bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Challenge and Opportunity in Evaluating a Diffusion-Based Active Bystanding Prevention Program
Authors: Cook-Craig Patricia G. , Coker Ann L. , Clear Emily R. , Garcia Lisandra S. , Bush Heather M. , Brancato Candace J. , Williams Corrine M. , Fisher Bonnie S.
Published: September 2014

Increasing attention has recently been paid to the development of prevention programs designed to actively engage bystanders in prevention efforts to reduce the risk of sexual and dating violence; yet, few evaluations have been conducted. Our proposed plan to rigorously evaluate a randomized intervention trial of the Green Dot bystander program as it is implemented in high schools across Kentucky is presented. We highlight the value of measuring violence victimization and perpetration outcomes, capturing actual and observed student bystander behaviors, and testing the diffusion of Green Dot training through students’ social networks.
Missing Data
Authors: Newman Daniel A.
Published: September 2014

Missing data (a) reside at three missing data levels of analysis (item-, construct-, and person-level), (b) arise from three missing data mechanisms (missing completely at random, missing at random, and missing not at random) that range from completely random to systematic missingness, (c) can engender two missing data problems (biased parameter estimates and inaccurate hypothesis tests/inaccurate standard errors/low power), and (d) mandate a choice from among several missing data treatments (listwise deletion, pairwise deletion, single imputation, maximum likelihood, and multiple imputation). Whereas all missing data treatments are imperfect and are rooted in particular statistical assumptions, some missing data treatments are worse than others, on average (i.e., they lead to more bias in parameter estimates and less accurate hypothesis tests). Social scientists still routinely choose the more biased and error-prone techniques (listwise and pairwise deletion), likely due to poor familiarity with and misconceptions about the less biased/less error-prone techniques (maximum likelihood and multiple imputation). The current user-friendly review provides five easy-to-understand practical guidelines, with the goal of reducing missing data bias and error in the reporting of research results. Syntax is provided for correlation, multiple regression, and structural equation modeling with missing data.
Diverging or Emerging from Law? The Practice of Youth Justice in Ireland
Authors: Kilkelly Ursula
Published: September 2014

The Children Act 2001 is the statutory framework for youth justice in Ireland. Fully in force since 2007, aspects of the Act appear to be unimplemented while in other areas practice has diverged from the Act’s provisions. Three areas are used to show where youth justice practice has diverged from the legislation: the operation of the Children Court; the use of community sanctions and the use of family conferences and restorative justice. This article studies the disconnect between the law and practice in these three areas, offers some explanation as to why it has occurred and proposes some solutions for how it might be addressed.
Partnering With Middle School Students to Design Text Messages About HPV Vaccination
Authors: Cates Joan R. , Ortiz Rebecca R. , North Steve , Martin Amanda , Smith Richalle , Coyne-Beasley Tamera
Published: September 2014

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is routinely recommended for U.S. adolescents ages 11 to 12 years, yet vaccine coverage remains low. Text message HPV immunization reminders to parents have been effective with increasing uptake, but text messages directly to adolescents in order to increase HPV vaccination uptake are unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine the acceptability of text messages about HPV vaccination and message preferences among adolescents. Middle school students ( n = 43) assisted in designing text messages to promote HPV vaccine among their peers. Through seven focus groups and two in-class surveys, we assessed students’ knowledge of HPV vaccine, use of texting, and preferences for text messages and sources. The average age of participants was 13 years, and all were White (17 males, 26 females) in this rural setting. More than 70% used text messaging with a cell phone. The text message with the best composite score ( M = 2.33, SD = 0.72) for likeability, trustworthiness, and motivation to seek more information was a gain frame emphasizing reduction in HPV infection if vaccinated against HPV. Text messages with lower scores emphasized threats of disease if not vaccinated. Participants (68%) preferred doctors as their information source. Text messaging to adolescents may be a strategy to improve HPV knowledge and vaccination.
Chronic Ulceration and Sinus Formation due to Foreign Body
Authors: Hansen Karin Birgitte , Gottrup Finn
Published: September 2014

Foreign bodies like residues of suture or mesh may lead to a foreign body reaction, cavity formation and continuous secretion and perhaps ulceration. We present a more than 9 years long medical record of a 49 year old man after a simple surgical procedure. The background was a sinus formation generated from a foreign body reaction. The case report shows that this condition is often overlooked and even using advanced equipment, it is difficult to diagnose. The only solution is to diagnose and remove the triggering cause. Fistulography and ultrasound scanning seem to be the optimal diagnostic tool in these cases. The knowledge of the foreign body reaction in tissue continuously needs to be reestablished in the health care system especially in areas, where implantation of foreign material is used.
Featured Article: Transcriptome profiling of expression changes during neuronal death by RNA-Seq
Authors: Sharma Dharmendra , Kim Min Soo , D’Mello Santosh R
Published: September 2014

The molecular mechanisms underlying neuronal death are poorly understood. One of the most widely used models to study neuronal death are cultured cerebellar granule neurons (CGNs) which undergo apoptosis when switched from a medium containing depolarizing levels of potassium (HK) to a medium with low non-depolarizing levels of potassium (LK). Previously, other labs have used DNA microarray analysis to characterize gene expression changes in LK-treated CGNs. However, microarray analysis is only capable of measuring the status of known transcripts, and expression of low-abundance mRNAs is often not detected by the hybridization-based approach. We have used RNA-sequencing to conduct a more detailed and comprehensive analysis of gene expression changes in CGNs induced to die by LK treatment. RNA-seq investigates the status of both known transcripts as well as exploring new ones and is substantially more sensitive than the microarray approach. We have found that the expression of 4334 genes is significantly altered in LK-treated CGNs with 2199 being up-regulated while 2135 are down-regulated. Genes functioning in cell death and survival regulation, cell growth and proliferation and molecular transport were most affected by LK treatment. Further, a large number of genes involved in nervous system development and function were also deregulated. Analysis of signaling pathways that were affected in LK-induced death included but were not limited to mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative phosphorylation, consistent with a number of studies showing perturbations of these pathways in neurodegenerative disorders. Thus, our study identifies a large number of new genes that are affected during the process of neuronal death. While a majority of these changes may reflect consequences of the induction of neuronal death, many of the genes that we have identified are likely to be critical and potentially novel mediators of neuronal death, including death associated with neurodegenerative disease.
The Effects of a Statewide Evaluation Initiative in Gifted Education on Practitioner Knowledge, Concerns, and Program Documentation
Authors: Robinson Ann , Cotabish Alicia , Wood Betty K. , O’Tuel Fran S.
Published: September 2014

When well-considered and grounded in current knowledge, program evaluations of services to gifted learners can be a powerful tool for increasing practitioners’ knowledge and self-efficacy, and for effecting positive programmatic changes. The Arkansas Evaluation Initiative (AEI) in Gifted Education, a Jacob K. Javits-funded project, was implemented statewide to improve the quality of gifted program evaluations. The AEI focused on improving services, especially for underrepresented groups of students, by building statewide capacity in local districts to conduct formative program evaluations. Results indicate that practitioner knowledge of program evaluation increased. Attitudinal data also indicate that gifted education practitioners are interested in learning more about program evaluation, but are moderately concerned about the time, logistics, resources, and their skill in facilitating changes needed to improve formative program evaluations in their schools. Finally, the intervention resulted in improved documentation of programs and services with respect to underserved groups, stakeholder involvement, and student outcome data.
Are Innovations Being Created or Adopted in the Construction Industry? Exploring Innovation in the Construction Industry
Authors: Yusof Nor’Aini , Mustafa Kamal Ernawati , Kong-Seng Lai , Iranmanesh Mohammad
Published: September 2014

The recent debate on innovation within an organizational setting has shifted focus toward discussing whether innovation is being adopted or being created. This shift is due to the failure of many innovation efforts and the fact that for each innovation creation or innovation adoption, different skills, resources, and cultures are needed to encourage each innovation. The objective of this article is to explore the type of innovation implemented by the construction participants. A conceptual model of innovation creation and innovation adoption was developed using four criteria: by justification of new ideas, by purposes, by activities involved, and by nature. Face-to-face questionnaires were conducted with developers, consulting firms, and contractors in Penang, Malaysia. The data were analyzed using descriptive analysis. Factor analysis was used to classify the innovation creation and innovation adoption. The results show that the construction participants in Malaysia are categorized as an innovation adopter. This result provides better understanding about the type of innovation implemented by the construction participants, in particular the contractors and the consulting firms. The results could also be used as a foundation for conducting future research to identify appropriate skills, knowledge, culture, and resources for such innovations.
Electrodeposition of Ni matrix composite coatings with embedded CrAlY particles
Authors: Bates B. L. , Zhang L. Z. , Zhang Y.
Published: September 2014

An electrolytic sediment codeposition process was employed to fabricate composite coatings containing CrAlY particles embedded in an Ni matrix. The effects of three main deposition parameters and their interactions on the amount of CrAlY particles incorporated in the composite coating were investigated using a design of experiments (DoEs) method. Current density, agitation rate and concentration of CrAlY particles in the solution were the parameters considered in the 23 full factorial design. With different combinations of the deposition parameters, the amount of CrAlY particles in the composite coatings ranged from 20 to 49 vol.-%. The DoE results show that the agitation rate exhibited the greatest influence on the amount of CrAlY particles incorporated in the composite coating, followed by the interaction between agitation and particle loading and then the particle loading itself. Current density did not appear to affect the particle incorporation for the present set-up.
How I treat Burkitt lymphoma in adults
Authors: Jacobson Caron , LaCasce Ann
Published: September 2014

Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is an aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma that is almost uniformly associated with translocations involving the gene for MYC on chromosome 8. The 3 subtypes of BL, endemic, sporadic, and immunodeficiency-associated, differ from epidemiologic and clinical perspectives but may be genetically similar. Prompt administration of multiagent immunochemotherapy regimens is associated with favorable outcomes for the majority of patients. Survival is inferior in older patients, likely reflecting increased therapy-related toxicity, possibly resulting in decreased treatment intensity. Central nervous system prophylaxis, tumor lysis prevention and treatment, and management of infectious complications from myelosuppressive regimens are critical. Prognosis of refractory or relapsed disease is poor and patients are best treated on clinical trials when available.
IPI-145 antagonizes intrinsic and extrinsic survival signals in chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells
Authors: Dong Shuai , Guinn Daphne , Dubovsky Jason A. , Zhong Yiming , Lehman Amy , Kutok Jeffery , Woyach Jennifer A. , Byrd John C. , Johnson Amy J.
Published: September 2014

Key Points

PI3K p110δ/γ inhibitor IPI-145 abrogates prosurvival signals and induces apoptosis in CLL cells. IPI-145 overcomes BTK C481S mutation conferring ibrutinib resistance.
Comparison of cardiovascular co-morbidities and CPAP use in patients with positional and non-positional mild obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Huang Yi-Chih , Lin Chun-Yao , Lan Chou-Chin , Wu Yao-Kuang , Lim Chor-Shen , Huang Chun-Yao , Huang Hsuan-Li , Yeh Kuan-Hung , Liu Yu-Chih , Yang Mei-Chen
Published: September 2014

Background

This retrospective cohort study aimed to determine if there are differences in cardiovascular co-morbidities, blood pressure (BP) and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) use between patients with positional-dependent and nonpositional-dependent obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Methods

Patients who were referred for overnight polysomnography for suspected OSA between 2007 and 2011 were screened. A total of 371 patients with OSA were included for analysis and divided into six groups according to positional-dependency and severity of OSA: positional mild (n = 52), positional moderate (n = 29), positional severe (n = 24), non-positional mild (n = 18), non-positional moderate (n = 70) and non-positional severe group (n = 178). The six groups were compared for anthropometric and polysomnographic variables, presence of cardiovascular co-morbidities, morning and evening BP and the changes between evening and morning BP, and CPAP device usage patterns.

Results

Demographic and anthropometric variables showed non-positional severe OSA had poor sleep quality and higher morning blood pressures. Positional mild OSA had the lowest cardiovascular co-morbidities. Overall CPAP acceptance was 45.6%. Mild OSA patients had the lowest CPAP acceptance rate (10%), followed by moderate group (37.37%) and severe group (61.88%, P < 0.001). However, the significant difference in CPAP acceptance across OSA severity disappeared when the data was stratified by positional dependency.

Conclusions

This study found that positional mild OSA had less cardiovascular co-morbidities compared with subjects with positional severe OSA. Independent of posture, CPAP acceptance in patients with mild OSA was low, but CPAP compliance was similar in CPAP acceptors regardless of posture dependency of OSA. Since there are increasing evidences of greater cardiovascular risk for untreated mild OSA, improving CPAP acceptance among mild OSA patients may be clinically important regardless of posture dependency.
Polyethylene glycol-modified dendrimer-entrapped gold nanoparticles enhance CT imaging of blood pool in atherosclerotic mice
Authors: Ye Kaichuang , Qin Jinbao , Peng Zhiyou , Yang Xinrui , Huang Lijia , Yuan Fukang , Peng Chen , Jiang Mier , Lu Xinwu
Published: September 2014

We report a new use of dendrimer-entrapped gold nanoparticles (Au DENPs) modified by polyethylene glycol (PEG) with good biocompatibility for in vitro and in vivo imaging of atherosclerotic mice by computed tomography (CT). In this study, Au DENPs were synthesized using poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimers of generation 5 (G5.NH2) modified by PEG monomethyl ether (G5.NH2-m PEG20) as templates. In vitro cytotoxicity and flow cytometry assays show that the formed PEGylated Au DENPs have good biocompatibility and are non-cytotoxic at the Au concentration up to 300 μM. Silver staining and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) further confirm that the Au DENPs are able to be uptaken by macrophages and are located dominantly in the lysosomes of the cells. Importantly, the formed PEGylated Au DENPs are able to be used for CT imaging of murine macrophages in vitro and macrophages in atherosclerotic mice in vivo using apolipoprotein-E-gene-deficient mice as a model. These findings suggest that the formed PEGylated Au DENPs are a promising contrast agent for CT imaging of atherosclerosis.
Comparative analysis of barium titanate thin films dry etching using inductively coupled plasmas by different fluorine-based mixture gas
Authors: Li Yang , Wang Cong , Yao Zhao , Kim Hong-Ki , Kim Nam-Young
Published: September 2014

In this work, the inductively coupled plasma etching technique was applied to etch the barium titanate thin film. A comparative study of etch characteristics of the barium titanate thin film has been investigated in fluorine-based (CF4/O2, C4F8/O2 and SF6/O2) plasmas. The etch rates were measured using focused ion beam in order to ensure the accuracy of measurement. The surface morphology of etched barium titanate thin film was characterized by atomic force microscope. The chemical state of the etched surfaces was investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. According to the experimental result, we monitored that a higher barium titanate thin film etch rate was achieved with SF6/O2 due to minimum amount of necessary ion energy and its higher volatility of etching byproducts as compared with CF4/O2 and C4F8/O2. Low-volatile C-F compound etching byproducts from C4F8/O2 were observed on the etched surface and resulted in the reduction of etch rate. As a result, the barium titanate films can be effectively etched by the plasma with the composition of SF6/O2, which has an etch rate of over than 46.7 nm/min at RF power/inductively coupled plasma (ICP) power of 150/1,000 W under gas pressure of 7.5 mTorr with a better surface morphology.
A visual tool for accessibility study of pipeline maintenance during design
Authors: Lee Chu-Hsuan , Tsai Meng-Han , Kang Shih-Chung
Published: September 2014

Background

Pipeline maintenance is becoming an important issue in modern construction and building information model (BIM) research. An understanding of pipeline accessibility considerations in terms of operation and maintenance is essential for planning and management. Previous studies have highlighted the complexity of multi-pipes including mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) pipelines and the importance of information visualization, but few have proposed a way to consider accessibility problems during operation and maintenance.

Methods

Therefore, this study develops a systematic method to evaluate accessibility with respect to pipeline maintenance. We first divided pipeline accessibility into three categories: (1) visual accessibility—the visibility for an inspector to view; (2) approachable accessibility—the difficulty for an inspector to approach; and (3) operational accessibility—the pipeline that can be operated by the inspectors. We created mathematical models and discussed the ergonomic details about each category. We then developed a user interface, VAO Checker, in which V, A and O stand for visual, approachable and operational respectively, to display visual information about pipeline accessibility. Through instantaneous analysis, the system visualizes the accessibility of the pipelines. We visually represent the intersection and union of these three categories to illustrate the varying accessibility of pipe elements.

Results

A usability test was conducted to validate the system's effectiveness. The results of the usability analysis show that users have higher correctness when using VAO Checker than 2D plan drawing and 3D model, and they evaluate the performance of this tool better than 2D plan drawing.

Conclusion

Pipeline designers can benefit by using this tool to sketch a suitable traffic flow for engineers to investigate. Furthermore, the substantial amount of information saved in the layout database could be referenced for future optimization.
Zero Control as Integral Part of Geometrical and Graphic Disciplines’ Instruction Technique
Authors: Мельник  , Melnyk Olga , Буда  , Buda Antonina
Published: September 2014

The interdependence between diagnostic function of

first year students’ zero level knowledge control in geometry and

technical drawing and instruction technique in geometrical and

graphic academic profile is considered in this work. Methodical

procedures and developments for traditional learning system adaptation

to existing level of students training are offered by: using

of learning tests connecting the basic geometric knowledge with

teaching materials; graphical tasks’ full spectrum content personification;

using of specific E-learning courses oriented to full-time

students.
Public Debt as a Problem of the European Union
Authors: Piątkowski Paweł
Published: September 2014

The article is aimed at analyzing the consequences of debt crisis in European Union. Special attention is paid to changes in economic policy. In the first paragraph theoretical background of public debt is presented. In the second paragraph the level of public debt in European Union is compared with other countries. Finally, changes in the public debt policy are presented.
Do mental health nurse lecturers ‘walk the talk’, as well as ‘talk the talk’?
Authors: McCaig Marie , McNay Lisa , Howatson Val , McCormack John , McIntosh Gwenne , Mathers Billy
Published: September 2014

The traditional paradigm in mental health nursing has been undergoing significant challenge in recent times. The influence of recovery is gaining momentum in practice and in the theoretical preparation for practice. Therapeutic relationships have long been considered the cornerstone of mental health nursing practice and they continue to be central in recovery. This article outlines and justifies the need for mental health nurse lecturers to reflect on and review the role of the relationships they develop with students. This is to help optimise the university preparation of student mental health nurses in recovery focused practice. Working together across different university sites can further enhance this process.
The impact of patient suicide on community mental health teams
Authors: Canning Paul , Gournay Kevin
Published: September 2014

Suicide in Scotland is considered an urgent public health issue affecting all aspects of society. The aim of this study was to explore how a patient suicide impacts on members of a community mental health team (CMHT). Six members of one CMHT were interviewed on two occasions, approximately nine months following a patient suicide. An interpretative descriptive model, drawing on elements of grounded theory, phenomenology end ethnography was chosen, using semistructured interviews for data collection. Three main themes of emotional response, communication and clinical implications were clearly described. Emotional response included feelings of shock and surprise, concern and personal impact. Communication included examples of personal, team and management communication in the days and weeks following the suicide. Clinical aspects discussed included the non-replacement of staff and training and experience as sub-themes. Findings in relation to the wider published literature are discussed.
Responses of silver birch saplings to low soil temperature
Authors: Aphalo Pedro , Lahti Markku , Lehto Tarja , Repo Tapani , Rummukainen Aino , Mannerkoski Hannu , Finér Leena
Published: September 2014

Two-year-old silver birch (Betula pendula) saplings were grown for a third growing season in controlled-environment rooms (dasotrons) at three soil temperatures (5, 10, and 20 Â°C). All trees grew the first flush of leaves, but the growth of the second flush was almost completely inhibited at the two lower temperatures. The dry weight of the second-flush leaves was 50 times larger at 20 Â°C than at 5 and 10 Â°C, with about 100 times more nitrogen. Root growth was less affected than shoot growth. Chlorophyll content, net assimilation rate and stomatal conductance were lower at low soil temperatures. The value of the cytoplasm resistance estimated from the electric impedance spectra was lower at 5 Â°C than at 10 or 20 Â°C. Leaf water potential was highest at the lowest soil temperature, and intercellular carbon dioxide concentration was only slightly lower in saplings growing in cooler soil. We conclude that the effect of long-term exposure to cold soil on net assimilation and growth was not caused by stomatal closure alone. It is likely to be additionally mediated by the limited nitrogen acquisition at the low soil temperatures, and perhaps additionally by some other factor. As the growth depression of aboveground parts in response to low soil temperature was more significant in silver birch than what has earlier been found in conifers, the relative changes in air and soil temperature may eventually determine whether birch will become more dominant in boreal forests with climate change.
Monitoring and information reporting through regulation: an inter-jurisdictional comparison of forestry-related hard laws
Authors: Hickey Gordon , Innes John
Published: September 2014

In most jurisdictions, the rule of law has been the core instrument used to implement rules, regulations and restrictions relating to forests. The results of this approach have relied on the effectiveness of the system for regulating through monitoring and reporting. Despite the obvious differences in the wider operating environment of forestry internationally, issues related to globalization have increased the need for comparison. The potential impact of certain social, economic and environmental differences on the nature of monitoring and information reporting is, therefore, important to forest policy and management. The analysis presented here considered data associated with forestry-related monitoring and information reporting to provide a comparative description of certain hard-law requirements in a sample of jurisdictions. This was done to shed light on the potential for coordinated monitoring and information reporting objectives to be mandated through inter-jurisdictional hard law. Our research suggests that further comparative analysis of hard law monitoring and information reporting requirements could form a central theme in defining the âground rulesâ of a global forest law.
Effects of forwarder tyre pressure on rut formation and soil compaction
Authors: Eliasson Lars
Published: September 2014

In Swedish forestry, final felling is usually done by a harvester and a forwarder. These machines are heavy and the risk for rutting and soil compaction can be considerable under unfavourable soil conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate effects of forwarder tyre inflation pressure on rutting and soil compaction after final felling. Three levels of forwarder tyre pressure were studied, 300, 450 and 600 kPa, after 2 and 5 machine passages. The first passage was driven with a 19.7 Mg harvester, and the second to fifth passages with a fully loaded forwarder totalling 37.8 Mg. Rut depths were not significant affected by tyre pressures but increased significantly with the number of machine passages. Soil density was significantly increased by 0.075 Mg mâ3 by the harvester passage. Soil density increased significantly with increasing number of forwarder passages, and tyre pressure did not significantly influence this increase but the interaction between number of forwarder passages and tyre pressure was almost significant. Data suggest that density increases occur earlier in the 600 kPa treatment than in the other treatments. Only parts of an area harvested are trafficked in a normal harvesting operation. Outside the research area approximately 12.5 per cent of the area harvested was covered with ruts. On primary strip roads, which are heavily trafficked, soil compaction cannot be avoided by reducing the tyre pressure. On secondary strip roads, not passed more than once by the forwarder, a low forwarder tyre pressure may reduce soil compaction.
Landsat TM imagery and high altitude aerial photographs in estimation of forest characteristics
Authors: Tuominen Sakari , Haakana Markus
Published: September 2014

Satellite sensor data have traditionally been used in multi-source forest inventory for estimating forest characteristics. Their advantages generally are large geographic coverage and large spectral range. Another remote sensing data source for forest inventories offering a large geographic coverage is high altitude aerial photography. In high altitude aerial photographs the spectral range is very narrow but the spatial resolution is high. This allows the extraction of texture features for forest inventory purposes. In this study we utilized a Landsat 7 ETM satellite image, a photo mosaic composed of high altitude panchromatic aerial photographs, and a combination of the aforementioned in estimating forest attributes for an area covering approximately 281 000 ha in Forestry Centre HÃ¤me-Uusimaa in Southern Finland. Sample plots of 9th National Forest Inventory (NFI9) were used as field data. In the estimation, 6 Landsat 7 ETM image channels were used. For aerial photographs, 4 image channels were composed from the spectral averages and texture features. In combining both data sources, 6 Landsat channels and 3 aerial image texture channels were selected for the analysis. The accuracy of forest estimates based on the Landsat image was better than that of estimates based on high altitude aerial photographs. On the other hand, using the combination of Landsat ETM spectral features and textural features on high altitude aerial photographs improved the estimation accuracy of most forest attributes.
Pre-harvest soil acidification, liming or N fertilization did not significantly affect the survival and growth of young Norway spruce
Authors: Sikström Ulf
Published: September 2014

Acidification, liming, and N fertilization affect a number of soil properties. Such changes may have an impact on forest regeneration and yield. The aim of this study was to investigate the survival and growth of Picea abies (L.) Karst. planted on plots that had been acidified (in 12 annual treatments totalling 600 or 1200 kg S haâ1 in the form of elemental sulphur), limed (12 x 500 = 6000 kg lime haâ1 in the form of CaCO3) or N-fertilized (3 x 200 = 600 kg N haâ1 in the form of urea) prior to harvest. Trees growing on plots treated with a combination of the N plus the lower S application were also tested. None of the treatments, applied in three replicate stands, significantly influenced either survival or growth of Picea abies trees during the first 11 growing seasons after planting.
Effects of competing vegetation and post-planting weed control on the mortality, growth and vole damages to Betula pendula planted on former agricultural land
Authors: Hytönen Jyrki , Jylhä Paula
Published: September 2014

Effects of competing vegetation and weed control methods (fibre board mulch, cover crop of clover, various herbicides) on the survival and growth of and vole damage to silver birch (Betula pendula Roth) were analysed based on data from a field experiment established in southern Finland. The cover percentage of competing vegetation and its shading effect were assessed, and seedling size and vitality were recorded several times during the 11-year research period. Mean seedling height and height increment decreased linearly with increasing vegetation cover. Seedling mortality started to significantly increase once the vegetation cover had reached the level of 60â80%. Herbicides significantly retarded increase of weed cover on the initially weedless areas for two to three years, and a cover crop promoted increase in cover percentage. Successful weed control with herbicides significantly increased seedling growth and survival. After 11 years, the average stem volume on the herbicide-treated plots (28.9 m3 haâ1) was 2.5-fold as compared to that of the control plots (11.6 m3 haâ1). Furthermore, seedling mortality on the control plots (21%) was almost 3.5-fold as compared to the seedling mortality on herbicide-treated plots (6%). Having a cover crop proved to be an ineffective weed control method both in terms of seedling growth and survival. The application of mulch had only a slight effect on height increment (0.6 m in 11 years), but on the other hand, it considerably decreased seedling mortality (control: 21%, mulch treatment: 1.5%). These differences were not, however, statistically significant. Small seedling size, high shading class, and high vegetation coverage percentage increased the risk of voles damaging the seedlings.
Recruitment models for Norway spruce, Scots pine, birch and other broadleaves in young growth forests in Norway
Authors: Lexerød Nils , Eid Trond
Published: September 2014

The objective of the present study was to develop recruitment models for Norway spruce, Scots pine, birch and other broadleaves in young growth forests in Norway. The models were developed from permanent sample plots established by the National Forest Inventory, and they will be included in a growth simulator that is part of a large-scale forestry scenario model. The modelling was therefore restricted to independent variables directly or indirectly available from inventories for practical forest management planning. A two-stage modelling approach that suited the stochastic nature of recruitment in boreal forests was used. Models predicting the probability of recruitment were estimated in a first stage, and conditional models for the number of recruits were developed in a second. The probability models as well as the conditional models were biologically realistic and logical. The goodness of fit tests revealed that the probability models fitted the data well, while the coefficients of determination for the conditional models were relatively low. No independent test data were available, but comparisons of predicted and observed number of recruits in different sub-groups of the data revealed few large deviations. The high level of large random errors was probably due to the great variability observed in number of recruits rather than inappropriate specifications of the models. Provided the generally high level of uncertainty connected to analysis performed with large-scale forestry scenario models and the stochastic nature of recruitment, the presented models seem to give satisfactory levels of accuracy.
Measurement of the tree root growth using electrical impedance spectroscopy
Authors: Repo Tapani , Laukkanen Janne , Silvennoinen Raimo
Published: September 2014

The non-destructive evaluation of plant root growth is a challenge in root research. In the present study we aimed to develop electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) for that purpose. Willows (Salix myrsinifolia Salisb.) were grown from cuttings in a hydroponic culture in a growth chamber. Root growth was monitored at regular intervals by a displacement method and compared with the EIS parameters of the plants. To measure its impedance spectrum (IS) (frequency range from 40 Hz to 340 kHz) each plant was set in a measuring cell filled with a solution of the hydroponic culture. The IS was measured using a two-electrode measuring system. A silver needle electrode was connected to the stem immediately above the immersion level and a platinum wire was placed in the solution. The measurements were repeated twice weekly for a root growth period of one month. The IS of the entity consisting of a piece of stem, roots and culture solution were modelled by means of an electric circuit consisting of two ZARC-Cole elements, one constant-phase element, and a resistor. On the plant basis, an increase in root volume by growth correlated with a reduction in the sum of resistances in the ZARC-Cole elements (mean Pearsonâs correlation coefficient r = â0.70).
Allozyme variation in natural populations of Picea asperata
Authors: Luo Jianxun , Wang Yuhua , Korpelainen Helena , Li Chunyang
Published: September 2014

A survey of allozymic alleles and genetic diversity was conducted for ten natural populations of Picea asperata Mast. originating from the mountains of Southwest China. AÂ total of twenty-seven alleles at seventeen loci were observed. Ten of the loci were found monomorphic. Our results showed that the populations sampled were characterized by low genetic diversity (mean He = 0.096) and a low level of inbreeding (mean Fis = 0.005). The UPGMA tree of genetic relationships indicated that there was significant differentiation among populations. The coefficient of genetic differentiation among populations, based on Fst, equaled 0.311. Such extensive inter-populational differentiation detected in P. asperata could have resulted from allele frequency divergence among populations, particularly, in one population. Introgression from another species, variation in environmental conditions, and differing selection pressures could be some of the factors attributing to significant differences among populations. In addition, our results showed that the geographic and genetic distances were not correlated in the populations of P. asperata. Based on the genetic information obtained, we concluded that monitoring appropriate genetic markers may be an effective means of identifying potential genetic changes occurring during forest tree evolution.
Comparison of randomized branch sampling with and without replacement at the first stage
Authors: Cancino Jorge , Saborowski Joachim
Published: September 2014

Randomized Branch Sampling (RBS) is a multistage sampling procedure using natural branching in order to select samples for the estimation of tree characteristics. Usually, sampling units are selected with unequal probabilities. Conventional RBS uses sampling with replacement (SWR) for repeated sampling on the first stage, and the sample size equals 1 on all subsequent stages, thus resulting in n so-called sample paths. When the sampling fraction is large multiple selections of first stage units are likely. Sampling without replacement (SWOR) at the first stage is an alternative that is expected to increase efficiency of the procedure. In this case, the second stage sample size m must be larger than 1 to enable unbiased variance estimation. In the present study, a theoretical and an empirical comparison of the conventional RBS and the SWOR variant was accomplished. Requiring a certain precision of the RBS estimation, the conventional RBS method is mostly more time-consuming than the variant with SWOR at the first stage. Only if m = 1 is chosen as second stage sample size for the SWOR RBS, this is often more time-consuming. In those cases, conventional RBS is up to 5% cheaper. In general, the larger m is, the more expensive is conventional RBS compared with the variant with swor at the first stage. The smaller the ratio of the variance between the primary units to the total variance of the estimate, the larger is the advantage of the SWOR variant. Generally, it can be shown that the gain of efficiency by SWOR is larger in case of weak correlations between auxiliary and target variable.
Soil animal communities of planted birch stands in central Finland
Authors: Huhta Veikko , Räty Mika
Published: September 2014

The aim of this study was to compare soil animal communities in planted birch (Betula pendula) stands of different origin with each other and with natural forests. Six 30-year-old birch stands were investigated, three planted after clear-cutting of spruce stands, and three planted on cultivated soil. The faunal communities were markedly different in plantations established on spruce forest soil and on arable soil. âBirch after Spruceâ communities were relatively similar to those of coniferous forests, though the population densities were generally lower. âBirch after Fieldâ communities were sparse and could be characterised as âimpoverished forest communitiesâ, except in Lumbricidae and Enchytraeidae that have affinities with deciduous forests and cultural landscapes. Soil conditions are not sufficient to explain the differences between the forests. Colonisation and transport by man may determine the presence of certain species, especially earthworms. These in turn affect soil properties, and compete with or otherwise have negative effects on other soil fauna. Thus the community differences between different forests are an outcome of several factors: soil characteristics, site history, colonisation ability and interspecific interactions.
Multilevel linear mixed model for tree diameter increment in stone pine (Pinus pinea): a calibrating approach
Authors: Calama Rafael , Montero Gregorio
Published: September 2014

Diameter increment for stone pine (Pinus pinea L.) is described using a multilevel linear mixed model, where stochastic variability is broken down among period, plot, tree and within-tree components. Covariates acting at tree and stand level, as breast height diameter, density, dominant height or site index are included in the model as fixed effects in order to explain residual random variability. The effect of competition on diameter increment is expressed by including distance independent competition indices. The entrance of regional effects within the model is tested to determine whether a single model is sufficient to explain stone pine diameter increment in Spain, or if, on the contrary, regional models are needed. Diameter increment model can be calibrated by predicting random components using data from past growth measurements taken in a complementary sample of trees. Calibration is carried out by using the best linear unbiased predictor (BLUP) theory. Both the fixed effects model and the calibrated model mean a substantial improvement when compared with the classical approach, widely used in forest management, of assuming constancy in diameter increment for a short projection period.
Examining the performance of six heuristic optimisation techniques in different forest planning problems
Authors: Pukkala Timo , Kurttila Mikko
Published: September 2014

The existence of multiple decision-makers and goals, spatial and non-linear forest management objectives and the combinatorial nature of forest planning problems are reasons that support the use of heuristic optimisation algorithms in forest planning instead of the more traditional LP methods. A heuristic is a search algorithm that does not necessarily find the global optimum but it can produce relatively good solutions within reasonable time. The performance of different heuristics may vary depending on the complexity of the planning problem. This study tested six heuristic optimisation techniques in five different, increasingly difficult planning problems. The heuristics were evaluated with respect to the objective function value that the techniques were able to find, and the time they consumed in the optimisation process. The tested optimisation techniques were 1) random ascent (RA), 2) Hero sequential ascent technique (Hero), 3) simulated annealing (SA), 4) a hybrid of SA and Hero (SA+Hero), 5) tabu search (TS) and 6) genetic algorithm (GA). The results, calculated as averages of 100 repeated optimisations, were very similar for all heuristics with respect to the objective function value but the time consumption of the heuristics varied considerably. During the time the slowest techniques (SA or GA) required for convergence, the optimisation could have been repeated about 200 times with the fastest technique (Hero). The SA+Hero and SA techniques found the best solutions for non-spatial planning problems, while GA was the best in the most difficult problems. The results suggest that, especially in spatial planning problems, it is a benefit if the method performs more complicated moves than selecting one of the neighbouring solutions. It may also be beneficial to combine two or more heuristic techniques.
Perceived Risk, Product Returns, and Optimal Resource Allocation: Evidence from a Field Experiment
Authors: Petersen J. Andrew , Kumar V.
Published: September 2014

Relatively few retailers include metrics such as product returns in their customer selection and optimal resource allocation algorithms when measuring and maximizing customer value. Even when they do include this metric, increases in product return behavior are usually considered merely an economic cost that must be managed by decreasing the marketing resource allocations toward the customers making the returns. However, recent research has suggested that satisfactory product return experiences can actually benefit firms by lowering the customer's perceived risk of current and future purchases. To better understand the role of this perceived risk in the firm–customer exchange process, the authors conduct a large-scale customer selection and optimal resource allocation field experiment with 26,000 customers from an online retailer over six months. They find that the firm is able to increase both its short-and long-term profits when accounting for the perceived risk related to product returns in addition to managing product return costs. Furthermore, the authors find that by including this risk, rather than simply implementing traditional customer lifetime value–based models generically, the firm can target more profitable customers.
Boundary Layers in a Two-Point Boundary Value Problem with a Caputo Fractional Derivative
Authors: Stynes Martin , Gracia José Luis
Published: September 2014

A two-point boundary value problem is considered on the interval

[
0
,
1
]

$[0,1]$

, where the leading term in the differential operator is a Caputo fractional derivative of order δ with

1
<
δ
<
2

$1<\delta <2$

. Writing u for the solution of the problem, it is known that typically

u

'
'

(
x
)

$u^{\prime \prime }(x)$

blows up as

x
→
0

$x\rightarrow 0$

. A numerical example demonstrates the possibility of a further phenomenon that imposes difficulties on numerical methods: u may exhibit a boundary layer at x = 1 when δ is near 1. The conditions on the data of the problem under which this layer appears are investigated by first solving the constant-coefficient case using Laplace transforms, determining precisely when a layer is present in this special case, then using this information to enlighten our examination of the general variable-coefficient case (in particular, in the construction of a barrier function for u). This analysis proves that usually no boundary layer can occur in the solution u at x = 0, and that the quantity

M
=

max

x
∈
[
0
,
1
]

b

(
x
)

$M = \max _{x\in [0,1]}b(x)$

, where b is the coefficient of the first-order term in the differential operator, is critical: when

M
<
1

$M<1$

, no boundary layer is present when δ is near 1, but when M ≥ 1 then a boundary layer at x = 1 is possible. Numerical results illustrate the sharpness of most of our results.
Sifting the sand on the river bank: Social media as a source for research data
Authors: Metaxas Panagiotis , Mustafaraj Eni
Published: September 2014

Computational social science has been described as a new field at the
intersection of computer science and social sciences, aiming to study
the ways that society evolves, interacts, and reacts. Like prospectors
sifting the sand in a river bed for gold, computational social science
researchers are looking into the streams of social media for insight
on our social interactions. Enabled by the availability of and easy
accessibility to vast amounts of data generated by social entities, as
well as by powerful computing hardware and algorithms, its researchers
conduct observations of social interaction and experiments testing
social theories in scales not realizable before. In this paper, after
a short review of the characteristics of this new area, we discuss
issues related to the types of data sought and used, and some of the
challenges in collecting and interpreting the data. Throughout the
paper we also examine some of the pitfalls awaiting and the standards
that need to be observed.