bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sensitivity of U.S. Drought Prediction Skill to Land Initial States
Authors: Shin Chul-Su , Huang Bohua , Dirmeyer Paul A. , Halder Subhadeep , Kumar Arun 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIn addition to remote SST forcing, realistic representation of land forcing (i.e., soil moisture) over the United States is critical for a prediction of U.S. severe drought events approximately one season in advance. Using “identical twin” experiments with different land initial conditions (ICs) in the 32-yr (1979–2010) CFSv2 reforecasts (NASA GLDAS-2 reanalysis versus NCEP CFSR), sensitivity and skill of U.S. drought predictions to land ICs are evaluated. Although there is no outstanding performer between the two sets of forecasts with different land ICs, each set shows greater skill in some regions, but their locations vary with forecast lead time and season. The 1999 case study demonstrates that although a pattern of below-normal SSTs in the Pacific in the fall and winter is realistically reproduced in both reforecasts, GLDAS-2 land initial states display a stronger east–west gradient of soil moisture, particularly drier in the eastern United States and more consistent with observations, leading to warmer surface temperature anomalies over the United States. Anomalies lasting for one season are accompanied by more persistent barotropic (warm core) anomalous high pressure over CONUS, which results in better prediction skill of this drought case up to 4 months in advance in the reforecasts with GLDAS-2 land ICs. Therefore, it is essential to minimize the uncertainty of land initial states among the current land analyses for improving U.S. drought prediction on seasonal time scales.
“It’s Raining Bits”: Patterns in Directional Precipitation Persistence across the United States
Authors: Goodwell Allison E. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe spatial and temporal ordering of precipitation occurrence impacts ecosystems, streamflow, and water availability. For example, both large-scale climate patterns and local landscapes drive weather events, and the typical speeds and directions of these events moving across a basin dictate the timing of flows at its outlet. We address the predictability of precipitation occurrence at a given location, based on the knowledge of past precipitation at surrounding locations. We identify “dominant directions of precipitation influence” across the continental United States based on a gridded daily dataset. Specifically, we apply information theory–based measures that characterize dominant directions and strengths of spatial and temporal precipitation dependencies. On a national average, this dominant direction agrees with the prevalent direction of weather movement from west to east across the country, but regional differences reflect topographic divides, precipitation gradients, and different climatic drivers of precipitation. Trends in these information relationships and their correlations with climate indices over the past 70 years also show seasonal and spatial divides. This study expands upon a framework of information-based predictability to answer questions about spatial connectivity in addition to temporal persistence. The methods presented here are generally useful to understand many aspects of weather and climate variability.
Wave–Current Interactions at Meso- and Submesoscales: Insights from Idealized Numerical Simulations
Authors: Villas Bôas Ana B. , Cornuelle Bruce. D. , Mazloff Matthew. R. , Gille Sarah. T. , Ardhuin Fabrice 
Published: October 2020

AbstractSurface gravity waves play a major role in the exchange of momentum, heat, energy, and gases between the ocean and the atmosphere. The interaction between currents and waves can lead to variations in the wave direction, frequency, and amplitude. In the present work, we use an ensemble of synthetic currents to force the wave model WAVEWATCH III and assess the relative impact of current divergence and vorticity in modifying several properties of the waves, including direction, period, directional spreading, and significant wave height Hs. We find that the spatial variability of Hs is highly sensitive to the nature of the underlying current and that refraction is the main mechanism leading to gradients of Hs. The results obtained using synthetic currents were used to interpret the response of surface waves to realistic currents by running an additional set of simulations using the llc4320 MITgcm output in the California Current region. Our findings suggest that wave parameters could be used to detect and characterize strong gradients in the velocity field, which is particularly relevant for the Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) satellite as well as several proposed satellite missions.
Radar Super Resolution Using a Deep Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Geiss Andrew , Hardin Joseph C. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractSuper resolution involves synthetically increasing the resolution of gridded data beyond their native resolution. Typically, this is done using interpolation schemes, which estimate sub-grid-scale values from neighboring data, and perform the same operation everywhere regardless of the large-scale context, or by requiring a network of radars with overlapping fields of view. Recently, significant progress has been made in single-image super resolution using convolutional neural networks. Conceptually, a neural network may be able to learn relations between large-scale precipitation features and the associated sub-pixel-scale variability and outperform interpolation schemes. Here, we use a deep convolutional neural network to artificially enhance the resolution of NEXRAD PPI scans. The model is trained on 6 months of reflectivity observations from the Langley Hill, Washington, radar (KLGX), and we find that it substantially outperforms common interpolation schemes for 4× and 8× resolution increases based on several objective error and perceptual quality metrics.
High rise buildings stairwells pressure differential systems tests and improvement solutions
Authors: Fryda Marcin , Brzezińska Dorota , Dziubiński Marek 
Published: October 2020

The task of fire pressure differential systems in a building is to prevent smoke from entering protected spaces such as stairwells and areas that should remain smoke-free in the event of fire. The required overpressure must consider leakage within the protected space. This article presents the results of testing to determine the impact of leakage of the protected space on the conditions for maintaining overpressure. The research was conducted in accordance with draft standard N161-prEN12101-6. The pressure distribution as a function of time was obtained for stairwells with different levels of leakage, using a constant flow aeration fan as well as systems with a variable airflow. Practical application: Designers of differential pressure smoke control systems are required to calculate aeration fan airflow volume. The leakage level of protected spaces should be taken into consideration given that European Standard EN12101-6 suggests that gap areas should be minimal. Consequently, modern building design and construction requires estimation of the leakage area in such protected spaces. The objective is to improve safety of buildings and reduce the system reaction time during a fire.
Dealing with Lewis structures in chemistry lessons
Authors: Mahnke Tobias 
Published: October 2020

Chemical formulas are represented with the help of Lewis structures. To illustrate reaction mechanisms, these structures are provided with arrows and the new structural formula is recorded. This procedure presents blind pupils with several hurdles: - How do these structures come about? - How can students spontaneously create tactile formulas in class? - How can the movements shown by arrows be traced? For the representation of atomic symbols, for which the element symbols from the periodic table are normally used, magnets were developed that differ in shape, color, and size. Since only a handful of symbols occur regularly and in large numbers in school, only a few symbols have been permanently assigned, some are variable and can be used appropriately defined for the respective teaching situation. With this symbol set, it is possible to quickly and individually manufacture almost all molecules relevant in school. These magnets allow the independent determination of reaction mechanisms in the further course of the lesson. Due to the mobility of the elements on the magnetic base, electrons and atoms can be moved and thus result in a new bonding situation that is reinterpreted by the students. The advantage of this procedure is that the pupils do not just paint arrows, but consciously think about all processes and can also make mistakes. When analyzing intermediate products, you can determine that your actions were either not compliant or compliant but not effective. This enables individual active learning in the classroom.
Clinical performance of cantilevered resin-bonded fixed partial dentures for single tooth replacement in elderly patients
Authors: Qiu Hai-Yan , Wu Shuang-Yan , Fu Lan 
Published: October 2020

Objective To evaluate the clinical performance of cantilevered resin-bonded fixed partial dentures (CRBFPDs) in single tooth replacement in elderly patients at Qingdao Stomatological Hospital. Methods In total, 186 CRBFPDs in 153 patients were made from cobalt-chrome alloy. Panavia F 2.0 was used as a luting agent after air-abrasion. Restoration were evaluated at 3-month intervals with regard to function, esthetics, and possible complications. Results CRBFPDs were evaluated after intervals of 12 to 40 months. The average clinical service time (i.e., length of time in situ at examination, including re-cementation after debonding) was 26.2 ± 13.6 months. Among these CRBFPDs, 87 (46.8%) were bridges in the maxilla, while 99 (53.2%) were bridges in the mandible. Most CRBFPDs (184, 98.9%) survived throughout the study period, while two (1.1%) were regarded as failed. The majority of debonded bridges had been used to replace the maxillary central incisor (60%). Conclusion Our findings confirm the successful clinical performance of CRBFPDs with tooth preparation designs involving mesial and distal vertical grooves in elderly patients.
Mental health consumers’ perspectives on using an occupation-focused assessment to initiate change in everyday activities
Authors: Atler Karen E , Fox Anna L 
Published: October 2020

Introduction Engagement in meaningful activities is central to recovery for people with mental health conditions. The aim of this study was to examine the utility of an occupation-focused assessment, the Daily Experiences of Pleasure, Productivity, and Restoration Profile, as a means to guide engagement in meaningful activity. Methods Eight consumers who were receiving services from a community-based behavioural health centre utilized the Profile to set and work towards self-identified goals. Data derived from audiotaped sessions, notes, and a focus group were analysed using an iterative content analysis process. Results Three themes emerged: completion of the Profile was ‘burdensome, but right on’, moving from insights gained to choosing and working towards a goal required guidance from the therapist, and insights gained from the Profile supported some changes in actions and perspectives. Conclusion The findings support preliminary utility of the Daily Experiences of Pleasure, Productivity, and Restoration Profile to guide engagement in meaningful activity among people living with mental health conditions. Moreover, the support and guidance of the occupational therapist is critical. Continued examination of the use of the Profile is warranted to help support occupational therapy’s role in promoting recovery for people with mental health conditions through meaningful activities.
Exposures to Potentially Psychologically Traumatic Events Among Nurses in Canada
Authors: Stelnicki Andrea M. , Jamshidi Laleh , Ricciardelli Rosemary , Carleton R. Nicholas 
Published: October 2020

Background Nurses are regularly exposed to diverse potentially psychologically traumatic events (PPTEs) as a function of their work. Cumulative exposure to PPTEs can lead to clinically significant symptoms of mental disorders. Purpose We designed the current study to investigate the prevalence of different PPTEs among Canadian nurses and estimate the associations between diverse exposures and several mental disorders. Methods Canadian nurses (i.e., registered nurses, registered psychiatric nurses, licensed practical nurses, nurse practitioners) completed an online, self-reported survey. In total, 4067 participants (94.8% women) completed all relevant survey measures. Results Nurses reported exposures to several PPTE categories including severe human suffering, life threatening illness or injury, and physical assault, often 11 or more times. There were significant ( p<.05) associations between diverse traumatic events and all mental disorders (i.e., Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder) except Alcohol Use Disorder. Conclusions The current findings suggest that Canadian nurses are substantially exposed to traumatic events, which vary by several sociodemographic categories. PPTE exposures were significantly associated with mental disorders; that is, if PPTEs were eliminated among Canadian nurses in the sample, symptoms would be reduced between 42.0% and 58.0%.
Dietary Behaviors and Obesity of Children From Low-Income Households by Gender of Caregiver and Child
Authors: Molitor Fred , Doerr Celeste 
Published: October 2020

Purpose: To investigate the empirical support for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education’s (SNAP-Ed) focus on mothers versus fathers by examining children’s risk and protective behaviors for obesity, and obesity status, by gender of primary caregiver and by caregiver-by-child gender dyads. Approach: Cross-sectional survey. Setting: Random sample of SNAP-Ed eligible households (≤ 185% of the federal poverty level) across California. Participants: 2,242 children and their caregivers (17.8% male): the adult who prepares the meals or buys the food for the children. Measures: Cups of fruits and vegetables, water, sugar-sweetened beverages; teaspoons of added sugars; kilocalories; and food-only energy density, assessed through 24-hour dietary recall interviews. Dichotomous outcome was childhood obesity. Covariates were children’s race/ethnicity and age, and caregivers’ obesity status. Results: Only one outcome was related to caregiver gender: male versus female caregivers’ children consumed fewer kilocalories (P = 0.053). Caregiver-by-child gender analyses revealed female caregivers’ sons consumed more kilocalories overall ( Ps < 0.02), and added sugars than female caregivers’ daughters ( P = 0.001) and male caregivers’ sons ( P = 0.018). Female caregivers’ daughters versus sons reported diets lower in food-only energy density ( P = 0.004) and were less likely to be obese (23.7% versus 28.7%; aOR = 0.78, P = 0.035). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that SNAP-Ed’s focus on mothers rather than fathers is justified, but more effective childhood nutrition education and obesity prevention efforts should target families with female caregivers of male children.
Early damage as measured by SLICC/ACR damage index is a predictor of hospitalization in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
Authors: Raman Leela , Yahya Fariz , Ng Choung Min , Sockalingam Sargunan , Ramasamy Kuganathan , Ratnam Ravinash , Raja Jasmin 
Published: October 2020

Background Hospital admissions and re-admissions in lupus patients are common occurrences that can lead to poor prognosis. Objectives We evaluated the leading causes of all-cause hospitalizations and their predictive factors in the Malaysian multi-ethnic SLE patients. Methods This is a retrospective study involving 300 SLE patients. Demographic data and details of hospitalizations from the year 1988 until 2019 were reviewed. Baseline and latest disease activity (SLEDAI-2 K) and SLICC/ACR damage index (SDI) scores were evaluated. To be eligible for this study, their SLE diagnosis and disease duration was at least one year; this is to ensure that the baseline disease damages were measured at least after 6 months of diagnosis and subsequent disease damage indexes were captured. Results Majority were of Chinese ethnicity 150 (50%). The cohort’s median age was 48 (18–82) years and median disease duration was 13 (1–52) years. 133 (44.3%) had SDI score of ≥1 at baseline (early damage). 69 (23%) had developed new organ damage during this study period. There were 222 (74%) patients ever hospitalized from this cohort. The main cause of hospitalization was lupus flare which included concurrent infection (n = 415 admissions, 46%), followed by elective admissions for procedures and others (n = 284 admissions, 31.5%). Admissions for treatment and disease related complications were 13.8%. 8.7% of admissions were due to infections alone. Median length of stay for SLE-related cause admissions was longer compared to non-SLE related causes. Jointly predictive factors for hospitalization were anti-phospholipid syndrome (OR 5.82), anti-Smith (OR 6.30), anti-SSA (OR 3.37), serositis (OR 14.56), neurological (OR 5.52) and high baseline SDI (OR 1.74), all p < 0.05. Conclusion Early damage in lupus as measured by SDI is a predictive value of hospitalization. Optimization in managing patients with pre-existing damage is crucial to reduce hospitalization risk and subsequent complications.
Burnout and psychological distress amongst Australian healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Dobson Hannah , Malpas Charles B , Burrell Aidan JC , Gurvich Caroline , Chen Leo , Kulkarni Jayashri , Winton-Brown Toby 
Published: October 2020

Objective: To examine psychological distress in healthcare workers (HCWs) during the COVID-19 pandemic in April–May 2020. Methods: A cross-sectional survey examining demographic, employment and mental health characteristics of HCWs in a large metropolitan hospital in Australia. Results: HCWs showed significant symptoms of moderate-severe level depression (21%), anxiety (20%) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD; 29%), associated with burnout, prior psychiatric history, profession and resilience. Conclusion: Despite low levels of COVID contact, moderate to high levels of psychological distress were reported. Continued monitoring and support for HCWs’ mental well-being is warranted as the COVID-19 pandemic develops.
Radiologic Evaluation of the Influence of Cleft Treatment on Nasal Dorsum Growth
Authors: Pu Lingling , Liu Renkai , Shi Bing , Low David W. , Li Chenghao 
Published: October 2020

Objective: The study addresses whether the growth of the nasal dorsum is disturbed by cleft treatments, for cleft lip only (CL) and cleft lip with cleft palate (CLP). Design: A total of 576 patients with cleft (278 CL, 298 CLP) and 333 individuals without orofacial clefts were retrospectively enrolled. Cleft lip only group was treated with a modified Millard technique combined with Tajima incision for rhinoplasty at 3 to 6 months. The CLP group underwent the same lip repair technique and then underwent a Sommerlad palatoplasty at 9 to 12 months. Lateral cephalometric radiographs of all individuals were taken to evaluate the nasal length and nasal dorsum height. Dunn test was used to analyze the difference ( P < .001). Results: Compared with control, in CL, nasal bone angle and nasal dorsum angle increase by age similarly (5-18 years, P > .05); the total dorsum is significantly shorter (5-18 years, P < .001), while the upper nasal dorsum length is similar (except in 5-6 years), and the lower nasal dorsum is shorter (5-18 years, P < .001). In CLP, nasal bone angle develops insufficiently as children grow (8-18 years, P < .001); the nasal dorsum angle is notably smaller (5-18 years, P < .001); nasal bone length is not significantly different except 11 to 13 years ( P < .05); nasal dorsal length is similar at skeletal maturity (17-18 years, P > .05), although it is shorter during 8 to 16 years ( P < .05); the upper nasal dorsum is overdeveloped (14-18 years, P < .05), whereas the lower nasal dorsum is underdeveloped (5-18 years, P < .001). Conclusion: Treatments in both CL and CLP could be the important factors in disturbing the growth of cartilaginous portion of the nasal dorsum (including nasal tip) and the nasal dorsum height.
Effectiveness of a School-Based Tobacco Prevention Program for Middle School Students in Saudi Arabia: A Quasi-Experimental Controlled Trial
Authors: Al Agili Dania E , Salihu Hamisu M 
Published: October 2020

Objective: To evaluate the effect of a school-based tobacco program in preventing initiation of tobacco use among adolescents in Saudi Arabia. Methods: We used a quasi-experimental controlled design. Four intervention and four control schools were selected from the regional education registry. A baseline questionnaire was administered to all grade 7 students before implementing the tobacco prevention program, Dentists Fighting Nicotine Dependence (DFND). The intervention group (n =379) received the DFND program whereas the control group (n = 255) received the regular tobacco program administered by the Department of Education. The program was delivered by trained health educators over 5 weeks. Pre- and post-test surveys (immediate and 2-year post-intervention) were collected. Study outcomes were current tobacco use, tobacco knowledge, attitude towards not using tobacco, and perceived behavioral control (PBC) of tobacco use. Covariates included sex, parent education, academic performance, absenteeism, student allowance, and religiosity. Data were analyzed using a two-level hierarchical mixed models. Results: In the immediate post-test, 597 participants (intervention, n = 366; control, n = 231) were surveyed. There was no difference in tobacco use between intervention and control schools, however, the intervention group had significantly higher mean scores for knowledge (β = 1.27, SE = 0.27, P < .01) and attitude toward not using tobacco (β = 5.17, SE = 2.48, P < .05) after adjusting for covariates. At 2-year post-intervention, 463 participants (intervention, n = 289; control, n = 173) were surveyed. There were no differences in tobacco use, knowledge, attitude or PBC between intervention and control groups. Conclusions: Our program did not impact tobacco use. In the short-term, the program significantly improved knowledge and attitude towards not using tobacco. These effects decayed 2 years post-intervention without additional programming. Increasing the effectiveness of DFND may be achieved by expanding curriculum content and practice time throughout the school years and by targeting high-risk adolescents within the program.