bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Cross-Platform Architecture Design for Oil Spill Forecasting Model
Authors: Yao Fu Xin , Yu Fang Jie , Zhao Yang , Chen Ge
Published: January 2015

In recent years, the expansion of marine oil and gas transport has led to the increase of oil spill accidents. Both accidents occurring in deep sea and coastal regions can bring huge financial losses. As the development of ocean model, oil spill model has been proposed and became a valid countermeasure to simulate the process of transport, diffusion and transformation of the surface oil in seawater. This paper presents an oil spill model with a novel cross-platform (Windows/Linux) architecture. This model can not only compute oil concentration mathematically and numerically, but also can draw oil spill concentration maps with pseudo color, by using computer visualization technique. The tendency of transport, diffusion and transformation of oil could be illustrated in chronological order by the concentration maps. Furthermore, an oil spill simulation case has been accomplished, and the simulation results is discussed in this paper. Results showed that this model could simulate oil slick motions effectively and had friendly user interface.
Application Research on Vehicle Steering Stability Based on ADAMS/CAR
Authors: Liu Biao Jie , Chen Chong , Si Yun Fei
Published: January 2015

A multi-body simulation approximate model of a vehicle using ADAMS/CAR software is established. According to the experimental evaluation criteria and methods related to vehicle steering stability of the country, conducting the steering transient test, the steering back to positive Experimental as well as the Sine - Swept steering simulation. Exploring a parametric design method for vehicle handling stability ADAMS / CAR to analyze
Testing Study on Moisture Content Effect on Thermal Conductivity for Clay
Authors: Duan Yan , Jin Hua , Wang Xu Zhao
Published: January 2015

Thermal conductivity is one of the key factors influence the heat exchange performance of Ground-coupled heat pump systems (GCHP), which is effected significantly by soil moisture content around the ground heat exchanger system. The clay thermal conductivity under moisture content of 0, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% and 30% were determined through thermal conductivity probe experiment. The results showed a variation with three phases of the thermal conductivity changes with clay moisture content, that firstly, the thermal conductivity increased slowly with a moisture content of 0~5%, secondly, which sharply increased with a high positive linear correlation when the moisture content was 5%~25%, then the growth tendency was slow even began to fall, as well as the correlation equation of the second phase was fitted. This study provides methodological and theoretical references for the further research on the influence factors of thermal conductivity under various situations.
Comparison of Optical and Scintillation Images Obtained by Using a Fiber-Optic Beta/Gamma Imaging Detector
Authors: Hong Seung Han , Yoo Wook Jae , Shin Sang Hun , Sim Hyeok In , Kim Seon Guen , Jeon Hye Su , Jang Jae Seok , Kim Jae Seok , Kwon Gu Won , Jang Kyoung Won , Lee Bong Soo
Published: January 2015

We developed a fiber-optic beta/gamma imaging detector that can obtain the scintillating images for beta-or gamma-ray emitted from the radioisotope. To evaluate spatial resolution of proposed imaging detector, we obtained the optical images using USAF 1951 resolution target. And then, a modulation transfer function curve of the optical image was calculated. Also, we measured the scintillating images of Tl-204 and Cs-137 with information respecting the beta-and gamma-rays distribution. Finally, the intensities of scintillating light as a function of radioactivity were analyzed from the region of interest in the scintillating image.
Influence of Transformer Rated Secondary Load Differences on Electric Energy Metering
Authors: Xu Jia Heng , Wang Jin Liang , Yuan Wang , Jing Hui
Published: January 2015

The transformer rated secondary load in electric energy metering device was much larger before electric energy metering device revamp. Big energy differences exist before and after the revamp. The reason of making down rated secondary load and its influence on transformer error and energy metering are analyzed in the presented work.
Testing Level Measurement Devices by Imitating Sensor Signals
Authors: Polenov Maxim , Guzik Vyacheslav , Dodonov Andrey
Published: January 2015

Testing of level measurement devices is a very important process. Many of these devices use electric signals acquired from sensor modules in real environment. That is why throughout this paper a concept and correspondent tool for artificial synthesizing and replaying of such signals is developed. Benefits of the work include new possibilities for testing devices in more realistic conditions with controlled arbitrary sensor input, demonstrating level measurement process without actual environment and improving process of educating the personal by simplifying the learning curve of device functionality and level recognition algorithms.
Water-Resistance Material from Fibers and Acrylic Emulsion Terpolymer
Authors: Wu Hai Peng
Published: January 2015

Styrene (SM), methyl methacrylate (MMA), and butyl acrylate (BA) were used to synthesize a polyacrylic emulsion by core-shell emulsion polymerization. The solid content of the emulsion reached 40% using reasonable reactive emulsifier contents and feeding modes. Then, two kinds of fibers (recovered and hardwood fiber) were respectively dispersed, coated, and dried with emulsion. Finally, fiber-based water-resistant material was successfully fabricated. The experimental results showed that under the conditions of a mass ratio of polyacrylic emulsion to fiber of 2:1, the Cobb value of the material reached 7.1 g/m2 and 10.8 g/m2 respectively. Cobb value of recovered fiber material was more stable than hardwood fiber, and stayed in a lower variation scope on the whole. Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to observe the surface morphology of products. The SEM results proved that, the polyacrylic emulsion filled the gaps between fibers, decreased the porous structure. This filling effect led to a continuous structure, and kept the water from infiltrating inside of the material. On the other hand, for the short fiber in recovered fiber material arranged closer, the water resistance of the material was further enhanced.
The Experiment Research on Storage Characteristic of Multiple Melting Point PCM
Authors: Zhang Tian Shi , Zhong Shuai , Gao Chun , Yan Zhen Min , Wang Guo Hua , Gao Qing
Published: January 2015

According to different melting point of paraffin type of PCM, has carried out some experimental research and analysis, through the visualization experiment method, the PCM phase change expansion coefficient is determined. At the same time, under the same conditions, for 30 #, 40 #, 50 # PCM storage heat release experiments, contrast analysis of the regenerative heat release, total heat release, and storage time on average water temperature difference factors. In addition, carried out more than melting point PCM cascade configuration related experimental heat storage properties, expect to achieve energy utilization efficiency.
Monomer Reactivity Ratios and Chain Segment Distribution for AM/2-EHA Copolymer
Authors: Tian Ming , Xu Yong Jun
Published: January 2015

A new copolymer of acrylamide (AM) and Isobutane-Ethylhexyl acrylate (2-EHA) was synthesized as profile control agent by free radical copolymerization. The copolymer composition obtained by element analysis method led to determination of reactivity ratio by employing YBR calculative method. The result indicated that the reactivity ratios of AM and 2-EHA were 0.856and 0.592 respectively. The chain segment distribution of copolymer was investigated from reactivity ratio and the microstructure of copolymer molecule was analyzed. The results showed that the ratios in feed can hardly change the chain segment distribution. The proportion of 1M1 decreased with the increase of AM in feed. AM and 2-EHA had a tendency to alternate in copolymer chain when f1=0.286~0.375. The monomer which had a low ratio in feed inserted in copolymer chain with 1M chain segment and the other monomer was separated evenly. It can help to study copolymerization for AM and 2-EHA for industrial production in mass.
Effect of Autogenous Laser Weld on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Inconel 617 Nickel Alloy
Authors: Adamiec Janusz , Kocurek Robert
Published: January 2015

One of the most advanced manufacturing technologies is laser welding. Due to the limited power of the beam, the difficulty of precise preparation of the joint and the possibility of hardening in a narrow heat affected zone laser welding is used only for basic low carbon and low alloy steels. In this work the effects of autogenous weld parameters on microstructure and properties of the Inconel 617 alloy were studied. For this purpose the technological test of laser autogenous weld was performed.
Influence of the Materials Combination for the Surface Temperature of the Bimetallic Wire Deformed in the Cold Drawing Process
Authors: Halaczek Dariusz , Hadasik Eugeniusz
Published: January 2015

The article discusses the mathematical and practical methodology for evaluating the temperature on the surface of bimetallic wire after deformation in the drawing die. The components of bimetallic wire on the cross-section are the following materials: - a core, brass M63 (CuZn37) - shell M1E copper (Cu – ETP), - a core, aluminum Al (A199, 5) - shell M1E copper (Cu – ETP). An outer layer (shell) in such combinations is always a copper with two different thicknesses of 1.5 mm and 0.5 mm, which means that the proportion of copper on the cross section of the bimetal was respectively 64% and 32%. The bimetallic wires samples used for measurements were obtained by mechanical cladding. In the first step of the process, the cooper tubes M1E were put on the aluminium and brass wires M63, and then in a second step, each set combination was subjected to a simultaneous deformation with a total true strain φlc~ 1. Thus obtained the bimetal wires were the blank material for determining the surface temperature. In the drawing process there were used two different drawing speeds, and for each was applied the two individual size of deformation of 15% and 30%. The temperature on the surface of the layered wire depending on the single deformation and drawing speed was determined using a thermographic camera and it was also calculated according to mathematical formulas. The article discusses the preliminary results necessary to conduct further deliberations on the temperature decomposition on the longitudinal section of the bimetallic wire deformed in the drawing die.
Observations of Adelomyrmex (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) reproductive biology facilitated by digital field microscopy and DNA barcoding
Authors: Smith M. Alex , Janzen Daniel H. , Hallwachs Winnie , Longino John T.
Published: January 2015

Many Neotropical species whose range is restricted to tropical montane cloud forests (TMCF) are in danger of local or total extinction due to warming and drying as air warmed by climate change ascends these mountains. While the species richness of many arthropod higher taxa declines at high elevations, those species that do reside in TMCF are often highly specialised and endemic, rendering their natural history especially interesting. However, we know little about these TMCF arthropods. One genus of ants, Adelomyrmex Emery, 1897 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), is characteristic of many TMCFs in Central America, and exemplifies this pattern. While workers of this genus are very common in leaf litter samples, winged males and winged queens have been unknown and nests have never been observed for most species. Here we report how a combination of affordable digital field microscopes and DNA barcoding has allowed nest discovery and documentation and linked male and worker Adelomyrmex. Based on this work, we have now learned that male Adelomyrmex can be quite abundant locally.
Heme Exporter FLVCR Is Required for T Cell Development and Peripheral Survival
Authors: Philip Mary , Funkhouser Scott A. , Chiu Edison Y. , Phelps Susan R. , Delrow Jeffrey J. , Cox James , Fink Pamela J. , Abkowitz Janis L.
Published: January 2015

All aerobic cells and organisms must synthesize heme from the amino acid glycine and the tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediate succinyl CoA for incorporation into hemoproteins, such as the cytochromes needed for oxidative phosphorylation. Most studies on heme regulation have been done in erythroid cells or hepatocytes; however, much less is known about heme metabolism in other cell types. The feline leukemia virus subgroup C receptor (FLVCR) is a 12-transmembrane domain surface protein that exports heme from cells, and it was shown to be required for erythroid development. In this article, we show that deletion of Flvcr in murine hematopoietic precursors caused a complete block in αβ T cell development at the CD4+CD8+ double-positive stage, although other lymphoid lineages were not affected. Moreover, FLVCR was required for the proliferation and survival of peripheral CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. These studies identify a novel and unexpected role for FLVCR, a major facilitator superfamily metabolite transporter, in T cell development and suggest that heme metabolism is particularly important in the T lineage.
Self-reported adverse reactions associated with topical ophthalmic medication use: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Kyei Samuel , Koffuor George Asumeng , Ameyaw Elvis Ofori , Ramkissoon Paul , Adu-Agyeman Daniel
Published: January 2015

The aim of this study was to investigate self-reported adverse reactions associated with the use of topical ophthalmic medications. A cross-sectional survey, involving 500 ophthalmic patients recruited from three eye care facilities in the Central Region of Ghana was conducted. A structured questionnaire was administered to participants to collect data on demographics, name of drug, dosage form, and dosing frequency of ophthalmic medications used, as well as adverse reactions experienced. The pHs of frequently prescribed ophthalmic medications to the patients were measured. The prevalence of reported adverse drug reaction [predominantly burning sensation (55%), blurry vision (22%) and itching (13%)] was 44.8%. More Females reported adverse drug reactions than males (χ2=26.24, P<0.001). The aged reported more adverse reaction than others (P<0.01). Patients using cream ophthalmic medications reported more adverse drug reactions than those using other dosage forms (χ2=8.80, P=0.024). The pHs of the commonly prescribed ophthalmic medications measured ranged between 4.44-7.37 (desired: 6.6-7.8). There is a high prevalence of reported symptoms of adverse drug reactions among this clinical population attributable to the acid/base status of the drug agent.
Blastic Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Neoplasm with Extensive Cutaneous and Central Nervous System Involvement
Authors: Saeed Hayder , Awasthi Mukta , Al-Qaisi Abeer , Massarweh Suleiman
Published: January 2015

Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic neoplasm is an exceedingly rare tumor that has undergone several changes in nomenclature over the last two decades, largely because of confusion regarding its cell of origin. It does, however, have distinctive clinical features with a particularly aggressive clinical course and no standard treatment. Overall, prognosis is poor and relapse is routine after initial response to chemotherapy. In this report, we describe a typical patient with this disease and reconcile the available literature and its evolution. We emphasize the leukemic nature of this tumor's behavior, with extensive central nervous system and skin involvement, and describe for the first time a potential role for maintenance chemotherapy in its treatment.
Interdigitating Dendritic Cell Sarcoma Presenting in the Skin: Diagnosis and the Role of Surgical Resection, Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy in Management
Authors: Rosenberg Stephen A. , Niglio Scot A. , Jo Vickie Y. , Goydos James S.
Published: January 2015

We report the case of an interdigitating dendritic cell sarcoma (IDCS) presenting in the skin. A 41-year old woman had a slowly enlarging mass on her right scapula that was excised multiple times under a presumptive diagnosis of a recurrent sebaceous cyst. However, the lesion was refractory to standard therapies. History and physical exam was unrevealing for any systemic signs or symptoms of disease. The patient's metastatic work-up was negative. The lesion was resected with wide margins and was found to be consistent with IDCS. Patients that present with IDCS on the skin may present concurrently with metastatic disease and may have increased risk of secondary malignancies. The use of adjuvant chemoradiation after primary resection is controversial. However, the use of chemoradiation likely has benefit for local regional control for primary tumors that are unamendable to complete primary resection.
Changes in the fecal profile of inflammatory markers after moderate consumption of red wine: a human trial study
Authors: Muñoz-González Irene , Espinosa-Martos Irene , Rodríguez Juan M. , Jiménez-Girón Ana , Martín-Álvarez Pedro J. , Bartolomé Begoña , Moreno-Arribas Ma. Victoria
Published: January 2015

The aim of this work was to evaluate the potential of moderate consumption of red wine to modulate the intestinal inflammation response on healthy humans. Fecal samples from a human intervention study (n=34) were collected before and after consumption of red wine for 4 weeks, and 24 immune markers including immunoglobulins, cytokines, chemokines and growth factors, were analysed. When considering the whole group of case volunteers, almost no statistically significant differences were found in the immune markers after wine consumption. However, a detailed exploration of the values differentiated a 6-volunteer subgroup that showed unusually high values of cytokines before wine consumption. For this subgroup, wine consumption significantly reduced the content of 16 out of 24 markers down to usual values, especially noticeable for cytokines related to the promotion of initial inflammation (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin 6 and interferon-gamma). This study reveals, for the first time, changes in the fecal profile of inflammatory markers after moderate consumption of red wine.
Impact of heat stress on Mytilus edulis: contaminants affect survival and HSP 70 proteoform expression
Authors: Péden R. , Letendre J. , Rocher B. , Durand F. , Le Foll F. , Chan P. , Vaudry D. , Bultelle F.
Published: January 2015

Not available
The antecedents and outcomes of work-family enrichment amongst female workers
Authors: Marais Esandre , De Klerk Marissa , Nel Jan Alewyn , De Beer Leon
Published: January 2015

Orientation: Women are involved in both a work and a family domain. Work-family enrichment is a concept that describes how these domains can enrich each other through the transfer of resources from one domain to the other.Research purpose: The objective was to determine the relationship between work resources,home resources, work engagement, family engagement and work-family enrichment. The aim was also to test two models representing work-to-family and family-to-work enrichment as mediators.Motivation for the study: By investigating work-family enrichment, as a new research concept,and its antecedents and outcomes, this study will add to the positive side of the work-family interface literature and provide information to organisations.Research design, approach and method: A cross-sectional survey design was used in this study with a sample of female workers (N = 420) in South Africa. Polychoric correlations, fit indices, structural equation modelling and testing mediation were used to analyse the data.Omegas and alpha coefficients were employed to determine the reliability.Main findings: A positive relationship between work-family enrichment and its antecedents and outcomes was found. Furthermore, work-family enrichment (W-FE) mediated (large effect)the relationship between work resources and work engagement and family-work enrichment mediated (small effect) the relationship between home resources and family engagement.Practical/managerial implications: The results provide more insight and understanding to organisations and female workers on the benefits of being involved in both the domain of work life and the domain of family life.Contribution/value-add: The study contributes to the limited research undertaken on work family enrichment within the South African context. The present study also contributes to the literature on the use of the newly developed MACE Work-Family Enrichment Instrument.
The influence of ethical leadership on trust and work engagement: An exploratory study
Authors: Engelbrecht Amos S. , Heine Gardielle , Mahembe Bright
Published: January 2015

Orientation: Work engagement is increasingly becoming an important outcome for organisational success. A trusting and ethical relationship between leaders and followers is likely to positively contribute to the work engagement of employees.Research purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between ethical leadership and trust in the leader and the effect these constructs have on the work engagement of employees.Motivation for the study: The study on the role of ethical leadership practices on employee engagement was motivated by the need to create an engaged workforce and a trusting work environment.Research approach, design and method: Data was collected using an electronic web-based questionnaire comprising three scales, namely the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES),Leader Trust Scale (LTS) and the Leadership of Ethics Scale (LES). In total, 204 completed questionnaires were returned. Data was analysed by means of item and confirmatory factor analysis conducted via structural equation modelling (SEM).Main findings: High levels of reliability were found for all the measurement scales used. The results from the structural equation modelling (SEM) indicated positive relationships between trust in the leader and work engagement, between ethical leadership and work engagement and between ethical leadership and trust in the leader.Practical/managerial implications: The findings emphasise the role played by ethical leadership behaviour of managers in promoting work engagement through the creation of employee relationships anchored on trust. Future studies should develop the theoretical model further by identifying other variables that influence work engagement.Contribution/value-add: Organisations today still face the challenge of developing an effective strategy for achieving work engagement. The ethical leadership style of managers is likely to create an ethical and trusting work climate conducive to the work engagement of employees.This is likely to enhance productivity as well as employee creativity and innovation.
Balancing aggregation and smoothing errors in inverse models
Authors: Turner A. J. , Jacob D. J.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. Inverse models use observations of a system (observation vector) to quantify the variables driving that system (state vector) by statistical optimization. When the observation vector is large, such as with satellite data, selecting a suitable dimension for the state vector is a challenge. A state vector that is too large cannot be effectively constrained by the observations, leading to smoothing error. However, reducing the dimension of the state vector leads to aggregation error as prior relationships between state vector elements are imposed rather than optimized. Here we present a method for quantifying aggregation and smoothing errors as a function of state vector dimension, so that a suitable dimension can be selected by minimizing the combined error. Reducing the state vector within the aggregation error constraints can have the added advantage of enabling analytical solution to the inverse problem with full error characterization. We compare three methods for reducing the dimension of the state vector from its native resolution: (1) merging adjacent elements (grid coarsening), (2) clustering with principal component analysis (PCA), and (3) applying a Gaussian mixture model (GMM) with Gaussian pdfs as state vector elements on which the native-resolution state vector elements are projected using radial basis functions (RBFs). The GMM method leads to somewhat lower aggregation error than the other methods, but more importantly it retains resolution of major local features in the state vector while smoothing weak and broad features.
Inter- and intra-specific responses of coccolithophores to CO2-induced ocean acidification
Authors: Wang D. S. , Xu D. , Fan X. , Ye N. H. , Wang W. Q. , Zhang X. W. , Miao Y. , Guan Z. , Wang S.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. Oceanic uptake of anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) is altering the seawater chemistry of the world's oceans with consequences for marine bioregions, especially calcareous organisms such as corals, foraminifera and coccolithophores. The coccolithophores, one of the most abundant and widespread groups of calcifying plankton, are responsible for a large proportion of modern oceanic carbonate production. However, culture experiments examining the response of coccolithophores to elevated CO2 partial pressure (pCO2) have mostly been based on investigations of a single strain and have yielded contradictory results from different experiments between and even within species. Here, four strains of the coccolithophores Emiliania huxleyi (E. huxleyi) and Gephyrocapsa oceanica (G. oceanica), which contained separately naked and calcifying strains, were investigated simultaneously for the first time in a bubbling batch culture at four CO2 grades ranging from approximately 380 to 2000 μatm. We synchronously determined multiple physiological parameters of four coccolithophore strains involving growth, photosynthesis, nitrogen uptake, elemental compositions and calcification efficiency in the process of cultivation. The results did not show a uniform response from different strains to elevated pCO2 up to 2000 μatm, and the naked strain E. huxleyi (N-E) was seriously suppressed, in sharp contrast to the positive response of the different levels of the other three algae. In addition, we fitted nitrogen uptake rate response curves relative to changing pCO2 for the four strains and applied kinetic constants from the response curves to further analyze the hypostatic difference among different strains, which reflected the same variational trend of the four stains above vs. increasing CO2. We determined that the responses of coccolithophores to ocean acidification are inter- and intra-specific, and this variation may cause changes to biodiversity and other ecosystem processes in the future ocean.
Investigating the usefulness of satellite derived fluorescence data in inferring gross primary productivity within the carbon cycle data assimilation system
Authors: Koffi E. N. , Rayner P. J. , Norton A. J. , Frankenberg C. , Scholze M.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. We investigate the utility of satellite measurements of chlorophyll fluorescence (Fs) in constraining gross primary productivity (GPP). We ingest Fs measurements into the Carbon-Cycle Data Assimilation System (CCDAS) which has been augmented by the fluorescence component of the Soil Canopy Observation, Photochemistry and Energy fluxes (SCOPE) model. CCDAS simulates well the patterns of Fs suggesting the combined model is capable of ingesting these measurements. However simulated Fs is insensitive to the key parameter controlling GPP, the carboxylation capacity (Vcmax). Simulated Fs is sensitive to both the incoming absorbed photosynthetically active radiation (aPAR) and leaf chlorophyll concentration both of which are treated as perfectly known in previous CCDAS versions. Proper use of Fs measurements therefore requires enhancement of CCDAS to include and expose these variables.
Monitoring of riparian vegetation response to flood disturbances using terrestrial photography
Authors: Džubáková K. , Molnar P. , Schindler K. , Trizna M.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. Flood disturbance is one of the major factors impacting riparian vegetation on river floodplains. In this study we use a high-resolution ground-based camera system with near-infrared sensitivity to quantify the immediate response of riparian vegetation in an Alpine, gravel bed, braided river to flood disturbance with the use of vegetation indices. Five large floods with return periods between 1.4 and 20.1 years in the period 2008–2011 in the Maggia River were analysed to evaluate patterns of vegetation response in three distinct floodplain units (main bar, secondary bar, transitional zone) and to compare the sensitivity of seven broadband vegetation indices. The results show both a negative (damage) and positive (enhancement) response of vegetation within 1 week following the floods, with a selective impact determined by pre-flood vegetation vigour, geomorphological setting and intensity of the flood forcing. The spatial distribution of vegetation damage provides a coherent picture of floodplain response in the three floodplain units. The vegetation indices tested in a riverine environment with highly variable surface wetness, high gravel reflectance, and extensive water–soil–vegetation contact zones differ in the direction of predicted change and its spatial distribution in the range 0.7–35.8%. We conclude that vegetation response to flood disturbance may be effectively monitored by terrestrial photography with near-infrared sensitivity, with potential for long-term assessment in river management and restoration projects.
Statistical modelling of rainfall-induced shallow landsliding using static predictors and numerical weather predictions: preliminary results
Authors: Capecchi V. , Perna M. , Crisci A.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. Our study is aimed at estimating the added value provided by Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) data for the modelling and prediction of rainfall-induced shallow landslides. We implemented a quantitative indirect statistical modelling of such phenomena by using, as input predictors, both geomorphological, geological, climatological information and numerical data obtained by running a limited-area weather model. Two standard statistical techniques are used to combine the predictor variables: a generalized linear model and Breiman's random forests. We tested these models for two rainfall events that occurred in 2011 and 2013 in Tuscany region (central Italy). Modelling results are compared with field data and the forecasting skill is evaluated by mean of sensitivity–specificity receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. In the 2011 rainfall event, the random forests technique performs slightly better than generalized linear model with area under the ROC curve (AUC) values around 0.91 vs. 0.84. In the 2013 rainfall event, both models provide AUC values around 0.7. Using the variable importance output provided by the random forests algorithm, we assess the added value carried by numerical weather forecast. The main results are as follows: (i) for the rainfall event that occurred in 2011 most of the NWP data, and in particular hourly rainfall intensities, are classified as "important" and (ii) for the rainfall event that occurred in 2013 only NWP soil moisture data in the first centimetres below ground is found to be relevant for landslide assessment. In the discussions we argue how these results are connected to the type of precipitation observed in the two events.
Improved sea level record over the satellite altimetry era (1993–2010) from the Climate Change Initiative project
Authors: Ablain M. , Cazenave A. , Larnicol G. , Balmaseda M. , Cipollini P. , Faugère Y. , Fernandes M. J. , Henry O. , Johannessen J. A. , Knudsen P. , Andersen O. , Legeais J. , Meyssignac B. , Picot N. , Roca M. , Rudenko S. , Scharffenberg M. G. , Stammer D. , Timms G. , Benveniste J.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. Sea level is one of the 50 Essential Climate Variables (ECVs) listed by the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) in climate change monitoring. In the past two decades, sea level has been routinely measured from space using satellite altimetry techniques. In order to address a number of important scientific questions such as "Is sea level rise accelerating?", "Can we close the sea level budget?", "What are the causes of the regional and interannual variability?", "Can we already detect the anthropogenic forcing signature and separate it from the internal/natural climate variability?", and "What are the coastal impacts of sea level rise?", the accuracy of altimetry-based sea level records at global and regional scales needs to be significantly improved. For example, the global mean and regional sea level trend uncertainty should become better than 0.3 and 0.5 mm year−1, respectively (currently 0.6 and 1–2 mm year−1). Similarly, interannual global mean sea level variations (currently uncertain to 2–3 mm) need to be monitored with better accuracy. In this paper, we present various data improvements achieved within the European Space Agency (ESA) Climate Change Initiative (ESA CCI) project on "Sea Level" during its first phase (2010–2013), using multi-mission satellite altimetry data over the 1993–2010 time span. In a first step, using a new processing system with dedicated algorithms and adapted data processing strategies, an improved set of sea level products has been produced. The main improvements include: reduction of orbit errors and wet/dry atmospheric correction errors, reduction of instrumental drifts and bias, intercalibration biases, intercalibration between missions and combination of the different sea level data sets, and an improvement of the reference mean sea surface. We also present preliminary independent validations of the SL_cci products, based on tide gauges comparison and a sea level budget closure approach, as well as comparisons with ocean reanalyses and climate model outputs.
Evaluating management-induced soil salinization in golf courses in semi-arid landscapes
Authors: Young J. , Udeigwe T. K. , Weindorf D. C. , Kandakji T. , Gautam P. , Mahmoud M. M. A.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. Site-specific information on land management practices are often desired to make better assertions of their environmental impacts. A study was conducted in Lubbock, TX, in the Southern High Plains of the United States, an area characterized by semi-arid climatic conditions, to (1) examine the potential management-induced alteration in soil salinity indicators in golf course facilities and (2) develop predictive relationships for a more rapid soil salinity examination within these urban landscape soils using findings from portable x-ray fluorescence (PXRF) spectrometer. Soil samples were collected from the managed (well irrigated) and non-managed (non irrigated) areas of seven golf course facilities at 0–10, 10–20, and 20–30 cm depths, and analyzed for a suite of chemical properties. Among the extractable cations, sodium (Na) was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the managed zones of all the golf facilities. Soil electrical conductivity (EC), exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP), and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), parameters often used in characterizing soil salinity and sodicity, were in most part significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the managed areas. Water quality report collected over a 22-year period (1991–2013, all years not available) indicated a gradual increase in pH, EC, SAR, total alkalinity, and extractable ions, thus, supporting the former findings. Findings from the PXRF suggested possible differences in chemical species and sources that contribute to salinity between the managed and non-managed zones. PXRF quantified Cl and S, and to a lesser extent Ca, individually and collectively explained 23–85% of the variability associated with soil salinity at these facilities.
Should We Trust our Judgments about the Proficiency of Motivational Interviewing Counselors?A Glimpse at the Impact of Low Inter-rater Reliability
Authors: Dunn Chris , Darnell Doyanne , Yi Sheng Kung Michael , Steyvers Mark , Bumgardner Kristin , Lord Sarah Peregrine , Imel Zac , Atkins David C.
Published: January 2015

Standardized rating systems are often used to evaluate the proficiency of Motivational Interviewing (MI) counselors. The published inter-rater reliability (degree of coder agreement)  in many studies using these instruments has varied a great deal; some studies report MI proficiency scores that have only fair inter-rater reliability, and others report scores with excellent reliability. How much can we to trust the scores with fair versus excellent reliability? Using a Monte Carlo statistical simulation, we compared the impact of fair (0.50) versus excellent (0.90) reliability on the error rates of falsely judging a given counselor as MI proficient or not proficient. We found that improving the inter-rater reliability of any given score from 0.5 to 0.9 would cause a marked reduction in proficiency judgment errors, a reduction that in some MI evaluation situations would be critical. We discuss some practical tradeoffs inherent in various MI evaluation situations, and offer suggestions for applying findings from formal MI research to problems faced by real-world MI evaluators, to help them minimize the MI proficiency judgment errors bearing the greatest cost.
Are Aspects of a Motivational Interview Related to Subsequent Changes in Physical Activity and Regulatory Style? Examining Relationships among Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Knittle Keegan , De Gucht Veronique , Mejino Arlene , Hurkmans Emalie , Vliet Vlieland Thea , Maes Stan
Published: January 2015

Objectives: To determine whether the integrity of motivational interviewing (MI) delivery relates to short-term changes in physical activity (PA) and regulatory style within a sample of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and to examine whether therapist proficiency in MI improves over time. Methods: During a randomized controlled trial to promote PA, 27 patients received a MI from one of three trained physical therapists, which was coded with the Motivational Interviewing Treatment Integrity scales (MITI). Pearson correlations examined associations between MITI scores and changes in PA and regulatory style.  Linear regression examined therapist proficiency over time. Results: MIs with greater reflection-to-question ratios and higher MI proficiency scores were related to increases in PA. MIs higher in global spirit and with a greater percentage of MI-adherent behaviors were associated with decreases in introjected regulation. Therapist proficiency in MI delivery tended to improve over time. Conclusions: Characteristics of motivational interviews are related to favorable shifts in regulatory style and PA behavior.  Although MI proficiency increases over time and with feedback, a 15-hour training course seems insufficient for physical therapists to obtain basic MI proficiency. Practice Implications:  Providing feedback to therapists new to delivering MI seems to improve MI proficiency and should help therapists to avoid using MI-non-adherent techniques.
Generational Literalism
Authors: Miller William R.
Published: January 2015

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ADUBAÇÃO NITROGENADA NA PRODUTIVIDADE E COMPOSIÇÃO QUÍMICA DO CAPIM MOMBAÇA NO PRIMEIRO PLANALTO PARANAENSE
Authors: MAZZA Lorena De Miranda , PÔGGERE Giovana Clarice , FERRARO Fernanda Pereira , RIBEIRO Camila Basto , CHEROBIM Verediana Fernanda , MOTTA Antonio Carlos Vargas , MORAES Anibal De
Published: January 2015

A grande maioria do rebanho brasileiro de bovinos é criado a pasto e apresenta baixa produtividade, dado pelo baixo suprimento e qualidade das pastagens. O objetivo foi avaliar a produtividade e composição química do Capim Mombaça (Panicum maximum) sob doses crescentes de nitrogênio. O experimento foi conduzido na Estação Experimental do Cangüiri localizada em Pinhais-PR, pertencente à Universidade Federal do Paraná. O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos ao acaso com quatro repetições e cinco tratamentos (0, 85, 170, 320 e 510 kg de N ha-1) aplicados a lanço em novembro de 2007. Os parâmetros avaliados foram produtividade de matéria seca (MS), teor de clorofila na folha e concentrações totais de N e C. A pastagem obteve incrementos na produção de MS, teor de clorofila e concentração total de N. A adubação nitrogenada propiciou incrementos lineares na produção de MS e PB, variando de 585 a 10.310 e de 45 a 1.279 kg ha-1, após 85 e 161 dias da aplicação, respectivamente. Os incrementos na produtividade de matéria seca foram lineares com 19 kg de MS para cada kg de N aplicado. Cada kg de N também propiciou as seguintes variações lineares: 0,5x10-5 mg kg-1 de N - teor de clorofila, 0,015 g kg-1 de N - concentração de N; 2,52 kg kg-1 de N - PB; 7,98 kg kg-1 de N - C total, e -0,025 - relação C/N. A adubação nitrogenada aumentou a produtividade, bem como as concentrações de PB e clorofila, além de diminuir a relação C/N.
MATERIAL VEGETAL E AS ROTINAS LABORATORIAIS NOS PROCEDIMENTOS QUÍMICO-ANALÍTICOS
Authors: MARTINS Ana Paula Lang , REISSMANN Carlos Bruno
Published: January 2015

Este texto, objetiva primariamente, atender o corpo discente envolvido em trabalhos acadêmicos, pesquisas científicas, dissertações e teses que, em função do curto período de permanência em suas atividades no curso, carecem de metodologias com desenvolvimento detalhado da rotina de laboratório que os tornem auto-suficientes, em suas análises, a despeito dos vários manuais publicados. O mesmo contém informações básicas sobre limpeza de vidrarias, preparação da amostra e leitura em vários equipamentos. Também mostra didaticamente métodos de determinação de nutrientes em material vegetal, incluindo as transformações matemáticas das leituras, para unidades padronizadas. Descreve, ainda, métodos de obtenção de extratos por digestão via seca – incineração; via úmida – Kjedahl, extrações com ácidos diluídos. Para as leituras das amostras são utilizadas técnicas de titulação, colorimetria, fotometria de emissão e espectrometria de absorção atômica. As referências bibliográficas, utilizadas como leitura complementar, auxiliam no direcionamento dos leitores a dados adicionais no caso de ser necessário um aprofundamento maior. Espera-se que as informações contidas nesse texto auxiliem os operadores na condução de suas análises pertinentes às metodologias explicitadas.
APLICAÇÃO FOLIAR DE EXTRATO DE ALGA, ÁCIDO L-GLUTÂMICO E CÁLCIO EM FEIJOEIRO
Authors: MÓGOR Átila Francisco , ONO Elizabeth Orika , RODRIGUES João Domingos , MÓGOR Gilda
Published: January 2015

No presente trabalho, objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos da aplicação foliar do extrato da alga Ascophyllum nodosum, do ácido L-glutâmico e do Ca+2, no crescimento e produção de plantas de feijão (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). O experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação com os seguintes tratamentos: testemunha; aplicações foliares de soluções contendo 60 g L-1 de ácido L-glutâmico; contendo 60 g L-1 de extrato de alga; contendo 100 g L-1 de Ca+2 na forma de CaCl2; contendo 30 g L-1  de ácido L-glutâmico e 30 g L-1 extrato de alga; contendo 30 g L-1 de ácido L-glutâmico e 100 g L-1 de Ca+2;  contendo 30 g L-1 de extrato de alga e 100 g L-1 de Ca+2; contendo 15 g L-1de ácido L-glutâmico associado a 15 g L-1 de extrato de alga e 100 g L-1 de Ca+2, aos 12, 28 e 42 dias após a emergência das plantas. Para a aplicação foliar, cada solução foi diluída em água na concentração de 3 ml L-1. Ao longo do ciclo foram avaliadas variáveis biométricas e ao final quantificou-se a produção de grãos por planta. Identificou-se o efeito dos tratamentos no crescimento inicial, ao longo do ciclo das plantas e na produção de grãos, caracterizando o efeito bioestimulante da solução contendo 30 g L-1 de extrato de alga e 100 g L-1 de Ca+2, e da solução contendo 15 g L-1de ácido L-glutâmico associado a 15 g L-1 de extrato de alga e 100 g L-1 de Ca+2.
SELEÇÃO DE BACTÉRIAS ENDOFÍTICAS COM AÇÃO ANTAGÔNICA A FITOPATÓGENOS
Authors: SHIOMI Humberto Franco , MELO Itamar Soares de , MINHONI Marli Teixeira de Almeida
Published: January 2015

Muitos métodos rápidos e eficientes de seleção de agentes de biocontrole de fitopatógenos tem sido utilizados, visando reduzir tempo e custo dispendido em testes de campo. Neste trabalho realizou-se uma seleção de isolados endofíticos com potencial de uso no biocontrole de fitopatógenos em testes de antagonismo in vitro. De um total de 95 isolados de bactérias endofíticas do milho, seis foram selecionados quanto à inibição a Pythium aphanidermatum. A essa seleção, foram incluídos um isolado de Bacillus subtilis 0G, Bacillus lentimorbus e Streptomyces sp., para verificação de antagonismo a Rhizoctonia solani, Fusarium moniliforme, Sclerotium rolfsii e Exserohilum turcicum. Verificou-se que os endofíticos B. subtilis 0G, B. lentimorbus e Streptomyces sp., apresentaram ação antagônica superior aos demais, com taxas de inibição entre 32,0% e 53,8%. Dentre os endofíticos do milho, Bacillus agaradhaerens foi o que mais se destacou, com taxas de inibição variando entre 43,7% e 52,3% e indicando uma inespecificidade de ação. Este estudo, embora preliminar, permite vislumbrar a utilização desses endofíticos na supressão de doenças em diferentes sistemas patógeno-hospedeiro em testes subseqüentes, sob condições de casa-de-vegetação e a campo.
Continuation of Reversed-Phase HPLC Analysis Studies of Steviol Glycosides Isolated From Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni
Authors: Meneni Srinivasarao , Chaturvedula Venkata Sai Prakash
Published: January 2015

Additional High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) studies were performed on the nine sweet steviol glycosides reported in Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) namely rebaudioside A, steviolbioside, stevioside, rubusoside, rebaudioside B, rebaudioside C, rebaudioside D, rebaudioside F, and dulcoside A isolated from the leaves of Stevia rebaudiana. Using Reversed-Phase (RP) HPLC method, individual retention times and area for nine naturally occurring ent-kaurane diterpene glycosides of S. rebaudiana have been determined at five different temperatures: 40, 45, 50, 55, and 60 ºC at three different pH 2.4, 2.6, and 2.8. HPLC results suggested that temperatures 50 and 55 ºC at pH 2.4 would be ideal condition for better separation of steviol glycosides.
Modalités et enjeux du traitement sous contrainte auprès des toxicomanes
Authors: Quirion Bastien
Published: January 2015

Cet article propose d’explorer les différentes formes de contrainte qui s’exercent dans le champ de l’intervention auprès des toxicomanes. Nous proposons dans un premier temps de définir l’intervention thérapeutique en insistant sur le fait que toute intervention implique nécessairement l’exercice d’un pouvoir ; d’où l’importance d’étudier le caractère contraignant de l’intervention en toxicomanie. Nous proposons ensuite de distinguer les différents niveaux de contrainte qui peuvent s’exercer sur les personnes manifestant des problèmes de dépendance dans un contexte de soins thérapeutiques. Trois formes de contrainte seront tour à tour exposées, soit la contrainte judiciaire, la contrainte institutionnelle et la contrainte relationnelle. Le caractère coercitif de l’intervention thérapeutique auprès de cette clientèle se manifeste alors par une combinaison variable de ces trois niveaux de contrainte. Ultimement, cet article vise à établir des repères nous permettant de mieux réfléchir aux enjeux éthiques et cliniques qui sont liés au caractère contraignant de la prise en charge thérapeutique des toxicomanes.