bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gender Issues in Cooperative Societies of Ilam
Authors: Thapa Bhupal Krishna
Published: February 2017

Cooperative is an organization run by the similar professional people for the betterment of their socio-economic uplift with common goals in the democratic way. The success or failure of any cooperative depends upon the members' role. If the female memberships are grown, and opportunities are given in governance, cooperative societies will be successful. The present study was conducted to explore the status of cooperative female members' memberships, and governance like board of directors and job opportunities provided by the concern cooperatives in Ilam, Nepal. The nature of the study was quantitative and qualitative implying survey method and in-depth interview. There were 226 cooperative members from three types of cooperatives: Savings and Credit, Tea, and Dairy cooperatives. The present study showed that the majority of the female members were deprived of their basic rights of participating in AGM, board of directors and office works from their concern cooperatives. Thus, the cooperatives are requested to encourage their female members in memberships, and governance.Journal of Advanced Academic Research Vol. 3, No. 2, 2016, page: 22-28
Role-stress and mental health of government officers of Nepal
Authors: Rayamajhi Kedar Bahadur
Published: February 2017

Stress is the mental phenomenon; caused from the various environmental factors. The main aim of this study is to explore relationship between the role-stress and mental health of government officer working under the different ministries of Nepal. The study was conducted among the 284 government officers comprising level I to III. Standard structured questionnaires were used to measure the role-stress and mental health. The study found that there was no significant difference between position regarding the impact of organizational role stress on their mental and physical health. There was no significant difference found between the class I and III at P = 1.000 followed by class I and II at P = 1.000 and class III and class II at P = 1.000. Data shows that perception of mental and physical health has no different on the basis of their position and job roles. The study observed that there is relationship between the role-stress and mental health. If role stress increased then it negatively effect in mental health. Government employee reported the effect of role stress in their daily life but study has not found the serious effect of role stress in mental health of employees because of their practices of coping mechanism. So, there is need to explore their coping mechanism to manage the stress.  Journal of Advanced Academic Research Vol. 3, No. 2, 2016, Page: 40-54
A Pregnant Women’s Group: an Innovative Approach to Reduce Maternal and Neonatal Deaths in Developing Countries
Authors: Shrestha Bhagawan Das
Published: February 2017

In Nepal, the utilization of maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH) care services exhibit big gaps between rich and poor, for instance poorest quintile is at 10.7% skill births attendant services while richest at 81.5%, despite the services being free of cost. Pregnant women’s group (PWG) approach was initiated to address MNCH inequities prevailing in the disadvantaged community. The PWG is a socially cohesive peer support group of 8-15 pregnant women and postnatal mothers who meet monthly for participatory teaching and learning sessions on MNCH cares and semi-annual publicly group commitment meeting. At the meetings, husbands, mothers- in-law and father-in-law verbally commit to support their pregnant wives and daughters-in-law in present of pregnant women. Local health staff also commits to provide those services. The literature review was done on women’s group and its impact of MNCH. The findings were compared with PWG approach of Nepal in line with "the World Health Organization’s recommendation on community mobilization through facilitated participatory learning and action cycles with women’s groups for maternal and newborn health". The PWG approach fulfill the WHO’s consideration of more than 30% of pregnant women participation, the role of men and other members of the community, visual methods and ethnic group mix. The PWG approach can be a strategy to reduce the high burdens of maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality in developing countries. The approach needs monthly participatory teaching learning sessions, use of a behavioural mapping mat for self-monitoring and biannually publicly group commitments by husbands and mother and father-in-laws.Journal of Advanced Academic Research Vol. 3, No. 2, 2016, page: 66-81
Stereoscopic Correspondence of Particles for 3-Dimensional Particle Tracking Velocimetry by using Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Panday Sanjeeb Prasad
Published: February 2017

The genetic algorithm (GA) based stereo particle-pairing algorithm has been developed and applied to the spatial particle-pairing problem of the stereoscopic three-dimensional (3-D) PTV system. In this 3 D  PTV system, particles viewed by two (or more than two) stereoscopic cameras with a parallax have to be correctly paired at every synchronized time step. This is important because the 3-D coordinates of individual particles cannot be computed without the knowledge of the correct stereo correspondence of the particles. In the present study, the GA algorithm is applied to the epipolar line proximity analysis for establishing correspondence of particles pairs between two co-instantaneous stereoscopic particles images, in order to compute the 3-D coordinates of every individual particle. The results are tested with various standard images and it’s found that the new strategy using GA works better than conventional particle pairing methods of 3-D particle tracking velocimetry for steoroscopic PTV. Journal of the Institute of Engineering, 2016, 12(1): 10-26
Earliest Arrival of Evacuees with Contraflow Approach
Authors: Gupta Shiva Prakash , Khadka Shree Ram
Published: February 2017

The earliest arrival flow problem sends a maximum number of evacuees as early as possible during the evacuation of people and/or property from dangerous zone to the safe zone. The contraflow approach significantly increases the capacity to send the evacuees at one hand and reduces the time the evacuation takes on the other hand. The problem has been extensively studied as an optimization problem with wide application. In this paper we briefly revisit the existing literature of the problem.Journal of the Institute of Engineering, 2016, 12(1): 96-104
Ann Folino White, Plowed Under: Food Policy Protests and Performance in New Deal America
Authors: Witham Barry B.
Published: February 2017

Plowed Under examines how the 1933 Agricultural Adjustment Act, which limited market supply and stabilized prices by rotating crops and slaughtering cows and pigs, was performed for the American public by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and how enraged citizens then fought back and performed their opposition.
Trojan Pretenders: Dryden's The Last Parting of Hector and Andromache, Jacobitism, and Translatio Imperii
Authors: Calvert Ian
Published: February 2017

Dryden's account of the infant Astyanax in his translation of the Hector and Andromache episode from Book 6 of the Iliad incorporates references to Virgil's Ascanius designed to celebrate the status of James Francis Edward Stuart (who was to become ‘the Old Pretender’) as the descendant of the two main branches of the Trojan royal family featured in Homeric and Virgilian epic. Dryden also celebrates James’ matrilineal descent from Astyanax: James’ mother, Mary of Modena, was a member of a royal house which claimed Astyanax as its founder. Dryden's translation draws on traditions concerning the post-Trojan fates of Ascanius and Astyanax to celebrate the birth of a royal heir whilst acknowledging the precariousness of that heir's future, which makes the poem available for Jacobite interpretations.
Intracellular Accumulation of Methylglyoxal by Glyoxalase 1 Knock Down Alters Collagen Homoeostasis in L6 Myoblasts
Authors: Stratmann Bernd , Goldstein Bernhard , Thornalley Paul , Rabbani Naila , Tschoepe Diethelm
Published: February 2017

Hyperglycemia results in accumulation of the reactive dicarbonyl methylglyoxal (MG). Methylglyoxal is detoxified by the glyoxalase system (glyoxalase 1 and 2). The influence of glyoxalase 1 knockdown on expression of collagens 1, 3, 4, and 5 in L6 myoblasts under hyperglycemic conditions was investigated. Increased biosynthesis of collagens 1, 3, 4, and 5 was detected at mRNA-level following knockdown of glyoxalase 1 (GLO1). At the protein level a significant elevation of the concentration of collagen 1 and 4 was shown, whereas no increase of collagen 5 and a non-significant increase in collagen 3 were detectable. These results could partially explain MG-induced changes in the extracellular matrix (ECM) which account for increased fibrosis and impaired function in myocytes. The mechanisms by which reactive glucose metabolites influence ECM composition deserve further investigation.
Electrochemical Corrosion Behavior of Near-Nano and Nanostructured WC-Co Cemented Carbides
Authors: Alar Željko , Alar Vesna , Fabijanić Tamara
Published: February 2017

In this paper, the electrochemical corrosion resistance of near-nano and nanostructured WC-Co cemented carbides was investigated. WC powders with an average grain size dBET in the range from 95 nm to 150 nm and with an addition of vanadium carbide (VC) and chromium carbide Cr3C2 as grain growth inhibitors were used as starting powders. The mixtures with 6 wt. % and 9 wt. % Co were consolidated by two different processes; sintering in hydrogen atmosphere and the sinter-HIP process. WC-Co samples were researched by direct current and alternating current techniques in the solution of 3.5% NaCl at room temperature. Corrosion parameters such as corrosion potential (Ecorr), corrosion current density (jcorr) and polarization resistance (Rp) were determined by electrochemical techniques. From the conducted research, it was found that the consolidation processes and microstructural characteristics—grain growth inhibitors, grain size of the starting WC powders and η-phase—influenced the electrochemical corrosion resistance. η-phase enhanced the formation of a passive layer on the samples’ surfaces, thereby reducing the tendency of the sample dissolution and increasing the stability of oxides forming therewith a passive layer on the sample surface.
The Effect of Nb/Ti Ratio on Hardness in High-Strength Ni-Based Superalloys
Authors: Hisazawa Hiromu , Terada Yoshihiro , Adziman Fauzan , Crudden David , Collins David , Armstrong David , Reed Roger
Published: February 2017

The age-hardening behaviour and microstructure development of high strength Ni-based superalloys ABD-D2, D4, and D6 with varying Nb/Ti ratios have been studied. The studied alloys have large volume fractions and multimodal size distributions of the γ′ precipitates, making them sensitive to cooling conditions following solution heat treatment. Differential scanning calorimetry was conducted with a thermal cycle that replicated a processing heat treatment. The hardness of these alloys was subsequently evaluated by nanoindentation. The Nb/Ti ratio was not observed to influence the size and distribution of primary and secondary γ′ precipitates; however, the difference in those of tertiary γ′ and precipitate morphology were observed. The nanoindentation hardness for all alloys reduces once they have been solution-heat-treated. The alloys exhibited specific peak hardness. The alloy with the greatest Nb content was found to have the best increase in hardness among the alloys studied due to its large tertiary γ′ precipitate.
Observation Interface of PDMS Membrane in a Microfluidic Chip Based on One-Step Molding
Authors: Chen Xiangyu , Hou Shuangyue , Chu Jian , Xiong Ying , Xiong Penghui , Liu Gang , Tian Yangchao
Published: February 2017

Nowadays, researchers are focusing on sorting, characterizing and detecting micron or submicron particles or bacteria in microfluidic chips. However, some contradictions hinder the applications of conventional microfluidic chips, including the low working distance of high resolving power microscopy and the low light transmittance of conventional microfluidic chips. In this paper, a rapid and readily accessible microfluidic fabrication method is presented to realize observation with high magnification microscopy. With the one-step molding process, the interconnections, the thin observation interface of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) membrane and microfluidic channels were integrated into an intact PDMS replica. Three kinds of PDMS replicas with different auxiliary beams were designed and optimized by leakage experiments and analytical software. The observation interfaces of a 170 μm thickness PDMS membrane enlarges the application domain of microfluidic chips. By adopting a solution of high magnification observation, microfluidic devices could be applied widely in medical science, biology and material science.
Assessment of Knowledge of Diabetes Mellitus in the Urban Areas of Klang District, Malaysia
Authors: Chinnappan Sasikala , Sivanandy Palanisamy , Sagaran Rajenthina , Molugulu Nagashekhara
Published: February 2017

Diabetes is the most common cause of non-traumatic lower limb amputations and cardiovascular diseases. However, only a negligible percentage of the patients and subjects knew that the feet are affected in diabetes and diabetes affects the heart. Hence, a cross-sectional study was carried out to evaluate the knowledge of diabetes mellitus among the public of different age group, gender, ethnicity, and education level. A sample of 400 participants was randomly selected and data was collected using a structured questionnaire under non-contrived setting. The results showed that there is a statistically significant difference in knowledge on diabetes mellitus among different age groups and different ethnic origin but there is no significant difference in the knowledge among different gender and education level. Out of 400 respondents, 284 respondents (71%) knew that diabetes mellitus is actually a condition characterized by raised blood sugar. Age and education level of respondents were found to be the predominant predictive factors on diabetes knowledge, whereas the gender of respondents did not affect the findings of this study. An improved and well-structured educational programme that tackles the areas of weaknesses should be recommended to increase the level of knowledge on diabetes among Malaysians.
Reimagining the Races: The Case of Emerging Adults and Their Composite Perspective
Authors: Lee Michael Anthony
Published: February 2017

Each year, the New Zealand thoroughbred horseracing industry must balance the negotiation of its image as an entertainment venue with seasonal racegoers. During the spring and summer high seasons, tens of thousands of emerging adults (age 18–30) visit metropolitan thoroughbred
horse racetracks because they offer favorable hospitality packages. Such activities are designed to reflect the entertainment values of the New Zealand thoroughbred industry during the 1960s, which flourished under such principles. Today, however, that image is beginning to create an unsustainable
future for New Zealand thoroughbred horseracing. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the image of an old-fashioned industry as an effective attraction technique for events. Emphasis was placed upon the industry's image among emerging adults during the winter low season. A mixed-method
approach evaluated how emerging adults perceive alternative images of a phenomenon. Although most respondents visited primarily to gamble, equally, they were not influenced by existing advertising or imagery. A closed-response survey (N = 90) was conducted at six popular thoroughbred
horse racetrack locations in New Zealand. This identified the way some emerging adults are making use of leisure time.
Design, Development, and Marketing Process of Video Games
Authors: Kaleci Devkan , Tepe Tansel
Published: February 2017

In this study, general information about video game and video game sector, process of steps when designing, developing, and marketing a video game are presented in detail. Since game designers attempt to create their own type and develop new game type, there is no certain acceptance about suitable categorization for video games and certain number of video games types. For this reason, it is firstly mentioned about video game concept as well as systematically categorizing all game types in this study. Afterwards, each of these game categories and game types are described in details. Furthermore, it is aimed to raise awareness of researchers interested in this area, and to help in removing false or incomplete information about video games in the process of video game development.
Determination of Voting Tendencies in Turkey through Data Mining Algorithms
Authors: Bayır Ali , Ozdemir Sebnem , Gülseçen Sevinç
Published: February 2017

Political elections can be defined as systems that contain political tendencies and voters' perceptions and preferences. The outputs of those systems are formed by specific attributes of individuals such as age, gender, occupancy, educational status, socio-economic status, religious belief, etc. Those attributes can create a data set, which contains hidden information and undiscovered patterns that can be revealed by using data mining methods and techniques. The main purpose of this study is to define voting tendencies in politics by using some of data mining methods. According to that purpose, the survey results, which were prepared and applied before 2011 elections of Turkey by KONDA Research and Consultancy Company, were used as raw data set. After Preprocessing of data, models were generated via data mining algorithms, such as Gini, C4.5 Decision Tree, Naive Bayes and Random Forest. Because of increasing popularity and flexibility in analyzing process, R language and Rstudio environment were used.
“Nothing Crueler than High School Students”
Authors: Rosewarne Lauren
Published: February 2017

The Internet as a fearful place is a theme apparent in numerous film and television presentations whereby fears and anxieties about new technology are exploited and new ethical challenges are mounted. The idea that the Internet can make a person, particularly a young person, vulnerable has much traction on screen: in the context of bullying, narratives frequently demonstrate that while it was once restricted to the parameters of school—the school grounds and the school day—the Internet enables such behavior to happen at any time and for it to occur repeatedly with an infinite audience. Anybody with Internet access—be it via their laptop or smartphone—can be bullied; equally, anyone with access to such technology can become the bully. Revictimization is the starting point for this discussion and is a key factor in distinguishing cyberbullying from the schoolyard terror of the pre–Web era. The public nature of many online attacks means that victims experience abuse in an ongoing fashion in turn, exacerbating and prolonging the trauma. Other themes explored include the flexibility of roles: whereas in schoolyard bullying the victim is frequently the weaker kid preyed upon by someone older and stronger; online the weaker kid can effortlessly become the bully themselves in a world where physical brawn is less important than computer prowess. Age and gender are also examined, along with emerging social concerns such as slut-shaming and revenge porn. These themes are each explored to expose the ways film and television depict social concerns exacerbated by new technology.
UK-Based Police Officers' Perceptions of, and Role in Investigating, Cyber-Harassment as a Crime
Authors: Millman Catherine M , Winder Belinda , Griffiths Mark D.
Published: February 2017

Within the UK, cyber-harassment is a criminal act and perpetrators can be prosecuted if the crime is reported to the police. Cyber-harassment has a detrimental impact and causes psychological distress to victims but due to its online nature, complaints made may not be taken seriously and the impact may not be fully acknowledged. Police officers' perceptions of this crime and its victims are crucial as this will impact on how the crime is investigated and whether perpetrators are prosecuted. The present exploratory study aimed to gain insight into how cyber-harassment is investigated and identify issues and barriers. Eight police officers based in the United Kingdom were recruited using a snowball technique to participate in semi-structured interviews. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis and three themes were identified: online accessibility, threat, and the unhelpful victim. Each theme is discussed in relation to theory, policy and legislation within the UK.
Evaluation for Long-Term Structural Shading Materials for Use in Harsh Environments
Authors: Dominguez A. , Lynch M. , Miller M. , George T. , Hosokawa T. , Chavez D. , Es-Said Omar S.
Published: February 2017

This paper evaluated the performance and durability of leading structural shading materials to be used in the Super Containerized Living Units (Super-CLU’s) project. Fifteen unique shading fabrics were tested in five different experiments in order to evaluate their strength, resistance to wind, abrasion, and heat and to assess their heat transmissivity and breathability. A current United States Navy material was used as a control material for the evaluation of the other tested materials. Samples of each fabric were first tensile tested in both their warp and weft orientation to create an ‘as-received’ baseline condition. Then, additional samples of each fabric were exposed to wind, abrasion, or heat and subsequently tensile tested in order to show the degradation in tensile strength as compared to the as-received samples. The heat transmissivity and breathability testing was conducted separately.
Phase Behaviour of Cellulose Nanocrystal Dispersion in Aqueous Sulphuric Acid and Development of an Energy Efficient Separation Technique for the Acid-Cellulose Nanocrystal System
Authors: Liew Soon Yee , Thielemans Wim , Hewakandamby Buddhika
Published: February 2017

In this paper, the phase behaviour of a cellulose nanocrystal (CNCs) dispersion in sulphuric acid solutions was investigated, aimed at the development of an energy efficient separation method for this mixture. The system in consideration was a mixture of 30 wt% aqueous sulphuric acid (ρl = 1219 kg/m3) containing 12.6 mg/ml of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) (ρs = 1590 kg/m3, volume fraction of CNCs less than 1%). This volume filling mixture was obtained directly from a CNC extraction process, as obtained after the hydrolysis of cotton using 64 wt% sulphuric acid at ca. 45 ̊C for 45 minutes (this condition was required for the extraction of CNCs from cotton) followed by quenching the hydrolysis with water. The CNCs form the desired product and need to be separated from the acid that can then be recycled. Conventionally this separation has been difficult and requires a large input of energy. This work addresses this problem by investigating into the phase behaviour and physicochemical and hydrodynamic character of this mixture. This understanding led to the development of a very energy efficient separation mechanism for this mixture, which is 5 orders of magnitude more energy efficient than the most widely used centrifugation systems.
Queens of Bombus diversus tersatus (Hymenoptera: Apidae) are innately attracted to floral scents emitted by Cremastra appendiculata (Orchidaceae)
Authors: Kubo Ryohei , Ono Masato
Published: February 2017

The rewarding orchid, Cremastra appendiculata (Orchidaceae), has a strong floral scent and is pollinated by long-tongued bumble bee queens (Bombus diversus tersatus Smith; Hymenoptera: Apidae). The response of queens of B. diversus tersatus to the scent of C. appendiculata was investigated using a gas chromatography–electroantennographic detector system and Y-tube olfactometer. Gas chromatography–electroantennographic detector analysis of flower extracts showed that seven compounds (nerol, methyl decanoate, methyl dodecanoate, methyl tetradecanoate, methyl hexadecanoate, ethyl dodecanoate, and ethyl tetradecanoate) elicited antennal responses from B. diversus tersatus queens. Further, Y-tube olfactometer test results showed that queens significantly preferred both the flower extracts and synthetic mixture of seven EAD active compounds compared with pentane (a solvent control). These results suggest that floral scents play an important role in attracting queens and promote successful pollination.
Advanced Ducted Propulsor In-Flight Thrust Determination
Authors:   E-33 In Flight Propulsion Measurement Committee
Published: February 2017

The emerging ultra high bypass ratio ADP engines, with nozzle pressure ratios significantly lower, and bypass ratios significantly higher, than those of the current turbofan engines, may present new in-flight thrust determination challenges that are not specifically covered in AIR1703. This document addresses candidate methods and the additional challenges to the thrust determination for these ADP engines.

These novel challenges result in part from the fact that some large ADP engines exceed present altitude test facility capabilities. The traditional methods of nozzle coefficient extrapolation may not be most satisfactory because of the increased error due to the ADP higher ratio of gross to net thrust, and because of the increased sensitivity of in-flight thrust uncertainty at the lower fan nozzle pressure ratio. An additional challenge covered by this document is the higher sensitivity of ADP in-flight thrust uncertainty to the external flow field around the engine, and the changes in this flow field due to aircraft configuration and operations.

Calibrations for in-flight thrust determination for these ADP engines may have to be based on other alternate methods. Recently, large size turbo powered simulators (TPS) of propulsion systems (including the nacelle) have been developed and thus provide a new capability for in-flight thrust determination. Furthermore Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) analysis may prove to be a viable supplement to ground (sea level) engine testing and sub-scale model coefficient extrapolations to cruise conditions. These recent developments are described within along with their associated error assessments.

The candidate thrust methods build on the work presented in AIR1703. The document includes a comprehensive uncertainty assessment conducted per AIR1678 to identify the major thrust determination options. Fundamental to this uncertainty assessment are the influence coefficients relating in-flight thrust calculation uncertainty to the measured parameters and derived coefficients. These influence coefficients were developed from three typical public domain, generic engine cycle models.

For the major potential thrust determination options, the overall thrust and airflow calibration processes are defined in detail. Road maps are included showing model, engine and flight-tests, measurements and correlations, calibration procedures and analyses. The document addresses the pros and cons of each of the major thrust determination options, including a discussion of the key assumptions and expected uncertainties.
Growing season CH4 and N2O fluxes from a subarctic landscape in northern Finland; from chamber to landscape scale
Authors: Dinsmore Kerry J. , Drewer Julia , Levy Peter E. , George Charles , Lohila Annalea , Aurela Mika , Skiba Ute M.
Published: February 2017

Abstract. Subarctic and boreal emissions of CH4 are important contributors to the atmospheric greenhouse gas (GHG) balance and subsequently the global radiative forcing. Whilst N2O emissions may be lower, the much greater radiative forcing they produce justifies their inclusion in GHG studies. In addition to the quantification of flux magnitude, it is essential that we understand the drivers of emissions to be able to accurately predict climate-driven changes and potential feedback mechanisms. Hence this study aims to increase our understanding of what drives fluxes of CH4 and N2O in a subarctic forest/wetland landscape during peak summer conditions and into the shoulder season, exploring both spatial and temporal variability, and uses satellite-derived spectral data to extrapolate from chamber-scale fluxes to a 2 km  ×  2 km landscape area.From static chamber measurements made during summer and autumn campaigns in 2012 in the Sodankylä region of northern Finland, we concluded that wetlands represent a significant source of CH4 (3.35 ± 0.44 mg C m−2 h−1 during the summer campaign and 0.62 ± 0.09 mg C m−2 h−1 during the autumn campaign), whilst the surrounding forests represent a small sink (−0.06 ± < 0.01 mg C m−2 h−1 during the summer campaign and −0.03 ± < 0.01 mg C m−2 h−1 during the autumn campaign). N2O fluxes were near-zero across both ecosystems.We found a weak negative relationship between CH4 emissions and water table depth in the wetland, with emissions decreasing as the water table approached and flooded the soil surface and a positive relationship between CH4 emissions and the presence of Sphagnum mosses. Temperature was also an important driver of CH4 with emissions increasing to a peak at approximately 12 °C. Little could be determined about the drivers of N2O emissions given the small magnitude of the fluxes.A multiple regression modelling approach was used to describe CH4 emissions based on spectral data from PLEIADES PA1 satellite imagery across a 2 km  ×  2 km landscape. When applied across the whole image domain we calculated a CH4 source of 2.05 ± 0.61 mg C m−2 h−1. This was significantly higher than landscape estimates based on either a simple mean or weighted by forest/wetland proportion (0.99 ± 0.16, 0.93 ± 0.12 mg C m−2 h−1, respectively). Hence we conclude that ignoring the detailed spatial variability in CH4 emissions within a landscape leads to a potentially significant underestimation of landscape-scale fluxes. Given the small magnitude of measured N2O fluxes a similar level of detailed upscaling was not needed; we conclude that N2O fluxes do not currently comprise an important component of the landscape-scale GHG budget at this site.
Aerosol–radiation interaction modelling using online coupling between the WRF 3.7.1 meteorological model and the CHIMERE 2016 chemistry-transport model, through the OASIS3-MCT coupler
Authors: Briant Régis , Tuccella Paolo , Deroubaix Adrien , Khvorostyanov Dmitry , Menut Laurent , Mailler Sylvain , Turquety Solène
Published: February 2017

Abstract. The presence of airborne aerosols affects the meteorology as it induces a perturbation in the radiation budget, the number of cloud condensation nuclei and the cloud micro-physics. Those effects are difficult to model at regional scale as regional chemistry-transport models are usually driven by a distinct meteorological model or data. In this paper, the coupling of the CHIMERE chemistry-transport model with the WRF meteorological model using the OASIS3-MCT coupler is presented. WRF meteorological fields along with CHIMERE aerosol optical properties are exchanged through the coupler at a high frequency in order to model the aerosol–radiation interactions. The WRF-CHIMERE online model has a higher computational burden than both models run separately in offline mode (up to 42 % higher). This is mainly due to some additional computations made within the models such as more frequent calls to meteorology treatment routines or calls to optical properties computation routines. On the other hand, the overall time required to perform the OASIS3-MCT exchanges is not significant compared to the total duration of the simulations. The impact of the coupling is evaluated on a case study over Europe, northern Africa, the Middle East and western Asia during the summer of 2012, through comparisons of the offline and two online simulations (with and without the aerosol optical properties feedback) to observations of temperature, aerosol optical depth (AOD) and surface PM10 (particulate matter with diameters lower than 10 µm) concentrations. The result shows that using the optical properties feedback induces a radiative forcing (average forcing of −4.8 W m−2) which creates a perturbation in the average surface temperatures over desert areas (up to 2.6° locally) along with an increase in both AOD and PM10 concentrations.
Developing a representative snow-monitoring network in a forested mountain watershed
Authors: Gleason Kelly E. , Nolin Anne W. , Roth Travis R.
Published: February 2017

Abstract. A challenge in establishing new ground-based stations for monitoring snowpack accumulation and ablation is to locate the sites in areas that represent the key processes affecting snow accumulation and ablation. This is especially challenging in forested montane watersheds where the combined effects of terrain, climate, and land cover affect seasonal snowpack. We present a coupled modeling approach used to objectively identify representative snow-monitoring locations in a forested watershed in the western Oregon Cascades mountain range. We used a binary regression tree (BRT) non-parametric statistical model to classify peak snow water equivalent (SWE) based on physiographic landscape characteristics in an average snow year, an above-average snow year, and a below-average snow year. Training data for the BRT classification were derived using spatially distributed estimates of SWE from a validated physically based model of snow evolution. The optimal BRT model showed that elevation and land cover type were the most significant drivers of spatial variability in peak SWE across the watershed (R2  =  0.93, p value  <  0.01). Geospatial elevation and land cover data were used to map the BRT-derived snow classes across the watershed. Specific snow-monitoring sites were selected randomly within the dominant BRT-derived snow classes to capture the range of spatial variability in snowpack conditions in the McKenzie River basin. The Forest Elevational Snow Transect (ForEST) is a result of this coupled modeling approach and represents combinations of forested and open land cover types at low, mid-, and high elevations. After 5 years of snowpack monitoring, the ForEST network provides a valuable and detailed dataset of snow accumulation, snow ablation, and snowpack energy balance in forested and open sites from the rain–snow transition zone to the upper seasonal snow zone in the western Oregon Cascades.
COMPARISON OF COMMERCIAL STRUCTURE-FROM-MOTION
PHOTOGRAMMETY SOFTWARE USED FOR UNDERWATER THREE-DIMENSIONAL
MODELING OF CORAL REEF ENVIRONMENTS
Authors: Burns J. H. R. , Delparte D.
Published: February 2017

Abstract. Structural complexity in ecosystems creates an assortment of microhabitat types and has been shown to support greater diversity and abundance of associated organisms. The 3D structure of an environment also directly affects important ecological parameters such as habitat provisioning and light availability and can therefore strongly influence ecosystem function. Coral reefs are architecturally complex 3D habitats, whose structure is intrinsically linked to the ecosystem biodiversity, productivity, and function. The field of coral ecology has, however, been primarily limited to using 2-dimensional (2D) planar survey techniques for studying the physical structure of reefs. This conventional approach fails to capture or quantify the intricate structural complexity of corals that influences habitat facilitation and biodiversity. A 3-dimensional (3D) approach can obtain accurate measurements of architectural complexity, topography, rugosity, volume, and other structural characteristics that affect biodiversity and abundance of reef organisms. Structurefrom- Motion (SfM) photogrammetry is an emerging computer vision technology that provides a simple and cost-effective method for 3D reconstruction of natural environments. SfM has been used in several studies to investigate the relationship between habitat complexity and ecological processes in coral reef ecosystems. This study compared two commercial SfM software packages, Agisoft Photoscan Pro and Pix4Dmapper Pro 3.1, in order to assess the cpaability and spatial accuracy of these programs for conducting 3D modeling of coral reef habitats at three spatial scales.
GROUND AND AERIAL DIGITAL DOCUMENTATION OF CULTURAL HERITAGE: PROVIDING TOOLS FOR 3D EXPLOITATION OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL DATA
Authors: Cantoro G.
Published: February 2017

Abstract. Archaeology is by its nature strictly connected with the physical landscape and as such it explores the inter-relations of individuals with places in which they leave and the nature that surrounds them. Since its earliest stages, archaeology demonstrated its permeability to scientific methods and innovative techniques or technologies. Archaeologists were indeed between the first to adopt GIS platforms (since already almost three decades) on large scale and are now between the most demanding customers for emerging technologies such as digital photogrammetry and drone-aided aerial photography. This paper aims at presenting case studies where the “3D approach” can be critically analysed and compared with more traditional means of documentation. Spot-light is directed towards the benefits of a specifically designed platform for user to access the 3D point-clouds and explore their characteristics. Beside simple measuring and editing tools, models are presented in their actual context and location, with historical and archaeological information provided on the side. As final step of a parallel project on geo-referencing and making available a large archive of aerial photographs, 3D models derived from photogrammetric processing of images have been uploaded and linked to photo-footprints polygons. Of great importance in such context is the possibility to interchange the point-cloud colours with satellite imagery from OpenLayers. This approach makes it possible to explore different landscape configurations due to time-changes with simple clicks. In these cases, photogrammetry or 3D laser scanning replaced, sided or integrated legacy documentation, creating at once a new set of information for forthcoming research and ideally new discoveries.
3D SURVEYING AND GEOMETRIC ASSESSMENT OF A GOTHIC NAVE VAULTING FROM POINT CLOUDS
Authors: Costa-Jover A. , Lluis i Ginovart J. , Coll-Pla S. , López Piquer M. , Samper-Sosa A. , Moreno García D. , Solís Lorenzo A. M.
Published: February 2017

Abstract. The development of massive data captures techniques (MDC) in recent years, such as the Terrestrial laser Scanner (TLS), raises the possibility of developing new assessment procedures for architectural heritage. The 3D models that it is able to obtain is a great potential tool, both for conservation purposes and for historical and architectural studies. The paper proposes a simple, non-invasive methodology for the assessment of masonry vaults from point clouds which makes it possible to obtain relevant data about the formal anomalies. The methodology is tested in Tortosa’s Gothic Cathedral’s vaults, where the geometrical differences between vaults, a priori equal, are identified and related with the partially known construction phases. The procedure can be easily used on any other vaulted construction of any kind, but is especially useful to deal with the complex geometry of Gothic masonry vaults.
SEMI-GLOBAL MATCHING WITH SELF-ADJUSTING PENALTIES
Authors: Karkalou E. , Stentoumis C. , Karras G.
Published: February 2017

Abstract. The demand for 3D models of various scales and precisions is strong for a wide range of applications, among which cultural heritage recording is particularly important and challenging. In this context, dense image matching is a fundamental task for processes which involve image-based reconstruction of 3D models. Despite the existence of commercial software, the need for complete and accurate results under different conditions, as well as for computational efficiency under a variety of hardware, has kept image-matching algorithms as one of the most active research topics. Semi-global matching (SGM) is among the most popular optimization algorithms due to its accuracy, computational efficiency, and simplicity. A challenging aspect in SGM implementation is the determination of smoothness constraints, i.e. penalties P1, P2 for disparity changes and discontinuities. In fact, penalty adjustment is needed for every particular stereo-pair and cost computation. In this work, a novel formulation of self-adjusting penalties is proposed: SGM penalties can be estimated solely from the statistical properties of the initial disparity space image. The proposed method of self-adjusting penalties (SGM-SAP) is evaluated using typical cost functions on stereo-pairs from the recent Middlebury dataset of interior scenes, as well as from the EPFL Herz-Jesu architectural scenes. Results are competitive against the original SGM estimates. The significant aspects of self-adjusting penalties are: (i) the time-consuming tuning process is avoided; (ii) SGM can be used in image collections with limited number of stereo-pairs; and (iii) no heuristic user intervention is needed.
INVESTIGATING THE EFFECT OF FOCUS STACKING ON SFM-MVS ALGORITHMS
Authors: Kontogianni G. , Chliverou R. , Koutsoudis A. , Pavlidis G. , Georgopoulos A.
Published: February 2017

Abstract. The Depth of Field (DoF) is a vital factor in photogrammetric applications. Its effect is in most cases pretty obvious especially when capturing small artefacts. It is very important to observe its behaviour as it affects the ability to capture all the details of an object. Focus stacking is a technique in computational photography, in which a set of images focused on different planes with limited DoF are combined in order to considerably extend the DoF. Today, there is a number of focus stacking methods that can be applied in order to produce a full-focus image. In this paper, we investigate the application and effects of focus stacking on SfM-MVS 3D reconstruction. Specifically, our experiment involves the 3D reconstruction of a selected artefact using both traditional all-focus photography and focus stacking. The artefact has already been digitised with a high accuracy and resolution structured light 3D scanner, and that 3D model served as the reference model, with which SfM models were compared. We discuss on these fist results and present some preliminary assessment on the application of focus stacking for the SfM-MVS-based 3D reconstruction.
3D MODELLING AND MAPPING FOR VIRTUAL EXPLORATION OF UNDERWATER ARCHAEOLOGY ASSETS
Authors: Liarokapis F. , Kouřil P. , Agrafiotis P. , Demesticha S. , Chmelík J. , Skarlatos D.
Published: February 2017

Abstract. This paper investigates immersive technologies to increase exploration time in an underwater archaeological site, both for the public, as well as, for researchers and scholars. Focus is on the Mazotos shipwreck site in Cyprus, which is located 44 meters underwater. The aim of this work is two-fold: (a) realistic modelling and mapping of the site and (b) an immersive virtual reality visit. For 3D modelling and mapping optical data were used. The underwater exploration is composed of a variety of sea elements including: plants, fish, stones, and artefacts, which are randomly positioned. Users can experience an immersive virtual underwater visit in Mazotos shipwreck site and get some information about the shipwreck and its contents for raising their archaeological knowledge and cultural awareness.
CAMERA CALIBRATION ACCURACY AT DIFFERENT UAV FLYING HEIGHTS
Authors: Yusoff A. R. , Ariff M. F. M. , Idris K. M. , Majid Z. , Chong A. K.
Published: February 2017

Abstract. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) can be used to acquire highly accurate data in deformation survey, whereby low-cost digital cameras are commonly used in the UAV mapping. Thus, camera calibration is considered important in obtaining high-accuracy UAV mapping using low-cost digital cameras. The main focus of this study was to calibrate the UAV camera at different camera distances and check the measurement accuracy. The scope of this study included camera calibration in the laboratory and on the field, and the UAV image mapping accuracy assessment used calibration parameters of different camera distances. The camera distances used for the image calibration acquisition and mapping accuracy assessment were 1.5 metres in the laboratory, and 15 and 25 metres on the field using a Sony NEX6 digital camera. A large calibration field and a portable calibration frame were used as the tools for the camera calibration and for checking the accuracy of the measurement at different camera distances. Bundle adjustment concept was applied in Australis software to perform the camera calibration and accuracy assessment. The results showed that the camera distance at 25 metres is the optimum object distance as this is the best accuracy obtained from the laboratory as well as outdoor mapping. In conclusion, the camera calibration at several camera distances should be applied to acquire better accuracy in mapping and the best camera parameter for the UAV image mapping should be selected for highly accurate mapping measurement.
Las viviendas que pudieron hundir la economía española. La caída del mercado de vivienda y sus consecuencias
Authors: Rodríguez López Julio
Published: February 2017

Dentro de las numerosas etapas de auge del mercado de vivienda experimentadas por la economía española desde la segunda mitad del pasado siglo, la del periodo comprendido entre 1997 y 2007 ha sido la de mayor alcance. Destacó en la misma la fuerte expansión del crédito destinado a financiar la promoción y la compra de viviendas. La crisis financiera mundial de 2007-2008 provocó una fuerte restricción crediticia en España que frenó las ventas y la nueva construcción residencial. El peso del ajuste recayó sobre todo en las viviendas iniciadas, y resultó moderado el descenso de los precios. Se generó un importante volumen de viviendas nuevas no vendidas. La recesión se prolongó hasta 2013 y ocasionó una significativa destrucción de empleos. El impacto sobre el sistema financiero fue importante, provocando la desaparición de las cajas de ahorros. En 2015-2016 ha tenido lugar una recuperación del mercado de vivienda y de la nueva construcción residencial. Desde la política económica se debe de impedir la creación de nuevas “burbujas” inmobiliarias, que obstaculizan   la consolidación de un modelo productivo sostenible en la economía española.
Autoempleo (y emprendimiento) juvenil: ¿ahuyentar a los jóvenes de los derechos y garantías laborales?
Authors: Suárez Corujo Borja
Published: February 2017

El presente trabajo aborda una de las vertientes del empleo juvenil. Analiza, en primer lugar, las diversas medidas adoptadas fundamentalmente en 2013 en el plano sociolaboral para favorecer el emprendimiento (en realidad, autoempleo) de los jóvenes: incentivos en la cotización a la Seguridad Social, compatibilidad de la prestación por desempleo con el desarrollo de una actividad como trabajador autónomo. Este repaso permite reflexionar críticamente acerca de las consecuencias que esta política tiene en términos de precarización y de desprotección de los jóvenes que se ven desprovistos de las garantías y derechos individuales y colectivos propios del Derecho del Trabajo.