bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wet–dry cycles impact DOM retention in subsurface soils
Authors: Olshansky Yaniv , Root Robert A. , Chorover Jon
Published: February 2018

Abstract. Transport and reactivity of carbon in the critical zone are highly controlled by reactions of dissolved organic matter (DOM) with subsurface soils, including adsorption, transformation and exchange. These reactions are dependent on frequent wet–dry cycles common to the unsaturated zone, particularly in semi-arid regions. To test for an effect of wet–dry cycles on DOM interaction and stabilization in subsoils, samples were collected from subsurface (Bw) horizons of an Entisol and an Alfisol from the Catalina-Jemez Critical Zone Observatory and sequentially reacted (four batch steps) with DOM extracted from the corresponding soil litter layers. Between each reaction step, soils either were allowed to air dry (wet–dry treatment) before introduction of the following DOM solution or were maintained under constant wetness (continually wet treatment). Microbial degradation was the dominant mechanism of DOM loss from solution for the Entisol subsoil, which had higher initial organic C content, whereas sorptive retention predominated in the lower C Alfisol subsoil. For a given soil, bulk dissolved organic C losses from solution were similar across treatments. However, a combination of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopic analyses revealed that wet–dry treatments enhanced the interactions between carboxyl functional groups and soil particle surfaces. Scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM) data suggested that cation bridging by Ca2+ was the primary mechanism for carboxyl association with soil surfaces. STXM data also showed that spatial fractionation of adsorbed OM on soil organo-mineral surfaces was diminished relative to what might be inferred from previously published observations pertaining to DOM fractionation on reaction with specimen mineral phases. This study provides direct evidence of the role of wet–dry cycles in affecting sorption reactions of DOM to a complex soil matrix. In the soil environment, where wet–dry cycles occur at different frequencies from site to site and along the soil profile, different interactions between DOM and soil surfaces are expected and need to be considered for the overall assessment of carbon dynamics.
Basin-scale variability of microbial methanol uptake in the Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Sargeant Stephanie L. , Murrell J. Colin , Nightingale Philip D. , Dixon Joanna L.
Published: February 2018

Abstract. Methanol is a climate active gas and the most abundant oxygenated volatile organic compound (OVOC) in the atmosphere and seawater. Marine methylotrophs are aerobic bacteria that utilise methanol from seawater as a source of carbon (assimilation) and/or energy (dissimilation). A few spatially limited studies have previously reported methanol oxidation rates in seawater; however the basin-wide ubiquity of marine microbial methanol utilisation remains unknown. This study uniquely combines seawater 14C labelled methanol tracer studies with 16S rRNA pyrosequencing to investigate variability in microbial methanol dissimilation and known methanol utilising bacteria throughout a meridional transect of the Atlantic Ocean between 47° N to 39° S. Microbial methanol dissimilation varied between 0.05–1.68 nmol l−1 h−1 in the top 200 m of the Atlantic Ocean and showed significant variability between biogeochemical provinces. The highest rates of methanol dissimilation were found in the northern subtropical gyre (average 0.99 ± 0.41 nmol l−1 h−1), which were up to eight times greater than other Atlantic regions. Microbial methanol dissimilation rates displayed a significant inverse correlation with heterotrophic bacterial production (determined using 3H-leucine). Despite significant depth stratification of bacterial communities, methanol dissimilation rates showed much greater variability between oceanic provinces compared to depth. There were no significant differences in rates between samples collected under light and dark environmental conditions. The variability in the numbers of SAR11 (16S rRNA gene sequences) were estimated to explain approximately 50 % of the changes in microbial methanol dissimilation rates. We estimate that SAR11 cells in the Atlantic Ocean account for between 0.3–59 % of the rates of methanol dissimilation in Atlantic waters, compared to
Random and externally controlled occurrence of Dansgaard-Oeschger events
Authors: Lohmann Johannes , Ditlevsen Peter D.
Published: February 2018

Abstract. Dansgaard-Oeschger (DO) events constitute the most pronounced mode of centennial to millennial climate variability of the last glacial period. Since their discovery, many decades of research have been devoted to understand the origin and nature of these rapid climate shifts. In recent years, a number of studies have appeared that report emergence of DO-type variability in fully coupled general circulation models via different mechanisms. These mechanisms result in the occurrence of DO events at varying degrees of regularity, ranging from periodic to random. When examining the full sequence of DO events as captured in the NGRIP ice core record, one can observe high irregularity in the timing of individual events at any stage within the last glacial period. In addition to the prevailing irregularity, certain properties of the DO event sequence, such as the average event frequency or the relative distribution of cold versus warm periods, appear to be changing throughout the glacial. By using statistical hypothesis tests on simple event models, we investigate whether the observed event sequence may have been generated by stationary random processes or rather has been strongly modulated by external factors. We find that the sequence of DO warming events is consistent with a stationary random process, whereas dividing the event sequence into warming and cooling events leads to inconsistency with two independent event processes. As we include external forcing, we find a particularly good fit to the observed DO sequence in a model where the average residence time in warm periods are controlled by global ice volume and cold periods by boreal summer insolation.
Quantification of different flow components in a high-altitude
glacierized catchment (Dudh Koshi, Nepalese Himalaya)
Authors: Mimeau Louise , Esteves Michel , Zin Isabella , Jacobi Hans-Werner , Brun Fanny , Wagnon Patrick , Koirala Devesh , Arnaud Yves
Published: February 2018

Abstract. In a context of climate change and water demand growth, understanding the origin of water flows in the Himalayas is a key issue for assessing the current and future water resources availability and planning the future uses of water in downstream regions. This study estimates the relative contributions of rainfall, glacier and snow melt to the Khumbu River streamflow (Upper Dudh Koshi, Nepal, 146 km2, 43 % glacierized, elevation range from 4260 to 8848 m a.s.l.), as well as their seasonal variability during the period 2012–2015, by using the physically based glacio-hydrological model DHSVM-GDM (Distributed Hydrological Soil Vegetation Model – Glaciers Dynamics Model). One of the main issues in high elevated and glacierized catchments hydrology is the limited representation of cryospheric processes, which control the evolution of ice and snow, in distributed hydrological models. Here, the impact of different snow and glacier parametrizations was tested by modifying the original DHSVM-GDM snow albedo parametrization, by adding an avalanche module, and by adding a reduction factor for the melt of debris covered glaciers. Results show that this new version of DHSVM improves the simulation of the snow covered area and the glacier mass balances, thus improving the reliability of the overall hydrological simulation. In the presented case study, ice and snow melt contribute each more than 40 % to the annual outflow. 69 % of the outflow originates from glacierized areas. Our simulations also highlight that winter flows are mainly controlled by the release from the englacial water storage. In general, it is shown that the choice of a given parametrization for the snow and glacier processes has a significant impact on the simulated water balance. The sensitivity of the model to the glaciers inventory was tested, demonstrating that the uncertainty related to the glacierized surface leads to an uncertainty of 20 % on the simulated ice melt component.
A major waterfall landscape maintained by fog drip water
Authors: Zhan Lucheng , Chen Jiansheng , Zhang Chenming , Wang Tao , Li Ling , Xin Pei
Published: February 2018

Abstract. The Chishui forest region in the southwest of China has a unique landscape with thousands of waterfalls that produce a significant water yield even during and after a long dry period. However, the sources of water for sustaining the waterfall landscape are poorly understood. We use stable isotopes 2H and 18O to trace water in surface runoff and determine the runoff generation mechanism in the catchments. Located on the pathway of water vapor from the neighboring Sichuan Basin, the area is covered by a thick forest canopy above sandstone strata. The local conditions combine to create a microclimate that favors formation of fogs at relatively high frequencies. It was found that frequent fogs in this region act as a key water supplier for waterfalls and play an important role in the regional hydrology. During the dry period starting from October, waterfalls are mainly sustained by baseflow, 8–31 % of which comes from frequent fog water recharge. The waterfall landscape in the Chishui forest represents a unique characteristic of the regional hydrological system in close connection with its geographical location, geology, climatology and ecology.
Retrospective forecasts of the upcoming winter season snow accumulation in the Inn headwaters (European Alps)
Authors: Förster Kristian , Hanzer Florian , Stoll Elena , Scaife Adam A. , MacLachlan Craig , Schöber Johannes , Huttenlau Matthias , Achleitner Stefan , Strasser Ulrich
Published: February 2018

Abstract. This article presents analyses of retrospective seasonal forecasts of snow
accumulation. Re-forecasts with 4 months' lead time from two coupled
atmosphere–ocean general circulation models (NCEP CFSv2 and MetOffice
GloSea5) drive the Alpine Water balance and Runoff Estimation model (AWARE)
in order to predict mid-winter snow accumulation in the Inn headwaters. As
snowpack is hydrological storage that evolves during the winter season,
it is strongly dependent on precipitation totals of the previous months.
Climate model (CM) predictions of precipitation totals integrated from November to
February (NDJF) compare reasonably well with observations. Even though
predictions for precipitation may not be significantly more skilful than for
temperature, the predictive skill achieved for precipitation is retained in
subsequent water balance simulations when snow water equivalent (SWE) in
February is considered. Given the AWARE simulations driven by observed
meteorological fields as a benchmark for SWE analyses, the correlation
achieved using GloSea5-AWARE SWE predictions is r = 0.57. The tendency of SWE
anomalies (i.e. the sign of anomalies) is correctly predicted in 11 of
13 years. For CFSv2-AWARE, the corresponding values are r = 0.28 and 7 of
13 years. The results suggest that some seasonal prediction of hydrological model storage tendencies in parts of Europe is possible.
Do I walk or ride the rickshaw? Examining the factors affecting first- and last-mile trip options in the historic district of Manila (Philippines)
Authors: Fillone Alexis , Mateo-Babiano Iderlina
Published: February 2018

Historic urban centers (HUCs) such as the Ermita District in Manila display a compact, mixed, and human-scale urban form. Because of these features, people in these areas still depend on either walking or riding a pedicab (also known as cycle rickshaws) to reach their destinations. The latter mode, considered an informal non-motorized transport (NMT), is widely preferred by commuters as their first- and last-mile trip option to navigate the narrow street network of these historic districts. However, it is unclear what factors affect an individual’s first- and last-mile choices. Through a face-to-face intercept survey, respondents were asked about their relative preference between the two mode choices to capture the factors that influenced their decision to walk or to ride the pedicab within Ermita. By utilizing logit choice analysis, the study identified statistically significant mode-specific, as well as qualitative, variables that influenced individual decisions. The probability outcome showed that the most significant factors were access and/or egress time, cost over travel time, safety, and accessibility of the walking environment. It is also important to note that pedicab users had a longer average trip distance (about a kilometer) than walkers, and women, including those who were accompanied by children, preferred to use pedicabs. Results from this study can help district-level planning and policymaking in three ways: (1) by improving the physical environment through encouraging the use of NMT such as walking and pedicab riding as crucial first- and/or last-mile options for individuals in HUCs; (2) by aligning routes and regulations for pedicab services to be part of an overall transport service provision, and (3) by undertaking infrastructure improvements for safer walkway environments for pedestrians, considering the implications of walking and pedicab riding to individual, population-level health outcomes and overall quality of life.
Severe non-exertional rhabdomyolysis from weight loss supplement in sickle cell trait: A perfect storm?
Authors: Olanipekun Titilope , Effoe Valery , Adeogun Ganiat , Gaertig Agniezka , White Myrtle , Haney Matthew
Published: February 2018

Exertional rhabdomyolysis from sickle cell trait has been documented. Also, cases of rhabdomyolysis from the use of weight loss supplements in the setting of sickle cell trait and exertion have been described. However, the role of sickle cell trait in non-exertional rhabdomyolysis is not clear. We present a case of severe non-exertional rhabdomyolysis from weight loss supplement in a patient with sickle cell trait.A 45-year-old African American female with sickle cell trait presented to the emergency department with two days history of fatigue and mild breathlessness. She also reported diarrhea and vomiting for five days before presentation. She admitted to taking Garcinia cambogia (a dietary supplement) for weight loss one week prior to the onset of symptoms. She denied alcohol or drug use, rigorous physical activity or trauma.She was dehydrated on examination. Laboratory values revealed markedly elevated serum creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and creatinine levels. Garcinia cambogia was discontinued and she was hydrated with intravenous fluids. Her CPK and creatinine levels significantly trended down and she was discharged home with no apparent sequelae.Our patient had multiple episodes of diarrhea and vomiting likely from the use of Garcinia cambogia. We believe she suffered non-exertional rhabdomyolysis from dehydration in the setting of sickle cell trait. Though dietary weight loss supplements are marketed as generally safe, this case suggests otherwise. We emphasize that clinicians routinely inquire about use of these supplements and provide appropriate counseling to patients on the adverse effects, especially among those with sickle cell trait.
Working Community-Related Interaction Factors Building Occupational Well-Being – Learning Based Intervention in Finnish and Estonian Schools (2010–2013)
Authors: Laine Sari , Saaranen Terhi , Pertel Tiia , Hansen Siivi , Lepp Kadi , Liiv Krystiine , Tossavainen Kerttu
Published: February 2018

This article examines whether a three-year learning-based work community intervention resulted in changes in working community-related interaction factors and occupational well-being among Finnish and Estonian school staff. It reports the types of changes in working community-related interaction factors and their associations to the subjective occupational well-being and general occupational well-being of the working community. The initial quantitative survey data were collected in Finland (n = 486) and Estonia (n = 1330) in 2010 using the “Well-being at your work index questionnaire.” The same measurement tool was used in 2013 to collect final survey data from school staff members in Finland (n = 545) and Estonia (n = 974). The data were analyzed statistically with percent, mean, SD, Mann-Whitney test, sum variables, one-way analysis of variance and Spearman’s correlation. Changes were detected in factors related to working community interaction; in particular, statistically significant changes in work management and time use were detected in Finnish schools. Working atmosphere and appreciation of others’ work, cooperation and information, and work management and time use were associated to both the subjective occupational well-being and general occupational well-being of the working community. Schools should plan and implement development activities to promote the subjective occupational well-being and general working community occupational well-being. Development work should focus on working community-related interaction, such as trust between workers. Principals should draw particular attention to principal–subordinate relationships and to providing information about changes.
Estimation of van Genuchten Equation Parameters in Laboratory and through Inverse Modeling with Hydrus-1D
Authors: Nascimento Ícaro Vasconcelos do , Assis Júnior Raimundo Nonato de , Araújo José Carlos de , Alencar Thiago Leite de , Freire Alcione Guimarães , Lobato Márcio Godofrêdo Rocha , Silva Cillas Pollicarto da , Mota Jaedson Claúdio Anunciato , Nascimento Carla Danielle Vasconcelos do
Published: February 2018

Soil water retention curve (SWRC) becomes important because it guides when and how much to irrigate, optimizing the use of water; can be obtained in the field or laboratory, being commonly determined in the laboratory with porous plate apparatus, and the determination is compromised by issues such as time and labor. In this context, inverse modeling emerges, which allows to obtain a variable going from the effect to the cause, using Hydrus-1D. Hence, this study aims to obtain van Genuchten equation parameters through inverse modeling with Hydrus-1D and make the respective comparisons and inferences. Matric potential data were obtained over time in an instantaneous profile-type experiment. Six sets of three tensiometers each were installed surrounding the center of the experimental plot, at depths of 0.20, 0.35 and 0.50 m. Target depth was 0.35 m, where the roots of most crops are concentrated, and the other tensiometers were used to obtain the potential gradient. Matric potential data were used to feed Hydrus-1D and obtain the van Genuchten equation parameters. Laboratory curves were obtained using porous plate apparatus, with four replicates. It was concluded that, in general, the Hydrus-1D model estimates van Genuchten equation parameters and, consequently, the SWCC of an Argissolo more consistently with field conditions than those obtained in the laboratory; and, provided it is fed with field data, the Hydrus-1D simulates well the behavior of matric potential and moisture over time, reducing the time and labor in the procedures to obtain van Genuchten equation parameters in the laboratory.
Evaluating Performance of Sixteen Upland Rice Genotypes under Field Conditions for Further Breeding Process
Authors: Hussain Tajamul , Anothai Jakarat , Nualsri Charassri , Soonsuwon Watcharin
Published: February 2018

Rice is second most consumed cereal after wheat and it is considered as staple food in Thailand and most of the ASEAN countries. Analyzing yield performance of upland rice genotypes under field conditions is a key step in rice crop breeding program for improved rice production and ensuring food security. The objective of this research was to conduct a yield trial to assess performance of sixteen Thai upland rice genotypes under field conditions for further breeding process. Data from field trial that was conducted in 2016 in field research area of Faculty of Natural Resources, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Thailand was used in this assessment. Randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications was used to layout the experiment in field. Soil was analyzed upto 50 cm soil depth for its fertility and nutrient status to check the fertilizer requirements before planting. Soil moisture contents were recorded using PR2/6 probe. Observed moisture contents indicated that there was 60-70% water available to all genotypes based on filed capacity (FC). Results indicated that genotypes, Hawm Mali Doi, Jao Khao Pichit, Jao Daeng, Sahm Deuan and Ma-led-nai-fai were shorter in plant height while genotypes Ma-led-nai-fai, Goo Meung Lung, Jao Daeng, Dawk Pa-yawm and Hawm Jet Ban had higher number of tillers m-2. Genotypes Ma-led-nai-fai, Goo Meung Lung, Jao Daeng, Dawk Pa-yawm and Hawm Jet Ban had higher number of panicles m-2. Genotypes Jao Daeng, Ma-led-nai-fai, Sahm Deuan, Hawm Mali Doi and Jao Khao Pichit were early flowering and maturity considering as early maturity genotypes. Genotypes Goo Meung Lung, Hawm Mali Doi, Jao Khao Pichit, Jao Daeng and Mai Tahk had higher 1000 GW while genotypes Dawk Kham, Dawk Kha, Hawm Jet Ban, Dawk Pa-yawm and Bow Leb Nahag were superior in grain yield response. Performance of genotypes indicated that these genotypes can be used for further breeding process for acquiring desired traits.
Determinants of Households’ Market Participation around Community Milk Cooling Plants, Western Kenya
Authors: Emukule Justus I. , Kipsat Mary J. , Wambui Caroline C.
Published: February 2018

Market participation in sub-Saharan Africa has been assessed mainly based on already producing households by looking at whether they sold or not, and if they sold, what quantities. The objective of this study was to determine the socio economic factors that influenced households’ decisions on market participation in terms of dairy cow ownership and quantity of milk sold while taking into consideration the non-producers using Heckman two stage model. The model allowed for not only determination of the effects of household characteristics on volume of milk surplus sold by already producing households but also drew inferences on the effect of household characteristics on probabilities of dairy cow ownership whileadding new information to literature by generating the truncation effect. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 544 producer and non-producer households and primary data collected using a semi structured interview schedule through personal interviews. From the results, probit marginal effects for dairy cow ownership were associated positively and statistically significant with household size, the level of education and land size owned by the households. The Heckman selection estimates revealed that increased number of dairy cows per household positively influenced the volumes of milk sold, while household size influenced negatively the quantity of milk sold. In conclusion, milk sales conditional on dairy cow ownership suffered from negative selectivity bias whereby a household with sample average characteristics who selected into dairy cow ownership secured 40% lower quantity of milk sold than would a household drawn at random.
Technical and Economic Viability of Corn with Azospirillum brasilense Associated with Acidity Correctives and Nitrogen
Authors: Galindo Fernando S. , Teixeira Filho Marcelo C. M. , Buzetti Salatiér , Rodrigues Willian L. , Boleta Eduardo H. M. , Rosa Poliana A. L. , Gaspareto Rafaela N. , Biagini Antonio L. C. , Baratella Eduardo B. , Pereira Ingrid T.
Published: February 2018

There is a lack of more comprehensive research defining how much mineral N can be applied as regards the efficiency of BNF to attain high with Azospirillum brasilense, what is a bacterium that stands out for its biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) in corn crops, reaching economically sustainable yields. Moreover, it would be interesting to investigate the use of silicon, which exerts numerous benefits on grasses, especially when the plants are subjected to biotic and abiotic stresses. The aim of this work was to study a synergistic effect between the inoculation with A. brasilense and the application of silicon, thus enabling a higher efficiency of nitrogen fertilization, evaluating the grain yield of irrigated corn in economic terms. The experiment was conducted in Selvíria, MS, Brazil, under a no-till system, on a Latossolo Vermelho distrófico (Oxisol). The experiment was set up as a randomized block design with four replications, in a 2 × 5 × 2 factorial arrangement consisting of two soil corrective sources (dolomitic limestone and Ca and Mg silicate as source of Si); five doses of N (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 kg ha-1); with and without inoculation with A. brasilense. The inoculation makes the corn increase much more profitable, irrespective of N doses and corrective source. The N dose of 200 kg ha-1 with dolomitic limestone, associated with inoculation provided greater grain yield. However, the highest economic return was obtained at the N dose of 100 kg ha-1, with dolomitic limestone application and inoculation.
Economic Use of Water in Drip-Irrigated Maize in Semi-Arid Region of Brazil
Authors: Silva Samuel , Guimarães Rafaela Felix Basilio , Nascimento Ronaldo Do , Oliveira Hallyson De , Teodoro Iêdo , Cardoso José Alberto Ferreira , Bezerra Carlos Vailan de Castro , Penha Jailson Lopes da
Published: February 2018

The objective of this study was to determine the economic level of drip irrigation for the crop of maize in the region of backwoods of Alagoas in Brazil, aiming at a sustainable production and economically viable. For this, the hybrid AG7088 was submitted to five irrigation levels (40, 80, 120, 160 and 200% of ETc) in an experiment developed at the Federal Institute of Alagoas/Campus Piranhas, with a randomized block design and four replications. Harvesting was carried out 98 days after planting, where grain yield with 12% moisture reached 2.1 and 11.8 Mg ha-1 and water use efficiency of 181.8 and 55.3 mm Mg-1 in treatments with 40 and 160% of ETc, respectively. The maximum a physical productivity estimated by the production function was 11.3 Mg ha-1, obtained with 919 mm of irrigation water. The maximum economic yield was 11.1 Mg ha-1, obtained with level of 841 mm (160% ETc).
Effectiveness of Positive Selection in Managing Seed-Borne Potato Viruses
Authors: Okeyo Gidraf Onduru , Sharma Kalpana , Atieno Elly , Narla Rama Devi , Miano Douglas Watuku , Schulte-Geldermann Elmar
Published: February 2018

Potato productivity in Kenya has remained below the potential due to the use of infected seed tubers especially by seed borne viruses. A study was carried out to asses the effectiveness of Positive Selection (PS) in managing seed borne potato viruses. Sprouted seed potato tubers of nine genotypes; three commercial varieties and six advanced International Potato Center (CIP) clones were screened in the field for two seasons, Field Generation Three (FG3) and Field Generation Four (FG4), respectively. In each season, experimental plots were divided into two sub-plots in which one sub-plot was planted with seed tubers sourced through Random Seed Selection (RSS) and the other with seed tuber sourced through Positive Selection (PS). Positive selection plots had low visual virus incidences, high number of tubers per hill and yield (t/ha) in both FG3 and FG4 growing seasons irrespective of the genotypes. ELISA test also revealed that Potato Virus S (PVS) (78%) was the most predominant virus followed by Potato Virus Y (PVY) (20%), Potato Leaf Roll Virus (PLRV) (16%) and Potato Virus M (PVM) (9%) in RSS plots either with single or multiple infections. Positive Selection plots recorded low virus incidences of PVS (47%), and PVY, PLRV and PVM were absent in the tubers tested with ELISA. This study concludes that Positive Selection is a good management strategy to manage the seed borne potato viruses, and if adopted, small holder farmers can reduce the yield losses arising from use of virus infected seed tubers.
Adaptieve beleidsontwikkeling: zoeken naar nieuwe vormen van beleidsanalyse voor de digitale overheid
Authors: Steunenberg Bernard
Published: February 2018

Adaptieve beleidsontwikkeling: zoeken naar nieuwe vormen van beleidsanalyse voor de digitale overheid

De digitalisering van de samenleving heeft verschillende gevolgen voor de overheid en overheidsbeleid. Eén daarvan heeft betrekking op de manier waarop beleidsanalyse kan worden gebruikt. In deze bijdrage worden de mogelijkheden van meer adaptieve vormen van beleidsanalyse verkend, waarbij beleidsvoerders stap voor stap en op basis van informatie uit het beleidsproces proberen meer over de beleidsuitvoering te leren. Die vorm van beleidsanalyse, die op een aantal punten afwijkt van eerdere vormen, heeft gevolgen voor de organisatie van de overheid maar ook voor de wijze waarop het toezicht moet worden ingericht. Dat levert interessante vragen en spanningen op voor de ‘digitale’ overheid.
Overcomplete Image Representations for Texture Analysis
Authors: Nava Rodrigo
Published: February 2018

In recent years, computer vision has played an important role in many scientific and technological areas mainlybecause modern society highlights vision over other senses. At the same time, application requirements and complexity have also increased so that in many cases the optimal solution depends on the intrinsic charac-teristics of the problem; therefore, it is difficult to propose a universal image model. In parallel, advances in understanding the human visual system have allowed to propose sophisticated models that incorporate simple phenomena which occur in early stages of the visual system. This dissertation aims to investigate characteristicsof vision such as over-representation and orientation of receptive fields in order to propose bio-inspired image models for texture analysis
Polyp Localization and Segmentation in Colonoscopy Images by Means of a Model of Appearance for Polyps
Authors: Bernal Jorge
Published: February 2018

Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer death worldwide and its survival rate depends on the stage in which it is detected on hence the necessity for an early colon screening. There are several screening techniques but colonoscopy is still nowadays the gold standard, although it has some drawbacks such as the miss rate. Our contribution, in the field of intelligent systems for colonoscopy, aims at providing a polyp localization and a polyp segmentation system based on a model of appearance for polyps. To develop both methods we define a model of appearance for polyps, which describes a polyp as enclosed by intensity valleys. The novelty of our contribution resides on the fact that we include in our model aspects of the image formation and we also consider the presence of other elements from the endoluminal scene such as specular highlights and blood vessels, which have an impact on the performance of our methods. In order to develop our polyp localization method we accumulate valley information in order to generate energy maps, which are also used to guide the polyp segmentation. Our methods achieve promising results in polyp localization and segmentation. As we want to explore the usability of our methods we present a comparative analysis between physicians fixations obtained via an eye tracking device and our polyp localization method. The results show that our method is indistinguishable to novice physicians although it is far from expert physicians.
Semantic Awareness for Automatic Image Interpretation
Authors: Lindner Albrecht
Published: February 2018

Finding relations between image semantics and image characteristics is a problem of long standing in computer vision, image analysis or related fields. Classic research in these fields is intended for applications that go from the image domain to the semantic domain such as face recognition or scene understanding. This thesis explores methods and applications that go the opposite direction, i.e. use existing semantic information to infer knowledge and actions in the image domain. We build a large scale statistical framework to relate image characteristics to semantic expressions for millions of images and thousands of keywords. We apply the framework to semantic image enehancement and automatic color naming.
Learning Model Structure from Data: An Application to On-Line Handwriting
Authors: Binsztok Henri , Artieres Thierry
Published: February 2018

We present a learning strategy for Hidden Markov Models that may be used to cluster handwriting sequences or to learn a character model by identifying its main writing styles. Our approach aims at learning both the structure and parameters of a Hidden Markov Model (HMM) from the data. A byproduct of this learning strategy is the ability to cluster signals and identify allograph. We provide experimental results on artificial data that demonstrate the possibility to learn from data HMM parameters and topology. For a given topology, our approach outperforms in some cases that we identify standard Maximum Likelihood learning scheme. We also apply our unsupervised learning scheme on on-line handwritten signals for allograph clustering as well as for learning HMM models for handwritten digit recognition.
The safe use of building installations
Authors: Sobiech Marian
Published: February 2018

The article describes the issues of technical solutions to contemporary installations used in modern buildings. Technical characteristics of installation systems refer to various sources of heat for building heating and domestic hot water. Description of the technical installation solutions also presents available materials, such as pipes, shutoff valves, regulatory, safety, control and measurement, as well as circulation pumps. In reference to the applicable installation materials there are presented potential threats in operation of the system in the case of the absence of professional service and maintenance during building exploitation. Keywords: construction, heating and ventilation installations, exploitation, operating and maintenance, use
CYBER ATTACKS AND THREATS
Authors: WITKOWSKI Marek , WOJACZEK Anna
Published: February 2018

The article presents current threats and examples of malware which can be used to disrupt the infrastructure. Next, a classification of current threats and attacks which occur in cyberspace is proposed. Finally, the publication also presents examples of attacks which disrupted the smooth functioning of networks and systems.
THE NAGORNO-KARABAKH CONFLICT AS A SPECIFIC EXAMPLE OF ASYMMETRIC CONFLICT
Authors: CZACHOR Rafał
Published: February 2018

The conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh is one of the most serious conflicts in the post-USSR area. The aim of the article is to present this conflict in the asymmetric paradigm. Features of the conflict have been characterized respectively and the conflict has been interpreted based on the analysis of the legal status of the conflict sides as well as the goals, strategies and resources the sides’ disposition. Referring to the asymmetric conflict paradigm allows for a new interpretation not only of its nature, but also of causes of the current state and the uncertainty regarding its further development.
FACTORS DETERMINING BATTALION’S COMBAT CAPABILITIES (BATTALION TACTICAL BATTLE GROUP)
Authors: WIĘCEK Wojciech
Published: February 2018

Despite having conducted a series of structural and organizational amendments enhanc-ing combat capabilities of a battalion, a sub-unit of such kind still remains not fully inde-pendent. Therefore, in order to extend battalion effective capabilities formation of battal-ion tactical battle groups on its basis seems to be indispensable in the future. Notwith-standing a number of assets, this solution entails substantial requirements, which have been articulated throughout the content of this paper.
ANALYSIS OF TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS RELATED TO NEW MILITARY VEHICLES IN THE SCOPE OF TRANSPORTABILITY
Authors: GRZESIAK Jerzy , KOŃCZAK Jarosław , MIETEŃ Marcin
Published: February 2018

In the present paper, the authors have analyzed the technical requirements for military vehicles acquired by way of purchase or research and development works on road, air and rail transportability. The issue of defining technical requirements has been ad-dressed, since they are crucial elements of qualification tests. Transportability require-ments verify a vehicle’s suitability for various types of transport, its adaptation to load-ing and the strength of its brackets. The authors have reviewed the normative docu-ments on the transportability of military vehicles, based on which the analysis was car-ried out in the context of current technical requirements. The article also deals with is-sues related to vehicle’s transportability examinations. This type of testing is carried out at the Armored Combat Vehicle Laboratory at the Military Institute of Armored and Au-tomotive Technology in Sulejówek. The authors have also discussed the possibilities of the application of reverse engineering in transportability examinations.
NOSQL DATABASES AS A DATA WAREHOUSE FOR DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEMS
Authors: KURPANIK Jarosław
Published: February 2018

Nowadays, to some extent decision support systems are forced to base their operation on large data warehouses whose analysis is difficult and time consuming. This is why where data are stored becomes vital. The use of an efficient and productive data warehouse for this purpose can significantly improve application/system operation. Currently one of the most common solutions used in Big Data storage and quick processing are non-relational databases NoSQL. They are a relatively new solution, however, their development is dy-namic and their market share is increased on a daily basis, which means that it worth in-vestigating what they offer.
INTERINSTITUTIONAL DIMENSION CONCERNING PLANNING, TRAINING AND FORCE ENGAGEMENT AS RESPONSE TO THE HYBRID WAR
Authors: IONIŢĂ Dorin , PÎNZARIU Sorin , BÂRSAN Ghiţă , RAŢIU Aurelian , MOŞTEANU Dănuţ
Published: February 2018

The proliferation of risks and unconventional threats, especially the hybrid ones, requires the finding of integrated security solutions, both nationally and internationally. The beginning of the millennium reveals new ideas for conducting military conflicts. Thus, within the future confrontations characterized by a high degree of complexity, awareness of the need and development of some mechanisms necessary for the inter-institutional integration and the effects of the actions of all power tools, military and civilian, is a priority of major significance.
In this regard, the present article presents some mechanisms, guidelines and methods that could lead to inter-institutional integration.
UNIFIED SYSTEM OF LEGAL INSTRUMENTS AIMED AT THE RESPONSE TO AND THE RECOVERY OF THE MAJOR INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS
Authors: KÁTAI-URBÁN Lajos
Published: February 2018

The Hungarian legal regulations on industrial safety which came into force on 1st January 2012 cover the tasks related to the protection of major industrial accidents in which dangerous substances are involved. The tasks and measures arising from the implementation of the legal regulations can be divided into three groups: the prevention and preparedness period, the (emergency) response period and the recovery period. In the article, the author deals with the unified system of legal instruments and tools established in the field of response to and recovery of the major industrial accidents in Hungary.
ICT TOOLS IN CBRN TROOPS’ EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Authors: MACIEJEWSKI Paweł
Published: February 2018

The aim of the article is to prove that Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) can serve as viable didactic tools in the CBRN troops’ education and training. The analysis of selected case studies reveals that specific competences can be trained with the support of social media, e-learning platforms, virtual worlds, mobile technologies or even augmented reality technologies. The unique qualities of these tools, such as an easy access to the training content, interactivity, or possibility of simulating different scenarios allow for designing a training process tailored both for larger groups and an individual.
SAFETY OF INVESTMENT PROCESS PARTIES IN THE ASPECT OF CONSTRUCTION WORK CONTRACT
Authors: GRZYL Beata , MISZEWSKA-URBAŃSKA, Emilia , SIEMASZKO Agata
Published: February 2018

The essential characteristics of a construction investment project include, but are not limited to: individual, comprehensive, specialized, complex and multi-step nature of activities, significant time constraints, demand for different qualifications and resources (material, financial). The above characteristics are a potential source of risk, which makes it necessary to accurately describe the mutual relations of entities involved in the project - primarily in the scope of the content of a construction work contract. Its task is to settle the commitments of the parties, their rights and obligations, and the responsibility for actions taken at the stage of preparation and implementation of the investment, in order to ensure its safe and non-conflicting realization. Signing a construction work contract results in the assumption of specific responsibilities by each party. In practice there are numerous examples of contractual clauses, which constitute a gross violation of the safety and balance of the parties in the area of fair and even distribution of potential risk. Most often two groups of contractual provisions are observed in the content of works contracts. The first one contains an unreasonable limitation of the contractor's entitlements, the other includes the irrational extension of the contractor's obligations and the transfer of numerous consequences of potential risks. The incorrect, i.e. unequal division of risk and its consequences is the most common cause of disputes between parties to a construction work contract. The paper presents the issue of asymmetry in the allocation of risks and limitations in shaping the contents of the public procurement contract, in terms of the safety of parties to construction work contracts
CONDITIONS OF THE DECISION - MAKING PROCESS
Authors: ŚCIBIOREK Zbigniew
Published: February 2018

In the article it has been emphasized, without analyzing the problematic situation, that making decision is becoming an increasingly complex process. This is influenced by many factors, mainly the dynamism of changes taking place and the significant impact of the environment. Information is essential to take correct and effective decisions. It is not always certain (reliable). Uncertainty and risk accompany decision makers and the point is that the decisions are adequate to the ensuing situation and create realistic determinants for achieving objectives – the implementation of the planned tasks. Interdisciplinary knowledge and high competences of persons making resolutions of complex decision problems are indispensable.
Predicting the Lithuanian Timescale UTC(LT) by means of GMDH neural network
Authors: Sobolewski Łukasz
Published: February 2018

The aim of the study is to examine the effectiveness of applying GMDH-type neural network and the developed procedure for predicting UTC(k) timescales, which are characterized with high dynamics of changes of the input data. The research is carried out on the example of the Lithuanian Timescale UTC(LT). The obtained research results have shown that GMDH-type neural network with a developed predicting procedure enables us to receive good prediction results for the UTC(LT). Better prediction quality was obtained using time series which are built only on the basis of deviations determined by the BIPM according to the UTC and UTC Rapid scales.
Keywords: electrical engineering, UTC(k) timescale, atomic clock, predicting [UTC - UTC(k)], GMDH neural network
Realization of coprocessor which supports counting of discrete logarithm on elliptic curves with partial knowledge
Authors: Kędzierski Michał , Misztal Michał , Wroński Michał
Published: February 2018

In this paper we analyse realization of a coprocessor which supports counting of discrete logarithm on elliptic curves over the field , where is the large prime, in FPGA. Main idea of the realization is based on using modules which are able to add the points and have relatively small resources’ requirements. We showed the simplified case in which we know most significant bits of key and we used one-dimensional Gaudry–Schost method. We also generalize that case and analyse the case when unknown bits are given in many disjoint intervals. To do this we propose using a multidimen-sional Gaudry–Schost method. At the end of this article we show the solution which provides best trade-off between throughput and price of a device.
Keywords: cryptology, elliptic curves, discrete logarithm on elliptic curves (ECDLP), attacks with partial knowledge, multi-dimensional Gaudry-Schost algorithm.
Zakład Teorii Wychowania Estetycznego na Uniwersytecie Warszawskim 1967–2007. Nadzieje – spełnienia – porażki
Authors: Wojnar Irena
Published: February 2018

The article presents the 50-year history of the Theory of Aesthetic Education Unit established
in 1967 within the Chair of General Education at the Faculty of Education at the University of
Warsaw. In those days, the issues studied at the Theory of Aesthetic Education Unit were
innovative, connected with the quest for the restoration of education and the formation of the
integral man. They also expressed the expectations and hopes that were widespread in Poland
after 1956. Moreover, those issues correlated with the revelation of the idea of “education
for the future”, consolidating the meaning of the “inspirational duty of education”.
The Unit’s activities were reflected in research studies, doctoral dissertations and publications,
as well as in the practical experiences, in terms of university and school education and
cooperation with teachers and institutions involved in the diffusion of culture. The article shows
how, in difficult and historically variable circumstances, an interdisciplinary theoretical structure
was shaped, simultaneously with an integrated pedagogical process. This concept, inspired by the
classical thought of Polish and foreign authors, reveals a wide range of educational opportunities
for art in an interdisciplinary perspective, as well as in the form of distinct artistic disciplines.
Art education is understood as education towards and through art; it is the foundation of the
humanistic orientation of educating the integral man, enriching general education.
Współpraca Zakładu Teorii Wychowania Estetycznego z INSEA. Historia i współczesność
Authors: Samoraj Mariusz
Published: February 2018

This article deals with the co-operation of the Unit of Theory of Aesthetic Education with
the International Society for Education through Art (INSEA) in historical and contemporary
perspectives. It also reflects upon the role of art education in contemporary educational
movement. The reflection is based on the analysis of contemporary trends in this field, including
the reports from selected INSEA congresses. The collected material allows us to present
important theoretical contexts of art education and to explore practical solutions in this area
of education. The remarks refer to more than fifty years of cooperation of the Department of
Theory of Aesthetic Education with INSEA and concern various forms of cooperation of an
international organisation with European institutions.