bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Case Study on Data Quality, Privacy, and Evaluating the Outcome of Entity Resolution Processes
Authors: Wang Pei , Pullen Daniel , Liu Fan , Decker William C. , Wu Ningning , Talburt John R.
Published: June 2016

This paper presents ongoing research conducted through collaboration between the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and the Arkansas Department of Education to develop an entity resolution and identity management system. The process includes a multi-phase approach consisting of data-quality analysis, selection of entity-identity attributes for entity resolution, defined a rule set using the open source entity-resolution system named OYSTER and used entropy approach to identify the potential false positive and false negative. The research is the first known of its kind to evaluate privacy-enhancing, entity-resolution rule sets in a state education agency.
Public Financial Information Management for Benefits Maximization
Authors: Lu Yaotai
Published: June 2016

Information management is an essential part in the public budgetary process. This paper analyzes the theoretical basis, tools, and consequences of information management throughout a budget cycle. Budgeters and decision makers need necessary financial data related to all types of revenues and expenditures, economic conditions, and agency needs, among other factors. From an organization theory perspective, budget agencies face a great number of uncertainties and constraints throughout each phase of a budget cycle. Using appropriate budgeting techniques and approaches, they collect, analyze, and use necessary information to make rational budgetary decisions regarding revenue raising and resource distribution. They intend to attain such goals and objectives as cutting inefficient expenditure, achieving more output and outcome with less input, and attaining oriented societal consequences. Extensive efforts in budget reforms have resulted in considerable productivity in government administration, but at a low level. Continuous efforts are needed for further improvement of performance.
SQL Scorecard for Improved Stability and Performance of Data Warehouses
Authors: Rahman Nayem
Published: June 2016

Scorecard-based measurement techniques are used by organizations to measure the performance of their business operations. A scorecard approach could be applied to a database system to measure performance of SQL (Structured Query Language) being executed and the extent of resources being used by SQL. In a large data warehouse, thousands of jobs run daily via batch cycles to refresh different subject areas. Simultaneously, thousands of queries by business intelligence tools and ad-hoc queries are being executed twenty-four by seven. There needs to be a controlling mechanism to make sure these batch jobs and queries are efficient and do not consume database systems resources more than optimal. The authors propose measurement of SQL query performance via a scorecard tool. The motivation behind using a scorecard tool is to make sure that the resource consumption of SQL queries is predictable and the database system environment is stable. The experimental results show that queries that pass scorecard evaluation criteria tend to utilize optimal level of database systems computing resources. These queries also show improved parallel efficiency (PE) in using computing resources (CPU, I/O and spool space) that demonstrate the usefulness of SQL scorecard.
Formalization of Expert Knowledge About the Usability of Web Pages Based on User Criteria Aggregation
Authors: Alfimtsev Alexander , Sakulin Sergey , Levanov Alexey
Published: June 2016

The Choquet integral based on fuzzy measure is a generalization of the weighted average operator. Due to flexibility in the aggregation of information and ability to take into account possible uncertainties in data the integral has been gaining popularity in the application of multicriteria decision making. In this paper an application of fuzzy integral is considered in the method of expert knowledge formalization about the usability of web pages. Also the problem of identification of fuzzy measures for aggregating user criteria is presented. Examples of assessments for 9 main usability criteria of web pages and results of web pages evaluation of 25 sites of leading universities in the world according QS ranking are provided.
Characteristics of Analysis Methods for the Impression Evaluation Method by Space
Authors: Akai Shunsuke , Hochin Teruhisa , Nomiya Hiroki
Published: June 2016

This paper clarifies the characteristics of analysis methods of the evaluation results obtained through the Impression Evaluation Method by Space (IEMS). The IEMS uses a plane containing impression words as the Kansei space. The impression of an object is specified by circling the areas matching the impression. The degree of matching the impression is expressed by painting color. Three analysis methods have been proposed for the IEMS. These use the baseline Kansei space, the impression words, and the peaks of darkness of the evaluation results, respectively. These methods are compared from the viewpoints of spatial evaluation, relationships among impression words, darkness of evaluated areas, impression words added, and impression words moved. Moreover, it is clarified the information obtained through the three analysis methods. Each of them is suitable in obtaining specific information. They should be used according to the information required to be obtained.
Cognitive Processes of the Elderly Brain with MindGym Approach
Authors: Tasic Jurij , Tasic Darja Rudan , Vovk Andrej , Šuput Dusan , Patel Shushma , Patel Dilip , Gusev Marjan , Ristov Sasko
Published: June 2016

MindGym is an approach for improving the quality of life of the elderly by applying cognitive processes and mind gymnastics in order to keep them active in vital mental shape. The target is to influence mental conditions that lead to mental disorders, such as depression, dementia, sedentariness, cognitive decline and personality disorders, mostly present in elder people, but also experienced by youngsters. The idea is to develop a prototype interactive system for creating everyday mind gymnastics, which is based on recommended audio-visual content, IPTV, social networks, cloud enabled devices and applications. Furthermore, it will enable detecting the abnormal changes in the elderly brain by using fMRI and EEG technologies for various stimuli. The authors give an overview of current research and projects in the area and define the basic objectives of planned MindGym research activities. Several experiments are conducted in order to prove the hypothesis that various types of music stimulate the brain differently, which can be used as mental activities for elderly.
Materialized View Selection using Improvement based Bee Colony Optimization
Authors: Arun Biri , Kumar T.V. Vijay
Published: June 2016

In the present information age, data and information are vital not just for the survival of any corporate entity, but also to provide it with an edge over its competitors. Data warehouses have become the foundational databases of almost every corporation. However, extracting new information from these data warehouses takes hours, and even days, which is practically unacceptable. Materialized views have been popularly used to facilitate fast information extraction. However, the selection of appropriate views, which significantly accelerate information synthesis is an NP-Complete problem. The aim of this paper is to select near optimal sets of views for materialization using the improvement bee colony optimization algorithm. The experimental results indicate that the improvement bee colony optimization algorithm performs better than the constructive bee colony optimization algorithm and the fundamental view selection algorithm HRUA. The views thus selected would significantly minimize the response time of analytical queries, when materialized, resulting in efficient strategic decision making.
EFL Learners' Perceptions of Blog Assignments and Instructors' E-Feedbacks
Authors: Aliakbari Mohammad , Mohammadi Saeedeh
Published: June 2016

The use of blogs in EFL settings considerably supports learner-centered interactive learning and constructivist environments. Moreover, using blogs to provide instructor's feedback has a crucial role in the language learning process. The present study aimed to explore Iranian EFL learners' perceptions of blog assignments and instructor's e-feedbacks thereof. To this end, assignments were established and teacher's feedbacks were transmitted via the blogs for a period of one educational semester. Data were triangulated and collected using think-aloud protocols and reflexive journals during the semester, as well as semi-structured interviews at the end. Data analysis through grounded theory further revealed six major categories: educational effects, psychological effects, technological effects, social effects, teacher's traditional feedbacks vs. e-feedbacks, and students' preferences of e-feedbacks. Accordingly, implications are discussed in light of EFL settings.
Transformation of Nanomaterials in Environment
Authors: Bogatu Corneliu , Leszczynska Danuta
Published: June 2016

Carbon nanotubes are new class of active environmental pollutants. The authors report interactions between chlorine used as disinfectant/oxidant during typical water treatment and single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). Alterations in SWCNT morphology were determined by TEM, while FT-IR spectra helped to determine chemical changes before, during and after chlorination. The analysis of original FT-IR spectra, and their second order derivatives revealed the formation of new, oxygen-bearing groups, namely quinones, ethers, and additional carboxyl groups on the surface of SWCNTs. The two-step reaction mechanism: (1) initial adsorption of mixture of hypochlorous acid and hypochlorite anions on the surface of carbon nanotubes, and (2) oxidation of surface and formation of new functional groups, was suggested. It was found that standard disinfection has activated previously inert carbon nanotubes and turn them into active species able to participate in further cross-contamination reactions. Interestingly, the oxygen-bearing groups were formed as a product of reaction with chlorine.
Risk factors in the management of antimicrobial agents in nursing
Authors: Santos Regina Consolação dos , Pessalacia Juliana Dias Reis , Mata Luciana Regina Ferreira da
Published: June 2016

Current retrospective, descriptive, document-based study identified the risk factors in the administration of antimicrobial drugs by the nursing team. The hospital records at the Hematology and Oncology clinics of patients treated with antimicrobial agents in a hospital in the center-western region of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, between January 2008 and December 2011, were analyzed. Data were investigated with IBM program, Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) 21.0 and inferential statistics. Chi-square and Fisher´s exact tests were employed to assess the differences between the categorical variables. Risk factors related to the administration of antimicrobial agents by the nursing team comprised lack of records of phlogistic infection signs; inadequate schedules for the administration of antimicrobial drugs; lack of precaution and isolation measures and of swab sampling. Continuous education programs for nurses, focusing on safe administration of antimicrobial agents, are highly relevant.
Interfaces of the discontinuation of breastfeeding
Authors: Frota Mirna Albuquerque , Lopes Marina Frota , Lima Kamila Ferreira , Sales Cíntia De Oliveira Castelo Branco , Silva Carlos Antônio Bruno da
Published: June 2016

The objective was to identify conditions for the discontinuation of exclusive breastfeeding. This is a qualitative study developed in a Primary Health Care Unit (PHCU) in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil. It included 20 mothers of children aged 0-6 months old who were breastfeeding. The reports evidenced three categories: Guidance received during prenatal care; Meanings of breastfeeding; Determinants of early weaning. It can be concluded that part of the determinants of early weaning is in the building of or failure to build knowledge about breastfeeding. Cultural concepts or myths are inadequate and socially reproduced due to failure, on the part of health professionals who assist expectant mothers during prenatal care or those who assist postpartum women, to deconstruct them.
Work–family conflict based on strain: The most hazardous type of conflict in Iranian hospitals nurses
Authors: Charkhabi Morteza , Sartori Riccardo , Ceschi Andrea
Published: June 2016

Orientation: Work and family conflicts continuously and negatively affect employees’ performance. Previous research has mostly studied the impact of the two distinct dimensions of work–family conflict (WFC) and family–work conflict (FWC) on health outcomes, whereas the impact of more specific dimensions of these two general types of conflict on health outcomes is little known. Therefore, we now need to also measure the impact of more specified types of these conflicts on health outcomes.Research purpose: The purpose of this study was to propose a causal model of the effects of six different types of WFC (time, strain and behaviour) and FWC (time, strain and behaviour) on the mental and physical health of hospital nurses to identify the most hazardous type of conflict they faced.Motivation for the study: This research was conducted to outline which specific type of WFC or FWC is able to act as the strongest antecedent of mental and physical health in nurses.Research design, approach and method: Three hundred and eleven nurses from six hospitals were selected by simple random sampling. Data were collected using a Carlson WFC scale as well as an SF-36 mental–physical health scale based on a cross-sectional research design. The data were analysed using structural equation modelling and SPSS.Main findings: The final model showed that, firstly, the effects of WFC types (time, strain and behaviour) on health outcomes were much greater than the effects of FWC types (time, strain and behaviour). Secondly, WFC and FWC based on strain were stronger predictors of health outcomes. Finally, strain-based WFC was identified to be the most hazardous type of conflict in our study.Practical implications: These findings can be employed by hospital managers to block all the potential factors that may increase strain-based WFC in the workplace. Moreover, this study helps hospitals to use special educational programs directed at reducing strain-based WFC.Contribution/value-add: This research clearly revealed that a specific type of WFC may more likely influence the health situation of nurses.Keywords: WFC-Based on Strain; mental health; physical health; hospital nurses
The psychological well-being manifesting among master’s students in Industrial and Organisational Psychology
Authors: Cilliers Frans , Flotman Aden-Paul
Published: June 2016

Orientation: Psychological well-being among master’s students is seen as a contributing factor towards having a meaningful, enjoyable and productive experience as a student.Research purpose: The purpose of this study was to provide a qualitative description of the psychological well-being experiences of first-year students in a part-time coursework master’s degree in Industrial and Organisational Psychology (IOP) in order to foster an empathetic understanding of their experiences.Motivation for the study: The understanding of their master’s students’ psychological wellbeing experiences will assist university IOP departments in facilitating the appropriate psychological containment to students and the optimisation of their resilience towards meaningfully completing their first year and perhaps also their master’s degree.Research design, approach and method: Qualitative research was conducted within a hermeneutic interpretive stance. Data were gathered from a focus group with 10 conveniently chosen participants. Thematic content analysis provided eight themes, which were interpreted and linked to the literature on psychological well-being.Main findings: Student distress caused by job demands leads to languishing and feeling overwhelmed. In contrast, student eustress resulting from job resources leads to flourishing, consisting of self-efficacy, locus of control and optimism.Practical implications: University IOP departments can use the information towards understanding their master’s students’ psychological well-being experiences, which could assist in the students’ successful and timeous completion of their studies.Contribution: The study contributes to the literature on master’s students’ real negative and positive experiences and psychological well-being, which university departments often deny or dismiss as idiosyncratic.Keywords: positive organisational behaviour; job demands; job resources; multiple roles; support system; self-efficacy; hope/optimism
Emotions and coping of patients with head and neck cancers after diagnosis
Authors: Jagannathan A , Juvva S
Published: June 2016

Background and Rationale:

Patients suffering with head and neck cancers are observed to have a relatively high risk of developing emotional disturbances after diagnosis and treatment. These emotional concerns can be best understood and explored through the method of content analysis or qualitative data. Though a number of qualitative studies have been conducted in the last few years in the field of psychosocial oncology, none have looked at the emotions experienced and the coping by head and neck cancer patients.

Materials and Methods:

Seventy-five new cases of postsurgery patients of head and neck cancers were qualitatively interviewed regarding the emotions experienced and coping strategies after diagnosis.

Results:

Qualitative content analysis of the in-depth interviews brought out that patients experienced varied emotions on realizing that they were suffering from cancer, the cause of which could be mainly attributed to three themes: 1) knowledge of their illness; 2) duration of untreated illness; and 3) object of blame. They coped with their emotions by either: 1) inculcating a positive attitude and faith in the doctor/treatment, 2) ventilating their emotions with family and friends, or 3) indulging in activities to divert attention.

Conclusion:

The results brought out a conceptual framework, which showed that an in-depth understanding of the emotions - Their root cause, coping strategies, and spiritual and cultural orientations of the cancer survivor - Is essential to develop any effective intervention program in India.
Prevalence of burnout and its correlates among residents in a tertiary medical center in Kerala, India
Authors: Ratnakaran B , Prabhakaran A , Karunakaran V
Published: June 2016

Background and Rationale:

Residents work in emotionally demanding environments with multiple stressors. The risk for burnout is high in them and it has significant negative consequences for their career. Burnout is also associated with consequences in terms of physical and mental health including insomnia, cardiovascular disease, depression and suicidal ideation. Thus, the study aimed to study the prevalence of burn out and its correlates among interns and residents at Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.

Settings and Design:

Cross Sectional Study at Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.

Methods:

It was a cross Sectional study of 558 interns and residents of Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. Data was collected which included the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory [CBI]which assesses burnout in the dimensions of Personal burnout, Work burnout and Patient related burnout, with a cut off score of 50 for each dimension. Age, sex, year of study, department the resident belonged to, or an intern, junior resident or a super speciality senior resident (resident doing super speciality course after their post graduate masters degree) were the correlates assessed.

Statistical analysis:

Univariate analysis.

Results:

More than one third of the participants were found to have burnout in one or another dimension of the CBI. Burnout was found to be the highest among the interns in the domains of personal burnout (64.05 %) and patient related burnout (68.62 %) and in junior residents for work related burnout (40%). Super specialty senior residents had the least prevalence of burnout in all three dimensions. Among the residents, Non Medical/Non Surgical residents had the least prevalence of burnout in all three dimensions, whereas surgical speciality residents had the highest of personal burnout (57.92 %) and Medical speciality residents had the highest patient related burnout (27.13%). Both medical and surgical specialty residents had equal prevalence of work burnout. The study also showed that as the number of years of residency increased, the burnout also increased in all three dimensions. A between gender difference in burnout was not noticed in our study.

Conclusions:

Burnout was found to be present in a large number of residents in our study. Nationwide studies and assessment of more correlates will be needed to understand this phenomenon and also for formulating measures for preventing and managing it.
Bioprospecting Kitchen Refuse as a Suitable Substrate for Biogasification
Authors: Malesu Vijay K. , Mishra Snehasish , Ojha Sanjay K. , Naik Kalyani , Singh Puneet K. , Nayak Biswajit
Published: June 2016

Conventionally, methane nonproducing organic substrates such as kitchen refuse (KR) are amenable as biogasifiers, similar or even better than that of the naturally biogasifying cow dung (CD) through process modification. Comparative physicochemical and biological analyses revealed that KR had no methanogen and was low on amylase and cellulase positive and total microbial counts. It was observed that the pH level lowered further when the KR alone was biogasified, attributable to the accumulating volatile fatty acids, which indicates the failure of the last and final step of biomethanation. Study of the raw and digested forms of KR, CD, and kitchen refuse fortified with cow dung (KC) revealed that there was a net percentage decrease in dry matter (70.00, 94.33, and 88.88, respectively), total dissolved solids (1, 1.5, and 1.5, respectively), and phosphate contents (12, 19, and 20, respectively), indicating an optimal microbial activity in all the substrates. Although digestion rate in CD was better than that in KR, KC exhibited an enhanced digestion rate over KR attributable to the process being facilitated by increased microbial counts; amylase-, cellulase-, and lipase-positive microbes; and methanogens. Furthermore, the active methanogens in CD inoculum (in KC) facilitated biomethanation by better utilizing the volatile fatty acids that ensured better stability in the pH level throughout. The cumulative biogas production values were 1281, 4448, and 3256 cm3 in KR, CD, and KC, respectively. Methane production started by the seventh day in CD and KC and reached up to 63.65% and 53%, respectively, by the 21st day in batch operation. Thus, KR is a promising candidate for biogasification, thereby opening a plethora of opportunity to utilize the technology even in urban and periurban locations that are low on cattle resources albeit rich in other organic refuse. There is a necessity to estimate the biomethanation potentials of various other available organic refuse.
Article Commentary: Cornea as a Model for Testing CTGF-Based Antiscarring Drugs
Authors: Sriram Sriniwas , Tran Jennifer A. , Zieske James D.
Published: June 2016

Scarring remains a serious complication of the wound healing process that can lead to the formation of excessive fibrous connective tissue in an organ or tissue leading to pain and loss of function. This process is mainly regulated by Transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), which binds to receptors and induces its downstream mediator, Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF). The number of drugs targeting CTGF for treating scars has been on the rise in the past few years. The purpose of this article is to suggest the possibility of using cornea as a model for testing anti-CTGF therapies for scarring.
Freshwater Metaviromics and Bacteriophages: A Current Assessment of the State of the Art in Relation to Bioinformatic Challenges
Authors: Bruder Katherine , Maiki Kema , Cooper Alexandria , Sible Emily , Shapiro Jason W. , Watkins Siobhan C. , Putonti Catherine
Published: June 2016

Advances in bioinformatics and sequencing technologies have allowed for the analysis of complex microbial communities at an unprecedented rate. While much focus is often placed on the cellular members of these communities, viruses play a pivotal role, particularly bacteria-infecting viruses (bacteriophages); phages mediate global biogeochemical processes and drive microbial evolution through bacterial grazing and horizontal gene transfer. Despite their importance and ubiquity in nature, very little is known about the diversity and structure of viral communities. Though the need for culture-based methods for viral identification has been somewhat circumvented through metagenomic techniques, the analysis of metaviromic data is marred with many unique issues. In this review, we examine the current bioinformatic approaches for metavirome analyses and the inherent challenges facing the field as illustrated by the ongoing efforts in the exploration of freshwater phage populations.
Twenty-Five New Viruses Associated with the Drosophilidae (Diptera)
Authors: Webster Claire L. , Longdon Ben , Lewis Samuel H. , Obbard Darren J.
Published: June 2016

Drosophila melanogaster is an important laboratory model for studies of antiviral immunity in invertebrates, and Drosophila species provide a valuable system to study virus host range and host switching. Here, we use metagenomic RNA sequencing of about 1600 adult flies to discover 25 new RNA viruses associated with six different drosophilid hosts in the wild. We also provide a comprehensive listing of viruses previously reported from the Drosophilidae. The new viruses include Iflaviruses, Rhabdoviruses, Nodaviruses, and Reoviruses, and members of unclassified lineages distantly related to Negeviruses, Sobemoviruses, Poleroviruses, Flaviviridae, and Tombusviridae. Among these are close relatives of Drosophila X virus and Flock House virus, which we find in association with wild Drosophila immigrans. These two viruses are widely used in experimental studies but have not been previously reported to naturally infect Drosophila. Although we detect no new DNA viruses, in D. immigrans and Drosophila obscura, we identify sequences very closely related to Armadillidium vulgare iridescent virus (Invertebrate iridescent virus 31), bringing the total number of DNA viruses found in the Drosophilidae to three.
Molecular Mechanism of Adult Neurogenesis and its Association with Human Brain Diseases
Authors: Liu He , Song Ni
Published: June 2016

Recent advances in neuroscience challenge the old dogma that neurogenesis occurs only during embryonic development. Mounting evidence suggests that functional neurogenesis occurs throughout adulthood. This review article discusses molecular factors that affect adult neurogenesis, including morphogens, growth factors, neurotransmitters, transcription factors, and epigenetic factors. Furthermore, we summarize and compare current evidence of associations between adult neurogenesis and human brain diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and brain tumors.
Liposomal-encapsulated Ascorbic Acid: Influence on Vitamin C Bioavailability and Capacity to Protect against Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Davis Janelle L. , Paris Hunter L. , Beals Joseph W. , Binns Scott E. , Giordano Gregory R. , Scalzo Rebecca L. , Schweder Melani M. , Blair Emek , Bell Christopher
Published: June 2016

Intravenous administration of vitamin C has been shown to decrease oxidative stress and, in some instances, improve physiological function in adult humans. Oral vitamin C administration is typically less effective than intravenous, due in part to inferior vitamin C bioavailability. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of oral delivery of vitamin C encapsulated in liposomes. On 4 separate randomly ordered occasions, 11 men and women were administered an oral placebo, or 4 g of vitamin C via oral, oral liposomal, or intravenous delivery. The data indicate that oral delivery of 4 g of vitamin C encapsulated in liposomes (1) produces circulating concentrations of vitamin C that are greater than unencapsulated oral but less than intravenous administration and (2) provides protection from ischemia–reperfusion-mediated oxidative stress that is similar to the protection provided by unencapsulated oral and intravenous administrations.
Rural, Pregnant, and Opioid Dependent: A Systematic Review
Authors: Jumah Naana Afua
Published: June 2016

The nature, impact, and treatment of substance use during pregnancy are well described for women living in urban settings. Less is known about pregnant substance-using women living in rural communities. The objective of this review is to describe the existing evidence for the management of substance use in pregnant women living in rural areas. A systematic review of the literature was conducted using PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and the quality of the evidence was assessed using the GRADE system. Twenty-two articles that met the inclusion criteria were identified. Descriptive studies document high rates of smoking, marijuana, and polysubstance use among rural, substance-using pregnant women compared to their urban counterparts. Management of substance use disorders is limited by access to and acceptability of treatment modalities. Several innovative, integrated addiction and prenatal care programs have been developed, which may serve as models for management of substance use during pregnancy in rural settings.
The Corporate Social Responsibility Is just a Twist in a Möbius Strip
Authors: Solferino Nazaria , Solferino Viviana
Published: June 2016

In recent years economic agents and systems have become more and more interactive and juxtaposed, therefore the social sciences need to rely on the studies of physical sciences to analyze this complexity in the relationships. According to this point of view, the authors rely on the geometrical model of the Möbius strip used in electromagnetism, which analyzes the movements of the electrons that produce energy. They use a similar model in a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) context to devise a new cost-benefit model in order to take into account three positive effects on the efficiency of a socially responsible company: 1) cooperation among stakeholders in the same sector; 2) cooperation among similar stakeholders in different sectors; and 3) the stakeholders’ loyalty toward the company. By applying this model to a firm’s decision problem the authors find that investing in CSR activities is always convenient, depending on the number of sectors, the stakeholders’ sensitivity to these investments and the decay rate to alienation. Their work suggests a new method of analysis which should be developed not only at a theoretical level, but also at an empirical level.
From ionising radiation to air ion formation in the lower atmosphere
Authors: Chen Xuemeng , Kerminen Veli-Matti , Paatero Jussi , Paasonen Pauli , Manninen Hanna E. , Nieminen Tuomo , Petäjä Tuukka , Kulmala Markku
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Most of the ion production in the atmosphere is attributed to ionising radiation. In the lower atmosphere, ionising radiation consists mainly of the decay emissions of radon and its progeny, gamma radiation of the terrestrial origin as well as photons and elementary particles of cosmic radiation. These types of radiation produce ion pairs via the ionisation of nitrogen and oxygen as well as trace species in the atmosphere, the rate of which is defined as the ionising capacity. Larger air ions are produced out of the initial charge carriers by processes, such as clustering or attachment to pre-existing aerosol particles. This study aimed 1) to identify the key factors responsible for the variability in ionising radiation and in the observed air ion concentrations, 2) to reveal the linkage between them, and 3) to provide an in-depth analysis into the effects of ionising radiation on air ion formation, based on measurement data collected during 2003–2006 from a boreal forest site in southern Finland. In general, gamma radiation dominated the ion production in the lower atmosphere. Variations in the ionising capacity came from mixing layer dynamics, soil type and moisture content, meteorological conditions, long-distance transportation, snow cover attenuation and precipitation. Similar diurnal patterns to variations in the ionising capacity were observed in air ion concentrations of the cluster size (0.8–1.7 nm in mobility diameters). Clear promotion effects of the ionising radiation on air ion production were demonstrated. Typically, features observed in the 0.8–1 nm ion concentration were in connection to variations of the ionising capacity. Further by carefully constraining perturbing variables, a clear relationship was also identifiable between the cluster ion concentration and the ionising capacity, proving the functionality of ionising radiation in air ion production in the lower atmosphere.
Biomass Burning Aerosols and the Low Visibility Events in Southeast Asia
Authors: Lee Hsiang-He , Bar-Or Rotem Z. , Wang Chien
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Fires including peatland burning in Southeast Asia have become a major concern of general public as well as governments in the region. This is because that aerosols emitted from such fires can cause persistent haze events under favorite weather conditions in downwind locations, degrading visibility and causing human health issues. In order to improve our understanding of the spatial-temporal coverage and influence of biomass burning aerosols in Southeast Asia, we have used surface visibility and particulate matter concentration observations, added by decadal long (2002 to 2014) simulations using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model with a fire aerosol module, driven by high-resolution biomass burning emission inventories. We find that in the past decade, fire aerosols are responsible for nearly all the events with very low visibility (< 7 km), and a substantial fraction of the low visibility events (visibility < 10 km) in the major metropolitan areas of Southeast Asia: 38 % in Bangkok, 35 % in Kuala Lumpur, and 34 % in Singapore. Biomass burnings in Mainland Southeast Asia account for the largest contributor to total fire produced PM2.5 in Bangkok (99.1 %), while biomass burning in Sumatra is the major contributor to fire produced PM2.5 in Kuala Lumpur (49 %) and Singapore (41 %). To examine the general situation across the region, we have further defined and derived a new integrated metric for 50 cities of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, i.e., Haze Exposure Days (HEDs) that measures the annual exposure days of these cities to low visibility (< 10 km) caused by particulate matter pollution. It is shown that HEDs have increased steadily in the past decade across cities with both high and low populations. Fire events are found to be responsible for about half of the total HEDs. Therefore, our result suggests that in order to improve the overall air quality in Southeast Asia, mitigation policies targeting at both biomass and fossil fuel burning sources need to be put in effect.
Development and Testing of a Passive Sampler for Measurement of Gaseous Mercury
Authors: Wängberg Ingvar , Hageström Ulla , Sommar Jonas , Ferm Martin
Published: June 2016

Abstract. A passive sampler for measurement of gaseous mercury has been developed and tested in laboratory experiments. The sampler has also been compared to active measurement during field campaigns at ambient background concentrations of mercury as well as at slightly elevated concentrations. The result compares favourably with Tekran measurements and show that the sampler can be used for monitoring low background concentrations of mercury as well as elevated concentrations. It is also suitable as a personal dosimeter in occupational health measurements. The present work was performed as a subtask within the EU funded project, Global Mercury Observation System (GMOS).
Improving the climate data management in the meteorological service of Angola: experience from SASSCAL
Authors: Posada Rafael , Nascimento Domingos , Neto Francisco Osvaldo S. , Riede Jens , Kaspar Frank
Published: June 2016

Abstract. The knowledge on climate variability in parts of Southern Africa is limited because of the low availability of historic and present-day ground-based observations (Niang et al., 2014). However, there is an increased need of climate information for research, climate adaptation measures and climate services. To respond to the challenges of climate change and related issues, Angola, Botswana, Germany, Namibia, South Africa and Zambia have initiated the interdisciplinary regional competence centre SASSCAL, the "Southern African Science Service Centre for Climate Change and Adaptive Land Management". As part of the initiative, Germany's national meteorological service (Deutscher Wetterdienst, DWD) cooperates with the meteorological services of Angola, Botswana and Zambia in order to improve the management and availability of historical and present-day climate data in these countries. The first results of the cooperation between the German and the Angolan Meteorological Services are presented here. International assessments have shown that improvements of the data management concepts are needed in several countries. The experience of this cooperation can therefore provide hints for comparable activities in other regions.
Water column biogeochemistry of oxygen minimum zones in the eastern tropical North Atlantic and eastern tropical South Pacific oceans
Authors: Löscher Carolin R. , Bange Hermann W. , Schmitz Ruth A. , Callbeck Cameron M. , Engel Anja , Hauss Helena , Kanzow Torsten , Kiko Rainer , Lavik Gaute , Loginova Alexandra , Melzner Frank , Meyer Judith , Neulinger Sven C. , Pahlow Markus , Riebesell Ulf , Schunck Harald , Thomsen Sören , Wagner Hannes
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Recent modeling results suggest that oceanic oxygen levels will decrease significantly over the next decades to centuries in response to climate change and altered ocean circulation. Hence, the future ocean may experience major shifts in nutrient cycling triggered by the expansion and intensification of tropical oxygen minimum zones (OMZs), which are connected to the most productive upwelling systems in the ocean. There are numerous feedbacks among oxygen concentrations, nutrient cycling and biological productivity; however, existing knowledge is insufficient to understand physical, chemical and biological interactions in order to adequately assess past and potential future changes. In the following, we summarize one decade of research performed in the framework of the Collaborative Research Center 754 (SFB754) focusing on climate–biogeochemistry interactions in tropical OMZs. We investigated the influence of low environmental oxygen conditions on biogeochemical cycles, organic matter formation and remineralization, greenhouse gas production and the ecology in OMZ regions of the eastern tropical South Pacific compared to the weaker OMZ of the eastern tropical North Atlantic. Based on our findings, a coupling of primary production and organic matter export via the nitrogen cycle is proposed, which may, however, be impacted by several additional factors, e.g., micronutrients, particles acting as microniches, vertical and horizontal transport of organic material and the role of zooplankton and viruses therein.
Glacial δ13C decreases in the western South Atlantic forced by millennial changes in Southern Ocean ventilation
Authors: Campos Marília C. , Chiessi Cristiano M. , Voigt Ines , Piola Alberto R. , Kuhnert Henning , Mulitza Stefan
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Abrupt millennial–scale climate change events of the last deglaciation (i.e., Heinrich Stadial 1 and the Younger Dryas) were accompanied by marked increases in atmospheric CO2 presumably originated by outgassing from the Southern Ocean. However, information on the preceding Heinrich Stadials during the last glacial period is scarce. Here we present stable carbon isotopic data (δ13C) from two species of planktonic foraminifera from the western South Atlantic that reveal major decreases (up to 1 ‰) during Heinrich Stadials 3 and 2. These δ13C decreases are most likely related to millennial–scale periods of intensification in Southern Ocean deep water ventilation presumably associated with a weak Atlantic meridional overturning circulation. After reaching the upper water column of the Southern Ocean, the δ13C depletion would be transferred equatorward via central and thermocline waters. Together with other lines of evidence, our data are consistent with the hypothesis that the CO2 added to the atmosphere during abrupt millennial–scale climate change events during the last glacial period also originated in the ocean and reached the atmosphere by outgassing from the Southern Ocean. The temporal evolution of δ13C during Heinrich Stadials in our records is characterized by two relative minima separated by a relative maximum. This “w–structure” is also found in North Atlantic and South American records, giving us confidence that such structure is a pervasive feature of Heinrich Stadial 2 and, possibly, also Heinrich Stadial 3.
A wavelet-based approach to detect climate change on the coherent and turbulent component of the atmospheric circulation
Authors: Faranda Davide , Defrance Dimitri
Published: June 2016

Abstract. The modifications of atmospheric circulation induced by anthropogenic effects are difficult to capture because wind fields feature a complex spectrum where the signal of large-scale coherent structures (planetary, baroclinic waves and other long-term oscillations) is mixed up with turbulence. Our purpose is to study the effects of climate changes on these two components separately by applying a wavelet analysis to the 700 hPa wind fields obtained in climate simulations for different forcing scenarios. We study the coherent component of the signal via a correlation analysis to detect the persistence of large-scale or long-lasting structures, whereas we use the theory of autoregressive moving-average stochastic processes to measure the spectral complexity of the turbulent component. Under strong anthropogenic forcing, we detect a significant climate change signal. The analysis suggests that coherent structures will play a dominant role in future climate, whereas turbulent spectra will approach a classical Kolmogorov behaviour.
Comment on "Using groundwater age and hydrochemistry to understand sources and dynamics of nutrient contamination through the catchment into Lake Rotorua, New Zealand" by Morgenstern et al. (2015)
Authors: Abell Jonathan M. , Hamilton David P. , McBride Christopher G.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. This comment addresses a key conclusion in the paper entitled "Using groundwater age and hydrochemistry to understand sources and dynamics of nutrient contamination through the catchment into Lake Rotorua, New Zealand" by Morgenstern et al. (2015). The authors analyse hydrochemistry data and conclude that "the only effective way to limit algae blooms and improve lake water quality in such environments is by limiting the nitrate load". We undertook the crucial task of examining this conclusion because it contradicts the current strategy of limiting both phosphorus and nitrogen loads to the lake, supported by a multi-million dollar programme of action. Following careful consideration, we believe that the conclusion is invalid and outline four reasons to support our assessment. Our comments do not relate to the methodology or results that are presented by Morgenstern et al. (2015), and we recognise that their paper makes an otherwise highly valuable contribution to understanding hydro-chemical processes in the catchment.
Estimating extreme river discharges in Europe through a Bayesian Network
Authors: Paprotny Dominik , Morales Nápoles Oswaldo
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Large-scale hydrological modelling of flood hazard requires adequate extreme discharge data. Models based on physics are applied alongside those utilizing only statistical analysis. The former requires enormous computation power, while the latter are most limited in accuracy and spatial coverage. In this paper we introduce an alternate, statistical approach based on Bayesian Networks (BN), a graphical model for dependent random variables. We use a non-parametric BN to describe the joint distribution of extreme discharges in European rivers and variables describing the geographical characteristics of their catchments. Data on annual maxima of daily discharges from more than 1800 river gauge stations were collected, together with information on terrain, land use and climate of catchments that drain to those locations. The (conditional) correlations between the variables are modelled through copulas, with the dependency structure defined in the network. The results show that using this method, mean annual maxima and return periods of discharges could be estimated with an accuracy similar to existing studies using physical models for Europe, and better than a comparable global statistical method. Performance of the model varies slightly between regions of Europe, but is consistent between different time periods, and is not affected by a split-sample validation. The BN was applied to a large domain covering all sizes of rivers in the continent, both for present and future climate, showing large variation in influence of climate change on river discharges, as well as large differences between emission scenarios. The method could be used to provide quick estimates of extreme discharges at any location for the purpose of obtaining input information for hydraulic modelling.
Improvement of hydrological model calibration by selecting multiple parameter ranges
Authors: Wu Qiaofeng , Liu Shuguang , Cai Yi , Li Xinjian , Jiang Yangming
Published: June 2016

Abstract. The parameters of hydrological models are usually calibrated to achieve a good performance of the model, owing to the highly non-linear problem of hydrology process modelling. However, parameter calibration efficiency has a direct relation with parameter range. Furthermore, parameter range selection is affected by probability distribution of parameter values, parameter sensitivity and correlation. A newly proposed method is introduced to select and coordinate parameter ranges for improving the calibration of hydrological models with multiple parameters. At first, the probability distribution characteristics of single parameter value was analysed based on 100 samples obtained from independent calibration with initial parameter range and the distribution type (i.e. normal, exponential and uniform distributions) determined for single parameter. Then, the way to select the optimal range for single parameter was demonstrated by comparing different reduced and extended ranges corresponding to the distribution. Next, parameter correlation and sensibility were estimated to coordinate range selection of single parameter and the optimal combination of ranges for all parameters obtained. The results show that the probability of calibrated parameter values of Xinanjiang model takes on the normal or exponential distributions. For normal distribution, selecting the range of high probability density from the initial range is much more efficient for calibration. For exponential distribution, if the initial range can not be extended, selecting the range of high probability density contributes to high objective function. If the initial range can be extended, it is better to make the exponential distribution convert into normal distribution by doubling the range along X-axis direction and subsequently select the range according to normal distribution. Moreover, the coordination of range selection of single parameters makes the calibration of models with multiple parameters more efficient and effective.