bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Compound Dorsal Dislocation of Lunate with Trapezoid Fracture
Authors: Kim Bong-Sung , Grieb Gerrit , Rhodius Patrick , Böcker Arne H. , Stromps Jan-Philipp , Krämer Nils Andreas , Pallua Norbert
Published: December 2016

We report about a dorsal dislocation of the lunate accompanied by a trapezoid fracture in a 41-year old male patient after a motorcycle accident. The lunate dislocation with no dorsal or volar intercalated segment instability (DISI, VISI) was diagnosed by x-ray whereas the trapezoid fracture was only diagnosable by computed tomography. A closed reduction and internal fixation of the lunate by two Kirschner wires was performed, the trapezoid fracture was conservatively treated. Surgery was followed by immobilization, intense physiotherapy and close follow-up. Even though complaints such as swelling and pain subsided during the course of rehabilitation, partial loss of strength and range of motion remained even after 16 months. In conclusion, a conservative treatment of trapezoid fractures seems to be sufficient in most cases. Closed reduction with Kwire fixation led to an overall satisfactory result in our case. For dorsal lunate dislocations in general, open reduction should be performed when close reduction is unsuccessful or DISI/VISI are observed in radiographs after attempted close reduction.
The Importance of Surgery as Part of Multimodal Therapy in Rapid Progressive Primary Extraosseous Ewing Sarcoma of the Cervical Intra- and Epidural Space
Authors: Bostelmann Richard , Leimert Mario , Steiger Hans Jakob , Gierga Kirstin , Petridis Athanasios K.
Published: December 2016

Primary extraosseous Ewing sarcomas (EESs) are an extremely rare pathological entity. Less than 32 cases have been reported in the literature. Here we report an uncommon case with very rapid progression in the cervical region with extra- and intradural involvement. We present a thorough review of the literature and discuss possible treatment modalities. The Medline database was searched using the search terms: Ewing sarcoma, extraosseus tumour, treatment, management, cervical spine. A previously healthy 29-year-old man complained of right-sided radiculopathy (C7). Magnetic resonance imaging showed an enhancing foraminal, sandglass shaped neurinoma- like lesion. Surgery revealed an intraand extra-dural lesion, which was histologically diagnosed as Ewing sarcoma. Despite gross total resection, there was a massive symptomatic tumor recurrence within 6 weeks. A second gross total resection was realized. The patient was treated according to the EURO E.W.I.N.G.-Protocol (VIDE) and recovered very well (progression-free interval during therapy). Several decompressive re-surgeries were realized with adjuvant radio-chemotherapy. At the last follow-up (17 months after initial surgery) the patient was in remission with a good quality of live. This case is to illustrate that despite extensive therapeutic efforts, the progression- free survival in case of primary EES may be very short. To maintain neurological function and good quality of live as long as possible, a multimodal strategy seems to be adequate. Like in the present case this implies several surgeries and adjuvant chemo-and radiotherapy. Whether this improves overall survival remains unclear.
La bioetica di Potter: la ricerca della saggezza all’origine della bioetica e dell’etica ambientale
Authors: Valera Luca
Published: December 2016

La bioetica e l’etica ambientale sono accomunate da radici profonde. Nel presente scritto si tenterà di mostrare la validità di tale affermazione, prendendo spunto dall’opera del padre della bioetica, Van Rennselaer Potter, e il padre dell’etica ambientale, Arne Næss. Le due discipline, inoltre, condividono la medesima storia, giacché si configurano come la risposta filosofica più interessante ai problemi originati con i recenti sviluppi tecnologici. La necessità di una scienza della sopravvivenza (Potter), che sappia finalmente indirizzare le nuove azioni umane e la conoscenza che le accompagna, deve essere, secondo la prospettiva di Potter (ed anche di Næss) sempre affiancata dallo sviluppo della virtù della saggezza e della prudenza. ---------- Bioethics and environmental ethics share deep common roots. In this paper we will attempt to demonstrate this statement, inspired by both the work of the father of bioethics, Van Rennselaer Potter, and the father of environmental ethics, Arne Næss. The two disciplines even share a common history, since they constitute the most interesting philosophical answer to the problems originated by the recent technological developments. The need for a science of survival (Potter), which can finally guide the new human actions and the knowledge that goes along with them, must be, from Potter’s (and also Næss’) perspective, always accompanied by the development of the virtues of wisdom and prudence.
Biodiversity of Staphylinidae (Coleoptera) in the Province of Verona (Veneto, Northern Italy)
Authors: Zanetti Adriano , Sette Alberto , Poggi Roberto , Tagliapietra Andrea
Published: December 2016

A commented catalogue of Coleoptera Staphylinidae present in Verona province (Veneto, Northern Italy) is provided. It is based on published as well as mostly unpublished records, with the Sette collection at the Museo Civico di Storia Naturale di Verona as main source. These records are filed in a freely downloadable database (http://www.societaentomologicaitaliana.it/it/archivio-comunicazioni/78-archiviati/269-database-staphylinidae-verona.html). Verona province is a very diverse area, with habitats ranging from montane/alpine to hill and plain, which are natural, seminatural or anthropogenic. A total of 988 species are listed. Localities, habitats, microhabitats, collecting methods, altitudinal range, months of capture, latest year of capture and number of specimens are given for each species. Comments are added for 149 remarkable species or genera (i.e. new to Italy, endemic, with particular geographic distribution, living in particular habitats, introduced, problematic from a taxonomic point of view), 7 species are new records for Italy (Tachyporus corpulentus J. Sahlberg, 1876, Aleochara bellonata Krása, 1922, Aleochara marmotae Sainte-Claire Deville, 1927, Atheta (Ceritaxa) flavipes (Hochhuth, 1860), Atheta (Philhygra) pseudoelongatula Bernhauer, 1907, Stenomastax platygaster (Kraatz, 1859), Carpelimus boops rondaensis (Fagel, 1957)), one is very probably new to science (Leptusa sp.). The biogeographic analysis of the data is mostly based on the comparison of the main areas of the province (Monte Baldo, Lessinia, Morene del Garda, course of Adige river, and plain). The presence of a good percentage (5%) of endemic species is pointed out. The communities inhabiting the principal habitats and microhabitats are commented on, and remarkable species living in the protected areas of the province are listed.
Concepts of multifaceted social support in operational work in the lives of South African Police Service members
Authors: Gumani Masefako A.
Published: December 2016

Orientation: The extensive role that social support plays in the lives of South African Police Service (SAPS) members outside of the expected work networks of professionals and colleagues should be further studied to reflect on the benefits received when handling the stressful and traumatic effects of operational work.Research purpose: The objective of this study was to describe the concepts of multifaceted social support network systems as perceived by SAPS members in the context of the Vhembe District (South Africa) in assisting them to deal with the effects of their operational work.Motivation for the study: There is still a call in social research to focus on the influence of different functions and sources of social support.Research design, approach and method: A descriptive phenomenological research design was used, and 20 SAPS participants were selected through purposive sampling. Unstructured,face-to-face interviews, field notes, telephone follow-ups and diaries were used to collect data which was subsequently analysed through phenomenological explication.Main findings: The results show that social support is not a linear process but is multifaceted,depending on specific operational settings. Furthermore, the social support network system identified is informed by the values of communal living in the Vhembe District as well as in the operational context in which the SAPS members work.Practical/managerial implications: The SAPS should help initiate and involve, during the debriefing of operational members, types and functions of social support that are dependent on organisational and community contexts.Contribution/value-add: This study makes a meaningful contribution to understanding that social support in the SAPS operational context is different from other contexts.
On the Gamma-limit of joint image segmentation and registration functionals based on phase fields
Authors: Wirth Benedikt
Published: December 2016

A classical task in image processing is the following: Given two images, identify the structures inside (for instance detect all image edges or all homogeneous regions; this is called segmentation) and find a deformation which maps the structures in one image onto the corresponding ones in the other image (called registration). In medical imaging, for instance, one might segment the organs in two patient images and then identify corresponding organs in both images for automated comparison purposes. The image segmentation is classically performed variationally using the Mumford–Shah model, and the obtained structures are then mapped onto each other by minimizing a registration energy in which the deformation is regularized via elasticity. Experimentally it often seems more robust to perform segmentation and registration simultaneously so that both can benefit from each other. The question to be examined here is how phase field approximations of the Mumford–Shah model behave if used for the joint segmentation and registration problem.We mathematically analyze corresponding generic phase field models and reveal interesting phenomena that rule out some of the models. These phenomena are characteristic of coupling phase fields with deformations and thus are interesting in their own right. In essence, region-based segmentation and registration problems can well be approximated using phase fields, while edge-based approaches typically suffer from different types of vanishing or newly appearing edges. We conjecture how the introduction of a different scaling could remedy those shortcomings.
Convergence of a threshold-type algorithm using the signed distance function
Authors: Ishii Katsuyuki , Kimura Masato
Published: December 2016

We consider a threshold-type algorithm for curvature-dependent motions of hypersurfaces. This algorithm was numerically studied by [27], [9] and [35], where they used the signed distance function. It is also regarded as a variant of the Bence–Merriman–Osher algorithm for the mean curvature flow ( [4]). In this paper we prove the convergence of our algorithm under the nonfattening condition, applying the method of [30] which is based on the notion of the generalized flow due to [3]. Then we derive the rate of convergence of our algorithm to the smooth and compact curvature-dependent motions and show its optimality to the special case of a circle evolving by its curvature. We also give a local estimate on the convergence to a regular portion of the generalized curvature-dependent motion.
Prevalence of and Factors Associated with Nephropathy in Diabetic Patients Attending an Outpatient Clinic in Harare, Zimbabwe
Authors: Machingura Pasipanodya Ian , Chikwasha Vasco , Okwanga Parmenas Nelson , Gomo Exnevia
Published: December 2016

There is limited information on the burden of diabetic nephropathy in developing countries. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of and factors associated with nephropathy among diabetic patients attending an outpatient clinic in Harare, Zimbabwe. In an analytical cross-sectional study, diabetic patients were consecutively enrolled and a questionnaire administered, clinical assessment conducted, and blood samples collected for human immunodeficiency virus testing and measurement of lipids, creatinine, fructosamine, and glycosylated hemoglobin levels. Urine samples were collected for determination of albumin and creatinine levels, which were used to categorize albuminuria. A total of 344 diabetic patients were enrolled. Overall, just over a third (35.8%) of patients had moderately increased albuminuria and 9.0% had severely increased albuminuria giving an overall prevalence of nephropathy of 44.8%. Prevalence of moderately increased albuminuria was slightly higher (36.5% versus 33.3%) and severely increased albuminuria slightly lower (8.8% versus 9.5%) in type 2 than type 1 diabetes patients, but the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.866). Higher fructosamine and retinopathy were associated with nephropathy in both univariate and multivariate analysis {higher fructosamine (odds ratio [OR] = 1.00, confidence interval [CI] = 1.00–1.01), and retinopathy (OR = 2.80, CI = 1.64–4.97)}. We report a higher prevalence of moderately increased albuminuria and a lower prevalence of severely increased albuminuria compared with findings reported a decade ago among type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus patients attending the same clinic. High fructosamine and retinopathy were independent predictors of nephropathy.
The Impact of Systematic Point-of-Care Ultrasound on Management of Patients in a Resource-Limited Setting
Authors: Stanley Alastair , Wajanga Bahati M. K. , Jaka Hyasinta , Purcell Rachael , Byrne Lauren , Williams Felicity , Rypien Candace , Sharpe Abigail , Laws Patrick , Faustine Lucas , Leeme Tshepo , Mwabutwa Emmanuel , Peck Robert , Stephens Matthew , Kaminstein Daniel
Published: December 2016

Although target point-of-care (POC) ultrasonography has been shown to benefit patients in resource-limited settings, it is not clear whether a systematic POC ultrasound assessment in these settings can also lead to similar changes in patient management. A predefined systematic set of POC ultrasound scans were performed on inpatients at a tertiary referral hospital in Tanzania to see if this resulted in changes to patient management. Of the 55 patients scanned, an abnormality was detected in 75% (N = 41), and a change in patient management was recommended or implemented on the basis of POC ultrasound findings in 53% (N = 29). The main impact was earlier initiation of treatment due to more rapid and accurate diagnosis. Further research is warranted to determine whether systematic POC ultrasonography would result in improved patient outcomes in resource-limited settings.
An Outbreak of Diarrhea in Mandera, Kenya, Due to Escherichia coli Serogroup O-Nontypable Strain That Had a Coding Gene for Enteroaggregative E. coli Heat-Stable Enterotoxin 1
Authors: Ochi Sadayuki , Shah Mohammad , Odoyo Erick , Bundi Martin , Miringu Gabriel , Guyo Sora , Wandera Ernest , Kathiiko Cyrus , Kariuki Samuel , Karama Mohamed , Tsuji Takao , Ichinose Yoshio
Published: December 2016

In an outbreak of gastroenteritis in December 2009, in Mandera, Kenya, Escherichia coli O-nontypable (ONT) strain was isolated from stool specimens of patients (18/24, 75%). The E. coli ONT organisms could not be assigned to any of the recognized diarrheagenic groups of E. coli. However, they possessed the enteroaggregative E. coli heat-stable enterotoxin-1 gene. The cell-free culture filtrates of the E. coli ONT strain isolated from the outbreak cases induced considerable amount of fluid accumulation in suckling mouse intestine, indicating production of an enterotoxic factor(s). These results identify E. coli that did not have any diarrheagenic characteristics except astA as the etiological agent of the diarrheal outbreak in Mandera. It is however considered necessary to characterize the fluid accumulation factor(s) to determine whether any novel toxins were responsible for the fluid accumulation. Moreover, it is important to study dissemination of strains producing the enterotoxic factor(s) to assess their public health significance distribution in the environment.
Awareness of Sickle Cell Trait Status: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Antenatal Women in Ghana
Authors: Obed Samuel Amenyi , Asah-Opoku Kwaku , Aboagye Serwah , Torto Magdalene , Oppong Samuel Antwi , Nuamah Mercy Anna
Published: December 2016

This study was conducted to evaluate pregnant women's awareness of sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait and the factors that contribute to it. Two hundred and six pregnant women with at least 20 weeks gestation answered a questionnaire regarding awareness of their trait status and questions to test their knowledge of sickle cell disease. Although the majority of patients were aware of their trait status (87.4%), only 29% of knowledge questions were answered correctly; patients who self-identified as having sickle cell trait did not do better. Patients who responded that they knew a good deal about sickle cell disease scored an average of 3.5 points (number of correct responses to nine questions) more than individuals who responded that they knew nothing (P < 0.001). Individuals who knew they had been tested for the sickle cell trait scored approximately 2 points higher than those who did not know whether they had been tested (P = 0.004). Respondents with at least secondary education scored on average 1 point higher on the knowledge test than those with less education (P = 0.004). Knowing someone with sickle cell disease was associated with a mean score of 1.25 points higher than individuals who did not know any affected individual (P = 0.000).There is a deficit in the knowledge of sickle cell disease among Ghanaian pregnant women. Therefore, there is the need for public education on sickle cell disease.
Design/build: A Relevant Pedagogy for Architecture Education
Authors: Chamel Olivier
Published: December 2016

The predominance of drawing as a mean to create and represent architecture, whether in an educational setting or in professional practice, has had a profound influence on the design process. Drawings are so much a part of that process that they can often be mistaken for architecture itself. But drawings are not architecture, rather they are tools to create and control.

Historically, drawings greatly contributed to the establishment of the profession of architect inaugurated by the Italian Renaissance. They became the means by which architects gained control over design and by extension over the construction process. Control of the design process eventually moved from the hands of the master builders to architects’ pencils.

The long-held monopoly of drawings in architecture has perpetuated a structural disconnect between design process and the “making of things”. The heavy reliance on drawings has lead to tendencies for abstraction, repetition, self reference and a diminished sense of genuine innovation.

Design/build as an alternative delivery method focuses on a more intuitive approach based on the creative powers of manual labor and the interaction of the designer with the material world. This methodology has the advantage to re-engage a generation of student increasingly invested in a world of virtual stimuli with the physical materiality of things and promote the creative value of Homo Faber. By “making things” students are designing. A hands-on approach would also meet the needs of a student body who responds well to active learning pedagogy.

This paper will present a series of recent furniture design/build exercises where students designed and furniture and small building prototypes with limited reliance on drawings. We will discuss how subjects such as structures, material sourcing and construction detailing can be transposed from various courses and applied to design/build projects. We believe that a pedagogy based on physical experimentations could infuse energy throughout curricula no matter the course subject.
The integrated design of building services by an equipped and eco-efficient module (MOTE2)
Authors: Giordano Roberto , Allione Cristina , Clos Andrè , Montacchini Elena , Tedesco Silvia
Published: December 2016

The targets set out by European Directives concerning the energy savings in the construction sector refer both to building envelope and to its services. With regard to building services it is mandatory meeting requirements related to heating, cooling, lighting and ventilation.

Building services take up a variable space in the buildings that cannot be considered anymore negligible and they would always be fully integrated into buildings.

Equipped and Eco-efficient Technological Module (MOTE2) is a research project aimed at implementing the integration in a unique services cupboard of some building services: heating and cooling; domestic hot water; mechanical ventilation.

The project was organized according to four main phases. In phase 1 a set of rules was defined matching requirements related to the energy efficiency to environmental building design standards. During the phase 2 six building models were studied in order to size the corresponding building services according to scenario analysis set down for existing buildings. In phase 3 the project was focused on designing the assembly among services.

The cupboard design is like a Tetris® game through the planning of the best combination among services shape. Based on the drawings developed a first mock-up was built up and monitored. Finally, in phase 4 the paper deals with the MOTE2’s expected performances.

Outlook and some conclusions point out the future steps of the research activities.
Os desafios motivacionais na gestão dos profissionais de TI: estudo de três empresas
Authors: Foina Paulo Rogério , Eiras Victor Luis de Lauro
Published: December 2016

A fácil adaptação a diversos ambientes e a busca pelo desenvolvimento de soluções inovadoras fez dos profissionais da área de tecnologia da informação peças fundamentais para a continuidade das empresas no mercado. O dinamismo e a ampla oferta de emprego para esses profissionais no mercado com salários altíssimos contribuem para a sua alta rotatividade. Por esse motivo, a retenção desses profissionais se tornou um novo desafio a ser enfrentado pela área de Gestão de Pessoas. Este artigo tem a finalidade de mensurar o impacto que a alta rotatividade desses profissionais ocasiona em três empresas (uma do setor público e duas do setor privado) e de identificar o perfil dos profissionais de tecnologia da informação dessas empresas, visando a compreensão das suas necessidades e motivações dentro do ambiente de trabalho. Por meio de pesquisas de campo o estudo constatou que esses profissionais estão em busca de segurança, desafios e reconhecimento em seu ambiente de trabalho, além de possibilitar fazer a distinção entre os profissionais de tecnologia da informação, do funcionalismo público e do funcionalismo privado
Empreendedorismo social: a inovação do movimento das empresas júnior no Brasil
Authors: Aveni Alessandro , Ferreira Hayanne Rocha
Published: December 2016

Existem poucas pesquisas na academia em inovação e empreendedorismo social e também sobre Empresas Junior (EJ). O intuito é chamar atenção sobre o empreendedorismo social que é um ator dinâmico sustentável e de grande impacto social e econômico, mesmo se não existem ainda estatísticas confiáveis sobre o fenômeno no Brasil e não se pode detectar claramente sua inovação. O objetivo pretendido é explicar o modelo EJ e o movimento das EJ no Brasil como exemplo de inovação e de empreendedorismo social o que cabe na discussão sobre inovação e organizações. O resultado da análise usando pesquisas do mesmo movimento EJ (MEJ) mostra que as EJ podem ser classificadas na definição de empreendedorismo social e são inovadoras no meio em que operam e também pelas formas de organização que adotam. Entretanto, como resultado da análise, foi detectado que existem elementos de discussão sobre estratégias e posicionamento das EJ no mercado além de integração e de orientação acadêmica. Também existem elementos importantes na analise para que o governo, as empresas e a universidade possam avaliar o movimento como parceiro importante para inovação e desenvolvimento e não simplesmente uma associação de alunos de graduação, pois os integrantes do movimento estão complementando voluntariamente as falhas do sistema universitário e suo relacionamento com o mercado do trabalho.
Motivação e clima organizacional:  um estudo de caso em uma Instituição Pública Federal de Ensino Superior do DF
Authors: Melo José Airton Mendonça de , Barros Patrícia Lira
Published: December 2016

Esse trabalho tem como objetivo pesquisar a influência do clima organizacional na motivação dos colaboradores de um dos setores de uma Instituição Pública Federal de Ensino Superior do Distrito Federal. Trata-se de uma pesquisa de natureza descritiva, cujas técnicas de coleta de dados compreendem um levantamento bibliográfico e uma pesquisa de campo em uma organização pública do segmento educacional, com vistas a entender como determinados elementos do clima da organização podem influenciar a motivação dos colaboradores inseridos no contexto da instituição. Os achados mais importantes do estudo são os resultados positivos dos fatores que mensuram o clima, dentre eles a clareza organizacional, reconhecimento, condições físicas e materiais, trabalho em equipe, relacionamento interpessoal, conflitos, rotatividade, produtividade, liderança e avaliação de desempenho, e ainda a relação afirmativa da influência do clima na motivação dos colaboradores.
Insights into the deterministic skill of air quality ensembles from the analysis of AQMEII data
Authors: Kioutsioukis Ioannis , Im Ulas , Solazzo Efisio , Bianconi Roberto , Badia Alba , Balzarini Alessandra , Baró Rocío , Bellasio Roberto , Brunner Dominik , Chemel Charles , Curci Gabriele , van der Gon Hugo Denier , Flemming Johannes , Forkel Renate , Giordano Lea , Jiménez-Guerrero Pedro , Hirtl Marcus , Jorba Oriol , Manders-Groot Astrid , Neal Lucy , Pérez Juan L. , Pirovano Guidio , San Jose Roberto , Savage Nicholas , Schroder Wolfram , Sokhi Ranjeet S. , Syrakov Dimiter , Tuccella Paolo , Werhahn Johannes , Wolke Ralf , Hogrefe Christian , Galmarini Stefano
Published: December 2016

Abstract. Simulations from chemical weather models are subject to uncertainties in the input data (e.g. emission inventory, initial and boundary conditions) as well as those intrinsic to the model (e.g. physical parameterization, chemical mechanism). Multi-model ensembles can improve the forecast skill, provided that certain mathematical conditions are fulfilled. In this work, four ensemble methods were applied to two different datasets, and their performance was compared for ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM10). Apart from the unconditional ensemble average, the approach behind the other three methods relies on adding optimum weights to members or constraining the ensemble to those members that meet certain conditions in time or frequency domain. The two different datasets were created for the first and second phase of the Air Quality Model Evaluation International Initiative (AQMEII). The methods are evaluated against ground level observations collected from the EMEP (European Monitoring and Evaluation Programme) and AirBase databases. The goal of the study is to quantify to what extent we can extract predictable signals from an ensemble with superior skill over the single models and the ensemble mean. Verification statistics show that the deterministic models simulate better O3 than NO2 and PM10, linked to different levels of complexity in the represented processes. The unconditional ensemble mean achieves higher skill compared to each station's best deterministic model at no more than 60 % of the sites, indicating a combination of members with unbalanced skill difference and error dependence for the rest. The promotion of the right amount of accuracy and diversity within the ensemble results in an average additional skill of up to 31 % compared to using the full ensemble in an unconditional way. The skill improvements were higher for O3 and lower for PM10, associated with the extent of potential changes in the joint distribution of accuracy and diversity in the ensembles. The skill enhancement was superior using the weighting scheme, but the training period required to acquire representative weights was longer compared to the sub-selecting schemes. Further development of the method is discussed in the conclusion.
Exploiting stagnant conditions to derive robust emission ratio estimates for CO2, CO and volatile organic compounds in Paris
Authors: Ammoura Lamia , Xueref-Remy Irène , Vogel Felix , Gros Valérie , Baudic Alexia , Bonsang Bernard , Delmotte Marc , Té Yao , Chevallier Frédéric
Published: December 2016

Abstract. We propose an approach to estimate urban emission ratios that takes advantage of the enhanced local urban signal in the atmosphere at low wind speed. We apply it to estimate monthly ratios between CO2, CO and some VOCs from several atmospheric concentration measurement datasets acquired in the centre of Paris between 2010 and 2014. We find that this approach is not very sensitive to the regional background level definition and that, in the case of Paris, it samples all days (weekdays and weekends) and all hours of the day evenly. A large seasonal variability of the ΔCO ∕ ΔCO2 ratio in Paris is shown, with a difference of around 60 % between the extreme values and a strong anti-correlation (r2 = 0.75) with atmospheric temperature. The comparison of the ratios obtained for two short measurement campaigns conducted in two different districts and two different periods (autumn and winter) shows differences ranging from −120 to +63 %. A comparison with a highly resolved regional emission inventory suggests some spatial variations of the ratio within the city.
Airborne observations of far-infrared upwelling radiance in the Arctic
Authors: Libois Quentin , Ivanescu Liviu , Blanchet Jean-Pierre , Schulz Hannes , Bozem Heiko , Leaitch W. Richard , Burkart Julia , Abbatt Jonathan P. D. , Herber Andreas B. , Aliabadi Amir A. , Girard Éric
Published: December 2016

Abstract. The first airborne measurements of the Far-InfraRed Radiometer (FIRR) were performed in April 2015 during the panarctic NETCARE campaign. Vertical profiles of spectral upwelling radiance in the range 8–50 µm were measured in clear and cloudy conditions from the surface up to 6 km. The clear sky profiles highlight the strong dependence of radiative fluxes to the temperature inversion typical of the Arctic. Measurements acquired for total column water vapour from 1.5 to 10.5 mm also underline the sensitivity of the far-infrared greenhouse effect to specific humidity. The cloudy cases show that optically thin ice clouds increase the cooling rate of the atmosphere, making them important pieces of the Arctic energy balance. One such cloud exhibited a very complex spatial structure, characterized by large horizontal heterogeneities at the kilometre scale. This emphasizes the difficulty of obtaining representative cloud observations with airborne measurements but also points out how challenging it is to model polar clouds radiative effects. These radiance measurements were successfully compared to simulations, suggesting that state-of-the-art radiative transfer models are suited to study the cold and dry Arctic atmosphere. Although FIRR in situ performances compare well to its laboratory performances, complementary simulations show that upgrading the FIRR radiometric resolution would greatly increase its sensitivity to atmospheric and cloud properties. Improved instrument temperature stability in flight and expected technological progress should help meet this objective. The campaign overall highlights the potential for airborne far-infrared radiometry and constitutes a relevant reference for future similar studies dedicated to the Arctic and for the development of spaceborne instruments.
Model sensitivity studies of the decrease in atmospheric carbon tetrachloride
Authors: Chipperfield Martyn P. , Liang Qing , Rigby Matthew , Hossaini Ryan , Montzka Stephen A. , Dhomse Sandip , Feng Wuhu , Prinn Ronald G. , Weiss Ray F. , Harth Christina M. , Salameh Peter K. , Mühle Jens , O'Doherty Simon , Young Dickon , Simmonds Peter G. , Krummel Paul B. , Fraser Paul J. , Steele L. Paul , Happell James D. , Rhew Robert C. , Butler James , Yvon-Lewis Shari A. , Hall Bradley , Nance David , Moore Fred , Miller Ben R. , Elkins James W. , Harrison Jeremy J. , Boone Chris D. , Atlas Elliot L. , Mahieu Emmanuel
Published: December 2016

Abstract. Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is an ozone-depleting substance, which is controlled by the Montreal Protocol and for which the atmospheric abundance is decreasing. However, the current observed rate of this decrease is known to be slower than expected based on reported CCl4 emissions and its estimated overall atmospheric lifetime. Here we use a three-dimensional (3-D) chemical transport model to investigate the impact on its predicted decay of uncertainties in the rates at which CCl4 is removed from the atmosphere by photolysis, by ocean uptake and by degradation in soils. The largest sink is atmospheric photolysis (74 % of total), but a reported 10 % uncertainty in its combined photolysis cross section and quantum yield has only a modest impact on the modelled rate of CCl4 decay. This is partly due to the limiting effect of the rate of transport of CCl4 from the main tropospheric reservoir to the stratosphere, where photolytic loss occurs. The model suggests large interannual variability in the magnitude of this stratospheric photolysis sink caused by variations in transport. The impact of uncertainty in the minor soil sink (9 % of total) is also relatively small. In contrast, the model shows that uncertainty in ocean loss (17 % of total) has the largest impact on modelled CCl4 decay due to its sizeable contribution to CCl4 loss and large lifetime uncertainty range (147 to 241 years). With an assumed CCl4 emission rate of 39 Gg year−1, the reference simulation with the best estimate of loss processes still underestimates the observed CCl4 (overestimates the decay) over the past 2 decades but to a smaller extent than previous studies. Changes to the rate of CCl4 loss processes, in line with known uncertainties, could bring the model into agreement with in situ surface and remote-sensing measurements, as could an increase in emissions to around 47 Gg year−1. Further progress in constraining the CCl4 budget is partly limited by systematic biases between observational datasets. For example, surface observations from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) network are larger than from the Advanced Global Atmospheric Gases Experiment (AGAGE) network but have shown a steeper decreasing trend over the past 2 decades. These differences imply a difference in emissions which is significant relative to uncertainties in the magnitudes of the CCl4 sinks.
Evaluation of the accuracy of
thermal dissociation
CRDS and
LIF techniques
for
atmospheric measurement of
reactive
nitrogen species
Authors: Womack Caroline C. , Neuman J. Andrew , Veres Patrick R. , Eilerman Scott J. , Brock Charles A. , Decker Zachary C. J. , Zarzana Kyle J. , Dube William P. , Wild Robert J. , Wooldridge Paul J. , Cohen Ronald C. , Brown Steven S.
Published: December 2016

Abstract. The sum of all reactive nitrogen species (NOy) includes NOx (NO2 + NO) and all of its oxidized forms, and the accurate detection of NOy is critical to understanding atmospheric nitrogen chemistry. Thermal dissociation (TD) inlets, which convert NOy to NO2 followed by NO2 detection, are frequently used in conjunction with techniques such as laser induced fluorescence (LIF) and cavity ringdown spectroscopy (CRDS) to measure total NOy when set at > 600 °C, or speciated NOy when set at intermediate temperatures. We report the conversion efficiency of known amounts of several representative NOy species to NO2 in our TD-CRDS instrument, under a variety of experimental conditions. We find that the conversion efficiency of HNO3 is highly sensitive to the flow rate and the residence time through the TD inlet, as well as the presence of other species that may be present during ambient sampling, such as ozone (O3). Conversion of HNO3 at 400 °C, nominally the set point used to selectively convert organic nitrates, can range from 2–6 % and may represent an interference in measurement of organic nitrates under some conditions. The conversion efficiency is strongly dependent on the operating characteristics of individual quartz ovens, and should be well calibrated prior to use in field sampling. We demonstrate quantitative conversion of both gas phase N2O5 and particulate ammonium nitrate in the TD inlet at 650 °C, the temperature normally used for conversion of HNO3. N2O5 has two thermal dissociation steps, one at low temperature representing dissociation to NO2 and NO3, and one at high temperature representing dissociation of NO3, which produces exclusively NO2 and not NO. We also find a significant interference from partial conversion (5–10 %) of NH3 to NO at 650 °C in the presence of representative (50 ppbv) levels of O3 in dry zero air. Although this interference appears to be suppressed when sampling ambient air, we nevertheless recommend regular characterization of this interference using standard additions of NH3 to TD instruments that convert reactive nitrogen to NO or NO2.
iCRESTRIGRS: a coupled modeling system for cascading flood–landslide disaster forecasting
Authors: Zhang Ke , Xue Xianwu , Hong Yang , Gourley Jonathan J. , Lu Ning , Wan Zhanming , Hong Zhen , Wooten Rick
Published: December 2016

Abstract. Severe storm-triggered floods and landslides are two major natural hazards in the US, causing property losses of USD 6 billion and approximately 110–160 fatalities per year nationwide. Moreover, floods and landslides often occur in a cascading manner, posing significant risk and leading to losses that are significantly greater than the sum of the losses from the hazards when acting separately. It is pertinent to couple hydrological and geotechnical modeling processes to an integrated flood–landslide cascading disaster modeling system for improved disaster preparedness and hazard management. In this study, we developed the iCRESTRIGRS model, a coupled flash flood and landslide initiation modeling system, by integrating the Coupled Routing and Excess STorage (CREST) model with the physically based Transient Rainfall Infiltration and Grid-Based Regional Slope-Stability (TRIGRS) landslide model. The iCRESTRIGRS system is evaluated in four river basins in western North Carolina that experienced a large number of floods, landslides and debris flows triggered by heavy rainfall from Hurricane Ivan during 16–18 September 2004. The modeled hourly hydrographs at four USGS gauge stations show generally good agreement with the observations during the entire storm period. In terms of landslide prediction in this case study, the coupled model has a global accuracy of 98.9 % and a true positive rate of 56.4 %. More importantly, it shows an improved predictive capability for landslides relative to the stand-alone TRIGRS model. This study highlights the important physical connection between rainfall, hydrological processes and slope stability, and provides a useful prototype model system for operational forecasting of flood and landslide.
Ross scheme, Newton–Raphson iterative methods and time-stepping strategies for solving the mixed-form of Richards' equation
Authors: Hassane Maina Fadji , Ackerer Philippe
Published: December 2016

Abstract. The solution of the mathematical model for flow in variably saturated porous media described by Richards equation (RE) is subject to heavy numerical difficulties due to its highly non-linear properties and remains very challenging. Two different algorithms are used in this work to solve the mixed-form of RE: the traditional iterative algorithm and a time-adaptive algorithm consisting of changing the time step magnitude within the iteration procedure while the state variable is kept constant. The Ross method is an example of this type of scheme, and we show that it is equivalent to the Newton-Raphson method with a time-adaptive algorithm. Both algorithms are coupled to different time stepping strategies: the standard heuristic approach based on the number of iterations and two strategies based on the time truncation error or on the change of water saturation. Three different test cases are used to evaluate the efficiency of these algorithms. The numerical results highlight the necessity of implementing two types of errors: the iterative convergence error (maximum difference of the state variable between two iterations) and an estimate of the time truncation errors. The algorithms using these two types of errors together were found to be the most efficient when highly accurate results are required.
Water movement through plant roots: Exact solutions of the water flow equation in roots with varying hydraulic properties
Authors: Meunier Félicien , Couvreur Valentin , Draye Xavier , Vanderborght Jan , Javaux Mathieu
Published: December 2016

Abstract. In 1978, Landsberg and Fowkes presented a solution of the water flow equation inside a root with uniform hydraulic properties. These properties are root radial conductivity and intrinsic axial conductance, which control, respectively, the radial water flow between the root surface and the axial flow in the xylem. From the solution for the xylem water potential, functions that describe the radial and axial flow along the root axis were derived. In this paper, novel solutions of the water flow equation were developed for roots whose hydraulic properties vary along their axis, which is generally the case for most plants. Six arrangements of radial conductivity and intrinsic axial conductance varying linearly or exponentially with distance from the root tip were analysed. These solutions were subsequently combined to construct root branches with complex hydraulic property profiles. They produced flow distributions different from those in uniform roots. We used the obtained functions for evaluating the impact of root maturation versus root growth on water uptake which revealed very contrasted strategies for water uptake. In this study we also looked for optimal root traits that maximize water uptake under a carbon cost constraint. Optimal traits were shown to be highly dependent on the root hydraulic properties. These solutions lead to plant-scale parameters for root water uptake used in ecohydrological models and open consequently new avenues to look for optimal genotype x environment x management interactions.
The critical role of uncertainty in projections of hydrological Extremes
Authors: Meresa Hadush K. , Romanowicz Renata J.
Published: December 2016

Abstract. This paper aims to quantify the uncertainty in the projections of future hydrological extremes in the BialaTarnowska River basin, south Poland. We follow a multi-model approach based on several climate projections obtained from the EUROCORDEX initiative, raw and downscaled realizations of catchment precipitation and temperature, and flow simulations derived using the hydrological HBV model. The projections cover the 21st century. Three sources of uncertainty were considered: one related to the hydrological model parameters uncertainty, the second related to climate projection ensemble spread and the third related to the distribution fit. The uncertainty of projected extreme indices related to hydrological model parameters was conditioned on flow observations from the reference period using the Generalised Likelihood Uncertainty Estimation approach, with separate weighting for high and low flow extremes. Flood quantiles were estimated using Generalize Extreme Value (GEV) distribution at different return periods and were based on two different lengths of the flow time series. The sensitivity analysis based on ANOVA shows that the uncertainty introduced by the HBV model parameters can be larger than the climate model variability and distribution fit uncertainty for the low-flow extremes whilst for the high-flow extremes higher uncertainty is observed from climate models than from hydrological parameter and distribution fit uncertainties. This implies that ignoring one of the three uncertainty sources may cause great risk to future hydrological extreme adaptations and water resource planning and management.
“What Doraemon, the Earless Blue Robot Cat from the 22nd Century, Can Teach Us About How Japan’s Elderly and Their Human Caregivers Might Live with Emotional Care Robots.”
Authors: Marshall Robert C.
Published: December 2016

While immense literatures examine aging and robots in Japan separately, reality has not yet reached the point where robotic care for the elderly can be examined comprehensively.  Disciplining imagination with method, structural analysis of the popular Japanese children’s animation series Doraemon, in which a slightly defective blue robot cat sent from the 22nd century becomes the helper and companion to a similarly slightly defective ten-year-old boy, lets us peer into one possible future of this nexus. If Japan’s robotics engineers would consider Doraemon as a plausible model for a socially assistive robot (SAR), their result might replace today’s fraught, infantilizing relationships with youthful, elder-focused care relationships.
Case Reports: Trial Dysphagia Interventions Conducted via Telehealth
Authors: Cassel Stacy Gallese
Published: December 2016

The diagnosis of dysphagia, defined as swallowing dysfunction or difficulty, is estimated to affect 40-60% of the institutionalized geriatric population, and is the leading cause of aspiration pneumonia, one of the primary contributors of geriatric mortality.  In the United States, statistics suggest that at least 50% of these individuals have limited access to treatment due to mobility, distance, and socioeconomic constraints.  While “tele-dysphagia intervention” – the delivery of dysphagia therapy services via telecommunications technology – may provide a solution, there is limited research investigating its validity or reliability.  The following three case reports of individuals successfully participating in trial tele-dysphagia therapy sessions lend credibility to this service delivery approach, and highlight the need for future research.
Some Reflections on Designing Effective Social Telerehabilitation Services for Older Adults
Authors: Marzano Gilberto , Lubkina Velta , Stafeckis Gatis
Published: December 2016

The share of the population aged 65 years and over is increasing in every EU Member State, candidate country, and EFTA Member State. WHO/Europe has established a Subnetwork on Healthy Ageing within the European Healthy Cities Network and provides guidance to Member States in developing profiles of healthy ageing, since, given the increasing number of older adults, maintaining their health status is a crucial issue.  This article, which is part of the Latvian national scientific program VPP INOSOCTEREHI, focuses on the issues related to the design, implementation, and assessment of user interfaces that can maximize usability in social telerehabilitation systems for older adult users. This is a very real challenge, since older adults don’t form a homogeneous class. Investigating older adults’ skills and their attitudes towards the perceived usefulness of computer applications could be helpful in identifying some sub-sets of older adult users and their typical behaviours.