bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An empirical study of e-government adoption in the United Arab Emirates: A social cognitive perspective
Authors: Zhao Fang , Naidu Suwastika , Wallis Joseph
Published: January 2019

This study seeks to improve the current understanding of e-government adoption by taking a novel approach. Drawing on the social cognitive theory and its triadic reciprocal model, we developed and tested a new research model in the context of e-government adoption in the United Arab Emirates. The overall findings suggest that e-government adoption is influenced by the reciprocal interactions of personal, behavioural, and environmental factors. The findings imply that when formulating e-government strategy, policy makers need to address in a holistic and integrative way the issue of e-government environment and its alignment with citizens’ Internet use preferences and personal factors. This study opens a new lens for e-government adoption research and offers practical value for governments to develop effective e-government strategy.
ISLAM NUSANTARA SEBAGAI COUNTER HEGEMONI MELAWAN RADIKALISME AGAMA DI INDONESIA
Authors: Khoirurrijal Khoirurrijal
Published: January 2019

Tulisan ini  membahas tentang Islam Nusantara sebagai counter-hegemony melawan Radikalisme Agama di Indonesia. Berdasarkan kajian yang dilakukan terdapat relevansi atas apa yang diwacanakan Gus Dur dengan beberapa gejala yang muncul pada Islam Indonesia saat ini. Pertama, Pandangan Jihad yang keliru di sebagian kalangan Islam sendiri yaitu munculnya terorisme secara terbuka yaitu gerakan ISIS di Indonesia. Kedua, Kekerasan atas nama agama semakin merebak yaitu oleh kalangan Islam Garis Keras seperti Front Pembela Islam (FPI), Forum Umat Islam (FUI), Majelis Mujahiddin Indonesia (MMI) dan lain-lain. Ketiga, Munculnya kembali perdebatan soal Pancasila dan Khilafah terutama digaungkan oleh Hibut Tahrir Indonesia (HTI) dan beberapa kalangan Islam yang mendukung perseteruan Khilafah vis a vis Pancasila. Dalam membahas Islam Nusantara, penulis mendayagunakan teori counter-hegemony Antonio Gramsci dimana  perlawanan atas radikalisme agama dilakukan dengan melakukan budaya tanding dengan wajah Islam yang toleran. Oleh sebab itu, tulisan ini akan mengupas dan menjelaskan secara mendalam wacana Islam Nusantara dengan manarik jauh atas gagasan yang dikenalkan oleh Gus Dur yaitu melalui pribumisasi Islam-nya sejak era 80-an sampai gagasan Islam Nusantara yang dimunculkan PBNU saat ini. Sehingga dapat dicapai suatu pengetahuan (knowledge) dan pemahaman (verstehen) menuju peradaban Islam Nusantara yang menghargai pluralitas, toleran dan rahmatan lil ‘alamin. 
This paper discusses about Islam Nusantara as a counter-cultural hegemony againts the radicalism of religion in Indonesia. Based on studies conducted there is relevance for what discured Wahid with some symptoms that appear in Islamic Indonesia at this moment. First, the view of Jihad among of most Muslims, namely the emergence of terrorism openly i.e. movement of ISIS in Indonesia. Second, Violence in the name of religion is increasingly spread by the Hard-line Islamic circles such as the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI), Muslim Forum (FUI, Indonesian Mujahideen Council (MMI) and others. Third, the reappearance of the debate the question of Pancasila and the Caliphate was mainly undertaken by Hizbut Tahrir Indonesia (HTI) and some Islamic circles that supported caliphate feud vis a vis the Pancasila. In discussing Islam Nusantara, the authors utilize the theory of counter-hegemony Antonio Gramsci where resistance against religious radicalism is done by doing a counter culture with the face of a tolerant Islam. Therefore, this article will discuss and explain in depth discourse of Islam Nusantara with interested much on the idea introduced by Gus Dur, namely through its indigenization of Islam since the '80s. In order to get a knowledge and understanding (verstehen) toward Islam Nusantara civilization that respects plurality, tolerance and rahmatan lil ‘Alamin.
KONSOLIDASI KAPITAL SOSIAL PEMULUNG SAMPAH TEMPAT PEMBUANGAN AKHIR SAMPAH KARANGREJO KOTA METRO
Authors: Madkur Ahmad , Suhendi Suhendi , Nasrudin Muhammad
Published: January 2019

Abstrak
Pemulung sampah adalah warga yang terpinggirkan dalam peta ekonomi, sosial, dan politik. Lalu bagaimana upaya mereka agar bisa merangsek ke tengah peta? Tulisan ini mengulas bagaimana para pemulung sampah di TPAS Karangrejo Kota Metro mengonsolidasi kapital sosial bersama para stakeholders terkait, termasuk dosen IAIN Metro, Walhi, perusahaan, dan Pemerintah Daerah. Tulisan ini bersumber dari kegiatan PAR (participatory action research) yang merupakan sebuah kegiatan pengabdian dan penelitian yang dilakukan oleh dosen IAIN Metro kepada warga pemulung anggota sebuah paguyuban di TPAS Karangrejo. Potret yang dideskripsikan meliputi bagaimana mereka mengorganisir diri, menciptakan alat-alat produksi, lalu meningkatkan nilai tambah atas produk-produk mereka. Tujuannya adalah bagaimana mereka berdaya di hadapan rentenir sekaligus meningkatkan taraf hidup. Ujung tulisan ini mengupas sejauh apa mereka berdaya, juga apa peluang dan tantangan yang mereka hadapi.
 
Kata kunci: Kapital Sosial, Pemulung Sampah, dan TPAS Karangrejo.
 
Abstract
Waste pickers are frequently marginalized in economic, social, and political maps. So how do they try to get to the center of the map? This research-based paper reviews how waste pickers in TPAS Karangrejo Metro City consolidate their social capital with relevant stakeholders, including the lecturers of State Islamic Institute (IAIN) Metro, WALHI, companies, and local government. The writing of this paper is based on participatory action research in which the community empowerment and research were both conducted in the same time by a lecturers team of IAIN Metro for the waste pickers in TPAS Karangrejo. The portraits described include how they organize themselves, create the means of production, and then increase the added value of their products. The goal is how they are empowered in the presence of moneylenders while improving living standards. The end of this paper explores how far they are empowered,and what opportunities and challenges they face.
 
Keywords: Social Capital, Waste Pickers, TPAS Karangrejo
PEMBERDAYAAN PEREKONOMIAN MASYARAKAT MELALUI KOPERASI UNIT DESA BERBASIS USAHA TERBIMBING
Authors: Rufaidah Erlina
Published: January 2019

Abstrak
Koperasi dan masyarakat merupakan aspek penting dalam peningkatan ekonomi pedesaan yang akan bermuara pada kemajuan desa tersebut. Maka koperasi dan masyarakat tidak dapat berjalan sendiri-sendiri atau bergerak terlalu dominan pada salah satu aspek nya, sehingga pola gerakan koperasi harus selalu beriringan dengan pola gerakan masyarakat sebagai anggotanya. Usaha terbimbing merupakan sebuah perlakuan khusus kepada pelaku usaha untuk dapat diberikan pendampingan, pembimbingan, penyuluhan hingga pada tahap evaluasi usaha. Hal tersebut dimaksudkan agar pelaku usaha tersebut dapat terarah dengan baik, mampu memecahkan masalah, mampu menjawab tantangan, mampu mengikuti perkembangan zaman dan memiliki daya saing sehingga usaha yang didirikan dapat terus maju dan berkembang sebagai bukti turut ambil bagian dalam pembangunan perekonomian masyarakat. Pemberdayaan dengan cara pembimbingan atau pendampingan dinilai akan berjalan lebih efektif dan efesien sehingga target yang telah ditentukan dapat lebih mudah dicapai. Paradigma yang masih menganggap koperasi menjadi jalan untuk kepentingan individual profit oriented sudah seharusnya untuk di-revitalisasi menjadi multi-purpose oriented. Sehingga fungsi dan peran koperasi dapat berjalan dengan optimal sesuai dengan prinsip-prinsipnya. Pengembangan model usaha terbimbing dipandang akan menjadi jalan solusi bagi koperasi unit desa untuk dapat mencapai target capaian yang telah ditetapkan.
 
Kata kunci: Pemberdayaan Perekonomian, Koperasi Unit Desa, dan Usaha Terbimbing
 
Abstract
Cooperation and community is the important aspect in increasing rural economic which lead to the development of its rural area. Then, cooperation and community can not walk aone or moving dominanly on one of the aspect, so the cooperation pattern movement must be hand in hand with community pattern movement as its member. Guided business is a special treatment to the businessmen in order to get guiding, supervising, counseling until evaluation business step. That means the businessmen will be guided well, able to solve problem, able to answer the challenge, able following development era and have competitiveness so the business that established able to develop, As proof of taking part in community economical development. Empowerment by way of mentoring or mentoring assessed will run more effectively and efficiently so that the target that has been determined can be more easily achieved. The paradigm that still considers the cooperative to be the way for the benefit of individual profit oriented is supposed to be in the revitalization become multi-purpose oriented. So, the function and role of cooperation can run optimally in accordance with the principles. The development of a guided business model is seen as the path of solution for the cooperation of village unit (KUD) to achieve the established performance target.
 
Keyword: Economical Empowering, The Cooperation of Village Unit (KUD), and Guided Business
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PEER REVIEW TO TEACH WRITING VIEWED FROM STUDENTS’ MOTIVATION AT NINTH GRADE OF SMP N 1 SEKAMPUNG ACADEMIC YEAR 2014/2015
Authors: Setiyana Leny
Published: January 2019

This research is aimed to examine whether ;(1) Peer Review is more effective than Think Pair Share Technique to teach writing for the ninth grade students; (2) The students with high motivation have better writing skill than those having low motivation for the ninth grade students; and (3) There is an interaction between teaching techniques and students’ motivation in teaching writing for the ninth grade students. The method that was used in this research is experimental study. The samples were two classes namely experimental class which was taught using Peer Review and control class which was taught using Think Pair Share. Each class was divided into two groups of which each consisted of students having high motivation and those having low motivation. Two instruments were used to collect the data. The instruments were writing test and motivation’s questionnaire. The data were analyzed by using Multifactor Analysis of Variance ANOVA 2x2 and Tukey Test. Before conducting ANOVA test, pre-requisite test was conducted. Based on the data analysis, the findings of this research are; (1) Peer Review technique is more effective than Think Pair Share technique to teach writing; (2) The students with high motivation have more better writing skill than those having low motivation; and (3) There is an interaction between teaching techniques and students’s motivation in teaching writing. The research result of this study implies that Peer Review technique is effective to teach writing for the ninth grade students.
Christian social doctrine: dialogue with the modern world
Authors: Yevdokymova T. V.
Published: January 2019

Constant changes in the economic, social and political life of the people of the nations force the Church to enter into a dialogue with the world. The object of her attention is culture, politics, science, dealing with human problems. Church leadership of various Christian denominations sees the possibility of applying their socio-political guides in a wide socio-cultural space - personal and family circles, political and public activities, social life in general.
IDENTIFICATION OF THE SHADOW ECONOMY DETERMINANTS FOR THE EUROZONE MEMBER STATES: APPLICATION OF THE MIMIC MODEL
Authors: Remeikienė Rita , Gasparėnienė Ligita , Chadyšas Viktoras , Cepel Martin
Published: January 2019

This article is aimed at identification of the shadow economy’s causal factors and indicators in 19 Eurozone member states over the period from 2005 to 2016. Application of the MIMIC model has allowed to identify the following causal factors of the shadow economy in the Eurozone: employment rate, gender wage gap and income inequalities (expressed as the GINI index). All of these causal factors of the shadow economy in the Eurozone are attributable to the group of labour market determinants, which proposes that a reasonably arranged labour market mechanism can substantially diminish the probability of the shadow economy emergence. On the other hand, it has been found that the level of the shadow economy determines a positive/negative degree of the public trust in the EU authorities. The novelty of the research lies in the disclosure of the main causal factors of the shadow economy in the geographical area that covers different countries with a single currency. The findings of this research may contribute to the development of the shadow economy reduction strategies in 19 Eurozone member states.
Managing Scholarship in the Faculty Role
Authors: Denham Sharon A
Published: January 2019

ABSTRACT

Background: This article was written to describe approaches the author used that ultimately resulted in tenure and promotion.

Method: Self-reflection was used to identify the progressive steps that lead to being tenured and promoted.

Results: This article describes the key factors to remember in gaining promotion and tenured status. Personal experiences and life philosophy describe the essence of the steps taken.

Conclusion: Achieving tenure and promotion, while never easy, is best accomplished with a clear vision of the desired outcomes, a plan that allows incorporation of alternative opportunities, willingness to persevere in the face of obstacles, and the ability to see humor in the midst of turmoil.
Perspectives on Faculty Development
Authors: Felton Geraldene
Published: January 2019

ABSTRACT

This article reviews the requirements necessary to address nursing faculty development needs to continue to strengthen nursing education for stateof-the-art reflective practice. Included in the discussion are the importance of information and sophisticated information management; strategies to enhance teaching competency, efficiency, and the quality of instruction; current measures of quality facilities and resources; and the contributions of teaching and learning centers. The discussion ends by emphasizing the need to embrace the concept of differentiated nursing practice.
Use of a Search Model to Enhance Patient Education in a Clinical Setting
Authors: Bruya Margaret Auld , Thiele Joan E , Synoground Gail
Published: January 2019

ABSTRACT

Many paths lead toward the goal of safe, high-quality health care. One component of this goal is to obtain current and relevant information for client care. Patients, as well as health care providers, use the World Wide Web to find information. With the growing number of documents on the Web, an organized approach to searching fosters locating desired material, evaluating authenticity and accuracy, and applying the material to the patient, student, or practitioner population, as appropriate. This article explores the use of a search model in a nurse-managed clinic for homeless and lower income patients. Nurses in a wide variety of settings use the search process described to locate useful health care information.
Vitamin D Deficiency in Children with Psychiatric Illness in a Tertiary Care Hospital in North India
Authors: Chauhan Nidhi , Padhy Susanta Kumar , Shah Ruchita , Malhotra Savita
Published: January 2019

Background: Vitamin D is increasingly recognized as important for brain health, apart from its role in endocrine and bone health. There is a growing recognition of worldwide “epidemic” of Vitamin D deficiency, and growing data from adult population illustrate the association between Vitamin D deficiency and psychiatric disorders. In children, its role is implicated in brain development, function, and psychiatric disorders. Aim: The aim of this study was to study the extent of Vitamin D deficiency in children and adolescents with psychiatric disorders. Methodology: Retrospective chart review of participants, who had attended the psychiatry outpatient department, was conducted to ascertain the extent of blood Vitamin D level requisition and its level. Results: Out of 836, 60 participants had received the requisition for blood Vitamin D level, and results were documented for 40 participants (males – 28; females – 12). No specific reason was cited for getting Vitamin D level done. The mean Vitamin D level was in the deficient range, i.e. 13.34 ng/ml with 80% of the sample having Vitamin D deficiency and 13% having insufficient Vitamin D level. More males had Vitamin D deficiency, however, the small number of females in the study limits the generalizability of the results. Among the diagnostic categories, neurodevelopmental disorders had lower mean Vitamin D level, with lowest Vitamin D for autism, i.e., 10.9 ng/ml. Conclusion: The cause-effect relationship between Vitamin D deficiency and childhood psychiatric disorders could not be derived from the study. However, it provides important initial data for the relationship between Vitamin D deficiency and childhood psychiatric disorders from India.
Osmotic Demyelination Syndrome - Evolution of Extrapontine Before
Pontine Myelinolysis on Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Garg Prerna , Aggarwal Abhisht , Malhotra Rajeev , Dhall Sanjay
Published: January 2019

Osmotic demyelination syndrome is a rare entity characterized by noninflammatory demyelination afflicting the central pons, basal ganglia, thalami, peripheral cortex, and hippocampi. Histopathologically, there is a destruction of myelin sheaths sparing the underlying neuronal axons due to the susceptibility of oligodendrocytes to rapid osmotic shifts often encountered in chronically debilitated patients. We present the temporal progression of signal abnormalities on sequential magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans in a middle-aged male initially presenting with altered mental status due to severe hyponatremia and subsequently developing rigidity, diagnosed as osmotic demyelination syndrome based on typical imaging findings and supportive laboratory parameters. This case demonstrates the importance of diffusion signal abnormalities as the first indicator of osmotic demyelination, evolution of extrapontine before pontine signal changes and the relative lack of correlation between patient’s clinical profile and the extent of MRI signal abnormalities.
Smooth models of singular $K3$-surfaces
Authors: Degtyarev Alex
Published: January 2019

We show that the classical Fermat quartic has exactly three smooth spatial models. As a generalization, we give a classification of smooth spatial (as well as some other) models of singular

K3

-surfaces of small discriminant. As a by-product, we observe a correlation (up to a certain limit) between the discriminant of a singular

K3

-surface and the number of lines in its models. We also construct a

K3

-quartic surface with 52 lines and singular points, as well as a few other examples with many lines or models.
Long-Tailed Macaques (Macaca fascicularis) in Urban Landscapes: Gastrointestinal Parasitism and Barriers for Healthy Coexistence in Northeast Thailand
Authors: Schurer Janna M. , Ramirez Vickie , Kyes Pensri , Tanee Tawatchai , Patarapadungkit Natcha , Thamsenanupap Penkhae , Trufan Sally , Grant Erica T. , Garland-Lewis Gemina , Kelley Stephen , Nueaitong Hutsacha , Kyes Randall C. , Rabinowitz Peter
Published: January 2019

Gastrointestinal parasites have diverse life cycles that can involve people, animals, and the environment (e.g., water and soil), demonstrating the utility of One Health frameworks in characterizing infection risk. Kosumpee Forest Park (Thailand) is home to a dense population of long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) that frequently interact with tourists and local residents. Our study investigated the presence of zoonotic parasites, and barriers to healthy coexistence by conducting stool analysis on macaques (N = 102) and people (N = 115), and by examining risk factors for infection with a household questionnaire (N = 95). Overall, 44% of macaques and 12% of people were infected with one or more gastrointestinal helminths, including Strongyloides spp., Ascaris spp., and Trichuris sp. An adults-only generalized linear mixed model identified three factors significantly associated with human infection: household size, occupational exposure, and contact with macaque feces at home. Participants identified both advantages and disadvantages to living in close contact with macaques, suggesting that interventions to improve human and animal health in Kosumpee Forest Park would be welcome.
A Computer Simulation Model to Analyze the Application Process for Competitive Residency Programs
Authors: Whipple Mark E. , Law Anthony B. , Bly Randall A.
Published: January 2019

Background 

The residency match process for competitive specialties hinders programs' ability to holistically review applications.

Objective 

A computer simulation model of the residency application process was created to test the hypotheses that (1) it is advantageous to medical students to apply to the maximum number of programs under the current system, and (2) including a medical student's residency program preferences at the beginning of the application process improves the efficiency of the system for applicants and programs as quantified by the number of interview invitations received.

Methods 

The study was conducted in 2016 using 2014 Otolaryngology Match data. A computer model was created to perform simulations for multiple scenarios to test the hypotheses. Students were assigned scores representing easy and hard metrics and program preferences, simulating a mixture of individual student preference and general program popularity.

Results 

We modeled a system of 99 otolaryngology residency programs with 292 residency spots and 460 student applicants. While it was individually advantageous for an applicant to apply to the maximum number of programs, this led to a poor result for the majority of students when all applicants undertook the strategy. The number of interview invitations improved for most applicants when preference was revealed.

Conclusions 

Offering applicants an option to provide program preference improves the practical number of interview invitations. This enables programs to review applicants holistically—instead of using single parameters such as United States Medical Licensing Examination scores—which facilitates a selection of applicants who will be successful in residency.
Opvoedgedrag onderzoeken bij ouders met verschillende culturele achtergronden
Authors: de Wit Merel , Leijten Patty
Published: January 2019

Studying Parenting Practices in Parents with Different Cultural Backgrounds: Methodological Difficulties and Practical Recommendations

Studying parents with different cultural backgrounds improves our understanding of differences and similarities in parenting and child development. This helps us to refine theories, which, at present, are mostly based on research among “western” parents. Measuring parenting practices in parents of different cultural backgrounds, however, is complex because most measures do not explicitly take cultural differences into account. First, parents’ cultural background might influence the extent to which measurements are affected by biases. Second, parents of different cultural backgrounds do not always express concepts similarly. As a consequence, operationalizations of such concepts might not be accurate for parents of different cultural backgrounds. This paper discusses the challenges that researchers face when studying parenting practices in parents with different cultural backgrounds. We also offer practical recommendations to overcome these challenges: (1) carefully consider the fit between measures and the cultural background of participants; (2) evaluate the accuracy of the measurements by using multiple measures; (3) increase validity by distinguishing between items that measure parenting styles and items that measure parenting behaviors; and (4) combine qualitative and quantitative research to improve interpretation of quantitative findings. We discuss how careful integration of these strategies can help improve the cultural sensitivity of parenting measures.
A geometry-dependent surface
Lambertian-equivalent reflectivity product at 466 nm
for UV/Vis retrievals: Part I. Evaluation over land
surfaces using measurements from OMI
Authors: Qin Wenhan , Fasnacht Zachary , Haffner David , Vasilkov Alexander , Joiner Joanna , Krotkov Nickolay , Fisher Brad , Spurr Robert
Published: January 2019

Abstract. The anisotropy of the Earth's surface reflection has implications for satellite-based retrieval algorithms that utilize climatological surface reflectivity databases that do not depend upon the observation geometry. This is the case for most of the current ultraviolet and visible (UV/Vis) cloud, aerosol, and trace-gas algorithms. The illumination-observation dependence of surface reflection is described by the bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF). To account for the BRDF effect, we use the concept of geometry-dependent surface Lambertian-equivalent reflectivity (GLER), which is derived from the top-of-atmosphere (TOA) radiance computed with Rayleigh scattering and surface BRDF for the exact geometry of a satellite-based pixel. We present details on the implementation of land and water surface BRDF models. We evaluate our GLER product over land surfaces using observed and computed sun-normalized radiances at 466 nm. The input surface BRDF parameters for computing TOA radiance are derived from MODerate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) satellite observations. The observed TOA radiance for comparison is from the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI). The comparison shows good agreement between observed and calculated OMI radiances in typical geographical regions, with correlation coefficients greater than 0.9 for a majority of the selected regions in the year of 2006. Seasonal variations of clear-sky OMI radiances (i.e., with minimum clouds and aerosols) closely follow those computed using MODIS-derived GLER over land. GLER also captures the cross-track dependence of OMI radiances, although the observations are slightly higher than those computed using GLER presumably owing to residual cloud and aerosol (non-absorbing) contamination, particularly over dark surfaces (heavily vegetated regions such as mixed forest, croplands and grasslands). The standard OMI climatological surface reflectivity database predicts higher radiances than GLER and OMI observations with different seasonal variations and cross-track dependence over most of the selected regions. Overall, our evaluation demonstrates that the GLER product adequately accounts for surface BRDF effects while at the same time simplifies the surface BRDF implementation within the existing OMI retrieval infrastructure; use of our GLER product requires changes only to the input surface reflectivity database.
Extreme droughts and human responses to them: the Czech Lands in the pre-instrumental period
Authors: Brázdil Rudolf , Dobrovolný Petr , Trnka Miroslav , Řezníčková Ladislava , Dolák Lukáš , Kotyza Oldřich
Published: January 2019

Abstract. The Czech Lands are particularly rich in documentary sources that help
elucidate droughts in the pre-instrumental period (12th–18th centuries),
together with descriptions of human responses to them. Although droughts
appear less frequently before 1501, the documentary evidence has enabled the
creation of a series of seasonal and summer half-year drought indices
(Standardized Precipitation Index, SPI; Standardized Precipitation
Evapotranspiration Index, SPEI; Z index) for the Czech Lands for the
1501–2017 period. Based on the calculation of return period for series of
drought indices, extreme droughts were selected for inclusion herein if all
three indices indicated a return period of ≥20 years. For further
analysis, only those from the pre-instrumental period (before 1804) were
used. The extreme droughts selected are characterized by significantly lower
values of drought indices, higher temperatures and lower precipitation totals
compared to other years. The sea-level pressure patterns typically associated
with extreme droughts include significantly higher pressure over Europe and
significantly lower pressure over parts of the Atlantic Ocean. Extreme
droughts with a return period ≥ 50 years are described in detail on the
basis of Czech documentary evidence. A number of selected extreme droughts
are reflected in other central European reconstructions derived from
documentary data or tree rings. Impacts on social life and responses to
extreme droughts are summarized; analysis of fluctuations in grain prices
with respect to drought receives particular attention. Finally, extreme
droughts from the pre-instrumental and instrumental periods are discussed.
Quantifying uncertainties due to chemistry modeling – evaluation of
tropospheric composition simulations in the CAMS model
Authors: Huijnen Vincent , Pozzer Andrea , Arteta Joaquim , Brasseur Guy , Bouarar Idir , Chabrillat Simon , Christophe Yves , Doumbia Thierno , Flemming Johannes , Guth Jonathan , Josse Béatrice , Karydis Vlassis A. , Marécal Virginie , Pelletier Sophie
Published: January 2019

Abstract. We report on an evaluation of tropospheric ozone and its precursor gases in three atmospheric chemistry versions as implemented in ECMWF’s Integrated Forecasting System (IFS), referred to as IFS(CB05BASCOE), IFS(MOZART) and IFS(MOCAGE). While the model versions were forced with the same overall meteorology, emissions, transport and deposition schemes, they vary largely in their parameterizations describing atmospheric chemistry, including the organics degradation, heterogeneous chemistry and photolysis, as well as chemical solver. The model results from the three chemistry versions are compared against a range of aircraft field campaigns, ozone sondes and satellite observations, which provides quantification of the overall model uncertainty driven by the chemistry parameterizations. We find that they produce similar patterns and magnitudes for carbon monoxide (CO) and ozone (O3), as well as a range of non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHCs), with averaged differences for O3 (CO) within 10 % (20 %) throughout the troposphere. Most of the divergence in the magnitude of NMHCs can be explained by differences in OH concentrations, which can reach up to 50 % particularly at high latitudes. Also comparatively large discrepancies between model versions exist for NO2, SO2 and HNO3, which are strongly influenced by secondary chemical production and loss. Other, common biases in CO and NMHCs are mainly attributed to uncertainties in their emissions. This configuration of having various chemistry versions within IFS provides a quantification of uncertainties induced by chemistry modeling in the main CAMS global trace gas products beyond those that are constrained by data-assimilation.
Modeling the spatial dependence of floods using the Fisher copula
Authors: Brunner Manuela I. , Furrer Reinhard , Favre Anne-Catherine
Published: January 2019

Abstract. Floods often affect not only a single location, but also a whole region.
Flood frequency analysis should therefore be undertaken at a regional scale
which requires the considerations of the dependence of events at different
locations. This dependence is often neglected even though its consideration
is essential to derive reliable flood estimates. A model used in regional
multivariate frequency analysis should ideally consider the dependence of
events at multiple sites which might show dependence in the lower and/or
upper tail of the distribution. We here seek to propose a simple model that
on the one hand considers this dependence with respect to the network
structure of the region and on the other hand allows for the simulation of
stochastic event sets at both gauged and ungauged locations. The new Fisher
copula model is used for representing the spatial dependence of flood events
in the nested Thur catchment in Switzerland. Flood event samples generated
for the gauged stations using the Fisher copula are compared to samples
generated by other dependence models allowing for modeling of multivariate
data including elliptical copulas, R-vine copulas, and max-stable models. The
comparison of the dependence structures of the generated samples shows that
the Fisher copula is a suitable model for capturing the spatial dependence in
the data. We therefore use the copula in a way such that it can be used in an
interpolation context to simulate event sets comprising gauged and ungauged
locations. The spatial event sets generated using the Fisher copula well
capture the general dependence structure in the data and the upper tail
dependence, which is of particular interest when looking at extreme flood
events and when extrapolating to higher return periods. The Fisher copula was
for a medium-sized catchment found to be a suitable model for the stochastic
simulation of flood event sets at multiple gauged and ungauged locations.
Exploring the use of underground gravity monitoring to evaluate radar estimates of heavy rainfall
Authors: Delobbe Laurent , Watlet Arnaud , Wilfert Svenja , Van Camp Michel
Published: January 2019

Abstract. The radar-based estimation of intense
precipitation produced by convective storms is a challenging task and the
verification through comparison with gauges is questionable due to the very
high spatial variability of such types of precipitation. In this study, we explore the potential
benefit of using a superconducting gravimeter as a new source of in situ
observations for the evaluation of radar-based precipitation estimates. The
superconducting gravimeter used in this study is installed in Membach (BE),
48 m underneath the surface, at 85 km distance from a C-band weather radar
located in Wideumont (BE). The 15-year observation record 2003–2017 is
available for both gravimeter and radar with 1 and 5 min time steps,
respectively. Water mass increase at ground due to precipitation results in a
decrease in underground measured gravity. The gravimeter integrates soil
water in a radius of about 400 m around the instrument. This allows capture
of rainfall at a larger spatial scale than traditional rain gauges. The
precision of the gravimeter is a few tenths of nm s−2, 1 nm s−2
corresponding to 2.6 mm of water. The comparison of reflectivity and gravity
time series shows that short-duration intense rainfall events produce a rapid
decrease in the underground measured gravity. A remarkable correspondence
between radar and gravimeter time series is found. The precipitation amounts
derived from gravity measurements and from radar observations are further
compared for 505 rainfall events. A correlation coefficient of 0.58, a mean
bias (radar–gravimeter)/gravimeter of 0.24 and a mean absolute difference
(MAD) of 3.19 mm are obtained. A better agreement is reached when applying a
hail correction by truncating reflectivity values to a given threshold. No
bias, a correlation coefficient of 0.64 and a MAD of 2.3 mm are reached
using a 48 dBZ threshold. The added value of underground gravity
measurements as a verification dataset is discussed. The two main benefits
are the spatial scale at which precipitation is captured and the interesting
property that gravity measurements are directly influenced by water mass at
ground no matter the type of precipitation: hail or rain.
Mechanism design and analysis of a proposed wheelchair-exoskeleton hybrid robot for assisting human movement
Authors: Song Zhibin , Tian Chuanyin , Dai Jian S.
Published: January 2019

Abstract. As a conventional mobile assistance device, a wheelchair makes people suffer from skin injuries such as bed sores and ulcer, owing to sitting on a wheelchair for a long period. And the wheelchair is barely able to adapt to complex terrains, such as stairs. With the development of robotic technology, the rise of lower-limb exoskeleton robotics provides a new means of motion assistance, and provides training of motor ability. However, it can't support a user to compete long-distance movement because a user need consume much energy to keep balance. Considering the merits and demerits of wheelchairs and exoskeletons, we propose a novel hybrid motion assistant robot that combines both. The biggest challenge is the design of a mechanism that can transform the robot from a wheelchair into an exoskeleton, as well as the reverse transformation. To achieve this goal, the mechanism must be able to achieve three configurations: the wheelchair configuration, the support configuration, and the exoskeleton configuration. To reduce the weight of the robot and make it more compact, the linkages and actuators in the mechanism are designed to be reusable when the configuration changes. The mechanism is designed based on the analysis of functional requirements, and distributed synthesis of the mechanism is adopted. The kinematics and statics of every configuration are discussed in detail, to obtain the most reasonable dimensions using the particle swarm optimization algorithm. The mechanism performance is simulated and verified using ADAMS software. Finally, an experimental prototype is constructed for preliminary tests.
Ensemble flood forecasting considering dominant runoff processes – Part 1: Set-up and application to nested basins (Emme, Switzerland)
Authors: Antonetti Manuel , Horat Christoph , Sideris Ioannis V. , Zappa Massimiliano
Published: January 2019

Abstract. Flash floods evolve rapidly during and after heavy precipitation events
and represent a potential risk for society. To predict the timing and
magnitude of a peak runoff, it is common to couple meteorological and
hydrological models in a forecasting chain. However, hydrological models rely
on strong simplifying assumptions and hence need to be calibrated. This makes
their application difficult in catchments where no direct observation of
runoff is available. To address this gap, a flash-flood forecasting chain is presented based on
(i) a nowcasting product which combines radar and rain gauge rainfall data
(CombiPrecip); (ii) meteorological data from state-of-the-art numerical
weather prediction models (COSMO-1, COSMO-E); (iii) operationally available
soil moisture estimations from the PREVAH hydrological model; and (iv) a
process-based runoff generation module with no need for calibration
(RGM-PRO). This last component uses information on the spatial distribution
of dominant runoff processes from the so-called maps of runoff types, which
can be derived with different mapping approaches with increasing involvement
of expert knowledge. RGM-PRO is event-based and parametrised a priori based
on the results of sprinkling experiments. This prediction chain has been evaluated using data from April to September
2016 in the Emme catchment, a medium-sized flash-flood-prone basin in the
Swiss Prealps. Two novel forecasting chains were set up with two different
maps of runoff types, which allowed sensitivity of the forecast performance
to the mapping approaches to be analysed. Furthermore, special emphasis was
placed on the predictive power of the new forecasting chains in nested
subcatchments when compared with a prediction chain including an original
version of the runoff generation module of PREVAH calibrated for one event. Results showed a low sensitivity of the predictive power to the amount of
expert knowledge included for the mapping approach. The forecasting chain
including a map of runoff types with high involvement of expert knowledge did
not guarantee more skill. In the larger basins of the Emme region,
process-based forecasting chains revealed comparable skill to a prediction
system including a conventional hydrological model. In the small nested
subcatchments, although the process-based forecasting chains outperformed the
original runoff generation module, no forecasting chain showed satisfying
skill in the sense that it could be useful for decision makers. Despite the short period available for evaluation, preliminary outcomes of
this study show that operational flash-flood predictions in ungauged basins
can benefit from the use of information on runoff processes, as no long-term
runoff measurements are needed for calibration.
DUACS DT-2018: 25 years of reprocessed sea level altimeter
products
Authors: Taburet Guillaume , Sanchez-Roman Antonio , Ballarotta Maxime , Pujol Marie-Isabelle , Legeais Jean-François , Fournier Florent , Faugere Yannice , Dibarboure Gerald
Published: January 2019

Abstract. For more than twenty years, the multi-satellite DUACS system has been providing Near Real Time (NRT) and Delayed Time (DT) altimetric products. These data are ranging from along-track to multi-mission maps of Sea Level Anomaly (SLA) and Absolute Dynamic Topography (ADT). A reprocessing of 25 years of data, namely: DUACS DT2018, has been carried out and is available through the Copernicus Marine Environment Monitoring Service (CMEMS) and Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) since April 2018. Several changes have been implemented in the DT2018 processing in order to improve the quality of the products. New altimeter standards and geophysical corrections has been used, refined data selection has been implemented and Optimal Interpolation (OI) parameters have been reviewed for global and regional map generation. Through this paper, an extensive assessment has been carried out. The error budget associated to the DT2018 products at global and regional scales has been refined and the improvements compared with the previous version quantified (DT2014; Pujol et al., 2016). The DT2018 errors at mesoscales are reduced by nearly 3 to 4 % for global and regional products compared to the DT2014. This reduction is much more important in coastal areas (reduction is up to 10 %) where it is directly linked to the altimeter geophysical corrections used in the DT2018 processing. Conclusions are very similar concerning geostrophic currents, where error is reduced by 5 % and up to 10 % in coastal areas.
Evaluating the impact of atmospheric forcing resolution and air-sea coupling on near-coastal regional ocean prediction
Authors: Lewis Huw W. , Siddorn John , Castillo Sanchez Juan Manuel , Petch Jon , Edwards John M. , Smyth Tim
Published: January 2019

Abstract. Atmospheric forcing applied as ocean model boundary conditions can have a critical impact on the quality of ocean forecasts. This paper assesses the sensitivity of an eddy-resolving (1.5 km resolution) regional ocean model of the North-West European shelf (NWS) to atmospheric forcing resolution and air-sea coupling. The analysis is focused on a month-long simulation experiment for July 2014 and evaluation of simulated sea surface temperature (SST) in a shallow near-coastal region to the south-west of the UK (Celtic Sea and western English Channel). Observations above and below the sea surface at the L4 ocean buoy from the Western Channel Observatory are used to evaluate ocean and atmosphere model data. The impacts of differences in the atmospheric forcing are illustrated by comparing results from an ocean model run in forcing mode using operational global-scale numerical weather prediction (NWP) data with a run forced by a convective scale regional atmosphere model. The value of dynamically representing feedbacks between the atmosphere and ocean state is assessed through use of these model components within a fully coupled ocean-wave-atmosphere system. Simulated SST show considerable sensitivity to atmospheric forcing and to the impact of model coupling in near-coastal areas. A warm ocean bias relative to in-situ observations in the simulation forced by global-scale NWP (0.7 K mean difference, warmer relative to all observations in the model domain) is shown to be reduced (to 0.4 K) through use of the 1.5 km resolution atmosphere forcing. When simulated in coupled mode, this bias is further reduced by 0.2 K. Results demonstrate much greater variability of both surface energy balance terms and near-surface winds in the higher resolution atmosphere model data, as might be expected. Assessment of the surface energy balance and wind forcing over the ocean is challenging due to a scarcity of observations. It can however be demonstrated that the wind speed over the ocean simulated by the high resolution atmosphere agreed with the limited number of observations less well than the global-scale NWP data. Further partially-coupled experiments are discussed to better understand why the degraded wind forcing does not detrimentally impact on SST results.
High-precision U–Pb ages in the early Tithonian to early Berriasian and implications for the numerical age of the Jurassic–Cretaceous boundary
Authors: Lena Luis , López-Martínez Rafael , Lescano Marina , Aguire-Urreta Beatriz , Concheyro Andrea , Vennari Verónica , Naipauer Maximiliano , Samankassou Elias , Pimentel Márcio , Ramos Victor A. , Schaltegger Urs
Published: January 2019

Abstract. The numerical age of the Jurassic–Cretaceous boundary has
been controversial and difficult to determine. In this study, we present
high-precision U–Pb geochronological data around the Jurassic–Cretaceous
boundary in two distinct sections from different sedimentary basins: the Las
Loicas, Neuquén Basin, Argentina, and the Mazatepec, Sierra
Madre Oriental, Mexico. These two sections contain primary and secondary
fossiliferous markers for the boundary as well as interbedded volcanic ash
horizons, allowing researchers to obtain new radioisotopic dates in the late Tithonian
and early Berriasian. We also present the first age determinations in the
early Tithonian and tentatively propose a minimum duration for the stage as
a cross-check for our ages in the early Berriasian. Given our radioisotopic
ages in the early Tithonian to early Berriasian, we discuss implications
for the numerical age of the boundary.
How do we see fractures? Quantifying subjective bias in fracture data
collection
Authors: Andrews Billy J. , Roberts Jennifer J. , Shipton Zoe K. , Bigi Sabina , Tartarello Maria C. , Johnson Gareth O.
Published: January 2019

Abstract. The characterisation of natural fracture networks using outcrop analogues is important in understanding sub-surface fluid flow and rock mass characteristics in fractured lithologies. It is well known from decision-sciences that subjective bias significantly impacts the way data is gathered and interpreted. This study investigates the impact of subjective bias on fracture data collected using four commonly used approaches (linear scanlines, circular scanlines, topology sampling and window sampling) both in the field and in workshops using field photographs. Considerable variability is observed between each participant's interpretation of the same scanline, and this variability is seen regardless of geological experience. Geologists appear to be either focussing on the detail or focussing on gathering larger volumes of data, and this innate personality trait affects the recorded fracture network attributes. As a result, fracture statistics derived from the field data and which are often used as inputs for geological models, can vary considerably between different geologists collecting data from the same scanline. Additionally, the personal bias of geologists collecting the data affects the size (minimum length of linear scanlines, radius of circular scanlines or area of a window sample) required of the scanline that is needed to collect a statistically representative amount of data. We suggest protocols to recognise, understand and limit the effect of subjective bias on fracture data biases during data collection.