bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Methodologies for Environmental Flow Determination in an Andean and a Mediterranean Basin
Authors: Carvajal-Escobar Yesid , Mimi Ziad , Khayat Saed , Sulieman Saleh , Garces Wilson , Cespedes Guillermo
Published: February 2013

The demand for sustainable water management has promoted the development of methodologies for estimating environmental flows (EF). In this paper, the EF in an Andean river (Pance, Colombia) for conservation and a Mediterranean river (Wadi-Zomar, Palestine) for restoration purposes is made. Different methodologies are applied given the objectives for each river. The authors used hydrological indices proposed for watersheds with different water regimes and adaptations and validations were made to the local context. These methods allow for estimating the EF at various points in the river and the assessment of disruption scenarios for decision-making. In the Wadi Zomar River, three sampling points were selected. The water samples were then examined for the presence of pathogens. No one indicator or simple hydrological parameter is entirely suitable for all environmental systems and pathogens. In the base flow conditions, the amount of pollutant load varied temporally according to the amount of load from point sources along the Wadi, and spatially with distance from the same sources. Significant variation was observed in response to the hydrological behavior of the catchment. The assessment for the water quality in the Zomar reflects a potentially serious threat to the environment. The results emphasize the need for regulating the seepage effluent from industries and sewage system along the stream.
Putting Me in Media
Authors: Wells Christine
Published: February 2013

Like learning to read or write, or acquiring the fundamentals of mathematics, screen media literacy is rapidly becoming an essential life skill. This dominant and expansive interface for contact, culture, and commerce has become the way we communicate now. Given the power and reach of the screen, it seems essential that as with any other fundamental skill, we must begin to understand and create within this medium in a more foundational, intentional way. But the language of the screen is complicated, rapidly becoming almost as multidimensional and multifaceted as the number of users it encompasses. Additionally, given its reliance on technology, it is an ever-changing landscape fraught with the challenges of chasing the elusive cutting edge. This chapter looks at a more back to basics approach to screen media literacy by offering instruction in what screen media really is and how to create it in a more foundational and transferable fashion. Using simple, accessible technology, people become more screen literate and the creation process enables deeper, more authentic learning, with the credence and accountability of a potentially world wide audience. Focusing on an integral part of a process developed by the Rosebud Institute – an organization committed to making screen media literacy more broadly understood and accessible – this step-by-step, integrated method delivers a new understanding of media literacy. Using simple, accessible technology, participants create dynamic, original ePortfolio websites themselves and distribute their work to an ever-expanding audience. Developed along with Rosebud’s founder and director, Paul Chilsen, the process encourages individuals to find their own voice and embrace the me in media, moving us towards a future where people will instantly capture, identifiably own, intelligently store, and instinctively know what to do with their digital assets, allowing us all to communicate more effectively and thrive in a media-saturated world.
On Abstract Intelligence and Brain Informatics
Authors: Wang Yingxu
Published: February 2013

A key notion in abstract intelligence and cognitive informatics is that the brain and natural intelligence may only be explained by a hierarchical and reductive theory that maps the brain through the embodied neurological, physiological, cognitive, and logical levels from bottom-up induction and top-down deduction. This paper presents an abstract intelligence framework for modeling the structures and functions of the brain across these four levels. A set of abstract intelligent model, cognitive functional model, and neurophysiological model of the brain is systematically developed. On the basis of the abstract intelligent models of the brain at different levels, the conventionally highly overlapped, redundant, and even contradicted empirical observations in brain studies and cognitive psychology may be rigorously clarified and neatly explained. The improved understanding about the brain has led to the development of a wide range of novel technologies and systems such as cognitive computers, cognitive robots, and other applied cognitive systems.
Context Analysis of Volunteered Geographic Information from Social Media Networks to Support Disaster Management
Authors: Ostermann Frank , Spinsanti Laura
Published: February 2013

The increasing diffusion of integrated mobile devices connected with social networks has changed the way geographic information is collected, distributed and used. Several studies have already investigated the impact of social media during crisis events. Although networks of volunteers have demonstrated the ability to curate a large amount of information reliably, this approach faces issues of sustainability and scalability. Therefore, the authors propose a semi-automatic approach to extract volunteered geographic information from social media networks, to evaluate its quality, and thereby to render it useful during any crisis event. The system presented is novel in its approach in that it focuses less on individual pieces of information, and instead uses (geographic) context to determine quality and utility. This paper presents a successful case study on forest fires, but the system architecture is adaptable to different types of crisis events.
Applying AHP for Collaborative Modeling Evaluation
Authors: Ssebuggwawo Denis , Hoppenbrouwers Stijn , Proper Henderik A.
Published: February 2013

Collaborative modeling is one of the approaches used to enhance productivity in many enterprise modeling and system development projects. Determining the success of such a collaborative effort needs an evaluation of a number of factors which affect the quality of not only the end-products – the models, but also that of other modeling artifacts: the modeling language, the modeling procedure and the support tool. Although a number of quality frameworks have been developed, few of these frameworks have received practical validation and many offer little guidance about how the evaluation is operationalized. The Collaborative Modeling Evaluation (COME) framework presented in this paper offers a holistic approach to the evaluation of the four modeling artifacts. It employs the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), a well-established method from Operations Research, to score the artifacts’ quality dimensions and to aggregate the modelers’ priorities and preferences. Results from a modeling experiment demonstrate both the theoretical and practical significance of the framework.
DC-SCRIPT Regulates Glucocorticoid Receptor Function and Expression of Its Target GILZ in Dendritic Cells
Authors: Hontelez Saartje , Karthaus Nina , Looman Maaike W. , Ansems Marleen , Adema Gosse J.
Published: February 2013

Dendritic cells (DCs) play a central role in the immune system; they can induce immunity or tolerance depending on diverse factors in the DC environment. Pathogens, but also tissue damage, hormones, and vitamins, affect DC activation and maturation. In particular, glucocorticoids (GCs) are known for their immunosuppressive effect on DCs, creating tolerogenic DCs. GCs activate the type I nuclear receptor (NR) glucocorticoid receptor (GR), followed by induced expression of the transcription factor glucocorticoid-inducible leucine zipper (GILZ). GILZ has been shown to be necessary and sufficient for GC-induced tolerogenic DC generation. Recently, we have identified the DC-specific transcript (DC-SCRIPT) as an NR coregulator, suppressing type I steroid NRs estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor. In this study, we analyzed the effect of DC-SCRIPT on GR activity. We demonstrate that DC-SCRIPT coexists with GR in protein complexes and functions as a corepressor of GR-mediated transcription. Coexpression of DC-SCRIPT and GR is shown in human monocyte–derived DCs, and DC-SCRIPT knockdown enhances GR-dependent upregulation of GILZ mRNA expression in DCs. This demonstrates that DC-SCRIPT serves an important role in regulating GR function in DCs, corepressing GR-dependent upregulation of the tolerance-inducing transcription factor GILZ. These data imply that by controlling GR function and GILZ expression DC-SCRIPT is potentially involved in the balance between tolerance and immunity.
IRF7-Dependent IFN-β Production in Response to RANKL Promotes Medullary Thymic Epithelial Cell Development
Authors: Otero Dennis C. , Baker Darren P. , David Michael
Published: February 2013

The contributions of IFN regulatory factor (IRF) 3/7 and the type I IFNs IFN-α/β to the innate host defense have been extensively investigated; however, their role in thymic development is less clear. In this study, we show that mice lacking the type I IFN receptor IFN-α/β receptor (IFNAR) or the downstream transcription factor STAT1 harbor a significant reduction in self-Ag–presenting, autoimmune regulator (AIRE)+ medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs). Constitutive IFNAR signaling occurs in the thymic medulla in the absence of infection or inflammation. Receptor activator for NF-κB (RANK) ligand stimulation results in IFN-β upregulation, which in turn inhibits RANK signaling and facilitates AIRE expression in mTECs. Finally, we find that IRF7 is required for thymic IFN-β induction, maintenance of thymic architecture, and mTEC differentiation. We conclude that spatially and temporally coordinated cross talks between the RANK ligand/RANK and IRF7/IFN-β/IFNAR/STAT1 pathways are essential for differentiation of AIRE+ mTECs.
Influence of Maternal Exposure to 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin on Socioemotional Behaviors in Offspring Rats
Authors: Nguyen Anh T.N. , Nishijo Muneko , Hori Etsuro , Nguyen Nui M. , Pham Tai T. , Fukunaga Kohji , Nakagawa Hideaki , Tran Anh H. , Nishijo Hisao
Published: February 2013

Effects of dioxins on cognitive functions were reported in previous studies conducted in humans and animals. In the present study, we investigated the influence of dioxin exposure during pregnancy on social interaction and on the activity of offspring, which are related to neurodevelopmental disturbances. In addition, we analyzed neurochemical alterations of the limbic system of rat brains to suggest one mechanism of dioxin effects on brain function. We believe that this manuscript is suitable for publication in “Environmental Health Insights” because it provides an interesting topic for a wide global audience.

To clarify the relationships between maternal dioxin exposure and socioemotional functions of rat offspring, dams were given TCDD (1.0 μg/kg) on gestational day 15. Social interactions and forced swimming time were compared between TCDD-exposed and control offspring in each gender. Frequency and duration of locomotion were higher, and durations per one behavior of proximity and social contact were significantly lower in the exposed males, while only the duration of proximity was lower in the exposed females. Forced swimming time on the first day was significantly longer in the exposed males. In the limbic system of the rat brain, the levels and/or activity of CaMKIIα were decreased in males and were increased in females in the exposed offspring. These results suggest that prenatal TCDD exposure induces hyperactivity and socioemotional deficits, particularly in the male offspring due to alterations in CaMKIIα activity in the limbic system of the brain.
Identification of a Novel Uncultured Rickettsia Species Strain (Rickettsia Species Strain Tselenti) in Cyprus
Authors: Sandalakis Vassilios , Chochlakis Dimosthenis , Ioannou Ioannis , Psaroulaki Anna
Published: February 2013

In a previous study conducted in Cyprus, various spotted fever group Rickettsia species were detected and identified in ticks by molecular analysis. Among them, a partially characterized Rickettsia species was detected in Hyalomma anatolicum excavatum and Rhipicephalus turanicus ticks. We report characterization of this rickettsial strain by using polymerase chain reaction sequencing analysis of partial citrate synthase A, outer membrane protein A, outer membrane protein B, and 17-kD protein genes. We propose a provisional name Rickettsia sp. strain Tselenti for this strain until it is isolated and further characterized.
Development of Three PCR Assays for the Differentiation between Echinococcus shiquicus, E. granulosus (G1 genotype), and E. multilocularis DNA in the Co-Endemic Region of Qinghai-Tibet plateau, China
Authors: Boufana Belgees , Umhang Gérald , Qiu Jiamin , Chen Xingwang , Lahmar Samia , Boué Franck , Jenkins David , Craig Philip
Published: February 2013

To investigate echinococcosis in co-endemic regions, three polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays based on the amplification of a fragment within the NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 (ND1) mitochondrial gene were optimized for the detection of Echinococcus shiquicus, Echinococcus granulosus G1, and Echinococcus multilocularis DNA derived from parasite tissue or canid fecal samples. Specificity using parasite tissue-derived DNA was found to be 100% except for E. shiquicus primers that faintly detected E. equinus DNA. Sensitivity of the three assays for DNA detection was between 2 and 10 pg. Ethanol precipitation of negative PCR fecal samples was used to eliminate false negatives and served to increase sensitivity as exemplified by an increase in detection from 0% to 89% of E. shiquicus coproDNA using necropsy-positive fox samples.
Insecticide Resistance Allele Frequencies in Anopheles gambiae before and after Anti-Vector Interventions in Continental Equatorial Guinea
Authors: Reddy Michael R. , Godoy Adrian , Dion Kirstin , Matias Abrahan , Callender Kevin , Kiszewski Anthony E. , Kleinschmidt Immo , Ridl Frances C. , Powell Jeffrey R. , Caccone Adalgisa , Slotman Michel A.
Published: February 2013

Anti-malaria interventions that rely on insecticides can be compromised by insecticide-resistance alleles among malaria vectors. We examined frequency changes of resistance alleles at two loci, knockdown resistance (kdr) and acetylcholinesterase-1 (ace-1), which confer resistance to pyrethroids and DDT, and carbamates, respectively. A total of 7,059 Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto mosquitoes were analyzed from multiple sites across continental Equatorial Guinea. A subset of sites included samples collected pre-intervention (2007) and post-intervention (2009–2011). Both L1014S and L1014F resistance alleles were observed in almost all pre-intervention collections. In particular, L1014F was already at substantial frequencies in M form populations (17.6–74.6%), and at high frequencies (> 50%) in all but two S form populations. Comparison before and throughout anti-vector interventions showed drastic increases in L1014F, presumably caused by intensified selection pressure imposed by pyrethroids used in vector control efforts. In light of these findings, inclusion of other insecticide classes in any anti-vector intervention can be considered prudent.
Classification and investigation of Asian aerosol absorptive properties
Authors: Logan T. , Xi B. , Dong X. , Li Z. , Cribb M.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. Asian aerosols are among the most complex yet widely studied components of the atmosphere not only due to their seasonal variability but also their effects on climate change. Four Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) sites have been selected to represent aerosol properties dominated by pollution (Taihu), mixed complex particle types (Xianghe), desert-urban (SACOL), and biomass (Mukdahan) in East Asia during the 2001–2010 period. The volume size distribution, aerosol optical depth (τ and τabs), Ångström exponent (α and αabs), and the single scattering co-albedo (ωoabs) parameters over the four selected sites have been used to (a) illustrate seasonal changes in aerosol size and composition and (b) discern the absorptive characteristics of black carbon (BC), organic carbon (OC), mineral dust particles, and mixtures. A strongly absorbing mineral dust influence is seen at the Xianghe, Taihu, and SACOL sites during the spring months (MAM), as given by coarse mode dominance, mean α440–870 < 1, and mean αabs440–870 > 1.5. There is a shift towards weakly absorbing pollution (sulfate) and biomass (OC) aerosol dominance in the summer (JJA) and autumn (SON) months, as given by a strong fine mode influence, α440–870 > 1, and αabs440–870 < 1.5. A winter season (DJF) shift toward strongly fine mode, absorbing particles (BC and OC) is observed at Xianghe and Taihu (αabs440–870 > 1 and αabs440–870 > 1.5). At Mukdahan, a strong fine mode influence is evident year round, with weakly and strongly absorbing biomass particles dominant in the autumn and winter months, respectively, while particles exhibit variable absorption during the spring season. A classification method using α440–870 and ωoabs440 is developed in order to infer the seasonal physico-chemical properties of the aerosol types, such as fine and coarse mode, weak and strong absorption, at the four selected Asian sites.
Formation of aqueous-phase α-hydroxyhydroperoxides (α-HHP): potential atmospheric impacts
Authors: Zhao R. , Lee A. K. Y. , Soong R. , Simpson A. J. , Abbatt J. P. D.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. The focus of this work is on quantifying the degree of the aqueous-phase formation of α-hydroxyhydroperoxides (α-HHPs) via reversible nucleophilic addition of H2O2 to aldehydes. Formation of this class of highly oxygenated organic hydroperoxides represents a poorly characterized aqueous-phase processing pathway that may lead to enhanced SOA formation and aerosol toxicity. Specifically, the equilibrium constants of α-HHP formation have been determined using proton nuclear resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy and proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry (PTR-MS). Significant α-HHP formation was observed from formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, propionaldehyde, glycolaldehyde, glyoxylic acid, methylglyoxal, but not from methacrolein and ketones. Low temperatures enhanced the formation of α-HHPs but slowed their formation rates. High inorganic salt concentrations shifted the equilibria toward the hydrated form of the aldehydes and slightly suppressed α-HHP formation. Using the experimental equilibrium constants, we predict the equilibrium concentration of α-HHPs to be in the μM level in cloud water but may be present in the mM level in aerosol liquid water (ALW), where the concentrations of H2O2 and aldehydes can be high. Formation of α-HHPs in ALW may significantly affect the effective Henry's law constants of H2O2 and aldehydes but may not affect their gas-phase levels. The photochemistry and reactivity of this class of atmospheric species have not been studied.
Fast response cavity enhanced ozone monitor
Authors: Gomez A. L. , Rosen E. P.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. Ozone is an important atmospheric gas due to its role in air quality and radiative forcing. A new method for sensitive, rapid monitoring of ambient ozone has been developed using a compact platform and relatively inexpensive components. Based on incoherent broadband cavity enhanced absorption spectroscopy (IBB-CEAS), the device utilizes an optical cavity of just 14.5 cm and 99.3% reflective mirrors. Performance of the instrument has been validated against direct absorption measurements in a single-pass measurement cell. Currently, the IBB-CEAS ozone instrument can achieve ∼1 ppb sensitivities at 0.1 s integration time with a dynamic range over four orders of magnitude, accessing relevant ozone concentrations in both the stratosphere and troposphere. This new device offers improved sensitivity and time response for mapping ozone aboard airborne platforms.
Response of polar mesosphere summer echoes to geomagnetic disturbances in the Southern and Northern Hemispheres: the importance of nitric oxide
Authors: Kirkwood S. , Belova E. , Dalin P. , Mihalikova M. , Mikhaylova D. , Murtagh D. , Nilsson H. , Satheesan K. , Urban J. , Wolf I.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. The relationship between polar mesosphere summer echoes (PMSE) and geomagnetic disturbances (represented by magnetic K indices) is examined. Calibrated PMSE reflectivities for the period May 2006–February 2012 are used from two 52.0/54.5 MHz radars located in Arctic Sweden (68° N, geomagnetic latitude 65°) and at two different sites in Queen Maud Land, Antarctica (73°/72° S, geomagnetic latitudes 62°/63°). In both the Northern Hemisphere (NH) and the Southern Hemisphere (SH) there is a strong increase in mean PMSE reflectivity between quiet and disturbed geomagnetic conditions. Mean volume reflectivities are slightly lower at the SH locations compared to the NH, but the position of the peak in the lognormal distribution of PMSE reflectivities is close to the same at both NH and SH locations, and varies only slightly with magnetic disturbance level. Differences between the sites, and between geomagnetic disturbance levels, are primarily due to differences in the high-reflectivity tail of the distribution. PMSE occurrence rates are essentially the same at both NH and SH locations during most of the PMSE season when a sufficiently low detection threshold is used so that the peak in the lognormal distribution is included. When the local-time dependence of the PMSE response to geomagnetic disturbance level is considered, the response in the NH is found to be immediate at most local times, but delayed by several hours in the afternoon sector and absent in the early evening. At the SH sites, at lower magnetic latitude, there is a delayed response (by several hours) at almost all local times. At the NH (auroral zone) site, the dependence on magnetic disturbance is highest during evening-to-morning hours. At the SH (sub-auroral) sites the response to magnetic disturbance is weaker but persists throughout the day. While the immediate response to magnetic activity can be qualitatively explained by changes in electron density resulting from energetic particle precipitation, the delayed response can largely be explained by changes in nitric oxide concentrations. Observations of nitric oxide concentration at PMSE heights by the Odin satellite support this hypothesis. Sensitivity to geomagnetic disturbances, including nitric oxide produced during these disturbances, can explain previously reported differences between sites in the auroral zone and those at higher or lower magnetic latitudes. The several-day lifetime of nitric oxide can also explain earlier reported discrepancies between high correlations for average conditions (year-by-year PMSE reflectivities and K indices) and low correlations for minute-to-day timescales.
Assessing student understanding of physical hydrology
Authors: Marshall J. A. , Castillo A. J. , Cardenas M. B.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. Our objective is to devise a mechanism to characterize and assess upper division and graduate student thinking in hydrology. We accomplish this through development and testing of an assessment tool for a physical hydrology class. The instrument was piloted in two sections of a physical hydrology course. Students were asked to respond to two questions that probed understanding and one question that assessed their ability to apply their knowledge, both prior to and after the course. Student and expert responses to the questions were classified into broad categories to develop a rubric to score responses. Using the rubric, three researchers independently blind-coded the full set of pre- and post-artifacts, resulting in 89% inter-rater agreement on the pre-tests and 83% agreement on the post-tests. The majority of responses made by students at the beginning of the class were characterized as showing only recognition of hydrology concepts from a non-physical perspective; post surveys indicated that the majority had moved to a basic understanding of physical processes, with some students achieving expert understanding. Our study has limitations, including the small number of participants who were all from one institution and the fact that the rubric was still under development. Nevertheless, the high inter-rater agreement from a group of experts indicates that the process we undertook is potentially useful for assessment of learning and understanding physical hydrology.
Looking at the future of manufacturing metrology: roadmap document of the German VDI/VDE Society for Measurement and Automatic Control
Authors: Berthold J. , Imkamp D.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. "Faster, safer, more accurately and more flexibly'' is the title of the "manufacturing metrology roadmap'' issued by the VDI/VDE Society for Measurement and Automatic Control (http://www.vdi.de/gma). The document presents a view of the development of metrology for industrial production over the next ten years and was drawn up by a German group of experts from research and industry. The following paper summarizes the content of the roadmap and explains the individual concepts of "Faster, safer, more accurately and more flexibly'' with the aid of examples.
A new variable stiffness suspension system: passive case
Authors: Anubi O. M. , Patel D. R. , Crane III C. D.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. This paper presents the design, analysis, and experimental validation of the passive case of a variable stiffness suspension system. The central concept is based on a recently designed variable stiffness mechanism. It consists of a horizontal control strut and a vertical strut. The main idea is to vary the load transfer ratio by moving the location of the point of attachment of the vertical strut to the car body. This movement is controlled passively using the horizontal strut. The system is analyzed using an L2-gain analysis based on the concept of energy dissipation. The analyses, simulation, and experimental results show that the variable stiffness suspension achieves better performance than the constant stiffness counterpart. The performance criteria used are; ride comfort, characterized by the car body acceleration, suspension deflection, and road holding, characterized by tire deflection.
Event-driven deposition of snow on the Antarctic Plateau: analyzing field measurements with SNOWPACK
Authors: Groot Zwaaftink C. D. , Cagnati A. , Crepaz A. , Fierz C. , Macelloni G. , Valt M. , Lehning M.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. Antarctic surface snow has been studied by means of continuous measurements and observations over a period of 3 yr at Dome C. Snow observations include solid deposits in form of precipitation, diamond dust, or hoar, snow temperatures at several depths, records of deposition and erosion on the surface, and snow profiles. Together with meteorological data from automatic weather stations, this forms a unique dataset of snow conditions on the Antarctic Plateau. Large differences in snow amounts and density exist between solid deposits measured 1 m above the surface and deposition at the surface. We used the snow-cover model SNOWPACK to simulate the snow-cover evolution for different deposition parameterizations. The main adaptation of the model described here is a new event-driven deposition scheme. The scheme assumes that snow is added to the snow cover permanently only during periods of strong winds. This assumption followed from the comparison between observations of solid deposits and daily records of changes in snow height: solid deposits could be observed on tables 1 m above the surface on 94 out of 235 days (40%) while deposition at the surface occurred on 59 days (25%) during the same period, but both happened concurrently on 33 days (14%) only. This confirms that precipitation is not necessarily the driving force behind non-temporary snow height changes. A comparison of simulated snow height to stake farm measurements over 3 yr showed that we underestimate the total accumulation by at least 33%, when the total snow deposition is constrained by the measurements of solid deposits on tables 1 m above the surface. During shorter time periods, however, we may miss over 50% of the deposited mass. This suggests that the solid deposits measured above the surface and used to drive the model, even though comparable to ECMWF forecasts in its total magnitude, should be seen as a lower boundary. As a result of the new deposition mechanism, we found a good agreement between model results and measurements of snow temperatures and recorded snow profiles. In spite of the underestimated deposition, the results thus suggest that we can obtain quite realistic simulations of the Antarctic snow cover by the introduction of event-driven snow deposition.
Effect of uncertainty in surface mass balance–elevation feedback on projections of the future sea level contribution of the Greenland ice sheet – Part 1: Parameterisation
Authors: Edwards T. L. , Fettweis X. , Gagliardini O. , Gillet-Chaulet F. , Goelzer H. , Gregory J. M. , Hoffman M. , Huybrechts P. , Payne A. J. , Perego M. , Price S. , Quiquet A. , Ritz C.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. We present a new parameterisation that relates surface mass balance (SMB: the sum of surface accumulation and surface ablation) to changes in surface elevation of the Greenland ice sheet (GrIS) for the MAR regional climate model. The motivation is to dynamically adjust SMB as the GrIS evolves, allowing us to force ice sheet models with SMB simulated by MAR while incorporating the SMB–elevation feedback, without the substantial technical challenges of coupling the two models. This also allows us to assess the effect of elevation feedback uncertainty on the GrIS contribution to sea level, using multiple global climate and ice sheet models, without the need for additional, expensive MAR simulations. We estimate this relationship separately below and above the equilibrium line altitude (ELA, separating negative and positive SMB) and for regions north and south of 77° N, from a set of MAR simulations in which we alter the ice sheet surface elevation. These give four "SMB lapse rates", gradients that relate SMB changes to elevation changes. We assess uncertainties within a Bayesian framework, estimating probability distributions for each gradient from which we present best estimates and credibility intervals (CIs) that bound 95% of the probability. Below the ELA our gradient estimates are mostly positive, because SMB usually increases with elevation: 0.54 (95% CI: −0.22 to 1.34) kg m−3 a−1 for the north, and 1.89 (1.03 to 2.61) kg m−3 a−1 for the south. Above the ELA the gradients are much smaller: 0.09 (−0.03 to 0.22) kg m−3 a−1 in the north, and 0.06 (−0.07 to 0.56) kg m−3 a−1 in the south, because SMB can either increase or decrease in response to increased elevation. Our statistically based approach allows us to make probabilistic assessments for the effect of elevation feedback uncertainty on sea level projections. In a companion paper we use the best estimates and upper and lower CI bounds in five ice sheet models, and the full probability distributions in another, to adjust simulated SMB from MAR forced by two global climate models for the SRES A1B scenario (Edwards et al., 2013).
Protease production and enzymatic soaking of salt-preserved buffalo hides for leather processing
Authors: Zambare V. P. , Nilegaonkar S. S. , Kanekar P. P.
Published: February 2013

Response surface methodological (RSM) optimization of protease by Pseudomonas aeruginosa MCM B327, increased 1.3-fold activity with 1% inoculum having cell density of 27.57 x 109 cells mL-1 at pH 7, 300C and 72 h of incubation. Protease enzyme recovered from P. aeruginosa showed characteristic activities against diverse proteins of hide. Enzyme was found to be active with substrates e.g. casein, Bovine serum albumin, gelatin, elastin, haemoglobin but inactive against keratin and collagen. During leather manufacturing, non-collagenase and non-keratinase activities have advantageous in a quality leather and hair saving process, respectively. Increased proteolytic enzyme concentration (0.1-0.5%) in soaking process showed increased water penetration because of hydrolysis of albumin and elastin proteins as indicated by opened fibers in histopathological sections. These findings suggest, protease secreted by P. aeruginosa may have application in soaking operation of leather processing for minimizing harmful deharing chemicals and processing time.
Electronic delivery of consumer confidence reports
Authors: Carpenter Adam T. , Roberson J. Alan
Published: February 2013

Most drinking water utilities are required to deliver annual water quality reports known as consumer confidence reports (CCRs). Increased use of electronic communication combined with technological advances and pressure to be environmentally friendly and cost‐efficient are making electronic delivery of CCRs increasingly attractive. To better understand consumer preferences, utility capabilities, and potential cost savings and benefits, three surveys were conducted, two with drinking water utilities (2010, 2012) and one with consumers (2011). Concurrently, the US Environmental Protection Agency conducted a retrospective review of its regulations, including examining whether electronic delivery of CCRs meets regulatory requirements. In January 2013, the agency released an interpretive memo listing acceptable electronic delivery options. Results of the three surveys indicated that although utilities generally are not ready to deliver CCRs by e‐mail, most have website capabilities for hosting electronic CCRs and for other electronic delivery methods. Widespread implementation could result in cost savings of nearly $20 million annually.
Integrated Management Spells Success for Medellin, Colombia's, Water and Wastewater Utility
Authors: Osorio Andrea Diaz , Venkatesh Govindarajan
Published: February 2013

The city of Medellin is the second largest urban area in Colombia. The state‐owned company, Empresas Públicas de Medellín E.S.P. (EPM), provides water supply and wastewater treatment services to more than 3.5 million people in the city and nine other smaller towns in the conurbation. EPM also provides public services other than water supply and wastewater treatment. Eduardo Cadavid Restrepo, director of the department of water management at EPM, described the current status, challenges, and future plans for the water supply and sanitation system in Medellin in this interview (conducted by e‐mail in Spanish and later translated to English) with Andrea Diaz Osorio and Govindarajan Venkatesh. At the time the interview was conducted, Diaz Osorio was a student in the master's degree program at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) at Trondheim, Norway. Venkatesh is a postdoctoral researcher in the department of hydraulic and environmental engineering, also at NTNU.
Aktivitas nokturnal vektor demam berdarah dengue di beberapa daerah di Indonesia
Authors:   Bagian Parasitologi & Entomologi Kesehatan, Departemen Ilmu Penyakit Hewan dan Kesehatan Masyarakat Veteriner Fakultas Kedokteran Hewan, Institut Pertanian Bogor., Kesumawati Hadi Upik , Soviana Susi ,   Bagian Parasitologi & Entomologi Kesehatan, Departemen Ilmu Penyakit Hewan dan Kesehatan Masyarakat Veteriner Fakultas Kedokteran Hewan, Institut Pertanian Bogor., Djayanti Gunandini Dwi ,   Bagian Parasitologi & Entomologi Kesehatan, Departemen Ilmu Penyakit Hewan dan Kesehatan Masyarakat Veteriner Fakultas Kedokteran Hewan, Institut Pertanian Bogor.
Published: February 2013

The continous presence of dengue virus infection presents a serious health problem in many tropical areas of the world because of the severe and often fatal disease in children. Dengue viruses are transmitted to human through the biting of infected mosquitoes, especially Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. This paper reported the nocturnal of biting activity of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus in several areas of Indonesia. Natural population of Aedes was collected by bare leg collection and resting collection from 18:00 to 06:00 out door and indoor. The biting activities of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus occurred throughout the night from 18:00 to 05:50 out door and indoor in Cikarawang, Babakan, and Cibanteng Kabupaten Bogor (2004); Cangkurawuk Darmaga Bogor (2005, 2007); Pramuka island, Pari island, Kepulauan Seribu (2008); Gunung Bugis, Gunung Karang, Gunung Utara Balikpapan (2009); and Kayangan, Lombok Utara (2009). These results showed that the biting activities of Ae. aegypti dan Ae. albopictus did not only occur diurnally but also nocturnally.
Epigenetic conservation at gene regulatory elements revealed by non-methylated DNA profiling in seven vertebrates
Authors: Long Hannah K , Sims David , Heger Andreas , Blackledge Neil P , Kutter Claudia , Wright Megan L , Grützner Frank , Odom Duncan T , Patient Roger , Ponting Chris P , Klose Robert J
Published: February 2013

Two-thirds of gene promoters in mammals are associated with regions of non-methylated DNA, called CpG islands (CGIs), which counteract the repressive effects of DNA methylation on chromatin. In cold-blooded vertebrates, computational CGI predictions often reside away from gene promoters, suggesting a major divergence in gene promoter architecture across vertebrates. By experimentally identifying non-methylated DNA in the genomes of seven diverse vertebrates, we instead reveal that non-methylated islands (NMIs) of DNA are a central feature of vertebrate gene promoters. Furthermore, NMIs are present at orthologous genes across vast evolutionary distances, revealing a surprising level of conservation in this epigenetic feature. By profiling NMIs in different tissues and developmental stages we uncover a unifying set of features that are central to the function of NMIs in vertebrates. Together these findings demonstrate an ancient logic for NMI usage at gene promoters and reveal an unprecedented level of epigenetic conservation across vertebrate evolution.
Assessing dental wear in reindeer using geometric morphometrical methods
Authors: Rødven Rolf , Yoccoz Nigel G. , Ims Rolf A. , Wiig Øystein
Published: February 2013

Assessing dental wear is a useful tool for monitoring the interaction between ungulates and their food resources. However, using a univariate measurement for dental wear, like for instance height of the first molar may not capture the variation in dental wear important for the dental functional morphology. We here demonstrate a method for assessing dental wear for ungulates by using geometric morphometrical methods on 11 mandibles from nine Svalbard reindeer (Rangifer tarandus platyrhynchus). Shape measurements were obtained from a combination of fixed and sliding semi-landmarks, and dental wear was estimated using residual variation of the landmarks. The morphometric measurements obtained showed a good fit when compared to subjective scores of dental wear. We conclude that this method may give a more integrated and robust assessment of dental wear than univariate methods, and suggest it to be used as an alternative or in addition to traditional measurements of dental wear.Abstract in Norwegian / Sammendrag:Vurdering av tannslitasje hos rein ved hjelp av geometrisk morfometriske metoder Vurdering av tannslitasje er en anvendbar metode for å overvåke betydningen av miljøet for livshistorien til hovdyr. Imidlertid vil bruk av et enkelt mål, som for eksempel høyde på første molar, ikke nødvendigvis fange opp variasjonen i tannslitasje som er viktig i forhold til tennenes funksjonelle morfologi. I denne artikkelen viser vi hvordan tannslitasje kan vurderes ved å anvende geometrisk morfometriske metoder på 11 underkjever fra ni Svalbardrein (Rangifer tarandus platyrhynchus). Formen på tannrekka ble målt ved hjelp av en kombinasjon av fikserte og glidende semi-landemerker, hvor tannslitasje ble estimert ved å bruke residual variasjon av landemerkene. De morfometriske målene stemte godt overens med subjektiv vurdering av tannslitasje. Vi konkluderer at denne metoden kan gi en mer integrert og robust vurdering av tannslitasje enn univariate metoder, og foreslår den brukt som et alternativ til eller i tillegg til mer tradisjonelle mål på tannslitasje.
Partial county development plans as a means for preserving wild reindeer habitats in Norway
Authors: Bråtå Hans Olav
Published: February 2013

Norwegian wild reindeer habitats are threatened by human intervention. Wild reindeer habitats are joint region wide common pool resources (CPR). Municipalities may be free-riders to that resource if they prefer investments boosting municipal economy despite negative consequences for wild reindeer as a regional resource. Partial county development plans, following the rules of the Planning and Building Act (PBA), are a means that may combine preservation of habitats and development. In order to analyze such plans, theory on CPR management is applied to spatial development planning in the Rondane and Hardangervidda wild reindeer areas. It is shown that the nested system is in accordance with most of Ostrom’s principles. Still, a joint Planning Board ought to be established at Hardangervidda and a partial county plan for the whole wild reindeer area there ought to be established. It is recommended that regular monitoring of interventions and planning is established. Finally, a system or mechanism for low cost conflict resolution is needed; but is not easily included into a system based on official actors at different levels, the planning and building act and public anticipation on equal management. The last point is important for mutual acceptance of restrictions on own activity. Abstract in Norwegian / Sammendrag:Kunnskap om forvaltning av fellesressurer øker forståelsen av regionale planer for villreinområderNorske villreinområder er truet av menneskelige inngrep. Villreinområdene er en regional fellesressurs, men kommunene kan bli gratispassasjerer i forhold til utnytting av denne ressursen ettersom de kan bli fristet til å vektlegge utbygging som gir lokaløkonomiske effekter, på tross av negative konsekvenser for villreinen som en regional ressurs. Fylkesdelplaner, som er basert på plan- og bygningsloven, er et virkemiddel som kan kombinere bevaring og utvikling. For å forstå slike planers muligheter og begrensninger analyses her fylkesdelplanene for Rondane og Hardangervidda øst i forhold til teorier om forvaltning av fellesressurser. Analysen viser at planleggingen og det offentlige systemet som er bygget opp omkring planene, er i tråd med de fleste av Ostrom sine prinsipper. Det bør imidlertid etableres et planråd for Hardangervidda og fylkesdelplanen der bør utvides slik at den omfatter hele villreinområdet. Det bør etableres et system med regelmessig kartlegging av planleggingen og effektene av det. Det bør også etableres et system som gir grunnlag for å løse konflikter på en enkel måte, men dette er ikke enkelt fordi planleggingen er basert på det offentlige planleggingssystemet og forventninger om like behandling av saker. Lik og rettferdig behandling av saker er viktig for at aktører skal kunne godta restriksjoner på egen aktivitet.
Management of reindeer husbandry in Norway – power-sharing and participation
Authors: Ulvevadet Birgitte
Published: February 2013

Many governments have come to realize that the best way to manage natural resources is to include the resource users in order to increase legitimacy for governance. For the Sami reindeer industry, the Norwegian government has implemented two different management models in order to meet this challenge. On the one hand, there is a corporative management model where a few democratically elected reindeer owners represent the whole industry in the annual negotiations with the government. On the other hand, there is a co-management model where reindeer owners are represented in boards at the local, regional and national levels where the government has delegated a number of management functions. In addition, there is also a hierarchical administrative management system, with only public officials as employees. Nevertheless, through media, surveys and interviews, there has been observed some dissatisfaction among reindeer owners; they claim that the system is not inclusive. I argue that the election of reindeer owners to the different co-management boards and the election of reindeer owners to the corporative units have been challenging because it is difficult to establish systems of representation that are fair for everyone. I also argue that it is complicated to make such comprehensive systems work in practice, as initially planned on paper. Abstract in Norwegian / Sammendrag:Forvaltningen av reindriften i Norge – maktfordeling og deltakelseMyndigheter i mange land har erkjent at å innbefatte ressursbrukere i forvaltningsmessige beslutningsprosesser skaper en mer rettmessig forvaltningspolitikk. For å øke medvirkningen for ressursbrukere har norske myndigheter iverksatt to ulike forvaltningsmodeller i den samiske reindriften. På den ene siden er det innført et korporativt system hvor utvalgte reineiere representerer reindriften i de årlige forhandlingene med myndighetene. På den andre siden er det iverksatt et medforvaltningssystem hvor reineiere er representert i styrer på lokalt, regionalt og nasjonalt nivå. Staten har også delegert en del forvaltningsgjøremål til disse styrene. Likevel har det gjennom media, spørreundersøkelser og intervjuer, kommet frem at noen reineiere er misfornøyde med forvaltningssystemet og at de føler seg ekskludert fra deltakelse. Jeg argumenterer derfor for at oppnevningen av reineiere til de ulike medforvaltningsstyrene og oppnevning av reineiere til det korporative organ er en delvis uløst utfordring fordi det er vanskelig å etablere et representasjonssystem som føles rettferdig for alle. Jeg påviser også at det er vanskelig å få slike sammensatte systemer til å fungere like godt i praksis som de var planlagt.
A New Evolutionary Algorithm Based on Bacterial Evolution and Its Application for Scheduling A Flexible Manufacturing System
Authors: Anandaraman Chandramouli , Madurai Sankar Arun Vikram , Natarajan Ramaraj
Published: February 2013

A new evolutionary computation algorithm, Superbug algorithm, which simulates evolution of bacteria in a culture, is proposed. The algorithm is developed for solving large scale optimization problems such as scheduling, transportation and assignment problems. In this work, the algorithm optimizes machine schedules in a Flexible Manufacturing System (FMS) by minimizing makespan. The FMS comprises of four machines and two identical Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs). AGVs are used for carrying jobs between the Load/Unload (L/U) station and the machines. Experimental results indicate the efficiency of the proposed algorithm in its optimization performance in scheduling is noticeably superior to other evolutionary algorithms when compared to the best results reported in the literature for FMS Scheduling.