bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Households’ Perception of Financial Incentives in Endorsing Sustainable Waste Recycling in Nigeria
Authors: Abila Beatrice
Published: June 2018

Recycling is viewed as a central aspect in sustainability and mainly as pro-environmental consumer behavior. The purpose of this study is to examine the perception of households on financial incentives in endorsing sustainable recycling for municipal solid waste in Nigeria. The study was conducted in the Shomolu Local Government Area, Lagos State, Nigeria. The study also covers drivers for household willingness to recycle municipal solid waste on environmental risk, behavioral economics, resource value, economic benefit, convenience, knowledge, legislation, and belief. The result from the study asserts the hypothesis that financial incentives for recycling are vital for reducing and managing municipal solid waste sustainably. The most important driver for household willingness to recycle municipal solid waste is the detrimental environmental impacts. A moderate to positive relationship exists between households’ perception of financial incentives for recycling and drivers for household willingness to recycle municipal solid waste. The study recommends adopting the extended producer responsibility (EPR) model, reverse vending options, amongst other approaches, in an effort to promote recycling culture among citizens and residents in Nigeria.
An Improved Strong Tracking Cubature Kalman Filter for GPS/INS Integrated Navigation Systems
Authors: Feng Kaiqiang , Li Jie , Zhang Xi , Zhang Xiaoming , Shen Chong , Cao Huiliang , Yang Yanyu , Liu Jun
Published: June 2018

The cubature Kalman filter (CKF) is widely used in the application of GPS/INS integrated navigation systems. However, its performance may decline in accuracy and even diverge in the presence of process uncertainties. To solve the problem, a new algorithm named improved strong tracking seventh-degree spherical simplex-radial cubature Kalman filter (IST-7thSSRCKF) is proposed in this paper. In the proposed algorithm, the effect of process uncertainty is mitigated by using the improved strong tracking Kalman filter technique, in which the hypothesis testing method is adopted to identify the process uncertainty and the prior state estimate covariance in the CKF is further modified online according to the change in vehicle dynamics. In addition, a new seventh-degree spherical simplex-radial rule is employed to further improve the estimation accuracy of the strong tracking cubature Kalman filter. In this way, the proposed comprehensive algorithm integrates the advantage of 7thSSRCKF’s high accuracy and strong tracking filter’s strong robustness against process uncertainties. The GPS/INS integrated navigation problem with significant dynamic model errors is utilized to validate the performance of proposed IST-7thSSRCKF. Results demonstrate that the improved strong tracking cubature Kalman filter can achieve higher accuracy than the existing CKF and ST-CKF, and is more robust for the GPS/INS integrated navigation system.
Fault Diagnosis Method for a Mine Hoist in the Internet of Things Environment
Authors: Li Juanli , Xie Jiacheng , Yang Zhaojian , Li Junjie
Published: June 2018

To reduce the difficulty of acquiring and transmitting data in mining hoist fault diagnosis systems and to mitigate the low efficiency and unreasonable reasoning process problems, a fault diagnosis method for mine hoisting equipment based on the Internet of Things (IoT) is proposed in this study. The IoT requires three basic architectural layers: a perception layer, network layer, and application layer. In the perception layer, we designed a collaborative acquisition system based on the ZigBee short distance wireless communication technology for key components of the mine hoisting equipment. Real-time data acquisition was achieved, and a network layer was created by using long-distance wireless General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) transmission. The transmission and reception platforms for remote data transmission were able to transmit data in real time. A fault diagnosis reasoning method is proposed based on the improved Dezert-Smarandache Theory (DSmT) evidence theory, and fault diagnosis reasoning is performed. Based on interactive technology, a humanized and visualized fault diagnosis platform is created in the application layer. The method is then verified. A fault diagnosis test of the mine hoisting mechanism shows that the proposed diagnosis method obtains complete diagnostic data, and the diagnosis results have high accuracy and reliability.
Recent Developments in Enzyme, DNA and Immuno-Based Biosensors
Authors: Asal Melis , Özen Özlem , Şahinler Mert , Polatoğlu İlker
Published: June 2018

Novel sensitive, rapid and economical biosensors are being developed in a wide range of medical environmental and food applications. In this paper, we review some of the main advances in the field over the past few years by discussing recent studies from literature. A biosensor, which is defined as an analytical device consisting of a biomolecule, a transducer and an output system, can be categorized according to the type of the incorporated biomolecule. The biomolecules can be enzymes, antibodies, ssDNA, organelles, cells etc. The main biosensor categories classified according to the biomolecules are enzymatic biosensors, immunosensors and DNA-based biosensors. These sensors can measure analytes produced or reduced during reactions at lower costs compared to the conventional detection techniques. Numerous types of biosensor studies conducted over the last decade have been explored here to reveal their key applications in medical, environmental and food industries which provide comprehensive perspective to the readers. Overviews of the working principles and applications of the reviewed sensors are also summarized.
Interventions of Chinese Nonprofit Charitable Organizations in the Rescue of Children in Difficulty
Authors: Du Yaqiong , Nygren Lennart
Published: June 2018

In June 2016, China promulgated the “Opinions of the State Council on Strengthening the Work of Rescuing Children in Difficulty”, which broadened the coverage of child welfare in China. The document clearly encourages and supports the participation of nonprofit charitable organizations in improving and complementing the public support system for children living in difficulty. This paper reports an assessment study of the relief program for children with congenital heart disease, which was launched by the Red Cross in L Province. Semi-structured face-to-face interviews with six Red Cross employees and 10 parents of stricken families, and telephone interviews with 66 recipient families, were carried out. Additionally, a review of a large number of background documents was analyzed to assess interventions by social organizations in the rescue of children in difficulty. The project was shown to reduce poverty and improve medical treatment for children with congenital heart disease. The role of nonprofit charitable organizations in relation to the child protection system can be characterized as “leak-filling”.
Research on Passenger’s Travel Mode Choice Behavior Waiting at Bus Station Based on SEM-Logit Integration Model
Authors: Han Yan , Li Wanying , Wei Shanshan , Zhang Tiantian
Published: June 2018

To improve the mode share of public transport and reduce the transition to private transport of passengers waiting at bus station, the mechanism of passengers’ decision-making procedure and influence factors of the travel mode choice were analyzed. Some latent variables such as safety, comfort, convenience, flexibility and economy were selected to reflect the satisfaction degree of passengers on the service level of public transport. Taking Jinan City as an example, the questionnaire of passengers’ travel choice behavior at bus station was designed and carried out. Based on the structure equation model (SEM), the relationship between the satisfaction degree and some latent variables such as safety and comfort was discussed. The SEM method analysis shows that, of the influence level of the latent variables to the service level of public transport, flexibility is the most significant variable affecting passenger’s satisfaction degree followed by safety, convenience, comfort and economy. Travel mode choice model of passengers waiting at bus station was established with an integration approach of SEM and nested logit (NL) model. The SEM-NL integration model results reveal that gender, monthly income, purpose of the trip, travel distance, safety and convenience service level have a significant effect on the choice of the upper model (public transport or private transport). Passenger’s age, vehicle ownership and bus ride frequency have great influence on the choice of the lower mode (ORB: original route bus; ARB: alternative route bus; Taxi; and Shared bike). Sensitivity analysis reveals that the transition probabilities from private transport to public transport can reach the highest point (respectively, 69.85%, 68.84% and 35.51%) when safety service reaches level 4, convenience service reaches level 3, or comfort service reaches level 2, indicating that the safety level equal to 4, convenience level equal to 3 and comfort level equal to 2 are the key threshold to increase the public transport mode share. Some proposals such as ensuring good accessibility of public transport, shortening the transfer distance of different routes, creating a comfortable travel environment and integrating bus ticket system have been put forward for the sustainable development of public transport system.
Validation of Various Filters and Sampling Parameters for a COP Analysis
Authors: Koltermann Jan Jens , Gerber Martin , Beck Heidrun , Beck Michael
Published: June 2018

The center of pressure (CoP) is one of the most utilized quantitative measurements describing postural competency. Due to the complexity and biological variability of postural regulatory systems, a myriad of different methods and parameters have been established describing the CoP trajectory. Besides procedural variables, such as foot position, visual condition, and sampling duration, the method of data collection itself has a relevant effect on the result of the measurement. Furthermore, different methods for recording the measured data have been developed, which differ regarding the filters, frequencies, and test durations used. The goal of this study was the methodical comparison of various filters, measurement frequencies, and measurement duration, with respect to their effects on the CoP trajectory. Based on the results presented, we demonstrate that the Butterworth and Bessel filters can be recommended for analysis of CoP data, and at the very least, a second-order filter should be chosen for the process. For assessment of the cutoff frequency, a technical pendulum was used to show that a cutoff frequency of 13 Hz provided reliable data and it can be inferred that a 100 Hz sampling rate would be the minimum requirement.
Cadmium Exposure Disrupts Periodontal Bone in Experimental Animals: Implications for Periodontal Disease in Humans
Authors: Browar Andrew , Koufos Emily , Wei Yifan , Leavitt Landon , Prozialeck Walter , Edwards Joshua
Published: June 2018

Cadmium (Cd) is an environmental contaminant that damages the kidney, the liver, and bones. Some epidemiological studies showed associations between Cd exposure and periodontal disease. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between Cd exposure and periodontal disease in experimental animals. Male Sprague/Dawley rats were given daily subcutaneous injections of Cd (0.6 mg/kg/day) for up to 12 weeks. The animals were euthanized, and their mandibles and maxillae were evaluated for levels of periodontal bone by measuring the distance from the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) to the alveolar bone crest (ABC) of the molar roots. After 12 weeks of Cd exposure in animals, there was a significantly greater distance between the CEJ and ABC in the palatal aspect of the maxillary molars and the lingual aspect of the mandibular molars when compared with controls (p < 0.0001). This study shows that Cd has significant, time-dependent effects on periodontal bone in an animal model of Cd exposure. These findings support the possibility of Cd being a contributing factor to the development of periodontal disease in humans.
COD Discharge Limits for Urban Wastewater Treatment Plants in China Based on Statistical Methods
Authors: Zhou Yuhua , Duan Ning , Wu Xuefang , Fang Hao
Published: June 2018

Discharge standards are among the most important regulations to control pollutants discharged from industries and domestic uses. China has made great efforts to build up its discharge standard system and develop methods to derive limits. However, there is still a lack of systematic analysis of measured data and derivation of discharge limits based on statistical methods. The present study, taking chemical oxygen demand (COD) discharge limits of urban wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) as an example, reviews the history of discharge standards of WWTPs in China and analyzes the statistical distributions of COD concentrations from 1753 WWTPs. Based on the lognormal distribution, three factors—geographic location, treatment process, and ratio of treated wastewater from industries—were found to be significantly correlated with logarithmic COD concentrations via a regression model and long-term averages of WWTPs were derived. Daily maximum variability factors for WWTPs based on the 99th percentile of the distribution of daily measurements and the discharge limits for WWTPs were also derived by multiplying long-term averages by variability factors. This study develops, for the first time in China, discharge limits based on statistical methods. The results may inform special discharge limit settings for different types of WWTPs.
Uniform cobalt nanoparticles embedded in hexagonal mesoporous nanoplates as a magnetically separable, recyclable adsorbent
Authors: Zhao Can , Song Yuexiao , Xiang Tianyu , Qu Wenxiu , Lou Shuo , Yin Xiaohong , Xin Feng
Published: June 2018

Novel hexagonal nanoplates (NPLs) comprised of mesoporous carbon containing imbedded magnetic Co nanoparticles (CoAl2O4 phase) are prepared through direct carbonization of polydopamine (PDA)-coated CoAl layered double hydroxide (LDH). A uniform PDA coating initially covers the surface of LDH by dopamine self-polymerization under mild conditions. Well-dispersed Co nanoparticles are formed in the NPLs by the partial reduction of cobalt from Co2+ to Co0 with surface carbon during the heat treatment process. The surface morphology and specific surface area of the as-prepared NPLs can be tailored by adjusting the initial dopamine concentration and carbonization temperature. The mesoporous NPLs exhibit excellent sorption of rhodamine B (RhB) dye and fast magnetic separation in aqueous solution. Over 95% of RhB can be adsorbed within 2 min and the adsorption reaches equilibrium after about 30 min. The maximum adsorption capacity approaches 172.41 mg/g. After regeneration, this adsorbent can be recycled easily by magnetic separation and still possess good adsorption capacity for RhB removal, even after five cycles.
The Origins of the Gamma-Ray Flux Variations of NGC 1275 Based on Eight Years of Fermi-LAT Observations
Authors: Tanada K. , Kataoka J. , Arimoto M. , Akita M. , Cheung C. C. , Digel S. W. , Fukazawa Y.
Published: June 2018

We present an analysis of eight years of Fermi-LAT (>0.1 GeV) γ-ray data obtained for the radio galaxy NGC 1275. The γ-ray flux from NGC 1275 is highly variable on short (∼days to weeks) timescales, and has steadily increased over this eight year timespan. By examining the changes in its flux and spectral shape in the LAT energy band over the entire data set, we found that its spectral behavior changed around 2011 February (∼MJD 55600). The γ-ray spectra at early times evolved largely at high energies, while the photon indices were unchanged at later times despite rather large flux variations. To explain these observations, we suggest that the flux changes at the early times were caused by injection of high-energy electrons into the jet while, later, the γ-ray flares were caused by a changing Doppler factor owing to variations in the jet Lorentz factor and/or changes in the angle to our line of sight. To demonstrate the viability of these scenarios, we fit the broad band spectral energy distribution data with a one-zone synchrotron self-Compton (SSC) model for flaring and quiescent intervals before and after 2011 February. To explain the γ-ray spectral behavior in the context of the SSC model, the maximum electron Lorentz factor would have changed at the early times, while a modest change in the Doppler factor adequately fits the quiescent and flaring state γ-ray spectra at the later times.
An Analytical Diffusion–Expansion Model for Forbush Decreases Caused by Flux Ropes
Authors: Dumbović Mateja , Heber Bernd , Vršnak Bojan , Temmer Manuela , Kirin Anamarija
Published: June 2018

We present an analytical diffusion–expansion Forbush decrease (FD) model ForbMod, which is based on the widely used approach of an initially empty, closed magnetic structure (i.e., flux rope) that fills up slowly with particles by perpendicular diffusion. The model is restricted to explaining only the depression caused by the magnetic structure of the interplanetary coronal mass ejection (ICME). We use remote CME observations and a 3D reconstruction method (the graduated cylindrical shell method) to constrain initial boundary conditions of the FD model and take into account CME evolutionary properties by incorporating flux rope expansion. Several flux rope expansion modes are considered, which can lead to different FD characteristics. In general, the model is qualitatively in agreement with observations, whereas quantitative agreement depends on the diffusion coefficient and the expansion properties (interplay of the diffusion and expansion). A case study was performed to explain the FD observed on 2014 May 30. The observed FD was fitted quite well by ForbMod for all expansion modes using only the diffusion coefficient as a free parameter, where the diffusion parameter was found to correspond to an expected range of values. Our study shows that, in general, the model is able to explain the global properties of an FD caused by a flux rope and can thus be used to help understand the underlying physics in case studies.
Chemodynamical Clustering Applied to APOGEE Data: Rediscovering Globular Clusters
Authors: Chen Boquan , D’Onghia Elena , Pardy Stephen A. , Pasquali Anna , Motta Clio Bertelli , Hanlon Bret , Grebel Eva K.
Published: June 2018

We have developed a novel technique based on a clustering algorithm that searches for kinematically and chemically clustered stars in the APOGEE DR12 Cannon data. As compared to classical chemical tagging, the kinematic information included in our methodology allows us to identify stars that are members of known globular clusters with greater confidence. We apply our algorithm to the entire APOGEE catalog of 150,615 stars whose chemical abundances are derived by the Cannon. Our methodology found anticorrelations between the elements Al and Mg, Na and O, and C and N previously identified in the optical spectra in globular clusters, even though we omit these elements in our algorithm. Our algorithm identifies globular clusters without a priori knowledge of their locations in the sky. Thus, not only does this technique promise to discover new globular clusters, but it also allows us to identify candidate streams of kinematically and chemically clustered stars in the Milky Way.
Leaked GeV CRs from a Broken Shell: Explaining 9 Years of Fermi-LAT Data of SNR W28
Authors: Cui Yudong , Yeung Paul K. H. , Tam P. H. Thomas , Pühlhofer Gerd
Published: June 2018

Supernova remnant (SNR)W28 is well known for its classic hadronic scenario, in which the TeV cosmic rays (CRs) released at the early stage of this intermediate-age SNR illuminate nearby molecular clouds (MCs). Overwhelming evidence has shown that the northeastern part of the SNR (W28-North) has already encountered the MC clumps. Through this broken shell W28-North, CRs with an energy down to <1 GeV may be able to be injected into nearby MCs. To further verify this hadronic scenario, we first analyze nine years of Fermi-LAT data in/around W28 with energies down to 0.3 GeV. Our Fermi-LAT analysis displays a 10–200 GeV skymap that spatially matches the known TeV sources HESS J1801–233 (W28-North) and HESS J1800–240 A, B, and C (240 A B and C) well. At low energy bands, we have discovered a 0.5–1 GeV blob located to the south of 240 B and C, and a low flux of 0.3–1 GeV at 240 A. A hadronic model is build to explain our analysis results and previous multiwavelength observations of W28. Our model consists of three CR sources: the run-away CRs escaped from a strong shock, the leaked GeV CRs from the broken shell W28-North, and the local CR sea. Through modeling the SNR evolution and the CR acceleration and release, we explain the GeV–TeV emission in/around SNR W28 (except for 240 A) in one model. The damping of the magnetic waves by the neutrals and the decreased acceleration efficiency are both taken into account in our model due to the intermediate age of SNR W28.
Exploring Kepler Giant Planets in the Habitable Zone
Authors: Hill Michelle L. , Kane Stephen R. , Duarte Eduardo Seperuelo , Kopparapu Ravi K. , Gelino Dawn M. , Wittenmyer Robert A.
Published: June 2018

The Kepler mission found hundreds of planet candidates within the Habitable Zones (HZ) of their host star, including over 70 candidates with radii larger than three Earth radii (R
⊕) within the optimistic HZ (OHZ). These giant planets are potential hosts to large terrestrial satellites (or exomoons) which would also exist in the HZ. We calculate the occurrence rates of giant planets (R
p = 3.0–25 R
⊕) in the OHZ, and find a frequency of (6.5 ± 1.9)% for G stars, (11.5 ± 3.1)% for K stars, and (6 ± 6)% for M stars. We compare this with previously estimated occurrence rates of terrestrial planets in the HZ of G, K, and M stars and find that if each giant planet has one large terrestrial moon then these moons are less likely to exist in the HZ than terrestrial planets. However, if each giant planet holds more than one moon, then the occurrence rates of moons in the HZ would be comparable to that of terrestrial planets, and could potentially exceed them. We estimate the mass of each planet candidate using the mass–radius relationship developed by Chen & Kipping. We calculate the Hill radius of each planet to determine the area of influence of the planet in which any attached moon may reside, then calculate the estimated angular separation of the moon and planet for future imaging missions. Finally, we estimate the radial velocity semi-amplitudes of each planet for use in follow-up observations.
Care of Thermal Printed Labels
Authors: Trimble Jennifer
Published: June 2018

The Department of Invertebrate Zoology (IZ) at Harvard University’s Museum of Comparative Zoology (MCZ) houses specimens that are both fluid and dry preserved. The holdings today represent well over one million specimens within approximately 350,000 lots, nearly 8,000 primary types, plus several thousand secondary types. Historically, in IZ, various types of paper data labels have been used inside the jars of fluid preserved specimens. The materials used for these labels range from cotton paper to acid-free paper where India ink and pencil are used for writing. Any label submerged in a liquid over time would be expected to deteriorate moderately. However, in a museum setting, where the preservation of a specimen’s original data is found on those labels, the stability of the selected label type is paramount. Currently, the IZ and several other departments in the MCZ utilize thermal printed labels (Datamax-O’Niel I-4380) for fluid preserved specimens. These printers use plastic rectangular labels which are heated and ink is “burned” into the label itself. This process helps prevent fading, and bleeding of ink over time. Many specimens have both thermal as well as historical labels of varying paper types in their jar. Thermal labels are often also used when a specimen is in the process of being “stained” for CT scanning since the plastic label does not absorb dark ink such as Iodine. However, it was observed that the addition of these stains led to the complete loss of legible data on the thermal labels. The text on these labels became virtually unreadable when the labels were exposed to iodine or bleach. Researchers at other institutions should be mindful of their particular treatment of labels. Additional steps should be taken (i.e. keep copies of labels on the outside of specimen jar) when putting specimens into contrast stains (i.e. iodine), to avoid the loss of specimen/collection data before non-destructive imaging techniques are used.
Inter-Institutional Collections Storehouse
Authors: Willemse Luc , Caspers Max
Published: June 2018

A never ending and universal challenge in the management of biodiversity collections is to find a balance between on the one hand creating optimal conditions for conservation and maximizing accessibility and on the other, achieving this with limited resources, i.e. funding, time and space. If for instance available resources do not allow storage under the conditions required for optimal preservation and accessibility, what compromises and solutions can be made or found? Finding solutions and making compromises is far from easy, differs in each situation and per collection and is by and large carried out independently and single-handedly by each facility.

In this presentation elements that are decisive in collection development are reviewed, starting from strategic choices regarding acquisition up to deaccession. Some examples of compromises and solutions are provided regarding collection acquisition, deselection and efficient storage. A typical phenomenon in natural history collections is asymmetrical space requirements per species: common species take up (a lot) more space in collections than rare species. As a potential solution, this presentation explores the idea of establishing a national or transnational centralized storage facility for 'common species' in combination with digitization and discusses its advantages and disadvantages.
Preserving and Optimising a World-Class African Ornithological Collection
Authors: Mashao Mmatjie , Allan David
Published: June 2018

The Durban Natural Science Museum houses a world-class collection of African bird study skins and other ornithological specimens including eggs, nests, skeletons, open wings and ethanol specimens. This presentation briefly outlines the value of these holdings. The bird study skins comprise the core of the collection and number nearly 40 000. This ranks the collection as one of the top three or four on the continent. These study skins are globally renowned for the quality of their preparation, far exceeding that of other African museums. The study skin collection houses an unparalleled assemblage of holotypes and paratypes of (mainly) southern African subspecies. A recent landmark book on geographical variation in southern African birds was largely based on examination of this collection. The collection also boasts the largest collection of study skins in existence from Mozambique. The collection includes one of the most significant Dodo Raphus cucullatus skeletons in the world, which has been subject to intense investigation in recent years, as well as a complete egg of a Madagascar Elephant bird (Aepyornithidae). Also discussed are ongoing best-practice measures to both preserve this collection and render it of optimal value to users, including a brief summary of the key outside stakeholders exploiting the collection for research and other purposes. An issue of particular note is the increasing demand for tissue samples (typically 'toe-pads') from the study skins for molecular investigations - raising problematic challenges relevant to destructive sampling. Particular attention is paid to describing a recent migration of the digital database to a global standard in the form of the ‘Specify’ collection database and management tool.
Advancing Collections Management with the Netherlands Biodiversity Data Services
Authors: Caspers Max , Schermer Maarten
Published: June 2018

By the summer of 2015 Naturalis Biodiversity Center had come to the end of a five-year digitization programme that aimed at digitally disclosing the entire collection of, at the time, 38 million objects. The result was a vast amount of collections data being made available to researchers, collection managers and the public. In order to utilize these data to their full extent, Naturalis has in the past few years been developing the Netherlands Biodiversity Data Services (NBDS). These services “speak” not only to our digitized collection, but to other sources of information as well and lets us query and use these data in a centralized manner.

While the NBDS open up a lot of possibilities for i.e. communication, exhibition, education, policy making, etc., a very important field for its application is collection management. Instead of managing (at this point) 41 million individual objects, the NBDS could provide insight into custom aggregations of data to further professionalize decision making. Not only detailed information about taxonomy, gathering events and collection history can be provided, one can also think about quantifying use, conservation status, change in collection-size over time, etc. Some examples of application for collections management will be given during the presentation and illustrated with a collections dashboard.

Even though we have made great progress in digitization, certain parts of our collection are not digitized to specimen-level and to various degrees of completeness, parts of the physical collection are not identified to species level, not all data are consistent or properly validated, etc. But instead of this limiting the applicability of the NBDS, the data service can be used as a tool to pinpoint these areas for improvement and to allow collection management to properly address and prioritize them. This presentation ultimately deals with the potential the NBDSNBA has for managing collections, both physical as digital, and enhancing their quality and value.
Shining a New Light on Elmer Ottis Wooton’s Legacy Herbarium and Historical Archive: an Exercise to Increase Student Participation while Promoting Public Engagement
Authors: Fuentes-Soriano Sara , Prihodko Lara , Manford Mitchell , Rogers Zachary
Published: June 2018

Elmer Ottis Wooton (1865–1945) was one of the most important early botanists to work in the Southwestern United States, contributing a great deal of natural history knowledge and botanical research on the flora of New Mexico that shaped many naturalists and scientists for generations. The extensive Wooton legacy includes herbarium collections that he and his famous student Paul Carpenter Standley (1884–1963), prolific botanist and explorer, used for the first Flora of New Mexico by Wooten and Standley 1915 , along with resources covering botany and range management strategies for the northern Chihuahuan Desert, and an extensive, yet to be digitized, historical archive of correspondence, field notes, vegetation sketches, photographs, and lantern slides, all from his travels and field work in the region. Starting in 1890, the most complete set of Wooton’s herbarium collections were deposited in the NMC herbarium at New Mexico State University (NMSU), and his archives, now stored in a Campus library, have together been underutilized, offline resources.

The goals of this ongoing project are to secure, preserve, and promote Wooton’s important historical resources, by fleshing out the botanical history of the region, raising appreciation of herbarium collections within the community, and emphasizing their unique role in facilitating contemporary research aimed at addressing pressing scientific questions such as vegetation responses to global climate change. Students and the general public involved in this project are engaged through hands-on activities including cataloging, databasing and digitization of nearly 10,000 herbarium specimens and Wooton’s archives. These outputs, combined with contemporary data collection and computational biology techniques from an ecological perspective, are being used to document vegetation changes in iconic, climate-sensitive, high-elevation mountainous ecosystems present in southwestern New Mexico. In a later phase of the project, a variety of public audiences will participate through interactive online story maps and citizen science programs such as iNaturalist, Notes from Nature, and BioBlitz. Images of herbarium specimens will be shared via an online database and other relevant biodiversity portals (Symbiota, iDigBio, JStor)

Community members reached through this project will be better-informed citizens, who may go on to become new stewards of natural history collections, with the potential to influence policies safeguarding the future of our planet’s biodiversity. More locally, the project will support the management of Organ Mountains Desert Peaks National Monument, which was established in 2014 to protect the area's human and environmental resources, and for which knowledge and data are currently limited.
Authenticity in an Uncertain World: Ensuring Accuracy in both the Explicit and Implicit Messages of Exhibits
Authors: Sullivan Steven M. , Skidmore Wesley , Dante George
Published: June 2018

Do you know what a kiwi looks like - all the way down to the orientation of the nostrils? While small details won’t make or break the aesthetics of an exhibit, they can have important impacts on visitor learning and future behavior.

Museums are a traditional bastion of authenticity. From the objects we exhibit to the information we share, audiences know that museums are a trustworthy source of real objects and vetted facts. We strive to ensure accurate label copy, but the traditional constraints of preservation and exhibition of natural history specimens can still convey confusing or implicitly inaccurate information. Problems like sub-standard taxidermy, faded mounts, heedless application of plants, and inaccurate social groupings abound in museums. Visitors are usually not equipped to evaluate such details, yet such details often become a baseline from which visitor’s expectations of nature are derived. Therefore, accurate representations of species are an important way to convey both explicit institutional messages and implicit information about nature.

We will discuss the fundamental details that differentiate award-winning taxidermy from substandard representations of the species. We will show how to employ a few, fundamental principles to overcome the constraints of preservation to make mounts, dioramas, and artificial reproductions as exciting, beautiful, and accurate as possible.
Interns and Volunteers Crucial in Curating and Digitizing Fossil Invertebrates in the Field Museum’s Fast Growing Mazon Creek Collection
Authors: Mayer Paul , Hodge Katherine , Kahn Dana , Best Mackenzie , Dryer Yaal , Pritza Mane , Nelson Janel , Wittry Jack
Published: June 2018

The Mazon Creek region in Northeastern Illinois is home to a Middle Pennsylvanian (~307 million years old) soft-bodied fossil Lagerstätte of animals and plants that lived along a subtropical swampy coastline. This area was strip mined for coal from 1928 to 1974 and museum geologists and amateur collectors acquired large fossil collections during this time by collecting and splitting millions of nodules unearthed at the mines. These large collections are important because of the rarity of many of the species in the Mazon Creek biota. There are about 250 described fossil invertebrate species from the Mazon Creek region. Fifty-one of these species (mostly insects and arachnids) are represented by just a single specimen in the Field Museum’s collection.

Since the 1980’s collecting has decreased and the mines have been restored to parks and wildlife areas. The Field Museum maintained a collection of 34,000 Mazon Creek invertebrate fossil for many decades. With the new donations from private collectors in the last three years this collection has grown by 20% and now represents 18% of the Fossil Invertebrate systematic collection. The Mazon Creek is also the most used fossil invertebrate collection accounting for about 38% of loans in the last five years.

Dealing with these large and often unexpected donations adds to the already large workload of the collection staff, so interns and volunteers are utilized to process, catalog, digitize, and integrate these fossils into the museum’s collection. In the summer of 2016, interns Mackenzie Best and Yaal Dryer unpacked and sorted into drawers the Thomas V. Testa collection, and digitized the first 1,000 fossils. In 2017, two Women in Science interns, Kate Hodge and Dana Kahn, spent 6 weeks entering the data for 5,000 fossils into our database, numbering these fossils, and printing their labels. Having a well curated collection, as well as volunteer Jack Wittry, who has expert knowledge of Mazon Creek fossils, has also been crucial to the success of these projects. Mane Pritza, a Field Museum volunteer, began photographing these collections and has captured over 11,000 images. Janel Nelson, a former volunteer, has uploaded these images into our multimedia database and linked them to the corresponding records in the catalog module. James and Sylvia Konecny donated their 4,000-specimen Mazon Creek collection in December of 2017, ensuring that interns and volunteers will continue their curation work for at least the next two years.
Mitigation of Mercury Contamination in an Ore Collection
Authors: Hale Leslie , Hawks Catherine , Makos Kathryn
Published: June 2018

The National Rock and Ore Collection at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History includes mercury ore specimens stored at its Museum Support Center in Suitland, Maryland. Two decades after the ore collection was moved from historic metal clad wooden cabinets with felt gaskets to modern steel cabinets with neoprene foam gaskets, it became apparent that elemental mercury vapor generated from the specimens was accumulating within the storage units, creating visible mercury deposits on cabinet interior surfaces and drawers, as well as the paperboard storage trays and paper specimen labels inside the drawers. Concerns were raised about the potential health hazard to users of the collection, as well as potential cross-contamination of non-mercury-bearing specimens, housing materials and equipment. The Museum’s collection manager, conservator, and industrial hygienist developed three phases of mitigation strategies, which were applied and analyzed for effectiveness between 2011 and 2016.

The first phase involved creating special vapor barrier packaging for each mercury ore using Marvelseal®, welded on three sides by the supplier, and frame sealing tape to secure the fourth side; disposal of all trays and replacement of trays for the non-mercury-bearing specimens; extensive cleaning of the cabinet interiors using Mercury Absorb Sponges; and lining each drawer and cabinet with MicroChamber scavenger sheets. Utilizing a Jerome Mercury Vapor Analyzer, measurements indicated a 40-50% reduction in mercury concentrations within the affected cases.

There were still visible residual mercury deposits, so a second, more rigorous phase of cleaning was conducted on all accessible interior cabinet and drawer surfaces, paying special attention to unpainted metal hardware. A modified solution of Lugol’s iodine was used, followed by isopropyl alcohol wipes to remove the residual iodine solution. This second phase led to a further reduction in mercury vapor of 60-80% from the original measurements.

The cases were securely closed for one year, and subsequent measurements indicated a significant re-accumulation of mercury vapor. During the third phase of mitigation, zeolite scavenger sheets were inserted between drawers and over bagged specimens, and MicroChamber sheets from the second phase were replaced. This resulted in mercury vapor concentration reductions back to 60-80% of the original measurements. However, the median concentration still exceeded the conservative occupational health exposure limit of 0.025 mg/M3. Subsequent investigation suggests that residual mercury residue on inaccessible interior cabinet surfaces is the limiting factor preventing complete and permanent mitigation.
Challenges For Implementing Collections Data Quality Feedback: synthesizing the community experience
Authors: Paul Deborah , Fisher Nicole
Published: June 2018

Much data quality (DQ) feedback is now available to data providers from aggregators of collections specimen and related data. Similarly, transcription centres and crowdsourcing platforms also provide data that must be assessed and often manipulated before uploading to a local database and subsequently published with aggregators. In order to facilitate broader DQ information use aggregators (GBIF, ALA, iDigBio, VertNet) and others, through the TDWG BDQ Interest Group, are harmonizing the DQ information provided - transforming part of the DQ feedback process. But, collections sharing data face challenges when trying to evaluate and integrate the information changes offered (by aggregators) for given records in local collection management systems and collection databases. Sharing DQ integration experiences can help reveal risks and opportunities. Discovering others have the same conundrums helps develop a community of belonging and may assist in removing duplication of effort. It is important to leverage the knowledge and experience of those who are currently validating data to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the process. Documenting and classifying these challenges also facilitates motivation and community building by informing those who would tackle these challenges. In this case, talks from aggregators and data providers give all of us a chance to learn from their stories about implementing and integrating DQ feedback.

Following the symposium, a special interest group (SIG at SPNHC) meeting offers everyone an opportunity to add their experiences with aggregator DQ feedback. See the SIG meeting: "Add Your Input to Challenges for Implementing Collections Data Quality Feedback: synthesizing the community experience", for details. For tractable issues, we plan to assemble and note the expected ways in which these barriers can be overcome. Where possible, we can tap into existing community resources (SPNHC, TDWG, biology.stackexchange.com, iDigBio, etc.) to help our data providers implement future data updates and track changes. At the same time, we plan to analyze the intractable issues - documenting why they remain challenging - and what, if any potential solutions are available or likely to be available in the future. This information provides future projects like DiSSCo (Distributed System of Scientific Collections) and BCoN (Biodiversity Collections Network) and others worldwide the information required to plan more effectively for cyber/human infrastructure. Synthesizing this input helps visionaries better understand, anticipate and support DQ management and data mobilization efforts going forward by informing design of future proposals and global projects structured with these outcomes in mind. At the end of the workshop, we intend to publish our findings, and merge them with the results of a global survey on the same topic.
The Forgotten Variable: Effects of Sample Preparation and Storage on Geochemistry of Invertebrate Skeletal Carbonate
Authors: Smith Abigail , Key, Jr Marcus , Loxton Jennifer , Righi Anna , Forrester Jeffrey , Buttler Caroline
Published: June 2018

Standard sample preparation often includes cleaning, bleaching, preservation and storage techniques that may affect temperate invertebrate skeletal carbonate composition and integrity. Here we report on a series of interlinked studies and their key results.

Rinsing with tap or deionised water has little detectable effect on sample composition and integrity. Bleaching with sodium hypochlorite, especially at low concentrations and for short times, results in no change in mineralogy or stable isotopes. High concentrations of bleach, and oxidation using H2O2, result in sample dissolution and the leaching of Mg from high-Mg samples. H2O2 has a significant effect on ∂18O stable isotope concentration. Chemical removal of organic material is often not necessary.

Ultrasonication of samples results in loss of Mg and skeletal material generally, especially from high-Mg specimens. The combination of ultrasound with bleaching (a common shortcut) is even worse. Roasting of specimens to remove organic carbon causes dramatic changes in composition and cannot be recommended.

New studies on the effect of storage in various preservatives and conditions are underway. In order to examine longer-term effects of storage, we have been mining museum collections. This collecting activity is ongoing and we would be glad to hear about material we have missed.

Sample preparation and storage can have considerable effect on subsequent chemical investigations, and must form part of research planning, collection management, and sample labelling.
The Conservation of a Victorian Taxidermy Display Case
Authors: Lai Grace , Bolton Felicity
Published: June 2018

A Victorian taxidermy display case presented conservation challenges and decisions that included ethical and methodological considerations regarding the treatment required.

The case was donated to Auckland Museum in 2006 by the Howick Historical Society and contains assorted birds from North and South America. With limited records received from the Howick Society, there was no further information regarding its provenance or history of conservation. Therefore consultation was maintained with the Curator of Applied Arts and Design throughout the process.

Firstly, the case contained numerous birds of different species mounted to a tree-like structure, constructed from wire wrapped in natural fibre and foliage. It was completely sealed with access only possible by removing the back panel, and it was not known if any of the components were attached to this. Secondly, the birds were in very poor condition; some had fallen off their branches, many had damaged feathers, and few had either a loose head or missing tail. Lastly, there was also evidence of pest infestation in both the case and its contents, so investigation was required to determine if this was active.

This poster will address the three main concerns covering the approaches to techniques in the remedial treatment of taxidermy birds, the preventive conservation treatments chosen to tackle the pest infestation and how conservation can aid research in determining provenance.