bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sensitivity of remotely-sensed trace gas concentrations to polarisation
Authors: O'Brien D. M. , Polonsky I. N. , Kumer J. B.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. Current and proposed space missions estimate column-averaged concentrations of trace gases (CO2, CH4 and CO) from high resolution spectra of reflected sunlight in absorption bands of the gases. The radiance leaving the top of the atmosphere is partially polarised by both reflection at the surface and scattering within the atmosphere. Generally the polarisation state is unknown, and could degrade the accuracy of the concentration measurements. The sensitivity to polarisation is modelled for the proposed geoCARB instrument, which will include neither polarisers nor polarisation scramblers to select particular polarisation states from the incident radiation. The radiometric and polarimetric calibrations proposed for geoCARB are outlined, and a model is developed for the polarisation properties of the geoCARB spectrographs. This model depends principally upon the efficiencies of the gratings to polarisations parallel and perpendicular to the rulings of the gratings. Next an ensemble of polarised spectra is simulated for geoCARB observing targets in India, China and Australia from geostationary orbit at longitude 110° E. The spectra are analysed to recover the trace gas concentrations in two modes, the first denied access to the polarimetric calibration and the second with access. The retrieved concentrations using the calibration data are almost identical to those that would be obtained with polarisation scramblers, while the retrievals without calibration data contain outliers that do not meet the accuracies demanded by the mission.
Characterizing Leaf Area Index (LAI) and Vertical Foliage Profile (VFP) over the United States
Authors: Tang H. , Ganguly S. , Zhang G. , Hofton M. A. , Nelson R. F. , Dubayah R.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. Leaf area index (LAI) and vertical foliage profile (VFP) are among the important canopy structural variables. Recent advances in lidar remote sensing technology have demonstrated the capability of accurately mapping LAI and VFP over large areas. The primary objective of this study was to derive and validate a LAI and VFP product over the contiguous United States using spaceborne waveform lidar data. This product was derived at the footprint level from the Geoscience Laser Altimeter System (GLAS) using a biophysical model. We validated GLAS derived LAI and VFP across major forest biomes using airborne waveform lidar. The comparison results showed that GLAS retrievals of total LAI were generally accurate with little bias (r2 = 0.67, bias = −0.13, RMSE = 0.75). The derivations of GLAS retrievals of VFP within layers was not as accurate overall (r2 = 0.36, bias = −0.04, RMSE = 0.26), and these varied as a function of height, increasing from understory to overstory −0 to 5 m layer: r2 = 0.04, bias = 0.09, RMSE = 0.31; 10 to 15 m layer: r2 = 0.53, bias = −0.08, RMSE = 0.22; and 15 to 20 m layer: r2 = 0.66, bias =−0.05, RMSE = 0.20. Significant relationships were also found between GLAS LAI products and different environmental factors, in particular elevation and annual precipitation. In summary, our results provide a unique insight into vertical canopy structure distribution across North American ecosystems. This data set is a first step towards a baseline of canopy structure needed for evaluating climate and land use induced forest changes at continental scale in the future and should help deepen our understanding of the role of vertical canopy structure on terrestrial ecosystem processes across varying scales.
The "Dirty Weather" diaries of Reverend Richard Davis: insights about early Colonial-era meteorology and climate variability for Northern New Zealand, 1839–1851
Authors: Lorrey A. M. , Chappell P. R.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. Reverend Richard Davis (1790–1863) was a Colonial-era missionary stationed in the Far North of New Zealand who was a key figure in the early efforts of the Church Mission Society. He kept meticulous meteorological records for the early settlements of Waimate North and Kaikohe, and his observations are preserved in a two-volume set in the rare manuscripts archive at the Auckland City Library. The Davis diary volumes are significant because they constitute some of the earliest land-based meteorological measurements that were continually chronicled for New Zealand. The diary measurements cover nine years within the 1839–1851 timespan that are broken into two parts: 1839–1844 and 1848–1851. Davis' meteorological recordings include daily 9 AM and noon temperatures and mid-day pressure measurements. Qualitative comments in the diary note prevailing wind flow, wind strength, cloud cover, climate variability impacts, bio-indicators suggestive of drought, and notes on extreme weather events. "Dirty weather" comments scattered throughout the diary describe disturbed conditions with strong winds and driving rainfall. The Davis diary entries coincide with the end of the Little Ice Age (LIA) and they indicate southerly and westerly circulation influences and cooler winter temperatures were more frequent than today. A comparison of climate field reconstructions derived from the Davis diary data and tree ring-based winter temperature reconstructions are supported by tropical coral palaeotemperature evidence. Davis' pressure measurements were corroborated using ship log data from vessels associated with iconic Antarctic exploration voyages that were anchored in the Bay of Islands, and suggest the pressure series he recorded are robust and can be used as `station data'. The Reverend Davis meteorological data are expected to make a significant contribution to the Atmospheric Circulation Reconstructions across the Earth (ACRE) project, which feeds the major data requirements for the longest historical reanalysis – the 20th Century Reanalysis Project (20CR). Thus these new data will help extend surface pressure-based re-analysis reconstructions of past weather covering New Zealand within the data-sparse Southern Hemisphere.
The influence of non-stationary ENSO teleconnections on reconstructions of paleoclimate using a pseudoproxy framework
Authors: Batehup R. , McGregor S. , Gallant A. J. E.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. Reconstructions of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) ideally require high-quality, annually-resolved and long-running paleoclimate proxy records in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, located in ENSO's centre-of-action. However, to date, the paleoclimate records that have been extracted in the region are short or temporally and spatially sporadic, limiting the information that can be provided by these reconstructions. Consequently, most ENSO reconstructions exploit the downstream influences of ENSO on remote locations, known as teleconnections, where longer records from paleoclimate proxies exist. However, using teleconnections to reconstruct ENSO relies on the assumption that the relationship between ENSO and the remote location is stationary in time. Increasing evidence from observations and climate models suggests that some teleconnections are, in fact, non-stationary, potentially threatening the validity of those paleoclimate reconstructions that exploit teleconnections. This study examines the implications of non-stationary teleconnections on modern multi-proxy reconstructions of ENSO. The sensitivity of the reconstructions to non-stationary teleconnections were tested using a suite of idealized pseudoproxy experiments that employed output from a fully coupled global climate model. Reconstructions of the variance in the Niño 3.4 index, representing ENSO variability, were generated using four different methods to which surface temperature data from the GFDL CM2.1 was applied as a pseudoproxy. As well as sensitivity of the reconstruction to the method, the experiments tested the sensitivity of the reconstruction to the number of non-stationary pseudoproxies and the location of these proxies. ENSO reconstructions in the pseudoproxy experiments were not sensitive to non-stationary teleconnections when global, uniformly-spaced networks of a minimum of approximately 20 proxies were employed. Neglecting proxies from ENSO's center-of-action still produced skillful reconstructions, but the chance of generating a skillful reconstruction decreased. Reconstruction methods that utilized raw time series were the most sensitive to non-stationary teleconnections, while calculating the running variance of pseudoproxies first, appeared to improve the robustness of the resulting reconstructions. The results suggest that caution should be taken when developing reconstructions using proxies from a single teleconnected region, or those that use less than 20 source proxies.
Climatological variations of total alkalinity and total inorganic carbon in the Mediterranean Sea surface waters
Authors: Gemayel E. , Hassoun A. E. R. , Benallal M. A. , Goyet C. , Rivaro P. , Abboud-Abi Saab M. , Krasakopoulou E. , Touratier F. , Ziveri P.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. A compilation of several cruises data from 1998 to 2013 was used to derive polynomial fits that estimate total alkalinity (AT) and total inorganic carbon (CT) from measurements of salinity and temperature in the Mediterranean Sea surface waters. The optimal equations were chosen based on the 10-fold cross validation results and revealed that a second and third order polynomials fit the AT and CT data respectively. The AT surface fit showed an improved root mean square error (RMSE) of ±10.6 μmol kg−1. Furthermore we present the first annual mean CT parameterization for the Mediterranean Sea surface waters with a RMSE of ±14.3 μmol kg−1. Excluding the marginal seas of the Adriatic and the Aegean, these equations can be used to estimate AT and CT in case of the lack of measurements. The seven years averages (2005–2012) mapped using the quarter degree climatologies of the World Ocean Atlas 2013 showed that in surface waters AT and CT have similar patterns with an increasing eastward gradient. The surface variability is influenced by the inflow of cold Atlantic waters through the Strait of Gibraltar and by the oligotrophic and thermohaline gradient that characterize the Mediterranean Sea. The summer-winter seasonality was also mapped and showed different patterns for AT and CT. During the winter, the AT and CT concentrations were higher in the western than in the eastern basin, primarily due to the deepening of the mixed layer and upwelling of dense waters. The opposite was observed in the summer where the eastern basin was marked by higher AT and CT concentrations than in winter. The strong evaporation that takes place in this season along with the ultra-oligotrophy of the eastern basin determines the increase of both AT and CT concentrations.
Denudation rates across the Pamir based on 10Be concentrations in fluvial sediments: dominance of topographic over climatic factors
Authors: Fuchs M. C. , Gloaguen R. , Merchel S. , Pohl E. , Sulaymonova V. A. , Andermann C. , Rugel G.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. A clear understanding of erosion processes is fundamental in order to comprehend the evolution of actively deforming mountain ranges. However, the relative contributions of tectonic and climatic factors and their feedbacks remain highly debated. In order to contribute to the debate, we quantify basin-wide denudation rates from cosmogenic 10Be concentrations in modern river sediments in the Pamir. This mountain range is a unique natural laboratory because the ongoing India–Eurasia collision sustains high deformation rates and, on account of its position at the transition between Westerlies and monsoon, a strong regional climatic variability arises. Sample acquisition and preparation for accelerator mass spectrometry measurements were challenging due to difficult field accessibility, low quartz and high feldspar concentrations and crystal coating. Six samples along the main draining river, the Panj, and five samples within the major, east–west elongated tributary basins allow us to quantify basin-wide denudation rates for the first time in this orogen. An average denudation rate of ~ 0.64 mm yr−1 reveals a rapid evolution of the entire Pamir. Denudation rates of tributary sub-basins highlight the strong contrast between the Pamir Plateau (0.05 to 0.16 mm yr−1) and its margins (0.54 to 1.45 mm yr−1). The intensity of denudation is primarily correlated with geometric properties of the surface, such as slope steepness (0.75 quartiles; R2 of 0.81), and to a lesser extent to climatic factors such as precipitation. We thus argue that either tectonic uplift or base-level lowering are the main contributors to denudation processes. Multiple linear regression analysis (best R2 of 0.93) suggests that precipitation may act as a limiting factor to denudation. The highest denudation rates coincide with areas of the northwestern Pamir margin that receive precipitation predominantly from the Westerlies during winter. There, the concentrated discharge during spring and early summer may sustain the pronounced denudation and allow the rapid sediment transport out of the basins. Low slope angles and dry conditions hamper the sediment flux on the plateau and, consequently, denudation. The magnitude of denudation in the Pamir is similar to rates determined in the southern Himalaya despite very different climatic and tectonic conditions. The discrepancy between rates of basin-wide denudation and the fluvial incision that is up to 10 times higher evidences a transient landscape in the Pamir. This underpins the hypothesis that river captures may have caused the strong base-level lowering that drives the enhanced incision of the Panj and its main tributaries.
Validation of 3D-CMCC Forest Ecosystem Model (v.5.1) against eddy covariance data for ten European forest sites
Authors: Collalti A. , Marconi S. , Ibrom A. , Trotta C. , Anav A. , D'Andrea E. , Matteucci G. , Montagnani L. , Gielen B. , Mammarella I. , Grünwald T. , Knohl A. , Valentini R. , Santini M.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. This study evaluates the performances of the new version (v.5.1) of 3D-CMCC Forest Ecosystem Model (FEM) in simulating gross primary production (GPP), against eddy covariance GPP data for ten FLUXNET forest sites across Europe. A new carbon allocation module, coupled with new both phenological and autotrophic respiration schemes, was implemented in this new version. Model ability in reproducing timing and magnitude of daily and monthly GPP fluctuations is validated at intra-annual and inter-annual scale, including extreme anomalous seasons. With the purpose to test the 3D-CMCC FEM applicability over Europe without a site-related calibration, the model has been deliberately parameterized with a single set of species-specific parameterizations for each forest ecosystem. The model consistently reproduces both in timing and in magnitude daily and monthly GPP variability across all sites, with the exception of the two Mediterranean sites. We find that 3D-CMCC FEM tends to better simulate the timing of inter-annual anomalies than their magnitude within measurements uncertainty. In six of eight sites where data were available the model well reproduces the 2003 summer drought event. Finally, for three sites we evaluate if a more accurate representation of forest structural characteristics (i.e. cohorts, forest layers) and species composition can improve model results. In two of the three sites results reveal that model slightly increases its performances, although, statistically speaking, not in a relevant way.
A comparison of interpolation methods on the basis of data obtained from a bathymetric survey of Lake Vrana, Croatia
Authors: Šiljeg A. , Lozić S. , Šiljeg S.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. The bathymetric survey of Lake Vrana included a wide range of activities that were performed in several different stages, in accordance with the standards set by the International Hydrographic Organization. The survey was conducted using an integrated measuring system which consisted of three main parts: a single-beam sonar HydroStar 4300 and GPS devices; a Ashtech ProMark 500 base, and a Thales Z-Max® rover. A total of 12 851 points were gathered. In order to find continuous surfaces necessary for analysing the morphology of the bed of Lake Vrana, it was necessary to approximate values in certain areas that were not directly measured, by using an appropriate interpolation method. The main aims of this research were as follows: (a) to compare the efficiency of 14 different interpolation methods and discover the most appropriate interpolators for the development of a raster model; (b) to calculate the surface area and volume of Lake Vrana, and (c) to compare the differences in calculations between separate raster models. The best deterministic method of interpolation was multiquadric RBF (radio basis function), and the best geostatistical method was ordinary cokriging. The root mean square error in both methods measured less than 0.3 m. The quality of the interpolation methods was analysed in two phases. The first phase used only points gathered by bathymetric measurement, while the second phase also included points gathered by photogrammetric restitution. The first bathymetric map of Lake Vrana in Croatia was produced, as well as scenarios of minimum and maximum water levels. The calculation also included the percentage of flooded areas and cadastre plots in the case of a 2 m increase in the water level. The research presented new scientific and methodological data related to the bathymetric features, surface area and volume of Lake Vrana.
On the propagation of diel signals in river networks using analytic solutions of flow equations
Authors: Fonley M. , Mantilla R. , Small S. J. , Curtu R.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. Two hypotheses have been put forth to explain the magnitude and timing of diel streamflow oscillations during low flow conditions. The first suggests that delays between the peaks and troughs of streamflow and daily evapotranspiration are due to processes occurring in the soil as water moves toward the channels in the river network. The second posits that they are due to the propagation of the signal through the channels as water makes its way to the outlet of the basin. In this paper, we design and implement a theoretical experiment to test these hypotheses. We impose a baseflow signal entering the river network and use a linear transport equation to represent flow along the network. We develop analytic streamflow solutions for two cases: uniform and nonuniform velocities in space over all river links. We then use our analytic solutions to simulate streamflows along a self-similar river network for different flow velocities. Our results show that the amplitude and time delay of the streamflow solution are heavily influenced by transport in the river network. Moreover, our equations show that the geomorphology and topology of the river network play important roles in determining how amplitude and signal delay are reflected in streamflow signals. Finally, our results are consistent with empirical observations that delays are more significant as low flow decreases.
A century scale human-induced hydrological and ecological changes of wetlands of two large river basins in Australia (Murray) and China (Yangtze): development of an adaptive water resource management framework
Authors: Kattel G. R. , Dong X. , Yang X.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. Recently, the provision of food and water resources of two of the world's large river basins, the Murray and the Yangtze, has been significantly altered through widespread landscape modification. Long-term sedimentary archives, dating back to past centuries, from wetlands of these river basins reveal that rapid, basin-wide development has reduced resilience of biological communities, resulting in considerable decline in ecosystem services, including water quality. In particular, large-scale human disturbance to river systems, due to river regulation during the mid-20th century, has transformed the hydrology of rivers and wetlands, causing widespread disturbance to aquatic biological communities. Historical changes of cladoceran zooplankton (water fleas) were used to assess the hydrology and ecology of three Murray and Yangtze River wetlands over the past century. Subfossil assemblages of cladocerans retrieved from sediment cores (94, 45 and 65 cm) of three wetlands: Kings Billabong (Murray), Zhangdu and Liangzi Lakes (Yangtze) strongly responded to hydrological changes of the river after the mid-20th century. River regulation caused by construction of dams and weirs, and river channel modifications has led to hydrological alterations. The hydrological disturbances were either: (1) a prolonged inundation of wetlands, or (2) reduced river flow, which caused variability in wetland depth. These phenomena subsequently transformed the natural wetland habitats, leading to a switch in cladoceran assemblages preferring poor water quality and eutrophication. An adaptive water resource management framework for both of these river basins has been proposed to restore or optimize the conditions of wetland ecosystems impacted by 20th century human disturbance and climate change.
Drought assessment in the Dongliao River basin: traditional approaches vs. generalized drought assessment index based on water resources systems
Authors: Weng B. S. , Yan D. H. , Wang H. , Liu J. H. , Yang Z. Y. , Qin T. L. , Yin J.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. Drought is firstly a resource issue, and with its development it evolves into a disaster issue. Drought events usually occur in a determinate but a random manner. Drought has become one of the major factors to affect sustainable socioeconomic development. In this paper, we propose the generalized drought assessment index (GDAI) based on water resources systems for assessing drought events. The GDAI considers water supply and water demand using a distributed hydrological model. We demonstrate the use of the proposed index in the Dongliao River basin in northeastern China. The results simulated by the GDAI are compared to observed drought disaster records in the Dongliao River basin. In addition, the temporal distribution of drought events and the spatial distribution of drought frequency from the GDAI are compared with the traditional approaches in general (i.e., standard precipitation index, Palmer drought severity index and rate of water deficit index). Then, generalized drought times, generalized drought duration, and generalized drought severity were calculated by theory of runs. Application of said runs at various drought levels (i.e., mild drought, moderate drought, severe drought, and extreme drought) during the period 1960–2010 shows that the centers of gravity of them all distribute in the middle reaches of Dongliao River basin, and change with time. The proposed methodology may help water managers in water-stressed regions to quantify the impact of drought, and consequently, to make decisions for coping with drought.
Technical Note: Could benzalkonium chloride be a suitable alternative to mercuric chloride for preservation of seawater samples?
Authors: Gloël J. , Robinson C. , Tilstone G. H. , Tarran G. , Kaiser J.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. Instrumental equipment unsuitable or unavailable for fieldwork as well as lack of ship space can necessitate the preservation of seawater samples prior to analysis in a shore-based laboratory. Mercuric chloride (HgCl2) is routinely used for such preservation, but its handling and subsequent disposal incur significant risks and expense. Benzalkonium chloride (BAC) has been used previously for freshwater samples. Here, we assess BAC as a less hazardous alternative microbial inhibitor for marine samples prior to the measurement of oxygen-to-argon (O2/Ar) ratios, as used for the determination of plankton net community production. BAC at a concentration of 50 mg dm−3 inhibited microbial activity for at least three days in seawater with chlorophyll a (Chl a) concentrations up to 1 mg m−3, possibly longer when Chl a concentrations were lower. BAC concentrations of 100 and 200 mg dm−3 were no more effective than 50 mg dm−3. With fewer risks to human health and the environment, and no requirement for expensive waste disposal, BAC could be a viable alternative to HgCl2 for short-term preservation of seawater samples, but is not a replacement for HgCl2 in the case of oxygen triple isotope analysis, which requires storage over weeks to months. In any event, further tests on a case-by-case basis should be undertaken if use of BAC was considered, since its inhibitory activity may depend on concentration and composition of the microbial community.
Immunodeficiency viruses and prion disease
Authors: Bodemer W.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. Two threatening human diseases have emerged during the past 35 years. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was transmitted from non-human primates – e.g., the chimpanzee to humans – and then spread into populations all over the world. To date, around 35 million people are infected and no vaccine is available because the virus undergoes rapid mutation, resulting in a swarm of virus strains. At best, therapeutical intervention is possible with antiviral drugs; however because of its capacity to rapidly mutate, resistant virus strains develop. Since non-human primates (NHPs) carry simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), we could assess infection and immunity by SIV/HIV in rhesus monkeys (M. mulatta) as a model for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) emerged in ruminants in the 1980s and shortly thereafter appeared in humans, leading to variant Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (vCJD). The vCJD is a terminal neurological disorder since it heavily and irreversibly damages the brain. No cure is at hand. The causative agents for TSE are prions. They are unusual pathogens and enigmatic since they lack nucleic acid as inheritable information. On the other hand, prions were suspected as infectious agents for years and suspected to be the etiological agent of scrapie in sheep. Molecular biology and medicine have clearly identified prions in recent years as the responsible agent for bovine spongiform encephalopathy in ruminants (BSE). BSE has been transmitted to humans, resulting in around 225 vCJD cases. Similar to the SIV/HIV model for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), we could establish a prion infection model in rhesus monkeys. HIV/AIDS and vCJD are zoonoses since their original pathogens can be transmitted from animals to humans. Our experimental efforts to understand these intriguing pathogens and their corresponding diseases in rhesus monkeys as a valid model for both human diseases are summarized in this review.
The electrical self-potential method is a non-intrusive snow-hydrological sensor
Authors: Thompson S. S. , Kulessa B. , Essery R. L. H. , Lüthi M. P.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. Our ability to measure, quantify and assimilate hydrological properties and processes of snow in operational models is disproportionally poor compared to the significance of seasonal snowmelt as a global water resource and major risk factor in flood and avalanche forecasting. Encouraged by recent theoretical, modelling and laboratory work, we show here that the diurnal evolution of aerially-distributed self-potential magnitudes closely track those of bulk meltwater fluxes in melting in-situ snowpacks at Rhone and Jungfraujoch glaciers, Switzerland. Numerical modelling infers temporally-evolving liquid water contents in the snowpacks on successive days in close agreement with snow-pit measurements. Muting previous concerns, the governing physical and chemical properties of snow and meltwater became temporally invariant for modelling purposes. Because measurement procedure is straightforward and readily automated for continuous monitoring over significant spatial scales, we conclude that the self-potential geophysical method is a highly-promising non-intrusive snow-hydrological sensor for measurement practice, modelling and operational snow forecasting.
Going “old school”: From bedside manner to deskside manner
Authors: Fleischman David , Imaz-Marial Oscar
Published: August 2015

Interaction between tertiary educators and students, we contend, improves trust and betters student responses to emotional distress while at university. Therefore, we introduce the “Deskside Manner Framework” as an emerging practice in the tertiary teaching and learning context to aid student transition success. Based on concepts and practice that originated primarily in the medical profession and later in other high credence professional contexts, the deskside manner framework includes: show respect, critical listening, the four Bs and follow up. Deskside manner is transferrable and we aim to facilitate it through workshops and by developing a digital repository of educator-student interaction stories.
Work Integrated Learning: What do the students want? A qualitative study of Health Sciences students’ experiences of a non-competency based placement
Authors: Abery Elizabeth , Drummond Claire , Bevan Nadia
Published: August 2015

Work Integrated Learning (WIL) offers students the opportunity to explore and expand on theoretical concepts encountered throughout their academic studies in an applied real-life context. WIL also assists students in their transition from educational to professional practice informed by experience, engagement and reflection. Traditionally, disciplines such as Medicine, Nursing, Education, and Law have incorporated WIL into their programs. Literature outlines the benefits of a WIL placement to measure learned competencies, which are integral to such fields of practice. Currently, the scope for a WIL experience is expanding into other non-clinical courses due to increasing pressure for universities to produce “work ready” graduates. However, in generalist degrees such as Health Sciences, where clinical or explicit skill competencies are not required, the WIL experience is generic. This study sought the perceptions of past Health Sciences students’ WIL experiences in order to develop appropriate resources for future students.
Talking about the elephant in the room: Improving fundamental assessment practices
Authors: Gill Betty
Published: August 2015

This paper reports on an institution-wide strategy to improve first year assessment practices. Assessment is central to the student experience and to informing their developing conceptions of themselves as students. Despite this central importance, much national and international literature raises questions about the fitness-for-purpose of assessment practices in higher education. The reported strategy was developed in response to analysis of student feedback, which suggested, like the literature, substantial opportunity for improvement. Student feedback on their assessment experience was validated by an audit of first session assessment and used to inform the strategy. A significant improvement in quantitative and qualitative measures of student satisfaction across routine data sources is provided to demonstrate impact. This supports a conclusion that the first year student experience can be impacted by the systemic application of a small number of fundamental good practice assessment strategies which are outlined.
An analysis of user engagement in student Facebook groups
Authors: Lane Murray , Menzies Victoria
Published: August 2015

Analysing the engagement of students in university-based Facebook groups can shed light on the nature of their learning experience and highlight leverage points to build on student success. While post-semester surveys and demographic participation data can highlight who was involved and how they subsequently felt about the experience, these techniques do not necessarily reflect real-time engagement. One way to gain insight into in-situ student experiences is by categorising the original posts and comments into predetermined frameworks of learning. This paper offers a systematic method of coding Facebook contributions within various engagement categories: motivation, discourse, cognition and emotive responses.
Health Research and Millennium Development Goals: Identifying the Gap From Public Health Perspective
Authors: El Lawindi Mona I. , Galal Yasmine S. , Khairy Walaa A.
Published: August 2015

Assessing the research output within the universities could provide an effective means for tracking the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) progress. This analytical database study was designed to assess the trend of research theses conducted by the Public Health Department (PHD), Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University during the period 1990 to 2014 as related to the: MDGS, Faculty and department research priority plans and to identify the discrepancies between researchers’ priorities versus national and international research priorities. A manual search of the theses was done at the Postgraduate Library using a specially designed checklist to chart adherence of each thesis to: MDGs, Faculty and department research plans (RPs). The theses’ profile showed that the highest research output was for addressing the MDGS followed by the PHD and Faculty RPs. Compliance to MDGs 5 and 6 was obvious, whereas; MDGs 2, 3, and 7 were not represented at all after year 2000. No significant difference was found between PH theses addressing the Faculty RPs and those which were not before and after 2010. A significantly lower percent of PH theses was fulfilling the PHD research priorities compared to those which were not after 2010. This study showed a definite decline in research output tackling the MDGS and PHD research priorities, with a non-significant increase in the production of theses addressing the Faculty RPs. The present study is a practical model for policy makers within the universities to develop and implement a reliable monitoring and evaluation system for assessment of research output.
Does Spousal Support Can Decrease Women's Premenstrual Syndrome Symptoms?
Authors: Rezaee Hajar , Mahamed Fariba , Amidi Mazaheri Maryam
Published: August 2015

Premenstrual syndrome is a syndrome that includes behavioral and physical symptoms occurring in the second half of the menstrual cycle and this syndrome affects millions of women universal. With regard to the importance of spouse participation in promoting reproductive and women's health, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of educational intervention for spouse on women's premenstrual syndrome symptoms. This quasi -experimental study was down with the participation of 100 women of reproductive age with PMS were referred to health centers Falavarjan city in 2015. Women were divided randomly into two groups as intervention and control. Educational intervention about supportive behaviors to control premenstrual symptoms was performed for spouses during the three educational sessions in the intervention group. Data was obtained with self-administered questionnaire before and three months after educational intervention and were analyzed by SPSS21 and appropriate statistical tests. Three mounts after the intervention the score of spouse’s supportive behaviors was increased significantly compare to before of the educational intervention and the control group. As well as significant decrease was occurred in case of physical and psychological-behavioral symptoms of  women in the intervention group compare to before the intervention and control groups (p<0.05). Spouse’s supportive behaviors can reduce PMS symptoms in women. As a result, it is recommended that the health care system organize the educational intervention to increase spouse supportive behaviors.
Design of a Knee Exoskeleton Using Foot Pressure and Knee Torque Sensors
Authors: Kim Jung-Hoon , Shim Myounghoon , Ahn Dong Hyun , Son Byoung Jong , Kim Suk-Young , Kim Deog Young , Baek Yoon Su , Cho Baek-Kyu
Published: August 2015

This study presents the development of a modular knee exoskeleton system that supports the knee joints of hemiplegic patients. The device is designed to realize the polycentric motion of real human knees using a four-bar linkage and to minimize its total weight. In order to determine the user's intention, force-sensitive resistors (FSRs) in the user's insole, a torque sensor on the robot knee joint, and an encoder in the motor are used. The control algorithm is based on a finite state machine (FSM), where the force control, position control and virtual damping control are applied in each state. The proposed hardware design and algorithm are verified by performing experiments on the standing walking and sitting motion controls while wearing the knee exoskeleton.
Using and Experiencing the Academic Library: A Multisite Observational Study of Space and Place
Authors: May Francine , Swabey Alice
Published: August 2015

This study examines how students are using academic library spaces and the role these spaces are playing in the campus community. Data were collected on five campuses (two community colleges, two undergraduate universities, and one technical institute) via observational seating sweeps and questionnaires. The study found remarkably similar usage patterns across all library types. Academic pursuits remain the most common activities, despite perceptions of the modern library as a social space. The library as a place to study is shown to be a complex topic, with noise, need, and personal preference influencing experience. The research provides libraries with evidence to demonstrate their support of student learning and engagement within their institutions.
Serendipity in the Stacks: Libraries, Information Architecture, and the Problems of Accidental Discovery
Authors: Carr Patrick L.
Published: August 2015

Serendipity in the library stacks is generally regarded as a positive occurrence. While acknowledging its benefits, this essay draws on research in library science, information systems, and other fields to argue that, in two important respects, this form of discovery can be usefully framed as a problem. To make this argument, the essay examines serendipity both as the outcome of a process situated within the information architecture of the stacks and as a user perception about that outcome.
Streptococcus mutans biofilm inhibition using antisense oligonucleotide to glucosyltransferases B and C
Authors: Kalesinskas Povilas , Kačergius Tomas , Ambrozaitis Arvydas , Jimbo Ryo , Ericson Dan
Published: August 2015

Background. Biofilm formation by Streptococcus mutans bacteria on teeth leads to dental caries, which still remains one of the most prevalent human diseases strongly related to increase of dietary sucrose consumption in modern society. In the biofilm, sucrose is metabolized by S. mutans to acids causing tooth decay. S. mutans also produces glucosyltransferases (Gtfs) for synthesis of sticky glucan polymers from sucrose that provides matrix for biofilm formation on teeth. For reducing biofilm build-up, one preventive measure could be blocking of Gtf synthesis. The aim of this study was to test antisense phosphorothioate oligodeoxyribonucleotide (PS-ODN) targeting simultaneously S. mutans gtfB and gtfC mRNAs in order to inhibit biofilm formation in vitro.
Materials and methods. S. mutans bacteria were grown anaerobically on glass slides inserted vertically in 24-well cell culture plates containing Todd Hewitt broth with sucrose under exposure to antisense or missense PS-ODNs at the final concentration of 10 μM. Untreated bacteria served as controls. After 24 h of incubation, glass slides were removed, air-dried and further used for the quantitative evaluation of the streptococci biofilm applying an optical profilometry technique.
Results. It was revealed that antisense PS-ODN considerably reduced the most critical biofilm surface roughness parameter Sa (average difference between the peak hight and valleys) inhibiting the biofilm development by 46% and 77% in comparison to untreated (p = 0.06) and missense PS-ODN-treated bacteria (p < 0.05), respectively.
Conclusions. The results demonstrate that antisense PS-ODN considerably decreases streptococci-induced biofilm development on glass slides, and might therefore significantly suppress dental biofilm formation through simultaneous inactivation of S. mutans gtfB and gtfC mRNAs.
Keratokonuso gydymas vienmomente refrakcijos ydos korekcijos ir ragenos sustiprinimo operacija
Authors: Socevičienė Lina , Stech Simona
Published: August 2015

Darbo tikslas. Analizuoti regėjimo ir ragenų pakitimus po vienmomentės kombinuotos operacijos – dalinės refrakcijos ydos korekcijos eksimeri­niu lazeriu (photorefractive keratectomy, PRK) ir ragenos sustiprinimo procedūros (corneal crosslinking, CXL). Toks gydymas taikomas keratokonusu sergantiems pacientams siekiant pagerinti regėjimą ir sustabdyti ligos progresavimą.
Tyrimo medžiaga ir metodai. Stebėjome 24 tokiu būdu operuotas keratokonusu sergančių pacientų akis. 24 atvejais analizuoti pusės metų pooperacinio sekimo duomenys, 16 – vienų metų. Palyginamosios analizės būdu vertintas nekoreguoto ir geriausio koreguoto regėjimo aštrumo pasikeitimas prieš operaciją, po pusės metų ir praėjus metams po operacijos. Ligos stabilizavimas vertintas lyginant regėjimo aštrumą (nekoreguotą ir koreguotą) ir maksimalios keratometrijos reikšmę praėjus pusei metų ir metams po operacijos.
Rezultatai. Vidutinis kombinuota vienmomente operacija gydytų pacientų amžius 27,14 ± 4,41 (min 20, max 37 metai). Gydytų keratokonusu sergančių pacientų akių ligos stadijos (pagal Amsler-Krumeich klasifikaciją): pirmoji stadija – 7 akys (29 %), antroji – 13 akių (54 %), trečioji – 4 akys (17 %). Šia operacija negydytas nė vienas ketvirtosios stadijos atvejis.
Nustatytas statistiškai patikimas nekoreguoto regėjimo aštrumo poky­tis stebėjimo laikotarpiais (prieš operaciją – 0,3 ± 0,17; pusė metų po ope­racijos – 0,75 ± 0,23; metai po operacijos – 0,71 ± 0,23; Friedmano kriterijus = 28,84, lls = 2, p < 0,001): statistiškai patikimas skirtumas, palyginti pirmąjį vizitą su apsilankymu po 6 mėn. bei po metų (abiem atvejais p < 0,001), statistiškai patikimai stabilu lyginant vizitus po 6 mėn. ir po metų (p = 0,650). Taip pat nustatytas statistiškai patikimas geriausio koreguoto regėjimo aštrumo pokytis stebėjimo laikotarpiais (prieš operaciją – 0,62 ± 0,22; pusė metų po operacijos – 0,83 ± 0,16; metai po operacijos – 0,84 ± 0,15; Friedmano kriterijus = 21,11, lls = 2, p < 0,001): sta­tistiš­kai pa­tikimas skirtumas tarp pirmojo ir antrojo bei pirmojo ir trečiojo vi­zi­tų (ati­tin­kamai p = 0,006 ir p = 0,001), statistiškai patikimai stabilu tarp antro­jo ir trečiojo vizitų (p = 0,625).
Nustatytas statistiškai patikimas maksimalios keratometrijos reikšmės (Kmax ) pokytis stebėjimo laikotarpiais (prieš operaciją – 50,37 ± 2,65; pusė metų po operacijos – 47,48 ± 2,41; metai po operacijos – 47,58 ± 2,39; Friedmano kriterijus = 26,98, lls = 2, p < 0,001): statistiškai patikimas skirtumas tarp pirmojo ir antrojo bei pirmojo ir trečiojo vizitų (abiem atvejais p
Video-assisted thoracic surgery in pleural empyema: predictors of complications and treatment failures
Authors: Jagelavičius Žymantas , Jovaišas Vytautas , Matačiūnas Mindaugas , Samalavičius Narimantas Evaldas , Janilionis Ričardas
Published: August 2015

Background. Empyema remains a challenging entity for thoracic surgeons. The aim of this study was to evaluate preoperative predictors for unsuccessful thoracoscopic empyemectomy and postoperative complications.
Materials and methods. There were 71 patients prospectively included in the study during the period from January 2011 to June 2014 in whom we performed thoracoscopic empyemectomy. Two main outcomes were evaluated: conversion and complications. Preoperative factors that could predict these outcomes were analyzed.
Results. Conversion to open thoracotomy was required in 25.4% of cases. Fourteen (19.7%) patients had postoperative complications. The multivariate analysis showed that the time of illness (odds ratio 1.1; confidence interval 1.1–1.2), normal temperature on admission (odds ratio 11.2; confidence interval 1.5–85.4) and frank pus found on thoracocentesis (odds ratio 6.9; confidence interval 1.6–29.4) had a significant influence on conversion from thoracoscopy to open thoracotomy. Pain (odds ratio 0.01; confidence interval
Diagnosis and treatment of craniosynostosis: Vilnius team experience
Authors: Zaleckas Linas , Neverauskienė Arijanda , Daugelavičius Vidūnas , Šidlovskaitė-Baltakė Dominika , Raugalas Ramūnas , Vištartaitė Berta , Balčiūnaitė Evelina
Published: August 2015

Background. The aim of the study was to review the methods of diagnosis of craniosynostosis and to analyze Vilnius (Lithuania) team experience of surgical treatment, surgical methods, aspects of anesthesia for patients with craniosynostosis and to present early results of surgical treatment.
Materials and methods. A retrospective review of all patients with various types of craniosynostosis treated surgically during the period from 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2014 was performed. The following data were analyzed: age, type of deformity, surgical technique, surgical time, methods and course of anesthesia, intra- and postoperative complications, parents’ satisfaction, head form.
Results. 24 patients were treated. The mean patient’s age at the time of surgery was 13.47 ± 8.2 months (min 7.3, max 46.5). Eliminating 3 patients whose age at the time of surgery was over 2 years (24.5, 29 and 46 months, respectively), the mean age of other 21 patients was 10.63 ± 1.77 (min 7.3, max 14.1) months. There were 9 cases of isolated trigonocephaly (37.5%), 7 cases of isolated scaphocephaly (29.2%), 7 cases of isolated anterior plagiocephaly (29.2%) and 1 case of posterior plagiocephaly combined with scaphocephaly (4.17%). All craniosynostoses were diagnosed clinically and diagnosis was confirmed with computed tomographic scanning. The median duration of surgery was 336.47 ± 59.63 minutes (min 308.13, max 364.82). The medium stay in the intensive care unit was 2.53 ± 1.28 days (min. 1.92, max 3.14). In all cases rigid osteosynthesis was performed. 2 children were diagnosed with syndromic craniofacial abnormalities. In 23 (95.83%) cases an intraoperative or postoperative blood transfusion was required. In 24 treated patients there was no mortality. During the early and late postoperative period no infections, CSF leakage and dural tears were observed. No neurological impairments or any signs of neurological deficits were observed by any of the treated patients. In all of cases parents were satisfied with their children’s changed head shape and aesthetic results.
Conclusions. Cranioplasties for correction of craniosynostosis give good aesthetic results and this is a safe method, which helps to correct the head shape as well as improves the social adaptation of patients.
Embeddings Between Hypercubes and
Hypertrees
Authors: Rajan R. Sundara , Manuel Paul , Rajasingh Indra
Published: August 2015

Graph embedding problems have gained importance in the field of interconnection networks for parallel computer architectures. Interconnection networks provide an effective mechanism for exchanging data between processors in a parallel computing system. In this paper, we embed the rooted hypertree RHT(r) into r-dimensional hypercube Qr with dilation 2, r ≥ 2. Also, we compute the exact wirelength of the embedding of the r-dimensional hypercube Qr into the rooted hypertree RHT(r), r ≥ 2.