bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coupling sky images with three-dimensional radiative transfer models: a new method to estimate cloud optical depth
Authors: Mejia F. A. , Kurtz B. , Murray K. , Hinkelman L. M. , Sengupta M. , Xie Y. , Kleissl J.
Published: October 2015

Abstract. A method for retrieving cloud optical depth (τc) using a ground-based sky imager (USI) is presented. The Radiance Red-Blue Ratio (RRBR) method is motivated from the analysis of simulated images of various τc produced by a 3-D Radiative Transfer Model (3DRTM). From these images the basic parameters affecting the radiance and RBR of a pixel are identified as the solar zenith angle (θ0), τc, solar pixel angle/scattering angle (ϑs), and pixel zenith angle/view angle (ϑz). The effects of these parameters are described and the functions for radiance, Iλ(τc, θ0, ϑs, ϑz) and the red-blue ratio, RBR(τc, θ0, ϑs, ϑz) are retrieved from the 3DRTM results. RBR, which is commonly used for cloud detection in sky images, provides non-unique solutions for τc, where RBR increases with τc up to about τc = 1 (depending on other parameters) and then decreases. Therefore, the RRBR algorithm uses the measured Iλmeas(ϑs, ϑz), in addition to RBRmeas(ϑs, ϑz) to obtain a unique solution for τc. The RRBR method is applied to images taken by a USI at the Oklahoma Atmospheric Radiation Measurement program (ARM) site over the course of 220 days and validated against measurements from a microwave radiometer (MWR); output from the Min method for overcast skies, and τc retrieved by Beer's law from direct normal irradiance (DNI) measurements. A τc RMSE of 5.6 between the Min method and the USI are observed. The MWR and USI have an RMSE of 2.3 which is well within the uncertainty of the MWR. An RMSE of 0.95 between the USI and DNI retrieved τc is observed. The procedure developed here provides a foundation to test and develop other cloud detection algorithms.
Observational evidence of quasi-27-day oscillation propagating from the lower atmosphere to the mesosphere over 20° N
Authors: Huang K. M. , Liu A. Z. , Zhang S. D. , Yi F. , Huang C. M. , Gan Q. , Gong Y. , Zhang Y. H. , Wang R.
Published: October 2015

Abstract. By using meteor radar, radiosonde and satellite observations over 20° N and NCEP/NCAR reanalysis data during 81 days from 22 December 2004 to 12 March 2005, a quasi-27-day oscillation propagating from the troposphere to the mesosphere is reported. A pronounced 27-day periodicity is observed in the raw zonal wind from meteor radar. Spectral analysis shows that the oscillation also occurs in the meridional wind and temperature and propagates westward with wavenumber s = 1; thus the oscillation is of Rossby wave type. The oscillation attains a large amplitude of about 12 m s−1 in the eastward wind shear region of the troposphere. When the wind shear reverses, its amplitude rapidly decays, and the background wind gradually evolves to be westward. However, the oscillation can penetrate through the weak westward wind field due to its relatively large phase speed. After this, the oscillation restrengthens with its upward propagation and reaches about 20 m s−1 in the mesosphere. Reanalysis data show that the oscillation can propagate to the mid and high latitudes from the low latitudes and has large amplitudes over there. There is another interesting phenomenon that a quasi-46-day oscillation appears simultaneously in the troposphere, but it cannot penetrate through the westward wind field because of its smaller phase speed. In the observational interval, a quasi-27-day periodicity in outgoing long-wave radiation (OLR) and specific humidity is found in a latitudinal zone of 5–20° N. Thus the quasi-27-day oscillation may be an atmospheric response to forcing due to the convective activity with a period of about 27 days in the tropical region.
Radiocarbon isotopic evidence for assimilation of atmospheric CO2 by the seagrass Zostera marina
Authors: Watanabe K. , Kuwae T.
Published: October 2015

Abstract. Submerged aquatic vegetation takes up water-column dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) as a carbon source across its thin cuticle layer. It is expected that marine macrophytes also use atmospheric CO2 when exposed to air during low tide, although assimilation of atmospheric CO2 has never been quantitatively evaluated. Using the radiocarbon isotopic signatures (Δ14C) of the seagrass Zostera marina, DIC and particulate organic carbon (POC), we show quantitatively that Z. marina takes up and assimilates atmospheric modern CO2 in a shallow coastal ecosystem. The Δ14C values of the seagrass (−40 to −10 ‰) were significantly higher than those of aquatic DIC (−46 to −18 ‰), indicating that the seagrass uses a 14C-rich carbon source (atmospheric CO2, +17 ‰). A carbon-source mixing model indicated that the seagrass assimilated 0–40 % (mean, 17 %) of its inorganic carbon as atmospheric CO2. CO2 exchange between the air and the seagrass might be enhanced by the presence of a very thin film of water over the air-exposed leaves during low tide. Our radiocarbon isotope analysis, showing assimilation of atmospheric modern CO2 as an inorganic carbon source, improves our understanding of the role of seagrass meadows in coastal carbon dynamics.
Identification of spatial and temporal contributions of rainfalls to flash floods using neural network modelling: case study on the Lez basin (southern France)
Authors: Darras T. , Borrell Estupina V. , Kong-A-Siou L. , Vayssade B. , Johannet A. , Pistre S.
Published: October 2015

Abstract. Flash floods pose significant hazards in urbanised zones and have important implications financially and for humans alike in both the present and future due to the likelihood that global climate change will exacerbate their consequences. It is thus of crucial importance to improve the models of these phenomena especially when they occur in heterogeneous and karst basins where they are difficult to describe physically. Toward this goal, this paper applies a recent methodology (Knowledge eXtraction (KnoX) methodology) dedicated to extracting knowledge from a neural network model to better determine the contributions and time responses of several well-identified geographic zones of an aquifer. To assess the interest of this methodology, a case study was conducted in southern France: the Lez hydrosystem whose river crosses the conurbation of Montpellier (400 000 inhabitants). Rainfall contributions and time transfers were estimated and analysed in four geologically delimited zones to estimate the sensitivity of flash floods to water coming from the surface or karst. The Causse de Viols-le-Fort is shown to be the main contributor to flash floods and the delay between surface and underground flooding is estimated to be 3 h. This study will thus help operational flood warning services to better characterise critical rainfall and develop measurements to design efficient flood forecasting models. This generic method can be applied to any basin with sufficient rainfall–run-off measurements.
Estimating catchment scale groundwater dynamics from recession analysis – enhanced constraining of hydrological models
Authors: Skaugen T. , Mengistu Z.
Published: October 2015

Abstract. In this study we propose a new formulation of subsurface water storage dynamics for use in rainfall–runoff models. Under the assumption of a strong relationship between storage and runoff, the temporal distribution of storage is considered to have the same shape as the distribution of observed recessions (measured as the difference between the log of runoff values). The mean subsurface storage is estimated as the storage at steady-state, where moisture input equals the mean annual runoff. An important contribution of the new formulation is that its parameters are derived directly from observed recession data and the mean annual runoff and hence estimated prior to calibration. Key principles guiding the evaluation of the new subsurface storage routine have been (a) to minimize the number of parameters to be estimated through the, often arbitrary fitting to optimize runoff predictions (calibration) and (b) maximize the range of testing conditions (i.e. large-sample hydrology). The new storage routine has been implemented in the already parameter parsimonious Distance Distribution Dynamics (DDD) model and tested for 73 catchments in Norway of varying size, mean elevations and landscape types. Runoff simulations for the 73 catchments from two model structures; DDD with calibrated subsurface storage and DDD with the new estimated subsurface storage were compared. No loss in precision of runoff simulations was found using the new estimated storage routine. For the 73 catchments, an average of the Nash–Sutcliffe Efficiency criterion of 0.68 was found using the new estimated storage routine compared with 0.66 using calibrated storage routine. The average Kling–Gupta Efficiency criterion was 0.69 and 0.70 for the new and old storage routine, respectively. Runoff recessions are more realistically modelled using the new approach since the root mean square error between the mean of observed and simulated recessions was reduced by almost 50 % using the new storage routine.
Compound-specific 15N stable isotope probing of N assimilation by the soil microbial biomass: a new methodological paradigm in soil N cycling
Authors: Charteris A. F. , Knowles T. D. J. , Michaelides K. , Evershed R. P.
Published: October 2015

Abstract. A compound-specific nitrogen-15 stable isotope probing (15N-SIP) technique is described which allows investigation of the fate of inorganic- or organic-N amendments to soils. The technique uses gas chromatography-combustion-isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC-C-IRMS) to determine the δ15N values of individual amino acids (AAs; determined as N-acetyl, O-isopropyl derivatives) as proxies of biomass protein production. The δ15N values are used together with AA concentrations to quantify N assimilation of 15N-labelled substrates by the soil microbial biomass. The utility of the approach is demonstrated through incubation experiments using inorganic 15N-labelled substrates ammonium (15NH4+) and nitrate (15NO3-) and an organic 15N-labelled substrate, glutamic acid (15N-Glu). Assimilation of all the applied substrates was undetectable based on bulk soil properties, i.e. % total N (% TN), bulk soil N isotope composition and AA concentrations, all of which remained relatively constant throughout the incubation experiments. In contrast, compound-specific AA δ15N values were highly sensitive to N assimilation, providing qualitative and quantitative insights into the cycling and fate of the applied 15N-labelled substrates. The utility of this 15N-AA-SIP technique is considered in relation to other currently available methods for investigating the microbially-mediated assimilation of nitrogenous substrates into the soil organic N pool. This approach will be generally applicable to the study of N cycling in any soil, or indeed, in any complex ecosystem.
neXtSIM: a new Lagrangian sea ice model
Authors: Rampal P. , Bouillon S. , Ólason E. , Morlighem M.
Published: October 2015

Abstract. The Arctic sea ice cover has changed drastically over the last decades. Associated with these changes is a shift in dynamical regime seen by an increase of extreme fracturing events and an acceleration of sea ice drift. The highly non-linear dynamical response of sea ice to external forcing makes modelling these changes, and the future evolution of Arctic sea ice a challenge for current models. It is, however, increasingly important that this challenge be better met, both because of the important role of sea ice in the climate system and because of the steady increase of industrial operations in the Arctic. In this paper we present a new dynamical/thermodynamical sea ice model, called neXtSIM in order to address this. neXtSIM is a continuous and fully Lagrangian model, and the equations are discretised with the finite-element method. In this model, sea ice physics are driven by a synergic combination of two core components: a model for sea ice dynamics built on a new mechanical framework using an elasto-brittle rheology, and a model for sea ice thermodynamics providing damage healing for the mechanical framework. The results of a thorough evaluation of the model performance for the Arctic are presented for the period September 2007 to October 2008. They show that observed multi-scale statistical properties of sea ice drift and deformation are well captured as well as the seasonal cycles of ice volume, area, and extent. These results show that neXtSIM is a very promising tool for simulating the sea ice over a wide range of spatial and temporal scales.
Total polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity of cowpea effect of variet and locality
Authors: Ismael Dalaram Sullaiman
Published: October 2015

Leguminous seeds belong to plant foods which are generally rich in phenolic compounds. Cowpea seeds are a major source of plant proteins and vitamins for man, feed for animals. Polyphenolic compounds are secondary metabolites of amino acids present in many plant species, including legume. Their content depends on various factors, such as cultivar, pedoclimatic and cultivation conditions. The influence of cultivar, locality on the total polyphenols (TPC) and antioxidant activity (TAC) of Cowpea seeds was studied. Cowpea cultivars were cultivated under different climatic conditions in Iraq Republic. The main objective of the present work was to consider the changes of total polyphenols content in dependence on variety and to evaluate an antioxidant potential of three Cowpea varieties (white, light brown and red color) in different localities of Erbil City in Kurdistan Region Iraq and to evaluate the content of bioactive compounds (polyphenolics) in legumes commonly utilized in the human diet in Iraq, to compare their antioxidant capacity and to evaluate the influence of grown locality on observed parameters. Total polyphenols were determined by the Lachman´s method and expressed as mg of Gallic acid equivalent per kg dry matter. Total antioxidant capacity was measured by the Brand-Williams method using a compound DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl). Analysis of variance indicated significant differences (p <0.05) among locality and color for phenolic contents and antioxidant capacity. The various varieties of white color cowpea had significant influence on TPC and TAC and affected by locality too. From tested seeds the highest polyphenol content was measured in red color (802.323 ±15.937 - 825.700 ±8.494 mg.kg-1 GAE). The lowest value was in white color (480.195 ±15.286 - 721.952 ±25.004 mg.kg-1GAE).The similar trend was observed at values of TAC. The highest TAC value was determined in red color (28.709 ±15.937 - 34.777 ±8.494% DPPH). The lowest value was in white color (6.065 ±0.836% - 9.578 ±0.884% DPPH). The various varieties had significant influence on TPC and TAC according to used statistical analyses. Correlation between the phenolic contents and antioxidant activity was significantly positive (r = 0.783645). Our results confirmed that legumes can be a good source of bioactive compounds in the human nutrition.
Letter to the Editor
Authors: Filipowicz Halina
Published: October 2015

April 1, 2015 To the Editor: In her interesting and timely interview with Agata Tuszyńska (“The Other Heroine Is Memory,” TPR 60, no. 1 [2015]), Jolanta Wróbel Best invokes what she calls an “extreme” statement by Theodor Adorno (p. 93). According to Best, “Adorno argued that, after Auschwitz, no poetry should be written” (p. 93). Tuszyńska replies that postwar Polish literature in general and Tadeusz Różewicz’s poetry in particular provide “splendid examples of how to write about the Holocaust” (p. 93). In short, Tuszyńska suggests that Adorno should have known better.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for English Language Teaching, Vol. 8, No. 11
Authors: Yu Gavin
Published: October 2015

Reviewer acknowledgements for English Language Teaching, Vol. 8, No. 11, 2015
A Study of University Teachers’ Enactment of Curriculum Reform in China
Authors: Yu Aiqin
Published: October 2015

This article documents an ongoing study of educational policy enactment in a Chinese university. Drawing upon data collected through document analysis, semi-structured interviews and classroom observations, this paper argues that the enactment of China’s systemic College English curriculum reform is not a matter of simple implementation but the result of a more complex process which may change the original reform intention. It suggests that the enactment of centralised reform is mediated through an interplay of forces and challenges and that the major impetus for how teachers make sense of and enact reform relates more to the strength of their current values and practices and students’ feedback, rather than the power of external initiatives. Without localised management, curriculum reform itself is, therefore, insufficient to ensure change in practice.
The Agile Approach with Doctoral Dissertation Supervision
Authors: Tengberg Lars Göran Wallgren
Published: October 2015

Several research findings conclude that many doctoral students fail to complete their studies within the allowable time frame, in part because of problems related to the research and supervision process. Surveys show that most doctoral students are generally satisfied with their dissertation supervision. However, these surveys also reveal some students think their supervisors meet with them too infrequently, lack interest in their dissertation topics, and provide insufficient practical assistance. Furthermore, many countries will soon witness a large turnover in the labour market as people near retirement. Because this is also the case at many universities and colleges, the expectation is that there will be many teaching and research vacancies. Therefore, many new doctoral students who plan to enter academia after earning their doctoral degrees are needed. In responding to these complaints, this conceptual paper examines the use of the agile approach–which has achieved recognition and approval in software development–in the doctoral dissertation process. In the teaching/learning sphere, the agile approach can be used in iterative meetings between doctoral student and supervisor for dissertation planning, direction, and evaluation. The focus of the iterations, the so-called Sprints, is on communication and feedback throughout the entire process. The paper is based in theories on teaching/learning and on the author’s personal experience with the agile approach. Use of the agile approach, which can decrease the time required for doctoral studies, may thus increase the number of graduates with doctoral degrees. The paper makes suggestions for practical implementation of the agile approach.
Teachers’ Knowledge and Readiness towards Implementation of School Based Assessment in Secondary Schools
Authors: Veloo Arsaythamby , Krishnasamy Hariharan N. , Md-Ali Ruzlan
Published: October 2015

School-Based Assessment (SBA) was implemented in Malaysian secondary schools in 2012. Since its implementation, teachers have faced several challenges to meet the aims and objectives of the School-Based Assessment. Based on these challenges this study aims to find the level of teachers’ knowledge and readiness towards the implementation of school-based assessment (SBA). The study was conducted in 15 daily secondary schools in the state of Kedah, which is situated in the northern part of Malaysia, bordering Thailand. 155 teachers were randomly selected from a total of 260 teachers. This study used 2 questionnaires to assess teachers’ knowledge and readiness to implement SBA. The questionnaire was adapted from Alabah (2012) which was designed to assess the teachers’ knowledge (30 items) and readiness (35 items) on Nigerian teachers’ perception of SBA. This questionnaire used a 4-point Likert-type scale with strongly disagree e to strongly agree. The findings provide evidence that the knowledge of the teachers in terms of 5 dimensions, that is, conducting SBA, bands in SBA, knowledge of evaluating SBA, SBA procedural knowledge and knowledge of implementation of SBA. The overall mean (3.27) for the level of teachers’ knowledge towards SBA shows that all the teachers agree that they have the knowledge about SBA. In terms of readiness, the mean (3.09) shows that all the teachers agree that they are ready to implement SBA. The comparison of the two means suggest that teachers have relatively more knowledge but are less ready to implement the SBA. The implication here is that teachers feel that their level of knowledge is not complete and more initiatives need to be taken by the educational authorities so that teachers are more confident of their level of readiness.
Development of Performance Appraisal System for Local School Teachers in Thailand
Authors: Uttaramart Suphawadee , Tesaputa Kowat , Sri-am-pai Anan
Published: October 2015

The objectives of this research were: 1) to study current situation and problem in the performance appraisal system of secondary school teachers, under jurisdiction of the Local Administrative Organization (LAO), 2) to develop the performance appraisal system to apply with the LAO school teachers, and 3) to evaluate the application from the performance appraisal system by using research and development process. The researcher intended to study the current situation and problem of appraisal system in work practice of secondary school teachers. The research was based on the appraisal system, system development, evaluation of performace, factors in performance appraisal system, the LAO educational administration, and the Good Governance principle. The samples were 758 school directors, vice-directors, and division/department chairs from the secondary schools in Thailand. Research instruments were semi-structure interview, rating scale questionnaires, and open-ended questions. Research finding revealed that ethical values were the highest rank in content of performance appraisal while learning management ranked the lowest. Discussion aspects were included current situation, performance appraisal system, application of the system, and satisfaction to performance appraisal system.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for International Education Studies, Vol. 8, No. 11
Authors: Lee Chris
Published: October 2015

Reviewer acknowledgements for International Education Studies, Vol. 8, No. 11, 2015.
Trends and Policy Correlates of Agricultural Production and Agricultural Production Sustainability Outcomes in Ghana and Nigeria
Authors: Olayide Olawale Emmanuel , Tetteh Isaac Kow , Popoola Labode
Published: October 2015

This paper analysed policy correlates of agricultural production and agricultural production sustainability outcomes in Ghana and Nigeria. It underscores the influence of political systems and international development agendas as correlates of agricultural production and agricultural production sustainability outcomes. This is to the extent of providing evidence policy on agricultural production and agricultural production sustainability outcomes. Ghana and Nigeria have comparable farming/agricultural system and policy environment. Data used for the analyses spanned five decades. Trends analysis and inferential statistics were employed. The results revealed that policy correlates can contribute to the current discourse in sustainable development agenda and to resolving the dilemma of agricultural policy implementation for sustainable agricultural development, especially in Ghana and Nigeria. The findings reinforce the need for appropriate policies in transforming the agricultural sector while ensuring sustainable development outcomes.
Effect of Nitrogen on the Corrosion Behavior of Austenitic Stainless Steel in Chloride Solutions
Authors: A. Ghanem W. , A. Hussein W. , N. Saeed S. , M. Bader S. , M. Abou Shahba R.
Published: October 2015

The effect of partial replacement of nickel with nitrogen on the corrosion resistance of newly designed austenitic stainless steel samples without and with heat treated was investigated in 3.5wt% and 5wt% NaCl solution using open-circuit, potentiodynamic, cyclic anodic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy techniques. The results showed that, passivation in sample 1 where the highest addition of nickel and low addition of nitrogen is different from that for sample 4 where the nitrogen is greatest and the nickel is reduced almost to the third comparing sample 1. The difference in responses of heat treated samples to localized and general corrosion could be attributed to the difference in their phase compositions. The appearance of ferrite phase for samples (2, 4, 5 and 6) after heat treatment resulted in lowering the general and localized corrosion resistance than as forged samples in contrast with samples 1 and 3, where they still pure austenite. The obtained results are confirmed by surface examination.
Personal Moral Philosophy of Undergraduates towards Academic Dishonesty
Authors: D'Silva Jeffrey Lawrence , Meng Chan Ling , Othman Jamilah , Omar Zoharah
Published: October 2015

Undeniably moral belief among undergraduates is pertinent since it will provide a better perspective to seek for answers on the possible reasons undergraduates engage in unethical behavior. However, the existing literature showed that only limited studies focused in this specific moral belief development of undergraduates. Hence, the main aim of this study is to identify the level of personal moral philosophy (idealism and relativism) of undergraduates and to examine the relationship between the personal moral philosophy and undergraduates’ academic cheating behavior. Data were collected from 620 undergraduates through questionnaire surveys by employing a simple random sampling. The study found that undergraduates are lately more idealism compared to relativism, which indicated that students are aware with the academic cheating behavior and try to avoid involving in it. Future recommendations are provided to further understand the complexities associated with academic dishonesty.
Effect of Hot Deformation on the Wear Behavior of Al2O3/ A356 Nano-Composites
Authors: Abdul-latiff Nawal Ezzat , Subhi Akeel Dhahir , Hussein Marwan Basil
Published: October 2015

In the present work, Al2O3/A356 nano composites with different Al2O3 nano sizes (10 and 20 nm) and weight percentages (1 and 2 wt.%) have been prepared using rheocasting technique and followed by hot deformation at 250 °C with different ratios (30 and 40%). Pin on disc wear test was used to study wear behavior of prepared Al2O3/A356 nano composites while scanning electron microscopy used to build up the wear mechanism. The results showed that the hot deformed nano Al2O3 /A356 composites have lower wear rate compared with non deformed one. Furthermore, with increasing the particle size and percentage of Al2O3 nano particles, wear rate decreased. The optimal result was achieved at the nano-composite containing 20 nm Al2O3 particles after hot deformation with ratio of 40%. SEM studies of the worn surfaces of nano composites showed that the main wear mechanism was oxidative in conjunction with metallic one.
ACM Check Dams in Concrete Gutters for Recirculation Filters of Wastewater from Whiteleg Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) Aquaculture in Southern Thailand
Authors: Peerakeitkhajorn Jiroj , Tarnchalanukit Wit , Chunkao Kasem
Published: October 2015

Theresearch was aimed to recirculate the treated wastewater from Whiteleg shrimpfarms in following each other without interruptionby using concrete gutters containing ACM (Assembled ConstructedMaterials) check dams as    the filters. Among the 2-inch diameter ofchipped-assembled-constructed materials, the ACM-Brick filterwas the     most effective rather thanroof-tile, blocked cement, and rock, respectively. Three ACM-Brick check damswith 5-m space between them were indicated as 47.3 % treatment efficiencytogether with flow rates of 600 to 900      L/hr, and up to more 65 % and 85 % forfourth and fifth ACM-Brick   checkdams while the first and second dams   found13.0 % to 28.4 % efficiencies. Seemingly, irrespectiveof employing brick, roof-tile, blocked cement, or rock  for constructing the ACM check dam was installedin concrete gutters with the size of 1-mwidth, 0.5-m depth, and more or less 20-m length that could be served needs inrecirculation aquaculture of Whitelegshrimps to gain satisfied  benefits.Culturing Whiteleg shrimps in 3-sq.m. and 3-cu.m.concrete gutterscontaining only one of 0.5-sq.m. and 1-depth ACM-Brick filters by RCB design for 4 treatments (culturing shrimpdensities) and 3 replications found          the density of 105 juveniles/3m2(6,606 kg/ha) with the most harvested-added weight 2,710 kg/ha (69.55 %                of beginning weight), anddecreasing after increasing the density of 6,720, 8,371, and 11,382 kg/ha incorresponding to harvested-added weight 65.29 %, 46.36 %, and 42.33 %,respectively. The findings also informed that         flow rate of 720 L/hr indicatedsomewhat  high effective influences ondecreasing of water temperature, salinity, pH, DO, EC, alkalinity, TDS, BOD, NH4-N,NO2-N, and NO3-N which were conditioned for recirculationaquaculture of Whiteleg shrimps.
Nitrogen Mineralization Modeling in Some Upland Soils in the Western Region of Thailand
Authors: Swanglap Busarin , Hongprayoon Chawalit , Phungern Sunchai
Published: October 2015

A laboratory aerobic incubation experiment was conducted to assess the influence of plant residue, soil moisture content, and soil types on mineralization of organic N. The experimental design was a 2 x 3 x 5, factorial arrangement in a Randomized Complete Block design (RCBD) with three replications. The three factors were namely ;(1) two levels of plant residue (0 and 4 ton/rai of grinded cassava shoot), (2) three levels of soil moisture (PWP, ½ AWCA, and FC), and (3) Five upland soil series of the Western region of Thailand, consisting of three main soil textures (fine, medium, and coarse texture). Nitrogen mineralized from native and added organic matter was examined at specific time intervals for 1 year. The data was fitted to a logistic mathematical model describing the relation between mineral N versus moisture content (?), level of plant residue (PR), and time (t). The model was verified by predicting the amount of mineral N released under a given condition and the result was compared to the observed value under the same condition. Application of the model for field condition where soil moisture fluctuates was performed by differentiating the original model to obtain the relation between rate of mineral N production versus N (t), which was the implicit function of ?, PR, and t. Stepwise calculation of the cumulative mineral N with time was developed to predict the amount of N mineralized through time. The results revealed that addition of 4 ton/rai plant residue drastically increased mineral N by 3.6 folds. The effect of soil moisture content and mineralization of organic N confirmed the significance of water on microbial activities. A satisfactory result was obtained from the mathematical model verification. The b and R2 values were close to 1.0 and the t-test were non-significant. A rather high value of RMSE was obtained contributing to the cycles of microbial population fluctuation. Application of the model to the condition of fluctuating soil water content was performed and compared to the observation value at a given level of plant residue application and soil water content.
Functional Model of the Emergence and Development of Stress
Authors: Galina Ivanovna Efremova , Galina Valentinovna Timoshenko , Elena Anatolievna Leonenko , Irina Aleksandrovna Bochkovskaya , Elena Vitalievna Potekhina
Published: October 2015

The article is devoted to the creation of a functional model of stress as a tool for study of the human stress response. The mechanisms of the emergence and further development of emotional stress are described. Criterion of distinguishing between adaptive and maladaptive stress is formulated. Personal characteristics, determining a person's willingness to experience maladaptive stress are highlighted. System model that allows to solve the problems of theoretical and empirical studies of stress is proposed.
Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia and Red Blood Cell Autoantibodies
Authors: Quist Erin , Koepsell Scott
Published: October 2015

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia is a rare disorder caused by autoreactive red blood cell (RBC) antibodies that destroy RBCs. Although autoimmune hemolytic anemia is rare, RBC autoantibodies are encountered frequently and can complicate transfusion workups, impede RBC alloantibody identification, delay distribution of compatible units, have variable clinical significance that ranges from benign to life-threatening, and may signal an underlying disease or disorder. In this review, we discuss the common presenting features of RBC autoantibodies, laboratory findings, ancillary studies that help the pathologist investigate the clinical significance of autoantibodies, and how to provide appropriate patient care and consultation for clinical colleagues. Pathologists must be mindful of, and knowledgeable about, this entity because it not only allows for direct clinical management but also can afford an opportunity to preemptively treat an otherwise silent malignancy or disorder.
Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma
Authors: Jaber Omar I. , Kirby Patricia A.
Published: October 2015

Alveolar soft part sarcoma is a rare neoplasm usually arising in the soft tissues of the lower limbs in adults and in the head and neck region in children. It presents primarily as a slowly growing mass or as metastatic disease. It is characterized by a specific chromosomal alteration, der(17)t(X:17)(p11:q25), resulting in fusion of the transcription factor E3 (TFE3) with alveolar soft part sarcoma critical region 1 (ASPSCR1) at 17q25. This translocation is diagnostically useful because the tumor nuclei are positive for TFE3 by immunohistochemistry. Real-time polymerase chain reaction to detect the ASPSCR1-TFE3 fusion transcript on paraffin-embedded tissue blocks has been shown to be more sensitive and specific than detection of TFE3 by immunohistochemical stain. Cathepsin K is a relatively recent immunohistochemical stain that can aid in the diagnosis. The recent discovery of the role of the ASPSCR1-TFE3 fusion protein in the MET proto-oncogene signaling pathway promoting angiogenesis and cell proliferation offers a promising targeted molecular therapy.
Sensitivity and Specificity of Community Fecal Immunotesting Screening for Colorectal Carcinoma in a High-Risk Canadian Population
Authors: Crouse Amber L. , De Koning Lawrence , Sadrzadeh S. M. Hossein , Naugler Christopher
Published: October 2015

Context

Community-based programs are a common way of promoting colorectal cancer screening by primary care physicians. Fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) is a screening method commonly used in such programs. Fecal immunochemical testing has advantages to the patient as well as to clinical laboratories.

Objective

To assess the operational test characteristics of a FIT pilot program in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, between April 2011 and May 2012.

Design

Four hundred fifty-seven high-risk patients undergoing both FIT and colonoscopy were included. Areas under the curve and positive predictive values were derived for FIT values and biopsy-proven neoplasia. Subgroup analysis was also performed on men and women and for ages older and younger than the mean age of 62 years.

Results

For colorectal carcinoma and colonic adenomas the areas under the curve were 0.79 (95% confidence interval 0.71–0.87) and 0.60 (95% confidence interval 0.54–0.65), respectively. The positive predictive value of a positive FIT result for any neoplasia was 53%. The overall performance of the test for all neoplasia was better for men and better for older individuals.

Conclusions

The performance of FIT in this clinical setting was very good for detecting carcinoma, but marginal for detection of colonic adenomas.
Nuotekų dumblo komposto įtaka energetinių augalų – pavėsinio kiečio (Artemisia dubia Wall.) ir sidos (Sida hermaphrodita (L.) Rusby) – augimui
Authors: Titova Jelena , Bakšienė Eugenija
Published: October 2015

Straipsnyje aprašomi netradicinių Lietuvoje augalų – pavėsinio kiečio (Artemisia dubia Wall.) ir sidos (Sida hermaphrodita (L.) Rusby) – auginimo energetiniams tikslams tyrimo rezultatai. Tyrimai 2012–2014 m. vykdyti Lietuvos agrarinių ir miškų mokslų centro Vokės filiale. Bioenergetinės žolės buvo tręšiamos mineralinėmis trąšomis ir nuotekų dumblo kompostu pagal schemą: kontrolė (be trąšų); N90P60K90; 20, 40 ir 80 t ha–1 nuotekų dumblo komposto sausosios medžiagos. Tyrimų tikslas – išsiaiškinti, ar minėtų žolinių augalų tręšimas nuotekų dumblo kompostu padidina jų derlių ir pagerina kitus augimo rodiklius. Nustatyta, kad priesmėlio paprastajame išplautžemyje tręšimui panaudojus nuotekų dumblo kompostą, pavėsinių kiečių aukštis patikimai padidėjo visais augimo metais. Sidų aukštis iš esmės padidėjo tręšimui panaudojus nuotekų dumblo kompostą tik antraisiais derliaus nuėmimo metais. Pavėsinių kiečių stiebų tankumo tręšimas nuotekų dumblo kompostu nepaveikė. Pastebėtas tik sidų stiebų tankumo esminis padidėjimas, tręšimui panaudojus 80 t ha–1 komposto normą. Pavėsinių kiečių sausųjų medžiagų masės derlius padidėjo patręšus 20 ir 80 t ha–1 komposto norma tik trečiaisiais auginimo metais. Sidų sausųjų medžiagų masės derliaus tręšimas nuotekų dumblo kompostu nepaveikė (p > 0,05).
Žemės ūkio paskirties žemės sklypų rinkos aktyvumas pagal sklypo savybes
Authors: Gaudėšius Rimvydas , Aleknavičius Pranas
Published: October 2015

Nuo 1991 m. Lietuvos Respublikoje vykdoma žemės reforma, kurios metu atkuriamos nuosavybės teisės į nacionalizuotą nekilnojamąjį turtą bei parduodama laisva valstybinė žemė. Tuo pat metu vyksta ir ūkininkavimo formų transformacija. Šiuo laikotarpiu žemės ūkio paskirties žemės įsigijimo poreikis naujai susikūrusiems ūkiams bei kitai paskirčiai padidino privačios žemės rinkos aktyvumą. Moksliniame straipsnyje nurodytos pagrindinės privačios žemės rinkos aktyvumo priežastys ir nustatytos žemės sklypų savybės, kurios lemia žemės sklypų perleidimo aktyvumą rinkoje. Tyrimo metu siekiama įvertinti nustatytų ryšių stiprumą. Tyrimui pasirinkta agrarinė teritorija greta Skuodo miesto. Nustatyta, jog patys žemės savininkai naudoja tik 46 % jiems nuosavybės teise priklausančios žemės ūkio paskirties žemės. Tai turi įtakos žemės perleidimo (ją naudojantiems ūkiniams subjektams) intensyvumui. Nustatyta, kad žemės ūkio paskirties žemės įsigijimo reguliavimas teisinėmis priemonėmis gali paspartinti ūkinių struktūrų formavimosi procesą ir išvengti neracionalaus dirbamos žemės naudojimo.
Evaluation of an innovative approach for sensory enrichment in zoos: semiochemical stimulation for captive lions (Panthera leo)
Authors: Martínez-Macipe M , Lafont-Lecuelle C , Manteca X , Pageat P , Cozzi A
Published: October 2015

Despite improvements in zoo housing and management conditions over the last years, zoo animals may still present undesirable behaviours, such as aggression, stereotypies, boredom and a general absence of natural behaviours. In order to improve animal welfare, researchers are constantly looking for tools to enrich the environment and increase sensory information. Semiochemicals carry important information and are already in use for domestic and wild species. The aim of the current study was to evaluate their impact on the behaviour of captive lions. The behaviour of 18 African lions (Panthera leo) living at Aqualeon Safari Park, Tarragona, Spain was recorded during four different experimental conditions: (i) no intervention (baseline); (ii) Cat Facial Pheromone F3 in gel-diffuser blocks; (iii) Cat Appeasing Pheromone (CAP) in gel-diffuser blocks; and (iv) placebo blocks. The schedule consisted of six days with exposure to each condition and three days without. It was repeated twice. The statistical analysis showed a number of differences: animals exhibited longer periods of ‘follow’ behaviour when exposed to F3 than control or placebo; and longer periods of ‘play’ behaviour during F3 than control, placebo or CAP, although there was also a significant difference between CAP and placebo vs control. The lions also ‘ran’ more during F3 than during all other conditions and ‘walked’ more during F3 than during control or CAP; walking time was also significantly higher during placebo and CAP vs control. These results suggest that semiochemicals affect the behaviour of lions in captivity and might be considered and studied more thoroughly as potential tools to improve welfare.
Spectroscopic investigation of the NO C 2Π de-excitation process by collision with O2 X 3Σg
− in a low-pressure N2–O2 mixture microwave discharge
Authors: Tan Hao , Nezu Atsushi , Akatsuka Hiroshi
Published: October 2015

We use a spectroscopic method to diagnose the microwave discharge plasma of N2–O2 mixtures. We succeed in observing NO δ-band radiation peaks when the oxygen partial pressure is smaller than 3%. In order to quantitatively investigate the de-excitation processes of the NO C 2Π excited state, we improve our self-consistent kinetic model to include some of the main excited states of NO molecules. In providing our numerical results, we discuss a reasonable NO C 2Π de-population process by that involves collision with the O2 X 3Σg
− state molecule, which leads to the disappearance of δ-band radiation. We propose an indirect proof that this de-population process results in an increase in the vibrational temperature of NO A 2Σ+.
Some characterizations of Arcsine distribution
Authors: Ahsanullah M.
Published: October 2015

Some distributional properties of the symmetric arcsine distribution on (−1, 1) is presented. Based on the distributional properties, several characterizations of the arcsine distribution are given.
Interpreting the nature of Northern and Southern Annular Mode variability in CMIP5 Models
Authors: Schenzinger V. , Osprey S. M.
Published: October 2015

Characteristic timescales for the Northern Annular Mode (NAM) and Southern Annular Mode (SAM) variability are diagnosed in historical simulations submitted to the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) and are compared to the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts ERA‐Interim data. These timescales are calculated from geopotential height anomaly spectra using a recently developed method, where spectra are divided into low‐frequency (Lorentzian) and high‐frequency (exponential) parts to account for stochastic and chaotic behaviors, respectively. As found for reanalysis data, model spectra at high frequencies are consistent with low‐order chaotic behavior, in contrast to an AR1 process at low frequencies. This places the characterization of the annular mode timescales in a more dynamical rather than purely stochastic context. The characteristic high‐frequency timescales for the NAM and SAM derived from the model spectra at high frequencies are ∼5 days, independent of season, which is consistent with the timescales of ERA‐Interim. In the low‐frequency domain, however, models are slightly biased toward too long timescales, but within the error bars, a finding which is consistent with previous studies of CMIP3 models. For the SAM, low‐frequency timescales in November, December, January, and February are overestimated in the models compared to ERA‐Interim. In some models, the overestimation in the SAM austral summer timescale is partly due to interannual variability, which can inflate these timescales by up to ∼40% in the models but only accounts for about 5% in the ERA‐Interim reanalysis.
A persistent scatterer interpolation for retrieving accurate ground deformation over InSAR‐decorrelated agricultural fields
Authors: Chen Jingyi , Zebker Howard A. , Knight Rosemary
Published: October 2015

Interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) is a radar remote sensing technique for measuring surface deformation to millimeter‐level accuracy at meter‐scale resolution. Obtaining accurate deformation measurements in agricultural regions is difficult because the signal is often decorrelated due to vegetation growth. We present here a new algorithm for retrieving InSAR deformation measurements over areas with severe vegetation decorrelation using adaptive phase interpolation between persistent scatterer (PS) pixels, those points at which surface scattering properties do not change much over time and thus decorrelation artifacts are minimal. We apply this algorithm to L‐band ALOS interferograms acquired over the San Luis Valley, Colorado, and the Tulare Basin, California. In both areas, the pumping of groundwater for irrigation results in deformation of the land that can be detected using InSAR. We show that the PS‐based algorithm can significantly reduce the artifacts due to vegetation decorrelation while preserving the deformation signature.
Estimating wave orbital velocity through the azimuth cutoff from space‐borne satellites
Authors: Stopa Justin E. , Ardhuin Fabrice , Chapron Bertrand , Collard Fabrice
Published: October 2015

It has been long accepted that ocean wave conditions recorded from synthetic aperture radar (SAR) aboard satellites resolve large scale swells. SARs make use of its displacement to achieve fine resolution; however the random surface motions can reduce its nominal azimuthal resolution. Accordingly, the SAR spectral azimuth response mirrors the probability distribution of the radial velocity component of the scatters. This effect, quantified in a measure called the azimuth cutoff, is estimated by defining a scale based on the fitting of a Gaussian function to the radar cross section azimuth spectrum. The independent measure provides additional sea state information related to the root mean square surface orbital wave velocity. We use data recorded from the European Space Agency's ENVISAT advanced SAR in the C‐band spanning its lifetime 2003–2012. Our purpose is to first establish the validity of the azimuth cutoff using both colocated buoys and modeled wave data. Some systematic biases are corrected using other SAR derived parameters, improving the accuracy of the estimate. Despite our efforts, errors exist in the presence of swell, extreme wind waves, and related to the wave direction. Under the majority of the sea states the parameter is well behaved. As a final point, applications using the wave orbital velocities are described in terms of diagnosing a spectral wave model and the wave climate. As illustrated, the returned radar signal provides useful sea state information that resolves wind speeds, wave orbital velocities from the wind waves, and swells.