bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reduction of burden of hemolyzed specimens in a large urban emergency department: A real-world, five years’ experience
Authors: Cervellin Gianfranco , Aloe Rosalia , Bonfanti Laura , Bonelli Patrizia , Lippi Giuseppe
Published: July 2018

In vitro hemolysis may jeopardize patient care because tests results generated using unsuitable specimens may lead to inappropriate patient management. The prevalence of hemolyzed specimens is high in the emergency department (ED). We previously showed that collecting blood by means of a closed system entailing manual aspiration of blood instead of using conventional evacuated systems was effective to cut-down by nearly half the rate of hemolysis. Aim of this real world study was to verify whether longterm replacement of standard evacuated blood collection systems may be really effective to reduce the burden of spurious hemolysis. Starting from May 2014 in the ED of our Hospital vacuum tubes were replaced with S-Monovette serum tubes. We compared data about hemolyzed specimens entered in the two years before the implementation of the new device (i.e., 2012 and 2013) and the two years after introducing SMonovette in manual aspiration mode (i.e. 2015 and 2016). The year 2014 was not considered due to mixed data. The rate of hemolyzed specimens decreased from 4.36% to 3.07% with the use of S-Monovette in manual aspiration mode (Chi squared, 183.8; P<0.001). The likelihood of obtaining hemolyzed specimens was hence reduced by approximately 30% (relative risk, 0.707), with an expected economic saving of approximately 510€/year. The results of this real-world study demonstrate that the use of an alternative closed device encompassing manual aspiration for drawing blood from intravenous catheters may reduce hemolyzed samples by approximately 30%, so representing a valuable perspective for safeguarding patient safety and improving ED efficiency.
A case of esophageal perforation: Clinical and diagnostic management in emergency medicine
Authors: Di Serafino Marco , Martorano Maurizio , Delmonaco Pamela , Gullotto Chiara , Baglioni Andrea , Martinelli Leonardo , Savastano Riccardo , Scarano Enrico , Lisanti Francesco
Published: July 2018

Esophageal perforation is a welldefined and severe clinical condition. The associated mortality rates range between 5% and 40% and are worsened by delayed diagnosis. Rapid diagnosis and therapy provide the best chance for survival; however, a delay in diagnosis is common, resulting in substantial morbidity and mortality. There are several aetiologies of esophagus perforation. Most esophageal ruptures are secondary to medical instrumentation. Other causes are Boerhaave syndrome, toxic ingestions and radiation, foreign body ingestion, penetrating trauma, and, rarely, blunt chest trauma. We reported the clinical management and the diagnostic work-up case of esophagus perforation due to the foreign body ingestion.
Respiratory distress due to platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome: A diagnostic challenge in emergency setting
Authors: Di Domenico Sandro , Aseni Paolo , Bonacchini Luca , Bottiroli Maurizio , Guerrieri Rossella , Basile Adriano , Bellone Andrea
Published: July 2018

Platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome (POS) is an unusual cause of hypoxia characterized by enormous variation in oxygen saturation during postural changes. We describe here the clinical presentation, the diagnostic challenge of POS and discuss the main pathophysiological etiologies of the disease in a 75-year-old woman who was admitted because shortness of breath. After ruling out the most important causes of dyspnea we observed that the symptoms improved when the patient was lying flat. The diagnostic workup with computed tomography scan and air bubble saline echocardiography lead us to a correct diagnosis.
Sensory impairments and cognitive disorders in older age
Authors: Logroscino Giancarlo , Panza Francesco
Published: July 2018

Age-related and neuropathological changes in the olfactory, visual, auditory, and motor systems suggesting that sensory and motor changes may precede the cognitive symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) by several years and may signify increase the risk of developing AD. In particular, peripheral age-related hearing impairment and social isolation have been identified as potentially modifiable dementia risk factors. The impact of age-related hearing and vision impairments on cognition appeared to be especially important among the oldest old suggesting a strong link of these connections with frailty, a critical intermediate status of the aging process at higher risk for negative health-related outcomes. The link among age-related hearing and vision impairments and cognition suggested the potential for correcting hearing and vision losses so that older subjects can function better cognitively with improved social involvement, quality of life, and lifetime cognitive health.
Preventing delirium in older people
Authors: Anzuini Alessandra , Massariello Francesca , Bellelli Giuseppe
Published: July 2018

Delirium is a geriatric syndrome, characterized by acutely altered mental status with inattention, fluctuating course and global cognitive dysfunction, which is associated with a significant burden in terms of negative outcomes and costs of care. Delirium is frequently undetected despite its prevalence and incidence are relevant. In this brief report, we report the state of the art in terms of prevention for both medical and surgical patients. A non-pharmacological approach seems to be the more promising method to prevent delirium and improve quality of care for people at risk.
Iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia in elderly patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: Palleschi Lorenzo , Nunziata Eleonora
Published: July 2018

Iron deficiency affects up to 50% of heart failure patients, and is associated with poor quality of life, impaired exercise tolerance, and mortality independent of haematopoietic effects in this patient population. Iron absorption from oral iron preparations is generally poor, with slow and often inefficient iron repletion; moreover, up to 60% of patients experience gastrointestinal side effects. These problems may be exacerbated in heart failure due to decreased gastrointestinal absorption and poor compliance due to pill burden. Intravenous (i.v.) iron sucrose has consistently been shown to improve exercise capacity, cardiac function, symptom severity, and quality of life. Similar findings were observed recently for i.v. ferric carboxymaltose in patients with systolic heart failure and impaired left ventricular ejection fraction. I.v. iron therapy may be better tolerated than oral iron. Routine diagnosis and management of iron deficiency in patients with symptomatic heart failure regardless of anaemia status is advisable, and, based on current evidence, prompt intervention using i.v. iron therapy should now be considered.
Prevention and treatment of Clostridium difficile infection
Authors: Rizzatti Gianenrico , Ianiro Gianluca , Cammarota Giovanni , Gasbarrini Antonio
Published: July 2018

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is one of the most common intestinal infection often requiring hospitalization. Several risk factors are associated with the development of CDI with antibiotic treatments being the most common. Diagnosis is based on clinical suspicion, (typical symptoms associated with risk factors) and confirmatory tests, both of which are often inadequate leading to underestimation of the disease. The management of CDI is based on fluid and nutritional support, avoidance of predisposing conditions and therapeutic interventions. Therapy consists mainly in antibiotics with vancomycin and metronidazole being the most used, the former is usually reserved for severe cases or when metronidazole cannot be used. Evidence is increasing about the use of fidaxomicin, which is as effective as vancomycin but associated with lower rates of recurrences. Lastly, fecal microbiota transplantation is now recommended by most guidelines for recurrent CDI obtaining extremely higher efficacy in comparison to standard treatments.
Abstract Book of the 32° Congresso Nazionale SIGOT - Roma, 3-5 maggio 2018
Authors: Pilotto Editor-in-Chief: Alberto
Published: July 2018

Abstract Book of the 32° Congresso Nazionale SIGOT - Roma, 3-5 maggio 2018.
Hepatitis C virus risk factors in blood donors from Sohag governorate, Egypt
Authors: Abdelaziz Mohamad , Abdullah Mohamed
Published: July 2018

Egypt has the highest prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) worldwide. Most of data came from lower Egypt regions (Cairo and northern to it). So, we decided to study risk factors and prevalence of HCV transmission in our governorate. In this cross sectional study, we recruited 631 blood donors from April, 2011 to March 2012 who were tested for anti-HCV, HBs Ag, anti- HBc and anti-HIV. Fifty seven donors were excluded as they are HBs Ag and anti-HBc positive. We found 138 (24%) HCV seropositive participants. Logistic regression final model demonstrated that endoscopy, hospital admission, socioeconomic status, IV drug use and age made a significant contribution to prediction (P=0.0001). The level of education also made significant contribution to prediction (P=0.014). In conclusion, it is wise to determine high HCV prevalence areas and risk factors for its seropositivity then build up a governorate suitable infection control program concentrating upon prevention more than treatment of HCV patients. Also, the introduction of pre-test and post-test counseling in blood banks will help in better donor selection and early detection of patients.
Editorial
Authors: Vescovo Giorgio
Published: July 2018

Not available
Hemophagocytic syndrome in a patient with disseminated tuberculosis: a case report
Authors: Lombardo Vania , Puccia Fania , Terranova Antonino , Affronti Andrea , Florena Ada Maria , Giannitrapani Lydia , Soresi Maurizio
Published: July 2018

Hemophagocytic syndrome (HS) is a rare disorder of the immune system. It is characterized by fever, lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, cytopenia and hyperferritinemia. The cause differs in each country suggesting a specific genetic background and epidemiology of infections, and it can be associated with malignant diseases. A rare cause of HS is tuberculosis (TB), we describe a case of HS associated with disseminated Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MT) infection in a patient from Sudan. He presented diarrhea, fever, pancytopenia, thickened and dilated bowel loops and lymph nodes enlargement at ultrasound and computed tomography scan. A bone marrow biopsy performed to rule out a lymphoma revealed a HS. The bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) culture was then positive for MT and subsequently, radiologic aspects of lung and spleen TB involvement appeared. A disseminated tuberculosis was diagnosed. Despite antituberculous therapy, the patient died as in approximately 50% of the HS associated with TB.
Olanzapine-associated hypothermia: a case report of a rare event
Authors: Monti Manuel , Mommi Valeria , Forte Maria Beatrice , Paciullo Francesco , Francavilla Francesca , Borgognoni Francesco
Published: July 2018

Hypothermia, a potentially fatal condition, is defined as a drop of the body temperature below 35°C. The most common cause of severe hypothermia is the environmental exposure to low-temperatures. Other causes include septicemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, trauma, acute spinal cord injury, prolonged cardiac arrest and hypothyroidism. The hypothermia is an infrequent, but previously documented, adverse effect of antipsychotic medications. A 83-year-old Italian woman was transported to the Emergency Room with a reduced level of consciousness, Glasgow coma scale 7. She was bradycardic (heart rate 42 bpm), 80/150 mmHg blood pressure and respiratory rate 26/min. Her physical examination was significant for an anal temperature of 31°C. Blood exam and chest X-ray were unremarkable. In her clinical history, she was suffering from generalized anxiety disorder for the last 2 years and was prescribed olanzapine 7.5 mg daily. In recent days, the patient experienced a cognitive impairment with heat intolerance and had been reduced the dose of olanzapine 5 mg daily. On the basis of the clinical findings, the patient’s body temperature and blood exam, the diagnosis of olanzapine-associated hypothermia was made. The patient was gradually rewarmed with blankets and warm saline infusion and the olanzapine therapy was discontinued. She gradually regained consciousness after 18 h and, after 1 day, the patient’s body temperature increased up to 37.8°C with an improvement of the neurological conditions. We reported about the case of a patient treated with stable doses of olanzapine for a long period of time that developed hypothermia, a potentially fatal complication. This case shows that it is important to consider every change in the patient behavior, e.g., the poor resistance to heat present in our patient, that should exhibit warning sign of hypothermia.
Doctor 2.0 and i-Patient: information technology in medicine and its influence on the physician-patient relation
Authors: D’Amore Francesco , Pirone Florindo
Published: July 2018

Not available
Postprandial hyperglycemia: a new frontier in diabetes management?
Authors: Maffettone Ada , Rinaldi Massimo , Fontanella Andrea
Published: July 2018

Postprandial hyperglycemia is one of the earliest abnormalities of glucose homeostasis associated with type-2 diabetes and it is markedly exaggerated in diabetic patients with fasting hyperglycemia. An extensive body of data demonstrates a strong association between postprandial glucose levels and cardiovascular risk factors. Our article will focus on the concept of postprandial hyperglycemia, its physiopathology, its role on cardiovascular risk factors and the effects of new devices and a new faster insulin analog on postprandial hyperglycemia.
Predictive scores, complexity assessment tools and fruit salads. One, none and one hundred thousand?
Authors: La Regina Micaela , Nardi Roberto , Fontanella Andrea
Published: July 2018

Not available
17º Congresso Regionale FADOI Campania, Napoli, 12-13 aprile 2018
Authors: Mayer Presidente: M.C.
Published: July 2018

Abstract Book of the 17º Congresso Regionale FADOI Campania, Napoli, 12-13 aprile 2018.
Abstract Book of the XXIII Congresso Nazionale della Società Scientifica FADOI, Bologna, 12-15 maggio 2018
Authors: Fontanella Presidente: A.
Published: July 2018

Abstract Book of the XXIII Congresso Nazionale della Società Scientifica FADOI, Bologna, 12-15 maggio 2018.
L’internista ospedaliero nella gestione del paziente diabetico complesso
Authors: Magnani Guest Editors: L. , Beltramello G. , Brancato D. , Fontanella A. , Nardi R.
Published: July 2018

L’internista deve occuparsi (e rioccuparsi) del paziente diabetico complesso in OspedaleA. Fontanella, L. MagnaniDiagnosi, classificazione, epidemiologia clinica del diabete mellitoV. Provenzano, D. BrancatoUp-date degli studi disponibiliP. Gnerre, T.M. Attardo, A. Maffettone, G. BeltramelloIl diabete mellito costituisce ancora un equivalente di rischio cardiovascolare?G. Augello, T.M. AttardoLe terapie del diabete tipo 2 sono tutte uguali ai fini della riduzione della morbilità e mortalità cardiovascolare?V. ProvenzanoLe nuove tecnologie nella cura del diabete mellitoD. Brancato, V. ProvenzanoInsuline prandiali e insuline basaliR. PastorelliQuali target nel diabete mellito: il dogma dell’emoglobina glicata è davvero imprescindibile?V. ManicardiIl controllo dell’iperglicemia nel paziente anziano polipatologico: è sempre necessario iniziare l’insulina?G. Gulli, M. NizzoliLa nefropatia diabeticaF. Salvati, D. Manfellotto, M. StornelloCirrosi epatica e diabeteM. Imparato, L. FontanellaLa terapia personalizzata nel diabete di tipo 2A. Maffettone, C. Peirce, M. RinaldiLa gestione dell’iperglicemia nel paziente critico e instabileC. NozzoliLa disfunzione erettile nel paziente diabetico di tipo 2N. Artom, A. Bosio, G. PinnaQuali obiettivi di approccio integrato nella gestione del diabete mellito?E. Romboli, D. PanuccioIperglicemia, normoglicemia ed ipoglicemia nei pazienti anziani fragili: situazioni a rischio, politerapia e comorbilitàA. Greco, M. Greco, D. Sancarlo, F. Addante, G. D’Onofrio, D. Antonacci, S. De CosmoL’impatto clinico-prognostico dell’ipoglicemia nel paziente ospedalizzatoV. Borzì, L. Morbidoni, A. FontanellaL’internista chiamato in consulenza per un diabete gestazionale: quale approccio pragmatico?P. Novati, L. SaliLa frugalità nella gestione del diabete mellito: qualità assistenziale, governo clinico e costi correlatiP. Gnerre, G. Carta, D. MontemurroLa gestione dell’iperglicemia in area medica, ma senza esagerare.L. Magnani, G. BeltramelloAPPENDICE IUn approccio pragmatico per la valutazione globale e la gestione del paziente diabeticoF. Pieralli, A. Crociani, C. BazziniAPPENDICE IILe insuline e i farmaci ipoglicemizzanti orali disponibiliP. Zuccheri, L. Alberghini, E. SoraAPPENDICE IIILe scale di correzione insulinica: pro e controV. Borzì
Effects of UV-C Radiation on Common Dandelion and Purple Coneflower: First Results
Authors: Castronuovo Donato , Sofo Adriano , Lovelli Stella , Candido Vincenzo , Scopa Antonio
Published: July 2018

Ultraviolet-C (UV-C) light (100 ≤ λ ≤ 280 nm) is a ionizing radiation that can damage living organisms. An experiment was conducted on plants of common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale Weber, T. Densleonis Desf.) and purple coneflower [Echinacea purpurea, (L.) Moench] irradiated with UV-C at different exposition times, under controlled conditions and grown in self-produced characterized compost, to assess the effect of different doses UV-C radiation on some physiological parameters. Trials have been carried out using a black chamber equipped with an UV-C lamp in which plants were divided in four groups on the basis of UV-C irradiation period (10, 30, 60, and 120 min). Non-irradiated plants were kept as controls. Plant photosynthetic performance, chlorophyll content (SPAD) and some morphologic traits were recorded before, immediately after irradiations and 20 days weeks later. The effects on photosynthetic performances and chlorophyll contents (SPAD) were evaluated and compared with data obtained in similar experiments where tomato plants were irradiated at different times with UVC light. In both species, SPAD values decreased as the irradiation period became longer. The two species showed different gas exchange dynamics, depending on the UV-C exposure time. Two months after the UV-C irradiation, plant dry weight measured at 120-min UV-C exposure was significantly lower than the control.
A nodal domain theorem and a higher-order Cheeger inequality for the graph $p$-Laplacian
Authors: Tudisco Francesco , Hein Matthias
Published: July 2018

We consider the nonlinear graph

p

-Laplacian and its set of eigenvalues and associated eigenfunctions of this operator defined by a variational principle. We prove a nodal domain theorem for the graph

p

-Laplacian for any

p\geq 1

. While for

p > 1

the bounds on the number of weak and strong nodal domains are the same as for the linear graph Laplacian (

p = 2

), the behavior changes for

p = 1

. We show that the bounds are tight for

p\geq 1

as the bounds are attained by the eigenfunctions of the graph

p

-Laplacian on two graphs. Finally, using the properties of the nodal domains, we prove a higher-order Cheeger inequality for the graph

p

-Laplacian for

p > 1

. If the eigenfunction associated to the

k

-th variational eigenvalue of the graph

p

-Laplacian has exactly

k

strong nodal domains, then the higher order Cheeger inequality becomes tight as

p\to 1

.
Arbitrarily small perturbations of Dirichlet Laplacians are quantum unique ergodic
Authors: Chatterjee Sourav , Galkowski Jeffrey
Published: July 2018

Given an Euclidean domain with very mild regularity properties, we prove that there exist perturbations of the Dirichlet Laplacian of the form

-(I+S_\epsilon)\Delta

with

\|S_\epsilon\|_{L^2\to L^2}\leq \epsilon

whose high energy eigenfunctions are quantum uniquely ergodic (QUE). Moreover, if we impose stronger regularity on the domain, the same result holds with

\|S_\epsilon\|_{L^2\to H^\gamma}\leq \epsilon

for

\gamma>0

depending on the domain. We also give a proof of a local Weyl law for domains with rough boundaries.
Nearly radial Neumann eigenfunctions on symmetric domains
Authors: Siudeja Bartłomiej A.
Published: July 2018

We study the existence of Neumann eigenfunctions of the Laplacian which do not change sign on the boundary of some special domains. We show that eigenfunctions which are strictly positive on the boundary exist on regular polygons with at least 6 sides, while on equilateral triangles and cubes it is not even possible to find an eigenfunction which is nonnegative on the boundary. This work builds on recent results of Hoffmann–Ostenhof about rectangles.

We use analytic methods combined with symmetry arguments to prove the result for polygons with six or more sides, and combinatorics for equilateral triangles and cubes. The case of the regular pentagon is much harder. Its proof requires deep computational and numerical results which are beyond the scope of the present paper. The pentagonal case, codeveloped with Nilima Nigam and Benjamin Young, will appear in a companion paper.
A very limited role of tropospheric chlorine as a sink of the greenhouse gas methane
Authors: Gromov Sergey , Brenninkmeijer Carl A. M. , Jöckel Patrick
Published: July 2018

Abstract. Unexpectedly large seasonal phase differences between CH4
concentration and its 13C ∕ 12C isotopic ratio and
their inter-annual variations observed in southern hemispheric time series
have been attributed to the Cl + CH4 reaction, in which
13CH4 is discriminated strongly compared to OH + CH4,
and have provided the only (indirect) evidence of a hemispheric-scale
presence of oxidative cycle-relevant quantities of tropospheric atomic Cl.
Our analysis of concurrent New Zealand and Antarctic time series of
CH4 and CO mixing and isotope ratios shows that a corresponding
13C ∕ 12C variability is absent in CO. Using
the AC-GCM EMAC model and isotopic mass balancing for comparing the periods
of presumably high and low Cl, it is shown that variations in extra-tropical
Southern Hemisphere Cl cannot have exceeded
0.9 × 103 atoms cm−3. It is demonstrated that the
13C ∕ 12C ratio of CO is a sensitive indicator for
the isotopic composition of reacted CH4 and therefore for its
sources. Despite ambiguities about the yield of CO from CH4 oxidation
(with this yield being an important factor in the budget of CO) and
uncertainties about the isotopic composition of sources of CO (in particular
biomass burning), the contribution of Cl to the removal of CH4 in the
troposphere is probably much lower than currently assumed.
Reactive quenching of electronically excited NO2* and NO3* by H2O as potential sources of atmospheric HOx radical
Authors: Dillon Terry J. , Crowley John N.
Published: July 2018

Abstract. Pulsed laser excitation of NO2 (532–647 nm) or NO3 (623–662 nm) in the presence of H2O was used to initiate the gas-phase reactions NO2* + H2O → products (R5) and NO3* + H2O → products (R12). No evidence for OH production in (R5) or (R12) was observed and upper-limits for OH production of k5b/k5
Nitrogen dioxide and formaldehyde measurements from the GEOstationary Coastal and Air Pollution Events (GEO-CAPE) Airborne Simulator over Houston, Texas
Authors: Nowlan Caroline R. , Liu Xiong , Janz Scott J. , Kowalewski Matthew G. , Chance Kelly , Follette-Cook Melanie B. , Fried Alan , González Abad Gonzalo , Herman Jay R. , Judd Laura M. , Kwon Hyeong-Ahn , Loughner Christopher P. , Pickering Kenneth E. , Richter Dirk , Spinei Elena , Walega James , Weibring Petter , Weinheimer Andrew J.
Published: July 2018

Abstract. The GEOstationary Coastal and Air Pollution Events (GEO-CAPE) Airborne Simulator (GCAS) was developed in support of NASA's decadal survey GEO-CAPE geostationary satellite mission. GCAS is an airborne pushbroom remote sensing instrument, consisting of two channels which make hyperspectral measurements in the ultraviolet/visible (optimized for air quality observations) and the visible/near-infrared (optimized for ocean color observations). The GCAS instrument participated in its first intensive field campaign during the Deriving Information on Surface Conditions from Column and Vertically Resolved Observations Relevant to Air Quality (DISCOVER-AQ) in Texas in September 2013. During this campaign, the instrument flew on a King Air B-200 aircraft during 21 flights on 11 days to make air quality observations over Houston, Texas. We present GCAS trace gas retrievals of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and formaldehyde (CH2O), and compare these results with trace gas columns derived from coincident in situ profile measurements of NO2 and CH2O made by instruments on a P-3B aircraft, and with NO2 observations from ground-based Pandora spectrometers operating in direct sun and scattered light modes. GCAS tropospheric column measurements correlate well spatially and temporally with columns estimated from the P-3B measurements for both NO2 (r2 = 0.89) and CH2O (r2 = 0.54) and with Pandora direct sun (r2 = 0.85) and scattered light (r2 = 0.94) observed NO2 columns. Coincident GCAS columns agree in magnitude with NO2 and CH2O P-3B-observed columns to within 10 %, but are larger than scattered light Pandora tropospheric NO2 columns by 33 % and direct sun Pandora NO2 columns by 50 %.
Analysis of Juno perijove 1 magnetic field data using the Jovian
paraboloid magnetospheric model
Authors: Pensionerov Ivan A. , Belenkaya Elena S. , Cowley Stanley W. H. , Alexeev Igor I. , Kalegaev Vladimir V. , Parunakian David A.
Published: July 2018

Abstract. One of the main features of Jupiter's magnetosphere is its equatorial magnetodisc, which significantly increases the field strength and size of the magnetosphere. Juno measurements of the magnetic field during the perijove 1 pass have allowed us to determine optimal parameters of the magnetodisc using the paraboloid magnetospheric magnetic field model, which employs analytic expressions for the magnetospheric current systems. Specifically within the model we determine the size of the Jovian magnetodisc and the magnetic field strength at its outer edge.
Ionospheric and thermospheric response to the 27–28 February 2014 geomagnetic storm over north Africa
Authors: Malki Khalifa , Bounhir Aziza , Benkhaldoun Zouhair , Makela Jonathan J. , Vilmer Nicole , Fisher Daniel J. , Kaab Mohamed , Elbouyahyaoui Khaoula , Harding Brian J. , Laghriyeb Amine , Daassou Ahmed , Lazrek Mohamed
Published: July 2018

Abstract. The present work explores the ionospheric and thermospheric responses to the 27–28 February 2014 geomagnetic storm. For the first time, a geomagnetic storm is explored in north Africa using interferometer, all-sky imager and GPS data. This storm was due to the arrival at the Earth of the shock of a coronal mass ejection (CME) associated with the solar flare event on 25 February 2014. A Fabry–Perot interferometer located at the Oukaïmeden Observatory (31.206° N, 7.866° W; 22.84° N magnetic) in Morocco provides measurements of the thermospheric neutral winds based on observations of the 630 nm red line emission. A wide-angle imaging system records images of the 630 nm emission. The effects of this geomagnetic storm on the thermosphere are evident from the clear departure of the neutral winds from their seasonal behavior. During the storm, the winds experience an intense and steep equatorward flow from 21:00 to 01:00 LT and a westward flow from 22:00 to 03:00 LT. The equatorial wind speed reaches a maximum of 120 m s−1 for the meridional component at 22:00 LT, after the zonal wind reverses to the westward direction. Shortly after 00:00 LT a maximum westward speed of 80 m s−1 was achieved for the zonal component of the wind. The features of the winds are typical of traveling atmospheric disturbance (TAD)-induced circulation; the first TAD coming from the Northern Hemisphere reaches the site at 21:00 LT and a second one coming from the Southern Hemisphere reaches the site at about 00:00 LT. We estimate the propagation speed of the northern TAD to be 550 m s−1. We compared the winds to the DWM07 (Disturbance Wind Model) prediction model and find that this model gives a good indication of the new circulation pattern caused by storm activity, but deviates largely inside the TADs. The effects on the ionosphere were also evident through the change observed in the background electrodynamics from the reversal in the drift direction in an observed equatorial plasma bubble (EPB). Total electron content (TEC) measurements of a GPS station installed in Morocco, at Rabat (33.998° N, 6.853° W), revealed a positive storm.
Rapid increase in simulated North Atlantic dust deposition due to fast change of northwest African landscape during the Holocene
Authors: Egerer Sabine , Claussen Martin , Reick Christian
Published: July 2018

Abstract. Marine sediment records from a series of core sites along the northwest
African margin show a sudden increase in North Atlantic dust deposition at about
5 ka BP that has been associated with an abrupt end of the African Humid
Period (AHP). To assess the causes of the abrupt shift in North Atlantic dust
deposition, we explore changes in the Holocene dust cycle and in North
African climate and landscape by performing several time slice simulations
from 8 ka BP until the preindustrial era. To do this, we use the coupled
aerosol–climate model ECHAM6–HAM2 including dynamic vegetation and
interactive dust, wherein ocean conditions and lake surface area are
prescribed for each time slice. We find a rapid increase in simulated dust deposition between 6 and 4 ka BP
that is fairly consistent with the abrupt change in marine sediment records
at around 20∘ N close to the northwest African margin. At more
northern and more remote cores, a significant change in dust deposition is
noticeable roughly between 6 and 2 ka BP in the simulations as well as in the
records, but the change is less sharp compared to the near-margin core sites.
The rapid change in simulated dust deposition is caused by a rapid increase
in simulated dust emissions in the western Sahara, where the main dust sources
for dust transport towards the North Atlantic are located. The sudden
increase in dust emissions in the western Sahara is according to our
simulations a consequence of a fast decline of vegetation cover from
22 to 18∘ N that might occur due to vegetation–climate
feedbacks or due to the existence of a precipitation threshold on vegetation
growth. Additionally, the prescribed gradual reduction of lake area enforces
accelerated dust release as highly productive dust sources are uncovered.
Concurrently with the continental drying, surface winds in the western Sahara
are accelerated. Changes in the Saharan landscape and dust emissions south of
18∘ N and in the eastern Sahara play a minor role in driving the
dynamics of North Atlantic dust deposition at the core sites. Our study
identifies spatial and temporal heterogeneity in the transition of the North
African landscape. As a consequence, implications from local data records on
large-scale climate have to be treated with caution.
Ensemble Forecasts of Air Quality in Eastern China – Part 1. Model Description and Implementation of the MarcoPolo-Panda Prediction System
Authors: Brasseur Guy P. , Xie Ying , Petersen A. Katinka , Bouarar Idir , Flemming Johannes , Gauss Michael , Jiang Fei , Kouznetsov Rostislav , Kranenburg Richard , Mijling Bas , Peuch Vincent-Henri , Pommier Matthieu , Segers Arjo , Sofiev Mikhail , Timmermans Renske , van der A Ronald , Walters Stacy , Xu Jianming , Zhou Guanhqiang
Published: July 2018

Abstract. An operational multi-model forecasting system for air quality including 9 different chemical transport models has been developed and is providing daily forecasts of ozone, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter for the 37 largest urban areas of China (population higher than 3 million in 2010). These individual forecasts as well as the mean and median concentrations for the next 3 days are displayed on a publicly accessible web site (http://www.marcopolo-panda.eu). The paper describes the forecasting system and shows some selected illustrative examples of air quality predictions. It presents an inter-comparison of the different forecasts performed during a given period of time (1–15 March 2017), and highlights recurrent differences between the model output as well as systematic biases that appear in the median concentration values. Pathways to improve the forecasts by the multi-model system are suggested.
Combining continuous spatial and temporal scales for SGD investigations using
UAV-based thermal infrared measurements
Authors: Mallast Ulf , Siebert Christian
Published: July 2018

Abstract. Submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) is highly variable in spatial and temporal terms due to interplay of several terrestrial and marine processes. While discrete in-situ measurements provide a continuous temporal scale to investigate underlying processes and thus accounts for temporal heterogeneity, remotely sensed thermal infrared radiation sheds light on the spatial heterogeneity as it provides a continuous spatial scale. Here we report results of the combination of both, the continuous spatial and temporal scales, using the ability of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle to hover above a predefined location and the continuous recording of thermal radiation of a coastal area at the Dead Sea (Israel). With a flight altitude of 65 m above the water surface resulting in a spatial resolution of 13 cm and a thermal camera (FLIRTau2) which measures the upwelling long-wave infrared radiation at 4 Hz resolution we are able to generate a time sequence of thermal radiation images which allows us to analyse spatiotemporal SGD dynamics. In turn, we are able to enhance focused SGD spots otherwise being camouflaged by strong lateral flow dynamics that may not be observed on single thermal radiation images. Plus, we show the spatiotemporal behavior of a SGD induced thermal radiation pattern to vary in size and over time by up to 55 % for focused SGDs and by up to 600 % for diffuse SGDs due to different underlying flow dynamics. These flow dynamics even display a short-term periodicity in the order of 20 to 78 s for diffuse SGD which we attribute to an interplay of conduit maturity/geometry and wave setup.
The Role of Atmospheric Rivers in compound events consisting of
heavy precipitation and high storm surges along the Dutch coast
Authors: Ridder Nina , de Vries Hylke , Drijfhout Sybren
Published: July 2018

Abstract. Atmospheric river (AR) systems play a significant role in the simultaneous occurrence of high coastal water levels and heavy precipitation in the Netherlands. Based on observed precipitation values (E-OBS) and the output of a numerical storm surge model (WAQUA/DSCMv5) forced with ERA-Interim sea level pressure and wind fields, we find that the majority of compound events between 1979–2015 has been accompanied by the presence of an AR over the Netherlands. By isolating and assessing the prevailing sea level pressure (SLP) and sea surface temperature (SST) conditions up to seven days before the events with and without AR involvement, we show that the presence of ARs constitutes a specific type of forcing conditions that (i) resemble the SLP anomaly patterns during the positive phase of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO+) with a North-South pressure dipole over the North Atlantic and (ii) cause a warming of the western boundary of the North Atlantic. These conditions are clearly distinguishable from those conditions during compound events without the influence of local ARs which occur under SLP conditions resembling the East Atlantic (EA) pattern with a West-East pressure dipole over Northern Europe and are accompanied by a cooling of the West Atlantic. Thus, this study provides a useful tool for the early identification of possible harmful meteorological conditions over the Netherlands and supports effort for the establishment of an early warning system.
Simulated retreat of Jakobshavn Isbræ since the Little Ice Age controlled by geometry
Authors: Steiger Nadine , Nisancioglu Kerim H. , Åkesson Henning , de Fleurian Basile , Nick Faezeh M.
Published: July 2018

Abstract. Rapid retreat of Greenland's marine-terminating glaciers coincides with regional
warming trends, which have broadly been used to explain these rapid changes.
However, outlet glaciers within similar climate regimes experience widely
contrasting retreat patterns, suggesting that the local fjord geometry could
be an important additional factor. To assess the relative role of climate and
fjord geometry, we use the retreat history of Jakobshavn Isbræ, West
Greenland, since the Little Ice Age (LIA) maximum in 1850 as a baseline for
the parameterization of a depth- and width-integrated ice flow model. The
impact of fjord geometry is isolated by using a linearly
increasing climate forcing since the LIA and
testing a range of simplified geometries. We find that the total length of retreat is determined by external factors –
such as hydrofracturing, submarine melt and buttressing by sea ice – whereas
the retreat pattern is governed by the fjord geometry. Narrow and shallow
areas provide pinning points and cause delayed but rapid retreat without
additional climate warming, after decades of grounding line stability. We
suggest that these geometric pinning points may be used to locate potential
sites for moraine formation and to predict the long-term response of the
glacier. As a consequence, to assess the impact of climate on the retreat
history of a glacier, each system has to be analyzed with knowledge of its
historic retreat and the local fjord geometry.
A particle filter scheme for multivariate data assimilation into a point-scale snowpack model in an Alpine environment
Authors: Piazzi Gaia , Thirel Guillaume , Campo Lorenzo , Gabellani Simone
Published: July 2018

Abstract. The accuracy of hydrological predictions in snow-dominated regions deeply depends on the quality of the snowpack simulations, with dynamics that strongly affect the local hydrological regime, especially during the melting period. With the aim of reducing the modelling uncertainty, data assimilation techniques are increasingly being implemented for operational purposes. This study aims to investigate the performance of a multivariate sequential importance resampling – particle filter scheme, designed to jointly assimilate several ground-based snow observations. The system, which relies on a multilayer energy-balance snow model, has been tested at three Alpine sites: Col de Porte (France), Torgnon (Italy), and Weissfluhjoch (Switzerland). The implementation of a multivariate data assimilation scheme faces several challenging issues, which are here addressed and extensively discussed: (1) the effectiveness of the perturbation of the meteorological forcing data in preventing the sample impoverishment; (2) the impact of the parameter perturbation on the filter updating of the snowpack state; the system sensitivity to (3) the frequency of the assimilated observations, and (4) the ensemble size.The perturbation of the meteorological forcing data generally turns out to be insufficient for preventing the sample impoverishment of the particle sample, which is highly limited when jointly perturbating key model parameters. However, the parameter perturbation sharpens the system sensitivity to the frequency of the assimilated observations, which can be successfully relaxed by introducing indirectly estimated information on snow-mass-related variables. The ensemble size is found not to greatly impact the filter performance in this point-scale application.
Movimentos sociais, policiamento e vigilância: um diálogo teórico a ser construído
Authors: Fernandes Eduardo Georjão
Published: July 2018

O presente estudo busca explicitar de que modo constituem-se as relações entre o campo de estudos em ação coletiva e o campo de estudos em vigilância, especificamente no que se refere à temática do policiamento a movimentos sociais. A partir de uma análise centralmente focada na revisão de literatura das duas principais revistas de âmbito internacional em cada área (Mobilization e Surveillance & Society) e com auxílio do software NVivo 11, objetiva-se investigar em que medida esses diferentes campos (não) produzem um diálogo teórico entre si. Após a explicitação de lacunas específicas de cada campo, conclui-se pela necessidade de construção de um diálogo teórico mais amplo com base em conceitos que podem interconectar esses campos, como “controle”, “poder” e “assimetria”.
Aprendiendo a trabajar trayectorias y discursos
Authors: Martín Artiles Antonio , Andreu Lope  , Daniel Barrientos Sánchez  , Benjamin Moles Kalt
Published: July 2018

El «aprendizaje basado en el trabajo» es valorado positivamente por los jóvenes como una forma de especialización profesional y de transición rápida al mercado de trabajo. Pero la crisis económica ha cambiado las trayectorias laborales. Las trayectorias se han segmentado. Hoy se acepta como normalidad un amplio periodo de incertidumbre en el empleo, así como una forma de aproximación sucesiva a la estabilidad laboral. Este estudio se ha basado en los datos estadísticos de la MCVL y en cinco grupos de discusión con jóvenes de 16 a 34 años.
Medios, identidad nacional y exposición selectiva predictores de preferencias mediáticas de los catalanes
Authors: Valera-Ordaz Lidia
Published: July 2018

Según la hipótesis de la exposición selectiva, los individuos se exponen a los medios en función de sus orientaciones ideológicas, buscando mensajes que concuerden con sus convicciones. Este artículo propone expandir el estudio de la exposición selectiva más allá del cleavage izquierda-derecha explorando la importancia de las posiciones en el eje centro-periferia como predictores de preferencias mediáticas mediante una regresión logística aplicada a los datos del último estudio postelectoral del CIS en Cataluña. Los resultados subrayan que existe una clara segmentación de las audiencias según identidades nacionales, de forma que los ciudadanos con inclinaciones nacionalistas prefieren consumir medios autonómicos, y los no nacionalistas, medios de alcance estatal. Además, la identidad nacional se erige como factor explicativo más importante de las preferencias de radio y televisión, frente a la prensa escrita.
El voto obligatorio y la redistribución del ingreso reexaminando el argumento lijphartiano con "matching"
Authors: Maroto María Marta
Published: July 2018

Este artículo reexamina la idea de Lijphart (1997) de que el voto obligatorio sea un instrumento efectivo para reducir la desigualdad del ingreso con un diseño de investigación cuasi experimental basado en la técnica de matching. Los resultados muestran que el voto obligatorio no tiene un impacto significativo sobre las políticas redistributivas. En base a la experiencia de América Latina, donde predomina el voto obligatorio junto a una alta desigualdad de ingresos, el artículo sostiene que el problema empírico del argumento lijphartiano se encuentra en el supuesto implícito de la existencia de un vínculo programático entre políticos y electores. Se sugiere como hipótesis alternativa que la combinación de alta participación electoral y alta desigualdad puede deberse a la prevalencia de un vínculo clientelar, frecuente en democracias con instituciones débiles.
Comparison of the Recycling Efficiency of Metakaolin and Laboratory-Synthesized Zeolite Types LTA and LSX on Used Lubricant Engine Oil
Authors: Kwakye-Awuah Bright , Kwakye Ralph , Sefa-Ntiri Baah , Nkrumah Isaac , Von-Kiti Elizabeth , Williams Craig
Published: July 2018

Zeolite types LTZ and LSX were synthesized from bauxite and kaolin in Ghana and characterized by x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy and Fouries transformed infrared spectroscopy. The zeolites were then applied to used lubricant oil and parameters lubricant engine oil were measured and compared to those of fresh ones. Parameters such as flashpoint, viscosity index, pour point, sulfur content, heavy metals, specific gravity, refractive index and carbon residue were analyzed. The results obtained showed that zeolite types A and X successfully removed heavy metals, particularly lead, copper and iron that were in the spent oil. A removal efficiency of 23.40 % Fe, 96.76 % Zn, 19.05 % Cu and 12 % Cr were obtained for Zeolite A with a yield of 62 % whilst 32.81 % Fe, 39.00 %, Zn, 47.61 %, Cu and 24 % Cr were obtained for zeolite LSX with a yield of 67 %. The viscosity index of the virgin, zeolite LTA treated and zeolite LSX treated oils were 115, 121 and 115 respectively. These results showed that used engine oils recovered using glacial acetic acid and zeolites A and LSX can be reused.
Cancers Attributable to Obesity in Indonesia: A Prevalence Based Study Using Disability Adjusted Life Years
Authors: Wulandari Galih , Kristina Susi
Published: July 2018

The prevalence of obesity in the world has nearly tripled since 1975. Obesity clearly known as risk factor for various diseases, including many types of cancer. This study aims to determine the obesity attributable fraction (OAF) of seven cancers based on the relative risk of esophageal cancer, colorectal, pancreatic, endometrial, ovarian, prostate and kidney cancer and also to estimate the burden of cancer caused by obesity with disability adjusted life years (DALY) indicator. This study is a descriptive epidemiological study with prevalence-based method, which the prevalence data obtained from Indonesian National Health Insurance (BPJS) 2016. The OAF is calculated by combining both data of obesity prevalence and relative risk and the DALY indicator is calculated as the sum of years of life lost due to premature mortality (YLL) and the equivalent healthy years lost due to disability (YLD). Based on OAF calculation, three highest proportions OAF in men were in colorectal cancer (6.02%), kidney (4.91%) and pancreatic cancer (4.55%), while in women were from kidney cancer (13.92%), endometrial (12.63%) and colorectal cancer (7.49%). Meanwhile the burden priorities of cancer by obesity in Indonesia were come from colon cancer (23,051), ovarian cancer (21.911), and pancreatic cancer (4,564). Burden of cancer attributable to obesity in Indonesia mostly related to digestive organ and high prevalence in female population. It is the impact of life changes and less activity due to globalization. All cancers attributable to obesity should be considered and have to controlled by the government through health programs and policies.