bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mandibular reconstruction with autogenous non-vascularised bone graft
Authors: Braimah Ramat Oyebunmi , Ibikunle Adebayo Aremu , Abubakar Umar , Taiwo Abdurrazaq Olanrewaju , Oboirien Muhammed , Adejobi Francis Adewale , Ndubuisi Terry Godwin , Abubakar Siddiq
Published: October 2020

Background: Reconstruction of mandibular defects can be challenging because an acceptable aesthetic and functional outcome must be achieved simultaneously.Aim: To evaluate the pattern of mandibulectomy and reconstruction materials used in the reconstruction of mandibular defects.Materials and methods: This was a retrospective study of mandibulectomies with reconstruction in Sokoto, Nigeria between 2012 and 2016. Data such as demographics, type of tumour, type of resection and type of reconstruction materials used were extracted and stored.Results: Fifty-two cases of mandibulectomies were done comprising 24 males and 28 females (ratio 1:1.2). Age ranged 5-80 years with mean±SD (37.8±15). Most of the cases 30 (57.7%) were on the right. There are 35 (67.3%) benign and 17 (32.7%) malignant cases. Thirty (57.7%) lateral, 16 (30.8%) condylar, 1 (1.9%) central and 5 (9.6%) combined mandibular defects were seen. Reconstruction plate alone was used in 11 (21.2%) cases, reconstruction plate with rib and tibia grafts in 16 (30.8%) cases, reconstruction plate with Iliac crest and tibia grafts in 15 (28.8%) cases. Graft length ranged from 0-20cm. There was satisfactory outcome altogether in 32 (80.0%).Conclusion: This study has shown the types of mandibulectomies and reconstruction materials used in our centre.Keywords: Grafts, mandibular defects, reconstruction plate.
Serum levels of copper, zinc and disease severity scores in sickle cell disease patients in Benin City, Nigeria
Authors: Emokpae Mathias A , Fatimehin Emmanuel B , Obazelu Progress A
Published: October 2020

Background: Micronutrient deficiency is recognized in sickle cell anaemia (SCA) but it is not known for certain whether changes in zinc, copper and copper-to-zinc ratio are associated with Sickle cell disease severity scores. Objective: To compare serum levels of copper, zinc and copper-to-zinc ratio in SCA subjects with control group and correlate the variables with objective disease severity scores. Methods: Serum copper and zinc were determined in 100 SCA patients and 50 controls using kits supplied by Centronic, Germany. Unpaired Students’t-test was used to compare the variables between SCA patients in steady clinical state, vaso-occlusive crisis and controls, while Spearman correlation coefficient was used to associate the parameters with disease severity scores. Results: Serum copper level was higher (P=0.008) in SCA patients than controls, while serum zinc level was lower (P<0.001) in SCA patients than controls. The copper/zinc ratio was higher (P<0.001) in SCA patients than controls. Significantly higher (P<0.001) copper and lower (P<0.001) zinc levels were observed in patients in vaso-occlusive crisis than in steady clinical state. Zinc correlated inversely (r=-0.2743; P=0.006) while copper-to-zinc ratio correlated positively with disease severity scores. Conclusion: Copper-to-zinc ratio may be an indicator of disease severity in SCA patients.Keywords: Copper/zinc ratio, disease severity score, sickle cell anaemia.
Seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in pregnant women of the Marrakech-Safi region, Morocco
Authors: Hoummadi Laila , Berrouch Salma , Amraouza Yassine , Adel Abdelaziz , Mriouch Mostafa , Soraa Nabila , El Jahiri Younes , Zoughari Laila , Benbouzid Abdelkrim , Miss El Mostafa , Moutaj Redouan , Hafid Jamaleddine
Published: October 2020

Background: Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection caused by an intracellular protozoan named Toxoplasma gondii. Its prevalence had been investigated in several studies throughout the world showing that it varied from one country to another. In contrast, few studies had been carried out on this infection across the kingdom of Morocco, hence the objective of this work, which is the determination of Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence in the region of Marrakech-Safi.

Methods: The serological results of a cohort of 5692 patients were reviewed retrospectively. Those patients had been into dif- ferent public and private medical laboratories in the region of Marrakech-Safi for a toxoplasmosis serology, requested between the 1st January, 2014 and 31st December, 2016. According to each laboratory, the techniques adopted for this serology were ELISA (ELFA, MEIA, EIA) and CMIA.

Results: The results showed that for pregnant women, the overall seroprevalence in the study region were 28.88%.

Conclusion: The variation of Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence is related not only to climatic factors but also to lifestyle, eating habits, socio-economic status and hygiene conditions. In this study, we noticed that in Morocco, as in other countries, pregnant women encounter several difficulties when serologic screening for toxoplasmosis.

Keywords: Seroprevalence; toxoplasmosis; pregnant women; Marrakech-Safi region.
HIV-related knowledge level among Indonesian women between 15 years and 49 years of age
Authors: Efendi Ferry , Rafi Pratama Emha , Hadisuyatmana Setho , Indarwati Retno , Lindayani Linlin , Bushy Angeline
Published: October 2020

Background: Women are a highly vulnerable population for HIV-infection, influenced by biological, cultural, social and eco- nomic factors. Inadequate knowledge about the risk for exposure to HIV will impact the prevention and treatment of HIV.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine HIV-related knowledge among women in Indonesia and the associated de- mographic determinants that influence their access to accurate HIV-related information.

Methods: This was a secondary analysis of the Indonesia Demographic and Health Survey in 2012. Level of HIV-related knowledge was determined by analyzing nine items on the 2012 IDHS instrument.

Results: The percentage of women in Indonesia between the ages of 15 and 49 years of age, more than half (53.6%) had high score of HIV-related knowledge. The results from logistic regression showed that women aged 30-34 years old had 2.2 times higher knowledge level about HIV compared to older women. Married women, living in rural area, with a lower level of educa- tion, reported to have limited or no access to HIV related information; thus, had a correspondingly lower knowledge level of HIV.

Conclusion: Study findings underscore the lack of knowledge-level among Indonesian women about HIV, especially the pre- vention, transmission, and prevention mother to child transmission (PMCT).

Keywords: HIV; Knowledge; prevention; women; demographic health survey.
Association of environmental risk factors and trachoma in Gashoho Health District, Burundi
Authors: Ndisabiye Desire , Gahungu Athanase , Kayugi Donatien , K Waters Edward
Published: October 2020

Background: Burundi is currently not meeting targets for elimination of trachoma and trichiasis by 2020 (GET2020). The recommended SAFE strategy (Surgery, antibiotics, face washing and environmental improvement) is currently not fully implemented in many areas of Burundi. The existence of associations between face-washing, sanitation and trachoma prevalence remain undocumented.

Methods: A convenience sample of 468 individuals from 117 households was drawn from attendees at trachoma clinics set up in four villages. Trachoma status, sex and age were recorded for all household members. Adult household members were surveyed about access to clean water and toilets, and knowledge of trachoma risk factors. Associations between cases of active trachoma per household and environmental risk factors were evaluated using generalised estimating equations.

Results: The overall prevalence of active trachoma was 7.1% (95% CI 5.0-9.6%), but 19.5% (95% CI13.7-26.4%) in children under nine years old. 0.9% (95% CI 0.3-2.0) of participants had trichiasis. Access to a sanitary toilet more than halved the odds of active trachoma (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.25-0.74%), however, participants did not appreciate this association.

Conclusion: Access to sanitation was associated with the occurrence of active trachoma. Future research should focus on whether improving knowledge of and access to sanitation might reduce trachoma prevalence.

Keywords: Environmental risk factors; trachoma; Gashoho Health District; Burundi.
Bacteriospermia, extended spectrum beta lactamase producing Gram-negative bacteria and other factors associated with male infertility in Mwanza, Tanzania: a need of diagnostic bacteriology for management of male infertility
Authors: Silago Vitus , Mukama Yusuph , L Haule Anna , Chacha Frank , Igenge John , F Mushi Martha , E Mshana Stephen
Published: October 2020

Background: Infections caused by Extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) producing bacterial are global challenge. There is limited information on the magnitude of bacteriospermia, ESBL producing Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) causing bacte- riospermia and factors associated with male infertility. This study determined magnitude of bacteriospermia, ESBL-GNB and other factors association with infertility among presumptive infertile men in Mwanza, Tanzania.

Methods: A cross-sectional hospital-based study was conducted between May 2017 and July 2018 among 137 presumptive infer- tile men. Semen specimens were self-collected by masturbation into clean, sterile and none-spermicidal containers and processed following laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs). Data analysis was done using STATA 13.0.

Results: Gram-negative bacteria were predominantly isolated (86.4%), of which 31.6% were ESBL producers. In a total 44 bacteria were isolated from semen culture. The blaCTX-M gene was detected in 75% of phenotypically confirmed ESBL producers. Infertility was independently found to be associated with abnormal spermatozoa morphology (OR (95%CI): 14.48(3.17-66.05)) and abnormal spermatozoa motility (OR (95%CI): 0.05(0.01-0.24)). However, neither bacteriospermia (OR (95%CI): 0.86(0.29- 2.59)) nor ESBL bacteriospermia (OR (95%CI): 0.13(0.01-1.22)) was found to be associated with infertility.

Conclusion: One third of bacteriospermia is due to ESBL-producers with history of antibiotic use being protective factor for infertility. Abnormal spermatozoa morphology and poor spermatozoa forward motility independently predicted infertility.

Keywords: Bacteriospermia; blaCTX-M; male infertility; extended spectrum beta lactamase; Mwanza; Tanzania.
Pumpkin seed oil alleviates oxidative stress and liver damage induced by sodium nitrate in adult rats: biochemical and histological approach
Authors: Rouag Meriem , Berrouague Salma , Djaber Nesrine , Khaldi Taha , Boumendjel Mahieddine , Taibi Faiza , Abdennour Cherif , Boumendjel Amel , Messarah Mahfoud
Published: October 2020

Background: Nitrate (NO3) is the most common chemical contaminant in the world’s ground water aquifer. Oxidative stress has been proposed as a possible mechanism involved in NO3 toxicity on non-target organism.

Objectives: The current study aimed to elucidate the potential protective effect of Telfairia occidentalis (pumpkin seed oil, PSO) against hepatotoxicity induced by sodium nitrate.

Methods: Wistar rats were exposed either to NaNO3 (200 mg/kg bw) in drinking water in drinking water, or to 4ml PSO/kg bw by gavage or to their combination. Oxidative stress parameters, biochemical biomarkers and liver histopathological examination were determined.

Results: Our data showed that the exposure of rats to NaNO3 caused significant changes of some haematological parameters compared to the control. In addition, there was a significant elevation of the levels of biochemical markers as that of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase when compared with the control. Furthermore, exposure of rats to NaNO3 induced liver oxidative stress as indicated by the increase of malondialdehyde, pro- gressive oxidation of protein products and protein carbonyl levels. In addition, a reduction in anti-oxidant status (catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase and superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione and vitamin C) was observed.

Conclusion: Co-administration of PSO to the NaNO3 restored most parameters cited above to near-normal values. Therefore, the present investigation revealed the ability of PSO to attenuate NaNO3-induced oxidative damage.

Keywords: Sodium nitrate; Telfairia occidentalis; pumpkin seed oil; hepatotoxicity; oxidative stress; protection; anti-oxidant status, rat.
Use of sachet alcohol and sexual behaviour among adolescents in Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Arasi Oluwaseunfunmi , Ajuwon Ademola
Published: October 2020

Background: Availability and affordability of sachet liquor has significantly increased adolescents’ access to alcohol in Nigeria. This study investigated use of sachet alcohol and sexual behavior among adolescents in Ibadan South-East Local Government Area(IBSE-LGA), Oyo state, Nigeria.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with three-stage random sampling technique to select 390 ad- olescents in IBSE-LGA, Oyo state; using quantitative and qualitative instruments(5 IDIs).

Results: There were more male adolescents (61.8%); with 14.7±2.6 as mean age; equal proportion of early (10–14years) and late(15–19years) adolescents. Findings show that about 16% of the respondents have not completed Primary School edu- cation; half(50%) of the respondents had ever taken alcohol, while 39.5% are current users of sachet alcohol (more males, older adolescents and working class). Many respondents are sexually active(30.5%), out of which 63% did not use any pro- tection in their last sex episode, and 33.6% tok sachet alcohol before sex. There was an association between sachet alcohol use and risky sexual behaviours(p<0.05). Participants of IDI believe alcohol boosts sexual performance.

Conclusion: Sex, age and school/work status were related to alcohol use among adolescents. Higher proportion of the adolescents associated alcohol use with heightened sexual performance. Health education strategies (public enlightenment, peer education and life skills training) against adolescent alcohol use is recommended.

Keywords: Sachet alcohol; risky sexual behavior; Adolescents.
Unorthodox ophthalmic preparations on the Ghanaian market: a potential risk for ocular and enteric infections
Authors: Kyei Samuel , Dogbadze Eric , Tagoh Selassie , Mwanza Estele
Published: October 2020

Purpose: Microbial contamination of orthodox ophthalmic preparations poses a serious threat to the user by causing ocular infections. There is no such information about unorthodox ophthalmic preparations in a medical pluralistic system such as Ghana. The aim of this study was to assess unorthodox ophthalmic medications on the Ghanaian market for possible microbial contaminations.

Methods: Unorthodox ophthalmic preparations were collected across different herbal and homeopathic outlets in Ghana. A total of 27 samples were collected from the ten (10) regions in Ghana. The samples were inoculated in different culture media (Plate count Agar, Blood Agar, MacConkey Agar, Saboraud Dextrose Agar). The microorganisms isolated were identified using standard microbiological procedures and antimicrobial susceptibility was done to determine whether they were resistant or sus- ceptible strains.

Results: All the samples were contaminated with bacteria and the majority were contaminated with fungus. A total of for- ty-eight bacteria spp. was isolated thus seven different types namely: Staphylococcus aureus, Bacilli spp., Serrati spp., Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas spp., Klebsiella spp. and Shigella spp. with Staphylococcus aureus being the predominant bacteria. For fungi, a total of elev- en fungi species thus four different types namely: Cephalosporium spp., Penicillium spp., Cercosporium spp. and Clasdosporium spp. with the predominant fungi being Penicillium spp. Per the class of preparations, 15 contaminants were isolated from ten (10) anti-in- flammatory preparations. The fungi were all susceptible to both Ketoconazole and Fluconazole but the bacteria were resistant to all the conventional antibiotics except Ciprofloxacin and Gentamycin.

Conclusion: Unorthodox ophthalmic preparations found on the Ghanaian market are contaminated with bacteria and fungi of clinical importance.

Keywords: Risk of infections; unorthodox medicine; ocular infection; corneal ulcers; fungal keratitis.
Factors defining the effectiveness of integrated accounting information system in ERP environment – Evidence from Vietnam’s enterprises
Authors: Thong Vu Quoc
Published: October 2020

The value of information system (IS) in business is crucial to the future of companies but is also a prerequisite for business management. In our research, the IS value is estimated in the form of the effectiveness of integrated accounting information system (AIS) at an organizational level. This paper explores factors that define the effectiveness of integrated AIS in organizations. The survey comprises of 316 businesses operating in Vietnam that have ERP-applied. Scale measurement construction for multi-dimensional concept and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) are used to validate and interpret the BSC-based research model. The result indicates that there are three groups of second order constructs including (1) business development support, (2) organizational process improvement and (3) market demand. They all define the effectiveness of integrated AIS in an ERP environment. Each second order construct is defined by a set of first order constructs and related observed variables. The research provides business managers with a suggested model to evaluate the value of a business information system, targeting the integrated AIS in an ERP environment.
DIFFICULTIES AND BARRIERS IN THE EDUCATION OF DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING INDIVIDUALS IN THE ERA OF COVID-19: THE CASE OF GREECE - A VIEWPOINT ARTICLE
Authors: Mantzikos Constantinos N. , Lappa Christina S.
Published: October 2020

This article provides an analysis of the difficulties and barriers deaf and hard of hearing individuals face during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic. In a pandemic situation, apart from the economy, education is also largely affected. In the past few months, many disabled and non-disabled pupils and university students were taken by complete surprise by the immense changes in the education sector and mainly by the innovations introduced, especially in the lower education grades, which resulted in considerable implications, despite the positive response they received. In these trying times humanity is experiencing, the difficulties that deaf and hard of hearing individuals have to face were exacerbated, perpetuating their marginalisation.

 Article visualizations:
Intra-Peritoneal Rectal Perforation in a Neonate Leading to Acquired Rectal Atresia
Authors: Sarin Yogesh Kumar
Published: October 2020

A neonate sustaining iatrogenic rectal injury that led to acquired rectal atresia is reported. It was successfully treated by transanal, end-to-end, rectorectal anastomosis.
Liver Abscess: Increasing Occurrence in Premature Newborns
Authors: BOSNALI OKTAV , MORALIOĞLU SERDAR , CELAYİR AYŞENUR CERRAH , PEKTAŞ OSMAN
Published: October 2020

Neonatal liver abscess is a very rare condition associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. There seems to be an increasing trend of this rare condition amongst the newborns admitted to neonatal intensive care units. We report a case of liver abscess in a premature newborn and briefly review the literature and discuss its management.
Perforated Appendicitis in a Neonate Presenting with Intestinal Obstruction
Authors: Sarkis Pierrot
Published: October 2020

We report a case of neonatal perforated appendicitis presenting with an early picture of intestinal obstruction secondary to entrapment of small bowel under inflamed appendix vermiformis.
Identifying At-Risk Youth
Authors: Geusens Femke , Bigman-Galimore Cabral A. , Beullens Kathleen
Published: October 2020

Background & purpose. Research indicates a positive relationship between sharing alcohol references on social media and drinking behavior. The current study extends that line of research by assessing the interaction of risk-related personality traits with alcohol-related social media use, to examine if social media can be used to identify individuals at risk for heavy drinking behavior.

Methods & results. The results of a cross-sectional survey among a sample of 638 emerging adults (age 18-25) find that the positive association between sharing alcohol references on social media and drinking intention was strongest for individuals with low levels of sensation seeking and sensitivity to peer pressure, and high levels of self-control, and non-significant for those on the other end of these personality traits.

Conclusions. These findings indicate that the relationship between sharing alcohol references and drinking intentions is not uniform for all individuals, and that risk-related individual differences should be considered in future research and interventions.
Customization versus Personalisation of Digital Health Information
Authors: Nguyen Minh Hao , Bol Nadine , King Andy J.
Published: October 2020

Health information is increasingly conveyed to patients in digital formats, such as through health websites, patient portals, and electronic health records. However, for people to be able to process information effectively, information must be presented in a suitable format. This study examines the effectiveness of different strategies for tailoring the mode of presentation (i.e., using textual, visual, and/or audio-visual formats) on information processing outcomes among different audiences (i.e., lower vs. higher health literates; younger [25-45 years] vs. older adults [≥65 years]). In an online experiment participants viewed either a customized, personalized, or non-tailored (mismatched) website based on individual preferences for presentation mode. We analysed a 3 (condition) × 2 (health literacy level) × 2 (age group) between-subjects design, examining effects on: time spent online, attention, perceived relevance, website involvement, website satisfaction, and information recall. Results (N = 490) showed that mode tailoring, by both customization and personalisation, is more effective than no tailoring. However, contingent on the outcome variable (i.e., attention, website satisfaction, information recall), or health literacy level, and age group, different tailoring strategies show different effects. Designers of digital health information should strategically consider employing personalized information modes or to have people to customize their own information materials.
Leitfaden der kieferorthopädischen Diagnostik
Authors: Nötzel Frank , Schultz Christian
Published: October 2020

So kommen Sie zur exakten Diagnose

Viele Diagnoseverfahren und -methoden führen zu einer guten und exakten Diagnose in der Kieferorthopädie. Nicht immer ist es leicht, aus der Vielzahl der Möglichkeiten auszuwählen.

Im vorliegenden Leitfaden finden Sie einen Überblick über Analysen, Leitsätze, Tabellen und Formeln, die in der Literatur beschrieben werden und mit denen Sie in Ihrem Praxisalltag konfrontiert werden. Denn nur mit einer umfassenden und exakten kieferorthopädischen Diagnose können Sie Ihre Patienten erfolgreich behandeln.

-Methoden der KFO-Diagnostik

-Kurz und übersichtlich

-Reich illustriert

-Nachschlagewerk für die tägliche Arbeit

Für die erfolgreiche Behandlung Ihrer Patienten!
FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT AND TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
Authors: Loukil Kamilia
Published: October 2020

A large number of countries have enacted laws aimed at making it easier for firms to invest in their country, while many countries offer various monetary incentives and tax incentives to encourage inward Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). The desire to attract FDI is due not only to the fact that FDI brings in new investment boosting national income and employment, but also due to the expectation that inward FDI would also provide additional spillover benefits to the local economy that can result in higher productivity growth and increased export growth. This study aims to examine the impact of foreign direct investment on innovation in developing countries. The estimation of a panel threshold model on a sample of 54 developing countries for the 1980-2009 period shows the presence of non linear effects in the relationship between FDI and innovation. We find a threshold value of technological development below which FDI has a negative impact on innovation and above which FDI has a significant positive impact on innovation. We conclude that it is not enough for economic policy to attract foreign investments, it is still necessary to support domestic firms to build an absorptive capacity allowing them to enjoy the benefits of multinational firms.
KONSEP TENTANG LANGIT DAN BUMI YANG BARU
Authors: Bali Aksi
Published: October 2020

Pengharapan terhadap langit dan bumi yang baru merupakan hal yang sangat penting dalam topik besar eskatologi, bahkan dalam iman Kristen secara keseluruhan. Iman dan pengharapan Kristen bergerak maju menuju kepada satu tujuan yang hendak dicapai, yaitu persekutuan yang intim dengan Allah di langit dan bumi yang baru. Oleh karena itu, topik ini banyak dibahas dan didiskusikan baik secara teologis, biblis, dan praktis dan konsekuensinya adalah munculnya berbagai pandangan atau konsep yang berbeda mengenai langit dan bumi yang baru. Tulisan ini berupaya mengelaborasi dua pandangan besar terhadap langit dan bumi yang baru, yaitu pandangan anihilasi dan pandangan restorasi atau transformasi terhadap langit dan bumi ini.
Total OH reactivity over the Amazon rainforest: variability with temperature, wind, rain, altitude, time of day, season, and an overall budget closure
Authors: Pfannerstill Eva Y. , Reijrink Nina G. , Edtbauer Achim , Ringsdorf Akima , Zannoni Nora , Araújo Alessandro , Ditas Florian , Holanda Bruna A. , Sá Marta O. , Tsokanku Anywhere , Walter David , Wolff Stefan , Lavrič Jošt V. , Pöhlker Christopher , Sörgel Matthias , Williams Jonathan
Published: October 2020

Abstract. The tropical forests are Earth’s largest source of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) and thus also the largest atmospheric sink region for the hydroxyl radical (OH). However, the OH sink above tropical forests is poorly understood, as past studies revealed large unattributed fractions of total OH reactivity. We present the first total OH reactivity and VOC measurements made at the Amazon Tall Tower Observatory (ATTO) at 80, 150, and 320 m above ground level, covering two dry seasons, one wet and one transition season in 2018–2019. By considering a wide range of previously unaccounted for VOCs, which we identified by PTR-ToF-MS, the unattributed fraction was with an overall average of 19 % within the measurement uncertainty of ~ 35 %. In terms of seasonal average OH reactivity, isoprene accounted for 23–43 % of the total, oxygenated VOCs (OVOCs) for 22–40 %, while monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and green leaf volatiles combined were responsible for 9–14 %. These findings show that OVOCs were until now an underestimated contributor to the OH sink above the Amazon forest. By day, total OH reactivity decreased towards higher altitudes with strongest vertical gradients observed around noon during the dry season (−0.026 s−1 m−1), while the gradient was inverted at night. Seasonal differences in total OH reactivity were observed, with the lowest daytime average and standard deviation of 19.9 ± 6.2 s−1 during a wet–dry transition season with frequent precipitation, 23.7 ± 6.5 s−1 during the wet season, and the highest average OH reactivities during two dry season observation periods with 28.1 ± 7.9 s−1 and 29.1 ± 10.8 s−1, respectively. The effects of different environmental parameters on the OH sink were investigated, and quantified, where possible. Precipitation caused short-term spikes in total OH reactivity, which were followed by below-normal OH reactivity for several hours. Biomass burning increased total OH reactivity by 2.7 s−1 to 9.5 s−1. We present a temperature-dependent parameterization of OH reactivity that could be applied in future models of the OH sink to further reduce our knowledge gaps in tropical forest OH chemistry.
Forest Fire Aerosol – Weather Feedbacks over Western North America Using a High-Resolution, Fully Coupled, Air-Quality Model
Authors: Makar Paul A. , Akingunola Ayodeji , Chen Jack , Pabla Balbir , Gong Wanmin , Stroud Craig , Sioris Christopher , Anderson Kerry , Cheung Philip , Zhang Junhua , Milbrandt Jason
Published: October 2020

Abstract. The influence of both anthropogenic and forest fire emissions, and their and subsequent chemical and physical processing, on the accuracy of weather and air-quality forecasts, was studied using a high resolution, fully coupled air-quality model. Simulations were carried out for the period 4 July through 5 August 2019, at 2.5-km horizontal grid cell size, over a 2250 x 3425 km2 domain covering western Canada and USA, prior to the use of the forecast system as part of the FIREX-AQ ensemble forecast. Several large forest fires took place in the Canadian portion of the domain during the study period. A feature of the implementation was the incorporation of a new on-line version of the Canadian Forest Fire Emissions Prediction System (CFFEPSv4.0). This inclusion of thermodynamic forest fire plume-rise calculations directly into the on-line air-quality model allowed us to simulate the interactions between forest fire plume development and weather. Incorporating feedbacks resulted in improvements in most metrics of both air-quality and meteorological model forecast performance, through comparison of no-feedback and feedback simulations with surface, radiosonde, and satellite observations. For the meteorological simulations, these improvements occurred at greater than the 90 % confidence level. Relative to the climatological cloud condensation nuclei and aerosol optical properties used in the no-feedback simulations, the fully coupled model’s aerosol indirect and direct effects were shown to result in feedback loops characterized by increased surface temperatures, decreased lower troposphere temperatures, and increased lower troposphere cloud droplet and raindrop number densities. The aerosol direct and indirect effect reduced oceanic cloud droplet number densities and increased oceanic rain drop number densities, relative to the no-feedback climatological simulation. The aerosol direct and indirect effects were responsible for changes to the aerosol concentrations at greater than the 90 % confidence level throughout the model domain, and to NO2 and O3 concentrations within forest fire plumes. The simulations show that incorporating aerosol direct and indirect effect feedbacks can significantly improve the accuracy of weather and air quality forecasts, and that forest fire plume rise calculations within a fully coupled model changes the predicted fire plume dispersion and emissions, the latter through changing the meteorology driving fire behaviour and growth.
A report on the New Year's meteorite found near Cavezzo, Italy
Authors: Gardiol Daniele , Barghini Dario , Buzzoni Alberto , Carbognani Albino , Di Carlo Matteo , Di Martino Mario , Knapic Cristina , Londero Elisa , Pratesi Giovanni , Rasetti Stefania , Riva Walter , Stirpe Giovanna , Valsecchi Giovanni B. , Volpicelli C. Antonio , Zorba Sonia ,   PRISMA Team
Published: October 2020

In this talk we report about the recent finding of two meteorite samples in Italy, near Cavezzo (Modena). The meteorite-dropping fireball was observed on the evening of New Year's Day 2020 by eight all-sky cameras of the PRISMA network, partner of FRIPON. The two fragments, weighing 4 g and 52 g respectively, were collected as a result of a dedicated field search and thanks to the involvement of the local population. 
A comprehensive study of the WASP-74 planetary system
Authors: Luque Rafael ,   MuSCAT2 collaboration
Published: October 2020

In this work, we present new transit observations of the hot Jupiter WASP-74 b using the high-resolution spectrograph HARPS-N and the multi-color simultaneous imager MuSCAT2. The new data allow us to refine the orbital properties of the planet, the physical parameters of the host star, and reveal some properties about the planet's atmosphere using different techniques. We measure, for the first time, the sky-projected angle between the stellar spin-axis and the planet’s orbital axis, which is compatible with an orbit well-aligned with the equator of the host star. We build up an observational low-resolution transmission spectrum from the optical to the near-infrared of the planet using all the available transit photometry for this planet. Our joint reanalysis shows a slope in the transmission spectrum steeper than expected from Rayleigh scattering alone and no signs of strong optical absorbers such as TiO and/or VO, in disagreement with previous claims of the presence of these gases in the atmosphere of WASP-74 b.
Follow-up of the activity and composition of the interstellar comet 2I/Borisov with MUSE
Authors: Opitom Cyrielle , Bannister Michele , Rousselot Philippe , Fitzsimmons Alan , Guilbert-Lepoutre Aurélie , Jehin Emmanuel , Knight Matthew , Moulane Youssef , Schwamb Meg , Seligman Darryl , Snodgrass Colin , Yang Bin ,   the 2I MUSE Observation Team
Published: October 2020

The interstellar comet 2I/Borisov was discovered on August 20, 2019. It is only the second interstellar object to be observed crossing our Solar System, and the first one for which outgassing was detected directly [1]. Early observations indicated that 2I/Borisov is depleted in C2, similarly to about 30% of Solar System comets [2,3]. Preliminary observations with the MUSE IFU performed in November 2019 confirmed that 2I is depleted in C2 but also showed it is rich in NH2 [4]. We present here results from the full observing campaign performed with the MUSE instrument.MUSE is a multi-unit integral field spectrograph mounted on the UT4 telescope of the VLT [5].  The instrument covers the wavelength range from 480 to 930 nm with a resolving power of about 3000. It has a large field of view of 1’x1’ and a spatial resolution of 0.2”, which makes it an ideal instrument to study extended sources. We observed 2I with MUSE on 16 different dates between November 14, 2019 and March 19, 2020. The observations started about one month before the perihelion passage and continued until the comet reached 3 au post-perihelion. This data sets constitutes a great opportunity to study the activity and coma composition of 2I over several months.Our observations allow us to detect emission bands from C2, NH2, and CN. Using a Haser model [6] we derive production rates for those 3 species and follow their evolution. We also study the evolution of the ratio between those production rates, to monitor how the composition of 2I coma changes as a function of time and distance from the Sun.References:[1] Fitzsimmons et al., 2019, The Astrophysical Journal Letters, Volume 885, Issue 1, article id. L9, 6 pp.[2] Opitom et al., 2019, Astronomy & Astrophysics, Volume 631, id.L8, 5 pp.; [3] Lin et al., 2019, The Astrophysical Journal Letters, Volume 889, Issue 2, id.L30;[4] Bannister et al, 2020, submitted to ApJ Letters; [5] Bacon et al, 2010, Proceedings of the SPIE, Volume 7735, id. 773508; [6]  Haser, 1957,Bulletin de la Classe des Sciences de l'Académie Royale de Belgique, vol. 43, p. 740-75
G2DC-PL+ A gridded 2 km daily climate dataset for the union of the Polish territory and the Vistula and Odra basins
Authors: Piniewski Mikołaj , Szcześniak Mateusz , Kardel Ignacy , Chattopadhyay Somsubhra , Berezowski Tomasz
Published: October 2020

Abstract. G2DC-PL+ – a gridded 2 km daily climate dataset for the union of the Polish territory and the Vistula and Odra basins is an update and extension of the CHASE-PL Forcing Data – Gridded Daily Precipitation & Temperature Dataset – 5 km (CPLFD-GDPT5). The latter was the first publicly available, high-resolution climate forcing dataset in Poland, used for a range of purposes including hydrological modelling and bias correction of climate projections. While the spatial coverage of the new dataset remained the same, it has undergone several major changes: (1) the time coverage was increased from 1951–2013 to 1951–2019; (2) its spatial resolution increased from 5 to 2 km; (3) the number of stations used for interpolation of temperature and precipitation approximately doubled; (4) in addition to precipitation and temperature, the dataset consists of relative humidity and wind speed data. The main purpose for developing this product was the need for long-term areal climate data for earth-system modelling, and particularly hydrological modelling. Geostatistical methods (kriging) were used for interpolation of the studied climate variables. The kriging cross-validation revealed improved performance for precipitation compared to the original dataset expressed by the median of the root mean squared errors standardised by standard deviation of observations (0.59 vs. 0.79). Kriging errors were negatively correlated with station density only for the period 1951–1970. RMSEsd values were equal to 0.52 and 0.4 for minimum and maximum temperature, respectively, suggesting a small to moderate improvement over the original dataset. Relative humidity and wind speed exhibited lower performance, with median RMSEsd equal to 0.82 and 0.87, respectively. The dataset is openly available from the 4TU Centre for Research Data at https://doi.org/10.4121/uuid:a3bed3b8-e22a-4b68-8d75-7b87109c9feb (Piniewski et al., 2020).
Optimizing high-resolution Community Earth System Model on a heterogeneous many-core supercomputing platform
Authors: Zhang Shaoqing , Fu Haohuan , Wu Lixin , Li Yuxuan , Wang Hong , Zeng Yunhui , Duan Xiaohui , Wan Wubing , Wang Li , Zhuang Yuan , Meng Hongsong , Xu Kai , Xu Ping , Gan Lin , Liu Zhao , Wu Sihai , Chen Yuhu , Yu Haining , Shi Shupeng , Wang Lanning , Xu Shiming , Xue Wei , Liu Weiguo , Guo Qiang , Zhang Jie , Zhu Guanghui , Tu Yang , Edwards Jim , Baker Allison , Yong Jianlin , Yuan Man , Yu Yangyang , Zhang Qiuying , Liu Zedong , Li Mingkui , Jia Dongning , Yang Guangwen , Wei Zhiqiang , Pan Jingshan , Chang Ping , Danabasoglu Gokhan , Yeager Stephen , Rosenbloom Nan , Guo Ying
Published: October 2020

Abstract. With semiconductor technology gradually approaching its physical and thermal limits, recent supercomputers have adopted major
architectural changes to continue increasing the performance through more
power-efficient heterogeneous many-core systems. Examples include Sunway
TaihuLight that has four management processing elements (MPEs) and 256
computing processing elements (CPEs) inside one processor and Summit that has
two central processing units (CPUs) and six graphics processing units (GPUs)
inside one node. Meanwhile, current high-resolution Earth system models that
desperately require more computing power generally consist of millions of
lines of legacy code developed for traditional homogeneous multicore
processors and cannot automatically benefit from the advancement of
supercomputer hardware. As a result, refactoring and optimizing the legacy
models for new architectures become key challenges along the road of taking
advantage of greener and faster supercomputers, providing better support for
the global climate research community and contributing to the long-lasting
societal task of addressing long-term climate change. This article reports
the efforts of a large group in the International Laboratory for
High-Resolution Earth System Prediction (iHESP) that was established by the
cooperation of Qingdao Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and
Technology (QNLM), Texas A&M University (TAMU), and the National Center for
Atmospheric Research (NCAR), with the goal of enabling highly efficient
simulations of the high-resolution (25 km atmosphere and 10 km ocean)
Community Earth System Model (CESM-HR) on Sunway TaihuLight. The refactoring
and optimizing efforts have improved the simulation speed of CESM-HR from 1 SYPD (simulation years per day) to 3.4 SYPD (with output disabled) and
supported several hundred years of pre-industrial control simulations. With
further strategies on deeper refactoring and optimizing for remaining
computing hotspots, as well as redesigning architecture-oriented
algorithms, we expect an equivalent or even better efficiency to be gained on the
new platform than traditional homogeneous CPU platforms. The refactoring and
optimizing processes detailed in this paper on the Sunway system should have
implications for similar efforts on other heterogeneous many-core systems
such as GPU-based high-performance computing (HPC) systems.
Evaluation of ECMWF IFS-AER (CAMS)
operational forecasts during cycle 41r1 - 46r1 with
calibrated ceilometer profiles over Germany
Authors: Flentje Harald , Mattis Ina , Kipling Zak , Remy Samuel , Thomas Werner
Published: October 2020

Abstract. Aerosol forecasts by the European Center for Medium Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) Integrated Forecasting System IFS-AER for years 2016–2019 (cycle 41r1 - 46r1) are compared to vertical profiles of particle backscatter from the Deutscher Wetterdienst (DWD) ceilometer network. The system has been developed in the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) and its precursors. The focus of this article is to evaluate the realism of the vertical aerosol distribution from 0.3 to 8 km above ground, coded in the shape, bias and temporal variation of the profiles. The common physical quantity, the attenuated backscatter β*(z), is directly measured and calculated from the model mass mixing ratios of the different aerosol types using the model's inherent aerosol microphysical properties. Pearson correlation coefficients of daily average simulated and observed vertical profiles between r = 0.6–0.8 in summer and 0.7–0.95 in winter indicate that most of the vertical structure is captured. It is governed by larger β*(z) in the mixing-layer and comparably well captured with the successive model versions. The aerosol load tends to be high-biased near the surface, be underestimated in the mixing layer and realistic at small background values in the undisturbed free troposphere. A seasonal cycle of the bias below 1 km height indicates that aerosol sources and/or lifetimes are overestimated in summer and pollution episodes not fully resolved in winter. Long-range transport of Saharan dust or fire smoke is captured and timely, only the dispersion to smaller scales is not resolved in detail. Over Germany β*(z) from Saharan dust and sea salt are considerably overestimated. Differences between model and ceilometer profiles are investigated using observed in-situ mass concentrations of organic, black carbon, SO4, NO3, NH4 and proxys for mineral dust and sea-salt near the surface. Accordingly, SO4 and OM sources as well as gas-to-particle partitioning of the NO3-NH4-system are too strong. The top of the mixing layer on average appears too smooth and few 100 m too low in the model. Finally, a discussion is included of the considerable uncertainties in the observations, the conversion from modeled to observed physical quantities, and from necessary adaptions of varying resolutions and definitions.
The evolution of stable silicon isotopes in a coastal carbonate aquifer, Rottnest Island, Western Australia
Authors: Martin Ashley N. , Meredith Karina , Baker Andy , Norman Marc D. , Bryan Eliza
Published: October 2020

Abstract. Dissolved silicon (DSi) is a key nutrient in the oceans, but there are few data available regarding Si isotopes in coastal aquifers. Here we investigate the Si isotopic composition of 12 fresh and 17 saline groundwater samples from Rottnest Island, Western Australia, which forms part of the world’s most extensive aeolianite deposit (the Tamala Limestone Formation). Two bedrock samples were also collected from Rottnest Island for Si isotope analysis. The δ30Si values of groundwaters ranged from −0.39 to +3.60 ‰ with an (average: +1.59 ‰) and the rock samples were −0.76 and −0.13 ‰. Due to the relatively low concentrations of DSi (64 to 196 μM) and clay-forming cations in fresh groundwaters, the correlation between δ30Si values and DSi concentrations (ρ = 0.59, p = 0.02) may be explained by Si adsorption onto Fe-Al (oxy)hydroxides present in the aquifer. An increase in groundwater δ30Si in association with the occurrence of water-rock interactions may explain the spatial pattern in δ30Si across the aquifer, and is consistent with the correlation between δ30Si and tritium activities when considering all groundwaters (ρ = −0.68, p = 0.0002). In the deeper aquifer, the inverse correlation between DSi and Cl concentrations (ρ = −0.79, p = 0.04) for the more saline groundwaters is attributed to groundwater mixing with local seawater that is depleted in DSi (
Glacier detachments and rock-ice avalanches in the Petra Pervogo range, Tajikistan (1973–2019)
Authors: Leinss Silvan , Bernardini Enrico , Jacquemart Mylène , Dokukin Mikhail
Published: October 2020

Abstract. Glacier detachments are a rare phenomenon of glacier instability, whereof only a handful have been documented to date. Common to all known cases are the large detached volumes of many million cubic meters of ice and long runout distances. Recently, two detachments of smaller size were observed in the Petra Pervogo range, north west of the Pamir mountains, Tajikistan. Using a variety of satellite images, we identified in total 9 detachments and several ice and rock avalanches which occurred in four different catchments between 1973 and 2019. The avalanche run out distances vary between 2 and 19 km and detached volumes range between 2 and [8.8 × 106] m3. Seven out of nine detachments occurred between July and September in years with temperature above the past 46-years trend. No active glacier surge was observed immediately before detachment, but elevation model (DEM) differences indicate a surge-like behavior about 10 years before the two largest detachments. Instead, one glacier retreated before detachment while the other remained stagnant before increased sliding pronounced the impending detachment. To put results into a regional context, we analyzed DEM differences over the entire Pamir range and found 237 surging glaciers, predominantly in the north-western part where soft and fine-grained rock-types are common. We are confident that no major events were missed due to lack of satellite data, because destroyed vegetation remains visible in the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), several years after large mass flows, e.g. about 10 years for the Kolka–Karmadon rock-ice avalanche. From the large number of detachments which occurred under very similar conditions we conclude that rising temperatures combined with soft, fine-grained sediments are very critical components favouring the detachment of entire valley glaciers.