bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carbon Footprint of Beef Cattle
Authors: Desjardins Raymond , Worth Devon , Vergé Xavier , Maxime Dominique , Dyer Jim , Cerkowniak Darrel
Published: December 2012

The carbon footprint of beef cattle is presented for Canada, The United States, The European Union, Australia and Brazil. The values ranged between 8 and 22 kg CO2e per kg of live weight (LW) depending on the type of farming system, the location, the year, the type of management practices, the allocation, as well as the boundaries of the study. Substantial reductions have been observed for most of these countries in the last thirty years. For instance, in Canada the mean carbon footprint of beef cattle at the exit gate of the farm decreased from 18.2 kg CO2e per kg LW in 1981 to 9.5 kg CO2e per kg LW in 2006 mainly because of improved genetics, better diets, and more sustainable land management practices. Cattle production results in products other than meat, such as hides, offal and products for rendering plants; hence the environmental burden must be distributed between these useful products. In order to do this, the cattle carbon footprint needs to be reported in kg of CO2e per kg of product. For example, in Canada in 2006, on a mass basis, the carbon footprint of cattle by-products at the exit gate of the slaughterhouse was 12.9 kg CO2e per kg of product. Based on an economic allocation, the carbon footprints of meat (primal cuts), hide, offal and fat, bones and other products for rendering were 19.6, 12.3, 7 and 2 kg CO2e per kg of product, respectively.
Improved Cell Survival and Paracrine Capacity of Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Promote Therapeutic Potential for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Zhang Yuelin , Liao Songyan , Yang Mo , Liang Xiaoting , Poon Ming-Wai , Wong Chee-Yin , Wang Junwen , Zhou Zhongjun , Cheong Soon-Keng , Lee Chuen-Neng , Tse Hung-Fat , Lian Qizhou
Published: December 2012

Although transplantation of adult bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) holds promise in the treatment for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), the poor survival and differentiation potential of adult BM-MSCs have limited their therapeutic efficiency. Here, we compared the therapeutic efficacy of human embryonic stem cell-derived MSCs (hESC-MSCs) with adult BM-MSCs for the treatment of PAH in an animal model. One week following monocrotaline (MCT)-induced PAH, mice were randomly assigned to receive phosphate-buffered saline (MCT group); 3.0 × 106human BM-derived MSCs (BM-MSCs group) or 3.0 × 106hESC-derived MSCs (hESC-MSCs group) via tail vein injection. At 3 weeks posttransplantation, the right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP), degree of RV hypertrophy, and medial wall thickening of pulmonary arteries were lower=, and pulmonary capillary density was higher in the hESC-MSC group as compared with BM-MSC and MCT groups (all p < 0.05). At 1 week posttransplantation, the number of engrafted MSCs in the lungs was found significantly higher in the hESC-MSC group than in the BM-MSC group (all p < 0.01). At 3 weeks posttransplantation, implanted BM-MSCs were undetectable whereas hESC-MSCs were not only engrafted in injured pulmonary arteries but had also undergone endothelial differentiation. In addition, protein profiling of hESC-MSC- and BM-MSC-conditioned medium revealed a differential paracrine capacity. Classification of these factors into bioprocesses revealed that secreted factors from hESC-MSCs were preferentially involved in early embryonic development and tissue differentiation, especially blood vessel morphogenesis. We concluded that improved cell survival and paracrine capacity of hESC-MSCs provide better therapeutic efficacy than BM-MSCs in the treatment for PAH.
TLR3, TRIF, and Caspase 8 Determine Double-Stranded RNA-Induced Epithelial Cell Death and Survival In Vivo
Authors: McAllister Christopher S. , Lakhdari Omar , Pineton de Chambrun Guillaume , Gareau Mélanie G. , Broquet Alexis , Lee Gin Hyug , Shenouda Steven , Eckmann Lars , Kagnoff Martin F.
Published: December 2012

TLR3 signaling is activated by dsRNA, a virus-associated molecular pattern. Injection of dsRNA into mice induced a rapid, dramatic, and reversible remodeling of the small intestinal mucosa with significant villus shortening. Villus shortening was preceded by increased caspase 3 and 8 activation and apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) located in the mid to upper villus with ensuing luminal fluid accumulation and diarrhea because of an increased secretory state. Mice lacking TLR3 or the adaptor molelcule TRIF mice were completely protected from dsRNA-induced IEC apoptosis, villus shortening, and diarrhea. dsRNA-induced apoptosis was independent of TNF signaling. Notably, NF-κB signaling through IκB kinase β protected crypt IECs but did not protect villus IECs from dsRNA-induced or TNF-induced apoptosis. dsRNA did not induce early caspase 3 activation with subsequent villus shortening in mice lacking caspase 8 in IECs but instead caused villus destruction with a loss of small intestinal surface epithelium and death. Consistent with direct activation of the TLR3–TRIF–caspase 8 signaling pathway by dsRNA in IECs, dsRNA-induced signaling of apoptosis was independent of non-TLR3 dsRNA signaling pathways, IL-15, TNF, IL-1, IL-6, IFN regulatory factor 3, type I IFN receptor, adaptive immunity, as well as dendritic cells, NK cells, and other hematopoietic cells. We conclude that dsRNA activation of the TLR3–TRIF–caspase 8 signaling pathway in IECs has a significant impact on the structure and function of the small intestinal mucosa and suggest signaling through this pathway has a host protective role during infection with viral pathogens.
Gebedsterapie in die verwerking van traumageheue
Authors: Du Plessis Amanda L. , De Klerk Barend J.
Published: December 2012

Die vraag wat in hierdie artikel ondersoek word, is of gebed enige rol speel in die herwinning en verwerking van traumageheue tydens die proses van innerlike genesing. Die emosioneel verwonde persoon word soms op verskeie vlakke van die lewe gekortwiek as gevolg van hierdie emosionele pyn. Vir innerlike genesing om te realiseer, is dit nodig dat die persoon die onderdrukte, onverwerkte emosies wat op ’n traumagebeurtenis volg, moet erken en verwerk. In baie gevalle is dit egter onmoontlik vir die persoon om die skakeling te maak tussen sy of haar huidige probleme en onderdrukte, onverwerkte emosies. In gevalle waar daar dissosiasie plaasgevind het, kan die persoon nie die emosies spontaan herroep en hanteer nie. Dit is onder andere in sulke gevalle waar gebedsterapie van groot waarde kan wees. Tydens gebedsterapie tree die pastorale berader as fasiliteerder op om die persoon na Jesus Christus te bring sodat Hy hom kan genees. In werklikheid word Jesus Christus se bediening steeds voortgesit. Oorwinning oor pynlike trauma-herinneringe stel die mens in staat om emosionele en geestelike groei te beleef.Prayer therapy in the healing of traumatic memories. The research question in this article pertains to whether prayer has a place in recovering and healing traumatic memories during the process of inner healing. A person is often challenged at different levels because of emotional pain. For inner healing to happen, suppressed memories need to be identified and processed. In many cases the person finds it impossible to make a connection between current problems and repressed emotions. When dissociation occurs, the person cannot spontaneously recall these emotions. It is in such cases that prayer therapy may prove to be of value. During prayer ministry the counsellor acts as facilitator leading the counselee by faith into the presence of Jesus Christ for healing. On effect, the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ is continued in this way. Conquering painful, traumatic memories in this manner will help the person to grow spiritually and recover emotionally.
Exploring teachers’ conceptions of representations in mathematics through the lens of positive deliberative interaction
Authors: Brijlall Deonarain , Bansilal Sarah , Moore-Russo Deborah
Published: December 2012

This article reports on an exploration of teachers’ views on the meaning of mathematical representations in a democratic South Africa. We explored teachers’ conceptions of ‘mathematical representations’ as a means to promote dialogue and negotiation. These conceptions helped us to gauge how these teachers viewed representations in mathematics. Semi-structured questionnaires were administered to 76 high school mathematics teachers who were registered for an upgrading mathematics education qualification at a South African university. Common themes in teacher conceptions of representations were investigated as part of an inductive analysis of the written responses, which were considered in terms of practices that support dialogue and negotiation. Findings suggest that these conceptions are in line with progressive notions of classroom interactions such as the inquiry cooperation model. Furthermore, the findings suggest that teachers can support the development of classroom environments that promote democratic values.
Virilizing Adrenal Oncocytoma
Authors: Sharma Dinesh , Sharma Sanjiv , Jhobta Anupam , Sood R. G.
Published: December 2012

Adrenal oncocytoma is a rare adrenal neoplasm with only 57 cases reported in literature. Adrenal oncocytomas can achieve large sizes and are usually nonfunctioning. They are detected accidentally during abdominal scans. Most of these adrenal neoplasms are benign. A functioning adrenal oncocytoma manifested with virilization in a 16-year-old female child. There seems to be little benefit in biopsying these tumors and surgery remains the optimum management.
Accuracy and Reliability of Uterine Contraction Identification Using Abdominal Surface Electrodes
Authors: Hayes-Gill Barrie , Hassan Sarmina , Mirza Fadi G. , Ommani Sophia , Himsworth John , Solomon Molham , Brown Raymond , Schifrin Barry S. , Cohen Wayne R.
Published: December 2012

Objective

To compare the accuracy and reliability of uterine contraction identification from maternal abdominal electrohysterogram and tocodynamometer with an intrauterine pressure transducer.

Methods

Seventy-four term parturients had uterine contractions monitored simultaneously with electrohysterography, tocodynamometry, and intrauterine pressure measurement.

Results

Electrohysterography was more reliable than tocodynamometry when compared to the intrauterine method (97.1 versus 60.9 positive percent agreement; P < 0.001). The root mean square error was lower for electrohysterography than tocodynamometry in the first stage (0.88 versus 1.22 contractions/10 minutes; P < 0.001), and equivalent to tocodynamometry in the second. The positive predictive values for tocodynamometry and electrohysterography (84.1% versus 78.7%) were not significantly different, nor were the false positive rates (21.3% versus 15.9%; P = 0.052). The sensitivity of electrohysterography was superior to that of tocodynamometry (86.0 versus 73.6%; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The electrohysterographic technique was more reliable and similar in accuracy to tocodynamometry in detecting intrapartum uterine contractions.
Is Serial Testing Required to Diagnose Imported Malaria in the Era of Rapid Diagnostic Tests?
Authors: Pasricha Janet M. , Juneja Surender , Manitta Joseph , Whitehead Susan , Maxwell Ellen , Goh Wai-Keong , Pasricha Sant-Rayn , Eisen Damon P.
Published: December 2012

Exclusion of malaria traditionally requires three negative serial thick and thin blood films. However, many clinical laboratories now routinely perform rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) in addition to blood films when malaria is suspected. We sought to determine whether serial testing is necessary in this setting. We examined 388 cases of malaria diagnosed during 1999–2010 at three laboratories in Melbourne, Australia. For each case, we ascertained whether the diagnosis was made on initial or follow-up testing. Nine cases (3.5%) were diagnosed after a negative initial blood film and RDT: 7 Plasmodium vivax, 1 P. ovale, and 1 P. falciparum. Of four case-patients with P. vivax in which clinical data were available, all had recent exposure to antimalarial medication. Our data suggest that among patients who have not received recent anti-malarial therapy, and when RDTs are performed and blood films are prepared, most malaria diagnoses are made by using the first set of tests.
Evaluation of Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Suitable for Molecular Monitoring of Schistosome-Infected Snails in Field Laboratories
Authors: Hamburger Joseph , Abbasi Ibrahim , Kariuki Curtis , Wanjala Atsabina , Mzungu Elton , Mungai Peter , Muchiri Eric , King Charles H.
Published: December 2012

We previously described loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) for detection of Schistosoma haematobium and S. mansoni DNA in infected snails. In the present study, we adapted the LAMP assay for application in field laboratories in schistosomiasis-endemic areas. Isolation of DNA was simplified by blotting snail tissue (extracted in NaOH/sodium dodecyl sulfate) onto treated membranes, which enabled preservation at ambient temperatures. A ready-mix of LAMP reagents, suitable for shipment at ambient temperature and storage in minimal refrigeration, was used. Local survey teams without experience in molecular biology acquired operational expertise with this test within a few hours. Fifty-four field-caught snails were tested locally by LAMP and 59 were tested at similar conditions in Jerusalem. The LAMP results were consistent with those of a polymerase chain reaction; only four samples showed false-negative results. Results indicate that LAMP assays are suitable for detection of S. haematobium and S. mansoni in low-technology parasitology laboratories in which schistosomiasis elimination activities are undertaken.
Host Selection of Potential West Nile Virus Vectors in Puerto Barrios, Guatemala, 2007
Authors: Kading Rebekah C. , Reiche Ana Silvia Gonzalez , Morales-Betoulle Maria Eugenia , Komar Nicholas
Published: December 2012

The selection of vertebrate hosts by Culex mosquitoes relative to West Nile virus (WNV) transmission in neotropical countries such as Guatemala is not described. This study determined the feeding patterns of Cx. quinquefasciatus and Cx. nigripalpus and estimated the relative contribution of two common and frequently infected wild bird species, Turdus grayi and Quiscalus mexicanus, to WNV transmission. Engorged mosquitoes were collected from rural and urban habitats after the dry and wet seasons in the Department of Izabal in 2007. Host selection by Cx. nigripalpus varied significantly between urban and rural habitats. Both Cx. quinquefasciatus and Cx. nigripalpus fed predominantly on chickens and other domestic animals. Blood meals from wild birds were rare, accounting for 1.1% of blood meals identified from Cx. quinquefasciatus and 6.5% of blood meals from Cx. nigripalpus. Transmission of WNV by these two mosquito species may be dampened by extensive feeding on reservoir-incompetent hosts.
Cutaneous Amebiasis: The Importance of Molecular Diagnosis of an Emerging Parasitic Disease
Authors: Morán Patricia , Rojas Liliana , Cerritos René , Zermeño Valeria , Valadez Alicia , de Oca Griselda Montes , Reyes Miguel Ángel , González Enrique , Partida Oswaldo , Hernández Eric , Nieves Miriam , Portillo Tobías , Gudiño Marco , Ramiro Manuel , Ximénez Cecilia
Published: December 2012

Cutaneous amebiasis is the least common clinical form of human amebiasis in Mexico, sexual amebiasis was only occasionally observed before the late 1980s. However, in the last few decades, most of the documented cases of cutaneous amebiasis from around the world are sexually transmitted. We present two cases of sexually transmitted genital amebiasis. The molecular characterization of the Entamoeba species in the affected tissues underlines the importance of an etiological diagnosis using specific and sensitive techniques that avoid the rapid destruction of tissues and the irreversible sequelae to the anatomy and function of the affected organs. In addition, for those interested in the study of the human-amoebic disease relationship and its epidemiology, the detection of a new, mixed infection in an invasive case of amebiasis reveals new perspectives in the study of the extraordinarily complex host-parasite relationship in amebiasis.
A Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating the Effects of Mass Azithromycin Treatment on Growth and Nutrition in Niger
Authors: Amza Abdou , Kadri Boubacar , Nassirou Baido , Stoller Nicole E. , Yu Sun N. , Zhou Zhaoxia , West Sheila K. , Mabey David C. W. , Bailey Robin L. , Keenan Jeremy D. , Porco Travis C. , Lietman Thomas M. , Gaynor Bruce D.
Published: December 2012

Antimicrobials are used primarily to treat infectious disease, but they have other effects. Here, we assess anthropometry measurements in children 6–60 months in 24 communities randomized to one or two mass azithromycin distributions over a 1-year period in Niger. We compared the prevalence of wasting, low mid-upper arm circumference, stunting, and underweight in communities in the two treatment arms. We were unable to prove that there was a difference in the prevalence of wasting in the 12 communities that received one mass azithromycin distribution versus the 12 communities that received two mass azithromycin distributions (odds ratio = 0.75, 95% confidence interval = 0.46–1.23). Likewise, we were unable to detect a difference in the two treatment arms for low mid-upper arm circumference, stunting, and underweight. There may not be an association between antibiotic use and improved growth in humans, or this trial was not powerful enough to detect an association if it exists.
The effect of ENSO-induced rainfall and circulation changes on the direct and indirect radiative forcing from Indonesian biomass-burning aerosols
Authors: Chrastansky A. , Rotstayn L. D.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. Emissions of biomass-burning aerosols from the Indonesian region are known to vary in response to rainfall anomalies associated with the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO). For the severe El Niño-related drought in 1997, there have been several attempts to estimate the direct radiative forcing from increased aerosol emissions over Indonesia, as well as the associated feedbacks on climate. However, these estimates have not considered indirect aerosol effects. Another question that has not been addressed is whether the effect of ENSO-related circulation and rainfall anomalies on radiative forcing is significant relative to the effect of changes in emissions. In this study, we analyse the direct and first indirect radiative forcing from El Niño-related increased emissions of Indonesian biomass-burning aerosols, with and without the influence of ENSO-related rainfall and circulation anomalies. We compare two experiments that are performed with the CSIRO-Mk3.6 atmospheric global climate model (GCM). The first experiment (AMIP) consists of a pair of runs that respectively represent El Niño and La Niña conditions. In these runs, the distribution of aerosols is simulated under the influence of realistic Indonesian biomass-burning aerosol emissions and sea surface temperatures (SSTs) for 1997 (El Niño) and 2000 (La Niña). The second experiment (CLIM) is identical to AMIP, but is forced by climatological SSTs, so that in CLIM meteorological differences between 1997 and 2000 are suppressed. The comparison of AMIP and CLIM shows that the aerosol radiative forcing anomalies associated with ENSO (El Niño minus La Niña) are substantially stronger when ENSO-related SST anomalies are taken into account. For the first indirect effect, the influence of SST-induced changes in rainfall and circulation exceeds that of changes in emissions. For the direct aerosol forcing, the influence of changes in SSTs and emissions are of comparable magnitude. Averaged over the Indonesian region (5.6° N–11.2° S, 96.6° E–150.9° E), the first indirect forcing is −0.7 Wm−2 in CLIM and −2.2 Wm−2 in AMIP during the months July to November. The direct aerosol forcing at the top of the atmosphere (surface) is −1.0 (−5.3) Wm−2 in CLIM and −1.8 (−9.1) Wm−2 in AMIP during the same period. Our results suggest that (a) the indirect aerosol effect from biomass-burning aerosols is strong enough to play an important role for impact assessments, and (b) that impacts of biomass-burning aerosols would be considerably underestimated if feedbacks of ENSO-related SST variations on radiative forcing are not taken into account.
Indirect radiative forcing by ion-mediated nucleation of aerosol
Authors: Yu F. , Luo G. , Liu X. , Easter R. C. , Ma X. , Ghan S. J.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. A clear understanding of particle formation mechanisms is critical for assessing aerosol indirect radiative forcing and associated climate feedback processes. Recent studies reveal the importance of ion-mediated nucleation (IMN) in generating new particles and cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) in the atmosphere. Here we implement the IMN scheme into the Community Atmosphere Model version 5 (CAM5). Our simulations show that, compared to globally averaged results based on H2SO4-H2O binary homogeneous nucleation (BHN), the presence of ionization (i.e., IMN) halves H2SO4 column burden, but increases the column integrated nucleation rate by around one order of magnitude, total particle number burden by a factor of ~3, CCN burden by ~10% (at 0.2% supersaturation) to 65% (at 1.0% supersaturation), and cloud droplet number burden by ~18%. Compared to BHN, IMN increases cloud liquid water path by 7.5%, decreases precipitation by 1.1%, and increases total cloud cover by 1.9%. This leads to an increase of total shortwave cloud radiative forcing (SWCF) by 3.67 W m−2 (more negative) and longwave cloud forcing by 1.78 W m−2 (more positive), with large spatial variations. The effect of ionization on SWCF derived from this study (3.67 W m−2) is a factor of ~3 higher that of a previous study (1.15 W m−2) based on a different ion nucleation scheme and climate model. Based on the present CAM5 simulation, the 5-yr mean impacts of solar cycle induced changes in ionization rates on CCN and cloud forcing are small (~−0.02 W m−2) but have larger inter-annual (from −0.18 to 0.17 W m−2) and spatial variations.
Detection and characterization of volcanic ash plumes over Lille during the Eyjafjallajökull eruption
Authors: Mortier A. , Goloub P. , Podvin T. , Deroo C. , Chaikovsky A. , Ajtai N. , Blarel L. , Tanre D. , Derimian Y.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. Routine sun-photometer and micro-LIDAR measurements were performed in Lille, northern France, in April and May 2010 during the Eyjafjallajökull volcanic eruption. The impact of such an eruption emphasized significance of hazards for human activities and importance of observarions of the volcanic aerosol particles. This paper presents the main results of a joint micro-LIDAR/sun-photometer analysis performed in Lille, where volcanic ash plumes were observed during at least 22 days, weather conditions permitting. Aerosol properties retrieved from automatic sun-photometer measurements (AERONET) were strongly changed during the volcanic aerosol plumes transport over Lille. In most cases, the Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) was increased whereas Ångström exponent decreased thus indicating coarse mode dominance in the volume size distribution. Moreover, the retrieved by AERONET non spherical fraction was significantly increased. The Real part of the complex refractive index was up to 1.55 at 440 nm during the eruption time while typically was about 1.46 before the eruption. Collocated LIDAR data revealed that several aerosol layers were present between 2 and 5 km, all originating from Iceland region as confirmed by backward-trajectories. The volcanic ash AOD was derived from LIDAR extinction profiles and sun-photometer AOD, and was estimated of around 0.37 at 532 nm on 18 April 2010. This value was observed at an altitude of 1700 m and corresponded to an Ash Mass Concentration (AMC) slightly higher than 1000 μg m3 (±50%). The effective LIDAR Ratio of ash particles was 48 sr for 18 April during the early stages of the eruption, a value which agrees with several other studies carried out on this topic. Even though the accuracy of the retrievals is not as high as that obtained from reference multi-wavelength LIDAR systems, this study demonstrates the opportunity of micro-LIDAR and sun-photometer joint data processing for deriving volcanic AMC. It also outlines the fact that a network of combined micro-LIDARs and sun-photometers can be a powerful tool for routine monitoring of aerosols, especially in case of such hazardous volcanic events.
A comparison of methods for smoothing and gap filling time series of remote sensing observations: application to MODIS LAI products
Authors: Kandasamy S. , Baret F. , Verger A. , Neveux P. , Weiss M.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. Moderate resolution satellite sensors including MODIS already provide more than 10 yr of observations well suited to describe and understand the dynamics of the Earth surface. However, these time series are incomplete because of cloud cover and associated with significant uncertainties. This study compares eight methods designed to improve the continuity by filling gaps and the consistency by smoothing the time course. It includes methods exploiting the time series as a whole (Iterative caterpillar singular spectrum analysis (ICSSA), empirical mode decomposition (EMD), low pass filtering (LPF) and Whittaker smoother (Whit)) as well as methods working on limited temporal windows of few weeks to few months (Adaptive Savitzky-Golay filter (SGF), temporal smoothing and gap filling (TSGF) and asymmetric Gaussian function (AGF)) in addition to the simple climatological LAI yearly profile (Clim). Methods were applied to MODIS leaf area index product for the period 2000–2008 over 25 sites showing a large range of seasonal patterns. Performances were discussed with emphasis on the balance achieved by each method between accuracy and roughness depending on the fraction of missing observations and the length of the gaps. Results demonstrate that EMD, LPF and AGF methods were failing in case of significant fraction of gaps (%Gap > 20%), while ICSSA, Whit and SGF were always providing estimates for dates with missing data. TSGF (respectively Clim) was able to fill more than 50% of the gaps for sites with more than 60% (resp. 80%) fraction of gaps. However, investigation of the accuracy of the reconstructed values shows that it degrades rapidly for sites with more than 20% missing data, particularly for ICSSA, Whit and SGF. In these conditions, TSGF provides the best performances significantly better than the simple Clim for gaps shorter than about 100 days. The roughness of the reconstructed temporal profiles shows large differences between the several methods, with a decrease of the roughness with the fraction of missing data, except for ICSSA. TSGF provides the smoothest temporal profiles for sites with %Gap > 30%. Conversely, ICSSA, LPF, Whit, AGF and Clim provide smoother profiles than TSGF for sites with %Gap < 30%. Impact of the accuracy and smoothness of the reconstructed time series were evaluated on the timing of phenological stages. The dates of start, maximum and end of the season are estimated with an accuracy of about 10 days for the sites with %Gap < 10% and increases rapidly with %Gap. TSGF provides the more accurate estimates of phenological timing up to %Gap < 60%.
Potential climate change impacts on the water balance of regional unconfined aquifer systems in south-western Australia
Authors: Ali R. , McFarlane D. , Varma S. , Dawes W. , Emelyanova I. , Hodgson G.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. This study assesses climate change impacts on water balance components of the regional unconfined aquifer systems in south-western Australia, an area that has experienced a marked decline in rainfall since the mid 1970s and is expected to experience further decline due to global warming. Compared with the historical period of 1975 to 2007, reductions in the mean annual rainfall of between 15 and 18 percent are expected under a dry variant of the 2030 climate which will reduce recharge rates by between 33 and 49 percent relative to that under the historical period climate. Relative to the historical climate, reductions of up to 50 percent in groundwater discharge to the ocean and drainage systems are also expected. Sea-water intrusion is likely in the Peel-Harvey Area under the dry future climate and net leakage to confined systems is projected to decrease by up to 35 percent which will cause reduction in pressures in confined systems under current abstraction. The percentage of net annual recharge consumed by groundwater storage, and ocean and drainage discharges is expected to decrease and percentage of net annual recharge consumed by pumping and net leakage to confined systems to increase under median and dry future climates. Climate change is likely to significantly impact various water balance components of the regional unconfined aquifer systems of south-western Australia. We assess the quantitative climate change impact on the different components (the amounts) using the most widely used GCMs in combination with dynamically linked recharge and physically distributed groundwater models.
Kalman filters for assimilating near-surface observations in the Richards equation – Part 1: Retrieving state profiles with linear and nonlinear numerical schemes
Authors: Chirico G. B. , Medina H. , Romano N.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. This paper examines the potential of different algorithms, based on the Kalman filtering approach, for assimilating near-surface observations in a one-dimensional Richards' equation. Our specific objectives are: (i) to compare the efficiency of different Kalman filter algorithms, implemented with different numerical schemes of the Richards equation, in retrieving soil water potential profiles; (ii) to evaluate the performance of these algorithms when nonlinearities arise from the nonlinearity of the observation equation, i.e. when surface soil water content observations are assimilated to retrieve pressure head values. The study is based on a synthetic simulation of an evaporation process from a homogeneous soil column. A standard Kalman Filter algorithm is implemented with both an explicit finite difference scheme and a Crank-Nicolson finite difference scheme of the Richards equation. Extended and Unscented Kalman Filters are instead both evaluated to deal with the nonlinearity of a backward Euler finite difference scheme. While an explicit finite difference scheme is computationally too inefficient to be implemented in an operational assimilation scheme, the retrieving algorithm implemented with a Crank-Nicolson scheme is found computationally more feasible and robust than those implemented with the backward Euler scheme. The Unscented Kalman Filter reveals as the most practical approach when one has to deal with further nonlinearities arising from the observation equation, as result of the nonlinearity of the soil water retention function.
The ZONE learning community: Gaining knowledge through mentoring
Authors: Moore Joi L. , Dickson-Deane Camille , Galyen Krista , Kumalasari Christiana , Kwon Kyungbin
Published: December 2012

Assisting doctoral students with developing teaching skills along with providing effective instruction is a common dilemma in academia. We propose a model for developing skill sets of two audiences, doctoral teaching assistants and students. For the teaching assistants, or ZONE mentors, they gain valuable and meaningful skills in course design, online feedback and evaluation, and demonstration of course concepts. For students, the ZONE model encourages self–direction, development of evaluation skills, and the ability to problem solve when assisting peers. Each audience gains experience through scaffolding and mentoring.
Social media discussion forums and product innovation - The way forward?
Authors: Haavisto Piia
Published: December 2012

The purpose of this paper is to examine the potential use of social media discussion forums in product innovation. The literature shows the value of sport addicts and hobbyists as innovators in product innovation; hence this study is related to sports. This is an empirical study based on substantial data collected from 28 discussion forums. Altogether 2,178 discussions related to heart rate monitors have been evaluated for this paper.

Discussion forums can be regarded as a source of product innovation. However, due to the excessive amount of information in these forums, a planned approach in order to utilize these remarks is necessary. Sport addicts and hobbyists are very interested in product improvements and usage possibilities, forming a considerable resource. Social media discussion forums can replace focus groups, online surveys and panels, and it is easy to reach large groups, test ideas and secure feedback. However, the rapid speed in conversations and excessive need for interaction between individuals set high demands for organizations, as they should clearly decide how to participate, when and how to direct discussions, and how to effectively be present.
DIY design: How crowdsourcing sites are challenging traditional graphic design practice
Authors: Massanari Adrienne L
Published: December 2012

This paper analyzes the current debate over crowdsourced/do–it–yourself (DIY) design. Specifically, it highlights underlying tensions between discourse within the professional graphic design field and an increasingly sophisticated and global community of DIY designers who are challenging their professional norms and practices. Through an exploration of these sites’ approach to intellectual property, design education, compensation, and community, this research explain how crowdsourcing companies discursively frame (and challenge) traditional design practices. Specific recommendations as to how crowdsourcing sites and the professional design community might coexist peacefully are offered.
Using social bookmarks and tags as alternative indicators of journal content description
Authors: Haustein Stefanie , Peters Isabella
Published: December 2012

Qualitative journal evaluation cumulates content descriptions of single articles. Articles are either represented by author–generated keywords, professionally indexed subject headings, automatically extracted terms or, as recently introduced, by reader–generated tags as used in social bookmarking systems. The study presented here shows that different types of keywords each reflect a different perspective on documents and that tags can be used in journal evaluation to represent a reader–specific view. After providing a broad theoretical background and literature review, methods for extensive automatic term cleaning and calculation of term overlaps are introduced. The efficiency of tags and other metadata for journal content description is illustrated for one particular journal.
Online onslaught: Internet-based methods for attacking and defending citizens’ organisations
Authors: Martin Brian
Published: December 2012

As the online profiles of organisations become more important, so do their vulnerabilities to online attack. A wide range of online methods can be used to attack the credibility of an organisation, deter participation by its members and undermine its operations. A case study from the Australian vaccination debate is used to illustrate the operation and impact of some of these possible methods. The main modes of attack are disrupting discussions, dominating descriptions and ridiculing and intimidating opponents. The main modes of defence are excluding disrupters, providing counter-descriptions, making formal complaints, and ignoring or exposing abuse. New forms of social media in the future will offer additional options for both offence and defence.
Directions for future cellular mobile network architecture
Authors: Kim Byoung-Jo J. , Henry Paul S.
Published: December 2012

Despite the extraordinary success of the cellular mobile telecommunications industry, many of the underlying design strategies and service assumptions that have served us arguably well over the past four decades may benefit from a fresh new look. Even today’s LTE (Long–Term Evolution), which is designed to meet the demands of modern broadband Internet packet connectivity, nonetheless draws heavily on the legacy of cellular’s circuit–oriented origins. Its heavy reliance on fine–grained tunnels and hard–state signaling protocols, for example, imposes performance penalties and cost burdens that may not be inevitable if hard–earned lessons are incorporated in the coming years. In this paper we describe a fresh approach to cellular network architecture. Inspired by past and present ideas and experiences by others and ours, we propose fundamental principles to guide the development of efficient and flexible network architecture, able to serve the still unknown needs and preferences of future users. We offer an example of a network built on those principles and suggest how we can manage the evolution from today’s networks to an architecture better suited to the decades ahead.
Social media and personal attacks: A comparative perspective on co-creation and political advertising in presidential campaigns on YouTube
Authors: De Boer Noortje , Sütfeld Hannah , Groshek Jacob
Published: December 2012

In this era of politically charged social media uses, broadcast campaign advertising is being transformed in the online environment, not only by candidates but also by citizens. Likewise, negative campaigning, specifically ‘attack’ advertising, has been analyzed and discussed widely concerning possible implications for voters. However, a specific focus on analyzing such broadcast advertisements — especially in online environments across nations — has not been explored in great detail. Thus, this inquiry examines negative campaigning in social media, since the presence of both can not be ignored in contemporary broadcast and political cultures. Specifically, this study quantitatively analyzes and compares the content of political advertising in the 2012 presidential campaigns in France and the United States that were posted on YouTube. In essence, this study considers political–cultural differences between France and America as those are expressed and presented in increasingly interconnected and dynamic forms of political communication, advertising and media co–creation. Findings presented here identify unique dimensions of reciprocity between broadcast cultures and political advertising as those are adapted and negotiated by candidates and audiences in social media.
The effectiveness of crowdsourcing public participation in a planning context
Authors: Brabham Daren C.
Published: December 2012

Governments increasingly turn to the Internet to facilitate public participation activities, part of a recent push toward transparency, accountability, and citizen involvement in decision-making. These activities take many forms, and one specific form, the crowdsourcing model, is examined here for its effectiveness as a public participation method. In 2009, the Next Stop Design project was launched to test the crowdsourcing model in an online public participation experiment for bus stop shelter design. Drawing on the ideals of online democratic deliberation, 23 Next Stop Design participants were interviewed via instant messenger for their perceptions of the project as an effective public participation activity. Findings suggest that crowdsourcing is a promising online public participation method that may complement off–line methods.
Promoting sustainability and simple living online and off-line: An Australian case study
Authors: Merrick Helen
Published: December 2012

The notion of ‘simple living’ and the documenting of more sustainable lifestyles is an increasingly familiar topic of online writing. This paper presents a case study of two online forums focused on simple living, Aussies Living Simply and the Earth Garden Path. Site members were surveyed to examine the impact of the sites on their practice and understandings of sustainability. The study asks how such online communities might support the development of civic and individual action around sustainability, or “green citizenship”.
Conservación de las raíces frescas de la yuca (Manihot esculenta Crantz) aplicándole el proceso de parafinado
Authors: Sotelo Contreras Rosario , Acevedo Ampié Guillermo
Published: December 2012

Una característica de las raíces de yuca es el rápido deterioro que sufren luego de ser cosechadas; este proceso es llamado "Deterioro Fisiológico de Poscosecha" (DFP). Este estudio se realizó para determinar el efecto del proceso de parafinado en la conservación de la calidad de las raíces de yuca. Esto incluye calidad morfológica, calidad fisiológica, calidad culinaria y deterioro microbiano. Las raíces provienen de distintas áreas de cultivo y fueron cosechadas en diferentes periodos de tiempo. Se ensayó su conservación utilizando una tecnología para parafinado de bajo costo. Durante los veintiún días de estudio para cada lote de raíces sometidas a parafinado, se muestran buenos niveles de conservación de sus características fisiológicas y culinarias. Los resultados conducen a considerar que el parafinado es una alternativa para su adopción por productores de yuca para incrementar los períodos de comercialización. Palabras claves: deterioro fisiológico de poscosecha, calidad morfológica, calidad culinaria, deterioro microbiano, calidad fisiológica.
El ecoturismo comunitario como altemativa económica en las comunidades de Musawas, Wilu y Panyawas, del Territorio Mayangna Sauni As
Authors: Frank Martiza Del Carmen Taylor
Published: December 2012

La iniciativa de esta investigación surge para poder contar con un estudio base de ecoturismo comunitario que dé a conocer la riqueza de recursos naturales y paisajísticos de tres comunidades del territorio Indígena Mayangna Sauni As, y que permita a la vez la conservación de estos recursos cuyos guardianes ancestraIes han sido los pobladores mayangnas que habitan este Territorio. También esta investigación se ha ejecutado con el fin de que las autoridades territoriales y los IIderes comunales cuenten con insumos que les permitan materiaIizar una idea de desarrollo ecoturistico, ya que en el estudio se señalan sitios específicos en tres comunidades (Musawas, Wilu y Panyawas) del territorio Mayangna Sauni As, donde pueden Ilevarse a cabo estas activdades ecoturísticas. 1. TURISMO ECOLOGICO-INVESTIGACIONES-MAYANGNA SAUNI AS (NICARAGUA) 2. TURlSMO-MAYANGNA SAUNI AS (NICARAGUA) ASPECTOS AMBIENTALES 3. CONSERVACIO DE LOS RECURSOS NATURALES-MAYANGNA SAUNI AS (NICARAGUA) DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/wani.v65i0.880 Wani No.65 2012 pp.62-72
Assessing the Impact of Increasing Antimicrobial Resistance of Vibrio cholerae on the Future Trends of Cholera Epidemic
Authors: Mushayabasa Steady , Bhunu Claver P.
Published: December 2012

Cholera, an acute intestinal infection caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, remains a major public health problem in many parts of Africa, Asia, and Latin America. A mathematical model is developed, to assess the impact of increasing antimicrobial resistance of Vibrio cholerae on the future trends of the cholera epidemic. Equilibrium states of the model are determined and their stabilities have been examined. The impacts of increasing antimicrobial resistance of Vibrio cholerae on the future trends of cholera epidemic have been investigated through the reproductive number. Numerical results are provided to support analytical findings.
Porous Layer Characterization of Anodized and Black-Anodized Aluminium by Electrochemical Studies
Authors: Franco M. , Anoop S. , Uma Rani R. , Sharma A. K.
Published: December 2012

Three types of black anodic coatings, namely, black dyeing (BD), inorganic colouring (IC), and electrolytic colouring (EC) were prepared by conventional type II sulphuric acid anodizing on Al6061 alloys. Electrochemical behaviour of these coatings was studied by exposure to 3.5% wt sodium chloride solution for prolonged immersion periods up to 360 hours. The porous layer characteristics of all sealed, fresh and autosealed coatings were investigated by means of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). An equivalent circuit that reproduces the a.c. impedance results of porous aluminium oxide films is proposed. The breakpoint frequency and damage function analysis were carried out to analyse the coating's electrochemical behaviour. Corrosion morphology was studied by scanning electron microscopy. It was observed that BD and IC behaved in a very similar manner to sulphuric acid anodising (SAA). However EC was behaving in an entirely different manner. Among all colouring methods BD was showing very less values. All these findings were further confirmed by linear polarisation studies. No major evidence of localised corrosion or pitting of the black anodic coatings was observed in SEM micrographs.
Application of Artificial Neural Network in Simulation of Supercritical Extraction of Valerenic Acid from Valeriana officinalis L.
Authors: Rabiee Kenaree Amir , Fatemi Shohreh
Published: December 2012

Application of artificial neural network (ANN) has been studied for simulation of the extraction process by supercritical CO2. Supercritical extraction of valerenic acid from Valeriana officianalis L. has been studied and simulated according to the significant operational parameters such as pressure, temperature, and dynamic extraction time. ANN, using multilayer perceptron (MLP) model, is employed to predict the amount of extracted VA versus the studied variables. Three tests, validation, and training data sets in three various scenarios are selected to predict the amount of extracted VA at dynamic time of extraction, working pressure, and temperature values. Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm has been employed to train the MLP network. The model in first scenario has three neurons in one hidden layer, and the models associated with the second and the third scenarios have four neurons in one hidden layer. The determination coefficients are calculated as 0.971, 0.940, and 0.964 for the first, second, and the third scenarios, respectively, demonstrating the effectiveness of the MLP model in simulating this process using any of the scenarios, and accurate prediction of extraction yield has been revealed in different working conditions of pressure, temperature, and dynamic time of extraction.
Trace Minerals and Livestock: Not Too Much Not Too Little
Authors: López-Alonso Marta
Published: December 2012

The new approaches of the animal production systems make managing the mineral nutrition a challenge. Versus the excessive, trace mineral supply in intensively managed livestock, well above the physiological requirements, is the no trace mineral supplementation of organic systems, which become highly dependent on trace minerals in the soil. Nowadays, in addition to the animal health perspective, trace mineral nutrition must be environment friendly and allow getting mineral-enriched animal products. We are in a new scenario, where a balance between animal trace mineral needs and limits is needed. This papers focuses on different aspects that will help us to enter a critical dialogue in relation to animal-human-environment.