bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pandemic influenza and major disease outbreak preparedness in US emergency departments: A survey of medical directors and department chairs
Authors: Morton, MD, MPH Melinda J. , Kirsch, MD, MPH Thomas D. , Rothman, MD, PhD Richard E. , Byerly, MD Marielle M. , Hsieh, PhD Yu-Hsiang , McManus, MD, MCR John G. , Kelen, MD Gabor D.
Published: January 2019

Study objectives: To quantify the readiness of individual academic emergency departments (EDs) in the United States for an outbreak of pandemic influenza.Methods, design, and setting: Cross-sectional assessment of influenza pandemic preparedness level of EDs in the United States via survey of medical directors and department chairs from the 135 academic emergency medicine departments in the United States. Preparedness assessed using a novel score of 15 critical preparedness indicators. Data analysis consisted of summary statistics, χ2, and ANOVA.Participants: ED medical directors and department chairs.Results: One hundred and thirty academic emergency medicine departments contacted; 66 (50.4 percent) responded. Approximately half (56.0 percent) stated their ED had a written plan for pandemic influenza response. Mean preparedness score was 7.2 (SD = 4.0) out of 15 (48.0 percent); only one program (1.5 percent) achieved a perfect score. Respondents from programs with larger EDs (=30 beds) were more likely to have a higher preparedness score (p 0.035), an ED pandemic preparedness plan (p = 0.004) and a hospital pandemic preparedness plan (p = 0.007). Respondents from programs with larger EDs were more likely to feel that their ED was prepared for a pandemic or other major disease outbreak (p = 0.01). Only onethird (34.0 percent) felt their ED was prepared for a major disease outbreak, and only 27 percent felt their hospital was prepared to respond to a major disease outbreak.Conclusions: Significant deficits in preparedness for pandemic influenza and other disease outbreaks exist in US EDs, relative to HHS guidelines, which appear to be related in part to ED size. Further study should be undertaken to determine the barriers to appropriate pandemic preparedness, as well as to develop and validate preparedness metrics.
July/August 2009
Authors: DeVito, Jr. Richard A.
Published: January 2019

Vol. 4, No. 4
Disaster preparedness: Are retired physicians willing to help?
Authors: Shephard, MD, MPH Elena M. , Klein, MD, MPH Eileen J. , Koelemay, MD, MPH Kathryn G. , Thompson, MSW Jack
Published: January 2019

Objective: To identify the proportion of retired physicians belonging to a state-wide professional association who would be willing to volunteer in the event of a disaster.Methods: A paper-based, self-administered questionnaire sent to all physicians listed as retired members of the Washington State Medical Association (WSMA). The main questions included whether subjects would be willing to volunteer during a disaster, which tasks they would be most willing to perform, and whether they would be willing to participate in disaster preparedness training.Results: A total of 2,443 surveys were mailed, 2,274 arrived at their destination (169 were undeliverable), and 1,447 were returned (response rate 64 percent). Fifty-four percent of respondents reported they would be willing to perform healthcare tasks during a disaster and 24 percent of respondents said they would possibly be willing to help. Tasks retired physicians were most willing to assist with included minor wound care (85 percent), vaccine administration (74 percent), and starting intravenous lines (71 percent). Fewer respondents indicated willingness to assist with community education (60 percent) or staffing ambulatory clinics (48 percent). Seventy-eight percent indicated they would attend disaster preparedness training.Conclusions: Healthcare facilities must be prepared to cope with staffing shortages in the event of a disaster and volunteers such as retired physicians could fill crucial roles in a medical response plan. The majority of retired physicians surveyed would be willing to participate. They would be most willing to perform well-defined tasks directly related to patient care. Most would be willing to participate in preparatory training.
September/October 2009
Authors: DeVito, Jr. Richard A.
Published: January 2019

Vol. 4, No. 5
Perceived barriers of non-US healthcare providers to responding during mass casualty incidents
Authors: Wright, PhD, RN Dolores J.
Published: January 2019

Nurses and other healthcare providers (HCPs) have a long history of providing care during extreme emergencies, disasters, or mass casualty incidents (MCIs). Surveys have been conducted in US metropolitan areas to determine the ability and willingness of HCP to respond to an MCIs. Various barriers were identified in those studies.The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions and attitudes of HCPs in other countries and cultures to barriers they may have in their ability or willingness to respond during an MCI. The study participants were 42 nurses completing their master’s degree, representing 26 different countries and territories, and they were assigned to one of eight focus groups based on the location of their country of origin.The findings revealed several themes, the first being that in some countries there were no perceived barriers to either ability or willingness to respond to an MCI. In other countries, the perceived barriers to ability were lack of transportation, staff shortages, equipment shortages, personal illness, and lack of infant care, whereas the perceived barriers to willingness were dimensions of fear and employment status. Cultural differences played a significant role in the ability and willingness of the HCPs to respond to an MCI.
Flash flood preparedness in Golestan province of Iran: A community intervention trial
Authors: Ardalan, MD, PhD Ali , Naieni, PhD Kourosh Holakouie , Mahmoodi, PhD Mahmood , Zanganeh, MD Ali-Mohamad , Keshtkar, MD, PhD Abbas-Ali , Honarvar, MD, MPH Mohamad-Reza , Kabir, MSc Mohamad-Javad
Published: January 2019

Objective: To evaluate effectiveness of a community- based preparedness program for flash floodsDesign: A controlled community intervention trial with preassessment and postassessment.Setting: Fifteen intervention villages and 16 control villages in Golestan province of IranParticipants: People more than six years of age.Intervention: Intervention program consisted assembling Village Disaster Taskforces (VDTs), training of VDTs and community, evacuation drill, and program monitoring.Main outcome measures: Individual participation in household preparedness actions including, preparedness meeting, risk mapping, preparation of emergency supplies, assisting vulnerable people, and evacuation drill.Results: Our intervention improved preparedness of local community for flash floods in term of all interested outcome measures. For instance, adjusted odds ratio for participation in an evacuation drill in intervention area in postassessment compared with preassessment was 29.05 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 21.77-38.76), whereas in control area it was 2.69 (95% CI: 1.96-3.70). Difference in these odds ratios was statistically significant (p 0.001). Participation in a family preparedness meeting and risk mapping were helpful in motivating individuals to take other preparedness actions. Women were found prepared as much as the men.Younger people showed lower participation in preparation of family emergency supplies but higher attendance in evacuation drills. Participation in evacuation drills decreased with increasing age. It was a positive association between risk perception and taking all preparedness actions.Conclusion: Flood preparedness programs should focus on participatory risk assessment and preparedness techniques, strive to improve risk perception and female capabilities, and ensure providing assistance to the older people during evacuation.
Disaster preparedness education and a Midwest Regional Poison Center
Authors: Lehman-Huskamp, MD Kathy , Rebmann, PhD, RN, CIC Terri , Walter, MD Frank G. , Weber, BS Pharm, CSPI Julie , Scalzo, MD Anthony
Published: January 2019

Objective: To assess knowledge and comfort related to disaster preparedness and response gained and retained from a disaster medicine workshop given to Certified Specialists in Poison Information (CSPI).Design: A pilot study with a pre-post intervention design.Setting: A Midwest Regional Poison Center.Participants: All CSPIs employed at the participating Poison Center (N_ 27) were recruited. Participation ranged from 44 percent (n _ 12) for the 4-month postworkshop knowledge quiz to 78 percent (n _ 21) for the preworkshop survey.Intervention: A disaster medicine workshop was given to the CSPIs. Quizzes and surveys were done preworkshop and then repeated at 1 week, 4 months, and 14 months postworkshop.Main Outcome Measures: CSPI knowledge and comfort pertaining to disaster-related calls.Results: CSPIs’ comfort levels with calls regarding major chemical or nuclear/radiation disasters significantly increased and stayed elevated during all follow-up periods [Kruskal-Wallis _2 (3) _ 13.1, p _ 0.01]. The average preworkshop quiz score was 58.2 percent. A statistically significant increase in mean quiz score was demonstrated amongst preworkshop and postworkshop scores at all tested time intervals (F _ 18.8, p _ 0.001).Conclusions: CSPIs’ knowledge regarding disaster management significantly increased after a disaster medicine workshop, and this knowledge was significantly retained for the 14-month duration of this study. Currently, there are no uniform guidelines for Poison Centers regarding disaster response training. Studies targeted at the development of educational competencies for CSPIs and disaster response would help to standardize this much needed education.
July/August 2010
Authors: DeVito, Jr. Richard A.
Published: January 2019

Vol. 5, No. 4
Chief complaints and diagnoses of displaced Israelis seeking medical treatment during the 2006 Israel-Lebanon War
Authors: Lipsitz, PhD Joshua D. , Zimmerman, MD, MPH Deena , Kovalski, MD Nahum , Gross, MD, MPH Raz , Hammel, MD Rachel
Published: January 2019

Objective: To examine patterns of visits by residents of northern Israel displaced during the Israel- Lebanon War of 2006 to an urgent care system in central Israel and to compare these patterns with those of local patients.Design: Retrospective analysis of electronic medical records.Setting: Urgent care clinic system in and around Jerusalem, Israel.Participants: Patients residing in northern Israel who presented from July 12 to August 21, 2006. Local patients who presented during the same time period were used for comparison.Interventions: None.Main outcome measures: Chief complaints, discharge diagnoses, demographics, and visit characteristics.Results: There were a total of 1,175 visits for 938 northern patients, reflecting 6.7 percent of total visits to this system. Overall age distribution of northerners was generally similar. As a proportion of visits, adult northerners were less likely to visit for chief complaints of injury or laceration and more likely to visit for complaint of back pain.They were more likely to have a discharge diagnosis of chest pain, anxiety, or hypertension. Northern children and adolescents were less likely to visit due to injury or fall or to have a discharge diagnosis of fracture.They were more likely to have a discharge diagnosis of gastroenteritis or tonsillitis.Conclusions: Patterns of common discharge diagnoses were generally similar between northern and local residents, with the exception of fewer injury-related visits and more anxiety-related visits. Urgent care appears to have served an important function for displaced individuals during this war, mostly for routine medical needs.
Preparedness for the evaluation and management of mass casualty incidents involving anticholinesterase compounds: A survey of emergency department directors in the 12 largest cities in the United States
Authors: Madsen, MD, MPH, FCAP, FACOEM, COL, MC-FS, USA James M. , Greenberg, MD, MPH Michael I.
Published: January 2019

Objectives: Anticholinesterases include carbamate and organophosphorus (OP) insecticides and nerve agents. Release of these compounds can flood emergency departments (EDs) with large numbers of poisoned victims and worried individuals. It was hypothesized that despite the focus of disaster preparedness on large metropolitan areas, EDs in these cities would still report self-perceptions of deficiencies in preparedness for mass casualty incidents (MCIs) involving these chemicals.Design and setting: A secure and anonymous online survey was prepared and piloted, and E-mail invitations were sent to the physician directors of the 220 continuously staffed EDs in the 12 most populous incorporated cities in the United States.Results: Forty-six ED directors could not be contacted despite repeated attempts. Of the remaining 174 directors, eight declined and 89 took the survey, for a response rate of 51.1 percent. Fewer than 20 percent were very confident in the effectiveness of their training, and only 4.9 percent were very confident that drills had given them the preparation that they needed. Only 45.7 percent of reporting hospitals had a board-certified medical toxicologist to help in such an emergency. Almost two-thirds (73.6 percent) of those familiar with the online Radiation Event Medical Management (REMM) module from the National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health thought that a chemical counterpart to REMM would be either moderately or very helpful for MCIs involving anticholinesterases.Conclusions: This study demonstrates that physician ED directors perceived marked deficiencies in their abilities to respond to this kind of toxicological emergency and suggests critical directions for remediation of these deficiencies.
Mechanical ventilation in disaster situations: A new paradigm using the AGILITIES Score System
Authors: Wilkens, MD, MPH Eric P. , Klein, MD, MPH, MBA Gary M.
Published: January 2019

Background: The failure of life-critical systems such as mechanical ventilators in the wake of a pandemic or a disaster may result in death, and therefore, state and federal government agencies must have precautions in place to ensure availability, reliability, and predictability through comprehensive preparedness and response plans.Methods: All 50 state emergency preparedness response plans were extensively examined for the attention given to the critically injured and ill patient population during a pandemic or mass casualty event. Public health authorities of each state were contacted as well.Results: Nine of 51 state plans (17.6 percent) included a plan or committee for mechanical ventilation triage and management in a pandemic influenza event. All 51 state plans relied on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Flu Surge 2.0 spreadsheet to provide estimates for their influenza planning. In the absence of more specific guidance, the authors have developed and provided guidelines recommended for ventilator triage and the implementation of the AGILITIES Score in the event of a pandemic, mass casualty event, or other catastrophic disaster.Conclusions: The authors present and describe the AGILITIES Score Ventilator Triage System and provide related guidelines to be adopted uniformly by government agencies and hospitals.This scoring system and the set of guidelines are to be used in disaster settings, such as Hurricane Katrina, and are based on three key factors: relative health, duration of time on mechanical ventilation, and patients’ use of resources during a disaster. For any event requiring large numbers of ventilators for patients, the United States is woefully unprepared. The deficiencies in this aspect of preparedness include (1) lack of accountability for physical ventilators, (2) lack of understanding with which healthcare professionals can safely operate these ventilators, (3) lack of understanding from where additional ventilator resources exist, and (4) a triage strategy to provide ventilator support to those patients with the greatest chances of survival.
Human stampedes: A neglected disaster in the developing world
Authors: Prashanth, MBBS, MD Gowda Parameshwar
Published: January 2019

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Strengthening hospital preparedness for chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive events: Clinicians’ opinions regarding physician/physician assistant response and training
Authors: McInerney, MD, MBA, MA, FACEP Joan E. , Richter, PhD Anke
Published: January 2019

Objectives: This research explores the attitudes of physicians and physician assistants (PA) regarding response roles and responsibilities as well as training opinions to understand how best to partner with emergency department physicians and to effectively apply scarce healthcare dollars to ensure successful emergency preparedness.Design: Physicians and PAs representing 21 specialties in two level I trauma public hospitals were surveyed. Participants scored statements within four categories regarding roles and responsibilities of clinicians in a disaster; barriers to participation; implementation of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive training; and training preferences on a Likert scale of 1 (strongly agree) to 5 (strongly disagree). Additional open-ended questions were asked.Results: Respondents strongly feel that they have an ethical responsibility to respond in a disaster situation and that other clinicians would be receptive to their assistance. They feel that they have clinical skills that could be useful in a catastrophic response effort. They are very receptive to additional training to enable them to respond. Respondents are neutral to slightly positive about whether this training should be mandated, yet requiring training as a condition for licensure, board certification, or credentialing was slightly negative. Therefore, it is unclear how the mandate would be encouraged or enforced. Barriers to training include mild concerns about risk and malpractice, the cost of training, the time involved in training, and the cost for the time in training (eg, lost revenue and continuing medical education time). Respondents are not concerned about whether they can learn and retain these skills. Across all questions, there was no statistically significant difference in responses between the medical and surgical subspecialties.Conclusions: Improving healthcare preparedness to respond to a terrorist or natural disaster requires increased efforts at organization, education and training. Physicians are willing to increase their knowledge base if it is possible to create a mutually positive win-win environment to minimize cost and disruption while maximizing preparedness. There is no clear consensus on the implementation of this training, but to most efficiently and effectively use scare homeland security dollars, a dialogue must begin between the medical profession, medical societies, and US Department of Health and Human Services to determine the best training strategies.
Health Emergencies in Large Populations: A disaster medicine learning experience
Authors: Dhillon, BA, MB BCh BAO, LRCPSI, DRCOG Paul Singh
Published: January 2019

The Health Emergencies in Large Populations course, organized by the International Committee of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, is delivered in a decentralized manner by a number of academic centers around the world. It was one of the first formal educational opportunities developed for those in humanitarian assistance organizations, and its initial aim was to upgrade professionalism in humanitarian assistance programs conducted in emergency situations.This article summarizes the history and describes the current content, structure, and costs of the course.
Pandemic influenza and major disease outbreak preparedness in US emergency departments: A selected survey of emergency health professionals
Authors: Morton, MD, MPH Melinda J. , Hsu, MD, MPH Edbert B. , Shah, MD Sneha H. , Hsieh, PhD Yu-Hsiang , Kirsch, MD, MPH Thomas D.
Published: January 2019

Objective: To assess the level of pandemic preparedness at emergency departments (EDs) around the country and to better understand current barriers to preparedness in the United States represented by health professionals in the American College of Emergency Physician (ACEP) Disaster Medicine Section (DMS).Methods, design, and setting: A cross-sectional survey of ACEP DMS members was performed. A total of 300 members were surveyed both via e-mail and with paper surveys during the 2009 ACEP Scientific Assembly DMS Meeting. An optional comments section was included for section members’ perspectives on barriers to preparedness. A 15-item pandemic preparedness score was calculated for each respondent based on key preparedness indicators as defined by the authors. Results were analyzed with descriptive statistics, ᵪ2 analysis, Cochran-Armitage trend test, and analysis of variance. Free text comments were coded and subjected to frequency-based analysis.Results: A total of 92 DMS members completed the survey with a response rate of 31 percent. Although 85 percent of those surveyed indicated that their hospital had a plan for pandemic influenza response and other infectious disease threats, only 68 percent indicated that their ED had a plan, and 52 percent indicated that their hospital or ED had conducted disaster preparedness drills. Only 57 percent indicated that there was a plan to augment ED staff in the event of a staffing shortage, and 63 percent indicated that there were adequate supplies of personal protective equipment.While 63 percent of respondents indicated that their ED had a plan for distribution of vaccines and antivirals, only 32 percent of EDs had a plan for allocation of ventilators.A total of 42 percent of respondents felt that their ED was prepared in the event of a pandemic influenza or other disease outbreak, and only 35 percent felt that their hospital was prepared. The average pandemic preparedness score among respondents was 8.30 of a total of 15. Larger EDs were more likely to have a higher preparedness score (p = 0.03) and more likely to have a pandemic preparedness plan (p = 0.037). Some major barriers to preparedness cited by section members included lack of local administration support, challenges in funding, need for dedicated disaster preparedness personnel, staffing shortages, and a lack of communication among disaster response agencies, particularly at the federal level.Conclusions: There appear to be significant gaps in pandemic influenza and other infectious disease outbreak planning among the hospitals where ACEP DMS members work.This may reflect a broader underlying inadequacy of preparedness measures.
No one left behind: Postevent experiences of differently abled individuals in Denmark
Authors: Todorovac, MSc Adnan , Simonsen, MSc Louise Damsbo , Elklit, MSc Ask
Published: January 2019

Purpose: This descriptive study explored barriers and difficulties faced by individuals with a physical disability (IPD) in Denmark in situations of disaster and in everyday problems.Methods: Semistructured interviews were conducted with 12 IPD who had experienced a possible traumatic event. Due to a lack of participants who experienced a traumatic event, the authors expanded their recruitment strategy to include IPD, who had experienced other critical situations (eg, accidents and personal crises).Results: Difficulties centered on four major themes: (1) lack of guidelines and evacuation plans, (2) differences in reaction to crisis, (3) a lack of empathy and special care from professionals and a general lack of communication directly to the IPD, and (4) great inequality in the municipals and no consistent rules for what a IPD is entitled to.Conclusions: This study has identified significant gaps in predisaster and postdisaster service provision for IPD. There is a need for general evacuation guidelines and more specialized professional help to provide better aftercare according to the different needs of the IPD. The results of this study can inform policy makers to enhance existing services and/or develop new guidelines and evacuation plans targeted at this population.
Planning considerations for persons with access and functional needs in a disaster—Part 2: Evacuation and sheltering
Authors: Mace, MD Sharon E. , Doyle, MD Constance J. , Askew, MD Kim , Bradin, DO Stuart , Baker, MD Mark , Joseph, MD Madeline M. , Sorrentino, MD Annalise
Published: January 2019

Although disasters can affect anyone in a given community or region, those with access and functional needs have the highest rates of morbidity and mortality during an emergency or disaster. There are many unique and complex issues that should be considered when dealing with these individuals in a disaster situation. Who are these individuals, what specific issues should be addressed, and what recommendations can be made in order to address their unique needs? How can we include them as part of the all-hazard, comprehensive approach to disaster management? The first part of this three-part series identifies who is included in this population and what are the legal considerations that arise in caring for not only this unique group but also all of the members of the community in a disaster. The second part considers evacuation, sheltering, sheltering in place, communication, medical needs, independence, supervision, and transportation (CMIST) with a focus on mental health. The third part deals with the medical aspect of CMIST and with recommendations that may aid disaster responders and planners in caring for these high-risk individuals in a disaster.
De waarderelevantie van kernpunten in de controleverklaring voor de kapitaalmarkten
Authors: Nieuw Amerongen Niels , Evers Nathalie , van Buuren Joost
Published: January 2019

In dit artikel onderzoeken wij wat de invloed is van de nieuwestijlcontroleverklaring op de besluitvorming van investeerders in Nederland en Engeland. Uit onze regressieanalyse blijkt geen steun te worden gevonden voor de op basis van beschikbare onderzoeksliteratuur opgestelde hypotheses. Aanvullend uitgevoerde verkennende analyses laten zien dat het soort kernpunten verband houdt met de omvang van de onderneming en de branche.
Atmospheric band fitting coefficients derived from a self-consistent rocket-borne experiment
Authors: Grygalashvyly Mykhaylo , Eberhart Martin , Hedin Jonas , Strelnikov Boris , Lübken Franz-Josef , Rapp Markus , Löhle Stefan , Fasoulas Stefanos , Khaplanov Mikhail , Gumbel Jörg , Vorobeva Ekaterina
Published: January 2019

Abstract. Based on self-consistent rocket-borne measurements of temperature, the
densities of atomic oxygen and neutral air, and the volume emission of the
atmospheric band (762 nm), we examined the one-step and two-step excitation
mechanism of O2b1Σg+ for nighttime
conditions. Following McDade et al. (1986), we derived the empirical fitting
coefficients, which parameterize the atmospheric band emission
O2b1Σg+-X3Σg-0,0. This allows us to derive the atomic oxygen concentration from
nighttime observations of atmospheric band emission O2b1Σg+-X3Σg-0,0. The
derived empirical parameters can also be utilized for atmospheric band
modeling. Additionally, we derived the fit function and corresponding
coefficients for the combined (one- and two-step) mechanism. The simultaneous
common volume measurements of all the parameters involved in the theoretical
calculation of the observed O2b1Σg+-X3Σg-0,0
emission, i.e., temperature and density of the background air, atomic oxygen
density, and volume emission rate, is the novelty and the advantage of this
work.
The observed diurnal cycle of low-level stratus clouds over southern West Africa: a case study
Authors: Babić Karmen , Adler Bianca , Kalthoff Norbert , Andersen Hendrik , Dione Cheikh , Lohou Fabienne , Lothon Marie , Pedruzo-Bagazgoitia Xabier
Published: January 2019

Abstract. This study presents the first detailed observational analysis of
the complete diurnal cycle of stratiform low-level clouds (LLC) and involved
atmospheric processes over southern West Africa (SWA). The data used here
were collected during the comprehensive DACCIWA
(Dynamics-Aerosol-Chemistry-Cloud-Interactions in West Africa) ground-based
campaign, which aimed at monitoring LLC characteristics and capturing the
wide range of atmospheric conditions related to the West African monsoon
flow. In this study, in situ and remote sensing measurements from the
supersite near Savè (Benin) collected during a typical day, which is
characterized by the onset of a nocturnal low-level jet (NLLJ) and the
formation of LLC, are analyzed. The associated dynamic and thermodynamic
conditions allow the identification of five different phases related to the
LLC diurnal cycle: the stable, jet, stratus I, stratus II, and convective
phases. The analysis of relative humidity tendency shows that cooling is a
dominant process for LLC formation, which leads to a continuous increase in
relative humidity at a maximum rate of 6 % h−1, until finally saturation is reached and LLC form with a
cloud-base height near the height of NLLJ maximum. Results of heat budget
analysis illustrate that horizontal cold-air advection, related to the
maritime inflow, which brings the cool maritime air mass and a prominent NLLJ
wind profile, has the dominant role in the observed strong cooling of
−1.2 K h−1 during the jet phase. The contribution from horizontal
cold advection is quantified to be up to 68 %, while radiative cooling
and sensible heat flux divergence both contribute 16 % to the observed heat
budget below the NLLJ maximum. After the LLC form (stratus phases I and II),
turbulent mixing is an important factor leading to the cooling below the
cloud base, while strong radiative cooling at the cloud top helps to maintain
thick stratus.
Studying the impact of biomass burning aerosol radiative and climate effects on the Amazon rainforest productivity with an Earth system model
Authors: Malavelle Florent F. , Haywood Jim M. , Mercado Lina M. , Folberth Gerd A. , Bellouin Nicolas , Sitch Stephen , Artaxo Paulo
Published: January 2019

Abstract. Diffuse light conditions can increase the efficiency of photosynthesis and
carbon uptake by vegetation canopies. The diffuse fraction of
photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) can be affected by either a change
in the atmospheric aerosol burden and/or a change in cloudiness. During the
dry season, a hotspot of biomass burning on the edges of the Amazon
rainforest emits a complex mixture of aerosols and their precursors and
climate-active trace gases (e.g. CO2, CH4, NOx). This
creates potential for significant interactions between chemistry, aerosol,
cloud, radiation and the biosphere across the Amazon region. The combined
effects of biomass burning on the terrestrial carbon cycle for the
present day are potentially large, yet poorly quantified. Here, we quantify
such effects using the Met Office Hadley Centre Earth system model
HadGEM2-ES, which provides a fully coupled framework with interactive aerosol, radiative
transfer, dynamic vegetation, atmospheric chemistry and biogenic volatile
organic compound emission components. Results show that for present day,
defined as year 2000 climate, the overall net impact of biomass burning
aerosols is to increase net primary productivity (NPP) by +80 to +105 TgC yr−1,
or 1.9 % to 2.7 %, over the central Amazon Basin on annual mean. For
the first time we show that this enhancement is the net result of multiple
competing effects: an increase in diffuse light which stimulates
photosynthetic activity in the shaded part of the canopy (+65 to +110 TgC yr−1), a reduction in the total amount of radiation (−52 to −105 TgC yr−1)
which reduces photosynthesis and feedback from climate adjustments in
response to the aerosol forcing which increases the efficiency of biochemical
processes (+67 to +100 TgC yr−1). These results illustrate that despite a
modest direct aerosol effect (the sum of the first two counteracting
mechanisms), the overall net impact of biomass burning aerosols on
vegetation is sizeable when indirect climate feedbacks are considered. We
demonstrate that capturing the net impact of aerosols on vegetation should be
assessed considering the system-wide behaviour.
Aerosol hygroscopic growth, contributing factors, and impact on haze events in a severely polluted region in northern China
Authors: Chen Jun , Li Zhanqing , Lv Min , Wang Yuying , Wang Wei , Zhang Yingjie , Wang Haofei , Yan Xing , Sun Yele , Cribb Maureen
Published: January 2019

Abstract. This study investigates the impact of the aerosol hygroscopic
growth effect on haze events in Xingtai, a heavily polluted city in the
central part of the North China Plain (NCP), using a large array of instruments
measuring aerosol optical, physical, and chemical properties. Key instruments
used and measurements made include the Raman lidar for atmospheric water
vapor content and aerosol optical profiles, the PC-3016A GrayWolf six-channel
handheld particle and mass meter for atmospheric total particulate matter (PM)
that has diameters less than 1 and 2.5 µm (PM1 and
PM2.5, respectively), the aerosol chemical speciation monitor (ACSM) for
chemical components in PM1, and the hygroscopic tandem differential
mobility analyzer (H-TDMA) for aerosol hygroscopicity. The changes in
PM1 and PM2.5 agreed well with that of the water vapor content due
to the aerosol hygroscopic growth effect. Two cases were selected to further
analyze the effects of aerosol hygroscopic growth on haze events. The
lidar-estimated hygroscopic enhancement factor for the aerosol backscattering
coefficient during a relatively clean period (Case I) was lower than that
during a pollution event (Case II) with similar relative humidity (RH) levels
of 80 %–91 %. The Kasten model was used to fit the aerosol optical
hygroscopic growth factor (GF) whose parameter b differed considerably between
the two cases, i.e., 0.1000 (Case I) versus 0.9346 (Case II). The aerosol
acidity value calculated from ACSM data for Case I (1.35) was less than that
for Case II (1.50) due to different amounts of inorganics such as
NH4NO3, NH4HSO4, and (NH4)2SO4. Model
results based on H-TDMA data showed that aerosol hygroscopic growth factors
in each size category (40, 80, 110, 150, and 200 nm) at different RH levels
(80 %–91 %) for Case I were lower than those for Case II. For similar
ambient RH levels, the high content of nitrate facilitates the hygroscopic
growth of aerosols, which may be a major factor contributing to heavy haze
episodes in Xingtai.
Evidence for microbial iron reduction in the methanogenic sediments of the oligotrophic SE Mediterranean continental shelf
Authors: Vigderovich Hanni , Liang Lewen , Herut Barak , Wang Fengping , Wurgaft Eyal , Rubin-Blum Maxim , Sivan Orit
Published: January 2019

Abstract. Dissimilatory iron reduction is probably one of the earliest metabolisms, which still participates in important biogeochemical cycles such as carbon and sulfur. Traditionally, this process is thought to be limited to the shallow part of the sediment column, as one of the energetically favorable anaerobic microbial respiration cascade, usually coupled to the oxidation of organic matter. However, in the last decade iron reduction has been observed in the methanogenic depth in many aquatic sediments, suggesting a link between the iron and the methane cycles. Yet, the mechanistic nature of this link has yet to be established, and has not been studied in oligotrophic shallow marine sediments. In this study we present first geochemical and molecular evidences for microbial iron reduction in the methanogenic depth of the oligotrophic Southern Eastern (SE) Mediterranean continental shelf. Geochemical pore-water profiles indicate iron reduction in two zones, the traditional zone in the upper part of the sediment cores and a deeper second zone located in the enhanced methane concentration layer. Results from a slurry incubation experiment indicate that the iron reduction is microbial. The Geochemical data, Spearman correlation between microbial abundance and iron concentration, as well as the qPCR analysis of the mcrA gene point to several potential microorganisms that could be involved in this iron reduction via three potential pathways: H2/organic matter oxidation, an active sulfur cycle or iron driven anaerobic oxidation of methane.
THE “DIAGNOSTIC SURVEY”: A METHODOLOGY FOR THE KNOWLEDGE OF A COMPLEX ARCHITECTURAL PALIMPSEST
Authors: Bortolotto S. , Ciocchini E. , Garzulino A. , Simonelli R. , Zangheri F.
Published: January 2019

Abstract. A multidisciplinary approach that availing of the use of different techniques, such as topography, three-dimensional laser scans, photogrammetry, archival studies and stratigraphical analysis, can permit to define a whole methodology of analysis useful for the knowledge of complex architectures and for the identification of potential problems related to the static structure of the buildings, as well as the deepening of their evolutionary framework. This outline was so applied for the analysis of the northern portion of the Castello Sforzesco of Milan (Torre Falconiera and Ponticella), where Sala delle Asse is located, allowing the acquisition of a corpus of information. The diagnostic detection operations carried out were therefore conducted with the primary purpose in order to verify the geometries of the buildings and to define an exhaustive framework of the equilibrium and imbalance of the factory. The comparison between the documentary sources and the direct sources has made it possible to correlate the information to identify the construction phases and the subsequent interventions of restoration, rearrangement and to define new possible functions. The corpus of diagnostic-cognitive investigations conducted on the Torre Falconiera and contiguous spaces also allowed us to delineate the state of art in which the structure has come up to date and to highlight its critical points interpreting the phenomenology with awareness.
A BIM APPROACH FOR THE ANALYSIS OF AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL MONUMENT
Authors: Bosco A. , D’Andrea A. , Nuzzolo M. , Zanfagna P.
Published: January 2019

Abstract. In 2010 an Italian team started new on-field investigations in the area of the Sun Temple of Niuserra, 6 km south of the pyramids of Giza. The archaeological research was planned to re-examine the monument after its discovery in 1898. The work was mainly aimed at a general evaluation of the archaeological structures, still visible, in order to establish an updated plan of the temple. More than 100 scans and several 3D models by close-range photogrammetry have been acquired, processed and integrated to virtually reconstruct the archaeological area.To manage all available 3D datasets, allowing to propose new hypothesis about the monument, a BIM has been developed. Thanks to this approach different categories of environmental and technological objects have been created and analysed. The paper deals with the recent achievements, especially regarding the hierarchical conceptualisation of the architectural components. In particular, the contribution dwells on the analysis of the monument starting from the identification of a parametric library built on the semantic decomposition of the 3D replica.
TOWARDS A DIGITAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL ARCHIVE: THE CASE STUDY OF THE ARTEFACTS OF THE AREA OF FORI IMPERIALI
Authors: Calisi D. , Molinari M.
Published: January 2019

Abstract. The following research aims to exploit the low-cost technologies, for the survey and mapping of historical archaeology in the Roman context. The main purposes of the research is to implement a large-scale survey campaign to understand the geometry and the materiality of the artefacts examined. Three-dimensional survey from photography, allows an immediate mapping of the materiality, of the degradation and of the architectural elements characteristic of the architecture in question. From the model it is possible to obtain an image that is faithful to the reality that can be the basis for developments in many disciplines such as, for example, in the restoration project, for the material analysis and the mapping of the degradation. The applications for this type of mapping are numerous, one of those proposed in this research concerns the virtual musealisation of historical artifacts. More and more in recent years, museums are exploiting the capabilities of three-dimensional modeling software of architectural elements to interactively convey architectural elements. A methodology of work that in recent archaeological excavations is not based solely on the didactic divulgation of the history of a place, but during the excavation phase on the mapping and cataloging of uncovered finds.
INFORMATION MODELING AND LANDSCAPE: INTERVENTION METHODOLOGY FOR READING COMPLEX SYSTEMS
Authors: Cianci M. G. , Molinari M.
Published: January 2019

Abstract. When we talk about landscape and in particular landscape architecture, we refer to a living structure in continuous evolution and in clear contrast to the aesthetic and geometric immobility of the single architectural building. By landscape we mean a complex set of transformations of a historical and biological nature; the times of these components are very different, but they work in a single cycle and in symbiosis between them. This set is inseparable from what happens in the present, we must always think about who lives the reality and know how to interpret the different subjective perceptions of a space. The theme of landscape representation is a subject of difficult development, not only for the multiplicity of elements involved in a single system, but for the dynamism and continuous transformation of the element that one wants to study. The intrinsic multidisciplinarity in this field imposes different visions on the methodology to be used to understand and in the end represent. We must ask ourselves which is the problem in understanding how nowadays it is possible to develop a system capable of grouping the different needs that arise from the study of the landscape and which tools must be used in surveying and representation. To date, in the Italian context, the landscape project and its graphic representation is steady to the production of static images, realized with two-dimensional or three-dimensional digital drawing software, representing only the frames of reality, within the territory survey, or of future developments regarding projects. This methodology of representation imposes strong limits in the understanding of which systems and elements come into play when one enters into relationship with a living architecture.
ALEPPO - BEFORE AND AFTER
Authors: Fangi G.
Published: January 2019

Abstract. In October 2018 I was in Aleppo, Syria, for my second time after the visit in 2010 before the war. It was an unique opportunity to perform 3D surveys of some noticeable buildings and monuments affected by the war. The paper shows some 3D results and comparisons for same monuments. The objects of the survey are some parts of the Citadel walls, the entrance tower of the Citadel, the southern tower, one mosque, the minaret of the Citadel mosque. These results prove undoubtedly that photogrammetry is an essential instrument for the 3D documentation and digital preservation of cultural heritage. The used technique is spherical photogrammetry, based on panoramic images and ad-hoc processing processes. The technique is very much suitable for heritage documentation and if will be transferred to the students of the local faculty of architecture.
VIRTUAL TOURS FOR SMART CITIES: A COMPARATIVE PHOTOGRAMMETRIC APPROACH FOR LOCATING HOT-SPOTS IN SPHERICAL PANORAMAS
Authors: Feriozzi R. , Meschini A. , Rossi D. , Sicuranza F.
Published: January 2019

Abstract. The paper aims to investigate the possibilities of using the panorama-based VR to survey data related to that set of activities for planning and management of urban areas, belonging to the Smart Cities strategies. The core of our workflow is to facilitate the visualization of the data produced by the infrastructures of the Smart Cities. A graphical interface based on spherical panoramas, instead of complex three-dimensional could help the user/citizen of the city to better know the operation related to control units spread in the urban area. From a methodological point of view three different kind of spherical panorama acquisition has been tested and compared in order to identify a semi-automatic procedure for locating homologous points on two or more spherical images starting from a point cloud obtained from the same images. The points thus identified allow to quickly identify the same hot-spot on multiple images simultaneously. The comparison shows how all three systems have proved to be useful for the purposes of the research but only one has proved to be reliable from a geometric point of view to identify the locators useful for the construction of the virtual tour.
RECREATE THE ANCIENT URBAN LANDSCAPE. MULTIMEDIA AND INTERACTIVE TOOLS TO IMPROVE ACCESSIBILITY AND ENHANCEMENT OF THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL HERITAGE OF MILAN
Authors: Garzulino A. , Zenoni G.
Published: January 2019

Abstract. The urban archaeological remains, especially in cities like Milan, have a number of issues closely related to the preservation and maintenance of the characteristics of each site, but today these issues appear to be equally fundamental and strictly linked to the awareness and accessibility of this hidden heritage. As part of the “Mediolanum MMXV” project, it was possible to investigate these topics by approaching areas with different characteristics and developing actions that allowed the full knowledge of the current state of these historical artefacts, highlighting the main critical aspects. The consequent activation of coordinated actions of knowledge, through a combination of three-dimensional documentation methodologies, activities of promotion and communication of the different archaeological sites in the central areas of Milan has led to the creation of a network structure aimed at creating the basis for a wider project able to increase its usability and valorisation thanks to multimedia communication and interactive virtual representation systems.
KNOWLEDGE-BASED FRAMEWORK FOR AUTOMATIC SEMANTISATION AND RECONSTRUCTION OF MILITARY ARCHITECTURE ON CITY-SCALE MODELS
Authors: Gros A. , Jacquot K. , Messaoudi T.
Published: January 2019

Abstract. The scale models of fortified towns belonging to the Plans-Reliefs collection are exceptional witnesses of the formation of the French territory. The aim of the URBANIA project is the valorisation and the diffusion of this heritage through the creation of virtual models. The town scale model of Strasbourg at 1 : 600 currently exhibited in the Historical Museum of Strasbourg was selected as a case study. We develop and experiment an automatic procedure to identify and reconstruct military architecture works from point cloud digitisation of this fragile and bulky heritage. A priori knowledge formalized in a domain ontology informs the identification of the works – via geometrical feature comparison and consistency evaluation within the fortification system morphology – and their parametric 3D reconstruction refined by direct fit to the initial point cloud.
UAV FOR MAPPING HISTORIC BUILDINGS: FROM 3D MODELLING TO BIM
Authors: Karachaliou E. , Georgiou E. , Psaltis D. , Stylianidis E.
Published: January 2019

Abstract. Preventive actions of cultural heritage continuously emerge in order to preserve the identity of the respective civilizations, retain its cultural significance and ensure its accessibility to present and future generations. 3D geomatics technologies along with UAV systems are widely used for documenting existing structures especially in difficult-to-access areas. In addition, Building Information Modelling (BIM) for cultural heritage gains ground towards the sustainable management, update and maintenance of the information. To this context, the current work generates a Historic Building Information Modelling (HBIM) model of the “Averof’s Museum of Neohellenic art” located in Metsovo, Greece, by using UAV photogrammetry techniques and additional information derived from the architecture designs of the buildings.