bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural, Electrical and Magnetic Properties of Microwave Processed Ni0.80Zn0.20Fe2O4
Authors: Rani Renu , Singh Sangeeta , Raina K.K. , Prakash Chandra
Published: April 2013

The material sample was prepared by conventional solid state method and sintered in conventional and microwave furnace at different sintering temperatures. Sintered samples were then subjected to XRD and SEM analysis. X-ray diffraction revealed the formation of single phase material. SEM of fractured cross sectional portion showed that finer grains were formed in case of microwave sintering. The dielectric properties and magnetic properties were recorded for both the samples and both properties were found to improve in microwave sintered samples. There is also a significant improvement in density and magnetic properties by microwave processing.
Aluminum-Induced Crystallization of p+ Silicon Pinholes for the Formation of Rear Passivation Contact in Solar Cell
Authors: Fangsuwannarak Thipwan , Amonsurintawong K. , Sopitpan Suwat
Published: April 2013

Formation of nano-crystalline p+ silicon (Si) in pinholes through a silicon dioxide layer was achieved by pinning of aluminum through the thin silicon dioxide (SiO2) layer. In addition to opening holes of SiO2 layer by aluminum (Al) pining, amorphous silicon (a-Si) was subsequent deposited on the Al layer and another heated at low temperature (500°C) to allow solid- phase epitaxial growth of p+ Si in the pinholes due to the Al induced layer exchange process. The poly-crystalline p+ Si obtains lower effective surface recombination than the Al back surface field (BSF). The technique demonstrated to result in ohmic contacts with low contact resistance. The evaluation of Al-induced crystallization of a-Si in a-Si/Al bilayer was studied by X-ray diffraction. In this paper, the influence of a-Si/Al thickness ratio on the specific conductivity value and crystalline grain size of the p+ Si thin film is discussed. The obtained results are helpful for a further design of the rear passivation contact in solar cell.
Effect of Temperature of Synthesis on X-Ray, Infrared Spectroscopic Study and Magnetic Properties of Magnesium Zinc Ferrites
Authors: Khot Sujata. S. , Shinde Neelam S. , Ladgaonkar Bhimrao P. , Kale Bharat B. , Watawe Shrikant C.
Published: April 2013

Some physical properties (such as lattice parameter, curie temperature, ac susceptibility) of Mg1-xZnxFe2O4 (where x = 0.3,0.4,0.5,0.6) ferrites have been studied. Magnesium Zinc Ferrites was synthesized by oxalate co-precipitation method at different synthesis temperature and characterized by X-ray diffraction and far IR absorption techniques, scanning Electron microscopy .The lattice parameter were computed. The X-ray diffraction studies reveal the formations of single phase cubic spinel structure.IR absorption bands are observed around 600 cm-1 and 400 cm-1 on the tetrahedral and octahedral sites respectively. Magnetization parameters such as saturation magnetization, and magnetic moment were calculated and the results are discussed with the help of the existing theories. Saturation magnetization was found to be in the range 2 emu/gm to 8.28 emu/gm when the samples were synthesized below 100°C. The variation of A.C. susceptibility with temperature shows the existence of super paramagnetic nature. The Curie temperature was determined from the measurement of the susceptibility verses temperature. The SEM micrograph shows the uniform distribution of the particles, the average size was estimated to be 0. 350 µm.
Potential for Implementation of Environmental Management Systems & the EU Ecolabel in the Marble Sector
Authors: Gazi Anna , Skevis George , Founti Maria
Published: April 2013

Marble is a financially important and highly versatile material used extensively in construction, decoration and art. The marble industry however is generated with low production efficiency, high waste material generation, high production costs and overall lack of sustainable resources management. A step towards improving the energy efficiency and environmental performance of the marble sector would be the adoption of ecological schemes that are already into force both at national and international levels. The most commonly used schemes are Environmental Management Systems that are focused on the general environmental performance of the enterprise, such as the EU EMAS (Eco-Management and Audit Scheme) and the international EN ISO 14001:2004 standard and ecolabelling schemes, such as the EU Ecolabel, focusing on specific products or services. The present work aims to provide a concise summary of the technical requirements and procedures for obtaining such environmental certificates, assess the current state of the art in terms of environmental performance of a typical marble plant and enhance the ecological awareness of the sector. A detailed analysis of the technical requirements for achieving EMAS III registration and obtaining the EU Ecolabel for hard floor coverings is presented and the potential for a typical SME marble industry for meeting the above requirements is quantified. Possible measures that may improve the overall environmental impact are proposed. It is further shown that the process of meeting the necessary criteria for obtaining the above certificates will also lead to the adoption of best engineering practices and the production of high added value products.
Relationship between Colour Intensity and Water Content in Crema Loja Limestone
Authors: Cortés Alfonso , Mayor Alfredo , Gonzalez Lorena
Published: April 2013

The alterations to the visual properties of a Spanish limestone, Crema Loja, in relation to its water content are presented, measured and discussed in this work. A Computer Vision System previously developed, validated and patented by CTAP, was used. The study was carried out on different tiles with two surface treatments: polished and honed. A critical value of water content is proposed at the end of the study to avoid problems derived from alterations to the visual properties of this stone material due to moisture.
The “Alpalhão Granite” (Alentejo, Portugal) as a Potential Ornamental Stone
Authors: Lisboa Jose V. , Carvalho Jorge M.F. , Sardinha Rui P.
Published: April 2013

“Alpalhão granite”, also called SPI, is used as a high quality ornamental stone for interior and exterior applications. It is fine grained and equigranular, and has disseminated feldspar phenocrysts showing a homogeneous bluish grey colour. The SPI was mapped and scanlines (14) and drill cores (4) were carried out for lithofacies and joints characterization, besides petrographical study. Three of the 5 granite outcrops were studied regarding their potential for ornamental blocks exploitation (Carvalhal, Pinheiral and Ribeira de Sor). The Carvalhal area has generally no potential, due to intense fracturing and frequent heterogeneities except for drill core SCA1 area. The Pinheiral area has been exploited in all its extent, but still assures 368,800m3 estimated resources of good granite at depth. Ribeira de Sor area presents a good potentiality for commercial blocks in the eastern zone and a limited potential in the western area due to subsurface fracturing and chromatic changes.
Determination of Slake Durability Index with Spherical Samples
Authors: Ankara Hüseyin , Aksoy Mehmet , Yerel Suheyla , Keser Yasar
Published: April 2013

In this study, the preparation method of the equivalent sized spherical samples which is called as Pasha Method is applied to slake durability index test. In order to apply this sample preparation method, white and pink tuff samples were collected at the tuff quarries located at the Eskisehir region in Turkey. After sample preparation stage, these tuff samples were subjected to the Slake Durability Index test in the laboratory. According to the test results presented in this paper, the highest slake durability index values were obtained from equal-sized spherical test samples that are prepared according to the new method, Pasha Method, when compared to the other two types of samples.
Rock Finishing and Response to Salt Fog Atmosphere
Authors: Silva Zenaide Carvalho G. , Simão Joaquim A.R. , Sá Maria Helena , Leal Nuno
Published: April 2013

Seven silicate rocks used as ornamental stones and having different surface finishing were submitted to salt fog atmospheres in order to compare different susceptibilities to alteration. Polished, honed, hammered and flamed finishing types were tested. Rocks come from Portugal, Brazil and Angola and are widely commercialized. Samples covered quartz rich rocks, silica saturated and undersaturated rocks, mono and plurimineralic rocks, coarse and fine grained rocks. Mineral composition, texture and open porosity showed to be important parameters which determine mass loss among samples, but the finishing type was very effective within samples. Mass loss and porosity increase are higher on hammered samples, contrasted with the lowest loss values on polished samples. The effect of surface hydrophobicity and roughness on the samples having polished finishing was also analysed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and water contact angle (WCA), indicating that texture and mineral diversity influence the hydrophobic character of the rock surfaces.
Evaluation of the Portuguese Ornamental Stone Resources
Authors: Carvalho Jorge M.F. , Lisboa José V. , Casal Moura António , Carvalho Cristina , Sousa Luís M.O. , Leite Mário M.
Published: April 2013

Portugal produces a great diversity of ornamental stones. Besides the internationally known white and pink marbles, also light cream limestones are produced, as well as grey, yellow and pink granites, and dark grey slates. A first exercise is presented on the evaluation of the available resources of ornamental stones in the whole Portuguese territory. The results show a total availability of 410 million cubic meters, of which 274 million refer to granite, 76 million to limestone, 51 million to marble, and 9 million to slate.
Potential of Medium to More Fractured Natural Stone Deposits
Authors: Tomašić Ivan , Vidovic-Tisanic Zrinaka
Published: April 2013

Exploitation and processing of small stone blocks and tombolons has a major impact on profitability. It is pointed out that the natural stone needs to be rationally used in deposits. Resources of rock mass tend to be greatly increased due to the utilization of different sizes of blocks in deposits or quarries. This approach encourages the application of Lasky's relationship in the deposits of natural stone and quarries. Based on this relationship we can simply say that if the sizes of stone blocks and other stone products decrease arithmetically, then reserves increase geometrically or exponentially. On the presented examples, the utilization of the rock mass was analysed by the application of two different technologies of exploitation. Besides, if the exploitation of stone blocks of different sizes achieves high utilization of the rock mass, then exploitation of aggregates and fillers increases much more. It is necessary to emphasize the existence of the border area based on favourable discontinuity density and spatial discontinuity position. Decision should be made whether to apply I or II variant of the exploitation (making vertical and horizontal cuttings or separation of the blocks along natural discontinuities, or using slanting cuts). The example is shown and analysed as a two-dimensional problem.
Optical Activity of Langatate Crystals
Authors: Shopa Yaroslav , Ftomyn Nazar
Published: April 2013

A calculation technique based on the polarizability theory for optical activity (OA) is applied to derive optical rotatory power (ORP) for the La3Ga5.5Ta0.5O14 (LGT). Dispersions of both the ordinary and extraordinary refractive indices and the ORP are calculated. A comparison of the observed and calculated OA parameters confirms validity of our theoretical calculations.
On the Kinetics Description of Below-Tg Structural Relaxation in Network Glass Formers
Authors: Balitska Valentina , Golovchak Roman , Shpotyuk Oleh
Published: April 2013

Phenomenological description of below-Tg structural relaxation known as long-term natural physical ageing in network glass formers exemplified by chalcogenide glasses of binary arsenic selenides was adequately developed within formalism of first-order kinetics. This kinetics was shown to obey a character stretched exponential behavior being treated as sequence of aligning-shrinkage stages throughout glassy matrix.
The Peculiarities of the Electrical Conductivity of LiNbO3 Crystals, Reduced in Hydrogen
Authors: Yatsenko Aleksandr V. , Pritulenko A.S. , Yevdokimov S.V. , Sugak Dmytro Yu. , Solskii I.M.
Published: April 2013

The low-frequency impedance spectroscopy method has been used to investigate the electrical conductivity peculiarities of lithium niobate (LN) crystals reduced in hydrogen. It has been found that the activation energy value of the dark electrical conductivity of such crystals in a temperature range of 288...370 К is equal to 0.68±0.02 eV. It has been demonstrated that the multiple heating of «black» LN crystals up to a temperature of about 420 K results in surface layers with modified electrical properties to occur in the crystal’s polar faces. The electrical conductivity mechanism of LiNbO3 crystals reduced in the hydrogen-containing atmosphere, and the causes of the instability of these properties are discussed.
Raman and Impedance Spectroscopy of Blend Polycarbonate and Zinc Oxide Layers Grown by Sol-Gel Method
Authors: Popielarski Pawel , Paprocki Kazimierz , Bala Waclaw , Banaszak-Piechowska Agnieszka , Walczyk Karolina , Fabisiak Kazimierz , Szybowicz Miroslaw
Published: April 2013

Confocal Raman spectroscopy has been applied to investigate blend polycarbonate and ZnO thin layers with different thicknesses and different content of ZnO. The admittance spectroscopy have been applied to correlation of optical and electrical properties of these layers used in electroluminescence diodes and photovoltaic cells. The I-V (DC and AC) characteristics and thermally stimulated current (TSC) have been applied to the study of the deep levels in ZnO thin films grown by sol-gel method onto Si substrates. The surface spectroscopy morphology of the samples were investigated by scanning microscopy and X ray diffraction.
Thermally Activated Processes in CaMoO4 Crystals
Authors: Tsybulskyi Volodymyr , Panasyuk Myron R. , Solskii Ivan M. , Rudyk Viktor , Kapustianyk Volodymyr B.
Published: April 2013

The effect of annealing in the oxygen flow atmosphere of calcium molybdate crystals on their absorption spectra and thermally stimulated luminescence (TSL) glow curve was studied. The thermally stimulated depolarization (TSD), polarization (TSP) currents and temperature dependence of X-ray luminescence of CaMoO4were investigated in the temperature range of 100-320 K. One of the trap detected by TSL was found to disappear after high-temperature annealing of calcium molybdate single crystals. The nature of the absorption bands is discussed. The values of activation energy were calculated for the detected traps.
Growth Peculiarities and Magnetic Properties of (LuBi)3Fe5O12 Films by LPE Method
Authors: Syvorotka I.I. , Syvorotka Igor M. , Ubizskii S.B.
Published: April 2013

The series of (LuBi)3Fe5O12 film were grown on (111) oriented GGG substrate with diameters 1, 2 and 3 inch by liquid phase epitaxy using Bi2O3-base flux. Different types of surface morphology on the grown films were observed. The films’ surface was smooth and mirror while the film thickness was less than 13 μm and becomes rough for thickness above this value. The grown films were characterized by measuring magnetization loops and magneto-optic Faraday rotation under magnetization reversal as well as ferromagnetic resonance (FMR). All films with mirror surface demonstrate the in-plane magnetization, high Faraday rotation and FMR linewidth about 0.8 Oe at 9.1 GHz and room temperature.
Lithium Ion Conductors Based on System (Li,Na,La){Ti,Nb,Та}O with Perovskite Structure
Authors: Kobylianska S.D. , V'yunov Oleg I. , Belous Anatolii G. , Bohnke O.
Published: April 2013

Solid solutions with defect perovskite structure have been obtained in the systems Li0,5-уNayLa0,5TiO3, Li0.5-yNayLa0.5◊Nb2O6 and Li0.5-yNayLa0.5◊Та2O6 at 0 ≤ y ≤ 0.5. Their structure has been shown to undergo partial disordering with increasing sodium content in the system Li0.5-yNayLa0.5◊Nb2O6 as in the system Li0.5-yNayLa0.5◊Та2O6 structure has been ordering. Lithium diffusion in system Li0,5-уNayLa0,5TiO3 follows a percolation model for the lithium diffusion. The ionic conductivity as a function of sodium content in the system Li0.5-yNayLa0.5◊Nb2O6 has a maximum. The ionic conductivity of Li0.5-yNayLa0.5◊Ta2O6 samples decreases with sodium content.
Are the Temperature Sensors Based on Chalcogenide Glass Possible?
Authors: Shpotyuk Mykhaylo , Chalyy Dmytro , Shpotyuk Oleh , Iovu Mihail , Kozdras Andrzej , Ubizskii Sergii B.
Published: April 2013

Principal possibility of the using of chalcogenide glasses (on the example of Ge18As18Se64) as active media for temperature sensors is considered in this work. Differential scanning calorimetry testing of the investigated glasses shown that 2 years of natural storage does not lead to the drift of their DSC-parameters (glass transition temperature and endothermic peak area). Investigation of the temperature dependence of optical transmission spectra shows the linear character of optical band-gap changes with a temperature. Temperature sensitivity index β for Ge18As18Se64 is estimated to be equal to the ~1.2·10-3 eV/°C.
Growth, Optical Adsorption and Resistivity of (Ga0.6In0.4)2Se3 and (Ga0.594In0.396Er0.01)2Se3 Single Crystals
Authors: Ivashchenko Inna A. , Halyan Volodumur V. , Danylyuk Irina V. , Pankevuch Volodumur Z. , Davydyuk Georgij Y. , Olekseyuk Ivan D.
Published: April 2013

The phase diagram of the Ga2Se3–In2Se3 system was investigated by differential-thermal analysis (DTA) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) method. The single crystals from the area of existence of the γ2 phase with the compositions (Ga0.6In0.4)2Se3 and (Ga0.594In0.396Er0.01)2Se3 were grown by a vertical Bridgman method. Absorption spectra of the grown crystals were studied. The estimated optical band gap is 1.95±0. 01 eV. The resistance of the single crystals of (Ga0.6In0.4)2Se3 (R=500 MΩ) and (Ga0.594In0.396Er0.01)2Se3 (R=210 MΩ) was measured.
Interface Phenomena
Authors: Bismayer Ulrich , Bandel Klaus
Published: April 2013

Interfaces are common microstructures and occur in natural and synthetic materials on the local to mesoscopic lenght scale, like ferroic twin walls or interfaces between amorphous and crystalline material. Individual interfaces can be thin walls extended over a few unit cells or even thicker walls up to several 10000 Å. Walls show distinct physical properties and can therefore influence the macroscopic materials properties considerably. Examples of wall structures and their local features related with ferroic, non-ferroic and biomaterials are presented in this work.
Phase and Structural Behaviour in the NdAlO3-EuAlO3 System
Authors: Ohon Natalia , Vasylechko Leonid , Prots Yurii , Schmidt Marcus , Curfs Caroline
Published: April 2013

Phase and structural behaviour in the NdAlO3–EuAlO3 system has been studied in the whole concentration range. Depending on x two kinds of solid solutions Nd1‑xEuxAlO3 exist at room temperature: one with rhombohedral (x < 0.15) and one with orthorhombic (x≈ 0.15–0.20, where the co-existence of both phases was observed. First-order structural phase transitions Pbnm↔Rc has been detected in Nd1-xEuxAlO3 with x = 0.3, 0.4, 0.6 at 520 K, 627 K and 988 K, respectively. Based on the experimental and literature data, the phase diagram of the pseudo-binary system NdAlO3–EuAlO3 has been constructed.
Mani, Augustine and the vision of God
Authors: Gardner Iain
Published: April 2013

The recovery of the text of the Manichaean daily prayers provides an opportunity to consider how their recitation and practice may have influenced the young Augustine. It is argued that the prayers focused the mental and indeed physical gaze of the believer on the manifestation of God in this present reality, and through that upon the transcendent eternal world of future hope. If one accepts that Augustine as a Manichaean catechumen would have partaken in this most basic of the community’s religious duties then one must consider what effect this could have had on the development of his own striking and influential teachings about the vision of God. The article discusses evident allusions to this Manichaean practice in Augustine’s writings, and suggests that its influence continued through his later life despite his disavowal of his former faith. In particular, attention is drawn to similarities between the Manichaean ‘new aeon’ and the ‘heaven of heaven’ in Augustine’s writings, where the pure of heart can look forward to unmediated contemplation of God.
‘Not to depart from Christ’: Augustine between ‘Manichaean’ and ‘Catholic’ Christianity
Authors: BeDuhn Jason D.
Published: April 2013

The North African Manichaean community provided the setting in which Augustine reaffirmed a commitment to Christ and to ‘Christianity’ that he had largely abandoned in the years of his secular education, and it cultivated in him a positive relationship to ‘religion’ in addition to his personal fondness for ‘philosophy’. In both ways, his time with the Manichaeans formed an essential background to his later commitment to the ‘Catholic’ Christian community, and he continued to wrestle with that debt through his endeavours to convince Manichaeans that the Catholic Church could successfully address their earnest ‘Christian’ spiritual aspirations in a way Manichaean doctrine and practice never could.
Augustine’s view of Manichaean almsgiving and almsgiving by the Manichaean community at Kellis
Authors: Franzmann Majella
Published: April 2013

Taking its point of departure from Augustine’s criticism of Manichaean practices with food and drink that appear to disregard the New Testament injunction to give to the poor, or to those who are hungry and thirsty, this article investigates the probability that this was indeed Manichaean practice, by interrogating Manichaean texts and clues about Manichaean practice contained in the personal letters from 4th century CE Roman Kellis in Egypt. A further consideration of types of exclusive communities and their behaviour, or exclusive behaviour at various times from groups that are generally characterised as inclusive, leads to the proposal that Manichaean exclusivity was based firmly on an underlying theology and narrative myth of cosmic salvation that fixed an unalterable Manichaean community practice, carried out in a wide range of geographical locations and historical times.
The State of Research on the Manichaean Bishop Faustus
Authors: Van Gaans Gijs M.
Published: April 2013

According to Augustine’s own Confessiones, the Manichaean bishop Faustus of Milevis played a significant role in his apostasy from Manichaeism. Somehow Augustine became disappointed with the intellectual explanations Faustus provided for some of Manichaeism’s fabulous doctrines and thereby with Manichaeism as a religion. That same Faustus published a work, the Capitula in which he discussed some exegetical controversies. This work has been preserved, because Augustine cited it in its entirety in his Contra Faustum Manichaeum. In the last hundred years Faustus and his work have received some significant scholarly attention. During that period our view of Manichaeism and subsequently on the Manichaean bishop, has changed. At the beginning Faustus’s exegesis was considered merely a form of Manichaean propaganda. Its Christian elements were accepted as a tactic tool in order to covert Catholic Christians to Manichaeism, which was not considered a Christian religion at all. In the course of the 20th century primary Manichaean sources have been discovered. They have enhanced our understanding of the ancient religion immensely. Comparing these texts with Faustus’s Capitula reveals that the Manichaean bishop not only defended well-known Manichaean dogmas through his exegesis of scripture, he seems to have contributed to Manichaean exegesis and even Manichaean prophetology. Furthermore, Faustus’s Christian, Pauline language can no longer be accepted as a mere tactic adaption to Catholic preferences, but seems to have been his own, genuine language. This article provides an overview of both the research and the debates on bishop Faustus and his works.
McClear: a new model estimating downwelling solar radiation at ground level in clear-sky conditions
Authors: Lefèvre M. , Oumbe A. , Blanc P. , Espinar B. , Gschwind B. , Qu Z. , Wald L. , Schroedter-Homscheidt M. , Hoyer-Klick C. , Arola A. , Benedetti A. , Kaiser J. W. , Morcrette J.-J.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. A new fast clear-sky model called McClear was developed to estimate the downwelling shortwave direct and global irradiances received at ground level under clear skies. McClear implements a fully physical modelling replacing empirical relations or simpler models used before. It exploits the recent results on aerosol properties, and total column content in water vapor and ozone produced by the MACC project (Monitoring Atmosphere Composition and Climate). It accurately reproduces the irradiance computed by the libRadtran reference radiative transfer model with a computational speed approximately 105 times greater by adopting the abaci, or look-up tables, approach combined with interpolation functions. It is therefore suited for geostationary satellite retrievals or numerical weather prediction schemes with many pixels or grid points, respectively. McClear irradiances were compared to 1 min measurements made in clear-sky conditions in several stations within the Baseline Surface Radiation Network in various climates. For global, respectively direct, irradiance, the correlation coefficient ranges between 0.95 and 0.99, resp. 0.86 and 0.99. The bias is comprised between −14 and 25 W m−2, resp. −49 and +33 W m−2. The RMSE ranges between 20 W m−2 (3% of the mean observed irradiance) and 36 W m−2 (5%), resp. 33 W m−2 (5%) and 64 W m−2 (10%). These results are much better than those from state-of-the-art models. This work demonstrates the quality of the McClear model combined with MACC products, and indirectly the quality of the aerosol properties modeled by the MACC reanalysis.
Responses of lower trophic-level organisms to typhoon passage on the outer shelf of the East China Sea: an incubation experiment
Authors: Yasuki N. , Suzuki K. , Tsuda A.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. Typhoons can induce vertical mixing, upwelling, or both in the water column due to strong wind stress. These events can induce phytoplankton blooms in the oligotrophic ocean after typhoon passage. However, little is known about the responses of lower trophic-level organisms or changes in the community structure following the passage of typhoons, particularly in offshore regions. Therefore, we evaluated community succession on the outer shelf of the East China Sea through on-deck bottle incubation experiments simulating hydrographic conditions after the passage of a typhoon. Under all of the experimental conditions we tested, chlorophyll a concentrations increased more than 9-fold within 6 days, and these algal cells were mainly composed of large diatoms (>10 μm). Ciliates also increased along with the diatom bloom. These results suggest that increases in diatom and ciliate populations may enhance biogenic carbon export in the water column. Typhoons can affect not only phytoplankton productivity, but also the composition of lower trophic-level organisms and biogeochemical processes in oligotrophic offshore regions.
Solute specific scaling of inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus uptake in streams
Authors: Hall R. O. , Baker M. A. , Rosi-Marshall E. J. , Tank J. L.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. Stream ecosystem processes such as nutrient cycling may vary with stream position in the watershed. Using a scaling approach, we examined the relationship between stream size and nutrient uptake length, which represents the mean distance that a dissolved solute travels prior to removal from the water column. Ammonium uptake length increased proportionally with stream size measured as specific discharge (discharge/stream width) with a scaling exponent = 1.01. In contrast, the scaling exponent for nitrate (NO3−) was 1.19 and for soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) was 1.35, suggesting that uptake lengths for these nutrients increased more rapidly than increases in specific discharge. Additionally, the ratio of nitrogen (N) uptake length to SRP uptake length declined with stream size; there was lower demand for SRP relative to N as stream size increased. Ammonium and NO3− uptake velocity positively related with stream metabolism, while SRP did not. Finally, we related the scaling of uptake length and specific discharge to that of stream length using Hack's law and downstream hydraulic geometry. Ammonium uptake length increased less than proportionally with distance from the headwaters, suggesting a strong role for larger streams and rivers in regulating nutrient transport.
PORT, a CESM tool for the diagnosis of radiative forcing
Authors: Conley A. J. , Lamarque J.-F. , Vitt F. , Collins W. D. , Kiehl J.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. The Parallel Offline Radiative Transfer (PORT) model is a stand-alone tool, driven by model-generated datasets, that can be used for any radiation calculation that the underlying radiative transfer schemes can perform, such as diagnosing radiative forcing. In its present distribution, PORT isolates the radiation code from the Community Atmosphere Model (CAM4) in the Community Earth System Model (CESM1). The current configuration focuses on CAM4 radiation with the constituents as represented in present-day conditions in CESM1, along with their optical properties. PORT includes an implementation of stratospheric temperature adjustment under the assumption of fixed dynamical heating, which is necessary to compute radiative forcing in addition to the more straightforward instantaneous radiative forcing. PORT can be extended to use radiative constituent distributions from other models or model simulations. Ultimately, PORT can be used with various radiative transfer models. As illustrations of the use of PORT, we perform the computation of radiative forcing from doubling of carbon dioxide, from the change of tropospheric ozone concentration from the year 1850 to 2000, and from present-day aerosols. The radiative forcing from tropospheric ozone (with respect to 1850) generated by a collection of model simulations under the Atmospheric Chemistry and Climate Model Intercomparison Project is found to be 0.34 (with an intermodel standard deviation of 0.07) W m−2. Present-day aerosol direct forcing (relative to no aerosols) is found to be −1.3 W m−2.
Estimating actual, potential, reference crop and pan evaporation using standard meteorological data: a pragmatic synthesis
Authors: McMahon T. A. , Peel M. C. , Lowe L. , Srikanthan R. , McVicar T. R.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. This guide to estimating daily and monthly actual, potential, reference crop and pan evaporation covers topics that are of interest to researchers, consulting hydrologists and practicing engineers. Topics include estimating actual evaporation from deep lakes and from farm dams and for catchment water balance studies, estimating potential evaporation as input to rainfall-runoff models, and reference crop evapotranspiration for small irrigation areas, and for irrigation within large irrigation districts. Inspiration for this guide arose in response to the authors' experiences in reviewing research papers and consulting reports where estimation of the actual evaporation component in catchment and water balance studies was often inadequately handled. Practical guides using consistent terminology that cover both theory and practice are not readily available. Here we provide such a guide, which is divided into three parts. The first part provides background theory and an outline of the conceptual models of potential evaporation of Penman, Penman–Monteith and Priestley–Taylor, as well as discussions of reference crop evapotranspiration and Class-A pan evaporation. The last two sub-sections in this first part include techniques to estimate actual evaporation from (i) open-surface water and (ii) landscapes and catchments (Morton and the advection-aridity models). The second part addresses topics confronting a practicing hydrologist, e.g. estimating actual evaporation for deep lakes, shallow lakes and farm dams, lakes covered with vegetation, catchments, irrigation areas and bare soil. The third part addresses six related issues: (i) automatic (hard wired) calculation of evaporation estimates in commercial weather stations, (ii) evaporation estimates without wind data, (iii) at-site meteorological data, (iv) dealing with evaporation in a climate change environment, (v) 24 h versus day-light hour estimation of meteorological variables, and (vi) uncertainty in evaporation estimates. This paper is supported by a Supplement that includes 21 sections enhancing the material in the text, worked examples of many procedures discussed in the paper, a program listing (Fortran 90) of Morton's WREVAP evaporation models along with tables of monthly Class-A pan coefficients for 68 locations across Australia and other information.
Probability distributions for explaining hydrological losses in South Australian catchments
Authors: Gamage S. H. P. W. , Hewa G. A. , Beecham S.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. The wide variability of hydrological losses in catchments is due to multiple variables that affect the rainfall-runoff process. Accurate estimation of hydrological losses is required for making vital decisions in design applications that are based on design rainfall models and rainfall-runoff models. Using representative single values of losses, despite their wide variability, is common practice, especially in Australian studies. This practice leads to issues such as over or under estimation of design floods. Probability distributions can be used as a better representation of losses. In particular, using joint probability approaches (JPA), probability distributions can be incorporated into hydrological loss parameters in design models. However, lack of understanding of loss distributions limits the benefit of using JPA. The aim of this paper is to identify a probability distribution function that can successfully describe hydrological losses in South Australian (SA) catchments. This paper describes suitable parametric and non-parametric distributions that can successfully describe observed loss data. The goodness-of-fit of the fitted distributions and quantification of the errors associated with quantile estimation are also discussed a two-parameter Gamma distribution was identified as one that successfully described initial loss (IL) data of the selected catchments. Also, a non-parametric standardised distribution of losses that describes both IL and continuing loss (CL) data were identified. The results obtained for the non-parametric methods were compared with similar studies carried out in other parts of Australia and a remarkable degree of consistency was observed. The results will be helpful in improving design flood applications.
CDRD and PNPR satellite passive microwave precipitation retrieval algorithms: EuroTRMM/EURAINSAT origins and H-SAF operations
Authors: Mugnai A. , Smith E. A. , Tripoli G. J. , Bizzarri B. , Casella D. , Dietrich S. , Di Paola F. , Panegrossi G. , Sanò P.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. Satellite Application Facility on Support to Operational Hydrology and Water Management (H-SAF) is a EUMETSAT (European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites) program, designed to deliver satellite products of hydrological interest (precipitation, soil moisture and snow parameters) over the European and Mediterranean region to research and operations users worldwide. Six satellite precipitation algorithms and concomitant precipitation products are the responsibility of various agencies in Italy. Two of these algorithms have been designed for maximum accuracy by restricting their inputs to measurements from conical and cross-track scanning passive microwave (PMW) radiometers mounted on various low Earth orbiting satellites. They have been developed at the Italian National Research Council/Institute of Atmospheric Sciences and Climate in Rome (CNR/ISAC-Rome), and are providing operational retrievals of surface rain rate and its phase properties. Each of these algorithms is physically based, however, the first of these, referred to as the Cloud Dynamics and Radiation Database (CDRD) algorithm, uses a Bayesian-based solution solver, while the second, referred to as the PMW Neural-net Precipitation Retrieval (PNPR) algorithm, uses a neural network-based solution solver. Herein we first provide an overview of the two initial EU research and applications programs that motivated their initial development, EuroTRMM and EURAINSAT (European Satellite Rainfall Analysis and Monitoring at the Geostationary Scale), and the current H-SAF program that provides the framework for their operational use and continued development. We stress the relevance of the CDRD and PNPR algorithms and their precipitation products in helping secure the goals of H-SAF's scientific and operations agenda, the former helpful as a secondary calibration reference to other algorithms in H-SAF's complete mix of algorithms. Descriptions of the algorithms' designs are provided including a few examples of their performance. This aspect of the development of the two algorithms is placed in the context of what we refer to as the TRMM era, which is the era denoting the active and ongoing period of the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) that helped inspire their original development. In 2015, the ISAC-Rome precipitation algorithms will undergo a transformation beginning with the upcoming Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission, particularly the GPM Core Satellite technologies. A few years afterward, the first pair of imaging and sounding Meteosat Third Generation (MTG) satellites will be launched, providing additional technological advances. Various of the opportunities presented by the GPM Core and MTG satellites for improving the current CDRD and PNPR precipitation retrieval algorithms, as well as extending their product capability, are discussed.
Assessing the quality of landslide susceptibility maps – case study Lower Austria
Authors: Petschko H. , Brenning A. , Bell R. , Goetz J. , Glade T.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. Landslide susceptibility maps are helpful tools to identify areas which might be prone to future landslide occurrence. As more and more national and provincial authorities demand for these maps to be computed and implemented in spatial planning strategies, the quality of the landslide susceptibility map and of the model applied to compute them is of high interest. In this study we focus on the analysis of the model performance by a repeated k-fold cross-validation with spatial and random subsampling. Furthermore, the focus is on the analysis of the implications of uncertainties expressed by confidence intervals of model predictions. The cross-validation performance assessments reflects the variability of performance estimates compared to single hold-out validation approaches that produce only a single estimate. The analysis of the confidence intervals shows that in 85% of the study area, the 95% confidence limits fall within the same susceptibility class. However, there are cases where confidence intervals overlap with all classes from the lowest to the highest class of susceptibility to landsliding. Locations whose confidence intervals intersect with more than one susceptibility class are of high interest because this uncertainty may affect spatial planning processes that are based on the susceptibility level.
Structure of the cuniculus nectary in Brassavola flagellaris Barb. Rodr. (Laeliinae Benth., Orchidaceae)
Authors: Stpiczyńska Małgorzata , Davis Kevin L. , Kamińska Magdalena
Published: April 2013

To date, the structure of the cuniculus nectary has not been studied in detail. Furthermore, the secretory mechanism of such nectaries has not been investigated. The present paper describes, for the first time, the structural organization and ultrastructure of the cuniculus nectary in the moth-pollinated orchid Brassavola flagellaris Barb. Rodr. This tubular structure is situated between the perianth tube and ovary and, in its possession of thick, cellulose cell walls, resembles the nectary of ornithophilous taxa. The presence of large secretory vesicles that fuse with the plasmalemma indicate that granulocrine nectar secretion occurs in this species. The lumen of the cuniculus is lined with unicellular hairs. However, the cuticle overlying the whole epidermal surface lining the lumen (both glabrous and pubescent regions) was coated with nectar residues and became distended and cracked, indicating that this entire tissue is probably involved in nectar secretion.
Adventitious bud regeneration from the stigma of Sinapis alba L.
Authors: Zenkteler Elżbieta , Zarychta Łukasz
Published: April 2013

Stigmas isolated from flower buds of 'Nakielska' variety of Sinapis alba were used to develop a micropropagation method suitable for breeding of new cultivars. The origin of adventitious bud regeneration was studied on MS medium, under stimulation by bezylaminopurine (BAP) in combination with 2,4-D - dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). Histological analysis showed the structure of Sinapis stigma (composed from four types of tissue: papillae, transmitting tissue, parenchyma and vascular bundles) and revealed that numerous meristematic centers developed from parenchyma cells in close vicinity of vascular bundles. Buds very quickly appeared on the surface of initial explants and later formed multiplantlets that were easily rooted in the soil.
Morphologial variation in colonies of Chalara fraxinea isolated from ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) stems with symptoms of dieback and effects of temperature on colony growth and structure
Authors: Kowalski Tadeusz , Bartnik Czesław
Published: April 2013

The present paper presents the results of long-term observations of differences in growth and morphology of colonies of C. fraxinea isolated from ash stems with symptoms of dieback and the results of studies on effects of temperature on growth and morphology of colonies in vitro. Thirty randomly chosen C. fraxinea cultures, originating from six Forest Districts in southern and northern Poland, viz. Andrychów, Gryfice, Kańczuga, Lębork, Miechów and Mircze, were included in the temperature assay. Colony growth and morphology were evaluated in vitro, on malt extract agar. Two replicates of each isolate were incubated at 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30°C in darkness. Colonies of C. fraxinea isolated from necrotic stem tissues of diseased ash trees differed greatly in colour, structure, growth rate, presence of sectors and stromata as well as the intensity of conidial sporulation. Colony characters were often lost in further sub-cultures grown on the same medium. Colonies of C. fraxinea grew at 5-25°C in vitro. Three isolates still grew, though slowly, at 30°C. The optimum temperature for growth was 20°C. Among 30 isolates tested, five grew most quickly at 25°C and four at 15°C. Differences among colony diameters recorded at 5, 10, 15, 20 and 30°C were statistically significant, while differences at 15 and 25°C were not. At some temperatures, statistically significant differences in growth rate were related to the origin of the isolates. There were three main colony colour types. Temperature was the main factor affecting colony morphology in vitro. The formation of sectors was observed in 36% of colonies, pseudoparenchymatous stromata in 10.4% of colonies, and white crystalline substances in 53.3% of colonies. The results of in vitro observations were used for discussion of the effects of temperature on growth and activity of C. fraxinea in vivo.
Effects of tillage system and forecrop type on frequency of Fusarium culmorum and F. avenaceum occurrence on culm base of some winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars
Authors: Weber Ryszard , Kita Włodzimierz
Published: April 2013

In the years 2001 - 2003, there were analyzed relations between the number of Fusarium culmorum and F. avenaceum, fungi found on culm base parts of stalks of seven winter wheat cultivars, and preceding crop type as well as the cultivation system. The research was carried out in Poland, on light soil plots of a Lower Silesia-based experimental station subordinate to the Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation (IUNG). The loglinear and correspondence analyses proved varying immunity of particular wheat cultivars to F. culmorum and F. avenaceum fungi. There were also observed significant differences in Fusarium diseases of wheat as dependent on precipitation and temperature in the growing season. The Kobra cultivar was highly resistant to F. avenaceum. The lowest amounts of F. culmorum fungi were detected in the culm base parts of the Izolda cultivar. The cultivation of corn, as a preceding crop for oats and for spring wheat, did significantly differentiate varieties of fungi in the cultivation systems examined. In the plough cultivation system, wheat was mainly infected by Fusarium culmorum, whereas in direct sowing, particular cultivars of wheat were mostly infected by F. avenaceum.
Fusarium head blight of winter rye (Secale cereale L.)
Authors: Kiecana Irena , Mielniczuk Elżbieta
Published: April 2013

Investigations on Fusarium head blight of rye were carried out in the years 2005-2007 on 10 production fields in the Lublin region. The percentage of heads showing the fusariosis symptoms in the years 2005-2007 ranged from 0 to 7%. Mycological analysis of kernels and chaff obtained from heads with Fusarium blight (scab) symptoms showed that Fusarium avenaceum, Fusarium culmorum and Fusarium sporotrichioides were the largest threat to heads of this cereal. The species of Fusarium poae and Fusarium crookwellense were also isolated from infected rye heads. The dominance of particular species in infecting rye heads was determined by weather conditions.
Changes in soil microbial communities as a result of growing Brassicaceae crops
Authors: Majchrzak Barbara , Kurowski Tomasz P. , Wachowska Urszula , Jaźwińska Edyta
Published: April 2013

The study was conducted in 2006 - 2008 at the Production and Experimental Station of the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, located in Bałcyny (NE Poland). The objective of this study was to determine the microbial quality of soil after Brassicaceae grown as forecrops for winter wheat. A field experiment was established on grey-brown podsolic soil, and it involved the following forecrops: winter rapeseed, spring rapeseed, white mustard, Chinese mustard, and winter wheat as control. Soil samples for microbiological analyses were collected in the spring, before the sowing of forecrops, and in the autumn, after the harvest of Brassicaceae and ploughing-in crop residues. Bacterial and fungal communities isolated from soil sown with Brassicaceae as forecrops were generally more abundant and diverse. These communities exerted an inhibitory effect on the growth of soil pathogens. Forecrops with the greatest microbiological potential were white mustard and winter rapeseed.