The physico-chemical habitat template for periphyton in alpine glacial streams under a changing climate

The physico-chemical habitat template of glacial streams in the Alps is characterized by distinct and predictable changes between harsh and relatively benign periods. Spring and autumn were thought to be windows of favorable environmental conditions conducive for periphyton development. Periphyton biomass (measured as chlorophyll a and ash-free dry mass) was quantified in five glacial and three non-glacial streams over an annual cycle. One glacial stream was an outlet stream of a proglacial lake. In all glacial streams, seasonal patterns in periphyton were characterized by low biomass during summer high flow when high turbidity and transport of coarse sediment prevailed. With the end of icemelt in autumn, environmental conditions became more favorable and periphyton biomass increased. Biomass peaked between late September and January. In spring, low flow, low turbidity, and a lack of coarse sediment transport were not paralleled by an increase in periphyton biomass. In the non-glacial streams, seasonal periphyton patterns were similar to those of glacial streams, but biomass was significantly higher. Glacier recession from climate change may shift water sources in glacier streams and attenuate the glacial flow pulse. These changes could alter predicted periods of optimal periphyton development. The window of opportunity for periphyton accrual will shift earlier and extend into autumn in channels that retain surface flow

Conditions facilitating faculty members’ implementation of online learning technology in Iranian universities

The aim of the study was to determine the conditions that facilitate the implementation of online learning technology among faculty members at e-learning centres in Iranian universities. Research sample comprised of 220 faculty members who were randomly selected from nine public universities in Iran. Using the survey methodology, data were gathered through the use of a questionnaire. The questionnaire included the following: (a) 10 items pertaining to demographic information; and (b) 40 items related to Ely’s conditions facilitating technology implementation. The reliability of the scale was .91. The data were descriptively analyzed in the forms of mean and standard deviation using the Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) version 16. Findings of the study showed that five conditions, which facilitate implementation of online learning technology, perceived to be present by the faculty members were: (a) dissatisfaction with the status quo, (b) existence of knowledge and skills, (c) availability of time, (d) existence of rewards or incentives, and (e) expected and encouraged participation. From these five conditions, `dissatisfaction with status quo’ was perceived to be the most present condition. On the other hand, three other conditions were perceived to be less present, namely, `commitment by those who are involved’, `leadership’, and `availability of resources’. From these three conditions, `availability of resources’ was perceived to be the most lacking at e-learning centres in Iranian universities

Pengaruh Pendidikan Kesehatan Terhadap Pengetahuan Tentang Dukungan Suami Selama Proses Persalinan Di Bendan Banyudono Boyolali

The existence of acompanionis needed to assist a mother in child birth guide. The task of acompanionis to give support during pregnancy, labor and child birth, this simplifying the course of child birth. Therefore,a husband who is needed because it can provide support to a mother during child birth. Support can be given by a husband agains this wife motivated physically and psychologically. The support given can make mothers who experience child birth feel safe and comfortable. The aim ofthis study was to determine the effect tof health educationon the knowledge of the husband's support during labor in Bendan, Banyudono. This research is aquantitative research with one group pretest posttes tdesign. Population of this research is the husband who has apregnant wife's first child (primigravida). The total sample of 32 respondents with total sampling technique.The instrument used in this study is a questionnaire that contains knowledge about the husband's support during child birth. Analyze data using a non-parametric Wilcoxon rank test with p value: 0,000<α =0.05. The result is the influence of knowledge before and after being given health education. Advice for respondents to be able to apply the results of health education when accompanying his wife during delivery. Keywords: Suppor thusband, knowledge, health education

Bioenergy in Switzerland: Assessing the domestic sustainable biomass potential

This paper analyzes the sustainable domestic biomass potential for bioenergy in Switzerland. Relevant biomass resources were selected based on expert interviews and literature analyses. A definition of technical and sustainable biomass potentials was developed. The technical and sustainable biomass potentials were then assessed based on technical and sustainability constraints. The sustainable potentials were further subdivided into the already energetically-used potential and the remaining biomass potential. Data was collected from the literature and supplementary interviews with field experts. Finally, the primary energy potential from biomass was calculated and compared to the current Swiss energy demand

Water in the electrical double layer of ionic liquids on graphene

The performance of electrochemical devices using ionic liquids (ILs) as electrolytes can be impaired by water uptake. This work investigates the influence of water on the behavior of hydrophilic and hydrophobic ILs─with ethylsulfate and tris(perfluoroalkyl)trifluorophosphate or bis(trifluoromethyl sulfonyl)imide (TFSI) anions, respectively─on electrified graphene, a promising electrode material. The results show that water uptake slightly reduces the IL electrochemical stability and significantly influences graphene's potential of zero charge, which is justified by the extent of anion depletion from the surface. Experiments confirm the dominant contribution of graphene's quantum capacitance (CQ) to the total interfacial capacitance (Cint) near the PZC, as expected from theory. Combining theory and experiments reveals that the hydrophilic IL efficiently screens surface charge and exhibits the largest double layer capacitance (CIL ∼ 80 μF cm-2), so that CQ governs the charge stored. The hydrophobic ILs are less efficient in charge screening and thus exhibit a smaller capacitance (CIL ∼ 6-9 μF cm-2), which governs Cint already at small potentials. An increase in the total interfacial capacitance is observed at positive voltages for humid TFSI-ILs relative to dry ones, consistent with the presence of a satellite peak. Short-range surface forces reveal the change of the interfacial layering with potential and water uptake owing to reorientation of counterions, counterion binding, co-ion repulsion, and water enrichment. These results are consistent with the charge being mainly stored in a ∼2 nm-thick double layer, which implies that ILs behave as highly concentrated electrolytes. This knowledge will advance the design of IL-graphene-based electrochemical devices

Use Of A Surface-emitting Micro-laser Array For Optical Computing

Surface emitting microlaser arrays have many features that make them highly desirable for use in optical computing. In this talk, we will describe various applications of the novel device for optical computing, with emphasis on ,neural network implementations

Use Of A Surface-emitting Micro-laser Array For Optical Computing

Surface emitting microlaser arrays have many features that make them highly desirable for use in optical computing. In this talk, we will describe various applications of the novel device for optical computing, with emphasis on ,neural network implementations