bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LASER absolute long base TILTmeter: An innovative instrument to measure a new class of slow earthquakes.
Authors: boudin frederick , Seat Han-Cheng , Bernard Pascal , Cattoen Michel , Nmili Yasmine , Aissaoui El-Madani
Published: May 2024

GNSS and seismological networks have greatly developed to accurately measure large-scale crustal deformations along faults. It is possible to observe transient deformations at different time scales over durations ranging from hours to several months. But events below Mw6.5 are rarely detected because they are at the limit of GNSS sensitivity (~1 mm). Observing these slow transients is a key element in improving the understanding of the processes that can trigger an earthquake. Here we present a new innovative geodesic tool to improve the detection capacity of these transients. A first mechanical silica version of a long base inclinometer (ILB) operating without optics was installed on the northern Chilean subduction. In 2014, two ILBs were used to observe slow deformations of very low amplitudes (50 nrad/month) preceding the magnitude 8.2 Iquique earthquake. These slow pre-seismic slips can occur frequently but are rarely observed because of their low magnitude (Mw5 to 6), at the limit of GNSS sensitivity. Characterizing these events (location, spatial extension) thus requires more precise geodesic networks. Our previous mechanical inclinometer sensors were fragile, complex and difficult to install, making network installation impossible. We are proposing a new ILB concept. The biggest change concerns the direct non-contact measurement of the liquid level in the vessels, which is carried out by optical fiber(s) coupled to a high precision Fabry-Perot (FP) type interferometer. This system has 2 EU & USA patents. A first O-LBT (150m long) has been operational since 2012 at LSBB, France. Through a semi-industrial project, a second prototype with a modular design has been running at CERN from 2016 to 2019 to validate its performance for particle accelerator alignment. These O-LBTs demonstrate 10-11 rad resolution and stability (drift) like to the best installations in the world, together with long-term reliability in the context of deep tunnel installation and authorize network installations. The first instrument  (41 m long) in a seismic zone was installed in the Gulf of Corinth in Greece and a second network installation is planned for the coming months. 
What we learn from multi-component, direct observations of rotational ground motions about atmospheric ground deformation processes
Authors: Brotzer Andreas , Igel Heiner , Widmer-Schnidrig Rudolf
Published: May 2024

A high-sensitive, large-scale optical Sagnac gyroscope provides access to direct observations of the rotational part of the gradient of the seismic wavefield. A tetrahedral configuration of optical Sagnac gyroscopes, such as ROMY (ROtational Motions in seismologY), located in a Geophysical Observatory near Munich, Germany, enables to redundantly observe all three components of the curl of the displacement field.For seismic accelerations below 30 mHz, the separation of low noise background levels between vertical and horizontal component are well established and understood to result from local tilts driven by atmospheric pressure variations. The promise of multi-component rotational observations is that ideally they can be used to decontaminate a co-located horizontal component acceleration sensor from contributions of ground tilt. Moreover, knowing and understanding the background levels for vertical and horizontal rotational ground motions at long periods can refine our current understanding of the low noise model for ground motions and is essential as a benchmark for instrument development.We use several months of multi-component data of vertical and horizontal rotation rates by ROMY and a co-located atmospheric pressure sensor to derive the pressure compliance for both vertical and horizontal rotational motions. Focusing on frequencies below 20 mHz, we find that time windows with energetic weather patterns consistently lead to high coherence of atmospheric pressure and horizontal rotations, but only little coherence between the atmospheric pressure and vertical rotation.We consider this as a first indication that atmospheric pressure induced ground tilts are detected by the ROMY horizontal components. Different effects of ambient atmospheric pressure changes on the optical gyroscope itself, such as cavity deformation, are discussed. A small aperture barometer array surrounding ROMY provides observations of lateral pressure gradients to provide additional constraints on ground deformations from atmospheric pressure waves.
Strain-rate variations as response to surface uplift and subsidence during a volcanic crisis measured with DAS on a dark fiber?
Authors: Wollin Christopher , Jousset Philippe , Reinsch Thomas , Krawczyk Charlotte
Published: May 2024

Tectonic deformation spans several orders of magnitude in both duration and spatial extent. However, instruments and acquisition techniques to date are capable to quantify only parts of this wide spectrum. Seismometers, for example, acquire dense temporal data but are sparsely distributed, resulting in spatial aliasing. Conversely, remote sensing techniques have a wide aperture but coarse temporal resolution and accuracy (mm range). Distributed fiber optic sensing converts fiber optic cables, which can be tens of kilometers long, into arrays of regularly spaced virtual sensors that measure the strain tensor component tangential to the fiber. As such, this measurement technique has the potential to complement conventional seismological instrumentation and remote sensing. It samples the Earth's surface deformation in a spatially and temporally un-aliased manner, opening up new possibilities for permanent monitoring at regional scales, for example to document the interplay between aseismic and seismic events or the uplift and subsidence in response to magma intrusions in the subsurface.
 
In this contribution we analyze distributed dynamic strain recordings acquired in early 2020 during the geothermal unrest preceding the 2021 Fagradalsfjall volcano eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula, South West Iceland. Measurements were accomplished with a telecommunication optic fibre connecting the town of Gridavik with the Svartsengi geothermal power plant 5 km to the North and the western most tip of the Reykjanes Peninsula approximately 15 km to the west. Located approximately between 10 and 20 km west of the volcanic eruption to follow, the fiber crosses areas subjected to significant surface uplift and subsidence during the preparatory phase. Long continuous strain-rate recordings show a response at low frequencies during the onset of uplift and subsidence. We approximate the tectonic situation with the Mogi-model to obtain first-order predictions of surface strain and to compare them with our observations. Prospectively, our efforts aim at investigating the feasibility of employing distributed optical strain-rate measurements along telecommunication infrastructure to track slow deformations.
Exploring Fault Zone Dynamics and Subsurface Motions: Unveiling the PGV-Strain Relationship with Downhole Cross-Fault Optical Fiber Sensing and Borehole Seismometers
Authors: Ma Kuo-Fong , Ristich Alexander , Lin Yen-Yu , Huang Hsin-Hua , Lin Chin-Ren , Ku Chin-Shang
Published: May 2024

By employing Optical Fiber Sensing techniques in boreholes post-drilling, we effectively map and analyze fault behavior, such as the Milun fault, known for frequent slip events and significant earthquakes like the Mw6.4 Hualien earthquakes in February 2018 and the M7.1 event in November 1951. Additionally, our borehole Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) records several moderate to large earthquakes, including the M7.0 Chishang earthquake on September 18, 2022. Traditionally, seismology relies on peak ground velocity (PGV) as a proxy due to the absence of direct strain measurements. However, the high cost and global limitations of traditional borehole strain-meters have prompted exploration into emerging fiber-optic-based strain sensing technology, offering scalable measurements and a deeper understanding of the strain-PGV relationship. The "Milun fault Drilling and All-inclusive Sensing (MiDAS)" project in Taiwan showcases this advancement, deploying state-of-the-art sensors, including downhole optical fiber and a 3-component seismic array, for long-term monitoring and high-resolution data collection during seismic events like the M7 earthquake sequence on September 18, 2022. We examine the PGV/strain relationship as an indication of earthquake dynamic triggering, considering teleseismic events from 2023 ranging from M6.6 to 7.8, local seismic events like the M7.1 sequence on September 18, 2022, and subsequent events from 202302 ranging from M4.0 to M5.6. By correlating peak strain and velocity, linked to shear-wave velocity, we establish the strain-velocity relationship for the first-time using co-site borehole optical fiber and a 3-component seismic array. We reveal the strain field at depth and the strain-velocity relationship using co-site downhole optical fiber and borehole seismic array data. Studies indicate strain amplification in weak zones regardless of wave types and frequency bands, alongside various modes in frequency contents of subsurface structures, and significant strain energy accumulation near lithology boundaries. Deriving the PGV-Strain relationship for earthquake dynamic triggering involves establishing a triggering threshold in strain, with strain emerging as a direct parameter in seismology, evident in consistent features of local and teleseismic events, thus shedding light on fault zone responses during interseismic periods from dynamic strain energy during teleseismic earthquakes.
Urban hazard reduction using dark fiber distributed sensing
Authors: Huang Hsin-Hua , Wang Chi-Hsuan , Wu En-Shih , Ku Chin-Shang , Lin Chin-Jen , Ma Kuo-Fong
Published: May 2024

Distributed fiber-optic sensing (DFOS) is an emerging technique that can turn a fiber cable into a dense seismic sensor array with meter-scale spacing. Ubiquitously existing telecom fiber cables in buildings and cities render great potential for the use of DFOS in urban hazard reduction studies. One of such aspects is to identify (hidden) fault structures beneath the populated metropolis in the Taipei basin, where the NE-SW Sanchiao Fault and several basement faults transverse. While the east-dipping Sanchiao is capable of generating M 6+ earthquakes right under the urban area, its geometrical and structural characteristics are not well understood due to the absence of outcrops covered by Quaternary alluvial deposits and the lack of high-resolution seismic data. Here, we employ an existing telecommunication cable (owned by Chunghwa Telecom Company) running across the Sanchiao Fault to investigate the fault and basin structure at unprecedented resolution. The ambient noise cross-correlation and beamforming analysis are used to measure multi-frequency Rayleigh-wave phase velocities along the cable and invert for high-resolution shallow shear velocity profile across the fault. The results show a clear velocity contrast between the Taipei Basin and the Linkou Tableland, delineating a clear east-dipping geometry of the Sanchiao Fault. The presence of thick sediments to the east in the basin is also imaged to play a key role in modulating seismic waves for strong amplification and prolonged shaking. Our study evidences that the dark-fiber DFOS is a powerful direction that can offer high-resolution mapping/monitoring of the major fault structures with least cost.
Comparison of rotational sensor and array-derived back azimuths with network locations of LP events and tremor on Etna volcano, Italy
Authors: Vesely Nele I. K. , Eibl Eva P. S. , Currenti Gilda , Sciotto Mariangela , Di Grazia Giuseppe , Jousset Philippe
Published: May 2024

Etna volcano is one of Europe’s most active volcanoes in proximity to a densely inhabited and touristic area, which leads to the urge of understanding its behaviour and patterns. A seismic experiment has been set up on Etna volcano in 2019 including an array of seismometers, a rotational sensor and a distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) cable.
Previous research of Eibl et al. (2022) has compared the rotational sensor’s back azimuths of long-period (LP) events and tremor on Etna volcano, Italy, with localizations from the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia-Osservatorio Etneo (INGV-OE) network. Here, we are now comparing the back azimuths of a small aperture array around the rotational sensor with previous results for LP events and tremor of one day during the experiment.
First results show the best agreement between the INGV-OE localizations and the array’s horizontal North components for LP event arrival. However, the rotational sensor back azimuth median seems to generally fit better to the network localizations during the entire event. Tremor INGV-OE localizations are best fit by back azimuths derived using the horizontal East component of the array with around 2° deviation in the mean, whereas the rotational sensor back azimuths differ around 10°. Reasons for the discrepancy with the expected location is currently in discussion.
Rotational sensors facilitate field work and enhance wave field understanding. For which wave types and settings the back azimuth results by the rotational sensor are fitting better to the expectations than those of an array is still to be confirmed.
 
Reference:
Eibl, E. P. S., Rosskopf, M., Sciotto, M., Currenti, G., Di Grazia, G., Jousset, P., et al. (2022). Performance of a rotational sensor to decipher volcano seismic signals on Etna, Italy. Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, 127, e2021JB023617. https://doi.org/10.1029/2021JB023617
Seismic Phases Picking with Artificial Intelligence: A Novel Approach for Distributed Acoustic Sensing Data Analysis
Authors: Corsaro Miriana , Cannavò Flavio , Currenti Gilda , Palazzo Simone , Allegra Martina , Jousset Philippe , Prestifilippo Michele , Spampinato Concetto
Published: May 2024

The analysis of signals acquired through Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) technology offers an innovative method for seismic monitoring. However, owing to the high noise levels, the analysis of DAS data presents significant challenges in taking full advantage of dense temporal and spatial sampling. This is particularly true in accurately picking phase arrival times on DAS data. 
Currently, some techniques have been proposed to address the picking problem on DAS data both from classical methods and through use of machine learning approaches, including the notable model named PhaseNet-DAS. Despite this, challenges persist, especially in real-time seismic monitoring applications and in the presence of high-frequency and high-density data.
In this context, we propose a novel model that leverages visual features and is based on the fundamental principles of Transformers, a class of Artificial Intelligence models, widely recognized for their ability to model complex relationships in sequential data. Our proposed model shows its effectiveness in learning seismic wave characteristics from DAS data, enabling an efficient phase picking.
To demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach, we present preliminary results on the use of our model to DAS data acquired in the seismically active area of Campi Flegrei caldera. The experimental results show the benefits of our method in exploiting DAS technology for enhancing seismic monitoring.
DAS System for the Evaluation of Subsea Seismic Data from GEOLAB cable in Madeira Island
Authors: Cunha Cristina , Monteiro Catarina , Martins Hugo , Carrilho Fernando , Silva Susana , Frazão Orlando
Published: May 2024

DAS technology has emerged as a transformative technology with a vast range of applications, both on land and at sea. These applications span from oil and gas exploration to geophysical data collection, infrastructure monitoring, security, and environmental hazard monitoring, including earthquake and tsunami early warning systems (Landrø et al., 2022; Gorshkov et al., 2022).
The unique properties of DAS systems can bring high benefits to the demanding field of seismology, as it provides a significant increment in the spatial information that can be obtained from a seismic event. Moreover, the widespread deployment of optical fiber across the Earth's surface, coupled with the relatively low cost per monitoring point for extended distances, has rendered DAS an appealing alternative to traditional seismographs (Li et al., 2023). This is especially true for subsea applications, where the capability of remote sensing is particularly attractive. Remote sensing enables the placement of systems far from harsh environments, often difficult to access, enhancing the feasibility and effectiveness of monitoring efforts.
In this work, it was employed a DAS equipment on a dark telecommunication fiber was installed exclusively for research purposes, named GEOLAB, located on the island of Madeira. This fiber spans approximately 50 km, where the initial tests were conducted using a DAS from January 31 to February 14, 2023. The equipment utilized is the HDAS provided by the IO-CSIC. The signal of the fiber was collected with a spatial resolution (or gauge length) of 10 m, resulting in total of 5000 channels, with a temporal acquisition with a frequency of 50 Hz. The DAS system has a chirped pulsed laser as the optical source, generating pulses with a width of 100 ns. These pulses were then amplified using a semiconductor optical amplifier to mitigate intra-band coherent noise.
A total of 19 seismic events were detected, and then characterized by performing two-dimensional linear bandpass filtering. We will present the initial findings, particularly the seismic activity resulting from the earthquakes with epicenters near the city of Gaziantep, located in Turkey. These events occurred on February 6, 2023, with magnitudes of 7.5 and 7.8 on the Richter scale.
New Earth and Planetary Science Discoveries Enabled by the Optical Fiber Sensing Revolution
Authors: Lipovsky Bradley , Abadi Shima , Denolle Marine , Gaete Elgueta Verónica , Gräff Dominik , Manos John-Morgan , Ni Yiyu , Shi Qibin , Sprinkle Parker , Wilcock William , Williams Ethan
Published: May 2024

Optical fiber sensors constitute the biggest revolution in geophysical and environmental sensor technology since digitization.  Although traditional sensors have been refined through decades of incremental progress, optical fiber sensors provide an entirely new lens with which to study fundamental processes. These sensors are particularly advantageous for systems that require high spatial and temporal resolution (i.e., on the order of 1-10m spatial scale and 100 s to 100 kHz sampling rate).  The UW Fiber Lab has deployed these technologies in Antarctica, Greenland, Alaska, New Zealand, and at a dozen sites in Europe and the lower United States.  The main focus of this research has been on studying Earth's cryosphere, submarine, urban, and otherwise difficult-to-instrument environments. This talk will focus specifically on use cases where basic knowledge has been gained regarding the calving front of large, ocean-terminating glaciers in Greenland, paleoclimatic history of the Antarctic ice sheet, monitoring of clean energy systems, and earthquake detection and ground motion hazard characterization.  The presentation will conclude with a forward looking discussion regarding the rapid pace of development of basic optical physics and engineering, and the prospects for future growth at the intersection of optical fiber sensor technology and basic geoscience research.
Students’ and Instructors’ Perceptions of the Benefits and Drawbacks of Using a Twitter-based Assignment in an Undergraduate Public Health Nutrition Course
Authors: Price Miriam , Boluk Karla , Neiterman Elena , Kirkpatrick Sharon
Published: May 2024

The integration of social media in higher education may support improved communication among students and instructors and facilitate collaborative learning. Within public health education, the use of social media may enable students to critically reflect on relevant everyday experiences, while the ability to effectively communicate via social media is increasingly viewed as an important public health competency. Although the existing literature suggests benefits of the use of social media in higher education, a lack of attention to potential drawbacks has been raised. The objective of this study was to examine student experiences, including perceived benefits and challenges, of a Twitter-based assessment in a public health nutrition university course. Data consisted of students’ (n=115) written reflections, complemented by transcripts from semi-structured interviews conducted with the instructor and three teaching assistants. Three themes identified by inductive thematic analysis included engaging students with course content and one another, practicing communication skills, and navigating learning curves. Most students noted the assessment provided opportunities to apply course concepts and connect with peers. However, some did not find the assignment’s purpose to be intuitive and some resistance to the use of Twitter was noted, particularly with respect to the constraints associated with tight character limits. Other students noted minimal impact on their learning due to the superficial nature of tweets. The results underscore the importance of tying social media-based assessments to clear and realistic learning goals with appropriate student supports, as well as balancing potential benefits of experimentation with social media with the potential drawbacks.
Undergraduate Research Learning in the Liberal Arts: A Case Study of Transformative Student-Faculty Collaborations
Authors: Tsang Christine D. , Dishke Catharine , Cheung Irene , King Andrea , Hunter Britney , Savino Lucas , Schofield Scott , Van Tol Deanne
Published: May 2024

To cultivate a learning environment promoting meaningful engagement with research, Huron University College—a small, primarily undergraduate liberal arts institution—launched the Centre for Undergraduate Research Learning (CURL). One major initiative of CURL's pilot phase was to fund extracurricular research opportunities (Student Fellowships) for undergraduate students. These projects enable students to conduct independent research projects with the guidance of a faculty mentor. The current paper presents the findings from a case study of the first four CURL Student Research Fellowship award recipients and their faculty mentors, using the concept of transformative experience (Heddy and Pugh, 2015) as the lens to conduct a content analysis of participant interviews. Our findings show evidence of substantive dialogue and active collaboration between students and their faculty mentors, providing a safe space for students to experiment, explore and develop their research skills. The students articulated development of specific skills related to research process, connection between theory and practice, as well as personal intellectual and interpersonal gains, which are suggestive of a transformative experience in progress. Although this paper reports on a limited sample, the findings may provide insight into the potential transformative impact of mentored undergraduate research experiences in the liberal arts.
Using Mindful Practices to Support Capacity for Empathy and Compassion Among Senior Undergraduate Health and Social Services Students: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Schwind Jasna K. , Beanlands Heather , Wang Angel , MacGregor Emma
Published: May 2024

As part of their undergraduate education, students in health and social service disciplines learn about empathy and compassion to help prepare them for therapeutic encounters in clinical-professional settings. In this mixed methods study, we engaged senior undergraduate students (n=25) in mindful practices to further support their development of qualities associated with empathy and compassion for self and others. In Winter and Fall semesters of 2021, students participated in a three-part virtual workshop-series on mindful practices and were asked to engage in brief daily mindful activities, with optional bi-weekly check-ins with the research team. We evaluated the impact of mindful practices on wellbeing, self-compassion, mindfulness, and empathy using four established measures, and gathered qualitative data to explore participant experiences of mindful practices. Statistically significant improvements were found in self-compassion (p = 0.03) and curiosity (mindfulness) (p = 0.02) after participating in the intervention. Participants highlighted the value of mindful self-compassion in mitigating anxiety and stress, aggravated by the pandemic. Four key themes emerged: facing difficulty, developing present-moment awareness, increasing self-compassion, and growing empathy for others. Participants reported enjoying a sense of shared humanity with other participants, not being alone in facing difficulties, and the impact of this on developing empathy for others, which they recognized as a complex, yet needed quality. Thus, effects on empathy toward others were mixed. The experience of the pandemic affected both the implementation of the study and the participants themselves. Progressively decreasing levels of engagement, coupled with high degrees of stress and limited opportunities to attend clinical-professional practice settings, shaped participant experiences with mindful practices. Further research could build on this work by exploring the ways in which mindful practices could further strengthen future practitioners’ capacity for empathy toward others.
Facilitating Scientific Inquiry Skills through Fiction-Based Learning
Authors: Wong Michael , Clavio Avery P. , Vu John T. , Agtarap Gian R. , Su Betty , Farooq Shaaf , Cates Elizabeth C.
Published: May 2024

Scientific inquiry skills (e.g., observation, critical analysis, hypothesis generation) are the cornerstone of scientific training, yet these skills are seldom taught. Consequently, an inquiry-based course was created at McMaster University, Science of Fictional Characters, that facilitates students to develop scientific inquiry skills. By analysing the feasibility of fictional characters in the real world, students apply and understand concepts in various scientific disciplines (e.g., biology, psychology, physics). This course embeds a variety of active learning strategies to foster the development of skills relevant to the scientific process, including group projects, written reflections, and Socratic discussions and debates. To gather student opinions about the effectiveness of the course, we administered an end-of-term survey, a modified version of the Course Interest Survey (CIS). This self-reported CIS included five subscales: student attention, relevance, confidence, satisfaction, and scientific inquiry skill development. Of the 17 surveys completed, on average the subscales scored above four on a five-point scale. Additionally, we performed a thematic analysis on 15 reflective assignments. Qualitatively, 10 codes were extracted from the student testimonies, which were grouped into four themes: student satisfaction, perceived applicability, course flexibility, and barriers to learning. Both data types revealed that students were engaged with the course and felt they improved their scientific inquiry skills. Our data further suggest the course would benefit from additional foundational scientific content. Nevertheless, the study provides an example of how fiction and an active learning model can create an engaging, skills-based learning environment in a science course.
Student Engagement Across Course Teaching Modalities
Authors: VanBeselaere Carla , Roberts Toni
Published: May 2024

In this study, we compare student engagement across delivery modes (asynchronous online, synchronous online, and a mix of in-person, hyflex, and hybrid or blended teaching) at a small liberal arts undergraduate institution where faculty could choose their teaching mode. Student engagement involves students connecting with course material, the instructor, and fellow students. Student engagement is important due to its relationship with learning, retention, and student satisfaction. Using an online student survey and information on teaching modality, we examine how this mode affected students’ behavioural and affective engagement. Using both quantitative and qualitative analyses, investigate the following questions: how did the teaching mode affect student engagement and what can faculty do to encourage engagement? We find that student behaviours and beliefs reported in our survey indicate that the lack of in-person instruction did not significantly negatively affect student engagement at the university under study. We find that one of our measures of student engagement was higher in courses offered asynchronously online. Given this result, we use qualitative data analysis to untangle the factors that might support higher levels of engagement.
Student and Faculty Perceptions of Ineffective Teaching Behaviours
Authors: Kennette Lynne N. , Chapman Morgan
Published: May 2024

In order to teach effectively, one must not only be aware of which behaviours constitute “good” teaching behaviours, but also avoid those behaviours which are perceived as “poor” teaching behaviours. The present study investigates students’ and faculty’s perception of ineffective teaching behaviours. We asked both groups to identify which teaching behaviours they perceived as the worst behaviours. We also asked which behaviours they experienced the most in their current program/place of employment. In general, students and faculty agree about which behaviours are the worst, and which are the most and least frequently occurring at the institution. We also compare the perceptions of our samples to the American and Chinese student samples previously published by Liu et al. (2020). Results are discussed in relation to the scholarship of teaching and learning and the possible effects of the pandemic on the perceptions of teaching. Future directions are also proposed in this context.
The Right Relationship Between Teaching and Educational Technology: How Ursula Franklin’s Technology as Practice Can Guide SoTL
Authors: Openo Jason
Published: May 2024

This article employs Franklin’s technology as practice to reflect on what educational technology means and offer an alternative narrative for how ed tech has changed the structure of teaching and learning in the 30 years since SoTL’s inception. SoTL practitioners have largely embraced educational technology and its promise to provide a healthy disruption to postsecondary teaching, but Franklin’s observations on technology and teaching cause those who care about teaching to pause, think beyond technology, and deconstruct educational technology’s ideology of disruption and its discourse of scale. Educational technology has enabled the transformation of teaching from a holistic, or artisanal technology, to a prescriptive activity through a process now called unbundling. The ability to break teaching down into discretely executable steps, transforms the nature of teaching and concomitantly shifts the locus of control from the teacher to the manager. Franklin’s technology as practice also shines a light on how SoTL can build a right relationship with educational technology by serving as a redemptive technology. Redemptive technologies recognize that technology defines the nature of the activity, meaning that teaching with technology fundamentally changes what it means to be a teacher. Franklin’s conception of redemptive technology also asks SoTL practitioners to reject thinking of educational technology as a set of value-neutral tools, and to study educational technology in small, localized settings. According to Franklin, the potential for social change resides in the strength of community, and the community of SoTL practitioners can best bring about the right relationship between ed tech and teaching by focusing on its core principles, especially the principle of reciprocity.
Some Engineering Properties of Garlic (Allium sativum L)
Authors: M. Manjunatha  , D.V.K. Samuel  , S.K. Jha
Published: May 2024

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) (Cultivar G-282) grown in Indian subcontinent was selected to establish some of its useful engineering properties. The shape, average diameter, weight, bulk density, segment number of whole garlic, average length, width, thickness, geometric mean diameter, sphericity and mass weight of 1000 garlic segment were determined (at 40.50 % moisture content on wet basis) as round, 5.12 cm, 28.64 g, 414.40 kg/m3 , 16.32,26.25 mm, 10.36 mm, 8.73 mm, 13.34 mm, 0.51 and 1813.60 g, respectively. In the moisture content range from 23.05 to 40.50 %(w.b.), the terminal velocity, angle of repose, specific gravity, compressive and shear forces of garlic segment increased from 7.18 to 12.24 mis, 25.53 to 37.50 degree, 0.90 to 0.97,2.25 tol0.70 kg and 1.75 to 2.83 kg, respectively, while bulk density decreased from 483.10 to 449.76 kglm3 • The static coefficient of friction increased on three surfaces, namely, teak wood (0.46 to 0.53), aluminium (0.38 to 0.48) and mild steel (0.34 to 0.41) with increase in moisture content from 23.05 to 40.50 % (w.b.).
Evaluation of Head Loss in Drip Irrigation System
Authors: Sandeep Kumar  , Pratap Singh
Published: May 2024

The study was conducted to evaluate the head loss in main line and lateral line for drip irrigation system. The study involved four types of emission devices viz. dripper, micro-tube, drip-in and drip tape. The head loss was calculated by measuring loss in pressure head in actual length of main and lateral line at four locations of the system with different spacing and operating pressure head. The minimum and maximum head loss in main and lateral line was for drippers and micro-tubes respectively Emperical equations for head loss combined for all emission devices and individual for each emission device were developed
Ergonomic Evaluation of Foot Operated Rotary Power Generation
Authors: Ramchandra Ram  , Adarsh Kumar  , J.K. Singh  , S.K. Jha  , Indra Mani  , V. Ramasubramanian
Published: May 2024

Large number of farm machines and hand tools used on Indian farms require rotational power for operatioJ1. In India, human energy is extensively used as main source of power to operate farm equipment for low power requirement «75 W) in different modes including rotational mode. An ergonomic evaluation of foot operated rotational power generation in different modes namely; pedal, stepper and bicycle at five mechanical output conditions was carried out. During experiments, physiological and postural parameters were evaluated. Up to 55.9W of mechanical power output in bicycle mode of operation was found to be the best. At 74.6W of mechanical power output, stepper mode of operation was better than other modes. At no load and 18.6W of mechanical output, the overall discomfort score was the lowest in bicycle mode. At 37.3,55.9 and 74.6W mechanical outputs, overall discomfort score was lowest in stepper mode. The human efficiency was the highest in bicycle mode of operation at 18.6, 37.3 and 55.9W of mechanical output conditions but at 74.6W mechanical output condition, highest human efficiency was obtained in stepper mode.
Modelling ofMass Transfer in Osmotic Dehydration ofAonla Slices
Authors: Md. Shafiq Alam  , Amarjit Singh
Published: May 2024

The study on osmotic dehydration of aonla slices was carried out in order to remove the moisture prior to the further mechanical drying. Three sugar concentration levels (500B, 600B and 700Brix), three temperature levels of osmotic solution (300e, 45°e and 60°C) and constant solution to fruit ratio of 6: 1 (V/W) were selected and the observations on water loss and solute gain were taken at an interval of 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, 180 and 240 min. A two parameter mathematical model developed by Azuara et al. was used for describing the mass transfer in osmotic dehydration of aonla slices. The effect of time on mass transfer kinetics was investigated and the constants of two parameter model and final equilibrium points for moisture loss as well as solute gain were found. The water loss from and solute gain by the aonla samples increased non-linearly with the duration of osmosis at all sugar concentrations, and both were higher in the initial period of osmosis than the later period. Further, both increased with increasing sugar concentration. The model was able to predict osmosis mass transfer data up to the equilibrium point using data for relatively short period of osmosis.
Performance of Sub-surface Drainage under ORP trial in Sandy Loam Sodic Soils with High Water Table Condition
Authors: R. K. Sharma  , S. K. Verma  , S. C. Tiwari
Published: May 2024

A sub-surface drainage system using corrugated perforated PVC pipe was installed in a plot area of 33m x 60 m size sub-surface with 100 m lateral drains and 100 m collector drain having surrounded by a 5 cm thick envelope of 2-6 mm sized mineral components. The lateral drains were installed at 18m spacing and 0.6 m depth and collector drain was at a depth of 0.7 m. The study revealed that provision of sub surface drainage in sodic sandy loam soils improve the yields of Til (TKG- 55), Wheat (HD -4672), Pearl millet (JVB - 3) and Bengal Gram (PG - 5) over undrained condition by 15, 12, 19 and 18 percent, respectively.
Efficient Management of Soil Moisture with Jute Non-woven as Mulch for Cultivation of Sweetlime and Turmeric in Red Lateritic Zone
Authors: D. Nag  , T. K. Choudhury  , S. Debnath  , P.K. Ganguly  , S.K. Ghosh
Published: May 2024

Mulch is a layer of material spread on top of the soil to conserve soil moisture, discourage the growth of weeds, help prevent erosion and prevent large fluctuations in soil temperature. Mulch modifies the soil micro-climate around the growing plants. Jute geotextile being a woven/non-woven knitted structure of natural fibre is used in various geo-technical, civil engineering and soil conservation applications. It can be used where vegetation is considered to be the long term answer to protected cultivation of fruits and spices in arid and semi-arid regions. With this objective in mind, field trials were undertaken on the use of jute non-woven geo-textiles as mulch for cultivation of sweet lime with turmeric as an intercrop in the dry lateritic soil of Midnapore (West) district of West Bengal. It was observed that yields of sweet lime and turmeric were substantially higher fetching higher economic returns to the growers.
Design Parameters for Gasification of Maize Cobs in Throatless Gasifier
Authors: Sangeeta Chopra  , A.K. Jain  , R K. Gupta  , A.K. Singh  , R. K. Jindal  , P. Singh
Published: May 2024

The gasification of shelled maize cobs was conducted in throatless gasifiers having 15, 22.5, 30 and 36 cm diameter reactors. The experiments were conducted with varying gas flow rate in such a way that the corresponding variation in specific gasification rate CSGR) was in the range of 120-270 kg.h-1 m-2. For each reactor, the best performance was obtained with SGR of 165 kg.h-1.m-2 The combustible gases were observed to be 31-38% of the producer gas at optimum SGR. The lower heating value of producer gas was 4.2-5.22 MJ.Nm-3. Maximum gasification efficiency obtained was 66.8-68.9% at optimum SGR. The average equivalence ratio was 0.47. The effect of diameter of reactor on efficiency of gasification was not significant, whereas the specific gasification rate (SGR) had a significant effect on gasification efficiency. The SGR value of 165 kg.h-'m2 may be used as design parameter for gasification of maize cobs in throatless gasifier.
Effect of Fertigation on Banana Biometric Characteristics and Fertilizer Use Efficiency
Authors: Ashok Kumar  , Arvind Kumar  , H. K. Singh  , N. Kumari  , Pramod Kumar
Published: May 2024

Study was conducted at the Horticultural Experimental Farm, Birauli, Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa during 1998-1999 to find out effect of the different doses of fertilizer under fertigation on phenological characteristics such as plant height, plant girth, root development; on fruiting time and bunch charactenstics as well as saving in fertilizer. The obtained results revealed that, treatment T1 with 100% of recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), NPK under drip fertigation gave highest values of plant height, plant girth and average number of leaves followed by treatment T2 with 80 % of RDF. Also, this treatment caused earlier bunch shooting. bunch harvesting as well as fruiting time. The highest bunch weight. number of hands1 bunch and number of fingers/bunch with best finger quality (weight, length and diameter) were recorded In T1. Lower values were obtained in treatment with T3 with 60% RDF in drip irrigated treamnent and T4 with 100% of RDF under traditional method of fertilizer application. Maximum yield of banana was obtained in treatment T1 (95.2 t.ha-1) followed by T, (87.6 t-ha-1), T, (76.4 t.ha-1) and T, (73.1 t.ha-1). The treatment T1 and T, gave 24.5% and 14.6% more yield. respectively in comparison to control treatment. The result indicated that application of only 65% of RDF can give the yield at par with conventional cultivation. The water and fertilizer use efficiency was about 25% higher for drip fertigated plot in comparison to check basin method of irrigation and fertilizer application through soil manipulation method.
Optimization of Pretreatments for Dehydration of Bittergourd
Authors: V. D. Mudgal  , Vishakha K. Pande
Published: May 2024

Bittergourd (Momordica charantia L) slices were i) blanched for 3 min in boiling water, ii) blanched for 3 min in 5% salt solution, and iii) dipped in 15% salt solution for 30 min. The samples dehydrated in mechanical tray dryer were found to be more acceptable as compared to sun dried and solar dried products. Exhaustive dehydration trails were conducted using mechanical tray dryer in three replications at 60, 70, 80 and 90°C drying air temperatures. The dried bittergourd slices were packed in different types of containers for predicting their shelf life. Bittergourd slices blanched in boiling water were of the best quality followed by 5% salt solution at drying temperature of 60 and 70°C. The samples blanched in boiling water and dehydrated at 60°C were observed most acceptable in terms of rehydration property and nutritional quality, It also proved to be superior in colour retention up to 60 days of storage. The result showed that the rehydrated bittergourd slices could very well be utilized for substituting the fresh product during offseason.
Drying Characteristics of Indian Cheese at Low Pressure Superheated Steam Drying
Authors: Shivarnurti Shrivastav  , B. K. Kumbhar
Published: May 2024

lndian cheese is an important dairy product and is used to prepare different culinary dishes. It is highly perishable in nature at ambient conditions and its shelf life is very low. The product develops a sour smell. bitter taste and being sparsely covered with moulds when expressed to high temperature. This study was undertaken to investigate the drying characteristics of Indian cheese, at low pressure superheated steam drying (LPSSD). The effect of steam temperature (62, 72 and 82°C) and pressure (10, 14 and 18 kpa) on generalized drying rates was determined. Page's model was selected as a better predictive model as compared to exponential and logarithmic models.
Drying of Tomato Using a Solar Dryer with LPG Backup
Authors: T. V Chavda  , Naveen Kumar
Published: May 2024

Tomato constitutes an integral part of the human diet worldwide. Although, tomato is commonly consumed fresh, over 80% of tomato consumption comes from processed products such as tomato juice, paste, puree. ketchup and sauce. The dried tomatoes are used for decorating some food dishes in stared hotels, in preparing some specific items like pasta, dal and vegetables. An indirect, forced convection solar cabinet dryer with LPG back up was tested for tomato drying by Sardar Pate1 Renewable Energy Research Institute (SPRERI). A 60 m2 packed bed solar collector was used to capture solar radiation for heating the drying medium (air) during the daytime, while a LPG burner was used to supply heat when enough solar energy was not available to get the desired drying temperature. The heat generated from the LPG burner was supplied to the incoming air through a heat exchanger. The temperature inside the drying chamber could be maintained around 80°C for 9 h. This dryer is by no means limited to drying of the tomato. Currently, seven dryers of similar design have been used by farmer and industrial groups in Gujarat and Maharashtra states for drying ayurvedic medicines, mushroom, handmade paper, wooden planks, aonla and other products.
Production Functions for Irrigation Water and Nitrogen Requirements of Early Cauliflower Grown in Greenhouse
Authors: Chetan Singla  , K.G Singh
Published: May 2024

A field study on fertigation of cauliflower (Brassrca Oleracea var. botlys Linn.) using drip irrigation system was undertaken with three rates of nitrogen application (100 %, 75 % and 50 %) of recommended dose applied in three splrts (50 % of dose at planting time, 25% at 30 days after planting and 25% at 60 days after planting) and three levels of irrigation at IWICPE ratio of 0.5.0.75 and 1.0 in fan pad cooled greenhouse and naturally ventilated greenhouse respectively. Various prediction models viz. linear, quadratic, square root and three halves governing the relationship between irrigation water, nitrogen fertilizer and the yield of drip irrigated off-season cauliflower were developed. The studies revealed that the maximum yield of 1.2 tlha and 1.05 tlha of early cauliflower could be obtained under irrigation schedule based on IWICPE=0.5 and 100% of recommended nitrogen dose in both the greenhouses. Square root model was the best prediction model for assessing the impact of imgation water and nitrogen dose on crop yield, with R2 value (0.956) in fan pad cooled greenhouse (RMSE=4.18) and quadratic model with R' value (0.901) in naturally ventilated greenhouse (RMSE=5.72). The prediction model mdicated that cauliflower showed a declining response to the amount of irrigation water having negative regression coefficient. The crop response was positive to nitrogen application in its square root terms indicating its favourable influence on crop yield at higher doses.