bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accurate Age Estimation Using Multi-Task Siamese Network-Based Deep Metric Learning for Frontal Face Images
Authors: Jeong Yoosoo , Lee Seungmin , Park Daejin , Park Kil Houm
Published: September 2018

Recently, there have been many studies on the automatic extraction of facial information using machine learning. Age estimation from frontal face images is becoming important, with various applications. Our proposed work is based on a binary classifier that only determines whether two input images are clustered in a similar class and trains a convolutional neural network (CNN) model using the deep metric learning method based on the Siamese network. To converge the results of the training Siamese network, two classes, for which age differences are below a certain level of distance, are considered as the same class, so the ratio of positive database images is increased. The deep metric learning method trains the CNN model to measure similarity based only on age data, but we found that the accumulated gender data can also be used to compare ages. Thus, we adopted a multi-task learning approach to consider the gender data for more accurate age estimation. In the experiment, we evaluated our approach using MORPH and MegaAge-Asian datasets, and compared gender classification accuracy only using age data from the training images. In addition, using gender classification, our proposed architecture, which is trained with only age data, performs age comparison using the self-generated gender feature. The accuracy enhancement by multi-task learning, i.e. simultaneously considering age and gender data, is discussed. Our approach results in the best accuracy among the methods based on deep metric learning on MORPH dataset. Additionally, our method has better results than the state of the art in terms of age estimation on MegaAge-Asian and MORPH datasets.
Control Strategies for Scabies
Authors: Engelman Daniel , Steer Andrew C.
Published: September 2018

Scabies is a neglected tropical disease of the skin, causing severe itching and stigmatizing skin lesions. Further, scabies leads to impetigo, severe bacterial infections, and post-infectious complications. Around 200 million people are affected, particularly among disadvantaged populations living in crowded conditions in tropical areas. After almost 50 years, research into scabies control has shown great promise, particularly in highly-endemic island settings, but these findings have not been widely adopted. Newer approaches, utilizing ivermectin-based mass drug administration, appear feasible and highly effective. Inclusion of scabies in the WHO portfolio of neglected tropical diseases in 2017 may facilitate renewed opportunities and momentum toward global control. However, further operational research is needed to develop evidence-based strategies for control in a range of settings, and monitor their impact. Several enabling factors are required for successful implementation, including availability of affordable drug supply. Integration with existing health programs may provide a cost-effective approach to control.
Young Adults in Endemic Areas: An Untreated Group in Need of School-Based Preventive Chemotherapy for Schistosomiasis Control and Elimination
Authors: Korir Harrison , Riner Diana , Kavere Emmy , Omondi Amos , Landry Jasmine , Kittur Nupur , Ndombi Eric , Ondigo Bartholomew , Secor W. , Karanja Diana , Colley Daniel
Published: September 2018

Parasitologic surveys of young adults in college and university settings are not commonly done, even in areas known to be endemic for schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths. We have done a survey of 291 students and staff at the Kisumu National Polytechnic in Kisumu, Kenya, using the stool microscopy Kato-Katz (KK) method and the urine point-of-care circulating cathodic antigen (POC-CCA) test. Based on three stools/two KK slides each, in the 208 participants for whom three consecutive stools were obtained, Schistosoma mansoni prevalence was 17.8%. When all 291 individuals were analyzed based on the first stool, as done by the national neglected tropical disease (NTD) program, and one urine POC-CCA assay (n = 276), the prevalence was 13.7% by KK and 23.2% by POC-CCA. Based on three stools, 2.5% of 208 participants had heavy S. mansoni infections (≥400 eggs/gram feces), with heavy S. mansoni infections making up 13.5% of the S. mansoni cases. The prevalence of the soil-transmitted helminths (STH: Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and hookworm) by three stools was 1.4%, 3.1%, and 4.1%, respectively, and by the first stool was 1.4%, 2.4% and 1.4%, respectively. This prevalence and intensity of infection with S. mansoni in a college setting warrants mass drug administration with praziquantel. This population of young adults is ‘in school’ and is both approachable and worthy of inclusion in national schistosomiasis control and elimination programs.
Host Shutoff in Influenza A Virus: Many Means to an End
Authors: Levene Rachel Emily , Gaglia Marta Maria
Published: September 2018

Influenza A virus carries few of its own proteins, but uses them effectively to take control of the infected cells and avoid immune responses. Over the years, host shutoff, the widespread down-regulation of host gene expression, has emerged as a key process that contributes to cellular takeover in infected cells. Interestingly, multiple mechanisms of host shutoff have been described in influenza A virus, involving changes in translation, RNA synthesis and stability. Several viral proteins, notably the non-structural protein NS1, the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and the endoribonuclease PA-X have been implicated in host shutoff. This multitude of host shutoff mechanisms indicates that host shutoff is an important component of the influenza A virus replication cycle. Here we review the various mechanisms of host shutoff in influenza A virus and the evidence that they contribute to immune evasion and/or viral replication. We also discuss what the purpose of having multiple mechanisms may be.
Making the Case for a Female-Friendly Toilet
Authors: Schmitt Margaret , Clatworthy David , Ogello Tom , Sommer Marni
Published: September 2018

Inadequate access to a private, comfortable, and well-located toilet remains a critical challenge for many girls and women around the world. This issue is especially acute for girls and women living in densely populated urban slums, displacement camps, and informal settlements, often resulting in anxiety, embarrassment, discomfort, and gender-based violence. The unique sanitation needs of girls and women are rarely accounted for during the design and construction of toilet facilities, including needs related to their physiology, reproductive health processes, prevalent social norms, and their heightened vulnerability to violence. It is critical that a new norm be developed regarding the design of female-friendly toilets which better enables girls and women to feel confident, safe, and dignified while managing their daily sanitation needs. This includes adopting specific design measures which account for their menstrual hygiene, personal safety, and dignity-related needs. Ultimately, an enhanced dialogue must take place among designers, policy makers, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practitioners, and other relevant actors, in addition to the target female users themselves, about how to adapt toilets in a range of development and emergency contexts and operations to better address these critical needs of girls and women.
Experiments on Turbulence Intensity and Bubble Frequency in Self-Aerated Open Channel Flows
Authors: Bai Ruidi , Zhang Faxing , Liu Shanjun , Wang Wei
Published: September 2018

Although spillways have been investigated experimentally by various researchers, only a few studies have been conducted on the comprehensive properties of a self-aerated air-water flow. In this study, new experimental data were recorded and discussed for the distribution of the air concentration, air-water velocity, turbulence intensity and bubble frequency in the completely developed regions for spillways. It was observed that both the turbulence intensity and bubble frequency increased from the bottom and subsequently decreased near the free surface. The positions of maximum air bubble frequency and turbulence intensity gradually approached air concentration to 0.50 in the self-aerated developed region. Self-similar relationships between the turbulence intensity and bubble frequency were proposed.
SERS active Ag–SiO2 nanoparticles obtained by laser ablation of silver in colloidal silica
Authors: Gellini Cristina , Muniz-Miranda Francesco , Pedone Alfonso , Muniz-Miranda Maurizio
Published: September 2018

Highly stable Ag–SiO2 nanoparticle composites were first obtained by laser ablation of a silver target in an aqueous colloidal dispersion of silica and examined by UV–vis absorption spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) activity of these nanocomposites was tested using 2,2’-bipyridine as a molecular reporter and excitation in the visible and near-IR spectral regions. The computational DFT approach provided evidence of ligand adsorption on positively charged adatoms of the silver nanostructured surface, in a very similar way to the metal/molecule interaction occurring in the corresponding Ag(I) coordination compound.
THE DO NOT TRACK MECHANISM FOR DIGITAL FOOTPRINT PRIVACY PROTECTION IN MARKETING APPLICATIONS
Authors: Cheng Fa-Chang , Wang Yu Shan
Published: September 2018

Serious concerns about the invasion of digital footprint information privacy due to intense commercial promotion through data mining has led to the emergence of privacy by design in the form of the Do Not Track (DNT) mechanism. This paper attempts to construct a theory to justify and find an appropriate solution to balance the different interests by implementing the DNT mechanism in the real-world marketing industry. The research method involves deduction in legal reasoning. This paper argues that digital footprint information privacy, which has high commercial value, should at least be awarded the status of a semi-fundamental human right. Additionally, when to adopt a DNT opt-out or default mechanism depends on the type of personal information involved. The practical implications suggest a compromise between digital footprint privacy protection and commercial applications in the marketing industry, to be achieved through technology. Since this important topic is relatively new in the area of marketing applications and no primary academic research has established a complete theoretical legal foundation, this article is among the first to do so. Beside its originality, this article also contributes to the literature by proposing a theoretically practical mechanism for both digital footprint privacy protection and marketing profits.
Four New Eclipsing Mid M-dwarf Systems from the New Luyten Two Tenths Catalog
Authors: Irwin Jonathan M. , Charbonneau David , Esquerdo Gilbert A. , Latham David W. , Winters Jennifer G. , Dittmann Jason A. , Newton Elisabeth R. , Berta-Thompson Zachory K. , Berlind Perry , Calkins Michael L.
Published: September 2018

Using data from the MEarth-North and MEarth-South transit surveys, we present the detection of eclipses in four mid M-dwarf systems: LP 107-25, LP 261-75, LP 796-24, and LP 991-15. Combining the MEarth photometry with spectroscopic follow-up observations, we show that LP 107-25 and LP 796-24 are short-period (1.388 and 0.523 day, respectively) eclipsing binaries in triple-lined systems with substantial third-light contamination from distant companions. LP 261-75 is a short-period (1.882 day) single-lined system consisting of a mid M-dwarf eclipsed by a probable brown dwarf secondary, with another distant visual brown dwarf companion. LP 991-15 is a long-period (29.3 day) double-lined eclipsing binary on an eccentric orbit with a geometry that produces only primary eclipses. A spectroscopic orbit is given for LP 991-15, and initial orbits for LP 107-25 and LP 261-75.
Magnetospheric Multiscale Observations of Turbulence in the Magnetosheath on Kinetic Scales
Authors: Macek W. M. , Krasińska A. , Silveira M. V. D. , Sibeck D. G. , Wawrzaszek A. , Burch J. L. , Russell C. T.
Published: September 2018

Our previous studies have produced phenomenological models for turbulence in solar wind plasmas on large-(inertial) magnetohydrodynamic scales, based on observations by the Voyager, Ulysses, and THEMIS missions. Here we consider turbulence in the Earth’s magnetosheath, where timescales are often far shorter than those in the heliosheath, using observations from the currently operating Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) mission on much smaller kinetic scales. We employ a standard statistical analysis to obtain energy density spectra for the magnetic field strength and the ion speed at high time resolution. We find a clear breakpoint of the magnetic spectrum exponent from −0.8 to −5/2 near the ion gyrofrequency of 0.25 Hz. In fact, just behind the bow shock and near the magnetopause, the availability of the highest-resolution magnetic field observations enables us also to identify the expected spectral exponent of about −3, which is further followed by steeper spectra with the slopes from −7/2 to −11/2 (−16/3) in the kinetic regime above 20 Hz, possibly resulting from the kinetic Alfvén waves. Because the resolution of the ion plasma parameters is somewhat lower than that for the magnetic field, spectra for the ion velocity can only be resolved near the onset of kinetic scales. On the other hand, deep inside the magnetosheath, where only low-resolution data are available and we are still in the magnetohydrodynamic scale range, we recover the well-known −5/3 Kolmogorov’s spectrum. The obtained results on kinetic scales may be useful for better understanding the physical mechanisms governing turbulence.
Empowering CRM Through Business Intelligence Applications
Authors: Al-Zadjali Mohamed , Al-Busaidi Kamla Ali
Published: September 2018

The application of business intelligence (BI) techniques for knowledge discovery and decision support empowers organizations in different functions. This article examines the impacts of BI on customer relationship management (CRM) functions (marketing, sales and customer services) in the telecommunications sector. The literature found that BI application in CRM in a telecommunications context is limited but necessary due to the high rate of competition between service providers and the massive data generated by subscribers. This study surveyed employees' perspectives from telecommunications companies in Oman, and results demonstrated mixed impacts. First, the results showed that implementing BI in marketing has a positive impact on business processes values, customer values, but a negative impact on employees' values. Second, implementing BI in sales has a positive impact on financial values and employees' values, but a negative impact on business processes values, and customers' values. Finally, implementing BI in customer service has a positive impact on employees' values. The study provides valuable guidelines for practitioners in the area of CRM, BI, and telecommunications to help understand why to invest in BI in specific CRM functions.
Business Survival Inside and Outside of Chinese IT clusters
Authors: Wang Yixuan , Jiang Bowen
Published: September 2018

This article examines the geographical effects of industrial clusters on the business survival (BS) of information technology (IT) companies in China. The authors aim to find the differences of BS among inside and outside of the clusters in four different regions by using the methodology of Cox Proportional Hazard Model. The authors find that large sized IT clusters in the Haidian district of Beijing and the Pudong district of Shanghai have higher risks of business withdrawal (BW) than their surrounding areas, whereas the medium-sized cluster in the Nanshan district of Shenzhen and medium-sized IT cluster in the Binjiang district of Hangzhou does not show significant risks compared with their surrounding areas.
Incorporating LDA With Word Embedding for Web Service Clustering
Authors: Zhao Yi , Wang Chong , Wang Jian , He Keqing
Published: September 2018

With the rapid growth of web services on the internet, web service discovery has become a hot topic in services computing. Faced with the heterogeneous and unstructured service descriptions, many service clustering approaches have been proposed to promote web service discovery, and many other approaches leveraged auxiliary features to enhance the classical LDA model to achieve better clustering performance. However, these extended LDA approaches still have limitations in processing data sparsity and noise words. This article proposes a novel web service clustering approach by incorporating LDA with word embedding, which leverages relevant words obtained based on word embedding to improve the performance of web service clustering. Especially, the semantically relevant words of service keywords by Word2vec were used to train the word embeddings and then incorporated into the LDA training process. Finally, experiments conducted on a real-world dataset published on ProgrammableWeb show that the authors' proposed approach can achieve better clustering performance than several classical approaches.
Web Service Candidate Identification Using the Firefly Algorithm
Authors: Abbasi Negar , Moeini Ali , Gandomani Taghi Javdani
Published: September 2018

Identification of web service candidates in legacy software is a crucial process in the reengineering of legacy systems to service oriented architecture. Researchers have proposed various automatic and semi-automatic methods for this purpose, some of which have proved to be quite efficient, but there are still certain gaps which need to be addressed. This article discovers the strengths and weaknesses of previous methods and develops a method with improved service candidate identification performance. In this article, service identification is considered as a search and optimization problem and a firefly algorithm is developed accordingly to give high-quality solutions in reasonably short times. A filtering method is also developed to remove excess modules (false positives) from the algorithm outputs. A case study on a legacy flight reservation system demonstrates the high reliability of the outputs given by the proposed method.
Emergency contraceptive knowledge, attitudes and practices among female students at the University of Botswana: A descriptive survey
Authors: Kgosiemang Bobby , Blitz Julia
Published: September 2018

Background: Unintended pregnancies are associated with unsafe abortions and maternal deaths, particularly in countries such as Botswana, where abortion is illegal. Many of these unwanted pregnancies could be avoided by using emergency contraception, which is widely available in Botswana.Aim: To assess the level of knowledge, attitudes and practices of female students with regard to emergency contraception at the University of Botswana.Setting: Students from University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana.Methods: A descriptive survey among 371 students selected from all eight faculties at the university. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire and analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences.Results: The mean age was 20.6 years (SD 1.62), 58% were sexually active, 22% had used emergency contraception and 52% of pregnancies were unintended. Of the total respondents, 95% replied that they had heard of emergency contraception; however, only 53% were considered to have good knowledge, and 55% had negative attitudes towards its use. Students from urban areas had better knowledge than their rural counterparts (p = 0.020). Better knowledge of emergency contraception was associated with more positive attitudes towards actual use (p < 0.001). Older students (p < 0.001) and those in higher years of study (p = 0.001) were more likely to have used emergency contraception.Conclusion: Although awareness of emergency contraception was high, level of knowledge and intention to use were low. There is a need for a targeted health education programme to provide accurate information about emergency contraception.
Care Home Residents Admitted to Hospital through the Emergency Pathway: Characteristics and Associations with Inpatient Mortality
Authors: Keevil VL , Martin GJ , Biram R , Wallis S , Romero-Ortuno R
Published: September 2018

Background

Routinely collected hospital information could help to understand the characteristics and outcomes of care home residents admitted to hospital as an emergency.

Methods

This retrospective 2-year service evaluation included first emergency admissions of any older adult (≥75 years) presenting to Cambridge University Hospital. Routinely collected patient variables were captured by an electronic patient record system. Care home status was established using an official register of care homes.

Results

7.7% of 14,777 admissions were care home residents. They were older, frailer, more likely to be women and have cognitive impairment than those admitted from their own homes. Additionally, 42% presented with an Emergency Department Modified Early Warning Score above the threshold triggering urgent review, compared to 26% of older adults from their own homes. Admission from a care home was associated with higher 30-day inpatient mortality (11.1 vs 5.7%), which persisted after multivariable adjustment (hazard ratio: 1.42; 95% confidence interval: 1.09-1.83; p = 0.008).

Conclusion

Care home residents admitted to hospital as an emergency have high illness acuity and inpatient mortality.
Does Dermatoscopy Facilitate the Detection and Diagnosis of Vascular Skin Lesions? A Case–Control Study
Authors: Chuh A , Zawar V , Sciallis G
Published: September 2018

Background

During dermatoscope-guided surgical procedures, we noticed that vasculature was easily identified. This study investigated the use of dermatoscopy in detecting and diagnosing vascular skin lesions.

Methods

We retrieved records of patients with vascular skin lesions who underwent dermatoscopy over a 3 month period, in two outpatient clinics affiliated with a university teaching hospital. Our controls were similar patients where dermatoscopy was not performed.

Results

Our new findings are: 1, clinical and dermatoscopic examinations diagnosed significantly more patients with vascular skin lesions than clinical examinations alone (risk ratio: 1.36; 95% confidence interval: 1.10-1.67); 2, the detection rate increase was significant for cherry angiomas (p < 0.001), telangiectasias (p < 0.01) and spider angiomas (p < 0.01); 3, qualitatively, dermatoscopy revealed characteristic configurations, hues and colour saturations of the vascular skin lesions; and 4, the first reported dermatoscopic images of focal essential telangiectasia and petechial angioma.

Conclusion

In our setting, clinical and dermatoscopic examinations significantly facilitated detecting and diagnosing vascular skin lesions, compared to clinical examination alone.
The Key Challenges of Discussing End-Of-Life Stroke Care with Patients and Families: A Mixed-Methods Electronic Survey of Hospital and Community Healthcare Professionals
Authors: Doubal F , Cowey E , Bailey F , Murray SA , Borthwick S , Somerville M , Lerpiniere C , Reid L , Boyd K , Hynd G , Mead GE
Published: September 2018

Background

Communication between professionals, patients and families about palliative and end-of-life care after stroke is complex and there is a need for educational resources in this area.

Methods

To explore the key learning needs of healthcare professionals, a multidisciplinary, expert group developed a short electronic survey with open and closed questions, and then distributed it to six UK multiprofessional networks and two groups of local clinicians.

Results

A total of 599 healthcare professionals responded. Educational topics that were either definitely or probably needed were: ensuring consistent messages to families and patients (88%); resolving conflicts among family members (83%); handling unrealistic expectations (88%); involving families in discussions without them feeling responsible for decisions (82%); discussion of prognostic uncertainties (79%); likely mode of death (72%); and oral feeding for ‘comfort’ in patients at risk of aspiration (71%). The free-text responses (n = 489) and 82 ‘memorable’ cases identified similar themes.

Conclusion

Key topics of unmet need for education in end-of-life care in stroke have been identified and these have influenced the content of an open access, web-based educational resource.
Haemochromatosis Arthropathy – a Conundrum of the Celtic Curse
Authors: Kiely PDW
Published: September 2018

Genetic haemochromatosis is an autosomal recessive disorder, mostly due to HFE gene mutation, leading to loss of hepcidin and unregulated iron loading. The consequences include hepatic fibrosis, cardiomyopathy and skin pigmentation, and these sequelae along with fatigue may be prevented by ‘de-ironing'. Joint pain is frequently reported at diagnosis and an arthropathy that is essentially accelerated osteoarthritis may develop, with onset at a younger than expected age, involvement of typical and atypical joints, such as metacarpophalangeal and ankle, exuberant osteophytes and rapid progression to cartilage loss and the need for arthroplasty. The arthropathy differs from the other features in not responding to de-ironing, new joints becoming affected once patients are in maintenance, and, intriguingly, classic cases occur in the absence of iron overload with major and minor HFE mutations. These anomalies present a conundrum that raise the question whether HFE mutations have an arthritogenic consequence independent of hepcidin and iron.
Successful Intravenous Thrombolysis of a Wake-Up Stroke with Underlying Valvular Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Shahedah KK , Khoo CS , Nafisah WY Wan Nur , Ng CF , Ashikin I Noor , Naim MY Mohd , Sharis O Syazarina , Rozman Z , Asyraf WZ Wan
Published: September 2018

Abstract

A 42-year-old female admitted with new-onset atrial fibrillation had a wake-up stroke on the high-dependency unit and the time last seen well (TLSW) was 6.5 h. She suffered left-sided body weakness and her National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score was 17. An emergency CT perfusion showed right M1 segment occlusion with more than 50% penumbra. She was given recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (r-tPA) at 9 h from TLSW. An immediate diagnostic angiogram with intention to treat, owing to the presence of large vessel occlusion, showed complete reperfusion after intravenous r-tPA. She was discharged with NIHSS of 2, and at 3-month follow up her Modified Rankin Scale was 0. We demonstrated a successful reperfusion and excellent clinical recovery with intravenous thrombolysis in a patient who presented with a wake-up stroke with underlying valvular atrial fibrillation despite evidence of large vessel occlusion.
It Must be True … I Read it in the Tabloids
Authors: Yip SY , Namah D , Cook R , Isles C
Published: September 2018

Background

Previous attempts to improve the quality of health journalism have not led to more responsible reporting of health news.

Method

We reviewed the front pages of three daily tabloid and three daily broadsheet UK newspapers during a 1 month period in 2017 for medical headlines in which claims were made for diets, lifestyle behaviours or drug therapies that influence health.

Results

Front page medical headlines were carried by the Daily Express (11), Daily Mail (two), Daily Mirror (one) and Daily Telegraph (one). Neither the Guardian nor the Independent carried medical stories on their front pages during the period of study. Eleven headlines suggested benefits and three suggested harm. One headline accurately reflected its source material, but in this instance the source material was of doubtful clinical relevance. The remaining 13 headlines either exaggerated benefit (seven), exaggerated harm (two) or made false claims (four).

Conclusions

The cumulative effect of everyday misreporting of medical stories in UK newspapers may not only serve to confuse the public but also have serious consequences for public health.
The Last Apothecary: Eric Knott (1896–1993) and 20Th-Century Pharmacy in Scotland
Authors: Goggins SL
Published: September 2018

Eric Knott was the last Apothecary at the Royal Public Dispensary and the last Principal of the Duncan School of Pharmacy. He linked pre-war apothecary practice to post-war chemist dispensing. This paper tracks his career from the Duncan School of Pharmacy, transfer to Heriot-Watt College in 1936, to the close of the Royal Public Dispensary in 1963, when the premises were transferred to the University of Edinburgh. It draws on unpublished archival material and long unseen collections from National Museums Scotland to explore what Knott's career can tell us about the impact of new legislation and the introduction of the NHS on pharmacy in Scotland.
George Riddoch (1888–1947): The Driving Force behind the Treatment of Spinal Injuries in the Uk during the Second World War
Authors: Silver JR , Weiner M-F
Published: September 2018

The development of the successful treatment of spinal injuries has been inextricably linked to Sir Ludwig Guttmann and Stoke Mandeville Hospital. The role of George Riddoch has largely been ignored or mentioned merely in relation to Ludwig Guttmann and his appointment as the first Resident Medical Officer at Stoke Mandeville Hospital. Riddoch's contribution was far more significant. New material, comprising Riddoch's letters and memoranda written between 1939 and 1944, reveals his paramount involvement in the setting up of spinal injury units across the UK between 1941 and 1944, and his skill as an administrator and a clinician. Riddoch must be given credit for finding and appointing Ludwig Guttmann.
An 800-year high-resolution black carbon ice core record from Lomonosovfonna, Svalbard
Authors: Osmont Dimitri , Wendl Isabel A. , Schmidely Loïc , Sigl Michael , Vega Carmen P. , Isaksson Elisabeth , Schwikowski Margit
Published: September 2018

Abstract. Produced by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuel and biomass, black
carbon (BC) contributes to Arctic warming by reducing snow albedo and thus
triggering a snow-albedo feedback leading to increased snowmelt. Therefore,
it is of high importance to assess past BC emissions to better understand and
constrain their role. However, only a few long-term BC records are available
from the Arctic, mainly originating from Greenland ice cores. Here, we
present the first long-term and high-resolution refractory black carbon (rBC)
record from Svalbard, derived from the analysis of two ice cores drilled at
the Lomonosovfonna ice field in 2009 (LF-09) and 2011 (LF-11) and covering
800 years of atmospheric emissions. Our results show that rBC concentrations
strongly increased from 1860 on due to anthropogenic emissions and reached
two maxima, at the end of the 19th century and in the middle of the 20th
century. No increase in rBC concentrations during the last decades was
observed, which is corroborated by atmospheric measurements elsewhere in the
Arctic but contradicts a previous study from another ice core from Svalbard.
While melting may affect BC concentrations during periods of high
temperatures, rBC concentrations remain well preserved prior to the 20th
century due to lower temperatures inducing little melt. Therefore, the
preindustrial rBC record (before 1800), along with ammonium (NH4+),
formate (HCOO−) and specific organic markers (vanillic acid, VA, and
p-hydroxybenzoic acid, p-HBA), was used as a proxy for
biomass burning. Despite numerous single events, no long-term trend was
observed over the time period 1222–1800 for rBC and NH4+. In
contrast, formate, VA, and p-HBA experience multi-decadal peaks reflecting
periods of enhanced biomass burning. Most of the background variations and
single peak events are corroborated by other ice core records from Greenland
and Siberia. We suggest that the paleofire record from the LF ice core
primarily reflects biomass burning episodes from northern Eurasia, induced by
decadal-scale climatic variations.
Stratospheric aerosol radiative forcing simulated by the chemistry climate model EMAC using Aerosol CCI satellite data
Authors: Brühl Christoph , Schallock Jennifer , Klingmüller Klaus , Robert Charles , Bingen Christine , Clarisse Lieven , Heckel Andreas , North Peter , Rieger Landon
Published: September 2018

Abstract. This paper presents decadal simulations of stratospheric and tropospheric
aerosol and its radiative effects by the chemistry general circulation model
EMAC constrained with satellite observations in the framework of the ESA
Aerosol CCI project such as GOMOS (Global Ozone Monitoring by Occultation of
Stars) and (A)ATSR ((Advanced) Along Track Scanning Radiometer) on the
ENVISAT (European Environmental Satellite), IASI (Infrared Atmospheric
Sounding Interferometer) on MetOp (Meteorological Operational Satellite),
and, additionally, OSIRIS (Optical Spectrograph and InfraRed Imaging System).
In contrast to most other studies, the extinctions and optical depths from
the model are compared to the observations at the original wavelengths of the
satellite instruments covering the range from the UV (ultraviolet) to
terrestrial IR (infrared). This avoids conversion artifacts and provides
additional constraints for model aerosol and interpretation of the
observations. MIPAS (Michelson Interferometer for Passive Atmospheric Sounding) SO2 limb
measurements are used to identify plumes of more than 200 volcanic eruptions.
These three-dimensional SO2 plumes are added to the model SO2 at the
eruption times. The interannual variability in aerosol extinction in the
lower stratosphere, and of stratospheric aerosol radiative forcing at the
tropopause, is dominated by the volcanoes. To explain the seasonal cycle of
the GOMOS and OSIRIS observations, desert dust simulated by a new approach
and transported to the lowermost stratosphere by the Asian summer monsoon and
tropical convection turns out to be essential. This also applies to the
radiative heating by aerosol in the lowermost stratosphere. The existence of
wet dust aerosol in the lowermost stratosphere is indicated by the patterns
of the wavelength dependence of extinction in observations and simulations.
Additional comparison with (A)ATSR total aerosol optical depth at different
wavelengths and IASI dust optical depth demonstrates that the model is able
to represent stratospheric as well as tropospheric aerosol consistently.
Dew frequency across the US from a network of in situ radiometers
Authors: Ritter François , Berkelhammer Max , Beysens Daniel
Published: September 2018

Abstract. Dew formation is a ubiquitous process but its importance to energy budgets or ecosystem health is difficult to constrain. This uncertainty arises largely because of a lack of continuous quantitative measurements on dew across ecosystems with varying climate states and surface characteristics. This study analyzes dew frequency from the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON), which includes 11 grasslands and 19 forest sites from 2015 to 2017. Dew formation is determined at 30 min intervals using in situ radiometric surface temperatures from multiple heights within the canopy along with meteorological measurements. Dew frequency in the grasslands ranges from 15 % to 95 % of the nights with a strong linear dependency on the nighttime relative humidity (RH), while dew frequency in the forests is less frequent and more homogeneous (25 ± 14 %, 1 Standard Deviation). Dew mostly forms at the top of the canopy for the grasslands due to more effective radiative cooling and within canopy for the forests because of higher within canopy RH. The high temporal resolution of our data showed that dew duration reaches maximum values (~ 6–15 h) for RH ~ 96 % and for a wind speed of ~ 0.5 m s−1, independent of the ecosystem type. While dew duration can be directly assessed from the observations, dew yield needs to be estimated based on the Monin-Obukov Similarity Theory. We find yields of 0.14 ± 0.12 mm night−1 (1 SD from nine grasslands) similar to previous studies, and dew yield and duration are related by a quadratic relationship. The latent heat flux released by dew formation is estimated to be non-negligible (~ 10 W m−2), associated with a Bowen ratio of ~ 3. The radiometers used here provide canopy-averaged surface temperatures, which may underestimate dew frequency because of localized cold points in the canopy that fall below the dew point. A statistical model is used to test this effect and shows that dew frequency can increase by an additional ~ 5 % for both ecosystems by considering a reasonable distribution around the mean canopy temperature. The mean dew duration is almost unaffected by this sensitivity analysis. In-situ radiometric surface temperatures provide a continuous, non-invasive and robust tool for studying dew frequency and duration on a fine temporal scale.
Risk model of tree stand damage by winds and its evaluation based on damage caused by cyclone “Xaver”
Authors: Bruchwald Arkadiusz , Dmyterko Elżbieta , Balazy Radomir
Published: September 2018

Aim of study: To develop and evaluate the forest’s wind-risk model, dedicated for stand damage level.Area of study: Model was tested in the northeastern Poland.Material and methods: A risk model referring to the damage of forest stands by wind specifies, for every stand in a selected forest district, the risk factor within the range of 0 to 3. The higher value of the factor, the greater risk of damage, if wind occurs. The model was based on 11 features: average size of a tree stand, mean diameter breast high in the specified features’ ratio, species composition, degree of stand density, age of stand, forest site type, amount of damage caused by wind in the last 10-year period, location of forest district in the region of Poland, and three features for mountains: stand’s altitude above sea level, direction, and slope. The model used information from the State Forests’ Information System database (SILP), and since it was developed in JAVA computer language, the processing of data for one forest district lasted less than one minute.Main results: The model can create a forest district digital map, in which stands characterized by specific risk values are presented with high prediction accuracy.Research highlights: The risk model of tree stand damage by winds uses data provided by the SILP and what was proven in below study, can be used as an effective tool in a forestry practice.
Cost evaluation of three ground-logging methods in a mixed broadleaved mountainous forest
Authors: Badraghi Aysan , Erler Jörn , Hosseini Seyed A. O. , Lang Robert
Published: September 2018

Aim of study: To compare cost and productivity of three ground-based logging methods by skidder: 1, tree length method (TLM), 2, long length method (LLM) and 3, short length method (SLM).Area of study: A mixed broadleaved mountainous forest stand in the Hyrcanian forests in northern Iran.Material and methods: To develop time prediction models, all measurements of time were replaced by their decadic logarithms, and on the basis of the developed models, we simulated cost of 11 skidding turns depending on the diameter of the log (DL), skidding distance (SD), and the winching distance (WD) for TLM, LLM, and SLM.Main results: Our results demonstrated that on average the net costs per extraction of one cubic meter wood (m3) were 3.06, 5.69, and 6.81 €/m3 in TLM, LLM, and SLM, respectively, and the most economical alternative depending on DL, SD and WD was a TLM. Furthermore, the results of simulated models suggest that as long as the diameter of the felled trees is less than 40 cm, the cut-to-length system is not an economical alternative. The cut-to-length method can be applied for trees with larger diameter (more than 40 cm), and in short skidding distance SLM is preferable to LLM but in cases of long skidding distance, LLM is more economical than SLM.Research highlights: DLand SD were the main causes which influenced the productivity and cost of ground-based logging methods.
Long-term straw incorporation benefits the elevation of soil phosphorus availability and use efficiency in the agroecosystem
Authors: Guo Zhibin , Liu Hui , Hua Keke , Wang Daozhong , He Chuanlong
Published: September 2018

Soil pH and organic matter are important factors influencing phosphorus (P) fertilizer use efficiency. Long-term crop straw incorporation alters soil pH and soil organic matter. To explore the influence of crop straw incorporation on P fertilizer use efficiency, this research was conducted in a long-term field experiment (30 years) with a wheat-soybean cropping system and selected four treatments: no fertilization, mineral fertilization (NPK), mineral fertilization + 3750 kg/ha wheat straw (WS/2-NPK) and mineral fertilization + 7500 kg/ha wheat straw (WS-NPK). Results show that long-term straw incorporation not only accentuates soil acidification, but also elevates crop yields and soil P availability. Consequently, compared with the NPK treatment, straw incorporation contributed to higher P fertilizer use efficiency, which increased from 43% in 1983 to 72% in 2012 for WS/2-NPK, from 46% to 69% for WS-NPK, and from 34% to 60% for NPK treatments, respectively. Moreover, the P fertilizer use efficiency in all fertilization treatments could be categorized as follows: slowly increasing stage in 1982-2002, stable stage in 2003-2006, and rapidly increasing stage in 2007-2012. Correspondingly, the annual P balances of the WS/2-NPK and WS-NPK treatments ranged from positive to negative in the 1982-2003 and 2004-2012. Therefore, compared with mineral fertilization alone, long-term wheat straw incorporation has the associated benefit of elevating the P fertilizer use efficiency. However, to maintain sustainable high crop productivity, it is necessary to elevate the dose of P fertilizer input and reduce the soil acidification under wheat straw incorporation.
Perioperative Protocol for Elective Spine Surgery Is Associated With Reduced Length of Stay and Complications
Authors: Sivaganesan Ahilan , Wick Joseph B. , Chotai Silky , Cherkesky Christy , Stephens Byron F. , Devin Clinton J.
Published: September 2018

Introduction:

Healthcare reform places emphasis on maximizing the value of care.

Methods:

A prospective registry was used to analyze outcomes before (1,596 patients) and after (151 patients) implementation of standardized, evidence-based order sets for six high-impact dimensions of perioperative care for all patients who underwent elective surgery for degenerative spine disease after July 1, 2015.

Results:

Apart from symptom duration, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease prevalence, estimated blood loss, and baseline Oswestry Disability Index, no significant differences existed between pre- and post-protocol cohorts. No differences in readmissions, discharge status, or 3-month patient-reported outcomes were seen. Multivariate regression analyses demonstrated reduced length of stay (P = 0.013) and odds of 90-day complications (P = 0.009) for postprotocol patients.

Conclusion:

Length of stay and 90-day complications for elective spine surgery improved after implementation of an evidence-based perioperative protocol. Standardization efforts can improve quality and reduce costs, thereby improving the value of spine care.

Level of Evidence:

Level III (retrospective review of prospectively collected data)
Should Lecturers be willing to Teach High-functioning Autistic Students: What do They Need to Know?
Authors: Ponomaryova E. , Guterman H. Gendel , Davidovitch N. , Shapira Y.
Published: September 2018

Academic institutions are currently developing special programs based on the belief that the overall success of universities relies on the integration of diverse population groups. This study investigates the role of the organizational support to lecturers to facilitate the integration of students with high-functioning autism (HFA). A questionnaire was developed and completed by 103 lecturers to examine their attitudes on the best methods for integrating students with HFA in higher education. Both regression and path analysis were performed. The findings show that the university’s support is the main factor that influences instructors’ beliefs on the best method of integration, either by creating a tolerant atmosphere in the institution or using specially developed teaching methods. Lecturers' positive emotional responses and desire to be familiar with and involved with HFA students influence lecturers’ ability to provide effective support to students with HFA.
Motivations for Implementing Cleaner Production Principles: A Case Study of Saudi Plastic Manufacturers
Authors: Abdulghaffar Nadia A. , Baatiyah Suzan Khaled
Published: September 2018

The rapid economic, cultural and industrial development, and population growth in Saudi Arabia has created environmental challenges, threat of energy, resource crisis, and climate change. One of the contributing factors is the increasing number of manufacturers and lack of green practices. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the aspects that influence implementation of Cleaner Production Principles by Saudi Plastic Manufacturers. A conceptual model that was based on technological, environmental, and organizational theory was used to present the primary motivating factors of manufacturers in Jeddah for pollution reduction and also to the achievement of sustainable development goals according to Saudi Vision 2030. The research model provides motivations for the environmental and economic consequence of Cleaner Production Principles Implementation. This work is grounded in hypothesis; such as, regulatory and customer pressures having a positive influence on the implementation of CP principles in the Saudi plastic manufacturer industries. A questionnaire on the implementation of CP principles was provided to the manufacturers. 127 samples were analyzed through SPSS to investigate the relationship between the independent (CP Principles implementation) and dependent variables (motivational factors for implementation). The results have indicated that Regulatory Pressure and Customer Pressure has significant positive influences on the implementation of CP Principles for Saudi manufacturers. The quality of HR, SM support, governmental support, and environmental uncertainty have significant negative influences on the implementation of CP principles. The lack of previous research about CP implementation in KSA will make the results of this research beneficial for future researchers and practitioners.
De Versalhes a Krugli: um breve panorama do teatro infantojuvenil
Authors:   Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Pinto Lucas de Carvalho Larcher
Published: September 2018

Neste artigo temos como objetivo compartilhar alguns dados sobre a história do teatro produzido para crianças e jovens até meados da décadade 70, com ênfase no contexto nacional. Para isso, realizamos um levantamento das principais referências teóricas publicadas no Brasil sobre o tema, com o intuito de oferecer ao leitor, em linhas gerais, o percurso das manifestações teatrais voltadas para a infância e a juventude, através dos tempos. Trata-se, portanto, de um breve panorama que neste texto abrange desde o Teatro de sombras de Dominique Séraphin, em Versalhes (séc. XVIII), até as primeiras produções de Ilo Krugli, no Brasil (séc. XX); passando, evidentemente, por notáveis experiências e personalidades, tanto no contexto nacional, quanto internacional do Teatro Infantojuvenil.