bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Geometric Field of View on Stereoscopic Spatial Judgments
Authors: Banton Peter , Thompson Peter , Quinlan Philip T.
Published: February 2006

Within a stereoscopic display the field of view (FOV) was held constant at 13.86Mo while the geometric field of view (GFOV) was varied across four levels: 0Mo (parallel), 13.86Mo (veridical), 50Mo and 100Mo. Participants performed a distance-matching task where they adjusted the distance of a standard track from the centre of the display to match the distance of a target track from the same point. The results indicated that while the least error occurred in the veridical GFOV condition, small variations of GFOV away from the veridical have little effect. Large differences between FOV and GFOV (36Mo and 86Mo) increased errors markedly. A trend toward better performance in the veridical GFOV condition relative to the parallel GFOV condition suggests that the use of linear perspective information in a stereoscopic display may facilitate more accurate spatial perception. Actual or potential applications of this work include stereoscopic display design in aviation and non-aviation settings.
Effects of Navigation Speed on Motion Sickness Caused by an Immersive Virtual Environment
Authors: So Richard H. Y. , Lo W. T. , Ho Andy T. K.
Published: February 2006

This study investigated the effects of navigation speed on the level of motion sickness during and after a 30-min head-steered virtual environment. Root-mean-squares for 8 speeds in the fore-and-aft axis were 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 24, 30, and 59 m/s. Participants were 96 Chinese men. Both the nausea and vection ratings increased significantly with speeds increasing from 3 m/s to 10 m/s. At speeds exceeding 10 m/s, the ratings stabilized. Navigation speeds were found to significantly affect the onset times of vection and nausea but did not affect their rates of increase with duration of exposure. For the various Simulator Sickness Questionnaire scores, navigation speed had a significant influence on only the oculomotor subscore. Actual or potential applications of this research include the prediction of sickness associated with simulation tours in a virtual environment at different navigation speeds.
Flying Personal Planes: Modeling the Airport Choices of General Aviation Pilots Using Stated Preference Methodology
Authors: Camasso Michael J. , Jagannathan Radha
Published: February 2006

This study employed stated preference (SP) models to determine why general aviation pilots choose to base and operate their aircraft at some airports and not others. Thirteen decision variables identified in pilot focus groups and in the general aviation literature were incorporated into a series of hypothetical choice tasks or scenarios. The scenarios were offered within a fractional factorial design to establish orthogonality and to preclude dominance in any combination of variables. Data from 113 pilots were analyzed for individual differences across pilots using conditional logit regression with and without controls. The results demonstrate that some airport attributes (e.g., full-range hospitality services, paved parallel taxiway, and specific types of runway lighting and landing aids) increase pilot utility. Heavy airport congestion and airport landing fees, on the other hand, decrease pilot utility. The importance of SP methodology as avehicle for modeling choice behavior and as an input into the planning and prioritization process is discussed. Actual or potential applications include the development of structured decisionmaking instruments in the behavioral sciences and in human service programs.
Cursor Orientation and Computer Screen Positioning Movements
Authors: Phillips James G. , Triggs Tom J. , Meehan James W.
Published: February 2006

Implicit directional cues in arrowhead cursors could influence positioning of a cursor on the screen of the computer. Performance during cursor placement may benefit from compatibilities between cursor orientation and direction of movement. Arrowheads could also elicit illusory processes that may affect judgments of (a) the distances on the screen or (b) the location of the point of the arrowhead. To address the impact of the cursor's orientation on its positioning, we had 12 participants move cursors (crosshairs, leftward, or rightward arrow) leftward or rightward to targets (near, far) on a computer screen. Movement amplitude was more important than cursor orientation for initiation of rightward movements, whereas cursor orientation affected the duration of leftward movements and movements to farther targets. Arrowhead orientation contributed to the greater overshooting of far targets. There was little evidence that compatibility of orientation and direction of movement assisted response initiation or execution, and there was little indication that arrowhead cursors led to illusory effects that influenced cursor placement. Arrowhead cursors can provide irrelevant stimulus dimensions that distract users. This work can be applied to the design of cursors in graphical user interfaces. The use of orientation-neutral cursors or cursors whose stimulus dimensions are more relevant is recommended.
Human Performance Models and Rear-End Collision Avoidance Algorithms
Authors: Brown Timothy L. , Lee John D. , McGehee Daniel V.
Published: February 2006

Collision warning systems offer a promising approach to mitigate rear-end collisions, but substantial uncertainty exists regarding the joint performance of the driver and the collision warning algorithms. A simple deterministic model of driver performance was used to examine kinematics-based and perceptual-based rear-end collision avoidance algorithms over a range of collision situations, algorithm parameters, and assumptions regarding driver performance. The results show that the assumptions concerning driver reaction times have important consequences for algorithm performance, with underestimates dramatically undermining the safety benefit of the warning. Additionally, under some circumstances, when drivers rely on the warning algorithms, larger headways can result in more severe collisions. This reflects the nonlinear interaction among the collision situation, the algorithm, and driver response that should not be attributed to the complexities of driver behavior but to the kinematics of the situation. Comparisons made with experimental data demonstrate that a simple human performance model can capture important elements of system performance and complement expensive human-in-the-loop experiments. Actual or potential applications of this research include selection of an appropriate algorithm, more accurate specification of algorithm parameters, and guidance for future experiments.
Display Signaling in Augmented Reality: Effects of Cue Reliability and Image Realism on Attention Allocation and Trust Calibration
Authors: Yeh Michelle , Wickens Christopher D.
Published: February 2006

This experiment seeks to examine the relationships among three advanced technology features (presentation of target cuing, reliability of target cuing, and level of image reality and the attention and trust given to that information). The participants were 16 military personnel who piloted an unmanned air vehicle and searched for targets camouflaged in terrain, which was presented at two levels of image realism. Cuing was available for some targets, and the reliability of this information was manipulated at two levels (100% and 75%). The results showed that the presence of cuing aided target detection for expected targets but drew attention away from the presence of unexpected targets. Cuing benefits and attentional tunneling were both reduced when cuing became less reliable. Increasing image realism was compelling but increased reliance on the cuing information when those data were reliable. Potential applications include a cost-benefit analysis of how trust modulates attention in the use of automated target recognition systems and the extent to which increased realism may influence this trust.
What Determines Whether Observers Recognize Targeted Behaviors in Modeling Displays?
Authors: Jentsch Florian , Bowers Clint , Salas Eduardo
Published: February 2006

Observational learning is based on a critical assumption that trainees can and do recognize critical modeled behaviors. This assumption has been virtually untested in applied settings. We studied the effects of work experience and instructions on the ability of 59 observers to recognize target behaviors in an observational learning paradigm similar to existing ones. Additionally, we investigated the effects of two key factors that were hypothesized to affect the recognition process in observational learning. The results indicated that only observers who had a minimum of work experience (i.e., intermediate and experienced observers in the study) were able to consistently recognize targeted behaviors. Additionally, recognition was influenced by the level of detail of instructions given to the participants. Finally, characteristics of the modeled behaviors greatly affected recognition: Overall, examples of negative behaviors were better recognized than were positive examples. Behaviors whose consequence was shown were also better recognized than those that were neither reinforced nor punished in the video. The results are discussed in terms of their implications for the design of observational learning as a training strategy in complex and applied social learning situations. The applications of this work include the design of training, and the training of evaluators and observers.
Monitoring Task Loading with Multivariate EEG Measures during Complex Forms of Human-Computer Interaction
Authors: Smith Michael E. , Gevins Alan , Brown Halle , Karnik Arati , Du Robert
Published: February 2006

Electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings were made while 16 participants performed versions of a personal-computer-based flight simulation task of low, moderate, or high difficulty. As task difficulty increased, frontal midline theta EEG activity increased and alpha band activity decreased. A participant-specific function that combined multiple EEG features to create a single load index was derived from a sample of each participant's data and then applied to new test data from that participant. Index values were computed for every 4 s of task data. Across participants, mean task load index values increased systematically with increasing task difficulty and differed significantly between the different task versions. Actual or potential applications of this research include the use of multivariate EEG based methods to monitor task loading during naturalistic computer-based work.
An Evaluation of Warning Habits and Beliefs across the Adult Life Span
Authors: Hancock Holly E. , Rogers Wendy A. , Fisk Arthur D.
Published: February 2006

Beliefs about warnings and habits associated with reading them were assessed for 863 individuals of various ages. Information gathered for various common household products included (a) how frequently people attend to warning information, (b) the degree of risk they believe is involved during product usage, and (c) how important they believe warnings are for different product types. Also assessed were perceived helpfulness and comprehension for symbols commonly found on product labels or on signs in the environment. Respondents 55 years and older reported reading product warnings more frequently than did younger adults, although they generally perceived warnings as less important. However, no overall age-related differences were found for perceived level of risk involved in using different product types. Although older adults generally perceived symbols to be very helpful when using a particular product, their comprehension levels were poorer than those of younger adults for half of the symbols. Overall, these data suggest that adults of all ages do read warnings on a variety of product types and that they believe warning information is important. This research illustrates the importance of including older adults in usability studies during the development of warning systems, given age-related effects may be associated with some aspects of the warning processing but not others.
Configural Display Design Techniques Considered at Multiple Levels of Evaluation
Authors: Bennett Kevin B. , Walters Brett
Published: February 2006

Two studies were conducted to examine issues in the design and evaluation of configural displays. Four design techniques (bar graphs/extenders, scale markers/ scale grids, color coding/color layering/color separation, and annotation with digital values) were applied, alone and in combination, to a baseline configural display, forming 10 displays. Two qualitatively different evaluations assessed performance for (A) low-level data probes (quantitative estimates of individual variables) and (B) system control and fault detection tasks. Three of the four design techniques improved performance significantly for low-level data probes (color coding was the exception). A display with digital values only (i.e., no analog configural display) produced the poorest performance for control/fault detection tasks. When both levels of evaluation are considered, a composite display (configural display with all four techniques applied) was clearly the most effective. Overall, the findings obtained in the two experiments provide very limited evidence for the generalization of results between evaluations. The two levels of evaluation, the display manipulations, and the patterns of results are considered in terms of a cognitive systems engineering evaluation framework. General implications for the evaluation of displays and interfaces are discussed. Actual or potential applications include design techniques to improve graphical displays and methodological insights to focus and improve evaluation efforts.
Nutzbarmachung Genetischer Algorithmen für den automatisierten Entwurf flexibler S-Bahn-Betriebsregime (Using Genetic Algorithms for the Automatic Design of Flexible Timetables in Suburban Railways)
Authors: Albrecht Thomas
Published: February 2006

Eine hohe Wirtschaftlichkeit und Attraktivität von S-Bahnen kann nur bei gleichzeitiger Flexibilisierung der Zugfolgezeiten, des Liniennetzes und der Kapazität der einzelnen Linien erreicht werden. Der unter diesen Voraussetzungen hoch komplexe Entwurf optimaler Betriebsprogramme wird mit Genetischen Algorithmen behandelt und anhand einer Fallstudie für das Szenario einer vollautomatischen S-Bahn Dresden beschrieben.
Schizosaccharomyces pombe Git1 Is a C2-Domain Protein Required for Glucose Activation of Adenylate Cyclase
Authors: Kao Richard S , Morreale Eric , Wang Lili , Ivey F Douglas , Hoffman Charles S
Published: February 2006

Schizosaccharomyces pombe senses environmental glucose through a cAMP-signaling pathway, activating cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA). This requires nine git (glucose insensitive transcription) genes that encode adenylate cyclase, the PKA catalytic subunit, and seven “upstream” proteins required for glucose-triggered adenylate cyclase activation, including three heterotrimeric G-protein subunits and its associated receptor. We describe here the cloning and characterization of the git1+ gene. Git1 is distantly related to a small group of uncharacterized fungal proteins, including a second S. pombe protein that is not functionally redundant with Git1, as well as to members of the UNC-13/Munc13 protein family. Mutations in git1+ demonstrate functional roles for the two most highly conserved regions of the protein, the C2 domain and the MHD2 Munc homology domain. Cells lacking Git1 are viable, but display phenotypes associated with cAMP-signaling defects, even in strains expressing a mutationally activated Gα-subunit, which activates adenylate cyclase. These cells possess reduced basal cAMP levels and fail to mount a cAMP response to glucose. In addition, Git1 and adenylate cyclase physically interact and partially colocalize in the cell. Thus, Git1 is a critical component of the S. pombe glucose/cAMP pathway.
Every Sparrow that Falls to the Ground
Authors: Edwards Denis
Published: February 2006

Contemporary biology presents us with a 3.5 billion year story of life, a story in which there is a great deal of pain, death and extinction of species. For theology, this means an intensification of the old problem of natural evil. This article argues that God does care for individual sparrows. It proposes that we can think of the Spirit of God as being present in love to each creature here and now and of each creature finding redemption in Christ. It explores possible ways of understanding the meaning of redemption for individual sparrows.
Anarchy in the UK? GM Crops, Political Authority and the Rioting of God
Authors: Scott Peter Manley
Published: February 2006

In 2004, the UK government approved the commercial growing of GM maize. This article considers the legitimacy of that decision by exploring for Britain the roots of political experience in liberal society and Christian community. Through an analysis of the different popular responses to genetically based medical therapies and GM foods, the unclear status of nature in liberal thought is highlighted. From there, an account is given of roots of Christian political experience by reference to the resurrection of Christ and the rioting of the Spirit. Drawing on Arendt (1958/1998), the roots of Christian political experience are sourced to actions that are both social and ecological. The legitimacy of the decision to permit the growing of GM maize is then tested against the political authority in Christianity, and is found wanting.
Techno-demonology
Authors: Szerszynski Bronislaw
Published: February 2006

In this paper I argue that an important strand of ecotheology should be an articulated techno-demonology—an understanding of the ways that technologies increasingly confront us as indifferent or malign agencies. Drawing particularly on the New Testament language of spiritual agencies, I consider in turn three necessary components of techno-demonology. First, techno-demonology needs a taxonomic nomenclature, one which ‘names’ techno-demonological phenomena in a manner that reveals the specific ways in which the technologies can stand before us as autonomous powers. As a contribution to this task I distinguish between elementals (stoicheia) and powers (dynameis)—between technical systems which have become treated as ends in themselves, and have thus started to control human action, and technologies whose unanticipated side-effects overwhelm their intended purposes. Second, I suggest that techno-demonology should include an understanding of how such techno-demons arise; I thus give historical explanations for the proliferation of technological elementals and powers in the contemporary world. Finally, I argue that techno-demonology should include the redemptive task of restoring technology to its rightful place in creation.
Fabricated Nature
Authors: Berry R.J.
Published: February 2006

Problems associated with our use of technology have multiplied as the technologies themselves have become ever more powerful and particularly since we can now manipulate life itself. Genetical manipulation encapsulates for many the questions, fears and confusions raised by technological advances. The Prince of Wales’s criticisms of GM have been useful in crystallizing these. Some of the issues he has raised are due to misapprehension (such as the claim that the transfer of genes can only occur ‘naturally’ between organisms that interbreed; this is factually incorrect) but others highlight important topics about the relation between mankind and his environment.
A persisting problem is that this relationship is distorted for us by the dominance of the Enlightenment enterprise that revealed so much about the natural world and its mechanisms. Crucially, this obscures the reality that we are more than mere apes—we are individuals created in God’s image—and that the apparently limitless opportunities that emerge from modern knowledge bring with them enormous responsibilities as well as enormous privileges—responsibilities to others, to our world, and to God. Lacking omniscience, we must accept the discipline of the ‘precautionary principle’ and the inter-dependence of scientific advance and social cohesion. We need wisdom as well as knowledge. In this respect, we can learn hugely from the history of the land which the Creator entrusted to humankind and the treatment of which is described in the older Testament. It teaches us about the limits of any one approach by itself—whether we espouse naturalism (or scientism), regulation, altruism or societal controls. Failure to look beyond ourselves and our own interests is likely to get us no further than an unstable modern version of the Tower of Babel.
Cleft Palate Repair Using a Marginal Musculo-Mucosal Flap
Authors: Ogata Hisao , Nakajima Tatsuo , Onishi Fumio , Tamada Ikkei , Hikosaka Makoto
Published: February 2006

Objective:

To describe a modified procedure consisting of a mucoso-periosteal flap palatoplasty with a marginal musculo-mucosal flap (3M flap). This is also the first report of a primary repair for complete cleft palate using the 3M flap. We describe the lengthening effect of the nasal mucous layer of the soft palate and evaluate the fistula formation rate associated with this method.

Methods:

This procedure has been performed on 21 patients with unilateral complete clefts and on 27 patients with incomplete clefts. A mucoso-periosteal flap raised from the hard palate was used mainly for closure of the cleft and not for the push-back. The 3M flap repaired the deficit of the nasal mucosa, making sure that the soft palate was lengthened. Intravelar veloplasty was performed also.

Results:

The dimension of the nasal mucosal defect that can be filled with the 3M flap is 10 to 12 mm in length, oriented anterior-posterior, and 15 to 20 mm wide. Oronasal fistula formation was recognized in only 3 of 48 cases (2 of 21 complete clefts, 1 of 27 incomplete clefts) and were located at the hard-soft palate junction at the anterior portion of the 3M flap.

Conclusions:

This method has the theoretical advantages of (1) preventing fistula formation by filling the tissue deficiency with the 3M flap; (2) achieving better velopharyngeal function due to elongation of the soft palate and retropulsion of the muscular bundle, utilizing the 3M flap; and (3) minimizing maxillary growth retardation by adopting a non–push-back method of hard palate repair.
Infant Orthopedics Has No Effect on Maxillary Arch Dimensions in the Deciduous Dentition of Children with Complete Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate (Dutchcleft)
Authors: Bongaarts Catharina A. M. , van't Hof Martin A. , Prahl-Andersen Birte , Dirks Iris V. , Kuijpers-Jagtman Anne M.
Published: February 2006

Objective:

Evaluation of the effect of infant orthopedics on maxillary arch dimensions in the deciduous dentition in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate.

Design:

Prospective two-arm randomized controlled clinical trial with three participating cleft palate centers.

Setting:

Cleft palate centers of the Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Academic Center of Dentistry Amsterdam, and University Medical Center Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

Patients:

Children with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate (n = 54) were included.

Interventions:

Patients were randomly divided into two groups. Half of the patients (IO+) had a presurgical orthopedic plate until surgical closure of the soft palate at the age of 52 weeks; the other half (IO−) did not undergo presurgical orthopedics.

Mean outcome measures:

Maxillary arch dimensions were assessed on dental casts at 4 and 6 years of age with measurements for arch width, arch depth, arch length, arch form, and the vertical position of the lesser segment. Contact and collapse were assessed also.

Results:

There were no clinically significant differences found between IO+ and IO− for any of the variables.

Conclusions:

Infant orthopedics had no observable effect on the maxillary arch dimensions or on the contact and collapse scores in the deciduous dentition at the ages of 4 and 6 years. Considering the Dutchcleft results to date, there is no need to perform infant orthopedics for unilateral cleft lip and palate patients.
Interface shear strength variability and its use in reliability-based landfill stability analysis
Authors: Dixon N. , Jones D. R. V. , Fowmes G. J.
Published: February 2006

Failure of modern landfills by slippage of lining materials and waste bodies is not uncommon. The majority of failures are controlled by slippage at interfaces between lining components. Information on variability of interface shear strength is required both to carry out limit equilibrium stability analysis using characteristic shear strengths and to analyse the probability of failure. Current practice is to carry out a limited number of site-specific tests, and this provides insufficient information on the variability of interface strength for design. A summary of measured strengths and an assessment of variability are presented for seven generic interfaces common in landfill lining systems. This combines values from the international literature, from an internal database, and from the results of repeatability testing programmes. The implications of variable shear strength are examined though failure probability analysis for two common design cases – veneer and waste body slippage – and this adds to the small number of studies published previously. The reliability analyses show that relatively high probabilities of failure are obtained when using variability values from the literature and an internal database, even when factors of safety ≥ 1.5. The use of repeatability data produces lower probabilities for typically used factors of safety, although they are still higher than recommended target probability of failure values.
A non-destructive method for testing non-flexible dual geomembrane seams using gas permeation
Authors: Barroso M. , Pierson P. , Lopes M. G.
Published: February 2006

A non-destructive test is proposed to control in situ non-flexible geomembrane seams carried out by means of the thermal hot dual wedge method. It consists in pressurising the gap between the two welds by gas injection at a specific pressure and in monitoring the evolution of pressure over time. The migration of gas across the geomembrane is indicated by a decrease in pressure. A permeation parameter (the time constant) can then be estimated under unsteady-state conditions. Experiments were performed outdoors, under variable ambient conditions, to test the feasibility of the method in field conditions as well as in the laboratory, and under controlled ambient conditions to check the validity of the method. The results show that a poor seam from a mechanical point of view is also a poor seam from a permeation point of view. It is also shown that the non-destructive method presented here may be used in situ to test the entire seam. Hence the test is complementary to peel tests, because it reveals poor seams undetectable by the pressurised dual seam method, in pond applications where non-flexible geomembranes are placed.
Case history of liner veneer instability
Authors: Amaya P. , Queen B. , Stark T. D. , Choi H.
Published: February 2006

Construction conditions experienced during installation of a landfill geocomposite liner system led to two slides on a 3H:1V slope during construction. The landfill was being developed for final disposal of flue gas desulfurization by-product material (FGD). The slides occurred in two different areas of the 3H:1V slope and encompass 10,500 and 20,235 m2 in the Fall of 1996 and Summer of 1997, respectively. The slides developed by movement along the PVC geomembrane/compacted clay liner interface during or shortly after placement of the protective FGD cover material over the drainage sand layer. Laboratory direct shear tests revealed that the shear strength of this interface is sensitive to the moisture content of the exposed compacted clay liner. The direct shear tests revealed reductions in the available shear strength of 35% and 37% for the peak and large displacement values as the compacted clay liner moisture content increased by 8 percentage points. In addition, shear stresses induced by surface traffic activities might result in shear displacements along the interface, which in some cases were large enough to lower the available shear resistance of the geomembrane/compacted clay interface to a post-peak or large displacement value. This paper discusses the slides, direct shear testing, slope stability analyses used to evaluate the mobilized interface shear strength parameters, the relationship between moisture content and geomembrane/compacted clay liner interface strength, and the effect of shear displacement on the mobilized shear strength.
Energy foundations and other thermo-active ground structures
Authors: Brandl H.
Published: February 2006

Energy foundations and other thermo-active ground structures, energy wells, and pavement heating represent an innovative technology that contributes to environmental protection and provides substantial long-term cost savings and minimised maintenance. The paper focuses on earth-contact concrete elements that are already required for structural reasons, but which simultaneously work as heat exchangers. Absorber pipes filled with a heat carrier fluid are installed within conventional structural elements (piles, barrettes, diaphragm walls, basement slabs or walls, tunnel linings), forming the primary circuit of a geothermal energy system. The natural ground temperature is used as a heat source in winter and for cooling in summer. Hence no additional elements have to be installed below surface. The primary circuit is then connected via a heat pump to a secondary circuit within the building. ‘Free cooling’ may even run without a heat pump. The paper describes heat transfer in the ground, and between absorber fluid and concrete/soil. Temperature-induced changes of soil properties or of foundation behaviour are also discussed, and recommendations for design and operation are given. Pilot research projects and case histories bridge the gap between theory and practice, and special applications reveal the wide field of geothermal geotechnics.
A Late Pleistocene-Holocene natural seismograph along the Boconó Fault (Mérida Andes, Venezuela): the moraine-dammed Los Zerpa paleo-lake
Authors: Carrillo Eduardo , Audemard M. Franck A. , Beck Christian , Cousin Michel , Jouanne François , Cano Victor , Castilla Raymi , Melo Luis , Villemin Thierry
Published: February 2006

The Boconó Fault system is a major active tectonic feature accommodating an important part of the dextral relative motion between the Caribbean Plate and northern South-America. The main trace follows an axial valley running SW-NE within the Mérida Andes (northwestern Venezuela), and crosscuts a series of moraines related to late Pleistocene glaciers developments and retreats, at an altitude between 2600 and 5000 m. Several lakes were generated after the last retreat (between the Late Glacial Maximum –LGM– and the Younger Dryas re-advance), dammed by lateral and frontal moraines. Among them, the Los Zerpa moraine system yielded rich outcrops ranging from an upstream very coarse torrential to deltaic fill, to a downstream clayey-silty horizontal laminated lacustrine accumulation; a fore-set-type heterogeneous “prograding” body links the two sets. The whole system, as well as the surrounding moraines, underwent successive major earthquakes during the Late Glacial/lower Holocene period as evidenced by co-seismic scarps in the moraines, migrations of the outlet, and associated sagponds. Besides active faulting affecting both the moraines and the sedimentary fill, the latter –main purpose of our detail study– exhibits various evidence of strong disturbances which we relate to seismic shaking, such as: i) successive unconformities with co-seismic slips along fractures in the coarse proximal sediments; ii) successive dip changes, discontinuities, and slumps in the foreset-like set; iii) slumps with basal liquefaction, syn-sedimentary fractures, and instantaneous re-sedimentation in the fine-grained laminated accumulation. Lateral (temporal) correlations are established between the successive disturbances detected in the three situations; in turn, these sedimentary events are correlated with seismic activity of the Boconó Fault main trace. Thus, the whole paleo-lake may be considered as a natural seismograph which worked during several thousands years, after the end of the LGM and during early Holocene.
Discovery of two coloured Phylloceratidae belonging to the genus Adabofoloceras Joly, 1977. Hypotheses on the relationships between colour patterns of the shell and mode of life
Authors: Jolyet Bernard , Baudouin Cyril
Published: February 2006

Until now the references of coloured specimens in the scientific publications about Juraphyllitidae, Phylloceratidae and Neophylloceratidae are not very numerous. The recent discovery of Adabofoloceras ardechicum (Munier-Chalmas, in Collot, 1880) and Adabofoloceras chantrei (Munier-Chalmas, in Collot, 1880) fills a part of this gap. The new findings allow to compare with coloured specimens published before, above all with the Calliphylloceras of the Kutch and with a Calliphylloceras demidoffi (Rousseau, 1842) of Upper Bathonian of Malagasy.

Like every coloured specimen published before, the dark biochromes of the specimens studied in this note belong to the group of melanins. The other observable colours of both species of genus Adabofoloceras are in fact a schemochromy, that is an interferential phenomenon in the thin calcium carbonate layers; it does not imply the presence of biochromes. The exposure of the three studied specimens to UV shows the lack of biochromes such as porphyrins in these ammonites. The only biochromes found in these shells are probably melanins according to the works published earlier.

In both Adabofoloceras, the colours are placed in radial stripes like “flames”, as in modern Nautilus. The Malagasy Calliphylloceras demidoffi shows that coloured longitudinal stripes can’t be excluded in the Phylloceratidae.

It seams apropriate to compare the colours described in this note with those published before and with those of modern Nautilus in order to try to understand their biological function. The hypotheses proposed on the biological function of the ammonites shells colours are briefly explained and discussed. It is the same for Adabofoloceras ardechicum, the best example of coloured shells among Phylloceratidae known nowadays. We can think that these colours permitted a good protection against the predators by camouflage of the shell. It is possible to think that the biochromes could be made of excreted matter. It is more difficult to explain Calliphylloceras demidoffi because its colour is bad. Photos with IR films show biochromes in radial stripes and perhaps coloured longitudinal stripes.

With most of the authors we can think that the biochromes were located in the most external layers of the test. Probably, first, they were excreted matter and secondly, they protected the animals against the predators.
Efficacy of imazamox in imidazolinone-resistant spring oilseed rape in Finland
Authors: HAUKKAPÄÄ A-L. , JUNNILA S. , ERIKSSON C.
Published: February 2006

Imidazolinonies (IMIs) are a group of herbicides inhibiting acetolactate synthase (ALS) activity. They control the growth of many broadleaved weeds and annual grass species. Herbicide resistance against imidazolinonies has been transferred in some crop species, for example in Brassica napus. IMI-resistant oilseed rape cultivars have been developed by a mutation in ALS. They have been on the market for a few years, especially in North America. To determine if imazamox, an imidazolinone herbicide, and IMI-resistant oilseed rape cultivars are suitable for cultivation in Finland, we conducted four herbicide trials in three locations. We found, that imazamox had no negative effect on yield or oil quality characters of IMI-resistant oilseed rape. Some transient chlorosis was observed immediately after the treatment, but it was not apparent after a few days. The effects of imazamox against the most troublesome weeds in oilseed field in Finland, Chenopodium album and Galium spurium, were very good. Imazamox had good or moderate effects on Stellaria media, whereas its effects on Viola arvensis, Lapsana communis and Fallopia convolvulus were insufficient. If the total weed number was high or the emergence of oilseed rape was slow, the application of imazamox increased the yield of oilseed rape compared to untreated control. Our results suggest that imazamox is a good alternative in controlling weeds for Finnish oilseed fields. Therefore, it would be beneficial to transfer the IMI-resistance into Finnish oilseed and turnip rape lines.;
Respiration rate and ethylene production of fresh cut lettuce as affected by cutting grade
Authors: MARTÍNEZ J. , CHIESTA A. , TOVAR F.
Published: February 2006

For designing optimal polymeric films for modified atmosphere packaging of whole heads as well as for minimally fresh processed (fresh-cut) Iceberg lettuce Coolguard, the effect of several cutting grades on respiration rate (RR) and ethylene production at 5ºC was studied. According to common industrial practices cutting grades less than 0.5 cm, between 0.5 and 1 cm, and 2 cm length were selected. Results from four experiments were compared to those obtained for whole heads in which a homogenous range of 6 to 8 ml CO2 kg-1 h-1 in RR was found. Compared to whole heads, in fresh-cut lettuce the RR was 2-fold higher. The lowest cutting grade showed the highest respiration rate, and no significant differences in RR among lettuce pieces of intermediate and the highest grades were found. No ethylene production was detected in whole heads, while in minimally processed lettuce pieces only traces were found. For avoiding risks of anaerobic respiration and excessive CO2 levels within packages containing fresh-cut lettuce pieces lower than 0.5 cm length, films with relatively high O2 permeability like standard polypropylene or low-density polyethylene must be selected.;
Introduction of automatic milking system in Finland effect on milk quality
Authors: SALOVUO H. , RONKAINEN P. , HEINO A.
Published: February 2006

When an automatic milking system (AMS) is introduced on a farm the milking of cows and related work is changed in many ways compared to farms with traditional milking systems. The objective of this paper was to study the effect of the introduction of robotic milking in Finland on the composition and hygienic quality of milk. The study was carried out on three farms which were the first in Finland to introduce the automatic milking system (Volontary Milking System). Main chemical composition, somatic cell count, total bacteria count, freezing point, free fatty acids, as well as Bacillus cereus, Clostridium spores, psychrotrophic bacteria and coliforms were determined. After the introduction of the automatic milking system an increase in somatic cell count and total bacteria count, psychrotrophic bacteria and coliforms was observed; however, the differences were not statistically significant. The counts for Clostridium spores were at the same level in the automatic and the conventional milking system. Bacillus cereus counts were very low in both milking systems studied. Milk fat content and free fatty acids were elevated when AMS was introduced. The introduction of AMS resulted in a significant increase (P < 0.01) in the freezing point during the first three months. Though there was a trend that the overall quality of milk was impaired after the introduction of AMS, the quality of milk remained at premium class.;
Effects of some organic acids and salts on microbial fermentation in the digestive tract of piglets estimated using an in vitro gas production technique
Authors: PARTANEN K. , JALAVA T.
Published: February 2006

An in vitro gas production technique was used to screen different organic acids (formic, propionic, lactic, citric, and fumaric acid), organic salts (calcium formate, potassium sorbate, and sodium benzoate), and inorganic phosphoric acid for their ability to modulate microbial fermentation in the digestive tract of piglets. For the incubation, 40 ml of culture medium (53% buffer, 45% frozen ileal digesta, and 2% fresh faeces) was dispensed in vessels containing 5 ml of buffer, 0.5 g of feed, and 20 ìl of liquid or 20 mg of solid acidifiers. Gas production was measured every 15 min during the 24 h incubation at 39°C, and a Gompertz bacterial growth model was applied to the gas production data. Formic acid was the only acid that reduced the maximum rate of gas production (ìm) compared to that in the control treatment (P < 0.05). The ìm was slower in vessels with formic acid than in those with calcium formate, citric acid, and potassium sorbate (P < 0.05) Calcium formate increased the ìm compared to the control treatment (P < 0.05). The maximum volume of gas produced and the lag time did not differ between different acidifiers (P > 0.05). When investigating formic-acid-based mixtures that contained 15% of potassium sorbate and/or sodium benzoate, the estimated parameters for the Gompertz growth model did not differ from those for treatments with plain formic acid (P > 0.05). However, concentrations of total volatile fatty acids, acetic acid, propionic acid, and n-butyric acid were reduced by all the mixtures (P < 0.05), but not by plain formic acid (P > 0.05). In conclusion, organic acids and salts were found to differ in their ability to modulate microbial fermentation in the digestive tract of piglets. Mixing formic acid with potassium sorbate or sodium benzoate changed fermentation patterns, and the possibility to use them to enhance the antimicrobial effect of formic acid should be investigated further in vivo.;
Effects of sowing time on pink snow mould, leaf rust and winter damage in winter rye varieties in Finland
Authors: SERENIUS M. , HUUSELA-VEISTOLA E. , AVIKAINEN H.
Published: February 2006

Disease infection in relation to sowing time of winter rye (Secale cereale) was studied in southern Finland in order to compare overwintering capacity of modern rye varieties and to give recommendations for rye cultivation. This was done by using three sowing times and four rye varieties in field trials conducted at three locations in 19992001. The early sown rye (beginning of August) was severely affected by diseases caused by Puccinia recondita and Microdochium nivale, whereas postponing sowing for two weeks after the recommended sowing time resulted in considerably less infection. The infection levels of diseases differed among rye varieties. Finnish rye varieties Anna and Bor 7068 were more resistant to snow mould and more winter hardy than the Polish variety Amilo, or the German hybrid varieties Picasso and Esprit. However, Amilo was the most resistant to leaf rust. In the first year snow mould appeared to be the primary cause of winter damage, but in the second year the winter damage was positively correlated with leaf rust. No significant correlation between frit fly infestation and winter damage or disease incidence of snow mould or leaf rust was established. The late sowing of rye (in the beginning of September) is recommended in Finland, particularly with hybrid varieties, to minimize the need for chemical plant protection in autumn.;
Apparent ileal digestibility of amino acids and metabolisable energy value in grains for broilers
Authors: PERTTILÄ S. , VALAJA J. , JALAVA T.
Published: February 2006

Using ileal digestible amino acids in feed optimising will intensify feed protein utilizing and decrease nitrogen excretion to the environment. The study determined the apparent ileal digestibility (AID) coefficients of amino acids in barley, wheat, oats, triticale, maize, and dehulled oats in the diets of 180 Ross broiler chickens (aged 2435 days). The birds were fed semi-purified diets that contained grain as the sole protein source and chromium-mordanted straw as an indigestible marker. The AID coefficients of the nutrients were assessed using the slaughter technique, and the apparent metabolisable energy (AME) was determined using total excreta collection. The ileal digestibility of the dry matter and organic matter were the highest in maize. The AME of maize was higher than that of other cereals. The ileal digestibility of crude protein was higher in wheat than that in barley, oats and dehulled oats. The AME of wheat was similar to that of barley and oats but lower than that of triticale and dehulled oats. The amino acid AID was highest in wheat (0.86) and triticale (0.85) and lowest in oats (0.79) and barley 0.77). The average amino acid AID was 0.81 in dehulled oats. The threonine AID was the same in all tested ingredients. The lysine, methionine, and cystine AID coefficients were 0.81, 0.79, and 0.71 respectively for barley; 0.86, 0.84, and 0.38 respectively for oats; 0.87, 0.86, and 0.53 respectively for dehulled oats; 0.84, 0.90, and 0.66 respectively for maize; 0.89, 0.88, and 0.77 respectively for triticale; and 0.87, 0.85, and 0.71 respectively for wheat. Results indicated that AME values of domestic grains (barley, oats and wheat) are in the same level. Especially, low AME value of wheat needs further investigation.;
A rainfall simulation study on the relationships between soil test P versus dissolved and potentially bioavailable particulate phosphorus forms in runoff
Authors: UUSITALO R. , AURA E.
Published: February 2006

Runoff from clayey soils often contains abundant particulate phoshorus (PP), part of which may solubilize in surface waters. Monitoring losses of potentially bioavailable forms of PP is expensive, calling for other ways to predict them. Such predictions could be based on soil loss and available soil P indices, e.g., agronomic P status. To study correlations between P pools in runoff versus soil P saturation (by Mehlich 3 extraction; DPSM3) and acetate soil test P (PAc), 15 clayey soils of south Finland were subjected to laboratory rainfall simulation. Runoff from these simulations was analyzed for concentrations of suspended soil (TSS), dissolved molybdate-reactive P (DRP), total P (TP), and, as normalized to soil loss, potentially bioavailable forms of PP: desorbable (anion exchange resin-extractable, AER-PP/TSS) and redox-labile PP (bicarbonate- dithionite-extractable, BD-PP/TSS). Correlation coefficients (r2) between DPSM3 and DRP, AER-PP/ TSS, and BD-PP/TSS equaled 0.92, 0.77, and 0.45, respectively. Runoff P forms were also correlated to soil PAc with r2 values of 0.84, 0.56, and 0.58 for DRP, AER-PP/TSS, and BD-PP/TSS, respectively. Prediction of soil loss-normalized concentrations of potentially bioavailable PP by the agronomic PAc test was considered possible. However, such predictions have a high degree of uncertainty, evidenced by comparison to published field data. Acceptably accurate predictive equations would require a large material as a basis for their construction, and soils should probably also be grouped according to other soil properties that would account for variation in P sorption capacity.;