bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of setting rate in gypsum casting by X-R diffractometry
Authors: Peris Mora E. , Millán M. C.
Published: July 2012

X-diffractometry is applied to evaluate the setting time of gypsum pastes. A direct "observation" of the crystalization phenomena, in the moment in which occurs is possible using the proper radiation, in the measure of the dimension what is observed. The observation is developed with normal techniques and instrumentation, however, are proposed some modifications in diffractomete use. Is offered a new possibility in the application of difractometric techniques in investigation works.
Resistencia química del hormigón. XXIX.—Contribución al estudio del sistema Cemento P-550-ARI hidratado-disolución de sulfato de magnesio
Authors: Gaspar-Tébar Demetrio , Sagrera-Moreno José Luis , Bermejo-Muñoz M. Francisca
Published: July 2012

In this Work, which is the following of the others, the performance of a portland cement of a high initial resistance (P-550-ARI) —with a calculated content (Bogue) of 39.2 – 25.7 – 9.9 - 12.0 and 6.9% of C3S - C2S - C3A - C4AF and CaSO4 (II), respectively— is studied when it is submitted to the action of an magnesium sulfate solution [2.76 g/l of MgSO4.7 H2O 1.12 X 10-2 moles/litre of SO4 (II) 1,12 X 10-2 moles/litre of Mg (II)] running across the beds of granulated cement, made with this hydrated cement cured during 7 and 28 days, determining:
a) the evolution of the content on ions Ca (II), Mg (II) and SO4 (II) on the taken diverse fractions of magnesium sulfate solution which have run across those beds, so as this of the pH and the conductivity.
b) the variation in the amount of these ions that are forming the correspondents compounds, in the hydrated cement from the beds that have been submitted before and after to the action of the magnesium sulfate solution,
c) the structural modifications undergone by the crystalline compounds of the hydrated cement from the beds submitted to the action of the magnesium sulfate solution, and
d) the chemical and structural characteristics of the new solid phase formed on the magnesium sulfate solution which have run across the beds of cement.
A Comparative Approach to Hand Force Estimation using Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Mobasser Farid , Hashtrudi-Zaad Keyvan
Published: July 2012

In many applications that include direct human involvement such as control of prosthetic arms, athletic training, and studying muscle physiology, hand force is needed for control, modeling and monitoring purposes. The use of inexpensive and easily portable active electromyography (EMG) electrodes and position sensors would be advantageous in these applications compared to the use of force sensors which are often very expensive and require bulky frames. Among non-model-based estimation methods, Multilayer Perceptron Artificial Neural Networks (MLPANN) has widely been used to estimate muscle force or joint torque from different anatomical features in humans or animals. This paper investigates the use of Radial Basis Function (RBF) ANN and MLPANN for force estimation and experimentally compares the performance of the two methodologies for the same human anatomy, ie, hand force estimation, under an ensemble of operational conditions. In this unified study, the EMG signal readings from upper-arm muscles involved in elbow joint movement and elbow angular position and velocity are utilized as inputs to the ANNs. In addition, the use of the elbow angular acceleration signal as an input for the ANNs is also investigated.
Influence of model resolution on the atmospheric transport of 10Be
Authors: Heikkilä U. , Smith A. M.
Published: July 2012

Abstract. Understanding the transport path of the solar activity proxy 10Be from source to archive is crucial for the interpretation of its observed variability. The extent of mixing of the strong production signal has been quantified in a previous study (Heikkilä et al., 2009). In this study we perform sensitivity studies to investigate the influence of model resolution on the level of mixing and transport path of 10Be in the atmosphere using the ECHAM5-HAM aerosol-climate model. This study permits us to choose an acceptable resolution, and so minimum CPU time, to produce physically accurate reconstructions. Four model resolutions are applied: T21L19: a coarse horizontal and vertical resolution with model top at ca. 30 km, T42L31: an average horizontal and fine vertical one, T42L39: similar vertical resolution than L19 but including the middle atmosphere up to ca. 80 km and T63L47: a fine resolution horizontally and vertically with middle atmosphere. Comparison with observations suggests that a finer vertical resolution might be beneficial, although the spread between observations was much larger than between the four model runs. A full validation of the resolutions is not possible with the limited number of observations available. In terms of atmospheric mixing the differences became more distinguishable. All resolutions agreed that the main driver of deposition variability is the stratospheric 10Be (total contribution 68%) which is transported into the troposphere at latitudes 30–50°. In the troposphere the model resolutions deviated largely in the dispersion of the stratospheric component over latitude. The finest resolution (T63L47) predicted the least dispersion towards low latitudes but the most towards the poles, whereas the coarsest resolution (T21L19) suggested the opposite. The tropospheric components of 10Be differed less between the four model runs. The largest differences were found in the polar tropospheric components, which contribute the least to total production (~4%). We conclude that the use of the T42 horizontal resolution seems to be sufficient in terms of atmospheric mixing of a stratospheric tracer. The use of the middle atmospheric configuration is a trade-off between correctly describing stratospheric dynamics and having to reduce vertical resolution. The use of a high vertical resolution seemed more beneficial than the middle atmospheric configuration in this study.
The challenge to NOx emission control for heavy-duty diesel vehicles in China
Authors: Wu Y. , Zhang S. J. , Li M. L. , Ge Y. S. , Shu J. W. , Zhou Y. , Xu Y. Y. , Hu J. N. , Liu H. , Fu L. X. , He K. B. , Hao J. M.
Published: July 2012

Abstract. China's new "Twelfth Five-Year Plan" set a target for total NOx emission reduction of 10% for the period of 2011–2015. Heavy-duty diesel vehicles (HDDVs) have been considered a major contributor to NOx emissions in China. Beijing initiated a comprehensive vehicle test program in 2008. This program included a sub-task for measuring on-road emission profiles of hundreds of HDDVs using portable emission measurement systems (PEMS). The major finding is that neither the on-road distance-specific (g km −1) nor brake-specific (g kW h−1) NOx emission factors for diesel buses and heavy-duty diesel trucks improved in most cases as emission standards became more stringent. For example, the average NOx emission factors for Euro II, Euro III and Euro IV buses are 11.3±3.3 g km−1, 12.5± 1.3 g km−1, and 11.8±2.0 g km−1, respectively. No statistically significant difference in NOx emission factors was observed between Euro II and III buses. Even for Euro IV buses equipped with SCR systems, the NOx emission factors are similar to Euro III buses. The data regarding real-time engine performance of Euro IV buses suggest the engine certification cycles did not reflect their real-world operating conditions. These new on-road test results indicate that previous estimates of total NOx emissions for HDDV fleet may be significantly underestimated. The new estimate in total NOx emissions for the Beijing HDDV fleet in 2009 is 37.0 Gg, an increase of 45% compared to the previous study. Further, we estimate that the total NOx emissions for the national HDDV fleet in 2009 are approximately 4.0 Tg, higher by 1.0 Tg (equivalent to 18% of total NOx emissions for vehicle fleet in 2009) than that estimated in the official report. This would also result in 4% increase in estimation of national anthropogenic NOx emissions. More effective control measures (such as promotion of CNG buses and a new in-use compliance testing program) are urged to secure the goal of total NOxmitigation for the HDDV fleet in the future.
Global-scale pattern of peatland Sphagnum growth driven by photosynthetically active radiation and growing season length
Authors: Loisel J. , Gallego-Sala A. V. , Yu Z.
Published: July 2012

Abstract. High-latitude peatlands contain about one third of the world's soil organic carbon, most of which is derived from partly decomposed Sphagnum (peat moss) plants. We conducted a meta-analysis based on a global data set of Sphagnum growth measurements collected from published literature to investigate the effects of bioclimatic variables on Sphagnum growth. Analysis of variance and general linear models were used to relate Sphagnum magellanicum and S. fuscum growth rates to photosynthetically active radiation integrated over the growing season (PAR0) and a moisture index. We found that PAR0 was the main predictor of Sphagnum growth for the global data set, and effective moisture was only correlated with moss growth at continental sites. The strong correlation between Sphagnum growth and PAR0 suggests the existence of a global pattern of growth, with slow rates under cool climate and short growing seasons, highlighting the important role of growing season length in explaining peatland biomass production. Large-scale patterns of cloudiness during the growing season might also limit moss growth. Although considerable uncertainty remains over the carbon balance of peatlands under a changing climate, our results suggest that increasing PAR0 as a result of global warming and lengthening growing seasons, without major change in cloudiness, could promote Sphagnum growth. Assuming that production and decomposition have the same sensitivity to temperature, this enhanced growth could lead to greater peat-carbon sequestration, inducing a negative feedback to climate change.
N2O emission from organic barley cultivation as affected by green manure management
Authors: Nadeem S. , Hansen S. , Azzaroli Bleken M. , Dörsch P.
Published: July 2012

Abstract. Legumes are an important source of nitrogen in stockless organic cereal production. However, substantial amounts of N can be lost from legume-grass leys prior to or after incorporation as green manure (GM). Here we report N2O emissions from a field experiment in SE Norway exploring different green manure management strategies: mulching versus removal of grass-clover herbage during a whole growing season and return as biogas residue to a subsequent barley crop. Grass-clover ley had small but significantly higher N2O emissions as compared with a non-fertilised cereal reference during the year of green manure (GM) production in 2009. Mulching of herbage induced significantly more N2O emission (+0.37 kg N2O-N ha−1) throughout the growing season than removing herbage. In spring 2010, all plots were ploughed (with and without GM) and sown with barley, resulting in generally higher N2O emissions than during the previous year. Application of biogas residue (60 kg NH4+-N + 50 kg organic N ha−1) before sowing did not increase emissions neither when applied to previous ley plots nor when applied to previously unfertilised cereal plots. Ley management (mulching vs. removing biomass in 2009) had no effect on N2O emissions during barley production in 2010. In general, GM ley (mulched or harvested) increased N2O emissions relative to a cereal reference with low mineral N fertilisation (80 kg N ha−1). Based on measurements covering the growing season 2010, organic cereal production emitted 95 g N2O-N kg−1 N yield in barley grain, which was substantially higher than in the cereal reference treatment with 80 kg mineral N fertilisation (47 g N2O-N kg−1 N yield in barley grain).
A process-based fire parameterization of intermediate complexity in a Dynamic Global Vegetation Model
Authors: Li F. , Zeng X. D. , Levis S.
Published: July 2012

Abstract. A process-based fire parameterization of intermediate complexity has been developed for global simulations in the framework of a Dynamic Global Vegetation Model (DGVM) in an Earth System Model (ESM). Burned area in a grid cell is estimated by the product of fire counts and average burned area of a fire. The scheme comprises three parts: fire occurrence, fire spread, and fire impact. In the fire occurrence part, fire counts rather than fire occurrence probability are calculated in order to capture the observed high burned area fraction in areas of high fire frequency and realize parameter calibration based on MODIS fire counts product. In the fire spread part, post-fire region of a fire is assumed to be elliptical in shape. Mathematical properties of ellipses and some mathematical derivations are applied to improve the equation and assumptions of an existing fire spread parameterization. In the fire impact part, trace gas and aerosol emissions due to biomass burning are estimated, which offers an interface with atmospheric chemistry and aerosol models in ESMs. In addition, flexible time-step length makes the new fire parameterization easily applied to various DGVMs. Global performance of the new fire parameterization is assessed by using an improved version of the Community Land Model version 3 with the Dynamic Global Vegetation Model (CLM-DGVM). Simulations are compared against the latest satellite-based Global Fire Emission Database version 3 (GFED3) for 1997–2004. Results show that simulated global totals and spatial patterns of burned area and fire carbon emissions, regional totals and spreads of burned area, global annual burned area fractions for various vegetation types, and interannual variability of burned area are reasonable, and closer to GFED3 than CLM-DGVM simulations with the commonly used Glob-FIRM fire parameterization and the old fire module of CLM-DGVM. Furthermore, average error of simulated trace gas and aerosol emissions due to biomass burning is 7% relative to GFED3. Results suggest that the new fire parameterization may improve the global performance of ESMs and help to quantify fire-vegetation-climate interactions on a global scale and from an Earth system perspective.
The stoichiometry of inorganic carbon and nutrient removal in the Mississippi River plume and adjacent continental shelf
Authors: Huang W.-J. , Cai W.-J. , Powell R. T. , Lohrenz S. E. , Wang Y. , Jiang L.-Q. , Hopkinson C. S.
Published: July 2012

Abstract. The stoichiometry of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and nutrients during biological uptake is widely assumed to follow the Redfield ratios (especially the C / N ratio) in large river plume ecosystems. However, this assumption has not been systematically examined and documented, because DIC and nutrients are rarely studied simultaneously in river plume areas and interpretation of ratios can be confounded by strong river–ocean mixing as well as intense biological activity. We examined stoichiometric ratios of DIC and nutrients (NO3-, PO43- and Si[OH]4) in the Mississippi River plume and adjacent continental shelf in June 2003 and August 2004 and calculated biological removal as the difference between observed concentrations and those predicted from conservative mixing, as determined from a multi-end-member mixing model and observed salinity and total alkalinity. Despite complex physical and biogeochemical influences, relationships between DIC and nutrients were strongly dependent on salinity range and geographic location, and influenced by biological removal. Lower C / Si and N / Si ratios in one nearshore area were likely due to localized input of high Si and low NO3- water from adjacent wetlands or preferential removal of nitrogen in the area. When net biological uptake was separated from river–ocean mixing and corrected for preferential N removal, the stoichiometric ratio of C / N / Si was similar to the Redfield ratio, thus supporting the applicability of the Redfield-type C / N / Si ratios in river-plume biogeochemical models.
Sensitivity of wetland methane emissions to model assumptions: application and model testing against site observations
Authors: Meng L. , Hess P. G. M. , Mahowald N. M. , Yavitt J. B. , Riley W. J. , Subin Z. M. , Lawrence D. M. , Swenson S. C. , Jauhiainen J. , Fuka D. R.
Published: July 2012

Abstract. Methane emissions from natural wetlands and rice paddies constitute a large proportion of atmospheric methane, but the magnitude and year-to-year variation of these methane sources are still unpredictable. Here we describe and evaluate the integration of a methane biogeochemical model (CLM4Me; Riley et al., 2011) into the Community Land Model 4.0 (CLM4CN) in order to better explain spatial and temporal variations in methane emissions. We test new functions for soil pH and redox potential that impact microbial methane production in soils. We also constrain aerenchyma in plants in always-inundated areas in order to better represent wetland vegetation. Satellite inundated fraction is explicitly prescribed in the model, because there are large differences between simulated fractional inundation and satellite observations, and thus we do not use CLM4-simulated hydrology to predict inundated areas. A rice paddy module is also incorporated into the model, where the fraction of land used for rice production is explicitly prescribed. The model is evaluated at the site level with vegetation cover and water table prescribed from measurements. Explicit site level evaluations of simulated methane emissions are quite different than evaluating the grid-cell averaged emissions against available measurements. Using a baseline set of parameter values, our model-estimated average global wetland emissions for the period 1993–2004 were 256 Tg CH4 yr−1 (including the soil sink) and rice paddy emissions in the year 2000 were 42 Tg CH4 yr−1. Tropical wetlands contributed 201 Tg CH4 yr−1, or 78% of the global wetland flux. Northern latitude (>50 N) systems contributed 12 Tg CH4 yr−1. However, sensitivity studies show a large range (150–346 Tg CH4 yr−1) in predicted global methane emissions (excluding emissions from rice paddies). The large range is sensitive to (1) the amount of methane transported through aerenchyma, (2) soil pH (±100 Tg CH4 yr−1), and (3) redox inhibition (±45 Tg CH4 yr−1). Results are sensitive to biases in the CLMCN and to errors in the satellite inundation fraction. In particular, the high latitude methane emission estimate may be biased low due to both underestimates in the high-latitude inundated area captured by satellites and unrealistically low high-latitude productivity and soil carbon predicted by CLM4.
Large-scale features of Pliocene climate: results from the Pliocene Model Intercomparison Project
Authors: Haywood A. M. , Hill D. J. , Dolan A. M. , Otto-Bliesner B. , Bragg F. , Chan W.-L. , Chandler M. A. , Contoux C. , Jost A. , Kamae Y. , Lohmann G. , Lunt D. J. , Abe-Ouchi A. , Pickering S. J. , Ramstein G. , Rosenbloom N. A. , Sohl L. , Stepanek C. , Yan Q. , Ueda H. , Zhang Z.
Published: July 2012

Abstract. Climate and environments of the mid-Pliocene Warm Period (3.264 to 3.025 Ma) have been extensively studied. Whilst numerical models have shed light on the nature of climate at the time, uncertainties in their predictions have not been systematically examined. The Pliocene Model Intercomparison Project quantifies uncertainties in model outputs through a co-ordinated multi-model and multi-model/data intercomparison. Whilst commonalities in model outputs for the Pliocene are evident, we show substantial variation in the sensitivity of models to the implementation of Pliocene boundary conditions. Models appear able to reproduce many regional changes in temperature reconstructed from geological proxies. However, data/model comparison highlights the potential for models to underestimate polar amplification. To assert this conclusion with greater confidence, limitations in the time-averaged proxy data currently available must be addressed. Sensitivity tests exploring the "known unknowns" in modelling Pliocene climate specifically relevant to the high-latitudes are also essential (e.g. palaeogeography, gateways, orbital forcing and trace gasses). Estimates of longer-term sensitivity to CO2 (also known as Earth System Sensitivity; ESS), suggest that ESS is greater than Climate Sensitivity (CS), and that the ratio of ESS to CS is between 1 and 2, with a best estimate of 1.5.
MODIS snow cover mapping accuracy in a small mountain catchment – comparison between open and forest sites
Authors: Parajka J. , Holko L. , Kostka Z. , Blöschl G.
Published: July 2012

Abstract. Numerous global and regional validation studies have examined MODIS snow mapping accuracy by using measurements at climate stations, which are mainly at open sites. MODIS accuracy in alpine and forested regions is, however, still not well understood. The main objective of this study is to evaluate MODIS (MOD10A1 and MYD10A1) snow cover products in a small experimental catchment by using extensive snow course measurements at open and forest sites. The MODIS accuracy is tested in the Jalovecky creek catchment (northern Slovakia) in the period 2000–2011. The results show that the combined Terra and Aqua images enable snow mapping at an overall accuracy of 91.5%. The accuracies at forested, open and mixed land uses at the Červenec sites are 92.7%, 98.3% and 81.8%, respectively. The use of a 2-day temporal filter enables a significant reduction in the number of days with cloud coverage and an increase in overall snow mapping accuracy. In total, the 2-day temporal filter decreases the number of cloudy days from 61% to 26% and increases the snow mapping accuracy to 94%. The results indicate three possible factors leading to misclassification of snow as land: patchy snow cover, limited MODIS geolocation accuracy and mapping algorithm errors. Out of a total of 27 misclassification cases, patchy snow cover, geolocation issues and mapping errors occur in 12, 12 and 3 cases, respectively.
Competence formation and post-graduate education in the public water sector in Indonesia
Authors: Kaspersma J. M. , Alaerts G. J. , Slinger J. H.
Published: July 2012

Abstract. The water sector is dependent on effective institutions and organisations, and, therefore, on strong competences at the individual level. In this paper we describe competence formation and competence needs in a case study of the Directorate General of Water Resources (DGWR) in the Ministry of Public Works in Indonesia. A framework is introduced for the water sector comprising three aggregate competences for technical issues, management, and governance, and a meta-competence for continuous learning and innovation. The four competences are further organised in a T-shaped competence profile. Though DGWR professionals have a firmly "technical" orientation, both surveys and interviews reveal a strong perceived requirement for other competences: in particular the learning meta-competence, as well as the aggregate competence for management. The aggregate competence for governance systematically scores lower. Further, a discrepancy appears to exist between the competences that staff perceive as needed in daily work, and those that can be acquired during post-graduate water education. In both locally-based and international post-graduate water education, the aggregate competences for management as well as governance are reportedly addressed modestly, if at all. With low competence in these fields, it is difficult for professionals to communicate and collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary way. As a result, the horizontal bar of the T-shaped profile remains weakly developed. In international post-graduate education, this is partially compensated by the attention to continuous learning and innovation. The exposure to a different culture and learning format is experienced as fundamentally formative.
Validation of FOAM near-surface ocean current forecasts using Lagrangian drifting buoys
Authors: Blockley E. W. , Martin M. J. , Hyder P.
Published: July 2012

Abstract. In this study, the quality of near-surface current forecasts from the FOAM ocean forecasting system is assessed using the trajectories of Lagrangian drifting buoys. A method is presented for deriving pseudo-Eulerian estimates of ocean currents from the positions of Surface Velocity Program drifters and the resulting data are compared to velocities observed by the global tropical moored buoy array. A quantitative analysis of the global FOAM velocities is performed for the period 2007 and 2008 using currents derived from over 3000 unique drifters (providing an average of 650 velocity observations per day). A potential bias is identified in the Southern Ocean which appears to be caused by wind-slip in the drifter dataset as a result of drogue loss. The drifter-derived currents are also used to show how the data assimilation scheme and a recent system upgrade impact upon the quality of FOAM current forecasts.
Fungal Isolates from the Honey Samples Collected from Retail Outlets in Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Ayansola Abel Adebayo
Published: July 2012

The study investigated the fungal composition of honey samples collected from six states in Southwestern Nigeria. Eighteen honey samples were screened in each state giving an overall total of 108 samples for the six states. The number of fungal species were determined and the microphotograph of colonial appearance of each was taken with Toshiba camera HD 1080P, 4X Digital Zoom. The morphological appearance of the fungal isolates as seen under the microscope were drawn and described.Seven species of fungi were isolated. The occurrence of the different species varied from one state to another. However, out of the seven species, only one, Trychophyton rubrum is pathogenic, and this is the first record of a pathogenic fungus from honey samples in Nigeria.
Anthropometric Parameters of Nutritional Assessment as Predictive Factors of Arteriovenous Fistula Malfunction in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis
Authors: Gagliardi Gian Manlio , Mancuso Domenico , Falbo Enrica , Mollica Francesco , Mollica Agata , Barcellona Elisabetta , Senatore Massimo , Bonofiglio Renzo
Published: July 2012

Introduction

To evaluate the role of body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (W-C) and waist/hip ratio (WHR) on arteriovenous fistula (AVF) dysfunction.

Methods

We evaluated 84 HD patients with an average follow-up period of 31.3 ± 8.1 months, identifying 8 stenosis (STN) and 17 thrombosis (THR) cases. The association between paired variables was tested with Pearson's coefficient (r) and p-value, whereas the prognostic value on STN and THR was analysed using Cox's regression. The significant independent variables were indentified with an inverse step-wise approach defining the data as hazard ratio (HR). A double-event (Stenosis/Thrombosis) model, function of Body mass index and Waist/hip ratio was used. Arteriovenous fistula survival was assessed with the Kaplan-Meyer curve and the calculations were carried out with Graph-Pad.

Results

On univariate analysis, THR showed direct correlation with BMI (r=0.44, p<0.01), W-C (r=0.39, p<0.05) WHR (r=0.37, p<0.01), Hemoglobin (p<0.001), C-Reactive protein (p=0.01), Calcium/Phosforus product (p=0.03), Parathyroid hormone (p=0.03) and inverse with albumin (p<0.001) and systolic blood pressure (p=0.003). On multivariate analysis, BMI variations were not predictive of STN and THR, whereas each unitary WHR and W-C increase was predictive of an increase of risk of events (3.8% and 2.1% respectively). The prognostic power of W-C per STN (HR 1: 1.19; p<0.05) and THR (HR: 1.28; p<0.01) remained significant even after being adjusted to account for traditional risk factors.

Conclusions

Abdominal obesity increases the risk of AVF dysfunction. The W-C and WHR parameters, not BMI, emerge as independent STN and THR predictors.
Thrombosis in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Review Article
Authors: Al-Homood Ibrahim A.
Published: July 2012

Thrombosis is a well-known clinical entity in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and it is multifactorial. The most important risk factor is the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (APLAs). However, approximately 40% of adults with SLE who are negative for APL A are diagnosed with thrombosis, indicating the importance of other risk factors. Thus, the thrombosis risk factors should be evaluated extensively and regularly and treated aggressively in every patient with systemic lupus erythematosus.
Rigid Body Trajectories in Different 6D Spaces
Authors: Linton Carol , Holderbaum William , Biggs James
Published: July 2012

The objective of this paper is to show that the group with an imposed Lie-Poisson structure can be used to determine the trajectory in a spatial frame of a rigid body in Euclidean space. Identical results for the trajectory are obtained in spherical and hyperbolic space by scaling the linear displacements appropriately since the influence of the moments of inertia on the trajectories tends to zero as the scaling factor increases. The semidirect product of the linear and rotational motions gives the trajectory from a body frame perspective. It is shown that this cannot be used to determine the trajectory in the spatial frame. The body frame trajectory is thus independent of the velocity coupling. In addition, it is shown that the analysis can be greatly simplified by aligning the axes of the spatial frame with the axis of symmetry which is unchanging for a natural system with no forces and rotation about an axis of symmetry.
Sustainable Energy Alternatives Experimentation at SCT
Authors: Khan Javeed Ahmed , Panda Ramani Ranjan
Published: July 2012

Sustained energy generation is very important for any region's economic growth either developed or developing. As the growth of the country depends on sustainable and efficient power generation management, in order to attain the sustainable energy generation, experimentation, and explorations in the latest avenues for these generations have to be carried out. In this paper an attempt is made to report the experimentation carried out at Salalah College of Technology (SCT) in terms of sustainable energy generation using alternate energy resources. Experimentation carried out at SCT for solar harnessing in sustainable transportation and wind energy alternatives for hybrid power generation at decentralized levels is tested. Experimentation results for individual experiments are not disclosed. Whereas the overall efficiency in using such alternate technologies for sustained power generation and comparisons with other likewise locations are reported in this paper.
Adiponectin Fails in Improving Angiogenic Repair in Streptozocin-Treated or Leprdb/db Mice after Hind Limb Ischemia
Authors: Belisle Kurt , Andrassy Martin , Schneider Jochen , Schiekofer Stephan
Published: July 2012

Objectives. Type 1 and 2 diabetes carry risk factors for the development of microvascular diseases with associated impairment of angiogenic repair. Here, we investigated whether adiponectin, an adipocyte-specific adipocytokine with antiatherosclerotic and antidiabetic properties, regulates angiogenic repair in response to tissue ischemia in Leprdb/db and streptozocin-treated diabetic mouse models. Methods. Adenoviral vectors containing the gene for β-galactosidase, full-length mouse adiponectin, and dominant-negative AMPKα2 were used in streptozocin-treated male Leprdb/db mice, after which hind limb blood flow was measured using a laser doppler blood flow analyzer. Results. The angiogenic repair of ischemic hind limbs was impaired in both streptozocin-treated and Leprdb/db mice compared to wild-type mice as evaluated by laser doppler flow and capillary density analyses. Adenovirus-mediated administration of adiponectin accelerated angiogenic repair after hind limb ischemia in WT mice, but not in Leprdb/db mice or mice treated with streptozocin. In vitro experiments using HUVECs highlighted the antiapoptotic and proangiogenic properties of adiponectin but could not demonstrate accelerated differentiation of endothelial cells into tube-like structures at elevated glucose levels. Conclusions. External administration of adiponectin at elevated glucose levels may not be useful in the treatment of diabetes mellitus-related vascular deficiency diseases.
Reproducibility of Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Measurements with Manual and Automated Centration in Healthy Subjects Using Spectralis Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Lange Alex P. , Sadjadi Reza , Costello Fiona , Guber Ivo , Traboulsee Anthony L.
Published: July 2012

Objective. The aim of this study was to test the reproducibility of the Heidelberg Spectralis SD-OCT and to determine if provided software retest function for follow-up exam is superior to manual centration. Design. Prospective, cross-sectional study. Participants. 20 healthy subjects. Methods. All subjects underwent SD-OCT testing to determine retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) measurements sequentially on two different days and with two different centration techniques. Within-subject standard deviation, coefficient of variation, and intraclass correlation coefficient were used to assess reproducibility. Results. RNFL measurements showed high reproducibility, low within-subject standard deviation (1.3), low coefficient of variation (0.63%), and low intra-class correlation coefficient (0.98 (95% CI 0.97–0.99)) in the automated centration and manual centration groups for average RNFL Thickness. Quadrants showed slightly higher variability in the manual group compared to the automated group (within-subject standard deviation 2.5–5.3 versus 1.1–2.4, resp.). Conclusions. SD-OCT provides high-resolution RNFL measurements with high reproducibility and low variability. The re-test function allows for easier recentration for longitudinal examinations with similar results in average RNFL, but less variability in quadrant RNFL. SD-OCT high reproducibility and low variability is a promising fact and should be further evaluated in longitudinal studies of RNFL.
Growing Soybean Prior to Corn Increased Soil Nitrogen Supply and N Fertilizer Efficiency for Corn in Cold and Humid Conditions of Eastern Canada
Authors: Dayegamiye Adrien N. , Nyiraneza Judith , Whalen Johann K. , Grenier Michèle , Drapeau Anne
Published: July 2012

Growing soybean (Glycine max L.) prior to corn (Zea mays L) can enhance corn grain and nitrogen (N) use efficiency compared to continuous corn. This two year study (2007-2008) was conducted at 62 sites in Quebec (Eastern Canada) to assess the effect of crop rotations [soybean-corn, soybean-wheat (Triticum aestivum L.,)-corn and corn-corn] on corn yield, N uptake, N fertilizer efficiency (NFE), and the economic optimum N rate (EONR). Plots within each crop rotation received N fertilizer rates from 0 to 250 kg N ha-1 to assess the N contribution from the preceding soybean crop. Corn grain yields ranged from 8.4 to 10.8 Mg ha-1 and were lower in continuous corn than in the crop rotations. Corn N uptake and NFE varied from 89 to 164 kg N ha-1 and from 45 to 80 kg grain per kg N fertilizer, respectively. A significant interaction of crop rotation and year on corn N uptake and NFE was obtained implying that annual variations influenced soil N supply. The EONR for corn was lower under crop rotations than continuous corn in 2008 only. No difference in corn yield, NFE and EONR was observed for soybean-corn and soybean-wheat-corn crop sequences. In conclusion, crop rotations including soybean increased soil N availability and reduced EONR from 32 to 45 kg ha-1 for corn grown in 2008.
Physical Properties of Iranian Berhi Date at Different Stages of Maturity
Authors: Pourdarbani Razieh , Ghassemzadeh Hamid Reza , Seyedarabi Hadi , Nahandi Fariborz Zaare , Vahed Mohammad Moghaddam
Published: July 2012

In the present study, some physical properties of the Iranian date (Berhi variety) were determined at three stages of maturity namely Khalal, Rotab and Tamar. Color and textural features of samples were extracted by image processing toolbox of Matlab software. Total soluble solids (TSS), pH and weight of samples were also measured. The relationship between color and TSS, surface area and weight were obtained. The maximum correlation between TSS content and color occurred in blue for Rotab and Tamar but in red for Khalal. In the meantime, color and textural features differences between three stages of maturity were significant. There was a linear relationship between weight and surface area. The weights and areas of Rotab and Tamar were significantly different from those of Khalal.
The Role of FELDA and KESEDAR in the Development of Land in the District of Gua Musang: A Comparison the Socio-Economic Level of the Settlers
Authors: Hussin Fauzi , Abdullah Hussin
Published: July 2012

The South Kelantan Development Authority (KESEDAR) and the Federal Land Development Authority (FELDA) are the two main agencies that develop land schemes in the district of Gua Musang, Kelantan. The nine land schemes developed by FELDA are Kemahang 3, Chiku 1, Chiku 2, Chiku 3, Chiku 5, Chiku 6, Chiku 7, Perasu, and Aring 1. KESEDAR also developed eleven land schemes namely Paloh 1, Paloh 2, Paloh 3, Chalil, Lebir, Meranto, Sungai Terah, Renok Baru, Jeram Tekoh, Limau Kasturi, and Sungai Asap. A large part of the schemes under the FELDA was planted with oil palm (84.7%) while the rest was planted with rubber trees. On the other hand, most of the land schemes under KESEDAR were planted with rubber (67%), while the remainder were planted with oil palm. The question that arises is to what extent is the role of both the agencies in advancing the standard of living of the settlers? What are the problems faced by the settlers and their implications regarding their socio-economic level? This paper will discuss the role played by KESEDAR and FELDA in advancing the standard of living of the settlers as well as identifying the problems faced by the settlers under the two agencies. The study found that many settlers earned between RM600 - RM1200 per month despite the efforts undertaken by FELDA and KESEDAR to improve the living standards of the settlers. The main problems faced by the settlers are: palm oil prices are volatile; oil palm trees are old, the old age of the settlers, and the settlers’ chidren migrating to the city.
Analysis of Factors Influencing Discontinuance of Technology Adoption: The Situation with Some Nigerian Farmers
Authors: Bello Mustapha , E. S. Salau , L. Ezra
Published: July 2012

The study identified the factors influencing the discontinuance of improved rice technologies in Nasarawa State of Central Nigeria. Multi-stage random sampling was purposely used to select eighty rice farmers from four rice-producing villages of the study area using structured interview schedule on the respondents. Statistical analysis involving frequency counts, means and percentage were used to satisfy objectives 1, 2, 3, and 4 while regression analysis was applied to satisfy objective 5. The results of the regression analysis showed that education and extension contact had significant but negative relationship at 5% level; while age had positive and significant relationship at 1% level with discontinuance of adoption of improved rice technologies. Farmers should be encouraged to participate in the on-going government rural literacy campaign while extension contact be enhanced to minimize discontinuance of improved rice technologies.
Comparison of Insecticide Effect of Plant Extracts on Aphids of Watermelon and Green Alfalfa
Authors: Kassimi Abderrahmane , Watik Lahcen El
Published: July 2012

The watermelon and the green alfalfa are important crops in Morocco. The ripe fruit of the watermelon has a high nutritional value, rich in vitamin and mineral salts and used for medicinal purposes (kidneys and cleaning of the urinary tract). The alfalfa green is principally cultivated for livestock feed.

A common problem in the production of watermelon and the alfalfa is the infestation by aphids. They transmit viruses of the tile to the plants. They are more likely to be a problem in the time costs. The study presents the effects of products Thyme, Oregano, Neem and their mixture on the aphids of watermelon in comparison with their effects on aphids of alfalfa green.

The tests were conducted of the months from May to September on the aphids on the fields of watermelon and alfalfa green. It determines the percentage of deaths of aphids in function of the dose 1% and 5% for these products and the time 3, 5 and 7 hours after treatment. A comparison between the results obtained showed that the extract of Thyme is more active in watermelon and the Oregano is in alfalfa.
Building Resilience through Farmers’ Experiments in Organic Agriculture: Examples from Eastern Austria
Authors: Kummer Susanne , Milestad Rebecka , Leitgeb Friedrich , Vogl Christian R.
Published: July 2012

Farmers have always lived in changing environments where uncertainty and disturbances are inevitable. Therefore, farmers need the ability to adapt to change in order to be able to maintain their farms. Experimentation is one way for farmers to learn and adapt, and may be a tool to build farm resilience. Farmers’ experiments as defined in this paper are activities where something totally or partially new is introduced at the farm and the feasibility of this introduction is evaluated. The theoretical framework applied to study farmers’ experiments is the concept of resilience. Resilience is the capacity of social-ecological systems to cope with change, and is a framework used to assess complex systems of interactions between humans and ecosystems.

This paper explores to which extent farmers’ experimentation can help build farm resilience. In addition to arguments found in the literature, five organic farms in Eastern Austria are used to illustrate this potential. The farmers were interviewed in 2007 and 2008. The respective farmers all worked fulltime on their farms, were between 34 and 55 years old, and owned farms between 15 and 76 ha. These farmers experimented in ways that enhance resilience – at the farm and in the region. The outcome of experiments can be management changes, new insights, or technology that can be passed on and potentially be built into education and advisory institutions. To encourage farmers’ experiments, it is important to develop conditions that support farmers in their experimenting role.
Academic Uses of Google Earth and Google Maps in a Library Setting
Authors: Dodsworth Eva , Nicholson Andrew
Published: July 2012

Over the last several years, Google Earth and Google Maps have been adopted by many academic institutions as an academic research and mapping tool. The authors were interested in discovering how popular the Google mapping products are in the academic library setting. A survey was conducted to establish the mapping products’ popularity, and type of use in an academic library setting. Results show that over 90% of the respondents use Google Earth and Google Maps either to help answer research questions, to create and access finding aids, for instructional purposes or for promotion and marketing. The authors recommend expanding the mapping product’s user base to include all reference and liaison librarians.
Usability Study of a Library's Mobile Website: An Example from Portland State University
Authors: Pendell Kimberly D. , Bowman Michael S.
Published: July 2012

To discover how a newly developed library mobile website performed across a variety of devices, the authors used a hybrid field and laboratory methodology to conduct a usability test of the website. Twelve student participants were recruited and selected according to phone type. Results revealed a wide array of errors attributed to site design, wireless network connections, as well as phone hardware and software. This study provides an example methodology for testing library mobile websites, identifies issues associated with mobile websites, and provides recommendations for improving the user experience.
Reference Information Extraction and Processing Using Random Conditional Fields
Authors: Groza Tudor , Grimnes AAstrand , Handschuh Siegfried
Published: July 2012

Fostering both the creation and the linking of data with the scope of supporting the growth of the Linked Data Web requires us to improve the acquisition and extraction mechanisms of the underlying semantic metadata. This is particularly important for the scientific publishing domain, where currently most of the datasets are being created in an author-driven, manual manner. In addition, such datasets capture only fragments of the complete metadata, omitting usually, important elements such as the references, although they represent valuable information. In this paper we present an approach that aims at dealing with this aspect of extraction and processing of reference information. The experimental evaluation shows that, currently, our solution handles very well diverse types of reference format, thus making it usable for, or adaptable to, any area of scientific publishing.
Resource Discovery: Comparative Results on Two Catalog Interfaces
Authors: Hessel Heather , Fransen Janet
Published: July 2012

Like many libraries, the University of Minnesota Libraries-Twin Cities now offers a next-generation catalog alongside a traditional online public access catalog (OPAC). One year after the launch of its new platform as the default catalog, usage data for the OPAC remained relatively high, and anecdotal comments raised questions. In response, the Libraries conducted surveys that covered topics such as perceptions of success, known-item searching, preferred search environments, and desirable resource types. Results show distinct differences in the behavior of faculty, graduate student, and undergraduate survey respondents, and between library staff and non-library staff respondents. Both quantitative and qualitative data inform the analysis and conclusions.
Practical Limits to the Scope of Digital Preservation
Authors: Kastellec Mike
Published: July 2012

This paper examines factors that limit the ability of institutions to digitally preserve the cultural heritage of the modern era. The author takes a wide-ranging approach to shed light on limitations to the scope of digital preservation.  The author finds that technological limitations to digital preservation have been addressed but still exist, and that non-technical aspects—access, selection, law, and finances—move into the foreground as technological limitations recede.  The author proposes a nested model of constraints to the scope of digital preservation and concludes that costs are digital preservation’s most pervasive limitation.
President's Message: The Year in Review--Everything Open
Authors: Cuddy Colleen
Published: July 2012

President's Message