bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
miR-93-5p attenuates apoptosis and autophagy by regulating SRY-box2 in spinal cord-injured rats in vivo and PC12 cells in vitro
Authors: An Yan , Li Jianing , He MS Da , Fan Mingxing
Published: August 2020

Introduction

In the current work we studied the involvement of miR-93-5p in spinal cord injury (SCI) by involving SCI rats and LPS-mediated injuries in PC12 cells.

Material and methods

The PC12 cells were exposed to LPS in order to induce cell injury that mimicked the in vitro model of spinal cord injury. The in vivo model was created by submitting rats to contusion injury. The cell apoptosis and viability were evaluated by flow cytometry and cell counting kit (CCK-8). The expression of various apoptosis and autophagy-related proteins was done by western blot assay.

Results

The treatment of LPS caused cell injuries in PC12 cells. The levels of miR-93-5p were suppressed in LPS-injured cells. Over-expression of miR-93-5p decreased autophagy and apoptosis and increased cell viability in LPS injured cells via up-regulation of SRY-box2. Up-regulation of SRY-box2 ameliorated LPS-mediated cell injury whereas suppression of SRY-box2 accelerated the LPS-mediated cell injury. Also, upregulation of miR-93-5p blocked the JAK/STAT and MAPK/ERK pathways via up-regulating the expression of SRY-box2. Treatment in SCI rats with miR-93-5p agomir inhibited cell apoptosis and autophagy.

Conclusions

The results of the study confirmed the attenuating role of miR-93-5p against cell autophagy and apoptosis in LPS-injured PC12 cells and SCI rats via up-regulation of the expression of SRY-box2.
The role of social support in contributing to posttraumatic growth in persons with vision impairment
Authors: Sztonyk Bożena , Formella Zbigniew
Published: August 2020

Background

Some individuals report transformational growth understood as lasting positive changes following adverse ex-periences. Recently psychological research has attempted to understand the complex relationship between adversity and subsequent growth. In 1995 Tedeschi and Calhoun coined the term “posttraumatic growth” (PTG), which is also termed “adversarial growth” by Linley and Joseph. PTG has become a leading area of research, striving for a balanced positive psychology that integrates the complexity between the negatives and positives to optimise positive outcomes. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to elucidate the role of social support in contributing to PTG in three study cases.

Participants and procedure

The qualitative approach was based on semi-structured interviews with three women over 50 who lost vision when they were 18, 25 and 43 years old. Two of the participants were Polish, and one was Australian. The Eco-logical Systems Theory (EST) of Bronfenbrenner was used to demonstrate changes, as its process-person-context model permits this investigation.

Results

This study revealed that social support contributed to the PTG experienced after vision loss in the cases studied. Participants stressed that the received social support enhanced their gratitude and helped them grow in many unexpected ways. The relation characterised by the synergy between social support, gratitude and growth has been suggested by the participants.

Conclusions

The trajectories of PTG in these studies varied and were influenced by individual resources and the socio-cultural contexts of the participants.
Music therapy for preterm infants and their parents during NICU stay and beyond: current recommendations for clinical practice in Poland
Authors: Bieleninik Łucja , Konieczna-Nowak Ludwika , Knapik-Szweda Sara , Kwaśniok Justyna
Published: August 2020

There is preliminary evidence that music therapy plays a beneficial role for preterm infants and their primary caregivers during the neonatal period; however, available research considers mostly cohorts from North and South Americas, Australia, Israel and certain western European countries, excluding Poland. Remembering that music, and therefore music therapy, is highly culturally dependent, there is no “perfect program package” that can be directly applied across all communities to achieve desired effects everywhere. The commencement of the multi-center international randomized controlled trial, Longitudinal Study of music Therapy’s Effective-ness for Premature (LongSTEP) infants and their caregivers, has provided the impetus for Polish music thera-pists to begin offering music therapy services in neonatal intensive care units as a part of clinical research.

Since research on music therapy dedicated to premature babies and their families is only beginning to emerge in Poland, there is a call to develop a culturally and context-based approach that can be implemented in Polish neonatal settings. The objective of this perspective article is to present recommendations for clinical practice with premature babies and their families based on available international research and practical guidelines, as well as national experiences from the LongSTEP trial that make it culturally appropriate.

This paper might be of great interest to readers interested in implementing music therapy interventions with local conditions and opportunities to improve outcomes for a “real-world” impact.
Secondary radiological findings of osteoid osteoma as muscular atrophy and synovitis in paediatric and adult patients
Authors: Sahin Cennet
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Diagnosis of osteoid osteoma may be delayed if secondary radiological findings such as muscle atrophy, oedema in peripheric soft tissue and bone marrow, joint effusion, or synovitis are more severe than the lesion itself. In this article, the purpose was to demonstrate secondary radiological findings of osteoid osteoma in both paediatric and adult patients. This study is one of the very few with such a large case series.

Material and methods

Radiological images of 152 patients were reviewed retrospectively. Peri-nidus sclerosis, periosteal reactive bone formation, bone marrow and soft tissue oedema, presence of synovial effusion, muscular atrophy in the affected extremity, osteopaenia, and posture deterioration were noted.

Results

Most of the lesions (87.5%) were localised in lower extremity bones. Among all the patients, 56% had extra-articular (65% in paediatric patients) and 44% had intraarticular (69% in paediatric patients) osteoid-osteoma. In 44% of the patients, synovial effusion was presented. In 89.4% of these, osteoid osteoma was localised in the joint. Of the 97 patients who had osteoid osteoma in lower extremities or pelvic bones, 73% had muscular atrophy.
In 6% of them muscular atrophy was severe, and they had posture-gait disorder with accompanying osteopaenia.
In 48% of the patients, there was reactive periosteal bone formation around the nidus.

Conclusions

Secondary radiological findings, such as muscular atrophy, synovitis, posture-gait deterioration, and reactive bone formation in a patient with continuous pain that is relieved by anti-inflammatory drugs may point to an osteoid osteoma.
The effect of social interaction and environment on aerobic dance on salivary cortisol
Authors: Ramania Nia Sri , Iwo Maria Immaculata , Apriantono Tommy , Winata Bagus
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Aerobic dance can reduce individual stress response levels and its psychosomatic symptoms, and increase
physical fitness. The effect of social interaction and the environment is also considered prominent for reducing stress. The purpose
of this study was to measure the impact of social interaction and the environment when practising aerobic dance on reducing
stress among first-rate university students in Indonesia.

Methods

The study involved 16 students (8 males and 8 females) aged 18–20 years. All participants took a series of indoor
and outdoor tests. In the indoor-test phase, they did indoor aerobic dance without communicating with one another, while in
the outdoor-test phase, they did outdoor aerobic dance and were allowed to interact with one another. The subjects underwent
3 measurements: salivary cortisol was assessed before and after the aerobic dance in the indoor and outdoor test; heart rate
was evaluated during the aerobic dance; and rating of perceived exertion was established immediately after each participant
had finished the aerobic dance.

Results

One-way ANOVA statistical test showed a significant difference between indoor-test and outdoor-test conditions in
the measurement of salivary cortisol after the intervention (p = 0.001). Independent t-test also revealed a significant difference
between both conditions (p = 0.001).

Conclusions

More communicative social interactions and conducive outdoor environments that allowed a direct contact with
nature in doing aerobic dance had a significant effect in reducing cortisol awakening response in salivary cortisol measurements.
Change in the biomechanical characteristics of running as a result of an individual 1-year program for training an elite athlete with visual impairment for Paralympic Games
Authors: Kozina Zhanneta , Chaika Olena , Prokopenko Ivan , Zdanyuk Vadym , Kniaz Hanna , Proskurnia Olexsii , Chernozub Andrii , Shkrebtii Yurii , Romantsova Yana
Published: August 2020

Introduction

To identify the effectiveness of an individual track and field sprint training program for an elite athlete with visual impairment to improve running techniques and increase competitive performance.

Methods

An elite athlete, a Paralympic medallist and winner in the 2016 World Championship of Athletes with disabilities was involved in the study. An individual training program was developed, based on improving speed endurance and the kinaesthetic analyser. The biomechanical indicators of running were determined for 100-m running.

Results

The value of the angle in the knee joint at the time of thigh raising, as well as the speed of movement of the ankle and knee joints at the time of thigh raising and at the time of lowering the leg increased significantly (p < 0.05). A significant decrease in the running time of running steps during the development of maximum speed at a distance (p < 0.05) was revealed. Elimination of delays in lowering the leg after thigh raising was found. The time of 100-m running decreased significantly.

Conclusions

The athlete became the champion of the world and the silver medallist of the Paralympics in 2016 as a result of applying the individually developed training program.
The effectiveness of hydrotherapy in patients with chronic low back pain
Authors: Christakou Anna , Boulnta Foteini
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Low back pain is the most common musculoskeletal disorder. Hydrotherapy may assist a variety of pathological conditions, including low back pain. The purpose of the study is to examine the effectiveness of hydrotherapy in chronic low back pain.

Methods

A comprehensive search of PubMed, MEdLiNE, Elsevier, and Google Scholar was conducted for randomized controlled trials published in the period of 2009–2019 that investigated therapeutic aquatic exercise for low back pain. Particularly, the examined variables were (a) pain, (b) disability, (c) quality of life, (d) functional ability and physical condition, (e) psychological state, (f) body composition, (h) vertebral height and nerve compression symptoms, and (i) kinesiophobia. PEdro scale, which measures the methodological quality of randomized studies, was used.

Results

overall, 13 studies were included and the results showed a relief of pain and disability and an improvement of quality of life and psychological state after hydrotherapy. in accordance with the PEdro scale, the average methodological quality of the studies was 5.08/10.

Conclusions

Hydrotherapy may have a positive effect in patients with chronic low back pain. Further high-quality studies on a larger scale are required to confirm these results.
Determination of the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the self-rated fall risk questionnaire in older individuals
Authors: Sertel Meral , Şimşek Tülay Tarsuslu , Yümin Eylem Tütün , Aras Bahar
Published: August 2020

Introduction

The aim was to determine the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the self-rated fall risk questionnaire (FRQ).

Methods

The study included 100 individuals aged over 65 years. For test-retest reliability, firstly, the questionnaire was applied to volunteers, and, after 15–20 days, the individuals were asked to fill in the questionnaire again. For internal consistency, its correlation was evaluated with the Berg Balance Scale and Timed Up and Go test, of which Turkish reliability and validity studies had been previously performed in older individuals.

Results

The internal consistency of FRQ results obtained in the first (test results) and second (retest results) tests was found to be moderate (Cronbach’s alpha coefficient: 0.771 and 0.854, respectively). The test-retest reliability of the FRQ total score and the total score of the other scales was excellent and turned out to be statistically significant. in the statistical analysis, correlations were observed between both the test results and the retest results (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

in this study, the Turkish version of FRQ, which provides essential data for evaluating fall risk in older individuals and for consulting a specialist for detailed examination if necessary, was found to be highly valid and reliable.
Current concept of shoulder replacement arthroplasty
Authors: Jeong Woong Kyo
Published: August 2020

Since the development of the first anatomic shoulder replacement in 1950, the technology has undergone substantial evolution, making it a viable option to manage variable shoulder problems, including severe osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fracture of the proximal humerus. However, the design of conventional total shoulder arthroplasty prostheses does not account for concomitant musculotendinous pathologies, including larger rotator cuff tears, which are associated with fatty infiltration of the infraspinatus muscle and substantially compromise the outcome of total shoulder arthroplasty. For patients without a rotator cuff or with rotator cuff tear arthropathy, hemiarthroplasty was the conventional treatment. Unfortunately, for these indications, hemiarthroplasty may provide little improvement in range of motion or function. Recently, radical changes in prosthetic design were made that transformed poorly performing reverse ball-and-socket total shoulder prosthesis into a highly successful salvage implant for pseudoparalytic and severe rotator cuff–deficient shoulders. The annual number of reverse total shoulder arthroplasties is increasing dramatically, and the indications also have expanded to include several conditions. In this review, the current concept of variable shoulder arthroplasty is discussed for clinical physicians.
Current state of total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Seo Jeung-Hwan , Lee Sang Hak
Published: August 2020

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a successful and cost-effective treatment for end-stage degenerative arthritis. The aging of society and an increase in the prevalence of obesity has led to increases in the prevalence of arthritis and the incidence of TKA. Currently, the total number of procedures in Korea per year has reached 90,000. With the rapid growth, we need to know about the current state of TKA. The purpose of this review is to summarize the recent literature regarding TKA. The main indication for TKA is end-stage arthritis with severe pain, reduced function, and no response to conservative management. Metal on the polyethylene-bearing surface and cobalt alloy are used in most TKAs. Despite good clinical outcomes and long-term survival rates after TKA in many papers, 20% of patients are dissatisfied with the outcome of surgery. To improve the patient’s satisfaction, surgeons should understand factors affecting patient’s satisfaction, including patient’s expectations, age, and preoperative mental state. Navigation-assisted surgery and robotic surgery have been introduced in knee arthroplasty to achieve more precise and accurate alignment. There is some evidence to suggest that computer-assisted surgery reduces revision rates. However, clinical efficacy is also controversial, and a long-term follow-up study is required. The common complications of TKA include infection, polyethylene wear, loosening, stiffness, periprosthetic fracture, and thromboembolism. An understanding of the potential complications and pitfalls of TKA is essential for prevention.
Rapid review of early status of COVID-19 infection in South Korea
Authors: Choi Miyoung , Shin Ho Gyun , Jin Yan , Kim Joo Youn , Han Kwang Hyub
Published: August 2020

Since the confirmation of the first coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patient on January 20 2020, COVID-19 infection rate ramped up between February and March in South Korea. This study aimed to provide information on the characteristics of the first two months of COVID-19 prevalence in South Korea and attempted to comprehend preliminary evidence from various sources. We used public data available from the Korea Center for Disease Control and Prevention and situation reports from the World Health Organization from February to March 2020. For additional information, health utilization data from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development was used for subgroup analysis. A proportion of meta-analysis was performed. We searched literatures from PubMed, KoreaMed, and CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure) for identifying epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 and treatment strategies. We monitored domestic and global disease control institutions’ recommendations. The search results and reports were updated every two weeks. In South Korea, the ratio of confirmed cases is divided into two groups; before and after the occurrence of a large cluster infection explosion on February 17 2020 from a religious group called the Shincheonji Church. After the global pandemic announcement by World Health Organization on March 11 2020, the fatality rate of COVID-19 seems to be related to the number of beds and general hospitals. From the literature review, we identified a strong reproduction rate, asymptomatic period or infection, rate of exacerbation, and current treatments. The COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea was inevitable, but the early explosion of infection showed the decline curve afforded by the rigorous tracing, widespread testing, and well-organized health care system.
Reassessment of shortwave surface cloud radiative forcing in the Arctic: consideration of surface-albedo–cloud interactions
Authors: Stapf Johannes , Ehrlich André , Jäkel Evelyn , Lüpkes Christof , Wendisch Manfred
Published: August 2020

Abstract. The concept of cloud radiative forcing (CRF) is commonly applied to quantify the impact of clouds on the surface radiative energy budget (REB). In
the Arctic, specific radiative interactions between microphysical and macrophysical properties of clouds and the surface strongly modify the warming
or cooling effect of clouds, complicating the estimate of CRF obtained from observations or models. Clouds tend to increase the broadband surface
albedo over snow or sea ice surfaces compared to cloud-free conditions. However, this effect is not adequately considered in the derivation of CRF
in the Arctic so far. Therefore, we have quantified the effects caused by surface-albedo–cloud interactions over highly reflective snow or sea ice
surfaces on the CRF using radiative transfer simulations and below-cloud airborne observations above the heterogeneous springtime marginal sea ice
zone (MIZ) during the Arctic CLoud Observations Using airborne measurements during polar Day (ACLOUD) campaign. The impact of a modified surface
albedo in the presence of clouds, as compared to cloud-free conditions, and its dependence on cloud optical thickness is found to be relevant for
the estimation of the shortwave CRF. A method is proposed to consider this surface albedo effect on CRF estimates by continuously retrieving the cloud-free
surface albedo from observations under cloudy conditions, using an available snow and ice albedo parameterization. Using ACLOUD data
reveals that the estimated average shortwave cooling by clouds almost doubles over snow- and ice-covered surfaces (−62 W m−2 instead of
−32 W m−2), if surface-albedo–cloud interactions are considered. As a result, the observed total (shortwave plus longwave) CRF shifted
from a warming effect to an almost neutral one. Concerning the seasonal cycle of the surface albedo, it is demonstrated that this effect enhances
shortwave cooling in periods when snow dominates the surface and potentially weakens the cooling by optically thin clouds during the summertime
melting season. These findings suggest that the surface-albedo–cloud interaction should be considered in global climate models and in long-term
studies to obtain a realistic estimate of the shortwave CRF to quantify the role of clouds in Arctic amplification.
Projecting ozone hole recovery using an ensemble of chemistry–climate models weighted by model performance and independence
Authors: Amos Matt , Young Paul J. , Hosking J. Scott , Lamarque Jean-François , Abraham N. Luke , Akiyoshi Hideharu , Archibald Alexander T. , Bekki Slimane , Deushi Makoto , Jöckel Patrick , Kinnison Douglas , Kirner Ole , Kunze Markus , Marchand Marion , Plummer David A. , Saint-Martin David , Sudo Kengo , Tilmes Simone , Yamashita Yousuke
Published: August 2020

Abstract. Calculating a multi-model mean, a commonly used method for ensemble averaging, assumes model independence and equal model skill. Sharing of model components amongst families of models and research centres, conflated by growing ensemble size, means model independence cannot be assumed and is hard to quantify.
We present a methodology to produce a weighted-model ensemble projection, accounting for model performance and model independence. Model weights are calculated by comparing model hindcasts to a selection of metrics chosen for their physical relevance to the process or phenomena of interest. This weighting methodology is applied to the Chemistry–Climate Model Initiative (CCMI) ensemble to investigate Antarctic ozone depletion and subsequent recovery. The weighted mean projects an ozone recovery to 1980 levels, by 2056 with a 95 % confidence interval (2052–2060), 4 years earlier than the most recent study. Perfect-model testing and out-of-sample testing validate the results and show a greater projective skill than a standard multi-model mean. Interestingly, the construction of a weighted mean also provides insight into model performance and dependence between the models.
This weighting methodology is robust to both model and metric choices and therefore has potential applications throughout the climate and chemistry–climate modelling communities.
Laboratory study of the collection efficiency of submicron aerosol particles by cloud droplets. Part I – Influence of relative humidity
Authors: Dépée Alexis , Lemaitre Pascal , Gelain Thomas , Monier Marie , Flossmann Andrea
Published: August 2020

Abstract. A new In-Cloud Aerosol Scavenging Experiment (In-CASE) has been conceived to measure the collection efficiency (CE) of submicron aerosol particles by cloud droplets. In this setup, droplets fall at their terminal velocity through a one-meter-high chamber in a laminar flow containing aerosol particles. At the bottom of the In-CASE's chamber, the droplet train is separated from the aerosol particle flow – droplets are collected in an impaction cup whereas aerosol particles are deposited on a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter. The collected droplets and the filter are then analysed by fluorescence spectrometry since the aerosol particles are atomised from a sodium fluorescein salt solution (C20H10Na2O5). In-CASE fully controls all the parameters which affect the CE – the droplets and aerosol particles size distributions are monodispersed, the electric charges of droplets and aerosol particles are controlled, while the relative humidity is indirectly set via the chamber's temperature. This novel In-CASE setup is presented here as well as the first measurements obtained to study the impact of relative humidity on CE. For this purpose, droplets and particles are electrically neutralised. A droplet radius of 49.6 ± 1.3 μm has been considered for six particle dry radii between 50 and 250 nm and three relative humidity levels of 71.1 ± 1.3, 82.4 ± 1.4 and 93.5 ± 0.9 %. These new CE measurements have been compared to the Wang et al. (1978) and the extended model of Dépée et al. (2019) where thermophoresis and diffusiophoresis are implemented. Both models adequately describe the relative humidity influence on the measured CE.
Laboratory study of the collection efficiency of submicron aerosol particles by cloud droplets. Part II – Influence of electric charges
Authors: Dépée Alexis , Lemaitre Pascal , Gelain Thomas , Monier Marie , Flossmann Andrea
Published: August 2020

Abstract. A new In-Cloud Aerosol Scavenging Experiment (In-CASE) has been developed to measure the collection efficiency (CE) of submicron aerosol particles by cloud droplets. Droplets fall at their terminal velocity through a one-meter-high chamber in a laminar flow containing aerosol particles. At the bottom of the In-CASE's chamber, the droplet train is separated from the aerosol particles flow and the droplets are collected in an impaction cup whereas aerosol particles are deposited on a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter. The collected droplets and the filter are then analysed by fluorescence spectrometry since the aerosol particles are atomised from a sodium fluorescein salt solution (C20H10Na2O5). In-CASE fully controls all the parameters which affect the CE – the droplets and aerosol particles size distributions are monodispersed, the electric charges of droplets and aerosol particles are known and set, while the relative humidity is indirectly controlled via the chamber's temperature. This paper details the In-CASE setup and the dataset of 70 measurements obtained to study the impact of the electric charges on CE. For this purpose, droplets and particles charges are controlled through two charging systems developed in this work – both chargers are detailed below. The droplet charge varies from −3.0 × 104 ± 1.4 × 103 to +9.6 × 104 ± 4.3 × 103 elementary charges while the particle charge ranges from the neutralisation to −90 ± 9 elementary charges depending on the particle radius. A droplet radius of 48.5 ± 1.1 μm has been considered for four particle dry radii between 100 and 250 nm. These new CE measurements have been compared to the correlation of Kraemer and Johnstone (1955) and the extended model of Dépée et al. (2019) where thermophoresis and diffusiophoresis are also considered since the measurements have been performed at a relative humidity level of 95.1 ± 0.2 %. As a result, both models adequately describe the electric charge influence on the measured CEs. Furthermore, the effect of the image charge (Jackson, 1999) in the electrostatic forces is measured.
Lake mixing regime selects apparent methane oxidation kinetics of the methanotroph assemblage
Authors: Mayr Magdalena J. , Zimmermann Matthias , Dey Jason , Wehrli Bernhard , Bürgmann Helmut
Published: August 2020

Abstract. In lakes, large amounts of methane are produced in anoxic
sediments. Methane-oxidizing bacteria effectively convert this potent
greenhouse gas into biomass and carbon dioxide. These bacteria are present
throughout the water column, where methane concentrations can range from
nanomolar to millimolar. In this study, we tested the
hypothesis that methanotroph assemblages in a seasonally stratified
freshwater lake are adapted to the contrasting methane concentrations in the epi- and hypolimnion. We further hypothesized that lake overturn would
change the apparent methane oxidation kinetics as more methane becomes
available in the epilimnion. In addition to the change in the methane oxidation kinetics, we investigated changes in the transcription of genes encoding
methane monooxygenase, the enzyme responsible for the first step of methane
oxidation, with metatranscriptomics. Using laboratory incubations of
the natural microbial communities, we show that the half-saturation constant (Km) for
methane – the methane concentration at which half the maximum methane
oxidation rate is reached – was 20 times higher in the hypolimnion than in
the epilimnion during stable stratification. During lake overturn, however,
the kinetic constants in the epi- and hypolimnion converged along with a
change in the transcriptionally active methanotroph assemblage. Conventional
particulate methane monooxygenase appeared to be responsible for methane
oxidation under different methane concentrations. Our results suggest that
methane availability is one important factor for creating niches for
methanotroph assemblages with well-adapted methane oxidation kinetics. This
rapid selection and succession of adapted lacustrine methanotroph
assemblages allowed the previously reported high removal efficiency of
methane transported to the epilimnion to be maintained – even under rapidly
changing conditions during lake overturn. Consequently, only a small
fraction of methane stored in the anoxic hypolimnion is emitted to the
atmosphere.
Millennial-age GDGTs in forested mineral soils: 14C-based evidence for stabilization of microbial necromass
Authors: Gies Hannah , Hagedorn Frank , Lupker Maarten , Montluçon Daniel , Haghipour Negar , van der Voort Tessa Sophia , Eglinton Timothy Ian
Published: August 2020

Abstract. Understanding controls on the persistence of soil organic matter (SOM) is essential to constrain its role in the carbon cycle and inform climate-carbon cycle model predictions. Emerging concepts regarding formation and turnover of SOM imply that it is mainly comprised of mineral-stabilized microbial products and residues, however, direct evidence in support of this concept remains limited. Here, we introduce and test a method for isolation of isoprenoid and branched glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraethers (GDGTs) – diagnostic membrane lipids of archaea and bacteria, respectively – for subsequent natural abundance radiocarbon analysis. The method is applied to depth profiles from two Swiss pre-alpine forested soils. We find that the ∆14C values of these microbial markers markedly decrease with increasing soil depth, indicating turnover times of millennia in mineral subsoils. The contrasting metabolisms of the GDGT-producing microorganisms indicates it is unlikely that the low ∆14C values of these membrane lipids reflect heterotrophic acquisition of 14C-depleted carbon. We therefore attribute the 14C-depleted signatures of GDGTs to their physical protection through association with mineral surfaces. These findings thus provide strong evidence for the presence of stabilized microbial necromass in forested mineral soils.
RAPID VISUAL PRESENTATION TO SUPPORT GEOSPATIAL BIG DATA PROCESSING
Authors: Levin E. , Roland W. , Habibi R. , An Z. , Shults R.
Published: August 2020

Abstract. Given the limited number of human GIS/image analysts at any organization, use of their time and organizational resources is important, especially in light of Big Data application scenarios when organizations may be overwhelmed with vast amounts of geospatial data. The current manuscript is devoted to the description of experimental research outlining the concept of Human-Computer Symbiosis where computers perform tasks, such as classification on a large image dataset, and, in sequence, humans perform analysis with Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) to classify those images that machine learning had difficulty with. The addition of the BCI analysis is to utilize the brain’s ability to better answer questions like: “Is the object in this image the object being sought?” In order to determine feasibility of such a system, a supervised multi-layer convolutional neural network (CNN) was trained to detect the difference between ‘ships’ and ‘no ships’ from satellite imagery data. A prediction layer was then added to the trained model to output the probability that a given image was within each of those two classifications. If the probabilities were within one standard deviation of the mean of a gaussian distribution centered at 0.5, they would be stored in a separate dataset for Rapid Serial Visual Presentations (RSVP), implemented with PsyhoPy, to a human analyst using a low cost EMOTIV “Insight” EEG BCI headset. During the RSVP phase, hundreds of images per minute can be sequentially demonstrated. At such a pace, human analysts are not capable of making any conscious decisions about what is in each image; however, the subliminal “aha-moment” still can be detected by the headset. The discovery of these moments are parsed out by exposition of Event Related Potentials (ERPs), specifically the P300 ERPs. If a P300 ERP is generated for detection of a ship, then the relevant image would be moved to its rightful designation dataset; otherwise, if the image classification is still unclear, it is set aside for another RSVP iteration where the time afforded to the analyst for observation of each image is increased each time. If classification is still uncertain after a respectable amount of RSVP iterations, the images in question would be located within the grid matrix of its larger image scene. The adjacent images to those of interest on the grid would then be added to the presentation to give an analyst more contextual information via the expanded field of view. If classification is still uncertain, one final expansion of the field of view is afforded. Lastly, if somehow the classification of the image is indeterminable, the image is stored in an archive dataset.
REFORESTATION PLANNING BASED ON PLANT HARDINESS ZONES IN VITILEVU ISLAND, FIJI
Authors: Cornelio D. L.
Published: August 2020

Abstract. Significant land use changes in Fiji Islands caused soil degradation, pollution and biodiversity losses. The planting of trees is an option of sustainable land use with long term ecological and economic advantages. Spatial models based on ecological requirements of tree species facilitates decision making, planning and risks management before planting. A land suitability analysis with Geographic Information System (GIS) was carried out to identify areas in Vitilevu island for the planting of eleven native and exotic tree species. Altitudes, rainfall and forest cover maps were used as discrimination factors in boolean operations. The species with higher ecological potential for plantation were Syzygium decussatum (22% of the total area), Tectona grandis (19% of the total area), and Metroxylon vitiense (18% of the total area). The model is robust but can be enhanced by adding thematic layers of other environmental factors.
DEVELOPING APACHE SPARK BASED RIPLEY’S K FUNCTIONS FOR ACCELERATING SPATIOTEMPORAL POINT PATTERN ANALYSIS
Authors: Gui Z. , Wang Y. , Cui Z. , Peng D. , Wu J. , Ma Z. , Luo S. , Wu H.
Published: August 2020

Abstract. Ripley’s K functions are powerful tools for studying the spatial arrangement or spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of geographic phenomena and events in spatial analysis and has been used in many fields. However, the K functions are compute-intensive for point-wise distance comparisons, edge correction and simulations for significance test. Although parallel computing technologies have been adopted to accelerate K functions, previous works haven’t extended the optimization from space to space-time dimension. This study presents an acceleration method for K functions upon state-of-the-art distributed computing framework Apache Spark, and four optimization strategies are leveraged to simplify calculation procedures and accelerate distributed computing respectively, including 1) spatiotemporal indexing based on R-tree with Sort-Tile-Recursive (STR) algorithm for reducing distance comparison when retrieving potential spatiotemporally neighbouring points; 2) Hash-Table-based caching for spatiotemporal edge correction weights reuse and reducing repetitive computation; 3) Spatiotemporal partitioning using KDB-tree as well as cylinder intersection redundancy strategy for decreasing ghost buffer redundancy in partitions and supporting near-balanced distributed processing; 4) Customized serialization of spatiotemporal objects and indexes for lowering the overhead of data transmission. Experiments verify the effectiveness and time efficiency of the proposed optimization strategies, and also evaluate the overall performance and scalability. Based on the proposed methods, a web-based visual analytics framework has been developed and publicly shared through GitHub, and four types of the distributed K functions are implemented, including space, space-time, local and cross K functions, which demonstrates its value on promoting geographical and socioeconomic studies.
A MULTI-PURPOSE CULTURAL HERITAGE DATA PLATFORM FOR 4D VISUALIZATION AND INTERACTIVE INFORMATION SERVICES
Authors: Ioannidis C. , Verykokou S. , Soile S. , Boutsi A.-M.
Published: August 2020

Abstract. The already arduous task of collecting, processing and managing heterogeneous cultural heritage data is getting more intense in terms of indexing, interaction and dissemination. This paper presents the creation of a 4D web-based platform as a centralized data hub, moving beyond advanced photogrammetric techniques for 3D capture and multi-dimensional documentation. Precise metric data, generated by a combination of image-based, range and surveying techniques, are spatially, logically and temporally correlated with cultural and historical resources, in order to form a critical knowledge base for multiple purposes and user types. Unlike conventional information systems, the presented platform, which adopts a relational database model, has the following front-end functionalities: (i) visualization of high-resolution 3D models based on distance dependent Level of Detail (LoD) techniques; (ii) web Augmented Reality; and (iii) interactive access and retrieval services. Information deduced from the developed services is tailored to different target audiences: scientific community, private sector, public sector and general public. The case study site is the UNESCO world heritage site of Meteora, Greece, and particularly, two inaccessible huge rocks, the rock of St. Modestos, known as Modi, and the Alyssos rock.
INVESTIGATING STANDARDIZED 3D INPUT DATA FOR SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC POTENTIALS IN THE NETHERLANDS
Authors: Amiranti A. Y. , Koeva M. N. , Kuffer M. , van Altena V. , Post M.
Published: August 2020

Abstract. This paper presents our contribution to the development of a standardized 3D input data model for solar photovoltaic potential estimation. Presently, different input data and processing steps influence the calculation for estimating the potential of solar energy in the Netherlands. The variety in characteristics of input data and issues with temporal accuracy extracted from the national registers and databases makes it challenging to obtain a consistent and reliable result. To address this issue, we created a point cloud dataset that integrated from LiDAR point cloud and dense image matching which is complete, recent and positionally accurate. Furthermore, we made a 3D building model from the integrated point cloud and identified the effect of finer resolution in the photovoltaic potential analysis.
DYNAMIC ASSESSMENT OF PERSONAL EXPOSURE TO AIR POLLUTION FOR EVERYONE: A SMARTPHONE-BASED APPROACH
Authors: Casella V. , Franzini M. , Bellazzi R. , Larizza C. , Pala D.
Published: August 2020

Abstract. In Epidemiology, exposure assessment is the process of measuring or estimating the intensity of human exposures to an environmental agent such as air pollution. Healthcare agencies typically take into consideration yearly averaged pollution values and apply them to all citizens, in risk models. However distinct parts of cities can have significantly different levels of pollution and individual habits can influence exposure, too. Consequently, in epidemiology and public health, there is an increasing interest for personal exposure assessment, i.e. the capability of measuring the exposure of individuals. Within the EU H2020 PULSE project, an innovative mechanism for the individual and dynamic assessment of exposure to air pollution has been implemented. The present paper illustrates its technological and scientific components. The system has already been deployed to several pilot cities of the project and Pavia, Italy, has been the first one. In that city several hundreds of tracks have already been acquired and processed. Therefore, the paper thoroughly illustrates the assessment procedure with examples.
BENCHMARKING OF HIGH-RESOLUTION LAND COVER MAPS IN AFRICA
Authors: Bratic G. , Peng S. , Brovelli M. A.
Published: August 2020

Abstract. This paper addresses the issue of increased validation demands due to growth in the production of land cover (LC) maps, especially those with large coverage and high-resolution. The inter-comparison of two high-resolution LC (HRLC) maps – GlobeLand30 for the year 2015 (GL30-2015) and S2 Prototype LC 20m map of Africa for 2016 (CCI Africa Prototype) – was done to estimate the degree to which they share the information, as this can serve as a benchmark of their accuracy. Since the two maps compared are independently classified, there is a higher probability that areas where they share information are correctly classified. CCI Africa Prototype and GL30- 2015 have not been yet validated for whole Africa and therefore benchmark accuracy can be used to better design the validation and to make it more efficient. Based on the pixel-by-pixel comparison of GL30-2015 and CCI Africa Prototype, the error matrix and accuracy indexes (Overall, User’s and Producer’s accuracy) were derived. Overall accuracy on the continent level is estimated to be around 66%, which is not considered satisfactory. The low value of overall accuracy is mostly due to the low accuracy of classes Shrubland, Wetland, and Permanent ice and snow, as their User’s and Producer’s accuracies are below 0.4. On the opposite, benchmark accuracy is fairly high for Forest (0.68), Water bodies (0.86) and Bareland (0.93). Nevertheless, class benchmark accuracies are different from country to country, so as the Overall accuracy. Benchmark accuracy was not estimated for Cultivated, Grassland and Artificial surface classes due to the large difference between User’s and Producer’s accuracies.
CONTENT STRUCTURE DESIGN OF NEW CENTURY EDITION OF THE NATIONAL FUNDAMENTAL GEOGRAPHIC ATLAS OF CHINA
Authors: Wang G. , Wang D. , Qiao J. , Zhou W. , Chen M.
Published: August 2020

Abstract. The research and compilation of new century version of the National Huge Atlas of the People's Republic of China is the special basic work project by Ministry of Science and Technology of the People's Republic of China from June 2013 to May 2018. The National Fundamental Geographic Atlas is one of the important achievements, which represents the spatial distribution of basic geographic elements such as water system, landform, residential area, transportation, boundary, soil and vegetation in detail by relative balance. In order to meet the requirements of the construction of ecological civilization and the development of new urbanization, the set of surface coverage maps and the set of urban maps are added, and the new structure model of the National Fundamental Geographic Atlas is constructed. The Atlas is in 4-forma size, it is made up of five parts: group of sequence maps, group of topography and terrain maps, group of surface coverage maps, group of city maps and index of place names. This paper mainly discusses and studies the theory of compilation and research and content planning, the principle of topic selection and taking account of factors, structure design and map arrangement of Atlas.
AUTOMATING POWERLINE INSPECTION: A NOVEL MULTISENSOR SYSTEM FOR DATA ANALYSIS USING DEEP LEARNING
Authors: Kähler O. , Hochstöger S. , Kemper G. , Birchbauer J.
Published: August 2020

Abstract. Powerline infrastructure provides the backbone for the electricity supply of industrial, administrative and private sectors. Its maintenance requires regular inspections, that are still largely carried out manually. In this work, we propose an automated inspection system instead. We review current inspection processes as a baseline, give an overview of relevant inspection criteria, propose a suitable multi-modal sensor system, and discuss methods to automate the inspection tasks. In our system, we particularly focus on the high-level organization of the sensor data and inspection results to form a Digital Twin of the power line, that allows operators to browse through the recorded data in a meaningful way and review the status of their powerline from the desk.
VISUAL ANALYSIS OF INCONSISTENCIES IN HYDRAULIC SIMULATION DATA
Authors: Perrin O. , Christophe S. , Jacquinod F. , Payrastre O.
Published: August 2020

Abstract. We present our contribution to the geovisualization and visual analysis of hydraulic simulation data, based on an interdisciplinary research work undertaken by researchers in geographic information sciences and in hydraulics. The positive feedback loop between researchers favored the proposal of visualization tools enabling visual reasoning on hydraulic simulated data so as to infer knowledge on the simulation model. We interactively explore and design 2D multi-scale styles to render hydraulic simulated data, in order to support the identification over large simulation domains of possible local inconsistencies related to input simulation data, simulation parameters or simulation workflow. Models have been implemented into QGIS and are reusable for other input data and territories.
Uncertainty in flood frequency analysis of hydrodynamic model simulations
Authors: Zhou Xudong , Ma Wenchao , Echizenya Wataru , Yamazaki Dai
Published: August 2020

Abstract. Assessing the risk of a historical-level flood at a large scale is essential for regional flood protection and resilience establishment. Due to limitations on the spatiotemporal coverage of observations, the risk assessment relies on model simulations thus is subject to uncertainties from various physical processes in the chain of the flood frequency analysis (FFA). This study assessed the FFA performance as well as the uncertainties with different combinations of FFA variables (river water depth and water storage), fitting distributions and runoff inputs based on the flood characteristics estimated by a global hydrodynamic model CaMa-Flood. Results show that fitting performance is better if FFA is conducted on river water depth and if Wakeby function is selected as the fitting distribution. Deviations in the runoff inputs are the main source of the uncertainties in the estimated flooded water depth based on point analysis. This deviation is relevant to the model ability to reproduce the mean state of annual maximum flood extent and it is almost homogeneous for different flood return period. The uncertainty resulted from fitting distributions increases from the regular period to the rarer floods. The regional investigation of high-resolution inundation area over the lower Mekong River basin shows similar statistics as the point analysis, implying a large uncertainty with 20 % deviation in the total inundation area between different runoff inputs. Regional validation of the CaMa-Flood with two other flood hazard maps proves the reliability of the inundation in space and values. Global analysis on the floodplain water depth implies an increasing contribution of uncertainties in fitting distribution to the total uncertainties for rarer floods in almost all land grids. While the changes in contribution of uncertainties in runoff inputs differentiates in regions. The much higher contribution of runoff uncertainty for rarer floods in wet/flat regions necessitates special attention on rainfall-runoff model calibration (or runoff bias correction) if gauge discharge observations are available. Different adaptions to the large floods are needed for regions with different flood water depth and with different inundation agreements among simulations.