bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Turbulent enhancement of radar reflectivity factor for polydisperse cloud droplets
Authors: Matsuda Keigo , Onishi Ryo
Published: June 2018

Abstract. The radar reflectivity factor is important for estimating cloud microphysical properties; thus, in this study, we determine the quantitative influence of microscale turbulent clustering of polydisperse droplets on the radar reflectivity factor. The theoretical solution for particulate Bragg scattering is obtained without assuming monodisperse droplet sizes. The scattering intensity is given by an integral function including the cross spectrum of number density fluctuations for two different droplet sizes. We calculate the cross spectrum based on turbulent clustering data, which are obtained by the direct numerical simulation (DNS) of particle-laden homogeneous isotropic turbulence. The results show that the coherence of the cross spectrum is close to unity for small wavenumbers and decreases almost exponentially with increasing wavenumber. This decreasing trend is dependent on the combination of Stokes numbers. A critical wavenumber is introduced to characterize the exponential decrease of the coherence and parametrized using the Stokes number difference. Comparison with DNS results confirms that the proposed model can reproduce the rp3-weighted power spectrum, which is proportional to the clustering influence on the radar reflectivity factor, to a sufficiently high accuracy. The model is then applied to high-resolution cloud-simulation data obtained from a spectral-bin cloud simulation. The result shows that the influence of turbulent clustering can be significant for the near-top of turbulent clouds.
The potential effects of climate change on air quality across the
conterminous U.S. at 2030 under three Representative
Concentration Pathways (RCPs)
Authors: Nolte Christopher G. , Spero Tanya L. , Bowden Jared H. , Mallard Megan S. , Dolwick Patrick D.
Published: June 2018

Abstract. The potential impacts of climate change on regional ozone (O3) and fine particulate (PM2.5) air quality in the United States are investigated by downscaling Community Earth System Model (CESM) global climate simulations with the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model, then using the downscaled meteorological fields with the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model. Regional climate and air quality change between 2000 and 2030 under three Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) is simulated using 11-year time slices from CESM. The regional climate fields represent historical daily maximum and daily minimum temperatures well, with mean biases less than 2 K for most regions of the U.S. and most seasons of the year and good representation of the variability. Precipitation in the central and eastern U.S. is well simulated for the historical period, with seasonal and annual biases generally less than 25 %, and positive biases in the western U.S. throughout the year and in part of the eastern U.S. during summer. Maximum daily 8-h ozone (MDA8 O3) is projected to increase during summer and autumn in the central and eastern U.S. The increase in summer mean MDA8 O3 is largest under RCP8.5, exceeding 4 ppb in some locations, with smaller seasonal mean increases of up to 2 ppb simulated during autumn and changes during spring generally less than 1 ppb. Increases are magnified at the upper end of the O3 distribution, particularly where projected increases in temperature are greater. Annual average PM2.5 concentration changes range from −1.0 to 1.0 μg m−3. Organic PM2.5 concentrations increase during summer and autumn due to increased biogenic emissions. Decreases in aerosol nitrate occur during winter, accompanied by lesser decreases in ammonium and sulfate, due to warmer temperatures causing increased partitioning to the gas phase. Among meteorological factors examined to account for modeled changes in pollution, temperature and isoprene emissions are found to have the largest changes and the greatest impact on O3 concentrations.
The Community Cloud retrieval for CLimate (CC4CL) – Part 1: A framework applied to multiple satellite imaging sensors
Authors: Sus Oliver , Stengel Martin , Stapelberg Stefan , McGarragh Gregory , Poulsen Caroline , Povey Adam C. , Schlundt Cornelia , Thomas Gareth , Christensen Matthew , Proud Simon , Jerg Matthias , Grainger Roy , Hollmann Rainer
Published: June 2018

Abstract. We present here the key features of the Community Cloud retrieval for CLimate
(CC4CL) processing algorithm. We focus on the novel features of the
framework: the optimal estimation approach in general, explicit uncertainty
quantification through rigorous propagation of all known error sources into
the final product, and the consistency of our long-term, multi-platform
time series provided at various resolutions, from 0.5 to
0.02∘. By describing all key input data and processing steps, we aim to inform the
user about important features of this new retrieval framework and its
potential applicability to climate studies. We provide an overview of the
retrieved and derived output variables. These are analysed for four, partly
very challenging, scenes collocated with CALIOP (Cloud-Aerosol lidar with
Orthogonal Polarization) observations in the high latitudes and over the Gulf
of Guinea–West Africa. The results show that CC4CL provides very realistic estimates of cloud top
height and cover for optically thick clouds but, where optically thin clouds
overlap, returns a height between the two layers. CC4CL is a unique,
coherent, multi-instrument cloud property retrieval framework applicable to
passive sensor data of several EO missions. Through its flexibility, CC4CL
offers the opportunity for combining a variety of historic and current EO
missions into one dataset, which, compared to single sensor retrievals, is
improved in terms of accuracy and temporal sampling.
The Community Cloud retrieval for CLimate (CC4CL) – Part 2: The optimal estimation approach
Authors: McGarragh Gregory R. , Poulsen Caroline A. , Thomas Gareth E. , Povey Adam C. , Sus Oliver , Stapelberg Stefan , Schlundt Cornelia , Proud Simon , Christensen Matthew W. , Stengel Martin , Hollmann Rainer , Grainger Roy G.
Published: June 2018

Abstract. The Community Cloud retrieval for Climate (CC4CL) is a cloud property retrieval system for satellite-based multispectral imagers and is an important component of the Cloud Climate Change Initiative (Cloud_cci) project. In this paper we discuss the optimal estimation retrieval of cloud optical thickness, effective radius and cloud top pressure based on the Optimal Retrieval of Aerosol and Cloud (ORAC) algorithm. Key to this method is the forward model, which includes the clear-sky model, the liquid water and ice cloud models, the surface model including a bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF), and the "fast" radiative transfer solution (which includes a multiple scattering treatment). All of these components and their assumptions and limitations will be discussed in detail. The forward model provides the accuracy appropriate for our retrieval method. The errors are comparable to the instrument noise for cloud optical thicknesses greater than 10. At optical thicknesses less than 10 modeling errors become more significant. The retrieval method is then presented describing optimal estimation in general, the nonlinear inversion method employed, measurement and a priori inputs, the propagation of input uncertainties and the calculation of subsidiary quantities that are derived from the retrieval results. An evaluation of the retrieval was performed using measurements simulated with noise levels appropriate for the MODIS instrument. Results show errors less than 10 % for cloud optical thicknesses greater than 10. Results for clouds of optical thicknesses less than 10 have errors up to 20 %.
Climate sensitivity and meridional overturning circulation in the late Eocene using GFDL CM2.1
Authors: Hutchinson David K. , de Boer Agatha M. , Coxall Helen K. , Caballero Rodrigo , Nilsson Johan , Baatsen Michiel
Published: June 2018

Abstract. The Eocene–Oligocene transition (EOT), which took place approximately 34 Ma ago, is an
interval of great interest in Earth's climate history, due to the inception
of the Antarctic ice sheet and major global cooling. Climate
simulations of the transition are needed to help interpret proxy data,
test mechanistic hypotheses for the transition and determine the climate
sensitivity at the time. However, model studies of the EOT thus far typically
employ control states designed for a different time period, or ocean
resolution on the order of 3∘. Here we developed a new higher
resolution palaeoclimate model configuration based on the GFDL CM2.1 climate
model adapted to a late Eocene (38 Ma) palaeogeography reconstruction. The
ocean and atmosphere horizontal resolutions are 1∘ × 1.5∘
and 3∘ × 3.75∘ respectively. This represents a
significant step forward in resolving the ocean geography, gateways and
circulation in a coupled climate model of this period. We run the model under
three different levels of atmospheric CO2: 400, 800 and 1600 ppm. The model
exhibits relatively high sensitivity to CO2 compared with other recent
model studies, and thus can capture the expected Eocene high latitude warmth
within observed estimates of atmospheric CO2. However, the model does
not capture the low meridional temperature gradient seen in proxies.
Equatorial sea surface temperatures are too high in the model
(30–37 ∘C) compared with observations (max 32 ∘C), although
observations are lacking in the warmest regions of the western Pacific. The
model exhibits bipolar sinking in the North Pacific and Southern Ocean, which
persists under all levels of CO2. North Atlantic surface salinities are
too fresh to permit sinking (25–30 psu), due to surface transport from the
very fresh Arctic (∼ 20 psu), where surface salinities
approximately agree with Eocene proxy estimates. North Atlantic salinity
increases by 1–2 psu when CO2 is halved, and similarly freshens when
CO2 is doubled, due to changes in the hydrological cycle.
Climate, ocean circulation, and sea level changes under stabilization and overshoot pathways to 1.5 K warming
Authors: Palter Jaime B. , Frölicher Thomas L. , Paynter David , John Jasmin G.
Published: June 2018

Abstract. The Paris Agreement has initiated a scientific debate on the role
that carbon removal – or net negative emissions – might play in achieving
less than 1.5 K of global mean surface warming by 2100. Here, we probe the
sensitivity of a comprehensive Earth system model (GFDL-ESM2M) to three
different atmospheric CO2 concentration pathways, two of which
arrive at 1.5 K of warming in 2100 by very different pathways. We run five
ensemble members of each of these simulations: (1) a standard Representative
Concentration Pathway (RCP4.5) scenario, which produces 2 K of surface
warming by 2100 in our model; (2) a “stabilization” pathway in which
atmospheric CO2 concentration never exceeds 440 ppm and the global
mean temperature rise is approximately 1.5 K by 2100; and (3) an
“overshoot” pathway that passes through 2 K of warming at mid-century,
before ramping down atmospheric CO2 concentrations, as if using
carbon removal, to end at 1.5 K of warming at 2100. Although the global mean
surface temperature change in response to the overshoot pathway is similar to
the stabilization pathway in 2100, this similarity belies several important
differences in other climate metrics, such as warming over land masses, the
strength of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), ocean
acidification, sea ice coverage, and the global mean sea level change and its
regional expressions. In 2100, the overshoot ensemble shows a greater
global steric sea level rise and weaker AMOC mass transport than in the
stabilization scenario, with both of these metrics close to the ensemble mean
of RCP4.5. There is strong ocean surface cooling in the North Atlantic Ocean and
Southern Ocean in response to overshoot forcing due to perturbations in the
ocean circulation. Thus, overshoot forcing in this model reduces the rate of
sea ice loss in the Labrador, Nordic, Ross, and Weddell seas relative to the
stabilized pathway, suggesting a negative radiative feedback in response to
the early rapid warming. Finally, the ocean perturbation in response to
warming leads to strong pathway dependence of sea level rise in northern
North American cities, with overshoot forcing producing up to 10 cm of
additional sea level rise by 2100 relative to stabilization forcing.
Analysis of soil hydraulic and thermal properties for land surface modeling over the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Zhao Hong , Zeng Yijian , Lv Shaoning , Su Zhongbo
Published: June 2018

Abstract. Soil information (e.g., soil texture and porosity) from existing soil datasets over the Tibetan Plateau (TP) is claimed to be inadequate and even inaccurate for determining soil hydraulic properties (SHP) and soil thermal properties (STP), hampering the understanding of the land surface process over TP. As the soil varies across three dominant climate zones (i.e., arid, semi-arid and subhumid) over the TP, the associated SHP and STP are expected to vary correspondingly. To obtain an explicit insight into the soil hydrothermal properties over the TP, in situ and laboratory measurements of over 30 soil property profiles were obtained across the climate zones. Results show that porosity and SHP and STP differ across the climate zones and strongly depend on soil texture. In particular, it is proposed that gravel impact on porosity and SHP and STP are both considered in the arid zone and in deep layers of the semi-arid zone. Parameterization schemes for porosity, SHP and STP are investigated and compared with measurements taken. To determine the SHP, including soil water retention curves (SWRCs) and hydraulic conductivities, the pedotransfer functions (PTFs) developed by Cosby et al. (1984) (for the Clapp–Hornberger model) and the continuous PTFs given by Wösten et al. (1999) (for the Van Genuchten–Mualem model) are recommended. The STP parameterization scheme proposed by Farouki (1981) based on the model of De Vries (1963) performed better across the TP than other schemes. Using the parameterization schemes mentioned above, the uncertainties of five existing regional and global soil datasets and their derived SHP and STP over the TP are quantified through comparison with in situ and laboratory measurements. The measured soil physical properties dataset is available at https://data.4tu.nl/repository/uuid:c712717c-6ac0-47ff-9d58-97f88082ddc0.
Spatially distributed water-balance and meteorological data from the Wolverton catchment, Sequoia National Park, California
Authors: Bales Roger C. , Stacy Erin M. , Meng Xiande , Conklin Martha H. , Kirchner Peter B. , Zheng Zeshi
Published: June 2018

Abstract. Accurate water-balance measurements in the seasonal, snow-dominated Sierra Nevada are important for forest and downstream water management. However, few sites in the southern Sierra offer detailed records of the spatial and temporal patterns of snowpack and soil-water storage, and the fluxes affecting them, i.e. precipitation as rain and snow, snowmelt, evapotranspiration, and runoff. To explore these stores and fluxes we instrumented the Wolverton basin (2180–2750 m) in Sequoia National Park with distributed, continuous sensors. This 2006–2016 record of snow depth, soil moisture and soil temperature, and meteorological data quantifies the hydrologic inputs and storage in a mostly undeveloped catchment. Clustered sensors record lateral differences with regards to aspect and canopy cover at approximately 2250 and 2625 m in elevation, where two meteorological stations are installed. Meteorological stations record air temperature, relative humidity, radiation, precipitation, wind speed and direction, and snow depth. Data are available at hourly intervals by water year (1 October–30 September) in non-proprietary formats from online data repositories ( https://doi.org/10.6071/M3S94T).
IPA (v1): a framework for agent-based modelling of soil water movement
Authors: Mewes Benjamin , Schumann Andreas H.
Published: June 2018

Abstract. In the last decade, agent-based modelling (ABM) became a popular modelling
technique in social sciences, medicine, biology, and ecology. ABM was designed
to simulate systems that are highly dynamic and sensitive to small variations
in their composition and their state. As hydrological systems, and natural
systems in general, often show dynamic and non-linear behaviour, ABM can be an
appropriate way to model these systems. Nevertheless, only a few studies have
utilized the ABM method for process-based modelling in hydrology. The percolation
of water through the unsaturated soil is highly responsive to the current
state of the soil system; small variations in composition lead to major
changes in the transport system. Hence, we present a new approach for
modelling the movement of water through a soil column: autonomous water
agents that transport water through the soil while interacting with their
environment as well as with other agents under physical laws.
The design, deployment, and testing of kriging models in GEOframe with SIK-0.9.8
Authors: Bancheri Marialaura , Serafin Francesco , Bottazzi Michele , Abera Wuletawu , Formetta Giuseppe , Rigon Riccardo
Published: June 2018

Abstract. This work presents a software package for the interpolation of climatological variables, such as temperature and precipitation, using kriging techniques. The purposes of the paper are (1) to present a geostatistical software that is easy to use and easy to plug in to a hydrological model; (2) to provide a practical example of an accurately designed software from the perspective of reproducible research; and (3) to demonstrate the goodness of the results of the software and so have a reliable alternative to other, more traditional tools. A total of 11 types of theoretical semivariograms and four types of kriging were implemented and gathered into Object Modeling System-compliant components. The package provides real-time optimization for semivariogram and kriging parameters. The software was tested using a year's worth of hourly temperature readings and a rain storm event (11 h) recorded in 2008 and retrieved from 97 meteorological stations in the Isarco River basin, Italy. For both the variables, good interpolation results were obtained and then compared to the results from the R package gstat.
Regional co-variability of spatial and temporal soil moisture–precipitation coupling in North Africa: an observational perspective
Authors: Petrova Irina Y. , van Heerwaarden Chiel C. , Hohenegger Cathy , Guichard Françoise
Published: June 2018

Abstract. The magnitude and sign of soil moisture–precipitation coupling (SMPC) is
investigated using a probability-based approach and 10 years of daily
microwave satellite data across North Africa at a 1∘ horizontal scale.
Specifically, the co-existence and co-variability of spatial (i.e. using soil
moisture gradients) and temporal (i.e. using soil moisture anomaly) soil
moisture effects on afternoon rainfall is explored. The analysis shows that
in the semi-arid environment of the Sahel, the negative spatial and the
negative temporal coupling relationships do not only co-exist, but are also
dependent on one another. Hence, if afternoon rain falls over temporally
drier soils, it is likely to be surrounded by a wetter environment. Two
regions are identified as SMPC “hot spots”. These are the south-western
part of the domain (7–15∘ N, 10∘ W–7∘ E), with
the most robust negative SMPC signal, and the South Sudanese region
(5–13∘ N, 24–34∘ E). The sign and significance of the
coupling in the latter region is found to be largely modulated by the
presence of wetlands and is susceptible to the number of long-lived
propagating convective systems. The presence of wetlands and an irrigated
land area is found to account for about 30 % of strong and significant
spatial SMPC in the North African domain. This study provides the first insight
into regional variability of SMPC in North Africa, and supports the potential
relevance of mechanisms associated with enhanced sensible heat flux and
mesoscale variability in surface soil moisture for deep convection
development.
A statistical model to estimate the local vulnerability to severe weather
Authors: Pardowitz Tobias
Published: June 2018

Abstract. We present a spatial analysis of weather-related fire brigade operations in Berlin. By comparing operation occurrences to insured losses for a set of severe weather events we demonstrate the representativeness and usefulness of such data in the analysis of weather impacts on local scales. We investigate factors influencing the local rate of operation occurrence. While depending on multiple factors – which are often not available – we focus on publicly available quantities. These include topographic features, land use information based on satellite data and information on urban structure based on data from the OpenStreetMap project. After identifying suitable predictors such as housing coverage or local density of the road network we set up a statistical model to be able to predict the average occurrence frequency of local fire brigade operations. Such model can be used to determine potential hotspots for weather impacts even in areas or cities where no systematic records are available and can thus serve as a basis for a broad range of tools or applications in emergency management and planning.
Medium-range predictability of early summer sea ice thickness distribution in the East Siberian Sea based on the TOPAZ4 ice–ocean data assimilation system
Authors: Nakanowatari Takuya , Inoue Jun , Sato Kazutoshi , Bertino Laurent , Xie Jiping , Matsueda Mio , Yamagami Akio , Sugimura Takeshi , Yabuki Hironori , Otsuka Natsuhiko
Published: June 2018

Abstract. Accelerated retreat of Arctic Ocean summertime sea ice has focused attention on the potential use of the Northern Sea Route (NSR), for which sea ice thickness (SIT) information is crucial for safe maritime navigation. This study evaluated the medium-range (lead time below 10 days) forecast of SIT distribution in the East Siberian Sea (ESS) in early summer (June–July) based on the TOPAZ4 ice–ocean data assimilation system. A comparison of the operational model SIT data with reliable SIT estimates (hindcast, satellite and in situ data) showed that the TOPAZ4 reanalysis qualitatively reproduces the tongue-like distribution of SIT in ESS in early summer and the seasonal variations. Pattern correlation analysis of the SIT forecast data over 3 years (2014–2016) reveals that the early summer SIT distribution is accurately predicted for a lead time of up to 3 days, but that the prediction accuracy drops abruptly after the fourth day, which is related to a dynamical process controlled by synoptic-scale atmospheric fluctuations. For longer lead times ( >  4 days), the thermodynamic melting process takes over, which contributes to most of the remaining prediction accuracy. In July 2014, during which an ice-blocking incident occurred, relatively thick SIT ( ∼  150 cm) was simulated over the ESS, which is consistent with the reduction in vessel speed. These results suggest that TOPAZ4 sea ice information has great potential for practical applications in summertime maritime navigation via the NSR.
The Role of Digital Libraries in Enhancing the Knowledge Economy in Jordanian Universities
Authors: Al-Smadi Hisham Mohammd
Published: June 2018

This study aimed at revealing the role of digital libraries in enhancing the knowledge economy in Jordanian universities. To achieve this objective, the study instrument was constructed exemplified with a questionnaire, where the sample consisted of (19) items in final form. Having verified their validity and reliability, they were applied to a random sample of 370 students from three universities, namely: Yarmouk, Jordan University of Science and Technology and Al Albayt University in the northern region of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. After applying the study instrument to the sample, the data were entered into SPSS programs for analysis, as the results revealed that there is an intermediate role for digital libraries in enhancing knowledge economies. On the other hand, the results revealed that there are no statistically significant differences due to gender and college variables in the role of Jordanian digital libraries in enhancing the knowledge economy in Jordanian universities from the students’ perspectives. In light of the previous results, the researcher recommended the need to raise awareness about the significance of digital libraries in enhancing the knowledge economy. He also recommended that more studies be conducted on this subject through the application of other segments and comparing the results to achieve an integrated vision of the role of digital libraries in the service of knowledge economies.
The Role of Mindfulness Approaches in Integrative Medicine
Authors: Moss Donald
Published: June 2018

Patients today frequently present with conditions caused by or aggravated by stress, lifestyle, and behavior. The number of patients with one or more chronic illnesses has increased worldwide, and lifestyle and behavior frequently contribute to these chronic conditions. Biomedical care fails to address many of the behavioral, lifestyle, and environmental factors causing and aggravating these conditions. The article proposes that integrative healthcare is better suited than biomedicine to address the biopsychosocial aspect of modern illness. In addition, mindfulness-based coping and mindfulness meditation are introduced as valuable tools for integrative medicine and integrative practitioners. The article introduces the concepts of the mindful practitioner, the mindful treatment encounter, mindful engagement of the patient, and mindfulness as treatment.
Mindfulness in Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Authors: Callif Debbie
Published: June 2018

Biofeedback is recommended as the first line of treatment for patients with stress or urge urinary incontinence (Fantl et al., 1996). Research supports the use of biofeedback for bowel dysfunction (Bartlett, Sloots, Nowak, & Ho, 2011). There is mounting evidence for the use of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for the use of bladder and bowel dysfunction and pelvic pain (Fox, Flynn, & Allen, 2011; Paiva & Carneiro, 2013). The following case reports demonstrate the utility of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction in helping patients who suffer from bowel, bladder, and pelvic pain syndromes. Mindfulness training can be used to bring attention to how emotions and food choices have a direct impact on the gastrointestinal tract. Present moment awareness of the urinary tract functioning also improves bladder function. Noticing tension in the pelvic floor muscles helps to improve pelvic pain symptoms (Anderson, Wise, Sawyer, Glove, & Orenberg, 2011; Fox et al., 2011; Paiva & Carneiro, 2011).
Breathing, Overbreathing, and Mindfulness
Authors: Khazan Inna
Published: June 2018

Overbreathing is one of the most common and yet overlooked breathing problems that people experience. A few irregular breaths can send us into a condition called hypocapnia, which leads to a variety of physiological, emotional, and behavioral consequences. The purpose of this paper is to review the physiology of breathing and overbreathing, discuss the impact of overbreathing on human physiology and behavior, review ways to recognize overbreathing, and discuss mindfulness-based skills that may be used to teach healthy breathing and correct overbreathing.
Developing an Instrument to Measure Objectivism
Authors: Dent Eric B. , Parnell John A. , Carraher Shawn M.
Published: June 2018

This article describes the development and validation of a scale specifically designed to measure one's propensity for Objectivism. The scale developed in this article assesses metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, and politics. A three-stage process of scale development results in a multidimensional scale that largely supports Rand's original conception of the construct in the United States and Lithuania. Several challenges are identified, including problems with select items referencing specific political preferences and addressing notions of a higher being. Prospects for future research are identified, including tests for associations between Objectivism and individual factors such as leadership style, organizational commitment, and job performance.
Evaluating the Teaching-Learning Process of Brazilian Sign Language as a Second Language in Higher Education
Authors: Reis da Costa Roberto Cesar
Published: June 2018

The focus of this paper is to propose an evaluation tool to assess the teaching-learning process of Brazilian Sign Language (Libras) to hearing students in Higher Education. The current Brazilian laws dealing with the accessibility of the deaf and the teaching of Libras will be concisely posited and argued, and after that an overview on linguistic aspects of Libras will be highlighted prior to discussing the teaching of this language as a Second Language (L2). Also, it will be discussed briefly the relevance of using strategies to Libras teaching as L2 and then the proposal to evaluate teaching and learning processes of the language at stake will be finally described. As a conclusion, developing tools as well as presenting proposals for the teaching of sign languages might be ways to highlight and discuss pedagogical issues about the teaching of the sign languages. The paper outcomes are useful for scholars and learners who are researching and implementing tools for Libras teaching as L2.
Factors associated with patient satisfaction in a private health care setting in India: A cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Vinodkumar Sudhaya , Varghese Binu Gigimon , Setia Maninder Singh
Published: June 2018

The present study was conducted to assess patient satisfaction and factors associated with it in a tertiary care hospital in India; and to evaluate the delay in discharge process and its association with satisfaction. It is a cross-sectional analysis of secondary data abstracted from patient satisfaction forms of 1,054 individuals. We analysed factors associated with rating of hospital services and overall hospital experience. We also evaluated the delay in discharge process and its association with overall satisfaction of these patients. We used regression models to assess factor associated with satisfaction scores and “good hospital experience”. About 91% of individuals reported that their experience in the hospital was good. The mean satisfaction scores were significantly lower in patients with delays in discharge due to insurance problems (-0.14, 95% CI: -0.27, -0.02). An increase in one unit in doctor’s score was significantly associated with “good rating” of hospital services (OR: 1.37, 95% CI: 1.19, 1.58). Similarly, one unit increase in the housekeeping score (OR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.18, 1.52) and billing score (OR: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.56, 2.16) were significantly associated with an overall “good” rating. Thus, problems faced by patients and relatives during completion of billing procedures are important factors that determine overall satisfaction with health care settings. Improving the interpersonal and communication skills of doctors will be an important intervention for better hospital experience.
Colorectal surgery in elderly population
Authors: Zawadzki Marek , Krzystek-Korpacka Małgorzata , Rząca Marek , Czarnecki Roman , Obuszko Zbigniew , Witkiewicz Wojciech
Published: June 2018

Introduction: With the rising number of elderly patients and increasing incidence of colorectal cancer, management of geriatric patients has become the forefront of colorectal surgery.
Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the short-term surgical outcomes following colorectal resection in elderly patients.
Materials and methods: A total of 464 patients who underwent surgical resection for colorectal tumor between 2013 and 2017 were included. The patients were divided into elderly (≥75 years) and young (<75 years) group. The clinicopathological data of the patients were reviewed retrospectively.
Results: The elderly group constituted 30% of study population. More patients in elderly group underwent Hartmann procedure (p=0.02) and right hemicolectomy (p=0.029), and younger patients more often received low anterior resection (p=0.027). The surgical procedure took a shorter time in elderly group (p<0.01) but they stayed in the hospital one day longer (p=0.023). Postoperative complications and mortality tended to be higher in seniors (p=0.088). The younger patients showed a tendency towards a higher rate of distant metastases (p=0.053). Seniors received fewer preoperative chemoradiation than the young group (p=0.014).
Conclusion: Older persons constitute one-third of patients treated electively in colorectal departments. Colorectal surgery in geriatric patients is associated with a prolonged hospital stay and a higher potential for complications and mortality.
Monitoring of dynamic objects by observation systems of visible range of waves
Authors: Prudyus Ivan , Tkachenko Viktor , Lazko Leonid , Kondratov Petro , Fabirovskyy Sergiy , Hryvachevskyi Andrii
Published: June 2018

The article deals with the problem of correct detection of moving objects when they are monitored by the monitoring system that operates in the visible range of the electromagnetic radiation spectrum. Based on the analysis of existing methods, for detection of moving objects there is proposed an algorithm that is adaptive to destabilizing factors. This algorithm makes it possible to increase the accuracy of moving objects detection. The algorithm takes into account the presence of noise and its heterogeneity, both in space and time, and also removes the influence of moving shadows. The correctness of the algorithms described in this article is confirmed by their software implementation and modelling. In the process of modelling, the accuracy of object detection, proposed by the algorithm under different observation conditions, and the motion parameters of the objects were estimated.
Keywords: video monitoring, detection of moving objects, detection of moving shadows, background subtraction, interframe difference
IgG4-related disease manifesting as an isolated gastric lesion- a literature review
Authors: Mastalerz Kinga , Kenig Jakub , Skorus Urszula
Published: June 2018

Introduction: IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a newly recognised disorder of unknown etiology and pathogenesis, characterised by dense IgG4+ cells infiltration and fibrosis. IgG4-RD can affect various organs, but gastrointestinal tract involvement is rare. First case of isolated gastric IgG4-RD reported in polish population was diagnosed in our Clinic and became the reason for conducting a literature review.
Materials and methods: A literature review was performed using PubMed database. Eight studies of isolated gastric IgG4-RD, published between 2011 and 2017, and a case diagnosed by the authors were included.
Results: Three out of nine analysed patients had gastrointestinal complaints. In other cases lesions were detected accidentally. The majority of them were submucosal tumors while only one was a gastric ulcer. The most commonly affected was the stomach body. In all cases malignancy had been suspected, and the lesions were surgically removed. Diagnosis was based on the histopathology image and immunohistochemical staining. Only one patient had elevated IgG4 serum level. No case of recurrence or other organ involvement was reported.
Conclusion: IgG4-related disease may manifest as an isolated gastric lesion and should be taken in consideration in differential diagnosis. Making an ultimate diagnosis without histopathological specimen examination seems to be difficult and can lead to misdiagnosis followed by inappropriate treatment. IgG4-RD responds well to steroid therapy. However, on this matter further studies are needed.
Examination of informativeness of diagnoses expressed with multiple-valued logic
Authors: Duer Stanisław , Bernatowicz Dariusz , Wrzesień Paweł , Duer Radosław
Published: June 2018

This paper presents the essence of an examination of informativeness in the diagnostic information outputs expressed with multiple-valued logic. The diagnostic test required for the examination was completed on wind turbine equipment. The examination included a constant set of determined diagnostic output values. The DIAG 2 diagnostic system was used for the examination and the diagnostic test. DIAG 2 is a smart diagnostic system capable of any inference k of the set {k = 2, 3, 4}. The examination results were expressed in an Object State Table, separately for each k-valued logic of inference tested.
Keywords: technical diagnostics, diagnostic inference, multiple-valued logic, artificial intelligence
Knowledge base of wind farm devices in the computer expert system
Authors: Duer Radosław , Wrzesień Paweł , Duer Stanisław , Bernatowicz Dariusz
Published: June 2018

The article presents the problems of determining diagnostic information for the needs of testing the state of wind farm equipment. To this end, the essence of developing a functional and diagnostic model on the example of wind power plant equipment has been presented and described. Based on the developed model of the examined object, diagnostic information was determined in the form of a set of basic elements and a set of diagnostic signals, which are developed by the designated j-elements in the i-functional units of the object. The article presents a description of the process of building a knowledge base for an expert system.
Keywords: technical diagnostics, diagnostic reasoning, multivalent logic, artificial intelligence
Determination of Aflatoxins and Ochratoxin A in Traditional Turkish Cereal-Based Fermented Food by Multi-Affinity Column Cleanup and LC Fluorescence Detection: Single-Laboratory Validation
Authors: Kaymak Tugrul , Koca Ercan , Atak Mustafa , Sarikaya Ercan , Stroka Joerg
Published: June 2018

Background: Tarhana is a traditional fermented, sun-dried Turkish food containing yogurt and cereals. There are several potential sources of mycotoxins in tarhana, such as contamination of ingredients or formation during preparation, when water activity is suitable for fungal growth and may lead to mycotoxin production during fermentation or subsequent sun-drying. Objective: To optimize an immunoaffinity column method and carry out single-laboratory validation for the determination of aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, and G2 together with ochratoxin A (OTA) in tarhana. Method: A homogenized sample was extracted with methanol–acetonitrile–water (25 + 25 + 50) using a high-speed blender. The sample extract was filtered, diluted with phosphate buffered saline (PBS) solution, and applied to a multi-immunoaffinity column (AFLAOCHRA PREP®). Aflatoxins and OTA were removed with neat methanol and then directly analyzed by reverse-phase LC with fluorescence detection using post-column bromination (Kobra® Cell). Results: Test portions of blank tarhana were spiked with a mixture of total aflatoxins and OTA to give levels ranging from 2.5 to 10.0 and 1.5 to 6.0 μg/kg, respectively. Recoveries for total aflatoxins and OTA ranged from 82 to 93 and 78 to 94%, respectively, for spiked samples. Based on results for spiked tarhana (30 replicates, each at three levels), the relative standard deviation for repeatability ranged from 1.4 to 7.2 and 3.6 to 7.7% for total aflatoxins and OTA, respectively. Conclusions: The performance characteristics for recovery, repeatability, and sensitivity have demonstrated that the method meets method performance criteria for use for official purposes. The method was demonstrated as being applicable to naturally contaminated samples of tarhana of varied composition obtained from local markets in Turkey. Highlights: This is the first immunoaffinity column method for simultaneous analysis of aflatoxins and OTA in traditional Turkish food (tarhana). Suitability was demonstrated by single-laboratory validation for official purposes in Turkey. The method was demonstrated as suitable for naturally contaminated samples of tarhana of varied composition.
Vitamin C in Acerola and Red Plum Extracts: Quantification via HPLC, in Vitro Antioxidant Activity, and Stability of their Gel and Emulsion Formulations
Authors: Cefali Letícia Caramori , de Oliveira Maia Ludmila , Stahlschimidt Rebeca , Ataide Janaína Artem , Tambourgi Elias Basile , Rosa Paulo Cesar Pires , Mazzola Priscila Gava
Published: June 2018

Background: The fruits acerola and red plum are known to be good sources of antioxidants, particularly vitamin C. Antioxidants are compounds that protect organisms from biomolecular damage, such as accelerated aging, caused by free radicals. Objective: The objective of this study was to extract vitamin C from acerola and red plum, incorporate these extracts into different topical formulations, and evaluate the physicochemical stabilities of these formulations under stress conditions. Methods: Vitamin C was extracted from acerola and red plum via dynamic maceration for 2 h at 50 ± 2°C and was quantified via HPLC. In vitro antioxidant activities were evaluated using DPPH assays. The extracts were then incorporated into emulsion and gel formulations in two types of packaging, and stability studies were carried out. Results: Red plum and acerola extracts were orange and red and contained vitamin C concentrations of 2732.70 ± 93.01 mg/100 g and 2.60 ± 1.2 mg/100 g, respectively. In vitro antioxidant activity resulted in over 90.0% inhibition of free radicals at 0.01 mL/mL acerola extract and 0.1 mL/mL red plum extract. In the stability study, pH values decreased for both acerola formulations when stored in the oven or in transparent glass containers. Formulations containing red plum extract were stable under all conditions. Acerola extracts contained a higher concentration of vitamin C than red plum extracts. Both extracts possessed antioxidant activity, although the acerola-based formulation was unstable when stored at high temperatures or in transparent glass containers. Highlights: Extracts from red plum and acerola contained vitamin C; antioxidant activity of the extracts resulted in over 90.0% inhibition of free radicals. Formulations containing red plum were stable under all tested conditions, and formulations containing acerola were unstable when stored in the oven or in transparent glass containers.
Determination of Total Phenolic Content Using the Folin-C Assay: Single-Laboratory Validation, First Action 2017.13
Authors: Kupina Steve , Fields Chris , Roman Mark C , Brunelle Sharon L
Published: June 2018

A single-laboratory validation of a method using Folin & Ciocalteu’s phenol reagent (Folin-C reagent) for determination of total phenolic content of selected dietary supplement extracts was performed. The method is composed of a water extraction of dried extracts with sonication followed by reaction with the Folin-C reagent. The resulting colorimetric reaction is measured at 765 nm and compared with a standard curve generated with gallic acid standard solutions. The validation results were compared with Standard Method Performance Requirement (SMPR®) 2015.009, developed by the Stakeholder Panel on Dietary Supplements. The method demonstrated acceptable within-day RSDr of 1.96–7.47% for the five matrixes studied (grape seed extract, grape skin extract, black tea extract, green coffee extract, and cocoa extract). When gallic acid was spiked into maltodextrin (a surrogate dietary supplement carrier) at 30 or 70%, the recovery ranged from 91 to 104%, within the acceptable range established by SMPR 2015.009. Selectivity testing with glucose, fructose, and sucrose demonstrated no positive interference by these compounds. Finally, ruggedness studies demonstrated no significant effects due to changes in the heating apparatus, test material weight, read time after reaction, amount of Folin-C reagent, reaction time, reaction temperature, and amount of Na2CO3. The single-laboratory validation results support adoption of the method as First Action Official MethodSM 2017.13 and further evaluation in a collaborative study.
Sustainable Eco-Friendly Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatographic Method for Simultaneous Determination of Caffeine and Theobromine in Commercial Teas: Evaluation of Greenness Profile Using NEMI and Eco-Scale Assessment Tools
Authors: Shaaban Heba , Mostafa Ahmed
Published: June 2018

Background: Green analytical chemistry (GAC) aims to eliminate or minimize the amount of hazardous solvents consumed and generated daily worldwide. Considering the environmental impact of all analytical procedures and replacing the polluting methodologies with clean ones is of a paramount interest. Objective: This work aims to develop and validate a sustainable, fast, and economic ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography method for simultaneous determination of methylxanthines in commercial tea samples as well as to evaluate the greenness profile of the proposed method using two greenness assessment tools: National Environmental Methods Index (NEMI) and analytical Eco-scale. Methods: The method was designed based on applying GAC principles in method development. The green chromatography approach was applied by using benign mobile phases. The chromatographic separation was optimized to minimize sample preparation, achieve short analysis time with low solvent consumption, and minimize waste generation. Results: All the studied analytes were separated in only 1.7 min. The detection limits of the studied analytes ranged from 0.015 to 0.03 mg/L, while LOQs were in the range of 0.05 to 0.1 μg/L with UV detection. The proposed method neither uses nor generates harmful chemicals, it passes the four quadrants of the NEMI greenness profile, and it has a high Eco-scale score. Conclusions: Compared with the reported methods, the proposed method is greener, more economical, and faster; therefore, it can be used as a green alternative to the existing conventional methods for routine analysis of the studied analytes without harming the environment.
Identification of Lysinibacillus fusiformis Isolated from Cosmetic Samples Using MALDI-TOF MS and 16S rRNA Sequencing Methods
Authors: Sulaiman Irshad M , Hsieh Ying-Hsin , Jacobs Emily , Miranda Nancy , Simpson Steven , Kerdahi Khalil
Published: June 2018

Background: Lysinibacillus fusiformis is a Gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium that can cause tropical ulcers, severe sepsis, and respiratory illnesses in humans. Objective: In this study, we analyzed cosmetic samples for the presence of human pathogenic microorganisms. Methods: Five unopened jars of exfoliating cream were examined initially by microbiological methods. Afterward, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) MS and 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) sequencing techniques were applied to characterize the recovered isolates. Results: Of the eight recovered Gram-positive bacterial subs, the VITEK® MS could provide genus-level identification to five subs and species-level identification to two subs (L. fusiformis with a 99.9% confidence value); one sub was unidentified. Subsequently, the deoxyriboneucleic acid sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene was done on an ABI 3500XL Genetic Analyzer for the confirmation of species identification. An analysis of sequencing data revealed a complete absence of genetic variation among the eight subs sequenced at this locus and confirmed the eight bacterial subs to be L. fusiformis, as their respective 16S rRNA sequences were identical to the available sequence in public domain (GenBank accession No. KU179364). Conclusions: Our results suggest that the VITEK MS and the 16S rRNA sequencing can be used for the identification of human pathogenic bacteria of public health importance. Highlights: We characterized eight isolates of Lysinibacillus spp. from cosmetics by MALDI-TOF MS and 16S rRNA sequence analyses.