bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on the effects of sulfur on characteristics of sulfur bituminous binder (SBB) and hot mix asphalt – sulfur (HMAS)
Authors: Nguyen Thu Trang , Tran Ngoc Hung , Pham Huy Khang , Bui Xuan Cay , Bui Ngoc Kien
Published: May 2021

Sulfur in SBB has been found to occur in three different forms: (1) chemically bonded, (2) dissolved in bitum, and (3) crystalline sulfur which generally exists in the form of discrete tiny particles dispersed in asphalt depending on sulfur content was added to bitumen, mixing temperature and time of a given mixture. At extraction temperatures (20 and 50oC), sulfur crystallizes and acts as a filling agent. It organizes the structure of the asphalt concrete and increases the thermal stability, hardness, and resistance of asphalt concrete to rutting. Due to the progressive restructuring of the modified sulfur in the mixture, the paving mixture made with modified sulfur takes several days to develop its final strength. This paper investigates the effect of time on the properties of SBB and HMAS. Experimental results show that by the time, the crystallization of sulfur in SBB has effects on SBB properties (penetration, softening temperature) and HMAS properties (Marshall stability, Marshall flow)
The effect of Vietnam’s nano-silica on mechanical properties of high-performance concrete
Authors: Le Hong Lam , Dao Duy Lam , Pham Duy Huu
Published: May 2021

The demand for High Performance Concrete (HPC) is steadily increasing with massive developments. Conventionally, it is possible to use industrial products such as silica fume (SF), fly ash, as supplementary cementitious materials (SCM), to enhance the attributes of HPC. In recent years, nano-silica (NS) is used as an additive in added mainly to fill up the deviation arises with the addition of SF for HPC. This study aims to optimize the proportion of NS (produced in Vietnam) in the mixture used for fabricating 70 MPa high-performance concrete. SiO2 powder with particle size from 10 to 15 nm were used for mixing. A series of compressive strength test of HPC with nano-SiO2 varied from 0 to 2.8 percent of total of all binders (0%, 1.2%, 2%, 2.8%), and the fixed percentage of silica fume at 8% were proposed. Results show compressive strength increases with the increase of nano-SiO2, but this increase stops after reaching 2%. And at day 28 of the curing period, only concrete mixture containing of 8% silica fume and 2% nano-SiO2, had the highest compressive strength.
Suruç İlçesindeki (Şanlıurfa-Türkiye) Aktarlarda Satılan Şifalı Bitkiler
Authors: YALÇIN Serhan , AKAN Hasan , ÇAKILCIOĞLU Uğur
Published: May 2021

Bu araştırma, Suruç (Şanlıurfa) ilçesinde aktarlarda satılan tıbbi bitkilerin tespiti amacıyla yapılmıştır. Araştırma 2019-2020 yılları arasında yaklaşık iki yıl sürmüştür. 5 Aktarda 9 kaynak kişi ile yapılan görüşme sonucunda 46 familya ait 88 bitki taksonu tespit edilmiştir. Bu bitkilerin hangi hastalıklar için satıldığı kayıt altına alınmıştır. Yaptığımız çalışmada en fazla takson içeren büyük familyalar sırasıyla; Lamiaceae (14), Apiaceae (7), Fabaceae (5), Rosaceae (5), Malvaceae (5), Asteraceae (4), Zingiberaceae (4) ve Lauraceae (3)’dir. Satışı yapılan bitkilerin bilimsel ve yöresel isimleri, bitkilerin kullanm amaçları ve kullanım şekilleri kayıt altına alınmış ve çevre illerde yapılan benzer çalışmalarla karşılaştırılmıştır.
Recovery of Ionic Liquid from Aqueous Phase Pyrolytic Oil: A Simulation Using ASPEN HYSYS V10
Authors: Mohammed Isah Yakub , Abakr Yousif Abdalla , Mshelia Hyelni Gana , Umar Shafihi
Published: May 2021

Aqueous phase pyrolytic oil is generally considered less important and often discarded as a pyrolysis by-product due to lack of specific applications. Although, recent studies have proposed production of hydrogen via catalytic aqueous and steam reforming from this stream, however, these processes require complex system. Imidazole is one of the major components of aqueous phase pyrolytic oil which can be converted into different products. This study presents a new valorisation strategy of aqueous phase pyrolytic oil into renewable ionic liquid through simulation. A steady state process simulation for recovery of imidazole from aqueous phase pyrolytic oil and subsequent conversion into ionic liquid was developed using ASPEN HYSYS V10
®. Effects of different operating variables such as feed flow rate, composition and temperature on the imidazole recovery, ionic liquid yield and composition were investigated. The simulation results revealed that high yield of renewable ionic liquid with physicochemical properties comparable to that of commercially available ionic liquids can be produced from aqueous phase pyrolytic oil. This product can be utilised for biomass refining since ionic liquid have been reported to selectively remove hemicellulose and lignin in many biomass related applications such as pre-treatment and characterization.
Localized IgG4-related disease manifested on the tongue: a case report
Authors: Helya Hashemi  , Thor Andreas , Hellbacher Erik , Carlson Marie , Gulyás Miklós , Blomstrand Lena
Published: May 2021

Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is an immune-mediated fibroinflammatory condition that can affect multiple organs. IgG4-RD may show a variety of initial symptoms. In the oral mucosa, lesions present as inflammatory fibrosis with a large number of IgG4-positive plasma cells. Evaluating treatment is a well-known problem in IgG4-RD due to the absence of an established assessment system. There are difficulties in defining the severity of the disease, which is why treatment is primarily based on its clinical manifestations.
We present a case report of localized IgG4-RD with ulcerative and proliferative manifestations on the tongue, which clinically mimicked oral squamous cell carcinoma. A tumor-like lesion on the tongue can indicate something else other than the malignant or reactive changes commonly found in the oral mucosa. Multiple differential diagnoses of these atypical oral lesions, including localized IgG4-RD, should be considered.
METAVISUAL STRATEGY ASSISTING THE LEARNING OF INITIAL CONCEPTS OF ELECTROCHEMISTRY
Authors: Locatelli Solange , Arroio Agnaldo
Published: May 2021

This paper reports a metavisual strategy proposed for 11 high school students. The investigation consisted of ascertaining to what extent the metavisual strategy can be effective in rebuilding their previous ideas. The investigated topic consists in understanding concepts in electrochemistry involved in the initial interaction of copper (II) ions with iron atoms. For this activity was proposed to students to draw the microscopic representation of this chemical interaction and then compare their drawing with a representation presented in the study. This activity was videotaped; data were collected from their statements and transcribed for subsequent analysis. The findings seem to show that the metavisual strategy may enable the reconstruction of ideas by students, leading them to a better understanding of the phenomenon studied and could contribute towards improving learning in electrochemistry. Key words: electrochemistry, chemistry teaching, metacognition, metavisualization, metavisual strategy, teaching strategy.
INTEGRATION OF TECHNICAL ACTIVITIES IN THE “LET’S SPREAD THE RAINBOW OF FRIENDSHIP AMONGST GENERATIONS” PROJECT
Authors: Božič Vanja
Published: May 2021

For the fifth year in a row, the project called 'Let's spread the rainbow of friendship amongst generations’ has been carried out at the Anton Aškerc Velenje Primary School premises. The project was designed as a form of intergenerational cooperation between the students and the younger as well as the older participants in- and outside of the school. Within the project the school was connected to three units of the Velenje Kindergarten (the units are called Najdihojca, Vrtiljak and Jakec) as well as to the Velenje Centre for Education and Qualification, the Velenje Home for Elderly Care and the Velenje Third Age University. All the above mentioned partners, the children’s parents and grandparents as well as the teachers working at the school participated and worked together in various activities and events. The aim of the project was to present examples of technical activities within the project and their integration in the form of a creative technical cooperation of different generations.
Key words: intergenerational cooperation, bird house, branch, desktop stand for office supplies, waste wood remnants.
Preparedness for pandemic COVID-19: lesson learnt
Authors: Yasri Sora , Wiwanitkit, MD Viroj
Published: May 2021

We would like to share ideas and experience on “Getting ready for the next pandemic COVID-19
Unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in urban search and rescue-methodology, capacity development, and integration
Authors: Braverman, BSc, RN, EMT-P Ariel
Published: May 2021

This paper’s purpose is to establish a methodological basis for using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) in urban search and rescue (USAR). Modern USAR operations involve the location, rescue (extrication), and initial medical stabilization of individuals trapped in confined spaces or places with complicated access, eg, high structures. As a part of the ongoing modernization process, this paper explores possible options for UAV utilization in USAR operations. Today, UAV are already taking part in support emergency operations all over the world, and possible forms of operation for UAV in USAR environment can be in two primary modes: on-site and logistic chain. The on-site mode includes various capabilities of multilayer UAV array, mostly based on enhanced visual capabilities to create situational awareness and to speed-up search and rescue (SAR) process including using nanodrones for entering into confined places, ventilation ducts, and underground sewer channels can give to rescue teams’ opportunities to have eyes within ruins even before initial clearing process. Cargo drones will be able to bring equipment directly to high floors or roadless areas in comparison to wheeled transportation. The advantages of cargo drones operation are the ability of autonomous flight based on GPS or homing beacon and ability to provide logistics supports without involving additional personnel and vehicles and with no dependence on road conditions.
A better approach to managing COVID-19 and its effects
Authors: Buck Richard A.
Published: May 2021

In the COVID-19 pandemic, treatment of the virus, prevention of its spread, and dealing with its secondary effects on the economy and society have been left to the states and local governments, businesses and other public and private institutions, with the federal government furnishing only feeble support to the primary responders. I argue that COVID-19 is a national disaster, and as such, the federal government should have mounted a massive response under the auspices of the National Response Framework and the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. During my 30-year career administering federal disaster assistance, I worked throughout the United States and its territories in the Pacific and the Caribbean. I participated in many imaginative uses of the federal disaster authorities and programs to address serious and unique problems faced by people and their local, state, or territorial governments. During my disaster relief career, the nation never faced a disaster impacting every geographic area and segment of society as COVID-19 has. While the 9/11 attacks shocked the nation, the destruction was restricted to small areas of two cities, and the nation-wide cessation of air travel and other business and social disruptions were short-lived. More than ever before, the extent and severity of the disastrous effects of COVID-19 called for maximal engagement of the National Response Framework to mobilize the combined resources of the country to overcome multiple problems of astounding complexity.
COVID-19 pandemic, government response, and policy implications in China, India, Iran, and Pakistan (CIIP)
Authors: Abbas, PhD Candidate Hafiz Syed Mohsin , Xu, PhD Xiaodong , Sun, PhD Chunxia
Published: May 2021

COVID-19 has been considered as a catastrophic global health response mechanism and demonstrated the international preparedness for the outbreak as well as government initiatives. This study aims to evaluate the comparative analysis of government response in China, India, Iran, and Pakistan (CIIP) countries regarding their policy enforcement on combating COVID-19 by using stringency, socioeconomic, and health containment indices. The proposed study analyzed the policy implications in CIIP from January 1, 2020 through July 21, 2020. Data have been collected from the European Union, World Health Organization, Humanitarian Exchange, and a selected National Database. Results show that despite a high degree of government’s strict policies in India and Pakistan, they have been failing to control the brutality of the COVID-19. In contrast, the politics of China and Iran appear to be very successful in combating the situation in COVID-19. This study concludes that countries with ample resources and stronger coping strategies should provide developing countries with the mean for mitigating and improve their socioeconomic and economic crises, which hindered their consistent policy enforcement during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Emergency preparedness during a global pandemic: Individual preparedness for COVID-19
Authors: Brown, PhD Kelly L.
Published: May 2021

Existing research on individual preparedness in the United States indicates that we are generally unprepared for disasters. While there is an abundance of research on emergency preparedness, there are gaps in our knowledge. For example, the results of extant research are unclear regarding what factors influence individual preparedness. The preparedness literature is also limited in the types of disasters examined and in understanding the timing of preparedness activities. The current COVID-19 global pandemic provides a tragic but albeit unique opportunity to address these limitations of previous research and examine emergency preparedness activities before and immediately following the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak in the United States. This research is further distinctive because it examines preparedness activities related to the global pandemic rather than other types of disasters. Policy and research implications of the findings are presented.
Psychiatric and post-traumatic stress disorders among COVID-19 survivors
Authors: Ahmed Ammar , Chughtai, PhD Naeem Aslam , Ain Qurat- ul-
Published: May 2021

Evidences related to neuropsychological impact of COVID-19 and its long-term side effects are beginning to emerge that may take years to catalogue the number of diseases and their treatments. Nonetheless, as neuropsychologists are evaluating COVID-19 survivors, a debate related to the psychiatric and neurocognitive sequels of past outbreaks, along with the recurrent co- occurrence of PTSD and acquired brain injuries, may be enlightening. This paper is highlighting the emergence of mental health issues that can be addressed and treatments can be provided according to the need of time. Technology has also been increasing day by day according to the current needs of public. COVID- 19 crisis has now shifted the focus towards the role of digital health care. For ensuring the best and right use of tele-health and app tools in such crises, it is suggested that there is a need for training of mental health professionals to ensure proper protocols for improved efficacy.
COVID-19 infection risk management during construction activities: An approach based on Fault Tree Analysis (FTA)
Authors: Bakeli Tarik , Hafidi, PhD Adil Alaoui
Published: May 2021

The coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic is the worst health crisis of our time and the greatest challenge we are facing since World War II. It has caused a negative impact on engineering and construction industry, and huge uncertainty about the ability to anticipate a planned recovery for the industry. Waiting for an effective recovery that may take a long time, science has to provide solutions to coexist with this virus and resume the work on construction sites. In fact, it is not the first time that health and safety science deals with such a risk of infection, as many guidelines treat the manner to reduce the risk of infection to at-risk employees in construction, renovation, installation, and maintenance activities. This article aims to perform an infection risk analysis, taking into consideration COVID- 19 particularities, and to identify control measures to ensure COVID-19 infection prevention and management on site. The study will be based on a probabilistic approach using the Fault Tree Analysis method.
University public–private partnerships for addressing student emergency needs: A literature review
Authors: Iman, PhD Student Sara , Ge, PhD Yue ‘Gurt’
Published: May 2021

University–community partnership is an effective strategy for improving a university’s disaster resiliency and preparedness.1 In times of disaster, having established partnerships with organizations in the community ensures a timely response to students’ needs and reduces the cost of disaster management efforts. The purpose of this study is to understand the current state of knowledge on coordinated and collaborative disaster management efforts, such as public–private partnerships, for addressing the needs of university students in the event of a natural disaster (eg, a hurricane). We conduct a literature review of published works using four keywords of partnership, university, hurricane, and student. The emergent pattern in the published work shows weak signs of university–community partnerships for addressing the needs of university students during a natural disaster, and few case studies focus on the needs of this vulnerable population. We further discuss the main findings and recommendations in the findings section. Future research should use this holistic literature review as a blueprint for understanding the research gaps on collaborative disaster management for university students.
Disaster preparedness for charge nurses: A program evaluation
Authors: Becker, DNP, RN, CPN Rae , Majers, DNP, RN, FACHE, CENP, CCM Joan Sevy , Moody, DNP, MEd, RN, NPD-BC Julie
Published: May 2021

Over the last 3 years at a large, midwestern, pediatric hospital, there have been near disaster events, a few of which required transfer or evacuation of patients. The responses from the inpatient units to these events have varied greatly and can be traced back to communication, knowledge, comfort level, and effectiveness of the charge nurses on the nursing units. A task force was formed to understand the variation in their disaster response procedures and to standardize disaster response procedures. Respondents included the bedside, clinical leadership, managers of patient services, emergency preparedness management, and senior leadership. This resulted in the creation of a tabletop simulation exercise for use by inpatient charge nurses within the institution. The results indicated that participants reported higher levels of self-reported knowledge, confidence, and effectiveness regarding the disaster preparedness on their units (p < 0.001). The program was effective, with feedback from participants indicating the need for more frequent and/or department specific education.
Volume 19, Number 1
Authors: Emergency Management Journal of
Published: May 2021

January/February 2021
Integrating the Food and Drug Administration Office of the Coordinated Outbreak Response and Evaluation Network’s foodborne illness outbreak surveillance and response activities with principles of the National Incident Management System
Authors: Seelman, MS, MBA Sharon , Viazis, PhD Stelios , Merriweather, MPH Sheila Pack , Cloyd, DVM Tami Craig , Aldridge, MPH Megan , Irvin, MS Kari
Published: May 2021

The Food Safety Modernization Act mandates building a national Integrated Food Safety System, which represents a seamless partnership among federal, state, local, territorial, and tribal agencies. During multistate foodborne illness outbreak investigations, local and state partners, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), or the United States Department of Agriculture Food Safety Inspection Service, depending on the regulated food product, become engaged and assist in coordinating the efforts between partners involved and determine the allocation of resources. The FDA Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) Office of the Coordinated Outbreak Response and Evaluation (CORE) Network coordinates foodborne illness outbreak surveillance, response, and post-response activities related to incidents involving multiple illnesses linked to FDA-regulated human food, dietary supplements, and cosmetic products. FDA has implemented the National Incident Management System (NIMS) Incident Command System (ICS) principles across the agency to coordinate federal response efforts, and CORE has adapted NIMS ICS principles for the emergency management of multistate foodborne illness outbreaks. CORE’s implementation of ICS principles has provided several benefits to the operational cycle of foodborne illness outbreak investigations, including establishing a consistent, standardized, and transparent step-by-step approach to outbreak investigations. ICS principles have been instrumental in the development of a national platform for rapid and systematic laboratory, traceback, and epidemiologic information sharing, data analysis, and decision-making. This allows for partners across jurisdictions to reach a consensus regarding outbreak goals and objectives, deploy resources, and take regulatory and public health actions.
Long-term impact of the Galtuer avalanche on the public health system
Authors: Lorenzoni, MA Nina , Raich, PhD Margit
Published: May 2021

On February 23, 1999, an avalanche buried large parts of the village of Galtuer Austria, killing 31 people. The purpose of this paper is to examine the longer-term impact of this avalanche on the public health system. For the case study, we used a mixed-method approach consisting of a document study and expert interviews with people who were involved in the disaster-management operations. Many long-term changes were undertaken in the context of infrastructural measures, disaster-management structures, and coordination and cooperation within the existing system to protect people and property as well as to provide important information for decision makers. The investigation reveals the importance of situational approaches to the post-disaster phase depending on the recovery needs of those affected. Moreover, the value of social capital in a disaster situation is emphasized.
Baseline assessment of a potassium iodide distribution for nuclear power plant emergencies in the Canadian-United States border region
Authors: Desantis, CET, CBCO Donna L. , Leser, PhD Kendall A. , Blando, PhD James D.
Published: May 2021

Objective: This study sought to evaluate resident demographics and resident understanding of the proper use of potassium iodide (KI) pills as a countermeasure in the event of a nuclear power plant emergency. We also described expected behaviors of community members in the event of a nuclear accident. Design: The study design utilized a cross-sectional survey with a validated written questionnaire. Subjects, Participants: The study subjects were Canadian residents living within the primary emergency planning zone of the Fermi 2 nuclear power reactor. There was a 77 percent participation rate (n = 180) in Amherst Point and 61 percent for Bois Blanc Island (commonly referred to as Bob-Lo Island) (n = 57).Main Outcome Measure(s): The primary study outcome measures were the number of knowledge-based questions survey respondents correctly answered about proper KI use (Ksum) and various behavior-based survey questions in the context of the extended parallel process model (EPPM).Results: Overall, we found that residents in general had a very low overall comprehension of proper KI use. We found that most resident demographics (eg, age, gender) did not significantly impact their knowledge of proper KI use but did find that households with children under 13 years of age tended to have higher comprehension scores than households without young children. Most residents reported that if they thought they were exposed to radiation they would go to the hospital or call 911 and few residents knew their evacuation routes, few were aware of the emergency siren, none knew where the reception center was located, and most did not have an emergency kit in their home. The majority of the survey respondents did indicate that they would evacuate if told to do so by their government.Conclusions: Public health outreach is crucial for KI distribution programs because of the overall low pre-existing comprehension in communities. Also, hospitals and 911 must be prepared to deal with higher volume of residents seeking help should an accident occur.
Volume 18, Number 6
Authors: Emergency Management Journal of
Published: May 2021

November/December 2020
Development of an effective Zapping delay framework for Internet Protocol Television over a converged network
Authors:   , Adeliyi Timothy Temitope
Published: May 2021

Internet Protocol Television is a system that has revolutionized the media and telecommunication industries. It provides the platform for transmitting digitised television services across the Internet Protocol infrastructure. Internet Protocol Television took advantage of the Internet service convergence by providing seamless interactivity, time shifting, video on demand and pay per view to subscribers. However, zapping delay is a critical problem that deters the switching intention of terrestrial subscribers and the widespread of Internet Protocol Television services. Subscribers often experience this zapping delay problem in Internet Protocol Television when switching channels, which makes subscribers, wait for several seconds before the desired channel is found and made available. The zapping delay problem is intrinsically caused by video stream end-to-end delay, buffering delay, network jitter and traffic load. In the last few decades, a lot of frameworks, for instance, those based on multiple channels, have been proposed to reduce zapping delay in Internet Protocol Television. Such frameworks are implemented at the subscriber level, network level or video level. However, high bandwidth is still required to make the existing frameworks work effectively, which is an intrinsic limitation because not all subscribers can afford the cost of high bandwidth. This research develops a unified framework that takes the advantages provided at the subscriber level and network level to solve the zapping delay problem in Internet Protocol Television. It is possible to reduce zapping delay in Internet Protocol Television using an effective framework to aid faster channel switching and increase the quality of experience. The framework being proposed in this research is faster than a regular stream and it reduces the zapping delay to the bare minimum. The framework has been validated at both subscriber and network levels, which indicates that as traffic load increases at a set bandwidth within the converged network, packet end to end delay and network jitter should be reduced in order to eliminate zapping delay. Furthermore, the encoded and decoded video sequence available to the subscriber is evaluated using popular quantitative metrics and mean opinion score to determine subscriber perceptions of video quality through the salient object that will interest the subscriber in the video sequence displayed in order to aid a high satisfaction level video quality of experience. A large-scale implementation of the proposed framework by a telecommunication firm promises to generate revenue for the firm. In addition, the implementation and practical deployment of the proposed framework would also benefit subscribers to enjoy unlimited Internet Protocol Television services at reduced cost.
Exploring e3-value ontology-based service engineering for participatory processes of community development projects
Authors:   , Dennis Miyogi Ochieng'
Published: May 2021

In recent years, the global economy has witnessed a steady transition from broad-based government development projects to community-driven participatory processes as a viable conduit for channeling development efforts. However, these participatory processes are being faced with intrinsic challenges of unsustainability, bureaucracy, funding constraints, conflicts amongst project actors, social capital problems, political power tussles, inadequate systems for tracking progress and lack of an integrated approach, which are precursors that impede the effectiveness of project implementation. Participatory processes have transformed from the use of conventional systems to applications of digital technologies in order to address these challenges. However, the existing digital technologies for participatory processes often lack a value-based approach. This inherent curb has been tackled in this study using the e3-value (value perspective) and e3-control (process perspective) ontology-based service engineering to orchestrate an innovative change in participatory processes. To realise this innovation, the proposed value-based service system was modelled on service innovation life cycle model that integrates service exploration, value co-creation, process modelling and system evaluation. Consequently, a value-based requirements specification has been constructed using a process-oriented approach, which represents a departure from the traditional functional approaches to offer leaner, flexible and market-oriented structures that guarantee better organisational performance. The requirements specification was implemented to realise a mobile cloud service system that allow seamless data sharing and facilitate participatory processes. The applicability of the service system was illustrated using an expert-driven and criteria-based usability evaluation. Consequently, the service system provides an adequate framework for communicating the understanding of services for participatory processes.
Interpreting the Impact of a Professional Development Program: Views of Entrepreneur
Fellows from Kenya, South Africa, and Uganda One Year Later
Authors: Bragoli Gabriella , Edwards M. Craig , Henneberry Shida , Watters Craig
Published: May 2021

We conducted a qualitative study that examined the experiences of entrepreneurs who participated in a five-week-long professional development and cultural exchange fellowship program. The Entrepreneur Fellows represented three Sub-Saharan African nations and an array of enterprises, including agriculture and its allied fields, youth development organizations, and social ventures. The study assessed the post-fellowship experiences of the participants, especially regarding their enterprise-related goals, motivations and challenges, community-level impacts, as well as networking and communication practices. Analysis of data derived from 11 semi-structured interviews revealed three overarching themes and nine subthemes. The Entrepreneur Fellows were committed to life-long learning and sharing information, gained new business skills, and expanded their global networks. The Fellows valued their program participation and viewed it as a mark of success. Further, participants were motivated not only by the growth of their enterprises, but also the potential to positively impact their communities. Our findings imply the need for multi-year, longitudinal research, including economic impact data from the Fellows’ enterprises. We also recommend that similar programming be supported and delivered in the future.
Measuring Educational Intervention Impacts on Food Security and Nutrition among Rural
Farmers in El Salvador: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Landaverde Rafael , Boren Alpízar Amy , Morales Sarahi , Baker Matt , Rayfield John
Published: May 2021

Food insecurity in rural El Salvador has been a long-standing problem. This mixed-methods study explored rural farmers’ perceptions of their food security situation, identified critical food security needs, and examined farmers’ intentions to adopt measures to enhance their food security after an educational intervention to combat food insecurity in the area. For this community, the results reveal that access and utilization are the food security dimensions in which farmers perceive the most significant challenges. To mitigate these challenges, farmers participated in an educational intervention that addressed food and nutrition security issues, including household food production, food safety, and drinking water treatments. Postintervention results show an increase in farmers' intentions to adopt new food production, processing, and preparation practices that improve household food and nutrition security. However, the results highlight farmers' need for continuing education to fully address all food problems in the community
Convergent evidence for the pervasive but limited contribution of biomass burning to atmospheric ammonia in peninsular Southeast Asia
Authors: Chang Yunhua , Zhang Yan-Lin , Kawichai Sawaeng , Wang Qian , Van Damme Martin , Clarisse Lieven , Prapamontol Tippawan , Lehmann Moritz F.
Published: May 2021

Abstract. Ammonia (NH3) is an important agent involved in atmospheric chemistry and nitrogen cycling. Current estimates of NH3
emissions from biomass burning (BB) differ by more than a factor of 2,
impeding a reliable assessment of their environmental consequences.
Combining high-resolution satellite observations of NH3 columns with network measurements of the concentration and stable nitrogen isotope
composition (δ15N) of NH3, we present coherent estimates of the amount of NH3 derived from BB in the heartland of Southeast Asia, a tropical monsoon environment. Our results reveal a strong variability in atmospheric NH3 levels in time and space across different landscapes. All of the evidence on hand suggests that anthropogenic activities are the most important modulating control with respect to the observed patterns of NH3 distribution in the study area. N-isotope balance considerations revealed that during the intensive fire period, the atmospheric input from BB accounts for no more than 21±5 % (1σ) of the ambient NH3, even at the rural sites and in the proximity of burning areas. Our N-isotope-based assessment of the variation in the relative contribution of BB-derived NH3 is further validated independently through the measurements of particulate K+, a chemical tracer of BB. Our findings underscore that BB-induced NH3 emissions in tropical monsoon environments can be much lower than previously anticipated, with important implications for future modeling studies to better constrain the climate and air quality effects of wildfires.
Development of the global dataset of Wetland Area and Dynamics for Methane Modeling (WAD2M)
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Fluet-Chouinard Etienne , Jensen Katherine , McDonald Kyle , Hugelius Gustaf , Gumbricht Thomas , Carroll Mark , Prigent Catherine , Bartsch Annett , Poulter Benjamin
Published: May 2021

Abstract. Seasonal and interannual variations in global wetland
area are a strong driver of fluctuations in global methane (CH4)
emissions. Current maps of global wetland extent vary in their wetland
definition, causing substantial disagreement between and large uncertainty in
estimates of wetland methane emissions. To reconcile these differences for
large-scale wetland CH4 modeling, we developed the global Wetland Area
and Dynamics for Methane Modeling (WAD2M) version 1.0 dataset at a
∼ 25 km resolution at the Equator (0.25∘) at a
monthly time step for 2000–2018. WAD2M combines a time series of surface
inundation based on active and passive microwave remote sensing at a coarse
resolution with six static datasets that discriminate inland waters,
agriculture, shoreline, and non-inundated wetlands. We excluded all
permanent water bodies (e.g., lakes, ponds, rivers, and reservoirs), coastal
wetlands (e.g., mangroves and sea grasses), and rice paddies to only
represent spatiotemporal patterns of inundated and non-inundated vegetated
wetlands. Globally, WAD2M estimates the long-term maximum wetland area at
13.0×106 km2 (13.0 Mkm2), which can be divided into three
categories: mean annual minimum of inundated and non-inundated wetlands at
3.5 Mkm2, seasonally inundated wetlands at 4.0 Mkm2 (mean annual
maximum minus mean annual minimum), and intermittently inundated wetlands at
5.5 Mkm2 (long-term maximum minus mean annual maximum). WAD2M shows
good spatial agreements with independent wetland inventories for major
wetland complexes, i.e., the Amazon Basin lowlands and West Siberian
lowlands, with Cohen's kappa coefficient of 0.54 and 0.70 respectively among
multiple wetland products. By evaluating the temporal variation in WAD2M
against modeled prognostic inundation (i.e., TOPMODEL) and satellite
observations of inundation and soil moisture, we show that it adequately
represents interannual variation as well as the effect of El
Niño–Southern Oscillation on global wetland extent. This wetland extent
dataset will improve estimates of wetland CH4 fluxes for global-scale
land surface modeling. The dataset can be found at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.3998454 (Zhang et al., 2020).
Macroinvertebrate habitat requirements in rivers: overestimation of environmental flow calculations in incised rivers
Authors: Kędzior Renata , Kłonowska-Olejnik Małgorzata , Dumnicka Elżbieta , Woś Agnieszka , Wyrębek Maciej , Książek Leszek , Grela Jerzy , Madej Paweł , Skalski Tomasz
Published: May 2021

Abstract. Flow variability determines the conditions of river ecosystem and river ecological functioning. The variability of ecological processes in river ecosystems gradually decreases. Prediction of the environmental flow allowing to keep biological diversity and river health develops as a response to the degradation of aquatic ecosystems overexploited by humen. The goal of the study was to test the influence of river incision on environmental flow estimation based on the macroinvertebrate BMWP_PL index. The 240 macroinvertebrate assemblages of 12 waterbodies varying in the bed substrate, amplitude of discharge were surveyed in southern Poland. The variations in the distribution of 151 466 macroinvertebrates belonging to 92 families were analysed. The similarity of benthic macroinvertebrates reflects the typological division of the rivers into three classes: mountain Tatra streams, mountain flysch rivers, and upland carbonate and silicate rivers (NMDS, ANOSIM, p < 0.001). As a response variable reflecting the macroinvertebrate distribution in the river, environmental parameters, BMWP_PL index was chosen. Our results show that the BMWP_PL index reached its highest values in shallower zones (by the shores) and at high water velocity in the Tatra Rivers or low velocity in most lowland rivers. The river incision significantly increased the values of e-flow calculations in relation to redeposited channels. The area of habitat suitability decreased with the bed incision intensity. In highly incised rivers, the environmental flow values are close to the mean annual flow, suggesting that a high volume of water is needed to obtain good macroinvertebrate conditions. As a consequence, the river downcutting processes and impoverishment of suitable habitats will proceed.
Environmental flow envelopes: quantifying global, ecosystem–threatening streamflow alterations
Authors: Virkki Vili , Alanärä Elina , Porkka Miina , Ahopelto Lauri , Gleeson Tom , Mohan Chinchu , Wang-Erlandsson Lan , Flörke Martina , Gerten Dieter , Gosling Simon N. , Hanasaki Naota , Müller Schmied Hannes , Kummu Matti
Published: May 2021

Abstract. Human actions and climate change have drastically altered river flows across the world, resulting in adverse effects on riverine ecosystems. Environmental flows (EFs) have emerged as a prominent tool for safeguarding riverine ecosystems. However, at the global scale, the assessment of EFs is associated with significant uncertainty. Here, we present a novel method to determine EFs by Environmental Flow Envelopes (EFE), which is an envelope of variability bounded by discharge limits within which riverine ecosystems are not seriously compromised. The EFE is defined globally in approximately 4,400 sub–basins at monthly time resolution, considering also the methodological uncertainties related with global EF studies. In addition to a lower bound of discharge, the EFE introduces an upper bound of discharge, identifying areas where streamflow has increased substantially. Further, instead of only showing whether EFs are violated, as commonly done, we quantify, for the first time, the frequency, severity, and trends of EFE violations, which can be considered as potential threats to riverine ecosystems. We use pre–industrial (1801–1860) quasi-natural discharge and a suite of hydrological EFR methods and global hydrological models to estimate EFE, applying data from the ISIMIP 2b ensemble. We then compare the EFEs to recent past (1976–2005) discharge to assess the violations of the EFE. We found that the EFE violations most commonly manifest themselves by insufficient streamflow during the low flow season, with less violations during intermediate flow season, and only few violations during high flow season. These violations are widespread: discharge in half of the sub–basins of the world has violated the EFE during more than 5 % of the months between 1976 and 2005. The trends in EFE violations have mainly been increasing during the past decades and will likely remain problematic with projected increases in anthropogenic water use and hydroclimatic changes. Indications of excessive streamflow through EFE upper bound violations are relatively scarce and spatially distributed, although signs of increasing trends can be identified and potentially attributed to climate change. While the EFE provides a quick and globally robust way of determining environmental flow allocations at the sub–basin scale, local fine–tuning is necessary for practical applications and further research on the coupling between quantitative discharge and riverine ecosystem responses is required.
Citizen rain gauge improves hourly radar rainfall bias correction using a two-step Kalman filter
Authors: Mapiam Punpim Puttaraksa , Methaprayun Monton , Bogaard Thom , Schoups Gerrit , Ten Veldhuis Marie-Claire
Published: May 2021

Abstract. Low density of conventional rain gauge networks is often a limiting factor for radar rainfall bias correction. Citizen rain gauges offer a promising opportunity to collect rainfall data at higher spatial density. In this paper hourly radar rainfall bias adjustment was applied using two different rain gauge networks consisting of tipping buckets (measured by Thailand Meteorological Department, TMD) and daily citizen rain gauges in a two-step Kalman Filter approach. Radar reflectivity data of Sattahip radar station and gauge rainfall data from the TMD and citizen rain gauges located in Tubma basin, Thailand were used in the analysis. Daily data from the citizen rain gauge network were downscaled to hourly resolution based on temporal distribution patterns obtained from radar rainfall time series and the TMD gauge network. The radar rainfall bias correction factor was sequentially updated based on TMD and citizen rain gauge data using a Kalman Filter. Results show that an improvement of radar rainfall estimates was achieved by including the downscaled citizen observations compared to bias correction based on the conventional rain gauge network only. These outcomes emphasize the value of citizen rainfall observations for radar bias correction, in particular in regions where conventional rain gauge networks are sparse.
When Does Fertility End? The Timing of Tubal Ligations and Hysterectomies, and the Meaning of Menopause
Authors: Sievert Lynnette Leidy , Huicochea-Gómez Laura , Cahuich-Campos Diana , Morrison Lynn , Brown Daniel E.
Published: May 2021

We applied a biocultural lens to examine the temporal order of biological, behavioral, and medical events related to fertility across the female reproductive lifespan in three sites, two in Mexico and one in the United States.  Using a mixed-method design, we expanded our thinking about the end of fertility in order to examine the timing of hysterectomies and tubal ligations.  We discovered that menopause is not the end of fertility for a surprisingly high number of women.  Across the three sites, between 43% and 50% of women underwent tubal ligations at mean ages of 32 years (in Campeche, Mexico) and 33 years (Puebla, Mexico).  In Puebla, 23% had a history of hysterectomy at a mean age of 42 years, similar to Hilo, Hawaii, where 20% had undergone a hysterectomy at a mean age of 40 years.  We hypothesized that women who underwent tubal ligations would less frequently describe menopause as the end of fertility.  This was true in Hilo, Hawaii, where women with a history of tubal ligation were almost half as likely to choose “loss of fertility” to describe menopause.  However, in urban and rural Campeche, Mexico, there was no indication – from either quantitative or qualitative responses – that individuals with a history of tubal ligation or hysterectomy were less likely to describe menopause as the end of fertility.
PORTFOLIO: Aging into Disability/Disability into Aging: An Interview with Sophie Sartain
Authors: Verbruggen Christine , Sartain Sophie
Published: May 2021

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Book Review: Creative Care: A Revolutionary Approach to Dementia and Elder Care
Authors: Ciofi Joy
Published: May 2021

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Book Review: Beyond Filial Piety: Rethinking Aging and Caregiving in Contemporary East Asian Societies
Authors: Diodati Francesco
Published: May 2021

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Book Review: Intergenerational Contact Zones: Place-based Strategies for Promoting Social Inclusion and Belonging
Authors: Joy Meghan
Published: May 2021

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Book Review: The Cultural Context of Aging: Worldwide Perspectives, 4th Edition
Authors: Oxlund Bjarke
Published: May 2021

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How to Be a Naturalist and a Social Constructivist about Diseases
Authors: Conley Brandon A. , Glackin Shane N.
Published: May 2021

Debates about the concept of disease have traditionally been framed as a competition between two conflicting approaches: naturalism, on the one hand, and normativism or social constructivism, on the other. In this article, we lay the groundwork for a naturalistic form of social constructivism by (1) dissociating the presumed link between value-free conceptions of disease and a broadly naturalistic approach; (2) offering a naturalistic argument for a form of social constructivism; and (3) suggesting avenues that strike us as especially promising for filling in the details of an alternative approach and addressing the most obvious objections.
On the Meaning of Medical Evidence Hierarchies
Authors: Jerkert Jesper
Published: May 2021

Evidence hierarchies are investigative strategies ordered with regard to the claimed strength of evidence. They have been used for a couple of decades in EBM, particularly in assessing evidence for treatment recommendations, but remain controversial. An under-investigated question is what the order in the hierarchy means. Four interpretations are discussed here. The two most credible are “typically stronger” or “ideally stronger.” The well-known GRADE framework seems to assume some “typically stronger” reading. Even if the interpretation of an evidence hierarchy were established, hierarchies are rather unhelpful for the task of evidence aggregation. Specifying the intended order relation may help to sort out disagreements.