bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validity and reliability in qualitative research
Authors: Brink H. I. L.
Published: May 2014

Validity and reliability are key aspects of all research. Meticulous attention to these two aspects can make the difference between good research and poor research and can help to assure that fellow scientists accept findings as credible and trustworthy. This is particularly vital in qualitative work, where the researcher’s subjectivity can so readily cloud the interpretation of the data, and where research findings are often questioned or viewed with scepticism by the scientific community.
Die verpleegkundige as preseptor in personeelontwikkeling in opleidingshospitale in Namibië
Authors: Jooste K. , Nel C. M.
Published: May 2014

A study undertaken in 1991 focused on the role fulfilment of the preceptor in staff development in training hospitals in Namibia. As in the case in many countries the nursing service climate in Namibia is characterised by constant change in the practice of professional nurses. The preceptor must accompany the professional nurses in their personal and professioanl development
Belewenis van persone na aan selfmoord slagoffers
Authors: Kinsella J. , Greeff M. , Poggenpoel M.
Published: May 2014

The purpose of this study was to examine the experience of people close to suicide victims. Ten participants recited their experience through written essays, which was then analysed. Themes that were identified included a need for structure and ventilation of feelings, denial and avoidance behaviour, mixed feelings, a need to find meaning in the suicide, the development of empathy for other suffering people, impaired social relationships, and questions surrounding the suicide. These themes were used to develop a framework for supporting people close to suicide victims through general, sub-professional and professional measures.
Knowledge, attitudes and practice in regard to aids: The case of social science students at the University of Bophuthatswana
Authors: Kaya H. O. , Kau M.
Published: May 2014

The necessity of AIDS educational campaigns is to reduce the spread of HIV infection by changing attitudes and practices related to high-risk behaviours. However, before such programmes are implemented a needs assessment should be conducted This includes the existing knowledge and attitudes and sexual practices of the specific risk-group. In this study the risk-group were social science students at the University of Bophuthatswana. The majority of the respondents showed a general knowledge about AIDS in terms of its main symptoms, common modes of transmission and the non-availability of a cure. They, however, expressed the need for more information about AIDS. Lack of enough knowledge was shown by their negative altitudes towards those who had already contracted the disease and the number of sexual partners they had Furthermore, despite the realization of the necessity to use condoms during sexual intercourse, the majority of them did not use them. The study also revealed the minimal role parents, teachers and lecturers play in the dissemination of information about AIDS. The findings call for more AIDS educational programmes to clear away misconceptions about the transmission of the HIV/AIDS virus; and the need to involve parents, schools and universities actively in the dissemination of information about AIDS.
Traditional birth attendants in Malawi
Authors: Smit J. J. M.
Published: May 2014

Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) and traditional healers form an important link in the chain of health personnel providing primary health care in Malawi. In spite of the establishment of hospitals and health centres, it is to these traditional healers and TBAs that the majority of people turn in times of sickness and child-birth. Approximately 60 percent of all deliveries in Malawi occur in the villages. It is therefore important that due regard be paid to the activities of these traditional practitioners in order to ensure the achievement of the goal - "Health for all by the year 2000". The training of TBAs is seen as part of the Maternal and Child Health Services in the country.
Legal limitations in the practice of the primary health care nurse
Authors: Bierman J. , Muller M.
Published: May 2014

In this article the legal limitations in the practice of the primary health care nurse in the Republic of South Africa, having direct implications for the achievement of the goal: "Health for all by the year 2000", are explored and described The questions which had to be answered by means of the research are in relation to the nature and scope of the limitations obstructing the practice of the primary health care nurse. A legislative (document) analysis was performed and limitations in the legislation confirmed. It is recommended that an empirical investigation be done to verify the results after which amendments and clarification of the legislation may be requested.
Houding, kennis en geluk van verpleegpersoneel wat in tehuise van bejaardes werksaam is
Authors: Du Rand P. P. , Vermaak M. V.
Published: May 2014

According to the literature, the quality of nursing care in homes for the aged is largely determined by the attitude and knowledge of the nursing staff towards and about old people. A study was conducted in ten units for the frail aged to determine these two factors, as well as the job satisfaction of the staff. Although almost 100% of the nursing staff expressed satisfaction with their jobs, many of them revealed prejudices towards and a lack of knowledge about the nursing care needs of the aged.
Amputation history and rehabilitation of black men living in the greater Durban area who have had traumatic amputations of the lower limb
Authors: Kubheka B. A. , Uys L. R.
Published: May 2014

A survey was undertaken amongst twenty five black men living in the greater Durban area who had had amputations of the lower limbs. The type of amputation care and the rehabilitation programme they underwent post-operatively is described. The sample included men from 24 to 50 years of age, of whom the majority were from rural areas. The amputation care intra and post-operatively was marked by the lack of emotional preparation pre-operatively, and lack of rehabilitation information and teaching afterwards. Most respondents had to find information for themselves. This lack of information and teaching seemed to impede physical rehabilitation, with stump sores and limited use of prostheses being the main problems. Vocational rehabilitation was almost totally absent. In contrast to the twenty two respondents who worked before their amputations, only four worked afterwards. The majority had to support their families alone; sixteen of them were totally reliant on a Disability Grant. These problems lead to social isolation, depression, loneliness and other psycho-social problems.
Verpleegkundige beraming van die behoeftes van moeders met voortydse babas
Authors: Roets L.
Published: May 2014

Premature labour is and remains an actual problem. There will always be mothers that undergo the crisis of having a premature baby. The unique needs of these mothers remains unfulfilled. Possible reasons for this are that the nurse, working in the neonatal intensive care, special care units or in the post natal ward, does not do a complete assessment of the mother. Nurses are set on the physical needs of the mother and baby during hospitalization and pay more attention to these needs than to others. Those needs which are in fact neglected, are those which are so crucial and important, concerning the mother. In this study, it is needs, other than physical needs, which are emphasized.
Breastfeeding in crisis: Survey results of the baby-friendly hospital initiative
Authors: Nikodem C. , Schelke L. , Enraght-Moony L. , Hofmeyr G. F
Published: May 2014

A concerted effort should be made by hospitals to implement the "Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding" and attention should be given to building breastfeeding skills into the curriculum for medical students, nurses and allied disciplines as well as in-service training for current health care workers.
Teenagers’ knowledge of human sexuality and their views on teenage pregnancies
Authors: Kunene P. J.
Published: May 2014

There is concern about poor knowledge of human sexuality and a high rate of teenage pregnancies among Blacks. The primary aim of the study was to measure the knowledge that teenagers have on human sexuality and to identify the sources from which they obtain such knowledge. The secondary aim was to detect how teenagers perceive the teenage pregnancy problem and its consequences,
Psychiatric nurses’ communication with psychiatric patients
Authors: Sibeko C. R. , Greeff M.
Published: May 2014

The psychiatric nurse, as a member of the multi-professional mental health team, utilises a goal-directed approach to assist the psychiatric patient in mobilising resources to promote, restore and maintain his mental health as an integral part of his quest for wholeness. This goal-directed approach is the nursing process which comprises assessment, planning, implementing and evaluation. All four steps of the nursing process and the nurse’s interaction with the patient are dependent upon therapeutic communication. Therapeutic communication remains important as the core of all nurse-patient interactions. The aim of this research was to explore and describe the viewpoints of psychiatric nurses on their communication with psychiatric patients and to formulate guidelines for psychiatric nurses. Such guidelines should assist nurses with their communication with psychiatric patients, helping in the restoration and maintenance phases of the patients’ mental health.
Putting Leininger’s nursing theory ‘culture care diversity and universality’ into operation in the curriculum – Part 1
Authors: De Villiers L. , Van der Wal D.
Published: May 2014

The culturally diverse South African society necessitates inclusion of transcultural nursing in the curriculum. This article focuses on research regarding the putting of Leininger's nursing theory into operation in the curriculum to provide a scientific base for the inclusion of such nursing. The research process and results are discussed.
Breast-feeding: Current knowledge, attitudes and practices of paediatricians and obstetricians
Authors: Videlefsky A. , Nikodem C. , Hofmeyr J.
Published: May 2014

Doctors, as part of the healthcare team, can have a significant impact on the successful initiation and maintenance of breastfeeding. There is a need for ongoing education and intervention programmes to update current knowledge on breastfeeding management.
Levels of use of selected components of the Comprehensive Basic Nursing Programme
Authors: Gwele N. S.
Published: May 2014

Change in nursing education in South Africa has been characterised by the predominance of the use of power-coercive strategies to effect change. Changes in nursing curricula are legislated through the South African Nursing Council. The Comprehensive Basic Nursing Programme (CBNP) became mandatory for all institutions offering basic professional nurse preparation education programmes in this country in 1985. This was a comparative descriptive study aimed at examining the levels of use of 47 nurse educators at four nursing colleges regarding their behaviours and skills in implementing four selected components of the CBNP. The components of the CBNP which formed the focus for this study were teaching to produce nurses capable of (a) rendering comprehensive health care, (b) nursing holistically, (c) thinking critically, and (d) learning independently.
Professionele geheimhouding
Authors: Buckle H. C. , Lundie L. , Treadwell I.
Published: May 2014

Confidentiality is a “sensitive” subject known to all professional nursing personnel. The perception of confidentiality in nursing students was determined during a research project. Some responses were surprising. The surprises were mostly due to the fast development in the medical and technology fields. These findings proved to be of significance in that guidelines for confidentiality are not up to date with the developments in these fields. These guidelines should be revised or rewritten to bring them up to date and help the professional nurse in decisions on aspects concerning confidentiality.
'n Ondersoek na die bereiking van die programdoelstellings van die vierjaar diplomakursus
Authors: Koen M. P. , De Villiers L.
Published: May 2014

A descriptive survey was undertaken to determine the the extent to which the programme objectives for the Diploma in Nursing Leading to Registration as a Nurse (General, Psychiatric, Community) and Midwifery are being met. Questionnaires were completed by diplomates and nursing service managers. Various problem areas regarding realization of the programme objectives were identified.
Codependency: A concomitant field of interest in research into the phenomenon caring
Authors: Van der Wal D.
Published: May 2014

The growing popularity of caring is evident throughout the nursing profession. Research into the phenomenon caring, however, necessitates that caring as an ethic be distinguished from pseudo caring actions and experiences. Codependence and codependency are proposed as being of a pseudo-caring nature. Research interest into this field of study needs to be kindled.
Quality improvement in health care – A fundamental analysis and South African perspective
Authors: Muller M. E.
Published: May 2014

This article is based on the opening address that was delivered at a national conference with the launching of the South African Society for Quality in Health Care (SASQuaH). The quality improvement process and principles are analyzed, as well as an exposition of the South African situation. The concepts regarding quality, quality improvement and quality assurance are clarified, the different stakeholders in formalised quality improvement explained, as well as the motives for and principles of quality improvement in health services. The different external and internal mechanisms in quality improvement are analyzed, including the principle of community ownership and international collaboration. Continuous development and capacity building regarding quality improvement is recommended at all levels of health service delivery.
Die effek van stadige barokmusiek op premature babas
Authors: Aikman E. , Nolte A. G. W. , Dörfling C. S.
Published: May 2014

The maturing foetus belongs in utero, not in the demanding environment of a specialized care unit. Infants born before term are fragile; their ability to adapt and survive in new surroundings is limited. Although current survival rates are encouraging, morbidity among preterm infants persists and may have iatrogenic underpinnings. As a result, neonatal intensive care units are under closer scrutiny than ever, especially in terms of how they may contribute to developmental disability. (Thomas, 1989:249)
Leierskapontwikkeling in ‘n verplegingskollege
Authors: Harms E. , Muller M.
Published: May 2014

This study is conducted within the context of nursing colleges and focuses on the empowerment of educational staff in a nursing college to facilitate excellence in leadership practice. A qualitative exploratory and descriptive study was conducted in different phases: the views and expectations of educational staff as leaders, as well as the views and expectations of the fourth year students as followers and potential professional leaders were explored and described by means of focus group interviews. A provisional conceptual framework for leadership development in a nursing college was compiled, exposed to a literature control and a final conceptual framework was refined, together with guidelines for leadership development in a nursing college. This article focuses on the final conceptual framework as well as the programme for leadership development in a nursing college. It is recommended that this programme be implemented and exposed to purposeful evaluation.
Professional nurses knowledge and understanding of AIDS/HIV infection
Authors: Chamane N. J. , Kortenbout W.
Published: May 2014

This study examined professional nurses’ knowledge and understanding of AIDS/HIV infection. The sample was formed by 53 professional nurses; 27 being those that have done the AIDS counselling course (trained counsellors) and 26 who have not done the course. This sample was randomly chosen from a population of 192 professional nurses representing all departments.
Die bestuursbevoegdheid van persone wat as rampverpleegsters by die Pretoriase Burgerlike Beskerming geregistreer is
Authors: Booyens S. W. , Perold A.
Published: May 2014

The essential management role of the disaster nurse during disaster action was outlined, researched and described. Her competency to execute effectively disaster relief tasks before, during and after a disaster occurring outside a hospital, was studied Management tasks were identified which nurses should have mastered regarding disaster situations occurring outside hospital boundaries. Research data were gathered by means of a questionnaire on the biographic detail of disaster nurses registered with Civil Defence in Pretoria, in order to recommend a course specially aimed at fulfilling their requirements. The research project identified requirements of the disaster nurse for appropriate further training, practise and guidance regarding the identified management tasks. It became evident that training is required in most of the tasks, and a training course for nurses in disaster management was designed.
Research as intervention within community mental health
Authors: MacLeod C.
Published: May 2014

This paper raises some issues for discussion and debate concerning the nature of research within a mental health setting. Research, no matter what form it takes, is always an intervention. Sensitivity to various concerns surrounding research is required of the mental health worker. Participatory research, which is seen as empowering participants, has become popular in mental health programmes. Attention needs to be paid however, to the meaning of participation and the process of decision-making. Researchers are often uncomfortable with shedding their “objective informer” stance and adopting a position that requires social action. Some of this has to do with the epistemological view taken by the researcher. This paper suggests that the knowledge produced in research is a social construction created in interaction between the researcher and participants and has a multiplicity of potential meanings. The instrumental, conceptual and persuasive uses of research are discussed, and two intervention-type research procedures (needs assessment and evaluation) are critically reviewed It is concluded that research, as with all other interventions, should be carefully planned, implemented, monitored and evaluated.
The traditional bio-medical dichotomy in search of a common ground
Authors: Arthur M. L.
Published: May 2014

Differences between bio-medical and traditional systems are regarded as irreconcilable by many, including members of the medical, nursing and allied professions. This article explores those areas in which emphasis on difference has resulted in an exclusion of the common basis from which culturally determined areas of human and health behaviours are derived. As long as difference is emphasized to the exclusion of attempts to find a common ground, the dichotomy between traditional and bio-medicine will remain.
An investigation into the effects of stress on the dynamics of selected Xhosa families
Authors: Sokhela N. E.
Published: May 2014

Family theories have been developed from Western communities to describe the functioning of families but are used in the treatment of families all over the World. Results in various studies reveal that stress contributes to the development of health/illness behaviours within the family. These theories have also been used in the training of therapists including those working with Xhosa families.
Current Perspective in the Management of Mandibular Fractures
Authors: Rattan Vidya , Rai Sachin
Published: May 2014

The management of mandibular fractures has evolved tremendously in the last few decades. Open reduction and internal fixation with malleable monocortical titanium plates is the standard technique worldwide. The paper reviews the current concept of mandibular fracture and discusses various method and modification for different sites and clinical situations. It also covers the treatment of pediatric and geriatric mandibular fractures.

How to cite this article

Rai S, Rattan V. Current Perspective in the Management of Mandibular Fractures. J Postgrad Med Edu Res 2014;48(2):63-67.
Prosthetic Considerations in Oral and Maxillofacial Trauma
Authors: Bhandari Sudhir
Published: May 2014

Intraoral trauma may occur in isolation or in combination with injury of the other parts of the body. Once the life-threatening phase of trauma is over, the primary need for the patient is to restore the form and function of the tissues lost due to trauma. In the oral and maxillofacial region, esthetic consideration does sometimes supersede the need of function. This article briefl y summarizes the scope of prosthodontics in patients with oral and maxillofacial trauma.

How to cite this article

Bhandari S. Prosthetic Considerations in Oral and Maxillofacial Trauma. J Postgrad Med Edu Res 2014; 48(2):87-90.
Traumatic Pseudoaneurysm of Internal Carotid Artery presenting as Intractable Epistaxis in a Case of Maxillary Fracture
Authors: Kumar Ajay , Rattan Vidya , Kumar Dinesh , Sahu Gyana Ranjan , Mukherjee KK
Published: May 2014

Traumatic pseudoaneurysm of internal carotid artery is a rare complication of injury after craniomaxillofacial trauma. Delayed recurrent epistaxis after head and facial trauma is the most distinctive manifestation of traumatic internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysm. Epistaxis due to pseudoaneurysm of internal carotid artery is difficult to control, and may lead to hemorrhagic shock or asphyxia and thus seriously threatens life. The purpose of this paper is to present a rare case of recurrent epistaxis secondary to ICA pseudoaneurysm following blunt maxillofacial trauma. Endovascular stenting was performed and the recurrent epistaxis was successfully arrested.

How to cite this article

Kumar D, Sahu GR, Kumar A, Mukherjee KK, Rattan V. Traumatic Pseudoaneurysm of Internal Carotid Artery presenting as Intractable Epistaxis in a Case of Maxillary Fracture. J Postgrad Med Edu Res 2014;48(2):100-102.
Land surface phenological response to decadal climate variability across Australia using satellite remote sensing
Authors: Broich M. , Huete A. , Tulbure M. G. , Ma X. , Xin Q. , Paget M. , Restrepo-Coupe N. , Davies K. , Devadas R. , Held A.
Published: May 2014

Abstract. Land surface phenological cycles of vegetation greening and browning are influenced by variability in climatic forcing. Quantitative information on phenological cycles and their variability is important for agricultural applications, wildfire fuel accumulation, land management, land surface modeling, and climate change studies. Most phenology studies have focused on temperature-driven Northern Hemisphere systems, where phenology shows annually reoccurring patterns. Yet, precipitation-driven non-annual phenology of arid and semi-arid systems (i.e. drylands) received much less attention, despite the fact that they cover more than 30% of the global land surface. Here we focused on Australia, the driest inhabited continent with one of the most variable rainfall climates in the world and vast areas of dryland systems. Detailed and internally consistent studies investigating phenological cycles and their response to climate variability across the entire continent designed specifically for Australian dryland conditions are missing. To fill this knowledge gap and to advance phenological research, we used existing methods more effectively to study geographic and climate-driven variability in phenology over Australia. We linked derived phenological metrics with rainfall and the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI). We based our analysis on Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) data from the MODerate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) from 2000 to 2013, which included extreme drought and wet years. We conducted a continent-wide investigation of the link between phenology and climate variability and a more detailed investigation over the Murray–Darling Basin (MDB), the primary agricultural area and largest river catchment of Australia. Results showed high inter- and intra-annual variability in phenological cycles. Phenological cycle peaks occurred not only during the austral summer but at any time of the year, and their timing varied by more than a month in the interior of the continent. The phenological cycle peak magnitude and integrated greenness were most significantly correlated with monthly SOI within the preceding 12 months. Correlation patterns occurred primarily over north-eastern Australia and within the MDB predominantly over natural land cover and particularly in floodplain and wetland areas. Integrated greenness of the phenological cycles (surrogate of productivity) showed positive anomalies of more than two standard deviations over most of eastern Australia in 2009–2010, which coincided with the transition between the El Niño induced decadal droughts to flooding caused by La Niña. The quantified spatial-temporal variability in phenology across Australia in response to climate variability presented here provides important information for land management and climate change studies and applications.
Environmental and climatic changes in central Chilean Patagonia since the Late Glacial (Mallín El Embudo, 44° S)
Authors: de Porras M. E. , Maldonado A. , Quintana F. A. , Martel-Cea A. , Reyes O. , Méndez C.
Published: May 2014

Abstract. Multi-millennial environmental and climatic changes in central Chilean Patagonia (44–49° S) during the Last Glacial–Interglacial cycle have been of particular interest as changes in the position and strength of the southern westerlies are the major forcing factor conditioning the environmental dynamics. Recent attempts to reconstruct regional environmental and climatic signals from central Chilean Patagonia reveal some discrepancies and unclear issues among the records. This paper presents the 13 ka pollen and charcoal records from Mallín El Embudo (44° 40' S, 71° 42' W) located in the deciduous Nothofagus forest in the middle Río Cisnes valley. The paper aims to (1) establish the timing and magnitude of local vegetation changes and fire activity since the Late Glacial and (2) integrate these results at the regional scale in order to discuss the discrepancies and depict the environmental and climatic dynamics in central Chilean Patagonia since the Late Glacial. Open landscapes dominated by grasses associated with scattered Nothofagus forest patches dominated the middle Río Cisnes valley between 13 and 11.2 ka suggesting low effective moisture but also indicating that landscape configuration after glacial retreat was still ongoing. At 11.2 ka, the sudden development of an open and quite dynamic Nothofagus forest probably associated with the synchronous high fire activity occurred, suggesting a rise in effective moisture associated with dry summers. Since 9.5 ka, the record reflects the presence of a closed Nothofagus forest related to higher effective moisture conditions than before combined with moderate dry summers that may have triggered a high frequency of low-magnitude crown fires that did not severely affect the forest. The forest experienced a slight canopy opening after 5.7 ka, probably due to slightly drier conditions than before followed by a sudden change to open forest conditions around 4.2 ka associated with fire and volcanic disturbances. Around 2 ka, the recovery of a closed Nothofagus forest related to slightly wetter conditions (similar to present) occurred and persisted under highly variable climatic conditions up to 0.1 ka when massive forest burning and logging due to European settlements occurred. Central Chilean Patagonian climatic and environmental changes at millennial–centennial timescales since the Late Glacial were driven by changes in the southern westerlies latitudinal position and/or intensity, but during the late Holocene fire, volcanism and humans arose as forces contributing to environmental dynamics.
A variational data assimilation system for soil–atmosphere flux estimates for the Community Land Model (CLM3.5)
Authors: Hoppe C. M. , Elbern H. , Schwinger J.
Published: May 2014

Abstract. This paper presents the development and implementation of a spatio-temporal variational data assimilation system (4D-var) for the soil–vegetation–atmosphere transfer model "Community Land Model" (CLM3.5), along with the development of the adjoint code for the core soil–atmosphere transfer scheme of energy and soil moisture. The purpose of this work is to obtain an improved estimation technique for the energy fluxes (sensible and latent heat fluxes) between the soil and the atmosphere. Optimal assessments of these fluxes are neither available from model simulations nor measurements alone, while a 4D-var data assimilation has the potential to combine both information sources by a Best Linear Unbiased Estimate (BLUE). The 4D-var method requires the development of the adjoint model of the CLM which is established in this work. The new data assimilation algorithm is able to assimilate soil temperature and soil moisture measurements for one-dimensional columns of the model grid. Numerical experiments were first used to test the algorithm under idealised conditions. It was found that the analysis delivers improved results whenever there is a dependence between the initial values and the assimilated quantity. Furthermore, soil temperature and soil moisture from in situ field measurements were assimilated. These calculations demonstrate the improved performance of flux estimates, whenever soil property parameters are available of sufficient quality. Misspecifications could also be identified by the performance of the variational scheme.
Infiltration well to reduce the impact of land use changes on flood peaks: a case study of Way Kuala Garuntang catchment, Bandar Lampung, Indonesia
Authors: Kusumastuti D. I. , Jokowinarno D. , Khotimah S. N. , Dewi C. , Yuniarti F.
Published: May 2014

Abstract. Significant land use changes due to rapid development, a central issue in Bandar Lampung and high rainfall intensity are the main triggers for frequent flooding. This study was carried out to define design rainfall intensity based on analysis of hourly temporal rainfall pattern for calculating design discharge, predict the impact of land use changes on flood peaks, and predict the impact of infiltration well on flood peak reduction. The results showed that rainfall distribution pattern for storm duration of 4 h are 40, 35, 20 and 5% for the first, second, third and fourth hour, respectively. Analysis on land use changes underlined that if 30% of the catchment area is maintained for green land then flood peaks can be decreased. However, with city development, land conversions are intended for settlements, industries and trading areas which will increase flood peaks significantly. Application of infiltration well in the catchment can reduce surface runoff depends on the density and dimension of the well. The results suggest that using infiltration well with diameters between 0.8 to 1.4 m which are applied each in every 4000 m2 of land area will reduce flood peaks from 6.9 to 12.6%. While the application of infiltration well with density of 500 m2 will reduce flood peaks from 55.21 to 99.8%. Commitment and relevant government policies and community participation will encourage to undertake flood reduction measures.
Recovering a collapsed medieval fresco by using 3D modeling techniques
Authors: Chiabrando F. , Rinaudo F.
Published: May 2014

Abstract. The paper presents the results of a reconstruction of the 3D model of a dome and of a medieval fresco, collapsed after an earthquake and now reconstructed in significant portions, to offer to the visitors a possible reconstruction of the lost masterpiece of medieval art. After the earthquake the collapsed dome was replaced by means of a concrete sphere connected with the survived portions of the old dome’s timber. The old dome shape and the fresco were virtually reconstructed thanks to a set of historical pictures obtained by Italian, USA and German archives; those images have been calibrated and oriented by using modern digital photogrammetric approach and a realistic 3D model of the old inner surface of the dome has been realised. By using a LiDAR survey the 3D model of the apse and of the dome, has been set up and the boundaries between original and new structures have been reconstructed by visual evidences.The new dome has been virtually erased and the old dome with the fresco 3D model inserted allowing the reconstruction of the apse as it was before the earthquake. This virtual 3D model has been used to realise a 1:1 scale model of the old dome where the restorers fit some parts of the old fresco fragments recovered just after the earthquake, cleaned and classified. The fresco images correctly oriented inside the reconstructed dome have been projected on plane surfaces by using azimuthal orthographic projections of small portions of the dome in order to reduce the geometric deformations and to allow the mosaicking of these small planes onto a spherical surface.
A sensor skid for precise 3D modeling of production lines
Authors: Elseberg J. , Borrmann D. , Schauer J. , Nüchter A. , Koriath D. , Rautenberg U.
Published: May 2014

Abstract. Motivated by the increasing need of rapid characterization of environments in 3D, we designed and built a sensor skid that automates the work of an operator of terrestrial laser scanners. The system combines terrestrial laser scanning with kinematic laser scanning and uses a novel semi-rigid SLAMmethod. It enables us to digitize factory environments without the need to stop production. The acquired 3D point clouds are precise and suitable to detect objects that collide with items moved along the production line.
Photogrammetric determination of discrepancies between actual and planned position of dental implants
Authors: Forlani G. , Rivara F.
Published: May 2014

Abstract. The paper describes the design and testing of a photogrammetric measurement protocol set up to determine the discrepancies between the planned and actual position of computer-guided template-based dental implants. Two moulds with the implants positioned in pre- and post- intervention are produced and separately imaged with a highly redundant block of convergent images; the model with the implants is positioned on a steel frame with control points and with suitable targets attached. The theoretical accuracy of the system is better than 20 micrometers and 0.3–0.4° respectively for positions of implants and directions of implant axes. In order to compare positions and angles between the planned and actual position of an implant, coordinates and axes directions are brought to a common reference system with a Helmert transformation. A procedure for comparison of positions and directions to identify out-of-tolerance discrepancies is presented; a numerical simulation study shows the effectiveness of the procedure in identifying the implants with significant discrepancies between pre- and post- intervention.
Automatic Label Completion for Test Field Calibration
Authors: Hieronymus J.
Published: May 2014

Abstract. For geometric camera calibration using a test field and bundle block adjustment it is crucial to identify markers in images and label them according to a known 3D-model of the test field. The identification and labelling can become challenging, especially when the imaging system incorporates strong unknown distortion. This paper presents an algorithm, that automatically completes the labelling of unlabelled anonymous marker candidates given at least three labelled markers and a labelled 3D-model of the test field. The algorithm can be used for extracting information from images as a pre-processing step for a subsequent bundle block adjustment. It identifies an unlabelled marker candidate by referencing it to two, three or four already labelled neighbours, depending on the geometric relationship between the reference points and the candidate. This is achieved by setting up a local coordinate system, that reflects all projection properties like perspective, focal length and distortion. An unlabelled point is then represented in this local coordinate system. These local coordinates of a point are very similar in the corresponding 3D-model and in the image, which is the key idea of identifying an unlabelled point. In experiments the algorithm proofed to be robust against strong and unknown distortion, as long as the distortion does not change within a small sub-image. Furthermore no preliminary information about the focal length or exterior orientation of the camera with respect to the test field is needed.
The city model as a tool for participatory urban planning – a case study: The Bilotti open air museum of Cosenza
Authors: Artese S.
Published: May 2014

Abstract. The paper describes the implementation of the 3D city model of the pedestrian area of Cosenza, which in recent years has become the Bilotti Open Air Museum (MAB). For this purpose were used both the data available (regional technical map, city maps, orthophotos) and acquired through several surveys of buildings and "Corso Mazzini" street (photos, topographic measurements, laser scanner point clouds). In addition to the urban scale model, the survey of the statues of the MAB was carried out. By means of data processing, the models of the same statues have been created, that can be used as objects within the city model. The 3D model of the MAB open air museum has been used to implement a Web-GIS allowing the citizen's participation, understanding and suggestions. The 3D city model is intended as a new tool for urban planning, therefore it has been used both for representing the current situation of the MAB and for design purposes, by acknowledging suggestions regarding a possible different location of the statues and a new way to enjoy the museum.
Lossless data compression of grid-based digital elevation models: A png image format evaluation
Authors: Scarmana G.
Published: May 2014

Abstract. At present, computers, lasers, radars, planes and satellite technologies make possible very fast and accurate topographic data acquisition for the production of maps. However, the problem of managing and manipulating this data efficiently remains. One particular type of map is the elevation map. When stored on a computer, it is often referred to as a Digital Elevation Model (DEM). A DEM is usually a square matrix of elevations. It is like an image, except that it contains a single channel of information (that is, elevation) and can be compressed in a lossy or lossless manner by way of existing image compression protocols. Compression has the effect of reducing memory requirements and speed of transmission over digital links, while maintaining the integrity of data as required. In this context, this paper investigates the effects of the PNG (Portable Network Graphics) lossless image compression protocol on floating-point elevation values for 16-bit DEMs of dissimilar terrain characteristics. The PNG is a robust, universally supported, extensible, lossless, general-purpose and patent-free image format. Tests demonstrate that the compression ratios and run decompression times achieved with the PNG lossless compression protocol can be comparable to, or better than, proprietary lossless JPEG variants, other image formats and available lossless compression algorithms.
Web-based Visualization and Query of semantically segmented multiresolution 3D Models in the Field of Cultural Heritage
Authors: Auer M. , Agugiaro G. , Billen N. , Loos L. , Zipf A.
Published: May 2014

Abstract. Many important Cultural Heritage sites have been studied over long periods of time by different means of technical equipment, methods and intentions by different researchers. This has led to huge amounts of heterogeneous "traditional" datasets and formats. The rising popularity of 3D models in the field of Cultural Heritage in recent years has brought additional data formats and makes it even more necessary to find solutions to manage, publish and study these data in an integrated way. The MayaArch3D project aims to realize such an integrative approach by establishing a web-based research platform bringing spatial and non-spatial databases together and providing visualization and analysis tools. Especially the 3D components of the platform use hierarchical segmentation concepts to structure the data and to perform queries on semantic entities. This paper presents a database schema to organize not only segmented models but also different Levels-of-Details and other representations of the same entity. It is further implemented in a spatial database which allows the storing of georeferenced 3D data. This enables organization and queries by semantic, geometric and spatial properties. As service for the delivery of the segmented models a standardization candidate of the OpenGeospatialConsortium (OGC), the Web3DService (W3DS) has been extended to cope with the new database schema and deliver a web friendly format for WebGL rendering. Finally a generic user interface is presented which uses the segments as navigation metaphor to browse and query the semantic segmentation levels and retrieve information from an external database of the German Archaeological Institute (DAI).
Towards predictive data-driven simulations of wildfire spread – Part 2: Ensemble Kalman Filter for the state estimation of a front-tracking simulator of wildfire spread
Authors: Rochoux M. C. , Emery C. , Ricci S. , Cuenot B. , Trouvé A.
Published: May 2014

Abstract. This paper is the second part in a series of two articles, which aims at presenting a data-driven modeling strategy for forecasting wildfire spread scenarios based on the assimilation of observed fire front location and on the sequential correction of model parameters or model state. This model relies on an estimation of the local rate of fire spread (ROS) as a function of environmental conditions based on Rothermel's ROS formulation, in order to propagate the fire front with a~level-set-based front-tracking simulator. In Part I, a data assimilation system based on an ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) was implemented to provide a spatially-uniform correction of biomass fuel and wind parameters and thereby, produce an improved forecast of the wildfire behavior (addressing uncertainties in the input parameters of the ROS model only). In Part II, the objective of the EnKF algorithm is to sequentially update the two-dimensional coordinates of the markers along the discretized fire front, in order to provide a spatially-distributed correction of the fire front location and thereby, a more reliable initial condition for further model time-integration (addressing all sources of uncertainties in the ROS model). The resulting prototype data-driven wildfire spread simulator is first evaluated in a series of verification tests using synthetically-generated observations; tests include representative cases with spatially-varying biomass properties and temporally-varying wind conditions. In order to properly account for uncertainties during the EnKF update step and to accurately represent error correlations along the fireline, it is shown that members of the EnKF ensemble must be generated through variations in estimates of the fire initial location as well as through variations in the parameters of the ROS model. The performance of the prototype simulator based on state estimation or parameter estimation is then evaluated by comparison with data taken from a controlled grassland fire experiment. Results indicate that data-driven simulations are capable of correcting inaccurate predictions of the fire front location and of subsequently providing an optimized forecast of the wildfire behavior at future lead-times. The complementary benefits of both parameter estimation and state estimation approaches, in terms of analysis and forecast performance, are also emphasized. In particular, it is found that the size of the assimilation window must be specified adequately with the persistence of the model initial condition and/or with the temporal and spatial variability of the environmental conditions in order to track sudden changes in wildfire behavior.
A catalog of high-impact windstorms in Switzerland since 1859
Authors: Stucki P. , Brönnimann S. , Martius O. , Welker C. , Imhof M. , von Wattenwyl N. , Philipp N.
Published: May 2014

Abstract. In recent decades, extremely hazardous windstorms have caused unanticipated losses to buildings, infrastructure and forests in Switzerland. This has increased societal and scientific interest in the intensity and frequency of historical high-impact storms. However, high-resolution wind data and damage statistics mostly span recent decades only. For this study, we collected quantitative (e.g., volumes of windfall timber, losses to buildings) and descriptive (e.g., forestry or insurance reports) information on impacts from historical windstorms. To define windstorm severity, normalized and declustered quantitative data were processed by extreme value statistics. Descriptive information was classified using a conceptual guideline. Validation with independent damage information, as well as comparison with wind measurements and a reanalysis indicates that the most hazardous winter storms are captured, while too few moderate windstorms are detected. Strong storms in the wind measurements and reanalysis are thus added to the catalog. The final catalog encompasses approximately 240 high-impact windstorms in Switzerland since 1859. It features three robust severity classes and contains eight extreme windstorms. Evidence of high winter storm activity in the early and late 20th century compared to the mid-20th century in both damage and wind data indicates a co-variability of hazard and related damage on decadal time scales.
Biosolid amendment of a calcareous, degraded soil in a semi-arid environment
Authors: Walter I. , Martinez F. , Cuevas G.
Published: May 2014

Many soils in the Mediterranean region are subjected to progressive degradation as a result of water erosion. A study was carried out to examine the effects of biosolids on a degraded soil. Single doses of 40, 80 and 120 Mg haE1 of a biosolid were applied to the surface of soil and their effects on its chemical characteristics and on the native vegetation were assessed. Soil macronutrients, micronutrients and heavy metals were tested one and five years after application. Canopy cover, biomass production and mineral composition of native vegetation were also determined. Biosolids increased the content of most nutrients in the soil, although this effect decreased over time. The soil organic matter content did not increase significantly at the beginning of the experiment, although significant differences were observed after five years. The contents of total and extractable heavy metals did not change with time after the application. The native plant biomass production and the canopy cover significantly increased with all the doses applied at the beginning of the experiment, and remained high five years after biosolids application.