bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A multi-year methane inversion using SCIAMACHY, accounting for systematic errors using TCCON measurements
Authors: Houweling S. , Krol M. , Bergamaschi P. , Frankenberg C. , Dlugokencky E. J. , Morino I. , Notholt J. , Sherlock V. , Wunch D. , Beck V. , Gerbig C. , Chen H. , Kort E. A. , Röckmann T. , Aben I.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. This study investigates the use of total column CH4 (XCH4) retrievals from the SCIAMACHY satellite instrument for quantifying large scale emissions of methane. A unique data set from SCIAMACHY is available spanning almost a decade of measurements, covering a period when the global CH4 growth rate showed a marked transition from stable to increasing mixing ratios. The TM5 4DVAR inverse modelling system has been used to infer CH4 emissions from a combination of satellite and surface measurements for the period 2003–2010. In contrast to earlier inverse modelling studies, the SCIAMACHY retrievals have been corrected for systematic errors using the TCCON network of ground based Fourier transform spectrometers. The aim is to further investigate the role of bias correction of satellite data in inversions. Methods for bias correction are discussed, and the sensitivity of the optimized emissions to alternative bias correction functions is quantified. It is found that the use of SCIAMACHY retrievals in TM5 4DVAR increases the estimated inter-annual variability of large-scale fluxes by 22% compared with the use of only surface observations. The difference in global methane emissions between two year periods before and after July 2006 is estimated at 27–35 Tg yr−1. The use of SCIAMACHY retrievals causes a shift in the emissions from the extra-tropics to the tropics of 50 ± 25 Tg yr−1. The large uncertainty in this value arises from the uncertainty in the bias correction functions. Using measurements from the HIPPO and BARCA aircraft campaigns, we show that systematic errors are a main factor limiting the performance of the inversions. To further constrain tropical emissions of methane using current and future satellite missions, extended validation capabilities in the tropics are of critical importance.
Field investigation of preferential fissure flow paths with hydrochemical analysis of small-scale sprinkling experiments
Authors: Krzeminska D. M. , Bogaard T. A. , Debieche T.-H. , Cervi F. , Marc V. , Malet J.-P.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. The unsaturated zone largely controls groundwater recharge by buffering precipitation but at the same time providing preferential flow paths for infiltration. The importance of preferential flow on landslide hydrology is recognized in literature, but its monitoring and quantification remains difficult. This paper presents a combined hydrological and hydrochemical analysis of small-scale sprinkling experiments with the aim to show the potential of such experiments for studying the spatial differences in dominant hydrological processes within a landslide. This methodology was tested in the highly heterogeneous black marls of the Super-Sauze landslide. The tests were performed in three areas characterised by different displacement rates, surface morphology and local hydrological conditions. Special attention was given to test the potential of small-scale sprinkling experiments to identify and characterise preferential flow patterns and dominating hydrological processes.
Optimising predictor domains for spatially coherent precipitation downscaling
Authors: Radanovics S. , Vidal J.-P. , Sauquet E. , Ben Daoud A. , Bontron G.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. Statistical downscaling is widely used to overcome the scale gap between predictors from numerical weather prediction models or global circulation models and predictands like local precipitation, required for example for medium-term operational forecasts or climate change impact studies. The predictors are considered over a given spatial domain which is rarely optimised with respect to the target predictand location. In this study, an extended version of the growing rectangular domain algorithm is proposed to provide an ensemble of near-optimum predictor domains for a statistical downscaling method. This algorithm is applied to find five-member ensembles of near-optimum geopotential predictor domains for an analogue downscaling method for 608 individual target zones covering France. Results first show that very similar downscaling performances based on the continuous ranked probability score (CRPS) can be achieved by different predictor domains for any specific target zone, demonstrating the need for considering alternative domains in this context of high equifinality. A second result is the large diversity of optimised predictor domains over the country that questions the commonly made hypothesis of a common predictor domain for large areas. The domain centres are mainly distributed following the geographical location of the target location, but there are apparent differences between the windward and the lee side of mountain ridges. Moreover, domains for target zones located in southeastern France are centred more east and south than the ones for target locations on the same longitude. The size of the optimised domains tends to be larger in the southeastern part of the country, while domains with a very small meridional extent can be found in an east–west band around 47° N. Sensitivity experiments finally show that results are rather insensitive to the starting point of the optimisation algorithm except for zones located in the transition area north of this east–west band. Results also appear generally robust with respect to the archive length considered for the analogue method, except for zones with high interannual variability like in the Cévennes area. This study paves the way for defining regions with homogeneous geopotential predictor domains for precipitation downscaling over France, and therefore de facto ensuring the spatial coherence required for hydrological applications.
Applications of time series analysis in geosciences: an overview of methods and sample applications
Authors: Gossel W. , Laehne R.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. Time series analysis methods are compared based on four geoscientific datasets. New methods such as wavelet analysis, STFT and period scanning bridge the gap between high resolution analysis of periodicities and non-equidistant data sets. The sample studies include not only time series but also spatial data. The application of variograms as an addition to or instead of autocorrelation opens new research possibilities for storage parameters.
Tidally induced lateral dispersion of the Storfjorden overflow plume
Authors: Wobus F. , Shapiro G. I. , Huthnance J. M. , Maqueda M. A. M. , Aksenov Y.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. We investigate the flow of brine-enriched shelf water from Storfjorden (Svalbard) into Fram Strait and onto the western Svalbard Shelf using a regional set-up of NEMO-SHELF, a 3-D numerical ocean circulation model. The model is set up with realistic bathymetry, atmospheric forcing, open boundary conditions and tides. The model has 3 km horizontal resolution and 50 vertical levels in the sh-coordinate system which is specially designed to resolve bottom boundary layer processes. In a series of modelling experiments we focus on the influence of tides on the propagation of the dense water plume by comparing results from tidal and non-tidal model runs. Comparisons of non-tidal to tidal simulations reveal a hotspot of tidally induced horizontal diffusion leading to the lateral dispersion of the plume at the southernmost headland of Spitsbergen which is in close proximity to the plume path. As a result the lighter fractions in the diluted upper layer of the plume are drawn into the shallow coastal current that carries Storfjorden water onto the western Svalbard Shelf, while the dense bottom layer continues to sink down the slope. This bifurcation of the plume into a diluted shelf branch and a dense downslope branch is enhanced by tidally induced shear dispersion at the headland. Tidal effects at the headland are shown to cause a net reduction in the downslope flux of Storfjorden water into the deep Fram Strait. This finding contrasts previous results from observations of a dense plume on a different shelf without abrupt topography.
The "four-color issue" in ecology for considering ecosystem boundaries
Authors: Doi H.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. Ecosystem boundaries are important structures in defining ecosystems. To date, ecologists have not extensively considered which boundaries are important in explaining ecological phenomena in order to simplify ecological theories. The four-color theorem in mathematics maintains that only four colors are required to color a set of regions so that no two adjacent regions have the same color. Before being proven in 1976, the theorem was considered the "four-color issue", which proposed that a small number of colors were required to separate regional boundaries. Applying the principle of "four-color issue" to the ecological field, we can also examine reducing the number of ecosystem boundaries considered. That is, we can ask ourselves the following question: "how many boundaries of an ecosystem should be considered for ecology"? Here, I suggest a principle of ecosystem boundaries as the "four-color issue of ecology", and propose that this will be an important step toward advancing knowledge in ecology and conservation biology. In addition, I introduce graph theory, developed from the four-color theorem, which can be useful for estimating ecosystem boundaries.
Influencia de la simetría facial en la elección de pareja
Authors: Portales Rosas Katherine , Gil Burmann Carlos , Beltrami Boisset Marcial
Published: October 2013

Muchos estudios sugieren que la simetría facial, como indicador de estabilidad en el desarrollo y de la salud del individuo, influye en la evaluación de las características de la pareja. Para determinar la importancia de la simetría facial en la elección de pareja, aplicamos, en diversos espacios públicos de Santiago de Chile, una encuesta a 718 personas heterosexuales: 456 mujeres y 262 hombres. Ellos evaluaron tres imágenes de rostros de personas del sexo opuesto con diferentes niveles de simetría facial. Concluimos que la simetría facial influye en la evaluación de las características de una pareja pero, en adición a la simetría, otros factores como el uso de productos de belleza pueden ser señales fenotípicas más importantes que la simetría facial.
Masculinidad y hombre maltratador ¿pueden las creencias de hombres y mujeres propiciar violencia de género?
Authors: Duarte Efraín , Gómez Jorge Francisco , Carrillo Carlos David
Published: October 2013

Esta investigación tuvo como propósito explorar la relación entre las creencias sobre masculinidad y hombre maltratador, incorporando la perspectiva de género como una herramienta para el análisis de dichas creencias, y tomando en cuenta la opinión de mujeres y de hombres con respecto a ellas. El estudio se llevó a cabo en el Estado de Yucatán, México. Participaron 117 mujeres (58.5%) y 83 hombres (41.5%). De ellos, 173 (86.5%) tenían residencia en la zona urbana y 27 (13.5%) residían en la zona rural. La recolección de datos se realizó a través de dos escalas: la Escala de Creencias acerca de la Masculinidad (ECAM), (Gómez & Carrillo, 2007) y la Escala de Creencias acerca del Hombre Maltratador (ECHOM), (Gómez, Carrillo & Revilla, 2008). Todo esto, dentro del contexto de un estudio cuasiexperimental, ex post facto, transversal, de campo, de dos muestras independientes. Los resultados muestran que existen diferencias en las creencias acerca de la masculinidad y el hombre maltratador, entre las mujeres y los hombres participantes; que las creencias sobre estos dos constructos se relacionan significativamente, encontrando -en las mujeres- mayor relación con el uso de la violencia como consecuencia del discurso y normativa social que se "impone" a los hombres; y, por otro lado, que tanto mujeres como hombres consideran que la violencia es normal que la ejerzan los hombres, aunque ambos la rechazan. Por último, es importante señalar que el constructo de masculinidad está basado en la concepción hegemónica del término, por lo tanto, sería interesante explorar los modelos alternativos de la masculinidad.
Valoración de las competencias de Psicología: Estudio exploratorio en muestras de estudiantes y profesionales activos
Authors: Suárez Ximena Alejandra
Published: October 2013

Por medio de un cuestionario se caracterizan y comparan las percepciones de importancia y autovaloración en ocho competencias asociadas a la profesión de psicólogo, de 58 psicólogos activos de la Región de la Araucanía (Chile) y 46 estudiantes de los últimos cursos de la carrera de psicología de una Universidad Estatal de la misma región. Los resultados indican una mayor valoración para las competencias de diagnóstico y de intervención psicológica individual en ambos grupos; la existencia de diferencias significativas a favor del grupo de profesionales en la importancia asignada a las competencias evaluadas; y una autovaloración en los estudiantes significativamente menor al nivel de importancia que le asignan a las competencias en estudio.
Parentalidad y salud mental adolescente: diferencias entre ciudades y tipo de dependencia escolar
Authors: Casassus Rodino Martín , Valdés Correa Macarena , Florenzano Urzúa Ramón , Cáceres Contreras Eugenio , Aspillaga Herrera Carolina , Santander Rigollet Sylvia
Published: October 2013

Los estilos de crianza influyen en la salud mental adolescente. Trabajos previos han corroborado el modelo explicativo de Brian Barber que relaciona variables parentales (control psicológico, control conductual, apoyo social) con otras de funcionamiento adolescente (depresión, comportamiento antisocial, iniciativa social). Este estudio pretende comprobar el modelo en tres ciudades de Chile y tipos de escuelas. Resultados: el modelo responde en la muestra total, pero presenta diferencias por ciudad y dependencia escolar. La iniciativa social no se relaciona con el apoyo social parental en Antofagasta, pero sí en Santiago y Concepción. Indicadores de depresión son más altos en colegios particulares privados; los subvencionados presentan los menores puntajes en comportamiento antisocial.
Representaciones sociales del trabajo de jóvenes en situación de discapacidad intelectual: una aproximación dialógica
Authors: Valdés Véliz Marco A.
Published: October 2013

Este artículo da cuenta de las representaciones sociales del trabajo de jóvenes en situación de discapacidad intelectual que participan en programas de formación laboral dual de dos escuelas especiales de Santiago. El estudio adscribe al modelo social de la discapacidad, vinculándose a conceptos como inteligencia dialógica, ciudad educadora y pedagogía crítica. Mediante un diseño de Teoría Fundamentada, y desde un enfoque procesual, se describen las categorías que configuran el campo de las representaciones estudiadas; se identifican actitudes, algunos conflictos y sus fuentes de información y determinación. Se discuten los resultados en torno a la propuesta curricular basada en pasantías laborales y se concluye que los participantes construyen simbolizaciones de la realidad social que guían su experiencia cotidiana en el trabajo.
Análisis de las concepciones de la masculinidad a la base de la intervención en hombres propuesta por el plan de seguridad pública del Ministerio del Interior
Authors: Abarca Brown Gabriel , Carvajal Fuentes Carla , Cifuentes Astete Ángela
Published: October 2013

El presente artículo tiene por objetivo analizar las concepcionesde masculinidad a la base de una intervención propuesta por el Ministerio del Interior para el trabajo con hombres que ejercen violencia en contextos de pareja, a la luz de los Estudios de la(s) Masculinidad(es) y los aportes de la Teoría Queer. Mediante el análisis de contenido se constatan concepciones esencialistas y normativas, amparadas en la heteronormatividad de los sexos. Asimismo, se evidencia la superposición de discursos que la sitúan como dispositivo jurídico de control, por una parte, y como espacio clínico psicoterapéutico, por otra. Finalmente, se destaca la contribución de los estudios de la(s) masculinidad(es) que incorporan definiciones semióticas al análisis.
Servicio en beneficio de la comunidad: una aproximación cuantitativa a la justicia juvenil restaurativa en Chile
Authors: Díaz Bórquez Daniela Aída
Published: October 2013

Este estudio observó 67 casos de jóvenes egresados del Programa Servicio en Beneficio de la Comunidad (SBC) para identificar prácticas efectivas en materia de intervención. Mediante una regresión logística fue posible predecir el éxito del SBC en función de las características de la intervención desarrollada por los profesionales.Los jóvenes que prestan servicios de alta base comunitaria (actividades recreativas/voluntariado) presentarían cinco veces más chances de lograr los objetivos de intervención, respecto de quienes prestan servicios de escaso vínculo comunitario, tales como labores administrativas o restauración de infraestructura pública. Los resultados generan evidencia empírica a favor del potencial restaurativo del SBC cuando permite restituir el vínculo entre el joven y la comunidad, simbólicamente destruido en la comisión del delito.
Constructividad y Razón narrativa: bases para un operar en terapia narrativa
Authors: Zlachevsky Ojeda Ana María
Published: October 2013

El presente artículo muestra cómo el concepto de “narrativa” y el de constructivismo o constructividad han llevado a equívocos. Ello se liga con las dos tradiciones que han coexistido en el pensamiento psicológico. La cientificista, por un lado, y la fenomenología hermenéutica, por otro, teniendo cada postura una diferente manera de entender “lo humano”; por tanto, de comprender lo narrativo. La constructividad como postura epistemológica se liga al pensamiento de Maturana y Varela, acentuando las características del observador que está a la base de esta comprensión. Se termina el artículo proponiendo la razón narrativa, versus la razón lógica, como proceso que permitiría entender lo narrativo en la postura fenomenológica hermenéutica.
Food Preparation at Home an Example of New Practical Strategies in the Swedish Municipal Food Service - A Qualitative Study
Authors: Pajalic Zada
Published: October 2013

The purpose of the present study was to describe how one of 290 Swedish municipalities improved its FS service by terminating their earlier service of food distribution (FD) which was the delivery of ready cooked meals produced at a central kitchen in the community and introducing food preparation at the client’s home. The revised system is referred to as the new FS. This study was performed using an action research approach. The data was collected by individual- and group interviews and through participatory observations. The transcribed interview material was analysed using qualitative content analysis. The (n=30) subjects were recruited The findings of this study revealed that the new FS was experienced as being a good service, that the new municipal FS met individual needs in a better way and that the elderly recipients could participate more actively in planning and preparing their meals. In conclusion, it was found that having their food prepared at home was considered by many of the recipients to be synonymous with individually adjusted help. The results of the study could have implications for nursing, public administration and gerontology.
Utility of Flow Cytometry of Cerebrospinal Fluid as a Screening Tool in the Diagnosis of Central Nervous System Lymphoma
Authors: Pittman Meredith , Treese Susan , Chen Ling , Frater John L. , Nguyen TuDung T. , Hassan Anjum , Kreisel Friederike
Published: October 2013

Context.—Experiences at our institution show that flow cytometry analysis (FCA) has become routine clinical practice in the workup of patients with altered mental status, even if risk factors are low.

Objective.—To assess diagnostic accuracy of combined FCA and cytology in the diagnosis of central nervous system lymphoma in an unselected patient population with neurologic symptoms, including patients with no history of lymphoma or suspicious radiology.

Design.—Between 2001 and 2011, cerebrospinal fluid was submitted from 373 patients for lymphoma screening by FCA. The medical records were reviewed for patient symptomatology, history of malignancy, brain imaging, FCA results, cytology results, brain biopsy, and clinical follow-up.

Results.—A lymphoid malignancy was detected by FCA in 4% of cases. A positive diagnosis was more likely in patients with either a history of hematologic malignancy and/or a suspicious radiology result (P = .009). All patients with no history of lymphoma and no suspicious radiology (n = 102) had negative cytology, and none had a correspondingly positive FCA result. The positive and negative predictive values of combined cytology and FCA in the patients with history of lymphoma and/or abnormal imaging results were 92% and 89%, respectively, when compared with open brain tissue biopsy, and 89% and 86%, respectively, when compared with clinical follow-up. When low-risk patients were included, the positive predictive value remained at 92%, but the negative predictive value dropped to 52% with the open brain biopsy as the reference, and values did not change significantly for the group with clinical follow-up.

Conclusions.—Concurrent FCA and cytology are most useful in the appropriate clinical setting, and we propose a triage algorithm for how FCA on cerebrospinal fluid is best used.
Lack of Standards for the Detection of Melanoma in Sentinel Lymph Nodes: A Survey and Recommendations
Authors: Dekker John , Duncan Lyn M.
Published: October 2013

Context.—Detection of microscopic melanoma metastases in sentinel lymph nodes drives clinical care; patients without metastases are observed, and patients with metastases are offered completion lymphadenectomy and adjuvant therapy.

Objective.—We sought to determine common elements in currently used analytic platforms for sentinel lymph nodes in melanoma patients.

Design.—An electronic survey was distributed to 83 cancer centers in North America.

Results.—Seventeen responses (20%) were received. The number of sentinel lymph node mapping procedures for melanoma ranged from less than 11 to more than 100 patients per year, with 72% of institutions mapping more than 50 melanoma patients a year. Uniform practices included (1) processing all of the lymph node tissue rather than submitting representative sections and (2) use of immunohistochemical stains if no tumor was identified on the hematoxylin-eosin–stained sections. Significant variability existed regarding the method of sectioning lymph nodes at grossing and in the histology laboratory; most bisected nodes longitudinally (94%) and performed deeper levels into the block (67%), but these were not uniform practices. S-100 was the most commonly used immunohistochemical stain (78%), followed by Melan-A (56%), MART-1 (50%), HMB-45 (44%), tyrosinase (33%), MiTF (11%), and pan-melanoma (6%).

Conclusions.—There is a need for a standardized platform for detecting melanoma in sentinel lymph nodes. Current practices by a majority of laboratories and findings in the reported literature support the following: histologic evaluation of all lymph node tissue, use of immunohistochemical stains, bisecting lymph nodes longitudinally, and performing deeper levels into the tissue block.
Observing lame sheep: evaluating test agreement between group-level and individual animal methods of assessment
Authors: Phythian CJ , Cripps PC , Grove-White D , Jones PH , Michalopoulou E , Duncan JS
Published: October 2013

For on-farm sheep welfare assessment, a reliable, simple and robust method is required to assess the level of flock lameness. This study examined the level of test agreement for two binary lameness scoring systems for sheep. The first was a group-level lameness assessment of sheep performed on ungathered sheep at pasture and was termed group observation method (GOM). The second method of lameness assessment was performed after gathering of the sheep and involved close observation of the gait of individual sheep in a handling pen and was termed individual animal gait assessment (IAGA). Following individual gait assessment, each sheep was also examined for the presence of specific foot and limb lesions: white line lesions (WL); inter-digital dermatitis (ID); footrot (FR); contagious digital dermatitis (CODD); toe granuloma (TG); and joint swellings (JS). A total of 3,074 sheep were assessed from 40 flocks in North England and Wales by one assessor. Test agreement between the assessment methods was found to be good as judged by linear regression and Bland-Altman plots. The method of group observation identified a slightly higher proportion of lame sheep compared to the individual animal examination and also appeared to be a more feasible on-farm method of observation. Over half of the sample sheep were identified with WL but this did not appear to be associated with a high level of lameness (as assessed by IAGA) with just under 12% of sheep with WL being identified as lame. In contrast, the percentage of lame sheep was most closely associated with CODD and over 80% of animals with this lesion were scored as lame.
Short-term welfare implications of capture-mark-recapture trapping of medium-sized mammals: the brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) as a case study
Authors: Cowan P , Forrester G , Warburton B
Published: October 2013

Capture-mark-recapture (CMR) repeated at intervals is a commonly used method of population estimation of mammals. Most guidelines for the use of wild mammals recommend adequate measures to ensure a captured animal has food and water available, as needed, until it is released. Small mammals are often highlighted as needing special care, but recommendations are either less clear or absent for medium- and large-sized mammals. We therefore examined the short-term welfare implications of CMR trapping of medium-sized mammals, using the marsupial, brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) as a case study. Possums were caught in cage traps baited withcirca30 g of food and set for three consecutive days at monthly intervals. Timing devices on the traps measured when traps were sprung. Possums were confined in traps for, on average, 89% of each night they were trapped, plus a further 2-6 h between sunrise and the actual time of release from the traps. They lost 3-8% of their bodyweight on average, depending on the number of captures in a trapping session. A recently developed framework for humaneness assessment, based on five welfare domains, gave an overall welfare impact of mild-moderate for cage trapping of possums. The short-term solutions to these welfare impacts would be, at a minimum, to provide trapped possums with adequate additional food and water, and minimise their time spent in the traps. Guidelines for the use of wild animals in research and management could also be more prescriptive regarding the provision of food and water in studies of medium-sized mammals that involve repeated capture.
Establishing ‘quality of life’ parameters using behavioural guidelines for humane euthanasia of captive non-human primates
Authors: Lambeth SP , Schapiro SJ , Bernacky BJ , Wilkerson GK
Published: October 2013

Chronic pain and distress are universally accepted conditions that may adversely affect an animal's quality of life (QOL) and lead to the humane euthanasia of an animal. At most research institutions and zoological parks in the USA, a veterinarian, who has physically examined the animal and reviewed the clinical records, ultimately decides when an animal has reached a humane endpoint. To aid in the difficult process of interpreting pain and distress, we have developed specific behavioural guidelines, in addition to standard clinical information, to help define unique characteristics and traits of primates to assess and promote discussion of an individual primate's QOL, and thereby, to assist in the decision-making process regarding euthanasia. These guidelines advocate the creation of a QOL team when the animal is diagnosed with a life-threatening or debilitating chronic condition, or at the time the animal is entered into a terminal study. The team compiles a list of characteristics unique to that individual animal by utilising a questionnaire and a behavioural ethogram. This list enables the team to quantitatively assess any deviations from the established normal behavioural repertoire of that individual. Concurrently, the QOL team determines the number of behavioural deviations that are needed to trigger an immediate discussion of the necessity for humane euthanasia of the animal. The team remains intact once created, and revisits the animal's condition as frequently as deemed necessary. This process improves animal welfare by continuing the quest to optimally define QOL for captive primates, and potentially for all captive animals.
A survey of foot problems, stereotypic behaviour and floor type in Asian elephants(Elephas maximus)in European zoos
Authors: Haspeslagh M , Stevens JMG , De Groot E , Dewulf J , Kalmar ID , Moons CPH
Published: October 2013

This study investigates whether foot problems in captive Asian elephants(Elephas maximus)can be linked to: i) enclosure floor type; and ii) the occurrence of repetitive behaviour. Using a questionnaire, we collected information about floor type(s) in the enclosure, occurrence of repetitive behaviour and occurrence of foot problems for 87 Asian elephants (≥ 12 years) in 32 European zoos. The majority of elephants were housed on sand or concrete. A substantial proportion of the study population displayed repetitive behaviour. Respondents observed foot problems in 59 elephants, of which 53 displayed repetitive behaviour. Data analysis showed that elephants with access to sand flooring had a significantly greater chance of displaying stereotypic behaviour. Displaying this behaviour was also age-dependent with older elephants being more likely to do so. Furthermore, elephants that displayed stereotypic behaviour or that were being kept in an environment with sand or concrete flooring were more likely to have foot problems than others. Further research is required to determine whether the relationships between substrate, stereotypic behaviour and foot problems are of a causal nature.
Does short-term road transport affect the locomotion score of dairy cows?
Authors: Thomsen PT , SØrensen JT
Published: October 2013

The effects of short-term road transport on dairy cow welfare have been the focus of very few studies. This study is the first to evaluate whether short-term transport of dairy cows under conditions similar to a typical journey from farm to slaughterhouse can cause nonlame cows to become lame. In total, 203 Danish Holstein cows from 18 different commercial Danish dairy herds were included in the study. In each herd, a large number of cows were locomotion scored and 8-12 non-lame cows were selected for transport. After the initial locomotion scoring, the selected cows were loaded onto a truck and transported on average 84 km (1 h 55 min) using a route simulating a typical transportation of cows to slaughter under Danish conditions. Returning to the herd of origin, the cows were immediately unloaded and locomotion scored by the same observer as prior to transport. Results showed that locomotion score did not change significantly and that no cows became lame as a consequence of the transport.
Hormonal stress response of laboratory mice to conventional and minimally invasive bleeding techniques
Authors: Voigt CC , Klöckner P , Touma C , Neuschl C , Brockmann G , Göritz F , Palme R , Thomsen R
Published: October 2013

Conventional bleeding of small laboratory animals is often associated with stress and injuries that can cause haematomas, inflammation and ultimately the death of animals under investigation. Here, we used faecal glucocorticoid metabolites as an indicator of stress imposed on laboratory mice (Mus musculus domesticus) when bled in three different ways: puncture of the tail vein following mechanical immobilisation; puncture of the retro-orbital plexus following chemical immobilisation; and a minimally invasive technique using blood-sucking bugs (Reduviidae, Heteroptera) without any immobilisation. We hypothesised that blood-sucking bugs provoke a lower hormonal stress response than conventional bleeding techniques because laboratory animals are not handled and because the mechanical stimulus of an insect sting is supposedly weak. Each of the 16 mice was bled using one of the three methods at a time in a random order with seven days of recovery between subsequent bleeding events. To monitor the stress hormones, we determined corticosterone metabolites in faecal samples of mice collected one day before, 8 h after and one day after the bleeding event. Concentrations of faecal glucocorticoid metabolites increased in all three treatment groups compared with baseline values. However, average concentration of stress hormone metabolites after bleeding was higher by a factor of about 1.5 when conventional bleeding techniques were applied than when bugs were used. We conclude that blood-sucking bugs may offer a gentle alternative for obtaining blood samples from small animals such as mice.
Effects of the level of experience of horses and their riders on Cortisol release, heart rate and heart-rate variability during a jumping course
Authors: Ille N , von Lewinski M , Erber R , Wulf M , Aurich J , Möstl E , Aurich C
Published: October 2013

Equestrian sports require the co-operation of two species, horses and humans, but it is unknown to what extent stress responses in the rider affect the horse. In this study, the stress response of experienced and less-experienced horses and riders at showjumping was analysed. Sixteen sport horses were divided into two groups (n = 8 each) by experience and were ridden by highly experienced professionals (n = 8) and less-experienced riders (n = 8). Riders jumped a course of obstacles with an experienced and a less-experienced horse and horses took part with an experienced and less-experienced rider. Salivary cortisol, heart rate and heart-rate variability (HRV) variables, standard deviation of RR interval (SDRR) and root mean square of successive RR differences (RMSSD) were analysed. Cortisol and heart rate increased and HRV decreased in all riders and horses. In less-experienced riders, cortisol release was higher on a less-experienced versus an experienced horse but the horses’ cortisol release was not affected by experience of their riders. Heart rate did not differ between groups of horses and was not affected by experience of the rider but was higher in less-experienced versus experienced riders. The HRV decreased in horses and riders and SDRR was lower in less-experienced versus experienced riders. Thus, lower experience of riders appears not to affect physiological stress parameters in their horses during a showjumping course.
Seasonal pattern of salivary cortisol secretion in the greater one-horned rhino(Rhinoceros unicornis)
Authors: Menargues A , Urios V , Limiñana R
Published: October 2013

The Indian rhinoceros or greater one-horned rhino(Rhinoceros unicornis)is listed as vulnerable by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and, therefore, captive individuals have been subject to the European Endangered Species Programme since 1990. Enhancement of welfare is key in ensuring the breeding success of this species in captivity. Salivary cortisol has been recently used to assess welfare of captive and free-ranging animals. Nevertheless, rhythms of cortisol secretion may fluctuate throughout the year and therefore, knowledge of the circannual pattern of cortisol secretion is essential to evaluate the physiological significance of seasonal variations of cortisol levels as an indicator of stress in animals. Here, we analyse monthly differences in cortisol secretion in two Indian rhinoceros. Saliva samples of two rhinoceros were collected and analysed by radioimmunoassay for the period of one year to determine cortisol concentrations. We found a seasonal pattern of salivary cortisol secretion. The highest cortisol concentrations were found in August and decreased until reaching a nadir in January. Cortisol concentrations in these two animals showed a correlation with temperature and visitor numbers but it is not possible to draw conclusions from this study as to whether the variation in cortisol was due to these or other factors.
Assessment of stun quality at commercial slaughter in cattle shot with captive bolt
Authors: Atkinson S , Velarde A , Algers B
Published: October 2013

Cattle may suffer pain and distress if incorrectly stunned. Regular monitoring of stun quality in abattoirs is now required by EU law. This study aimed to assess stun quality in cattle slaughtered under commercial conditions. A stun protocol was developed to evaluate when inadequate stunning occurred. This included rating of identified symptoms into three levels from highest to lowest risk for inferior animal welfare. Stun to stick interval times, shot accuracy, repeat shots, and stun quality variations between different cattle classes and by different shooters was also investigated. A total of 585 bulls and 413 other cattle classes (306 cows, 58 steers and 49 calves) were studied. Inadequate stunning occurred in 12.5% (16.7% of bulls, compared with 6.5% other cattle). Bulls displayed symptoms rated the highest level for inferior stun quality three times more frequently than other cattle. Despite being shot accurately, 13.6% bulls were inadequately stunned compared with 3.8% other cattle. Twelve percent of cattle were reshot, and 8% were inaccurately shot. Calves were shot inaccurately more frequently (14%) than other cattle. Percentage of cattle shot inaccurately ranged from 19% for the least experienced shooter to 5% for the most experienced. Stun to stick times averaged 105 (± 17) s posing questions for animal welfare, considering the number of cattle inadequately stunned. Stun quality could be improved by using more powerful stunners for shooting bulls, regular servicing of weapons, and use of neck restraints to improve shot accuracy. This study highlights the importance of external monitoring of stun quality at slaughter.
Behaviour of laboratory mice is altered by light pollution within the housing environment
Authors: Bedrosian TA , Vaughn CA , Weil ZM , Nelson RJ
Published: October 2013

Environmental light-dark cycles play an important role in behavioural and physiological processes. It is essential that laboratory vivaria be designed to properly control the light conditions in which laboratory mice are housed; however, this is not universally the case. Some laboratory vivarium doors are designed with windows, which allow light from the hallways to leak into the housing space during the rodents’ dark phase. Personnel entering and exiting the housing space during the dark phase can also create excessive light leak from brightly illuminated hallways. In this study, we investigated the hypothesis that exposure to dim light at night, as commonly experienced in many laboratory rodent housing spaces, alters mouse (Mus musculus) behaviour. We specifically analysed patterns of locomotor activity, anxiety- and depressive-like responses. Exposure to dim (5 lux) light at night altered home-cage locomotor activity and increased anxiety and some depressive responses among laboratory mice. These results suggest that light conditions can alter mouse behaviour and potentially influence experimental outcomes. Increased care should be taken to properly control light-dark conditions for laboratory animals.
Directional Control of a Platoon of Vehicles for Comfort Specification by Considering Parasitic Time Delays and Lags
Authors: Ghasemi Ali
Published: October 2013

The problem of controlling a string of vehicles moving in one dimension is considered so that they all follow a lead vehicle with a constant spacing between successive vehicles. This paper is concerned by considering both effect of the parasitic time delays and lags and comfort specification. The Contribution of this paper is two-fold. Firstly, most physical systems often involve parasitic time delays and lags. Due to practical design and implementation, the negative effect of the parasitic time delays and lags on the string stability be taken into account Secondly, the aim here, however, is specifically to consider the restrictions which need to be imposed on the control parameters, in order to be well-suited with bounds on the dynamic variables as well as the requirement for string stability. At the end the robustness against the noise in the measurement signals factors are studied.
Prediction of Commuter’s Daily Time Allocation
Authors: Zong Fang , Hongfei Jia , Xiang Pan , Yang Wu
Published: October 2013

This paper presents a model system to predict the time allocation in commuters’ daily activity-travel pattern. The departure time and the arrival time are estimated with Ordered Probit model and Support Vector Regression is introduced for travel time and activity duration prediction. Applied in a real-world time allocation prediction experiment, the model system shows a satisfactory level of prediction accuracy. This study provides useful insights into commuters’ activity-travel time allocation decision by identifying the important influences, and the results are readily applied to a wide range of transportation practice, such as travel information system, by providing reliable forecast for variations in travel demand over time. By introducing the Support Vector Regression, it also makes a methodological contribution in enhancing prediction accuracy of travel time and activity duration prediction.
Simulation of Ship Movement after Steering System Failure to Determine the Worst Case Scenario of Grounding
Authors: Mohović Đani , Mohović Robert , Rudan Igor
Published: October 2013

Ship grounding is one of the primary maritime navigation casualties and a result of an error made by the navigating officer, of a technical failure on vital ship equipment or of force majeure. In order to decrease the risk of grounding in such cases, this paper explores the ship movement during navigation when an extraordinary event occurs, such as steering system failure that affects the vessel’s direction directly and speed indirectly. One way to determine the ship movement in such circumstances is by simulating the ship movement on the navigational simulator according to the predefined scenarios, as explained in this paper. A total of 60 scenarios were researched, in the process of which ship type, ship size, ship speed and rudder deflection angle were varied. During the simulation, all relevant data concerning current movement of the ship and a graphical display of the performed simulation were recorded every 30 seconds. On the basis of the simulation results it is possible to determine the worst case scenario which can be used to define the consequence of grounding, one of the parameters necessary for the assessment of the risk of grounding.
Modelling and Assessing Energy Performance of an Urban Transport System with Electric Drives
Authors: Felea Ioan , Csuzi Istvan , Barla Eva
Published: October 2013

Energy conservation is one of the key priorities of sustainable development strategy. Transport systems are responsible for about one third of energy consumption. As result, the identification of solutions to reduce energy consumption in these systems is essential for the implementation of the sustainable development strategies. The present work is dedicated to identifying the possibilities for a reduction in the consumption of electric energy in electric urban public transport systems, using the audit of their electricity system. After justifying the importance of these concerns, a mathematical model of the electrical energy balance of the electric urban public transport system and its components is presented. The analysis is applied to determine the losses in the system components and useful energy, based on the evaluation and energy consumption measurements. The measurements to reduce energy losses are identified and characterized under technical and economic aspect, optimal electrical energy balances being done on this basis.
Modelling the Accessibility Classification of Railway Lines: A case study of Northeast China railway network
Authors: Yang Mian , Wang Y.J.
Published: October 2013

A major problem addressed in railway network planning relates to distinguishing the role of the railway line in the network, and making a reasonable classification of the lines based on their role. Accessibility has been widely used to measure the role of transportation infrastructure in various studies, but few quantitative models for the classification of the role have been presented yet. In this paper, the line accessibility classification model is proposed, which aims to distinguish the role of railway lines in the network and to classify the lines into different grades. The practicability of the model is demonstrated through the case study of Northeast China railway network where the railway lines in Northeast China can be classified into three grades. The line accessibility classification model is supposed to be a strategic decision support tool for planners and policy makers to determine the classification of railway lines.
New Type of Roundabout: Dual One-Lane Roundabouts on Two Levels with Right-Hand Turning Bypasses – ’’Target Roundabout’’
Authors: Tollazzi Tomaž , Jovanović Goran , Renčelj Marko
Published: October 2013

The problems of low level traffic safety on multi-lane roundabouts have been resolved in various ways in different countries, usually by using alternative types of roundabouts that reduce the number of conflict points. Alternative types of roundabouts typically differ from 'normal' or 'standard' roundabouts in one or more design elements, as their implementation purposes could also be specific. Today, several different types of roundabouts are already in use ('mini', 'double mini', 'dumb-bell', those 'with joint splitter islands' ('dog-bone'), those 'with a spiralling circular carriageway' ('turbo'), those 'with depressed lanes for right-hand turners' ('flower') etc.). This paper introduces a new type of roundabout, dual one-lane roundabouts on two levels with right-hand turning bypasses, namely the 'target roundabout'. This paper describes and analyses their design, traffic safety, and capacity characteristics, compared with the standard two–lane roundabouts.
Locomotive Assignment Optimization Including Train Delays
Authors: Kasalica Sandra , Mandić Dragomir , Vukadinović Vojislav
Published: October 2013

Intention– Cyclic locomotive assignment planning is a specific type of organization of locomotive usage, and in fact, it means putting the complete workload to a closed chain, which is repeated periodically. The concept of cyclic locomotive assignment planning type organization in the area of train traction has proven in practice as the best one, but as it is made for in-advance defined timetable and without considering the stochastic nature of the timetable realization process, it leads to incompatibility in using locomotives. Methodology – Methodology defined in this paper contains: research of train delays on the Serbian Railways and Montenegrin Railways networks, analysis of the real system organization of locomotive usage in conditions of train delays, theoretical thesis of solving the problem of optimal cyclic locomotive assignment planning in conditions of train delays, designing of a model with algorithms, preparing the software package, testing the model and program with results, as well as the conclusions drawn from the complete research project. Results– The optimization model of cyclic locomotive assignment planning during the process of making timetable including train delays has been defined. Conclusion –The obtained results have shown as expected, that the larger delays of trains required a larger number of locomotives. However, by using this model it is possible to optimize the required number of locomotives, taking into account the real time delays of trains.