Stratospheric age of air computed with trajectories based on various 3D-Var and 4D-Var data sets

International audienceThe age of stratospheric air is computed with a trajectory model, using ECMWF ERA-40 3D-Var and operational 4D-Var winds. Analysis as well as forecast data are used. In the latter case successive forecast segments are put together to get a time series of the wind fields. This is done for different forecast segment lengths. The sensitivity of the computed age to the forecast segment length and assimilation method are studied, and the results are compared with observations and with results from a chemistry transport model that uses the same data sets. A large number of backward trajectories are started in the stratosphere, and from the fraction of these trajectories that has passed the tropopause the age of air is computed. First, for ten different data sets 50-day backward trajectories starting in the tropical lower stratosphere are computed. The results show that in this region the computed cross-tropopause transport decreases with increasing forecast segment length. Next, for three selected data sets (3D-Var 24-h and 4D-Var 72-h forecast segments, and 4D-Var analyses) 5-year backward trajectories are computed that start all over the globe at an altitude of 20km. For all data sets the computed ages of air in the extratropics are smaller than the observation-based age. For 4D-Var forecast series they are closest to the observation-based values, but still 0.5-1.5 year too small. Compared to the difference in age between the results for the different data sets, the difference in age between the trajectory and the chemistry transport model results is small

Brother Joseph N. Streiff, S.M. 1918-1985

News release announces Brother Joseph M. Streiff, S.M., died at age 67 after suffering from leukemia

The influence of land cover roughness on the results of high resolution tsunami inundation modeling

In this paper a local case study is presented in which detailed inundation simulations have been performed to support damage analysis and risk assessment related to the 2004 tsunami in Phang Nga and Phuket, Thailand. Besides tsunami sources, bathymetry and topography, bottom roughness induced by vegetation and built environment is considered to influence inundation characteristics, such as water depths or flow velocities and therefore attracts major attention in this work. Plenty of information available on the 2004 tsunami event, high-resolution satellite imagery and extensive field measurements to derive land cover information and forest stand parameters facilitated the generation of topographic datasets, land cover maps and site-specific Manning values for the most prominent land cover classes in the study areas. The numerical models ComMIT and Mike 21 FM were used to hindcast the observed tsunami inundation and to draw conclusions on the influence of land cover on inundation patterns. Results show a strong influence of dense vegetation on flow velocities, which were reduced by up to 50% by mangroves, while the inundation extent is influenced only to a lesser extent. In urban areas, the disregard of buildings in the model led to a significant overestimation of the inundation extent. Hence different approaches to consider buildings were used and analyzed in the model. The case study highlights the importance and quantifies the effects of considering land cover roughness in inundation simulations used for local risk assessment

To Kick Against the Pricks: An Examination of the Oresteia and the Acts of the Apostles

The major themes found in the Oresteia and the books of Luke and Acts of the Apostles are compared. By focusing on the similarities found in the themes of Justice, Religion, and New versus Old, the reader may determine if the phrase in question is being used as a literary allusion in the book of Acts of the Apostles to the Oresteia trilogy. The author believes this to be the case and believes that to arrive at a full understanding of the literary meaning of the phrase in question, an understanding of the major themes of the Oresteia is necessary

How To Get Your Clinical Teaching Team Ready For Curriculum Change: A Practical Guide

Our health care system is constantly adapting to change at an increasingly rapid pace. Unavoidably, this also applies to the field of medical education. As a result, clinical teaching teams face the challenging task of successfully implementing the proposed changes in daily practice. It goes without saying that implementing change takes time and that you need to be patient. However, a successful change process needs more than that. Change models or strategies could offer a helping hand. The questionnaire Specialty training’s Organizational Readiness for curriculum Change (STORC) is a tool aiming to do just that. With a focus on readiness for change, this questionnaire tries to support implementation efforts in PGME. Additionally, since change is a team effort, it focusses on clinical teaching teams particularly. In this paper, we offer a practical guide for clinical teaching teams on how to deal with any concerns or hurdles detected in any of the core elements of readiness for change, in order to smoothen and support the educational change processes these teams are confronted with

Grading scale of radiographic findings in the pubic bone and symphysis in athletes.

Purpose: Radiographic abnormalities in the pubic bone and symphysis are often seen in athletes with groin pain. The aim was to create a grading scale of such radiologic changes. Material and Methods: Plain radiography of the pelvic ring including the pubic bone and the symphysis was performed in 20 male athletes, age 19-35, with long-standing uni- or bilateral groin pain. We used two control groups: Control group 1: 20 healthy age-matched men who had undergone radiologic examination of the pelvis due to trauma. Control group 2: 120 adults (66 men and 54 women) in 9 age groups between 15 and 90 years of age. These examinations were also evaluated for interobserver variance. Results and Conclusion: The grading scale was based on the type and the amount of the different changes, which were classified as follows: No bone changes (grade 0), slight bone changes (grade 1), intermediate changes (grade 2), and advanced changes (grade 3). The grading scale is easy to interpret and an otherwise troublesome communication between the radiologist and the physician was avoided. There was a high interobserver agreement with a high kappa value (0.8707). Male athletes with long-standing groin pain had abnormal bone changes in the symphysis significantly more frequently and more severely (p>0.001) than their age-matched references. In asymptomatic individuals such abnormalities increased in frequency with age both in men and women

Psychometric properties of an instrument to measure the clinical learning environment

Objectives: The clinical learning environment is an influential factor in work-based learning. Evaluation of this environment gives insight into the educational functioning of clinical departments. The Postgraduate Hospital Educational Environment Measure (PHEEM) is an evaluation tool consisting of a validated questionnaire with 3 subscales. In this paper we further investigate the psychometric properties of the PHEEM. We set out to validate the 3 subscales and test the reliability of the PHEEM for both clerks (clinical medical students) and registrars (specialists in training). Methods: Clerks and registrars from different hospitals and specialties filled out the PHEEM. To investigate the construct validity of the 3 subscales, we used an exploratory factor analysis followed by varimax rotation, and a cluster analysis known as Mokken scale analysis. We estimated the reliability of the questionnaire by means of variance components according to generalisability theory. Results: A total of 256 clerks and 339 registrars filled out the questionnaire. The exploratory factor analysis plus varimax rotation suggested a 1-dimensional scale. The Mokken scale analysis confirmed this result. The reliability analysis showed a reliable outcome for 1 department with 14 clerks or 11 registrars. For multiple departments 3 respondents combined with 10 departments provide a reliable outcome for both groups. Discussion: The PHEEM is a questionnaire measuring 1 dimension instead of the hypothesised 3 dimensions. The sample size required to achieve a reliable outcome is feasible. The instrument can be used to evaluate both single and multiple departments for both clerks and registrars. © 2007 Blackwell Publishing Ltd

How do cultural elements shape speak-up behavior beyond the patient safety context?:An interprofessional perspective in an obstetrics and gynecology department

Introduction: Interprofessional working and learning thrives with speak-up behavior. Efforts to improve speak-up have mainly focused on isolated techniques and training programs within the patient safety scope, yet sustained improvement requires a cultural shift beyond this scope. This research investigates the influence of culture elements on speak-up behavior in interprofessional teams beyond the patient safety context. Methods: An exploratory qualitative study design was used in a Dutch hospital’s Obstetrics and Gynecology department. A representative sample of stakeholders was purposefully selected, resulting in semi-structured interviews with 13 professionals from different professional backgrounds (nurses, midwifes, managers, medical specialists, and residents). A speak-up pledge was developed by the research team and used to prime participants for discussion. Data analysis involved three-step coding, which led to the development of themes. Results: This study has identified six primary cultural themes that enhance speak-up behavior. These themes encompass the importance of managing a shared vision, the role of functional hierarchy, the significance of robust interpersonal relationships, the formulation of a strategy delineating when to speak up and when to exercise restraint, the promotion of an open-minded professional mindset, and the integration of cultural practices in the context of interprofessional working and learning. Conclusion: Six crucial cultural elements have been pinpointed to boost the practice of speaking up behavior in interprofessional working and learning. Remarkably, hierarchy should not be held responsible as the wrongdoer; instead, can be a great facilitator through respect and appreciation. We propose that employing transformational and humble leadership styles can provide guidance on effectively integrating the identified cultural elements into the workplace and provide an IMOI framework for effective interprofessional speak-up beyond patient safety.</p