bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leisure Travel Patterns of Zimbabwe's urban Population and Their Predictors
Authors: Chikuta Oliver , Nkomazana Njabulo , Njerekai Cleopas
Published: April 2013

This study sought to measure the current leisure travel propensity of Zimbabwe's urban residents. The study was prompted by the limited information regarding domestic tourism worldwide and particularly in developing countries despite efforts by some of these countries such as Zimbabwe,
Tanzania, and Rwanda to promote domestic tourism. There is therefore a need to provide updated information on domestic leisure travel patterns and their predictors. This may enhance the development of more appropriate domestic tourism strategies for the countries from which domestic tour packages
and marketing strategies can be designed to stimulate this market. The data for this study were collected from a survey of 600 urban dwellers from the country's five major urban areas, namely Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru, Mutare, and Masvingo. A comprehensive self-administered questionnaire was
employed to collect the relevant data on leisure travel patterns and willingness to travel for leisure. Cross tabulations, chi-square tests, and multivariate logistic regression analysis, using STATA version 11.0, were used to assess the association between the variables. A number of intriguing
and interesting revelations were noted in this study. The key recommendation emanating from this study is the need for Zimbabwe and other developing countries to urgently establish agencies that conduct surveys on domestic tourism. Furthermore, due to the common dilemma of underfunding in
these countries, institutions of higher learning, especially those universities offering tourism studies, could undertake these surveys using their research grants.
Reviewing the Web Features of Travel Agents in Singapore
Authors: Lim Wai Mun , Abou-Shouk Mohamed , Megicks Phil
Published: April 2013

Assessing websites is one of many ways to benchmark travel agents' websites against their competitors and to provide directions for improvements. Furthermore, it helps to identify their operational weaknesses and also consider effective website features for the benefit of customers.
This study aims to investigate how Singapore travel agencies use websites in the e-commerce context. Some of the more common website content includes agency information, contact details, and information on travel packages. Websites were classified against a four-stage model of e-commerce adoption.
The majority of websites are ranked as adopting low practices of e-commerce (first and second stages) while the minority were found to be adopting an advanced e-commerce practices (third and fourth stages).
Does Size Really Matter? An Investigation of Cruise Ship Size
Authors: Lee Scott
Published: April 2013

The cruise industry is one of the most rapidly growing segments of the tourism industry. Fueling this growth, the cruise lines are building bigger ships. This study investigates the impact of ship size on ship occupancy rate. Secondary data regarding individual voyages were obtained
from multiple sources regarding ship size and occupancy rates. These data were combined to create a richer data set containing data from each source. A random sample was selected from these combined data resulting in a sample size of 619 cruise voyages that sailed between January 2004 and
December 2010. Regression analysis was performed to investigate the interaction of cruise ship size in gross registered tons on cruise ship occupancy rates. Mean occupancy rates for the North American Cruise Market, the Alaska Cruise Market, and the Caribbean Cruise Market were 109%, 105%,
and 111%, respectively, and cruise ship size did have a significant effect on occupancy rate.
Genetic structure and domestication of carrot (Daucus carota subsp. sativus) (Apiaceae)
Authors: Iorizzo Massimo , Senalik Douglas A. , Ellison Shelby L. , Grzebelus Dariusz , Cavagnaro Pablo F. , Allender Charlotte , Brunet Johanne , Spooner David M. , Van Deynze Allen , Simon Philipp W.
Published: April 2013

• Premise of the study: Analyses of genetic structure and phylogenetic relationships illuminate the origin and domestication of modern crops. Despite being an important worldwide vegetable, the genetic structure and domestication of carrot (Daucus carota) is poorly understood. We provide the first such study using a large data set of molecular markers and accessions that are widely dispersed around the world.

• Methods: Sequencing data from the carrot transcriptome were used to develop 4000 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Eighty‐four genotypes, including a geographically well‐distributed subset of wild and cultivated carrots, were genotyped using the KASPar assay.

• Key results: Analysis of allelic diversity of SNP data revealed no reduction of genetic diversity in cultivated vs. wild accessions. Structure and phylogenetic analysis indicated a clear separation between wild and cultivated accessions as well as between eastern and western cultivated carrot. Among the wild carrots, those from Central Asia were genetically most similar to cultivated accessions. Furthermore, we found that wild carrots from North America were most closely related to European wild accessions.

• Conclusions: Comparing the genetic diversity of wild and cultivated accessions suggested the absence of a genetic bottleneck during carrot domestication. In conjunction with historical documents, our results suggest an origin of domesticated carrot in Central Asia. Wild carrots from North America were likely introduced as weeds with European colonization. These results provide answers to long‐debated questions of carrot evolution and domestication and inform germplasm curators and breeders on genetic substructure of carrot genetic resources.
EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF BITUMINOUS MASTIC BEHAVIOUR USING DIFFERENT FILLERS BASED ON THE UCL METHOD
Authors: Movilla-Quesada Diana , Vega-Zamanillo Angel , Calzada-Pe´rez Miguel Angel , Castro-Fresno Daniel
Published: April 2013

This research demonstrates that the use of suitable amounts of calcium hydroxide as an additive in asphalt mixtures can improve the aggregate-bitumen adhesion, forming a bituminous mixture which is more resistant to traffic loads and the action of water. The analysis was performed using the UCL method and the Cantabrian Test, taking as a case study three types of filler with different natures, mixed with 4.5% bitumen. The results are presented as state curves, which show clear differences between the three fillers, demonstrating that the hydroxide suffers small wear losses in concentrations close to 1.3%, indicating a significant reduction in the risk of plastic deformation, and an improvement in the mixture durability and/or adhesiveness.
SELECTION OF A FIELD TESTING METHOD FOR KARST ROCK MASS DEFORMABILITY BY MULTI CRITERIA DECISION ANALYSIS
Authors: Marčić Danijela , Cerić Anita , Kovačević Meho Saša
Published: April 2013

The rock mass deformation modulus is an essential parameter for any numerical analysis and prediction of deformation in geotechnical engineering. Experience acquired using a large number of geotechnical projects in Croatia and the world indicates a somewhat unreliable determination of rock mass deformability based on correlation of classification results. The method of field testing for deformability can provide a more reliable insight into rock mass behaviour under loading conditions. The paper presents the most frequently used methods for field testing rock deformability. The benefits and disadvantages are shown of each particular method used in determining criteria and forming a ranking list of test methods using the multi criteria decision analysis. This ranking list of terrain testing for the rock mass stiffness is acquired on the basis of set criteria, assumes guidelines for compiling an exploratory works plan necessary for designing complex geotechnical structures in karst. Appropriate analyses of the sensitivity to changes in the significance of particular criteria was carried out including its effect on selecting the field method for testing karst rock mass deformability.
A GOVERNANCE APPROACH FOR BIM MANAGEMENT ACROSS LIFECYCLE AND SUPPLY CHAINS USING MIXED-MODES OF INFORMATION DELIVERY
Authors: Rezgui Yacine , Beach Thomas , Rana Omer
Published: April 2013

Built environment data is of varying nature embedding various forms of sensitivities with potential legal, contractual, intellectual property, and security implications. The paper presents a governance approach for managing multi-actor, multi-discipline, and total lifecycle data, informed by a wide industry consultation conducted in the UK between March and September 2011. The study identifies a number of barriers in engaging with Building Information Modelling (BIM) efforts with a view of facilitating collaboration around a common and integrated project specification. A governance model is proposed that addresses the identified adoption blockers underpinned by a “mixed approach”, that factors in various modes of information delivery, ranging from paper-based documents to object-based information conveyed by IFC (Industry Foundation Classes). A demonstrator system is developed and used to validate our BIM governance concepts. Our governance model is discussed in the context of the recent UK government BIM industry consultation document supported by a research and development (R&D) roadmap taking into account current industry structure and its various levels of stakeholders’ maturity, capability and readiness.
IMPROVED RANDOM AGGREGATE MODEL FOR NUMERICAL SIMULATIONS OF CONCRETE ENGINEERING SIMULATIONS OF CONCRETE ENGINEERING
Authors: Yuan Qin , Junrui Chai , Faning Dang
Published: April 2013

In numerical simulations, concrete is usually considered as a three-phase material consisting of an aggregate, a cement matrix, and an interfacial transition zone (ITZ). Three-dimensional modeling of concrete usually requires extremely large computational requirements. In this study, an improved random aggregate model for numerical simulations of concrete is developed, which can minimize the number of elements, optimize the ITZ thickness, and create internal cracks and holes. Numerical investigations on the cracks form as well as deflection and tensile strength are also conducted based on three-point bending tests. The simulation results agree well with the experimental results.
INFLUENCE OF THE COLUMN WEB PANEL BEHAVIOUR ON THE CHARACTERISTICS OF A BEAM-TO-COLUMN JOINT
Authors: Daniūnas Alfonsas , Urbonas Kęstutis
Published: April 2013

The paper reviews the importance of evaluation of actual joint behaviour during the design and manufacture of frame construction. The authors applied the component method, which is used in Eurocode 3. Additionally, they provided a short overview of beam-to-column joint components. The research focuses on one part of the joint-column web panel. It investigates the influence of the column web panel to the rotational stiffness and design moment resistance of the joint. The article presents several possibilities for stiffening the column web panel plate. Calculation results illustrate the influence of the characteristics of column web panel to the rotational stiffness and design moment resistance of the joint. Calculations were carried out both with an unstiffened and with a stiffened column web panel plates. The results confirmed the expected assumptions, i.e. the column web panel is an essential part of the joint, and its behaviour has a significant influence on the rotational stiffness and design moment resistance of the joint. In all calculations where column web panel was stiffened, the rotational stiffness and design moment resistance of the joint increased.
FROM DESIGN TO PRE-CERTIFICATION USING BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING
Authors: Biswas Tajin , Wang Tsung-Hsien , Krishnamurti Ramesh
Published: April 2013

Designs which address sustainability requirements are becoming increasingly desirable, as the objectives of sustainable design reduce resource depletion of energy, water, and raw materials; prevent environmental degradation caused throughout their lifecycle; provide safe, comfortable and healthy living environments. Currently, sustainability in the building domain is judged against standards codified in rating systems. That is, design choices are validated, by measuring design performance against criteria specified by the rating system. Advances in building technologies, design and evaluation tools, and government policies together with tools to benchmark sustainability have created the momentum which fuels an increasing trend towards sustainable building design. However, certification is expensive. It is labor intensive, involving large volumes of data aggregation and information accounting, which, despite the best of intentions, often become a deterrent to designers and the design process. Compliance with a sustainability rating system is not mandatory; increasingly, it is becoming a goal that many designers and authorities would like to achieve. In turn, this demands a cost lowering improvement to the certification process. Since designers mainly tend to employ commercial design tools, it becomes imperative to create a general approach that utilizes information already available in digital form and combine it with rating system information requirements. The challenge lies in identifying informational requirements from rating systems, representing them in computable forms, mapping them to information available from a commercial design tool and evaluating the performance of the design. In this paper we present an overall framework for organizing, managing, and representing sustainability information requirements; to demonstrate an approach to integrating sustainability evaluations in a design environment. We employ a commercially available building information modeler and a sustainable building rating system to develop a process that bridges sustainability assessment requirements with information from the model for pre-evaluation prior to submission for certification. This will enable designers, owners, contractors and other professionals to communicate strategies and make informed decisions to achieve sustainability goals for a project.
WATER AND ENERGY SAVINGS FROM ON-DEMAND AND HOT WATER RECIRCULATING SYSTEMS
Authors: Brazeau Randi H. , Edwards Marc A.
Published: April 2013

Electric hot water recirculation and on-demand instant hot water systems have been identified as “green” water systems due to purported energy and water savings, and some municipalities and districts even require green systems in residences. The performance of these devices have never been rigorously tested and evaluated. This work aims to address that gap by conducting a comparative, head-to-head study evaluating energy efficiency, temperature profiles and consumer issues such as cost and quality of system for two “green” water heating systems as compared to a standard water heater. Not only did the standard system outperform the hot water recirculation system with respect to temperature profile during flushing, but the standard system also operated with 32–36% more energy efficiency. Although the recirculation system did in fact save some water at the tap, when factoring in the energy efficiency reductions and associated water demand, recirculation systems actually consumed up to 7 gallons more water per day and cost consumers more money. On-demand systems operate with virtually 100% energy efficiency, but cannot be used in many circumstances dependent on scaling and incoming water temperature, and may require expensive upgrades to home electrical systems and use of low/ultra low flow showerheads. Although additional research is necessary to better understand nuances of electric water heating in the context of the water-energy nexus, this research provides a first step for rational decision making by regulators, public health officials, manufacturers and consumers.
SEMS II: Nonprescriptive But Not Risk-Based
Authors: Sutton Ian
Published: April 2013

The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) is proposing an extension to the Safety and Environmental Management Systems rule. This new rule, which is informally referred to as SEMS II, is mostly non-prescriptive, i.e., it does not provide detailed guidance as to actions that offshore operators should take. However, the proposed rule is not similar to other non-prescriptive approaches to safety management, particularly that of Safety Cases, because it does not require that a risk analysis be carried out. Instead, the rule focuses on personnel and management issues such as Employee Participation and Stop Work Authority. Hence it is concluded that the rule is non-prescriptive but not risk-based.
HLA Haplotype Determines Hapten or p-i T Cell Reactivity to Flucloxacillin
Authors: Wuillemin Natascha , Adam Jacqueline , Fontana Stefano , Krähenbühl Stephan , Pichler Werner J. , Yerly Daniel
Published: April 2013

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a main cause of drug withdrawal. A particularly interesting example is flucloxacillin (FLUX)-DILI, which is associated with the HLA-B*57:01 allele. At present, the mechanism of FLUX-DILI is not understood, but the HLA association suggests a role for activated T cells in the pathomechanism of liver damage. To understand the interaction among FLUX, HLA molecules, and T cells, we generated FLUX-reacting T cells from FLUX-naive HLA-B*57:01+ and HLA-B*57:01− healthy donors and investigated the mechanism of T cell stimulation. We found that FLUX stimulates CD8+ T cells in two distinct manners. On one hand, FLUX was stably presented on various HLA molecules, resistant to extensive washing and dependent on proteasomal processing, suggesting a hapten mechanism. On the other hand, in HLA-B*57:01+ individuals, we observed a pharmacological interaction with immune receptors (p-i)–based T cell reactivity. FLUX was presented in a labile manner that was further characterized by independence of proteasomal processing and immediate T cell clone activation upon stimulation with FLUX in solution. This p-i–based T cell stimulation was restricted to the HLA-B*57:01 allele. We conclude that the presence of HLA-B*57:01 drives CD8+ T cell responses to the penicillin-derivative FLUX toward nonhapten mechanism.
Correlation of epicardial fat and anthropometric measurements in Asian-Indians: A community based study
Authors: Shetty Ranjan , Vivek G , Naha Kushal , Nayak Krishnananda , Goyal Amit , Dias Lorraine S
Published: April 2013

Background: It is increasingly evident that visceral adipose tissue plays a leading role in the pathogenesis of the metabolic syndrome. Unfortunately, accurate quantification of intra-abdominal visceral fat is cumbersome and expensive. Epicardial fat represents the component of visceral fat distributed around the heart, and is readily and non-invasively assessed by echocardiography. Aims: To determine the correlation of epicardial fat with anthropometric parameters in a healthy population of Asian-Indians. Materials and Methods: A prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted as part of a community outreach program from December to March 2011. Individuals over 18 years of age were included in the study. Anthropometric data was collected for all patients. Epicardial fat was assessed in parasternal long and short axes. Results: 350 healthy individuals were included in the study. Of them, 66.7% were males. Mean age was 42.7 ± 15.3 years (range 18-84). Mean body-mass index (BMI) and waist circumference were 23.3 ± 4.5 kg/m 2 (range 15.2-34.3) and 80.2 ± 13.3 cm (range 43-115) respectively. Mean epicardial fat in both axes was 2.6 ± 1.3 mm (range 0.3-7.0). Epicardial fat measured in both axes correlated well with weight (r = 0.399, P < 0.001), waist circumference (r = 0.522, P < 0.001) and BMI (r = 0.471, P < 0.001). Epicardial fat also correlated with age (r = 0.559, P < 0.001). Conclusions: There is an excellent correlation between epicardial fat measured by echocardiography and anthropometric parameters of metabolic syndrome.
Multiscale Finite Element Methods for Flows on Rough Surfaces
Authors: Efendiev Yalchin , Galvis Juan , Pauletti M. Sebastian
Published: April 2013

In this paper, we present the Multiscale Finite Element Method (MsFEM) for problems on rough heterogeneous surfaces. We consider the diffusion equation on oscillatory surfaces. Our objective is to represent small-scale features of the solution via multiscale basis functions described on a coarse grid. This problem arises in many applications where processes occur on surfaces or thin layers. We present a unified multiscale finite element framework that entails the use of transformations that map the reference surface to the deformed surface. The main ingredients of MsFEM are (1) the construction of multiscale basis functions and (2) a global coupling of these basis functions. For the construction of multiscale basis functions, our approach uses the transformation of the reference surface to a deformed surface. On the deformed surface, multiscale basis functions are defined where reduced (1D) problems are solved along the edges of coarse-grid blocks to calculate nodal multiscale basis functions. Furthermore, these basis functions are transformed back to the reference configuration. We discuss the use of appropriate transformation operators that improve the accuracy of the method. The method has an optimal convergence if the transformed surface is smooth and the image of the coarse partition in the reference configuration forms a quasiuniform partition. In this paper, we consider such transformations based on harmonic coordinates (following H. Owhadi and L. Zhang [Comm. Pure and Applied Math., LX(2007), pp. 675-723]) and discuss gridding issues in the reference configuration. Numerical results are presented where we compare the MsFEM when two types of deformations are used for multiscale basis construction. The first deformation employs local information and the second deformation employs a global information. Our numerical results show that one can improve the accuracy of the simulations when a global information is used.
Novos mundos para o mundo: perspetivas multiculturais na literatura infantil e juvenil
Authors: Balça Ângela
Published: April 2013

Sendo Portugal um país com uma longa história de relação com outras gentes e outras culturas, pretendemos dar conta de textos que nos mostrem, não só a formacomo Portugal se relaciona com estes povos, mas também o modo como o Outroolha para nós. Como é que outros povos nos perspetivam? Que imagem têm de nóse transmitem às gerações mais novas? Como interpretam os mesmos eventos e osmesmos factos? De que ponto de vista se colocam? Para tentarmos responder a estasquestões, iremos socorrer-nos de textos de potencial receção infantil e juvenil, vindosa lume no Brasil, mas que se centram num episódio histórico comum aos dois países– a chegada e a estadia da família real portuguesa ao Brasil. Dar a conhecer estestextos é o primeiro objetivo deste ensaio; compreender como o Outro olha para nóse nos perspetiva, levando-nos a questionar o nosso etnocentrismo configura-se comoum outro objetivo. Na escrita deste ensaio, seguimos uma metodologia comparativa,comparando os dois textos, bem como efetuámos uma análise sobre os paratextos, aintriga e as personagens das obras. Como resultados mais relevantes, ressaltamos anecessidade de os mediadores de leitura contribuírem para a redescoberta não só desteperíodo histórico mas também da figura do monarca D. João VI.
Poesia na infância e formação de leitores
Authors: Azevedo Fernando , Melo Isabel Souto e
Published: April 2013

Este artigo apresenta um conjunto de estratégias para ler e apreciar a poesia em contexto escolar, particularmente nos primeiros anos da escolaridade. A poesia é concebida como um tipo de texto onde a elevada concentração sígnica e a multivalência semântica, expandidas pela plurissignificação da conjugação dos elementos do conteúdo com os da expressão, possibilita, ao leitor, o contato emocional e afetivo com o estado de coisas do mundo empírico e histórico-factual, sugerindo percursos hermenêuticos plurais para o seu acesso, conhecimento e reflexão. Assume-se, ao longo do texto, que a fruição do texto poético constitui uma mais-valia na criação de hábitos leitores, aspeto crucial para a formação de leitores capazes de ler voluntariamente em quantidade e em qualidade.
As vozes das margens na literatura de recepção infantil e juvenil: reflexões sobre a produção de Georgina Martins
Authors: Debus Eliane Santana Dias
Published: April 2013

A literatura de recepção infantil e juvenil não tem por tradição levantar em suaconstrução temas polêmicos como desigualdade social, homossexualidade epreconceito racial. Problematizar esses temas, por certo, exige um “lidar” com umalinguagem que leve em conta esses interlocutores. Este artigo apresenta a leitura detrês livros de Georgina Martins: O menino que não se chamava João e a menina que nãose chamava Maria (1999), No olho da rua: historinhas quase tristes (2004) e Uma maréde desejos (2005), trazendo à tona reflexões sobre um fazer literário que apresenta,de forma sensível, ao leitor as “vozes das margens” (Hall, 2006), sem maquiar asagruras e mazelas das desigualdades sociais em que vivem as personagens criançasdessas narrativas. A aproximação com narrativas que fujam do repertório cristalizadopara o público infantil contribuem para a formação de leitores mais comprometidose sensíveis com o Outro.
Occupational Therapy Interventions to Improve the Reading Ability of Older Adults With Low Vision: A Systematic Review
Authors: Smallfield Stacy , Clem Kari , Myers Ashley
Published: April 2013

This systematic review of the literature examined available evidence regarding the effectiveness of occupational therapy interventions for improving the reading performance of older adults with low vision. We reviewed 32 studies and found strong evidence supporting low vision programs that included occupational therapy and moderately strong evidence supporting the use of electronic magnification. Moderate evidence supported the influence of illumination on reading ability. Limited evidence was found to support eccentric viewing training and optical magnification. More evidence of higher quality is needed to validate the effectiveness of optical magnifiers, text eccentric viewing, characteristic preferences, and line guides within optical magnification. Additionally, further research is needed to develop a standard low vision rehabilitation program. The results of this review support the need for occupational therapy to be included in low vision rehabilitation. The implications of the findings for occupational therapy practice, research, and education are discussed.
Systematic Reviews Informing Occupational Therapy
Authors: Bennett Sally , Hoffmann Tammy , McCluskey Annie , Coghlan Nicole , Tooth Leigh
Published: April 2013

OBJECTIVE. We sought to identify and describe the number, topics, and publishing trends of systematic reviews relevant to occupational therapy indexed in the OTseeker database.

METHOD. We performed a cross-sectional survey of the systematic reviews contained in OTseeker in December 2011.

RESULTS. Of the 1,940 systematic reviews indexed in OTseeker, only 53 (2.7%) were published in occupational therapy journals. The most common diagnostic categories were stroke (n = 195, 10.1%) and affective disorders (n = 204, 10.5%). The most common intervention categories were consumer education (n = 644, 33.2%) and psychosocial techniques (n = 571, 29.4%). Only 390 (20.1%) of the 1,940 systematic reviews specifically involved occupational therapy.

CONCLUSION. Occupational therapists need to search broadly to locate relevant systematic reviews or, alternatively, to use databases such as OTseeker. Clarity about the involvement of occupational therapy in reports of future research will improve the ability to identify occupational therapy research for all stakeholders. Finally, occupational therapy practitioners need to read systematic reviews critically to determine whether review conclusions are justified.
Norm Scores of the Box and Block Test for Children Ages 3–10 Years
Authors: Jongbloed-Pereboom Marjolein , Nijhuis-van der Sanden Maria W. G. , Steenbergen Bert
Published: April 2013

This study provides new norm scores for the Box and Block Test for gross manual dexterity in children ages 3–10 yr. Two hundred fifteen Dutch children performed the Box and Block Test separately with each hand. We found an age effect for the scores; older children obtained higher scores than younger children. Concurrent validity was assessed by means of comparison with the manual dexterity subtests of the Movement Assessment Battery for Children–2; correlations were significant. Intraclass correlation coefficients for test–retest and interrater reliability measures were .85 and .99, respectively. The Box and Block Test is an easy, feasible, valid, and reliable measurement for gross manual dexterity in young children. The obtained norms can be used in clinical settings to compare the gross manual dexterity of atypically developing children with that of age-related peers and to evaluate efficacy of interventions. A larger international reference population is needed to increase generalizability.
Ensuring That Education, Certification, and Practice Are Evidence Based
Authors: Fleming-Castaldy Rita P. , Gillen Glen
Published: April 2013

The occupational therapy profession has put forth a vision for evidence-based practice. Although many practitioners express a commitment to the provision of services informed by evidence, the reality that tradition still determines much of our education, certification, and practice cannot be ignored. In this article, we highlight the disconnect between the profession’s aspirations and actual practices using neurophysiological models as an example. We describe actions to actualize the shift from traditional interventions to evidence-based approaches. We challenge readers to become agents of change and facilitate a culture shift to a profession informed by evidence. It is our hope that this article will provoke critical discourse among educators, practitioners, authors, and editors about why a reluctance to let go of unsubstantiated traditions and a hesitancy to embrace scientific evidence exist. A shift to providing evidence-based occupational therapy will enable us to meet the objectives of the Centennial Vision.
Detecting Differences in Activities of Daily Living Between Children With and Without Mild Disabilities
Authors: Gantschnig Brigitte E. , Page Julie , Nilsson Ingeborg , Fisher Anne G.
Published: April 2013

OBJECTIVE. We evaluated whether the Assessment of Motor and Process Skills (AMPS) measures are valid for detecting differences in activities of daily living (ADL) ability among children with and without mild disabilities.

METHOD. Retrospective data from the AMPS database were analyzed using many-facet Rasch analyses and forced regression analyses to evaluate for significant group differences.

RESULTS. Regression analyses of data for 10,998 children ages 4–15 who met the inclusion criteria revealed significant Age × Group interaction effects (B ≥ 0.23, T ≥ 6.20, p ≤ .001). Post hoc t tests revealed significant group differences in ADL ability at all ages beyond age 4. ADL process ability effect sizes were moderate to large at all ages, and ADL motor ability was mostly moderate to large at ages 6 or older.

CONCLUSION. These findings support the validity of the AMPS measures when used to identify ADL problems among children with mild disabilities.
Methodology for the Systematic Reviews on Occupational Therapy Interventions for Older Adults With Low Vision
Authors: Arbesman Marian , Lieberman Deborah , Berlanstein Debra R.
Published: April 2013

Systematic reviews of the literature relevant to older adults with low vision are important to the practice of occupational therapy. This article describes the four questions that served as the focus for the systematic reviews of the effectiveness of occupational therapy interventions for older adults with low vision. We describe the background for the reviews; the process followed for each question, including search terms and search strategy; the databases searched; and the methods used to summarize and critically appraise the literature. In addition, we present the final number of articles included in each systematic review; a summary of the results, strengths, and limitations of the findings; and implications for practice, education, and research.
Polarization, Growth and Social Policy in the Case of Israel, 1997–2008
Authors: García-Fernández Rosa María , Gottlieb Daniel , Palacios-González Federico
Published: April 2013

In this paper we study income polarization by first comparing the efficiency of two statistical models to identify the number of poles in the income distribution empirically. The statistical models used are a multi-resolution analysis (MRA) and a log-normal approach (LNA). We then apply the methodology to Israeli income data over the years 1997−2008 in order to empirically detect the number of income classes as sub-populations of incomes concentrated around an optimally determined number of poles. After that we compute polarization using a multiplicative normalized polarization measure, developed by Palacios-González and García- Fernández (An Intra-Group Variance Based Polarization Measure, 2010), which consists of three interacting components based on well-known axioms of Esteban and Ray (Extensions of a Measure of Polarization OCDE Countries, 1994). Finally we study the causes of the obtained polarization results in a multinomial logit analysis.
The physical and chemical characteristics of marine primary organic aerosol: a review
Authors: Gantt B. , Meskhidze N.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. Knowledge of the physical characteristics and chemical composition of marine organic aerosols is needed for the quantification of their effects on solar radiation transfer and cloud processes. This review examines research pertinent to the chemical composition, size distribution, mixing state, emission mechanism, photochemical oxidation and climatic impact of marine primary organic aerosol (POA) associated with sea-spray. Numerous measurements have shown that both the ambient mass concentration of marine POA and size-resolved organic mass fraction of sea-spray aerosol are related to surface ocean biological activity. Recent studies have also indicated that fine mode (smaller than 200 nm in diameter) marine POA can have a size distribution independent from sea-salt, while coarse mode aerosols (larger than 1000 nm in diameter) are more likely to be internally mixed with sea-salt. Modelling studies have estimated global submicron marine POA emission rates of ~10 ± 5 Tg yr−1, with a considerable fraction of these emissions occurring over regions most susceptible to aerosol perturbations. Climate studies have found that marine POA can cause large local increases in the cloud condensation nuclei concentration and have a non-negligible influence on model assessments of the anthropogenic aerosol forcing of climate. Despite these signs of climate-relevance, the source strength, chemical composition, mixing state, hygroscopicity, cloud droplet activation potential, atmospheric aging and removal of marine POA remain poorly quantified. Additional laboratory, field, and modelling studies focused on the chemistry, size distribution and mixing state of marine POA are needed to better understand and quantify their importance.
Black carbon concentration and deposition estimations in Finland by the regional aerosol–climate model REMO-HAM
Authors: Hienola A. I. , Pietikäinen J.-P. , Jacob D. , Pozdun R. , Petäjä T. , Hyvärinen A.-P. , Sogacheva L. , Kerminen V.-M. , Kulmala M. , Laaksonen A.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. The prediction skill of the regional aerosol–climate model REMO-HAM was assessed against the black carbon (BC) concentration measurements from five locations in Finland, with focus on Hyytiälä station for the year 2005. We examined to what extent the model is able to reproduce the measurements using several statistical tools: median comparison, overlap coefficient (OVL; the common area under two probability distributions curves) and Z score (a measure of standard deviation, shape and spread of the distributions). The results of the statistics showed that the model is biased low. The local and regional emissions of BC have a significant contribution, and the model tendency to flatten the observed BC is most likely dominated by the lack of domestic burning of biofuel in the emission inventories. A further examination of the precipitation data from both measurements and model showed that there is no correlation between REMO's excessive precipitation and BC underestimation. This suggests that the excessive wet removal is not the main cause of the low black carbon concentration output. In addition, a comparison of wind directions in relation with high black carbon concentrations shows that REMO-HAM is able to predict the BC source directions relatively well. Cumulative black carbon deposition fluxes over Finland were estimated, including the deposition on snow.
Evaluation of ACCMIP outgoing longwave radiation from tropospheric ozone using TES satellite observations
Authors: Bowman K. W. , Shindell D. T. , Worden H. M. , Lamarque J.F. , Young P. J. , Stevenson D. S. , Qu Z. , de la Torre M. , Bergmann D. , Cameron-Smith P. J. , Collins W. J. , Doherty R. , Dalsøren S. B. , Faluvegi G. , Folberth G. , Horowitz L. W. , Josse B. M. , Lee Y. H. , MacKenzie I. A. , Myhre G. , Nagashima T. , Naik V. , Plummer D. A. , Rumbold S. T. , Skeie R. B. , Strode S. A. , Sudo K. , Szopa S. , Voulgarakis A. , Zeng G. , Kulawik S. S. , Aghedo A. M. , Worden J. R.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. We use simultaneous observations of tropospheric ozone and outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) sensitivity to tropospheric ozone from the Tropospheric Emission Spectrometer (TES) to evaluate model tropospheric ozone and its effect on OLR simulated by a suite of chemistry-climate models that participated in the Atmospheric Chemistry and Climate Model Intercomparison Project (ACCMIP). The ensemble mean of ACCMIP models show a persistent but modest tropospheric ozone low bias (5–20 ppb) in the Southern Hemisphere (SH) and modest high bias (5–10 ppb) in the Northern Hemisphere (NH) relative to TES ozone for 2005–2010. These ozone biases have a significant impact on the OLR. Using TES instantaneous radiative kernels (IRK), we show that the ACCMIP ensemble mean tropospheric ozone low bias leads up to 120 mW m−2 OLR high bias locally but zonally compensating errors reduce the global OLR high bias to 39 ± 41 m Wm−2 relative to TES data. We show that there is a correlation (R2 = 0.59) between the magnitude of the ACCMIP OLR bias and the deviation of the ACCMIP preindustrial to present day (1750–2010) ozone radiative forcing (RF) from the ensemble ozone RF mean. However, this correlation is driven primarily by models whose absolute OLR bias from tropospheric ozone exceeds 100 m Wm−2. Removing these models leads to a mean ozone radiative forcing of 394 ± 42 m Wm−2. The mean is about the same and the standard deviation is about 30% lower than an ensemble ozone RF of 384 ± 60 m Wm−2 derived from 14 of the 16 ACCMIP models reported in a companion ACCMIP study. These results point towards a profitable direction of combining satellite observations and chemistry-climate model simulations to reduce uncertainty in ozone radiative forcing.
The MACC reanalysis: an 8 yr data set of atmospheric composition
Authors: Inness A. , Baier F. , Benedetti A. , Bouarar I. , Chabrillat S. , Clark H. , Clerbaux C. , Coheur P. , Engelen R. J. , Errera Q. , Flemming J. , George M. , Granier C. , Hadji-Lazaro J. , Huijnen V. , Hurtmans D. , Jones L. , Kaiser J. W. , Kapsomenakis J. , Lefever K. , Leitão J. , Razinger M. , Richter A. , Schultz M. G. , Simmons A. J. , Suttie M. , Stein O. , Thépaut J.-N. , Thouret V. , Vrekoussis M. , Zerefos C. ,   the MACC team
Published: April 2013

Abstract. An eight-year long reanalysis of atmospheric composition data covering the period 2003–2010 was constructed as part of the FP7-funded Monitoring Atmospheric Composition and Climate project by assimilating satellite data into a global model and data assimilation system. This reanalysis provides fields of chemically reactive gases, namely carbon monoxide, ozone, nitrogen oxides, and formaldehyde, as well as aerosols and greenhouse gases globally at a horizontal resolution of about 80 km for both the troposphere and the stratosphere. This paper describes the assimilation system for the reactive gases and presents validation results for the reactive gas analysis fields to document the data set and to give a first indication of its quality. Tropospheric CO values from the MACC reanalysis are on average 10–20% lower than routine observations from commercial aircrafts over airports through most of the troposphere, and have larger negative biases in the boundary layer at urban sites affected by air pollution, possibly due to an underestimation of CO or precursor emissions. Stratospheric ozone fields from the MACC reanalysis agree with ozonesondes and ACE-FTS data to within ±10% in most seasons and regions. In the troposphere the reanalysis shows biases of −5% to +10% with respect to ozonesondes and aircraft data in the extratropics, but has larger negative biases in the tropics. Area-averaged total column ozone agrees with ozone fields from a multi-sensor reanalysis data set to within a few percent. NO2 fields from the reanalysis show the right seasonality over polluted urban areas of the NH and over tropical biomass burning areas, but underestimate wintertime NO2 maxima over anthropogenic pollution regions and overestimate NO2 in northern and southern Africa during the tropical biomass burning seasons. Tropospheric HCHO is well simulated in the MACC reanalysis even though no satellite data are assimilated. It shows good agreement with independent SCIAMACHY retrievals over regions dominated by biogenic emissions with some anthropogenic input, such as the eastern US and China, and also over African regions influenced by biogenic sources and biomass burning.
Phenomenology of convection-parameterization closure
Authors: Yano J.-I. , Bister M. , Fuchs Ž. , Gerard L. , Phillips V. T. J. , Barkidija S. , Piriou J.-M.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. Closure is a problem of defining the convective intensity in a given parameterization. In spite of many years of efforts and progress, it is still considered an overall unresolved problem. The present article reviews this problem from phenomenological perspectives. The physical variables that may contribute in defining the convective intensity are listed, and their statistical significances identified by observational data analyses are reviewed. A possibility is discussed for identifying a correct closure hypothesis by performing a linear stability analysis of tropical convectively coupled waves with various different closure hypotheses. Various individual theoretical issues are considered from various different perspectives. The review also emphasizes that the dominant physical factors controlling convection differ between the tropics and extra-tropics, as well as between oceanic and land areas. Both observational as well as theoretical analyses, often focused on the tropics, do not necessarily lead to conclusions consistent with our operational experiences focused on midlatitudes. Though we emphasize the importance of the interplays between these observational, theoretical and operational perspectives, we also face challenges for establishing a solid research framework that is universally applicable. An energy cycle framework is suggested as such a candidate.
Exceptional emissions of NH3 and HCOOH in the 2010 Russian wildfires
Authors: R'Honi Y. , Clarisse L. , Clerbaux C. , Hurtmans D. , Duflot V. , Turquety S. , Ngadi Y. , Coheur P.-F.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. In July 2010, several hundred forest and peat fires broke out across central Russia during its hottest summer on record. Here, we analyze these wildfires using observations of the Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI). Carbon monoxide (CO), ammonia (NH3) and formic acid (HCOOH) total columns are presented for the year 2010. Maximum total columns were found to be one order (for CO and HCOOH) and two orders (for NH3) of magnitude larger than typical background values. The temporal evolution of NH3 and HCOOH enhancement ratios relative to CO are presented. Evidence of secondary formation of HCOOH is found, with enhancement ratios exceeding reported emission ratios in fresh plumes. We estimate the total emitted masses for the period July–August 2010 over the center of western Russia; they are 19–33 Tg (CO), 0.7–2.6 Tg (NH3) and 0.9–3.9 Tg (HCOOH). For NH3 and HCOOH, these quantities are comparable to what is emitted in the course of a whole year by all extratropical forest fires.
Investigation of the "Elevated Heat Pump" hypothesis of the Asian monsoon using satellite observations
Authors: Wonsick M. M. , Pinker R. T. , Ma Y.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. In recent years, the "Elevated Heat Pump" (EHP) hypothesis has been a topic of intensive research and controversy. It postulates that aerosol-induced anomalous mid- and upper-tropospheric warming above the Tibetan Plateau leads to an early onset and intensification of Asian monsoon rainfall. The finding is primarily based on results from a NASA Finite-Volume General Circulation Model run with and without radiative forcing from different types of aerosols. In particular, black carbon emissions from sources in Northern India and dust from Western China, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Southwest Asia affected the modeled anomalous heating. Since the initial discussion of the EHP hypothesis in 2006, the aerosol-monsoon relationship has been addressed using various modeling and observational techniques. The current study takes an observational approach to detect signatures of the "Elevated Heat Pump" effect in the cloud cover and cloud type distributions as derived from Meteosat-5 observations over the Asian Monsoon region, supplemented with temperature data from the NCEP/NCAR Reanalysis and precipitation data from the Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP). Cloud, convection, precipitation, and temperature features for the highest-aerosol years are compared with lower-aerosol content years during the period 2000–2005. Predicted precipitation features in China and Korea are found to be consistent with the hypothesis, but the early onset and intensification of monsoon rainfall over India are not observed. It is proposed that model inaccuracies and/or indirect aerosol effects caused the disagreement between observed and hypothesized behavior.