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Biofouling is a serious problem in the food industry, and one way to control biofouling is using topographically patterned surfaces. This in vitro study used a laser surface texturing process to produce six differently patterned topographies which were analysed for their topography and wettability with repeated fouling and cleaning. The surfaces were spray-inoculated with Staphylococcus aureus suspended in either sterile distilled water or whole milk, then spray-cleaned using a chlorinated, alkaline cleaner. The surfaces were cleaned up to 20 times and analysed for changes in their surface properties and biofouling. Analysis of Variance was used to assess the effect of the main factors and two-way interactions. Principal component analysis was used to discern underlying relationships. There were no significant differences (T-Tests) in the overall level of biofouling between the different rippled sub-textures. The spiked surfaces showed no overall increase in biofouling and the number of cleans but were predominantly influenced by the texture sub-type. The less regular spiked surfaces within the medium range showed the lowest levels of biofouling, even with repeated cleaning. This study demonstrated that the use of such surfaces in in vitro studies may reduce biofouling, but particular attention needs to be given to the surface design.

Wound healing is a dynamic biological process achieved through four sequential, overlapping phases; hemostasis, inflammation, tissue proliferation and remodeling. For effective wound healing, all four phases must occur in the appropriate order and time frame. It is well accepted that the wound healing process becomes disrupted in the elderly, increasing the propensity of non-healing wound states that can lead to substantial patient morbidity and an enormous financial burden on healthcare systems. Estrogen deprivation in the elderly has been identified as the key driver of age-related delayed wound healing in both genders, with topical and systemic estrogen replacement reversing the detrimental effects of aging on wound repair. Evidence suggests estrogen deprivation may contribute to the development of chronic wound healing states in the elderly but research in this area is somewhat limited, warranting further investigations. Moreover, although the beneficial effects of estrogen on cutaneous healing have been widely explored, the development of estrogen-based treatments to enhance wound repair in the elderly have yet to be widely exploited. This review explores the critical role of estrogen in reversing age-related impaired healing and evaluates the prospect of developing more focused novel therapeutic strategies that enhance wound repair in the elderly via activation of specific estrogen signaling pathways in regenerating tissues, whilst leaving non-target tissues largely unaffected.

Wound healing is a dynamic biological process achieved through four sequential, overlapping phases; hemostasis, inflammation, tissue proliferation and remodeling. For effective wound healing, all four phases must occur in the appropriate order and time frame. It is well accepted that the wound healing process becomes disrupted in the elderly, increasing the propensity of non-healing wound states that can lead to substantial patient morbidity and an enormous financial burden on healthcare systems. Estrogen deprivation in the elderly has been identified as the key driver of age-related delayed wound healing in both genders, with topical and systemic estrogen replacement reversing the detrimental effects of aging on wound repair. Evidence suggests estrogen deprivation may contribute to the development of chronic wound healing states in the elderly but research in this area is somewhat limited, warranting further investigations. Moreover, although the beneficial effects of estrogen on cutaneous healing have been widely explored, the development of estrogen-based treatments to enhance wound repair in the elderly have yet to be widely exploited. This review explores the critical role of estrogen in reversing age-related impaired healing and evaluates the prospect of developing more focused novel therapeutic strategies that enhance wound repair in the elderly via activation of specific estrogen signaling pathways in regenerating tissues, whilst leaving non-target tissues largely unaffected.

Candida spp. are the most prevalent fungi of the human microbiota and are opportunistic pathogens that can cause oral candidiasis. Management of such infections is limited due to the low number of antifungal drugs available, their relatively high toxicity and the emergence of antifungal resistance. Therefore, much interest in the antimicrobial potential of natural compounds has recently been evident. The use of hydrogels in the delivery of biocides has been explored due to their biocompatibility, ease with drug encapsulation, and due to their potential to confer mechanical and structural properties similar to biological tissue. Methylcellulose hydrogels (10% (w/v)) with 1% (v/v) and 2% (v/v) Melissa officinalis oil were synthesised. The rheological properties and gelation time of the hydrogels were evaluated. Antimicrobial action, the antifungal potential and ability to displace Candida were determined. Rheological tests revealed that the hydrogel jellified in three minutes at 37 °C. Loaded hydrogels successfully inhibited Candida albicans growth as evident by zone of inhibition and time-kill assays. A significant reduction in retained C. albicans was demonstrated with the hydrogel at 2% Melissa officinalis concentration. This work demonstrated that an essential oil-loaded hydrogel had the potential to provide a novel antimicrobial therapy for the treatment of oral candidiasis.

The origin of electron transfer at Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) grown monolayer graphene using a polymer-free transfer methodology is explored through the selective electrodeposition of Molybdenum (di)oxide (MoO2). The electrochemical decoration of CVD monolayer graphene with MoO2 is shown to originate from the edge plane like- sites/defects. Edge plane decoration of MoO2 nanowires upon monolayer graphene is observed via electrochemical deposition over short time periods only (ca. −0.6 V for 1 second (vs. Ag/AgCl)). At more electrochemically negative potentials (ca. −1.0 V) or longer deposition times, a large MoO2 film is created/deposited on the graphene sheet, originating and expanding from the original nucleation points at edge plane like- sites/defects/wrinkles. Nanowire fabrication along the edge plane like- sites/defects of graphene is confirmed with Cyclic Voltammetry, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Raman Spectroscopy. Monitoring the electrochemical response towards [Ru(NH3)6]3+/2+ and comparing the heterogeneous electron transfer (HET) kinetics at CVD grown monolayer graphene prior and post nanowire fabrication reveals key understandings into the fundamental electrochemical properties of carbon materials. The HET kinetics (k0obs) at MoO2 nanowire decorated monolayer graphene sheets, when edge plane like- sites/defects have been coated/blocked with MoO2, are significantly reduced in comparison to the unmodified graphene alternative. Interestingly, MoO2 nucleation originates on the edge plane like- sites/defects of the graphene sheets, where the basal plane sites remain unaltered until the available edge plane like- sites/defects have been fully utilised; after which MoO2 deposition propagates towards and onto the basal planes, eventually covering the entire surface of the monolayer graphene surface. In such instances, there is no longer an observable electrochemical response. This work demonstrates the distinct elect

In the five decades since the Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka case ended legalized racial segregation in US schools, achieving multiculturalism and diversity have become primary goals in education. Resistance on the part of students to multicultural educational interventions may pose a significant threat to their success. This study investigates how student participants of a multicultural educational intervention discursively manage their resistance to the programme in such a way that they avoid appearing prejudiced. Five strategies are identified whereby students discursively managed their negative evaluations of lessons addressing race and ethnicity: 1) denying prejudice, 2) portraying lessons as uninteresting, 3) constructing diversity as protective against prejudice, 4) normalizing self-segregation and 5)normalizing prejudice and intergroup tension. The article concludes with a discussion of the practical and ideological implications of the discursive practices identified in the study.

In the five decades since the Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka case ended legalized racial segregation in US schools, achieving multiculturalism and diversity have become primary goals in education. Resistance on the part of students to multicultural educational interventions may pose a significant threat to their success. This study investigates how student participants of a multicultural educational intervention discursively manage their resistance to the programme in such a way that they avoid appearing prejudiced. Five strategies are identified whereby students discursively managed their negative evaluations of lessons addressing race and ethnicity: 1) denying prejudice, 2) portraying lessons as uninteresting, 3) constructing diversity as protective against prejudice, 4) normalizing self-segregation and 5)normalizing prejudice and intergroup tension. The article concludes with a discussion of the practical and ideological implications of the discursive practices identified in the study.

TiO2 coatings deposited using reactive magnetron sputtering and spray coating methods, as well as Ag- and Mo-doped TiO2 coatings were investigated as self-cleaning surfaces for beverage processing. The mechanical resistance and retention of the photocatalytic properties of the coatings were investigated over a three-month period in three separate breweries. TiO2 coatings deposited using reactive magnetron sputtering showed better mechanical durability than the spray coated surfaces, whilst the spray-deposited coating showed enhanced retention of photocatalytic properties. The presence of Ag and Mo dopants improved the photocatalytic properties of TiO2 as well as the retention of these properties. The spray-coated TiO2 was the only coating which showed light-induced hydrophilicity, which was retained in the coatings surviving the process conditions.

Statement of problem. Denture surfaces provide hard nonshedding niches for the adhesion and subsequent accumulation of oral microorganisms into denture plaque, which can harbor various potential pathogens linked with oral mucosal lesions and inhalation pneumonia. The initial adhesion is the prerequisite for subsequent biofilm growth, and surface roughness niches facilitate this process by trapping cells. Retained microorganisms are then able to proliferate when the denture is returned to the oral cavity.Purpose. The purpose of this study was to measure the amount and strength of the attachment of microorganisms to a roughened denture acrylic resin surface. An increase in surface roughness increases the retention of microorganisms and a greater amount of cell-surface contact interface may increase the strength of adhesion and, therefore, retention. Cleaning denture surfaces with brushes and dentifrices can influence the denture surface topography and, therefore, may affect retention.Material and methods. Denture acrylic resin specimens were abraded to provide different surface roughness. The amount of attachment of Streptococcus oralis or Candida albicans to these surfaces was assessed by measuring the area of a microscopic field covered by stained cells after 1 hour of incubation. The strength of attachment was assessed with atomic force microscopy, whereby an increasing force was applied to the attached cells until they detached from the surface.Results. Both bacteria and yeast cells were retained in increasing amounts on surfaces of increasing roughness. Cells were most strongly attached on surfaces whose linear features (scratches) were of comparable size with the cells (the streptococci on the low-abraded surfaces, and the yeast on high-abraded surfaces).Conclusion. Analysis of findings reveal that even small abrasions may enhance retention on denture surfaces and reduce surface cleanability. The strength of attachment instead of the amount is more important in

Statement of problem. Denture surfaces provide hard nonshedding niches for the adhesion and subsequent accumulation of oral microorganisms into denture plaque, which can harbor various potential pathogens linked with oral mucosal lesions and inhalation pneumonia. The initial adhesion is the prerequisite for subsequent biofilm growth, and surface roughness niches facilitate this process by trapping cells. Retained microorganisms are then able to proliferate when the denture is returned to the oral cavity.Purpose. The purpose of this study was to measure the amount and strength of the attachment of microorganisms to a roughened denture acrylic resin surface. An increase in surface roughness increases the retention of microorganisms and a greater amount of cell-surface contact interface may increase the strength of adhesion and, therefore, retention. Cleaning denture surfaces with brushes and dentifrices can influence the denture surface topography and, therefore, may affect retention.Material and methods. Denture acrylic resin specimens were abraded to provide different surface roughness. The amount of attachment of Streptococcus oralis or Candida albicans to these surfaces was assessed by measuring the area of a microscopic field covered by stained cells after 1 hour of incubation. The strength of attachment was assessed with atomic force microscopy, whereby an increasing force was applied to the attached cells until they detached from the surface.Results. Both bacteria and yeast cells were retained in increasing amounts on surfaces of increasing roughness. Cells were most strongly attached on surfaces whose linear features (scratches) were of comparable size with the cells (the streptococci on the low-abraded surfaces, and the yeast on high-abraded surfaces).Conclusion. Analysis of findings reveal that even small abrasions may enhance retention on denture surfaces and reduce surface cleanability. The strength of attachment instead of the amount is more important in

TiO2 coatings deposited using reactive magnetron sputtering and spray coating methods, as well as Ag- and Mo-doped TiO2 coatings were investigated as self-cleaning surfaces for beverage processing. The mechanical resistance and retention of the photocatalytic properties of the coatings were investigated over a three-month period in three separate breweries. TiO2 coatings deposited using reactive magnetron sputtering showed better mechanical durability than the spray coated surfaces, whilst the spray-deposited coating showed enhanced retention of photocatalytic properties. The presence of Ag and Mo dopants improved the photocatalytic properties of TiO2 as well as the retention of these properties. The spray-coated TiO2 was the only coating which showed light-induced hydrophilicity, which was retained in the coatings surviving the process conditions.

Pole dancing is an activity that came to prominence in strip clubs. Despite its widespread reinvention as a fitness activity for women, pole dancing is still strongly associated with, and indeed trades on, its exotic, erotic and sexual connotations. In this article, we examine how the pole dancing industry portrays itself to potential participants via a discursive analysis of the websites of 15 major pole dancing studios in Australia. In particular, we examine some of the ways in which pole dancing trades on its erotic associations and capitalizes on the emerging postfeminist sensibility in western countries and its advocacy of empowerment through sexual agency, while at the same time promoting an alternative, ironic construction in which pole dancing is simply something a bit different - a novel way to get an upper body workout while having 'a bit of a laugh'. We argue that the tensions between authenticity and parody uncovered by our analyses reflect a tension that infuses 'raunch culture' more widely, and discuss the insecurity and contingency of the 'empowerment' offered in these practices.

ZrN/Ag nanocomposite coatings with varying silver contents were produced by co-deposition in a dual pulsed magnetron sputtering system. The coatings were characterised using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scratch adhesion testing, thrust washer wear testing and nanoindentation. The hardness of the ZrN/Ag coatings and the friction coefficient running unlubricated against a steel counterface decreased with increasing silver content, whereas the coating-to-substrate adhesion increased for coatings with higher silver contents, compared to a 'pure' ZrN coating. The antimicrobial properties of the coatings were investigated using two well established microbiological assay techniques: zones of inhibition and a NBT (nitro-blue tetrazolium) redox dye. Zones of inhibition were used to determine the extent of silver ion release from the nanocomposite materials, and a NBT (nitro-blue tetrazolium) redox dye was used to determine the antimicrobial effectiveness of the surfaces following incubation. The microorganisms tested were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Whilst no zones of inhibition were observed for S. aureus, on any of the surfaces, the diameter of the 'kill' zones generally increased with increasing silver content for the other microorganisms. For the NBT assays, after incubation, no P. aeruginosa colony forming units were observed on any surface and the number of viable cells of E. coli and S. aureus decreased with increasing silver content, compared to a 'pure' ZrN surface.

ZrN/Ag nanocomposite coatings with varying silver contents were produced by co-deposition in a dual pulsed magnetron sputtering system. The coatings were characterised using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scratch adhesion testing, thrust washer wear testing and nanoindentation. The hardness of the ZrN/Ag coatings and the friction coefficient running unlubricated against a steel counterface decreased with increasing silver content, whereas the coating-to-substrate adhesion increased for coatings with higher silver contents, compared to a 'pure' ZrN coating. The antimicrobial properties of the coatings were investigated using two well established microbiological assay techniques: zones of inhibition and a NBT (nitro-blue tetrazolium) redox dye. Zones of inhibition were used to determine the extent of silver ion release from the nanocomposite materials, and a NBT (nitro-blue tetrazolium) redox dye was used to determine the antimicrobial effectiveness of the surfaces following incubation. The microorganisms tested were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Whilst no zones of inhibition were observed for S. aureus, on any of the surfaces, the diameter of the 'kill' zones generally increased with increasing silver content for the other microorganisms. For the NBT assays, after incubation, no P. aeruginosa colony forming units were observed on any surface and the number of viable cells of E. coli and S. aureus decreased with increasing silver content, compared to a 'pure' ZrN surface.

Pole dancing is an activity that came to prominence in strip clubs. Despite its widespread reinvention as a fitness activity for women, pole dancing is still strongly associated with, and indeed trades on, its exotic, erotic and sexual connotations. In this article, we examine how the pole dancing industry portrays itself to potential participants via a discursive analysis of the websites of 15 major pole dancing studios in Australia. In particular, we examine some of the ways in which pole dancing trades on its erotic associations and capitalizes on the emerging postfeminist sensibility in western countries and its advocacy of empowerment through sexual agency, while at the same time promoting an alternative, ironic construction in which pole dancing is simply something a bit different - a novel way to get an upper body workout while having 'a bit of a laugh'. We argue that the tensions between authenticity and parody uncovered by our analyses reflect a tension that infuses 'raunch culture' more widely, and discuss the insecurity and contingency of the 'empowerment' offered in these practices.

ZrN/Ag nanocomposite coatings with varying silver contents were produced by co-deposition in a dual pulsed magnetron sputtering system. The coatings were characterised using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scratch adhesion testing, thrust washer wear testing and nanoindentation. The hardness of the ZrN/Ag coatings and the friction coefficient running unlubricated against a steel counterface decreased with increasing silver content, whereas the coating-to-substrate adhesion increased for coatings with higher silver contents, compared to a 'pure' ZrN coating. The antimicrobial properties of the coatings were investigated using two well established microbiological assay techniques: zones of inhibition and a NBT (nitro-blue tetrazolium) redox dye. Zones of inhibition were used to determine the extent of silver ion release from the nanocomposite materials, and a NBT (nitro-blue tetrazolium) redox dye was used to determine the antimicrobial effectiveness of the surfaces following incubation. The microorganisms tested were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Whilst no zones of inhibition were observed for S. aureus, on any of the surfaces, the diameter of the 'kill' zones generally increased with increasing silver content for the other microorganisms. For the NBT assays, after incubation, no P. aeruginosa colony forming units were observed on any surface and the number of viable cells of E. coli and S. aureus decreased with increasing silver content, compared to a 'pure' ZrN surface.

ZrN/Ag nanocomposite coatings with varying silver contents were produced by co-deposition in a dual pulsed magnetron sputtering system. The coatings were characterised using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scratch adhesion testing, thrust washer wear testing and nanoindentation. The hardness of the ZrN/Ag coatings and the friction coefficient running unlubricated against a steel counterface decreased with increasing silver content, whereas the coating-to-substrate adhesion increased for coatings with higher silver contents, compared to a 'pure' ZrN coating. The antimicrobial properties of the coatings were investigated using two well established microbiological assay techniques: zones of inhibition and a NBT (nitro-blue tetrazolium) redox dye. Zones of inhibition were used to determine the extent of silver ion release from the nanocomposite materials, and a NBT (nitro-blue tetrazolium) redox dye was used to determine the antimicrobial effectiveness of the surfaces following incubation. The microorganisms tested were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Whilst no zones of inhibition were observed for S. aureus, on any of the surfaces, the diameter of the 'kill' zones generally increased with increasing silver content for the other microorganisms. For the NBT assays, after incubation, no P. aeruginosa colony forming units were observed on any surface and the number of viable cells of E. coli and S. aureus decreased with increasing silver content, compared to a 'pure' ZrN surface.

The activity of 'pole dancing' has recently been transformed from an act performed exclusively in strip clubs to one currently marketed as a form of aerobic exercise. While much feminist academic work has investigated aspects of the sex industry, such as stripping, very little research has been conducted into this recent social phenomenon of pole dancing as a recreational activity. This study takes a feminist poststructuralist approach to the investigation of this topic through the discursive analysis of talk produced in a range of focus groups and interviews. Participants included instructors at pole dancing studios, pupils regularly attending the studios, one-off pole dancers and general university students (a total of 25 participants; 20 females and five males). Our analysis focuses on the ways in which ideological dilemmas surrounding issues such as empowerment, control and the male gaze are managed within the participants' accounts. Implications of these constructions are discussed in relation to the redefinition/reiteration of hegemonic, patriarchal notions of female sexuality.

The activity of 'pole dancing' has recently been transformed from an act performed exclusively in strip clubs to one currently marketed as a form of aerobic exercise. While much feminist academic work has investigated aspects of the sex industry, such as stripping, very little research has been conducted into this recent social phenomenon of pole dancing as a recreational activity. This study takes a feminist poststructuralist approach to the investigation of this topic through the discursive analysis of talk produced in a range of focus groups and interviews. Participants included instructors at pole dancing studios, pupils regularly attending the studios, one-off pole dancers and general university students (a total of 25 participants; 20 females and five males). Our analysis focuses on the ways in which ideological dilemmas surrounding issues such as empowerment, control and the male gaze are managed within the participants' accounts. Implications of these constructions are discussed in relation to the redefinition/reiteration of hegemonic, patriarchal notions of female sexuality.

It has been suggested that women are encouraged, particularly by the popular media, to gain 'feminine' power through the pursuit of a 'suitably' petite figure. The current project investigated, from a feminist poststructuralist perspective, the construction of female obesity and female anorexia in 20 popular magazine articles (10 anorexia and 10 obesity articles). Of interest was the extent to which the two states, despite both being physically unhealthy, may differ with respect to the ways in which they are constructed as 'feminine' or aesthetically abhorrent. Whilst both being contextualized medically as deviant, dangerous, and overwhelmingly physical, anorexia nervosa was constructed as more desirable, powerful and feminine than obesity. We discuss the implications of these dichotomous representations in relation to issues surrounding the social construction of 'the feminine'.

It has been suggested that women are encouraged, particularly by the popular media, to gain 'feminine' power through the pursuit of a 'suitably' petite figure. The current project investigated, from a feminist poststructuralist perspective, the construction of female obesity and female anorexia in 20 popular magazine articles (10 anorexia and 10 obesity articles). Of interest was the extent to which the two states, despite both being physically unhealthy, may differ with respect to the ways in which they are constructed as 'feminine' or aesthetically abhorrent. Whilst both being contextualized medically as deviant, dangerous, and overwhelmingly physical, anorexia nervosa was constructed as more desirable, powerful and feminine than obesity. We discuss the implications of these dichotomous representations in relation to issues surrounding the social construction of 'the feminine'.

Teacher education programs focussing on the development of specialist teachers for ‘the middle years’ have proliferated in Australian universities in recent years. This paper provides some insights into middle years’ teacher education programs at the University of Queensland, Edith Cowan and Flinders Universities with regard to their: philosophical underpinnings; specific educational context; scope and nature of the program. In addition, some of the research directions and efficacy strategies utilised in conjunction with the programs will be shared, along with some early findings from a longitudinal study in one of the programs. We propose that the pattern of programmatic growth heralds a new time for teacher education, and we speculate about the production of new kinds of teacher identities as graduates take their place in the profession.

Coastal outwelling from intertidal zones, along with riverine fluxes, is probably the most important source of terrigenous organic matter to the world oceans. Up to 50% of net-primary production of mangroves and salt marshes is exported as organic matter to the ocean, which is almost two orders of magnitude higher than the global average for other terrestrial ecosystems (0.7%). Therefore, intertidal environments are crucial for global element cycles and food webs of continental shelves. A major fraction of outwelling occurs in form of dissolved organic matter (DOM). The extent of this outwelling and its fate in the ocean is still a conundrum in contemporary marine sciences. The main reason for this lack of knowledge is that the tools for tracing the fate of terrigenous DOM in the ocean are extremely limited. We combined the strengths of several recently introduced analytical methods, in order to trace mangrove-derived DOM along the North-Brazilian shelf. High-resolution multi-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) has provided key insights into structural details of mangrove-derived DOM. NMR studies were performed in aqueous and in non aqueous phase to account for both exchangeable and non-exchangeable protons. Quantitative structural information on fundamental building blocks, and of chemical environments within, was obtained. Analysis of one- and two dimensional NMR spectra of DOM samples along a transect from mangroves - offshore in Northern Brazil revealed characteristic alterations within these spectra resembling changes induced by photodegradation. This, along with stable carbon isotope data and molecular information (amino acid enantiomers and lignin), indicates that DOM on the North-Brazilian shelf is primarily mangrove-derived, photodegraded DOM. Major advances in tracer identification and molecular characterization of DOM can be achieved by ultra-high-resolution mass spectrometry via the Fourier transform- ion cyclotron resonance techniq

Coastal outwelling from intertidal zones, along with riverine fluxes, is probably the most important source of terrigenous organic matter to the world oceans. Up to 50% of net-primary production of mangroves and salt marshes is exported as organic matter to the ocean, which is almost two orders of magnitude higher than the global average for other terrestrial ecosystems (0.7%). Therefore, intertidal environments are crucial for global element cycles and food webs of continental shelves. A major fraction of outwelling occurs in form of dissolved organic matter (DOM). The extent of this outwelling and its fate in the ocean is still a conundrum in contemporary marine sciences. The main reason for this lack of knowledge is that the tools for tracing the fate of terrigenous DOM in the ocean are extremely limited. We combined the strengths of several recently introduced analytical methods, in order to trace mangrove-derived DOM along the North-Brazilian shelf. High-resolution multi-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) has provided key insights into structural details of mangrove-derived DOM. NMR studies were performed in aqueous and in non aqueous phase to account for both exchangeable and non-exchangeable protons. Quantitative structural information on fundamental building blocks, and of chemical environments within, was obtained. Analysis of one- and two dimensional NMR spectra of DOM samples along a transect from mangroves - offshore in Northern Brazil revealed characteristic alterations within these spectra resembling changes induced by photodegradation. This, along with stable carbon isotope data and molecular information (amino acid enantiomers and lignin), indicates that DOM on the North-Brazilian shelf is primarily mangrove-derived, photodegraded DOM. Major advances in tracer identification and molecular characterization of DOM can be achieved by ultra-high-resolution mass spectrometry via the Fourier transform- ion cyclotron resonance techniq

Requirements analysis is one of the most critical and difficult tasks in software engineering. The need for tool support is easily justified. This paper describes an approach to the provision of such support for three particular aspects: method support by active guidance, validation by transaction anomation, and reuse of specification fragments. Method guidance is supported by a method model used to describe the sequence of method steps that should be followed. This model is directly interpreted by the tools to provide advice and reasoning. It is used in conjunction with rules used for consistency checking to provide remedial advice. The animator provides facilities for the selection and execution of a transaction to reflect the specified behavior given a particular scenario. Actions are described in terms of input-out relations. Simple rules can be specified to control the execution of actions. Facilities are provided to replay and interact with transactions. Reuse is supported by facilities for identifying candidate transactions from a reuse database. The search strategies provided include browsing in an inheritance structure, different levels of pattern matching, casual chain matching (matching of the underlying control structures), and purpose matching. Support is then provided for the allocation of the selected fragment to the target environment. The approach has been tested by implementing a prototype set of tools for the CORE method and the Analyst workstation. A major case study, the ASE (Advanced Sensor Exploitation) test environment, has been analyzed and specified using CORE, the Analyst, and the tools described above. The results of that work are described and evaluated.