bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Airborne flux measurements of biogenic isoprene over California
Authors: Misztal P. K. , Karl T. , Weber R. , Jonsson H. H. , Guenther A. B. , Goldstein A. H.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. Biogenic isoprene fluxes were measured onboard the CIRPAS Twin Otter aircraft as part of the California Airborne Biogenic volatile organic compound (BVOC) Emission Research in Natural Ecosystem Transects (CABERNET) campaign during June 2011. The airborne virtual disjunct eddy covariance (AvDEC) approach used measurements from a proton transfer reaction mass spectrometer (PTR–MS) and a wind radome probe to directly determine fluxes of isoprene over 7400 km of flight paths focusing on areas of California predicted to have the largest emissions. The fast Fourier transform (FFT) approach was used to calculate fluxes of isoprene over long transects of more than 15 km, most commonly between 50 and 150 km. The continuous wavelet transformation (CWT) approach was used over the same transects to also calculate instantaneous isoprene fluxes with localization of both frequency and time independent of non-stationarities. Fluxes were generally measured by flying consistently at 400 m ± 50 m (a.g.l.) altitude, and extrapolated to the surface according to the determined flux divergence determined in the racetrack-stacked profiles. The wavelet-derived surface fluxes of isoprene averaged to 2 km spatial resolution showed good correspondence to basal emission factor (BEF) land-cover data sets used to drive BVOC emission models. The surface flux of isoprene was close to zero over Central Valley crops and desert shrublands, but was very high (up to 15 mg m−2 h−1) above oak woodlands, with clear dependence of emissions on temperature and oak density. Isoprene concentrations of up to 8 ppb were observed at aircraft height on the hottest days and over the dominant source regions. Even though the isoprene emissions from agricultural crop regions, shrublands, and coniferous forests were extremely low, observations at the Walnut Grove tower south of Sacramento demonstrate that isoprene oxidation products from the high emitting regions in the surrounding oak woodlands accumulate at night in the residual layer above the valley and mix down into the valley in the morning. Thus, the isoprene emissions surrounding the valley have relevance for the regional photochemistry that is not immediately apparent solely from the direct emission flux distribution. This paper reports the first regional observations of fluxes from specific sources by eddy covariance from an aircraft which can finally constrain statewide isoprene emission inventories used for ozone simulations by state agencies. While previously there was no available means to constrain the biogenic models, our results provide a good understanding of what the major sources of isoprene are in California, their magnitude, and how they are distributed. This data set on isoprene fluxes will be particularly useful for evaluating potential model alternatives which will be dealt with in a separate paper to assess isoprene emission models and their driving variable data sets.
Mapping the physico-chemical properties of mineral dust in western Africa: mineralogical composition
Authors: Formenti P. , Caquineau S. , Desboeufs K. , Klaver A. , Chevaillier S. , Journet E. , Rajot J. L.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. In the last few years, several ground-based and airborne field campaigns have allowed the exploration of the properties and impacts of mineral dust in western Africa, one of the major emission and transport areas worldwide. In this paper, we explore the synthesis of these observations to provide a large-scale quantitative view of the mineralogical composition and its variability according to source region and time after transport. This work reveals that mineral dust in western Africa is a mixture of clays, quartz, iron and titanium oxides, representing at least 92% of the dust mass. Calcite ranged between 0.3 and 8.4% of the dust mass, depending on the origin. Our data do not show a systematic dependence of the dust mineralogical composition on origin; this is to be the case as, in most of the instances, the data represent the composition of the atmospheric burden after 1–2 days after emission, when air masses mix and give rise to a more uniform dust load. This has implications for the representation of the mineral dust composition in regional and global circulation models and in satellite retrievals. Iron oxides account for 58 ± 7% of the mass of elemental Fe and for between 2 and 5% of the dust mass. Most of them are composed of goethite, representing between 52 and 78% of the iron oxide mass. We estimate that titanium oxides account for 1–2% of the dust mass, depending on whether the dust is of Saharan or Sahelian origin. The mineralogical composition is a critical parameter for estimating the radiative and biogeochemical impact of mineral dust. The results regarding dust composition have been used to estimate the optical properties as well as the iron fractional solubility of Saharan and Sahelian dust. Data presented in this paper are provided in numerical form upon email request while they are being turned into a public database, the Dust-Mapped Archived Properties (DUST-MAP), which is an open repository for compositional data from other source regions in Africa and worldwide.
Climate-relevant physical properties of molecular constituents for isoprene-derived secondary organic aerosol material
Authors: Upshur M. A. , Strick B. F. , McNeill V. F. , Thomson R. J. , Geiger F. M.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. Secondary organic aerosol (SOA) particles, formed from gas-phase biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs), contribute large uncertainties to the radiative forcing that is associated with aerosols in the climate system. Reactive uptake of surface-active organic oxidation products of BVOCs at the gas–aerosol interface can potentially decrease the overall aerosol surface tension and therefore influence their propensity to act as cloud condensation nuclei (CCN). Here, we synthesize and measure some climate-relevant physical properties of SOA particle constituents consisting of the isoprene oxidation products α-, δ-, and cis- and trans-β-IEPOX (isoprene epoxide), as well as syn- and anti-2-methyltetraol. Following viscosity measurements, we use octanol–water partition coefficients to quantify the relative hydrophobicity of the oxidation products while dynamic surface tension measurements indicate that aqueous solutions of α- and trans-β-IEPOX exhibit significant surface tension depression. We hypothesize that the surface activity of these compounds may enhance aerosol CCN activity, and that trans-β-IEPOX may be highly relevant for surface chemistry of aerosol particles relative to other IEPOX isomers.
Hygroscopic growth of atmospheric aerosol particles based on active remote sensing and radiosounding measurements
Authors: Granados-Muñoz M. J. , Navas-Guzmán F. , Bravo-Aranda J. A. , Guerrero-Rascado J. L. , Lyamani H. , Valenzuela A. , Titos G. , Fernández-Gálvez J. , Alados-Arboledas L.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. A new methodology based on combining active and passive remote sensing and simultaneous and collocated radiosounding data to study the aerosol hygroscopic growth effects on the particle optical and microphysical properties is presented. The identification of hygroscopic growth situations combines the analysis of multiespectral aerosol particle backscatter coefficient and particle linear depolarization ratio with thermodynamic profiling of the atmospheric column. We analysed the hygroscopic growth effects on aerosol properties, namely the aerosol particle backscatter coefficient and the volume concentration profiles, using data gathered at Granada EARLINET station. Two study cases, corresponding to different aerosol loads and different aerosol types, are used for illustrating the potential of this methodology. Values of the aerosol particle backscatter coefficient enhancement factors range from 2.10 ± 0.06 to 3.90 ± 0.03, being similar to those previously reported in the literature. Differences in the enhancement factor are directly linked to the composition of the atmospheric aerosol. The largest value of the aerosol particle backscatter coefficient enhancement factor corresponds to the presence of sulphate and marine particles that are more affected by hygroscopic growth. On the contrary, the lowest value of the enhancement factor corresponds to an aerosol mixture containing sulphates and slight traces of mineral dust. The Hänel parameterization is applied to these case studies, obtaining results within the range of values reported in previous studies, with values of the γ exponent of 0.56 ± 0.01 (for anthropogenic particles slightly influenced by mineral dust) and 1.07 ± 0.01 (for the situation dominated by anthropogenic particles), showing the convenience of this remote sensing approach for the study of hygroscopic effects of the atmospheric aerosol under ambient unperturbed conditions. For the first time, the retrieval of the volume concentration profiles for these cases using the Lidar Radiometer Inversion Code (LIRIC) allows us to analyse the aerosol hygroscopic growth effects on aerosol volume concentration, observing a stronger increase of the fine mode volume concentration with increasing relative humidity.
Changes of the CO2 and CH4 production potential of rewetted fens in the perspective of temporal vegetation shifts
Authors: Zak D. , Reuter H. , Augustin J. , Shatwell T. , Barth M. , Gelbrecht J. , McInnes R. J.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. Rewetting of long-term drained fens often results in the formation of eutrophic shallow lakes with an average water depth of less than 1 m. This is accompanied by a fast vegetation shift from cultivated grasses via submerged hydrophytes to helophytes. As a result of rapid plant dying and decomposition, these systems are highly-dynamic wetlands characterised by a high mobilisation of nutrients and elevated emissions of CO2 and CH4. However, the impact of specific plant species on these phenomena is not clear. Therefore we investigated the CO2 and CH4 production due to the subaqueous decomposition of shoot biomass of five selected plant species which represent different rewetting stages (Phalaris arundinacea, Ceratophyllum demersum, Typha latifolia, Phragmites australis, and Carex riparia) during a 154 day mesocosm study. Beside continuous gas flux measurements, we performed bulk chemical analysis of plant tissue, including carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and plant polymer dynamics. Plant specific mass losses after 154 days ranged from 25 (P. australis) to 64% (C. demersum). Substantial differences were found for the CH4 production with highest values from decomposing C. demersum (0.4 g CH4 kg−1 dry mass day) that were about 70 times higher than CH4 production from C. riparia. Thus, we found a strong divergence between mass loss of the litter and methane production during decomposition. If C. demersum as a hydrophyte is included in the statistical analysis solely nutrient contents (nitrogen and phosphorus) explain varying GHG production of the different plant species while lignin and polyphenols demonstrate no significant impact at all. Taking data of annual biomass production as important carbon source for methanogens into account, high CH4 emissions can be expected to last several decades as long as inundated and nutrient-rich conditions prevail. Different restoration measures like water level control, biomass extraction and top soil removal are discussed in the context of mitigation of CH4 emissions from rewetted fens.
The Wageningen Lowland Runoff Simulator (WALRUS): a lumped rainfall–runoff model for catchments with shallow groundwater
Authors: Brauer C. C. , Teuling A. J. , Torfs P. J. J. F. , Uijlenhoet R.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. We present the Wageningen Lowland Runoff Simulator (WALRUS), a novel rainfall–runoff model to fill the gap between complex, spatially distributed models which are often used in lowland catchments and simple, parametric (conceptual) models which have mostly been developed for sloping catchments. WALRUS explicitly accounts for processes that are important in lowland areas, notably (1) groundwater–unsaturated zone coupling, (2) wetness-dependent flow routes, (3) groundwater–surface water feedbacks and (4) seepage and surface water supply. WALRUS consists of a coupled groundwater–vadose zone reservoir, a quickflow reservoir and a surface water reservoir. WALRUS is suitable for operational use because it is computationally efficient and numerically stable (achieved with a flexible time step approach). In the open source model code default relations have been implemented, leaving only four parameters which require calibration. For research purposes, these defaults can easily be changed. Numerical experiments show that the implemented feedbacks have the desired effect on the system variables.
The Wageningen Lowland Runoff Simulator (WALRUS): application to the Hupsel Brook catchment and the Cabauw polder
Authors: Brauer C. C. , Torfs P. J. J. F. , Teuling A. J. , Uijlenhoet R.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. The Wageningen Lowland Runoff Simulator (WALRUS) is a new parametric (conceptual) rainfall–runoff model which accounts explicitly for processes that are important in lowland areas, such as groundwater-unsaturated zone coupling, wetness-dependent flowroutes, groundwater–surface water feedbacks, and seepage and surface water supply (see companion paper by Brauer et al., 2014). Lowland catchments can be divided into slightly sloping, freely draining catchments and flat polders with controlled water levels. Here, we apply WALRUS to two contrasting Dutch catchments: the Hupsel Brook catchment and the Cabauw polder. In both catchments, WALRUS performs well: Nash–Sutcliffe efficiencies obtained after calibration on 1 year of discharge observations are 0.87 for the Hupsel Brook catchment and 0.83 for the Cabauw polder, with values of 0.74 and 0.76 for validation. The model also performs well during floods and droughts and can forecast the effect of control operations. Through the dynamic division between quick and slow flowroutes controlled by a wetness index, temporal and spatial variability in groundwater depths can be accounted for, which results in adequate simulation of discharge peaks as well as low flows. The performance of WALRUS is most sensitive to the parameter controlling the wetness index and the groundwater reservoir constant, and to a lesser extent to the quickflow reservoir constant. The effects of these three parameters can be identified in the discharge time series, which indicates that the model is not overparameterised (parsimonious). Forcing uncertainty was found to have a larger effect on modelled discharge than parameter uncertainty and uncertainty in initial conditions.
Estimating flow and transport parameters in the unsaturated zone with pore water stable isotopes
Authors: Sprenger M. , Volkmann T. H. M. , Blume T. , Weiler M.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. Determining the soil hydraulic properties is a prerequisite to physically model transient water flow and solute transport in the vadose zone. Estimating these properties by inverse modelling techniques has become more common within the last two decades. While these inverse approaches usually fit simulations to hydrometric data, we expanded the methodology by using independent information about the stable isotope composition of the soil pore water depth profile as a single or additional optimization target. To demonstrate the potential and limits of this approach, we compared the results of three inverse modelling strategies where the fitting targets were (a) pore water isotope concentrations, (b) a combination of pore water isotope concentrations and soil moisture time series, and (c) a two-step approach using first soil moisture data to determine water flow parameters and then the pore water stable isotope concentrations to estimate the solute transport parameters. The analyses were conducted at three study sites with different soil properties and vegetation. The transient unsaturated water flow was simulated by numerically solving the Richards equation with the finite-element code of Hydrus-1D. The transport of deuterium was simulated with the advection-dispersion equation, and the Hydrus code was modified to allow for deuterium loss during evaporation. The Mualem–van Genuchten and the longitudinal dispersivity parameters were determined for two major soil horizons at each site. The results show that approach (a) using only the pore water isotope content cannot substitute hydrometric information to derive parameter sets that reflect the observed soil moisture dynamics, but gives comparable results when the parameter space is constrained by pedotransfer functions. Approaches (b) and (c) using both, the isotope profiles and the soil moisture time series resulted in satisfying model performances and good parameter identifiability. However, approach (b) has the advantage that it considers the isotope data not only for the solute transport parameters, but also for water flow, and thus increases parameter realism. Approaches (b) and (c) both outcompeted simulations run with parameters derived from pedotransfer functions, which did not result in satisfying model efficiencies. Overall, parameters based on this new approach that includes isotope data lead to similar model performances regarding the water balance and soil moisture dynamics and better parameter identifiability than the conventional inverse model approaches limited to hydrometric fitting targets. If only data from isotope profiles in combination with textural information is available, the results are still satisfactory. This method has the additional advantage that it will not only allow us to estimate water balance and response times, but also site specific time variant transit times or solute breakthrough within the soil profile.
Rockfall hazard assessment along a road on the Peloritani Mountains (northeastern Sicily, Italy)
Authors: Pappalardo G. , Mineo S. , Rapisarda F.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. A hazard assessment has been performed on rock slopes impending over a segment of the Taorminese Road, which connects two popular tourist destinations in northeastern Sicily: the urban centers of Taormina and Castelmola. The road crosses steep rock slopes with a complex geological and tectonic history. The section of the road close to Castelmola is often affected by rockfall phenomena, causing injury to people and serious damage to buildings and traffic. The study analyzes the geostructural setting of the unstable rock masses, by evaluating their mechanical properties and the kinematics of potential failures. Rockfall simulations confirm that falling rocks would involve the Taorminese Road with different kinetic energy rates and prove useful for suggesting the most suitable mitigation technologies for future remedial works. The modified Rockfall Hazard Rating System has been applied to highlight the different levels of hazard along the road. The compiled hazard map shows that portions of the slopes need urgent remedial works, especially because Taorminese is the only access road to Castelmola and its interruption would lead to the isolation of the village.
How severe space weather can disrupt global supply chains
Authors: Schulte in den Bäumen H. , Moran D. , Lenzen M. , Cairns I. , Steenge A.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) strong enough to create electromagnetic effects at latitudes below the auroral oval are frequent events that could soon have substantial impacts on electrical grids. Modern society's heavy reliance on these domestic and international networks increases our susceptibility to such a severe space-weather event. Using a new high-resolution model of the global economy, we simulate the economic impact of strong CMEs for three different planetary orientations. We account for the economic impacts within the countries directly affected, as well as the post-disaster economic shock in partner economies linked by international trade. For a 1989 Quebec-like event, the global economic impacts would range from USD 2.4 to 3.4 trillion over a year. Of this total economic shock, about 50% would be felt in countries outside the zone of direct impact, leading to a loss in global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of 3.9 to 5.6%. The global economic damage is of the same order as wars, extreme financial crisis and estimated for future climate change.
Development of a hybrid variational-ensemble data assimilation technique for observed lightning tested in a mesoscale model
Authors: Apodaca K. , Zupanski M. , DeMaria M. , Knaff J. A. , Grasso L. D.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. Lightning measurements from the Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) that will be aboard the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite – R Series will bring new information that can have the potential for improving the initialization of numerical weather prediction models by assisting in the detection of clouds and convection through data assimilation. In this study we focus on investigating the utility of lightning observations in mesoscale and regional applications suitable for current operational environments, in which convection cannot be explicitly resolved. Therefore, we examine the impact of lightning observations on storm environment. Preliminary steps in developing a lightning data assimilation capability suitable for mesoscale modeling are presented in this paper. World Wide Lightning Location Network (WWLLN) data was utilized as a proxy for GLM measurements and was assimilated with the Maximum Likelihood Ensemble Filter, interfaced with the Nonhydrostatic Mesoscale Model core of the Weather Research and Forecasting system (WRF-NMM). In order to test this methodology, regional data assimilation experiments were conducted. Results indicate that lightning data assimilation had a positive impact on the following: information content, influencing several dynamical variables in the model (e.g., moisture, temperature, and winds), and improving initial conditions during several data assimilation cycles. However, the 6 h forecast after the assimilation did not show a clear improvement in terms of root mean square (RMS) errors.
Precision variational approximations in statistical data assimilation
Authors: Ye J. , Kadakia N. , Rozdeba P. J. , Abarbanel H. D. I. , Quinn J. C.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. Data assimilation transfers information from observations of a complex system to physically-based system models with state variables x(t). Typically, the observations are noisy, the model has errors, and the initial state of the model is uncertain, so the data assimilation is statistical. One can thus ask questions about expected values of functions ⟨G(X)⟩ on the path X = {x(t0), ..., x(tm)} of the model as it moves through an observation window where measurements are made at times {t0, ..., tm}. The probability distribution on the path P(X) = exp[−A0(X)] determines these expected values. Variational methods seeking extrema of the "action" A0(X), widely known as 4DVar (Talagrand and Courtier, 1987; Evensen, 2009),, are widespread for estimating ⟨G(X) ⟩ in many fields of science. In a path integral formulation of statistical data assimilation, we consider variational approximations in a standard realization of the action where measurement and model errors are Gaussian. We (a) discuss an annealing method for locating the path X0 giving a consistent global minimum of the action A0(X0), (b) consider the explicit role of the number of measurements at each measurement time in determining A0(X0), and (c) identify a parameter regime for the scale of model errors which allows X0 to give a precise estimate of ⟨G(X0)⟩ with computable, small higher order corrections.
Reforming Wildlife Law: The Law Commission Proposals for Wildlife Law and Wildlife Sanctions
Authors: Vincent Keith
Published: October 2014

This article critically examines a an ongoing review commenced in 2012 by the United Kingdom’s Law Commission into new wildlife laws for England and Wales by considering four interlinked elements of the process. First, it outlines the underlying subject matter and regulatory aims of wildlife law.  It then describes the scope of the Law Commission’s Wildlife Law Project, identifying some of the key problem areas it sought to address and referencing its consultation process conducted in the later part of 2012. Next the article summarises the Law Commission’s view for a new wildlife law regime. The fourth element explores the current and potential roles of criminalising and non-criminalising sanctions. With a continued focus on the underlying subject matter and regulatory aims, discussion centres on the greater use of non-criminalising civil sanctions in wildlife law. The paper supports the Law Commission’s argument that the creation of a civil sanctions regime is not tantamount to decriminalisation in its true sense but simply widens the available regulatory enforcement options.
ELEMENTOS NORTEADORES PARA A APRESENTAÇÃO DE CONCEITOS ELEMENTARES DE GEOMETRIA ESFÉRICA E HIPERBÓLICA À ESTUDANTES DO ENSINO MÉDIO
Authors: Brum Wanderley Pivatto , Schuhmacher Elcio
Published: October 2014

O presente artigo constitui-se uma discussão teórica a respeito da apresentação de conceitos elementares de Geometria Esférica e Hiperbólica no Ensino Médio. Tal conteúdo de estudo, ainda não obrigatório no ensino escolar, constitui-se elemento importante do saber específico do futuro professor de Matemática e dos estudantes. Tem como objetivo, analisar o posicionamento dos Parâmetros Curriculares Nacionais para o desenvolvimento do pensamento geométrico não euclidiano, apontar alguns entraves para sua inserção no Ensino Médio e apresenta, por fim, justificativas para sua apresentação na sala de aula. O estudo, por fim, relembra que a Geometria Euclidiana tem sido apresentada na escola básica como a única existente, quando de fato é apenas uma pequena parte das Geometrias, pois existem outras, mais amplas, que, muitas vezes, são completamente desconhecida dos estudantes e, até mesmo ignorada pelos professores.DOI: 10.5216/rir.v1i16.28140
MECHANISM FOR CROSS-LINKING POLYCHLOROPRENE WITH ETHYLENE THIOUREA AND ZINC OXIDE
Authors: Berry Keith , Liu Max , Chakraborty Khirud , Pullan Nikki , West Andrew , Sammon Chris , Topham Paul D.
Published: October 2014

An investigation into the mechanism by which ethylene thiourea (ETU) cross-links polychloroprene (CR) in combination with zinc oxide (ZnO) was undertaken. This was achieved through an examination of the mechanisms of cross-linking CR with ETU and ZnO separately and in unison. Spectroscopic and physical characterization techniques were employed to probe the cross-linking mechanisms of CR using other standard rubber accelerators and model compounds with analogous structures and functionalities to ETU. These investigations have resulted in the proposal of a new mechanism by which ETU and ZnO can synergistically cross-link CR, in addition to providing new evidence to support concomitant mechanisms already published for cross-linking CR.
Gevangenisstraffen van moeders en de belangen van kinderen
Authors: de Ruyter Doret , Hissel Sanne , Bijleveld Catrien
Published: October 2014

Incarceration of mothers and the interests of children

A substantial number of children are confronted with the detention of their mothers. Empirical research shows that these children’s well-being is seriously affected, although no study has been able to assess whether a mother’s detention as such causes long-term damage. On the basis of children’s interests, this article defends the principle that mothers who are actively involved in raising their children should not receive a prison sentence but an alternative punishment, unless continuing care is detrimental to the children or if the legal order or interests of society and its citizens would be disproportionally threatened. The article ends with several practical implications.
Draaideurvreemdelingen in de strafrechtsketen?
Authors: Huininga Daphne , van der Woude Maartje
Published: October 2014

Aliens in the criminal justice system: A revolving-door problem?

Irregular immigration is considered a big problem to Western societies. In the Dutch political discourse much attention is being attributed to dealing with a specific group of irregular immigrants: those who commit crimes and cause nuisance. Despite firm migration policies focusing on catching and deporting criminal undocumented immigrant, many seem to be coming back. By means of a exploratory study this article empirically explores the underlying rationales and traits of illegal immigrants returning to the Netherlands after they have been deported.
Zwijgen is zilver, spreken is goud. De weigerende observandus en de voorgestelde wijziging van artikel 37a Sr
Authors: Valk Martine
Published: October 2014

Proposed policy reform in the Netherlands on non-cooperating suspects in forensic behavioural assessments

When a person commits a severe crime in the Netherlands, for which he cannot be (fully) held responsible because of a mental disorder, a judge may impose a hospital order in a secured psychiatric institution. To make this possible, behavioural experts have to assess whether the suspect suffered from a mental disorder at the time of the crime. However, during this assessment a suspect has the right to remain silent. Since recent years the number of non-cooperating suspects is increasing. To solve this problem, the Secretary of State of Security and Justice has submitted a legislative proposal, which makes it possible to force health professionals to submit past medical records of the suspect to the behavioural experts for their assessment without his consent. This breaches the professional law of confidentiality. Following case law of the European Court of Human Rights, this can only be justified, if it complies with the principles of proportionality, subsidiarity and necessity. The legislative proposal does not comply with these principles, as alternatives are available. These are: improvement of the forensic psychiatric care, reduction of the duration of the treatment and extension of the behavioral research period.
Exploring the link between forests, traditional custodianship and community livelihoods: The Case of Nyambene forest in Kenya
Authors: Borona Gloria Kendi
Published: October 2014

Kenya is home to many sacred natural sites, including forests, mountains and rivers. Indigenous communities have upheld their role and responsibilities, passed down over centuries by their ancestors as custodians of these places through time. The 5391 hectares in the Nyambene forest in central Kenya is a sacred site to the Ameru people, a community/tribe living on the northeastern slopes of Mt. Kenya. The forest is a resource from which customs, spiritual practices, and governance systems are derived to protect the territory as a whole and maintain its order, integrity and well-being. The Njuri Ncheke (council of elders) play a vital role in upholding the traditional ecological knowledge and customs, practised over generations, including acting as custodians of sacred groves around which rain-making rituals are performed. This paper examines the link between traditional custodianship and community livelihoods against a background of diverse national legislations on forest/land use management and religious influences. The author demonstrates how this forest weaves around the lives of the Ameru people and makes a case for the need to encourage community participation and traditional custodianship in protecting ecosystems and their associated cultural heritage.
Market expansion's influence on the harvesting of non-wood forest products in the Arasbaran forests of Iran
Authors: Ghanbari Sajad , Vaezin Seyed Mahdi Heshmatol , Shamekhi Taghi , Eastin Ivan L.
Published: October 2014

Commercialization and expansion of the market for non-wood forest products (NWFPs) may increase the gathering and selling of these products, as well as their contribution to local livelihoods. The influence of market access on the type of dependency is significant. This study examines the relationship between market access and the harvesting of NWFPs as well as the limitations and problems in gathering and selling these products. Cornelian cherry, walnut and plum were the most commonly harvested species. Of the 13 NWFP species collected in Arasbaran forests, just three species, cornelian cherry, plum and pomegranate were sold in the local markets. The average contribution of NWFPs towards total household income was just 2.7%. The villages of cluster 1 had better access to markets and middlemen than did the villages in the other clusters and 63% of the local people in cluster 1 mentioned that they have increased their harvesting of NWFPs. Poor infrastructure, low or no access to markets, lack of market information, lack of cooperation, and low product prices were found to limit the potential economic benefits from harvesting NWFPs. In this situation, rural extension services can assist local people resolve many of these challenges and problems.
The Occasionalist Society In Robert Musil’s Novel
Authors: Anter Andreas
Published: October 2014

Robert Musil’s Novel “The Man Without Qualities” has been classified in many ways: as historical novel, as experimental novel, as psychological novel, as social novel. The essay discusses these descriptions critically by combining three perspectives. First, by considering the remarks Musil made himself on his novel in his diaries, in his essays, and in the novel’s draft chapters. Second, by tracing back the answers provided by literary theory in recent decades. Third, by drawing on Carl Schmitt’s concept of occasionalism which he originally coined in examining the literary discourse of political romanticism. The essay comes to conclude that “The Man Without Qualities” can be characterized precisely by its occasionalist structure. The endless conversation in the occasionalist society of Kakania furthermore correlates with the structure of an endless – and therefore unfinished – novel.
Un article que peut sauter quiconque n’a pas d’idée personnelle sur les pouvoirs sociaux du vêtement et du nu
Authors: Rodriguez-Lefebvre Renato
Published: October 2014

En analysant la relation corporelle entre les personnages de Diotime et de Rachel, nous explorons dans le présent article l’intuition sociologique du romancier Robert Musil quant au pouvoir du vêtement, de la nudité et des dominations qui peuvent être véhiculées au travers des contacts corporels non-violents. À cet effet, nous croisons des extraits du roman expérimental L’Homme sans qualités et quelques commentaires de sociologues du vêtement et de la mode. Cette dernière, quoiqu’également traitée par Musil, n’est pas ce sur quoi nous concentrons nos efforts. En effet, c’est la relation Diotime-Rachel, celle qui dessine les voies d’une domination morale s’adossant sur un quadrillage corporel, et les modifications qu’elle connaîtra suite aux expériences érotiques respectives des personnages qui nous intéressent.
Evaluating the Theoretical Content of Online Physical Activity Information for People with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Shirazipour Celina H. , Baillie Colin P.T. , Galaviz Karla , Jarvis Jocelyn W. , Latimer-Cheung Amy E.
Published: October 2014

Background: Physical activity can aid people with multiple sclerosis (MS) in managing symptoms and maintaining functional abilities. The Internet is a preferred source of physical activity information for people with MS and, therefore, a method for the dissemination of behavior change techniques. The purpose of this study was to examine the coverage and quality of physical activity behavior change techniques delivered on the Internet for adults with MS using Abraham and Michie's taxonomy of behavior change techniques.

Methods: Using the taxonomy, 20 websites were coded for quality (ie, accuracy of information) and coverage (ie, completeness of information) of theoretical behavior change techniques.

Results: Results indicated that most websites covered a mean of 8.05 (SD 3.86, range 3–16) techniques out of a possible 20. Only one of the techniques, provide information on behavior–health link and consequences, was delivered on all websites. The websites demonstrated low mean coverage and quality across all behavior change techniques, with means of 0.64 (SD 0.67) and 0.62 (SD 0.37) on a scale of 0 to 2, respectively. However, coverage and quality improved when websites were examined solely for the techniques that they covered, as opposed to all 20 techniques.

Conclusions: This study, which examined quality and coverage of physical activity behavior change techniques described online for people with MS, illustrated that the dissemination of these techniques requires improvement.
Association of Postural Sway with Disability Status and Cerebellar Dysfunction in People with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: McLoughlin James , Barr Christopher , Crotty Maria , Lord Stephen R. , Sturnieks Daina L.
Published: October 2014

Background: The aims of this study were 1) to examine postural sway in the eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC) conditions in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) with moderate levels of disability compared with controls and 2) to examine relationships between postural sway and total Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores, functional system subscores, and clinical measures of strength and spasticity in the MS group.

Methods: Thirty-four people with moderate MS and ten matched controls completed measures of postural sway with EO and EC, knee extension and ankle dorsiflexion isometric strength, EDSS total score and subscores, and spasticity levels.

Results: Participants with MS swayed significantly more with EO and EC and had reduced knee extension and ankle dorsiflexion strength compared with controls (P < .001). In the MS group, increased sway was associated with higher total EDSS scores and cerebellar function subscores, whereas increased sway ratio (EC/EO) was associated with reduced sensory function subscores. Postural sway was not significantly associated with strength or spasticity.

Conclusions: Participants with MS swayed more and were significantly weaker than controls. Cerebellar dysfunction was identified as the EDSS domain most strongly associated with increased sway, and sensory loss was associated with a relatively greater dependence on vision for balance control. These findings suggest that exercise interventions targeting sensory integration and cerebellar ataxia may be beneficial for enhancing balance control in people with MS.
Managing Neuropsychological Impairment in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Pöttgen Jana , Lau Stephanie , Penner Iris , Heesen Christoph , Moritz Steffen
Published: October 2014

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system of potential autoimmune origin that is frequently associated with psychological disorders and cognitive deficits, as well as with fatigue, stress, and psychosocial burden. These factors often cause decreased quality of life, social withdrawal, and unemployment. We describe the development of a cognitive-behavioral group intervention based on the concept of metacognition and evaluation of the feasibility and acceptance of the program as a rehabilitation tool.

Methods: Metacognitive Training in MS (MaTiMS) consists of six modules, each 90 minutes in duration. We tested acceptance and design of the program in six focus groups (entire sample, n = 27). Framework analysis of transcripts was used to identify key topics and categories. Program modules were revised in accordance with appropriate recommendations of focus group members. We subsequently evaluated MaTiMS in two groups (n = 5, n = 6) in a rehabilitation center. Neuropsychological functioning as well as coping self-efficacy, depression, stress, perceived cognitive deficit, fatigue, and quality of life were assessed. Acceptance of MaTiMS from the patient perspective was also studied.

Results: The modules were highly accepted by patients. Pre-post assessments showed significant improvements in the Coping Self Efficacy Scale (P = .007), the Würzburger Fatigue Inventory for MS Score (P = .028), and the Hamburg Quality of Life Questionnaire in Multiple Sclerosis Mood subscale (P = .046).

Conclusions: These preliminary results suggest that MaTiMS represents a feasible psychological group training program that may foster improvements in self-efficacy, fatigue, and mood. The next step will be an evaluation of the program in a randomized controlled trial.
Entodontopsis (Bryophyta: Stereophyllaceae) new to the Australian flora
Authors: Meagher David , Andi Cairns
Published: October 2014

The genus Entodontopsis (Bryophyta: Stereophyllaceae) is reported as new to the Australian flora, based on a recent collection from northern Queensland identified as Entodontopsis pygmaea. This species was previously known from Vietnam, Thailand, China, India and Nepal.
Estimating the benthic efflux of dissolved iron on the Ross Sea continental shelf
Authors: Marsay C. M. , Sedwick P. N. , Dinniman M. S. , Barrett P. M. , Mack S. L. , McGillicuddy D. J.
Published: October 2014

Continental margin sediments provide a potentially large but poorly constrained source of dissolved iron (dFe) to the upper ocean. The Ross Sea continental shelf is one region where this benthic supply is thought to play a key role in regulating the magnitude of seasonal primary production. Here we present data collected during austral summer 2012 that reveal contrasting low surface (0.08 ± 0.07 nM) and elevated near‐seafloor (0.74 ± 0.47 nM) dFe concentrations. Combining these observations with results from a high‐resolution physical circulation model, we estimate dFe efflux of 5.8 × 107 mol yr−1 from the deeper portions (>400 m) of the Ross Sea continental shelf; more than sufficient to account for the inferred “winter reserve” dFe inventory at the onset of the growing season. In addition, elevated dFe concentrations observed over shallower bathymetry suggest that such features provide additional inputs of dFe to the euphotic zone throughout the year.
High Temperature Oxidation Behavior of Hypoeutectic Mg–Sr Binary Alloys: The Role of the Two‐Phase Microstructure and the Surface Activity of Sr
Authors: Aydin Deniz S. , Bayindir Zeynel , Pekguleryuz Mihriban O.
Published: October 2014

The high temperature oxidation behavior of Mg–Sr hypoeutectic alloys was investigated. The oxide layer was characterized after isothermal heating experiments that were conducted at 500 °C in dry airflow for 12 h. It was seen that a non‐uniform oxide scale formed on hypoeutectic Mg–Sr alloys with a two‐phase structure whereby the oxide over the interdendritic intermetallic phase had a finer grain size than the oxide over the α‐Mg dendrites. The interrupted tests on selected alloys showed that the two phases exhibit different oxidation sequences of Sr and Mg. It was observed that the intermetallic phase oxidizes first with the formation of both MgO and SrO on the surface. The oxidation proceeds with SrO and MgO formation on the α‐Mg. This sequence is different from what is predicted as possible via thermodynamic calculations based on the activities of the elements on the two‐phases. SEM/EDS analyses revealed that the Sr surface‐enrichment has occurred, which explains the differences between the observation and the assessment. Thermodynamic re‐assessment suggested that the Sr enrichment on the surface due to the surface activity of Sr in Mg could largely determine the initial oxidation sequence.
Sensor network design for maximizing process efficiency: An algorithm and its application
Authors: Paul Prokash , Bhattacharyya Debangsu , Turton Richard , Zitney Stephen E.
Published: October 2014

Sensor network design (SND) is a constrained optimization problem requiring systematic and effective solution algorithms for determining where best to locate sensors. A SND algorithm is developed for maximizing plant efficiency for an estimator‐based control system while simultaneously satisfying accuracy requirements for the desired process measurements. The SND problem formulation leads to a mixed integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) optimization that is difficult to solve for large‐scale system applications. Therefore, a sequential approach is developed to solve the MINLP problem, where the integer problem for sensor selection is solved using the genetic algorithm while the nonlinear programming problem including convergence of the “tear stream” in the estimator‐based control system is solved using the direct substitution method. The SND algorithm is then successfully applied to a large scale, highly integrated chemical process. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 61: 464–476, 2015
Synthesis, Characterization, and Electron‐Transport Properties of a π‐Conjugated Heteromacrocycle: A Selenium‐Bridged Neutral Annulene
Authors: Liu Hang , Qin Yunke , Xu Wei , Zhu Daoben
Published: October 2014

An aromatic heteromacrocycle, selenium bridged neutral annulene 5,16‐diphenyltetraselenolo[22]annulene[2,1,2,1] (DPTSA) was synthesized through a convenient four‐step procedure. DPTSA is a symmetrical macrocyclic architecture consisting of four selenophene units linked with unsaturated carbon–carbon bonds. DPTSA was shown to have high aromaticity by 1H NMR and UV/vis absorption spectra. Its electrochemical properties and thermostability were studied. A thin‐film transistor based on DPTSA was fabricated to evaluate the possibility of its application in organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs). DPTSA performed as a p‐type semiconductor with the best hole mobility of 2.8×10−3 cm2 V−1 S−1 and the on/off ratio of 1.0×105. The thin‐film morphology of devices based on DPTSA was also characterized to preliminarily reveal the structure‐property relationships.
Nanosicherheitsforschung – sind wir auf dem richtigen Weg?
Authors: Krug Harald F.
Published: October 2014

Die Zahl der publizierten Studien zum Thema Nanosicherheit spricht für sich. Wir verzeichnen seit ungefähr 15 Jahren einen nahezu exponentiellen Anstieg bei den Publikationen zur “Nanotoxikologie”. Waren es bis zum Jahr 2000 noch wenige Hundert, so sind seit 2001 mehr als 10 000 Publikationen zum Thema “Nanomaterialien: Umwelt und Gesundheit” veröffentlicht worden. Allein, eine Klarheit bei der Aussage zur Sicherheit der Nanomaterialien bleiben die meisten dieser Studien schuldig. Im Gegenteil: Viele der Arbeiten widersprechen einander oder kommen auch zu völlig falschen Schlussfolgerungen. Bereits vor drei Jahren haben wir an gleicher Stelle auf die Missstände bei den Studiendesigns und die Fehlerquellen in den Methoden hingewiesen. Auf der Basis einer umfassenden Literaturstudie und an ausgewählten toxikologischen Endpunkten soll aufgezeigt werden, wo die wesentlichen Schwachpunkte der Studien liegen und was wir in der Zukunft verbessern müssen.
Nanosafety Research—Are We on the Right Track?
Authors: Krug Harald F.
Published: October 2014

The number of studies that have been published on the topic of nanosafety speaks for itself. We have seen an almost exponential rise over the past 15 years or so in the number of articles on nanotoxicology. Although only a couple of hundred papers had appeared on the topic of “Nanomaterials: environmental and health effects” before 2000, this number has exploded to over 10 000 since 2001. Most of these studies, however, do not offer any kind of clear statement on the safety of nanomaterials. On the contrary, most of them are either self‐contradictory or arrive at completely erroneous conclusions. Three years ago in this Journal we underscored the deficiencies in the way these studies were designed and pointed out the sources of error in the methods used. Now, on the basis of a comprehensive review of the literature and with the help of selected toxicological end points, we attempt to indicate where the significant weaknesses of these studies lie and what we must improve in the future.