bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Upper tropospheric ice sensitivity to sulfate geoengineering
Authors: Visioni Daniele , Pitari Giovanni , di Genova Glauco
Published: February 2018

Abstract. Aside from the direct surface cooling sulfate geoengineering (SG) would produce, the investigation on possible side-effects of this method is still ongoing, as for instance on upper tropospheric cirrus cloudiness. Goal of the present study is to better understand the SG thermo-dynamical effects on the homogeneous freezing ice formation process. This is done by comparing SG model simulations against a RCP4.5 reference case: in one case the aerosol-driven surface cooling is included and coupled to the stratospheric warming resulting from aerosol absorption of longwave radiation. In a second SG perturbed case, surface temperatures are kept unchanged with respect to the reference RCP4.5 case. Surface cooling and lower stratospheric warming, together, tend to stabilize the atmosphere, thus decreasing turbulence and water vapor updraft velocities (−10 % in our modeling study). The net effect is an induced cirrus thinning, which may then produce a significant indirect negative radiative forcing (RF). This would go in the same direction as the direct effect of solar radiation scattering by the aerosols, thus influencing the amount of sulfur needed to counteract the positive RF due to greenhouse gases. In our study, given a 8 Tg-SO2 equatorial injection in the lower stratosphere, an all-sky net tropopause RF of −2.13 W/m2 is calculated, of which −0.96 W/m2 (45 %) from the indirect effect on cirrus thinning (7.5 % reduction in ice optical depth). When the surface cooling is ignored, the ice optical depth reduction is lowered to 5 %, with an all-sky net tropopause RF of −1.45 W/m2, of which −0.21 W/m2 (14 %) from cirrus thinning. Relatively to the clear-sky net tropopause RF due to SG aerosols (−2.06 W/m2), the cumulative effect of background clouds and cirrus thinning accounts for −0.07 W/m2, due to close compensation of large positive shortwave (+1.85 W/m2) and negative longwave adjustments (−1.92 W/m2). When the surface cooling is ignored, the net cloud adjustment becomes +0.71 W/m2, with the shortwave contribution (+1.97 W/m2) significantly larger in magnitude than the longwave one (−1.26 W/m2). This highlights the importance of including all dynamical feedbacks of SG aerosols.
Monte Carlo method for determining uncertainty of total ozone derived from direct solar irradiance spectra: Application to Izaña results
Authors: Vaskuri Anna , Kärhä Petri , Egli Luca , Gröbner Julian , Ikonen Erkki
Published: February 2018

Abstract. We demonstrate a Monte Carlo model to calculate the uncertainties of total ozone column, TOC, derived from ground-based directional solar spectral irradiance measurements. The model takes into account effects that correlations in the spectral irradiance data may have on the results. The model is tested with spectral data measured with three different spectroradiometers at an intercomparison campaign of the research project Traceability for atmospheric total column ozone at Izaña, Tenerife on 17 September 2016. The TOC values derived at noon have expanded uncertainties of 1.3 % for a high-end scanning spectroradiometer, 1.3 % for a high-end array spectroradiometer, and 3.3 % for a roughly adopted instrument based on commercially available components and an array spectroradiometer. The level of TOC measured with reference Brewer spectrophotometer #183 is of the order of 282 DU during the analysed day and in agreement with the results of the two former instruments.
Peat decomposability in managed organic soils in relation to land use, organic matter composition and temperature
Authors: Bader Cédric , Müller Moritz , Schulin Rainer , Leifeld Jens
Published: February 2018

Abstract. Organic soils comprise a large yet fragile carbon (C) store in the global C cycle. Drainage, necessary for agriculture and forestry, triggers rapid decomposition of soil organic matter (SOM), typically increasing in the order forest < grassland < cropland. However, there is also large variation in decomposition due to differences in hydrological conditions, climate and specific management. Here we studied the role of SOM composition on peat decomposability in a variety of differently managed drained organic soils. We collected a total of 560 samples from 21 organic cropland, grassland and forest soils in Switzerland, monitored their CO2 emission rates in lab incubation experiments over 6 months at two temperatures (10 and 20 °C) and related them to various soil characteristics, including bulk density, pH, soil organic carbon (SOC) content and elemental ratios (C / N, H / C and O / C). CO2 release ranged from 6 to 195 mg CO2-C g−1 SOC at 10 °C and from 12 to 423 mg g−1 at 20 °C. This variation occurring under controlled conditions suggests that besides soil water regime, weather and management, SOM composition may be an underestimated factor that determines CO2 fluxes measured in field experiments. However, correlations between the investigated chemical SOM characteristics and CO2 emissions were weak. The latter also did not show a dependence on land-use type, although peat under forest was decomposed the least. High CO2 emissions in some topsoils were probably related to the accrual of labile crop residues. A comparison with published CO2 rates from incubated mineral soils indicated no difference in SOM decomposability between these soil classes, suggesting that accumulation of recent, labile plant materials that presumably account for most of the evolved CO2 is not systematically different between mineral and organic soils. In our data set, temperature sensitivity of decomposition (Q10 on average 2.57 ± 0.05) was the same for all land uses but lowest below 60 cm in croplands and grasslands. This, in turn, indicates a relative accumulation of recalcitrant peat in topsoils.
Tracking the direct impact of rainfall on groundwater at Mt. Fuji by multiple analyses including microbial DNA
Authors: Sugiyama Ayumi , Masuda Suguru , Nagaosa Kazuyo , Tsujimura Maki , Kato Kenji
Published: February 2018

Abstract. A total of 2 to 3 million tons of spring water flushes out from the foot of Mt. Fuji, the largest volcanic mountain in Japan. Based on the concept of piston flow transport, residence time of stored groundwater at Mt. Fuji was estimated at  ∼  15–30 years by the 36Cl ∕ Cl ratio (Tosaki et al., 2011). This range, however, represents the average residence time of groundwater that was mixed before it flushed out. To elucidate the route of groundwater in a given system, we determined signatures of direct impacts of rainfall on groundwater, using microbial, stable isotopic (δ18O), and chemical analyses (concentration of silica). Chemical analysis of the groundwater gave an average value of the water, which was already mixed with waters from various sources and routes in the subsurface environment. The microbial analysis suggested locations of water origin and paths. In situ observation during four rainfall events revealed that the stable oxygen isotopic signature obtained from spring water (at 726 m a.s.l., site SP-0 m) and shallow groundwater (at 150 m a.s.l., site GW-42 m), where the average recharge height from rainfall was 1700–1800 m, became greater than values observed prior to a torrential rain producing more than 300 mm of precipitation. The concentration of silica decreased after this event. In addition, the abundance of Bacteria in spring water increased, suggesting the influence of heavy rain. Such changes did not appear when rainfall was less than 100 mm per event. The above findings indicate a rapid flow of rain through the shallow part of the aquifer, which appeared within a few weeks of torrential rain extracting abundant microbes from soil in the studied geologic setting. Interestingly, we found that after the torrential rain, the abundance of Archaea increased in the deep groundwater at site GW-550 m,  ∼  12 km downstream of SP-0 m. However, chemical parameters did not show any change after the event. This suggests that strengthened piston flow caused by the heavy rain transported archaeal particles from the geologic layer along the groundwater route. This finding was supported by changes in constituents of Archaea, dominated by Halobacteriales and Methanobacteriales, which were not seen from other observations. Those two groups of Archaea are believed to be relatively tightly embedded in the geologic layer and were extracted from the environment to the examined groundwater through enforced piston flow. Microbial DNA can thus give information about the groundwater route, which may not be shown by analysis of chemical materials dissolved in the groundwater.
Phytoplankton size class in the East China Sea derived from MODIS satellite data
Authors: Zhang Hailong , Wang Shengqiang , Qiu Zhongfeng , Sun Deyong , Ishizaka Joji , Sun Shaojie , He Yijun
Published: February 2018

Abstract. The distribution of the phytoplankton size class (PSC) and the variations in the size classes are key to understanding ocean biogeochemical processes and ecosystem. Remote sensing of the PSC in the East China Sea (ECS) remains a challenge, although many PSC algorithms have been developed. Here based on a local dataset from the ECS, a regional model was tuned to infer the PSC from the spectral features of normalized phytoplankton absorption (αph) using a principal component analysis approach. Before applying the refined model to the real MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) data, reconstructing satellite Rrs at 412 and 443 nm becomes critical through modeling them from Rrs between 469 and 555 nm using multiple regression analyses. Satellite-derived PSC values compare well with those derived from pigment composition, which demonstrates the potential of satellite ocean color data to estimate PSC distributions in the ECS from space. The refined model was applied to αph derived from Rrs observations collected by MODIS over the ECS from 2003 to 2016. Seasonal images show that the PSC distribution was heterogeneous in both temporal and spatial scales. Seasonal variations of the PSC in the ECS were probably affected by a combination of the water column stability, upwelling, sea surface temperature, and the Kuroshio Current. Additionally, human activity and riverine discharge may also influence the PSC distributions in the ECS, especially in coastal regions.
Interannual sedimentary effluxes of alkalinity in the southern North
Sea: Model results compared with summer observations
Authors: Pätsch Johannes , Kühn Wilfried , Six Katharina D.
Published: February 2018

Abstract. For the sediments of the central and southern North Sea different sources of alkalinity generation are quantified by a regional modelling system for the period 2000–2014. For this purpose a formerly global ocean sediment model coupled with a pelagic ecosystem model is adopted to shelf sea dynamics where much larger turnover rates than in the open and deep ocean occurs. To track alkalinity changes due to different nitrogen-related processes the open ocean sediment model was extended by the state variables particulate organic nitrogen (PON) and ammonium. Directly measured and from Ra isotope flux observation derived alkalinity fluxes from the sediment into the pelagic are reproduced by the model system but calcite building and calcite dissolution are underestimated. Both fluxes cancel out in terms of alkalinity generation and consumption. Other simulated processes altering alkalinity in the sediment like net sulfate reduction, denitrification, nitrification and aerobic degradation are quantified and compare well with corresponding fluxes derived from observations. Most of these fluxes exhibit a strong positive gradient from the open North Sea to the coast where large rivers drain nutrients and organic matter. Atmospheric nitrogen deposition shows also a positive gradient from the open sea towards land and supports alkalinity generation in the sediments. An additional source of spatial variability is introduced by the use of a 3D-heterogenous porosity field. Due to realistic porosity variations (0.3–0.5) the alkalinity fluxes vary by about 4 %. The strongest impact on interannual variations of alkalinity fluxes exhibit the temporal varying nitrogen inputs from large rivers directly governing the nitrate concentrations in the coastal bottom water, thus, provide nitrate necessary for benthic denitrification. Over the time investigated the alkalinity effluxes decrease due to the decrease of the nitrogen supply by the rivers.
Regulation of N2O emissions from acid organic soil drained for agriculture: Effects of land use and season
Authors: Taghizadeh-Toosi Arezoo , Elsgaard Lars , Clough Tim , Labouriau Rodrigo , Petersen Søren Ole
Published: February 2018

Abstract. Organic soils are extensively under agricultural management for cereal and high-value cash crop production or as grazing land. Drainage and tillage is known to promote emissions of nitrous oxide (N2O), however, a previous monitoring program found that, in addition to effects of land use, annual N2O emissions from fields with rotational grass and potato showed distinct seasonal patterns. A new study was therefore conducted to investigate the regulation of N2O emissions in an area with raised bog and which was previously classified as a potentially acid sulfate soil. Four sites, i.e., two sites with rotational grass and two with a potato crop, were equipped for weekly monitoring of soil surface N2O emissions and sub-soil N2O concentrations to 1 m depth during spring and autumn 2015. Also, various environmental variables (precipitation, air and soil temperature, soil moisture, water table (WT) depth, and soil mineral N) were recorded. In late April and early September 2015, intact cores to 1 m depth were further collected at adjacent grassland and potato sites and analysed for pH, EC, nitrite (NO2−), total reactive Fe (TRFe), acid volatile S (AVS) and chromium-reducible S (CRS). The soil pH varied between 4.6 and 5.5. Total N2O emissions during 152–174 days were 4–10 kg N2O ha−1 for rotational grass, and 30–32 kg N2O ha−1 for arable sites with a potato crop. Soil N2O concentrations ranged from around 10 µL L−1 at grassland sites to several hundred µL L−1 at 50–100 cm depth at sites with potato. This reflected lower soil mineral N concentrations at grassland sites where probably competition from plants for available N was effective. Fertilisation had no immediate effect on N2O emissions, but effects appeared in connection with rainfall where the WT also rose toward the soil surface and N2O accumulated in the soil profile at all sites. Graphical models showed that the strongest predictor for N2O emissions from both grassland and potato sites in spring, and grassland sites in autumn, was soil N2O concentration near the WT depth. In contrast, for potato sites in autumn, nitrate (NO3−) in the top soil, together with temperature, controlled N2O emissions. The distribution of TRFe and NO2− in soil profiles suggested that chemodenitrification in the capillary fringe could be a significant source of N2O during WT drawdown in spring, while N2O emissions associated with the rapid soil wetting and WT rise in autumn may be attributed to biological denitrification. The concentration of TRFe in soil profiles was related to soil organic carbon, and much higher than concentrations of AVS, and thus iron oxides/hydroxides rather than iron sulfides were probably the source of TRFe. Controlling seasonal WT dynamics and soil mineral N accumulation appear to be important controls of N2O emissions in acid organic soil used for agriculture.
How does initial soil moisture influence the hydrological response? A
case study from southern France
Authors: Uber Magdalena , Vandervaere Jean-Pierre , Zin Isabella , Braud Isabelle , Heistermann Maik , Legoût Cédric , Molinié Gilles , Nord Guillaume
Published: February 2018

Abstract. The Cévennes-Vivarais region in southern France is prone to high intensity and long lasting rainfalls that can lead to flash floods which are one of the most hazardous natural risks in Europe. The results of numerous studies show that besides rainfall depth and intensity and catchment characteristics such as topography, geology, land use and hydraulic routing, the catchment's initial soil moisture also impacts the hydrological response to rain events. The aim of this paper is to analyze the relationship between catchment mean initial soil moisture θ~ini and the hydrological response that is quantified using the event-based runoff coefficient ϕev in the two nested catchments of the Gazel (3.4 km2) and the Claduègne (43 km2). To this end, two research questions are addressed: (1) How heterogeneous are soil moisture patterns in space and time and do they correlate with land use? (2) How does soil moisture at the event onset affect the hydrological response? The estimation of soil moisture at catchment scale is hindered by high spatial and temporal variability. A sampling setup including 45 permanently installed frequency domain reflectancy probes that continuously measure volumetric soil moisture at three depths is applied. Additionally, on-alert measurements of soil moisture in the topsoil at ≈ 10 locations in each one of 11 plots are conducted. Thus, catchment mean soil moisture can be confidently assessed with a standard error of the mean of ≤ 1.7 vol% over a wide range of soil moisture conditions. ϕev is calculated from high-resolution discharge and precipitation data for several rain events with a cumulative precipitation Pcum ranging from less than 5 mm to more than 80 mm. Because of the high uncertainty of ϕev associated to the hydrograph separation method, ϕev is calculated with several methods, including graphical methods, digital filters and a tracer based method. The results indicate that the hydrological response depends on θ~ini : the seasonal as well as the within-event discharge dynamics follow that of soil moisture. During dry conditions ϕev is consistently close to zero, even for events with high and intense precipitation. Above a threshold of θ~ini = 34 vol% ϕev can reach values up to 0.99 but there is a high scatter. Some variability can be explained with a weak correlation of ϕev with Pcum and rain intensity, but a considerable part of the variability remains unexplained. It is concluded that threshold-based methods can be helpful to prevent overestimation of the hydrological response during dry catchment conditions. The impact of soil moisture on the hydrological response during wet catchment conditions, however, is still insufficiently understood and cannot be generalized based on the present results.
Entrepreneurship and UK Doctoral Graduates
Authors: Hooley Tristram , Bentley Kieran , Marriott John
Published: February 2018

This paper discusses the experience of UK doctoral graduates in pursuing entrepreneurial careers: there is evidence that this applies to a substantial number – about 10% – of doctoral graduates. The nature of their experience was explored using 37 interviews with doctoral entrepreneurs. The research was funded by Vitae ( www.vitae.ac.uk ), an organization championing the personal, professional and career development of doctoral researchers and research staff in UK higher education. The stories that the participants tell suggest that doctoral entrepreneurship develops out of a complex interaction between the personality and skills of the entrepreneurs and the environment in which they operate. In particular, the authors argue that the participants have mobilized a mix of financial, social and educational capital in order to create and sustain their enterprises successfully.
Software: University Courses versus Workplace Practice
Authors: Liebenberg Janet , Huisman Magda , Mentz Elsa
Published: February 2018

There is a shortage of software developers with the right skills and knowledge, not only in South Africa but worldwide. Despite reports of a gap between industry needs and software education, the gap has mostly been explored in developed countries and in quantitative studies. This paper reports on a mixed methods study of the perceptions of professional software developers regarding what topics they learned from their formal education and the importance of these topics to their actual work. The analysis suggests that there is a gap between software development education and workplace practice and recommendations for software development education are made.
Exploring Tourists' Stated Preferences for Heritage Tourism Services – the Case of Tainan City, Taiwan
Authors: Chen Ching-Fu , Chen Pei-Chun
Published: February 2018

This study examines tourists' preferences and taste variations with regard to heritage service attributes and tourists' willingness to pay for service attributes in Tainan city, Taiwan, using a choice experiment approach. The results indicate that service attributes, such as outdoor catering services, longer operating hours and entrance fees, exhibit significant effects on tourists' preferences. Tourists appear to be willing to pay extra money to use more service attributes at heritage attractions.
The Polysemy of Khilal: A Cognitive Approach
Authors: Saeed Sameerah T.
Published: February 2018

This paper presents a cognitive analysis of the Arabic preposition khilāl “through” on the basis of Tyler & Evans’ (2001, 2003) model of Principled Polysemy. The study includes developing a semantic or polysemous network of khilāl through applying the criteria of this model, identifying its primary sense and distinct senses. The study also includes a contrastive analysis of the semantic networks of khilāl and the equivalent English preposition through in terms of their proto-scenes and the distinct senses associated with each. Analyses showed that both khilāl and through share the same proto-scene of a Trajector Traversing a bounded Landmark. Moreover, khilāl seems to have very limited uses comparing to through and this, as I assume, might be due to its restricted use in Modern Standard Arabic, decreasing as a result its pragmatic strengthening possibilities.
Objective Laws of Phenomenon of Metaphorization in Discourse
Authors: Safarova Aysel
Published: February 2018

The article consists of an introduction, method of investigation, discussion on text and discourse and determination of metaphorezation, description of metaphors, place of metaphorization in literary and linguistic study, text and discourse relations, study of metaphorezation, of a conclusion and reference, each of which has found its scientific and empiric substantiation.In the introduction the significance of the investigation from the view of comparative-contrastive method is noted, the study of the text theory and discourse, investigation of different linguistic elements used in the texts and discourses in different (English and Azerbaijani) languages are put forth as the aim of the investigation. In the introduction concise information on the study of discourse and text problems is given.In the part, dealing with method of investigation it is spoken of the usage of typological comparative-contrastive-descriptive method of investigation which is determined as the method of investigation.In the part of the article dealing with Discussion on text and Discourse and Determination of Metaphorization, different types of discourses, the role of metaphorization in these discourses and texts are touched upon. In this part discussion of theoretical concepts on metaphor and metaphorization find their reflections.In the part, speaking of the place of Metaphorization in literary and linguistic study it is pointed out that metaphorization is mainly a literary mechanism and for this reason its manifestation in literature is considered, the theory of metaphorezation is discussed.The subtitle, dealing with Text and Discourse Relations, Study of Metaphoriration, touches upon the determination of relations between text and discourse, their roles in speech and narrations, their mutual influence on each other, on the metaphorization and its functions, discussion on the theoretical view points of the scholars on these problems, manifestation of metaphors in literary texts and discourses. Extracts from both English and Azerbaijani literary pieces are introduced to illustrate the given theses.In the conclusion all the above—mentioned issues are summarized in the concise from.
English Language Teaching and Cultural Implications in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Farooq Muhammad Umar , Soomro Abdul Fatah , Soomro Abdul Fatah , Umer Muhammad , Umer Muhammad
Published: February 2018

Culture and language are inseparable. Language is used both as a means of communication as well as a carrier of culture. Language without culture is unthinkable, so is human culture without language (Wei, 2005). While teaching a foreign language, a teacher needs to accustom himself with the culture of the target language and the culture of learners. However, teachers in different classrooms in different parts of the world still ignore the importance of culture as a part of language study. This study focuses on perception and practices of teachers regarding culture and English language teaching in Saudi Arabia. The data were collected from 121 (60 male and 61 female) teachers of different cultural background through a questionnaire on their perceptions and implication of teaching target culture in the classroom through English language courses. It was revealed that all teachers have knowledge about the aspects of the target culture to some extent, but how they deal with the target culture is affected highly by the curricular considerations and limitations.
Russia’s Portrayal in the Mirror of International Mass Media: The Role of Cultural Context
Authors: Maximova Olga B.
Published: February 2018

The analysis of cultural context in media texts can contribute to understanding how national images are constructed in the international media discourse. The image of a country is better understood by the audience of another country when it is introduced through familiar cultural concepts and well-known experiences so that specific, culture-bound elements of the other culture are brought closer to the target audience.The research provides linguo-cultural analysis of Russia’s portrayal in political media discourse in English-speaking countries drawing on the approach to political discourse as the process of production and interpretation of a text in meaningful political, social and cultural context.The study is aimed at exploring British and U.S.A. mass media to reveal typical features of the English-language political discourse concerning Russia and to find out how Russia’s image is constructed. In the course of the study we examined culture-bound lexicon in texts of various genres of political discourse in mass media focusing on Russia. Further, the use of Russian culture-bound items without translation in British and American mass media was analyzed, and such items were classified into categories according to their contextual functions.The results indicate that Russia is deeply integrated into the cultural context of the English-speaking audience; it can be said that Russia’s image in the Anglophone political media discourse is outlined with the aid of various cultural-bound associative, connotative and metaphorical links which are familiar for native readers and serve them as a bridge facilitating their understanding and interpretation of Russian culture.
Language Competence of HSSC Level Students in Pakistan: Developing Writing Proficiency through Literature
Authors: Din Muhammad , Khan Muhammad Asif , Ghani Mamuna
Published: February 2018

Writing is a means of communication and part of everybody’s education. Writing as a medium of language has its special features. This study brings to light the fact that teaching English through literature does not render any substantive and positive pay off in developing and honing the ESL/EFL learners’ writing skill. In the Pakistani context, literature seems to be inadequate and improper language teaching tool at HSSC level. To achieve the set objectives of this study, the researcher went for the quantitative research methodology. So, a questionnaire comprising of four categories i.e., grammar, vocabulary, sentence structure and creative writing was designed to collect data from 600 subjects (male/female) of intermediate level. The researcher also conducted an achievement test so that a correlation might be drawn between their attitude towards “developing writing skill through literature” and the score of their achievement test. This study has also strived to categorize the subjects in accordance with their proficiency level and computed a pie chart to illustrate their proficiency level. The collected data were analyzed through software package (SPSS XX). The findings of this study explicitly reveal that the EFL learners remain unable to develop both the language skills (particularly writing skill) and language areas when they are taught English through literature. This study recommends that the teaching of English should be application oriented and task-based strategies and activities should be resorted to by the EL educators.
Exploring the Effects of Mobile-Based Audience Response System on EFL Students’ Learning and Engagement in a Fully Synchronous Online Course
Authors: Alghamdi Emad A. , Shah Sayyed Rashid
Published: February 2018

Innovative technologies, such as the Audience Response System (ARS) provide an opportunity to steer students into active engagement and meaningful discussions. Many previous studies on the use of ARS, mainly in large traditional classes, have accentuated the positive impact in terms of increased students’ learning and engagement through the incorporation of ARS into classroom practices. However, in synchronous online courses, wherein the lack of visual contact tends to stifle active engagement, the impact of using ARS is certainly worthy of investigation. Thus, in this mixed method study, online English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students’ perceptions concerning the use of mobile-based ARS (M-ARS) and its impact on enhancing their engagement, interactivity, and learning attainment were examined via a questionnaire whereas challenges pertaining to the use of M-ARS were solicited via semi-structured interviews. The results revealed that the implementation of M-ARS in online teaching correlate significantly with EFL students’ engagement and learning experience whereas qualitative analysis revealed some important points with regard to integrating M-ARS into online classrooms. Directions and suggestions for future research are offered.
The Relationship between Repeated Sprint Performance and Velocity Values during Loaded-Squat Jump Exercise
Authors: Can Ibrahim , Sadik Seda , Bayrakdaroglu Serdar
Published: February 2018

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between repeated sprint performance and velocity values during loaded-squat jump exercise. In accordance with this purpose, 23 kickboxing athletes (age: 21,1 ± 2,10 years; height: 178,7±5,01 cm; weight: 70,8±7,85 kg) participated voluntarily in this study. Participants were performed to repeated sprint test and loaded-squat jump exercise by using an external load corresponding to 40 % of their body weight and velocity parameters were obtained as mean velocity (MV), mean propulsive velocity (MPV) and peak velocity (PV). Descriptive statistics were used in analysis of data. In addition, Spearman Correlation Analysis was used to determine the relationship between repeated sprint performance and velocity values during loaded-squat jump exercise. According to the analysis results; while total running times and fatigue index values in repeated sprint test of subjects were obtained as 52.4 (±1.96 sec) and 4.98 (±2.36%) respectively; velocity values during loaded-squat jump exercise were obtained as 1.38 (±,07 m/s-1) for MP, 1.54 (±,10 m/s-1) for MPV, and 2.58 (±,15 m/s-1) for PV. In addition, it was determined that there was no any statistically significant difference between MP (r= - ,148; r= - ,072, p>0.05, respectively), MPV (r= - ,335; r= - ,150, p>0.05, respectively), PV (r= ,010; r= - ,034, p>0.05 respectively) and total running time and fatigue index values in repeated sprint test. As a result, it can be suggested that velocity values during loaded squat jump exercise have no statistically significant effect on repeated sprint performance.
Free speech as a cultural value in the United States
Authors: Alvarez Mauricio J. , Kemmelmeier Markus
Published: February 2018

Political orientation influences support for free speech, with liberals often reporting greater support for free speech than conservatives. We hypothesized that this effect should be moderated by cultural context: individualist cultures value individual self-expression and self-determination, and collectivist cultures value group harmony and conformity. These different foci should differently influence liberals and conservatives’ support for free speech within these cultures. Two studies evaluated the joint influence of political orientation and cultural context on support for free speech. Study 1, using a multilevel analysis of data from 37 U.S. states (n = 1,001), showed that conservatives report stronger support for free speech in collectivist states, whereas there were no differences between conservatives and liberals in support for free speech in individualist states. Study 2 (n = 90) confirmed this pattern by priming independent and interdependent self-construals in liberals and conservatives. Results demonstrate the importance of cultural context for free speech. Findings suggest that in the U.S. support for free speech might be embraced for different reasons: conservatives’ support for free speech appears to be motivated by a focus on collectively held values favoring free speech, while liberals’ support for free speech might be motivated by a focus on individualist self-expression.
Preventing perverse outcomes from global protected area policy. Shifting the focus from quantity to quality to avoid perverse outcomes.
Authors: Barnes Megan , Glew Louise , Wyborn Carina , Craigie Ian D.
Published: February 2018

Aichi Target 11 focuses on protected areas. While it has galvanized expansion of the global protected area (PA) network, we highlight a lack of evidence that enlarging systems of PAs alone is associated with real biodiversity gains. We examine how prioritizing more area risks unintended perverse consequences. We consider the incentives underpinning this misguided focus on PA extent and suggest a new paradigm for PA target development: shifting the focus from quantity to quality to achieve improved biodiversity outcomes.
Mineralogical and Geochemical Discrimination of the Occurrence and Genesis of Palygorskite in Eocene Sediments on the Northeastern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Ye Chengcheng , Yang Yibo , Fang Xiaomin , Hong Hanlie , Zhang Weilin , Yang Rongsheng , Song Bowen , Zhang Zhiguo
Published: February 2018

Palygorskite is a widely used indicator of semiarid to arid environments in paleoclimate studies. In this study, we present detailed mineralogical and geochemical investigations exploring the genesis of palygorskite found in Eocene fluvial sediment in the northern Qaidam Basin on the northeastern Tibetan Plateau. The presence of two types of palygorskite is revealed, based on their crystallinity characteristics and distinctive rare earth element (REE) patterns in the coexisting clay fraction. Well‐crystallized palygorskite samples are characterized by remarkably negative Ce anomalies and obvious middle rare earth element enrichment. Poorly crystallized palygorskite samples generally exhibit positive Ce anomalies and less pronounced middle rare earth element enrichment, which resemble those of nonpalygorskite‐bearing clay samples. Given the presence of an overall oxidized fluvial sedimentary environment, we attribute the well‐crystallized palygorskite (which has textures comprising long, interwoven fibers) to direct precipitation (i.e., neoformation) occurring within a reducing environment during early/postdepositional processes while the poorly crystallized palygorskite (which is characterized by short, club‐shaped single crystals) originates as catchment‐delivered detritus. These poorly crystallized palygorskites occur mostly in 49.5–47.0 Ma and are accompanied by decreasing kaolinite content, increasing chlorite content, and abundant xerophytic spore‐pollen from the Qaidam Basin, and its neighboring Xining Basin. Collectively, these evidences suggest that a less humid climate followed after the Early Eocene Climate Optimum.
High Pressure Phase Relations of a Depleted Peridotite Fluxed by CO2‐H2O‐Bearing Siliceous Melts and the Origin of Mid‐Lithospheric Discontinuity
Authors: Saha Sriparna , Dasgupta Rajdeep , Tsuno Kyusei
Published: February 2018

We present phase equilibria experiments on a depleted peridotite (Mg# 92) fluxed with variable proportions of a slab‐derived rhyolitic melt (with 9.4 wt.% H2O, 5 wt.% CO2), envisaging an interaction that could occur during formation of continents by imbrication of slabs/accretion of subarc mantles. Experiments were performed with 5 wt.% (Bulk 2) and 10 wt.% (Bulk 1) melt at 950–1175°C and 2–4 GPa using a piston‐cylinder and a multi‐anvil apparatus, to test the hypothesis that volatile‐bearing mineral‐phases produced during craton formation can cause reduction in aggregate shear‐wave velocities (VS) at mid‐lithospheric depths beneath continents. In addition to the presence of olivine, orthopyroxene, clinopyroxene, and garnet/spinel, phlogopite (Bulk 1: 3–7.6 wt.%; Bulk 2: 2.6–5 wt.%) at 2–4 GPa, and amphibole (Bulk 1: 3–9 wt.%; Bulk 2: 2–6 wt.%) at 2–3 GPa (≤1050°C) are also present. Magnesite (Bulk 1: ∼1 wt.% and Bulk 2: ∼0.6 wt.%) is present at 2–4 GPa (<1000°C at 3 and < 1050°C at 4 GPa) and its thermal breakdown coincides with the visual appearance of trace‐melt. However, an extremely small fraction of melt is inferred at all experiments based on the knowledge of fluid‐saturated peridotite solidus and the difference between bulk H2O and total H2O stored in the hydrous phases. Calculated mineral end‐member volume‐proportions were used to calculate VS of the resulting assemblage at experimental conditions and along representative continental geotherms (surface heat flow of 40–50 mWm−2). We note that reactive crystallization of phlogopite ± amphibole by infiltration of 3–10% slab‐derived hydrous‐silicic melt can cause up to 6% reduction in VS and that the estimated reduction in VS increases with increasing melt:rock ratio. The presence of phlogopite limits amphibole‐stability, making phlogopite a more likely candidate for MLDs at >100 km depth.
Polarization Characteristics Inferred From the Radio Receiver Instrument on the Enhanced Polar Outflow Probe
Authors: Danskin Donald W. , Hussey Glenn C. , Gillies Robert G. , James H. Gordon , Fairbairn David T. , Yau Andrew W.
Published: February 2018

The Radio Receiver Instrument (RRI) on the CAScade, Smallsat, and Ionospheric Polar Explorer/enhanced Polar Outflow Probe (CASSIOPE/e‐POP) satellite was used to receive continuous wave and binary phase shift keyed transmissions from a high‐frequency transmitter located in Ottawa, ON, Canada during April 2016 to investigate how the ionosphere affects the polarization characteristics of transionospheric high‐frequency radio waves. The spacecraft orientation was continuously slewed to maintain the dipole orientation in a plane perpendicular to the direction toward the transmitter, enabling the first in situ planar polarization determination for continuous wave and binary phase shift keyed modulated radio waves from space at times when the wave frequency is at least 1.58 times the plasma frequency. The Stokes parameters and polarization characteristics were derived from the measured data and interpreted using an existing ray tracing model. For the southern part of the passes, the power was observed to oscillate between the two dipoles of RRI, which was attributed to Faraday rotation of the radio waves. For the first time, a reversal in the rate of change of orientation angle was observed where the minimum in modeled Faraday rotation occurred. The reversal point was poleward of the point of closest approach between the satellite and transmitter; this was explained by the variations of total electron content and component of magnetic field along the direction of propagation. The received signals show both quasi‐longitudinal (QL) and quasi‐transverse characteristics. South of the transmitter the QL regime is dominant. Around the reversal point, a combination of QL and quasi‐transverse nature was observed.
Reconstruction of Local Sea Levels at South West Pacific Islands—A Multiple Linear Regression Approach (1988–2014)
Authors: Kumar V. , Melet A. , Meyssignac B. , Ganachaud A. , Kessler W. S. , Singh A. , Aucan J.
Published: February 2018

Rising sea levels are a critical concern in small island nations. The problem is especially serious in the western south Pacific, where the total sea level rise over the last 60 years has been up to 3 times the global average. In this study, we aim at reconstructing sea levels at selected sites in the region (Suva, Lautoka—Fiji, and Nouméa—New Caledonia) as a multilinear regression (MLR) of atmospheric and oceanic variables. We focus on sea level variability at interannual‐to‐interdecadal time scales, and trend over the 1988–2014 period. Local sea levels are first expressed as a sum of steric and mass changes. Then a dynamical approach is used based on wind stress curl as a proxy for the thermosteric component, as wind stress curl anomalies can modulate the thermocline depth and resultant sea levels via Rossby wave propagation. Statistically significant predictors among wind stress curl, halosteric sea level, zonal/meridional wind stress components, and sea surface temperature are used to construct a MLR model simulating local sea levels. Although we are focusing on the local scale, the global mean sea level needs to be adjusted for. Our reconstructions provide insights on key drivers of sea level variability at the selected sites, showing that while local dynamics and the global signal modulate sea level to a given extent, most of the variance is driven by regional factors. On average, the MLR model is able to reproduce 82% of the variance in island sea level, and could be used to derive local sea level projections via downscaling of climate models.
2015 American College of Rheumatology Workforce Study: Supply and Demand Projections of Adult Rheumatology Workforce, 2015–2030
Authors: Battafarano Daniel F. , Ditmyer Marcia , Bolster Marcy B. , Fitzgerald John D. , Deal Chad , Bass Ann R. , Molina Rodolfo , Erickson Alan R. , Hausmann Jonathan S. , Klein‐Gitelman Marisa , Imundo Lisa F. , Smith Benjamin J. , Jones Karla , Greene Kamilah , Monrad Seetha U.
Published: February 2018

Objective

To describe the character and composition of the 2015USadult rheumatology workforce, evaluate workforce trends, and project supply and demand for clinical rheumatology care for 2015–2030.

Methods

The 2015 Workforce Study of Rheumatology Specialists in theUSused primary and secondary data sources to estimate the baseline adult rheumatology workforce and determine demographic and geographic factors relevant to workforce modeling. Supply and demand was projected through 2030, utilizing data‐driven estimations regarding the proportion and clinical full‐time equivalent (FTE) of academic versus nonacademic practitioners.

Results

The 2015 adult workforce (physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants) was estimated to be 6,013 providers (5,415 clinicalFTE). At baseline, the estimated demand exceeded the supply of clinicalFTEby 700 (12.9%). By 2030, the supply of rheumatology clinical providers is projected to fall to 4,882 providers, or 4,051 clinicalFTE(a 25.2% decrease in supply from 2015 baseline levels). Demand in 2030 is projected to exceed supply by 4,133 clinicalFTE(102%).

Conclusion

The adult rheumatology workforce projections reflect a major demographic and geographic shift that will significantly impact the supply of the future workforce by 2030. These shifts include baby‐boomer retirements, a millennial predominance, and an increase of female and part‐time providers, in parallel with an increased demand for adult rheumatology care due to the growing and agingUSpopulation. Regional and innovative strategies will be necessary to manage access to care and reduce barriers to care for rheumatology patients.
Influence of Transient Liquid Phase Promoting Additives upon Reactive Plasma Spraying of AlN Coatings and Its Properties
Authors: Shahien Mohammed , Yamada Motohiro , Fukumoto Masahiro
Published: February 2018

The feasibility of using a transient liquid phase promoting agent upon reactive plasma spraying (RPS) of AlN coatings in atmospheric ambient is successfully investigated. Several sprayable fine AlN–Al2O3–Y2O3 mixtures with different compositions are prepared by spray‐drying. Upon plasma spraying in N2/H2 plasma, thick and homogeneous AlN based coatings (h‐AlN, c‐AlN, γ‐Al2O3, Al5O6N, α‐Al2O3, and YAG) are fabricated. Fine Y2O3 acts as transient liquid phase promoting additive, and reacts with Al2O3 phase (from feedstock mixture and on AlN particles surface) to create wetting agent of yttrium aluminate Y–Al–O around solid AlN particles. However, due to rapid solidification rates of plasma, it is difficult to react with the interspersed oxygen in AlN grains. The Y2O3 addition significantly reduces the coatings oxide content due to the consumption of starting Al2O3 to form the YAG. Influence of Y2O3 significantly observes with increasing AlN feedstock and high AlN content coatings with small oxides are fabricated by RPS of 80AlN–10Al2O3–10Y2O3 mixture. Thermal conductivity is improved with using Y2O3 and increasing AlN feedstock. However, the conductivity is not so high compared to the AlN compacts, due to increased porosity, incomplete sintering of the formed initial liquid phase state, remaining oxide content, and low density of the coatings.
bFGF and Poly‐RGD Cooperatively Establish Biointerface for Stem Cell Adhesion, Proliferation, and Differentiation
Authors: Jiang Nan , Wang Yong , Yin Yi‐Xia , Wei Rui‐Peng , Ying Guo‐Liang , Li Bin‐Bin , Qiu Tong , van Rijn Patrick , Tian Ge , Yan Qiong‐Jiao , Dai Hong‐Lian , Busscher Henk J. , Li Shi‐Pu , Yetisen Ali K. , Yang Xiao‐Yu
Published: February 2018

Biointerface design is widely used to functionalize biomaterials with controllable physicochemical properties. Functionalized biointerface provides a versatile platform to connect biological entities and nonbiogenic materials. Existing nanofabrication approaches to create such a nanostructured biointerface involve in low stability of the functionalized nanolayer and simple functionalities that limit its applicability. Here, a stable nanolayered synthetic polypeptide (poly[LA‐co‐(Glc‐alt‐Lys)] and modified with arginine‐glycine‐aspartic acid, PRGD)/basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) biointerface is created via structural matching, charge interaction, and hydrogen bonding. The cooperative effect of the PRGD/bFGF biointerface shows multiple functionalities in promoting stem cell adhesion by 33% increase in cell adhesion to poly(d,l‐lactic acid) substrate as compared to experiments on bare substrate as a control. Moreover, the biointerface enhances proliferation by 40% in cell density, potential differentiation by 62%, and gene expression by 40 and 80% respectively as compared to the control samples. The fabricated biointerface may have applications in nerve regeneration, tissue repair, and stem cell‐based therapy.