bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Color Difference and Memory Recall in Free-Flying Honeybees: Forget the Hard Problem
Authors: Dyer Adrian , Garcia Jair
Published: July 2014

Free-flying honeybees acquire color information differently depending upon whether a target color is learnt in isolation (absolute conditioning), or in relation to a perceptually similar color (differential conditioning). Absolute conditioning allows for rapid learning, but color discrimination is coarse. Differential conditioning requires more learning trials, but enables fine discriminations. Currently it is unknown whether differential conditioning to similar colors in honeybees forms a long-term memory, and the stability of memory in a biologically relevant scenario considering similar or saliently different color stimuli. Individual free-flying honeybees (N = 6) were trained to similar color stimuli separated by 0.06 hexagon units for 60 trials and mean accuracy was 81.7% ± 12.2% s.d. Bees retested on subsequent days showed a reduction in the number of correct choices with increasing time from the initial training, and for four of the bees this reduction was significant from chance expectation considering binomially distributed logistic regression models. In contrast, an independent group of 6 bees trained to saliently different colors (>0.14 hexagon units) did not experience any decay in memory retention with increasing time. This suggests that whilst the bees’ visual system can permit fine discriminations, flowers producing saliently different colors are more easily remembered by foraging bees over several days.
Automated Detection and Recognition of Wildlife Using Thermal Cameras
Authors: Christiansen Peter , Steen Kim , Jørgensen Rasmus , Karstoft Henrik
Published: July 2014

In agricultural mowing operations, thousands of animals are injured or killed each year, due to the increased working widths and speeds of agricultural machinery. Detection and recognition of wildlife within the agricultural fields is important to reduce wildlife mortality and, thereby, promote wildlife-friendly farming. The work presented in this paper contributes to the automated detection and classification of animals in thermal imaging. The methods and results are based on top-view images taken manually from a lift to motivate work towards unmanned aerial vehicle-based detection and recognition. Hot objects are detected based on a threshold dynamically adjusted to each frame. For the classification of animals, we propose a novel thermal feature extraction algorithm. For each detected object, a thermal signature is calculated using morphological operations. The thermal signature describes heat characteristics of objects and is partly invariant to translation, rotation, scale and posture. The discrete cosine transform (DCT) is used to parameterize the thermal signature and, thereby, calculate a feature vector, which is used for subsequent classification. Using a k-nearest-neighbor (kNN) classifier, animals are discriminated from non-animals with a balanced classification accuracy of 84.7% in an altitude range of 3–10 m and an accuracy of 75.2% for an altitude range of 10–20 m. To incorporate temporal information in the classification, a tracking algorithm is proposed. Using temporal information improves the balanced classification accuracy to 93.3% in an altitude range 3–10 of meters and 77.7% in an altitude range of 10–20 m
A Practical Application Combining Wireless Sensor Networks and Internet of Things: Safety Management System for Tower Crane Groups
Authors: Zhong Dexing , Lv Hongqiang , Han Jiuqiang , Wei Quanrui
Published: July 2014

The so-called Internet of Things (IoT) has attracted increasing attention in the field of computer and information science. In this paper, a specific application of IoT, named Safety Management System for Tower Crane Groups (SMS-TC), is proposed for use in the construction industry field. The operating status of each tower crane was detected by a set of customized sensors, including horizontal and vertical position sensors for the trolley, angle sensors for the jib and load, tilt and wind speed sensors for the tower body. The sensor data is collected and processed by the Tower Crane Safety Terminal Equipment (TC-STE) installed in the driver’s operating room. Wireless communication between each TC-STE and the Local Monitoring Terminal (LMT) at the ground worksite were fulfilled through a Zigbee wireless network. LMT can share the status information of the whole group with each TC-STE, while the LMT records the real-time data and reports it to the Remote Supervision Platform (RSP) through General Packet Radio Service (GPRS). Based on the global status data of the whole group, an anti-collision algorithm was executed in each TC-STE to ensure the safety of each tower crane during construction. Remote supervision can be fulfilled using our client software installed on a personal computer (PC) or smartphone. SMS-TC could be considered as a promising practical application that combines a Wireless Sensor Network with the Internet of Things.
Tracheal Sounds Acquisition Using Smartphones
Authors: Reyes Bersain , Reljin Natasa , Chon Ki
Published: July 2014

Tracheal sounds have received a lot of attention for estimating ventilation parameters in a non-invasive way. The aim of this work was to examine the feasibility of extracting accurate airflow, and automating the detection of breath-phase onset and respiratory rates all directly from tracheal sounds acquired from an acoustic microphone connected to a smartphone. We employed the Samsung Galaxy S4 and iPhone 4s smartphones to acquire tracheal sounds from N = 9 healthy volunteers at airflows ranging from 0.5 to 2.5 L/s. We found that the amplitude of the smartphone-acquired sounds was highly correlated with the airflow from a spirometer, and similar to previously-published studies, we found that the increasing tracheal sounds’ amplitude as flow increases follows a power law relationship. Acquired tracheal sounds were used for breath-phase onset detection and their onsets differed by only 52 ± 51 ms (mean ± SD) for Galaxy S4, and 51 ± 48 ms for iPhone 4s, when compared to those detected from the reference signal via the spirometer. Moreover, it was found that accurate respiratory rates (RR) can be obtained from tracheal sounds. The correlation index, bias and limits of agreement were r2 = 0.9693, 0.11 (−1.41 to 1.63) breaths-per-minute (bpm) for Galaxy S4, and r2 = 0.9672, 0.097 (–1.38 to 1.57) bpm for iPhone 4s, when compared to RR estimated from spirometry. Both smartphone devices performed similarly, as no statistically-significant differences were found.
Bio-Mimetic Sensors Based on Molecularly Imprinted Membranes
Authors: Algieri Catia , Drioli Enrico , Guzzo Laura , Donato Laura
Published: July 2014

An important challenge for scientific research is the production of artificial systems able to mimic the recognition mechanisms occurring at the molecular level in living systems. A valid contribution in this direction resulted from the development of molecular imprinting. By means of this technology, selective molecular recognition sites are introduced in a polymer, thus conferring it bio-mimetic properties. The potential applications of these systems include affinity separations, medical diagnostics, drug delivery, catalysis, etc. Recently, bio-sensing systems using molecularly imprinted membranes, a special form of imprinted polymers, have received the attention of scientists in various fields. In these systems imprinted membranes are used as bio-mimetic recognition elements which are integrated with a transducer component. The direct and rapid determination of an interaction between the recognition element and the target analyte (template) was an encouraging factor for the development of such systems as alternatives to traditional bio-assay methods. Due to their high stability, sensitivity and specificity, bio-mimetic sensors-based membranes are used for environmental, food, and clinical uses. This review deals with the development of molecularly imprinted polymers and their different preparation methods. Referring to the last decades, the application of these membranes as bio-mimetic sensor devices will be also reported.
A new species of Orthosiphon (Lamiaceae) from Angola
Authors: Paton Alan
Published: July 2014

A new species of Orthosiphon (Lamiaceae), O. cinereus A.J.Paton, sp. nov. from Angola is described and the eight species of Orthosiphon in Angola listed with reference to previous accounts. Orthosiphon newtonii Briq. is reduced to the synonymy of Endostemon tubulascens (Briq.) M.Ashby.
Correction of Moderate to High Hyperopia With an Implantable Collamer Lens: Medium-term Results
Authors: Benda František , Filipová Lenka , Filipec Martin
Published: July 2014

PURPOSE:

To evaluate the medium-term results of phakic posterior chamber implantable collamer lens implantation to correct moderate and high hyperopia.

METHODS:

In this retrospective study, patients were treated for hyperopia with the Visian Implantable Collamer Lens (ICH model V3; STAAR Surgical AG, Nidau, Switzerland). Examined parameters were manifest refraction spherical equivalent, uncorrected distance visual acuity, corrected distance visual acuity, vault, anterior chamber depth, anterior chamber angle width, endothelial cell density, intraocular pressure, patient satisfaction, and complications.

RESULTS:

The mean age of 15 patients (28 eyes) was 28 years (range: 18 to 36 years), with a mean follow-up period of 3.6 years (range: 3 to 6 years). The mean manifest refraction spherical equivalent decreased from +6.30 ± 1.42 diopters (D) (range: +4.25 to +8.50 D) preoperatively to −0.37 ± 0.56 D (range: −1.25 to +1.00 D) at 3 years postoperatively. The mean uncorrected distance visual acuity improved from 0.77 ± 0.38 logMAR (range: 0.16 to 1.30 logMAR) to 0.20 ± 0.17 logMAR (range: 0.00 to 0.48 logMAR) at the 3-year follow-up. Postoperatively, 62% of eyes gained one line of corrected distance visual acuity or remained unchanged. The mean vault reduced from 367.1 ± 253.6
μ
m (range: 70.0 to 1,190.0
μ
m) at 1 month postoperatively to 283.6 ± 210.0
μ
m (range: 75.0 to 915.0
μ
m) at the last follow-up visit (
P
= .005). The mean preoperative anterior chamber depth and anterior chamber angle width also decreased at the last follow-up visit (
P
= .037 and < .0001, respectively). The mean endothelial cell loss was 4.91% (
P
= .089). No serious complications occurred. Thirteen (87%) patients were satisfied with the outcomes and no patient was dissatisfied.

CONCLUSIONS:

Implantation of a posterior chamber implantable collamer lens is a safe, effective, predictable, and stable method for the correction of moderate and high hyperopia in highly selected patients. No case of cataract or anterior subcapsular opacities formation was recorded in relation to the decrease of vault over the studied period and low vault in some eyes.

[
J Refract Surg.
2014;30(8):526–533.]
Corneal Enantiomorphism in Normal and Keratoconic Eyes
Authors: Saad Alain , Guilbert Emmanuel , Gatinel Damien
Published: July 2014

PURPOSE:

To evaluate the ability to discriminate between normal and keratoconic corneas by analyzing intereye corneal asymmetry parameters and defining a score of similarity that outlines the normal range of asymmetry between right and left eyes.

METHODS:

This prospective, non-randomized study included 102 normal corneas of 51 patients and 64 keratoconic corneas of 32 patients. Topographic and tomographic parameters of the right and left eyes were extracted from an elevation and Placido-based corneal topography. Asymmetry was determined by subtracting the right eye value from the left eye value for each variable and by considering the absolute value of the result. A discriminant function was constructed to separate the normal and keratoconic groups.

RESULTS:

The mean intereye asymmetry differences were statistically significant for all variables except the vertical and horizontal decentration of the thinnest point, the corneal thickness at 2.5, 3, 3.5, and 4 mm from the thinnest point, and the posterior keratometry at 4.5 mm from the thinnest point. The discriminant function was composed of three variables (the difference between flat and steep keratometry, the 3-mm irregularity, and the anterior elevation of the thinnest point) and reached an area under the receiver operator characteristic curve of 0.992, a sensitivity of 94%, and a specificity of 100%.

CONCLUSIONS:

A discriminant function constructed from the intereye difference of three corneal indices may be accurate and useful for the topography-based detection of advanced keratoconus. In the future, incorporating such data in automated artificial intelligence software may improve the detection ability of earlier forms of keratoconus.

[
J Refract Surg.
2014;30(8):542–547.]
Outcomes of Photorefractive Keratectomy Enhancement After LASIK
Authors: Lee Bryan S. , Gupta Preeya K. , Davis Elizabeth A. , Hardten David R.
Published: July 2014

PURPOSE:

To report the outcomes of photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) enhancement after LASIK for patients diagnosed as having hyperopic and myopic refractive errors.

METHODS:

In this retrospective case series at a single private practice in the United States, all patients undergoing PRK enhancement after LASIK were identified. Patients with visually significant cataract, non-plano targets, and follow-up of fewer than 226 days were excluded. The primary outcome measure was uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) with secondary measures of corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) and postoperative refractive error. Linear regression analysis was performed for actual versus targeted change in spherical equivalent.

RESULTS:

Mean UDVA improved from 20/39 to 20/24 for hyperopes (n = 14;
P
< .002) and from 20/45 to 20/22 for myopes (n = 29;
P
< .0000001) after enhancement. All patients had a UDVA of 20/40 or better at their most recent follow-up visit. Fifty percent of hyperopes and 65.5% of myopes were 20/20 or better. The mean refractive error for hyperopes changed from +1.10 ± 0.71 (range: +0.13 to +2.25 diopters [D]) to +0.38 ± 0.66 D (range: −0.75 to +1.38 D) and from −1.21 ± 0.61 (range: −3.25 to −0.38 D) to +0.34 ± 0.45 D (range: −0.25 to +1.75 D) for myopes. The manifest refraction cylinder decreased from 0.84 to 0.46 D in hyperopes (
P
= .02) and from 0.64 to 0.26 D in myopes (
P
< .002). CDVA was maintained in both groups, with only one patient in each worse than 20/20. There was a nonsignificant trend toward less haze in the patients receiving mitomycin C (5.1% vs 25%,
P
= .14). Linear regression showed a tendency toward overtreatment in the myopic group.

CONCLUSIONS:

PRK is safe and highly effective for patients who previously underwent LASIK and in whom the surgeon would prefer not to perform a flap-lift enhancement.

[
J Refract Surg.
2014;30(8):549–556.]
Liderazgo, poder y etnicidad en la Iglesia Filadelfia de Jerez de la Frontera (Cádiz): Dios quiere que nos mudemos a ese templo
Authors: Cantón-Delgado Manuela , Royo Javier J.
Published: July 2014

Este artículo presenta parte de los resultados de un proyecto de investigación etnográfica que llevamos a cabo en la más importante congregación evangélica gitana de Jerez de la Frontera. La investigación busca, entre otros objetivos, explicar las razones por las que la congregación principal, la iglesia madre de la localidad, ha rehusado vincularse a la Federación de Asociaciones Culturales Cristianas de Andalucía (FACCA). Nuestra investigación persigue asimismo desentrañar el papel jugado por las variables etnia y religión en la decisión de mantener su autonomía como congregación vinculada únicamente a la estructura de la Iglesia Filadelfia, una decisión con costes ya que, de haberse producido la vinculación a FACCA, ésta habría reportado sobre el papel significativas ventajas económicas y políticas a la congregación. Para ello, hacemos uso de las nociones de frame y fabricación de E. Goffman, que nos permiten una aproximación al análisis de los significados implicados en la organización de la experiencia; así como de las aportaciones de H. Velasco et al. y D. Gambetta sobre las relaciones de confianza y cooperación. La presentación del caso estará precedida por un análisis sobre los mecanismos de gestión de la diversidad religiosa diseñados por la administración pública española, que serán contrastados con el ideal laico de J. Maclure y C. Taylor.
El mal de ojo como enfermedad: elitelore y folklore en Iberoamérica
Authors: Idoyaga Molina Anatilde , Gancedo Mariano
Published: July 2014

Revisamos los marcos conceptuales del mal de ojo, destacando que tales teorías dejan de lado sus manifestaciones como enfermedad, la caracterización de los ojeadores y de las víctimas en términos de la antigua medicina científica. Los autores sostienen que el mal de ojo en Iberoamérica es el nombre de una enfermedad, cuyos contenidos y teorías etiológicas exceden el dominio humano, incluyendo ojeadores animales. Como enfermedad incorpora causas naturales, además de causas sociales ligadas con la envidia, los celos, el encono y el cariño. Para entender estas manifestaciones, aparentemente contradictorias, se llama la atención sobre la relevancia de considerar los procesos históricos de construcción de la creencia en el mal de ojo, la relación entre los saberes de elite y los procesos de popularización de esos saberes, subrayando la relevancia del reconocimiento del mal de ojo como enfermedad por la antigua medicina académica en tales procesos.
Comer en el aquelarre: Entre lo sublime y lo repugnante. Una perspectiva trasatlántica
Authors: Fernández Juárez Gerardo
Published: July 2014

Del complejo escenario que las juntas diabólicas o aquelarres configuran, este artículo se centra en las comidas y sus expresiones sensibles según se desprende de los relatos inquisitoriales, con especial énfasis en el proceso de las brujas de Zugarramurdi, cuyo Auto de Fe, celebrado en Noviembre de 1610 ha cumplido los 400 años. La tipología de viandas consumidas en el aquelarre y sus expresiones culinarias, según las aportaciones de los intelectuales de la época, reflejan una etnografía inventada que configura expresiones sociales inversas en función de una gastronomía nefanda y abominable, algunas de cuyas características pueden rastrearse en el continente americano a través de los expedientes inquisitoriales y de extirpación de idolatrías.
El problema de las categorías y sus usos en la gestión de la diversidad en las escuelas
Authors: Martín Coppola Eva
Published: July 2014

Este artículo reflexiona sobre los problemas de representación de categorías nacionales a partir de la aplicación de un sociograma en escuelas con un elevado porcentaje de alumnos extranjeros. Analiza los presupuestos teóricos que llevan a utilizar el sociograma como herramienta de medición y construcción de la integración social en contextos multiculturales. El desajuste producido entre los resultados del test y la observación participante en las aulas genera una reflexión en torno a los problemas de representación y categorización implícitos en la interculturalidad como proyecto socioeducativo. Para finalizar se apuntan los límites en la aplicación de esta herramienta en contextos multinacionales segregados, y los problemas fenomenológicos que presenta la categoría «nacionalidad» en este contexto.
Effectiveness of different investigation procedures in detecting anthropogenic impacts on coralligenous assemblages
Authors: Piazzi Luigi , Balata David , Cecchi Enrico , Gennaro Paola , Serena Fabrizio
Published: July 2014

Coralligenous habitat is one of the most important and sensitive habitats of the Mediterranean Sea and several different sampling procedures are currently used in the ecological investigations of coralligenous assemblages. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of different methods in detecting anthropogenic impacts on coralligenous habitat. In particular, the choice of sampling methods, the level of taxonomic resolution, the sampling area, the number of replicates and the spatial scales for detecting possible impacts were evaluated. Results showed that photographic samples larger than 1800 cm2, numbers of replicates larger than 10, the use of taxa and morphological groups as assemblage descriptors, and sampling designs with a high replication at small spatial scales are a valid methodological procedure in impact evaluation studies based on coralligenous assemblages.
Cryptophyte bloom in a Mediterranean estuary: High abundance of Plagioselmis cf. prolonga in the Krka River estuary (eastern Adriatic Sea)
Authors: Šupraha Luka , Bosak Sunčica , Ljubešić Zrinka , Mihanović Hrvoje , Olujić Goran , Mikac Iva , Viličić Damir
Published: July 2014

During the June 2010 survey of phytoplankton and physicochemical parameters in the Krka River estuary (eastern Adriatic Sea), a cryptophyte bloom was observed. High abundance of cryptophytes (maximum 7.9×106 cells l–1) and high concentrations of the class-specific biomarker pigment alloxanthine (maximum 2312 ng l–1) were detected in the surface layer and at the halocline in the lower reach of the estuary. Taxonomical analysis revealed that the blooming species was Plagioselmis cf. prolonga. Analysis of the environmental parameters in the estuary suggested that the bloom was supported by the slower river flow as well as the increased orthophosphate and ammonium concentrations. The first record of a cryptophyte bloom in the Krka River estuary may indicate that large-scale changes are taking place in the phytoplankton community. Such changes could have a major impact on the natural ecosystem dynamics and the mariculture production in the area.
Amphipods from marine cave sediments of the southern Iberian Peninsula: diversity and ecological distribution
Authors: Navarro-Barranco Carlos , Guerra-García José Manuel , Sánchez-Tocino Luis , García-Gómez José Carlos
Published: July 2014

The present study explores the amphipod assemblages of six marine caves on the Mediterranean coast of southern Spain. Replicate samples were taken both inside and outside each marine cave in order to characterize the amphipod fauna and the physicochemical properties of the sediment. As a result, 44 amphipods species were identified. The high number of species found in a relatively limited area highlighted the richness of the Alboran Sea fauna, which is mainly due to the mixture of species from different biogeographic areas. Harpinia genus was the dominant amphipod taxa inside marine caves and Perioculodes longimanus was also very abundant in the caverns. On the other hand, external communities were dominated by Siphonoecetes sabatieri, Metaphoxus fultoni and Photis longipes. There was a high degree of variability in both the internal and the external stations. Only the external station situated at low-medium depth showed a relatively homogeneous amphipod assemblage. The structure and behaviour of soft-bottom communities inside marine caves is difficult to predict because their environmental conditions depend on a particular combination of factors such as topography, depth and orientation. Therefore, no constant patterns were observed for species richness, Shannon diversity and abundance of amphipods in marine caves in comparison with open habitats. According to canonical correspondence analysis, sediment granulometry, organic matter and nitrogen concentration were the parameters that best explained the distribution of amphipods. Species were also classified by their tolerance to environmental pollution according to criteria followed by the Azti Marine Biotic Index and the BENTIX index. The great abundance of sensitive species at both the internal and external stations indicates the good ecological quality of the soft bottom studied. However, the suitability of biotic indices in marine caves should be tested in future studies.
Evaluating Integrated eCare
Authors: Dyrvig Anne-Kirstine
Published: July 2014

Evaluation of projects on integrated eCare is key to implementation and widespread use. The evaluation must, though, be thorough and include research methods from multiple different research traditions simultaneously. This implies a necessity of knowledge from all research paradigms and understanding of proper reporting. In this chapter, guidance for evaluation of integrated eCare is provided, along with discussions of advantages and disadvantages related to certain decisions that must be made during the research process. As an aid for understanding, real-life examples of evaluation are provided to illustrate challenges and possible solutions throughout the chapter.
Integrating Social and Health Services in Greece
Authors: Dafoulas George E. , Karaberi Christina N. , Oikonomou Lamprini Ch. , Liatou Kalliopi P.
Published: July 2014

The integration of e-health services in the Greek Healthcare System is expected to be a challenging task. To this end, three EU co-funded projects (ISISEMD, INDEPENDENT, and RENEWING HEALTH) are tested under realistic conditions integrating e-health and e-care services to the existing health services offered to people that suffer from chronic diseases as well as to their formal and informal caregivers. This chapter aims to give an analytic report of those three European programs in terms of service description, implementation, evaluation, and exploitation. The authors introduce the main characteristics of the Greek healthcare system and the risks that it faces in regards to the major reformation and cut offs due to the economic recession. Then they explain how those risks could become opportunities to promote integrated services.
Breast Positioning during Mammography: Mistakes to be Avoided
Authors: Popli Manju Bala , Teotia Rahul , Narang Meenakshi , Krishna Hare
Published: July 2014

Aims and Objectives

Breast positioning is the key factor affecting a mammogram. If care is taken during positioning, it maximizes the amount of breast tissue being imaged, eliminates most of the artifacts, and increases sensitivity of the mammogram. This retrospective study was carried out in our department to assess correctness, and also the incorrectness of breast positioning, which need to be avoided to obtain an ideal mammogram.

Material and Methods

A total of 1369 female patients were included in this study. Mammography was performed on full field detector digital mammography equipment. Craniocaudal (CC) view and mediolateral oblique (MLO) view were carried out for each breast. Four views were done for 1322 patients. The remaining 47 patients had undergone a mastectomy and underwent two views for the other breast. Mistakes in improperly positioned mammogram were assessed with respect to proper visualization of nipple, position of pectoralis major, pectoral–nipple distance (PND), inframammary fold, and adequate coverage of all breast quadrants.

Results

As per prescribed guidelines, mistakes in positioning were recognized in 2.879% of total mammograms. Improper positioning of the nipple was the commonest problem, seen in 3.827% of mammograms, CC view. On MLO view, bilaterally, pectoralis shadow was not seen in 0.520% mammograms, its margin was not straight/convex in 0.706%, lower edge of pectoralis was above pectoralis–nipple line in 2.081%, and inframammary fold was not seen in 1.189%. There was inadequate coverage of lower quadrants in 2.787%, and mismatch in PND was seen in 3.864%. In few of the patients, the shortcomings as a result of improper positioning were noted on one view, the rest being normal.

Conclusion

Positioning is the most important factor affecting the resultant mammography image. During mammography, many cases are improperly positioned and as a result the examination is inconclusive, which reduces the sensitivity of mammography.
The Effect of SCHIP Expansions on Health Insurance Decisions by Employers
Authors: Buchmueller Thomas , Cooper Philip , Simon Kosali , Vistnes Jessica
Published: July 2014

This study uses repeated cross-sectional data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey—Insurance Component (MEPS-IC), a large nationally representative survey of establishments, to investigate the effect of the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) on health insurance decisions by employers. The data span the years 1997 to 2001, the period when states were implementing SCHIP. We exploit cross-state variation in the timing of SCHIP implementation and the extent to which the program increased eligibility for public insurance. We find evidence suggesting that employers whose workers were likely to have been affected by these expansions reacted by raising employee contributions for family coverage options, and that take-up of any coverage, generally, and family coverage, specifically, dropped in these establishments. We find no evidence that employers stopped offering single or family coverage outright.
Health Plan Switching among Members of the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program
Authors: Atherly Adam , Florence Curtis , Thorpe Kenneth E.
Published: July 2014

This paper examines factors associated with switching health plans in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program. Switching plans is not uncommon, with 12% of members switching plans annually. Individuals switch out of plans with premium increases and benefit decreases relative to other plans in the market. Switching is negatively associated with age due to increasing switching costs associated with age rather than decreasing premium sensitivity. Individuals in preferred provider organizations are less likely to switch, but are more responsive to premium increases than those in the managed care sector. Those who do switch plans are likely to switch to a different plan in the same sector.
The Value of Experience: Differences in Knowledge among Medicare Beneficiaries
Authors: Sing Merrile , Stevens Beth
Published: July 2014

The Medicare Advantage program gives Medicare beneficiaries the opportunity to choose from an array of insurance options instead of receiving prescribed benefits. In 2006, beneficiaries who want prescription drug benefits will need to enroll in a Medicare managed care plan or a private prescription drug plan. To examine awareness and use of Medicare information programs, and the extent to which these programs are associated with beneficiary knowledge about Medicare and managed care, we conducted a national survey of Medicare beneficiaries six to 12 months after the nationwide mailing of the Medicare & You 2000 handbook. Beneficiary information-gathering behavior and experience with Medicare managed care were more highly associated with knowledge about Medicare managed care than formal education, age, income, or membership in a managed care plan before enrolling in Medicare. Practical life experience appears to outweigh traditional factors in beneficiary knowledge of Medicare and managed care.
A Copayment Increase for Prescription Drugs: The Long-Term and Short-Term Effects on Use and Expenditures
Authors: Gibson Teresa B. , McLaughlin Catherine G. , Smith Dean G.
Published: July 2014

This study estimates the effects of an increase in an outpatient prescription drug copayment using a natural experiment based upon a large firm that implemented such an increase. The findings suggest that the primary effect of a copayment increase is attenuation of the trend in prescription drug utilization. We also find an initial reduction in expenditures, with the effects on spending diminishing. Employees with an existing chronic illness and those without a chronic illness show a similar, inelastic response to a copayment increase; employees with a newly diagnosed chronic illness have a more inelastic response.
The Effects of Reinsurance in Financing Children's Health Care
Authors: Sappington David E.M. , Aydede Sema K. , Dick Andrew , Vogel Bruce , Shenkman Elizabeth
Published: July 2014

This paper examines the effects of reinsurance on the financial performance of health plans serving enrollees in a State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). We demonstrate that simple reinsurance policies can reduce substantially the variation in the financial performance of plans with different case mixes, even when the plans bear the cost of the reinsurance and are not fully insured against large expenditures on individual enrollees.
Language Barriers to Health Care Access among Medicare Beneficiaries
Authors: Ponce Ninez A. , Ku Leighton , Cunningham William E. , Brown E. Richard
Published: July 2014

This study examined language barriers to health care access among a population-based sample of Medicare seniors in California in 2001 and 2003. Results indicate that Medicare beneficiaries with limited English proficiency (LEP) had less access to a usual source of care and were less likely to receive preventive cancer screening tests. LEP Medicare beneficiaries who also were covered by Medicaid tended to fare better than those without Medicaid. This could be due to federal civil rights rules that require Medicaid health care providers to offer free language assistance, but exclude from these requirements physicians who provide only Medicare services. Findings suggest the federal government should take steps to reduce language barriers in Medicare.
Aging without Medicare? Evidence from New York City
Authors: Gray Bradford H. , Scheinmann Roberta , Rosenfeld Peri , Finkelstein Ruth
Published: July 2014

Medicare and Social Security often are assumed to provide universal coverage for the population age 65 and older. Evidence from New York City raises doubts. Data from the Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Social Security Administration, and the U.S. Bureau of the Census provide evidence that 16% to 20% of New York City residents age 65 and older lack such coverage. Noncoverage is not unique to this city, but it may be particularly common there. Noncoverage is pronounced in, but not limited to, certain immigrant groups. Because the population share covered by Medicare increases with age and most hospitalizations not covered by Medicare are paid by Medicaid, Medicaid gradually may be replacing Medicare as the payer for hospitalizations for a substantial share of the 65+ population in New York City.
Health Insurance and Access to Care among Social Security Disability Insurance Beneficiaries during the Medicare Waiting Period
Authors: Riley Gerald F.
Published: July 2014

For most Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiaries, Medicare entitlement begins 24 months after the date of SSDI entitlement. Many may experience poor access to health care during the 24-month waiting period because of a lack of insurance. National Health Interview Survey data for the period 1994–1996 were linked to Social Security and Medicare administrative records to examine health insurance status and access to care during the Medicare waiting period. Twenty-six percent of SSDI beneficiaries reported having no health insurance, with the uninsured reporting many more problems with access to care than insured individuals. Access to health insurance is especially important for people during the waiting period because of their low incomes, poor health, and weak ties to the workforce.
An alternative method for estimating hygroscopic growth factor of aerosol light-scattering coefficient: a case study in an urban area of Guangzhou, South China
Authors: Lin Z. J. , Zhang Z. S. , Zhang L. , Tao J. , Zhang R. J. , Cao J. J. , Fan S. J. , Zhang Y. H.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. A method was developed to estimate hygroscopic growth factor (f(RH)) of aerosol light-scattering coefficient (bsp), making use of the measured size- and chemically resolved aerosol samples. In this method, chemical composition of the measured aerosol samples were first reconstructed using the equilibrium model ISORROPIA II. The reconstructed chemical composition, which varies with relative humidity (RH), was then employed to calculate bsp and hygroscopic growth factor of bsp (fsp(RH)) using the Mie model. Furthermore, the calculated fsp(RH) was fitted with an empirical curve. To evaluate the applicability of fsp(RH), the curve of fsp(RH) was used to correct the long-term records of the measured bsp from the values under comparative dry conditions to the ones under ambient RH conditions. Compared with the original bsp data, the fsp(RH)-corrected bsp had a higher linear correlation with, and a smaller discrepancy from, the bsp derived directly from visibility and absorption measurements. The fsp(RH) determined here was further compared with that reported in previous studies. The method described in this manuscript provides an alternative approach to derive credible fsp(RH) with high accuracy and has many potential applications in aerosol-related research.
Daily ozone cycle in the stratosphere: global, regional and seasonal behaviour modelled with the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model
Authors: Schanz A. , Hocke K. , Kämpfer N.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. The Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model (WACCM) is utilised to study the daily ozone cycle and underlying photochemical and dynamical processes. The analysis is focused on the daily ozone cycle in the middle stratosphere at 5 hPa where satellite-based trend estimates of stratospheric ozone are most biased by diurnal sampling effects and drifting satellite orbits. The simulated ozone cycle shows a minimum after sunrise and a maximum in the late afternoon. Further, a seasonal variation of the daily ozone cycle in the stratosphere was found. Depending on season and latitude, the peak-to-valley difference of the daily ozone cycle varies mostly between 3 and 5% (0.4 ppmv) with respect to the midnight ozone volume mixing ratio. The maximal variation of 15% (0.8 ppmv) is found at the polar circle in summer. The global pattern of the strength of the daily ozone cycle is mainly governed by the solar zenith angle and the sunshine duration. In addition, we find synoptic-scale variations in the strength of the daily ozone cycle. These variations are often anti-correlated to regional temperature anomalies and are due to the temperature dependence of the rate coefficients k2 and k3 of the Chapman cycle reactions. Further, the NOx catalytic cycle counteracts the accumulation of ozone during daytime and leads to an anti-correlation between anomalies in NOx and the strength of the daily ozone cycle. Similarly, ozone recombines with atomic oxygen which leads to an anti-correlation between anomalies in ozone abundance and the strength of the daily ozone cycle. At higher latitudes, an increase of the westerly (easterly) wind cause a decrease (increase) in the sunshine duration of an air parcel leading to a weaker (stronger) daily ozone cycle.
Analysis of the effect of water activity on ice formation using a new thermodynamic framework
Authors: Barahona D.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. In this work a new thermodynamic framework is developed and used to investigate the effect of water activity on the formation of ice within supercooled droplets. The new framework is based on a novel concept where the interface is assumed to be made of liquid molecules "trapped" by the solid matrix. It also accounts for the change in the composition of the liquid phase upon nucleation. Using this framework, new expressions are developed for the critical ice germ size and the nucleation work with explicit dependencies on temperature and water activity. However unlike previous approaches, the new model does not depend on the interfacial tension between liquid and ice. The thermodynamic framework is introduced within classical nucleation theory to study the effect of water activity on the ice nucleation rate. Comparison against experimental results shows that the new approach is able to reproduce the observed effect of water activity on the nucleation rate and the freezing temperature. It allows for the first time a phenomenological derivation of the constant shift in water activity between melting and nucleation. The new framework offers a consistent thermodynamic view of ice nucleation, simple enough to be applied in atmospheric models of cloud formation.
Understanding flood regime changes in Europe: a state-of-the-art assessment
Authors: Hall J. , Arheimer B. , Borga M. , Brázdil R. , Claps P. , Kiss A. , Kjeldsen T. R. , Kriaučiūnienė J. , Kundzewicz Z. W. , Lang M. , Llasat M. C. , Macdonald N. , McIntyre N. , Mediero L. , Merz B. , Merz R. , Molnar P. , Montanari A. , Neuhold C. , Parajka J. , Perdigão R. A. P. , Plavcová L. , Rogger M. , Salinas J. L. , Sauquet E. , Schär C. , Szolgay J. , Viglione A. , Blöschl G.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. There is growing concern that flooding is becoming more frequent and severe in Europe. A better understanding of flood regime changes and their drivers is therefore needed. The paper reviews the current knowledge on flood regime changes in European rivers that has traditionally been obtained through two alternative research approaches. The first approach is the data-based detection of changes in observed flood events. Current methods are reviewed together with their challenges and opportunities. For example, observation biases, the merging of different data sources and accounting for nonlinear drivers and responses. The second approach consists of modelled scenarios of future floods. Challenges and opportunities associated with flood change scenarios are discussed such as fully accounting for uncertainties in the modelling cascade and feedbacks. To make progress in flood change research, we suggest that a synthesis of these two approaches is needed. This can be achieved by focusing on long duration records and flood-rich and flood-poor periods rather than on short duration flood trends only, by formally attributing causes of observed flood changes, by validating scenarios against observed flood regime dynamics, and by developing low-dimensional models of flood changes and feedbacks. The paper finishes with a call for a joint European flood change research network.
Numerical modeling and analysis of the effect of complex Greek topography on tornadogenesis
Authors: Matsangouras I. T. , Pytharoulis I. , Nastos P. T.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. Tornadoes have been reported in Greece over recent decades in specific sub-geographical areas and have been associated with strong synoptic forcing. While it has been established that meteorological conditions over Greece are affected at various scales by the significant variability of topography, the Ionian Sea to the west and the Aegean Sea to the east, there is still uncertainty regarding topography's importance on tornadic generation and development. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of topography in significant tornadogenesis events that were triggered under strong synoptic scale forcing over Greece. Three tornado events that occurred over the last years in Thebes (Boeotia, 17 November 2007), Vrastema (Chalkidiki, 12 February 2010) and Vlychos (Lefkada, 20 September 2011) were selected for numerical experiments. These events were associated with synoptic scale forcing, while their intensities were T4–T5 (on the TORRO scale), causing significant damage. The simulations were performed using the non-hydrostatic weather research and forecasting model (WRF), initialized by European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) gridded analyses, with telescoping nested grids that allow for the representation of atmospheric circulations ranging from the synoptic scale down to the mesoscale. In the experiments, the topography of the inner grid was modified by: (a) 0% (actual topography) and (b) −100% (without topography), making an effort to determine whether the occurrence of tornadoes – mainly identified by various severe weather instability indices – could be indicated by modifying topography. The principal instability variables employed consisted of the bulk Richardson number (BRN) shear, the energy helicity index (EHI), the storm-relative environmental helicity (SRH), and the maximum convective available potential energy (MCAPE, for parcels with maximum θe). Additionally, a model verification was conducted for every sensitivity experiment accompanied by analysis of the absolute vorticity budget. Numerical simulations revealed that the complex topography constituted an important factor during the 17 November 2007 and 12 February 2010 events, based on EHI, SRH, BRN, and MCAPE analyses. Conversely, topography around the 20 September 2011 event was characterized as the least significant factor based on EHI, SRH, BRN, and MCAPE analyses.
Thermal characterization of the active layer at the Limnopolar Lake CALM-S site on Byers Peninsula (Livingston Island), Antarctica
Authors: de Pablo M. A. , Ramos M. , Molina A.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. The Limnopolar Lake site (A25), of the Circumpolar Active Layer Monitoring-South network (CALM-S), is located on Byers Peninsula, where the active layer thickness is monitored systematically (by mechanical probing during the thawing season and by temperature devices continuously since 2009). Air, surface, snow and ground temperature devices have been installed to monitor ground thermal behavior, which is presented and characterized here. We use the air and ground mean daily temperature values to define the following parameters: maximum, minimum and mean temperatures, the zero annual thermal amplitude, and the depth and position of the top of the permafrost table. The freezing and thawing seasons (defining their starting dates as well as their length) and the existence of zero curtain periods have also been established. We also derive apparent thermal diffusivity and plot thermograms to study the thermal behavior of the ground at different depths and seasons. After this complete thermal characterization of the active layer, we propose the potential existence of a permafrost table at approximately 130 cm in depth as well as a former transitional layer above it, and discuss the role of water in connection with the thermal behavior of the ground during the study period.
Modelling the evolution of the Antarctic ice sheet since the last interglacial
Authors: Maris M. N. A. , de Boer B. , Ligtenberg S. R. M. , Crucifix M. , van de Berg W. J. , Oerlemans J.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. We present the effects of changing two sliding parameters, a deformational velocity parameter and two bedrock deflection parameters on the evolution of the Antarctic ice sheet over the period from the last interglacial until the present. These sensitivity experiments have been conducted by running the dynamic ice model ANICE forward in time. The temporal climatological forcing is established by interpolating between two temporal climate states created with a regional climate model. The interpolation is done in such a way that both temperature and surface mass balance follow the European Project for Ice Coring in Antarctica (EPICA) Dome C ice-core proxy record for temperature. We have determined an optimal set of parameter values, for which a realistic grounding-line retreat history and present-day ice sheet can be simulated; the simulation with this set of parameter values is defined as the reference simulation. An increase of sliding with respect to this reference simulation leads to a decrease of the Antarctic ice volume due to enhanced ice velocities on mainly the West Antarctic ice sheet. The effect of changing the deformational velocity parameter mainly yields a change in east Antarctic ice volume. Furthermore, we have found a minimum in the Antarctic ice volume during the mid-Holocene, in accordance with observations. This is a robust feature in our model results, where the strength and the timing of this minimum are both dependent on the investigated parameters. More sliding and a slower responding bedrock lead to a stronger minimum which emerges at an earlier time. From the model results, we conclude that the Antarctic ice sheet has contributed 10.7 ± 1.3 m of eustatic sea level to the global ocean from the last glacial maximum (about 16 ka for the Antarctic ice sheet) until the present.