bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A STATISTICAL STUDY REGARDING THE STATE-OF-THE-ART OF ACTIVE MOTION-ORIENTED ASSISTIVE DEVICES
Authors: Pina Daniel F. , Fernandes António A. , Natal Jorge Renato M. , Mendes Joaquim Gabriel
Published: March 2014

Active orthoses and powered exoskeletons, among other denominations, are devices made to attach to one or several human limbs in order to assist their movement through means of electronically controlled actuators and/or mechanical brakes. The technology developed for these devices can be used in many situations, such as rehabilitation, industrial and general strength enhancement purposes. In order to create a comprehensive state-of-the-art work, several online scientific databases were used to gather articles related to this subject, using the terms "Exoskeleton", "Orthosis", "Orthesis" and "Rehabilitation Robot". This survey resulted in the retrieval of 169 articles. Afterward, a custom database was created to contain, organize and cross the information gathered from each relevant article. This work presents statistical results regarding research development localization, actuation technologies and the man-machine interface. Out of the 123 identified projects/prototypes, 89 are primarily dedicated to rehabilitation activities and 14 refer to strength enhancement. From 2005 onwards, the results show that the DC Motor is the most used, being present in 56% of all the projects and in 47% of mobile devices with weight constraints. The electromyographic sensor is the most used sensor type. By grouping all sensors into physical variable classes, the force-related sensors show a higher number of occurrences. Regarding the localization of the research and development over these devices, the United States of America is the country with the largest dedication, followed by Japan.
Transculturality and the Included Third
Authors: Imbert Patrick
Published: March 2014

Transculturality is principally defined by its relation to multiculturalism and interculturality as the constant invention of relational identity suggesting that the self is in the other and the other is in the self. In the context of “glocalisation,” we no longer seek to resolve the contradictions in one synthesis that results in monoculturalism, founded on the characteristic dualism of modern Nation-State. The possibilities are instead capitalized in the dynamics of what we call the “included third.” We try thus to understand the semiotic codes of diversity by, at the same time, avoiding relativism by recognizing what is undeniable and yet denied by the mediation of the monocultural dictatorships, fundamentalisms, or terrorisms masking murders and genocide either behind the promise of eternity or threat of disappearance. What is undeniable is the fact that people who were once alive are now dead. Inclusion and its strategies require testimony of a cultural memory very different from the disinformation of the official histories, tools in the hands of “lynchers,” those who lynch somebody, as René Girard calls them. Different literary and mediated texts are analyzed from this point of view based on their valorization of the metaphor of the chameleon, that is a very positive capacity to blend in different cultural contexts, in this chapter.
New Priorities and Needs in Distance Education
Authors: Yuzer T. Volkan , Kurubacak Gulsun
Published: March 2014

The main purpose of this chapter is to give information about the Distance Education System at Anadolu University (DESA), which has nearly two million students from diverse backgrounds. By the 1990s, the number of people of postgraduate age employed in Turkey had gradually increased to over 60 percent. The shortage of funds for educational services such as adequate classroom spaces and well-qualified instructors was already creating difficulties across the country. Higher educational institutions of all types had to decide on the principles, which were to guide them in dealing with this tremendous increase in the population. In this context, Anadolu University made provocative recommendations in 1982, defended the Distance Education system as the most appropriate milieu for the continuous education of the postgraduate students of Turkey, established the first College of Open Education in Turkey, and became one of the mega universities in the world. In short, the founding fathers of the Distance Education System of Anadolu University were able to critically analyze new priorities and needs in the area by just thinking big!
Using Plug-Avatars “hhh” Technology Education as Service-Oriented Virtual Learning Environment in Sliding Mode
Authors: Mkrttchian Vardan , Kataev Mikhail , Hwang Wu-Yuin , Bedi Sarabjeet Singh , Fedotova Anna
Published: March 2014

This chapter aims to show the possibilities of the use of plug-avatars “hhh” technology education as a Service-Oriented Virtual Learning Environment (SOVLE) in Sliding Mode (SM). This allows teachers to create an integrated learning environment using tools that have been selected to best meet their academic requirements and individual abilities of each student's full training in the system of Distance Education (DE). The work reported in this chapter engages with all aspects of Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) design and architecture. Thus, created software of plug-avatars “hhh” technology education for SOVLE are applicable for use in DE processes and in virtual research collaboration works at the Astrakhan State University, Tomsk State University of Control System and Radio Electronics (Russian Federation), at HHH University (Australian Federation and the Republic of Armenia), at Rohilkhand University (India), and at National Central University (Taiwan).
“E” is for “Ecology”
Authors: Gundogan M. Banu
Published: March 2014

A promising e-learning system needs to be sustainable; resources should not be damaged or depleted and must continue to serve. Sustainability is not limited to the efficient use of resources; it defines how systems would remain diverse and productive over time. The ecosystem concept, a nature model for sustainability, has been associated with e-learning in recent years. Definitions and models have been presented; however, provisions for permanence and sustainability have not been studied specifically. This chapter presents the results of a study aiming to define sustainable e-learning ecosystems by emphasizing a “no waste” motto. Contributors from different disciplines were asked to define an e-learning ecosystem and analyze waste with reference to sustainability principles. Results denoted some wastes to be inevitable, but provisions with reference to green design methodologies were found to be assistive for e-learning developers to reach the best “no waste” solutions.
Social Presence
Authors: Shen Libi , Chen Irene Linlin
Published: March 2014

Over the years, the advance of technology has changed the ways of instructions in higher education, and new communication trends as well as innovative pedagogy evolved to be reconciled with new technology trends in distance education. What are the major challenges of communication in distance education? This chapter explores how dissertation chairs perceive social presence in online dissertation courses, and what challenges these online instructors have in distance dissertation mentorship. In this study, the authors interviewed eight experienced dissertation chairs to explore their insights and opinions on the effectiveness of social presence in distance dissertation mentorship as well as to examine the controversies hidden in online instructions. Major issues and problems in applying social presence theories in dissertation mentorship emerged from the interview results. Solutions and recommendations are provided to tackle the problems. Future research directions are indicated as well.
Online Teaching
Authors: Blake Canan , Scanlon Eileen
Published: March 2014

This chapter presents a description of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), their brief history and some examples. Then the chapter focuses on online learning and how research on distance education can be used to inform the design of these courses. In particular, the authors consider research in the following areas: improving learner experience, online activities, and assessment.
Exploring Future Seamless Learning Research Strands for Massive Open Online Courses
Authors: de Waard Inge , Keskin Nilgun Ozdamar , Koutropoulos Apostolos
Published: March 2014

This chapter reviews the concept of seamless learning for Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC) based on the distillation of key factors from papers discussing and describing the Mobile Seamless Learning (MSL) concept. The MSL concept was used as a starting point to explore how MOOC could be prepared for seamless learning and to explore future research options. There is a vast area of research to be explored related to seamless learning in MOOC. The authors belief that some of the challenges faced by MOOC, such as “dropout” rates, redefining learning activities to fit diversity of contexts, self-directed learning, collaborative content artifact creation, the mobility of the adult learners, and the “dip-in, jump-out” aspect of participation, can be countered by researching and suggesting seamless learning designs and guidelines that fit both the adult learners and the MOOC realities. Investigating all the elements, challenges and benefits for providing seamless learning in MOOC environments will contribute to the body of knowledge of contemporary online learning.
Development Trends in Economics of Distance Education from the Perspective of New Technologies
Authors: Kesim Eren
Published: March 2014

New and developing technologies influence all societies in the 21st century in which the process of change is experienced intensely. Through the increased routes of access to knowledge and the increased importance of up-to-date information, the needs and expectations of individuals have become more varied. Countries with individuals equipped with new and current information in accordance with the needs of the age have an important competitive advantage in the global economy. The importance of education as a social institution grows every day in this process. In the 21st century understanding of education, which portrays the individual as a value to be developed, many sub-fields of expertise have emerged as educational sciences developed further. Studies in these fields allow for educational institutions to train and raise more qualified people. One area of expertise that guides national educational policies today is distance education. Distance education services provided by emerging technologies provide flexible learning opportunities for all individuals. An important aspect in providing distance education services is the economics of distance education. This chapter studies the economic aspects of distance education services through a general evaluation of emerging technologies with regard to the economics of distance education.
An Alternative Technology
Authors: Cullinane Joanna
Published: March 2014

Recent years have seen massive growth in transnational education, and this appears to have arisen from strategies of risk mitigation among traditional educational institutions (Adam, 2001). The results of this process have been for universities from the UK, Australia, and America, in particular, to enter into partnerships with providers around the world who then deliver the universities' programmes at a distance. A consequence of these developments has been a trend in parts of Higher Education for pursuit of growth in non-traditional market segments to change in focus from distance education and to transnational partner-based modes of delivery. However, rather than taking the view that transnationalisation is displacing distance education, the central argument of the chapter is that this process of transnationalisation could actually be understood as a developing form of distance education itself, and it may be time to widen prevailing definitions of distance education.
Developing an Online Mathematics Methods Course for Preservice Teachers
Authors: Polly Drew
Published: March 2014

This chapter presents the theoretical background and overview of the design of an asynchronous online mathematics pedagogy course taken by graduate students who are seeking their initial teacher certification. The authors provide the theoretical underpinnings for the design of the course, and then using design-based research, describe the refinement of the course over three iterations of designing and implementing the course. Lastly, implications for the design and delivery of asynchronous online courses are discussed.
Major Trends, Issues, and Challenges with Learning Management Systems
Authors: Czerkawski Betul Özkan , Gonzales Dawn Panagiota
Published: March 2014

A Learning Management System (LMS) offers a set of tools for e-learning delivery and management. For institutions offering online or blended courses, an LMS has a profound impact on teaching and learning because it is the main technology used in higher education e-learning courses. This chapter discusses major trends, issues, and challenges with the LMS in the context of online instruction for higher education. The chapter ends with a discussion of new trends with LMSs.
Teamwork Assessment and Self/Peer Evaluation in Higher Education
Authors: Issa Tomayess
Published: March 2014

This chapter examines the challenges and opportunities associated with fostering students' learning skills through teamwork assessment and self/peer evaluation in the Business Technology 2 (BT2) undergraduate unit at an Australian university. This assessment will encourage students to promote skills in teamwork, communication (writing, interpersonal interaction and cultural awareness, and presenting), critical and creative thinking (problem-solving and solving and decision-making), Information Technology literacy, and information literacy, and is intended to increase their self-confidence in both their studies and in the future workforce. This chapter provides empirical evidence from 267 students, based on quantitative and qualitative data derived from two sources. The first consists of anonymous informal feedback collected during the semester, while the second (formal) source of students' evaluations and attitudes towards the BT2 unit and teaching is “eVALUate.” The students indicate that they are satisfied with this form of assessment as it assists them to develop specific skills and understandings, including time management, problem solving, decision-making, cultural awareness, oral presentation, communication, and meeting a deadline.
Using Project-Based Learning to Teach Sustainability Issues to Elementary Students
Authors: Weiland Ingrid , Pokral Elisa , Cook Kristin
Published: March 2014

This chapter describes a project-based learning unit on sustainability that was implemented in a fourth grade classroom by an informal educator (the second author) employed by a local waste management district. Previous instruction by the informal educator consisted of one-hour lessons that were separate units lacking the project-based learning format and transition links. This chapter describes a mixed-method case study in which pre and posttest tests as well as focus group interviews assessed students' learning as a result of participating in a cohesive project-based learning unit designed by the authors. There was a statistically significant change (p<0.05) in students' pre to posttest scores, and focus group interviews indicated that students could elaborate much more deeply on their ideas about sustainability after the program. The authors conclude that project-based learning can support students' understandings of sustainability while providing an engaging and enriching format to informal educator programs.
Pass, Fail, or Incomplete?
Authors: Spence Elizabeth , Wright Tarah , Castleden Heather
Published: March 2014

This chapter investigates the presence and status of environmental education principles, as well as factors for encouraging positive environmental behaviour in students, within three sixth-grade curricula in Nova Scotia, Canada: science, social studies, and health education. The results of the research show a strong reliance on knowledge-based connections to the environment and less importance shown to experiential learning, attitudes, and values. The results also reveal a significant decline in the time and resources allotted to environmentally focused education of these subjects. The effect is a diminished and marginalized environmental education presence in sixth-grade education in Nova Scotia within the context of the Decade of Education for Sustainable Development.
Teaching Sustainability Competencies to High School Students using Small-Scale Community-Based Construction Projects
Authors: Ozbek Mehmet E. , Clevenger Caroline M.
Published: March 2014

This chapter provides case studies for teaching sustainability concepts to high school students, by implementing the service-learning model by way of small-scale, sustainable hands-on construction projects that can be built in a high school shop class. It presents two curriculum tools to assist high school shop teachers develop similar projects. These curriculum tools contain general instructions, as well as suggested “discussion points” to highlight the inherent complexity of sustainability and engage high school students in discussions surrounding sustainability. These tools, entitled “Constructing a Sustainable Great Dane Dog House,” and “Constructing Musical Instrument Stands Utilizing Sustainable Materials,” serve as reference documents for dissemination and distribution to support the development of similar future small-scale community-based sustainable construction projects. By providing case studies, this chapter supports future efforts to integrate sustainability into high school education, encourages further and similar activity development and documentation, and provides a model for promoting leadership and community engagement through service-learning for high school students and beyond. The service-learning activities outlined in the case studies have the potential to meaningfully engage high school students to increase their interest in and knowledge of sustainability.
Teaching Sustainability as a Social Issue
Authors: Shuttleworth Jay M. , Marri Anand R.
Published: March 2014

Many researchers cite living more sustainably as humans' most pressing long-range challenge. Engaging students with the social issues associated with living more sustainably may help to create dialogue about such needs. Unfortunately, despite calls by education researchers for the development of this kind of instruction -- and the apparent need for renewed public discussion on matters like climate change -- very little is known about how teachers deliver instruction on the social issues of sustainability (SIS). Through the research question, “How do teachers implement and assess SIS in a classroom setting?” this chapter reveals findings suggesting that teachers successfully used an SIS approach to spur dialogue among students. These findings show the benefits and ongoing pedagogical challenges of using dialogue as a means to learn about SIS.
Integrating Sustainability within Higher Education
Authors: Stewart Angus W.
Published: March 2014

Many universities teach programs in sustainable energy, but should they be incorporating theories and practice of sustainability across many disciplines? This chapter proposes the argument that institutes of higher education should be primary vehicles of change in our transition towards a sustainable future. It discusses that this can occur at the institutional and curriculum level. Two case studies are presented; integrating concepts of sustainability within a biomedical discipline area and assessing the impact of a College waste recycling program.
The Reinvention of an Unremarkable Building through Adaptive Reuse
Authors: Schneiderman Deborah , Carr Anne L.
Published: March 2014

This chapter addresses the integration of sustainable practice into the interior design studio through the investigation of a grant-sponsored adaptive reuse project. A fourth-year Interior Design studio project afforded the opportunity for exchanged conceptual ideas between students and a sponsoring industry client. The project provided students the opportunity to adapt and reuse a formerly unremarkable bank building, converting it into an innovative office space that meets LEED Silver certification standards. As participants in a sponsored project, the students were provided a unique opportunity to work with, and to be funded by, the client. Evaluations and completed projects indicate that students in the studio learned sustainable values and strategies through this integrated studio approach. The real-world project provided the students experiential knowledge through the implementation of innovative client-centered design and enforced the significance of adaptive reuse as a critical Interior Design practice.
Designing Sustainability Curricula
Authors: Sheehan Madoc
Published: March 2014

Developing an engineering student's awareness of sustainability through the embedding of sustainability curricula is widely considered to be essential to modernising chemical engineering degree programs. In this chapter, the chemical engineering program at James Cook University is used as a case study to illustrate the design and sequencing of embedded curricula associated with developing a students' awareness of sustainability. There are a wide range of examples of skills, techniques, and characteristics associated with developing this awareness. In this chapter, an approach is described whereby a set of generic and interdisciplinary capabilities are developed to provide a degree of flexibility in how sustainability is interpreted and taught. A cognitive learning matrix is utilised as a design tool that facilitates determination of new subject learning outcomes aligned with the sustainability capabilities. A variety of curriculum examples are introduced and described.
Synchronous E-Learning on Rural Sustainability
Authors: Golden Denise M. , Mayer Alex S. , McLaren Brian E. , Dampier Jason E. , Maher Patrick T. , Smith M. A. (Peggy) , Stroink Mirella
Published: March 2014

During this time of heightened awareness of issues related to sustainable development, there has been an explosion and advancement in communication and computer technologies. Merging the study of sustainable development in rural North America with technological innovation is the subject of this chapter. The authors discuss the evolution in education from traditional teaching environments and approaches, to interactive student and instructor learning's via computers and the Internet. The chapter reviews the authors' experience in a synchronous e-learning course on rural sustainability over a large geographic area, including the technology and technological challenges, working with diverse cultures, languages and academic disciplines, benefits and lessons learned.
Intercultural Communication and Sustainable Leadership
Authors: Kostoulas-Makrakis Nelly
Published: March 2014

The environmental, economic, and social crises we are increasingly confronted with locally and globally, including climate change, ozone depletion, biodiversity loss, and also economic and social issues, such as poverty, social inequalities, violation of human rights, gender inequalities, loss of indigenous knowledge, etc. call for changes in the ways we think, work, and act. In this context, a course dealing with intercultural communication and sustainable leadership that is part of a M.Sc. programme on ICT in Education for Sustainable Development has been developed and is studied in this chapter. The course puts emphasis on the most urgent and critical social, environmental, and economic challenges facing the world and explores how leaders from education, business, government and civil society are responding to global/local sustainability challenges. In particular, it elaborates on the nature of sustainability leadership and how it can contribute to transformational change. It does this by locating sustainability within the leadership literature and presenting a model of sustainability leadership that integrates three complementary types of leadership, namely: distributed; entrepreneurial and transformational. The course also examines the importance of sustainable leadership practices within organisations (e.g. schools, business, NGOs, public) and assess the potential benefits if institutions are more actively engaged in sustainable leadership practices. It explores how intercultural communication can contribute to positive change for sustainability and discusses that new theoretical frameworks are needed to better understand effective transformational leadership. It also elaborates how cultural orientations and intercultural communication competence affect the full range leadership framework and transformational leadership dimensions. This course is delivered through a Virtual Learning Management System (VLMS) based on Moodle open LMS.
Landslide susceptibility on selected slopes in Dzanani, Limpopo Province, South Africa
Authors: Diko Makia L. , Banyini Shallati C. , Monareng Batobeleng F.
Published: March 2014

Inherent soil properties and anthropogenic activities on slope faces are considered potential recipes for landslide occurrence. The objectives of this study were to physically characterise unconsolidated soils and identify on-going anthropogenic activities on selected slopes in Dzanani in order to appraise their role as contributory factors in enhancing landslide susceptibility. Methods employed for this study comprised mapping, description of soil profile, identification of anthropogenic activities, as well as experimental determination of soil colour, particle size distribution and Atterberg limits. Geologically, the study area comprised rocks of the Fundudzi, Sibasa and Tshifhefhe Formations, ascribed to the Soutpansberg Group. Digging of foundations for construction purposes and subsistence agriculture were identified as the main anthropogenic activities. The soils were predominantly reddish-yellow in colour, texturally variable (silty clay – clayey – silty clay loam and clay loam) and of medium plasticity. Compared to soils from other parts of the world developed on volcanic cones or associated with a landslide event, those from Dzanani were qualified as generally inactive and not prone to landslides. Although the physical attributes suggested the soils were not at a critical state, on-going anthropogenic activities may enhance deep weathering and ultimately alter current soil physical characteristics to a critical state.
Estimation of Fitness of Normal and Stylopized Paddy Pest, White Leafhopper Cofana spectra (Distant) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), in West Bengal, India through Correlation of Life History Traits
Authors: Mitra Sangita , Harsha Rupa , Hazra Niladri , Mazumdar Abhijit
Published: March 2014

The assessment of the morphological and reproductive features of white rice leafhopper Cofana spectra (Distant) was carried out using selected characters that bear importance in determining the fitness at the individual and population levels. Morphometric measurements of the individuals reared in the laboratory as normal and stylopized with the strepsipteran parasitoid, Halictophagus australensis Perkins, were recorded and analyzed. A t-test was performed to justify whether parasitization by H. australensis affected the traits. Correlations and regression analyses were carried out to deduce the difference in relative importance of the morphological features in the life history of C. spectra and their variation because of stylopization by H. australensis. A principal component analysis (PCA) was applied on the morphometric data to further substantiate the difference observed in the traits. In case of stylopized white leafhopper (WLH), fecundity was inhibited almost completely irrespective of seasons. The effect of stylopization on the life history traits of C. spectra has been noted that supports its possible use in biocontrol.
Attitude of Maternity Staff Regarding Episiotomies in an African Rural Hospital with High HIV Prevalence: A Descriptive Qualitative Study
Authors: Héman Laura M. , van der Linden Paul J. Q. , Stigter Rob H.
Published: March 2014

In a typical sub-Saharan African rural hospital, maternity staff seems to avoid episiotomies. The aim of this research is to develop a deeper understanding in the attitude of maternity staff regarding episiotomies. We used a descriptive qualitative approach: interviews, written questionnaires, and a group discussion. All methods showed strong reservations toward episiotomies among staff members. Most staff members have been trained to be very restrictive concerning episiotomies to prevent the transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). As a result of training and hence changing attitudes, the use of episiotomies is limited in all patients; even when strong indications are present and sometimes regardless of HIV status. This might increase the number of neonatal deaths.
Optimising neuroimaging effectiveness in a district general hospital
Authors: McCarron MO , Wade C , McCarron P
Published: March 2014

Background: Diagnostic accuracy in neurology frequently depends on clinical assessment and neuroimaging interpretation. We assessed neuroimaging discrepancy rates in reported findings between general radiologists and neuroradiologists among patients from a district general hospital (DGH).

Methods: A neuroradiologist’s report was sought on selected DGH patients over 28 months. Pre-planned outcomes included comparisons of primary findings (main diagnosis or abnormality), secondary findings (differential diagnoses and incidental findings) and advice from neuroradiologists for further investigations.

Results: A total of 233 patients (119 men and 114 women), mean age 47.2 (SD 17.8) years were studied: 43 had a computed tomography (CT) brain scan only, 37 had CT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and 153 had only MRI scans. Discrepancies in the primary diagnosis/abnormality were identified in 33 patients (14.2%). This included 7 of 43 patients (16.3%) who had a CT brain scan as their only neuroimaging. Secondary outcomes differed in 50 patients (21.5%). Neuroradiologists recommended further neuroimaging for 29 patients (12.4%). The most common discrepancies in the primary diagnosis/abnormality were misinterpreting normal for hippocampal sclerosis and missed posterior fossa lesions. There was no evidence of temporal changes in discrepancy rates.

Conclusions: Selecting CT and MR neuroimaging studies from general hospitals for reviewing by neuroradiologists is an important and effective way of optimising management of neurological patients.
Urticaria and angioedema
Authors: Spickett G
Published: March 2014

Urticaria, also known as hives, and angioedema, where the swelling occurs below the skin instead of on the skin, are extremely common but there is a misconception that the most likely cause is an allergic reaction. Chronic urticaria in particular is rarely due to allergy. Equally for angioedema, many will consider the exceptionally rare hereditary angioedema (HAE), but in fact other medical causes are the most likely, in particular the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACE-I) drugs. Approximately 3–5% of patients receiving ACE-I will develop angioedema at some time in the course of their treatment.1 Stress is a major contributor to both chronic urticaria and recurrent angioedema. Treatment needs to focus on the use of long-acting, non-sedating, antihistamines. Corticosteroids may be used acutely but not long term.
The demise of bloodletting
Authors: Thomas DP
Published: March 2014

Bloodletting was a practice favoured by doctors and barber-surgeons for many centuries, and is now, perhaps surprisingly, still employed for a few specific indications. The effectiveness of bloodletting for treating diseases such as pneumonia was convincingly challenged in the mid-nineteenth century, but medical conservatism ensured the practice continued well into the twentieth century. As late as 1942, a famous medical textbook considered bloodletting appropriate treatment for pneumonia.
Tax Competition and the Determination of the Quality of Public Goods
Authors: Abdessalam A.H. Ould , Kamwa Eric
Published: March 2014

In this paper, the author analyzes the behavior of local governments in capital taxation when the financial choices in terms of the quality of public goods are made done by a central planner. More specifically, he asks the question of whether a local government has an interest in taxing the mobile factor in addition to the tax on representative households. Through a comparison of social welfare given the strategies chosen by local governments, the author shows that whatever the quality and cost of public goods, a local government always has an interest in taxing the mobile factor. This leads to a Nash equilibrium in the dominant strategy in their model.
Trends in stratospheric ozone derived from merged SAGE II and Odin-OSIRIS satellite observations
Authors: Bourassa A. E. , Degenstein D. A. , Randel W. J. , Zawodny J. M. , Kyrölä E. , McLinden C. A. , Sioris C. E. , Roth C. Z.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. Stratospheric ozone profile measurements from the Stratospheric Aerosol and Gas Experiment (SAGE) II satellite instrument (1984–2005) are combined with those from the Optical Spectrograph and InfraRed Imager System (OSIRIS) instrument on the Odin satellite (2001–Present) to quantify interannual variability and decadal trends in stratospheric ozone between 60° S and 60° N. These data are merged into a multi-instrument, long-term stratospheric ozone record (1984–present) by analyzing the measurements during the overlap period of 2002–2005 when both satellite instruments were operational. The variability in the deseasonalized time series is fit using multiple linear regression with predictor basis functions including the quasi-biennial oscillation, El Niño-Southern Oscillation index, solar activity proxy, and the pressure at the tropical tropopause, in addition to two linear trends (one before and one after 1997), from which the decadal trends in ozone are derived. From 1984–1997, there are statistically significant negative trends of 5–10% per decade throughout the stratosphere between approximately 30–50 km. From 1997–present, a statistically significant recovery of 3–8% per decade has taken place throughout most of the stratosphere with the notable exception between 40° S–40° N below approximately 22 km where the negative trend continues. The recovery is not significant between 25–35 km altitude when accounting for a conservative estimate of instrument drift.
A climatology of dust emission events from northern Africa using long-term surface observations
Authors: Cowie S. M. , Knippertz P. , Marsham J. H.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. Long-term (1984–2012) surface observations from 70 stations in the Sahara and Sahel are used to explore the diurnal, seasonal and geographical variations in dust emission events and thresholds. The frequency of dust emission (FDE) is calculated using the present weather codes of SYNOP reports. Thresholds are estimated as the wind speed for which there is a 50% probability of dust emission and are then used to calculate strong wind frequency (SWF) and dust uplift potential (DUP), where the latter is an estimate of the dust-generating power of winds. Stations are grouped into six coherent geographical areas for more in-depth analysis. FDE is highest at stations in Sudan and overall peaks in spring north of 23° N. South of this, where stations are directly influenced by the summer monsoon, the annual cycle in FDE is more variable. Thresholds are highest in northern Algeria, lowest in the latitude band 16–21° N and have greatest seasonal variations in the Sahel. Spatial variability in thresholds partly explain spatial variability in frequency of dust emission events on an annual basis. However, seasonal variations in thresholds for the six grouped areas are not the main control on seasonal variations in FDE. This is demonstrated by highly correlated seasonal cycles of FDE and SWF which are not significantly changed by using a fixed, or seasonally varying, threshold. The likely meteorological mechanisms generating these patterns such as low-level jets and haboobs are discussed.
Trends in particle phase liquid water during the Southern Oxidant and Aerosol Study
Authors: Nguyen T. K. V. , Petters M. D. , Suda S. R. , Carlton A. G.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. We present in situ measurements of particle phase liquid water. Measurements were conducted 3 June to 15 July 2013 during the Southern Oxidant and Aerosol Study in the southeastern US. The region is dominated by biogenic emissions, impacted by anthropogenic pollution, photochemically active, humid, and known to contain high concentrations of organic aerosol mass. Measurements characterized mobility number size distributions of ambient atmospheric aerosols in three states: unperturbed, dry, and dry-humidified. Unperturbed measurements describe the aerosol distribution at ambient temperature and relative humidity. For the dry state, the sample was routed through a cold trap upstream of the inlet then re-heated, while for the dry-humidified state the sample was re-humidified after drying. The total volume of water and semi-volatile compounds lost during drying was quantified by differencing dry and unperturbed volumes from the integrated size spectra, while semi-volatile volumes were quantified differencing unperturbed and dry-humidified volumes. Results indicate that liquid water was always present. Water mass concentrations typically ranged from 1 to 5 μg m−3, but were as high as 73 μg m−3. Hygroscopic growth factors followed a diel cycle and exceed two from 07:00 to 09:00 LT. The hygroscopicity parameter kappa ranged from 0.14 to 0.46 and hygroscopicity increased with increasing particle size. An observed diel cycle in kappa indicates that aerosol composition systematically changed on time scales of a few hours and influenced particle phase liquid water mass concentrations. Unperturbed and dry-humidified aerosol volumes did not result in statistically discernible differences, demonstrating that drying did not lead to large losses in dry particle volume. We anticipate that our results will help improve the representation of aerosol water content and aqueous phase mediated partitioning of atmospheric photochemical models.
Extreme haze pollution in Beijing during January 2013: chemical characteristics, formation mechanism and role of fog processing
Authors: Huang K. , Zhuang G. , Wang Q. , Fu J. S. , Lin Y. , Liu T. , Han L. , Deng C.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. Severe haze hovered over large areas of China in January 2013 right after the public release of PM2.5 data of major cities in China at the very first time. This historical severe haze emerged over the northern China with monthly average concentrations of PM2.5, SO2, and NO2 exceeding 225, 200, and 80 μg m−3, respectively. Surface aerosol mean concentration of Beijing in January 2013 reached record high (only slightly lower than 2006) compared to historical data from 2003–2012, but with the largest daily fluctuation. Anomalous meteorological conditions in 2013 compared to the mean climatology from 2007–2012 were especially favorable for the formation of haze, such as higher humidity, lower temperature, lower PBL height, lower wind speed, and the high frequency of fog occurrences. The field campaign in Beijing showed an extremely high PM2.5 average concentration of 299.2 ± 79.1μg m−3 with extremely low visibility of 0.92 ± 0.82 km during an episode of high relative humidity with fog events. High AOD (Aerosol Optical Depth) was observed during fog days but with relatively low Angstrom exponent (< 1.0), suggesting the modification of fog processing on the particle size. Major aerosol chemical species, such as SO42−, NO3−, NH4+, Cl−, K+, and C2O42− presented an explicit exponential growth relationship with relative humidity, suggesting the significant impact of aerosol hygroscopicity on the visibility impairment. SO42− increased ∼5 folds while NO3−, NH4+, and C2O42− increased ∼3 folds in the fog days compared to the non-fog days. Aerosol in fog days was much more acidic than that in non-fog days. The in situ aerosol pH ranged from −0.78 to 0.14 in fog days based on the E-AIM model simulation. Bisulfate (HSO42−) accounted for 52% of the total sulfate and free hydrogen ion (H+Aq) accounted for 27% of the total acids in average. Enhanced coal combustion during the winter heating season along with traffic and industrial emissions were recognized to be the major causes for this severe haze. Fog processing was found to be the major pathway of producing extremely high yields of secondary inorganic aerosol and impacting the neutralization process (i.e. aerosol acidity) in this study.
Aircraft testing of the new Blunt-body Aerosol Sampler (BASE)
Authors: Moharreri A. , Craig L. , Dubey P. , Rogers D. C. , Dhaniyala S.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. There is limited understanding of aerosol role in the formation and modification of clouds partly due to inadequate data on such systems. Aircraft-based aerosol measurements in the presence of cloud particles has proven to be challenging because of the problem of cloud-droplet/ice-particle shatter and the generation of secondary artifact particles that contaminate aerosol samples. Recently, design of a new aircraft inlet, called the blunt-body aerosol sampler (BASE), which enables sampling of interstitial aerosol particles, was introduced. Numerical modeling results and laboratory test data suggested that the BASE inlet should sample interstitial particles with minimal shatter particle contamination. Here, the sampling performance of the inlet is established from aircraft-based measurements. Initial aircraft test results obtained during the PLOWS campaign indicated two problems with the original BASE design: separated flows around the BASE at high altitudes; and a significant shatter problem when sampling in drizzle. The test data was used to improve the accuracy of flow and particle trajectory modeling around the inlet, and the results from the improved flow model informed several design modifications of BASE to overcome the problems identified from its initial deployment. The performance of the modified BASE was tested during the ICE-T campaign and the inlet was seen to provide near shatter-free measurements in a wide range of cloud conditions. The initial aircraft test results, design modifications, and the performance characteristics of BASE relative to another interstitial inlet, the sub-micron aerosol inlet (SMAI), are presented.
Microbial biomass and basal respiration in Sub-Antarctic and Antarctic soils in the areas of some Russian polar stations
Authors: Abakumov E. , Mukhametova N.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. Antarctica is the unique place for pedological investigations. Soils of Antarctica have been studied intensively during the last century. Antarctic logistic provides the possibility to scientists access the terrestrial landscapes mainly in the places of polar stations. That is why the main and most detailed pedological investigations were conducted in Mc Murdo Valleys, Transantarctic Mountains, South Shetland Islands, Larsemann hills and Schirmacher Oasis. Investigations were conducted during the 53rd and 55th Russian Antarctic expeditions on the base of soil pits and samples collected in Sub-Antarctic and Antarctic regions. Soils of diverse Antarctic landscapes were studied with aim to assess the microbial biomass level, basal respiration rates and metabolic activity of microbial communities. The investigation conducted shows that soils of Antarctic are quite different in profile organization and carbon content. In general, Sub-Antarctic soils are characterized by more developed humus (sod) organo-mineral horizons as well as the upper organic layer. The most developed organic layers were revealed in peat soils of King-George Island, where its thickness reach even 80 cm. These soils as well as soils under guano are characterized by the highest amount of total organic carbon (TOC) 7.22–33.70%. Coastal and continental soils of Antarctic are presented by less developed Leptosols, Gleysols, Regolith and rare Ornhitosol with TOC levels about 0.37–4.67%. The metabolic ratios and basal respiration were higher in Sub-Antarctic soils than in Antarctic ones which can be interpreted as result of higher amounts of fresh organic remnants in organic and organo-mineral horizons. Also the soils of King-George island have higher portion of microbial biomass (max 1.54 mg g−1) than coastal (max 0.26 mg g−1) and continental (max 0.22 mg g−1) Antarctic soils. Sub-Antarctic soils mainly differ from Antarctic ones in increased organic layers thickness and total organic carbon content, higher microbial biomass carbon content, basal respiration and metabolic activity levels.
Lepiota brunneoincarnata and L. subincarnata: distribution and phylogeny
Authors: Razaq A. , Vellinga E.C. , Ilyas S. , Khalid A.N.
Published: March 2014

An updated phylogeny of the clade of toxic Lepiota species is presented, and new insights in the distribution of L. brunneoincarnata and L. subincarnata are given. Lepiota brunneoincarnata is widespread in Europe and temperate Asia, and L. subincarnata
is now known from Asia, Europe, and North America. Morphological and anatomical descriptions are provided for these two species based on material from the western Himalayan forests in Pakistan, where they are reported for the first time.
Phyllobaeis crustacea sp. nov. from China
Authors: Cao Shunan , Wei Xinli , Zhou Qiming , Wei Jiangchun
Published: March 2014

The lichen-forming fungus genus, Phyllobaeis, is reported for the first time from China. A new crustose species, P. crustacea, is described and illustrated.
Nipponoparmelia perplicata sp. nov. (Parmeliaceae, Ascomycota) from eastern Asia
Authors: Kondratyuk Sergij Ya. , Tschabanenko Svetlana I. , Elix John A. , Oh Soon-Ok , Thell Arne , Hur Jae-Seoun
Published: March 2014

A new species, Nipponoparmelia perplicata described from Korea and Russia, is segregated from N. laevior, from which it differs in having shorter and wider lobes that characteristically turn down towards the margins. The pseudocyphellae are inconspicuous, positioned along
the lobe margins or on the underside. An improved description of N. pseudolaevior is presented, including new data on isidia with illustrations. A key to Korean Nipponoparmelia species is provided.
Two new species of Spadicoides from southern China
Authors: Xia Ji-Wen , Ma Li-Guo , Ma Jian , Zhang Xiu-Guo
Published: March 2014

Spadicoides bawanglingensis sp. nov. and S. longchiensis sp. nov. are described and illustrated from plant debris in natural areas of southern China. The type specimens are deposited in HSAUP (Herbarium of Department of Plant Pathology, Shandong Agricultural University)
and HMAS (Mycological Herbarium, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences).
Craterium corniculatum sp. nov. from northwestern China
Authors: Zhang Bo , Li Yu
Published: March 2014

Craterium corniculatum is a new species collected in Gansu Province, China, characterized by horned sporophores and warted spores. We provide a morphological description, illustrations, and a key to the 17 Craterium species. The specimens were deposited in the Herbarium
of Mycological Institute of Jilin Agricultural University (HMJAU), Changchun, China.