bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Organic Nutrient Addition to the Biodegradation of Hydrocarbon Contaminated Marine Sediment in Malaysia
Authors: binti Che Abdul Rahim Azzah Nazihah , Zahid Muhammad Ridzuan , Khamaruddin Putri Faizura Megat , Him Nik Raikhan Nik , Othman Nur Hidayati , Yahya Effah
Published: March 2019

The effect of organic nutrient on the biodegradation of hydrocarbon contaminated marine sediment in Malaysia was investigated. Biodegradation was assessed in microcosm experiments containing 10% (w/w) of crude oil amended with fertilizers in three ways, which were with inorganic nutrients (NP), organic matter in the form of plant-based (Elaeis guineensis) and fish-amendments (Scomber australasicus). It was observed that hydrocarbon degradation occurred in all treatments, with the highest biodegradation rates in S. australasicus supplemented sediment. The addition of S. australasicus managed to reduce the oil concentration to 48% while the addition of E. guineensis and inorganic NP reduced the final oil concentration to 66% and 63% respectively. All three amendments show faster degradation rate compared to the control. Isolation of the soil sample on specific nutrient agar, centrimide, revealed the presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa that are well known for its ability to degrade hydrocarbon in crude oil.
Radiation safety education as a component of orthopedic training
Authors: Walsh Devin F. , Thome Andrew P. , Mody Kush S. , Eltorai Adam E.M. , Daniels Alan H. , Mulcahey Mary K.
Published: March 2019

Fluoroscopy poses an occupational hazard to orthopedic surgeons. The purpose of this study was to examine resident and faculty understanding of radiation safety and to determine whether or not a radiation safety intervention would improve radiation safety knowledge. An anonymous survey was developed to assess attitudes and knowledge regarding radiation safety and exposure. It was distributed to faculty and residents at an academic orthopedic program before and after a radiation safety lecture. Pre- and post-lecture survey results were compared. 19 residents and 22 faculty members completed the pre-lecture survey while 11 residents and 17 faculty members completed the post-lecture survey. Pre-lecture survey scores were 48.3% for residents and 49.5% for faculty; post-lecture survey scores were 52.7% and 46.1% respectively. Differences between pre and post-survey scores were not significant. This study revealed low baseline radiation safety knowledge scores for both orthopedic residents and faculty. As evidence by our results, a single radiation safety information lecture did not significantly impact radiation knowledge. Radiation safety training should have a formal role in orthopedic surgery academic curricula.
Promoting Soft Skill Development in Preprofessional Athletic Training Students
Authors: Davlin-Pater Christina , Rosencrum Elisabeth
Published: March 2019

Context

Athletic training programs are required to incorporate the development of many foundational skills and behaviors into the curriculum. Athletic training students must develop soft skills such as effective communication, exhibiting empathy, dependability, and integrity, which are all associated with quality athletic trainers.

Objective

To describe a novel approach to promoting the awareness of values and development of the characteristics and soft skills associated with being a successful student and health care professional for students before they enter their clinical experiences.

Background

Graduate and undergraduate programs typically offer an introductory course to students before their first clinical assignment. The main emphasis of introductory courses is often on learning foundational knowledge and technical skills. However, early adoption of professional values and development of soft skills may benefit students as they start their clinical experiences.

Description

A course was designed using 11 main themes to guide student learning in values and behaviors important to academics and a career in health care. This article describes how the 11 themes were selected and developed, how the course was delivered, and how various pedagogical strategies were incorporated.

Clinical Advantage(s)

Development of soft skills may benefit athletic training students as they enter the professional phase of an athletic training program.

Conclusion(s)

As athletic training education shifts to the master's level, fostering soft skills and necessary preclinical skills for students from varied backgrounds is becoming ever more important so students are all equitably prepared for their first clinical experiences.
The effect of a serious game on empathy and prejudice of psychology students towards persons with disabilities
Authors: Olivier Linda , Sterkenburg Paula , Van Rensburg Esmé
Published: March 2019

Background: Much has been done regarding the promotion of equality in rights in terms of legislation, but persons with disabilities remain marginalised in society. Negative attitudes and prejudice contribute towards numerous challenges for persons with disabilities.Objectives: This study investigated the level of empathy and prejudice of students towards persons with disabilities, and the effect of the use of a serious game to enhance empathy and reduce prejudice.Method: A randomised controlled experiment with pre-test, post-test and follow-up test was used. Availability sample (N = 83) of psychology university students (22% males; 78% females) was divided into an experimental group that played the serious game The World of Empa and two control groups. The first control group received texts on case studies and information on reacting in a sensitive and responsive way, and the second control group received no intervention.Results: Participants have average levels of empathy (score: 32 to 52) and strong prejudice (score: 0.08 to −0.87) towards persons with disabilities. The intervention results in a slight short-term effect for prejudice and sub-scale measurements of empathy. A slight improvement was noted in participants’ ability to transpose themselves imaginatively into the experience of disabled characters.Conclusion: The findings contribute to the understanding of empathy as a dynamic component that can be positively influenced by, for example, a serious game. These results have teaching implications on the facilitation of empathy. The short-term effect on empathy and prejudice towards persons with disabilities may contribute to bridge the inequality experienced by persons with disabilities.
Development of the Wheelchair Interface Questionnaire and initial face and content validity
Authors: Rispin Karen , Davis Abigail B. , Sheafer Vicki L. , Wee Joy
Published: March 2019

Background: Because resources are limited in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), the development of outcome measures is of interest. Wheelchair outcome measures are useful to support evidence-based practice in wheelchair provision.Objectives: The Wheelchair Interface Questionnaire (WIQ) is being developed to provide a professional perspective on the quality of the interface between a wheelchair and its user. This article discusses the development of the WIQ and its face and content validity.Method: During field studies in Kenya, we sought to include professional report data on the wheelchair–user interface that could be analysed to inform design changes. None of the existing measures was focused on the interface between users and their wheelchairs. The WIQ was developed to meet this need. To investigate face and content validity, 24 experienced wheelchair professionals participated in a study that included two rounds of an online survey and a focus group in Kenya.Results: Responses were categorised by topic and the WIQ was modified following each iteration. Participants affirmed the usefulness of a brief professional report measure to provide a snapshot of the user–wheelchair interface. Participants emphasised the importance of brevity, wide applicability and provision of specific feedback for wheelchair modification or design changes. The focus group agreed that the final version provided useful data and was applicable to virtually all wheelchair users in LMIC.Conclusion: These preliminary studies indicate initial face and content validity of the WIQ as a method for providing a professional perspective on the interface between a user and his or her wheelchair.
Editorial: Psychological assessment in Africa: The time is now!
Authors: Laher Sumaya
Published: March 2019

No abstract available.
A bilateral sinus cyst treated via a bilateral frontonasal bone flap in a standing horse
Authors: Robert Mickaël P. , Stemmet Gideon P. , Smit Yolandi
Published: March 2019

Bilateral paranasal sinus diseases are rarely reported in horses. Treatment using a bilateral frontonasal bone flap on a standing, regular-sized adult horse has not been described previously. A 13-year-old Thoroughbred gelding was evaluated for bilateral mucopurulent nasal discharge. Radiographic, endoscopic and computed tomographic examinations revealed bilateral sinus pathological changes consistent with an ethmoid haematoma involving the maxillary and frontal sinuses. A bilateral frontonasal bone flap was created under standing sedation and local anaesthesia. A tracheotomy was performed initially to ensure a patent airway during the procedure. Additional analgesia had to be given to transect the dorsal part of the nasal septum while elevating the flap. The sinus masses were removed and communications with the nasal cavities created uneventfully. Small sequestra were removed transendoscopically from the left caudal maxillary sinus 4 weeks after the initial procedure. The horse made a complete recovery with an excellent cosmetic outcome. Histopathology revealed the mass to be a sinus cyst. We concluded that a bilateral sinus bone flap can be used in adult regular-sized horses to access the left and right paranasal sinuses simultaneously. Regional nerve blocks should be performed in order to increase analgesia. A temporary tracheotomy prevents any airway obstruction during the procedure. The post-operative cosmesis is excellent.
The effect of herbal feed additive on the growth performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality of broiler chickens fed low-energy diets
Authors: Lipiński Krzysztof , Antoszkiewicz Zofia , Kotlarczyk Sylwia , Mazur-Kuśnirek Magdalena , Kaliniewicz Joanna , Makowski Zbigniew
Published: March 2019

Abstract. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of herbal feed additive on growth performance, carcass characteristics, the chemical composition of breast muscles and selected meat quality parameters in broiler chickens. The experiment was performed on 1080 Ross 308 chickens, which were randomly divided into six groups with six replicates per group. In experimental groups, dietary energy concentration was reduced by 0.10 or 0.25 MJ kg−1, and the diets were or were not supplemented with the Superliv herbal formula at 500 g t−1 of diet. A statistical analysis revealed that Superliv had a beneficial influence on the final body weights (BWs) of birds, average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), European Efficiency Index (EEI) and the proportion of heart relative to total carcass weight. However, meat acidity measured 15 min post mortem was higher in experimental groups. A decrease in dietary energy concentration contributed to a highly significant increase in the water-holding capacity (WHC) of meat and natural drip loss, an increase in pH15, an increase in color lightness, a decrease in redness, an increase in the fat content of meat, and a decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration.
Autochthonous dairy goat breeds showed better milk quality than Saanen under the same environmental conditions
Authors: Currò Sarah , Manuelian Carmen L. , De Marchi Massimo , De Palo Pasquale , Claps Salvatore , Maggiolino Aristide , Campanile Giuseppe , Rufrano Domenico , Fontana Annunziata , Pedota Giuseppina , Neglia Gianluca
Published: March 2019

Abstract. Studies on goat milk have mainly focused on cosmopolitan breeds
and very limited information is available on local breeds, which is important
for biodiversity preservation and local cheese production. The aim of this
study was to evaluate the breed effect on milk yield, composition and somatic
cell score (SCS) of five local Italian goat breeds (Garganica, Girgentana,
Jonica, Maltese and Mediterranean Red) compared with a cosmopolitan
specialized dairy breed (Saanen). A total of 60 goats (10 per breed) from an
experimental farm were enrolled in the study. Milk yield, composition and SCS
were recorded and analyzed every 2 weeks during the entire lactation. Data
were analyzed using a mixed model with repeated measures. Saanen yielded
between 0.27 and 0.62 kg day−1 more milk than the local breeds. Among
local breeds, Maltese and Jonica were the most productive, with an average of
1.28 and 1.25 kg day−1, respectively, while Mediterranean Red,
Garganica and Girgentana produced ≤1 kg day−1. Saanen had the
highest SCS (6.81) and the lowest fat content (3.26 %). In relation to
protein, Garganica showed the greatest content (3.71 %), and Saanen had a similar content to other local breeds (3.42 %) except for Maltese, which
was lower (3.11 %). Saanen and Garganica had the lowest lactose
percentage (4.28 % and 4.26 %, respectively). All breeds followed a
similar pattern across lactation: SCS and fat and protein content peaked at
the end of the lactation, whereas lactose percentage was highest at the
beginning of the lactation. Differences between Saanen and the local breeds
for milk yield, composition and SCS were consistent across lactation. In
conclusion, local breeds produced less milk but with lower SCS and greater fat
and lactose content than the Saanen cosmopolitan breed, suggesting a better milk
quality.
Emissions of methane in Europe inferred by total column measurements
Authors: Wunch Debra , Jones Dylan B. A. , Toon Geoffrey C. , Deutscher Nicholas M. , Hase Frank , Notholt Justus , Sussmann Ralf , Warneke Thorsten , Kuenen Jeroen , Denier van der Gon Hugo , Fisher Jenny A. , Maasakkers Joannes D.
Published: March 2019

Abstract. Using five long-running ground-based atmospheric observatories in
Europe, we demonstrate the utility of long-term, stationary, ground-based
measurements of atmospheric total columns for verifying annual methane
emission inventories. Our results indicate that the methane emissions for the
region in Europe between Orléans, Bremen, Białystok, and
Garmisch-Partenkirchen are overestimated by the state-of-the-art inventories
of the Emissions Database for Global Atmospheric Research (EDGAR) v4.2 FT2010
and the high-resolution emissions database developed by the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO) as part of the Monitoring
Atmospheric Composition and Climate project (TNO-MACC_III), possibly due to the
disaggregation of emissions onto a spatial grid. Uncertainties in the carbon
monoxide inventories used to compute the methane emissions contribute to the
discrepancy between our inferred emissions and those from the
inventories.
Assessing the formation and evolution mechanisms of severe haze pollution in Beijing−Tianjin−Hebei region by using process analysis
Authors: Chen Lei , Zhu Jia , Liao Hong , Gao Yi , Qiu Yulu , Zhang Meigen , Li Nan
Published: March 2019

Abstract. Fine–particle pollution associated with haze threatens human health, especially in the North China Plain, where extremely high PM2.5 concentrations were frequently observed during winter. In this study, the WRF–Chem model coupled with an improved integrated process analysis scheme was used to investigate the formation and evolution mechanisms of a haze event happened over Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (BTH) in December 2015, including examining the contributions of local emission and outside transport to the absolute PM2.5 concentration in BTH, and the contributions of each detailed physical or chemical process to the variations in the PM2.5 concentration. The influence mechanisms of aerosol radiative forcing (including aerosol direct and indirect effects) were also examined by using the process analysis. During the aerosol accumulation stage (December 20–22, Stage_1), the average near–surface PM2.5 concentration in BTH was 250.0 µg m−3, which was contributed by local emission of 42.3 % and outside transport of 36.6 %. During the aerosol dispersion stage (December 23–27, Stage_2), the average concentration of PM2.5 was 107.9 µg m−3. The contribution of local emission increased to 50.9 %, while the contribution of outside transport decreased to 24.3 %. The 24–h change (23:00LST minus 00:00LST) in the near–surface PM2.5 concentration was +50.4 µg m−3 during Stage_1 and −41.5 µg m−3 during Stage_2. Contributions of aerosol chemistry process and vertical mixing process to the 24–h change were +43.8 (+17.9) µg m−3 and −161.6 (−221.6) µg m−3 for Stage_1 (Stage_2), respectively. Small differences in contributions from other processes were found between Stage_1 and Stage_2, such as advection process, cloud chemistry process, and so on. Therefore, the PM2.5 increase over BTH during haze formation stage (Stage_1) was mainly attributed to strong production by aerosol chemistry process and weak removal by vertical mixing process. When aerosol radiative feedback was considered, the 24–h PM2.5 increase was enhanced by 9.6 µg m−3 during Stage_1, which could be mainly attributed to the contributions of vertical mixing process (+39.8 µg m−3), advection process (−38.6 µg m−3) and aerosol chemistry process (+5.1 µg m−3). The restrained vertical mixing could be the primary reason for the enhancement in near–surface PM2.5 increase when aerosol radiative forcing was considered.
Ground-based measurements of middle-atmospheric carbon
monoxide above Ny-Ålesund (78.9° N, 11.9° E)
Authors: Ryan Niall J. , Palm Mathias , Hoffmann Christoph G. , Goliasch Jens , Notholt Justus
Published: March 2019

Abstract. We present a new ground-based system for measurements of middle-atmospheric carbon monoxide (CO) at Ny Ålesund, Svalbard, and the altitude profiles of CO volume mixing ratios (VMR) measured during the 2017/2018 winter. The Carbon Monoxide Radiometer for Atmospheric Measurements (CORAM) records spectra from CO emissions in the middle-atmosphere with the aid of a low-noise amplifier designed for the 230 GHz spectral region. Altitude profiles of CO VMRs are retrieved from the measured spectra using an optimal estimation inversion technique. The profiles in the current dataset have an average altitude range of 47–87 km and an estimated precision peaking at ~ 12 % of the a priori used in the inversion. The CORAM profiles are compared to collocated CO measurements from the Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) aboard the Aura satellite and show a difference of 7.4–16.1 %, with a maximum absolute difference of 2.5 ppmv at 86 km altitude. CO profiles are currently available at 1 hr resolution between November 2017 and January 2018.
Impact of millennial-scale oceanic variability on the Greenland ice-sheet evolution throughout the last glacial period
Authors: Tabone Ilaria , Robinson Alexander , Alvarez-Solas Jorge , Montoya Marisa
Published: March 2019

Abstract. Temperature reconstructions from Greenland ice-sheet (GrIS) ice
cores indicate the occurrence of more than 20 abrupt warmings during the
last glacial period (LGP) known as Dansgaard-Oeschger (D-O) events. Although
their ultimate cause is still debated, evidence from both proxy data and
modelling studies robustly links these to reorganisations of the Atlantic
Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC). During the LGP, the GrIS expanded
as far as the continental shelf break and was thus more directly exposed to
oceanic changes than in the present. Therefore oceanic temperature
fluctuations on millennial timescales could have had a non-negligible impact
on the GrIS. Here we assess the effect of millennial-scale oceanic
variability on the GrIS evolution from the last interglacial to the present
day. To do so, we use a three-dimensional hybrid ice-sheet–shelf model forced
by subsurface oceanic temperature fluctuations, assumed to increase during
D-O stadials and decrease during D-O interstadials. Since in our model the
atmospheric forcing follows orbital variations only, the increase in total
melting at millennial timescales is a direct result of an increase in basal
melting. We show that the GrIS evolution during the LGP could have been
strongly influenced by oceanic changes on millennial timescales, leading to
oceanically induced ice-volume contributions above 1 m sea level equivalent (SLE). Also, our results
suggest that the increased flux of GrIS icebergs as inferred from North
Atlantic proxy records could have been triggered, or intensified, by peaks in
melting at the base of the ice shelves resulting from increasing subsurface
oceanic temperatures during D-O stadials. Several regions across the GrIS
could thus have been responsible for ice mass discharge during D-O events,
opening the possibility of a non-negligible role of the GrIS in oceanic
reorganisations throughout the LGP.
Quantitative reconstruction of precipitation changes in the Iberian Peninsula during the Late Pleistocene and the Holocene
Authors: Ilvonen Liisa , López-Sáez José Antonio , Holmström Lasse , Alba-Sánchez Francisca , Pérez-Díaz Sebastián , Carrión José S. , Seppä Heikki
Published: March 2019

Abstract. Precipitation is a key climate driver of vegetation and ecosystems of the Iberian Peninsula. Here, we use a regional pollen-climate calibration model and fossil pollen data from seven sites from different parts of Spain to provide quantitative reconstructions of annual precipitation values for the last 15 000 years. Our records show that in the Late Pleistocene (~ 15 000 to 11 600 cal yr BP) precipitation changes took place markedly in tune with the temperature trends in northern Europe, with higher precipitation during the Greenland interstadial 1 (Bølling-Allerød) and lower precipitation during the Greenland stadial 1 (Younger Dryas). The early Holocene was characterized by a rapid precipitation increase after 11 600 cal yr BP, followed by a slowly declining trend until roughly 8000 cal yr BP. From 8000 to 4000 cal yr BP the reconstructed precipitation values are the highest in most records, with maximum values nearly 100 % higher that the modern reconstructed values. The results suggest a gradually declining precipitation over the last four millennia, although the late-Holocene reconstructions are biased by intensifying human impact on vegetation. In general, our results suggest that the main changes in precipitation in the Iberian Peninsula have occurred in pace with the main temperature changes in the North European-Atlantic region, with warm (cold) periods in the North corresponding with humid (dry) periods in the Iberian Peninsula.
The biophysics, ecology, and biogeochemistry of functionally diverse, vertically- and horizontally-heterogeneous ecosystems: the Ecosystem Demography Model, version 2.2 – Part 2: Model evaluation
Authors: Longo Marcos , Knox Ryan G. , Levine Naomi M. , Swann Abigail L. S. , Medvigy David M. , Dietze Michael C. , Kim Yeonjoo , Zhang Ke , Bonal Damien , Burban Benoit , Camargo Plinio B. , Hayek Matthew N. , Saleska Scott R. , da Silva Rodrigo , Bras Rafael L. , Wofsy Steven C. , Moorcroft Paul R.
Published: March 2019

Abstract. The Ecosystem Demography Model version 2.2 (ED-2.2) is a terrestrial biosphere model that simulates the biophysical and biogeochemical cycles of dynamic ecosystems while considering the role of vertical structure of plant communities and the heterogeneity of such structures across the landscape. In a companion paper, we described in detail how the model solves the energy, water, and carbon cycles, and verified the excellent conservation of such properties in long-term simulation. Here, we present a thorough assessment of the model's ability to represent multiple processes associated with the biophysical and biogeochemical cycles, with focus on the Amazon forest. We used multiple measurements from eddy covariance towers, forest inventory plots and regional remote-sensing products to assess the model's ability to represent biophysical, physiological, and ecological processes at multiple time scales ranging from sub-daily to century-long. The ED-2.2 model accurately describes the vertical distribution of light, water fluxes and the storage of water, energy and carbon in the canopy air space, the regional distribution of biomass in tropical South America, and the variability of biomass as a function of environmental drivers. In addition, ED-2.2 also simulates emerging properties of the ecosystem found in observations, such as the relationship between biomass and mortality rates and wood density, although the relationships predicted by the model were biased. We also identified some of the model limitations, such as the model's tendency to overestimate the magnitude and seasonality of heterotrophic respiration, and to overestimate growth rates in a nutrient-poor tropical site. The evaluation presented here highlights the potential of incorporating structural and functional heterogeneity within biomes in ESMs, to realistically represent the role of forest structure and composition on energy, water, and carbon cycles, as well as the priority areas for further model development.
Understanding Snow Bedform Formation by Adding Sintering to a Cellular Automata Model
Authors: Sharma Varun , Braud Louise , Lehning Michael
Published: March 2019

Abstract. Cellular automata based modelling for simulating snow bedforms and snow deposition is introduced in this study. The well-known RESCAL model, previously used for sand bedforms, is adapted for this purpose by implementing a simple sintering model. The effect of sintering is first explored for solitary barchan dunes of different sizes and flow conditions. Three types of behaviour are observed: small barchans continues their motion without any perceptible difference while large barchans sinter immediately. Barchans of intermediate size split, leaving behind a sintered core and a smaller barchan is formed. It is found that sintering introduces an upper limit to the size of bedforms that can remain mobile. The concept of "maximum streamwise length" (M.S.L) is introduced and M.S.L is identified for different wind speeds using the solitary dune scenario. Simulations of the full evolution from an initially flat snow layer to a complex dune field are performed next. It is found that the largest bedforms lie below the M.S.L threshold. Additionally, it is found that shallow snow layers are the most susceptible to mechanical destabilization by the wind.
Estimating Snow Depth on Arctic Sea Ice using Satellite Microwave Radiometry and a Neural Network
Authors: Braakmann-Folgmann Anne , Donlon Craig
Published: March 2019

Abstract. Snow lying on top of sea ice plays an important role in the radiation budget because of its high albedo, the Arctic freshwater budget, and influences the Arctic climate: it is fundamental climate variable. Importantly, accurate snow depth products are required to convert satellite altimeter measurements of ice freeboard to sea ice thickness (SIT). Due to the harsh environment and challenging accessibility, in situ measurements of snow depth are sparse. The quasi-synoptic frequent repeat coverage provided by satellite measurements offers the best approach to regularly monitor snow depth on sea ice. A number of algorithms are based on satellite microwave radiometry measurements and simple empirical relationships. Reducing their uncertainty remains a major challenge. A High Priority Candidate Mission called the Copernicus Imaging Microwave Radiometer (CIMR) is now being studied at the European Space Agency. CIMR proposes a conically scanning radiometer having a swath > 1900 km and including channels at 1.4, 6.9, 10.65, 18.7 and 36.5 GHz on the same platform. It will fly in a high inclination dawn-dusk orbit coordinated with the MetOp-SG(B). As part of the preparation for the CIMR mission, we explore a new approach to retrieve snow depth on sea ice from multi-frequency satellite microwave radiometer measurements using a neural network approach. Neural networks have proven to reach high accuracies in other domains and excel in handling complex, non-linear relationships. We propose one neural network that only relies on AMSR2 channel brightness temperature data input and another one using both AMSR2 and SMOS data as input. We evaluate our results from the neural network approach using airborne snow depth measurements from Operation IceBridge (OIB) campaigns and compare them to products from three other established snow depth algorithms. We show that both our neural networks outperform the other algorithms in terms of accuracy, when compared to the OIB data and we demonstrate that plausible results are obtained even outside the algorithm training period and area. We then convert CryoSat freeboard measurements to SIT using different snow products including the snow depth from our networks. We confirm that a more accurate snow depth product derived using our neural networks leads to more accurate estimates of SIT, when compared to the SIT measured by a laser altimeter at the OIB campaign. Our network with additional SMOS input yields even higher accuracies, but has the disadvantage of a larger “hole at the pole”. Our neural network approaches are applicable over the whole Arctic, capturing first-year ice and multi-year ice conditions throughout winter. Once the networks are designed and trained, they are fast and easy to use. The combined AMSR2 + SMOS neural network is particularly important as a pre-cursor demonstration for the Copernicus CIMR candidate mission highlighting the benefit of CIMR.
La identificación de los grupos de interés de las entidades sin fines de lucro en la emisión de información transparente
Authors: Maguregui Urionabarrenechea M. Lorea , Corral Lage Javier , Elechiguerra Arrizabalaga Crisanta
Published: March 2019

Actualmente, la sociedad se está concienciando de que cualquier tipo de organización debe informar y comunicar de manera veraz, clara y objetiva. Este proceso está relacionado con su nivel de transparencia. Precisamente, los diferentes grupos de interés o stakeholders de las Entidades Sin Fines de Lucro (ESFL) han incrementado de manera notable su demanda de información con una notificación más amplia de sus actividades. Con la entrada en vigor de la Ley 19/2013, de transparencia, acceso a la información pública y buen gobierno, se normativiza el proceso. Sin embargo, la obligación de publicidad activa que plantea es necesaria pero no suficiente, si tenemos en cuenta también las propias características y vicisitudes del Sector. Así, el objetivo del trabajo es identificar, desde el punto de vista de las propias ESFL, quiénes pueden ser considerados como sus grupos de interés y deben demandar una información transparente. Asimismo, se pretende determinar cuáles son los atributos que la emisión de una información transparente aporta a estas entidades. La metodología empleada ha sido fundamentalmente una exhaustiva revisión bibliográfica, complementada con un estudio empírico a través de un cuestionario en el que se recoge la opinión de 140 ESFL españolas. Los resultados obtenidos, después de analizados, han permitido elaborar unas conclusiones relevantes. Se destaca la necesidad cada vez mayor de impulsar la transparencia como mecanismo de supervivencia y calidad de las ESFL, y de concienciar que comunicar una información transparente no es una carga adicional en la labor que desempeñan, sino una posibilidad para ofrecer un valor añadido a la organización.
North American mycology comes of age: the 19th century participants and their roles
Authors: Petersen Ronald H.
Published: March 2019

Mycology in North America in the early 19th century hung by a single thread. By century's end there were numerous workers in diverse mycological fields. The players, their lives, and their roles sketch the development and growth of the science to set mycology on a steady course by century's
end.
New records of Bilimbia and Toninia from China
Authors: Sun Mei-Jie , Yan Shu-Kun , Tang Rong , Wang Chun-Xiao , Zhang Lu-Lu
Published: March 2019

As a result of our study on the lichen flora of Northwest China, one species of Bilimbia (B. lobulata) and three species of Toninia (T. coelestina, T. gobica, and T. superioris) are reported for the first time from China.
Changing Students’ Perception of Mathematics Through Active Learning
Authors: Kurepa Alexandra , Roop John Paul , Edoh Kossi
Published: March 2019

In this paper we present results from a study of the effects of active learning on students’ perception of mathematics through their engagement, satisfaction, and perceived performance in the class. We use an active learning model, modified for underprepared STEM students, in our redesigned calculus course and compare students’ responses to those of students in traditionally taught sections of the same course. Our results show that introducing active learning has positively changed students’ perspective on mathematics in gateway mathematics courses. Students strongly agree that they are more engaged in the course and that the structure of active learning facilitates discussion in the classroom. Moreover, as we document student perceptions of learning and confirm the findings by disaggregating students’ exam performance both in an active learning and in a traditionally taught class, we find that the assessment result conducted confirmed students’ perception of improved learning.
Eritrean Education System: A critical Analysis and Future Research Directions
Authors: Mengesha Tedros Sium , Tessema Mussie T.
Published: March 2019

This paper critically discusses the Eritrean education system at different period of time: before the Italian colonization (before 1889), Italian colonialization (1889-1941), British Administration (1941-1952), Federation with Ethiopia (1952-1962), annexation of Eritrea by Ethiopia (1962-1961), after independence (after 1991). An important finding of the current study is that, education system is significantly influenced by the economic and political situation of a country in that when the economic and political situation of a country is not conducive, the education system suffers. This study also discusses the implications of the findings of the current study and future research directions.
Pre-Service Teachers’ Attitudes towards English Courses and Their Critical Thinking Skills
Authors: Barın Muzaffer
Published: March 2019

The aim of the current research is to reveal the relationship between pre-service teachers’ attitudes towardscompulsory English courses and their critical thinking skills. The study also investigates the effect of the participants’age, gender and department on their attitudes towards compulsory English courses and their critical thinking skills.California Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory (CCTDI) and Attitude Scale towards English Classes (ASTEC)were used as data collection instruments. 159 pre-service teachers from different departments of a public university’sfaculty of education. The results showed that there is no significant relationship between the participants’ age, genderand department and their CCTDI and ASTEC scores. According to the correlational analyses, it is found that there isno correlation between CCTDI and ASTEC scores of the participants. The results have been discussed under the lightof relevant literature and implications are presented for further research and pedagogy.
Exploring the Relationship between Government R & D Expenditures and Economic Growth in a Global Perspective: A PMG Estimation Approach
Authors: Hafeez Abida , Shah Syed Karim Bux , Qureshi Fiza
Published: March 2019

This paper analyses the impact of research and development (R&D) expenditures on economic growth in a global perspective utilizing the data of 60 developed and developing countries from 1998 to 2015. This study employs the Pooled Mean Group Estimators (PMGE) proposed by Pesaran et al. (1999) to find a heterogeneous trend among different groups of countries. The findings suggest that there exist a significant & positive relationship amongst R&D spending and economic growth globally, which appears consistent with economic theory. The study also confirms both long and short run relationship of economic growth and expenditures on R& D except that the short-run coefficient appears insignificant in the case of developing countries. This study implies that economies with higher R& D spending tend to have higher economic growth. This study has retentive policy implications for management and policymakers who could make important endeavors at the national level in this regard.
Evaluation of quality of life in patients after cochlear implantation surgery in 2014-2017
Authors: Czerniejewska-Wolska Hanna , Kałos Magdalena , Gawłowska Maria , Sekula Alicja , Mickiewicz Patrycja , Wiskirska-Woźnica Bożena , Karlik Michał
Published: March 2019

Introduction: Profound hearing loss significantly affects the quality of life of deaf people as well as their families. Observation of the benefit from the use of cochlear implants in deaf patients allows to assess the success of treatment with this method and its impact on the quality of life of these patients. The aim of this study was to determine the quality of life in patient after the cochlear implantation in the material of Department of Phoniatrics and Audiology of the Medical University in Poznań.
Material and methods: The study involved implanted patients who voluntarily joined to the project entitled "Observational study of the implanted patient (Cochlear-IROS)". It has a prospective character, it is an international and long-term study, covering the observation of patients up to three years after implantation. Standardized HUI and SSQ questionnaires were used. 70 patients were included in the analysis, the mean age at the time of the cochlear implantation was 47.6 years. In the research group there were 33 men and 37 women. In the whole group, the patients' age at implantation was at least 18 years, max. 80 years.
Results: The results of the SSQ questionnaire, which deals with the self-assessment of hearing ability in everyday situations, indicate that in the subjective assessment of patients one year after surgery the speech hearing improved by 77%, spatial hearing by 84%, and the quality of hearing by 49%. The general quality of life before the first connection of the sound processor according to the HUI questionnaire, the patients rated at 0.49 (0-1 scale, where 0 - corresponds to the death condition and 1 - full health). After one year from the implantation, this rating increased to 0.56.
Conclusions: The implantation of the cochlear implant significantly increases the patient's quality of life, its physical and emotional functioning.
Statistically significant better self-assessment of patients mainly concerned hearing speech and spatial hearing - especially after 1 year of connecting the speech processor.
TRIBOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF MEDIUM-CARBON STEEL AFTER NITRIDING COMBINED WITH SUBSEQUENT OXIDATION AND IMPREGNATION
Authors: KASPRZYCKA Ewa , BOGDAŃSKI Bogdan , DĄBROWSKI Piotr
Published: March 2019

The paper presents the results of examinations of tribological and corrosion properties of the layers produced on a C45 medium-carbon steel surface in the gas nitriding process combined with subsequent treatment – oxidation and impregnation of corrosion inhibitor. Investigations of the microstructure of these layers and their phase composition were carried out. Hardness of the layers was measured by Vickers method. Tribological properties (linear wear) of the layers were performed by means of the three-cylinder-cone method. Resistance to corrosion was determined by electrochemical methods. The investigations showed that the linear wear of the C45 steel samples with the layers produced in the combined processes of nitriding with subsequent oxidation and impregnation was smaller than that of steel samples without layers. Moreover, the corrosion resistance of these layers in aggressive solutions containing chloride ions was very good.
TRIBOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF Al2O3 + TiO2 COATINGS MANUFACTURED BY PLASMA SPRAYING
Authors: ŁATKA Leszek , NIEMIEC Aneta , MICHALAK Monika , SOKOŁOWSKI Paweł
Published: March 2019

In the paper the results of tribological, microscopic, and mechanical research of Al2O3 + TiO2 coatings manufactured by plasma spraying are presented. The feeding material was a powder Al2O3 + 13 wt.% TiO2 (Metco 6221, OerlikonMetco) with grain size – 45 ± 15 μm. The cylinder substrates made from stainless steel (X5CrNi18-10) had a diameter equal to 25 mm and 2 mm of thickness. The variable spray parameters were plasma torch velocity in terms of substrate and spray distance. The morphology of obtained coatings was tested by scanning electron microscope (SEM), and the microstructure was investigated by light optical microscopy (LOM) and SEM. The results of mechanical properties examinations revealed the dependence of the microhardness and fracture toughness on the spray parameters. Tribological examinations were made in the ball-on-disc mode in technical dry friction conditions. Two loads were used, 5 N and 10 N. Based on the carried out tests, it could be concluded that a shorter spray distance and a reduction of the torch velocity allows one to achieve a more compact structure, which is characterized by good adhesion at the coating-substrate interface (in range from 11 to 14 MPa) and good wear resistance.
A COMPARISON OF WEAR PROPERTIES OF WATER LUBRICATED NBR AND PTFE SLIDING BEARINGS
Authors: PIĄTKOWSKA Ewa
Published: March 2019

The excessive wear of a journal shaft can be caused by many factors, for example, working conditions (e.g., temperaturę, slip speed, the type of lubricant), pressure, the type of material used on the bearings and shafts and their roughness, as well as contamination remaining in the system. This paper presents the roughness profiles co-operating with a rubber (NBR) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) bushes. The conditions of cooperation between the two materials tested in the sliding combination with the stainless steel journal were the same in each pair of bearings (PV); therefore, the comparison of their wear depends only on the material properties of the bush and the deformation of the journal shaft caused by the bending moment. To assess the size of the journal shaft, they were tested using a profilograph. In addition to the journal shaft, bearings were also evaluated, the wear level of which was noticed without the use of specialized equipment.
FRANCISZEK CEMKA – A FRIEND AND
ADVOCATE OF MUSEOLOGY
Authors: Jaśczak Radosław
Published: March 2019

On 12 October 2018, Jan Franciszek Cemka
passed away. Born in Tuchola in 1946, he was an
archaeologist, graduate from the Department of Philosophy
and History of the University of Lodz, an expert on museology,
a civil servant, Director of the Museum Department, and later
of the Department of National Heritage at the Ministry of
Culture and National Heritage, a Minister’s adviser, mentor
of young administration officials.
Resorting to his expertise, Director Franciszek Cemka
actively participated in the transformation processes of Polish
museology, e.g. he coordinated the implementation of the
Archaeological Photo of Poland Project; as an expert, he coauthored
the Act on Museums of 1996; he also contributed to
organizing the International Auschwitz Council. As the head of
the Ministry Department for Museums in Poland, he actively
participated in numerous bodies related to this sphere of
culture. Moreover, he authored many papers on museology
published in professional periodicals. For his longstanding
work and civil service, Franciszek Cemka was given many state
and professional decorations.
Modifizierungen der zeitlichen Grenze der Anspruchsverfolgung
Authors: Schefe Maria
Published: March 2019

'Interest rei pulicae ut sit finis litium’. In the interests of society as a whole, litigation must come to an end. With the reform of the statute of limitations in 2001, German legislators shortened limitation periods and fundamentally amended the rules governing the running of the limitation period. In the interests of legal certainty and legal clarity, the legislators wanted to formulate a simple, clear and final statute of limitations. This doctoral thesis examines whether the case law adopted since the reform complies with the regulatory intentions of the legislators. It focuses on the beginning of the limitation period subject to knowledge of the claim in question and the influence on the running of the limitation period by default legal action and conciliatory proceedings. The author identifies the principles of the statute of limitations and analyses whether case law modifies the time limits provided by the legislature. Her evaluation also shows the boundaries of lawmaking by judges.
Influência da constante de Corrsin no cálculo dos coeficientes de difusão turbulentos
Authors: Brauer Cristian Ricardo Nin , Degrazia Gervásio Annes , Campos Cláudia Rejane Jacondino de
Published: March 2019

Neste trabalho, expressões para os coeficientes de difusão turbulentos são obtidas usando diferentes valores da constante de Corrsin (γ=0,44; γ=0,55 e γ=0,7). Estes coeficientes foram derivados da teoria de similaridade convectiva e do espectro turbulento unidimensional vertical válido em condições instáveis. Para testar a influência da constante de Corrsin no cálculo dos coeficientes de difusão turbulentos, foi empregado um modelo Euleriano de dispersão que permite a simulação da concentração de contaminantes e usa os coeficientes de difusão turbulentos aqui apresentados. As simulações de concentrações foram confrontadas com as concentrações observadas no experimento de Copenhagen. Os melhores resultados foram obtidos quando os valores de γ=0,44 e γ=0,55 foram utilizados no cálculo dos coeficientes de difusão turbulentos.
Can beliefs in justice predict corrupt behavior?
Authors: Stupnianek Kotryna , Navickas Vytautas
Published: March 2019

The belief in a just world has been found to be related to rule breaking behavior. However, research has yet to determine whether the same relation holds for corrupt behavior. The current study focused on identifying whether the belief in a just world is a factor that predicts bribery behavior. We hypothesized that people with a weaker belief in a just world would be more likely to report that they had given a bribe compared with people with a strong belief in a just world. A retrospective design was used to conduct a study in Lithuania. Belief in a just world was measured with two scales for assessing personal and general beliefs in a just world. We measured bribery behavior by asking participants (N = 316) to report how many times they had given a bribe during the past 5 years. The results showed that a personal belief in a just world predicted bribery behavior, whereas a general belief in a just world did not. We discuss implications for further studies.
Not Yet Game Over: A Reappraisal of Video Game Addiction
Authors: Jhee Jiow Hee , Lye Qin Ting , Woo Kenneth
Published: March 2019

The rapid expansion of video gaming in an internet-using society has brought on a renewed focus on the phenomenon of video game addiction. Despite this focus, there remains a crucial absence of consensus over the diagnostic criteria of video game addiction. Currently both psychological and behavioral interventions regard screen time as an indicator of video game addiction. However, these interventions are challenged by substantial literature that increasingly regard time to not be a predictor of addiction. To build onto the work that has been done, this paper argues that time is an inadequate criterion in which to ascertain video game addiction, proposing that a physiological-based criteria be used in conjunction with contextualized understandings of video game dynamics to approach video game addiction. This realignment is all the more pressing as video games begin a transition from a leisure activity to its current orientation as a viable career option.