bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolution of aerosol chemistry in Xi'an, inland China, during the dust storm period of 2013 – Part 1: Sources, chemical forms and formation mechanisms of nitrate and sulfate
Authors: Wang G. H. , Cheng C. L. , Huang Y. , Tao J. , Ren Y. Q. , Wu F. , Meng J. J. , Li J. J. , Cheng Y. T. , Cao J. J. , Liu S. X. , Zhang T. , Zhang R. , Chen Y. B.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. A total suspended particulate (TSP) sample was collected hourly in Xi'an, an inland megacity of China near the Loess Plateau, during a dust storm event of 2013 (9 March 18:00−12 March 10:00 LT), along with a size-resolved aerosol sampling and an online measurement of PM2.5. The TSP and size-resolved samples were determined for elemental carbon (EC), organic carbon (OC), water-soluble organic carbon (WSOC) and nitrogen (WSON), inorganic ions and elements to investigate chemistry evolution of dust particles. Hourly concentrations of Cl−, NO3−, SO42−, Na+ and Ca2+ in the TSP samples reached up to 34, 12, 180, 72 and 28 μg m−3, respectively, when dust peak arrived over Xi'an. Chemical compositions of the TSP samples showed that during the whole observation period NH4+ and NO3− were linearly correlated with each other (r2=0.76) with a molar ratio of 1 : 1, while SO42− and Cl− were well correlated with Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+ and K+ (r2 > 0.85). Size distributions of NH4+ and NO3− presented a same pattern, which dominated in the coarse mode (> 2.1 μm) during the event and predominated in the fine mode (< 2.1 μm) during the non-event. SO42− and Cl− also dominated in the coarse mode during the event hours, but both exhibited two equivalent peaks in both the fine and the coarse modes during the non-event, due to the fine-mode accumulations of secondarily produced SO42− and biomass-burning-emitted Cl- and the coarse-mode enrichments of urban soil-derived SO42− and Cl−. Linear fit regression analysis further indicated that SO42− and Cl− in the dust samples possibly exist as Na2SO4, CaSO4 and NaCl, which directly originated from Gobi desert surface soil, while NH4+ and NO3− in the dust samples exist as NH4NO3. We propose a mechanism to explain these observations in which aqueous phase of dust particle surface is formed via uptake of water vapor by hygroscopic salts such as Na2SO4 and NaCl, followed by heterogeneous formation of nitrate on the liquid phase and subsequent absorption of ammonia. Our data indicate that 54 ± 20% and 60 ± 23% of NH4+ and NO3− during the dust period were secondarily produced via this pathway, with the remaining derived from the Gobi desert and Loess Plateau, while SO42− in the event almost entirely originated from the desert regions. Such cases are different from those in the East Asian continental outflow region, where during Asia dust storm events SO42− is secondarily produced and concentrates in sub-micrometer particles as (NH4)2SO4 and/or NH4HSO4. To the best of our knowledge, the current work for the first time revealed an infant state of the East Asian dust ageing process in the regions near the source, which is helpful for researchers to understand the panorama of East Asian dust ageing process from the desert area to the downwind region.
Variations in global methane sources and sinks during 1910–2010
Authors: Ghosh A. , Patra P. K. , Ishijima K. , Umezawa T. , Ito A. , Etheridge D. M. , Sugawara S. , Kawamura K. , Miller J. B. , Dlugokencky E. J. , Krummel P. B. , Fraser P. J. , Steele L. P. , Langenfelds R. L. , White J. W. C. , Vaughn B. , Saeki T. , Aoki S. , Nakazawa T.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. Atmospheric methane (CH4) increased from ~900 ppb (parts per billion, or nanomoles per mole of dry air) in 1900 to ~1800 ppb during the 2000s at a rate unprecedented in any observational records. However, the causes of the CH4 increase are poorly understood. Here we use initial emissions from bottom-up inventories for anthropogenic sources, emissions from wetlands and rice paddies simulated by a terrestrial biogeochemical model, and an atmospheric general circulation model (AGCM)-based chemistry-transport model (i.e. ACTM) to simulate atmospheric CH4 concentrations for 1910 to 2010. The ACTM simulations are compared with the CH4 concentration records reconstructed from Antarctic and Arctic ice cores and firn air samples, and from direct measurements since the 1980s at multiple sites around the globe. The differences between ACTM simulations and observed CH4 concentrations are minimized to optimize the global total emissions using a mass balance calculation. During 1910–2010, the global total CH4 emission increased from ~290 Tg yr−1 to ~580 Tg yr−1. Compared to optimized emission the bottom-up emission dataset underestimates the rate of change of global total CH4 emissions by ~30% during the high growth period of 1940–1990, while it overestimates by ~380% during a~low growth period of 1990–2010. Further, using the CH4 stable carbon isotopic data (δ13C), we attribute the emission increase during 1940–1990 primarily to enhancement of biomass burning. The total lifetime of CH4 shortened from 9.4 yr during 1910–1919 to 9 yr during 2000–2009 by the combined effect of increasing abundance of atomic chlorine radicals (Cl) and increases in average air temperature. We show that changes of CH4 loss rate due to increased tropospheric air temperature and CH4 loss due to Cl in the stratosphere are important sources of uncertainty to more accurately estimate global CH4 budget from δ13C observations.
A new model of the global biogeochemical cycle of carbonyl sulfide – Part 2: Use of ocs to constrain gross primary productivity of current vegetation models
Authors: Launois T. , Peylin P. , Belviso S. , Poulter B.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. Clear analogies between carbonyl sulfide (OCS) and carbon dioxide (CO2) diffusion pathways through leaves have been revealed by experimental studies with plant uptake playing an important role for the atmospheric budget of both species. Here we use atmospheric OCS to evaluate the gross primary production (GPP) of three dynamic global vegetation models (LPJ, NCAR-CLM4 and ORCHIDEE). Vegetation uptake of OCS is modeled as a linear function of GPP and LRU, the ratio of OCS to CO2 deposition velocities to plants. New parameterizations for the non-photosynthetic sinks (oxic soils, atmospheric oxidation) and biogenic sources (oceans and anoxic soils) of OCS are also provided. Despite new large oceanic emissions, global OCS budgets created with each vegetation model show exceeding sinks by several hundreds of Gg S yr−1. An inversion of the surface fluxes (optimization of a global scalar which accounts for flux uncertainties) led to balanced OCS global budgets, as atmospheric measurements suggest, mainly by drastic reduction (−30%) of soil and vegetation uptakes. The amplitude of variations in atmospheric OCS mixing ratios is mainly dictated by the vegetation sink over the Northern Hemisphere. This allows for bias recognition in the GPP representations of the three selected models. Main bias patterns are (i) the terrestrial GPP of ORCHIDEE at high Northern latitudes is currently over-estimated, (ii) the seasonal variations of the GPP are out of phase in the NCAR-CLM4 model, showing a maximum carbon uptake too early in spring in the northernmost ecosystems, (iii) the overall amplitude of the seasonal variations of GPP in NCAR-CLM4 is too small, and (iv) for the LPJ model, the GPP is slightly out of phase for northernmost ecosystems and the respiration fluxes might be too large in summer in the Northern Hemisphere.
Sea surface temperature as a proxy for convective gravity wave excitation: a study based on global gravity wave observations in the middle atmosphere
Authors: Jia J. Y. , Preusse P. , Ern M. , Chun H.-Y. , Gille J. C. , Eckermann S. D. , Riese M.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. Absolute values of gravity wave momentum flux (GWMF) deduced from satellite measurements by the Sounding of the Atmosphere using Broadband Emission Radiometry (SABER) instrument and the High Resolution Dynamics Limb Sounder (HIRDLS) are correlated with sea surface temperature (SST) with the aim of identifying those oceanic regions for which convection is a major source of gravity waves (GWs). Our study identifies those latitude bands where high correlation coefficients indicate convective excitation with confidence. This is based on a global ray-tracing simulation, which is used to delineate the source and wind-filtering effects. Convective GWs are identified at the eastern coasts of the continents and over the warm water regions formed by the warm ocean currents, in particular the Gulf Stream and the Kuroshio. Potential contributions of tropical cyclones to the excitation of the GWs are discussed. Convective excitation can be identified well into the mid-mesosphere. In propagating upward, the centers of GWMF formed by convection shift poleward. Some indications of the main forcing regions are even shown for the upper mesosphere/lower thermosphere (MLT).
Regional parent flood frequency distributions in Europe – Part 1: Is the GEV model suitable as a pan-European parent?
Authors: Salinas J. L. , Castellarin A. , Viglione A. , Kohnová S. , Kjeldsen T. R.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. This study addresses the question of the existence of a parent flood frequency distribution on a European scale. A new database of L-moment ratios of flood annual maximum series (AMS) from 4105 catchments was compiled by joining 13 national data sets. Simple exploration of the database presents the generalized extreme value (GEV) distribution as a potential pan-European flood frequency distribution, being the three-parameter statistical model that with the closest resemblance to the estimated average of the sample L-moment ratios. Additional Monte Carlo simulations show that the variability in terms of sample skewness and kurtosis present in the data is larger than in a hypothetical scenario where all the samples were drawn from a GEV model. Overall, the generalized extreme value distribution fails to represent the kurtosis dispersion, especially for the longer sample lengths and medium to high skewness values, and therefore may be rejected in a statistical hypothesis testing framework as a single pan-European parent distribution for annual flood maxima. The results presented in this paper suggest that one single statistical model may not be able to fit the entire variety of flood processes present at a European scale, and presents an opportunity to further investigate the catchment and climatic factors controlling European flood regimes and their effects on the underlying flood frequency distributions.
Regional parent flood frequency distributions in Europe – Part 2: Climate and scale controls
Authors: Salinas J. L. , Castellarin A. , Kohnová S. , Kjeldsen T. R.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. This study aims to better understand the effect of catchment scale and climate on the statistical properties of regional flood frequency distributions. A database of L-moment ratios of annual maximum series (AMS) of peak discharges from Austria, Italy and Slovakia, involving a total of 813 catchments with more than 25 yr of record length is presented, together with mean annual precipitation (MAP) and basin area as catchment descriptors surrogates of climate and scale controls. A purely data-based investigation performed on the database shows that the generalized extreme value (GEV) distribution provides a better representation of the averaged sample L-moment ratios compared to the other distributions considered, for catchments with medium to higher values of MAP independently of catchment area, while the three-parameter lognormal distribution is probably a more appropriate choice for drier (lower MAP) intermediate-sized catchments, which presented higher skewness values. Sample L-moment ratios do not follow systematically any of the theoretical two-parameter distributions. In particular, the averaged values of L-coefficient of skewness (L-Cs) are always larger than Gumbel's fixed L-Cs. The results presented in this paper contribute to the progress in defining a set of "process-driven" pan-European flood frequency distributions and to assess possible effects of environmental change on its properties.
Mobilisation or dilution? Nitrate response of karst springs to high rainfall events
Authors: Huebsch M. , Fenton O. , Horan B. , Hennessy D. , Richards K. G. , Jordan P. , Goldscheider N. , Butscher C. , Blum P.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. Nitrate (NO3−) contamination of groundwater associated with agronomic activity is of major concern in many countries. Where agriculture, thin free draining soils and karst aquifers coincide, groundwater is highly vulnerable to nitrate contamination. As residence times and denitrification potential in such systems are typically low, nitrate can discharge to surface waters unabated. However, such systems also react quickest to agricultural management changes that aim to improve water quality. In response to storm events, nitrate concentrations can alter significantly, i.e. rapidly decreasing or increasing concentrations. The current study examines the response of a specific karst spring situated on a grassland farm in South Ireland to rainfall events utilising high-resolution nitrate and discharge data together with on-farm borehole groundwater fluctuation data. Specifically, the objectives of the study are to formulate a scientific hypothesis of possible scenarios relating to nitrate responses during storm events, and to verify this hypothesis using additional case studies from the literature. This elucidates the controlling key factors that lead to mobilisation and/or dilution of nitrate concentrations during storm events. These were land use, hydrological condition and karstification, which in combination can lead to differential responses of mobilised and/or diluted nitrate concentrations. Furthermore, the results indicate that nitrate response in karst is strongly dependent on nutrient source, whether mobilisation and/or dilution occur and on the pathway taken. This will have consequences for the delivery of nitrate to a surface water receptor. The current study improves our understanding of nitrate responses in karst systems and therefore can guide environmental modellers, policy makers and drinking water managers with respect to the regulations of the European Union (EU) Water Framework Directive (WFD). In future, more research should focus on the high-resolution monitoring of karst aquifers to capture the high variability of hydrochemical processes, which occur at time intervals of hours to days.
Groundwater surface mapping informs sources of catchment baseflow
Authors: Costelloe J. F. , Peterson T. J. , Halbert K. , Western A. W. , McDonnell J. J.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. Groundwater discharge is a major contributor to stream baseflow. Quantifying this flux is difficult, despite its considerable importance to water resource management and evaluation of the effects of groundwater extraction on streamflow. It is important to be able to differentiate between contributions to streamflow from regional groundwater discharge (more susceptible to groundwater extraction) compared to interflow processes (arguably less susceptible to groundwater extraction). Here we explore the use of unconfined groundwater surface mapping as an independent dataset to constrain estimates of groundwater discharge to streamflow using traditional digital filter and tracer techniques. We developed groundwater surfaces from 98 monitoring bores using Kriging with external drift. Baseflow estimates at the catchment outlet were made using the Eckhardt digital filter approach and tracer data mixing analysis using major ion and stable isotope signatures. Our groundwater mapping approach yielded two measures (percentage area intersecting the land surface and monthly change in saturated volume) that indicated that digital filter-derived baseflow significantly exceeded probable groundwater discharge during the high flow period of spring to early summer. Tracer analysis was not able to resolve contributions from ungauged tributary flows (sourced from either shallow flow paths, i.e. interflow and perched aquifer discharge, or regional groundwater discharge) and regional groundwater. Groundwater mapping was able to identify ungauged sub-catchments where regional groundwater discharge was too deep to contribute to tributary flow and thus where shallow flow paths dominated the tributary flow. Our results suggest that kriged unconfined groundwater surfaces provide a useful, empirical and independent dataset for investigating sources of fluxes contributing to baseflow and identifying periods where baseflow analysis may overestimate groundwater discharge to streamflow.
The double layers in the plasma sheet boundary layer during magnetic reconnection
Authors: Guo J. , Yu B.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. We studied the evolutions of double layers which appear after the magnetic reconnection through two-dimensional electromagnetic particle-in-cell simulation. The simulation results show that the double layers are formed in the plasma sheet boundary layer after magnetic reconnection. At first, the double layers which have unipolar structures are formed. And then the double layers turn into bipolar structures, which will couple with another new weak bipolar structure. Thus a new double layer or tripolar structure comes into being. The double layers found in our work are about several ten Debye lengths, which accords with the observation results. It is suggested that the electron beam formed during the magnetic reconnection is responsible for the production of the double layers.
Comparison of spatial association approaches for landscape mapping of soil organic carbon stocks
Authors: Miller B. A. , Koszinski S. , Wehrhan M. , Sommer M.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. The distribution of soil organic carbon (SOC) can be variable at small analysis scales, but consideration of its role in regional and global issues demands the mapping of large extents. There are many different strategies for mapping SOC, among which are to model the variables needed to calculate the SOC stock indirectly or to model the SOC stock directly. The purpose of this research is to compare direct and indirect approaches to mapping SOC stocks from rule-based, multiple linear regression models applied at the landscape scale via spatial association. The final products for both strategies are high-resolution maps of SOC stocks (kg m−2), covering an area of 122 km2, with accompanying maps of estimated error. For the direct modelling approach, the estimated error map was based on the internal error estimations from the model rules. For the indirect approach, the estimated error map was produced by spatially combining the error estimates of component models via standard error propagation equations. We compared these two strategies for mapping SOC stocks on the basis of the qualities of the resulting maps as well as the magnitude and distribution of the estimated error. The direct approach produced a map with less spatial variation than the map produced by the indirect approach. The increased spatial variation represented by the indirect approach improved R2 values for the topsoil and subsoil stocks. Although the indirect approach had a lower mean estimated error for the topsoil stock, the mean estimated error for the total SOC stock (topsoil + subsoil) was lower for the direct approach. For these reasons, we recommend the direct approach to modelling SOC stocks be considered a more conservative estimate of the SOC stocks' spatial distribution.
Fluctuations of a Greenlandic tidewater glacier driven by changes in atmospheric forcing: observations and modelling of Kangiata Nunaata Sermia, 1859–present
Authors: Lea J. M. , Mair D. W. F. , Nick F. M. , Rea B. R. , van As D. , Morlighem M. , Nienow P. W. , Weidick A.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. Many tidewater glaciers in Greenland are known to have undergone significant retreat during the last century following their Little Ice Age maxima. Where it is possible to reconstruct glacier change over this period, they provide excellent records for comparison to climate records, as well as calibration/validation for numerical models. These glacier change records therefore allow for tests of numerical models that seek to simulate tidewater glacier behaviour over multi-decadal to centennial timescales. Here we present a detailed record of behaviour from Kangiata Nunaata Sermia (KNS), SW Greenland, between 1859 and 2012, and compare it against available oceanographic and atmospheric temperature data between 1871 and 2012. We also use these records to evaluate the ability of a well-established one-dimensional flow-band model to replicate behaviour for the observation period. The record of terminus change demonstrates that KNS has advanced/retreated in phase with atmosphere and ocean climate anomalies averaged over multi-annual to decadal timescales. Results from an ensemble of model runs demonstrate that observed dynamics can be replicated. Model runs that provide a reasonable match to observations always require a significant atmospheric forcing component, but do not necessarily require an oceanic forcing component. Although the importance of oceanic forcing cannot be discounted, these results demonstrate that changes in atmospheric forcing are likely to be a primary driver of the terminus fluctuations of KNS from 1859 to 2012. We propose that the detail and length of the record presented makes KNS an ideal site for model validation exercises investigating links between climate, calving rates, and tidewater glacier dynamics.
Glacier-like forms on Mars
Authors: Hubbard B. , Souness C. , Brough S.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. More than 1300 glacier-like forms (GLFs) are located in Mars' mid-latitudes. These GLFs are predominantly composed of ice–dust mixtures and are visually similar to terrestrial valley glaciers, showing signs of downhill viscous deformation and an expanded former extent. However, several fundamental aspects of their behavior are virtually unknown, including temporal and spatial variations in mass balance, ice motion, landscape erosion and deposition, and hydrology. Here, we investigate the physical glaciology of martian GLFs. We use satellite images of specific examples and case studies to build on existing knowledge relating to (i) GLF current and former extent, exemplified via a GLF located in Phlegra Montes; (ii) indicators of GLF motion, focusing on the presence of surface crevasses on several GLFs; (iii) processes of GLF debris transfer, focusing on mapping and interpreting boulder trains on one GLF located in Protonilus Mensae, the analysis of which suggests a best-estimate mean GLF flow speed of 7.5 mm a−1; and (iv) GLF hydrology, focusing on supra-GLF gulley networks. On the basis of this information, we summarize the current state of knowledge of the glaciology of martian GLFs and identify future research avenues.
Gender and healthcare accessibility in Europe
Authors: Portela Maria da Conceição Constantino , Campos Fernandes Adalberto
Published: November 2014

Objective: Healthcare accessibility is necessary to achieve good health outcomes. However, access to healthcare can be decreased due to distance to healthcare centres, high costs, or waiting lists. The present study explored if there is a gender gap related to healthcare accessibility constraints. Methods: We performed a cross-country transversal study to investigate the existence of gender-related healthcare accessibility constraints using Mann-Whitney U tests. The research was based on self-reported unmet needs for medical examination due to access barriers according to Eurostat. We examined annual observations from 2005 through 2011 from eight European countries: Greece, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Conclusions: We found a gender gap related to unmet medical needs due to high costs, with females more likely to have such needs. The difference in mean values related to gender was statistically significant for Greece (5.17% vs. 3.59%; p = .007), France (1.80% vs. 1.23%; p = .007), Ireland (1.53% vs. 1.13%; p = .011), and Italy (4.39% vs. 2.99%; p = .004).
Enrichment of Commercially-Prepared Juice With Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) Peel Extract as a Source of Antioxidants
Authors: Pimenta Barros Zilmar Meireles , Salgado Jocelem Mastrodi , Melo Priscilla Siqueira , Biazotto Fuvia de Oliveira
Published: November 2014

Ready-to eat foods meet the demands of a modern lifestyle and the number of people seeking food that is convenient and safe is increasing. The extracts of peels from four different fruits were tested as potential value-added foods to offer to consumers. Physical and chemical analyses of the peel extracts were conducted to measure total phenolic compounds, tannins, phytic acid and antioxidant activity using the 1’-1’Diphenyl-2’picrylhydrazyl, and 2,2’-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid methods. The result of screening the antioxidant activity showed that the pomegranate peel had higher activity than the other peels (p<0.05). In addition, flavonoids and vitamin C were measured in the pomegranate peel, and low amounts of these components were found. The pomegranate peel had a high amount of phenolic compounds and high levels of antioxidants, and this peel was used to enrich a commercially-available juice. Furthermore, the sensory evaluation showed no difference between the control and enriched juice. The product was well accepted and feasible from a technological standpoint. Because the waste is rich in bioactive compounds, value is added to the final product, as these antioxidant compounds are known to protect health and improve the quality of life of the consumers.
Socialisatie van ambtenaren: een kritische reflectie
Authors: Kwakkelstein Tobias , Beaumont Jet
Published: November 2014

Socialization of civil servants in The Netherlands: a critical reflection

The changes in the role of government raise questions about the training and socialization of Dutch public servants. How can civil servants and their organizations prepare for what it means to be a civil servant in the 21st century? In this article, the authors give an overview of training and other means of socialization for public servants. They conclude that there is hardly any evidence of universal and coherent means to shape the collective identity of civil servants, and suggest ways to improve this.
Governance van woningcorporaties
Authors: Priemus Hugo
Published: November 2014

Governance of Dutch housing associations

This contribution presents a review of four publications, selected as building blocks for designing a policy for competent governance of Dutch housing associations. These publications are about:

hybrid organisations: Verhoef & Simon (2001);

securing public interests: WRR (2000);

problems around core tasks, side activities and achievements of housing associations: ARK (2014);

the complex separation of social and commercial activities: CFV (2014).

After analyzing these four publications, a proposal is presented for the future governance of Dutch housing associations. An exclusive orientation on social activities, a discontinuation of commercial activities and a termination of state aid are suggested
Particle-filter-based Pose Estimation from Controlled Motion with Application to Visual Servoing
Authors: Hafez Abdul Hafez Abdul , Cervera Enric
Published: November 2014

In this paper, we present a Bayesian algorithm based on particle filters to estimate the camera pose for vision-based control. The state model is represented as a relative camera pose between the current and initial camera frames. The particles in the prior motion model are drawn using the velocity control signal collected from the visual controller of the robot. The pose samples are evaluated using an epipolar geometry measurement model and a suitable weight is associated with each sample. The algorithm takes advantage of the a priori knowledge about motion, i.e., the velocity computed by the visual servo control, to estimate the magnitude of the translation in addition to its direction, hence producing a full camera motion estimate. Its application to position-based visual servoing is demonstrated. Experiments are carried out using a real robot setup. The results show the efficiency of the proposed filter over the motion measurements of the robot. In addition, the filter was able to recover the split performed by the robot joints.
Design and Rolling Analysis of a Novel Deformable Polyhedron Robot
Authors: Tian Yaobin , Wei Xiangzhi , Joneja Ajay , Yao Yan-An
Published: November 2014

In this paper, a new rolling robot is proposed. The mechanism of the robot consists of eight links with three degrees of freedom (DOFs). The shape of each link of the robot is an equilateral triangle. The robot realizes its direction switching function by deforming into different modes of planar parallelogram mechanisms (PPM). In any deterministic mode, the robot can roll on the ground. The motion of the robot is studied based on the kinematic and zero moment point (ZMP) analyses. Though the robot has three DOFs, we show that it can realize flexible mobility via direction switching and rolling functions with two DOFs and one DOF, respectively. A prototype robot was manufactured. A series of simulations and experiments done using this prototype is reported, verifying the feasibility of the design.
Research on a New Bilateral Self-locking Mechanism for an Inchworm Micro In-pipe Robot with Large Traction
Authors: Yang Junhong , Xue Yong , Shang Jiangzhong , Luo Zirong
Published: November 2014

In this paper, we present an innovative bilaterally-controllable self-locking mechanism that can be applied to the micro in-pipe robot. The background and state of the art of the inchworm micro in-pipe robot is briefly described in the very beginning of the paper, where the main factors that influence the traction ability are also discussed. Afterwards, the micro in-pipe robots’ propulsion principle based on a unidirectional self-locking mechanism is discussed. Then, several kinds of self-locking mechanisms are compared, and a new bilaterally-controllable self-locking mechanism is proposed. By implementing the self-locking mechanism, the robot's tractive force is no longer restricted by the friction force, and both two-way motion and position locking for the robot can be achieved. Finally, the traction experiment is conducted using a prototype robot with the new bilaterally-controllable self-locking mechanism. Test results show that this new self-locking mechanism can adapt itself to a diameter of >17~>20 mm and has a blocking force up to 25N, and the maximum tractive force of the in-pipe robot based on such a locking mechanism is 12N under the maximum velocity of 10mm/s.
Recorregut de recerca geològica i mineralògica per les comarques del Solsonès i de l’Alt Urgell: des de Cambrils a Llinars, Alinyà, la Vall del mig, Perles, al Pont d’Espia i a Fígols d´Organyà
Authors: Mata Perelló Josep Maria , Sanz Balagué Joaquim
Published: November 2014

Sortida realitzada el dia 16 de febrer del 2013. En aquesta ocasió, el recorregut de l’itinerari discorre íntegrament per una de les unitats geològiques que es distribueixen per Catalunya; concretament es transitarà pel Sistema Pirinenc.Així, el recorregut de l’itinerari recalarà sempre per la zona antigament denominada "prepirineu", és a dir: pel les actualment dites Zones Sudpirenenques. Així, en bona part del recorregut es tallarà el Mantell de Bóixols (entre Cambrils i la fi del recorregut, a Fígols d´Organyà). També es tallaran diversos sectors tangencials del Mantell del Montsec i del de les Serres Marginals. Tot aquest recorregut pels Pirineus, s’efectuarà gairebé entre Cambrils i l´esmentada població de Fígols d´Organyà.Per d’altra banda, el recorregut de l’itinerari, es distribueix per dues comarques: el Solsonès i l´Alt Urgell. Així, s’iniciarà dintre de la primera, al terme de Cambrils, per a finalitzar a la segona comarca al poble de Fígols d´Organyà, molt prop de les poblacions d´Organyà (a l´Oest) i de Coll de Nargó (al Sud).
Recerca geològica i geoambiental per les comarques del Berguedà i del Bages: Des de l´Espunyola a Casserres, Viver, Serrateix, Castelladrall i a Súria
Authors: Mata Perelló Josep Maria , Sanz Balagué Joaquim
Published: November 2014

Itineriari realitzat el 23 de març del 2013. En aquesta ocasió, el recorregut del present l’itinerari discorrerà, en la seva practica totalitat per la Depressió Geològica de l´Ebre, tot i que molt prop del Pirinenc, pels trams inicials (pels voltants de l´Espunyola). Més endavant, la totalitat del recorregut de l´itinerari es desenvoluparà estrictament per l´esmentada depressió.Així, en els primers trams es circularà per la denominada Depressió Geològica de l´Ebre; i més concretament, als trams finals per la seva Depressió Central, especialment entre l´Espunyola i Súria, al llarg de tot el recorregut de l’itinerari.Per d´altra banda, el recorregut transitarà per dues de les comarques que formen part de la Catalunya Central, la del Berguedà i la del Bages. Així, el recorregut començarà a l´Espunyola, per on es circularà dintre de la comarca fins arribar a Serrateix. A partir d´aquí, s´entrarà a la comarca del Bages, per on es circularà des de Castelladral fins arribar a la població de Súria, per on finalitzarà el recorregut.
Recorregut de recerca geològica i mineralògica per la subcomarca del Lluçanès (comarca d´Osona): des de Lluçà a Santa Eulàlia de Puig-Oriol, Sant Agustí de Lluçanès i Alpens
Authors: Mata Perelló Josep Maria , Sanz Balagué Joaquim
Published: November 2014

Itinerari realitzat el 14 d´abril del 2013. En aquesta ocasió el recorregut de d’itinerari discorrerà en la seva totalitat per la Depressió Geològica de l´Ebre (i més concretament, ho farà pel seu sector corresponent a la seva Depressió Central).Tot i així, l’itinerari passarà per les proximitats d’alguns indrets més o menys replegats de l´esmentada depressió. Així, entre altres, creuarem el Sinclinal de Gironella i l´Anticlinal de Puig-reig, entre altres elements.Així, des del seu inici a la localitat osonenca i lluçanenca alhora de Lluçà, fins a la seva fi, pels voltants de la localitat d´Alpens, igualment situada a la subcomarca del Lluçanès (comarca d’Osona), totes les aturades del recorregut de l’itinerari es trobaran ubicades dintre d’aquesta unitat geològica anteriorment esmentada.Per d’altra banda, i com ja s’entreveu al títol, el recorregut de l’itinerari discorrerà íntegrament per la subcomarca del Lluçanès i més concretament pels seus sectors osonencs, des de principi a fi del recorregut.
Itinerari de recerca geològica per la comarca del Baix Llobregat: des de la Puda al desert Carmelità i al Cairat
Authors: Mata Perelló Josep Maria , Sanz Balagué Joaquim
Published: November 2014

Itinerari realitzat el 21 d’abril del 2013. En aquesta ocasió, aquest recorregut transitarà íntegrament per la zona de contacte entre dues de les unitats geològiques que constitueixen el nostre país; concretament entre el Sistema Mediterrani i la Depressió Geològica de l´Ebre. Tot i així, la major part del recorregut transitarà per la primera unitat geològica esmentada. Així, el recorregut s´iniciarà a la Serralada Prelitoral Catalana (ubicada dintre de la primera unitat geològica abans esmentada, el Sistema Mediterrani), per a finalitzar a la segona, a la Depressió Geològica de l´Ebre. Per d´altra banda, el recorregut discorrerà per una de les comarques que constitueixen la Regió de Barcelona: concretament per la del Baix Llobregat (pel terme d´Esparreguera, exclusivament).
Recorregut de recerca geològica i mineralògica per las subcomarques del Lluçanès i del Moianès (comarques d´Osona i del Bages): des de Collsuspina a l´Estany, Oristà i a Sant Feliu Sasserra
Authors: Mata Perelló Josep Maria , Sanz Balagué Joaquim
Published: November 2014

Itinerari realitzat el 4 de maig del 2013. En aquesta ocasió, el recorregut de d’itinerari discorrerà, en la seva totalitat per la Depressió Geològica de l´Ebre (i més concretament, ho farà pel seu sector corresponent a la seva Depressió Central).  Així, des del seu inici a la localitat osonenca (i moianenca, alhora) de Collsuspina, fins  la fi del recorregut a la localitat bagenca (i lluçanenca, alhora) de Sant Feliu Sasserra, tot el recorregut es desenvoluparà dintre de l´esmentada Depressió Geològica de l´Ebre, entre  afloraments dels materials cenozoics que reblen aquesta depressió. Per d’altra banda, el recorregut de d’itinerari discorrerà íntegrament per les subcomarques del Moianès i del Lluçanès, Així, s´iniciarà al terme de Collsuspina, dintre de la comarca d´Osona (a la subcomarca del Moianès). Tot seguit anirà cap a l´Estany (de la comarca del Bages i subcomarca del Moianès).  Tot seguit, el recorregut entrarà al Lluçanès, per Oristà (de la comarca d´Osona), per a finalitzar a Sant Feliu Sasserra, dintre de la subcomarca del Lluçanès (però dintre de la comarca del Bages).
Recorregut de recerca geològica i mineralògica per las subcomarques osonenques del Bisaura i del Lluçanès: des de Santa Maria de Besora al Collet, al Santuari dels Munts, Sobremunt i a Sant Bartomeu del Grau
Authors: Mata Perelló Josep Maria , Sanz Balagué Joaquim
Published: November 2014

Itinerari realitzat el 5 de maig del 2013. En aquesta ocasió, el recorregut de l’itinerari discorrerà, en la seva totalitat per la Depressió Geològica de l´Ebre (i més concretament, ho farà pel seu sector corresponent a la seva Depressió Central).Així, des del seu inici a la localitat osonenca de Santa Maria de Besora, fins la fi del recorregut a la localitat lluçanenca (i osonenca, alhora) de Sant Bartomeu del Grau, tot el recorregut es desenvoluparà dintre de l´esmentada Depressió Geològica de l´Ebre, entre afloraments dels materials cenozoics que reblen aquesta depressió.Per d’altra banda, el recorregut de d’itinerari discorrerà íntegrament per les subcomarques del Bisaura i del Lluçanès (ambdues de la comarca d´Osona), Així, s´iniciarà al terme de Santa Maria de Besora, passant pels termes de Sant Quirze de Besora, Sora, Sant Agustí de Lluçanès, Sant Boi de lluçanès, Sobremunt i Sant Bartomeu del Grau. Finalitzant en aquest darrer poble.
Recorregut circular de recerca geològica i mineralògica per la comarca del Ripollès: des de Sant Joan de les Abadesses a les Mines de Perella, Sant Pau Seguries, Colònia Estevenell, Surroca, Ogassa i a Sant Joan de les Abadesses
Authors: Mata Perelló Josep Maria , Sanz Balagué Joaquim
Published: November 2014

Itinerari realitzat el 2 de juny del 2013. El recorregut del present itinerari, es desenvoluparà íntegrament pel Sistema Pirinenc; i més concretament: per la zona de contacte entre la Zona Sudpirenenca i la Zona Axial del Sistema Pirinenc. Així, s´iniciarà dintre de la Zona Sudpirenenca, prop de la població de Sant Joan de les Abadesses, des d´on s´anirà cap Ant Pau de Seguries. Poc després d´aquesta població, entrarem al Mantell del Cadí, que ja no abandonarem fins arribar prop de Sant Joan de les Abadesses, ja en el recorregut de tornada. Tot i això, en diferent trams del recorregut entre la Colònia ESTEVENELL i Sant Martí de Surroca, passarem prop de l´Encavalcament de Ribes de Fresser – Setcases, al Sud del Mantell del Canigó.Per d´altra banda, també cal dir que aquest recorregut s´efectuarà, íntegrament per la comarca pirinenca del Ripollès.
Recorregut de recerca geològica i mineralògica per la Vall de Ribes (comarca del Ripollès): des de Ribes de Freser, a Rialb, Vilamanya, a Queralbs i a Planoles
Authors: Mata Perelló Josep Maria , Sanz Balagué Joaquim
Published: November 2014

Itinerari realitzat el 2 de juny de 2013. En aquesta ocasió, el recorregut de l´itinerari discorrerà en la totalitat pel Sistema Pirinenc, i més concretament pel sector dels Pirineus Orientals. Dintre d´aquests, deambularà per dos dels seus sectors més representatius: en concret per la zona dels anomenats Apilaments Antiformes del Freser, i també per la Zona Axial, pròpiament dita.Així, el recorregut s´iniciarà dintre dels Apilaments Antiformes del Freser, pels voltants del poble de Ribes de Freser. Finalment, els darrers trams del recorregut de l´itinerari, ja s’afectaran per la Zona Axial, en la qual clourà el recorregut, en arribar a la Mina Saragossa, del municipi de Queralt. I finalment, en arribar al Pla de les Cabanes (Planoles), per on clourà el recorregut. També cal dir, per d´altra banda, que la totalitat del recorregut, del present itinerari, es desenvoluparà per dintre de la superfície ocupada per la comarca del Ripollès, la qual pertany a la Regió de Vic. I més concretament, es desenvoluparà per la coneguda Vall de Ribes, constituïda per les vall del Rigard i del Freser.
Recerca geològica i mineralògica per la comarca del Ripollès: des d´Ogassa a Sant Martí d´Ogassa, al Coll de Jou, a Bruguera i a Ribes de Freser
Authors: Mata Perelló Josep Maria , Sanz Balagué Joaquim
Published: November 2014

íntegrament pel Sistema Pirinenc; i més concretament: per la zona de contacte entre la Zona Sudpirenenca i la Zona Axial del Sistema Pirinenc. Així, s´iniciarà dintre de la Zona Sudpirenenca, prop de la població d´Ogassa, des d´on s´anirà cap a Sant Martí d´Ogassa i cap a Bruguera. A partir d´aquest indret discorrerà pels Apilaments Antiformes del Freser, abans de travessar al Coll de Jou, l´encavalcament de la Serra Cavallera.Per d´altra banda, també cal dir que aquest recorregut s´efectuarà, íntegrament per la comarca pirinenca del Ripollès.
Recorregut de recerca geològica i mineralògica per la Vall de Ribes (comarca del Ripollès): des de Ribes de Freser, a Pardines, Serrat, Queralbs, Batet i Ventolà
Authors: Mata Perelló Josep Maria , Sanz Balagué Joaquim
Published: November 2014

Itinerari realitzat el 23 de juny de 2013. En aquesta ocasió, el recorregut de l´itinerari discorrerà en la totalitat pel Sistema Pirinenc i més concretament pel sector dels Pirineus Orientals. Dintre d´aquests, deambularà per dos dels seus sectors més representatius: en concret per la zona dels anomenats Apilaments Antiformes del Freser, així com també per la Zona Axial, pròpiament dita. Així, el recorregut s´iniciarà dintre dels Apilaments Antiformes del Freser, pels voltants del poble de Ribes de Freser. Finalment, els darrers trams del recorregut de l´itinerari, ja s’afectaran per la Zona Axial, en la qual clourà el recorregut, en arribar a la Mina de Can Paloca, per les immediacions de Ventolà.També cal dir, per d´altra banda, que la totalitat del recorregut, del present itinerari, es desenvoluparà per dintre de la superfície ocupada per la comarca del Ripollès, la qual pertany a la Regió de Vic.
Faith in the Just Behavior of the Government: Intergroup Apologies and Apology Elaboration
Authors: Steele Rachel R. , Blatz Craig W.
Published: November 2014

After intergroup injustices, perpetrator groups may seek to restore intergroup relations by offering an apology. Through quantitative empirical tests some scholars have examined whether these apologies promote forgiveness and reconciliation. This work has found inconsistent relations between apology and forgiveness. We proposed and tested other variables as relevant outcomes of intergroup apology as well, namely perceived remorsefulness, faith in societal norms of justice, and trust. We also tested how the elaborateness of an apology changed its effectiveness. The study (N = 145) presented excerpts of President Clinton’s apology for the Tuskegee Syphilis Study to African-Americans, varying the apology elaborateness. We examined whether apologies of varying elaborateness affect forgiveness (to be consistent with past research), perceptions that the response was remorseful, beliefs that norms of just behavior would be upheld, and trust in the perpetrator group. All apologies, but particularly more elaborate apologies, resulted in higher perceptions of remorsefulness and justice norms, but not trust or forgiveness. The results imply that apologies may have many benefits with perceptions of remorsefulness and justice norms being amongst them.
Recent Developments in the Use of Intralesional Injections Keloid Treatment
Authors: Trisliana Perdanasari Aurelia , Lazzeri Davide , Su Weijie , Xi Wenjing , Zheng Zhang , Ke Li , Min Peiru , Feng Shaoqing , Zhang Yi Xin , Persichetti Paolo
Published: November 2014

Keloid scars are often considered aesthetically unattractive and frustrating problems that occur following injuries. They cause functional and cosmetic deformities, displeasure, itching, pain, and psychological stress and possibly affect joint movement. The combination of these factors ultimately results in a compromised quality of life and diminished functional performance. Various methods have been implemented to improve keloid scars using both surgical and non-surgical approaches. However, it has proven to be a challenge to identify a universal treatment that can deliver optimal results for all types of scars. Through a PubMed search, we explored most of the literature that is available about the intralesional injection treatment of hypertrophic scars and keloids and highlights both current (corticosteroid, 5-fluorouracil, bleomycin, interferon, cryotherapy and verapamil) and future treatments (interleukin-10 and botulinum toxin type A). The reference lists of retrieved articles were also analysed. Information was gathered about the mechanism of each injection treatment, its benefits and associated adverse reactions, and possible strategies to address adverse reactions to provide reliable guidelines for determining the optimal treatment for particular types of keloid scars. This article will benefit practitioners by outlining evidence-based treatment strategies using intralesional injections for patients with hypertrophic scars and keloids.
The Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma on Survival of the Composite Graft and the Proper Time of Injection in a Rabbit Ear Composite Graft Model
Authors: Choi Hyun Nam , Han Yea Sik , Kim Sin Rak , Kim Han Kyeol , Kim Hyun , Park Jin Hyung
Published: November 2014

Background Administration of growth factors has been associated with increased viability of composite grafts greater than 1-cm in diameter. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) contains many of the growth factors studied. In this study, we evaluate the effect of PRP injection on composite graft viability and the proper time for injection.

Methods A total of 24 New Zealand White rabbits were divided into four groups. Autologous PRP was injected into the recipient sites three days before grafting in group 1, on the day of grafting in group 2, and three days after grafting in group 3. Group 4 served as control without PRP administration. Auricular composite grafts of 3-cm diameter were harvested and grafted back into place after being rotated 180 degrees. Median graft viability and microvessel density were evaluated at day 21 of graft via macroscopic photographs and immunofluorescent staining, respectively.

Results The median graft survival rate was 97.8% in group 1, 69.2% in group 2, 55.7% in group 3, and 40.8% in the control group. The median vessel counts were 34 (per ×200 HPF) in group 1, 24.5 in group 2, 19.5 in group 3, and 10.5 in the control group.

Conclusions This study demonstrates that PRP administration is associated with increased composite graft viability. All experimental groups showed a significantly higher survival rate and microvessel density, compared with the control group. Pre-administration of PRP was followed by the highest graft survival rate and revascularization. PRP treatments are minimally invasive, fast, easily applicable, and inexpensive, and offer a potential clinical pathway to larger composite grafts.