bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ASSOCIATION BETWEEN BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS AND PREMATURE RUPTURE OF MEMBRANE (PROM) IN PREGNANT WOMEN PRESENTING IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL
Authors: Shakori Laiba , Ashraf Adila , Abid Shazia , Haider Naqvi Agha Syed Ali , Niaz Saira
Published: February 2025

Background: Premature rupture of the membranes(PROM)is a frequent pregnancy problem. One of the most frequent causes of vaginal discharge in women is bacterial vaginosis. It has been hypothesizedthat PROM risks and the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis in pregnancy, as well as its connection with PROM, vary across populations.The study aimed tofind outthe association between premature rupture of membrane (PROM) and bacterial vaginosisin pregnant women presenting in a tertiary care hospital.Material and Methods:This was a six-month case control study performed in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore. Sample size was200 females; 100 females in each case and control group.Females were assessed for presence of signs of Bacterial vaginosis (BV). SPSS version 20 was used to perform statistical analysis on the obtained data.Results: The mean age of females in this study was 27.40 ± 4.90 years with minimum and maximum age of 20 and 35 yearsrespectively. In cases and controls the bacterial vaginosis was seen in 24(24%) and 5(5%) of the femalesrespectively. Significant association was observed between bacterial vaginosis instudy groups (p-value < 0.001). There were 6 times more chances of PROPM in presence of bacterial vaginosis. Conclusion: Through the findings of this study,we found significant association between bacterial vaginosis and premature rupture of membrane in pregnant women. Bacterial vaginosis is preventable and curable condition. Thereforeby early intervention and proper management we can minimize the risk of PROM.KeyWords: Gynecology, Pregnancy, Infection
DETECTION OF SEVERE ACUTE RESPIRATORY SYNDROME CORONAVIRUS 2 SPECIFIC IgG ANTIBODY IN STAFF OF KING EDWARD MEDICAL UNIVERSITY LAHORE
Authors: Asif Muhammad , Sarfraz Rahat , Ahmed Saeed
Published: February 2025

Background: A new pandemic by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 is severely affecting daily life. It has caused more than million deaths and billionsofdollars of economic loss. Cases are still on the rise and fear of uncertainty is still prevailing among the massesand especially among healthcare workers(HCW). Healthcare workers are at greater risk of contracting the disease as they are continually being exposed to patients. This study was designed toknow the seroprevalence of SARS CoV-2 IgG antibody in the healthcare staff of King Edward Medical University,Lahore.Material andMethods: This prospective cross-sectional study was carried out fromAugust2020to September 2020 at the Department of Pathology, King Edward Medical University Lahore. A total of 86 staff members were enrolled. Indirect ELISA was carried out to detect the SARS CoV-2 IgG antibody in serum samples of study participants. An interpretation was made according to manufacturer instruction as positive if the binding index was >1.1 and negative if it hada value of <0.9.Result: Mean age of study participants was 41.1 ± 12.5 years. Doctors constituted 52 (61%) of total participants,34 (39%) were non-doctors. A total of 28 (33%) participants were from clinical departments while 58 (67%) were from basic medical sciences departments. SRAS CoV-2 IgG antibodies were detected in 39(45%) of total study participants. Only a small number ofseropositive participants 12 (31%) developed symptoms related to COVID-19and 7 (58%) symptomatic individuals were above 40 years of age.Conclusion: The present study concludesthat a higher number of healthcare staff was exposed to SARS CoV-2 but luckily the majority of them remain asymptomatic.KeyWords:Seroprevalence, Coronavirus, Healthcare workers
Assessing the Impact of Socio-Economic Determinants on Women's Participation in
Self-Help Groups: A Logistic Regression Analysis in Pauri District, Uttarakhand
Authors: Pant Omeen , Kandari Prashant , Rukmani Rukmani
Published: February 2025

This paper examines the socio-economic factors influencing women's participation
in Self-Help Groups (SHGs), with a focus on Pauri district in Uttarakhand. The study uses a
stratified multistage random sampling method, with a sample size of 680 respondents. By
utilizing the binary logistic regression, the findings show that women aged 25-35, nonscheduled caste, from nuclear family structures, and with access to toilet and electricity are more likely to participate in SHGs. Conversely, unmarried women, those with family membership in social community groups, and those owning livestock or agricultural land are less likely to engage in SHGs. These insights emphasize the importance of considering both social and economic factors in program design and policy formulation.
Toxicological Assessment of Captured Fish Species from a Lotic Freshwater Ecosystem in Nigeria
Authors: EGUN Nkonyeasua Kingsley
Published: February 2025

Consumption of safe aquatic foods is critical to the sustainable development goal of good health and wellbeing. This study assessed the content of heavy metals in Clarias gariepinus and Tilapia zillii from Owan River and evaluated the plausible human health risk associated with their consumption. The results showed that mean concentrations of iron (25.03 – 74.98 mg/Kg), zinc (8.21 - 38.97 mg/Kg) and copper (4.48 – 12.08 mg/Kg) exceeded their permissible guideline values, while concentrations of lead (0.019 – 0.065 mg/Kg) and cadmium (0.013 – 0.041 mg/Kg) were below their respective guideline value for fish food in both fish species. The order of heavy metal accumulation in the fillets, gills and liver was Fe > Zn > Cu > Pb > Cd. The human health risk assessment indicated that the THQ values for the heavy metals were < 1, calculated HI values (0.146 – 0.214) did not exceed the threshold value of 1 (HI < 1) which implies that the consumers are not predisposed to non-carcinogenic health risk. Estimated carcinogenic risk values and integrated carcinogenic risk (ICR) values associated with the consumption of the fish species classified the consumption of C. gariepinus and T. zillii as extremely low risk (Grade I). Concerted efforts in the periodic monitoring of anthropogenic activities within the watershed to prevent the deterioration of the water quality of Owan River in order to guarantee the sustainable availability of safe aquatic foods for human consumption is recommended.
Dust emissions from industrial enterprises and recommendations for reducing HM pollution in soil (using the example of model experience)
Authors:   P. Lumumba Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, Askarova Danara , Glebov Viktor ,   V.A. Trapeznikov Institute of Management Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: February 2025

The article presents the results of research on the influence of dust emissions from industrial enterprises on the level of chemical pollution of dark chestnut soils. A study of the dynamics of the average annual concentrations of air pollution in Ust-Kamenogorsk according to the Environmental Bulletin of the Republic of Kazakhstan for 2014-2020 revealed high concentrations of carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide and chlorine in 2014, which decreased in subsequent years (according to the average annual concentrations of carbon, nitrogen oxide), with the exception of sulfur dioxide and chlorine. In the following years (2015-2020), a downward trend was revealed in terms of sulfur dioxide and chlorine, although they were at fairly high levels compared to other pollutants.
An analysis of the data obtained during the study showed that artificial contamination of the background soil with technological dust from a metallurgical plant in doses from 0.5 to 5 wt.% significantly increases the gross content of TM in the soil: Cu – by 2-146; Zn – by 2.7-2510 times (background soil 35.0 mg/kg); Pb – by 1.84-139.6 times (background soil 22.0 mg/kg), Cd – by 65.8-9412.3 times (background soil 0.73 mg/kg), and also corresponded to the maximum permissible concentration in the soil by Cloke: 1.65-23.4 MPXI, 1.1-29.3 MPCZn, 1.27-95.98 MPCPb and 16.0-2290.33 MPCCd.

Keywords: DUST EMISSIONS, HEAVY METALS, SOIL, CHEMICAL POLLUTION, INDUSTRIAL ENTERPRISES, MODEL EXPERIENCE, REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN
De quem se esqueceu Lisboa?: a luta pela inscrição da memória anticolonial e antirracista no espaço público
Authors: Rosas Leonor
Published: February 2025

Nos últimos anos, o movimento antirracista tem procurado repensar o espaço das nossas cidades e o legado que o colonialismo, a escravatura e o racismo deixam no mesmo - debate que se intensificou com o advento do movimento Rhodes Must Fall, em 2015, e com o assassinato de George Floyd, em 2020. Seguindo este impulso e confrontando a perpetuação das narrativas lusotropicais e brancas no espaço público, este livro procurará perceber de que forma podemos ler relações de poder - de raça, classe e género - na paisagem memorial de Lisboa. ao mesmo tempo, a investigação que origina este livro tem como objetivo estudar a relação entre o espaço, a memória e a colonialidade na cidade de Lisboa, particularmente as possibilidades e lutas pela inscrição de narrativas contra-hegemónicas, anticoloniais e antirracistas. Procura, assim, perceber quem tem lutado para fazer essa inscrição, de que forma e qual a sua importância.
Internal and External Drivers of Online Impulsive Buying Behavior and Post-purchase Cognitive Dissonance: A Confirmatory Factor Analysis on 284 Egyptians’ online Shoppers
Authors: AHMED Amira G. , EBEID Ahmed Y. , MOHAMED Mahmoud F.
Published: February 2025

The current study proposes an integrated framework that combines several factors influencing online impulsive buying behavior, and how online shoppers feel after making online purchases. This study is a response to the growth of online shopping, which has become a prevalent behavior among online shoppers in the emerging economies. However, there is a lack of research on this subject in the emerging markets. Also, prior research examined the current study constructs individually. As a result, this study seeks to examine both internal factors (fear of missing out and social media addiction) and external factors (promotional activities and online visual merchandising) that lead to online impulsive buying behavior among customers in Egypt. In addition, the study tested the impact of online impulsive buying behavior on post-purchase cognitive dissonance. The hypothesized model was tested using structural equation modelling (SEM) based on data obtained from 284 Egyptian individuals who shopped online and filled out a self-administered online questionnaire. Findings revealed that fear of missing out, social media addiction, and promotional activities had a significant positive effect on online impulsive buying behavior. However, online visual merchandising was not found to have a significant effect on online impulsive buying behavior. Furthermore, online impulsive buying behavior directly and significantly impacts post-purchase cognitive dissonance. This study tried to explain online impulsive buying behavior in the Egyptian society. In addition, it provided insights for academicians and marketers to help them understand customer behavior.
The Influencing Factors of the Intention to Purchase through Mobile Shopping Apps: A Quantitative Study in Malaysia*
Authors: KUPPUSAMY Jayanty , Han Min CHIN
Published: February 2025

Mobile shopping technology enabled shoppers to shop through the mobile shopping apps. The Covid 19 contributed to the growth of mobile shopping. This is mainly due to the restriction in movement causing people to use mobile shopping apps to purchase product or services. The trend continued after the pandemic, and more mobile shopping apps has been established indicating a growing market. This signifies the importance of this mode of shopping. Although there were studies done on purchase intention through mobile apps, nevertheless, it still limited specifically in the Malaysian context. This indicated a gap and thus, the current study aims to determine the influencing factors of intention to purchase using mobile shopping apps. The factors considered in this study include convenience, usability, mobile application quality, service quality and trust. The respondents consist of adults. The total number of respondents of the study is around one hundred and eighty respondents. Sampling method is through purposive sampling. Data collection is done using online questionnaire. The multiple regression analysis revealed that convenience, usability, and service quality are predictors of the intention to purchase. Therefore, businesses should put focus on these factors to motivate potential buyers to purchase and increase the businesses sales and profitability.
Genome-wide association study of the antibody response to Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis in sheep
Authors: Kyselová Jitka , Tichý Ladislav , Marková Jiřina , Gurgul Artur , Sztankóová Zuzana , Vališ Karel , Šlosárková Soňa , Kavanová Kateřina , Beinhauerová Monika , Szmatola Tomasz
Published: February 2025

Abstract. Caseous lymphadenitis (CLA) is a chronic and highly contagious disease that is widespread among sheep and goats and adversely affects animal welfare and production. This study aimed to reveal the host genomic influences on Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis antibody levels as indicators of disease susceptibility or resistance, thereby potentially identifying genetic markers associated with these traits. Blood samples were collected from 321 sheep from four large Czech sheep herds. Animals of the Suffolk breed, ranging in age from 2 to 8 years, were sampled regularly once a year for 4 years. The sheep were classified into healthy and diseased groups based on two different commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) serological antigen tests. Genomic DNA was genotyped with the GeneSeek® Genomic Profiler™ Ovine 50 K, and 41 301 markers were used for the genome-wide association analysis (GWAS). A case–control GWAS including 143 seropositive and 178 seronegative sheep was conducted to assess the relationship between the sheep genome and the antibody response to a phospholipase D antigen of C. pseudotuberculosis using GCTA software. The study revealed two suggestive SNPs (single-nucleotide polymorphisms) on chromosomes 11 and 20, with the most significant SNP in the first exon of the TRIM16 (tripartite-motif-containing 16) gene. By analysing genomic alterations and their context between positive and negative animals, including a gene ontology (GO) analysis of genes within ± 500 kb regions of the suggestive SNPs, we identified genes and immune-related processes and pathways potentially influencing CLA susceptibility. These include antigen processing and presentation of exogenous peptides via major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and II, Th17 mucosal cell differentiation, cellular autophagy, and phagosome-related mechanisms. This research provides insights into the genetic basis of the antibody response to C. pseudotuberculosis, identifying suggestive associations and underlying biological mechanisms that could guide future breeding and genetic strategies for improving resistance to CLA in sheep.
The study of miRNA-211 affects melanogenesis progress in Cashmere goats via suppressing AP1S2
Authors: Zhang Baoyu , Liu Runlai , Ma Tao , Li Xinyu , Zhao Yuxin , Su Huixian , Li Jianping , Li Yumei , Jiang Huaizhi , Zhang Qiaoling
Published: February 2025

Abstract. Chromaticity is a key indicator of measuring economic worth of Cashmere goats, and gene regulation plays a major role in Cashmere goat color. By targeting the 3′UTR region of genes, such as miRNA-211, miRNA plays a significant regulatory role in melanogenesis. But the mechanism of how miRNA-211 affects the melanogenesis in Cashmere goats is unclear. As a result, insights into the color regulation by miRNA-211 in Cashmere goats and its brief mechanism are offered in this study. First, the target gene AP1S2 of miRNA-211 was screened by TargetScan and GO/KEGG, and then the targeted relationship was confirmed by the dual-luciferase reporter experiment. In B16-F10 cells, which overexpress miRNA-211 and goat skin, the opposite expression trends between AP1S2 and miRNA-211 were analyzed by reverse transcription–quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and western blot. And their opposite expression trends were confirmed in B16-F10 cells by immunofluorescence. The information above showed miRNA-211 downregulated the expression of AP1S2. Afterwards, the impact of miRNA-211 targeting AP1S2 on the melanogenesis of Cashmere goats was confirmed by animal regression studies. Utilizing immunohistochemistry, the expression of AP1S2 in a mouse hair follicle was observed. Following subcutaneous injection of antagomiRNA-211 (chemical modification inhibitor), the expression levels of the AP1S2 gene and protein were enhanced, and the localization in the hair follicle was also increased. Furthermore, reduction in melanin content in the skin was detected. These results showed that miRNA-211 significantly affected the melanogenesis progress via downregulating AP1S2 and advantageously affected the melanin content of Cashmere goat skin.
Steady-state mixing state of black carbon aerosols from a particle-resolved model
Authors: Zhang Zhouyang , Wang Jiandong , Wang Jiaping , Riemer Nicole , Liu Chao , Jin Yuzhi , Tian Zeyuan , Cai Jing , Cheng Yueyue , Chen Ganzhen , Wang Bin , Wang Shuxiao , Ding Aijun
Published: February 2025

Abstract. Black carbon (BC) exerts a notable warming effect due to its strong light absorption, largely influenced by its “mixing state”. However, due to computational constraints, the mixing state is challenging to accurately represent in large-scale models. In this study, we employ a particle-resolved model to simulate the evolution of BC mixing state based on field observation. Our result shows that aerosol compositions, coating thickness (CT) distribution, and optical properties of BC aerosols all exhibit a tendency toward a steady state with a characteristic timescale of less than 1 d, considerably shorter than the BC atmospheric lifetime. The rapid attainment of a steady state suggests that it is reasonable to disregard this pre-steady-state period and instead concentrate on the average properties of BC across extensive spatial and temporal scales. The distribution of CT follows an exponential linear distribution and can be characterized by a single slope parameter k. This distribution is independent of the BC core's distribution. In the model simulation, the mean CT, equivalent to the 1/k, is 62 nm, which is consistent with the statistical results indicating a mean CT of 63 nm. Utilizing the slope parameter k, which effectively characterizes the CT distribution under the steady-state simplifying assumption, the BC absorption enhancement closely corresponds to the results obtained via the particle-resolved method. This study simplifies the BC mixing state description and yields a precise evaluation of the BC optical properties, which has the potential utility for modeling efforts in the refinement of the assessment of BC's radiative effects.
The ASK-16 motorized glider: an airborne eddy covariance platform to measure turbulence, energy, and matter fluxes
Authors: Wiekenkamp Inge , Lehmann Anna Katharina , Bütow Alexander , Hartmann Jörg , Metzger Stefan , Ruhtz Thomas , Wille Christian , Zöllner Mathias , Sachs Torsten
Published: February 2025

Abstract. Airborne eddy covariance measurements can bridge the gap between local (tower-based) and regional (satellite/inversion-derived) flux data, as they provide information about the spatial distribution of turbulent fluxes for larger regions. Here, we introduce an airborne eddy covariance measurement platform based on an ASK-16 touring motor glider (TMG; also referred to as a power glider, hereafter referred to as motorized glider), which is equipped to measure the three-dimensional (3D) wind vector, and atmospheric conditions, and we derive airborne turbulent fluxes for the use of measurement campaigns over European landscapes. This study describes the measurement setup of the platform and explains the workflows that were used to calculate and calibrate the 3D wind vector, turbulent fluxes, and their associated source areas. The glider is equipped with an 858 AJ Rosemount five-hole probe, a Picarro G2311-f gas analyzer, a Novatel FlexPak G2-V2 GNSS–INS system, Vaisala temperature and humidity sensors (HMT311), and an OMEGA CHAL-003 thermocouple temperature sensor. Measurement data are processed with PyWingpod (Python) and eddy4R (R) software packages to calculate wind vectors and turbulent fluxes and assign footprints to the calculated fluxes. To evaluate the quality of the obtained fluxes, different quality assessments have been performed, including the determination of detection limits, spectral analysis, stationarity tests, the analysis of integral turbulence characteristics, and measurement noise and error evaluation. The uncertainty of w is between 0.15 and 0.27 m s−1 (median = 0.23 m s−1), and the uncertainty of u and v ranges between 0.16 and 0.55 m s−1 (median = 0.25 m s−1). Analysis of exemplary flux data from flight transects indicates that the platform is capable of producing spatially highly resolved turbulent fluxes over heterogeneous landscapes. Overall, results from our analysis suggest that the ASK-16 airborne platform can measure turbulent fluxes with a similar quality to earlier established high-quality platforms.
Influence of Fire-Induced Heat and Moisture Release on Pyro-Convective Cloud Dynamics During the Australian New Year's Event: A Study Using Convection-Resolving Simulations and Satellite Data
Authors: Muth Lisa Janina , Bierbauer Sascha , Hoose Corinna , Vogel Bernhard , Vogel Heike , Hoshyaripour Gholam Ali
Published: February 2025

Abstract. Understanding pyro-convective clouds is essential. These clouds transport significant quantities of aerosols and gases into the upper atmosphere, and therefore influence atmospheric composition, weather, and climate on a global scale. This study investigates the dynamics of pyro-convective clouds during the Australian New Years Event 2019/2020 using convection-resolving simulations that incorporate the effects of sensible heat and moisture released by fires. These effects are modeled through parameterizations using retrievals from the Global Fire Assimilation System (GFAS). The results show that the plume top height remains unchanged when accounting for fire-induced heat and moisture release in regions where convective cells form independently of the fire. In areas with the most intense fires, the sensible heat and moisture release from the fire provide the necessary buoyancy for enabling the formation of pyro-convective clouds. These pyro-convective clouds lift aerosol masses up to 12.0 km. During their formation, the top height increases by an average of 5.5 km. Additionally, the plume height increases on average 0.87 km by fire-induced heat and moisture in cloud-free areas. We demonstrated that sensible heat release is the primary contributor to pyro-convective cloud formation. However, the release of moisture enhances the formation process and increases the lifetime of the pyro-convective cloud. Comparisons with observational data reveal an underestimation of the distribution and the height of the plume, which is however in good agreement with the simulations approximately 5–6 hours after the observation, indicating that the simulation of pyro-convective cells is well-captured, albeit temporally shifted.
Calm ocean, stormy sea: atmospheric and oceanographic observations of the Atlantic during the Atlantic References and Convection (ARC) ship campaign
Authors: Köhler Laura , Windmiller Julia , Baranowski Dariusz , Brennek Michał , Ciuryło Michał , Hayo Lennéa , Kȩpski Daniel , Kinne Stefan , Latos Beata , Lobo Bertrand , Marke Tobias , Nischik Timo , Paul Daria , Stammes Piet , Szkop Artur , Tuinder Olaf
Published: February 2025

Abstract. During the Atlantic References and Convection (ARC) ship campaign with the reference MSM114/2, which took place in early 2023, the German research vessel Maria S. Merian travelled from Mindelo, Cape Verde, to Punta Arenas, Chile. One of the main objectives of ARC was to obtain vertically resolved cross sections of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). To this end, we crossed the ITCZ three times in the meridional direction. We present the atmospheric and oceanographic measurements collected during ARC in a standardised way to facilitate working with data from different instruments and to make the data easily accessible. This approach is not limited to ARC but could serve as a prototype for future (and past) ship campaigns. We present data from the integrated ship sensors (DSHIP); a humidity and temperature profiler (HATPRO); a ceilometer; aerosol instruments (DustTrak, Microtops, and Calitoo); radiosondes; uncrewed aircraft vehicles (UAVs); and conductivity, temperature, and depth (CTD) profiles of the upper ocean. We distinguish between temporal continuous data (DSHIP, HATPRO, Ceilometer, and DustTrak) from point measurements (radiosondes, UAVs, CTDs, Calitoo, and Microtops). To illustrate the data sets provided, we present examples of measurements taken during the three crossings of the ITCZ and during a storm in the Roaring Forties in the South Atlantic at the end of the campaign. An overview of all available data sets, including DOIs and download links, can be found in Köhler et al. (2024a) with the DOI https://doi.org/10.1594/PANGAEA.966616. For references to the individual data sets, please refer to the “Data availability” section.
Air-sea interaction heat and momentum fluxes based on vessel’s experimental observations over Spanish waters
Authors: Sánchez-Lorente Ángel , Tel Elena , Sanz-Pinilla Lucía , González-Nuevo González Gonzalo
Published: February 2025

Abstract. Ocean and atmosphere are directly communicated through air-sea interaction fluxes. These include heat exchange, by latent (LHFL) and sensible (SHFL) heat, and momentum (MOFL), by wind stress. They stand as the leading predictors of how ocean influences atmospheric variability, and vice versa. In this paper, meteorological and upper-ocean measurements collected during the period 2011–2023 aboard four research vessels over Spanish waters and adjacent seas, are used to study air-sea interaction fluxes. These research vessels are: Ramón Margalef (RM), Ángeles Alvariño (AJ) and Cornide de Saavedra (CS) belonging to Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO-CSIC); and Miguel Oliver (MO), from Secretaría General de Pesca of Spain. Recorded data are daily sent to the IEO Data Center on land, where quality control procedures are applied. Heat and momentum fluxes products are derived using the bulk aerodynamic approximation and are stored within a MEDAR/MedAtlas format alongside the meteorological and ocean variables used in the calculation. The data set generated and described here are publicly available at SEANOE. In order to study the behaviour of these air-sea fluxes, several marine regions subdivisions, based on the heterogeneity of the Spanish waters, are proposed. Additionally, some results within these regions context are shown.
Brief communication: How extreme was the thunderstorm rain in Vienna on 17 August 2024? A temporal and spatial analysis
Authors: Klaus Vinzent , Laimighofer Johannes , Lehner Fabian
Published: February 2025

Abstract. On 17 August 2024, a single thunderstorm cell in Vienna/Austria led to a rainfall of 107 mm/2 h at the weather station of "Hohe Warte", which has been monitoring hourly precipitation since 1941 – one of the world's longest-running precipitation time series at this temporal resolution. A comparison with other gauging stations in the area indicates that this amount of rainfall almost doubles the second-largest event. A conservative estimate of the return period of this event is approx. 662 years. Full spatial analysis was conducted on the radar-based INCA data set, showing that the 20-year return value on a grid cell level ranges between 28–69 mm/2 h, further highlighting the rarity of this event.
The record-breaking precipitation event of December 2022 in Portugal
Authors: Ferreira Tiago M. , Trigo Ricardo M. , Gaspar Tomás H. , Pinto Joaquim G. , Ramos Alexandre M.
Published: February 2025

Abstract. Extreme precipitation events (EPEs) potentially present an enormous societal risk and often lead to major human and economic impacts. In the mid-latitudes, such EPEs are often triggered by intense extratropical cyclones and their associated frontal systems. Over the last decade, several studies have shown the important and specific role played by atmospheric rivers (ARs) in the occurrence of EPEs in western Europe, particularly in the Iberia Peninsula. In this study we analyze the all-time 24 h record-breaking precipitation (120.3 mm) recorded in the historical Dom Luiz Observatory (records since 1863) in Lisbon, Portugal, between 12 and 13 December 2022. A synoptic evaluation of surface and upper-level fields from 5 to 14 December is performed using the European Centre for Medium-Range Forecasts (ECMWF) Reanalysis v5 (ERA5). The week before the EPE, there was a combined effect of a large-scale sea-level-pressure (SLP) gradient resembling the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) negative phase, a southerly position of the jet stream, and above-normal positive sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies over the North Atlantic that led to the development of several low-pressure systems at relatively low latitudes, all traveling along the same mean path towards western Europe. The atmospheric river associated with this event was first detected late on 10 December, associated with a deep extratropical cyclone. The combination of high integrated vapor transport (and moisture inflow by the warm conveyor belt), with a dynamical component characterized by a suitable uplift motion allowed the system to evolve and maintain its AR characteristics for 72 h. The extratropical cyclone and associated AR moved northeast towards Iberia, making landfall in Portugal on 12 December as an extreme AR event, leading to the 24 h record-breaking precipitation event.
A quantitative module of avalanche hazard – comparing forecaster assessments of storm and persistent slab avalanche problems with information derived from distributed snowpack simulations
Authors: Herla Florian , Haegeli Pascal , Horton Simon , Mair Patrick
Published: February 2025

Abstract. Avalanche forecasting is a human judgment process with the goal of describing the nature and severity of avalanche hazard based on the concept of distinct avalanche problems. Snowpack simulations can help improve forecast consistency and quality by extending qualitative frameworks of avalanche hazard with quantitative links between weather, snowpack, and hazard characteristics. Building on existing research on modeling avalanche problem information, we present the first spatial modeling framework for extracting the characteristics of storm and persistent slab avalanche problems from distributed snowpack simulations. The grouping of simulated layers based on regional burial dates allows us to track them across space and time and calculate insightful spatial distributions of avalanche problem characteristics. We applied our approach to 10 winter seasons in Glacier National Park, Canada, and compared the numerical predictions to human hazard assessments. Despite good agreement in the seasonal summary statistics, the comparison of the daily assessments of avalanche problems revealed considerable differences between the two data sources. The best agreements were found in the presence and absence of storm slab avalanche problems and the likelihood and expected size assessments of persistent slab avalanche problems. Even though we are unable to conclusively determine whether the human or model data set represents reality more accurately when they disagree, our analysis indicates that the current model predictions can add value to the forecasting process by offering an independent perspective. For example, the numerical predictions can provide a valuable tool for assisting avalanche forecasters in the difficult decision to remove persistent slab avalanche problems. The value of the spatial approach is further highlighted by the observation that avalanche danger ratings were better explained by a combination of various percentiles of simulated instability and failure depth than by simple averages or proportions. Our study contributes to a growing body of research that aims to enhance the operational value of snowpack simulations and provides insight into how snowpack simulations can help address some of the operational challenges of human avalanche hazard assessments.
Novel CFD approach for simulation of an ABL wind tunnel flow: validation and application to a FOWT model
Authors: Barile Dimas Alejandro , Sosa Roberto , Aubrun Sandrine , Otero Alejandro Daniel
Published: February 2025

Abstract. When comparing Large Eddy Simulations with wind tunnel experiments, choosing the appropriate boundary conditions is crucial to ensure an accurate representation of wind flow. This becomes particularly challenging for Atmospheric Boundary Layer (ABL) wind tunnels, which frequently incorporate calibrated obstacles to replicate the appropriate model-scale ABL flow. Although many researchers prefer to include these elements within the CFD domain, this approach leads to high computational costs and the necessity for precise replication of each obstacle. Alternatives to avoid this high computational cost typically include slip boundary conditions at the top, leading to fast decay in turbulence quantities near the ground. In this study, the authors propose a new methodology based on the precursor technique, which is commonly used for full-scale ABL simulations, combined with a stress top boundary condition. The method is validated against experimental measurements showing significant improvement in the inlet flow quality, when compared to previous methods. Floating Offshore Wind Turbines (FOWT) are expected to experience significant growth in the coming decades. However, due to the effect of platform motions, their wake structures can be challenging to predict. As a second part of this study, the novel technique is applied together with an actuator disk to represent an oscillating wind turbine model, designed to study FOWT wakes. Simulations with varying turbulence intensities and motion frequencies are conducted. The results corroborate previous findings that the near wake is not significantly influenced by surge motion frequency, although certain frequency cases exhibit more persistent coherence structures than others, which results in a slower wake recovery. This phenomenon is found to be less significant in the context of higher turbulence intensities.
Phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae) found widespread but at low densities in Luxembourg
Authors: Schaffner F. , Weigand A.
Published: February 2025

Following the first record of Phlebotomine sand flies in Luxembourg in 2023, we performed during the summer 2024 the first extensive field survey investigating the sand fly fauna diversity and distribution in the Grand Duchy. Overall, 181 samples (insect batches/site/trapping method/date) were collected from 165 sites across the country (44 localities in 28 communes), mainly by running light traps but occasionally sticky traps and conducting resting catches. Only Phlebotomus mascittii was found, in a total of 15 samples collected at 10 localities, revealing 23 specimens (12 females and 11 males). More trapping effort might be implemented in the country to confirm the absence of Ph. perniciosus. Together with the first observations of 2023 (at two localities), the occurrence of Ph. mascittii has increased to 12 localities in total, which are widely distributed over south Luxembourg, but with an overall low density. This low density suggests the risk for Leishmania transmission in Luxembourg, if introduced, to be very low. The two northernmost localities where sand flies were detected are in the commune of Rosport-Mompach. Our data do not suggest northwards spread of sand flies, but they complete the distribution data north to the Alps, demonstrating they are more widespread than previously known. Further assessing the risk for sand fly-borne diseases in Luxembourg would request the acquisition of information on Leishmania infections in dogs for imported cases and, if existing, suspected locally acquired cases. Additional entomological field surveys may be implemented to further determine the local distribution of sand flies, the period of activity of adults, the abundance, or the presence of pathogens in insects when their circulation is suspected.
منهج تفسير تبيان الفرقان للديانوي دراسة موضوعية
Authors: خواجه سيف الرحمن  , الدكتور الحافظ محمد نصر الله خان
Published: February 2025

Maulana Abdul Majeed Ludhyanvi was a great scholar of Islam.InterpretationTibyan ul Furqan is collection of his lectures Which delivered in the front ofstudents many years.This is Modern Interpretation of this era and containsmodern issues.He translated the verses in a sequence.At the end of SurahFatiha,he explained the importance of aameen.In the beginning of everysurah,he explained the name of surah,number of verses ,raku, and Makki andMadni.All the interpretationers and jurists agree that number of verses of surahFatiha is seven.The amulet and its legal status are described .Mentioned thespecial qualities of some surahs.He described name of surah and place ofdescent .He also described literal,syntactic and metaphorical research,surahlinking.He summarized the essays of Makki surahs, mentioned jurisprudenceand modern jurisprudence .he mentioned a list of topics at the beginning ofeach volume,these are the topics mentioned in the interpretation of this volumeverses.
Representation of Islamic Ideology in the Discursive Practices: A Critical Review of ESL Classrooms at Undergraduate Level
Authors: Muntazar Mehdi  , Prof. Dr. Arshad Mahmood
Published: February 2025

The study focuses on the Islamic ideological discursive manifestationsin the second language multicultural classroom as to how they are enacted.The ESL classrooms involve the classroom participants in learning the nonnative language through the explanatory discourses as enacted by theirteachers. The classroom participants in any setting prefer their own sociallyconstructed religious values. Since, classroom is a constituent of the socialgrowing practices; the classroom approved practices contribute a substantialpart in developing and establishing social norms in terms of ideologicalpreferences. All the universities of the Islamabad were taken as the sites ofthe study where the undergraduate four-year English program is offered. Thestudy is a census enquiry where all the population (students) of the sites istaken as sample of the study for data collection. The data were collectedthrough, closed-ended questionnaires. It was found that the ideologies of thedominant groups are prevalent in the ESL undergraduate classroomsdiscursive practices. Although the classrooms have religious freedom;however, Islamic ideology prevails in terms of its practice and preference.In order to get plausible academic results in the ESL multiculturalclassroom, the teachers need to understand, perceive and sensitizethemselves to the cultural, ideological and social understanding of thestudents for a smooth academic process in the language classroom.
Islamophobia and the Representation of Islam and Muslims in the Western Media
Authors: Ayesha Siddiqua  , Prof. Dr. Khalid Sultan
Published: February 2025

The ethnic and Islamophobic trends were present in the westerndiscourses since long but they increased in number and intensity in the post9/11 scenario. The co-existence of Islamophobic trends in the Europeandiscourse did not only influence political and financial structures but alsothe social and cultural edifices. The paper attempts to analyze therepresentation of Muslims and Islam in the British media in the light of theavailable literature. The paper concluded that the British Muslims wereframed as alien “Others” by the British media. The portrayal of “others”was further linked to the racist notions of Islamophobia. The dominantthemes employed by the British press for the portrayal of Muslimsincluded „deviant‟, “immigrants”, “dangerous”, “problematic, and“oppressive”. The western media‟s tendency of frequently engaging theirown commentators for commenting on matters related to Islam andMuslims was considered as a main reason for biased representation ofIslam and Muslims in the Western media. Resultantly it is always “Us”which is representing “Them” instead of “They” representing“Themselves”. Thus the western media tends to portray Islam and West asopposites to each other.
Emergence and Evolution of Islamic Culture and Civilization in Kashmir: An Analytical and Historical Overview
Authors: Muhammad Tayyab Khan  , Dr Hafiz Muhammad Arshad Iqbal
Published: February 2025

From the Kashmiri ruler Rinchana (1320- 1323 A.D)‟s embracingIslam by a Sufi saint Sayyid Sharaf-ud-Din Abdul Rahman (popularized toBulbul Shah)(1326 A.D.), one can derive that it is a dramatic scene that theking of a time became a figure of an Islamic civilization at once butactually with the long background of Muslims‟ commencement in the stateand its adjacent and king‟s discontent regarding other religions of the stateled him to accept the rapidly spreading Islamic civilization. King‟s debatewith the scholars of all ongoing religions of Kashmir and preferring Islamas a religion among the other religions marks his adoption of a newcivilization more significant and remarkable.Being a multicultural and multi religious nature of the state, Islamiccivilization and culture observe many pros and cons during the centuries inKashmir. It took more than half century to stand on its feet. It faced manyinternal and external challenges but it was survived and resuscitated. IraniSufi saint Syed Ali Hamdani(1384 C.E) and his followers played a vitalrole to nurture Islamic civilization and its manifestation to an extent thatonce Kashmir was considered the central part of Islamic culture andcivilization and that was in the era of great Sultan Zain ul Abideen(1420-1470) known as Bud Shah(great shah), as his period witnessed abundantdevelopments in art, languages, translations in Persian, Arabic fromSanskrit and vice versa and many other sciences.Although the Salateen‟s era(1339-1560) was the climax of Islamicculture and civilization in Kashmir but the situation during the other eraslike of Chaks (1560-1586 C.E), Mughuls (1586-1752 C.E), Afghans(1752-1819) Sikhs(1819-1846), Dogras (1846-1947) and modern time(1947 to tilldate) is still remarkable as many developments regarding various sciences,arts and languages were witnessed.The study endeavors to explore the background of thecommencement of Islamic culture and civilization and its evolution andhow did Kashmiri people respond to new developments and how did theyresuscitate while facing the various challenges through the centuries.
Chinese Investment in Latin America: A Case Study of Argentina, and Venezuela
Authors: Bashir Hira , Khan Durr e Shahwar , Karim Asia
Published: February 2025

This article examines the growing influence of Chinese investments in Latin America, focusing on Venezuela and Argentina. It explores how these countries benefit from Chinese capital and how this investment impacts their economies. Venezuela has relied on oil-backed loans to sustain its political system, worsening its economic challenges. In contrast, Argentina has channeled Chinese investment into infrastructure, including hydroelectric dams, nuclear plants, railway modernization, and energy diversification projects. The study highlights that while infrastructure investment can enhance economic stability and reduce reliance on further loans, both countries remain vulnerable due to their dependence on raw material exports. Despite these challenges, the study underscores that with institutional improvements and a shift toward diversification, such investments can contribute to sustainable growth in both nations. A qualitative research approach using secondary sources was employed to analyze the long-term implications of Chinese investments in these two economies.
Effect of Board and Ownership Structures on Firm Performance: A Study on Chinese Listed Firms
Authors: Kauser Sumera , Wajid Shakeel Ahmed
Published: February 2025

Research on corporate governance has been the subject of debate around the globe. Many studies have been conducted on the impact of corporate governance (CG) on firm performance. However, besides adopting CG mechanisms from the developed economies, the goal to achieve market efficiency remains crucial for the Chinese listed companies. Therefore, it is mandatory to find out the most important governance components that aid the financial stability of an organization. In this study, we examined the impact of the most important components of corporate governance such as board and ownership structures on firm performance in Chinese listed firms. Three measures of performance such as return on assets, return on equity and Tobin’s Q are incorporated for an in-depth analysis of CG structures. To achieve the objective of the study we used the latest annual data of non-financial companies from the Chinese stock market ranging from 2015 to 2023. By employing the panel regression estimation technique, we found a significant positive effect of board independence, state ownership, and institutional ownership on Chinese listed companies. Whereas the firm size has a negative effect on the firm’s performance, which implies that larger firms showed lower profitability. Notably, family ownership, board size, and board meetings have no effect on firm performance. The findings, besides significantly adding to the existing literature, have practical and managerial implications for the firms to reform their firm performance procedures. Policymakers and managers can induce informed decisions that encourage the effectiveness of corporate governance practices with improved performance.
Does Employee Compensation Influence Financial Leverage? Insight from the Indian Hi-Tech Sector
Authors: Mukarram Syed Shafqat , Shahzad Farhan , Yasin Ghulam
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the impact of firm compensation practices on financial leverage in a large emerging market. Employing trade-off theory, this study highlights the importance of deferred compensation in capital structure in the Indian Context which is associated with the large Hi-Tech sector. To investigate this, we have used hand-collected data from the financial statements of the top 100 listed firms on the National Stock Exchange of India for the period from 2010 to 2022. We have used the difference Generalized method of moment (GMM) regression estimation approach for data analysis. Our findings suggested that deferred compensation is negatively related to firms' financial leverage in high-tech firms. Thus, firms can use deferred compensation as a mode of financing for various investment activities instead of external borrowing on stringent conditions for such investment. Our assumptions, grounded in tradeoff theory and agency theory, posit a negative relationship between deferred compensation and firm financial leverage. This suggests that deferred compensation can be effectively utilized in the high-tech sector as an alternative to external borrowing.