bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Administrative Support for Graduate Education Success in Resource-Poor and Culturally-Challenging Environments
Authors: Andama Edward
Published: October 2019

For any university to become successful in producing new knowledge it must invest heavily in graduate education. The developing world has dwindling resources investment in graduate training, yet countries cannot develop without graduate programmes. The challenge is that most postgraduate students do not receive adequate support from programme administration. There are no deliberate efforts to understand the cause of high dropout or delayed completion schedule of most graduate students. Providing tailored administrative and supervision support to graduate units is vital in reducing high attrition rates. This chapter provides key challenges facing graduate education in a resource-poor and culturally challenging environment. It proposes innovative remedies on student engagement, focusing on the need to develop tailor-made programmes to support student success at graduate level. The focus is on preparing, supporting, and enabling graduate students to successfully complete their studies.
Indigenous Chinese Management Philosophies
Authors: Garg Ritam , Berning Sue Claire
Published: October 2019

Increasing internationalization of Chinese firms is continuously attracting the attention of management scholars across the world. Hence, one of the main questions in this context is whether the unique cultural concepts that are indigenous to China support or aggravate the success of Chinese firms. The main objective of this study is therefore to review the cultural aspects prevalent in China from an indigenous management perspective. In particular, we explore whether and how the ancient Chinese teachings and philosophies, such as Guanxi or Mianzi, are relevant in the modern Chinese management context. This study specifically seeks to contribute to the understanding of management culture of Chinese firms and, more generally, to cross-cultural and indigenous management research.
Enhancing the Australian Doctoral Experience
Authors: Bunda Tracey , Qi Jing , Manathunga Catherine , Singh Michael J.
Published: October 2019

Culture and identity play a significant role in the education of Indigenous and non-Western doctoral students. While a substantial body of literature explores interpersonal communication in doctoral supervision, it remains largely silent about how history impacts on doctoral students' identities and their potential for unique knowledge creation. This book chapter draws upon postcolonial/decolonial theories and life history methodologies in order to more effectively contextualise Indigenous and non-Western doctoral students' identities in Australia. These life histories include those outlined by the Indigenous and Chinese members of this team of authors as well as one life history interview with a migrant Asian student. Through careful theorisation of the interconnections between the life histories of our participants and their supervision experience, an inventory of supervision strategies will be distilled to improve intercultural supervision.
Mitigating Ethno-Cultural Differences
Authors: Falak Hasnain , Zaman Tariq
Published: October 2019

Community engagement is necessary for the success and sustainability of Information and Communication Technologies for Development (ICT4D) projects. To ensure active participation of community, researchers need to understand and adhere to the local cultural norms and adapt in the lifestyle of people. These cultural norms are mainly unwritten and implicit in nature. Hence the researchers spend maximum time of their field visits in observing and developing understanding of the community's life. In our long-term partnership with the indigenous Penan community of Long Lamai in Malaysian Borneo, we co-developed written guidelines for researchers and visitors. The researchers demonstrated their interest in aligning research process to the community's cultural values, however norm internalisation and development of associated behaviour is still a challenging. The written guidelines are yet only one of the attempts to the practices of community researchers' engagement and we are refining our methodology to enhance the researchers' learning process.
Use of Information and Communication Technologies Tools to Capture, Store, and Disseminate Indigenous Knowledge
Authors: Dlamini Petros Nhlavu
Published: October 2019

This chapter explores the role played by Information and Communication Technology tools in the management of indigenous Knowledge in general. Of importance to note, therefore, is the fact that the emergence of Information and Communication Technology tools has opened new avenues in Indigenous Knowledge Management (IKM) which have the potential of playing important roles in the society by making the valuable knowledge available to everyone who recognizes and uses it. Given the nature of indigenous knowledge which is commonly exchanged through personal communication and demonstration exemplified as deriving from the master to the apprentice, from the parents to the children, from the one neighbour to the other and so on. Information and Communication Technology tools appear to be providing as a solution in forestalling the possible extinction of IK.
A Framework to Reduce the Human Factors for Analysis of Constraint Solvers in Project Management
Authors: Johnson Franklin , Crawford Broderick , Soto Ricardo , Misra Sanjay
Published: October 2019

Currently, there are multiple factors that affect the projects management. These factors may have different origins, but the human factor is still one of the main elements that affect decisions when managing a project. Another important factor is the use of software that supports these decisions and reduce the human factors. Given the complexity of current management problems, powerful software is needed to solve these problems. Constraint solvers are a kind of software that are based on a constraint approach. Currently there are different constraint solvers. Some are intricate software, and others are libraries for a programming language. This chapter presents a framework that allow to compare a constraint system based on the usability attributes of the solvers in order to reduce the human factors for the selection of the constraint solver. The authors show that it is possible to establish a comparison according to usability attributes, allowing to reduce the risks of decision making by the experts when working with a constrain solver in a project.
It Can Happen Here
Authors: Patterson Jean A , Berry Bobby , Forker Jennifer L. , Jaso Sharon , Montford John , Stubblefield Deborah A. , Umeri Mercy O.
Published: October 2019

On February 26, 2016, a mass shooting happened in the quiet town of Hesston, Kansas. A disgruntled employee opened fire at the Excel Industries plant, located directly across the street from the public-school complex. Four people were killed, and 14 others sustained serious injuries. This chapter reports findings from an interpretive qualitative study conducted to understand perceptions of safety and security measures taken in Hesston public schools after the shooting. The authors conducted personal interviews and focus groups which allowed for gathering and analyzing people's perspectives. Documents and artifacts were collected, and media coverage of the shooting was analyzed. Observations regarding safety and security measures were carried out at each school building. The results showed participants hold a strong attachment to their community that sustains the belief that Hesston is a safe place. They trust their law enforcement and other community leaders to take appropriate security measures.
Digital Entrepreneurship Intentions of Qatar University Students Motivational Factors Identification
Authors: Younis Heba , Katsioloudes Marios , Al Bakri Anas
Published: October 2019

This exploratory study examines the relationship between personality characteristics and contextual factors with their association to the attitudes, the perceived behavioral control, and subjective norms, which determine digital entrepreneurial intentions (DEI) of students at Qatar University. It also seeks to test the association between entrepreneurial knowledge and DEI for the studied group of students. The integrated research model was created by combining the three introduced TPB motivational drivers and the level of digital entrepreneurial knowledge as an additional motivational factor related to DEI for students at Qatar University. A total of 203 students completed the digital entrepreneurial intention questionnaire. The results show that students' attitudes towards digital entrepreneurship are not associated with their propensity towards risk-taking and locus of control. It also found that social and cultural views not related to the students' DEI. However, perceived support and perceived barriers were found to have a strong relationship with Qatar University students' perceived behavioral control. Therefore, this study contributes to identifying the critical motivational factors associated with digital entrepreneurship among university students and it provides information that could be useful for policy- and decision-makers.
Investigating the Mediating Role of Knowledge Sharing on Employee Engagement
Authors: Al-Jabri Ibrahim M.
Published: October 2019

This article proposes a research model that explores the social factors affecting knowledge sharing and employee engagement and examines the mediating role of knowledge sharing on employee engagement. Data was collected from 191 employees from a large holding company and the research model was empirically tested using partial least squares analysis. The results show that coworker congruence, organizational commitment, and participative decision-making affect knowledge sharing and employee engagement. The findings also reveal that knowledge sharing has a full mediation effect between coworker congruence and employee engagement and between decision-making and employee engagement. In addition, knowledge sharing also has a partial mediation effect between organizational commitment and employee engagement. This study is a pioneering attempt to understand the effects of social factors on knowledge sharing and employee engagement. The findings of this study will be helpful to organizations using knowledge sharing systems as mechanisms to promote knowledge sharing and employee engagement.
Threaded Discussion
Authors: Cole Michele T. , Swartz Louis B. , Shelley Daniel J.
Published: October 2019

This article presents the results of two studies that focus on the role that threaded discussion plays in student learning. Over a period of three and one-half years, researchers conducted a series of surveys of graduate and undergraduate students at a private, nonprofit university in Southwestern Pennsylvania to determine how students viewed the value of threaded discussions in enhancing their ability to learn course material. Students were asked which types of threaded discussions they preferred; whether they found the threaded discussion to be a better tool for learning than a written assignment; and, which learning environment they felt was more conducive to learning, classroom or online. Results from the combined studies revealed some statistically significant differences based on enrollment status and gender. Upon comparing study results, researchers found statistically significant differences with regard to a preference for classroom versus online instruction and the usefulness of threaded discussions to learning.
Enterprise Investments, Innovation and Performance
Authors: Kruja Alba Demneri
Published: October 2019

Enterprise investments and innovation are the key requirements for a country's development. Albania as a developing country with 27 years' experience of an open economy, has shown significant efforts in improving its market structure and enterprise development through the investment in different economic sectors and sustaining innovation. This article aims to investigate the contribution of investments and innovation on entrepreneurial performance in Albania for the period 2000 to 2014. Multiple regression analysis is applied to test this relationship. Secondary data collected from the Albanian Institute of Statistics (INSTAT) and General Directorate of Trademarks & Patents (GDTP) reports are used as an investigation tool in the study. The results of the study show that there exists a very strong relationship between investment, innovation and entrepreneurial performance for this period in Albania.
QSPR Models for Predicting of the Melting Points and Refractive Indices for Inorganic Substances
Authors: Kuz'min Victor E. , Ognichenko Liudmila N. , Zinchenko Viktor F. , Artemenko Anatoly G. , Shyrykalova Angela O. , Kozhukhar Anna V.
Published: October 2019

The QSPR methodology is very promising for the creation of new materials, including materials based on inorganic compounds. However, the majority of QSPR descriptor systems are applicable only for organic molecules. In this work the 1D - QSPR descriptor system is proposed for analysis of the properties of various inorganic compounds. These descriptors are easily accessible, as they describe the most fundamental atom properties. The combinatorial schemes for computing these descriptors provide for their wide variety. The effectiveness of the proposed approach has been demonstrated to study the refractive indices and melting points of various inorganic compounds - components of potential optical film-forming materials. The developed QSPR models are suitable for the evaluative virtual screening of inorganic compounds; the mean relative error of prediction is 6 - 15%. The interpretation of the developed models reflects the nature of interatomic interactions in compounds with ionic structure.
A complicated case of recurrent Cowper’s gland abscess
Authors: Pepe Pietro , Pepe Ludovica , Bonaccorsi Astrid , Panella Paolo , Pennisi Michele
Published: October 2019

A Caucasian man 64 years old was admitted to our department for fever, strangury, frequency and pain in the perineum secondary to the relapse of Cowper’s gland abscess previously treated by antibiotic therapy and trans-perineal ultrasound-guided aspiration. At admission, the clinical parameters were suggestive of sepsis; moreover, the trans-perineal ultrasound detected an hypoechoic mass suspicious for the recurrence of Cowper’s gland abscess. A suprapubic catheter was positioned and a targeted antibiotic therapy (Colistin 9000.000 U intravenously every day for 8 days plus meropenem 500 mg intravenously every 8 hours for 10 days) was administered. The patient during the follow up presented long fibers of mucus in the urine and recurrent positive urine culture, therefore two months later underwent trans-perineal surgical asportation of the left Cowper’s gland. One month after surgery the patient was readmitted for the presence of a urinary fistula between bulbar urethra and perineum. A new suprapubic catheter was positioned and after three months was removed because a complete restitutio ad integrum was shown by retrograde cystourethrogram and uroflowmetry. In conclusion, the abscess of Cowper’s gland could represent a very rare but severe clinical event that need aggressive therapy and close follow up for its potentially high rate of early and late clinical complications; in the presence of recurrence the surgical asportation of the Cowper’s gland should be considered.
Microbial, chemical-physical, rheological and organoleptic characterisation of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) salami
Authors: Ranucci David , Roila Rossana , Miraglia Dino , Arcangeli Chiara , Vercillo Francesca , Bellucci Sara , Branciari Raffaella
Published: October 2019

Game meat and related products are important in the promotion of local economies and rural areas. Microbiological, chemical–physical, rheological and sensory characteristics of fermented meat products (salami) made by different percentages of pork and hunted roe-deer (Capreolus capreolus) meat were evaluated. The microbiological determination indicated that the products are safe to eat, as neither Listeria monocytogenes nor Salmonella spp. was isolated from the samples. The hygienic adequacy of the process was guaranteed, as there was below 3 log CFU/g of Enterobacteriaceae level in the final products. The proximal composition analyses showed lower lipid levels in comparison to pork salami. The difference in chemical composition affects the rheological and sensory traits of the final products; the products were harder and with higher gumminess when 50% of roe-deer meat was used. Game meat flavour and odour increased with the increasing percentage of roe-deer meat.
Describing the perceptions of student nurses regarding barriers and benefits of a peer-mentorship programme in a clinical setting in KwaZulu-Natal
Authors: Mlaba Zanele P. , Emmamally Waheedha
Published: October 2019

Background: Novice student nurses encounter challenges when making the transition to clinical learning because of the complex and unpredictable nature of clinical settings. A selected campus initiated a peer-mentoring programme based on research findings, which revealed that student nurses were inadequately mentored in clinical settings because of mentors experiencing work overload, time and resource constraints, staff shortage and patient-care demands.Aim: The aim of this study was to describe the perceptions of student nurses regarding barriers and benefits of a peer-mentorship programme in a clinical setting.Setting: The study was conducted in a clinical setting in KwaZulu-Natal.Methods: A quantitative, descriptive design was used, whereby data were collected through questionnaires. A total of 56 mentors (third- and fourth-year nursing diploma student nurses) and 94 mentees (first- and second-year nursing diploma students) participated in the study.Results: The mentors highlighted insufficient practice opportunities because of the short duration of the placement, time and resource constraints, and the simultaneous mentoring of too many students as barriers, while the mentees highlighted the reluctance of mentors to fulfil their roles and lack of dedication and unfriendliness as barriers to effective mentorship. The benefits of being a mentor were self-achievement, enhancement of skills and acquiring of positive work ethics, while the major mentee benefits included experiencing less anxiety, adapting to the clinical environment easily and being less intimidated in the clinical setting.Conclusions: This study revealed that both mentors and mentees perceived peer-mentoring programmes as important to their clinical growth. However, these programmes require formative evaluations to address negative perceptions of student mentees and mentors and to identify challenges faced by them.
Antithrombotic therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation and coronary artery disease
Authors: Moustafa Abdelmoniem , Ruzieh Mohammad , Eltahawy Ehab , Karim Saima
Published: October 2019

Atrial fibrillation and coronary artery disease are commonly coexisting conditions that necessitate the use of an oral anticoagulant as well as dual antiplatelet therapy. Commonly referred to as triple oral antithrombotic therapy (TT), this helps prevent ischemic stroke and myocardial infarction but comes at the expense of an increased risk of bleeding. There is a growing body of evidence that the omission of aspirin from TT has the same preventive efficacy in terms of major adverse cardiacvascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) with significantly lower bleeding events. The combination of antiplatelet agents and direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) is a matter of ongoing research. However, initial studies showed favorable safety profile of DOAC over vitamin K antagonist in combination with antiplatelet agents.
Surface Analysis, Microstructural Characterization and Local Corrosion Processes in Decarburized SAE 9254 Spring Steel
Authors: Costa de Castro Santana Jéssica Cristina , Pereira da Silva Rejane Maria , Antunes Renato Altobelli , Santos Sydney Ferreira
Published: October 2019

The aim of the present work was to study the surface chemistry, microstructure, and local corrosion processes at the decarburized layer of the SAE 9254 automotive spring steel. The samples were austenitized at 850°C and 900°C, and oil quenched. The microstructure was investigated using confocal laser scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The surface chemistry was analyzed by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentiodynamic polarization were used to assess the global corrosion behavior of the decarburized samples. Scanning electrochemical microscopy was used to evaluate the influence of decarburization on the local corrosion activity. Microstructural characterization and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis indicate a dependence of the local electrochemical processes with the steel microconstituents and Si oxides in the decarburized layer.
Participação Sociocultural, Ócio, Acessibilidade e Envelhecimento Ativo no contexto de Idosos Institucionalizados
Authors: Sousa Jenny
Published: October 2019

Nas últimas décadas, a visão da velhice e do envelhecimento tem-se transformado, originando preocupações com a criação de ambientes favoráveis à população de pessoas idosas, designadamente as institucionalizadas a título permanente. Vive-se, hoje, sob o paradigma do envelhecimento ativo, processo que valoriza a combinação de indivíduo e seu ambiente, bem como a relação que entre eles se cria. Essa relação consubstancia-se em trajetórias positivas de envelhecimento e demarca-se na participação social e cultural enquanto experiência vital de ócio e de desenvolvimento humano, em que a(s) acessibilidade(s) se salienta(m) enquanto fator essencial. Tendo por base esses pressupostos, procurámos compreender de que modo a participação e o usufruto de atividades socioculturais e artísticas, em espaços externos às instituições residenciais de idosos, podem constituir contextos privilegiados de envelhecimento ativo e de construção de experiências de ócio e de desenvolvimento para os indivíduos residentes. O presente artigo está estruturado em duas partes fundamentais: Na primeira parte, apresenta-se o enquadramento teórico, discutindo o processo de envelhecimento ativo no âmbito específico da participação sociocultural; será, ainda, realizada uma discussão em torno do conceito de ócio, analisando-o desde a perspetiva humanista e enquanto elemento central numa velhice saudável e ativa; por fim, será discutida a importância da(s) acessibilidade(s) enquanto elemento determinante da participação sociocultural das pessoas idosas institucionalizadas. Na segunda parte, serão discutidos os resultados obtidos numa investigação qualitativa conduzida junto de 25 pessoas idosas, institucionalizadas a título permanente em cinco estruturas residenciais da região de Leiria, em Portugal. Assim, através da utilização de entrevistas semiestruturadas, percebemos que, quer a participação ativa em atividades de natureza sociocultural e artística, quer o usufruto deste género de atividade são percecionadas pelas pessoas idosas institucionalizadas enquanto elemento essencial no processo de envelhecimento ativo, na vivência de experiências de ócio e no sentimento de bem-estar. Contudo, essa participação sociocultural e artística só é sentida como verdadeiramente benéfica se tiver em linha de conta as questões da acessibilidade, aspeto referenciado como essencial no processo de (re)construção identitária.
Patient health literacy and the receipt of opioids in the emergency department
Authors: Dayaa, MS Joseph A. , Bush, PhD, MS Montika , Richmond, BA Natalie L. , Nelson, MD Lewis S. , Platts-Mills, MD, MSc Timothy F.
Published: October 2019

Objective: Assess relationships between patient health literacy and formal education and use of opioids during and following an emergency department (ED) visit.Design: Prospective, cross-sectional study.Setting: Academic ED.Participants: Adults aged ≥ 60 years presenting to the ED with musculoskeletal pain.Main outcome measures: Opioid use during and after an ED visit.Results: In a sample of 136 patients, patients with low health literacy were more likely to receive an opioid in the ED than patients with high health literacy (70 percent vs 52 percent; 18 percent difference, 95% confidence interval [CI]: –1 percent, 35 percent), receive an opioid prescription (63 percent vs 44 percent; 19 percent difference, 95% CI: 1 percent, 37 percent), and take opioids during the week following the ED visit (48 percent vs 29 percent; 18 percent difference, 95% CI: 0 percent, 36 percent).Conclusions: A greater proportion of older adults receiving ED care for musculoskeletal pain with low health literacy receive and use opioids during and following an ED visit.
Interactions between aerosol organic components and liquid water content during haze episodes in Beijing
Authors: Li Xiaoxiao , Song Shaojie , Zhou Wei , Hao Jiming , Worsnop Douglas R. , Jiang Jingkun
Published: October 2019

Abstract. Aerosol liquid water (ALW) is ubiquitous in ambient aerosol and
plays an important role in the formation of both aerosol organics and
inorganics. To investigate the interactions between ALW and aerosol organics
during haze formation and evolution, ALW was modelled based on long-term
measurement of submicron aerosol composition in different seasons in
Beijing. ALW contributed by aerosol inorganics (ALWinorg) was modelled
by ISORROPIA II, and ALW contributed by organics (ALWorg) was estimated
with κ-Köhler theory, where the real-time hygroscopicity parameter
of the organics (κorg) was calculated from the real-time
organic oxygen-to-carbon ratio (O∕C). Overall particle hygroscopicity
(κtotal) was computed by weighting component hygroscopicity
parameters based on their volume fractions in the mixture. We found that
ALWorg, which is often neglected in traditional ALW modelling,
contributes a significant fraction (18 %–32 %) to the total ALW in Beijing.
The ALWorg fraction is largest on the cleanest days when both the
organic fraction and κorg are relatively high. The large
variation in O∕C, from 0.2 to 1.3, indicates the wide variety of organic
components. This emphasizes the necessity of using real-time κorg, instead of fixed κorg, to calculate ALWorg in
Beijing. The significant variation in κorg (calculated from
O∕C), together with highly variable organic or inorganic volume fractions,
leads to a wide range of κtotal (between 0.20 and 0.45), which
has a great impact on water uptake. The variation in organic O∕C, or derived
κorg, was found to be influenced by temperature (T), ALW, and
aerosol mass concentrations, among which T and ALW both have promoting
effects on O∕C. During high-ALW haze episodes, although the organic fraction
decreases rapidly, O∕C and derived κorg increase with the
increase in ALW, suggesting the formation of more soluble organics via
heterogeneous uptake or aqueous processes. A positive feedback loop is thus
formed: during high-ALW episodes, increasing κorg, together
with decreasing particle organic fraction (or increasing particle inorganic
fraction), increases κtotal, and thus further promotes the ability
of particles to uptake water.
Use of absorption optical indices to assess seasonal variability of dissolved organic matter in amazon floodplain lakes
Authors: da Silva Maria Paula , Sander de Carvalho Lino A. , Novo Evlyn , Jorge Daniel S. F. , Barbosa Claudio C. F.
Published: October 2019

Abstract. Given the importance of DOM in the carbon cycling of aquatic ecosystems, information on its seasonal variability is crucial. This study assesses the use of available absorption optical indices based on in situ data to both characterize the seasonal variability of the DOM dynamics in a highly complex environment and their viability of being used for satellite remote sensing on large scale studies. The study area comprises four lakes located at the Mamirauá Sustainable Development Reserve (MSDR). Samples for the determination of coloured dissolved organic matter (CDOM) and remote sensing reflectance (Rrs) were acquired in situ. The Rrs was applied to simulate MSI visible bands and used in the proposed models. Differences between lakes were tested regarding CDOM indices. Significant difference in the average of aCDOM (440), aCDOM spectra and S275–295 were found between lakes located inside the flood forest and those near the river bank. The proposed model showed that aCDOM can be used as proxy of S275–295 during rising water with good validation results, demonstrating the potential of Sentinel/MSI imagery data in large scale studies on the dynamics of DOM.
Water reclamation for industrial use in sub-Saharan Africa – a critical review
Authors: Gulamussen Noor Jehan , Arsénio André Marques , Matsinhe Nelson Pedro , Rietveld Louis Cornelis
Published: October 2019

Abstract. The increasing world population and growth of industrial
development lead to growing water scarcity that, combined with deficient
sanitation services, represents serious challenges, particularly in regions
like sub-Saharan Africa. Water reclamation is a promising approach to reduce
water scarcity, serving as a driving force for better sanitation services
and protecting the environment by treating sewage and redistributing for the
benefit of other water-dependent applications (e.g., industries). This paper aims to give an overview of the global trends on water
reclamation, with a focus on industrial use, and to derive lessons for
implementation of water reclamation projects in sub-Saharan Africa. Findings
show that extensive experience exists in technology and management practices
that can allow successful implementation of water reclamation projects in
the region. Under the conditions of deficient sanitation services and low
levels of technical expertise, the main challenge is to develop a framework
that can facilitate the integration of social and technological
methodologies and help in introducing water reclamation in water allocation
planning, including the development of specific legislation for industrial
water use and disposal.
Using a nested single-model large ensemble to assess the internal variability of the North Atlantic Oscillation and its climatic implications for Central Europe
Authors: Böhnisch Andrea , Ludwig Ralf , Leduc Martin
Published: October 2019

Abstract. Central European weather and climate is closely related to atmospheric mass advection triggered by the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) which is a relevant index for quantifying natural variability on multi-annual time scales. It remains unclear, though, how large-scale circulation variability affects local climate characteristics when downscaled using a regional climate model. In this study, 50 members of a single-model initial-condition large ensemble (LE) (http://www.climex-project.org/) are analyzed for a climate–NAO relationship, especially its inter-member spread and its transfer from the driving model CanESM2 into the driven model CRCM5. The NAO pressure dipole is quantified in the CanESM2-LE by an extended station-based index; responses of mean surface air temperature and total precipitation to changes in the index value are determined for a Central European domain (CEUR) in both the CanESM2-LE and CRCM5-LE. NAO–response relationships are expressed via Pearson correlation coefficients (strength) and the change per unit index change for historical (1981–2010) and future (2070–2099) winters. Results show that (a) statistically robust NAO patterns are found in the CanESM2-LE under current forcing conditions and (b) impulses from the NAO in the CanESM2-LE produce correct responses in the high-resolution CRCM5-LE. Relationships weaken in the future period, but the amplitude of their inter-member spread shows no significant change. Among others, the results strengthen the validity of the climate module in the ClimEx model chain for further impact modelling and stress the importance of single-model ensembles for evaluating internal variability.
Hydrometeorological and gravity signals at the Argentine-German Geodetic Observatory (AGGO) in La Plata
Authors: Mikolaj Michal , Güntner Andreas , Brunini Claudio , Wziontek Hartmut , Gende Mauricio , Schröder Stephan , Cassino Augusto M. , Pasquaré Alfredo , Reich Marvin , Hartmann Anne , Oreiro Fernando A. , Pendiuk Jonathan , Guarracino Luis , Antokoletz Ezequiel D.
Published: October 2019

Abstract. The Argentine-German Geodetic Observatory (AGGO) is one of the very few sites in the Southern Hemisphere equipped with comprehensive cutting-edge geodetic instrumentation. The employed observation techniques are used for a wide range of geophysical applications. The data set provides gravity time series and selected gravity models together with the hydrometeorological monitoring data of the observatory. These parameters are of great interest to the scientific community, e.g. for achieving accurate realization of terrestrial and celestial reference frames. Moreover, the availability of the hydrometeorological products is beneficial to inhabitants of the region as they allow for monitoring of environmental changes and natural hazards including extreme events. The hydrological data set is composed of time series of groundwater level, modelled and observed soil moisture content, soil temperature, and physical soil properties and aquifer properties. The meteorological time series include air temperature, humidity, pressure, wind speed, solar radiation, precipitation, and derived reference evapotranspiration. These data products are extended by gravity models of hydrological, oceanic, La Plata estuary, and atmospheric effects. The quality of the provided meteorological time series is tested via comparison to the two closest WMO (World Meteorological Organization) sites where data are available only in an inferior temporal resolution. The hydrological series are validated by comparing the respective forward-modelled gravity effects to independent gravity observations reduced up to a signal corresponding to local water storage variation. Most of the time series cover the time span between April 2016 and November 2018 with either no or only few missing data points. The data set is available at https://doi.org/10.5880/GFZ.5.4.2018.001 (Mikolaj et al., 2018).
Global distribution of nearshore slopes with implications for coastal retreat
Authors: Athanasiou Panagiotis , van Dongeren Ap , Giardino Alessio , Vousdoukas Michalis , Gaytan-Aguilar Sandra , Ranasinghe Roshanka
Published: October 2019

Abstract. Nearshore slope, defined as the cross-shore gradient of the subaqueous
profile, is an important input parameter which affects hydrodynamic and
morphological coastal processes. It is used in both local and large-scale
coastal investigations. However, due to unavailability of data, most
studies, especially those that focus on continental or global scales, have
historically adopted a uniform nearshore slope. This simplifying assumption
could however have far-reaching implications for predictions/projections
thus obtained. Here, we present the first global dataset of nearshore slopes
with a resolution of 1 km at almost 620 000 points along the global
coastline. To this end, coastal profiles were constructed using global
topo-bathymetric datasets. The results show that the nearshore slopes vary
substantially around the world. An assessment of coastline recession driven by sea level rise (SLR)
(for an arbitrary 0.5 m SLR) with a globally uniform
coastal slope of 1 : 100, as carried out in previous studies, and with the spatially
variable coastal slopes computed herein shows that, on average, the former
approach would underestimate coastline recession by about 40 %, albeit
with significant spatial variation. The final dataset has been made publicly
available at
https://doi.org/10.4121/uuid:a8297dcd-c34e-4e6d-bf66-9fb8913d983d (Athanasiou, 2019).
How does the downstream boundary affect avulsion dynamics in a laboratory bifurcation?
Authors: Salter Gerard , Voller Vaughan R. , Paola Chris
Published: October 2019

Abstract. Bifurcations play a major role in the evolution of landscapes by controlling how fluxes such as water and sediment are partitioned in distributary and multithread channel networks. In this paper, we present the first experimental investigation on the effect of the downstream boundary on bifurcations. Our experiments in a fixed-wall Y-shaped flume consist of three phases: progradation, transitional, and bypass; the first two phases are net depositional, whereas during the third the sediment flux exiting the downstream boundary matches the input on average. We find that deposition qualitatively changes bifurcation dynamics; we observe frequent switching in the discharge partitioning under net depositional conditions, whereas bypass results in long periods of time where one branch captures most of the flow. We compare our results with a previously developed model for the effect of deposition on bifurcation dynamics. The switching dynamics we observe are more irregular and complex than those predicted by the model. Furthermore, while we observe long periods of time where one branch dominates under bypass conditions, these are not permanent, unlike in the model. We propose that the range of switching timescales we observe arises from a complex interplay of downstream-controlled avulsion and the effect of bars in the upstream channel, including previously unrecognized long-term dynamics associated with a steady bar. Finally, we describe bifurcation experiments conducted with sand but no water. These experiments share the essential feedbacks of our fluvial bifurcation experiments, but do not include bars. In these experiments, we find that the sandpile grows symmetrically while it progrades, but bypass leads to one branch permanently capturing all avalanches. We conclude that the downstream control of deposition vs. bypass is likely a major influence on bifurcation dynamics across a range of physical systems, from river deltas to talus slopes.
A coupled pelagic-benthic-sympagic biogeochemical model for the Bering Sea: documentation and validation of the BESTNPZ model (v2019.08.23) within a high-resolution regional ocean model
Authors: Kearney Kelly , Hermann Albert , Cheng Wei , Ortiz Ivonne , Aydin Kerim
Published: October 2019

Abstract. The Bering Sea is a highly productive ecosystem, supporting a variety of fish, seabird, and marine mammal populations as well as large commercial fisheries. Due to its unique shelf geometry and the presence of seasonal sea ice, the processes controlling productivity in the Bering Sea ecosystem span the pelagic water column, the benthic sea floor, and the sympagic sea ice environments. The BESTNPZ model has been developed to simulate the lower trophic level processes throughout this region. Here, we present a version of this lower trophic level model coupled to a three-dimensional regional ocean model for the Bering Sea. We quantify the model's ability to reproduce key physical features of biological importance as well as its skill in capturing the seasonal and interannual variations in primary and secondary productivity. We find that the ocean model demonstrates considerable skill in replicating observed horizontal and vertical patterns of water movement, mixing, and stratification, as well as the temperature and salinity signatures of various water masses throughout the Bering Sea. It is also able to capture the mean seasonal cycle of primary production observed on the data-rich eastern middle shelf. However, its ability to replicate domain-wide patterns in nutrient cycling, primary production, and zooplankton community composition, particularly with respect to the interannual variations that are important in a fisheries management context, remains limited.
Description and validation of the ice-sheet model Yelmo (version 1.0)
Authors: Robinson Alexander , Alvarez-Solas Jorge , Montoya Marisa , Goelzer Heiko , Greve Ralf , Ritz Catherine
Published: October 2019

Abstract. We describe the physics and features of the ice-sheet model Yelmo, an open-source project intended for collaborative development. Yelmo is a thermomechanical model, solving for the coupled velocity and temperature solutions of an ice sheet simultaneously. The ice dynamics are currently treated via a "hybrid" approach combining the shallow-ice and shallow-shelf/shelfy-stream approximations, which makes Yelmo an apt choice for studying a wide variety of problems. Yelmo's main innovations lie in its flexible and user-friendly infrastructure, which promotes portability and facilitates long-term development. In particular, all physics subroutines have been designed to be self-contained, so that they can be easily ported from Yelmo to other models, or easily replaced by improved or alternate methods in the future. Furthermore, hard-coded model choices are eschewed, replaced instead with convenient parameter options that allow the model to be adapted easily to different contexts. We show results for different ice-sheet benchmark tests, and we illustrate Yelmo's performance for the Antarctic ice sheet.
Upgraded global mapping information for earth system modelling: an application to surface water depth at the ECMWF
Authors: Choulga Margarita , Kourzeneva Ekaterina , Balsamo Gianpaolo , Boussetta Souhail , Wedi Nils
Published: October 2019

Abstract. Water bodies influence local weather and climate,
especially in lake-rich areas. The FLake (Fresh-water Lake model)
parameterisation is employed in the Integrated Forecasting System (IFS) of the
European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) model which is
used operationally to produce global weather predictions. Lake depth and
lake fraction are the main driving parameters in the FLake parameterisation.
The lake parameter fields for the IFS should be global and realistic, because
FLake runs over all the grid boxes, and then only lake-related results are
used further. In this study new datasets and methods for generating lake
fraction and lake depth fields for the IFS are proposed. The data include the
new version of the Global Lake Database (GLDBv3) which contains depth
estimates for unstudied lakes based on a geological approach, the General
Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans and the Global Surface Water Explorer
dataset which contains information on the spatial and temporal variability
of surface water. The first new method suggested is a two-step lake fraction
calculation; the first step is at 1 km grid resolution and the second is at
the resolution of other grids in the IFS system. The second new method
involves the use of a novel algorithm for ocean and inland water separation.
This new algorithm may be used by anyone in the environmental modelling
community. To assess the impact of using these innovations, in situ
measurements of lake depth, lake water surface temperature and ice
formation/disappearance dates for 27 lakes collected by the Finnish
Environment Institute were used. A set of offline experiments driven by
atmospheric forcing from the ECMWF ERA5 Reanalysis were carried out using
the IFS HTESSEL land surface model. In terms of lake depth, the new dataset
shows a much lower mean absolute error, bias and error standard deviation
compared to the reference set-up. In terms of lake water surface
temperature, the mean absolute error is reduced by 13.4 %, the bias by
12.5 % and the error standard deviation by 20.3 %. Seasonal
verification of the mixed layer depth temperature and ice
formation/disappearance dates revealed a cold bias in the meteorological
forcing from ERA5. Spring, summer and autumn verification scores confirm an
overall reduction in the surface water temperature errors. For winter, no
statistically significant change in the ice formation/disappearance date
errors was detected.
ADJUSTMENT OF CADASTRAL NETWORK USING LEAST-SQUARES VARIANCE COMPONENT ESTIMATION
Authors: Bidi N. K. , Din A. H. M. , Som Z. A. M. , Omar A. H.
Published: October 2019

Abstract. The role of the stochastic model very important in data processing of geodetic network since it describes the accuracy of the measurements and their correlation with each other. Knowledge of weights of the observables is required to provide a better understanding of the sources of errors and to model the error, hence the weights need to be determined correctly. This study concentrates on the estimation of variance components from different types of instruments used in the cadastral survey. The ideas are to combine the conventional and advanced instruments in a traverse network to enhance the estimated variance component in the stochastic model. Thus, Least Squares Variance Component Estimation (LS-VCE) method was used in this study because the method is simple, flexible and attractive due to the precision of variance estimators that can be directly obtained. Observation data come with several types of instruments such as chain measurement, Electronic Distance Measurement and total station were utilized. The findings showed that LS-VCE method was very reliable in cadastral network application. Besides, the results revealed that the estimated variance components for distance scale error, σp seem to become unrealistic for each data tested. It was found that the traverse network which included chain survey, showed the insignificant result to the precision of station coordinates when the measurements were combined.
SEISMIC DAMAGE ASSESSMENT OF LIFELINES BASED ON GEOSPATIAL ANALYSIS
Authors: Eskandari M. , Goodarzi S. , Nekooie M. A.
Published: October 2019

Abstract. The main purpose of this study is to develop a Geospatial Information System (GIS) model with the ability to assess the seismic damage to lifelines for two well-known hazards, including ground shaking and ground failure simultaneously. The model that is developed and used in this study includes four main parts of database implementation, seismic hazard analysis, vulnerability assessment and seismic damage assessment to determine the lifeline’s damage probability. To consider uncertainty analysis in the model, Monte Carlo simulation is used based on 10,000 iterations. The results of hazard analysis indicated that peak ground acceleration is about 0.03 g to 0.3 g and there is slight to moderate damages to the desired infrastructure in the study area.
ASSESSMENT OF GEOCENTRIC DATUM OF MALAYSIA 2000 (GDM2000)
Authors: Jaffar N. J. , Musa T. A. , Aris W. A. W.
Published: October 2019

Abstract. Several major earthquakes that happened nearby Malaysia for the past decades resulted in a tectonic drift of the Sunda plate. Geocentric Datum of Malaysia 2000 (GDM2000) is affected and has shifted. This paper aims to assess the consistency of GDM2000 by computing datum shift caused by tectonic movement and reference frame effect. Daily solution coordinate of Malaysia Real-Time Kinematic Network (MyRTKnet) stations in the latest reference frame i.e ITRF2014 generated and a coordinate discrepancy between the current reference frame and publish coordinate provided by Jabatan Ukur dan Pemetaan Malaysia (JUPEM) are computed. The result shows that the datum has shifted with an average of 34.6 cm and moved with an average orientation of 111.1° toward the southeast direction. Therefore, this study will contribute to giving an overview of the current status of GDM2000.