bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feasibility Study on Integration of Green Technologies in Prospective Construction Projects: A Case of Vishakhapatnam
Authors: Yeolekar-Kadam Bageshree , J. S. Sudarsan
Published: March 2022

Purpose: The construction sector is one of the important sectors that play an important role in country’s infrastructure development. The haphazard urbanization, industrialization and population explosion, have driven this sector vulnerable in terms of causing impacts on the environment. The construction process involves several stages and numerous stake holders, while this sector remains unorganised in most developing countries. These unintegrated processes in urban expansion, development and construction lead to a huge amount of emissions that cause environmental degradation. This emphasises the need to establish the use of ‘Green Technologies’ and ‘Green Materials’ in the Construction Sector at least as a beginning to bridge the gap between practices in the allied sectors as well.
Design/Methodology/Approach: With a view to examine this possibility, the feasibility of green technologies was considered to be studied, for Eastern Vishakhapatnam, the selected study area, which is a developing potential zone identified for potential integration of Green Technologies in construction processes. A comprehensive literature review to identify the major accomplishments and shortcomings in the chosen field, followed by a pre-feasibility analysis was conducted through an organized site visit during an academic project that included personal interaction with the concerned stakeholders and an assessable questionnaire survey. The notion of this study was to collect the details of similar category projects for the incorporation of select ‘green technologies’ identified from relevant literature studies in domains such as energy, material and waste management, which are known to cause maximum impact on the environment. This procedure in turn formed the very basis of the overall methodology of this study.
Findings/Result: The analysis of outcomes of the survey helped in developing a breakthrough understanding about the stakeholder’s potential and roles in the overall feasibility of integrating the Green Technologies. Nevertheless, the comparison of the prospective projects in the study area, with the existing projects of the same category that have successfully adopted the green technologies abroad, helped to optimize the framework of integrating green technologies, using green materials based on the above-mentioned domains, for the proposed pilot project. It is inferred from the analysis that it is possible to integrate green technologies in the domains of energy, materials and waste management in prospective projects, if certain constraints and challenges related to social, administrative and economic spheres are eradicated thus encouraging Sustainable Development.
Originality/Value: Integrated strategy of adopting green technologies with green construction practices, in major identified domains of energy, materials and waste management will fetch new outcomes and lead towards aiding sustainable development.
Paper Type: Ex-Post Facto Research
Crabapple Cultivars Tested as Street Trees: Second Report
Authors: Gerhold Henry
Published: March 2022

Seventeen crabapple (Malus) cultivars planted under utility wires in 27 communities were evaluated as street trees. In most communities, 2 cultivars were alternated within each of several plots. Cooperators in the Municipal Tree Restoration Program used standardized methods to measure them annually at the end of the growing period for 3 years and periodically afterwards until the ninth year in some cases. Many differences were found in growth rate, height, crown width, and trunk diameter. Most cultivars had healthy foliage, though some injuries were caused by apple scab and several insects. Basal sprouts were common, and low branching of broader cultivars also required periodic pruning especially in confined spaces. Centurion®, Harvest Gold®, Red Jewel®, 'Spring Snow', and Sugar Tyme® are recommended as street trees based on the most extensive data. 'Adams', 'Donald Wyman', 'Prairifire', 'Red Barron', and zumi 'Calocarpa' also appear promising.
Specification of Soil Volume and Irrigation Frequency for Urban Tree Containers Using Climate Data
Authors: DeGaetano Arthur
Published: March 2022

Typically, limitations in soil volume deprive urban trees of water supplies adequate to meet evapotranspirational demand, resulting in suboptimal tree survival, health, and development. Proper sizing of urban tree containers can mitigate these unfavorable consequences. Current recommendations of appropriate soil volumes for urban trees are based on average climate conditions and therefore do not address daily and annual variations in weather. The method developed in this paper uses daily climatological data to estimate the soil volume necessary to provide some minimal amount of moisture during the driest growing season likely to be encountered during an urban tree's expected lifespan. This method allows a range of historic weather conditions to be taken into account. For example, in New York City, without irrigation a mediumsized tree (6-m [20-ft] crown diameter) grown in 17 m3 (600 ft3) of soil would face a water deficit (<50% available water capacity) every other year. When provided with 27.4 m3 (967 ft3) of soil, this tree would face a deficit only once in 10 years. If only 4.3 m3 (152 ft3) of soil volume can be supplied, such a tree, when irrigated approximately once every 5 days, would face a water deficit (<70% available water capacity) once in 10 years.
Comparison of Hurricane Damage to Several Species of Urban Trees in San Juan, Puerto Rico
Authors: Francis John K.
Published: March 2022

Percent defoliation and percent crown loss were estimated, and a count of stem failure was taken for 24 species of urban trees in San Juan following Hurricane Georges. Differences among species were significant, and detailed comparisons are presented. Wood-specific gravity, branch resistance to flexing, and leaf retention strength were measured for the study species. Many significant correlations were noted between pre-storm height, diameter, wood-specific gravity, branch resistance to flexing, leaf retention strength, defoliation, percent crown loss, and stem failure. A regression equation predicting defoliation is presented. Tree height was the most influential variable followed by branch resistance to flexing, leaf retention strength, and wood-specific gravity. If tree height was eliminated from the model, specific gravity then entered the stepwise regression first.
Determination of Parentage of Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida) Seedlings using DNA Amplification Fingerprinting
Authors: Ament Malissa H. , Windham Mark T. , Trigiano Robert N.
Published: March 2022

Open-pollinated seedlings ofCornus floridaL. ‘Cherokee Chief were tested to identify the pollen donor from a list of nearbyC. floridatrees using DNA amplification fingerprinting (DAF). Tissue was collected and DNA isolated from the maternal ‘Cherokee Chief tree and possible pollen donorsC. florida‘Cherokee Brave’, ‘Cherokee Daybreak’, ‘Cloud 9’, ‘Springtime’, and ‘Pygmy’. DNA was also isolated fromC. florida‘Fragrant Cloud’, ‘Cherokee Princess’, and ‘Appalachian Spring’. Data from DAF were analyzed for similarities and differences between genetic makeup of seedlings and putative parents. Thirteen of 15 (87%) evaluated seedlings were the progeny of ‘Cherokee Brave’ and ‘Cherokee Chief. Using open pollination, progeny of 2 red-bractedC. floridacultivars ‘Cherokee Brave’ and ‘Cherokee Chief were obtained and subsequently verified using DAF.
Cedrus—The True Cedars
Authors: Pijut Paula M.
Published: March 2022

The true cedars (genusCedrus) are valuable timber trees and striking specimen plantings in the urban landscape that grow well in a variety of soil and climatic conditions. The wood is durable and decay resistant. Cedars have been successfully introduced into areas outside of their natural range. The 4 species ofCedrus, 3 of which are planted to some extent in the United States, areC. atlantica(Atlas cedar),C. brevifolia(Cyprian cedar),C. deodara(Deodar cedar), andC. libani(Cedar of Lebanon). In this review, the geographical distribution, taxonomic characteristics, propagation, and adaptation to the urban landscape of cedars are discussed. This information is relevant to horticulturists, botanists, foresters, and anyone interested in the field of arboriculture.
Observations on the Biology and Control of the Hawthorn (Two-Circuli) Mealybug,Phenacoccus dearnessi(King)
Authors: Cranshaw Whitney , Jevremovic Zana , Sclar D. Casey , Mannix Loretta
Published: March 2022

The hawthorn (two-circuli) mealybug,Phenacoccus deamessi(King), is a serious woody plant pest of hawthorn,Crataegusspp.) in Colorado. With the expanded use of this plant in landscape settings,P. deamessihas become of more economic importance. Studies were conducted to better understand its biology and to evaluate management strategies. In the area of Fort Collins, Colorado, nymphs emerged from overwintering sites on trunks and began spring activity on 20 March 1998. Migration to twigs was first noted on 14 April, peaking in early May and ceasing at the end of the month. Adult females first produced living young on 27 May and continued to reproduce until 14 October. Three species of predaceous lady beetles—Adalia bipunctata(L.),Coccinella septempunctata(L.), andHippodamia convergens(Guerin-Meneville)—were observed feeding on P.deamessinymphs as they emerged from overwintering sites, but predation of mature females was not observed; no parasitoids have been observed. There is a range of susceptibility to this insect amongCrataegusspp.:Crataegus phaenopyrum‘Cordata’ has remained highly resistant to infestation throughout this study;Crataegus × mordenensis‘Snowbird’,C. succulenta macracantha, andC. ambiguaalso showed substantial levels of resistance. A wide range of insecticides has been evaluated for control, with imidacloprid (Merit) and permethrin (Astro) among the most effective. In addition, the use of horticultural oil consistently improved performance. However, timing of application seems to be critical; applications coinciding with migration of the overwintered nymphs to the twigs being particularly effective.
Health Status of Plane Trees (Platanus Spp.) In Spain
Authors: Tello M.L. , Redondo C. , Mateo-Sagasta E.
Published: March 2022

The plane tree (Platanus spp.) is one of the most frequently used ornamental trees in Spanish urban areas. For the past 30 years, the health of urban tree plantings in various parts of the Iberian Peninsula has been observed and a number of diseases, common to the majority of them, detected. The most frequently occurring diseases that affect Platanus spp. are anthracnose (caused by the fungi Sporonema platani Blauml.) and powdery mildew (caused by Microsphaera alni (DC.) Wint.), as well as diseases caused by other minor pathogens. Since 1997, we have focused our research on surveying the state of health of urban trees in the town of Aranjuez (Madrid), as an example of an urban location in central Spain. Within the numerous tree species that exist in the town, a serious problem was detected among plane trees. The symptoms observed (young shoots and branches up to 3 years old growing in whorls, necrotic tissue close to phloem and xylem, premature defoliation) indicate the possible existence of Gnomonia veneta (Sacc. et Speg.) Kleb, anamorph Sporonema platani Blauml. The majority of the trees show these symptoms to one degree or another. Applying diagnostic and identification methods in the laboratory, we were able to demonstrate the presence of 5. platani in all of the samples collected from symptomatic trees. A detailed description of the two main diseases, anthracnose and powdery mildew, in Spain is presented, with special reference to symptoms and dispersal under Spanish environmental conditions. A discussion about the most appropriate control methods is included.
Pruning Trees: The Problem of Forks
Authors: Crénou Christophe
Published: March 2022

The term "fork" in a tree describes an axis that gives rise to two or more equivalent axes, which together form sharp angles. Forks can appear on the trunk or on the branches at various times in the life of a tree. A fork on a trunk during formation is a potential defect likely to ruin the straightness of the tree, reduce the length of the trunk, and lead to enclosed bark. For these reasons, it is generally advisable to eliminate forks and straighten large branches by formation pruning. Not all tree forks are alike; some require intervention, but others are reabsorbed on their own. We propose classifying forks into four major categories: temporary forks, recurrent forks, main forks, and accidental forks. Each category is the subject of a morphological description, an analysis of the causes of forking, a prediction of the length of life of the forks, and a discussion on the advisability of formation pruning.
Maryland's Forest Conservation Act: A Process for Urban Greenspace Protection During the Development Process
Authors: Galvin Michael , Wilson Becky , Honeczy Marian
Published: March 2022

The Maryland Forest Conservation Act (FCA) was passed in 1991 to protect the state's forest resources during development. Compliance is required for any project for which grading is required on a unit of land 40,000 ft2 (0.42 ha) or greater. Applicants must generate and submit two documents. The first, a forest stand delineation (FSD), must identify forest stands, specimen trees, and sensitive areas such as steep slopes, hydric or erodible soils, critical habitat areas, streams, and floodplains. This map is used to direct the location of the impacts away from priority areas onsite. The second, a forest conservation plan (FCP), follows a priority sequence concerning impacts to and retention of priority areas identified in the FSD. Thresholds for clearing, afforestation, and reforestation are established based on the net tract area, land-use category, existing forest cover, and proposed clearing area. Forest and tree protective measures are required for stand edges and specimen trees. Long-term protective instruments are required to ensure that the retained area will remain forested. In its first five years, FCA has been responsible for the retention of more than 22,000 ac (10,000 ha) of forest, and 120% more forest retained and planted than has been cleared for development.
Replacement of Trees Under Utility Wires Impacts Attitudes and Community Tree Programs
Authors: Flowers Dana , Gerhold Henry
Published: March 2022

Opinions of people in 54 Pennsylvania municipalities who received trees through the Municipal Tree Restoration Program (MTRP) were surveyed, and progress in their tree programs also was evaluated. All municipal tree program components, such as ordinances, tree commissions, inventories, and management plans, were stimulated by the MTRP to varying extents in one or more ways in 91% of the municipalities. Responses from residents showed high approval for removal of large trees that interfered with utility wires, though some did miss them, and for replacement with smaller-growing cultivars of Amelanchier, Crataegus, Malm, Pyrus, and Syringa. Responses across all genera indicated that 82% liked the planted trees, 77% thought they improved the neighborhood, and 69% favored removal of the large trees when they were replaced by smaller trees. Only 8% greatly regretted the removals and 3% offered negative comments about the removal of large trees or replacement with smaller species. Comments about likes and dislikes were mainly about tree characteristics and varied among genera. The most common complaints were about messy fruit, and the best-liked qualities were flowers and other aesthetic traits. There was little variation in attitudes among communities, three of which differed from the others in their opinions about Malus cultivars, which seemed to relate mainly to the nature of the trees and their fruit.
Effect of Nursery Production Method, Irrigation, and Inoculation with Mycorrhizae-Forming Fungi on Establishment ofQuercus virginiana
Authors: Gilman Edward F.
Published: March 2022

Live oak(Quercus virginiana)trees were grown to about a 2.5 in. (6 cm) caliper in various container and field production systems, then transplanted to a landscape with and without mycorrhizae-forming spores under two irrigation regimes. Trees grew at nearly the same rate in the nurseries, regardless of production method. However, root distribution was altered. Low-profile, air root-pruning containers had less roots on the outside surface of the root ball than did traditional plastic containers. Application of mycorrhizae-forming fungi to the backfill soil at planting in a landscape had no impact on live oak the first 30 months after planting. However, nursery production method and irrigation frequency following planting had a huge influence on tree survival. Irrigating 2.5 in. (6 cm) caliper live oak for only 6 weeks after planting in spring in a slightly drier than normal year resulted in 43% tree death rate. Irrigating twice each week through the first summer after planting in spring kept all trees alive. Under limited irrigation conditions, trees from containers died sooner and more trees died than field-grown, B&B trees. Root-pruned, field-grown, B&B trees survived better than all others following transplanting. Trees planted from all nursery production methods survived and grew similarly, provided they were irrigated regularly through the first growing season. Under limited irrigation, landscape managers would obtain the most live trees by planting root-pruned, field-grown, B&B nursery stock.
Four-Year Evaluation of Five Cultivars ofPyrus calleryana
Authors: Kuser John E. , Robinson Gary , Polanin Nicholas
Published: March 2022

In November 1995, five cultivars of Callery pear (Pyrus calleryana:‘Aristocrat’, ‘Capital’, ‘Chanticleer’, ‘Redspire’, and ‘Whitehouse’) were planted within parkinglot traffic islands at Livingston College, a Piscataway campus of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, U.S. During the next four years, the trees were observed each spring from bud break to flowering, and again each fall. Measurements of growth patterns as well as observational attributes of the cultivars were recorded. ‘Aristocrat’ flushed growth a few days earlier than the others, occasionally suffering frost damage to flowers. Its vertical growth was slower when compared to the other cultivars, with a wider branch angle, a distinctly lower, broader crown, and a deep purple-red fall color in contrast to the orange-reds of the other cultivars. ‘Aristocrat’ was the only cultivar in the study to display branch angle attachments necessary for storm resistance and growth success. ‘Chanticleer’ grew the fastest of the five and had the narrowest branch angles. ‘Redspire’ was intermediate in growth, somewhat open, with fairly narrow branch angles. ‘Capital’ and ‘Whitehouse’ were comparatively dense and heavy blooming; it was difficult to distinguish between them.
Biology and Management of the Horned Oak Gall Wasp on Pin Oak
Authors: Eliason Eileen A. , Potter Daniel A.
Published: March 2022

The horned oak gall wasp (Callirhytis cornigera) induces large, woody galls on twigs of oak; these galls can disfigure trees and result in extensive branch dieback. This paper reviews our recent research on the pest’s biology and management on cultivated pin oaks (Quercus palustris) in Lexington, Kentucky, U.S., especially aspects that are of greatest relevance to tree care professionals. The gall wasp has alternating agamic (all female) and sexual generations that develop, respectively, in multi-chambered twig galls and single-chambered leaf galls along veins. Wasp development required about 33 months in twig galls and about 3 months in leaf galls. The number of gall wasps developing within twig galls ranged from 1 to 160, and was dependent on gall size. Numerous other insects, including parasitoids and inquilines, were found within the galls. Natural enemies accounted for high mortality ofC. cornigera, especially in the leaf-galling generation where 70% to 80% of the larvae were parasitized. The dogwood borer (Synanthedon scitula) infested about 15% of the succulent 2- to 3-year-old twig galls. AdultS. scitulamoths had a similar, bimodal emergence period regardless of whether they originated from dogwoods or horned oak galls. Insecticidal controls targeting the leaf galling stage ofC. cornigerakilled the pest, but also its parasitoids. Therefore, no reduction in the number of twig stem galls was achieved. Difficulties in managing this pest in outbreak situations are discussed.
Measuring Soil Compaction on Construction Sites: A Review of Surface Nuclear Gauges and Penetrometers
Authors: Randrup Thomas , Lichter John
Published: March 2022

This paper reviews two techniques of determining soil compaction on construction sites. The surface nuclear gauge is found suitable for measuring soil compaction in soils with less than 5% organic matter by weight and at a depth of no more than 0.15 m (6 in.). Penetrometer readings are often unreliable on compacted soils, as well as in dry and stony soil conditions. Therefore, the penetrometer is rarely a valuable device on construction sites as a definitive measurement instrument, but it may be useful as an indicator of compacted areas. Recommendations to measure soil compaction on construction sites are given.
Using Qualitative Data Collection Methods when Planning for Community Forests
Authors: Elmendorf William , Luloff A.E.
Published: March 2022

When gathering information and planning for community forest policies and programs, planners, municipal foresters, and arborists can find it difficult to identify, involve, and listen to all persons important and affected. Accordingly, the concerns, beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors of some people continue to be misstated, unknown, and ignored. Furthermore, some people continue to be excluded in information gathering and planning either by design or lack of effort, which can lead to poor information and planning, increased conflict and cost of conflict, poor collaboration, and increased mistrust and apathy. Use of key informant interviews, focus groups, and visual techniques such as stakeholder mapping, vision galleries, and sacred place mapping can help planners, municipal foresters, and arborists to better develop mail and telephone surveys. These methods can also be used to gather information about people's opinions and attitudes, help identify and include both insiders and outsiders in the community forest planning process, and help reduce conflict.
Homeowners' Opinions on the Practice and Effects of Topping Trees
Authors: Close David , Groninger John , Mangun Jean , Roth Paul
Published: March 2022

Utility (involuntary) and voluntary tree topping continues to be a common practice despite the efforts of various anti-topping advertising campaigns. A survey questionnaire was conducted to gain insight into homeowner motivations and knowledge of the consequences of topping, whether topping is consumer or service driven, and whether sociodemographics are related to levels of satisfaction with topping. Results indicate that topping is viewed more favorably by less educated homeowners and is consumer driven. This study also revealed people do not understand the consequences of topping. Differences also were apparent between voluntary and involuntary topping with the latter group more likely to recognize the negative effects of topping on tree health. Future anti-topping, advertising campaign creators should use information from this study to direct their message toward the most appropriate audiences.
Impact of Pitch Canker on Ornamental Monterey Pines in Santa Cruz County, California, U.S., 1987-2000
Authors: Owen Donald , Adams David
Published: March 2022

Long-term observations of ornamental Monterey pine (Pinus radiata) showed that pitch canker severity varies considerably from one tree to the next and over time. Most Monterey pines proved susceptible to the disease, but many sustained only light to moderate levels of infection and some never developed any disease symptoms. We developed a rating system that proved useful in assessing pitch canker's impact. Although the majority of trees sustained heavy levels of infection, mortality was not a foregone conclusion for even the most heavily damaged trees. After an initial outbreak of pitch canker activity, the incidence of new infections decreased and eventually dropped to an undetectable level. Trees are now recovering in the absence of new infections. Application of this information will contribute to better predictions of disease impact. It should not be presumed that pitch canker will necessarily result in a high rate of mortality among Monterey pines.
Terravent™: Soil Fracture Patterns and Impact on Bulk Density
Authors: Smiley E. Thomas
Published: March 2022

Soil compaction is reported to be a limiting factor in many urban tree plantings. The Terravent™ was developed to decompact and aerate soil through the soil injection of high-pressure nitrogen gas. The purpose of this project was to determine the soil fracture patterns created by the Terravent and to determine if soil bulk density is reduced. Replicates of six fractures were made at three sites. Bulk density and the degree of fracturing were measured. No significant differences in soil bulk density were found between treated and nontreated areas. Fracture patterns were generally horizontal to convex shaped with a mean width up to 22.2 in. (56 cm), typically 9 in. (23 cm) below the soil surface. Other means of alleviating soil compaction are thought to be more effective.
Automatic Depression Level Detection through Visual Input
Authors: Prof. Poonam Hadke  , Ghanshyam Chaudhari  , Sagar Dhadge  , Deep Kukkadgaonkar
Published: March 2022

Depression is the most comprehensive mood ailment that has a notable influence on mental health as well as hindrances in daily life. Machine learning models have contributed to the field of emotion detection in all areas including audio, visual and internet-based text data. The idea directs at developing a machine learning based model utilising images and video as an input, to analyze the level of depression among users. Based on the analysed features the individual will be classified into either of the following depression categories: Minimal, Mild, Moderate, Severe. In the process of depression level detection, the two crucial components are video input and the Beck Depression Inventory II. The solution generates as a result of the correlation between emotion vector and inventory vector represented using visual graphics.
Experiences of people living with epilepsy presenting for treatment at Umlazi Clinic
Authors:   , Shabangu Ntombizakithi Yvette Thandeka
Published: March 2022

Epilepsy is one of the world’s most common neurological disorders of the brain. It is a condition that affects individuals in most countries worldwide. However, there is still stigma attached to epilepsy, and the condition is often misunderstood. However, there are people who understand the condition and the care that PWE need. Aim of the study : The aim of the study was to describe the lived experiences of people with epilepsy. Methodology : A descriptive phenomenological methodology was used. This study is guided by Parse’s Theory of Human Becoming. In-depth interviews were conducted with eight participants. The main research question that was asked in this study was: What are experiences of people living with epilepsy? Results : The findings of this study revealed that people with epilepsy still face challenges unique to their lifestyles. The lack of knowledge among communities has led to negative experiences of people with epilepsy. Family members often provide support to people with epilepsy; especially female partners support their husbands.
The use of standard treatment guidelines and essential medicines list by registered nurses at primary health care clinics in the uMgungundlovu district
Authors:   , Sooruth Umritha Raj
Published: March 2022

Background One of the major challenges for the Department of Health in South Africa today is inequity and the need to provide quality integrated health care for all its citizens. Primary Health Care (PHC) has been declared as the way to achieve this goal, through the District Health System. Standard Treatment Guidelines (STGs) and the Essential Medicines List (EML) have been developed and are used at PHC clinics and hospitals. This study explored the use of STGs and the EML by professional nurses at PHC clinics in the UMgungundlovu District, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Methods A quantitative descriptive research design was used. Questionnaires were used to collect data from respondents at the PHC clinics. A retrospective review of facility registers kept by the respondents on the rational use of drugs was also carried out by the researcher. Results The findings of the study revealed that the respondents had a good understanding of the use of the STGs and the EML. There was no evidence of polypharmacy, and medications were prescribed according to guidelines. Areas that were suboptimal were related to prescription writing in writing of schedules and routes of medication as indicated in facility records. The results further showed that training on the use of the STGs and EML were inadequate, which implies the need for strengthening of training programmes.
Chiropractic and public health : a study on the perceptions and attitudes of chiropractors on health promotion and disease prevention in South Africa
Authors:   , Ford Timothy William
Published: March 2022

Background: Considering the quadruple burden of disease and chronic shortages of health care professionals in South Africa, the stance of the chiropractic profession on public health (PH) matters has not been established. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the attitudes and perceptions of chiropractors practicing in South Africa on PH, health promotion (HP) and disease prevention (DP). The objectives were to determine demographic profile, lifestyle practices and attitudes and perceptions of practicing chiropractors in South Africa regarding PH agencies, HP and DP. Methods: An IRB approved quantitative survey (electronic and postal) was used to collect data from a total sample of practicing chiropractors in South Africa (meeting inclusion criteria). Follow up email and telephone calls were made to encourage response from participants. After a 17 - week period, returned questionnaires were collected and data analysed. Results: A response rate of 45% was obtained. Of the participants, 51.7% were female, 60.3% practiced in upper – middle income communities and 66.4% perceived themselves as neuro - musculoskeletal specialists. Over 90% of practitioners regularly counselled patients on postural habits, injury prevention and ergonomic risk reduction. Where as 35.1% agreed to counselling patients on STI / HIV prevention, tobacco cessation and related risks (41.4%), alcohol abuse (53.4%) and cancer prevention (56.9%). Regarding evidence – based practice (EBP) and PH agencies, 39.1% could not identify the statistical significance of the p value and 46% were unable to provide examples to journals they used to inform best practice. Similarly, 59% of the participants could not identify PH agencies to refer to for information on smoking cessation / risks or PH agencies to refer patients on HIV (57%), notifiable diseases (59%) and terminal illnesses (45%). Conclusion: The results suggest that chiropractors from this study were proficient on topics of DP, but were reletively less proficient in regards to PH, HP and EBP. It was recommended that further research be done regarding EBP within the profession and that greater emphasis be placed on topics of HP and PH in chiropractic training programmes.
The prevalence and pattern of myofascial trigger points in the shoulder girdles of swimmers as compared to non-swimmers in the greater Durban area.
Authors:   , Kinsman Tim Graham
Published: March 2022

Objectives: Myofascial pain dysfunction is a common musculoskeletal disorder, known to affect athletes. This research aimed to create a map of myofascial trigger points (MFTPs), to ascertain sport specific combinations. Design and Setting: This IRB approved study was a cross-sectional, observational study. Participants: Forty swimmers and forty non-swimmers (soccer players). Measurements : All participants underwent one assessment, non-intervention session where primary measures included: shoulder disability index (SDI), myofascial diagnostic scale (MDS), algometer and numerical pain rating scale (NRS). Manual palpation, the MDS and an algometer assessed MFTPs and the SDI overall function. SPSS version 20 (IBM) using Pearson’s chi square tests / Fisher’s exact tests compared MFTP locations between the groups, and non-parametric Mann-Whitney tests compared continuous measures (due to significant non-normal distribution), with a p-value <0.05 level of significance. Results: MFTP presence is very uncommon in swimmers, with associated pain and loss of function being very low on average. No evidence was found that swimmers were affected more than non swimmers by MFTPs related pain or loss of function, but has indicated that algometer measurements for infraspinatus MFTP 1, were significantly higher (p<0.027) (showing decreased tenderness) than the values in non swimmers. Conclusions: These results contradict the literature which suggests that unique activity specific patterns of MFTPs exist. This may be as a result of underlying systemic causes of MFTPs that obscured the pattern in this study. It is therefore suggested that larger trials with more participants per group be done in order to verify the results of this study.
An injury profile of amateur and semi-professional KwaZulu-Natal triathletes
Authors:   , Coetzee Cuan Wayne
Published: March 2022

Background: A triathlon comprises of a combination of swimming, cycling and running. Triathlons are usually classified as sprint distance, Olympic distance, and Ironman or ultra-distance. Triathlon was popularized in the 2000 Summer Olympic Games and, despite this, there is insufficient data relating to injuries in the South African context. This study aimed to determine the injury profile of amateur and semi-professional Kwa-Zulu Natal triathletes. Methods: This Institutional Research Board approved, cross sectional study, included 80 active members of the Kwa-Zulu Natal Triathlon Association. All triathletes completed a questionnaire on training and injury profiles; with only those having had a musculoskeletal complaint additionally completing a clinical consultation. In order to assess associations between presence of injury and explanatory variables, binary logistic regression using backward selection based on likelihood ratios was used. Data was described using frequency tables for categorical data and summary statistics for continuous data. Odds ratios was reported and a p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. For triathletes reporting injuries, linear regression was used for factors associated with injury severity. Results: Fifty seven triathletes responded giving a response rate of 71% (68% male, 32% female). The point and period (year) prevalence of triathlon-related musculoskeletal pain was 17.5% and 68.4% respectively. The ranking of the most common site of injury in the last 12 months included the knee (64%), low back (21%) and thigh (18%); with females having had a significantly higher risk of injury than males (p=.019). Additionally, injury risk also increased with weight (p=.055), number of triathlons undertaken in the previous year (p=.031), number of triathlons in the last 4 months (p=.009) and running distance during competition times (p=.011). Injury risk decreased with increasing distance of cycling (p=.061) and swimming (p=.030) in a competition, and length of training in- and off-season (p=.105 and p=.043 respectively). Strong trends were demonstrated between injury severity and long-slow training distance (p=.006) and weight (p=.006). By contrast to risk of injury, injury severity was negatively associated with weight, while a long-slow distance was positively associated with the severity of the injury. Of all the health professions, chiropractic was the most utilized health profession. Conclusion and recommendations: The results concur with previous research, but add insights into factors predisposing triathletes to injury. The most common injuries require investigation to develop preventative interventions to reduce injuries in triathletes. Health professionals require education about triathlon-related injuries to improve preventative and curative interventions.
Agroecological assessment of soil salinization
Authors: Savich Vitaliy , Sedykh Vladimir , Sorokin Andrey , Kotenko Marina , Tazin Ivan
Published: March 2022

In the conducted studies, the influence of salinization on the soil-plant system on the soils of Russia and Vietnam was evaluated. It is shown that the nature and degree of soil salinization vary over time and in space, including on individual elements of meso- and microrelief. For soils, plants and biota, it is advisable to allocate their optima and maximum permissible salinity concentrations. They differ for different soils, for individual plant species and microorganisms. It is shown that optimal and acceptable indicators of soil salinity differ from a combination of parameters of plant life factors and soil functioning: temperature, humidity, combination of soil properties, phases of soil and plant development, etc. It was found that the composition of the soil extract differs significantly from the composition of the soil solution not only in the concentration of salts, but also in their composition, which must be taken into account in the agroecological assessment of salinity. The possibility of increasing the resistance of plants to soil salinization when they are fed with biophilic elements, stimulants, complexons is shown. Keywords: SALINIZATION, PLANTS, MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE CONCENTRATIONS, OPTIMIZATION
Comparison of mesospheric sodium profile retrievals from OSIRIS and SCIAMACHY nightglow measurements
Authors: Koch Julia , Bourassa Adam , Lloyd Nick , Roth Chris , von Savigny Christian
Published: March 2022

Abstract. Sodium airglow is generated when excited sodium atoms emit electromagnetic radiation while they are relaxing from an excited state into a lower energetic state. This electromagnetic radiation, the two sodium D lines at 589.0 and 589.6 nm, can usually be detected from space or from ground. Sodium nightglow occurs at times when the sun is not present and excitation of sodium atoms is a result of chemical reaction with ozone. The detection of sodium nightglow can be a means to determine the amount of sodium in the earth's mesosphere and lower thermosphere (MLT). In this study, we present time series of monthly mean sodium concentration profiles, by utilizing the large spatial and temporal coverage of satellite sodium D-line nightglow measurements. We use the OSIRIS/Odin mesospheric limb measurements to derive sodium concentration profiles and vertical column densities and compare those to measurements from SCIAMACHY/Envisat and GOMOS/Envisat. Here we show that the Na D-line limb emission rate (LER) and volume emission rate (VER) profiles calculated from the OSIRIS and SCIAMACHY measurements, although the OSIRIS LER and VER profiles are around 25 % lower, agree very well in shape and overall seasonal variation. The sodium concentration profiles also agree in shape and magnitude, although those do not show the clear semi-annual cycle which is present in the LER and VER profiles. The comparison to the GOMOS sodium vertical column densities (VCDs) shows that the OSIRIS VCDs are of the same order of magnitude although again the semi-annual cycle is not as clear. We attribute the differences in the LER, VER and sodium profiles to the differences in spatial coverage between the OSIRIS and SCIAMACHY measurements, the lower signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the SCIAMACHY measurements and differences in local time between the measurements of the two satellites.
Updated Global Fuel Exploitation Inventory (GFEI) for methane emissions from the oil, gas, and coal sectors: evaluation with inversions of atmospheric methane observations
Authors: Scarpelli Tia R. , Jacob Daniel J. , Grossman Shayna , Lu Xiao , Qu Zhen , Sulprizio Melissa P. , Zhang Yuzhong , Reuland Frances , Gordon Deborah , Worden John R.
Published: March 2022

Abstract. We present an updated version of the Global Fuel Exploitation
Inventory (GFEI) for methane emissions and evaluate it with results from
global inversions of atmospheric methane observations from satellite (GOSAT)
and in situ platforms (GLOBALVIEWplus). GFEI allocates methane emissions
from oil, gas, and coal sectors and subsectors to a 0.1∘ × 0.1∘ grid by using the national emissions reported by individual
countries to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
(UNFCCC) and mapping them to infrastructure locations. Our updated GFEI v2
gives annual emissions for 2010–2019 that incorporate the most recent UNFCCC
national reports, new oil–gas well locations, and improved spatial
distribution of emissions for Canada, Mexico, and China. Russia's oil–gas
emissions in its latest UNFCCC report (4.1 Tg a−1 for 2019) decrease by
83 % compared to its previous report while Nigeria's latest reported
oil–gas emissions (3.1 Tg a−1 for 2016) increase 7-fold compared to
its previous report, reflecting changes in assumed emission factors. Global
gas emissions in GFEI v2 show little net change from 2010 to 2019 while oil
emissions decrease and coal emissions slightly increase. Global emissions
from the oil, gas, and coal sectors in GFEI v2 (26, 22, and 33 Tg a−1,
respectively in 2019) are lower than the EDGAR v6 inventory (32, 44, and 37 Tg a−1 in 2018) and lower than the IEA inventory for oil and gas (38
and 43 Tg a−1 in 2019), though there is considerable variability between
inventories for individual countries. GFEI v2 estimates higher emissions by
country than the Climate TRACE inventory, with notable exceptions in Russia,
the US, and the Middle East where TRACE is up to an order of magnitude
higher than GFEI v2. Inversion results using GFEI as a prior estimate
confirm the lower Russian emissions in the latest UNFCCC report but find
that Nigeria's reported UNFCCC emissions are too high. Oil–gas emissions are
generally underestimated by the national inventories for the highest
emitting countries including the US, Venezuela, Uzbekistan, Canada, and
Turkmenistan. Offshore emissions tend to be overestimated. Our updated GFEI
v2 provides a platform for future evaluation of national emission
inventories reported to the UNFCCC using the newer generation of satellite
instruments such as TROPOMI with improved coverage and spatial resolution.
This increased observational data density will be especially beneficial in
regions where current inversion systems have limited sensitivity including
Russia. Our work responds to recent aspirations of the Intergovernmental
Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) to integrate top-down and bottom-up
information into the construction of national emission inventories.
The impact of the South-East Madagascar Bloom on the oceanic CO2 sink
Authors: Metzl Nicolas , Lo Monaco Claire , Leseurre Coraline , Ridame Céline , Fin Jonathan , Mignon Claude , Gehlen Marion , Chau Thi Tuyet Trang
Published: March 2022

Abstract. We described new sea surface CO2 observations in the south-western
Indian Ocean obtained in January 2020 when a strong bloom event occurred
south-east of Madagascar and extended eastward in the oligotrophic Indian
Ocean subtropical domain. Compared to previous years (1991–2019) we observed
very low fCO2 and dissolved inorganic carbon concentrations (CT)
in austral summer 2020, indicative of a biologically driven process. In the
bloom, the anomaly of fCO2 and CT reached respectively −33 µatm and −42 µmol kg−1, whereas no change is observed for
alkalinity (AT). In January 2020 we estimated a local maximum of
air–sea CO2 flux at 27∘ S of −6.9 mmol m−2 d−1 (ocean sink) and −4.3 mmol m−2 d−1 when averaging the flux in the
band 26–30∘ S. In the domain 25–30∘ S, 50–60∘ E
we estimated that the bloom led to a regional carbon uptake of about −1 TgC per month in January 2020, whereas this region was previously
recognized as an ocean CO2 source or near equilibrium during this
season. Using a neural network approach that reconstructs the monthly
fCO2 fields, we estimated that when the bloom was at peak in December
2019 the CO2 sink reached −3.1 (±1.0) mmol m−2 d−1 in
the band 25–30∘ S; i.e. the model captured the impact of the
bloom. Integrated in the domain restricted to 25–30∘ S, 50–60∘ E, the region was a CO2 sink in December 2019 of −0.8 TgC per month compared to a CO2 source of +0.12 (±0.10) TgC per month in December when averaged over the period 1996–2018.
Consequently in 2019 this region was a stronger CO2 annual sink of −8.8 TgC yr−1 compared to −7.0 (±0.5) TgC yr−1 averaged over
1996–2018. In austral summer 2019–2020, the bloom was likely controlled by
a relatively deep mixed-layer depth during the preceding winter (July–September
2019) that would supply macro- and/or micro-nutrients such as iron to the surface
layer to promote the bloom that started in November 2019 in two large rings
in the Madagascar Basin. Based on measurements in January 2020, we observed
relatively high N2 fixation rates (up to 18 nmol N L−1 d−1),
suggesting that diazotrophs could play a role in the bloom in the nutrient-depleted waters. The bloom event in austral summer 2020, along with the new
carbonate system observations, represents a benchmark case for complex
biogeochemical model sensitivity studies (including the N2 fixation process
and iron supplies) for a better understanding of the origin and termination
of this still “mysterious” sporadic bloom and its impact on ocean carbon
uptake in the future.
Upper Ocean Response on the Passage of Tropical Cyclones in the Azores Region
Authors: Lima Miguel Mendes , Gouveia Célia Marina , Trigo Ricardo Machado
Published: March 2022

Abstract. Tropical Cyclones (TCs) are extreme climate events that are known to strongly interact with the ocean through two mechanisms: dynamically through the associated intense wind stress, and thermodynamically through moist enthalpy exchanges at the ocean surface. These interactions contribute to relevant oceanic responses after the passage of a TC, namely the induction of a cold wake and the production of chlorophyll (chl-a) blooms. This study aimed to understand these interactions in the Azores region, an area with relatively low cyclonic activity for the North Atlantic basin, since the area experiences much less intense events than the rest of the basin. Results for the 1998–2020 period showed that the averaged induced anomalies were on the order of +0.026 mg/m3 for the chl-a and -1.554 K for SST. Furthermore, looking at the role played by several TCs characteristics we found that the intensity of the TCs was the most important condition for the development of upper ocean responses. Two other analysed conditions were the TC’s translation speeds and the impacted areas, which also showed to be positively affecting the registered induced anomalies. Two case studies (Ophelia, in 2017, and Nadine, in 2012) were conducted to better understand each upper ocean response. Ophelia showed to affect the SST at an earlier stage while the biggest chl-a induced anomalies were registered at a later stage, allowing the conclusion that thermodynamic exchanges conditioned the SST more while dynamical mixing played a more important role in the later stage. Nadine showed the importance of the TC track geometry, revealing that the TC track observed in each event can impact a specific region for longer, and therefore induce greater anomalies.