bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Designing Indulgent Interaction
Authors: Parker Christopher J. , Doyle Stephen A.
Published: October 2017

Electronic Commerce (e-commerce) has transformed the retail environment and has become an ever increasingly important channel of the global economy. Within this, fashion retail has been a driving force, with increasing brand growth and profit deriving through Mobile Commerce (m-commerce). While the high-street fashion retailers have been key drivers and innovators in creating engaging and persuasive m-commerce app offerings, the high end and luxury fields have to date been slow to adopt and innovate at a comparable rate. This chapter explores the history and meaning of luxury and branding, in relation to the current state of m-commerce in fashion. Specific reference is given to the current state of m-commerce design in the retail domain between luxury and high-street market levels. Key questions and leading developments in the realm of interaction and User Experience (UX) design are presented along with directions on how to design for luxury m-commerce interactions.
Fast-Fashion Meets Social Networking Users
Authors: Cheema Tehreem
Published: October 2017

With the emergence of e-commerce, the fast fashion industry has experienced a revolution in terms of its management and how it is marketed. Rapid advancements in internet-related infrastructures and services have propelled explosive growth in what is considered to be one of the fastest growing industries in the global economy. The future of fast fashion is now being influenced by advanced technologies. The growing role of online social media and networks in marketing has important implications for how consumers, channels, and companies interface. Shoppers harness social media and user-generated content to make key purchase decisions. This chapter contributes to the existing literature on the influence of digital marketing on fast fashion, and it provides a number of pertinent marketing recommendations in regard to the practice of apparel retailers.
How to Drive Brand Communication in Virtual Settings
Authors: Ranfagni Silvia , Faraoni Monica
Published: October 2017

The paper proposes an analytical approach that explores brands in virtual environments by creating indicators of consumer brand alignment and comparing them with measurements of social engagement. In particular, it combines indicators that estimate the correspondence between brand identity and brand image with measurements of engagement that emerge from platforms that monitor social media (Talkwalker and Social Mentions). The premise is that to gain objective awareness of the reputation a brand has achieved online, it is essential to filter the commitment that it produces on social media with assessments of the relations that consumers have with it. The latter is expressed through indicators of consumer brand alignment that are elaborated investigating virtual communities and adopting an interdisciplinary method that integrates netnography and text mining. The results generated by the approach illustrated in this chapter can be useful to devise adjustments to brand communication. The analysis is applied to twenty-nine important brands belonging to the fashion industry.
Developing Compelling Online Recovery Strategies
Authors: Ayertey Samuel , Ozuem Wilson
Published: October 2017

The Internet offers a platform over which complaining is effortless, yet impactful. A wide and geographically dispersed audience can be reached over the Internet, and compared to offline environments, switching is easier on the Internet since customers can browse, and look for alternative providers with ease. In light of this, gaining an understanding of how to manage online service failures effectively is crucial to the success of firms operating in online environments. Extant research has mainly investigated customer reactions to service failure and recovery encounters taking place in offline brick and mortar outlets. The internet, along with other emerging technologies offers consumers several platforms to interact with others and to subsequently complain about service failure. Drawing on extant studies, this chapter focuses on how service failure and effective recovery strategies can enhance the competitive position of organisations.
Change Management Serving Knowledge Management and Organizational Development
Authors: Levy Moria
Published: October 2017

Changes are considered a challenge to organizations. Seventy percent of organizational initiatives are not completed. Various Change Management approaches have been developed over the years, yet organizations continue to find changes difficult to implement. This applies to all types of change, but the challenge of change is critical in human resources disciplines, specifically those dealing with Knowledge Management and Organizational Development. This chapter connects changes in these two fields and links them to leadership. It examines theories and implementation models of Change Management, starting with classic approaches, through to new models developed in recent years. Based on this examination, a practical approach drawing on components of the reviewed models is proposed. The suggested approach takes into particular consideration the demands of change in Knowledge Management and Organizational Development.
Creating an Effective Faculty Senate Leadership Team
Authors: Eckis Lane Boyte , Rosser-Mims Dionne M. , Riley Trellys A. , Gompa Vijaya L.
Published: October 2017

The purpose of this chapter is to examine how gender positively influences processes and procedures of faculty-led groups within higher educational institutions. A closer inspection of the gender makeup of these faculty-led groups may shed light on the role gender plays in shaping the policies pursued. There will be a section on the effectiveness of using an online platform in terms of efficiency and communication dynamics. The authors, who served as faculty senate leaders, will use a case study approach, plus their own reflections, to explore ways to improve institutional effectiveness within faculty governance.
Cultural Diversity and Accreditation
Authors: Toprak Elif , Şakar Asuman Nurhan
Published: October 2017

The expansion of distance education in higher education world-wide has brought forth the issue of quality assurance and evaluation processes for institutions and programmes. Though quality is a perception about the performance in products and services offered, it is expected to be shaped through mutual consent in the eyes of internal and external stakeholders of the institutions. Despite the different needs, social contexts and cultures of higher education institutions, general standards have been developed to guide distance education providers in their quest. This paper concentrates on external evaluation pillar of quality assurance that is accreditation according to American, European and Asian perspectives and tries to explain the shared understanding about quality in higher education in the face of cultural diversity. A case-study, the quality journey of Anadolu University, Open Education System is described as an example of different ways leading to the same target.
Cultural Lessons Learned During the Development and Implementation of an International Distance Learning Program
Authors: Oliver Lisa , Mathur Ravisha
Published: October 2017

With the increase of global online and distance education programs, it is inevitable that cultural challenges will emerge. These cultural conflicts can be overcome by investigating obstacles with the technical aspects of building a cross-cultural program and by designing and delivering culturally appropriate and sensitive courses. This chapter explores how cultural variables and perspectives might influence student learning in cross-national distance education program collaborations. Specific cultural lessons learned during the development, formation, and administration of an international distance learning Master's program in Instructional Technology are presented. Strategies that were utilized to sustain the program are also discussed. These challenges, lessons, and strategies are framed by current theoretical models that highlight the need for stronger cultural awareness and understanding in this type of collaboration.
Towards a Transcultural Approach in Online Learning
Authors: Ersoy Nazife Sen
Published: October 2017

The term culture is used in many different contexts, such as corporate culture, sports culture, food culture, institutional culture, learning culture and so on. However, it is usually considered to be associated with national or ethnic identity of people. As there have recently been enormous shifts in the technological and social fronts, new cultural competences are needed so as to overcome the challenges and make use of the opportunities that came up as a result of these advancements. This chapter, thus, presents the changes the concept of culture has gone through in time and focuses on some cultural meta-models along with highlighting Seven Dimensions of Culture Model. Transculturalism is explained in detail based on the current literature and introduced as an alternative to former models of culture, interculturalism and multiculturalism, for better understanding of cultural diversity in online learning and embracing the intermixing and hybrid nature of it for more effective learning experiences.
Culture and Motivation in Globalized Open and Distance Learning Spaces
Authors: Keller John M. , Ucar Hasan , Kumtepe Alper Tolga
Published: October 2017

Culture, globalization, and evolution in information and communication technologies are three of the many factors that sway open and distance education phenomenon throughout the world. Within this field, motivation issues are regarded as the prime movers behind cultural differences. This chapter examines culture and motivation in globalized online learning spaces and their effects on learners' motivation. After exploring and explaining culture, globalization, and motivation issues, implications for designing motivational strategies for culturally diverse online learners based on Keller's ARCS-V motivation design model are presented. Further, recommendations and future research directions are proposed. Lastly, this chapter focuses on the multicultural nature of open and distance learning spaces.
Designing Culturally Sensitive Massive Open Online Courses
Authors: Aydin Cengiz Hakan , Kayabaş Buket Kip
Published: October 2017

Since cultural characteristics of the learners is among the factors that affect the quality of learning experiences, designing the online learning environment sensitive to the cultural characteristics of learners is a must for ensuring an effective and engaging learning experience. The MOOCs movement has helped administrators, designers, educators, learners and all the other stakeholders re-consider our current instructional, assessment and administrative processes, especially in higher education. The goal of this manuscript has three folds: first, it briefs development of the philosophy of openness in higher education globally; then, based-on available literature it draws a picture about the effects of culture on open and distance learning; later, the manuscript provides an insight about the general cultural characteristics of Turkish society and the learning culture shaped by the past and present implementations; finally, it lists a number of recommendations for those who are designing MOOCs for Turkish audience.
S.N.A.P. Today, Medicare Tomorrow
Authors: Hampton-Garland Pamela
Published: October 2017

Entitlements, social safety nets, benefits and welfare are just a few of the terms used to describe benefits provided to American businesses and individuals by the federal government. For decades since the FDR laws issued post WWII, politicians have been crying reform, in a vain attempt to dismantle the social safety nets that many of the country's most vulnerable populations need to survive. This chapter provides historical and current information on America's safety net programs and provide a deeper understanding of their importance and their beneficiaries. Finally, the chapter provides clarity to the impact that social safety nets have had on poverty in the U.S. and embedded in this chapter is a personal narrative of how the entitlements helped change my life.
Inside, Outside, and Off-Site
Authors: Bressler Denise M. , Oltman Julie , Vallera Farah L.
Published: October 2017

Well-designed mobile games that require player agency and meaning making are excellent examples of constructivist learning. Mobile games can generate a myriad of different learning experiences such as discovery learning and contextually based learning. One of the most powerful affordances of games is promoting social learning, or social constructivism; collaborative games provide plenty of opportunities for peer scaffolding and collaborative discourse. This chapter details three mobile augmented reality games designed to afford constructivist learning through collaborative interactions: one inside a school, one on and around school grounds, while the last one is located at a working farm. We hope to demonstrate that collaborative mobile games represent a flexible approach that can promote meaningful learning across subjects, ages, and even environments. Game-based learning (GBL) can, does, and should continue to occur in class; however, GBL can also be effectively implemented outside and even far away from the classroom, off-site.
Innovations in Mobile Photography for Digital-Age Teachers and Learners
Authors: Redmond Theresa A. , Henson John
Published: October 2017

This chapter shares research that examined how perspectives about mobile technology integration were cultivated in a required pre-service teacher (PST) education course. Specifically, the camera feature of mobile smartphones was used to design a social-constructivist learning experience. Pre-service teachers were invited to shift from media consumers to technology producers, participating in innovative, student-centered learning. PSTs were positioned to use their prior-knowledge to engage in meaningful learning using their mobile phones in a way that modeled strategies they could use in their future classrooms to meet the learning needs of millennial students. Literature reveals that mobile tools are often used in limiting ways, such as accessing and consuming industry-produced media content. However, they have the potential to be used for active, social-constructivist learning. This chapter has implications for teacher educators and administrators in higher education who are seeking emerging practices for how to prepare PSTs to learn how to innovate using technology by designing learning experiences that focus on students as media makers.
Integrating Virtual Reality Tools Into Classroom Instruction
Authors: Oigara James N.
Published: October 2017

Virtual reality (VR) is an emerging possibility for delivering educational content and experiences to students. Virtual Reality's use in education has long been discussed however; one of the main challenges is that VR was unaffordable. Today VR has evolved; the technology is mainstreamed, inexpensive, and more accessible. This chapter will examine the benefits of using VR tools (Google Cardboard), a 3D viewer in conjunction with Smartphone, for educational applications. Related studies suggest that VR tools are effective in subjects where an interactive environment is needed.
Enhancing Large Classes With Active Learning Pedagogical Skills
Authors: Amushigamo Angelina Popyeni , Hidengwa Moses Huudulu , Herman Susanna Namutenya
Published: October 2017

This chapter is an account of personal experiences of lecturers teaching large classes at an institution of higher learning where a lack of active learning skills among students was observed. A number of challenges for active learning were identified including lack of facilities and large classes. The lecture method was identified as the main delivery method at the institution that led to students becoming passive listeners and not active constructors of knowledge. Additionally, higher-order thinking skills were not evident during lectures in large classes as most of the tasks required low-level thinking skills. There was a rush to finish the course outlines and to make sure that the number of prescribed tasks was given to students, which compromised not only active learning but also the overall quality of teaching.
Gender Differences in the Use of Asynchronous Discussion Forums and Quizzes for Promoting Critical Thinking Dispositions
Authors: Mwalongo Alcuin Ivor
Published: October 2017

This study examined female and male students' perceptions of the use of asynchronous discussion forums and quizzes to promote critical thinking dispositions. Research suggests that there are differences between female and male students in terms of learning in online environments. However, studies that focus on these differences, especially in promoting critical thinking dispositions, are limited. To this end, this chapter explores gender differences in the use of the discussion forums and quizzes to promote critical thinking dispositions. A mixed methods research approach was used. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected concurrently through a questionnaire. Findings indicate that female students had higher critical thinking dispositions related to open-mindedness and inquisitiveness than male students. There was no statistically significant difference between female and male students in the other critical thinking dispositions. Implications for pedagogical practices have been discussed. Further research can involve a larger sample from different sociocultural settings.
“What Is the Meaning of Of?”
Authors: Harushimana Immaculée
Published: October 2017

This chapter describes a small reading intervention program, in the form of participatory action research, which was conceived for African-born, elementary level immigrant children upon a third grader's indication that she did not know the meaning of the word of. The twofold purpose of the intervention was to: (1) uncover the challenges of being from a non-reading culture and being taught by a teacher from a reading culture, and (2) propose ways these challenges could be minimized. The chapter describes in detail the noticing strategies—punctuation discovery, sentence recall, copying, word dictation, etc.—that were used to develop basic reading and writing skills of p-6 French-speaking, African immigrant children. The chapter concludes with a call on educational policy makers to sponsor reading immersion programs for newcomer students, with a recommendation that these courses be taught by qualified immigrant educators, to ensure that these students' school integration process assures success.
Cultivating Civic Generosity in Elementary Youth Across Glocal Cultures, Ecologies, and Generations
Authors: Liu Laura B.
Published: October 2017

This research explores cultivation of civic generosity in elementary youth as a cultural, ecological, generational practice developing global-local connections and enhanced by arts-based pedagogies, including reading, creating, and sharing children's books. In this study, 2nd grade students across two public school contexts (rural middle-income and rural low-income) reflect on learning generosity from a grandparent/parent to create a children's book presented in a public library. This study draws upon perspectives of participating elementary school teachers, administrators, and librarians to understand how the curricula and their partnerships enhanced student understanding, appreciation, and expression of generosity as a glocal civic practice.
T Cell–Derived CD70 Delivers an Immune Checkpoint Function in Inflammatory T Cell Responses
Authors: O’Neill Rachel E. , Du Wei , Mohammadpour Hemn , Alqassim Emad , Qiu Jingxin , Chen George , McCarthy Philip L. , Lee Kelvin P. , Cao Xuefang
Published: October 2017

The CD27–CD70 pathway is known to provide a costimulatory signal, with CD70 expressed on APCs and CD27 functions on T cells. Although CD70 is also expressed on activated T cells, it remains unclear how T cell–derived CD70 affects T cell function. Therefore, we have assessed the role of T cell–derived CD70 using adoptive-transfer models, including autoimmune inflammatory bowel disease and allogeneic graft-versus-host disease. Surprisingly, compared with wild-type T cells, CD70−/− T cells caused more severe inflammatory bowel disease and graft-versus-host disease and produced higher levels of inflammatory cytokines. Mechanistic analyses reveal that IFN-γ induces CD70 expression in T cells, and CD70 limits T cell expansion via a regulatory T cell–independent mechanism that involves caspase-dependent T cell apoptosis and upregulation of inhibitory immune checkpoint molecules. Notably, T cell–intrinsic CD70 signaling contributes, as least in part, to the inhibitory checkpoint function. Overall, our findings demonstrate for the first time, to our knowledge, that T cell–derived CD70 plays a novel immune checkpoint role in inhibiting inflammatory T cell responses. This study suggests that T cell–derived CD70 performs a critical negative feedback function to downregulate inflammatory T cell responses.
The influence of mid-latitude cyclones on European background surface ozone
Authors: Knowland K. Emma , Doherty Ruth M. , Hodges Kevin I. , Ott Lesley E.
Published: October 2017

Abstract. The relationship between springtime mid-latitude cyclones and background ozone (O3) is explored using a combination of observational and reanalysis data sets. First, the relationship between surface O3 observations at two rural monitoring sites on the west coast of Europe – Mace Head, Ireland, and Monte Velho, Portugal – and cyclone track frequency in the surrounding regions is examined. Second, detailed case study examination of four individual mid-latitude cyclones and the influence of the associated frontal passage on surface O3 is performed. Cyclone tracks have a greater influence on the O3 measurements at the more northern coastal European station, Mace Head, located within the main North Atlantic (NA) storm track. In particular, when cyclones track north of 53° N, there is a significant relationship with high levels of surface O3 (> 75th percentile). The further away a cyclone is from the NA storm track, the more likely it will be associated with both high and low (< 25th percentile) levels of O3 at the observation site during the cyclone's life cycle. The results of the four case studies demonstrate (a) the importance of the passage of a cyclone's cold front in relation to surface O3 measurements, (b) the ability of mid-latitude cyclones to bring down high levels of O3 from the stratosphere, and (c) that accompanying surface high-pressure systems and their associated transport pathways play an important role in the temporal variability of surface O3. The main source of high O3 to these two sites in springtime is from the stratosphere, either from direct injection into the cyclone or associated with aged airstreams from decaying downstream cyclones that can become entrained and descend toward the surface within new cyclones over the NA region.
Key drivers of ozone change and its radiative forcing over the 21st century
Authors: Iglesias-Suarez Fernando , Kinnison Douglas E. , Rap Alexandru , Wild Oliver , Young Paul J.
Published: October 2017

Abstract. Over the 21st century changes in both tropospheric and stratospheric ozone are likely to have important consequences for the Earth's radiative balance. In this study we investigated the radiative effects of future ozone changes, using the Community Earth System Model (CESM1), with the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model (WACCM), and including fully coupled radiation and chemistry schemes. Using year 2100 conditions from the Representative Concentration Pathways 8.5 (RCP8.5) scenario, we quantified the individual contributions to ozone radiative forcing of (1) climate change (with and without lightning feedback), (2) reduced concentrations of ozone depleting substances (ODSs), and (3) methane increases. We calculated future ozone radiative forcing relative to year 2000 of (1) 63 ± 76 m Wm−2, (2) 129 ± 81 m Wm−2, and (3) 225 ± 85 m Wm−2, due to climate change, ODSs and methane respectively. Our best estimate of net ozone forcing in this set of simulations is 420 ± 120 m Wm−2 relative to year 2000, and 750 ± 230 m Wm−2 relative to year 1750, with uncertainty range given by approximately ±30 %. We find that the overall long-term tropospheric ozone forcing from methane chemistry-climate feedbacks related to OH and methane lifetime is small (46 m Wm−2). Ozone forcings associated with climate change and stratospheric ozone recovery are robust with regard to background conditions, even though the ozone response is sensitive to both changes in atmospheric composition and climate. Changes in stratospheric-produced ozone account for ~ 47 % of the overall radiative forcing in this set of simulations, highlighting the key role of the stratosphere in determining future radiative forcing.
Airborne DOAS retrievals of methane, carbon dioxide, and water vapor concentrations at high spatial resolution: application to AVIRIS-NG
Authors: Thorpe Andrew K. , Frankenberg Christian , Thompson David R. , Duren Riley M. , Aubrey Andrew D. , Bue Brian D. , Green Robert O. , Gerilowski Konstantin , Krings Thomas , Borchardt Jakob , Kort Eric A. , Sweeney Colm , Conley Stephen , Roberts Dar A. , Dennison Philip E.
Published: October 2017

Abstract. At local scales, emissions of methane and carbon dioxide are highly uncertain. Localized sources of both trace gases can create strong local gradients in its columnar abundance, which can be discerned using absorption spectroscopy at high spatial resolution. In a previous study, more than 250 methane plumes were observed in the San Juan Basin near Four Corners during April 2015 using the next-generation Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS-NG) and a linearized matched filter. For the first time, we apply the iterative maximum a posteriori differential optical absorption spectroscopy (IMAP-DOAS) method to AVIRIS-NG data and generate gas concentration maps for methane, carbon dioxide, and water vapor plumes. This demonstrates a comprehensive greenhouse gas monitoring capability that targets methane and carbon dioxide, the two dominant anthropogenic climate-forcing agents. Water vapor results indicate the ability of these retrievals to distinguish between methane and water vapor despite spectral interference in the shortwave infrared. We focus on selected cases from anthropogenic and natural sources, including emissions from mine ventilation shafts, a gas processing plant, tank, pipeline leak, and natural seep. In addition, carbon dioxide emissions were mapped from the flue-gas stacks of two coal-fired power plants and a water vapor plume was observed from the combined sources of cooling towers and cooling ponds. Observed plumes were consistent with known and suspected emission sources verified by the true color AVIRIS-NG scenes and higher-resolution Google Earth imagery. Real-time detection and geolocation of methane plumes by AVIRIS-NG provided unambiguous identification of individual emission source locations and communication to a ground team for rapid follow-up. This permitted verification of a number of methane emission sources using a thermal camera, including a tank and buried natural gas pipeline.
The OMZ and nutrient features as a signature of interannual and low-frequency variability in the Peruvian upwelling system
Authors: Graco Michelle I. , Purca Sara , Dewitte Boris , Castro Carmen G. , Morón Octavio , Ledesma Jesús , Flores Georgina , Gutiérrez Dimitri
Published: October 2017

Abstract. Over the last decades, the Humboldt Current upwelling ecosystem, particularly the northern component off the coast of Peru, has drawn the interest of the scientific community because of its unique characteristics: it is the upwelling system with the biggest catch productivity despite the fact it is embedded in a shallow and intense oxygen minimum zone (OMZ). It is also an area of intense nitrogen loss and anammox activity and experiences large interannual variability associated with the equatorial remote forcing. In this context, we examined the oceanographic and biogeochemical variability associated with the OMZ off central Peru from a monthly time series (1996–2011) recorded off the coast of Callao (12° 02′ S, 77° 29′ W). The data reveal a rich spectrum of variability in the OMZ that includes frequencies ranging from seasonal to interannual scales. Due to the efficient oceanic teleconnection off Peru, the observed variability is interpreted in the light of an estimate of the equatorial Kelvin wave contribution to sea level anomalies considering the peculiarities of its vertical structure (i.e., the first two baroclinic modes). The span of the data set allows us to contrast two OMZ regimes. The strong regime is associated with the strong 1997–1998 equatorial Pacific El Niño, during which the OMZ adjusted to Kelvin-wave-induced downwelling conditions that switched off the upwelling and drastically reduced nutrient availability. The weak regime corresponds to the post-2000 period associated with the occurrence of moderate central Pacific El Niño events and enhanced equatorial Kelvin wave activity, in which mean upwelling conditions are maintained. It is shown that the characteristics of the coupling between physics and biogeochemistry is distinct between the two regimes with the weak regime being associated with a larger explained variance in biogeochemical properties not linearly related to the ENSO oceanic teleconnection. The data also reveal a long-term trend from 1999 corresponding to a deepening of the oxygen-deficient waters and warming. The implications of our results for understanding the OMZ dynamics off Peru are discussed.
Measuring precipitation with a geolysimeter
Authors: Smith Craig D. , van der Kamp Garth , Arnold Lauren , Schmidt Randy
Published: October 2017

Abstract. Using the relationship between measured groundwater pressures in deep observation wells and total surface loading, a geological weighing lysimeter (geolysimeter) has the capability of measuring precipitation event totals independently of conventional precipitation gauge observations. Correlations between groundwater pressure change and event precipitation were observed at a co-located site near Duck Lake, SK, over a multi-year and multi-season period. Correlation coefficients (r2) varied from 0.99 for rainfall to 0.94 for snowfall. The geolysimeter was shown to underestimate rainfall by 7 % while overestimating snowfall by 9 % as compared to the unadjusted gauge precipitation. It is speculated that the underestimation of rainfall is due to unmeasured run-off and evapotranspiration within the response area of the geolysimeter during larger rainfall events, while the overestimation of snow is at least partially due to the systematic undercatch common to most precipitation gauges due to wind. Using recently developed transfer functions from the World Meteorological Organization's (WMO) Solid Precipitation Intercomparison Experiment (SPICE), bias adjustments were applied to the Alter-shielded, Geonor T-200B precipitation gauge measurements of snowfall to mitigate wind-induced errors. The bias between the gauge and geolysimeter measurements was reduced to 3 %. This suggests that the geolysimeter is capable of accurately measuring solid precipitation and can be used as an independent and representative reference of true precipitation.
Performance of ensemble streamflow forecasts under varied hydrometeorological conditions
Authors: Benninga Harm-Jan F. , Booij Martijn J. , Romanowicz Renata J. , Rientjes Tom H. M.
Published: October 2017

Abstract. The paper presents a methodology that gives insight into the performance of ensemble streamflow-forecasting systems. We have developed an ensemble forecasting system for the Biała Tarnowska, a mountainous river catchment in southern Poland, and analysed the performance for lead times ranging from 1 to 10 days for low, medium and high streamflow and different hydrometeorological conditions. Precipitation and temperature forecasts from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts served as inputs to a deterministic lumped hydrological (HBV) model. Due to a non-homogeneous bias in time, pre- and post-processing of the meteorological and streamflow forecasts are not effective. The best forecast skill, relative to alternative forecasts based on meteorological climatology, is shown for high streamflow and snow accumulation low-streamflow events. Forecasts of medium-streamflow events and low-streamflow events under precipitation deficit conditions show less skill. To improve performance of the forecasting system for high-streamflow events, the meteorological forecasts are most important. Besides, it is recommended that the hydrological model be calibrated specifically on low-streamflow conditions and high-streamflow conditions. Further, it is recommended that the dispersion (reliability) of the ensemble streamflow forecasts is enlarged by including the uncertainties in the hydrological model parameters and the initial conditions, and by enlarging the dispersion of the meteorological input forecasts.
Variations in return value estimate of ocean surface waves – a study based on measured buoy data and ERA-Interim reanalysis data
Authors: Muhammed Naseef T. , Sanil Kumar V.
Published: October 2017

Abstract. An assessment of extreme wave characteristics during the design of marine facilities not only helps to ensure their safety but also assess the economic aspects. In this study, return levels of significant wave height (Hs) for different periods are estimated using the generalized extreme value distribution (GEV) and generalized Pareto distribution (GPD) based on the Waverider buoy data spanning 8 years and the ERA-Interim reanalysis data spanning 38 years. The analysis is carried out for wind-sea, swell and total Hs separately for buoy data. Seasonality of the prevailing wave climate is also considered in the analysis to provide return levels for short-term activities in the location. The study shows that the initial distribution method (IDM) underestimates return levels compared to GPD. The maximum return levels estimated by the GPD corresponding to 100 years are 5.10 m for the monsoon season (JJAS), 2.66 m for the pre-monsoon season (FMAM) and 4.28 m for the post-monsoon season (ONDJ). The intercomparison of return levels by block maxima (annual, seasonal and monthly maxima) and the r-largest method for GEV theory shows that the maximum return level for 100 years is 7.20 m in the r-largest series followed by monthly maxima (6.02 m) and annual maxima (AM) (5.66 m) series. The analysis is also carried out to understand the sensitivity of the number of observations for the GEV annual maxima estimates. It indicates that the variations in the standard deviation of the series caused by changes in the number of observations are positively correlated with the return level estimates. The 100-year return level results of Hs using the GEV method are comparable for short-term (2008 to 2016) buoy data (4.18 m) and long-term (1979 to 2016) ERA-Interim shallow data (4.39 m). The 6 h interval data tend to miss high values of Hs, and hence there is a significant difference in the 100-year return level Hs obtained using 6 h interval data compared to data at 0.5 h interval. The study shows that a single storm can cause a large difference in the 100-year Hs value.
Kinematic parameters of internal waves of the second mode in the South China Sea
Authors: Kurkina Oxana , Talipova Tatyana , Soomere Tarmo , Giniyatullin Ayrat , Kurkin Andrey
Published: October 2017

Abstract. Spatial distributions of the main properties of the mode function and kinematic and non-linear parameters of internal waves of the second mode are derived for the South China Sea for typical summer conditions in July. The calculations are based on the Generalized Digital Environmental Model (GDEM) climatology of hydrological variables, from which the local stratification is evaluated. The focus is on the phase speed of long internal waves and the coefficients at the dispersive, quadratic and cubic terms of the weakly non-linear Gardner model. Spatial distributions of these parameters, except for the coefficient at the cubic term, are qualitatively similar for waves of both modes. The dispersive term of Gardner's equation and phase speed for internal waves of the second mode are about a quarter and half, respectively, of those for waves of the first mode. Similarly to the waves of the first mode, the coefficients at the quadratic and cubic terms of Gardner's equation are practically independent of water depth. In contrast to the waves of the first mode, for waves of the second mode the quadratic term is mostly negative. The results can serve as a basis for expressing estimates of the expected parameters of internal waves for the South China Sea.
Alfredo Adolfo Camús (ca. 1817-1889) y la historiografía hispana de la literatura griega: entre la realidad y el deseo
Authors: García Jurado Francisco
Published: October 2017

Como ya hemos mostrado en otros trabajos previos, la vida de Alfredo Adolfo Camús (ca. 1817-1889), catedrático de literatura latina desde 1848 y, un tiempo más tarde, a partir de 1857, de literaturas clásicas griega y latina en la madrileña Universidad Central hasta casi su muerte, en 1889, representa una de las labores más importantes de la enseñanza de tales literaturas en la España de su tiempo. En este trabajo revisaremos las obras fundamentales que confi guraron el moderno estudio de la Historia de la literatura griega y la transferencia de tales conocimientos a los manuales españoles. Sobre estos precedentes, haremos un recorrido por la intensa y multiforme actividad que Camús desarrolló a la hora de enseñar y divulgar la literatura griega, desde la crítica de los manuales existentes en España o sus propias aportaciones como docente, donde destaca, sobre todo, su infl uyente Programa de literatura clásica griega y latina de 1861, hasta el impulso que dio a la traducción del manual romántico compuesto por Karl Otfried Müller, verdadero refl ejo de una España académica que pudo ser y no fue.
Long-term remission of ocular cicatricial pemphigoid off immunomodulatory therapy
Authors: You Caiyun , Ma Lina , Anesi Stephen D. , Stephen Foster C.
Published: October 2017

Purpose:

To evaluate whether long-term remission of ocular cicatricial pemphigoid (OCP) after withdrawal of immunomodulatory therapy (IMT) is possible.

Methods:

A total of 34 of 464 presenting patients (66 eyes) with biopsy-proven OCP in long-term remission off IMT were identified after finishing a 2-year IMT regimen without active disease (2005-2015). Long-term remission off IMT for OCP was defined as patients withdrawn from IMT ≥1 year lacking clinically detectable progressive scarring according to Foster staging and subjective assessment.

Results:

All 34 patients achieved ≥1 year of clinical remission without IMT following 2 years IMT lacking active disease. Mean onset age of OCP was 67.0 years, and median follow-up time was 63.4 months. Mean duration between OCP onset and IMT initiation was 29.5 months, with a mean sustained remission time of 36.0 months off IMT. The mean duration of IMT prior to remission off IMT was 34.8 months (median 32 months, IQR 27-39.5 months). Commonly, methotrexate was used prior to OCP remission (19 patients; 55.9%). Two patients experienced mild flare-up postremission off IMT at months 25 and 37 and a course of topical steroid appeared to resolve the inflammation. Another patient had active inflammation at last office visit 5 years after discontinuation of IMT and will restart IMT.

Conclusions:

Long-term remission for OCP off IMT may be achieved after stepladder IMT is implemented and withdrawn. Longer follow-up and more sensitive measures of scarring and inflammation are needed to generate a consensus on the definition of complete remission and on cessation of systemic IMT for OCP.
Large choroidal excavation in a patient with rubella retinopathy
Authors: Parodi Maurizio Battaglia , Romano Francesco , Montagna Marco , Bandello Francesco
Published: October 2017

Purpose:

To describe a case of rubella retinopathy complicated by bilateral choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and late development of large choroidal excavation (LCE).

Methods:

A 19-year-old woman with a diagnosis of rubella retinopathy underwent her annual ophthalmologic examination, including visual acuity testing and slit-lamp biomicroscopy with dilated fundus examination. Color fundus photography, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) scans, and optical coherence tomography angiography were acquired to complete the investigation of her ocular condition. The main findings are described in this case report.

Results:

This woman came to our attention in 2010 with a history of rubella retinopathy, complicated by bilateral CNV and treated with photodynamic therapy (PDT) in 2006. After 6 years of annual follow-up examinations, her visual acuity remained stable in both eyes (20/100), whereas SD-OCT scans uncovered the development of a bilateral LCE in the macular area, associated with a macular hole in the right eye. Optical coherence tomography angiography revealed a vascular network surrounding the choroidal excavation.

Conclusions:

Large choroidal excavation is a rare finding that has been described in few chorioretinal diseases, e.g., North Carolina macular dystrophy and toxoplasmosis. We propose to include rubella retinopathy complicated by CNV in the differential diagnosis of LCE, although we recognize the possibility that PDT might have induced or facilitated its formation.
Diagnostic precision of a microscope-integrated intraoperative OCT device in patients with epiretinal membranes
Authors: Leisser Christoph , Hirnschall Nino , Hackl Christoph , Döller Birgit , Varsits Ralph , Findl Oliver
Published: October 2017

Purpose:

Preoperative and postoperative optical coherence tomography (OCT) of macular pathologies can be regarded as the gold standard diagnostic technique, providing detailed information on the microstructures of the macula for planning the surgical procedure and comparing improvements after surgery in the follow-up period. Intraoperative use of OCT is a novel application to support surgeons during macular surgery. The aim of this study was to examine the diagnostic precision of a microscope-integrated intraoperative spectral-domain OCT (i-OCT) device and compare imaging results to a stand-alone spectral-domain OCT (SD-OCT) device.

Methods:

This prospective study included 41 eyes of 41 patients scheduled for pars plana vitrectomy with membrane peeling due to an idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM). Intraoperative imaging with the i-OCT device was performed at the beginning of the surgery and compared to preoperative SD-OCT images.

Results:

Preoperative and intraoperative SD-OCT evaluations showed high intraobserver and interobserver reproducibility for the presence of ERM, lamellar macular hole, and vitreomacular traction. For intraretinal cystoid changes, intraobserver and interobserver reproducibility for both OCTs was rather poor, mainly due to microcystic changes.

Conclusions:

Intraoperative spectral-domain OCT offers high reproducibility regarding the visibility of ERM, lamellar macular holes, and vitreomacular traction. Microcystic changes cause discrepancies in interpretation, often simply diagnosed as retinal thickening.
The direct anterior minimal invasive approach in total hip replacement: a prospective departmental study on the learning curve
Authors: Brun Ole-Christian L. , Månsson Lukas , Nordsletten Lars
Published: October 2017

Introduction:

Introduction of new surgical techniques is normal, but seldom monitored in real time. The purpose of this study was to monitor the learning curve when introducing a new surgical technique to a department. We did a prospective evaluation of the learning curve when introducing the minimally invasive direct anterior approach in total hip arthroplasty. We wish to investigate whether there is a learning curve for the direct anterior minimal invasive approach in total hip replacement and what are the early complications to this approach.

Methods:

The department changed from the direct lateral approach to the minimally invasive direct anterior approach. We monitored the first 522 patients operated using this approach with regards to patient outcome scores and complications 6 months postoperatively.

Results:

The last 250 patients operated all had significantly better results with regard to patient outcome scores and cup placement. We investigated 100 patients at a time and compared them with the rest of the patient and found the same pattern. This pattern ends when we reach patients somewhere between 200-300.

Discussions:

We established the learning curve on a departmental level with regards to introduction of the minimal invasive direct anterior approach. We see a steady improvement in scores with regards to patient outcome scores and cup positioning until we reach a steady-state. The learning curve here flattens out. Departments must understand that one should expect early complications and somewhat less than optimal results at first when introducing this new surgical technique.
Risk Factors for Conversion Surgery to Total Hip Arthroplasty of a Hemiarthroplasty Performed for a Femoral Neck Fracture
Authors: Grosso Matthew J. , Danoff Jonathan R. , Thacher Ryan , Murtaugh Taylor S. , Hickernell Thomas R. , Shah Roshan P. , Macaulay William
Published: October 2017

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to determine risk factors for conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients originally treated with hemiarthroplasty (HA) for displaced femoral neck fractures.

Methods

In this case-controlled study, we identified 54 patients who were treated with HA for femoral neck fracture (FNF) who subsequently underwent conversion to THA at our institution between 2003 and 2013. We randomly selected 142 control patients who underwent HA for a displaced FNF without conversion surgery during the same time period. We compared demographic data, implant parameters, and radiographic data between the groups to identify risk factors for conversion surgery.

Results

In the univariate analysis, younger age at index surgery (mean 75 vs. 80 years, p = 0.006), higher body mass index (26.1 vs. 23.7, p = 0.031), bipolar prosthesis (20% vs. 36%, p = 0.024), absence of dementia (6% vs. 23%, p = 0.01), increased leg length compared to contralateral limb (6.5 mm vs. 0.2 mm, p<0.001), and increased HA femoral head size compared to the contralateral femoral head (2.7 mm vs. 1.5 mm, p = 0.02) were associated with a significantly increased risk of conversion surgery. In the multivariate logistic regression, decreased age at index surgery, no dementia, use of a bipolar head, and increased leg length discrepancy (LLD) were associated with risk of conversion.

Conclusions

Patient characteristics, including younger age, increased BMI, and absence of dementia can lead to increased risk for conversion of HA to THA. Intraoperative considerations of head size and increase in ipsilateral LLD may increase the risk of conversion surgery. These factors should be considered by surgeons who employ HA for displaced FNFs.