bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
L'alphabétisation numérique et la participation familiale à l'école
Authors: Aguilar Maria Carmen , Leiva Juan , Urbano Antonio
Published: January 2015

Cet article a pour but de présenter les premiers résultats issus de la recherche « Ouvrir des chemins de participation de la famille à l’école avec les Technologies de l’Information et de la Communication », menée à l’Université de Málaga (Espagne). L’objectif de cette étude est, d’une part, d’évaluer la participation de la famille à l’école et, d’autre part, d’observer si l’alphabétisation numérique des familles est incluse dans cette participation. L’approche méthodologique est mixte, quantitative et qualitative. Les participants sont les professeurs, les familles et les coordinateurs de six écoles d’éducation enfantine et primaire. Les questionnaires ont été renseignés par 98 professeurs et 38 familles. Les premiers résultats mettent en évidence la nécessité de renforcer et de favoriser la participation numérique des familles, non seulement du fait de l’absence d’une culture participative mais aussi en raison de l’effet d’une faible dynamisation des actions de participation familiale pourtant créées pour encourager la participation et l’apprentissage des parents dans le domaine des Technologies Numériques de l’Information et de la Communication.
AEMO et régulation des échanges familiaux. L'usage des TNIC
Authors: Potin Émilie
Published: January 2015

À partir d’une observation longue (douze mois) du travail d’accompagnement de deux professionnels dans des mesures judiciaires d’Action Éducative en Milieu Ouvert (AEMO) et de l’étude des écrits professionnels produits dans le cadre de ces mesures (100 dossiers), la recherche interroge les contenus des échanges familiaux qui mobilisent les Technologies Numériques de l’Information et de la Communication (TNIC) et les modalités de leur réception par les travailleurs sociaux. L’article montre les transformations contemporaines de la relation éducative en observant la manière dont une technologie de communication influe sur la mise en œuvre d’un dispositif de protection de l’enfance.
Les ethnothéories de l'éducation, quel accord entre parents migrants et enseignantes ?
Authors: Conus Xavier , Ogay Tania
Published: January 2015

En prologue à une recherche portant sur la construction de la relation familles-école au moment de l’entrée à l’école, nous présentons ici les résultats d’une recherche préliminaire, descriptive et quantitative, dont l’objectif est de comparer parents migrants et enseignants du point de vue de leurs conceptions (ou « ethnothéories » selon le modèle de la niche développementale) de l’éducation et du développement de l’enfant. L’enquête a été réalisée au moyen d’un questionnaire auquel ont répondu 31 enseignantes de l’école enfantine, 27 parents migrants portugais et 22 parents migrants africains, tous résidant à Fribourg (Suisse). Si les résultats témoignent de différences intergroupes, ils montrent surtout une divergence entre les parents et les enseignantes, ce qui interroge par rapport à une relation de partenariat souvent présentée comme allant de soi.
L'émergence des pratiques de tutorat dans l'accompagnement des bénévoles en centre social : offres de professionnalisation et dynamiques identitaires associées
Authors: Bourgoin Florence
Published: January 2015

Les centres sociaux ont développé une formalisation de l’engagement bénévole qui s’accompagne d’une logique de formation, notamment via les stages de leur fédération. Les centres développent aussi des pratiques d’accompagnement des bénévoles qui s’apparentent à des démarches de « professionnalisation » sous la responsabilité d’un tuteur ; ces pratiques sont parfois complétées par des formations en interne. En quoi ces dispositifs d’accompagnement participent-ils d’une logique de professionnalisation et permettent-ils d’en articuler les dynamiques individuelles (notamment identitaires) et institutionnelles ?
Predictors of visual outcome with transsphenoidal excision of pituitary adenomas having suprasellar extension: A prospective series of 100 cases and brief review of the literature
Authors: Thotakura Amit , Patibandla Mohana , Panigrahi Manas , Addagada Gokul
Published: January 2015

Objective: The aim was to assess the factors influencing the visual outcome following trans-sphenoidal excision of pituitary adenomas. Materials and Methods: One hundred consecutive patients of pituitary adenomas with suprasellar extension (SSE) were operated by trans-sphenoidal approach from July 2003 to December 2006. There were 52 male and 48 female patients with a mean age of 42.47 years. The visual impairment score, which was used to evaluate the visual outcome was produced by adding the scores for visual acuity and visual field defects of each patient (from the tables of the German Ophthalmological Society). The mean diameter, the SSE and the parasellar extension of the lesion were noted in the magnetic resonance imaging study. The average follow-up was 43.5 months. Results: The mean diameter of the tumor was 32.97 mm, and the mean SSE was 14.95 mm. The parasellar extension was present in 27 patients. The vision improved in 61 of the 71 patients (85.91%). The shorter the duration of visual symptoms and smaller the size of the lesion resulted in better visual outcome. The age and the preoperative visual impairment did not show any correlation with the visual outcome. Conclusions: Patients with visual symptoms of <1-year duration (P < 0.01) and adenomas of <36.5 mm diameter (P < 0.009) have better visual outcome.
Anal extrusion of migrated ventriculo-peritoneal shunt catheter: An unusual complication and review of literature
Authors: Sarkari Avijit , Borkar Sachin , Mahapatra A
Published: January 2015

Authors present an unusual case of anal extrusion of peritoneal end of ventriculo-peritoneal shunt in a 2-year-old male child. Pertinent literature is reviewed regarding this rare complication of a very commonly performed neurosurgical procedure.
FUEL Your Life: A Translation of the Diabetes Prevention Program to Worksites
Authors: Wilson Mark G. , DeJoy David M. , Vandenberg Robert , Padilla Heather , Davis Marsha
Published: January 2015

Purpose.

To evaluate the effectiveness of FUEL Your Life, a translation of the Diabetes Prevention Program for worksites.

Design.

A randomized control group design was conducted in five worksites of a large transportation company. Measures were collected pretest, posttest (6 months), and follow-up (12 months).

Setting.

Railroad maintenance facilities of Union Pacific Railroad.

Subjects.

Participants consisted of 362 workers (227 treatment, 135 control).

Intervention.

FUEL Your Life was translated from the Diabetes Prevention Program to better fit within the context of the worksite. The primary difference was the use of peer health coaches to provide social support and reinforcement and an occupational nurse to provide lesson content (six sessions of 10 minutes) to participants instead of the lifestyle coaches employed by the Diabetes Prevention Program, resulting in a less structured meeting schedule.

Measures.

The primary outcomes were weight and body mass index (BMI), with secondary outcomes including eating behaviors, physical activity, and social support.

Analysis.

Latent growth modeling was used to measure changes in the outcomes over time.

Results.

Participants in the intervention group maintained weight/BMI (–.1 pounds/–.1 BMI), whereas the control participants gained weight/BMI (+2.6 pounds/+.3 BMI), resulting in a statistically significant difference between groups. Fifty-five percent of intervention participants lost some weight, whereas only 35% of the control group lost weight.

Conclusions.

FUEL Your Life, a low intensity intervention, was not effective for promoting weight loss, but was effective for helping workers maintain weight over a 12-month period.
Environmental Correlates of Recreational Walking in the Neighborhood
Authors: Nehme Eileen K. , Oluyomi Abiodun O. , Calise Tamara Vehige , Kohl Harold W.
Published: January 2015

Purpose.

To assess environmental correlates of neighborhood recreational walking.

Design.

The study used a cross-sectional survey.

Setting.

The study was conducted in the local community.

Subjects.

Participants were adults who recently relocated and walk for recreation in their current neighborhood.

Measures.

The outcome measure was participant-reported neighborhood recreational walking in participants' prior neighborhood. Exposure measures were (1) participant-reported social and environmental characteristics of the prior neighborhood and (2) geographic information system–derived environmental characteristics assessed within a buffer around participant's prior address.

Analysis.

Participants reporting current neighborhood recreational walking (n = 231) were characterized by whether they walked for recreation in their prior neighborhood. Associations between neighborhood characteristics and neighborhood recreational walking were assessed using logistic regression.

Results.

Neighborhood recreational walking was associated with perceptions of the presence of recreational facilities (odds ratio [OR] = 2.49, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.29–4.84), interesting things to see (OR = 2.82, 95% CI = 1.46–5.45), and others being active (OR = 3.56, 95% CI = 1.80–7.05), and was inversely associated with concerns about crime (OR= .40, 95% CI= .20–.77) and traffic (OR = .43, 95% CI = .22–.87). This behavior was associated with objectively measured presence of walking trails (OR = 3.58, 95% CI = 1.07–4.46), percentage of street length with speed limits ≤25 mph (OR= 1.31 for 10% increase, 95% CI= 1.08–1.61), and percentage of tree canopy coverage (OR= 1.55 for 10% increase, 95% CI = 1.12–2.14).

Conclusion.

Recreational walking may be influenced by environmental factors that support a safe, enjoyable, and social experience, attributes that are not necessarily prioritized in transportation walking. Outcome and exposure specificity are important when studying recreational walking.
Randomized Controlled Trial of Storytelling Compared to a Personal Risk Tool Intervention on Colorectal Cancer Screening in Low-Income Patients
Authors: Larkey Linda K. , McClain Darya , Roe Denise J. , Hector Richard D. , Lopez Ana Maria , Sillanpaa Brian , Gonzalez Julie
Published: January 2015

Purpose.

Screening rates for colorectal cancer (CRC) lag for low-income, minority populations, contributing to poorer survival rates. A model of storytelling as culture-centric health promotion was tested for promoting CRC screening.

Design.

A two-group parallel randomized controlled trial.

Setting.

Primary care, safety-net clinics.

Subjects.

Low-income patients due for CRC screening, ages 50 to 75 years, speaking English or Spanish.

Intervention.

Patients were exposed to either a video created from personal stories composited into a drama about “Papa” receiving CRC screening, or an instrument estimating level of personal cancer risk. Patients received a health care provider referral for CRC screening and were followed up for 3 months to document adherence.

Measures.

Behavioral factors related to the narrative model (identification and engagement) and theory of planned behavior.

Analysis.

Main effects of the interventions on screening were tested, controlling for attrition factors, and demographic factor associations were assessed. Path analysis with model variables was used to test the direct effects and multiple mediator models.

Results.

Main effects on CRC screening (roughly half stool-based tests, half colonoscopy) did not indicate significant differences (37% and 42% screened for storytelling and risk-based messages, respectively; n = 539; 33.6% male; 62 % Hispanic). Factors positively associated with CRC screening included being female, Hispanic, married or living with a partner, speaking Spanish, having a primary care provider, lower income, and no health insurance. Engagement, working through positive attitudes toward the behavior, predicted CRC screening.

Conclusion.

A storytelling and a personalized risk-tool intervention achieved similar levels of screening among unscreened/underscreened, low-income patients. Factors usually associated with lower rates of screening (e.g., no insurance, being Hispanic) were related to more adherence. Both interventions' engagement factor facilitated positive attitudes about CRC screening associated with behavior change.
A Qualitative Evaluation of Patient-Perceived Benefits and Barriers to Participation in a Telephone Care Management Program
Authors: Jubelt Lindsay E. , Volpp Kevin G. , Gatto Dana E. , Friedman Joelle Y. , Shea Judy A.
Published: January 2015

Purpose.

To examine why high-risk individuals targeted for a telephone care management program participated at low rates.

Design.

Study design consisted of qualitative, semistructured interviews.

Setting.

The setting was a large national insurer's telephone-based care management program. The program employed registered nurses to provide individually tailored education and counseling about health and health care.

Subjects.

Study subjects comprised members of a national insurer who were recruited to participate in a care management program but had either dropped out of the program after a short period of initial engagement or had never participated despite recruitment efforts.

Measures.

Interview content was divided into four categories: knowledge of the case management program, barriers to program participation, perceptions of benefits of the program, and suggestions for program improvement.

Analysis.

Investigators conducted a directed content analysis.

Results.

The most commonly cited barriers to participation were a lack of perceived need and a sense of distrust toward the program and its staff. The most commonly cited benefits were psychosocial support and goal setting.

Conclusion.

Care management programs may benefit from changes to how insurance plan members are selected for the program and from adjusting program content to address perceived needs among members.
Characterization of biomass burning emissions from cooking fires, peat, crop residue, and other fuels with high-resolution proton-transfer-reaction time-of-flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Stockwell C. E. , Veres P. R. , Williams J. , Yokelson R. J.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. We deployed a high-resolution proton-transfer-reaction time-of-flight mass spectrometer (PTR-TOF-MS) to measure biomass-burning emissions from peat, crop residue, cooking fires, and many other fire types during the fourth Fire Lab at Missoula Experiment (FLAME-4) laboratory campaign. A combination of gas standard calibrations and composition sensitive, mass-dependent calibration curves was applied to quantify gas-phase non-methane organic compounds (NMOCs) observed in the complex mixture of fire emissions. We used several approaches to assign the best identities to most major "exact masses", including many high molecular mass species. Using these methods, approximately 80–96% of the total NMOC mass detected by the PTR-TOF-MS and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was positively or tentatively identified for major fuel types. We report data for many rarely measured or previously unmeasured emissions in several compound classes including aromatic hydrocarbons, phenolic compounds, and furans; many of these are suspected secondary organic aerosol precursors. A large set of new emission factors (EFs) for a range of globally significant biomass fuels is presented. Measurements show that oxygenated NMOCs accounted for the largest fraction of emissions of all compound classes. In a brief study of various traditional and advanced cooking methods, the EFs for these emissions groups were greatest for open three-stone cooking in comparison to their more advanced counterparts. Several little-studied nitrogen-containing organic compounds were detected from many fuel types, that together accounted for 0.1–8.7% of the fuel nitrogen, and some may play a role in new particle formation.
A comparison of measured HONO uptake and release with calculated source strengths in a heterogeneous forest environment
Authors: Sörgel M. , Trebs I. , Wu D. , Held A.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. Vertical mixing ratio profiles of nitrous acid (HONO) were measured in a clearing and on the forest floor in a rural forest environment. For the forest floor, HONO was found to be predominantly deposited, whereas net deposition was dominating in the clearing only during nighttime and net emissions were observed during daytime. For selected days, net fluxes of HONO were calculated from the measured profiles using the aerodynamic gradient method. The emission fluxes were in the range of 0.02 to 0.07 nmol m−2 s−1, and, thus were in the lower range of previous observations. These fluxes were compared to the strengths of postulated HONO sources. Laboratory measurements of different soil samples from both sites revealed an upper limit for soil biogenic HONO emission fluxes of 0.025 nmol m−2 s−1. HONO formation by light induced NO2 conversion was calculated to be below 0.03 nmol m−2 s−1 for the investigated days, which is comparable to the potential soil fluxes. Due to light saturation at low irradiance, this reaction pathway was largely found to be independent of light intensity, i.e. it was only dependent on ambient NO2. We used three different approaches based on measured leaf nitrate loadings for calculating HONO formation from HNO3 photolysis. While the first two approaches based on empirical HONO formation rates yielded values in the same order of magnitude as the estimated fluxes, the third approach based on available kinetic data of the postulated pathway failed to produce noticeable amounts of HONO. Estimates based on reported cross sections of adsorbed HNO3 indicate that the lifetime of adsorbed HNO3 was only about 15 min, which would imply a substantial renoxification. Although the photolysis of HNO3 was significantly enhanced at the surface, the subsequent light induced conversion of the photolysis product NO2 did not produce considerable amounts of HONO. Consequently, this reaction might occur via an alternative mechanism.
Validation of the poke-flow technique combined with simulations of fluid flow for determining viscosities in samples with small volumes and high viscosities
Authors: Grayson J. W. , Song M. , Sellier M. , Bertram A. K.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. Viscosity in particles consisting of secondary organic material (SOM) have recently become an area of research focus, since information on viscosity is needed to predict the environmental impacts of SOM particles. Recently Renbaum-Wolff et al. (2013a) developed a poke-flow technique that was combined with simulations of fluid flow to constrain the viscosities of SOM samples of 1–5 mg mass, roughly the maximum that may be collected from environmental chambers or flow tubes on a reasonable time scale. The current manuscript expands on the initial validation experiments carried out by Renbaum-Wolff et al. (2013a). First, the poke-flow technique combined with simulations of fluid flow was used to determine the viscosity of sucrose-water particles over a relatively wide range of relatively humidities (RH). The lower and upper limits of viscosity at 59% RH were 1.0 ×101 Pa s and 1.6 × 104 Pa s, whilst at 45% RH the corresponding values were 9.1 × 102 and 4.1 × 105 Pa s, respectively. The results are in good agreement with recent measurements by Quintas et al. (2006) and Power et al. (2013). Second, the approach was used to determine the viscosity of two polybutene standards. The simulated lower and upper limits of viscosity for standard #1 was 2.0 × 102 and 1.2 × 104 Pa s, whilst for standard #2 the corresponding values were 3.1 × 102 and 2.4 × 104 Pa s. These values are in good agreement with values reported by the manufacturer. The results for both the sucrose-water particles and the polybutene standards show that the poke-flow technique combined with simulations of fluid flow is capable of providing both lower and upper limits of viscosity that are consistent with literature or measured values when the viscosity of the particles are in the range of 103–105 Pa s.
Components of near-surface energy balance derived from satellite soundings – Part 1: Noontime net available energy
Authors: Mallick K. , Jarvis A. , Wohlfahrt G. , Kiely G. , Hirano T. , Miyata A. , Yamamoto S. , Hoffmann L.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. This paper introduces a relatively simple method for recovering global fields of monthly midday (13:30 LT) near-surface net available energy (the sum of the sensible and latent heat flux or the difference between the net radiation and surface heat accumulation) using satellite visible and infrared products derived from the AIRS (Atmospheric Infrared Sounder) and MODIS (MODerate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) platforms. The method focuses on first specifying net surface radiation by considering its various shortwave and longwave components. This was then used in a surface energy balance equation in conjunction with satellite day–night surface temperature difference to derive 12 h discrete time estimates of surface system heat capacity and heat accumulation, leading directly to retrieval for surface net available energy. Both net radiation and net available energy estimates were evaluated against ground truth data taken from 30 terrestrial tower sites affiliated with the FLUXNET network covering 7 different biome classes. This revealed a relatively good agreement between the satellite and tower data, with a pooled root-mean-square deviation of 98 and 72 W m−2 for monthly 13:30 LT net radiation and net available energy, respectively, although both quantities were underestimated by approximately 25 and 10%, respectively, relative to the tower observation. Analysis of the individual shortwave and longwave components of the net radiation revealed the downwelling shortwave radiation to be main source of this systematic underestimation.
Strong winter monsoon wind causes surface cooling over India and China in the Late Miocene
Authors: Tang H. , Eronen J. T. , Kaakinen A. , Utescher T. , Ahrens B. , Fortelius M.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. Modern Asian winter monsoon characterised by the strong northwesterly wind in East Asia and northeasterly wind in South Asia, has a great impact on the surface temperature of the Asian continent. Its outbreak can result in significant cooling of the monsoon region. However, it is still unclear whether such an impact existed and is detectable in the deep past. In this study, we use temperature reconstructions from plant and mammal fossil data together with climate model results to examine the co-evolution of surface temperature and winter monsoon in the Late Miocene (11–5 Ma), when a significant change of the Asian monsoon system occurred. We find that a stronger-than-present winter monsoon wind might have existed in the Late Miocene due to the lower Asian orography, particularly the northern Tibetan Plateau and the mountains north of it. This can lead to a pronounced cooling in southern China and northern India, which counteracts the generally warmer conditions in the Late Miocene compared to present. The Late Miocene strong winter monsoon was characterised by a marked westerly component and primarily caused by a pressure anomaly between the Tibetan Plateau and Northern Eurasia, rather than by the gradient between the Siberian High and the Aleutian Low. As a result, the close association of surface temperature with winter monsoon strength on inter-annual scale as observed at present may not have established in the Late Miocene.
The impact of periodization methods on the kinetic energy spectra for limited-area numerical weather prediction models
Authors: Blažica V. , Gustafsson N. , Žagar N.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. The paper deals with the comparison of the most common periodization methods used to obtain spectral fields of limited-area models for numerical weather prediction. The focus is on the impact that the methods have on the spectra of the fields, which are used for verification and tuning of the models. A simplified model is applied with random fields that obey a known kinetic energy spectrum. The periodization methods under consideration are detrending, the discrete cosine transform and the application of an extension zone. For the extension zone, three versions are applied: the Boyd method, the ALADIN method and the HIRLAM method. The results show that detrending and the discrete cosine transform have little impact on the spectra, as does the Boyd method for extension zone. For the ALADIN and HIRLAM methods, the impact depends on the width of the extension zone – the wider the zone, the more artificial energy and the larger impact on the spectra. The width of the extension zone correlates to the modifications in the shape of the spectra as well as to the amplitudes of the additional energy in the spectra.
Heat and dry islands observed over Jakarta, Indonesia, in 2012
Authors: Widyasamratri H. , Souma K. , Suetsugi T. , Ishidaira H. , Ichikawa Y. , Kobayashi H. , Inagaki I. , Kakizawa K.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. Recent population increases in urban areas of Asian countries have extended artificial land cover, increased energy consumption, and caused various problems. Higher air temperatures over urban areas (heat islands) degrade residential environments and affect human health. In Jakarta, the largest city in Indonesia and the second largest city in Asia, previous studies have relied on only a few observation points and physically-based models. To study the thermal environment in Jakarta in more detail, we performed seven fixed-point temperature and humidity observations from the dry to the pre-monsoon season (from 16 September to 18 October) in 2012. Over densely urbanized areas, higher temperatures and lower humidity were observed around noon compared with the sparsely urbanized areas. The maximum differences in temperature and specific humidity were found to be around 3 °C and 0.005 kg/kg, respectively. The differences in temperature and humidity became smaller in the afternoon because of the penetration of sea breezes. At night, the differences became larger again because the sea breeze weakened. Then, a difference of around 3°C was observed, except in the early morning. Although the difference in daytime temperature was smaller between densely urbanized areas and suburban areas, similar tendency was also confirmed in the daily time series averaged for sunny days in dry season.
Identification of rainfall triggering damaging hydrogeological events: a methodological approach applied to Calabria (Italy)
Authors: Aceto L. , Petrucci O.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. The paper deals with Damaging Hydrogeological Events (DHEs), defined as periods of severe weather affecting wide regions for several days, and during which landslides and floods cause economic damage and there are victims. The great variability of DHEs in both space and time is the cause of one of the main problems to solve in performing analyses of these events. Dealing with events affecting wide areas for several days, it is problematic to isolate the rainy days that can be considered as factors triggering the observed damaging phenomena. We develop a methodological approach aiming to select and analyse rainfall events that triggered damage. The analysis allows the highlighting of some seasonal characteristics of Calabrian DHEs. The approach can be used for an in-depth analysis leading to the identification of both rainfall thresholds for DHE triggering and rain/damage relationships.
Marrying Hydrological Modelling and Integrated Assessment for the needs of Water Resource Management
Authors: Croke B. F. W. , Blakers R. S. , El Sawah S. , Fu B. , Guillaume J. H. A. , Kelly R. A. , Patrick M. J. , Ross A. , Ticehurst J. , Barthel R. , Jakeman A. J.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. This paper discusses the integration of hydrology with other disciplines using an Integrated Assessment (IA) and modelling approach to the management and allocation of water resources. Recent developments in the field of socio-hydrology aim to develop stronger relationships between hydrology and the human dimensions of Water Resource Management (WRM). This should build on an existing wealth of knowledge and experience of coupled human–water systems. To further strengthen this relationship and contribute to this broad body of knowledge, we propose a strong and durable "marriage" between IA and hydrology. The foundation of this marriage requires engagement with appropriate concepts, model structures, scales of analyses, performance evaluation and communication – and the associated tools and models that are needed for pragmatic deployment or operation. To gain insight into how this can be achieved, an IA case study in water allocation in the Lower Namoi catchment, NSW, Australia is presented.
Truth concealed behind "Zero Increase of Total Water Use" and coordination approach of socio-economic and eco-environmental water uses in the Weihe River Basin, China
Authors: Jia Y. , Wei N. , Hao C. , You J. , Niu C. , Qiu Y.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. The water resources situation in the water-stressed Weihe River Basin, China, is more serious now than ever before because of a decrease in water resources and socio-economic development. A "Zero increase of socio-economic water use" in recent years gives people a wrong understanding and conceals the water crisis in the basin because the socio-economic water consumption has actually increased. Water use for the hydro-ecological system has been greatly reduced by a decrease in water resources and socio-economic water consumption increase. New concepts of hierarchical water uses for every sector and water consumption control are suggested for coordinating water uses of the socio-economy and ecosystems in the water-stressed basin. The traditional water resources allocation and regulation in China usually set up a priority sequence for water use sectors. Generally speaking, domestic water use has the highest priority and a highest guarantee rate, followed by industrial water use, irrigation and lastly ecological water use. The concept of hierarchical water use for every sector is to distinguish the water use of every sector into minimum part, appropriate part, and expected extra part with different guarantee rates, and the minimum parts of all sectors should be first guaranteed. By applying a water allocation model, we compared the water allocation results of the traditional approach and the newly suggested approach. Although further study is desired, the results are believed to be of an important referential value to sustainable development in the basin.
Groundwater governance in Asia: present state and barriers to implementation of good governance
Authors: Tanaka T.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. The present state of groundwater governance in Asia was reviewed. The main problem regarding groundwater resources in each Asian country is overexploitation, causing water level decline, land subsidence and salt water intrusion. For those groundwater hazards, many countries have established regulations such as laws and regulations as countermeasures. However, those laws and regulations are not the basic laws on groundwater resources, but only for countermeasures to prevent groundwater hazards. Common problems and barriers for implementing groundwater governance in Asian countries are that there is more than one institute with different and sometimes overlapping responsibilities in groundwater management. To overcome those conflicts among institutions and establishment of good governance, it is necessary to establish an agency in the government as one coordinate function reinforcing the direct coordination and facilitation of groundwater policy-making and management. As one such framework, the conceptual law called the Water Cycle Basic Law, which is under planning in Japan, is examined in this paper.
A prototype platform for water resources monitoring and early recognition of critical droughts in Switzerland
Authors: Zappa M. , Bernhard L. , Spirig C. , Pfaundler M. , Stahl K. , Kruse S. , Seidl I. , Stähli M.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. In recent years Switzerland has experienced some unprecedented drought situations. At a political level solutions have been requested for early recognition of hydrological droughts. A prototype information platform has been developed to guide water resources management during situations where water resources drop below critical levels. The development was steered by stakeholders from national administrations and different economic sectors. Since June 2013 the platform has presented daily updated real-time information on several drought indicators including precipitation, streamflow, lake levels, groundwater levels, soil moisture deficit, snow resources, dryness in forests and stream temperatures. For three basins, ensemble forecasts of runoff, soil moisture, snowpack and groundwater storage have been provided. Furthermore, a nationwide operational hydrological simulation at 600 × 600 m resolution gives indications on local water resources deficits. Information for each variable has been used to create automatic "awareness maps" for nine large regions. Three levels of information with increasing detail and complexity can be accessed by over 180 registered users. The operators of the platform give interpreted comments on the content of the platform each week-day. The test phase of the platform will last until the end of 2014.
Identification of low-flow parameters a using hydrological model in selected mountainous basins in Japan
Authors: Fujimura K. , Iseri Y. , Kanae S. , Murakami M.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. Accurate estimation of the low-flow discharge is very important in evaluating the impact of climate change on water resources. This study focuses on the storage–discharge equation and the optimal parameters of the low flow. In order to investigate the sensitivity of the two parameters in the process of the calculation of low flow, we prepared 19 900 sets of the two parameters in the storage–discharge equation and carried out hydrological analysis using the hourly hydrological model presented by Fujimura et al. (2012). The study basins are the Sameura Dam basin (SAME basin) located in western Japan which has variability of rainfall, and the Shirakawa Dam basin (SIRA basin) located in a region of heavy snowfall in eastern Japan. The period of available hydrological data is 20 years for the SAME basin and 10 years for the SIRA basin. The results suggest that the optimal combination of two parameters can be identified by exponential equations. This study also estimates the annual water balance for the two basins based on hydrological analysis using the optimal parameters in the storage–discharge equation of low flow.
Investigation of sustainable development potential for Ulubey Aquifer System, Turkey
Authors: Burcu U. , Hasan Y.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. This study investigates sustainable development potential for Ulubey aquifer system which serves as an important water supply for Usak province (Turkey). In recent years, growing population, accelerating industrial activities and decreasing rainfall, as well as contamination of the surface water resources, made groundwater indispensable to meet the freshwater demands of Usak province. Therefore, a sustainable groundwater development plan has to be set up by determining the sustainable yield of the system, which is the aim of this study. To achieve this goal, a mathematical groundwater flow model is constructed in order to test the alternative development scenarios. Results show that the system preserves equilibrium conditions under present stresses. The future effects of possible increases in stresses are also simulated and based on the dynamic responses of the system to changing stresses; sustainable yield and sustainable pumping rate of the aquifer are determined and compared with the safe yield of the system.
Strategic decision making under climate change: a case study on Lake Maggiore water system
Authors: Micotti M. , Soncini Sessa R. , Weber E.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. Water resources planning processes involve different kinds of decisions that are generally evaluated under a stationary climate scenario assumption. In general, the possible combinations of interventions are mutually compared as single alternatives. However, the ongoing climate change requires us to reconsider this approach. Indeed, what have to be compared are not individual alternatives, but families of alternatives, characterized by the same structural decisions, i.e. by actions that have long-term effects and entail irrevocable changes in the system. The rationale is that the structural actions, once they have been implemented, cannot be easily modified, while the management decisions can be adapted to the evolving conditions. This paper considers this methodological problem in a real case study, in which a strategic decision has to be taken: a new barrage was proposed to regulate Lake Maggiore outflow, but, alternatively, either the present barrage can be maintained with its present regulation norms or with a new one. The problem was dealt with by multi-criteria decision analysis involving many stakeholders and two decision-makers. An exhaustive set of indicators was defined in the participatory process, conducted under the integrated water resource management paradigm, and many efficient (in Pareto sense) regulation policies were identified. The paper explores different formulations of a global index to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of the classes of alternatives under both stationary and changing hydrological scenarios in order to assess their adaptability to the ongoing climate change.
Trends in extreme temperature and precipitation in Muscat, Oman
Authors: Gunawardhana L. N. , Al-Rawas G. A.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. Changes in frequency and intensity of weather events often result in more frequent and intensive disasters such as flash floods and persistent droughts. In Oman, changes in precipitation and temperature have already been detected, although a comprehensive analysis to determine long-term trends is yet to be conducted. We analysed daily precipitation and temperature records in Muscat, the capital city of Oman, mainly focusing on extremes. A set of climate indices, defined in the RClimDex software package, were derived from the longest available daily series (precipitation over the period 1977–2011 and temperature over the period 1986–2011). Results showed significant changes in temperature extremes associated with cooling. Annual maximum value of daily maximum temperature (TX), on average, decreased by 1°C (0.42°C/10 year). Similarly, the annual minimum value of daily minimum temperature (TN) decreased by 1.5°C (0.61°C/10 year), which, on average, cooled at a faster rate than the maximum temperature. Consequently, the annual count of days when TX > 45°C (98th percentile) decreased from 8 to 3, by 5 days. Similarly, the annual count of days when TN < 15°C (2nd percentile) increased from 5 to 15, by 10 days. Annual total precipitation averaged over the period 1977–2011 is 81 mm, which shows a tendency toward wetter conditions with a 6 mm/10 year rate. There is also a significant tendency for stronger precipitation extremes according to many indices. The contribution from very wet days to the annual precipitation totals steadily increases with significance at 75% level. When The General Extreme Value (GEV) probability distribution is fitted to annual maximum 1-day precipitation, the return level of a 10-year return period in 1995–2011 was estimated to be 95 mm. This return level in the recent decade is about 70% higher than the return level for the period of 1977–1994. These results indicate that the long-term wetting signal apparent in total precipitation can be attributed largely to the increases in extreme precipitation in recent decades.
Estimation of hydrological response of a small Mediterranean watershed to fire by data analysis and a modelling approach
Authors: Lebedeva L. , Semenova O. , Folton N.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. Data analysis and amodelling approach were used to detect the changes in hydrological regime in the Rimbaud watershed (France) after the fire in 1990. It was revealed that the increase of peak discharges was only observed during three years after the fire in the wet period of the year, at an hourly time scale. The Hydrograph model was applied for continuous runoff simulations at an hourly time step for the period 1967–2004. The parameters assessed for pre-fire conditions and used without change for the post-fire period satisfactorily fit the whole period of simulations with mean Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency 0.52. The set of model parameters representing the post-fire conditions of changing environment was developed. Based on newly estimated parameters, the efficiency of simulations of selected outstanding flood peaks was improved. However, overall model representation for the post-fire period (1990–1992) has declined. It is concluded that discernible fire impact is only localized on separate floods events and that it has a nonlinear character.
Hydrodynamic characterization of soils within a representative watershed in northeast Brazil
Authors: Sales E. G. , Almeida C. D. N. , Farias A. S. , Coelho V. H. R.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. Studies about the infiltration of water in the soil, based on hydraulic conductivity and retention curve, are important to simulate hydrological processes and pollution fluxes. This paper aims to present the hydrodynamic soil behaviour of the Gramame watershed, located in northeast Brazil. This basin is representative of several other watersheds located on the coastal region of northeast Brazil, where sugarcane crops constitute the main land use. For this study, three different land uses and land covers were considered: sugarcane crops, pineapple crops and Atlantic Forest, which is the native forest of this region. The Beerkan method and the BEST program were used in order to get retention and hydraulic conductivity curves. The results show that the highest values of hydraulic conductivity were obtained at points located in native vegetation and deforestation impacts the soil hydrodynamic characteristics.
Rainfall and human activity impacts on soil losses and rill erosion in vineyards (Ruwer Valley, Germany)
Authors: Rodrigo Comino J. , Brings C. , Lassu T. , Iserloh T. , Senciales J. M. , Martínez Murillo J. F. , Ruiz Sinoga J. D. , Seeger M. , Ries J. B.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. Vineyards are one of the most German conditioned eco-geomorphological systems by human activity. Precisely, the vineyards of the Ruwer Valley (Germany) is characterized by high soil erosion rates and rill problems on steep slopes (between 23–26°) caused by the increasingly frequent heavy rainfall events, what is sometimes enhanced by incorrect land use managements. Soil tillage before and after vintage, application of vine training systems and anthropic rills generated by wheel tracks and footsteps are observed along these cultivated area. The objective of this paper is to determine and to quantify the hydrological and erosive phenomena in two chosen vineyards, during diverse seasons and under different management conditions (before, during and after vintage). For this purpose, a combined methodology was applied. Investigating climatic, pedological, geomorphological and botanic-marks variables was suggested on the two experimental plot in the village of Waldrach (Trier, region of Rhineland-Palatinate). First, high infiltration rates (near 100%) and subsurface flow was detected by rainfall simulations performed at different times of the year. The second method to investigate the geomorphological response of slope inclination, two 10 m and one 30 m long rills were measured using geometrical channel cross-section index, depth and width. The highest variations (lateral and frontal movements) were noted before and during vintage, when footsteps occurred in a concentrated short time. Finally, two maps were generated of soil loss, indicated by the botanic marks on the graft union of the vines. As results 62.5 t−1 ha−1 yr−1 soil loss rate was registered (one year) on the experimental plots of the new vineyards, while 4.3 t−1 ha−1 yr−1 on the old one.
Tectonic evolution and high-pressure rock exhumation in the Qiangtang Terrane, Central Tibet
Authors: Zhao Z. , Bons P. D. , Wang G. , Soesoo A. , Liu Y.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. Conflicting interpretations of the > 500 km long, east-west trending Qiangtang Metamorphic Belt have led to very different and contradicting models for the Permo-Triassic tectonic evolution of Central Tibet. We define two metamorphic events, one that only affected Pre-Ordovician basement rocks and one subduction-related Triassic high-pressure metamorphism event. Detailed mapping and structural analysis allowed us to define three main units that were juxtaposed due to collision of the North and South Qiangtang terranes after closure of the Ordovician-Triassic ocean that separated them. The base is formed by the Precambrian-Carboniferous basement, followed by non-metamorphic ophiolitic mélange, containing mafic rocks that range in age from the Ordovician to Middle Triassic. The top of the sequence is formed by strongly deformed sedimentary mélange that contains up to > 10 km size rafts of both un-metamorphosed Permian sediments and high-pressure blueschists. We propose that the high-pressure rocks were exhumed from underneath the South Qiangtang Terrane in an extensional setting caused by the pull of the northward subducting slab of the Shuanghu-Tethys. High-pressure rocks, sedimentary mélange and margin sediments were thrust on top of the ophiolitic mélange that was scraped off the subducting plate. Both units were subsequently thrust on top of the South Qiantang Terrane continental basement. Onset of Late Triassic sedimentation marked the end of the amalgamation of both Qiangtang terranes and the beginning of spreading between Qiantang and North Lhasa to the south, leading to the deposition of thick flysch deposits in the Jurassic.
Longitudinal Modifications of the Ozurdex Intravitreal Implant as Imaged by SD-OCT
Authors: Barteselli Giulio , Dell'Arti Laura , Pinna Valentina , Ratiglia Roberto , Viola Francesco
Published: January 2015

Purpose

To describe in vivo longitudinal modifications of the Ozurdex intravitreal implant using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) over a 6-month period in an eye treated for retinal vein occlusion (RVO).

Methods

Case report.

Results

An 82-year-old woman with severe macular edema secondary to branch RVO received an Ozurdex intravitreal implant in the left eye. At day 1, SD-OCT showed that the implant was completely filled with highly reflective dexamethasone. At day 30, complete resolution of macular edema on SD-OCT was noted. At day 60, macular edema started to relapse; SD-OCT scans over the implant showed highly reflective borders that appeared irregular and focally retracted, while the majority of the internal drug had been washed out. At day 180, macular edema returned to baseline levels; SD-OCT scans over the implant showed that the device was contracted with almost complete absence of the internal lumen and drug.

Conclusions

Using SD-OCT, we demonstrated that 60 days postinjection most dexamethasone had been released from the Ozurdex implant, which showed multiple irregularities. This was associated with recurrence of macular edema that became worse after 180 days, when there was no residual dexamethasone remaining in the shrunken implant. Low steady levels of the drug in the vitreous and lower biological activity in the retina after the 2-month high-dose release phase may explain why a large number of patients lose clinical improvement 60 days postinjection, as shown by pivotal clinical trials.