Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A new geomagnetic index reveals the link between geomagnetic activity and human health

The relationship between geomagnetic storms and human health has been debated for decades. The idea that the geomagnetic fluctuations may cause human ill health has implications for a wide range of illness from cardiovascular disease to mental illness. However, this has not been established in the literature. This work, using a new measure of geomagnetic activity, studies the associations between geomagnetic activity and human health . We classified magnetic storms into two categories, storms of sudden commencement and storms of gradual commencement, and counted their frequencies to get new indices called FSSC and FSGC respectively. We explored the correlation of these new indices with 16 leading causes of death in Japan from 1952 to 2004. We also compared our results with known indices of solar activity viz sunspot numbers and K-index. Significant positive correlations were between FSSC and Hypertensive diseases, Cerebrovascular diseases, Accidents, Transport accidents Malignant neoplasms, Diabetes mellitus, Heart diseases, Pneumonia, Chronic bronchitis and emphysema, Renal failure, and negative correlations between FSSC and Hypertensive diseases, Cerebrovascular diseases, Asthma, Gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer, Senility, Accidents, Transport accidents. No correlations were seen between disease and sunspot numbers. Our new index contributed to revealing the link between the geomagnetic activity and human health more precisely than established indices.
REMOTE SENSING METHODS FOR THE INVESTIGATION OF THE EVOLUTION AND DYNAMICS OF ALPINE LANDSCAPES

Whilst the effects of present-day climate change are apparent in many environmental systems, much less is known about its impact upon the geomorphic systems characteristic of Alpine environments. This is an important knowledge gap because of the potential vulnerability of Alpine landscapes. The gap exists for two primary reasons: (1) observing climate forcing is challenging because it is manifest over timescales of decades to centuries, over which timescale geomorphic data are commonly scarce; and (2) the geomorphic response of landscapes to climate change can be complex, reflecting both spatially differential sensitivities to climate forcing and the effects of landscape heritage associated with historical glacial activity. Nonetheless, there is a consensus in the scientific community about the potentially high sensitivity of Alpine regions to climate change, because of the vulnerability of permafrost, glacial and nival processes to changes in atmospheric temperature and precipitation and the large amount of sediment stored on the associated hillsides. One approach to addressing this knowledge gap is to harness the power of remote sensing. A number of active and passive remote sensing methods could be employed for the reconstruction and monitoring of both whole landscapes and individual landforms. This Thesis aims to use such approaches to quantify the geomorphic dynamics of high mountain areas at the timescale of decades and so in the context of recent and rapid climate warming. It does so recognizing that both endogenous (landscape legacy) and exogenous (climatic forcing) processes may matter. To support this primary aim, a secondary aim arises: the evaluation of the potential of a number of remote sensing techniques for landscape and landform monitoring at multiple temporal and spatial scales. Thus this Thesis also tests in an Alpine setting the geomorphological potential of photogrammetric methods, using both aerial and hand-held sensors and both traditional and the innovative Structure-from-Motion processing approaches, and Terrestrial Laser Scanner techniques. The Thesis shows that remote sensing approaches prove to be an advantageous approach for a number of scales of application. In particular, over large spatial extents and in the case of decadal scale climate forcing of Alpine landscapes, photogrammetry was found to be capable of quantifying process rates within the limits of detection determined by the resolution of historical imagery. The information unlocked from aerial archives reveals distinct geomorphic responses to cold and warm periods and to changes in rates of precipitation and snow cover. Nonetheless, whilst enhanced sediment production is observed locally, evidence suggest a weak propagation of climate change signals through the landscape due to impeded connection to the river system and/or sediment transport capacity limitation.
Enhancing GPR Surveys By Utilizing Dispersive Properties and Phase Information

Enhancing GPR surveys by utilizing dispersive properties and phase information Chun-An Tsai Doctor of Philosophy Graduate Department of Physics University of Toronto 2019 Ground-penetrating-radar (GPR) is a non-destructive testing method that utilizes the transmission or reflection of electromagnetic (EM) waves to locate anomalies beneath a surface. GPR is now widely used in mining, civil engineering, environmental sciences, and archaeology to survey the subsurface. In a conventional GPR survey, only the arrival time of the EM pulse is used to obtain an estimate for the depth of a target. There is much more information incorporated in GPR records that can be used to infer conditions below the surface. This thesis aims to enhance GPR surveys by utilizing material properties and signal processing. Large quantities of systematic data are necessary for completing the two projects; therefore, a numerical simulation tool is developed. A 2D finite-difference-time-domain (FDTD) simulation of EM wave propagation is established using MATLAB. Dispersive materials described by N-term Debye models can be simulated by the algorithm, which facilitates studies on dispersive materials. Contrary to common assumptions, some materials, especially those that are wet, have frequency-dependent relative permittivities. The dispersion in velocity changes the shape of the source pulse during propagation and poses a challenge for travel time estimation. Instead of treating dispersion as an obstacle to GPR applications, a novel method of distinguishing dispersive materials by estimating quality factor (Q*) is proposed in the thesis. Using a combination of laboratory measurements and modelling results, it is shown that GPR signals can be used to identify dispersive behaviours. On the signal processing side, a method of estimating radii of cylindrical objects from phase information is demonstrated. In contrast to previous studies, the phase information of reflected signals have better resolution and are closer to theoretical values compared to arrival time analysis. The method, with limitations investigated through uncertainty calculations, is applied to both numerical examples and real GPR data for testing.
The Role of Atopy in Nasal Polyposis

Volume 2 • Issue 1 • 10000e3 J Aller Ther ISSN:2155-6121 JAT an open access journal Patients with sino-nasal complaints presenting to an allergist’s or otolaryngologist’s practice frequently are diagnosed with conditions including allergic rhinitis (AR) and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Furthermore, patients with CRS are pheotypically classified as CRS with and without nasal polyposis (CRWwNP and CRSsNP, repspectively). There is an intuitive sense that atopy is an underlying etiologic factor in the development of CRS, particularly CRSwNP. Certainly, many patients with CRS will have atopy. AR is observed in approximately 50% of CRS patients [1] versus 15-20% in the population at large [2]. However, this clinical association does not prove causality and may reflect a selection bias by which patients with symptoms of CRS, presenting to an allergist’s or otolaryngologist’s practice are more likely to undergo allergy testing. Additionally, histopathological specimens of surgically resected sino-nasal polyps often yield a diagnosis of “allergic polyp” secondary to the observation of eosinophils in the tissue. The preponderance of recent evidence, however, suggests that despite the clinical comorbidity of these conditions, AR and CRSwNP are distinct entities with overlapping presentation, rather than a continuum of disease.
PWE-111 Assessment and Implications of Health-Related Quality of Life in a District General Cohort of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients

Introduction Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) has been shown to have far-reaching implications for patient self-management, treatment efficiency and engagement with their own illness. Objectives To assess the levels of HRQOL experienced by inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients within the district general setting. Methods 2400 patients with IBD in the Luton & Dunstable catchment were invited to participate in a web-based quality of life assessment, with the option to request a paper copy. All patients were deemed eligible provided they were between 18 and 90 years of age, with no major learning difficulties or pre-existing serious mental disorders. HRQOL was measured using the 10-item “short Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire” (sIBDQ; Irvine et al 1996). The sIBDQ is divided into four subscales: Systemic, Emotion, Social and Bowel. Possible scores for the sIBDQ ranged from 7 to 70, with lower scores indicating poorer quality of life. Results 245 patients completed the assessment (43% male; mean age = 53, SD = 17). 45% had Ulcerative Colitis, 45% had Crohn’s Disease and 10% had an alternative form of IBD (eg. Proctitis, Lymphocytic Colitis or Collagenous Colitis). The HRQOL of patients in this study was low, and similar to that reported by Irvine et al The mean score of the sample was 48 (CI = 46.6 – 49.4). There are no published validated cut-off values for the sIBDQ indicating a “normal” QoL. Using Huaman et al’s (2010) estimated value for the IBDQ-36 (209 in the range 36–252) we assumed a cut-off of 56 in the range 7–70 to estimate a cut-off for the sIBDQ. This would mean that approximately 70% of the sample had an ‘abnormally’ low Quality of Life. For comparison, subscale scores were divided by the number of items they contained. Mean subscale scores were: Systemic – 4.3 (CI = 4.1–4.5); Emotion – 4.8 (CI = 4.7–4.9); Social - 5.4 (CI = 5.2–5.6); Bowel – 4.8 (CI = 4.6–5.0). A ‘tail-off’ effect was also noted, representing a small group of patients who reported having a significantly reduced health-related quality of life. Conclusion This study found that Social aspects of Quality of Life were less severely affected by IBD than Emotional or Bowel-related aspects, allowing patients to maintain a relatively high level of social activity. The medical (or Bowel) aspects of the condition were perceived to have the greatest negative impact on HRQOL. However, to make significant improvements in the patients’ total QOL one has to focus on improving their emotional engagement with the condition and their overall perception of the IBD and the symptoms they suffer. Disclosure of Interest None Declared.
Biomass, carbon stock and carbon dioxide mitigation potential of Cedrus deodara (Deodar) under temperate conditions of Kashmir.

Carbon management in forests is the global concern to mitigate the increased concentration of greenhouse gases. Carbon sequestration through biomass seems to be a cheap and viable option to mitigate the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The study attempted to estimate growth, biomass production, carbon stock and carbon dioxide mitigation potential of 19 year old Cedrus deodara plantation under different diameter classes. The volume of trees in the stand varied from 0.072 to 0.596m. The average dry stem biomass varied between 27.60 to 226.67kg, branch dry biomass between 7.88 to 64.14kg, needle dry biomass between 1.57 to18.19kg, total above ground dry biomass between 37.06 to 309.0kg and root dry biomass varied from 8.88 to77.25kg. The stem carbon varied from 12.80 to 105.15kg, branch carbon between 3.62 to 29.53kg, needle carbon between 0.67 to 7.78kg, root carbon between 4.09 to 35.66kg and total carbon between 21.18 to 178.12kg. The stem carbon dioxide mitigation potential varied from 46.83 to 384.84kg, branch from 12.91 to 108.07kg, needle from 2.44 to 28.47kg, root from 14.99 to 130.51kg and total carbon dioxide mitigation varied from 73.92 to 651.91kg.
CLIMATE CHANGE AND CHAGAS DISEASE IN THE AMERICAS: A QUALITATIVE SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

While many studies have found associations between climate change and factors affecting Chagas disease transmission, the future impact of climate change on the global spread of Chagas disease remains debatable. A qualitative, systematic review was conducted to assess the impact of climate change on Chagas disease transmission in the Americas (Central America, South America, and North America). The literature search was performed in January 2019 using the keywords climate, Chagas, and “trypanosoma cruzi” and the electronic databases PubMed, Scopus, and Ovid. Searches retrieved records from 1982 through 2019. The initial electronic database search identified a total of 191 record documents and 23 additional records through other sources. After assessment for inclusion eligibility, seven articles fulfilled the selection criteria and were included in the review. Most studies under review showed that Chagas disease transmission is highly sensitive to climate factors, specifically temperature, relative humidity, and precipitation. The majority of reviewed studies conducted in Latin American predict stable or decreased vector distributions and T. cruzi transmission rates as future consequences of climate change in their study areas. Notably, Mexico was the only geographical area studied in the Americas where
Provenance discrimination of fine sediments by mid‐infrared spectroscopy: Calibration and application to fluvial palaeo‐environmental reconstruction

Determining sediment provenance allows a better understanding of fluvial palaeo‐dynamics, and identifying involved watersheds, at broad spatio‐temporal scales. Conventional approaches for source identification are usually based on the physical, mineralogical, geochemical, magnetic or isotopic properties of sediments. Rapid, non‐destructive and, in well‐established contexts, highly accurate, mid‐infrared spectroscopy is an alternative method for investigating sediment sources. The present research objectives are: (i) to use the mid‐infrared spectroscopy method to discriminate the provenance of fine sediments, by applying discriminant analysis on a large set of reference samples from three different watersheds in the Upper Rhine area (associated with the Rhine, Ill and Vosges tributaries); (ii) to clarify whether the provenance spectra signatures are influenced by riverine depositional contexts (bars versus banks) and, to some extent, by grain size and/or high organic matter content; and (iii) to apply the mid‐infrared spectroscopy – discriminant analysis method to a study of fluvial palaeo‐dynamics and determine the provenance of palaeo‐channel infillings. Three main sedimentary sources, divided into eight sub‐categories, have been characterized by 196 modern reference samples from 78 collecting sites. Discriminant analysis displayed a strong separating power by classifying correctly the origin of samples without any inter‐group overlap, independently from the geomorphological context (bar or bank) and associated slight changes in organic matter contents or grain size. Mid‐infrared spectroscopy – discriminant analysis investigations of the palaeo‐channel infill, complemented by radiocarbon dates and mineralogical data, allowed reconstructing general trends for the local morpho‐sedimentary dynamics over the last ca 12 millennia.
Envi-MET validation and sensitivity analysis using field measurements in a hot arid climate

Envi-MET is a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling software that analyses interactions between the microclimate and the built environment through simulation, predicting parameters such as wind speed, air temperature and thermal comfort indices. The large number of variables and calculations involved makes validating Envi-MET models difficult. This study focuses on the validation of Envi-MET through sensitivity and calibration testing. A site was chosen in a hot arid climate location. The testing involved measuring air temperature, relative humidity and wind speed at the site. For the sensitivity testing a hypothetical site was modelled with three scenarios for four variables (wind speed, relative humidity, albedo and grid size) set as low, base and high values. The monitoring study concluded that the accuracy of Envi-MET varied with the variable in question, showing a high correlation factor with wind speed and air temperature but a poor correlation with relative humidity, especially between 04:00 and 10:00. Envi-MET displayed different sensitivity levels, with a good response to variables change in wind speed and relative humidity, but little response to albedo changes.
Advancements in the Seismic Risk Assessment of Mid-rise Reinforced Concrete Buildings

Reinforced concrete (RC) buildings constitute a significant part of the existing stock in many areas exposed to high seismic risk, such as in urban centres in the Mediterranean region. Recent earthquakes in Italy confirmed the high vulnerability of RC buildings and highlighted the need for more reliable models to estimate the expected losses and quantify the possible risks. Such models are widely used in insurance industry and are based on the three main components of the risk equation, namely hazard-vulnerability-exposure. This Thesis investigates the hazard and fragility/vulnerability components of the risk equation and systematically assesses the effect of these on the economic losses estimated for populations of mid-rise RC buildings within a catastrophe risk framework. Regarding hazard, a variety of intensity measures (IM), including advanced and conventional IMs, are tested to determine the optimal IM to represent seismic hazard. Optimal IMs reduce uncertainty as they are better correlated with the buildings’ seismic response, and allow a smaller number of analyses to be performed. Regarding fragility and vulnerability, catastrophe models require the assessment of large populations of structures; however, simplifications are needed to this procedure due to computational limitations. To this aim, the simplified analysis approach FRACAS bridging capacity spectrum assessment and fragility curve generation is presented alongside with a new software interface. Additionally, a Bayesian emulator-based approach (BEA) to efficiently compute the probabilistic seismic response and develop fragility functions is also proposed. The BEA is based on fewer assumptions and is shown to achieve better uncertainty characterization compared to standard methods. Several combinations of the developed knowledge are applied to a probabilistic seismic risk assessment case-study to determine their influence on the resultant damage/loss prediction. It is shown that the choice of IM and fragility function have a significant impact on the losses, with the produced advanced IM and fragility models yielding the best results.
Risk of Uncontrolled Bleeding after Oral Surgical Procedures Attributed to Chronic Conditions and Antiplatelet Therapy: a Practice-Based Analysis of Patients Attending a District Hospital in Thailand (ความเสี่ยงต่อภาวะเลือดออกไม่หยุดจากหัตการผ่าตัดฯ)

Objective: To measure risk of immediate and late-onset bleeding complication after oral surgical procedures in patients with chronic conditions and continued antiplatelet therapy compared to other patients without the antiplatelet therapy. Methods: This study adopted retrospective cohort data collection approach which analyzed 2,723 Thai adult dental patients–aged 30 years old and over–undergoing oral surgical treatments from October 2011 to September 2015 at Phutthamonthon Hospital. Based on past record of medication and history taking on dental visit, patients were categorized as index group receiving continued low-dose aspirin (≤162 mg/day) and referent group without the antiplatelet therapy. Immediate and late-onset bleeding complication was an outcome. Measurable confounders in this clinical context included age, sex, numbers of teeth extracted, surgical procedures, dental arches (maxilla, mandible), positions of teeth, operators, and major diagnoses of underlying chronic diseases. All data were recorded according to time of the first visit for oral surgical service of each patient within the specified data collection period. To measure risk of uncontrolled bleeding attributed to existing chronic condition and antiplatelet therapy, risk ratio was estimated by using generalized linear model for risk ratio regression. Results: Cumulative incidences of bleeding complication were not significantly different between the two groups (index 2.4%, reference 1.7%, p=0.437). After adjusting for potential confounders, estimated risk of uncontrolled bleeding attributed to underlying chronic conditions and antiplatelet therapy of patients in the index was higher than the risk among those in the reference, though not statistically significant (RR=2.3, 95% CI=0.8 to 6.4, p=0.113). Conclusion: Higher risk of bleeding was identified among patients with underlying chronic conditions and continued antiplatelet therapy in this study. Although the risk was not statistically significant, oral surgical procedures should still be cautiously provided. Attempt to limit trauma extent during procedure and well-prepared hemostatic measures without suspension of antiplatelet therapy were recommended.