bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of an Alumni Database for a University
Authors: Etcuban Jonathan Olores , Durano Dennis S.
Published: August 2015

Databases for alumni are vital to every learning institution. The data and information are needed by the school to communicate, verify, archive and research the alumni. These are also used to validate the gap between the knowledge and skills possess by the graduates and the required qualifications needed by industries. It determined the effectiveness of instructions in the college and achievement of its graduates. The study aimed to design and develop an alumni database of the University of Cebu that would provide solutions to problems in tracing alumni. The proposed system would enable users to register as well as generate information for the purpose of tracing the whereabouts of the alumni. The descriptive-developmental method was utilized, and two sets of researchers made questionnaires were administered to 95 respondents. Percentages, ranks, and weighted means were used in the treatment of the gathered data. The alumni database was developed based on Commission on Higher Education – Graduate Tracer Study survey questionnaire and was tested by the users based on userfriendliness, system security, and accessibility. The study revealed that an alumni database system is by far a better tool, cost-saving, and time-saving mechanism than the traditional method of recording data. It will also streamline the university’s concern for assisting alumni in disseminating relevant developments to other stakeholders around the globe. The developed alumni database system is highly recommended for use.   Keywords - Information Technology, alumni database, descriptive study, Philippines
Proficiency of Personnel: Key to Effective and Efficient Procurement
Authors: Tayo Razel P.
Published: August 2015

Effective and efficient procurement system results in the best value for money and transparency. The study assessed the adherence of the Northern Mindanao Division of Social Security System to procurement policies provided in Republic Act No. 9184 – The Government Procurement Reform Act (GPRA) and its revised Implementing Rules and Regulation. Specifically, this answered the query on how adherent is the procurement procedure of Northern Mindanao Division of Social Security System to procurement policies. The study employed a descriptive research design utilizing a combination of document analysis, observation, and interview as data gathering tools. The data were obtained using a researcher-made checklist designed to assess adherence to procurement policies and analyzed using a descriptive statistics. Primary data were validated through a semi-structured interview and triangulated through observation or from available secondary data. Results showed the respondents were not fully adherent because of the inadequacy of technical expertise. There were areas of its existing procurement processes that needed to be corrected or re-engineered. Among the salient areas that should be improved are the professionalizing of all procurement personnel and amending its internal rules and policies to come-up with adherent, modernized, standardized and regulated procurement activities that are compliant with the core principles anchored by GPRA, namely: transparency, accountability, equity, efficiency and economy. Keywords - Social Science, procurement, Government Procurement Reform Act (GPRA), Shopping, Small Value Procurement, PhilGEPS, descriptive design, Philippines
Development and Validation of an English Proficiency Training Program for Pre-Service Teachers
Authors: Patubo Honorato Raposas
Published: August 2015

This study determined the effectiveness of the English Proficiency Training Program for pre-service teachers at the University of Northern Philippines, Vigan City, and School Year-2013. It likewise looked into the English professors’ assessment of the program and the pre-service teachers’ level of English proficiency before and after undergoing the program. Data gathered using the English Proficiency Test and the Survey Questionnaire were treated using frequency, rank and percentage, mean, Kendall Coefficient of Concordance, and t test.  The following were the findings: a) the breadth of the respondents’ errors reflects the need to address their language deficits; b) the Training Program was Very Highly Acceptable; c) the evaluators have more or less similar assessment of the Training Program, and d) the English Proficiency of the pre-service teachers improved after undergoing the Training Program. Based on the results, the following are recommended: a) English teachers should give pre-service teachers more fun-filled drills to reinforce the latters’ learning of grammar; b) the English Proficiency Training Program for pre-service teachers be adopted for use; c) others should evaluate the program for further enrichment, and d) the program be used to other respondents to confirm its effectiveness.   Keywords - Second Language, Language Acquisition, Proficiency, Pre-Service Teachers, Training Program, communicative competence, language errors, Training Design, language teaching, language teachers
Social Dimensions of Librarian’s Education and the Role Performance of Academic Librarians
Authors: FAJAGUTANA ARCHIE B. , CAINTIC VIRGINIA I.
Published: August 2015

Library and information science education is one major concerns of the higher education institution as support to the teaching learning process. The study seeks to determine the relationship between the social dimensions of librarians’ education and the role performance of librarians of academic libraries. The social dimensions of librarians’ education consist of intercultural communication, cultural changes, social institutions and globalization. The role performance of librarians includes librarians as instructional partners, information specialists, program administrators and teachers. Using descriptive-correlational method, validated questionnaires, mean and Pearson (r), it can be concluded that the level of social dimensions of education of librarians in Davao City is moderate; the level of the role performance of librarians in Davao City is high and there was a significant relationship between the social dimensions of education and the role performance of librarians. Recommendations include a proposal for the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to design a program to enrich librarians’ social dimensions and competencies that comply with the global educational standards and address current needs and their future library user aspirations, considering individual and cultural contexts and present-day technologies.Keywords: library and information science education, social dimensions of education,librarians, descriptive-correlational technique, Davao City, Philippines
Professionalism and Efficacy as Predictors of Leadership Practices of School Heads
Authors: GENERAL LORNA T. , GUHAO, JR. EUGENIO S.
Published: August 2015

by advocating, nurturing, and sustaining a school culture and instructional program conducive to student learning and professional growth. The primary purpose in the conduct of the study was to determine whether leadership practices of school heads of Region XI can be predicted by their efficacy and professionalism. Quantitative non-experimental research designed was employed using multiple regression analysis involving three hundred nine-one (391) teacher- respondents selected at random assessing their respective school heads from the different elementary schools in Region XI. Further, results showed that professionalism and efficacy significantly predict the school heads’ leadership practices. Therefore, Professionalism significantly influences leadership practices of school heads. Efficacy significantly influences leadership practices of school heads and professionalism and efficacy are significant predictors of leadership practices of school heads. Hence, it was recommended that DepEd officials should raise the level of professionalism and efficacy of public elementary school principals in order to raise their levels of leadership practices. This can be done through trainings and effective monitoring and evaluation system to enhance the performance of the school heads in a global setting.Keywords: Education, professionalism, leadership practices, quantitative non-experimentalstudy, regression analysis, Philippines
Listening Skills of Teachers and Classroom Environment of Public and Secondary Schools
Authors: JUAREZ KATHY JANE B. , SERRANO RUBY A.
Published: August 2015

Listening skills of teachers is very significant in the classroom since the students need to be understood and be clarified in their needs. Learning is motivated when a teacher listens to the students and meets the necessities of the students in learning. The purpose of the study was to determine the significance of the relationship between listening skills of secondary teachers and classroom environment in public and private secondary schools of Matanao, Davao del Sur. The study involved 619 fourth year secondary students determined through universal sampling. Employing descriptive correlation with questionnaires, mean, and Pearson r, results revealed that the listening skills of the secondary teachers were related to the classroom environment. It was concluded that the higher the listening skills of the respondents, the higher is the positive effect of the classroom environment to their students. It can also be derived from the result that listening skills and classroom environment are interrelated. It was recommended that teachers should be capacitated to apply the attentive listening and interactive listening skills to upgrade the level of achievement of the students in the classroom.Keywords: Language, listening skills, classroom environment, descriptive correlation, classroom management and Davao City, Philippines
Time, Language, Culture and Attitude: Barriers to Students’ Academic Achievement
Authors: BANUELOS HEIDI P. , LOVITOS ANA HELENA R.
Published: August 2015

Barriers to students’ academic achievement have gained importance in educational research. The primary goal of this study was to determine the level of barriers to effective family involvement in education and student achievement of the 5 selected public elementary schools. The researcher used descriptive-correlational method using a standardized and validated questionnaire. The respondents of the study were the 86 B’laan parents of 5 public elementary schools of Kiblawan in Davao, Philippines using universal sampling. Employing mean and Pearson r as statistical tools, results showed that the level of barriers to effective family involvement to education and to the level of student achievement were both moderate. Moreover, results indicated that there is a significant relationship between the barriers to effective family involvement to education and student achievement in government primary institutions. Students had the confidence on their parents’ ability to assist them in their studies. However, there is a need to train students to be academically inspired through parental involvement in school activities since some of them avoid their parents’ engagement in school programs. Likewise, parents outside the cultural mainstream such as the B’laan may feel that they are not capable of contributing to their children’s education. Thus, they are less likely to become involved in school activities.Keywords:
Teacher’s Readiness on ICT-Assisted Instruction and Students’ wLearning Motivation in Science
Authors: GOMEZ LORELA L. , ISRAEL GINA FE G.
Published: August 2015

The Information Center Technology or ICT-assisted instruction is important in improving the teaching-learning process in science. The purpose of this study was to determine the level of readiness of teachers on ICT-assisted instruction and learning motivation of students in science. Respondents of the study were 125 grade six students from Guihing Central Elementary School. It used a correlation method of research, validated questionnaire, mean and Pearson r. The findings revealed that the level of readiness of teachers on ICT-assisted instruction was high and the level of learning motivation of students was also high. The study further revealed that there was no significant relationship between the readiness of teachers on ICT-assisted instruction and learning motivation of students. Teachers should conduct a thorough review on the different factors that affect the learning motivation of students, and that will stimulate their interest in learning science. They should carefully plan and design their science lessons as well as make use of appropriate and effective teaching materials, useful and suitable devices that can foster student’s interest. In order to enhance the students’ learning and understanding of the science concepts, students should be provided with sufficient, and thought-provoking activities.Keywords: Science, readiness on ICT-assisted instruction, learning motivation, descriptive-correlational method, pearson r, Philippines.
Attitude and Compliance to Newborn Screening among Mothers in Sto. Domingo, Ilocos Sur, Philippines
Authors: GUINID JULIETA T. , ALZO ZIELENE MYRUS
Published: August 2015

Newborn screening is a public health program designed to screen infants shortly after birth for a list of conditions that are treatable, but not clinically evident in the newborn period. The study determined the level of awareness, attitudeand compliance to newborn screening among mothers in Sto. Domingo, Ilocos Sur. Respondents of the study were the 95 mothers who had normal deliveriesat the Rural Health Unit from January to December 2011. Descriptive correlationalmethod of research was used, and the questionnaire–checklist was the primary tool in data gathering. The data gathered were analyzed and interpreted through the use of statistical tools. The study revealed a “high” level of awareness on NBS among the respondents. Among the socio-demographic profile, occupationwas significantly related to the level of awareness, attitude and compliance to NBS. On obstetric history, gravidity and parity were found to be significantly related to the level of awareness, attitude and compliance. Source of information did not significantly influence the level of awareness, attitude and compliance to NBS. On the other hand, the level of awareness of the respondents significantly influenced their attitude and compliance to NBS.Keywords: Social Pediatrics, health, awareness, attitude, compliance, newborn screening, descriptive-correlational design, Philippines
Collaboration Between Administrators of National Secondary Schools and the Local Government Units (LGUs): Its Impact on the Schools’ Development
Authors: DELA CRUZ GAY P.
Published: August 2015

The collaboration between the Local Government Units (LGUs) and thenational secondary schools (NSS) of Misamis Oriental is seen as a need for the schools’ development. This study assessed the level of collaboration between the administrators of the 18 national secondary schools (NSS) and the localgovernment executives (LCE) in the 23 municipalities of Misamis Oriental fromthe calendar years 2007 to 2012. The instruments used were the questionnairesand interview on collaboration involving school administrators and the local chiefexecutives in Misamis Oriental. The questionnaire has a reliability coefficient ofr=.968 using Cronbach’s Alpha. The study adopted the across-stage mixed modelresearch as its statistical tool. The findings of the study showed that both localchief executives and school administrators are mature and responsible leaders intheir respective areas of responsibility. The assistance that the national secondaryschools received from LGUs are funded from the Special Education Fund (SEF)and the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA). The level of assistance in buildingpartnerships for collaboration LGUs provided to schools is high. Most of thesupport provided by the LGUs to schools is in the form of financial assistance.Some secondary school administrators have strong collaboration with the localchief executives.Keywords: Education, collaboration, impact, school administrator, local governmentunit, IRA, SEF, Department of Education, Across-stage mixed model research,Misamis Oriental, Philippines
Entrepreneurial Competencies of the Small and Medium Enterprise Business Operators of Ozamiz City Public Mall Philippines: Basis for Community Extension Programs
Authors: BETONIO JULIETA REMEDIOS
Published: August 2015

The new Ozamiz City Public Mall, Philippines has several entrepreneurs whosell  products thus generate income from it. While some of the store ownersluckily make profit, a number of them fail to manage their business venture.  Itis in this premise that the researcher is pushed to study why these entrepreneurswere not as successful as the others. Specifically, this paper aimed to determine theentrepreneurial competencies of the SME operators of Ozamiz City Public mall,Philippines.  This study was limited only to 100 College level SME operators. The entrepreneurial competencies were measured in terms of Time Managementskills, Marketing Management skills, Technical skills and Financial Managementskills.  This study used the descriptive research method in determining theentrepreneurial competencies of the SME business operators and gathered datathrough a standardized questionnaire. The findings revealed that out of fourteenareas of the SME operators of Ozamiz Public Mall, Philippines, nine areas werefound to have high competencies in terms of Time Management skills, FinancialManagement skills, Marketing Management skills and Technical skills. On the other hand, six out of fourteen were found to have Moderate competenciesonly. Therefore, these individuals will be the recipients of the extension programdesigned by the researcher so that they will be able to have a competitive edgeover the other SME operators.Keywords: Business, Entrepreneurial Competencies, descriptive research method,Philippines
Barriers to Completion of Masters and Doctoral Degree among Muslim Educators Who Have Completed Their Academic Requirements
Authors: DERICO-LAWI ATHENA JALALIYAH B.
Published: August 2015

This study aimed to determine the relationship between the level of determinationin completing thesis/dissertationand the attainment of MastersorDoctoraldegreesamong Muslimeducators. The study also exploredvariablesthat may hinder or facilitate completionofa thesis/dissertation.The participantswereMuslimeducators in MindanaoStateUniversity(MSU) in MarawiCitywhowerecategorizedinto two groups:those who havecompleted their academicrequirementsand werenot able to obtain postgraduate degreedue to non-completionofthesis/dissertationandthosewhohavecompletedtheirMasters/DoctoralDegrees.Threeindicators wereused to determine the participants’levelofdetermination:researchskills, values,and awareness.The study revealedthat theonlycomponent of the levelof determination found to havesignificant relationshipwith degreecompletion was researchskills. Itis apparentthat the presenceofadequate researchskills was the most significant factor in determining whether a student/researcher completes a post graduate degree. Since research skills wasparticularly identified as a barrier to the completion of higher degrees by Muslimeducators at MSU, further study may be undertaken to determine the researchskills of MSU academics. Based on such a study, the MSU system may adoptremedial measures to improve the research skills of faculty members and otheracademics. Keywords- Education, graduate school, thesis, dissertation, Meranao, Muslims, quantitative research,qualitativeresearch,Marawi City,Philippines
Nabuswang Fisherfolks’ Vulnerability and Ways of Coping
Authors: ABETO ARLYN A.
Published: August 2015

This study considers Nabuswang fisherfolks’ management of vulnerabilitiesin life. Nabuswang is an island of agri–fishing community with a mangrovesanctuary. Though endowed with natural resources, residents still live in poverty.Thus, a study was conducted to find out how the residents, confronted withpoor fish catch and natural and man-made hazards, survived. The research designwas descriptive-analytic utilizing researcher-made questionnaires administeredrandomly to fisherfolks. The instrument was formulated based on thepreliminary interview among fisherfolks. Responses to the survey questionnaireswere validated through focus group discussion. The data show that poverty wasdue to poor fish catch despite the effort spent in raising their catch and wasinfluenced by human-made hazards, more than nature. To cope, saving for therainy days was on top of their list, but they ended up saving nothing. Some resorted to money lending, dietary adaptations, and alternative health care. Concretely, Illegal fishing practices, pollution, climate change resulted to loss offish habitat and depletion of fishing grounds. In conclusion, Fishery Laws seemnot fully implemented. Good thing, Nabuswang fisherfolks could still find waysto cope with poverty because of their positive outlook and trust in God which contributed to their sense of survival. Keywords - Social Science, fisherfolks, vulnerability, ways of coping, lived experience,natural and human-made hazards, descriptive design, Philippines
Extent of Utilization, Problems Encountered and Development of Instructional Materials by Higher Education Faculty Members
Authors: AQUINO ANANIA B.
Published: August 2015

Teachers can facilitate students’ learning and enrich their learning activities by using instructional materials (IMs). They help the teachers in communicating to learners. As students differ in their responses to IMs, it is the responsibility of the teacher to use and select the most appropriate instructional materials that will promote learning among students. Hence, the researcher conducted this study to determine the IMs used by the faculty members of Batangas State University. The researcher used the descriptive method of research and utilized survey and interview to gather data from the 84 faculty members. Findings revealed that many were using textbooks, PowerPoint presentation, workbooks, manuals and modules while few were using magazines, news articles, monograph and audio/ video. Problems encountered in the utilization of IMs included unavailability, inadequacy and quality of materials and the faculty’s inadequate background on the manipulation of the material. Only 31 developed IMs, but many have plans of developing one. These lead to the conclusions that faculty-respondents mainly used traditional IMs and that availability and quality influenced their utilization. The study recommends that support for the utilization of IMs should be enhanced and accessibility plan be established to promote timely adoption and utilization of IMs.  Keywords - Educational technology, education, instructional materials, utilization, descriptive-survey, Philippines
Use of Films in Teaching English Literature
Authors: CALO-OY GEMMA S.
Published: August 2015

Film is a great educational medium for transmitting ideas. It is an effective tool in arousing students’ interest in recreating the past and in bringing the outside world into the classroom. Learning will be enduring because the knowledge being imparted does not only pass through the sense of hearing, but also through the sense of sight. Descriptive type of research using a questionnaire and follow-up interviews were used in this study.It determined the students’ profile in terms of gender,family status, exposure to films and academic performance.Italsosurveyedthe film types students often watch and film characteristics that hold their attention, and looked into the ways on how films are to be utilized in teaching.Based on the findings, there is still a need for teachers to enhance the ways of teaching films in the class. Varied techniques should be utilized for the students to become highly interested of the lesson. Teachers need to be innovative in ways of using films. Adequate knowledge is needed on the characteristics of films that can hold the attention of the viewers.The study reveals that the utilization of films in teaching English Literature would enhance student learning. Keywords - Films, teaching, learning, literature, students, descriptive qualitative design, Philippines
The Quality of Engineering Programs of Cebu Technological University as determined by its Performance in the Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Licensure Examinations
Authors: FLORES JR. JANUARIO
Published: August 2015

Licensure examination performance provides an indication of the effectiveness of the curricular program to develop core competencies of students. The study aimed to evaluate the quality of Cebu Technological University’s engineering programs by determining the performance of its graduates in the licensure examinations from 2005 to 2012 and comparing it with the national standard. It also benchmarked its performance with that of the top four private engineering schools of Cebu. Source of data was the Professional Regulation Commission. The result of the study showed that there were no significant differences between the CTU College of Engineering’s performance in the licensure examinations of both Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering as against the National passing performance. There were no significant differences between the performance of CTU and the performance of the top four engineering schools of Cebu in both Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering. Based on those findings, it can be concluded that the performance of CTU College of Engineering in the licensure examinations is comparable with that of the national standard. It is also comparable with the performances of the top four private engineering schools of Cebu. It is effective in its curricular programs in engineering, competent to provide quality engineering education at par with the top engineering schools of Cebu and the rest of the nation, and capable of producing globally competent engineers.   Keywords - Engineering Education, licensure exam performance, quantitative, t-test, one-way analysis of variance,  Philippines, Asia
Distribuição, diâmetro de gotas e fitoxicidade de herbicidas aplicados em mudas de eucalipto com pontas de indução de ar
Authors: Silva Bruna Pires da , Machado Ângela Aparecida , Fonseca Edson Diniz da , Ferreira Marcelo Da Costa
Published: August 2015

As pontas de pulverização são responsáveis pela formação das gotas, sendo que cada tipo de ponta exerce uma função diferente, com características próprias relacionadas à deposição de gotas de acordo com alvo que se deseja atingir. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a distribuição, diâmetro de gotas e fitotoxicidade dos herbicidas glyphosate e isoxaflutole, aplicados em mudas de eucalipto com pontas de indução de ar (AIUB 04 e TTI 110 04). O espectro do diâmetro de gotas foi determinado em analisador de tamanho de partículas por difração de luz laser. Os perfis de distribuição volumétrica foram avaliados em mesa de deposição, para a coleta da calda pulverizada. As avaliações visuais da fitotoxicidade dos herbicidas foram realizadas aos 7, 14, 21 e 28 dias após a aplicação. Ao final do período experimental determinou-se a massa de matéria seca de caule e folhas. A ponta de TTI 110 04 teve maior diâmetro mediano volumétrico (DMV), menor percentual de gotas menores que 100 µm e menor coeficiente de uniformidade de gotas em comparação com a ponta AIUB 04, independentemente da calda utilizada. Para a ponta de pulverização modelo TTI 110 04, os espaçamentos de 0,45 e 0,75 cm apresentaram melhor uniformidade (coeficiente de variação menor que 10%). O modelo AIUB 04 não resultou em nenhum coeficiente de variação aceitável. A aplicação de glyphosate com a ponta AIUB 04 aumentou a fitointoxicação. O herbicida isoxaflutole mostrou-se seletivo ao eucalipto.
Screening e dose-resposta de herbicidas à malva e juta
Authors: Souza Jefferson Cavalcante , Cavalcante Ana Marta Lima Nunes , Gonçalves Gerlândio Suassuna , Albertino Sônia Maria Figueiredo , Silva José Ferreira da
Published: August 2015

A produção de fibra de malva (Urena lobata) e de juta (Corchorus capsularis) é demandada pela indústria como matéria prima na produção de telas, cordas, capas de livro entre outras aplicações. O ciclo de produção desta fibra é uma atividade sustentável, pois usa recursos renováveis das várzeas do Rio Solimões no Amazonas. O manejo da cultura aliado ao controle de plantas daninhas são condições para as espécies expressarem o máximo potencial produtivo. O uso de herbicidas seletivos se constitui numa alternativa eficiente e economicamente viável a esta finalidade. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar a seletividade de herbicidas por meio de screening e a dose-resposta destes as duas espécies produtoras de fibras naturais. Dois experimentos foram conduzidos em casa de vegetação: o primeiro na forma de screening para avaliar herbicidas aplicados em pós-emergência como bentazon, clethodim, fluazifop-p-butil, fomesafen, linuron, oxyfluorfen e sulfentrazone nas doses recomendadas para outras culturas; e o segundo, os herbicidas clethodim e fluazifop-p-butil, que foram seletivos à juta e à malva, em 7 doses. Os herbicidas bentazon, linuron, fomesafen, oxyfluorfen e sulfentrazone causaram morte de todas as plantas, enquanto o clethodim e fluazifop-p-butil foram moderadamente fitotóxicos. As duas espécies foram mais tolerantes ao fluazifop-p-butil que ao clethodim.
Crustal imprints of Precambrian orogenesis in western Laurentia
Authors: Chen Yunfeng , Gu Yu Jeffrey , Dokht Ramin M. H. , Sacchi Mauricio D.
Published: August 2015

Crustal low‐velocity zones (LVZs) have been reported in active orogens such as the Himalayas and the Andes but rarely in stable cratonic regions. In this study, we provide compelling evidence for a significant midcrustal LVZ beneath eastern‐central Alberta, an integral part of the Precambrian Canadian Shield covered by thick Phanerozoic sedimentary deposits. This 200 km wide, over 10 km thick midcrustal LVZ is well resolved by shear velocity inversions using P‐to‐S receiver functions from more than 4600 earthquakes. It is generally overlain by a high‐velocity upper crust in the depth range of 8–15 km, especially in western‐central Alberta, which coincides with the previously documented Winagami reflection sequence. We interpret the LVZ to be of granitic composition, potentially in connection with the crystallization of partially molten crust during the Paleoproterozoic eon. In addition to the Precambrian tectonic history of western Laurentia, which featured plate convergence conducive to crustal melting, our crustal model is further supported by (1) a moderate spatial correlation between the LVZ and heat flow, and (2) shear velocities consistent with that of granite. The well preserved Winagami reflection sequence and the LVZ are potential evidence of distinct episodes of magmatism and crust modification in the Precambrian basement of the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin. The existence of a broad crustal LVZ suggests extensive subduction, orogenesis, and crustal melting during the Precambrian assembly of the North American craton.
Propagation of tidal waves up in Yangtze Estuary during the dry season
Authors: Lu Sheng , Tong Chaofeng , Lee Dong‐Young , Zheng Jinhai , Shen Jian , Zhang Wei , Yan Yixin
Published: August 2015

Tide is one of the most important hydrodynamic driving forces and has unique features in the Yangtze Estuary (YE) due to the complex geometry of third‐order bifurcations and four outlets. This paper characterizes the tidal oscillations, tidal dampening, tidal asymmetry, and tidal wave propagation, which provides insights into the response of the estuary to tides during the dry season. The structural components of tidal oscillations are initially attained by tidal analysis. The increasingly richer spectrum inside the estuary shows an energy transfer corresponding to the generation and development of nonlinear overtides and compound tides. A 2‐D numerical model is further set up to reproduce tidal dynamics in the estuary. The results show that the estuary is a strongly dissipative estuary with a strong nonlinear phenomenon. Three amplifications are presented in the evolution process of tidal ranges due to the channel convergence. Tidal asymmetry is spatiotemporally characterized by the M4/M2 amplitude ratio, the 2M2‐M4 phase difference, and the flood‐ebb duration‐asymmetry parameter, and the estuary tends to be flood‐dominant. There exists mimic standing waves with the phase difference of the horizontal and vertical tide close to 90° when tidal wave propagates into the estuary, especially during the neap tide. In addition, the differences in tidal distortion, tidal ranges, and tidal waves along the two routes in the South Branch (S‐B) suggest the branched system behaves differently from a single system.
What 2‐D multichannel seismic and multibeam bathymetric data tell us about the North Sumatra wedge structure and coseismic response
Authors: Frederik M. C. G. , Gulick S. P. S. , Austin J. A. , Bangs N. L. B. , Udrekh
Published: August 2015

Recent large earthquakes have prompted studies to reevaluate seismicity and rupture propagation behavior along the world's major subduction margins. Our study area covers the entire fore arc from northwest of northern Sumatra to west of Simeulue Island, the southern portion of the 2004 tsunamigenic earthquake rupture zone. The accretionary prism width is up to ~180 km, water depths between ~4.5 km near the Sunda Trench and <1 km on fore‐arc high. The wedge consists of a steep outer slope (5–12°), a plateau ~100–120 km wide with anticlinal folds spaced 2–15 km apart, and a steep inner slope adjacent to the Aceh Basin. Analysis of seismic profiles and bathymetry reveal three main structural zones consistent along‐strike, from the trench landward: (1) predominantly landward vergent folds, (2) mixed vergent folds, and (3) predominantly seaward vergent folds. This paper uses those zones to propose a geometry of an underlying rigid backstop. This backstop is seaward dipping and extends from under the Aceh Basin to beneath the mixed vergence zone. A dynamic backstop possibly exists seaward of the rigid backstop and is responsible for the steep slope of the outer prism. Indurated accreted sediments form the landward vergence zone. Along with the possible dynamic backstop beneath the outer wedge, and the rigid backstop in the inner wedge, all behave as a solid block coseismically. This block allows great earthquake rupture to propagate farther seaward toward the Sunda Trench, with resultant hazardous tsunamigenic potential.
Atmospheric and oceanic conditions and the extremely low Bothnian Bay sea ice extent in 2014/2015
Authors: Uotila Petteri , Vihma Timo , Haapala Jari
Published: August 2015

The winter of 2014/2015 was the first for which we can be certain that the northernmost embayment of the Baltic Sea, the Bothnian Bay, remained partially ice‐free. We assess atmospheric and oceanic drivers responsible for this extreme event. In terms of atmospheric drivers, mild Bothnian Bay winters are characterized by positive North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) associated with the advection of air from the North Atlantic. In winter 2014/2015, NAO was at a record high level and resulted in a northerly storm track associated with vigorous southwesterlies that drove ice toward the northeastern end of the bay. Furthermore, we found that the 1985–2015 Baltic Sea ice extent distribution differs from any other preceding 30 winter period since 1720 with a high confidence. Based on climate projections, it is very likely that in the next 50 years partially ice‐free Bothnian Bay will go from being an extremely rare event to a new normal.
Rupture propagation behavior and the largest possible earthquake induced by fluid injection into deep reservoirs
Authors: Gischig Valentin S.
Published: August 2015

Earthquakes caused by fluid injection into deep underground reservoirs constitute an increasingly recognized risk to populations and infrastructure. Quantitative assessment of induced seismic hazard, however, requires estimating the maximum possible magnitude earthquake that may be induced during fluid injection. Here I seek constraints on an upper limit for the largest possible earthquake using source‐physics simulations that consider rate‐and‐state friction and hydromechanical interaction along a straight homogeneous fault. Depending on the orientation of the pressurized fault in the ambient stress field, different rupture behaviors can occur: (1) uncontrolled rupture‐front propagation beyond the pressure front or (2) rupture‐front propagation arresting at the pressure front. In the first case, fault properties determine the earthquake magnitude, and the upper magnitude limit may be similar to natural earthquakes. In the second case, the maximum magnitude can be controlled by carefully designing and monitoring injection and thus restricting the pressurized fault area.
Interannual to decadal changes in the western boundary circulation in the Atlantic at 11°S
Authors: Hummels Rebecca , Brandt Peter , Dengler Marcus , Fischer Jürgen , Araujo Moacyr , Veleda Doris , Durgadoo Jonathan V.
Published: August 2015

The western boundary current system off Brazil is a key region for diagnosing variations of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) and the southern subtropical cell. In July 2013 a mooring array was installed off the coast at 11°S similar to an array installed between 2000 and 2004 at the same location. Here we present results from two research cruises and the first 10.5 months of moored observations in comparison to the observations a decade ago. Average transports of the North Brazil Undercurrent and the Deep Western Boundary Current (DWBC) have not changed between the observational periods. DWBC eddies that are predicted to disappear with a weakening AMOC are still present. Upper layer changes in salinity and oxygen within the last decade are consistent with an increased Agulhas leakage, while at depths water mass changes are likely related to changes in the North Atlantic as well as tropical circulation changes.
Continuum‐scale characterization of solute transport based on pore‐scale velocity distributions
Authors: Porta G. M. , Bijeljic B. , Blunt M. J. , Guadagnini A.
Published: August 2015

We present a methodology to characterize a continuum‐scale model of transport in porous media on the basis of pore‐scale distributions of velocities computed in three‐dimensional pore‐space images. The methodology is tested against pore‐scale simulations of flow and transport for a bead pack and a sandstone sample. We employ a double‐continuum approach to describe transport in mobile and immobile regions. Model parameters are characterized through inputs resulting from the micron‐scale reconstruction of the pore space geometry and the related velocity field. We employ the outputs of pore‐scale analysis to (i) quantify the proportion of mobile and immobile fluid regions and (ii) assign the velocity distribution in an effective representation of the medium internal structure. Our results (1) show that this simple conceptual model reproduces the spatial profiles of solute concentration rendered by pore‐scale simulation without resorting to model calibration and (2) highlight the critical role of pore‐scale velocities in the characterization of the model parameters.
Investigating decadal changes in sea surface salinity in oceanic subtropical gyres
Authors: Melzer Bryce A. , Subrahmanyam Bulusu
Published: August 2015

Sea surface salinity trends over the past six decades were analyzed, as salinity can be a potential diagnostic of the acceleration pattern of the global water cycle. Global salinity data from Simple Ocean Data Assimilation reanalysis highlight surface ocean salinity trends in evaporative‐dominated subtropical gyre systems over the period of 1950–2010. Global salinity observations from NASA's Aquarius and European Space Agency's Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity missions were used with relation to more recent trends and future implications on global water cycle studies. Results indicated an average salinity increase of 0.12 practical salinity unit (psu) in the subtropical gyres over the 61 year study, with the greatest increase occurring in the southern hemisphere gyres. Lateral gyre drift was also inferred through salinity, as three of five gyres showed significant drift over 60 years within their respective basins. There is evidence of periodicity related to these migrations on multidecadal time scales. A comparison of satellite, in situ, and model simulations was conducted in an effort to resolve the near‐surface salinity stratification as it pertains specifically to the subtropical gyre regions and also to show the growing relevance of satellite data in global water cycle studies.
Relation between fine structure of energy spectra for pulsating aurora electrons and frequency spectra of whistler mode chorus waves
Authors: Miyoshi Y. , Saito S. , Seki K. , Nishiyama T. , Kataoka R. , Asamura K. , Katoh Y. , Ebihara Y. , Sakanoi T. , Hirahara M. , Oyama S. , Kurita S. , Santolik O.
Published: August 2015

We investigate the origin of the fine structure of the energy spectrum of precipitating electrons for the pulsating aurora (PsA) observed by the low‐altitude Reimei satellite. The Reimei satellite achieved simultaneous observations of the optical images and precipitating electrons of the PsA from satellite altitude (~620 km) with resolution of 40 ms. The main modulation of precipitation, with a few seconds, and the internal modulations, with a few hertz, that are embedded inside the main modulations are identified above ~3 keV. Moreover, stable precipitations at ~1 keV are found for the PsA. A “precipitation gap” is discovered between two energy bands. We identify the origin of the fine structure of the energy spectrum for the precipitating electrons using the computer simulation on the wave‐particle interaction between electrons and chorus waves. The lower band chorus (LBC) bursts cause the main modulation of energetic electrons, and the generation and collapse of the LBC bursts determines on‐off switching of the PsA. A train of rising tone elements embedded in the LBC bursts drives the internal modulations. A close set of upper band chorus (UBC) waves causes the stable precipitations at ~1 keV. We show that a wave power gap around the half gyrofrequency at the equatorial plane in the magnetosphere between LBC and UBC reduces the loss rate of electrons at the intermediate energy range, forming a gap of precipitating electrons in the ionosphere.
Occupational heat‐related illness emergency department visits and inpatient hospitalizations in the southeast region, 2007–2011
Authors: Harduar Morano L. , Bunn T.L. , Lackovic M. , Lavender A. , Dang G.T.T. , Chalmers J.J. , Li Y. , Zhang L. , Flammia D.D.
Published: August 2015

Background

Heat‐related illness (HRI) is an occupational health risk for many outdoor, and some indoor, workers.

Methods

Emergency department (ED) and inpatient hospitalization (IH) data for 2007–2011 from nine southeast states were analyzed to identify occupational HRI numbers and rates, demographic characteristics, and co‐morbid conditions.

Results

There were 8,315 occupational HRI ED visits (6.5/100,000 workers) and 1,051 IHs (0.61/100,000) in the southeast over the study period. Out‐of‐state residents comprised 8% of ED visits and 12% of IHs. Rates for both, ED visits and IHs were significantly elevated in males and blacks. Younger workers had elevated rates for ED visits, while older workers had higher IH rates.

Conclusions

This is the first study to evaluate occupational HRI ED visits and IHs in the southeast region and indicates the need for enhanced heat‐stress prevention policies in the southeast. Findings from this study can be used to direct state health department tracking and evaluation of occupational HRI. Am. J. Ind. Med. 58:1114–1125, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Identifying knowledge activism in worker health and safety representation: A cluster analysis
Authors: Hall Alan , Oudyk John , King Andrew , Naqvi Syed , Lewchuk Wayne
Published: August 2015

Background

Although worker representation in OHS has been widely recognized as contributing to health and safety improvements at work, few studies have examined the role that worker representatives play in this process. Using a large quantitative sample, this paper seeks to confirm findings from an earlier exploratory qualitative study that worker representatives can be differentiated by the knowledge intensive tactics and strategies that they use to achieve changes in their workplace.

Methods

Just under 900 worker health and safety representatives in Ontario completed surveys which asked them to report on the amount of time they devoted to different types of representation activities (i.e., technical activities such as inspections and report writing vs. political activities such as mobilizing workers to build support), the kinds of conditions or hazards they tried to address through their representation (e.g., housekeeping vs. modifications in ventilation systems), and their reported success in making positive improvements. A cluster analysis was used to determine whether the worker representatives could be distinguished in terms of the relative time devoted to different activities and the clusters were then compared with reference to types of intervention efforts and outcomes.

Results

The cluster analysis identified three distinct groupings of representatives with significant differences in reported types of interventions and in their level of reported impact. Two of the clusters were consistent with the findings in the exploratory study, identified as knowledge activism for greater emphasis on knowledge based political activity and technical‐legal representation for greater emphasis on formalized technical oriented procedures and legal regulations. Knowledge activists were more likely to take on challenging interventions and they reported more impact across the full range of interventions.

Conclusions

This paper provides further support for the concepts of knowledge activism and technical‐legal representation when differentiating the strategic orientations and impact of worker health and safety representatives, with important implications for education, political support and recruitment. Am. J. Ind. Med. 59:42–56, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Entangled lives: Implications of the developmental origins of health and disease hypothesis for bioarchaeology and the life course
Authors: Gowland Rebecca L.
Published: August 2015

Epidemiological research since the 1980s has highlighted the consequences of early life adversity, particularly during gestation and early infancy, for adult health (the “Barker hypothesis”). The fast‐evolving field of molecular epigenetics is providing explanatory mechanisms concerning phenotypic plasticity in response to developmental stressors and the accumulation of disease risk throughout life. In addition, there is now evidence for the heritability of poor health across generations via epigenetic modifications. This research has the potential to invoke a paradigmatic shift in how we interpret factors such as growth insults and immune response in past skeletal remains. It demonstrates that health cannot be understood in terms of immediate environmental circumstances alone. Furthermore, it requires both a theoretical and practical re‐evaluation of disease biographies and the life course more generally. Individual life courses can no longer be regarded as discrete, bounded, life histories, with clearly defined beginning and end points. If socioeconomic circumstances can have intergenerational effects, including disease susceptibility and growth stunting, then individual biographies should be viewed as nested or “embedded” within the lives of others. This commingling of life courses may prove problematic to unravel; nevertheless, this review aims to consider the potential consequences for bioarchaeological interpretations. These include a greater consideration of: the temporal power of human skeletons and a life course approach to past health; infant health and the implications for maternal well‐being; and the impact of non‐proximate stressors (e.g., early life and ancestral environments) on the presence of health indicators. Am J Phys Anthropol 158:530–540, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.