bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the Level of Knowledge and Health Seeking Behaviour among Diabetic Patients in the Jasikan District
Authors: Asirifi Samuel Kwame Amoako , Sutherland Theodore , Norbert Kipo Mantu
Published: August 2024

Background: Diabetes is a persistent metabolic disorder characterised by high levels of blood glucose. Over time, it leads to cardiovascular, ocular, renal, and neurological damage. The most prevalent kind is type 2 diabetes, typically found in adults, which happens when the body develops resistance to insulin or fails to produce a enough amount of insulin. The incidence of type 2 diabetes has significantly increased in recent years mostly as a result of lifestyle modifications. Type 1 diabetes arises from an autoimmune process that leads to the death of insulin-secreting cells (B cells) in the pancreas. Typically, it begins during adolescence but can manifest at any stage of life. The objective of the study is to evaluate the degree of knowledge and health-seeking behaviours of individuals with diabetes in the Jasikan district.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using non-probability selection, namely convenience sampling, to select a total of 114 respondents. Data was collected using a standardised questionnaire. The data was stored and analysed using SPSS version 25 for mac, which is a Statistical Package for Social Sciences.
Results: The majority of patients are aware that regular hospital check-ups are essential for their medical care. The study uncovered that nearly all individuals with diabetes in the Jasikan district promptly seek medical assistance from the hospital whenever they experience health issues. Alternatively, 48.2% of individuals seek guidance from religious leaders, 9.6% turn to herbal remedies, and 2.6% choose to self-medicate. Just 39.5% of the participants acknowledged that the primary factor behind diabetes is insufficient production of efficient insulin within the body. The vast majority of respondents (87.7%) recognised that diabetes leads to an increase in blood glucose levels. Additionally, 72.8% acknowledged that a fasting blood sugar level of 11.1 is excessively elevated.
Conclusions: Individuals with diabetes in the Jasikan district possess a limited amount of knowledge regarding their medical condition. They possess expertise regarding blood sugar levels in diabetes, the associated difficulties, and the necessity for frequent and regular check-ups. However, they have a deficiency in understanding on the many forms and underlying causes of diabetes, as well as the symptoms associated with hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. The majority of individuals with diabetes in the district frequently turn to the hospital for assistance if they experience health issues. As an alternative, many turn to religious leaders, natural remedies, and over-the-counter pharmaceuticals.
Trend and Instability Analysis of Area, Production, Productivity of Millets in India
Authors: N Yamuna , Kolekar D. V. , N Rakesh
Published: August 2024

The research aims to explore the trends and stability in the production, area, and productivity of millets in India over a span of 54 years, from 1966-67 to 2019-20. The study uses secondary data from ICAR millet statistics, and applies various mathematical models using scatter plot technique in Excel, such as linear, polynomial, logarithmic, power, and exponential functions to analyze the trend and forecast. To estimate annual growth rates, dispersion, and instability, the study employs compound growth rates, coefficients of variation, and the Cuddy-Della Valle index. Results indicate an alarming decline in cultivation area and production, particularly in major millets like Sorghum and Finger millet (CAGR -2.51% and -1.84% for area; -1.44% and -0.49% for production respectively), attributed to over-cultivation of major crops (cereals, pulses, and cash crops). However, millet yield demonstrates resilience and positive growth trends. The stability indices reveal varying degrees of instability among millet categories, emphasizing the need for tailored interventions (ranging from 5.90 to 21.11). Forecasted trends for the next decade predict further declines in area and production but suggest a potential reversal in the increasing yield trend (sorghum yield is estimated to be decrease from 889.85 Kg/Ha to 872.9 Kg/Ha in 2030). The study underscores the nutritional significance of millets and their role in climate-resilient agriculture. The research indicates that there is a need for targeted measures to promote millet cultivation, such as the use of improved varieties, and creating awareness about their nutritional benefits, developing evidence-based agricultural policies. This is important in order to enhance the area and production under millets, and also to align with global sustainability goals.
Evaluation of the Parasitic Potential of Pupal Parasitoid, Nesolynx thymus (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) During Different Seasons for Biological Control of Uzi Fly
Authors: Chakraborty Rushali , Brahma Dipankar , Bora Nilav Ranjan , Dutta Roshmi Borah , Sarma Jugabrat , Rajkhowa Abhigyan
Published: August 2024

The study was conducted during October 2021 to May 2022 in the laboratory of department of Entomology, AAU, Jorhat and in the experimental rearing room of College of Sericulture, Titabor, AAU, Jorhat. The endo parasitic uzi fly can cause significant crop losses in muga and mulberry silkworm, necessitating effective pest management strategies. A black scar in the silkworm body is the main characteristics symptoms of uzi fly attack. The present study investigated on parasitic potential of the gregarious pupal parasitoid, Nesolynx thymus (Eulophidae), on the Uzi fly.  Present study revealed that N. thymus effectively parasitized the Uzi fly pupae, with higher parasitization rates during the autumn season (63%) compared to spring (47%). Notably, younger pupae (1-2 days old) were more preferred for oviposition, with parasitization rates reaching 68.33% and 65%, respectively. The study also documented the presence of predatory ants, Oecophylla smaragdina, which preyed upon the Uzi fly maggots and eggs.
Analyzing Agrotourism Challenges in Coimbatore: A Rank Based Quotient (RBQ) Approach
Authors: Gowdhaman Pratishtha , Devi Malliah Nirmala , C Karthikeyan , N Sriram , Selvi R. Gangai
Published: August 2024

Agrotourism, which integrates agriculture with tourism, holds substantial promise for fostering rural development in regions such as Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. This study seeks to pinpoint and examine the main challenges faced by agrotourism entrepreneurs using Rank Based Quotient (RBQ) analysis. Data were gathered from 10 agrotourism entrepreneurs through structured questionnaires, emphasizing financial, marketing, infrastructural, and regulatory difficulties. The RBQ analysis indicates that securing funding for infrastructure and operations, acquiring permits and licenses, and managing heightened competition are among the most significant challenges. By highlighting these issues, this research offers valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders to craft targeted interventions, thereby enhancing the sustainability and growth of agrotourism in the area. The results can guide policy decisions and support strategies aimed at overcoming obstacles in agrotourism development.
Evaluation of the Physical Compatibility of Biopesticides and Chemical Pesticides for Drone Application
Authors: Supriya K , Varma N R G , Upendhar S , Babu T Kiran , Lingaiah N
Published: August 2024

Drone spraying technology has demonstrated significant potential in addressing the challenges associated with manual spraying in agriculture. Nevertheless, guaranteeing the physical compatibility of pesticide mixtures for use in drone applications is a vital consideration. The present study assessed the physical compatibility of various insecticide, fungicide, and biopesticide combinations using jar compatibility test at drone and taiwan sprayer doses during 2022. Eight insecticide-biopesticide combinations and six fungicide-biopesticide combinations were assessed, revealing no physical incompatibilities such as foaming or sedimentation. Specific combinations, including Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki 0.5% with chlorantraniliprole 18.50% SC and tetraniliprole 200 SC, exhibited excellent physical stability without foaming or sedimentation. In contrast, combinations with flubendiamide 39.35% SC and cartap hydrochloride 50% SP showed minor foaming but remained within acceptable limits. pH analysis indicated that most pesticides and their combinations maintained a neutral reaction, except for cartap hydrochloride 50% SP, which displayed significant acidity, and a few combinations that showed slight pH shifts. These findings confirm the overall physical and chemical compatibility of the tested mixtures. Ensuring compatibility reduces the risk of clogging and malfunction of equipment, thereby enhancing the efficiency and reliability for agricultural applications.
Mesleki Değerlerle İlişkilendirilen Etkinliklerin Öğretmen Adaylarının Farkındalık ve Tutumlarına Etkisi
Authors: Balık Cemile , Atik Kara Derya
Published: August 2024

Bu araştırma Eğitime Giriş dersi konularına ilişkin mesleki değerler ile ilişkilendirilerek gerçekleştirilen etkinliklerin öğretmen adaylarının mesleki değerlere ilişkin farkındalıkları ile mesleğe yönelik tutumları üzerindeki etkisini belirlemeyi amaçlamıştır. Karma araştırma yöntemi desenlerinden tekrarlı sıralı karma desene göre düzenlenen bu araştırmanın katılımcıları 2019-2020 öğretim dönemi Eğitim Fakültesi Okulöncesi (55) ve Sınıf Öğretmenliği (70) programlarında Eğitime Giriş dersini alan birinci sınıf öğretmen adaylarından oluşmaktadır. Araştırmada veri toplama aracı olarak nicel veriler için ölçek ve anket kullanılırken, nitel veriler için açık uçlu soru formu, yarı yapılandırılmış görüşme ve gözlem kullanılmıştır. Nicel verilere Mann Whitney U ve Wilcoxon İşaretli Sıralar testi, nitel verilere tümevarımsal ve betimsel analiz uygulanmıştır. Veri analizi sonucunda, deney grubunda öğretmenlik meslek değerlerine yönelik gerçekleştirilen uygulamaların öğretmen adaylarının mesleğe yönelik tutumları üzerinde olumlu yönde anlamlı bir etkiye sahip olduğu ancak kontrol grubundaki öğretmen adaylarının mesleğe yönelik tutumlarında bir değişim olmadığı gözlemlenmiştir. Araştırma sonucunda deney grubundaki öğretmen adaylarının öğretmenlik mesleki değerlerine ilişkin farkındalık kazandığı hem nitel hem nicel bulguların sonuçlarıyla desteklenmiştir.
The age of river‐transported carbon: A global perspective
Authors: Marwick Trent R. , Tamooh Fredrick , Teodoru Cristian R. , Borges Alberto V. , Darchambeau François , Bouillon Steven
Published: January 2015

The role played by river networks in regional and global carbon (C) budgets is receiving increasing attention. Despite the potential of radiocarbon measurements (Δ14C) to elucidate sources and cycling of different riverine C pools, there remain large regions for which no data are available and no comprehensive attempts to synthesize the available information and examine global patterns in the 14C content of different riverine C pools. Here we present new 14C data on particulate and dissolved organic C (POC and DOC) from six river basins in tropical and subtropical Africa and compiled >1400 literature Δ14C data and ancillary parameters from rivers globally. Our analysis reveals a consistent pattern whereby POC is progressively older in systems carrying higher sediment loads, coinciding with a lower organic carbon content. At the global scale, this pattern leads to a proposed global median Δ14C signature of −203‰, corresponding to an age of ~1800 years B.P. For DOC exported to the coastal zone, we predict a modern (decadal) age (Δ14C = +22 to +46‰), and paired data sets confirm that riverine DOC is generally more recent in origin than POC—in contrast to the situation in ocean environments. Weathering regimes complicate the interpretation of 14C ages of dissolved inorganic carbon, but the available data favor the hypothesis that in most cases, more recent organic C is preferentially mineralized.
Do spaceborne aerosol observations limit the accuracy of modeled surface solar irradiance?
Authors: Ruiz‐Arias José A. , Gueymard Christian A. , Santos‐Alamillos Francisco J. , Pozo‐Vázquez David
Published: January 2015

Aerosols play a primary role in the global climate system and the solar radiation budget at the Earth surface. Here we analyze the role of spaceborne aerosol observations and their uncertainties in the expected accuracy of the modeled cloudless surface shortwave downward radiation using a state‐of‐the‐art numerical weather prediction model over the continental U.S. We compare five different modeling approaches for the aerosol optical effects with differing sophistication. Overall, we show that, counterintuitively, the direct and diffuse irradiances predicted by solar radiation models that use empirically adjusted fixed aerosol extinction may be more accurate than more sophisticated radiative transfer models that require inputs of aerosols. We conclude that, compared to ground observations, the mean absolute error in satellite‐retrieved aerosol optical depth over the U.S., and possibly elsewhere, should be reduced to less than 0.025 aerosol optical depth unit to assure improvement over the predictions of a simpler, aerosol‐insensitive radiation model.
Thermospheric winds around the cusp region
Authors: Sheng Cheng , Deng Yue , Wu Qian , Ridley Aaron , Häggström Ingemar
Published: January 2015

An equatorward wind has been observed first by the balloon‐borne Fabry‐Perot interferometer called High‐Altitude Interferometer Wind Observation on the equatorward side of the cusp near the local noon, which is opposite to the typical direction of neutral wind driven by the day‐night pressure gradient. However, this dayside equatorward wind was not reproduced by the standard Thermosphere Ionosphere Electrodynamics General Circulation Model under the resolution of 5° longitude by 5° latitude (5°×5°). In this study, the Global Ionosphere Thermosphere Model has been run in different cases and under different resolutions to investigate the neutral dynamics around the cusp region. First, we compare the simulations with and without additional cusp energy inputs to identify the influence of cusp heating. Both runs have a resolution of 5°×1° (longitude × latitude) in order to better resolve the cusp region. After adding in the cusp energy, the meridional wind in simulation turns to be equatorward on the dayside, which is consistent with the observation. It indicates that strong heating in the cusp region causes changes in the pressure gradient around the cusp and subsequent variations in the neutral winds. The simulations with the same cusp heating specifications are repeated, but with different horizontal resolutions to examine the influence of resolution on the simulation results. The comparisons show that the resolution of 5°×1° can resolve the cusp region much more stably and consistently than the 5°×5° resolution.
ULF wave electromagnetic energy flux into the ionosphere: Joule heating implications
Authors: Hartinger M. D. , Moldwin M. B. , Zou S. , Bonnell J. W. , Angelopoulos V.
Published: January 2015

Ultralow‐frequency (ULF) waves—in particular, Alfvén waves–transfer energy into the Earth's ionosphere via Joule heating, but it is unclear how much they contribute to global and local heating rates relative to other energy sources. In this study we use Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms satellite data to investigate the spatial, frequency, and geomagnetic activity dependence of the ULF wave Poynting vector (electromagnetic energy flux) mapped to the ionosphere. We use these measurements to estimate Joule heating rates, covering latitudes at or below the nominal auroral oval and below the open/closed field line boundary. We find ULF wave Joule heating rates (integrated over 3–30 mHz frequency band) typically range from 0.001 to 1 mW/m2. We compare these rates to empirical models of Joule heating associated with large‐scale, static (on ULF wave timescales) current systems, finding that ULF waves nominally contribute little to the global, integrated Joule heating rate. However, there are extreme cases with ULF wave Joule heating rates of ≥10 mW/m2—in these cases, which are more likely to occur when Kp ≥ 3, ULF waves make significant contributions to the global Joule heating rate. We also find ULF waves routinely make significant contributions to local Joule heating rates near the noon and midnight local time sectors, where static current systems nominally contribute less to Joule heating; the most important contributions come from lower frequency (<7 mHz) waves.
An observational study of the influence of solar zenith angle on properties of the M1 layer of the Mars ionosphere
Authors: Fallows K. , Withers P. , Matta M.
Published: January 2015

The variations in peak properties of the M1 layer (the lower photochemical plasma layer) with solar zenith angle (SZA) are important relationships for understanding the physical processes which control this region of the Mars ionosphere. The behavior of the M1 layer has been poorly characterized to date. Here we introduce an automated and repeatable method for determining properties of the M1 and M2 layers simultaneously in 5600 Mars Global Surveyor radio occultation profiles of dayside electron density. The results support previous findings for M1 and M2 subsolar peak densities and the dependence of peak densities on solar zenith angle. The ratio of M1 peak density to M2 peak density remains constant at 0.4 for 70° <SZA< 90°, in contrast with previous numerical simulations. The M1 altitude increases with solar zenith angle with a lengthscale, L1 = 2.5 km, which is about half that of the M2 layer, L2 = 5.2 km, indicating that the two layers become increasingly separated at high solar zenith angles. The vertical width of the M1 layer, H1, decreases from 7 km to 5 km as solar zenith angle increases from 70° to 90°, whereas the vertical width of the M2 layer, H2, increases from 10 km to 14 km. The prediction of ideal Chapman theory that both the widths Hi and the lengthscales Li equal the neutral scale height is not supported by observations. These findings provide meaningful observational constraints for numerical models, which are known to have trouble reproducing observations and observed trends associated with the M1 layer.
Spatial structure and temporal variability of the zonal flow in the Luzon Strait
Authors: Zhang Zhiwei , Zhao Wei , Tian Jiwei , Yang Qingxuan , Qu Tangdong
Published: January 2015

One year long, full‐depth velocity measurements were used to examine the spatial structure and temporal variability of the zonal flow in the Luzon Strait (LSZF). The observation revealed a renewed mean flow structure: in the upper (<500 m) and deep (>2000 m) layers, the LSZF was mostly westward; in the intermediate layer (500–2000 m), it was dominated by an eastward flow in the south but a westward flow in the north. The volume transport across the observed section between 19.8°N and 21.2°N exhibited strong seasonal and intraseasonal variability. On the seasonal time scale, the upper‐layer transport showed a clear annual cycle, strongest in January and weakest in June; the intermediate‐layer transport also showed a semiannual cycle, attaining its peaks (troughs) in January and June (April and October). On the intraseasonal time scale, both the upper‐layer and intermediate‐layer transports showed significant energy peaks at about 60 and 10–30 days. Further analysis indicated that the ∼60 day variability might be attributed to the impinging mesoscale eddies from the Pacific, while the 10–30 day variability appeared to obtain its energy from local intraseasonal wind forcing and baroclinic instability of the background current. The 10–100 day upper‐layer and intermediate‐layer transport variabilities were highly anticorrelated, suggesting a baroclinic nature of the intraseasonal variabilities of the LSZF.
A dipole‐like SST trend in the Somalia region during the monsoon season
Authors: Santos F. , Gómez‐Gesteira M. , deCastro M. , Días J. M.
Published: January 2015

SST trends measured in the Somalia region during the southwest monsoon season over the period 1982–2013 have shown the existence of a warming‐cooling dipole. The positive spot, with a warming trend on the order of 0.37°C dec−1, is centered around 5.1°N–50.3°E and the negative one, with a trend on the order of −0.43°C dec−1, around 11.1°N–52.2°E. The migration of the Great Whirl (GW) over the last three decades at a speed of −0.3°C dec−1 in longitude and −0.6°C dec−1 in latitude was considered as the possible origin of the SST dipole. The displacement of the GW produces changes in the geostrophic currents which, in turn, generate changes in the amount of advected water from and to coast.
Characteristics, generation and mass transport of nonlinear internal waves on theWashington continental shelf
Authors: Zhang Shuang , Alford Matthew H. , Mickett John B.
Published: January 2015

As a step toward better understanding the generation of nonlinear internal waves (NLIWs) on continental shelves and the factors determining their morphology, amplitude and propagation, we analyze more than 1500 NLIWs detected on the Washington (WA) continental shelf using four summer/fall time series of temperature and velocity measurements from a surface mooring deployed in 100 m of water. Propagating onshore toward the northeast, these NLIWs take a variety of forms, including internal solitary waves, solitary wave trains and bores. Nearly all are mode‐1 depression waves that arrive semidiurnally along with the internal tide. The NLIW energy flux is correlated with the internal tide energy flux but not the local barotropic forcing, implying that the observed NLIWs arise primarily from shoaling remotely generated internal tides rather than local generation. Estimated onshore transport by the waves can equal or exceed offshore Ekman transport, suggesting the waves may play an important role in the mass balance on the continental shelf.
Occurrence of large temperature inversion in the thermohaline frontal zone at the Yellow Sea entrance in winter and its relation to advection
Authors: Lie Heung‐Jae , Cho Cheol‐Ho , Jung Kyung Tae
Published: January 2015

Temperature inversion (higher temperature at a deeper depth) in winter and its relation to advection were investigated by analyzing both conductivity‐temperature‐depth data in the southern Yellow Sea (YS) and northwestern East China Sea during the winter of 2002–2003 and time series data of temperature, salinity, and currents at a buoy station at the YS entrance. Significant temperature inversions occur predominantly along the thermohaline front at the YS entrance where the Cheju Warm Current Water (CWCW) and the cold coastal waters meet. In February 2003, on the northern frontal zone along 34°N where isotherms and isohalines declined downward to the north, particularly large inversions with temperature differences of larger than 2.0°C were observed to occur more in troughs than in the crests of the wave‐like frontal meander where the cold Korean coastal water (KCW) advances farther southward. The inversion persisted until mid‐April at the buoy station in the frontal zone, and both temperature and salinity showed simultaneous variations in the same manner. During episodic occurrences of large inversions, temperature and salinity decreased sharply in the upper layer, but increased concurrently in the lower layer. These episodic inversions were found to be closely related to the westward advection of the KCW in the upper layer and the northward advection of the CWCW in the lower layer. It is considered that these advections may play an important role in maintaining baroclinicity in the northern frontal zone, which is responsible for driving the westward transversal flow across the YS entrance.
Evaluation of the surface energy budget equation with experimental data and the ECMWF model in the Ebro Valley
Authors: Cuxart J. , Conangla L. , Jiménez M. A.
Published: January 2015

In numerical models of the climate system and in other applications, the surface energy budget is usually considered closed, allowing for estimation of missing terms as the residual of the others. Real measurements of this budget show significant uncertainties in the values of each flux and imbalances that range between 5% and more than 50%, as shown in recent literature. In this article, a derivation of the surface energy budget equation from the prognostic temperature equation is presented and the hypotheses are discussed. Minor terms, which are usually neglected, such as tendency or advection, are estimated. Then, the 2 year statistics for a station in the Ebro Valley are analyzed, focusing on the imbalance, which is found to increase as the other terms in the equation increase, with values on the order of 30% of the net radiation. The same location seen by the model of the European Center for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) is analyzed. Large differences between observations and model simulation results occur at a daily scale although the average terms are comparable, with a systematic overestimation of the ground and sensible heat fluxes by the model.
Dynamics of Saturn's polar regions
Authors: Antuñano A. , del Río‐Gaztelurrutia T. , Sánchez‐Lavega A. , Hueso R.
Published: January 2015

We analyze data retrieved by the imaging science system onboard the Cassini spacecraft to study the horizontal velocity and vorticity fields of Saturn's polar regions (latitudes 60–90°N in June–December 2013 and 60–90°S in October 2006 and July–December 2008), including the northern region where the hexagonal wave is prominent. With the aid of an automated two‐dimensional correlation algorithm we determine two‐dimensional maps of zonal and meridional winds and deduce vorticity maps. We extract zonal averages of zonal winds, providing wind profiles that reach latitudes as high as 89.5° in the south and 89.9° in the north. Wind measurements cover the intense polar cyclonic vortices that reach similar peak velocities of 150 m s−1at ±88.5°. The hexagonal wave lies in the core of an intense eastward jet at planetocentric latitude 75.8°N with motions that become nonzonal at the hexagonal feature. In the south hemisphere the peak of the eastward jet is located at planetocentric latitude 70.4°S. A large anticyclone (the south polar spot, SPS), similar to the north polar spot (NPS) observed at the Voyager times (1980–1981), has been observed in images from April 2008 to January 2009 in the south polar region at latitude −66.1° close to the eastward jet. The SPS does not apparently excite a wave on the jet. We analyze the stability of the zonal jets, finding potential instabilities at the flanks of the eastward jets around 70°, and we measure the eddy wind components, suggesting momentum transfer from eddy motion to the westward jets closer to the poles.
Basal icequakes recorded beneath an Alpine glacier (Glacier d'Argentière, Mont Blanc, France): Evidence for stick‐slip motion?
Authors: Helmstetter Agnès , Nicolas Barbara , Comon Pierre , Gay Michel
Published: January 2015

While basal icequakes associated with glacier motion have been detected under Antarctica for several decades, there remains very little evidence of stick‐slip motion for Alpine glaciers. Here we analyzed 2357 basal icequakes that were recorded at Glacier d'Argentière (Mont‐Blanc Massif) between February and November of 2012 and that are likely to be associated with basal sliding. These events have been classified into 18 multiplets, based on their waveforms. The strong similarity of the waveforms within each multiplet suggests an isolated repeating source. Despite this similarity, the peak amplitude within each multiplet varies gradually in time, by up to a factor of 18. The distribution of these events in time is relatively complex. For long time scales, we observe progressive variations in the amplitudes of events within each multiplet. For intermediate time scales (hours), the events occur regularly in time, with typical return times of several minutes up to several hours. For short time scales (from 0.01 to 100 s), the largest multiplet shows clustering in time, with a power law distribution of the interevent times. The location of these events and their focal mechanisms are not well constrained, because most of these events were detected by a single seismometer. Nevertheless, the locations can be estimated with an accuracy of a few tens of meters using a polarization analysis. The estimated average depth of the basal events is 179 m, which is in good agreement with the estimated glacier thickness. The relative changes in distance between the source and the sensor can be measured accurately by correlating separately the P wave and S wave parts of the seismograms of each event with the template waveforms, which are obtained by averaging the signals within each multiplet. We observed small variations in the times between the P wave and the S wave of up to 0.6 ms over 50 days. These variations cannot be explained by displacement of the sensor with respect to the glacier but might be due to small changes in the seismic wave velocities with time. Finally, we found using numerical simulations that the observed signals are better explained by a horizontal shear fault with slip parallel to the glacier flow than by a tensile fault. These results suggest that the basal events are associated with stick‐slip motion of the glacier over rough bedrock. The rupture length and the slip are difficult to estimate. Nonetheless, the rupture length is likely to be of the order of meters, and the total seismic slip accumulated over one day might be as large as the glacier motion during the most active bursts.
Enhanced topologies for the design of dual‐mode filters using inductive waveguide structures
Authors: Mendoza M. Martinez , Martinez D. Martinez , Rebenaque D. Canete , Alvarez‐Melcon A.
Published: January 2015

This paper presents novel topologies for the design and realization of microwave filters combining dual‐mode and single‐mode cavities in all‐inductive waveguide technology. Examples of orders 3–5 with one or two transmission zeros are synthesized and designed, in order to demonstrate the validity of the proposals. All the coupling schemes explored exhibit the zero‐shifting property, so the transmission zeros can be easily placed above or below the passband. A four‐pole dual‐band‐pass filter is also designed to show the flexibility offered by the novel structures. A prototype of this dual‐band filter has been manufactured and tested in order to provide experimental validation for these new structures. Important aspects of synthesis techniques, required to obtain the associated coupling topologies and to perform the final physical design of the waveguide filters, are also addressed in this paper.
Regionally based alarm index to mitigate ionospheric scintillation effects for GNSS receivers
Authors: Tiwari R. , Strangeways H. J.
Published: January 2015

An approach to mitigate the effect of ionospheric scintillation on GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) users in the European region using TEC (total electron content) at 1 Hz rate is presented. The TEC in the study is derived using raw GPS (Global Positioning System) observations obtained from the EUREF networks. The study also presents derivation of a geographic mesh‐map warning of the expected standard deviation of phase jitter in receiver carrier tracking loops, information which would help to mitigate scintillation effects in GPS software receivers.
Density prediction in Mars' aerobraking region
Authors: Moudden Y. , Forbes J. M.
Published: January 2015

Aerobraking at Mars is significantly impacted by the density variability at altitudes between about 100 and 140 km. Density changes can be quite substantial from orbit to orbit and from day to day. Much of this variability arises from tides propagating upward from the lower atmosphere. In this paper we present first results from a method developed to predict density variability in Mars aerobraking region due to this source. It consists of employing physics‐based tidal functions to fit tidal temperatures between 60 and 80 km inferred from Mars Climate Sounder measurements on Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter and using these functions to predict the density variations at aerobraking altitudes due to vertical propagation of the fitted tidal components. Validation against densities measured by the Mars Global Surveyor accelerometer suggest that these initial results capture salient features sufficiently well that users may want to incorporate them into operational models.
Predicting DNAPL mass discharge and contaminated site longevity probabilities: Conceptual model and high‐resolution stochastic simulation
Authors: Koch J. , Nowak W.
Published: January 2015

Improper storage and disposal of nonaqueous‐phase liquids (NAPLs) has resulted in widespread contamination of the subsurface, threatening the quality of groundwater as a freshwater resource. The high frequency of contaminated sites and the difficulties of remediation efforts demand rational decisions based on a sound risk assessment. Due to sparse data and natural heterogeneities, this risk assessment needs to be supported by appropriate predictive models with quantified uncertainty. This study proposes a physically and stochastically coherent model concept to simulate and predict crucial impact metrics for DNAPL contaminated sites, such as contaminant mass discharge and DNAPL source longevity. To this end, aquifer parameters and the contaminant source architecture are conceptualized as random space functions. The governing processes are simulated in a three‐dimensional, highly resolved, stochastic, and coupled model that can predict probability density functions of mass discharge and source depletion times. While it is not possible to determine whether the presented model framework is sufficiently complex or not, we can investigate whether and to which degree the desired model predictions are sensitive to simplifications often found in the literature. By testing four commonly made simplifications, we identified aquifer heterogeneity, groundwater flow irregularity, uncertain and physically based contaminant source zones, and their mutual interlinkages as indispensable components of a sound model framework.
On the upscaling of mass transfer rate expressions for interpretation of source zone partitioning tracer tests
Authors: Boroumand Ali , Abriola Linda M.
Published: January 2015

Analysis of partitioning tracer tests conducted in dense nonaqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) source zones relies on conceptual models that describe mass exchange between the DNAPL and aqueous phases. Such analysis, however, is complicated by the complex distribution of entrapped DNAPL mass and formation heterogeneity. Due to parameter uncertainty in heterogeneous regions and the desire to reduce model complexity, the effect of mass transfer limitations is often neglected, and an equilibrium‐based model is typically used to interpret test results. This work explores the consequences of that simplifying assumption on test data interpretation and develops an alternative upscaled modeling approach to quantify effective mass transfer rates. To this end, a series of partitioning tracer tests is numerically simulated in heterogeneous two‐dimensional PCE‐DNAPL source zones, representative of a range of hydraulic conductivity and DNAPL mass distribution characteristics. The effective mass transfer coefficient corresponding to each test is determined by fitting an upscaled model to the simulated data, and regression analysis is performed to explore the correlation between various source zone metrics and the effective mass transfer coefficient. Results suggest that vertical DNAPL spreading, Reynolds number, pool fraction, and the effective organic phase saturation are the most significant parameters controlling tracer partitioning rates. Finally, a correlation for prediction of the effective (upscaled) mass transfer coefficient is proposed and verified using existing experimental data. The developed upscaled model incorporates the influence of physical heterogeneity on the rate of tracer partitioning and, thus, can be used for the estimation of source zone mass distribution characteristics from tracer test results.
Projected changes in snowfall extremes and interannual variability of snowfall in the western United States
Authors: Lute A. C. , Abatzoglou J. T. , Hegewisch K. C.
Published: January 2015

Projected warming will have significant impacts on snowfall accumulation and melt, with implications for water availability and management in snow‐dominated regions. Changes in snowfall extremes are confounded by projected increases in precipitation extremes. Downscaled climate projections from 20 global climate models were bias‐corrected to montane Snowpack Telemetry stations across the western United States to assess mid‐21st century changes in the mean and variability of annual snowfall water equivalent (SFE) and extreme snowfall events, defined by the 90th percentile of cumulative 3 day SFE amounts. Declines in annual SFE and number of snowfall days were projected for all stations. Changes in the magnitude of snowfall event quantiles were sensitive to historical winter temperature. At climatologically cooler locations, such as in the Rocky Mountains, changes in the magnitude of snowfall events mirrored changes in the distribution of precipitation events, with increases in extremes and less change in more moderate events. By contrast, declines in snowfall event magnitudes were found for all quantiles in warmer locations. Common to both warmer and colder sites was a relative increase in the magnitude of snowfall extremes compared to annual SFE and a larger fraction of annual SFE from snowfall extremes. The coefficient of variation of annual SFE increased up to 80% in warmer montane regions due to projected declines in snowfall days and the increased contribution of snowfall extremes to annual SFE. In addition to declines in mean annual SFE, more frequent low‐snowfall years and less frequent high‐snowfall years were projected for every station.
Cardiovascular Risk Profile at the Onset of Psoriatic Arthritis: A Population‐Based Cohort Study
Authors: Ernste F. C. , Sánchez‐Menéndez M. , Wilton K. M. , Crowson C. S. , Matteson E. L. , Maradit Kremers H.
Published: January 2015

Objective

The role of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is poorly understood. We examined the prevalence of CVD risk factors at initial onset of PsA and compared the observed incidence of CVD events with that predicted by the Framingham Risk Score (FRS) to determine its applicability in this patient population.

Methods

A population‐based incidence cohort of 158 patients with PsA who fulfilled Classification of Psoriatic Arthritis criteria for PsA in 1989–2008 was assembled. Medical records were reviewed to ascertain CVD risk factors and CVD events. Future risk of CVD was estimated using the FRS algorithm.

Results

Mean age was 43.4 years (range 19–74 years), 61% were men, and 44% were obese (body mass index ≥30 kg/m2). Fifty‐four patients (34%) presented with ≥2 CVD risk factors at PsA incidence. Among 126 patients ages ≥30 years at PsA incidence with no prior history of CVD, 33% had an FRS ≥10%, with 11% having an FRS ≥20%, and 18 experienced a CVD event in the first 10 years of disease duration. The 10‐year cumulative incidence of CVD events was 17% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 10%–24%), almost twice as high as the predicted incidence based on the FRS (standardized incidence ratio 1.80, 95% CI 1.14–2.86; P = 0.012).

Conclusion

The majority of newly diagnosed PsA patients have a >10% risk of CVD within 10 years of PsA incidence. The CVD risk in these patients is higher than expected and underestimated by the FRS.
Comprehensive Appraisal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings in Sustained Rheumatoid Arthritis Remission: A Substudy
Authors: Ranganath Veena K. , Motamedi Kambiz , Haavardsholm Espen A. , Maranian Paul , Elashoff David , McQueen Fiona , Duffy Erin L. , Bathon Joan M. , Curtis Jeffrey R. , Chen Weiling , Moreland Larry , Louie James , Amjadi Sogol , O'Dell James , Cofield Stacey S. , St.Clair E. William , Bridges S. Louis , Paulus Harold E.
Published: January 2015

Objective

To evaluate the effect of sustained American College of Rheumatology (ACR)/European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) Boolean remission on residual joint inflammation assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to secondarily evaluate other clinical definitions of remission, within an early seropositive rheumatoid arthritis (RA) cohort.

Methods

A subcohort of 118 RA patients was enrolled from patients who completed the 2‐year, double‐blind randomized Treatment of Early Aggressive Rheumatoid Arthritis (TEAR) trial. Patients received a single contrast‐enhanced 1.5T MRI of their most involved wrist. Two readers scored MRIs for synovitis, osteitis, tenosynovitis, and erosions. Clinical assessments were performed every 3 months during the trial and at time of MRI.

Results

The subcohort was 92% seropositive with mean age 51 years, duration 4.1 months, and Disease Activity Score in 28 joints using the erythrocyte sedimentation rate 5.8 at TEAR entry. Total MRI inflammatory scores (tenosynovitis + synovitis + osteitis) were lower among patients in clinical remission. Lower MRI scores were correlated with longer duration of Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) remission (ρ = 0.22, P = 0.03). At the time of MRI, 89 patients had no wrist pain/tenderness/swelling; however, all 118 patients had MRI evidence of residual joint inflammation after 2 years. No statistically significant differences in damage or MRI inflammatory scores were observed across treatment groups.

Conclusion

This is the first detailed appraisal describing the relationship between clinical remission cut points and MRI inflammatory scores within an RA randomized controlled trial. The most stringent remission criteria (2011 ACR/EULAR and CDAI) best differentiate the total MRI inflammatory scores. These results document that 2 years of triple therapy or tumor necrosis factor plus methotrexate treatment in early RA does not eliminate MRI evidence of joint inflammation.
Association of Socioeconomic Status With Treatment Delays, Disease Activity, Joint Damage, and Disability in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Molina Emily , del Rincon Inmaculada , Restrepo Jose Felix , Battafarano Daniel F. , Escalante Agustin
Published: January 2015

Objective

To examine the association of socioeconomic status (SES) and delays in disease‐modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) treatment with clinical measures in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.

Methods

RA patients were recruited from rheumatology practices. We assessed SES based on education, occupation, and income, and divided patients into tertiles. The time from RA symptom onset to DMARD initiation (DMARD lag) was determined by self‐report of the 2 dates, and distance to the rheumatologist (Distance) was obtained from Google Maps. We examined disease activity, determined by the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints using the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28‐ESR); joint damage, determined from hand radiographs by Sharp scores; and physical disability, determined by the modified Health Assessment Questionnaire (M‐HAQ). We used linear regression models to examine the relationship between clinical measures and SES, Distance, and DMARD lag.

Results

We recruited 1,209 RA patients, 1,159 of whom had received DMARD treatment. Mean ± SD DMARD lag was 6.9 ± 9.0 years. On average, patients with lower SES waited 8.5 ± 10.2 years after onset of RA symptoms to begin DMARD treatment, compared to those in the middle and upper SES tertiles who waited 6.1 ± 7.9 years (P = 0.002) and 6.1 ± 8.6 years (P = 0.009), respectively. Each year of delayed treatment was associated with a DAS28‐ESR increase of 0.02 (P ≤ 0.001), a Sharp score increase of 1.33 (P ≤ 0.001), and an M‐HAQ score increase of 0.01 (P ≤ 0.001).

Conclusion

Low SES was associated with delay in DMARD initiation, and both were independently associated with worse clinical measures in RA. Strategies to reduce treatment delay in low‐SES RA patients are needed.
Expert Panel Consensus on Assessment Checklists for a Rheumatology Objective Structured Clinical Examination
Authors: Criscione‐Schreiber Lisa G. , Sloane Richard J. , Hawley Jeffrey , Jonas Beth L. , O'Rourke Kenneth S. , Bolster Marcy B.
Published: January 2015

Objective

While several regional fellowship groups conduct rheumatology objective structured clinical examinations (ROSCEs), none have been validated for use across programs. We aimed to establish agreement among subspecialty experts regarding checklist items for several ROSCE stations.

Methods

We administered a 1‐round survey to assess the importance of 173 assessment checklist items for 11 possible ROSCE stations. We e‐mailed the survey to 127 rheumatology educators from across the US. Participants rated each item's importance on a 5‐point Likert scale (1 = not important to 5 = very important). Consensus for high importance was predefined as a lower bound of the 95% confidence interval ≥4.0.

Results

Twenty‐five individuals (20%) completed the expert panel survey. A total of 133 of the 173 items (77%) met statistical cutoff for consensus to retain. Several items that had population means of ≥4.0 but did not meet the predetermined definition for consensus were rejected. The percentage of retained items for individual stations ranged from 24% to 100%; all items were retained for core elements of patient counseling and radiograph interpretation tasks. Only 24% of items were retained for a rehabilitation medicine station and 60% for a microscope use/synovial fluid analysis station.

Conclusion

This single‐round expert panel survey established consensus on 133 items to assess on 11 proposed ROSCE stations. The method used in this study, which can engage a diverse geographic representation and employs rigorous statistical methods to establish checklist content agreement, can be used in any medical field.
Characterizing Pain Flares From the Perspective of Individuals With Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Murphy Susan L. , Lyden Angela K. , Kratz Anna L. , Fritz Heather , Williams David A. , Clauw Daniel J. , Gammaitoni Arnold R. , Phillips Kristine
Published: January 2015

Objective

Although pain in knee osteoarthritis (OA) commonly affects activity engagement, the daily pain experience has not been fully characterized. Specifically, the nature and impact of pain flares is not well understood. This study characterized pain flares as defined by participants with knee OA. Pain flare occurrence and experience were measured over 7 days.

Methods

This was a multiple methods study; qualitative methods were dominant. Data were collected during the baseline portion of a randomized controlled trial. Participants met criteria for knee OA and had moderate to severe pain. They completed questionnaires and a 7‐day home monitoring period that captured momentary symptom reports simultaneously with physical activity via accelerometry (n = 45). Participants also provided individual definitions of pain flare that were used throughout the home monitoring period to indicate whether a pain flare occurred.

Results

Pain flares were described most often by quality (often sharp), followed by timing (seconds, minutes) and by antecedents and consequences. When asked if their definition of a flare agreed with a supplied definition, 49% of the sample reported only “somewhat,” “a little,” or “not at all.” Using individual definitions, 78% experienced at least 1 daily pain flare over the home monitoring period; 24% had a flare on more than 50% of the monitored days.

Conclusion

Pain flares were common, fleeting, and often experienced in the context of activity engagement. Participants’ views on what constitutes a pain flare differ from commonly accepted definitions. Pain flares are an understudied aspect of the knee OA pain experience and require further characterization.