bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Investigation of the Grid Sensitivity in Large-Eddy Simulations of the Stable Boundary Layer
Authors: Maronga Björn , Li Dan
Published: August 2021

We revisit the longstanding problem of grid sensitivity, i.e., the lack of grid convergence in large-eddy simulations (LES) of the stable boundary layer. We use a comprehensive set of LES of the well-known Global Energy and Water Cycle Experiment Atmospheric Boundary Layer Study 1 (GABLS1) case with varying grid spacings between 12.5 m and 1 m to investigate several physical processes and numerical features that are possible causes of grid sensitivity. Our results demonstrate that there are two resolution regimes in which grid sensitivity manifests differently. We find that changing the numerical advection schemes and the subgrid-scale models alters the simulation results, but the options tested do not fully address the grid-sensitivity issue. Moreover, sensitivity runs suggest that the surface boundary condition and the interaction of the surface with the near-surface flow, as well as the mixing with the free atmosphere, are unlikely to be the causes of the observed grid sensitivity. One interesting finding is that the grid sensitivity in the fine grid-spacing regime (grid spacings $$\le 2\,\mathrm{m}$$

≤
2

m

) is closely related to the reduction in the energy content of large-scale turbulence, leading to less turbulence kinetic energy and hence lower boundary-layer heights. The present work demonstrates that there is still an urgent need to address this grid-sensitivity issue in order to perform reliable LES of the stable boundary layer.
Combined integral and particle model for describing the dispersion, dilution, terminal layer formation and influence area from a point source discharge into a water body
Authors: Johnsplass Jonathan , Winger Anja Celine , Bjørgesæter Anders , Kleven Marit , Jensen Julie Damsgaard
Published: August 2021

Contamination of coastal water is a persistent threat to ecosystems around the world. In this study, a novel model for describing the dispersion, dilution, terminal layer formation and influence area from a point source discharge into a water body is presented and compared with field measured data. The model is a Combined Integral and Particle model (CIPMO). In the initial stage, the motion, dispersion and dilution of a buoyant jet are calculated. The output from the buoyant jet model is then coupled with a Lagrangian Advection and Diffusion model describing the far-field. CIPMO ensures that both the near- and far-field processes are adequately resolved. The model either uses empirical data or collects environmental forcing data from open source hydrodynamic models with high spatial and temporal resolution. The method for coupling the near-field buoyant jet and the particle tracking model is described and the output is discussed. The model shows good results when compared with measurements from a field study.
Effect of pressure-controlled ventilation-volume guaranteed mode combined with individualized positive end-expiratory pressure on respiratory mechanics, oxygenation and lung injury in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery in Trendelenburg position
Authors: Li Jianli , Ma Saixian , Chang Xiujie , Ju Songxu , Zhang Meng , Yu Dongdong , Rong Junfang
Published: August 2021

The study aimed to investigate the efficacy of PCV-VG combined with individual PEEP during laparoscopic surgery in the Trendelenburg position. 120 patients were randomly divided into four groups: VF group (VCV plus 5cmH2O PEEP), PF group (PCV-VG plus 5cmH2O PEEP), VI group (VCV plus individual PEEP), and PI group (PCV-VG plus individual PEEP). Pmean, Ppeak, Cdyn, PaO2/FiO2, VD/VT, A-aDO2 and Qs/Qt were recorded at T1 (15 min after the induction of anesthesia), T2 (60 min after pneumoperitoneum), and T3 (5 min at the end of anesthesia). The CC16 and IL-6 were measured at T1 and T3. Our results showed that the Pmean was increased in VI and PI group, and the Ppeak was lower in PI group at T2. At T2 and T3, the Cdyn of PI group was higher than that in other groups, and PaO2/FiO2 was increased in PI group compared with VF and VI group. At T2 and T3, A-aDO2 of PI and PF group was reduced than that in other groups. The Qs/Qt was decreased in PI group compared with VF and VI group at T2 and T3. At T2, VD/VT in PI group was decreased than other groups. At T3, the concentration of CC16 in PI group was lower compared with other groups, and IL-6 level of PI group was decreased than that in VF and VI group. In conclusion, the patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery, PCV-VG combined with individual PEEP produced favorable lung mechanics and oxygenation, and thus reducing inflammatory response and lung injury.

Clinical Trial registry: chictr.org. identifier: ChiCTR-2100044928
Mental Health in Ethnic Minority Populations in the UK: Developmental Trajectories from Early Childhood to Mid Adolescence
Authors: Bains Simran , Gutman Leslie Morrison
Published: August 2021

A large body of literature has demonstrated that there are developmental differences in mental health problems. However, less is known about the development of mental health problems in ethnic minority children, particularly at the population level. Using a detailed ethnic classification and nationally representative data from the UK Millennium Cohort Study (n = 18, 521, 49% female, 18% ethnic minority), this study examines ethnic differences in children’s mental health problems and trajectories of mental health from ages 3 to 14 years. Growth curve modeling revealed that ethnic minority children followed different developmental trajectories of internalizing and externalizing problems than white children, either in terms of the mean-level and/or rate of change across age. These differences were not explained by child sex, socioeconomic status, maternal depressive symptoms, and maternal immigrant status, highlighting the need for further research exploring the factors that underpin ethnic inequalities in child mental health.
Becoming a Science Teacher: Is It Merely a Process of Trial and Error?
Authors: Gourlay Helen
Published: August 2021

In this paper, I explore preservice science teachers’ (science PSTs’) reflective practice (RP) during a 1-year Postgraduate Certificate in Education programme in England. Previous research suggests that science PSTs are not very reflective, and I hypothesised that lack of reflectivity is related to their difficulty in learning to teach. Science PSTs (n = 38) took part in a teaching intervention designed to support development of RP, and eight volunteered as research participants. Four seminars about the diagnostic teaching cycle and action learning (AL) took place in the university during the year. Data collected included written reflective journals, analyses of critical incidents, and action plans; audio recordings of AL sets; and school-based mentors’ reports of participants’ progress in school placements. I investigated participants’ reflectivity using Zwokdiak-Myers’ nine dimensions of reflective practice. There was substantial variation between participants, and more evidence of reflectivity in some dimensions than in others. A relative strength was that participants adopted a range of teaching strategies (Dimension 6), but linking theory with practice (Dimension 3) was a weakness.
Two passeriform birds (Aves: Passeriformes) from the Middle Miocene of Austria
Authors: Happ Johannes , Elsler Armin , Kriwet Jürgen , Pfaff Cathrin , Bochenski Zbigniew M.
Published: August 2021

Two newly discovered specimens of passerine birds—an isolated sternum and an associated skeleton—from the upper Middle Miocene (ca. 12 Ma) are the oldest representatives of Passeriformes from Austria. Although the condition of the specimens prevents their accurate identification, they provide further clues on the morphological diversity of the avifauna during this period and fill gaps in the paleobiogeography of Miocene passerines. The associated skeleton represents a bird similar in size to the extant Sylvia atricapilla or Erithacus rubecula, and the delicate beak indicates that the bird fed mainly on small invertebrates and possibly also soft fruit. The isolated sternum belonged to a small thrush-sized bird and, considering the fragility of this skeletal element, is one of the best-preserved Miocene passerine sterna in the world.
The role of service charges in the application of priority service pricing
Authors: Gérard Céline , Papavasiliou Anthony
Published: August 2021

Residential demand response is poised to emerge as an increasingly important aspect of power market operations. A major challenge in the proliferation of residential demand response relates to the development of scalable aggregator business models. This has motivated quality differentiation in the form of priority service. Priority service consists of a priority charge, which is payable regardless of the usage of electricity, and a service charge, which is payable only when electricity is actually consumed. In this paper, we analyze the role of service charges in priority service pricing. From a theoretical standpoint, we characterize service charges that maintain the equivalence between priority service and real-time pricing in terms of consumer expenditures. We also revisit the results of the traditional theory regarding a finite number of priority service classes for the general case of non-zero service charges. The experimental side of the paper is focused on the comparison of different priority service settings in terms of their impact on consumer comfort and electricity bills. The analysis is performed on a realistic case study of a Texas household using the Pecan Street database and on a Belgian household using the LINEAR database. The results reveal that service charges are crucial for the viable practical implementation of priority service pricing. We use our case study to further analyze the incentives of households in a priority service pricing regime.
Sedimentation, depositional environments, and hydrocarbon potential of the Maastrichtian-Paleocene Araromi Formation, eastern Dahomey (Benin) Basin, southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Oluwajana Oladotun Afolabi , Opatola Abraham Olatunji , Adamolekun Olajide Jonathan , Ndukwe Otobong Sunday , Olawuyi Gabriel Toluwalope , Ofiwe Collins Uche , Bolaji Taiwo Ayodele , Adebambo Bamidele Adeniyi , Oluwajana Oladipo Omoniyi
Published: August 2021

The Cretaceous sediments in southwestern Nigeria are host to one of the largest bitumen deposits in the world. In the current paper, an integrated study on sedimentology, palynology, and applied petroleum geochemistry of the Maastrichtian-Paleocene Araromi Formation was used to determine the depositional environments and hydrocarbon potentials of the formation on the eastern Dahomey Basin. Four sedimentary lithofacies were identified from core samples, namely, lower limestone (F1); medium to coarse-grained sandstone (F2); lower loosely consolidated sandstone (F3); and shale and siltstone (F4). Sedimentation in the eastern Dahomey Basin occurred mainly in fluvial and shallow-marine (shelf) environments. The palynological assemblages of the Araromi Formation reflect deposition in coastal through brackish water to shallow shelf environment with periods of localized wind-induced storms. The shale and siltstone samples of the Araromi Formation are characterized by total organic carbon (TOC) values of up to 2.50 wt % and S2 (hydrocarbon-generating potential) values ranging from 0.26 to 0.70 mgHC/g rock, indicating poor source rocks. Shales show poor quality and thermally immature organic matter at shallow depth and could neither have generated liquid hydrocarbon nor contributed to the heavy oil occurrence on the bitumen and tar-sand belt of eastern Dahomey (Benin) Basin.
Aerobic degradation of oil-based mud drilling fluid by in situ bacteria in the Hawizeh Marshes
Authors: Rasti Arash , Ameri Adel , Riahi Mohammad Ali
Published: August 2021

The increasing global demand for hydrocarbon has brought new challenges in the petroleum reservoir's drilling process. Non-biodegradable chemical additives are used in drilling fluid and it leads to endangering the environment and personnel safety. Thus, there is a great need for new biodegradable drilling fluid additives that can protect the environment and personal safety while drilling is done well. This study with help of microbial analysis investigates the effects of in situ bacteria to degenerate the gasoline inside the oil-based mud, in the returned lubricant from one of the oil wells next to the Hawizeh Marshes. Four types of bacteria inside the oil-based mud were observed. According to the high growth and degradation of crude oil, one strain was selected. Determination of the coagulase and clumping test shows that the isolated strain belongs to staphylococcus. We investigate the performance of the staphylococcus bacterium on the lubricant from biological degradation aspects, using a gas chromatography technique. It was observed that the exposure of a small amount of the bacteria against 10 mL of lubricant indicates a considerable degree of degeneration, only in a few days. The residual crude oil in the culture medium was analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) and SARA. The results confirmed that the strain can degrade crude oil and produce lighter hydrocarbon. The saturate fraction increased about 23%, while the Resin and Asphaltene fractions decreased about 11% and 12%, respectively. This research is the first report on the characterization of crude oil-degrading bacteria from in situ bacteria at Hawizeh Marsh and by using this bacterium in the field the effect of oil pollution can be reduced on this marsh environment in a few days.
Simulating the Long-Term Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Sustainability of the Population-Economy-Environment Nexus
Authors: Poblete-Cazenave Miguel
Published: August 2021

The COVID19 pandemic has created a massive shock, unexpectedly increasing mortality levels and generating economic recessions all around the world. In recent years, several efforts have been made to develop models that link the environment, population and the economy which may be used to estimate potential longer term effects of the pandemic. Unfortunately, many of the parameters used in these models lack appropriate empirical identification. In this study, first I estimate the parameters of “Wonderland”, a system dynamics model of the population-economy-environment nexus, and posteriorly, add external GDP and mortality shocks to the model. The estimated parameters are able to closely match world data, while future simulations point, on average and regardless of the COVID19 pandemic, to a world reaching dangerous environmental levels in the following decades, in line with consensus forecasts. On the other hand, the effects of the pandemic on the economy are highly uncertain and may last for several decades.
Probabilistic small-signal stability analysis of power systems based on Hermite polynomial approximation
Authors: Tabrizchi Ali Mohammad , Rezaei Mohammad Mahdi
Published: August 2021

This paper proposes a probabilistic small-signal stability analysis method based on the polynomial approximation approach. Since the correct determination of unknown coefficients has a direct effect on the accuracy of the polynomial approximation method, this paper presents a method for determining these coefficients, with high coverage on the probabilistic input domain of the problem. In this method, by increasing the number of random input variables, the proposed method can continue to maintain its efficiency. After determining the unknown coefficients, the load flow results and the system state matrix are determined for random changes of all loads based on the Hermite polynomial approximation. Then, the small-signal stability of the system is probabilistically evaluated based on stochastic analysis of the system eigenvalues. The consistency and validity of the proposed method are demonstrated based on the simulation studies in the MATLAB® software environment. In the simulation studies, the performance of the proposed method is examined by comparison with Point Estimation, Cumulant, Monte Carlo, and Chebyshev polynomial-based methods, for IEEE 14-bus and IEEE 39-bus test systems.

Article highlights

Probabilistic small-signal stability analysis of power systems

Modeling of governing equations of power system based on Hermite polynomial approximation

Forming the Collocation matrix based on a robust method
A View on the Development and Current Situation of Behavior Analysis in Europe
Authors: Arntzen Erik , Pellón Ricardo
Published: August 2021

The present article discusses essential historical trends in behavior analysis in Europe, in terms of both organizations and conferences. Of particular interest is the series of the European Meetings on the Experimental Analysis of Behaviour held in different European cities between 1983 and 2000, just when the European Association for Behaviour Analysis (EABA) and the European Journal of Behavior Analysis (EJOBA) both started. This article not only extends the information on EABA and EJOBA from a previous publication (Arntzen et al., 2009) but also discusses other European behavior-analytic outlets and different ways in which behavior analysis is taught in Europe.
Double-swab 5% versus single-swab 10% iodophor for reducing methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus with routine chlorhexidine bathing
Authors: Heim Lauren T. , Miller Loren G. , Singh Raveena D. , McKinnell James A. , Catuna Tabitha D. , Estevez Marlene , Evans Kaye D. , Tjoa Tom K. , Gussin Gabrielle M. , Dahl Shaun D. , Budy Linda , Peterson Ellena M. , Huang Susan S.
Published: August 2021

In a prospective cohort study, we compared a 2-swabs-per-nostril 5% iodophor regimen with a 1-swab-per-nostril 10% iodophor regimen on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus carriage in nursing-home residents. Compared with baseline, both single-swab and double-swab regimens resulted in an identical 40% reduction in nasal carriage and 60% reduction in any carriage, skin or nasal.
Assessment of antenatal anxiety, depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder in pregnant women in the COVID-19 era
Authors: Hinds Catherine , Lindow Stephen W. , Abdelrahman Mona , Hehir Mark P. , O’Connell Michael P.
Published: August 2021

Objective:

To assess the mental health of pregnant women, with reference to anxiety, depression and obsessive-compulsive (OC) symptoms, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods:

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Ireland during the third wave of the pandemic between February and March 2021. Psychiatric, social and obstetric information was collected from pregnant women in a Dublin maternity hospital, alongside self-reported measures of mental health status.

Results:

Of 392 women responding, 23.7% had anxiety, scoring >9 for GAD-7 (7-item generalised anxiety disorder), 20.4% had depression, scoring >9 for PHQ-9 (9-item depression screening tool: Patient health questionnaire) and 10.3% had obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), scoring >13 for Yale–Brown obsessive-compulsive scale symptom checklist (Y-BOCS). Amongst self-reported OCD symptoms, there was a preponderance for obsessions rather than compulsions. Of 392 women, 36.2% described their mental health as worse during the pandemic, most frequently describing symptoms of anxiety and sleep disturbance. When analysed against test scores, self-reported worsening of mental health was significantly associated with higher scores on the GAD-7, PHQ-9 and Y-BOCS scales. The three scores were positively interrelated. Poor mental health scores were associated with self-reported strain in relationship with the baby’s father, and current or previous history of mental illness.

Conclusion:

This study found high levels of depression, anxiety and OC symptoms amongst pregnant women during COVID-19. This highlights the vulnerability of this group to mental illness and the importance of enhanced screening and support during pandemics.
Phase lag predicts nonlinear response maxima in liquid-sloshing experiments
Authors: Bäuerlein Bastian , Avila Kerstin
Published: August 2021

Mass-spring models are essential for the description of sloshing resonances in engineering. By experimentally measuring the liquid's centre of mass in a horizontally oscillated rectangular tank, we show that low-amplitude sloshing obeys the Duffing equation. A bending of the response curve in analogy to a softening spring is observed, with growing hysteresis as the driving amplitude increases. At large amplitudes, complex wave patterns emerge (including wave breaking and run up at the tank walls), competition between flow states is observed and the dynamics departs progressively from Duffing. We also provide a quantitative comparison of wave shapes and response curves to the predictions of a multimodal model based on potential flow theory (Faltinsen & Timokha, Sloshing. Cambridge University Press, 2009) and show that it systematically overestimates the sloshing amplitudes and the hysteresis. We find that the phase lag between the liquid's centre of mass and the forcing is the key predictor of the nonlinear response maxima. The phase lag reflects precisely the onset of deviations from Duffing dynamics and – most importantly – at resonance the sloshing motion always lags the driving by $90^{\circ }$ (independently of the wave pattern). This confirms the theoretical $90^{\circ }$-phase-lag criterion (Cenedese & Haller, Proc. R. Soc. A, vol. 476, no. 2234, 2020, 20190494).
Forced flexibility and remote working: opportunities and challenges in the new normal
Authors: Franken Esme , Bentley Tim , Shafaei Azadeh , Farr-Wharton Ben , Onnis Leigh-ann , Omari Maryam
Published: August 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has seen a shift in remote work from being a discretionary flexible work policy to a mandatory requirement for several workplaces. This ‘forced flexibility’ has meant that organisations and their employees have had to adapt swiftly to new requirements and arrangements for how work is done. Working remotely, often at home in ‘virtual workspaces’, has become commonplace for many employees across Australia and globally. Drawing on findings from two qualitative phases of research in an Australian resources company, we use conservation of resources theory to explore the factors influencing processes related to wellbeing and productivity for employees working remotely in the COVID-19 environment. We identify challenges associated with working remotely, as well as important resources for wellbeing and productivity. Practical implications are also discussed.
Reconsidering the Link Between Self-Reported Personality Traits and Political Preferences
Authors: BAKKER BERT N. , LELKES YPHTACH , MALKA ARIEL
Published: August 2021

Research on personality and political preferences generally assumes unidirectional causal influence of the former on the latter. However, there are reasons to believe that citizens might adopt what they perceive as politically congruent psychological attributes, or at least be motivated to view themselves as having these attributes. We test this hypothesis in a series of studies. Results of preregistered panel analyses in three countries suggest reciprocal causal influences between self-reported personality traits and political preferences. In two two-wave survey experiments, a subtle political prime at the beginning of a survey resulted in self-reported personality traits that were more aligned with political preferences gauged in a previous assessment. We discuss how concurrent assessment within the context of a political survey might overestimate the causal influence of personality traits on political preferences and how political polarization might be exacerbated by political opponents adopting different personality characteristics or self-perceptions thereof.
Tabloid Media Campaigns and Public Opinion: Quasi-Experimental Evidence on Euroscepticism in England
Authors: FOOS FLORIAN , BISCHOF DANIEL
Published: August 2021

Whether powerful media outlets have effects on public opinion has been at the heart of theoretical and empirical discussions about the media’s role in political life. Yet, the effects of media campaigns are difficult to study because citizens self-select into media consumption. Using a quasi-experiment—the 30-year boycott of the most important Eurosceptic tabloid newspaper, The Sun, in Merseyside caused by the Hillsborough soccer disaster—we identify the effects of The Sun boycott on attitudes toward leaving the EU. Difference-in-differences designs using public opinion data spanning three decades, supplemented by referendum results, show that the boycott caused EU attitudes to become more positive in treated areas. This effect is driven by cohorts socialized under the boycott and by working-class voters who stopped reading The Sun. Our findings have implications for our understanding of public opinion, media influence, and ways to counter such influence in contemporary democracies.
The Psychology of Online Political Hostility: A Comprehensive, Cross-National Test of the Mismatch Hypothesis
Authors: BOR ALEXANDER , PETERSEN MICHAEL BANG
Published: August 2021

Why are online discussions about politics more hostile than offline discussions? A popular answer argues that human psychology is tailored for face-to-face interaction and people’s behavior therefore changes for the worse in impersonal online discussions. We provide a theoretical formalization and empirical test of this explanation: the mismatch hypothesis. We argue that mismatches between human psychology and novel features of online environments could (a) change people’s behavior, (b) create adverse selection effects, and (c) bias people’s perceptions. Across eight studies, leveraging cross-national surveys and behavioral experiments (total N = 8,434), we test the mismatch hypothesis but only find evidence for limited selection effects. Instead, hostile political discussions are the result of status-driven individuals who are drawn to politics and are equally hostile both online and offline. Finally, we offer initial evidence that online discussions feel more hostile, in part, because the behavior of such individuals is more visible online than offline.
New detrital zircon U–Pb insights on the palaeogeographic origin of the central Sanandaj–Sirjan zone, Iran
Authors: Shakerardakani Farzaneh , Neubauer Franz , Liu Xiaoming , Dong Yunpeng , Monfaredi Behzad , Li Xian-Hua
Published: August 2021

New detrital U–Pb zircon ages from the Sanandaj–Sirjan metamorphic zone in the Zagros orogenic belt allow discussion of models of the late Neoproterozoic to early Palaeozoic plate tectonic evolution and position of the Iranian microcontinent within a global framework. A total of 194 valid age values from 362 zircon grains were obtained from three garnet-micaschist samples. The most abundant detrital zircon population included Ediacaran ages, with the main age peak at 0.60 Ga. Other significant age peaks are atc. 0.64–0.78 Ga, 0.80–0.91 Ga, 0.94–1.1 Ga, 1.8–2.0 Ga and 2.1–2.5 Ga. The various Palaeozoic zircon age peaks could be explained by sediment supply from sources within the Iranian microcontinent. However, Precambrian ages were found, implying a non-Iranian provenance or recycling of upper Ediacaran–Palaeozoic clastic rocks. Trace-element geochemical fingerprints show that most detrital zircons were sourced from continental magmatic settings. In this study, the late Grenvillian age population atc. 0.94–1.1 Ga is used to unravel the palaeogeographic origin of the Sanandaj–Sirjan metamorphic zone. This Grenvillian detrital age population relates to the ‘Gondwana superfan’ sediments, as found in many Gondwana-derived terranes within the European Variscides and Turkish terranes, but also to units further east, e.g. in the South China block. Biogeographic evidence proves that the Iranian microcontinent developed on the same North Gondwana margin extending from the South China block via Iran further to the west.
Financial Development and Micro-Entrepreneurship
Authors: Dehejia Rajeev , Gupta Nandini
Published: August 2021

Does financial development facilitate micro-entrepreneurship? Using randomized surveys of over 1 million Indian households and bank-branch location as predetermined by government policy, we find that access to finance shifts workers from informal micro-entrepreneurship into formal employment. Financial access reduces the likelihood of being self-employed but benefits micro-enterprises with employees, as well as formal firms. Using data on 400,000 firms, we find that in districts with more banks, firms have higher loans, productivity, employment, and wages than firms in less banked districts. This evidence suggests a labor-market mechanism by which financial development facilitates growth: by shifting workers from unproductive micro-entrepreneurship into productive employment.
Expert Advice: Industry Expertise of M&A Advisors and Acquirer Shareholder Returns
Authors: Wang Cong , Xie Fei , Zhang Kuo
Published: August 2021

We find that acquirers create higher shareholder returns when advised by investment banks with more experience in the target industry. This finding is stronger when acquirers face more difficulties understanding and evaluating the targets. Further analyses show that these banks help acquirers avoid overpaying for targets and thus capture more of the deal synergy rather than making deals generating higher synergy. Our results are robust to controlling for an exhaustive set of determinants of acquirer returns and an identification strategy that exploits exogenous shocks to the supply of investment banks with target-industry experience.
Push, pull and push-back to land certification: regional dynamics in pilot certification projects in Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: Boone Catherine , Bado Arsene Brice , Dion Aristide Mah , Irigo Zibo
Published: August 2021

Since 2000, many African countries have adopted land tenure reforms that aim at comprehensive land registration (or certification) and titling. Much work in political science and in the advocacy literature identifies recipients of land certificates or titles as ‘programme beneficiaries’, and political scientists have modelled titling programmes as a form of distributive politics. In practice, however, rural land registration programmes are often divisive and difficult to implement. This paper tackles the apparent puzzle of friction around rural land certification. We study Côte d'Ivoire's rocky history of land certification from 2004 to 2017 to identify political economy variables that may give rise to heterogeneous and even conflicting preferences around certification. Regional inequalities, social inequalities, and regional variation in pre-existing land tenure institutions are factors that help account for friction or even resistance around land titling, and thus the difficult politics that may arise around land tenure reform. Land certification is not a public good or a private good for everyone.
Lagos in life: placing cities in lived experience
Authors: Xiao Allen Hai
Published: August 2021

Rather than examining what constitutes urban life in a particular city, this paper draws attention to how cities are ‘placed’ along individuals’ life trajectories. The outcome of 15 months of ethnographic research among 102 residents of Lagos's Gowon Estate neighbourhood suggests that Lagos is better understood relationally, through subjective narratives of city life. Given its scale and position among Nigerian cities, the meanings of Lagos to different individuals must be illuminated via an examination of how they ‘place’ those urban places that are important to them – Lagos, hometowns and regional centres – both conceptually and practically within their lived experiences and current livelihoods. In short, this paper exemplifies and advocates a methodology that does not treat cities as a central analytical unit, but instead interprets the meanings of living in cities based on individual inhabitants’ narratives, networks and other aspects of their lived experiences in Lagos and elsewhere.
Neuropsychological Profiles of Older Adults with Superior versus Average Episodic Memory: The Northwestern “SuperAger” Cohort
Authors: Cook Maher Amanda , Makowski-Woidan Beth , Kuang Alan , Zhang Hui , Weintraub Sandra , Mesulam M. Marsel , Rogalski Emily
Published: August 2021

Objective:

SuperAgers are adults over the age of 80 with superior episodic memory performance and at least average-for-age performance in non-episodic memory domains. This study further characterized the neuropsychological profile of SuperAgers compared to average-for-age episodic memory peers to determine potential cognitive mechanisms contributing to their superior episodic memory performance.

Method:

Retrospective analysis of neuropsychological test data from 56 SuperAgers and 23 similar-age peers with average episodic memory was conducted. Independent sample t-tests evaluated between-group differences in neuropsychological scores. Multiple linear regression determined the influence of non-episodic memory function on episodic memory scores across participants.

Results:

As a group, SuperAgers had better scores than their average memory peers on measures of attention, working memory, naming, and speeded set shifting. Scores on tests of processing speed, visuospatial function, verbal fluency, response inhibition, and abstract reasoning did not differ. On an individual level, there was variability among SuperAgers with regard to non-episodic memory performance, with some performing above average-for-age across cognitive domains while others performed in the average-for-age range on non-memory tests. Across all participants, attention and executive function scores explained 20.4% of the variance in episodic memory scores.

Conclusions:

As a group, SuperAgers outperformed their average memory peers in multiple cognitive domains, however, there was considerable intragroup variability suggesting that SuperAgers’ episodic memory strength is not simply related to globally superior cognitive functioning. Attention and executive function performance explained approximately one-fifth of the variance in episodic memory and maybe areas to target with cognitive interventions.
Culturally tailored lifestyle interventions for the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes in adults of Black African ancestry: a systematic review of tailoring methods and their effectiveness
Authors: Wadi Noor M , Asantewa-Ampaduh Summor , Rivas Carol , Goff Louise M
Published: August 2021

Objective:

To evaluate the cultural tailoring methods used in type 2 diabetes (T2D), prevention and management interventions for populations of Black African ancestry and to examine their effectiveness on measures of glycaemia.

Design:

Three databases were searched in October 2020; eligible studies used a randomised controlled trial (RCT) design to evaluate the effectiveness of culturally tailored lifestyle interventions compared with usual care for the prevention or management of T2D in adults of Black African ancestry. Cultural tailoring methods were evaluated using the Facilitator-Location-Language-Messaging (FiLLM) framework, whereby facilitator refers to delivery by individuals from the target community, language focuses on using native language or language appropriate to literacy levels, location refers to delivery in meaningful settings, and messaging is tailoring with relevant content and modes of delivery.

Results:

Sixteen RCT were identified, all from USA. The mean age of participants was 55 years, majority female. Six of fifteen RCT reported significant improvements in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) at 6 and 8 months; one, in prediabetes, reported significantly improved fasting plasma glucose. Diabetes knowledge improvement (5/7 studies) was associated with HbA1c improvement. The majority tailored to location (12/16), facilitators (11/16), messaging (9/16) and language (6/16) domains of FiLLM. Those with ethnically matched facilitators and those which tailored to more than one domain showed the greatest HbA1C benefits.

Conclusion:

This evidence supports the effectiveness of culturally tailored lifestyle interventions for T2D management in populations of Black African ancestry, with further RCT needed to evaluate interventions for T2D prevention and for communities outside of the USA.
Comparative analysis of energy use efficiency among Pakistani and Turkish wheat growers
Authors: Imran Muhammad , ul Haq Shamsheer , Ozcatalbas Orhan
Published: August 2021

Agriculture is one of the high input energy using sectors which ultimately produces the output energy for the survival of human beings. Wheat is an important cereal in the agriculture production system. It is a major food crop and staple food for many countries in the world. Higher population growth has increased demand for wheat, and this demand has been met through the adoption of modern agricultural practices which are heavily dependent on energy. The current study was planned to examine the input energy use efficiency of rainfed wheat growers in Pakistan and Turkey (countries among the top 10 global wheat producers). A total of 119 wheat growers from the rainfed areas of both countries were randomly selected. The data envelopment analysis was executed to estimate the input energy use efficiency score of the growers. The results of the study revealed that almost a similar source of input energy is used in both countries in wheat cultivation. The largest input energy consumption in Turkey was nitrogen fertilizer (10,531.50 MJ ha−1), while in Pakistan was farmyard manure (12,837.32 MJ ha−1). The Turkish growers have higher energy use efficiency 2.42 as compared to Pakistani growers, whose energy use efficiency was 1.09. Results further revealed that there is a substantial potential for energy savings in both countries by optimizing energy use. The study concluded that the exchange of energy-efficient practices between both countries can significantly reduce energy use and improve the yield of wheat.
Recent Slowdown in the Decline of Arctic Sea Ice Volume Under Increasingly Warm Atmospheric and Oceanic Conditions
Authors: Zhang Jinlun
Published: August 2021

A model study shows that the decline of Arctic sea ice volume (SIV) slows down during 2007–2020 with increasingly warm atmospheric and oceanic conditions. The slowdown of the SIV decline is because the decrease in ice export from the Arctic exceeds the decrease in net ice production within the Arctic. The relatively strong decrease in ice export occurs when the increase in ice motion is lower than the decrease in SIV. The relatively weak decrease in net ice production is due to strong increases in ice growth as thinner ice grows faster than thicker ice under freezing conditions. The ice growth increases are closely correlated with and benefit from increases in open water creation caused by enhanced ice divergence and shear as thinner ice is easier to deform.
A Unified Framework for Earthquake Sequences and the Growth of Geological Structure in Fold‐Thrust Belts
Authors: Mallick Rishav , Bürgmann Roland , Johnson Kaj , Hubbard Judith
Published: August 2021

Observations of fold growth in fold‐thrust belt settings show that brittle deformation can be localized or distributed. Localized shear is associated with frictional slip on primary faults, while distributed brittle deformation is recognized in the folding of the bulk medium. The interplay of these processes is clearly seen in fault‐bend folds, which are folds cored by a fault with an abrupt change in dip (e.g., a ramp‐décollement system). While the kinematics of fault‐bend folding were described decades ago, the dynamics of these structures remain poorly understood, especially the evolution of fault slip and off‐fault deformation over different periods of the earthquake cycle. In order to investigate the dynamics of fault‐bend folding, we develop a numerical modeling framework that combines a long‐term elasto‐plastic model of folding in a layered medium with a rate‐state frictional model of fault strength evolution in order to simulate geologically and mechanically consistent earthquake sequences. In our simulations, slip on the ramp‐décollement fault and inelastic fold deformation are mechanically coupled processes that build geologic structure. As a result, we observe that folding of the crust (like fault slip) does not occur steadily in time but is modulated by earthquake cycle stresses. We suggest combining seismological and geodetic observations with geological fault models to uncover how elastic and inelastic crustal deformation generate fault‐bend folds. We find that distinguishing between the elastic and inelastic response of the crust to fault slip is possible only in the postseismic period following large earthquakes, indicating that for most fault systems this information currently remains inaccessible.
The Chemistry of Hyperalkaline Springs in Serpentinizing Environments: 1. The Composition of Free Gases in New Caledonia Compared to Other Springs Worldwide
Authors: Monnin Christophe , Quéméneur Marianne , Price Roy , Jeanpert Julie , Maurizot Pierre , Boulart Cédric , Donval Jean‐Pierre , Pelletier Bernard
Published: August 2021

Serpentinization is a natural process that transforms ferromagnesian minerals such as olivine into serpentine and that produces waters at very high pH and gases enriched in methane (CH4) and hydrogen (H2). We report the composition of gases venting at two springs (Bain des Japonais and Rivière des Kaoris) of the serpentinizing environment of the Prony Bay (New Caledonia) collected eight times between 2011 and 2014, along with in situ measurements (temperature, pH, oxydo‐reduction potential, dissolved oxygen content) of on‐land alkaline springs of the Southern New Caledonia ophiolite. Venting gases are mainly composed of H2, CH4, and N2 and their composition has slightly varied during the 4‐year field survey. An elevated oxygen (O2) content in a high‐pH water sample is due to air uptake during surface flow. O2‐corrected gas compositions along with those published for gas data obtained at similar serpentinizing environments (Italy, Turkey, Philippines, and Oman) show that the H2 and CH4 concentrations display a linear correlation with a slope close to the value corresponding to the CH4 production from carbon dioxide rather from a less oxidized carbon such as carbon monoxide. Although these data are consistent with the stoichiometry of the Sabatier reaction, as such in the gas phase, it is also possible that microbial hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis takes place in the aqueous phase followed by degassing. A diagram is proposed that outlines the partitioning of H2 and CH4 between the gaseous and aqueous phases and the need to consider a two‐phase flow in the hydrology of these hyperalkaline environments.
Role of Microphysics and Convective Autoconversion for the Better Simulation of Tropical Intraseasonal Oscillations (MISO and MJO)
Authors: Dutta Ushnanshu , Hazra Anupam , Chaudhari Hemantkumar S. , Saha Subodh K. , Pokhrel Samir , Shiu Chein‐Jung , Chen Jen‐Ping
Published: August 2021

The seasonal prediction of the Indian summer monsoon (ISM) and Monsoon Intraseasonal Oscillations (MISO), as well as the Madden Julian Oscillations (MJO) that strongly modulate MISO, is of much importance to the agriculture sectors of the Indian Sub‐continent. This study highlights the importance of selecting proper “autoconversion” coefficients for precipitation formation in Coupled Global Climate Model's convective and microphysical schemes in simulating MISO and MJO. With a series of sensitivity experiments, we systematically examined the convective autoconversion and microphysical autoconversion coefficients in the National Centers for Environmental Prediction Coupled Forecast System version 2 (CFSv2). The mean and intraseasonal features of MISO and MJO are improved with a proper combination of autoconversion coefficients, which not only provide a better partition of cloud water and ice but also better feedback between the large‐scale condensation and convective parameterization. The results demonstrate a road map for the improvement of MISO as well as MJO simulation using a coupled climate model.
Therapeutic targets and interventional strategies in COVID-19: mechanisms and clinical studies
Authors: Zhou Yu-Wen , Xie Yao , Tang Lian-Sha , Pu Dan , Zhu Ya-Juan , Liu Ji-Yan , Ma Xue-Lei
Published: August 2021

Owing to the limitations of the present efforts on drug discovery against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the lack of the understanding of the biological regulation mechanisms underlying COVID-19, alternative or novel therapeutic targets for COVID-19 treatment are still urgently required. SARS-CoV-2 infection and immunity dysfunction are the two main courses driving the pathogenesis of COVID-19. Both the virus and host factors are potential targets for antiviral therapy. Hence, in this study, the current therapeutic strategies of COVID-19 have been classified into “target virus” and “target host” categories. Repurposing drugs, emerging approaches, and promising potential targets are the implementations of the above two strategies. First, a comprehensive review of the highly acclaimed old drugs was performed according to evidence-based medicine to provide recommendations for clinicians. Additionally, their unavailability in the fight against COVID-19 was analyzed. Next, a profound analysis of the emerging approaches was conducted, particularly all licensed vaccines and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) enrolled in clinical trials against primary SARS-CoV-2 and mutant strains. Furthermore, the pros and cons of the present licensed vaccines were compared from different perspectives. Finally, the most promising potential targets were reviewed, and the update of the progress of treatments has been summarized based on these reviews.
Circ_0057558 promotes nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by regulating ROCK1/AMPK signaling through targeting miR-206
Authors: Chen Xi , Tan Qing-Qing , Tan Xin-Rui , Li Shi-Jun , Zhang Xing-Xing
Published: August 2021

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most prevalent chronic liver disorders that is featured by the extensive deposition of fat in the hepatocytes. Current treatments are very limited due to its unclear pathogenesis. Here, we investigated the function of circ_0057558 and miR-206 in NAFLD. High-fat diet (HFD) feeding mouse was used as an in vivo NAFLD model and long-chain-free fatty acid (FFA)-treated liver cells were used as an in vitro NAFLD model. qRT-PCR was used to measure levels of miR-206, ROCK1 mRNA, and circ_0057558, while Western blotting was employed to determine protein levels of ROCK1, p-AMPK, AMPK, and lipogenesis-related proteins. Immunohistochemistry were performed to examine ROCK1 level. Oil-Red O staining was used to assess the lipid deposition in cells. ELISA was performed to examine secreted triglyceride (TG) level. Dual-luciferase assay was used to validate interactions of miR-206/ROCK1 and circ_0057558/miR-206. RNA immunoprecipitation was employed to confirm the binding of circ_0057558 with miR-206. Circ_0057558 was elevated while miR-206 was reduced in both in vivo and in vitro NAFLD models. miR-206 directly bound with ROCK1 3’-UTR and suppressed lipogenesis and TG secretion through targeting ROCK1/AMPK signaling. Circ_0057558 directly interacted with miR-206 to disinhibit ROCK1/AMPK signaling. Knockdown of circ_0057558 or overexpression of miR-206 inhibited lipogenesis, TG secretion and expression of lipogenesis-related proteins. ROCK1 knockdown reversed the effects of circ_0057558 overexpression. Injection of miR-206 mimics significantly ameliorated NAFLD progression in vivo. Circ_0057558 acts as a miR-206 sponge to de-repress the ROCK1/AMPK signaling and facilitates lipogenesis and TG secretion, which greatly contributes to NAFLD development and progression.