A robot application to marine vessel inspection

Seagoing vessels have to undergo regular inspections, which are currently performed manually by ship surveyors. The main cost factor in a ship inspection is to provide access to the different areas of the ship, since the surveyor has to be close to the inspected parts, usually within arm's reach, either to perform a visual analysis or to take thickness measurements. The access to the structural elements in cargo holds, e.g., bulkheads, is normally provided by staging or by 'cherry-picking' cranes. To make ship inspections safer and more cost-efficient, we have introduced new inspection methods, tools, and systems, which have been evaluated in field trials, particularly focusing on cargo holds. More precisely, two magnetic climbing robots and a micro-aerial vehicle, which are able to assist the surveyor during the inspection, are introduced. Since localization of inspection data is mandatory for the surveyor, we also introduce an external localization system that has been verified in field trials, using a climbing inspection robot. Furthermore, the inspection data collected by the robotic systems are organized and handled by a spatial content management system that enables us to compare the inspection data of one survey with those from another, as well as to document the ship inspection when the robot team is used. Image-based defect detection is addressed by proposing an integrated solution for detecting corrosion and cracks. The systems' performance is reported, as well as conclusions on their usability, all in accordance with the output of field trials performed onboard two different vessels under real inspection conditions.

Estimates of lost material stock of buildings and roads due to the great east Japan earthquake and tsunami

This article describes research conducted for the Japanese government in the wake of the magnitude 9.0 earthquake and tsunami that struck eastern Japan on March 11, 2011. In this study, material stock analysis (MSA) is used to examine the losses of building and infrastructure materials after this disaster. Estimates of the magnitude of material stock that has lost its social function as a result of a disaster can indicate the quantities required for reconstruction, help garner a better understanding of the volumes of waste flows generated by that disaster, and also help in the course of policy deliberations in the recovery of disaster-stricken areas. Calculations of the lost building and road materials in the five prefectures most affected were undertaken. Analysis in this study is based on the use of geographical information systems (GIS) databases and statistics; it aims to (1) describe in spatial terms what construction materials were lost, (2) estimate the amount of infrastructure material needed to rehabilitate disaster areas, and (3) indicate the amount of lost material stock that should be taken into consideration during government policy deliberations. Our analysis concludes that the material stock losses of buildings and road infrastructure are 31.8 and 2.1 million tonnes, respectively. This research approach and the use of spatial MSA can be useful for urban planners and may also convey more appropriate information about disposal based on the work of municipalities in disaster-afflicted areas.

The peer leader capacity building model: A student learning journey

The benefits of peer leader experiences in building graduate skills and capabilities, is well documented and recognised in the higher education sector (Ender & Kay, 2001; Lindsey, Weiler, Zarich, Haddock, Krafchick, & Zimmerman, 2014; Shook & Keup, J., 2012). While benefits are acknowledged, responsibility for identifying, structuring and recording the learning experiences and learning outcomes is charged to the student. This poster describes a framework ‘The Peer Leader Capacity Building Model’ that purposefully structures the peer-leader’s learning journey providing: timely training, moments of critical reflection and goal setting. The model articulates the fundamental interplay of learning and peer leader service which forms the peer ‘learnership’. The journey begins with the ‘aspiration’ phase where students come to understand their leadership opportunities, progressing through ‘enabling’ and ‘mastering’ phases where students shape their learner-leader experience, and finally, to the ‘contributing graduate’ phase where students emerge as competent graduates able to confidently participate in their communities and workplaces. In shifting from a program centric approach that priorities the needs of the mentees, the Peer Leader Capacity Building Model focuses on the individual as a peer leader encouraging the student to shape their individual ‘learnscape’ through consciously navigating both their curricula and co-curricular learning experiences.

A student-centred approach to support, reward and recognition of student peer ‘learnership’

The benefits for university graduates in growing skills and capabilities through volunteering experiences are gaining increased attention. Building leadership self-efficacy supports students develop their capacity for understanding, articulating and evidencing their learning. Reward and recognition is fundamental in the student’s journey to build self-efficacy. Through this research, concepts of reward and recognition have been explored and articulated through the experiences and perceptions of actively engaged student peer leaders. The research methodology has enabled a collaborative, student-centred approach in shaping an innovative Rewards Framework, which supports, recognises and rewards the learning journey from beginning peer leader to competent and confident graduate.

Practices to enhance peer program implementation integrity to safeguard peer leaders and learners

The powerful influence of peers on fellow students’ learning engagement and their ability to foster self-efficacy is well recognised. A positive learner mindset can be fostered through establishment of guided meaningful relationships formed between peers. Recognising the value of peer connections in shaping the student learning experience, peer programs have been widely adopted by universities as a mechanism to facilitate these connections. While potentially beneficial, a lack of knowledge and inexperience by program implementers can lead to program outcomes being compromised. To mitigate this risk, QUT has established university wide systems and benchmarks for enacting peer programs. These measures aim to promote program implementation integrity by supporting and developing the knowledge and capabilities of peer leaders and program coordinators. This paper describes a range of measures that have been instigated to optimise the quality of programs and ensure outcomes are mutually constructive and beneficial for all stakeholders.

Divest Harvard: Climate justice, higher education, and fossil fuel divestment

On the 19 November 2014, seven Harvard students — the Harvard Climate Justice Coalition — have brought a legal action against Harvard University to compel it to withdraw its investments from fossil fuel companies. The plaintiffs include the Harvard Climate Justice Coalition; Alice Cherry, a law student; Benjamin Franta, a physics student interested in renewable energy; Sidni Frederick, a student of history and literature; Joseph Hamilton, a law student; Olivia Kivel, a biologist interested in sustainable farming; Talia Rothstein, a student of history and literature; and Kelsey Skaggs, a law student from Alaska interested in climate justice. The Harvard Climate Justice Coalition also bringing the lawsuit as ‘next friend of Plaintiffs Future Generations, individuals not yet born or too young to assert their rights but whose future health, safety, and welfare depends on current efforts to slow the pace of climate change.’ The case of Harvard Climate Justice Coalition v. President and Fellows of Harvard College, is being heard in the Suffolk County Superior Court of Massachusetts. The dispute will be an important precedent on the ongoing policy and legal battles in respect of climate change, education, and fossil fuel divestment.

Bitou bush and boneseed eradication and containment in Australia

Bitou bush and boneseed (Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. rotundata (DC.) T.Norl. and C. monilifera subsp. monilifera (L.) T.Norl., respectively) are highly invasive environmental weeds that pose a serious threat to Australia’s natural ecosystems and biota. Bitou bush threatens coastal plant communities in New South Wales (NSW), eastern Victoria and southeast Queensland (Qld), while boneseed threatens inland and coastal native plant communities across NSW, South Australia (SA), Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia (WA). Over 200 plant species and ecological communities in Australia are negatively impacted by these weeds (ARMCANZ et al. 2000, DEC 2006) and over 15% (approx. 120 million ha) of Australia is susceptible to invasion (see maps in Weiss et al 2008). In 2000, the National Bitou Bush and Boneseed Strategic Plan (ARMCANZ et al. 2000) was approved as part of the Commonwealth’s Weeds of National Significance initiative. A key goal of this plan is to prevent the spread of bitou bush and boneseed in Australia. A national program sponsored by the Australian Government and the affected states has resulted in the development of national containment and eradication zones that prevent the spread of bitou bush and boneseed. This paper presents an overview of these bitou bush and boneseed containment and eradication programs.

Glucosinolate composition and anti-cancer potential of daikon and radish sprouts

Daikon and radish sprouts contain high levels of glucoraphenin, a glucosinolate which hydrolyses to form sulphoraphene. Sulphoraphene, like sulphoraphane from broccoli, is a potent inducer of phase 2 detoxification enzymes and consequently has potential anti-cancer action. Unlike broccoli however, daikon and radish do not possess epithiospecifier protein, a protein that inhibits conversion of glucosinolates to isothiocyanates, and consequently they may represent more suitable sources of phyto-chemicals with anti-cancer potential. Concentrations of glucoraphenin were highest in the seed, declining exponentially with sprout development. The rate of decline was observed to vary considerably between varieties of daikon and radish, with some varieties maintaining significantly high levels of glucoraphenin. Varieties maintaining a high level of glucoraphenin included 'Cherry Belle' and 'French Breakfast'.

Genetic variation within two sympatric spotted gum eucalypts exceeds between taxa variation

Population substructure and hybridization, among other factors, have the potential to cause erroneous associations in linkage disequilibrium (LD) mapping. Two closely related spotted gum eucalypts, Corymbia variegata and C. henryi (Myrtaceae) occur in sympatry in the east coast of Australia and potentially interbreed. They are morphologically similar but are distinguished as separate species based on capsule and foliage size. To determine whether they hybridize in nature and its implications for LD mapping, we investigated the level of molecular divergence between the two species at two sympatric locations separated by 300 kilometres. Very few individuals of intermediate morphology were identified, despite the two species occurring only metres apart. Analysis of genetic structure using 12 microsatellite loci showed that genetic differentiation between populations of the same species at different locations (FST = 0.07 for both species; p = 0.0001) was significantly higher than that observed between species at each location (mean FST = 0.02 and 0.04 for Cherry tree and Bunyaville respectively; p = 0.0001; all Mann-Whitney U-test p ≤ 0.01). No species-specific alleles or significant allele frequency differences were detected within a site, suggesting recurrent local gene flow between the two species. The lack of significant allele frequency differences implies no population stratification along taxonomic lines. This suggested that there is little concern for cryptic hybridization when sampling from sites of sympatry for LD mapping.

Host Susceptibility of Citrus Cultivars to Queensland Fruit Fly (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Citrus crops are considered to be relatively poor hosts for Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt), as for other tephritid species. Australian citrus growers and crop consultants have reported observable differences in susceptibility of different citrus cultivars under commercial growing conditions. In this study we conducted laboratory tests and field surveys to determine susceptibility to B. tryoni of six citrus cultivars [(Eureka lemon (Citrus limon (L.) Osbeck); Navel and Valencia oranges (C. sinensis (L.) Osbeck); and Imperial, Ellendale, and Murcott mandarins (C. reticulata Blanco)]. The host susceptibility of these citrus cultivars was quantified by a Host Susceptibility Index, which is defined as the number of adult flies produced per gram of fruit infested at a calculated rate of one egg per gram of fruit. The HSI was ranked as Murcott (0.083) > Imperial (0.052) ≥ Navel (0.026) ≥ Ellendale (0.020) > Valencia (0.008) ≥ Eureka (yellow) (0.002) > Eureka (green) (0). Results of the laboratory study were in agreement with the level of field infestation in the four citrus cultivars (Eureka lemon, Imperial, Ellendale, and Murcott mandarins) that were surveyed from commercial orchards under baiting treatments against fruit flies in the Central Burnett district of Queensland. Field surveys of citrus hosts from the habitats not subject to fruit fly management showed that the numbers of fruit flies produced per gram of fruit were much lower, compared with the more susceptible noncitrus hosts, such as guava (Psidium guajava L.), cherry guava (P. littorale Raddi), mulberry (Morus nigra L.), loquat (Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl.), and pear (Pyrus communis L.). Therefore, the major citrus crops commercially cultivated in Australia have a relatively low susceptibility to B. tryoni, with Eureka lemons being a particularly poor host for this tephritid fruit fly.

Complexity of coffee flavor: A compositional and sensory perspective

For the consumer, flavor is arguably the most important aspect of a good coffee. Coffee flavor is extremely complex and arises from numerous chemical, biological and physical influences of cultivar, coffee cherry maturity, geographical growing location, production, processing, roasting and cup preparation. Not surprisingly there is a large volume of research published detailing the volatile and non-volatile compounds in coffee and that are likely to be playing a role in coffee flavor. Further, there is much published on the sensory properties of coffee. Nevertheless, the link between flavor components and the sensory properties expressed in the complex matrix of coffee is yet to be fully understood. This paper provides an overview of the chemical components that are thought to be involved in the flavor and sensory quality of Arabica coffee.

Interim report on the hydrologic features of the Green Swamp area in Central Florida

The Green Swamp area in central Florida is another area where man is developing agricultural land from marginal land. Though the area is by no means as extensive as that of the Everglades, the present efforts for its development are similar to the early efforts for developing the Everglades in that many miles of canals and ditches have been constructed to improve the drainage. Lest the early mistakes of the Everglades be repeated, the Florida Department of Water Resources considered that an appraisal of the physical and hydrologic features of the area was needed to determine the broad effects of draining and developing the swamp. This reconnaissance provides information required by the State of Florida for determining its responsibility and policy in regard to the Green Swamp area and for formulating future plans for water management of the area. Some of the features that have been determined are: the amount of rainfall on the area; the pattern of surfacewater drainage; the amount and direction of surface-water runoff; the direction of ground-water movement; the interrelationship of rainfall, surface water, and ground water; the effects of improved drainage facilities'; and the effects of the hydrologic environment on the chemical quality of water of the area.(PDF contains 106 pages.)

甜樱桃果实采后生理、耐藏性及褐变机理的研究

本文以我国目前主要栽培的甜樱桃早、中、晚熟品种“红灯”、“佐藤锦”、“那翁”、“拉宾斯”和“砂蜜豆”等为试材，系统地研究了甜樱桃果实在不同O2和CO2浓度气调贮藏条件下的生理特性、风味品质和贮藏性，提出了适合于甜樱桃果实生理特性的气调指标和贮藏时间;分析了甜樱桃在不同贮藏条件下果实中乙烯、多酚氧化酶（PPO）、过氧化物酶（POD）、超氧化物歧化酶（SOD） 和丙二醛（MDA）的变化情况，揭示了它们与甜樱桃果实衰老、褐变及耐贮性的关系;分析了甜樱桃果实在不同贮藏条件下乙醇、色泽、硬度、可溶性固形物、酸和维生素C等物质成分的含量变化及与果实风味品质的关系;同时，还分析了不同甜樱桃品种果皮的结构特征及与耐藏性的关系，以及不同成熟度的甜樱桃果实在气调贮藏中的生理反应和品质变化。为形成甜樱桃果实采后商业化贮藏的系列配套技术提供了理论依据。 本文的主要研究内容包括：不同CO2浓度的气调贮藏对甜樱桃果实采后生理及品质的影响;高O2或高CO2浓度处理对甜樱桃果实褐变、衰老及风味品质的影响;动态气调贮藏和非动态气调贮藏对甜樱桃生理特性、风味品质和耐藏性的影响;不同成熟度及不同品种对甜樱桃耐藏性的影响;不同药剂配合包装处理对甜樱桃果实耐藏性及品质的影响。试验结果表明： 1. 甜樱桃果实适合于较高CO2浓度的CA贮藏：与自发性气调贮藏（MAP）相比，气调贮藏（CA）更能明显地延缓果实衰老，减少腐烂和褐变，保持风味品质和延长1.5~2倍的贮藏时间。其中以较高CO2浓度的（5% O2 + 10% CO2）气调贮藏效果最好，早熟品种“红灯”的贮藏期为60天，而中、晚熟品种“最上锦”、“佐藤锦”、“那翁”、“拉宾斯”和“砂蜜豆” 的贮藏期可达80-100天。果实在25℃下的货架存放时间为2-3天，在低温条件下（3-5℃）的货架时间是6天以上。 2. 高O2浓度气调对甜樱桃果实易造成伤害：用高O2浓度（70% O2 + 0% CO2）气调贮藏甜樱桃，在短期内可以抑制果实腐烂、减少果肉中挥发性代谢产物乙醇含量，但果实中的丙二醛含量上升迅速，褐变加剧，造成高氧伤害。 3. 动态气调贮藏更有利于延长甜樱桃果实的贮藏期：与非动态气调贮藏相比，贮藏前期用较高浓度CO2（20%）处理甜樱桃果实可有效控制维生素C含量的降低，丙二醛含量上升的速率较慢，可明显减少贮藏后期果实褐变和腐烂，保持风味品质。 4. 成熟度较高的甜樱桃果实适合于气调贮藏：成熟度较高（深红色时采收）的甜樱桃果实比成熟度低（鲜红色时采收）的果实耐藏性好。 5. 果实的耐藏性与果皮结构有关：耐藏性强的品种表皮细胞较小，排列紧密，细胞壁和外层蜡脂均较厚，果肉内部的维管束螺纹排列致密，果肉的薄壁细胞也排列得比较致密。 6. MAP与生物药剂配合有利于延长甜樱桃的贮藏期：生物1号药剂与加有TBZ的低密度塑料薄膜袋包装配合使用对控制甜樱桃果实腐烂、抑制果肉乙烯和乙醇生成、保持品质特性和延长贮藏时间都很有效。 7. 膜质过氧化是造成甜樱桃果实褐变的主要因素：甜樱桃果实褐变与PPO活性关系不大，但与膜质过氧化作用的产物—丙二醛（MAD）含量变化显著相关。

The Place of Philosophy in Management

Our purpose is to not to define a particular philosophy of management, but rather to demonstrate some of the ways in which philosophy – ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, logic and æsthetics – contributes to the practice of management. We identify a number of contemporary management questions, procedures or issues where the application of philosophical approaches are relevant, and show how philosophical skills, an understanding of philosophical principles or exposure to philosophical discussion can contribute to improved management practice. In some ways the paper is a report on progress in the quest begun by Nigel Laurie and Christopher Cherry in the first issue of Philosophy of Management, formerly Reason in Practice (2001) when they asked why philosophers have interested themselves so little in the entire field of management. We include some examples where philosophers have written about management, some where managers have shown the direct impact of philosophy on management effectiveness and some where potential remains. In much we see links to process philosophy, and to the need for conversation and reflection by and between managers and philosophers. This does not of itself show how philosophy can contribute to management education. A brief final section discusses the way in which moral creativity skills can be developed through reflection, and describes how this has been done in the Manufacturing Leaders’ Programme at the Institute for Manufacturing at Cambridge and in the International Management Ethics & Values course taught to undergraduate management students in Adelaide, Singapore and Hong Kong. This will be taken up in a subsequent paper.

灌溉方式对樱桃番茄产量和品质的影响

研究灌溉方式对樱桃番茄产量和品质的影响,为番茄栽培过程中合理用水提供理论依据。【方法】采用棚室内小区试验,研究6种灌溉方式(Ⅰ.常规沟灌;Ⅱ.交替沟灌;Ⅲ.固定灌溉种植行;Ⅳ.固定灌溉操作行;Ⅴ.前期采用常规沟灌,结果期采用交替沟灌;Ⅵ.前期采用交替沟灌,结果期采用常规沟灌)对樱桃番茄产量与品质的影响。【结果】不同灌溉方式之间樱桃番茄产量与品质特征值达到极显著差异水平,其中处理Ⅰ和Ⅵ的果形指数、单果质量及产量均极显著高于其他4种处理,果形指数分别为1.22和1.21,平均单果质量高达14.28和14.05g;但处理Ⅱ~Ⅳ的果实糖酸比、VC含量、可溶性固形物含量及干物质含量均极显著高于处理Ⅰ、Ⅵ和Ⅴ,只是造成硝酸盐含量轻度积累。【结论】前期采用交替沟灌,而结果期采用常规沟灌,不仅提高了樱桃番茄的产量与品质,而且还有节水的效果,这种灌溉方式可以在番茄生产中加以推广应用。