bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A prospective functional outcome of stand-alone cage in cervical disc prolapses following discectomy
Authors: Hegde Deepak , Babu B. C. Santhosh , S. Kumar Adhitya , Rao K. P. Prajwal
Published: May 2023

Introduction and Aim: Anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF) is the go-to treatment for degenerative cervical illness that causes persistent radiculopathy. It has been suggested that a separate cage be used so that the patient's plates do not get damaged. This research aims to examine the radiological and functional results of discectomy and cage placement in patients with cervical disc prolapse.
 
Materials and Methods: This study prospectively assessed patients who had anterior cervical decompression and fusion using a freestanding cage. Patients' pain levels on a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and their level of impairment as measured by the Neck impairment Index (NDI) were taken before surgery. Post-operative pain assessment, looked out for cage related complications during follow up period at 3rd and 6th month post operatively by radiological evaluation.
 
Results: Median age of neutral group and kyphosis was 45 and 34 respectively. Maximum number of patients had C5 - C6 IVDP. Median Cobb’s angle was higher in kyphosis group as compared to neutral group. Before surgery, at 10 days, and at 3 and 6 months after surgery, the kyphosis group had a higher median VAS and NDI score than the neutral group.
 
Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that ACDF using a single cage successfully reduced the patient's preoperative neck pain and associated disability. The advantages of ACDF with a single cage include a shorter surgical time, better cervical lordosis and disc height, and no cage sinking.  As a result, cage fusion as a stand-alone treatment option for cervical degenerative disease is likely to be regarded as a viable option.
Antibacterial effect of ethanolic fraction of Medicago sativa extract on Escherichia coli in urinary tract infection
Authors: Ghaith Ahmed Alaa , Qasim Yahya MalAllah Al Atrakji Mohammed , M. Ali Alwattar Wifaq
Published: May 2023

Introduction and Aim: Uropathogenic E. coli infections of the urinary system have grown to be a serious global public health issue. Medicago Sativa has been reported to have antibacterial effects against a variety of harmful microorganisms. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate M. sativa's potential antibacterial effectiveness against Escherichia coli isolated from urine samples in urinary tract infection patients visiting Medical city hospitals in Iraq/Baghdad.
 
Material and Methods: During this study, urine samples were collected from 85 patients visiting various hospitals in Iraq, from December 2021 to May 2022. A semi-quantitative culture technique and a conventional microbiological approach was used to identify Escherichia coli in the urine samples.  E.coli isolates were assessed for their antibiotic susceptibility using the Kirby-Bauer Disk diffusion method. The crude Medicago sativa plant extract was screened for its phytochemical constituents. Various ethanol fraction concentrations (25 mg/ml, 50 mg/ml, and 75 mg/ml) were tested for their inhibitory activity of uropathogenic E. coli.
 
Results: Only 30 out of the 85 urine samples tested positive for uropathogenic E. coli. Among patients, UTI infection with E.coli was seen to be more prevalent in females than in males. The Medicago sativa extracts demonstrated considerable antibiotic activity against E. coli with a MIC of 25 mg/ml for ethanolic fraction.
 
Conclusion: Based on this present study we conclude that Medicago sativa extracts have great potential as an antimicrobial agent against uropathogenic E. coli.
Home-based care programme (HBCP) for patients with COVID -19: Boon or burden during pandemic management?
Authors: Kumar Nanjesh , Mathew Geethu , Huchchannavar Raghavendra
Published: May 2023

Introduction and Aim:  India experienced the peak of the second wave of COVID-19 during April to June 2021. Massive surge of cases resulting in shortage of beds and oxygen, home care was recommended as a strategy for management of asymptomatic/mild COVID -19 cases. The present study was undertaken to perform home visits and monitor COVID 19 patients who are a part of home-based care programme (HBCP) in Puttur taluk of Dakshina Kannada district, identification and immediate referral of patients with red flag signs/ symptoms and to identify barriers/challenges faced by health care staff in implementing the programme.
 
Methodology: The present study was a cross-sectional study with universal sampling. It was carried out as part of a district programme for management of home isolation COVID-19 patients. The team visited the houses of COVID-19 patients and evaluated them.
 
Results: A total of 112 COVID-19 patients were in home isolation during the study period in Puttur Taluk. Hypertension (29.5%) was the most common co-morbidity and nearly two-fifths (41.1%) of the study participants had one or more comorbidities. Almost two-third (63%) of the patients with comorbidities were symptomatic compared to only 29.4% of patients without any comorbidities. Of the six patients who had saturation of less than 95% five were more than 60 years of age, only one had received vaccination against COVID-19 and all had comorbidities. The HBCP had to face several challenges as the team members could not be in full PPE because of long distances between the houses and hard to reach areas.
 
Conclusion: Overall, it is a helpful initiative for patients as the health services were provided at the doorstep during the time of restriction of movement. This can be an important tool in managing not only COVID pandemic but also future outbreaks that may follow.
Salivary glucose as an alternative reliable marker in diabetes mellitus: A systematic review
Authors: G. Anuradha , K. V. Swathi , M. Arvind
Published: May 2023

Introduction and Aim: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic endocrine condition characterised by elevated blood glucose levels that can be brought on by insulin resistance, insulin deficiency, or both. As a non-invasive diagnostic tool, saliva is a complex biological fluid that contains numerous enzymes, growth factors and microbial antibodies. The objective of this systematic review is to examine and analyse published studies that have estimated the levels of salivary glucose in people with type 1 diabetes.
 
Materials and Methods: MeSH terms from the electronic search database engines such as PubMed, PubMed Central, Science Direct, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar were extensively used in this search methodology in this systematic review. The precise audit has been enlisted in the PROSPERO data set (Enrolment Number: CRD42021287015). 18 articles were retrieved all together. This systematic review included two articles after the application of the inclusion and exclusion criteria.
 
Results: A total of 347 type 1 DM cases (174 controlled diabetics, 173 uncontrolled diabetics) and 84 controls were dissected for the appraisal of the salivary glucose levels. Using Review Manager 5.4.1, a quality assessment of the included studies produced risk of bias and applicability concern graphs.
 
Conclusion: The emerging field of salivary diagnostics provides real-time diagnostic values for numerous diseases. The salivary and serum glucose concentrations in Type 1 diabetes were found to be statistically correlated in the studies analysed in this systematic review, thus making them a useful monitoring tool for determination of the disease’s status.
Retinal analysis from OCT images to identify fluid filled abnormalities
Authors: K. Venkatraman
Published: May 2023

Blindness, being one of the most common disabilities in humans, is often caused due to various infections in the anterior and posterior regions of the Human eye. One of the common reasons include a significant variation in the levels of fluid in the retina of the eye. This may be due to excessive fluids or due to reduction in the levels of fluids. This paper reviews various tools of assessment designed towards early detection and diagnosis of such fluid filled abnormalities. The proposed idea has evaluated the various methodologies that have been designed and implemented using Image processing techniques, beginning from the preprocessing to classification at different stages. Not only focusing on binary classification, say normal and abnormal, various other techniques to classify the input image as Choroidal NeoVascular Membrane (CNVM), Cystoid Macular Edema (CME), Macular Hole (MH) and normal images has also been validated. Validation of the implemented speckle noise removal preprocessing filters and classifiers for efficient classification has also been focused on the paper.
Higher Education Faculty Supports for to the Transition to Online Teaching during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Power Rob , Kay Robin
Published: May 2023

Canadian higher education institutions closed physical campuses in early 2020. It transitioned to online teaching and student service delivery because of the COVID-19 pandemic. For many faculty members and institutions unfamiliar with online teaching, this transition meant widespread innovation in digital technologies and pedagogical practices. While necessity created a perception of the usefulness of digital tools, faculty still needed to develop their technical skills and online teaching approaches. This research study found that faculty from two Canadian universities drew upon a combination of formal and informal support networks and resources to increase their technological self-efficacy. Faculty also found that formal professional development was most helpful when it focused on online teaching approaches rather than specific technical functionality. The barriers to innovation and changes to faculty use of digital tools and pedagogies point to recommendations for higher education institutions that must transition to online delivery.
Novice Coders Reactions to Pedagogical Strategies within a Coding Education Course
Authors: Tepylo Diane , Samaha Yvette , Atkinson Hannah
Published: May 2023

While coding is integrated into K-12 curricula worldwide, most teachers are new to coding and need more preparation on how to present coding well. This study investigates the reactions of novice coders to teaching strategies within a carefully developed coding for pre-service teachers (PSTs) course. During the course, PSTs participated in many coding challenges and were prompted to reflect on their learning and connections to future teaching in Digital Learning Portfolios (DLPs). Using thematic analysis, the DLPs of 3 PSTs without prior coding experience were analyzed in depth to determine PST reactions to the teaching strategies used within the coding-for-teachers course. The reflections captured in the teaching approaches were generally effective for novice coders, but at times more scaffolding would have supported learning. Finally, the implications of these findings are discussed concerning teacher educators preparing teachers to teach coding in other contexts.
Abordagens em medicina: ciência e prática
Authors: Figueiredo Bárbara Queiroz de , Caixeta Willian de Oliveira , Andrade Andressa Ferreira
Published: May 2023

Este livro é uma coletânea de 32 capítulos que abrangem diversos temas na área de saúde. Os capítulos abordam desde doenças comuns como o sangramento uterino anormal e a obesidade infantil, até temas mais específicos, como o uso da toxina botulínica para tratar espasticidade em pacientes pós-AVE e a acupuntura no tratamento da fibromialgia. Além disso, há capítulos que discutem a relação entre hábitos e estilo de vida, como o uso de cigarro eletrônico e exercício físico, com problemas de saúde como doenças cardiovasculares e doenças pulmonares. Também são explorados tópicos como a inteligência artificial na medicina, transtornos psicológicos como o transtorno bipolar e transtornos de personalidade, além de questões sociais como a violência obstétrica e a importância da educação em saúde.
Demystifying Distrust: Exploring the Metaphysically Archaic Link between the Northeast and the Mainland India
Authors: Eshika N
Published: May 2023

The epistemic focus of the paper will be on how the ideas of Akhand Bharat and Bharatvarsha as elucidated in epics and sacred texts has mentions of the Northeast regions. The aim is to illuminate the adventures of various deities in the regions of the Northeast such as the marriage between Arjuna and Princess Uloopi of Nagaland, Arjun’s expedition to Manipur, the lineage of Ghatokach, the legend of Naraksura, the marriage between Arjun and Princess Chitrangada of Manipur, etc. The history of the Kamakhya Temple of Assam and the town of Tezpur will be elucidated, as also the rich Vaishnavite culture of Manipur with raas-leela being the emblem of the state’s pride. This age-old idea of unity is important to illuminate against the commonplace understanding, held mostly by the inhabitants of the Northeast, that the region had historically never belonged to India and against the backdrop of the narrative of the ‘forceful’ accession. Such an exposition may aid in allaying the misunderstanding harbored by the Northeastern and the mainland Indians alike, which has been the cause of racial discrimination and name callings such as chinky (a derogatory term used to refer to the North-east people) and mayang (a derogatory term used to refer to the mainland Indians). Illuminating the ancient ties may help repair the emotional rupture between these two units of Bharat.
Idea of the Nation and Indian English Novels
Authors: Ghosh Debarati
Published: May 2023

Although most nations are multi-ethnic and multiracial, they have often been claimed as being ethnically/racially homogenous in character. In fact, the contradiction is culturally mediated by the creation of national symbols like the national flag or the national emblem etc. that fuse emotional, sensory, and cognitive meanings. Benedict Anderson claims that “it is an imagined political community.” Timothy Brennan also believes that Nations are “imaginary constructs” which depend on imaginative literature for their existence. This idea of the nation is one of the most potent forces in contemporary society and the literary medium of the novel historically accompanied the rise of the nation by objectifying the “one, yet many” of the national life. It has been amply utilised by Indian novelists as they attempted to establish the Indian English novel as a distinct genre.
Climate and Disease: the connection between temperature values and precipitation rates and the probability of death due to waterborne and airborne diseases in historical urban space (the evidence from Poznań, Poland)
Authors: Liczbińska Grażyna , Vögele Jörg Peter , Brabec Marek
Published: May 2023

Abstract. The study examines the relationship between temperature values and precipitation rates as explanatory variables and the probability of death due to waterborne, airborne, and other diseases in historical urban space. So far, the literature has not been focused on epidemiology of 19th -century Polish urban areas in climatological context. We used individual data on mortality from Poznań parish death registers for 1850–1900. Each deceased individual was assigned the average monthly temperature values and precipitation rates in the month of death, LAG1 temperature and LAG1 rainfall, and a quarter of residence. We studied the relationship between weather conditions and mortality using formalized statistical models reflecting the discrete nature of the response data (via multinomial logistic regression). Lagged monthly average temperature values and lagged monthly average precipitation rates were better predictors of airborne and waterborne disease mortality than the concurrent (non-lagged) monthly averages. The lagged effects of temperature and precipitation on waterborne and airborne diseases were significant (except for the smooth lagged average monthly temperature effect for airborne diseases). There was also significant spatial heterogeneity (differences among city quarters) in the prevalence of deaths due to waterborne and airborne diseases.
Intensive agricultural management-induced subsurface accumulation of water extractable colloidal P in lime concretion black soil
Authors: Li Shouhao , Chen Shuiqing , Bai Shanan , Tan Jinfang , Jiang Xiaoqian
Published: May 2023

Abstract. Long-term excessive application of mineral fertilizer leads to accumulation of phosphorus (P) in lime concretion black soil, which increases the risk of P migration and loss from soil profile. The colloids in the profile are important carriers for P migration due to high P adsorption and transport capacity. In this study, water extractable colloids (WECs) were obtained from 0 ~ 120 cm soil profile by soil fractionation method, and their physicochemical properties were analyzed. Solution 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and P K-edge XANES were used to characterize the species and distribution of colloidal P in fertilized farmland soil profile. Total and available P in bulk soil and colloids decreased with soil depth. The organic P (OP) contained ~97 to 344 mg kg-1 per bulk soil and 110–630 mg/kg per WECs in soil profile with composition of orthophosphate monoesters and diesters according to NMR results. It suggested that OP in WECs from subsoils might be affected by the translocation of colloidal P (CP) from surface soils probably due to soil acidification and preferential flow caused by swelling-shrinkage clays including montmorillonite and nontronite. Additionally, the more negative zeta potential of surface soil colloids suggests the high mobility of colloidal P to the subsoils. The CP concentrations for <2 µm was about 38–93 mg/kg per bulk soil, which is 6–37 folds of dissolved reactive P (DRP) concentrations, suggesting that the role of CP for P transport in the soil profile is dominated. This study showed that inorganic and organic P migrated from surface to deeper layer along the lime concretion black soil profile, with soil colloids having a significant effect on P migration from both surface and subsurface layers. The results have an important significance for soil P migration evaluation and agricultural non-point source pollution control in lime concretion black soil.
Relevance of near-surface soil moisture vs. terrestrial water storage for global vegetation functioning
Authors: Khanal Prajwal , Hoek Van Dijke Anne , Schaffhauser Timo , Li Wantong , Paulus Sinikka J. , Zhan Chunhui , Orth René
Published: May 2023

Abstract. Soil water availability is an essential prerequisite for vegetation functioning. Vegetation takes up water from varying soil depths depending on the characteristics of their rooting system and soil moisture availability across depth. The depth of vegetation water uptake is largely unknown across large spatial scales as a consequence of sparse ground measurements. At the same time, emerging satellite-derived observations of vegetation functioning, surface soil moisture and terrestrial water storage, present an opportunity to assess the depth of vegetation water uptake globally. In this study, we characterise vegetation functioning through the Near-Infrared Reflectance of Vegetation (NIRv), and compare its relation to (i) near-surface soil moisture from ESA-CCI and (ii) total water storage from GRACE at the monthly time scale during the growing season. The relationships are quantified through partial correlations to mitigate the influence of confounding factors such as energy-related variables. We find that vegetation functioning is generally more strongly related to near-surface soil moisture, particularly in semi-arid regions and areas with low tree cover. In contrast, in regions with high tree cover and in arid regions, the correlation with terrestrial water storage is comparable to or even higher than with near-surface soil moisture, indicating that trees can and do make use of their deeper rooting systems to access deeper soil moisture, similar to vegetation in arid regions. In line with this, an attribution analysis that examines the relative importance of these soil water storages for vegetation reveals that they are controlled by (i) water availability influenced by the climate and (ii) vegetation type reflecting adaptation of ecosystems to local water resources. Next to variations in space, the vegetation water uptake depth also varies in time. During dry periods, the relative importance of terrestrial water storage increases, highlighting the relevance of deeper water resources during rain-scarce periods. Overall, the synergistic exploitation of state-of-the-art satellite data products to disentangle the relevance of near-surface vs. terrestrial water storage for vegetation functioning can inform the representation of vegetation-water interactions in land surface models to support more accurate climate change projections.
On the Key Eco-hydrodyanmic Features of Vegetated Rivers: a Case Study in southern Italy
Authors: Lama Giuseppe Francesco Cesare , Crimaldi Mariano
Published: May 2023

The proper analysis and prediction of the hydrodynamic interaction between water flow and vegetation covering natural and manmade vegetated rivers are among the main objectives of Ecohydraulics. Riverine and riparian plants have a paramount impact on flow resistance and water quality associated with vegetated water bodies. Also, the presence of vegetation considerably affects the mean and turbulent flow fields with important implications on oxygen production and nutrient transport within vegetated open channels. In this perspective, the use of advanced field and remote sensing techniques to measure the most relevant features of plants constitutes a stimulating open research window. The interplay between riparian vegetation and water flow in vegetated water bodies has a key role in the dynamic evolution of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems in wetlands and lowlands. The present study analyzes the effects of the spatial distribution of reed (Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud.) beds, an invasive riparian species extremely widespread in wetland and lowlands worldwide, on the main hydraulic and hydrodynamic properties of an abandoned vegetated reclamation channel located in southern Italy. A field campaign was carried out to obtain Leaf Area Index (LAI) and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) of reed beds through both ground-based and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) methodologies, and to correlate them to the channel’s flow dynamic and water quality main features. Hydrodynamic simulations of the vegetated reclamation channel were performed and validated based on the experimental measurements of the hydraulic and vegetational parameters acquired in the field to build up a robust model to be employed also in future Ecohydraulic research. The evidence of this study constitutes useful insights into the quantitative analysis of the correlation between the spatial distribution of riparian vegetation stands in natural and manmade vegetated water bodies and their hydrodynamic and water quality main features. The outcomes of the present work can be seen as stimulating new viewpoints to be taken into account for the proper management of biomass belonging to riparian and riverine vegetation developing within vegetated water streams.

 
Spatial patterns for canopy drainage translate into soil moisture dynamics – empirical evidence
Authors: Hildebrandt Anke , Fischer-Bedtke Christine , Metzger Johanna Clara , Demir Gökben , Wutzler Thomas
Published: May 2023

Heterogeneity in below canopy precipitation has often been hypothesized to induce spatial variation of soil water content especially in forests. However, we are not aware of any observational study relating the spatial variation of soil water content directly to net precipitation or alternatively to deep percolation. Here, we investigate whether throughfall patterns affect the spatial heterogeneity of soil water response in the main rooting zone. We assessed rainfall, throughfall and soil water contents (two depths: 7.5 cm and 27.5 cm) in a very dense observation network on a 1‐ha temperate mixed beech forest plot in Germany during two growing seasons. Because throughfall and soil water content cannot be measured at the same location, we used kriging to derive the throughfall values at the locations where soil water content was measured. 

Throughfall spatial patterns were related to canopy density. Although spatial auto-correlation decreased with increasing event sizes, temporally stable throughfall patterns emerged, leading to reoccurring high and lower input locations across precipitation events. A linear mixed effect model analysis showed, that soil water content patterns were only poorly linked to throughfall spatial patterns, and it was rather shaped by unidentified but time constant factors. Instead the increase soil water content after rainfall corresponded more closely to throughfall input patterns. Furthermore, soil water patterns additionally affected how much water was stored, and ancillary data suggest that this was related to preferential flow. 

In this comprehensive study we show that throughfall patterns imprint less on soil water contents and more on soil water dynamics shortly after rainfall events, therefore only partly confirming previous modelling with data. Our findings highlight at the same time systematic patterns of times and locations where the capacity to store water is reduced and water probably conducted quickly to greater depth. Our results indicate percolation patterns may already be triggered in the canopy.
Ecological flow assessment in a non-perennial river under climate variability: the case study ofthe Lake Ancipa
Authors: Bonaccorso Brunella , Iannello Claudia
Published: May 2023

In 2012 the European Commission launched a Blueprint to Safeguard Europe's Water Resources to foster the sustainable use of water resources in agreement with the Water Framework Directive (WFD2000/60/EC). The document introduced the concept of Ecological Flow defined as the amount of
water to be maintained in a river to ensure good (or optimum) conditions for the existing ecosystems. By definition, the Ecological Flow is associated with the quality status, the hydrological regime and the morphological dynamics of the river.

In the present study a methodology for Ecological Flow assessment in a non-perennial river, established by Decree n. 30/STA 2017 of the Ministry of the Environment and Soil and Sea Conservation, is implemented. The proposed methodology is based on the monthly flow duration curve from which threshold flows are defined by the so-called Aquatic States, i.e., the set of habitats occurring on a given stream reach at a given time, depending on the hydrological conditions.

The methodology was applied to evaluate the Ecological Flow downstream of the Ancipa reservoir along the Troina river, a tributary of the Salso-Simeto river basin system in Eastern Sicily.

Monthly streamflow data used for the flow duration curve, were estimated using both a non-linear regressive model and an artificial neuronal network, calibrated and validated on monthly rainfall data and average temperature data retrieved by the BIGBANG database developed by the Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), as well as on inflow data estimated through the reservoir water balance between 1956 and 2002. The best-performing model was therefore used to extend monthly inflow data up to 2019, using contemporary values of rainfall and temperature. Then, the monthly flow duration curve was constructed and threshold values of Ecological Flows were derived, after fitting a gamma probability distribution.

Finally, the effect of climate variability on the threshold flow values corresponding to a duration of 10 days, Q10, was analysed by means of a 30-year moving window. The results show a clear decreasing trend of Q10 values, which can be largely explained by the increase in average temperature
and, in turn, in the lake evaporation.

Further research is ongoing to assess future changes in the Ecological Flow values by forcing the proposed model with projected meteorological inputs provided by Regional Climate Models.
Improving water resource management through the development of a flux tower network and remote sensing modeling of evapotranspiration and water stress of woody perennial crops in California
Authors: Kustas William , Bambach Nicholas , McElrone Andrew , Knipper Kyle , Torres-Rua Alfonso , Roby Matthew , Alsina Maria Mar , Prueger John , Alfieri Joseph , Castro Sebastian , Hipps Lawrence , McKee Lynn , Belfiore Oscar , D'Urso Guido
Published: May 2023

Improving water resource management in the western United States is critically needed to achieve sustainability between the competing demands of water supplies for cities and towns, for agriculture, particularly irrigated regions, by industries principally for generating electricity, and for the environment (i.e., providing adequate ecosystem services). The last decade marked by historically severe droughts revealed the need for new water management policies and environmental regulations. Moreover, the impact of climate change not only has exacerbated droughts but also may be causing episodic extreme wet periods requiring a new paradigm on water management strategies for surface water reservoirs and groundwater aquifers. The Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) is an example of developing a water management policy for sustainability of water resources in California. California produces 80% of the world’s almonds, is the 4th largest wine producer worldwide while also providing three-quarters of the fruits and nuts in the U.S. Much of the production requires reliable water sources for irrigation.  This has motivated research into designing networks of evapotranspiration (ET) flux tower measurements in grape and tree crop systems in conjunction with developing new remote sensing tools for mapping crop water use, ET, to efficiently use and conserve water resources across the over 1.5 million acres of woody perennial crop production fields.  This acreage is largely irrigated and uses approximately 70% of freshwater resources in the region.  The two projects, GRAPEX (Grape Remote sensing Atmospheric Profile and Evapotranspiration eXperiment) and T-REX (Tree-crop Remote sensing of Evapotranspiration eXperiment) have the overall goal to identify management opportunities to maximize water use efficiency in vineyard, almond and other woody perennial crops.  This presentation will describe the measurement network used for understanding the water and energy flux exchange of these complex cropping systems and in validating and refining remote sensing modeling tools from UAS and satellite platforms for estimating ET and crop water stress from plant and sub field to regional scales required for improving water management strategies of these agricultural systems.
Monitoring wet stream dynamics in ephemeral streams: stage-cam system experimental evidence
Authors: Noto Simone , Petroselli Andrea , Tauro Flavia , Apollonio Ciro , Grimaldi Salvatore
Published: May 2023

Scientific interest in ephemeral streams increased in the last decades, but monitoring their dynamics remains a major challenge in hydrology. Motivated by the last advancements in computer vision techniques, we propose an optical-based and non-invasive low-cost approach to provide a continuous estimation of the water level fluctuations. The system comprises a consumer grade wildlife camera with near infrared (NIR) night vision capabilities and a target pole set in the thalweg. The water level estimated through a simple white pole is compared to estimations obtained through different types of targets, such as broader coloured bars, with the aim to identify the optimal stage-cam setup. The feasibility of the approach is demonstrated through a set of benchmark experiments performed in natural settings with different illumination conditions and during rainfall events. Our findings show that broader bars enhance the visibility of the target but also increase the reflection effect of the water. Therefore, using the stage-cam configuration comprising the narrow target and optimizing the parameters involved in the image analysis procedure may be sufficient to monitor water level dynamics.
Potential and limitations of cosmic-ray neutron sensors for irrigation management in small fields
Authors: Brogi Cosimo , Bogena Heye Reemt , Pisinaras Vassilios , Köhli Markus , Dombrowski Olga , Hendricks Franssen Harrie-Jan , Panagopoulos Andreas , Huisman Johan Alexander , Babakos Konstantinos , Chatzi Anna
Published: May 2023

Given the expected increase of droughts related to climate change, soil moisture (SM) monitoring will likely become essential for farmers as it helps to reduce water consumption while mitigating crop losses. Cosmic-Ray Neutron Sensing (CRNS) is a promising SM monitoring method that is based on the negative correlation between fast neutrons originating from cosmic radiation and SM content. As CRNS integrates SM over a large radius of ~130-210 m with a penetration depth of ~15-85 cm, it has advantages over point-scale and remote-sensing methods. However, it is yet unclear how well CRNS can monitor areas with complex SM heterogeneity, such as small irrigated fields. In this study, two CRNS equipped with a novel gadolinium oxide thermal shielding were installed in two small (~1.2 ha) irrigated apple orchards located in the Pinios Hydrologic Observatory (Greece). Each CRNS was supported by an Atmos41 all-in-one climate station, by water meters measuring irrigation timing and amounts, and by a network of 12 wireless SM measurement nodes (SoilNet) that monitored SM at 5, 20 and 50 cm depth. The results showed that the CRNS was sensitive to the weekly irrigation events, but that it showed a general underestimation of the magnitude of SM fluctuations caused by the irrigation, which resulted in a RMSE of 0.058 cm3 cm-3. To better understand these results, we used the URANOS model to simulate neutron transport for a CRNS placed in the centre of a square irrigated field of varying dimensions (0.5 to 8 ha). The simulation results showed that CRNS can be used to monitor irrigation in fields as small as 0.5 ha in certain SM conditions and that a gadolinium-based thermal shielding provides the best monitoring results due to the much-reduced detection of thermal neutrons. Nonetheless, a considerable number of detected neutrons (above 60%) can originate outside the target field if the irrigated field is small, and in such cases a CRNS may not be able to clearly distinguish irrigation from SM variations in the surroundings. In an attempt to correct for such SM variations not related to irrigation, an additional SoilNet node was installed outside one of the two irrigated apple orchards in September 2021. By combining the results of neutron transport simulations with the information provided by this additional SoilNet node, a correction of CRNS-derived SM was developed that better captures both timing and magnitude of SM changes (RMSE reduced to 0.031 cm3 cm-3). These results show that the combination of real-world studies with neutron transport simulations can help to establish CRNS as a reliable tool in irrigation management.
Environmental monitoring and modeling with the support of UAS and satellites
Authors: Garcia Monica
Published: May 2023

Water resources and the ecosystems depending on them are under growing pressure due climate change and human activities. Managers and governments need to take effective mitigation and adaptation measures, but decisions are often based on incomplete information as in situ observations are declining, and impacts on ecosystem functioning are not entirely clear. Earth Observation data can help by improving our understanding on the joint regulation of water and carbon fluxes and the links among terrestrial, aquatic and atmospheric processes across whole watersheds and even precipitation-sheds.  

Currently, there is a wide range of satellite data streams that can be used in synergy to estimate ecohydrological variables, but this requires a redesign of methods. Additionally, remote sensing in the optical domain is mostly used to estimate structural characteristics of vegetation such as biomass, greenness or leaf area index, while estimation of rapidly changing ecophysiological variables, such as stomatal conductance, transpiration or photosynthesis, the distinction between metabolic pathways (C3 or C4) or water use strategies (iso/anisohydric) is still a challenge.  

Drones or UAS can provide information complementary to satellites by acquiring in (quasi) real time environmental variables under clouds. They can bridge the scale mismatch with in situ datasets, augment them, and allow monitoring of small farms or narrow headwater streams among others. An emerging technology are hyperspectral miniaturized sensors on drones but the data quality is affected by lower signal to noise ratios compared to airborne sensors, flying under intermittent clouds and turbulences, and in several cases a lack of thorough radiometric and spectral calibrations.

At the conference, I will present some examples of research that jointly exploit hyper/multispectral and thermal data with proximal, drones, or satellite sensors to estimate ecohydrological variables and evaluate interventions using data-driven or process based models. For example, how biochar affects water use efficiency of rice, understanding better leave thermoregulation under heatwaves or drought or develop indicators of the ecological state of freshwater systems. In addition, some of the current limitations and future perspectives of this technology will be discussed.
Earth Observation data for the monitoring of irrigation water use in Italy: The case study of the INCIPIT project.
Authors: D'Urso Guido , Belfiore Oscar Rosario , Coppola Antonio , Comegna Alessandro , Toscano Attilio , Baroni Gabriele , Consoli Simona , Vanella Daniela , Longo Minnolo Giuseppe , Ippolito Matteo , De Caro Dario , Castagna Alessandro , Gandolfi Claudio
Published: May 2023

Agriculture is the main source of pressure on water resources, so accurate estimates of irrigation demands play a key role in sustainable water management. The INCIPIT (INtegrated Computer modeling and monitoring for Irrigation Planning in Italy) project (funded by Italian Min. Univ. and Research) aims to address the gaps between research and practical application in monitoring irrigation water use in six Italian regions [1].

It is designed to meet the requirements of sustainable water policies, such as the Water Framework Directive and the MIPAAF Ministry Decree, by providing accurate measurements and estimations of irrigated areas and water volumes. The project uses the ESA Sentinel-2 (S2) satellites as a valuable source of information to map irrigated areas and estimate distributed irrigation water requirements.

This study presents the results of the IRRISAT methodology, the first Italian satellite-based irrigation advisory service [2], which was applied in the Campania region. The methodology uses a one-step approach, based on the Penman-Monteith equation, and is adjusted with canopy parameters from S2 data, to quantify irrigation water abstraction. Effective irrigated areas were assessed by using pre-existing maps, unsupervised clustering, and supervised machine learning algorithms applied to vegetation index data [3].

The results of the methodology for the irrigation seasons of 2019 and 2020 will be presented for seven Irrigation and Land Reclamation Consortiums, which vary in size, irrigation scheme, farm delivery, irrigation methods, and crop types.

[1] INCIPIT Project, www.principit2017.it

[2] Vuolo F., D’Urso G., De Michele C., Bianchi B., Cutting M.: Satellite-based irrigation advisory services: a common tool for different experiences from Europe to Australia”. Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 147: 82-95; dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.agwat.2014.08.004 (2015).

[3] Falanga Bolognesi S., Pasolli E., Belfiore O. R., De Michele C., D’Urso G.: Harmonized Landsat 8 and Sentinel-2 Time Series Data to Detect Irrigated Areas: An Application in Southern Italy". Remote Sensing, MDPI, vol.12, no. 8: 1275; doi.org/10.3390/rs12081275 (2020).
Remote sensing of Land Surface Temperature for precision irrigation modelling: experience for different case studies.
Authors: Mancini Marco , Paciolla Nicola , Corbari Chiara , Cammalleri Carmelo , Ravazzani Giovanni , Ceppi Alessandro
Published: May 2023

Agriculture will progressively require more and more attention due to changing climatic conditions and increasing population, consequently threatening food security worldwide. Improving irrigation efficiency and its control on large agricultural areas has become a must for the present and next future.

Satellite data coupled with pixel-wise energy and water balance plays a relevant role in the soil moisture assessment and relative irrigation water needs for different crop and soil types.

In this framework, data from remote sensing is a potential source of information and in particular land surface temperature is nowadays extensively used in agricultural monitoring as input of energy balance models (residuals) that provide evapotranspiration estimates and so irrigation water needs.

Two main issues hinder the quality of the results from these models: (a) sub-pixel heterogeneity, in particular related to mixed crops (e.g. row and tree crops), which can be captured only partially by the available LST spatial resolution and (b) temporal frequency of the information, which for most freely-available products is usually in contrast with spatial resolution (e.g., 1 km data from MODIS is available daily, whereas 90 m data from Landsat only once every 7-8 days).

This work discusses the use of land surface temperature for calibration and validation of a pixel-wise soil-energy-water balance model and its impact on irrigation volumes for different case studies.

The discussion is carried out on several case studies characterized by different land use heterogeneity due to arboreal or crop cover and comparing satellite and ground data. LST data at different grid resolutions (10^0 to 10^2 m) are available and have been used with a corresponding spatial scheme to model the pixel soil, energy and water balances.
The study of stable O-H isotopes to assess the features of the genesis of artesian waters in the sedimentary basins of South Kazakhstan based on
Authors: Absametov Dr. Malis , Zhexembayev Dr. Erkebulan , Murtazin Dr. Yermek , Sagin Dr. Jay , Adenova Dr. Dinara
Published: May 2023

The first regional studies related to the study of the stable isotopic composition of groundwater in the territory of Kazakhstan were carried out in the 80s of the last century. Some basic regional regularities in the zoning of deep confined waters according to their isotopic composition were identified. The results of the research revealed, in general, the similarity in the genesis of deep pressure waters of the artesian basins of South Kazakhstan with the waters of the Neogene-Quaternary age. It has been established that the formation of groundwater reserves in deep confining aquifers occurred during the last Pleistocene glaciation. The influence of pluvial epochs on the replenishment of groundwater reserves in arid regions is confirmed by isotope studies in the modern deserts of Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and Central Asia.

In recent years, additional regional studies of the stable isotopic composition of deep confined waters of sedimentary basins in South Kazakhstan have been carried out. Groundwater samples were taken in the course of expeditionary research. The ratios of the stable isotopes 2Н/1H и 18O/16O were measured on a highly sensitive LGR 912-0008 laser spectrometer. Water samples calibrated against the International Standard: Vienna Standard Mean Ocean Water (VSMOW) were used as internal standards, this standard was promulgated by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The measurement accuracy of 2Н и 18O  was  ± 1 ‰ и 0,5 ‰, respectively. To assess the degree of non-uniformity of the processes of the genesis of deep confined waters, the coefficients of the deuterium kurtosis were calculated. The research results showed that the artesian waters of the sedimentary basins were formed mainly due to meteoric waters.
On the potential cross-mixing of Lake Bogoria and Baringo in the Rift Valley of Kenya
Authors: Herrnegger Mathew , Kray Pierre , Stecher Gabriel , Cherono Nelly , Olang Luke
Published: May 2023

The Rift Valley lakes of Kenya are biodiverse ecozones, classified not only as RAMSAR wetlands of international importance, but also as UNESCO World Heritage. In the last decade, starting in 2010, several Kenyan lakes have experienced significant rises in water levels. The consequences have been severe. Inundations of the riparian areas have not only flooded homes, schools and hospitals, but also the basis for the local livelihoods and economy such as agricultural fields, national parks or tourism infrastructure has been destroyed. Nearly eighty thousand households with 400,000 people are affected according to a governmental report published in 2021.There is fear of an ecological catastrophe, should the water levels of the alkaline Lake Bogoria continue to rise. The result would be an overflow and mixing with the freshwater Lake Baringo, the basis of the local community supporting drinking water provision, agriculture, tourism and fisheries. Currently no analysis exists to understand the topographical conditions between the two lakes and the potential flow paths. It is unclear, what climatic rainfall conditions are necessary to lead to an overflow and sustained flows from Lake Bogoria towards Baringo. This analysis therefore assesses (i) the overflow or sill point location and potential flow paths towards Lake Baringo, (ii) the required lake water volume changes, until the sill point is reached and (iii) the mean rainfall conditions, which would be necessary to provide the required volume and a sustained flow towards Lake Baringo. The analysis relies on satellite altimetry-based lake levels and lake volume variations, remote sensing-based rainfall data and lake areas but also high-resolution space-borne and UAS-based DEMs. Field surveys and electrical conductivity measurements used as a proxy to understand flow paths in the flat and swampy Loboi plain between Bogoria and Baringo complement the data basis.To reach the sill point elevation, the lake level of Bogoria would have to increase by 3.5-4 m, compared to the water levels of 2020. This translates to an additional water volume of around 0.17 km³. To put this into perspective: From 2009-2014, lake levels increased by 3 m (or 0.11 km³), and after a recession phase, from 2017-2020 by 2.3 m (0.10 km²). If the sill point would be reached, the rainfall conditions in the last decade would have allowed for a permanent flow towards Baringo, at least in single years. These preliminary results suggest that it is feasible that the sill point can be reached and that a permanent flow from Bogoria towards Baringo can be sustained, if wetter conditions – as we have observed in the last decade - persist for a longer period.