bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Frustration intolerance and unconditional self-acceptance as mediators of the relationship between perfectionism and depression
Authors: Stankovic Sanda , Matic Marija , Vukosavljevic-Gvozden Tatjana , Opacic Goran
Published: June 2015

The aim of the present study was to further clarify the basic mechanism
through which maladaptive perfectionism leads to depression, using the
rational-emotive behavior therapy (REBT) framework. Previous studies have
shown that depression is not associated with high personal standards, but
rather with the tendency to evaluate one?s self-worth based on the attainment
of these standards, i.e. conditional self-acceptance. The goal of this study
was to investigate for the first time the mediating role of frustration
intolerance beliefs in this relationship, beyond and above the contribution
of unconditional self-acceptance (USA) beliefs. The sample consisted of 321
undergraduate students. Consistent with REBT theory, the structural equation
modeling showed that both frustration intolerance and USA mediated the
relationship between maladaptive perfectionism and dysphoria, with
frustration intolerance beliefs being the stronger mediator. There was no
evidence that maladaptive perfectionism influenced dysphoria independently of
its effect on frustration intolerance and USA.
Roles in violent interactions in early adolescence: Relations with personality traits, friendship and gender
Authors: Colovic Petar , Kodzopeljic Jasmina , Mitrovic Dusanka , Dinic Bojana , Smederevac Snezana
Published: June 2015

The aim of this study is to examine the relations between roles in violent
interactions and personality traits (congruent to dimensions of Big Seven
lexical model), number of friends, and gender. The study was conducted on a
sample of 1095 elementary school students from Serbia (51.4% female), aged
11-14. The results revealed that membership in the victims group corresponds
to smaller number of friends, low Extraversion, high Neuroticism and
Conscientiousness and male gender, while higher Aggressiveness, Negative and
Positive Valence, lower Neuroticism, and male gender increase the odds of
membership in the bullies group. The role of bully-victims corresponds to
smaller number of friends, higher Negative Valence and Neuroticism, and male
gender. The results point to differences between roles in violent interaction
with regard to patterns of personality traits and social behavior.
Asymmetrical peer interaction as a factor of formal operations development in more competent students
Authors: Stepanovic-Ilic Ivana
Published: June 2015

This paper deals with the role of asymmetrical peer interaction in the
development of formal operational thinking. The relevance of the research
lies in the fact that influence of peers? interaction is rarely examined in
the context of the development of formal operations and in the fact that
effects of asymmetrical interaction are more investigated regarding the less
competent participants. The results show no influence of the interaction on
the development of formal operations in more competent children. This is in
accordance with some research findings. However, there are some more
competent students who significantly progressed and others who considerably
regressed after the interaction. That deserves attention and suggests that
next important step is analysis of peers? dialogues. Such examination could
reveal interaction attributes that can influence cognitive development which
has theoretical relevance, but also practical implications in the classroom.
Career cycle of general and special school teachers in Serbia
Authors: Marusic Milica , Bodroza Bojana
Published: June 2015

The specificities of general and special school teachers? work might
influence their career differently. The aim of the study was to examine the
career cycle of these teachers. A survey was conducted on a sample of 120
teachers from general and 95 from special schools. Five stages of career
cycle were discovered: induction, competency building and enthusiasm, career
frustration, stagnation, career wind-down. Results indicate that age, gender,
intrinsic, and extrinsic factors of career choice can influence teachers?
career cycle. When these factors are controlled, special school teachers
experience less enthusiasm and more willingness to retire than general school
teachers.
High photocatalytic activity of V-doped SrTiO3 porous nanofibers produced from a combined electrospinning and thermal diffusion process
Authors: Jing Panpan , Lan Wei , Su Qing , Xie Erqing
Published: June 2015

In this letter, we report a novel V-doped SrTiO3 photocatalyst synthesized via electrospinning followed by a thermal diffusion process at low temperature. The morphological and crystalline structural investigations reveal not only that the V-doped SrTiO3 photocatalyst possesses a uniform, porous, fibrous structure, but also that some V5+ ions are introduced into the SrTiO3 lattice. The photocatalytic capability of V-doped SrTiO3 porous nanofibers was evaluated through photodegrading methyl orange (MO) in aqueous solution under artificial UV–vis light. The results indicated that V-doped SrTiO3 porous nanofibers have excellent catalytic efficiency. Furthermore, the excellent catalytic activity was maintained even after five cycle tests, indicating that they have outstanding photocatalytic endurance. It is suggested that the excellent photocatalytic performance of doped SrTiO3 nanofibers is possibly attributed to the V5+ ion doping increasing the light utilization as well as to the outstanding porous features, the excellent component and structure stability.
IS AN INTERTEMPORAL MODEL OF THE CURRENT ACCOUNT VALID FOR EAST ASIAN COUNTRIES? EVIDENCE FROM STRUCTURAL VAR
Authors: Kuo Chen-Yin
Published: June 2015

This paper aims to examine the validity of present-value model of current account (PVMCA) by analyzing dynamic responses of variables in PVMCA to structural shocks. In place of the cross-equation restriction tests used in existing research, we adopted a structural vector autoregression framework and obtain three findings. First, evidences from 4 East Asian countries supported the intertemporal theoretical expectation that country-specific transitory shocks significantly affect current accounts, whereas the effects of global and country-specific permanent shocks are negligible. Second, country-specific transitory shocks that primarily affected current account variance dominate net output variation. Third, global permanent and transitory shocks mainly affecting variances in world interest rates and exchange rates secondarily explain current account variance. Therefore, three explanatory variables of PVMCA sufficiently explain current account variations. In practice, investors can use the PVMCA to forecast changes in current accounts; they further judge business risks stemming from the changes, and adjust their security portfolio.
Clinical Competencies of Emergency Nurses Toward Violence Against Women: A Delphi Study
Authors: Lee Fang-Hsin , Yang Yung-Mei , Huang Joh-Jong , Chang Shu-Chen , Wang Hsiu-Hung , Hsieh Hsiu-Fen
Published: June 2015

Background:

An increasing number of survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) have begun to seek help from hospital emergency departments. This study was conducted to develop a list of requisite clinical competencies for emergency nurses to provide adequate care for women experiencing IPV.

Method:

An e-mail survey using the Delphi technique was administered, involving three rounds of questionnaires from 30 participants. Participants were asked to score the importance of each item on a 4-point Likert scale.

Results:

The study identified three dimensions, comprising 38 items of competencies related to care for individuals experiencing IPV, including Knowledge (10 items), Attitudes (11 items), and Practice (17 items).

Conclusion:

The emergency department is where direct medical treatment and care is provided for those who have experienced IPV. The study findings can provide a reference for the development of in-service educational programs in hospitals and can guide future policy making.

J Contin Educ Nurs. 2015;46(6):272–278.
Team-Based Education in a Palliative Approach for Rural Nurses and Unlicensed Care Providers
Authors: Potter Gail , Pesut Barbara , Hooper Brenda Pherne , Erbacker Lynnelle
Published: June 2015

This article describes the preparation and delivery of an educational intervention designed to improve rural nurses and unlicensed care providers’ confidence in a palliative approach to care. A palliative approach takes the principles of supportive palliative care and adapts them for application earlier in nonspecialized palliative contexts for individuals living with life-limiting chronic illness. Curriculum in a palliative approach was constructed for nurses and unlicensed care providers (care aides and home health workers) and was delivered through a workshop and monthly follow-up sessions offered through distance technology. Participants valued the joint interactive education and came away with greater appreciation for one another’s contributions to care. Insights were gained into common challenges when attempting to apply a palliative approach in rural areas. Important lessons were learned about educating nurses and unlicensed care providers together, about the use of technology for this group, and about teaching the concept of a palliative approach.

J Contin Educ Nurs.
2014;46(6):279–288.
Use of Remote Video Auditing to Validate Ebola Level II Personal Protective Equipment Competency
Authors: Allar Peter J. , Frank-Cooper Madalyn
Published: June 2015

Faced with an Ebola-related mandate to regularly train frontline hospital staff with the donning and doffing of personal protective equipment, a community hospital’s emergency department implemented remote video auditing (RVA) to assist in the training and remediation of its nursing staff. RVA was found to be useful in assessing performance and facilitating remediation.

J Contin Educ Nurs.
2015;46(6):244-246.
Comparing Professional Values and Authentic Leadership Dimensions in Baccalaureate Nursing Students: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Dever Kathleen H. , Roman Tammy C. , Smith Charlene M. , Bowllan Nancy M. , Dollinger Marilyn L. , Blaine Bruce Evan
Published: June 2015

Background:

A series of three baccalaureate Nursing Leadership and Patient-Centered Care (NLPCC) courses were developed to strengthen students’ perceptions and preparation as leaders in the delivery of patient-centered care through more effective professional socialization.

Method:

A mixed-methods design was used, administering two surveys to students at the start of the junior year and the end of their senior year, plus two qualitative questions were administered after the second-semester junior and senior years.

Results:

Qualitative data reflected a growing awareness of the professional nurse’s role and responsibilities beyond the bedside. Graduating senior students demonstrated a heightened awareness for the socialization and realities of practice and a growing sense of readiness and empowerment to embrace the professional role of an RN.

Conclusion:

Through role modeling, scripted conversations, and focused dialogue, the infusion of knowledge, skills, and attitudes from the Quality and Safety Education for Nurses competencies allowed students to hone their socialization skills prior to entering the workforce. [
J Nurs Educ.
2015;54(6):339–342.]
Association Between Subfoveal Choroidal Thickness, Reticular Pseudodrusen, and Geographic Atrophy in Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Thorell Mariana R. , Goldhardt Raquel , Nunes Renata Portella , de Amorim Garcia Filho Carlos Alexandre , Abbey Ashkan M. , Kuriyan Ajay E. , Modi Yasha S. , Gregori Giovanni , Yehoshua Zohar , Feuer William , Sadda SriniVas , Rosenfeld Philip J.
Published: June 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To compare subfoveal choroidal thickness (CT) measurements in eyes with nonexudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in the presence or absence of reticular pseudodrusen (RPD).

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Subfoveal CT measurements obtained from patients with AMD enrolled in the COMPLETE study (30 drusen-only eyes and 30 eyes with geographic atrophy [GA]) were compared with an age-distributed normal control group. Multimodal images were evaluated to detect the presence of RPD.

RESULTS:

After controlling for age and axial length, the mean CT was significantly thinner in the GA group with RPD (213.7 ± 53.1 µm) than in the GA group without RPD (335.3 ± 123.2 µm;
P
= .001). The mean CT in the GA group without RPD was not statistically different from the mean CT in the normal control group (
P
= .076) or the drusen group without RPD (
P
= .45). In eyes without RPD, there was a correlation between the increasing size of GA and a decrease in CT measurements.

CONCLUSION:

Subfoveal choroidal thinning in eyes with nonexudative AMD was associated with the presence of RPD. In the absence of RPD, CT only decreased as the size of GA increased.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2015;46:513–521.]
Relationship Between Subretinal Hyperreflective Material Reflectivity and Volume in Patients With Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration Following Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Treatment
Authors: Charafeddin Wissam , Nittala Muneeswar Gupta , Oregon Aldo , Sadda SriniVas R.
Published: June 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To assess the relationship between subretinal hyperreflective material (SRHM) reflectivity and volume in patients treated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy for choroidal neovascularization secondary to exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Data from 17 eyes of 16 patients with neovascular AMD undergoing anti-VEGF therapy were collected retrospectively. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) data were obtained using the Cirrus HD-OCT (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Dublin, CA) 512 × 128 macular cube protocol. Detailed manual segmentation was performed for each case using customized grading software.

RESULTS:

The mean macular volume declined from 10.4 mm
3
at baseline to 9.6 mm
3
at 12 months. SRHM volume declined from 0.33 mm
3
to 0.12 mm
3
, whereas reflectivity increased from 0.48 to 0.64 units (
P
= .012). SRHM reflectivity correlated positively with logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) acuity (
r
= .49,
P
= .04) but correlated with SRHM volume (
r
= −0.50,
P
= .04) only at baseline.

CONCLUSION:

SRHM reflectivity, which correlated partially with SRHM volume, appears to carry independent information regarding disease activity. SRHM reflectivity may be useful for monitoring disease activity and response to therapy.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2015;46:523–530.]
Combined Nonmydriatic Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography and Nonmydriatic Fundus Photography for the Detection of Age-Related Macular Degeneration Changes
Authors: Salti Haytham I. , Antonios Rafic S. , Haddad Sandra S. , Hamam Rola N. , Bashshur Ziad F. , Ghazi Nicola G.
Published: June 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Nonmydriatic fundus photography (FP) has been a suboptimal tool for detecting age-related macular degeneration (AMD) changes. This study sought to enhance the detection of AMD changes by combining nonmydriatic FP with nonmydriatic spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT).

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

The study population included 249 patients aged 65 years and older who were assessed for AMD changes using standard mydriatic biomicroscopic fundus examination. Each eye then underwent nonmydriatic FP in one session followed 1 week later with nonmydriatic FP coupled with nonmydriatic SD-OCT. Images were interpreted for detection of AMD changes, and findings were compared to the original mydriatic biomicroscopic examination.

RESULTS:

Nonmydriatic FP had 64% sensitivity, 97% specificity, and a kappa value of 0.67 in detecting AMD changes compared with the traditional mydriatic biomicroscopic examination. Combined nonmydriatic FP and nonmydriatic SD-OCT increased sensitivity to 91.5%, specificity to 98.6%, and kappa to 0.91.

CONCLUSION:

The addition of nonmydriatic SD-OCT to nonmydriatic FP enhances the detection of AMD changes.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2015;46:531–537.]
Unassisted Scleral Depression During Vitrectomy Surgery: Two Simple, Cost-Effective Techniques
Authors: Mandelcorn Efrem D. , Manusow Joshua S. , Parke D. Wilkin , Albini Thomas A.
Published: June 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

The ability to visualize and work in the region of the vitreous base during vitrectomy surgery is important. However, this usually requires the use of a surgical assistant for scleral depression or expensive chandelier systems requiring extra incisions. The authors describe two alternative simple, cost-effective techniques to independently and simultaneously view and cut (or apply laser) in this difficult anatomical region.

TECHNIQUE:

Light-pipe assisted scleral depression using a standard light pipe and ring depressor indentation while maintaining two intraocular instruments are described.

CONCLUSION:

The described techniques are simple, cost-effective, safe, suitable for phakic and pseudo-phakic patients, and allow the surgeon to operate independently with maximum control.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2015;46:577–578.]
OCT Angiography of Paracentral Acute Middle Maculopathy Associated With Central Retinal Artery Occlusion and Deep Capillary Ischemia
Authors: Christenbury Joseph G. , Klufas Michael A. , Sauer Theodor C. , Sarraf David
Published: June 2015

An 82-year-old man presented with acute, painless vision loss in the left eye associated with headaches, jaw claudication, and scalp tenderness. Clinical examination and fluorescein angiography confirmed the diagnosis of a central retinal artery occlusion of the left eye. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) of the left eye showed paracentral acute middle maculopathy (PAMM), and OCT angiography showed severe attenuation of the deep capillary plexus. This is the first case report of OCT angiography of PAMM associated with central retinal artery occlusion confirming the presence of ischemia of the deep retinal capillary plexus.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2015;46:579–581.]
Confirmation of Choroidal Varix Through Divot Sign on Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Wasielewski Lisa P. , Lally David R. , Waheed Nadia K.
Published: June 2015

Enhanced depth imaging spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (EDI SD-OCT) provides a rapid and easily accessible measure to evaluate suspicious choroidal lesions. A 60-year-old woman was referred for evaluation of an inferotemporal slightly pigmented lesion that showed a large hyporeflective elevation in the deep choroid on EDI SD-OCT. After applying pressure to the globe, repeat EDI SD-OCT showed flattening of the lesion with a prominent depression or “divot” within the choroid of the center of the lesion. If noted on imaging, this divot sign is an additional reproducible diagnostic finding that can correctly identify a suspicious choroidal lesion as a benign choroidal varix.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2015;46:582–584.]
Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography of Presumed Solitary Circumscribed Retinal Astrocytic Proliferation Versus Astrocytic Hamartoma
Authors: Schwartz Stephen G. , Harbour J. William
Published: June 2015

The retinal tumor provisionally referred to as presumed solitary circumscribed retinal astrocytic proliferation (PSCRAP) is a rare, benign lesion of unknown pathogenesis and histopathology. The authors present a case of PSCRAP that was analyzed with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT), which demonstrated a demarcation between the mass and the retinal nerve fiber layer. This finding stands in contrast to previous descriptions using time-domain OCT, suggesting that this tumor may originate from mid-retinal layers rather than the nerve fiber layer. In addition, the OCT of PSCRAP is distinct from that of astrocytic hamartoma associated with tuberous sclerosis complex.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2015;46:586–588.]
Information-seeking Behaviour and Issues of Agriculture Undergraduates of University of Peradeniya
Authors: Wijetunge P.
Published: June 2015

This paper discusses the information seeking behaviour of the agriculture undergraduates in a Sri Lankan university. It established that the undergraduates often use the search engines, Wikipedia, and their own classmates than the other information resources; they use more self-taught methods than standard methods to evaluate the resources and seek help from the classmates in using the information resources. Findings further proved that their uses of various productivity tools are very low and the information-related research tasks are difficult for the majority. The paper concludes that these are the effects of inadequate information literacy (IL) training they receive and the study strongly recommends offering appropriate, context specific IL programmes, to enhance their information resource usage and research skills.Journal of the University Librarians Association of Sri Lanka, Vol. 18, Issue 2, June 2014, Page 1-25
Early Development in the Peritoneal Cavity of CD49dhigh Th1 Memory Phenotype CD4+ T Cells with Enhanced B Cell Helper Activity
Authors: Moon Hana , Park Chanho , Lee Jae-Ghi , Shin Sang Hyuck , Lee Joo Hee , Kho Inseong , Kang KyeongJin , Cha Hoon-Suk , Kim Tae Jin
Published: June 2015

The Th cells that regulate peritoneal B-1 cell functions have not yet been well characterized. To address this question, we investigated peritoneal CD4+ T cells, observed a high frequency of the conjugates of B-CD4+ T cells in the peritoneal cavity, and identified a population of CD49dhighCD4+ T cells that constituted about half of all CD4+ T cells in the peritoneal cavity, but were rarely found in other compartments. Peritoneal CD49dhighCD4+ T cells were CD44highCD62Llow; expressed integrin α4β1 and CXCR3; and rapidly secreted IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-2, showing features of proinflammatory Th1 cells. Peritoneal CD49dhighCD4+ T cells developed spontaneously, were detected at the age of 12 d, and showed stem cell–like properties. Their development was observed in mice deficient for signaling lymphocytic activation molecule-associated protein, but not in athymic nude mice and mice lacking in expression of MHC class II on thymic epithelial cells. Peritoneal CD49dhighCD4+ T cells were more resistant to irradiation and more sensitive to NAD-induced cell death than CD49dlowCD4+ T cells. Notably, peritoneal CD49dhighCD4+ T cells also showed some characteristics of follicular Th cells, such as the expression of programmed cell death 1, ICOS, IL-21, and CXCR5. Moreover, peritoneal CD49dhighCD4+ T cells enhanced the secretion of IgM Abs by B-1a cells and IgG Abs by splenic B cells. These data suggest that peritoneal CD49dhighCD4+ T cells may be innate-like CD4+ T cells, which develop early and have a dual capacity to support both humoral and cellular immunity.
Tr1 Cells, but Not Foxp3+ Regulatory T Cells, Suppress NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation via an IL-10–Dependent Mechanism
Authors: Yao Yu , Vent-Schmidt Jens , McGeough Matthew D. , Wong May , Hoffman Hal M. , Steiner Theodore S. , Levings Megan K.
Published: June 2015

The two best-characterized types of CD4+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) are Foxp3+ Tregs and Foxp3− type 1 regulatory (Tr1) cells. The ability of Foxp3+ Tregs and Tr1 cells to suppress adaptive immune responses is well known, but how these cells regulate innate immunity is less defined. We discovered that CD44hiFoxp3− T cells from unmanipulated mice are enriched in Tr1 cell precursors, enabling differentiation of cells that express IL-10, as well as Tr1-associated cell surface markers, CD49b and LAG-3, and transcription factors, cMaf, Blimp-1, and AhR. We compared the ability of Tr1 cells versus Foxp3+ Tregs to suppress IL-1β production from macrophages following LPS and ATP stimulation. Surprisingly, Tr1 cells, but not Foxp3+ Tregs, inhibited the transcription of pro–IL-1β mRNA, inflammasome-mediated activation of caspase-1, and secretion of mature IL-1β. Consistent with the role for IL-10 in Tr1 cell–mediated suppression, inhibition of inflammasome activation and IL-1β secretion was abrogated in IL-10R–deficient macrophages. Moreover, IL-1β production from macrophages derived from Nlrp3A350V knockin mice, which carry a mutation found in cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome patients, was suppressed by Tr1 cells but not Foxp3+ Tregs. Using an adoptive transfer model, we found a direct correlation between Tr1 cell engraftment and protection from weight loss in mice expressing a gain-of-function NLRP3. Collectively, these data provide the first evidence for a differential role of Tr1 cells and Foxp3+ Tregs in regulating innate immune responses. Through their capacity to produce high amounts of IL-10, Tr1 cells may have unique therapeutic effects in disease-associated inflammasome activation.
The views of the elderly on the impact that HIV and AIDS has on their lives in the Thulamela Municipality, Vhembe District, Limpopo province
Authors: Singo Vhudivhusi J. , Lebese Rachel T. , Maluleke Thelma X. , Nemathaga Livhuwani H.
Published: June 2015

Background: HIV and AIDS have a devastating impact on the lives of elderly people, particularly so because they are often expected to take care of their terminally ill children and assume the responsibility of looking after children orphaned by AIDS - in most cases with very little resources.Objectives: The study sought to achieve to describe the views of elderly people regarding the impact of HIV and AIDS on their lives, to determine the challenges that elderly people living with HIV or AIDS (EPLWHA) face in their daily lives, and to gain a sense of the coping strategies they use to overcome the obstacles they face in relation to HIV and AIDS. Ethical issues, such as permission to conduct the study, informed consent, confidentiality and anonymity, withdrawal of participation and measure to ensure trustworthiness, were ensured.Design: This was a qualitative, explorative, descriptive study. Participants were interviewedusing an interview guide. Information provided by the participants was captured on a taperecorder and analysed using open coding, and thereafter collated into themes, categories andsub-themes.Results: The study findings revealed that HIV and AIDS have serious negative impacts on the lives of elderly people, particularly those living in poverty. The following key areas in relationto EPLWHA were established: psychological or emotional health, as well as household and socio-economic burdens. Considering the role that elderly people play in the community in so far as HIV and AIDS are concerned, primary health promotion and social welfare programmes should be directed at educating all elderly people and their service providers on how to cope with the health and social problems related to HIV and AIDS.
Meridionally tilted ice cloud structures in the tropical upper troposphere as seen by CloudSat
Authors: Gong J. , Wu D. L. , Limpasuvan V.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. It remains challenging to quantify global cloud properties and uncertainties associated with their impacts on climate change because of our poor understanding of cloud three-dimensional (3-D) structures from observations and unrealistic characterization of 3-D cloud effects in global climate models (GCMs). In this study we find cloud 3-D effects can cause significant error in cloud ice and radiation measurements if it is not taken into account appropriately. One of the cloud 3-D complexities, the slantwise tilt structure, has not received much attention in research and even less has been reported considering a global perspective. A novel approach is presented here to analyze the ice cloud water content (IWC) profiles retrieved from CloudSat and a joint radar–lidar product (DARDAR). By integrating IWC profiles along different tilt angles, we find that upper-troposphere (UT) ice cloud mass between 11 and 17 km is tilted poleward from active convection centers in the tropics [30° S, 30° N]. This systematic tilt in cloud mass structure is expected from the mass conservation principle of the Hadley circulation with the divergent flow of each individual convection/convective system from down below, and its existence is further confirmed from cloud-resolving-scale Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model simulations. Thus, additive effects of tilted cloud structures can introduce 5–20% variability by its nature or produce errors to satellite cloud/hydrometeor ice retrievals if simply converting it from slant to nadir column. A surprising finding is the equatorward tilt in middle tropospheric (5–11 km) ice clouds, which is also evident in high-resolution model simulations but not in coarse-resolution simulations with cumulus parameterization. The observed cloud tilt structures are intrinsic properties of tropical clouds, producing synoptic distributions around the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). These findings imply that current interpretations based on over-simplified cloud vertical structures could lead to considerable cloud measurement errors and have a subsequent impact on understanding cloud radiative, dynamical and hydrological properties.
Comparison of HOMER and ACMANT homogenization methods using a central Pyrenees temperature dataset
Authors: Pérez-Zanón N. , Sigró J. , Domonkos P. , Ashcroft L.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. The aim of this research is to compare the results of two modern multiple break point homogenization methods, namely ACMANT and HOMER, over a Pyrenees temperature dataset in order to detect differences between their outputs which can affect future studies. Both methods are applied to a dataset of 44 monthly maximum and minimum temperature series placed around central Pyrenees and covering the 1910–2013 period. The results indicate that the automatic method ACMANT produces credible results. While HOMER detects more breaks supported by metadata, this method is also more dependent on the user skill and thus sensitive to subjective errors.
Carbon, oxygen and biological productivity in the Southern Ocean in and out the Kerguelen plume: CARIOCA drifter results
Authors: Merlivat L. , Boutin J. , d'Ovidio F.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. The Kerguelen Plateau region in the Indian sector of the Southern Ocean supports annually a large-scale phytoplankton bloom which is naturally fertilized with iron. As part of the second Kerguelen Ocean and Plateau compared Study expedition (KEOPS2) in austral spring (October–November 2011), one CARbon Interface OCean Atmosphere (CARIOCA) buoy was deployed east of the Kerguelen Plateau. It drifted eastward downstream along the Kerguelen plume. Hourly surface measurements of pCO2, O2 and ancillary observations were collected between 1 November 2011 and 12 February 2012 with the aim of characterizing the spatial and temporal variability of the biological net community production, NCP, downstream the Kerguelen Plateau, assessing the impact of iron-induced productivity on the biological inorganic carbon consumption and consequently on the CO2 flux exchanged at the air–sea interface. The trajectory of the buoy up to mid-December was within the longitude range 72–83° E, close to the polar front and then in the polar frontal zone, PFZ, up to 97° E. From 17 November to 16 December, the buoy drifted within the Kerguelen plume following a filament carrying dissolved iron, DFe, for a total distance of 700 km. In the first part of the trajectory of the buoy, within the iron plume, the ocean surface waters were always a sink for CO2 and a source for O2, with fluxes of respective mean values equal to −8 mmol CO2 and +38 mmol O2 m−2 d−1. To the east, as the buoy escaped the iron-enriched filament, the fluxes were in the opposite direction, with respective mean values of +5 mmol CO2 and −48 mmol O2 m−2 d−1. These numbers clearly indicate the strong impact of biological processes on the biogeochemistry in the surface waters within the Kerguelen plume in November–mid-December, while it is undetectable to the east in the PFZ from mid- December to mid-February. While the buoy follows the Fe-enriched filament, simultaneous observations of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and dissolved oxygen (O2) highlight biological events lasting from 2 to 4 days. Stoichiometric ratios, O2 / C, between 1.1 and 1.4 are observed indicating new and regenerated production regimes. NCP estimates range from 60 to 140 mmol C m−2 d−1.
A 50 % increase in the mass of terrestrial particles delivered by the Mackenzie River into the Beaufort Sea (Canadian Arctic Ocean) over the last 10 years
Authors: Doxaran D. , Devred E. , Babin M.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. Global warming has a significant impact on the regional scale on the Arctic Ocean and surrounding coastal zones (i.e., Alaska, Canada, Greenland, Norway and Russia). The recent increase in air temperature has resulted in increased precipitation along the drainage basins of Arctic rivers. It has also directly impacted land and seawater temperatures with the consequence of melting permafrost and sea ice. An increase in freshwater discharge by main Arctic rivers has been clearly identified in time series of field observations. The freshwater discharge of the Mackenzie River has increased by 25% since 2003. This may have increased the mobilization and transport of various dissolved and particulate substances, including organic carbon, as well as their export to the ocean. The release from land to the ocean of such organic material, which has been sequestered in a frozen state since the Last Glacial Maximum, may significantly impact the Arctic Ocean carbon cycle as well as marine ecosystems. In this study we use 11 years of ocean color satellite data and field observations collected in 2009 to estimate the mass of terrestrial suspended solids and particulate organic carbon delivered by the Mackenzie River into the Beaufort Sea (Arctic Ocean). Our results show that during the summer period, the concentration of suspended solids at the river mouth, in the delta zone and in the river plume has increased by 46, 71 and 33%, respectively, since 2003. Combined with the variations observed in the freshwater discharge, this corresponds to a more than 50% increase in the particulate (terrestrial suspended particles and organic carbon) export from the Mackenzie River into the Beaufort Sea.
How effective is river restoration in re-establishing groundwater–surface water interactions? – A case study
Authors: Kurth A.-M. , Weber C. , Schirmer M.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. In this study, we investigated whether river restoration was successful in re-establishing groundwater–surface water interactions in a degraded urban stream. Restoration measures included morphological changes to the river bed, such as the installation of gravel islands and spur dykes, as well as the planting of site-specific riparian vegetation. Standard distributed temperature sensing (DTS) and novel active and passive DTS approaches were employed to study groundwater–surface water interactions in two reference streams and an experimental reach of an urban stream before and after its restoration. Radon-222 analyses were utilized to validate the losing stream conditions of the urban stream in the experimental reach. Our results indicated that river restoration at the study site was indeed successful in increasing groundwater–surface water interactions. Increased surface water downwelling occurred locally at the tip of a gravel island created during river restoration. Hence, the installation of in-stream structures increased the vertical connectivity and thus groundwater–surface water interactions. With the methods presented in this publication, it would be possible to routinely investigate the success of river restorations in re-establishing vertical connectivity, thereby gaining insight into the effectiveness of specific restoration measures. This, in turn, would enable the optimization of future river restoration projects, rendering them more cost-effective and successful.
Flooding in river mouths: human caused or natural events? Five centuries of flooding events in the SW Netherlands, 1500–2000
Authors: de Kraker A. M. J.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. This paper looks into flood events of the past 500 years in the SW Netherlands, addressing the issue of what kind of flooding events have occurred and which ones have mainly natural causes and which ones are predominantly human induced. The flood events are classified into two major categories: (a) flood events that were caused during storm surges and (b) flood events which happened during warfare. From both categories a selection of flood events has been made. Each flood event is discussed in terms of time, location, extent of the flooded area and specific conditions. Among these conditions, specific weather circumstances and how long they lasted, the highest water levels reached and dike maintenance are discussed as far as flood events caused during storm surges are concerned. Flood events during warfare as both offensive and defensive strategies are relevant; the paper demonstrates that although the strategic flood events obviously were man-made, the natural feature, being the use of fresh water or sea water, of these events also played a major role. Flood events caused during storm surge may have an obvious natural cause, but the extent of the flooding and damage it caused was largely determined by man.
Poroelastic responses of confined aquifers to subsurface strain changes and their use for volcano monitoring
Authors: Strehlow K. , Gottsmann J. H. , Rust A. C.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. Well water level changes associated with magmatic unrest can be interpreted as a result of pore pressure changes in the aquifer due to crustal deformation, and so could provide constraints on the subsurface processes causing this strain. We use Finite Element Analysis to demonstrate the response of aquifers to volumetric strain induced by pressurised magma reservoirs. Two different aquifers are invoked – an unconsolidated pyroclastic deposit and a vesicular lava flow – and embedded in an impermeable crust, overlying a magma chamber. The time-dependent, fully coupled models simulate crustal deformation accompanying chamber pressurisation and the resulting hydraulic head changes as well as porous flow in the aquifer. The simulated deformational strain leads to centimetres (pyroclastic aquifer) to meters (lava flow aquifer) of hydraulic head changes; both strain and hydraulic head change with time due to substantial porous flow in the hydrological system. Well level changes are particularly sensitive to chamber volume and shape, followed by chamber depth and the phase of the pore fluid. The Young's Modulus and permeability of the aquifer, as well as the strength of pressurisation also have significant influence on the hydraulic head signal. While source characteristics, the distance between chamber and aquifer and the elastic stratigraphy determine the strain field and its partitioning, flow and coupling parameters define how the aquifer responds to this strain and how signals change with time. We investigated a period of pre-eruptive head changes recorded at Usu volcano, Japan, where well data were interpreted using an analytical deformation model. We find that generic analytical models can fail to capture the complex pre-eruptive subsurface mechanics leading to well level changes, due to aquifer pressure changes being sensitive to chamber shape and lithological heterogeneities. In addition, the presence of a pore fluid and its flow have a significant influence on the strain signal in the aquifer and are commonly neglected in analytical models. These findings highlight the need for numerical models for the interpretation of observed well level signals. However, simulated water table changes do mirror volumetric strain and wells can therefore serve as comparatively cheap strain meters that could provide important insights into pre-eruptive dynamics.
Functional homogeneous zones (fHZs) in viticultural zoning procedure: an Italian case study on Aglianico vine
Authors: Bonfante A. , Agrillo A. , Albrizio R. , Basile A. , Buonomo R. , De Mascellis R. , Gambuti A. , Giorio P. , Guida G. , Langella G. , Manna P. , Minieri L. , Moio L. , Siani T. , Terribile F.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. This paper aims to test a new physically oriented approach to viticulture zoning at farm scale that is strongly rooted in hydropedology and aims to achieve a better use of environmental features with respect to plant requirements and wine production. The physics of our approach are defined by the use of soil–plant–atmosphere simulation models, applying physically based equations to describe the soil hydrological processes and solve soil–plant water status. This study (part of the ZOVISA project) was conducted on a farm devoted to production of high-quality wines (Aglianico DOC), located in southern Italy (Campania region, Mirabella Eclano, AV). The soil spatial distribution was obtained after standard soil survey informed by geophysical survey. Two homogeneous zones (HZs) were identified; in each one a physically based model was applied to solve the soil water balance and estimate the soil functional behaviour (crop water stress index, CWSI) defining the functional homogeneous zones (fHZs). For the second process, experimental plots were established and monitored for investigating soil–plant water status, crop development (biometric and physiological parameters) and daily climate variables (temperature, solar radiation, rainfall, wind). The effects of crop water status on crop response over must and wine quality were then evaluated in the fHZs. This was performed by comparing crop water stress with (i) crop physiological measurement (leaf gas exchange, chlorophyll a fluorescence, leaf water potential, chlorophyll content, leaf area index (LAI) measurement), (ii) grape bunches measurements (berry weight, sugar content, titratable acidity, etc.) and (iii) wine quality (aromatic response). This experiment proved the usefulness of the physically based approach, also in the case of mapping viticulture microzoning.
Local versus field scale soil heterogeneity characterization – a challenge for representative sampling in pollution studies
Authors: Kardanpour Z. , Jacobsen O. S. , Esbensen K. H.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. This study is a contribution to development of a heterogeneity characterisation facility for "next generation" sampling aimed at more realistic and controllable pesticide variability in laboratory pots in experimental environmental contaminant assessment. The role of soil heterogeneity on quantification of a set of exemplar parameters, organic matter, loss on ignition (LOI), biomass, soil microbiology, MCPA sorption and mineralization is described, including a brief background on how heterogeneity affects sampling/monitoring procedures in environmental pollutant studies. The Theory of Sampling (TOS) and variographic analysis has been applied to develop a fit-for-purpose heterogeneity characterization approach. All parameters were assessed in large-scale profile (1–100 m) vs. small-scale (0.1–1 m) replication sampling pattern. Variographic profiles of experimental analytical results concludes that it is essential to sample at locations with less than a 2.5 m distance interval to benefit from spatial auto-correlation and thereby avoid unnecessary, inflated compositional variation in experimental pots; this range is an inherent characteristic of the soil heterogeneity and will differ among soils types. This study has a significant carrying-over potential for related research areas e.g. soil science, contamination studies, and environmental monitoring and environmental chemistry.
Evaluation of Oxon English Textbook Used in Pakistan Public Schools for 6th & 7th Grade
Authors: Nazeer Maryam , Kazim Shah Sayed , Sarwat Zubia
Published: June 2015

Textbook evaluation is considered an important factor in the field of education from the aspect of teachers and learners. Pre-use evaluation of textbook is recommended by many researchers. In this respect, the current study is aimed at evaluating textbooks of secondary level, class 6th and 7th to find strengths and weaknesses in them. An evaluation checklist by Mukundan (2011) has been adapted for this purpose. The research is both quantitative and qualitative in its nature. The results revealed that these textbooks lack in various vital features even in basic skills. The obtained results show that these books need to be revised and this study has important implications for teachers and learners.
Celestial Divination in Esarhaddon’s Aššur A Inscription
Authors: Cooley Jeffrey L.
Published: June 2015

The goal of this essay is to begin the study of the handful of references to celestial divination found in the Assyrian royal inscriptions from the perspective of propaganda analysis by approaching one text in particular, Esarhaddon’s Aššur A inscription. This inquiry helps to solve some of the outstanding problems in regard to the celestial phenomena recorded in these inscriptions and their mantic implications.
Cause of Devotion in Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava Theology
Authors: Edelmann Jonathan
Published: June 2015

Devotion (bhakti) is the defining religious practice and central theological concept of the Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava tradition, and this article is about the catalytic event that is said to instigate bhakti in the non-devoted. I examine how Jīva Gosvāmin (c. 1517–1608) and Viśvanātha Cakravartin (fl. 1679–1709), two important theologians in this tradition, argue that the cause of bhakti in the non-devoted is a meeting with a devotee. In this meeting, the non-devoted may develop conviction (śraddhā), which in turn gives him or her the motivation to continue along the path of bhakti, the steps of which were charted in the Bhaktirasāmṛtasindhu of Rūpa Gosvāmin (c. 1470–1555). Based on a few key passages from the Gauḍīya’s primary scriptural source, the Bhāgavata Purāṇa, Jīva and Viśvanātha argue that this conviction for bhakti is developed spontaneously (yadṛcchayā). Since the spontaneous conviction to practice bhakti can only occur in sādhu-saṅga, or a meeting with a devotee, what causes that meeting? The devotee always acts freely and independently (like the Lord Kṛṣṇa himself); thus his or her motivation to meet and inspire conviction in the non-devoted is not reducible to a divine plan, divine grace, the piety (or impiety) of the receiver, special features of the receiver’s soul, high birth, or any other designation. Rather, the cause of sādhu-saṅga is the bhakti “living in the heart” of a devotee. This bhakti makes the devotee feel compassion (kṛpā) toward the non-devoted, which leads him or her to provide sādhu-saṅga, which then creates conviction (śraddhā), which eventually leads to bhakti.