Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Contemporary Pedogenesis Of Severely Degraded Tropical Acid Sulfate Soils After Introduction Of Regular Tidal Inundation, Scott G. Johnston, Annabelle F. Keene, Richard T. Bush, Edward D. Burton, Leigh A. Sullivan, C Douglas Smith, Angus E. Mcelnea, Michelle A. Martens, Steven T. Wilbraham

Professor Edward D Burton

Marine tidal inundation was partially restored to a severely degraded tropical acid sulfate soil landscape after having been excluded for over 30 years. The effects on soil acidity and iron-sulfide mineral reformation were investigated by comparing the geochemistry of soils before and after five years of regular tidal inundation. The soil pH increased by 2–3 units and titratable actual acidity (TAA) decreased by 40–50 μmol H+ g− 1 within former sulfuric horizons. Relict acidity remained at depth (> 1 m) in the underlying sulfidic horizons. δ34S data indicate that tidal inundation caused exchange of marine solutes within former sulfuric horizons, …

Mind Mapping As An Interactive Tool For Engaging Complex Geographical Issues, David Lloyd, William Boyd, Kristin Den Exter

Dr Kristin den Exter

Students and communities engaging with complex geographical issues require tools to assist them structure and contextualise data. This paper examines the use of mind mapping as a tool in geographical education. Case studies are presented from a sample of undergraduate and cross-cultural educational settings demonstrating the use of mind mapping in communication, analysis and problem solving. In critiquing this educational tool, we conclude that mind mapping is particularly effective with communities whose cultures are strong on visual communication but weaker on written communication and in cross-cultural situations where use of written English would disadvantage learners.

Aflatoxin B1 Albumin Adducts In Plasma And Aflatoxin M1 In Urine Are Associated With Plasma Concentrations Of Vitamins A And E, Francis A. Obuseh, Pauline E. Jolly, Yi Jiang, Faisal M. B. Shuaib, John Waterbor, William O. Ellis, Chandrika J. Piyathilake, Renee A. Desmond, Evans Afriyie-Gyawu, Timothy D. Phillips

Evans Afriyie-Gyawu

Background: Although aflatoxin exposure has been shown to be associated with micronutrient deficiency in animals, there are few investigations on the effects of aflatoxin exposure on micronutrient metabolism in humans.
Objective: To examine the relationship between aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) albumin adducts (AF-ALB) in plasma and the aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) metabolite in urine and plasma concentrations of retinol (vitamin A) and α-tocopherol (vitamin E) in Ghanaians.
Methods: A cross-sectional study of 147 adult participants was conducted. Blood and urine samples were tested for aflatoxin and vitamins A and E levels.
Results: Multivariable analysis showed that participants with high AF-ALB (≥ 0.80 …

Book Review Of "Natural Climate Variability And Global Warming: A Holocene Perspective" Edited By Richard W. Battarbee And Heather A. Binney, Shaily Menon

Shaily Menon

No abstract provided.

The Benthic Ecology Of Expanding Mangrove Habitat, Tauranga Harbour, New Zealand, Debra J. Stokes, Terry R. Healy, Norman Mason

Debra J Stokes

No abstract provided.

Problem Niekontrolowanego Spalania Odpadów I Pozostałości Roślinnych W Obszarze Wiejskim Na Wybranym Przykładzie, Robert Oleniacz, Barbara Bacik

Robert Oleniacz

This paper presents the results of surveys on the problem of uncontrolled burning of waste in domestic stoves and boilers for central heating and open burning of plant residues in rural areas. The questionnaires were conducted among the inhabitants of one of Polish village (Łąkta Dolna), located in the Malopolska province, in the submontane area. The study comprised 80.2% of all households. As is clear from conducted surveys waste were burned in more than 80% of surveyed houses and more than half of respondents admitted to the open burning of plant residues. The percentage of people burning waste and plant …

Wpływ Zakładu Unieszkodliwiania Stałych Odpadów Komunalnych W Warszawie Na Jakość Powietrza, Robert Oleniacz, Jadwiga Antolak

Robert Oleniacz

The paper presents the results of air quality impact assessment carried out for the Municipal Solid Waste Disposal Plant in Warsaw. As part of the plant is working so far the only municipal solid waste incinerator in Poland. Following the evaluation, including data for the year 2008, it was found that it is a minor source of emissions to air and causes a slight air pollution. The highest maximum one-hour and annual average concentrations caused at ground level are many times lower than the respective reference (or permissible) values and background values for analyzed substances in the air. Increasing the …

Phenotypic Leaf Variation In Avicennia Marina In Tropical Australia: Can Discrete Subpopulations Be Recognised In The Field?, Peter Saenger, Lyndon O. Brooks

Dr Lyndon O Brooks

The geographic patterns of phenotypic variation in leaf morphology traits were studied in the mangrove Avicennia marina (Forsk.) Vierh. in tropical Queensland, Australia, to determine whether discrete subpopulations could be recognised in the field. Significant differences in the various leaf characters occurred among the sites, which were not explained by longitude or latitude, nor by inter-site distances. Hierarchical cluster analysis of the estimated site means showed no coherent geographical groupings of the sites, suggesting that site populations do not follow a differentiation by distance model. Principal component analysis showed that site groupings with consistent leaf morphological characteristics could be identified, …

Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity Of Sulfuric Horizons In Coastal Floodplain Acid Sulfate Soils: Variability And Implications, Scott G. Johnston, Phillip Hirst, Peter Slavich, Richard T. Bush, Thor Aaso

Professor Scott G Johnston

The saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) of sulfuric horizons exerts a fundamental control on the connectivity between shallow groundwater and drains in coastal acid sulfate soils (CASS), strongly influencing rates of lateral seepage towards or from field drains. The Ks of sulfuric horizons was assessed on seven major coastal floodplains of eastern Australia using an in situ recovery technique conducted in ~ 0.4–0.65 m deep pits. Duplicate recovery tests were conducted in a total of 148 pits located in 32 separate geomorphic units across the seven coastal floodplains. Most pits were constructed in clay soils with acidic (pH < 4.0) shallow groundwater. The Ks spanned four orders of magnitude, ranging from < 0.5 m day− 1 to > 500 m day− …

Morphogrammatics Of Reflection, Rudolf Kaehr

Rudolf Kaehr

Turning back from the studies of morphogrammatics to some open questions of reflectional programming, the recountered problematics might be put into a different light and new methods of handling formal aspects of reflection and reflectionality shall be introduced. Albeit the use of light-metaphors, morphogrammatic reflection is not sketched along the paradigm of optical metaphors. Morphograms are presenting neither propositions nor perceptions able for mirroring (representation). Exercises in defining morphogrammatic retro-grade recursion and reflection schemata are continued from the paper “Sketches to Morphogrammatic Programming”.

The Impact Of Quality Management Systems During A Pebble Bed Modular Reactor Project : A Case Study, Lwandiso Zamxaka

Lwandiso L Zamxaka

In the nuclear industry, Quality Management Systems are extremely important,especially if one wishes to improve public acceptance of radioactive solutions.There is normally minimum communication between the public and scientists,especially in nuclear science. People are not comfortable with nuclear technology,based on the past history of the Chernobyl catastrophe. Consequently, it is difficult to discuss important and sensitive issues like disposing of nuclear waste. Quality Management Systems can improve public confidence and communication. Integrated Management Systems in the project planning stage of the project can be a proactive step towards preventing unnecessary delays and costs. There is a perception that quality is …

Management Of Land Use Land Cover Through The Application Of Remote Sensing, Geographic Information Systems And Simulation, Praveen Jha

Praveen Jha Dr

Deforestation and degradation of forest areas, including those in the Protected Areas (PAs), are major concerns in India. There were 2 broad objectives of the study: the technological objective pertained to the development of state-of-art programs that could serve as Decision Support Systems while finalizing plans and policy interventions, while the other objective aimed at generating geo-spatial data in 2 PAs. A part of the Eastern Himalaya biodiversity hotspot, Manas Tiger Reserve (MTR), Assam, India having an area of 2837.12 sq km and an important part of Rajaji-Corbett Tiger Conservation Unit, Rajaji National Park (RNP), Uttarakhand, India, having an area …

A New Approach To Community Flood Education, Neil Dufty

Neil Dufty

No abstract provided.

Integrating Geographic Information Systems And Multi-Criteria Analysis To Assess Suitable Species And Plantation Sites: A Case Study Assessing Elaeocarpus Grandis And Gevillea Robusta Suitability On The Nsw North Coast, Kristin Den Exter

Dr Kristin den Exter

No abstract provided.

Integrating Environmental Science And Management: The Role Of System Dynamics Modelling, Kristin Den Exter

Dr Kristin den Exter

Institutional and epistemological differences between science and management present a challenge to the implementation of sustainable environmental management. Environmental problems are complex and require at least multidisciplinary, but most effectively transdisciplinary approaches for learning, understanding, decision-making and problem solving. This means building bridges between institutional and epistemological differences. The role of system dynamics modelling in integrating environmental science and management is examined in this thesis. An action research methodology is adopted where, over cycles of case studies, the practical application of system dynamics modelling is evaluated. The role of system dynamics modelling in the management of coastal sand dunes, tourism, …

Bringing Ecology To Resource Managers: The Role Of Ecological Decision Support Systems, Kristin Den Exter

Dr Kristin den Exter

No abstract provided.

Improving Decision-Making By Coastal Managers, Alison Specht, Kristin Den Exter

Dr Kristin den Exter

No abstract provided.

Assisting Stakeholder Decision Making Using System Dynamics Group Model-Building, Kristin Den Exter, Alison Specht

Dr Kristin den Exter

Stakeholder involvement in environmental management in Australia is increasingly participatory. A community-government partnership has been the central focus of the NSW program of water reforms since the inception of the Water Act 2000. Under the Act, it is the joint responsibility of the New South Wales Government and stakeholder-based Water Management Committees to develop Water Sharing Plans. Water Management Committees typically comprise government, environmental and agricultural representatives. This paper describes a System Dynamics group model-building workshop conducted with the Northern Rivers Water Management Committee. A role of the Committee was to determine the allocation of water between the water users …

Report On A Workshop Defining Approaches To Project 1.1 (Spatial Decision Support System) And Project 1.2 (Ecosystem Assessment And Monitoring), Alison Specht, Kristin Den Exter

Dr Kristin den Exter

No abstract provided.

Mechanical Properties Of High Blaine Portland Cement, Masoud Rastegar, Kamran Rahmati Shadbad, Ali Hadidi

Masoud Rastegar

No abstract provided.

Pomiary Liczby I Wielkości Cząstek Aerozoli W Powietrzu Miejskim Z Wykorzystaniem Metody Optoelektronicznej, Marek Bogacki, Robert Oleniacz, Marian Mazur, Monika Dziugieł

Robert Oleniacz

In the paper some measurement results of number and size for aerosols particles suspended in air achieved using infrared particle sizer IPS-P (Kamika Instruments) with isokinetic air sampling method were presented. In IPS-P analyzer, with measuring range from 0,4 to 300 μm, is applied optical/electronic measurement method which is determined by dimensions of measurement space by aerosols particles motions in a parallel radiation beam. The research was conducted on the roof of four-storey building in Krakow for various meteorological conditions. Results achieved for measured parameters were analysed in terms of selected meteorological factors influence.

English title: Number and size measurements …

Balancing Limiting Factors & Economic Drivers For Sustainable Midwestern Us Agricultural Residue Feedstock Supplies, Wally W. Wilhelm, J. Richard Hess, Douglas L. Karlen, Jane M. F. Johnson, David J. Muth Jr., John M. Baker, Hero T. Gollany, Jeff M. Novak, Diane E. Scott, Gary E. Varvel

David J. Muth

Advanced biofuels will be developed using cellulosic feedstock rather than grain or oilseed crops that can also be used for food and feed. To be sustainable, these new agronomic production systems must be economically viable without degrading the soil and other natural resources. This review examines six agronomic factors that collectively define many of the limits and opportunities for harvesting crop residue for biofuel feedstock in the midwestern United States. The limiting factors include soil organic carbon, wind and water erosion, plant nutrient balance, soil water and temperature dynamics, soil compaction, and off-site environmental impacts. These are discussed in relationship …

Hf Radar Performance In A Low-Energy Environment: Codar Seasonde Experience On The West Florida Shelf, Yonggang Liu, Robert H. Weisberg, Clifford R. Merz, Sage Litchtenwalner, Gary J. Kirkpatrick

Yonggang Liu

Three long-range (5 MHz) Coastal Ocean Dynamics Application Radar (CODAR) SeaSonde HF radars overlooking an array of as many as eight moored acoustic Doppler current profilers (ADCPs) have operated on the West Florida Shelf since September 2003 for the purpose of observing the coastal ocean currents. HF radar performance on this low-energy (currents and waves) continental shelf is evaluated with respect to data returns, the rms differences between the HF radar and the ADCP radial currents, bearing offsets, and radial velocity uncertainties. Possible environmental factors affecting the HF radar performance are discussed, with the findings that both the low-energy sea …

Monitoring And Modeling The Acidification And Recovery Of Catskills Waters And Soils, Chris E. Johnson

Chris E Johnson

No abstract provided.

Balancing Limiting Factors & Economic Drivers For Sustainable Midwestern Us Agricultural Residue Feedstock Supplies, Wally W. Wilhelm, J. Richard Hess, Douglas L. Karlen, Jane M. F. Johnson, David J. Muth Jr., John M. Baker, Hero T. Gollany, Jeff M. Novak, Diane E. Scott, Gary E. Varvel

Douglas L Karlen

Advanced biofuels will be developed using cellulosic feedstock rather than grain or oilseed crops that can also be used for food and feed. To be sustainable, these new agronomic production systems must be economically viable without degrading the soil and other natural resources. This review examines six agronomic factors that collectively define many of the limits and opportunities for harvesting crop residue for biofuel feedstock in the midwestern United States. The limiting factors include soil organic carbon, wind and water erosion, plant nutrient balance, soil water and temperature dynamics, soil compaction, and off-site environmental impacts. These are discussed in relationship …

Seawater Inundation Of Fe-Rich Coastal Lowlands – Hydrogeochemical Coupling And Hysteresis At The Tidal Fringe, Scott Johnston, Annabelle Keene, Richard Bush, Edward Burton, Leigh Sullivan

Associate Professor Edward D Burton

Over 17 million ha of coastal lowlands contain acid sulfate soils (CASS). These soils are rich in meta-stable, redoxsensitive Fe (III)-minerals. Large areas of CASS are at risk of increased saline tidal inundation due to sea-level rise. Fieldbased CASS remediation trials reveal that tidal seawater inundation initiates radical changes in sediment hydrogeochemistry, stimulating Fe and SO4 reducing conditions, generating alkalinity and greatly decreasing the acidity hazard. However, these changes also have profound consequences for the fate, mobilisation, redistribution and transformation of Fe minerals and co-associated trace elements. Here, we examine the consequences for iron and arsenic by investigating the hydrology, …

Climate Change Impacts On Acid Sulfate Soil Landscapes, Richard Bush, Leigh Sullivan, Edward Burton, Scott Johnston, Annabelle Keene, Vanessa Wong, L Mosley

Associate Professor Edward D Burton

The anticipated impacts of climate change are warmer conditions, an increasing proportion of rainfall to occur from heavy falls, increasing occurrence of drought in many regions, increasing frequency of intense tropical cyclones, rising sea levels and frequency of extreme high seas (e.g. storm surges). All of these predicted impacts have direct relevance to coastal acid sulfate soils landscapes, through either exacerbating sulfide oxidation by drought, re-instating reductive geochemical processes or changing the export and mobilisation of contaminants. The interaction of specific land management factors such as man-made drainage will also have a significant role in how the predicted impacts of …

Impacts Of Sea Level Rise On The Biogeochemistry Of A Coastal Floodplain In Eastern Australia, Vanessa Wong, Phillip Hirst, Scott Johnston, Richard Bush, Leigh Sullivan, Edward Burton, P Slavich

Associate Professor Edward D Burton

No abstract provided.

Evaluation Of Existing Methods For Assessing Retained Acidity In Acid Sulfate Soil Materials, C Vithana, Leigh Sullivan, Richard Bush, Edward Burton, Scott Johnston

Associate Professor Edward D Burton

No abstract provided.

Mobilisation Of Arsenic Following Sea-Water Inundation Of Acid Sulfate Soils, Scott Johnston, Annabelle Keene, Richard Bush, Edward Burton, Leigh Sullivan

Associate Professor Edward D Burton

No abstract provided.