The impact of speciated VOCs on regional ozone increment derived from measurements at the UK EMEP supersites between 1999 and 2012

The impact of 27 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) on the regional O3 increment was investigated using measurements made at the UK EMEP supersites Harwell (1999–2001 and 2010–2012) and Auchencorth (2012). Ozone at these sites is representative of rural O3 in south-east England and northern UK, respectively. The monthly-diurnal regional O3 increment was defined as the difference between the regional and hemispheric background O3 concentrations, respectively, derived from oxidant vs. NOx correlation plots, and cluster analysis of back trajectories arriving at Mace Head, Ireland. At Harwell, which had substantially greater regional O3 increments than Auchencorth, variation in the regional O3 increment mirrored afternoon depletion of anthropogenic VOCs due to photochemistry (after accounting for diurnal changes in boundary layer mixing depth, and weighting VOC concentrations according to their photochemical ozone creation potential). A positive regional O3 increment occurred consistently during the summer, during which time afternoon photochemical depletion was calculated for the majority of measured VOCs, and to the greatest extent for ethene and m+p-xylene. This indicates that, of the measured VOCs, ethene and m+p-xylene emissions reduction would be most effective in reducing the regional O3 increment but that reductions in a larger number of VOCs would be required for further improvement. The VOC diurnal photochemical depletion was linked to anthropogenic sources of the VOC emissions through the integration of gridded anthropogenic VOC emission estimates over 96 h air-mass back trajectories. This demonstrated that one factor limiting the effectiveness of VOC gridded emissions for use in measurement and modelling studies is the highly aggregated nature of the 11 SNAP (Selected Nomenclature for Air Pollution) source sectors in which they are reported, as monthly variation in speciated VOC trajectory emissions did not reflect monthly changes in individual VOC diurnal photochemical depletion. Additionally, the major VOC emission source sectors during elevated regional O3 increment at Harwell were more narrowly defined through disaggregation of the SNAP emissions to 91 NFR (Nomenclature for Reporting) codes (i.e. sectors 3D2 (domestic solvent use), 3D3 (other product use) and 2D2 (food and drink)). However, spatial variation in the contribution of NFR sectors to parent SNAP emissions could only be accounted for at the country level. Hence, the future reporting of gridded VOC emissions in source sectors more highly disaggregated than currently (e.g. to NFR codes) would facilitate a more precise identification of those VOC sources most important for mitigation of the impact of VOCs on O3 formation. In summary, this work presents a clear methodology for achieving a coherent VOC, regional-O3-impact chemical climate using measurement data and explores the effect of limited emission and measurement species on the understanding of the regional VOC contribution to O3 concentrations

Ascorbic acid, carotenoid contents and antioxidant properties of Australian summer carrot with different irrigation amounts on a free-draining, sandy soil

It is important to reduce the use of water for agricultural production in response to water scarcity and environmental concerns. The nutritive value in fruits and vegetables including carrot (Daucus carota L.), can be influenced by various climatic conditions, such as light intensity, temperature, and irrigation. The effect of differential irrigation treatments on the contents of ascorbic acid and carotenoid as well as antioxidant properties (antioxidant content, antiradical power, and antioxidant capacity) were studied in carrot (cv. Stefano) roots grown on a free-draining, sandy soil (Grey Karrakatta Sand) in the summer period. This soil has water holding capacities as low as 10-13% and requires irrigation up to 150% of class A pan evaporation (Epan) to optimize growth and quality. The irrigation treatments applied in this study consisted of 100% Epan replacement, 150% Epan replacement and crop factor. The soil water stress index calculation showed the soil water tension ranged from -2.4 to -7.6 kPa that was within the range between saturation and field capacity for sandy soil. The reduction of irrigation amount from 150% to 100% Epan did not differentiate the contents of ascorbic acid and total carotenoid, but it slightly decreased antioxidant properties of carrot grown in the free draining sandy soil

Physical theory of the twentieth century and contemporary philosophy

It has been shown that the criticism of Pauli as well as of Susskind and Glogover may be avoided if the standard quantum-mechanical mathematical model has been suitably extended. There is not more any reason for Einstein's citicism, either, if in addition to some new results concerning Bell's inequalities and Belifante's argument are taken into account. The ensemble interpretation of quantum mechanics (or the hidden-variable theory) should be preferred, which is also supported by the already published results of experiments with three polarizers. Greater space in the text has been devoted also to the discussion of epistemological problems and some philosophical consequences.Comment: 12 page

Selection and visualisation of outcome measures for complex post-acute acquired brain injury rehabilitation interventions.

BACKGROUND: Outcome measurement challenges rehabilitation services to select tools that promote stakeholder engagement in measuring complex interventions. OBJECTIVES: To examine the suitability of outcome measures for complex post-acute acquired brain injury (ABI) rehabilitation interventions, report outcomes of a holistic, neuropsychological ABI rehabilitation program and propose a simple way of visualizing complex outcomes. METHODS: Patient/carer reported outcome measures (PROMS), experience measures (PREMS) and staff-rated measures were collected for consecutive admissions over 1 year to an 18-week holistic, neuropsychological rehabilitation programme at baseline, 18 weeks and 3- and 6-month follow-up. RESULTS: Engagement with outcome measurement was poorest for carers and at follow-up for all stakeholders. Dependence, abilities, adjustment, unmet needs, symptomatology including executive dysfunction, and self-reassurance showed improvements at 18 weeks. Adjustment, social participation, perceived health, symptomatology including dysexecutive difficulties, and anxiety were worse at baseline for those who did not complete rehabilitation, than those who did. A radar plot facilitated outcome visualization. CONCLUSIONS: Engagement with outcome measurement was best when time and support were provided. Supplementing patient- with staff-rated and attendance measures may explain missing data and help quantify healthcare needs. The MPAI4, EBIQ and DEX-R appeared suitable measures to evaluate outcomes and distinguish those completing and not completing neuropsychological rehabilitation.National Institute for Health Researc