bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of the Types of Measured Acoustic Modes Inside the Operator's Cab in a Bulldozer
Authors: Dziechciowski Zygmunt , Kozień Marek S.
Published: April 2015

The aim of the study was to identify acoustic and structural modes in the spectrum obtained exper-imentally inside an operator's cab in a bulldozer. Measurements were taken inside the operator's cab in a caterpillar-track bulldozer Polremaco TD12NPH2E-2000, designed for work in underground mine enclosures. The acoustic pressure spectrum was obtained for varied rotational speeds of the engine during the free run of the machine. The reverberation time of the cab was determined basing on the pulse-type excited pressure response, followed by identification of the spectral components registered by measurements. Thus, identified frequencies were compared with natural acoustic frequencies registered inside the operator's cab and with frequencies associated with the valves and ignition frequencies due to rotational speed and natural frequencies of structural vibrations of the cab's walls. This study was conducted in an attempt to reduce the noise inside the operator's cab using passive methods
Toxic Rain in Class
Authors: Suárez-Orozco Carola , Casanova Saskias , Martin Margary , Katsiaficas Dalal , Cuellar Veronica , Smith Naila Antonia , Dias Sandra Isabel
Published: April 2015

In this article we share exploratory findings from a study that captures microaggressions (MAs) in vivo to shed light on how they occur in classrooms. These brief and commonplace indignities communicate derogatory slights and insults toward individuals of underrepresented status contributing to invalidating and hostile learning experiences. Our aim is to expand the ways in which we research and think about MAs in educational settings. Our data are drawn from structured observations of 60 diverse classrooms on three community college campuses. Our findings provide evidence that classroom MAs occur frequently—in nearly 30% of the observed community college classrooms. Although cultural/racial as well as gendered MAs were observed, the most frequent types of MAs were those that undermined the intelligence and competence of students. MAs were more likely to be delivered on campuses with the highest concentration of minority students and were most frequently delivered by instructors. We conclude by reflecting on the implications of these events for classroom climate and make recommendations for both future research and practice.
Ionic Liquids as New Quenching Media for Aluminium Alloys and Steels*
Authors: Beck M. , Schmidt C. , Ahrenberg M. , Schick C. , Kragl U. , Kessler O.
Published: April 2015

Quenching in vaporising liquids is mostly affected by the Leidenfrost effect, causing avoidable residual stresses and distortion. Molten salts and molten metals provide a quenching without any Leidenfrost effect, but need to be operated at high bath temperatures with a high effort for cleaning the quenched components. In this work ionic liquids (salts with melting temperatures below 100 °C) are investigated as quenching media with respect to cooling power, homogeneity and thermal stability. Aluminium and steel cylinders have been quenched in baths of different ionic liquids with varying compositions and bath temperatures showing almost no Leidenfrost effect. The time-temperature curves have been recorded and the heat transfer coefficients were determined. It was shown, that the cooling power of ionic liquids could be increased by limited water addition without any Leidenfrost effect and is sufficiently fast even for quench sensitive alloys. Further investigations on aluminium samples with a complex profile show that quenching in ionic liquids causes less distortion compared to water quenching.
Structural, thermal and optical studies of nanocomposite powder NiSb + Sb produced by mechanical alloying
Authors: de Souza Sérgio Michielon , da Silva Gleison Adriano , Lima Cláudio Natálio , Trichês Daniela Menegon , Poffo Cláudio Michel , de Lima João Cardoso
Published: April 2015

A nanostructured composite powder formed from 75 wt.% NiSb and 25 wt.% Sb was obtained by mechanical alloying binary mixtures of elemental Ni and Sb powders in the composition NiSb2for 39 hours. The structural evolution was followed by X-ray diffraction measurements and Rietveld structural refinement. At the end of milling, the crystallites of Sb and NiSb reached a mean size of 17 and 15 nm, respectively. Differential scanning calorimetry measurement showed two exothermic processes at 263 °C and 309 °C. Variable temperature powder X-ray diffraction measurements at 25, 100, 200 and 300 °C showed that the sample is structurally stable until 100 °C. The beginning of the transition NiSb + Sb → NiSb2was observed at 200 °C and the nucleation of Sb2O3was observed at 300 °C in accordance with differential scanning calorimetry measurement. Raman spectroscopy measurements showed neither NiSb nor NiSb2compounds produce significant Raman signals when compared with Sb and Sb2O3.
Heat Treatment-Induced Improvement of the Thermal Shock Resistance of Si3N4 Tools for Metallurgical Applications
Authors: Harrer W. , Danzer R. , Berroth K.
Published: April 2015

Owing to its excellent mechanical and thermal properties, silicon nitride is an increasingly used tool material in the metallurgical industry. Some of its applications involve high thermal cycling loads, which may lead to tool failure. The failure of ceramic materials initiates from defects in the volume or on the surface of components and samples. Surface defects, often introduced during finishing, are considerably more harmful than defects in the volume. It was possible to heal surface defects by applying a specifically developed heat treatment – provided the defects are not too large.

In water quenching experiments on samples and components, it could be proven that the strength increase induced by the heat treatment also results in an improved thermal shock resistance. Due to high processing costs and in some cases due to the components' geometry, enhancing the surface quality of components is not possible. The proposed heat treatment is an alternative to increase strength, thermal shock resistance (and thus the reliability and service life of silicon nitride components) which requires little effort.
Tidally driven ice speed variation at Helheim Glacier, Greenland, observed with terrestrial radar interferometry
Authors: Voytenko Denis , Stern Alon , Holland David M. , Dixon Timothy H. , Christianson Knut , Walker Ryan T.
Published: April 2015

We used a terrestrial radar interferometer (TRI) at Helheim Glacier, Greenland, in August 2013, to study the effects of tidal forcing on the terminal zone of this tidewater glacier. During our study period, the glacier velocity was up to 25 m d–1. Our measurements show that the glacier moves out of phase with the semi-diurnal tides and the densely packed melange in the fjord. Here detrended glacier displacement lags behind the forecasted tidal height by ∼8 hours. The transition in phase lag between the glacier and the melange happens within a narrow (∼500 m) zone in the fjord in front of the ice cliff. The TRI data also suggest that the impact of tidal forcing decreases rapidly up-glacier of the terminus. A flowline model suggests this pattern of velocity perturbation is consistent with weak ice flowing over a weakly nonlinear bed.
Isaac Bayley Balfour, Sphagnum moss, and the Great War (1914–1918)
Authors: Ayres P. G.
Published: April 2015

Isaac Bayley Balfour was a systematist specializing in Sino-Himalayan plants. He enjoyed a long and exceptionally distinguished academic career yet he was knighted, in 1920, “for services in connection with the war”. Together with an Edinburgh surgeon, Charles Cathcart, he had discovered in 1914 something well known to German doctors; dried Sphagnum (bog moss) makes highly absorptive, antiseptic wound dressings. Balfour directed the expertise and resources of the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh (of which he was Keeper), towards the identification of the most useful Sphagnum species in Britain and the production of leaflets telling collectors where to find the moss in Scotland. By 1918 over one million such dressings were used by British hospitals each month. Cathcart's Edinburgh organisation, which received moss before making it into dressings, proved a working model soon adopted in Ireland, and later in both Canada and the United States.
Who invented the mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus)? On the authorship of the fraudulent 1812 journal of Charles Le Raye
Authors: Woodman Neal
Published: April 2015

The captivity journal of Charles Le Raye was first published in 1812 as a chapter in A topographical description of the state of Ohio, Indiana Territory, and Louisiana, a volume authored anonymously by “a late officer in the U. S. Army”. Le Raye was purported to be a French Canadian fur trader who, as a captive of the Sioux, had travelled across broad portions of the Missouri and Yellowstone river drainages a few years before the Lewis and Clark expedition (1804–1806), and his account of the land, its people, and its natural resources was relied upon as a primary source by generations of natural historians, geographers, and ethnographers. Based directly on descriptions of animals in the published journal, the naturalist Constantine S. Rafinesque named seven new species of North American mammals, including what are currently recognized as the mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) and a Great Plains subspecies of white-tailed deer (O. virginianus macrourus). Unfortunately, Le Raye never existed, and historical, geographical, and ethnographical evidence indicates that the journal is fraudulent. Determining the author of this work is relevant to identifying the sources used to construct it, which may help us to understand the real animals upon which Rafinesque's species are based. Traditionally, authorship of the volume was attributed to Jervis Cutler, but his role in composing the fraudulent Le Raye journal has been called into question. In this paper, I present additional evidence supporting the hypothesis that Jervis Cutler bears primary responsibility for the Le Raye journal and that he had the background, opportunity, and potential motive to author it.
SELECTING THE DISTINCTIVE POINTS OF THE LAND SURFACE FOR MODELLING THE RELIEF
Authors: Stankevičius Žilvinas
Published: April 2015

In order to prepare a project on rebuilding an old or constructing a new road and work drawings, knowledge of the present local objects is necessary. The performance of road construction or reconstruction is aimed at using digital models for the relief and at helping with more precise design, a decrease in the environmental impact and work optimization. Digital local models are most frequently prepared according to data on laser scanning. Redundant metering data on height points have been accumulated using a laser scanning technique. Because of redundant height points, for automatically creating and designing a model for the relief, computer resources must be irrationally used under slower modelling processes. The methodology provided in the article could be suitable for eliminating redundant points of height metering keeping them in distinctive relief positions. According to the proposed methodology, an algorithm has been created and used in the experimental theory for eliminating redundant points. In order to check the correctness of algorithm performance, a project on road reconstruction has been simulated and the volumes of land works using relief models created in the event of the full and filtrated array of height points have been compared.
AUTOMATIC DATA CLASSIFICATION BASED ON THE TRIANGULAR GRAPH FOR THEMATIC MAPS
Authors: Dobesova Zdena
Published: April 2015

A triangular point graph helps in the process of data classification for a thematic map. A triangular graph can be used for a situation that is described by three variables. The total sum of variables is 100%. The proportion of three variables is plotted in an equilateral triangular graph where each side represents a coordinate for one variable. A triangular graph displays the proportions of the three variables. The position of the point indicates the type (class) of the situation in the triangular graph. The typology of the situation can be subsequently expressed in the map.

We have created a “Triangular Graph” program which represents a helpful automatic tool for ArcGIS software. This new program classifies input data based on a triangular graph. It is realized by two python scripts located in a custom toolbox as two programs. The first program calculates X and Y coordinates in an equilateral triangular graph. The second program compares plotted points and suggested zones of a division produced by the first program. Finally, a new attribute is added to the source data. The user can create a new thematic map, based on that attribute in order to express the typology of the given situation.

The programming language Python and essential module ArcPy have been used for solving these tasks. To test the created programs several maps were made, based on the classification often used in demography. For example, the new program helped to create a sample map of age categories in districts of the Czech Republic.

The program is available to download from the Esri web pages and web pages of the Department of Geoinformatics, Palacký University Olomouc.
Low Levels of Serum Uric Acid Increase the Risk of Low Bone Mineral Density in Young Male Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: Kang Kwi Young , Hong Yeon Sik , Park Sung-Hwan , Ju Ji Hyeon
Published: April 2015

Objective.

Uric acid (UA) has antiosteoporotic effects in postmenopausal women. This study investigated the association between serum UA levels and bone mineral density (BMD) in young male patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

Methods.

One hundred fifty patients who fulfilled the modified New York criteria for the classification of AS were analyzed. All patients were male and under 50 years of age. BMD, serum UA concentrations, clinical variables, and radiographic progression were assessed. The associations between UA and BMD at the lumbar spine and hip were evaluated using multiple linear regression analysis. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors associated with low BMD.

Results.

Mean serum UA concentration in the 150 patients with AS was 5.5 ± 1.3 mg/dl. BMD at the lumbar spine, but not at the total hip and femoral neck, increased with increasing serum UA tertiles (p = 0.033). The significant positive association between serum UA and BMD at the lumbar spine remained after adjustment for confounding factors (β = 0.185, p = 0.014, adjusted R2= 0.310). Multiple logistic regression analyses showed that lower UA concentrations (OR 4.02, 95% CI 1.34–12.3) and body mass index and increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate were independently associated with the risk of low BMD.

Conclusion.

Lower serum UA levels are associated with lower BMD in young male patients with AS. UA may be a novel predictive marker or therapeutic target in patients with AS.
Predictors of Longterm Changes in Body Mass Index in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Baker Joshua F. , Cannon Grant W. , Ibrahim Said , Haroldsen Candace , Caplan Liron , Mikuls Ted R.
Published: April 2015

Objective.

Low body mass index (BMI) is a risk factor for poor longterm outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with longterm changes in BMI.

Methods.

Subjects with RA from the Veterans Affairs (VA) Rheumatoid Arthritis (VARA) Registry (n = 1474) were studied. Information on inflammatory markers, presence of erosions, and smoking status were extracted from the VARA database. BMI was extracted from VA electronic medical records within 14 days of each visit date. VA pharmacy records were queried to identify prescriptions for specific RA therapies within 1 month of the visit date. We used robust generalized estimating equations marginal regression models to calculate independent associations between clinical variables and BMI over time. Similar models determined predictors of change in weight and risk of weight loss over the subsequent study observation period.

Results.

Increasing age, active smoking, and the presence of erosions at baseline were associated with lower BMI. Weight decreased over time among older adults. Factors associated with greater reductions in BMI over time and a greater risk of weight loss were higher inflammatory markers, smoking, older age, higher BMI, and less subsequent improvement in inflammation. Methotrexate use was associated with a lower risk of weight loss. The use of prednisone or anti-tumor necrosis factor therapies was not associated with change in BMI or the risk of weight loss independent of other factors.

Conclusion.

Greater age, greater inflammatory activity, and active smoking are associated with greater weight loss in RA over time.
La politique (tout) contre le Marché ?
Authors: Vauchez Antoine
Published: April 2015

Qui douterait encore aujourd’hui de l’existence, à l’échelon européen, d’un véritable centre de pouvoir auquel les États ne cessent du reste de déléguer de nouvelles responsabilités ? Est-il pour autant un espace politique comme les autres, justiciable des mots et syntagmes par lesquels on saisit ordinairement la politique nationale des partis et des institutions politiques ? On pourrait à première vue le penser, si l’on en juge au fait que les traités et les autres textes normatifs ont au fil des années jonché le sol européen de tous les « gros mots » de la démocratie représentative. Si l’on parle bien désormais, à l’échelon européen, d’élections, de « partis politiques », de « Parlement », d’« investiture », d’« espace public », voire de « société civile », pourquoi n’y aurait-il pas là le cadre d’une « démocratie représentative », comme il en existe en France, en Allemagne ou en Grande-Bretagne ?
Vous serez fils du Très-Haut – Luc 6,20-49
Authors: Wargnies Philippe
Published: April 2015

Le «discours dans la plaine» de Luc 6,20-49, plus bref que celui «sur la montagne» de Matthieu 5-7, est moins souvent évoqué. Il se présente dans un cadre narratif différent. Sa situation, ses accents spécifiques, sa cohérence et sa vigueur méritent d’être mieux connus. L’article considère le rapport de ce discours avec ce qui le précède. Puis il en commente le déroulement au fil de quatre sections qu’on peut y distinguer. Il souligne leur articulation, ainsi que la portée décisive de l’invitation à imiter notre Père miséricordieux, dans son lien avec la «règle d’or». L’ensemble du texte aide à interpréter cette dernière dans la perspective lucanienne.
La «théologie de la filiation» de Joseph Wresinski
Authors: Begasse de Dhaem Amaury
Published: April 2015

«Avant d’être des fils d’homme, nous sommes des fils de Dieu», écrit J. Wresinski, à partir de l’expérience du Quart-Monde. L’article explore sa théologie de la filiation divine de tout homme: son rapport à la dimension trinitaire de l’acte créateur, à l’homme comme être-de-don, porteur d’une vocation et d’une mission, à la gratuité inconditionnelle du salut, à la divinisation filiale, au mystère de Dieu dans sa relation à l’homme. Aux frontières de «l’espérer pour tous», émergent les questions de la liberté de l’acte de foi, du sens du baptême comme translatio de la dispersion à l’unité et de la guérison des filiations blessées.
Pourquoi un patriarche d’Occident?
Authors: Goudot Jean-Philippe
Published: April 2015

Les débats sur le rôle patriarcal du Pape semblent clos depuis que le titre de «Patriarche d’Occident» a disparu de l’Annuaire pontifical en 2006. Pourtant ce niveau d’intervention du Pape correspond aujourd’hui encore à ce que l’on appelle «Église latine», pour la distinguer des Églises orientales régies, pour la plupart, par un patriarche. L’A. entend démontrer l’enracinement ecclésial et la pertinence toujours actuelle du titre et des fonctions de Patriarche d’Occident, notamment d’un point de vue œcuménique.
Claude Vigée: Danser sa vie
Authors: Frank Évelyne
Published: April 2015

Dans son œuvre, le poète Claude Vigée suggère, plutôt que de subir sa vie, de la danser. Alors il y a les danses de la jeunesse, celles de la première maturité et enfin, encore plus intéressante, celle de la grande maturité. Le mouvement est de grâce dans tous les sens du terme même s’il peut devenir grotesque — mais là encore, n’est-il pas sublime? — ou se transformer en «transe atroce», dans la douleur. Le Vivant suscite cette danse, toute pascale.
Kinect-based Universal Range Sensor and its Application in Educational Laboratories
Authors: Zhang Mingshao , Zhang Zhou , Chang Yizhe , Esche Sven K , Chassapis Constantin
Published: April 2015

Traditional data acquisition (DAQ) systems for obtaining 3-D range information consist of sensors, DAQ measurement hardware and a processor with software. This kind of DAQ system is adapted and calibrated for various applications, thus imposing significant up-front costs that hamper its broad usage in educational laboratories. The low-cost Microsoft Kinect has become a promising alternative solution that has already been widely adopted by consumers and offers a wide variety of opportunities for being used in many other areas. The Kinect’s cameras are capable of producing high quality synchronized video that consists of both color and depth data. This enables the Kinect to compete with other sophisticated 3-D sensor DAQ systems in terms of performance criteria such as accuracy, stability, reliability and error rates. One of the most noticeable Kinect-based applications is the skeleton-based tracking of humans, which is made possible by its built-in human skeleton recognition functions. Other common usages of the Kinect are 3-D surface/scene reconstruction and object classification/recognition. However, Kinect-based developments that focus on the tracking of arbitrary objects have rarely been reported, mainly due to a lack of mature algorithms.

In the first part of this paper, a three-stage approach for capturing general motions of objects will be introduced. This approach consists of point cloud pre-processing with a focus on computational efficiency, object tracking employing recognition and post-processing including motion analysis. This approach can be tailored to special cases, namely the algorithms focus more on computation efficiency when the objects of interest have simple shapes or colors, and they focus more on reliability for objects with complex geometries or textures. The second part of this paper describes the integration of the proposed DAQ system into a multi-player game-based laboratory environment. In this implementation, a physical experiment is triggered by the game avatars and the experimental data acquired by the Kinect and analyzed by the proposed algorithms are then fed back into the game environment and used to animate the experimental device.
The impact of high‐density spatial sampling versus antenna orientation on 3D GPR fracture imaging
Authors: Pierpaolo Marchesini , Mark Grasmueck
Published: April 2015

Three‐dimensional Ground Penetrating Radar (3D GPR) surveys are necessary to reconstruct complex fracture geometries in the subsurface. Two of the most important factors controlling image quality are antenna orientation relative to fractures and density of acquisition grids. This study, conducted in the Madonna della Mazza quarry (Italy), compares two acquisition methods with the goal of optimizing the imaging of fractures and related 3D fracture networks. We acquired two very dense, orthogonal 3D GPR surveys with a 250 MHz antenna and 5 cm trace spacing on the same day, covering the same area of 20 × 20 m. By decimation of the original raw datasets, reduced survey densities of 10 cm and 20 cm spacing are simulated. The results show differences in the imaging quality of the two methods to depths of 75 cm, while for a depth of 130 cm and deeper, image quality is similar. At the same trace density/m2, a single, unidirectional survey with a densely sampled grid is the preferred method rather than two surveys with orthogonal antenna orientations but larger profile spacing. The extra effort of conducting surveys with an acquisition grid of an eighth of wavelength of the antenna centre frequency guarantees that we can properly sample the high‐frequency content of the GPR signal spectrum and results in optimum image quality regardless of fracture orientation. The simple survey design principle found in this study is universally applicable to any field condition, target geometry, and antenna frequency. Such high‐density 3D GPR survey design enables the high‐resolution characterization of 3D fracture networks on subsurface timeslices in near photographic quality.
Prognostic Value of Initial Elevation in Cardiac Troponin I Level in Critically Ill Patients Without Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Liu Michael , Shehu Merita , Herrold Edmund , Cohen Henry
Published: April 2015

Background

Cardiac troponin I levels are often obtained to help rule out acute coronary syndrome.

Objective

To determine if elevation of troponin level within 24 hours for patients without acute coronary syndrome admitted to the intensive care unit provides important prognostic information. METHODS Patients without acute coronary syndrome admitted to the intensive care unit were prospectively divided into 2 groups according to highest serum level of cardiac troponin I within 24 hours of admission (elevated > 0.049 ng/mL; control ≤ 0.049 ng/mL). Hospital mortality, incidence of intubation, and other parameters were compared between the 2 groups.

Results

Patients with elevated troponin level (n = 40) had higher mortality than did control patients (n = 50) (35% vs 12%; P = .01). Compared with control patients, patients with elevated levels were more likely to be intubated (41% vs 17%; P = .02).

Conclusion

Critically ill patients without acute coronary syndrome with elevated levels of cardiac troponin I at admission had higher mortality and more intubations than did control patients.
Критическая опалесценция и состояние истинного диэлектрика в кулоновской системе
Authors: Bobrov Viktor Borisovich , Triger Sergei Aleksandrovich
Published: April 2015

На основе предельных соотношений для статических структурных факторов и анализа особенностей диэлектрической проницаемости рассмотрено явление критической опалесценции в двухкомпонентной кулоновской системе, состоящей из электронов и ядер одного сорта. Показано, что явление критической опалесценции может наблюдаться не только в критической точке, отвечающей фазовому переходу газ-жидкость, но и в окрестности состояния истинного диэлектрика с нулевой статической проводимостью. С учетом имеющихся экспериментальных данных можно предположить, что состояние истинного диэлектрика является предельным состоянием фазового перехода жидкость-жидкость, который сопровождается резким изменением электропроводности вещества. Установлено, что явление критической опалесценции при термодинамических параметрах, отвечающих состоянию истинного диэлектрика, может быть обусловлено обращением в бесконечность квадрата флуктуаций полного числа электронов и ядер в двухкомпонентной кулоновской системе, как это имеет место в критической точке, отвечающей фазовому переходу газ-жидкость.
Деформации антискобки с грассманозначными параметрами деформации
Authors: Konstein Semen Efimovich , Tyutin Igor Viktorovich
Published: April 2015

Рассмотрена супералгебра антискобок, реализованная на пространстве гладких функций на $\mathbb{R}^1$ со значениями в алгебре Грассмана с одной образующей $\xi$, состоящая из элементов вида
$\xi f_0(x)+f_1(x)$, где $f_0$ имеет компактный носитель. Пространство вторых когомологий с коэффициентами в присоединенном представлении этой супералгебры содержит три нечетные и бесконечное число четных образующих. Описан большой класс деформаций этой супералгебры с грассманозначными параметрами деформации, в частности найдены все деформации этой супералгебры, число нечетных параметров которых равно трем.
Validity and Feasibility of the Minicard Direct Observation Tool in 1 Training Program
Authors: Donato Anthony A. , Park Yoon Soo , George David L. , Schwartz Alan , Yudkowsky Rachel
Published: April 2015

Background

Availability of reliable, valid, and feasible workplace-based assessment (WBA) tools is important to allow faculty to make important and complex judgments about resident competence. The Minicard is a WBA direct observation tool designed to provide formative feedback while supporting critical competency decisions.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to collect validity and feasibility evidence for use of the Minicard for formative assessment of internal medicine residents.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of Minicard observations from 2005–2011 in 1 institution to obtain validity evidence, including content (settings, observation rates, independent raters); response process (rating distributions across the scale and ratings by month in the program); consequences (qualitative assessment of action plans); and feasibility (time to collect observations).

Results

Eighty faculty observers recorded 3715 observations of 73 residents in the inpatient ward (43%), clinic (39%), intensive care (15%), and emergency department (3%) settings. Internal medicine residents averaged 28 (SD = 8.4) observations per year from 9 (SD = 4.1) independent observers. Minicards had an average of 5 (SD = 5.1) discrete recorded observations per card. Rating distributions covered the entire rating scale, and increased significantly over the time in training. Half of the observations included action plans with action-oriented feedback, 11% had observational feedback, 9% had minimal feedback, and 30% had no recorded plan. Observations averaged 15.6 (SD = 9.5) minutes.

Conclusions

Validity evidence for the Minicard direct observation tool demonstrates its ability to facilitate identification of “struggling” residents and provide feedback, supporting its use for the formative assessment of internal medicine residents.
Observations and comparisons of cloud microphysical properties in spring and summertime Arctic stratocumulus clouds during the ACCACIA campaign
Authors: Lloyd G. , Choularton T. W. , Bower K. N. , Crosier J. , Jones H. , Dorsey J. R. , Gallagher M. W. , Connolly P. , Kirchgaessner A. C. R. , Lachlan-Cope T.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Measurements from four case studies in spring and summer-time Arctic stratocumulus clouds during the Aerosol-Cloud Coupling And Climate Interactions in the Arctic (ACCACIA) campaign are presented. We compare microphysics observations between cases and with previous measurements made in the Arctic and Antarctic. During ACCACIA, stratocumulus clouds were observed to consist of liquid at cloud tops, often at distinct temperature inversions. The cloud top regions precipitated low concentrations of ice into the cloud below. During the spring cases median ice number concentrations (~ 0.5 L−1) were found to be lower by about a factor of 5 than observations from the summer campaign (~ 3 L−1). Cloud layers in the summer spanned a warmer temperature regime than in the spring and enhancement of ice concentrations in these cases was found to be due to secondary ice production through the Hallett–Mossop (H–M) process. Aerosol concentrations during spring ranged from ~ 300–400 cm−3 in one case to lower values of ~ 50–100 cm−3 in the other. The concentration of aerosol with sizes Dp > 0.5 μm was used in a primary ice nucleus (IN) prediction scheme (DeMott et al., 2010). Predicted IN values varied depending on aerosol measurement periods but were generally greater than maximum observed median values of ice crystal concentrations in the spring cases, and less than the observed ice concentrations in the summer due to the influence of secondary ice production. Comparison with recent cloud observations in the Antarctic summer (Grosvenor et al., 2012), reveals lower ice concentrations in Antarctic clouds in comparable seasons. An enhancement of ice crystal number concentrations (when compared with predicted IN numbers) was also found in Antarctic stratocumulus clouds spanning the H–M temperature zone; however, concentrations were about an order of magnitude lower than those observed in the Arctic summer cases but were similar to the peak values observed in the colder Arctic spring cases, where the H–M mechanism did not operate.
Particle sized-resolved source apportionment of primary and secondary organic tracer compounds at urban and rural locations in Spain
Authors: van Drooge B. L. , Grimalt J. O.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Atmospheric particulate matter (PM) was fractionated in six aerodynamic sizes, > 7.2, 7.2–3, 3–1.5, 1.5–1, 1–0.5, < 0.5 μm, using a cascade impactor. These fractions were collected at urban and rural sites during warm and cold seasons. Analysis of the organic tracer compounds by gas-chromatography coupled to mass-spectrometry showed that the composition in the smallest size fractions (< 0.5 μm) was more uniform than in the larger sizes (7.2 > PM > 0.5 μm). Thus, markers of photochemically synthesized organic compounds or combustion sources, either biomass burning or traffic emissions, were predominantly observed in the fraction < 0.5 μm whereas the larger particles were composed of mixed sources from combustion processes, vegetation emissions, soil re-suspension, road dust, urban life-style activities and photochemically synthesized organic compounds. Important seasonal differences were observed at the rural site. In the < 0.5 μm fraction these were related to strong predominance of biomass burning in the cold period and photochemically transformed biogenic organic compounds in the warm period. In the 7.2 > PM > 0.5 μm fractions the differences involved predominant soil-sourced compounds in the warm period and mixed combustion sources, photochemical products and vegetation emissions in the cold. Multivariate Curve Resolution Alternating Least Squares showed that these organic aerosols essentially originated from six source components. Four of them reflected primary emissions related with either natural products, e.g. vegetation emissions and up whirled soil dust, or anthropogenic contributions, e.g. combustion products and compounds related with urban life-style activities, mainly vehicular exhausts and tobacco smoking. Two secondary organic aerosol components were identified. They accumulated in the smallest (< 0.5 μm) or in the larger fractions (> 0.5 μm) and involved strong or mild photochemical transformations of vegetation precursor molecules, respectively. Toxicologically relevant information was also disclosed with the present approach. Thus, the strong predominance of biomass burning residues at the rural site during the cold period involved atmospheric concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons that were three times higher than at the urban sites and benzo[a]pyrene concentrations above legal recommendations.
Responses of N2O flux to water level fluctuation and other environmental factors at littoral zone of Miyun Reservoir: a comparison with CH4 fluxes
Authors: Yang M. , Geng X. M. , Grace J. , Jia Y. F. , Liu Y. Z. , Jiao S. W. , Shi L. L. , Lu C. , Zhou Y. , Lei G. C.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. There have been only a few studies that allow us to estimate the contribution of newly-created reservoirs to greenhouse gas budgets. In particular, information is limited for understanding the spatiotemporal variation of N2O flux and the underlying mechanisms in the littoral zone where complex biochemical processes are induced by water level fluctuations. A study was carried out at five different water levels (deep water area, shallow water area, seasonally flooded area, control site for seasonally flooded area and non-flooded area) at the littoral zone of a temperate reservoir using the static chamber technique. Seasonal and spatial variations of N2O flux and environmental factors were monitored throughout the growing season including a flood event during summer rains. The N2O flux ranged from −2.29 to 182.47 μg m−2 h−1. Non-flooded dry land emitted more N2O than flooded land, no matter whether it was permanently or seasonally flooded. However, no significant difference was observed between seasonally flooded sites and their control sites. Wind speed, air temperature, soil water content, dissolved oxygen in water and soil nitrate influenced N2O flux significantly. In order to know the contrasting characteristics of N2O and CH4 fluxes in the littoral zone of the reservoir, results were compared with a previous study on CH4 emission carried out at the same sites and time with comparable methods. It showed that N2O flux and CH4 flux was influenced by distinct factors and in differing ways. This work highlights the complexity of N2O flux at the littoral zone. The different response ways of N2O and CH4 to environments implies the big challenge of greenhouse gas emission control through ecosystem management.
Cr(VI) sorption/desorption on untreated and mussel-shell-treated soil materials: fractionation and effects of pH and chromium concentration
Authors: Otero M. , Cutillas-Barreiro L. , Nóvoa-Muñoz J. C. , Arias-Estévez M. , Fernández-Sanjurjo M. J. , Álvarez-Rodríguez E. , Núñez-Delgado A.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. We used batch-type experiments to study Cr(VI) sorption/desorption on granitic material, forest soil, pyritic material, mussel shell, and on forest soil and granitic material amended with 12 t ha−1 (1.2 kg m −2) shell, considering the effects of varying Cr(VI) concentration and pH. Sequential extractions were carried out to fractionate adsorbed Cr(VI) and to determine the stability of Cr(VI) retention. The pyritic material had the highest Cr(VI) retention capacity, whereas the granitic material showed the lowest retention potential. When high Cr concentrations were added, some saturation of the adsorbent surfaces became apparent, but Cr release remained low. The highest Cr retention was achieved at a very acid pH value, with release progressively increasing as a function of increasing pH. The amendment with 12 t ha−1 mussel shell did not cause marked changes in Cr(VI) retention. Sorption data were satisfactory adjusted to the Freundlich model. Regarding Cr(VI) fractionation, the soluble fraction (weakly bound) was dominant in mussel shell and in the unamended and amended granitic material, whereas more stable fractions dominated in the pyritic material (residual fraction) and in the forest soil (oxidizable fraction). In conclusion, the pyritic material presented the highest Cr(VI) retention capacity, while the retention was low and weak on the granitic material; mussel shell was not characterized by a marked Cr(VI) retention potential, and it did not cause remarkable increase in Cr(VI) retention when used to amend the granitic material or the forest soil.
Interaction of marine ice-sheet instabilities in two drainage basins: simple scaling of geometry and transition time
Authors: Feldmann J. , Levermann A.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. The initiation of a marine ice-sheet instability (MISI) is generally discussed from the ocean side of the ice sheet. It has been shown that the reduction in ice-shelf buttressing and softening of the coastal ice can destabilize a marine ice sheet if the bedrock is sloping upward towards the ocean. Using a conceptional flow-line geometry, we investigate the possibility of whether a MISI can be triggered from the direction of the ice divide as opposed to coastal forcing and explore the interaction between connected basins. We find that the initiation of a MISI in one basin can induce a destabilization in the other. The underlying mechanism of basin interaction is based on dynamic thinning and a consecutive motion of the ice divide which induces a thinning in the adjacent basin and a successive initiation of the instability. Our simplified and symmetric topographic setup allows scaling both the geometry and the transition time between both instabilities. We find that the ice profile follows a universal shape that is scaled with the horizontal extent of the ice sheet and that the same exponent of 1/2 applies for the scaling relation between central surface elevation and horizontal extent as in the pure shallow ice approximation (Vialov profile). Altering the central bed elevation, we find that the extent of grounding-line retreat in one basin determines the degree of interaction with the other. Different scenarios of basin interaction are discussed based on our modeling results as well as on a conceptual flux-balance analysis. We conclude that for the three-dimensional case, the possibility of drainage basin interaction on timescales on the order of 1 kyr or larger cannot be excluded and hence needs further investigation.
Exploring the Experiences of Faculty-led Teams in Conducting Action Research
Authors: Zhang Qi , Amundsen Cheryl
Published: April 2015

Action research has been suggested as a useful way to support university faculty to improve teaching and learning. However, there seems to be little knowledge about how faculty (and those who work with them) experience the process of doing action research. In order to explore team members’ in-depth experience about what they learned and how they experienced conducting action research, this study documented the experiences of two action research project teams supported through an initiative at Simon Fraser University, the Teaching and Learning Development Grants program (TLDG). Using case study methodology, multiple types of data were collected and analyzed through an iterative process. The results showed that all the team members perceived they had developed professional knowledge through participating in the projects. Most team members perceived a positive experience of teamwork as well as satisfaction with the experience of conducting action research.
On a suggéré que la recherche-action était un moyen efficace pour aider les professeurs d’université à améliorer l’enseignement et l’apprentissage. Toutefois, on semble ne pas avoir beaucoup de détails sur la manière dont les professeurs (et ceux qui travaillent avec eux) font l’expérience de la recherche-action. Afin d’explorer l’expérience profonde des membres d’un groupe relative à ce qu’ils ont appris et comment ils ont vécu cette recherche-action, cette étude documente les expériences de deux groupes qui ont participé à un projet de recherche-action dans le cadre d’une initiative organisée par le programme des TLDG (Teaching and Learning Development Grants) de l’Université Simon Fraser. Grâce à la méthodologie des études de cas, divers types de données ont été recueillies et analysées au moyen d’un processus itératif. Les résultats ont montré que la participation au projet avait permis à tous les membres des groupes d’acquérir des connaissances professionnelles. La plupart des membres ont indiqué qu’ils avaient vécu une expérience de travail de groupe positive et qu’ils étaient contents d’avoir mené des activités de recherche-action.
An Analysis of the Potential Use of Public-Private Partnerships in Water Infrastructural Development in Zimbabwe: The Case of Harare City Council
Authors: Mutandwa Hudson , Zinyama Tawanda
Published: April 2015

The study was carried out to analyse the potential use of Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) in water infrastructural development in Harare City Council, Zimbabwe.  PPPs play a pivotal role in water infrastructural development if fully implemented.  Zimbabwe’s rate of uptake is low.  There are preconditions that are necessary for successful implementation of PPPs inter alia political will (commitment) legal, institutional and political frameworks.  Key informant interviews and documentary search were employed to gather data.  The study established that Zimbabwe does not have the preconditions necessary for successful implementation of PPPs and this confirms the thesis.  The main challenges include lack of legal and institutional framework, lack of political will, unconducive socio-economic environment.  Zimbabwe’s water infrastructure is ramshackle.  This is compounded by lack of fiscal space on the part of government to rehabilitate the infrastructure.  PPPs could be a viable alternative to infrastructural development with the right environmental conditions.  The study recommends that the government should quickly enact a PPP legal framework that enables the establishment of a PPP unit within the Ministry of Finance and this should be followed by an Act of Parliament which should institutionalize PPPs.  The Government should promote a conducive investment climate.
Work Ethics, Values, Attitudes and Performance In The Nigerian Public Service: Issues, Challenges and The Way Forward
Authors: Omisore Bernard Oladosu , A. Oyende Adeleke
Published: April 2015

Performance of the Nigerian public service has been a major concern to policy makers and researchers alike. This is because despite all measures put in place to arrest the ugly trend, it seems, it has defied all approaches towards tackling the problem of inefficiency and capacity collapse. Work ethics, attitudes and values can be influenced by the organization, through interventions like training, motivation and coaching, etc. However, they cannot be changed forcibly because they are intrinsic. It is, therefore, of fundamental importance that public functionaries act justly and fairly to all, not only paying lip service to ethical conduct but also ensuring that these are manifestly and undoubtedly seen to be done. This paper discusses the challenges of work ethics, values, attitudes and performance in the Nigerian public service. The major causes of unethical conduct in the public service were identified and the institutional mechanisms established by the government to curb these unethical behaviours were examined. This paper adopted content analysis as a method of data gathering and analysis. It suggested viable options for effective and efficient service-oriented public service.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for Journal of Food Research, Vol. 4, No. 2
Authors: Dong Bella
Published: April 2015

Reviewer Acknowledgements for Journal of Food Research, Vol. 4 No. 2
The impact of no-tillage cultivation and white mustard as a cover crop on weed infestation and yield of carrot and red beet
Authors: Borowy Andrzej , Gruszecki Robert , Kapłan Magdalena
Published: April 2015

In a two-year field experiment, no-tillage cultivation using white mustard (Sinapis alba L. ‘Bardena’), 30 kg ha−1, as a cover crop did not influence emergence of red beet (Beta vulgaris L. ‘Czerwona Kula REW’) and had a favorable effect on emergence of carrot (Daucus carota L. ‘Berlikumer 2 – Perfekcja REW’). However, further growth of both vegetables was significantly slower under no-tillage cultivation. Both vegetables produced a higher yield of roots and the diameter of these roots was bigger under conventional cultivation. The effect of cultivation method on the content of total nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium in carrot and red beet leaves varied, while the content of dry matter, monosaccharides and total sugars was significantly higher in the roots of both vegetables harvested under no-tillage cultivation. The number of weeds growing on no-tilled plots covered with mustard mulch 4 weeks after seed sowing was lower by about 75%, but their fresh weight was higher more than 6 times in comparison to that under conventional cultivation. This was caused by the emergence of wintering and winter hardy weeds in places not covered by mustard plants in the autumn of the year preceding the cultivation of vegetables. Next year, they started to grow in the early spring and some of them produced a considerable amount of fresh weight and attained the flowering stage in the middle of April.