and how spatial information can be used to link social media with official curated data. Whilst we make no grand claims about the representative nature of Twitter users in relation to the wider UK population, the derivation of demographic data demonstrates the potential of new social media (NSM) for the social sciences. We consider this paper a clarion call and hope that other researchers test the methods we suggest and develop them further.
Why Sociology Should Use Agent Based Modelling
Authors: Chattoe-Brown Edmund
Published: September 2013

Although Agent Based Models (hereafter ABM) are now regularly reported in sociology journals, explaining the approach, describing models and reporting results leaves little opportunity to examine wider implications of ABM for sociological practice. This article uses an established ABM (the Schelling model) for this. The first part argues that ABM integrates qualitative and quantitative data distinctively, provides novel tools for understanding social causes and offers a significantly different perspective on theory building. The second part shows how the emerging ABM methodology is compatible with existing sociological practice while undermining several criticisms of ABM perceived to limit its sociological relevance.
Outclassed?: Undergraduates’ Perceptions of the Competition for Primary Teaching Jobs in England and Wales
Authors: Morrison Andrew
Published: September 2013

This paper presents the results of a mixed-methods investigation into undergraduates’ perceptions of the competition for Newly Qualified Teacher positions within the primary sector in England and Wales. The study sample was a cohort of final-year Education Studies undergraduates at a post-1992 university in Wales. All of the participants aimed to become primary school teachers. The study's rationale lies in evidence that teaching is becoming more competitive while offering less security. The study revealed that the students had a realistic view of the labour market for NQT positions, showing awareness of the increasing demands placed upon the cultural, social and material resources of potential entrants. Although this knowledge did not deter the students, it is concluded that developments within teaching may ultimately deter working-class students. This has worrying implications for the composition of the teaching profession and, in turn, for wider issues of social justice within education.
Picturing Urban Regeneration: A Study of Photographers in Liverpool, UK
Authors: Jones Paul
Published: September 2013

This paper interrogates the practices of professional photographers working on commissions associated with urban regeneration. As distinct from analysis of the images that are an outcome of their labour, little is currently known about the knowledges of photographers working in such contexts. Drawing on research with one firm of photographers in Liverpool, UK, the article focuses on the ways in which these cultural producers describe and make sense of their productions vis-à-vis wider regeneration contexts; particular attention is paid to the ways in which they interpret and translate the criteria surrounding commissions into practice. A general contention concerns the photographers’ reflexivity relative to the constraints and affordances they associate with commissioned regeneration work, which sees them operationalising the social visions emanating from clients working in urban policy sector. The article addresses the sets of social practices necessary to secure the conditions for making images in such contested contexts.
The Dynamics of Impersonal Trust and Distrust in Surveillance Systems
Authors: Ellis Darren , Harper David , Tucker Ian
Published: September 2013

Empirical research concerned with the trust that individuals may or may not have in surveillance systems has largely been gauged through opinion poll and survey type research. Although these may be useful in augmenting broad patterns of trust based attitudes, this article argues that they tend to harbour theoretically weak conceptualisations of trust which may produce misleading results. We draw on relevant concepts related to notions of ‘impersonal trust’ (for example, ‘access points’, ‘facework’ and ‘suspension’) to facilitate a qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews which concerned Londoners’ trust related experiences, perceptions and understandings of living in a so called ‘surveillance society’. We form a number of preliminary conclusions which are of interest to sociological research on trust and surveillance studies: contrary to prior research on trust and surveillance, trust related positions may be neither static nor polarised, but processual and situational; the suspension of certainty bridged by impersonal trust is particularly problematic in surveillance systems as they especially lack access points; and impersonal trust related positions are likely to be considerably weak as information about the systems requires specialist information.
The Sustainable Development of the Olympic Games: Critical Connections
Authors: Borne Gregory
Published: September 2013

[No abstract was provided]
Femininity, Childhood and the Non-Making of a Sporting Celebrity: The Beth Tweddle Case
Authors: Cohen Rachel Lara
Published: September 2013

Gymnastics is regularly classified as a feminine-appropriate sport, embodying grace and elegance and is an Olympic sport which has regularly produced female sporting celebrities. Beth Tweddle is the most successful British gymnast of all time and the first to achieve international success, culminating in a medal at London 2012, yet she has received relatively little media coverage and few corporate endorsements. Employing a ‘negative case’ methodology, this athlete's relative lack of celebrity is investigated. The article suggests that it can be explained by (a) contradictions underpinning the gender-designation of gymnastics, and (b) the social invisibility of a core audience for the sport: young girls. An implication is that the achievement of celebrity within ‘feminine’ sport may be increasingly unattainable, especially for female athletes. The article uses mixed methods, including primary analysis of print and social media and secondary analysis of a national survey of young people in the UK.
Chemical insights, explicit chemistry, and yields of secondary organic aerosol from OH radical oxidation of methylglyoxal and glyoxal in the aqueous phase
Authors: Lim Y. B. , Tan Y. , Turpin B. J.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. Atmospherically abundant, volatile water-soluble organic compounds formed through gas-phase chemistry (e.g., glyoxal (C2), methylglyoxal (C3), and acetic acid) have great potential to form secondary organic aerosol (SOA) via aqueous chemistry in clouds, fogs, and wet aerosols. This paper (1) provides chemical insights into aqueous-phase OH-radical-initiated reactions leading to SOA formation from methylglyoxal and (2) uses this and a previously published glyoxal mechanism (Lim et al., 2010) to provide SOA yields for use in chemical transport models. Detailed reaction mechanisms including peroxy radical chemistry and a full kinetic model for aqueous photochemistry of acetic acid and methylglyoxal are developed and validated by comparing simulations with the experimental results from previous studies (Tan et al., 2010, 2012). This new methylglyoxal model is then combined with the previous glyoxal model (Lim et al., 2010), and is used to simulate the profiles of products and to estimate SOA yields. At cloud-relevant concentrations (~ 10−6 − ~ 10−3 M; Munger et al., 1995) of glyoxal and methylglyoxal, the major photooxidation products are oxalic acid and pyruvic acid, and simulated SOA yields (by mass) are ~ 120% for glyoxal and ~ 80% for methylglyoxal. During droplet evaporation oligomerization of unreacted methylglyoxal/glyoxal that did not undergo aqueous photooxidation could enhance yields. In wet aerosols, where total dissolved organics are present at much higher concentrations (~ 10 M), the major oxidation products are oligomers formed via organic radical–radical reactions, and simulated SOA yields (by mass) are ~ 90% for both glyoxal and methylglyoxal. Non-radical reactions (e.g., with ammonium) could enhance yields.
Sub-Antarctic marine aerosol: dominant contributions from biogenic sources
Authors: Schmale J. , Schneider J. , Nemitz E. , Tang Y. S. , Dragosits U. , Blackall T. D. , Trathan P. N. , Phillips G. J. , Sutton M. , Braban C. F.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. Biogenic influences on the composition and characteristics of aerosol were investigated on Bird Island (54°00' S, 38°03' W) in the South Atlantic during November and December 2010. This remote marine environment is characterised by large seabird and seal colonies. The chemical composition of the submicron particles, measured by an aerosol mass spectrometer (AMS), was 21% non-sea-salt sulfate, 2% nitrate, 8% ammonium, 22% organics and 47% sea salt including sea salt sulfate. A new method to isolate the sea spray signature from the high-resolution AMS data was applied. Generally, the aerosol was found to be less acidic than in other marine environments due to the high availability of ammonia, from local fauna emissions. By positive matrix factorisation five different organic aerosol (OA) profiles could be isolated: an amino acid/amine factor (AA-OA, 18% of OA mass), a methanesulfonic acid OA factor (MSA-OA, 25%), a marine oxygenated OA factor (M-OOA, 41%), a sea spray OA fraction (SS-OA, 7%) and locally produced hydrocarbon-like OA (HOA, 9%). The AA-OA was dominant during the first two weeks of November and found to be related with the hatching of penguins in a nearby colony. This factor, rich in nitrogen (N : C ratio = 0.13), has implications for the biogeochemical cycling of nitrogen in the area as particulate matter is often transported over longer distances than gaseous N-rich compounds. The MSA-OA was mainly transported from more southerly latitudes where phytoplankton bloomed. The bloom was identified as one of three sources for particulate sulfate on Bird Island, next to sea salt sulfate and sulfate transported from South America. M-OOA was the dominant organic factor and found to be similar to marine OA observed at Mace Head, Ireland. An additional OA factor highly correlated with sea spray aerosol was identified (SS-OA). However, based on the available data the type of mixture, internal or external, could not be determined. Potassium was not associated with sea salt particles during 19% of the time, indicating the presence of biogenic particles in addition to the MSA-OA and AA-OA factors.
Evaluating the degree of oxygenation of organic aerosol during foggy and hazy days in Hong Kong using high-resolution time-of-flight aerosol mass spectrometry (HR-ToF-AMS)
Authors: Li Y. J. , Lee B. Y. L. , Yu J. Z. , Ng N. L. , Chan C. K.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. The chemical characteristics of organic aerosol (OA) are still poorly constrained. Here we present observation results of the degree of oxygenation of OA based on high-resolution time-of-flight aerosol mass spectrometry (HR-ToF-AMS) measurements made at a coastal site in Hong Kong from late April to the end of May in 2011. Two foggy periods and one hazy period were chosen for detailed analysis to compare the changes in the degree of oxygenation of OA due to different processes. Using HR-ToF-AMS measured inorganic species as input, the Extended Aerosol Inorganic Model (E-AIM) predicted a fine-particle liquid water content (LWCfp) up to 85 μg m−3 during the foggy days. Particle concentration as measured by HR-ToF-AMS was up to 60 μg m−3 during the hazy days and up to 30 μg m−3 during the foggy days. The degree of oxygenation of OA, as indicated by several parameters including the fraction of m/z 44 in organic mass spectra (f44), the elemental ratio of oxygen to carbon (O : C), and the carbon oxidation state (OSc), was evaluated against the odd oxygen (Ox) concentration, LWCfp, ionic strength (IS), and in situ pH (pHis). Observations suggest that the high concentration of OA (on average 11 μg m−3) and the high degree of oxygenation (f44 = 0.15, O : C = 0.51, and OSc = −0.31) during the hazy period were mainly due to gas-phase oxidation. During the foggy periods with low photochemical activities, the degree of oxygenation of OA was almost as high as that on the hazy days, and significantly higher than that during non-foggy/non-hazy days. However, the OA evolved quite differently in the two foggy periods. The first foggy period in late April saw a larger LWCfp and a lower Ox concentration and the OA were made up of ~ 20 % semi-volatile oxygenated organic aerosol (SVOOA) as resolved by positive matrix factorization (PMF). In the second foggy period in mid-May, higher Ox concentration and lower LWCfp were observed, and the OA were found to contain > 50 % low-volatility oxygenated organic aerosols (LVOOA). An examination of the particle characteristics (pHis, IS, and LWCfp) suggests that partitioning may have been the dominating process through which oxygenated species were incorporated into the particle phase during the first foggy period, while oxidation in the aqueous phase dominated over gas-phase processes during the second foggy period.
Transport of aerosols into the UTLS and their impact on the Asian monsoon region as seen in a global model simulation
Authors: Fadnavis S. , Semeniuk K. , Pozzoli L. , Schultz M. G. , Ghude S. D. , Das S. , Kakatkar R.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. An eight-member ensemble of ECHAM5-HAMMOZ simulations for a boreal summer season is analysed to study the transport of aerosols in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere (UTLS) during the Asian summer monsoon (ASM). The simulations show persistent maxima in black carbon, organic carbon, sulfate, and mineral dust aerosols within the anticyclone in the UTLS throughout the ASM (period from July to September), when convective activity over the Indian subcontinent is highest, indicating that boundary layer aerosol pollution is the source of this UTLS aerosol layer. The simulations identify deep convection and the associated heat-driven circulation over the southern flanks of the Himalayas as the dominant transport pathway of aerosols and water vapour into the tropical tropopause layer (TTL). Comparison of model simulations with and without aerosols indicates that anthropogenic aerosols are central to the formation of this transport pathway. Aerosols act to increase cloud ice, water vapour, and temperature in the model UTLS. Evidence of ASM transport of aerosols into the stratosphere is also found, in agreement with aerosol extinction measurements from the Halogen Occultation Experiment (HALOE) and Stratospheric Aerosol and Gas Experiment (SAGE) II. As suggested by the observations, aerosols are transported into the Southern Hemisphere around the tropical tropopause by large-scale mixing processes. Aerosol-induced circulation changes also include a weakening of the main branch of the Hadley circulation and a reduction of monsoon precipitation over India.