bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Body size changes in passerine birds introduced to New Zealand from the UK
Authors: Blackburn Tim , Monroe Melanie , Lawson Becki , Phill Cassey , Ewen John
Published: February 2019

One feature of global geographic variation in avian body sizes is that they are larger on isolated islands than on continental regions. Therefore, this study aims to assess whether there have been changes in body size following successful establishment for seven passerine bird species (blackbird Turdus merula, song thrush Turdus philomelos, house sparrow Passer domesticus, chaffinch Fringilla coelebs, greenfinch Chloris chloris, goldfinch Carduelis carduelis, yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella) introduced from the continental islands of the UK to the more isolated oceanic landmass of New Zealand in the middle of the nineteenth century. Measures of tarsus length were taken from individuals from contemporary UK and New Zealand populations of these species, and from historical specimens collected around the time that individuals were translocated from the UK to New Zealand. Analysis of Variance was used to test for size differences between contemporary UK and New Zealand populations, and between historical UK and contemporary UK and New Zealand populations. Historical UK populations have longer tarsi, on average, than 12 (7 UK and 5 New Zealand) of the 14 contemporary populations. Significant decreases in tarsus length relative to the historical populations have occurred in the UK for blackbird, chaffinch and greenfinch, and in the New Zealand blackbird population. Contemporary New Zealand house sparrows have significantly longer tarsi, on average, than both historical and contemporary UK populations. Exposure to novel environments may be expected to lead to changes in the morphology and other traits of exotic species, but changes have also occurred in the native range. In fact, contrary to expectations, the most common differences we found were between contemporary and historical UK populations. Consideration of contemporary populations alone would underestimate the true scale of morphological change in these species over time, which may be due to phenotypic plasticity or genetic adaptation to environmental changes experienced by all populations in the last 150 years.
Open minded and open access: introducing NeoBiota, a new peer-reviewed journal of biological invasions
Authors: Kühn Ingolf , Kowarik Ingo , Kollmann Johannes , Starfinger Uwe , Bacher Sven , Blackburn Tim , Bustamante Ramiro , Celesti-Grapow Laura , Chytrý Milan , Colautti Robert , Essl Franz , Foxcroft Llewellyn , Gollasch Stephan , García-Berthou Emili , Hierro José , Hufbauer Ruth , Hulme Philip , Jarošik Vojtěch , Jeschke Jonathan , Karrer Gerhard , Mack Richard , Molofsky Jane , Murray Brad , Nentwig Wolfgang , Osborne Bruce , Pyšek Petr , Rabitsch Wolfgang , Rejmanek Marcel , Roques Alain , Shaw Richard , Sol Daniel , van Kleunen Mark , Vilà Montserrat , von der Lippe Moritz , Wolfe Lorne , Penev Lyubomir
Published: February 2019

The Editorial presents the focus, scope, policies, and the inaugural issue of NeoBiota, a new open access peer-reviewed journal of biological invasions. The new journal NeoBiota is a continuation of the former NEOBIOTA publication series. The journal will deal with all aspects of invasion biology and impose no restrictions on manuscript size neither on use of color. NeoBiota implies an XML-based editorial workflow and several cutting-edge innovations in publishing and dissemination, such as semantic markup of and enhancements to published texts, data publication, and extensive cross-linking within the journal and to external sources.
First report of Trichogramma danausicida and Trichogramma cacaeciae reared from Thaumatotibia leucotreta eggs in Israel
Authors: Kaspi Roy , Kontsedalov Svetlana , Ghanim Murad
Published: February 2019

The egg parasitpoids Trichogrammadanausicida (Nagaraja) and Trichogrammacacaeciae (Marchal) (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae), are reported for the first time in Israel. Moreover, our discovery of T.danausicida is the first report of this parasitoid species outside of India. The occurrence of those trichogrammatids was first discovered and documented in May 2016 during a survey of egg parasitoids of the False codling moth Thaumatotibialeucotreta (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). The field survey was conducted on castor bean fruits (Ricinuscommunis) in the Israeli central coastal plain. The identity of the parasitoids was revealed by means of sequencing a portion of the cytochrome oxidase I gene (COI) of the studied parasitoids.
New molecular sequences for two genera of marine planarians facilitate determination of their position in the phylogenetic tree, with new records for two species (Platyhelminthes, Tricladida, Maricola)
Authors: Yang Hee-Min , Sluys Ronald , Kawakatsu Masaharu , Min Gi-Sik
Published: February 2019

For the first time, molecular sequences of the 18S ribosomal DNA were generated for representatives of the genera Obrimoposthia Sluys & Ball, 1989 and Paucumara Sluys, 1989 of the suborder of the marine triclads, or Maricola, by analyzing the species Obrimoposthiawandeli (Hallez, 1906) and Paucumaratrigonocephala (Ijima & Kaburaki, 1916). On the basis of this molecular data the phylogenetic position of these two genera in the phylogenetic tree of the Maricola was determined and compared with their position in the phylogeny based on the analysis of anatomical features. New records for these two species are documented and their taxonomic status is determined on the basis of histological studies.
New records of Caribbomerus from Hispaniola with redescription of C. elongatus (Fisher) and a key to the genus in the West Indies (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Cerambycinae, Graciliini)
Authors: Lingafelter Steven
Published: February 2019

Three species ofCaribbomerusVitali are newly recorded for the Dominican Republic:Caribbomerus decoratus(Zayas),Caribbomerus elongatus(Fisher), andCaribbomerus asperatus(Fisher). The first two also represent first records for Hispaniola.Caribbomerus elongatus(Fisher) is redescribed based on additional material, including the first known males.Caribbomerus similis(Fisher) is newly recorded for Dominica. A key to the species of the genus from the West Indies is provided.
Rolling Labs – Teaching Vehicle Electronics from the Beginning
Authors: Huening Felix , Hillgaertner Michael , Reke Michael
Published: February 2019

This paper describes the pedagogical approach to teach vehicle electronics at the University of Applied Science Aachen. As vehicle electronics is getting more and more complex, in particular with regard to Advanced Driver Assistance Systems and autonomous driving, a dedicated concept is needed to integrate the require-ments of vehicle electronics into the studies of electrical engineering. The con-cept of rolling labs is established during the last years for the studies of electrical engineering. The rolling labs cover different levels of complexity and integration of the electronics and components used in modern applications and hence under-graduate students can start working with interesting and close to reality systems rather early. The rolling labs enable several different possibilities of teaching and learning, either for standard labs, for team works in terms of problem-based learning (PBL) or for individual works like bachelor or master thesis. In addi-tion, the systems can be used as research platforms and for demonstration and marketing purpose to introduce the challenging topic of vehicle electronics to other people.
Lighting as an Important Factor of Students’ Work Environment
Authors: Tureková Ivana , Luká�ová Danka , Bánesz Gabriel
Published: February 2019

Good work conditions for students at the university are important for education quality and that is the reason why we should pay adequate attention to the factors of work environment in those particular places where students spend most of their learning time. Monitoring of the current state of illumination within school facilities can be performed by two principally different approaches. The first one deals with the exact measurements of illumination and their evaluation in regard to laws, acts, regulations and norms. The second approach is based on subjective perception of lighting in particular work place that can be confirmed via qualitative research methods. In this contribution we combine both approaches. Authors evaluate the actual lighting state in a computer classroom by means of exact measurement of sunlight and compound lighting. The article also offers subjective reactions of students regarding possible improvements of views through the window as one of some factors that influence the state of well-being of students and it also serves as prevention against eye strain, especially when working on computer. The measurement outcomes have confirmed that the overall amount of daylight illumination is insufficient, what leads to the deployment of compound lighting, especially in winter months.
Application of Problem Based Learning in Mechanics of Machines Course
Authors: Uziak Jacek , Kommula Venkata P.
Published: February 2019

The predominant educational methods in engineering education follow traditional classroom teaching, with some elements of tutorials and lab work. Although, there has been a growing tendency in recent years to introduce elements of active learning, and in particular problem-based (PBL) and project-based learning (PjBL). The paper reports on an attempt to use PBL in a topic on kinematics analysis of planar linkages, in a 3-credit course on Mechanics of Machines, offered in Year 3 of a 5-year BEng Mechanical Engineering programme. The aim of this study was to investigate the students’ response and perception to such a learning environment. A survey was administered to investigate students’ views on the application of problem-based learning in the course.

The survey proves that the students responded well to the new approach en-joying activity (72%), trying hard (94%) feeling positive (68%), considering time spent to be beneficial (90%) and believing in instructor having best interest of the students in mind (74%). The response was also positive to interest generation and motivation towards the topic; 82% and 78% positive responses, respectively. The students were convinced about the learning new knowledge aspect of PBL. The majority declared learning more by gathering information themselves (66%) and especially more details on the topic in comparison to the traditional lecture/tutorial approach (72%).
The Effect of Mobile Banking Application on Customer Interaction in the Jordanian Banking Industry
Authors: Aldiabat Khaled , Al-Gasaymeh Anwar , K.Rashid Ameer Sardar
Published: February 2019

Banks have changed from paper-based banking solutions provider to the latest of the technologies like mobile banking. Adoption of mobile-banking has received more attention in recent years, because there are more phones than computers in the market. But, like in any emerging technology, there exist barriers to the adoption of mobile banking services. This study will attempt to technically address these largely unfounded factors while helping to lay a roadmap for proper implementation of mobile banking technology in the Jordanian banking industry. The study found that Supportive Access factor of mobile banking is associated with the user satisfaction related to mobile banking. 
Using Executable Specification and Regression Testing for Broadcast Mechanism of Visual Programming Language on Smartphones
Authors: Ali Zulfiqar , Awwad Aiman M Ayyal , Slany Wolfgang
Published: February 2019

The rapid advancement of mobile computing technology and the rising usage of mobile apps made our daily life more productive. The mobile app should operate all the time bug-free in order to improve user satisfaction and offers great business value to the end user. At the same time, smartphones are full of special features that make testing of apps more challenging. Actually, the quality is a must for successful applications and it cannot be achieved without testing and verification. In this paper, we present the Behavior Driven Development (BDD) methodology and Cucumber framework to automate regression testing of Android apps. Particularly, the proposed methods use the visual programming language for smartphones (Catrobat) as a reference. The Catrobat program scripts communicate via a broadcast mechanism. The objective is to test the broadcast mechanism from different angles and track regression errors as well as specify and diagnose bugs with the help of executable specifications. The results show that the methods are able to effectively reveal deficiencies in the broadcast mechanism, and ensure that the app matches all expectations and needs of end users.
A FRT - SVD Based Blind Medical Watermarking Technique for Telemedicine Applications
Authors: Borra Surekah , Thanki Rohit
Published: February 2019

In this article, a blind and robust medical image watermarking technique based on Finite Ridgelet Transform (FRT) and Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) is proposed. A host medical image is first transformed into 16 × 16 non-overlapping blocks and then ridgelet transform is applied on the individual blocks to obtain sets of ridgelet coefficients. SVD is then applied on these sets, to obtain the corresponding U, S and V matrix. The watermark information is embedded into the host medical image by modification of the value of the significant elements of U matrix. This proposed technique is tested on various types of medical images such as X-ray and CT scan. The simulation results revealed that this technique provides better imperceptibility, with an average PSNR being 42.95 dB for all test medical images. This technique also overcomes the limitation of the existing technique which is applicable on only the Region of Interest (ROI) of the medical image.
Acute Effects of Different Stretching Techniques on Lower Limb Kinematics, Kinetics and Muscle Activities during Vertical Jump
Authors: Gao Zi Xiang , Song Yang , Yu Pei Min , Zhang Yan , Li Shu Dong
Published: February 2019

The purpose of this study was to examine the acute effects of different stretching techniques on performance and lower limb kinematics, kinetics and muscle activities during vertical jump in female aerobics athletes. 10 female college aerobics athletes participated in this study. Three-dimensional kinematic and kinetic data, as well as electromyography of rectus femoris, biceps femoris and gastrocnemius medialis were collected using Vicon motion analysis system, Kistler force plate and Wireless surface electromyographic system respectively during the test. No significant differences in jump height had been determined among these 3 warm-up methods. Hip peak flexion and internal rotation angles decreased significantly after BSM and peak adduction angle decreased significantly after SSM and BSM during landing. Knee peak flexion and internal rotation angles increased significantly after SSM and BSM during take-off. Also, BSM showed significantly greater peak flexion compared with SSM. Ankle peak plantarflexion angle increased significantly after BSM. In addition, BSM showed significantly greater improvement in the variation range than SSM except for the ankle int-external rotation. Existence of no significant differences in the peak value of vertical ground reaction force during take-off and landing phase had been determined among these 3 warm-up methods, and muscle activities of rectus femoris, biceps femoris and gastrocnemius medialis were likewise not significantly different. The results of this study suggest that it would be suitable for female aerobics athletes to perform ballistic stretching in warm-up in order to improve flexibility without decreasing the following vertical jumping event and may also reduce the risk of ankle sprain injury.
Window Seat Weight Reduction Exploration With Nontraditional Seat Geometry
Authors: Trudel Thomas , Stanley Karl
Published: February 2019

AbstractThis article provides an overview of the design and exploratory testing of a nontraditional submersible window seat design. Typically, window seat geometry is guided by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers-Pressure Vessels for Human Occupancy-1 (ASME-PVHO-1)
engineering standard as well as other references by ASME, Stachiw, etc. As viewing area increases, window seat geometry is partly driven by the size of the acrylic window and not solely by the requirements for a hull penetration of equivalent size. The discrepancy in strength and stiffness
between the submersible hull materials and acrylic window can result in a window seat that is overbuilt relative to the required hull integrity. This research focuses on nontraditional window seat geometries that decrease weight while performing comparably to designs that conform to the ASME-PVHO-1
standard. A novel window seat is proposed with reductions in window seat weight between 22% and 33%. Design methodology, assumptions, Fine Element Analysis (FEA) results, deviations from the standard, and empirical design studies are summarized in detail. Two scale model windows were tested
to their design depth for 102 cycles and showed acceptable signs of wear. FEA constraints were validated using strain gauge and displacement measurements on the conical and low pressure faces of the windows. Short Term Critical Pressure (STCP) testing was conducted in a hydrostatic pressure
chamber where the two model windows reached 79% and 86% of their design pressure.
A Self-Organizing Grouping Approach for Ship Traffic Scheduling in Restricted One-Way Waterway
Authors: Xin Xuri , Liu Kezhong , Zhang Jinfen , Chen Shuzhe , Wang Hongbo , Cheng Zhiyou
Published: February 2019

AbstractShip scheduling optimization is one of the most effective ways to eliminate the bottlenecks of waterway transportation, especially in restricted one-way waterways. In this study, a novel scheduling model calledself-organizing groupingis proposed to minimize two types of delay time, which are the waiting time and the extra navigation time caused by speed reduction. The proposed model schedules ships in an iterative way based on the distributed scheduling mode. To alleviate the impact of local scheduling on the overall traffic efficiency, a grouping method is proposed, in which the ships are divided into different groups based on their arrival time interval. Moreover, the ships in the same group are scheduled to minimize the interferences among them by incorporating a grouping improvement strategy. The strategy is used to deal with the influence of ships with very small speed. Experiments are carried out by comparing the proposed model with the first-come-first-serve model and the ship self-organizing cooperation model. Simulation results show that the delay time is reduced by 25%‐30% and approximately by 5% compared with that from the two models, respectively. Such advantage also exists for different combinations of ship traffic parameters. In addition, long-distance sailing with limited speed can be avoided using the proposed method, which is beneficial to relieve waterway traffic congestion.
Double trouble: Description of an attack on a nesting Delta sp. (Vespidae) by two Stilbum cyanurum (Chrysididae) cuckoo wasps
Authors: Shuttleworth Adam
Published: February 2019

Cuckoo wasps (Chrysididae) are well known for their habit of laying eggs in other insects’ nests, but the strategies by which they sneak their eggs into hosts’ nests have seldom been described. I report observations of an attack by two Stilbum cyanurum (Chrysididae) individuals on a nesting Delta sp. (Vespidae: Eumeninae). The attack lasted over 1h 30 min and involved both S. cyanurum wasps simultaneously mobbing the Delta sp. in attempts to gain access to her nest. The mode of attack and oviposition are described, and details are compared with observations of attacks by S. cyanurum in other parts of its range.
Perceived effectiveness of complementary medicine by mothers of infants with colic in Gauteng
Authors: Di Gaspero Natalie C. , Razlog Radmila , Patel Reshma , Pellow Janice
Published: February 2019

Background: Infantile colic is a self-limiting condition, characterised by spasmodic, excessive and inconsolable crying without apparent cause. Although common, there is no widely accepted conventional treatment approach for colic. Complementary medicine is often promoted as an alternative therapeutic option for infantile colic; however, there is limited research available on its use, safety and effectiveness.Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the perceived effectiveness of complementary medicine by mothers of infants with colic by means of the Infantile Colic Questionnaire.Setting: Mothers of infants who had colic were recruited from complementary medicine pharmacies, schools, baby clinics and various businesses in Gauteng, South Africa.Methods: A quantitative-descriptive design was used whereby data was collected through a randomised, cross-sectional questionnaire. The research sample consisted of 152 participants (mothers), aged between 18 and 45 years, with one or more children who suffered from symptoms of infantile colic, who had used complementary medicine as a form of treatment.Results: Results indicated that most participants made use of both complementary and conventional medicines for their infant’s colic; the most commonly used complementary medicine products were homeopathic remedies, probiotics and herbal medicines. Some participants were, however, unfamiliar with the term ‘complementary medicine’, indicating a need for further patient education.Conclusions: The participants perceived complementary medicines as safe and effective forms of treatment for infantile colic. However, further, larger scale studies should be conducted to validate this finding.
Cerebral phaeohyphomycosis with onychomycosis: Case report and review of literature
Authors: Goel Ravishankar , Gupta Sachin , Dua Vikram , Kumar Ranjan
Published: February 2019

The term phaeohyphomycosis (PHM) means dark-pigmented fungal hyphae. Cerebral PHM (CPHM) with onychomycosis is extremely rare; very few have been reported so far. The authors report a case of CPHM with onychomycosis in a 37-year-old male from a rural background in Haryana, India, with involvement of the left frontal lobe. The mass was resected and biopsy was sent for histopathological examination. He was given antifungal drugs in the postoperative period. The patient responded very well to the treatment, and there were no signs of recurrence at the 6-month follow-up visit. The clinical features, imaging and histopathological investigations, and management of this rare entity are discussed, and the available literature is also reviewed.
Neural tube defects: A retrospective study of 69 cases
Authors: Turhan Ali , Isik Semra
Published: February 2019

Objective: Neural tube defects (NTDs) are congenital disorders that significantly increase the risk of death and disability in the 1st year of life. The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the patients admitted to our neonatal intensive care unit because of NTD. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively examined the demographic features, familial risk factors, physical examination and radiological findings, and accompanying diseases of 69 patients with NTD. Results: Of the 69 patients hospitalized in a 5-year period, 38 were female and 31 were male. The median birth weight was 3150 g and the median delivery week was 38 weeks. Forty-nine of the patients (71%) had meningomyelocele, 11 patients (16%) had encephalocele, and nine patients (13%) had meningocele. Forty-five of the patients (65.2%) had Arnold–Chiari type 2 malformation. Twenty-five percent of the mothers had a history of periconceptional use of folic acid. The median time of making a diagnosis of NTD by prenatal ultrasonography was 20 (16–24) weeks. Thirty-nine of the patients (56.5%) had other organ disorders, some with multiple systemic disorders. Conclusion: The use of periconceptional folic acid in mothers and a decision for termination in selected cases may be effective in reducing the frequency of NTD.
Management and outcome analysis of conus and filum ependymoma: A tertiary center study
Authors: Sudhan Manoharan , Satyarthee Guru , Joseph Leve , Sharma Mehar , Kakkar Aanchal , Sharma Bhawani
Published: February 2019

Background: Spinal ependymomas constitute approximately 2%–8% of primary adult central nervous system tumors. Authors analyzed demographic, clinical, radiological, surgical, and histopathological factors which correlated with the postoperative neurological outcome of patients who underwent surgery for conus and filum ependymoma (CFE). Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of 31 patients regarding clinical feature, imaging study, surgical management, and McCormick grading system for assessing functional neurological status was carried out, who underwent surgical management for CFE between January 2009 and April 2014. Final neurological outcome at follow-up period was correlated with various factors in search to find out probable prognostic factors affecting final neurological outcome following surgical management. Results: The myxopapillary ependymoma was observed in 55% of cases (n = 17), while 39% cases (n = 12) had Grade II ependymoma and rest 6% (n = 2) cases had anaplastic ependymomas. The mean age was 30 years (range 7–60 years) with male to female ratio of 1:0.82. Patients predominantly presented with pain (80.65%); mean duration of symptoms was 28.61 months. Only, the preoperative McCormick grade was found to be the statistically significant prognostic factor (P = 0.045), affecting neurological outcome however, the age, sex, duration of symptoms, location of the tumor, extent of the tumor, extradural spread, degree of surgical excision, vascularity of tumor, and histopathological World Health Organization grades were not found to be significant prognostic factors in the current study. Conclusion: The preoperative McCormick score was found to be the only statistically significant factor predicting the functional and neurological outcome after surgery, so surgical treatment should be offered early in the course of the disease to provide chance of preservation and good neurological recovery.
Mycotic aneurysm of intracavernous internal carotid artery presenting as cavernous sinus syndrome
Authors: Sharma Kumudini , Kanaujia Vikas , Agarwal Rachna , Singh Vivek , Mishra Priyadarshini
Published: February 2019

Mycotic intracranial aneurysms are infectious aneurysms accounting for 0.7%–6.5% of all intracranial aneurysms and are most commonly located in distal branches of the middle cerebral arteries, particularly at the bifurcation area. They are caused by weakening of the vessel wall secondary to infection of a segment of the artery that can be endovascular as in infective endocarditis or extravascular as in meningitis or cavernous sinus thrombophlebitis. The rare occurrence of the mycotic cavernous internal carotid artery aneurysm, its variable clinical picture and limited knowledge of its natural course is a challenge for both diagnosis and management.
Anterior release and anterior reconstruction for a neglected osteoporotic odontoid fracture
Authors: Sonone Sandeep , Dahapute Aditya , Balasubramanian Sai , Gala Rohan , Marathe Nandan , Pinto Deepika
Published: February 2019

A 70 years old lady presented to us with history of a fall 3 months prior. She had suffered a type 2 odontoid fracture with atlantoaxial dislocation, that was not reducible by traction. She had symptoms of neck pain with inability to hold the neck upright. The patient was subsequently planned for anterior release and reduction of odontoid fracture dislocation with posterior stabilization in the same sitting. The patient was treated with cervical skeletal traction and immobilized. However, she developed occipital sore during the period and was mobilized with brace after which she developed myelopathic symptoms and gait disturbance due to the collapse of fracture segment. The patient was planned for anterior release and fixation with contoured reconstruction plate fixing C1 lateral mass to the lateral mass on the right side and C1 lateral mass to C2 body on the left side primarily with distraction of the C1–C2 joint by autologous tricortical iliac bone graft. The posterior stabilization was planned after healing of the sore, and the patient was counseled for the same. However, the patient was lost on follow-up and returned at 3-month postoperative period with collapse of the graft, resubluxation of C1–C2 segment, and failure of anterior fixation. The standard modality of treatment for such cases includes an anterior release of contracted soft tissues and ligaments and posterior stabilization with fusion in a single setting. However, it is the posterior fixation that stabilizes the fracture and prevents it from redislocation. Anterior fixation as a stand-alone treatment in osteoporotic bone has high risks of failure due to severe posterior tensile stresses. This article describes the importance of posterior fixation in osteoporotic bone based on our experience.
A derrotabilidade na teoria dos princípios
Authors: Gavião Filho Anizio Pires , Prevedello Alexandre
Published: February 2019

A adequação das normas jurídicas a casos particulares é um dos aspectos mais relevantes do direito, sendo que a noção de derrotabilidade (defeasibility), introduzida no âmbito jurídico por Herbert L. A. Hart, é um dos seus temas mais polêmicos, pois versa sobre a capacidade daquelas acomodarem exceções implícitas sem perder sua força normativa. O ensaio investiga como tal fenômeno jurídico repercute na teoria dos princípios, utilizando-se como parâmetro a obra de Robert Alexy. Inicia-se diferenciando regras de princípios, enfatizando que as regras possuem caráter prima facie diante da possibilidade de se sujeitarem a uma cláusula de exceção. Defende-se que a derrotabilidade é uma característica exclusiva das regras jurídicas, tanto legislativas como jurisprudenciais; princípios, por sua vez, não são derrotáveis. E as regras possuem primazia sobre os princípios no sentido de que representam o produto da ponderação por quem detém autoridade normativa. Afirma-se, ainda, que a força irradiante dos princípios sobre o sistema jurídico é a responsável por atribuir juridicidade a uma decisão contra legem. Por fim, esclarece-se que a derrotabilidade pressupõe uma colisão entre regra e princípio, cujos métodos principais para resolução são o exame de proporcionalidade ou a ponderação envolvendo princípios formais e materiais. Conclui-se que a derrotabilidade é uma característica do direito que atribui relevante função aos tribunais para a manutenção de um sistema jurídico equilibrado.
Quantifying primary and secondary humic-like substances in urban aerosol based on emission source characterization and a source-oriented air quality model
Authors: Li Xinghua , Han Junzan , Hopke Philip K. , Hu Jingnan , Shu Qi , Chang Qing , Ying Qi
Published: February 2019

Abstract. Humic-like substances (HULIS) are a mixture of high-molecular-weight,
water-soluble organic compounds that are widely distributed in atmospheric
aerosol. Their sources are rarely studied quantitatively. Biomass burning is
generally accepted as a major primary source of ambient humic-like substances
(HULIS) with additional secondary material formed in the atmosphere. However,
the present study provides direct evidence that residential coal burning is
also a significant source of ambient HULIS, especially in the heating season
in northern China based on source measurements, ambient sampling and
analysis, and apportionment with source-oriented CMAQ modeling. Emission
tests show that residential coal combustion produces 5 % to 24 % of the
emitted organic carbon (OC) as HULIS carbon (HULISc). Estimation of primary
emissions of HULIS in Beijing indicated that residential biofuel and coal
burning contribute about 70 % and 25 % of annual primary HULIS,
respectively. Vehicle exhaust, industry, and power plant contributions are
negligible. The average concentration of ambient HULIS in PM2.5 was
7.5 µg m−3
in urban Beijing and HULIS exhibited obvious seasonal variations
with the highest concentrations in winter. HULISc accounts for 7.2 % of
PM2.5 mass, 24.5 % of OC, and 59.5 % of water-soluble organic carbon. HULIS
are found to correlate well with K+, Cl−, sulfate, and
secondary organic aerosol, suggesting its sources include biomass burning,
coal combustion, and secondary aerosol formation. Source apportionment based
on CMAQ modeling shows residential biofuel and coal burning and secondary
formation are important sources of ambient HULIS, contributing 47.1 %,
15.1 %, and 38.9 %, respectively.
Wintertime secondary organic aerosol formation in Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (BTH): contributions of HONO sources and heterogeneous reactions
Authors: Xing Li , Wu Jiarui , Elser Miriam , Tong Shengrui , Liu Suixin , Li Xia , Liu Lang , Cao Junji , Zhou Jiamao , El-Haddad Imad , Huang Rujin , Ge Maofa , Tie Xuexi , Prévôt André S. H. , Li Guohui
Published: February 2019

Abstract. Organic aerosol (OA) concentrations are simulated over the
Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (BTH) region from 9 to 26 January 2014 using the
Weather Research and Forecasting model coupled with chemistry (WRF-CHEM),
with the goal of examining the impact of heterogeneous HONO sources on
SOA formation and SOA formation from different pathways during wintertime
haze days. The model generally shows good performance with respect to simulating air
pollutants and organic aerosols against measurements in BTH. Model results
show that heterogeneous HONO sources substantially enhance near-surface
SOA formation, increasing the regional average near-surface SOA concentration by
about 46.3 % during the episode. Oxidation and partitioning of primary
organic aerosols treated as semi-volatile dominate SOA formation,
contributing 58.9 % of the near-surface SOA mass in BTH. Irreversible
uptake of glyoxal and methylglyoxal on aerosol surfaces constitutes the
second most important SOA formation pathway during the episode, with the SOA
contribution increasing from 8.5 % under non-haze conditions to 30.2 %
under haze conditions. Additionally, direct emissions of glyoxal and
methylglyoxal from residential sources contribute about 25.5 % of
the total SOA mass on average in BTH. Our study highlights the importance of
heterogeneous HONO sources and primary residential emissions of glyoxal and
methylglyoxal to SOA formation over the BTH region in winter.
Influence of the dry aerosol particle size distribution and morphology on the cloud condensation nuclei activation. An experimental and theoretical investigation
Authors: Wu Junteng , Faccinetto Alessandro , Grimonprez Symphorien , Batut Sébastien , Yon Jérôme , Desgroux Pascale , Petitprez Denis
Published: February 2019

Abstract. The modern parametrization of the classical theory of nucleation (κ-Kӧhler theory) implicitly assumes a Dirac delta distribution to model the density of ideal spherical point size dry particles and droplets. However, anthropogenic activities like combustion or other high temperature processes frequently result in the emission of aerosols in the form of polydisperse fractal-like aggregates composed of condensed phase nanoparticles (for instance soot). If certain conditions are met, the emitted particles are known to evolve into important cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) in the atmosphere, however their behavior as CCN can deviate significantly from theoretical predictions. In this work, an extension of κ-Kӧhler theory is proposed that takes into account the effect of the size distribution and particle morphology on the activation of the aerosol dry particles. A theoretical and experimental approach are combined to derive the dependence of the activated fraction on supersaturation Fa = Fa(SS) on parameters that describe the size distribution and morphology of the particles like the geometric standard deviation and the fractal dimension of the aggregates. The model is tested on two different aerosols, a simple case of isolated quasi-spherical ammonium sulfate particles generated by atomization, and complex morphology soot aggregates generated by a laboratory diffusion jet flame.
An improved method for mobile characterisation of δ13CH4 source signatures and its application in Germany
Authors: Hoheisel Antje , Yeman Christiane , Dinger Florian , Eckhardt Henrik , Schmidt Martina
Published: February 2019

Abstract. The carbon isotopic signature (δ13CH4) of several methane
sources in Germany (around Heidelberg and in North Rhine-Westphalia) were
characterised. Mobile measurements of the plume of CH4 sources are carried
out using an analyser based on cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS). To achieve precise results
a CRDS analyser, which measures methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2) and
their 13C-to-12C ratios, was characterised especially with regard
to cross sensitivities of composition differences of the gas matrix in air
samples or calibration tanks. The two most important gases which affect
δ13CH4 are water vapour (H2O) and ethane (C2H6). To
avoid the cross sensitivity with H2O, the air is dried with a Nafion dryer
during mobile measurements. C2H6 is typically abundant in natural gases
and thus in methane plumes or samples originating from natural gas. A
C2H6 correction and calibration are essential to obtain accurate
δ13CH4 results, which can deviate by up to 3 ‰
depending on whether a C2H6 correction is applied. The isotopic signature is determined with the Miller–Tans approach and the
York fitting method. During 21 field campaigns the mean
δ13CH4 signatures of three dairy farms
(-63.9±0.9‰), a biogas plant
(-62.4±1.2‰), a landfill
(-58.7±3.3‰), a wastewater treatment plant
(-52.5±1.4‰), an active deep coal mine
(-56.0±2.3‰) and two natural gas storage and gas compressor
stations (-46.1±0.8‰) were recorded. In addition, between December 2016 and November 2018 gas samples from the
Heidelberg natural gas distribution network were measured with a mean
δ13CH4 value of -43.3±0.8‰. Contrary to
previous measurements between 1991 and 1996 by Levin et al. (1999), no
strong seasonal cycle is shown.
Aircraft-based stereographic reconstruction of 3-D cloud geometry
Authors: Kölling Tobias , Zinner Tobias , Mayer Bernhard
Published: February 2019

Abstract. This work describes a method to retrieve the location and geometry of clouds
using RGB images from a video camera on an aircraft and data from the
aircraft's navigation system. Opposed to ordinary stereo methods for which
two cameras with fixed relative position at a certain distance are used to
match images taken at the exact same moment, this method uses only a single
camera and the aircraft's movement to provide the needed parallax. Advantages
of this approach include a relatively simple installation on a (research)
aircraft and the possibility to use different image offsets that are even
larger than the size of the aircraft. Detrimental effects are the evolution
of observed clouds during the time offset between two images as well as the
background wind. However we will show that some wind information can also be
recovered and subsequently used for the physics-based filtering of outliers.
Our method allows the derivation of cloud top geometry which can be used,
e.g., to provide location and distance information for other passive cloud
remote sensing products. In addition it can also improve retrieval methods by
providing cloud geometry information useful for the correction of 3-D
illumination effects. We show that this method works as intended through
comparison to data from a simultaneously operated lidar system. The stereo
method provides lower heights than the lidar method; the median difference is
126 m. This behavior is expected as the lidar method has a lower detection
limit (leading to greater cloud top heights for the downward view), while the
stereo method also retrieves data points on cloud sides and lower cloud
layers (leading to lower cloud heights). Systematic errors across the
measurement swath are less than 50 m.
Identifying ‘persistent temperature inversion’ events in a
Subalpine Basin using Radon-222
Authors: Kikaj Dafina , Vaupotič Janja , Chambers Scott
Published: February 2019

Abstract. One year of meteorological and atmospheric radon observations in a topographically-complex Subalpine Basin are used to identify ‘persistent temperature inversion’ (PTI) events. PTI events play a key role in public health due to the accumulation of urban pollutants that they cause. Two identification techniques are compared: a new method, based on single-height radon measurements from a single centrally-located station, and an existing approach based on observations from eight weather stations around the Subalpine Basin. After describing the radon-based method (RBM), its efficacy is compared with that of the existing pseudo-vertical temperature gradient method (TGM). The RBM identified 6 PTI events over the year (4 in winter, 2 in autumn), a subset of the 17 events identified by the TGM. The RBM is demonstrated to be more consistent in its identification of PTI events, and more selective of persistent strongly stable conditions. Furthermore, its performance is seasonally independent. The comparatively poor performance of the TGM was attributed to seasonal inconsistencies in the validity of the method’s key assumptions (influenced by mesoscale processes, such as local drainage flows, nocturnal jets, and intermittent turbulence influence), and a lack of snow cover in the basin for the 2016–2017 winter period. Corresponding meteorological quantities for RBM PTI events (constituting 27 % of the autumn–winter cold season), were well characterised. PTI wind speeds in the basin were consistently low over the whole diurnal cycle (typically 0.2–0.6 m s−1). The comparative efficacy of the RBM for PTI air quality assessment is demonstrated using hourly PM10 observations throughout the year. Peak hourly mean PM10 concentrations for winter (autumn) PTI events were underestimated by 13 µg m−3 (11 µg m−3) by the TGM compared with the RBM. Only the RBM indicated that nocturnal hourly mean PM10 values in winter PTI events can exceed 100 µg m−3, the upper threshold of low-level short-term PM10 exposure according to World Health Organisation guidelines. The efficacy, simplicity and cost effectiveness of the RBM for identifying PTI events has the potential to make it a powerful tool for urban air quality management in complex terrain regions; for which it adds an additional dimension to contemporary atmospheric stability classification tools. Furthermore, the long-term consistency of the radon source function will enable the RBM to be used in the same way in future studies, enabling the relative magnitude of PTI events to be gauged, which is expected to assist with the assessment of public health risks.
A High Speed Particle Phase Discriminator (PPD-HS) for the classification of airborne particles, as tested in a continuous flow diffusion chamber
Authors: Mahrt Fabian , Wieder Jörg , Dietlicher Remo , Smith Helen R. , Stopford Chris , Kanji Zamin A.
Published: February 2019

Abstract. A new instrument, the High Speed Particle Phase Discriminator (PPD-HS) developed at the University of Hertfordshire, for sizing individual cloud hydrometeors and determining their phase is described herein. PPD-HS performs an in-situ analysis of the spatial intensity distribution of near forward scattered light for individual hydrometeors yielding shape properties. Discrimination of spherical and aspherical particles is based on an analysis of the symmetry of the recorded scattering patterns. Scattering patterns are collected onto two linear detector arrays, reducing the complete 2D scattering pattern to scattered light intensities captured onto two linear, one dimensional strips of light sensitive pixels. Using this reduced scattering information, we calculate symmetry indicators that are used for particle shape and ultimately phase analysis. This reduction of information allows for detection rates of a few hundred particles per second. Here, we present a comprehensive analysis of instrument performance using both spherical and aspherical particles, generated in a well-controlled laboratory setting using a Vibrating Orifice Aerosol Generator (VOAG) and covering a size range of approximately 3–32 micron. We use supervised machine learning to train a random forest model on the VOAG data sets that can be used to classify any particles detected by PPD-HS. Classification results show that the PPD-HS can successfully discriminate between spherical and aspherical particles, with misclassification below 5 % for diameters > 3 micro meter. This phase discrimination method is subsequently applied to classify simulated cloud particles produced in a continuous flow diffusion chamber setup. We report observations of small, near-spherical ice crystals at early stages of the ice nucleation experiments, where shape analysis fails to correctly determine the particle phase. Nevertheless, in case of simultaneous presence of cloud droplets and ice crystals, the introduced particle shape indicators allow for a clear distinction between these two classes independent of optical particle size. We conclude that PPD-HS constitutes a powerful new instrument to size and discriminate phase of cloud hydrometeors and thus study microphysical properties of mixed-phase clouds, that represent a major source of uncertainty in aerosol indirect effect for future climate projections.
TheDiaTo (v1.0) – A new diagnostic tool for water, energy and
entropy budgets in climate models
Authors: Lembo Valerio , Lunkeit Frank , Lucarini Valerio
Published: February 2019

Abstract. This work presents Thermodynamic Diagnostic Tool (TheDiaTo), a novel diagnostic tool for studying the thermodynamics of the climate systems with a wide range of applications, from sensitivity studies to model tuning. It includes a number of modules for assessing the internal energy budget, the hydrological cycle, the Lorenz Energy Cycle and the material entropy production, respectively. The routine receives as inputs energy fluxes at surface and at the Top-of-Atmosphere (TOA), for the computation of energy budgets at Top-of-Atmosphere (TOA), at the surface, and in the atmosphere as a residual. Meridional enthalpy transports are also computed from the divergence of the zonal mean energy budget fluxes; location and intensity of peaks in the two hemispheres are then provided as outputs. Rainfall, snowfall and latent heat fluxes are received as inputs for computing the water mass and latent energy budgets. If a land-sea mask is provided, the required quantities are separately computed over continents and oceans. The diagnostic tool also computes the Lorenz Energy Cycle (LEC) and its storage/conversion terms as annual mean global and hemispheric values. In order to achieve this, one needs to provide as input three-dimensional daily fields of horizontal wind velocity and temperature in the troposphere. Two methods have been implemented for the computation of the material entropy production, one relying on the convergence of radiative heat fluxes in the atmosphere (indirect method), one combining the irreversible processes occurring in the climate system, particularly heat fluxes in the boundary layer, the hydrological cycle and the kinetic energy dissipation as retrieved from the residuals of the LEC. A version of these diagnostics has been developed as part of the Earth System Model eValuation Tool (ESMValTool) v2.0a1, in order to assess the performances of CMIP6 model simulations, and will be available in the next release of the tool. The aim of this software is to provide a comprehensive picture of the thermodynamics of the climate system as reproduced in the state-of-the-art coupled general circulation models. This can prove useful for better understanding anthropogenic and natural climate change, paleoclimatic climate variability, and climatic tipping points.