bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
METAPHOR AND METONYMY IN ACTION AND INTERACTION IN MEDICAL ENGLISH
Authors:   Medical University “Prof. Dr. P. Stoyanov” – Varna, Goranova Slaveyah
Published: February 2023

In the present article, we offer a diachronic classification of the understanding of the role of metaphor in Medicine. We identify three periods, the first one of them being based on denial, Restrictive View, the second one – on affirmation, Descriptive View, and the last one – on manipulation, Proscriptive View. We also explain the surge of interest in metonymy from a cognitive linguistics perspective, and contrast the present perception of metonymy as intertwined with metaphor to the now classical idea of metonymy as a phenomenon that is separate and divergent from metaphor. We endorse the latest understanding of the interplay between metaphor and metonymy in Medical English as a difficult one to be dismantled: it is hard to clearly delimitate the realm of each one of the pair.Thus while it is clear that metaphor and metonymy act in scientific discourse, it is not equally clear what internal limits must be set to their interaction. We suggest that, by the time an objective and clear way of differentiating between the two is agreed upon, the greatest efforts should be directed at elucidating hidden metaphor and metonymy in Medical English.
PUMPING PRESSURE AND FLOW RATE RELATIONSHIP TO REDUCE ENERGY CONSUMPTION IN IRRIGATION SYSTEMS
Authors: Chiorescu Esmeralda
Published: February 2023

In the context of the current energy crisis, electricity consumption, especially by large consumers, must be reduced, rationally, without affecting the quality of services provided. Pressure pumping stations (PPS) in irrigation systems are usually equipped with 4 to 8 electric pumping sets with an installed power that can even exceed 1 MW. Since the PPS serving the irrigation plots must work mainly on demand, the required flow rate in the network can vary widely even during each day of the irrigation period. Also, due to the dependence of the pressure loss on the flow carried in the pipe network, this dependence is usually represented by an increasing quadratic function, and the variation of the required flow also leads to a variation, generally significant, of the pressure required from the PPS. To ensure the necessary flow, the PPS are automated with Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, which optimally control the configuration of the electric pumps in operation and their speed. This article presents a mathematical model and algorithm that facilitate the determination of the correlation between the pressure and flow required from the PPS ((p-Q)C), rendered by an increasing function. The implementation of (p-Q)C in the SCADA system software at PPS 2 in the Trifești-Sculeni irrigation system, in the eastern part of Romania, determined a reduction of energy consumption by up to 16%.
HUBUNGAN STRESS KERJA DENGAN KINERJA PEGAWAI
Authors: Arwidiana Dewa Putu , Citrawati Ni Ketut
Published: February 2023

Manajemen sumber daya manusia di setiap organisasi/badan usaha berperan memfasilitasi kinerja organisasi. Kinerja pegawai merupakan perilaku nyata yang dihasilkan setiap orang sebagai prestasi kerja yang dihasilkan oleh pegawai sesuai dengan perannya dalam suatu badan usaha. Badan usaha pemberi kerja seharusnya memperhatikan kinerja sumber daya manusia dan stres kerja pada pegawai. Menurut Robbins (2008). Stres kerja merupakan suatu kondisi keadaan seseorang mengalami ketegangan karena adanya kondisi yang mempengaruhi dirinya. Stres di tempat kerja merupakan hal yang hampir setiap hari dialami oleh para pegawai. Dinamisasi pemanfataan Teknologi Informasi dan tuntutan profesionalitas yang semakin tinggi menimbulkan banyaknya tekanan-tekanan yang harus dihadapi individu dalam lingkungan kerja. Para pegawai yang selalu disibukkan dengan deadline penyelesaian tugas, tuntutan peran di tempat kerja yang semakin beragam dan kadang bertentangan satu dengan yang lain, masalah keluarga, beban kerja yang berlebihan dan masih banyak tantangan lainnya yang membuat stress menjadi suatu faktor yang hampir tidak mungkin untuk dihindari. Permaslahanya apakah ada hubungan antara stress kerja dengan kinerja pegawai? Penelitian bertujuan untuk mengidentifkikasi stress kerja dan kinerja serta mengetahui hubungan stress kerja dengan kinerja. Metode penelitian ini  adalah deskripsi kuantitatif dengan Analisa data menggunakan Spearmen rho dengan kemanknaan 0.005, jumlah sample 37 orang (total sampel). Pembahasan, Tingkat stress yang rendah kinerja karyawan meningkat. Konsep stress mengindikasikan dalam stress yang adaptif dan stress malladaptif, Stress adaptif mengarah pada tantangan sedangkan stress malladaftif mengarahkan perilaku individual pada prilaku stagnan dan cendrung understimulation. Kondisi understimulation, pegawai tidak memiliki tantangan sampai pada suatu titik optimal tertinggi akan mempengarauhi penurunan kinerja. Stress kerja yang adaftif mencipatakan ide-ide yang inovatif, antusiasme, dan output yang konstruktif. Tingkat stress malladaftif yang berlebihan akan menyebabkan karyawan dalam kondisi tertekan, karena tidak mampu lagi mengatasi tugas yang terlalu berat , SImpulan : semakin rendah stress kerja semakin meningkat kinerja pegawai.
DAMPAK PRESIDENSI G20 SEBAGAI FORUM INTERNATIONAL DALAM KEBIJAKAN PEREKONOMIAN MASYARAKAT BALI
Authors: Ariyanti Ni Ketut Alit
Published: February 2023

G20 adalah forum Kerjasama multilateral yang terdiri dari 19 negara utama dan Uni Eropa (EU). Anggota G20 terdiri dari Afrika Selatan, Amerika Serikat, Arab Saudi, Argentina, Australia, Brasil, India, Indonesia, Inggris, Italia, Jepang, Jerman, Kanada, Meksiko, Republik Korea, Rusia, Perancis, Tiongkok, Turki, dan Uni Eropa. Indonesia memegang Presidensi tahun 2022 dan telah dilaksanakan di Bali pada 15 – 16 November 2022 mengusung tema “ Recover Together, Recover Stronger”, tujuan G20 adalah mewujudkan pertumbuhan global yang kuat, berkelanjutan, seimbang, dan inklusif. Presindensi G20 yang dilaksanakan di Bali menjadi kesempatan menunjukkan kepemimpinan Indonesia di kancah Internasional, khususnya dalam pemulihan ekonomi global dan membuat Indonesia khusunya Bali menjadi perhatian dunia terutama  para pelaku ekonomi. Menjadi tuan rumah dari rangkaian KTT G20 tahun 2022 memberikan dampak yang sangat positif untuk Indonesia dan Bali khusunya, baik dampak dalam jangka pendek maupun dampak dalam jangka panjang.
Population status of the eastern North Pacific stock of gray whales in 2009
Authors: Punt Andre E. , Wade Paul R.
Published: February 2023

An age- and sex-structured population dynamics model is fitted using Bayesian methods to data on the catches and abundance estimates for the Eastern North Pacific (ENP) stock of gray whales. The prior distributions used for these analyses incorporate revised estimates of abundance for ENP gray whales and account explicitly for the drop in abundance caused by the 1999–2000 mortality event. A series of analyses are conducted to evaluate the sensitivity of the results to different assumptions. The model fits the available data adequately, but, as in previous assessments, the measures of uncertainty associated with the survey-based abundance estimates are found to be negatively biased. The data support the inclusion of the 1999–2000 mortality event in the model, and accounting for this event leads to greater uncertainty regarding the current status of the resource. The baseline analysis estimates the ENP gray whale population to be above the maximum sustainable yield level (MSYL) with high probability (0.884). The posterior mean for the ratio of 2009 (1+) abundance to MSYL is 1.29 (with a posterior median of 1.37 and a 90% probability interval of 0.68–1.51). These results are consistent across all the model runs conducted. The baseline model also estimates the 2009 ENP gray whale population size (posterior mean of 20,366) to be at 85% of its carrying capacity (posterior mean of 25,808), and this is also consistent across all the model runs. The baseline model estimate of the maximum rate of increase, λmax, is 1.062 which, while high, is nevertheless within the range of estimates obtained for other baleen whales.
Cetacean distribution and relative abundance in Colombia’s Pacific EEZ from survey cruises and platforms of opportunity
Authors: Palacios Daniel M. , Herrera Julio C. , Gerrodette Tim , Garcia Carolina , Soler German A. , Avila Isabel C. , Bessudo Sandra , Hernandez Elizabeth , Trujillo Fernando , Forez-Gonzalez Lilian , Kerr Iain
Published: February 2023

Cetacean sighting data collected under various programmes in Colombian Pacific waters were collated with the goal of assessing the distribution and abundance patterns of all species occurring in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Distribution maps are presented for 19 species and one genus based on 603 sightings collected between 1986 and 2008. Ordered by sighting frequency, these species were: humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae); striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba); common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus); pantropical spotted dolphin (Stenella attenuata); common dolphin (Delphinus delphis); Risso’s dolphin (Grampus griseus); sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus); rough-toothed dolphin (Steno bredanensis); short-finned pilot whale (Globicephala macrorhynchus); mesoplodont whales (Mesoplodon spp.); Cuvier’s beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris); melon-headed whale (Peponocephala electra); false killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens); killer whale (Orcinus orca); spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris); dwarf sperm whale (Kogia sima); Bryde’s whale (Balaenoptera edeni); pygmy killer whale (Feresa attenuata); minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) and fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus). Concentrations of sightings were observed in three geographic areas: (1) the continental shelf (depths <200m) and the contiguous continental slope (200–2,000m); (2) over the Malpelo Ridge, an offshore bathymetric feature and (3) the northeast corner of the EEZ between Golfo de Cupica and the border with Panamá, although we do not rule out that these patterns could be an artefact of non-random effort. In inshore waters, the most frequently seen species were pantropical spotted dolphin, common bottlenose dolphin and humpback whale. For several of the data sets we provide encounter rates as indices of relative abundance, but urge caution in their interpretation because of methodological limitations and because several factors that affect sightability could not be accounted for in these estimates. Our results provide useful information for ongoing regional research and conservation initiatives aimed at determining occurrence, population status and connectivity within adjacent EEZs in the eastern tropical Pacific. Suggested research priorities include conducting dedicated surveys designed for estimating abundance and monitoring trends throughout the EEZ and focused studies in areas of special interest like the continental shelf, the Malpelo Ridge and the vicinity of Cupica and Cabo Marzo. More research is also needed in terms of quantifying the sources and impact of anthropogenic mortality on population size. Studies characterising genetic diversity and stock discreteness in coastal species (pantropical spotted dolphin and common bottlenose dolphin) would help inform local management strategies.
Genetic diversity and population structure of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) from Ecuador based on mitochondrial DNA analyses
Authors: Felix Fernando , Caballero Susana , Olavarria Carlos
Published: February 2023

Information on the genetic characterisation of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) wintering off Ecuador (Breeding Stock G) is presented. Mitochondrial DNA was extracted and sequenced from 230 skin samples collected between 2002 and 2008 to establish the genetic diversity of this population. From 182 usable samples, 41 different haplotypes were found, eight of which were new and unique. Haplotype diversity (h ± SD) was estimated to be 0.922 ± 0.012 and the nucleotide diversity (π ± SD) 0.019 ± 0.009. A comparison with other areas within the Southeast Pacific (Colombia and Magellan Strait) and the Antarctic Peninsula suggested panmixia within Breeding Stock G, even though significant differentiation was found with Magellan Strait (p < 0.0001 in both FST and ΦST). An additional analysis with the exact test of population differentiation showed significant differences in haplotype frequencies between breeding areas in Ecuador and southern Colombia (p < 0.01), suggesting some level of stratification at breeding grounds as supported by photo-identification studies. The Ecuadorian dataset included haplotypes reported in all three Southern Hemisphere ocean basins indicating recent gene flow within the Southern Hemisphere. The population showed a male-biased sex ratio in adult animals of 2.16:1. Further research and a larger number of samples from breeding areas in the north (Panama and Costa Rica) are required to appropriately assess the extent of structure in this population.
Detecting changes in the distribution of calling bowhead whales exposed to fluctuating anthropogenic sounds
Authors: McDonald Trent L. , Richardson W. John , Greene Jr. Charles R. , Blackwell Susanna B. , Nations Christopher S. , Nielson Ryan M. , Streever Bill
Published: February 2023

This paper describes an analysis approach designed to detect the effects of fluctuating anthropogenic underwater sound on the distribution of calling bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) during migration. The anthropogenic sounds in this case were associated with an offshore oil production island (Northstar Island) in the Beaufort Sea northwest of Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, but the method has wider applicability. In autumn, bowhead whales migrate westward at varying distances offshore where some are exposed to Northstar sounds. Anthropogenic effects, if present, were hypothesised to be most pronounced in the southern (proximal) part of the migration corridor. Underwater sound levels were measured continuously ca. 500m from Northstar, and locations of calling whales were determined by a seafloor array of directional acoustical recorders. Weighted quantile regression related the 5th quantile of offshore call distance to anthropogenic sounds and other covariates. Case weights were inversely proportional to both probability of detection and location uncertainty. Due to potential dependencies in call locations, block permutation of uncorrelated whale call clusters was used to assign significance levels to coefficients in the quantile regression model. Statistical model selection was used to determine the anthropogenic sound measures most correlated with the 5th quantile of offshore call distances, after allowing for natural within-season variation quantified by day–night changes, distance of the call east or west of Northstar, and date. Data used to illustrate the method were collected over 29 days in September 2003 and included 25,176 bowhead calls. The estimated offshore distance of the 5th quantile call was 0.67km (95% confidence interval 0.31 to 1.05km) farther offshore when tones associated with Northstar were recorded in the 10–450Hz band during the 15 minutes just prior to each call. The method has been applied successfully to similar data collected near Northstar in other years, and may be useful in other studies that simultaneously collect data on animal locations and fluctuating stimuli.
Genetic structure of common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) inhabiting adjacent South Florida estuaries – Biscayne Bay and Florida Bay
Authors: Litz Jenny A. , Hughes Colin R. , Garrison Lance P. , Fieber Lynne A. , Rosel Patricia E.
Published: February 2023

Coastal common bottlenose dolphins show a variety of migration and residency patterns adding to the difficulty of defining stocks for management purposes. Genetic structure plays an important role in identifying population stocks of dolphins. This study examines genetic differentiation in common bottlenose dolphins both between two social groups occurring in Biscayne Bay, Florida and between Biscayne Bay and an adjacent group of dolphins in Florida Bay. Skin biopsy samples were sequenced at the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region and genotyped at microsatellite loci. Significant genetic differentiation was found between bottlenose dolphins in Biscayne Bay and Florida Bay (mtDNA FST = 0.139, p ≤ 0.001; microsatellite FST = 0.042, p ≤ 0.001) supporting independent management stock status for these two populations. Within Biscayne Bay, evidence of weak but significant population differentiation was found between the two social groups using microsatellite markers (FST = 0.0149, p ≤ 0.009); however, differentiation was not evident from the mtDNA-based estimates of FST and φST. The lack of differentiation at mtDNA coupled with field observations indicating overlapping home ranges for these two groups suggests ongoing, though perhaps low, levels of interbreeding. These data are insufficient to warrant splitting the Biscayne Bay management stock at this time.
Anemia Penyakit Kronis
Authors: Jessica Novia Hadiyanto  , Margareth Gracia  , Alius Cahyadi  , Mario Steffanus
Published: February 2023

Anemia sering dijumpai pada pasien dengan penyakit kronis dan meningkatkan morbiditas dan mortalitas dari pasien. Prevalensi anemia penyakit kronis terdapat pada urutan kedua tersering setelah anemia defisiensi besi. Anemia penyakit kronis sering terjadi bersamaan dengan anemia defisiensi besi dan keduanya memberikan gambaran penurunan besi dalam serum. Namun, kedua jenis anemia ini perlu dibedakan karena terdapat perbedaan patogenesis dan tata laksana keduanya. Beberapa parameter besi lain perlu diperiksa untuk membedakannya. Terapi utama pada anemia penyakit kronis adalah dengan mengatasi penyakit yang mendasari.
Six Minute Walk Test as A Measurement Tool for Functional Capacity
Authors: Nusdwinuringtyas Nury
Published: February 2023

Various scientific articles which include scientific writing, books or journals have been known to provide evidence based scientific facts. Thus, in order to achieve accurate evidence based results, a clear outcome measurement is required. Besides, the measurement should be based on precise measurements, both in methods and tools utilized during the measurement. This is a very essential matter, as the accuracy of an outcome measurement would correlate to intervention, program and prognosis of an individual.
Hubungan Antara Konsumsi Pangan dan Tingkat Asupan Gizi dengan Status Gizi Anak Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Indriasari Marina , Hardinsyah  , Kustiyah Lilik , Hadipoetro Ferial
Published: February 2023

Pendahuluan: Permasalahan gizi pada anak Cerebral Palsy (CP) dapat terjadi karena asupan makanan yang tidak adekuat. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengidentifikasi konsumsi pangan dan kecukupan asupan gizi kaitannya dengan status gizi anak CP di Jakarta, Depok, dan Bogor.

Metode: Desain potong lintang pada penelitian ini dilaksanakan di Sekolah Luar Biasa (SLB) dan Yayasan Pembinaan Anak Cacat (YPAC). Subjek sebanyak 45 dipilih secara purposive sampling. Data dikumpulkan melalui pengisian kuesioner, konsumsi pangan dengan metode food record 1 x 24 jam. Status gizi dinilai dari indeks massa tubuh (IMT) berdasarkan umur.

Hasil: Frekuensi makan utama sebanyak tiga kali sehari dengan frekuensi makan selingan satu kali mempunyai korelasi positif kuat dengan status gizi anak CP sebesar 0,636. Tingkat asupan zat gizi makro yang terpenuhi hanya protein dengan korelasi positif kuat sebesar 0.729 terhadap status gizi anak CP. Korelasi positif paling kuat sebesar 0,885 pada jenis buah yang dikonsumsi dengan status gizi. Terdapat hubungan yang bermakna antara tingkat asupan seng (p=0,037) dan vitamin C (p=0.008) dengan status gizi.

Kesimpulan: Semakin tinggi tingkat kecukupan seng dan vitamin C, semakin baik status gizi anak CP. Semakin banyak frekuensi makanan selingan dan jenis makanan mengandung protein serta buah, semakin baik status gizi anak CP.
Moment modification factors for the buckling design of steel beams – new recommendations
Authors: Tien Nguyen Duy , Phe Van Pham
Published: February 2023

When a unbraced flexural steel beam is subjected to a ununiform moment distribution, a simplified moment modification factor (denoted as Cb) should be evaluated for the design of the buckling resistance of that member. However, typical standards for the buckling design of steel structures (e.g., American AISC A360, Australian AS-4100, Canadian CSA S16, Eurocode 3 and Japanese standards) currently recommend different design equations for the factor. Also, such equations are based on simplified expressions those are not exact solutions. Thus, the present study firstly revise the standard equations to discuss their advantages and disadvantages in application. Also, a numerical solution based on a finite element analysis package is then conducted in the present study to predict the Cb factor. The numerical solution is successfully validated against available research results. Based on the comparison of the modification factors between of the present numerical study and those based on the design standards, it is observed that the modification factors based on the current design standards maybe not safety enough to predict the buckling resistances in several loading cases. The present study finally recommends a new modification more on the safe side for the Cb factor to ensure a conservative design
Exploring continuance intention to use electric motorcycles among students in Hanoi using expectation confirmation theory
Authors: Minh Ngoc Ngo , Le Ha Phuong Hoang , Duc Manh Nguyen , Anh Duong Khuc , Thanh Tung Tran , Van Hao Hoang , Minh Hieu Nguyen
Published: February 2023

To sustain the development of urban transportation, electrifying private motorized vehicles is a top goal besides the development of public transport. This study aims at investigating the influential factors of continuance intention to use electric motorcycles based on an extension of Expectation Confirmation Theory (ECT). To empirically test the proposed conceptual framework, Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) and the data of 394 students in Hanoi collected in August 2022 are used. The results show that perceived usefulness and satisfaction directly facilitate the continuance intention while perceived ease of use and expectation confirmation have indirect positive effects. Female students tend to have less intention to continue using electric motorcycles while those living in non-urban districts seem to have a higher continuance intention. The prediction capacity of the model is high with over 65% of the variance of continuance intention being explained by (independent) constructs. Based on the findings of influential factors, the authors propose practical implications for triggering the use of electric motorcycles among students
Theology and Economics in
Conversation
Authors: Hasselaar Jan Jorrit
Published: February 2023

This chapter aims to develop a methodology that allows an interaction between
theology and economics. A short review shows that there has hardly
been any equal conversation between theology and economics in recent
times. Therefore the chapter explores van Huyssteen’s postfoundational
approach as a methodology for enabling a conversation between theology
and economics. The key to a postfoundational interdisciplinary interaction
is expressed in the notion of transversal reasoning (TR). TR has facilitated
a conversation between theology and science, especially theology and
natural sciences. Nevertheless, the point made here is that this approach
is appropriate for any interdisciplinary conversation as long as the three
guidelines for TR are mutually honoured. Radical uncertainty in climate
change is then defined in depth, using work of Hannah Arendt. Drawing
on insights obtained from the work of Jonathan Sacks, the author proposes
that interaction with economics can lead to a fruitful interpretation of
radical uncertainty. The chapter ends by arguing for TR between Jonathan
Sacks and the economists Bart Nooteboom, Samuel Bowles, Dan Ariely
and John Kay & Mervyn King.
Shakespeare’s Botanical Grace
Authors: Totaro Rebecca
Published: February 2023

Treating Shakespeare’s and Ovid’s literary representations of botanical
transformations, with attention to Shakespeare’s distinguishing plaguetime
context, I examine several examples of Shakespeare’s representation
of failed and successful botanical transformations, with focus on Ophelia’s,
which closes this paper. Hers is one that Shakespeare attends to with extra
care in each of its aspects, complexly detailing its pre-conditions, material
manifestation, witness-reporting, and after-effects. Alone among others
represented by premodern writers, Ophelia’s transformation is better
considered as a botanical tribute and triumph and, more powerfully still,
as a gift of “botanical grace” that has continued to signify over centuries.
Caged by Data
Authors: Wevers Rosa
Published: February 2023

With the emergence of facial recognition software, faces are continuously
digitized and analyzed through machine vision. While facial recognition
appears as an objective and unobtrusive security tool, feminist data
scholars have shown that this technology is entangled with structures
of power. This chapter explores how critical artistic responses to facial
recognition have the potential to activate feminist critiques on the politics
of facial recognition in nonverbal, material, and affective ways. Taking
Zach Blas’s Face Cages as a case study, the chapter analyzes how the art
project uses strategies of defamiliarization to instigate critical reflection
and activate an understanding of biometric datafication as a process of
capture, which entails a violent reduction of lived experiences of identity
and embodiment into biometric capta.
Interstitial Data
Authors: Van Gorp Jasmijn
Published: February 2023

Metadata do not merely give explicit information about records in the
archive but can also be considered a source of information about the
(historical) context in which they are created. This chapter combines
the insights of critical data studies and archival studies to formulate a
hands-on approach to tracing metadata in archival search systems. The
approach, which builds further on Loukissas’s local reading strategies,
consists of two distinct phases: an exploration phase to trace and select
and an analysis phase to trace and compare. The author concludes that
a lot of data necessary to understanding metadata in search systems is
hidden—different forms of what can be considered “interstitial data.”
Data and Algorithms in Transition
Authors: Werning Stefan
Published: February 2023

The chapter investigates how ongoing feature changes in contemporary
software reframe our understanding of data and algorithms, interprets
these changes as shifting “rules of play,” and introduces the notion of
diachronic affordance analysis to conceptualize their rhetorical implications
over time. First, it elaborates on the perceived “gameness” of software
applications like online social networks, which often intensifies over time
through continuous datafication via concepts like procedural rhetoric and
the “implied player.” Second, as most contemporary software is defined by
constant “tweaking,” it suggests considering the rhetorical implications of
software change itself rather than focusing on the assemblage of features at
any contingent moment. Finally, to demonstrate the approach, important
developments between 2017 and 2020 in the mobile app Samsung Health
serve as a case study.
A Rare Cause of Proximal Thigh Discomfort and Weakness with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Jian Low Qin , Han Sim Benjamin Ng , Wee Cheo Seng
Published: February 2023

Diabetic amyotrophy also known as Bruns-Garland syndrome or Diabetic Lumbosacral Radiculoplexus neuropathy is diabetic neuropathy subtype affecting the lumbrosacral nerve roots and peripheral nerves1. There is an ongoing debate on the pathophysiology behind this condition whether is it ischemic, metabolic (hyperglycemia) or inflammatory1. We think that the likely cause responsible is due to an ischemic injury from a nonsystemic microvasculitis. There is a series of studies involving diabetic amyotrophy conducted with 33 patients, nerve biopsy specimens showed features of multifocal fiber loss, perineurial thickening, neovascularization and abortive regeneration of nerve fibers forming microfasciculi2. These findings are suggestive of an ischemic process due to microvascuitis2
Colour Vision Deficiency among Failed Candidates for Driving License in Sabah
Authors: Azmi Noraisyah Bt , Yahya Arifah Nur Binti , Gilong Hosana Christyon Sipon , Anne Sit Jo , Huong Yeng Ting Ruby , Laisin Crestiani Binti , Bangsa Nurul Hafizah Binti Amil , Jefri Jerisa Binti , Mohd Feisal Muhamad Fazli Bin
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Good visual acuity (VA) coupled with the ability to discriminate colours and having a sufficiently wide field of view are factors needed for safe driving. This study aimed to determine the types of colour vision deficiency (CVD) among failed candidates for driving license and to identify the accuracy of the Road Transport Department (RTD) screening tests in detecting those who have poor VA and CVD in Sabah.
Awareness and Knowledge of Nurses towards Hepatitis B Virus Infection at a Tertiary Hospital in Selangor, Malaysia
Authors: Chieng Jin Yu  , Yasotha Sugumaran  , Pan Yan
Published: February 2023

Hepatitis B is a well-recognized occupational risk for healthcare workers. This self-administered questionnaire study was designed to assess awareness and knowledge towards hepatitis B virus infection among 140 nurses at Serdang Hospital, Selangor, Malaysia from the period of 1st April to 30th September 2017. The response rate was 97.2% (n = 140/144). A total of 71.4% of participants showed adequate awareness of hepatitis B. Most participants had heard hepatitis B with the predominant sources receiving from friends, media and education. Majority of them did serology blood test of hepatitis B before. A total of 84.3% of participants were aware of vaccine available for hepatitis B, although 78.6% got vaccinated in the past. Antiviral treatment of hepatitis B was not well noticed by most of them. Education qualification determines the awareness of hepatitis B. Regarding the knowledge, 73.6% of participants showed poor knowledge of hepatitis B. Most participants understood that hepatitis B was caused by a virus infection and the organ most affected was the liver. Surprisingly, 77.9% of them failed to recognize that cancer could be caused by hepatitis B. Majority of participants were aware that transmission of hepatitis B could be mediated via sexual intercourse, as well as childbirth. Nevertheless, 14.3% of them believed that hepatitis B was able to spread by cough and sneeze. Older age, Chinese ethnicity, and having high educational qualification were factors leading to adequate knowledge of hepatitis B. Additional attention should be emphasized to strengthen knowledge towards hepatitis B among nurses and perhaps other healthcare workers in Malaysia.
A novel, cost-effective analytical method for measuring high-resolution vertical profiles of stratospheric trace gases using a GC-ECD
Authors: Li Jianghanyang , Baier Bianca C. , Moore Fred , Newberger Tim , Wolter Sonja , Higgs Jack , Dutton Geoff , Hintsa Eric , Hall Bradley , Sweeney Colm
Published: February 2023

Abstract. The radiative balance of the upper atmosphere is dependent on the magnitude and distribution of greenhouse gases and aerosols in that region of the atmosphere. Climate models predict that with increasing surface temperature, the primary mechanism for transporting tropospheric air into the stratosphere (known as the Brewer-Dobson Circulation) will strengthen, leading to changes in the distribution of atmospheric water vapor, other greenhouse gases, and aerosols in this region. Stratospheric relationships between greenhouse gases and other long-lived trace gases with various photochemical properties (such as N2O, SF6, and chlorofluorocarbons) provide a strong constraint for tracking changes in the stratospheric circulation. Therefore, a cost-effective approach is needed to monitor these trace gases in the stratosphere. In the past decade, the balloon-borne AirCore sampler developed at NOAA/GML has been routinely used to monitor the mole fractions of CO2, CH4, and CO from ground to approximately 25 km above mean sea level. Our recent development work adapted a gas chromatograph coupled with an electron capture detector (GC-ECD) to measure a suite of trace gases (N2O, SF6, CFC-11, CFC-12, H-1211, and CFC-113) in the stratospheric portion of AirCores. This instrument, called the StratoCore-GC-ECD, allows us to retrieve vertical profiles of these molecules at high resolution (5–7 hPa per measurement). We then launched four AirCore flights and analyzed the stratospheric air samples for these trace gases. The results showed consistent and expected tracer-tracer relationships and good agreement with recent aircraft campaign measurements. Our work demonstrates that the StratoCore-GC-ECD system provides a low-cost and robust approach to measuring key stratospheric trace gases in AirCore samples and for evaluating changes in the stratospheric circulation.
Remotely Sensed and Surface Measurement Derived Mass-Conserving Inversion of Daily High-Resolution NOx Emissions and Inferred Combustion Technologies in Energy Rich Northern China
Authors: Li Xiaolu , Cohen Jason Blake , Qin Kai , Geng Hong , Wu Liling , Wu Xiaohui , Yang Chengli , Zhang Rui , Zhang Liqin
Published: February 2023

Abstract. This work presents a new model free inversion estimation framework using daily TROPOMI NO2 columns and observed fluxes from the continuous emissions monitoring systems (CEMS) to quantify three years of daily-scale emissions of NOx at 0.05°×0.05° over Shanxi Province, a major world-wide energy producing and consuming region. The NOx emissions, day-to-day variability, and uncertainty on a climatological basis are computed to be 1.83, 1.01, and 1.06 Tg per year respectively. The highest emissions are concentrated in the lower Fen River valley, which accounts for 25 % of the area, 52 % of the NOx emissions, and 72 % of CEMS sources. Two major forcing factors (10th to 90th percentile) are horizontal transport distance per day (66–666 km) and lifetime of NOx (6.7–18.4 h). Both of these values are consistent with NOx emissions to both the surface layer and the free troposphere. The third forcing factor, the ratio of NOx / NO2, on a pixel-by-pixel basis is demonstrated to have a significant correlation with the combustion temperature and energy efficiency of large energy consuming sources. Specifically, thermal power plants, cement, and iron and steel companies have a relatively high NOx / NO2 ratio, while coking, industrial boilers, and aluminium oxide show relatively low ratio. Variance maximization is applied to daily TROPOMI NO2 columns identifies three significant modes, and successfully attributes them both spatially and temporally to (a) this work’s computed emissions, (b) remotely sensed TROPOMI UVAI, and (c) computed transport based on TROPOMI NO2.
BENFEP: a quantitative database of benthic foraminifera from surface sediments of the eastern Pacific
Authors: Diz Paula , González-Guitián Víctor , González-Villanueva Rita , Ovejero Aida , Hernández-Almeida Iván
Published: February 2023

Abstract. Benthic foraminifera are important components of the
ocean benthos and play a major role in ocean biogeochemistry and ecosystem
functioning. Generating ecological baselines for ocean monitoring or
biogeographical distributions requires a reference dataset of recent census
data. Moreover, the information from their modern biogeography can be used to
interpret past environmental changes on the seafloor. In this study, we
provide the first comprehensive quantitative benthic foraminifera database
from surface sediments of the eastern Pacific (BENFEP). Through the
collation of archival quantitative data on species abundance and their
homogenization according to the most recent taxonomic standards, we are able
to provide a database with 3077 sediment samples, corresponding to 2509
georeferenced stations of wide geographical (60∘ N–54∘ S) and water depth (0–7280 m) coverage. The quantitative
data include living, dead, and living plus dead assemblages obtained from
50 published and unpublished documents. As well as describing the data
collection and subsequent harmonization steps, we provide summarized
information on metadata, examples of species' distributions, potential
applications of the database, and recommendations for data archiving and
publication of benthic foraminiferal data. The database is enriched with
meaningful metadata for accessible data management and exploration with R
software and geographical information systems. The first version of the
database (BENFEP_v1, Diz et al., 2022a, https://doi.org/10.1594/PANGAEA.947086)
is provided in short and long format, and
it will be upgraded with new entries and when changes are needed to
accommodate taxonomic revisions.
A flexible z-coordinate approach for the accurate representation of free surface flows in a coastal ocean model (SHYFEM v. 7_5_71)
Authors: Arpaia Luca , Ferrarin Christian , Bajo Marco , Umgiesser Georg
Published: February 2023

Abstract. We propose a z-coordinate algorithm for ocean models which, thanks to the insertion and removal of surface layers, can deal with an arbitrarily large tidal oscillation independently of the vertical resolution. The algorithm is based on a classical two steps procedure used in numerical simulations with moving boundaries (grid movement followed by a grid topology change, that is insertion/removal of surface layers) which leads to a stable and accurate numerical discretization. With ad-hoc treatment of advection terms at non-conformal edges that may appear due to insertion/removal operations, mass conservation and tracer constancy are preserved. This algorithm, called z-surface-adaptive, can be reverted, as a particular case when all layers are moving, to other z-surface-following coordinates, such as z-star or quasi-z. With simple analysis and realistic numerical experiments, we compare the surface-adaptive-z coordinate against z-star and we show that it can be used to simulate effectively coastal flows with wetting and drying.
Deriving transmission losses in ephemeral rivers using satellite imagery and machine learning
Authors: Di Ciacca Antoine , Wilson Scott , Kang Jasmine , Wöhling Thomas
Published: February 2023

Abstract. Transmission losses are the loss in the flow volume of a river as water
moves downstream. These losses provide crucial ecosystem services,
particularly in ephemeral and intermittent river systems. Transmission
losses can be quantified at many scales using different measurement
techniques. One of the most common methods is differential gauging of
river flow at two locations. An alternative method for non-perennial
rivers is to replace the downstream gauging location by visual
assessments of the wetted river length on satellite images. The
transmission losses are then calculated as the flow gauged at the
upstream location divided by the wetted river length. We used this
approach to estimate the transmission losses in the Selwyn River
(Canterbury, New Zealand) using 147 satellite images collected between
March 2020 and May 2021. The location of the river drying front was
verified in the field on six occasions and seven differential gauging
campaigns were conducted to ground-truth the losses estimated from the
satellite images. The transmission loss point data obtained using the
wetted river lengths and differential gauging campaigns were used to
train an ensemble of random forest models to predict the continuous
hourly time series of transmission losses and their uncertainties. Our
results show that the Selwyn River transmission losses ranged between 0.25 and 0.65 m3s-1km-1 during most of the 1-year study period. However, shortly after a flood peak the losses could reach up to
1.5 m3s-1km-1. These results enabled us to improve our
understanding of the Selwyn River groundwater–surface water interactions and provide valuable data to support water management. We
argue that our framework can easily be adapted to other ephemeral rivers
and to longer time series.
Signal contribution of distant areas to cosmic-ray neutron sensors – implications for footprint and sensitivity
Authors: Schrön Martin , Köhli Markus , Zacharias Steffen
Published: February 2023

Abstract. This paper presents a new theoretical approach to estimate the contribution of distant areas to the measurement signal of cosmic-ray neutron detectors for snow and soil moisture monitoring. The algorithm is based on the local neutron production and the transport mechanism, given by the neutron–moisture relationship and the radial intensity function, respectively. The purely analytical approach has been validated with physics-based neutron transport simulations for heterogeneous soil moisture patterns, exemplary landscape features, and remote fields at a distance. We found that the method provides good approximations of simulated signal contributions in patchy soils with typical deviations of less than 1 %. Moreover, implications of this concept have been investigated for the neutron–moisture relationship, where the signal contribution of an area has the potential to explain deviating shapes of this curve that are often reported in the literature. Finally, the method has been used to develop a new practical footprint definition to express whether or not a distant area's soil moisture change is actually detectable in terms of measurement precision. The presented concepts answer long-lasting questions about the influence of distant landscape structures in the integral footprint of the sensor without the need for computationally expensive simulations. The new insights are highly relevant to support signal interpretation, data harmonization, and sensor calibration and will be particularly useful for sensors positioned in complex terrain or on agriculturally managed sites.
New Zealand’s First Tide Gauge-based Sea Level Measurements
Authors: Rowe Glen Hamilton
Published: February 2023

Abstract. James Cook’s second voyage to the South Seas, undertaken to settle the question regarding the existence or otherwise of the Great Southern Continent (Terra Australis Incognita), involved two vessels, the Resolution and Adventure. The Board of Longitude appointed two astronomers from the Royal Observatory, Greenwich, to the voyage, William Bayly and William Wales, one to each vessel. They were instructed, in addition to their astronomical duties, to observe the height and time of the tides. To this end, Bayly and Wales fabricated tide gauges and conducted timed measurements of sea level during their stopovers at Dusky Sound and Queen Charlotte Sound in 1773. This paper reviews those tidal observations, the first of their kind in New Zealand, using modern understanding of the tide, assuming that no significant change to the tidal regime at each location has taken place during the intervening period. When compared to the predicted (hindcast) astronomical tide, the majority (80 %) of the observed ranges and times agreed within 20 cm and 30 min respectively. Whilst their observations have little scientific value today (other than indicating the quality attainable in the late-18th century), Bayly and Wales can not only rightfully lay claim to making New Zealand’s first tide gauge measurements but also, as far as it possible to ascertain, be justifiably proud of the quality of their endeavours.
USING GIS DATA AND MACHINE LEARNING FOR MINERAL MAPPING. STUDY CASE, BOU SKOUR EASTERN ANTI-ATLAS, MOROCCO
Authors: Houran N. , Ait Raoui H. , Manaan M. , Aabi A. , Simou M. R. , Rhinane H.
Published: February 2023

Abstract. The continued demand for mineral deposits in recent years has led exploration geologists for each stage of mineral exploration; find more effective and innovative ways of processing different data types. The use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) allows various features, such as elevation, slope, tectonic structures, lithological units and indicator minerals of Bou Skour region, Eastern Anti-Atlas, Morocco to be mapped making targeted mining decisions easier. In this paper, a methodology was developed to enable the automated mapping of mineral using machine learning methods such Random Forest (RF) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) achieves approximately 98% classification accuracy on a single Intel® Core™ i5-5300U CPU core with 16GB of memory, and come up with predictive maps representing the probable potentially mineralized areas.
Evolution of multivariate drought hazard, vulnerability and risk in India under climate change
Authors: Sahana Venkataswamy , Mondal Arpita
Published: February 2023

Abstract. Changes in climate and socio-economic conditions pose a
major threat to water security, particularly in the densely populated,
agriculture-dependent and rapidly developing country of India. Therefore,
for cogent mitigation and adaptation planning, it is important to assess the
future evolution of drought hazard, vulnerability and risk. Earlier studies have
demonstrated projected drought risk over India on the basis of frequency
analysis and/or hazard assessment alone. This study investigates and
evaluates the change in projected drought risk under future climatic and
socio-economic conditions by combining drought hazard and vulnerability
projections at a country-wide scale. A multivariate standardized drought
index (MSDI) accounting for concurrent deficits in precipitation and soil
moisture is chosen to quantify droughts. Drought vulnerability assessment is
carried out combining exposure, adaptive capacity and sensitivity
indicators, using a robust multi-criteria decision-making method called the
Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS).
In the worst-case scenario for drought hazard (RCP2.6-Far future), there is
a projected decrease in the area under high or very high drought hazard
classes in the country by approximately 7 %. Further, the worst-case
scenario for drought vulnerability (RCP6.0-SSP2-Near future) shows a 33 %
rise in the areal extent of high or very high drought vulnerability classes.
The western Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and western Rajasthan regions are found to be high
risk under all scenarios. Bivariate choropleth analysis shows that the
projected drought risk is majorly driven by changes in drought vulnerability
attributable to societal developments rather than changes in drought hazard
resulting from climatic conditions. The present study can aid policy makers,
administrators and drought managers in developing decision support systems
for efficient drought management.