bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ADAPTATIONS ASSESSMENT ON THE IMPACTS OF FLOODING UNDER CURRENT CONDITION AND CLIMATE CHANGE SCENARIO, CASE STUDY: CENTINI VILLAGE, INDONESIA
Authors: Pamungkas Adjie , Bekessy Sarah , Lane Ruth
Published: October 2017

Reducing community vulnerability to flooding is increasingly important given predicted intensive flood events in many parts of the world. We built a community vulnerability model to explore the effectiveness of a range of proactive and reactive adaptations to reduce community vulnerability to flood. The model consists of floods, victims, housings, responses, savings, expenditure and income sub models. We explore the robustness of adaptations under current conditions and under a range of future climate change scenarios. We present results of this model for a case study of Centini Village in Lamongan Municipality, Indonesia, which is highly vulnerable to the impacts of annual small-scale and infrequent extreme floods.  We compare 11 proactive adaptations using indicators of victims, damage/losses and recovery process to reflect the level of vulnerability. We find that reforestation and flood infrastructure redevelopment are the most effective proactive adaptations for minimising vulnerability to flood under current condition. Under climate change scenario, the floods are predicted to increase 17% on the average and 5% on the maximum measurements. The increasing floods result reforestation is the only effective adaptations in the future under climate change scenario.
Research and Development of the Solidification of Slab Ingots from Special Tool Steels
Authors: Tkadlečková M. , Michalek K. , Gryc K. , Socha L. , Jonšta P. , Saternus M. , Pieprzyca J. , Merder T.
Published: October 2017

The paper describes the research and development of casting and solidification of slab ingots from special tool steels by means of numerical modelling using the finite element method. The pre-processing, processing and post-processing phases of numerical modelling are outlined. Also, problems with determining the thermophysical properties of materials and heat transfer between the individual parts of the casting system are discussed. Based on the type of grade of tool steel, the risk of final porosity is predicted. The results allowed to improve the production technology of slab ingots, and also to verify the ratio, the chamfer and the external/ internal shape of the wall of the new designed slab ingots.
New Technological Concept for Thermal Spray Protective Coatings
Authors: Szczucka-Lasota B. , Piwnik J.
Published: October 2017

Thermally spraying with micro-jet cooling is an innovate technology. It is possible to get fine dispersive structure of coatings during the shorter time in comparable to the classical high velocity oxygen fuel process (HVOF). It corresponds with good corrosion-erosion properties of structure. In the paper the parameters of the spraying with micro-jet cooling process are presented. The selected properties of coatings obtained by hybrid method are presented. The results of wear tests for hybrid and HVOF coating are compared. Results of investigation are very optimistic. The presented technology should be adapted to the actual production of protective coating for machines and construction working in wear conditions.
Metal Forming of Lightweight Magnesium Alloys for Aviation Applications
Authors: Śliwa R.E. , Balawender T. , Hadasik E. , Kuc D. , Gontarz A. , Korbel A. , Bochniak W.
Published: October 2017

The work presents an analysis of selected magnesium alloys as structural materials to be used in production of aircraft parts as well as their technological parameters in some manufacturing processes. Upsetting test, backward extrusion and Kobo extrusion of complex cross-sectional profiles and forging process were realized using magnesium alloys AZ31, AZ61, AZ80, WE 43 and Mg alloy with Li for production of thin - walled aircraft profiles and forged aviation parts. The range of temperatures and extrusion rate for the manufacturing these profiles were determined. Tests also covered the analysis of microstructure of Mg alloys in the initial state as well as after the extrusion process. It has been proved that the proper choice of parameters in the case of a specific profile extruded from magnesium alloys allows the manufacturing of products of complex cross-sections and the quality required in aerospace industry. This has been demonstrated on the examples of complex cross-sectional profiles using elements of varied wall thickness and examples of forged aviation parts: aircraft wheel hub and helicopter lever for control system.
Numerical Model of Sic Particle Interaction with Solidification Front in Az91/(SiCp) Composite
Authors: Żak P. L. , Kalisz D. , Rączkowski G.
Published: October 2017

Presented work focused on the movement of SiC particles in the vicinity of the solidification front in AZ91/(SiC)P composite. Authors describe the mathematical model that governs this phenomenon. On the base of following numerical model own computer program was prepared. The behavior of a particle moving parallel to the solidification front was analyzed. Three variants of local velocity gradient of liquid metallic phase were analyzed for a particle of radius 10, 50 and 100 μm. At a bigger velocity gradient the SiC particle was observed to go down quicker and to move towards the solidification front. This effect was stronger for SiC particles, which had a bigger radius, i.e. 100 and 50 μm
Hypoeutectic Al-Si Alloy Doped with Chromium, Tungsten and Molybdenum Designated for Pressure Die Casting
Authors: Szymczak T. , Gumienny G. , Kurowska B. , Pacyniak T.
Published: October 2017

Structural modification of hypoeutectic Al-Si alloy EN-AC 46000 alloy influences its microstructure and mechanical properties. In a series of examinations the EN-AC 46000 alloy has been doped with Cr, W and Mo. The study involved the differential thermal analysis (DTA) and the light microscopy structural analysis of the samples cut from pressure die castings and from samples cast into the DTA cup. The DTA and microstructure analyses revealed new phases in the alloy doped with mentioned additives. The strength properties measurements of the alloys doped with Cr, W and Mo showed significant improvement in tensile strength and elongation, while preserving good hardness.
Laser Welding of New Grade of Advanced High Strength Steel STRENX 1100 MC
Authors: Kurc-Lisiecka A. , Piwnik J. , Lisiecki A.
Published: October 2017

The article presents results of investigations on autogenous laser welding of new grade STRENX 1100 MC steel. The modern Disk laser was applied for of 5.0 mm thick butt joints welding. The influence of laser welding parameters, mainly the energy input of laser welding on the penetration shape, weld quality, structure and mechanical performance was investigated. It was found that the investigated steel has surprisingly low carbon equivalent CET just 0.328, and also relatively high temperature of martensitic transformation Msat 430.6°C. Despite very rapid cooling times t8/5in a range from 0.6 to 1.3 s, thus rapid solidification there was no tendency to cracking of weld metal or HAZ. Significant drop of microhardness in the HAZ resulted in a decrease of tensile strength of joints, compared to the base metal. Impact toughness of test joints was at only 50÷60% of the base metal.
Primary Crystals of AlfeMnSi Intermetallics in the Cast AlSi Alloys
Authors: Warmuzek M.
Published: October 2017

In this paper the results of the microscopic observations of the intermetallic AlFeMnSi phases crystals formed in the liquid hypo- and eutectic AlSi alloys containing transition metals 3.0 wt.% Fe and 0.1, 0.5 and 2.0 wt.% Mn were presented. The crystals morphology has been revealed on both polished and deep etched microsections. The different stages of the primary AlFeMnSi phases particles formation in the solidifying alloy and their final morphology were shown as influenced by cooling rate and alloy chemical composition.
Effects of Heat Input on the Mechanical and Metallurgical Characteristics of Tig Welded Incoloy 800Ht Joints
Authors: Kumar S. Arun , Sathiya P.
Published: October 2017

This study focuses on the effect of heat input on the quality characteristics of tungsten inert arc gas welded incoloy 800HT joints using inconel-82 filler wire. Butt welding was done on specimens with four different heat inputs by varying the process parameters like welding current and speed. The result indicated that higher heat input levels has led to the formation of coarser grain structure, reduced mechanical properties and sensitization issues on the weldments. The formation of titanium nitrides provided resistance to fracture and increased the tensile strength of the joints at high temperatures. Further aging was done on the welded sample at a temperature of 750°C for 500 hours and the metallographic result showed formation of carbides along the grain boundaries in a chain of discrete and globular form which increased the hardness of the material. The formation of spinel NiCr2O4provided oxidation resistance to the material during elevated temperature service.
Influence of Copper Ore Comminution in HPGR on Downstream Minerallurgical Processes
Authors: Saramak D. , Wasilewski S. , Saramak A.
Published: October 2017

Crushing processes taking place in high-pressure grinding rolls devices (HPGR) are currently one of the most efficient methods of hard ore size reduction in terms of the energy consumption. The HPGR products are characterized by a fine particle size and the micro-cracks formation in individual particles, which appears in downstream grinding processes, decreasing their energy consumption. The purpose of the paper was to analyze the effectiveness of a ball mill grinding process and flotation operations depending on the changeable conditions of run of the HPGR crushing process. The research programme carried out included crushing tests in the laboratory scale HPGR device at various settings of the operating pressure volume and selected qualitative properties of the feed material (i.e. particle size distribution). On the basis of obtained results the models, defining the grinding process effectiveness as a function of changeable conditions of HPGR process run, were determined. Based on these models the optimal grinding time in a ball mill was specified which is, in turn, the basis for optimization of operation the technological comminution circuits for a given material type. The obtained results proved that the application of HPGR devices in given copper ore comminution circuit may improve the effectiveness of downstream grinding process what leads to improvement of the entire circuit work efficiency through decreasing the process energy consumption and enhancing the product size reduction.
Sintered FeCuRe Alloys Produced from Commercially Available Powders
Authors: Borowiecka-Jamrozek J.
Published: October 2017

This paper discusses the mechanical properties of materials fabricated from commercially available powders designed for use as a metal matrix of diamond-impregnated composites. The powders with the catalogue numbers CSA and CSA800 produced in China were tested under laboratory conditions. The specimens were fabricated in a graphite mould using hot pressing. The materials were analysed for density, porosity, hardness and static tensile strength. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) was employed to observe the microstructure and fracture surfaces of the specimens. The experimental data was used to determine how the chemical composition of the powders and the process parameters affected the microstructure and properties of the materials. The properties of the sintered materials produced from the Chinese powders were compared with the properties reported for specimens fabricated from cobalt powder (Co SMS). Even though the hot pressed CSA and CSA800 powders had inferior mechanical properties to their cobalt analogue, they seem well-suited for general-purpose diamond-impregnated tools with less demanding applications.
Microstructure and Texture Evolution in Temper Rolled Fe-Si Steels with New System Nano-Inhibitors Under the Dynamic Annealing Conditions
Authors: Kováč F. , Petryshynets I. , Horňak P.
Published: October 2017

This work investigates the microstructure and texture evolution in grain-oriented electrotechnical steel with a new inhibition system based on vanadium carbides nano-particles. The novel approach for the preparation of this steel with appropriate final magnetic properties combines not only nanoinhibitors based on the vanadium carbides precipitations but also includes straininduced grain growth mechanism in combination with dynamic continuous annealing during the secondary recrystallization. The experimental grain-oriented steel with proposed new chemical composition was prepared in laboratory conditions. The texture analysis has shown that suggested procedure led the formation of sufficiently strong {110}<001> Goss texture during the short time period of a final annealing process, which is comparable to that obtained in the conventionally treated grain-oriented steels.
Isothermal Stability and Selected Mechanical Properties of Zr48Cu36Al8Ag8 Bulk Metallic Glass
Authors: Błyskun P. , Latuch J. , Kulik T.
Published: October 2017

The aim of this work was to investigate the influence of isothermal annealing on the amorphous structure stability of the Zr48Cu36Al8Ag8alloy. A series of continuous heating examinations was performed on the differential scanning calorimeter in order to determine the temperature limits for isothermal annealing series where the time to crystallization was measured. The obtained results were calculated and a time-temperature-transformation diagram was created and discussed. Static compression test as well as microhardness measurements of the as-quenched samples gave a mechanical properties results supplement. The measured properties (σc= 1800 MPa and 614 HV0.05) are comparable to the literature results for this alloy. Fractographic observations with the scanning electron microscope were also performed in order to prove some plasticity observed during the strength tests.
Compressive Crush Performance of Square Tubes Filled with Spheres of Closed-Cell Aluminum Foams
Authors: Uzun A.
Published: October 2017

This paper describes the compressive crush behaviour of spheres of closed-cell aluminium foams with different diameters (6, 8 and 10 mm) and square tubes filled with these spheres. The spheres of closed-cell aluminium foams are net spherical shape fabricated via powder metallurgy methods by heating foamable precursor materials in a mould. The square tubes were filled by pouring the spheres of closed-cell aluminium foams freely (without any bonding). The compressive crush performance of square tubes filled with spheres of closed-cell aluminum foams were compared to that of the empty tubes. The results show a significant influence of the spheres of closed-cell aluminium foam on the average crushing load of the square tubes. The energy absorption in the square tube filled with spheres of closed-cell aluminium foam with diameters of 10 mm is higher than in the other square tubes. The spheres of closed-cell aluminium foams led to improvement of the energy absorption capacity of empty tubes.
Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Friction Stir Welded Joints Between Commercially Pure Copper and Al 6351 Alloy
Authors: Sinha V.C. , Kundu S. , Chatterjee S.
Published: October 2017

In the present study, the effect of tool rotational speed on microstructure and mechanical properties of friction stir welded joints between commercially pure copper and 6351 Al alloy was carried out in the range of tool rotational speeds of 300-900 rpm in steps of 150 rpm at 30 mm/minutes travel speed. Up to 450 rpm, the interface of the joints is free from intermetallics and Al4Cu9intermetallic has been observed at the stir zone. However, Al4Cu9intermetallic was observed both at the interface and the stir zone at 600 rpm. At 750 and 900 rpm tool rotational speed, the layers of AlCu, Al2Cu3and Al4Cu9intermetallics were observed at the interface and only Al4Cu9intermetallics has been observed in the stir zone. The maximum ultimate tensile strength of ~207 MPa and yield strength of ~168 MPa along with ~6.2% elongation at fracture of the joint have been obtained when processed at 450 rpm tool rotational speed.
Studies on Viscoelastic, Thermal and Morphological Properties of Vinyl Ester – Mixed Diluents System
Authors: Ranjan Jagesh Kumar , Kuppusamy Raghu Raja Pandiyan , Goswami Sudipta
Published: October 2017

Vinyl ester resin networks formed by using mixture of diluents were prepared. Methyl methacrylate (MMA) diluent was mixed in various proportions with vinyl ester resin which was already premixed with styrene diluent (45 wt. %). Weight ratios e.g. 80:20, 70:30 and 60:40 of VE resin: MMA diluents were studied. Viscoelastic properties of the cross-linked resin were studied by dynamic mechanical analyzer in terms of storage modulus and tanδ. Thermal analysis was performed using non-isothermal mode of Differential scanning calorimetry. The samples with mixed diluents, showed higher modulus, and glass transition temperature in comparison to that of the pure vinyl ester-styrene resin cross-linked in presence of styrene only. The difference in thermal stability between vinyl ester-styrene and vinyl ester-MMA-styrene was checked. Vinyl Ester - 20 wt. % MMA-Styrene samples have the best thermal property among all other prepared samples. Multiphase morphology was formed for the thermoset crosslinked with mixed diluents in contrast to that formed with single diluent. With increase in MMA content in the resin dispersed domain size increased.
Dry Sliding Wear and Mechanical Characterization of Mg Based Composites by Uniaxial Cold Press Technique
Authors: Kumar P. Selva , Ponappa K. , Udhayasankar M. , Aravindkumar B.
Published: October 2017

Dry sliding wear tests are performed on magnesium composites produced by uniaxial cold press technique by using pin-on-disc. Co-efficient of friction and wear rate of magnesium composites are measured under a load of 5 N and sliding velocity of 0.2 ms-1. Porosity, Vickers’s micro hardness, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) results are presented to characterize the physical and mechanical properties of magnesium composites. Worn surfaces are inspected by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS). Three types of wear mechanisms namely abrasive, adhesive and oxidation were observed. The wear rate was found to be low for 2wt% of HAP (3.6×10-6cm3/m) and co-efficient of friction was observed as 0.8.
New Star-Like Surfacetexture for Enhanced Hydrodynamic Lubrication Performance
Authors: Uddin M.S. , Liu Y.W. , Shankar S.
Published: October 2017

This paper presents a numerical modelling and optimization of a new ‘star-like’ geometric texture shape with an aim to improve tribological performance. Initial studies showed that the triangle effect is the most dominant in reducing the friction. Motivated with this, a ‘star-like’ texture shape consisting of a series of triangular spikes around the centre of the texture is proposed. It is hypothesised that by increasing the triangular effect on a texture shape, the converging micro-wedge effect is expected to increase, hence increasing the film pressure and reducing the friction. Using the well-known Reynolds boundary conditions, numerical modelling of surface texturing is implemented via finite difference method. Simulation results showed that the number of apex points of the new ‘star-like’ texture has a significant effect on the film pressure and the friction coefficient. A 6-pointed texture at a texture density of 0.4 is shown to be the optimum shape. The new optimum star-like texture reduces the friction coefficient by 80%, 64.39%, 19.32% and 16.14%, as compared to ellipse, chevron, triangle and circle, respectively. This indicates the potential benefit of the proposed new shape in further enhancing the hydrodynamic lubrication performance of slider bearing contacts.
Experimental Analysis of Nitrogen as an Alloying Element in WC9 Grade Steel
Authors: Vishnuh V. , Sudhakar S. , Tamilarasu K. , Prabhakaran P. , Rajasekar R.
Published: October 2017

In the present work the effect of nitrogen on WC9 alloy at various weight percentages was analyzed and tested for their microstructural and mechanical properties. The nitrogen was added at 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20 and 0.25 wt. % in the solid form as nitrided ferrochrome to WC9 alloy. The samples were heat treated by solution annealing process at a temperature of 1100°C for 5 hours to improve the austenitic formation. Microstructures and mechanical properties such as tensile strength, yield strength, hardness, % elongation and % reduction of WC9-N alloy were examined. It was observed that increasing nitrogen wt. % increases the mechanical properties. The obtained mechanical properties were compared with base WC9 and C12A grade steel, where it was found to be replacement for C12A grade steel at its composition at lower end. The material cost analysis for WC9-N and C12A grade steel was done and both were compared.
Derivatives of a polynomial of best approximation and modulus of smoothness in generalized Lebesgue spaces with variable exponent
Authors: Jafarov Sadulla Z.
Published: October 2017

The relation between derivatives of a polynomial of best approximation and the best approximation of the function is investigated in generalized Lebesgue spaces with variable exponent. In addition, the relationship between the fractional modulus of smoothness of the function and its de la Vallée-Poussin sums is studied.
Diet of Bengal Tigers (Panthera tigris tigris) in Chitwan National Park, Nepal
Authors: Bhandari Shivish , Chalise Mukesh Kumar , Pokharel Chiranjibi Prasad
Published: October 2017

We studied the diet of the Bengal tigers (Panthera tigris tigris) in Chitwan National Park, Nepal, by identifying 109 prey items from 85 tiger scats. Tigers in this region fed upon eight different mammal species. Chital (Axis axis) was the major prey with a frequency of 45% of the Tigers’ diet. The occurrence of other prey species included sambar (Cervus unicolor, 23%), wild pig (Sus scrofa, 15%), hog deer (Axis porcinus, 9%), barking deer (Muntiacus muntjak, 4%), and gaur (Bos gaurus, 2%). Tigers also hunted livestock, but this prey comprised a small component of the relative biomass (buffalo 5% and cow 2%). Our study suggests that the tiger depends mostly upon wild prey for its subsistence in the Chitwan National Park, but will also sporadically hunt livestock.
Learning orientation in nursing homes in Poland
Authors: Ejdys Joanna , Gedvilaite Dainora
Published: October 2017

As a major challenge of a social, economic, and institutional nature, the phenomenon of population ageing is the basis for concern in terms of the direction of further socio-economic development. By the year 2050, the number of older people around the world will amount to more than 2 billion, constituting 22% of the total population. Over 75, people are faced with increased risk of disability (physical and mental), which can deprive of independent existence. The welfare system will not only have to meet the growing demand for nursing homes, but also the increasing requirements for the safety and quality of services. The innovation of nursing homes will be conditional on the learning of the units of this sector. The scientific goal of the pursued study was to evaluate the influence of learning orientation on the innovation of nursing homes in Poland. Learning orientation has been the subject of the Author’s interest in the context of four constructs: (i) commitment to learning, (ii) shared vision, (iii) open-mindedness, and (iv) intra-organisational knowledge sharing. The article presents the results of a quantitative research conducted on a sample of 169 nursing homes in Poland. The study aimed to examine relationships between the four constructs of learning orientation and organisational innovativeness of nursing homes in Poland. The regression model confirmed the existing statistically significant positive relationship between open-mindedness and organisational innovativeness.
Decellularized extracellular matrices for tissue engineering applications
Authors: Elmashhady Hady H. , Kraemer Bruce A. , Patel Krishna H. , Sell Scott A. , Garg Koyal
Published: October 2017

Decellularization removes cellular antigens while preserving the ultrastructure and composition of extracellular matrix (ECM). Decellularized ECM (DECM) scaffolds have been widely used in various tissue engineering applications with varying levels of success. The mechanical, architectural and bioactive properties of a DECM scaffold depend largely on the method of decellularization and dictate its clinical efficacy. This article highlights the advantages and challenges associated with the clinical use of DECM scaffolds. Poor mechanical strength is a significant disadvantage of some DECM scaffolds in the repair of load-bearing tissues as well as critical-size defects, where long-term mechanical support is required for the regenerating tissue. Combining DECM scaffolds with synthetic biocompatible polymers could provide a useful strategy to circumvent the issues of poor mechanical stability. This article reviews studies that have combined DECM scaffolds from various tissues with synthetic polymers to create hybrid scaffolds using electrospinning. These hybrid scaffolds provide a mechanical backbone while retaining the bioactive properties of DECM, thus offering a significant advantage for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications.
The language of “Ribbonmen”: A CDA approach to identity construction in nineteenth-century Irish English threatening notices
Authors: van Hattum Marije
Published: October 2017

Throughout the nineteenth century, the rural midlands of Ireland suffered from agrarian violence and intimidation through threatening notices. In the minds of the authorities, these outrages were committed by members of a secret society, called the “Ribbon Society”, which was deemed to be the embodiment of a nation-wide conspiracy of Irish Catholics to exterminate all Protestants in the country (Beames 1982). However, present-day historians are divided in their opinion on the existence of such a society, as for example, Garvin (1982: 154), who claims that “local agrarian groups simply accepted the label wished upon them by magistrates, police and other outsiders”. Thus, there is no consensus about the identity and existence of the “Ribbon Society” from an external point of view. This paper analyses how the identity of this socially marginalised group is constructed from an internal point of view through means of a CDA analysis of a collection of threatening notices written by those accused of membership of the Ribbon Society. I argue that the notices constitute a form of public discourse that is controlled by the labouring classes, and that through means of positive self and negative other representation the senders justify and legitimise their own actions and beliefs, while criminalising those of their intended targets, thus constructing an identity as defender of the labouring classes, and using the notices as a form of social protest.
A weighted adjustment of a similarity transformation between two point sets containing errors
Authors: Marx C.
Published: October 2017

For an adjustment of a similarity transformation, it is often appropriate to consider that both the source and the target coordinates of the transformation are affected by errors. For the least squares adjustment of this problem, a direct solution is possible in the cases of specific-weighing schemas of the coordinates. Such a problem is considered in the present contribution and a direct solution is generally derived for the m-dimensional space. The applied weighing schema allows (fully populated) point-wise weight matrices for the source and target coordinates, both weight matrices have to be proportional to each other. Additionally, the solutions of two borderline cases of this weighting schema are derived, which only consider errors in the source or target coordinates. The investigated solution of the rotation matrix of the adjustment is independent of the scaling between the weight matrices of the source and the target coordinates. The mentioned borderline cases, therefore, have the same solution of the rotation matrix. The direct solution method is successfully tested on an example of a 3D similarity transformation using a comparison with an iterative solution based on the Gauß-Helmert model.
Obsidian Studies in the Prehistoric Central Mediterranean: After 50 Years, What Have We Learned and What Still Needs to Be Done?
Authors: Tykot Robert H.
Published: October 2017

Obsidian sourcing studies have been conducted in the central Mediterranean for more than 50 years. Detailed studies have been done on the geological sources on four Italian islands, and many analytical methods have been used to successfully distinguish between them. The ability to conduct analyses using those minimally (LA-ICP-MS) or totally (XRF, pXRF) non-destructive to artifacts has led to >10,000 analyses just in the last decade. Along with the ability to assign artifacts to specific geological subsources, and an increased number of studies of techno-typology, this has allowed interpretations to be made about source access and territorial control, craft specialization and the chaîne opératoire, as well as the modes, frequency, and directions of movement and how that varied spacially and temporally. Obsidian especially from Lipari and from Monte Arci in Sardinia traveled hundreds of kilometers on a regular basis starting in the Early Neolithic. By the Late Neolithic, in some areas there was selection of specific obsidian sources and subsources, and differences in production methods and tool typology. Obsidian distribution and usage in the central Mediterranean continued over four-and-one-half millennia, in many areas well into the Bronze Age. There is much more still to do integrating these different studies, especially use-wear studies, along with those of lithic and other materials that also played a role in prehistoric transport and trade systems.
Ornithology and Varieties of Conflict: A Personal Retrospective on Conflict Forecasting
Authors: Gleditsch Kristian Skrede
Published: October 2017

This note provides a retrospective on lessons learned in research on conflict forecasting, motivated by reflections around the retirement of Professor Michael D. Ward from Duke University. I argue that an excessive focus on “black swans” or surprising events that are hard to forecast detracts from considering the more frequent “white swans” or regularities in conflict. It is often more useful to focus on modal conflicts than exceptions, and substantial progress has been made in recent research. I identify some key lessons learned and highlight the need for researchers to distinguish between features that are more or less difficult to forecast.
Fünf Jahre nach dem Liikanen-Bericht: Was haben wir gelernt?
Authors: Krahnen Jan Pieter , Götz Martin R. , Tröger Tobias H.
Published: October 2017

Die Veröffentlichung des Abschlussberichts der Liikanen-Gruppe im Oktober 2012 war begleitet von großen Erwartungen bezüglich der dort vorgeschlagenen Maßnahmen zur Vollendung der Reformagenda nach der Finanz- und Staatsschuldenkrise. Im Zentrum der Empfehlungen standen die Einführung einer milden Form des Trennbankensystems und die Schaffung von Funktionsvoraussetzungen für Bail-in-Maßnahmen. In diesem Beitrag geben Martin R. Götz, Jan P. Krahnen und Tobias H. Tröger einen Überblick über die Regulierungsreformen, die das Finanzgewerbe im Hinblick auf die im Liikanen-Bericht aufgestellte Agenda in den vergangenen Jahren erlebt hat. Dabei wird deutlich, dass noch weitere entscheidende Schritte in Regulierung und Aufsicht zu gehen sind, bis von einer erfolgreichen Realisierung dieser Agenda die Rede sein kann. Vor allem die Bail-in-Regulierung muss konsequenter in die Praxis umgesetzt werden. Über das geforderte Minimum hinaus entwickeln die Autoren die Idee eines Maximums an Bail-in. Beide Empfehlungen zusammengenommen führen zu einer dreiteiligen Struktur der Bankenpassiva, bestehend aus einem Bail-in-Bereich, einem einlagengesicherten Bail-out-Bereich und einem dazwischenliegenden, Run-gefährdeten Mezzanine-artigen Bereich. Wie groß diese jeweils sein sollten, wäre in einer politischen Debatte zu erörtern, in der es die Kosten und Nutzen erhöhter Stabilität abzuwägen gälte.
Genetic Variation Among and Within Populations in Swedish Species of Sorbus aucuparia L. and Prunus padus L. Assessed in a Nursery Trial
Authors: Baliuckas V. , Lagerström T. , Norell L. , Eriksson G.
Published: October 2017

Seedlings originating from open-pollinated offspring of six and four populations of Prunus padus and Sorbus aucuparia, respectively, were studied with respect to phenology and growth traits for 3-4 years in a nursery. There were no replications at the population levels since the experiments should be converted to seedling seed orchards. Therefore, a special statistical model for analysis of the population effect was developed making use of neighbour performances. This model was also used for derivation of heritabilities. The heritabilities for phenology traits were in many cases high in P. padus, > 0.40, while they varied in the range 0.07-0.62 in S. aucuparia. The population effect was significant for all growth rhythm traits in P. padus and for a majority of traits in S. aucuparia. In both species the heritability for height decreased over time. Only bud flushing in P. padus indicated a relationship with population latitudinal origin in some cases. The genetic correlations between bud flushing different years were relatively strong in both species while the corresponding correlations for leaf colouring were moderate in P. padus and weak in S. aucuparia. In conclusion, the observed structure suggests that the pattern of seed dispersal may have an influence on the among- and within-population variation.
Soil Temperature and Precipitation Affect the Rooting Ability of Dormant Hardwood Cuttings of Populus
Authors: Zalesny R. S. , Hall R. B. , Bauer E. O. , Riemenschneider D. E.
Published: October 2017

In addition to genetic control, responses to environmental stimuli affect the success of rooting. Our objectives were to: 1) assess the variation in rooting ability among 21 Populus clones grown under varying soil temperatures and amounts of precipitation and 2) identify combinations of soil temperature and precipitation that promote rooting. The clones belonged to five genomic groups ([P. trichocarpa Torr. & Gray x P. deltoides Bartr. ex Marsh] x P. deltoides ‘BC’; P. deltoides ‘D’; P. deltoides x P. maximowiczii A. Henry ‘DM’; P. deltoides x P. nigra L. ‘DN’; P. nigra x P. maximowiczii ‘NM’). Cuttings, 20 cm long, were planted in Iowa and Minnesota, USA, in randomized complete blocks at 1.2- x 2.4-m spacing across three planting dates during 2001 and 2002. Soil temperatures were converted to belowground growing degree days (GDD) (base temperature = 10°C) accumulated over 14 days. Genomic groups responded similarly for root dry weight, number of roots, total root length, and mean root length, that increased as belowground GDD increased. Belowground GDD and precipitation governed rooting throughout the 14-d growing period. A minimum of four days above 14°C, along with sufficiently dispersed precipitation (e.g. no more than 3 d without a precipitation event), were needed to sustain aboveaverage rooting. Therefore, we recommend using a base temperature of 14°C for future models estimating belowground GDD in northern temperate zones.
Optimal Clone Number for Seed Orchards with Tested Clones
Authors: Lindgren D. , Prescher F.
Published: October 2017

The optimal number of clones in seed orchards is discussed. A model is constructed to maximize a goodness criterion (“benefit”) for seed orchards. This criterion is a function of: 1) the number of tested genotypes available for selection and planted in seed orchard; 2) the contribution to pollination from: a) the ramet itself; b) the closest neighbors; c) the rest of the orchard and sources outside the orchard (contamination); 3) variation among genotypes for fertility; 4) frequency of selfing; 5) production of selfed genotypes; 6) gene diversity (= status number); 7) influence of contamination; 8) genetic variation among candidates; 9) correlation between selection criterion (e.g. height in progeny test) and value for forestry (e.g. production in forests from the orchard); and 10) the number of clones harvested. Numeric values of the entries are discussed, and values were chosen to be relevant for scenarios with Swedish conifers (focusing on Scots pine) and for loblolly pine. Benefit was maximized considering the number of clones. The optimum was 16 clones for the Swedish scenario, while less for the loblolly pine scenario. The optimum was rather broad, thus it is not essential to deploy the exact optimum, and an approximate optimum will do. A sensitivity analyses was performed to evaluate the importance of the likely uncertainty and variation in different entries. Quantification of the benefit of gene diversity is important. Other significant considerations are the genetic variance in the goal character and the ability to predict it, as well as the impact of selfing and the variation in reproductive success between clones. Twenty clones is suggested as a thumb rule for Swedish conifers.
Resistance of Transgenic Hybrid Triploids in Populus tomentosa Carr. Against 3 Species of Lepidopterans Following Two Winter Dormancies Conferred by High Level Expression of Cowpea Trypsin Inhibitor Gene
Authors: Zhang Q. , Zhang Z. Y. , Lin S. Z. , Lin Y. Z.
Published: October 2017

Hybrid triploid poplars [(P. tomentosa x P. bolleana) x P. tomentosa] genetically engineered with cowpea trypsin inhibitor (CpTI) gene have been out-planted in field for two years. They were used to detect their efficacy against 3 species of poplar defoliators: forest tent capterpillar, Malacosoma disstria Hübner, gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar Linnaeus and willow moth, Stilpnotia candida Staudinger by using detached leaves and for the purpose of identifying the CpTI gene at the molecular level. Foliage of transgenic poplars elicited an increase in larval mortality rate and a decrease in foliage consumption, wet weight gains, faeces excretion, deposited pupae number and pupae weight, thus indicating its effectiveness in affecting the growth, development and fecundity of larvae rather than only directly killing them. PCR and Southern blotting analyses confirmed the stable incorporation of CpTI gene while proteinase inhibitory assays disclosed its high level expression in the two-field-season of transgenic trees. Efficacious insect resistance and higher content of CpTI in foliage were found in transgenic clone TG04, TG07, TG08 and TG71, demonstrating a correspondence between the insect resistance level and the CpTI content in the foliage of transgenic poplar.
Lodgepole Pine and White Spruce Germination: Effects of Stratification and Simulated Aging
Authors: Krakowski Jodie , El-Kassaby Y. A.
Published: October 2017

The effects of seed pre-treatment (stratification/prechilling) and simulated aging on germination parameters (germination capacity, speed and value and peak value) were evaluated for several seedlots originating from seed orchard clones of lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia DOUGL. ex LOUD.) and white spruce (Picea glauca (MOENCH) VOSS). Region of origin and stratification had little effect on white spruce, while stratification enhanced germination speed and completeness of lodgepole pine. Broad-sense heritability for germination parameters ranged from 70 to 97% (unstratified) and from 81 to 96% (stratified) for pine, and from 95 to 97% (unstratified) and from 93 to 97% (stratified) for spruce. Simulated aging (short-term storage at high temperature and relative humidity, approximating the physiological effects of long-term storage) resulted in rapid deterioration of white spruce, with very little germination after six days of aging. Lodgepole pine germination increased during the first several aging treatments relative to the control, but germination capacity decreased following twelve days of aging, and was very low after 18 days. White spruce was nondormant and responded primarily to moisture conditions, whereas pine was strongly influenced by maternal effects. These results can be incorporated for more efficacious nursery production practices for commercial reforestation seedling production as well as ex-situ gene conservation strategies.
Genetic Variation of Physical and Chemical Wood Properties of Eucalyptus globulus
Authors: Apiolaza L. A. , Raymond C. A. , Yeo B. J.
Published: October 2017

This study considered the degree of genetic variation for diameter (DBH), basic density (BD), predicted pulp yield (PPY), fibre length (FL), microfibril angle (MFA) and cellulose content (CC) amongst eight subraces of Eucalyptus globulus growing in a field trial in NW Tasmania. There were significant subrace effects for BD, FL and CC. This variation affected the relative profitability of the subraces for pulp production. On average, the most profitable subraces (on NPV/ha over the base population mean) were Strzelecki Ranges ($862.04), Western Otways ($657.80) and Strzelecki Foothills ($576.81). The genetic control (heritability) of variation in DBH, FL and MFA was moderate (0.15 < h2< 0.27), while control for BD, PPY and CC was high (h2> 0.40). Genetic correlations between growth and wood properties were not statistically significant, except for DBHMFA (-0.86). Most genetic correlations amongst wood properties were outside the parametric space (< -1 or >1), but there were significant correlations between BDMFA (-0.70) and PPY-CC (0.82). The empirical response to selection on an index based on a pulp wood objective (which included volume and basic density) resulted in a gain of 4.3% for DBH, 7.9% for BD and marginal changes for all other traits, with a net impact in profit of $1,270/ha. However, future profit calculations will need to consider the effect of FL, MFA and CC on the economics of wood processing to fully evaluate the economic impact of breeding.
Genetic Gain and Gene Diversity Following Thinning in a Half-Sib Plantation
Authors: Fedorkov A. , Lindgren D. , David A.
Published: October 2017

Status number, gene diversity, inbreeding coefficient and genetic gain were calculated following phenotypic rogueing of different intensities in a half-sib progeny plantation of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.). Across most selection intensities the status number, gene diversity and genetic gain remained favorably high while the inbreeding coefficient was remarkably stable. It is suggested that phenotypic selection in half-sib progeny tests or plantations with unknown pedigrees, can be used to manage seed collection areas or as a component in low-input breeding without a fast build up of coancestry or inbreeding, provided the initial number of progenies of unrelated parents is sufficiently high and that a high number of these families are retained with a few individuals per family.
Heritability and Correlations for Biomass Production and Allocation in White Spruce Seedlings
Authors: Rweyongeza D. M. , Yeh F. C. , Dhir N. K.
Published: October 2017

Tree growth is a multidimensional trait and families vary for components of growth such as height, diameter, foliage and roots. Therefore, variation in tree growth is better studied by analysing biomass production and allocation than simple traits. In addition, biomass is better linked to products such as pulp and wood energy than simple traits. We analysed biomass of 3-year old open-pollinated greenhouse seedlings of white spruce to determine (1) heritability for biomass production and allocation to shoot and root components, (2) correlations between biomass traits, and biomass traits with primary traits, and (3) correlation between biomass production in the greenhouse and height growth for the same families in the field. The study had a randomised complete block design with single-tree plots, 30 blocks and 58 open-pollinated families. Individual-tree heritability (hi2) and family mean heritability (hf2) ranged from 0.200 to 0.333 and 0.374 to 0.516 for green weight, respectively. Likewise, hi2and hi2ranged from 0.186 to 0.359 and 0.352 to 0.536 for dry weight, respectively. Genetic correlation (ra) between green and dry weight ranged from 0.943 to 1.015, while rabetween shoot and root dry weight ranged from 0.947 to 0.955. In contrast, rabetween biomass traits and field height ranged from -0.403 to -0.124. Thus, we conclude (1) variation in biomass production and allocation exhibited low genetic basis, (2) testing and selection for green or dry weight should lead to similar genotypes, (3) biomass allocation may not be easily altered by selection and breeding, and (4) indirect early selection based on seedling biomass
Genetic Variation of Korean Pine (Pinus koraiensis Sieb. et Zucc.) at Allozyme and RAPD Markers in Korea, China and Russia
Authors: Kim Z. S. , Hwang J. W. , Lee S. W. , Yang C. , Gorovoy P. G.
Published: October 2017

We studied and compared genetic variation of Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis Sieb. et Zucc.) from 12 natural populations in Korea, China, and Russian Far East using allozymes and random amplified polymorphic DNAs (RAPDs). Eighteen polymorphic allozyme loci and 38 polymorphic RAPD fragments were analyzed. The level of allozyme diversity (A = 1.95, P95= 46.8%, Ho= 0.158, He= 0.169) and the degree of genetic differentiation (FST= 0.069) were comparable to those of other pines with similar life histories and ecological traits. Allozyme (He) as well as RAPD (Shannon’s index) variation decreased from south (Korea) to north (Russia), providing an evidence for the hypothesis of Korean pine’s northward migration. Differentiations among three different regions (Korea, China, and Russia) as well as among populations within regions were small. Substantial gene flow (Nm= 3.4) may be a partial explanation to this result. Clustering algorithms using various genetic distance measures showed some decisive geographic patterns at allozyme and RAPD level: the geographically close populations tended to be clustered together. On the other hand, two Chinese populations, Xobukho and Wangging, were grouped with the Russian populations rather than with the other Chinese populations. The Xiaoxing’anling and other mountains extended from north to south seemed to function as a barrier against gene flow between the Xobukho and Wangging (located east of the mountains) and the other Chinese P. koraiensis populations (located west of the mountains). The genetic diversities and differentiation estimated from RAPD data in Korean pine were congruent with those of allozymes.
Sampling Tissue for DNA Analysis of Trees: Trunk Cambium as an Alternative to Canopy Leaves
Authors: Colpaert N. , Cavers S. , Bandou E. , Caron H. , Gheysen G. , Lowe A. J.
Published: October 2017

The number of studies of tropical tree species that use molecular tools is increasing, most of which collect leaf tissue for genomic DNA extraction. In tropical trees the canopy is not only frequently inaccessible, but also, once reached, the leaf tissue is often heavily defended against herbivory by high concentrations of anti-predation compounds, which may inhibit downstream applications, particularly PCR. Cambium tissue, accessed directly from the tree trunk at ground level, offers a readily accessible resource that is less hampered by the presence of defensive chemicals than leaf tissue. Here we describe a simple method for obtaining tissue from the cambial zone for DNA extraction and test the applicability of the method in a range of tropical tree species. The method was used successfully to extract DNA from 11 species in nine families. A subset of the DNA extracts was tested in more detail and proved to be highly suitable for AFLP analysis.