bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of Urban Sustainability in the Cases of Multi Commercial Complexes from the Perspective of the “Ground”
Authors: Kim Soomi , Han Jiae
Published: May 2016

In the diverse research on Multi Commercial Complexes, rather than a technical and statistical approach, it is now time to focus on the quality of urban sustainability based on the daily experience of urban residents. Therefore, this research proposes a mechanism for making a sophisticated adjustment to the “Ground”, defined as the empty space of a designated site under the existing urban conditions, towards planning the sustainability of a Multi-Commercial Complex. For the first step, the elements of urban sustainability were extracted from the Figure-Ground Theory and the urban theory of Aldo Rossi and Kevin Lynch, respectively. The relationship between the methodology, which deals with the concept of “Ground” and its sustainable urban status, is analyzed using five selected multi-commercial complex cases. We derived the characteristics of “Ground” represented in each case, including “Responding”, “Contextual”, “Historical”, “Co-existing”, and “Hybrid” sustainability. In each case, the “Ground” was treated as a crucial common issue. In this paper, we suggest that preferential consideration and sensitive design of the “Ground” are crucial for maintaining urban sustainability in the planning of Multi Commercial Complexes. This paper can thus contribute to the body of research on urban sustainability along with existing technical studies.
HostPhinder: A Phage Host Prediction Tool
Authors: Villarroel Julia , Kleinheinz Kortine , Jurtz Vanessa , Zschach Henrike , Lund Ole , Nielsen Morten , Larsen Mette
Published: May 2016

The current dramatic increase of antibiotic resistant bacteria has revitalised the interest in bacteriophages as alternative antibacterial treatment. Meanwhile, the development of bioinformatics methods for analysing genomic data places high-throughput approaches for phage characterization within reach. Here, we present HostPhinder, a tool aimed at predicting the bacterial host of phages by examining the phage genome sequence. Using a reference database of 2196 phages with known hosts, HostPhinder predicts the host species of a query phage as the host of the most genomically similar reference phages. As a measure of genomic similarity the number of co-occurring k-mers (DNA sequences of length k) is used. Using an independent evaluation set, HostPhinder was able to correctly predict host genus and species for 81% and 74% of the phages respectively, giving predictions for more phages than BLAST and significantly outperforming BLAST on phages for which both had predictions. HostPhinder predictions on phage draft genomes from the INTESTI phage cocktail corresponded well with the advertised targets of the cocktail. Our study indicates that for most phages genomic similarity correlates well with related bacterial hosts. HostPhinder is available as an interactive web service [1] and as a stand alone download from the Docker registry [2].
Enantioselective carbenoid insertion into C(sp3)–H bonds
Authors: Santiago J V , Machado A H L
Published: May 2016

The enantioselective carbenoid insertion into C(sp3)–H bonds is an important tool for the synthesis of complex molecules due to the high control of enantioselectivity in the formation of stereogenic centers. This paper presents a brief review of the early issues, related mechanistic studies and recent applications on this chemistry area.
Atmospheric Spaces
Authors: Schmitz Hermann
Published: May 2016

The article develops a fundamental conception of atmospheres which is incorporated into a phenomenology of the felt body [Leib]. It builds on a critique of a splitting of the world into a private inner world as the location of experience and of emotions, and an external world that is separated off from that – a split already made in antiquity. Set against this notion is the conception of the felt body as space without area. What is meant by the felt body is what one can sense as belonging to oneself without recourse to the five senses. Atmospheres represent another category of spaces without area. They are regarded as a total or partial occupation of a space without area in that sphere that is experienced as being present. A distinction is made here between atmospheres of the felt body, atmospheres of emotion, and those atmospheres that are not emotions. The example of living [in the sense of dwelling] is used to clarify how people achieve their own space of emotion from the atmospheres of emotion available at places.
Peace
Authors: Upadhyay Pratibha , Pandey Saroj
Published: May 2016

Peace is described as an ‘elusive concept' having different connotations for the spheres in which peaceful processes are applied. There are several pedagogical approaches to education for peace. The Constructivist approach is considered the best strategy. Teacher preparation is at the core of the success and utilization of the pedagogical approaches meant for education for peace. Therefore, the teacher education programmes need to be redesigned to have wider implications for promoting peace through the preparation of teachers. The present paper suggests a hypothetical model depicting ‘Top Down' approach to teacher education for peace which compliments the ‘Bottom Up' model envisaged by UNESCO (1998). Whatever may be the model of teacher education, it should combine knowledge, experiences and skills pertaining to promoting culture of peace. At the same time all agencies of education should support and join hands with teacher education programmes to change the culture of war into culture of peace and non-violence in the world we live in.
Securing a Human Right to Peace
Authors: Snauwaert Dale T.
Published: May 2016

In a groundbreaking session at the United Nations on June 6, 2013 members of civil society and the UN Secretariat opened a very significant inquiry into fundamental questions of the desirability and possibilities of bringing an end to war. Some have posed this query in terms of whether there is a fundamental human right to peace. The United Nations, members of the global civil society, and scholars have engaged in a significant effort to articulate a human right to peace (See, for example, Alston 1980, Roche 2003, Weiss 2010), and the UN Human Rights Council has established an open-ended intergovernmental working group to draft a United Nations declaration on the right to peace (http://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/HRC/AdvisoryCommittee/Pages/RightToPeace.aspx).This brief essay is intended to launch that same discussion among peace educators.
From Peace Education to Peaceful Education
Authors: Lutfy Mohamed Walid
Published: May 2016

This chapter dismantle the various components of peace education. The purpose of which is to analyze closely how peace education progressed along time. Further, how the understanding of peace and education separately influenced the totality of peace education. The article uses critical approach to examine peace education through the various disciplines. The author proposes an idea of grass-root peace; one that all segments of society can enjoy, regardless to their economic or religious background. The chapter explores how to develop peace education that is politically-free and broadly comprehending the various elements that might strengthen peace education programmes. The author explores a structure of peace education that eventually can empower conventional values of peace such as justice as well as modern ones such as innovation.
Human Rights Education for Peace and Conflict Resolution
Authors: Rahman Khan Ferdousour
Published: May 2016

The relationship between human rights and conflict is dynamic, complex, and powerful, constantly shaping and reshaping the course of both peace and war. The world was worried with the devastating effect of the World War II. The United Nations was formed out of the ashes of the war in 1945, putting respect for human rights alongside peace, security and development as the primary objectives. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was also adopted in 1948 as a continuation of that obligation, which provided a framework for a series of international human rights conventions. Presently almost all the national legislations are influenced by these conventions. The modern system of international human rights treaties is based on the concept of universalism. Depending on the agency, human rights include civil and political rights, economic, social and cultural rights, development rights, and indigenous rights. However, what is or is not considered a human right differs from one nation to another (Fedorak, 2007).
Education for Peace and School Coexistence
Authors: Pineda-Alfonso José A. , García-Pérez Francisco F.
Published: May 2016

There has been an influx of international currents in favour of a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence since the 1990s. This has allowed the curriculum in Primary and Secondary Education to generate a wide range of differently focused plans and projects. One of the peculiarities of this phenomenon in Spain is its links with the deterioration in classroom coexistence, and, as a consequence, a number of different initiatives have been put in place to promote a Culture of Peace and Coexistence. In spite of the deployment of means and staff, it is clear from the analysis of two cases in Secondary Schools in Andalusia (Spain) that there have been scant results, as the influence of all these initiatives has only been superficial in schools. Given the failure of these initiatives, a drift towards authoritarianism in school coexistence discourses and practices is observed.
Human Rights, Peace, and Conflict Mobilization of Youth
Authors: Chakraborty Swati
Published: May 2016

The world today has become very restless with conflict and violence affecting almost every part of the world. After the 9/11, the situation worsened with the military engagement in so many countries like Afghanistan, Iraq. Every day and all over the world, young people engage in peace building––in big and small ways. While mobilizations of youth for violent causes which have captured headlines in recent months, every day in conflict zones around the world young people are building bridges across communities, working together, educating each other, and helping to manage conflict and promote peace. This is a small initiative with this paper to make the youth aware about their duties towards their own society, own nation, own world. With the exchanges of ideas, sharing thoughts and dialogues about the human rights, peace and conflict the progress will no longer far from the generation as such.
Emerging Technologies as a Tool for Development of Human Values and Global Peace
Authors: Ahmed Zaki , Bilal Kanwal , Khan Asad Ullah
Published: May 2016

Nanotechnology is one of the unique technologies, which have the potential to narrow down the rich, and poor divide in nations. Nanotechnology has the potential to bridge the gap between developed and developing countries by developing a closer relationship to reduce involuntary sufferings. This can be testified by the proven role of nanotechnology in remediation of environment, providing health, clean water, harvesting water from air, eco-friendly housing from green nanomaterials, eradicating malaria, water borne diseases, human tissue regeneration, increasing agricultural yields, as generate innovations with embedded human values. The morally neutral threatening technologies like nanotechnology would lead to circumvent socio-political opposition, the rich and poor divide and address the involuntary sufferings by providing human value based solutions. Nanotechnology is the tool given by nature to transform the silos mentality to a collaborative mentality for real world problem solving and respond to the challenges of human sufferings.
Peace Education in Pakistan
Authors: Hoti Amineh Ahmed , Ahmed Zahid Shahab
Published: May 2016

Context last year brought deep sadness and great grief to many people - including and especially the students, parents and staff in schools across Pakistan and across the world in response to children being massacred brutally at a school in KPK, Pakistan. Schools, colleges, and universities, as a result, have been converted into fortresses and a thriving business for security-wallas. A case study of this program will be prepared through both qualitative and quantitative data examining the impact of FCCU's peace education program. We are hoping that this work would initiate the process of introducing peace education interventions in Pakistan at regional and global levels. This chapter will also help other peace education programs to learn from FCCU's approach of peacebuilding.
Emerging Challenges and Opportunities for U.S. High-Speed Rail Development
Authors: Banko Francis P. , Xue Jackson H.
Published: May 2016

As we witness the advancement of U.S. high-speed rail initiatives, the country can look towards its European and Asian counterparts for best practices and lessons learned from their decades of high-speed rail design and operations. These experiences gained may be applicable towards projects such as the Texas Central Railway and the California High-Speed Rail Project. This chapter will address the events of 2009 that have brought domestic high-speed rail to the forefront of U.S. rail transportation. This includes the new FRA Tier I and proposed Tier III criteria, challenges associated with each FRA tier of operation, overseas interoperability efforts, snapshots of international experiences (from policy and technological perspectives), the holistic system-based approach to safety, ongoing efforts of the FRA Engineering Task Force, and additional challenges and opportunities moving forward.
DESIGUALDADES SOCIOESPACIAIS: ANALISANDO AS PAISAGENS DO URBANO NO MUNICÍPIO DE JATAÍ (GO)-2013
Authors: Monteiro Filho Paulo De Alencar , Silva Marcio Rodrigues , Da Silva William Ferreira , Rocha Roberta Costa
Published: May 2016

A segregação socioespacial é um fenômeno que vem se tornando cada vez mais notório nas cidades brasileiras, sua materialidade atinge não somente os grandes centros urbanos, tornando-se uma paisagem usualmente comum inclusive em cidades pequenas. A desigualdade social aliada ao processo natural do sistema capitalista, provoca um estrangulamento social que obriga a uma (re)organização do espaço urbano, gerando acentuadas discrepâncias nas paisagens das cidades. O objetivo deste trabalho é demonstrar por meio da paisagem, a materialização da estratificação social, evidenciando os contrastes do lugar de morada em três bairros do município de Jataí-GO. O caminho seguido no presente estudo articula a teoria com os dados de trabalho de campo: fotografias e mapeamento das aéreas que apresentaram acentuadas discrepâncias em suas paisagens. Por fim, percebe-se que a paisagem está para além do visível, ou seja, há uma história na sua constituição, a qual nos leva a compreender um pouco mais sobre seu estado material, mesmo entendendo que a análise do espaço urbano, consiste em uma complexa avaliação de vários fenômenos.
Assessment of the Diversity of Leaf Epidermal Traits of Dipcadi Filamentosum Medik Among Different Co-Geographical Regions in Nigeria
Authors: Abdulkareem K.A. , Mustapha O.T.
Published: May 2016

This study was conducted to disentangle the influence of environmental variables on the spatial patterns in leaf epidermal traits (i.e. stomatal occurrence, stomatal traits and epidermal cells) in some morphologically different populations of Dipcadi filamentosum Medik in Nigeria. The stomatal occurrence and the stomatal length (SL), stomatal width (SW), stomatal size (SS), stomatal density (SD) and stomatal index (SI) of 13 ecotypes of D. filamentosum from 11 locations in Nigeria were studied. All the populations were amphistomatous with 100% tetracytic stomatal complex type. The epidermal cells were rectangular in shape with straight to curve anticlinal cell wall pattern. Contrarily, the species from the Northern eco-geographical location had larger SS, higher SD, longer SL, higher SI and wider SW and higher epidermal cell density than those from the Southern eco-geographical location where there is higher annual rainfall and lower temperature. Temperature and rainfall affected SD, SI and SL, SS and SW whereas the epidermal cells and anticlinal cell walls were not affected. Variations were observed within and between the populations from the 4 eco-geographical locations.The variables observed among the 4 eco-geographical populations of D. filamentosum showed that effects of environmental factors are partial on the leaf epidermal traits of the plant. The evidences from the studied characters are good taxonomic features or indicators hence they can be used to separate them to different species.
Turf Yellowing Disease in Paspalum vaginatum (Turf Grass): Identification of Causative pathogen and Chemical Control
Authors: Malkanthi A.G.I. , Perera R.A.S. , Dissanayake M.L.M.C.
Published: May 2016

Symptoms of an unknown foliar yellowing have been observed in Paspalum vaginatum in Kandy District of Sri Lanka since 2013. Affected leaves initially exhibit yellowing of leaves followed by browning downwards from the leaf tip. Since there is no previous record of the disease in Sri Lanka, no control measures have been established. Thus, the aim of this study was to isolate and identify the causal agent of turf yellowing disease in commercial turfs in Mawanella, Peradeniya and Kandy area Sri Lanka and to evaluate the efficacy of available fungicides against pathogen. Pathogens were isolated from infected P. vaginatum and identified using macroscopic and microscopic features and concluded that the disease found in P. vaginatum was caused by Curvularia trifolii. Effect of synthetic fungicide Captan, Chlorothalonil and Sulphur against the isolates was tested both in-vitro and in-vivo conditions. The isolates was consistently reisolated from diseased grasses, but not from health controls, demonstrating that the isolates was pathogenic to turf grass. The effects of all concentrations of all the fungicides used (except Sulphur in recommend dose) with regards to mycelia growth were significantly (p=0.05) different from the control. The highest concentration of Captan (40 mg/10 ml) and recommend dose of Chlorothalonil (30μl/10ml) was the most efficient fungicide against C. trifolii. In-vitro and in-vivo respectively. The present study concludes and Chlorothalonil was the most effective among the tested fungicides for the control of C. trifolii causing the turf yellowing disease in field condition.
Improvement of neurological conditions and recovery of the left ventricular ejection fraction subsequent to oxygen-ozone therapy through auto-hemoinfusion of ozonated blood
Authors: Pandolfi Sergio , Di Giovanni Claudio , Marinari Eleonora , Franzini Marianno
Published: May 2016

Here we present the case of a 76-year-old patient who suffered from ischemic cardiopathy and myocardial infarction in January 2014, arterial hypertension, kidney failure, Parkinsonism, vascular multinfarctual ischemic cerebropathy, cerebral ictus, neurogenic bladder, and inguinal hernia. The left ventricular ejection fraction evaluated through repeated echocardiographic examinations remained reduced to 33% from January 2014 to March 2015. The left ventricular ejection fraction, after 14 months from acute myocardial infarction and despite the coronary angioplasty and medical therapy, remained constantly reduced to 33%. On 3rd July 2015 he started the oxygen-ozone therapy with 2 autohemoinfusions of ozonated blood per week. Over the first two months of therapy we noticed a marked improvement of his heart conditions with a net reduction in asthenia and neurological status, the improvement of heart conditions was corroborated by the echocardiogram of 5th November 2015 which showed an increase in the left ventricular ejection fraction from 33% to 50%. In this case the heart function improvement of left ventricular ejection fraction was noticed only after having started the systemic oxygen-ozone therapy through large autohemoinfusion. In April 2015, before starting the oxygen-ozone therapy we assessed the patient’s inguinal hernia to be inoperable due to the lapsed heart conditions, while the subsequent reassessment in December 2015, after the patient underwent oxygen-ozone therapy for 5 months, we assessed him to be operable considering the heart function improvement.
Large auto-hemoinfusion versus rectal insufflation in patients with metabolic syndrome
Authors: Vaiano Francesco , Loprete Fortunato
Published: May 2016

The metabolic syndrome is a clinical situation including a series of factors at high cardiovascular risk; the treatment with an oxygenozone gas mixture can influence all factors associated with this syndrome. The objective of the study has been to verify if the rectal insufflation could replace the large auto-hemoinfusion when treating the metabolic syndrome in those patients who, for various reasons cannot use the auto-hemoinfusion. Twenty-four individuals aged between 34 and 68 were recruited and included in the group treated with ozonated auto-hemoinfusion and other 24 individuals aged between 35 and 67 were recruited and included in the group treated with rectal insufflation of the oxygen-ozone gas mixture. According to the results obtained by means of oxygen-ozone mixture rectal insufflation, which are almost equivalent to the results obtained with the large ozonated auto-hemoinfusion, authors could conclude that the ozonated rectal insufflation can be taken into consideration as alternative method to the large auto-hemoinfusion, while treating the metabolic syndrome, in those patients difficult to manage due to the previously described reasons.
A Reformed perspective on the concept of the ‘common good’ and its relevance for social action in South Africa today
Authors: Vorster Jakobus M.
Published: May 2016

This article investigates the idea of the ‘common good’ from a Classic Reformed perspective and the possibilities raised by a fresh approach to the concept for social action by civil society in South Africa today. The central theoretical argument of this article is that the new interest in the concept of natural law, as became evident in modern-day moral reflection in the Classic Reformed moral teaching, can indeed contribute to a new positive assessment of the concept common good and can provide a valuable framework for the foundation of reformed social action in cooperation with civil society in South Africa today. Firstly, the concept is discussed within the framework of the reformed idea of ‘natural law’ and the argument concludes with the finding that the concept can be accommodated in Reformed Theology. Secondly, a case is made for the cooperation between churches, other religious institutions and the broader civil society to cooperate on the basis of the common good and global ethics to address three areas of serious concern in the South African society. These are the promotion of the idea of human dignity within the social sphere with special reference to racism, xenophobia and sexism as well as the development of family life and family values, and the advancement of the idea of neighbourliness as a core ingredient of social healing and reconciliation.
The Quantified Brain: A Framework for Mobile Device-Based Assessment of Behavior and Neurological Function
Authors: Kumar Rajiv , Longhurst Christopher , Wall Dennis , Stark David
Published: May 2016

Citation: Stark DE; Kumar RB; Longhurst CA; Wall DP. The Quantified Brain: A Framework for Mobile Device Based Assessment of Behavior and Neurological Function.
Management of a Traumatized Open Apex Tooth with a Combination of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate Apical Plug and Platelet-rich Fibrin Apical Matrix
Authors: Pawar Ritesh Balasaheb , Margsahayam Sumanthini V
Published: May 2016

The absence of a natural apical constriction in permanent tooth makes endodontic treatment a challenge. Traditionally, calcium hydroxide was used for inducing the formation of an apical barrier. Currently, mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) has shown promising results for apexification procedures. In an open apex, it is imperative to limit the MTA placement within the confines of the root canal for predictable healing. The placement of an internal matrix may limit the extrusion to some extent. Many materials can be used as internal matrix such as collagen membrane, calcium sulphate, hydroxyapatite, freeze dried bone, and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) among others. This case report presents a successful demonstration of the management of an open apex using MTA placed over an internal apical matrix of PRF.

How to cite this article

Pawar RB, Margsahayam SV, Shenoy VU, Shaikh SAH. Management of a Traumatized Open Apex Tooth with a Combination of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate Apical Plug and Platelet-rich Fibrin Apical Matrix. J Contemp Dent 2016;6(1):57-62.
Physiological differences between twin and single-born lambs and kids during the first month of life
Authors: Fazio Francesco , Arfuso Francesca , Giudice Elisabetta , Giannetto Claudia , Piccione Giuseppe
Published: May 2016

Abstract. The effects of time after birth and of twinning on rectal temperature (RT), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR) and body weight (BW) values were evaluated in five singleton Comisana lambs (three males and two females), five singleton Maltese Kids (three males and two females), four couples of twin Comisana lambs (four males and four females) and four couples of twin Maltese kids (four males and four females) during the first month of life. For all kids and lambs, RT, HR, RR and BW were recorded after 1 and 24 h from birth and every 2 days until the 30th day of life. The application of two-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed a statistically significant effect of time (P < 0.0001) on RT, HR, RR and BW values in all lambs and kids during the first month of life. Any significant effect of twinning (P > 0.05) on all studied parameters was found in lambs, whereas statistically significant differences in BW, RT and HR values (P < 0.01) were found between twin and singleton kids throughout the first month of life. The results obtained in this study make a contribution to the knowledge of homeostatic, cardiorespiratory and thermoregulatory adaptations occurring in singleton lambs and kids and in twin lambs and kids during the first 30 days of life. Our findings indicate that the BW, RT, HR and RR values, whose homeostasis is still evolving in newborn, should be interpreted dynamically as a function of the period of postnatal adaptation and also of twinning.
Aerosol–radiation–cloud interactions in a regional coupled model: the effects of convective parameterisation and resolution
Authors: Archer-Nicholls Scott , Lowe Douglas , Schultz David M. , McFiggans Gordon
Published: May 2016

Abstract. The Weather Research and Forecasting model with Chemistry (WRF-Chem) has been used to simulate a region of Brazil heavily influenced by biomass burning. Nested simulations were run at 5 and 1 km horizontal grid spacing for three case studies in September 2012. Simulations were run with and without fire emissions, convective parameterisation on the 5 km domain, and aerosol–radiation interactions in order to explore the differences attributable to the parameterisations and to better understand the aerosol direct effects and cloud responses. Direct aerosol–radiation interactions due to biomass burning aerosol resulted in a net cooling, with an average short-wave direct effect of −4.08 ± 1.53 Wm−2. However, around 21.7 Wm−2 is absorbed by aerosol in the atmospheric column, warming the atmosphere at the aerosol layer height, stabilising the column, inhibiting convection, and reducing cloud cover and precipitation. The changes to clouds due to radiatively absorbing aerosol (traditionally known as the semi-direct effects) increase the net short-wave radiation reaching the surface by reducing cloud cover, producing a secondary warming that counters the direct cooling. However, the magnitude of the semi-direct effect was found to be extremely sensitive to the model resolution and the use of convective parameterisation. Precipitation became organised in isolated convective cells when not using a convective parameterisation on the 5 km domain, reducing both total cloud cover and total precipitation. The SW semi-direct effect varied from 6.06 ± 1.46 with convective parameterisation to 3.61 ± 0.86 Wm−2 without. Convective cells within the 1 km domain are typically smaller but with greater updraft velocity than equivalent cells in the 5 km domain, reducing the proportion of the domain covered by cloud in all scenarios and producing a smaller semi-direct effect. Biomass burning (BB) aerosol particles acted as cloud condensation nuclei (CCN), increasing the droplet number concentration of clouds. However, the changes to cloud properties had negligible impact on the net radiative balance in either domain, with or without convective parameterisation. The sensitivity to the uncertainties relating to the semi-direct effect was greater than any other observable indirect effects. Although the version of WRF-Chem distributed to the community currently lacks aerosol–cloud interactions in parameterised clouds, the results of this study suggest a greater priority for the development is to improve the modelling of semi-direct effects by reducing the uncertainties relating to the use of convective parameterisation and resolution before WRF-Chem can reliably quantify the regional impacts of aerosols.
Atmospheric mercury speciation dynamics at the high-altitude Pic du Midi Observatory, southern France
Authors: Fu Xuewu , Marusczak Nicolas , Heimbürger Lars-Eric , Sauvage Bastien , Gheusi François , Prestbo Eric M. , Sonke Jeroen E.
Published: May 2016

Abstract. Continuous measurements of atmospheric gaseous elemental mercury (GEM), particulate bound mercury (PBM) and gaseous oxidized mercury (GOM) at the high-altitude Pic du Midi Observatory (PDM Observatory, 2877 m a.s.l.) in southern France were made from November 2011 to November 2012. The mean GEM, PBM and GOM concentrations were 1.86 ng m−3, 14 pg m−3 and 27 pg m−3, respectively and we observed 44 high PBM (peak PBM values of 33–98 pg m−3) and 61 high GOM (peak GOM values of 91–295 pg m−3) events. The high PBM events occurred mainly in cold seasons (winter and spring) whereas high GOM events were mainly observed in the warm seasons (summer and autumn). In cold seasons the maximum air mass residence times (ARTs) associated with high PBM events were observed in the upper troposphere over North America. The ratios of high PBM ARTs to total ARTs over North America, Europe, the Arctic region and Atlantic Ocean were all elevated in the cold season compared to the warm season, indicating that the middle and upper free troposphere of the Northern Hemisphere may be more enriched in PBM in cold seasons. PBM concentrations and PBM ∕ GOM ratios during the high PBM events were significantly anti-correlated with atmospheric aerosol concentrations, air temperature and solar radiation, suggesting in situ formation of PBM in the middle and upper troposphere. We identified two distinct types of high GOM events with the GOM concentrations positively and negatively correlated with atmospheric ozone concentrations, respectively. High GOM events positively correlated with ozone were mainly related to air masses from the upper troposphere over the Arctic region and middle troposphere over the temperate North Atlantic Ocean, whereas high GOM events anti-correlated with ozone were mainly related to air masses from the lower free troposphere over the subtropical North Atlantic Ocean. The ARTs analysis demonstrates that the lower and middle free troposphere over the North Atlantic Ocean was the largest source region of atmospheric GOM at the PDM Observatory. The ratios of high GOM ARTs to total ARTs over the subtropical North Atlantic Ocean in summer were significantly higher than those over the temperate and sub-arctic North Atlantic Ocean as well as that over the North Atlantic Ocean in other seasons, indicating abundant in situ oxidation of GEM to GOM in the lower free troposphere over the subtropical North Atlantic Ocean in summer.
Design and characterization of specMACS, a multipurpose hyperspectral cloud and sky imager
Authors: Ewald Florian , Kölling Tobias , Baumgartner Andreas , Zinner Tobias , Mayer Bernhard
Published: May 2016

Abstract. The new spectrometer of the Munich Aerosol Cloud Scanner (specMACS) is a multipurpose hyperspectral cloud and sky imager designated, but is not limited to investigations of cloud–aerosol interactions in Earth's atmosphere. With its high spectral and spatial resolution, the instrument is designed to measure solar radiation in the visible and shortwave infrared region that is reflected from, or transmitted through clouds and aerosol layers. It is based on two hyperspectral cameras that measure in the solar spectral range between 400 and 2500 nm with a spectral bandwidth between 2.5 and 12.0 nm. The instrument was operated in ground-based campaigns as well as aboard the German High Altitude LOng Range (HALO) research aircraft, e.g., during the ACRIDICON-CHUVA campaign in Brazil during summer 2014. This paper describes the specMACS instrument hardware and software design and characterizes the instrument performance. During the laboratory characterization of the instrument, the radiometric response as well as the spatial and spectral resolution was assessed. Since the instrument is primarily intended for retrievals of atmospheric quantities by inversion of radiative models using measured radiances, a focus is placed on the determination of its radiometric response. Radiometric characterization was possible for both spectrometers, with an absolute accuracy of 3 % at their respective central wavelength regions. First measurements are presented which demonstrate the wide applicability of the instrument. They show that key demands are met regarding the radiometric and spectral accuracy which is required for the intended remote sensing techniques.
Impact of water table level on annual carbon and greenhouse gas balances of a restored peat extraction area
Authors: Järveoja Järvi , Peichl Matthias , Maddison Martin , Soosaar Kaido , Vellak Kai , Karofeld Edgar , Teemusk Alar , Mander Ülo
Published: May 2016

Abstract. Peatland restoration may provide a potential after-use option to mitigate the negative climate impact of abandoned peat extraction areas; currently, however, knowledge about restoration effects on the annual balances of carbon (C) and greenhouse gas (GHG) exchanges is still limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of contrasting mean water table levels (WTLs) on the annual C and GHG balances of restoration treatments with high (ResH) and low (ResL) WTL relative to an unrestored bare peat (BP) site. Measurements of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) fluxes were conducted over a full year using the closed chamber method and complemented by measurements of abiotic controls and vegetation cover. Three years following restoration, the difference in the mean WTL resulted in higher bryophyte and lower vascular plant cover in ResH relative to ResL. Consequently, greater gross primary production and autotrophic respiration associated with greater vascular plant cover were observed in ResL compared to ResH. However, the means of the measured net ecosystem CO2 exchanges (NEE) were not significantly different between ResH and ResL. Similarly, no significant differences were observed in the respective means of CH4 and N2O exchanges. In comparison to the two restored sites, greater net CO2, similar CH4 and greater N2O emissions occurred in BP. On the annual scale, ResH, ResL and BP were C sources of 111, 103 and 268 g C m−2 yr−1 and had positive GHG balances of 4.1, 3.8 and 10.2 t CO2 eq ha−1 yr−1, respectively. Thus, the different WTLs had a limited impact on the C and GHG balances in the two restored treatments 3 years following restoration. However, the C and GHG balances in ResH and ResL were considerably lower than in BP due to the large reduction in CO2 emissions. This study therefore suggests that restoration may serve as an effective method to mitigate the negative climate impacts of abandoned peat extraction areas.
Emerging Dialogic Structures in Education Reform: An analysis of Urban Teachers’ Online Compositions
Authors: Stewart Trevor Thomas , Boggs George L.
Published: May 2016

This paper contextualizes contemporary urban teachers’ online dissent in public discussions of education reform in relation to past educational crisis narratives to interpret recent shifts in the structure of education reform dialogue in the United States. It does so by examining the form and content of compositions in which teachers respond to education reform. The analysis is intended to describe the digitally mediated roles teachers are asserting in a complex public debate over the future of education in the United States. The structure and content of education reform discourse has often cast teachers in static roles, which inhibits their active participation in discussions of educational policy. Using Mikhail Bakhtin’s position that language choices serve to stifle and/or reinvigorate dialogue, we examine contributions to online discussions and debate composed ostensibly by urban teachers in response to dominant discourses. The data were analyzed with respect to discursive choices and grouped subsequently as themed arguments and rhetorical moves. We argue that teachers’ strategic responses to education reform challenge stifling truisms that seek to suspend discussion of all other factors besides teacher quality. Teachers’ critical digital compositions thus re-create critical, multi-voiced conversations in place of monologues about school improvement. The online, public compositions point to the dynamic structure of reform discourse that has the potential to benefit those currently faulted for a variety of social problems. Nurturing and even exploiting the dynamic potential of educational reform discourse can create opportunities for teachers, policymakers, and educational researchers to mutually inform one another’s shared interest in educational improvement.
Financial Health & Corporate Performance – a Comparison of Manufacturing Companies in China & India
Authors: Liang Foo See , Pathak Shaakalya
Published: May 2016

The People’s Republic of China (China) and India are two leading economies in Asia Pacific. This study examines the relationship between the financial health, as measured by the Altman Z-Score, and corporate performance, as measured by the Return on Equity (ROE), of listed manufacturing companies in these two markets. A linear regression was conducted between these variables to determine the magnitude and direction of their relationships. The trends of Z-Scores over a fourteen-year period are also analysed. The analysis covers the period from 2000 to 2013 (inclusive) and yielded a statistically positive correlation between ROE and the Z-Score for both markets. China and India both registered moderate-to-strong mean and median Z-Scores. However, China is comparatively healthier. These findings further support the economic stature of these two markets as Asian giants.
Leadership and Motivation in Public Quality Service: Case Study in the District Government Karimun Riau Islands Province Indonesia
Authors: Abdullah .
Published: May 2016

This research was initiated by the rise of the business licensing service quality issues on the Government of Karimun Regency of Riau Islands province that has not been effective. The problem is detected, allegedly associated with the ineffectiveness of the leadership role, motivation, coordination and organizational commitment in the Government of Karimun Regency of Riau Islands province. The design of this study was conducted using a quantitative approach through explanatory survey method. Data analysis technique used is multiple linear regression. The study found that the role of leadership, motivation, coordination and organizational commitment either partially or simultaneously have a significant influence on the quality of the business licensing services to the Government of Karimun Regency of Riau Islands province. The results also reveal that motivation is the most dominant variable in affecting the quality of service business permit, then followed by a variable leadership role. This implies that the improvement of the quality of service the business licensing is determined by the implementing agency work motivation factor and the magnitude of the leadership role in supporting the success of the process of business licensing services.
The Impact of Open Discussion Sessions on Enhancing the Oral Communicative Abilities of Saudi English Language Majors at Buraydah Community College
Authors: Daif-Allah Ayman Sabry , Khan Mohammad Imran
Published: May 2016

The importance of developing the communicative needs of English language majors has been found a fundamental concern of Buraydah Community college in Qassim University, Saudi Arabia. The aim of this study has been to identify English language speaking skill needs of English language majors and investigate the impact of using Open Discussion Sessions, as extracurricular speaking activities, on developing students’ oral communicative abilities. Thirty-five students and eleven English language teachers participated in the study. Data were collected quantitatively and qualitatively by means of survey questionnaires, semi-structured interviews and pre-post speaking test. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were employed in analyzing the raw data collected. The results of the study exposed a perceived need for developing Saudi EFL students’ speaking skill in English as their oral communicative abilities dramatically increased for their needs and interests were clearly identified and the methods for fulfilling those needs were more innovative. Post-test speaking results revealed significant development in students’ speaking abilities due to the use of Open Discussion Sessions that provided a relaxed learning environment void of worry and enhanced learners’ self-confidence through active involvement with real communicative situations with other students as well as with the instructors. Finally this study provided a framework with techniques and procedures that helped teachers to teach speaking skill more efficiently. Suggestions focused on incorporating Social Network Sites and visual cues to enhance students’ interactivity and participation outside the college borders.
Teachers’ Perceptions about Teaching Multimodal Composition: The Case Study of Korean English Teachers at Secondary Schools
Authors: Ryu Jung , Boggs George
Published: May 2016

Twenty-first-century literacy is not confined to communication based on reading and writing only traditional printed texts. New kinds of literacies extend to multimedia projects and multimodal texts, which include visual, audio, and technological elements to create meanings. The purpose of this study is to explore how Korean secondary English teachers understand the 21st literacies and multimodal composition in this era of new types of communication. Framing the study are questions pertaining to what these teachers think about teaching multimodal composition in their writing classrooms. The schools of South Korea, including those in this study, prioritize high-stakes standardized tests, and teachers as well as students and parents gauge success by these test scores. As a result, teachers primarily rely on direct instruction via lectures to provide skills and knowledge to ensure that students will succeed in the high-stakes tests. So while teaching and assessment practices in the classroom still adhere to traditional approaches, ongoing technology outside school has transformed the ways in which young people – the students – generate, communicate, and negotiate meanings via diverse texts. If the primary goal of education is to teach students lifelong skills needed in society, it is the responsibility of schools and teachers to recognize social changes and promote individual learning needs.
A Study of Interactions among Ambiguity Tolerance, Classroom Work Styles, and English Proficiency
Authors: Chiang Hui-Hua
Published: May 2016

This article presents a preliminary investigation of the inter-relationships between English learners’ tolerance for ambiguity, their classroom work styles, and their level of English proficiency. The study population comprised 46 English as a foreign language (EFL) students attending a technical college in Taiwan. The findings indicated that a large percentage of these students had moderate to high levels of tolerance for ambiguity. In contrast to the findings of previous studies, our results showed no significant relationship between ambiguity tolerance and classroom work styles. The relationship between ambiguity tolerance and English proficiency in terms of the Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) scores was almost statistically significant. However, tolerance for ambiguity and classroom work styles showed a statistically significant association with English proficiency. Recommended extensions of the study are discussed, and general directions for future research are suggested. Teaching implementations are also proposed.
Identifying College Students’ Multiple Intelligences to Enhance Motivation and Language Proficiency
Authors: Madkour Magda , Mohamed Rafik Ahmed Abdel Moati
Published: May 2016

While most research studies on the theory of multiple intelligences focused on the application of the multiple intelligences domains as separate components, this quasi-experimental research targeted the effect of multiple intelligences as integrated abilities for teaching and learning English at higher education. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of students’ multiple intelligences profiles on their motivation and language proficiency. The quantitative data was collected from the students of the College of Languages and Translation at Al-Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University in Saudi Arabia. The researchers prepared a Likert scale questionnaire to identify students’ multiple intelligences. The participants formed two groups from male and female students who studied English courses at level 3. The first group studied English in a traditional classroom where they relied on memorizing grammatical rules while the second group studied English after identifying their multiple intelligences profiles. Using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software (SPSS), data analysis results indicated that ineffective teaching strategies that depended on encouraging learners memorizing language rules hindered students from boosting their language proficiency. The analysis of the data also showed that when students became aware of their multiple intelligences profiles, they managed to enhance their motivation, which helped them improve their language skills. The recommendations of the current research provide creative ideas for using multiple intelligences at higher education, including a model for integrating multiple intelligences for teaching English. The current research is also a contribution in teaching English to college students since it is among only a few studies that have applied Gardner’s theory at higher education.