bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Vertical Distribution of Structural Parameters and Light Radiation in Rice Canopies by the Coupling Model and Remote Sensing
Authors: Guo Yongjiu , Zhang Ling , Qin Yehui , Zhu Yan , Cao Weixing , Tian Yongchao
Published: April 2015

Canopy structural parameters and light radiation are important for evaluating the light use efficiency and grain yield of crops. Their spatial variation within canopies and temporal variation over growth stages could be simulated using dynamic models with strong application and predictability. Based on an optimized canopy structure vertical distribution model and the Beer-Lambert law combined with hyperspectral remote sensing (RS) technology, we established a new dynamic model for simulating leaf area index (LAI), leaf angle (LA) distribution and light radiation at different vertical heights and growth stages. The model was validated by measuring LAI, LA and light radiation in different leaf layers at different growth stages of two different types of rice (Oryza sativa L.), i.e., japonica (Wuxiangjing14) and indica (Shanyou63). The results show that the simulated values were in good agreement with the observed values, with an average RRMSE (relative root mean squared error) between simulated and observed LAI and LA values of 14.75% and 21.78%, respectively. The RRMSE values for simulated photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) transmittance and interception rates were 14.25% and 9.22% for Wuxiangjing14 and 15.71% and 4.40% for Shanyou63, respectively. In addition, the corresponding RRMSE values for red (R), green (G) and blue (B) radiation transmittance and interception rates were 16.34%, 15.96% and 15.36% for Wuxiangjing14 and 5.75%, 8.23% and 5.03% for Shanyou63, respectively. The results indicate that the model performed well for different rice cultivars and under different cultivation conditions.
Optical Fiber Nanotips Coated with Molecular Beacons for DNA Detection
Authors: Giannetti Ambra , Barucci Andrea , Cosi Franco , Pelli Stefano , Tombelli Sara , Trono Cosimo , Baldini Francesco
Published: April 2015

Optical fiber sensors, thanks to their compactness, fast response and real-time measurements, have a large impact in the fields of life science research, drug discovery and medical diagnostics. In recent years, advances in nanotechnology have resulted in the development of nanotools, capable of entering the single cell, resulting in new nanobiosensors useful for the detection of biomolecules inside living cells. In this paper, we provide an application of a nanotip coupled with molecular beacons (MBs) for the detection of DNA. The MBs were characterized by hybridization studies with a complementary target to prove their functionality both free in solution and immobilized onto a solid support. The solid support chosen as substrate for the immobilization of the MBs was a 30 nm tapered tip of an optical fiber, fabricated by chemical etching. With this set-up promising results were obtained and a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.57 nM was reached, opening up the possibility of using the proposed nanotip to detect mRNAs inside the cytoplasm of living cells.
Community Involvement in Geoconservation: A Conceptual Approach Based on the Geoheritage of South Angola
Authors: Tavares Alexandre , Henriques Maria , Domingos Artur , Bala Abel
Published: April 2015

In this work, it is argued that effective protection of geological objects displaying heritage value requires the local community’s involvement in all geoconservation actions, i.e., inventory, evaluation, conservation, valuation and monitoring procedures, and not only at the final part of the process, when it is expected from local communities that the physical integrity of such objects is guaranteed. Community involvement in geoheritage inventory and evaluation procedures can be appraised by using a classification system that integrates both the geoheritage properties displayed by the geological objects and usually recognized by geoscientists (i.e., relevance grade) and the social role attributed to geological objects by communities outside Earth scientists that arise from the public perception of such objects (i.e., abstract perceptiveness). Using two case studies from southern Angola (Huíla Province) where both social and scientific components were taken into account in geoheritage evaluation procedures (Tundavala and Leba geosites), we propose a conceptual community-based model, which can be applicable to geoconservation purposes and actions in other African regions and converging with the main goals of the “African Alive Corridors” initiative.
Adopting Product Modularity in House Building to Support Mass Customisation
Authors: Rocha Cecília , Formoso Carlos , Tzortzopoulos Patrícia
Published: April 2015

Product modularity is a concept that can contribute to the improvement of product quality and production efficiency in house-building. However, there is a lack of consensus in the literature on the concepts that define product modularity. Furthermore, little attention has been given to the differences between building construction and manufacturing, for which product modularity was originally developed. This research aims to address that gap by adapting the conceptualization of product modularity so that it can effectively be used in the house-building industry. The methodological approach adopted in this study was Design Science Research, and two empirical studies were carried out on construction companies based in Brazil and in the U.K. Those studies are used to illustrate the applicability and utility of the proposed concepts and tools. Research findings indicate that the adoption of product modularity concepts results in benefits to both traditional construction technologies and pre-fabricated building systems.
Assessing Child Development: A Critical Review and the Sustainable Child Development Index (SCDI)
Authors: Chang Ya-Ju , Schneider Laura , Finkbeiner Matthias
Published: April 2015

Children are an important stakeholder group for sustainable development, as they represent the interface between current and future generations. A comprehensive assessment of child development (CD) in the context of sustainable development is still missing. In this paper, as a first step, a literature review is conducted to identify relevant aspects and gaps related to the assessment of CD. The main issues of CD are categorized into seven themes: health, education, safety, economic status, relationships, participation, and newly proposed environmental aspects. The corresponding subthemes and criteria are classified accordingly (e.g., nutrition, child mortality, immunization, etc., are assigned to the theme health). However, gaps in current studies, such as the heterogeneous classification of relevant aspects, regional and societal bias in addressing certain aspects, the limited number of subthemes, and criteria and the missing inclusion of environmental aspects impede the assessment of sustainable child development. To address the existing gaps, a comprehensive framework, the Sustainable Child Development Index (SCDI), is proposed. The SCDI is based on sustainable development as the core value, considers relevant aspects of CD with regard to newly-proposed environmental aspects and includes 26 aspects on an outcome and 37 indicators on a context level to tackle the heterogeneous classifications and interdependencies of relevant aspects. The proposed index intends to strengthen the stakeholder perspective of children in sustainability assessment.
Knowledge Brokerage for Impact Assessment of Land Use Scenarios in Inner Mongolia, China: Extending and Testing the FoPIA Approach
Authors: König Hannes , Podhora Aranka , Zhen Lin , Helming Katharina , Yan Huimin , Du Bingzhen , Wübbeke Jost , Wang Chao , Klinger Julie , Chen Cheng , Uthes Sandra
Published: April 2015

While land serves numerous societal functions and contributes to sustainable development, it is often unclear how these functions are affected by political decisions and common drivers of land use change, such as economic development, climate change and demographic change. This study evaluates alternative land use scenarios in reference to a rural region of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (China), where various processes and decisions have historically triggered unsustainable development. The scientifically tested “Framework for Participatory Impact Assessment (FoPIA)” method is developed further to address specific features of the case study region, and its function as a knowledge-brokerage (KB) tool is evaluated. Three scenarios are developed and analysed in expert workshops. “Land intensification: Agriculture” and “Land intensification: Mining” scenarios are found to have mainly negative environmental and social effects and positive economic impacts, while the “Environmental conservation and tourism” scenario is found to more positively affect all three sustainability dimensions. Assessments of methodological phases show that the FoPIA primarily serves to establish the KB process and that the framework particularly benefits from early examinations of scientific results by policy makers.
Influenza Vaccination Strategies: Comparing Inactivated and Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccines
Authors: Sridhar Saranya , Brokstad Karl , Cox Rebecca
Published: April 2015

Influenza is a major respiratory pathogen causing annual outbreaks and occasional pandemics. Influenza vaccination is the major method of prophylaxis. Currently annual influenza vaccination is recommended for groups at high risk of complications from influenza infection such as pregnant women, young children, people with underlying disease and the elderly, along with occupational groups such a healthcare workers and farm workers. There are two main types of vaccines available: the parenteral inactivated influenza vaccine and the intranasal live attenuated influenza vaccine. The inactivated vaccines are licensed from 6 months of age and have been used for more than 50 years with a good safety profile. Inactivated vaccines are standardized according to the presence of the viral major surface glycoprotein hemagglutinin and protection is mediated by the induction of vaccine strain specific antibody responses. In contrast, the live attenuated vaccines are licensed in Europe for children from 2–17 years of age and provide a multifaceted immune response with local and systemic antibody and T cell responses but with no clear correlate of protection. Here we discuss the immunological immune responses elicited by the two vaccines and discuss future work to better define correlates of protection.
Quantification of Water and Salt Exchanges in a Tidal Estuary
Authors: Devkota Janesh , Fang Xing
Published: April 2015

A calibrated three-dimensional hydrodynamic model was applied to study subtidal water and salt exchanges at various cross sections of the Perdido Bay and Wolf Bay system using the Eulerian decomposition method from 6 September 2008 to 13 July 2009. Salinity, velocity, and water levels at each cross section were extracted from the model output to compute flow rates and salt fluxes. Eulerian analysis concluded that salt fluxes (exchanges) at the Perdido Pass and Dolphin Pass cross sections were dominated by tidal oscillatory transport FT, whereas shear dispersive transport FE (shear dispersion due to vertical and lateral shear transport) was dominant at the Perdido Pass complex, the Wolf-Perdido canal, and the lower Perdido Bay cross sections. The flow rate QF and total salt transport rate FS showed distinct variation in response to complex interactions between discharges from upstream rivers and tidal boundaries. QF and FS ranged from −619 m3·s−1 (seaward) to 179 m3·s−1 (landward) and −13,480–6289 kg·s−1 at Perdido Pass when river discharges ranged 11.0–762.5 m3·s−1 in the 2008–2009 simulation period.
La tradition des oeuvres de Jean Chrysostome, entre transmission et transformation
Authors: Bady Guillaume
Published: April 2015

Ce que l’on sait de Chrysostome dépend de ce que transmettent les manuscrits, les textes édités et les études modernes. Or, étant donné l’impossibilité d’aboutir à des éditions critiques définitives et de retrouver un original utopique, la déconstruction critique de l’édifice chrysostomien mène en fait à revenir à ce que les traditions les plus anciennes ont d’authentique et à reconnaître leur rôle propre. Texte, entourage du texte, séries de textes et textes dérivés : la tradition transforme l’oeuvre chrysostomienne en même temps qu’elle la transmet et la trahit.
Fluoride-driven ‘turn on’ ESPT in the binding with a novel benzimidazole-based sensor
Authors: Liu Kai , Zhao Xiaojun , Liu Qingxiang , Huo Jianzhong , Zhu Bolin , Diao Shihua
Published: April 2015

A novel fluorescence sensor (BIP) bearing NH and OH subunits displayed a highly selective and sensitive recognition property for fluoride over other anions. Fluoride-driven ESPT, poorly used in anion recognition and sensing, was suggested to be responsible for the fluorescence enhancement with a blue shift of 35 nm in the emission spectrum.
A Mobile Based Tigrigna Language Learning Tool
Authors: Teklehaimanot Hailay Kidu
Published: April 2015

Introduction:

Mobile learning refers to the use of mobile and handheld IT devices such as Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), mobile telephones, laptops and tablet PC technologies, in teaching and learning. It is a new form of learning, using mobile network and tools, expanding digital learning channel, gaining educational information, educational resources and educational services anytime, anywhere. Learning a language requires explicit learning of vocabulary and language rules. This can be supported by mobile learning. An initial survey of this project showed me most foreigners consider Tigrigna language as a barrier to be involved in different local activities of Tigray Tigrigna speakers and no one is developed Tigrigna language tool before.

Objective:

To develop Mobile based Tigrigna Language Learning Tool.

Methods:

This project develops a Mobile based Tigrigna Language Learning Tool to support Tigrigna Language speaking, listening and writing for foreigners in a Tigrigna’s environment. The main emphasis is to teach beginners, the basic alphabets, words and common conversation they might come across. To achieve this goal, the main effort of this project is based on three aspects: designing and delivering Tigrigna alphabets, words and conversation lessons, by integrating audio and picture for the words, alphabets and common conversations. By giving exercises for each the lessons and allowing the user to keep track of his/her profile.

The Tool contains three modules like Tutorial management module, Exercise Module and User Profile Module each of the modules are contained different components and functionalities it also includes a scenario-based fulfilling activities associated of learners and it encourages users to speak, listen and write in Tigrigna through the mission tasks of the project .This Tool may increase learners’ motivation to continue their Tigrigna learning. Besides, mobile devices provide the opportunity to learn Tigrigna outside the classroom and to interact directly with a genuine living environment.

Results:

This project is viewed by the institution of Tigrigina language and litrature Addiss Ababa University and they are interested on the tool. I deployed on the actual device it works exactly as expected and different beginner Tigrigna learners are using the tool.

Conclusion:-

I believe that Tigirigina mobile learning are personalization of learning environment, learning Experience outside the classroom, learning by recording, organizing over time, taking advantage of the benefits of an information, be more motivated, no more forced to use PC as the only Objects to have access to materials and knowledge.
Developing a Remote Laboratory for Heat Transfer Studies
Authors: Ennetta Ridha , Nasri Ibrahim
Published: April 2015

Remote labs that enable students to conduct real-world experiments at a distance using a computer and Web-based tools can be the only realistic method of performing practical experiments in the context of distance learning.

eSience Tempus project "Maghreb Network of remote labs" offers an innovative pedagogical approach which integrates eLearning and is complementary to classroom learning. The main objective of this project is to create an efficient remote labs network in the Maghreb region for the modernization of higher education in technological sciences.

The current paper summarizes the work carried out on a heat exchanger bench to be fully accessed and controlled remotely. Through this new device a student of Mechanical Engineering is introduced to many fundamental aspects of heat transfer.
UC1 Oscillator Remote Lab for Distant Electronics Education
Authors: Latreche Saida , Ziari Zehira , Mouissat Smail
Published: April 2015

Abstract—In this paper, we are interested in the transformation of a face-to-face active course into a web-based active course. Indeed, distance education has been rapidly become more important around the world due to the development of Information and Communication Technology.

However, the roles of these later must evolve to accommodate these new models, with increased student responsibility and accountability.

First, we reports on the experience of Constantine1 University in the development of ‘Electric oscillator circuit’ on-line course via the Moodle platform. We describe the different stages of the online course and highlights its possibility, which is not available in the face-to-face courses.

Second, we present the remote lab of UC1 University, which is developed under eSience project. It aims to develop remote labs in the Maghreb country and to link them.

Therefore, we focus on the implementation of ‘Wien Bridge Oscillator’ experiment, which is deployed on the interactive version of iLab Shared Architecture (ISA).
Influences on the Adoption of Mobile Learning in Saudi Women Teachers in Higher Education
Authors: Alfarani Leena Ahmad
Published: April 2015

Although mobile devices are ubiquitous on university campuses, teacher-readiness for mobile learning has yet to be fully explored in the non-western nations. This study shows that two main factors affect the adoption and use of m-learning among female teachers within a university in Saudi Arabia—resistance to change and perceived social culture. These determinants of the current use and intention to use of m-learning were revealed through the analysis of an online questionnaire completed by 165 female faculty members. This study reveals several important issues for m-learning research and practice. The results further extend the body of knowledge in the field of m-learning, with the findings revealing that resistance to change and perceived social culture are significant determinants of the current use of and the intention to use m-learning.
A Web-Based System for Error Correction Questions in Programming Exercise
Authors: Hachisu Yoshinari , Yoshida Atsushi
Published: April 2015

In this chapter, the authors propose a system for generating error correction questions of programs, which are suitable for developing debugging skills in programming education. The system generates HTML files for answering questions and CGI programs for checking answers. They are deployed on a Web server, and learners read and answer questions on Web browsers. It provides an intuitive user interface; a learner can edit codes in place at the text. To make programs including errors for learning debugging, the authors analyze types of errors and define the processes of error injection as code transformation patterns. If learners can edit any codes freely, it is difficult to check all possible answers. Instead, the authors adopt a strategy to restrict editable points and possible answers from the educational view. A demonstration of error correction questions of the C language is available at http://ecq.tebasaki.jp/.
Digital Keepsakes
Authors: Tuite Declan
Published: April 2015

This chapter presents research from a study of novice older adult users of ICTs and the Internet from Ireland. Through the concept of digital keepsakes, this chapter connects with theorising around greater mobility and more dissipated extended families. In particular, connections can be seen with current research themes, which explore how citizens may extend the use of ICT communication act so that digital artifacts may offer emotional containment, extended time for reflection, through comments reinterpretations and sharing of experience and meaning. The value and benefit of digital artifacts can extend beyond a personal onscreen experience. Respondents reported valuing both portability and having a record of the good intentions. Such messages consisted of wishes of good luck, sympathy, or empathy.
Web 3.0 in Web Development
Authors: Vieira João , Isaías Pedro
Published: April 2015

The Web 3.0 has revolutionized the Internet in the last years and its benefits are still being studied. The way that websites are being developed is also changing because of this Web evolution, giving to Web developers new technologies where computers can better understand and give meaning to content. This chapter presents an overview of technologies considered to be included on the Web 3.0 concept. The main objective of the chapter is to introduce a conceptual framework of Web 3.0, or Semantic Web, technologies that can be used for developing a website. This review of literature introduces the evolution of each of the technologies mentioned, as well as their functions. Some examples and opportunities for use are also presented. The chapter offers a current state-of-the-art and an opportunity for future relevant research in the Web development area.
Predicting Use of GoodGuide.com Consumer Product Sustainability Information Using VBN Theory and NEP Scale
Authors: Angeles Rebecca
Published: April 2015

The chapter focuses on the use of information provided by an Online Environmental Infomediary (OEI), GoodGuide.com, to advise consumers on the overall and specific sustainability attributes of personal care and household chemical and food products. This chapter seeks to predict the willingness of consumers to be influenced by GoodGuide.com information in their purchases and to influence others as well with this information using the Value-Belief-Norm (VBN) theory and the New Environmental Paradigm (NEP) scale. An experiment was applied to a sample of both undergraduate and graduate students at the Faculty of Business Administration, University of New Brunswick Fredericton, Canada. Data analysis using a series of stepwise multiple regressions was used in this study. Study results indicate the usefulness of both theoretical frameworks in understanding consumer predisposition to use OEI-provided information and the potential of social networking and use of mobile devices and apps in facilitating access and use of green information.
Emergency Management Training and Social Network Analysis
Authors: Ekker Knut
Published: April 2015

The chapter first presents a background review of the application of computer technology in simulations of natural hazard situations. The chapter then presents the efforts of researchers at Mid Sweden University and Nord-Trøndelag University College to build a comprehensive emergency training tool with funding from the Interreg/EU ERDF (European Regional Development Fund). The main part of the chapter reports empirical data from this project GSS (Gaining Security Symbiosis). The project developed the tool for training emergency personnel (police, fire, ambulance, and local officials) in handling crises in the border region between Norway and Sweden. The Web-based software incorporated complex scenarios that the emergency personnel had to contend with during 3-hour training sessions. The participants included employees at the operator, tactical, and strategic level of the organizations. The training tool recorded all communications among participants which primarily was text based. The rich data source was analyzed “on-the-fly” with the software from the R Project for statistical computing and the SNA package (Social Network Analysis package). The statistical software provided detailed graphs of the social networking of communications among the participants on both sides of the national border in central Scandinavia. The chapter concludes with a presentation of ideas towards using the social networking data as input into simulation models based on system dynamics. The empirical data from the project will naturally provide data for future training sessions. A planned future model of the comprehensive training tool—netAgora—will use experiential data in a Virtual Responder component in the training sessions of emergency personnel.
Measuring the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation
Authors: Perez Renellys C. , Baringer Molly O. , Dong Shenfu , Garzoli Silvia L. , Goes Marlos , Goni Gustavo J. , Lumpkin Rick , Meinen Christopher S. , Msadek Rym , Rivero Ulises
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) plays a crucial role in redistributing heat and salt throughout the global oceans. Achieving a more complete understanding of the behavior of the AMOC system requires a comprehensive observational network that
spans the entire Atlantic basin. This article describes several different types of observational systems that are used by scientists of the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration and their partners at other national and international institutions to study the complex nature
of the AMOC. The article also highlights several emerging technologies that will aid AMOC studies in the future.
A High-Resolution Acoustic Imaging System to Map Interior Fish Morphology
Authors: Chu Dezhang , Jech J. Michael , Tomich Stan D. , Hufnagle Lawrence C.
Published: April 2015

AbstractAn acoustic imaging microtome system (AIMS) was constructed to map the internal structure of fish. The system consists of two pairs of high-frequency (4.5 MHz) transmit-and-receive planar arrays, with one pair in the vertical plane and the other in the horizontal
plane. AIMS provides a series of acoustic images, analogous to microtome slices, along the length of a fish by combining electronically controlled sequential acoustic transmissions and receptions over 224 channels and a computer-controlled mechanical device that moves the acoustic arrays lengthwise
along the fish. AIMS measures the acoustic attenuation (extinction) along the direct ray paths of each transmit-receive channel pair that penetrates the fish body in a bistatic configuration. This results in a 2-D image of the interior morphology with 4- to 5-mm resolution. The images can
provide morphological information on the fish's cheekbone, backbone, rib bone, skull, fins, stomach, and swimbladder, which is important for accurately modeling fish acoustic target strength, especially for non-swimbladder-bearing fish species.
Treatment of Costal Osteochondroma Causing Spinal Cord Compression by Costotransversectomy: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Mazur Marcus D. , Mumert Michael L. , Schmidt Meic H.
Published: April 2015

In laminectomies for costal osteochondroma causing spinal cord compression, visualization of the extraforaminal part of the tumor is limited. The authors describe using a costotransversectomy to resolve spinal cord compression by a costal osteochondroma invading through the neural foramen. A 21-year-old woman with hereditary multiple exostoses presented with hand numbness and progressive neck and upper back pain. Plain radiographs identified a large lesion of the T2 and T3 pedicles, with encroachment on the T2-3 neural foramen causing ~50% spinal canal stenosis. Costotransversectomy was performed to resect the cartilaginous portions of the osteochondroma, debulk the mass, and decompress the spinal canal. A mass of mature bone was left, but no appreciable cartilaginous tumor. At five-year follow- up, the patient had improvement of neck pain, no new neurological deficits. a stable residual mass, and no new osteochondromas, indicating that appropriate surgical management can yield good results and no evidence of recurrence.
Bioefficacy of Morinda tinctoria and Pongamia glabra plant extracts against the malaria vector Anopheles stephensi (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Amerasan D. , Murugan K. , Panneerselvam C. , Kanagaraju N. , Kovendan K. , Mahesh Kumar P.
Published: April 2015

Mosquito-borne diseases have an economic impact, including loss in commercial and labour outputs, particularly in countries with tropical and subtropical climates; however, no part of the world is free from vector-borne diseases. The aim of the present study was to investigate the larvicidal, adulticidal and ovicidal activity of dried leaf chloroform, ethyl acetate, acetone, aqueous, and methanol extracts of Morinda tinctoria and Pongamia glabra against larvae of Anopheles stephensi (Diptera: Culicidae). Larvae were exposed to varying concentrations of plant extracts for 24 h. All extracts showed moderate larvicidal effects after 24 h of exposure; however, the highest larval mortality was found with the leaf methanol extracts of M. tinctoria and P. glabra against the larvae of A. stephensi lethal concentration (LC)50=136.24 and 141.05 ppm; LC90=342.67 and 368.89 ppm, respectively. The results of the adulticidal activity assays of chloroform, ethyl acetate, acetone, aqueous, and methanol extracts of M. tinctoria and P. glabra showed significant mortality against larvae of A. stephensi. The methanol extract showed maximum activity compared with the other extracts. The greatest effect on mean percentage hatch in the ovicidal assays was observed 48 h post-treatment. Percent hatch was inversely proportional to the concentration of extract, and directly proportional to the number of eggs. A mortality of 100% was observed with 100-400 ppm methanol extracts and 200-400 ppm aqueous extracts of M. tinctoria, and 200-400 ppm aqueous and methanol extracts of P. glabra. This study provides the first report of the larvicidal, adulticidal and ovicidal activities of M. tinctoria and P. glabra plant extracts against the malaria vector, A. stephensi, representing an ideal eco-friendly approach for its control.
Existence of Multiple Solutions for ap-Laplacian System in ℝNwith Sign-changing Weight Functions
Authors: Song Hongxue , Chen Caisheng , Yan Qinglun
Published: April 2015

In this paper, we consider the quasi-linear elliptic problem

whereand the weight H(x); h1(x); h2(x) are continuous functions that change sign in ℝN. We will prove that the problem has at least two positive solutions by using the Nehari manifold and the fibering maps associated with the Euler functional for this problem.
The need for a new Copyright Act: a case study in law reform
Authors: Arnold Richard
Published: April 2015

There were three United Kingdom Copyright Acts in the twentieth century. It is now 26 years since the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 was passed. The major thesis of this lecture is that it is time for a new Copyright Act. The minor thesis is that we need to re-think our approach to copyright law reform. Both theses are illustrated by the history of UK copyright legislation over the last 140 years.
Evaluating the legitimacy of geo-location circumvention in the context of Technical Protection Measures
Authors: Hilliard Christopher
Published: April 2015

The purpose of this research is to evaluate geo-location technologies, and the legality of circumventing, if considered a Technical Protection Measure. The first section of the research defines and analyses what geo-location is, the technologies that constitute geo-location and the applicability to Technical Protection Measures as defined in the CDPA. The research then focuses on the potential liability for users and providers of geo-location technology, in the context of the CDPA and European directives. This research provides a valuable insight into the effectiveness of the above identified provisions and the potential impact of the service provider licence agreements.
The protection of indigenous terms and expressions by the Merchandise Marks Act in South Africa
Authors: Nwauche ES
Published: April 2015

This article reviews the recent protection in South Africa of a number of indigenous terms and expressions including ‘Rooibos Tea’ through the Merchandise Marks Act as a context for exploring the capacity of the Merchandise Marks Act in effectively protecting expressions of folklore in the light of the framework of the Intellectual Property Laws Amendment Act 2013, which also protects indigenous terms and expressions.
From Trauma Quality Improvement Project to the Geriatric Trauma Institute: Developing an Innovative Care Model for the Coming Storm
Authors: DeLa'O Connie M , Rodriguez Aurelio , Boer Justin , Simunich Thomas , Dumire Russell
Published: April 2015

Background

The US geriatric population is projected to steadily increase to approximately 20% by 2030, thereby significantly increasing the burden to trauma services. This study sought to transform the geriatric trauma care model into one more effective, efficient, financially sustainable, and capable of absorbing the anticipated increased demand.

Study design

The goals were to improve the geriatric trauma care process—for patient and hospital, detail its evolution, and provide a formative evaluation of the result. A multidisciplinary team, internal and external to the hospital, was assembled including clinical, administrative, and technical staff. Over 18 months, application of Lean Six Sigma tools/concepts produced a novel care model, the Geriatric Trauma Institute (GTI). Retrospectively, formative evaluation was accomplished by comparing pre-GTI data time-matched with that from the first 8 months post-GTI initiation.

Results

The GTI has achieved 100% involvement of institution orthopedists with 100% of geriatric trauma admissions being converted to the GTI. Eight months post-GTI, geriatric trauma service admissions increased 26.6%, while non-trauma admissions decreased 78.2%. Out-transfers declined by 28.2%. Patients dispositioned to home increased 26.1% alongside decreases to rehabilitation (47.2%), skilled nursing, and transitional care facilities.

Conclusion

Geriatric trauma institute success is evidenced by the quantifiable benefits to patient and hospital. During development, new work processes, tools, and staff training helped boost the utilization of the trauma service regarding geriatric trauma care via the novel multidisciplinary approach. The GTI has demonstrated sustained quality improvement in geriatric trauma care maintained through the trauma service performance improvement initiative.

How to cite this article

DeLa'O CM, Rodriguez A, Boer J, Simunich T, Dumire R. From Trauma Quality Improvement Project to the Geriatric Trauma Institute: Developing an Innovative Care Model for the Coming Storm. Panam J Trauma Crit Care Emerg Surg 2014;3(3):105-108.
Trauma and Emergencies in Ecuador: History, Realities, and Perspectives
Authors: Aboutanos Michel B
Published: April 2015

How to cite this article

Michel B Aboutanos. Trauma and Emergencies in Ecuador: History, Realities, and Perspectives. Panam J Trauma Crit Care Emerg Surg 2014;3(3):139-140.
Study of a prototypical convective boundary layer observed during BLLAST: contributions by large-scale forcings
Authors: Pietersen H. P. , Vilà-Guerau de Arellano J. , Augustin P. , van de Boer A. , de Coster O. , Delbarre H. , Durand P. , Fourmentin M. , Gioli B. , Hartogensis O. , Lohou F. , Lothon M. , Ouwersloot H. G. , Pino D. , Reuder J.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. We study the influence of the large-scale atmospheric contribution to the dynamics of the convective boundary layer (CBL) in a situation observed during the Boundary Layer Late Afternoon and Sunset Turbulence (BLLAST) field campaign. We employ two modeling approaches, the mixed-layer theory and large-eddy simulation (LES), with a complete data set of surface and upper-air atmospheric observations, to quantify the contributions of the advection of heat and moisture, and subsidence. We find that by only taking surface and entrainment fluxes into account, the boundary-layer height is overestimated by 70%. Constrained by surface and upper-air observations, we infer the large-scale vertical motions and horizontal advection of heat and moisture. Our findings show that subsidence has a clear diurnal pattern. Supported by the presence of a nearby mountain range, this pattern suggests that not only synoptic scales exert their influence on the boundary layer, but also mesoscale circulations. LES results show a satisfactory correspondence of the vertical structure of turbulent variables with observations. We also find that when large-scale advection and subsidence are included in the simulation, the values for turbulent kinetic energy are lower than without these large-scale forcings. We conclude that the prototypical CBL is a valid representation of the boundary-layer dynamics near regions characterized by complex topography and small-scale surface heterogeneity, provided that surface- and large-scale forcings are representative for the local boundary layer.
Diurnal cycle of the dust instantaneous direct radiative forcing over the Arabian Peninsula
Authors: Osipov S. , Stenchikov G. , Brindley H. , Banks J.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. In this study we attempted to better quantify radiative effects of dust over the Arabian Peninsula and their dependence on input parameters. For this purpose we have developed a standalone column radiation transport model coupled with the Mie calculations and driven by reanalysis meteorological fields and atmospheric composition. Numerical experiments were carried out for a wide range of aerosol optical depths, including extreme values developed during the dust storm on 18–20 March 2012. Comprehensive ground-based observations and satellite retrievals were used to estimate aerosol optical properties, validate calculations and carry out radiation closure. The broadband surface albedo, fluxes at the bottom and top of the atmosphere as well as instantaneous dust radiative forcing were estimated both from the model and observations. Diurnal cycle of the the shortwave instantaneous dust direct radiative forcing was studied for a range of aerosol and surface characteristics representative for the Arabian Peninsula. Mechanisms and parameters responsible for diurnal variability of the radiative forcing were evaluated. We found that intrinsic variability of the surface albedo and its dependence on atmospheric conditions, along with anisotropic aerosol scattering, are mostly responsible for diurnal effects.
Dynamics of greenhouse gases (CO2, CH4, N2O) along the Zambezi River and major tributaries, and their importance in the riverine carbon budget
Authors: Teodoru C. R. , Nyoni F. C. , Borges A. V. , Darchambeau F. , Nyambe I. , Bouillon S.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Spanning over 3000 km in length and with a catchment of approximately 1.4 million km2, the Zambezi River is the fourth largest river in Africa and the largest flowing into the Indian Ocean from the African continent. We present data on greenhouse gas (GHG: carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O)) concentrations and fluxes, as well as data that allow for characterization of sources and dynamics of carbon pools collected along the Zambezi River, reservoirs and several of its tributaries during 2012 and 2013 and over two climatic seasons (dry and wet) to constrain the interannual variability, seasonality and spatial heterogeneity along the aquatic continuum. All GHG concentrations showed high spatial variability (coefficient of variation: 1.01 for CO2, 2.65 for CH4 and 0.21 for N2O). Overall, there was no unidirectional pattern along the river stretch (i.e., decrease or increase towards the ocean), as the spatial heterogeneity of GHGs appeared to be determined mainly by the connectivity with floodplains and wetlands as well as the presence of man-made structures (reservoirs) and natural barriers (waterfalls, rapids). Highest CO2 and CH4 concentrations in the main channel were found downstream of extensive floodplains/wetlands. Undersaturated CO2 conditions, in contrast, were characteristic of the surface waters of the two large reservoirs along the Zambezi mainstem. N2O concentrations showed the opposite pattern, being lowest downstream of the floodplains and highest in reservoirs. Among tributaries, highest concentrations of both CO2 and CH4 were measured in the Shire River, whereas low values were characteristic of more turbid systems such as the Luangwa and Mazoe rivers. The interannual variability in the Zambezi River was relatively large for both CO2 and CH4, and significantly higher concentrations (up to 2-fold) were measured during wet seasons compared to the dry season. Interannual variability of N2O was less pronounced, but higher values were generally found during the dry season. Overall, both concentrations and fluxes of CO2 and CH4 were well below the median/average values for tropical rivers, streams and reservoirs reported previously in the literature and used for global extrapolations. A first-order mass balance suggests that carbon (C) transport to the ocean represents the major component (59%) of the budget (largely in the form of dissolved inorganic carbon, DIC), while 38% of the total C yield is annually emitted into the atmosphere, mostly as CO2 (98%), and 3% is removed by sedimentation in reservoirs.
Dam tailwaters compound the effects of reservoirs on the longitudinal transport of organic carbon in an arid river
Authors: Ulseth A. J. , Hall Jr. R. O.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Reservoirs on rivers can disrupt organic carbon (OC) transport and transformation, but less is known how downstream river reaches directly below dams contribute to OC processing than reservoirs alone. We compared how reservoirs and their associated tailwaters affected OC quantity and quality by calculating particulate (P) OC and dissolved (D) OC fluxes, and measuring composition and bioavailability of DOC. We sampled the Yampa River near Maybell, Colorado, USA and the Green River above and below Fontenelle and Flaming Gorge reservoirs, and their respective tailwaters from early snowmelt to base flow hydrological conditions. In unregulated reaches (Yampa River, Green River above Fontenelle reservoir), DOC and POC concentrations increased with snowmelt discharge. POC and DOC concentrations also increased with stream discharge below Fontenelle reservoir, but there was no relationship between DOC and stream flow below Flaming Gorge reservoir. The annual load of POC was 3-fold lower below Fontenelle Reservoir and nearly 7-fold lower below Flaming Gorge reservoir, compared to their respective upstream sampling sites. DOC exported to downstream reaches from both reservoirs was less bioavailable, as measured with bioassays, than DOC upriver of the reservoirs. Lastly, tailwater reaches below the reservoirs generated OC, exporting 1.6–2.2 g C m−2 d−1 of OC to downstream ecosystems. Changes in total fluxes from upstream to downstream of reservoirs and their tailwaters do not represent the simultaneous transformation and production of OC, which may lead to the underestimation of the quantity of OC mineralized, transformed, or retained in coupled river-reservoir-tailwater ecosystems.
The Measuring Ammonia in Nature (MAN) network in the Netherlands
Authors: Lolkema D. E. , Noordijk H. , Stolk A. P. , Hoogerbrugge R. , van Zanten M. C. , van Pul W. A. J.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Since 2005 the Measuring Ammonia in Nature (MAN) network monitors atmospheric ammonia concentrations in nature reserve areas in the Netherlands (man.rivm.nl). The main aim of the network is to monitor national trends, to assess regional deviations and to validate model calculations. Measurements are performed with commercial passive samplers, monthly calibrated against ammonia measurements of active sampling devices. The sampling is performed by an extensive group of local volunteers, which minimizes the cost and enables the use of local knowledge. We show the MAN network to be well capable of monitoring trends on national and local scale, as well as providing data for more detailed local analyses. The quality of the network is such that trends over time for individual MAN areas can be detected in the order of 3% per year for time series of six to nine years.
Updating hydraulic properties and layer thicknesses in hydrogeological models using groundwater model calibration results
Authors: Lourens A. , Bierkens M. F. P. , van Geer F. C.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Usually, subsoil data for groundwater models are generated from borehole data, using upscaling techniques. Since the assumed hydraulic properties for litho-classes in boreholes are uncertain, and upscaling may add inaccuracies, the groundwater model has to be calibrated. In this paper, a method is presented that uses a calibrated groundwater model to improve the quality of a hydrogeological model (layer thickness and hydraulic properties) as obtained from borehole data. To achieve this, all borehole data are defined by random variables and related to aquifer and aquitard properties at the same support as the groundwater model, using complete probability density functions. Subsequently, the calibrated parameter values of the groundwater model are assumed to be the truth and are used to find the most likely combination of layer thicknesses and hydraulic conductivities for the lithological layers making up the aquifer or aquitard. The presented example is an application of the proposed method to aquitards. Nevertheless, the method can be applied to aquifers as well. The analysis of the results gives rise to the discussion about the correctness of the hydrogeological interpretation of the borehole data as well as the correctness of the calibration results of the groundwater flow model. In order to make the problem tractable, computationally feasible, and avoid assumptions about the distribution form, piecewise linear probability density functions are used, instead of parametrized functions.
Uncertainty in hydrological signatures
Authors: Westerberg I. K. , McMillan H. K.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Information about rainfall–runoff processes is essential for hydrological analyses, modelling and water-management applications. A hydrological, or diagnostic, signature quantifies such information from observed data as an index value. Signatures are widely used, including for catchment classification, model calibration and change detection. Uncertainties in the observed data – including measurement inaccuracy and representativeness as well as errors relating to data management – propagate to the signature values and reduce their information content. Subjective choices in the calculation method are a further source of uncertainty. We review the uncertainties relevant to different signatures based on rainfall and flow data. We propose a generally applicable method to calculate these uncertainties based on Monte Carlo sampling and demonstrate it in two catchments for common signatures including rainfall–runoff thresholds, recession analysis and basic descriptive signatures of flow distribution and dynamics. Our intention is to contribute to awareness and knowledge of signature uncertainty, including typical sources, magnitude and methods for its assessment. We found that the uncertainties were often large (i.e. typical intervals of ±10–40% relative uncertainty) and highly variable between signatures. There was greater uncertainty in signatures that use high-frequency responses, small data subsets, or subsets prone to measurement errors. There was lower uncertainty in signatures that use spatial or temporal averages. Some signatures were sensitive to particular uncertainty types such as rating-curve form. We found that signatures can be designed to be robust to some uncertainty sources. Signature uncertainties of the magnitudes we found have the potential to change the conclusions of hydrological and ecohydrological analyses, such as cross-catchment comparisons or inferences about dominant processes.