bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surface and subsurface flow in eucalyptus plantations in north-central Portugal
Authors: Boulet Anne-K. , Prats Sergio A. , Malvar Maruxa C. , González-Pelayo Oscar , Coelho Celeste O.A. , Ferreira Antonio J.D. , Keizer Jan J.
Published: June 2015

In the Baixo Vouga region of north-central Portugal, forests occupy half of the territory, of which two thirds are Eucalypts plantations. The hydrological implications of this large-scale introduction of eucalypt are unknown and the aim of this exploratory study, realized in the Caramulo Mountains, was to describe overland flow (OLF), subsurface flow (SSF) and stream flow (Q) in a catchment dominated by Eucalyptus plantations. The main conclusions are that annual OLF rate is low, spatially heterogeneous between 0.1% and 6% and concentrated during the wet season as saturation excess, particularly as return flow. Infiltration-excess OLF due to the strong soil water repellence (SWR) is dominant during dry season, but produces residual runoff amount. SSF is the principal mechanism of runoff formation. It originates from matrix flow and pipe flow at the soil-bedrock interface, principally during the wet season. Matrix flow is correlated with soil moisture (SM) content, with a threshold of 25 %. Pipe flow starts with saturation of soil bottom but without saturation of the entire soil profile, due to a large network of macropores. Stream flow response is highly correlated with matrix flow behaviour in timing and intensity. SWR induces a very patchy moistening of the soil, concentrates the fluxes and accelerates them almost 100 times greater than normal percolation of the water in the matrix.
Rainfall estimation from in situ soil moisture observations at several sites in Europe: an evaluation of the SM2RAIN algorithm
Authors: Brocca Luca , Massari Christian , Ciabatta Luca , Moramarco Tommaso , Penna Daniele , Zuecco Giulia , Pianezzola Luisa , Borga Marco , Matgen Patrick , Martínez-Fernández José
Published: June 2015

Rain gauges, weather radars, satellite sensors and modelled data from weather centres are used operationally for estimating the spatial-temporal variability of rainfall. However, the associated uncertainties can be very high, especially in poorly equipped regions of the world. Very recently, an innovative method, named SM2RAIN, that uses soil moisture observations to infer rainfall, has been proposed by Brocca et al. (2013) with very promising results when applied with in situ and satellite-derived data. However, a thorough analysis of the physical consistency of the SM2RAIN algorithm has not been carried out yet. In this study, synthetic soil moisture data generated from a physically-based soil water balance model are employed to check the reliability of the assumptions made in the SM2RAIN algorithm. Next, high quality and multiyear in situ soil moisture observations, at different depths (5-30 cm), and rainfall for ten sites across Europe are used for testing the performance of the algorithm, its limitations and applicability range.

SM2RAIN shows very high accuracy in the synthetic experiments with a correlation coefficient, R, between synthetically generated and simulated data, at daily time step, higher than 0.940 and an average Bias lower than 4%. When real datasets are used, the agreement between observed and simulated daily rainfall is slightly lower with average R-values equal to 0.87 and 0.85 in the calibration and validation periods, respectively. Overall, the performance is found to be better in humid temperate climates and for sensors installed vertically. Interestingly, algorithms of different complexity in the reproduction of the underlying hydrological processes provide similar results. The average contribution of surface runoff and evapotranspiration components amounts to less than 4% of the total rainfall, while the soil moisture variations (63%) and subsurface drainage (30%) terms provide a much higher contribution. Overall, the SM2RAIN algorithm is found to perform well both in the synthetic and real data experiments, thus offering a new and independent source of data for improving rainfall estimation, and consequently enhancing hydrological, meteorological and climatic studies.
Impact of conservation practices on runoff and soil loss in the sub-humid Ethiopian Highlands: The Debre Mawi watershed
Authors: Dagnew Dessalegn C. , Guzman Christian D. , Zegeye Assefa D. , Tibebu Tigist Y. , Getaneh Menelik , Abate Solomon , Zemale Fasikaw A. , Ayana Essayas K. , Tilahun Seifu A. , Steenhuis Tammo S.
Published: June 2015

In response to the continually increasing sediment concentrations in rivers and lakes, the Ethiopian government is leading an effort where farmers are installing soil and water conservation measures to increase infiltration and reduce erosion. This paper reports on findings from a four year study in the 95 ha Debre Mawi watershed where under the government led conservation works, mainly terraces with infiltration furrows were installed halfway in the period of observation. The results show that runoff volume decreased significantly after installation of the soil and water conservation practices but sediment concentration decreased only marginally. Sediment loads were reduced mainly because of the reduced runoff. Infiltration furrows were effective on the hillsides where rain water could infiltrate, but on the flat bottom lands that become saturated with the progress of the monsoon rain, infiltration was restricted and conservation practices became conduits for carrying excess rainfall. This caused the initiation of gullies in several occasions in the saturated bottomlands. Sediment concentration at the outlet barely decreased due to entrainment of loose soil from unstable banks of gullies in the periodically saturated bottom areas. Since most uphill drainage were already half filled up with sediments after two years, long term benefits of reducing runoff can only be sustained with continuous maintenance of uphill infiltration furrows.
Identification of prevailing storm runoff generation mechanisms in an intensively cultivated catchment
Authors: Zumr David , Dostál Tomáš , Devátý Jan
Published: June 2015

The fact that flash floods initiated in arable catchments are often accompanied by massive sediment and nutrient loads often leads to the assumption that surface runoff is the principle pathway by which runoff reaches watercourses. On the basis of an evaluation of several rainfall-runoff events in a representative agricultural catchment, we show that runoff from cultivated land may be generated in a way similar to that seen on forested slopes, where shallow subsurface runoff is the predominant pathway by which runoff makes its way to watercourses in most runoff events. To identify the predominant runoff pathway, we employed a combination of turbidity measurements and stream discharge data. Suspended sediment flux, a newly introduced index representing the ratio between precipitation duration and total sediment yield, and direction of the discharge-turbidity hysteresis loops were proposed as reflective indicators of the frequency of runoff via different pathways.

In our study, most of the events initiated by rainstorms of various intensities and durations resulted in rapid increases in stream discharge. Although we observed temporal variability of topsoil properties attributable to seasonal weather changes and agricultural activities, e.g. bulk density and porosity, runoff generation was mainly driven by precipitation characteristics and the initial catchment saturation.
The role of station density for predicting daily runoff by top-kriging interpolation in Austria
Authors: Parajka Juraj , Merz Ralf , Skøien Jon Olav , Viglione Alberto
Published: June 2015

Direct interpolation of daily runoff observations to ungauged sites is an alternative to hydrological model regionalisation. Such estimation is particularly important in small headwater basins characterized by sparse hydrological and climate observations, but often large spatial variability. The main objective of this study is to evaluate predictive accuracy of top-kriging interpolation driven by different number of stations (i.e. station densities) in an input dataset. The idea is to interpolate daily runoff for different station densities in Austria and to evaluate the minimum number of stations needed for accurate runoff predictions. Top-kriging efficiency is tested for ten different random samples in ten different stations densities. The predictive accuracy is evaluated by ordinary cross-validation and full-sample crossvalidations. The methodology is tested by using 555 gauges with daily observations in the period 1987-1997. The results of the cross-validation indicate that, in Austria, top-kriging interpolation is superior to hydrological model regionalisation if station density exceeds approximately 2 stations per 1000 km2 (175 stations in Austria). The average median of Nash-Sutcliffe cross-validation efficiency is larger than 0.7 for densities above 2.4 stations/1000 km2. For such densities, the variability of runoff efficiency is very small over ten random samples. Lower runoff efficiency is found for low station densities (less than 1 station/1000 km2) and in some smaller headwater basins.
Using thermal tracers to estimate flow velocities of shallow flows: laboratory and field experiments
Authors: Lima Rui L.P. de , Abrantes João R.C.B. , Lima João L.M.P. de , Lima M. Isabel P. de
Published: June 2015

Accurate measurement of shallow flows is important for hydraulics, hydrology and water resources management. The objective of this paper is to discuss a technique for shallow flow and overland flow velocity estimation that uses infrared thermography. Laboratory flumes and different bare, vegetated and paved field surfaces were used to test the technique. Results show that shallow flow surface velocities estimated using thermal tracers and infrared technology are similar to estimates obtained using the Acoustic Doppler Velocimeter; similar results were also obtained for overland flow velocity estimates using thermography, here comparing with the dye tracer technique. The thermographic approach revealed some potential as a flow visualization technique, and leaves space for future studies and research.
Examination of aerial diatom flushing across watersheds in Luxembourg, Oregon and Slovakia for tracing episodic hydrological connectivity
Authors: Pfister Laurent , Wetzel Carlos E. , Martínez-Carreras Núria , Iffly Jean François , Klaus Julian , Holko Ladislav , McDonnell Jeffrey J.
Published: June 2015

Hydrological processes research remains a field that is severely measurement limited. While conventional tracers (geochemicals, isotopes) have brought extremely valuable insights into water source and flowpaths, they nonetheless have limitations that clearly constrain their range of application. Integrating hydrology and ecology in catchment science has been repeatedly advocated as offering potential for interdisciplinary studies that are eventually to provide a holistic view of catchment functioning. In this context, aerial diatoms have been shown to have the potential for detecting of the onset/cessation of rapid water flowpaths within the hillslope-riparian zone-stream continuum. However, many open questions prevail as to aerial diatom reservoir size, depletion and recovery, as well as to their mobilisation and transport processes. Moreover, aerial diatoms remain poorly known compared to freshwater species and new species are still being discovered. Here, we ask whether aerial diatom flushing can be observed in three catchments with contrasting physiographic characteristics in Luxembourg, Oregon (USA) and Slovakia. This is a prerequisite for qualifying aerial diatoms as a robust indicator of the onset/cessation of rapid water flowpaths across a wider range of physiographical contexts. One species in particular, (Hantzschia amphioxys (Ehr.) Grunow), was found to be common to the three investigated catchments. Aerial diatom species were flushed, in different relative proportions, to the river network during rainfall-runoff events in all three catchments. Our take-away message from this preliminary examination is that aerial diatoms appear to have a potential for tracing episodic hydrological connectivity through a wider range of physiographic contexts and therefore serve as a complementary tool to conventional hydrological tracers.
Kalman Filter or VAR Models to Predict Unemployment Rate in Romania?
Authors: Simionescu Mihaela
Published: June 2015

This paper brings to light an economic problem that frequently appears in practice: For the same variable, more alternative forecasts are proposed, yet the decision-making process requires the use of a single prediction. Therefore, a forecast assessment is necessary to select the best prediction. The aim of this research is to propose some strategies for improving the unemployment rate forecast in Romania by conducting a comparative accuracy analysis of unemployment rate forecasts based on two quantitative methods: Kalman filter and vector-auto-regressive (VAR) models. The first method considers the evolution of unemployment components, while the VAR model takes into account the interdependencies between the unemployment rate and the inflation rate. According to the Granger causality test, the inflation rate in the first difference is a cause of the unemployment rate in the first difference, these data sets being stationary. For the unemployment rate forecasts for 2010-2012 in Romania, the VAR models (in all variants of VAR simulations) determined more accurate predictions than Kalman filter based on two state space models for all accuracy measures. According to mean absolute scaled error, the dynamic-stochastic simulations used in predicting unemployment based on the VAR model are the most accurate. Another strategy for improving the initial forecasts based on the Kalman filter used the adjusted unemployment data transformed by the application of the Hodrick-Prescott filter. However, the use of VAR models rather than different variants of the Kalman filter methods remains the best strategy in improving the quality of the unemployment rate forecast in Romania. The explanation of these results is related to the fact that the interaction of unemployment with inflation provides useful information for predictions of the evolution of unemployment related to its components (i.e., natural unemployment and cyclical component).
Is Trust in Banks in Slovenia Put to the Test?
Authors: Taškar Beloglavec Sabina , Šebjan Urban
Published: June 2015

The question of the banking system’s stability in connection to trust since the 2008 crisis has been the subject of many debates seeking to find permanent solutions to banking system problems, as the current situation affects bank customers’ behavior. This article examined trust in banks during the financial crisis and offers, via demographic variables, explanations as tow whether or not customers tend to withdraw their deposits during a crisis. The results contribute to banks’ decision-making regarding deposits management and understanding customers’ behavior, especially during a crisis. The results show a negative relationship between trust and deposit withdrawal intention, where gender and education level play an important role.
Composite processing and property evaluation of far-infrared/electromagnetic shielding bamboo charcoal/phase change material/stainless steel elastic composite fabrics
Authors: Huang Chien-Lin , Huang Yu-Tien , Li Ting-Ting , Chiang Chia-Hsuan , Lou Ching-Wen , Lin Jia-Horng
Published: June 2015

This study aims to fabricate far-infrared (FIR)/electromagnetic shielding composite fabric and its composite yarn. Five types of composite yarns with different sheath components were made by using bamboo charcoal (BC) fibers, phase change material (PCM) roving and stainless steel (SS) fibers via a ring spinning frame, and then fabricated into five elastic warp-knitted fabrics with different weft yarns using a crochet knitting machine. The mechanical properties of different constituents of composite yarns and their fabrics, as well as FIR emissivity and electromagnetic shielding effectiveness (EMSE) of resulting fabrics were evaluated. The results show that BC/SS composite yarns and their fabricated warp-knitted fabrics display the highest tensile strength. Warp-knitted fabrics containing BC fibers possess the highest FIR emissivity. EMSE of the fabricated warp-knitted fabrics improves proportionally with the number of the lamination layers. The resulting multifunctional elastic knitted fabrics apply as athletic clothing, underwear, socks, protective or healthcare products in the future.
The recognition of transient compressional fault slow−slip along the northern shore of Hornsund Fjord, Sw Spitsbergen, Svalbard
Authors: Stemberk Josef , Briestenský Miloš , Cacoń Stefan
Published: June 2015

This paper presents the results of direct 3−D fault displacement monitoring along the northern shore of Hornsund Fjord, SW Spitsbergen, Svalbard. The fault displacements have been recorded using three permanently installed optical−mechanical crack gauges since 2009. The monitoring data from all three sites provided evidence for a remarkable slip event that lasted from September 2011 to May 2012. The cause is discussed in some detail with consideration given to both exogenic (temperature changes, surface processes) and endogenic processes (isostatic rebound and regional seismicity). It is proposed that transient fault slips recorded had a tectonic origin and were caused by approximately W−E oriented compression corresponding to regional compression in the Svalbard area.
New records of driftwood lichens in the Kaffiøyra Plain (NW Spitsbergen, Svalbard)
Authors: Węgrzyn Michał , Wietrzyk Paulina , Adamska Edyta , Nicia Paweł
Published: June 2015

This paper refers to lichen biota growing on driftwood in the Kaffiøyra Plain (NW Spitsbergen, Svalbard). The presented list of 25 lichenized fungi includes both the eurytopic, accidental, typical, and stenotopic species. Taxa that belong to the last two groups can be considered as lignicolous. This study confirms the existence of a specific group of lichen species, for which the driftwood is a main substrate in the Arctic. Additionally, five lichen species new for the whole Svalbard were recorded, namely: Candelariella coralliza, Elixia flexella, Lecanora saligna, Lecidea plebeja, and Xylographa sibirica.
Glacio−meteorology of Ebbabreen, Dickson Land, central Svalbard, during 2008–2010 melt seasons
Authors: Małecki Jakub
Published: June 2015

Interior of Svalbard, High Arctic, is relatively arid and warm during the summer, but impact of this quasi−continental climate type on the glacio−meteorology, surface energy balance and melt processes has been seldom researched. This study brings new data from a weather station located on the largest glacier in Dickson Land, Ebbabreen, at 550 m a.s.l from July and August 2008-2010. The paper discusses air temperature and moisture, wind speed, incoming shortwave radiation and estimates of turbulent heat exchange of the melting surface in the background of atmospheric circulation over Svalbard. The results have shown that average insolation in the study area was low with ca. 135Wm−2. Frequent occurrence of strongly negative temperature gradients resulted in mean July-August air temperature of 1.9°C at the measuring site. Relatively low air vapour pressure led to negative latent heat flux, particularly during advection of air masses from the northern and north−eastern sector. The local microclimate supports the sensible heat transfer, which reached its maxi− mum during eastern circulation situations.
Morphology, ultrastructure and ecology of Muriella decolor (Chlorophyta) from subaerial habitats in Poland and the Antarctic
Authors: Czerwik-Marcinkowska Joanna , Massalski Andrzej , Olech Maria , Wojciechowska Anna
Published: June 2015

This paper offers a comparison of Muriella decolor specimens from different geographical regions and habitats (limestone caves in Poland and ice denuded areas near the Ecology Glacier, King George Island, South Shetland Islands, West Antarctic). Morphological and cytological variability, ecology and life strategies of M. decolor were studied in fresh samples, and also in cultures grown on agar plates. The complete life cycle, with detailed ultrastructural (LM and TEM) analysis are presented. The electron microscopic observations prove that materials identified as M. decolor collected in Poland and the Antarctic have distinct ultrastructural features. These include the chloroplast lamella arrangement, mitochondrial cristae structure and the cell wall thickness.
‘Ecclesia Reformata Semper Reformanda’ Church Renewal from a Reformed Perspective
Authors: Koffeman Leo J.
Published: June 2015

With a view to the theme of Church renewal, this article explores the role of a wellknown and popular phrase in the Reformed tradition within Protestantism, i.e. ecclesia reformata semper reformanda (‘the reformed Church should always be reformed’). Is this a helpful slogan when considering the pros and cons, the possibilities and the limitations of Church renewal? First, the historical background of this phrase is described: it is rooted in the Dutch Reformed tradition, and only in the twentieth century was it widely recognized in Reformed circles. Against this background the hermeneutical problem, linked with the principle of sola Scriptura, is presented, and put into an ecumenical perspective: the Church as grounded in the gospel. Finally, the article focuses on Church polity as an important field of renewal, taking into account Karl Barth’s interpretation of this phrase. From this perspective, a balanced and ecumenical approach of Church renewal is possible.
The Three Waves of Spiritual Renewal of the Pentecostal-Charismatic Movement
Authors: Bartoș Emil
Published: June 2015

The study focuses on the historical dogmatical analysis of the three waves of spiritual renewal which started in the early twentieth century and affected most Christian denominations by focusing on the manifestation of the spiritual gifts. The author will identify the major historical dogmatical influences of the Pentecostal-Charismatic movement, the characteristics and the leaders of the movement, as well as the directions of development on the personal and on the community level.
Kirchliche Erneuerung am Beispiel der Freien evangelischen Gemeinden
Authors: Heiser Andreas
Published: June 2015

What does renewal mean in the context of the planting of the Free Evangelical Church in 1854? Heiser argues that the renewal draws upon a constructed ideal of the New Testament church. This ideal is used as an overall concept of renewal. In a setting of political and cultural change due to the industrial era combined with the movement of the Evangelical Brethren Society and influenced by the „Réviel“ rises a model of a community with voluntary membership and congregational-Presbyterian structure. Some systematical views on the understanding of scripture, faith, baptism, Eucharist and ministry point to the still ongoing ecumenical changes of the movement.
The Orthodox Neo-patristic Movements as Renewal of Contemporary Orthodox Theology: An Overview
Authors: Toroczkai Ciprian Iulian
Published: June 2015

This study is a synthesis of the author’s long-term pursuits which were completed by a doctoral thesis. He has a twofold objective: on the one hand, the first part of the study he will offer a brief review of the main names (respectively works) related to the renewal of Orthodox theology in the 20th century; on the other hand, for a better understanding of the sources of this direction of theological revival, in the second part he will analyse the idea of Sacred Tradition as ecclesial way of life. In the end, he will describe the contributions, in various theological chapters, by Orthodox neo-patristic theologians; he will also signal a series of adverse aspects.
Human Rights in Orthodoxy and Islam A Comparative Approach
Authors: Boldişor Adrian
Published: June 2015

In a world where increasingly more voices from different geographical areas talk speak about equality between people, religions are called to uphold and preach human dignity and rights of all people, without taking account of race, sex or religion. In the interreligious dialog, the meetings between representatives of Christianity and Islam have multiplied considerably and they deal with themes analyzing preaching and defending human rights at all levels of life. From the preceding discussion it is clear that the human rights issue is quite sensitive, especially after the latest political, economic and social events that have shaken the world in which we live. After the period of time that the proclamation and recognition of global human rights were made as contained in the various international documents, it was passed into a new phase where the followers of different religions should work together for human dignity and human rights.
Leadership In R&D Activity In English And Welsh Universities
Authors: Mukan Nataliya , Havrylyuk Marianna , Prots Maryana
Published: June 2015

In the article, leadership in R&D activity in English and Welsh universities has been studied. The main objectives of the article are defined as following: to analyze the scientific literature which highlights different aspects of the problem under research, to identify the specificity of leadership practice in R&D, and to develop the recommendations for leadership development in Ukrainian universities. Leadership in higher education has been studied by foreign and domestic scientists, especially, methodology of comparative education (C. Bargh, N. Bidyuk, N. Mukan, A. Sbruyeva); continuous professional education (J. Barge, A. Kuzminskyy, P. Lorange, N. Nychkalo); leadership in education (J. Bareham, L. Danylenko, L. Karamushka, N. Kolominskyy, O. Marmaza); leaders’ training (A. Borysova, V. Hromovyy) etc. In Ukraine the problem of leadership in R&D has not been studied yet. The methodology of our research comprises theoretical (comparative and historical method, logical method, analysis and synthesis), and applied (conversations and dialogues) methods. The research results have been presented: the fundamentals of leadership in R&D and its specificity in England and Wales; the factors of leadership in R&D of English and Welsh universities; the recommendations for leadership development in Ukrainian universities.
The Prerequisites To Ukrainian Students Participation In Study Abroad Programs At The Canadian Universities And Colleges
Authors: Zhukovskyi Vasyl , Simak Kateryna
Published: June 2015

The problem of outbound mobility of Ukrainian students has been presented in the paper. The data regarding the number of Ukrainian students studying in Canada has been pointed out. This paper examines “push-pull” factors which motivate Ukrainian students to seek higher education overseas and factors which attract Ukrainian students to Canadian higher education establishments.

The research methodology comprises theoretical (descriptive, statistical, comparative) and practical (content analysis of interviews and feedbacks of Ukrainian youth and students studying at the Canadian universities and colleges) methods. Theoretical and practical results of the research focus on analysis of the educational, social, political, economic and cultural prerequisites to Ukrainian students studying abroad, in particular at the universities and colleges in Canada; the advantages of Canadian higher education system have also been suggested. Among the perspectives of further research, we define the analysis of governmental and institutional implications of international students’ recruitment with the regard to development of inbound student mobility in Canada.
Training Of Teacher-Researcher As Prior Consideration Of Professional Training Of Pedagogues In Great Britain Abstract
Authors: Kozubovska Iryna , Popovych Iryna
Published: June 2015

The article is devoted to the problem of professional training of pedagogues in foreign countries. Special attention has been paid to the experience of Great Britain. It has been underlined that the teacher has to acquire thorough knowledge in profession as well as to master the methods of teaching. Nevertheless, this is not enough to reach success in a professional field. The educational system today needs a teacher-researcher. It has been proved that the process which provides scientific and educational unity by means of involving students into scientific work is stirring up in European pedagogical institutions. The problem of orientating the teachers to be on research work is considered to be the most important condition of their personal professional self-determination and professional culture. A new teacher-researcher training pattern in British higher educational system has been made. This pattern includes some interdependent components and is successful under certain pedagogic conditions: the possession of research position by a teacher-to-be; ensuring creative interaction and cooperation among students and teachers; introduction of special educative modules with research orientation; the use of project technologies; the arrangement of creative educational atmosphere; establishing friendly relationships among university teachers (lecturers), students and school teachers. The accent is made on the urgent necessity of implementation of British experience in Ukraine.
Experiential Learning Theory As One Of The Foundations Of Adult Learning Practice Worldwide
Authors: Dernova Maiya
Published: June 2015

The paper presents the analysis of existing theory, assumptions, and models of adult experiential learning.

The experiential learning is a learning based on a learning cycle guided by the dual dialectics of action-reflection and experience-abstraction. It defines learning as a process of knowledge creation through experience transformation, so knowledge becomes the result of experience understanding and transformation. Experience understanding is information taking, and experience transformation is information and action based on this information interpreting. The experiential learning is a cycle and requires a learner’s focus, his reflection on the experience, generalizations development, and generalizations verification.

In the center of experiential learning models is a learning process, but the subject matter is also important. So educators characterize experiential learning from two aspects. The first group of researchers focuses on the process of learning from experience; the second one focuses on the context of the experiential learning. This learning is designed to engage students in direct experiences tied to real-world problems and situations. In this learning the instructor facilitates and does not direct student progress. Another benefit of experiential learning is a strong motivation to learn, which is provided with students engagement in learning experiences and feedback. The experiential learning makes possible for students to face unknown situations and problems in a real-world context. To make the decision, students need to analyze what they know, what they do not know, and how to learn it. This motivates students to reflect on their existing knowledge and make it deeper through reflection; transfer their prior learning experience to new context; acquire new ideas, principles, and skills; improve communication skills since they help students to become self-directed life-long learners.
The Visions Of World-Class Universities
Authors: Slyusarenko Olena
Published: June 2015

The visions of the top 26 world-class universities of the first 30 in the Shanghai ranking list have been evaluated and compared with the missions of the world’s top 20 universities. Applying the content analysis, a group of 48 keywords, which describe the essence of these visions, has been revealed. The average amount of keywords in one vision is 51. According to the relevant characteristics, the missions are three times shorter (respectively 15 and 18 words). All keywords in missions, except one, are present in the list of words for visions. The main keywords for visions are “world”, “research’, “students”, “education” and “knowledge”, each of these words is present in half and more than three quarters of visions. For missions such words are “education’, “research”, “knowledge” and “create”, and have the same degree of use. The main content differences relating to visions and missions occur due to a lower word frequency (less significance). Comparison of visions and missions using 20 characteristic parameters shows that in quantitative terms, except the range of normalized frequencies for a certain number of institutions and the average frequency of keyword use, visions substantially prevail the relevant characteristics of missions (from 1,3 to 5,0 times). Regarding the qualitative structure of visions and missions – they are almost identical (mismatch within 0,9–1,2 times). This can be explained by the fact that mission in general as the generic purposes of the top institutions are more specific, unambiguous and stable in formulations, so to speak, statutory and the degree of their interuniversity variations is less. At the same time, the strategic visions of their implementation are more diverse and creatively formulated like a sort of expected predictions; therefore, they are less accurate and more approximate, and of course they are frequently reviewed in the process of development.
The Development Of A Monitoring System Of Higher Education Quality In Ukraine And Germany: Comparative Component
Authors: Chorna Olga
Published: June 2015

The article reveals specific features of functioning systems of higher education quality monitoring at the present stage, taking into account national traditions, historical experience and mentality of the population. The article introduces a comparative analysis of monitoring actors at national, regional and local levels in two countries. The ratio of influence of the state administration in education sphere and of the independent public organizations (agencies) on the nature and quality of monitoring procedures has been estimated. The positions polarity of Ukrainian and German universities in world rankings (“Top 50” The Times Higher Education World University Rankings (2010-2011/2014-2015); “Top 500” Academic Ranking of World Universities for 2010-2015) in form of statistical generalizations have been presented. A comparative analysis of approaches to assuring and monitoring the quality of higher education in Germany and Ukraine has been shown in the table. It demonstrates the conceptual and functional components of monitoring: the monitoring purpose, monitoring objects, levels and actors, public initiative, the priority of monitoring levels, the dominant principles, the general orientation and procedure for monitoring the higher education quality. The use of prospects of elements in progressive international experience as for organising the monitoring system of higher education quality to reform the national high school have been determined here. That could be especially important taking into consideration the creating of the European Higher Education Area.
Professional Training Of Specialists In International Marketing In Poland
Authors: Żukowski Wojciech
Published: June 2015

Polish experience in training specialists in international marketing in the context of globalization and integration processes has been studied. A range of theoretical resources, namely Market Entry Strategy for Poland; the articles dedicated to international marketing and economy development (W. Grzegorczyk, M. Viachevskyi, M. Urbanetst); program specifications and structures at Polish universities, namely University of Lodz and Collegium Civitas, have been analyzed. It has been defined that marketing is one of the most important activities in all types of organizations since it is a link between customers and companies in the context of global changes in business environment. The need of leading companies for their staff to be highly qualified, open for new opportunities, ready to take an initiative and comprehend the global needs and values has been justified. It has been clarified that both higher education institutions have the same strategic aims, aimed at highly professional specialists’ training, the cultural-based education of youth, stimulating for critical reflection, lifelong learning, and professional development. Positive aspects in Polish experience of training future specialists in international marketing have been defined. Perspectives for further research have been considered.
Achievements In Training Of Future Technology Teachers: European Experience
Authors: Sheludko Inna
Published: June 2015

The article discusses the possibilities and prospects of using the experience of training future technology teachers in European countries. Its structure and content in accordance with national traditions and European standards led to the success of the educational components of the European Higher Pedagogical School. This fact encourages local scientists and teachers to identify ways of educational achievements use in European education system of technology teachers training. According to the above, we have defined the following tasks: summarize the progressive trends and approaches to quality training of European teachers of technology in national high school; formulate guidelines that will help improve training efficiency of Ukrainian technology teachers and, consequently, ensure the successful integration of the national educational system to the European Higher Education Area.
Fungal biotransformation of crude glycerol into malic acid
Authors: West Thomas P.
Published: June 2015

Malic acid production from the biodiesel coproduct crude glycerol by Aspergillus
niger ATCC 9142, ATCC 10577 and ATCC 12846 was observed to occur with the highest malic acid level acid being produced by A. niger ATCC 12846. Fungal biomass production from crude glycerol was similar, but ATCC 10577 produced the highest biomass. Fungal biotransformation of crude glycerol into the commercially valuable organic acid malic acid appeared feasible.
Effect of Dimensions on the Compressive Strength of Concrete Masonry Prisms
Authors: Hassanli Reza , ElGawady Mohamed A. , Mills Julie E.
Published: June 2015

This paper investigated the accuracy of the height-to-thickness ratio (h/t) correction factors presented in the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards to modify the compressive strength of a prism obtained from a test to a standard prism size. In international masonry codes, an h/t of 5.0 is commonly considered as a reference with a correction factor of 1.0. The ASTM code considers the same h/t of 5.0 as a reference for clay masonry; however, for concrete masonry the reference h/t is 2.0. Moreover, while the ASTM standard allows using both full-block length and half-block length prisms in compression tests, in terms of correction factors no difference is specified between the two prism sizes. In this study, finite element models were developed for concrete masonry prisms and calibrated with experimental results. A parametric study was then performed to examine the effect of the prism thickness, h/t, and length-to-thickness ratio (l/t) on the compressive strength. According to the results, considering an h/t value of 2.0 as a reference, the compressive strength of a full-block concrete masonry prism could be over-predicted by about 22 %, which is a significant error on the unsafe side. Moreover, disregarding the effect of the length of the prism provided significant errors in estimating the compressive strength. The conclusion was that the ASTM standard does not accurately evaluate the actual strength of concrete masonry. As a result, an immediate revision for reevaluating the compressive strength of masonry seems necessary. It was recommended to normalize the strength of concrete masonry prisms according to an h/t of 5.0. Moreover, the effect of the l/t and the thickness of the prism should be considered in estimating the strength using correction factors. Some correction factors were suggested based on the finite element model results.
Quick Triaxial Consolidated Drained Test on Gravelly Soil
Authors: Chen Zhi-Bo , Zhu Jun-Gao , Jian Wen-Bin
Published: June 2015

Gravelly soil, a mixture of clay and gravel, has been widely used as a core material of high earth core rock fill dams. The triaxial consolidated drained (CD) test for gravelly soil is time-consuming, especially for larger scale test samples because of its low permeability caused by the high content of clay. This study presents a quick triaxial consolidated drained (QCD) test, which can greatly accelerate the CD test on gravelly soil. In the QCD test, the traditional cylindrical specimen was modified to a sand-core cylindrical specimen containing a hollow cylindrical specimen, and the sand column filled in the central hollow. As a result, the sand column in the center of the specimen greatly accelerates the water drainage of the specimen, and both the consolidation stage and the shear stage of the test can be finished quickly. Based on gravelly soil, the comparative tests, including CD tests and QCD tests, are performed. It is concluded that the QCD tests can be conducted more rapidly than CD tests, and the test results of QCD tests, for both stress–strain curves and the parameters of the Duncan–Chang model, are basically identical with that of the CD tests. The QCD test can greatly shorten the studying time on gravelly soil, i.e., the core material of earth core rock fill dams, thus speeding up the future design of dams.
Performance of Settled Bridge-Approach Slabs with Polyurethane-Foam Injection
Authors: Chen Dar-Hao , Yi Wen
Published: June 2015

Bridge-approach settlement costs hundreds of millions of dollars in repairs annually. Polyurethane-foam injection by two different processes: (1) a patented deep-injection process, and (2) a non-patented process (directly under the slab) were investigated to study the effectiveness of the slab lifting and leveling. A method of evaluating localized roughness by using areas bound by deviation curves was developed. Three field projects were investigated, one of which was repaired over 6 years ago. The deviation curves from these sites are very repeatable, as the plots often overlap. Evaluating the localized roughness, such as the bridge-approach settlement, using the areas bound by deviation curves seems to be a reasonable approach. The slab lifting with polyurethane foam, using either process, was successful at all three sites. The slabs were all raised to the desired elevation, improving safety and ride quality. The roughness was reduced by as much as 70 %. The falling weight deflectometer (FWD) deflections were reduced by as much as 60 % at many monitored locations. It is believed that when there are no other factors to cause the embankment to lose soil, the polyurethane-foam injection can be used to lift the settled approach slabs. Flowable fill should be used to fill any visible voids prior to the polyurethane-foam injection. The advantage of the patented deep injection process over the non-patented process is inconclusive.
Assembly Required: The Desert Cure
Authors: Martínez Rubén
Published: June 2015

In this lyric essay the author journeys to the Mojave desert village of Joshua Tree, California, site of an ambitious and idiosyncratic work of assemblage by artist Noah Purifoy, whose career was forged in the crucible of civil rights and the Watts Riots of 1965. Although the work is highly abstract, references to segregation appear in various guises—although simple binaries are constantly disrupted by the sheer complexity of imagery conjured by the profusion of "assembled" objects. The setting for the work—the desert—is itself an integral component of the Purifoy's vision, offering mythic depth and the starkest of landscapes upon which to peer deep into the American psyche.
Justice and Time
Authors: Norris Keenan
Published: June 2015

This short essay contextualizes the New Year's Day 2009 murder of Bay Area youth Oscar Grant, placing his murder by police, the arrest, charging, trial and conviction of the police officer, and the media and community reaction in a vast historical and geographic context. The situation is read in relation to other spasms of racial violence in American history. Finally, the Grant tragedy is situated within the post-2008 Obama-era, with its fantasy of racial harmony.
From Ghost World to Your World
Authors: Warren Spring
Published: June 2015

Spring Warren interviews Daniel Clowes, Oakland-based Graphic Novelist whose works include Ghost World, Wilson, and others.
California Futures
Authors: Myers Dowell
Published: June 2015

California needs a new guiding narrative for shared understanding and for directing public decisions about threats and opportunities in the state. Misleading and counterproductive guidance is provided by narratives that are no longer supported by recent trends. Ongoing changes related to two specific guiding narratives are described. In the first, support for Proposition 13 was founded on explosive increases of house prices in the 1970s, along with assumptions of continued migration of newcomers willing to pay higher prices and the higher taxes needed to offset discounts for oldtimers. A second narrative of demographic change reacts negatively to rapid population growth, soaring immigration and racial change. Remarkably, virtually all the premises in these two narratives have been overturned by events. Instead, a different set of urgent problems and opportunities have emerged that require a new guiding vision. In place of exploding house prices, tax assessments have collapsed and we struggle to revive the housing market. Young buyers are asked to pay the highest taxes, but today it is the young not the old who are vulnerable and threatened. While before it was a struggle to keep up with migration from outside California, immigration has declined and today the growth is homegrown. Meanwhile, the aging baby boomers are about to create a crisis of replacement workers, taxpayers and home buyers. Cultivating the new homegrown generation is our paramount need. Today the story of California is completely reversed, yet adherence to the old narratives blocks recognition of the path to a brighter future.
California Damming
Authors: Hendrix Howard V.
Published: June 2015

Using the ideas of culture theorist Walter Benjamin (among others), I examine the public response to two dams, Friant Dam and Florence Lake Dam, to illustrate the political and aesthetic reasons why Californians have very mixed feelings about the state's dams. The history of John Muir and Hetch Hetchy is also alluded to.
Mirage in the Making
Authors: Alagona Peter S. , Smith Clinton F.
Published: June 2015

The Mojave Desert in California is undergoing a boom in renewable energy, mostly in the form of utility-scale solar power plants. These projects have met with resistance from diverse groups concerned about impacts on desert landscapes, ecosystems, water resources, archaeological sites, military training exercises, and other natural and cultural resources and land uses. This paper explores the current debate over renewable energy in the Mojave in the context of the region’s broader environmental history. What do Californians want from the Mojave Desert? We conclude that residents of the state want many things from the Mojave, but it remains unclear whether a desert under increasing pressure will be able to supply all of those competing demands.
Pepper Spray and Politics
Authors: Warren Ami Sommariva and Louis
Published: June 2015

While protecting a tent encampment of student protesters on 18 November 2011, UC Davis freshman Ian Lee was pepper-sprayed by campus police. Boom assistant editor Ami Sommariva and Boom editor-in-chief Louis Warren sat down with Lee to talk about his experience with the Occupy movement, his radicalization, and the relationship between activism and education.