bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mathematical Models for the Dynamics Simulation of Tuberculosis
Authors: Chung Chun Yen , Chung Hung Yuan , Sung Wen Tsai
Published: September 2013

In recent years, following malaria, tuberculosis, AIDS, Novel Influenza, and other infectious diseases, have an enormous impact on the entire globe, and directly and profoundly awaken the public, making them cognitive and alert regarding emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. For some countries or developing regions, tuberculosis is still very serious, however, the public is still unclear TB development and change a variety of factors, therefore, need a model theory of tuberculosis. In view of this, the global epidemic, scientists and statisticians hope to further develop a complete inspection and data acquisition system and is committed to the existing monitoring system, and through the establishment of mathematical models and the spread of infectious diseases dynamics of quantitative methods to facilitate the practical application and control of epidemics, trends and cost-benefit assessment, and help build disease prevention policies, evaluation and revision.
Motion Planning of the Mobile Robot Using Laser Detection System
Authors: Guo Jr Hung , Li Bo Yi , Lin Shih Ping , Su Kuo Lan
Published: September 2013

The paper programs motion paths using laser detection system for the mobile robot. The laser detection system contains a laser range finder and a laser positioning system. The mobile robot is constructed using aluminum frame, and has the shape of cylinder and its diameter, height and weight is 40 cm, 80cm and 40kg respectively. In the driver system and avoidance obstacle driver system, we use NI motion control card and MAXON drivers to control two DC servomotors, and detect obstacle using a laser range finder and sixteen reflective IR sensors. The mobile robot locates the position of the detected obstacles using a laser positioning system. The mobile robot can program the motion path using A* searching algorithm and avoids the detected obstacles to follow the programmed trajectory. We develop the user interface to display the positions of the detected obstacles. Finally, we implement the experimental results using the proposed method. The mobile robot moves to the target position from the start position autonomously. The mobile robot detects environment status using the laser detection system and avoids the detected obstacles to finish the assigned tasks.
The Study on the Emotion Factor Extraction from Korean SMS (Short Message Service) Text for Robot Service
Authors: Choi Dong Yup , Park Jin Kyu , Kim Yong Jae
Published: September 2013

This study is on the method of emotion extraction from Korean SMS text elements. There are errors and contradictions in the application of the results translated from foreign language, due to the difference of word origin to express the emotion. The extraction method was developed based on the characteristic of the Korean language, to minimize errors in emotion extraction. One of important characteristics of the Korean language is that emotion expressing words are mostly based on the changes in the body. The classification system developed is expected to be effective for robotic service.
Enhancing Tower Crane Safety Using Condition Monitoring System
Authors: Zhang Nan Qing , Yu Miao , Zhang Xia , Fu Jie , Wu Hong Song
Published: September 2013

Tower crane is playing a more and more important role in the construction of high-rise buildings. However, crane operators do not acquire adequate conditioning information from tower crane itself to control the tower crane. In order to work safer and more efficient, this paper presents a condition monitoring system (CMS) that provides a solution to receive sufficient information. The CMS can monitor the detailed and comprehensive information, such as lifting moment, swing amplitude and lifting weight, which is related to the safety of tower crane in real time with sense, signal processing and wireless technologies. This CMS aims at degrading the tower crane accidents and protecting the project manager, construction equipment and operators from dangerous situation.
EVALUATION OF THE STORM EVENT MODEL DWSM ON A MEDIUM-SIZED WATERSHED IN CENTRAL NEW YORK, USA
Authors: Gao Peng , Borah Deva K. , Josefson Maria
Published: September 2013

DWSM is a dynamic watershed simulation model that predicts distributed hydrograph and associated sediment discharge graph (sedigraph) of a watershed for a given storm event. Its performance, however, is not extensively tested in medium and large watersheds. Here, we applied DWSM to Upper Oneida Creek watershed located in central New York, USA with an area of 311 km2 by dividing it into topographically connected 42 overland elements and 21 channel sections. Field-measured water discharge and sediment concentration data during two storm events, one on 9/30/2010 and the other on 6/28/2010, were used to test the performance of DWSM. Model simulation was performed by calibrating the key adjustable parameters in the input file till the best outcomes were achieved. The final results showed that during calibration for the 9/30/2010 event, DWSM successfully predicted the peak water discharge and its arriving time with the errors of -3.3% and 0%, respectively, and peak sediment discharge and its arriving time with the errors of -0.6% and -0.03%, respectively. For the whole event, DWSM under-predicted total water volume and event sediment load by 10.7% and 22.3%, respectively. Sensitivity analysis indicated that DWSM is most sensitive to the curve number adjustment factor, as well as factors representing flow resistance and flow detachment ability. During validation using the 6/28/2010 event, DWSM showed even better performance in predicting not only the peak values, but also event total values. These results showed that DWSM has the potential of successfully predicting event hydrology and sediment transport in the study watershed.
ARSENIC CONTAMINATION IN GROUNDWATER: A STATISTICAL MODELING
Authors: Roy Palas , Mondal Naba Kumar , Das Biswajit , Das Kousik
Published: September 2013

High arsenic in natural groundwater in most of the tubewells of the Purbasthali- Block II area of Burdwan district (W.B, India) has recently been focused as a serious environmental concern. This paper is intending to illustrate the statistical modeling of the arsenic contaminated groundwater to identify the interrelation of that arsenic contain with other participating groundwater parameters so that the arsenic contamination level can easily be predicted by analyzing only such parameters. Multivariate data analysis was done with the collected groundwater samples from the 132 tubewells of this contaminated region shows that three variable parameters are significantly related with the arsenic. Based on these relationships, a multiple linear regression model has been developed that estimated the arsenic contamination by measuring such three predictor parameters of the groundwater variables in the contaminated aquifer. This model could also be a suggestive tool while designing the arsenic removal scheme for any affected groundwater.
A REVIEW ON EFFICACIOUS METHODS TO DECOLORIZE REACTIVE AZO DYE
Authors: Vijayaraghavan Josephraj , Sardhar Basha S. J. , Jegan Joe
Published: September 2013

This paper deals with the intensive review of reactive azo dye, Reactive Black 5. Various physicochemical methods namely photo catalysis, electrochemical, adsorption, hydrolysis and biological methods like microbial degradation, biosorption and bioaccumulation have been analyzed thoroughly along with the merits and demerits of each method. Among these various methods, biological treatment methods are found to be the best for decolorization of Reactive Black 5. With respect to dye biosorption, microbial biomass (bacteria, fungi, microalgae, etc), and outperformed macroscopic materials (seaweeds, crab shell, etc.) are used for decolorization process. The use of living organisms may not be an option for the continuous treatment of highly toxic organic/inorganic contaminants. Once the toxicant concentration becomes too high or the process operated for a long time, the amount of toxicant accumulated will reach saturation. Beyond this point, an organism's metabolism may be interrupted, resulting in death of the organism. This scenario is not existed in the case of dead biomass, which is flexible to environmental conditions and toxicant concentrations. Thus, owing to its favorable characteristics, biosorption has received much attention in recent years.
URBAN GROWTH AND WATER QUALITY IN THIMPHU, BHUTAN
Authors: Giri Nandu , Singh O. P.
Published: September 2013

Detailed study was undertaken in 2008 and 2009 on assessment of water quality of River Wang Chhu which flows through Thimphu urban area, the capital city of Bhutan. The water samples were examined at upstream of urban area, within the urban area and its downstream. The water samples were analyzed by studying the physico-chemical, biological and benthic macro-invertebrates. The water quality data obtained during present study are discussed in relation to land use/land cover changes(LULC) and various ongoing human activities at upstream, within the each activity areas and it’s downstream. Analyses of satellite imagery of 1990 and 2008 using GIS revealed that over a period of eighteen years the forest, scrub and agricultural areas have decreased whereas urban area and road network have increased considerably. The forest cover, agriculture area and scrub decreased from 43.3% to 42.57%, 6.88% to 5.33% and 42.55% to 29.42%, respectively. The LULC changes effect water quality in many ways. The water temperature, pH, conductivity, total dissolved solids, turbidity, nitrate, phosphate, chloride, total coliform, and biological oxygen demand were lower at upstream and higher in urban area. On the other hand dissolved oxygen was found higher at upstream and lower in urban area. The pollution sensitive benthic macro-invertebrates population were dominant at upstream sampling sites whereas pollution tolerant benthic macro-invertebrates were found abundant in urban area and its immediate downstream. The rapid development of urban infrastructure in Thimphu city may be posing serious threats to water regime in terms of its quality. Though the deterioration of water quality is restricted to a few localized areas, the trend is serious and needs proper attention of policy planners and decision makers. Proper treatment of effluents from urban areas is urgently needed to reduce water pollution in such affected areas to check further deterioration of water quality. This present study which is based on upstream, within urban area and downstream of Thimphu city can be considered as an eye opener.
OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE OF VERTICAL UPFLOW ROUGHING FILTER FOR PRE-TREATMENT OF LEACHATE USING LIMESTONE FILTER MEDIA
Authors: Affam Augustine Chioma
Published: September 2013

This study was conducted to investigate the removal of COD, BOD, turbidity and colour from leachate using vertical upflow filtration technique. Limestone media with a density of 2554kg/m3 was crushed and graded in sizes of 4-8 mm, 8-12 mm and 12-18 mm. Trial runs were done before the main experiment at an interval of 24 h analysis. Leachate was between pH 7.94 to 8.12 before experiments but increased to pH 8.42 after the filtration process. Maximum headloss at steady flow rate 20mL/min was 0.5 cm. The optimum treatment was achieved with 4 – 8 mm, 8 – 12 mm & 12 – 18 mm media size in combination and removal efficiency was 22 to 81 %, 22 to 75 %, 32 to 86 %, and 36 to 62 % for BOD, COD, turbidity and colour respectively. Vertical upflow roughing filter can be used for pre-treatment of leachate before further treatment.
Writing skills and strategies of bilingual immigrant students learning Greek as a second language and English as a foreign language
Authors: Griva Eleni , Chostelidou Dora
Published: September 2013

The present study was concerned with eliciting information about the problems that bilingual or immigrant students’ encounter and the strategies that they employ whilst writing in Greek as a second language (GL2) and in English as a foreign language (EFL). The sample consisted of a total of 32 bilingual students, aged between 10 and 12 from Albanian, Russian and Georgian families. The study followed a qualitative and quantitative method of data collection and analysis: (1) a screening writing test was used for student selection and their categorisation into skilled and less skilled writers; (2) student think-aloud reports and retrospective interviews were used to collect data whilst students were writing in GL2 and EFL. The findings indicated that the skilled bilingual writers held a much broader and complex view of their own writing process and showed more strategic knowledge compared to less-skilled writers. In particular, they were more flexible in using both cognitive and metacognitive strategies and employed a wider range of more ‘elaborated’ strategies. In contrast, the less-skilled writers had a more limited knowledge of the writing task, and they adopted lower-level processes and strategies. However, they had adequate awareness of their own writing problems related to word level, and they employed certain compensation strategies to overcome writing weaknesses. Some suggestions are made about the creation of educational and teaching conditions for developing bilingual students’ linguistic cognitive and metacognitive skills and expanding opportunities for them to become autonomous writers.
Evaluating Nicotine Levels Selection and Patterns of Electronic Cigarette use in a Group of “Vapers” Who Had Achieved Complete Substitution of Smoking
Authors: Farsalinos Konstantinos E. , Romagna Giorgio , Tsiapras Dimitris , Kyrzopoulos Stamatis , Voudris Vassilis
Published: September 2013

Background

Electronic cigarettes (ECs) are alternative-to-smoking nicotine delivery devices; consumers (commonly called vapers) use them in order to reduce or completely substitute smoking. The European Commission has released a proposal for a new Tobacco Product Directive that might reduce availability of nicotine-containing products, including ECs. In this study, the EC use patterns in subjects who have completely substituted smoking with EC use were examined by personal interviews. The study focused on nicotine levels used in order to achieve smoking cessation, reported benefits, associated side effects, and estimation of EC dependence compared with smoking.

Methods

Participants were 111 subjects who had completely substituted smoking with EC use for at least 1 month. Smoking abstinence was validated by measuring blood carboxyhemoglobin levels. Nicotine levels at initiation of EC use, at time of smoking cessation, and at time of interview were recorded. Dependence potential was assessed by asking the first question of the Fagerström Test for Cigarette Dependence (time until smoking the first cigarette and until first use of EC in the morning) and questions about perceived past dependence on tobacco cigarettes and present dependence on EC.

Results

Forty-two percent of participants reported quitting smoking during the first month of EC use. Liquids with nicotine concentration >15 mg/mL were used by 74% of users at initiation of EC use, while 16.2% had to increase the initial nicotine levels in order to achieve complete smoking abstinence. Seventy-two participants (64.9%) reported that from the time of smoking cessation to the time of the interview (8 months median duration of EC use) they reduced the nicotine concentration they were consuming; however, only 12% of the total sample was using ≤5 mg/mL nicotine concentration at the time of the interview. Side effects were mild and temporary. The vast majority of participants reported better exercise capacity and improved olfactory and gustatory senses. Perceived EC dependenct was significantly lower compared to smoking.

Conclusions

Nicotine levels appear to play an important role in achieving and maintaining smoking cessation in the group of motivated subjects studied. High nicotine-containing liquids were used while few mild and temporary side effects were reported. Proposals about regulation should consider the pragmatic use patterns of ECs, especially in consumers who have completely substituted smoking.
Utilization of kudzu as a lead phytoremediator and the impact of lead on selected physiological responses
Authors: Schwarzauer-Rockett Kristin , Al-Hamdani Safaa H. , Rayburn James R. , Mwebi Nixon O.
Published: September 2013

Schwarzauer-Rockett, K., Al-Hamdani, S. H., Rayburn, J. R. and Mwebi, N. O. 2013. Utilization of kudzu as a lead phytoremediator and the impact of lead on selected physiological responses. Can. J. Plant Sci. 93: 951–959. This study was carried out to evaluate kudzu [Pueraria montana var. lobata (Willd.)] in lead phytoremediation. The impact of lead (PbNO3) concentrations of 100 and 200 mg L−1on plant growth, photosynthetic pigments, photosynthesis, and stomatal conductance were evaluated. Additionally, concentrations of phenolic compounds and anthocyanin were determined. The lead was dissolved in 0.142 g L−1ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and an EDTA control treatment was added to evaluate the impact of EDTA on the above selected plant responses. Root accumulation of lead was significantly higher than in the shoot. Kudzu growth in response to the presence of lead and EDTA in the Hoagland's solution was similar to that of the EDTA control, except for plants growing at 200 mg L−1, which showed significantly lower root dry weight. Total phenolic compounds increased with the presence of EDTA and lead in the Hoagland's solution. Photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b, carotenoids, and anthocyanin were not different (P≤0.05) among the treatments, with the exception that carotenoids were significantly higher in plants growing in the presence of EDTA without lead compared with 200 mg L−1lead concentration. Kudzu accumulated most of the lead in the root and therefore can be considered as a rhizofiltrator. As kudzu was able to accumulate 1.02% (wt/wt) of lead it can be considered a hyper-accumulator.
Yield and nutritive value of irrigated tall fescue compared with orchardgrass: In monocultures or mixed with alfalfa
Authors: Thompson Donald
Published: September 2013

Thompson, D. J. 2013. Yield and nutritive value of irrigated tall fescue compared with orchardgrass: in monocultures or mixed with alfalfa. Can. J. Plant Sci. 93: 799–807. Orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) is commonly grown for irrigated forage production in interior British Columbia. Tall fescue [Schedonorus phoenix (Schop.) Holub.] is also adapted to the area but no comparative trials have been reported. Three varieties of each grass species were grown in monocultures or in mixtures with alfalfa at three irrigated sites throughout southern interior British Columbia. Study objectives included comparing the forage yield and nutritive value of the following groups: (1) tall fescue and orchardgrass monocultures, (2) tall fescue and orchardgrass mixtures with alfalfa and (3) grass-alfalfa mixtures with monocultures. In monoculture, tall fescue yield was 9% greater than orchardgrass (significantly greater yield at 3 of 6 site-years), though forage nutritive values were similar. Mixtures of the two grasses with alfalfa had similar yields, but those containing tall fescue had superior nutritive value. Alfalfa contributed a greater percentage to total yield and had higher survival when mixed with tall fescue. Tall fescue is a viable alternative to orchardgrass for irrigated forage production in monoculture and may be more suitable for mixtures with alfalfa. Our findings demonstrate a functional diversity effect; grass-alfalfa mixtures over-yielded the mean of the alfalfa, orchardgrass, and tall fescue monocultures by 12%.
Comparison of sequential preemergence-postemergence and postemergence-alone weed management strategies for red beet (Beta vulgaris L.)
Authors: Robinson Darren E. , McNaughton Kristen E. , Bilyea David
Published: September 2013

Robinson, D. E., McNaughton, K. E. and Bilyea, D. 2013. Comparison of sequential preemergence-postemergence and postemergence-alone weed management strategies during critical period of red beet ( Beta vulgaris L.). Can. J. Plant Sci. 93: 863–870. Weed management during the first 4 wk after red beet emergence is critical to prevent yield loss. The purpose of this research was to compare weed control and red beet tolerance of postemergence (POST) treatments alone (full, split- and micro-rates of pyrazon plus triflusulfuron) with sequential preemergence (PRE) applications of s-metolachlor followed by these POST herbicide treatments. The experiment was carried out for 4 yr as a randomized complete block with four replications. Of the POST alone treatments examined, control of velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti Medik.), redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus L.), common lambsquarters (Chenopodium album L.) and green foxtail [Setaria viridis L. (Beauv.)] was 98, 86, 97 and 62%, respectively. Much more consistent control of all species (i.e., greater than 96%) was measured where the sequential treatment of s-metolachlor was applied PRE followed by POST split- or micro-rates in all study years. Red beet density and soluble solid levels were not different than the weed-free check in any of the POST or sequential treatments. However, red beet yield in the POST single and split-rate treatments alone ranged from 9500 to 12100 kg ha−1, and was significantly less than in the weed-free check (19400 kg ha−1). Yields in the sequential treatments were comparable to the weed-free check. The results of this study confirm that a sequential treatment of PRE s-metolachlor followed by POST split- and micro-rate applications of pyrazon plus triflusulfuron can be safely applied to red beet and control annual weed species.
Excision of a selectable marker in transgenic lily (Sorbonne) using theCre/loxPDNA excision system
Authors: Li Sh. , Du Y.-P. , Wu Zh.-Y. , Huang C.-L. , Zhang X.-H. , Wang Zh.-X. , Jia G.-X.
Published: September 2013

Li, S. H., Du, Y.-P., Wu, Z. H.-Y., Huang, C.-L., Zhang, X.-H., Wang, Z. H.-X. and Jia, G.-X. 2013. Excision of a selectable marker in transgenic lily (Sorbonne) using the Cre/loxP DNA excision system. Can. J. Plant Sci. 93: 903–912. To generate transgenic lily plants with no selectable marker and improved tolerance to abiotic stress, two vectors were co-transformed into the Lilium oriental hybrid Sorbonne by particle bombardment. The pKSB vector included the Cre/loxp-mediated site-specific cDNA excision system under control of the inducible promoter rd29A, and the pBPC-P5CS-F129A vector carried the P5CS gene, which we hypothesized would improve resistance to drought and salt stresses in transgenic lily plantlets. The presence of the two genes was simultaneously detected by PCR and Southern blotting in two resistant plantlets. The co-transformation rate was 0.16%. Subsequently, inducer expression was tested under varying conditions to optimize the deletion of marker gene. Results from molecular detection assays revealed that maintaining bases of bulblet scales at 4°C for 12 h resulted in an increase in the excision rate, reaching 60%. Expression of P5CS improved resistance to salt stress in transgenic lily plantlets. These results demonstrated the feasibility of using the Cre/loxP-based marker elimination system to generate marker-free transgenic plantlets with improved stress tolerance.
Application of inter-simple sequence repeats relative to simple sequence repeats as a molecular marker system for indexing blueberry cultivars
Authors: Garriga Miguel , Parra Pablo A. , Caligari Peter D. S. , Retamales Jorge B. , Carrasco Basilio A. , Lobos Gustavo A. , García-Gonzáles Rolando
Published: September 2013

Garriga, M., Parra, P. A., Caligari, P. D. S., Retamales, J. B., Carrasco, B. A., Lobos, G. A. and García-Gonzáles, R. 2013. Application of inter-simple sequence repeats relative to simple sequence repeats as a molecular marker system for indexing blueberry cultivars. Can. J. Plant Sci. 93: 913–921. Chile, the major exporter of blueberries in South America, grows two species commercially, the highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) and the rabbiteye blueberry (Vaccinium ashei Reade). Considering the increasing demands for this fruit, it is necessary to have reliable methods for genotyping and genetic traceability of the commercially grown cultivars. In this study, an inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) marker-based system was established to perform the genetic identification of these cultivars. Ten cultivars of V. corymbosum: ‘Bluecrop’, ‘Bluegold’, ‘Duke’, ‘Elliott’, ‘Legacy’, ‘Misty’, ‘Nelson’, ‘O'Neal’, ‘Sierra’ and ‘Toro’ and three of V. ashei: ‘Climax’, ‘Premier’ and ‘Tifblue’ were analyzed. The sensitivity and reliability of this molecular marker system was compared with identification by simple sequence repeats (SSR). Six ISSR primers were used and high levels of polymorphism among the cultivars (80% of polymorphic loci) were detected, with high repeatability. Using individual primers, distinguishing among cultivars was possible in three cases. However, using pairs of ISSR primers provided greater reliability in cultivar identification. This ISSR-based technology is a simpler, faster, and less expensive alternative to SSRs for genotyping blueberry cultivars and can be used in genetic traceability studies as well as genetic improvement programs.
Induction of gene expression for systemic acquired resistance in tobacco by 9-hydroxy-10-oxo-12(Z),15(Z)-octadecadienoic acid (KODA)
Authors: Endo Jyun-ichi , Takahashi Wataru , Yokoyama Mineyuki , Tanaka Osamu
Published: September 2013

Endo, J., Takahashi, W., Yokoyama, M. and Tanaka, O. 2013. Induction of gene expression for systemic acquired resistance in tobacco by 9-hydroxy-10-oxo-12( Z ),15( Z )-octadecadienoic acid (KODA). Can. Plant Sci. 93: 827–830. The reaction of 9-hydroxy-10-oxo-12(Z),15(Z)-octadecadienoic acid (KODA) with (–)-norepinephrine (NE) generates the flowering inducer FN1 of duckweed Lemna paucicostata, although KODA and NE themselves do not promote flowering. We examined the effects of FN1, KODA, and NE on the induction of gene expression for systemic acquired resistance (SAR) in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) leaves and found that KODA induces the expression of SAR related genes.
Desiccation in dry edible beans with various herbicides
Authors: Soltani Nader , Blackshaw Robert E. , Gulden Robert H. , Gillard Chris L. , Shropshire Christy , Sikkema Peter H.
Published: September 2013

Soltani, N., Blackshaw, R. E., Gulden, R.H., Gillard, C. L., Shropshire, C. and Sikkema, P. H. 2013. Desiccation in dry edible beans with various herbicides. Can. J. Plant Sci. 93: 871–877. There is little information available on the effect of diquat, carfentrazone-ethyl, glufosinate ammonium, flumioxazin and saflufenacil applied alone or in tankmix combination with glyphosate as harvest aids in dry bean production under environmental conditions of the various production regions in Canada. A total of 11 field trials were conducted over a 3-yr period (2010, 2011, 2012) at Exeter, Ontario, Carman, Manitoba, and Lethbridge, Alberta, to evaluate various harvest-aid herbicides in dry bean. Comparison of leaf, pod and stem visual dry down at 4 and 8 d after desiccation application (DAA) indicated that adding a tankmix partner to glyphosate increased visual dry down of leaf, pod and stem 17, 10 and 15% at 4 DAA and 20, 17 and 14% at 8 DAA, respectively. At 8 DAA, glyphosate (450 or 900 g a.e. ha−1), diquat, glufosinate ammonium, carfentrazone-ethyl, flumioxazin and saflufenacil provided 13–58, 65–80, 64–71, 12–34, 36–52 and 41–73% dry down of the dominant weeds (AMARE, AMBEL, CHEAL and SETVI), respectively. Diquat, glufosinate ammonium, carfentrazone-ethyl, flumioxazin and saflufenacil tankmixed with glyphosate (450 or 900 g a.e. ha−1) provided 67–77, 65–71, 22–62, 45–69 and 44–74% weed dry down, respectively. Dry bean yield was not reduced with any of the desiccation treatments. Among desiccant treatments that provided consistent desiccation of dry bean and weeds, saflufenacil had the least environmental impact followed by flumioxazin, glufosinate ammonium and then diquat. Based on this study, diquat, glufosinate ammonium, flumioxazin and saflufenacil alone or in combination with glyphosate (450 or 900 g a.e. ha−1) provide consistent desiccation of weeds and dry bean.
‘It Sounds Unwelcoming, It Sounds Exclusive, but I Think It's Just a Question of Arithmetic Really’: The Limits to White People's Anti-Essentialist Perspectives on the Nation
Authors: Leddy-Owen Charles
Published: September 2013

Analysing data from qualitative interviews, this article demonstrates how white people's constructions of national identity in England destabilise but ultimately reaffirm essentialist, exclusionary boundaries. The first set of findings presented demonstrate the ways in which normalised associations between whiteness and Englishness are regularly, temporarily unsettled through empirical, experiential and ethical processes of reflection, only to be finally regulated back towards dominant, racialised understandings. The second set of findings presented demonstrate that for a minority of white participants who construct the nation in ways that more effectively challenge and destabilise racialised understandings, they nevertheless still normalise difference in relation to the nation-state boundaries of Britain. While racialised boundaries of the nation are often, to varying degrees, problematised by many white people in England, essentialist nation-state boundaries remain virtually unchallenged in discussions of national membership.
Youth Studies, Housing Transitions and the ‘Missing Middle’: Time for a Rethink?
Authors: Roberts Steven
Published: September 2013

A recent but growing trend in studies of young people's lives has been to highlight that there is a ‘missing middle’ in the youth studies research agenda. It has been argued that much youth research focuses on either successful or very troubled transitions to adulthood, with the lives of those who might simply be ‘getting by’ representing an empirical absence. Building on previous work that has addressed how such a missing middle can add to our understanding of educational experience and attainment, labour market engagement and participation, and issues of identity, this paper pays attention to the housing transitions, careers and aspirations of a group of ‘ordinary’ and apparently unproblematic working class young men. Because they do not represent groups that have been of especial interest in youth studies to date, their experiences problematize the on-going utility of dominant conceptual frameworks used to explain housing transitions. In addition to their ‘lack of fit’ with ideal type typologies, the young men also reveal the shifting nature of attitudes towards communal living ‘which is traditionally associated with middle class students’ in combination with the continuing role of social resources as a determining factor in their housing transition.
Disability ‘Rights’ or ‘Wrongs’? The Claims of the International Paralympic Committee, the London 2012 Paralympics and Disability Rights in the UK
Authors: Braye Stuart , Gibbons Tom , Dixon Kevin
Published: September 2013

A central aspect of the vision of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) is that the Paralympic Movement is a vehicle for achieving ‘a more equitable society’ (IPC 2012a). Building upon the findings of an online survey conducted with disabled activists prior to the London 2012 Paralympic Games ( Braye, Dixon and Gibbons 2012 ), in this short essay we argue that whilst this vision is commendable, the Paralympics has limited impact on the everyday lives of disabled people in the UK. Whilst there was evidence of support for the IPC's view that the 2012 Games would be a positive vehicle for improving equality, there were also protests by disabled activists suggesting some disabled people saw the Games in more critical terms. Despite claims that the Paralympic Games has raised awareness of disabled athletes and wider equality issues for disabled people, such a view is not shared by many disability activists some of whom have controversially used the Games as a vehicle to highlight inequalities. It is concluded that the IPC are distinctively positioned to address disability issues as they relate to a unique and elite sports enclave and perhaps ought to restrain from seeing themselves as anything more until they have opened a dialogue with disability activists.
‘We Aren't Racing a Fair Race’: Rawls, Sen, and the Paralympic Games
Authors: Thomas Gareth Martin , Banks Tim
Published: September 2013

Following the 200 metres final in the London Paralympics 2012, athlete Oscar Pistorius criticised the prosthetic leg (‘blade’) length of Alan Oliveira, a fellow athlete and eventual winner of the race, and accused the International Paralympic Committee of failing to implement fair stipulations. Pistorius’ contention directs attention toward an issue largely ignored in the sociological spectrum: the concept of fairness in the sporting arena. Drawing on the accounts of John Rawls (1971) and Amartya Sen (2009) , specifically in terms of considering justice as fairness, we deconstruct the principle of fairness in the Paralympics which is currently framed within scientific discourse determining the validity of both athletes and performance-enhancing technologies. By identifying how the Paralympics adopts a Rawlsian understanding of fairness, we explore the work of Sen to highlight its complexity in this context and the need to retreat from taken-for-granted assumptions informing current knowledge.
London 2012 and Environmental Sustainability: A Study through the Lens of Environmental Sociology
Authors: Karamichas John
Published: September 2013

This rapid response paper examines the claim that Olympic Games hosting can encourage and/or accentuate the adoption of environmental sustainability (ES) policies by the host nation, with London 2012 as a case study. Six indicators that can be used in this examination are identified and subsequently tested in relation to changes brought by austerity/‘Big Society’ policies. The paper closes by suggesting that although the UK, unlike other hosts, had a relatively good ES standing; however, it appears that this has been significantly downgraded in the event and immediate post-event phases of the Games.
Gravitational separation in the stratosphere – a new indicator of atmospheric circulation
Authors: Ishidoya S. , Sugawara S. , Morimoto S. , Aoki S. , Nakazawa T. , Honda H. , Murayama S.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. As a basic understanding of the dynamics of the atmospheric circulation, it has been believed that gravitational separation of atmospheric components is observable only in the atmosphere above the turbopause. However, we found, from our high-precision measurements of not only the isotopic ratios of N2, O2 and Ar but also the mole fraction of Ar, that gravitational separation occurs even in the stratosphere below the turbopause; their observed vertical profiles are in good agreement with those expected theoretically from molecular mass differences. The O2/N2 ratio observed in the middle stratosphere, corrected for gravitational separation, showed the same mean air age as estimated from the CO2 mole fraction. Simulations with a 2-dimensional model of the middle atmosphere indicated that a relationship between gravitational separation and the age of air in the stratosphere would be significantly affected if the Brewer–Dobson circulation was enhanced due to global warming. Therefore, gravitational separation is usable as a new indicator of changes in the atmospheric circulation in the stratosphere.
Microhabitat and shrimp abundance within a Norwegian cold-water coral ecosystem
Authors: Purser A. , Ontrup J. , Schoening T. , Thomsen L. , Tong R. , Unnithan V. , Nattkemper T. W.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. Cold-water coral (CWC) reefs are heterogeneous ecosystems comprising numerous microhabitats. A typical European CWC reef provides various biogenic microhabitats (within, on and surrounding colonies of coral species such as Lophelia pertusa, Paragorgia arborea and Primnoa resedaeformis, or formed by their remains after death). These microhabitats may be surrounded and intermixed with non-biogenic microhabitats (soft sediment, hard ground, gravel/pebbles, steep walls). To date, studies of distribution of sessile fauna across CWC reefs have been more numerous than those investigating mobile fauna distribution. In this study we quantified shrimp densities associated with key CWC microhabitat categories at the Røst Reef, Norway, by analysing image data collected by towed video sled in June 2007. We also investigated shrimp distribution patterns on the local scale (<40 cm) and how these may vary with microhabitat. Shrimp abundances at the Røst Reef were on average an order of magnitude greater in biogenic reef microhabitats than in non-biogenic microhabitats. Greatest shrimp densities were observed in association with live Paragorgia arborea microhabitat (43 shrimp m−2, SD = 35.5), live Primnoa resedaeformis microhabitat (41.6 shrimp m−2, SD = 26.1) and live Lophelia pertusa microhabitat (24.4 shrimp m−2, SD = 18.6). In non-biogenic microhabitat, shrimp densities were <2 shrimp m−2. CWC reef microhabitats appear to support greater shrimp densities than the surrounding non-biogenic microhabitats at the Røst Reef, at least at the time of survey.
Magnetostratigraphy of sediments from Lake El'gygytgyn ICDP Site 5011-1: paleomagnetic age constraints for the longest paleoclimate record from the continental Arctic
Authors: Haltia E. M. , Nowaczyk N. R.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. Paleomagnetic measurements were performed on sediments drilled from ICDP Site 5011-1 in Lake El'gygytgyn (67°30' N, 172°05' E) located in Far East Russian Arctic. The lake fills partly a crater formed by a meteorite impact 3.58 ± 0.04 Ma ago. Sediments from three parallel cores (5011-1A, 5011-1B and 5011-1C), recovered from the middle part of the lake, yielded a total of 355 m of sediment. Sediments are characterized by variable lithology, where intervals of homogenous and laminated sediments alternate, and mass movement deposits of variable thickness occur frequently along the sediment profile. Mineral magnetic investigation made on sediments enclosed in core catchers suggests that magnetic carrier in these sediments is partly maghemitized Ti-rich pseudo-single domain magnetite. Its detrital origin could be shown by mineral magnetic measurements and SEM-EDS analyses performed on mini-sized cylindrical rock samples, polished rock sections, creek sediments and magnetic extracts prepared from them. The intensity of the natural remanent magnetization (NRM) in the sediments is mainly high with a range from about 1 to 1000 mA m−1. Most of the sediments carry a stable magnetization component interpreted as primary depositional remanent magnetization. Characteristic inclination data show alternating intervals of steep positive and negative inclinations that were used to assign magnetic polarity to the lake sediment profile. This was a rather straightforward procedure owing to the mainly high quality of data. The Matuyama/Gauss (2.608 Ma) and Brunhes/Matuyama (0.780 Ma) reversals were recognized in the sediments. Furthermore, during the Gauss chron the Mammoth and Kaena reversed subchrons, and during the Matuyama, the Olduvai and Jaramillo normal subchrons, as well as the Réunion and Cobb Mountain cryptochrons were identified. Sediment deposition rate is highest at the base of the sequence laid down in the beginning of Gauss chron, when deposition rate is approximately 44 cm kyr−1. Sediment deposition decelerates upcore and it is an order of magnitude lower during the Brunhes chron when compared to that in early the Gauss chron. Decrease in sediment deposition in late Pliocene probably relates to atmospheric and oceanic reorganization heralding the onset of Quaternary climate change. The high-quality magnetostratigraphy reconstructed from Lake El'gygytgyn sediments provides 12 tie-points to pin down the age of the longest paleoclimate record from the continental Arctic.
Improving simulation of soil moisture in China using a multiple meteorological forcing ensemble approach
Authors: Liu J.-G. , Xie Z.-H.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. The quality of soil-moisture simulation using land surface models depends largely on the accuracy of the meteorological forcing data. We investigated how to reduce the uncertainty arising from meteorological forcings in a simulation by adopting a multiple meteorological forcing ensemble approach. Simulations by the Community Land Model version 3.5 (CLM3.5) over mainland China were conducted using four different meteorological forcings, and the four sets of soil-moisture data related to the simulations were then merged using simple arithmetical averaging and Bayesian model averaging (BMA) ensemble approaches. BMA is a statistical post-processing procedure for producing calibrated and sharp predictive probability density functions (PDFs), which is a weighted average of PDFs centered on the bias-corrected forecasts from a set of individual ensemble members based on their probabilistic likelihood measures. Compared to in situ observations, the four simulations captured the spatial and seasonal variations of soil moisture in most cases with some mean bias. They performed differently when simulating the seasonal phases in the annual cycle, the interannual variation and the magnitude of observed soil moisture over different subregions of mainland China, but no individual meteorological forcing performed best for all subregions. The simple arithmetical average ensemble product outperformed most, but not all, individual members over most of the subregions. The BMA ensemble product performed better than simple arithmetical averaging, and performed best for all fields over most of the subregions. The BMA ensemble approach applied to the ensemble simulation reproduced anomalies and seasonal variations in observed soil-moisture values, and simulated the mean soil moisture. It is presented here as a promising way for reproducing long-term, high-resolution spatial and temporal soil-moisture data.
Physically based modeling of rainfall-triggered landslides: a case study in the Luquillo forest, Puerto Rico
Authors: Lepore C. , Arnone E. , Noto L. V. , Sivandran G. , Bras R. L.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. This paper presents the development of a rainfall-triggered landslide module within an existing physically based spatially distributed ecohydrologic model. The model, tRIBS-VEGGIE (Triangulated Irregular Networks-based Real-time Integrated Basin Simulator and Vegetation Generator for Interactive Evolution), is capable of a sophisticated description of many hydrological processes; in particular, the soil moisture dynamics are resolved at a temporal and spatial resolution required to examine the triggering mechanisms of rainfall-induced landslides. The validity of the tRIBS-VEGGIE model to a tropical environment is shown with an evaluation of its performance against direct observations made within the study area of Luquillo Forest. The newly developed landslide module builds upon the previous version of the tRIBS landslide component. This new module utilizes a numerical solution to the Richards' equation (present in tRIBS-VEGGIE but not in tRIBS), which better represents the time evolution of soil moisture transport through the soil column. Moreover, the new landslide module utilizes an extended formulation of the factor of safety (FS) to correctly quantify the role of matric suction in slope stability and to account for unsaturated conditions in the evaluation of FS. The new modeling framework couples the capabilities of the detailed hydrologic model to describe soil moisture dynamics with the infinite slope model, creating a powerful tool for the assessment of rainfall-triggered landslide risk.
The Impact of Dynamic Pricing on Residential and Small Commercial and Industrial Usage: New Experimental Evidence from Connecticut
Authors: Faruqui Ahmad , Sergici Sanem , Akaba Lamine
Published: September 2013

Among U.S. households, a quarter have smart meters but only one percent are on any form of dynamic pricing. Commissions and utilities continue to study the potential benefits of dynamic pricing through experimentation but most of it involves the residential sector. We add to that body of knowledge by presenting the results of a pilot in Connecticut which included small commercial and industrial (C&I) customers in addition to residential customers. The pilot featured a time-of-use rate, two dynamic pricing rates and four enabling technologies. Customers were randomly selected and allocated to these rates, to ensure representativeness of the final results. The experiment included a total of around 2,200 customers and ran during the summer of 2009. Using a constant elasticity of substitution model, we find that customers do respond to dynamic pricing, a finding that matches that from most other experiments. We also find that response to critical-peak pricing rates is higher than response to peak-time rebates, unlike some other experiments where similar results were found. Like many other pilots, we find that there is virtually no response to TOU rates with an eight hour peak period. And like the few pilots that have compared small C&I customer response to residential response, we find that small C&I customers are less price responsive than residential customers. We also find that some enabling technologies boost price responsiveness but that the Energy Orb does not.
The Vaccination Controversy
Authors: Williamson Stanley
Published: September 2013

Smallpox was for several centuries one of the most deadly, most contagious and most feared of diseases. Williamson's extraordinary study charts the history of one of the most controversial techniques in medical history that raises much debate to this day. Originating probably in Africa, smallpox progressed via the Middle and Near East, where it was studied around the end of the first millennium by Arab physicians. It arrived in Britain during the Elizabethan times and was well established by the seventeenth century. During the closing years of the 18th Century a most far reaching and ultimately controversial development took place when Edward Jenner developed an inoculation for Smallpox based on a culture from Cowpox. The Vaccination Controversy examines the astonishing speed at which Jenner's technique of 'vaccination' was taken up, culminating in the 'Compulsory Vaccination Act of 1853'. The Act made a painful and sometimes fatal medical practice for all children obligatory and as a result set an important precedent for governmental regulation of medical welfare. The Act remained in force until 1946 and was only ended after decades of intense pressure from the National Anti-vaccination League, but the issues raised by Williamson's accessible text remain current today in debates about vaccination programs. Meticulously researched, The Vaccination Controversy highlights the social, political and ethical consequences of compulsory vaccination and the massive repercussions that followed the ending of a policy through argued by many to be the most major medical resistance campaign in European medical history.