bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extracting and Generating PV Soiling Profiles for Analysis, Forecasting, and Cleaning Optimization
Authors: Micheli Leonardo , Fernandez Eduardo F. , Muller Matthew , Almonacid Florencia
Published: November 2019

The identification and prediction of the daily soiling profiles of a photovoltaic site is essential to plan the optimal cleaning schedule. In this article, we analyze and propose various methods to extract and generate photovoltaic soiling profiles, in order to improve the analysis and the forecast of the losses. New soiling rate extraction methods are proposed to reflect the seasonal variability of the soiling rates and, for this reason, are found to identify the most convenient cleaning day with the highest accuracy for the investigated sites. Also, we present an approach that could be used to predict future soiling losses through the implementation of stochastic weather generation algorithms whose ability to identify in advance the best cleaning schedule is also successfully tested. The methods presented in this article can optimize the operation and maintenance schedule and could make it possible, in the future, to predict soiling losses through analysis based only on environmental parameters, such as rainfall and particulate matter, without the need of long-term soiling data.
The Impacts of Climate Change on Nigerian Ecosystems: A Review
Authors: Ikumbur B. E. , Iornumbe S.
Published: November 2019

Climate change is the single biggest environmental issue facing the world today. It has become a great challenge to our generation and its impact is felt in almost every society in the world. Nigeria is one of the most vulnerable countries in Africa. Nigeria as a developing nation with a population of about 200 million people is likely to be adversely impacted by climate change due to its vulnerability and low coping capabilities. Climate change is evidently linked to human actions, and in particular from the burning of fossil fuels and changes in global patterns of land use. The impacts of human activities, as well as those of natural phenomena on global warming, climate change, and the environment, were presented and discussed. Various manifestations of its impact are evident in Nigeria, which includes temperature rise, increase in draught, and scarcity of food instigated by irregularities in rainfall, over flooding, and so on. This paper examines the concepts of global warming and climate change; its impact on the Nigeria ecosystems. It highlights the climate change-related risks and hazards the nation could face if best practices are not employed to prevent and mitigate its impact. Two sets of measures have been advocated for confronting climate change, these are mitigation and adaptation measures. The review explores possible adaptation strategies that are required to respond to the climatic variations and suggests ways that these adaptation strategies can be implemented.
DETERMINANTS OF EXCHANGE RATE FLUCTUATIONS OF UZBEK SUM
Authors:   PhD in Economics, Chief Economist at Statistics and Research department  Central Bank of Uzbekistan, Berdinazarov Z. U. , Mamasalaev J. K. ,   Specialist at Statistics and Research department  Central Bank of Uzbekistan, Fakhodjonov J. M. ,   Specialist at Statistics and Research department   Central Bank of Uzbekistan, Dodoyev Kh. I. ,   Specialist at Statistics and Research department  Central Bank of Uzbekistan
Published: November 2019

The paper examines the determinants of exchange rate fluctuations of Uzbek sum using three econometric models as OLS (Ordinary Least Squares), ARIMA (Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average) and MLARCH (Multivariate Longmemory Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskadasticity). Model results show that the effects of money supply and remittances to the nominal and real exchange rates (USD/UZS) are found statistically significant; the impacts of inflation and interest rate are not econometrically meaningful. It should be noted that the level of net trade influences to the exchange rate is not conclusive in our econometric analysis
Pengaruh Model Pembelajaran Think Talk Write Terhadap Hasil Belajar Siswa SMP Negeri 1 Dolok Padamean
Authors: Sinaga July Antasari
Published: November 2019

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui adanya pengaruh model pembelajaran TTW terhadap hasil belajar siswa pada materi opersai aljabar di kelas VIII SMP. Dari hasil data penelitian diperoleh hasil uji normalitas dengan menggunakan uji Liliefors ditemukan bahwa data hasil kedua kelompok berdistribusi normal. Dari hasil uji homogen kelas memiliki varians yang homogen dengan menggunakan uji F. Uji homogenitas Fhitung = 1,1396 < Ftabel yaitu 1,65 dengan taraf kepercayaan a = 0,05. Artinya kedua kelompok sampel homogen. Dari hasil analisis data diperoleh rataan = 12,76 dan simpangan baku = 3,03 untuk kelas eksperimen, serta rataan = 9,20 dan simpangan baku = 2,84 untuk kelas kontrol. Artinya rata-rata dan simpangan baku siswa dikelas eksperimen lebih tinggi dari pada rata-rata dan simpangan baku siswa dikelas kontrol. Untuk uji selisih dua rataan diperoleh thitung = 4,52 dan ttabel = 1,671 ternyata berada pada daerah kritik karena thitung > ttabel yaitu 4,52 > 1,671 maka dapat disimpulkan bahwa rataan kedua sampel berbeda secara signifikan. Model TTW adalah suatu model pembelajaran yang memfasilitasi latihan berbahasa secara lisan dan menulis bahasa tersebut dengan lancar. dari hasil analisis data terdapat pengaruh yang signifikan penggunaan Model Pembelajaran Think Talk Write terhadap hasil belajar matematika siswa pada materi Operasi Aljabar di kelas VIII SMP Negeri 1 Dolok Pardamean Tahun Ajaran 2017/2018
Riset Penggunaan Pemanas Air Tenaga Surya di Perhotelan Indonesia - Sebuah Kajian Literatur
Authors: Tan Samar , Napitupulu Richard A.M
Published: November 2019

Hospitality is a relatively large energy user in the tourism sector. The application of renewable energy in this field will certainly save energy and contribute to reduce the effect of global warming. An interesting application to study is the use of solar energy for preparing hot water in hotel. This study is a literature study that explored research articles on solar water heater, especially used in hospitality, that have been published. Studies on solar energy have always increased over the past five years, 66.2% of which were in the field of solar thermal energy, where 11.2% of solar thermal energy researches were related to the use of solar energy for the process of heating water. For the research originating from Indonesia, the figures are 48.7% and 6.6% respectively. There is no research on the use of solar water heater in Indonesia. Research on tourism in Indonesia itself tends to decline. A simple example of simulation about solar water heating system using TRNSYS 18 simulation program was presented to motivate researchers in this field.
Pengaruh Waktu Tahan Dan Penambahan Kadar Garam Dapur (NaCl) Dalam Media Pendingin Air Pada Proses Hardening Terhadap Sifat Mekanik Dan Struktur Mikro Baja Karbon Rendah
Authors: Napitupulu Richard A.M , Sihombing Suriady , Manurung Charles , Togatorop Jonner
Published: November 2019

This study aims to determine the effect of salt (NaCl) in water cooling media with different levels of 10%, 16% and 25% against the hardness level of low carbon steel tested with Vickers after hardening in the hardening process and to determine the proportion of media which coolant produces the highest hardness from the use of water cooling media which is added to different levels of NaCl.

The independent variable in this study is the amount of salt (NaCl) dissolved in water cooling media with different percentages, namely 10%, 16% and 25%. While the dependent variable is the value of the hardness of the material tested with Vickers. Hardness in the hardening process with water cooling media which added different salt (NaCl), 10%, 16% and 25% is 185.02 VHN, 229 VHN and 284 VHN. From the results of the study it was found that there was an effect of the salt content (NaCl) in the water cooling media on the level of hardness in the hardening process of low carbon steel. Higher level of salt will increase value of hardness. The highest hardness was achieved in cooling media with a concentration of 25% NaCl that is equal to 284 VHN followed by cooling media with a concentration of 16% NaCl of 229 VHN and the lowest was a cooling medium with a concentration of 10% NaCl of 185.02 VHN.
¿Las políticas de seguridad pública, en etapa permanente de debate? Estudio de Caso México
Authors: González Beltrones Adria Velia , Valenzuela Miranda Guadalupe Aleida , Vendaño Enciso Alipia , Olivarreta Carmona María Victoria , Maya Rodríguez Jesús Miguel
Published: November 2019

Al Contrastar no solo los conceptos sino la percepción de autoridades y gobernados en relación a la seguridad pública con lo que los expertos denominan etapas de la formulación de políticas públicas se extraen las propuestas de las autoridades y de los gobernados que implican nuevas acciones o nuevos mecanismos que requieren para su implementación en algunos casos :el respaldo dentro del orden jurídico para salvaguardar el estado de derecho y en otros casos un previo e intenso debate en distintos foros al respecto.
La Protección de los Derechos Fundamentales frente a particulares. Una necesidad de actualización Constitucional en México
Authors: Sanabria Enzástiga Armando
Published: November 2019

SUMARIO: I. Introducción. II. Una aproximación a la definición de derecho fundamental. III. Casos relevantes en algunos países del mundo de protección constitucional de derechos fundamentales en las relaciones entre particulares. IV. Caso México. V. Conclusiones. VI. Bibliohemerografía.
Los derechos fundamentales ante los avances de la tecnología
Authors: Ibarra Zavala Brenda
Published: November 2019

El objetivo del ensayo, es evidenciar una problemática en apariencia inadvertida o a la que se le ha restado importancia, como lo es la forma asimétrica en que se desarrollan las nuevas tecnologías de la información y la comunicación (NTIC'S) y la reglamentación de su uso, y en ese descuido, los derechos fundamentales, se encuentran vulnerables y desprotegidos. Aportación: subrayar la inminente necesidad de que tecnología y legislación que la regule se alcancen. Si bien es cierto y urgente que los parlamentos del mundo propongan y aprueben legislaciones en materia de privacidad, uso de NTIC'S y derechos humanos; cierto también resulta, que tratándose de derechos humanos, como integrantes de un conglomerado social no debiésemos esperar que todo lo resuelvan las leyes, sino procurar siempre la justicia, y para ello, es necesario apelar de la manera más aguda al sentido común de cada ser humano, que puede en gran medida ayudar a la protección efectiva de los derechos fundamentales, para una mejor calidad de vida en sociedad.
Medidas precautorias en el Arbitraje Internacional
Authors: Murillo González Miguel Angel
Published: November 2019

Las medidas precautorias son un instrumento de impartición de justicia que ayuda a aplicar de acuerdo al derecho la ejecución eficaz y completa de una sentencia o laudo arbitral. El viejo debate sobre el régimen de distribución de competencia entre árbitros y jueces en materia de impugnaciones al acuerdo arbitral, (entre ellas la relacionada con la facultad de dictar medidas precautorias), se encuentra superado como consecuencia de la celebración de un convenio arbitral, el o los litigios que éste abarca ya no serán resueltos por los tribunales oficiales de ningún Estado sino por un tribunal arbitral. Así las partes, por su propia voluntad, excluyen la competencia judicial.
Presentación: Los Efectos de la reconducción Presupuestal experiencia de caso Sonora 2012
Authors: González Beltrones Adria Velia
Published: November 2019

En el marco normativo de orden internacional la reconducción presupuestal es una medida transitoria, por lo que da cumplimiento al principio de legalidad en la obtención de los ingresos por contribuciones y la aplicación de recursos públicos a través del establecimiento de una excepción al principio de anualidad de los ordenamientos que establecen los ingresos y egresos autorizados para el sector público.La experiencia de la reconducción presupuestal en Sonora en el ejercicio fiscal 2012, no deberá repetirse, el pueblo de Sonora no lo merece; por lo tanto, debe legislarse a efecto de que se elimine la figura de la reconducción presupuestal ylos actores políticos asuman su responsabilidad en el ejercicio de sus funciones.Igualmente, deben iniciarse los procedimientos de responsabilidades: administrativa, política, penal y de responsabilidad patrimonial, en su caso, contra los servidores públicos involucrados.
Robson’s class and caesarean scar defects
Authors: Alovisi Carlo , Amadori Roberta , Alovisi Carlotta , Surico Daniela
Published: November 2019

Caesarean scar defect (CSD) may lead to the occurrence of gynecologic symptoms such as abnormal uterine bleeding secondary to intermittent passage of retained menstrual blood within the CSD pelvic pain, and infertility. This prospective cohort study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics at Maria Vittoria Hospital in Turin (Italy), from January 2013 to December 2013 to analyze the effects of two different suturing techniques (single layer and double layer closure of the hysterotomy) and Robson's class impact on the incidence of CSD. All procedures were performed using a modified Stark technique by the same single senior surgeon. The way of closure of the uterine incision was alternated every three months, in order to have two groups of partecipants: one with a single layer and the other with a double layer closure technique. Single layer was carried out as one continuous locking stitch; double layer was performed with a first closure identical to the single layer and an additional suture with a continuous unlocked stitch used to imbricate the first layer. Both ways of closure of the uterine incision were performed using monofilament synthetic absorbable polydioxanone suture. Twelve months after their caesarean section, the women had an ultrasound examination of the uterine scar performed by a single experienced operator blinded to suture technique and the Robson class. The trial recruited 85 cases. 21 patients (24.8%) belonged to Robson's class 1, 5(6%) to class 2, 1(1.3%) to class 4, 35(41%) to class 5, 13(15.4%) to class 6, 6(7%) to class 7, 4(4.5%) to class 8. During the ultrasound follow up we found 10 CSD (11,8%): 8/10 CSD (80%) were found in Robson's class 5, 1 in class 1 and 1 in class 6 (p 0.008), with no correlation with single- or double-layer suture (p 0.141). To our knowledge, no previous studies evaluated the correlation with Robson classification and CSD.
Female Sexual Dysfunction
Authors: Franjic Siniša
Published: November 2019

If a woman finds that she has a problem in sex life, if they are interfering with these relationships, it is definitely a moment to visit a doctor. Initial problems can in most cases be successfully monitored; By advancing the problem they will only accumulate, and inter-party relations will irreversibly be disrupted. It would be ideal to apply an interdisciplinary approach to treatment, meaning to include specialists of various specialties, such as gynecologists, psychiatrists, psychologists, general practitioners and others. Of course, treatment, or therapeutic approach, will be adjusted to the root cause. In treatment should be considered estrogenic creams, modification of basic therapy, psychotherapy and medicaments according to the recommendation of a psychiatrist, physical exercise etc.
Efficacy Evaluation of Standardized Fenugreek seeds extract as Furostanolic Saponins & Myo-Inositol (Nutricyst-M) in Management of Insulin Resistance (IR) & Ovary Volume in PCOS Subjects
Authors: Jaipuriar Amrita Sarkari , Malik Arshia , Lamgora Gopesh
Published: November 2019

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) currently affects nearly 6-10% of women of reproductive age. A frequent feature of women with PCOS is insulin resistance accompanied by compensatory hyperinsulinemia, and increasing evidence suggests that hyperinsulinemia plays an important role in the pathogenesis of PCOS, pointing the way to new and novel therapy for PCOS. The study was planned with one natural alternative remedy Standardized Fenugreek seeds extract as FurostanolicSaponins and Myo-Inositol.Standardized Fenugreek seeds extract as Furostanolic saponins which contains bioactive components Saponins extracted from Fenugreek seeds improves insulin sensitivity and, in turn, may regulate circulating androgen levels. It improves insulin-mediated glucose

disposal in women with PCOS [1,2]. It also decreased theLuteinizing HormoneLH/FSH (Follicle- Stimulating Hormone) ratio as observed in my last study [2-4]. Myo-inositol not only improves fertility by lowering male sex hormones in both, women with and without PCOS but it could also improve ovulation in women with PCOS. In addition, Myo-inositol also reduces insulin resistance and increases estrogen levels. Myo-inositol reduced testosterone, LH, and insulin levels. The present observation study is to establish efficacy and safety in management of IR and ovarian volume.
The relation of vitamin D level to adverse prognostic factors in Non Hodgkin lymphoma: A single center analysis
Authors: ElGohary GM Ghada , Moustafa NN , Abdelbary HM , Fekry GH , Bakr SI , Elkourashy SA
Published: November 2019

Vitamin D insufficiency has been found to be associated with higher incidence of NHL, besides the lower levels are linked with poor prognosis. The current study was conducted to assess vitamin D level in newly diagnosed chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and diffuse large B- cell lymphoma (DLBC) patients. In addition, grade of lymphoma was evaluated with the relation of hypo-vitaminosis D and adverse prognostic parameters. 74 patients (50% CLL and 50% DLBCL) were enrolled in this study. All patients with CLL had vitamin D insufficiency which correlated with advanced Rai and Binet stage. About 91.8% of DLBCL patients had vitamin D insufficiency which correlated with bad ECOG performance, advanced Ann-Arbor staging, high LDH and extranodal involvement. Vitamin D levels in the CLL group were significantly lower than DLBCL group. However, we could not detect an impact of the severity of deficiency on the lymphoma grade.
Eradication of Repeated Episodes of Coagulase-Negative Staphylococcus Peritonitis: A Multipronged Approach
Authors: Haivas Claudia-Denise , Teitelbaum Isaac
Published: November 2019

Bacterial peritonitis continues to be a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis. Episodes of peritonitis due to coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) are especially prone to relapse or repeat, often culminating in catheter removal and technique failure. This pattern is thought to be associated with the production of a biofilm that offers protection against antimicrobials and the host defense systems. We report the successful eradication of repeated episodes of CNS peritonitis using an aggressive multipronged therapeutic approach combining several antibiotics and a thrombolytic agent.
Hopf bifurcations and global nonlinear $L^2$-energy stability in thermal MHD
Authors: Rionero Salvatore
Published: November 2019

The transfer of heat and mass by convection in a fluid horizontal layer

\texttt L

, heated from below – in the past as nowadays – has attracted the attention of many scientists since it can be driven by different factors and has a very relevant influence on the behaviour of many phenomena of the real world concerning meteorology, sun and stars physics, oceanography, heat insulation, air and water pollution, ... (see [1–12, 25–29] and references therein). When

\texttt L

is filled by a plasma and is embedded in a transverse constant magnetic field, in the non-relativistic scheme of magneto-hydrodynamic (MHD), in the early of 1950 ([1–2]), the Nobel Prize laureate (1983) S. Chandrasekhar – in
linear
thermal MHD – obtained a relevant inhibition of convection by a magnetic field, verified experimentally [9] and appeared in 1961 in the celebrated monograph [3]. Successively, during the years, many efforts have been done in order to recover this relevant stabilizing effect in the nonlinear thermal MHD theory (see [6, 10, 11, 13, 16]). This goal has been reached partially in 1988 in [13] and totally in [16] but
only under very severe restrictions on the initial data
(of the order

<10^{-6}

). Recently in [17], via a non standard approach, assuming the verticality of the gradient pressure perturbations, it has been totally recovered in the nonlinear thermal MHD theory, the linear inhibition of convection by magnetic field
for any admissible initial data
(
Linearization Principle
). In the present paper, we return to the problem and

show that, in thermal MHD, the linear asymptotic stability implies the global exponential nonlinear

L^2-

energy stability

, without requiring the verticality of the perturbations to the pressure gradient. As concerns the onset of instabilities in the free-free case, since

P_r \geq P_m

(with

P_r,P_m

Prandtl and Prandlt magnetic numbers), implies the onset of steady bifurcation for any value of the Chandrasekhar number

Q^2

, we analyze the case

P_r<P_m

via the introduction of two critical numbers

R_{C_2}, R_{C_3}

coming from the application of the Hurwitz criterion to the spectral equation of the nth-component of the perturbations to the thermal conduction

m_0

and obtain that if and only if

R_{C_2}<R_{C_3}

the Hopf bifurcation occurs. Named
Hopf bifurcation number
the threshold

Q_c

that the Chandrasekhar number has to cross for the occurring of Hopf bifurcations, we obtain that

Q_c=\frac{1+P_r}{P_m-P_r}\pi^2

. This formula – new in the existing literature – removes the difficulties (mentioned in page 184 of [3]) on finding a "simpler formula which gives

Q_c

as function of

P_r

,

P_m

".
Linking topological spheres
Authors: Hajłasz Piotr
Published: November 2019

There is a topological embedding

\iota:\mathbb S^1\to\mathbb R^5

such that

\pi_3(\mathbb R^5\setminus\iota(\mathbb S^1))=0

. Therefore, no 3-sphere can be linked with

\iota(\mathbb S^1)

.
Self-efficacy as a mediator of the relationship between meaning in life and subjective well-being in cardiac patients
Authors: Krok Dariusz , Gerymski Rafał
Published: November 2019

Background

The theoretical framework and empirical data suggest that the relationship between meaning in life and well-being might be mediated by self-efficacy. Based on the cognitive-affective processing system (CAPS), self-concordance model and empirical data, we assume that self-efficacy might also act as a mediator between meaning in life and subjective well-being in cardiac patients.

Participants and procedure

This study was conducted in cardiology units in Poland. Patients who met the inclusion/exclusion criteria were approached by research assistants in the inpatient clinic and outpatient centre in a cardiology unit in Poland. Results of the 176 participants (82 women and 94 men) aged from 45 to 82 years (M = 58.56, SD = 8.25) were included in this study.

Results

Meaning in life and self-efficacy were significantly related to the each other and two dimensions of subjective well-being. Using path analysis we confirmed the direct effects of meaning in life on life satisfaction and posi-tive affect and indirect effects of meaning in life on life satisfaction, positive affect, and negative affect. Self-efficacy was found to be a partial mediator in the relationship between meaning in life with life satisfaction and positive affect. As there was no direct path between meaning in life and negative affect, meaning in life was a full mediator between these factors.

Conclusions

The present study shows the complexity of the relationship between purpose-oriented personality trait and chronic patients’ well-being. This finding provides a solid foundation for further investigation of the influence of personality traits on patients’ functioning and well-being.
Primary pleural lymphoma of T cell origin in a paediatric patient with a focus on radiological findings – a case report and review of literature
Authors: Jahanshahi Amirreza , Hiradfar Amirataollah , Zarrintan Armin , Mirza-Aghazadeh-Attari Mohammad
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Pleural lymphoma is a medical condition characterised by shortness of breath and obscure chest pain, which may be a diagnostic challenge, especially when it occurs in children. Plain chest X-rays and computed tomography (CT) scan are the main imaging techniques and are the initial diagnostic methods utilised.

Case report

A four-year-old boy was admitted to the emergency ward with pain in the right thoracoabdominal region, which had persisted for two months. Physical examination revealed reduced respiratory sounds in the right chest, but with no other significant findings. The patient underwent chest X-ray and CT scan, which showed right sided pleural thickening coupled with a massive pleural effusion. The patient underwent pleural biopsy, and a diagnosis of T-cell primary pleural lymphoma was made. The patient underwent treatment with BFM-NHL and was followed for three years, during which the patient remained disease free.

Conclusions

Pleural lymphoma is a rare diagnosis especially in children and could have overlapping clinical manifestations with more common conditions. Imaging techniques are the main route of clinical work-up towards final diagnosis. Here, we present a rare paediatric patient with no significant past medical history, who underwent imaging and was diagnosed with T-cell primary pleural lymphoma, a very rare subtype of primary pleural lymphoma.
Investigating the assimilation of CALIPSO global aerosol vertical observations using a four-dimensional ensemble Kalman filter
Authors: Cheng Yueming , Dai Tie , Goto Daisuke , Schutgens Nick A. J. , Shi Guangyu , Nakajima Teruyuki
Published: November 2019

Abstract. Aerosol vertical information is critical to quantify the
influences of aerosol on the climate and environment; however, large
uncertainties still persist in model simulations. In this study, the
vertical aerosol extinction coefficients from the Cloud-Aerosol Lidar with
Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP) onboard the Cloud–Aerosol Lidar and
Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation (CALIPSO) are assimilated to
optimize the hourly aerosol fields of the Non-hydrostatic ICosahedral
Atmospheric Model (NICAM) online coupled with the Spectral Radiation
Transport Model for Aerosol Species (SPRINTARS) using a four-dimensional
local ensemble transform Kalman filter (4-D LETKF). A parallel assimilation
experiment using bias-corrected aerosol optical thicknesses (AOTs) from
the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) is conducted to
investigate the effects of assimilating the observations (and whether to include vertical information) on the model performances. Additionally, an
experiment simultaneously assimilating both CALIOP and MODIS
observations is conducted. The assimilation experiments are successfully
performed for 1 month, making it possible to evaluate the results
in a statistical sense. The hourly analyses are validated via both the
CALIOP-observed aerosol vertical extinction coefficients and the AOT
observations from MODIS and the AErosol RObotic NETwork (AERONET). Our
results reveal that both the CALIOP and MODIS assimilations can improve the model
simulations. The CALIOP assimilation is superior to the MODIS assimilation
in modifying the incorrect aerosol vertical distributions and reproducing
the real magnitudes and variations, and the joint CALIOP and MODIS
assimilation can further improve the simulated aerosol vertical
distribution. However, the MODIS assimilation can better reproduce the AOT
distributions than the CALIOP assimilation, and the inclusion of the CALIOP
observations has an insignificant impact on the AOT analysis. This is
probably due to the nadir-viewing CALIOP having much sparser coverage than
MODIS. The assimilation efficiencies of CALIOP decrease with increasing
distances of the overpass time, indicating that more aerosol vertical
observation platforms are required to fill the sensor-specific observation
gaps and hence improve the aerosol vertical data assimilation.
On the performance of satellite-based observations of CO2 in capturing the NOAA Carbon Tracker model and ground-based flask observations over Africa land mass
Authors: Mengistu Anteneh Getachew , Mengistu Tsidu Gizaw
Published: November 2019

Abstract. Africa is one of the most data-scarce regions as satellite observation at the equator is limited by cloud cover and there are a very limited number of ground-based measurements. As a result, the use of simulations from models are mandatory to fill this data gap. A comparison of satellite observation with model and available in-situ observations will be useful to estimate the performance of satellites in the region. In this study, GOSAT XCO2 is compared with the NOAA CT2016 and six flask observations over Africa using five years of data covering the period from May 2009 to April 2014. Ditto for OCO-2 XCO2 against NOAA CT16NRT17 and eight flask observations over Africa using two years of data covering the period from January 2015 to December 2016. The analysis shows that the XCO2 from GOSAT is higher than XCO2 simulated by CT2016 by 0.28 ppm whereas OCO-2 XCO2 is lower than CT16NRT17 by 0.34 ppm on African landmass on average. The mean correlations of 0.83 and 0.60 and average RMSD of 2.30 and 2.57 ppm are found between the model and the respective datasets from GOSAT and OCO-2 implying the existence of a reasonably good agreement between CT and the two satellites over Africa's land region. However, significant variations were observed in some regions. For example, OCO-2 XCO2 are lower than that of CT16NRT17 by up to 3 ppm over some regions in North Africa (e.g., Egypt, Libya, and Mali) whereas it exceeds CT16NRT17 XCO2 by 2 ppm over Equatorial Africa (10° S–10° N). This regional difference is also noted in the comparison of model simulations and satellite observations with flask observations over the continent. For example, CT shows a better sensitivity in capturing flask observations over sites located in Northern Africa. In contrast, satellite observations have better sensitivity in capturing flask observations in lower altitude island sites. CT2016 shows a high spatial mean of seasonal mean RMSD of 1.91 ppm during DJF with respect to GOSAT while CT16NRT17 shows 1.75 ppm during MAM with respect to OCO-2. On the other hand, low RMSD of 1.00 and 1.07 ppm during SON in the model XCO2 with respect to GOSAT and OCO-2 are determined respectively indicating better agreement during autumn. The model simulation and satellite observations exhibit similar seasonal cycles of XCO2 with a small discrepancy over Southern Africa and during wet seasons over all regions.
Measurements of PM2.5 with PurpleAir under atmospheric conditions
Authors: Ardon-Dryer Karin , Dryer Yuval , Williams Jake N. , Moghimi Nastaran
Published: November 2019

Abstract. The PurpleAir PA-II unit is a low-cost sensor for monitoring changes in the concentrations of Particulate Matter (PM) of various sizes. There are currently more than 9000 PA-II units worldwide; some of them are located in areas where no other reference air monitoring system is present. Previous studies have examined the performance of these PA-II units (or the sensor within them) in comparison to a co-located reference air monitoring system. However, because PA-II units are installed by PurpleAir customers, the PA-II units are not co-located with a reference air monitoring system and, in many cases, are not near one. This study aimed to examine how PA-II units perform under atmospheric conditions when exposed to a variety of pollutants and PM2.5 concentrations. We were interested in knowing how accurate these PA-II units are when measuring PM2.5 concentrations with their sensitivity to concentration changes in comparison to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Air Quality Monitoring Stations (AQMS) that are not co-located with them. For this study, we selected eight different locations, where each location contains multiple PA-II units (minimum of seven per location, a total of 86 units) and at least one AQMS (total of 14). PM2.5 measurements from each PA-II unit were compared to those from the AQMS and other PA-II units in its area. The comparisons were made based on hourly and daily PM2.5 measurements. In most cases, the AQMS and PA-II units were found to be in good agreement; they measured similar values and followed similar trends, that is, when the PM2.5 values measured by the AQMS increased or decreased, so did those of the PA-II. In some high-pollution events, the PA-II measured higher PM2.5 values compared to those measured by the AQMS. We found PA-II PM2.5 measurements to remain unaffected by changes in temperature or Relative Humidity (RH). Overall, the PA-II unit seems to be a promising tool for identifying relative changes in PM2.5 concentration with the potential to complement sparsely distributed monitoring stations and to aid in assessing and minimizing the public exposure to PM, particularly in areas lacking the presence of an AQMS.
Evaluating the suitability of the consumer low-cost Parrot Flower Power soil moisture sensor for scientific environmental applications
Authors: Xaver Angelika , Zappa Luca , Rab Gerhard , Pfeil Isabella , Vreugdenhil Mariette , Hemment Drew , Dorigo Wouter Arnoud
Published: November 2019

Abstract. Citizen science, scientific work and data collection conducted by or with non-experts, is rapidly growing. Although the potential of citizen science activities to generate enormous amounts of data otherwise not feasible is widely recognized, the obtained data are often treated with caution and skepticism. Their quality and reliability is not fully trusted since they are obtained by non-experts using low-cost instruments or scientifically non-verified methods. In this study, we evaluate the performance of Parrot's Flower Power soil moisture sensor used within the European citizen science project, the GROW Observatory (GROW; https://growobservatory.org). The aim of GROW is to enable scientists to validate satellite-based soil moisture products at an unprecedented high spatial resolution through crowdsourced data. To this end, it has mobilized thousands of citizens across Europe in science and climate actions, including hundreds who have been empowered to monitor soil moisture and other environmental variables within twenty four high-density clusters around Europe covering different climate and soil conditions. Clearly, to serve as reference dataset, the quality of ground observations is crucial, especially if obtained from low-cost sensors. To investigate the accuracy of such measurements, the Flower Power sensors were evaluated in the lab and field. For the field trials, they were installed alongside professional soil moisture probes in the Hydrological Open Air Laboratory (HOAL) in Petzenkirchen, Austria. We assessed the skill of the low cost sensors against the professional probes using various methods. Apart from common statistical metrics like correlation, bias and root-mean-square difference, we investigated and compared the temporal stability, soil moisture memory, and the flagging statistics based on the International Soil Moisture Network (ISMN) quality indicators. We found a low inter-sensor variation in the lab and a high temporal agreement with the professional sensors in the field. The results of soil moisture memory and the ISMN quality flags analysis are in a comparable range for the low-cost and professional probes, only the temporal stability analysis shows a contrasting outcome. We demonstrate that low-cost sensors can be used to generate a dataset valuable for environmental monitoring and satellite validation and thus provide the basis for citizen-based soil moisture science.
Model evaluation of high-resolution urban climate simulations: using the WRF/Noah LSM/SLUCM model (Version 3.7.1) as a case study
Authors: Li Zhiqiang , Zhou Yulun , Wan Bingcheng , Chung Hopun , Huang Bo , Liu Biao
Published: November 2019

Abstract. The veracity of urban climate simulation models should be
systematically evaluated to demonstrate the trustworthiness of these models
against possible model uncertainties. However, existing studies paid
insufficient attention to model evaluation; most studies only provided
some simple comparison lines between modelled variables and their
corresponding observed ones on the temporal dimension. Challenges remain
since such simple comparisons cannot concretely prove that the simulation of urban climate behaviours is reliable. Studies without systematic model
evaluations, being ambiguous or arbitrary to some extent, may lead to some
seemingly new but scientifically misleading findings. To tackle these challenges, this article proposes a methodological framework for the model evaluation of high-resolution urban climate simulations and demonstrates its effectiveness with a case study in the area of Shenzhen and Hong Kong SAR, China. It is intended to (again) remind urban climate modellers of the necessity of conducting systematic model evaluations with urban-scale climatology modelling and reduce these ambiguous or arbitrary modelling
practices.
Small dams alter thermal regimes of downstream water
Authors: Chandesris André , Van Looy Kris , Diamond Jacob S. , Souchon Yves
Published: November 2019

Abstract. The purpose of this study was to quantify the downstream impacts of different types of small dams on summer water temperature in lowland
streams. We examined (1) temperature regimes upstream and downstream of dams with different structural characteristics, (2) relationships between stream temperature anomalies and climatic variables, watershed area, dam height, impoundment length and surface area, and residence time, (3) the most significant variables explaining the different thermal behaviors, and (4) the dam thermal effect considering a biological threshold of 22 ∘C, with a calculation of both the number of days with a temperature above this threshold and the average hourly duration above this threshold. Water temperature loggers were installed upstream and downstream of 11 dams
in the Bresse region (France) and monitored at 30 min intervals during
summer (June to September) over the 2009–2016 period, resulting in 13 paired water temperature time series (two sites were monitored for two
summers, allowing the opportunity to compare cold and hot summers). At 23 % of the dams, we observed increased downstream maximum daily
temperatures of more than 1 ∘C; at the remaining dams we observed changes in the maximum daily temperature of −1 to 1 ∘C. Across
sites, the mean downstream increase of the minimum daily temperature was
1 ∘C, and for 85 % of the sites this increase was higher than
0.5 ∘C. We hierarchically clustered the sites based on three temperature anomaly
variables: upstream–downstream differences in (1) maximum daily temperature (ΔTmax), (2) minimum daily temperature (ΔTmin), and (3) daily temperature amplitude (ΔTamp). The cluster analysis identified two main types of dam effects on thermal regime: (1) a downstream increase in Tmin associated with Tmax either unchanged or slightly reduced for impoundments of low volume (i.e., a residence time shorter than 0.7 d and a surface area less than 35 000 m2), and (2) a downstream increase of both Tmin and Tmax of the same order of magnitude for impoundments of larger volume (i.e., a residence time longer than 0.7 d and a surface area greater than 35 000 m2). These downstream temperature increases reached 2.4 ∘C at certain structures with the potential to impair the structure of aquatic communities and the functioning of the aquatic ecosystem. Overall, we show that small dams can meaningfully alter the thermal regimes
of flowing waters, and that these that these effects can be explained with
sufficient accuracy (R2=0.7) using two simple measurements of small
dam physical attributes. This finding may have importance for modelers and
managers who desire to understand and restore the fragmented thermalscapes
of river networks.
Mapping the susceptibility of rain-triggered lahars at Vulcano island (Italy) combining field characterization, geotechnical analysis, and numerical modelling
Authors: Baumann Valérie , Bonadonna Costanza , Cuomo Sabatino , Moscariello Mariagiovanna , Biass Sebastien , Pistolesi Marco , Gattuso Alessandro
Published: November 2019

Abstract. The characterization of triggering dynamics and
remobilized volumes is crucial to the assessment of associated lahar hazards.
We propose an innovative treatment of the cascading effect between tephra
fallout and lahar hazards based on probabilistic modelling that also
accounts for a detailed description of source sediments. As an example, we
have estimated the volumes of tephra fallout deposit that could be
remobilized by rainfall-triggered lahars in association with two eruptive
scenarios that have characterized the activity of the La Fossa cone (Vulcano,
Italy) in the last 1000 years: a long-lasting Vulcanian cycle and a
subplinian eruption. The spatial distribution and volume of deposits that
could potentially trigger lahars were analysed based on a combination of
tephra fallout probabilistic modelling (with TEPHRA2), slope-stability
modelling (with TRIGRS), field observations, and geotechnical tests. Model
input data were obtained from both geotechnical tests and field measurements
(e.g. hydraulic conductivity, friction angle, cohesion, total unit weight of
the soil, and saturated and residual water content). TRIGRS simulations show how
shallow landsliding is an effective process for eroding pyroclastic deposits
on Vulcano. Nonetheless, the remobilized volumes and the deposit thickness
threshold for lahar initiation strongly depend on slope angle, rainfall
intensity, grain size, friction angle, hydraulic conductivity, and the
cohesion of the source deposit.
The first version of the Pan-European Indoor Radon Map
Authors: Elío Javier , Cinelli Giorgia , Bossew Peter , Gutiérrez-Villanueva José Luis , Tollefsen Tore , De Cort Marc , Nogarotto Alessio , Braga Roberto
Published: November 2019

Abstract. A hypothetical Pan-European Indoor Radon Map has been developed using summary statistics estimated from 1.2 million indoor radon samples. In this study we have used the arithmetic mean (AM) over grid cells of 10 km × 10 km to predict a mean indoor radon concentration at
ground-floor level of buildings in the grid cells where no or few data
(N<30) are available. Four interpolation techniques have been tested:
inverse distance weighting (IDW), ordinary kriging (OK), collocated cokriging with uranium concentration as a secondary variable (CCK), and regression kriging with topsoil geochemistry and bedrock geology as secondary variables (RK). Cross-validation exercises have been carried out to assess the uncertainties associated with each method. Of the four methods tested, RK has proven to be the best one for predicting mean indoor radon concentrations; and by combining the RK predictions with the AM of the grids with 30 or more measurements, a Pan-European Indoor Radon Map has been produced. This map represents a first step towards a European radon exposure map and, in the future, a radon dose map.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for Global Journal of Health Science, Vol. 11, No. 12
Authors: Grey Erica
Published: November 2019

Reviewer Acknowledgements for Global Journal of Health Science, Vol. 11, No. 12, 2019.
Medical Xenophobia: The Voices of Women Refugees in Durban, Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa
Authors: Munyaneza Yvonne , Mhlongo Euphemia Mbali
Published: November 2019

BACKGROUND: Women refugees are mostly affected due to their specific needs for reproductive health services. In their attempt to utilize reproductive health care services, women refugees face medical xenophobia by the health care professionals. Upon their arrival in South Africa, refugee women do not undergo any screening, and this exposes them to health risks making them more prone to all different types of diseases, as many of them are survivors of rape and other acts of sexual violence.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to describe the voices of women refugees regarding reproductive health services in public health institutions in Durban KwaZulu-Natal

METHODS: A qualitative, descriptive design was used. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews with eight women refugees living in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. Thematic content analysis guided the study.

RESULTS: Two main themes emerged from the data: negative experiences/challenges, and positive experiences. The negative experiences included medical xenophobia and discrimination, language barrier, unprofessionalism, failure to obtain consent and lack of confidentiality, ill-treatment, financial challenges, internalised fear, religious and cultural domination, the shortage of staff and overcrowding of public hospitals. The positive experiences included positive care and treatment.

CONCLUSION: The study concluded that discrimination and medical xenophobia remain a challenge for women refugees seeking reproductive health services in public health institutions in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
Use of Mixed Methods and Reflection: A Novice Researcher’s Perspective
Authors: Govender Pragashnie
Published: November 2019

Novice researchers are often faced with the challenge of producing rigourous research outputs using a variety of appropriate methods. Often, one is challenged with how decisions are to occur when negotiating the use of mixed methods, which has surged in the last decade. In this paper, the author attempts to share with novice researchers lessons learnt in the use of mixed methods as well as reflection in practice-based research.
Cardiac Standstill With Intracardiac Clot Formation
Authors: Tadashi Sakamoto Jeffrey , Storch Ian , Gharahbaghian Laleh
Published: November 2019

This case describes and depicts cardiac standstill with thrombosed blood within the chambers of the heart. This was likely due to stasis of blood from a prolonged no-flow state. After viewing this ultrasound finding, the decision was made to halt resuscitative efforts in this case of a patient in cardiac arrest.
Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation With Purpura Fulminans Presentation of Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia
Authors: Ader Douglas , Durrani Muhammad , Blazar Eric
Published: November 2019

A 47-year-old male presented to the emergency department with 12 hours of nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and a widespread skin eruption with mottled, irregular, purpuric lesions with subsequent rapid decompensation. Laboratory analysis revealed thrombocytopenia, bandemia, elevated metamyelocytes, abnormal coagulation panel, decreased fibrinogen, elevated fibrin split products, renal dysfunction, bacterial rods, dohle bodies, and toxic granulation. Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APML) was confirmed via bone marrow biopsy, flow cytometry, and fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis. Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) may be the initial presentation of APML. When treated promptly, APML can achieve high remission rates; however, conditions such as DIC continue to increase mortality requiring early recognition to improve survival rates.
Young Man With Suspected Foreign Body Ingestion
Authors: Shufflebarger Erin , DeLaney Matthew , Pigott David
Published: November 2019

As United States emergency departments (ED) and hospitals continue to contend with increasing numbers of patients presenting with complications of substance abuse, emergency physicians should also be aware of patients who may be smuggling illicit drugs. We report the case of a 26-year-old man who was transported to the ED for suspected drug smuggling. Abdominal computed tomography was notable for the presence of multiple tubular foreign bodies throughout the colon that were later identified as packets containing heroin. Body-packing patients present a high-risk clinical scenario that may result in massive, inadvertent drug exposure.