bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Worksite Health Promotion Programs in the U.S.: Factors Associated with Availability and Participation
Authors: Grosch James W. , Alterman Toni , Petersen Martin R. , Murphy Lawrence R.
Published: December 2011

Purpose.

To examine how the availability of and participation in worksite health promotion programs varies as a function of individual (e.g., age), organizational (e.g., occupation), and health (e.g., high blood pressure) characteristics. Availability of worksite programs was also compared to that reported in two previous national surveys of private companies.

Design.

Data analyzed were from the 1994 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), a national cross-sectional probability sample of the U.S. civilian population.

Subjects.

Five thousand two hundred nineteen NHIS respondents met the inclusion criteria of (1) being currently employed in a company of at least 50 employees, and (2) completing the NHIS section on worksite health promotion.

Measures.

Employees indicated the availability of, and their participation in, 33 different types of worksite programs. National Health Interview Survey data were also available regarding general health, blood pressure, body mass index, and medical conditions.

Results.

Smoking cessation programs had the highest mean availability (43 %), followed by health education programs (31 %) and screening tests (31 %). Overall, availability of worksite programs appeared comparable to that reported in a recent national survey. Participation ranged from 32% for health education programs to 5% for smoking cessation programs. Compared to availability, participation depended less on individual and organizational characteristics. Healthy employees were not consistently more likely to participate in worksite health promotion programs than nonhealthy employees.

Conclusions.

Although availability of worksite health promotion programs remains high, participation by employees in specific types of programs can vary widely. Attempts to increase participation should look beyond individual, health, and organizational variables, to specific features of the work environment that encourage involvement in health promotion activities.
Estimated Economic Costs of Obesity to U.S. Business
Authors: Thompson David , Edelsberg John , Kinsey Karen L. , Oster Gerry
Published: December 2011

Objective.

To estimate the economic costs of obesity to U.S. business.

Methods.

Standard epidemiologic methods for risk attribution and techniques for ascertaining cost of illness were used to estimate obesity-attributable expenditures on selected employee benefits, including health, life, and disability insurance and paid sick leave by private-sector firms in the U.S. in 1994. Data were obtained from a variety of secondary sources, including the National Health Interview Survey, reports from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and other federal agencies, and the published literature. Attention was focused on employees between the ages of 25 and 64 years who were classified according to body mass index (BMI) as “nonobese” (BMI < 25 kg/m2), “mildly obese” (BMI = 25–28.9 kg/m2), or “moderately to severely obese” (BMI ≥ 29 kg/m2).

Results.

The cost of obesity to U.S. business in 1994 was estimated to total $12.7 billion, including $2.6 billion as a result of mild obesity and $10.1 billion due to moderate to severe obesity. Health insurance expenditures constituted $7.7 billion of the total amount, representing 43% of all spending by U.S. business on coronary heart disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, stroke, gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis of the knee, and endometrial cancer. Obesity-attributable business expenditures on paid sick leave, life insurance, and disability insurance amounted to $2.4 billion, $1.8 billion, and $800 million, respectively.

Conclusions.

The health-related economic cost of obesity to U.S. business is substantial, representing approximately 5% of total medical care costs. Further research is needed to determine the cost-effectiveness of worksite weight management programs and of other efforts to reduce the prevalence of obesity in the U.S. workforce.
Psychosocial and Demographic Correlates of Television Viewing
Authors: Williams Carl D. , Sallis James F. , Calfas Karen J. , Burke Randy
Published: December 2011

Purpose.

The present study was grounded in the notion that previously identified physical activity determinants were associated in reverse with television viewing. Identifying demographic and psychosocial correlates and other potential determinants of television viewing may allow for the development and conceptualization of models and interventions to reduce sedentary behavior.

Design.

Cross-sectional data from self-report measures were analyzed using multiple hierarchical regression.

Setting.

Data were collected from 1995 to 1996 on seniors attending a large public university in southern California.

Sample.

Subjects were 321 female and 255 male university seniors attending a public university in southern California. The sample's ethnic distribution was 53.8% European-American, 16.3% Latino, 16.6% Asian/Pacific Islander, 16.1% African-American, and 4.3% other.

Measures.

Typical television viewing practices on weekdays and weekends were assessed using self-report items. Physical activity determinants were assessed using self-report measures derived from social cognitive theory and the transtheoretical model of behavior change.

Results.

The variables explaining a significant amount of variance after controlling for ethnicity and employment status in females were barriers to physical activity (p < . 05), body image dissatisfaction (p < .01), and processes of change (p < .02). The entire model for females captured 16% of the variance, with the psychosocial variables accounting for 8% of the variance. The significant variables in the male model were quality of life (p < . 01) and grade point average (p < .03). The full model accounted for 15% of the variance, with nondemographic variables accounting for 5% of the variance in television viewing.

Conclusions.

Relationships between television viewing and potential determinants were found. However, additional variables that may influence the amount of television viewing need to be conceptualized and investigated.
Applying the Health Promotion Model to Development of a Worksite Intervention
Authors: Lusk Sally L. , Kerr Madeline J. , Ronis David L. , Eakin Brenda L.
Published: December 2011

Introduction.

Consistent use of hearing protection devices (HPDs) decreases noise-induced hearing loss, however, many workers do not use them consistently. Past research has supported the need to use a conceptual framework to understand behaviors and guide intervention programs; however, few reports have specified a process to translate a conceptual model into an intervention.

Purpose.

The strongest predictors from the Health Promotion Model were used to design a training program to increase HPD use among construction workers.

Subjects/Setting.

Carpenters (n = 118), operating engineers (n = 109), and plumber/pipefitters (n = 129) in the Midwest were recruited to participate in the study.

Design.

Written questionnaires including scales measuring the components of the Health Promotion Model were completed in classroom settings at worker trade group meetings.

Measures.

All items from scales predicting HPD use were reviewed to determine the basis for the content of a program to promote the use of HPDs. Three selection criteria were developed: (1) correlation with use of hearing protection (at least .20), (2) amenability to change, and (3) room for improvement (mean score not at ceiling).

Results.

Linear regression and Pearson's correlation were used to assess the components of the model as predictors of HPD use. Five predictors had statistically significant regression coefficients: perceived noise exposure, self-efficacy, value of use, barriers to use, and modeling of use of hearing protection. Using items meeting the selection criteria, a 20-minute videotape with written handouts was developed as the core of an intervention. A clearly defined practice session was also incorporated in the training intervention.

Conclusion.

Determining salient factors for worker populations and specific protective equipment prior to designing an intervention is essential. These predictors provided the basis for a training program that addressed the specific needs of construction workers. Results of tests of the effectiveness of the program will be available in the near future.
Factors Associated with Attendance in a Voluntary Nutrition Education Program
Authors: Damron Dorothy , Langenberg Patricia , Anliker Jean , Ballesteros Michael , Feldman Robert , Havas Stephen
Published: December 2011

Purpose.

This paper examines factors associated with attendance in a National Cancer Institute-funded randomized trial of nutrition education to increase fruit and vegetable consumption among women served by the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).

Setting.

The study took place at 16 WIC sites in Maryland.

Subjects.

The participants were 1528 women who were enrolled in WIC or who had children enrolled in WIC, were ≥18 years of age, and planned to continue enrollment at that WIC site for at least 6 months (68% of eligible women approached agreed to participate).

Intervention.

Women received personal invitations, letters, and telephone reminders from peer educators encouraging their attendance at three bimonthly nutrition sessions.

Measures.

Demographic data were collected in a baseline survey. Attendance data and telephone and address changes were also collected. The postintervention survey included a question regarding reasons for nonattendance. Focus groups were also held to ascertain reasons for attendance or nonattendance. Chi-square tests of trend and multiple logistic regression, adjusted for within-site correlation, were used in statistical analyses.

Results.

Fifty-four percent of enrollees attended at least one session. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed increased odds of attending with higher age, breast-feeding, and/or knowledge of the recommendation to eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables daily. There were decreased odds of attending for pregnant women who already had children. There were nonsignificant trends toward decreased attendance among unmarried women compared with married women and among blacks compared with nonblacks. Reasons given for nonattendance included withdrawal from WIC, moving, conflicting activities, negative feelings about nutrition education, and lack of transportation or child care.

Conclusions.

The results suggest that numerous barriers hinder participation in nutrition programs aimed at low-income women. These barriers should be considered by health care professionals when planning intervention programs. Overcoming these barriers presents a major challenge.
Acceptability of Computer Assessments among Ethnically Diverse, Low-Income Smokers
Authors: Bock Beth , Niaura Raymond , Fontes Alicia , Bock Frederick
Published: December 2011

Purpose.

To examine the acceptability of computer-based assessments among an ethnically diverse, low-income population of primary care patients. Although computers have been used to provide assessments and interventions in health care settings, members of ethnic minority and low-income households have less access to computers than other groups, and therefore the acceptability of computers as a health care assessment and delivery tool needs to be examined.

Design.

We examined the acceptability of computers for providing assessments of smoking history, nicotine dependence, and other related variables among an ethnically diverse, low-income primary care population. No intervention was used in this study.

Setting.

Three inner-city primary care clinics located in hospitals were used as sites for this study. These hospitals were located in areas of the city where low-income and ethnic minority households are overrepresented relative to the total population.

Subjects.

Adult male and female smokers (n = 522) were recruited while awaiting appointments in each primary care clinic.

Measures.

A questionnaire assessing smoking rate, patterns, history, motivation to quit smoking and other smoking-related variables was administered using either a paper-and-pencil format or a laptop computer.

Results.

Frequency counts, analysis of variance, and χ2 tests were used where appropriate. Most subjects (78.5 %) used the computer to complete the baseline survey. Almost all subjects (92%) rated the computer “very easy” or “easy” to use. Subjects who were Spanish-speaking, were born outside the United States, or were Hispanic tended to rate the program as slightly less easy to use than other subjects.

Conclusions.

Computer-based assessments appear highly acceptable to individuals in low-income populations.
Measuring Worksite Resources for Employee Heart Health
Authors: Fisher Brian , Golaszewski Thomas , Barr Donald
Published: December 2011

Purpose.

Intervention at the organizational rather than the individual level is gaining greater attention in worksite health promotion efforts. However, little research has been done on instruments to measure this domain. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to further test the utility of an existing organizational heart health support instrument by examining relationships among worksite structural characteristics and comparing these results to other survey findings.

Design.

One-time cross-sectional.

Setting.

New York State.

Subjects.

One hundred fifteen volunteer worksites in the New York State Healthy Heart Program, representing manufacturing, government, education, health care, and other industries.

Measures.

A survey was conducted using HeartCheck, an organizational assessment of employee support for heart health. HeartCheck contains 175 items measuring organizational support for tobacco control, nutrition, physical activity, stress, screening, and administrative support structure.

Results.

On average, only 22% of all worksite resources assessed were present in the sample. Having a workforce greater than 250 provided a 12% increase in predicted overall worksite resources. A predominantly female workforce (>75%) provided 10% higher levels of worksite stress resources. Worksites with unions had higher levels of resources for physical activity (10%), screening (13%), and general supportive structures (10%). The presence of manual labor diminished support for tobacco control resources (−13%). Finally, manufacturing worksites demonstrated a clear advantage for all types of worksite resources, except for stress.

Conclusion.

A number of trends found in this study are consistent with earlier work. Industry type and size both predict worksite supports similar to previous studies. Other findings that appear to contradict previous work, including the relatively low level of support observed in this sample, can be explained by the comprehensive nature of the instrument. Overall, these findings demonstrate the utility of HeartCheck.
Intraclass Correlation for Measures from a Worksite Health Promotion Study: Estimates, Correlates, and Applications
Authors: Martinson Brian C. , Murray David M. , Jeffery Robert W. , Hennrikus Deborah J.
Published: December 2011

Objectives.

Investigators planning studies employing group-randomized designs need good estimates of the extra variation introduced as a result of correlated observations within units of assignment. We report intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for a wide range of outcomes commonly employed in worksite studies and demonstrate analysis methods that can limit their deleterious impact.

Methods.

A sample of 11, 711 employees of 24 firms recruited from the Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area completed a mailed survey in the SUCCESS study, reporting on a broad array of outcomes. Applying mixed-model regression, we provide both crude and adjusted estimates of ICCs for 27 outcomes.

Results.

The crude ICCs were generally small, with a mean of .0163 and values ranging from 0 to .0650. Adjustment for demographics reduced the ICCs for 25 of the 27 outcomes, and adjustment for additional individual-level covariates further reduced the ICCs for 23 of the 27 outcomes.

Conclusions.

Our results suggest that worksite-level ICCs for a variety of outcomes are generally small and can generally be reduced by adjustment for individual-level characteristics. Incorporating this information in planning worksite studies can improve sample size calculations to avoid underpowered studies.
Health Promotion Programs in Small Worksites: Results of a National Survey
Authors: Wilson Mark G. , DeJoy David M. , Jorgensen Cynthia M. , Crump Christy J.
Published: December 2011

Purpose.

This study documents the prevalence of workplace health promotion activities at small worksites with 15 to 99 employees.

Design.

A random sample of U.S. worksites stratified by size and industry (n = 3628) was drawn using American Business Lists.

Measures.

Each worksite was surveyed using a computer-assisted telephone interview system to document activities related to health promotion and related programs, worksite policies regarding health and safety, health insurance, and philanthropic activities.

Subjects.

Participation varied by industry and size, with an overall response rate for eligible worksites of 78% for a total sample of 2680 worksites.

Data Analysis.

Data were analyzed using SUDAAN statistical software.

Results.

Approximately 25 % of worksites with 15 to 99 employees offered health promotion programs to their employees, compared with 44% of worksites with 100+ employees. As with the larger worksites, the most common programs for worksites with 15 to 99 employees were those related to occupational safety and health, back injury prevention, and CPR. The majority of worksites in both size categories had alcohol, illegal drug, smoking, and occupant protection policies. The majority of both small and large worksites also offered group health insurance to their employees (92% and 98%, respectively), with many of the worksites also extending benefits to family members and dependents (approximately 80% for both business sizes).

Conclusions.

The results indicated that small worksites are providing programs to their employees, with a primary focus on job-related hazards. Small worksites also have formal policies regarding alcohol, drug use, smoking, and seatbelt use and offer health insurance to their employees at a rate only slightly lower than that of large worksites.
In Testing Times: Conducting an Ethnographic Study of UK Animal Rights Protesters
Authors: Upton Andrew
Published: December 2011

This article reflects upon the experience of conducting research into a UK-based, though internationally-renowned, animal rights group. The article firstly rationalizes the ethnographic research methodology used to approach Stop Huntingdon Animal Cruelty (SHAC). Secondly, it describes the effect of unforeseen factors (from adverse media attention to ongoing criminal investigations) on the Author's ability to forge research relationships with informants within the movement, and how these challenges were overcome. Given the interdisciplinary focus of the project, this manuscript will be of interest to scholars wishing to investigate ‘hard-to-reach’ social groups, and particularly those who have written on reflexivity and power in research relationships.
Identifying the Third Agers: An Analysis of British Retirees' Leisure Pursuits
Authors: Chatzitheochari Stella , Arber Sara
Published: December 2011

Despite the recent theoretical focus on the emergence of the Third Age as a period of fulfilment and an ongoing engagement with an active leisure lifestyle, there is a dearth of quantitative studies on how older people spend their time. Few studies of later life capitalise on time-use surveys, which constitute the most widely employed and accurate methodology for collecting data on everyday life. This article analyses data from the 2000 UK Time Use Survey in order to operationalise the concept of the Third Age and test theoretical propositions regarding the irrelevance of social divisions in the formation of an active leisure lifestyle after retirement. The analysis focuses on a subsample of 1615 people over the age of 64. An index of active leisure activities is constructed in order to estimate the proportion of third agers amongst British retirees. Logistic regression models are specified to examine the relative influence of socio-demographic characteristics on the probability of a person being a third ager. Strong effects of structural factors and health are found, which do not support arguments suggesting a minor influence of social context in lifestyle choices after retirement. ‘Active’ ageing appears to be the province of those who are culturally and materially advantaged, and it is the healthy, educated, upper-class and middle-class men that are more likely to engage in a Third Age leisure lifestyle.
Intimacy as a Concept: Explaining Social Change in the Context of Globalisation or Another Form of Ethnocentricism?
Authors: Jamieson Lynn
Published: December 2011

This article focuses on intimacy in terms of its analytical potential for understanding social change without the one-nation blinkers sometimes referred to as ‘methodological nationalism’ and without Euro-North-American ethnocentrism. Extending from the concept of family practices, practices of intimacy are sketched and examples considered across cultures. The cultural celebration and use of the term ‘intimacy' is not universal, but practices of intimacy are present in all cultures. The relationship of intimacy to its conceptual relatives is clarified. A brief discussion of subjectivity and social integration restates the relevance of intimate relationships and practices of intimacy to understanding social change in an era of globalisation, despite the theoretical turn away from embodied face to face relationships. Illustrations concerning intimacy and social change in two areas of personal life, parental authority and gender relations, indicate that practices of intimacy can re-inscribe inequalities such as those of age, class and gender as well as subvert them and that attention to practices of intimacy can assist the need to explain continuity as well as change.
Figuring Families: Generation, Situation and Narrative in Contemporary Mothering
Authors: Kehily Mary Jane , Thomson Rachel
Published: December 2011

This paper contributes to the theme of the special issue by identifying concepts that both embody relationality and have the capacity to address and articulate temporal processes. Based on an empirical study of first time motherhood, we offer a sensitising conceptual framework which privileges the temporal, scaffolding the macro socio-historical with the micro personal and subjective. The study combines longitudinal and intergenerational approaches to develop an understanding of maternal experience as it unfolds, while forging connections between individual biography, generational investments and intergenerational dynamics. Drawing on a conceptual tool kit from life history, cultural studies, social psychology and sociology, we profile two biographical case studies as an illustration of our approach. Our analysis of their contrasting experiences as ‘young’ and ‘old' mothers demonstrates the salience of key conceptual terms including ‘generation’, ‘situation' and ‘narrative' and how this conceptual framework can both map and animate accounts of contemporary mothering.
Analysis of linear long-term trend of aerosol optical thickness derived from SeaWiFS using BAER over Europe and South China
Authors: Yoon J. , von Hoyningen-Huene W. , Vountas M. , Burrows J. P.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. The main purposes of the present paper are not only to investigate linear long-term trends of Aerosol Optical Thickness (AOT) at 443 and 555 nm over regions in Europe and South China, but also to show the uncertainty caused by cloud disturbance in the trend analysis of cloud-free aerosol. These research areas are the densely urbanised and often highly polluted regions. The study uses the Bremen AErosol Retrieval (BAER) and Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-view Sensor (SeaWiFS) data for AOT retrievals in the specified regions from October 1997 to May 2008. In order to validate the individually retrieved AOTs and the corresponding trends, AErosol RObotic NETwork (AERONET) level 2.0 data have been used. The retrieved AOTs were in good agreement with those of AERONET (0.79 ≤ R ≤ 0.88, 0.08 ≤ RMSD ≤ 0.13). The contamination of the aerosol retrievals and/or AERONET observations by thin clouds can significantly degrade the AOT and lead to statistically non-representative monthly-means, especially during cloudy seasons. Therefore an inter-correction method has been developed and applied. The "corrected" trends for both BAER SeaWiFS and AERONET AOT were similar and showed in average a relative difference of ∼25.19%. In general terms, negative trends (decrease of aerosol loading) were mainly observed over European regions, with magnitudes up to −0.00453 and −0.00484 yr−1 at 443 and 555 nm, respectively. In contrast, the trend in Pearl River Delta was positive, most likely attributed to rapid urbanization and industrialization. The magnitudes of AOT increased by +0.00761 and +0.00625 yr−1 respectively at 443 and 555 nm.
Characterization of a volcanic ash episode in southern Finland caused by the Grimsvötn eruption in Iceland in May 2011
Authors: Kerminen V.-M. , Niemi J. V. , Timonen H. , Aurela M. , Frey A. , Carbone S. , Saarikoski S. , Teinilä K. , Hakkarainen J. , Tamminen J. , Vira J. , Prank M. , Sofiev M. , Hillamo R.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. The volcanic eruption of Grimsvötn in Iceland in May 2011 affected surface-layer air quality at several locations in Northern Europe. In Helsinki, Finland, the main pollution episode lasted for more than 8 h around the noon of 25 May. We characterized this episode by relying on detailed physical, chemical and optical aerosol measurements. The analysis was aided by air mass trajectory calculations, satellite measurements, and dispersion model simulations. During the episode, volcanic ash particles were present at sizes from less than 0.5 μm up to sizes >10 μm. The mass mean diameter of ash particles was a few μm in the Helsinki area, and the ash enhanced PM10 mass concentrations up to several tens of μg m−3. Individual particle analysis showed that some ash particles appeared almost non-reacted during the atmospheric transportation, while most of them were mixed with sea salt or other type of particulate matter. Also sulfate of volcanic origin appeared to have been transported to our measurement site, but its contribution to the aerosol mass was minor due the separation of ash-particle and sulfur dioxide plumes shortly after the eruption. The volcanic material had very little effect on PM1 mass concentrations or sub-micron particle number size distributions in the Helsinki area. The aerosol scattering coefficient was increased and visibility was slightly decreased during the episode, but in general changes in aerosol optical properties due to volcanic aerosols seem to be difficult to be distinguished from those induced by other pollutants present in a continental boundary layer. The case investigated here demonstrates clearly the power of combining surface aerosol measurements, dispersion model simulations and satellite measurements in analyzing surface air pollution episodes caused by volcanic eruptions. None of these three approaches alone would be sufficient to forecast, or even to unambiguously identify, such episodes.
Comparative evaluation of the impact of WRF/NMM and WRF/ARW meteorology on CMAQ simulations for PM2.5 and its related precursors during the 2006 TexAQS/GoMACCS study
Authors: Yu S. , Mathur R. , Pleim J. , Pouliot G. , Wong D. , Eder B. , Schere K. , Gilliam R. , Rao S. T.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. This study presents a comparative evaluation of the impact of WRF-NMM and WRF-ARW meteorology on CMAQ simulations of PM2.5, its composition and related precursors over the eastern United States with the intensive observations obtained by aircraft (NOAA P-3), ship and surface monitoring networks (AIRNow, IMPROVE, CASTNet and STN) during the 2006 TexAQS/GoMACCS study. The results at the AIRNow surface sites show that both ARW-CMAQ and NMM-CMAQ reproduced day-to-day variations of observed PM2.5 and captured the majority of observed PM2.5 within a factor of 2 with a NMB value of −0.4% for ARW-CMAQ and −18% for NMM-CMAQ. Both models performed much better at the urban sites than at the rural sites, with greater underpredictions at the rural sites. Both models consistently underestimated the observed PM2.5 at the rural IMPROVE sites by −1% for the ARW-CMAQ and −19% for the NMM-CMAQ. The greater underestimations of SO42−, OC and EC by the NMM-CMAQ contributed to increased underestimation of PM2.5 at the IMPROVE sites. The NMB values for PM2.5 at the STN urban sites are 15% and −16% for the ARW-CMAQ and NMM-CMAQ, respectively. The underestimation of PM2.5 at the STN sites by the NMM-CMAQ mainly results from the underestimations of the SO42−, NH4+ and TCM components, whereas the overestimation of PM2.5 at the STN sites by the ARW-CMAQ results from the overestimations of SO42−, NO3−, and NH4+. The comparison with P-3 aircraft measurements reveals that both ARW-CMAQ and NMM-CMAQ have very similar model performance for vertical profiles for PM2.5 chemical components (SO42−, NH4+) and related gaseous species (HNO3, SO2, NH3, isoprene, toluene, terpenes) as both models used the same chemical mechanisms and emissions. The results of ship along the coast of southeastern Texas over the Gulf of Mexico show that both models captured the temporal variations and broad synoptic change seen in the observed HCHO and acetaldehyde with the means NMB <30% most of the time but they consistently underestimated terpenes, isoprene, toluene and SO2.
Retrieval of sulphur dioxide from the infrared atmospheric sounding interferometer (IASI)
Authors: Clarisse L. , Hurtmans D. , Clerbaux C. , Hadji-Lazaro J. , Ngadi Y. , Coheur P.-F.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. Thermal infrared sounding of sulphur dioxide (SO2) from space has gained appreciation and popularity as a valuable complement to ultraviolet sounding. There are several strong absorption bands of SO2 in the infrared, and atmospheric sounders, primarily designed for weather forecasting, have therefore often the ability to globally monitor SO2 abundances. Most of the observed SO2 is found in volcanic plumes. In this paper we outline a novel algorithm for the sounding of SO2 above ~500 hPa altitude using high resolution infrared sounders and apply it to measurements of the infrared atmospheric sounding interferometer (IASI). The main features of the algorithm are a wide applicable total column range (over 4 orders of magnitude, from 0.5 to 5000 dobson units), a low theoretical uncertainty (3–5%) and near real time applicability. We make an error analysis and demonstrate the algorithm on the recent eruptions of Sarychev, Kasatochi, Grimsvötn, Puyehue-Cordón Caulle and Nabro.
Temperature thresholds for Arctic plankton community metabolism: an experimental assessment
Authors: Holding J. M. , Duarte C. M. , Arrieta J. M. , Coello A. , Wassmann P. , Agustí S.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. Climate warming is especially severe in the Arctic, where the average temperature is increasing 0.4 °C per decade, two to three times higher than the global average rate. Furthermore, the Arctic has lost more than half its summer ice extent since 1980 and predictions suggest that the Arctic will be ice free in the summer as early as 2050, which could increase rate of warming. Predictions based on the metabolic theory of ecology assume that temperature increase will enhance metabolic rates and thus both the rate of primary production and respiration will increase. However, these predictions do not consider the specific metabolic balance of the communities. We tested experimentally the response of Arctic plankton communities to seawater temperature spanning from 1 °C to 10 °C. Two types of communities were tested, open-ocean Arctic communities from water collected in the Barents Sea and Atlantic influenced fjord communities from water collected in the Svalbard fjord system. Metabolic rates did indeed increase as suggested by metabolic theory, however these results suggest a temperature threshold of 5 °C, beyond which the metabolism of plankton communities shifts from autotrophic to heterotrophic. Barents Sea communities showed a much clearer threshold response to temperature manipulations than fjord communities.
Spatial variations of nitrogen trace gas emissions from tropical mountain forests in Nyungwe, Rwanda
Authors: Gharahi Ghehi N. , Werner C. , Cizungu Ntaboba L. , Mbonigaba Muhinda J. J. , Van Ranst E. , Butterbach-Bahl K. , Kiese R. , Boeckx P.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. Globally, tropical forest soils represent the second largest source of N2O and NO. However, there is still considerable uncertainty on the spatial variability and soil properties controlling N trace gas emission. To investigate how soil properties affect N2O and NO emission, we carried out an incubation experiment with soils from 31 locations in the Nyungwe tropical mountain forest in southwestern Rwanda. All soils were incubated at three different moisture levels (50, 70 and 90% water filled pore space (WFPS)) at 17 °C. Nitrous oxide emission varied between 4.5 and 400 μg N m−2 h−1, while NO emission varied from 6.6 to 265 μg N m−2 h−1. Mean N2O emission at different moisture levels was 46.5 ± 11.1 (50% WFPS), 71.7 ± 11.5 (70% WFPS) and 98.8 ± 16.4 (90% WFPS) μg N m−2 h−1, while mean NO emission was 69.3 ± 9.3 (50% WFPS), 47.1 ± 5.8 (70% WFPS) and 36.1 ± 4.2 (90% WFPS) μg N m−2 h−1. The latter suggests that climate (i.e. dry vs. wet season) controls N2O and NO emissions. Positive correlations with soil carbon and nitrogen indicate a biological control over N2O and NO production. But interestingly N2O and NO emissions also showed a negative correlation (only N2O) with soil pH and a positive correlation with free iron. The latter suggest that chemo-denitrification might, at least for N2O, be an important production pathway. In conclusion improved understanding and process based modeling of N trace gas emission from tropical forests will not only benefit from better spatial explicit trace gas emission and basic soil property monitoring, but also by differentiating between biological and chemical pathways for N trace gas formation.
Rapid carbon cycling in the oligotrophic ocean
Authors: Duarte C. M. , Agustí S.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. The dynamics of organic carbon production, release and bacterial use was examined across a range of communities spanning from highly oligotrophic ones in the Subtropical Atlantic Ocean, mesotrophic ones in the Mediterranean Sea and productive ones in the Northern African upwelling and the Southern Ocean. A comparative analysis of experiments examining total and particulate organic carbon production across a range of time scales (15 min to 24 h) for 20 communities with contrasting phytoplankton cell status, as assessed by cell lysis rates, and the use of a simple inverse model was used to resolve patterns of carbon flow in the microbial food web. Communities in productive ocean waters accumulated organic carbon over hourly time scales, whereas only a small fraction of net primary production accumulated in communities from oligotrophic waters. These communities supported high phytoplankton cell lysis rates leading to a rapid flux of organic carbon to bacteria, which had high affinity for phytoplankton-derived carbon, much of which was rapidly respired. Conventional assessments of primary production in the oligotrophic ocean severely underestimate net phytoplankton production, as carbon flow in microbial communities from oligotrophic ocean waters occurs within short (minutes) time scales. This explains difficulties to reconcile estimates of primary production with independent estimates of carbon use by bacteria in oligotrophic marine ecosystems.
The CSIRO Mk3L climate system model version 1.0 – Part 2: Response to external forcings
Authors: Phipps S. J. , Rotstayn L. D. , Gordon H. B. , Roberts J. L. , Hirst A. C. , Budd W. F.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. The CSIRO Mk3L climate system model is a coupled general circulation model, designed primarily for millennial-scale climate simulation and palaeoclimate research. Mk3L includes components which describe the atmosphere, ocean, sea ice and land surface, and combines computational efficiency with a stable and realistic control climatology. It is freely available to the research community. This paper evaluates the response of the model to external forcings which correspond to past and future changes in the climate system. A simulation of the mid-Holocene climate is performed, in which changes in the seasonal and meridional distribution of incoming solar radiation are imposed. Mk3L correctly simulates increased summer temperatures at northern mid-latitudes and cooling in the tropics. However, it is unable to capture some of the regional-scale features of the mid-Holocene climate, with the precipitation over Northern Africa being deficient. The model simulates a reduction of between 7 and 15% in the amplitude of El Niño-Southern Oscillation, a smaller decrease than that implied by the palaeoclimate record. However, the realism of the simulated ENSO is limited by the model's relatively coarse spatial resolution. Transient simulations of the late Holocene climate are then performed. The evolving distribution of insolation is imposed, and an acceleration technique is applied and assessed. The model successfully captures the temperature changes in each hemisphere and the upward trend in ENSO variability. However, the lack of a dynamic vegetation scheme does not allow it to simulate an abrupt desertification of the Sahara. To assess the response of Mk3L to other forcings, transient simulations of the last millennium are performed. Changes in solar irradiance, atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations and volcanic emissions are applied to the model. The model is again broadly successful at simulating larger-scale changes in the climate system. Both the magnitude and the spatial pattern of the simulated 20th century warming are consistent with observations. However, the model underestimates the magnitude of the relative warmth associated with the Mediaeval Climate Anomaly. Finally, three transient simulations are performed, in which the atmospheric CO2 concentration is stabilised at two, three and four times the pre-industrial value. All three simulations exhibit ongoing surface warming, reduced sea ice cover, and a reduction in the rate of North Atlantic Deep Water formation followed by its gradual recovery. Antarctic Bottom Water formation ceases, with the shutdown being permanent for a trebling and quadrupling of the CO2 concentration. The transient and equilibrium climate sensitivities of the model are determined. The short-term transient response to a doubling of the CO2 concentration at 1% per year is a warming of 1.5 K, while the long-term equilibrium response is a warming of at least 3.9 K.
Shallow rainwater lenses in deltaic areas with saline seepage
Authors: de Louw P. G. B. , Eeman S. , Siemon B. , Voortman B. R. , Gunnink J. , van Baaren E. S. , Oude Essink G. H. P.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. In deltaic areas with saline seepage, freshwater availability is often limited to shallow rainwater lenses lying on top of saline groundwater. Here we describe the characteristics and spatial variability of such lenses in areas with saline seepage and the mechanisms that control their occurrence and size. Our findings are based on different types of field measurements and detailed numerical groundwater models applied in the south-western delta of the Netherlands. By combining the applied techniques we could extrapolate measurements at point scale (groundwater sampling, temperature and electrical soil conductivity (TEC)-probe measurements, electrical cone penetration tests (ECPT)) to field scale (continuous vertical electrical soundings (CVES), electromagnetic survey with EM31), and even to regional scale using helicopter-borne electromagnetic measurements (HEM). The measurements show a gradual mixing zone between infiltrating fresh rainwater and upward flowing saline groundwater. The mixing zone is best characterized by the depth of the centre of the mixing zone Dmix, where the salinity is half that of seepage water, and the bottom of the mixing zone Bmix, with a salinity equal to that of the seepage water (Cl-conc. 10 to 16 g l−1). Dmix is found at very shallow depth in the confining top layer, on average at 1.7 m below ground level (b.g.l.), while Bmix lies about 2.5 m b.g.l. The model results show that the constantly alternating upward and downward flow at low velocities in the confining layer is the main mechanism of mixing between rainwater and saline seepage and determines the position and extent of the mixing zone (Dmix and Bmix). Recharge, seepage flux, and drainage depth are the controlling factors.
El-Niño southern oscillation and rainfall erosivity in the headwater region of the Grande River Basin, Southeast Brazil
Authors: Mello C. R. , Norton L. D. , Curi N. , Yanagi S. N. M. , Silva A. M.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. Relationships between regional climate and oceanic and atmospheric anomalies are important tools in order to promote the development of models for predicting rainfall erosivity, especially in regions with substantial intra-annual variability in the rainfall regime. In this context, this work aimed to analyze the rainfall erosivity in headwaters of Grande River Basin, Southern Minas Gerais State, Brazil. This study considered the two most representative environments, the Mantiqueira Range (MR) and Plateau of Southern Minas Gerais (PSM). These areas are affected by the El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) indicators Sea Surface Temperature (SST) for Niño 3.4 Region and Multivariate ENSO Index (MEI). Rainfall erosivity was calculated for individual rainfall events from January 2006 to December 2010. The analyses were conducted using the monthly data of ENSO indicators and the following rainfall variables: rainfall erosivity (EI30), rainfall depth (P), erosive rainfall depth (E), number of rainfall events (NRE), number of erosive rainfall events (NEE), frequency of occurrence of an early rainfall pattern (EP), occurrence of late rainfall pattern (LP) and occurrence of intermediate rainfall patter (IP). Pearson's coefficient of correlation was used to evaluate the relationships between the rainfall variables and SST and MEI. The coefficients of correlation were significant for SST in the PSM sub-region. Correlations between the rainfall variables and negative oscillations of SST were also significant, especially in the MR sub-region, however, the Person's coefficients were lesser than those obtained for the SST positive oscillations. The correlations between the rainfall variables and MEI were also significant but lesser than the SST correlations. These results demonstrate that SST positive oscillations play a more important role in rainfall erosivity, meaning they were more influenced by El-Niño episodes. Also, these results have shown that the ENSO variables have potential to be useful for rainfall erosivity forecasting in this region.
Extreme runoff response to short-duration convective rainfall in South-West Germany
Authors: Ruiz-Villanueva V. , Borga M. , Zoccatelli D. , Marchi L. , Gaume E. , Ehret U. , Zehe E.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. The 2 June 2008 flood-producing storm on the Starzel river basin in South-West Germany is examined as a prototype for organized convective systems that dominate the upper tail of the precipitation frequency distribution and are likely responsible for the flash flood peaks in this region. The availability of high-resolution rainfall estimates from radar observations and a rain gauge network, together with indirect peak discharge estimates from a detailed post-event survey, provides the opportunity to study the hydrometeorological and hydrological mechanisms associated with this extreme storm and the ensuing flood. Radar-derived rainfall, streamgauge data and indirect estimates of peak discharges are used along with a distributed hydrologic model to reconstruct hydrographs at multiple locations. The influence of storm structure, evolution and motion on the modeled flood hydrograph is examined by using the "spatial moments of catchment rainfall" (Zoccatelli et al., 2011). It is shown that downbasin storm motion had a noticeable impact on flood peak magnitude. Small runoff ratios (less than 20%) characterized the runoff response. The flood response can be reasonably well reproduced with the distributed hydrological model, using high resolution rainfall observations and model parameters calibrated at a river section which includes most of the area impacted by the storm.
Expulsados de la globalización: políticas migratorias y deportados centroamericanos de José Luis Rocha
Authors: Báez Cortés Julio Francisco
Published: December 2011

Hace algún tiempo el autor de Expulsados de la globalización escribió sobre un colega suyo esta idea, fácil de arrebatarle como excelente cuña del mismo palo: “Siempre he pensado que todo libro vale por lo que tiene de prolongación de la experiencia vital. Los libros no sustituyen a la vida. La prolongan y la profundizan”. En línea con el pensamiento de José Luis Rocha sobre obras trascendentes, puedo ahora invitarles a festejar su proyecto de defensa de derechos humanos, exaltación escrita y sellada por los senderos de una praxis consecuente.
Rostros de la demencia: testimonio familiar de la Fundación Alzheimer de Nicaragua (FADEN)
Authors: Ulloa González Armando
Published: December 2011

Tengo que felicitar a la Fundación Alzheimer de Nicaragua (FADEN) por su reciente publicación. Ésta describe las experiencias vividas por los familiares de pacientes afectados por esta enfermedad. Como lo expresan los mismos familiares, el propósito del libro es “compartir [el] testimonio y mostrar cuánta riqueza tenemos como seres humanos”.
The L-Total Graph of an L-Module
Authors: Ebrahimi Atani Reza
Published: December 2011

Let L be a complete lattice. We introduce and investigate
the L-total graph of an L-module over an L-commutative ring. The main
purpose of this paper is to extend the definition and results given in (Anderson and Badawi, 2008) to
more generalize the L-total graph of an L-module case.
The Role of p53 and MDM2 in Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Denaro N. , Lo Nigro C. , Natoli G. , Russi E. G. , Adamo V. , Merlano M. C.
Published: December 2011

Head and neck cancer is a complex disorder that includes mostly squamous cell carcinomas that can develop in the throat, larynx, nose, sinuses, and mouth. Etiopathogenesis is due to tobacco and alcohol consumption and to infection by human papillomavirus (HPV) type 16/18. Tumors often develop within preneoplastic fields of genetically altered cells. Most head and neck cancers result from multistep accumulation of genetic alterationsm resulting in clonal outgrowth of transformed cells. These DNA changes are caused by a variety of mechanisms like endogenous mutations and exogenous mutations. Dysregulated molecular pathway includes alterations of critical inhibitor of cyclin CDK complexes, inactivating mutations of p53 gene, and activation of oncogenes and growth factors. This paper attempts to review the role of p53 and MDM2 genetic aberrations and pathways in head and neck cancer.
The Evaluation of CFIP Lumina in RoF Networks
Authors: Bogdanovs A. , Porins J.
Published: December 2011

ROF systems become a significant part of modern telecommunication industry, therefore separate product estimation become more required. CFIP Lumina produced by join-stock Company “SAF Tehnika” is one of the new products in this telecommunication field and needs to be analyzed regarding to potential customer needs. CFIP Lumina is flexible product with a lot of potential and lot of features and definitely is one of interesting product in self kind. Ill. 11, bibl. 6, tabl. 3 (in English; abstracts in English and Lithuanian).http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.eee.108.2.137