bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magnetometry in Space Exploration
Authors: Mangiorou Eleni
Published: May 2015

Magnetometry in space exploration is a field utilizing physical laws of magnetism and electromagnetism, which studies the magnetosphere of planets and their possible satellites in order to map the planetary or interplanetary magnetic fields and to extract information on the structural composition of the planets (targeting mining mapping) and the complex interactions between the plasma and the solar wind. However, in order to achieve this kind of magnetic measurements based on highly sensitive magnetometers, magnetic cleanliness must be prevailed. This makes necessary the knowledge of the magnetic field generated by potential sites within the area of spacecraft.
Fourier Analysis for Orthogonal and Parallel Fluxgate
Authors: Hadjigeorgiou N. , Konstantopoulos C. , Masxas D.
Published: May 2015

Magnetic sensors have been, for many decades, the industrial standard for a variety of applications due to many unique advantages they possess, compared to other sensor types. The purpose of the experimental process in this paper, was initially to note (ascertain) if the orthogonal and parallel fluxgate sensors work properly and secondly to observe the reaction of the external magnetic field on their harmonics.
Optically Stimulated Electron Emission from Surface States of SiO2:Ge Films
Authors: Buntov Evgeny , Zatsepin Anatoly , Fitting Hans Joachim , Schmidt Berndt
Published: May 2015

Thin 30 nm SiO2films on silicon substrate implanted with Ge+ions and flash-annealed at 900°C are investigated by means of optically stimulated electron emission (OSEE). The materials under study may find a number of technological applications in optical devices and ultraviolet sensors. Samples attestation was performed by electron microscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). XPS data revealed strong dependence between the germanium atoms state and annealing time. The application of Urbach rule and power Kane dependence allowed to fit OSEE spectra at different excitation energy ranges and to retrieve the important structure and energy parameters. Observed correlations between parameter values of Urbach-and Kane-related models suggest the implantation-induced changeover of both the vibronic subsystem and energy band structure.
Application of Ink-Jet Printing and Spray Coating for the Fabrication of Polyaniline/Poly(N-Vinylpyrrolidone)-Based Ammonia Gas Sensor
Authors: Peřinka Nikola , Držková Markéta , Randjelović Danijela V. , Bondavalli Paolo , Hajná Milena , Bober Patrycja , Syrový Tomáš , Bonnassieaux Yvan , Stejskal Jaroslav
Published: May 2015

We report on the preparation of thin conducting films from the poly (N-vinylpyrrolidone) stabilized polyaniline dispersions for the ammonia gas sensor applications. The dispersion is water-based and prepared by means of relatively simple chemical oxidation polymerization of aniline. Two processes were used for the ink deposition, the ink-jet printing and the spray-coating technique. With the former one, the ink was at first tested on the poly (ethylene terephthalate) foil to find a suitable combination of ink formulation and print parameters. After that, the final ammonia gas sensors were fabricated by both deposition techniques and compared. The aspects of the ink preparation and alteration, as well as the active layer properties, are analyzed by means of UV-vis spectroscopy, optical microscopy, atomic force microscopy, profilometry and electrical measurements. The results obtained from each deposition technique are discussed. In both cases, the sensitivity to the ammonia gas has been demonstrated, making the proposed ink in combination with the two named deposition processes feasible for the potential large-area sensor production.
High-Level Sound Classification in the ESOUNDMAPS Project
Authors: Mitilineos Stelios A. , Potirakis Stelios M. , Tatlas Nikolas Alexander , Rangoussi Maria
Published: May 2015

ESOUNDMAPS is an ongoing research program that aims in developing a wireless audio sensor network (WASN) and deploying it at the surrounding environmental area of the Technological Institute of Piraeus in Attica, Greece. The proposed WASN will be used for the environmental monitoring of the area and aims to be used in the future for assessing the impact of human generated noise to the wildlife. Collected sound samples will be forwarded by the sensor nodes to a central server where they will be automatically evaluated with respect to their identity; environmental sound maps will be generated based on the evaluation of these sound samples. High-level sound classification is defined herein as the act of classifying a sound sample to three broad categories namely anthropogenic, biophysical (other than human) and geophysical sounds. In this paper we present an integrated platform that includes sound sample denoising using wavelets, feature extraction from sound samples and Gaussian mixture modeling of these features, and a powerful two-layer neural network classifier for the automated high-level classification of incoming sound samples. Classification results, obtained using digital sound samples, exhibit outstanding classification accuracy (sometimes reaching or exceeding 98% correct vs. incorrect estimates), thus demonstrating the feasibility of the proposed approach in realistic environments.
Mathematical Model Switched Reluctance Motor
Authors: Morón Carlos , Garcia Alfonso , Somolinos Jose Andrés
Published: May 2015

This paper describes a mathematical model of switched reluctance motor (SRM). The mathematical model of the SR motor is nonparametric and can only be established with experimental data, instead of an analytical representation. Because the reluctance varies with rotor position and magnetic saturation is part of the normal operation of SR motors, there is no simple analytical expression for the magnetic field produced by the phase windings. The shape of phase current before commutation is of interest because it varies widely depending on when the phase winding is excited and what the rotor speed is. To illustrate this effect, two step response simulations were done here in Matlab/Simulink. The SR motor model used in these two simulations is a 6/4 linear magnetics model, the same structure as the experimental SR motor. For the first simulation, a step voltage is fed into phase A and the initial rotor position is set to be 1o instead of 0o so that the rotor will move in the positive direction. The results show that the rotor stops at 45o after some oscillation which is the aligned position of this phase A. For the second simulation, a step voltage is fed into phase C. The initial position is 0o. According to this, the rotor will move towards the aligned position of phase C, i.e. 15o.
Compensatory growth in Microcystis aeruginosa after moderate high-temperature exposure
Authors: Han Wei , Jing Yuanshu , Li Ting
Published: May 2015

This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms involved in Microcystis aeruginosa (M. aeruginosa) compensatory growth after moderate high-temperature stress. In the experiment, M. aeruginosa were cultured for 3, 6, and 12 d at 35°C before being transferred to normal conditions (25°C), and then cultured for 30 days for recovery. The algae that were cultured constantly at 25°C were set as control. The results showed that the growth of M. aeruginosa was inhibited significantly by the moderate high-temperature stress. During the recovery phase, the M. aeruginosa cultured at 35°C for 3, 6, and 12 days exhibited under-compensation, over-compensation, and equal-compensation, respectively. To cope with moderate high-temperature stress, M. aeruginosa implement various mechanisms, including increasing antioxidant enzyme activities and chlorophyll a content; adjusting compatible solutes (soluble protein and sugar). The M. aeruginosa cultured at 35°C for 6 days has higher antioxidant enzyme activities, relatively low malondialdehyde content, and higher soluble sugar content during the recovery phase; therefore, M. aeruginosa cultured at 35°C for 6 days exhibited over-compensation growth. Grey correlation analysis revealed that the increase of chlorophyll a, soluble sugar, and superoxide dismutase activity play key roles in the compensatory growth of M. aeruginosa.
Evaluation of silent period on masticatory cycles of different muscles in dentate oral contraceptives users and nonusers
Authors: Turcio Karina Helga Leal , Garcia Alício Rosalino , Zuim Paulo Renato Junqueira , Moreno Amália , Goiato Marcelo Coelho , Guiotti Aimée Maria , dos Santos Daniela Micheline
Published: May 2015

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of oral contraceptive use on the silent period (SP) of anterior temporal and masseter muscles during the menstrual cycle. Materials and Methods: Totally, 28 women on reproductive age were selected including 15 nonusers of any hormone and 13 contraceptive users. All patients were dentate without muscular temporomandibular disorders. Electromyography (SP test) of the anterior temporal and masseter muscles was conducted every week during three consecutive menstrual cycles at 1st day of menstruation (P1), 7th day (P2), 14th day (P3) and 21st day (P4). Results: The SP values in the anterior temporal and masseter muscles were measured at both sides. The SP values of the right side (13.49 ms) at P2 were significantly different compared to the left side (12.28 ms). However, there was no significant difference on the interactions among the three factors. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the SP values in healthy women in reproductive age may not be influenced by the menstrual cycle with similar results for both muscles.
Root canal retreatment using reciprocating and continuous rotary nickel-titanium instruments
Authors: de Souza Patricia Fonseca , Goncalves Leonardo Cantanhede Oliveira , Marques Andre Augusto Franco , Junior Emilio Carlos Sponchiado , Garcia Lucas da Fonseca Roberti , de Carvalho Fredson Marcio Acris
Published: May 2015

Objective: The complete filling material removal during endodontic retreatment is a clinical procedure difficult to achieve. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of reciprocating and continuous rotary nickel-titanium instruments used in root canal retreatment. Materials and Methods: Forty freshly extracted human premolars were cleaned and shaped by the crown-down technique, followed by filling by the lateral compaction technique. The teeth were randomly separated into two groups (n = 20), according to the system used for filling material removal: G1 - Reciproc and G2 - ProTaper Universal Retreatment System. The teeth were photographed under operating microscope at ×8 magnification; and the total area of the root canal and remaining filling material were quantified. Results: No statistically significant difference (P > 0.05) in residual filling material was observed between groups; however, the time required for filling removal was significantly shorter for Reciproc system (P < 0.05). Conclusions: It was observed remaining filling material in all teeth, irrespective of the system used; however, root canal retreatment was faster when reciprocating motion was used.
Does atraumatic restorative treatment reduce dental anxiety in children? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Simon Arun K. , Bhumika T. V. , Nair N. Sreekumaran
Published: May 2015

Dental anxiety is one of the major problems affecting children, which impairs the rendering of dental care, leading to impaired quality of life. It often leads to occupational stress in dental personnel and conflict between parents/caregivers. The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials done in children, to synthesize evidence of the effectiveness of atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) in reducing dental anxiety in children compared to conventional restorative treatments. The databases searched included PubMed, Google Scholar and The Cochrane Oral Health Group's Trials Register. Eligible studies reporting dental anxiety by a variety of psychometric scales were tabulated. The review was conducted and reported in accordance with the guidelines provided by the Cochrane Collaboration. Among 416 studies retrieved through literature search, six studies matched the inclusion criteria. Due to lack of data, only three studies were included for meta-analysis using RevMan software (Review Manager, Version 5.3;The Cochrane Collaboration, Copenhagen, 2014). The pooled meta-analysis data, (standardized mean difference − 2.12 [95% confidence interval: −4.52, 0.27]) failed to show any difference between ART group and the conventional treatment group. In conclusion, ART was not more beneficial in reducing dental anxiety among pediatric dental patients. The findings are relevant in the field of clinical practice in dentistry in the management of the anxious pediatric dental patient.
Hypodontia prevalence and distribution pattern in a group of Qatari orthodontic and pediatric patients: A retrospective study
Authors: Al Jawad Feras H. Abed , Al Yafei Hanan , Al Sheeb Muneera , Al Emadi Buthaina , Al hashimi Najah
Published: May 2015

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and distribution of hypodontia in the permanent teeth among a group of the Qatari sample and to compare the present results with findings from other populations. Materials and Methods: Records of 1269 Qatari patients (674 females; mean age 11.8 ± 2.3 and 595 males; mean age 11.4 ± 2.2) which included panoramic radiographs were examined to identify hypodontia. All permanent teeth were investigated except third molars. Results: The prevalence of hypodontia was 6.2% (females 8% and males 4.2%; P < 0.05). The majority of patients had one or two missing teeth. There were no significant differences between right and left sides for any particular tooth. The most frequently missing teeth were maxillary lateral incisors (36.2%), followed by mandibular second premolar (32.6%) and maxillary second premolar (20.2%). Hypodontia was more commonly found unilaterally than bilaterally (63.2% and 44.3%; respectively). Conclusions: The prevalence of hypodontia in a group of the Qatari population was within the average value of the majority of published studies in the literature. Hypodontia was significantly more prevalent in females. Although less prevalent, considerable cases of bilateral missing were found in the present study, which necessitates the urgent need for intervention and multi-disciplinary team approach for management.
Bioinformatic prediction of upstream microRNAs of PPO and novel microRNAs in potato
Authors: Chi Ming , Liu Chimin , Su Yinquan , Tong Yongwei , Liu Hanyun
Published: May 2015

Chi, M., Liu, C., Su, Y., Tong, Y. and Liu, H. 2015. Bioinformatic prediction of upstream microRNAs of PPO and novel microRNAs in potato. Can. J. Plant Sci. 95: 871–877. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of endogenous small non-coding RNAs that play roles in many biological processes of plants. This study aimed to identify novel miRNAs and miRNAs targeting polyphenol oxidase (PPO) in potato. Small RNA-seq data (GSE32471 and GSE52599) including sequencing data of flower, leaf, stem, root, stolon and tuber tissue of potato were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus. After quality control and data cleaning of the raw data, the clean data were then mapped to Rfam to screen the reads corresponding to miRNA rather than other types of small RNA by Bowtie. Furthermore, the screened high-quality reads were mapped to known miRNAs in miRBase to identify and predict the novel miRNAs by miRDeep2. Finally, target gene prediction was performed for all identified miRNAs using psRNATarget and their roles in stress responses and brown spot of potato tubers through PPO genes were analyzed. A total of 18 novel potato miRNAs were identified and all of them had their specific expression patterns in different tissues. Targets prediction showed that some novel miRNAs (e.g., ST4.03ch03_9018, ST4.03ch05_15199 and ST4.03ch11_31208) could regulate the expression of potato resistance genes. Moreover, eight known miRNAs were found to target 3 PPO encoding genes, while they expressed at a low level in tuber tissue. Novel miRNAs might be associated with stress resistance of potato, and upstream miRNAs of PPO encoding genes might be important in suppression of potato brown spot.
Morphological root responses of soybean to rhizosphere hypoxia reflect waterlogging tolerance
Authors: Jitsuyama Yutaka
Published: May 2015

Jitsuyama, Y. 2015. Morphological root responses of soybean to rhizosphere hypoxia reflect waterlogging tolerance. Can. J. Plant Sci. 95: 999–1005. Excess soil moisture induces hypoxia, causing waterlogging injury in soybeans [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. Twelve Japanese soybean cultivars with varying hypoxia tolerance were used. Of these, 11 (all but Hayahikari) were evaluated for waterlogging tolerance using a scaled index with data from previous studies. To investigate hypoxic responses, cultivars were grown under hydroponic conditions for 2 wk a year for 2 yr, with aerobic or hypoxic oxygen concentrations artificially maintained in the rhizosphere. Hypoxic responses (measured as plant dry weight and root morphology) were assessed at the early vegetative stage. The effects of hypoxic treatment on root dry weight were significant, and the effect of year on soybean dry weight was not significant. The change in root dry weight, and particularly, in coarse root length, was significantly correlated with waterlogging tolerance index at the 0.001 probability level. This study showed that root responses to rhizosphere hypoxia might reflect waterlogging tolerance in soybeans.
Temporal effects of food waste compost on soil physical quality and productivity
Authors: Reynolds W. D. , Drury C. F. , Tan C. S. , Yang X. M.
Published: May 2015

Reynolds, W. D., Drury, C. F., Tan, C. S. and Yang, X. M. 2015. Temporal effects of food waste compost on soil physical quality and productivity. Can. J. Soil Sci. 95: 251–268. The benefits of compost additions on soil organic carbon content and crop productivity are extant in the literature, but detailed studies of compost effects on soil physical quality (SPQ) are limited. The objective of this study was therefore to describe how one-time additions of compost impact the immediate, mid-term and long-term SPQ and crop yields of an agricultural soil. Food waste compost (FWC) was incorporated once into the top 10 cm of a humid-temperate Brookston clay loam soil at rates of 0 (Control), 75 dry t ha−1 (FWC-75), 150 dry t ha−1 (FWC–150) and 300 dry t ha−1 (FWC-300); measurements of SPQ parameters and corn yield were then made annually over the next 11 yr. The SPQ parameters included bulk density (BD), organic carbon content (OC), air capacity (AC), plant-available water capacity (PAWC), relative field capacity (RFC), and saturated hydraulic conductivity (KS), which were obtained from intact (undisturbed) soil core samples. Prior to compost addition, BD, OC, AC, PAWC, RFC and KS were substantially non-optimal, and BD had increased relative to virgin soil by 46%, while OC, AC and PAWC had decreased relative to virgin soil by 60, 56 and 43%, respectively. Improvements in SPQ 1 yr after compost addition were negligible or small for FWC-75 and FWC-150, but FWC-300 generated optimal values for BD, OC, AC, PAWC and RFC. The SPQ parameters degraded with time, but 11 yr after compost addition, OC and AC under FWC-300 were still within their optimal ranges, as well as significantly (P<0.05) greater than the Control values by 65 and 26%, respectively. Soil cracks and biopores apparently induced substantial annual variation in KS, but average KS nevertheless increased with increasing compost addition rate. Corn grain yield varied substantially among years, which was likely due to weather and compost effects; however, 11-yr cumulative yields from the compost treatments were greater than the Control by 2200–6500 kg ha−1.
Smart Specialisation for Economic Change: The Case of Spain
Authors: Del Castillo Jaime , Paton Jonatan , Barroeta Belen
Published: May 2015

Smart specialisation concept acquired a remarkable importance in the current regional policy as a model to understand the role of territories in international competitiveness. In fact, the definition of Smart Specialisation Strategies (RIS3) has become an ex ante conditionality for European regional policy in the period 2014-2020. Although the process of definition has been a good opportunity to rethink and improve the policymaking, it has not been out of difficulties and barriers since it is not always easy to translate academic concepts to real policies in the field. These difficulties are analysed from a threefold perspective: the definition, implementation and evaluation of RIS3. These three aspects are seen in the recently finished Spanish RIS3, with specific attention to: priority setting, policy instruments, and evaluation.
Emission factors of SO2, NOx and particles from ships in Neva Bay from ground-based and helicopter-borne measurements and AIS-based modeling
Authors: Beecken J. , Mellqvist J. , Salo K. , Ekholm J. , Jalkanen J.-P. , Johansson L. , Litvinenko V. , Volodin K. , Frank-Kamenetsky D. A.
Published: May 2015

Abstract. Emission factors of SO2, NOx and size-distributed particle numbers were measured for approximately 300 different ships in the Gulf of Finland and Neva Bay area during two campaigns in August/September 2011 and June/July 2012. The measurements were carried out from a harbor vessel and from an Mi-8 helicopter downwind of passing ships. Other measurements were carried out from shore sites near the island of Kronstadt and along the Neva River in the urban area of Saint Petersburg. Most ships were running at reduced speed (10 kn), i.e., not at their optimal load. Vessels for domestic and international shipping were monitored. It was seen that the distribution of the SO2 emission factors is bi-modal, with averages of 4.6 and 18.2 gSO2 kgfuel-1 for the lower and the higher mode, respectively. The emission factors show compliance with the 1% fuel sulfur content Sulfur Emission Control Areas (SECA) limit for 90% of the vessels in 2011 and 97% in 2012. The distribution of the NOx emission factor is mono-modal, with an average of 58 gNOx kgfuel-1. The corresponding emission related to the generated power yields an average of 12.1 gNOx kWh−1. The distribution of the emission factors for particulate number shows that nearly 90% of all particles in the 5.6 nm to 10 μm size range were below 70 nm in diameter. The distribution of the corresponding emission factors for the mass indicates two separated main modes, one for particles between 30 and 300 nm and the other for above 2 μm. The average particle emission factors were found to be in the range from 0.7 to 2.7 × 1016 particles kgfuel-1 and 0.2 to 3.4 gPM kgfuel-1, respectively. The NOx and particulate emissions are comparable with other studies. The measured emission factors were compared, for individual ships, to modeled ones using the Ship Traffic Emission Assessment Model (STEAM) of the Finnish Meteorological Institute. A reasonably good agreement for gaseous sulfur and nitrogen emissions can be seen for ships in international traffic, but significant deviations are found for inland vessels. Regarding particulate mass, the values of the modeled data are about 2–3 times higher than the measured results, which probably reflects the assumptions made in the modeled fuel sulfur content. The sulfur contents in the fuel retrieved from the measurements were lower than the previously used assumptions by the City of Saint Petersburg when carrying out atmospheric modeling, and using these measurements it was possible to better assess the impact of shipping on air quality.
Chemical characterization of submicron aerosol and particle growth events at a national background site (3295 m a.s.l.) in the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Du W. , Sun Y. L. , Xu Y. S. , Jiang Q. , Wang Q. Q. , Yang W. , Wang F. , Bai Z. P. , Zhao X. D. , Yang Y. C.
Published: May 2015

Abstract. Atmospheric aerosols exert highly uncertain impacts on radiative forcing and also have detrimental effects on human health. While aerosol particles are widely characterized in megacities in China, aerosol composition, sources and particle growth in rural areas in the Tibetan Plateau remain less understood. Here we present the results from an autumn study that was conducted from 5 September to 15 October 2013 at a national background monitoring station (3295 m a.s.l.) in the Tibetan Plateau. The submicron aerosol composition and particle number size distributions were measured in situ with an Aerodyne Aerosol Chemical Speciation Monitor (ACSM) and a Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer (SMPS). The average mass concentration of submicron aerosol (PM1) is 11.9 μg m−3 (range: 1.0–78.4 μg m−3) for the entire study, which is much lower than those observed at urban and rural sites in eastern China. Organics dominated PM1 on average accounting for 43%, followed by sulfate (28%) and nitrate (1%). Positive matrix factorization analysis of ACSM organic aerosol (OA) mass spectra identified an oxygenated OA (OOA) and a biomass burning OA (BBOA). The OOA dominated OA composition accounting for 85% on average, 17% of which was inferred from aged BBOA. The BBOA contributed a considerable fraction of OA (15%) due to the burning of cow dung and straws in September. New particle formation and growth events were frequently observed (80% of time) throughout the study. The average particle growth rate is 2.0 nm h−1 (range: 0.8–3.2 nm h−1). By linking the evolution of particle number size distribution to aerosol composition, we found an elevated contribution of organics during particle growth periods and also a positive relationship between the growth rate and the fraction of OOA in OA, which potentially indicates an important role of organics in particle growth in the Tibetan Plateau.
Determining air pollutant emission rates based on mass balance using airborne measurement data over the Alberta oil sands operations
Authors: Gordon M. , Li S.-M. , Staebler R. , Darlington A. , Hayden K. , O'Brien J. , Wolde M.
Published: May 2015

Abstract. Top-down approaches to measure total integrated emissions provide verification of bottom-up, temporally-resolved, inventory-based estimations. Aircraft-based measurements of air pollutants from sources in the Canadian oil sands were made in support of the Joint Canada–Alberta Implementation Plan on Oil Sands Monitoring during a summer intensive field campaign between 13 August and 7 September 2013. The measurements contribute to knowledge needed in support of the Joint Canada–Alberta Implementation Plan on Oil Sands Monitoring. This paper describes a Top-down Emission Rate Retrieval Algorithm (TERRA) to determine facility emissions of pollutants, using SO2 and CH4 as examples, based on the aircraft measurements. In this algorithm, the flight path around a facility at multiple heights is mapped to a two-dimensional vertical screen surrounding the facility. The total transport of SO2 and CH4 through this screen is calculated using aircraft wind measurements, and facility emissions are then calculated based on the divergence theorem with estimations of box-top losses, horizontal and vertical turbulent fluxes, surface deposition, and apparent losses due to air densification and chemical reaction. Example calculations for two separate flights are presented. During an upset condition of SO2 emissions on one day, these calculations are within 5% of the industry-reported, bottom-up measurements. During a return to normal operating conditions, the SO2 emissions are within 11% of industry-reported, bottom-up measurements. CH4 emissions calculated with the algorithm are relatively constant within the range of uncertainties. Uncertainty of the emission rates is estimated as 20%, which is primarily due to the unknown SO2 and CH4 mixing ratios near the surface below the lowest flight level.
Autonomous profiling float observations of the high-biomass plume downstream of the Kerguelen Plateau in the Southern Ocean
Authors: Grenier M. , Della Penna A. , Trull T. W.
Published: May 2015

Abstract. Natural iron fertilisation from Southern Ocean islands results in high primary production and phytoplankton biomass accumulations readily visible in satellite ocean colour observations. These images reveal great spatial complexity with highly varying concentrations of chlorophyll, presumably reflecting both variations in iron supply and conditions favouring phytoplankton accumulation. To examine the second aspect, in particular the influences of variations in temperature and mixed layer depth, we deployed four autonomous profiling floats in the Antarctic Circumpolar Current near the Kerguelen Plateau in the Indian sector of the Southern Ocean. Each "bio-profiler" measured more than 250 profiles of temperature (T), salinity (S), dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll a (Chl a) fluorescence, and particulate backscattering (bbp) in the top 300 m of the water column, sampling up to 5 profiles per day along meandering trajectories extending up to 1000 km. Comparison of surface Chl a estimates (analogous to values from satellite images) with total water column inventories revealed largely linear relationships, suggesting that these images provide credible information on total and not just surface biomass spatial distributions. However, they also showed that physical mixed layer depths are often not a reliable guide to biomass distributions. Regions of very high Chl a accumulation (1.5–10 μg L−1) were associated predominantly with a narrow T–S class of surface waters. In contrast, waters with only moderate Chl a enrichments (0.5–1.5 μg L−1) displayed no clear correlation with specific water properties, including no dependence on mixed layer depth or the intensity of stratification. Geostrophic trajectory analysis suggests that both these observations can be explained if the main determinant of biomass in a given water parcel is the time since leaving the Kerguelen Plateau. One float became trapped in a cyclonic eddy, allowing temporal evaluation of the water column in early autumn. During this period, decreasing surface Chl a inventories corresponded with decreases in oxygen inventories on sub-mixed-layer density surfaces, consistent with significant export of organic matter (~35%) and its respiration and storage as dissolved inorganic carbon in the ocean interior. These results are encouraging for the expanded use of autonomous observing platforms to study biogeochemical, carbon cycle, and ecological problems, although the complex blend of Lagrangian and Eulerian sampling achieved by the floats suggests that arrays rather than single floats will often be required, and that frequent profiling offers important benefits in terms of resolving the role of mesoscale structures on biomass accumulation.
The dynamic of the annual carbon allocation to wood in European tree species is consistent with a combined source–sink limitation of growth: implications for modelling
Authors: Guillemot J. , Martin-StPaul N. K. , Dufrêne E. , François C. , Soudani K. , Ourcival J. M. , Delpierre N.
Published: May 2015

Abstract. The extent to which wood growth is limited by carbon (C) supply (i.e. source control) or by cambial activity (i.e. sink control) will strongly determine the responses of trees to global changes. Nevertheless, the physiological processes that are responsible for limiting forest growth are still a matter of debate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the key determinants of the annual C allocation to wood along large soil and climate regional gradients over France. The study was conducted for five tree species representative of the main European forest biomes (Fagus sylvatica, Quercus petraea, Quercus ilex, Quercus robur and Picea abies). The drivers of stand biomass growth were assessed on both inter-site and inter-annual scales. Our data set comprised field measurements performed at 49 sites (931 site-years) that included biometric measurements and a variety of stand characteristics (e.g. soil water holding capacity, leaf area index). It was complemented with process-based simulations when possible explanatory variables could not be directly measured (e.g. annual and seasonal tree C balance, bioclimatic water stress indices). Specifically, the relative influences of tree C balance (source control), direct environmental control (water and temperature controls of sink activity) and allocation adjustments related to age, past climate conditions, competition intensity and soil nutrient availability on growth were quantified. The inter-site variability in the stand C allocation to wood was predominantly driven by age-related decline. The direct effects of temperature and water stress on sink activity (i.e. effects independent from their effects on the C supply) exerted a strong influence on the annual stand wood growth in all of the species considered, including deciduous temperate species. The lagged effect of the past environmental conditions (e.g. the previous year's water stress and low C uptake) significantly affected the annual C allocation to wood. The C supply appeared to strongly limit growth only in temperate deciduous species. We provide an evaluation of the spatio-temporal dynamics of the annual C allocation to wood in French forests. Our study supports the premise that the growth of European tree species is subject to complex control processes that include both source and sink limitations. The relative influences of the growth drivers strongly vary with time and across spatial ecological gradients. We suggest a straightforward modelling framework with which to implement these combined forest growth limitations into terrestrial biosphere models.
Passive soil heating using an inexpensive infrared mirror design – a proof of concept
Authors: Rasmussen C. , Gallery R. E. , Fehmi J. S.
Published: May 2015

Abstract. There is need to understand the response of soil systems to predicted climate warming for modeling soil process response to climate warming. Current methods for soil warming include expensive and difficult to implement active and passive techniques. Here we test a simple, inexpensive in situ passive soil heating approach, based on easy to construct infrared mirrors that do not require automation or enclosures. The infrared mirrors consisted of 61 × 61 cm glass panels coated with infrared reflecting film. The mirrors as constructed are effective for soil heating in environments typified by open canopy and low canopy vegetation. Mirror tests were performed on several soils in a warm semiarid environment. Results indicated that the infrared mirrors yielded significant heating and drying of soil surface and shallow subsurface relative to un-warmed control treatments, and that warming and drying effects was soil specific with greater potential warming on soils with lower volumetric heat capacity. Atmospheric and soil moisture attenuated mirror induced soil warming. The results demonstrate proof-of-concept that the infrared mirrors may be used to passively heat the near soil surface, providing an inexpensive, low-maintenance alternative to other passive and active soil heating technologies.
Assessing the performance of a plastic optical fiber turbidity sensor for measuring post-fire erosion from plot to catchment scale
Authors: Keizer J. J. , Martins M. A. S. , Prats S. A. , Santos L. F. , Nogueira R. , Bilro L.
Published: May 2015

Abstract. This study is the first comprehensive testing of a novel plastic optical fiber turbidity sensor with runoff samples collected in the field and, more specifically, with a total of 158 streamflow samples and 925 overland flow samples from a recently burnt forest area in north-central Portugal, collected mainly during the first year after the wildfire, as well as with 56 overland flow samples from a nearby long-unburnt study site. Sediment concentrations differed less between overland flow and streamflow samples than between study sites and, at one study site, between plots with and without effective erosion mitigation treatments. Maximum concentrations ranged from 0.91 to 8.19 g L−1 for the micro-plot overland flow samples from the six burnt sites, from 1.74 to 8.99 g L−1 for the slope-scale overland flow samples from these same sites, and amounted to 4.55 g L−1 for the streamflow samples. Power functions provided (reasonably) good fits to the – expected – relationships of increasing normalized light loss with increasing sediment concentrations for the different sample types from individual study sites. The corresponding adjusted R2's ranged from 0.64 to 0.81 in the case of the micro-plot samples from the six burnt sites, from 0.72 to 0.89 in the case of the slope-scale samples from these same sites, and was 0.85 in the case of the streamflow samples. While the overall performance of the sensor was thus rather satisfactory, the results pointed to the need for scale- and/or site-specific calibrations to maximize reliability of the predictions of sediment concentration by the POF sensor. This especially applied to the cases in which sediment concentration were comparatively low, for example following mulching with forest residues.
Management Practices in a Formal Design Process for a Metro Project in Doha, Qatar
Authors: James Paul
Published: May 2015

This is a research paper focused on assessing the design project manager behaviour and the raised managerial design issues relating to a formal design review in a metro project start-up. Very little research has been conducted in this area and the paper exposes weak aspects of the design review process previously unexplored in today’s metro construction environments.

In order to consider more implicitly the questions and issues raised, this empirical groundwork utilised an interpretive perspective. The scope for this research was the design mechanisms/processes associated with a large single package – a TBM Segment Design. The population for this study was made up of a number of individuals (12) engineers/Managers located at site, and a total of 9 Engineers/Managers were determined as the resultant sample frame.

The outcomes consisted of six (6) themes, namely: Mismanagement Issues; Management Interference; Technical Issues; Contractor Design managers Issues; Documentation Issues; Communication Issues, raised from an initial question; these were further developed into four (4) final themes relating to an assessment of the managerial implications.

The paper gives a clear insight into the practical issues surrounding a metro design review and the development of appropriate managerial strategies that can be implemented. The paper also addresses some of the implications for continuing design review developments. The paper suggests that projects of this kind may benefit from an Integrated Collaborative Design approach through integrating construction expertise with the design process at the detail design phase.
A Phenomenological Study of Music Education Majors’ Identity Development in Methods Courses Outside Their Areas of Focus
Authors: Parker Elizabeth Cassidy , Powell Sean R.
Published: May 2015

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore music education majors’ identity development within the context of two music education methods courses. Using Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory as a lens, two music teacher educators examined the experiences of vocal music education majors enrolled in an instrumental methods course and instrumental music education majors enrolled in a choral methods course (15 total participants). Data collection included participant interviews, peer teaching self-reflections, field experience journals, and researcher field notes. Data analysis included epoché, phenomenological reduction, imaginative variation, and synthesis. Findings indicated while participants remained invested in initial identities created as early musicians, university contexts helped dimensionalize and expand their self-definition. Every participant articulated a greater appreciation for music education contexts outside of his/her area of focus. Implications for music education majors who perform on multiple instruments and musicians who frequently perform outside of traditional contexts are also discussed.
Srovnávací analýza typů nonverbálních prvků v současných českých a německých učebnicích školní geografie
Authors: Janko Tomáš
Published: May 2015

Studie usiluje o porovnání aktuálních českých a německých učebnic školní geografie z hlediska zastoupení typů nonverbálních prvků a interpretaci zjištění vzhledem k cílovému zaměření daného vyučovacího předmětu. Nejdříve je v obecné rovině poukazováno na okolnosti, s nimiž se učebnice školní geografie musejí vypořádávat v souvislosti s transformováním stále komplexnějších geografických poznatků. Následně je v teoretické rovině objasňována pozice, již v tomto ohledu zaujímají nonverbální prvky (obrazová složka učebnic). Výklad se opírá o teorii učebnic a koncept reprezentace učiva. Představeny jsou také cílové domény školní geografie, které současně slouží jako interpretační rámec pro výzkumná zjištění. Studie byla realizována jako obsahová analýza 2 českých a 2 německých učebnic školní geografie (ISCED 2), ve kterých bylo analyzováno celkem 1140 nonverbálních prvků. Výsledky studie naznačují, že v českých učebnicích školní geografie stále dominují obrazové typy nonverbálních prvků. Naproti tomu v německých učebnicích školní geografie lze zastoupení typů nonverbálních prvků hodnotit jako vyvážené. Ukazuje se tak, že v aktuálních českých učebnicích, na rozdíl od německých, i nadále převažují především nonverbální prvky, které jako didaktické prostředky odkazují spíše k afektivní cílové doméně. Žáky motivují k emocionálním prožitkům, ale samy o sobě nemusejí vybízet k hlubšímu interagování se vzdělávacími obsahy.
Výchova ke zdraví v učebnicích 1. stupně ZŠ: výsledky analýzy didaktického aparátu učebnic prvouky/přírodovědy
Authors: Hrozová Markéta
Published: May 2015

Cílem empirické studie je prezentace výsledků obsahové analýzy didaktického aparátu učebnic a cvičebnic školního vzdělávacího předmětu prvouka/přírodověda určených pro žáky 1. stupně základních škol z hlediska jejich zaměření na výchovu ke zdraví. V první části studie prezentujeme teoretický základ našeho výzkumu, který spočíval ve vymezení analytických kategorií vyplývajících z holistického pojetí zdraví. V druhé části představujeme cíle a metody výzkumu, výzkumný vzorek sestávající z pěti současných ucelených učebnicových řad učebnic prvouky/ přírodovědy (38 učebnic/cvičebnic; 3136 zkoumaných jednotek, tedy otázek, námětů a úkolů zařazených do učebnic) platných pro 1. stupeň základního vzdělávání. Třetí část je věnována výsledkům analýzy, která poukázala na významné rozdíly v prezentaci učiva v oblasti výchova ke zdraví. Z výsledků vyplývá nereflektování holistického pojetí zdraví v jeho plném rozsahu, majoritní zastoupení biologického kontextu zdraví ve zkoumaných učebnicích. Holistické pojetí zdraví nejvíce reflektují učebnice druhých ročníků. Dále poukazujeme na významné rozdíly ve strukturaci učiva v rámci jednotlivých učebnicových řad (absence tematiky zdraví ve většině zkoumaných učebnic 4. ročníků) a nestabilitu v distribuci tematických celků zkoumaného vzorku učebnic. V závěru studie (čtvrtá a pátá část) jsou diskutovány výsledky, možnosti a limity studie a představujeme eventuality navazujícího výzkumného šetření.
Beyond the Library of Congress: Collecting Practices of South Asia Area Specialist Librarians
Authors: Thacker Mara
Published: May 2015

South Asian Studies librarians have historically relied upon the Library of Congress’ (LC) South Asia Cooperative Acquisitions Program to build collections of materials from South Asia for their institutions. This study examines the extent to which South Asian Studies librarians continue to rely on the LC programs and examines the range of other acquisitions techniques used by South Asia specialists. It is possible to identify themes and larger trends and develop a set of best practices for collecting materials from overseas by comparing the methods used by South Asia specialists to those used by other specialist librarians.
Book Review: Personal Archiving: Preserving Our Digital Heritage
Authors: Brown Karen E. K.
Published: May 2015

In the very first paragraph of chapter 1, Jeff Ubois of the MacArthur Foundation presents for us the overlying objective of this book, a genuine compendium of approaches to understanding and dealing with our digital selves: “By helping to build a common understanding of personal archives, this book supports collaboration between diverse types of institutions and individuals working in different disciplines” (1). This is key, because it seems to me that many of us have been looking at the problems associated with organizing and maintaining long-term access to all that we create and record and share, and that we are still trying to define what the “personal digital archives” is. But for the sake of so many—ourselves as individuals, our families and future generations, the research community, and the collective memory of what builds every nation—the need to protect the digital legacy is an imperative, starting now, and starting with this book.
Effect of Planting Dates on Growth and Yield of True Potato Seed (TPS) in Nursery Raising Approach
Authors: M.M. Rahman Jamro  , S.D. Tunio  , U.A. Buriro  , Q.D. Chachar
Published: May 2015

To determine the proper planting dates for true potato seed (TPS) nursery, the present study was conducted at Agriculture Research Institute, Tandojam, Pakistan located at 25.24, 46.00,’N and 68.32, 12.00’E during 2009 and 2010. Comparison of three planting dates i.e. October 15, October 30 and November 15, were made. The results obtained from m-2 area showed maximum germination (84.95%), plant height (46.94 cm) average number of micro (1-9 mm) tubers (196.1), small(10-19 mm) tubers (42.15), medium(20-39 mm) tubers (26.56), large(>40 mm) tubers (7.57), weight of micro tubers (1302 g), small tubers (480.3 g), medium tubers (340 g) and large tubers (468.5 g) were observed when TPS-9804 was planted on 30th October. The overall results for tuber yield showed that TPS-9804 genotype planted on 30thOctober produced maximum tuber yield (29.46 t ha1) as compared to rest of genotypes; hence, TPS-9804 genotype is recommended for raising of TPS nursery with 30th October of planting date.
Bayesian Analysis of the Sudanese Immigrant Youth Crime Rates and the “Likelihood” of Committing Violent Offence than an Australian-Born
Authors: Dau Atemthii D.
Published: May 2015

This paper presents a mixed method of inquiry into most of the public notions, shaping the Sudanese immigrant community’s perception Australia wide. Firstly, a qualitative review regarding two remarks by Australian public figures will be considered and analyzed; and secondly, Bayesian analysis (BA) will be considered to analyze the randomness of the crimes: BA, is a highly predictive methodological tool used in a wide range of applications. For example, in predicting of crimes based on prior occurrences of an offence or groups of offences. Thus, the Bayesian analysis considers the hypothesized relationship between ‘Ethnicity and Criminality’; the emphasis is on the recorded Crime figures involving immigrant youth of the Sudanese-born residing in the state of Victoria. The figures are drawn mainly from the Australian statistical agencies and media sources; the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), media reports, community’s prison population (CPP) and the overall Sudanese immigrant population in Australia (SIPA); comparative considerations with the overall Australian population (APP) and the Australian-born prison population (ABPP) from the years 2006 to 2007 will be looked into. The study concludes by suggesting the policy implication of this findings and future research directions.