bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Measuring the Diffusion of Information and Communication Technology in Society and its Effects: Canadian Experience
Authors: Gault Fred , Peterson Greg 
Published: August 2010

Summary Statistics Canada has measured the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) for close to 15 years in industry and more recently in households and it has developed a body of knowledge on the effects of the use of these technologies. While ICTs have long been used in manufacturing processes, the use of computers and networks, and a growing number of ways of accessing networks, are changing the way business is done and lives are led. This paper provides examples of ICT use in private and public institutions, in households, and by individuals. It goes on to illustrate the consequent development of electronic commerce and of other uses of the Internet and concludes with some implications for the development of official statistics in light of policy requirements.
Official Statistics on ICT in Japan
Authors: Kitada Hiroyuki 
Published: August 2010

Summary Taking into account the developments of ICT in recent years, a lot of countries are dealing with the preparation of statistics on ICT. In Japan, the Basic Law on Formation of an Advanced Information and Telecommunications Network Society (Basic Law on IT) was enforced on January 6, 2001, in which the Government is obliged to prepare official statistics related to ICT. In Japan, at least 41 kinds of official statistical surveys, including questions related to ICT, have been conducted in the past five years. Their main purpose, survey items and survey methods are various and different from each other. To grasp the new development in IT as a whole, “IT Indicators in Japan”, which is a new compendium on ICT, was compiled in 2001. Also, “Information and Communications in Japan”, which is a white paper published in 2001, presented basic data on the extent to which IT has permeated the economic activity and people's lives. In addition, the 11th revision of the Japan Standard Industrial Classification (JSIC) was published by the Statistical Standards Department, Statistics Bureau, Ministry of Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts and Telecommunications (MPHPT) in March 2002 in response to the change of economy and society including the development of ICT. The Working Group on Indicators for the Information Society of OECD has been working for several years in order to prepare internationally comparable and statistically measurable ICT indicators and related ICT statistics. In this paper, an overview of the present situation of Japanese official statistics related to ICT is given with some analysis. In addition, some problems are raised which should be considered from the viewpoint of the necessity and measurability and so on for the appropriate preparation of ICT indicators and e‐commerce‐related statistics. “IT; Information Technology” and “ICT; Information and Communications Technology” are often used without any distinction. “ICT” is used in this paper except where “IT” is used as a proper noun, as it is considered almost the same as “IT”. The views expressed herein are those of the author, and are not necessarily those of the Statistical Standards Department or any other Japanese government authorities.
Questioning a Courtroom Proof of the Uniqueness of Fingerprints
Authors: Kaye David H. 
Published: August 2010

Summary Forensic scientists or analysts concerned with “individualization” often presume that features such as fingerprint minutia are unique to each individual. In the United States, defendants in criminal cases have been demanding proof of such assumptions. In at least two cases, the government of the United States has successfully relied on an unpublished statistical study prepared specifically for litigation to demonstrate the uniqueness of fingerprints. This article suggests that the study is neither designed nor executed in a way that can show whether an individual's fingerprint impressions are unique.
Time Series Based Errors and Empirical Errors in Fertility Forecasts in the Nordic Countries*
Authors: Keilman Nico , Pham Dinh Quang 
Published: August 2010

Summary We use ARCH time series models to derive model based prediction intervals for the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) in Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark up to 2050. For the short term (5–10 yrs), expected TFR‐errors are compared with empirical forecast errors observed in historical population forecasts prepared by the statistical agencies in these countries since 1969. Medium‐term and long‐term (up to 50 years) errors are compared with error patterns based on so‐called naïve forecasts, i.e. forecasts that assume that recently observed TFR‐levels also apply for the future.
Simpler Probabilistic Population Forecasts: Making Scenarios Work
Authors: Goldstein Joshua R. 
Published: August 2010

Summary The traditional high‐low‐medium scenario approach to quantifying uncertainty in population forecasts has been criticized as lacking probabilistic meaning and consistency. This paper shows, under certain assumptions, how appropriately calibrated scenarios can be used to approximate the uncertainty intervals on future population size and age structure obtained with fully stochastic forecasts. As many forecasting organizations already produce scenarios and because dealing with them is familiar territory, the methods presented here offer an attractive intermediate position between probabilistically inconsistent scenario analysis and fully stochastic forecasts.
Semiconducting Mineralogical Characteristics of Natural Sphalerite Gestating Visible‐light Photocatalysis
Authors: LI Yan , LU Anhuai , WANG Changqiu 
Published: August 2010

Abstract:Natural sphalerite as a natural cost‐effective photocatalyst was characterized and its visible light photocatalytic activity was investigated in terms of substituting ions, impurity phases and surface defects. The substitutions of metal ions for Zn2+ alter the band structure and result in the visible light response. The coexistence of impurity semiconductors and nanosized particles in natural sphalerite samples help to prolong the lifetime of electron‐hole pairs. The cleavage planes and fracture surfaces improve the photocatalytic activity of natural sphalerite by providing more active sites than perfect faces. Both the negative charge defects from the non‐isoelectronic substitutions and surface elements with variable chemical valence suppressed the recombination of electron‐hole pairs by their possible role of capturing photogenerated holes.
Modern‐style Subduction Processes in the Archean: Evidence from the Shangyi Complex in North China Craton
Authors: WANG Renmin , WAN Yusheng , CHENG Suhua , FENG Yonggang 
Published: August 2010

Abstract:Three fragments of the Archean oceanic crust have been found between the Archean granulite belt and the Paleo‐Proterozoic Hongqiyingzi group in North China craton, which spread along the Shangyi‐Chicheng ancient fault. This paper presents integrated field, petrology, geochemistry and geochronology evidence of the ancient oceanic fragments. The magma crystallizing age of the tonalite in the Shangyi complex is 2512±19 Ma and the geochemical characteristics suggest that the Nb‐enriched basalts may be related to crustal contamination and formed in the intra‐oceanic arc of the supra subduction zone setting.
New species of Saurichthys (Actinopterygii: Saurichthyidae) from Middle Triassic (Anisian) of Yunnan Province, China
Authors: WU Feixiang , SUN Yuanlin , HAO Weicheng , JIANG Dayong , XU Guanghui , SUN Zuoyu , TINTORI Andrea 
Published: August 2010

Abstract: Saurichthys dawaziensis sp. nov., from the third member of the Gejiu Formation (Anisian of Middle Triassic) in the vicinity of Luoping, Yunnan Province, is a small to medium‐ sized saurichthyid fish. It is characterized by the efferent pseudobranchial arteries penetrating on the parasphenoid and the mandible sensory canal with a branch in the angular. The new species is more derived than the Lower Triassic species in having a relatively narrow postorbital region, short preopercular, single ossification of the sclerotic ring, small haemal arches between the pelvic fins and the anal fin without ossified spines, and in the absence of quadratojugal. It is more primitive than the Middle and Upper Triassic Saurichthys in having fringing fulcra and numerous segments in the unpaired fins, and the presence of both prae‐ and post‐zygapophyses in the neural arches. Some anatomic changes related to the vertebral column and unpaired fins of the genus are also discussed.
Hamatophyton from the Late Devonian of Anhui Province, South China and Evolution of Sphenophyllales
Authors: WANG Deming , GUO Yun 
Published: August 2010

Abstract:Well‐preserved specimens of Hamatophyton verticillatum collected from the Upper Devonian (Famennian) Wutong Formation of Chaohu district, Anhui Province, South China, display more complete fertile axes in three orders and multiple divisions. Comparisons indicate that Hamatophyton possibly does not have palmate planate sterile leaves but hook‐like linear ones with rare divisions. We propose seven definitive characters of Sphenophyllales: (1) completely whorled lateral organs; (2) sterile leaves; (3) strobili; (4) “sporangiophores” or stalks with reflexed tips bearing sporangia; (5) three‐ or four‐ribbed primary xylem; (6) exarch maturation of primary xylem; and (7) secondary xylem. The Sphenophyllales probably originated from the Iridopteridales based on similarities in whorled lateral organs, ribbed primary xylem and peripheral protoxylem strands. In transition from Iridopteridales to Sphenophyllales, morphological changes involve partially whorled to completely whorled lateral organs, sterile ultimate appendages to leaves, and fertile ultimate appendages to “sporangiophores”/stalks with bracts; anatomical modifications include configuration and maturation of primary xylem, and presence of secondary xylem.
RS and GIS‐based Statistical Analysis of Secondary Geological Disasters after the 2008 Wenchuan Earthquake
Authors: CHEN Jianping , LI Jianfeng , QIN Xuwen , DONG Qingji , SUN Yan 
Published: August 2010

Abstract:Using RS and GIS means, this article analyzes the general geological characteristics and the structural belt distribution features in Wenchuan County, Sichuan province, P.R. China as well as the characteristics of the large‐scale landslides, mud‐rock flows, earthquake lakes, etc., after the earthquake on May 12, 2008. Based on the above work, comprehensive indoor and outdoor research is launched on disaster distribution characteristics and their relationship with earthquakes, terrains, strata, lithology, and structures. Weights of evidence method is utilized to quantitatively analyze and evaluate the spatial distribution of secondary geological disasters after the earthquake occurred. 3 remedying grades for secondary geological disasters are derived from the results of the weights of Evidence, followed by suggestions given to remedy earthquake secondary disasters.
Weathering of Monuments at Jethawanaramaya Complex in North‐Central, Sri Lanka
Authors: RATNAYAKE Amila Sandaruwan , PITAWALA Amarasooriya 
Published: August 2010

Abstract:Sri Lanka has the richest archaeological sites in Asia. Jethawanarama Complex, one of the valuable sites in the country, is suffering from deterioration due to weathering. Monuments were built mainly from stones (granitic gneiss and marble) and clay bricks. The present study aimed to categorize weathering forms and interpret the recently‐developing weathering processes. The growing of lichens on surfaces and the development of saline conditions are the major threats on the survival of monuments other than the typical weathering processes of tropical climates Morinite (NaCa2Al2[PO4)]2 [F,OH]5·2H2O) is identified as a weathering product of monuments and is generated from lichens.
Fossil‐Winged Fruits of Fraxinus (Oleaceae) and Liriodendron (Magnoliaceae) from the Duho Formation, Pohang Basin, Korea
Authors: JUNG Seung‐Ho , LEE Seong‐Joo 
Published: August 2010

Abstract:A total of 16 specimens of fossil‐winged fruits were found from the Middle Miocene marine deposits, Duho Formation, Pohang Basin, Korea. They were identified into two structurally different groups: 15 specimens into a winged fruit of Fraxinus, and one specimen of Liriodendron. The most samaras (13 specimens) were identified as Fraxinus oishii, which is characterized by narrowly ovate or ovate–elliptic shapes that are 2.7–3.6 cm in length and 0.7–1 cm in width (l/w ratio=3.4–4). The apexes of the Fraxinus oishii samara are round or slightly emarginated, and a seed of the samara is always located at the base, of which the general shape is narrow rhombic‐ellipsoidal. The seed is 1.2–2 cm long and 0.5–0.7 cm wide. Two specimens are different from the samara of Fraxinus oishii. They have a 6.6 length/width ratio (3.3 cm long and 0.5 cm wide), and thus, are temporarily classified into the Fraxinus sp. One specimen was recognized as a winged seed of Liriodendron meisenense. The wing is broadly lanceolate to elliptic in shape, has a smooth, acute apex, and is approximately 3 cm long and 0.7 cm wide. Samaras of Fraxinus oishii and Liriodendron meisenense were early reported from the Middle Miocene deposits from North Korea, but these specimens are the first discovery in South Korea. Further study of the Duho Formation may connect flora relationships between North and South Korea.
Chemical U‐Th‐Pb Monazite Dating of Deformations versus Pluton Emplacement and the Proterozoic History of the Arkansas River Region, Colorado, USA
Authors: CAO Hui 
Published: August 2010

Abstract:Five lengthy periods involving multiple phases of cordierite and andalusite growth were revealed by detailed studies of foliation inflection/intersection axes (FIA) preserved in porphyroblasts in schists from the Arkansas River region in Colorado, USA. The regionally consistent character of the succession of five different FIA trends enabled the relative timing of each FIA with respect to the next to be determined. The FIA succession from first to last is: FIA 1 trending W‐E, FIA 2 trending SSW‐NNE, FIA 3 trending NNW‐SSE, FIA 4 trending NW‐SE and FIA 5 trending SW‐NE. For four of the FIA sets, samples were found containing monazite grains preserved as inclusions. These were dated on an electron microprobe. The ages obtained concur exactly with the FIA succession, with FIA 1 at 1506 ± 15 Ma, FIA 2 at 1467 ± 23 Ma, FIA 3 at 1425 ± 18 Ma, FIA 4 not dated and FIA 5 at 1366 ± 20 Ma. These ages are directly reflected in a succession of plutons in the surrounding region dated by other isotopic approaches, suggesting that deformation, metamorphism and pluton emplacement occurred together episodically, but effectively continuously, for some 140 Ma.
Cretaceous Phytoplankton Assemblages from Songke Core‐1, North and South (SK‐1, N and S) of Songliao Basin, Northeast China
Authors: ZHANG Yiyi , BAO Lina 
Published: August 2010

Abstract:Cretaceous phytoplankton from the newly completed core hole (SK‐1, N&S) in the central Songliao Basin was studied. The target interval is from the upper Quantou Formation of Upper Cretaceous to Mingshui Formation. Twelve genera of dinoflagellates, six of acritarcha and three of chlorophyta were identified in 588 samples from the 2300‐m deep core. Ten phytoplankton assemblages have been classified: Tetranguladinium‐Subtilisphaera‐Botryococcus, Botryococcus‐Pediastrum, Pediastrum, Dinogymniopsis‐Chlamydophrella‐Vesperopsis bifurcate, Dinogymniopsis minor‐Balmula, Pediastrum‐Botryococcus, Schizosporis‐Campenia, Kiokansium‐Dinogymniopsis‐Botryococcus, Dinogymniopsis‐Granodiscus‐Filisphaeridium and Granodiscus. According to the findings mentioned above, the age of the upper Qantou Formation is Cenomanian, the Qingshankou Formation belongs to upper Cenomanian‐Turonian, the Yaojia Formation to Coniancian‐Santonian age, the Nenjiang Formation is of Campanian age, and Sifangtai‐Mingshui formations are referred to Maastrichtian stage. The ecology of phytoplankton is closely related to water salinity. Each type of phytoplankton is within a certain living water mass whose evolution type reflects salinity change of the Songliao Lake. The assemblages from the SK‐1 indicate that water salinity changes with the cycle of freshwater–slight brackish water–brackish water–slight brackish water–freshwater in the lake.
Reclassification of the Meso‐ and Neoproterozoic Chronostratigraphy of North China by SHRIMP Zircon Ages
Authors: Linzhi GAO , Chuanheng ZHANG , Pengju LIU , Feng TANG , Biao SONG , Xiaozhong DING 
Published: August 2010

Abstract:High‐quality zircon U‐Pb ages acquired from Meso‐ and Neoproterozoic strata in North China in recent years has provided a high‐resolution chronostratigraphic framework for dating. A basis of this high‐level chronostratigraphic system provides the foundation for a global Precambrian study and stratigraphic correlation and so recent geological studies have focused attention on systemic SHRIMP zircon dating. A chronology of Meso‐ and Neoproterozoic strata and the time of origin of the overlying Changcheng System is given on the basis of new SHRIMP zircon dating from the Qianxi Complex and diabase of the Chuanlinggou Formation. A new tectonostratigraphy for a Neoproterozoic chronostratigraphic framework in the southeastern margin of the North China continent is underpinned by the new SHRIMP zircon dating of a Neoproterozoic mafic magma diabase in the Jiao‐Liao‐Xu‐Huai Sub‐Province.
Characterization of an Area Polluted by Copper and Zinc: the Relation between Soil Texture, Mineralogy and Pollutant Concentration
Authors: RINAUDO Caterina , GASTALDI Daniela , ZERBINATI Orfeo , FORNERO Elisa , BERTA Graziella 
Published: August 2010

Abstract:Twenty‐four soil samples were collected at three depths from an approximately 2.5 acre contaminated site in southern Piedmont (Italy) and then analyzed. The main soil parameters determined were: pH, Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC), particle size distribution, total organic carbon (TOC) content and retained metal concentration. The mineral phases were identified by X‐Ray Powder Diffraction (XRPD). All of the samples contained Zn and Cu resulting from industrial contamination during the last century, and those obtained at depths of 20–40 cm consistently showed the highest levels. To determine which size fraction was most active in the retention process, the samples were separated into four fractions (≤2 mm, ≤63 μm, ≤30 μm and ≤2 μm) and the amount of pollutant measured in each. It was found that metal retention was the highest in the clayey fraction, whose clay minerals were identified by XRPD after K+ and Mg2+ saturation, glycerol treatment and heating to 550° C. The clayey fraction was also the richest in TOC, and a direct correlation between TOC amount and metal retention was observed.
Cenozoic Exhumation of Larsemann Hills, East Antarctica: Evidence from Apatite Fission‐track Thermochronology
Authors: CHEN Xuanhua , JIANG Rongbao , WAN Jinglin , XU Gang , JIANG Mei , CHEN Danhong 
Published: August 2010

Abstract:Does Cenozoic exhumation occur in the Larsemann Hills, East Antarctica? In the present paper, we conducted an apatite fission‐track thermochronologic study across the Larsemann Hills of East Antarctica. Our work reveals a Cenozoic exhumation event at 49.8 ± 12 Ma, which we interpret to be a result of exhumation caused by crustal extension. Within the uncertainty of our age determination, the timing of extension in East Antarctica determined by our study is coeval with the onset time of rifting in West Antarctica at c.55 Ma. The apatite fission‐track cooling ages vary systematically in space, indicating a coherent block rotation of the Larsemann Hills region from c.50 Ma to c.10 Ma. This pattern of block tilting was locally disrupted by normal faulting along the Larsemann Hills detachment fault at c.5.4 Ma. The regional extension in the Larsemann Hills, East Antarctica was the result of tectonic evolution in this area, and may be related to the global extension. Through the discussion of Pan‐Gondwanaland movement, and Mesozoic and Cenozoic extensions in West and East Antarctica and adjacent areas, we suggest that the protracted Cenozoic cooling over the Larsemann Hills area was caused by extensional tectonics related to separation and formation of the India Ocean at the time of Gondwanaland breakup.
40Ar/39Ar Dating of Xuebaoding Granite in the Songpan‐Garzê Orogenic Belt, Southwest China, and its Geological Significance
Authors: LIU Yan , DENG Jun , ZHANG Guibin , SHI Guanghai , YANG Liqiang , WANG Qingfei 
Published: August 2010

Abstract:Thus far, our understanding of the emplacement of Xuebaoding granite and the occurrence and evolution of the Songpan‐Garzê Orogenic Belt has been complicated by differing age spectra results. Therefore, in this study, the 40Ar/39Ar and sensitive high resolution ion micro‐probe (SHRIMP) U‐Pb dating methods were both used and the results compared, particularly with respect to dating data for Pankou and Pukouling granites from Xuebaoding, to establish ages that are close to the real emplacements. The results of SHRIMP U‐Pb dating for zircon showed a high amount of U, but a very low value for Th/U. The high U amount, coupled with characteristics of inclusions in zircons, indicates that Xuebaoding granites are not suitable for U‐Pb dating. Therefore, muscovite in the same granite samples was selected for 40Ar/39Ar dating. The 40Ar/39Ar age spectrum obtained on bulk muscovite from Pukouling granite in the Xuebaoding, gave a plateau age of 200.1±1.2 Ma and an inverse isochron age of 200.6±1.2 Ma. The 40Ar/39Ar age spectrum obtained on bulk muscovite from Pankou granite in the Xuebaoding gave another plateau age of 193.4± 1.1 Ma and an inverse isochron age of 193.7±1.1 Ma. The 40Ar/39Ar intercept of 277.0±23.4 (2σ) was very close to the air ratio, indicating that no apparent excess argon contamination was present These age dating spectra indicate that both granites were emplaced at 200.6±1.3 Ma and 193.7±1.1 Ma, respectively. Through comparison of both dating methods and their results, we can conclude that it is feasible that the muscovite in the granite bearing high U could be used for 40Ar/39Ar dating without extra Ar. Based on this evidence, as well as the geological characteristics of the Xuebaoding W‐Sn‐Be deposit and petrology of granites, it can be concluded that the material origin of the Xuebaoding W‐Sn‐Be deposit might partially originate from the Xuebaoding granite group emplacement at about 200 Ma. Moreover, compared with other granites and deposits distributed in various positions in the Songpan‐Garzê Orogenic Belt, the Xuebaoding emplacement ages further show that the main rare metal deposits and granites in peripheral regions occurred earlier than those in the inner Songpan‐Garzê. Therefore, 40Ar/39Ar dating of Xuebaoding granite will lay a solid foundation for studying the occurrence and evolution of granite and rare earth element deposits in the Songpan‐Garzê Orogenic Belt.