bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of airmass transport events on the variability of surface ozone at Xianggelila Regional Atmosphere Background Station, Southwest China
Authors: Ma J. , Lin W. L. , Zheng X. D. , Xu X. B. , Li Z. , Yang L. L.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. In situ measurements of ozone (O3), carbon monoxide (CO) and meteorological parameters were made from December 2007 to November 2009 at the Xianggelila Regional Atmosphere Background Station (28.006° N, 99.726° E, 3580 m a.s.l.), Southwest China. It is found that both O3 and CO peaked in spring while the valleys of O3 and CO occurred in summer and winter, respectively. A normalized indicator (marked as "Y") of transport events on the basis of the monthly normalized O3, CO, and water vapor, is proposed to evaluate the occurrence of O3 transport events from the upper, O3-rich atmosphere. This composite indicator has the advantage of being less influenced by and seasonal or occasional variations of individual factors. It is shown that the most frequent transport events occurred in winter and they can make a significant contribution to surface O3 at Xianggelila. A case of strong O3 transport event under the synoptic condition of a~deep westerly trough is studied by the combination of the Y indicator, potential vorticity, total column ozone, and trajectory analysis. A 9.6 ppb increase (21.0%) of surface ozone is estimated based on the impacts of deep transport events in winter. Asian Monsoon plays an important role in suppressing O3 accumulation in summer and fall.
Long term halocarbon observations from a~coastal and an inland site in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo
Authors: Robinson A. D. , Harris N. R. P. , Ashfold M. J. , Gostlow B. , Warwick N. J. , O'Brien L. M. , Beardmore E. J. , Nadzir M. S. M. , Phang S. M. , Samah A. A. , Ong S. , Ung H. E. , Peng L. K. , Yong S. E. , Mohamad M. , Pyle J. A.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. Short lived halocarbons are believed to have important sources in the tropics where rapid vertical transport could provide a significant source to the stratosphere. In this study, quasi-continuous measurements of short-lived halocarbons are reported for two tropical sites in Sabah (Malaysian Borneo), one coastal and one inland (rainforest). We present the observations for C2Cl4, CHBr3, CH2Br2* (actually ~80% CH2Br2 and ~20% CHBrCl2) and CH3I from November 2008 to January 2010 made using our μDirac gas chromatographs with electron capture detection (GC-ECD). We focus on the first 15 months of observations, showing over one annual cycle for each compound and therefore adding significantly to the few limited-duration observational studies that have been conducted thus far in southeast Asia. The main feature in the C2Cl4 behaviour at both sites is its annual cycle with the winter months being influenced by northerly flow with higher concentrations, typical of the Northern Hemisphere, with the summer months influenced by southerly flow and lower concentrations representative of the Southern Hemisphere. No such clear annual cycle is seen for CHBr3, CH2Br2Br2* or CH3I. The baseline values for CHBr3 and CH2Br2Br2* are similar at the coastal (overall median: CHBr3 1.7 ppt; CH2Br2Br2* 1.4 ppt) and inland sites (CHBr3 1.6 ppt, CH2Br2Br2* 1.1 ppt), but periods with elevated values are seen at the coast (overall 95th percentile: CHBr3 4.4 ppt; CH2Br2Br2* 1.9 ppt) presumably resulting from the stronger influence of coastal emissions. Overall median bromine values from [CHBr3] + [CH2Br2Br2*] are 8.0 ppt at the coast and 6.8 ppt inland. The median values reported here are largely consistent with other limited tropical data and imply that southeast Asia generally is not, as has been suggested, a hot-spot for emissions of these compounds. These baseline values are consistent with the most recent emissions found for southeast Asia using the p-TOMCAT model. CH3I, which is only observed at the coastal site, is the shortest-lived compound measured in this study and the observed atmospheric variations reflect this, with high variability throughout the study period.
Continuous measurements of atmospheric water vapour isotopes in Western Siberia (Kourovka)
Authors: Bastrikov V. , Steen-Larsen H. C. , Masson-Delmotte V. , Gribanov K. , Cattani O. , Jouzel J. , Zakharov V.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. The isotopic composition of atmospheric water vapour at the land surface has been continuously monitored at the Kourovka astronomical observatory in Western Siberia (57.037° N, 59.547° E, 300 m a.s.l.) since April 2012. These measurements provide the first record of δD, δ18O and d-excess in this region. Air was sampled at 8 m height within a forest clearing. Measurements were made with a Wavelength-Scanned Cavity Ring Down Spectroscopy analyzer. A specific protocol was developed for calibration and drift corrections with a particular enhancement to ensure reliable measurements at low humidity during winter. The isotopic measurements conducted till August 2013 exhibit a clear seasonal cycle with maximum δD and δ18O values in summer and minimum values in winter. In addition, considerable synoptic timescale variability of isotopic composition was observed with typical variations of 50–100‰ for δD, 10–15‰ for δ18O and 2–8‰ for d-excess. The strong correlations between δD and local meteorological parameters (logarithm-of-humidity and temperature) are explored, with a lack of dependency in summer that points to the importance of continental recycling and local evapotranspiration. The overall correlation between δD and temperature is associated with a slope of 3‰ °C−1. Large d-excess diurnal variability was observed during summer with up to 30‰ depletion during the night and the minima manifested shortly after sunrise. The accuracy of the isotopic measurements was quantified as 1.4–11.2‰ for δD and 0.23–1.84‰ for δ18O depending on the humidity.
An inter-laboratory investigation of the Arctic sea ice biomarker proxy IP25 in marine sediments: key outcomes and recommendations
Authors: Belt S. T. , Brown T. A. , Ampel L. , Cabedo-Sanz P. , Fahl K. , Kocis J. J. , Massé G. , Navarro-Rodriguez A. , Ruan J. , Xu Y.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. We describe the results of an inter-laboratory investigation into the identification and quantification of the Arctic sea ice biomarker proxy IP25 in marine sediments. Seven laboratories took part in the study, which consisted of the analysis of IP25 in a series of sediment samples from different regions of the Arctic, sub-Arctic and Antarctic, additional sediment extracts and purified standards. The results obtained allowed 4 key outcomes to be determined. First, IP25 was identified by all laboratories in sediments from the Canadian Arctic with inter-laboratory variation in IP25 concentration being substantially larger than within individual laboratories. This greater variation between laboratories was attributed to the difficulty in accurately determining instrumental response factors for IP25, even though laboratories were supplied with appropriate standards. Second, the identification of IP25 by 3 laboratories in sediment from SW Iceland that was believed to represent a blank, was interpreted as representing a better limit of detection or quantification for such laboratories, contamination or mis-identification. These alternatives could not be distinguished conclusively with the data available, although it is noted that the precision of these data was significantly poorer compared with the other IP25 concentration measurements. Third, 3 laboratories reported the occurrence of IP25 in a sediment sample from the Antarctic Peninsula even though this biomarker is believed to be absent from the Southern Ocean. This anomaly is attributed to a combined chromatographic and mass spectrometric interference that results from the presence of a di-unsaturated highly branched isoprenoid (HBI) pseudo-homologue of IP25 that occurs in Antarctic sediments. Finally, data are presented that suggest that extraction of IP25 is consistent between Accelerated Solvent Extraction (ASE) and sonication methods and that IP25 concentrations based on 7-hexylnonadecane as an internal standard are comparable using these methods. Recoveries of some more unsaturated HBIs and the internal standard 9-octylheptadecene, however, were lower with the ASE procedure, possibly due to partial degradation of these more reactive chemicals as a result of higher temperatures employed with this method. For future measurements, we recommend the use of reference sediment material with known concentration(s) of IP25 for determining and routinely monitoring instrumental response factors. Given the significance placed on the presence (or otherwise) of IP25 in marine sediments, some further recommendations pertaining to quality control are made that should also enable the two main anomalies identified here to be addressed.
Hydrological appraisal of operational weather radar rainfall estimates in the context of different modelling structures
Authors: Zhu D. , Xuan Y. , Cluckie I.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. Radar rainfall estimates have become increasingly available for hydrological modellers over recent years, especially for flood forecasting and warning over poorly gauged catchments. However, the impact of using radar rainfall as compared with conventional raingauge inputs, with respect to various hydrological model structures, remains unclear and yet to be addressed. In the study presented by this paper, we analysed the flow simulations of the upper Medway catchment of southeast England using the UK NIMROD radar rainfall estimates, using three hydrological models based upon three very different structures (e.g. a physically based distributed MIKE SHE model, a lumped conceptual model PDM and an event-based unit hydrograph model PRTF). We focused on the sensitivity of simulations in relation to the storm types and various rainfall intensities. The uncertainty in radar rainfall estimates, scale effects and extreme rainfall were examined in order to quantify the performance of the radar. We found that radar rainfall estimates were lower than raingauge measurements in high rainfall rates; the resolutions of radar rainfall data had insignificant impact at this catchment scale in the case of evenly distributed rainfall events but was obvious otherwise for high-intensity, localised rainfall events with great spatial heterogeneity. As to hydrological model performance, the distributed model had consistent reliable and good performance on peak simulation with all the rainfall types tested in this study.
Real-scale investigation of the kinematic response of a rockfall protection embankment
Authors: Lambert S. , Heymann A. , Gotteland P. , Nicot F.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. This paper addresses the response of rockfall protection embankments when exposed to a rock impact. For this purpose, real-scale impact experiments were conducted with impact energies ranging from 200 to 2200 kJ. The structure was composed of a 4 m-high cellular wall leaned against a levee. The wall was a double-layer sandwich made from gabion cages filled with either stones or a sand–scrapped tyre mixture. For the first time, sensors were placed in different locations within the structure to measure real-time accelerations and displacements. The test conditions, measurement methods and results are presented in detail. The structure's response is discussed in a descriptive and phenomenological approach and compared with previous real-scale experiments on other types of embankments.
An evaluation of influential factors on landslide mobility during the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake
Authors: Guo D. P. , Hamada M. , He C.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. The 2008 Wenchuan earthquake triggered a huge amount of landslides along the Longmenshan thrust belt zone in southwest China. It is essential to evaluate the effects of numerous influential factors on landslide mobility, as a result of having seriously endangered the lives and properties along travel path. Hence, the relations between equivalent coefficient of friction (μ = Hmax / Hmax) and other six parameters of 46 landslides, such as three topographical factors, landslide volume, horizontal peak ground acceleration (PHA) and rock type, have been qualitatively analyzed by means of simplified plots and regressions. The quantitative effectiveness of each factor on landslide mobility was revealed by multivariable analysis and it was found that slope height, rock type, slope transition angle and landslide volume were more influential than slope angle and seismic acceleration. The statistical significance tests and predictive results both demonstrated that the empirical-statistical model of landslide mobility yielded a satisfactory agreement between observations and predictions, therefore, the presented model could be practically applicable in similar geological conditions as Wenchuan earthquake affected area.
AxiSEM: broadband 3-D seismic wavefields in axisymmetric media
Authors: Nissen-Meyer T. , van Driel M. , Stähler S. , Hosseini K. , Hempel S. , Auer L. , Fournier A.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. We present a methodology to compute 3-D global seismic wavefields for realistic earthquake sources in visco-elastic anisotropic media, covering applications across the observable seismic frequency band with moderate computational resources. This is accommodated by mandating axisymmetric background models which allow for a multipole expansion such that only a 2-D computational domain is needed, whereas the azimuthal third dimension is computed analytically on-the-fly. This dimensional collapse opens doors for storing space-time wavefields on disk which can be used to compute Fréchet sensitivity kernels for waveform tomography. We use the corresponding publicly available open-source spectral-element code AxiSEM (http://www.axisem.info), demonstrate its excellent scalability on supercomputers, a diverse range of applications ranging from normal modes to small-scale lowermost mantle structures, tomographic models, comparison to observed data, and discuss further avenues to pursue with this methodology.
An Exploration into Challenges Facing Public Sector Labor Relations: A Literature Review and Analysis
Authors: Chambers Michael
Published: January 2014

This analysis explores some of the challenges facing public managers in nurturing their relationship and partnership with public-sector unions. It begins with a discussion of the background that elaborates on union history, discussing the birth of unions, the fall of private-sector unions, and the rise of government unions.  This is followed by a review of the relevant professional and scientific literature to better develop the topic and focus the analysis.  As the field of government labor-management relations is complex, the unique characteristics of government labor-management relationships that are lacking in the private-sector context necessitate a practitioner approach and an integrated synthesis of the literature. The analysis concludes that when collective bargaining is applied to public-sector business, it must be tailored to achieve proper alignment with taxpayers, who are the major stakeholders in public-sector services.
Competitiveness of Government Organizations through Customer Satisfaction in a Knowledge Economy: Study in the Kingdom of Bahrain
Authors: Jahrami Haitham , Buheji Mohammed Jassim
Published: January 2014

The field of customer satisfaction continues to be an important element of any governmental development programs. While most studies are based on the customer satisfaction of a product or service, there are relatively few studies associated with the satisfaction level of “competitiveness” of governmental organisations through customer satisfaction especially in today’s growing knowledge economy. This national customer satisfaction has become a major issue for Bahrain to enhance its competitiveness worldwide. The study used researchers-developed questionnaire in a cross-sectional research methodology to collect data for this research from 32 governmental entities in the Kingdom of Bahrain in 2012. Totally, 9535 questionnaire we entered the analysis to estimate the level of customer satisfaction about the competitiveness of governmental organisation in Bahrain. Customer satisfaction with governmental organisation competitiveness was generally good. The highest areas were organisation’s ability to identify new services opportunities and ability to meet the customers’ demands. The lowest areas were organizations’ has mechanisms to deal with customer complains, consumers feedback and sustainability of services. The main contribution of this research is that how governments may, through national customer satisfaction survey, add value towards their competitiveness.
Performance Evaluation in Private Schools: a Case Study of the Educators School
Authors: Sarwar Shakeel , Awan Usama , Nazeer Mehak
Published: January 2014

Performance appraisal system is of important apprehension of any organization while administrating its human resources. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the performance appraisal system for teachers in private schools and elaborate the problems align with this system. The Educators School has been taken as a case study. A quantitative research approach has been applied which consist on a self administered questionnaire to get primary data for exploring different parts of current performance appraisal system and perceptions of teachers regarding performance appraisal approaches in their school. Research results shows that The Educators School is using performance appraisal system that is closely related with traditional ACR (Annual Confidential Report) conducted annually. This study is conducted on a small level only on one franchise of the school system with small sample size. Researchers suggest that school administration should provide continuous feedback to their teachers and a solution to overcome their weaknesses and this system should only be used for performance improvement purpose.
Pollakiuria and Stranguria in a Labrador Retriever with Penile HSA
Authors: Fry Joanna K. , Burney Derek , Hottinger Heidi , Fabiani Michelle , Feagin Clint
Published: January 2014

An approximately 8 yr old castrated male Labrador retriever presented for evaluation of weight loss, stranguria, and pollakiuria. Lysis of the proximal one-third of the os penis was diagnosed on abdominal radiographs, and a positive contrast urethrography revealed a smoothly marginated filling defect along the dorsal aspect of the urethra at the level of the radiographically observed osteolysis. Regional ultrasound revealed an echogenic mass at the proximal aspect of the os penis with a severely irregular and discontinuous periosteal surface. A penile hemangiosarcoma (HSA) was confirmed on histopathologic evaluation after a penile amputation and scrotal urethrostomy were performed. Although HSA is a common malignant neoplasm in dogs, lysis of the os penis has not previously been documented. Adjunctive chemotherapy, although recommended, was declined, and the patient survived 236 days postoperatively. That survival time is considerably longer than the average survival time for patients with HSA, other than cutaneous forms of HSA. Although an uncommon presentation, HSA of the penis should be considered a differential diagnosis in older canines with signs of lower urinary tract disease, especially in breeds that have been documented to be predisposed to HSA.
The Prognostic Value of Lymph Node Metastasis with Grade 2 MCTs in Dogs: 55 Cases (2001–2010)
Authors: Baginski Heather , Davis Garrett , Bastian Richard P.
Published: January 2014

This study evaluates a series of dogs diagnosed with grade 2 cutaneous mast cell tumors (MCTs) with concurrent lymph node (LN) metastasis. All dogs had surgical excision of the primary tumor. The presence of metastasis was confirmed with either histopathology (n = 35) or cytology (n = 20). There was no significant difference in survival times (STs) between dogs with and without LN metastasis. Median survival time (MST) was not reached at 65.9 mo. LN palpation was a poor predictor of metastasis (sensitivity, .71; specificity, .54). Tumor location was the only prognostic factor for survival in this series of dogs. ST was greater for dogs that had removal of their metastatic LN. This study suggests that in dogs with grade 2 MCTs, outcome may not be affected by the presence of LN metastasis; however, removal of the metastatic LN may prolong survival.
Canine Keratomycosis in 11 Dogs: A Case Series (2000–2011)
Authors: Scott Erin M. , Carter Renee T.
Published: January 2014

Keratomycosis is rarely reported in dogs. The purpose of this study was to review the signalment, clinical characteristics, predisposing factors, and outcome of 11 cases of canine keratomycosis. Medical records of included dogs were reviewed and follow-up information was obtained by re-examination of patients following their initial diagnosis. All 11 patients possessed predisposing factors for fungal keratitis, including an underlying endocrinopathy, pre-existing corneal disease, intraocular surgery, and/or prolonged use of either topical antibiotics or corticosteroids at the time of initial examination. Diagnostic techniques included corneal cytology demonstrating yeast or hyphae in 6 of 11 eyes, and fungal cultures with positive results in 7 of 11 eyes. Fungal organisms isolated included Cladosporium spp. (n = 1), Chrysosporium spp. (n = 1), Curvularia spp. (n = 2), Aspergillus spp. (n = 1), Penicillium spp. (n = 1), and Phialemonium spp. (n = 1). Of the 11 patients, 6 responded to medical management alone. Two resolved after a superficial keratectomy, and three were enucleated due to either endophthalmitis or progression of corneal disease. This study identified potential risk factors for developing fungal keratitis.
Factores que influyen en el consumo de alcohol de adolescentes argentinos: un path análisis prospectivo
Authors: Pilatti Angelina , Brussino Silvina Alejandra , Godoy Juan Carlos
Published: January 2014

El inicio temprano del consumo de alcohol se relaciona con el desarrollo de un patrón de consumo riesgoso y de problemas relacionados al consumo. Dada la importancia de desarrollar modelos conceptuales integrales y longitudinales se analizó el efecto prospectivo de diferentes variables sobre el consumo de alcohol adolescente (CAA). Participaron 332 adolescentes que completaron escalas para medir rasgos de personalidad, expectativas hacia el alcohol (EA), motivos de consumo de alcohol (MC), consumo de alcohol de pares (CP) y padres, apoyo parental y CAA. Se realizaron dos administraciones, al inicio y 12 meses después. Se aplicó la técnica de path análisis para determinar el efecto prospectivo de los factores implicados. Los rasgos de personalidad y las EA positivas tuvieron un menor efecto, mientras que el CAA inicial, el CP y las EA negativas fueron importantes predictores del CAA. Los MC fueron el antecedente más próximo del consumo. Se destaca la importancia de considerar múltiples variables para obtener una explicación más completa de este fenómeno. La fuerte influencia del CAA inicial sugiere que, una vez desarrollado  un patrón de consumo de alcohol, es muy probable que este consumo se mantenga o aumente.
SME Non-Executive Directors: Having One and Being One
Authors: Gordon Ian
Published: January 2014

The objective of the study reported here was to ascertain the impact on small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) owner–managers of simulating having and being a non-executive director (NED) within the GOLD programme at Lancaster University, the purpose of which is to help owner–managers of SMEs to become better strategic leaders of their companies. Three research approaches were used: (a) participant observation in each of the 20 businesses; (b) interviewing owner–managers; and (c) a review of materials and transcripts generated from Board meetings. Participants engaging in a higher education institution (HEI)-generated network with high levels of trust had an opportunity to behave in a different way; and owners acquired operational and strategic experience of having and being an NED. The initial results indicate that this experience results in greater strategic focus. The engagement of an HEI with SMEs through innovative processes drawn from larger organizations accelerates the creation of trust and social capital, allowing ways of working that might otherwise be dismissed.
The Need to Deliver Higher-Order Skills in the Context of Marketing in SMEs
Authors: Copley Paul
Published: January 2014

It is argued that the delivery of learning and the development of skills and competences are central to SME success; and there appears to be a requirement for higher-order education and training that can deliver a certain level of skills through the social aspects of learning. The author uses discourse analysis to examine data generated from a small sample of participants from UK SMEs and business support agencies. The findings suggest that social interaction, developing critical thinking, using critical incidents as effective active learning episodes, and the management of internally and externally derived knowledge are critically important factors in training dealing with SME marketing. The implications for SME managers and learning providers are discussed.
The Student Business Plan: Useful or Not?
Authors: Jones Colin , Penaluna Andy , Matlay Harry , Penaluna Kathryn
Published: January 2014

This article offers a critical discussion of the role of the business plan in current enterprise educational practice. In addition to reviewing recent work that considers the ‘for’ and ‘against’ arguments about the use of business plans in higher education, the authors suggest that the context of student learning is largely omitted from these discussions. As such, they contextualize the debate so that the purpose of the business plan can be better appreciated. They build on recent work that offers alternatives to the business plan – approaches directly focused on customer discovery and explicit testing of assumptions. In doing so, recent concerns about the value of business plans and, conversely, the views of those who argue in favour of the role of business plans in enterprise education, are noted. The article provides insights into emerging alternative practices in the field of enterprise education, practices based on students' use of such education as a vehicle for skills and knowledge development and/or wealth creation. It is acknowledged that various biases are present in the current debate, including those of the present authors: whilst it is accepted that these biases are unlikely to disappear, the article contextualizes their origins.
Towards a Good Practice Model for an Entrepreneurial HEI
Authors: Williams Perrí , Fenton Mary
Published: January 2014

This paper reports on an examination of the perspectives of academics, enterprise enablers and graduate entrepreneurs of an entrepreneurial higher education institution (HEI). The research was conducted in Ireland among 30 graduate entrepreneurs and 15 academics and enterprise enablers (enterprise development agency personnel) to provide a triangulated perspective of the HEI. While acknowledging the presence of initiatives to promote entrepreneurship, the graduate entrepreneurs believed that the HEI does not prepare students for self-employment because HEIs are focused on preparing students for employment, because of the academic nature of entrepreneurship education (EE), and because a ‘one size fits all’ approach to EE fails to recognize the heterogeneity of learners' needs. However, they conceded that graduate enterprise programmes provided them with the necessary ‘breathing space’ to develop their businesses. In contrast, some enterprise enablers believed that HEIs could be a ‘hiding place’, protecting student and graduate entrepreneurs from the harsh realities of commercial life. While this paper provides a nuanced understanding of what constitutes good practice, the authors concede that there is no formulaic blueprint for an entrepreneurial HEI. More significantly, they conclude that the notion of an entrepreneurial HEI may yet be a step too far for many institutions, because entrepreneurship has yet to gain legitimacy, particularly in the Irish HE sector.
Análisis de las incidencias en encuestas presenciales mejoras en el trabajo de campo
Authors: Díaz de Rada Igúzquiza Vidal
Published: January 2014

El objetivo de este trabajo es conocer las situaciones previas a laincorrecta selección de los entrevistados en las encuestas, y susconsecuencias, centrados en las investigaciones que seleccionan a losentrevistados mediante rutas y cuotas. La utilización de los seisprimeros barómetros del Centro de Investigaciones Sociológicas delaño 2011 desvela un progresivo aumento en el número de incidenciasque, sin embargo, no suponen grandes diferencias con el universo encuanto a sexo, edad, nivel de estudios y situación profesional. En eltexto se demuestra también que las pautas de cooperación difi eren enfunción del momento en el que se realiza el trabajo de campo (hora deldía) y el día de la semana, y que el nivel de accesibilidad es muydiferente según los rasgos de los encuestados.
Dimensiones sociales del fraude fiscal confianza y moral fiscal en la España contemporánea
Authors: Giachi Sandro
Published: January 2014

Este artículo aborda el problema del fraude fi scal desde una perspectivasociológica. Se complementa aquí el enfoque de la acción racional conlos conceptos de confi anza y de moral fi scal. El objetivo es buscar losfactores explicativos de la justifi cación del fraude fi scal en España. Lahipótesis principal que se mantiene es que los factores sociales delsistema fi scal, como la confi anza, están relacionados con la justifi cacióndel fraude. Utilizando datos procedentes de dos encuestas referidas alos diez últimos años, se observa que la moral fi scal parece estarcompuesta, principalmente, por la confi anza en el sistema fi scal, laconfi anza en los contribuyentes conocidos y otros factorescontextuales. Finalmente, se presenta un marco interpretativo que tieneen cuenta tanto los factores individuales como las dimensiones socialesy territoriales del fraude fi scal en España.
The role of Aegilops species in the origin and improvement of common wheat
Authors: Prażak Roman
Published: January 2014

Some Aegilops species participated in wheat evolution playing a major role in wheat domestication and therefore the genus Aegilops represents a big part of the additional gene pool determining important traits of wheat. Breeders have been using these genes for many years to produce improved cultivars. Wide crosses between its wild relatives are sources of desirable characteristics for genetic improvement of common wheat. Triticum aestivum evolution and methods for transfer of alien material into wheat, briefly reviewed in this article, include incorporation of the whole genomes, single chromosomes, small chromosomal segments, single genes and cytoplasm substitution in wheat.
Characterization of Aegilops kotschyi Boiss. x Triticum aestivum L. hybrid lines
Authors: Prażak Roman , Paczos-Grzęda Edyta
Published: January 2014

A study of four F5 and one BC1F1 Aegilops kotschyi Boiss. x Triticum aestivum L. hybrid lines was conducted to determine their quantitative morphological and qualitative features as well as a molecular investigation was carried out. Observations of ten quantitative traits showed that the F5 hybrid lines exhibited intermediate values between Ae. kotschyi Boiss. and T. aestivum L., or had similar traits to one of the parents. These hybrid lines had a significantly lower number and weight of grains per main spike, main spike fertility and 1000-grain weight than T. aestivum L. cv. ‘Rusałka’. The BC1F1 hybrid line was characterized by wheat-like fertility and phenotype. The F5 hybrid lines were characterized by much higher variability of the analysed morphological traits than T. aestivum L. cv. ‘Rusałka’. Grains of the hybrid lines had higher protein and micronutrient (iron and zinc) content than wheat grains. The presence of DNA fragments specific to Ae. kotschyi Boiss. in the genotypes of the hybrid lines was confirmed by seven ISSR (Inter Simple Sequence Repeats) molecular markers. Two ISSR markers – ISSR23690 and ISSR33650 – were the most effective for germplasm analysis of the hybrid lines. The analysed lines can become a source material for improvement of common wheat T. aestivum L. in crossing programs.
Changes in the chlorophyll content in stored lettuce Lactuca sativa L. after pre-harvest foliar application of CaCl2
Authors: Perucka Irena , Olszówka Katarzyna , Chilczuk Barbara
Published: January 2014

The aim of the present investigations was to determine the cumulative effect of foliar treatment of lettuce plants with a CaCl2 solution and the cold-storage period on the level of chlorophylls in the leaves of lettuce cv. ،Omega٫ (Lactuca sativa L.). Plants were grown in a pot experiment conducted in the greenhouse of the Department of Cultivation and Fertilisation of Horticultural Plants, University of Life Sciences in Lublin. During the growing period, 10 and 20 days before harvest, the plants received foliar application of CaCl2 at the concentrations of 0.1 M and 0.2 M. Control plants were sprayed with water. Some plants were analysed immediately after the harvest; other specimens were cold-stored at a temperature of 4oC for 7 and 14 days. Whole leaves and blades without the midrib were analysed. The results obtained indicated that the foliar application of 0.2M CaCl2 in lettuce resulted in a decrease in the level of chlorophylls in fresh plants, compared with the control. A beneficial cumulative effect of the CaCl2 application and storage period on the chlorophyll level in lettuce leaves was observed in the leaf blades of plants after foliar treatment with the 0.1M CaCl2.solution and cold-stored for 7 and 14 days, in which in- creased levels of chlorophyll “a” and “b” and total chlorophyll, compared with the control, were found.
The potential importance of synanthropic vegetation to bumblebees in urban ecosystems on the example of Lublin
Authors: Lubiarz Magdalena , Trzaskowska Ewa
Published: January 2014

This study was an attempt to show synanthropic phytocoenoses of the city of Lublin which are potentially valuable to pollinating insects such as bumblebees. B. terrestris and B. lapidarius as well as B. lucorum, B. hypnorum and B. pascuorum were found to occur in Lublin. Artemisio-Tanacetetum, Bunietum orientalis, and Berteroëtum incanae were shown to be most valuable to bumblebees due to a high number of polleniferous and nectariferous species in these communities. The present study also allowed us to determine that the size of communities and their occurrence in a mosaic with parks and green spaces had an effect on the distribution of bumblebees.
The effect of tillage system and herbicide application on weed infestation of crops of winter spelt wheat (Triticum aestivum ssp. spelta L.) cultivars
Authors: Andruszczak Sylwia , Kraska Piotr , Kwiecińska-Poppe Ewa , Pałys Edward
Published: January 2014

Based on a 3-year field experiment conducted on medium heavy mixed rendzina soil, the present study evaluated the effect of chemical plant protection on the species composition, number and air-dry weight of weeds infesting crops of winter spelt wheat cultivars (‘Frankenkorn’, ‘Badengold’, ‘Schwaben- speltz’, and ‘Oberkulmer Rotkorn’) sown under ploughing and ploughless tillage systems. Ploughing tillage involved skim- ming done after harvest of the previous crop and pre-sowing ploughing, while in the ploughless tillage system ploughing was replaced with cultivating. Chemical weed control included the application of the herbicides Mustang 306 SE and Attribut 70 WG. Plots where the herbicides were not used were the control treatment. On average, from 21 to 30 weed species colonised the winter spelt wheat crops compared. Galium aparine and Apera spica-venti occurred in greatest numbers and their percentage in the total number of weeds was estimated at 26–35% and 17–25%, respectively. The cultivar ‘Frankenkorn’ was the least weed-infested. Both the number of weeds in the crop of this cultivar and their above-ground dry weight were lower compared to the other cultivars. The use of reduced tillage significantly increased the air-dry weight of weeds compared to ploughing tillage. Nevertheless, it should be indicated under ploughless tillage conditions the application of chemical crop protection reduced weed biomass by 59% compared to the control treatments without crop protection.
Extinction risk and conservation of the world’s sharks and rays
Authors: Dulvy Nicholas K , Fowler Sarah L , Musick John A , Cavanagh Rachel D , Kyne Peter M , Harrison Lucy R , Carlson John K , Davidson Lindsay NK , Fordham Sonja V , Francis Malcolm P , Pollock Caroline M , Simpfendorfer Colin A , Burgess George H , Carpenter Kent E , Compagno Leonard JV , Ebert David A , Gibson Claudine , Heupel Michelle R , Livingstone Suzanne R , Sanciangco Jonnell C , Stevens John D , Valenti Sarah , White William T
Published: January 2014

The rapid expansion of human activities threatens ocean-wide biodiversity. Numerous marine animal populations have declined, yet it remains unclear whether these trends are symptomatic of a chronic accumulation of global marine extinction risk. We present the first systematic analysis of threat for a globally distributed lineage of 1,041 chondrichthyan fishes—sharks, rays, and chimaeras. We estimate that one-quarter are threatened according to IUCN Red List criteria due to overfishing (targeted and incidental). Large-bodied, shallow-water species are at greatest risk and five out of the seven most threatened families are rays. Overall chondrichthyan extinction risk is substantially higher than for most other vertebrates, and only one-third of species are considered safe. Population depletion has occurred throughout the world’s ice-free waters, but is particularly prevalent in the Indo-Pacific Biodiversity Triangle and Mediterranean Sea. Improved management of fisheries and trade is urgently needed to avoid extinctions and promote population recovery.
An ultrabroad band omni-directional anti-reflective coating with quasi-gradient refractive index distribution based on Si–SiOxNy–SiO2 materials system
Authors: Qiu Weibin , Ma Yuhui , Zhao Jing , Wang Jia-xian , Li Mengke , Li Shiyan , Pan Jiaoqing
Published: January 2014

An ultrabroad band omni-directional antireflective coating was fabricated using both reactive magnetron sputtering and glancing angled electron beam evaporation methods. Gradient index amorphous Si, SiN
x
, and SiO
x
N
y
thin films were deposited by tuning the flow rate of the reactive gases, while the gradient index distribution of the nanoporous SiO2 stacks was obtained by rotating the angle of the substrate. A low average reflectivity of less than 2% at normal incidence in the wavelength range 280 to 3300 nm was achieved, and the average reflectivity over the angle range 15 to 89° was 3.7% for the wavelength between 300 and 1700 nm.
An arrayed accelerometer device of a wide range of detection for integrated CMOS–MEMS technology
Authors: Konishi Toshifumi , Yamane Daisuke , Matsushima Takaaki , Masu Kazuya , Machida Katsuyuki , Toshiyoshi Hiroshi
Published: January 2014

This paper reports the design and experimental results of an arrayed accelerometer device in 3 × 3 format that can detect wide range of acceleration between 1G and 20G (1G = 9.8 m/s2). Implemented in a single chip has been performed by gold electroplating for integrated complementary metal oxide semiconductor–microelectromechanical systems (CMOS–MEMS) technology. An equivalent circuit of a MEMS accelerometer has been developed with an electrical circuit simulator to demonstrate the mixed-behavior of the arrayed sensor device and sensing CMOS circuits. Mechanical and electrical crosstalk between the arrayed elements is analyzed on the electrical field distributions. Experimental results show that the resonant frequency and readout capacitance as a function of applied acceleration have been well explained by the results of the multi-physics simulation. As a result, it is confirmed that the proposed device is applicable to an integrated CMOS–MEMS arrayed accelerometer.
Computer‐Aided Diagnostic System for Detection of Hashimoto Thyroiditis on Ultrasound Images From a Polish Population
Authors: Acharya U. Rajendra , Sree S. Vinitha , Krishnan M. Muthu Rama , Molinari Filippo , ZieleŸnik Witold , Bardales Ricardo H. , Witkowska Agnieszka , Suri Jasjit S.
Published: January 2014

Objectives

Computer‐aided diagnostic (CAD) techniques aid physicians in better diagnosis of diseases by extracting objective and accurate diagnostic information from medical data. Hashimoto thyroiditis is the most common type of inflammation of the thyroid gland. The inflammation changes the structure of the thyroid tissue, and these changes are reflected as echogenic changes on ultrasound images. In this work, we propose a novel CAD system (a class of systems called ThyroScan) that extracts textural features from a thyroid sonogram and uses them to aid in the detection of Hashimoto thyroiditis.

Methods

In this paradigm, we extracted grayscale features based on stationary wavelet transform from 232 normal and 294 Hashimoto thyroiditis–affected thyroid ultrasound images obtained from a Polish population. Significant features were selected using a Student t test. The resulting feature vectors were used to build and evaluate the following 4 classifiers using a 10‐fold stratified cross‐validation technique: support vector machine, decision tree, fuzzy classifier, and K‐nearest neighbor.

Results

Using 7 significant features that characterized the textural changes in the images, the fuzzy classifier had the highest classification accuracy of 84.6%, sensitivity of 82.8%, specificity of 87.0%, and a positive predictive value of 88.9%.

Conclusions

The proposed ThyroScan CAD system uses novel features to noninvasively detect the presence of Hashimoto thyroiditis on ultrasound images. Compared to manual interpretations of ultrasound images, the CAD system offers a more objective interpretation of the nature of the thyroid. The preliminary results presented in this work indicate the possibility of using such a CAD system in a clinical setting after evaluating it with larger databases in multicenter clinical trials.
Comparison of Transcranial Color‐Coded Real‐time Sonography and Contrast‐Enhanced Color‐Coded Sonography for Detection and Characterization of Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations
Authors: Wang Li-Shu , He Wen , Wang Hao , Zhao Yuan-Li , Tian Feng-Lan , Ning Bin , Gao Jing
Published: January 2014

Objectives

To compare the diagnostic value of transcranial color‐coded real‐time sonography and contrast‐enhanced color‐coded sonography in detection and characterization of intracranial arteriovenous malformations.

Methods

Thirty‐one patients highly suspected to have an intracranial arteriovenous malformation were imaged with real‐time and contrast‐enhanced sonography. With digital subtraction angiography as the reference standard, the ability to detect the malformations and accurately determine their size and location was compared between the two imaging techniques.

Results

One cavernous hemangioma and 30 intracranial arteriovenous malformations were imaged with real‐time and contrast‐enhanced sonography, which were confirmed by angiography. The detectability of contrast‐enhanced sonography, especially for optimizing visualization of malformations located in the frontal, parietal, and occipital lobes, was higher than that of real‐time sonography, although the overall number of malformations was too small to demonstrate significance. The sizes of the malformations (6 in the frontal lobe, 1 in the parietal lobe, and 1 in the occipital lobe) were underestimated by real‐time sonography compared to angiography, whereas there was agreement in the sizes between contrast‐enhanced sonography and angiography. The detection rates for the 30 arteriovenous malformations on contrast‐enhanced and real‐time sonography were 96.7% (29 of 30) and 70.0% (21 of 30), respectively (P = .008). Moreover, contrast‐enhanced sonography was significantly superior to real‐time sonography for detection of feeding arteries (59.5% [22 of 37] versus 83.7% [31 of 37]; P = .004). Although the feeding arteries showed increased peak systolic and end‐diastolic velocities after contrast agent injection, there were no statistically significant differences in the velocities before and after injection.

Conclusions

Transcranial contrast‐enhanced color‐coded sonography is superior to color‐coded real‐time sonography for detection of intracranial arteriovenous malformations, particularly for lesions located in the frontal, parietal, and occipital lobes of the brain.
Quantitative Assessment of Left Ventricular Function by 3‐Dimensional Speckle‐Tracking Echocardiography in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Ma Chunyan , Chen Jiang , Yang Jun , Tang Li , Chen Xin , Li Nan , Liu Shuang , Zhang Yan
Published: January 2014

Objectives

To provide a comprehensive analysis of the clinical utility of 3‐dimensional (3D) speckle‐tracking echocardiography for left ventricular (LV) function in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF).

Methods

Literature searches were conducted in the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and China BioMedicine databases on relevant articles published before October 1, 2012. Crude standardized mean differences with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.

Results

Seven case‐control studies were included with a total of 375 patients with CHF and 181 healthy control participants. Meta‐analysis results showed that the LV ejection fraction in the patients was significantly lower than in the controls (standardized mean difference, −4.62; 95% CI, −6.19 to −3.04), whereas the LV end‐diastolic volume (LVEDV) and LV end‐systolic volume (LVESV) in the patients were higher than in the controls (LVEDV: standardized mean difference, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.09 to 2.44; LVESV: standardized mean difference, 2.04, 95% CI, 1.30 to 2.78). The results also indicated that the patients had a greater delay in the standard deviation of the time to peak area tracking and the maximum difference in the time to peak area tracking in the 16 LV segments than the controls (standard deviation of the time to peak area tracking: standardized mean difference, 3.01; 95% CI, 1.73 to 4.29; maximum difference in the time to peak area tracking: standardized mean difference, 3.26; 95% CI, 1.58 to 4.93). Furthermore, global longitudinal, circumferential, and radial strain were also significantly impaired in the patients compared to the controls (longitudinal strain: standardized mean difference, 2.75; 95% CI, 1.11 to 4.39; circumferential strain: standardized mean difference, 2.71; 95% CI, 1.15 to 4.27; radial strain: standardized mean difference, 1.80; 95% CI, 0.45 to 3.14).

Conclusions

This meta‐analysis suggests that LV function in patients with CHF can be noninvasively and objectively measured by 3D speckle‐tracking echocardiography.