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Innovative Features (innovative + feature)
Selected AbstractsClimate for crops: integrating climate data with information about soils and crop requirements to reduce risks in agricultural decision-makingMETEOROLOGICAL APPLICATIONS, Issue 4 2006D. S. Wratt Abstract Locally applicable information about climate and soil properties can help farmers identify opportunities and reduce risks associated with changing to new land uses. This article describes techniques for preparing high-resolution regional maps and GIS surfaces of agriculturally relevant climate parameters. Ways of combining these climate surfaces with soil data and information about the physical requirements of crops to identify areas likely to be the most suitable for new high-value crops are then outlined. Innovative features include methods for merging observations from temporary climate stations installed for one to two years in conjunction with longer-term climate station observations to improve input data for the maps, and techniques for mapping quantiles of climatic factors that may constrain agricultural operations. Examples are the expected ,one-in-five year' first and last frost dates, and the ,one-in-five year' lowest and highest seasonal rainfalls. The use of night-time satellite infrared observations to improve spatial resolution of frost hazard maps is also described. Typical standard errors of these climate mapping techniques are summarised. The benefits of ongoing consultation with local farmers and local government staff during the design and implementation of climate/soil/crop potential studies are described. These include optimising products to meet local needs, quality control of the resulting maps and GIS surfaces through local knowledge, and improved uptake of information by users. Further applications of techniques described in this paper include products useful to the energy sector, preparation of daily gridded climate data estimates for use in water quality and plant growth modelling, and development of regional climate change scenarios. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Good helping relationships in child welfare: learning from stories of successCHILD & FAMILY SOCIAL WORK, Issue 1 2007Catherine De Boer ABSTRACT This study involved in-depth exploration of good helping relationships in child welfare. A select sample of six child welfare worker,client dyads was interviewed to determine worker attributes and actions that were key to the development of good working relationships. Innovative features of the research design, such as a multiple interview format with two individual and one joint interview for each worker and client (five interviews per dyad) and opportunities for the worker and client in each dyad to reflect on and respond to the other's interview transcripts, produced rich data and revealed high levels of congruency among workers, clients and researchers about worker relationship competencies. Two categories of themes that emerged from the qualitative analysis are discussed: (1) soft, mindful and judicious use of power; and (2) humanistic attitude and style that stretches traditional professional ways-of-being. Implications for the hiring, education and training, and supervision of child welfare workers are presented. [source] Interactive Web-based package for computer-aided learning of structural behaviorCOMPUTER APPLICATIONS IN ENGINEERING EDUCATION, Issue 3 2002X. F. Yuan Abstract This paper presents an innovative Web-based package named CALSB for computer-aided learning of structural behavior. The package was designed to be widely accessible through the Internet, user-friendly by the automation of many input functions and the extensive use of cursor movements, and dynamically interactive by linking all input and output data to a single graphical display on the screen. The package includes an analysis engine based on the matrix stiffness method, so the response of any two-dimensional skeletal structure can be predicted and graphically displayed. The package thus provides a virtual laboratory environment in which the user can "build and test" two-dimensional skeletal structures of unlimited choices to enhance his understanding of structural behavior. In addition, the package includes two other innovative features, structural games and paradoxes. The structural games in the package represent perhaps the first attempt at intentionally combining the learning of structural behavior with joy and excitement, while the structural paradoxes provide a stimulating environment conducive for the development of creative problem solving skills of the user. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 10: 121,136, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com); DOI 10.1002/cae.10020 [source] Titian's three-altar project in the Venetian church of San Salvador: strategies of self-representation by members of the Scuola Grande di San RoccoRENAISSANCE STUDIES, Issue 4 2001D Bohde In the Venetian church of San Salvador there are two altarpieces by Titian, the Transfiguration and the Annunciation. A third altarpiece by him, a Crucifixion, was also planned, but never erected. Together they were supposed to display a christological programme. The paper argues that the three altarpieces were co-ordinated by Titian and the patrons of the two side altars. These patrons were non-noble merchants, involved like Titian in the Scuola Grande di San Rocco. Many members of this lay confraternity desired a tomb or an altar in San Salvador, an important church near the Rialto. A history of the commissions for these altars and tombs reveals how cittadini acted in an area traditionally dominated by patricians. Their strategy of adapting to Venetian traditions on the one hand, and of developing their own modes of representation on the other, is most evident in Titian's patrons. A closer examination of Titian's Annunciation demonstrates how the painter and the patron dealt with such a crucial theme for the myth of Venice. Titian affirmed the traditional iconography of the Annunziata, but provided it with highly innovative features: the open brushwork and the unusual physicality of the holy figures express the incarnation of the divine Word. [source] Dodging matrix effects in liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometric assays,compilation of key learnings and perspectivesBIOMEDICAL CHROMATOGRAPHY, Issue 5 2009Nuggehally R. Srinivas Abstract Triple quad liquid chromatography mass spectrometric assays (LC/MS/MS) have revolutionized the analysis of drug(s)/metabolite(s) with exceptional speed, sensitivity and selectivity features. From inception to date, several new and innovative features have been regularly proposed by researchers to further enhance the value in the applicability of this analytical tool. However, owing to such compressed run times and scanty sample preparation procedures, LC/MS/MS assays that are not fully optimized generally have issues of matrix effects, where ionization potential is either suppressed or enhanced due to the presence of other materials (endogenous/exogenous) in the matrix. By definition, even co-medications, isomeric or isobaric impurities, and drug excipients used in dosing solutions could also potentially contribute to matrix effects. This article captures some of the interesting work carried out by researchers to understand and handle matrix effects. Additionally, it provides perspectives to effectively deal with matrix effects. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Clinical use and research applications of Heidelberg retinal angiography and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography , a reviewCLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL OPHTHALMOLOGY, Issue 1 2009Andrea Hassenstein MD Abstract Fluorescein angiography (FA) was discovered by Nowotny and Alvis in the 1960s of the 20th century and has evolved to become the ,Gold standard' for macular diagnostics. Scanning laser imaging technology achieved enhancement of contrast and resolution. The combined Heidelberg retina angiograph (HRA2) adds novel innovative features to established fundus cameras. The principle of confocal scanning laser imaging provides a high resolution of retinal and choroidal vasculature with low light exposure providing comfort and safety for the patient. Enhanced contrast, details and image sharpness image are generated using confocality. For the visualization of the choroid an indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) is the most suitable application. The main indications for ICGA are age-related macular degeneration, choroidal polypoidal vasculopathy and choroidal haemangiomas. Simultaneous digital FA and ICGA images with three-dimensional resolution offer improved diagnosis of retinal and choroidal pathologies. High-speed ICGA dynamic imaging can identify feeder vessels and retinal choroidal anastomoses, ensuring safer treatment of choroidal neovascularization. Autofluorescence imaging and fundus reflectance imaging with blue and infrared light offer new follow-up parameters for retinal diseases. Finally, the real-time optical coherence tomography provides a new level of accuracy for assessment of the angiographic and morphological correlation. The combination of various macular diagnostic tools, such as infrared, blue reflectance, fundus autofluorescence, FA, ICGA and also spectral domain optical coherence tomography, lead to a better understanding and improved knowledge of macular diseases. [source] | ||||||||||