bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preliminary Results of Integrating Tikhonov’s Regularization in Forward-Backward Time-Stepping Technique for Object Detection
Authors: Chew Chie Andrew Sia , Hong Ping Kismet Anak , Guang Yong , Wei Ng Shi , Rajaee Nordiana
Published: April 2016

The inverse scattering in time domain known as Forward-Backward Time-Stepping (FBTS) technique is applied to determine the sizes, shape and location of the embedded objects. Tikhonov’s regularization method has been proposed in order to improve or solve the ill-posed of FBTS inverse scattering problem. The reconstructed results showed that FBTS technique can detect the presence of embedded objects. The reconstructed results of FBTS technique utilizing with the Tikhonov’s regularization method shown better results than the results only applied FBTS technique. Tikhonov’s regularization combined with FBTS technique to improve the quality of image reconstruction.
Revelation of Body Behavior Based on Arm Motion Measurement in Wireless Body Area Network System
Authors: Mohtadzar Nur Alia Athirah , Takayama Shigeru
Published: April 2016

Wireless Body Area Network or known as BAN, is a system consists of various kinds of wearable sensors to measure condition of human body. Wrist, waist and shoulder modules from BAN system can help to monitor, analyze and provide advice to the user in order to perform a moderate exercise. The availability of small, low-cost networked sensors combined with advanced signal processing and information extraction is driving a revolution in physiological monitoring and intervention. BAN system is enabling technologies for accurate measurements in healthcare systems, enhance sports and fitness training, life-style monitoring and individualized security.
Development of Portable Finger Clubbing Meter
Authors: Masra S.M.W. , Goh K.L. , Henry Joys Sheena , Muhammad Mohd Saufee , Djojodibroto R.D. , Sapawi Rohana
Published: April 2016

Finger clubbing, also known as drumstick finger, is the medical symptom that is indicated by the development of the sponginess or swelling in the nail beds of nails and toes. The higher grade of clubbing on the patients can be easily identified with the presence of drumstick finger. The existing available measurement device to identify the early stage of clubbing required much time which is impractical for a busy clinic practice. This paper explains the determination of the finger clubbing by using the Digital Index (DI) measurement, which was deployed by implementing and developing the Portable Finger Clubbing Meter hardware and the Microsoft Visual Basic (VB) Graphical User Interface (GUI). Finger circumference values of nail-fold (NF) and distal interphalangeal joint (DIP) of twenty participants were measured using the developed hardware. Data analysis was then performed using the GUI for DI computation, and the presence of finger clubbing could be determined.
Power Quality Improvement on Wind Energy System by Using STATCOM
Authors: binti Ali Yusup Farah Atiqah , Rufus Shirley Anak , Kumar Karunakaran Prashobh , binti Junaidi Nazreen , binti Hashim Nurul Izzati
Published: April 2016

Wind energy known as a cheap, clean and uncontrolled resource and becomes an important green electricity source. However, installation of wind system into an electric grid introduces the Power Quality (PQ) phenomenon. These poses great challenges leads to various control schemes and new techniques to mitigate the PQ events. This paper described the improvement of PQ events in a grid connected wind energy system by using Static Compensator (STATCOM) with a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at the Point of Common Coupling (PCC). The performance of the proposed wind energy system is simulated via MATLAB/SIMULINK in power system block set.
Performance of Petrol Engine Using Gasoline-Ethanol-Methanol (GEM) Ternary Mixture as Alternative Fuel
Authors: Thangavelu Saravana Kannan , Saleh Ahmed Abu , Ani Farid Nasir
Published: April 2016

Bioethanol fuel produced from biomass and bioenergy crops has been proclaimed as one of the feasible alternative to gasoline in internal combustion engines. In this study, the effect of gasoline–ethanol–methanol (GEM) ternary blend on performance characteristics of petrol engine was studied. Three different fuel blends, namely, E0 (gasoline), G75E21M4 (75% gasoline, 21% hydrous ethanol and 4% methanol) and E25 (25% anhydrous ethanol and 75% gasoline) were tested in a 1.3-l K3-VE spark-ignition engine having four cylinders, dynamic variable valve timing, and electronic fuel injection. The experimental results revealed that using G75E21M4 fuel blend increased the air-fuel ratio, engine power, torque, brake thermal efficiency, and mean effective pressure compared to E0 and E25, however, fuel consumption also increased.
Effects of Solvent/Solid Ratio and Temperature on the Kinetics of Vitamin C Extraction from Musa Acuminata
Authors: Mohamad Said Khairul Anwar , Yakub Ibrahim , Mohamed Alipah Nurul Ain
Published: April 2016

This work studied on the kinetics of Vitamin C extraction from banana peel at different solvent/solid concentration and temperature. Musa Acuminata was ground into smaller sizes before contacted with methanol as a solvent in an ultrasonic bath. To study the effect of solvent/solid ratio, 4.5, 5.0 and 10.0 ml/g ratio were used for the extraction at fixed temperature. Then, the temperature was varied with the heating element available in the ultrasonic bath at 30, 45 and 60 °C, to study the effect of temperature on the extraction kinetics. It was found that high solvent/solid ratio (10 ml/g) provides more solute-solvent contact and prevents the extracted Vitamin C from coming into contact with the air. Besides, higher temperature (60 °C) contributes sufficient kinetic energy for Vitamin C distribution in the solvent which is important to prevent degradation with air. The best fitted kinetic model for Vitamin C extraction from Musa Acuminata is Ana et al. (2007) with equilibrium concentration of 0.05 g/L and 0.40 g/L.hr extraction rate.
Synthesis of Layered Calcium Cobaltites Intended for Thermolectric Application
Authors: Svec Jiri , Bartoníčková Eva , Jebavá Alžběta , Másilko Jiří , Ptacek Petr
Published: April 2016

Layered misfit cobaltites exhibit adequate combination of electrical and thermal properties under the high temperatures. Cobaltites are due to these properties and appropriate costs optimal candidates for thermoelectric industrial applications [1]. Calcium cobaltites were prepared via conventional and less conventional synthesizing methods. Wet citric and glycine/nitrate combustion syntheses were compared with conventional solid state reaction. Prepared powders were studied in terms of phase and chemical composition, morphology, size of particles/agglomerates and thermoelectric properties. Particle size of prepared powders was varied from nano to micro size with different level of agglomeration. The lowest values of particle size (~ 160 nm) with low agglomeration were obtained with the citric combustion method. The influence of the preparation method on the properties of final bulk product was evaluated within this work.
The Leachability of Heavy Metals from Alkali-Activated Fly Ash and Blast Furnace Slag Matrices
Authors: Koplík Jan , Smolková Miroslava , Tkacz Jakub
Published: April 2016

The ability of alkali-activated materials (AAMs) to fix and immobilize heavy metals was investigated. Two raw materials were used to prepare alkali-activated matrices – high-temperature fly ash and blast furnace slag (BFS). NaOH served as an alkaline activator. Two heavy metals (Mn, Ni) were added in different amounts to find out the influence of dosage of heavy metal on the mechanical properties of the matrices and the leachability. Leachability was measured as concentration of heavy metals in leachates (ČSN EN 12457-4) by inductively coupled plasma/optical emission spectrometry (ICP/OES). Structure of prepared matrices was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Increasing of addition of heavy metals led to decrease of mechanical properties of matrices. The leaching tests showed, that both matrices can immobilize Mn and Ni in dosages of 0.1 – 2,5%. Higher dosages caused deterioration of the matrices and increased the leachability. After alkali activation both heavy metals were transformed into the form of insoluble salts.
Simple Method for the Determination of the Type of Charge Carriers in Semiconductors
Authors: Florian Pavel , Pospisil Jan , Zmeskal Oldrich
Published: April 2016

The source-drain current-voltage characteristic is linear and symmetric at low voltages.The linearity and symmetry can be influenced by the electric potential of a gate electrode. Becausethe process is sensitive to the type of semiconductor, the method – “modified field effect transistormethod” – can be used for the determination of the type of majority charge carriers. No insulatinglayer between the source-drain and gate electrodes is used. The effect is demonstrated on P- and Ntypeorganic semiconductors, 6-bis[5-(benzofuran-2-yl)-thiofen-2-yl]-2,5-bis(2-ethylhexyl)pyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrrole-1,4-dione [DPP(TBFu)2] and phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester [PCBM],respectively.
Optical Characterization of Graphene Oxide Films by Spectroscopic Ellipsometry
Authors: Schmiedova Veronika , Pospisil Jan , Zmeskal Oldrich , Vretenar Viliam
Published: April 2016

The paper deals with the study of optical properties of graphene oxide (GO) by inkjet printing. Defined structure of GO can be obtained by reducing of prepared layers either by heating or by UV radiation (rGO). The dispersion function for refractive index and extinction coefficient of GO and both rGO thin films were measured by spectroscopic ellipsometry in the wavelength range of 200 – 850 nm. Spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) was used characterize the optical response of layer of GO reduced by UV and thermal reduction GO in visible range.
The Preparation of Heat Insulating Moulded Refractories
Authors: Bednárek Jan , Novotný Radoslav , Šoukal František , Tvrdík Lukáš
Published: April 2016

The thesis deals with the study of influence of the foaming agent Schäumungsmittel W 53 addition on the specific weight and mechanical characteristics of mullite based heat insulating refractory castables. The effect of dosing and mixing time was observed in this work. The influence of partial substitution of mullite matrix by kaolin was also studied. Kaolin was added in dry matter or in the foamed state. Optimal dosage of the agent was 0,25 % and the optimal mixing time was 10 min. The addition of kaolin was the most effective in the foamed state.
Possibilities of Using Plasticizers in Alkali-Activated Systems
Authors: Kalina Lukáš , Hajdúchová Miroslava , Langová Markéta , Enev Vojtěch
Published: April 2016

The study deals with the preparation process and properties of alkali-activated blast furnace slag with different addition of lignosulphonate plasticizer. The goal of this study is to evaluate the suitability of plasticizer and find the convenient dose of this admixture, which improve the workability and mechanical properties of alkali-activated slag. The stability of plasticizing admixture in alkali environment was studied by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).
Verification of Synthetic Preparation of Thaumasite
Authors: Masárová Alexandra
Published: April 2016

AFt phases – mainly ettringite and thaumasite, as products of sulfate attack in concrete, can cause serious damage to cement binder. The second mentioned, thaumasite CaSiO3∙CaCO3∙CaSO4∙15H2O, is connected to lower temperatures. It is less common and less known. For further research of this mineral, it is fundamental to prepare thaumasite in clear form in laboratory conditions. The aim of this work was to try several possibilities of thaumasite preparation - firstly by burning of mixes consisting of stoichiometric proportions of particular components in thaumasite and secondly by method in sugar solution and in MgSO4 solution.
Application of Sol-Gel Method to Investigate the Influence of P2O5 on the Course of Reactions in CaO-SiO2 System
Authors: Baraček Jan , Palou Martin , Másilko Jiří , Wasserbauer Jaromír , Šoukal František , Opravil Tomáš , Boháč Martin
Published: April 2016

The effect of P2O5 addition on the calcium silicate phase equilibrium during the sol-gel synthesis of dicalcium silicate was investigated using Scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction. It is established that phosphorous oxide can form solid solution with dicalcium silicate, but its causes the formation of phosphatic calcium silicate phases such as Ca14.92 (PO4)2.35(SiO4)5.65 and 5CaO.SiO2.P2O5 also. Local analysis has demonstrated the presence of calcium phosphate epicenters containing silicon oxide and calcium silicate zones with minimum content of phosphorous oxide and intermediary areas of various phosphatic calcium silicates. The formation of two distinct islets of calcium silicate and calcium phosphate is due to the affinity between acid oxides (SiO2, P2O5) and basic one (CaO) during sol-gel process. Then, the formation of various phosphatic calcium silicates result from the diffusion of P2O5 towards calcium silicate and that of SiO2 towards calcium phosphate.
Chloride Resistance of Alkali Activated Slag Pastes with Fly Ash Replacement
Authors: Pařízek Ladislav , Bílek Jr. Vlastimil , Březina Matěj
Published: April 2016

High energy requirements due to producing of Portland cement leads to a tendency to use secondary raw materials or completely new kind of materials. One of the possibilities is using the materials based on alkali activated slag (AAS). In this paper the influence of partial replacement of ground granulated blast furnace slag by fly ash in AAS pastes on mechanical properties and porosity of was investigated. For practical applications it is also necessary to know their resistance to environment such as salty water. Chloride resistance was investigated by setting the experiment as external chloride attack and measuring the changes of mechanical properties, porosity and composition of the pastes.
Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy and Anticoagulation:
Authors: Dirkes Susan , Wonnacott Rob
Published: April 2016

Continuous renal replacement therapy is currently used as a standard treatment for acute kidney injury in the intensive care unit, particularly for patients with unstable hemodynamic status. Because this therapy is continuous, for days or weeks, and the extracorporeal blood circuit is large, the circuit is prone to clotting. Several methods of keeping the extracorporeal circuit patent are available, including heparin infusion, flushes with physiological saline, use of thrombin inhibitors, and citrate. This article reviews methods for continuous renal replacement therapy, anticoagulation, efficacy, and implications for bedside critical care.
Status Epilepticus in Adults: A Review of Diagnosis and Treatment
Authors: Lawson Thomas , Yeager Susan
Published: April 2016

Status epilepticus is a medical emergency that requires rapid diagnosis and treatment. Nonconvulsive status epilepticus is frequently underdiagnosed and therefore undertreated, which can lead to permanent neuronal damage resulting in disability or death. Despite the frequent occurrence and morbidity associated with status epilepticus, this topic has received little attention within the literature. A systematic approach to treatment should start with management of airway, breathing, and circulation, followed by administration of benzodiazepines and intravenous antiepileptic drugs, and rapid escalation of therapy to prevent morbidity and mortality. Armed with the information in this article, nurses will have a higher-level understanding of what to do when encountering a patient in status epilepticus.
From Lift Boats to Jack-Ups to Self-Propelled Self-Elavating Platforms
Authors: Meeuwisse J. M. , Lerchenmueller T. , Hofman A.
Published: April 2016

There is an increasing global demand for offshore operations to meet challenges like capacity, capabilities, safety and uptime, which starts by working from a stable, safe and solid platform. For the mobile applications in shallow waters terminology like lift boats, jack-up vessels, self-elevating support vessels has been used. For contractors or owners all the definitions look the same and the differences between all designs is difficult to comprehend. The same goes for the end-users (like: NOC's, IOC's and EPC's) to understand the differences of what they are offered for their requirements related to their offshore. This paper will discuss the challenges faced by contractors and end-users and which technological advances have been made to provide safe, stable and solid mobile self-elevating platforms.
Metronidazole-induced cerebellar toxicity
Authors: Agarwal Amit , Kanekar Sangam , Sabat Shyam , Thamburaj Krishnamurthy
Published: April 2016

Metronidazole is a very common antibacterial and antiprotozoal with wide usage across the globe, including the least developed countries. It is generally well-tolerated with a low incidence of serious side-effects. Neurological toxicity is fairly common with this drug, however majority of these are peripheral neuropathy with very few cases of central nervous toxicity reported. We report the imaging findings in two patients with cerebellar dysfunction after Metronidazole usage. Signal changes in the dentate and red nucleus were seen on magnetic resonance imaging in these patients. Most of the cases reported in literature reported similar findings, suggesting high predilection for the dentate nucleus in metronidazole induced encephalopathy.
Esophageal stent placement as a therapeutic option for iatrogenic esophageal perforation in children
Authors: Ahmad Alsafadi , Wong Kee Song Louis M , Absah Imad
Published: April 2016

Iatrogenic esophageal perforation (IEP) is a potentially serious adverse event of interventional endoscopy. The approach to IEP varies from surgical repair for large perforations to conservative treatment for small contained perforations. We report a case of an 18-month-old girl with congenital esophageal stenosis suffering a large esophageal perforation after a trial of stricture dilatation, which was successfully managed by the placement of fully covered stent. Hence, in selected cases, esophageal stent placement is a feasible alternative to invasive surgery in managing IEP.
Energy consumption of Twisted File instrument used with rotary or reciprocating adaptive motion
Authors: Özyürek Taha , Keskin Cangül , Demiryürek Ebru Özsezer
Published: April 2016

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the energy consumption of Twisted File (TF) instrument used with rotary or adaptive motion (AM). Materials and Methods: Forty S-shaped Endo Training Blocks (Dentsply Maillefer) were used. Twenty were prepared using TF 25.06 in rotary motion (RM) group, and 20 were prepared using TF Adaptive SM2 in AM group. While engine-driven endodontic motors were connected to a digital wattmeter, the required torque for root canal instrumentation was analyzed by evaluating the electrical power consumption of the endodontic engine. Electric power consumption (mW/h), elapsed time (s), and a number of pecking motions required to reach the full working length (WL) were calculated. The data was statistically analyzed using Mann-Whitney U-test (P < 0.05). Results: Electrical power consumption during the preparation was significantly different between the groups; RM group exerted less electric power than reciprocating AM group did (P < 0.001). The required time to reach the full WL was not statistically significant between groups (P = 0.137). Conclusion: Within the limitation of this study, RM group exerted less electric power than reciprocating AM group did.
School Governing Body Election Deficiencies – Deliberative Democracy Knocking at the Door
Authors: Smit Marius
Published: April 2016

As forums, School Governing Bodies have the makings of a great and unique South African democratic tradition as they reflect local deliberations, participative decision-making by stakeholders in education.  The main contention of this article is that the SGB election processes at many public schools in South Africa are deficient. Legal analysis reveals the extent of non-uniformity of SGB election regulations among the nine provinces, as well as unlawful regulatory provisions, the unfair and undemocratic administration of the election process and misconceptions about democracy are causal factors that result deficiencies in SGB elections. The qualitative evidence affirms that parents are concerned about the insufficient information about candidates before and during elections, thus preventing voters from making informed decisions. Undemocratic features in the election process results in the election of unsuitable or incompetent candidates which has a detrimental effect on the governance of public schools. It is therefore recommended that a new set of nationally uniform SGB election regulations, which allows for transparent deliberation between candidates and voters should be promulgated before the next SGB election in order to address these shortcomings.
When the Judiciary Flouts Separation of Powers: Attenuating the Credibility of the National Prosecuting Authority (with Corrigendum)
Authors: Maqutu Lindiwe
Published: April 2016

The stature of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has been subverted through highly publicised political interference by the executive. Beginning with the marathon legal entanglements of the current South African president the decisions of sitting National Directors of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) on high-profile criminal matters, particularly those involving prominent members of the political leadership, have been marred with controversy. Undoubtedly unwarranted intrusion into the prosecutorial domain, at the behest of key political protagonists, has blighted the repute of the NPA. The judiciary too has played a pivotal, if lesser role, in eroding the sagging reputation of the NPA.

This article charts the narrative of judicial influence on the diminishing credibility of the NPA, using selected cases from the recent past. It shows that key political events such as the Zuma corruption saga have placed the judiciary together with political forces at centre stage where the focus is their culpability for exceeding their lawful mandate. Finding itself vulnerable as a result of its being the target of rhetoric casting doubt on its integrity and threatening its independence, the judiciary (through a crucial judgment) entered the political fray and positioned itself behind what it judged to be the pervasive political sentiment of the day. The article examines whether, subsequently, in an effort to curb undue political influence of the executive on the NPA, the Constitutional Court in Democratic Alliance v President of South Africa interpreted and extended judicial authority in a manner that violated the doctrine of separation of powers. Furthermore, the article argues that in Freedom Under Law v National Director of Public Prosecutions the court again misconstrued its powers by unduly interfering with the discretionary decision-making powers of the NDPP. These cases illustrate that, once they have been issued, the far reaching consequences of judicial decisions may not be erased by corrections during the appellate process. Far from being an impartial adjudicator, the judiciary has played a significant role in attenuating the stature of the NPA.
A Critique of the Unemployment Insurance Amendment Bill, 2015
Authors: Olivier Marius , Govindjee Avinash
Published: April 2016

The contribution critically reflects on the proposed amendments to the Unemployment Insurance Act Act 63 of 2001 (the UIA / the Act), introduced via the provisions of the Unemployment Insurance Amendment Bill of 2015 (B25-2015). Several shortcomings and deficiencies are addressed and improvements introduced by the proposed amending legislation, including the extension of coverage to a wider range of beneficiaries, the extension of the period of benefits (to a maximum of 365 days), the increase of the rate of maternity benefits of a (female) contributor's earnings, the adjustment of the accrual rate of a contributor's duration of benefits from 1 day for every 6 days of employment to 1 day for every 5 days of employment, and some attempt to provide for employment retention and the re-entry of unemployed contributors into the labour market.

And yet, despite these important contributions to the development of unemployment insurance in South Africa, several matters appearing from the Bill point towards inconsistent, inadequate and inappropriate treatment of core elements of the unemployment insurance system. Recommendations have been made to address these matters, which among others relate to:

The insufficient alignment of the UIA with ILO, UN and SADC standards in key areas of concern;

Unclear or absent provisions in relation to the coverage and/or application of the UIA in relation to public servants, migrant workers, and the self- and informally employed;

Inadequate provision for employment promotion, the prevention, combating and reduction of unemployment, and reintegration into employment;

Inappropriate provisions relating to benefit rates and periods, among others concerning the Minister's power to set/amend the Income Replacement Rate and to vary the benefit period by regulation;

Inconsistent and discriminatory provisions requiring a 13-week qualifying period for accessing maternity benefits;

Inappropriate provisions regarding dependants' benefits, including the strengthening of the existing claims hierarchy in favour of spouses and life partners at the expense of children;

The absence of an independent appeal institution; and

Poorly formulated provisions, with evident discord between the provisions of the Bill and the Memorandum settings out its objectives.
Clinical Legal Education Models: Recommended Assessment Regimes
Authors: Du Plessis Riette (MA)
Published: April 2016

Clinical legal education (CLE) forms part of the LLB curriculum at most South African Universities. There are many similarities in the approach to CLE, but often also many differences. The clinical models of four South African university law clinics are reviewed in an effort to find suitable models. It is indicated that formulating a mission for the law clinic will have a direct impact on the clinical model chosen. The integration of CLE courses into the core curriculum of the law school will reveal CLE's value as a teaching methodology. Pedagogic aims can be set and achieved as CLE has intellectual worth in that it enables students to better understand concepts and principles of law and the application thereof in practice. It is therefore recommended that CLE courses be mandatory. The pedagogy of CLE is comprised of three basic components, namely clinical experience, tutorial sessions, and classroom instruction. The extent to which these three components find application in the four South African university law clinics under review is indicated. The principles of assessment are stated. Assessment methods appropriate for application in CLE courses, as indicated in a comprehensive study of the topic are discussed as to their applicability to CLE courses in the South African environment.
Editorial
Authors: Healy Chris , Schlunke Katrina
Published: April 2016

Editorial by Chris Healy and Katrina Schlunke.
Darning Mark’s Jumper: Wearing Love and Sorrow
Authors: De Perthuis Karen
Published: April 2016

Some garments demand a narrative of their own. Such was the case with a jumper that I darned for my partner in the winter of 2010. The jumper was old and moth-eaten; Mark was gravely ill with only a few months left to live. In the process of darning, each stitch was an act of love, each passage of the needle restoring something that had been eaten away.This article explores the multiple levels of meaning that run through the narrative I have woven around darning Mark’s jumper – an irreplaceable garment – at once priceless but worthless, worn but unwearable, empty yet embodied. It explores the concept of the fetish and draws on Igor Kopytoff’s analysis of our relationship to commodities and things in the modern, capitalist economy, where discarding and replacing old clothes with new is the default option. The theoretical heart of this paper, however, lies with Elizabeth Wilson’s writings on the ‘quasi-magical properties and meanings’ of a garment and with the work of Peter Stallybrass, who has written brilliantly on how in moments of crisis, in the ruptures of our lives, in mourning, it is to these irrational attachments that we turn.
‘Such Stuff as Dreams are Made On’: Encountering Clothes, Imagining Selves
Authors: Findlay Rosie
Published: April 2016

In a personal essay, Ida Hattemer-Higgins describes the discovery of a decrepit store in Athens brimming with designer deadstock from decades past. The clothes she finds therein are the stuff of dreams for any fashion enthusiast, as is the store itself, a dim, forgotten place where garments are concealed like buried treasure under layers of dust, and where the author herself drifts into a state of semi-consciousness. What Hattemer-Higgins describes is the sensual pleasure of finding beautiful clothes, and the future self that she imagines being when she wears them. This article considers the relationship between the garments we wear and the selves we imagine into them in trying them on, buying them, and wearing them in every day life. These modalities are explored through a phenomenological discussion of dress, with reference to Hattemer-Higgins’s essay as well as my own lived experience of dressing.
The Stuart Hall Conjuncture
Authors: Bennett Tony
Published: April 2016

I recall distinctly when and where I first heard of Stuart Hall. It was in 1973 at a residential school I had organised at the University of Bristol on Marxism and Literature with Raymond Williams and E.P Thompson as its main—indeed, only— speakers. And it was Thompson who mentioned Stuart, saying that I ought to have asked him to speak in Thompson’s place. I put this down to Thompson’s characteristic modesty, for both he and Williams had commanded their audience’s attention throughout a memorable weekend. But I logged the name and began to look up Stuart’s work
Stuart Hall: Reflections, Memories, Appreciations
Authors: Curthoys Ann , Docker John
Published: April 2016

Stuart Hall was many things: public intellectual, academic leader, writer, editor, teacher, political activist, family man and friend. We write here of the two aspects we knew personally, writer and friend. Like so many of us engaged in the early formation of cultural and media studies, we both read and were seriously influenced by his work. John discussed Stuart Hall’s work extensively in his PhD thesis on Australian literature of the 1890s in international contexts, and Stuart was one of his examiners. Ann read Stuart’s work in the late 1970s, having just arrived to teach in the BA (Communication) degree at what was then the NSW Institute of Technology, ten years later to become University of Technology, Sydney (UTS).
Understanding the recent trend of haze pollution in eastern China: roles of climate change
Authors: Wang Hui-Jun , Chen Huo-Po
Published: April 2016

Abstract. In this paper, the variation and trend of haze pollution in eastern China for winter of 1960–2012 were analyzed. With the overall increasing number of winter haze days in this period, the 5 decades were divided into three sub-periods based on the changes of winter haze days (WHD) in central North China (30–40° N) and eastern South China (south of 30° N) for east of 109° E mainland China. Results show that WHD kept gradually increasing during 1960–1979, remained stable overall during 1980–1999, and increased fast during 2000–2012. The author identified the major climate forcing factors besides total energy consumption. Among all the possible climate factors, variability of the autumn Arctic sea ice extent, local precipitation and surface wind during winter is most influential to the haze pollution change. The joint effect of fast increase of total energy consumption, rapid decline of Arctic sea ice extent and reduced precipitation and surface winds intensified the haze pollution in central North China after 2000. There is a similar conclusion for haze pollution in eastern South China after 2000, with the precipitation effect being smaller and spatially inconsistent.
Multi-year record of atmospheric mercury at Dumo d’Urville, East Antarctic coast: continental outflow and oceanic influences
Authors: Angot Hélène , Dion Iris , Vogel Nicolas , Legrand Michel , Magand Olivier , Dommergue Aurélien
Published: April 2016

Abstract. Under the framework of the Global Mercury Observation System (GMOS) project, a 3.5-year record of atmospheric gaseous elemental mercury (Hg(0)) has been gathered at Dumont d’Urville (DDU, 66°40’S, 140°01’E, 43 m above sea level) on the East Antarctic coast. Additionally, surface snow samples were collected in February 2009 during a traverse between Concordia Station located on the East Antarctic plateau and DDU. The record of atmospheric Hg(0) at DDU reveals particularities that are not seen at other coastal sites: a gradual decrease of concentrations over the course of winter, and a daily maximum concentration around midday in summer. Additionally, total mercury concentrations in surface snow samples were particularly elevated near DDU (up to 194.4 ng L−1) as compared to measurements at other coastal Antarctic sites. These differences can be explained by the more frequent arrival of inland air masses at DDU than at other coastal sites. This confirms the influence of processes observed on the Antarctic plateau on the cycle of atmospheric mercury at a continental scale, especially in areas subject to recurrent katabatic winds. DDU is also influenced by oceanic air masses and our data suggest that the ocean plays a dual role on Hg(0) concentrations. The open ocean may represent a source of atmospheric Hg(0) in summer whereas the sea-ice surface may provide reactive halogens in spring that can oxidize Hg(0).
Sulphur dioxide (SO2) vertical column density measurements by Pandora spectrometer over the Canadian oil sands
Authors: Fioletov Vitali E. , McLinden Chris A. , Cede Alexander , Davies Jonathan , Mihele Cristian , Netcheva Stoyka , Li Shao-Meng , O’Brien Jason
Published: April 2016

Abstract. Vertical column densities (VCDs) of SO2 retrieved by a Pandora spectral sunphotometer at Fort McKay, Alberta, Canada, from 2013–2015 were analysed. The Fort McKay site is located in the Canadian oil sands region approximately 20 km north of two major SO2 sources (upgraders) with total emission of about 45 kt yr−1. Elevated SO2 VCD values were frequently recorded by the instrument with the highest values of about 9 DU (1 DU = 2.69•1016 molecules•cm−2). Comparisons with co-located in-situ measurements demonstrated that there was a very good correlation between VCDs and surface concentrations in some cases, while in the others elevated VCDs did not correspond to high surface concentrations suggesting the plume was above the ground. Elevated VCDs and surface concentrations were observed when the wind direction was from south to southeast, i.e. from the direction of the two local SO2 sources. The statistical error of the Pandora SO2 VCDs from the spectral fitting uncertainty is under 0.05 DU for optimal observation conditions. The precision of the SO2 measurements, estimated from parallel measurements by two Pandora instruments at Toronto, is 0.17 DU. The total uncertainty of Pandora SO2 VCD, estimated using measurements when the wind direction was away from the sources, is under 0.26 DU (1-σ). Comparisons with integrated SO2 profiles from concurrent aircraft measurements support these estimates.
Characterisation and improvement of j(O1D) filter radiometers
Authors: Bohn Birger , Heard Dwayne E. , Mihalopoulos Nikolaos , Plass-Dülmer Christian , Schmitt Rainer , Whalley Lisa K.
Published: April 2016

Abstract. Atmospheric O3 → O(1D) photolysis frequencies j(O1D) are crucial parameters for atmospheric photochemistry because of their importance for primary OH formation. Filter radiometers have been used for many years for in-situ field measurements of j(O1D). Typically the relationship between the output of the instruments and j(O1D) is non-linear because of changes in the shape of the solar spectrum dependent on solar zenith angles and total ozone columns. These non-linearities can be compensated by a correction method based on laboratory measurements of the spectral sensitivity of the filter radiometer and simulated solar actinic flux density spectra. Although this correction is routinely applied, the results of a previous field comparison study of several filter radiometers revealed that some corrections were inadequate. In this work the spectral characterisations of seven instruments were revised and the correction procedures were updated and harmonized considering recent recommendations of absorption cross sections and quantum yields of the photolysis process O3 → O(1D). Previous inconsistencies were largely removed using these procedures. In addition, optical interference filters were replaced to improve the spectral properties of the instruments. Successive determinations of spectral sensitivities and field comparisons of the modified instruments with a spectroradiometer reference confirmed the improved performance. Overall, filter radiometers remain a low-maintenance alternative of spectroradiometers for accurate measurements of j(O1D) provided their spectral properties are known and potential drifts in sensitivities are monitored by regular calibrations with standard lamps or reference instruments.
GOCI Yonsei Aerosol Retrieval (YAER) algorithm and validation during the DRAGON-NE Asia 2012 campaign
Authors: Choi Myungje , Kim Jhoon , Lee Jaehwa , Kim Mijin , Park Young-Je , Jeong Ukkyo , Kim Woogyung , Hong Hyunkee , Holben Brent , Eck Thomas F. , Song Chul H. , Lim Jae-Hyun , Song Chang-Keun
Published: April 2016

Abstract. The Geostationary Ocean Color Imager (GOCI) onboard the Communication, Ocean, and Meteorological Satellite (COMS) is the first multi-channel ocean color imager in geostationary orbit. Hourly GOCI top-of-atmosphere radiance has been available for the retrieval of aerosol optical properties over East Asia since March 2011. This study presents improvements made to the GOCI Yonsei Aerosol Retrieval (YAER) algorithm together with validation results during the Distributed Regional Aerosol Gridded Observation Networks – Northeast Asia 2012 campaign (DRAGON-NE Asia 2012 campaign). The evaluation during the spring season over East Asia is important because of high aerosol concentrations and diverse types of Asian dust and haze. Optical properties of aerosol are retrieved from the GOCI YAER algorithm including aerosol optical depth (AOD) at 550 nm, fine-mode fraction (FMF) at 550 nm, single-scattering albedo (SSA) at 440 nm, Ångström exponent (AE) between 440 and 860 nm, and aerosol type. The aerosol models are created based on a global analysis of the Aerosol Robotic Networks (AERONET) inversion data, and covers a broad range of size distribution and absorptivity, including nonspherical dust properties. The Cox–Munk ocean bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) model is used over ocean, and an improved minimum reflectance technique is used over land. Because turbid water is persistent over the Yellow Sea, the land algorithm is used for such cases. The aerosol products are evaluated against AERONET observations and MODIS Collection 6 aerosol products retrieved from Dark Target (DT) and Deep Blue (DB) algorithms during the DRAGON-NE Asia 2012 campaign conducted from March to May 2012. Comparison of AOD from GOCI and AERONET resulted in a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.881 and a linear regression equation with GOCI AOD  =  1.083  ×  AERONET AOD − 0.042. The correlation between GOCI and MODIS AODs is higher over ocean than land. GOCI AOD shows better agreement with MODIS DB than MODIS DT. The other GOCI YAER products (AE, FMF, and SSA) show lower correlation with AERONET than AOD, but still show some skills for qualitative use.
Validation of TANSO-FTS/GOSAT XCO2 and XCH4 glint mode retrievals using TCCON data from near-ocean sites
Authors: Zhou Minqiang , Dils Bart , Wang Pucai , Detmers Rob , Yoshida Yukio , O'Dell Christopher W. , Feist Dietrich G. , Velazco Voltaire Almario , Schneider Matthias , De Mazière Martine
Published: April 2016

Abstract. The thermal And near infrared sensor for carbon observations Fourier transform spectrometer (TANSO-FTS) on board the Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite (GOSAT) applies the normal nadir mode above the land (“land data”) and sun glint mode over the ocean (“ocean data”) to provide global distributions of column-averaged dry-air mole fractions of CO2 and CH4, or XCO2 and XCH4. Several algorithms have been developed to obtain highly accurate greenhouse gas concentrations from TANSO-FTS/GOSAT spectra. So far, all the retrieval algorithms have been validated with the measurements from ground-based Fourier transform spectrometers from the Total Carbon Column Observing Network (TCCON), but limited to the land data. In this paper, the ocean data of the SRPR, SRFP (the proxy and full-physics versions 2.3.5 of SRON/KIT's RemoTeC algorithm), NIES (National Institute for Environmental Studies operational algorithm version 02.21) and ACOS (NASA's Atmospheric CO2 Observations from Space version 3.5) are compared with FTIR measurements from five TCCON sites and nearby GOSAT land data.For XCO2, both land and ocean data of NIES, SRFP and ACOS show good agreement with TCCON measurements. Averaged over all TCCON sites, the relative biases of ocean data and land data are −0.33 and −0.13 % for NIES, 0.03 and 0.04 % for SRFP, 0.06 and −0.03 % for ACOS, respectively. The relative scatter ranges between 0.31 and 0.49 %. For XCH4, the relative bias of ocean data is even less than that of the land data for the NIES (0.02 vs. −0.35 %), SRFP (0.04 vs. 0.20 %) and SRPR (−0.02 vs. 0.06 %) algorithms. Compared to the results for XCO2, the XCH4 retrievals show larger relative scatter (0.65–0.81 %).
Air quality modeling with WRF-Chem v3.5 in East Asia: sensitivity to emissions and evaluation of simulated air quality
Authors: Zhong Min , Saikawa Eri , Liu Yang , Naik Vaishali , Horowitz Larry W. , Takigawa Masayuki , Zhao Yu , Lin Neng-Huei , Stone Elizabeth A.
Published: April 2016

Abstract. We conducted simulations using the Weather Research and Forecasting model coupled with Chemistry (WRF-Chem) version 3.5 to study air quality in East Asia at a spatial resolution of 20 km  ×  20 km. We find large discrepancies between two existing emissions inventories: the Regional Emission Inventory in ASia version 2 (REAS) and the Emissions Database for Global Atmospheric Research version 4.2 (EDGAR) at the provincial level in China, with maximum differences of up to 500 % for CO emissions, 190 % for NO, and 160 % for primary PM10. Such discrepancies in the magnitude and the spatial distribution of emissions for various species lead to a 40–70 % difference in surface PM10 concentrations, 16–20 % in surface O3 mixing ratios, and over 100 % in SO2 and NO2 mixing ratios in the polluted areas of China. WRF-Chem is sensitive to emissions, with the REAS-based simulation reproducing observed concentrations and mixing ratios better than the EDGAR-based simulation for July 2007. We conduct additional model simulations using REAS emissions for January, April, July, and October of 2007 and evaluate simulations with available ground-level observations. The model results illustrate clear regional variations in the seasonal cycle of surface PM10 and O3 over East Asia. The model meets the air quality model performance criteria for both PM10 (mean fractional bias, MFB ⩽ ±60 %) and O3 (MFB ⩽ ±15 %) at most of the observation sites, although the model underestimates PM10 over northeastern China in January. The model predicts the observed SO2 well at sites in Japan, while it tends to overestimate SO2 in China in July and October. The model underestimates observed NO2 in all 4 months. Our study highlights the importance of constraining emissions at the provincial level for regional air quality modeling over East Asia. Our results suggest that future work should focus on the improvement of provincial-level emissions especially estimating primary PM, SO2, and NOx.
Hazard mapping related to structurally controlled landslides in Southern Leyte, Philippines
Authors: Luzon Paul Kenneth , Montalbo Kristina , Galang Jam , Sabado Jasmine May , Escape Carmille Marie , Felix Raquel , Lagmay Alfredo Mahar Francisco
Published: April 2016

Abstract. The 2006 Guinsaugon landslide in Saint Bernard, Southern Leyte, is one of the largest known landslides in the Philippines in recent history. It consists of a 15–20 million m3 rockslide-debris avalanche from an approximately 675 m high mountain weakened by continuous movement of the Philippine Fault. The catastrophic Guinsaugon landslide killed 1221 people and displaced 19 000 residents over its 4.5 km path. To investigate the present-day morphology of the scar and potential failure that may occur, analysis of a 5 m resolution InSAR-derived digital elevation model was conducted using Coltop3D and Matterocking software, leading to the generation of a landslide hazard map for the province of Southern Leyte in central Philippines. The dip and dip direction of discontinuity sets that contribute to gravitational failure in mountainous areas of the province were identified and measured using a lower Schmidt–Lambert color scheme. After measurement of the morpho-structural orientations, potential sites of failure were analyzed. Conefall was then utilized to compute the extent of rock mass runout. Results of the analysis show instability in the scarp area of the 2006 Guinsaugon landslide and in adjacent slopes because of the presence of steep discontinuities that range from 45 to 60°. Apart from the 2006 Guinsaugon landslide site, runout models simulated farther rock mass extent in its adjacent slopes, revealing a high potential for fatal landslides to happen in the municipality of Saint Bernard. Concerned agencies may use maps produced in the same manner as this study to identify possible sites where structurally controlled landslides can occur. In a country like the Philippines, where fractures and faults are common, this type of simulated hazard maps would be useful for disaster prevention and facilitate disaster risk reduction efforts for landslide-susceptible areas.