bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microstructural features evaluation of age-hardened A 226 cast alloy by image analysis
Authors: Kuchariková Lenka , Tillová Eva
Published: February 2018

Age-hardening provides one of the most widely used mechanisms for the strengthening of aluminum alloys. The age-hardening involves three steps: solution treatment, quenching and aging. The temperature of solution treatment and aging is very important in order to reach desired properties of castings. The optimum temperature of solution treatment and aging led to formation microstructural features in form which does not lead to decreasing properties, but increasing ones. The major micro-structural features in A 226 cast alloys which are responsible for increasing properties are: eutectic Si particles, Cu-rich phases, Fe-rich phases and porosity. The increase of properties depends on morphology, size and volume of microstructural features. In order to assess age-hardening influence on microstructural features in A226 cast alloys were used as possibilities of evaluation by means of image analysis. Quantitative analysis decelerate changes in microstructure includes the spheroidization and coarsening of eutectic silicon, gradual disintegration, shortening and thinning of Fe-rich intermetallic phases, the dissolution of precipitates and the precipitation of finer hardening phase (Al2Cu) further increase in the hardness and tensile strength in the alloy. Changes of mechanical properties were measured in line with STN EN ISO.
Value Stream Mapping as Lean Production tool to improve the production process organization – case study in packaging manufacturing
Authors: Klimecka-Tatar Dorota
Published: February 2018

In the paper, the method of the production process improvement with the use of lean production tools has been presented. The Value Stream Mapping (VSM) for the cardboard packaging production process has been presented. On the basis of the current state map (CSM), areas for improvement have been designated – 5 organizational changes of the process were marked out. To minimize the three basic losses excessive storage, unnecessary movement and delays, the changes were introduced in the method of inter-operative transport, supervision of the storage condition (input and output of the process), control at the processing operation and the use of a production loop. As a result of the changes, it is possible to shorten the process time, shorten the total time of operations adding value and reduce the number of non-compliant products.
The impact of Kathmandu's environmental degradation on tourism
Authors: Pradhan Devesh
Published: February 2018

This article was not peer-reviewed.No abstract available.
Diets for the brain
Authors: Shrestha Mohan Kumar
Published: February 2018

This article was not peer-reviewed.No abstract available.
Graphite preparation, structure and uses
Authors: Chaudhary Narendra Kumar
Published: February 2018

This article was not peer-reviewed.No abstract available.
Relation between Prime and Composite Number
Authors: Thapa Raju Ram
Published: February 2018

This article was not peer-reviewed.No abstract available.
The story of the great scientist Sir Isaac Newton
Authors: Koirala Ram Prasad
Published: February 2018

This article was not peer-reviewed.No abstract available.
Food Management at Home
Authors: Upadhyaya Y.D.
Published: February 2018

This article was not peer-reviewed.No abstract available.
Solar energy as an alternative source of energy
Authors: Adhikari Devendra
Published: February 2018

No abstract available.
Human diseases caused by extrinsic factors
Authors: Chhetry Damodar Thapa
Published: February 2018

No abstract available.
Behavior of positive integers in partition
Authors: Thapa Raju Ram
Published: February 2018

No abstract available.
Environment and rural development
Authors: Pradhan Devesh
Published: February 2018

No abstract available.
Theorem & Problems by Mathematical Induction
Authors: Shah Nagendra Prasad
Published: February 2018

No abstract available.
Factors leading to deficiency in nutrients
Authors: Adhikari Guru Prasad
Published: February 2018

No abstract available.
'Quality-A way of life'
Authors: Sitaula Mahendra
Published: February 2018

No Abstract.
The origin and the future of the universe
Authors: Adhikari Devendra
Published: February 2018

No abstract available.
About Pure and Applied Mathematics
Authors: Shah Nagendra Prasad
Published: February 2018

No abstract available.
Mercury P& Pollution
Authors: Pradhan Devesh
Published: February 2018

No Abstract available.
Fullerene Chemistry
Authors: Chaudhary Narendra Kumar
Published: February 2018

No abstract available.
Soil organisms and their beneficial effects
Authors: Chhetry Damodar Thapa
Published: February 2018

No abstract available.
Derivative use of matrix
Authors: Sah Nagendra Prasad
Published: February 2018

No abstract available.
Maxwell's equations and their significance
Authors: Koirala Ram Prasad
Published: February 2018

No abstract available.
Cubes: Quicker maths
Authors: Thapa Raju Ram
Published: February 2018

No Abstract available.
Green Chemistry: A tool to erase environmental pollution
Authors: Chaudhary Narendra Kumar
Published: February 2018

No abstract available.
Organic insecticides
Authors: Shrestha Mohan Kumar
Published: February 2018

No abstract available.
Effects of climate change in Nepal
Authors: Pradhan Devesh
Published: February 2018

No abstract available.
Riemann hypothesis and Zeta-Function
Authors: Bhattrai Mani Raj
Published: February 2018

No abstract available.
Quality and Competitive Ability Evaluation Method Development Mobile Fleet
Authors: Ildarkhanov Radik
Published: February 2018

The purpose of the article was to develop the evaluation method of mobile fleet. It is found that to evaluate production quality criterion of "integrated quality coefficient" is needed. Quality coefficient can be defined analytically. The author proposes the special formula to do this. Usage of analytical formula enables to conclude where one model excels the other, and where it is inferior. The formula validity check was performed. The research activities pursued by author enable to conclude that designed formula gives opportunity to evaluate product quality level objectively. Thus, competitive ability evaluation method resolves itself into choosing estimated product analogues and defining product quality coefficient using analytical method. Subsequently, prices and analogous product quality coordinates are put on two-coordinate field and dependency diagram of product price on its quality is built via least square method. Such method enables to evaluate quality and competitive ability of mobile fleet and make right choice.
A new proposal for the distinction between lexical and syntactic derivation in Functional Discourse Grammar
Authors: Muñoz Carmen Portero , Velasco Daniel García
Published: February 2018

This paper explores the possibility of classifying traditional affixes as two groups, syntactic or lexical affixes, as proposed within Functional Discourse Grammar (FDG). It is argued that the main challenge for the FDG approach to derivational morphology arises from properties which revolve around the semantic contribution of derivational affixes: i) the fact that derivational processes introduce unpredictable meaning components (semantic opacity), ii) the question of what constitutes lexical meaning vs. grammatical meaning, iii) the intrinsic polysemy of some affixes, and iv) affix competition. The authors conclude that FDG should treat lexical and grammatical affixes similarly, unless a clear distinction can be made in particular cases on clearly specified semantic principles.
The derivational nature of reduplication: Towards a Functional Discourse Grammar account of a non-concatenative morphological process
Authors: Schwaiger Thomas
Published: February 2018

This article advances a first systematic Functional Discourse Grammar (FDG) treatment of reduplication. Building on cross-linguistic arguments for reduplication's iconic motivation and non-concatenative derivational nature, principled advantages of FDG's functional-typological orientation over formal reduplicative models are programmatically demonstrated: Reduplication is differentiated from repetition in FDG's architecture, the basics for implementing reduplicative iconicity into the model are outlined, and several formalizations of the process based on existing FDG work on morphological derivation are suggested. Phonological characteristics of reduplication are mentioned briefly and mostly left for future FDG research.
The influence of untreated sugarcane bagasse ash on the microstructural and mechanical properties of mortars
Authors: Maldonado-García M. A. , Hernández-Toledo U. I. , Montes-García P. , Valdez-Tamez P. L.
Published: February 2018

This study investigated the effects of the addition of untreated sugarcane bagasse ash (UtSCBA) on the microstructural and mechanical properties of mortars. The SCBA was sieved for only five minutes through a No. 200 ASTM mesh, and fully characterized by chemical composition analysis, laser ray diffraction, the physical absorption of gas, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. Mortar mixtures with 0, 10 and 20% UtSCBA as cement replacement and a constant 0.63 water/cementitious material ratio were prepared. Fresh properties of the mortars were obtained. The microstructural characteristics of the mortars at 1, 7, 28, 90 and 600 days were evaluated by SEM and XRD. The compressive strengths of the mortars at the same ages were then obtained. The results show that the addition of 10 and 20% UtSCBA caused a slight decrease in workability of the mortars but improved their microstructure, increasing the long-term compressive strength.
Entrepreneurial Motives of Egyptian Entrepreneurs
Authors: Hussein Safaa Ahmed , Mswaka Walter
Published: February 2018

This article explores the growth of (SME) development in Egypt. It focuses on measuring the motives of Egyptian entrepreneurs. The research design of the article is based on a quantitative data collection method in which a questionnaire was administrated to 211 small and medium sized firm entrepreneurs in Alexandria, Egypt. The results of the article indicate that the financial motive has less impact than the need for recognition in the process of starting a business. However, the financial motive is greater than the need to preserve family businesses and traditions. The recognition motive is related to perceived favorable governmental policies designed to stimulate entrepreneurial development. The financial motives are not associated with perceived economic conditions or available marketing opportunities. The freedom motive is significantly related to economic conditions, governance, and marketing opportunities. The family tradition motive is significantly associated with economic conditions but only moderately related to marketing opportunity.
The Role of Microfinance to Empower Women
Authors: Aninze Festus , El-Gohary Hatem , Hussain Javed
Published: February 2018

This article reviews, discusses and provides a critical analysis relating to the role of microfinance on issues linking to poverty, gender equality, and women empowerment with particular emphasis on developing economies. In addition, this article provides an overview of the opportunities and criticisms of microfinance which examines the contemporary issues on poverty reduction, entrepreneurial development and the family wellbeing. The article adds to the limited research examining the role of microfinance to empower women in developing countries.
Behavioral Intentions and Retention of Technical and Scientific Staff in Research and Development Organizations
Authors: Steil Andrea Valéria , Dandolini Gertrudes Aparecida , Artur de Souza João , de Cuffa Denise , Costa Rejane
Published: February 2018

Different reasons influence intentions of technical and scientific professionals to stay or leave their current jobs, impacting the ability of companies to retain these professionals. This paper identified the antecedents of intentions to leave, intentions to stay, and retention of such technical and scientific professionals in private research and development organizations from the Greater Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil. Data was collected via online questionnaires between December, 2014 and March, 2015. Job satisfaction and supervisory support were negatively related to the intention to leave the organization, and positively related to the intention to stay in the organization. Training and development opportunities and organizational culture presented negative relation only to the intention to leave the organization. The article discusses these results and presents suggestions for future studies.
Risk Evaluation of EPC Supply Chain Based on SCOR and Multi-Level Grey Model
Authors: Liang Cao , Jingchun Feng , Yuan Ren
Published: February 2018

With the development of China's economy, large-scale engineering and complex engineering are emerging. The Engineering Procurement Construction (EPC) project general contracting model is widely used in civil engineering, water conservancy, railway, water treatment, waste incineration plants and other large engineering area. The increasing complexity of construction technology and the risks are facing overwhelming and fragile supply chain. Based on the deep analysis of supply chain operation reference (SCOR) model, which is widely used in various fields of industry, this article puts forward the preliminary index system of supply chain risk of EPC project by analytic hierarchy process (AHP). The risk index system of waste incineration project including 5 first-level risk indicators and 27 second-level risk indicators has been established and determined. The multi-level grey model is used to evaluate the risk index, calculate the grey evaluation coefficient and the grey evaluation weight vector as well as the weight matrix, draw the specific risk evaluation value of the project, and sort the first level index. Finally, an EPC example of a waste incineration in Hubei Province is used to verify the feasibility and reliability of the method.
Adaptive Tutoring System With Application of Intelligent Agents
Authors: Meleško Jaroslav , Kurilovas Eugenijus
Published: February 2018

In this article, the authors suggest a methodology to adapt learning units to the needs and talents of individual students using an intelligent learning system. Learning personalisation is done based on several factors. Felder and Silverman Learning Styles model is used to create student's profile with conjunction of data mining technologies and previously recorded behaviour of the student. Firstly, the authors perform systematic review of application of intelligent software agents in teaching throughout Clarivate Analytics Web of Science database. Secondly, they present methodologies to personalise learning by means of intelligent technologies. They analyse preferences of students according to Soloman-Felder Learning Styles questionnaire. The resulting model of a student is used in the creation of a personalised learning unit. The model of an adaptive intelligent teaching system based on application of aforementioned technologies is presented in more detail.
Self-Modifying Code
Authors: Behera Chandan Kumar , Bhaskari D. Lalitha
Published: February 2018

This article describes how code obfuscation techniques aim to conceal the functionality of a program by mystifying the code so that it is unreadable or in an incomprehensible format. Since the objective of this article is to make a program obfuscated, the source code shall appear like normal native code and should be perfectly readable. As nobody can guess that the code is an obfuscated one, obviously it will be very tough to analyze. Nowadays, a lot of programs protect themselves from being analyzed by hiding their behaviors or compressing their semantics by using obfuscation techniques. On the contrary, self-modifying code (SMC) can challenge one's intellect to discover the real intrinsic meaning of the source code as it is difficult and strenuous to analyze, since the code gets modified dynamically during runtime. Hence, this article brings into play the underlying concepts of self-modifying codes for obfuscating the programs to construct a much better code protection model. Some techniques like indirect memory addressing, register renaming, direction-changing of instructions, segment ignoring, modification of registry content and many more are expounded in this article by using Assembly-level language, which is binary obfuscation.
Industrie 4.0 by Siemens
Authors: Cozmiuc Diana , Petrisor Ioan
Published: February 2018

The digital disruption is to transform all industries, leading to new business models based on the new technologies. In manufacturing, one model for digital disruption is Industrie 4.0. Proposals for Industrie 4.0 involve the virtualization and vertical and horizontal integration of the value chain, digital services, the digital transformation of products, the digital transformation of production equipment, the digital transformation of factories and the digital transformation of supply chains. The former two are already in place today. This article and its follow-up builds an overview of the pillars of Industrie 4.0 as addressed by the proponents of the model, by consultancy companies, by journal research, and by the customer proposition of Siemens. CapGemeni rate General Electric as a key player in the Industrial Internet in the Digital Revolution, and Siemens is its contestant. This article builds a detailed analysis of Siemens' strategy which covers the steps already made and the steps to be made in the future as a follow-up. The digital twin strategy leads the way to the next stage.
The Alternative NF-κB Pathway in Regulatory T Cell Homeostasis and Suppressive Function
Authors: Grinberg-Bleyer Yenkel , Caron Rachel , Seeley John J. , De Silva Nilushi S. , Schindler Christian W. , Hayden Matthew S. , Klein Ulf , Ghosh Sankar
Published: February 2018

CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) are essential regulators of immune responses. Perturbation of Treg homeostasis or function can lead to uncontrolled inflammation and autoimmunity. Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in Treg biology remains an active area of investigation. It has been shown previously that the NF-κB family of transcription factors, in particular, the canonical pathway subunits, c-Rel and p65, are crucial for the development, maintenance, and function of Tregs. However, the role of the alternative NF-κB pathway components, p100 and RelB, in Treg biology remains unclear. In this article, we show that conditional deletion of the p100 gene, nfkb2, in Tregs, resulted in massive inflammation because of impaired suppressive function of nfkb2-deficient Tregs. Surprisingly, mice lacking RelB in Tregs did not exhibit the same phenotype. Instead, deletion of both relb and nfkb2 rescued the inflammatory phenotype, demonstrating an essential role for p100 as an inhibitor of RelB in Tregs. Our data therefore illustrate a new role for the alternative NF-κB signaling pathway in Tregs that has implications for the understanding of molecular pathways driving tolerance and immunity.
Más allá de la mera exposición: Violencia en televisión en horario protegido
Authors: Dávila de León María Celeste , Revilla Castro Juan Carlos , Fernández-Villanueva Concepción
Published: February 2018

La regulación de, entre otros, los contenidos violentos en ciertos horarios se considera un medio para proteger a los menores de sus efectos. Sin embargo, es necesario analizar las características de la violencia para poder anticipar sus consecuencias. Este trabajo pretende analizar y comparar los actos de violencia emitidos en televisión española durante franjas horarias con diferente grado de protección a la infancia. Metodología. Para ello se llevó a cabo un análisis de contenido de 147 horas de grabación durante los años 2000, 2005 y 2012 de las principales cadenas nacionales y autonómicas. Resultados y discusión. Se encuentran resultados similares respecto a la frecuencia y las características de la violencia en los horarios analizados. Destaca que el 57% de la violencia mostrada en horario protegido se legitima o resulta ambigua en este sentido. Los menores siguen exponiéndose a la violencia a través de la televisión. Una regulación efectiva debiera considerar también aspectos como las consecuencias de la violencia y la legitimación que se hace de ella.
Implantación de la innovación en los cibermedios españoles: análisis de las percepciones de los periodistas
Authors: García-Avilés José Alberto , Carvajal Prieto Miguel , Arias Robles Félix
Published: February 2018

El ecosistema periodístico afronta la aparición de tecnologías y plataformas disruptivas que dificultan su supervivencia en un escenario donde la producción, las audiencias y los modelos de negocio cambian constantemente. Existe el consenso de que la innovación es el recurso necesario para superar estos retos. En este artículo analizamos cómo se origina, se desarrolla y se implanta la innovación en los cibermedios desde la perspectiva de los periodistas. Metodología. La investigación se apoya en 26 entrevistas semiestructuradas a profesionales de una muestra de medios representativa, a lo largo de 2016. Resultados. Los resultados del trabajo de campo abordan el origen y el concepto de innovación, el tipo de innovaciones implementadas en los medios, la organización y los perfiles profesionales. Para los entrevistados, la innovación debe ser “nueva” y tener “éxito”, obedece al deseo de “experimentar”, debe aportar “algo diferente” en el entorno y proviene de la capacidad de “anticiparse a los retos”. La tecnología ocupa un papel relevante y transversal. Los periodistas también valoran las competencias de tipo procedimental, cognoscitivo y actitudinal en la práctica innovadora. Conclusiones. Los profesionales son una fuente clave para conocer los cambios del sector periodístico, porque su visión ayuda a profundizar en áreas de la innovación que suelen quedarse al margen de la perspectiva académica.
Identidad de género, consumo y discriminación a través del precio
Authors: Manzano-Antón Roberto , Martinez-Navarro Gema , Gavilan-Bouzas Diana
Published: February 2018

Introducción: Esta investigación analiza el fenómeno de la discriminación de precios por género y su presencia en el ámbito de los productos de cuidado personal, poniendo en relación la construcción de la identidad de género en los medios de comunicación con la oferta de productos dirigidos a hombres y mujeres. Metodología: análisis comparativo de la oferta, productos y precios, deuna muestra de 1.504 referencias de productos de la categoría de cuidado personal obtenidos en seis cadenas de supermercados. Resultados y conclusiones: los resultados apuntan a que si bien la discriminación a través del precio no queda probada en productos cuasi idénticos, existen diferencias de precio en productos similares y, sobre todo, existe una oferta más amplia y profunda de opciones dirigida hacia la mujer. En la discusión se plantean consideraciones éticas, comunicativas, sociales y empresariales respecto a la discriminación por género en productos de consumo.
Izobrazba kot pot do najvišjih moralnih vrednot: Plutarhov pogled na vzgojo in izobraževanje
Authors: Cedilnik Alenka
Published: February 2018

Prispevek skozi vsebino treh Plutarhovih spisov (O vzgoji otrok, Kako mora mladenič poslušati pesnike in O poslušanju) predstavlja Plutarhov pogled na vzgojo in izobraževanje. Po Plutarhovem mnenju je bil grški sistem vzgoje in izobraževanja osnova za ohranitev grškega prvenstva pred drugimi ljudstvi v času, ko je bil grški svet podrejen rimski nadoblasti. Čeprav je bil Plutarh rimskim oblastem naklonjen, lahko na osnovi njegovih spisov, posvečenih vzgoji in izobraževanju, sklepamo, da je njegovo naklonjenost v veliki meri pogojevala možnost, da grška elita tudi v okviru rimske države še naprej živi v skladu s principi, ki jih postavlja grška paideía.
Francesco Petrarca: Zanamstvu
Authors: Božič Anja
Published: February 2018

Zanamstvu (Posteritati) je nedokončano zadnje pismo v Petrarkovi drugi obsežni pisemski zbirki z naslovom Seniles (1501). Njegova dokončna oblika je nastala ok. leta 1370. Petrarka naj bi ga prvotno načrtoval kot neke vrste apologijo, v katero bi vključil tudi avtobiografske podatke, vendar je kasneje načrt spremenil in se usmeril predvsem v objavo življenjepisnih informacij. Oblikovno je pismo sestavljeno iz dveh delov: v prvem Petrarka opisuje statično podobo svojega intelekta, značaja in fizičnega izgleda, v drugem pa v kronološkem zaporedju podaja pripoved o svojem življenju. Tako z navajanjem premišljeno izbranih informacij in uporabo določenih literarnih vzvodov oblikuje svoj avtoportret, kakršnega je želel prenesti v prihodnje rodove. S tem postane začetnik načrtnega samoupodabljanja v pismih, namenjenih objavi, in pomembno vpliva na vso kasnejšo pisemsko produkcijo. Prevod je izdelan po elektronski izdaji, ki jo je pripravil Pasquale Stoppelli, Francesco Petrarca, Opera omnia (Rim: Lexis Progetti Editoriali, 1997).
Multiphase oxidation of SO2 by NO2 on CaCO3 particles
Authors: Zhao Defeng , Song Xiaojuan , Zhu Tong , Zhang Zefeng , Liu Yingjun , Shang Jing
Published: February 2018

Abstract. Heterogeneous/multiphase oxidation of SO2 by NO2 on solid or aqueous particles is thought to be a potentially important source of sulfate in the atmosphere, for example, during heavily polluted episodes (haze), but the reaction mechanism and rate are uncertain. In this study, in order to assess the importance of the direct oxidation of SO2 by NO2 we investigated the heterogeneous/multiphase reaction of SO2 with NO2 on individual CaCO3 particles in N2 using Micro-Raman spectroscopy. In the SO2 ∕ NO2 ∕ H2O ∕ N2 gas mixture, the CaCO3 solid particle was first converted to the Ca(NO3)2 droplet by the reaction with NO2 and the deliquescence of Ca(NO3)2, and then NO2 oxidized SO2 in the Ca(NO3)2 droplet forming CaSO4, which appeared as needle-shaped crystals. Sulfate was mainly formed after the complete conversion of CaCO3 to Ca(NO3)2, that is, during the multiphase oxidation of SO2 by NO2. The precipitation of CaSO4 from the droplet solution promoted sulfate formation. The reactive uptake coefficient of SO2 for sulfate formation is on the order of 10−8, and RH enhanced the uptake coefficient. We estimate that the direct multiphase oxidation of SO2 by NO2 is not an important source of sulfate in the ambient atmosphere compared with the SO2 oxidation by OH in the gas phase and is not as important as other aqueous-phase pathways, such as the reactions of SO2 with H2O2, O3, and O2, with or without transition metals.
Estimation of rate coefficients and branching ratios for gas-phase reactions of OH with aromatic organic compounds for use in automated mechanism construction
Authors: Jenkin Michael E. , Valorso Richard , Aumont Bernard , Rickard Andrew R. , Wallington Timothy J.
Published: February 2018

Abstract. Reaction with the hydroxyl (OH) radical is the dominant removal process for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the atmosphere. Rate coefficients for the reactions of OH with VOCs are therefore essential parameters for chemical mechanisms used in chemistry-transport models, and are required more generally for impact assessments involving estimation of atmospheric lifetimes or oxidation rates for VOCs. A structure-activity relationship (SAR) method is presented for the reactions of OH with aromatic organic compounds, with the reactions of aliphatic organic compounds considered in the preceding companion paper. The SAR is optimized using a preferred set of data including reactions of OH with 67 monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and oxygenated organic compounds. In each case, the rate coefficient is defined in terms of a summation of partial rate coefficients for H abstraction or OH addition at each relevant site in the given organic compound, so that the attack distribution is defined. The SAR can therefore guide the representation of the OH reactions in the next generation of explicit detailed chemical mechanisms. Rules governing the representation of the reactions of the product radicals under tropospheric conditions are also summarized, specifically the rapid reaction sequences initiated by their reactions with O2.
Size-resolved mixing state of black carbon in the Canadian high Arctic and implications for simulated direct radiative effect
Authors: Kodros John K. , Hanna Sarah , Bertram Allan , Leaitch W. Richard , Schulz Hannes , Herber Andreas , Zanatta Marco , Burkart Julia , Willis Megan , Abbatt Jonathan P. D. , Pierce Jeffrey R.
Published: February 2018

Abstract. Transport of anthropogenic aerosol into the Arctic in the spring months has the potential to affect regional climate; however, modeling estimates of the aerosol direct radiative effect (DRE) are sensitive to uncertainties in the mixing state of black carbon (BC). A common approach in previous modeling studies is to assume an entirely external mixture (all primarily scattering species are in separate particles from BC) or internal mixture (all primarily scattering species are mixed in the same particles as BC). To provide constraints on the size-resolved mixing state of BC, we use airborne Single Particle Soot Photometer (SP2) and Ultra-High Sensitivity Aerosol Spectrometer (UHSAS) measurements from the Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI) POLAR6 flights from the NETCARE/PAMARCMIP2015 campaign to estimate coating thickness as a function of refractory BC (rBC) core diameter as well as the fraction of particles containing rBC in the springtime Canadian high Arctic. For rBC core diameters in the range of 140 to 220 nm, we find average coating thicknesses of approximately 45 to 40 nm, respectively, resulting in ratios of total particle diameter to rBC core diameters ranging from 1.6 to 1.4. For total particle diameters ranging from 175 to 730 nm, rBC-containing particle number fractions range from 16 to 3 %, respectively. We combine the observed mixing-state constraints with simulated size-resolved aerosol mass and number distributions from GEOS-Chem-TOMAS to estimate the DRE with observed bounds on mixing state as opposed to assuming an entirely external or internal mixture. We find that the pan-Arctic average springtime DRE ranges from −1.65 W m−2 to −1.34 W m−2 when assuming entirely externally or internally mixed BC. Using the observed mixing-state constraints, we find the DRE is 0.05 W m−2 and 0.19 W m−2 less negative than the external mixing-state assumption when constraining by coating thickness of the mixed particles and by BC-containing particle number fraction, respectively. The difference between these methods is due to an underestimation of BC mass fraction in the springtime Arctic in GEOS-Chem-TOMAS compared to POLAR6 observations. Measurements of mixing state provide important constraints for model estimates of DRE.
Single-footprint retrievals of temperature, water vapor and cloud properties from AIRS
Authors: Irion Fredrick W. , Kahn Brian H. , Schreier Mathias M. , Fetzer Eric J. , Fishbein Evan , Fu Dejian , Kalmus Peter , Wilson R. Chris , Wong Sun , Yue Qing
Published: February 2018

Abstract. Single-footprint Atmospheric Infrared Sounder spectra are used in an optimal estimation-based algorithm (AIRS-OE) for simultaneous retrieval of atmospheric temperature, water vapor, surface temperature, cloud-top temperature, effective cloud optical depth and effective cloud particle radius. In a departure from currently operational AIRS retrievals (AIRS V6), cloud scattering and absorption are in the radiative transfer forward model and AIRS single-footprint thermal infrared data are used directly rather than cloud-cleared spectra (which are calculated using nine adjacent AIRS infrared footprints). Coincident MODIS cloud data are used for cloud a priori data. Using single-footprint spectra improves the horizontal resolution of the AIRS retrieval from  ∼  45 to  ∼  13.5 km at nadir, but as microwave data are not used, the retrieval is not made at altitudes below thick clouds. An outline of the AIRS-OE retrieval procedure and information content analysis is presented. Initial comparisons of AIRS-OE to AIRS V6 results show increased horizontal detail in the water vapor and relative humidity fields in the free troposphere above the clouds. Initial comparisons of temperature, water vapor and relative humidity profiles with coincident radiosondes show good agreement. Future improvements to the retrieval algorithm, and to the forward model in particular, are discussed.
Molecular fingerprinting of particulate organic matter as a new tool for its source apportionment: changes along a headwater drainage in coarse, medium and fine particles as a function of rainfalls
Authors: Jeanneau Laurent , Rowland Richard , Inamdar Shreeram
Published: February 2018

Abstract. Tracking the sources of
particulate organic matter (POM) exported from catchments is important to
understand the transfer of energy from soils to oceans. The suitability of
investigating the molecular composition of POM by thermally assisted
hydrolysis and methylation using tetramethylammonium hydroxide directly
coupled to gas chromatography and mass spectrometry is presented. The results
of this molecular-fingerprint approach were compared with previously
published elemental (% C, % N) and isotopic data
(δ13C, δ15N) acquired in a nested headwater
catchment in the Piedmont region, eastern United States of America (12 and
79 ha). The concordance between these results highlights the
effectiveness of this molecular tool as a valuable method for source
fingerprinting of POM. It emphasizes litter as the main source of exported
POM at the upstream location (80±14 %), with an increasing
proportion of streambed (SBed) sediment remobilization downstream (42 ± 29 %), specifically during events characterized by high rainfall
amounts. At the upstream location, the source of POM seems to be controlled
by the maximum and median hourly rainfall intensity. An added value of this
method is to directly investigate chemical biomarkers and to mine their
distributions in terms of biogeochemical functioning of an ecosystem. In this
catchment, the distribution of plant-derived biomarkers characterizing
lignin, cutin and suberin inputs were similar in SBed and litter, while the
proportion of microbial markers was 4 times higher in SBed than in litter.
These results indicate that SBed OM was largely from plant litter that has
been processed by the aquatic microbial community.
Fire danger rating over Mediterranean Europe based on fire radiative power derived from Meteosat
Authors: Pinto Miguel M. , DaCamara Carlos C. , Trigo Isabel F. , Trigo Ricardo M. , Turkman K. Feridun
Published: February 2018

Abstract. We present a procedure that allows the operational generation of daily
forecasts of fire danger over Mediterranean Europe. The procedure combines
historical information about radiative energy released by fire events with
daily meteorological forecasts, as provided by the Satellite Application
Facility for Land Surface Analysis (LSA SAF) and the European Centre for
Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). Fire danger is estimated based on
daily probabilities of exceedance of daily energy released by fires occurring
at the pixel level. Daily probability considers meteorological factors by
means of the Canadian Fire Weather Index (FWI) and is estimated using a daily
model based on a generalized Pareto distribution. Five classes of fire danger
are then associated with daily probability estimated by the daily model. The
model is calibrated using 13 years of data (2004–2016) and validated
against the period of January–September 2017. Results obtained show that
about 72 % of events releasing daily energy above 10 000 GJ belong to the
“extreme” class of fire danger, a considerably high fraction that is more
than 1.5 times the values obtained when using the currently
operational Fire Danger Forecast module of the European Forest Fire
Information System (EFFIS) or the Fire Risk Map (FRM) product disseminated by
the LSA SAF. Besides assisting in wildfire management, the procedure is
expected to help in decision making on prescribed burning within the
framework of agricultural and forest management practices.
Males in Enabling: Painting a portrait through narrative
Authors: Armstrong Frank , James Trixie , Conradie Hermina , Parker Shane
Published: February 2018

The number of males entering higher education via an enabling pathway is slowly increasing; yet, males still battle with the anti-intellectual attitude that is prevalent in regional areas of Australia. Previous research undertaken by the authors began exploring the factors that inhibited or enhanced the male experience within an enabling course. This paper expands upon this research with a deeper focus on the male experience through personalised accounts derived from individual interviews. Using qualitative methodology and narrative inquiry, the findings provide a deeper understanding of the issues that males of different ages face when creating a new identity as a university student. This paper shares insights into what motivated the male students to enter university via an enabling pathway; the actual personal experiences both positive and negative during this time; and the effect that this commitment to study had on them personally and the people around them. The lens of transformative theory underpins this research through exploring frames of reference that align with the students’ experiences. Portraiture prose shares the individual stories which are analysed and the key findings extrapolated.
Emotional labour demands in enabling education: A qualitative exploration of the unique challenges and protective factors
Authors: Crawford Nicole , Olds Anita , Lisciandro Joanne , Jaceglav Megan , Westacott Marguerite , Osenieks Lesley
Published: February 2018

Students in enabling programs bring richness, diversity, and complexity to the teaching and learning environment. They are often from under-represented backgrounds, have experienced educational disadvantage or disruption, belong to multiple equity groups, and face academic and non-academic challenges, including mental ill-health. This pilot study explored academic staff experiences in teaching and supporting students in enabling programs. Using a collaborative autoethnographical approach, four members of a multi-institutional research group wrote first-person reflections in response to guiding questions. From generative and reflective discussions, different themes arose. A major theme was the high ‘emotional labour demands’ of teaching a vulnerable cohort, with both positive and negative effects on staff. Other major themes included: the diversity of emotional responses and coping strategies; the complex, sometimes contradictory, role of the enabling educator; the importance of communities of care and support; and the impact of witnessing students’ transformations. Within these themes, the challenges, rewards, and protective factors, which mitigate stress among enabling educators, were identified.
Exploring students’ uses of and dispositions towards learning technologies in an Australian enabling course
Authors: Morgan Rhian
Published: February 2018

University progression is increasingly dependent upon students developing a range of digital literacies in conjunction with the skills associated with their disciplines. University enabling and pathway programs, in particular, have a key part to play in supporting students to interact with technologies for learning. Widening participation and increased student diversity result in highly variable levels of digital literacy in the classroom. As such, universities need to develop strategies to effectively respond to the differing abilities of students entering the sector. This paper contributes to the development of such responses through a case study exploring students’ use of and dispositions towards technologies in an open access enabling course. In this context ‘open access’ refers to the course admission requirements and the fact that the course enrollments are open to anyone over the age of eighteen, regardless of their prior schooling experience. The paper identifies trends in students’ uses of technology, such as preferences for mobile content and blended learning environments, before concluding with a discussion of how these findings can be mobilised in curriculum development.
“Why did we lose them and what could we have done”?
Authors: Willans Julie , Seary Karen
Published: February 2018

Attrition remains an ongoing issue in enabling programs and the broader higher education sector. For more than 31 years, CQUniversity (Central Queensland University) Australia’s Skills for Tertiary Education Preparatory Studies (STEPS) program has prepared students for university, many of whom are from one or more Australian Government target equity groups. A 2012 CQUniversity institutional review of STEPS resulted in significantly improved retention, yet attrition rates in STEPS are still of concern. Qualitative research conducted in 2016-17 with 23 students who withdrew from STEPS between 2013 and 2015, and 10 Access Coordinators located across those CQUniversity campuses offering STEPS, have provided valuable insights into reasons for continued attrition. Based on suggestions from students and Access Coordinators, recommendations to address attrition have resulted, the intention being to increase student success and satisfaction, and improve retention in STEPS.
Learning with peers, active citizenship and student engagement in Enabling Education
Authors: Zepke Nick
Published: February 2018

This paper examines one specific question:  What support do students in Enabling Education need to learn the behaviours, knowledge and attitudes required to succeed in tertiary education, employment and life? Success appears in many guises. It can mean achieving officially desired outcomes such as retention, completion and employment. It can also mean achieving less measurable outcomes such as deep learning, wellbeing and active citizenship. The paper first introduces an overarching success framework before exploring how the widely used student engagement pedagogy can support learners to achieve both official and personal success outcomes. It then develops two specific constructs applicable to Enabling Education as found in student engagement: facilitated peer learning and active citizenship. Peer learning is here connected to tutor supported but peer facilitated mentoring; active citizenship to educational experiences in classrooms, institutions and workplaces that support flexibility, resilience, openness to change and diversity. The paper includes examples of how facilitated peer learning and active citizenship can build success in practice.
Recent Publications
Authors: Hall Roland
Published: February 2018

The following collection of Locke items, when taken together with ‘Recent Publications’ lists in previous issues, should provide fairly full coverage of work on Locke from 1981 to the present time. The Locke literature from 1900 to 1980 has been thoroughly covered in the book by Roland Hall and Roger Woolhouse, Eighty Years of Locke Scholarship: A Bibliographical Guide (Edinburgh University Press, 1983). The present list includes articles published in the previous issue of Locke Studies (Vol. 13). I am grateful to David Armitage and Roma Hutchinson for suggesting several items, and to those authors who sent offprints of their articles.
Locke's Orthography and the Dating of his Writings
Authors: Milton J. R.
Published: February 2018

Anyone reading Locke’s works, especially those edited from manuscript, in an unmodernised edition can hardly avoid noticing that his preferred spellings are by no means always those used in present-day English. Something which has been less often noticed is that in several cases his habits changed as he became older, an old-fashioned spelling becoming replaced by a more modern one. The account below focuses on one case of this, and its possible use in estimating the dates of writing—or revision— of several of Locke’s writings.
Environmental Monitoring System by Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Authors: Abdelrhman Mohammed , Balkis Ahmed , ElNour Ali-Abou Ahmed , Tarique Mohammed
Published: February 2018

This paper presents a reliable and low cost environmental monitoring system. The system uses an Unmanned Ariel Vehicle (UAV) equipped with a set of sensors, microcontroller, wireless system, and other accessories. The system consists of two systems namely air quality monitoring system and water quality monitoring system. The air quality monitoring system consists of a set of gas sensors and microcontroller. This system measures the concentration of greenhouse gases at different altitudes under different environmental conditions. On the other hand, the water quality monitoring system consists of a set of water quality sensors, microcontroller, and water sampling unit. This system collects water samples from off-shore and on-shore water sources and measures water quality parameters. The present system is capable of recording the measured data in an onboard SD card. It is also able to send data to a ground monitoring unit through a wireless system. To ensure reliability in measurement the sensors are calibrated before deployment. Finally, the system is upgradable and reconfigurable. The system has been tested to measure air and water quality at different local areas. Some these measured data are also presented in this paper.
Adaptative control of packetization to improve the energy efficiency of VoIP applications in IEEE 802.11 networks
Authors: Estepa Antonio , Estepa Rafael , Mayor Vicente , Madinabeitia German , Davis Mark
Published: February 2018

This paper presents an adaptive algorithm that improves the energy efficiency of VoIP applications over IEEE 802.11 networks. The algorithm seeks to achieve the largest energy savings subject to reaching a minimum speech quality under the prevailing network conditions. The control mechanism used is the dynamic selection of the packet size during the communication. Three different variants of the algorithm a presented.Our proposal has been implemented in a VoIP application and experimentally validated in a testbed, and the results demonstrate that our packetization period control algorithm can provide energy savings in uncongested IEEE 802.11 networks (up to 30%). Furthermore, underpoor network conditions the algorithm can prolong the duration of the call before it is dropped at the expense of a higher energy consumption during such conditions. Each variant of the algorithm provides a unique balance between keeping quality and saving energy.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicular System for Greenhouse Gas Measurement and Automatic Landing
Authors: Ali Henok , Odeh Momen , Odeh Ahmed , Abou-ElNour Ali Ahmed , Tarique Mohammed
Published: February 2018

This paper presents a reliable and low cost greenhouse gas measurement system. The system mainly consists of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), a set of calibrated sensors, a wireless system, and a microcontroller. The system can measure the concentration of greenhouse gases namely carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and ozone (O3) at different altitudes. It can also measure temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure. The system is able to send data to a remote monitoring station. The UAV is equipped with image processing based navigation and landing system so that it can land autonomously on a designated place. To ensure safe landing the system uses a specially designed parachute. This paper also presents some data generated by the system.