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Due to importance of cell voltage and caustic current efficiency (CCE) in chlor-alkali industry, the necessity of accurate approach for prediction these parameters has become evident. In the current work, an extreme learning machine (ELM) approach is used to this end. Determination of the statistical qualities including R2 and different types of error reveals the fact that ELM method is suitable tool for calculation of CCE and cell voltage. The determined R2 values for CCE and cell voltage are equal to 1. Furthermore, RMSE values are 0.00002 and 1.3 × 10−6 for cell voltage and CCE, respectively. On the other hand, different graphical methods confirmed this acclaim. Moreover a sensitivity analysis is used to show effect of brine concentration, current density, operating temperature, electrolyte velocity, run time and pH on cell voltage and CCE. This analysis concluded to the fact that brine concentration and current density have the most effects on CCE and Cell voltage, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The usage of geosynthetics can be employed widely in the field and geotechnical engineering. The ground improvement approaches using geosynthetics as reinforcing materials are widely used to overcome the limitations of other methods. Considering these aspects, a sequence of model load versus settlement experiments with variance in the position of geotextile and percentage of lime was executed to observe the toughness as well as settlement properties of the silty sand with single layer of geotextile. There are several aspects of this paper like the computational techniques such as artificial neural network (ANN) and extreme learning machine (ELM). The implementation of computational models gives an advanced resolution for forecasting the load sustaining capability of the rectangular footing in a simple and economic way. These computational models could be judged by employing several well-approved statistical indices. It could also be verified through the experimental results achieved from the studies. The upshot shows that the developed ELM model has a remarkable potential to evaluate the ultimate bearing capacity (UBC) of the rectangular footing. It can be set forth as a predictive tool for the initial designing process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM), as a dual-process approach to theorizing attitude formation and persuasion phenomena, has garnered popularity and praise since its inception by Petty and Cacioppo in 1979. Nevertheless, several accounts pointing to some deficiencies of the ELM have ultimately emerged. Particularly, the ELM limitations paved the way for the introduction of an alternative model of persuasion, namely the unimodel. In this paper, by confronting these two competing persuasion models, we endeavor to bring about an answer to the ubiquitous question of whether the attitude change phenomenon is better explained by a single- or dual-process. The main outcomes of this confrontation are: (1) the unimodel cannot rectify the alleged conceptual limitations of the ELM, (2) the unimodel does not explain aspects of persuasion that cannot be allowed by the ELM, (3) the qualitative distinction between persuasion processes is very instrumental in understanding when and how attitude change occurs, (4) a single-process view cannot actually advance our understanding the persuasion phenomenon, and (5) the so-called conceptual limitations of the ELM are invalid. Accordingly, the article concludes in favor of the ELM as a major contribution to explaining attitude change and persuasion phenomena. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brands leverage social networking sites (SNSs) to promote themselves to their customers. This study aims to understand the various parameters that make customers filter, process, and disseminate tourism and hospitality-related messages on these sites. We study various antecedents to passive and active engagement. Past studies have relied on secondary data to study SNSs engagement. We adopted an experimental approach to impose the real-time conditions of information overload and manipulate various post parameters to study customer engagement behaviour on SNSs. We conducted two factorial design experiments garnering over 6000 data points. Our results pointed towards a staggered information processing model, with the first step driven by peripheral route cues leading to attention, with the second step being active engagement. Our study has direct implications for marketing managers in the hospitality and tourism industry as it highlights the levers essential to succeed on SNSs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present paper, we propose a new approach for monthly streamflow prediction based on the extreme learning machine (ELM) and the metaheuristic bat algorithm (Bat-ELM). The performance of the Bat-ELM was compared to that of ELM, support vector regression (SVR), Gaussian process regression (GPR), multilayer perceptron neural network (MLPNN), and generalized regression neural network (GRNN). The proposed models were applied using data from three hydrometric stations located in the Cheliff Basin, Algeria. The results showed that the Bat-ELM was more satisfactory than the standalone models. The Bat-ELM achieved the highest numerical performance with correlation coefficient and Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency ranging from 0.927 to 0.973 and from 0.846 to 0.944, respectively, much higher than the respective values obtained using the MLPNN, GRNN, SVR, GPR and ELM approaches. The obtained results demonstrate that the Bat-ELM is an interesting alternative algorithm for predicting high and extreme streamflow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a novel hybrid intelligent approach using Extreme Learning Machine (ELM) and Equilibrium Optimiser (EO) (ELM-EO) for predicting resilient modulus, Mr of Unbound Granular Materials (UGMs). Fourteen various blends of Recycled Concrete Aggregate (RCA) with Recycled Clay Masonry (RCM), and Electric Arc Furnace Steel (EAFS) slag with limestone aggregates were tested in the laboratory using routine and advanced tests. The laboratory Mr testing produced 224 measurements based on the average of triplicate samples for each blend. The performance of the ELM-EO approach was evaluated and compared with conventional regression, ELM-biogeography-based optimisation (BBO) (ELM-BBO) and ELM-genetic algorithm (ELM-GA) approaches using the same input properties. The inputs used for the Mr prediction are the bulk stress, percent of RCM, and/or percent of EAFS. The results demonstrate that the performance of ELM-EO and ELM-BBO approaches is better than ELM-GA and regression approaches for predicting Mr. The overall statistical measures of the proposed approaches show that the ELM-EO approach ranks first as it outperforms the other approaches with coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.924 and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 37.08 MPa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the pervasiveness of process improvement (Lean or Six Sigma) programmes, there is a rising concern regarding the sustainability of these programmes. Several studies point out that initial operational efficiency gains as a result of these programmes simply disappear over time. Using process improvement implementation experiences in an aircraft manufacturing and distribution operation, we studied long-term sustainability of process improvement events. We found that process owners of successful improvement events applied experiential learning model (ELM). The ELM is a cycle of – (1) concrete experience, (2) reflective observations, and (3) abstract conceptualizations, and (4) active experimentation. This study finds that when the ELM cycle is repeated many times over an extended period to continuously improve, and documented using A3 reports, that the improvement is sustained. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In this study, the elimination of Uranyl from aqueous solution is studied using an advanced technique of extraction; emulsion liquid membrane (ELM). Experimental results for the extraction of Uranyl are presented. The membrane phase consists of Kerosene as a diluent, Cyanex 302 as a carrier and sorbiton monooleate (Span 80) as a surfactant. Sulfuric acid solution as an internal aqueous phase. At the optimum conditions, the main variables studied which influenced the ELM extraction of Uranyl were the concentration of surfactant (3%), carrier (0.3%), internal phase (1 N H2SO4), types of internal phase (H2SO4 sulfuric acid), diluent (Kerosene), stirring speed (200 rpm), and the effect of volume ratios of the internal phase to the organic phase 1:1 (A/O) and of the emulsion to the feed solution 20/200 (Vemul/Vext). The results indicate that the removal percentage was obtained 100% in less than 20 min.This study also evaluated the effect of H2SO4 concentration in the internal aqueous phase on the stripping of Uranyl. The ELM treatment process represents a very interesting advanced separation process for the removal of Uranyl from aqueous solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the effective thermochemical properties in the determination of heat process efficiency is the combustion enthalpy changes during complete combustion of the compounds. According to the importance of this property in different processes, the main aim of this work is selected as the development of extreme learning machine (ELM) approach to predict the combustion enthalpy in terms of functional groups. To achieve this goal, a comprehensive data set containing 4,590 experimental enthalpy points is used for the preparation and validation of ELM. To investigate the accuracy of the ELM approach in the estimation of the enthalpy, various visual and statistical comparisons are used. These comparisons lead into R 2 value of one and low error values for overall phase. The standard deviation, root mean squared error, and mean relative error for overall phase are determined to be 11.18, 14.92, and 0.28, respectively. The relative deviations between the estimated and actual enthalpy points are below 8%. According to the statistical and graphical results, ELM algorithm has great potential in the prediction of enthalpy of combustion for pure chemical materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research note describes an exploratory study that examined what makes two types of campaigns go viral online. Using research in communication, persuasion, and emotional valence, we conducted a survey experiment that exposed viewers to persuasive videos and asked about sharing behaviors. Results demonstrated that personal relevance and cognitive elaboration on content are key predictors of viral sharing behaviors. In addition, both positive and negative emotions play a role, but in different circumstances. Overall, this study provides a framework for future scholars to examine the phenomenon of "virality." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elm is generally considered to be unsuitable for dendrochronology, usually having too few rings, or having abrupt growth-rate changes that do not result from the external weather conditions. Samples rarely match each other in the same structure. A further difficulty is that even where it is known that the sequence is complete (the bark is still present), it is often not possible to distinguish sapwood rings by their appearance, even under a microscope. This is a significant problem as elm has been an important structural component of many British vernacular buildings over many centuries, but whereas dendrochronological dating of oak has transformed our understanding of thousands of buildings, by 2015 only four instances of dating elm had been made, two of those involving a single timber. When elm has been encountered, it has generally been dismissed from further dendrochronological study as a result of these known issues, but no systematic study has been undertaken to see whether these prejudices are justified. In order to get some evidence-based information about how elm might behave dendrochronologically, Historic England initiated a study: Developing the dendrochronology of elm in historic buildings, Project 7350, funded through its Heritage Protection Commissions. This resulted in over 70 buildings being looked at, with several being sampled, and the results are discussed here. At some sites an elm site master sequence could be derived, but potential matches with local oak chronologies were generally not strong enough to be considered dated. In one instance good matches with local oak sites were found, but subsequent radiocarbon analysis found these matches to be erroneous. At another site, five trees gave an 89-year ring sequence, but no acceptable matches were found with oak chronologies. Radiocarbon dating and oxygen isotope dating both gave the same dating results at this site, however, showing that these two methods appear to give the best hope of dating elm in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within the context of the functional approach to attitudes, the functional matching concept posits that messages that match the functional underpinnings of an individual's attitude are more persuasive than messages that do not match those functions. Boundary conditions to this message match/persuasiveness relationship do exist; in a high-involvement situation, messages that mismatch the functional underpinnings of an individual's attitude may be more persuasive due to dissonance generation. This dissonance leads the individual into more deliberative processing of the message through the central route of the elaboration likelihood model (ELM). Working within the physical fitness context, this study examines the functional matching concept in advertising communications. The findings show that individuals exposed to messages matching their functional profile do not deliberate further. Contrarily, when exposed to functionally mismatched messages, they deliberate more on the message to resolve the experienced dissonance. These findings are counter to previous research on the functional approach and provide valuable insight for practitioners looking to develop more persuasive/effective communications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two-year old Ulmus laevis Pall (U. laevis) seedlings were cultivated in a three-month hydroponic experiment with inorganic (aresenite - As(III) and arsenate - As(V)) and organic (dimethylarsenic acid - DMA(V)) arsenic forms, at 0.06 and/or 0.6 mM concentrations. Further, the profile and content of total low molecular weight organic acids (LMWOAs) were investigated in the rhizosphere, roots and leaves of U. laevis. Obtained results showed that the addition of As(III) or As(V) individually or in a mixture led to increased LMWOAs concentration in the rhizosphere, especially of oxalic and malonic acids, in comparison to the control, while in roots the overall content of the profiled LMWOAs decreased. In both rhizosphere and roots, addition of the DMA(V) form resulted in the inhibition of LMWOAs exudation into the rhizosphere and their creation in plant roots. Leaves were characterised by a higher content of LMWOAs than in the rhizosphere and roots for all experimental systems, where the profile and content of LMWOAs was strictly correlated with the analysed As forms. Our study indicated that creation of LMWOAs in U. laevis organs and their exudation to the rhizosphere could be responsible for the As toxicity tolerance of the plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An Empirical Line Model (ELM) was tested to correct Sentinel-2A (MSI) images acquired in the tropical archipelago of San Andrés, Colombia. This approach uses a linear regression to model the relationship between the average ground reflectance and radiance on bands 2, 3, 4, and 8, for 32 spectrally homogeneous targets. The model was validated from eight targets measured on different land-covers trough the estimated coefficient of determination R2. The result of the prediction equations observed was high, with a value of R2:0.91 performed at the 0.01 level of significance for the four wavebands, against the R2:0.77 of SEN2COR and R2:0.81 of ATCOR Correction Models. Complementary, a quantitative approach was proposed to determine the suitability of the ELM, based on the spectral response on six land-covers types for every band after correction. A separability index (M) was used from a set of independent targets to estimate the effectiveness of spectral classification of land-covers. The more evident results of the correction are on the vegetation cover in the NIR band (785-900 nm), where the ELM has 55% and 58% more separability than the SEN2COR and ATCOR models, respectively. Additionally, the absolute difference between the Top-of-Atmosphere (TOA) and Bottom-of-Atmosphere (BOA) images was calculated, finding the highest differences in the NIR band with 0.094 in the L1C-TOA reflectance image, and 0.013 in the ELM-BOA image. Finally, a sensitivity analysis on the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) to estimate the performance of the spectral response of ELM on vegetation cover was employed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dew point temperature is the temperature at which the moisture in the air begins to condense into dew or water droplets. The accurate estimation of the dew point temperature is very important as it controls the heat stress on humans, detects fluctuations of evaporation rates, and humidity trends. The dew point temperature is a significant parameter particularly required in various hydrological, climatological and agronomical related researches. This study proposes Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Extreme Learning Machine (ELM) models for the estimation of daily dew point temperature. The daily measured weather data (Wet bulb temperature, relative humidity, vapor pressure and dew point temperature) of humid and semi-arid regions of India were used for model development. The statistical indices, namely Mean Absolute Error, Root Mean Square Error, and Nash Sutcliffe Efficiency were adopted to evaluate the performances of these two models. The merit of the ELM model is evaluated against SVM technique in the estimation of dew point temperature. The proposed ELM models demonstrated much greater capability than the SVM models in the estimation of daily dew point temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fourier transform near-infrared (FT-NIR) spectroscopy technique combined with multivariate calibration approach was employed to identify the geographical origins of Radix puerariae starch. First, the efficient spectral subintervals were selected by a synergy interval partial least squares (siPLS) method. Second, an iteratively retains informative variables (IRIV) algorithm was applied to select the characteristic wavelengths from the efficient spectral subintervals obtained by siPLS. Experimental results showed that the number of wavelength variables obtained by IRIV was 10. Meantime, only the first two PCs of principal component analysis (PCA) based on the selected 10 variables could explain 99.9769% of the total variance and the identification rate of the validation set is 100% based on extreme learning machine (ELM) in this study. This work indicates that the FT-NIR spectroscopy analysis technique coupled with multivariate calibration is an excellent choice for the discrimination of geographical origins of Radix puerariae starch. In addition, the IRIV is a promising algorithm for the selection of characteristic wavelength variables in the practical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dissolved gas-in-oil analysis is a prevailing methodology being extensively utilized to diagnose incipient faults in oil-immersed power transformers. However distinct approaches have been implemented to find out dissolved gas analysis (DGA) results, they may sometimes fail to diagnose precisely. The incipient fault identification accuracy of various artificial intelligence (AI)-based methodology is assorted with change of input parameters. Thus, selection of input variable to an AI model is major research area. In this paper, principle component analysis algorithm using RapidMiner is applied to 360 experimental datasets, imitated in lab to identify most pertinent input variables for incipient fault classification. Thereafter, multi-class Extreme Learning Machine (ELM) technique is implemented to classify the incipient faults of power transformer and its performance is compared with artificial neural network, gene expression programming, fuzzy-logic, and support vector machine. The compared result shows that ELM provides better diagnosis results up to 100% accuracy at proposed input variable in short of time period which is helpful in on-line condition monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fourier transform near-infrared (FT-NIR) spectroscopy technique combined with multivariate calibration approach was employed to identify the geographical origins ofRadix puerariaestarch. First, the efficient spectral subintervals were selected by a synergy interval partial least squares (siPLS) method. Second, an iteratively retains informative variables (IRIV) algorithm was applied to select the characteristic wavelengths from the efficient spectral subintervals obtained by siPLS. Experimental results showed that the number of wavelength variables obtained by IRIV was 10. Meantime, only the first two PCs of principal component analysis (PCA) based on the selected 10 variables could explain 99.9769% of the total variance and the identification rate of the validation set is 100% based on extreme learning machine (ELM) in this study. This work indicates that the FT-NIR spectroscopy analysis technique coupled with multivariate calibration is an excellent choice for the discrimination of geographical origins ofRadix puerariaestarch. In addition, the IRIV is a promising algorithm for the selection of characteristic wavelength variables in the practical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An extract ofUlmus macrocarpa Hance, commonly known as the large-fruited elm, has been prescribed as a traditional medicine. In this study, we aimed to investigate the cellular immune effects ofU. macrocarpastem cortex extracts on cyclophosphamide (CY)-treated splenocytes and mice. A methanol extract showed an improved survival rate of splenocytes after 72 h. The extract was successively partitioned with dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and water; and the fractions so obtained were also examined for their proliferative activity. Among them, the water fraction ofU. macrocarpashowed the highest proliferation of splenocytes and was used throughout the present study. We tested the survival rate of splenocytes through dose-dependent treatment of CY and the suppression of the survival effect by CY was recovered by treatment with the water extract ofU. macrocarpa. To determine the mechanism involved, we examined the expression of B-cell lymphoma-extra large (Bcl-xL) anti-apoptotic protein. CY decreased Bcl-xL protein levels in resting splenocyte cultures, whereas splenocytes were exposed to water extracts ofU. macrocarpain the presence of CY; however, elevations in Bcl-xL were observed at 96 h. Mice splenocytes treated with water extract ofU. macrocarpafor cellular immunity showed an increase in the activity of the mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR), cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), and natural killer (NK) cells. In addition, mice receiving a water extract ofU. macrocarparecovered the CTL, NK, and MLR activities suppressed by CY administration. Consequently,U. macrocarpaimproves the cell-mediated immune response and provides an insight on cell-based tonic materials. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study focuses on how young people with differing levels of involvement seek and evaluate information about the human papillomavirus online. The results, which are drawn from an experiment and a self-administered survey, suggest that compared to people with a low level of involvement, people with a high level of involvement engage in more information search activity. The results also indicate that those with a high level of involvement in a given subject place a higher value on a website's message features than on its structural features. Implications, limitations, and suggestions for future research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field experience makes a strong contribution to the learning of students. However, the procedure for conducting training sessions based on experiential teaching methods is relatively unclear, and the contents and aspects of students’ reflections during such training are not well known. This study applied experiential teaching methods in a college field experience course and investigated reflections on the experiences of 13 students. The content of students’ thoughts and other relevant data were analysed using Kolb’s experiential learning model. The students’ concepts formed during reflection might not immediately develop into the active experimentation process, indicating the challenges faced by students with the process of reflection during field experience. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Two new multi-proxy records of environmental change are provided from Horton Kirby Paper Mill and Old Seager Distillery in the Lower Thames Valley. Each site has evidence for a decline in elm woodland, which at Horton Kirby Paper Mill is recorded earlier than any other published record from the British Isles: sometime between 7320 and 7240 cal BP. Scolytus scolytus/S. multistriatus (the vectors for Dutch elm disease) are recorded after the decline in both sequences, adding to the number of sites with such evidence in the British Isles. Evidence of paludification and human activity are also recorded at the time of the elm decline reinforcing the multi-causal hypothesis. Integration of these results with 21 palaeoenvironmental records has produced a large number of well-dated, multiproxy records of the elm decline in this part of the UK. On the basis of this dataset, a classification system for categorising the relationships between the causal factors of the elm decline is proposed and recommended for future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intrinsic rotation has been observed in lower hybrid current-driven (LHCD) H-mode plasmas with type-III edge-localized modes (ELMs) on Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST), and it is found that the edge toroidal rotation accelerated before the onset of the ELM burst. Magnetic perturbation analysis shows there is a perturbation amplitude growth below 30 kHz corresponding to the edge rotation acceleration. Using the filament model, the neoclassical toroidal viscosity (NTV) code shows there is a co-current NTV torque at the edge, which may be responsible for the edge rotation acceleration. For maximum displacement ∼1 cm and toroidal mode numbern=15, the calculated torque density is ∼0.44 N/m2, comparable with the average edge toroidal angular momentum change rate ∼1.24 N/m2. Here, the 1 cm maximum magnetic surface displacement estimated from the experimental observation corresponds to a maximum magnetic perturbation ∼ 10−3–10−2 T, in accordance with magnetic perturbation measurements during ELMs. By varyingnfrom 10 to 20, the magnitude of the edge NTV torque density is mainly ∼0.1–1 N/m2. This significant co-current torque indicates that the NTV theory may be important in rotation problems during ELMs in H-mode plasmas. To better illuminate the problem, magnetic surface deformation obtained from other codes is desired for a more accurate calculation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The elm leaf beetle,Xanthogalerucella luteola(Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is the most serious pest of elm trees. This pest causes severe damage to elm trees during its growth stages and as a result, in the middle of summer, leaves become skeletised and start to fall down. In this work, biochemical characterisation of digestive α-amylase of this insect and its relationship with insect feeding was investigated. The insect gut was isolated and its α-amylase was extracted and starch (1%) was used as a substrate for the enzyme. Results showed that the enzyme’s optimum temperature and pH was 35 °C and 5.5, respectively. Some ions such as NaCl decreased the enzyme activity whilst MgCl2and CaCl2increased the enzyme activity. Gut content electrophoresis showed that only one α-amylase is active in this insect species. There was a correlation between the amount of leaf eaten by the insect and the amount of the enzyme activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The principal objective of this study was to gain insight into attitude changes occurring during IT acceptance from the perspective of elaboration likelihood model (ELM). In particular, the primary target of this study was the process of IT acceptance through an education program. Although the Internet and computers are now quite ubiquitous, and thus many people can come to an acceptance of IT organically – including acceptance of such products as new released online services or software, some software – most notably programming languages and spreadsheets – may require education programs, and the efficacy of that education may determine the rate of acceptance. Thus, education programs for such IT may be regarded as not only teaching and training how to use the product from a technical standpoint, but also as a process by which program participants are persuaded to have a positive attitude towards accepting the new IT. This study adopted an ELM based longitudinal approach to capture the changes in the roles of persuasion routes and attitude during IT acceptance – in this case, the education program. To validate empirically the suggested model, junior students majoring in business administration, all of whom were taking an Excel class, were surveyed twice – just after mid-term and just after their final exam. These data were analysed via partial least-square method to deduce some possible implications. Our results supported all the hypotheses put forward. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The removal of toxic heavy metal ions is of great concern in the environmental field. Emulsion liquid membrane (ELM) technology has been proposed for the separation processes to enhance the extraction process and reduce the solvent and carrier requirement in comparison with other conventional solvent extractions techniques. Emulsion liquid membrane is an unsupported liquid membrane in which the membrane phase of an emulsion is dispersed into the feed phase to be treated. ELM technique is an accessible and easy way for the removal of different chemicals, metal ions, organic compounds, biomolecules, pollutants from aqueous feed phase and the transport them into desired receiving phases. This review article delineates the role of different parameters on the extraction process in ELM separation processes. These parameters strongly influence the percentage removal of metal ions and emulsion leakage. The optimum membrane properties can enhance the recovery of the desired phase and improves the stability of the ELM by minimizing the swelling and leakage of the membrane. The future direction of ELM technology can be the use of room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) as stabilizers, carriers and can replace the conventional volatile toxic organic solvents. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper deals with the mid-Holocene shore level history and vegetation development in Gastrikland, east-central Sweden. This is investigated using sediment and microfossil records and 14C datings. The time span covered is c. 8000-5000 cal yr BP. Vegetation history during this time includes an increase in Tilia pollen 6500-6300 cal yr BP and a decrease in Ulmus and Corylus c. 5500 cal yr BP. The former change coincides with a sharp drop in relative sea level (RSL) of some 5 m; this RSL drop can be correlated to the regression from the L3 transgression of the Litorina Sea, identified in other areas around the Baltic Sea. The possible connections between RSL and climate (in particular changes on a maritime-continental continuum), as indicated by new pollen data and other records, are investigated. The new material shows, in comparison to other pollen records from southern and central Scandinavia, unusually high percentages of Tilia, Ulmus and Corylus pollen, but less Quercus. The change in pollen spectra around 5500 cal yr BP can be correlated to the northern European 'elm decline'. A regional cooling is recorded in widespread data for this time, but observations suggest that other factors must be considered here, including disease and change in the physical landscape due to the ongoing land uplift. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ulmus tree leaves were successfully used as a novel and efficient biosorbent for removing cadmium, (Cd(II)), from aqueous solutions in a batch system. A multivariate strategy for optimization of removal efficiency conditions of Cd(II) was carried out. A 23 full factorial design with three center points (9 runs) was performed for screening the main variables and reducing the large number of experimental runs. Initial concentration of metal ion (Cm), amount of sorbent (m), and pH were considered as the three main variables at two different levels. The maximum removal efficiency of Cd(II) was achieved within 1 h contact time. It was found that all the main factors and their interactions were significant at p < 0.05. Doehlert response surface methodology was utilized (13 runs) for finding a suitable mathematical model. The analysis of variance and some statistical tests such as lack-of-fit, coefficient of determination (R2), and residual distribution plot confirmed the validity of the model. The optimum conditions for maximum removal of Cd(II) by Ulmus tree leaves were found as pH = 3.4, m (amount of sorbent) = 0.128 g, Cm (initial concentration of metal ion) = 12.1 mg L-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Germination traits of three Japanese Ulmus species, including two summer-fruiting species, U. davidiana var. japonica (UD) and U. laciniata (UL), and an autumn-fruiting species, U. parvifolia (UP), were investigated. Germination tests that controlled light (16 h dark–8 h light/24 h dark) and temperature (alternating 20–30°C/constant 23°C) conditions were conducted just after seed dissemination. Under the preferred (light and alternating temperature) conditions, UD germinated quickly and percentage germination was high (99%), whereas UL and UP germinated moderately to slowly (65.2 and 23.8%, respectively) and the remaining seeds were primarily dormant. When the seeds were exposed to unsuitable conditions for germination, secondary dormancy was induced in all three Ulmus species. Because primary and secondary dormancy of these species was not strict, the existing dormancy could be released by moist conditions and low temperature during the winter. Thus, all three Japanese Ulmus can germinate either just after seed dissemination or in the following spring. Nevertheless, the predominant germination of summer-fruiting UD just after seed dissemination seems to be advantageous for finding safe sites that might become available after a large-scale fluvial disturbance. Similarly, the delayed germination of autumn-fruiting UP until the following spring seems to be advantageous for preventing germination at the end of the growing season. Summer-fruiting UL had a more negative response to favorable light conditions just after seed dissemination, which seems to be advantageous for establishment in canopy gaps. These germination traits seem to be adaptive responses to the dominant disturbance regimes of their natural habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is aimed at using the Empirical Line Method (ELM) to eliminate atmospheric effects with respect to visible and near infrared bands of advanced spaceborne thermal emission and reflection radiometer (ASTER) and enhanced thematic mapper plus (ETM+) data. Two targets (Amran limestone as light target and quartz-biotite-sericite-graphite schists as dark target), which were widely exposed and easy to identify in the imagery were selected. The accuracy of the atmospheric correction method was evaluated from three targets (vegetation cover, Amran limestone and Akbra shale) of the surface reflectance. Analytical spectral devices (ASD) FieldSpec3 was used to measure the spectra of target samples. ETM+ data were less influenced by the atmospheric effect when compared to ASTER data. Normalized differences vegetation indices (NDVI) displayed good results with reflectance data when compared with digital number (DN) data because it is highly sensitive to ground truth reflectance (GTR). Most of the differences observed before and after calibration of satellite images (ASTER and ETM+) were absorbed in the SWIR region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the elastically scattered light of single pollen in a large space angle. Scattering pattern of birch, elm, hazel, sunflower, pine, ragweed, chestnut, and willow pollen were recorded in the backward and sideward hemisphere. Characteristic features could be detected, that may help identify the pollen by light scattering. We also show scattering pattern of a willow pollen rotated relative to the laser beam, and the relations between the sideward and backward scattering hemispheres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on a survey of dying branches that were collected from the crowns of 47 American elm or Ulmus americana street trees growing in Thunder Bay, Ontario. A total of 529 isolates of fungi were yielded by aseptic isolations made from the cambium of the sampled branches. The survey showed that dry summers and heavy infestation by scale insects, together with a lack of a regular tree-maintenance program, have led to street elms becoming stressed and exhibiting a decline in health.

Consistent with general predictions and earlier empirical studies, it appears that recent climate warming has started to affect large-scale biogeographical patterns in northern Sweden. Long-term, systematic monitoring in permanent altitudinal belt transects reveals spread of broadleaved thermophilic tree species with quite different life histories into the subalpine forest belt. Saplings of Quercus robur, Ulmus glabra, Acer platanoides, Alnus glutinosa, and Betula pendula have responded to altered climatic conditions by jump-dispersal in the order of 50-300 km northwards and 500-800 m upwards. Thereby, they have reinvaded elevations where they grew during the warmest phase of the Holocene, 9500-8000 years ago, but were subsequently extirpated by Neoglacial cooling. Confined to the past 15 years or so, these unique observations are consistent with background climatic data, i.e. warming of all seasons. The results contribute to more realistic vegetation models by stressing that at least certain plant species are able to track climate warming without substantial migration lag. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Variation in budburst, height increment and growth cessation within and among five Norwegian Ulmus glabra (Huds.) populations was recorded in an experimental trial during the fourth and fifth growing seasons. Budburst occurred first in inland populations and last in coastal populations, and latitude of origin was less important for timing of budburst than distance from the coast. Height increment and date of growth cessation were correlated to latitude, height increment decreased with increasing latitude of origin, whereas growth cessation occurred first in northern populations and later with increasing southern origin. Thus, the phenological traits vary in accordance with the climate from where the populations have been derived. There was a general large within-population variation in phenological traits. The results are discussed in relation to conservation of adaptive trait variation of the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of various aspects relating to execution of a Website: Presentation format, quantity and type of content. We developed experimental Websites and we found that in high-involvement context this effectiveness is not influenced as much by the format of presentation of the Website as by the quantity and type of content offered. The extension of the Website content generates more favorable, affective and behavioral responses only when such extension has an informative nature. Moreover, we found evidence of the moderating role of the individual's Web experience in the advertising persuasion process. Therefore, the results of this investigation can provide recommendations to the organizations on how to create effective Websites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of tree species on soil carbon stocks and acidity in southern Sweden was studied in a non-replicated plantation with monocultures of 67-year-old ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.), beech (Fagus silvatica L.), elm (Ulmus glabra Huds.), hornbeam (Carpinusbetulus L.), Norway spruce (Picea abies L.) and oak (Quercus robur L.). The site was characterized by a cambisol on glacial till. Volume-determined soil samples were taken from the O-horizon and mineral soil layers to 20 cm. Soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), pH (H2O), cation-exchange capacity and base saturation at pH 7 and exchangeable calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium ions were analysed in the soil fraction&VeryThinSpace;< 2 mm. Root biomass (<5 mm in diameter) and its proportion in the forest floor and mineral soil varied between tree species. There was a vertical gradient under all species, with the highest concentrations of SOC, TN and base cations in the O-horizon and the lowest in the 10–20 cm layer. The tree species differed with respect to SOC, TN and soil acidity in the O-horizon and mineral soil. For SOC and TN, the range in the O-horizon was spruce > hornbeam > oak > beech > ash > elm. The pH in the O-horizon ranged in the order elm > ash > hornbeam > beech > oak > spruce. In the mineral soil, SOC and TN ranged in the order elm > oak > ash = hornbeam > spruce > beech, i.e. partly reversed, and pH ranged in the same order as for the O-horizon. It is suggested that spruce is the best option for fertile sites in southern Sweden if the aim is a high carbon sequestration rate, whereas elm, ash and hornbeam are the best solutions if the aim is a low soil acidification rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wood materials are increasingly being used in the construction of structural beams, sports equipment, etc. This study was carried out to determine the bonding strength of phenol-formaldehyde (PF) and melamine-formaldehyde (MF) adhesives to impregnated wood materials. For this purpose, brutia pine (Pinus brutia Ten) and elm (Ulmus compestris L.) woods were impregnated with borax (Bx), boric acid (Ba), Bx + Ba (wt:wt 50:50%), di-ammonium phosphate (D), [D + (Bx + Ba)]/(50 + (25 + 25%), w/w) and Tanalith-C 3310 (T-C 3310) using the vacuum method according to ASTM-D 1413-76. The effects of wood species, impregnating material and type of adhesive on the bonding strength were determined. The highest shear strength (11.09 N/mm2) was obtained from elm wood control (i.e., without any impregnating materials) samples with MF; thus, the impregnation process negatively affected the adhesive bonding strength. Impregnating materials, especially those containing oily or similar solutions such as T-C 3310, are not advised for wood elements which are subjected to shear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure to airborne pollen from certain plants can cause allergic disease, leading to acute respiratory symptoms. Whole pollen grains, 15-90 µm-sized particles, provoke the upper respiratory symptoms of rhinitis (hay fever), while smaller pollen fragments capable of depositing in the lower respiratory tract have been proposed as the trigger for asthma. In order to understand factors leading to pollen release and fragmentation we have examined the rupture of Chinese elm pollen under controlled laboratory conditions and in the outdoor atmosphere. Within 30 minutes after immersion in water, 70% of fresh Chinese pollen ruptures, rapidly expelling cytoplasm. Chinese elm flowers, placed in a controlled atmosphere chamber, emitted pollen and pollen debris after a sequential treatment of 98% relative humidity followed by drying and a gentle disturbance. Immunologic assays of antigenic proteins specific to elm pollens revealed that fine particulate material (Dp <2 µm) collected from the chamber contained elm pollen antigens. In a temporal study of the outdoor urban atmosphere during the Chinese elm bloom season of 2004, peak concentrations of pollen and fine pollen fragments occurred at the beginning of the season when nocturnal relative humidity (RH) exceeded 90%. Following later periods of hot dry weather, pollen counts decreased to zero. The Chinese elm pollen fragments also decreased during the hot weather, but later displayed additional peaks following periods of more moderate RH and temperature, indicating that pollen counts underestimate total atmospheric pollen allergen concentrations. Pollen fragments thus increase the biogenic load in the atmosphere in a form that is no longer recognizable as pollen and, therefore, is not amenable to microscopic analysis. This raises the possibility of exposure of sensitive individuals to pollen allergens in the form of fine particles that can penetrate into the lower airways and pose potentially severe health risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The decline in Ulmus pollen frequencies that occurred ca. 5000 14C years ago before present (BP) is a key biostratigraphic marker horizon in northwest European pollen diagrams, although its causes are still a subject of debate. To investigate this event further, fungal spore analyses were carried out across the Ulmus decline at Moel y Gerddi, north Wales, United Kingdom. The Ulmus decline was in three phases, with a primary decline with low cereal and Rumex pollen records as the only agricultural indicators. This was followed by a more significant decline, with general forest opening and the grassland/pasture indicator Plantago lanceolata. A third, less significant, decline was again accompanied by cereal-type pollen. Tree pollen frequencies subsequently recovered, with cereal-type pollen remaining well represented. The fungal data recorded woodland taxa and a background level of the obligate dung fungus Sporormiella, a proxy for local herbivore abundance. Sporormiella frequencies increased greatly after the main Ulmus decline, around which there were high percentages of the ascospores of the wood rot fungus Kretzschmaria deusta. The neoecology of Kretzschmaria deusta, and the behavior of its spore curve suggests the colonisation of local populations of already severely wounded trees. At this site Ulmus, and perhaps Tilia were infected at a time of markedly increased inferred herbivore concentrations. Neolithic farming techniques could have provided mortally wounded trees while enhancing livestock grazing, although the role of disease must also be considered. Elevated Kretzschmaria deusta values may be of ecological significance in the interpretation of the causes and nature of the Ulmus decline and similar forest disturbance events, and the indicator role of this fungus in forest paleoecology requires further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon storage capacity of tree species is important for sustamable forest management especially in the context of international policy agendas on greenhouse gas emissions mitigation. In this research, the carbon storage traits of main tree species over their life spans in natural forests in Northeast China are studied through allometric relationships between diameter at breast height, tree age, and total carbon storage of each species. The ranking of carbon storage of the main tree species in their full life spans follows: Pinus koraiensis Siebold & Zucc. > Quercus mongolica Fisch. Ex Ledeb. > Populus ussuriensis Kom > Larix olgensis A. Henry> Tilia ainurensis Rupr. > A bies nephrolepis (Trautv.) Maxim. > Betula platyphylia Sukaczev > Ulmus japonica (Rehder) Sarg. > Acer mono Maxim. > Populus davidiana Dode. P. ussuriensis has the largest annual carbon accumulation rate during its life span among the main tree species and reaches about 68 kg yr-1. Fast-growing species in this area can accumulate more carbon than slow-growing species in the first 50 years. P. ussuriensis can store about 700 times more carbon than P. koraiensis in the first 50 years. The stems of all examined tree species contribute more than 68% of the total carbon storage of the whole tree (diameter at breast height> .5.0 cm). The allocation ratios of carbon storage to root, stem, leaf and branch change with tree size. According to these changes, four types of tree are identified. Research results and approach have implications for strategic forest carbon management based on species characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to chronicle the impact of human groups on the ecology of an upland area in N. E. Yorkshire during the last thousand years or so of the Atlantic period (Flandrian II of the UK chronozone system) and the transition into the succeeding Sub-Boreal (Flandrian III) at the decline of Ulmus pollen which is prevalent throughout western Europe at c. 5000 B.P. This investigation differs from many predecessors because it includes a detailed examination of the stratigraphy of the relevant sediments and has many more analysed profiles within a small area than is customary. The conclusions drawn about the vegetation and its dynamics are more firmly grounded spatially than some earlier work. Comments are made on the nature of the closed canopy forest, the likely whereabouts of at least one burn, the mosaic of vegetation types after several fire episodes, and the environment into which agriculture appears to have been introduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the tree depicted in the new $20 bill which was uprooted and fell during a storm that developed in a period of continued heavy rain in June 2006. It states that moisture-laden airmass combined with instability produces several days of intense rain and thunderstorms that flooded Washington, D. C. and wreaked havoc across the nation's capital. The effort of former President George W. Bush to plant three new elm tress to replace the fallen tree is cited.

The article reflects on the author's reaction with regards to modern DNA techniques. The strategy is open new chances to explain long-hidden relationships and distribution patterns in nature. Tor Myking and Igor Yakovlev have researched chloroplast DNA, they both with leaf morphology, in elm (Ulmus glabra). They have discovered evidence that two separate races had migrated to Norway from glacial refugia in the west and in the south. In Nordic forestry, root rot is the economically most important pathogen. Bo Karisson and Gunilla Swedjemark discovered a substantial variation in natural root rot infection among clones of Norway spruce.