bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Current State of Snakebite Care in Kenya, Uganda, and Zambia: Healthcare Workers’ Perspectives and Knowledge, and Health Facilities’ Treatment Capacity
Authors: Ooms Gaby I. , van Oirschot Janneke , Waldmann Benjamin , von Bernus Sophie , van den Ham Hendrika A. , Mantel-Teeuwisse Aukje K. , Reed Tim
Published: November 2020

Snakebites continue to be a public health concern in sub-Saharan Africa, where availability of appropriate medical treatment is rare, even though death and disability can be prevented with timely intervention. A challenge is the lack of sociopolitical studies to inform health policies. This study aimed to identify snakebite patient profiles, healthcare workers’ (HCWs) knowledge of snakebite, and facilities’ snakebite treatment capacity in Kenya, Uganda, and Zambia to inform interventions to improve access to appropriate treatment. The research comprised a cross-sectional key informant survey among HCWs from health facilities in Kenya (n = 145), Uganda (n = 144), and Zambia (n = 108). Data were collected between March 2018 and November 2019. Most of the HCWs suggested that the number of snakebite incidents was similar between the genders, that most patients were aged 21–30 years, and most people were bitten when farming or walking. Overall, only 12% of HCWs had received formal training in snakebite management. Only about 20% of HCWs in each country said their health facility had the medicines needed to treat snakebites, with antivenom available in 0–34% of facilities across the sectors and countries, and snakebites were not systematically recorded. This research shows that an integrative approach through policies to increase resource allocation for health system strengthening, including community education, HCW training, and improved access to snakebite treatment, is needed. Part of this approach should include regulations that ensure antivenoms available in health facilities meet quality control standards and that snakebites are accommodated into routine reporting systems to assess progress.
Providing Ancillary Care in Clinical Research: A Case of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma during a Malaria Vaccine Trial in Equatorial Guinea
Authors: Manock Stephen R. , Mtoro Ali , Urbano Nsue Ndong Vicente , Olotu Ally , Chemba Mwajuma , Sama Roca Antonio E. , Eburi Esther , García Guillermo A. , Cortes Falla Carlos , Niemczura de Carvalho Julie , Contreras Jaime , Saturno Baltasar , Riocalo Juan de Dios , Nze Mba José Luis , Koka Rima , Lee Seung Tae , Menon Hari , Church L. W. Preston , Ayekaba Mitoha Ondo’o , Billingsley Peter F. , Abdulla Salim , Richie Thomas L. , Hoffman Stephen L.
Published: November 2020

Providing medical care for participants in clinical trials in resource-limited settings can be challenging and costly. Evaluation and treatment of a young man who developed cervical lymphadenopathy during a malaria vaccine trial in Equatorial Guinea required concerted efforts of a multinational, multidisciplinary team. Once a diagnosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma was made, the patient was taken to India to receive immunochemotherapy. This case demonstrates how high-quality medical care was provided for a serious illness that occurred during a trial that was conducted in a setting in which positron emission tomography for diagnostic staging, an oncologist for supervision of treatment, and an optimal therapeutic intervention were not available. Clinical researchers should anticipate the occurrence of medical conditions among study subjects, clearly delineate the extent to which health care will be provided, and set aside funds commensurate with those commitments.
A Novel Construction and Block Error Rate Analysis of Polar Codes with Short Messgage Transmission over Different Channels
Authors: A Sai Naga Sri and Dr. S V R K Rao
Published: November 2020

Polar codes are usually constructed to minimize the upper bound of a block error ratio (BLER). In this paper,
we discuss the estimation of the exact BLERs of polar codes as well as the construction of polar codes.
Assuming that successive cancellation (SC) decoding is employed, we present a method for estimating the
exact BLER of polar codes with the help of Gaussian approximation (GA). A new approach is proposed to
construct polar codes over different channels (Awgn and Rayleigh+) with short message transmission
scheme , aimed at minimizing the exact BLER, instead of the upper bound of the BLER. Analysis indicates
that the new approach less complex than the existing methods. It is also shown that the proposed scheme is
outperforms than conventional methods and are visualized in simulation results.
Eradication of Elephant Mortality and Injuries Due
to Railway Accidents Using LOAD CELL and
Wireless Technology
Authors: Durga Shankar Roy and Rhijisha Dutta Abhishek Roy, Barnali Guha
Published: November 2020

One of the most recent reasons behind decreasing the population of elephants, is railway accident. This
report explains the process to reduce elephant mortality and injuries due to railway accidents by the use of
Load cell and Wireless technology. When thethreshold weight value of Load cell exceeds, it is detected by a
buzzer system connected to the whole set up.After receiving the buzzer signal,position and movements of the
elephant with respect to the load cell boundaries around railway track, is tracked by GPS technology and
monitored by the nearest forest department and the railway authority. This system is flexible and easy to
implement and can be beneficial for saving the wild lives, and to reduce the related complexities like railway
accidents, destruction of vegetation and threat to human life in the occasion of straying of elephants out of
their habitation zone.
Transformation of Existing SI Engine to Work with
Pressurized Air
Authors: P.Srinivas Reddy
Published: November 2020

This project is an attempt to highlight the various possibilities of acquiring an environmentally friendly
and efficient power source. The use of high pressure, expanding gas, to power the engine piston is the
fundamental process in the function of all engines with reciprocating pistons. In this project we have used
highly pressurized gas to cause reciprocation of the piston and thereby produce power. This gas is
introduced into the engine cylinder at the Top Dead Center position of the piston through a timing valve,
thereby giving the gas the maximum capacity to impart its force on the piston. The emission from this process
is nil and 100% environmentally friendly. We have shown that with the smallest of changes in our existing
engine design we can incorporate this technology in our present modes of transportation. The simple yet
dramatic change brought by this system is according to us the most significant aspect of our invention. We
have shown a positive way of implementing this technology and as always with any system; this has
tremendous potential for improvement and perfection
Traffic Signs Detection Using Machine Learning
Algorithms
Authors: Yugam Bajaj and Shallu Bashambu
Published: November 2020

With the rapid advancement and developments in the Automobile industry, that day is not far when each
of us would be owning their own Autonomous Vehicle. Although manufacturing of a full proof Autonomous
Vehicle has its own fair share of challenges. The main challenge that lies in front of us, is imbibing the latest
technologies and advancements into the conventional vehicles we already have. This paper discusses one
such technology that we can incorporate in our vehicle, to direct the Conventional Vehicle into becoming an
Autonomous Vehicle in future. The user would be able to classify Traffic Signs on Road, which would help
him/her to understand what that sign signifies, i.e. what rules the driver must follow while driving on that
particular road.
We use Machine Learning Classification Algorithms like k-Nearest Neighbors, Random Forest and Support
Vector Machine on our dataset, to compute the best accuracies in the process as well.
Técnicas de envilecimiento: Una reflexión desde el pensamiento de Gabriel Marcel
Authors: Castellón Martín José Joaquín
Published: November 2020

Este artículo es una reflexión de la crítica de Gabriel Marcel sobre la tecnología; proponiendo las líneas de fuerza de su pensamiento, poniéndolas en el contexto en el que fue escrita. Continúa la reflexión de Marcel aplicando sus intuiciones a la situación de nuestro mundo tecnificado, especialmente en lo que se refiere a las redes sociales. Es una introducción viva al pensamiento del autor francés no desde un punto de vista sistemático, sino desde el diálogo con su pensamiento.
Imitation modeling as a factor of increasing competitiveness of students of secondary vocational education
Authors: Shekhovtsova D. N.
Published: November 2020

The training of highly qualified specialists for the railway industry is impossible without the application of a new strategy for the development of the educational process. It should include new forms and methods based on the advanced achievements of science and technology. Comprehensive work on introducing modern interactive simulators into the educational process becomes necessary and appropriate. They imitate the operation of real mechanisms, systems and equipment. Of particular relevance is the simulation of production processes. This is one of the effective methods that helps to acquire scientific knowledge, help to work out and simulate a training or production situation. As an example, we consider a model for the organization of the educational process for college students, based on the basis of system-activity and competency-based approaches. These approaches are aimed at the active use of imitation modeling in the educational process. Experience shows that such educational activities contribute to the better assimilation of academic knowledge through their systematization, algorithmization and elaboration at different levels, taking into account intersubject communications. Such work complements knowledge with good skills. It makes them more durable due to active practical training and immersion in the subject. Such work brings students closer to real working conditions, and therefore forms students’ qualities and competencies inherent in a competitive specialist in the railway industry.
Analysis of approaches to determining the throughput capacities of transport infrastructure facilities
Authors: Volodin A. B. , Lutay A. P. , Kurenkov P. V.
Published: November 2020

The subject of the research is the analysis of approaches to determining the bandwidth of transport infrastructure facilities. The bandwidth is influenced by many factors, depending on the technical parameters of the infrastructure. Therefore, in order to obtain reliable data, indicators are taken into account that characterize the interaction of objects and infrastructure in various conditions. Analytical, marketing, project methods were used; methods of modeling, logistics, visualization, lean manufacturing; materials of general access to the Internet resources of transportation companies and other participants in the transportation process. A comparison of transport bandwidth is presented. It was revealed that the throughput capacity of devices is focused most of all on the volume of traffic in various spheres of industry and production. All calculation methods are reduced to determining the maximum number of objects that the infrastructure can pass in a unit of time in the considered road transport and weather and climatic conditions. It was found that the existing approaches to determining the bandwidth of transport infrastructure objects take into account many indicators and conditions of interaction between subjects and infrastructure objects in different models of behavior, show how effectively a certain element of the supply chain is functioning, and also identify bottlenecks that impede the smooth operation of the system.
State of Climate Action: Assessing Progress toward 2030 and 2050
Authors: Lebling Katie , Ge Mengpin , Levin Kelly , Waite Richard , Friedrich Johannes , Elliott Cynthia , Chan Christina , Ross Katie , Stolle Fred , Harris Nancy
Published: November 2020

To keep the window open to limit global warming to 1.5 C, countries need to accelerate transformation towards a net-zero emissions future across all sectors at a far faster pace than recent trends, according to this report from World Resources Institute and ClimateWorks Foundation, with input from Climate Action Tracker. For example, the report finds that to get on track for the emission cuts required by 2030, the world needs to: Accelerate the increased share of renewables in electricity generation five times faster; Phase out coal in electricity generation five times faster; Reduce the carbon intensity of electricity generation three times faster; Accelerate the uptake of electric vehicles 22 times faster than the significant rates of adoption in recent years; Accelerate the increase in the share of low-carbon fuels by eight times faster; and Accelerate the increase in annual tree cover gain five times faster. The rapid transformation needed to halve emissions by 2030 will require significant financial investments, technology transfer and capacity-building for developing countries. While climate finance has increased significantly in recent years across the public, private and philanthropic sectors, it is still not at the scale needed to revolutionize our energy and transportation systems, accelerate energy efficiency and protect forests. Estimates indicate that between $1.6 and $3.8 trillion per year will be needed through 2050 to transform the energy system alone. Experience has shown that transformative change can happen at an exponential, non-linear rate. Systemic changes that once seemed impossible have ultimately been achieved, such as technological advances with cars, phones and computers. A rapid transition to a zero-carbon future offers the same opportunity — but only with smart and proactive investments in key sectors. The report outlines opportunities within all six sectors to align emissions trajectories with what the science suggests is necessary to avoid the worst climate impacts. Countries, businesses, philanthropy and others must urgently put in place policies, incentives and financial investments to accelerate us toward that safer, prosperous and more equitable future.
Following the Money Isn’t Enough: How Civil Society Organizations Provide Accountability for Climate Adaptation Finance
Authors: Krishnan Nisha
Published: November 2020

This paper highlights how civil society organizations can play critical roles in establishing transparent and accountable climate finance systems that put communities at the center of decision-making. It draws from the Adaptation Finance Accountability Initiative’s experiences in Ethiopia and Uganda as well as lessons learned from similar efforts in Bangladesh, Kenya, and the Philippines. It offers valuable information to help civil society organizations build their engagement and capacity on climate adaptation finance.
Análisis jurídico de algunos de los aspectos más controvertidos del ajuste secundario: un camino interpretativo en evolución
Authors:   ESADE Law School (Universidad Ramon Llull), Ferrer Diana
Published: November 2020

La entrada en el terreno de juego del ajuste secundario en el 2006 fue una de las modificaciones sustanciales del régimen de operaciones vinculadas. Su aterrizaje podría decirse que no ha sido del todo plácido, habiendo sorteado en menos de una década el planteamiento de una cuestión de inconstitucionalidad, así como un cambio normativo. Recientemente los tribunales se han pronunciado de manera clara y contundente en relación a la automaticidad del ajuste secundario y la carga de la prueba. El presente estudio pretende profundizar en estos aspectos, así como en otros que siguen generando un interesante debate técnico, como es la necesidad de calificar el exceso de rentas respecto todos los supuestos de vinculación o el efecto devastador que supone la fragmentación en la calificación de fondos en función del porcentaje de participación, entre otros.
La prórroga de los presupuestos en el Estado y en las Comunidades Autónomas
Authors:   Universidad de Granada, Pallarés Rosario
Published: November 2020

En este trabajo abordamos la problemática de la prórroga de los presupuestos, tanto el Presupuesto del Estado como el Presupuesto de las distintas Comunidades Autónomas. El recurso a la prórroga del presupuesto debe ser una medida excepcional, pero, sin embargo, en la actualidad, y sobre todo en el Estado, se está convirtiendo en una medida ordinaria. ¿Se puede gobernar año tras año con unos Presupuestos prorrogados sencillamente por no presentar el Gobierno un proyecto de presupuestos a aprobar por el Parlamento? ¿Entran en colisión las competencias del Gobierno y las del Parlamento cuando no se presentan los proyectos de presupuestos al Parlamento?
PRIMARY PERCUTANEOUS CORONARY INTERVENTION IN A PATIENT WITH IDIOPATHIC THROMBOCYTOPENIC PURPURA: CHALLENGES WE FACE
Authors: Ali Nauman , Iqbal Mudasser
Published: November 2020

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a common hematologic disease of variable clinical severity. Low platelet counts is the clinical hallmark of disease. We report a case of young male patient with ITP who presented twice with acute myocardial infarction (MI) and reinfarction. He underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on both occasions. We highlighted the management difficulties of interventional procedure like to decide whether do only balloon angioplasty, implant bare metal stent (BMS) or drug eluting stent (DES), duration of  dual antiplatelet agent (DAPT) and final outcome of our patient.
A Purely Mathematical Proof of Riemann Hypothesis
Authors: Deloin Robert
Published: November 2020

Riemann hypothesis (RH) is the conjecture that the real part of every non-trivial
zero of the Riemann zeta function is 1/2.
The main contribution of this paper is to achieve the proof of Riemann hypothesis.
The key idea to do it is to choose a counter-hypothesis to RH and show that it leads
to a (double) contradiction.
MSC 2010 classification numbers: Primary 11A41, 11M06, 11M26.

Keywords: Riemann Hypothesis, Prime, Conjecture.
Políticas Identitárias
Authors: Gomes Jorge Henrique Oliveira de Souza
Published: November 2020

O objetivo do presente ensaio é abordar, prioritariamente a partir da lente analítica da ciência política, as ideias apresentadas em dois artigos essenciais de dois expoentes do pensamento liberal contemporâneo: “Against Identity Politics”, de Francis Fukuyama, e “The End of Identity Liberalism”, de Mark Lilla. Quais as minúcias teóricas, os acertos de diagnóstico, as possibilidades e consequências argumentativas que podemos encontrar nesses dois textos? Ao mesmo tempo, quais as contradições e imprecisões encontradas nesses manifestos? Como explicar o caso do Brasil com base na lógica apresentada pelos autores nesses dois escritos? Observou-se que há um certo receio dos autores, representantes célebres do liberalismo americano contemporâneo, em reconhecer as políticas identitárias como extensão natural do próprio debate liberal. Há uma tensão inerente entre as bandeiras universalistas propostas pelo liberalismo e as pautas grupais promovidas pelos movimentos identitários. Ao mesmo tempo, existe uma possibilidade de conciliação entre o discurso liberal e as pautas identitárias, que tem sido, no geral, pouco explorada pelos baluartes do liberalismo atual. A dosagem das críticas liberais abordadas neste ensaio em relação às políticas identitárias é peça essencial nesse debate. É importante que se reconheça os limites dos discursos identitários. Contudo, as críticas liberais, resumidas nos manifestos de Fukuyama e Lilla, devem ser sempre pautadas numa conciliação, e não no rechaço puro e simples, entre o liberalismo universalista e as pautas particulares, sob risco de um divórcio total que acabaria gerando apenas mais distanciamento e desconfiança entre minorias injustiçadas e a retórica liberal.
The COVID-19 pandemic and the degrowth movement: Reframing and rethinking economic and social relations
Authors: Borges Silva Lívia Mara
Published: November 2020

After a long period of supremacy for a growth-addicted paradigm, the historic rupture caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has opened a window for a potential global review of our political, economic, and social spheres. In an attempt to decouple growth and well-being, the degrowth movement is spreading – especially in the Global North – alternatives to achieving social well-being within ecological boundaries. This new perspective aims to reorient the values driving political and economic agendas and to reword them through the lenses of solidarity and care. The current unprecedented health crisis has ushered in a period of revisions and discussions about these new development concepts. Despite the negative consequences of the pandemic, then, it has successfully shown the fragility of current economic models and contributed to debates about the sort of policies advocated by degrowth. This article discusses the principles of degrowth and its connections and contributions to the current scenario.
Analisis Pelayanan Klaim Meninggal Dunia terhadap Kepuasan Nasabah (Ahli Waris) pada PT Asuransi Jiwasraya (Persero Kantor Cabang), Palembang Kota
Authors: Umpu Malwa Rosyidah
Published: November 2020

Permasalahan yang dirumuskan dalam penelitian ini adalah bagaimana pelayanan klaim meninggal dunia terhadap kepuasan nasabah (ahli waris) pada PT Asuransi Jiwasraya (Persero) kantor cabang Palembang Kota. Metode penelitian yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode kualitatif. Metode ini berpangkal dari peristiwa-peristiwa yang terjadi di lapangan. Peneliti melakukan observasi dengan mendatangi langsung PT Asuransi Jiwasraya (Persero) di kantor cabang Palembang Kota sebagai objek penelitian. Berdasarkan temuan yang ada, diperoleh kesimpulan pelayanan klaim meninggal dunia terhadap kepuasan nasabah (ahli waris) pada PT Asuransi Jiwasraya (Persero) kantor cabang Palembang Kota sudah sesuai aturan yang ada, yakni petugas pertanggungan dan nasabah telah mengikuti proses administrasi dan syarat-syarat yang diperlukan untuk pengajuan suatu klaim.
Destaque Biográfico
Authors: Bettencourt Mateus Miguel Santana
Published: November 2020

Destaque Biográfico do Prof. Doutor Miguel Santana Bettencourt Mateus, Coeditor de Ciências Médicas da RevSALUS.
Programa de intervenção em crianças com perturbação da comunicação: capacitação e grau de satisfação dos cuidadores
Authors: Lopes Joana
Published: November 2020

Introdução: Em crianças com diagnóstico de Perturbação da Comunicação é essencial capacitar os parceiros comunicativos como agentes de intervenção, dando continuidade ao uso de estratégias terapêuticas contingentes, nas rotinas diárias, melhorando o desenvolvimento comunicativo e a interação; Objetivo: Apresenta-se uma proposta de programa de intervenção, funcional, centrado nos cuidadores, para crianças em idade pré-escolar com diagnóstico de Perturbação da Comunicação pretendendo-se: i) Capacitar os cuidadores no que se refere à identificação de necessidades de comunicação/linguagem e utilização de estratégias contingentes num contexto natural; ii) Determinar o grau de satisfação dos cuidadores relativamente ao programa implementado; Material e Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo de série de caso, expondo a elaboração de um programa de intervenção semiestruturado (8 a 10 sessões) com participação ativa dos cuidadores, baseado em estratégias das metodologias: Floor-time e “It Takes Two to Talk” com recurso ao vídeo modeling; Resultados: Implementou-se o programa com quatro crianças com idades entre os 3 e os 5 anos e os respetivos cuidadores. Avaliaram-se as crianças quanto ao perfil de comunicação/linguagem, no início e no final e constatou-se que evoluíram. Identificaram-se os comportamentos a modificar na interação dos cuidadores e aplicou-se um questionário de satisfação. Os cuidadores manifestaram ter tomado maior consciência sobre as dificuldades/necessidades das crianças e quais as formas de as abordar, e responderam positivamente ao questionário dado; Conclusões: O programa de intervenção apresentado carece ainda de continuidade na sua aplicação, mas revelou-se do interesse dos cuidadores, capacitando-os como parceiros terapêuticos e potenciando a evolução das crianças.
Aerosol radiative effect during the summer 2019 heatwave produced
partly by an inter-continental Saharan dust outbreak. 1. Shortwave
dust-induced direct impact
Authors: Córdoba-Jabonero Carmen , Sicard Michaël , López-Cayuela María-Ángeles , Ansmann Albert , Comerón Adolfo , Zorzano María-Paz , Rodríguez-Gómez Alejandro , Muñoz-Pocar Constantino
Published: November 2020

Abstract. The shortwave (SW) direct radiative effect during the summer 2019 heatwave produced partly by a moderate, long-lasting Saharan dust outbreak over Europe is analysed in this study. Two European sites (periods) are considered: Barcelona, Spain, (23–30 June) and Leipzig, Germany (29–30 June). Major data are obtained from AERONET and MPLNET observations. Modelling is used to describe the different dust pathways. The dust coarse (Dc) and fine (Df) components (total dust, DD = Dc + Df) are separated in the profiles of the total particle backscatter coefficient using the POLIPHON method in synergy with MPLNET measurements. This information is used to calculate the relative mass loading and the centre-of-mass height, as well as the contribution of each dust mode to the DD radiative effect (DRE). The mean dust optical depth and its Df / DD ratios are, respectively, 0.153 and 24 % in Barcelona and 0.039 and 38 % in Leipzig. The dust produced a cooling effect on the surface with a daily mean DRE (Df / DD DRE ratio) of −9.1 W m−2 (37 %) in Barcelona and −2.5 W m−2 (52 %) in Leipzig. Although less intense than on surface, a cooling is also observed at the top-of-the-atmosphere (TOA), where the Df / DD DRE ratio is even though higher (45 % and 60 %, respectively, in Barcelona and Leipzig). Despite the predominance of Dc particles under dusty conditions, the SW radiative impact of Df particles can be comparable to, even higher than, that induced by the Dc ones. In particular, the Df / DD DRE ratio in Barcelona increases by +2.4 % (surface) and +2.9 % (TOA) day−1 along the dusty period. These results are especially relevant for the next ESA EarthCARE mission (planned in 2022), as devoted to aerosol-cloud-radiation interaction research.
Variations of low temperature fumaroles as a tool for detecting changes in volcanic activity state: a brief overview
Authors: Madonia Paolo
Published: November 2020

Abstract. Fumarolic fields, especially those with near-surface soil temperature <100 ∘C, are very common features of active or quiescent volcanoes, with both open or closed conduits. Their spatial extent, as well as the time variability of their temperature, are conditioned by three main factors: (1) Local hydro-meteorological conditions; (2) Vapor flow from the underlying volcanic-hydrothermal system; (3) Permeability variation induced by stress field changes and/or deposition dissolution cycles of hydrothermal alteration minerals. Once depurated from the exogenous noise, time variations of the thermal signal, in term of both short-lasting transients and medium/long term trends, reflect changes in the activity state of the related volcanic system, and/or of seismic activity, also of tectonic origin, affecting volcanoes. Theoretical models of heat transfer processes are discussed, highlighting how it is very difficult distinguish between conductive and convective mechanisms or calculating heat fluxes: as a consequence, thermal data from low temperature fumaroles should be used as qualitative proxies of volcano-tectonic phenomena acting on the monitored volcanoes. Following the description of the measuring systems and of the criteria for designing a performing network for thermal monitoring of fumaroles, some case histories from Italian volcanoes (Vulcano, Stromboli, Mt. Etna, Mt. Vesuvius) are presented, illustrating how in the last years the monitoring of low temperature fumaroles have given useful insights on the evolution of the activity state of these volcanoes.
Reconstructing past variations in environmental conditions and paleoproductivity over the last  ∼ 8000 years off north-central Chile (30° S)
Authors: Muñoz Práxedes , Rebolledo Lorena , Dezileau Laurent , Maldonado Antonio , Mayr Christoph , Cárdenas Paola , Lange Carina B. , Lalangui Katherine , Sanchez Gloria , Salamanca Marco , Araya Karen , Jara Ignacio , Easton Gabriel , Ramos Marcel
Published: November 2020

Abstract. The aim of this project was to establish past variations in the main
oceanographic and climatic features of a transitional semiarid ecosystem on
the north-central Chilean coast. We analyzed recent sedimentary records
retrieved from two bays, Guanaqueros and Tongoy (30∘ S), for
geochemical and biological analyses, including the following: sensitive
redox trace elements, biogenic opal, total organic carbon (TOC), diatoms
and stable isotopes of organic carbon and nitrogen. Three remarkable periods
were established with different environmental conditions and productivities:
(1) > 6600 cal BP, (2) 4500–1800 cal BP and (3) 140 cal BP to
the present (2015 CE). The first period was characterized by a remarkably
higher productivity (higher diatom abundances and opal) in which large
fluxes of organic compounds were also inferred from the accumulation of
elements, such as Ba, Ca, Ni, Cd and P, in the sediments. Meanwhile,
significantly reduced conditions at the bottom of the bays were suggested
based on the large accumulation of Mo, Re and U, showing a peak at 6600 cal BP, when sulfidic conditions could have been present. According to the
pollen moisture index (PMI), this was also identified as the driest interval.
These conditions should be associated with an intensification of the
Southern Pacific Subtropical Anticyclone (SPSA) and stronger southerly western
winds, emulating La Niña-like conditions, as has been described for
the SE Pacific during the early Holocene and part of the mid-Holocene.
During most of the second period, lower productivity was observed; however,
a small increase was identified between 3400 and 4000 cal BP, although lower
amounts of diatom (valves g−1) and nutrient-type metal accumulations
were evident. Anoxic conditions at the bottom of the bays changed to an
almost stable suboxic condition during this time interval. The third period
was marked by intense oxygenation after 1800 cal BP, as observed by a
drastic change in the accumulation of U, Mo and Re. This was followed by a
return to more reduced conditions over the past 2 centuries, characterized
by a small productivity rise after ∼140 cal BP, as suggested
by the opal accumulations. Overall, lower primary productivity, lower
reduced conditions at the bottom and higher-humidity conditions were
established after 6600 cal BP to the present. We suggest that the
oxygenation might be associated with a weak effect from the oxygen minimum
zone over the shelf and intensified El Niño activity, introducing
oxygenated waters to the coastal zones through the propagation of equatorial
waves and establishment of conditions that reduced the primary productivity
from the mid-Holocene toward the beginning of the modern era.
Worldwide version-controlled database of glacier thickness observations
Authors: Welty Ethan , Zemp Michael , Navarro Francisco , Huss Matthias , Fürst Johannes J. , Gärtner-Roer Isabelle , Landmann Johannes , Machguth Horst , Naegeli Kathrin , Andreassen Liss M. , Farinotti Daniel , Li Huilin ,   GlaThiDa Contributors
Published: November 2020

Abstract. Although worldwide inventories of glacier area have been coordinated
internationally for several decades, a similar effort for glacier ice
thicknesses was only initiated in 2013. Here, we present the third
version of the Glacier Thickness Database (GlaThiDa v3), which includes
3 854 279 thickness measurements distributed over
roughly 3000 glaciers worldwide. Overall, 14 % of
global glacier area is now within 1 km of a thickness
measurement (located on the same glacier) – a significant improvement
over GlaThiDa v2, which covered only 6 % of global glacier
area and only 1100 glaciers. Improvements in measurement
coverage increase the robustness of numerical interpolations and model
extrapolations, resulting in better estimates of regional to global
glacier volumes and their potential contributions to sea-level rise. In this paper, we summarize the sources and compilation of glacier
thickness data and the spatial and temporal coverage of the resulting
database. In addition, we detail our use of open-source metadata formats
and software tools to describe the data, validate the data format and
content against this metadata description, and track changes to the data
following modern data management best practices. Archived versions of
GlaThiDa are available from the World Glacier Monitoring Service
(e.g., v3.1.0, from which this paper was generated:
https://doi.org/10.5904/wgms-glathida-2020-10;
GlaThiDa Consortium, 2020), while the development version is
available on GitLab (https://gitlab.com/wgms/glathida, last access: 9 November 2020).
A photogrammetry-based approach for soil bulk density measurements with an emphasis on applications to cosmogenic nuclide analysis
Authors: Mohren Joel , Binnie Steven A. , Rink Gregor M. , Knödgen Katharina , Miranda Carlos , Tilly Nora , Dunai Tibor J.
Published: November 2020

Abstract. The quantification of soil bulk density (ρB) is a cumbersome and time-consuming task when traditional soil density sampling techniques are applied. However, it can be important for terrestrial cosmogenic nuclide (TCN) production rate scaling when deriving ages or surface process rates from buried samples, in particular when short-lived TCNs such as in situ 14C are applied. Here, we show that soil density determinations can be made using structure-from-motion multi-view
stereo (SfM-MVS) photogrammetry-based volume reconstructions of sampling
pits. Accuracy and precision tests as found in the literature and as
conducted in this study clearly indicate that photographs taken from both a
consumer-grade digital single-lens mirrorless (DSLM) and a smartphone camera are of sufficient quality to produce accurate and precise modelling results, i.e. to regularly reproduce the “true” volume and/or density by
>95 %. This finding holds also if a freeware-based computing workflow is applied. The technique has been used to measure ρB along three small-scale (<1 km) N–S transects located in the semi-arid to arid Altos de Talinay, northern central Chile (∼30.5∘ S, ∼71.7∘ W), during a TCN sampling campaign. Here, long-term differences in microclimatic conditions between south-facing and north-facing slopes (SFSs and NFSs, respectively) explain a sharp contrast in vegetation cover, slope gradient and general soil condition patterns. These contrasts are also reflected by the soil density data, generally coinciding with lower densities on SFSs. The largest differences between NFSs and SFSs are evident in the lower portion of the respective slopes, close to the thalwegs. In general, field-state soil bulk densities were found to vary by about 0.6 g cm−3 over a few tens of metres along the same slope. As such, the dataset that was mainly generated to derive more accurate TCN-based process rates and ages can be used to characterise the present-day condition of soils in the study area, which in turn can give insight into the long-term soil formation and prevailing environmental conditions. This
implies that the method tested in this study may also being applied in other fields of research and work, such as soil science, agriculture or the construction sector.
Rapid reduction in ecosystem productivity caused by flash droughts based on decade-long FLUXNET observations
Authors: Zhang Miao , Yuan Xing
Published: November 2020

Abstract. A flash drought is characterized by its rapid onset and arouses widespread concerns due to its devastating impacts on the environment and society without sufficient early warnings. The increasing frequency of soil moisture flash droughts in a warming climate highlights the importance of understanding its impact on terrestrial ecosystems. Previous studies investigated the vegetation dynamics during several extreme cases of flash drought, but there is no quantitative assessment on how fast the carbon fluxes respond to flash droughts based on decade-long records with different climates and vegetation conditions. Here we identify soil moisture flash drought events by considering decline rate of soil moisture and the drought persistency, and we detect the response of ecosystem carbon and water fluxes to a soil moisture flash drought during its onset and recovery stages based on observations at 29 FLUXNET stations from croplands to forests. Corresponding to the sharp decline in soil moisture and higher vapor pressure deficit (VPD), gross primary productivity (GPP) drops below its normal conditions in the first 16 d and decreases to its minimum within 24 d for more than 50 % of the 151 identified flash drought events, and savannas show highest sensitivity to flash drought. Water use efficiency increases for forests but decreases for cropland and savanna during the recovery stage of flash droughts. These
results demonstrate the rapid responses of vegetation productivity and
resistance of forest ecosystems to flash drought.
EXPLOITATION OF THE DOMESTIC WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT BY ACTIVATED SLUDGE IN THE AIRPORT AREA OF THE CITY BEN SLIMANE (MOROCCO)
Authors: Najy M. , Talbi F. Z. , Ech-Chafay H. , Lachhab M. , El Qryefy M. , Belghyti D.
Published: November 2020

Abstract. Domestic wastewater (toilet water and household water from kitchens) is evacuated in unit or separate networks to the purification station (STEP) in order to eliminate their waste; organic and mineral matter, dissolved and suspended before discharging them into the natural environment or reusing them in irrigation. The main purpose of this work is to operate the wastewater treatment plant in the Ben Slimane Airport area by using activated sludge, this process consists of destroying pollutants and microorganisms by bacteria formed in the clarifier. Moreover, the operation of the station was considered by controlling the sensors installed in each basin to promote their optimization, in addition, the physicochemical analysis was carried out in the STEP laboratory. The results found for the parameters studied showed the very effective reduction of the organic load of the wastewater treatment plant, so these values meet the discharge standards defined by Moroccan legislation.
MULTI-LAYER WS2 AND MOS2 BASED PLASMONIC SOLAR CELL FOR SMART ENERGY HARVESTING
Authors: Oumekloul Z. , Achaoui Y. , Mir A. , Akjouj A.
Published: November 2020

Abstract. One of the best challenges regarding the futuristic vision of smart-city technologies is to offer a comfortable self-governance energy, especially when it comes to electricity storage. If one wants to revolutionize a pre-existing way of living, it is inescapable to neglect basic ingredients gathered from basic physics. The topic of Metamaterials represents a key field that might be explored and thus exploited to propose unprecedented ideas for completely no-existing properties and functionalities. Unlike other ambitious techniques, with a simple stratified surface in combination with a suitable choice of materials, it is possible to propose new solar cells operating in a broad range of frequencies. In this paper, we demonstrate a manner to achieve strong coupling interaction between metallic gold nanowires with a WS2 and MoS2 multi-layer. The novelty of this work lies in the drastic stability of the effect of the thickness layer variation on both, absorption performances and the electric field distribution within the visible and near-infrared range. Accordingly, this new design may be considered of prime importance in several areas such as sensing and solar cell efficiency, to cite a few examples.
ACTIVITY RECOGNITION FOR AMBIENT SENSING DATA AND RULE BASED ANOMALY DETECTION
Authors: Seyedkazemi Ardebili E. , Eken S. , Küçük K.
Published: November 2020

Abstract. After a brief look at the smart home, we conclude that to have a smart home, and it is necessary to have an intelligent management center. In this article, We have tried to make it possible for the smart home management center to be able to detect the presence of an abnormal state in the behavior of someone who lives in the house. In the proposed method, the daily algorithm examines the rate of changes of a person and provides a number which is henceforth called NNC (Number of normal changes) based on the person’s behavioral changes. We achieve the NNC number using a machine learning algorithm and performing a series of several simple statistical and mathematical calculations. NNC is a number that shows abnormal changes in residents’ behaviors in a smart home, i.e., this number is a small number for a regular person with constant planning and for a person who may not have any fixed principles and regular in personal life is a big number.To increase our accuracy in calculating NNC, we review all common machine learning algorithms and after tests we choose the decision tree because of its higher accuracy and speed and finally, NNC number is obtained by combining the Decision Tree algorithm with statistical and mathematical methods. In this method, we present a set of states and information obtained from the sensors along with the activities performed by the occupant of the house over a period of several days to the proposed algorithm. and the method ahead generates the main NNC number for those days for anyone living in a smart home. To generate this main NNC, we calculate each person’s daily NNC. That means we have daily NNCs for each person (based on his/her behaviors on that day) and the main NNC is the average of these daily NNC. We chose ARAS dataset (Human Activity Datasets in Multiple Homes with Multiple Residents) to implement our method and after tests and replications on the ARAS dataset, and to find anomalies in each person’s behavior in a day, we compare the main (average) NNC with that person’s daily NNC on that day. Finally, we can say, if the main NNC changes more than 30%, there is a possibility of an abnormality. and if the NNC changes more than 60% percent, we can say that an abnormal state or an uncommon event happened that day, and a declaration of an abnormal state will be issued to the resident of the house.
USING GIS-BASED MULTI-CRITERIA DECISION ANALYSIS TECHNIQUES IN THE SMART CITIES
Authors: Sisman S. , Aydinoglu A. C.
Published: November 2020

Abstract. The population of cities is increasing rapidly nowadays, and therefore, rational use of urban resources is required. With developing technology, the amount of data obtained from different sources also increases. This situation sometimes causes complex geographic decision problems in cities where many factors must be evaluated simultaneously. Difficulties in this decision-making process can be overcome by using Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) techniques. In this study, how the different MCDA techniques can be used in geographic-based problems and the most commonly used methods were examined in this context. The case applications on the adaptation of GIS-based MCDA techniques in smart cities were examined and explained. All of the examined case applications were carried out in the Pendik district of Istanbul. The subjects of the investigated case applications are, respectively, the evaluation of land suitability for determining urban development areas, producing a land value map for the management of the urban real estate, parking areas selection for sustainable urban transportation planning, and prioritizing suitable/alternative car parking areas. This study provides an effective implementation methodology for the hybrid use of GIS-based MCDA techniques within the scope of sustainable urban land management practices in smart cities.
LAND SURVEYING STUDIES IN BUILDING CONTROL SYSTEM FOR SMART CITIES
Authors: Yalcin G.
Published: November 2020

Abstract. “Earthquakes” may cause dangerous results for people, which can damage buildings and hurt people, and may even cause death. Turkey lays down in a highly earthquake-prone region. Earthquakes are unpredictable and uncontrollable natural events; however, the people have to find ways to reduce these damages on people. One of the ways is to build “earthquake-resistant buildings”. It is also one of the main necessities to build smart city under the focus of housing quality, quality of life. In this paper Building Control System in Turkey is presented in the frame of the legal basis in a general view. Also surveying documents related to building control system are introduced because land surveying studies are compulsory-preliminary works before building construction.
Extension of the WRF-Chem volcanic emission preprocessor to integrate complex source terms and evaluation for different emission scenarios of the Grimsvötn 2011 eruption
Authors: Hirtl Marcus , Scherllin-Pirscher Barbara , Stuefer Martin , Arnold Delia , Baro Rocio , Maurer Christian , Mulder Marie D.
Published: November 2020

Abstract. Volcanic eruptions may generate volcanic ash and sulfur
dioxide (SO2) plumes with strong temporal and vertical variations. When
simulating these changing volcanic plumes and the afar dispersion of
emissions, it is important to provide the best available information on the
temporal and vertical emission distribution during the eruption. The
volcanic emission preprocessor of the chemical transport model WRF-Chem has
been extended to allow the integration of detailed temporally and vertically
resolved input data from volcanic eruptions. The new emission preprocessor
is tested and evaluated for the eruption of the Grimsvötn volcano in
Iceland 2011. The initial ash plumes of the Grimsvötn eruption differed
significantly from the SO2 plumes, posing challenges to simulate plume
dynamics within existing modelling environments: observations of the
Grimsvötn plumes revealed strong vertical wind shear that led to
different transport directions of the respective ash and SO2 clouds.
Three source terms, each of them based on different assumptions and
observational data, are applied in the model simulations. The emission
scenarios range from (i) a simple approach, which assumes constant emission
fluxes and a predefined vertical emission profile, to (ii) a more complex
approach, which integrates temporarily varying observed plume-top heights
and estimated emissions based on them, to (iii) the most complex method that
calculates temporal and vertical variability of the emission fluxes based on
satellite observations and inversion techniques. Comparisons between model
results and independent observations from satellites, lidar, and surface air
quality measurements reveal the best performance of the most complex source
term.