bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Return to Work After Anatomic Total Shoulder Arthroplasty for Patients 55 Years and Younger at Average 5-Year Follow-up
Authors: Liu Joseph N. , Garcia Grant H. , Wong Alexandra C. , Sinatro Alec , Wu Hao-Hua , Dines David M. , Warren Russell F. , Gulotta Lawrence V.
Published: February 2018

As the number of anatomic total shoulder arthroplasties performed on younger patients continues to grow, return to work after surgery becomes increasingly important. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty to return patients 55 years or younger to work postoperatively. A retrospective review was performed of consecutive anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty patients. Inclusion criteria were age 55 years or younger at surgery, greater than 2 years of follow-up, and employment within 3 years of surgery. Employment was stratified by intensity of work (sedentary, light, moderate, or heavy). Return to work status and time out of work were also evaluated. Fifty-two patients worked before surgery. Average age was 48.4 years, with average follow-up of 5.4 years. Seventy-three percent were male, and average body mass index was 28.0 kg/m
2
. Average visual analog scale score improved from 5.5 to 0.9 (
P
<.0001) and American Shoulder and Elbow Society score improved from 39.9 to 88.3 (
P
<.0001). Forty-eight (92%) of 52 returned to work postoperatively after an average of 2.1 months. When stratified by intensity, all patients with sedentary, light, or moderate work returned, whereas 64% returned to heavy work (
P
<.01). Eighty-seven percent were satisfied to very satisfied after surgery. In summary, most patients (92%) who undergo anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty at 55 years or younger return to work, on average, 2.1 months after surgery. [
Orthopedics.
2018; 41(3):e310–e315.]
Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty in the Weight-Bearing Versus Non–Weight-Bearing Shoulder: Mid-term Outcomes With Minimum 5-Year Follow-up
Authors: Cuff Derek J. , Santoni Brandon G.
Published: February 2018

This retrospective review evaluated the mid-term outcomes of cemented reverse shoulder arthroplasty in patients who use the shoulder for weight bearing (WB) vs non–weight-bearing (NWB) patients. Twenty-five shoulders of 21 patients who used their upper extremity for WB (WB group) were treated with cemented reverse shoulder arthroplasty and followed for a minimum of 5 years postoperatively (average, 73 months). Seventy-five consecutive shoulders of 72 patients who were NWB (NWB group) were treated and matched for duration of follow-up (average, 72 months) to serve as a control group. Patients were followed clinically and radiographically. There were no statistically significant differences between the WB group and the NWB group regarding final outcome scores or range of motion. Patient satisfaction was similar between the WB group (92%) and the NWB group (94%). The scapular notching rate was 20% in the WB group compared with 5% in the NWB group (
P
=.041). Humeral loosening occurred in 12% of the WB group vs 0% of the NWB group (
P
=.014). The complication rate was higher in the WB group than in the NWB group (12% vs 4%). The WB group and the NWB group had similar outcome scores, range of motion improvements, and patient satisfaction after reverse shoulder arthroplasty. At mid-term follow-up, the WB group had a higher scapular notching rate, humeral loosening rate, and complication rate than the NWB group. [
Orthopedics.
2018; 41(3):e328–e333.]
Development of a Self-Report Checklist to Assess Dementia Care by Nurses in Hospital Settings
Authors: Ikegami Chikako , Ota Katsumasa
Published: February 2018

Nurses working at general hospitals face difficulties in providing dementia care. The current study examined aged care nurses' dementia care practices in the hospital setting and developed a dementia care checklist that nurses can use to review their own care practice. A self-administered questionnaire was given to 676 participants; responses were collected from 595 participants. Exploratory factor analysis identified six factors (e.g., patient understanding prompted by concern and interest for the patient, respect for patients' voluntary behavior, early detection of abnormalities) among the questionnaire's 28 items. This analysis provided a framework for the checklist and verified that it had satisfactory internal consistency and construct validity. The frequency of care practices varied with participants' knowledge of dementia care requirements, satisfaction with their own dementia care practice, confidence in their ability to judge patients' physical condition, and cooperation with colleagues. This checklist might improve dementia care in hospital settings.

[Res Gerontol Nurs. 2018; 11(2):91–102.]
An Improved Real Option Pricing Model of Internet Asset
Authors: Gao Xi-Rong , Yang Jian , Dong Wen-xuan
Published: February 2018

This article shows that against the neglect on Internet asset value in traditional financial accounting theory and practice, the authors proposed an improved real option model for assessing Internet asset value based on Metcalfe's law and adaptive expectation hypothesis, and used it to assess the Internet asset value of Tencent company. The results showed that the improved real option model can accurately assess the value of Internet asset, and the assessment result was extremely consistent with the result assessed by efficient market theory algorithm. The results also showed that Internet asset value played a predominate role in Internet enterprise overall value, and both the initial revenue growth and estimated time had a significant positive effect on Internet asset value, and long-term industry operation cost coefficient and short-term corporate operation cost coefficient had a significant negative effect on Internet asset value. The results indicated that cutting the cost or increasing the network users could promote the value of Internet asset.
Social Equity in Local Public Administration
Authors: Sumra Kalsoom , Ahmad Muhammad Shakeel
Published: February 2018

This article explores and tests whether awareness of social equity in public services delivery is existed in local public administration and citizens, and whether these perceptions are different between local offices and citizens. Using data from a survey of Pakistani local public offices (n = 150) and citizens (n = 1200), the authors generally find positive awareness of fairness, justice and social equity but the strength of the associations vary among different level of income groups. Awareness of fairness and justice and social equity differs significantly between public offices and citizens in services delivery. The practical implications of the findings and recommendations are discussed. The important implication this article shows that local public organizations can benefit in issues of fairness, justice and in equity in public services delivery while facilitating the two-way communication between public offices and citizens and there is need of professional public administration that can understand and practice social equity.
Free-Field Seismic Response Analysis
Authors: Angina Andrea , Steri Andrea , Stacul Stefano , Lo Presti Diego
Published: February 2018

This paper shows the results of free-field seismic response analyses (SRA), that were performed for the subsoil conditions of Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa. The site investigation and in particular the shear wave velocity profile is extended down to 120 m below the ground level. One-dimensional SRA were carried out by using three computer codes, EERA, STRATA and ONDA. The first two codes perform the analyses in the frequency domain considering a linear-equivalent soil model. ONDA analyses the problem in the time domain assuming a true non-linear soil behaviour. In particular, the Ramberg-Osgood constitutive model, coupled with a modified Masing criterion was assumed. The computed elastic response spectra were compared to those prescribed by the Italian Building Code, which represents the Italian implementation of Eurocodes. Some details concerning the response spectra prescribed by Italian Building Code are also given.
Seismic Bearing Capacity Factor Considering Composite Failure Mechanism
Authors: Kurup Swetha S , Kolathayar Sreevalsa
Published: February 2018

This article describes how the design of shallow foundation needs complete knowledge about bearing capacity. During earthquakes additional lateral force acts at the foundation bed which reduces the bearing capacity. Most of the literature present either the pseudo static analysis or assume a planar failure surface to estimate seismic bearing capacity factors. Here, a pseudo dynamic approach that considers the time dependent effect of earthquake loading is employed. A composite failure surface has been considered for a more realistic estimation of seismic bearing capacity. New expressions were formulated to arrive at the seismic bearing capacity factor, considering the forces acting on the failure wedge based on the limit equilibrium approach. The effect of soil friction angles and the seismic peak of horizontal ground accelerations on the seismic bearing capacity were studied using the proposed method. It was observed that present pseudo-dynamic analysis with a composite failure mechanism gives lower values of seismic bearing capacity factors when compared to pseud- static analysis.
Importance of Site-Specific Dynamic Soil Properties for Seismic Ground Response Studies
Authors: Kumar Shiv Shankar , Dey Arindam , Krishna A. Murali
Published: February 2018

This article highlights the implication of site-specific properties on seismic ground response studies. One-dimensional equivalent linear ground response analysis was carried out using site-specific dynamic properties of locally available soils of Guwahati city, and the results are compared with those obtained using existing strain-dependent dynamic properties. Acceleration time histories from three strong motions were used. It was observed that an input motion having a higher peak bedrock acceleration, utilizing experimentally obtained dynamic soil properties, exhibits 38% and 24% lower peak ground acceleration and peak spectral acceleration, respectively, in comparison to the results obtained using standard VD-SI soil models. The amplification characteristics of the strong motions are observed to be significantly influenced by the degradation of damping ratio beyond 1% shear strain. The results highlight the necessity of conducting GRA of any region considering its regional dynamic soil properties to obtain more realistic outcomes.
Making IoT Run
Authors: Schott Peter , Schaft Torben , Thomas Stefan , Bodendorf Freimut
Published: February 2018

This article describes how today's manufacturing environments are characterized by an increasing demand for individual products and constantly more product variants. Concomitant, developments in the fields of IT, robotics and artificial intelligence allow the realization of smart systems, which means networked, self-learning, self-regulating and versatile production systems to control this complexity. These developments are referred to as industrial IoT that is acknowledged as “next big thing” in production. Firms face the challenge of lacking guidelines for implementing IoT solutions. Neither the technological prerequisites nor generally applicable procedures for realizing an appropriate technological maturity level of the system-to-be exist. Addressing this deficit, a framework is introduced which systematically implements IoT within manufacturing. The framework presents a guideline for the establishment of structural system understanding, the determination of the target system's technological maturity level from a customer's perspective and, building on this, design implications for smart manufacturing.
A Complete Validated Learning Analytics Framework
Authors: Tlili Ahmed , Essalmi Fathi , Jemni Mohamed , Kinshuk  , Chen Nian-Shing
Published: February 2018

With the rapid growth of online education in recent years, Learning Analytics (LA) has gained increasing attention from researchers and educational institutions as an area which can improve the overall effectiveness of learning experiences. However, the lack of guidelines on what should be taken into consideration during application of LA hinders its full adoption. Therefore, this article investigates the issues that should be considered when approaching the design of LA experiences from the data preparation perspective. The obtained results highlight a validated LA framework of twenty-two designing issues that should be considered by various stakeholders in different contexts as well as a set of guidelines which can enhance designing LA experiences.
Measurement Analysis of Ultra-Wideband Monopole Antenna With Defected Ground Structure
Authors: Sharma Madan Kumar , Kumar Mithilesh , Saini J.P.
Published: February 2018

This article describes how a compact, low profile Ultra-wideband (UWB) monopole antenna with a defected ground structure is designed and demonstrated experimentally. The design and experimentation activities have been carried out with the help of a CST Microwave studio tool. The UWB characteristics of the proposed antenna are achieved with a modification of the ground structure of the referenced antenna with novel L shaped defected ground structure (DGS). Both antennas are fabricated on the same substrate with the dimensions of 28.3 x 24 mm2. The comparative analysis of the results for both antennas clearly indicate that the proposed UWB monopole antenna enhanced the impedance bandwidth from 3.7 GHz – 14.9 GHz without DGS and to 3.4 GHz – 20 GHz with DGS. The enhanced bandwidth, constant group delay and good radiation characteristics of the proposed antenna have identified it as a good candidate for portable UWB applications.
Study of Wavelength-Dependent Bend Loss in Step-Index Multimode Fiber-Optic Microbend Displacement Sensor
Authors: Alaruri Sami D.
Published: February 2018

In this article, the wavelength dependence of bend loss in a step-index multimode optical fiber (100 µm core diameter; fused silica) was investigated for fiber bend radii ranging between 2.0 and 4.5 mm using six excitation wavelengths, namely, 337.1, 470, 590, 632.8, 750 and 810 nm. The results obtained from fitting the bend loss measurements to Kao's model and utilizing MATLAB indicate that bend loss is wavelength dependent and transmission loss in multimode optical fibers increases with the decrease in the fiber bend radius. Furthermore, the response of a microbend fiber optic displacement sensor was characterized at 337.1, 470, 632.8, 750 and 810 nm. Measurements obtained from the microbend sensor indicate that the sensor output power is linear with the applied displacement and the sensor output is wavelength dependent.
A Resourceful Approach in Security Testing to Protect Electronic Payment System Against Unforeseen Attack
Authors: Behera Rajat Kumar , Sahoo Abhaya Kumar , Jena Ajay
Published: February 2018

This article describes how electronic payments are financial transactions made over the internet for goods or services. In the digital era, the e-commerce industry has gone beyond the traditional in-store service due to the wide spread of internet-based shopping. Developed countries are greatly relying on e-commerce business and a sizable number of countries have shown concern in regard to the online payment cards such as credit cards, debit cards, e-cash, e-cheques, e-wallets and smart card security. The main downsides are concerns over privacy or a malicious attack and hence safeguard mechanisms are required to protect personal information from falling into the hands of intruders. Before commercializing electronic payment systems (EPS), security tests play a significant role in the software development life cycle to check whether the system is secure and it is safe to use. A resourceful approach covering security policies, secure coding, security attack prevention methodology, security testing tool, security testing metrics, security test case prioritization techniques and a model for effective project management methodology are presented in this article. Early detection and resolution of security weaknesses can be achieved with the authors' proposed approach and would certainly reduce the time, effort and cost of a project. The proposed approach is likely the best-fit implementation of the payment industry, covering channels like B2C (Business to Consumer), C2C (Consumer to Consumer), C2B (Consumer to Business), B2B (Business to Business), People to People (P2P), G2C (Government to Citizen) and C2G (Citizen to Government).
The VESP Model
Authors: Lahmar Arij , Chabchoub Habib , Galasso François , Lamothe Jacques
Published: February 2018

During the last decade, researchers and practitioners became more interested in the domain of vulnerability analysis. It is considered as a key element in defining and managing supply chain risks. The great complexity of a global supply chain and of its environment, coupled with managerial trends, makes such a chain more vulnerable to disruptive events. A clear understanding of the possible consequences generated of this combination is a fundamental step to build an effective risk management plan and strategies. However, more studies are needed in order to develop the understanding of supply chain vulnerability. This article provides an explorative framework in order to analyze and quantify vulnerability within supply chains. Based on the existent literature, this article explores the factors that affect the level of Supply Chain Vulnerability (SCV). Four key components of SCV are identified (i.e. Exposure, Sensitivity, Susceptibility and Preparedness level). Based on these four categories of SCV, a conceptual model is developed. Such a model enables the definition of clear metrics and can further be used by researchers and practitioners to build consistent quantification methodologies.
Inertia Stages and Tourists' Behavior
Authors: Li Zhiyong , Cui Rui , Li Li , Hu Yingli , Ranasinghe Ruwan
Published: February 2018

This article integrates the concept of inertia into a tourism context to understand how repeat visitors act and make revisit decisions. Moderating effect of zone of tolerance (ZOT), switching barriers (SWI) and external opportunity (OPP) on the sequential development of inertial behavior was analyzed through 518 tourists. Findings confirm that cognitive inertia (COGI) and affective inertia (AFFI) are significantly and positively related to conative inertia (CONI), while conative inertia also has a direct effect on determining action inertia (ACTI). The tests of moderating effects of zone of tolerance, switching barriers and external opportunity on the sequential development of inertial behavior show these variables have a significant moderating effect on the sequential development of inertia, except for the relation between switching barriers and affective inertia acting together, and conative inertia. These findings provide valuable insights that enable one to understand tourists' revisit behaviors. Theoretical and empirical implications are discussed, for the purpose of advancing tourism marketing discourse.
An Evaluation of the Attitudes and Perception of the Local Communities in Mysore Towards the Impacts of Tourism Development
Authors: Ramchurjee Nichola A , Ramchurjee Charles V
Published: February 2018

This article describes how the attitudes and perception of residents can directly affect ecotourism development by changing the ability to generate income, employment and by improving the quality of life. This article identifies and assesses the impacts of ecotourism in the communities in Mysore, India. Ecotourism impact was measured by a 26 item scale measuring local residents' perceptions and attitudes. Data was collected using the questionnaire method with 221 randomly distributed questionnaires collected. This article reveals there was significant support to further tourism development since the residents perceived that there was increased investment in infrastructures and a higher quality of life, increased employment opportunities – especially for a population with deep roots in agriculture. Now, there was an increased chance for residents to explore other jobs in the tourism industry and improved pride in their cultures and traditions in the community. Furthermore, to ensure the success of tourism development, an increased amount of involvement and participation from local residents is pertinent.
The Importance of the Destination Choices of Tourists
Authors: Nakip Mahir , Gökmen Aytaç
Published: February 2018

This article describes how the tourism industry is one of the cornerstones of an economy when utilized effectively. Moreover, since the tourism destinations in a country cannot be moved to the visitors, tourists are promoted to visit these places. Therefore, in order to entice the tourists to visit a country, it is indispensable to advertise and promote a destination properly with its hospitality, recreation, sightseeing, sun, sea and natural characteristics in order to attract more visitors. Thus, the aim of this article is to review the literature comprehensively on the economic reflections of the tourism industry, significance of the marketing and promotion of destinations. With this information, the factors affecting the destination choices of tourists are determined. Finally, these factors are used to review the destination preferences of Kazakh tourists to the Turkish Republic by taking destination attractiveness, attributes and management issues into consideration alongside statistical applications.
A Computational Study of the Combustion of Hydrazine with Dinitrogen Tetroxide
Authors: Hogoboom Dane , Han Yulun , Kilin Dmitri
Published: February 2018

In this article, density functional theory (DFT) based on ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) is used to study the combustion reaction of a specific rocket fuel, hydrazine (N2H4), accomplished by using dinitrogen tetroxide (N2O4) as the oxidant. The atomic model consists of 1:1 ratio of N2H4 and N2O4 molecules. Nano droplets of fuel and oxidizer are injected into the combustion chamber which experience collision, mixture, and chemical interaction. The AIMD simulation of chemical reaction of fuel and oxidizer is performed under the initial conditions of high temperature and pressure. In the AIMD trajectory, one observes several energetically favorable products such as NO, NO2, and H2O. The mechanism for the formation of H2O and other toxic and non-toxic products are proposed based on simulation results.
Comparison of Freeze and Spray Drying to Obtain Primaquine-Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles
Authors: Owuor James Jorum , Oloo Florence , Ngetich Japheth Kibet , Kivunzya Mwaiwa , Omwoyo Wesley Nyaigoti , Gathirwa Jeremiah Waweru
Published: February 2018

This article describes how the spray drying and freeze drying of various nanosized Solid Lipid Nanoparticle (SLN) and the physicochemical attributes of the acquired particles were examined. Primaquine loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles dried by the two strategies is examined. Particles were characterised by determination of size, drug loading, encapsulation efficiency and surface morphology. In vitro and kinetic drug discharge models were also considered. Preparation parameters have no impact on the molecule morphology and properties, and the main parameter deciding the molecule attributes in the drug substance of the nanoparticle, either in the spraying or in the freezing technique of drying. The drug release profile of spray dried SLN is superior to that of the freeze dried SLN.
Vegetable Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites: Fundamentals, Mechanical Properties and Applications
Authors: da Costa Melo R.Q. , Barbosa de Lima A.G.
Published: February 2018

This chapter provides information in the area of vegetable fiber-reinforced polymer composites. It includes discussion about definition and classification of the composites and their constituents, composite manufacturing process and current application in different industrial sectors. Factors affecting the fiber/matrix interfacial adhesion and physic-chemical and mechanical properties of vegetable fiber-reinforced polymer composites are also revealed. The aim is to show for both academy and industry the viability on the use of vegetable fibers as reinforcement in polymer materials, because it offers many advantages and high potential in terms of unlimited availability, lightweight, reasonable cost, acceptable mechanical properties, and socio-economic and environmental benefits.
Ceramic Membrane Made with Inorganic Residue
Authors: Lucena Lira H. , de Oliveira Lima R.C. , Oliveira Guimarães Iliana , Araújo Neves G. , Nóbrega Tavares R. , Silveira Lira D. , Rosas Neto M.I. , Lira B. Silveira
Published: February 2018

Industrial wastes reuse becomes attractive to raw materials economy and to avoid environmental problems. The aim of this study is to develop and characterize tubular ceramic membranes using in their composition inorganic residues generated in the industries, such as, granite, alumina residue from calcination process and kaolin. Initially, it was performed the physical chemical and mineralogical characterization of the residues. Different formulations of ceramic masses have been studied with incorporation of residue, clay and additives for producing tubular membranes through the extrusion process. The membranes were characterized by SEM and flow measurements with distilled water. The membranes were applied to effluent treatment from textile and oil industry. The granite residue showed a high content of SiO2and Al2O3in its chemical composition and significant amount of iron and calcium oxides resulting from the granite processing. The granite residue presented average particle size of 13.98 µm. The residue from alumina process contain gibbsite and α-alumina, and average particles size of 15.68 µm. The residue from kaolin processing presented high content of quartz and alumina and average particles size of 29.0 µm. The tubular membrane produced with granite residue presented porosity from 17 to 30%, pores size in the range of 0.06 to 0.14µm and water flow from 10 (at 2 Bar) to 24 L/h.m2(at 4 Bar). These membranes retained 100% of indigo particles and was effective in the separation of indigo. The membrane prepared with alumina residue presented porosity close to 58% , pore size of 0.96 µm and water flow from 68 to 80 L/h.m2(at 2 Bar). These membranes were applied with successes in the separation of water from emulsion (100 ppm oil/water) with rejection above 96%. The membrane prepared with kaolin residue presented pore size from 0.16 to 0.22 µm, porosity from 41 to 44% and water flow from 53 to 70 L/h.m2. The ceramic membranes with industrial residues were successfully produced and applied in the treatment of industrial effluents.
WARNING in Surgery
Authors: Sartelli Massimo , Coccolini Federico , Montori Giulia , Tranà Cristian , Ansaloni Luca , Tomasoni Matteo , Fugazzola Paola , Catena Fausto
Published: February 2018

Surgeons prescribing antibiotics have two potentially conflicting responsibilities. First, they should offer optimal therapy for all patients under their care by offering antibiotics. Second, they should preserve the efficacy of antibiotics and minimize the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The Global Alliance for Infections in Surgery and the World Society of Emergency Surgery have promoted a coalition that should call for increased awareness and action across all surgical departments worldwide in order to combat AMR. The project has been named World Antimicrobial Resistance Nationally Internationally Networking Globally in Surgery (WARNING in Surgery).
Punica granatum (Pomegranate) activity in health promotion and cancer prevention
Authors: Bassiri-Jahromi Shahindokht
Published: February 2018

Cancer has become one of the most fatal diseases in most countries. In spite of the medical care developing, cancer still remains a significant problem. The majority of the cancers are resistant to treatment. Thus, the research for novel, more efficient and less side effect treatment methods continues. Pomegranate contains strong antioxidant activity, with potential health interests. Research concern in pomegranate is increasing because of their anticancer potential due to possess rich in polyphenols. We highlight the pomegranate potential health benefits and mechanism of cancer progression inhibition. Pomegranate has indicated antiproliferative, anti-metastatic and anti-invasive effects on different cancer cell line in vitro, in vivo and clinical trial. The aim of this review is to evaluate functional properties and the medical benifits of pomegranate against various cancer diseases. In addition, pomegranate properties in in vitro and in vivo experimental human and animal clinical trials and its future use are explored. The available data suggest that Punica granatum (pomegranate) might be used in the control and potential therapeutic for some disease conditions and benefits human health status. This review summarizes in vitro, in vivo and clinical trial studies highlighting the pomegranate role in prevent and treatment of breast, prostate, lung, colon, skin and hepatocellular cell cancers.
The science behind Ontario's water quantity management review
Authors: Brodie-Brown H , Svensson T , Macdonald I
Published: February 2018

Water is vital to the health and integrity of our ecosystems and communities. The anticipated impacts of climate change have intensified concerns related to water security in Ontario. Improving our water resource information and assessing our existing water
quantity management tools is a key step in ensuring that Ontario will be able to protect and manage water resources now and in the future.
The Ministry will provide an overview of work to modernize it's water quantity management framework (policy, program and science) to ensure a robust and adaptive approach to water resources management into the future, and the water quantity scientific work being undertaken to improve our
understanding of water resources knowledge on Ontario. Key aspects of the water quantity science work being undertaken will be introduced, including:
Immediate: development of a science & technical backgrounder; a review of science/jurisdictional best practices; assessment of Ontario's water (quantity) resources and management approaches in specific geographical areas; water quantity data enhancements and development of an internal data
website / platform; water Quantity Protection External Working Group.
Longer Term: outfacing water quantity website (data platform and tools); enhance source protection water budgets and models; new and enhanced science tools and approaches; province-wide and/or additional local scale water quantity assessment; enhanced monitoring.
BluMetric will provide an overview of the water quantity assessment and management review work being undertaken in specific geographical areas in the province. Water Quantity Study Areas and Water Bottling Study areas being investigated as part of this work (Fig. 1).
Public access to U.S. Geological Survey publications and digital data
Authors: Eberts S M
Published: February 2018

Since its inception, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has been committed to providing public access to scientific results and data generated from unclassified research funded wholly or in part by USGS. In 2016, USGS took the additional step of institutionalizing
its open data practices with a formal Open Data Policy. This policy requires the packaging and cataloging of scientific results and data such that they are discoverable, accessible and digestible by all users (e.g. developers, researchers, citizens).
The USGS Publications Warehouse (https://pubs.er.usgs.gov/) is the online citation index for all USGS-authored publications and serves as the authoritative source for information and access to USGS publications. USGS-funded research in external publications also is discoverable through the
Publications Warehouse and is now made public not more than twelve months after the initial publication date. The Publications Warehouse site is built in such a way as to allow easy indexing by web search crawlers, and provides both basic and advanced search capabilities. It also provides a number
of different Web services, including a customizable RSS feed and a MODs XML service.
The Open Data Policy stipulates that USGS data are published coincident with and separate from any scholarly publication. There is no embargo period for data associated with USGS-authored or funded publications, including publications in scientific journals; the data are made freely available as of
the initial publication date.
USGS Science Data Catalog (https://data.usgs.gov/) is the public search and discovery tool for fully documented USGS data. The Catalog has greatly improved the ability of the public to locate and access machine readable and downloadable versions of USGS data and metadata since it was created in
2013. The data themselves are stored in one of many USGS trusted repositories, including: ScienceBase-the Bureau-wide repository and collaborative data management platform; the Water National Spatial Data Infrastructure Node that houses many place-based spatial data assets; and Program-specific
repositories, such as the National Water Information System (NWIS). Datasets listed in the USGS Science Data Catalog are linked with associated publications accessible through the USGS Publications Warehouse via Digital Object Identifiers (DOI).
Examples of discoverable, accessible and digestible USGS scientific results and data with relevance to Great Lakes Basin groundwater in the United States include: Hydrogeologic framework of the glacial aquifer system; Groundwater levels in the glacial aquifer system; Water quality in the glacial
aquifer system; Domestic well locations and populations served; Input and output files for models published since October 1, 2016; Borehole geophysical logs.
Update on COA and GLWQA groundwater activities
Authors: MacRitchie S
Published: February 2018

The Canada-Ontario Agreement (COA) on Great Lakes Water Quality and Ecosystem Health (2014) is the 5 year federal-provincial agreement to help meet Canada's obligations under the Canada-US Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement (GLWQA). The first goal of COA Annex 8
Groundwater Quality is to gain a better understanding of how groundwater influences Great Lakes water quality and ecosystem health, and to identify priority areas for research and investigation. The COA commitment to meet this goal included Ontario and Canada working with the United States to
develop the state of groundwater science report.
Groundwater science relevant to the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement: A status report was released in May 2016 and is available on www.binational.net. The report is a product of collaboration among groundwater experts from both countries and summarizes current knowledge on groundwater and
identifies science needs to better understand the role of groundwater in the Great Lakes Basin.
The short term (2017-2019) science needs that were identified by the Annex 8 team include: 1: Develop better tools to assess groundwater - surface water interaction and use them to advance assessment of regional-scale groundwater discharge (quantity) to surface water in the Great Lakes Basin; 2:
Establish science-based priorities to advance the assessment of the geographic distribution of known and potential sources of groundwater contaminants relevant to Great Lakes water quality, and the efficacy of mitigation efforts; 3: Advance monitoring, surveillance, and assessment of groundwater
quality in the Great Lakes Basin.
Ontario funded COA projects that address the short term science needs for groundwater are described. The University of Guelph is developing an integrated groundwater-surface water model that is based on the extensive water and climate data from a COA funded integrated water and climate monitoring
station. The current water cycle and future water cycles under various climate scenarios will be investigated.
The Provincial Geomatics Services Centre has identified over 150 databases and inventories of potential point sources of groundwater contamination in southern Ontario. The development of a methodology to assess the results will be developed by COA Annex 8 team.
The GLWQA Annex 8 team was involved with developing the Groundwater Quality Subindicator under GLWQA Science Annex 10. Using concentrations of common groundwater contaminants chloride and nitrate an assessment of groundwater quality in the Great Lakes Basin was conducted for the first
time.
Co-existence of industrial organic contaminant plumes with municipal water supply wells in fractured rock aquifers
Authors: Parker B L , Maldaner C H , Olesiuk J B
Published: February 2018

Long-term studies combining research and conventional methods are being conducted at DNAPL sites where the organic contaminant plumes co-exist in the same fractured sedimentary rock aquifer with municipal water supply wells. Two of the research sites overlay the
horizontally layered, Silurian dolostone aquifer. The Cambridge site has a metolachlor pesticide plume detected nearly 1 km down-gradient at a municipal supply well 20 years after spills occurred. The Guelph site plume is TCE. The plumes were characterized in detail using high-resolution methods for
identifying hydraulically active fractures and variable matrix conditions. The 3-D plume concentration characteristics have been monitored for more than a decade using depth-discrete multilevel systems. The plumes have evolved to nearly stationary position (steady-state) after three decades due to
the combined effects of diffusion and sorption in the matrix with dispersion in a dense network of well-connected fractures. Degradation occurs in each of the plumes but is a secondary factor in terms of current plume extents. These research studies show that high resolution monitoring can be used
to inform site conceptual models and decision-making by municipalities and regulatory agencies to allow these plumes to coexist within or proximal to municipal or private well fields without imposing excessive or arbitrary demands for subsurface source removal (i.e. remediation) or well
abandonment.
Weak Approximation for Points with Coordinates in Rank-one Subgroups of Global Function Fields
Authors: Sun Chia-Liang
Published: February 2018

For every affine variety over a global function field, we show that the set of its points with coordinates in an arbitrary rank-one multiplicative subgroup of this function field satisfies the required property of weak approximation for finite sets of places of this function field avoiding arbitrarily given finitely many places.
The interdecadal worsening of weather conditions affecting aerosol pollution in the Beijing area in relation to climate warming
Authors: Zhang Xiaoye , Zhong Junting , Wang Jizhi , Wang Yaqiang , Liu Yanju
Published: February 2018

Abstract. The weather conditions affecting aerosol pollution in Beijing and its vicinity (BIV) in wintertime have worsened in recent years, particularly after 2010. The relation between interdecadal changes in weather conditions and climate warming is uncertain. Here, we analyze long-term variations of an integrated pollution-linked meteorological index (which is approximately and linearly related to aerosol pollution), the extent of changes in vertical temperature differences in the boundary layer (BL) in the BIV, and northerly surface winds from Lake Baikal during wintertime to evaluate the potential contribution of climate warming to changes in meteorological conditions directly related to aerosol pollution in this area; this is accomplished using NCEP reanalysis data, surface observations, and long-term vertical balloon sounding observations since 1960. The weather conditions affecting BIV aerosol pollution are found to have worsened since the 1960s as a whole. This worsening is more significant after 2010, with PM2.5 reaching unprecedented high levels in many cities in China, particularly in the BIV. The decadal worsening of meteorological conditions in the BIV can partly be attributed to climate warming, which is defined by more warming in the higher layers of the boundary layer (BL) than the lower layers. This worsening can also be influenced by the accumulation of aerosol pollution, to a certain extent (particularly after 2010), because the increase in aerosol pollution from the ground leads to surface cooling by aerosol-radiation interactions, which facilitates temperature inversions, increases moisture accumulations, and results in the extra deterioration of meteorological conditions. If analyzed as a linear trend, weather conditions have worsened by ~ 4 % each year from 2010 to 2017. Given such a deterioration rate, the worsening of weather conditions may lead to corresponding amplitude increase in PM2.5 in the BIV during wintertime in the next five years (i.e., 2018 to 2022). More stringent emission reduction measures will need to be conducted by the government.
The effects of intercontinental emission sources on European air pollution levels
Authors: Jonson Jan Eiof , Schulz Michael , Emmons Louisa , Flemming Johannes , Henze Daven , Sudo Kengo , Tronstad Lund Marianne , Lin Meiyun , Benedictow Anna , Koffi Brigitte , Dentener Frank , Keating Terry , Kivi Rigel
Published: February 2018

Abstract. This study is based on model results from TF HTAP (Task Force on Hemispheric Transport of Air Pollution) phase II where a set of source receptor model experiments have been defined, reducing global (and regional) anthropogenic emissions by 20 % in different source regions throughout the globe, with main focus on year 2010. All the participating models use the same set of emissions. Comparisons of model results to measurements are shown for selected European surface sites and for ozone sondes, but the main focus here is on the contributions to European ozone levels from different world regions, and how and why these contributions differ depending on model. We investigate the origins by use of a novel stepwise approach combining simple tracer calculations and calculations of CO and O3. To highlight differences, we analyse the vertical transects of the mid latitude effects from the 20 % emission reductions. Based on the relative emission changes from different world regions the models agree that for ozone the contributions from the rest of the world is larger than the effects from European emissions alone, with the largest contributions from North America and East Asia. The contribution will however depend on the choice of ozone metric. There are also considerable contributions from other nearby regions to the east and from international shipping, Whereas ozone from European sources peaks in the summer months, the largest contributions from non European sources are mostly calculated for the spring months when ozone production over the polluted continents starts to increase, while at the same time the lifetime of ozone in the free troposphere is relatively long. At the surface contributions from non European sources are of similar magnitude for all European sub regions considered, defined as TF HTAP receptor regions (north west, south west, east and south east Europe).
Intercalibration between HIRS/2 and HIRS/3 channel 12 based on physical considerations
Authors: Gierens Klaus , Eleftheratos Kostas , Sausen Robert
Published: February 2018

Abstract. High-resolution Infrared Radiation Sounder (HIRS) brightness temperatures at
channel 12 (T12) can be used to assess the water vapour content of the
upper troposphere. The transition from HIRS/2 to HIRS/3 in 1999 involved a
shift in the central wavelength of channel 12 from 6.7 to 6.5 µm, causing a discontinuity in the time series of T12. To understand the
impact of this change in the measured brightness temperatures, we have
performed radiative transfer calculations for channel 12 of HIRS/2 and HIRS/3
instruments, using a large set of radiosonde profiles of temperature and
relative humidity from three different sites. Other possible changes within
the instrument, apart from the changed spectral response function, have been
assumed to be of minor importance, and in fact, it was necessary to assume as
a working hypothesis that the spectral and radiometric calibration of the two
instruments did not change during the relatively short period of their common
operation. For each radiosonde profile we performed two radiative transfer
calculations, one using the HIRS/2 channel response function of NOAA 14 and
one using the HIRS/3 channel response function of NOAA 15, resulting in
negative differences of T12 (denoted as ΔT12:=T12/15-T12/14) ranging between −12 and −2 K.
Inspection of individual profiles for large, medium and small values of
ΔT12 pointed to the role of the mid-tropospheric humidity. This
guided us to investigate the relation between ΔT12 and the channel
11 brightness temperatures which are typically used to detect signals from
the mid-troposphere. This allowed us to construct a correction for the HIRS/3
T12, which leads to a pseudo-channel 12 brightness temperature as if a
HIRS/2 instrument had measured it. By applying this correction we find an
excellent agreement between the original HIRS/2 T12 and the HIRS/3 data
inferred from the correction method with R=0.986. Upper-tropospheric
humidity (UTH) derived from the pseudo HIRS/2 T12 data compared well with that
calculated from intersatellite-calibrated data, providing independent
justification for using the two intercalibrated time series (HIRS/2 and
HIRS/3) as a continuous HIRS time series for long-term UTH analyses.
Carbon and nitrogen pools in thermokarst-affected permafrost landscapes in Arctic Siberia
Authors: Fuchs Matthias , Grosse Guido , Strauss Jens , Günther Frank , Grigoriev Mikhail , Maximov Georgy M. , Hugelius Gustaf
Published: February 2018

Abstract. Ice-rich yedoma-dominated landscapes store considerable amounts of organic carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) and are vulnerable to degradation under climate warming. We investigate the C and N pools in two thermokarst-affected yedoma landscapes – on Sobo-Sise Island and on Bykovsky Peninsula in the north of eastern Siberia. Soil cores up to 3 m depth were collected along geomorphic gradients and analysed for organic C and N contents. A high vertical sampling density in the profiles allowed the calculation of C and N stocks for short soil column intervals and enhanced understanding of within-core parameter variability. Profile-level C and N stocks were scaled to the landscape level based on landform classifications from 5 m resolution, multispectral RapidEye satellite imagery. Mean landscape C and N storage in the first metre of soil for Sobo-Sise Island is estimated to be 20.2 kg C m−2 and 1.8 kg N m−2 and for Bykovsky Peninsula 25.9 kg C m−2 and 2.2 kg N m−2. Radiocarbon dating demonstrates the Holocene age of thermokarst basin deposits but also suggests the presence of thick Holocene-age cover layers which can reach up to 2 m on top of intact yedoma landforms. Reconstructed sedimentation rates of 0.10–0.57 mm yr−1 suggest sustained mineral soil accumulation across all investigated landforms. Both yedoma and thermokarst landforms are characterized by limited accumulation of organic soil layers (peat). We further estimate that an active layer deepening of about 100 cm will increase organic C availability in a seasonally thawed state in the two study areas by  ∼  5.8 Tg (13.2 kg C m−2). Our study demonstrates the importance of increasing the number of C and N storage inventories in ice-rich yedoma and thermokarst environments in order to account for high variability of permafrost and thermokarst environments in pan-permafrost soil C and N pool estimates.