bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Xerostomia on the Functional Capacity of Subjects with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Lins e Silva Marília , Carvalho Camila Nunes , Carvalho Alessandra de Albuquerque Tavares , Leão Jair Carneiro , Duarte Angela Luzia Pinto , Gueiros Luiz Alcino
Published: September 2016

Objective.

To evaluate the intensity of xerostomia and hyposalivation in subjects with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) as well as the effects of these conditions on functional incapacity and disease activity.

Methods.

The study sample comprised 236 individuals of both sexes who had RA. All the individuals were submitted to clinical evaluation and unstimulated sialometry. Functional capacity was determined by using the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), xerostomia was assessed using the Xerostomia Inventory, and disease activity was evaluated with the 28-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28). The effect of Sjögren syndrome (SS) was analyzed, and the sample was divided into 2 groups: RA (191 subjects) and RA/SS (45 subjects).

Results.

The Xerostomia Inventory showed positive and significant correlation with fatigue (r = 0.243; p < 0.0001), number of painful joints (r = 0.218; p = 0.001), HAQ (r = 0.279; p < 0.0001), and DAS28 (r = 0.156; p < 0.0001). On regression analysis, both xerostomia (OR 3.89, 95% CI 1.84–8.23, p < 0.001) and DAS28 (for severe disease activity: OR 13.26, 95% CI 3.15–55.79, p < 0.001) showed influence on functional incapacity. Forty-five individuals (19.1%) presented with secondary SS, and having this diagnosis was not associated with disease activity or functional capacity.

Conclusion.

Xerostomia demonstrated an adverse effect on quality of life of subjects with RA, being associated with a reduction in functional capacity. In this clinical setting, xerostomia can be monitored as a marker of worse clinical evolution.
Research and Implementation of Multimedia Server Management in Distributed Multimedia Distance Education System
Authors: Han Xinming
Published: September 2016

Multimedia distance education is the teaching mode based on computer and network, so that we can accomplish the tasks of teaching in different places or at different times. The distributed multimedia distance education system is low cost, and it can effectively overcome the limitations of time and space, and is being morewidely used. Multimedia distance education system needs to solve the key problem of how to transfer the audio and video to the destination by internet technology effectively. The multimedia distance education system needs to transmit audio and video in real time, so the transmission delay must be reduced in order to ensure the teaching and interaction between teachers and students. In this paper, we design a more advanced and efficient remote teaching system based on the node management of a distributed system. Firstly, we take the distributed multimedia technology as the key technology and an important means to facilitate the transmission of streaming media data. Then, we put forward the method of configuration management and state management in the media server cluster. Secondly, on the basis of the previous method, we put forward a method of load balancing management based on RTCP control message. Based on the design in this paper, we realize the orderly and efficient management of the media server cluster in a distributed system. Finally, we simulate the performance test of the node management in the media server cluster to validate the advantages of the node management. This design can effectively reduce the transmission delay of streaming media data.
Study on the Integration Mode of Computer Network Technology and College English Curriculum
Authors: Guo Zuhua , Xu Lixin
Published: September 2016

Teachers suffer from educating while students struggle with examination. College English teaching is too time-consuming and inefficient. These have been topics of concern and interest in the reform of college English teaching and learning in China. With the large expansion of the number of universities, the shortage of teaching resources has reached a bottleneck of the quality improvement of higher education in China. In the face of such a dilemma, the integration of computer network technology and curriculum teaching and the realization of the efficient integration of limited resources are an effective way to solve the pressing challenge. In this paper, the problems and advantages of the integrated mode of computer network technology and college English curriculum are discussed.
A Survey on Models and Methods for Preference Voting and Aggregation
Authors: Ebrahimnejad Ali , Lotfi Farhad Hosseinzadeh
Published: September 2016

A key issue in the preferential voting framework is how voters express their preferences on a set of candidates. In the existing voting systems, each voter selects a subset of candidates and ranks them from most to least preferred. The obtained preference score of each candidate is the weighted sum of votes receives in different places. Thus, one of the most important issues for aggregating preferences rankings is the determination of the weights associated with the different ranking places. To avoid the subjectivity in determining the weights, various models based on Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) have been appeared in the literature to determine the most favorable weights for each candidate. This work presents a survey on models and methods to assess the weights in voting systems. The existing voting systems are divided into two areas. In the first area it is assumed that the votes of all the voters to have equal importance and in the second area voters are classifies into different groups and assumed that each group is assigned a different voting power. In this contribution, some of the most common models and procedures for determining the most favorable weights for each candidate are analyzed.
Application of Malmquist Productivity Index in Integrated Units of Power Plant
Authors: Serkani Elahe Shariatmadari , Najafi Seyed Esmaeil , Nejadi Arash
Published: September 2016

The Malmquist Productivity Index (MPI) evaluates the productivity change of a Decision Making Unit (DMU) between two time periods. DEA considers performance analysis at a given point of time. Classic Malmquist Productivity Index shows regress and progress of a DMU in different periods with efficiency and technology variations without considering the present value of money. In this chapter Application of Malmquist productivity index in integrated units of power plant is discussed. Four units of one of the power plants are assessed & the data of its five successive years are supplied. Also application of Malmquist productivity index (precise data) in Safa Rolling and pipe plants for the time period of 2007 – 2012 is studied.
Evaluation of Faculties by DEA-ANP Hybrid Algorithm of Chapter
Authors: Serkani Elahe Shariatmadari
Published: September 2016

One of the fundamental issues facing universities, research centers and institutes of higher education is the absence of an integrated system for performance evaluation. Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) is a mathematical and management technique for evaluation of Decision Making Units (DMUs) with multiple input and output. The original DEA does not perform full-ranking; instead, it merely provides classification into two groups: efficient and inefficient. Among the available multi-attribute decision-making methods only Analytic Network Process (ANP) can be used to evaluate performance systematically due to the dependencies and feedbacks caused by the mutual effects of the criteria. The DEA-ANP hybrid algorithm, is designed to eliminate the disadvantage of full-ranking in the DEA method, as well as the disadvantage of subjective evaluation in the ANP method. The goal of this chapter is measuring educational and research performance of seventeen faculties, for the academic year 2009-2010, by using the DEA-ANP hybrid algorithm.
Evaluation of Supplier Performance and Efficiency
Authors: Patro Chandra Sekhar
Published: September 2016

In the present competitive business environment, it is essential for the management of any organisation to take wise decisions regarding supplier evaluation. It plays a vital role in establishing an effective supply chain for any organisation. Most of the experts agreed that there is no one best way to evaluate the suppliers and different organizations use different approaches for evaluating supplier efficiency. The overall objective of any approach is to reduce purchase risk and maximize overall value to the purchaser. In this paper Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) technique is developed to evaluate the supplier efficiency for an organisation. DEA is a multifactor productivity technique to measure the relative efficiency of the decision making units. The super efficiency method of DEA provides a way, which indicates the extent to which the efficient suppliers exceed the efficient frontier formed by other efficient suppliers. A case study is undertaken to evaluate the supplier performance and efficiency using DEA approach.
Mapping a Way to Design, Implement, and Evaluate Literacy Instruction in School Settings
Authors: Mokhtari Kouider , Consalvo Annamary L.
Published: September 2016

In this chapter, the authors present a flexible data analytic framework aimed at guiding school teams to examine assessment data and use findings to inform the design, implementation, and evaluation of literacy instruction in school settings. The data analytic tool is designed to promote teacher professional learning through teamwork and collaborative inquiry, strengthen instructional practices, and eventually improve students' literacy achievement outcomes. Following a brief review of key research findings relative to the value of data-based decision making in instructional improvement, the authors describe the data analytic framework and provide a case example which will serve to better guide school teams in using assessment data to inform the design, implementation, and evaluation of instruction for all students. Finally, the authors offer recommendations that will help support literacy coaches as they work to strengthen instructional practices and improve students' achievement outcomes within their schools and communities.
Comprehensive Literacy Coaching
Authors: Parenti Melissa A.
Published: September 2016

Built upon the seminal work of Lee Shulman's (1987) CPK framework for preparing teachers, the Content, Pedagogical, Political, and Professional Knowledge (CPPPK) model is designed as a tool for training literacy coaches in PK–12 settings. Whether through case review, role-play, or embedded practice, the CPPPK framework allows preservice literacy coaches to engage with problems of practice linked to content, pedagogy, policy, and professionalism. This tailored practice and ample rehearsal-based education equips literacy coaches with the flexibility in theory and interpersonal talents to address and assist in all variables linked to coaching that results in improved student achievement.
Coaches as Skillful Collaborators
Authors: Lawrence Salika A. , Jefferson Tiffany , Blaszkiewicz Jagoda
Published: September 2016

Coaches wear multiple hats. However, the primary service they provide is supporting administrators and teachers. Coaches are an important part of school-wide initiatives but more information is needed on how they support teaching and learning at middle and high school levels. In this chapter, the authors used the guide Standards for Literacy Coaches to examine the work of coaches in three urban schools. Further, the paper reports how coaching impacted teachers' practice. Document and content analysis of classroom observation checklists, field notes, and professional development artifacts were examined. Results show that the coaches described here worked primarily as skillful collaborators guiding teachers in curriculum development, providing in-class coaching, and working with administrators. Coaches assisted with lessons by co-teaching, modeled lessons for teachers, met with teachers to plan units and lessons, and provided teachers with a wide range of instructional resources.
The Literacy Coach's Role in Supporting Teachers' Implementation of the Common Core State Standards in Writing
Authors: Philippakos Zoi A. , Moore Noreen
Published: September 2016

The purpose of this chapter is to report on the findings of a writing survey with elementary classroom teachers (n=39) who attended graduate programs at two four-year colleges. In this study, the authors examine teachers' perceptions of their Professional Development (PD) in the implementation of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for writing and describe their PD needs. The chapter concludes with recommendations and suggestions about how literacy coaches can best implement multiple levels of support in writing instruction including school-wide and grade level PDs as well as coaching and in-class support.
Sharing Expertise Gained from Online Self-Directed Professional Development
Authors: Kurstedt Rosanne L. , Pizzi Adam
Published: September 2016

Evidence suggests that increasing numbers of teachers are initiating their own professional development through online channels, including social media, blogs, and websites. While research indicates that online self-directed professional development impacts teachers' classroom practice, it provides limited information about whether and how teachers share their learning with colleagues. This chapter examines one teacher's experiences engaging in online self-directed professional development, first as a teacher, and then in the new district role of Master Technology Teacher. The study found that, without the formal position, few mechanisms existed for him to share his learning. However, once formal mechanisms existed through his position as MTT, he was able to effectively share and impact teaching. The study reveals that his actions fell into three categories: reflection on practice, acquisition of knowledge, and distribution of knowledge, from which a teacher leadership cycle was constructed. The study also addresses the contextual factors that impacted his effectiveness.
Supporting Literacy in Math and Science Classrooms
Authors: Mongillo Maria Boeke
Published: September 2016

Teacher self-efficacy is the belief a teacher holds that he or she can successfully influence student learning. It has been tied to both positive teacher practices and student achievement. This chapter explores the challenges of building teacher self-efficacy for literacy across the math and science disciplines. It then looks at how teachers can use content area and disciplinary literacy strategies to support student learning, and suggests how teacher preparation programs and school leaders can further encourage teacher and student growth in literacy. Finally, the chapter raises questions regarding future areas for research, including the curriculum design of teacher preparation programs and student assessment strategies.
Teaching English for Academic Purposes through the Use of Digital Tools
Authors: Levy Tal , Cohen Leslie J
Published: September 2016

This chapter discusses an ongoing seven-year Digital Development Program (DDP) which has trained and encouraged English for Academic Purposes (EAP) instructors to teach digitally. As leaders of an EAP team at Ruppin Academic Center, and as proponents of the idea that mindful use of technology enhances both teaching and learning, we adopted the Technology, Pedagogy, and Content Knowledge model known as TPACK (Koehler & Mishra, 2008), as our guiding. We used Moodle as the virtual learning environment (VLE) platform for our program. In our attempt to achieve as paperless and digital a classroom as possible, we continue to introduce numerous online programs and activities via our VLE. The purpose of this chapter is to describe the transition from face-to-face English and content teaching to blended and flipped learning at our institution. Feedback has been positive. We also offer suggestions to other institutions which may be seeking to make similar changes. The appendix lists the websites, resources, software, and applications, which are mostly free or open source.
Motivating and Empowering Students' Language Learning in Flipped Integrated English Classes
Authors: Loucky John Paul
Published: September 2016

This chapter offers definitions of “Flipping Classes” (FC), which shift responsibility towards more student autonomy and responsibility, and employ media outside of class to help learners prepare for and contribute during classroom time. FC's primary purpose is to increase student engagement by the wiser use of CALL/TELL, and SMALL mobile-enhanced E-Learning. Students also enjoy preparing their lessons out of class and gain confidence and communication skills as they present in class. In support of these aims, examples of flipped instruction tools are examined with a view towards mining the best applications and websites. A decade constructing Integrated English courses for Japanese and international graduate engineering students has given the author opportunities to give them increasing access to language learning programs. These classes have also incorporated a Flipped Classroom approach to challenge students to test and collect their own favorite sites into a Symbaloo.com palette of language learning tiles to motivate and empower their language learning.
Flipped Instructional Technology
Authors: Barrons Kevin Paul
Published: September 2016

Most recently, the Flipped Classroom model has drawn the attention of many educators as an effective means of organizing and developing individual competencies. The goal in the university setting at Grand Valley State University, College of Business (GVSU) is to improve cognitive practice and increase learning in the value creation process and the zone of proximal development (ZPD) environment. Seeing one experiences this newest pedagogy in “flipped classroom” design, it has changed various educational disciplines in business education due to increased success that this model helps to create in the areas of learner motivation and comprehension - based on the objectives required for course work. Educational technology has played a key role providing a catalyst in this achievement. For example: The ZPD and experiential learning are applied in the growth of specialist in the field of management information systems (MIS).
Gender Differences, Social Loss Aversion and Sports Performance in Japanese Schoolchildren
Authors: Nakamoto Yasuhiro , Sato Masayuki
Published: September 2016

In this paper, we investigated the relationship between social loss aversion and the competitive sports performance. We found that social loss aversion significantly affected the competitive sports performance in a homogeneous group of male students, but not female students, and that these effects were consistent across various sports drills. In particular, the gender of a reference person was pivotal to determining the effects of social loss aversion. We also showed that social risk aversion did not significantly affect performance in competitive sports drills.
Adoption and Application of CMS
Authors: Milliner Brett , Cote Travis
Published: September 2016

Many tertiary institutions tout their implementation of e-learning technology as a way to lure prospective students, and promised implementation of e-learning strategies in college programs is crucial for securing valuable federal government grants. At the core of most e-learning strategies is the institution's course management system (CMS). A CMS facilitates efficient course management, increased learning outcomes, and greater student autonomy. However, getting faculty and staff to adopt the CMS has proved challenging (Black, Beck, Dawson, Jinks & DiPietro, 2007). Applying a modified technology acceptance model (TAM) (Alharbi & Drew, 2014), teachers in a university-level English language program were asked to share their opinions about the Blackboard® CMS. This study reports on faculty application of the Blackboard CMS, faculty perceptions of the Blackboard CMS according to a TAM analysis, and presents steps for augmenting the effective use of the CMS in all English courses.
Creating Awareness and Practice
Authors: Hume Craig , Hume Margee , Johnston Paul
Published: September 2016

This paper focuses on the important area of aged care services as a national priority with this a priority for many countries worldwide. The paper uses the aged care sector as an exploratory artifact. The Australian aged care system is widely considered as innovative and provides the benchmark for many countries developing reforms and strategies for aged care. Many countries including Australia are faced with increasingly ageing populations, with this demographic burden creating the need for policy reform and the introduction of new programs to improve the quality of life of senior citizens. This research adopts a qualitative and exploratory approach advancing on previous research. The paper discusses the benefit of knowledge management and innovative approaches to patient medical records, funding reporting and basic accreditation records with particular emphasis on the long-term improvements in knowledge sharing for healthcare delivery. This paper proposes the ARCC@T framework for Knowledge Management in Aged Care.
Information Security Standards in Healthcare Activities
Authors: Gaivéo José
Published: September 2016

Information is mandatory in healthcare activities and in all that are related to it. In this same sense, people that deal with those information requires attention because patient´s information could be exposed. The use of directions stated by information security standards might allow a proactive attitude in the face of the diversity of threats that as the potential to explore the vulnerabilities of organizational assets. This article intends to recognize information threats and vulnerabilities that could be explored, using information security international standards to support the activities needed to assume information safeguard. Another intention is the establishment of a basis of references in information security to define a level of risk classification to build a referential to the potential that a given threat has to exploit the vulnerabilities of informational assets, preventing damages to personal and organizational property, and also activity continuity, assuming information as the main resource.
Factors for Adopting ERP as SaaS amongst SMEs
Authors: Rodrigues Jorge , Ruivo Pedro , Johansson Björn , Oliveira Tiago
Published: September 2016

This paper identifies the factors for adopting Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) delivered as Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) among small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The authors conducted a two phases' qualitative-methodology: interviews with 20 experts from SaaS vendor (Microsoft) and a case-study with executives in three organizations which implemented vendor's ERP as SaaS (customers). The vendor identified 10 factors for adoption - Costs, Security, Availability, Usability, Implementation, Ubiquity, Flexibility, Compatibility, Analytics and Best-practices, where costs, security and availability were considered the most important factors. The three customers identified 3 additional factors: the trust in the Solution partner, Data integrity, and level of Integration of cloud platforms. Considering all 13 factors, Cost, trust in the Solution partner and Availability were identified as the most important for customers, which gave much less importance to the others factors. These results will help professionals and researchers to improve understanding and accelerate ERP adoption as SaaS among SMEs.
IT Project Development using Capability Maturity Model
Authors: Kabir Mousumi , Rusu Lazar
Published: September 2016

In many research studies on IT project development process, the authors have noticed that different frameworks are used for this purpose. In fact, many companies choose specific frameworks to run their IT projects based on project type and face dissimilar problems during the execution. In this research the authors are presenting a framework for IT project development using Capability Maturity Model. The framework has been developed to improve the IT project development in a large company because of the lower rate of successfully IT projects in that company. To develop the framework, they have used design science research and evaluated this framework with the project managers from that large company. The result of this research is a framework for IT projects development that is based on generic Capability Maturity Model and is adapted to the specific needs of an IT project development environment. Moreover, the framework identifies for each key process area of IT project development, the goals and activities to be performed.
I Coleotteri Tenebrionidi del Sito d’Importanza Comunitaria “Foce Saccione – Bonifica Ramitelli” (Molise) (Coleoptera Tenebrionidae)
Authors: Fattorini Simone , Romiti Federico , Carpaneto Giuseppe Maria , Poeta Gianluca , Bergamaschi Davide
Published: September 2016

Il presente lavoro è un contributo alla conoscenza dei Coleotteri Tenebrionidi del Sito d’Importanza Comunitaria “Foce Saccione – Bonifica Ramitelli” (IT7222217) (Molise). La ricerca è stata condotta attraverso un campionamento diretto di esemplari raccolti a vista e con setacciamenti della sabbia, integrato dalla raccolta di resti ed esemplari vivi casualmente finiti in contenitori di plastica fra i rifiuti sparsi sulla spiaggia. In tutto sono state rinvenute dieci specie di Tenebrionidi, che rappresentano probabilmente la totalità delle specie attese in questo tratto dunale della costa adriatica. La raccolta nei rifiuti si è rivelata efficiente poiché sette specie sono state trovate in comune fra i due metodi e due specie (Xanthomus pallidus (Curtis, 1830) e Phaleria acuminata Küster, 1852) solo nei rifiuti, mentre una sola (Trachyscelis aphodioides Latreille, 1809) è stata trovata soltanto con il setacciamento. Cinque specie sono qui segnalate per la prima volta del Molise, altre tre rappresentano la prima segnalazione circostanziata nella regione.
Recenti acquisizioni sulla fauna a Lepidotteri Ropaloceri del Parco Nazionale delle Foreste Casentinesi, Monte Falterona e Campigna (Emilia-Romagna e Toscana)
Authors: Piazzini Sandro , Favilli Leonardo
Published: September 2016

Negli anni 2012-2014 è stato raccolto un cospicuo numero di dati faunistici sui Ropaloceri del Parco Nazionale delle Foreste Casentinesi, Monte Falterona e Campigna (Emilia-Romagna e Toscana). Questi dati contribuiscono a definire meglio la distribuzione di 17 specie rare o poco comuni e, nel caso di Melitaea aurelia Nickerl, 1850 e di Apatura ilia ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775), rappresentano la prima segnalazione per il territorio del Parco.
Dati nuovi e riassuntivi sui Tenebrionidi dell’isola di Lesbo (Grecia) (Coleoptera Tenebrionidae)
Authors: Leo Piero , Ruzzante Gianpaolo
Published: September 2016

Viene presa in esame la tenebrionidofauna dell’isola greca di Lesbo (Mar Egeo), sulla base di alcuni recenti reperti e dello studio critico della bibliografia nota. attualmente sono 35 le specie di Tenebrionidi note per Lesbo, di cui le seguenti nove vengono qui segnalate per la prima volta: Erodius (Eodirosis) orientalis oblongus Solier, 1834, Helops (Helops) rossii Germar, 1817, Gonocephalum (Gonocephalum) costatum rugulosum (Küster, 1849), Dendarus (Pandarinus) moesiacus (Mulsant & Rey, 1854), Uloma (Uloma) cypraea Kraatz, 1873, Trachyscelis aphodioides Latreille, 1809, Omophlus (Odontomophlus) pilosellus Kirsch, 1869, Megischia galbanata (Kiesenwetter, 1861) e Menephilus cylindricus cylindricus (Herbst, 1784). Dall’esame corologico si evidenzia una chiara impronta anatolica del popolamento di Tenebrionidi dell’isola.
Atti Sociali
Authors: Italiana Società Entomologica
Published: September 2016

not available
Fine-needle aspiration and core biopsy in the diagnosis of breast lesions: A comparison and review of the literature
Authors: Mitra Suvradeep , Dey Pranab
Published: September 2016

In recent times, the diagnosis of breast lesions has mostly become dependent on core needle biopsies (CNBs) with a gradual reduction in the rate of performing fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). Both the procedures have their pros and cons and outsmart each other taking into account different parameters. Both the methods are found to be fraught with loopholes, taking into account different performance indices, diagnostic accuracy and concordance, patient benefit, and cost-effectiveness. Unlike the popular belief of an absolute superiority of CNB over FNAC, the literature review does not reveal a very distinct demarcation in many aspects. We recommend judicious use of these diagnostic modalities in resource-limited settings and screening programs taking into account parameters such as palpability and availability of an experienced cytopathologist.
Representing the effects of stratosphere–troposphere exchange on 3-D O3
distributions in chemistry transport models using a potential vorticity-based parameterization
Authors: Xing Jia , Mathur Rohit , Pleim Jonathan , Hogrefe Christian , Wang Jiandong , Gan Chuen-Meei , Sarwar Golam , Wong David C. , McKeen Stuart
Published: September 2016

Abstract. Downward transport of ozone (O3) from the stratosphere can be a significant contributor to tropospheric O3 background levels. However, this process often is not well represented in current regional models. In this study, we develop a seasonally and spatially varying potential vorticity (PV)-based function to parameterize upper tropospheric and/or lower stratospheric (UTLS) O3 in a chemistry transport model. This dynamic O3–PV function is developed based on 21-year ozonesonde records from World Ozone and Ultraviolet Radiation Data Centre (WOUDC) with corresponding PV values from a 21-year Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) simulation across the Northern Hemisphere from 1990 to 2010. The result suggests strong spatial and seasonal variations of O3 ∕ PV ratios which exhibits large values in the upper layers and in high-latitude regions, with highest values in spring and the lowest values in autumn over an annual cycle. The newly developed O3 ∕ PV function was then applied in the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model for an annual simulation of the year 2006. The simulated UTLS O3 agrees much better with observations in both magnitude and seasonality after the implementation of the new parameterization. Considerable impacts on surface O3 model performance were found in the comparison with observations from three observational networks, i.e., EMEP, CASTNET and WDCGG. With the new parameterization, the negative bias in spring is reduced from −20 to −15 % in the reference case to −9 to −1 %, while the positive bias in autumn is increased from 1 to 15 % in the reference case to 5 to 22 %. Therefore, the downward transport of O3 from upper layers has large impacts on surface concentration and needs to be properly represented in regional models.
A comprehensive estimate for loss of atmospheric carbon tetrachloride
(CCl4) to the ocean
Authors: Butler James H. , Yvon-Lewis Shari A. , Lobert Jurgen M. , King Daniel B. , Montzka Stephen A. , Bullister John L. , Koropalov Valentin , Elkins James W. , Hall Bradley D. , Hu Lei , Liu Yina
Published: September 2016

Abstract. Extensive undersaturations of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in Pacific, Atlantic, and Southern Ocean surface waters indicate that atmospheric CCl4 is consumed in large amounts by the ocean. Observations made on 16 research cruises between 1987 and 2010, ranging in latitude from 60° N to 77° S, show that negative saturations extend over most of the surface ocean. Corrected for physical effects associated with radiative heat flux, mixing, and air injection, these anomalies were commonly on the order of −5 to −10 %, with no clear relationship to temperature, productivity, or other gross surface water characteristics other than being more negative in association with upwelling. The atmospheric flux required to sustain these undersaturations is 12.4 (9.4–15.4) Gg yr−1, a loss rate implying a partial atmospheric lifetime with respect to the oceanic loss of 183 (147–241) yr and that  ∼  18 (14–22)  % of atmospheric CCl4 is lost to the ocean. Although CCl4 hydrolyzes in seawater, published hydrolysis rates for this gas are too slow to support such large undersaturations, given our current understanding of air–sea gas exchange rates. The even larger undersaturations in intermediate depth waters associated with reduced oxygen levels, observed in this study and by other investigators, strongly suggest that CCl4 is ubiquitously consumed at mid-depth, presumably by microbiota. Although this subsurface sink creates a gradient that drives a downward flux of CCl4, the gradient alone is not sufficient to explain the observed surface undersaturations. Since known chemical losses are likewise insufficient to sustain the observed undersaturations, this suggests a possible biological sink for CCl4 in surface or near-surface waters of the ocean. The total atmospheric lifetime for CCl4, based on these results and the most recent studies of soil uptake and loss in the stratosphere is now 32 (26–43) yr.
Ten years of atmospheric methane from ground-based NDACC FTIR
observations
Authors: Bader Whitney , Bovy Benoît , Conway Stephanie , Strong Kimberly , Smale Dan , Turner Alexander J. , Blumenstock Thomas , Boone Chris , Coulon Ancelin , Garcia Omaira , Griffith David W. T. , Hase Frank , Hausmann Petra , Jones Nicholas , Krummel Paul , Murata Isao , Morino I. , Nakajima Hideaki , O'Doherty Simon , Paton-Walsh Clare , Robinson John , Sandrin Rodrigue , Schneider Matthias , Servais Christian , Sussmann Ralf , Mahieu Emmanuel
Published: September 2016

Abstract. Changes of atmospheric methane (CH4) since 2005 have been evaluated using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) solar observations performed at ten ground-based sites, all members of the Network for Detection of Atmospheric Composition Change (NDACC). From this, we find an increase of atmospheric methane total columns that amounts to 0.31 ± 0.03 % year−1 (2-sigma level of uncertainty) for the 2005–2014 period. Comparisons with in situ methane measurements at both local and global scales show good agreement. We used the GEOS-Chem Chemical Transport Model tagged simulation that accounts for the contribution of each emission source and one sink in the total methane, simulated over the 2005–2012 time period and based on emissions inventories and transport. After regridding according to NDACC vertical layering using a conservative regridding scheme and smoothing by convolving with respective FTIR seasonal averaging kernels, the GEOS-Chem simulation shows an increase of atmospheric methane of 0.35 ± 0.03 % year−1 between 2005 and 2012, which is in agreement with NDACC measurements over the same time period (0.30 ± 0.04 % year−1, averaged over ten stations). Analysis of the GEOS-Chem tagged simulation allows us to quantify the contribution of each tracer to the global methane change since 2005. We find that natural sources such as wetlands and biomass burning contribute to the inter-annual variability of methane. However, anthropogenic emissions such as coal mining, and gas and oil transport and exploration, which are mainly emitted in the Northern Hemisphere and act as secondary contributors to the global budget of methane, have played a major role in the increase of atmospheric methane observed since 2005. Based on the GEOS-Chem tagged simulation, we discuss possible cause(s) for the increase of methane since 2005, which is still unexplained.
A RGB channel operation for removal of the difference of atmospheric scattering and its application on total sky cloud detection
Authors: Yang Jun , Min Qilong , Lu Weitao , Ma Ying , Yao Wen , Lu Tianshu
Published: September 2016

Abstract. The inhomogeneous sky background presents a great challenge for accurate cloud recognition from the total sky images. A channel operation was introduced in this study to produce a new composite channel in which the difference of atmospheric scattering has been removed and a homogeneous sky background can be obtained. Following this, a new cloud detection algorithm was proposed, which combined the merits of the differencing and threshold methods and named "differencing and threshold combination algorithm (DTCA)". Firstly, the channel operation was applied to transform 3-D RGB images to the new channel, then the circumsolar saturated pixels and its circularity were used to judge whether the sun is visible or not in the image. When the sun is obscured, a single threshold can be used to identify cloud pixels, and, when the sun is visible in the image, the true clear sky background differencing algorithm is adopted to detect clouds. The qualitative assessment for eight different total sky images shows the DTCA algorithm obtained satisfactory cloud identification effectiveness for thin clouds and in the circumsolar and near-horizon regions. Quantitative evaluation also shows the DTCA algorithm achieved the highest cloud recognition precision for five different types of clouds, with an average recognition error rate of 8.7 %.
Retrieval of nitric oxide in the mesosphere from SCIAMACHY
nominal limb spectra
Authors: Bender Stefan , Sinnhuber Miriam , Langowski Martin , Burrows John P.
Published: September 2016

Abstract. We retrieve nitric monoxide (NO) number densities from measurements from the SCanning Imaging Absorption spectroMeter for Atmospheric CHartographY (SCIAMACHY, on Envisat) nominal limb mode (0–91 km). We derive the NO number densities from atmospheric emissions in the gamma bands in the range 230–300 nm, measured by the SCIAMACHY ultra-violet (UV) channel 1. We adapt the NO retrieval from the mesosphere and lower thermosphere mode (MLT, 50–150 km) (Bender et al., 2013), including the same 3-D ray tracing, 2-D retrieval grid, and regularisations with respect to altitude and latitude. Since the nominal mode limb scans extend only to about 91 km, we use NO densities in the lower thermosphere (above 92 km) derived from empirical models as a priori input. As priors we use the NOEM model (Marsh et al., 2004) and a regression model derived from the MLT NO data comparison (Bender et al., 2015). Our algorithm yields meaningful NO number densities from 60 km to 85 km from the SCIAMACHY nominal limb mode scans. Using a priori input substantially reduces the misidentification of NO from the lower thermosphere, where no direct limb measurements are available. We achieve a vertical resolution of 5–10 km in the altitude range 65–80 km. Analysing all SCIAMACHY nominal limb scans provides almost ten years (from August 2002 to April 2012) of daily NO measurements in this altitude range. This provides a unique data record of NO in the upper atmosphere and is invaluable to constrain NO in the mesosphere, in particular for testing and validating chemistry climate models during this period.
Biogeochemical versus ecological consequences of modeled ocean
physics
Authors: Clayton Sophie , Dutkiewicz Stephanie , Jahn Oliver , Hill Christopher , Heimbach Patrick , Follows Michael J.
Published: September 2016

Abstract. Regional and idealized modeling studies have shown that increasing the physical resolution of biogeochemical models to include mesoscale and submesoscale dynamics can result in both increases and decreases in phytoplankton biomass and primary production, as well as changes in phytoplankton community structure. Here we present a systematic study of the differences generated by coupling the same ecological-biogeochemical model to a 1°, coarse-resolution, and 1/6°, eddy-permitting, global ocean circulation model. Surprisingly, we find that the modeled phytoplankton community is largely unchanged, with the same phenotypes dominating in both cases. Conversely, there are large regional variations in integrated primary production, phytoplankton and zooplankton biomass. In the subtropics, mixed layer depths are, on average, deeper in the eddy-permitting model, resulting in higher nutrient supply driving increases in primary production and phytoplankton biomass. In the higher latitudes, deeper spring mixed layer depths in the eddy-permitting model result in increased light limitation during the spring bloom. Counter-intuitively, this does not drive a decrease in phytoplankton biomass, but is reflected in decreased primary production and zooplankton biomass. We explain these similarities and differences in the model using the framework of resource competition theory, and find that they are the consequence of changes in the regional and seasonal nutrient supply and light environment, mediated by differences in the modeled mixed layer depths. Although previous work has suggested that complex models may respond chaotically and unpredictably to changes in forcing, we find that our model responds in a predictable way to different ocean circulation forcing, despite its complexity.
The residence time of water in the atmosphere revisited
Authors: van der Ent Ruud J. , Tuinenburg Obbe A.
Published: September 2016

Abstract. This paper revisits the knowledge on the residence time of water in the atmosphere. Based on state-of-the-art data of the hydrological cycle we derive a global average residence time of 8.9 ± 0.4 days (uncertainty given as one standard deviation). We use two different atmospheric moisture tracking models (WAM-2layers and 3D-Trajectories) to obtain atmospheric residence time characteristics in time and space. The tracking models estimate the global average residence time to be around 8.5 days based on ERA-Interim data. We conclude that a recent study, stating the global average residence time of water in the atmosphere to be 4–5 days, is not correct. We derive spatial maps of residence time, attributed to evaporation and precipitation, and age of atmospheric water, showing that there are different ways of looking at temporal characteristics of atmospheric water. Longer evaporation residence times often indicate larger distances towards areas of high precipitation. From our analysis we find that the residence time over the ocean is about 2 days lower than over land. It can be seen that in winter, the age of atmospheric moisture tends to be much lower than in summer. On the Northern Hemisphere, due to the contrast in ocean-to-land temperature and associated evaporation rates, the age of atmospheric moisture increases following atmospheric moisture flow inland in winter, and decreases in summer. Looking at the probability density functions of atmospheric residence time for precipitation and evaporation we find long-tailed distributions with the median around 5 days. Overall, our research confirms the 8–10 days traditional estimate for the global mean residence time of atmospheric water, and our research contributes to a more complete view on the characteristics of the turnover of water in the atmosphere in time and space.
Thermal alteration of soil organic matter properties: a systematic study to infer response of Sierra Nevada climosequence soils to forest fires
Authors: Araya Samuel N. , Fogel Marilyn L. , Berhe Asmeret Asefaw
Published: September 2016

Abstract. Fire is a major driver of soil organic matter (SOM) dynamics, and contemporary global climate change is changing global fire regimes. We investigated thermal alteration of SOM properties by exposing five different topsoils (0 to 5 cm depth) from the western Sierra Nevada Climosequence to a range of temperatures that are expected during prescribed and wild fires (150, 250, 350, 450, 550 and 650 °C), and determined temperature thresholds for major shifts in SOM properties. With increase in temperature, we found that the concentrations of C and N decreased in a similar pattern among all five soils that varied considerably in their original SOM concentrations and mineralogies. Soils were separated into discrete size classes by dry sieving. The C and N concentrations in the larger aggregate size fractions (2–0.25 mm) decreased with increase in temperature that at 450 °C temperature, the remaining C and N were almost entirely associated with the smaller aggregate size fractions (
Left Realism and Social Democratic Renewal
Authors: Hogg Russell
Published: September 2016

At its inception Left Realism argued the need to develop a radical social democratic approach to crime. I argue that its contribution and continuing relevance primarily lies in this political project, the need for which has not dissipated. But this can only be advanced as an integral component of a more general renewal of social democratic ideas and politics that challenges the hegemony of neo-liberalism. This is far from guaranteed. The possibilities and challenges after the global financial crisis are considered. I argue for a rethinking of some core themes from early Left Realism to (as I see it) better complement the task of social democratic renewal in the present.
From Critical Criminology to the Criminological Imagination: An Interview with Jock Young
Authors: Sozzo Maximo , Fonseca David
Published: September 2016

Not applicable
Special Edition: Left Realism Today - Guest Editor’s Introduction
Authors: DeKeseredy Walter
Published: September 2016

Since its birth in the mid-1980s, as a major variant of critical criminology, Left Realism continues to ebb and flow. Furthermore, not all Left realist contributions are alike and some are subject to very heated debates. The fact remains, however, that Left Realism is ‘alive and well’. Of course, given that I devoted 26 years of my life (much of it with Martin D Schwartz) to the realist project, I could easily be accused of being biased. Nonetheless, some contemporary empirical support for my claim is the recent publication of Roger Matthews’ (2014) book Realist Criminology. The main objective of this volume is to use this offering as a ‘launching pad’ or ‘springboard’ for broader analyses of the relevance of Left Realism to critical criminology as we know it today. Matthews’ piece is the lead article. Following this are six others that, in part, address his monograph and that also point us to new directions in Left realist ways of knowing. In keeping with the spirit of the International Journal of Crime, Justice and Social Democracy, the authors constitute an international cadre of progressive scholars, including me, Joseph Donnermeyer, Steve Hall, Russell Hogg, John Lea, Claire Renzetti, and Simon Winlow. It cannot be emphasized enough, though, that this special issue is not a ‘love-in’ and there is no ‘party line’ here. All of the authors have strong positions on topics of major concern to academics and activists seeking new ways of thinking critically about crime, law and social control.