bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lukisan Cadas: Simbolis Orang Maluku
Authors: Wattimena Lucas
Published: March 2017

Rock paintings in Moluccas has a core meaning and symbols in the life cycle of Moluccans in the past, present and future-future. Archaeological remains of rock paintings is a cultural interpretation of the past, where the construction of the values contained therein are an integral part of the social system of human culture the people of Moluccas. The values contained is the value of kinship, religion, grouping, knowledge, survival (survival strategy). Rock paintings in Ohoidertawun, Wamkana and Gulf Saleman have hinted that there are phases of any future development of human society. Research on how the rock paintings as archaeological remains, as the impact of the cultural value system and the structure of the rock painting itself. Performed in order to determine the value of the cultural and social system structure Moluccans rock paintings. The study of literature become the main reference of the study, with emphasis on past and present the data. From the research results prove that the archaeological remains of rock paintings have been contributing to the sociocultural meaning people of Moluccas, including the meaning of identity, culture and plurality or diversity.Lukisan cadas di Maluku memiliki inti makna dan simbol dalam siklus hidup Orang Maluku pada masa lampau, sekarang dan masa-masa yang akan datang. Tinggalan arkeologi lukisan cadas merupakan interprestasi kebudayaan masa lampau, dimana konstruksi nilai yang terkandung didalamnya adalah bagian integral dari sistim sosial budaya manusia masyarakat Maluku. Nilai-nilai yang terkandung adalah nilai kekerabatan, religi, pengelompokkan, pengetahuan, bertahan hidup (survival strategy). Lukisan cadas yang ada di Ohoidertawun, Wamkana dan Teluk Saleman telah memberikan petunjuk bahwa ada fase-fase perkembangan masyarakat manusia setiap masa. Penelitian tentang bagaimana lukisan cadas sebagai tinggalan arkeologis, sebagai dampak sistem nilai budaya dan struktur lukisan cadas itu sendiri. Dilakukan dengan tujuan untuk mengetahui sistem sosial nilai budaya dan struktur lukisan cadas Orang Maluku. Studi literatur menjadi acuan utama penelitian tersebut, dengan mengutamakan data terdahulu dan kini. Dari hasil penelitian membuktikan bahwa tinggalan arkeologis lukisan cadas telah memberikan kontribusi makna bagi sosial budaya Orang Maluku, diantaranya makna identitas, peradaban dan pluralitas atau kemajemukan.
Makam Tradisional Etnis Cina di Kota Ambon
Authors: Alputila Cheviano E.
Published: March 2017

Ethnic Chinese have a long history around the world. As a people renowned for their versatility in the trade, this community can be found anywhere. Ambon city is one of the many areas in the past inhabited by the ethnic Chinese community. Evidence of their existence in the past in Ambon today can be observed from traditional Chinese tombs are scattered in several locations. In addition to functioning as an initial step in the record of its existence this paper serves to reveal the importance of the existence of traditional Chinese tomb in the city of Ambon. The method used is a survey, interviews, and literature review. From the survey results it is known that the traditional Chinese grave condition as a whole in the city of Ambon was on the verge of collapse and require serious attention of all parties. Loyalty to the ancestral customs of the people of China still run by the Chinese community in the city of Ambon. This is reflected in the traditional Chinese tomb suitability components in common with traditional Chinese tomb in the city of Ambon.Etnis Cina memiliki sejarah yang panjang di seluruh dunia. Sebagai orang-orang yang terkenal karena kepandaiannya dalam berdagang, komunitas ini dapat ditemukan dimana saja. Kota Ambon adalah satu dari sekian banyak daerah yang pada masa lalu didiami oleh masyarakat Etnis Cina. Bukti keberadaan mereka pada masa lalu di Ambon saat ini dapat diamati dari makam-makam tradisional Cina yang tersebar di beberapa lokasi. Selain berfungsi sebagai langkah awal dalam mendata keberadaannya tulisan ini berfungsi untuk mengungkap nilai penting keberadaan makam tradisional Cina di Kota Ambon. Metode yang digunakan yaitu survei, wawancara, dan penelusuran pustaka. Dari hasil survei diketahui bahwa kondisi makam tradisional Cina secara keseluruhan di Kota Ambon berada di ambang kehancuran dan membutuhkan perhatian serius dari semua pihak. Kesetiaan terhadap adat istiadat leluhur Cina tetap dijalankan oleh masyarakat komunitas Tionghoa di Kota Ambon. Hal ini  tercermin  dari kesesuaian komponen makam tradisional Cina secara umum dengan makam tradisional Cina di Kota Ambon.
Perception of Canine Welfare Concerns among Veterinary Students, Practitioners, and Behavior Specialists in Spain
Authors: Luño Isabel , Palacio Jorge , García-Belenguer Sylvia , González-Martínez Ángela , Rosado Belén
Published: March 2017

Veterinarians are well placed to supervise and ensure canine welfare. However, the perception of animal welfare among veterinarians may vary depending on the level of training and professional practice, including the specialization in animal behavior and welfare. The aim of this study was to survey the perception of canine welfare among veterinarians, including students, practitioners, and behavior specialists. A scale-based questionnaire including 12 issues affecting canine welfare was adapted from Yeates and Main and distributed to first-year (n=50) and fifth-year veterinary students (n=50), as well as veterinary practitioners (n=260) and specialists in behavioral medicine (n=50). For each issue, respondents were asked to rate how much they perceived each issue to affect canine welfare (on a scale of 0 to 4). A General Linear Model test was used to assess the effect of the studied group on scores. “Physical abuse or cruelty” was the highest-scoring problem in all groups and “breed-related conditions” was the lowest. In general, specialists in behavioral medicine assigned significantly higher scores to most items, particularly “behavioral problems” and “lack of sufficient company.” In contrast, fifth-year students assigned significantly lower scores to most items. This study shows that situations clearly affecting canine welfare represent an important concern for veterinarians, both undergraduates and professionals. However, the level of professional experience and specialization might influence the perception of more subtle examples of poor welfare. Raising awareness regarding canine welfare, including concern for breed- or behavior-related problems, should be emphasized within university programs.
Adverse Childhood Experiences among Veterinary Medical Students: A Multi-Site Study
Authors: Strand Elizabeth B. , Brandt Jennifer , Rogers Kenita , Fonken Laurie , Chun Ruthanne , Conlon Peter , Lord Linda
Published: March 2017

This research explores Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) among veterinary medical students across six academic institutions of veterinary medicine, and their relationship with depression, stress, and desire to become a veterinarian. Between April 1, 2016, and May 23, 2016, 1,118 veterinary medical students in all 4 years of the curriculum (39% response rate) completed an anonymous web-based questionnaire about ACEs, depression using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale (CESD), stress using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and the age at which they wanted to become a veterinarian. Sixty-one percent (677) of respondents reported having at least one ACE. The most prevalent ACE reported was living with a household member with a mental illness (31%). Students who had experienced four or more ACEs had an approximately threefold increase in signs of clinical depression and higher than average stress when compared to students who had experienced no ACEs. The number of ACEs showed an overall graded relationship to signs of clinical depression and higher than average stress. There was no statistically significant relationship between age at which a student wanted to become a veterinarian and exposure to ACEs. Veterinary students report being exposed to ACEs before age 18 at a rate similar to that of other population-based studies. These findings do not suggest that veterinary students enter the veterinary medical education system more at risk for poor mental health due to ACEs than the general population.
Decomposing Bhasin v Hrynew : Towards an institutional understanding of the general organizing principle of good faith in contractual performance
Authors: Bertolini Daniele
Published: March 2017

In Bhasin v Hrynew, the Supreme Court of Canada recognized good faith in contractual performance to be a ‘general organizing principle’ of the common law of contract. The true impact of Bhasin on the future development of Canadian contract law remains the subject of considerable debate among legal scholars and practitioners. This article explores Bhasin’s evolutionary impact on the Canadian common law of contract, by providing an institutional understanding of the general organizing principle of good faith in contractual performance. It is contended that Bhasin’s contribution to the common law of contract is institutional rather than substantive – Bhasin fundamentally alters the organization of the sources of contract law by introducing a new law-making mechanism (that is, ‘law-making through good faith’) that is separate from, and potentially supersedes, the traditional doctrine of precedent. To support the central claim that Bhasin’s contribution is institutional rather than substantive, I employ three different kinds of arguments that correspond to three distinct, but closely related, dimensions of the principle of good faith in contractual performance: (a) semantic structure; (b) historical origins; and (c) economic function. Although these three lines of inquiry rest on quite different methodological premises, they converge in supporting the central idea that good faith performance is best understood as an institutional mechanism to allocate law-making power rather than a substantive legal principle.
Backcalculation of Flexible Pavement Layer Moduli from Traffic Speed Deflectometer Data
Authors: Nasimifar Mahdi , Thyagarajan Senthilmurugan , Sivaneswaran Nadarajah
Published: March 2017

In the past few years, state transportation departments in the United States have been investigating the potential use of the traffic speed deflectometer (TSD) in routine network-level pavement structural evaluation, including efforts to compute parameters typically obtained with the falling weight deflectometer (FWD). However, differences in loading configuration (single plate versus dual tires) and mechanism (impact versus moving load) between the FWD and the TSD necessitate modification of conventional analysis methodologies for use with TSD data. The TSD is a trailer truck that uses Doppler lasers to measure the pavement deflection velocities at normal traffic speed. Deflection velocities are then converted to surface deflections with a computational algorithm. This study proposes two approaches to backcalculating layer moduli from the TSD data. The first method uses 3D-Move software and deflection velocities measured directly by the TSD. The 3D-Move software can closely simulate TSD loading by considering moving load, nonuniform contact pressure of the dual tires, and viscoelastic material properties of asphalt layers. The second method uses TSD-computed surface deflections in a linear elastic analysis backcalculation program modified to incorporate a dual-tire configuration. The two methods were evaluated with field data from the MnROAD test facility and two in-service pavement sections in Pennsylvania and Idaho. The results show that the second method can be reliably used in network-level applications until the first method becomes computationally practical. The limitations of use of the TSD deflection measurement in the conventional FWD backcalculation program was also demonstrated.
The Hijacking of German Ordoliberalism
Authors: Young Brigitte
Published: March 2017

The purpose of this Special Issue is to shed light on to the theoretical thicket of the ideational origin and narrative of German orodliberalism and ask whether the ideas of ordoliberalism function as a coherent repertoire or blueprint for Eurozone crisis management. It may have been unintended by German political actors, but the ideas of ordoliberalism have been catapulated from an internationally largely forgotten school of economic thought into the limelight and controversy over Germany's suppposedly insistence on rule-based ordoliberal approach, the authors of this Special Issue hope to start a more nuanced debate on the strength and weakness of ordoliberalism as a theoretical and policy paradugm. The articles of leading German experts on ordoliberalism should at least provide a starting point for an informed discussion.
Tales from the Timeline: Experiments with Narrative on Twitter
Authors: Thomas Bronwen
Published: March 2017

This article will provide an overview of the state of the art of contemporary forms of Twitterfiction, discussing the varieties and genres that have emerged to date, and considering the extent to which they could be described as ‘experimental’ based on existing theory. The article will argue that the most innovative examples of Twitterfiction play with key features and affordances of Twitter, but that this in itself may not constitute the kind of artistic experimentation that fundamentally disrupts or changes readers' perceptions or expectations. Moving beyond the current preoccupation with examples of Twitterfiction as ‘short bursts of beauty’, the article will examine whether Twitter can support more sustained and immersive forms of narrative. It will also argue that in order to understand how these fictions work on Twitter we need to look at the narrative environment more broadly, to fully appreciate how these narratives impact on our daily lives, while also (re)connecting us with existing and traditional patterns and practices.
Reading the Self in Selfies
Authors: Westley Hannah
Published: March 2017

Responding to recent scholarship from auto/biography and media studies, this article situates the selfie as a text which makes meaning through its placement in a narrative framework. Considering how our online representation interacts with traditional means of self-representation, the article focuses on how this affects the way we understand the key concepts of narrative and identity. To what extent are selfies the most recent incarnation of Lejeune's autobiographical pact, relocating the problematics of autobiography as genre as an interaction between reader and text? What we refer to as a selfie refers to the act of taking a picture, the picture itself and the placement of that picture within specific technologies of exhibition and archiving. Like the selfie, identity is both a practice and a product and critics must be more attentive to this distinction.
Modeling and Realization of a Bearingless Flux-Switching Slice Motor
Authors: Gruber Wolfgang , Radman Karlo
Published: March 2017

This work introduces a novel bearingless slice motor design: the bearingless flux-switching slice motor. In contrast to state-of-the-art bearingless slice motors, the rotor in this new design does not include any permanent rotor magnets. This offers advantages for disposable devices, such as those used in the medical industry, and extends the range of bearingless slice motors toward high-temperature applications. In this study, our focus is on the analytical modeling of the suspension force torque generation of a single coil and the bearingless motor. We assessed motor performance in relation to motor topology by applying performance factors. A prototype motor was optimized, designed, and manufactured. We also presented the state-of-the-art nonlinear feedback control scheme used. The motor was operated, and both static and dynamic measurements were taken on a test bench, thus successfully demonstrating the functionality and applicability of the novel bearingless slice motor concept.
Flight Dynamics and Control Using Folding Wingtips: An Experimental Study
Authors: Mills Josh , Ajaj Rafic
Published: March 2017

This paper presents an experimental investigation on using FOLDing wingtips sERving as cONtrol effectorS (FOLDERONS) for a mini Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). A representative off-the-shelf mini-UAV with a conventional configuration was selected. The main theme of this paper is to utilise FOLDERONS as a control effector (mainly in roll) to augment the control authority of conventional control surfaces. Furthermore, the impact of actuation rate on the effectiveness of FOLDERONS is assessed. The paper describes the preliminary and detailed design and sizing of the morphing wing. In addition, the manufacturing of the wing system and its integration with the UAV are addressed. Wind-tunnel testing in the RJ Mitchell wind-tunnel at the University of Southampton was performed. Both static (straight and sideslip) and dynamic (straight flight) tests are conducted at a range of airspeeds and Angles Of Attack (AOAs). The impact of folding wingtips on the lateral and directional stability is analysed. The main finding of this paper is that FOLDERONS are effective (especially at large dynamic pressure and AOAs) in controlling the lateral and directional stability. Finally, this study shows that FOLDERONS cannot fully replace conventional ailerons especially at low dynamic pressures, and their strong dependence on the AOA makes them prone to a roll reversal phenomena when the wing (and FOLDERONS) is operating at negative AOAs.
Integrated Design of Hybrid Interstory-Interbuilding Multi-Actuation Schemes for Vibration Control of Adjacent Buildings under Seismic Excitations
Authors: Palacios-Quiñonero Francisco , Rubió-Massegú Josep , Rossell Josep , Karimi Hamid
Published: March 2017

The design of vibration control systems for the seismic protection of closely adjacent buildings is a complex and challenging problem. In this paper, we consider distributed multi-actuation schemes that combine interbuilding linking elements and interstory actuation devices. Using an advanced static output-feedback H ∞ approach, active and passive vibration control systems are designed for a multi-story two-building structure equipped with a selected set of linked and unlinked actuation schemes. To validate the effectiveness of the obtained controllers, the corresponding frequency responses are investigated and a proper set of numerical simulations is conducted using the full scale North–South El Centro 1940 seismic record as ground acceleration disturbance. The observed results indicate that using combined interstory-interbuilding multi-actuation schemes is an effective means of mitigating the vibrational response of the individual buildings and, simultaneously, reducing the risk of interbuilding pounding. These results also point out that passive control systems with high-performance characteristics can be designed using damping elements.
Empirical Mode Decomposition of Ultrasound Imagingfor Gain-Independent Measurement on Tissue Echogenicity: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Zhou Zhuhuang , Wu Weiwei , Wu Shuicai , Jia Kebin , Tsui Po-Hsiang
Published: March 2017

Empirical mode decomposition (EMD) is an adaptive method for decomposing a signal into intrinsic mode functions (IMFs).This study explored using EMD of ultrasound imaging for gain-independent measurements on tissue echogenicity. The IMF-based echogenicity ratio (IER) was proposed using the first (C1) and second IMFs (C2) of ultrasound radiofrequency data. Experiments on lipid phantoms were conducted to investigate the practical performance of IER. Phantoms with lipid concentrations 0%–30% (n = 36) were scanned using a clinical ultrasound scanner to acquire the radiofrequency data under different gains (12–33 dB) for EMD and IER calculations. Experiments on a tissue-mimicking phantom were further performed using the same ultrasound system and data acquisition procedure to investigate the effect of ultrasound frequency on the IER at5–8 MHz.Experimental results showed that the IER measured under 33-dB gain decreased from 6.65 ± 0.23 to 3.97 ± 0.10 when the lipid concentrations were increased from 0% to 30%. When 12-dB gain was used, the IER decreased from 6.21 ± 0.29 to 3.39 ± 0.07. However, whenincreasing the frequency, the IER had a mean decreasing rate of −8.67% per MHz, which was lower than those of the C1 and C2 intensities.The proposed IER may allow gain-independent measurement on tissue echogenicity.
A Substrate-Reclamation Technology for GaN-Based Lighting-Emitting Diodes Wafer
Authors: Huang Shih-Yung , Lin Po-Jung
Published: March 2017

This study reports on the use of a substrate-reclamation technology for a gallium nitride (GaN)-based lighting-emitting diode (LED) wafer. There are many ways to reclaim sapphire substrates of scrap LED wafers. Compared with a common substrate-reclamation method based on chemical mechanical polishing, this research technology exhibits simple process procedures, without impairing the surface morphology and thickness of the sapphire substrate, as well as the capability of an almost unlimited reclamation cycle. The optical performances of LEDs on non-reclaimed and reclaimed substrates were consistent for 28.37 and 27.69 mcd, respectively.
Microwave-Assisted Alkali Pre-Treatment, Densification and Enzymatic Saccharification of Canola Straw and Oat Hull
Authors: Agu Obiora , Tabil Lope , Dumonceaux Tim
Published: March 2017

The effects of microwave-assisted alkali pre-treatment on pellets’ characteristics and enzymatic saccharification for bioethanol production using lignocellulosic biomass of canola straw and oat hull were investigated. The ground canola straw and oat hull were immersed in distilled water, sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide solutions at two concentrations (0.75% and 1.5% w/v) and exposed to microwave radiation at power level 713 W and three residence times (6, 12 and 18 min). Bulk and particle densities of ground biomass samples were determined. Alkaline-microwave pre-treated and untreated samples were subjected to single pelleting test in an Instron universal machine, pre-set to a load of 4000 N. The measured parameters, pellet density, tensile strength and dimensional stability were evaluated and the results showed that the microwave-assisted alkali pre-treated pellets had a significantly higher density and tensile strength compared to samples that were untreated or pre-treated by microwave alone. The chemical composition analysis showed that microwave-assisted alkali pre-treatment was able to disrupt and break down the lignocellulosic structure of the samples, creating an area of cellulose accessible to cellulase reactivity. The best enzymatic saccharification results gave a high glucose yield of 110.05 mg/g dry sample for canola straw ground in a 1.6 mm screen hammer mill and pre-treated with 1.5% NaOH for 18 min, and a 99.10 mg/g dry sample for oat hull ground in a 1.6 mm screen hammer mill and pre-treated with 0.75% NaOH for 18 min microwave-assisted alkali pre-treatments. The effects of pre-treatment results were supported by SEM analysis. Overall, it was found that microwave-assisted alkali pre-treatment of canola straw and oat hull at a short residence time enhanced glucose yield.
Immobilization of Titanium(IV) Oxide onto 3D Spongin Scaffolds of Marine Sponge Origin According to Extreme Biomimetics Principles for Removal of C.I. Basic Blue 9
Authors: Szatkowski Tomasz , Siwińska-Stefańska Katarzyna , Wysokowski Marcin , Stelling Allison , Joseph Yvonne , Ehrlich Hermann , Jesionowski Teofil
Published: March 2017

The aim of extreme biomimetics is to design a bridge between extreme biomineralization and bioinspired materials chemistry, where the basic principle is to exploit chemically and thermally stable, renewable biopolymers for the development of the next generation of biologically inspired advanced and functional composite materials. This study reports for the first time the use of proteinaceous spongin-based scaffolds isolated from marine demosponge Hippospongia communis as a three-dimensional (3D) template for the hydrothermal deposition of crystalline titanium dioxide. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) assisted with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) mapping, low temperature nitrogen sorption, thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), and attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared (ATR–FTIR) spectroscopy are used as characterization techniques. It was found that, after hydrothermal treatment crystalline titania in anatase form is obtained, which forms a coating around spongin microfibers through interaction with negatively charged functional groups of the structural protein as well as via hydrogen bonding. The material was tested as a potential heterogeneous photocatalyst for removal of C.I. Basic Blue 9 dye under UV irradiation. The obtained 3D composite material shows a high efficiency of dye removal through both adsorption and photocatalysis.
Tailoring Climate Parameters to Information Needs for Local Adaptation to Climate Change
Authors: Hackenbruch Julia , Kunz-Plapp Tina , Müller Sebastian , Schipper Janus
Published: March 2017

Municipalities are important actors in the field of local climate change adaptation. Stakeholders need scientifically sound information tailored to their needs to make local assessment of climate change effects. To provide tailored data to support municipal decision-making, climate scientists must know the state of municipal climate change adaptation, and the climate parameters relevant to decisions about such adaptation. The results of an empirical study in municipalities in the state of Baden-Wuerttemberg in Southwestern Germany showed that adaptation is a relatively new topic, but one of increasing importance. Therefore, past weather events that caused problems in a municipality can be a starting point in adaptation considerations. Deduction of tailored climate parameters has shown that, for decisions on the implementation of specific adaptation measures, it also is necessary to have information on specific parameters not yet evaluated in climate model simulations. We recommend intensifying the professional exchange between climate scientists and stakeholders in collaborative projects with the dual goals of making practical adaptation experience and knowledge accessible to climate science, and providing municipalities with tailored information about climate change and its effects.
Comparative Study of Different Stochastic Weather Generators for Long-Term Climate Data Simulation
Authors: Mehan Sushant , Guo Tian , Gitau Margaret , Flanagan Dennis C.
Published: March 2017

Climate is one of the single most important factors affecting watershed ecosystems and water resources. The effect of climate variability and change has been studied extensively in some places; in many places, however, assessments are hampered by limited availability of long-term continuous climate data. Weather generators provide a means of synthesizing long-term climate data that can then be used in natural resource assessments. Given their potential, there is the need to evaluate the performance of the generators; in this study, three commonly used weather generators—CLImate GENerator (CLIGEN), Long Ashton Research Station Weather Generator (LARS-WG), and Weather Generators (WeaGETS) were compared with regard to their ability to capture the essential statistical characteristics of observed data (distribution, occurrence of wet and dry spells, number of snow days, growing season temperatures, and growing degree days). The study was based on observed 1966–2015 weather station data from the Western Lake Erie Basin (WLEB), from which 50 different realizations were generated, each spanning 50 years. Both CLIGEN and LARS-WG performed fairly well with respect to representing the statistical characteristics of observed precipitation and minimum and maximum temperatures, although CLIGEN tended to overestimate values at the extremes. This generator also overestimated dry sequences by 18%–30% and snow-day counts by 12%–19% when considered over the entire WLEB. It (CLIGEN) was, however, well able to simulate parameters specific to crop growth such as growing degree days and had an added advantage over the other generators in that it simulates a larger number of weather variables. LARS-WG overestimated wet sequence counts across the basin by 15%–38%. In addition, the optimal growth period simulated by LARS-WG also exceeded that obtained from observed data by 16%–29% basin-wide. Preliminary results with WeaGETS indicated that additional evaluation is needed to better define its parameters. Results provided insights into the suitability of both CLIGEN and LARS-WG for use with water resource applications.
Effect of Global-GAP Policy on Climate Change Perceptions of Smallholder French Beans Farmers in Central and Eastern Regions, Kenya
Authors: Otieno Peter , Ogutu Chris , Mburu John , Nyikal Rose
Published: March 2017

The risks posed by climate change to Sub Saharan Africa’s (SSA) smallholder fresh export fruit and vegetables production are amplifying the significance of farmers’ climate change perceptions in enhancing adoption of suitable adaptation strategies. Production of fresh export fruit and vegetables in Kenya has increasingly been done under the Global-GAP standard scheme by smallholder farmers to improve both environmental conservation and market access. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of Global-GAP policy on climate change perceptions of smallholder French beans farmers. The analysis was based on data collected from a random sample of 616 households interviewed in the Central and Eastern regions of Kenya. The study used principal component analysis (PCA) to extract farmers’ key prevailing climate change perceptions and logit regression model to examine the effect of Global-GAP policy on climate change perceptions among other socio-economic factors. The PCA analysis extracted three components proxying for ‘droughts’, ‘delay in rainy seasons’, ‘diseases and pests’ and three proxying for ‘hot days’, ‘floods’, and ‘diseases and pests’ as summarizing maximum variance in the perceptions in the Central and Eastern region respectively. The common, study area-wide climate change perception was identified as incidence of diseases and pest. Logit regression analysis found that Global-GAP policy significantly influenced and improved farmers’ probability of perceiving climate change. Other factors found to influence farmers’ probability of having the identified climate change perceptions included regional specificity, access to agricultural extension service, access to credit, plot size, and soil fertility. The policy implication of this study is that the government and service providers should mainstream factors like Global-GAP compliance and regional considerations found to improve probability of perceiving climate change in awareness creation extension strategies, towards enhancing adoption of adaptation measures in the smallholder fruits and vegetables farming sector.
Fabrication and Characterization of AlxCoFeNiCu1−x High Entropy Alloys by Laser Metal Deposition
Authors: Chen Xueyang , Yan Lei , Karnati Sreekar , Zhang Yunlu , Liou Frank
Published: March 2017

High entropy alloys are multicomponent alloys that have at least five different principal elements as alloying elements. Each of these elements has an atomic percentage between 5% and 35%. Typically, they form body-centered cubic (bcc) or face-centered cubic (fcc) structure and are known to possess excellent mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, excellent electric and magnetic properties. Owing to their excellent corrosion and wear resistance, researchers are focusing on employing these materials as coatings. In this research, Laser Metal Deposition (LMD) was used to fabricate AlxCoFeNiCu1−x (x = 0.25, 0.5, 0.75) high entropy alloys from elemental powder based feedstocks. Thin wall claddings fabricated via LMD were characterized by a variety of techniques. Data from X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Electron Back Scatter Diffraction (EBSD) suggested that with increase in Al content and decrease in Cu content, a change in crystal structure from a predominantly fcc to a combined fcc and bcc structure can be observed. The microstructure of the material was observed to be columnar dendritic. Data from standard less EDS analysis showed that the dendritic phase was Fe and Co enriched while the matrix was Cu and Al enriched in all the considered high entropy alloy fabrications. The Vickers hardness data was used to estimate the mechanical properties of these deposits. Results also showed that with the increase in aluminum content, AlxCoFeNiCu1−x displayed higher hardness. The high hardness values imply potential applications in wear resistant coatings.
Microstructure Evolution and Thermoelectric Property of Pt-PtRh Thin Film Thermocouples
Authors: Zhao Xiaohui , Liang Xianguai , Jiang Shuwen , Zhang Wanli , Jiang Hongchuan
Published: March 2017

Due to their small size, extremely fast response, and low cost, refractory metallic thin film thermocouples (TFTCs) are well suited for the surface temperature measurement of hot components. In this study, PtRh films with different amounts of Rhodium (10% and 13%) were deposited with direct current magnetron sputtering and annealed at different temperatures in air. The chemistry, microstructure, and resistivity of the films were investigated. Type S (Pt10%Rh-Pt) and type R (Pt13%Rh-Pt) TFTC were fabricated on alumina substrates. Rhodium segregation at the surface of PtRh film was observed, and the variation of the thermoelectric properties of TFTCs was discussed based on the chemistry and microstructure of PtRh films.
From Linear Industrial Structures to Living Systems: A Design Shift in Education for Sustainability
Authors: Bernier Andrew
Published: March 2017

If sustainability is to be an integral part of rethinking education organization, it is necessary to redesign mental models that shape present curricular structures. Assumptions underlying the design of most schools and curricula are based on linear industrial models, which raises an essential question: How can we use opposite concepts of systems dynamics and living structures to create a shift in our present thinking about curriculum and learning for sustainability? From this, we can begin a dramatic design shift toward innovative curriculum to prepare future students and teachers. This article begins with a critique of modern industrial education, then moves into an overview of sustainability concepts and structure through systems thinking. The article then presents the research of an original sustainability curriculum that structures assessment to measure systems thinking. From the results, the article then explores a conceptual design framework for a 21st century curriculum that bio-mimics living systems and organic molecular structure, based on systems thinking and mechanistic principles. By placing assessment on competency relationships and not solely assignment completion, this new framework encourages students and educators to develop emerging 21st century skills in the age of digital technology and communication. This essay and framework, which emerged from the author’s dissertation research and findings, offers a new conceptual tool to the field of sustainability education while challenging educators to adopt living systems into their own instructional designs.
GeroMAG: In-House Prototype of an Innovative Sealed, Compact and Non-Shaft-Driven Gerotor Pump with Magnetically-Driving Outer Rotor
Authors: Gamez-Montero Pedro , Castilla Robert , Codina Esteve , Freire Javier , Morató Joan , Sanchez-Casas Enric , Flotats Ivan
Published: March 2017

The technology of gerotor pumps is progressing towards cutting-edge applications in emerging sectors, which are more demanding for pump performance. Moreover, recent environmental standards are heading towards leakage-free and noiseless hydraulic systems. Hence, in order to respond to these demands, this study, which will be referred to as the GeroMAG concept, aims to make a leap from the standard gerotor pump technology: a sealed, compact, non-shaft-driven gerotor pump with a magnetically-driving outer rotor. The GeroMAG pump is conceived as a variable-flow pump to accomplish a standard volumetric flow rate at low rotational speed with satisfactory volumetric efficiency. By following the authors’ methodology based on a catalogue of best-practice rules, a custom trochoidal gear set is designed. Then, two main technological challenges are encountered: how to generate the rotational movement of the driving outer rotor and how to produce the guide of rotation of the gear set once there is no drive shaft. To confront them, a quiet magnet brushless motor powers the driving outer rotor through pole pieces placed in its external sideway and the rotational movement is guided by the inner edgewise pads carved on it. Subsequently, GeroMAG pump architecture, prototype, housing, methodology, materials and manufacture will be presented. As a principal conclusion, the GeroMAG proof of concept and pump prototype are feasible, which is corroborated by experimental results and performance indexes.
Design Methodology of a Power Split Type Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle Considering Drivetrain Losses
Authors: Son Hanho , Park Kyusik , Hwang Sungho , Kim Hyunsoo
Published: March 2017

This paper proposes a design methodology for a power split type plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) by considering drivetrain losses. Selecting the input split type PHEV with a single planetary gear as the reference topology, the locations of the engine, motor and generators (MGs), on the speed lever were determined by using the mechanical point considering the system efficiency. Based on the reference topology, feasible candidates were selected by considering the operation conditions of the engine, MG1, and a redundant element. To evaluate the fuel economy of the selected candidates, the loss models of the power electronic system and drivetrain components were obtained from the mathematical governing equation and the experimental results. Based on the component loss model, a comparative analysis was performed using a dynamic programming approach under the presence or absence of the drivetrain losses. It was found that the selection of the operating mode and the operation time of each mode vary since the drivetrain loss affects the system efficiency. In addition, even if the additional modes provide the flexibility of selecting the operating mode that results in a higher system efficiency for the given driving condition, additional drivetrain elements for realizing the modes can deteriorate the fuel economy due to their various losses.
Wind Power Potentials in Cameroon and Nigeria: Lessons from South Africa
Authors: Mas’ud Abdullahi Abubakar , Wirba Asan Vernyuy , Ardila-Rey Jorge Alfredo , Albarracín Ricardo , Muhammad-Sukki Firdaus , Jaramillo Duque Álvaro , Bani Nurul Aini , Munir Abu Bakar
Published: March 2017

Wind energy has seen a tremendous growth for electricity generation worldwide and reached 456 GW by the end of June 2016. According to the World Wind Energy Association, global wind power will reach 500 GW by the end of 2016. Africa is a continent that possesses huge under-utilized wind potentials. Some African countries, e.g., Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia and South Africa, have already adopted wind as an alternative power generation source in their energy mix. Among these countries, South Africa has invested heavily in wind energy with operational wind farms supplying up to 26,000 GWh annually to the national grid. However, two African countries, i.e., Cameroon and Nigeria, have vast potentials, but currently are lagging behind in wind energy development. For Nigeria, there is slow implementation of renewable energy policy, with no visible operational wind farms; while Cameroon does not have any policy plan for wind power. These issues are severely hindering both direct foreign and local investments into the electricity sector. Cameroon and Nigeria have huge wind energy potentials with similar climatic conditions and can benefit greatly from the huge success recorded in South Africa in terms of policy implementation, research, development and technical considerations. Therefore, this paper reviews the wind energy potentials, policies and future renewable energy road-maps in Cameroon and Nigeria and identifies their strength and weakness, as well as providing necessary actions for future improvement that South Africa has already adopted.
Modelling of Urban Near-Road Atmospheric PM Concentrations Using an Artificial Neural Network Approach with Acoustic Data Input
Authors: Paas Bastian , Stienen Jonas , Vorländer Michael , Schneider Christoph
Published: March 2017

Air quality assessment is an important task for local authorities due to several adverse health effects that are associated with exposure to e.g., urban particle concentrations throughout the world. Based on the consumption of costs and time related to the experimental works required for standardized measurements of particle concentration in the atmosphere, other methods such as modelling arise as integrative options, on condition that model performance reaches certain quality standards. This study presents an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) approach to predict atmospheric concentrations of particle mass considering particles with an aerodynamic diameter of 0.25–1 μm (PM(0.25–1)), 0.25–2.5 μm (PM(0.25–2.5)), 0.25–10 μm (PM(0.25–10)) as well as particle number concentrations of particles with an aerodynamic diameter of 0.25–2.5 μm (PNC(0.25–2.5)). ANN model input variables were defined using data of local sound measurements, concentrations of background particle transport and standard meteorological data. A methodology including input variable selection, data splitting and an evaluation of their performance is proposed. The ANN models were developed and tested by the use of a data set that was collected in a street canyon. The ANN models were applied furthermore to a research site featuring an inner-city park to test the ability of the approach to gather spatial information of aerosol concentrations. It was observed that ANN model predictions of PM(0.25–10) and PNC(0.25–2.5) within the street canyon case as well as predictions of PM(0.25–2.5), PM(0.25–10) and PNC(0.25–2.5) within the case study of the park area show good agreement to observations and meet quality standards proposed by the European Commission regarding mean value prediction. Results indicate that the ANN models proposed can be a fairly accurate tool for assessment in predicting particle concentrations not only in time but also in space.
Arthropod Diversity and Functional Importance in Old-Growth Forests of North America
Authors: Schowalter Timothy
Published: March 2017

Old-growth forests have become rare in North America but provide habitat for unique assemblages of species that often are rare in younger forests. Insects and related arthropods reach their highest diversity in old-growth forests because of their stable moderate temperature and relative humidity and the rich variety of resources represented by high plant species richness and structural complexity. Old-growth arthropod assemblages typically are distinct from those in younger, managed forests. Major subcommunities include the arboreal community that is composed of a rich assemblage of herbivores, fungivores, and their associated predators and parasitoids that function to regulate primary production and nutrient fluxes, the stem zone community that includes bark- and wood-boring species and their associated predators and parasitoids that initiate the decomposition of coarse woody debris, and the forest floor community composed of a variety of detritivores, fungivores, burrowers, and their associated predators and parasitoids that are instrumental in litter decomposition. Insect outbreaks are relatively rare in old-growth forests, where the diversity of resources and predators limit population growth. In turn, insects contribute to plant diversity and limit primary production of host plant species, thereby promoting development of old-growth forest characteristics. Arthropods also provide important functions in decomposition and nutrient cycling that may be lost in younger, managed forests with limited provision of coarse woody debris and accumulated litter. Protection of remnant old-growth forests within the forest matrix may be particularly valuable for maintaining the diversity of plant and arthropod predators that can minimize outbreaks, thereby contributing to resilience to changing environmental conditions.
Estimating Large Area Forest Carbon Stocks—A Pragmatic Design Based Strategy
Authors: Haywood Andrew , Stone Christine
Published: March 2017

Reducing uncertainty in forest carbon estimates at local and regional scales has become increasingly important due to the centrality of the terrestrial carbon cycle in issues of climate change. In Victoria, Australia, public natural forests extend over 7.2 M ha and constitute a significant and important carbon stock. Recently, a wide range of approaches to estimate carbon stocks within these forests have been developed and applied. However, there are a number of data and estimation limitations associated with these studies. In response, over the last five years, the State of Victoria has implemented a pragmatic plot-based design consisting of pre-stratified permanent observational units located on a state-wide grid. Using the ground sampling grid, we estimated aboveground and belowground carbon stocks (including soil to 0.3 m depth) in both National Parks and State Forests, across a wide range of bioregions. Estimates of carbon stocks and associated uncertainty were conducted using simple design based estimators. We detected significantly more carbon in total aboveground and belowground components in State Forests (408.9 t ha−1, 95% confidence interval 388.8–428.9 t ha−1) than National Parks (267.6 t ha−1, 251.9–283.3 t ha−1). We were also able to estimate forest carbon stocks (and associated uncertainty) for 21 strata that represent all of Victoria’s bioregions and public tenures. It is anticipated that the lessons learnt from this study may support the discussion on planning and implementing low cost large area forest carbon stock sampling in other jurisdictions.
Fractal and Fractional
Authors: Cattani Carlo
Published: March 2017

Fractal and Fractional are two words referring to some characteristics and fundamental problems which arise in all fields of science and technology. [...]
Geochemical Features of the Weathered Materials Developed on Gabbro in a Semi-Arid Zone, Northern Cameroon
Authors: Tsozué Désiré , Ndjigui Paul-Désiré
Published: March 2017

Investigation on the mobilization and the redistribution of major, trace and rare-earth elements (REE) was performed along a soil profile developed on gabbro in the semi-arid zone (Northern Cameroon), using mineralogical and geochemical analyses. The gabbro has high contents in Ba, Cr, V, Sr, Ni, Zn, Zr, Cu, Co and Sc. The total REE content is 49 mg/kg with strong light rare-earth elements (LREE) abundance. The Ce/Ce* and Eu/Eu* ratios are very close to 1 (0.98 and 1.02 respectively) and the (La/Yb)N ratio is very low (1.48). The weathering of the bedrock leads to the differentiation of coarse saprolite, fine saprolite, loamy clayey horizon and humiferous horizon. Among trace elements, Cr and Zr concentrations range between 50 and 150 mg/kg; Ga, Y, Co, Cu, Ni and Sc concentrations vary between 50 and 150 mg/kg while those of Cs, Hf, Nb, Rb, Sn, Ta, Th, U and Pb are below 5 mg/kg. The total REE contents vary from 62.52 to 78.81 mg/kg, with strong LREE abundance. The values of the (La/Yb)N ratio (~1.04–1.59) is low and indicate the low REE fractionation. Negative Ce anomaly (Ce/Ce* ~ 0.86) and positive Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* ~ 1.22) are observed respectively in the middle part and the whole soil profile. Mass balance calculation reveals the leaching of Ca, Mg, K, Ba, Cr, Rb, Co, Cu, Ni, Al, Cs, Sr, U and V, and accumulation of Si, Fe, Ti, Mn, Na, P, Ga, Hf, Nb, Sn, Ta, Y, Zr, Sc, Zn and REE during the weathering.