bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serum metabolite concentrations and enzyme activities in finishing bull calves fed different types of high-grain diets
Authors: Castillo C. , Hernandez J. , Pereira V. , Vazquez P. , Sotillo J. , Lopez-Alonso M. , Miranda M. , Benedito J. L.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Between the ages of 23 and 35 weeks, various serum metabolites and enzymes were monitored in three 10-animal groups of double-muscled Belgian Blue bull calves maintained in a feedlot in Galicia (NW Spain) on high-grain finishing diets that mainly differed in whether the grain used was predominantly maize (group M), predominantly barley (group B), or a mixture of maize and barley in approximately equal proportions (group MB). The parameters determined were glucose, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), total serum protein concentration (TSP), albumin, serum urea nitrogen (SUN), creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT). Throughout the study period, all these parameters remained within the physiological ranges for beef under intensive conditions, and no animal ever showed clinical symptoms of ruminal alterations; indicating that none of these highgrain diets were detrimental to animal health. Although average serum NEFA, creatinine, albumin, AST and GGT levels all differed among groups, only AST can be considered as possible age-independent marker of grain-type-related metabolic alterations, since the other parameters all showed significant time × group interaction. In terms of this parameter, animals fed a MB diet behaved similarly to those fed a B diet. The absence of between-group differences in blood glucose level may reflect a genetic characteristic of this double-muscled breed. Our results, in conjunction with the best productive results obtained in animals fed de B-diet, aim us to suggest that the risk of an acidogenic diet would depend strongly on the nutritional management (in terms of crude protein (CP) and quality of straw in the ration) and not only the type of grain.
Colocalization of myostatin and decorin in bovine skeletal muscle
Authors: Albrecht E. , Liu X. , Yang X. , Zhao R. , Jonas L. , Maak S.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The objectives of this study were to investigate the expression and localization of myostatin (MSTN) and decorin (DCN) in bovine skeletal muscle and to find associations with muscle fibre and adipocyte development. Samples of two muscles, known for differences in meat quality and fibre composition, namely longissimus muscle (LD) and semitendinosus muscle (ST), were obtained from 18 months old bulls of the F2 generation of a Charolais×Holstein cross. Individual muscle sections were stained for determination of size and type of muscle fibres and immunohistochemical detection of the proteins. The mRNA abundance and protein expression of MSTN and DCN were quantified by real-time PCR and Western blot, respectively. As expected, the ST had more fast fibres, less fibres of the intermediate and the slow type, and less intramuscular fat than the LD. Despite these differences, the mRNA and protein abundance of MSTN was comparable in both muscles. The protein abundance of MSTN inhibitors, namely MSTN propeptide and DCN, was greater in LD, which may have affected the biological activity of mature MSTN. Myostatin propeptide was detected in all muscle fibres; however the mature MSTN was detected to a much lower extent and mainly in slow fibres. Furthermore, MSTN was localized in close proximity to DCN in intermyocellular space, suggesting possible interactions between both proteins and effects on muscle structure and meat quality. The role of MSTN and DCN as well as their interactions in the determination of muscle composition needs to be further elucidated.
A novel EcoRII PCR-RFLP detecting genetic variation of goat NF1-C2 gene and its association with milk yield (Brief Report)
Authors: Wang P. , Xu Q. , Lan X. , Li Z. , Li M. , Fang X. , Li M. , Chen H.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The transcription factor nuclear factor1-C2 (NF1-C2) mediates the action of prolactin in the mammary gland. Research on the molecular genetic mechanism of model system have indicated that the NF1-C2 gene plays an important role for the activation of several mammary gland specific genes (Nilsson et al. 2006). Moreover, the effects of prolactin on milk production traits have been reported in ruminant (Seriwatanachai et al. 2008). NF1-C2 may have a similar function in goat. To our knowledge polymorphisms of NF1-C2 gene have not been described in animals. Here a SNP of the caprine NF1-C2 was detected and a EcoRII PCR-RFLP was derived, that allowed to clearly detect NF1-C2 genotypes. Further investigation was conduct to evaluate the association between polymorphisms and milk yield at different lactation stages.
Genetic variability of traits recorded during 100-day stationary performance test and inbreeding level in Polish warmblood stallions
Authors: Borowska A. , Wolc A. , Szwaczkowski T.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The objectives of this study were to estimate direct heritability of 30 conformation and performance traits evaluated during 100-day stationary performance test and to predict the genetic effects in Polish Warmblood stallions. Inbreeding coefficients were estimated as well. Moreover, phenotypic and genetic trends were derived. The data were extracted from the database of the Polish Horse Breeding Association. The analysis included 494 warmblood stallions, which performed during 100-day test in the years 2002–2008 at two Polish Training Centres. Pedigree data comprised 8 512 individuals. Restricted maximum likelihood was employed to estimate parameters under an additive genetic model (including fixed effects: age of stallion, breed, year and place of performance test). Nonzero inbreeding coefficients were estimated for 88 stallions with performance records as well as for 458 unrecorded ancestors. Average inbreeding level for the stallions with records was 0.29 %, whereas for all inbred individuals – 1.69 %. The average completeness of the pedigrees, expressed as Cassell coefficient, for the recorded stallions was 42.47 %. The heritability estimates varied from 0.14 (character) to 0.87 (total index). Relatively high heritabilities were found for jumping-ability traits. In general, the genetic trends for studied traits were negligibly positive.
QTL explaining variation in production traits and udder health in the Danish Holstein population
Authors: Thomsen H. , Thomasen J. R. , Guldbrandtsen B. , Lund M. S.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The main objective was to locate QTL and estimate the proportion of total genetic variance attributable to quantitative trait loci (QTL) for production index traits and the udder health index identified on six Bos taurus autosomes in the Danish Holstein dairy cattle population. Data were obtained from a granddaughter design of 20 sire families with a total of 1 869 progeny tested sons. The number of sons per grandsire ranged from 20 to 284, with an average family size of 93.5. Indexes of the estimated breeding values were obtained for the milk production traits and for the udder health index from the Danish Agricultural Advisory Service database. A random-QTL model was applied to incorporate marker information into parameter estimation for each single QTL. The procedure allowed us to detect new QTL on BTA3, BTA16 and BTA28 and to estimate the proportion of total genetic variance attributed to different QTL on a total of six Bos taurus autosomes for the udder health index and yield index traits in the Danish Holstein population. Variance estimates vary between 2 to 58 % of the total variance for different QTL and seem to explain a substantial part of the variance at certain positions of the cattle genome. The results are discussed against the background of the failure of marker-assisted selection (MAS) and the recent availability of large panels of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that have improved the search for mutations underlying variation in complex traits resulting in modern genomic selection.
Testing the breeding strategy of Hungarian Bronze turkey strains for maintaining genetic diversity with microsatellites
Authors: Kusza S. , Mihók S. , Czeglédi L. , Jávor A. , Árnyasi M.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The aim of the study was to provide information on the genetic variability of the Hungarian Bronze turkey gene reserve population and its difference from the Broad-breasted turkey, and offer guidance and proposals for its future conservation strategies. Altogether, 239 Hungarian Bronze turkeys from 10 strains and 13 Broad-breasted turkeys as a control population were genotyped for 15 microsatellites. All loci were polymorphic with the average number of alleles per locus 3.20±1.146 in the Hungarian Bronze turkey. The mean expected (Hexp) and observed heterozygosity (Hobs) were not different (0.392 and 0.376, respectively) in the overall population, and similar values were obtained for hens and bucks and among hen strains. Inbreeding coefficient (FIS) and Shannon index (I) indicated that there was low inbreeding within hens and bucks. Our results confirm that the genetic diversity in the Hungarian Bronze turkey population has been preserved by the rotational mating system. Differences between the Hungarian Bronze turkey and the Broad-breasted turkey populations were determined. Nei’s unbiased values clearly indicated that the two populations are highly genetically differentiated.
Temporal pattern of feeding and drinking behaviour of gestating sows
Authors: Kruse S. , Stamer E. , Traulsen I. , Krieter J.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The aim of the present study was to investigate the temporal pattern of feed and water intake behaviour of gestating sows housed in a dynamic group. The dataset included 90 sows (parity 1 to 7). Feed and water intake were recorded by electronic feeding and drinking stations. To describe the feed and water intake behaviour single visits were combined into meals and drinking bouts. A log survivorship function identified the characteristic interval length to differentiate between two bouts. Interval lengths larger than 12 min separated two meals (29 min two drinking bouts). The meal and drinking bout criteria were used to derive the following traits: feeding and drinking duration per day (FD, DD), interval duration within feeding (pauseF) or drinking (pauseW) meal, feeding and drinking meal duration per day (FMD, DMD) and feeding and drinking visits per day (FV, DV). Additionally, an eating rank was calculated according to the order of the sows at the feeding station. The results showed that nulliparous and primiparous sows had higher FD, pauseF, FMD and FV in contrast to biparous and multiparous sows (P<0.05). The DD of primiparous sows was significantly lower than that of older sows. The eating rank increased over time while nulliparous sows increased their rank more slowly than older sows. Low to moderate repeatabilities were found for feed intake traits (0.23 to 0.41); higher repeatabilities for drinking traits (0.45 to 0.55) and eating rank (0.71) indicating high variation between sows, which could be used for the identification of diseases.
Effect of rearing system on pre-weaning growth, rumen development and its influence on post-weaning performance of lambs
Authors: Norouzian M. A. , Valizadeh R.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Twenty-four 21-day-old Balouchi male lambs were equally divided into two groups. Twelve subjects were artificially reared (AR), twelve others were ewe reared (ER) and used as control. AR in comparison of ER lambs maintained higher concentrations of blood beta- Hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA); however glucose concentration was not affected by rearing system. Unlike the DNA content and cell size, the RNA concentration and ribosomal capacity (Cs) of AR groups were significantly (P<0.05) higher than that of ER lambs. Rearing system did not affect morphologic characteristics of rumen wall except thickness of keratinized layer that was thickest in AR, 20 % less than in ER lambs (P<0.05). Stomach weight and capacity in AR animals were significantly (P=0.05) higher than ER lambs. Neither post-weaning growth rate nor feed conversion efficiency were affected (P>0.05) by rearing method. Also there were no differences with respect to slaughter and dissection data between groups in postweaning phase. In conclusion, the results of this study showed that naturally rearing system gave rise to developmental and carcass characteristics similar to those observed in artificial raised lambs.
Bayesian analysis of ordinal categorical data under a mixed inheritance model
Authors: Skotarczak E. , Molinski K. , Szwaczkowski T. , Dobek A.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The effectiveness of proposed Gibbs sampling (GS) algorithm to detect single loci determining livestock threshold traits under a different hypothetical breeding and statistical modeling scenarios was examined. The following factors were included into the analysis: the presence of fixed effects, knowledge of one threshold, the size of the population (1 212 and 3 070 pedigreed individuals, respectively) and proportions of individuals in three genotypic classes. Five threshold and one linear unitrait animal model were employed to analysis of these datasets. The GS algorithm was applied to estimate fixed effects (optionally), additive polygenic variance, single allele frequencies, genotypic effects and one threshold (optionally). For each case, 2 000 000 rounds of GS were conducted. The first 1 000 000 steps were discarded as a burn-in-period. The results were collected from every 20th iteration. In general, the accuracy of parameter estimates is not satisfactory. However, taking into account the scant amount of information provided by the ordinal categorical data, it seems that such an analysis is a good first approach. Except for one case in which the estimate was very close to the true value, in all the other cases the estimated gene effect was smaller than the true effect. In general, the algorithm proposed does not provide overestimated effects of single locus.
Genetic parameters and trends for lactation length in the first three lactations of Holstein cows
Authors: Hossein-Zadeh N. G.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Calving records from the Animal Breeding Center of Iran collected from January 1986 to December 2007 and comprising 492424 calving events of Holsteins from 1413 dairy herds were analysed using linear animal models to estimate genetic parameters for lactation lengths in the first three lactations of Holstein cows. Genetic trends were obtained by regressing yearly mean estimates of breeding values on calving year. Heritability estimates for lactation lengths varied from 0.03 to 0.04 across the parities. Estimates of genetic correlations between lactation lengths in different parities ranged from 0.35 to 0.53. There was decreasing genetic trend for lactation length at parity 3 and there were increasing genetic trends for lactation lengths at parities 1 and 2 over the years (P<0.05). The low estimates of heritabilities obtained in this study imply that much of the improvement in lactation lengths could be attained by improvement of production environment rather than genetic selection.
System for δ13C–CO2 and xCO2 analysis of discrete gas samples by cavity ring-down spectroscopy
Authors: Dickinson Dane , Bodé Samuel , Boeckx Pascal
Published: November 2017

Abstract. A method was devised for analysing small discrete gas samples (50 mL syringe) by cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS). Measurements were accomplished by inletting 50 mL syringed samples into an isotopic-CO2 CRDS analyser (Picarro G2131-i) between baseline readings of a reference air standard, which produced sharp peaks in the CRDS data feed. A custom software script was developed to manage the measurement process and aggregate sample data in real time. The method was successfully tested with CO2 mole fractions (xCO2) ranging from  <  0.1 to  >  20 000 ppm and δ13C–CO2 values from −100 up to +30 000 ‰ in comparison to VPDB (Vienna Pee Dee Belemnite). Throughput was typically 10 samples h−1, with 13 h−1 possible under ideal conditions. The measurement failure rate in routine use was ca. 1 %. Calibration to correct for memory effects was performed with gravimetric gas standards ranging from 0.05 to 2109 ppm xCO2 and δ13C–CO2 levels varying from −27.3 to +21 740 ‰. Repeatability tests demonstrated that method precision for 50 mL samples was ca. 0.05 % in xCO2 and 0.15 ‰ in δ13C–CO2 for CO2 compositions from 300 to 2000 ppm with natural abundance 13C. Long-term method consistency was tested over a 9-month period, with results showing no systematic measurement drift over time. Standardised analysis of discrete gas samples expands the scope of application for isotopic-CO2 CRDS and enhances its potential for replacing conventional isotope ratio measurement techniques. Our method involves minimal set-up costs and can be readily implemented in Picarro G2131-i and G2201-i analysers or tailored for use with other CRDS instruments and trace gases.
Nonlinear radiation generation processes in the auroral acceleration region
Authors: Pottelette Raymond , Berthomier Matthieu
Published: November 2017

Abstract. It is known from laboratory plasma experiments that double layers (DLs) radiate in the electromagnetic spectrum; but this is only known qualitatively. In these experiments, it was shown that the electron beam created on the high-potential side of a DL generates nonlinear structures which couple to electromagnetic waves and act as a sender antenna. In the Earth auroral region, observations performed by auroral spacecraft have shown that DLs occur naturally in the source region of intense radio emissions called auroral kilometric radiation (AKR). Very high time-, spatial-, and temporal-resolution measurements are needed in order to characterize waves and particle distributions in the vicinity of DLs, which are moving transient structures. We report observations from the FAST satellite of a localized large-amplitude parallel electric field (∼ 300 mV m−1) recorded at the edges of the auroral density cavity. In agreement with laboratory experiments, on the high-potential side of the DL, elementary radiation events are detected. They occur substantially above the local electron gyrofrequency and are associated with the presence of electron holes. The velocity of these nonlinear structures can be derived from the measurement of the Doppler-shifted AKR frequency spectrum above the electron gyrofrequency. The generated electron holes appear as the nonlinear evolution of electrostatic waves generated by the electron–electron two-stream instability because they propagate at about half the beam velocity. It is pointed out that, in the vicinity of a DL, the shape of the electron distribution gives rise to a significant power recorded in the left-hand polarized ordinary (LO) mode.
Importance of considering riparian vegetation requirements for the long-term efficiency of environmental flows in aquatic microhabitats
Authors: Rivaes Rui , Boavida Isabel , Santos José M. , Pinheiro António N. , Ferreira Teresa
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Environmental flows remain biased toward the traditional biological group of fish species. Consequently, these flows ignore the inter-annual flow variability that rules species with longer lifecycles and therefore disregard the long-term perspective of the riverine ecosystem. We analyzed the importance of considering riparian requirements for the long-term efficiency of environmental flows. For that analysis, we modeled the riparian vegetation development for a decade facing different environmental flows in two case studies. Next, we assessed the corresponding fish habitat availability of three common fish species in each of the resulting riparian landscape scenarios. Modeling results demonstrated that the environmental flows disregarding riparian vegetation requirements promoted riparian degradation, particularly vegetation encroachment. Such circumstance altered the hydraulic characteristics of the river channel where flow depths and velocities underwent local changes of up to 10 cm and 40 cm s−1, respectively. Accordingly, after a decade of this flow regime, the available habitat area for the considered fish species experienced modifications of up to 110 % when compared to the natural habitat. In turn, environmental flows regarding riparian vegetation requirements were able to maintain riparian vegetation near natural standards, thereby preserving the hydraulic characteristics of the river channel and sustaining the fish habitat close to the natural condition. As a result, fish habitat availability never changed more than 17 % from the natural habitat.
DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A NOVEL PORTABLE 360° STEREO CAMERA
SYSTEM WITH LOW-COST ACTION CAMERAS
Authors: Holdener D. , Nebiker S. , Blaser S.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The demand for capturing indoor spaces is rising with the digitalization trend in the construction industry. An efficient solution for measuring challenging indoor environments is mobile mapping. Image-based systems with 360° panoramic coverage allow a rapid data acquisition and can be processed to georeferenced 3D images hosted in cloud-based 3D geoinformation services. For the multiview stereo camera system presented in this paper, a 360° coverage is achieved with a layout consisting of five horizontal stereo image pairs in a circular arrangement. The design is implemented as a low-cost solution based on a 3D printed camera rig and action cameras with fisheye lenses. The fisheye stereo system is successfully calibrated with accuracies sufficient for the applied measurement task. A comparison of 3D distances with reference data delivers maximal deviations of 3 cm on typical distances in indoor space of 2-8 m. Also the automatic computation of coloured point clouds from the stereo pairs is demonstrated.
CAPTURING FINE DETAILS INVOLVING LOW-COST SENSORS –A COMPARATIVE STUDY
Authors: Rehany N. , Barsi A. , Lovas T.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Capturing the fine details on the surface of small objects is a real challenge to many conventional surveying methods. Our paper discusses the investigation of several data acquisition technologies, such as arm scanner, structured light scanner, terrestrial laser scanner, object line-scanner, DSLR camera, and mobile phone camera. A palm-sized embossed sculpture reproduction was used as a test object; it has been surveyed by all the instruments. The result point clouds and meshes were then analyzed, using the arm scanner’s dataset as reference. In addition to general statistics, the results have been evaluated based both on 3D deviation maps and 2D deviation graphs; the latter allows even more accurate analysis of the characteristics of the different data acquisition approaches. Additionally, own-developed local minimum maps were created that nicely visualize the potential level of detail provided by the applied technologies. Besides the usual geometric assessment, the paper discusses the different resource needs (cost, time, expertise) of the discussed techniques. Our results proved that even amateur sensors operated by amateur users can provide high quality datasets that enable engineering analysis. Based on the results, the paper contains an outlook to potential future investigations in this field.
LOW COST MULTI-SENSOR ROBOT LASER SCANNING SYSTEM AND ITS
ACCURACY INVESTIGATIONS FOR INDOOR MAPPING APPLICATION
Authors: Chen C. , Zou X. , Tian M. , Li J. , Wu W. , Song Y. , Dai W. , Yang B.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. In order to solve the automation of 3D indoor mapping task, a low cost multi-sensor robot laser scanning system is proposed in this paper. The multiple-sensor robot laser scanning system includes a panorama camera, a laser scanner, and an inertial measurement unit and etc., which are calibrated and synchronized together to achieve simultaneously collection of 3D indoor data. Experiments are undertaken in a typical indoor scene and the data generated by the proposed system are compared with ground truth data collected by a TLS scanner showing an accuracy of 99.2% below 0.25 meter, which explains the applicability and precision of the system in indoor mapping applications.
TOWARDS A FAST, LOW-COST INDOOR MAPPING AND POSITIONING SYSTEM
FOR CIVIL PROTECTION AND EMERGENCY TEAMS
Authors: Angelats E. , Navarro J. A.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Civil protection and emergency teams work usually under very risky conditions that endanger their lives. One of the factors contributing to such risks is the lack of knowledge about their physical environment, especially when working indoors. Mapping and location indoor and outdoor technologies exist; for outdoors, very good levels of precision and accuracy may be obtained using offthe- shelf equipment; on the other side, and although good solutions for indoor environments are available, these require some extra pre-deployed infrastructure in the area to navigate, which is unacceptable in the case of emergency teams. It may be said, then, that no mature indoor + outdoor integrated solution providing the appropriate precision and accuracy for the purposes of emergency teams exist. In this paper, the assessment of a set of currently available sensors (IMUs, RGB-D cameras, GNSS receivers) and algorithms is presented to show that it is already possible to build such a solution relying on them – providing that appropriate (indoor) lightning and texture conditions exist.
From wake steering to flow control
Authors: Fleming Paul , Annoni Jennifer , Churchfield Matthew , Martinez Luis , Gruchalla Kenny , Lawson Michael , Moriarty Patrick
Published: November 2017

Abstract. In this paper, we investigate the role of flow structures generated in wind farm control through yaw misalignment. A pair of counter-rotating vortices are shown to be important in deforming the shape of the wake and in explaining the asymmetry of wake steering in oppositely signed yaw angles. We motivate the development of new physics for control-oriented engineering models of wind farm control, which include the effects of these large-scale flow structures. Such a new model would improve the predictability of control-oriented models. Results presented in this paper indicate that wind farm control strategies, based on new control-oriented models with new physics, that target total flow control over wake redirection may be different, and perhaps more effective, than current approaches. We propose that wind farm control and wake steering should be thought of as the generation of large-scale flow structures, which will aid in the improved performance of wind farms.
Nietzsche and the Art of Cruelty
Authors: Parmer W. Jared
Published: November 2017

This article explains Nietzsche's high regard for cruelty. After offering a conceptual analysis of cruel acts, it argues that they are an apt means of expressing one's power, drawing from work on Nietzsche's psychological views and doctrine of the will to power to do so. In addition to the benefit that perpetrators of cruelty can enjoy in virtue of expressing their power, victims, by enduring cruelty, can cultivate qualities essential to overcoming the terrible truths of existence. Finally, central to most of Nietzsche's remarks on the matter, self-directed cruelty has deep connections with the process of sublimation, which makes possible greater and more varied modes of life. In light of this picture, the liberal equation of suffering with harm becomes questionable, as does the insistence that cruelty deprives an individual of her agency. Self-cruelty, in particular, comes to look like one of the best expressions of agency.
Creating Artistry: Pathways to Teacher Growth in a Professional Development Short Course
Authors: Shaw Julia T.
Published: November 2017

This collective case study explored the efficacy of a short-course professional development format for fostering music teachers’ professional growth. Data generated with 2 professional development providers and 7 participants in a 7-day workshop for teacher-conductors offered insights into how the short course prompted teachers’ reflection and catalyzed changes in their practice. Themes revolved around participants’ evolving visions of the teacher-conductor role, personal risks associated with teacher reflection, and enabling conditions supporting teachers’ professional growth. Profiles of individual teacher-learners’ varied growth trajectories during the short course illustrated the complex, nonlinear, and idiosyncratic nature of teachers’ professional growth. Implications for professional development meeting the needs of experienced music educators are discussed based on these findings.
Gryzelda Wiśniowiecka: Ordynat and Kingmaker, A Woman in the Political Life of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth
Authors: Doucette Siobhan
Published: November 2017

This article focuses on Gryzelda Wiśniowiecka (1623–1672) and her previously unexplored influence on the political life of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth; notably the 1669 royal election of Michał Korybut Wiśniowiecki. Wiśniowiecka was the first female citizen of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth to administer an Ordynacja in her own right and the first to see her son elected king. This article argues that Wiśniowiecka achieved these distinctions by capitalizing on the political divisions in the country between the “magnates,” who often associated with foreign rulers, and the szlachta majority, who feared that foreign influences, centralization, and even absolutism were replacing the republicanism and egalitarianism which they associated with the Commonwealth. By juxtaposing Wiśniowiecka’s political activism with that of her sister-in-law, Maria Kazimiera, different ways in which women could exert power in the Commonwealth emerge.
“Poland is Not Yet Lost”: The Tadeusz Kościuszko Polish Armed Unit in Canada 1941–1942
Authors: Murphy-Gemmill Lisa Marie
Published: November 2017

In 1941, the Polish government-in-exile, in conjunction with the Canadian government, created a training camp for Polish nationals and Polish Americans in Owen Sound, Ontario. The Tadeusz Kościuszko Polish Armed Unit was meant to train thousands of men to help free Europe from tyranny. However, the camp failed to recruit as many individuals as expected and closed by spring of 1942. Despite this military disappointment, the camp was a socio-cultural success. The residents of Owen Sound welcomed the Polish men into their homes and churches. Some men returned to take root in the city and married locals. Those who did not return remained in the hearts of the citizens.
Greek Teachers’ Perceptions about Citizenship and Its Functionality as Educational Tool in the Classroom
Authors: Tsiougkou Eirini , Tsioumis Konstantinos , Kyridis Argyris
Published: November 2017

We are moving into an era of intense economic, social and political crisis, where the need of active and critically thinking citizens is imperative. Teachers play a key role in the transmission of knowledge, values and skills which are essential for students to become effective citizens. The aim of the study is to investigate teachers’ perceptions about citizenship and its functionality as educational tool in the classroom. Specifically I investigated their views on citizenship, on citizenship education and on ways of teaching citizenship, as well as, on the objectives of citizenship education that they consider as important. Finally, I examined the frequency with which they perform certain actions in their classroom. The survey was conducted in the spring of 2016 using a questionnaire with closed questions. In our research took part 183 Greek primary school teachers.
Askim-tunets kronologi. En tillämpad bayesiansk analys
Authors: Herschend Frands
Published: November 2017

The chronology of the Askimtun. An applied Bayesian analysisIn order to show its potential, this article introduces a non-intuitive chronological Bayesian analysis of the pre Roman Iron Age settlement site at Askim Church in Østfold, Norway. The archaeological background is provided by an article by Grethe Bjørkan Bukkemoen (2015). The calibration program used to perform the Bayesian analyses is BCal (Buck m.fl. 1999). The analysis suggests that the settlement commences in the early part of the 3rd c. BCE and comes to an end in the early part of the 1st BCE. Presently, its continuation during the Roman Iron Age is unknown. The main part of the analysis concerns the dating of the houses 1:1 and 1:2 which overlap each other – House 1:1 being the older of the two. The time gap between the two buildings seems too large to be filled by the adjacent House 2, which is younger than House 1:1 and older than House 1:2. In the discussion the chronological analysis is used to corroborate and develop Bukkemoen’s discussion on the pre Roman Iron Age farm house as a social agent. It is suggested that the pre Roman Iron Age house, which initially is determined by the subsistence landscape, is replaced by the late pre Roman Iron Age house, which in its turn defines the subsistence landscape.
Flatmarksmiler i Vestnes fra yngre jernalder og middelalder
Authors: Eidshaug Jo Sindre P. , Dahle Kristoffer
Published: November 2017

Charcoal kilns in Vestnes from the Late Iron Age and Middle AgesThis paper presents the first potential evidence of charcoal production prior to AD 1200 in Møre og Romsdal. During a recent archaeological survey, 16 charcoal deposits from the Late Iron Age and Middle Ages were discovered in the municipality of Vestnes. The authors argue that these deposits should be interpreted as charcoal kilns. Contrary to the common tradition in Late Iron Age and Medieval Norway of burning charcoal in pits, the new data suggest that charcoal was manufactured in charcoal kilns above the ground level, rather than in pits, prior to AD 1200 in Møre og Romsdal.
Dinámicas identitarias en el Mundo Actual: la religión como identidad frente al otro.
Authors: Ruiz Andrés Rafael , Fernández Vallina Francisco Javier
Published: November 2017

Los procesos experimentados por la modernidad y la posmodernidad han ido resquebrajando los discursos utilizados para la configuración identitaria. Si en un pasado cercano las ideologías y las creencias eran utilizadas como base de las identidades, los acontecimientos de los últimos años (muy especialmente el 11S) nos fuerzan a reflexionar sobre el nuevo rostro del mundo. Tras el descrédito de las identidades históricas, surge una pugna por la definición identitaria en la que el factor religioso juega un papel fundamental. A modo de conclusión se expone una reflexión sobre cómo poder vivir en esta búsqueda identitaria sin convertir a la identidad, especialmente la religiosa, en una trinchera frente al otro.

The Modernity and Posmodernity processes have deeply damaged the identity configuration discourses. Ideologies and beliefs were used in the historical tradition as the basis of identities. However, the recent events (especially 11S) force us to reflect on the new face of the world and its particular dynamics. After the historical identities discredit, a struggle between different posibilities of cultural identity arises: a process in which the religious factor plays a fundamental role. Finally, we will think about living in this identity search without converting our self-definitions, especially religious identity, into a trench against the other.
‘Typically Norwegian to be impolite.’ Impoliteness according to whom?
Authors: Rygg Kristin
Published: November 2017

This article discusses claims by immigrants in Norway that Norwegians are impolite from the book entitled, Typically Norwegian to Be Impolite? (Aambø, 2005). These claims are compared with other sources and discussed using theories primarily from linguistic politeness research. The overall aim of the article is to add to the limited research on (im)politeness in Norway and to increase awareness of Norwegian behavioural and communicative norms about (im)politeness. The study finds that some of the behaviour that foreigners deem impolite is considered impolite by many Norwegians too. Other behaviour, it is suggested, is not generated by indifference to politeness or an intent to be impolite, but rather, the opposite: to show consideration through a ‘distance rule of politeness’ that respects others’ autonomy and personal space. Concrete manifestations are not disturbing people with excessive talk, especially those one does not know well; not disturbing people with things one can manage on one’s own; not disturbing people by taking up their time; and, for shop assistants, not disturbing customers who have not asked for help. Verbal forms of politeness become less important when it is considered more polite not to talk at all unless one has something ‘proper’ (i.e. truthful, informational) to say.
From Expert to Novice? The Influence of Management by Documents on Teachers’ Knowledge Base and Norms
Authors: Krantz Joakim , Fritzén Lena
Published: November 2017

The aim of this study is to reveal how teachers experience the effects of management by documents in their professional practice. Approximately one hundred primary school teachers were asked to describe their daily teaching work with special focus on the demands in terms of the production of documentation. The reports were analysed using a “profession theoretical” model which focuses on the following aspects of professional knowledge: recognition, emotional engagement, and evaluation of and responsibility for one’s own work. The results show that the teachers have experienced that the teaching profession has changed because of fixation on results, and fragmentation has resulted in a decrease in the levels of trust and a feeling that the work is boring. The internal pedagogic discourse is weakened because of the presence of an external legal discourse. Management by documents can thus be a factor that causes a professional regression.
A Comparison of Geodetic and Geologic Rates Prior to Large Strike‐Slip Earthquakes: A Diversity of Earthquake‐Cycle Behaviors?
Authors: Dolan James F. , Meade Brendan J.
Published: November 2017

Comparison of preevent geodetic and geologic rates in three large‐magnitude (Mw = 7.6–7.9) strike‐slip earthquakes reveals a wide range of behaviors. Specifically, geodetic rates of 26–28 mm/yr for the North Anatolian fault along the 1999 MW = 7.6 Izmit rupture are ∼40% faster than Holocene geologic rates. In contrast, geodetic rates of ∼6–8 mm/yr along the Denali fault prior to the 2002 MW = 7.9 Denali earthquake are only approximately half as fast as the latest Pleistocene‐Holocene geologic rate of ∼12 mm/yr. In the third example where a sufficiently long pre‐earthquake geodetic time series exists, the geodetic and geologic rates along the 2001 MW = 7.8 Kokoxili rupture on the Kunlun fault are approximately equal at ∼11 mm/yr. These results are not readily explicable with extant earthquake‐cycle modeling, suggesting that they may instead be due to some combination of regional kinematic fault interactions, temporal variations in the strength of lithospheric‐scale shear zones, and/or variations in local relative plate motion rate. Whatever the exact causes of these variable behaviors, these observations indicate that either the ratio of geodetic to geologic rates before an earthquake may not be diagnostic of the time to the next earthquake, as predicted by many rheologically based geodynamic models of earthquake‐cycle behavior, or different behaviors characterize different fault systems in a manner that is not yet understood or predictable.
Irrigation Signals Detected From SMAP Soil Moisture Retrievals
Authors: Lawston Patricia M. , Santanello Joseph A. , Kumar Sujay V.
Published: November 2017

Irrigation can influence weather and climate, but the magnitude, timing, and spatial extent of irrigation are poorly represented in models, as are the resulting impacts of irrigation on the coupled land‐atmosphere system. One way to improve irrigation representation in models is to assimilate soil moisture observations that reflect an irrigation signal to improve model states. Satellite remote sensing is a promising avenue for obtaining these needed observations on a routine basis, but to date, irrigation detection in passive microwave satellites has proven difficult. In this study, results show that the new enhanced soil moisture product from the Soil Moisture Active Passive satellite is able to capture irrigation signals over three semiarid regions in the western United States. This marks an advancement in Earth‐observing satellite skill and the ability to monitor human impacts on the water cycle.
Propagation of the Semidiurnal Internal Tide: Phase Velocity Versus Group Velocity
Authors: Zhao Zhongxiang
Published: November 2017

The superposition of two waves of slightly different wavelengths has long been used to illustrate the distinction between phase velocity and group velocity. The first‐mode M2 and S2 internal tides exemplify such a two‐wave model in the natural ocean. The M2 and S2 tidal frequencies are 1.932 and 2 cycles per day, respectively, and their superposition forms a spring‐neap cycle in the semidiurnal band. The spring‐neap cycle acts like a wave, with its frequency, wave number, and phase being the differences of the M2 and S2 internal tides. The spring‐neap cycle and energy of the semidiurnal internal tide propagate at the group velocity. Long‐range propagation of M2 and S2 internal tides in the North Pacific is observed by satellite altimetry. Along a 3,400 km beam spanning 24°–54°N, the M2 and S2 travel times are 10.9 and 11.2 days, respectively. For comparison, it takes the spring‐neap cycle 21.1 days to travel over this distance. Spatial maps of the M2 phase velocity, the S2 phase velocity, and the group velocity are determined from phase gradients of the corresponding satellite observed internal tide fields. The observed phase and group velocities agree with theoretical values estimated using the World Ocean Atlas 2013 annual‐mean ocean stratification.
Dynamic Rupture Modeling of the M7.2 2010 El Mayor‐Cucapah Earthquake: Comparison With a Geodetic Model
Authors: Kyriakopoulos C. , Oglesby D. D. , Funning G. J. , Ryan Kenny J.
Published: November 2017

The 2010 Mw 7.2 El Mayor‐Cucapah earthquake is the largest event recorded in the broader Southern California‐Baja California region in the last 18 years. Here we try to analyze primary features of this type of event by using dynamic rupture simulations based on a multifault interface and later compare our results with space geodetic models. Our results show that starting from homogeneous prestress conditions, slip heterogeneity can be achieved as a result of variable dip angle along strike and the modulation imposed by step over segments. We also considered effects from a topographic free surface and find that although this does not produce significant first‐order effects for this earthquake, even a low topographic dome such as the Cucapah range can affect the rupture front pattern and fault slip rate. Finally, we inverted available interferometric synthetic aperture radar data, using the same geometry as the dynamic rupture model, and retrieved the space geodetic slip distribution that serves to constrain the dynamic rupture models. The one to one comparison of the final fault slip pattern generated with dynamic rupture models and the space geodetic inversion show good agreement. Our results lead us to the following conclusion: in a possible multifault rupture scenario, and if we have first‐order geometry constraints, dynamic rupture models can be very efficient in predicting large‐scale slip heterogeneities that are important for the correct assessment of seismic hazard and the magnitude of future events. Our work contributes to understanding the complex nature of multifault systems.
Simulation of Precipitation Extremes Using a Stochastic Convective Parameterization in the NCAR CAM5 Under Different Resolutions
Authors: Wang Yong , Zhang Guang J. , He Yu‐Jun
Published: November 2017

With the incorporation of the Plant‐Craig stochastic deep convection scheme into the Zhang‐McFarlane deterministic parameterization in the Community Atmospheric Model version 5 (CAM5), its impact on extreme precipitation at different resolutions (2°, 1°, and 0.5°) is investigated. CAM5 with the stochastic deep convection scheme (experiment (EXP)) simulates the precipitation extreme indices better than the standard version (control). At 2° and 1° resolutions, EXP increases high percentile (>99th) daily precipitation over the United States, Europe, and China, resulting in a better agreement with observations. However, at 0.5° resolution, due to enhanced grid‐scale precipitation with increasing resolution, EXP overestimates extreme precipitation over southeastern U.S. and eastern Europe. The reduced biases in EXP at each resolution benefit from a broader probability distribution function of convective precipitation intensity simulated. Among EXP simulations at different resolutions, if the spatial averaging area over which input quantities used in convective closure are spatially averaged in the stochastic convection scheme is comparable, the modeled convective precipitation intensity decreases with increasing resolution, when gridded to the same resolution, while the total precipitation is not sensitive to model resolution, exhibiting some degree of scale‐awareness. Sensitivity tests show that for the same resolution, increasing the size of spatial averaging area decreases convective precipitation but increases the grid‐scale precipitation.
Assessing the Impact of Parameter Uncertainty on Modeling Grass Biomass Using a Hybrid Carbon Allocation Strategy
Authors: Reyes J. J. , Tague C. L. , Evans R. D. , Adam J. C.
Published: November 2017

Grasslands play an important role in feeding the growing human population by supporting dairy and livestock production. The purpose of this paper was to improve the representation of carbon (C) allocation processes in ecosystem models, and to understand the sensitivity of simulated grass biomass to model parameters, providing guidance for future environmental change research. We used the Regional Hydro‐Ecologic Simulation System to compare estimates of above and belowground biomass for C allocation strategies based on plant growth, resource use, and a newly developed HYBRID approach that integrates the first two allocation schemes. Observed values of biomass at seven grassland sites are used to compare performance of these three allocation strategies. Partial ranked correlation coefficients are then calculated to assess parameter importance and sensitivity under current and future climate conditions. We found that both resource use and plant growth play a role in simulating dynamic C allocation in grass biomass over time, indicating the need for the HYBRID approach to capture grassland C allocation. Parameter importance was site‐specific under increased temperatures, enhanced carbon dioxide, and changed precipitation. Site‐specific parameter importance also yielded insight into limiting resources (i.e., energy, moisture) at sites and subsequent effects on ecological processes like photosynthesis and allocation. This work increases our understanding of C allocation in ecosystem models related to grasses, and guides what model parameters may require further research.