bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Environmental Assessment in Manuscripts Library and Storages of Semi-Active Record at Sultanate of Oman
Authors: Salem Nahed , Abdul-Wahab Sabah , Ali Sappurd
Published: January 2014

Indoor environmental factors have been associated with deterioration of vital library and archival assets. The assessment of environmental factors affecting the library and document collections due to their inappropriate levels was the main objective of current study. In order to fulfill this objective the measurements of indoor environmental parameters were taken in manuscripts library and documents storage buildings of various Ministries of Sultanate of Oman. The measured values of these parameters were compared with the permitted values defined in various international standards/guidelines. The results of the study showed that the observed levels of environmental factors inside these buildings were not within the stipulated limits. The quality of indoor air at the studied locations was not appropriate for long term protection and preservation of their precious collections. Hence some preventive measures must be taken to safeguard these documentary assets. Practical implications - The indoor environments of library and archival collection buildings are very important for the protection and preservation of documentary assets. The study provides very useful information about the harmful indoor environmental factors and their effects on vital library and archival collections. This work would definitely help the concerning authorities to take remedial measures to control the inappropriate levels of these factors.
Augmented Reality and Mobile Learning
Authors: FitzGerald Elizabeth , Ferguson Rebecca , Adams Anne , Gaved Mark , Mor Yishay , Thomas Rhodri
Published: January 2014

In this paper, the authors examine the state of the art in augmented reality (AR) for mobile learning. Previous work in the field of mobile learning has included AR as a component of a wider toolkit but little has been done to discuss the phenomenon in detail or to examine in a balanced fashion its potential for learning, identifying both positive and negative aspects. The authors seek to provide a working definition of AR and to examine how it can be embedded within situated learning in outdoor settings. The authors classify it according to key aspects (device/technology, mode of interaction/learning design, type of media, personal or shared experiences, whether the experience is portable or static, and the learning activities/outcomes). The authors discuss the technical and pedagogical challenges presented by AR, before looking at ways in which it can be used for learning. Finally, the paper looks ahead to AR technologies that may be employed in the future.
Systematising the Field of Mobile Assisted Language Learning
Authors: Viberg Olga , Grönlund Åke
Published: January 2014

This study provides a systematic review of mobile assisted language (MALL) research within the specific area of second language acquisition (SLA) during the period of 2005-2012 in terms of research approaches, theories and methods, technology, and the linguistic knowledge and skills’ results. The findings show a shift from the prevailing SMS-based language learning in 2005-2008 towards the use of more advanced multimedia and intelligent learning systems in the last years. Many highly cited studies focus on design of mobile language learning systems and experimental evaluation of their effectiveness. Studies often draw on mature pedagogic models and methods. However, descriptive and small-scale experimental studies dominate. In terms of theoretical approaches and frameworks, there is a lack of specific reference to mobile learning conceptual and theoretical models, which makes it difficult to distinguish any specific mobile learning theories from other learning theories. Research has so far paid most attention to learners’ vocabulary acquisition.
Citrate Stabilized Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Bhattarai Nabraj , Khanal Subarna , Pudasaini Pushpa Raj , Pahl Shanna , Romero-Urbina Dulce
Published: January 2014

Citrate stabilized silver (Ag) colloidal solution were synthesized and characterized for crystallographic and surface properties by using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and zeta potential measurement techniques. TEM investigation depicted the size of Ago ranges from 5 to 50 nm with smaller particles having single crystal structure while larger particles with structural defects (such as multiply twinned, high coalescence and Moire patterns). ?-potential measurement confirms the presence of Ag+ in nAg stock solution. The shift in ?-potential measurement by +25.1 mV in the filtered solution suggests the presence of Ag+ in Ago nanoparticles.
Multi-Objective Optimization Based on Brain Storm Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Shi Yuhui , Xue Jingqian , Wu Yali
Published: January 2014

In recent years, many evolutionary algorithms and population-based algorithms have been developed for solving multi-objective optimization problems. In this paper, the authors propose a new multi-objective brain storm optimization algorithm in which the clustering strategy is applied in the objective space instead of in the solution space in the original brain storm optimization algorithm for solving single objective optimization problems. Two versions of multi-objective brain storm optimization algorithm with different characteristics of diverging operation were tested to validate the usefulness and effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. Experimental results show that the proposed multi-objective brain storm optimization algorithm is a very promising algorithm, at least for solving these tested multi-objective optimization problems.
Distributed Query Plan Generation using Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Kumar T.V. Vijay , Kumar Amit , Singh Rahul
Published: January 2014

A large number of queries are posed on databases spread across the globe. In order to process these queries efficiently, optimal query processing strategies that generate efficient query processing plans are being devised. In distributed relational database systems, due to replication of relations at multiple sites, the relations required to answer a query may necessitate accessing of data from multiple sites. This leads to an exponential increase in the number of possible alternative query plans for processing a query. Though it is not computationally feasible to explore all possible query plans in such a large search space, the query plan that provides the most cost-effective option for query processing is considered necessary and should be generated for a given query. In this paper, an attempt has been made to generate such optimal query plans using Set based Comprehensive Learning Particle Swarm Optimization (S-CLPSO). Experimental comparisons of this algorithm with the GA based distributed query plan generation algorithm shows that for higher number of relations, the S-CLPSO based algorithm is able to generate comparatively better quality Top-K query plans.
Pehuensat-1
Authors: Quiroga Juan Jorge , Lassig Jorge , Mendieta Darío
Published: January 2014

Nowadays, it is possible to achieve low cost and short production times space missions using satellites with a mass below 10 kg. These small satellites are described as nanosatellites. Current microelectronic technology makes it possible to develop nanosatellites for scientific experiments and relatively complex measurements (as well as for other applications), making it easy for universities and small research groups to have access to space science exploration and to exploit the new economic possibilities that emerge. This paper describes an experiment developed in Argentina at the Universidad Nacional del Comahue to design, construct and flight test a nanosatellite called Pehuensat-1. Finally is presented to Pehuensat-2 as future commercial nano-satellite.
Architectural Styles for Distributed Interoperability
Authors: Delgado José C.
Published: January 2014

SOA and REST are the two main architectural styles used for distributed applications. Current SOA implementations use Web Services, which have a flexible service interface but lack resource structure. Current REST implementations use HTTP, with good structural support (through URIs) but fixed service interface, leading to a significant mismatch in modeling some application artifacts. In addition, current data description languages support distributed interoperability by schema sharing (XML) or predefined media types (JSON). This paper makes two main proposals: an architectural style, Structural Service, capable of combining resource structure with flexible services, and a distributed interoperability mechanism, based on structural compliance and conformance, which supports partial interoperability and reduces coupling between interacting services while ensuring that the interoperability requirements of the application are satisfied. Since current technologies do not readily support these proposals, the author developed a language and its execution platform that supports structural services and compliance and conformance.
Conceptualization of the Convergence Phenomenon to Develop an Applicable and Integrated Framework for the Emergence of Software-as-a-Service
Authors: Teracino Elizabeth A. , Seo DongBack
Published: January 2014

Financial service companies, such as banks and accounting firms, and product software companies, such as enterprise resource planning (ERP) software companies, previously discrete industries, are beginning to adopt Software-as-a-Service principles, potentially leading them into a new environment. The motivation for this research is to understand what is occuring between these software and service industries, as a result of the convergence phenomenon. A similar phenomenon has happened among the mobile and landline communications, computer, and TV broadcasting industries. By reviewing and analyzing literature on the convergence phenomenon in the industries in which it has already developed, the main aspects are identified and integrated into one comprehensive framework to analyze the phenomenon as a whole. The inter-relations and dynamics are explored via mobilization of institutional theory. The framework’s applicability is then explored against the historical case of the telecommunications, broadcast and computer industries. Future research suggestions are offered to further test and corroborate the framework to increase its generalizability and applicability for analyzing the convergence phenomenon in industries and nations experiencing it at different paces.
Impact of Bacterial Priming on Some Stress Tolerance Mechanisms and Growth of Cold Stressed Wheat Seedlings
Authors: Osman Mohammed , Kasim Wedad , Omar Mohammed , Abd El-Daim Islam , Bejai Sarosh , Meijer Johan
Published: January 2014

The potential to enhance growth of cold stressed wheat by seed treatment (priming) with the beneficial bacteria Bacillus amyloliquefaciens 5113 and Azospirillum brasilense NO40 were tested. Results showed an improved ability of bacteria-treated seedlings to survive at −5 °C up to 12 h. Cold stress increased transcript levels of three stress marker genes and increased activity for the ascorbate-glutathione redox enzymes. However, primed and stressed seedlings generally showed smaller effects on the stress markers correlating with better growth and improved stress tolerance. Bacterial priming to improve crop plant performance at low temperature seems a useful strategy to explore further.
Fat Embolism Syndrome: An Autopsy-Proven Case Involving a Patient on Dialysis and Systemic Scleroderma
Authors: Nishimura Nahoko , Banno Shogo , Kimura Yukihiro , Maeda Sayaka , Kobayashi Mizuki , Kawai Kumi , Suga Norihiro , Suzuki Keisuke , Miura Naoto , Yokoi Toyoharu , Imai Hirokazu
Published: January 2014

A 66-year-old woman receiving continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis developed acute respiratory distress 12 hours after a fall. Blood gas analysis revealed hypoxia (PaO2 67.7 torr) and metabolic acidosis with an increased anion gap, consistent with lactic acidosis (lactate, 86.5 mg/dL; normal range, 4.0–16.0). Magnetic resonance imaging showed a lumbar vertebral body fracture. On the fourth hospital day, the patient died of multiorgan failure and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Postmortem studies revealed fat emboli in the systemic circulation, ie, fat embolism syndrome. Diagnosing fat embolism syndrome can be difficult in patients on dialysis or in those with collagen vascular or pulmonary diseases.
Manual versus Automated Rodent Behavioral Assessment: Comparing Efficacy and Ease of Bederson and Garcia Neurological Deficit Scores to an Open Field Video-Tracking System
Authors: Desland Fiona A. , Afzal Aqeela , Warraich Zuha , Mocco J
Published: January 2014

Animal models of stroke have been crucial in advancing our understanding of the pathophysiology of cerebral ischemia. Currently, the standards for determining neurological deficit in rodents are the Bederson and Garcia scales, manual assessments scoring animals based on parameters ranked on a narrow scale of severity. Automated open field analysis of a live-video tracking system that analyzes animal behavior may provide a more sensitive test. Results obtained from the manual Bederson and Garcia scales did not show significant differences between pre- and post-stroke animals in a small cohort. When using the same cohort, however, post-stroke data obtained from automated open field analysis showed significant differences in several parameters. Furthermore, large cohort analysis also demonstrated increased sensitivity with automated open field analysis versus the Bederson and Garcia scales. These early data indicate use of automated open field analysis software may provide a more sensitive assessment when compared to traditional Bederson and Garcia scales.
Antioxidant activity of flaxseed meal components
Authors: Barthet Véronique J. , Klensporf-Pawlik Dorota , Przybylski Roman
Published: January 2014

Barthet, V. J., Klensporf-Pawlik, D. and Przybylski, R. 2014. Antioxidant activity of flaxseed meal components. Can. J. Plant Sci. 94: 593–602. The meals of borage, hemp, Solin, golden, and brown flaxseed, including the meals of dehulled flaxseed and their corresponding hulls, were reconstituted with 40% of standard flaxseed oil and stored for 2 wk to assess if these meals had any antioxidant activity to protect in situ oil from oxidation. Weekly measured peroxide and aldehyde values showed that Solin, golden and brown flaxseed meals had more effective antioxidant activity than hemp and borage meals. Flaxseed hull showed very weak antioxidant potential, whereas dehulled meals maintained their antioxidant activity. This suggested that secoisolariciresinol diglucoside was not acting as the primary antioxidant of flaxseed meal. The seed antioxidant activity was greatly affected by water extraction, suggesting that the system contains water-soluble components. When flaxseed oil was recombined with the freeze-dried water extracts of flaxseed meal some loses of antioxidant activity were observed. The results showed that the water-extracted components retained some antioxidant activity compared with the original flaxseed meal antioxidant activity. These results indicate that the flaxseed antioxidant activities were mainly due to a water-soluble system – probably proteins: however, more than one group of components of the flax meal may be involved to provide the seed with its effective and unique antioxidant properties.
Against the tide: Recent diversity increase enhances resource use in a coastal ecosystem
Authors: Olli Kalle , Ptacnik Robert , Andersen Tom , Trikk Olga , Klais Riina , Lehtinen Sirpa , Tamminen Timo
Published: January 2014

Biodiversity losses in marine, terrestrial, and freshwater ecosystems have raised concerns about the maintenance of sustainable ecosystem functions and services (“biodiversity crisis”). A positive diversity—productivity relationship has previously been supported by theoretical models, and by laboratory and field experiments in a variety of ecosystems including unicellular microbial communities. Here we show an increasing biomass yield of aquatic primary producers at the ecosystem scale, paralleled by a long‐term positive biodiversity change, which contrasts with the trend of global biodiversity loss. The implied direct long‐term biodiversity effect on ecosystem functioning was an increase of phytoplankton biomass per unit limiting nutrient by a factor of 1.2 to 1.4. Changes in diversity of microorganisms may have immediate implications for essential ecosystem processes like productivity and biomass yield. Diversity‐driven enhancement of resource use in primary production can lead to increased food web yields, but they also can cause a stoichiometric mismatch between autotrophs and primary consumers. Unveiling the functional roles of planktonic biodiversity therefore has essential implications both for global change and for harvestable marine resources.
Paradox reconsidered: Methane oversaturation in well‐oxygenated lake waters
Authors: Tang Kam W. , McGinnis Daniel F. , Frindte Katharina , Brüchert Volker , Grossart Hans-Peter
Published: January 2014

The widely reported paradox of methane oversaturation in oxygenated water challenges the prevailing paradigm that microbial methanogenesis only occurs under anoxic conditions. Using a combination of field sampling, incubation experiments, and modeling, we show that the recurring mid‐water methane peak in Lake Stechlin, northeast Germany, was not dependent on methane input from the littoral zone or bottom sediment or on the presence of known micro‐anoxic zones. The methane peak repeatedly overlapped with oxygen oversaturation in the seasonal thermocline. Incubation experiments and isotope analysis indicated active methane production, which was likely linked to photosynthesis and/or nitrogen fixation within the oxygenated water, whereas lessening of methane oxidation by light allowed accumulation of methane in the oxygen‐rich upper layer. Estimated methane efflux from the surface water was up to 5 mmol m−2 d−1. Mid‐water methane oversaturation was also observed in nine other lakes that collectively showed a strongly negative gradient of methane concentration within 0–20% dissolved oxygen (DO) in the bottom water, and a positive gradient within ≥ 20% DO in the upper water column. Further investigation into the responsible organisms and biochemical pathways will help improve our understanding of the global methane cycle.
Change in tropical forest cover of Southeast Asia from 1990 to 2010
Authors: Stibig H.-J. , Achard F. , Carboni S. , Raši R. , Miettinen J.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. The study assesses the extent and trends of forest cover in Southeast Asia for the periods 1990–2000 and 2000–2010 and provides an overview on the main causes of forest cover change. A systematic sample of 418 sites (10 km × 10 km size) located at the one-degree geographical confluence points and covered with satellite imagery of 30 m resolution is used for the assessment. Techniques of image segmentation and automated classification are combined with visual satellite image interpretation and quality control, involving forestry experts from Southeast Asian countries. The accuracy of our results is assessed through an independent consistency assessment, performed from a subsample of 1572 mapping units and resulting in an overall agreement of >85% for the general differentiation of forest cover versus non-forest cover. The total forest cover of Southeast Asia is estimated at 268 Mha in 1990, dropping to 236 Mha in 2010, with annual change rates of 1.75 Mha (∼0.67%) and 1.45 Mha (∼0.59%) for the periods 1990–2000 and 2000–2010, respectively. The vast majority of forest cover loss (∼2 / 3 for 2000–2010) occurred in insular Southeast Asia. Complementing our quantitative results by indicative information on patterns and on processes of forest change, obtained from the screening of satellite imagery and through expert consultation, respectively, confirms the conversion of forest to cash crops plantations (including oil palm) as the main cause of forest loss in Southeast Asia. Logging and the replacement of natural forests by forest plantations are two further important change processes in the region.
Soil moisture modifies the response of soil respiration to temperature in a desert shrub ecosystem
Authors: Wang B. , Zha T. S. , Jia X. , Wu B. , Zhang Y. Q. , Qin S. G.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. The current understanding of the responses of soil respiration (Rs) to soil temperature (Ts) and soil moisture is limited for desert ecosystems. Soil CO2 efflux from a desert shrub ecosystem was measured continuously with automated chambers in Ningxia, northwest China, from June to October 2012. The diurnal responses of Rs to Ts were affected by soil moisture. The diel variation in Rs was strongly related to Ts at 10 cm depth under moderate and high volumetric soil water content (VWC), unlike under low VWC. Ts typically lagged Rs by 3–4 h. However, the lag time varied in relation to VWC, showing increased lag times under low VWC. Over the seasonal cycle, daily mean Rs was correlated positively with Ts, if VWC was higher than 0.08 m3 m−3. Under lower VWC, it became decoupled from Ts. The annual temperature sensitivity of Rs (Q10) was 1.5. The short-term sensitivity of Rs to Ts varied significantly over the seasonal cycle, and correlated negatively with Ts and positively with VWC. Our results highlight the biological causes of diel hysteresis between Rs and Ts, and that the response of Rs to soil moisture may result in negative feedback to climate warming in desert ecosystems. Thus, global carbon cycle models should account the interactive effects of Ts and VWC on Rs in desert ecosystems.
On the consistency of MODIS chlorophyll $a$ products in the northern South China Sea
Authors: Shang S. L. , Dong Q. , Hu C. M. , Lin G. , Li Y. H. , Shang S. P.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. Chlorophyll a (Chl) concentrations derived from satellite measurements have been used in oceanographic research, for example to interpret eco-responses to environmental changes on global and regional scales. However, it is unclear how existing Chl products compare with each other in terms of accuracy and consistency in revealing temporal and spatial patterns, especially in the optically complex marginal seas. In this study, we examined three MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) Chl data products that have been made available to the community by the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) using community-accepted algorithms and default parameterization. These included the products derived from the OC3M (ocean chlorophyll three-band algorithm for MODIS), GSM (Garver–Siegel–Maritorena model) and GIOP (generalized inherent optical properties) algorithms. We compared their temporal variations and spatial distributions in the northern South China Sea. We found that the three products appeared to capture general features such as unique winter peaks at the Southeast Asian Time-series Study station (SEATS, 18° N, 116° E) and the Pearl River plume associated blooms in summer. Their absolute magnitudes, however, may be questionable in the coastal zones. Additional error statistics using field measured Chl as the truth demonstrated that the three MODIS Chl products may contain high degree of uncertainties in the study region. Root mean square error (RMSE) of the products from OC3M and GSM (on a log scale) was about 0.4 and average percentage error (ε) was ~ 115% (Chl between 0.05–10.41 mg m−3, n = 114). GIOP with default parameterization led to higher errors (ε = 329%). An attempt to tune the algorithms based on a local coastal-water bio-optical data set led to reduced errors for Chl retrievals, indicating the importance of local tuning of globally-optimized algorithms. Overall, this study points to the need of continuous improvements for algorithm development and parameterization for the coastal zones of the study region, where quantitative interpretation of the current Chl products requires extra caution.
An ensemble approach to simulate CO2 emissions from natural fires
Authors: Eliseev A. V. , Mokhov I. I. , Chernokulsky A. V.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. This paper presents ensemble simulations with the global climate model developed at the A. M. Obukhov Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences (IAP RAS CM). These simulations were forced by historical reconstruction of external forcings for 850–2005 AD and by the Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP) scenarios till year 2300. Different ensemble members were constructed by varying the governing parameters of the IAP RAS CM module to simulate natural fires. These members are constrained by the GFED–3.1 observational data set and further subjected to Bayesian averaging. This approach allows to select only changes in fire characteristics which are robust within the constrained ensemble. In our simulations, the present-day (1998–2011 AD) global area burnt due to natural fires is (2.1 ± 0.4) × 106 km2 yr−1 (ensemble means and intra-ensemble standard deviations are presented), and the respective CO2 emissions in the atmosphere are (1.4 ± 0.2) PgC yr−1. The latter value is in agreement with the corresponding observational estimates. Regionally, the model underestimates CO2 emissions in the tropics; in the extra-tropics, it underestimates these emissions in north-east Eurasia and overestimates them in Europe. In the 21st century, the ensemble mean global burnt area is increased by 13% (28%, 36%, 51%) under scenario RCP 2.6 (RCP 4.5, RCP 6.0, RCP 8.5). The corresponding global emissions increase is 14% (29%, 37%, 42%). In the 22nd–23rd centuries, under the mitigation scenario RCP 2.6 the ensemble mean global burnt area and respective CO2 emissions slightly decrease, both by 5% relative to their values in year 2100. Under other RCP scenarios, these variables continue to increase. Under scenario RCP 8.5 (RCP 6.0, RCP 4.5) the ensemble mean burnt area in year 2300 is higher by 83% (44%, 15%) than its value in year 2100, and the ensemble mean CO2 emissions are correspondingly higher by 31% (19%, 9%). All changes of natural fire characteristics in the 21st–23rd centuries are associated mostly with the corresponding changes in boreal regions of Eurasia and North America. However, under the RCP 8.5 scenario, increase of the burnt area and CO2 emissions in boreal regions during the 22nd–23rd centuries are accompanied by the respective decreases in the tropics and subtropics.
Perspectives of the microbial carbon pump with special references to microbial respiration and ecological efficiency
Authors: Dang H. , Jiao N.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. Although respiration consumes fixed carbon and produce CO2, it provides energy for essential biological processes of an ecosystem, including the microbial carbon pump (MCP). In MCP-driving biotransformation of labile DOC to recalcitrant DOC (RDOC), microbial respiration provides the metabolic energy for environmental organic substrate sensing, cellular enzyme syntheses and catalytic processes such as uptake, secretion, modification, fixation and storage of carbon compounds. The MCP efficiency of a heterotrophic microorganism is thus related to its energy production efficiency and hence to its respiration efficiency. Anaerobically respiring microbes usually have lower energy production efficiency and lower energy-dependent carbon transformation efficiency, and consequently lower MCP efficiency at per cell level. This effect is masked by the phenomena that anoxic environments often store more organic matter. Here we point out that organic carbon preservation and RDOC production is different in mechanisms, and anaerobically respiring ecosystems could also have lower MCP ecological efficiency. Typical cases can be found in large river estuarine ecosystems. Due to strong terrigenous input of nutrients and organic matter, estuarine ecosystems usually experience intense heterotrophic respiration processes that rapidly consume dissolved oxygen, potentially producing hypoxic and anoxic zones in the water column. The lowered availability of dissolved oxygen and the excessive supply of nutrients such as nitrate from river input prompt enhanced anaerobic respiration processes. Thus, some nutrients may be consumed by anaerobically respiring heterotrophic microorganisms, instead of being utilized by phytoplankton for carbon fixation and primary production. In this situation, the ecological functioning of the estuarine ecosystem is altered and the ecological efficiency is lowered, as less carbon is fixed and less energy is produced. Ultimately this would have negatively impacts on the ecological functioning and efficiency of the MCP which depends on both organic carbon and energy supply.
Constraining Holocene hydrological changes in the Carpathian-Balkan region using speleothem δ18O and pollen-based temperature reconstructions
Authors: Drăguşin V. , Staubwasser M. , Hoffmann D. L. , Ersek V. , Onac B. P. , Veres D.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. Here we present a new speleothem isotope record (POM2) from Ascunsă Cave (Romania) that provides new data on past climate changes in the Carpathian-Balkan region from 8.2 ka until present. This paper describes an approach towards constraining the effect of temperature changes on calcite δ18O values in stalagmite POM2 over the course of the Middle Holocene (6–4 ka), and across the 8.2 and 3.2 ka rapid climate change events. Independent pollen temperature reconstructions are used to constrain the temperature-dependent component of total isotopic change in speleothem calcite. This includes the temperature-dependent composition of rain water attained during vapour condensation and during calcite precipitation at the given cave temperature. The only prior assumptions are that pollen-derived average annual temperature reflects average cave temperature, and that pollen-derived coldest and warmest month temperatures reflect the range of condensation temperatures of rain at the cave site. This approach constrains a range of values between which speleothem isotopic changes should be found if controlled only by surface temperature variations at the cave site. Deviations of measured δ18Oc values from the calculated range are interpreted towards large-scale hydrologic change independent of local temperature. Following this approach, we show that an additional 0.6‰ enrichment of δ18Oc in the POM2 stalagmite was caused by changing hydrological patterns in SW Romania during the Middle Holocene. Further, by extending the calculations to other speleothem records from around the entire Mediterranean Basin, it appears that all Eastern Mediterranean speleothems recorded a similar isotopic enrichment due to changing hydrology, whereas all changes recorded in speleothems from the Western Mediterranean are fully explained by temperature variation alone. This highlights a different hydrological evolution between the two sides of the Mediterranean. Our results also demonstrate that during the 8.2 ka event, POM2 stable isotope data fit the temperature-constrained isotopic variability, with only little hydrologic change at most. In the case of the 3.2 ka event, the hydrological factor is more evident. This implies a potentially different rainfall pattern in the Southern Carpathian region during this event at the end of the Bronze Age. This study brings new evidence for disturbances in Eastern Mediterranean hydrology during the Holocene, bearing importance for the understanding of climate pressure on agricultural activities in this area.
Interinstrument calibration using magnetic field data from the flux-gate magnetometer (FGM) and electron drift instrument (EDI) onboard Cluster
Authors: Nakamura R. , Plaschke F. , Teubenbacher R. , Giner L. , Baumjohann W. , Magnes W. , Steller M. , Torbert R. B. , Vaith H. , Chutter M. , Fornaçon K.-H. , Glassmeier K.-H. , Carr C.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. We compare the magnetic field data obtained from the flux-gate magnetometer (FGM) and the magnetic field data deduced from the gyration time of electrons measured by the electron drift instrument (EDI) onboard Cluster to determine the spin-axis offset of the FGM measurements. Data are used from orbits with their apogees in the magnetotail, when the magnetic field magnitude was between about 20 and 500 nT. Offset determination with the EDI–FGM comparison method is of particular interest for these orbits, because no data from solar wind are available in such orbits to apply the usual calibration methods using the Alfvén waves. In this paper, we examine the effects of the different measurement conditions, such as direction of the magnetic field relative to the spin plane and field magnitude in determining the FGM spin-axis offset, and also take into account the time-of-flight offset of the EDI measurements. It is shown that the method works best when the magnetic field magnitude is less than about 128 nT and when the magnetic field is aligned near the spin-axis direction. A remaining spin-axis offset of about 0.4 ∼ 0.6 nT was observed for Cluster 1 between July and October 2003. Using multipoint multi-instrument measurements by Cluster we further demonstrate the importance of the accurate determination of the spin-axis offset when estimating the magnetic field gradient.
Long residence times of rapidly decomposable soil organic matter: application of a multi-phase, multi-component, and vertically-resolved model (TOUGHREACTv1) to soil carbon dynamics
Authors: Riley W. J. , Maggi F. M. , Kleber M. , Torn M. S. , Tang J. Y. , Dwivedi D. , Guerry N.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. Accurate representation of soil organic matter (SOM) dynamics in Earth System Models is critical for future climate prediction, yet large uncertainties exist regarding how, and to what extent, the suite of proposed relevant mechanisms should be included. To investigate how various mechanisms interact to influence SOM storage and dynamics, we developed a SOM reaction network integrated in a one-dimensional, multi-phase, and multi-component reactive transport solver. The model includes representations of bacterial and fungal activity, multiple archetypal polymeric and monomeric carbon substrate groups, aqueous chemistry, aqueous advection and diffusion, gaseous diffusion, and adsorption (and protection) and desorption from the soil mineral phase. The model predictions reasonably matched observed depth-resolved SOM and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) stocks in grassland ecosystems as well as lignin content and fungi to aerobic bacteria ratios. We performed a suite of sensitivity analyses under equilibrium and dynamic conditions to examine the role of dynamic sorption, microbial assimilation rates, and carbon inputs. To our knowledge, observations do not exist to fully test such a complicated model structure or to test the hypotheses used to explain observations of substantial storage of very old SOM below the rooting depth. Nevertheless, we demonstrated that a reasonable combination of sorption parameters, microbial biomass and necromass dynamics, and advective transport can match observations without resorting to an arbitrary depth-dependent decline in SOM turnover rates, as is often done. We conclude that, contrary to assertions derived from existing turnover time based model formulations, observed carbon content and δ14C vertical profiles are consistent with a representation of SOM dynamics consisting of (1) carbon compounds without designated intrinsic turnover times, (2) vertical aqueous transport, and (3) dynamic protection on mineral surfaces.
Characterizing hydrologic change through catchment classification
Authors: Sawicz K. A. , Kelleher C. , Wagener T. , Troch P. , Sivapalan M. , Carrillo G.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. There has been an intensive search in recent years for suitable strategies to organize and classify the very heterogeneous group of catchments that characterize our landscape. One strand of this work has focused on testing the value of hydrological signatures derived from widely available hydro-meteorological observations for this catchment classification effort. Here we extend this effort by organizing 314 catchments across the contiguous US into 12 distinct clusters using six signature characteristics for a baseline decade (1948–1958, period 1). We subsequently develop a regression tree and utilize it to classify these catchments for three subsequent decades (periods 2–4). This analysis allows us to assess the movement of catchments between clusters over time, and therefore to assess whether their hydrologic similarity/dissimilarity changes. We find examples in which catchments initially assigned to a single class diverge into multiple classes (e.g., midwestern catchments between periods 1 and 2), but also cases where catchments from different classes would converge into a single class (e.g., midwestern catchments between periods 2 and 3). We attempt to interpret the observed changes for causes of this temporal variability in hydrologic behavior. Generally, the changes in both directions were most strongly controlled by changes in the water balance of catchments characterized by an aridity index close to one. Changes to climate characteristics of catchments – mean annual precipitation, length of cold season or the seasonality of precipitation throughout the year – seem to explain most of the observed class transitions between slightly water-limited and slightly energy-limited states. Inadequate temporal information on other time-varying aspects, such as land use change, limits our ability to further disentangle causes for change.
Brief Communication: Weibel, Firehose and Mirror mode relations
Authors: Treumann R. A. , Baumjohann W.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. Excitation of Weibel magnetic fields in an initially non-magnetized though anisotropic plasma may trigger other low-frequency instabilities fed by pressure anisotropy. It is shown that under Weibel-like stable conditions the Weibel-like thermal fluctuation magnetic field allows for restricted Firehose-mode growth. In addition, low-frequency Whistlers can also propagate in the plasma under certain anisotropic conditions. When the Weibel-like mode becomes unstable, Firehose instability ceases but Mirror modes take over. This will cause bubble structures in the Weibel-like field in addition to filamentation.
An Empirical Analysis of the Impact of Fuel Costs on the Level and Distribution of Manufacturing Inventory in the United States
Authors: Ke Jian-yu “Fisher” , Dresner Martin , Yao Yuliang
Published: January 2014

While fuel costs have become an important factor in supply chain management, the impact of fuel costs on inventory levels and the distribution of inventories remains unclear. Location theory suggests that firms will relocate inventories to regions with lower fuel costs, leading to lower inventories in the states with higher fuel costs. In contrast, inventory theory suggests that firms will ship orders in greater quantity with less frequency when fuel costs are high, thus resulting in higher inventories in states with higher fuel costs. Using state-level cross-sectional, time-series data for manufacturing industries in the United States during 1994–2006, we empirically examine how fuel price disparities impact the location and dispersion of inventories. Our major findings are that: (1) states with higher fuel costs have lower inventories ceteris paribus; (2) there are lower inventory deviations across states when fuel costs rise; that is, the inventory distribution becomes flatter; and (3) when fuel costs increase, states with higher production output increase their inventories, while states with higher expenditures (as indicated by higher GDPs) experience relative decreases in inventories, suggesting that inventories are relocated from points of demand to points of production. We further quantify that a 1 percent increase in the gasoline price for a state results in a 0.40 percent reduction in inventory levels in the state. Public policy and managerial implications are discussed.
Assessing the Impact of Sarbanes-Oxley Act on the Logistics Industry:
Authors: Srinivasan Mahesh , Chandra Akhilesh
Published: January 2014

Regulatory compliance imposes economic costs on organizations and can affect their competitive advantage. Using Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) Act as the context, we examine its economic consequences on the operating performance of the logistics industry, including 3PLs. Passed in July 2002, SOX mandates widespread and radical corporate governance reforms with the goal of reinstating investors' confidence in the financial reporting process in particular, and the financial system in general. Little evidence is available regarding the economic consequences of such reforms on the logistics industry, especially within private and small organizations (such as logistics service providers) that, unlike public organizations, do not have direct SOX compliance and reporting obligations. Our findings suggest that logistics firms in our sample invest in key resources (e.g., managerial expertise and technology) to comply with SOX, experience organizational changes (with associated negative effects) following SOX, manage their existing workforce to comply with SOX, and do not perceive significant advantages from being SOX compliant. Our findings have significant managerial implications for both logistics firms and their supply chain trading partners.
Efficiency Profiles of Vegetable Producers in Akwa Ibom State, Southern Nigeria
Authors: Idiong Idiong Christopher , Ukpong Inibehe George , Effiong Etim Okon
Published: January 2014

Vegetables are among the major staple foods in Southern Nigeria. This study assessed the efficiency profiles of vegetable producers in Akwa Ibom State, Southern Nigeria with specific focus on farm level technical efficiency. One hundred and twenty (120) vegetable producers were randomly selected from three agricultural zones in the State. The Maximum Likelihood Estimates (MLEs) indicate positive relationships between input variables used by farmers and farm outputs. The Generalized Likelihood Ratio test confirms that vegetable producers in the area are relatively technically inefficient. The technical efficiency of the farmers ranged from 48 to 99 percent with a mean of 70 percent. The implication is that there is allowance to improve efficiency with available resource.There is, therefore, the need for policies to promote the availability of affordable farm inputs and technology to help improve farmers’ efficiency and increase vegetable production in the area. Extension services would also help provide useful information to the farmers on farm practices that would enhance output and ensure environmental sustainability of the production process by maintaining the quality of some critical environmental factors especially soil quality.
Gender Differences in Nicotine Induced Dyslipidemia and Hyperglycemia in Mice
Authors: Samina Bano  , Shabana Saeed
Published: January 2014

The purpose of this study is to examine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in nicotine treated male and female mice and to evaluate gender related differences. For these purposes adult male and female BALB/C mice were subjected to chronic nicotine treatment (3.08mg/100ml in drinking water) for 4 weeks. Serum glucose, albumin, corticosterone and lipid profile levels were determined. Body weight changes were also monitored. We have found that nicotine treatment raises total cholesterol and glucose levels more in male as compared to female mice. Low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were increased by 35% (P<0.01) only in male mice. However rise in triglycerides were greater in females (28%) than males (21%) when compared with their respective controls. Serum albumin levels were increased in both sexes showing 13% greater increase in males as compared to females. However nicotine treatment had no effect on high density lipoprotein cholesterol, corticosterone levels and body weights in both genders. It is concluded that nicotine use is positively associated with LDL-C in males; the results are discussed in relation to prevalence of metabolic syndrome andrisk of cardiovascular events in nicotine users.
Strategies for Chinese Design Schools to Develop More Effective Websites
Authors: Yuan Shu
Published: January 2014

Websites are increasingly becoming a major source of information. Nowadays, many international design schools utilize their websites to help promote their programs and attract prospective students. However, design schools in China are lagging behind in using websites effectively. Five typical websites of Chinese design schools were analyzed to identify existing problems, and a study was carried out on 10 top design schools located in the USA, Europe, and Asia, to synthesize best practices in website design. End-users' information requirements were captured by a questionnaire distributed to 112 design students in China. It was found that Chinese students were most interested in project details and portfolios (of both graduates and teachers) when browsing design schools' websites. An open-ended card-sorting test with 22 navigation tags was conducted among seven testers. The studies resulted in a set of cards that provided a common information category structure, which was then evaluated by another card-sorting test. Strategies are proposed to help Chinese design schools develop more effective websites.
Engineering Freakout
Authors: Childs Peter R. N.
Published: January 2014

Design and engineering have worldwide impact. The products and systems generated affect every level of our lives. In a competitive world where the prosperity of local industry waxes, wanes and emerges in new forms, temporal strategies and policies for survival and gain inevitably emerge. It is in this context that engineers and designers operate their exciting trades, with consideration of multiple functional attributes in any given application. This may involve attention to technical, aesthetic, economic, social and latent function and their often complicated interrelationships, with one attribute affecting the performance of others in a significant manner. The value of each attribute needs to be maintained at the design stage in order to deliver worldwide competitive products, systems and services. It is in the conceptual, detailed design, fire-fighting and application phases that engineering analysis shows its potential, time and time again, to deliver order-of-magnitude as well as validated estimates for quantities. The tools of engineering provide essential input and influence for the design process. These tools can be operated with diligence and exacting analysis, as well as in the fast-paced conceptual stages of any project, in order to explore the ‘what if’ and to provide a physical basis for an idea, as well as the impetus to give that idea the justification for the resources it requires for elaboration.
Gastric Metastasis From Renal Cell Carcinoma With Gastrointestinal Bleeding: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Sakurai Katsunobu , Muguruma Kazuya , Yamazoe Sadaaki , Kimura Kenjiro , Toyokawa Takahiro , Amano Ryosuke , Kubo Naoshi , Tanaka Hiroaki , Yashiro Masakazu , Ohira Masaichi , Hirakawa Kosei
Published: January 2014

A 61-year-old man presented to our hospital with hypercalcemia and elevated C reactive protein (CRP). Evaluation revealed renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with metastasis to lung, bone, and brain. He underwent partial resection of the right kidney and a left nephrectomy. Histopathologic findings of resected tumors were consistent with clear cell RCC. Whole-brain irradiation was performed for management of brain metastasis. Postoperatively, he was treated with molecularly targeted therapy using a mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor. Approximately 14 months later, he suffered an episode of upper gastrointestinal bleeding with secondary anemia and melena. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a distinctly protruding lesion in the gastric body. Biopsy of the gastric lesion showed metastatic clear cell RCC. He underwent partial gastrectomy. His postoperative course was uneventful. However, 4 months after surgery, he died from brain metastasis. Metastatic RCC to the stomach, although rare, should be suspected in any patient with a history of RCC who presents with gastrointestinal symptoms.