Development of Mobile Data Collection Applications by Domain Experts: Experimental Results from a Usability Study

Despite their drawbacks, paper-based questionnaires are still used to collect data in many application domains. In the QuestionSys project, we develop an advanced framework that enables domain experts to transform paper-based instruments to mobile data collection applications, which then run on smart mobile devices. The framework empowers domain experts to develop robust mobile data collection applications on their own without the need to involve programmers. To realize this vision, a configurator component applying a model-driven approach is developed. As this component shall relieve domain experts from technical issues, it has to be proven that domain experts are actually able to use the configurator properly. The experiment presented in this paper investigates the mental efforts for creating such data collection applications by comparing novices and experts. Results reveal that even novices are able to model instruments with an acceptable number of errors. Altogether, the QuestionSys framework empowers domain experts to develop sophisticated mobile data collection applications by orders of magnitude faster compared to current mobile application development practices

Episodic Random Accretion and the Cosmological Evolution of Supermassive Black Hole Spins

The growth of supermassive black holes (BHs) located at the centers of their host galaxies comes mainly from accretion of gas, but how to fuel them remains an outstanding unsolved problem in quasar evolution. This issue can be elucidated by quantifying the radiative efficiency parameter ($\eta$) as a function of redshift, which also provides constraints on the average spin of the BHs and its possible evolution with time. We derive a formalism to link $\eta$ with the luminosity density, BH mass density, and duty cycle of quasars, quantities we can estimate from existing quasar and galaxy survey data. We find that $\eta$ has a strong cosmological evolution: at z~2, $\eta \approx 0.3$, and by $z\approx 0$ it has decreased by an order of magnitude, to $\eta\approx 0.03$. We interpret this trend as evolution in BH spin, and we appeal to episodic, random accretion as the mechanism for reducing the spin. The observation that the fraction of radio-loud quasars decreases with increasing redshift is inconsistent with the popular notion that BH spin is a critical factor for generating strong radio jets. In agreement with previous studies, we show that the derived history of BH accretion closely follows the cosmic history of star formation, consistent with other evidence that BHs and their host galaxies coevolve.Comment: 4 page, 2 color figures. Accepted by ApJ

On the deep minimum state in the Seyfert galaxy MCG-6-30-15

(abridged) We present a detailed spectral analysis of the first observation of the Seyfert 1 galaxy MCG-6-30-15 by the European Photon Imaging Camera on board the XMM-Newton observatory, together with contemporaneous data from the Proportional Counter Array on the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer. Confirming our previously published result, we find that the presence of extremely broadened reflection features from an ionized relativistic accretion disk is required even when one employs the latest X-ray reflection models and includes the effect of complex absorption. The extremely broadened reflection features are also present if the primary continuum is modeled with a thermal Comptonisation spectrum rather than a simple power-law continuum. With this fact established, we examine these data using a relativistic smearing function corresponding to a ``generalized thin accretion disk'' model. We find strong evidence for torquing of the central parts of the accretion disk (presumably through magnetic interactions with the plunging region of the disk and/or the rotating black hole itself). We also perform a study of spectral variability within our observation. We find that the disk reflection features maintain roughly a constant equivalent width with respect to the observed continuum, as predicted by simple reflection models. Taken together with other studies of MCG-6-30-15 that find disk features to possess constant intensity at higher flux states, we suggest that the flux of disk features undergoes a saturation once the source emerges from a Deep Minimum state.Comment: 16 pages, accepted for publication in MNRA

Seismic reflection surveys on the Lomonosov Ridge in regard to IODP Leg 377

We present a regional seismic data set across the southeastern Lomonosov Ridge (LR) serving as pre-site survey for the upcoming drilling project IODP-377 (ArcOP). The overall goal of this drilling campaign is to recover a com¬plete stratigraphic sedimentary record of the southern ridge to meet the highest priority paleoceanographic objective, the continuous long-term Cenozoic climate history of the central Arctic Ocean. The seismic surveys provide basic information for the drilling, as the identification of undisturbed strata, location of slumps or hiatuses, depth-calculations of target reflectors, age estimations, and suggestions on the type of sedimentary rocks inferred from interval velocities of seismic units. On the LR the seismic lines confirm the presence of 1600 m thick, undisturbed, parallel sedimentary layers. 10 drilling locations can be proposed to recover the entire Miocene sedimentary sequence or even down to sediments of Lower Eocene age at about 900 mbsf. A prominent high-amplitude-reflector sequence (HARS) within the strata can be used to directly correlate to previous seismostratigraphic models for the eastern Arctic Ocean. Four major seismic units were identified which provide constraints on the coupled evolution of tectonic processes, palaeoceanography, and glaciation history of the Arctic Ocean. First, Mesozoic strata on the LR, its faulted flanks and the initial Amundsen Basin were covered with syn-rift sediments of Paleocene to early Eocene age. Numerous vertical faults indicate differential compaction of possibly anoxic sediments deposited in the young, still isolated Eurasian Basin. The second stage, as indicated by a prominent high-amplitude-reflector sequence covering the ridge, was a time of widespread changes in deposition conditions, likely controlled by the ongoing subsidence of the LR and gradual opening of the Fram Strait. Episodic incursions of water masses from the North Atlantic probably were the consequences and led to the deposition of thin sedimentary layers of different lithology. The third stage is marked by continuous deposition since the early Miocene. At that time, the ridge no longer posed an obstacle between the Amerasia and Eurasia Basins and pelagic sedimentation was established. Drift bodies, sediment waves, and erosional structures indicate the onset of circulation. Lastly, a sequence of high-amplitude reflectors marks the transition to the early Pliocene large-scale Northern Hemisphere glaciations. In a future step, the link of drilling data to the seismic net via synthetic seismograms shall enable a spatial extrapolation of findings, and serve to improve the seismostratigraphic models

20th World Youth Day in Cologne - Participant Survey (2005)

Attitude towards faith and the Catholic Church. Faith practice. Questions about World Youth Day. Media communication. Topics: 1. Attitude towards faith and the Catholic Church: self-assessment of religiosity; belief in a life after death; influence of religion and faith on everyday actions; religious practice: frequency of praying, reading the Bible and meditating; greater interest of young people in religion or the Catholic Church. Questions of faith more than it appears (religious spiral of silence); frequency of attending church services; lasting positive influence of e.g. family, friends, etc. on the personal relationship with the church; attitude towards the Roman Catholic Church as an institution; contact with the parish; function in the parish; type of function; activity in youth work; area of youth work (sport, politics, church (association, grouping), other). 2. Questions about the World Youth Day: Earlier participation in a World Youth Day; frequency of participation; visit of the World Youth Day alone or accompanied (friends, youth group of the parish, others); members of the group already known beforehand; image of the Pope (e.g. head of the Catholic Church, infallible, representative of God on earth, role model, etc.).); importance of the Pope´s participation in World Youth Day; participation in World Youth Day even without the Pope´s participation; importance of international meetings at World Youth Day; importance of various elements of the program (catechesis, welcome celebration with the Pope, sacrament of reconciliation, youth festival, Way of the Cross, pilgrimage, vigil, closing service with the Pope); previous experiences at the World Youth Day (part of a living faith community of Catholic Christians, most important religious community experience, extra-ordinary life, community feeling); personal motivation for participation in the World Youth Day (for examplee.g. traveling together with friends, experiencing many young Christians, making new friends, etc.). 3. Media communication: sources of information about World Youth Day; credibility of reporting; communication with third parties about World Youth Day reports in the media; interlocutors; mobile phone ownership at World Youth Day; purpose of mobile phone use; general mobile phone ownership; frequency of mobile phone use for: Telephoning, sending SMS, chatting, photographing and filming videos; frequency of use of different media; source of information about the Global Village; frequency of visits to the Global Village; membership in the Catholic Rural Youth Movement; knowledge of the Catholic Rural Youth Movement; activity in environmental protection; institution named; motivation for visiting the Global Village; visited offers of the Global Village (Energiebauernhof, climate expedition, MIJARC tent, others). Participants from Energiebauernhof, climate expedition and MIJARC tent were additionally asked: Positive food for thought on the topics preservation of the environment (Energiebauernhof), climate change (Klimaexpedition) and international solidarity (MIJARC Tent) through the visit; evaluation of the visit as a special experience; participation in one of the actions; actions mentioned. Demography: sex; age; current occupation; job title; highest school-leaving certificate or current type of school attended; denomination; marital status; federal state.Einstellung zum Glauben und zur katholischen Kirche. Glaubenspraxis. Fragen zum Weltjugendtag. Medienkommunikation. Themen: 1. Einstellung zum Glauben und zur katholischen Kirche: Selbsteinschätzung der Religiosität; Glaube an ein Leben nach dem Tod; Einfluss von Religion und Glauben auf das alltägliche Handeln; Religionspraxis: Häufigkeit von Beten, Lesen in der Bibel und Meditieren; stärkeres Interesse von Jugendlichen an Religion bzw. Glaubensfragen als es den Anschein hat (religiöse Schweigespirale); Häufigkeit des Gottesdienstbesuches; nachhaltige positive Beeinflussung des persönlichen Verhältnisses zur Kirche durch z.B. Familie, Freunde, etc.); Einstellung zur römisch-katholischen Kirche als Insitution; Kontakt zur Pfarrgemeinde; Funktion in der Pfarrgemeinde; Funktionsart; Tätigkeit in der Jugendarbeit; Bereich der Jugendarbeit (Sport, Politik, Kirche (Verband, Gruppierung), sonstiges). 2. Fragen zum Weltjugendtag: Frühere Teilnahme an einem Weltjugendtag; Teilnahmehäufigkeit; Besuch des Weltjugendtags allein oder in Begleitung (Freunde, Jugendgruppe der Pfarrgemeinde, Andere); Mitglieder der Gruppe schon vorher bekannt; Image des Papstes (z.B. Oberhaupt der katholischen Kirche, unfehlbar, Stellvertreter Gottes auf Erden, Vorbild, etc.); Wichtigkeit der Teilnahme des Papstes am Weltjugendtag; Teilnahme am Weltjugendtag auch ohne Beteiligung des Papstes; Wichtigkeit internationaler Begegnungen beim Weltjugendtag; Wichtigkeit verschiedener Elemente des Programms (Katechesen, Willkommensfeier mit dem Papst, Sakrament der Versöhnung, Jugendfestival, Kreuzweg, Pilgerweg, Vigil, Abschlussgottesdienst mit dem Papst); bisherige Erfahrungen auf dem Weltjugendtag (Teil einer lebendigen Glaubensgemeinschaft von katholischen Christen, wichigste religiöse Gemeinschaftserfahrung, Außeralltäglichkeit, Gemeinschaftsgefühl); persönliche Motivation für die Teilnahme am Weltjugendtag (z.B. mit Freunden zusammen verreisen, viele junge Christen erleben, neue Freunde gewinnen, etc.). 3. Medienkommunikation: Informationsquellen über den Weltjugendtag; Glaubwürdigkeit der Berichterstattung; Kommunikation mit Dritten über die Weltjugendtags-Berichte in den Medien; Gesprächspartner; Handybesitz auf dem Weltjugendtag; Verwendungszweck der Handynutzung; genereller Handybesitz; Nutzungshäufigkeit des Handys für: Telefonieren, SMS verschicken, Chatten, Fotografieren und Videos drehen; Nutzungshäufigkeit verschiedener Medien; Informationsquelle zum Global Village; Besuchshäufigkeit im Global Village; Mitgliedschaft in der Katholischen Landjugendbewegung; Kenntnis der Katholischen Landjugendbewegung; Aktivät im Umweltschutz; Einrichtung genannt; Motivation für den Besuch des Global Village; besuchte Angebote des Global Village (Energiebauernhof, Klimaexpedition, MIJARC Zelt, sonstige). Teilnehmer Energiebauernhof, Klimaexpedition und MIJARC Zelt wurden zusätzlich gefragt: Positive Denkanstöße zu den Themen Erhalt der Umwelt (Energiebauernhof), Klimawandel (Klimaexpedition) und internationale Solidarität (MIJARC Zelt) durch den Besuch; Bewertung des Besuchs als besonderes Erlebnis; Teilnahme an einer der Aktionen; Aktionen genannt. Demographie: Geschlecht; Alter; derzeitige Beschäftigung; Berufsbezeichnung; höchster Schulabschluss bzw. derzeit besuchte Schulform; Konfession; Familienstand; Bundesland

Urinary matrix calculi consisting of microfibrillar protein in patients on maintenance hemodialysis

Urinary matrix calculi consisting of microfibrillar protein in patients on maintenance hemodialysis. In seven patients on maintenance hemodialysis,de novo recurrent renal stone formation was observed. In all patients, the underlying disease was glomerulonephritis, with or without the nephrotic syndrome. All patients had considerable persistent proteinuria. The stones consisted predominantly of protein, as revealed by amino acid analysis, and had a negligible carbohydrate and lipid content. Only in some specimens, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy revealed the presence of small amounts of whewellit (calcium oxalate monohydrate) and/or uric acid. In semithin sections, the stones had a laminated texture and exhibited structural anisotropy under polarized light. With transmission electron microscopy, they were found to consist of peculiar microfibrils. The proteinaceous material differed from fibrin or Tamm-Horsfall-protein, as indicated by ultrastructure, carbohydrate analysis, and amino acid analysis. Symptomaticde novo matrix stone formation constitutes another complication of dialyzed patients which has not been reported so far.Calculs urinaires constitués de protéines microfibrillaires chez des malades en hémodialyse chronique. Chez sept malades en hémodialyse chronique, la formation récidivante de calculs urinaires a été observée. Chez tous les malades, la maladie initiale était une glomérulonéphrite avec ou sans syndrome néphrotique. Tous les malades avaient une protéinurie importante. Les calculs étaient essentiellement constitués de protéine, comme l'indiquait l'analyse des acides aminés, et avaient un contenu négligeable en hydrates de carbone et lipides. Dans quelques échantillons seulement la diffraction X et la microscopie électronique à balayage ont révélé la présence de faibles quantités d'oxalate de calcium monohydrate et/ou d'acide urique. Sur les coupes semifines les calculs avaient un aspect laminé et étaient anisotropiés en lumière polarisée. En microscopie électronique à transmission il a été observé des microfibrilles particulières. La substance protéique diffère de la fibrine ou de la protéine de Tamm-Horsfall d'après l'étude ultrastructurale, l'analyse des hydrates de carbone, et l'analyse des acides aminés. La formation de novo de calculs, accompagnée de syndromes de lithiase, constitue une complication non encore rapportée à ce jour au cours de la dialyse chronique

Widespread Pleistocene submarine landslides and erosion on the Lomonosov Ridge (central Arctic Ocean)

The Lomonosov Ridge is seen as a relict of continental crust, which drifted from its original Eurasian shelf-edge location into the central Arctic Ocean during the formation of the Eurasian Basin by sea-floor spreading. With a total length of 1800 km, widths between 50 and 220 km and submarine elevations of 3 km above the abyssal plain the Lomonosov Ridge has dimensions of an Alpine mountain chain. Seismic lines indicate that large areas of the ridge are covered by well-stratified undisturbed Cenozoic sediments of more than 400 m in thickness. This may suggest that the ridge is in a relatively stable tectonic setting and exposed to hemi-pelagic deposition over long time scales. However, there is now a growing number of evidence that the crest and upper slopes of the ridge are characterized by widespread mass wasting. Kristoffersen et al. (2007) described major sediment disruptions on the slopes associated with slide scars on the crest of the Lomonosov Ridge between 87°30' and 88°N as a local phenomenon. Since the expedition of RV "Polarstern" in 2014, which explored the Lomonosov Ridge from near the pole to the Eurasian margin, we now know that similar mass wasting has been common probably along the entire ridge. Detailed bathymetric mapping between 81° and 84°N exhibit numerous amphitheatre-like slide scars, under which large amounts of Cenozoic sediments were remobilized into mass-wasting features on both the Makarov and Amundsen sides of the ridge. Sub-bottom seismic profiling discovered at least three generations of debris-flow deposits near the ridge, which were generated by the slides. Underneath the slide scars escarpments of up to 400 m in height were formed, which exposed Cenozoic sediments at the sea floor. Sediment cores from these locations recovered unconformities related to the youngest erosional event, which are overlain by undisturbed sediments accumulated during Marine Isotope Stages (MIS) 1 to 6. An age of MIS-6 is also suggested for the uppermost debris flow. Extrapolations of the age models of sediment cores suggest that earlier submarine landslides have occurred during the Middle Pleistocene. Some areas of the Lomonosov Ridge, where landslides have occurred, are characterized by Mega-Scale Glacial Lineations (MSGL). Typically, several generations of parallel or slightly curved streamlined bedforms are oriented in a SW-NE direction in areas shallower than 1000 m present water depth. They indicate that dynamically flowing ice masses (ice rise within an Arctic Ocean ice shelf) grounded on the Lomonosov Ridge during Pleistocene glaciations and eroded older sediments. MSGL end abruptly at slide scares and were last formed during MIS-6. At the present state of the study we can only speculate on the causes of mass wasting. This includes erosion in the context of glacial loading and seismicity (e.g. earthquakes), as well as slope failure related to gas. Kristoffersen, Y., Coakley, B.J., Hall, J.K., Edwards, M. (2007) Mass wasting on the submarine Lomonosov Ridge, central Arctic Ocean. Mar. Geol. 243, 132-142

Evidence for ice-free summers in the late Miocene central Arctic Ocean

Although the permanently to seasonally ice-covered Arctic Ocean is a unique and sensitive component in the Earth’s climate system, the knowledge of its long-term climate history remains very limited due to the restricted number of pre-Quaternary sedimentary records. During Polarstern Expedition PS87/2014, we discovered multiple submarine landslides along Lomonosov Ridge. Removal of younger sediments from steep headwalls has led to exhumation of Miocene sediments close to the seafloor. Here we document the presence of IP25 as a proxy for spring sea-ice cover and alkenone-based summer sea-surface temperatures 44 °C that support a seasonal sea-ice cover with an ice-free summer season being predominant during the late Miocene in the central Arctic Ocean. A comparison of our proxy data with Miocene climate simulations seems to favour either relatively high late Miocene atmospheric CO2 concentrations and/or a weak sensitivity of the model to simulate the magnitude of high-latitude warming in a warmer than modern climate