bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retrieval of Intensive Aerosol Microphysical Parameters from Multiwavelength Raman/HSRL Lidar: Feasibility Study with Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Mamun M. Mustafa , Müller Detlef
Published: February 2016

Abstract. We present results of a feasibility study that uses Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) for the retrieval of intensive microphysical parameters of atmospheric pollution from combinations of backscatter (β) and extinction coefficients (α) that can be measured with multiwavelength Raman and high-spectral resolution lidar at 355, 532, and 1064 nm. We investigated particle effective radius, and the real and imaginary part of the complex refractive index. ANN could be a useful alternative or supplementary method over the traditional approach of retrieving microphysical particle properties with classical inversion algorithms because data analysis with ANN is significantly faster and allows for investigating the information content of the optical input data. We investigated the data combinations 3β+2α, 3β+1α (355 and or 532 nm), 2β (532, 1064 nm) +1α (532 nm), and 3β with Feedforward Backpropagation Multilayer Perceptron Neural Networks. The synthetic optical data were computed with a Mie-scattering algorithm for monomodal particle size distributions. Mean radii of the size distributions ranged between 0.01 and 0.5 µm, and mode widths ranged between 1.4 and 2.5 resulting in effective radii between 0.13 and 4.1 µm. We tested real parts between 1.2 and 2, and imaginary parts between 0.0i and 0.1i. The complexity of developing the networks did not allow us to test the influence of measurement errors of the optical data but the error produced by the ANN can be quantified. From the five basic data combinations, our current network design allows us to derive effective radius with an accuracy of approximately ±16 to ±35 %, and ±17 to ±39 % if the true mean radii is in the range from 110−250 nm, and 260−500 nm, respectively. The real part can be derived with an accuracy of approximately ±7 to ±10 %. We find retrieval errors of approximately ±31 to ±38 % for the imaginary part. We show that ANN can potentially estimate some particle parameters with various levels of uncertainty not only from what we denote as 3β+2α information but also from data combinations of 3β+1α (355 or 532), 2β (532, 1064) +1α (532), and 3β. We hypothesize that the ANN carries out first a pre-selections of various values of extinction-based Ångström exponents with regard to effective radius and then uses this information to create the strong correlation between particle effective radius and lidar ratios in all particle size distributions (PSDs) we investigated.
Climate variability and human impact in South America during the last 2000 years: synthesis and perspectives from pollen records
Authors: Flantua S. G. A. , Hooghiemstra H. , Vuille M. , Behling H. , Carson J. F. , Gosling W. D. , Hoyos I. , Ledru M. P. , Montoya E. , Mayle F. , Maldonado A. , Rull V. , Tonello M. S. , Whitney B. S. , González-Arango C.
Published: February 2016

Abstract. An improved understanding of present-day climate variability and change relies on high-quality data sets from the past 2 millennia. Global efforts to model regional climate modes are in the process of being validated against, and integrated with, records of past vegetation change. For South America, however, the full potential of vegetation records for evaluating and improving climate models has hitherto not been sufficiently acknowledged due to an absence of information on the spatial and temporal coverage of study sites. This paper therefore serves as a guide to high-quality pollen records that capture environmental variability during the last 2 millennia. We identify 60 vegetation (pollen) records from across South America which satisfy geochronological requirements set out for climate modelling, and we discuss their sensitivity to the spatial signature of climate modes throughout the continent. Diverse patterns of vegetation response to climate change are observed, with more similar patterns of change in the lowlands and varying intensity and direction of responses in the highlands. Pollen records display local-scale responses to climate modes; thus, it is necessary to understand how vegetation–climate interactions might diverge under variable settings. We provide a qualitative translation from pollen metrics to climate variables. Additionally, pollen is an excellent indicator of human impact through time. We discuss evidence for human land use in pollen records and provide an overview considered useful for archaeological hypothesis testing and important in distinguishing natural from anthropogenically driven vegetation change. We stress the need for the palynological community to be more familiar with climate variability patterns to correctly attribute the potential causes of observed vegetation dynamics. This manuscript forms part of the wider LOng-Term multi-proxy climate REconstructions and Dynamics in South America – 2k initiative that provides the ideal framework for the integration of the various palaeoclimatic subdisciplines and palaeo-science, thereby jump-starting and fostering multidisciplinary research into environmental change on centennial and millennial timescales.
Soil frost-induced soil moisture precipitation feedback over high northern latitudes
Authors: Hagemann Stefan , Blome Tanja , Ekici Altug , Beer Christian
Published: February 2016

Abstract. Permafrost or perennially frozen ground is an important part of the terrestrial cryosphere; roughly one quarter of Earth's land surface is underlain by permafrost. The impact of the currently observed warming, which is projected to persist during the coming decades due to anthropogenic CO2 input, certainly has effects for the vast permafrost areas of the high northern latitudes. The quantification of these effects, however, is scientifically still an open question. This is partly due to the complexity of the system, where several feedbacks are interacting between land and atmosphere, sometimes counterbalancing each other. Moreover, until recently, many global circulation models (GCMs) and Earth system models (ESMs) lacked the sufficient representation of cold region physical soil processes in their land surface schemes, especially of the effects of freezing and thawing of soil water for both energy and water cycles. Therefore, it will be analysed in the present study how these processes impact large-scale hydrology and climate over northern hemisphere high latitude land areas. For this analysis, the atmosphere-land part of MPI-ESM, ECHAM6-JSBACH, is driven by prescribed observed SST and sea ice in an AMIP2-type setup with and without newly implemented cold region soil processes. Results show a large improvement in the simulated discharge. On one hand this is related to an improved snowmelt peak of runoff due to frozen soil in spring. On the other hand a subsequent reduction of soil moisture leads to a positive land atmosphere feedback to precipitation over the high latitudes, which reduces the model’s wet biases in precipitation and evapotranspiration during the summer. This is noteworthy as soil moisture – atmosphere feedbacks have previously not been in the research focus over the high latitudes. These results point out the importance of high latitude physical processes at the land surface for the regional climate.
INFERNO: a fire and emissions scheme for the Met Office's Unified Model
Authors: Mangeon Stephane , Voulgarakis Apostolos , Gilham Richard , Harper Anna , Sitch Stephen , Folberth Gerd
Published: February 2016

Abstract. Warm and dry climatological conditions favour the occurrence of forest fires. These fires then become a significant emission source to the atmosphere. Despite this global importance, fires are a local phenomenon and are difficult to represent in a large-scale Earth System Model (ESM). To address this, the INteractive Fire and Emission algoRithm for Natural envirOnments (INFERNO) was developed. INFERNO follows a reduced complexity approach and is intended for decadal to centennial scale climate simulations and assessment models for policy making. Fuel flammability is simulated using temperature, relative humidity, fuel density as well as precipitation and soil moisture. Combining flammability with ignitions and vegetation, burnt area is diagnosed. Emissions of carbon and key species are estimated using the carbon scheme in the JULES land surface model. JULES also possesses fire index diagnostics which we document and compare with our fire scheme. Two meteorology datasets and three ignition modes are used to validate the model. INFERNO is shown to effectively diagnose global fire occurrence (R = 0.66) and emissions (R = 0.59) through an approach appropriate to the complexity of an ESM, although regional biases remain.
CellLab-CTS 2015: continuous-time stochastic cellular automaton modeling using Landlab
Authors: Tucker Gregory E. , Hobley Daniel E. J. , Hutton Eric , Gasparini Nicole M. , Istanbulluoglu Erkan , Adams Jordan M. , Nudurupati Sai Siddartha
Published: February 2016

Abstract. CellLab-CTS 2015 is a Python-language software library for creating two-dimensional, continuous-time stochastic (CTS) cellular automaton models. The model domain consists of a set of grid nodes, with each node assigned an integer state code that represents its condition or composition. Adjacent pairs of nodes may undergo transitions to different states, according to a user-defined average transition rate. A model is created by writing a Python code that defines the possible states, the transitions, and the rates of those transitions. The code instantiates, initializes, and runs one of four object classes that represent different types of CTS models. CellLab-CTS provides the option of using either square or hexagonal grid cells. The software provides the ability to treat particular grid-node states as moving particles, and to track their position over time. Grid nodes may also be assigned user-defined properties, which the user can update after each transition through the use of a callback function. As a component of the Landlab modeling framework, CellLab-CTS models take advantage of a suite of Landlab's tools and capabilities, such as support for standardized input and output.
From event analysis to global lessons: disaster forensics for building resilience
Authors: Keating Adriana , Venkateswaran Kanmani , Szoenyi Michael , MacClune Karen , Mechler Reinhard
Published: February 2016

Abstract. With unprecedented growth in disaster risk, there is an urgent need for enhanced learning about and understanding disasters, particularly in relation to the trends in the drivers of increasing risk. Building on the disaster forensics field, we introduce the Post Event Review Capability (PERC) methodology for systematically and holistically analyzing disaster events, and identifying actionable recommendations. PERC responds to a need for learning about the successes and failures in disaster risk management and resilience, and uncovers the underlying drivers of increasing risk. We draw generalizable insights identified from seven applications of the methodology to date, where we find that across the globe policy makers and practitioners in disaster risk management face strikingly similar challenges despite variations in context, indicating encouraging potential for mutual learning. These lessons highlight the importance of integrated risk reduction strategies. We invite others to utilize the freely available PERC approach and contribute to building a repository of learnings on disaster risk management and resilience.
Soil properties and not inputs control carbon : nitrogen : phosphorus ratios in cropped soils in the long term
Authors: Frossard Emmanuel , Buchmann Nina , Bünemann Else K. , Kiba Delwende I. , Lompo François , Oberson Astrid , Tamburini Federica , Traoré Ouakoltio Y. A.
Published: February 2016

Abstract. Stoichiometric approaches have been applied to understand the relationship between soil organic matter dynamics and biological nutrient transformations. However, very few studies have explicitly considered the effects of agricultural management practices on the soil C : N : P ratio. The aim of this study was to assess how different input types and rates would affect the C : N : P molar ratios of bulk soil, organic matter and microbial biomass in cropped soils in the long term. Thus, we analysed the C, N, and P inputs and budgets as well as soil properties in three long-term experiments established on different soil types: the Saria soil fertility trial (Burkina Faso), the Wagga Wagga rotation/stubble management/soil preparation trial (Australia), and the DOK (bio-Dynamic, bio-Organic, and “Konventionell”) cropping system trial (Switzerland). In each of these trials, there was a large range of C, N, and P inputs which had a strong impact on element concentrations in soils. However, although C : N : P ratios of the inputs were highly variable, they had only weak effects on soil C : N : P ratios. At Saria, a positive correlation was found between the N : P ratio of inputs and microbial biomass, while no relation was observed between the nutrient ratios of inputs and soil organic matter. At Wagga Wagga, the C : P ratio of inputs was significantly correlated to total soil C : P, N : P, and C : N ratios, but had no impact on the elemental composition of microbial biomass. In the DOK trial, a positive correlation was found between the C budget and the C to organic P ratio in soils, while the nutrient ratios of inputs were not related to those in the microbial biomass. We argue that these responses are due to differences in soil properties among sites. At Saria, the soil is dominated by quartz and some kaolinite, has a coarse texture, a fragile structure, and a low nutrient content. Thus, microorganisms feed on inputs (plant residues, manure). In contrast, the soil at Wagga Wagga contains illite and haematite, is richer in clay and nutrients, and has a stable structure. Thus, organic matter is protected from mineralization and can therefore accumulate, allowing microorganisms to feed on soil nutrients and to keep a constant C : N : P ratio. The DOK soil represents an intermediate situation, with high nutrient concentrations, but a rather fragile soil structure, where organic matter does not accumulate. We conclude that the study of C, N, and P ratios is important to understand the functioning of cropped soils in the long term, but that it must be coupled with a precise assessment of element inputs and budgets in the system and a good understanding of the ability of soils to stabilize C, N, and P compounds.
Ice core evidence for a recent increase in snow accumulation in coastal Dronning Maud Land, East Antarctica
Authors: Philippe Morgane , Tison Jean-Louis , Fjøsne Karen , Hubbard Bryn , Kjær Helle A. , Lenaerts Jan T. M. , Sheldon Simon G. , De Bondt Kevin , Claeys Philippe , Pattyn Frank
Published: February 2016

Abstract. Ice cores provide temporal records of snow accumulation, a crucial component of Antarctic mass balance. Coastal areas are particularly under-represented in such records, despite their relatively high and sensitive accumulation rates. Here we present records from a 120 m ice core drilled on Derwael Ice Rise, coastal Dronning Maud Land (DML), East Antarctica in 2012. We date the ice core bottom back to 1745 ± 2 AD. δ18O and δD stratigraphy is supplemented by discontinuous major ion profiles, and verified independently by electrical conductivity measurements (ECM) to detect volcanic horizons. The resulting annual layer history is combined with the core density profile to calculate accumulation history, corrected for the influence of ice deformation. The mean long-term accumulation is 0.425 ± 0.035 m water equivalent (w.e.) a−1 (average corrected value). Reconstructed annual accumulation rates show an increase from 1955 onward to a mean value of 0.61 ± 0.02 m w.e. a−1 between 1955 and 2012. This trend is compared to other reported accumulation data in Antarctica, generally showing a high spatial variability. Output of the fully coupled Community Earth System Model demonstrates that sea ice and atmospheric patterns largely explain the accumulation variability. This is the first and longest record from a coastal ice core in East Antarctica showing a steady increase during the 20th and 21st centuries, thereby supporting modelling predictions.
Rockglaciers on the run – Understanding rockglacier landform evolution and recent changes from numerical flow modeling
Authors: Müller Johann , Vieli Andreas , Gärtner-Roer Isabelle
Published: February 2016

Abstract. Rockglaciers are landforms indicative of permafrost creep and received considerable attention concerning their dynamical and thermal changes. Observed changes in rockglacier motion on seasonal to decadal timescales have been linked to ground temperature variations and related changes in landform geometries interpreted as signs of degradation due to climate warming. Despite the extensive kinematic and thermal monitoring of these creeping permafrost landforms, our understanding of the controlling factors remains limited and lacks robust quantitative models for rockglacier evolution in relation to their environmental setting. Here, we use a holistic approach to analyze the current and long-term dynamical development of two rockglaciers in the Swiss Alps. Site-specific sedimentation and ice generation rates are linked with an adapted numerical flow model for rockglaciers that couples the process chain from material deposition to rockglacier flow in order to reproduce observed rockglacier geometries and their general dynamics. Modelling experiments exploring the impact of variations in rockglacier temperature and sediment/ice supply show that these forcing processes are not sufficient for explaining the currently observed short-term geometrical changes derived from multitemporal digital terrain models at the two different rockglacier. The modelling also shows that rockglacier thickness is dominantly controlled by slope and rheology while the advance rates are mostly constrained by rates of sediment/ice supply. Furthermore, timescales of dynamical adjustment are found to be strongly linked to creep velocity. Overall, we provide a useful modelling framework for a better understanding of the dynamical response and morphological changes of rockglaciers to changes in external forcing.
Teoría de situación específica de autotrascendencia en personas dependientes del alcohol en proceso de recuperación
Authors: Rodríguez-Puente Linda Azucena , Alonso-Castillo María Magdalena
Published: February 2016

La creación de modelos y teorías de enfermería, enfocadas en fenómenos específicos, contribuye a la práctica y el desarrollo de la disciplina de enfermería. Objetivo: presentar una derivación teórica y proponer un modelo sobre la teoría de autotrascendencia en personas dependientes del alcohol en proceso de recuperación. Materiales y métodos: se realizó una derivación teórica mediante la metodología propuesta por Walker y Avant. Resultados: adaptación del Modelo de Autotrascendencia en personas dependientes del alcohol en proceso de recuperación en Alcohólicos Anónimos. Conclusiones: el modelo puede ser útil para explicar cómo las personas dependientes del alcohol, que se encuentran en tratamiento, logran el bienestar y cuáles son los factores que influyen durante el proceso.
Interatividade sistêmica entre os conceitos interdependentes de cuidado de enfermagem
Authors: Backes Dirce Stein , Zamberlan Claudia , Colomé Juliana , Souza Martha Teixeira , Marchiori Mara Teixeira , Lorenzini Erdmann Alacoque , Salazar Maya Angela Maria
Published: February 2016

O presente estudo tem por objetivo apresentar e discutir a interatividade sistêmica entre os conceitos interdependentes de cuidado de enfermagem na perspectiva dos pressupostos teóricos de Edgar Morin. Defende-se que o conceito sistêmico de cuidado de enfermagem pode ser concebido a partir de um conceito ampliado, antagônico, complementar, interdependente e de dinamicidade interativa de processos e contraprocessos de enfermagem, saúde, viver saudável, comunidade vulnerável e empreendedorismo social da enfermagem. A compreensão ampliada e interdependente desses conceitos possibilita, em suma, transcender a linearidade do processo saúde-doença e alcançar resultados mais efetivos de promoção e proteção da saúde.
Significado de las prácticas de cuidado cultural en gestantes adolescentes de Barranquilla (Colombia)
Authors: Muñoz-Henríquez Maribel , Pardo Torres Myriam Patricia
Published: February 2016

Objetivo: describir el significado de las prácticas de cuidado cultural en un grupo de gestantes adolescentes asistentes al control prenatal del Hospital Niño Jesús de Barranquilla, Colombia, y de su hijo por nacer. Método: estudio cualitativo etnográfico, en el que se aplicó el concepto propuesto por Leininger. Las participantes fueron: 10 gestantes adolescentes entre 15 y 19 años, y 12 enfermeras con experiencia en el área. Las primeras como informantes clave, y las segundas como informantes generales. Resultados: el significado de las prácticas de cuidado cultural, para las gestantes adolescentes, se clasifica en tres temas: 1) prácticas de cuidado transmitidas de generación en generación, predominando la línea femenina; 2) la confianza en Dios y el apoyo de la familia como una forma de cuidarse; 3) dar a luz un hijo sano. Conclusiones: las prácticas de cuidado de las gestantes adolecentes están enraizadas en sus creencias, mitos y valores culturales heredados de generación en generación, lo que muestra patrones de cuidado cultural. Este aspecto debe ser identificado por enfermería para ofrecer cuidados que sean culturalmente congruentes con esta población.
The Effect of Foreign Direct Investment from Austria on Skilled and Unskilled Labor in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Kurtovic Safet , Dacic Haris , Talovic Sead
Published: February 2016

Foreign direct investment (FDI) is considered a major factor in the process of a country's economic development. The presence of FDI in host countries has multiple effects on their economic development. One of these effects pertains to the change in organization and composition of labor market. With that in mind, this paper studies the effect of FDI inflow from Austria on the labor market in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H). It analyzes the time series data for the period 2005 - 2014. The research of the paper is divided into two parts. The first part studies the effect of certain independent variables on the increase in real average wages of skilled and unskilled labor. The second part examines the effect of certain independent variables on the increase in the number of skilled and unskilled workers. This paper applies the North-South Model and OLS Regression. The research has shown that the impact of the majority of independent variables on dependent variables is statistically significant.
Assessment of Growing Media on Vegetative, Flowering and Vase Life Characteristics of Lilium (Lilium longiflorum) cvs. Bach and Pavia in the Foothills of Himalayas
Authors: Bhandari Narendra Singh , Srivastava Ranjan
Published: February 2016

The experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of different growing media on vegetative, flowering and vase life characteristics of two LA lily hybrids Bach and Pavia in 2 factorial randomized block design with three replications. Of the two factors, first factor was two varieties namely, Bach and Pavia and the second factor was five growing media including (1) garden soil, (2) cocopeat, (3) cocopeat + sand (1:1) and (4) garden soil + sand (1:1). However, bulbs of LA lily hybrids were planted in plastic crates containing different growing media with 10 bulbs in each crate, placed inside 50 percent shadenet house. Final plant height (116.63 cm.) and number of flower buds (7.27) was highest in cv. Pavia at 60 days after planting. However, quickest flower bud appearance (29.53days) and maximum vase life (11.26 days) was in cv. Bach. Among the potting media, cocopeat found to be superior for enhancing all characteristics along with both the cultivars.
Julius Bahnsen's Influence on Nietzsche's Wills-Theory
Authors: Jensen Anthony K.
Published: February 2016

This article traces the development of Nietzsche's early adoption and later rejection of Schopenhauer's theory of Will. I argue that Nietzsche's break with Schopenhauer was coextensive with his acceptance of explanatory naturalism about both external and internal activities. I argue further that a major source for four of his specific arguments against the Schopenhauerian primacy of the one Will was the little-known neo-Schopenhauerian thinker Julius Bahnsen. Using Bahnsen, Nietzsche argues (1) that there is no empirical evidence of a transcendent Will; (2) that explanations of behavior do not require a transcendent Will; (3) that what explains behavior is not a “thing” at all, but a fluid dynamic of strivings; and (4) that these strivings are “guided” even absent a distinct guiding principle.
Conservation and Restoration Guidelines for the Omo Sebua in Bawömataluo Village, South Nias, Indonesia
Authors: Nitto Kazuhiko , Uekita Yasufumi , Jiang Benyan , Oodaira Shigeo , Sato Koji
Published: February 2016

In recent years, wooden structures have been being gradually replaced by reinforced concrete and brick buildings. Although a conservation system has been established in Indonesia, specific conservation and repair guidelines for traditional wooden buildings have not been well-regulated. This paper takes the omo sebua as a research subject, aims to clarify the deterioration, deformation and their causes, and to propose guidelines for its conservation.

The results of the deterioration and deformation investigation are as following: the maximum inclination of the short pillars is 5/100, and the most common inclination is 2/100. The significant sinkage of the foundation stones reaches 56 cm and the average sinkage is 20~30 cm. The maximum inclination of side pillars is 4/100, and the most common inclination is 2/100. Besides, the corruptions of the roof frame concentrate on the gable wall and termite damages can be seen in the whole building.

Basing on the investigation result, our proposals are as following: 1) conduct a dismantling restoration; 2) recycle the used materials as much as possible to maintain the authenticity of the building; 3) use new materials that are the same as the original ones; 4) rethatch the roofing by sago palm leaf; 5) conduct a structural diagnose, reinforce the structure against an earthquake; 6) include electrical equipment and disaster management in a restoration.
Influence of Lead Pollution on Cohesive Soil Erodibility using Jet Erosion Tests
Authors: Salah Mina M. , Al-Madhhachi Abdulsahib T.
Published: February 2016

Recent researches were investigated the high concentrations of Lead in Baghdad soils due to the emissions from Leaded fuel of cars, generators, and the industrials. These high concentrations in addition to their impact on human health may impact on the landscape and streambanks and may cause significant issues on soil erodibility. The erosion rate of cohesive soil was usually estimated using two alternative models, excess shear stress model which is depended on two major soil parameters: the critical shear stress, τc, and the erodibility coefficient, kd, and Wilson model which is depended on two mechanistic soil parameters: b0 and b1. A new miniature version of Jet Erosion Test (“mini” JET) was performed to derive both model parameters. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of Lead pollution on cohesive soil erodibility using “mini” JET under controlled laboratory setups to predict soil erodibility. In order to observe the Lead contamination on soil erodibility, soil samples were mixed with different quantities of Lead concertation and the samples were packed at ASTM standard mold on two different bulk densities. Results show that the Lead pollution increased soil erodibility when the concentration of Lead increased. An inverse relationship between excess shear stress parameters kd and τc was observed as well as between Wilson model parameters b0 and b1. The Wilson model parameters were closely resembled the empirical excess shear stress parameters with benefit that Wilson model parameters are mechanistic parameters.
Evaluation of the Third Class Science Text Book from the Teacher’s Perspective at Madaba Municipality
Authors: Kraishan Osama M. , Almaamah Ismail
Published: February 2016

This study aimed at evaluating the science textbook of the third grade primary school in Jordan from the point of view of the teachers who have taught this textbook, in order to find out how suitable and relevant this textbook is to the structure of the curriculum and its guidelines, by trying to answer this question: What is the evaluation of science textbook of the third grade from the standpoint of science teachers in the following aspects: general appearance, the book’s introduction, content of the book, aids and activities in the book, the contribution of the book to the development of students’ attitudes toward science, evaluation methods contained in the book, the appropriateness of the number of weekly classes to the content of the book, the availability of laboratories and the necessary materials to carry out activities, and finally the language of the book. The study population consisted of all 110 science teachers in governmental schools in Madaba who have taught the science textbook. While The study sample consisted of (51) teachers who were selected randomly, then the researchers prepared a questionnaire as an instrument for their study consisting of (62) paragraphs displayed by a number of arbitrators and specialists for the sake of verifying its validity and reliability, and it covers nine aspects. Results related to study main question showed that the total score of teachers evaluating for science textbook of the third grade was high as the percentage reached (70.6), and this is evident that the Jordanian experience in curriculum development and design is a rich experience and with high level, parallel with the experiences of other countries. Finally, the researchers recommend that science teachers and their supervisors should necessarily take part in designing the science textbook because they are only the ones who work with it. They also recommend that more studies on science textbooks should be done for the sake of the development of its curriculums.
Emotional Intelligence and Its Relation with the Social Skills and Religious Behaviour of Female Students at Dammam University in the Light of Some Variables
Authors: Al-Tamimi Eman Mohammad Reda Ali , Al-Khawaldeh Naseer Ahmad
Published: February 2016

The study has examined the correlation between emotional intelligence, social skills, and religious behavior among university female students, since it had been noticed that there was escalation in the frequency of some behavioral and emotional problems such as vandalism, aggression, social withdrawal, weakness of social relations, patterns of friendship between female students, lack of positive social attributes, indifference and carelessness towards lectures, and frequent absence. The study has followed the quantitative research approach by the emotional intelligence criterion, social skills criterion and religious behavior criterion. The study sample consisted of 338 female students of the university students selected by the purposive sample method from both Islamic Studies and Arabic Language Departments. The study revealed that the average grade for the emotional intelligence among the female university students the Faculty of Arts in Hafar Al-Batin/University of Dammam is high–the arithmetic average on the criterion as a whole reached 3.611. The average grade for the religious behavior among the female university students the Faculty of Arts in Hafar Al-Batin of University of Dammam is high–the arithmetic average on the criterion as a whole reached 4.605.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for International Education Studies, Vol. 9, No. 3
Authors: Lee Chris
Published: February 2016

Reviewer acknowledgements for International Education Studies, Vol. 9, No. 3, 2016.
Counselling Services Utilisation in a Malaysia Private University
Authors: Yin-Fah Benjamin Chan , Sok-Foon Yeoh , Migin Melissa W.
Published: February 2016

University can be an exciting yet challenging transition for students. Many universities provide counselling services to students who need it during their tertiary studies but many students tend to avoid counselling. This study was conducted to identify the counselling service experience among undergraduate students. The emphasis was on the past experiences, awareness, attitude and perceived barriers on the intention and utilisation of the counselling services. This study found that past experiences, awareness and intention to use has a significant relationship with utilise counselling services within their universities. On the contrary, attitude and perceived barriers to admission is not comprehended as a factor to seeking counselling. These determinants are useful reference for university counsellors for their planning and implementation to create further awareness of their counselling sessions for their students.
Analysis of the Structure and Diversity of Prosopis africana (G. et Perr.) Taub. Tree Stands in the Southeastern Niger
Authors: Abdou Laouali , Morou Boubé , Abasse Tougiani , Mahamane Ali
Published: February 2016

All parts of Prosopis africana are used by rural people in Niger, and this exposes it to degradation and a regeneration problems. The objective of this study was to determine the structure and regeneration of P. africana stands in the southern regions of Maradi and Zinder, Niger. Data were collected in plots, following transects after stratified sampling. Trunk diameter of all woody species was recorded in 126 plots. The diversity was analyzed and diameter structure and regeneration rates were determined. P. africana was the predominant species in both Maradi and Zinder: frequency = 40.35% and 43.95% of all species, respectively in Maradi and Zinder; importance value index = 40.57% in Maradi and 48.60% in Zinder. The Shannon diversity index was 2.82 in Maradi and 2.40 in Zinder and the Sorensen similarity index between the two regions was 0.73. According to the diameter structure, the stands were degraded in Zinder but regenerating in Maradi. The density of P. africana per hectare for trees with trunk diameter > 5 cm and < 5 cm, respectively was 16 and 51 in Maradi, and 30 and 12 in Zinder. The regeneration rate of P. africana was low compared with the general woody population. These results show the need for reforestation operations, using appropriate techniques, to avoid local extinction of the species.
Impact of a Rapid Blood Culture Assay for Gram-Positive Identification and Detection of Resistance Markers in a Pediatric Hospital
Authors: Felsenstein Susanna , Bender Jeffrey M. , Sposto Richard , Gentry Matthew , Takemoto Carol , Bard Jennifer Dien
Published: February 2016

Context

Molecular diagnostics allow for rapid identification and detection of resistance markers of bloodstream infection, with a potential for accelerated antimicrobial optimization and improved patient outcomes. Although the impact of rapid diagnosis has been reported, studies in pediatric patients are scarce.

Objective

—To determine the impact of a molecular blood-culture assay that identifies a broad-spectrum of pathogens and resistance markers in pediatric patients with gram-positive bloodstream infections.

Design

Data on the time to antimicrobial optimization, the length of hospitalization, and the hospital cost following implementation of a rapid assay were prospectively collected and compared with corresponding preimplementation data.

Results

—There were 440 episodes from 383 patients included, 221 preimplementation episodes and 219 postimplementation episodes. Overall time to antimicrobial optimization was shortened by 12.5 hours (P = .006), 11.9 hours (P = .005) for bloodstream infections of Staphylococcus aureus specifically. Duration of antibiotics for those with probable blood-culture contamination with coagulase-negative staphylococci was reduced by 36.9 hours (P < .001). Median length of stay for patients admitted to general pediatric units was 1.5 days shorter (P = .04), and median hospital cost was $3757 (P = .03) less after implementation. For S aureus bloodstream infections, median length of stay and hospital cost were decreased by 5.6 days (P = .01) and $13 341 (P = .03), respectively.

Conclusions

Implementation of molecular assay for the detection of gram-positive pathogens and resistance markers significantly reduced time to identification and resistance detection, resulting in accelerated optimization of therapy, shorter length of stay, and decreased health care cost.
Pulmonary Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis: An Update From the Pathologists' Perspective
Authors: Roden Anja C. , Yi Eunhee S.
Published: February 2016

Context

Pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis (PLCH) is a rare histiocytic disorder that almost exclusively affects the lungs of smokers. PLCH is characterized by bronchiolocentric nodules and/or cysts in an upper and mid lung distribution with sparing of the costophrenic angles. The diagnosis can be challenging and often requires transbronchial biopsy or surgical lung biopsy. Pulmonary hypertension is a relatively common and sometimes severe complication of PLCH. The pathogenesis of PLCH is still debated. Recently, BRAF V600E mutation and BRAF expression have been identified in some patients with PLCH, suggesting that at least a subset of PLCH has a clonal proliferation. While smoking cessation is the first-line treatment of PLCH, some patients might require additional treatment and eventually transplant. Given that the lesional cells of PLCH express BRAF in some patients, MAPKinase pathway–targeted treatment might be useful for therapy-resistant patients.

Objective

—To present the more recently recognized clinical and pathologic aspects of PLCH, including pulmonary hypertension in PLCH, pathogenesis, and treatment, as well as the basic diagnostic approach to PLCH.

Data Sources

Authors' own research, and search of literature database (PubMed) and UpToDate.

Conclusions

—Despite the recent progress, more studies are needed to elucidate the biology of PLCH for identification of prognostic factors and appropriate treatment options, especially for therapy-refractory PLCH cases.
Ex Vivo Artifacts and Histopathologic Pitfalls in the Lung
Authors: Thunnissen Erik , Blaauwgeers Hans J. L. G. , de Cuba Erienne M. V. , Yick Ching Yong , Flieder Douglas B.
Published: February 2016

Context

Surgical and pathologic handling of lung physically affects lung tissue. This leads to artifacts that alter the morphologic appearance of pulmonary parenchyma.

Objective

—To describe and illustrate mechanisms of ex vivo artifacts that may lead to diagnostic pitfalls.

Design

In this study 4 mechanisms of ex vivo artifacts and corresponding diagnostic pitfalls are described and illustrated.

Results

—The 4 patterns of artifacts are: (1) surgical collapse, due to the removal of air and blood from pulmonary resections; (2) ex vivo contraction of bronchial and bronchiolar smooth muscle; (3) clamping edema of open lung biopsies; and (4) spreading of tissue fragments and individual cells through a knife surface. Morphologic pitfalls include diagnostic patterns of adenocarcinoma, asthma, constrictive bronchiolitis, and lymphedema.

Conclusion

Four patterns of pulmonary ex vivo artifacts are important to recognize in order to avoid morphologic misinterpretations.
Personal Librarian for Aboriginal Students: A Programmatic Assessment
Authors: Melançon Jérôme , Goebel Nancy
Published: February 2016

The Personal Librarian for Aboriginal Students (PLAS) program at the University of Alberta (UofA) is a creative outgrowth of the growing Personal Librarian programs in academic libraries, in which a student is partnered with an individual librarian for the academic year. In the case of the UofA’s PLAS program, first-year undergraduate students who self-identified as Aboriginal during the registration process were selected as participants. The first year of the program saw many successes. This paper provides background on the initiative and the associated action research indicating a creative approach to engaging Aboriginal students.
Making Strategic Decisions: Conducting and Using Research on the Impact of Sequenced Library Instruction
Authors: Lundstrom Kacy , Martin Pamela , Cochran Dory
Published: February 2016

This study explores the relationship between course grades and sequenced library instruction interventions throughout psychology students’ curriculum. Researchers conducted this study to inform decisions about sustaining and improving program integrations for first- and second-year composition courses and to improve discipline-level integrations. Researchers began with transcript analysis but soon incorporated student surveys and a faculty focus group to supplement the data and influence future directions. Findings confirmed that students benefit from meaningful collaborations with the library at strategic, sequenced points in their curriculum, including at the discipline level. This research also provided concrete information that brought about change at the classroom and programmatic level.
Beyond the Library: Using Multiple, Mixed Measures Simultaneously in a College-Wide Assessment of Information Literacy
Authors: Whitlock Brandy , Ebrahimi Nassim
Published: February 2016

To get the best sense of how graduating students demonstrate information literacy skills and how the institution can improve student learning, the Assessment in Action (AiA) project at Anne Arundel Community College (AACC) deployed a combination of indirect measures and authentic assessment of student work, utilizing assessment tools flexible enough to be deployed across the college. The results of AACC’s AiA project have provided college practitioners and stakeholders with evidence of the extent to which graduating students demonstrate crucial information literacy skills and with data that can inform decisions about how to foster more effective teaching and learning.
Are there similar or divergent transitions to adulthood in a Mediterranean context? A cross-national comparison of Italy and Spain
Authors: Pace Ugo , Cacioppo Marco , Lo Cascio Valentina , Guzzo Giovanni , Passanisi Alessia
Published: February 2016

The purpose of this study was to examine the differences and similarities between Italy and Spain in regard to emerging adults’ perceptions of identity status, autonomy, attachment, and life satisfaction. The goal was to verify whether a Mediterranean model of transitions from adolescence to adulthood exists. Three hundred and forty undergraduate students (171 Italians and 169 Spanish) ranging in age from 19 to 22 completed measures of identity status, emotional autonomy, attachment style, and life satisfaction. Multiple correspondence analyses provided a graphic synthesis of results. The results indicate that no common model of young adult development exists in Spain and Italy and that Italian youth have a more complex quality of development compared to their Spanish peers.
Motivational and ideological underpinnings of welfare preferences in eastern and western Europe
Authors: Hadarics Márton
Published: February 2016

In our study we investigated the motivational and ideological correlates of the approval of welfare services in postsocialist Central Eastern and Western Europe. In the centre of our inquiry stood how the motivations of selflessness and conventionality, along with distributional justice principles, are related to our welfare preferences beyond our rational self-interest, furthermore, how these associations depend on social-cultural circumstances. We have found that the motivational background of egalitarian economic and welfare attitudes are substantially different in the two regions. While beside of the rationalisation of self-interest, it seems to be related to selflessness-driven solidarity in Western Europe, pro-welfare and egalitarian distributional views are primarily motivated by conventionality-driven norm adherence in postsocialist countries in the form of the mechanism of postsocialist economic system nostalgia. Our results highlight the benefits of a context-specific ’motivated social cognition’ approach to ideological and political attitudes.
I and my friends are good people: The perception of incivility by self, friends and strangers
Authors: Hess Ursula , Cossette Michel , Hareli Shlomo
Published: February 2016

Three studies were conducted to assess self-serving biases in participants’ beliefs about incivility, its antecedents and consequences as well as restitution behaviors and forgiveness as a function of whether a behavior was performed by themselves, strangers or friends. Participants who imagined themselves in the active role not only described their own behavior as more excusable, congruent with an actor-observer bias, but more importantly, they showed strong self-serving biases with regard to all their reactions to the situation – even though this leads to logical contradictions. This self-serving expectation generalized to friends and contrasted sharply with expectations for strangers, whose behaviors were described as logically consistent. The difference between what is expected from self and friends and what is expected from others may account for much of the popular moral outrage at incivility in various social realms.
Validation of a newly developed instrument establishing links between motivation and academic hardiness
Authors: Kamtsios Spiridon , Karagiannopoulou Evangelia
Published: February 2016

The purpose of the study was to establish the reliability, the structural and the convergent validity of the “Dimensions of Academic Hardiness Questionnaire” for late elementary school children. A sample of children (N = 1264) aged 10-12 years completed the questionnaire and the “Athens Coping Scale”. Multiple fit indices provided support that the 9-factor model had a good fit to the data. Reliability coefficients ranged from .68 to .83. The study provided also preliminary evidence of convergent validity of the “Dimensions of Academic Hardiness” scores with one theoretically related measure, the “Athens Coping Scale”. The results enrich the notion of Academic Hardiness in late elementary school children as the role of awareness and the role of children’s previous experiences has been distinguished. The relation between the “Dimensions of Academic Hardiness” and achievement goal orientations in children learning is also noted. These findings are discussed in the context of the relevant literature.
Constructing work and subjectivities in precarious conditions: Psycho-discursive practices in young people’s interviews in Greece
Authors: Kesisoglou Georgios , Figgou Evangelia , Dikaiou Maria
Published: February 2016

Precarity is becoming the paradigmatic description of young people’s work conditions in crisis-ridden Greece, but also in other European countries. Focusing on interview data on the work experiences of young adults (18-26 years old), in urban centres of Greece, this study attempts to explore the ways in which informants account for working in precarious conditions and construct agency and subjectivity within these ways of accounting. The analysis drawing on insights from critical discursive social psychology indicates that participants construct precarious work conditions as widespread and banal a) by treating precarious work as a sine qua non condition of youth employment, b) by considering precarious work as an inherent trait of the Greek job-market, c) by considering precarious work as a necessary step on a (biographical) path leading to the desired and/or appropriate job, or d) by adopting a “there is no other alternative” accounting, representing precarious job conditions as the only alternative to unemployment. The analysis also points out the ways in which participants orient themselves to a dilemma of stake and accountability, being concerned to position themselves as effortful subjects, while they are rhetorically constructing the banal regime of precarious labour. The discussion considers the need to bring into the scope of social and political psychology the specific nuances of precarious labour.