bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PREVENTIONAL AUDIT: IMPLEMENTATION OF SOX CONTROL TO PREVENT FRAUD
Authors: Nazarova Karina , Mysiuk Viktoriia , Gordopolov Volodimir , Koval Viktor , Danilevičienė Irena
Published: April 2020

The Euro-integration vector of Ukraine economic development and business in the open economy zone expands
the economic and social potential of domestic enterprises and requires the formation of a reliable information environment to ensure
the corporate interests of their investors (in the first) and other users of information (in particular). Today, corporate fraud is
the most widespread form of economic crime in Ukraine and the world, which affects about 48% of domestic enterprises. The study attracted
substantiated attention to the negative tendency towards the growth of economic crime in Ukraine, which in the end focuses on the fact
that domestic business should apply a set of measures to withdraw part of the business from the “shadow economy”. As a result, such
measures will help increase the attractiveness of Ukraine’s business investment. The study systematized and analyzed the progressive
experience of developed countries, in the first place, the United States, in the fight against economic fraud. The study provides all
grounds for asserting that it is quite feasible to achieve the tangible reduction of economic (financial) fraud with preventive measures
(which is rather quick and effective). It is proved that the lack of aspirations of the enterprise management to overcome fraud leads
to the formation of new money laundering schemes, and not control mechanisms – prevention of opportunities for committing fraud.
GRAPHENE OXIDE REINFORCED POLY (VINYL ALCOHOL) NANOCOMPOSITE: FABRICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION FOR THERMAL AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES INVESTIGATIONS
Authors: Makharza Sami , Faroun Maryam , Bawwab Mohammad , Afaneh Ibrahim
Published: April 2020

We reported the fabrication of poly (vinyl alcohol) incorporated with two different sizes of graphene oxide particles. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed two sizes of graphene oxide, the first size is as prepared GO_300 nm and the second size is 100nm after hard sonication. The alteration in thermal and mechanical properties of PVA/ GO (5, 10, 15, 20%) nanocomposite compering with PVA are mainly due to the uniform dispersion of GO particles in the polymer matrix and huge interfacial interaction between PVA and GO sheets. Differential scanning calorimetry shows obvious changes in thermal characteristics of PVA after mixing with GO particles. The composite samples exhibit a significant finding at different concentrations and size distribution of GO.
SAFETY RISK EVALUATIONS OF DEEP FOUNDATION CONSTRUCTION SCHEMES BASED ON IMBALANCED DATA SETS
Authors: Gong Peisong , Guo Haixiang , Huang Yuanyue , Guo Shengyu
Published: April 2020

Safety risk evaluations of deep foundation construction schemes are important to ensure safety. However, the amount of knowledge on these evaluations is large, and the historical data of deep foundation engineering is imbalanced. Some adverse factors influence the quality and efficiency of evaluations using traditional manual evaluation tools. Machine learning guarantees the quality of imbalanced data classifications. In this study, three strategies are proposed to improve the classification accuracy of imbalanced data sets. First, data set information redundancy is reduced using a binary particle swarm optimization algorithm. Then, a classification algorithm is modified using an Adaboost-enhanced support vector machine classifier. Finally, a new classification evaluation standard, namely, the area under the ROC curve, is adopted to ensure the classifier to be impartial to the minority. A transverse comparison experiment using multiple classification algorithms shows that the proposed integrated classification algorithm can overcome difficulties associated with correctly classifying minority samples in imbalanced data sets. The algorithm can also improve construction safety management evaluations, relieve the pressure from the lack of experienced experts accompanying rapid infrastructure construction, and facilitate knowledge reuse in the field of architecture, engineering, and construction.
Orbit-induced Spin Precession as a Possible Origin for Periodicity in Periodically Repeating Fast Radio Bursts
Authors: Yang Huan , Zou Yuan-Chuan
Published: April 2020

FRB 180916.J0158+65 has been found to repeatedly emit fast radio bursts with a period of roughly 16 days. We propose that such periodicity comes from the orbit-induced spin precession of the emitter, which we assume to be a neutron star. Depending on the mass of the companion, the binary period ranges from several hundreds to thousands of seconds. Such tight binaries have relatively short lifetimes, and they are not likely to be products of gravitational decay from wide binaries. We comment on the relation of such binaries to GW190425 and the possibility of detecting them with LISA and LIGO.
Edible insect marketing in Western countries: wisely weighing the foodstuff, the foodie, and the foodscape
Authors: Marquis D. , Hénault-Ethier L. , LeBel J.
Published: April 2020

Despite secular consumption of insects in many regions of the world, this practice remains marginal in Western countries. Although entomophagy is slowly gaining mainstream visibility, it often triggers consumer acceptance only on a trial basis driven in part by adventurousness, environmental concerns, health benefits, food security issues, or a combination thereof. This paper draws from the consumer and ingestive behaviour literatures and from the growing entomophagy sphere of knowledge in order to surface possible tactics that could overcome consumer-level barriers and thus accelerate the adoption (and not only trial) of insects and promote its sustained consumption. We propose that more effective promotion of entomophagy may be achieved through acknowledgement and a deeper understanding of three separate, but mutually-influencing, families of factors that affect food choices and eating behaviours: (1) the foodstuff proper or a food’s attributes that satisfy established and evolving consumer preferences; (2) the foodie or a consumer’s characteristics including the degree of adventurousness and the relative importance given to various attributes and benefits of a product; and (3) the foodscape or characteristics of the food culture and environment including distribution and merchandising decisions that shape consumers food choices. Together, the assessment of these three factors allow for the better identification of promising strategies to reach a larger group of potential consumers and to promote the regular consumption of insects.
Changes in chemical and microbiological quality of semi-processed black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens L.) larval meal during storage
Authors: Kamau E. , Mutungi C. , Kinyuru J. , Imathiu S. , Affognon H. , Ekesi S. , Nakimbugwe D. , Fiaboe K.K.M.
Published: April 2020

Edible insects are receiving attention as a protein source in the food and feed sector. However, successful commercialisation requires mass production matched with appropriate processing and storage techniques. The quality of dried and pulverised black soldier fly larvae stored in woven polypropylene (PP) sacks, polyethylene (PE) bags and plastic containers with screw lid (PL) in ambient and refrigerated environments was monitored over six months. Chemical indicators (oxidation, fatty acid profile), microbiological parameters (total viable counts, yeast and moulds,Enterobacteriaceae, presumptive coliforms,Salmonella) and colour change were examined. Temperature and relative humidity of the storage environments were monitored. In the ambient environment (temperature: 23.6±2.7 °C; relative humidity: 57.6±7.0%), chemical deterioration progressed 1.5 and 1.2 times faster in PP and PE, respectively, compared to PL. Refrigeration (temperature: 5.4±1.1 °C; relative humidity: 97±5.7%) exacerbated spoilage in the PP due to permeation of moisture through the woven strands, but slowed chemical deterioration by factors of 3.3 (PL) and 2.8 (PE). Likewise, based on the average counts ofEnterobacteriaceae and yeast and moulds, microbiological deterioration progressed 2.1 and 1.4 times faster in the PP and PE, respectively, while refrigeration retarded build-up of microbial loads by factors of 1.3-9.6. The presence ofSalmonella spp. in the experimental product indicates that due attention must be given to adequacy of processing and handling procedures for dried black soldier fly meal.
Reproducibility of the Laser Flare Meter and Laser Cell Counter in Assessing Anterior Chamber Inflammation Following Cataract Surgery
Authors: El-Harazi Sherif M , Feldman Robert M , Chuang Alice Z , Ruiz Richard S , Villanueva Guillermina
Published: April 2020

* BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To determine the interobserver and intraobserver reproducibility of the laser flare meter and laser cell counter in assessing anterior chamber inflammation following cataract surgery.

* PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-nine eyes with varied degrees of inflammation and 9 normal eyes were included in the study. Anterior chamber flare and cells were evaluated with the slit lamp and graded on a scale of 0 to 4+. The flare and cells were then measured three times each using the flare meter and cell counter by two different, experienced observers. The intraobserver reproducibilities were computed to evaluate repeatability of the instruments operated by the same observer. The first measurement taken by each observer was used to assess reproducibility between the two observers.

* RESULTS: The intraobserver reproducibility for overall flare was 0.995 for both observers. The intraobserver reproducibility for overall cells was 0.996 for observer 1 and 0.991 for observer 2. The overall interobserver reproducibility was 0.994 for flare and 0.988 for cells. The correlation between measurements and slit-lamp ratings was 0.78 for flare and 0.56 for cells.

* CONCLUSIONS: The intraobserver and interobserver reproducibilities were excellent, with good correlation to slit-lamp measurements. Reproducible results can be obtained using the laser flare meter and the laser cell counter. It is not known whether these results are applicable to other inflammatory processes with higher grades of flare and cells and with different protein and cell types.

[Ophthalmic Surg Lasers 1998;29:380-384.]
Los Ijwān al-ṣafā’ contra el estado abasí. Acción política en relación con los diversos estados de su época
Authors: Kacimi Mourad
Published: April 2020

En este artículo se investiga la identidad ideológica de los autores de las Rasā’il Ijwān al-ṣafā’ y cuestiona la posible autoría de las otras obras atribuidas a los Hermanos de la pureza (al-Risāla al-ŷāmi‘a, y la Ŷāmi‘at al-ŷāmi‘a). En base al texto de estas obras de carácter teosófico, se aportan nuevos datos que esclarecen la postura política de los autores en contra del estado abasí, y se precisa su tendencia chií en contra de los califas abasíes de su época. Estos nuevos datos señalan la implicación de los Ijwān al-ṣafā’ en la acción política a través de la predicación del fin del “estado del mal” (dawlat ahl al-šarr) y el comienzo del “estado del bien” (dawlat ahl al-jayr). Se analiza el debate surgido acerca la relación de los Ijwān al-ṣafā’ con diferentes corrientes políticas opositoras al régimen abasí, y su vínculo con estados chiíes (cármatas, buyíes y fatimíes).
Estudio bioantropológico de dos maqābir en Toledo: apuntes sobre indigenismo en al-Andalus
Authors: Molero-Rodrigo Isabel
Published: April 2020

El conjunto de datos analizados en este artículo pertenece a dos necrópolis musulmanas de Toledo. Su estudio nos ha permitido realizar inferencias sobre las características físicas de la población andalusí que vivió en la ciudad durante los siglos VIII-XI. Tenemos que tener presente que Toledo ha sido durante la Antigüedad y la Edad Media, una ciudad abierta al contacto con otras culturas y, por tanto, ha experimentado un gran peso de influencias externas. Por ello, los arqueólogos deben examinar los cementerios en Toledo con gran detalle, especialmente las proporciones y profundidad de las fosas y la colocación de los cuerpos, para tratar de identificar la adscripción cultural exacta de los enterramientos contenidos. Sin embargo, la simplicidad del ritual funerario musulmán hace que los restos esqueléticos se conviertan en uno de los principales objetos de análisis. Llama la atención que la especial relevancia que han tenido estas dos maqābir durante siglos, contrasta con la ausencia de publicaciones relacionadas con su estudio antropológico. En este sentido, este trabajo aporta documentación inédita sobre una sociedad donde la composición autóctona mantuvo un gran peso durante todo el proceso de islamización.
El concepto de antiproducción y el problema de la vitalidad del capitalismo
Authors: Fazio Ariel
Published: April 2020

Siguiendo la hipótesis de Lazzarato, la creciente incidencia de la antiproducción en el aparato productivo llevaría a cuestionar el carácter «progresista» del capitalismo, visión compartida tanto por el liberalismo como por el marxismo cuando asocian la lógica del capital al desarrollo de las fuerzas productivas. Se propone la exploración de esta tesis –el problema de la vitalidad del capitalismo– por medio del desarrollo del concepto de antiproducción, el cual es rastreado a través de sus fuentes –Deleuze y Guattari, Baran y Sweezy– y puesto en relación con el bagaje teórico del propio Marx.
Transmedia y nueva política
Authors: Moya Eugenio
Published: April 2020

La narrativa transmedia representa hoy una auténtica revolución comunicativa; un nuevo paradigma en el modo de generar y hacer circular información y contenido; la mejor expresión de las redes tecnocomunicativas digitales; unas redes que, al propiciar entornos colaborativos, crean vínculos estrechos entre organizaciones políticas, medios y públicos. Internet y las redes sociales han empoderado a los ciudadanos comunes (pronet@rios) y obligado a las marcas de la nueva política a conocer sus intereses y valores a fin de crear conversaciones con ellos. Ellos no aportan solo opinión; son auténticos inversores emocionales, sociales e intelectuales. Sus aportaciones han llegado a ser tan importantes que la clave para medir el éxito comunicativo radica en esclarecer las gratificaciones que obtienen los pronet@rios al participar del mundo narrativo de las organizaciones y comprometerse con ellas, hasta su identificación, como fans, en la transmedial world-building.
Effects of waste sulfur content on properties of self-compacting concrete
Authors: Savić A. , Martinović S. , Vlahović M. , Volkov-Husović T.
Published: April 2020

Self-compacting concrete (SCC) contains fine mineral fillers such as limestone powder. The idea of this study was to partially replace limestone with waste sulfur since it is hydrophobic, insoluble in water and therefore chemically inert and to compare the properties of produced concrete samples. Fresh concrete proper­ties included: slump-flow, t500, V-funnel time, L-box ratio, segregation ratio, density, and entrained air content. Hardened concrete was tested for compressive, flexural and bond strengths, ultrasonic velocity, dynamic elas­ticity modulus, dynamic Poisson’s ratio, and microstructure. Flowability and segregation increased, while bulk density, compressive and flexural strength, dynamic elasticity modulus and ultrasonic velocity slight declined. Times t500 and V-funnel time, L-box ratio and entrained air changed insignificantly. Considering that all proper­ties should remain or improve in case of waste valorization and the criteria should set to satisfy requirements for SCC, this study proved that all mixtures can be used for structural applications.
Synthesis in SHS-Mixtures by Explosive Loading
Authors: Saikov I.V. , Malakhov Andrey Yu. , Salamatov Vitaliy G. , Seropyan Stepan , Semenchuk Ilya E. , Kovalev D.Yu.
Published: April 2020

The article is devoted to the study of the characteristics of shock-wave processing of powder mixtures capable of an exothermic reaction of the synthesis of metal-ceramic materials. Experiments on shock-wave initiation of synthesis in systems based on Ti-B and Ti-C with 10% and 20% Ni content were carried out. Explosive loading was carried out by oblique throwing of a steel drummer with speeds of 1000 m / s and 1500 m / s. X-ray phase analysis of synthesis products showed the presence of TiB2 diboride and TiC carbide in the nickel bond. The significant role of the mechanical activation of powder mixtures in increasing the sensitivity of SHS-mixtures to shock-wave loading is shown.
Wall Materials Based on Industrial Waste
Authors: Shevchenko Valentina A. , Lebedeva Tatiyana Gennad'jevna. , Pavlov Oleg Igorevich
Published: April 2020

The data on obtaining construction compositions for the manufacture of wall products based on industrial waste, such as non-autoclaved foam concrete, dense ash and slag concrete and wood concrete are given. These types of concrete are made of local aggregates - by-products of the fuel and energy and wood processing industry and cementless ash-silica binder. It is shown that the compositions developed according to the main physic-mechanical characteristics comply with the requirements of the regulatory documents and can be recommended for the production of small-piece wall products
LA CLINICA DEI DISTURBI DEL COMPORTAMENTO ALIMENTARE: COMPLICANZE MEDICHE
Authors: Scacchi Massimo
Published: April 2020

Anorexia nervosa, commonly occurring in peripubertal girls, is burdened by the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric disorder, due to the organic complications induced by the severe starvation and the high rate of suicide. Patients display dry, pale and yellowish skin, with lanugo hair growth. The clinical picture is characterized by muscle hypotrophy, dehydration, electrolyte disturbances, delayed gastric emptying, constipation, elevation of liver transaminases, leukopenia, bradycardia, hypotension, mitral valve prolapse, pericardial effusion, brain cortical atrophy. Endocrine complications, reversible with weight gain and recovery, can be interpreted as epiphenomena of the disease. Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, of hypothalamic origin, is the cause of amenorrhea, which was considered in the past one of the diagnostic criteria of the disease. Gonadotropin secretion is characterized by a prepubertal pattern and serum sex steroid levels are low. The preferential conversion of T4 to reverse T3 rather than to T3 in peripheral tissues, common in all malnourishment states, leads to the so called low T3 syndrome. This mechanism, aimed at saving energy, although contributing to bradycardia in these patients, does not require replacement therapy. Like in other psychiatric disorders such as depression, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis is activated: hypercortisolism might contribute to some clinical features of the disease such as osteopenia and brain cortical atrophy. The abnormalities of the somatotropin-somatomedin axis are substantially represented by a picture of acquired GH resistance: indeed, due to chronic malnutrition, circulating IGF-I is frankly low in spite of markedly enhanced GH release. Together with malnourishment and low body weight, hypogonadism, hypercortisolism and IGF-I deficiency contribute to bone demineralization, which in its turn leads to an increased fracture risk in the future of these patients.
Attitudes of Children Towards Augmentative and Alternative Communication Systems
Authors: Lilienfeld Margaret , Alant Erna
Published: April 2020

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of voice output, as a characteristic of a child's AAC system, on the attitude of unfamiliar peers. The need to develop a suitable tool to measure the attitudes of peers led to the development of the Communication Aid/Device Attitudinal Questionnaire (CADAQ). A descriptive survey design was used and the suitability of the CADAQ was tested in a pilot study. One hundred and fifteen participants, aged 11 -13 years, viewed a videotape of a 13-year-old boy with cerebral palsy, communicating with the use of an AAC device. Attitudes were measured according to three dimensions: affective/behavioural, cognitive/belief and communication competence. Data were analysed with a 2 (group) x 2 (gender) x 3 (dimension) analysis of variance (ANOVA) with DC =.05. An item analysis, Cronbach Alpha's and scale intercorrelations between the 3 dimensions of the CADAQ were computed to determine the internal consistency of the CADAQ. Results reflected more favourable attitudes to the presence of voice output in comparison to the no voice option. Girls held more positive attitudes to the peer with disabilities and little or no functional speech (LNFS). Good internal consistency of the CADAQ was demonstrated.
Evaluation of the Jail-Based Occupational Therapy Transition and Integration Services Program for Community Reentry
Authors: Jaegers Lisa A. , Skinner Erica , Conners Brittany , Hayes Christine , West-Bruce Stacy , Vaughn Michael G. , Smith Diane L. , Barney Karen F.
Published: April 2020

Importance: Transition and integration reentry services continue to grow in carceral settings; however, related provision of occupational therapy is limited.

Objective: To examine the implementation fidelity of an occupational therapy–administered interprofessional reentry program initiated in an urban jail.

Design: Retrospective, mixed quantitative and qualitative design.

Setting: Community-based reentry services provided prerelease in a Midwestern urban jail and postrelease in the local St. Louis community.

Participants: Occupational therapy practitioners tracking process measures for identifying reentry project feasibility.

Intervention: Provision of recruitment, assessment, and skilled occupational therapy services with people held in a short-term jail facility and follow-up during community reentry.

Outcome and Measures: Detailed logs were analyzed to describe attendance at and duration of sessions. We coded barriers to and facilitators of implementation from weekly team meeting notes and logs using social–ecological categories.

Results: Findings indicate that it was feasible to implement prerelease jail-based services (N = 63) because of jail operations and community partnerships (facilitators) and to overcome institutional policies and environmental limitations (barriers). Full 8-wk prerelease programming was completed by 38% (n = 24) of participants, and 52% (n = 33) participated less than 8 wk. All who completed the full prerelease program and transitioned to the community (n = 15) initiated postrelease occupational therapy services.

Conclusions and Relevance: The iterative feedback provided by process evaluation supported the feasibility of implementing the jail-based Occupational Therapy Transition and Integration Services program.

What This Article Adds: This process evaluation provides evidence that implementation of an occupational therapy–based transition program in an urban jail is feasible.
Online Journal Clubs to Enhance Fieldwork Educator Competency in Support of Student Experiential Learning
Authors: Ellington Allison , Janes William E.
Published: April 2020

Importance: Fieldwork educators receive little or no formal training for student supervision and have sought inexpensive, flexible, online options for role-specific continuing education.

Objective: To investigate the use of online journal clubs to enhance fieldwork educator role competency.

Design: Mixed-methods study with a prospective cohort design; 5-wk intervention with 6-mo follow-up.

Setting: Online asynchronous message board system distributed to fieldwork educators affiliated with two occupational therapy programs.

Participants: Academic fieldwork coordinators from two universities facilitated online journal clubs for fieldwork educators. Fourteen fieldwork educators participated in the 5-wk journal club, which included reading an article, engaging in online discussion, and creating a personal application plan.

Results: Participants demonstrated strong engagement in the online journal club. Postsurvey results revealed strong and positive feedback related to ease of use, relevance of learning, and satisfaction with the experience. At the 6-mo follow-up, 11 of the 14 participants reported implementing a new strategy to support the fieldwork education process, and all reported that the strategy had been helpful.

Conclusions and Relevance: The use of an online journal club was effective as a method for sharing evidence about the fieldwork educator role and supporting knowledge translation.

What This Article Adds: Online journal clubs can be an effective tool for providing role-specific training in diverse practice settings and parts of the country.
Anxiety and health-related quality of life after cardiac surgery
Authors: Guzelhan Yalcin , Ugurlucan Murat , Oztas Didem Melis , Beyaz Metin Onur , Unal Orcun , Bektas Nilufer , Conkbayir Cenk , Alpagut Ufuk , Bozbuga Nilgun
Published: April 2020

Introduction

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of elective cardiac surgery on health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

Material and methods

One hundred and eight (35 women and 73 men, mean age 62.3 ±12.7 years) patients undergoing open heart surgery were enrolled in the study. Physical and mental domains of quality of life were measured using the 36-item Medical Outcomes Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) self-administered questionnaire, and anxiety symptoms were assessed using the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). At baseline 108 patients filled out the SF-36 and STAI, and 102 patients at 6-month follow-up.

Results

It was found that there was significant improvement in three out of eight health domains: physical functioning (p < 0.02), role physical (p < 0.01), and social functioning (p < 0.04), at 6-month follow-up. The two STAI sub-scores: the State Anxiety Inventory and the Trait Anxiety Inventory were found to be high (≥ 40) both preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively. Postoperatively there was not any statistically significant decrease in the levels of anxiety.

Conclusions

This study suggests that the assessment of psychosocial factors, particularly the ongoing assessment of anxiety, could help in risk stratification and prediction of functional status and HRQoL in patients after cardiovascular surgery. Furthermore, the assessment of preoperative well-being should be integrated in routine care in order to identify and support patients with higher levels of anxiety.
Validity of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of acute pyelonephritis in comparison with contrast-enhanced computed tomography
Authors: Rajasekaran Sriman , K Venkatesh , Cherian Mathew , Mehta Pankaj , Radhakrishnan Shankar
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Applications of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging outside the brain have gained increasing importance in recent years, and recent studies have shown the usage of diffusion-weighted (DW) imaging in diagnosing pyelonephritis based on renal cortical and medullary apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values. The aim of this study was to assess the validity of DW magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in comparison with contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) in diagnosing pyelonephritis.

Material and methods

A cross-sectional observational study was conducted for a period of six months in a tertiary hospital in Coimbatore. All patients with clinical and laboratory diagnosis of acute pyelonephritis, who were referred for radiological imaging (CECT), were taken into the study. Out of 112 patients with a clinical and laboratorial diagnosis of acute pyelonephritis (APN), who underwent both DW MR and CECT, diagnosis of APN was made in 100 patients based on CECT, while in 12 cases the investigation (CECT) was negative. Finally, these 100 patients were included in the study. The validity of DW MR imaging in diagnosing APN was assessed by deriving sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive value in comparison with CECT findings.

Results

The validity report of DW MR imaging in the detection of APN showed a very high sensitivity (96-100%) and specificity (86-90%) and very low false positives (6-10%) and negatives (< 5%), and it also showed that in the areas of affected renal parenchyma ADC values were consistently lower compared to unaffected renal parenchyma.

Conclusion

Based on the generated hypothesis, DW MR imaging of the kidneys seems to be highly sensitive and specific for the detection of focal or diffuse infections within the kidney in comparison with CECT.
Intra-arterial computed tomography angiography with ultra-low volume of iodine contrast and stent implantation in transplant renal artery stenosis in terms of contrast-induced kidney injury – a preliminary report
Authors: Szczurowska Agata , Banasik Mirosław , Kurcz Jacek , Miś Marcin , Nowańska Katarzyna , Madziarska Katarzyna , Mazanowska Oktawia , Krajewska Magdalena , Garcarek Jerzy , Guziński Maciej
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Traditional digital subtraction angiography is still regarded as the gold standard in the diagnostics of transplant renal artery stenosis (TRAS). However, this procedure requires a high volume of iodine contrast medium for optimal visualisation of the renal artery. The aim of this study was to analyse both the usefulness and the safety of intra-arterial computed tomography angiography (IA-CTA) with ultra-low-volume iodine contrast administration in the diagnostic and therapeutic management of TRAS in patients with impaired renal transplant function.

Material and methods

Thirty-three patients with a suspicion of TRAS based on Doppler-ultrasound and clinical setting underwent IA-CTA with ultra-low iodine contrast volume. A special, author-elaborated CTA protocol was used. The volume of 8-18 ml of diluted iodine contrast medium was administered through a catheter with the tip placed 2 cm below the aortic bifurcation.

Results

In six patients the CTA examinations revealed TRAS in three configurations: in the anastomosis, in the trunk (critical and high-grade), or in both sections. Stenoses were treated with primary stenting obtaining favourable ana­tomical outcome. No intervention-related complications were observed. No contrast-induced acute kidney injury was diagnosed in this study. Mean serum creatinine concentration was 2.93 ± 0.89 mg/dl at the baseline and 2.89 ± 1.73 mg/dl and 2.17 ± 0.51 mg/dl after three and seven days from IA-CTA, respectively.

Conclusions

Intra-arterial CTA with ultra-low volume of iodine contrast seems to be a safe and reliable diagnostic tool to detect and assess TRAS in the aspect of stent implantation. Application of this imaging modality eliminates the need for a high volume of iodine contrast and thus does not adversely influence renal transplant function.
Atmospheric energy budget response to idealized aerosol perturbation in tropical cloud systems
Authors: Dagan Guy , Stier Philip , Christensen Matthew , Cioni Guido , Klocke Daniel , Seifert Axel
Published: April 2020

Abstract. The atmospheric energy budget is analysed in numerical simulations of
tropical cloud systems to better understand the physical processes behind
aerosol effects on the atmospheric energy budget. The simulations include
both shallow convective clouds and deep convective tropical clouds over the
Atlantic Ocean. Two different sets of simulations, at different dates
(10–12 and 16–18 August 2016), are simulated with different dominant cloud
modes (shallow or deep). For each case, the cloud droplet number
concentration (CDNC) is varied as a proxy for changes in aerosol
concentrations without considering the temporal evolution of the aerosol
concentration (for example due to wet scavenging, which may be more important
under deep convective conditions). It is shown that the total column
atmospheric radiative cooling is substantially reduced with CDNC in the
deep-cloud-dominated case (by ∼10.0 W m−2), while a much
smaller reduction (∼1.6 W m−2) is shown in the
shallow-cloud-dominated case. This trend is caused by an increase in the ice
and water vapour content at the upper troposphere that leads to a reduced
outgoing longwave radiation, an effect which is stronger under deep-cloud-dominated conditions. A decrease in sensible heat flux (driven by an increase
in the near-surface air temperature) reduces the warming by ∼1.4 W m−2 in both cases. It is also shown that the cloud fraction
response behaves in opposite ways to an increase in CDNC, showing an
increase in the deep-cloud-dominated case and a decrease in the
shallow-cloud-dominated case. This demonstrates that under different
environmental conditions the response to aerosol perturbation could be
different.
Seasonal source variability of carbonaceous aerosols at the Rwanda Climate Observatory
Authors: Andersson August , Kirillova Elena N. , Decesari Stefano , DeWitt Langley , Gasore Jimmy , Potter Katherine E. , Prinn Ronald G. , Rupakheti Maheswar , de Dieu Ndikubwimana Jean , Nkusi Julius , Safari Bonfils
Published: April 2020

Abstract. Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is a global hot spot for aerosol emissions, which
affect the regional climate and air quality. In this paper, we use
ground-based observations to address the large uncertainties in the
source-resolved emission estimation of carbonaceous aerosols. Ambient fine
fraction aerosol was collected on filters at the high-altitude (2590 m a.s.l.) Rwanda Climate Observatory (RCO), a SSA background site, during the
dry and wet seasons in 2014 and 2015. The concentrations of both the
carbonaceous and inorganic ion components show a strong seasonal cycle, with
highly elevated concentrations during the dry season. Source marker ratios,
including carbon isotopes, show that the wet and dry seasons have distinct
aerosol compositions. The dry season is characterized by elevated amounts of
biomass burning products, which approach ∼95 % for
carbonaceous aerosols. An isotopic mass-balance estimate shows that the
amount of the carbonaceous aerosol stemming from savanna fires may increase
from 0.2 µg m−3 in the wet season up to 10 µg m−3 during
the dry season. Based on these results, we quantitatively show that savanna
fire is the key modulator of the seasonal aerosol composition variability at
the RCO.
Comprehensive analyses of source sensitivities to and apportionments of PM2.5 and ozone over Japan via multiple numerical techniques
Authors: Chatani Satoru , Shimadera Hikari , Itahashi Syuichi , Yamaji Kazuyo
Published: April 2020

Abstract. Source sensitivity and source apportionment are two major indicators representing source-receptor relationships, which serve as essential information when considering effective strategies to accomplish improved air quality. This study evaluated source sensitivities to and apportionments of ambient ozone and PM2.5 concentrations over Japan with multiple numerical techniques embedded in regional chemical transport models, including a brute forth method (BFM), a high-order decoupled direct method (HDDM), and an integrated source apportionment method (ISAM), to update the source-receptor relationships considering stringent emission controls recently implemented in Japan and surrounding countries. We also attempted to understand the differences among source sensitivities and apportionments calculated by multiple techniques. While domestic sources had certain source apportionments to ozone concentrations, transport from outside Japan dominated the source sensitivities. Although the PM2.5 concentrations and absolute magnitudes of their source sensitivities were significantly lower than those reported by previous studies, transport from outside Japan still has relatively large contributions to PM2.5 concentrations, implying that there has been a reduction in Japanese emissions, similar to surrounding countries including China, due to implementation of stringent emission controls. HDDM allowed us to effectively understand the importance of the nonlinear responses of PM2.5 concentrations to precursor emissions. Apportionments derived by ISAM were useful in distinguishing various direct and indirect influences on ozone and PM2.5 concentrations. It was suggested that that ozone transported from outside Japan plays a key role in exerting various indirect influences on the formation of ozone and secondary PM2.5 components. This study demonstrated that a combination of sensitivities and apportionments derived by the BFM, HDDM, and ISAM can provide critical information to identify key emission sources and processes in the atmosphere, which are vital for the development of effective strategies for improved air quality.
Flow-induced errors in airborne in situ measurements of aerosols and clouds
Authors: Spanu Antonio , Dollner Maximilian , Gasteiger Josef , Bui T. Paul , Weinzierl Bernadett
Published: April 2020

Abstract. Aerosols and clouds affect atmospheric radiative processes and climate in many complex ways and still pose the largest uncertainty in current estimates of the Earth's changing energy budget. Airborne in situ sensors such as the Cloud, Aerosol, and Precipitation Spectrometer (CAPS) or other optical spectrometers and optical array probes provide detailed information about the horizontal and vertical distribution of aerosol and cloud properties. However, flow distortions occurring at the location where these instruments are mounted on the outside of an aircraft may directly produce artifacts in detected particle number concentration and also cause droplet deformation and/or breakup during the measurement process. Several studies have investigated flow-induced errors assuming that air is incompressible. However, for fast-flying aircraft, the impact of air compressibility is no longer negligible. In this study, we combine airborne data with numerical simulations to investigate the flow around wing-mounted instruments and the induced errors for different realistic flight conditions. A correction scheme for deriving particle number concentrations from in situ aerosol and cloud probes is proposed, and a new formula is provided for deriving the droplet volume from images taken by optical array probes. Shape distortions of liquid droplets can either be caused by errors in the speed with which the images are recorded or by aerodynamic forces acting at the droplet surface caused by changes of the airflow when it approaches the instrument. These forces can lead to the dynamic breakup of droplets causing artifacts in particle number concentration and size. An estimation of the critical breakup diameter as a function of flight conditions is provided. Experimental data show that the flow speed at the instrument location is smaller than the ambient flow speed. Our simulations confirm the observed difference and reveal a size-dependent impact on particle speed and concentration.
This leads, on average, to a 25 % overestimation of the number concentration of particles with diameters larger than 10 µm diameter and causes distorted images of droplets and ice crystals if the flow values recorded at the instrument are used.
With the proposed corrections, errors of particle number concentration and droplet volume, as well as image distortions, are significantly reduced by up to 1 order of magnitude. Although the presented correction scheme is derived for the DLR Falcon research aircraft (Saharan Aerosol Long-range Transport and Aerosol-Cloud-Interaction Experiment (SALTRACE) campaign) and validated for the DLR Falcon (Absorbing aerosol layers in a changing climate: aging, lifetime and dynamics mission conducted in 2017 (A-LIFE) campaign) and the NASA DC-8 (Atmospheric Tomography Mission (ATom) campaigns), the general conclusions hold for any fast-flying research aircraft.
Stratification observed by the in situ plasma density measurements from the Swarm satellites
Authors: Wang Xiuying , Cheng Wanli , Zhou Zihan , Yang Dehe , Cui Jing , Guo Feng
Published: April 2020

Abstract. The stratification phenomenon is investigated using the simultaneous
in situ plasma density measurements obtained by the Swarm satellites
orbiting at different altitudes above the F2 peak. For the first time, the
continuous distribution morphology and the exact locations are obtained for
the nighttime stratification, which show that the stratification events are
centered at the EIA (equatorial ionization anomaly) trough and extend
towards the two EIA crests, with the most significant part being located at
the EIA trough. Another new discovery is the stratification in southern
mid-latitudes; stratification events in this region are located on a local
plasma peak sandwiched by two lower density strips covering all the
longitudes. The formation mechanism of the stratification for the two
latitudinal regions is discussed, but the stratification mechanism in
southern mid-latitudes remains an unsolved problem. Highlights.
This paper addresses the following:
first application of in situ plasma densities for the direct analysis of the
stratification in F2 layer, refined features of the exact location and continuous morphology for the
stratification phenomenon, a new discovery of stratification covering all longitudes in southern
mid-latitudes.
Seasonality, drivers, and isotopic composition of soil CO2 fluxes from tropical forests of the Congo Basin
Authors: Baumgartner Simon , Barthel Matti , Drake Travis W. , Bauters Marijn , Makelele Isaac Ahanamungu , Mugula John Kalume , Summerauer Laura , Gallarotti Nora , Ntaboba Landry Cizungu , Van Oost Kristof , Boeckx Pascal , Doetterl Sebastian , Werner Roland A. , Six Johan
Published: April 2020

Abstract. Soil respiration is an important carbon flux and key process determining the net ecosystem production of terrestrial ecosystems. To address the enormous lack of quantification and understanding of seasonality in soil respiration of tropical forests in the Congo Basin, soil CO2 fluxes and potential controlling factors were measured for the first time annually in two dominant forest types (lowland and montane) of the Congo Basin during three years at varying temporal resolution. Soil CO2 fluxes from the Congo Basin resulted in 3.69 ± 1.22 and 3.82 ± 1.15 µmol CO2 m−2 s−1 for lowland and montane forests, respectively. Respiration in montane forest soils showed a clear seasonality with decreasing flux rates during the dry season. Montane forest soil CO2 fluxes were positively correlated with soil moisture while CO2 fluxes in the lowland forest were not. Paired ẟ13C values of soil organic carbon (SOC) and soil CO2 indicated that SOC in lowland forests is more decomposed than in montane forests, suggesting that respiration is controlled by C availability rather than environmental factors. In general, C in montane forests was more enriched in 13C throughout the whole cascade of carbon intake via photosynthesis, litterfall, SOC, and soil CO2 compared to lowland forests, pointing to a more open system. Even though soil CO2 fluxes are similarly high in lowland and montane forests of the Congo Basin, the drivers of them were different, i.e. soil moisture for montane forest and C availability for lowland forest.
Miniature radiocarbon measurements ( <  150 µg C) from sediments of Lake Żabińskie, Poland: effect of precision and dating density on age–depth models
Authors: Zander Paul D. , Szidat Sönke , Kaufman Darrell S. , Żarczyński Maurycy , Poraj-Górska Anna I. , Boltshauser-Kaltenrieder Petra , Grosjean Martin
Published: April 2020

Abstract. The recent development of the MIni CArbon DAting System (MICADAS) allows
researchers to obtain radiocarbon (14C) ages from a variety of samples
with miniature amounts of carbon (<150 µg C) by using a gas
ion source input that bypasses the graphitization step used for conventional
14C dating with accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS). The ability to
measure smaller samples, at reduced cost compared with graphitized samples,
allows for greater dating density of sediments with low macrofossil
concentrations. In this study, we use a section of varved sediments from
Lake Żabińskie, NE Poland, as a case study to assess the usefulness
of miniature samples from terrestrial plant macrofossils for dating lake
sediments. Radiocarbon samples analyzed using gas-source techniques were
measured from the same depths as larger graphitized samples to compare the
reliability and precision of the two techniques directly. We find that the
analytical precision of gas-source measurements decreases as sample mass
decreases but is comparable with graphitized samples of a similar size
(approximately 150 µg C). For samples larger than 40 µg C and
younger than 6000 BP, the uncalibrated 1σ age uncertainty is
consistently less than 150 years (±0.010 F14C). The reliability
of 14C ages from both techniques is assessed via comparison with a
best-age estimate for the sediment sequence, which is the result of an OxCal
V sequence that integrates varve counts with 14C ages. No bias is
evident in the ages produced by either gas-source input or graphitization.
None of the 14C ages in our dataset are clear outliers; the 95 %
confidence intervals of all 48 calibrated 14C ages overlap with the
median best-age estimate. The effects of sample mass (which defines the
expected analytical age uncertainty) and dating density on age–depth models
are evaluated via simulated sets of 14C ages that are used as inputs
for OxCal P-sequence age–depth models. Nine different sampling scenarios
were simulated in which the mass of 14C samples and the number of
samples were manipulated. The simulated age–depth models suggest that the
lower analytical precision associated with miniature samples can be
compensated for by increased dating density. The data presented in this
paper can improve sampling strategies and can inform expectations of age
uncertainty from miniature radiocarbon samples as well as age–depth model
outcomes for lacustrine sediments.
Global-scale benefit–cost analysis of coastal flood adaptation to different flood risk drivers using structural measures
Authors: Tiggeloven Timothy , de Moel Hans , Winsemius Hessel C. , Eilander Dirk , Erkens Gilles , Gebremedhin Eskedar , Diaz Loaiza Andres , Kuzma Samantha , Luo Tianyi , Iceland Charles , Bouwman Arno , van Huijstee Jolien , Ligtvoet Willem , Ward Philip J.
Published: April 2020

Abstract. Coastal flood hazard and exposure are expected to
increase over the course of the 21st century, leading to increased coastal
flood risk. In order to limit the increase in future risk, or even reduce
coastal flood risk, adaptation is necessary. Here, we present a framework to
evaluate the future benefits and costs of structural protection measures at
the global scale, which accounts for the influence of different flood risk
drivers (namely sea-level rise, subsidence, and socioeconomic change).
Globally, we find that the estimated expected annual damage (EAD) increases
by a factor of 150 between 2010 and 2080 if we assume that no adaptation
takes place. We find that 15 countries account for approximately 90 % of
this increase. We then explore four different adaptation objectives and find
that they all show high potential in cost-effectively reducing (future)
coastal flood risk at the global scale. Attributing the total costs for
optimal protection standards, we find that sea-level rise contributes the
most to the total costs of adaptation. However, the other drivers also play
an important role. The results of this study can be used to highlight
potential savings through adaptation at the global scale.