bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leveraging CSR as a ‘Support-Aid' for Triple Bottom-Line Development in Nigeria
Authors: Raimi Lukman
Published: May 2018

This book chapter focuses on the developmental-oriented perspective of CSR which views corporate involvement as a ‘support-aid' for meeting triple bottom-line development in Nigeria. Arising from the literature, the stakeholder, legitimacy and social contract theories provide the required theoretical grounding for the discourse. The qualitative research method was found appropriate for this discourse. From the list of 25 registered telecommunication companies in Nigeria, a sample of 8 functional companies was selected using purposive sampling technique. The data extracted from the annual reports and websites of these companies were analysed using the content analysis. The findings indicate that the telecommunication companies are practically leveraging their CSR initiatives for social, economic and environmental wellness in Nigeria through a number of developmental programmes. The chapter explicates the fact that CSR as a private sector development model can be a potent tool for bridging governance gap environment instead of leaving all social problems to governments.
Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism and Hospitality
Authors: Kaushal Vikrant , Sharma Suman
Published: May 2018

The chapter integrates the concept of corporate social responsibility and its applications in the field of tourism. At the outset appropriate introductory information followed by a brief outline of historical evolution of CSR is presented, followed by the reflections on various practices carried out by several organisations across the globe intended to leave positive impacts on society and environment, substantiates the chapter structure. The flow of chapter is systematic and language simple for general comprehension. The target audience of the chapter include academicians and industry managers. Various examples from tourism and non-tourism sectors are being used. Selected books for further reading are listed in the end.
CSR in Hospitality Industry
Authors: Goklaney Sumit
Published: May 2018

There is no universally accepted definition of CSR, but most of the definitions have to do with business having a positive impact on the community. Society and business are dependent on each other. Business provides jobs, products, and taxes while society provides workers, consumers, and policies. Neither can survive without the other so it makes sense for business and society to work together for the benefit of both rather than to continue at odds. Business decisions and social policies must be aligned for this to happen. So the present paper will cover and compare the various types and aspects of CSR done by various hotels in hospitality industry. Corporate Social Responsibility involves “achieving commercial success in ways that honor ethical values and respect people, communities, and the natural environment” (Clark, 2006; Porter & Kramer, 2006). There is no universally accepted definition of CSR, but most of the definitions have to do with business having a positive impact on the community (Redford, 2005). Society and business are dependent on each other. Business provides jobs, products, and taxes while society provides workers, consumers, and policies. Neither can survive without the other so it makes sense for business and society to work together for the benefit of both rather than to continue at odds. Business decisions and social policies must be aligned for this to happen (Porter & Kramer, 2006). So the present paper will cover and compare the various types and aspects of CSR done by various hotels in hospitality industry.
Corporate Social Responsibility Practices in Multinationals and Large Enterprises in Pakistan
Authors: Memon Zahid Ali , Dars Javaid Ali , Mangrio Wahid Bux , Bhutto Arabella , Robson Mark Gregory
Published: May 2018

This article presents the investigation of how far multinationals and other large state-owned companies in Pakistan practice corporate social responsibility. The authors compared the corporate social responsibility initiatives of the companies with the10 principles of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) to look at the corporate social responsibility aspects covered and to find what elements are yet to be complied with. The content analysis of these companies' official Websites was carried out to explore the issue under investigation. The sample included40 companies that received second CSR Business Excellence Awards in 2014 to see if individual companies' CSR policies and practices were globally driven and to assess the level of commitment with UNGC principles
The Impact of Consumer Values and Perceived Corporate Social Responsibility on the Attitude Towards Genetically Modified Food
Authors: Pino Giovanni , Blázquez-Resino Juan José
Published: May 2018

This study aimed to provide food retailers with suggestions useful to design effective private brands. To this end, it addressed the topic of GM food, which is still a highly controversial issue, especially in Italy. The study tested, in particular, a research framework hypothesizing that consumer attitudes towards store-branded GM foods are affected by their values and perceptions about the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of retailers selling these products. A survey conducted on a sample of 260 Italian consumers, revealed that: self-transcending values (benevolence, nature protection) drive consumers to believe that GM food retailers are committed to economic CSR; conservative values (traditions, security) drive consumers to believe that GM food retailers are committed to legal CSR; perceived legal and philanthropic CSR favorably affect consumer attitudes towards store-branded GM foods. The study discusses these results and highlights their practical relevance for the private branding strategies of food retailers.
Information Sharing and Cognitive Involvement for Sustainable Workplaces
Authors: Caputo Francesco , Evangelista Federica
Published: May 2018

In the last few years a vibrant multi- and trans-disciplinary debate has developed around the topic of sustainability in the management of human resources. The need to go beyond old approaches based on the “use” of human resources as “factor of production” has been outlined from different points of view. To contribute to the existing knowledge about the development of more efficient, effective and sustainable approaches in human resource management, this chapter aims to investigate possible pathways and key dimensions in defining more sustainable workplaces by acting on information sharing and cognitive involvement. A possible conceptual framework for clarifying different concepts of the workplace is proposed and some implications are outlined for managerial studies in the light of information sharing and cognitive involvement.
Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism Businesses
Authors: Revila Raquel García , Moure Olga Martínez
Published: May 2018

Tourism is configured as an activity that has a specific weight in the economy of a country, being a palpable reality especially in the case of Spain. Tourist activities have undergone a major evolution, switching from developmentalist models to environmental paradigms. It is in this scenario that Corporate Social Responsibility acquires a specific weight, which can be succinctly defined as the kind of leadership that has in mind, when planning organizational activities, the impact of the activity on the environment, customers and local community. In this contribution we analyze the evolution that have suffered tourism businesses in our country, focusing specifically on the current situation, marked by Corporate Social Responsibility. This way of understanding tourism is particularly relevant and peculiar in a time of economic and sociological changes like the current, and specifically influenced by the international crisis. Tourism businesses, more than any other businesses, have adapted to the turbulent changes that have occurred in the worldwide scenario.
Cross-Country and Cross-Sector CSR Variations
Authors: Dikeç Altay , Kane Victor , Çapar Nejat
Published: May 2018

From the days corporate social responsibility (CSR) became a topic of discussion, extensive amount of research is conducted on CSR in Western countries but still there is relatively little focus on some developed and developing countries. Moreover, relatively little research has compared cross-country and cross-sector CSR variations. Starting from this point, this article investigates the extent of CSR variations of a highly developed (the United States), a developed (South Korea) and a developing country (Turkey) through a detailed comparative analysis of CSR information disclosure on corporate websites of 50 CSR active companies listed in stock exchange markets of each country. For cross-sector comparison, these target corporations are selected from five different industries including consumer electronics & telecommunication services, automobile & component manufacturers, food & beverages, retail stores, and major banks. The research opens the door for more in-depth empirical study on why there are cross-country and cross-sector variations in CSR.
mHealth in Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health Programs around the World
Authors: Britton Briana , Pugliese Laura , Kachnowski Stan
Published: May 2018

The incorporation of mobile devices into the delivery of healthcare, known as mHealth, is changing the way care is delivered in the 21st century. The impact of mHealth is particularly salient in low and middle income countries (LMICs), where mHealth poses the opportunity to increase access and quality of healthcare in systems where supportive infrastructure is otherwise lacking. This approach is well-suited to target issues of maternal and child health, permitting an increase in health education, communication, monitoring, and care to what are often vulnerable and hard-to-access populations. Employing mHealth tactics that target such populations can improve the overall access and quality of maternal and child health in the developing world - a priority for the United Nations as reflected in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). While the field of mHealth is new and still developing, many programs and thought-leaders have already successfully applied mHealth strategies in interventions to improve maternal and child health through health education, preventive care, emergency response, biometric data collection, and training healthcare workers.
Telemedicine and Telehealth
Authors: Brown-Jackson Kim L.
Published: May 2018

Despite identifying the importance of telemedicine and telehealth education in scholarly environments, researchers rarely explore the dynamics of taking some of this learning to the community to engage in prevention. Medical professionals are consistently receiving education to enhance their knowledge, skills, and capabilities. Telemedicine and Telehealth have a new role in the community and is akin to house calls from the past. Engaged in this text is the action for medical professionals, government officials, and civic leaders to work together to move prevention health study to the community. This movement promotes the sharing of knowledge and understanding between the scholarly world and the communities they serve. The researcher concludes with the discussion of the responsibility required in the learning process at all levels. This text will provide a guideline for such an engaged and shared approach to healthcare prevention, as well as implications for future research and practice.
The Development of a Secure Hospital Messaging and Communication Platform
Authors: Moghimi Hoda , Wickramasinghe Nilmini
Published: May 2018

Pagers and phone conversations have been the stalwarts of hospital communication. With good reason - they are simple, reliable and relatively inexpensive. However, with the increasing complexity of patient care, the need for greater speed and the general inexorable progress of health technology, hospital communication systems appear to be increasingly inefficient, non-secure, and inadequate. Thus, this study is proposed to answer the key research question: How can ICT (information communication technology) solutions ameliorate the current challenges regarding communication inefficiencies within healthcare? To answer this question, the study will design and develop a bespoke ICT solution for a specific context using three strong theories; communication theory, activity theory and agency theory to make a robust body of knowledge for the proposed solution. Further, it will serve to establish proof of concept, usability and feasibility of the proffered solution. The study participants will be selected from medical and nursing staff.
Translating Technology in Professional Practices to Optimize Infection Prevention and Control
Authors: Attieh Randa , Gagnon Marie-Pierre , Roch Geneviève , Krein Sarah L.
Published: May 2018

The aim of this study was to explain how the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technology was translated into professional practices to prevent and control vancomycin-resistant enterococci outbreaks via an actor-network, based on the integrated framework TRIP-ANT. A single case study was conducted in three purposefully selected sites implementing the PCR-VRE assay. The complete dataset comprised semi-structured interviews with 28 participants and a review of hospital and external documents. A content analysis was conducted. The authors' findings indicate the emergence of four main themes, including illustration of who was involved in the adoption process, attribution of roles and responsibilities, interaction/communication/ collaboration mechanisms, and changes in professional practices. Their findings also address five challenges that arose from each theme. The translation of PCR technology into professional practices relies on the enrolment of an organisational, clinical, managerial and financial support network, and on the evolution of practices, communications, and roles and responsibilities.
Improving Learning Outcomes for Higher Education Through Smart Technology
Authors: Connelly James O. , Miller Paula
Published: May 2018

The ever-decreasing time between the doubling of knowledge creates a problem for education concerning how to handle information overload. To address this issue, educators must learn to make learning more effective and more efficient. Currently, there is more to learn and less time in which to learn. Therefore, Smart technology offers a solution: It helps manage cognitive load through the formation of a schema, which helps humans learn more with greater efficiency and greater effectiveness. This can be accomplished by instructional design that makes use of Gagné's conditions of learning and the nine instructional events based on them. These can be brought together through the ADDIE instructional design model. This process is amplified by using Smart instructional technology to create the learning material and to deliver it to the learner. The educational venues for learning include face to face, online, or mobile communication devices. Examples are provided about the conditions of learning, nine instructional events, and the ADDIE Model, which are applied to classical guitar instruction. Further, the elements of Smart technology are presented as a resource for teaching and learning.
Virtual/Mixed Reality
Authors: Crowe Dale , LaPierre Martin E.
Published: May 2018

Use of classroom and online learning and administrative technologies in schools and higher education institutions has grown at an exponential pace. With growth comes expectations by students of using new and emerging technologies to support their learning. Such expectations are due in part to the generational shift from digital immigrant to more students being digital natives, and is particularly true for Gen z/iGen/Centennials (born in 1996 or later). The purpose of the critical review and exploratory case study was to gain insights from 18 instructional designers, information systems professionals, and content/subject matter experts pertaining to the current and future use of virtual/mixed reality technologies for both public and higher education.
A Risk Integration Framework for the Service-Oriented Enterprise
Authors: Grandry Eric , Feltus Christophe , Dubois Eric
Published: May 2018

Enterprise architecture management provides the mechanism for governing enterprise transformations required by changes in the environment. In this article, the authors focus on changes that result from the analysis of information system risks and of their impacts on the services delivered by the enterprise. The authors present how the concepts of an information system risks management domain can be integrated into the ArchiMate enterprise architecture modelling language. This article approaches the conceptual integration in two design cycles: first, this article will consider information security risks, and then the authors generalize to information system risks. Additionally, the authors illustrate the application of the proposed approach and demonstrate the benefits of the integrated model through the handling of a case study, first in the domain of information security, and then in the domain of information privacy. The generalized risk-oriented EA model leads to a risk integration framework for the service-oriented enterprise.
Service-Oriented Enterprise Engineering
Authors: Rafati Laleh , Poels Geert
Published: May 2018

Strategic sourcing, as a critical area of strategic management, is centered on decision-making towards achieving value-driven targets. Many companies face challenges in obtaining the benefits associated with effective strategic sourcing decision-making. Enterprise modeling can contribute to strategic sourcing decision-making by helping in the conceptualization, design and exploration of multiple strategic options for better decision-making. In this article, the authors explore a solution approach that refines the existing Enterprise Engineering (EE) modeling discipline into a Service-oriented Enterprise Engineering (SoEE) modeling discipline, by founding it on the novel application of the Viable Systems Approach (vSa) towards strategic (sourcing) decision-making. The proposed modeling discipline provides (1) the systemic viewpoints to interpret complex sourcing phenomena; and (2) the outside-box models to specify the value-driven interactions of an enterprise (as a system) with other actors. Finally, to operationalize the modeling discipline the authors introduce the conceptual basis (C.A.R.S) of a modeling language to apply the SoEE viewpoints and develop the related models for supporting strategic sourcing decision-making. The paper elaborates on preliminary ideas presented at the SoEA4EE 2013 workshop.
Dynamic Capabilities of Decision-oriented Service Systems
Authors: Schmidt Rainer , Möhring Michael , Zimmerman Alfred
Published: May 2018

A new class of information system architecture, decision-oriented service systems, is spreading more and more. Decision-oriented service systems provide services that support decisions in business processes and products based on the capabilities of cloud-computing environments. To pave the way for the creation of design methods of business processes and products based on decision-oriented service systems, this article introduces a capability-oriented approach. Starting from technological capabilities, more abstract operational and dynamic capabilities are created. The framework created is based on an integrated conceptualization of decision-oriented service systems that allows capturing synergetic effects. By creating the framework, the gap between the technological capabilities of technologies and the strategic goals of enterprises shall be narrowed.
Cost Issues in Digitalization and Preservation
Authors: Chung Ada Chi Wai
Published: May 2018

For many projects, resources are always limited. Hence, there is often a need to allocate resources in a most cost-effective manner. There are some cost models developed as guidelines on how to estimate the costs of digitalization and preservation of information in a comparatively more accurate way. By knowing the factors which affecting those costs, it will be easier to find a cost-effective strategy for digital preservation. Among different migration strategies proposed by researchers, in this article the migration in the framework of Open Archival Information System (OAIS) will be studied. This is applied to the case of this small-scale music library, Melos Music Library in El Parnaso Centre in Uruguay.
Authorship Pattern in Interdisciplinary Studies
Authors: Usman Muhammad Kabiru
Published: May 2018

The study was carried out to examine articles published in Bayero Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies (BJIS). The study was carried out quantitatively, 61 articles published in the Bayero Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies from 2008- 2013 were surveyed to carry out the study and descriptive statistics was used to make analysis. The collaboration of authors discovered in BJIS has very little implication for the national integration of Nigeria, 65.6% of articles published in BJIS were single authored and 75.4% of authors in BJIS come from the north-west region of Nigeria. 4 geographical regions of Nigeria were covered, while 2 were not covered at all in the journal. Data shows that knowledge transfer occur when authors from other regions publish in the north-west region where BJIS is published. It is recommended that publishers should carry out frequent assessment of where the articles they publish emanate from and use such assessment to achieve balance in the spread, visibility and patronage of their journal.
Secure Mechanisms for Key Shares in Cloud Computing
Authors: Buchade Amar , Ingle Rajesh
Published: May 2018

The protection of the key is important due to the vulnerabilities which exist in cloud computing. In this article, algorithms and techniques for protection of the key in cloud computing are proposed. The algorithms to select the number of virtual machines is presented to protect the key. The existing key management algorithm is modified to address the key leakage issue. The novel techniques such as validation of key shares and key share resharing are introduced and analyzed for protection of the key. These techniques make the attackers incompetence to reconstruct the key. Further, for immediate access of protected resources, key reconstruction for key sizes of a cryptographic algorithm is also analyzed.
A Roughset Based Ensemble Framework for Network Intrusion Detection System
Authors: Rodda Sireesha , Erothi Uma Shankar
Published: May 2018

Designing an effective network intrusion detection system is becoming an increasingly difficult task as the sophistication of the attacks have been increasing every day. Usage of machine learning approaches has been proving beneficial in such situations. Models may be developed based on patterns differentiating attack traffic from network traffic to gain insight into the network activity to identify and report attacks. In this article, an ensemble framework based on roughsets is used to efficiently identify attacks in a multi-class scenario. The proposed methodology is validated on benchmark KDD Cup '99 and NSL_KDD network intrusion detection datasets as well as six other standard UCI datasets. The experimental results show that proposed technique RST achieved better detection rate with low false alarm rate compared to bagging and RSM.
Retinoic Acid Signaling in Thymic Epithelial Cells Regulates Thymopoiesis
Authors: Wendland Kerstin , Niss Kristoffer , Kotarsky Knut , Wu Nikita Y. H. , White Andrea J. , Jendholm Johan , Rivollier Aymeric , Izarzugaza Jose M. G. , Brunak Søren , Holländer Georg A. , Anderson Graham , Sitnik Katarzyna M. , Agace William W.
Published: May 2018

Despite the essential role of thymic epithelial cells (TEC) in T cell development, the signals regulating TEC differentiation and homeostasis remain incompletely understood. In this study, we show a key in vivo role for the vitamin A metabolite, retinoic acid (RA), in TEC homeostasis. In the absence of RA signaling in TEC, cortical TEC (cTEC) and CD80loMHC class IIlo medullary TEC displayed subset-specific alterations in gene expression, which in cTEC included genes involved in epithelial proliferation, development, and differentiation. Mice whose TEC were unable to respond to RA showed increased cTEC proliferation, an accumulation of stem cell Ag-1hi cTEC, and, in early life, a decrease in medullary TEC numbers. These alterations resulted in reduced thymic cellularity in early life, a reduction in CD4 single-positive and CD8 single-positive numbers in both young and adult mice, and enhanced peripheral CD8+ T cell survival upon TCR stimulation. Collectively, our results identify RA as a regulator of TEC homeostasis that is essential for TEC function and normal thymopoiesis.
Adults changing careers through university education: Making meaning of quantitative career assessment scores through an integrative structured interview
Authors: McMahon Mary , Watson Mark , Zietsman Louis
Published: May 2018

Orientation: Career change in adulthood is becoming a norm and university education is a pathway to new careers. Career psychologists are well positioned to assist adult career changers. Contemporary approaches to diverse client groups and integrating career assessment with narrative career counselling are needed. Research purpose: This article reports on an innovative approach to assisting adult career changers through the complementarity of an integrative structured interview (ISI) and the self-directed search (SDS) career assessment questionnaire. Motivation for the study: The overall aim of this research was to explore the career transition experiences of adult university learners. The secondary aims were to investigate the complementarity of quantitative career assessment (i.e. the SDS) and narrative interviewing (i.e. the ISI) and how adult university learners engaged with the ISI. This article reports on the secondary aims by considering excerpts from case study interviews. Research design, approach and method: This qualitative, exploratory, descriptive, multiple case study research presents case studies of two adult university learners: an Australian male student and a South African female student. Participants completed the SDS prior to engaging in a four-part semi-structured interview that incorporated the ISI. Main findings: The findings revealed that the participants told rich stories that related past, present and future life and work experiences to their SDS three-letter codes. Their stories revealed how quantitative career assessment scores and narrative career counselling may be integrated through a structured interview. Practical and managerial implications: Adult career changers told meaningful stories about their quantitative SDS scores. The findings suggest that narrative career counselling may be useful for adult career changers and that the ISI could provide a model for career psychologists who support them. Implications of the findings suggest that managers and human resource personnel working in organisations may assist adult career changers by offering them access to psychological support that uses quantitative career assessment as a foundation for career story telling. Contribution or value-add: The research provides an innovative response to challenges in career psychology to develop contemporary responses to diverse client groups and to integrate career assessment with narrative career counselling.
A retrospective analysis of latissimus dorsi–serratus anterior chimeric flap reconstruction in 47 patients with extensive lower extremity trauma
Authors: Mahajan Ravi Kumar , Srinivasan Krishnan , Bhamre Abhiskek , Singh Mahipal , Kumar Prakash , Tambotra Ankush
Published: May 2018

Background: Many flaps have been described for reconstruction of lower extremity defects, including, Latissimus Dorsi, Rectus abdominis, Anterolateral thigh perforator flaps, each having advantages and disadvantages. The defect location, size and specific geometric pattern of defect influences the type of flap that can be used. In this case series, we describe the specific situations where the use of chimeric latissimus dorsi–serratus anterior (LD + SA) free flaps are of advantage in providing complete wound cover. Materials and Methods: Case records of all patients who underwent LD + SA free flap transfer for lower extremity trauma at Amandeep Hospital, from Feb 2006 to Feb 2017 were reviewed. Patients were categorised based on the anatomical location and size of defect. The method of usage of the chimeric segments, recipient vessels and type of anastomosis were noted. Flap complications, if any were reviewed. Result: 47 patients with lower limb defects were included in the study. All cases were post traumatic in nature. Defect size ranged from 180 sq cm to 1050 sq cm. Average defect size was 487.70 sq cm. All patients underwent soft tissue reconstruction with LD + SA flap. Complete wound cover was obtained. Conclusion: Latissimus dorsi + Serratus anterior free tissue transfer is an effective, reliable method of providing cover to extensive lower limb traumatic defects with minimal donor site morbidity, with added freedom of inset and flap positioning. Specific use is seen in patients with broad proximal defect, long defect in the leg, defects involving adjacent anatomical areas and in large defect with dead space.
‘Sausage finger’ with ‘Rice bodies’
Authors: Reddy Guru Prasad , Upadhyaya Divya Narain , Jaiswal Riddhi , Goel Madhu Mati
Published: May 2018

Although both pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis (TB) are commonly encountered in developing countries, tenosynovitis is an uncommon presentation of musculoskeletal TB. TB mimics a lot of other conditions and causes diagnostic dilemma in day-to-day practice. We present the case of a 30-year-old male who presented with the complaints of swelling of right index finger which was initially suspected to be giant cell tumour of the flexor tendon sheath but on histological examination turned out to be tuberculous tenosynovitis.
The reverse dorsal metacarpal artery flap in finger reconstruction: A reliable choice
Authors: Balan Jyoshid R. , Mathew Shaji , Kumar Pradeep , Vardhan Harsh , Francis Anto , Aniljith V. G. , Gopal Raj
Published: May 2018

Background: The finger skin and soft-tissue defects are reconstructive challenges due to their nature and the intricate extensor apparatus and flexors it protects. The reverse dorsal metacarpal artery (RDMA) is a time-tested option for the reconstruction of the same. Materials and Methods: A total of 14 cases of RDMA flap for finger defects involving proximal to distal phalanx were performed. Thirteen of these patients were male and one patient female and the most common mode of injury was occupational in nature followed by road traffic accident. The overall appearance was assessed for the flap and the donor site. The associated injuries and the range of motion were noted. Results: All but one flap survived completely. One patient had partial distal flap loss, which was tackled with split-thickness skin grafting. The flap size varied from 3.5 cm × 1.5 cm to 9 cm × 2 cm with mean of 6.64 cm × 1.72 cm. The mean age of the patients was 33.4 years. All the patients had acceptable aesthesis. The donor site had no complications and healed with linear scar. Conclusions: RDMA flap is a reliable flap for finger defects reconstruction. The range of movement mainly depends on the associated injury rather than flap transfer alone and to prove this we require doing analysis of range of movement in patients with flap done alone or with associated injuries.
School-Based versus Community-Based Sampling for Trachoma Surveillance
Authors: Sheehan Joseph P. , Gebresillasie Sintayehu , Shiferaw Ayalew , Aragie Solomon , Tadesse Zerihun , Tadesse Demelash , Somkijrungroj Thanapong , Stoller Nicole E. , Callahan E. Kelly , Emerson Paul M. , Lietman Thomas M. , Keenan Jeremy D.
Published: May 2018

Trachoma surveillance is typically performed via random sampling of endemic districts. This strategy minimizes bias and allows examination of preschool children, but is also expensive. Surveillance for some other neglected tropical diseases is carried out in schools, which is logistically easier. In the present study, the prevalence of trachomatous inflammation–follicular (TF) from a population-based sample of children from each of 70 communities in Ethiopia was compared with the corresponding school-based estimate, which was calculated for each community by performing examinations in all primary schools in the district. The overall prevalence of TF was 39.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 35.0–43.1%) among children aged 1–9 years in the community-based sample and 18.8% (95% CI: 15.9–21.7%) among children in grades 1–3 of the school-based sample. School-based estimates of TF explained 35% of the variation in the community-based prevalences (P < 0.001). When TF prevalence was used as a diagnostic test for detecting a community with > 5% prevalence of ocular chlamydia, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.73 (95% CI: 0.60–0.85) for the school-based sample and 0.71 (0.58–0.83) for the community-based sample (P = 0.76). Thus, although school-based monitoring was necessarily biased relative to population-based monitoring of 1- to 9-year olds, the two methods provided a similar amount of information about the community burden of ocular chlamydia in this trachoma-hyperendemic setting. The generalizability of these findings to areas with less prevalent trachoma is unclear.
Serologic Evidence of Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus Infection in a Patient with Suspected Lyme Disease in Japan
Authors: Yoshii Kentaro , Sato Kozue , Ishizuka Mariko , Kobayashi Shintaro , Kariwa Hiroaki , Kawabata Hiroki
Published: May 2018

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is widely prevalent on the Eurasian continent, including Japan, but four cases of TBE have been reported in Japan. To inspect unconfirmed TBE cases in Japan, we conducted a retrospective seroepidemiological study of a total of 158 samples from 81 meningoencephalitis patients suspected as Lyme disease. Two serum samples from one patient showed neutralizing antibodies against TBE virus. The patient with severe and progressive encephalitis had a history of tick bite in Hokkaido in 2012. These results demonstrated that tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) case was actually unconfirmed in Japan. Further seroepidemiological surveys are required to identify unconfirmed TBEV infections to consider the pros and cons of introducing specific countermeasures including vaccination in Japan.
Convective environment in pre-monsoon and monsoon conditions over the Indian subcontinent: the impact of surface forcing
Authors: Thomas Lois , Malap Neelam , Grabowski Wojciech W. , Dani Kundan , Prabha Thara V.
Published: May 2018

Abstract. Thermodynamic soundings for pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons from the Indian
subcontinent are analysed to document differences between convective
environments. The pre-monsoon environment features more variability for both
near-surface moisture and free-tropospheric temperature and moisture
profiles. As a result, the level of neutral buoyancy (LNB) and pseudo-adiabatic
convective available potential energy (CAPE) vary more for the pre-monsoon
environment. Pre-monsoon soundings also feature higher lifting condensation
levels (LCLs). LCL heights are shown to depend on the availability of surface
moisture, with low LCLs corresponding to high surface humidity, arguably
because of the availability of soil moisture. A simple theoretical argument
is developed and showed to mimic the observed relationship between LCLs and
surface moisture. We argue that the key element is the partitioning of
surface energy flux into its sensible and latent components, that is, the
surface Bowen ratio, and the way the Bowen ratio affects surface buoyancy flux.
We support our argument with observations of changes in the Bowen ratio and
LCL height around the monsoon onset, and with idealized simulations of cloud
fields driven by surface heat fluxes with different Bowen ratios.
Comparing ERA-Interim clouds with satellite observations using a simplified satellite simulator
Authors: Stengel Martin , Schlundt Cornelia , Stapelberg Stefan , Sus Oliver , Eliasson Salomon , Willén Ulrika , Meirink Jan Fokke
Published: May 2018

Abstract. An evaluation of the ERA-Interim clouds using satellite observations is presented. To facilitate such an evaluation in a proper way, a simplified satellite simulator has been developed and applied to six-hourly ERA-Interim reanalysis data covering the period 1982 to 2014. The simulator converts modelled cloud fields, for example those of the ERA-Interim reanalysis, to simulated cloud fields by accounting for specific characteristics of passive imaging satellite sensors such as the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR), which form the basis of many long-term observational datasets of cloud properties. It is attempted to keep the simulated cloud fields close to the original modelled cloud fields to allow a quality assessment of the latter based on comparisons of the simulated clouds fields with the observations. Applying the simulator to ERA-Interim data, this study firstly focuses on spatial distribution and frequency of clouds (total cloud fraction) and on their vertical position, using cloud top pressure to express the cloud fraction of high, mid-level and low clouds. Furthermore, the cloud-top thermodynamic phase is investigated. All comparisons incorporate knowledge of systematic uncertainties in the satellite observations and are further stratified by accounting for the limited sensitivity of the observations to clouds with very low cloud optical thickness (COT). The comparisons show that ERA-Interim has generally too low cloud fraction – nearly everywhere on the globe except in the polar regions. This underestimation is caused by a lack of mid-level and/or low clouds – for which the comparisons only show a minor sensitivity to cloud optical thickness thresholds applied. The amount of ERA-Interim high clouds, being higher than in the observations, agrees to the observations within their estimated uncertainties. Removing the optically very thin clouds (COT
A satellite-based estimate of aerosol-cloud microphysical effects over the Arctic Ocean
Authors: Zamora Lauren M. , Kahn Ralph A. , Huebert Klaus B. , Stohl Andreas , Eckhardt Sabine
Published: May 2018

Abstract. Climate predictions for the rapidly changing Arctic are highly uncertain, largely due to a poor understanding of the processes driving cloud properties. In particular, cloud fraction (CF) and cloud phase (CP) have major impacts on energy budgets, but are poorly represented in most models, often because of uncertainties in aerosol-cloud interactions. Here we use over 10 million satellite observations coupled with aerosol transport model simulations to quantify regional-scale microphysical effects of aerosols on CF and CP over the Arctic Ocean during polar night, when direct and semi-direct aerosol effects are minimal. Combustion aerosols over sea ice are associated with very large (~ 25 W m−2) differences in longwave cloud radiative effects at the sea ice surface. However, co-varying meteorological changes on factors such as CF likely explain much of this signal – for example, explaining up to 91 % of the CF differences between the full dataset and the clean-condition subset. After normalizing for meteorological regime, aerosol microphysical effects have small but significant regional-scale impacts on CF, CP, and precipitation frequency. These effects indicate that dominant aerosol-cloud microphysical mechanisms are related to the relative fraction of liquid-containing clouds, with implications for a warming Arctic.
Snowfall retrieval at X, Ka and W bands: consistency of backscattering and microphysical properties using BAECC ground-based measurements
Authors: Falconi Marta Tecla , von Lerber Annakaisa , Ori Davide , Marzano Frank Silvio , Moisseev Dmitri
Published: May 2018

Abstract. Radar-based snowfall intensity retrieval is investigated at
centimeter and millimeter wavelengths using co-located
ground-based multi-frequency radar and video-disdrometer observations. Using data from four snowfall events, recorded
during the Biogenic Aerosols Effects on Clouds and Climate (BAECC) campaign in Finland, measurements of
liquid-water-equivalent snowfall rate S are correlated to radar equivalent reflectivity factors Ze,
measured by the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) cloud radars operating at X, Ka and W frequency bands. From these
combined observations, power-law Ze–S relationships are derived for all three frequencies considering
the influence of riming. Using microwave radiometer observations of liquid water path, the measured precipitation is
divided into lightly, moderately and
heavily rimed snow. Interestingly lightly rimed snow events show a spectrally distinct
signature of Ze–S with respect to moderately or heavily rimed snow cases. In order to understand the
connection between snowflake microphysical and multi-frequency backscattering properties, numerical simulations are
performed by using the particle size distribution provided by the in situ video disdrometer and retrieved ice particle
masses. The latter are carried out by using both the T-matrix method (TMM) applied to soft-spheroid particle models
with different aspect ratios and exploiting a pre-computed discrete dipole approximation (DDA) database for rimed
aggregates. Based on the presented results, it is concluded that the soft-spheroid approximation can be adopted to
explain the observed multi-frequency Ze–S relations if a proper spheroid aspect ratio is selected. The
latter may depend on the degree of riming in snowfall. A further analysis of the backscattering simulations reveals that
TMM cross sections are higher than the DDA ones for small ice particles, but lower for larger particles. The differences of computed cross sections for larger and smaller particles are compensating for each other. This may explain why the soft-spheroid approximation is satisfactory for radar reflectivity simulations under study.
Effects of elevated CO2 and temperature on phytoplankton community biomass, species composition and photosynthesis during an experimentally induced autumn bloom in the western English Channel
Authors: Keys Matthew , Tilstone Gavin , Findlay Helen S. , Widdicombe Claire E. , Lawson Tracy
Published: May 2018

Abstract. The combined effects of elevated pCO2 and temperature were investigated
during an experimentally induced autumn phytoplankton bloom in vitro sampled from
the western English Channel (WEC). A full factorial 36-day microcosm
experiment was conducted under year 2100 predicted temperature (+4.5 ∘C)
and pCO2 levels (800 µatm). Over the
experimental period total phytoplankton biomass was significantly influenced
by elevated pCO2. At the end of the experiment, biomass increased
6.5-fold under elevated pCO2 and 4.6-fold under elevated temperature
relative to the ambient control. By contrast, the combined influence of
elevated pCO2 and temperature had little effect on biomass relative to
the control. Throughout the experiment in all treatments and in the control,
the phytoplankton community structure shifted from dinoflagellates to
nanophytoplankton . At the end of the experiment, under elevated pCO2
nanophytoplankton contributed 90 % of community biomass and was dominated
by Phaeocystis spp. Under elevated temperature, nanophytoplankton comprised 85 % of
the community biomass and was dominated by smaller nanoflagellates. In the
control, larger nanoflagellates dominated whilst the smallest
nanophytoplankton contribution was observed under combined elevated
pCO2 and temperature (∼ 40 %). Under elevated
pCO2, temperature and in the control there was a significant decrease
in dinoflagellate biomass. Under the combined effects of elevated pCO2
and temperature, dinoflagellate biomass increased and was dominated by the
harmful algal bloom (HAB) species, Prorocentrum cordatum. At the end of the experiment,
chlorophyll a (Chl a) normalised maximum photosynthetic rates (PmB) increased
> 6-fold under elevated pCO2 and > 3-fold under
elevated temperature while no effect on PmB was observed when
pCO2 and temperature were elevated simultaneously. The results suggest
that future increases in temperature and pCO2 simultaneously do not
appear to influence coastal phytoplankton productivity but significantly
influence community composition during autumn in the WEC.
Carbon leaks from flooded land: do we need to re-plumb the inland water active pipe?
Authors: Abril Gwenaël , Borges Alberto V.
Published: May 2018

Abstract. At the global scale, inland waters are a significant source of atmospheric carbon (C), particularly in the tropics. The active pipe concept predicts that C emissions from streams, lakes and rivers are largely fuelled by terrestrial ecosystems. The traditionally recognized C transfer mechanisms from terrestrial to aquatic systems are surface runoff and groundwater drainage. We present here a series of arguments that support the idea that land flooding is an additional significant process that fuels inland waters with C at the global scale. Whether the majority of CO2 emitted by rivers comes from floodable land (approximately 10 % of the continents) or from well-drained land is a fundamental question that impacts our capacity to predict how these C fluxes might change in the future. Using classical concepts in ecology, we propose, as a necessary step forward, an update of the active pipe concept that differentiates floodable land from drained land. Contrarily to well-drained land, wetlands combine strong hydrological connectivity with inland waters, high productivity assimilating CO2 from the atmosphere, direct transfer of litter and exudation products to water and waterlogged soils, a generally dominant allocation of ecosystem respiration below the water surface and a slow gas exchange rate at the water-air interface. These properties force plants to pump atmospheric C to wetland waters and, when hydrology is favourable, to inland waters as organic C and dissolved CO2. This wetland CO2 pump may contribute disproportionately to CO2 emissions from inland waters, particularly in the tropics, and consequently at the global scale. In future studies, more care must be taken in the way that vertical and horizontal C fluxes are conceptualized along watersheds and 2D-models that adequately account for the hydrological export of all C species are necessary. In wetland ecosystems, significant effort should be dedicated to quantifying the components of primary production and respiration in air, water and waterlogged soils, and these metabolic rates should be used in coupled hydrological-biogeochemical models. The construction of a global typology of wetlands also appears necessary to adequately integrate continental C fluxes at the global scale.