bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lagrangian gravity wave spectra in the lower stratosphere of current (re)analyses
Authors: Podglajen Aurélien , Hertzog Albert , Plougonven Riwal , Legras Bernard
Published: August 2020

Abstract. Due to their increasing spatial resolution, numerical weather prediction (NWP) models and the associated analyses resolve a growing fraction of the gravity wave (GW) spectrum. However, it is unclear how well this “resolved” part of the spectrum truly compares to the actual atmospheric variability. In particular, the Lagrangian variability, relevant, for example, to atmospheric dispersion and to microphysical modeling in the upper troposphere–lower stratosphere (UTLS), has not yet been documented in recent products. To address this shortcoming, this paper presents an assessment of the GW spectrum as a function of the intrinsic (air parcel following) frequency in recent (re)analyses (ERA-Interim, ERA5, the ECMWF operational analysis and MERRA-2). Long-duration, quasi-Lagrangian balloon observations in the equatorial and Antarctic lower stratosphere are used as a reference for the atmospheric spectrum and are compared to synthetic balloon observations along trajectories calculated using the wind and temperature fields of the reanalyses. Overall, the reanalyses represent realistic features of the spectrum, notably the spectral gap between planetary and gravity waves and a peak in horizontal kinetic energy associated with inertial waves near the Coriolis frequency f in the polar region. In the tropics, they represent the slope of the spectrum at low frequency. However, the variability is generally underestimated even in the low-frequency portion of the spectrum. In particular, the near-inertial peak, although present in the reanalyses, has a reduced magnitude compared to balloon observations. We compare the observed and modeled variabilities of temperature, zonal momentum flux and vertical wind speed, which are related to low-, mid- and high-frequency waves, respectively. The probability density function (PDF) distributions have similar shapes but show increasing disagreement with increasing intrinsic frequency. Since at those altitudes they are mainly caused by gravity waves, we also compare the geographic distribution of vertical wind fluctuations in the different products, which emphasizes the increase of both GW variance and intermittency with horizontal resolution. Finally, we quantify the fraction of resolved variability and its dependency on model resolution for the different variables. In all (re)analysis products, a significant part of the variability is still missing, especially at high frequencies, and should hence be parameterized.
Among the two polar balloon datasets used, one was broadcast on the Global Telecommunication System for assimilation in NWP models, while the other consists of independent observations (unassimilated in the reanalyses). Comparing the Lagrangian spectra between the two campaigns shows that the (re)analyses are largely influenced by balloon data assimilation, which especially enhances the variance at low GW frequency.
Aircraft-based observation of meteoric material in lower stratospheric aerosol particles between 15 and 68° N
Authors: Schneider Johannes , Weigel Ralf , Klimach Thomas , Dragoneas Antonis , Appel Oliver , Hünig Andreas , Molleker Sergej , Köllner Franziska , Clemen Hans-Christian , Eppers Oliver , Hoppe Peter , Hoor Peter , Mahnke Christoph , Krämer Martina , Rolf Christian , Grooß Jens-Uwe , Zahn Andreas , Obersteiner Florian , Ravegnani Fabrizio , Ulanovsky Alexey , Schlager Hans , Scheibe Monika , Diskin Glenn S. , DiGangi Joshua P. , Nowak John B. , Zöger Martin , Borrmann Stephan
Published: August 2020

Abstract. In this paper we analyze aerosol particle composition measurements from five research missions conducted between 2014 and 2018 sampling the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere (UTLS), to assess the meridional extent of particles containing meteoric material. Additional data sets from a ground based study and from a low altitude aircraft mission are used to confirm the existence of meteoric material in lower tropospheric particles. Single particle laser ablation techniques with bipolar ion detection were used to measure the chemical composition of particles in a size range of approximately 150 nm to 3 μm. The five UTLS aircraft missions cover a latitude range from 15 to 68° N, altitudes up to 21 km, and a potential temperature range from 280 to 480 K. In total, 338 363 single particles were analyzed, of which 147 338 particles were measured in the stratosphere. Of these particles, 50 688 were characterized by high abundances of magnesium, iron, and rare iron oxide compounds, together with sulfuric acid. This particle type was found almost exclusively in the stratosphere (48 610 particles) and is interpreted as meteoric material immersed or dissolved within stratospheric sulfuric acid particles. Below the tropopause, the observed fraction of this particle type decreases sharply. However, small fractional abundances were observed below 3000 m a.s.l. in the Canadian Arctic and also at the Jungfraujoch high altitude station (3600 m a.s.l.). Thus, the removal pathway by sedimentation and/or mixing into the troposphere is confirmed. In the tropical lower stratosphere, only a small fraction (
Correction of a lunar irradiance model for aerosol optical depth retrieval and comparison with star photometer
Authors: Román Roberto , González Ramiro , Toledano Carlos , Barreto África , Pérez-Ramírez Daniel , Benavent-Oltra Jose A. , Olmo Francisco J. , Cachorro Victoria E. , Alados-Arboledas Lucas , de Frutos Ángel M.
Published: August 2020

Abstract. The emergence of Moon photometers is allowing measurements of lunar irradiance over the world and increasing the potential to derive aerosol optical depth (AOD) at night-time, that is very relevant in polar areas. Actually, new photometers implement the latest technological advances that permit lunar irradiance measurements together with classical Sun photometry measurements. However, a proper use of these instruments for AOD retrieval requires accurate time-dependent knowledge of the extraterrestrial lunar irradiance over time, due to its fast change throughout the Moon's cycle. This paper uses the RIMO model (an implementation of the ROLO model) to estimate the AOD at night-time assuming that the calibration of the solar channels can be transferred to the Moon by a vicarious method. However, the obtained AOD values using a Cimel CE318-T Sun/sky/Moon photometer for 98 pristine nights with low and stable AOD at the Izaña Observatory (Tenerife, Spain) are not in agreement with the expected (low and stable) AOD values, estimated by linear interpolations from daytime values obtained during the previous evening and the following morning. Actually, AOD calculated using RIMO shows negative values and with a marked cycle dependent on the optical airmass. The differences between the AOD obtained using RIMO and the expected values are assumed to be associated with inaccuracies in the RIMO model, and these differences are used to calculate the RIMO correction factor (RCF). The RCF is a proposed correction factor that, multiplied by RIMO value, gives an effective extraterrestrial lunar irradiance that provides the expected AOD values. The RCF varies with the Moon phase angle (MPA) and with wavelength, ranging from 1.01 to 1.14, which reveals an overall underestimation of RIMO to the lunar irradiance. These obtained RCF values are modeled for each photometer wavelength to a second order polynomial as function of MPA. The AOD derived by this proposed method is compared with the independent AOD measurements obtained by a star photometer at Granada (Spain) for two years. The mean of the Moon-star AOD differences are between −0.015 and −0.005 and the standard deviation between 0.03 and 0.04 (which is reduced to about 0.01 if one month of data affected by instrumental issues is not included in the analysis), for 440, 500, 675 ad 870 nm; however, for 380 nm, the mean and standard deviation of these differences are higher. The Moon-star AOD differences are also analyzed as a function of MPA, showing no significant dependence.
Rainfall intensification increases the contribution of rewetting pulses to soil heterotrophic respiration
Authors: Manzoni Stefano , Chakrawal Arjun , Fischer Thomas , Schimel Joshua P. , Porporato Amilcare , Vico Giulia
Published: August 2020

Abstract. Soil drying and wetting cycles promote carbon (C) release through
large heterotrophic respiration pulses at rewetting, known as the “Birch”
effect. Empirical evidence shows that drier conditions before rewetting and
larger changes in soil moisture at rewetting cause larger respiration
pulses. Because soil moisture varies in response to rainfall, these
respiration pulses also depend on the random timing and intensity of
precipitation. In addition to rewetting pulses, heterotrophic respiration
continues during soil drying, eventually ceasing when soils are too dry to
sustain microbial activity. The importance of respiration pulses in
contributing to the overall soil heterotrophic respiration flux has been
demonstrated empirically, but no theoretical investigation has so far
evaluated how the relative contribution of these pulses may change along
climatic gradients or as precipitation regimes shift in a given location. To
fill this gap, we start by assuming that heterotrophic respiration rates
during soil drying and pulses at rewetting can be treated as random
variables dependent on soil moisture fluctuations, and we develop a stochastic
model for soil heterotrophic respiration rates that analytically links the
statistical properties of respiration to those of precipitation. Model
results show that both the mean rewetting pulse respiration and the mean
respiration during drying increase with increasing mean precipitation.
However, the contribution of respiration pulses to the total heterotrophic
respiration increases with decreasing precipitation frequency and to a
lesser degree with decreasing precipitation depth, leading to an overall
higher contribution of respiration pulses under future more intermittent and
intense precipitation. Specifically, higher rainfall intermittency at
constant total rainfall can increase the contribution of respiration pulses
up to ∼10 % or 20 % of the total heterotrophic respiration in
mineral and organic soils, respectively. Moreover, the variability of both
components of soil heterotrophic respiration is also predicted to increase
under these conditions. Therefore, with future more intermittent
precipitation, respiration pulses and the associated nutrient release will
intensify and become more variable, contributing more to soil biogeochemical
cycling.
Environmental controls on ecosystem-scale cold-season methane and carbon dioxide fluxes in an Arctic tundra ecosystem
Authors: Howard Dean , Agnan Yannick , Helmig Detlev , Yang Yu , Obrist Daniel
Published: August 2020

Abstract. Understanding the processes that influence and control carbon cycling in Arctic tundra ecosystems is essential for making accurate predictions about what role these ecosystems will play in potential future climate change scenarios. Particularly, air–surface fluxes of methane and carbon dioxide are of interest as recent observations suggest that the vast stores of soil carbon found in the Arctic tundra are becoming more available to release to the atmosphere in the form of these greenhouse gases. Further, harsh wintertime conditions and complex logistics have limited the number of year-round and cold-season studies and hence too our understanding of carbon cycle processes during these periods. We present here a two-year micrometeorological data set of methane and carbon dioxide fluxes, along with supporting soil pore gas profiles, that provide near-continuous data throughout the active summer and cold winter seasons. Net emission of methane and carbon dioxide in one of the study years totalled 3.7 and 89 g C m−2 a−1 respectively, with cold-season methane emission representing 54 % of the annual total. In the other year, net emission totals of methane and carbon dioxide were 4.9 and 485 g C m−2 a−1 respectively, with cold-season methane emission here representing 82 % of the annual total – a larger proportion than has been previously reported in the Arctic tundra. Regression tree analysis suggests that, due to relatively warmer air temperatures and deeper snow depths, deeper soil horizons – where most microbial methanogenic activity takes place – remained warm enough to maintain efficient methane production whilst surface soil temperatures were simultaneously cold enough to limit microbial methanotrophic activity. These results provide valuable insight into how a changing Arctic climate may impact methane emission, and highlight a need to focus on soil temperatures throughout the entire active soil profile, rather than rely on air temperature as a proxy for modelling temperature–methane flux dynamics.
Factors controlling Carex brevicuspis leaf litter decomposition and its contribution to surface soil organic carbon pool at different water levels
Authors: Zhu Lianlian , Deng Zhengmiao , Xie Yonghong , Li Xu , Li Feng , Chen Xinsheng , Zou Yeai , Zhang Chengyi , Wang Wei
Published: August 2020

Abstract. Litter decomposition plays a vital role in wetland carbon cycling. However, the contribution of aboveground litter decomposition to the wetland soil organic carbon (SOC) pool has not yet been quantified. Here, we conducted a Carex brevicuspis leaf litter input experiment to clarify the intrinsic factors controlling litter decomposition and quantify it's contribution to SOC pool at different water levels. This species is ubiquitous to global freshwater wetlands. We sampled this plant leaf litter at −25, 0, and +25 cm relative to the soil surface over 280 days and analysed leaf litter decomposition and its contribution to the SOC pool. The mass loss and carbon release rates were the highest at +25 cm water level, followed by the 0 cm water level. The rates of these parameters were the lowest at −25 cm water level. Significant amounts of litter carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus were released at all three water levels. Litter input significantly increased the soil microbial biomass and fungal density but had nonsignificant impacts on soil bacteria, actinomycetes, and fungal/bacterial concentrations at all three water levels. Compared with litter removal, litter application increased the SOC by 25.12 %, 9.58 %, and 4.98 % at the +25 cm, 0 cm, and −25 cm water levels, respectively. Hence, higher water levels facilitate the release of organic carbon from leaf litter into the soil via water leaching. In this way, they strengthen the soil carbon pool. At lower water levels, soil carbon is lost as the slower litter decomposition rate and active microbial (actinomycete) respiration. Our results revealed that the water level in natural wetlands influences litter decomposition mainly by leaching and microbial activity, by extension, affects wetland surface carbon pool.
Characterizing the origin of excess dissolved organic carbon in
coastal seawater using stable carbon isotope and light absorption
characteristics
Authors: Han Heejun , Hwang Jeomshik , Kim Guebuem
Published: August 2020

Abstract. In order to determine the origins of dissolved organic matter (DOM) occurring in coastal seawater of the Sihwa Lake, South Korea, which is semi-enclosed by a dyke, we measured the stable carbon isotopic ratio of dissolved organic carbon (DOC-δ13C) and optical properties (absorbance and fluorescence) of the DOM in two different seasons (March 2017 and September 2018). The concentrations of DOC were generally higher in lower-salinity waters in both periods, while a significant excess of DOC was observed in 2017 in the same salinity range. The main source of DOC, dependent on salinity, was found to be from marine sediments in the freshwater-seawater mixing zone rather than from terrestrial sources based on the DOC-δ13C values (−20.7±1.2 ‰) and good correlations among DOC, humic-like fluorescent DOM (FDOMH), and NH4+ concentrations. However, the excess DOC observed in 2017 seems to originate from terrestrial sources by direct land-seawater interactions rather than from in-situ biological production, considering the lower DOC-δ13C values (−27.8 ‰ to −22.6 ‰) and higher spectral slope ratio (SR) of light absorbance, without increases in FDOMH and NH4+ concentrations. This terrestrial DOM source could have been exposed to light and bacterial degradation for a long time, resulting in nonfluorescent and low-molecular-weight DOM, as this study area is surrounded by the reclaimed land. Our results suggest that the combination of these biogeochemical tools can be a powerful tracer of coastal DOM sources.
Snow profile alignment and similarity assessment for aggregating,
clustering, and evaluating of snowpack model output for avalanche
forecasting
Authors: Herla Florian , Horton Simon , Mair Patrick , Haegeli Pascal
Published: August 2020

Abstract. Snowpack models simulate the evolution of the snow stratigraphy based on meteorological inputs and have the potential to support avalanche risk management operations with complementary information relevant to their avalanche hazard assessment, especially in data-sparse regions or at times of unfavorable weather and hazard conditions. However, the adoption of snowpack models in operational avalanche forecasting has been limited, predominantly due to missing data processing algorithms and uncertainty around model validity. Thus, to enhance the usefulness of snowpack models for the avalanche industry, numerical methods are required that evaluate and summarize snowpack model output in accessible and relevant ways. We present algorithms that compare and assess generic snowpack data from both human observations and models. Our approach exploits Dynamic Time Warping, a well-established method in the data sciences, to match layers between snow profiles and thereby align them. The similarity of the aligned profiles is then evaluated by our independent similarity measure based on characteristics relevant for avalanche hazard assessment. Since our methods provide the necessary quantitative link to data clustering and aggregating methods, we demonstrate how snowpack model output can be grouped and summarized according to similar hazard conditions. Through emulating a human avalanche hazard assessment approach, our methods aim to promote the operational application of snowpack models so that avalanche forecasters can begin to build understanding in how to interpret and when to trust operational snowpack simulations.
Socio-Hydrologic Modeling of the Dynamics of Cooperation in the Transboundary Lancang-Mekong River
Authors: Lu You , Tian Fuqiang , Guo Liying , Borzi Iolanda , Patil Rupesh , Wei Jing , Liu Dengfeng , Wei Yongping , Yu David J. , Sivapalan Murugesu
Published: August 2020

Abstract. The transboundary Lancang-Mekong River Basin has experienced dynamics of cooperation over the past several decades, which is a common emergent response in transboundary human-water systems. Downstream countries rely on Mekong River for fisheries, agriculture, etc., while upstream countries have been constructing dams to generate hydropower. The dam construction and operation in upstream countries have changed the seasonality of streamflow in downstream countries, affecting their economic benefits. More recently, cooperation between upstream and downstream countries has been enhanced throughout the river basin. In this study, we introduce a quantitative socio-hydrological model to simulate hydrological processes, reservoir operations, economic benefits, policy feedbacks and therefore dynamics of cooperation within the Lancang-Mekong River basin. The model reproduces the observed dynamics of cooperation in the basin revealed by sentiment analysis of news articles. Hydrological variability such as droughts and human activities associated with reservoir operations affect dynamics of cooperation between the riparian countries, with importance attached to indirect political benefits of upstream playing an important role in the enhancement of cooperation. In this way, our study generated understanding of emergent cooperation dynamics in this transboundary river basin, and the socio-hydrological model used here provides a useful new framework to investigate and improve transboundary water management elsewhere.
The potential of big data and machine learning for weather index insurance
Authors: Cesarini Luigi , Figueiredo Rui , Monteleone Beatrice , Martina Mario Lloyd Virgilio
Published: August 2020

Abstract. Weather index insurance is an innovative tool in risk transfer for disasters induced by natural hazards. This paper proposes a methodology that uses machine learning algorithms for the identification of extreme flood and drought events aimed at reducing the basis risk connected to this kind of insurance mechanism. The model types selected for this study were the neural network and the support vector machine, vastly adopted for classification problems, which were built exploring thousands of possible configurations based on the combination of different model parameters. The models were developed and tested in the Dominican Republic context, based on data from multiple sources covering a time period between 2000 and 2019. Using rainfall and soil moisture data, the machine learning algorithms provided a strong improvement when compared to logistic regression models, used as a baseline for both hazards. Furthermore, increasing the number of information provided during the training of the models proved to be beneficial to the performances, increasing their classification accuracy and confirming the ability of these algorithms to exploit big data and their potential for application within index insurance products.
First Investigation of Perennial Ice in Winter Wonderland Cave, Uinta Mountains, Utah, USA
Authors: Munroe Jeffrey S.
Published: August 2020

Abstract. Winter Wonderland Cave is a solution cave at an elevation of 3140 m above sea level in Carboniferous-age Madison Limestone on the southern slope of the Uinta Mountains (Utah, USA). Temperature dataloggers reveal that the mean annual air temperature (MAAT) in the main part of the cave is −0.8 °C, whereas the entrance chamber has a MAAT of −2.3 °C. The MAAT outside the cave entrance was +2.8 °C between August 2016 and August 2018. Temperature in excess of 0 °C were not recorded inside the cave during that 2-year interval. About half of the accessible cave, which has a mapped length of 245 m, is floored by perennial ice. Field and laboratory investigations were conducted to determine the age and origin of this ice and its possible paleoclimate significance. Ground penetrating radar surveys with a 400-MHz antenna reveal that the ice has a maximum thickness of ~ 3 m. Samples of packrat (Neotoma) droppings obtained from the ice in the main part of the cave yielded radiocarbon ages from 40 ± 30 to 285 ± 12 years. These results correspond with median calibrated ages from AD 1645 to 1865, suggesting that most of the ice accumulated during the Little Ice Age. Samples collected from a ~ 2-m high exposure of layered ice were analysed for stable isotopes and glaciochemistry. Most values of δ18O and δD range plot subparallel to the global meteoric water line with a slope of 7.5 with an intercept of 0.03 ‰. Values from some individual layers depart from this local water line suggesting that they formed during close-system freezing. In general, values of both δ18O and δD are lowest in the deepest ice, and highest at the top. This trend is interpreted as a shift in the relative abundance of depleted winter precipitation and enriched summer precipitation over time. Calcium has the highest average abundance of cations detectable in the ice (mean of 6050 ppb), followed by Al (2270 ppb), Mg (830 ppb), and K (690 ppb). Most elements are more abundant in the younger ice, possibly reflecting reduced rates of infiltration that prolonged water-rock contact in the epikarst. Abundances of Al and Ni likely reflect eolian dust incorporated in the ice. Liquid water appeared in the cave in August 2018 and August 2019, apparently for the first time in many years. This could be a sign of a significant change in the cave environment.
Morphometric traits of shells determine external attack and internal utilization marks in the Roman snail in eastern Germany
Authors: Tluste Claudia , Bröring Udo , Němec Tomáš , Birkhofer Klaus
Published: August 2020

Abstract. Overexploitation, habitat destruction and a changing climate threaten populations of the Roman snail (Helix pomatia Linnaeus, 1758), which has led to a high protection status in Germany. Vertebrate and invertebrate predators, including parasites and facultative parasitoids, further cause pressure on populations. Given the conservation concern for H. pomatia and its rarity in the study region (Cottbus, Germany), we studied how predators and facultative parasitoids utilize H. pomatia shells with a focus on non-invasive field methods. As previous studies indicated that shell size may affect prey selection by predators, morphometric traits were measured in eight subpopulations. We identified the total number and percentage of H. pomatia shells that showed external attack marks by predators and internal utilization marks by Diptera pupae and related those utilization patterns to the morphometric traits of shells. A large proportion of the shells in local subpopulations showed signs of external attack and internal utilization, and both utilization forms were positively correlated. External attacks by predators were more frequent in larger shells and internal utilization by Diptera was more common in shells with higher body density. These results suggest a considerable pressure by predators and potential facultative parasitoids on H. pomatia populations in the study area. Future research should focus on the relationship between snails from the family Helicidae and flies from the genus Discomyza. Conservation programmes should consider abiotic habitat conditions together with potential trophic interactions to maximize the success of conservation strategies.
Secondary forest succession in Silver birch (Betula pendula Roth) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) southern limits in Europe, in a site of Natura 2000 network – an ecogeographical approach
Authors: Oikonomakis Nikolaos Georgios , Ganatsas Petros
Published: August 2020

Aim of the study: To investigate the secondary forest succession in the study area and the pathways of its spread and the existing environmental, autecological factors and possible inter-specific competition relationships.Area of study: The study area is a Site of Natura 2000 network in northern Greece dominated by two pioneer forest species, Betula pendula and Pinus sylvestris. Study area is the southern limit of Silver birch in Europe and genotypes of these forests may be important due to the anticipated global increase of temperature and the forthcoming climate change.Materials and methods: The main forest types studied were: pure forests of B. pendula and P. sylvestris and mixed forests of these two main species. To study the expansion of forests in the area, a spatial analysis was performed based on geographical data. To detect forest changes, the rate thereof and their specific spatial distribution and preferences, a statistical analysis was performed.Main results: Approximately 60% of the studied area in 1945 was transformed from grasslands/barelands to forests. The composition of new forests was found to be different from the old ones. The rate of forest establishment in the first years was lower than in the latter years. All factors examined played an important role to the expansion of forest exept slope.Research highlights: Distance from the old stands played the most determining role to new forest structure and composition. Inter-specific competition results to the formation of pure stands, as indicated by the older stands.Keywords: secondary forest succession; Betula pendula; GIS; spatial analysis; forest species competition; forest species distribution.
The Formation of Key Competences in the Training Process of Preschool Education Specialists (Experience of the United Kingdom, Germany, Ukraine)
Authors: Zdanevych Larysa V. , Kruty Kateryna L. , Tsehelnyk Tetianа M. , Pisotska Leonida S. , Kazakova Nataliia V.
Published: August 2020

The article outlines the main prerequisites for the transformation of modern competences in the training process of preschool education specialists (experience of the United Kingdom, Germany, Ukraine). Differences in the training of future preschool education specialists are found in the structure and content of educational programs (curriculums), namely: the bachelor’s training of preschool teachers is applied in Germany, as well as master’s programs for training of preschool education specialists; the development of new forms and methods of teaching occupies an important place in advancing of professional teacher education in the UK; they make it possible to create the future teachers’ ability for independent and critical thinking, the practical application of acquired knowledge and experience in educational research, role-based and simulation modeling, and creative search. In terms of professional competences, the most advanced training system of preschool teachers is revealed in the UK. However, in Germany, the process of training specialists in preschool education area was determined by institutional decisions, where preschool education was a form of childcare and part of social security. The United Kingdom is characterized by a longstanding tradition of a detailed, comprehensive framework of teacher’s competences for training of preschool teachers. Therefore, one of the core competences is professionalism and standards in combination with such competences, as: values, knowledge and skills. As opposed to Germany and the United Kingdom, in Ukraine the formation of key competences in the process of training specialists in preschool education is primarily based on professional basic knowledge and skills, values and attitudes, motives of pedagogical activity.
The Role of Teachers in the Organization of Inclusive Education of Primary School Pupils
Authors: Shevchenko Yuliia M. , Dubiaha Svitlana M. , Melash Valentyna D. , Fefilova Tetyana V. , Saenko Yulia О.
Published: August 2020

The article highlights the models of inclusive education of Italy, Germany, Sweden, Norway, and Great Britain. Inclusion models can be classified into three basic ones, according to the ratio of the number of primary school-aged children at general and specialized schools, namely: full inclusion, partial inclusion with a predominance of pupils at general schools, partial inclusion with a predominance of pupils at specialized schools. Full inclusion is present in Italy and Norway, partial inclusion with a predominance of students at specialized schools is observed in Sweden (88.40%), partial inclusion with a predominance of students at general schools is present in Germany and the UK.Models of inclusion differ on the following aspects: legal regulation, funding and amounts of financing for teachers’ trainings, initial and ongoing teachers’ training, an approach to the organization of inclusive education (partnership, peer-to-peer approach, centralized, decentralized), the practice of exchanging experiences of inclusion’s organization within the country, the ratio of the number of primary school-aged children at general and specialized schools. The factors specified determine the role of teachers in the organization of inclusive education of primary school pupils. In countries, support and assistance of teachers is provided at different institutional levels: in Germany – through the center for psychological and pedagogical support, inclusion support services; in Great Britain – by assistants; in Italy – by consultants, healthcare service professionals; in Sweden – through resource centers; in Norway – through state centers. Support of teachers’ professional development throughout life and teachers’ financial motivation have been introduced in the countries; thus, these measures have a positive effect on the integration of primary school pupils in the society.
Formation of Students’ Competence of Tertiary Educational Institutions by Practical Training Aids
Authors: Kuzmina Mariia O. , Protas Oksana L. , Fartushok Tetiana V. , Raievska Yana M. , Ivanova Iryna B.
Published: August 2020

The purpose of the scientific article is aimed at studying the features of students’ competenceformation at tertiary educational institutions by practical training aids. To reveal the purpose of a scientific article, methods of theoretical analysis and synthesis have been used (to study the theoretical framework of students’ competence formation at tertiary educational institutions by practical training aids) and methods of comparison, grouping and concretization (to analyze and assess the practical results of students’ competence formation at tertiary educational institutions by practical training aids). The practical results of the study are presented through: the results of assessing students’ knowledge of Mathematics, Reading and Science, according to the PISA program; dynamics and structure of the number of students enrolled in tertiary education; the proportion of undergraduate students in% of the population at the age of 20-24 years old. According to the results of the PISA program, developed by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), it has been found that Austria, Belgium and Germany have the highest average scores in Mathematics, Reading and Science, compared to the average scores in OECD countries. It has been established that in Ukraine the average students’score in Mathematics in 2018 is lower than the average score in OECD countries by 21 points, in Reading - by 36 points, and in Science - by 20 points. In the course of the study it hasbeenestablished that currentlyeducators use the following practical training aids for the formation of students’ competence in the learning process, namely: introduction of a modular academic program in the educational process, providing the necessary level of theoretical basis, implementation of introductory,educational, training, undergraduate practices, work experience internship in the educational process of students’ training, application of information, innovation and interactive technologies in the educational process, teaching and training of students in accordance with the requirements of the labor market and employers, ensuring cooperation between tertiary educational institutionsin the framework of student exchange programs.
Psycholinguistic Background of Training English Discussion Skills in Students of Philology Departments
Authors: Pysanko Mariia L. , Zaytseva Iryna V. , Lysenko Olena A. , Liahina Iryna A. , Zvereva Maryna A.
Published: August 2020

The efficiency of training of students of Philology Departments depends on the level of their communicative skills, that is, their abilities to participate in spontaneous discussion. This arises the issue of training these skills in the English majors. The research intends to determine and analyse the psychological background of Training English discussion skills in students of Philology Departments, to substantiate the difficulties that may arise at the initial stage. The authors analysed theoretical findings and practitioners’ experience on discussion skills training. The survey determined motives of Ukrainian university students for participation in discussions and the obstacles that may arise. The article identifies the attitude of students of Philology Departments towards the problems and issues to be discussed, and the most urgent, interesting and challenging topics for the discussion. The discussion is characterised by the role of communication, motivation, cotextuality, spontaneity, emotional colouring, and the topic of discussion. Age peculiarities of the first-year students have an impact on the learning process and may complicate it. As a social group, students are characterised by confidence in their future profession, a stable attitude towards the chosen profession, while the level of the students’ perceptions of their profession directly correlates with the level of their attitude towards the studies. The results of the survey prove the students’ high motivation, their readiness to communicate and participate in discussions organised by the teachers in class. The topics and problems suggested included personally, professionally, socially and socio-culturally related issues that can be discussed. The most part of the students chose ‘youth problems’ (57%) as the most urgent. The survey gives the opportunity to determine four groups of difficulties/obstacles that most of the students come across when participating in English discussion: psycholinguistic (caused by the nature of the dialogical speech); linguistic (caused by the language); psychological (caused by students); methodological (caused by teaching methods). The findings can be taken into account while conducting the further research on the problem of developing curricula, syllabus, teaching materials and manuals for teaching English as the major in the universities.
Special Features of Foreign-Languages Teaching at Higher Education Institution
Authors: Petrenko Oksana V. , Andriushchenko Iana E. , Truba Hanna M. , Shcherbytska Vladyslava V. , Syniavska Lesia I.
Published: August 2020

The trend towards the development of intercultural communicative competences of students, the use of interactive teaching methods, the changing role of a teacher to a consultant in the teaching process necessitates highlighting the level of perception, knowledge and views of teachers on the intercultural approach in teaching. Based on the study of the experience of EU countries in the implementation of intercultural approach in the teaching of foreign languages and an enquiry of 32 teachers, the level of teachers’ perception of the intercultural approach was assessed. We have established the next points: 1) changes in the social and economic context require new approaches to the organization and provision of foreign language education; 2) shifting away from linguistic purity and correctness and the priority of a democratic society, openness to different cultures. This indicates that the social and educational environments are multilingual. The study proves a positive perception in increasing the level of knowledge concerning teachers’ intercultural communicative competences. Teachers confirm the importance of implementing an intercultural approach in teaching foreign languages. The scientific paper proves the convergence of developing countries, to advanced countries in the implementation of an intercultural approach to teaching foreign languagesat the local level. Nevertheless, the perception of intercultural competences as the best approach to teaching is at a mean level in Ukraine compared to EU countries.
International Cooperation among Tertiary Educational Institutions: Trends and Prospects
Authors: Kiselova Mariia M. , Hudovsek Oksana A. , Bykova Svitlana V. , Tsybanyk Oleksandra O. , Chagovets Alla I.
Published: August 2020

Within the conditions of rapid development of internationalization processes, the scale of international cooperation between tertiary educational institutions is growing at a quick rate. Currently, the practice of international cooperation between tertiary educational institutions is the most commonly encountered in the form of: international exchange of apllicants of tertiary education (students), teachers (educators), scientists; holding conferences, round tables, symposiums; exchange of information and data on improving the efficiency of the educational process. Therefore, the list of the above mentioned types of international cooperation between tertiary educational institutions is not exhaustive and is constantly updated. Based on the foregoing, the aim of the scientific article is to study the theoretical and practical aspects of international cooperation among tertiary educational institutions in the framework of determining current trends and future prospects for the development of such relations. Methods of analysis, synthesis, observation, description and comparison have been used to disclosure the theoretical and practical aspects of international cooperation among tertiary educational institutions in the framework of determining current trends and future prospects for the development of such relations. The scientific article has discussed and analyzed the dynamics of the students’ mobility from abroad, enrolled in tertiary education, as well as the level of students’ mobility in areas of the corresponding level of higher education in such countries, as: Germany, the Czech Republic and Sweden. The peculiarities of the functioning of the following international networks and university wide projects and platforms have been determined, namely: ACCESS, CALIE, European University Association, Eutopia, Inspireurope, International Association of Universities, MIRAI, Nordic Association of University Administrators, Nordic Centre India, Nordic Centre Fudan University, Nordic Institute of Asian Studies, SGroup European Universities’ Network, SANORD, Scholars at risk, SASUF, which have been formed as a result of international cooperation among tertiary educational institutions. According to the data of the European University Association, it has been established that tertiary educational institutions of Ukraine also take an active part in the system of international cooperation. For instance, 26 tertiary educational institutions of Ukraine act as Individual Full Members and Individual Associate Members of the European University Association. It has been established that the basic areas of international cooperation among tertiary educational institutions include: the development of international mobility in the framework of the exchange not only of students, but also of educators, researchers, and administrative staff; joint teaching and investigation activities; research cooperation.
Assessment of Low-cost Postharvest Techniques to Reduce Storage Losses in Sweet Potato
Authors: Sugri Issah , Maalekuu Bonaventure Kissinger , Gaveh Eli , Kusi Francis , Lamini Salim
Published: August 2020

Sweet potato is now classified among the high-priority crops targeted at reducing food insecurity and malnutrition in many countries. Despite this growing interest, high postharvest losses caused by poor handling, physiological weight loss, sprouting, weevil (Cylas spp.) damage and microbial decay remain a challenge. Decay losses due to tip rot and other pathogenic fungi are a challenge in Ghana. Incidence of tip rot, which is characterized by a dry decay at either or both ends of roots, is severe due to late harvesting of roots which are intended for storage. This study evaluated a series of postharvest techniques which can be integrated to extend shelf-life in small scale storage. These include harvest maturity, root tip coppicing, hot water treatment, honey waxing and sanitizing in postharvest chemicals. Tip coppicing significantly (P<0.001) reduced the incidence of tip rot across the varieties when stored for 8 weeks, but dipping roots in different oils did not significantly (P<0.05) reduce tip rot incidence. Decay losses in the control and hot water treated roots were similar during the first 4 weeks after storage, but later losses were significantly severe in hot water treated roots. The range of fungi genera identified in this study are generally fungal endophytes; often symptomless in roots but become pathogenic when conditions are favourable. Due to the root thin skin, mechanical injuries during harvesting and handling become infection pathways for such pathogens. Therefore, integration of best practices at each step of harvesting and postharvest handling operations can significantly minimize decay losses.
De politie als nationale hulpverlener
Authors: Janssen Milou , van Buuren Jelle
Published: August 2020

The police as national social worker

Incidents involving persons with ‘confused behavior’ are an important and topical theme in Dutch society. The police are often the first to be involved in these incidents because they are the only public organization that has a 24/7 presence on the streets. In 2019, the police registered 96,000 reports of persons who showed confused behavior. It is therefore not surprising that the police have repeatedly drawn political-administrative attention to this situation and indicated that the limits have been reached. That raises the question of how police officers deal with a situation that has actually grown above their heads in daily practice. In this research, based on the theory of street-level bureaucracy introduced by Lipsky, it was investigated how police officers in The Hague use their discretion to cope with this difficult reality.
Bestuursrechtelijke victimologie
Authors: van der Vorm Benny
Published: August 2020

Administrative victimology. Empirical-legal research on the victim in the administrative procedure

The victim’s position in Dutch criminal law has been strengthened. There has been an emancipation of the victim in criminal law. However, not much attention is being paid on the role and position of the victim in the Dutch administrative procedure. This article explores the scope of what is called ‘Administrative victimology’. Administrative victimology is an empirical science that deals with the position and legal role of the victim in the administrative procedure. It is expected that this ‘new’ type of victimology will become more important in the years to come.
Integriteitstoezicht op aanbieders van cryptodiensten
Authors: Aelen Margot , Prince Hugo
Published: August 2020

Integriteitstoezicht op aanbieders van cryptodiensten

In Nederland is de herziene vierde anti-witwasrichtlijn (AMLD5) geïmplementeerd in onder andere de Wet ter voorkoming van witwassen en terrorismefinanciering (Wwft). De herzieningen zijn per 21 mei 2020 van kracht geworden. Een van de belangrijkste wijzigingen die in de Wwft is doorgevoerd betreft de uitbreiding van de reikwijdte van de wet naar twee typen aanbieders van cryptodiensten, te weten aanbieders van wisseldiensten voor het wisselen tussen crypto’s en fiat geld en aanbieders van custodian wallets. De Nederlandse Bank (DNB) is toezichthouder op deze nieuwe aanbieders en heeft er daarmee een nieuwe taak bij.
De franchisegever immuun? Afdeling oordeelt over overtrederbegrip bij franchiseformules in de zorg
Authors: Boertjens Jos
Published: August 2020

De franchisegever immuun? Afdeling oordeelt over overtrederbegrip bij franchiseformules in de zorg. Notenkraker bij de uitspraak van de ABRvS van 24 juli 2019 in de zaak tussen de minister van VWS en ‘De Drie Notenboomen B.V.’ (overtreder begrip in het toezicht)

In deze notenkraker staat een uitspraak centraal over de vraag, of een franchisegever (de Drie Notenboomen B.V.) in de zorg, verantwoordelijk kan worden gehouden voor handelingen van de franchisenemers (de zorglocaties). Aanleiding vormde een veiligheidsincident op één van de zorglocaties. De Afdeling oordeelt dat in deze situatie de franchisegever niet als overtreder kan worden aangemerkt, omdat deze – kort gezegd – voornamelijk zou toezien op de franchiseformule en niet op de feitelijke zorglevering. Naast een bespreking van de uitspraak wordt ingegaan op de mogelijkheid om een partij, wanneer die niet geldt als overtreder, als ‘medepleger’ aan te merken.