bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digital non-metric image-based documentation for the preservation and restoration of mural paintings: the case of the Üzümlü Rock-hewn Church, Turkey
Authors: Higuchi Ryo , Suzuki Tamaki , Shibata Mina , Taniguchi Yoko , Gülyaz Murat
Published: May 2016

Digital photography is a valuable documentation technique for the preservation of a cultural heritage site because highresolution photography presents both general and detailed views of mural paintings and mural condition in a single image. Advanced digital technology is particularly helpful for preserving and restoring mural paintings given that the painting condition is recorded on high-resolution base maps shows how mural paintings are damaged by environmental stresses, mechanical damages and inappropriate treatments, among others. In addition, photogrammetric software technology is rapidly advancing and being applied to the digital documentation of mural paintings or rock art. Nevertheless, human experience and investigation of mural paintings is indispensable for recording the condition of mural paintings, and this highlights that every step of documentation conducted in situ is desirable. However, images by photogrammetric software do not show sufficient resolution because most normal portable computers used on-site are not usually sufficient. Based on our experience at the Üzümlü Church in Cappadocia, Turkey, we propose a new approach to document mural conditions in situ for preservation and restoration. Our method is based on a comparison of a non-metric but approximate high-resolution image with the actual mural paintings. The method does not require special instruments and enables digital documentation of the mural condition in situ at a low cost, in a short time frame and using minimal human resources.
Management of built heritage via HBIM Project: A case of study of flooring and tiling
Authors: Nieto Juan Enrique , Moyano Juan José , Rico Delgado Fernando , Antón García Daniel
Published: May 2016

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a collaborative system that has been fully developed in the design and management of industries involved in Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) sectors. There are, however, very few studies aimed at managing information models in the field of architectural and cultural heritage interventions. This research therefore proposes an innovative methodology of analysis and treatment of the information based on a representative 3D graphic model of the flooring and wall tiling of a historic building. The objective is to set up a model of graphic information which guarantees the interoperability of the aforementioned information amongst the diverse disciplines intervening in the conservation and restoration process. The Pavillion of Charles V, a Renaissancecharacterised building located in outdoor areas of the Alcazar of Seville, Spain, was selected for the study. This work constitutes a project of intervention based on Heritage or Historic Building Information Modelling, called the “HBIM Project”.
Reconstrucción digital 3D del patrimonio histórico de Agustín de Betancourt: la máquina para cortar hierba en canales navegables
Authors: Rojas-Sola José Ignacio , Porras-Galán José , García-Ruesgas Laura
Published: May 2016

Agustín de Betancourt y Molina was one of the most distinguished engineers of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries with numerous contributions to various fields of engineering, including civil engineering. This research shows the process followed in the documentation of the cultural heritage of that Canary engineer, especially in the geometric documentation of a machine for cutting grass in waterways presented in England in 1795 after three years researching on theory of machines. The baseline information has been recovered from the Canary Orotava Foundation of History of Science who has spent years collecting information about the Project Betancourt, in particular, planimetric information as well as a small report on its operation and description of parts of machine. From this information, we have constructed a three dimensional (3D) model using CAD techniques with the use of Solid Edge ST7 parametric software, which has enabled the team to create the 3D model as well as different detail plans and exploded views.
Demarcating Social Practices: The Case of Weight Management
Authors: Jauho Mikko , Mäkelä Johanna , Niva Mari
Published: May 2016

The concept of weight management has gained currency in present political and social discourses on weight and health, organizing the various efforts to fight obesity and to assist individuals in controlling their weight. In this paper, we ask whether weight management is becoming rooted also in the everyday life of individuals. Adopting a practice-theoretical approach we study whether weight management constitutes an intelligible and distinct entity to people problematizing their weight. By analysing data generated by focus group discussions with Finnish consumers we investigate the ways in which people understand the concept of weight management, what kinds of techniques they use in order to manage their weight, and what kind of emotional and normative positions they take with respect to weight management. We analyse weight management in relation to eating, but acknowledge the role of another practices, such as exercising. We conclude that weight management is not a clearly defined entity, but located at the intersection of more established practices, healthy eating and slimming. We end our article by discussing the policy-implications of our findings.
Transferring from Clinical Pharmacy Practice to Qualitative Research: Questioning Identity, Epistemology and Ethical Frameworks
Authors: Rathbone Adam Pattison , Jamie Kimberly
Published: May 2016

Researcher identity can present methodological and practical, as well as epistemological and ethical tensions, in sociological research. Identity management, such as the presentation of the self during a research interview, can have significant effects on the research encounter and data collected. ‘White coat syndrome’, the disjointed interaction between clinicians and patients arising from unequal power and expertise, can occur in research encounters. For clinicians engaged in social science research, identity management can be particularly challenging given the added potential for ‘white coat syndrome’. Drawing on the experiences of a registered pharmacist undertaking qualitative research, we discuss the epistemological transition many clinicians go through when embarking on sociological research. We suggest that identity management is not just a matter of optimising data collection but also has ethical tensions. Drawing on Goffman's social role theory, we discuss the epistemic tensions between researchers’ dual identities through positivist and constructivist frames, discussing the professional and legal implications, as well as the methodological practicalities of identity negotiation. We discuss conflicting professional and regulatory ethical frameworks, and ethics committees’ negotiation of intervention and elicitation during research encounters and the conflict in managing professional, legal and clinical responsibilities whilst adhering to expected social research conventions.
Putting the Squeeze on ‘Generation Rent’: Housing Benefit Claimants in the Private Rented Sector - Transitions, Marginality and Stigmatisation
Authors: Cole Ian , Powell Ryan , Sanderson Elizabeth
Published: May 2016

The term ‘Generation Rent’ has gained currency in recent years to reflect the fact that more 25 to 34 year olds in Britain now live in rented accommodation rather than owner-occupation. The term also conveys the extent to which age-related divisions in the housing market are becoming as significant as longer standing tenure divisions. However, this portmanteau term covers a wide array of different housing circumstances - from students, young professionals and transient households to the working and non-working poor. This paper focuses on the position of a specific category of this age cohort - those 25 to 34 year olds living in self-contained accommodation in the private rented sector who are in receipt of Housing Benefit. On the basis of survey evidence and qualitative interviews with landlords and housing advisers, the paper considers how the marginal economic and housing market position of this age group is being reinforced by the stigmatising attitudes of landlords which formerly applied to tenants in their late teens and early 20s and are now being extended further along the age band. The paper suggests that the use of a ‘housing pathways’ approach to signify the housing transitions of young adults needs to be revisited, to give greater weight to collective and creative responses to constraints in the housing market and to recognise the key role played by gatekeepers such as landlords in stigmatising groups according to assumed age-related attributes.
Adding Narratives to Numbers in a Mixed Methods Study of Successful Ageing: The 6-Day Sample of the Scottish Mental Survey 1947
Authors: Carpentieri Jd , Elliott Jane , Brett Caroline , Deary Ian
Published: May 2016

This article details the development and potential uses of a qualitative sub-study within a quantitative, longitudinal study of a Scottish cohort born in 1936 (the 6-Day Sample). Analysing narratives and other biographical interview material, we explore the potential of mixed methods research designs to improve the study of successful ageing, a widely used but contested concept. While acknowledging the critiques of successful ageing, we suggest that the concept can be improved by the adoption of mixed method research strategies that address key criticisms, in particular the lack of attention to older people's own voices. Including those voices in our study alongside researcher-defined outcome measures, we explore the reasons underlying some older people's ‘spiky profiles’, i.e. positive outcomes in some domains and negative outcomes in others. We also investigate the potential benefits and challenges of taking a qualitative approach to the most well known process-focused model of successful ageing: Selection, Optimisation and Compensation (SOC). We conclude that a narratively informed mixed methods research design offers the potential for more comprehensive and nuanced approach to successful ageing.
Damaging the Case for Improving Social Science Methodology through Misrepresentation: Re-Asserting Confidence in Hypothesis Testing as a Valid Scientific Process
Authors: Nicholson James , Mccusker Sean
Published: May 2016

This paper is a response to Gorard's article, ‘Damaging real lives through obstinacy: re-emphasising why significance testing is wrong’ in Sociological Research Online 21(1). For many years Gorard has criticised the way hypothesis tests are used in social science, but recently he has gone much further and argued that the logical basis for hypothesis testing is flawed: that hypothesis testing does not work, even when used properly. We have sympathy with the view that hypothesis testing is often carried out in social science contexts when it should not be, and that outcomes are often described in inappropriate terms, but this does not mean the theory of hypothesis testing, or its use, is flawed per se. There needs to be evidence to support such a contention. Gorard claims that: ‘Anyone knowing the problems, as described over one hundred years, who continues to teach, use or publish significance tests is acting unethically, and knowingly risking the damage that ensues.’ This is a very strong statement which impugns the integrity, not just the competence, of a large number of highly respected academics.

We argue that the evidence he puts forward in this paper does not stand up to scrutiny: that the paper misrepresents what hypothesis tests claim to do, and uses a sample size which is far too small to discriminate properly a 10% difference in means in a simulation he constructs. He then claims that this simulates emotive contexts in which a 10% difference would be important to detect, implicitly misrepresenting the simulation as a reasonable model of those contexts.
Size-resolved morphological properties of the high Arctic summer aerosol during ASCOS-2008
Authors: Hamacher-Barth Evelyne , Leck Caroline , Jansson Kjell
Published: May 2016

Abstract. The representation of aerosol properties and processes in climate models is fraught with large uncertainties. Especially at high northern latitudes a strong underprediction of aerosol concentrations and nucleation events is observed and can only be constrained by in situ observations based on the analysis of individual aerosol particles. To further reduce the uncertainties surrounding aerosol properties and their potential role as cloud condensation nuclei this study provides observational data resolved over size on morphological and chemical properties of aerosol particles collected in the summer high Arctic, north of 80° N. Aerosol particles were imaged with scanning and transmission electron microscopy and further evaluated with digital image analysis. In total, 3909 aerosol particles were imaged and categorized according to morphological similarities into three gross morphological groups: single particles, gel particles, and halo particles. Single particles were observed between 15 and 800 nm in diameter and represent the dominating type of particles (82 %). The majority of particles appeared to be marine gels with a broad Aitken mode peaking at 70 nm and accompanied by a minor fraction of ammonium (bi)sulfate with a maximum at 170 nm in number concentration. Gel particles (11 % of all particles) were observed between 45 and 800 nm with a maximum at 154 nm in diameter. Imaging with transmission electron microscopy allowed further morphological discrimination of gel particles in "aggregate" particles, "aggregate with film" particles, and "mucus-like" particles. Halo particles were observed above 75 nm and appeared to be ammonium (bi)sulfate (59 % of halo particles), gel matter (19 %), or decomposed gel matter (22 %), which were internally mixed with sulfuric acid, methane sulfonic acid, or ammonium (bi)sulfate with a maximum at 161 nm in diameter. Elemental dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis of individual particles revealed a prevalence of the monovalent ions Na+/K+ for single particles and aggregate particles and of the divalent ions Ca2+/Mg2+ for aggregate with film particles and mucus-like particles. According to these results and other model studies, we propose a relationship between the availability of Na+/K+ and Ca2+/Mg2+ and the length of the biopolymer molecules participating in the formation of the three-dimensional gel networks.
Limitations of passive remote sensing to constrain global cloud condensation nuclei
Authors: Stier Philip
Published: May 2016

Abstract. Aerosol–cloud interactions are considered a key uncertainty in our understanding of climate change (Boucher et al., 2013). Knowledge of the global abundance of cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) is fundamental to determine the strength of the anthropogenic climate perturbation. Direct measurements are limited and sample only a very small fraction of the globe so that remote sensing from satellites and ground-based instruments is widely used as a proxy for cloud condensation nuclei (Nakajima et al., 2001; Andreae, 2009; Clarke and Kapustin, 2010; Boucher et al., 2013). However, the underlying assumptions cannot be robustly tested with the small number of measurements available so that no reliable global estimate of cloud condensation nuclei exists. This study overcomes this limitation using a self-consistent global model (ECHAM-HAM) of aerosol radiative properties and cloud condensation nuclei. An analysis of the correlation of simulated aerosol radiative properties and cloud condensation nuclei reveals that common assumptions about their relationships are violated for a significant fraction of the globe: 71 % of the area of the globe shows correlation coefficients between CCN0.2 % at cloud base and aerosol optical depth (AOD) below 0.5, i.e. AOD variability explains only 25 % of the CCN variance. This has significant implications for satellite based studies of aerosol–cloud interactions. The findings also suggest that vertically resolved remote-sensing techniques, such as satellite-based high spectral resolution lidars, have a large potential for global monitoring of cloud condensation nuclei.
Experimental study of the aerosol impact on fog microphysics
Authors: Mazoyer M. , Burnet F. , Roberts G. C. , Haeffelin M. , Dupont J.-C , Elias T.
Published: May 2016

Abstract. Comprehensive field campaigns dedicated to fog life cycle observation were conducted during the winters of 2010–2013 at the SIRTA observatory in the suburb of Paris. In order to document their properties, in situ microphysical measurements collected during 23 fog events are examined here. They reveal large variability in number, concentration and size of both aerosol background before the fog onset and fog droplets according to the different cases. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the impact of aerosol particles on the fog microphysics. To derive an accurate estimation of the actual activated fog droplet number concentration N act, we determine the hygroscopicity parameter κ, the dry and the wet critical diameter and the critical supersaturation for each case by using an iterative procedure based on the κ-Köhler theory that combines cloud condensation nuclei (CCN), dry particle and droplet size distribution measurements. Resulting values of κ = 0.17 ± 0.05 were found typical of continental aerosols. Our study reveals low values of the derived critical supersaturation with a median of 0.043 % and large values for both wet and dry activation diameters. Consequently, the corresponding N act values are low with median concentrations of 53.5 cm−3 and 111 cm−3 within the percentile 75th. No detectable trend between the concentration of aerosol particles with diameter > 200 nm and N act was observed. In contrast the CCN data at 0.1 % supersaturation exhibits a strong correlation with these aerosol concentrations. We therefore conclude that the actual supersaturations reached during these fog episodes are too low and no simultaneous increase of aerosols > 200 nm and droplet concentrations can be observed. Moreover our analysis suggests that a high aerosol loading limits the supersaturation values. It is also found that the activated fraction mainly depends on the aerosol size while the hygroscopicity appears to be of a secondary importance. Although radiative fogs are usually associated with higher aerosol loading rather than to stratus lowering events, our analysis reveals that the activated particle concentrations at the beginning of the event are similar for both types of fog. However the evolution of the droplet concentration during the fog life cycle shows significant differences between both types of fog.
Cleaning up the air: Effectiveness of air quality policy for SO2 and NOx emissions in China
Authors: van der A Ronald J. , Mijling Bas , Ding Jieying , Koukouli Maria Elissavet , Liu Fei , Li Qing , Mao Huiqin , Theys Nicolas
Published: May 2016

Abstract. Air quality observations by satellite instruments are spatially consistent, and have a regular temporal resolution, which make them very useful in studying long-term trends in atmospheric species. To monitor air quality trends in China for the period 2005–2015 we derive SO2 columns and NOx emissions on a provincial level with an unprecedented accuracy. To put these trends into perspective they are compared with public data on energy consumption and the environmental policies of China. We distinguish the effect of air quality regulations from economic growth by comparing them relatively to fossil fuel consumption. Pollutant levels, per unit of fossil fuel, are used to assess the effectiveness of air quality regulations. We note that the desulphurisation regulations enforced in 2005–2006 only had a significant effect in the years 2008–2009 when a much stricter control of the actual use of the installations began. For national NOx emissions a distinct decreasing trend is only visible since 2012, but the emission peak year differs from province to province. Unlike SO2, emissions of NOx are highly related to traffic. Furthermore, regulations for NOx emissions are partly decided on a provincial level. The last three years show both a reduction in SO2 and NOx emissions per fossil fuel unit, since the authorities have implemented several new environmental regulations. Despite an increasing fossil fuel consumption and a growing transport sector, the effects of air quality policy in China are clearly visible. Without the air quality regulations the concentration of SO2 would be almost 3 times higher and the NO2 concentrations would be at least 30 % higher than they are today in China.
Value-added by high-resolution regional simulations of climate-relevant aerosol properties
Authors: Crippa P. , Sullivan R. C. , Thota A. , Pryor S. C.
Published: May 2016

Abstract. Despite recent advances in global Earth System Models (ESMs), the current global mean aerosol direct and indirect radiative effects remain uncertain, as does their future role in climate forcing and regional manifestations. Reasons for this uncertainty include the high spatio-temporal variability of aerosol populations. Thus, limited area (regional) models applied at higher resolution over specific regions of interest are generally expected to "add value", i.e. improve the fidelity of the physical-dynamical-chemical processes that induce extreme events and dictate climate forcing, via more realistic representation of spatio-temporal variability. However, added value is not inevitable, and there remains a need to optimize use of numerical resources, and to quantify the impact on simulation fidelity that derives from increased resolution. Here we quantify the value added by enhanced spatial resolution in simulations of the drivers of aerosol direct radiative forcing by applying the Weather Research and Forecasting model with coupled Chemistry (WRF-Chem) over eastern North America at different resolutions. Using Brier Skill Scores and other statistical metrics it is shown that enhanced resolution (from 60 to 12 km) improves model performance for all of the meteorological parameters and gas phase concentrations considered, in addition to both mean and extreme Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) in three wavelengths in the visible relative to satellite observations, principally via increase of potential skill. Some of the enhanced model performance for AOD appears to be attributable to improved simulation of specific humidity and the resulting impact on aerosol hygroscopic growth/hysteresis.
Inferring 222Radon soil fluxes from ambient 222Radon activity and eddy covariance measurements of CO2
Authors: van der Laan S. , Manohar S. N. , Vermeulen A. T. , Bosveld F. C. , Meijer H. A. J. , Manning A. C. , van der Molen M. K. , van der Laan-Luijkx I. T.
Published: May 2016

Abstract. We present a new methodology, which we call Single Pair of Observations Technique with Eddy Covariance (SPOT- EC), to estimate regional scale surface fluxes of 222Radon (222Rn) from tower-based observations of 222Rn activity, CO2 mole fractions and direct CO2 flux measurements from eddy covariance. For specific events, the regional (222Rn) surface flux is calculated from short term changes in ambient (222Rn) activity scaled with the ratio of the mean CO2 surface flux for the specific event versus the change in its observed mole fraction. The resulting 222Rn surface emissions are integrated in time (between the moment of observation and the last prior background levels) and space (i.e. over the footprint of the observations). The measurement uncertainty obtained is about ± 15 % for diurnal events and about ± 10 % for longer term (e.g. seasonal or annual) means. The method does not provide continuous observations, but reliable daily averages can be obtained. We applied our method to in-situ observations from two sites in the Netherlands: Cabauw station (CBW) and Lutjewad station (LUT). For LUT, which is an intensive agricultural site, we estimated a mean 222Rn surface flux of (0.29 ± 0.02) atoms cm−2 s−1 with values > 0.5 atoms cm−2 s−1 to the south and southeast. For CBW we estimated a mean 222Rn surface flux of (0.63 ± 0.04) atoms cm−2 s−1. Highest values were observed to the southwest, where the soil type is mainly peat or river-clay respectively. For both stations a good agreement was found between our results and those from measurements with accumulation chambers and two recently published 222Rn soil flux maps for Europe. At both sites, large spatial and temporal variability of 222Rn surface fluxes were observed which would be impractical to measure with an accumulation chamber. SPOT-EC therefore offers an important new tool for estimating region scale 222Rn surface fluxes and for gaining new insights in the driving mechanisms behind 222Rn surface emissions. Practical applications furthermore include calibration of process-based 222Rn soil flux models, validation of atmospheric transport models and performing regional scale inversions of e.g. greenhouse gases via the SPOT 222Rn-tracer method.
Rugged optical mirrors for Fourier transform spectrometers operated in harsh environments
Authors: Feist Dietrich G. , Arnold Sabrina G. , Hase Frank , Ponge Dirk
Published: May 2016

Abstract. The Total Carbon Column Observing Network (TCCON) and the Network for the Detection of Atmospheric Composition Change (NDACC) operate a number of Fourier transform spectrometers (FTSs) that measure trace gases in the atmosphere by observing solar spectra. To guide the sunlight into the FTS, a solar tracker has to be placed outside. This device needs high-quality optical mirrors with good reflectance in the near and mid-infrared.More and more FTS stations are operated in remote locations with harsh environments. Optical mirrors are usually made for laboratory conditions and might not last very long there. At the TCCON site on Ascension Island which is operated by the Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry (MPI-BGC), several mirrors from different optical manufacturers were destroyed within weeks.To continue operation, the MPI-BGC had to develop rugged mirrors that could sustain the harsh conditions for months or even years. While commercially available mirrors are typically made from a substrate covered with a thin reflective coating, these rugged mirrors were made from stainless steel with no additional coating. Except for their lower reflectance (which can easily be compensated for), their optical properties are comparable to existing mirrors. However, their rugged design makes them mostly immune to corrosion and scratching. Unlike most coated mirrors, they can also be cleaned easily.
Ecosystem regimes and responses in a coupled ancient lake system from MIS 5b to present: the diatom record of lakes Ohrid and Prespa
Authors: Cvetkoska Aleksandra , Jovanovska Elena , Francke Alexander , Tofilovska Slavica , Vogel Hendrik , Levkov Zlatko , Donders Timme H. , Wagner Bernd , Wagner-Cremer Friederike
Published: May 2016

Abstract. We reconstruct the aquatic ecosystem interactions since the last interglacial
period in the oldest, most diverse, hydrologically connected European lake
system, by using palaeolimnological diatom and selected geochemistry data
from Lake Ohrid “DEEP site” core and equivalent data from Lake Prespa core,
Co1215. Driven by climate forcing, the lakes experienced two adaptive cycles
during the last 92 ka: "interglacial and interstadial" and
"glacial" cycle. The short-term ecosystems reorganizations, e.g. regime
shifts within these cycles substantially differ between the lakes, as evident
from the inferred amplitudes of variation. The deeper Lake Ohrid shifted
between ultra oligo- and oligotrophic regimes in contrast to the much
shallower Lake Prespa, which shifted from a deeper, (oligo-) mesotrophic to a
shallower, eutrophic lake and vice versa. Due to the high level of ecosystem
stability (e.g. trophic state, lake level), Lake Ohrid appears relatively
resistant to external forcing, such as climate and environmental change.
Recovering in a relatively short time from major climate change, Lake Prespa is
a resilient ecosystem. At the DEEP site, the decoupling between the lakes'
response to climate change is marked in the prolonged and gradual changes
during the MIS 5/4 and 2/1 transitions. These response differences and the
lakes' different physical and chemical properties may limit the influence of
Lake Prespa on Lake Ohrid. Regime shifts of Lake Ohrid due to potential
hydrological change in Lake Prespa are not evident in the data presented
here. Moreover, a complete collapse of the ecosystems functionality and loss
of their diatom communities did not happen in either lake for the period
presented in the study.
Astronomical component estimation (ACE v.1) by time-variant sinusoidal modeling
Authors: Sinnesael Matthias , Zivanovic Miroslav , De Vleeschouwer David , Claeys Philippe , Schoukens Johan
Published: May 2016

Abstract. Accurately deciphering periodic variations in paleoclimate proxy signals is essential for cyclostratigraphy. Classical spectral analysis often relies on methods based on (Fast) Fourier Transformation. This technique has no unique solution separating variations in amplitude and frequency. This characteristic can make it difficult to correctly interpret a proxy's power spectrum or to accurately evaluate simultaneous changes in amplitude and frequency in evolutionary analyses. This drawback is circumvented by using a polynomial approach to estimate instantaneous amplitude and frequency in orbital components. This approach was proven useful to characterize audio signals (music and speech), which are non-stationary in nature. Paleoclimate proxy signals and audio signals share similar dynamics; the only difference is the frequency relationship between the different components. A harmonic frequency relationship exists in audio signals, whereas this relation is non-harmonic in paleoclimate signals. However, this difference is irrelevant for the problem of separating simultaneous changes in amplitude and frequency. Using a sliding window approach, the model (Astronomical Component Estimation, version 1: ACE v.1) captures time variations of an orbital component by modulating a stationary sinusoid centered at its mean frequency, with a single polynomial. Hence, the parameters that determine the model are the mean frequency of the orbital component and the polynomial coefficients. The first parameter depends on geologic interpretations, whereas the latter are estimated by means of linear least-squares. As output, the model provides the orbital component waveform, either in the depth or time domain. Furthermore, it allows for a unique decomposition of the signal into its instantaneous amplitude and frequency. Frequency modulation patterns reconstruct changes in accumulation rate, whereas amplitude modulation identifies eccentricity-modulated precession. The functioning of the time-variant sinusoidal model is illustrated and validated using a synthetic insolation signal. The new modeling approach is tested on two case studies: (1) a Plio- Pleistocene benthic δ18O record from ODP Site 846 and (2) a Danian magnetic susceptibility record from the Contessa Highway section, Gubbio, Italy.
Drought in a human-modified world: reframing drought definitions, understanding and analysis approaches
Authors: Van Loon Anne F. , Gleeson Tom , Clark Julian , Van Dijk Albert I. J. M. , Stahl Kerstin , Hannaford Jamie , Di Baldassarre Giuliano , Teuling Adriaan J. , Tallaksen Lena M. , Uijlenhoet Remko , Hannah David M. , Sheffield Justin , Svoboda Mark , Verbeiren Boud , Wagener Thorsten , Rangecroft Sally , Wanders Niko , Van Lanen Henny A. J.
Published: May 2016

Abstract. In the current human-modified world, or "Anthropocene", the state of water stores and fluxes has become dependent on human as well as natural processes. Water deficits (or droughts) are the result of a complex interaction between meteorological anomalies, land surface processes, and human inflows, outflows and storage changes. Our current inability to adequately analyse and manage drought in many places points to gaps in our understanding and to inadequate data and tools. The Anthropocene requires a new framework for drought definitions and research. Drought definitions need to be revisited to explicitly include human processes driving and modifying soil moisture drought and hydrological drought development. We give recommendations for robust drought definitions to clarify timescales of drought and prevent confusion with related terms such as water scarcity and overexploitation. Additionally, our understanding and analysis of drought need to move from single driver to multiple drivers and from uni-directional to multi-directional. We identify research gaps and propose analysis approaches on (1) drivers, (2) modifiers, (3) impacts, (4) feedbacks, and (5) changing baseline of drought in the Anthropocene. The most pressing research questions are related to the attribution of drought to its causes, to linking drought impacts to drought characteristics, and to societal adaptation and responses to drought. Example questions include: (i) what are the dominant drivers of drought in different parts of the world?, (ii) how do human modifications of drought enhance or alleviate drought severity?, (iii) how do impacts of drought depend on the physical characteristics of drought versus the vulnerability of people or the environment?, (iv) to what extent are physical and human drought processes coupled, and can feedback loops be identified and altered to lessen or mitigate drought?, (v) how should we adapt our drought analysis to accommodate "changes in the norm" (i.e. what are considered normal conditions) over time? Answering these questions requires exploration of qualitative and quantitative data as well as mixed modelling approaches. The challenges related to drought research and management in the Anthropocene are not unique to drought, but do require urgent attention. We give recommendations drawn from the fields of flood research, ecology, water management, and water resources studies. The framework presented here provides a holistic view on drought in the Anthropocene, which will help improve management strategies for mitigating the severity and reducing the impacts of droughts in future.
Development of fragility curves for railway ballast and embankment scour due to overtopping flood flow
Authors: Tsubaki Ryota , Ichii Koji , Bricker Jeremy D. , Kawahara Yoshihisa
Published: May 2016

Abstract. Fragility curves evaluating risk of railway track ballast and embankment fill scour were developed. To develop fragility curves, two well-documented single-track railway washouts during two recent floods in Japan were investigated. Type of damage to the railway was categorized into no damage, ballast scour, and embankment scour, in order of damage severity. Railway overtopping surcharge for each event was estimated via hydrologic and hydraulic analysis. Normal and log-normal fragility curves were developed based on failure probability derived from field records. A combined ballast and embankment scour model was validated by comparing the spatial distribution of railway scour with the field damage record.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for Applied Physics Research, Vol. 8, No. 3
Authors: Green Lily
Published: May 2016

Reviewer Acknowledgements for Applied Physics Research, Vol. 8, No. 3, 2016
Reviewer Acknowledgements for Environment and Natural Resources Research, Vol. 6, No. 2
Authors: Lee Joan
Published: May 2016

Reviewer Acknowledgements for Environment and Natural Resources Research, Vol. 6, No. 2, 2016
The Effect of Ownership Structure on Firm Profitability in India: A Panel Data Approach
Authors: Nazir Nahila , Kaur Malhotra Amarjeet
Published: May 2016

This paper attempts to analyze whether there is solid evidence to support the idea that variations across firms in observed ownership structures lead to systematic variations in observed firm performance. The current study examines this hypothesis by evaluating the impact of the ownership structure on corporate performance, measured by profitability, using data of BSE 100 Index companies. This study design ownership structure, first, as an exogenous variable and, second; we take into account four different measures of ownership structure showing different groups of shareholders with conflicting interests. Using panel data regression model in between all ownership structure measures and profitability measures, the empirical findings suggest that the non-promoters holding and non-promoters non institutional holding have a significant impact on EPS of the firm. In case of promoters holding and non-promoters institutional holding no effect is found on EPS of the firm. And in case of ROI promoters holding, non-promoters institutional holding and non-promoters non institutional holding have a significant impact on ROI of the firm. In case when non-promoters holding is taken as individual measure no effect is found on ROI of the firm. Further in case of PAT, it is found that the non-promoters holding and non-promoters non-institutional holding have a significant impact on PAT of the firm. In case of promoters holding and non-promoter institutional holding no effect is found on PAT of the firm. Presence of concentrated ownership is found in Indian firms.
The Possibility of Application of the Audit Standard 1010 and the Relevant Standards and Guidelines about Its Application in Jordan
Authors: Al-Jabali Mah’d
Published: May 2016

There wasn’t previously interested in environmental issues as in these days, the reason of what companies fouling , and affiliated factories  of remnants contribute significantly to the question of environmental chaos, and these remnants through a black mass overshadowed on the three levels of life, the core of the earth and what is owned of water as strategically store, the surface of the earth and all the creatures in addition to the human, the atmosphere which is the surface of our cosmic village, as a result of this situation the problem is exacerbated, and take a new dimension, and stages, it has become necessary that the global actors stand in front of this persist on our planet.

The Standard ISA 1010 came in order to be one of the most important methods that are working to reduce some cases, stop this going too far on the environmental by companies and its affiliates factories.

Where this standard checksum working together to raise the auditors, and opened the way for them, to understand the size and the large responsibility placed on their shoulders towards environmental issues and matters relating to health problems associated with them.
International Standard on Auditing in 1010 is not binding law, and not a system necessary to apply sharply and tough. But it is a bout bell ringing continuously in ear, heart and mind, the owner of origin, the factory Manager, administrators and auditors, that environmental damage is a collective responsibility, must commit with because when you bounce the side effects of the abuse of environmental issues we are the first to suffer them.
Financial Sector Innovation and Economic Growth in the Context of Botswana
Authors: Motsatsi Johane Moilwa
Published: May 2016

The objective of this study is to examine the role of financial sector development on economic growth using quarterly time series data for the period 2006-2014. We used Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model to estimate the impact of technological innovation (Automated Teller Machines {ATMs} and Electronic Funds Transfer at Point of Sale{EFTPOS}), business innovation (bank deposits and credit to private sector) and other determinants of economic growth (inflation, trade and interest rate) on economic growth. The results show that both the technological and business innovation variables have a positive impact on economic growth. Therefore, policies aimed at promoting more distribution and nationwide spread of ATMs and EFTPOS more particularly in rural areas where they are scarce would boost the growth of the economy. In addition, The Global Competitiveness Report (GCR) asserted that Botswana’s financial market is still undeveloped and fall short to the development level of middle income countries. GCR identified the quality of the education system as the main factor dragging the development of the financial sector down. It is focused more on academic achievement rather than equipping learners with practical skills and work experience that can support the national innovative initiatives.
Examining the Relation between Emotional Intelligence and Happiness Status of Wellness Trainers
Authors: ZORBA Ercan , PALA Adem , GOKSEL Ali Gurel
Published: May 2016

The purpose of this study is examining the relation between the emotional intelligence and happiness of the wellness coaches. 390 wellness coaches 282 of whom were women and 108 of whom were men participated voluntarily in the study. The participants were actively working as wellness coaches. The Emotional Intelligence Scale (EIS) whose Turkish adaptation was realized by Aslan; and the Oxford Happiness Scale, which was developed by Hills and Argyle whose adaptation into Turkish was realized by Dogan and Sapmaz were used as the data collection tools. The descriptive statistical methods, the t-test, One-Way Variance Analysis (ANOVA), regression analysis and Pearson Correlation tests were used for the analysis of the data. At the end of the study it was determined that there was no statistically significant differences between the happiness and emotional intelligence points of Wellness Coaches for Oxford Happiness Scale when these points were compared according to the genders (p>0,05); and significant difference was determined in benefiting from emotions and optimism, which are the sub-dimensions of emotional intelligence scale (p<0,05); no statistically significant differences were found in the sub-dimension of the expression of emotions (p>0,05). It is observed that there is a positive relation at 0,383 level between the Oxford Happiness Scale and the Emotional Intelligence Scale. When the regression analysis results are examined, it is observed that the Emotional Intelligence Sub-dimensions explain the happiness at the medium level. The most explanatory one among the sub-dimensions is the optimism sub-dimension.
Opinions of the Teachers Related with the Positive and Negative Aspects of the Authentic Task-Based Approach in Foreign Language Education
Authors: KARAKOC Berna , BAY Erdal
Published: May 2016

This study has been made for researching the efficacy of the authentic task-based approach in secondary school 5th grade foreign language course. Interview technique from the qualitative research method is used in the study. The data is collected through the semi-structured interviews and the opinions of the teachers. The research process is made in April-May 2015 and is carried out with 5th grade students of Kadriye Abdulmecit Özgözen Secondary School and total 52 students as to be 26 in control group and 26 in experimental group have participated to the study. The opinions of the teachers in the study related with the authentic tasks are generally considered as positive however, they mention about some negativities that may be confronted during the implementation stage.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for Mechanical Engineering Research, Vol. 6, No. 1
Authors: Green Lily
Published: May 2016

Reviewer Acknowledgements for Mechanical Engineering Research, Vol. 6, No. 1, 2016
Contact Angle for Spherical Nanodroplet in Cylindrical Cavity with Quadratic Curve Generatrix
Authors: Hu Ai-Jun , Lv Bao-Zhan
Published: May 2016

Wetting of a spherical nanodroplet in smooth and homogeneous cylinder surface rotated by quadratic curve was studied by methods of thermodynamics. The solid-liquid-vapor system was separated into six parts using Gibbs method of dividing surface. The system free energy was calculated. A generalized Young equation for the equilibrium contact angle is proposed taking the line tension effects into consideration. On the basis of some assumptions, this generalized Young equation is the same as the classical Young’s equation.
Effect of Composting on the Behavior of Polyolefin Films - A True-to-Life Experiment
Authors: Vargha Viktória , Csoknyay Tamás , Kárpáti Levente , Bordós Gábor , Hartman Mátyás , Háhn Judit , Korecz László , Szarka Györgyi , László Zsolt , Kelemen Ottó , Szoboszlay Sándor
Published: May 2016

Commercial polypropylene (PP), high-, medium- and low density polyethylene (HDPE, MDPE, LDPE) films, as well as MDPE films containing pro-oxidative additives and thermoplastic starch (TPS) were composted for six weeks together with biologically degradable films, such as poly (lactic acid) (PLA), Ecovio (BASF), Mater Bi(Novamont) and cellophane. Visual appearance of the polyolefin-based films did not change significantly, while the biologically degradable films fell apart. Thickness and mechanical properties of the polyolefin-based films also did not vary significantly after composting. The thickness of the degradable films however increased due to biofilm formation and finally decreased due to biodegradation, and their mechanical properties drastically dropped. FTIR proved the formation of carbonyl absorption of commercial and of the additive-containing films respectively) after composting due to oxidation. The FTIR-spectrum of the biodegradable films showed drastic change after composting. Formation of free radicals was detectable by ESR-spectroscopy, if pro-oxidative additive containing MDPE film was exposed for one week to sunlight, and the intensity of free radical formation increased after composting. The number-average molecular mass of MDPE films containing pro-oxidative additives decreased, low molecular mass fractions appeared and polydispersity increased after composting. Commercial polyolefin films were covered by microorganisms much more densly than films containing pro-oxidative additives detected by SEM. Even TPS did not increase the quantity of microorganisms. Biodegradable films were densly covered by microorganisms of different types and they became porous and holes were observable on their surface. It can be concluded that composting had no significant effect on the behaviour of the commercial PP and PE films. Signs of initial degradation were observable on MDPE films with pro-oxidative additives and TPS after 6 weeks composting, although it cannot be considered as biological degradation. Non of the tested polyolefin films suffered such degree of degradation in compost, as the biologically degradable films. It may be concluded that polyolefin films neither degrade in compost nor they undergo biodegradation.
Does Financial Sector Development Enhance the Relationship between FDI and Economic Growth? A Comparative Study of East African Countries
Authors: Kelly Roger
Published: May 2016

This study examines the causal relationship between FDI and GDP growth in a number of East African countries, focusing on the impact of financial sector development on this relationship. There are strong theoretical reasons to believe that a developed financial sector will enhance the impact of FDI on growth, but empirical evidence remains scant. This study looks first at the short term causal relationship between FDI and GDP growth, using a robust methodology that avoids issues associated with Granger causality testing. This testing indicates little evidence of a relationship. Johansen cointegration testing yields little evidence of a long run relationship when a VECM containing just FDI and GDP growth is estimated, however once variables proxying financial sector development and an interaction variable between FDI and financial sector development are included, we find that although FDI and GDP growth may not be cointegrated directly, there is a relationship running through their interaction with the financial sector, and that FDI only appears to have a positive impact on GDP growth in cases where the financial sector is more developed. This finding is in line with the findings of previous researchers, and has important policy implications.