bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of hospitalisation on children: A review
Authors: Bonn M.
Published: May 2014

The aim of this article is to present a selective review of the research on children’s psychological responses to hospitalisation. Children vary in their capacities to cope with the stress of hospitalisation. A significant proportion of them, however, suffer from some degree of emotional disturbance due to the experience. Prolonged and repeated hospitalisation increases the chance of later problems. The separation of the child from familiar figures during admission may be the cause of some of the emotional upset. Younger children, especially those between the ages of 6 months and 4 years are most vulnerable. Individual factors such as the children’s temperament and intelligence contribute to their style of coping and thus may influence both the short term and long term effects of hospitalisation. Children who take an active coping role are more cooperative with hospital staff and show less disturbance after discharge. The preparation of children for the experience of hospitalisation has proven to be very effective in reducing their emotional distress during admission.
Primary health care rendered from mobile units: Can computers help?
Authors: McDonald T. , Chapman R. D. , MacKenzie J.
Published: May 2014

The object of survey was to assess which aspects of the nurses’ work in mobile clinics could be computerised with a beneficial effect on the quality of work. This paper is an analysis of how much time the nursing staff spent on various tasks. The results show that nurses are satisfied with their work, even in the face of difficult working conditions and a high workload. It was also found that computer and communications technology can promote greater efficiency in activities that represent 35% of a nurse's time.
Uitdaging vir volwassene didaktiek: Begeleide selfstudie die oplossing?
Authors: Klopper H.
Published: May 2014

The current teaching approach in nursing is mainly tutor-centred: during a formal lecture the tutor provides the facts, the student stays a passive listener and has to memorize facts for reproduction during evaluation. In this paper the argument is focused on a student-centred approach that implies selfstudy with accompaniment when needed. The rationale for this approach is to develop a academic-scientific student, as it is impossible to provide all the information to learners in this technological dispensation. The student is expected to remain a lifelong learner ... "A student cannot claim to have been educated successfully at university or college unless he has learned to study independently".
Participative management in health care services
Authors: Muller M.
Published: May 2014

The need and demand for the highest-quality management of all health care delivery activities requires a participative management approach. The purpose with this article is to explore the process of participative management, to generate and describe a model for such management, focusing mainly on the process of participative management, and to formulate guidelines for operationalisation of the procedure. An exploratory, descriptive and theory-generating research design is pursued. After a brief literature review, inductive reasoning is mainly employed to identify and define central concepts, followed by the formulation of a few applicable statements and guidelines. Participative management is viewed as a process of that constitutes the elements of dynamic interactive decision-making and problem-solving, shared governance, empowerment, organisational transformation, and dynamic communication within the health care organisation. The scientific method of assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation is utilised throughout the process of participative management.
’n Personeelontwikkelingsmodel vir psigiatriese verpleegkundiges
Authors: Koen D. , Muller M. , Poggenpoel M.
Published: May 2014

The nursing service manager is accountable for the quality of nursing care delivered in the nursing service. It is therefore important that the nursing service manager facilitates staff development in the nursing service. It is not only the nursing service manager's responsibility to make provision for staff development - the nurse also has a responsibility in this regard. He/she should purposefully make an effort to keep up to date with the latest developments. This article focuses on the co-responsibility of the psychiatric nurse and nursing semce manager regarding staff development. A model for staff development is described, in accordance with the guidelines of Dickoff, James & Wiedenbach for theory development. An inductive approach was primarily followed to describe the provisional model, after which a literature study was employed to refine and purify the model. This model was exposed to expert evaluation, after which the final model for staff development of psychiatric nurses was described. Recommendations include the testing of certain hypotheses and utilisation of this model in psychiatric nursing practice.
The attitude of nurses towards the care of elderly people
Authors: Gwala J. N. , Zungu B. M. , Ntombela B. B.
Published: May 2014

The number of nurses entering the nursing profession is decreasing, but demands placed upon the Health Services are increasing primarily due to the increasing number of people in our society. People are living longer and it is apparent that some extra provision must be made to care effectively for the elderly members of our society. Various studies have shown that care of the elderly is an unpopular clinical field for nurses. (Shape, 1986. Notter, 1992. Vickels 1982).
An investigation of compliance in Type II diabetic patients attending clinic at Church of Scotland Hospital
Authors: Khoza S. R. , Kortenbout W.
Published: May 2014

Thirty Type 11 diabetic patients attending a clinic at a rural hospital were interviewed, using structured interviews and clinic records. The patients' clinic cards were also used to obtain the required information. The study was conducted to identify the factors that lead to non compliance with the recommended treatment regimen, to establish whether diabetic patients are able to keep appointments and to identify factors that influence patients from keeping appointments. Factors that led to non compliance were financial problems and forgetfulness.
Developing nurses’ moral reasoning skills
Authors: Kyriacos U.
Published: May 2014

Analysis of data from a Nursing Dilemma Test administered to 69 registered nurses employed at the Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town revealed a pattern of principled thinking in the groups with 5 to 9, 20 to 24, 25 to 29 and 30 to 34 years of clinical experience, whereas the group with the least clinical experience (0 to 4 years) showed no distinguishable pattern of thinking stages in moral judgement development.
Including transcultural nursing content in the curriculum – Part 2
Authors: De Villiers L. , Van der Wal D.
Published: May 2014

Transcultural nursing should be included in the curricula of the basic nursing courses. In this article, the transcultural nursing curriculum content that could be included, is discussed. To ensure a comprehensive approach to this field, a basic course in socio-cultural anthropology should be followed by transcultural nursing study units at strategic points in the curriculum.
Accessibility of professional health care (PRHC) in greater Bloemfontein
Authors: Van Vuuren S. J. E. J. , De Klerk G. W.
Published: May 2014

The health of citizens is usually a priority in any society. In order to prevent/cure disease, people make use of various forms of care, ranging from lay care to professional health care (PRHC). Professional health care, however, is not equally accessible to all members of a society. This article attempts to indicate how factors such as costs, distance, consultation hours, attitude of medical personnel can result in PRHC being less accessible for some members and totally inaccessible for other members of a society. It is imperative that health care planners should once again review this issue in order to ensure that all South Africans are able to exercise their basic right to health care.
Dimensies van leierskapsbeoefening deur verpleegdiensbestuurders
Authors: Nel A. , Muller M. , Poggenpoel M.
Published: May 2014

Leadership development is an important component of the nursing service manager’s personal and professional development. Competent leadership is required to lead the nursing service in the right direction within the context of dynamic political and social changes. Various internal and external environmental variables have a significant influence on leadership behaviour and practice. The purpose with this study is to explore and describe the characteristics or dimensions of leadership excellence by the nursing service manager. An exporatory and descriptive research design was followed and data collection was done by means of focus group interviews. The results do not show a significant difference between the knowledge already generated by research, or described in the literature, but is utilised as the basis of leadership development of nursing service managers. A leadership development programme for nursing service managers, based on the results of this study, is recommended.
Focus group interview as a data gathering tool: Its application to nurses' understanding of HIV infection and AIDS
Authors: Chamane N. J. , Kortenbout W.
Published: May 2014

The focus group interview (FCI) is a research method not commonly used by nurses. It is an effective method if qualitative data are needed and may be used independently to get indepth information, but also can be used in conjunction with tools such as questionnaires, to elicit information that could not be gathered otherwise. For the FGI to be applied correctly the researcher must be well versed with its contents, and ensure that the primary reason for using such a method is solely to collect data. Other reasons like decision-making or reaching a consensus would not be appropriate.
An investigation into the attitude of professional nurses towards euthanasia
Authors: Kunene S. S. , Zungu B. M.
Published: May 2014

The purpose of the study was to identify professional nurses attitudes towards euthanasia. A descriptive study of the attitudes of professional nurses towards euthanasia was undertaken. The data collecting instrument was a questionnaire, which was self-administered to 26 professional nurses working in different wards.
Nurses in action: An introduction to action research in nursing
Authors: McKibbin E. C. , Castle P. J.
Published: May 2014

Action Research is one of the new generation of qualitative research methods in the social sciences which has special significance for nurses in South Africa. The collaborative, participative and reflective qualities of Action Research appeal to practitioners, and lend themselves to joint problem solving activities in local contexts. This paper sets out a rationale for Action Research, then describes its features, strengths, and limitations. Ways of overcoming the latter are suggested. The paper concludes that Action Research has potential application in the field of nursing, not only for the purposes of practical problem solving, but also for improving the personal and professional practice of nurses, and for emancipating nurses from their subordinate position in the hierarchy of health science.
Adapt or die?
Authors: Visser S. S. , Nel A. H.
Published: May 2014

The worldwide economic recession and the concomitant limited stock of finances have had an influence on the available money of every household and have also inhibited the improvement of socio-economic conditions and medicine. The Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) has the objective of improving the living conditions of the people with regard to housing, education, training and health care. The latter seems to be a major problem which has to be addressed with the emphasis on the preventive and promotional aspects of health care. A comprehensive health care system did not come into being properly in the past because of the maldistribution of health care services, personnel and differences in culture and health care beliefs and values. The question that now arises, is how to render a quality health care service within the constraints of inadequate financing and resources. A comprehensive literature study has been done with reference to quality health care and financing followed by a survey of existing health services and finances.
Die fasilitering van respek vir regte en verantwoordelikhede van mense by die studentverpleegkundige
Authors: Du Toit H. , Botes A.
Published: May 2014

Events such as strikes by nurses presently focus the attention on human rights in health care. During the four year training of the student nurse leading to registration the tutor should facilitate the development of respect for rights and responsibilities of people. The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which respect for rights and responsibilities of people are facilitated with the student nurse, as well as to set guidelines for facilitating respect for rights and responsibilities in nursing education practice.
The attitudes of nurses towards mentally ill people in a general hospital setting in Durban
Authors: Mavundla T. R. , Uys L. R.
Published: May 2014

A quantitative survey was undertaken to determine the attitudes of nurses towards mentally ill people at King Edward VIII Hospital, large academic hospital in Durban. Data were collected by a questionnaire intended to measure attitudes according to cognitive, affective and behavioral components in a sample of 100 black nurses. The results of this study were analyzed through a statistical software package, the statgraphic version 5.
Die mate van bevoegdheid van nuut-gekwalifiseerde verpleegkundiges na voltooiing van die 4-Jaar Diploma Kursus
Authors: Blauwol H. S. , Brown V. , Hewett D. E. , Kotze W.
Published: May 2014

The purpose of this study was to determine the competency of newly qualified nurses practitioners in a curative setting after completion of the 4 Year Diploma Course at Otto du Plessis Nursing College. The respondents evaluated their skills and abilities by completing a questionnaire which was developed by the research committee after consultation with the services. The need to assess competency comes from the desire to have a relevant curriculum enabling the newly qualified nurse to practice in a variety of heath settings at all levels of care. The degree of competency related to practice in a curative setting was selected for particular attention because most newly qualified nurses in the target group were still employed in a curative milieu.
‘n Program om gehalte-werklewe van psigiatriese verpleegkundiges te bevorder
Authors: Schoonwinkel B. , Muller M. , Klopper H.
Published: May 2014

The aim of this study was to describe guidelines for a personal and professional development programme to facilitate the quality of work-life experienced by psychiatric nurses in a hospital. An explorative and descriptive research design with a qualitative research orientation was employed. The study was divided into three phases. In phase one the needs, desires and expectations of psychiatric nursing in a hospital nursing service were explored and described. In phase two the factors in a nursing service which influence the quality work-life of nurses, were explored and described Consequently, the last phase of the study was conducted, being inferrred from data of phases one and two which lead to the conceptual framework upon which the guidelines and programme are based. A personal and professional development programme for psychiatric nurses to facilitate quality of work-life experienced, consisting of three parts, was described to enclose aspects of the psychiatric nurse’s internal and external environments, as well as patterns of interaction between the internal and external environments.
Backstreet abortion: Women’s experiences
Authors: Makorah F. , Wood K. , Jewkes R.
Published: May 2014

This was a descriptive study aimed at exploring the personal experiences of women who induce abortion and the circumstances surrounding induced abortion. The study was conducted in six public hospitals in four different provinces: Baragwanath (Gauteng), Groote Schuur and Tygerberg (Western Cape), King Edward and R.K. Khan (Kwa-Zulu/Natal) and Livingstone (Eastern Cape). In-depth interviews were conducted with 25 African, Indian and Coloured women admitted to the hospitals following backstreet abortions. The study gave women the opportunity to "speak for themselves" about "why" and "how" and the context in which the unscfe induced abortions occurred
“To know or not to know”: Service-related barriers to Voiuntary HIV Counseling and Testing (VCT) in South Africa
Authors: Van Dyk A. C. , Van Dyk P. J.
Published: May 2014

Voluntary HIV Counselling and Testing (VCT) is still in its infancy in South Africa, and although the necessary infrastructure in terms of clinics and hospitals exists, a VCT culture is not yet established in the country. The purpose of this study was to determine the needs, attitudes and beliefs of a sample of South Africans towards VCT, and to investigate possible barriers affecting participation in VCT programs in South Africa. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to survey the views of 1422 people. Results indicate that while subjects were not opposed to VCT in principle, 33% would go to clinics where nobody would know them. The following problems with VCT services were mentioned: Logistical problems (not enough counsellors, long lines, lack of privacy); no trust in the health care system or fearing a breach of confidentiality; fear of rejection; and a lack of follow-up support after diagnosis. Suggestions are made on how to improve VCT services in South Africa.
’n Vergelyking van verskillende metodes om swangerskapstadiums te bepaal
Authors: Janse van Rensburg Y. , Botha D. , Nel R. , Fichardt A.
Published: May 2014

A group of 208 antenatal women at a primary health care clinic in Bloemfontein was selected for the study. Fundal height was determined by measuring the height of the fundus as well as using the uterine fundus height in relation to weeks method. The above-mentioned methods were compared with a sonar date to determine whether a specific method is more accurate in a specific stage of pregnancy. It seems as if measuring of the height of the fundus is more accurate in the second trimester. In the third trimester of pregnancy a tendency exists for both the uterine fundus height in relation to weeks method and measuring of the height of the fundus to be accurate until the 36th week of pregnancy. After the 36th week of pregnancy the uterine fundus height in relation to weeks method seems to be more accurate.
The views of nurses regarding caring in the workplace
Authors: Minnaar A.
Published: May 2014

This survey describes caring in the workplace in selected health services and is part of a greater study conducted in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. This study describes the views of nurse managers and nurses regarding caring in the workplace. Human competence, recovery and healing are central to caring. To ensure caring and healing of patients in health services it is of the utmost importance for nurse managers to ensure a healthy and caring environment in the management of nurses. When caring is present in the workplace, nurses are more able to render caring nursing practices in the patient care environment. It is clear that to become a caring person, one must be treated in a caring way and that caring may be impaired or reinforced by the environment. The environment of interest to this study was the environment in which nurses practise. A descriptive survey with a convenience sampling explored caring in the workplace of nurses. The questionnaire was divided into two sections. Section A comprised demographic information and in section B the questionnaire consisted of Likert type questions, open-ended questions and yes/no questions. Analysis included descriptive statistics.
The effect of misapplied religious practices in some alternative religious groups
Authors: Pretorius Stephan P.
Published: May 2014

The positive impact that religion generally has on human beings has been suggested by different studies. However, it cannot be assumed that religion always contributes to the well-being of believers. Religious systems can be misused, resulting in people being spiritually and even physically hurt and harmed. This study investigates certain aspects of some alternative religious group in order to determine the impact it has on the well-being of the members of these groups. It was found that people are drawn to these groups because of the challenges they present, the display of true love amongst members and the ‘message’ of an authoritative charismatic leader that resonates with them and convinces them to become part. As time pass, members were challenged with questionable aspects that appear in the activities and teaching of these groups. Obtaining clarity on these concerns was strongly discouraged by the culture and other members of the group, resulting in members suppressing doubts and emotions. Adherence to the tenets of the group then occurred as a result of peer pressure and out of fear instead of true conviction. The study concludes that most of the respondents in the study reported that their experience in these groups did not contribute to their well-being, and emotionally, they struggled to adapt to society and other religious groups after leaving the group.
Is Drug Use Related to the Choice of Potentially More Harmful Methods in Suicide Attempts?
Authors: Da Silveira Dartiu Xavier , Fidalgo Thiago Marques , Di Pietro Monica , Santos Jair Guilherme , Oliveira Leonardo Q
Published: May 2014

Objective

To identify whether drug abuse is a risk factor for potentially more harmful methods of suicide attempts that could predict suicide completion in the future. Methods: The study involved the assessment of 86 patients who attempted suicide and who were admitted to the emergency ward of a Southwestern Brazilian general hospital. Results: Most patients were women (84.9%), young adults (30.53 ± 10.4 years), and single (61.6%). Recent drug use was reported by 53.5%, and 25.6% reported the use of drugs during the 24-hour period immediately before the suicide attempt. Most patients (75.6%) ingested pills when attempting suicide–-a method considered potentially less harmful. Hanging, jumping, gas inhaling, and wrist cutting accounted for 22.2% of the attempts. Considering dual diagnoses, 54.7% presented with a depressive disorder, 8.1% with a disorder on the impulse control spectrum, and 26.7% reported an associated clinical condition. Recent drug use was predictive of the severity of the suicide attempt, as it was reported by 81% of those who engaged in more harmful attempts and by 46.2% of those who used less harmful methods ( P < 0.01; odds ratio = 4.96; confidence interval: 1.5–16.4). Conclusion: The identified variables associated with the use of potentially more harmful methods in suicide attempts were gender (male), presence of an impulsive control disorder, and recent use of psychoactive drugs.
Management of Post-traumatic Zygomatic Orbital Deformity
Authors: Bhardwaj Yogesh
Published: May 2014

Secondary deformities of orbitozygomatic region present a formidable challenge to surgeon in terms of restoration of form and function. Often times the reasons sited in literature for these deformities are inadequate management or misdiagnosis at the time of initial presentation. However all the patients in our series presented late to us on account of difficult terrain and poor means of transport, at the time of initial presentation only. These patients were provided primary first aid at hospitals near the site of injury and were subsequently referred to our only tertiary care center of maxillofacial surgery often weeks after initial trauma. The average time of presentation ranged from four weeks to sixteen weeks in these patients by which time the fractures had already malunited. We carried out refracturing at malunited fracture sites in fractures four to six weeks old and osteotomy techniques in patients presenting later than six weeks after trauma. In this paper we present our experience of twenty three patients presenting over a period of seven years from 2005 to 2012. All the patients were evaluated clinically and radiographically and subsequently underwent ORIF with titanium bone plates and screws after refracture or osteotomy of the zygomatic orbital deformity. Follow up ranging from seven years to twelve months indicated stable surgical results with good functional and surgical outcome.

How to cite this article

Bhardwaj Y. Management of Posttraumatic Zygomatic Orbital Deformity. J Postgrad Med Edu Res 2014;48(2):81-86.
Management of Severely Displaced Fronto-Zygomatico-Orbital Fracture in a Child
Authors: Shanthanam S , Rai Sachin , Singh Satnam , Gupta Akshat
Published: May 2014

The paper presents a rare case of severely fractured and displaced fronto-zygomatico-orbital fracture in a 4-year-old child. The case was managed with open reduction and internal fixation. The paper highlights the importance of early and multidisciplinary approach to such craniofacial injuries.

How to cite this article

Singh S, Shanthanam S, Gupta A Rai S. Management of Severely Displaced Fronto-Zygomatico-Orbital Fracture in a Child. J Postgrad Med Edu Res 2014; 48(2):103-104.
Retromolar Intubation in Maxillofacial Trauma Patients
Authors: Bhardwaj Neerja , Rattan Vidya , Arora Suman
Published: May 2014

Awareness of availability of retromolar route for intubation amongst anesthetists and surgeons for management of maxillofacial trauma seems to be low. In majority of centers submental route for intubation is a popular technique. The purpose of this article is to increase awareness regarding availability of retromolar route for intubation among the clinicians who take care of patients with maxillofacial trauma.

How to cite this article

Arora S, Bhardwaj N, Rattan V. Retromolar Intubation in Maxillofacial Trauma Patients. J Postgrad Med Edu Res 2014;48(2):109-110.
Effects of aerosols on precipitation in north-eastern North America
Authors: Mashayekhi R. , Sloan J. J.
Published: May 2014

Abstract. The changes in precipitation in north-eastern North America caused by chemistry – and particularly anthropogenic aerosols – are investigated using the Weather Research Forecasting with Chemistry (WRF/Chem v3.2) model. The simulations were carried out for a five-month period from April to August 2009. The model results show that non-negligible changes in both convective and cloud-resolved (non-convective) precipitation are caused by chemistry and/or aerosols over most parts of the domain. The changes can be attributed to both radiative and microphysical interactions with the meteorology. A chemistry-induced change of approximately −15% is found in the five-month mean daily convective precipitation over areas with high convective rain; most of this can be traced to radiative effects. Total convective rain is greater than total non-convective rain in the domain, but a chemistry-induced increase of about 30% is evident in the five-month mean daily non-convective precipitation over the heavily urbanized parts of the Atlantic coast. The effects of aerosols on cloud microphysics and precipitation were examined for two particle size ranges, 0.039–0.1 μm and 1–2.5 μm, representing the nucleation and accumulation modes respectively. Strongly positive spatial correlation between cloud droplet number and non-convective rain are found for activated (cloud-borne) aerosols in both size ranges. Non-activated (interstitial) aerosols have a positive correlation with cloud droplet number and non-convective rain when they are small and an inverse correlation for larger sizes.
Evaluation of aerosol number concentrations in NorESM with improved nucleation parameterization
Authors: Makkonen R. , Seland Ø. , Kirkevåg A. , Iversen T. , Kristjánsson J. E.
Published: May 2014

Abstract. The Norwegian Earth System Model (NorESM) is evaluated against atmospheric observations of aerosol number concentrations. The model is extended to include an explicit mechanism for new particle formation and secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation from biogenic precursors. Three nucleation mechanisms are included in NorESM: binary sulfuric acid, activation type, and organic nucleation. Ten model experiments are conducted to study the sensitivity of the simulated aerosol number concentrations to nucleation, SOA formation, black carbon size distribution and model meteorology. Simulated vertical profiles are evaluated against 12 flight campaigns. Comparison of monthly averaged aerosol number concentrations against 60 measurement sites reveals that the model with explicit nucleation and SOA scheme performs well in terms of correlation coefficient, R2 = 0.41 and a bias of −6%. NorESM generally overestimates the amplitude of the seasonal cycle, possibly due to underestimated sinks or exaggerated sensitivity to biogenic precursors.
Impact of the representation of marine stratocumulus clouds on the anthropogenic aerosol effect
Authors: Neubauer D. , Lohmann U. , Hoose C. , Frontoso M. G.
Published: May 2014

Abstract. Stratocumulus clouds are important for climate by reflecting large amounts of solar radiation back to space. However they are difficult to simulate in global climate models because they form under a sharp inversion and are thin. A comparison of model simulations with the ECHAM6-HAM2 global climate model to observations, reanalysis and literature data revealed too strong turbulent mixing at the top of stratocumulus clouds and a lack of vertical resolution. Further reasons for cloud biases in stratocumulus regions are the too "active" shallow convection scheme, the cloud cover scheme and possibly too low subsidence rates. To address some of these issues and improve the representation of stratocumulus clouds we made three distinct changes to ECHAM6-HAM2. With a "sharp" stability function in the turbulent mixing scheme we have observed, similar to previous studies, increases in stratocumulus cloud cover and liquid water path. With an increased vertical resolution in the lower troposphere in ECHAM6-HAM2 the stratocumulus clouds form higher up in the atmosphere and their vertical extent agrees better with reanalysis data. The recently implemented in-cloud aerosol processing in stratiform clouds is used to improve the aerosol representation in the model. Including the improvements also affects the anthropogenic aerosol effect. In-cloud aerosol processing in ECHAM6-HAM2 leads in the global, annual mean to a decrease of the anthropogenic aerosol effect while using a "sharp" stability function leads to an increase. The results from the simulation with increased vertical resolution are diverse but also the anthropogenic aerosol effect is increased.
The effect of dry and wet deposition of condensable vapors on secondary organic aerosols concentrations over the continental US
Authors: Knote C. , Hodzic A. , Jimenez J. L.
Published: May 2014

Abstract. The effect of dry and wet deposition of semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOC) in the gas-phase on the concentrations of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) is reassessed using recently derived water solubility information. The water solubility of SVOCs was implemented as a function of their volatility distribution within the regional chemistry transport model WRF-Chem, and simulations were carried out over the continental United States for the year 2010. Results show that including dry and wet removal of gas-phase SVOCs reduces annual average surface concentrations of anthropogenic and biogenic SOA by 48% and 63% respectively over the continental US Dry deposition of gas-phase SVOCs is found to be more effective than wet deposition in reducing SOA concentrations (−40% vs. −8% for anthropogenics, −52% vs. −11% for biogenics). Reductions for biogenic SOA are found to be higher due to the higher water solubility of biogenic SVOCs. The majority of the total mass of SVOC + SOA is actually deposited via the gas-phase (61% for anthropogenics, 76% for biogenics). A number of sensitivity studies shows that this is a robust feature of the modeling system. Other models that do not consider dry and wet removal of gas-phase SVOCs would hence overestimate SOA concentrations by roughly 50%. Assumptions about the water solubility of SVOCs made in some current modeling systems (H* = 105 M atm−1; H* = H* (HNO3)) still lead to an overestimation of 25% / 10% compared to our best estimate. A saturation effect is observed for Henry's law constants above 108 M atm−1, suggesting an upper bound of reductions in surface level SOA concentrations by 60% through removal of gas-phase SVOCs. Considering reactivity of gas-phase SVOCs in the dry deposition scheme was found to be negligible. Further sensitivity studies where we reduce the volatility of organic matter show that consideration of gas-phase SVOC removal still reduces average SOA concentrations by 31% on average. We consider this a lower bound for the effect of gas-phase SVOC removal on SOA concentrations.
Climate history of the Southern Hemisphere Westerlies belt during the last glacial-interglacial transition revealed from lake water oxygen isotope reconstruction of Laguna Potrok Aike (52° S, Argentina)
Authors: Zhu J. , Lücke A. , Wissel H. , Mayr C. , Enters D. , Kim K. J. , Ohlendorf C. , Schäbitz F. , Zolitschka B.
Published: May 2014

Abstract. The Southern Hemisphere westerly winds (SHW) play a crucial role in the large-scale ocean circulation and global carbon cycling. Accordingly, the reconstruction of its latitudinal position and intensity is essential for understanding global climatic fluctuations during the last glacial cycle. The southernmost part of the South American continent is of great importance for paleoclimate studies as the only continental mass intersecting a large part of the SHW belt. However, continuous proxy records back to the last Glacial are rare in southern Patagonia, owing to the Patagonian Ice Sheets expanding from the Andean area and the scarcity of continuous paleoclimate archives in extra-Andean Patagonia. Here, we present an oxygen isotope record from cellulose and purified bulk organic matter of aquatic moss shoots from the last glacial-interglacial transition preserved in the sediments of Laguna Potrok Aike (52° S, 70° W), a deep maar lake located in semi-arid, extra-Andean Patagonia. The highly significant correlation between oxygen isotope values of aquatic mosses and their host waters and the abundant well-preserved moss remains allow a high-resolution oxygen isotope reconstruction of lake water (δ18Olw) for this lake. Long-term δ18Olw variations are mainly determined by δ18O changes of the source water of lake, surface air temperature and evaporative 18O enrichment. Under permafrost conditions during the Glacial, the groundwater may not be recharged by regional precipitation. The isolated groundwater could have had much less negative δ18O values than glacial precipitation. The less 18O depleted source water and prolonged lake water residence time caused by reduced interchange between in- and outflows could have resulted in the reconstructed glacial δ18Olw that was only ca. 3‰ lower than modern values. The significant two-step rise in reconstructed δ18Olw during the last deglaciation demonstrated the response of isotope composition of lake water to fundamental climatic shifts. Rapid deglacial warming is supposed to cause the 18O enrichment of lake water by ca. 2‰ during the first rise between 17 600 and 15 600 cal BP by increasing temperature-induced evaporation and more 18O enriched precipitation. After a millennial transition period of receding values by up to 0.7‰, the reconstructed δ18Olw resumed pronounced increase since 14 600 cal BP. This cumulative enrichment in 18O of lake water could be interpreted as a response to the strengthened wind-driven evaporation, implying the intensification and establishment of the SHW at the latitude of Laguna Potrok Aike (52° S). During the early Holocene the SHW exerted its full influence on the lake water balance, reflected by reconstructed δ18Olw approaching modern values, indicating a strongly evaporative steppe climate in the Laguna Potrok Aike region.
The impact of land-use change on the sensitivity of terrestrial productivity to precipitation variability: a modelling approach
Authors: Batlle-Bayer L. , van den Hurk B. J. J. M. , Müller C. , van Minnen J.
Published: May 2014

Abstract. Larger climate variability and more frequent extreme events (e.g. droughts) are expected to occur. Hence, assessing the sensitivity (response) of terrestrial net primary productivity (NPP) to climate variability is crucial for future estimations of terrestrial carbon sequestration. We hypothesize that land-use change (LUC) can modify this sensitivity, defined here as the anomaly correlation between annual NPP and precipitation in the growing season. To assess this changing sensitivity, we use the LPJmL model driven by observed climate variability and two different land-use sets. We find that the effect of LUC is mostly extended in semi-arid grasslands: sensitivity increases with conversion into rainfed crops, but it does not change for managed pasture expansion. Reforestation in temperate regions generally decreases sensitivity: trees are able to respond later to water deficit due to their deep root system. The expansion of irrigation in northern India reduces sensitivity since water availability is not a limiting factor for crop growth. Although we are able to identify spatial patterns of changes in NPP-precipitation sensitivity, the significance of our results focusing at isolation of the land-use effect is limited.
Morphodynamic regime change in a reconstructed lowland stream
Authors: Eekhout J. P. C. , Fraaije R. G. A. , Hoitink A. J. F.
Published: May 2014

Abstract. With the aim to establish and understand morphological changes in response to channel reconstruction, a detailed monitoring plan was implemented in a lowland stream called Lunterse Beek, located in the Netherlands. Over a period of almost 2 years, the monitoring programme included serial morphological surveys, continuous discharge and water level measurements, and riparian vegetation mapping, from photographs and field surveys. Morphological processes occurred mainly in the initial period, before riparian vegetation developed. The initial period was largely dominated by upstream sediment supply, which was associated with channel incision upstream from the study area. Herbaceous vegetation started to develop approximately 7 months after channel reconstruction. The monitoring period included two growing seasons. A clear increase of riparian vegetation cover from first to the second year was observed. Detailed morphological and hydrological data show a marked difference in morphological behaviour between the pre-vegetation and post-vegetation stage. A linear regression procedure was applied to relate morphological activity to time-averaged Shields stress. In the initial stage after channel reconstruction, with negligible riparian vegetation, channel morphology adjusted, showing only a weak response to the discharge hydrograph. In the subsequent period, morphological activity in the channel showed a clear relation with discharge variation. The two stages of morphological response to the restoration measures may be largely associated with the upstream sediment supply in the initial period. Riparian vegetation may have played a substantial role in stabilizing the channel banks and floodplain area, gradually restricting the morphological adjustments to the channel bed.
Modelling methane emissions from natural wetlands by development and application of the TRIPLEX-GHG model
Authors: Zhu Q. , Liu J. , Peng C. , Chen H. , Fang X. , Jiang H. , Yang G. , Zhu D. , Wang W. , Zhou X.
Published: May 2014

Abstract. A new process-based model TRIPLEX-GHG was developed based on the Integrated Biosphere Simulator (IBIS), coupled with a new methane (CH4) biogeochemistry module (incorporating CH4 production, oxidation, and transportation processes) and a water table module to investigate CH4 emission processes and dynamics that occur in natural wetlands. Sensitivity analysis indicates that the most sensitive parameters to evaluate CH4 emission processes from wetlands are r (defined as the CH4 to CO2 release ratio) and Q10 in the CH4 production process. These two parameters were subsequently calibrated to data obtained from 19 sites collected from approximately 35 studies across different wetlands globally. Being heterogeneously spatially distributed, r ranged from 0.1 to 0.7 with a mean value of 0.23, and the Q10 for CH4 production ranged from 1.6 to 4.5 with a mean value of 2.48. The model performed well when simulating magnitude and capturing temporal patterns in CH4 emissions from natural wetlands. Results suggest that the model is able to be applied to different wetlands under varying conditions and is also applicable for global-scale simulations.
Overview of the first HyMeX Special Observation Period over Italy: observations and model results
Authors: Ferretti R. , Pichelli E. , Gentile S. , Maiello I. , Cimini D. , Davolio S. , Miglietta M. M. , Panegrossi G. , Baldini L. , Pasi F. , Marzano F. S. , Zinzi A. , Mariani S. , Casaioli M. , Bartolini G. , Loglisci N. , Montani A. , Marsigli C. , Manzato A. , Pucillo A. , Ferrario M. E. , Colaiuda V. , Rotunno R.
Published: May 2014

Abstract. The Special Observation Period (SOP1), part of the HyMeX campaign (Hydrological cycle in the Mediterranean Experiments, 5 September–6 November 2012), was dedicated to heavy precipitation events and flash floods in the western Mediterranean, and three Italian hydro-meteorological monitoring sites were identified: Liguria–Tuscany, northeastern Italy and central Italy. The extraordinary deployment of advanced instrumentation, including instrumented aircrafts, and the use of several different operational weather forecast models, including hydrological models and marine models, allowed an unprecedented monitoring and analysis of high-impact weather events around the Italian hydro-meteorological sites. This activity has seen strong collaboration between the Italian scientific and operational communities. In this paper an overview of the Italian organization during SOP1 is provided, and selected Intensive Observation Periods (IOPs) are described. A significant event for each Italian target area is chosen for this analysis: IOP2 (12–13 September 2012) in northeastern Italy, IOP13 (15–16 October 2012) in central Italy and IOP19 (3–5 November 2012) in Liguria and Tuscany. For each IOP the meteorological characteristics, together with special observations and weather forecasts, are analyzed with the aim of highlighting strengths and weaknesses of the forecast modeling systems, including the hydrological impacts. The usefulness of having different weather forecast operational chains characterized by different numerical weather prediction models and/or different model set up or initial conditions is finally shown for one of the events (IOP19).
Attribution of climate change, vegetation restoration, and engineering measures to the reduction of suspended sediment in the Kejie catchment, southwest China
Authors: Ma X. , Lu X. X. , van Noordwijk M. , Li J. T. , Xu J. C.
Published: May 2014

Abstract. Suspended sediment transport in rivers is controlled by terrain, climate, and human activities. These variables affect hillslope and riverbank erosion at the source, transport velocities and sedimentation opportunities in the river channel, and trapping in reservoirs. The relative importance of those factors varies by context, but the specific attribution to sediment transfer is important for policymaking, and has wide implications on watershed management. In our research, we analyzed data from the Kejie watershed in the upper Salween River (Yunnan Province, China), where a combination of land cover change (reforestation, as well as soil and water conservation measures) and river channel engineering (sand mining and check dam construction) interact with a changing climate. Records (1971–2010) of river flow and suspended sediment loads were combined with five land-use maps from 1974, 1991, 2001, 2006 and 2009. Average annual sediment yield decreased from 13.7 t ha−1 yr−1 to 8.3 t ha−1 yr−1 between the period 1971–1985 and the period 1986–2010. A distributed hydrological model (Soil and Water Assessment Tools, SWAT) was set up to simulate the sediment sourcing and transport process. By recombining land-use and climate data for the two periods in model scenarios, the contribution of these two factors could be assessed with engineering effects derived from residual measured minus modeled transport. Overall, we found that 47.8% of the decrease was due to land-use and land cover change, 19.8% to climate change, resulting in a milder rainfall regime, 26.1% to watershed engineering measures, and the remaining 6.3% was due to the simulation percent bias. Moreover, mean annual suspended sediment yield decreased drastically with the increase of forest cover, making diverse forest cover one of the most effective ecosystems to control erosion. For consideration of stakeholders and policymakers, we also discuss at length the modeling uncertainty and implications for future soil and water conservation initiatives in China.
Comparing a thermo-mechanical Weichselian Ice Sheet reconstruction to reconstructions based on the sea level equation: aspects of ice configurations and glacial isostatic adjustment
Authors: Schmidt P. , Lund B. , Näslund J-O. , Fastook J.
Published: May 2014

Abstract. In this study we compare a recent reconstruction of the Weichselian Ice Sheet as simulated by the University of Maine ice sheet model (UMISM) to two reconstructions commonly used in glacial isostatic adjustment (GIA) modelling: ICE-5G and ANU (Australian National University, also known as RSES). The UMISM reconstruction is carried out on a regional scale based on thermo-mechanical modelling, whereas ANU and ICE-5G are global models based on the sea level equation. The three models of the Weichselian Ice Sheet are compared directly in terms of ice volume, extent and thickness, as well as in terms of predicted glacial isostatic adjustment in Fennoscandia. The three reconstructions display significant differences. Whereas UMISM and ANU includes phases of pronounced advance and retreat prior to the last glacial maximum (LGM), the thickness and areal extent of the ICE-5G ice sheet is more or less constant up until the LGM. During the post-LGM deglaciation phase ANU and ICE-5G melt relatively uniformly over the entire ice sheet in contrast to UMISM, which melts preferentially from the edges, thus reflecting the fundamental difference in the reconstruction scheme. We find that all three reconstructions fit the present-day uplift rates over Fennoscandia equally well, albeit with different optimal earth model parameters. Given identical earth models, ICE-5G predicts the fastest present-day uplift rates, and ANU the slowest. Moreover, only for ANU can a unique best-fit model be determined. For UMISM and ICE-5G there is a range of earth models that can reproduce the present-day uplift rates equally well. This is understood from the higher present-day uplift rates predicted by ICE-5G and UMISM, which result in bifurcations in the best-fit upper- and lower-mantle viscosities. We study the areal distributions of present-day residual surface velocities in Fennoscandia and show that all three reconstructions generally over-predict velocities in southwestern Fennoscandia and that there are large differences in the fit to the observational data in Finland and northernmost Sweden and Norway. These difference may provide input to further enhancements of the ice sheet reconstructions.