bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Science and Technology Policy for Nigeria's Development Planning
Authors: Oladeji Sunday Idowu , Adegboye Abiodun Adewale
Published: December 2019

Science & Technology (S&T) is recognised in intellectual discourse and public policymaking as strategic for development in contemporary times. The study assesses development planning experience in Nigeria and attempts to make a case for the integration of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) policy within the overall framework of national development planning. Content analyses of the development plan documents were made alongside exposition on theoretical perspectives on S&T for growth and development. The framework leads to some implications for Nigeria's development plan. A survey of the theoretical perspectives on the interrelations between STI and national development is also undertaken. As Science & Technology planning is grossly lacking in Nigeria’s development planning, the paper prescribes principles for effective interfacing of STI policy with national development plans. It draws attention to the essence of regular exchange of information between the sectors of Nigeria's economy and the Ministry of Science & Technology and the National Planning Commission, both at construction and implementation of plans. Development planning in Nigeria will serve the better if it is comprehensive and detailed to include S&T policy and programme. The regimes of ad-hoc/disintegrated sectoral reforms must no longer be allowed to rob the economy of desired growth and development. While the planning of STI activities is of critical importance, the paper seems the first to call    attention to the significance of integrating STI with the overall framework of national planning in Nigeria.
The Efficacy and Safety of Simultaneous Use of Wire Stone Basket and Pneumatic Lithotripter Probe in the Treatment of Ureteral Stones: Randomized Control Trial
Authors: Asadi Moosa , Nikpoor Mohammad , Reza Fattahi Mohammad
Published: December 2019

Introduction:  A routine treatment of ureteral stones is using ureteroscopic lithotripsy, a common problem of which is retropulsion of the stone to the renal pelvis and calyces that reduces the rate of lithotripsy’s success. In this study, we aim to investigate the safety and success of using wire basket to hold the stones along with pneumatic lithotripstic probe in endoscopic lithotripsy of ureteral stones.

Methods: Patients with ureteral stone were randomly divided to groups A and B. Group A (control) undergone lithotripsy without basket and group B (case) with wire basket along with pneumatic lithotripsy. In addition to demographic and clinical data, rate of success, retropulsion and residual stone with a size of greater than 3 mm were collected, before, during and after lithotripsy. Additionally, the total duration of lithotripsy and ureteral traumatic side effects was also recorded in both groups. All the patients were followed up until their discharge. Data was analyzed using SPPSS ve. 20. 

Results: There was no significant difference between groups by the point of demographic data. When compared together, there was no significant difference between the location, side and size of the stone and duration of the lithotripsy in both groups. The rate of lithotripsy success was significantly higher in the case group. The incidence of retropulsion and need for a secondary intervention was significantly higher in the control group.  We didn’t have any ureteral trauma in neither control nor case group.

Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, using wire basked as an anti retropulsion device increases the stone free rate in addition to it’s easy applicability, So it can be useful in treatment of ureteral stone.
Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on Serum Lipids, Uric Acid and C-reactive Protein in Patients with Type II Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Eskandari Delaram , Khodabandehloo Niloofar , Bayani Elham , Shahmohammadi Elmira , Shirzadi Sina , Saatchi Maryam , Hejrati Alireza
Published: December 2019

Background: Type II Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a considerable problem of global health, and finding new therapies for treating the disease continues. Recently, attention has been focused on vitamin D as a potential lowering agent of T2DM’s risk factors and its complications. The present work was conducted to determine the effect of vitamin D supplements on serum lipids, uric acid, C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and also Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance  (HOMA-IR).

Materials and Methods: Sixty patients with T2DM as well as deficiency of vitamin D and referred to Rasoul-e-Akram Hospital in 2017 were selected by convenience sampling method. To begin the study, patients’ demographic information was required, so a questionnaire including age, waist circumference, sex, height, blood pressure and weight was provided. Patients with vitamin D3<30ng/ml were treated by a daily oral dose of 2000 unit of vitamin D supplementary for 12 weeks. Serum levels of triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), total cholesterol (TC), fasting blood sugar (FBS) and Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) were measured before and after vitamin D intake. Analysis of data was carried out through the Software Package SPSS Ver. 24.

Results: Sixty-five percent of study population (39 people) was composed of females. The mean value ± standard deviation (SD) amount of age and BMI were 46.8±8.9 years and 28.4±4.3 m2/kg. The mean ± SD systolic blood pressure (SBP), 19.3±122.8 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were 14.1±79 mmHg. The mean ± SD of vitamin D in patients was 11.4±4.5 ng / ml. The comparison of blood factors before and after treatment showed p value> 0.05.

Conclusions: Deficiency of vitamin D should be treated and prevented, but administration of this high-dose vitamin D supplements for prevention or improvement of T2DM has not been recommended yet. Our study showed a correlation between the vitamin D intake and decreased level of FBS and Uric Acid in diabetic patients.
Bioassay of Lemongrass on Fungi Pathogen Associated with Cassava Tubers Rot in Farin Gada Market, Jos
Authors: John W. C. , Oke O. , Ishaya M. , Olorundare O. O. , Janfa N. , Mafuyai M. J.
Published: December 2019

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of Lemongrass on fungal pathogen associated with cassava tuber rot. The study was carried out in the biology laboratory of the Federal College of Forestry Jos, Plateau state from March to May, 2019. Rotten and healthy cassava tubers were collected separately from Farin-Gada market Jos, fungi species were isolated from rotten cassava tubers by direct inoculation of the spoiled part on sterile Potato Dextrose Agar medium and incubated for 3-5 days, the isolated fungi were identified microscopically and macroscopically. The identified fungi were used for pathogenicity test. The antifungal effect of different concentrations of ethanol extract of lemongrass was investigated. Data collected were analyzed using one way ANOVA and the means were separated using Least Significant Difference (LSD) at (p≥0.05). The fungi isolated include, Fusarium sp, Penicillium sp, Geotrichum candidum, and Aspergillus flavus. The frequency of occurrence of the isolated fungi indicated Fusarium sp, Penicillium sp, Geotrichum candidum, and Aspergillus flavus had 30, 15, 35 and 20% respectively. 20 mL of the tested extract gave the highest inhibition of 19.07, 20.57, 18.17 mL and 18.00 mL on Fusarium spp, Penicillium spp, Geotrichum candidum and Aspergillus flavus respectively. At the 5th day of incubation the results of the pathogenicity showed that Aspergillus flavus gives the highest deterioration of 9.17 mm. The length of deterioration showed significant difference. The lemongrass extract indicated anti-fungal effect on the fungal isolates, therefore could be used to control cassava tuber rot caused by fungi.
Assessment of Vocabulary
Authors: Read John
Published: December 2019

Vocabulary tests focus primarily on the meanings of individual words, although they can also assess collocations and other aspects of word knowledge. A key principle in selecting vocabulary items to be tested is frequency, and corpus analysis provided the basis for generating a variety of word lists which take account of both frequency and range of usage. In terms of assessment design, it is conventional to distinguish receptive and productive vocabulary knowledge. However, this entry subdivides receptive knowledge into recognition and recall, whereas in productive knowledge comprehension is differentiated from use. Each of these four constructs is illustrated with specific examples of test items and formats. The assessment of comprehension and use is based on the occurrence of vocabulary in whole texts rather than individual sentences of discrete words. Comprehension of vocabulary is embedded in tests of reading and listening ability; use involves the learner's ability to employ vocabulary accurately and appropriately in speaking and writing tasks. The choice of test format is determined by the purpose of the assessment within a particular educational context.
Computer‐Assisted Language Learning Effectiveness Research
Authors: Suvorov Ruslan , Chapelle Carol A.
Published: December 2019

Over forty years of research on CALL indicates a strong potential for technology in language learning. Researchers investigate a variety of learning processes and outcomes in view of various learning goals and contextual factors that also come into play in technology use. In addition to comparing technology to teacher‐fronted classrooms, researchers investigate the quality of interactions, acquisition of particular linguistic features, benefits of intercultural encounters, and users' opinions about specific aspects of the activities. Researchers use results to support a variety of claims about learning using arguments that draw upon a number of different types of evidence.
An Overview on the Toxicological Properties of Ionic Liquids toward Microorganisms
Authors: Sivapragasam Magaret , Moniruzzaman Muhammad , Goto Masahiro
Published: December 2019

Ionic liquids (ILs), a class of materials with unique physicochemical properties, have been used extensively in the fields of chemical engineering, biotechnology, material sciences, pharmaceutics, and many others. Because ILs are very polar by nature, they can migrate into the environment with the possibility of inclusion in the food chain and bioaccumulation in living organisms. However, the chemical natures of ILs are not quintessentially biocompatible. Therefore, the practical uses of ILs must be preceded by suitable toxicological assessments. Among different methods, the use of microorganisms to evaluate IL toxicity provides many advantages including short generation time, rapid growth, and environmental and industrial relevance. This article reviews the recent research progress on the toxicological properties of ILs toward microorganisms and highlights the computational prediction of various toxicity models.
High serum PD‐L1 level is a poor prognostic biomarker in surgically treated esophageal cancer
Authors: Ito Masaaki , Yajima Satoshi , Suzuki Takashi , Oshima Yoko , Nanami Tatsuki , Sumazaki Makoto , Shiratori Fumiaki , Funahashi Kimihiko , Tochigi Naobumi , Shimada Hideaki
Published: December 2019

Background

Programmed death ligand 1 (PD‐L1) inhibitor has been approved as one of the standard therapies for various cancers. Some reports have shown that serum PD‐L1 level is associated with advanced tumor stages and poor prognosis; however, corresponding pathological information in esophageal cancer patients is lacking. Therefore, we evaluated the clinicopathological and prognostic impact of serum PD‐L1 levels in surgically treated esophageal cancer.

Methods

A total of 150 patients who underwent radical resection for esophageal cancer were included in the study. Preoperative serum PD‐L1 levels were analyzed using the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kit. A cutoff level of 65.6 pg/mL was used to divide the patients into two groups, and univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to compare the clinicopathological characteristics and prognoses between these two groups.

Results

Although significant associations between serum PD‐L1 levels and clinicopathological variables were observed, serum PD‐L1 level was significantly associated with high neutrophil counts, high CRP levels, low albumin levels, and high squamous cell carcinoma antigen levels. Furthermore, serum PD‐L1 level was associated with poor overall survival independent to TNM factors.

Conclusions

High preoperative level of serum PD‐L1 is a prognostic factor for poor overall survival in patients with surgically treated esophageal cancer.
An Early Cretaceous record of trachyte from the red bed basin of the southwest Dabie Orogen, Central China: Implications for tectonic evolution and geodynamics
Authors: Wang Shiming , Ma Changqian , Yang Ying , Li Jiwei , Zhang Jinyang , Pei Qiuming
Published: December 2019

Zircon U–Pb ages of approximately 130 Ma were obtained from trachytes in Xiaochang County, at the southwestern margins of the Dabie Mountains, in Central China. The SiO2 and K2O contents of these trachytes range between 56.78–63.77% and 3.76–5.07%, respectively, while Rittmann indexes (δ) range between 3.7 and 6.8. These characteristics indicate that the trachytes belong to the alkaline series. The trachytes are enriched in large‐ion lithophile elements (LILEs) but are depleted in high‐field‐strength elements (HFSEs). The initial 87Sr/86Sr values of the trachytes range from 0.7060 to 0.7072, with negative εNd(t) values varying from −10.43 to −12.88. The weighted averages of the zircon εHf(t) and TDM2 values are −11.7 ± 0.5 and 1921 ± 28 Ma, respectively. The presence of Early Cretaceous K‐rich volcanic rocks at the southwestern margins of the Dabie Mountains has been confirmed for the first time. This finding fills a gap regarding the presence of Mesozoic volcanic rocks in this region and limits the earliest possible formation age of the red bed basin at the southwestern margins of the Dabie Mountains to the Early Cretaceous. The trachytes originate from partial melting of enriched mantle. They are closely related to major regional faults and represent the eastern extension of the Qinling–Daba alkaline rock belt.
Variability of integrated precipitable water over India in a warming climate
Authors: Mishra Anoop Kumar
Published: December 2019

Changes in precipitation patterns as a result of increased atmospheric water vapour in a warming environment over the Indian region have been reported in the past few decades. However, these studies have not focused much on exploring the changes in atmospheric water vapour in a changing climate. The present study focuses on examining the variability of integrated precipitable water (IPW) over the Indian region derived from the Modern Era Retrospective‐Analysis for Research and Application (MERRA 2) model in a warming environment. The results suggest that the IPW has increased significantly in recent decades. Changes in the IPW are consistent with changes in regional warming over India. The results also point out an increase of about 4.98% ± 1.26% in the IPW for a 1°C increase in regional warming. The variability of IPW has been examined in a warming climate. An increase in regional temperature shows coherent variation with IPW. A decadal increase of about 1.69% has been reported in the IPW.
RETRACTED: An innovative panel containing a set of insertion/deletion loci for individual identification and its forensic efficiency evaluations in Chinese Hui ethnic minority
Authors: Cui Wei , Jin Xiaoye , Guo Yuxin , Chen Chong , Zhang Wenqing , Kong Tingting , Meng Haotian , Zhu Bofeng
Published: December 2019

Background

Individual identification is one of the most important tasks in the field of forensic genetics. Insertion/Deletion (InDel) polymorphism marker has been a promising marker for individual identification. However, a part of InDel loci in commonly used commercial kit show low polymorphisms in Chinese populations.

Methods

We evaluated a panel of 35 InDel loci constructed previously for individual identifications in Hui group. Subsequently, population data of three Chinese populations from 1,000 Genomes Project database were used to evaluate individual identification performance of these 35 InDels. Forensic parameters, such as heterozygosity, power of exclusion, match probability and power of discrimination, were calculated to evaluate the forensic efficiency of these loci in Hui group. The heatmap of insertion allelic frequencies, Nei's genetic distances, pairwise fixation index values, principal component analyses and admixture analyses were used to analyze the genetic differentiations and structure between Hui group and other populations.

Results

In studied Hui group, besides rs3054057, polymorphism information content values of the remaining loci were greater than 0.3. Values of expected heterozygosity of these loci were close to 0.5. The combined power of discrimination and power of exclusion values were 0.99999999999999659609 and 0.998682, respectively. Analyses of population genetics revealed that Chinese Hui group had closer genetic relationships with East Asian populations than other intercontinental populations.

Conclusion

The forensic statistical analyses revealed these loci showed relatively high genetic polymorphisms in Chinese Hui group, and could be served as a useful tool for individual identifications in Hui group. Population genetic evaluations indicated that Chinese Hui group had close genetic relationships with East Asian populations.
Identification of ecological networks for land-use planning with spatial conservation prioritization
Authors: Jalkanen Joel , Toivonen Tuuli , Moilanen Atte
Published: December 2019

Context

Spatial conservation prioritization (SCP) has most often been applied to the design of reserve network expansion. In addition to occurrences of species and habitats inside protected area candidate sites, one may also be interested about network-level connectivity considerations.

Objectives

We applied SCP to the identification of ecological networks to inform the development of a new regional plan for the region of Uusimaa (South-Finland, including the Finnish capital district).

Methods

Input data were 59 high-quality layers of biotope and species distribution data. We identified ecological networks based on a combination of a Zonation balanced priority ranking map and a weighted range size rarity map, to account for both relative and absolute conservation values in the process. We also identified ecological corridors between protected areas and other ecologically high-priority areas using the corridor retention method of Zonation. Furthermore, we identified candidate sites for habitat restoration.

Results

We found seven large ecological networks (132–1201 km2) which stand out from their surrounding landscape in terms of ecological value and have clear connectivity bottlenecks between them. Highest restoration needs were found between large high-priority sites that are connected via remnant habitat fragments in comparatively highly modified areas.

Conclusions

Land conversion should be avoided in areas of highest ecological priorities and network-level connectivity. Restoration should be considered for connectivity bottlenecks. Methods described here can be applied in any location where relevant spatial data are available. The present results are actively used by the regional council and municipalities in the region of Uusimaa.
Travel Time and Waveform Measurements of Global Multibounce Seismic Waves Using Virtual Station Seismogram Stacks
Authors: Lai Hongyu , Garnero Edward J.
Published: December 2019

We construct geographically localized bin stacks of waveforms, called virtual stations, to enhance signal‐to‐noise ratios (SNRs) for travel time and waveform measurements of multibounce S and ScS phases (S up to S6 and ScS up to ScS5), as well as direct S, ScS, and Sdiff, on tangential component data. Major arc S and ScS multibounce waves were also measured. Virtual station data are referenced to empirical wavelets constructed from direct S waves for each event. The virtual station approach is useful for low SNR data, bolstering wave path coverage in the southern hemisphere. Goodness of fit measurements between the adapted empirical wavelet and virtual station waveforms are documented, as well as SNRs, allowing for objective definition of travel time measurement quality. From a data set of 360 earthquakes and 8,407 seismographic stations, nearly 4 million records were utilized to construct 248,657 virtual station stacked seismograms, which were compared to best‐fitting empirical wavelets. After human inspection of virtual station results, 8,871 travel time measurements were retained from 19 different minor and major arc seismic wave types. Higher multibounce data improve sampling of the southern hemisphere. From 188,003 single seismograms, 3,331 multibounce wave measurements were also made. Comparisons of single seismogram and virtual station stack measurements show a consistent bias: Virtual stack onset times are systematically early due to a broadening effect from stacking records with arrival time differences, which we correct for. The travel time and waveform measurements are publicly available.
Features of Storm‐Induced Ionospheric Irregularities From Ground‐Based and Spaceborne GPS Observations During the 2015 St. Patrick's Day Storm
Authors: Zakharenkova Irina , Cherniak Iurii , Krankowski Andrzej
Published: December 2019

During geomagnetic disturbances, the solo or combined effect of prompt penetration electric fields (PPEFs) and disturbance dynamo electric fields (DDEFs) alters radically regular pattern of equatorial plasma bubbles (EPBs) occurrence. The severe 17–18 March 2015 storm is an excellent event to trace how the storm reshapes EPB generation at all longitudinal sectors. We present results of a comprehensive analysis of storm‐induced EPBs based on combination of in situ and remote sensing techniques including 6,100+ ground‐based GNSS stations, in situ plasma observations onboard Swarm, Communications/Navigation Outage Forecasting System (C/NOFS), and Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) satellites, COSMIC Global Positioning System (GPS) scintillations, and up‐looking GPS observations onboard Swarm. During the main storm phase, the PPEF‐induced postsunset EPBs occurred over Australian and Indian sectors. Both events were characterized by plasma bite‐out near the magnetic equator and strong plasma depletions at low/midlatitudes that caused strong GPS signal scintillations in the topside ionosphere. Long‐lasting DDEFs led to suppression of postsunset EPBs and promoted postmidnight/predawn EPBs in African/American/Pacific sectors. The first DDEF‐induced EPBs were registered ~6 hr after storm commencement in the midnight‐dawn sector of the Pacific Ocean during short‐term recovery period (09–12 UT on 17 March). In a succession of postsunset EPB suppression under DDEFs, an exclusive event with a single postsunset EPB development was registered in South America at the recovery phase beginning (23–24 UT) due to an unknown PPEF‐like source. During recovery phase, several large‐scale EPBs with an estimated inter‐bubble distance of ~1,000 km occurred almost simultaneously in the predawn sector in South America and was well sustained till ~07–08 LT in the morning.
Formation of a 3‐D Oscillatory Current System Associated With Global High‐Correlation Pi 2 Event: A Case Study
Authors: Uozumi T. , Yoshikawa A. , Ohtani S.
Published: December 2019

We present a typical example of the formation of a three‐dimensional (3‐D) oscillatory current system associated with a global high‐correlation Pi 2 event. The time variation of the field‐aligned current (FAC) density in the magnetosphere is estimated using multisatellite magnetic field data in the near‐Earth plasma sheet (~10 RE, ~23 MLT). Pi 2 pulsations, which were accompanied with the development of the upward and downward FACs in the substorm current wedge, were observed at mid‐latitude stations in the pre‐midnight sector (20.6 and 22.6 MLT), and the periodicity of the FAC fluctuations was correlated with the estimated current‐density fluctuations in the near‐Earth plasma sheet. Compressional signals of the Pi 2 pulsation were observed by an equatorial ground station and a geosynchronous satellite located in the midnight sector (0.1 and 0.4 MLT). A detailed comparison of the Pi 2 waveforms, which were simultaneously observed on the ground and in the near‐Earth magnetosphere, revealed high correlations between the fluctuations of the FACs and compressional pulses. These observations strongly suggest the formation of a 3‐D oscillatory current system associated with the global high‐correlation Pi 2 event. The sources of the oscillatory current system and compressional pulses were confirmed to be closely coupled with one another.
VLF Remote Sensing of the D Region Ionosphere Using Neural Networks
Authors: Gross N. C. , Cohen M. B.
Published: December 2019

Narrowband very low frequency (VLF) remote sensing has proven to be a useful tool for characterizing the ionosphere's D region (60‐ to 90‐km altitude) electron density. This work expands upon single transmitter‐receiver pair electron density profile inference methods to create a more generalized narrowband VLF remote sensing method that concurrently resolves a two‐parameter electron density profile for an arbitrary number of transmitter‐receiver pairs. A target function is constructed to take in a single time step of narrowband amplitude and phase observations from an arbitrary number of transmitter and receiver combinations and return the inferred average waveguide parameters along all paths. The target function is approximated using an artificial neural network (ANN). Synthetic training data are generated using the U.S. Navy's Long‐Wavelength Propagation Capability program, which is then used to train the ANN. Performance of the ANN with real‐world data is measured in two ways. First, ANN inferred average waveguide parameters are compared to a variety of previously published narrowband VLF remote sensing experiments. Second, ANN inferred average waveguide parameters are used in Long‐Wavelength Propagation Capability to predict narrowband VLF amplitude and carrier phase at a receiver that was withheld when performing the average waveguide parameter inference. Results show the approximated target function performs well in capturing temporal and spatial characteristics of the D region.
Diagnosing the Role of Alfvén Waves in Global Field‐Aligned Current System Dynamics During Southward IMF: Swarm Observations
Authors: Pakhotin I.P. , Mann I.R. , Knudsen D.J. , Lysak R.L. , Burchill J.K.
Published: December 2019

Field‐aligned currents (FACs) are a primary signature of magnetosphere‐ionosphere coupling (MIC). However, establishing FACs requires the propagation of Alfvén waves. Large‐scale quasi‐static FACs are well‐organized into large‐scale Region 1 (R1) and Region 2 (R2) systems during intervals of southward interplanetary magnetic field (IMF); however, the scale‐dependent spatiotemporal variability and related electrodynamics are less well understood. Using the electric and magnetic field data from Swarms A and C, we examine the role of Alfvén waves in MIC at a range of scales during two auroral crossings during southward IMF on May 16, 2016. Interspacecraft techniques reveal large amplitude small‐scale (10s km) non‐stationary magnetic fields inconsistent with a quasi‐static formulation. Cross‐phase techniques reveal a frequency‐dependent E/B ratio and E‐B phase difference consistent with an Alfvén wave interpretation, validated using the Lysak (1991, https://doi.org/10.1029/90JA02154) ionospheric Alfvén resonator model constrained by inferred local Swarm plasma mass density. Local large amplitude E and B fields indicate the importance of Alfvénic energy transport at small scales. Evidence for Poynting flux concentration at the boundary between large‐scale upward and downward FACs is also presented. Our results suggest that cross‐scale FAC characteristics can be explained by a single Alfvén wave paradigm: quasi‐static large‐scale FACs representing the ω → 0 limit of a broader continuum of spatial scales associated with MIC. Future work should assess in more detail the energetic significance of small scales and the potential localization of large amplitude small‐scale disturbances at large scale FAC boundaries and assess related scale‐dependent MIC including Alfvénic ionospheric feedback.
Effects of Solar Wind Plasma Flow and Interplanetary Magnetic Field on the Spatial Structure of Earth's Radiation Belts
Authors: Li L.Y. , Yang S.S. , Cao J.B. , Yu J. , Luo X.Y. , Blake J.B.
Published: December 2019

Based on the statistical data measured by Van Allen Probes from 2012 to 2016, we analyzed the effects of solar wind plasma flow and interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) on the spatial distribution of Earth's radiation belt electrons (>100 keV). The statistical results indicate that the increases in solar wind plasma density and flow speed can exert different effects on the spatial structure of the radiation belts. The high solar wind plasma density (≥6 cm−3)/flow pressure (≥2.5 nPa) and a large southward IMF (Bz < −6 nT) usually appear in the front of high‐speed solar wind streams (≥450 km/s), and they tend to narrow the outer radiation belt but broaden the slot region. In contrast, the increase in solar wind flow speed can broaden the outer radiation belt but narrows the slot region. When the solar wind speed exceeds 500 km/s, the outer radiation belt electrons can penetrate into the slot region (L < 3) and even enter the inner radiation belt (L < 2). The lower‐energy electrons penetrate into the deeper (smaller‐L) region than the higher‐energy electrons.
Energetic Particle Signatures Above Saturn's Aurorae
Authors: Bader A. , Badman S. V. , Ray L. C. , Paranicas C. P. , Lorch C. T. S. , Clark G. , André M. , Mitchell D. G. , Constable D. A. , Kinrade J. , Hunt G. J. , Pryor W.
Published: December 2019

Near the end of its mission, NASA's Cassini spacecraft performed several low‐altitude passes across Saturn's auroral region. We present ultraviolet auroral imagery and various coincident particle and field measurements of two such passes, providing important information about the structure and dynamics of Saturn's auroral acceleration region. In upward field‐aligned current regions, upward proton beams are observed to reach energies of several tens of keV; the associated precipitating electron populations are found to have mean energies of about 10 keV. With no significant wave activity being apparent, these findings indicate strong parallel potentials responsible for auroral acceleration, about 100 times stronger than at Earth. This is further supported by observations of proton conics in downward field‐aligned current regions above the acceleration region, which feature a lower energy cutoff above
50 keV—indicating energetic proton populations trapped by strong parallel potentials while being transversely energized until they can overcome the trapping potential, likely through wave‐particle interactions. A spacecraft pass through a downward current region at an altitude near the acceleration region reveals plasma wave features, which may be driving the transverse proton acceleration generating the conics. Overall, the signatures observed resemble those related to the terrestrial and Jovian aurorae, the particle energies and potentials at Saturn appearing to be significantly higher than at Earth and comparable to those at Jupiter.
The Influence of Spacecraft Charging on Low‐Energy Ion Measurements Made by RPC‐ICA on Rosetta
Authors: Bergman Sofia , Stenberg Wieser Gabriella , Wieser Martin , Johansson Fredrik Leffe , Eriksson Anders
Published: December 2019

Spacecraft charging is problematic for low‐energy plasma measurements. The charged particles are attracted to or repelled from the charged spacecraft, affecting both the energy and direction of travel of the particles. The Ion Composition Analyzer (RPC‐ICA) on board the Rosetta spacecraft is suffering from this effect. RPC‐ICA was measuring positive ions in the vicinity of comet 67P/Churyumov‐Gerasimenko, covering an energy range of a few eV/q to 40 keV/q. The low‐energy part of the data is, however, heavily distorted by the negatively charged spacecraft. In this study we use the Spacecraft Plasma Interaction Software to model the influence of the spacecraft potential on the ion trajectories and the corresponding distortion of the field of view (FOV) of the instrument. The results show that the measurements are not significantly distorted when the ion energy corresponds to at least twice the spacecraft potential. Below this energy the FOV is often heavily distorted, but the distortion differs between different viewing directions. Generally, ions entering the instrument close to the aperture plane are less affected than those entering with extreme elevation angles.
Importance of Bias Correction in Data Assimilation of Multiple Observations Over Eastern China Using WRF‐Chem/DART
Authors: Ma Chaoqun , Wang Tijian , Jiang Ziqiang , Wu Hao , Zhao Ming , Zhuang Bingliang , Li Shu , Xie Min , Li Mengmeng , Liu Jane , Wu Rongsheng
Published: December 2019

Three types of observations, aerosol optical depth from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer, surface particulate matter with diameters less than 2.5 (PM2.5) and 10 μm (PM10), and aerosol extinction coefficient (AEXT) profiles from ground‐based lidars, were separately and simultaneously assimilated using the Weather Research and Forecasting Model with the Chemistry/Data Assimilation Research Testbed (WRF‐Chem/DART). Two cases in June and November 2018 were selected over middle and eastern China. Experiments assimilating single‐type and multiple observations were evaluated by cross validating their analysis and forecast against the three observation types. Compared to the experiment without data assimilation (DA), DA of single‐type observations is always closer to the type of observations assimilated. However, DA of aerosol optical depth or AEXT sometimes significantly degraded the error performance for PM2.5. This problem is caused by the inconsistency of bias tendencies when modeling aerosol optical properties and surface aerosol mass. It is found that WRF‐Chem tends to predict dryer air within the boundary layer over eastern China, which may have played a role in the underestimation of AEXT even when PM2.5 was overestimated. After applying a simple bias correction (BC), the problem was alleviated. DA of multiple observations with BC gives the best overall error performance when validated against all types of observations and even performs better than any DA of single‐type observations experiments in reproducing AEXT profiles. The results illustrate that BC is important in DA of multiple observations and that the simultaneous DA of aerosol observations with different vertical information can work synergistically to improve aerosol forecasts.
Glacial Aerodynamic Roughness Estimates: Uncertainty, Sensitivity, and Precision in Field Measurements
Authors: Chambers Joshua R. , Smith Mark W. , Quincey Duncan J. , Carrivick Jonathan L. , Ross Andrew N. , James Mike R.
Published: December 2019

Calculation of the sensible and latent heat (turbulent) fluxes is required in order to close the surface energy budget of glaciers and model glacial melt. The aerodynamic roughness length, z0, is a key parameter in the bulk approach to calculating sensible heat flux; yet, z0 is commonly considered simply as a tuning parameter or generalized between surfaces and over time. Spatially and temporally distributed observations of z0 over ice are rare. Both direct (from wind towers and sonic anemometers) and indirect (from microtopographic surveys) measurements of z0 are subject to sensitivities and uncertainties that are often unstated or overlooked. In this study, we present a quantitative evaluation of aerodynamic profile‐based and microtopographic methods and their effect on z0 using data collected from Storglaciären and Sydöstra Kaskasatjäkkaglaciären, Tarfala Valley, Arctic Sweden. Aggressive data filters discard most of the wind tower data but still produce realistic z0 values of 1.9 mm and 2 mm. Despite uncertainty introduced by scale and resolution dependence, microtopographic methods produced estimates of z0 comparable to wind tower values and those found on similar surfaces. We conclude that (1) in the absence of direct turbulent flux measurements from sonic anemometers, the profile and microtopographic methods provide realistic z0 values, (2) both 2D and 3D microtopographic methods are dependent on scale, resolution, and the chosen detrending method, and (3) careful calibration of these parameters could enable glacier‐wide investigations of z0 from remotely sensed data, including those increasingly available from satellite platforms.
Finite element approximation of elliptic homogenization problems in nondivergence-form
Authors: Capdeboscq Yves , Sprekeler Timo , Süli Endre
Published: December 2019

We use uniform W2,p estimates to obtain corrector results for periodic homogenization problems of the form A(x/ε):D2uε = f subject to a homogeneous Dirichlet boundary condition. We propose and rigorously analyze a numerical scheme based on finite element approximations for such nondivergence-form homogenization problems. The second part of the paper focuses on the approximation of the corrector and numerical homogenization for the case of nonuniformly oscillating coefficients. Numerical experiments demonstrate the performance of the scheme.
Interpreting Soil Test Results
Authors: Hazelton Pam , Murphy Brian
Published: December 2019

Interpreting Soil Test Results is a practical reference for those who need to interpret results from laboratory analysis of soil. It has a comprehensive listing of the soil properties relevant to most environmental and natural land resource issues and investigations.
The precursor to this book, What Do All the Numbers Mean?, known as The Numbers Book, was widely used and accepted for interpreting soil test results. This new edition has been completely updated and many sections have been expanded, particularly those on acid sulfate soils and soil salinity. It is a handy and straightforward guide to interpretation of the numbers associated with a wide range of soil tests.
Polypyridines, Picrates, Lanthanides: A Plethora of Stacks?
Authors: Chan Eric J. , Cotton Simon A. , Harrowfield Jack M. , Skelton Brian W. , Sobolev Alexandre N. , White Allan H.
Published: December 2019

Reactions of the lanthanide(iii) picrates (picrate=2,4,6-trinitrophenoxide=pic) with 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) and 2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine (terpy) in a 1:2 molar ratio have provided crystals suitable for X-ray structure determinations in instances predominantly involving the lighter lanthanides. In all, the aza-aromatic ligands chelate the lanthanide ion, none being found as ‘free’ ligands within the lattice. The complexes of 1,10-phenanthroline have been characterised in two forms, one unsolvated (Ln=La, Sm, Eu; monoclinic, C2/c, Z 8), one an acetonitrile monosolvate (Ln=Gd; monoclinic, P21/a, Z 4), the latter being the only previously known form (with Ln=La). In both forms, the LnIII is nine-coordinate, in an approximately tricapped trigonal-prismatic environment, with two picrate ligands chelating through phenoxide and 2-nitro group oxygen atoms, the third being bound through phenoxide-O only. The 2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine complexes, all acetonitrile monosolvates defined for Ln=La, Gd, Er, and Y (monoclinic, C2/c, Z 4), are ionic, one picrate having been displaced from the primary coordination sphere. For Ln=La, the two bound picrates are again chelating, making the LaIII 10-coordinate in a distorted bicapped square-antiprismatic environment but in the other species they are bound through phenoxide-O only, making the LnIII ions eight-coordinate in a distorted square-antiprismatic environment. Stacked arrays of the ligands can be found in both series of complexes, with intramolecular picrate–picrate and picrate–aza-aromatic stacks being prominent features.
Prevalence, perceived barriers and sociodemographic correlates of advance care planning in a sample of outpatients
Authors: Mansfield Elise , Jeong Sarah , Waller Amy , Chan Sally
Published: December 2019

This study aimed to examine the prevalence and perceived barriers to uptake of advance care planning (ACP), including appointment of an enduring guardian (EG) and completion of an advance care directive (ACD) among Australian adults attending hospital outpatient clinics. Sociodemographic correlates of not completing ACP were also assessed. A cross-sectional survey exploring the uptake of ACP was conducted with outpatients and their accompanying persons aged >18 years (n=191) at one regional hospital in New South Wales, Australia. Rates of completion of an ACD and appointment of an EG were 20% (n=37) and 35% (n=67) respectively. The most common reason for non-completion of an ACD and not appointing an EG was: ‘didn’t think I needed this’. Younger age was associated with not having appointed an EG (OR 3.8, 95% CI 1.2–12.1, P=0.02). No sociodemographic characteristics were significantly associated with non-completion of ACDs. Uptake of ACP is suboptimal among outpatients. Community-based healthcare providers are well positioned to promote ACP with outpatients.
Going back to the roots: finding a strategy for the management of nesting loggerhead sea turtles in New Caledonia
Authors: Read Tyffen C. , Petit Marion , Magnan Marion , Booth David
Published: December 2019

Incubation temperature plays a vital role in sea turtle life history because it influences embryonic growth, sex determination and hatchling attributes such as body size, residual yolk size, self-righting ability, crawling speed and swimming speed. For these reasons there is concern that predicted increases in air temperature, as a result of global warming, will increase nest temperatures and result in decreased hatching success, decrease or cease male hatchling production, and decreased hatchling quality. In a previous study examining incubation temperature at a loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) rookery located at La Roche Percée, New Caledonia, high nest temperatures and root invasion by beach morning glory (Ipomoea pes-caprae) were found to adversely affect hatching success and locomotor performance. In the current study, we relocated loggerhead turtle nests into shaded hatcheries. Shading nests decreased sand and nest temperatures and was predicted to increase male hatchling production slightly, but nest emergence success was decreased due to invasion of cottonwood (Hibiscus tiliaceus) roots into some nests. Using shaded structures is a viable and affordable management option to counteract the high sand temperatures found on some sea turtle nesting beaches, but these shade structures need to be located some distance from trees and other plants to ensure that root penetration into nests does not adversely affect nest emergence success.
Effects of task and environmental constraints on axial kinematic synergies during the tennis service in expert players
Authors: Shafizadeh Mohsen , Bonner Stuart , Barnes Andrew , Fraser Jonathan
Published: December 2019

The aims of this study were to examine the effects of task and environmental constraints on axial synergies and to find an association between synergies and arm acceleration as a performance variable. Participants of this study were 10 expert tennis players (age: 34.4 ± 7.46) who voluntarily took part and executed 60 serves under two different conditions: no‐opponent and opponent. An inertial motion unit (IMU) capture system was used to calculate the 3D angular joint motions in the neck, back and lumbar segments. The results of the principal component analysis showed that the redundancy in the axial segments is decomposed into 2 main synergies that are responsible for the loading (backward swing) and firing phase (forward swing). The total variance and loading synergy variance were significantly lower in the topspin service than other service types. The emerged firing synergy was strongly associated with the arm acceleration regardless of service type. In conclusion, the effective strategy to utilise the axial motions in the trunk is through creating functional synergies that have a flexible role based on the type of service and conditions. The topspin service showed less coordination variability relative to other types of service and serving in the opponent condition required participants to change the nature of synergy among the axial segments. These findings support the design of practice that emphasises the importance of more realistic contexts with special attention given to the order of different service types.
Social Media, Culture, and Communication
Authors: Sandel Todd L. , Ju Bei "Jenny"
Published: December 2019

Social media encompass web-based programs and user-generated content that allow people to communicate and collaborate via mobile phones, computers, and other communication technologies. Unlike other media linked to a particular technology, social media are a phenomenon associated with a set of tools, practices, and ideologies for connecting and collaborating. Social media blur distinctions between one-to-many and face-to-face communication. They allow individuals and groups to connect across boundaries of space and time, both synchronously and asynchronously. Afforded by changing technology, social media are ever-expanding as users develop novel uses and creative content. Scholars have studied social media across a range of topics, including such issues as message content and construction, identity formation, relationship development, community development, political activism, disinformation, and cyber threats.

Social media vary culturally. For instance, in China social media are impacted by internet censorship, including not only the kinds of apps that are used in China—WeChat and Weibo instead of Facebook and Twitter—but also forms of expression and online activities. While Chinese social media can be a site for political activism, and creative, humorous, and satirical messages, they are constructed in ways that avoid online censorship. Social media also afford the construction and maintenance of local communities and cultural identities. For instance, users with a shared interest, occupation, activity, or offline connection, such as a hometown, may communicate online using a shared language, vocabulary, or code. Hence, unlike mass media that can promote a collective, national identity, social media may facilitate the re-emergence and construction of local and diverse identities. Finally, social media can empower subaltern individuals and groups to mobilize and effect change through collective action. Yet social media, when employed by the state and/or neoliberal corporate powers, can work to suppress subaltern groups by co-opting social media as a technology that affords surveillance. They may also be used to spread misinformation or extremism by both state-sponsored and non-state actors.