bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How do Consumers’ Gender and Rational Thinking Affect the Acceptance of Entertainment Social Robots?
Authors: Forgas-Coll Santiago , Huertas-Garcia Ruben , Andriella Antonio , Alenyà Guillem
Published: December 2021

In recent years, the rapid ageing of the population, a longer life expectancy and elderly people’s desire to live independently are social changes that put pressure on healthcare systems. This context is boosting the demand for companion and entertainment social robots on the market and, consequently, producers and distributors are interested in knowing how these social robots are accepted by consumers. Based on technology acceptance models, a parsimonious model is proposed to estimate the intention to use this new advanced social robot technology and, in addition, an analysis is performed to determine how consumers’ gender and rational thinking condition the precedents of the intention to use. The results show that gender differences are more important than suggested by the literature. While women gave greater social influence and perceived enjoyment as the main motives for using a social robot, in contrast, men considered their perceived usefulness to be the principal reason and, as a differential argument, the ease of use. Regarding the reasoning system, the most significant differences occurred between heuristic individuals, who stated social influence as the main reason for using a robot, and the more rational consumers, who gave ease of use as a differential argument.
An evolutionary approach to continuously estimate CPR quality parameters from a wrist-worn inertial sensor
Authors: Lins Christian , Friedrich Björn , Hein Andreas , Fudickar Sebastian
Published: December 2021

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is one of the most critical emergency interventions for sudden cardiac arrest. In this paper, a robust sinusoidal model-fitting method based on a Evolution Strategy inspired algorithm for CPR quality parameters – naming chest compression frequency and depth – as measured by an inertial measurement unit (IMU) attached to the wrist is presented. The proposed approach will allow bystanders to improve CPR as part of a continuous closed-loop support system once integrated into a smartphone or smartwatch application. By evaluating the model’s precision with data recorded by a training mannequin as reference standard, a variance for the compression frequency of $$\pm 2.22$$

±
2.22

compressions per minute (cpm) has been found for the IMU attached to the wrist. It was found that this previously unconsidered position and thus, the use of smartwatches is a suitable alternative to the typical placement of phones in hand for CPR training.
Making of the Asian Seismological Commission (ASC): A Chinese Perspective
Authors: Chaunzhen Zhu , Zhongliang Wu , Li Li
Published: December 2021

This article is dedicated to the Silver Jubilee Year of Asian Seismological Commission (ASC) and provides details of its evolution from its nascent stage from a Chinese perspective. The review includes the seeding of the idea of ASC, its formation, the General Assemblies and the International Conference on Continental Earthquakes (ICCE) series in which ASC played an active role. The paper also highlights the profiles of the Commission as well as its role in the development of Asian seismology.
Asian Seismological Commission – A Bright History and Challenges Ahead
Authors: Chadha R. K.
Published: December 2021

The Asian Seismological Commission (ASC) completed 25 years in August 2021 after fulfilling its primary aim of bringing together, Earth scientists from Asia and Oceania regions. Since its first formal meeting in Tangshan, China during August 1-3, 1996 under the umbrella of IASPEI Regional Assembly, ASC independently organized 11 General Assemblies across the Asian Continent from Armenia and Iran in western Asia to Australia in Oceania, once every two years, without a break. The Training Courses in Seismology preceding these Assemblies greatly helped in developing a strong work force that came very handy after the extreme event of 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and underlined the importance of scientific cooperation within Asian and Pacific Ocean countries. The Global Seismic Hazard Assessment Program (GSHAP) in its closing report to the IDNDR/ STC (1992-98) acknowledged the significant contributions of the first two ASC technical meetings held in Beijing (10/93, 10/94) and Hyderabad, India (3/96) in the outcome of their program in Eastern Asia (GHSAP Region 8). This paper describes the ASC events that occurred during its journey from birth to reaching the pinnacle of its glory at the end of the Silver Jubilee Year in 2021. This paper will also serve as a recorded history for posterity to build upon the efforts already made, by the coming generations in this field.
Modern Seismology in China: Centennial Retrospect
Authors: Zhongliang Wu , Zhu Chaunzhen , Li Li
Published: December 2021

For the silver jubilee of the Asian Seismological Commission (ASC) in which China participated actively, this article briefly reviews the history of modern seismology in China since 1921. Seen in a century perspective, it is shown that earthquake prediction as an important scientific agenda in the seismological science in China follows the ‘technical hyper cycle’, albeit with a longer time scale, and now is the stage of ‘plateau of productivity’.
Deterministic, Probabilistic, and Data-enhanced Models of Seismic Hazard Assessments with some Applications to Central Asian Regions
Authors: Ismail-Zadeh Alik , Kumar Abhishek
Published: December 2021

We overview some seismic hazard research in Central Asia, namely, in the Shillong Plateau (at a local level) and in the Himalaya – Tibet Plateau regions (at a regional level), using deterministic and probabilistic seismic hazard assessments (SHAs) as well as a data-enhanced SHA based on observed and simulated seismicity. Improving SHAs and integrating them with assessments related to vulnerability and exposure to earthquakes would contribute to understanding disaster risks and its reduction as well as to building safety and resilience in Asia and elsewhere.
Tectonic Block Model of Continental Earthquakes in China: Twenty-years Retrospective
Authors: Zhongliang Wu , Hu Chaozhong , Wang Long , Zhang Yongxian , Shao Zhigang
Published: December 2021

At the beginning of the 21st century, the ‘active tectonic block model’, described by hierarchical crustal tectonic blocks, was proposed to explain the distribution of continental earthquakes in China. The blocks, as well as the block boundary zones, were determined by geological, geophysical, and geodetic observations. The model, indicating that large earthquakes, especially great earthquakes, occur mainly in the boundary zones, plays an important role in seismic hazard assessment and earthquake forecast in China. The model has been tested by the seismicity in continental China in the past 20 years. Meanwhile, with new data accumulating and new technology emerging, it is possible to update the model into a new version, e.g., from 2D to 3D by considering deep structures such as crustal channel flow, and from a kinematic model to a dynamic one by computational geodynamics. The updated model could also be applied to broader continental regions for international collaborative and comparative studies.
Earthquake Early Warning Systems in Taiwan: Current Status
Authors: Wu Yih-Min , Mittal Himanshu , Chen Da-Yi , Hsu Ting-Yu , Lin Pei-Yang
Published: December 2021

The earthquake early warning (EEW) system in Taiwan is the outcome of rigorous research work carried out at various levels after the occurrence of the 1986 Hualien earthquake that caused destruction. After more than 25 years of development, three different EEW systems exist in Taiwan. Currently, the nation wide regional EEW system is operated by the Central Weather Bureau (CWB), whereas, a hybrid (regional & onsite) system based on Micro-Electro-Mechanical System sensors is run by National Taiwan University (NTU). The third EEW (onsite system) is run by the National Center for Research on Earthquake Engineering (NCREE). Both CWB and NTU systems are capable of reporting the EEW warnings within 20 seconds of earthquake occurrence. The CWB system is incharge of providing earthquake alerts in Taiwan via text message through mobile phone, TV, and directly broadcasting system to schools and is providing earthquake alarms to the general public since 2016. During recently damaging earthquakes in Taiwan, the NTU system provided 2-8 seconds onsite warning (lead time) in the blind zone around the epicenter. The NTU system also can generate near real-time shake maps for rapid response purposes. The NCREE system consists of about 98 stations and can provide several seconds lead time in the area near the epicenter. The NCREE system also can receive CWB regional EEW messages for warning the regions away from the epicenter. Individually every system has its advantage, however, the hybrid approach will be one of the future systems for real operation.
China Seismic Experimental Site (CSES): A System Science Perspective
Authors: Zhongliang Wu , Li Li
Published: December 2021

China Seismic Experimental Site (CSES) dedicates to the multi-disciplinary research on the mechanism of continental earthquakes and reduction of seismic disaster risk. This scientific goal, as well as the roadmap to achieve this goal, is characterized by system science nature and requires a system science perspective. This article reviews CSES as a system from its early version to the present form, discussing on some critical concepts related to the design, planning, maintenance, and upgrading of this natural laboratory.
Studies of Artificial Water Reservoir Triggered Earthquakes at Koyna, India: A Summary
Authors: Gupta Harsh K.
Published: December 2021

Anthropogenic seismicity has been observed due to filling of artificial water reservoirs, geothermal and natural oil/gas production, and gold/coal mining under favorable geological conditions. Among these, artificial water reservoir triggered seismicity (RTS) is most prominent, with over 200 sites globally where RTS has been observed, including 5 sites where earthquakes exceeding M 6 magnitude occurred. Koyna, located near the west coast of India in stable Deccan Volcanic Province is the most prominent site where the largest RTS event of M 6.3 occurred in 1967, and the RTS has continued till now, for near field study of earthquakes. Here we present a summary of (a) global RTS, (b) scientific work carried in the Koyna region, (c) characterizing RTS, and (d) establishing a 3 km deep Pilot Borehole laboratory as a precursor to setting up of a ~ 7 km deep bore hole laboratory. The work being carried out is providing necessary inputs for the design of the ~ 7 km deep borehole laboratory for the near field studies of RTS and shed light on the geneses of earthquakes in general and RTS.
Overview of the Characteristics of Reservoir-triggered Seismic Activity at Some Hydropower Reservoirs in Vietnam
Authors: Dinh Trong Cao , Dinh Trieu Cao , Anh Tuan Thai , Quoc Van Dinh , Van Dung Le , Thanh Hai Dang , Xuan Bach Mai , Nam Hung Pham , Huu Tuyen Nguyen
Published: December 2021

In this paper, the authors present the expression of triggered earthquakes at some hydropower reservoirs in Vietnam. The results indicate that: (1) The triggered earthquakes of magnitude M > 4.0 have occurred at the Hoa Binh, Song Tranh 2 and Son La hydropower reservoirs. All these reservoirs are more than 90 m deep and located on gneiss, granite or limestone rocks; (2) Triggered earthquakes at the Hoa Binh, Song Tranh 2 and Son La hydropower reservoirs are the rapid ones. The earthquake frequency has close ties with the water level change; (3) Vp/Vs ratio can be used as the main factor determining the triggered earthquake source. The natural earthquake sources interconnecting with the reservoir and having the Vp/Vs ratio of 1.63-1.69 have the highest risk of triggered earthquake occurrence and (4) There is no risk of triggered earthquake occurrence at Hoa Binh hydropower reservoir, the magnitude of 4.9 is the maximum. Triggered earthquakes in the Song Tranh 2 reservoir continue occurring with the magnitude of smaller than 4.7. In the Son La reservoir, triggered earthquakes have a magnitude of 4.3.
Morphometric Analysis of Koyna-Warna Region Seismicity
Authors: Arora Kusumita , Srinu Y.
Published: December 2021

After sixty years of studies of the reservoir triggered earthquakes in the Koyna-Warna region, several questions remain unanswered. In particular, the role of reservoir water on the seismicity, the area of influence and possible pathways through which surface water may catalyze an earthquake at depth, continues to be an enigma. On the basis of the high resolution DEM derived from airborne LiDAR data, several aspects of surface features have been unraveled. The characteristics of surface morphology over the region have been revealed. Lineament systems have been delineated, the association of which with subsurface trends and seismicity patterns, establish them as fault systems. We also attempt to look at geomorphic parameters over the region and investigate their correlation with seismicity. We find that earthquake clusters are associated with regions of tectonic control, the signatures of which differ in the Koyna and Warna regions.
Radon Monitoring in Artesian Wells at Mato-san Area of South Taiwan for Mud Eruption Studies
Authors: Kumar Arvind , Walia Vivek , Lin Shih-Jung , Fu Ching-Chou
Published: December 2021

In the present study, radon monitoring in the artesian wells of Mato-san areas of south Taiwan were carried out to know the working of the mud eruption and the dependence of the eruption cycle with radon changes. Radon monitoring in water was carried out by using RAD7. Water samples were collected at different depths from different wells for the period of two weeks to one month. This study shows that anomalous radon value has been observed before and after to some eruptions during the study periods. The opposite radon behaviors at well No. 2 and well No. 3(B) were observed during the eruption. Noted behavior of these wells may be due to the movement of gas fluxes during the eruption period.
Developing an Earthquake Resilient Society in the Vicinity of Himalaya
Authors: Gupta Harsh K. , Sabnis Kanchan A.
Published: December 2021

Among the seismically active continental regions, the Himalayan region is very significant with large human population in the immediate vicinity. The Himalayan region experienced four great earthquakes of M ~8 within a short span of 55 years from 1897 to 1952. The region has not experienced an earthquake of similar magnitude since 1952. Developing an earthquake resilient society through the process of developing earthquake scenarios, as to what would be the impact if one of the past earthquakes repeats today, is an extremely useful approach. And sharing this information with all concerned, doing the needful to educate and enrich the concerned government departments, and making the public a share-holder, helps. The 1905 Kangra earthquake of M ~ 8 had claimed ~ 20,000 human lives in addition to causing widespread damage. A scenario was built by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Government of India, as to what would be the consequences if such an earthquake occurred today? It was discovered that ~ 0.9 million human lives would be lost in the states of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and the Union Territory of Chandigarh if this earthquake occurred in the middle of the night. A year-long phase of training and educating at various levels to develop an earthquake resilient society in the states of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and the Union Territory of Chandigarh during 2012-2013 culminated in a mega mock drill on the 13 February 2013. It demonstrated what all had been achieved and what was missing. Encouraged by the success a similar exercise was carried out for the repeat of the 1897 Shillong earthquake for 8 northeast Indian states during 2013-2014 culminating in mega mock drills on 10 and 13 March 2014. In this communication a brief of these exercises is provided.
Influence of proppant physical properties on sand accumulation in hydraulic fractures
Authors: Li Jiangtao , Wei Jianguang , Zhou Xiaofeng , Zhang Ao , Yang Ying , Wang Anlun , Shang Demiao , Rong Gen
Published: December 2021

The proppant accumulation form in fractures is related to the formation conductivity after fracture closure, also closely related to the production rate of oil/gas wells. In order to investigate the influence of proppant physical properties on sand accumulation in fractures, a particle–fluid coupling flow model is established based on the Euler two-fluid model. Geometric parameters of a fracture in tight oil wells are approximately scaled in equal proportion as the physical model, which is solved by the finite volume method. And the model accuracy is verified by comparing with the physical experimental simulation in the literature. Results show that the higher proppant concentration corresponds to the faster particle sedimentation rate, and the greater sand embankment accumulation as well. However, the fluid viscosity will increase, inhibiting proppant migration to the deep part of the fracture. Reducing proppant density and particle size will enhance the fluidization ability of particles, which is conducive to the migration to the deep fracture at the initial stage of pumping. But, it is not beneficial to have a desirable accumulation state in the middle and later pumping stage, so it is difficult to obtain a higher comprehensive equilibrium height.
Traffic incident detection based on a global trajectory spatiotemporal map
Authors: Liang Haoxiang , Song Huansheng , Yun Xu , Sun Shijie , Wang Yingxuan , Zhang Zhaoyang
Published: December 2021

Traffic incidents endanger the smooth running of vehicles. Congestion caused by traffic incidents has caused a waste of time and fuel and seriously affected transportation efficiency. At present, most methods use manual judgment or image features to detect traffic incidents, but these methods lack timeliness, leading to secondary incidents. For dangerous road sections such as ramp-free and long downhills, this paper proposes an algorithm to quickly detect traffic incidents based on a spatiotemporal map of vehicle trajectories. First, a vehicle dataset from the monitoring perspective is constructed, and an improved YOLOv4 detection algorithm is used to detect images organized as batches. Based on the detection result, the multi-object tracking method of vehicle speed prediction in key frames is used to obtain the vehicle trajectory. Then according to the vehicle trajectory obtained in a single scene, the vehicle trajectory is reidentified and associated in the continuous monitoring scene to construct a long-distance vehicle trajectory spatiotemporal map. Finally, according to the distribution and generation status of the trajectory in the spatiotemporal map, traffic incidents such as vehicle parking, vehicle speeding, and vehicle congestion are analyzed. Experimental results show that the proposed method greatly increases the speed of vehicle detection and tracking and obtains high mAP, MOTA, and MOTP indicators. The global spatiotemporal map constructed by trajectory reidentification can achieve high detection rates for traffic incidents, reduce the average elapsed time, and avoid the problems of the inaccuracy of analyzing image features.
Ground GNSS Station Selection to Generate the Global Ionosphere Maps Using the Information Content
Authors: Wang Sicheng , Huang Sixun , Fang Hanxian
Published: December 2021

More and more satellite constellations and ground receivers are available all over the world, and they can provide rich ionospheric remote sensing data sources. Due to the fact that different analysis centers use different generation techniques and different ground stations, their routinely released Global Ionosphere Maps (GIMs) have some differences. To study the problems of how many stations and which stations should be optimally chosen to generate the GIMs, a step‐by‐step iterative method based on the information content is proposed under the framework of 3DVAR data assimilation. This method adopts the information content to qualitatively evaluate the information contribution of a measurement to the reconstructed GIM, and selects the ground station with a maximum information content in every iteration. About 500 ground receivers from the International GNSS Services networks and Multi‐GNSS Experiment networks are collected from DOY 001 to DOY 120 in 2018 to demonstrate the feasibility of this method. The results show that the information contribution from the first 100 selected stations is over 70%, and the information contribution from the first 200 chosen stations is up to 87%. When the station selection criterion is taken as 95% of the total information content, nearly 300 stations are needed to reconstruct each GIM. Moreover, the quantitative information contribution from GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, and BEIDOU satellite constellations is preliminarily analyzed.
Geophysical Research on Rock Mass Quality Evaluation for Infrastructure Design
Authors: Hasan Muhammad , Shang Yanjun , Shao Peng , Yi Xuetao , Meng He
Published: December 2021

Evaluation of rock mass quality is necessary for the proper design of engineering infrastructures. Rock quality designation (RQD) is an important geotechnical parameter in the rock mass quality classification. However, given the limited data and natural heterogeneity, rock mass quality evaluation is a challenging task. Traditionally, the rock mechanical parameters are obtained from the drilling tests. However, the drilling tests only provide single‐point information and thus cannot provide detailed underground information. Moreover, boreholes are costly and time‐consuming, and still cannot be carried out in the steep topographic terrains. Alternatively, electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) is non‐invasive, cost‐effective, and user‐friendly, can provide 2D plane information even 3D information, and can bridge gaps between the available well data and the accurate subsurface geological model. In this research, we establish important empirical relations between ERT and the limited borehole data. We estimated RQD along with the ERT profiles and evaluated the subsurface for rock mass quality even where no borehole exits. Furthermore, the ambiguity of water/clay distinction in the geological model was removed via integration between ERT and induced polarization. Compared with the past geotechnical studies, our work provides far better insights into the subsurface via 2D/3D evaluation of rock mass quality for the development of the engineered structures. Therefore, geophysical research based on ERT can be very helpful in the hard rock terrains lacking sufficient mechanical well data.
Investigation of Springtime Cloud Influence on Regional Climate and Its Implication in Runoff Decline in Upper Colorado River Basin
Authors: Lin Yun , Takano Yoshihide , Gu Yu , Wang Jingyu , Zhao Bin , Liou Kuo‐Nan , Fu Rong
Published: December 2021

The subseasonal features of the annual trends of runoff and other associated hydroclimatic variables in the upper Colorado River basin (UCRB) are examined using multiple data sets from in situ observations, reanalysis, and modeling for early spring (February, March, and April), given that about 58% of annual mean runoff decline from 1980 to 2018 stem from its decreases in the three months. Our analysis suggests that the strong annual trends of hydroclimatic variables in March are more statistically significant than other two months. While recent observational studies attribute the decline of runoff for either annual total or cool and warm seasons to regional warming and precipitation decrease, we suggested, for the first time, that a larger decreasing trend of the runoff in March is caused by the declining cloud optical depth which induces further decrease in precipitation and additional increase in temperature on top of climatic warming. The extra warming can reduce available water resource in the basin likely by enhancing evaporation in March. The recent cloud suppression likely results from stronger subsidence and larger moisture flux divergence over southwestern United States because of abnormal circulation patterns in varying climate, in turn leading to drier atmosphere which is unfavorable for cloud formation/development over the UCRB region. The cloud influence on the runoff in March in the UCRB revealed in this study implies the importance of understanding subseasonal variations of hydroclimate in the changing climate, as well as a need of future studies on the response of circulation patterns to climate change at subseasonal level and its implication on local hydroclimate.
Detection of Polar Mesospheric Clouds Utilizing Himawari‐8/AHI Full‐Disk Images
Authors: Tsuda T. T. , Hozumi Y. , Kawaura K. , Tatsuzawa K. , Ando Y. , Hosokawa K. , Suzuki H. , Murata K. T. , Nakamura T. , Yue J. , Nielsen K.
Published: December 2021

With the objective of advancing the polar mesospheric cloud (PMC) detection capability by the Advanced Himawari Imager (AHI) onboard the Japanese geostationary‐Earth‐orbit (GEO) meteorological satellite Himawari‐8, a novel two‐step PMC detection technique applied to the Himawari‐8/AHI full‐disk images has been developed. The two‐step approach is dividing the PMC detection into stronger (the first step) and weaker (the second step) signals and enhances the detection capability while significantly decreasing the false PMC detections. The improved PMC sensitivity by Himawari‐8/AHI is comparable with the Cloud Imaging and Particle Size (CIPS) onboard the Aeronomy of Ice in the Mesosphere (AIM) satellite. With this encouraging result, PMC observations from Himawari‐8/AHI provide an additional extensive data set to the aeronomy and space science community.
Empirical Models of Ion Density Distribution in the Dayside Martian Ionosphere
Authors: Huang J.‐P. , Cao Y.‐T. , Cui J. , Hao Y.‐Q. , Wu X.‐S. , Wan X. , Li Q.‐L. , Zhong J.‐H. , Wei Y.
Published: December 2021

With the aid of the recent Neutral Gas and Ion Mass Spectrometer (NGIMS) measurements made onboard the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution spacecraft, we construct empirical models for the vertical density distributions of 12 species in the dayside Martian ionosphere over the altitude range of 150–450 km, from abundant species such as , , and O+ to trace species such as and OCOH+. Two different sets of formulism are proposed to parameterize the ion density distribution characterized either by a distinctive layer structure or by a near exponential decay above 150 km. Both the solar control and magnetic control of ion distribution are taken into account in our modelings. In general, our empirical models are in good agreement with the NGIMS measurements. The full set of parameters constrained by data‐model comparison is tabulated for reference. This allows the easy computation of any individual ion density profile for a unique combination of solar zenith angle, solar extreme ultraviolet flux, and ambient magnetic elevation, which in turn facilitates comparisons with photochemical model results. The empirical models reported in this study are an extension of previous empirical models constructed for the electron distribution in the dayside Martian ionosphere using both radar sounding and radio occultation data.
On the Interplay Between Solar Wind Parameters and ULF Wave Power as a Function of Geomagnetic Activity at High‐ and Mid‐latitudes
Authors: Dimitrakoudis Stavros , Mann Ian R. , Balasis Georgios , Papadimitriou Constantinos , Anastasiadis Anastasios , Daglis Ioannis A.
Published: December 2021

Using ground magnetometer measurements from the IMAGE array over the timespan of one solar cycle, we apply wavelets to statistically assess the power of ultra‐low frequency (ULF) waves from L = 3.34 to L = 13.6 as a function of Kp, solar wind speed (), solar wind dynamic pressure (), Dst, and . We find that although geomagnetic storms account for the overwhelming majority of ULF wave power at mid latitudes, this effect decreases for higher L‐shells. We present analysis of the effect of interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) on ULF wave power for different values of Kp and , revealing a strong inter‐dependency especially in relation to . A parameterization additionally incorporating appears to be more important at large‐L. Further, analysis for positive reveals a perhaps unexpected additional dependence on which points to effects of the interplanetary magnetic field cone angle and Kelvin‐Helmholtz instabilities. Finally, we derive ULF wave radial diffusion coefficients from the measured ULF wave power spectral densities and briefly discuss their importance for radiation belt dynamics. Interestingly, in part because of the correlation between Dst‐defined storm times and high Kp, we find that the low‐Kp radial diffusion coefficients during storms are higher than previously assumed almost certainly because of the dominance of nonstorm epochs in the statistics of median ULF wave power under conditions of low Kp. These inter‐dependencies should be taken into account in future specification models for ULF wave radial diffusion coefficients when applied in storm time simulations.
Ionospheric Disturbances and Irregularities During the 25–26 August 2018 Geomagnetic Storm
Authors: Astafyeva E. , Yasyukevich Y. V. , Maletckii B. , Oinats A. , Vesnin A. , Yasyukevich A. S. , Syrovatskii S. , Guendouz N.
Published: December 2021

We use ground‐based (GNSS, SuperDARN, and ionosondes) and space‐borne (Swarm, CSES, and DMSP) instruments to study ionospheric disturbances due to the 25–26 August 2018 geomagnetic storm. The strongest large‐scale storm‐time enhancements were detected over the Asian and Pacific regions during the main and early recovery phases of the storm. In the American sector, there occurred the most complex effects caused by the action of multiple drivers. At the beginning of the storm, a large positive disturbance occurred over North America at low and high latitudes, driven by the storm‐time reinforcement of the equatorial ionization anomaly (at low latitudes) and by particle precipitation (at high latitudes). During local nighttime hours, we observed numerous medium‐scale positive and negative ionospheric disturbances at middle and high latitudes that were attributed to a storm‐enhanced density (SED)‐plume, mid‐latitude ionospheric trough, and particle precipitation in the auroral zone. In South America, total electron content (TEC) maps clearly showed the presence of the equatorial plasma bubbles, that, however, were not seen in data of Rate‐of‐TEC‐change index (ROTI). Global ROTI maps revealed intensive small‐scale irregularities at high latitudes in both hemispheres within the auroral region. In general, the ROTI disturbance “imaged” quite well the auroral oval boundaries. The most intensive ionospheric fluctuations were observed at low and mid‐latitudes over the Pacific Ocean. The storm also affected the positioning accuracy by GPS receivers: during the main phase of the storm, the precise point positioning error exceeded 0.5 m, which is more than five times greater as compared to quiet days.
A Statistical Investigation of Inertia Gravity Wave Activity Based on MST Radar Observations at Xianghe (116.9°E, 39.8°N), China
Authors: Ning Wu Han , Huang Kai Ming , Zhang Shao Dong , Huang Chun Ming , Gong Yun , Ma Zheng
Published: December 2021

Using three‐dimensional wind observations from a Mesosphere‐Stratosphere‐Troposphere radar at Xianghe for two years from September 2011 to August 2013, we study inertia gravity wave (IGW) activity in the two height segments of 3–10 and 15–25 km to reveal the characteristics of waves in the source region at midlatitude. Case investigation indicates that three‐dimensional wind fluctuations are usually dominated by a strong IGW. Statistics on 15,617 IGWs extracted show that most waves have typical horizontal scales of tens to thousands of kilometers, the vertical scale of a few kilometers, intrinsic frequencies in 1–4 times the inertial frequency, and amplitudes of 1–4 ms−1 in horizontal winds but less than 0.3 ms−1 in the vertical wind. In the lower region, occurrence possibilities of upward and downward propagating waves are almost the same throughout the year. Whereas in the upper region, IGWs display a predominant upward propagation with a maximum of 85.3% in February but a minimum of 63.6% in July, and a preferential propagation in the zonal direction relative to the meridional direction. Meanwhile, wave energy has a prominent seasonal cycle with the maximum in winter and the minimum in summer. Subtropical jet, as wave source and propagation condition, plays an important role in these different features between the two regions. The annual average of momentum flux indicates that the IGWs in the lower stratosphere can apply a persistent eastward drag on the background flow at higher altitudes through momentum transported by these waves.
Investigating the Understanding of Oxidation Chemistry Using 20 Years of Airborne OH and HO2 Observations
Authors: Miller David O. , Brune William H.
Published: December 2021

Hydroxyl (OH) and hydroperoxyl (HO2) strongly influence the atmosphere's oxidation of gases emitted from Earth's surface and the formation and aging of aerosol particles. Thus, understanding OH and HO2 chemistry is essential for examining the impact of human activity on future atmospheric composition and climate. Using the OH and HO2 data set collected with the Penn State Airborne Tropospheric Hydrogen Oxides Sensor (ATHOS) during nine aircraft missions over the past 20 years, we compare observed OH and HO2 to that modeled using the same near‐explicit photochemical box model. In general, the agreement is well within the combined uncertainties of the observations and models, even when the model is constrained only with a common data set of simultaneous measurements. However, in environments such as cities, forests, and pollution plumes, the model chemical mechanism and size of the data set of constraining measurements do matter. The model constrained by the full set of measurements better simulates OH loss and OH in these regions than the model constrained by the common set of measurements. In cleaner regions, the differences between observed and modeled OH and HO2 found in previous studies generally remain and do not appear to be systematic, indicating that the differences are driven by measurement issues for ATHOS and/or other instruments. Thus, these comparisons indicate that the oxidation chemistry in most of the free troposphere is understood to as well as current measurements can determine. The focus of future research needs to be on regions rich in volatile organic compounds, where observed‐to‐modeled differences are more persistent, and on improving measurement consistency.
Large‐Scale Afforestation Over the Loess Plateau in China Contributes to the Local Warming Trend
Authors: Tian Lei , Zhang Baoqing , Wang Xuejin , Chen Shuoyu , Pan Baotian
Published: December 2021

Afforestation is a major anthropogenic forcing to the global and regional climate. However, the biophysical impacts of large‐scale afforestation on local temperature in temperate regions remain unclear, due to the closely matched but compensating radiative and non‐radiative effects. The Grain for Green Program (GFGP) is a large‐scale afforestation program implemented over the Loess Plateau (LP) in China. The GFGP thus provides an ideal platform to explore the temperature effect of afforestation. This study investigated such a temperature effect through long‐term, high‐resolution simulations incorporating satellite observations in a coupled land‐atmosphere model. With an optimal combination of physical schemes proposed by this study, we greatly improved the accuracy of regional climate modeling. The results reveal that the afforestation caused a significant decline (−0.50% yr−1) in albedo. An increment in net shortwave radiation mainly led to an increment in net radiation (7.95 W m−2). The afforestation also led to an increment in sensible heat flux (3.78 W m−2). Consequently, the afforestation caused a warming effect (0.36°C) in 2‐meter air temperature at the inter‐annual scale. At the intra‐annual scale, there was a cooling effect in July and August, while other months demonstrated a warming effect. The radiative effect dominated local temperature change induced by the afforestation over the LP. Therefore, the large‐scale afforestation contributed to the local warming trend. Our findings highlight the temperature effect of afforestation, and imply that more attention should be paid to future revegetation to carefully assess its potential influence on regional climate.
Contrasting Biophysical Controls on Carbon Dioxide and Methane Outgassing From Streams
Authors: Rovelli L. , Olde L. A. , Heppell C. M. , Binley A. , Yvon‐Durocher G. , Glud R. N. , Trimmer M.
Published: December 2021

Small headwater streams are recognized for intense outgassing to the atmosphere of climate‐relevant carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4). Though these headwaters are markedly oversaturated for both CO2 and CH4, the origins and controls over the fate of these two carbon‐gases are still poorly constrained, especially for the stronger greenhouse gas CH4. Here, by measuring stream‐based production of CO2 and CH4, concurrently with their rates of outgassing to the atmosphere, we identify distinct biophysical control mechanisms for each gas. We show that while CO2 is largely imported from the catchment in proportion to discharge, CO2 outgassing can be modulated by in‐stream metabolism to offset outgassing by up to 30% in spring and summer. In contrast, CH4 shows a non‐linear response to seasonal changes in discharge and is predominantly produced in the streambed in relation to sediment type. Further, once released from the streambed, outgassing of CH4 at the surface and flow‐driven dilution occur far more rapidly than biological methane oxidation and CH4 leaves the water largely unaltered by biology. Incorporating the intense carbon cycling of headwater streams into the global carbon cycle will require distinct parameterizations for each carbon gas in Earth system models.
Late Miocene‐Pliocene Vigorous Deep‐Sea Circulation in the Southeast Indian Ocean: Paleoceanographic and Tectonic Implications
Authors: Tagliaro Gabriel , Fulthorpe Craig S. , Watkins David K. , De Vleeschouwer David , Brumsack Hans , Bogus Kara , Lavier Luc L.
Published: December 2021

Deep ocean circulation in the Southern Hemisphere plays a central role in global ocean overturning circulation and determines ocean carbon sink variability on multimillion‐year timescales. For this reason, it is important to understand how deep currents that originate in the Southern Ocean responded to past climate fluctuations and changing temperature patterns in the Southern Hemisphere oceans. To investigate this feedback mechanism, we analyze deep‐sea sediment cores formed under the influence of bottom currents from the Mentelle Basin (International Ocean Discovery Program Sites U1513, U1514, and U1516), in the Southeastern Indian Ocean. We show that bottom current activity intensified in the Australian‐Antarctic Basin during the cooling intervals of the late Miocene (ca. 7.8–4.8 Ma) and late Pliocene (ca. 3.59–3.2 Ma). At those intervals, bulk grain‐sizes and terrigenous input increased, via current winnowing. Ferromanganese nodules and stratigraphic hiatuses are also observed within these periods, indicative of intense sediment erosion at the seafloor. Sediment accumulation and preservation in the basin was particularly low at the deep Site U1514 (3,838 m water depth), suggesting that enhanced current transport and sediment erosion occurred preferentially within the deepest parts of the basin. We suggest that bottom water fluxes in the Australian‐Antarctic Basin intensified during late Miocene and Pliocene cooling intervals, likely boosted by renewed Australian‐Antarctic Discordance spreading since the Miocene.
Distinct subcellular autophagy impairments in induced neurons from patients with Huntington's disease
Authors: Pircs Karolina , Drouin-Ouellet Janelle , Horváth Vivien , Gil Jeovanis , Rezeli Melinda , Garza Raquel , Grassi Daniela A , Sharma Yogita , St-Amour Isabelle , Harris Kate , Jönsson Marie E , Johansson Pia A , Vuono Romina , Fazal Shaline V , Stoker Thomas , Hersbach Bob A , Sharma Kritika , Lagerwall Jessica , Lagerström Stina , Storm Petter , Hébert Sébastien S , Marko-Varga György , Parmar Malin , Barker Roger A , Jakobsson Johan
Published: December 2021

Huntington's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by CAG expansions in the huntingtin (HTT) gene. Modelling Huntington's disease is challenging, as rodent and cellular models poorly recapitulate the disease as seen in ageing humans. To address this, we generated induced neurons through direct reprogramming of human skin fibroblasts, which retain age-dependent epigenetic characteristics.

Huntington's disease induced neurons (HD-iNs) displayed profound deficits in autophagy, characterized by reduced transport of late autophagic structures from the neurites to the soma. These neurite-specific alterations in autophagy resulted in shorter, thinner and fewer neurites specifically in HD-iNs. CRISPRi-mediated silencing of HTT did not rescue this phenotype but rather resulted in additional autophagy alterations in control induced neurons, highlighting the importance of wild-type HTT in normal neuronal autophagy.

In summary, our work identifies a distinct subcellular autophagy impairment in adult patient derived Huntington's disease neurons and provides a new rationale for future development of autophagy activation therapies.
Incidence and Mortality of Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis in Ukraine: Analysis of National Surveillance Data
Authors: Khalife Sara , Jenkins Helen E , Dolynska Mariia , Terleieva Iana , Varchenko Iurii , Liu Tao , Carter E Jane , Horsburgh C Robert , Rybak Natasha R , Petrenko Vasyl , Chiang Silvia S
Published: December 2021

Background

Improved understanding of the epidemiology and mortality risk factors of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) may facilitate successful diagnosis and management.

Methods

We analyzed national surveillance data from Ukraine to characterize EPTB subtypes (ie, localized in different anatomic sites). We calculated annual reported incidence, stratified by age, sex, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status. Using Cox regression, we estimated mortality risk factors.

Results

Between January 2015 and November 2018, 14 062 adults/adolescents (≥15 years) and 417 children (<15 years) had EPTB with or without concomitant pulmonary TB. The most commonly reported EPTB subtypes were pleural, peripheral lymph node, and osteoarticular. Most EPTB subtype notifications peaked at age 30–39 years and were higher in males. In adults/adolescents, most peripheral TB lymphadenitis, central nervous system (CNS) TB, and abdominal TB occurred in those with untreated HIV. CNS TB notifications in people without HIV peaked before age 5 years. Adults/adolescents with CNS TB (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 3.22; 95% CI: 2.89–3.60) and abdominal TB (aHR: 1.83; 95% CI: 1.59–2.11) were more likely to die than those with pulmonary TB. Children with CNS TB were more likely to die (aHR: 88.25; 95% CI: 43.49–179.10) than those with non-CNS TB. Among adults/adolescents, older age and HIV were associated with death. Rifampicin resistance was associated with mortality in pleural, peripheral lymph node, and CNS TB.

Conclusions

We identified the most common EPTB subtypes by age and sex, patterns of EPTB disease by HIV status, and mortality risk factors. These findings can inform diagnosis and care for people with EPTB.
Investigation of the effects of high-carbon alcohol addition to camelina oil methyl ester on the performance parameters and soot emission of a diesel engine
Authors: Karabektas Murat , Yilancilar Mehmet Sabit
Published: December 2021

Reasons such as environmental problems and price instability have increased the interest in alternative energy sources. Biodiesel, which is a renewable alternative to diesel fuel, is among the most popular alternative fuels. Biodiesel is a biofuel obtained from the esterification of various oils such as vegetable, animal, waste frying and microalgae oils. In this study, the camelina plant, which has great potential in biodiesel production with its outstanding economic and agricultural characteristics, was preferred. The biodiesel was obtained from the camelina oil by the transesterification method, and the effects of adding different amounts of high-carbon alcohol (n-pentanol) to the biodiesel on the performance and formation of soot emissions of a diesel engine were investigated. High-carbon alcohols exhibit better fuel properties compared to low-carbon alcohols such as methanol and ethanol. Due to the increase in the number of carbons in the structure of alcohol, the cetane number and heat value increase, while the self-ignition temperature and the tendency to knock decrease. The engine experiments were carried out with four different fuels, namely diesel fuel (D100), biodiesel (B100), 10% pentanol added biodiesel (B90P10) and 20% pentanol added biodiesel (B80P20), at full-load variable-speed conditions. The experimental results revealed an improvement in the engine performance with the addition of 10% pentanol to biodiesel, while the performance parameters get worse with increasing pentanol ratio. In addition, due to the oxygen content of pentanol, it has been determined that it has positive effect on reducing the smoke emissions.
Improving Colonoscopy Bowel Preparation and Reducing Patient Anxiety Through Recently Developed Online Information Resource: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Jain Avni , Jain Ruchi , Nugent Zoann , Solati Zahra , Davidson Dylan , Shafer Leigh Anne , Restall Gayle , Reynolds Kristin , Singh Harminder
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Invasive medical procedures such as colonoscopies can cause psychological distress and anxiety. Mycolonoscopy.ca is a multilanguage website that provides online written and video information (individual items reported in prior publications to be highly rated by patients) regarding preparation and what to expect before, during, and after colonoscopy. Information about how to access the website is included with all colonoscopy appointment materials in Winnipeg, Manitoba. We evaluated the use of mycolonoscopy.ca among patients undergoing colonoscopy and examined the association between visitation to the website and patient outcomes.

Methods

A paper-based survey was distributed to patients attending their colonoscopy appointments between 11/2019 and 3/2020. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the factors associated with website visitation, procedural worry, and bowel preparation scores.

Results

Five hundred and ninety-three surveys were distributed, of which 506 were completed. 17.4% of participants had visited the website before their colonoscopy. Visitors to mycolonoscopy.ca were more likely to consume a split-dose bowel preparation (63.9%) compared with non-visitors (52.5%) (P = 0.006). 31.3% of website visitors were very/extremely worried about their colonoscopy compared with 17.9% of non-visitors. 76.6% of individuals agreed/strongly agreed that visiting the website helped them prepare for their colonoscopy and 69.7% who visited the website agreed/strongly agreed that it helped to reduce their stress/anxiety for the procedure. In multivariable analyses, visitation to website was associated with higher adequate bowel preparation (OR:10.55; 95% CI:1.35 to 82.4).

Conclusion

Use of an informative online platform such as mycolonoscopy.ca can help to improve patient education before colonoscopy, reduce worry surrounding the procedure, and improve bowel preparation.