bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vitro effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Meloxicam and Flunixin Meglumine) and phytochemical (Harpagoside) on the respiratory burst of porcine polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs)
Authors: Marruchella Giuseppe , Mosca Francesco , Hattab Jasmine , Trachtman Abigail R. , Tiscar Pietro G.
Published: June 2021

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used in veterinary medicine. Additionally, interest regarding the anti-infammatory properties of phytochemicals has emerged in recent years. In the present study, we aim to investigate the in vitro effects of meloxicam, flunixin meglumine, and harpagoside on the respiratory burst of porcine polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs). We observed that harpagoside was able to suppress the respiratory burst, similarly to flunixin meglumine. Conversely, meloxicam enhanced the PMNs response. However, these effects were only detected at concentrations higher than those achievable in plasma and tissues. The present study intends to offer insights into the role of these molecules on phagocytosis mechanisms in animals to complement what is already known regarding human PMNs.
Facies Architecture and Sedimentary Structures in the drill cores of Uranium Bearing Sediments of Banganapalle Formation of Palnad Sub-basin, Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh
Authors: GUPTA SHEKHAR , Singh R V , Banerjee Rahul , Verma M B
Published: June 2021

The Banganapalle Formation, the lowest member of the Neoproterozoic Kurnool Group of rocks, resting over the basement granites, has been identified as the host rock for uranium in Koppunuru area in the western part of Palnad sub-basin. The uppermost arenite facies of the Banganapalle Formation is exposed on surface and shows only few bedform indicators like ripple marks, planer laminations etc. Down-hole lithological examinations on course of core drilling in Koppunuru and adjoining areas identified five recognizable lithofacies of Banganapalle Formation, viz.  basal conglomerate unit, quartzite-shale intercalated facies, and two quartz arenite facies separated by a grey shale dominated argillaceous facies.

The polymictic conglomerate, with unsorted grit to pebble size clasts of granite, shale, quartzite, vein quartz and dolerite indicate short distance transportation and derivation from nearby granitoids traversed by quartz reef/dolerite dykes. Cyclic repetitions of arenaceous and argillaceous sediments in Banganapalle lithocolumn above the basal conglomerates point to alternate rhythmic marine transgression and regression regimes. These units can also be discriminated based on their sedimentary texture, bedforms and several soft-sedimentary penecontemporaneous deformational structures (PCD) like load structure, convolute bedding/laminations, and slump structures such as micro-slips, gravity faults and folds. These syn-sedimentary structures clearly indicate perturbation and submergence of the basin contemporaneous to deposition. Cross-beds suggests change in current direction/intensity while bi-directional symmetrical ripples in outcrops of upper arenite facies suggests that the Banganapalle sediments are derived from the basement granitoids exposed to the north as well as upper Cuddapah sediments to its west. Overall, the sedimentary structures, textural and composition variation of the lithounits suggest deposition of these sediments in marginal marine, inter- to supra-tidal flat environment. The porous and permeable nature of the quartz arenite and the basal conglomerates and the presence of available reductants in the form of sulphides and carbonaceous matter make them the best suited loci for fluid movement and precipitation of uranium.
Facies Evaluation and Depositional Environments of Carbonates of the Bagh Group, Dhar District, Madhya Pradesh, India
Authors: Chatterjee Sreejita , Ruidas Dhiren Kumar
Published: June 2021

A significant event of marine transgression took place in Central India during Late Turonian-Coniacian. Fossiliferous marine succession of Bagh Group is one of the few carbonate successions exposed in peninsular India which was in focus of the current study for understanding this event. The signatures of this event were identified in the carbonate succession. The carbonates of Bagh Group are composed of two formations: the lower part is represented by Nodular limestone Formation which is overlain by Bryozoan limestone Formation at the top. On the basis of grain size variation and sedimentary structures, the Nodular limestone is divisible into three facies: facies ‘A’, facies ‘B’ and facies ‘C’. A hardground exists between facies B and facies C. Lack of sedimentary structures and high mud content indicates low energy depositional setting for the Nodular limestone Formation. Similarly, Bryozoan limestone Formation is divisible into five facies: facies ‘D’, facies ‘E’, facies ‘F’, facies ‘G’ and facies ‘H’ based on grain size variation and sedimentary structures. All of these five facies are fossiliferous. Glauconites are present within facies ‘G’ and have two modes of occurrence - as infilling within Bryozoan limestone and as altered feldspar. Presence of both small- and large-scale cross-stratification in Bryozoan limestone with lesser mud content are indicative of high energy shallow marine conditions. Large-scale cross-stratifications are possibly representing tidal bars while the small scale cross stratifications are formed in inter bar setting. Presence of reactivation surfaces within facies ‘E’ also supports their tidal origin. Increase in depositional energy condition is also evident from dominated by packstone facies.
Investigation on Suitability of Argillaceous Rocks of Vindhyan Super Group as Host Rock for Deep Geological Repository using Thermal Analysis
Authors: Pal T.K. , Bajpai R.K. , Acharya A. , Bhatia R. S. , Datta D.
Published: June 2021

Argillaceous rocks are being considered as a potential host rock for deep geological repository (DGR) for hosting vitrified high level radioactive waste canisters by many countries worldwide. Numerical simulation of thermal evolution in the repository environment is an important study for the long term safety performance assessment of a DGR. In this study, thermal dissipation in the near field area of a conceptual repository in Ganurgarh shales from Bhander Group of Vindhyan Super Group, which is the thickest sedimentary succession of India,  has been simulated using commercial software FLAC3D, which solves the governing heat diffusion equation using explicit and implicit finite difference methods. Model parameters like thermal conductivity, specific heat, density of the shales are generated in the laboratory.  From the analysis of time dependent temperature profile it is observed that maximum temperature of 70.5oC is attained at canister surface after 22 years of heating for a heat loadings of 500 W/overpack. Since the maximum temperature is well below the permissible limit of temperature (100oC), the heat load of the source is increased to 700 W/overpack and in this case the simulated value of maximum temperature is 93­oC.  Maximum temperatures at other locations within the near field region are also within the permissible limit.
Sediment Budget and Sediment Trap efficiency of Baglihar Hydroelectric project Reservoir – a calibrated model for prediction of longevity of the Dam
Authors: Kumar Romesh , HAQ AHSAN UL , Bhat G M , Singh Yudhbir , Dar Javid Ahmed
Published: June 2021

The field investigation of the reservoir area of Baglihar Hydropower project shows that the sediment budget to the reservoir is controlled by fragile rock type like shales, sandstones, phyllites and slates, soil characteristics, steep hill slopes, rainfall and landslides. The rocks are highly weathered, fissile and micaceous in nature and very sensitive to water absorption.  The analysed sediments are characterised by dominance of sands, silts and clays with lower values of plasticity (14.3PL), liquidity (23.5 LL), cohesion (118) and shear strength (202 Kpa). The slope wash deposits are highly susceptible to landslides and slope failures and directly contribute to the sediment budget in the reservoir. In addition tributaries of Chenab River also bring sediments in the reservoir from the catchment area.
The empirical relationship for estimating the long-term reservoir trap efficiency for large storage based on correlation between the relative reservoir size and trap efficiency was simulated in 3D model which shows that the annual sediment trap efficiency of the Baglihar reservoir is of 0.39%. The extrapolation of the calculated values shows that the total sediment load shall increase by 11% in the next 30 years and 20% in the next 50 years and correspondingly 40% in the next 100 years that shall induce corresponding decrease in the reservoir volume over the time.  By applying flushing schemes, life span of the reservoir can be extended. It is estimated that after 100 years the reservoir shall lose ~35.6% storage volume. On further extrapolation, the trap efficiency will decrease from 25.5% after 30 years to 23% after 100 years. The estimated trap efficiency of Baglihar reservoir is 60%, which is greater than that based on numerical results, showing a significant overestimation.
On the occurrence of ichnogenera Planolites and Psilonichnus from the Jogira Formation (Lower to Middle Eocene), Bikaner Basin, Western India: Implications on depositional environment
Authors: Mude Shyam Narayan , Pardeshi Ravindrasing , Memane Manoj
Published: June 2021

Abstract: The Cenozoic sediments of the Bikaner basin are lithostratigraphically classified into four formations in ascending order of deposition viz., Palana Formation, Marh Formation, Jogira Formation and Kolayat Formation. The present paper records ichnofossils viz., Planolites montanus, P. beverleyensis and Psilonichnus isp from Jogira Formation (Lower Middle Eocene) of Bikaner basin, Western India. The presence of these ichnofossils in a succession exposed in a quarry SE of Jogira Lake plays a significant role in deciphering the depositional environment of Jogira Formation. In the present section two ichnofossil horizons are marked, the lower horizon is dominated by Psilonichnus isp whereas upper horizon is conquered by Planolites montanus, and P. beverleyensis. The sedimentological characteristic features and associated ichnofossils from the studied succession infer that the deposition of the sediments of the Jogira Formation initiated with lagoonal to backshore environment with the formation of mudstone and sandy shale, later with rise in the bathymetry from onshore to shallow marine environment, fossiliferous limestones were formed.
Trol balıkçığında 40 mm göz açıklığındaki kare ve 90º döndürülmüş torbaların Bakalyaro (Merluccius merluccius, Linnaeus, 1758) ve Derinsu mezgiti (Micromesistius poutassou Risso, 1827) seçiciliği
Authors: AYDIN Celalettin , CİLBİZ Mehmet
Published: June 2021

Bu çalışmada, bakalyaro (Merluccius merluccius) ve derinsu mezgiti’nin (Micromesistius poutassou) 40 mm ağ göz açıklığına sahip kare (40S) ve döndürülmüş (40T90) torbalardaki seçicilik parametreleri araştırılmıştır. Denemeler 1200 gözlü dip trolü kullanarak Ege Denizi'nin uluslararası sularında gerçekleştirilmiştir. Torbalar düğümlü polietilen (PE) 380d/21 no ip kalınlığında ve 5 m uzunluğundadır. Torba seçiciliğinin ölçümünde çemberli örtü torba tekniğinden yararlanılmıştır. Boy seçiciliği analizi için SELNET programı kullanılmıştır. Grafikler, "ggplot2 (v.3.3.3)" paketi kullanılarak RStudio (v. 1.4.1106) yazılımı ile yapılmıştır. Toplam 19 geçerli çekim yapılmıştır. Bu çekimlerin 11’i 40S ve 8’i ise 40T90 ile gerçekleştirilmiştir. Bakalyaro için 40S ve 40T90 torbandan elde edilen, ortalama L50 değerleri sırası ile 13,23 ve 12,55 cm’dir. Mezgit için L50 değeri 40S torbada ortalama 23,73; 40T90 torbada ise 19,91 cm olarak bulunmuştur.
GRAFENİN BETONDA KULLANIMI HAKKINDA İNCELEME
Authors: YILMAZ Muhammed
Published: June 2021

Bu çalışmada geleceğin maddesi olan grafenin yapısı, özellikleri ve kullanım alanları ile ilgili bir genel araştırma yapılmıştır. Ektronik cihazları, optik ekipmanları, tıp ve sağlık, sporculuk ve güneş pilleri gibi geniş alanlarda kullanılan grafenin yüksek seviyelerde sentezlenmesi durumunda, çimento esaslı inşaat malzemelerinde kullanılabilirliği araştırılmıştır. Grafen, karbon atomlarının altıgen dizilişi ile bal peteğine benzer yapısı olan iki boyutlu bir levhadır. Bu iki boyutlu malzemeyi değerli kılan belli başlı etkenler vardır. Bunlardan en önemlisi elmastan daha sert bir malzeme olan grafeni çizmek kolay değildir. Tek sıra molekülden oluştuğu için çok ince, esnek ve hafiftir. Grafenin yapısında her bir karbon atomu üç diğer karbon atomu ile bağ oluşturduğu zaman, karbonun serbest elektronlarından bir tanesi kullanılamıyor ve serbest kalıyor bu da grafenin iyi bir iletken malzeme olmasını sağlıyor. Betonun dayanıklılığını arttırmak ve kullanım miktarını azaltmak için çimentoya eklenen grafen bizlere daha güvenli ve dayanıklı yapılar sunmaktadır.
PERBANDINGAN AKTIVITAS ANTIBAKTERI EKSTRAK ETANOL BIJI PEPAYA (Carica papaya L.) TERHADAP BAKTERI Escherichia coli DAN Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Ginting Ovalina Sylvia Br.
Published: June 2021

Bakteri dapat menjadi penyebab utama berbagai gangguan kesehatan, seperti gangguan pencernaan, diare dan penyakit kulit. Biji papaya pepaya (Carica papaya L.) telah terbukti secara empiris dapat mengatasi berbagai gangguan tersebut. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui perbandingan aktivitas antibakteri ekstrak etanol biji pepaya (Carica papaya L.) terhadap bakteri Escherichia coli (ATCC 10536) dan bakteri Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 29737). Pembuatan ekstrak dilakukan dengan cara maserasi menggunakan pelarut etanol 80%. Skrining fitokimia dilakukan terhadap simplisia dan ekstrak biji pepaya. Metode pengujian yang dilakukan dengan menggunakan metode difusi agar dengan punch hole. Hasil skrining fitokimia pada ekstrak etanol menunjukkan bahwa ekstrak dari biji pepaya mengandung flavonoid, glikosida, saponin, tanin dan alkaloid. Perbandingan aktivitas antibakteri pada ekstrak etanol biji pepaya pada konsentrasi 500 mg/mL menunjukkan lebih efektif untuk menghambat perkembangan bakteri Staphylococcus aureus dengan daya hambat sebesar 16,5 mm dibandingkan terhadap bakteri Escherichia coli yang daya hambatnya hanya sebesar 15,7 mm.
HISTORY OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF PROSE WORKS
Authors:   Kazakh National Academy of Arts named after T.K.Zhurgenov, Almaty, Kazakhstan, Khozamberdiyev О.К. , Serikbayeva B. ,   Kazakh National Academy of Arts named after T.K.Zhurgenov, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Published: June 2021

The article examines the problem of professional training of actors and directors through verbal action in the process of reading a text. Verbal action is a popular concept among many teachers of stage language and acting. The pedagogical education of the individuality of each student in the process of reading the text through verbal influence raises the problem of the relationship between his knowledge and further professional development. The system of progressive study of theoretical concepts of different levels of complexity allows future actors and directors to easily reveal the stylistic nature of the text and develop language techniques based on the optimal level of their development and personal orientation.
THE PECULIARITY OF CHILDREN'S LITERATURE IN RUSSIA
Authors:   Kazakh National Pedagogical University named after Abai, Almaty, Kazakhstan, Shakhanova R. , Saganaeva A. ,   S.Amanzholov East Kazakhstan University, Ust-Kamenogorsk, Kazakhstan
Published: June 2021

The article deals with the question of the originality and formation of children's literature in the historical context of Russia. At all times, the most serious requirements were imposed on children's literature, since it is one of the most important sources of formation of the child's personality, his spiritual values, moral and aesthetic qualities and is of an educational nature. each period is characterized by its own tasks, requirements, themes, heroes, etc. However, the main task of children's literature has always remained the same-to teach children to believe, love, grow, understand, search, and the question of the specifics of children's literature is still reduced to repeating the truths about a dynamic plot, clarity, accessibility and fascination. The article analyzes the best examples of Russian literature, which convey all the diversity and richness of the world, instill in children a literary taste and love of reading.
APPLICATION OF INNOVATIVE TEACHING TECHNOLOGIES IN FORMING COGNITIVE ACTIVITY OF STUDENTS
Authors:   Karaganda technical university, Kazakhstan, Karaganda, Nurpeissova S.
Published: June 2021

The article deals with the practiced methods of teaching in the learning process: the active use of innovative methods of teaching the professional Russian language through new technologies. The author indicates the relevance of modern methods of teaching in the formation of cognitive and creative activity of students, in increasing professional competence, personality-oriented development. The practical significance of this article is connected with the use of the results of experience in the application of innovative methods and educational technologies in the process of language teaching and learning, as modern society needs customized competitive specialists who have a professional command of several languages.
Proceedings of the XXXIII GIRI meeting
Authors: Von Ancken Adalberto
Published: June 2021

It’s being quite a long journey until here. Although it seens we are not so far from the top, there is so much still to be done. Be invited by Drs. Leoni Bonamin and Francisco Eizayaga to be part of IJHDR editorial board team is a honor and a duty and i am happy to collaborate in this task, mainly in this issue, in which the Proceedings of the XXXIII GIRI meeting are presented.

The search for the understanding of how high dilutions can restart steady patterns in biological systems have never been so clear and direct face the high-quality level results described on the XXXIII GIRI meeting on last June, helded in London.

Through physicochemical and biological models, this new issue highlights basic research on isopathics, immunostimulatory effects and also physical studies of homeopathic potencies, using solvatochromic dyes, micro-evaporation and other methods as tools. Theoretical approaches were also considered, such as the search for the vital force evidences, as well as clinical studies concerning the Zika virus and dental caries in Brazil and anti-age therapy in Russia.

So let us feel delighted in this present and celebrate our learning, because the high dilutions provides endless possibilities.
Impact of vertical succussion strokes vs. vortex potentization on droplet evaporation patterns obtained from Iscador Quercus 3x potency
Authors: Kokornaczyk Maria Olga , Kunz Clifford , Baumgartner Stephan
Published: June 2021

Background Pharmaceutical processing of homeopathic potencies consists of consecutively performed dilution and succussion steps. While the dilution steps are well defined, the manner of performing the succussions varies broadly among potency producers. Aims To study the impact of potentization consisting in the performance of vertical succussion strokes vs. vortex-like flow on droplet evaporation patterns obtained from Iscador Quercus 3x (ISCQ 3x). Methodology ISCQ 3x was prepared in three following variants: potentized for 2.5 min (i) by application of mechanically performed vertical strokes, or (ii) hand-made vortex-like flows; or (iii) only diluted and not-succussed control. Droplet evaporation method was performed as described in (1); in short: droplets of the three ISCQ 3x variants were evaporated on microscope slides (56 droplets of each variant distributed on four slides were evaporated in one experimental repetition). The experimental setup robustness was monitored by means of positive systematic control experiments, where on all 12 slides droplets of the ISCQ 3x variant potentized by the application of strokes were evaporated. The experiments were repeated five times. The resulting droplet residues were photographed in magnification 100x; the patterns were analyzed by means of the Image J software for their grey level distribution and textural and fractal parameters. Results and discussion All three ISCQ 3x variants could be significantly differentiated regarding some textural and fractal parameters; most parameters differentiated between the variant potentized by means of vertical strokes and the control and vortex-potentized variants. Fractal and textural parameters ranked the samples differently. Control experiments showed a reasonable experimental setup robustness. Conclusion The potentization by performing mechanical strokes vs. hand-made vortex-like flows influenced some phenomenological aspects of droplet evaporation patterns. This might indicate that some changes occurred on substance level as consequence of the mechanical impact. Further studies are necessary in this field.
Physico-chemical properties of Silicea terra 200cH and activity on macrophages in vitro
Authors: Pinto Sandra , Aguiar Michelle Sanchez , Hurtado Elizabeth , Bonamin Leoni Villano
Published: June 2021

Introduction Silicea terra 200cH can modulate macrophage activity in mice inducing resolution of chronic wounds, whose mechanisms are unknown. Herein, we describe the relation between the activity of Silicea terra 200cH in vitro, on macrophages infected with Calmette-Guérin Bacilli (BCG) - a microorganism involved in chronic granuloma lesions - and physico-chemical properties of the remedy. Objective Establish the relation between physico-chemical properties and biological activity of Silicea terra 200cH in vitro. Methods BCG-infected RAW 264.7 macrophages were analyzed considering their capacity of bacilli internalization, lysosome activity, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and cytokines production, using a CBA (BD) kit. The vehicle (succussed water) was used as control. The electrical conductivity and the presence of micro particles in the remedy were also studied. Results Silicea terra 200cH showed significant reduction of hydrogen peroxide production (p?0.001), higher lysosome activity (p?0.001) and increase of IL-10 production (p?0.05), an anti-inflammatory cytokine, in relation to the control. The electrical conductivity of Silicea terra 200cH was statistically higher in relation to pure water (p
FRANKENSTEIN: OR THE MODERN PROMETHEUS
Authors: Rocha Alessandra Leles , Sylvestre Fernanda Aquino
Published: June 2021

A leitura de textos literários atua sobre cada indivíduo de maneira muito particular, dada à diversidade de identidades e experiências; bem como, as marcas do contexto histórico que vão moldando os desdobramentos, as impressões, as análises decorrentes. Esse processo, então, pode ser bem visualizado e compreendido, quando o olhar se volta tanto para os momentos que antecederam o grande marco da sociedade mundial, a Revolução Industrial, quanto para a sua consolidação, ocorrida segundo historiadores entre a segunda metade do século XVIII e a primeira metade do século XIX. Nesse contexto, Mary Shelley rompeu os paradigmas e se transformou num expoente do Romantismo inglês, com a obra Frankenstein: or The Modern Prometheus, adotando um viés Gótico, ou seja, sua construção traz o sentimento como objeto da ação interior do sujeito, que excede a condição de simples estado afetivo. De modo que, passado pouco mais de duzentos anos, torna-se inevitável que os leitores ao longo desse período tenham conseguido permanecer inertes ao contexto da leitura ficcional ou de entretenimento face às profundas reflexões sociais contidas em Frankenstein: or The Modern Prometheus. Por essa razão é que esse artigo propõe uma releitura da obra capaz de refletir sobre temáticas nela presentes, tais como a solidão, a vaidade, o poder e o conhecimento, por meio de conceitos estabelecidos no recorte temporal, entre 1817 e 2019, que abrange a transição entre a Modernidade e a Contemporaneidade, a qual inclui o conceito sociológico-histórico da Pós-Modernidade.
Revisiting a Victorian Poet: Gerard Manley Hopkins. Ecocritical and Religious Echoes
Authors: Stanca Nicoleta
Published: June 2021

The article starts from the claims of some ecocritical theoreticians that Christianity may be considered among the roots of the belief that man masters the earth (at least in the West) and thus justifies the current environmental crisis. But even these critics feel the need to provide role models of environmental concern from the list of saintly figures of the Christian tradition. In an age completely enthusiastic about the union between science and technology, the Victorian Age, the Jesuit priest Gerard Manley Hopkins wrote sonnets that may be read through the ecocritical lens at a time when the concept had not been invented. The conclusions of the essay point out the relevance of the emergence of ecococritical studies in the 1980s, showing thus how literary studies, religion and spirituality join environmental concerns and contribute to man’s fair appreciation and treatment of nature.
The Influencer Role of Charismatic Renewal in the Spirituality of Post-Covid Society
Authors: Micle Gavril Beniamin
Published: June 2021

"In studies of charismatic movements, an essential aspect is often overlooked: any authentic religion requires assumption by faith, (to have no other Gods other than Me!). Or precisely this kind of mentality is promoted in the charismatic movements, of spiritual openness, which is willing to give credit to everything, is specific to culture, not religion. The religious dimension of the charismatic believer is of the syncretic type, unity in diversity, not of assumption, but based on the notion of option, and not on dogma, which leads him to donjuanism. Or it is precisely this danger that is underlined by St. Gregory Senaite, who warns us not to receive, if we see, anything sensitive or intelligible, inside or outside, whether it appears to you in the image of Christ, as an angel or a saint, or if it is shown to you as a light. For the mind itself has the ability to imagine things and can change, beware of receiving or rejecting those that do not know for sure come from the Holy Ghost.
The problem of discerning between truth and lie, spiritual or devilish work, is the purpose of this scientific approach. The diverse plethora of charismatic offerings, as well as the interference with traditional Christianity, make us, like Pilate, ask: what is the Truth? or, rather, how can the Truth be distinguished among so many truths?"
The poor and their image in the spiritual autobiographies of the Christian space of the 19th and 20th centuries
Authors: Morariu Iuliu-Marius
Published: June 2021

In this research, we will present the way how the poor and their image is reflected in the spiritual autobiographies from the Christian space from the 19th and 20th centuries. Saint Silouane the Athonite, Saint John of Kronstadt together with Faustina Kowalska, Mother Teresa of Calcutta, or other authors will be our sources from the Orthodox and Catholic space, while from the protestant area we will not neglect works like Dag Hammarskj old's one. We will try therefore to bring into attention a topic that has not been enough valorised by the contemporary research, has relevance for spiritual health, and constitutes an actual subject of discussion.
The Role of the Ancestors in Healing: A Zululand Follow up Study
Authors: Thwala Jabulani Dennis , Edwards Stephen David
Published: June 2021

Ancestral consciousness, reverence, beliefs, and practices, forms an essential foundation for religion and healing. African religion and healing are based on the interconnectedness of all life, including ancestral heritage linked to an original creative Source, usually known through dreams via the extended family, community and collective unconscious. People only exist because of their ancestors’ gift of life and nurturance. Zulu people traditionally recognize and honour ancestors as the existential foundation for all humanization and socialization. Motivation for this study arose because of the popularity of a previous Zululand study on the role of the ancestors in healing, as well as the more recent one on coping with COVID-19. A convenience sample of twelve participants was asked to describe their understanding of the role of the ancestors in healing. Respondents indicated that although ancestors are typically not healers, unless they occupied healing roles in life such as Shembe, in their closer connection to the Creator/God, they play various roles in healing. The most important roles were of guidance, protection, direction, advice, warning, presence, communication, mediation, and intervention. The implications of these healing roles are discussed with special reference to Zulu indigenous healers. In addition to common components of healing found throughout the planet, Zulu healing is holistically interconnected with everyday life and death, as facilitated by indigenous healers through ancestors (amadlozi) breath/soul (umphefumulo), spiritual energy (umoya), humanity (ubuntu) and coherent communication (masihambisana).
Aeolus L2A Aerosol Optical Properties Product: Standard Correct Algorithm and Mie Correct Algorithm
Authors: Flament Thomas , Trapon Dimitri , Lacour Adrien , Dabas Alain , Ehlers Frithjof , Huber Dorit
Published: June 2021

Abstract. Aeolus carries ALADIN, the first High Spectral Resolution Lidar (HSRL) in space. Although ALADIN was optimized to measure winds, its two measurement channels can also be used to derive optical properties of atmospheric particles, including a direct retrieval of the lidar ratio. This paper presents the two main algorithms of the optical properties product called Level 2A product, as they are implemented in version 3.12 of the processor, corresponding to the data labelled Baseline 12. The theoretical basis is the same as in Flamant et al. (2008). Here, we also show the in orbit performance of these algorithms. We also explain the adaptation of the calibration method, which is needed to cope with unforeseen variations of the instrument radiometric performance due to the in-orbit strain of the primary mirror under varying thermal conditions. Then we discuss the limitations of the algorithms and future improvements. We demonstrate that the L2A product provides valuable information about airborne particles, in particular we demonstrate the capacity to retrieve a useful lidar ratio from Aeolus observations. This is illustrated on a case of Saharan dust emission, observed in June 2020.
First pan-Arctic assessment of dissolved organic carbon in lakes of the permafrost region
Authors: Stolpmann Lydia , Coch Caroline , Morgenstern Anne , Boike Julia , Fritz Michael , Herzschuh Ulrike , Stoof-Leichsenring Kathleen , Dvornikov Yury , Heim Birgit , Lenz Josefine , Larsen Amy , Walter Anthony Katey , Jones Benjamin , Frey Karen , Grosse Guido
Published: June 2021

Abstract. Lakes in permafrost regions are dynamic landscape
components and play an important role for climate change feedbacks. Lake
processes such as mineralization and flocculation of dissolved organic
carbon (DOC), one of the main carbon fractions in lakes, contribute to the
greenhouse effect and are part of the global carbon cycle. These processes
are in the focus of climate research, but studies so far are limited to specific
study regions. In our synthesis, we analyzed 2167 water samples from 1833
lakes across the Arctic in permafrost regions of Alaska, Canada, Greenland,
and Siberia to provide first pan-Arctic insights for linkages between DOC
concentrations and the environment. Using published data and unpublished
datasets from the author team, we report regional DOC differences linked to
latitude, permafrost zones, ecoregions, geology, near-surface soil organic
carbon contents, and ground ice classification of each lake region. The lake
DOC concentrations in our dataset range from 0 to
1130 mg L−1 (10.8 mg L−1 median DOC concentration). Regarding the
permafrost regions of our synthesis, we found median lake DOC concentrations
of 12.4 mg L−1 (Siberia), 12.3 mg L−1 (Alaska),
10.3 mg L−1 (Greenland), and 4.5 mg L−1 (Canada). Our synthesis
shows a significant relationship between lake DOC concentration and lake
ecoregion. We found higher lake DOC concentrations at boreal permafrost
sites compared to tundra sites. We found significantly higher DOC
concentrations in lakes in regions with ice-rich syngenetic permafrost
deposits (yedoma) compared to non-yedoma lakes and a weak but significant
relationship between soil organic carbon content and lake DOC concentration
as well as between ground ice content and lake DOC. Our pan-Arctic dataset
shows that the DOC concentration of a lake depends on its environmental
properties, especially on permafrost extent and ecoregion, as well as
vegetation, which is the most important driver of lake DOC in this study.
This new dataset will be fundamental to quantify a pan-Arctic lake DOC pool
for estimations of the impact of lake DOC on the global carbon cycle and
climate change.
Assessing the statistical uniqueness of the Younger Dryas: a robust multivariate analysis
Authors: Nye Henry , Condron Alan
Published: June 2021

Abstract. During the last glacial period (ca. 120–11 kyr BP), dramatic temperature swings, known as Dansgaard–Oeschger (D–O) events, are clearly manifest in high-resolution oxygen isotope records from the Greenland Ice Sheet. Although variability in the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is often invoked, a unified explanation for what caused these “sawtooth-shaped” climate patterns has yet to be accepted. Of particular interest is the most recent D–O-shaped climate pattern that occurred from ∼ 14 600 to 11 500 years ago – the Bølling–Allerød (BA) warm interstadial and the subsequent Younger Dryas (YD) cold stadial. Unlike earlier D–O stadials, the YD is frequently considered a unique event, potentially resulting from a rerouting and/or flood of glacial meltwater into the North Atlantic or a meteorite impact. Yet, these mechanisms are less frequently considered as the cause of the earlier stadials. Using a robust multivariate outlier detection scheme – a novel approach for traditional paleoclimate research – we show that the pattern of climate change during the BA/YD is not statistically different from the other D–O events in the Greenland record and that it should not necessarily be considered unique when investigating the drivers of abrupt climate change. In so doing, our results present a novel statistical framework for paleoclimatic data analysis.
A new perspective of permafrost boundaries in France during the Last Glacial Maximum
Authors: Albers Kim H. , Ludwig Patrick , Bertran Pascal , Antoine Pierre , Shi Xiaoxu , Lohmann Gerrit , Pinto Joaquim G.
Published: June 2021

Abstract. During the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), a very cold and dry period around 26.5 to 19 thousand years ago, permafrost was widespread across Europe. In this work, we evaluate the potential of regional climate model simulations to reconstruct the permafrost distribution in western Europe during the LGM. With this aim, criteria for possible thermal contraction cracking of the ground are applied to climate model data for the first time. These criteria serve as a precondition for the development of ice and sand wedges, which are a common proxy for past permafrost. Our results show that the permafrost and ground cracking distribution in Europe during the LGM are not consistent with a large-scale circulation with prevailing westerly winds. However, a colder and with regard to proxy data more realistic version of the LGM climate is achieved given more frequent easterly winds conditions. Whereas the permafrost extent and ground cracking regions in the global climate model simulation deviate from proxy evidence, they are in good agreement in the regional counterpart. Given the appropriate forcing, an added value of the regional climate model simulation can thus be achieved. Furthermore, the model data provide evidence that thermal contraction cracking occurred in Europe during the LGM also south of the probable permafrost border. This enables the reconsideration of the significance of ice wedge pseudomorphs and sand wedge casts to understand past climate variations.
Comparison of uncertainties in land-use change fluxes from bookkeeping model parameterisation
Authors: Bastos Ana , Hartung Kerstin , Nützel Tobias B. , Nabel Julia E. M. S. , Houghton Richard A. , Pongratz Julia
Published: June 2021

Abstract. Fluxes from deforestation, changes in land cover, land use and
management practices (FLUC for simplicity) contributed to approximately 14 % of anthropogenic CO2 emissions in 2009–2018. Estimating FLUC accurately in space and in time remains, however, challenging, due to multiple sources of uncertainty in the calculation of these fluxes. This uncertainty, in turn, is propagated to global and regional carbon budget estimates, hindering the compilation of a consistent carbon budget and preventing us from constraining other terms, such as the natural land sink. Uncertainties in FLUC estimates arise from many different sources, including differences in model structure (e.g. process based vs. bookkeeping) and model parameterisation. Quantifying the uncertainties from each source requires controlled simulations to separate their effects. Here, we analyse differences between the two bookkeeping models used regularly in the global carbon budget estimates since 2017: the model by
Hansis et al. (2015) (BLUE) and that by Houghton and Nassikas (2017) (HN2017). The two models have a very similar structure and philosophy, but differ significantly both with respect to FLUC intensity and spatiotemporal variability. This is due to differences in the land-use forcing but also in the model parameterisation. We find that the larger emissions in BLUE compared to HN2017 are largely due to differences in C densities between natural and managed vegetation or
primary and secondary vegetation, and higher allocation of cleared and
harvested material to fast turnover pools in BLUE than in HN2017. Besides
parameterisation and the use of different forcing, other model assumptions
cause differences: in particular that BLUE represents gross transitions
which leads to overall higher carbon losses that are also more quickly
realised than HN2017.
The Southern Ocean RADiolarian (SO-RAD) dataset: a new compilation of modern radiolarian census data
Authors: Lawler Kelly-Anne , Cortese Giuseppe , Civel-Mazens Matthieu , Bostock Helen , Crosta Xavier , Leventer Amy , Lowe Vikki , Rogers John , Armand Leanne K.
Published: June 2021

Abstract. Radiolarians (holoplanktonic Protozoa) preserved in marine sediments are commonly used as palaeoclimate proxies for reconstructing past Southern Ocean environments. Generating reconstructions of past climate based on microfossil abundances, such as radiolarians, requires a spatially and environmentally comprehensive reference dataset of modern census counts. The Southern Ocean RADiolarian (SO-RAD) dataset includes census counts for 238 radiolarian taxa from 228 surface sediment samples located in the Atlantic, Indian and southwest Pacific sectors of the Southern Ocean. This compilation is the largest radiolarian census dataset derived from surface sediment samples in the Southern Ocean. The SO-RAD dataset may be used as a reference dataset for palaeoceanographic reconstructions, or for studying modern radiolarian biogeography and species diversity. As well as describing the data collection and collation, we include recommendations and guidelines for cleaning and subsetting the data for users unfamiliar with the procedures typically used by the radiolarian community. The SO-RAD dataset is available to download from doi.pangaea.de/10.1594/PANGAEA.929903 (Lawler et al., 2021).
Landsat-based Irrigation Dataset (LANID): 30-m resolution maps of irrigation distribution, frequency, and change for the U.S., 1997–2017
Authors: Xie Yanhua , Gibbs Holly K. , Lark Tyler J.
Published: June 2021

Abstract. Data on irrigation patterns and trends at field-level detail across broad extents is vital for assessing and managing limited water resources. Until recently, there has been a scarcity of comprehensive, consistent, and frequent irrigation maps for the U.S. Here we present the new Landsat-based Irrigation Dataset (LANID), which is comprised of 30-m resolution annual irrigation maps covering the conterminous U.S. (CONUS) for the period of 1997–2017. The main dataset identifies the annual extent of irrigated croplands, pastureland, and hay for each year in the study period. Derivative maps include layers on maximum irrigated extent, irrigation frequency and trends, and identification of formerly irrigated areas and intermittently irrigated lands. Temporal analysis reveals that 38.5 million hectares of croplands and pasture/hay have been irrigated, among which the yearly active area ranged from ~22.6 to 24.7 million hectares. The LANID products provide several improvements over other irrigation data including field-level details on irrigation change and frequency, an annual time step, and a collection of ~10,000 visually interpreted ground reference locations for the eastern U.S. where such data has been lacking. Our maps demonstrated overall accuracy above 90 % across all years and regions, including in the more humid and challenging-to-map eastern U.S., marking a significant advancement over other products, whose accuracies ranged from 50 to 80 %. In terms of change detection, our maps yield per-pixel transition accuracy of 81 % and show good agreement with U.S. Department of Agriculture reports at both county and state levels. The described annual maps, derivative layers, and ground reference data provide users with unique opportunities to study local to nationwide trends, driving forces, and consequences of irrigation and encourage the further development and assessment of new approaches for improved mapping of irrigation especially in challenging areas like the eastern U.S. The annual LANID maps, derivative products, and ground reference data are available through https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.5003976 (Xie et al., 2021).
GCI30: a global dataset of 30-m cropping intensity using multisource remote sensing imagery
Authors: Zhang Miao , Wu Bingfang , Zeng Hongwei , He Guojin , Liu Chong , Tao Shiqi , Zhang Qi , Nabil Mohsen , Tian Fuyou , Bofana José , Beyene Awetahegn Niguse , Elnashar Abdelrazek , Yan Nana , Wang Zhengdong
Published: June 2021

Abstract. The global distribution of cropping intensity (CI) is essential to our understanding of agricultural land use management on Earth. Optical remote sensing has revolutionized our ability to map CI over large areas in a repeated and cost-efficient manner. Previous studies have mainly focused on investigating the spatiotemporal patterns of CI ranging from regions to the entire globe with the use of coarse-resolution data, which are inadequate for characterizing farming practices within heterogeneous landscapes. To fill this knowledge gap, in this study, we utilized multiple satellite data to develop a global, spatially continuous CI map dataset at 30-m resolution (GCI30). Accuracy assessments indicated that GCI30 exhibited high agreement with visually interpreted validation samples and in situ observations from the PhenoCam network. We carried out both statistical and spatial comparisons of GCI30 with existing global CI estimates. Based on GCI30, we estimated that the global average annual CI during 2016–2018 was 1.05, which is close to the mean (1.04) and median (1.13) CI values of the existing six estimates, although the spatial resolution and temporal coverage vary significantly among products. A spatial comparison with two other satellite based land surface phenology products further suggested that GCI30 was not only capable of capturing the overall pattern of global CI but also provided many spatial details. GCI30 indicated that single cropping was the primary agricultural system on Earth, accounting for 81.57 % (12.28 million km2) of the world’s cropland extent. Multiple-cropping systems, on the other hand, were commonly observed in South America and Asia. We found large variations across countries and agroecological zones, reflecting the joint control of natural and anthropogenic drivers on regulating cropping practices. As the first global coverage, fine-resolution CI product, GCI30 can facilitate ongoing efforts to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs) by improving food production while minimizing environmental impacts. The data are available on Harvard Dataverse: https://doi.org/10.7910/DVN/86M4PO (Zhang et al, 2020).
AI-Track-tive: open-source software for automated recognition and counting of surface semi-tracks using computer vision (artificial intelligence)
Authors: Nachtergaele Simon , De Grave Johan
Published: June 2021

Abstract. A new method for automatic counting of etched fission tracks in minerals is
described and presented in this article. Artificial intelligence techniques
such as deep neural networks and computer vision were trained to detect
fission surface semi-tracks on images. The deep neural networks can be used
in an open-source computer program for semi-automated fission track dating
called “AI-Track-tive”. Our custom-trained deep neural networks use the YOLOv3
object detection algorithm, which is currently one of the most powerful and
fastest object recognition algorithms. The developed program successfully
finds most of the fission tracks in the microscope images; however, the user
still needs to supervise the automatic counting. The presented deep neural
networks have high precision for apatite (97 %) and mica (98 %). Recall
values are lower for apatite (86 %) than for mica (91 %). The
application can be used online at https://ai-track-tive.ugent.be (last access: 29 June 2021), or it can be downloaded as an offline application
for Windows.
The value of water isotope data on improving process understanding in a glacierized catchment on the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Nan Yi , Tian Lide , He Zhihua , Tian Fuqiang , Shao Lili
Published: June 2021

Abstract. This study integrated a water isotope module into the hydrological model
THREW (Tsinghua Representative Elementary Watershed) which has been successfully used in high and cold regions. Signatures
of oxygen stable isotope (18O) of different water inputs and stores
were simulated coupling with the simulations of runoff generation. Isotope
measurements of precipitation water samples and assumed constant isotope
signature of ice meltwater were used to force the isotope module. Isotope
signatures of water stores such as snowpack and subsurface water were
updated by an assumed completely mixing procedure. Fractionation effects of
snowmelt and evapotranspiration were modeled in a Rayleigh fractionation
approach. The isotope-aided model was subsequently applied for the
quantification of runoff components and estimations of mean water travel
time (MTT) and mean residence time (MRT) in the glacierized watershed of
Karuxung river on the Tibetan Plateau. Model parameters were calibrated by
three variants with different combinations of streamflow, snow cover area
and isotopic composition of stream water. Modeled MTT and MRT were validated
by estimates of a tracer-based sine-wave method. Results indicate that (1) the proposed model performs well on simultaneously reproducing the
observations of streamflow, snow cover area and isotopic composition of
stream water, despite the fact that only precipitation water samples were available
for tracer input; (2) isotope data facilitate more robust estimations on
contributions of runoff components (CRCs) to streamflow in the melting
season, as well as on MTT and MRT; (3) involving isotope data for the model
calibration obviously reduces uncertainties in the quantification of CRCs
and estimations of MTT and MRT, through better constraining the competitions
among different runoff processes induced by meltwater and rainfall. Our
results inform scientists on the high value of water isotope data for improving process
understanding in a glacierized basin on the Tibetan Plateau.