bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation capacity assessment of the transport sector in South Africa: An innovative approach
Authors: Bless Basia D. , Tsotsotso Khotso , Gebremichael Eden K.
Published: May 2017

Background: This article was based on the study on the assessment of evaluation capacity in the transport sector in South Africa. The purpose of the study was to test the Six Sphere Framework (SSF), which is an innovative evaluation capacity diagnostic tool developed by the Centre for Learning on Evaluation and Results (CLEAR-AA) based in South Africa.Objectives: The article presents the findings emanating from the study and new knowledge on how evaluation capacity assessments can be conducted in the transport sector in South Africa.Method: A variety of methods including a survey, semi-structured interviews, document review and focus group discussions were used to collect data from primary and secondary sources. In all the cases, research questions were structured around the six components of the framework. Similarly, the presentation of the findings was arranged in themes that mirror these components.Results: The article locates the SSF within the current evaluation capacity development literature and argues that existing evaluation capacity assessment tools are inadequate to understand pertinent issues affecting the use of evidence in the transport sector in South Africa.Conclusion: In this regard, the framework is recommended as an innovative tool to assist evaluation practitioners and scholars to better understand evaluation capacity constraints within a broader context that involves logistical, technical, contextual, social and political dimensions. It also offers an important insight on how these components interfaced to shape the organisational value system that impacts the use of evidence in the transport sector in South Africa.
Hymns across the water … translated and relocated: The reception of Scottish hymns in translation
Authors: Kloppers Elsabé
Published: May 2017

In this article a broad overview of the reception of Scottish hymnody in translation is given. Considering the pivotal role the metrical Psalms used to play in the Scottish churches, they are considered first. Only one metrical Psalm made it to be translated widely and to be included in hymnals over the world. It is the metrical setting of Psalm 23, The Lord’s my Shepherd, paired to the tune of Scottish origin, CRIMOND. It is argued that the metrical psalm owes much of its popularity to the tune. A hymn with a text from the Scottish Paraphrases, paired to a Scottish tune, DUNDEE, and for long the only hymn in the Afrikaans churches with a Scottish connection, is discussed with regard to its reception in these churches. It serves as an example of how a hymn could be translated and relocated and function in a new context. In an overview of Scottish hymns translated and included in the newest hymnals in other countries, such as the Netherlands and Norway, it is shown that primarily hymns and songs of the Iona Community are translated and included in the newest hymnals, with John Lamberton Bell being the main exponent as text, hymn and song writer.
Toward justice and social transformation? Appealing to the tradition against the tradition
Authors: Naude Piet J.
Published: May 2017

This article starts with a brief statement on the well-known contradictory nature of the Reformed tradition in South Africa, defending injustice and struggling for justice in the name of the same tradition. By following the work of Reformed systematic theologian D.J. Smit, it argues that the justice-affirming potential of the Reformed tradition is a hermeneutical task built on three specific re-interpretations: (1) the reinterpretation of Scripture from the perspective of the weak, the poor and the oppressed (against a hermeneutic of creation orders and God-willed division of people) (2) a rereading of John Calvin to affirm the dignity and freedom of all humans (against the grain of neo-Calvinist interpretations) (3) a rereading of Karl Barth with a focus on God’s inclusive grace, Christian confessions and the nature of the Christian life (against the limitation of his influence because of his perceived actualistic view on Scripture or unscientific, foundational methodology). The article closes with a brief look into the agenda for social transformation faced by us in the second decade of the 21st century, and under what conditions the  Reformed faith will be able to make an enduring contribution to public life in (South) Africa.
Rapid Adjustment of Clinical Decision Support in Response to Updated Recommendations for Palivizumab Eligibility
Authors: Michel Jeremy , Utidjian Levon , Karavite Dean , Hogan Annique , Ramos Mark , Miller Jeffrey , Shiffman Richard , Grundmeier Robert
Published: May 2017

Background: Palivizumab is effective at reducing hospitalizations due to respiratory syncytial virus among high-risk children, but is indicated for a small population. Identification of patients eligible to receive palivizumab is labor-intensive and error-prone. To support patient identification we developed Clinical Decision Support (CDS) based on published recommendations in 2012. This CDS was developed using a systematic process, which directly linked computer code to a recommendation’s narrative text. In 2014, updated recommendations were published, which changed several key criteria used to determine eligible patients.

Objective: Assess the effort required to update CDS in response to new palivizumab recommendations and identify factors that impacted these efforts.

Methods: We reviewed the updated American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) policy statement from Aug 2014 and identified areas of divergence from the prior publication. We modified the CDS to account for each difference. We recorded time spent on each activity to approximate the total effort required to update the CDS.

Results: Of the 15 recommendations in the initial policy statement, 7 required updating. The CDS update was completed in 11 person-hours. Comparison of old and new recommendations was facilitated by the AAP policy statement structure and required 3 hours. Validation of the revised logic required 2 hours by a clinical domain expert. An informaticist required 3 hours to update and test the CDS. This included adding 24 lines and deleting 37 lines of code. Updating relevant data queries took an additional 3 hours and involved 10 edits.

Conclusion: We quickly adapted CDS in response to changes in recommendations for palivizumab administration. The consistent AAP policy statement structure and the link we developed between these statements and the CDS rules facilitated our efforts. We recommend that CDS implementers establish linkages between published narrative recommendations and their executable rules to facilitate maintenance efforts.

Citation: Michel J, Utidjian LH, Karavite D, Hogan A, Ramos MJ, Miller J, Shiffman RN, Grundmeier RW. Rapid adjustment of clinical decision support in response to updated recommendations for palivizumab eligibility. Appl Clin Inform 2017; 8: 581–592 https://doi.org/10.4338/ACI-2016-10-RA-0173
The effects of natural language processing on cross-institutional portability of influenza case detection for disease surveillance
Authors: Ferraro Jeffrey , Ye Ye , Gesteland Per , Haug Peter , Tsui Fuchiang , Cooper Gregory , Bree Rudy Van , Ginter Thomas , Nowalk Andrew , Wagner Michael
Published: May 2017

Objectives: This study evaluates the accuracy and portability of a natural language processing (NLP) tool for extracting clinical findings of influenza from clinical notes across two large healthcare systems. Effectiveness is evaluated on how well NLP supports downstream influenza case-detection for disease surveillance.

Methods: We independently developed two NLP parsers, one at Intermountain Healthcare (IH) in Utah and the other at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) using local clinical notes from emergency department (ED) encounters of influenza. We measured NLP parser performance for the presence and absence of 70 clinical findings indicative of influenza. We then developed Bayesian network models from NLP processed reports and tested their ability to discriminate among cases of (1) influenza, (2) non-influenza influenza-like illness (NI-ILI), and (3) ‘other’ diagnosis.

Results: On Intermountain Healthcare reports, recall and precision of the IH NLP parser were 0.71 and 0.75, respectively, and UPMC NLP parser, 0.67 and 0.79. On University of Pittsburgh Medical Center reports, recall and precision of the UPMC NLP parser were 0.73 and 0.80, respectively, and IH NLP parser, 0.53 and 0.80. Bayesian case-detection performance measured by AUROC for influenza versus non-influenza on Intermountain Healthcare cases was 0.93 (using IH NLP parser) and 0.93 (using UPMC NLP parser). Case-detection on University of Pittsburgh Medical Center cases was 0.95 (using UPMC NLP parser) and 0.83 (using IH NLP parser). For influenza versus NI-ILI on Intermountain Healthcare cases performance was 0.70 (using IH NLP parser) and 0.76 (using UPMC NLP parser). On University of Pisstburgh Medical Center cases, 0.76 (using UPMC NLP parser) and 0.65 (using IH NLP parser).

Conclusion: In all but one instance (influenza versus NI-ILI using IH cases), local parsers were more effective at supporting case-detection although performances of non-local parsers were reasonable.

Citation: Ferraro JP, Ye Y, Gesteland PH, Haug PJ, Tsui F(R), Cooper GF, Van Bree R, Ginter T, Nowalk AJ, Wagner M. The effects of natural language processing on cross-institutional portability of influenza case detection for disease surveillance. Appl Clin Inform 2017; 8: 560–580 https://doi.org/10.4338/ACI-2016-12-RA-0211
Evaluation of foot static disturbances in patients with rheumatic diseases
Authors: Kuryliszyn-Moskal Anna , Kaniewska Katarzyna , Dzięcioł-Anikiej Zofia , Klimiuk Piotr Adrian
Published: May 2017

Objectives: Rheumatic diseases such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis constitute the most frequent pathological states leading to the development of foot deformities, which reduce quality of life and cause disability. The aim of the present study was to compare the results of plantoconturographic examinations, obtained by means of a computer podoscope, in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis patients. Special attention was paid to the differences in the values of each parameter determining the level of foot function.

Material and methods: The study was performed in 94 female patients divided into two groups according to the type of disease. There were 54 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and 40 with osteoarthritis. The control group consisted of 34 healthy women. The plantographic assessment of static foot structure was carried out by means of a device for computer-aided foot examination.

Results: A fallen transverse arch of the right foot was statistically much more frequent in the rheumatoid arthritis patients than in osteoarthritis patients or the control group (p < 0.005 and p < 0.05, respectively). Significant differences in the values of the Wejsflog index were observed in the case of left foot between rheumatoid arthritis patients and the control group (p < 0.05). Similarly, there were statistically significant differences in the values of the hallux valgus angle () for the right foot between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis patients or control group (in both cases p < 0.05).

Conclusions: Rheumatic diseases predispose patients to disturbances of static foot function. The obtained results highlight the importance of diagnosing foot static disturbances in the prevention of destructive changes affecting the functioning of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis patients.
Sarcopaenia and rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Targowski Tomasz
Published: May 2017

In October 2016 a new independent disease called sarcopaenia (according to ICD-10 classification) appeared. According to the recommendation of the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP), sarcopaenia is defined as abnormally low muscle mass plus low skeletal muscle strength or low physical performance. Sarcopaenia, as a primary disease, is mainly observed in older people, but it can also appear in younger adults in the course of many clinical chronic conditions. One of the most frequent chronic diseases associated with chronic inflammation and functional limitation of skeletal system is rheumatoid arthritis. In the present article, current knowledge on the epidemiology of sarcopaenia and its association with rheumatoid arthritis is presented.
Stubborn rectal prolapse in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Petersen Sven , Tobisch Alexander , Puhl Gero , Kötter Ina , Wollina Uwe
Published: May 2017

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune connective tissue disorder. Anorectal involvement might typically cause fecal incontinence and rarely rectal prolapse. Here we report three female patients, who were admitted with a mean history of 10 years suffering from SSc. All patients presented with the initial symptom of anal incontinence, in all cases this was associated with rectal intussusception or rectal prolapse. The three women faced prolapse recurrence, independent of the initial procedure. After surgical removal of the prolapse, the incontinence remained.

In SSc rectal prolapse syndrome might occur at an earlier age, and a primary prolapse of the ventral aspect of the rectal wall seems to be typical for this disease. If patients with prior diagnosis of SSc appear with third degree of fecal incontinence, it is suspected to be associated with rectal prolapse. The prolapse recurrence rate after surgery in SSc patients is high.
Surface ozone in the Southern Hemisphere: 20 years of data from a site with a unique setting in El Tololo, Chile
Authors: Anet Julien G. , Steinbacher Martin , Gallardo Laura , Velásquez Álvarez Patricio A. , Emmenegger Lukas , Buchmann Brigitte
Published: May 2017

Abstract. The knowledge of surface ozone mole fractions and their global distribution is of utmost importance due to the impact of ozone on human health and ecosystems and the central role of ozone in controlling the oxidation capacity of the troposphere. The availability of long-term ozone records is far better in the Northern than in the Southern Hemisphere, and recent analyses of the seven accessible records in the Southern Hemisphere have shown inconclusive trends. Since late 1995, surface ozone is measured in situ at "El Tololo", a high-altitude (2200 m a.s.l.) and pristine station in Chile (30° S, 71° W). The dataset has been recently fully quality controlled and reprocessed. This study presents the observed ozone trends and annual cycles and identifies key processes driving these patterns. From 1995 to 2010, an overall positive trend of  ∼  0.7 ppb decade−1 is found. Strongest trends per season are observed in March and April. Highest mole fractions are observed in late spring (October) and show a strong correlation with ozone transported from the stratosphere down into the troposphere, as simulated with a model. Over the 20 years of observations, the springtime ozone maximum has shifted to earlier times in the year, which, again, is strongly correlated with a temporal shift in the occurrence of the maximum of simulated stratospheric ozone transport at the site. We conclude that background ozone at El Tololo is mainly driven by stratospheric intrusions rather than photochemical production from anthropogenic and biogenic precursors. The major footprint of the sampled air masses is located over the Pacific Ocean. Therefore, due to the negligible influence of local processes, the ozone record also allows studying the influence of El Niño and La Niña episodes on background ozone levels in South America. In agreement with previous studies, we find that, during La Niña conditions, ozone mole fractions reach higher levels than during El Niño conditions.
Partitioning the primary ice formation modes in large eddy simulations of mixed-phase clouds
Authors: Hande Luke B. , Hoose Corinna
Published: May 2017

Abstract. State of the art aerosol dependent parameterisations describing each heterogeneous ice nucleation mode, as well as homogeneous nucleation, were incorporated into a large eddy simulation model. Several cases representing commonly occurring cloud types were simulated in an effort to understand which ice nucleation modes contribute the most to total concentrations of ice crystals. The cases include a completely idealised warm bubble, semi-idealised deep convection, an orographic cloud, and a stratiform case. Despite clear differences in thermodynamical conditions in each case, the results are remarkably consistent between the different cloud types. In all the investigated cloud types and under normal aerosol conditions, immersion freezing dominates and contact freezing also contributes significantly. At colder temperatures, deposition nucleation plays little role, and homogeneous freezing is important. To some extent, the temporal evolution of the cloud determines the dominant freezing mechanism, and hence the subsequent microphysical processes. Precipitation is not correlated with any one ice nucleation mode, instead occurs simultaneously when several nucleation modes are active. Furthermore, large variations in the aerosol concentration have only a minor influence on the precipitation amount.
Evaluation of the accuracy of thermal dissociation CRDS and LIF techniques for atmospheric measurement of reactive nitrogen species
Authors: Womack Caroline C. , Neuman J. Andrew , Veres Patrick R. , Eilerman Scott J. , Brock Charles A. , Decker Zachary C. J. , Zarzana Kyle J. , Dube William P. , Wild Robert J. , Wooldridge Paul J. , Cohen Ronald C. , Brown Steven S.
Published: May 2017

Abstract. The sum of all reactive nitrogen species (NOy) includes NOx (NO2 + NO) and all of its oxidized forms, and the accurate detection of NOy is critical to understanding atmospheric nitrogen chemistry. Thermal dissociation (TD) inlets, which convert NOy to NO2 followed by NO2 detection, are frequently used in conjunction with techniques such as laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) and cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS) to measure total NOy when set at > 600 °C or speciated NOy when set at intermediate temperatures. We report the conversion efficiency of known amounts of several representative NOy species to NO2 in our TD-CRDS instrument, under a variety of experimental conditions. We find that the conversion efficiency of HNO3 is highly sensitive to the flow rate and the residence time through the TD inlet as well as the presence of other species that may be present during ambient sampling, such as ozone (O3). Conversion of HNO3 at 400 °C, nominally the set point used to selectively convert organic nitrates, can range from 2 to 6 % and may represent an interference in measurement of organic nitrates under some conditions. The conversion efficiency is strongly dependent on the operating characteristics of individual quartz ovens and should be well calibrated prior to use in field sampling. We demonstrate quantitative conversion of both gas-phase N2O5 and particulate ammonium nitrate in the TD inlet at 650 °C, which is the temperature normally used for conversion of HNO3. N2O5 has two thermal dissociation steps, one at low temperature representing dissociation to NO2 and NO3 and one at high temperature representing dissociation of NO3, which produces exclusively NO2 and not NO. We also find a significant interference from partial conversion (5–10 %) of NH3 to NO at 650 °C in the presence of representative (50 ppbv) levels of O3 in dry zero air. Although this interference appears to be suppressed when sampling ambient air, we nevertheless recommend regular characterization of this interference using standard additions of NH3 to TD instruments that convert reactive nitrogen to NO or NO2.
Errors in wind resource and energy yield assessments based on the Weibull distribution
Authors: Jourdier Bénédicte , Drobinski Philippe
Published: May 2017

Abstract. The methodology used in wind resource assessments often relies on modeling the wind-speed statistics using a Weibull distribution. In spite of its common use, this distribution has been shown to not always accurately model real wind-speed distributions. Very few studies have examined the arising errors in power outputs, using either observed power productions or theoretical power curves. This article focuses on France, using surface wind measurements at 89 locations covering all regions of the country. It investigates how statistical modeling using a Weibull distribution impacts the prediction of the wind energy content and of the power output in the context of an annual energy production assessment. For this purpose it uses a plausible power curve adapted to each location. Three common methods for fitting the Weibull distribution are tested (maximum likelihood, first and third moments, and the Wind Atlas Analysis and Application Program (WAsP) method). The first two methods generate large errors in the production (mean absolute error around 5 %), especially in the southern areas where the goodness of fit of the Weibull distribution is poorer. The production is mainly overestimated except at some locations with bimodal wind distributions. With the third method, the errors are much lower at most locations (mean absolute error around 2 %). Another distribution, a mixed Rayleigh–Rice distribution, is also tested and shows better skill at assessing the wind energy yield.
Plant n-alkane production from litterfall altered the diversity and community structure of alkane degrading bacteria in litter layer in lowland subtropical rainforest in Taiwan
Authors: Huang Tung-Yi , Hsu Bing-Mu , Chao Wei-Chun , Fan Cheng-Wei
Published: May 2017

Abstract. n-Alkane and alkane-degrading bacteria have long been used as important biological indicators in paleoecology, petroleum pollution and oil and gas prospecting. However, their relationships in natural forests are still poorly understood. In this study, long chain n-alkane (C14-C35) levels of plants in litterfall, litter layer and topsoil and the diversity and abundance of n-alkane-degrading bacterial community in litter layer were investigated in 3 habitats across a lowland subtropical rainforest in southern Taiwan, i.e. the ravine habitat, the windward habitat and leeward habitat in Nanjenshan. Our results demonstrated that the litterfall production and flux of long chain n-alkane in ravine area were highest among all habitats. However, long chain n-alkane concentration formed a steep gradient to a similar level from the litterfall to the bulk soil in all habitats, suggesting a higher degrading rate of long chain n-alkane in ravine habitat. The operational taxonomic unit (OTU) analysis from next generation sequencing data revealed that the relative abundance of microbial communities in windward and leeward habitats were similar to each other and different from ravine habitat. Metagenomic data mining by NCBI database revealed that alkB gene associated bacterial (95 % similarity to alkB contained bacteria in DNA sequence) were highest in ravine area compared to other habitats. Empirical testing of litter-layer samples by semi-quantitative PCR in alkB gene levels confirmed that ravine habitat had higher alkB gene levels than windward and leeward habitats. Heat map analysis revealed a parallel in the color pattern between plant vegetation and microbial species-composition of habitats, suggesting a causal relationship between the plant n-alkane production and the diversity of microbial communities. This finding indicated that the diversity and relative abundance of microbial communities in litter layer were affected by the n-alkane composition in litterfall derived by plant vegetation.
Assimilation of pseudo-tree-ring-width observations into an atmospheric general circulation model
Authors: Acevedo Walter , Fallah Bijan , Reich Sebastian , Cubasch Ulrich
Published: May 2017

Abstract. Paleoclimate data assimilation (DA) is a promising technique to systematically combine the information from climate model simulations and proxy records. Here, we investigate the assimilation of tree-ring-width (TRW) chronologies into an atmospheric global climate model using ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) techniques and a process-based tree-growth forward model as an observation operator. Our results, within a perfect-model experiment setting, indicate that the "online DA" approach did not outperform the "off-line" one, despite its considerable additional implementation complexity. On the other hand, it was observed that the nonlinear response of tree growth to surface temperature and soil moisture does deteriorate the operation of the time-averaged EnKF methodology. Moreover, for the first time we show that this skill loss appears significantly sensitive to the structure of the growth rate function, used to represent the principle of limiting factors (PLF) within the forward model. In general, our experiments showed that the error reduction achieved by assimilating pseudo-TRW chronologies is modulated by the magnitude of the yearly internal variability in the model. This result might help the dendrochronology community to optimize their sampling efforts.
Seasonal prediction skill of East Asian summer monsoon in CMIP5-Models
Authors: Huang Bo , Cubasch Ulrich , Kadow Christopher
Published: May 2017

Abstract. The East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) is an important part of the global climate system and plays a vital role in the Asian climate. Its sub-seasonal-to-seasonal predictability is a long-standing issue within the monsoon scientist community. In this study, we analyse the seasonal (with six months lead time) prediction skill of the EASM rainfall and its associated general circulation in non-initialised and initialised simulations for the years 1979–2005 performed by six prediction systems (i.e., the BCC-CSM1-1, the CanCM4, the GFDL-CM2p1, the HadCM3, the MIROC5 and the MPI-ESM-LR) from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5 (CMIP 5). We find that the simulation of the zonal wind is significantly improved in initialised simulations compared to non-initialized simulations. Based on the knowledge that zonal wind indices can be used as potential predictors for the EASM, we selected an EASM index based upon the zonal wind for further analysis. The assessment show that the GFDL-CM2p1 and the MIROC5 add prediction skill in simulating the EASM index with initialisation, the BCC-CSM1-1, the CanCM4, and the MPI-ESM-LR change the skill insignificantly, and the HadCM3 indicates a decreased skill score. The different response to the initialisation can be traced back to the ability of the models to capture the ENSO (El Niño-Southern Oscillation)-EASM coupled mode, particularly the Southern Oscillation-EASM coupled mode. In summary, we find that the GFDL-CM2p1 and the MIROC5 are capable to predict the EASM on a seasonal time-scale after initialisation.
Continuous high-resolution midlatitude-belt simulations for July–August 2013 with WRF
Authors: Schwitalla Thomas , Bauer Hans-Stefan , Wulfmeyer Volker , Warrach-Sagi Kirsten
Published: May 2017

Abstract. Increasing computational resources and the demands of impact modelers, stake holders, and society envision seasonal and climate simulations with the convection-permitting resolution. So far such a resolution is only achieved with a limited-area model whose results are impacted by zonal and meridional boundaries. Here, we present the setup of a latitude-belt domain that reduces disturbances originating from the western and eastern boundaries and therefore allows for studying the impact of model resolution and physical parameterization. The Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model coupled to the NOAH land–surface model was operated during July and August 2013 at two different horizontal resolutions, namely 0.03 (HIRES) and 0.12° (LOWRES). Both simulations were forced by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) operational analysis data at the northern and southern domain boundaries, and the high-resolution Operational Sea Surface Temperature and Sea Ice Analysis (OSTIA) data at the sea surface.The simulations are compared to the operational ECMWF analysis for the representation of large-scale features. To analyze the simulated precipitation, the operational ECMWF forecast, the CPC MORPHing (CMORPH), and the ENSEMBLES gridded observation precipitation data set (E-OBS) were used as references.Analyzing pressure, geopotential height, wind, and temperature fields as well as precipitation revealed (1) a benefit from the higher resolution concerning the reduction of monthly biases, root mean square error, and an improved Pearson skill score, and (2) deficiencies in the physical parameterizations leading to notable biases in distinct regions like the polar Atlantic for the LOWRES simulation, the North Pacific, and Inner Mongolia for both resolutions.In summary, the application of a latitude belt on a convection-permitting resolution shows promising results that are beneficial for future seasonal forecasting.
Peatland bog pedogenesis is reflected in unsaturated hydraulic properties
Authors: Weber Tobias K. D. , Iden Sascha C. , Durner Wolfgang
Published: May 2017

Abstract. In ombrotrophic peatlands, the moisture content of the acrotelm (vadoze zone) controls oxygen diffusion rates, redox state, and the turnover of organic matter. Thus, variably saturated flow processes determine whether peatlands act as sinks or sources of atmospheric carbon, and modelling these processes is crucial to assess effects of changed environmental conditions on the future development of these ecosystems. We show that the Richards equation can be used to accurately describe the moisture dynamics under evaporative conditions in variably saturated peat soil, encompassing the transition from the topmost living moss layer to the decomposed peat as part of the vadose zone. Soil hydraulic properties (SHP) were identified by inverse simulation of evaporation experiments on samples from the entire acrotelm. To obtain consistent descriptions of the observations, the traditional van Genuchten–Mualem model was extended to account for non-capillary water storage and flow. We found that the SHP of the uppermost moss layer reflect a pore-size distribution (PSD) that combines three distinct pore systems of the Sphagnum moss. For deeper samples, acrotelm pedogenesis changes the shape of the SHPs due to the collapse of inter-plant pores and an infill with smaller particles. This leads to gradually more homogeneous and bi-modal PSDs with increasing depth, which in turn can serve as a proxy for increasing state of pedogenesis in peatlands. From this, we derive a nomenclature and size classification for the pore spaces of Sphagnum mosses and define inter-, intra-, and inner-plant pore spaces, with effective pore diameters of > 300 μm, 300–30 μm and 30–10 μm, respectively.
THE SEGMENTATION OF POINT CLOUDS WITH K-MEANS AND ANN (ARTIFICAL NEURAL NETWORK)
Authors: Kuçak R. A. , Özdemir E. , Erol S.
Published: May 2017

Abstract. Segmentation of point clouds is recently used in many Geomatics Engineering applications such as the building extraction in urban areas, Digital Terrain Model (DTM) generation and the road or urban furniture extraction. Segmentation is a process of dividing point clouds according to their special characteristic layers. The present paper discusses K-means and self-organizing map (SOM) which is a type of ANN (Artificial Neural Network) segmentation algorithm which treats the segmentation of point cloud. The point clouds which generate with photogrammetric method and Terrestrial Lidar System (TLS) were segmented according to surface normal, intensity and curvature. Thus, the results were evaluated. LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) and Photogrammetry are commonly used to obtain point clouds in many remote sensing and geodesy applications. By photogrammetric method or LIDAR method, it is possible to obtain point cloud from terrestrial or airborne systems. In this study, the measurements were made with a Leica C10 laser scanner in LIDAR method. In photogrammetric method, the point cloud was obtained from photographs taken from the ground with a 13 MP non-metric camera.
Developing drought impact functions for drought risk management
Authors: Bachmair Sophie , Svensson Cecilia , Prosdocimi Ilaria , Hannaford Jamie , Stahl Kerstin
Published: May 2017

Abstract. Drought management frameworks are dependent on methods for monitoring and prediction, but quantifying the hazard alone is arguably not sufficient; the negative consequences that may arise from a lack of precipitation must also be predicted if droughts are to be better managed. However, the link between drought intensity, expressed by some hydro-meteorological indicator, and the occurrence of drought impacts has only recently begun to be addressed. One challenge is the paucity of information on ecological and socio-economic consequences of drought. This study tests the potential for developing empirical drought impact functions based on drought indicators (Standardized Precipitation and Standardized Precipitation Evaporation Index) as predictors, and text-based reports on drought impacts as a surrogate variable for drought damage. While there have been studies exploiting textual evidence of drought impacts, a systematic assessment of the effect of impact quantification method and different functional relationships for modeling drought impacts is missing. Using South–East England as a case study we tested the potential of three different data-driven models for predicting drought impacts quantified from text-based reports; logistic regression, zero-altered negative binomial regression (hurdle model), and an ensemble regression tree approach (random forest). The logistic regression model can only be applied to a binary impact/no impact time series, whereas the other two models can additionally predict the full counts of impact occurrence at each time point. While modeling binary data results in the lowest prediction uncertainty, modeling the full counts has the advantage of also providing a measure of impact severity, and the counts were found to be predictable within reasonable limits. However, there were noticeable differences in skill between modeling methodologies. For binary data the logistic regression and the random forest model performed similarly well based on leave-one-out cross-validation. For count data the random forest outperformed the hurdle model. The between-model differences occurred for total drought impacts as well as for two subsets of impact categories (water supply and freshwater ecosystem impacts). In addition, different ways of defining the impact counts were investigated, and were found to have little influence on the prediction skill. For all models we found a positive effect of including impact information of the preceding month as a predictor in addition to the hydro-meteorological indicators. We conclude that, although having some limitations, text-based reports on drought impacts can provide useful information for drought risk management, and our study showcases different methodological approaches to developing drought impact functions based on text-based data.
A study on some basic features of seiches, inertial oscillations and near-inertial internal waves
Authors: Chen Shengli , Chen Daoyi , Xing Jiuxing
Published: May 2017

Abstract. Some basic features of seiches, inertial oscillations and near-inertial internal waves are investigated by simulating a two-dimensional (x-z) shallow basin initialized by a wind pulse. Two cases with and without the vertical stratification are conducted. For the homogeneous case, seiches and inertial oscillations dominate. We find even modes of seiches disappear, which is attributed to a superposition of two seiches generated at east and west coastal boundaries. They have anti-symmetric elevations and a phase lag of nπ, thus their even modes cancel each other. The inertial oscillation shows typical opposite currents between surface and lower layers, which is formed by the feedback between barotropic waves and inertial currents. For the stratified case, near-inertial internal waves are generated are generated at land boundaries and propagate offshore with increasing frequencies, which induce tilting of velocity contours in the thermocline. The inertial oscillation is uniform across the whole basin, except near the coastal boundaries (~ 20 km) where it quickly declines to zero. This boundary effect is related to great enhancement of nonlinear terms, especially the vertical nonlinear term (w∂u / ∂z). With inclusion of near-inertial internal waves, the total near-inertial energy has a slight change, with occurrence of a small peak at ~ 50 km, which is similar to previous researches. We conclude that, for this distribution of near-inertial energy, the boundary effect for inertial oscillations is primary, and the near-inertial internal wave plays a secondary role.
GONAF – the borehole Geophysical Observatory at the North Anatolian Fault in the eastern Sea of Marmara
Authors: Bohnhoff Marco , Dresen Georg , Ceken Ulubey , Kadirioglu Filiz Tuba , Kartal Recai Feyiz , Kilic Tugbay , Nurlu Murat , Yanik Kenan , Acarel Digdem , Bulut Fatih , Ito Hisao , Johnson Wade , Malin Peter Eric , Mencin Dave
Published: May 2017

Abstract. The Marmara section of the North Anatolian Fault Zone (NAFZ) runs under water and is located less than 20 km from the 15-million-person population center of Istanbul in its eastern portion. Based on historical seismicity data, recurrence times forecast an impending magnitude M>7 earthquake for this region. The permanent GONAF (Geophysical Observatory at the North Anatolian Fault) has been installed around this section to help capture the seismic and strain activity preceding, during, and after such an anticipated event.
IODP workshop: developing scientific drilling proposals for the Argentina Passive Volcanic Continental Margin (APVCM) – basin evolution, deep biosphere, hydrates, sediment dynamics and ocean evolution
Authors: Flood Roger D. , Violante Roberto A. , Gorgas Thomas , Schwarz Ernesto , Grützner Jens , Uenzelmann-Neben Gabriele , Hernández-Molina F. Javier , Biddle Jennifer , St-Onge Guillaume ,   APVCM workshop participants
Published: May 2017

Abstract. The Argentine margin contains important sedimentological, paleontological and chemical records of regional and local tectonic evolution, sea level, climate evolution and ocean circulation since the opening of the South Atlantic in the Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous as well as the present-day results of post-depositional chemical and biological alteration. Despite its important location, which underlies the exchange of southern- and northern-sourced water masses, the Argentine margin has not been investigated in detail using scientific drilling techniques, perhaps because the margin has the reputation of being erosional. However, a number of papers published since 2009 have reported new high-resolution and/or multichannel seismic surveys, often combined with multi-beam bathymetric data, which show the common occurrence of layered sediments and prominent sediment drifts on the Argentine and adjacent Uruguayan margins. There has also been significant progress in studying the climatic records in surficial and near-surface sediments recovered in sediment cores from the Argentine margin. Encouraged by these recent results, our 3.5-day IODP (International Ocean Discovery Program) workshop in Buenos Aires (8–11 September 2015) focused on opportunities for scientific drilling on the Atlantic margin of Argentina, which lies beneath a key portion of the global ocean conveyor belt of thermohaline circulation. Significant opportunities exist to study the tectonic evolution, paleoceanography and stratigraphy, sedimentology, and biosphere and geochemistry of this margin.
Calibrated cryo-cell UV-LA-ICPMS elemental concentrations from the NGRIP ice core reveal abrupt, sub-annual variability in dust across the GI-21.2 interstadial period
Authors: Della Lunga Damiano , Müller Wolfgang , Rasmussen Sune Olander , Svensson Anders , Vallelonga Paul
Published: May 2017

Abstract. Several abrupt shifts from periods of extreme cold (Greenland stadials, GS) to relatively warmer conditions (Greenland interstadials, GI) called Dansgaard–Oeschger events are recorded in the Greenland ice cores. Using cryo-cell UV-laser-ablation inductively coupled-plasma mass spectrometry (UV-LA-ICPMS), we analysed a 2.85 m NGRIP ice core section (2691.50–2688.65 m depth, age interval 84.86–85.09 ka b2k, thus covering  ∼  230 years) across the transitions of GI-21.2, a short-lived interstadial prior to interstadial GI-21.1. GI-21.2 is a  ∼  100-year long period with δ18O values 3–4 ‰ higher than the following  ∼  200 years of stadial conditions (GS-21.2), which precede the major GI-21.1 warming. We report concentrations of major elements indicative of dust and/or sea salt (Na, Fe, Al, Ca, Mg) at a spatial resolution of  ∼  200 µm, while maintaining detection limits in the low-ppb range, thereby achieving sub-annual time resolution even in deep NGRIP ice. We present an improved external calibration and quantification procedure using a set of five ice standards made from aqueous (international) standard solutions. Our results show that element concentrations decrease drastically (more than 10-fold) at the warming onset of GI-21.2 at the scale of a single year, followed by relatively low concentrations characterizing the interstadial part before gradually reaching again typical stadial values.
Waking Yourself Up: The Liberatory Potential of Critical University Studies
Authors: Arthur Mikaila Mariel Lemonik , Renshaw Scott Leo
Published: May 2017

Critical university studies courses can provide students with a context in which to learn not only about the concealed workings and hidden curriculum of the university, but more than that a liberatory space in which to find voice in shaping their own futures. This paper explores the liberatory potential of critical university studies through a conversation between a faculty member who designed and taught an interdisciplinary general education course on higher education and a student who was enrolled in the course the first time it was offered. The conversation explores the course’s pedagogy as both professor and student contemplate the ways in which contemporary higher education may limit the horizons of first-generation students and the ways in which critical university studies can open up possibilities and provide students with a sense of self-efficacy.
The Great Mistake: How We Wrecked Public Universities and How We Can Fix Them By Christopher Newfield
Authors: Chinn Sarah E.
Published: May 2017

A review of a new book that examines the privatization of public higher education, how it happened, what it means, and how to counter it.
Contributors' Notes
Authors: Vogt Leonard
Published: May 2017

Contributor's Notes for RT 108: Teaching Critical University Studies
O PROGRAMA NACIONAL DE PLANTAS MEDICINAIS E FITOTERÁPICOS E O PROCESSO PARTICIPATIVO DE IMPLANTAÇÃO DE HORTAS MEDICINAIS PELOS COLETIVOS DE MULHERES DO MST, NO SUL DE MINAS GERAIS
Authors: Góis Líbia , Martins Márcia , Martí Moreira da Silva Iberê , Maria Góis Lídia , Gomes de Almeida Sheyla
Published: May 2017

Esta pesquisa identificou os instrumentos necessários à inserção de dois Coletivos de Mulheres do Movimento dos Trabalhadores Rurais Sem-Terra, no sul de Minas Gerais, em Programas de Fitoterapia do Sistema Único de Saúde, com produção de plantas medicinais. Foram realizadas quatro reuniões com esses coletivos para a construção de um projeto de captação de recursos, para a implantação de duas Hortas Medicinais Agroecológicas. Duas entrevistas informais foram realizadas, com secretários municipais da Saúde, acerca do Programa de Fitoterapia do SUS. Foram levantadas, do Programa Nacional de Plantas Medicinais e Fitoterápicos (PNPMF), diretrizes e ações voltadas à produção de plantas medicinais, à inserção da agricultura familiar e regulamentações. Das experiências de Fitoterapia do SUS, foram levantadas informações relacionadas à sua implementação e à participação da agricultura familiar. O Projeto de Implantação de Hortas Medicinais captou recursos financeiros através do edital n°19/2014, do Programa de Pequenos Projetos Ecossociais, o que garantiu: a implantação das hortas, parcerias em capacitações técnicas e visibilidade para os Coletivos. A partir das informações levantadas, foi elaborado um roteiro de planejamento, apresentando os três principais desafios: parcerias com gestores, comunidade e instituições (ensino/pesquisa/extensão), formação de Arranjo Produtivo Local (APL) e legislação, e ações a serem realizadas pelos coletivos. Espera-se um aumento de estudos sobre produção e comercialização de plantas medicinais e que a participação da agricultura familiar seja comumente requerida pelos Programas de Fitoterapia do SUS. A aproximação entre universidade e movimentos sociais do campo, possibilita pesquisas e capacitações técnicas com interação direta e participativa da agricultura familiar.
ENTRAVES DO FORTALECIMENTO DA AGRICULTURA CAMPONESA A PARTIR DAS POLÍTICAS PÚBLICAS DE COMERCIALIZAÇÃO DE ALIMENTOS
Authors: Eduardo Nunes Mandú Euclides
Published: May 2017

O presente artigo visa discutir a agricultura camponesa em seu processo histórico e político recentemente considerado como política assistencialista e de contradições, como de resistência ao capital no campo e ao agronegócio, em espaços de inter-relações e de movimentos socioculturais e ou territoriais de luta em busca de superar desafios e abarcar os mercados institucionais de comercialização de sua produção segundo o que preconizam os programas de governo PAA e PNAE, a aquisição da produção promovida com a perspectiva e prática agroecológica. Como contexto teórico metodológico analisa-se os desdobramentos referentes a tais programas por meio de uma visão geral tratada por teóricos relacionados aos assuntos das articulações presentes no território Chapada dos Veadeiros, bem como entrevistas e outras fontes de pesquisa focadas em dois municípios desse território como recortes espaciais centrais. Sendo Campos Belos o polo comercial central da região seguido do município situado em divisas limítrofes com a cidade polo intitulado Monte Alegre de Goiás, nessa última enfatiza-se a existência de comunidades Kalunga como parte integrantes por inter-relações ao espaço e afirmados no presente estudo. Para tanto apresenta-se questões inerentes a conformação social histórica e agrária do território analisado apresentado nos termos políticos como espaço patrimonial e histórico.
The Role of George Henry Lewes in George Eliot's Career: A Reconsideration
Authors: Rilett Beverley Park
Published: May 2017

Rilett's article examines the “protection” and “encouragement” George Henry Lewes provided to Eliot throughout her fiction-writing career. According to biographers, Lewes showed his selfless devotion to Eliot by encouraging her to begin and continue writing fiction; by fostering the mystery of her authorship; by managing her finances; by negotiating her publishing contracts; by managing her schedule; by hosting a salon to promote her books; and by staying close by her side for twenty-four years until death parted them. By reconsidering each element of Lewes's devotion separately, Rilett challenges the prevailing construction of the Eliot–Lewes relationship as the ideal partnership of literary agent and author and the perfect marriage. Rilett's revisionist interpretation seeks to open up Eliot's fiction to productive new biographical readings for a new generation of scholars.