bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulating the impact of charge exchange on beam ions in MAST-U
Authors: Ollus P , Akers R , Colling B , El-Haroun H , Keeling D , Kurki-Suonio T , Sharma R , Snicker A , Varje J
Published: January 2022

A model for simulating charge exchange (CX) of fast ions with background atoms in magnetically confined fusion plasmas has been implemented in the ASCOT orbit-following code. The model was verified by comparing simulated reaction mean free paths to analytical values across a range of fusion-relevant parameters. ASCOT was used to simulate beam ions slowing down in the presence of CX reactions in a MAST-U target scenario. ASCOT predicts the CX-induced loss of beam power to be

22
%

, which agrees to within

15
%

with the TRANSP prediction. Due to CX, plasma heating and current drive by beam ions are strongly reduced towards the edge. However, an overall lower but noticeable increase of up to

20
%

in current drive is predicted closer to the core. The simulated deposition of fast CX atoms on the wall is concentrated around the outer midplane, with estimated peak power loads of 70–80 kW m−2 on the central poloidal field coils (P5) and the vacuum vessel wall between them. This analysis demonstrates that ASCOT can be used to simulate fast ions in fusion plasmas where CX reactions play a significant role, e.g. in spherical tokamaks and stellarators.
Binary fraction of O and B-type stars from LAMOST data
Authors: Luo Feng , Zhao Yong-Heng , Li Jiao , Guo Yan-Jun , Liu Chao
Published: January 2022

Binary stars play an important role in the evolution of stellar populations . The intrinsic binary fraction (f
bin) of O and B-type (OB) stars in LAMOST DR5 was investigated in this work. We employed a cross-correlation approach to estimate relative radial velocities for each of the stellar spectra. The algorithm described by Sana et al. (2013) was implemented and several simulations were made to assess the performance of the approach. The binary fraction of the OB stars is estimated through comparing the uni-distribution between observations and simulations with the Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests. Simulations show that it is reliable for stars most of whom have six, seven and eight repeated observations. The uncertainty of orbital parameters of binarity becomes larger when observational frequencies decrease. By adopting the fixed power exponents of π = −0.45 and κ = −1 for period and mass ratio distributions, respectively, we obtain that

f

bin

=

0.4

−
0.06

+
0.05

for the samples with more than three observations. When we consider the full samples with at least two observations, the binary fraction turns out to be

0.37

−
0.03

+
0.03

. These two results are consistent with each other in 1σ.
Corrigendum: Verification of induction zone models for wind farm annual energy production estimation (2019 J. Phys.: Conf. Ser.
1934 012023)
Authors: Forsting A Meyer , Rathmann OS , Laan MP van der , Troldborg N , Gribben B , Hawkes G , Branlard E
Published: January 2022

Please see Article PDF for corrigendum text.
Rare Alkali Metals in the Waters of Lithium-containing Deposits in Eastern Transbaikalia
Authors: Abramova V A
Published: January 2022

The results of hydrogeochemical studies on the content of rare alkaline elements in man-made waters of mining facilities at Zavitinskoye, Orlovskoye, and Etykinskoye rare metal deposits of Eastern Transbaikalia are presented. Concentrations of these elements are determined both by the content in the ores and rocks of deposits and by their water-migration properties. It was found that the acidic sub-basement waters of the Orlovskoye and the quarry waters of the Zavitinskoye deposits contain abnormally high concentrations of lithium, up to 3.74 and 3.88 mg / L, respectively. The high content of lithium (Li) in the waters of these deposits was determined relative to the average values for the waters of the hypergenesis zone, as well as the standards of maximum permissible concentrations (MPC) of chemicals for water bodies used for fisheries, drinking water, and other activities.
Climatic Change as a Driver of Economic Development: an Example from Angara–Yenisey Siberia
Authors: Gordeev R V , Pyzhev A I , Zander E V
Published: January 2022

Climate change and its impact on economic development is an important, but still understudied issue. This paper is aimed to fill in this gap in relation to the Angara–Yenisey macroeconomic region. It contributes to the literature in several dimensions. First, an overview of research on the climate impact on various sectors of the Russian economy is given. Second, we showed the main trends and factors in the dynamics of economic development in Russia over the past 20 years. And at last, the comparison of the average annual temperature and the gross regional product growth rates was conducted for the four regions of the Angara–Yenisey Siberia. It was concluded that there is no sufficient evidence that regional economies are significantly dependent on temperature fluctuations. Nevertheless, there is still space for further research.
The ecological and economic achievements in landscape optimization of technogenic reliefs
Authors: Gordin I V , Ryumina E V
Published: January 2022

Mining and accumulation of industrial and household waste on the earth’s surface form the technogenic relief of the planet. The main forms of violation of the natural relief are quarries, ditches, landfills and spoil tips. There are two ways of landscape optimization in order to restore ecological balance, to turn the aggressive terrain into an ecological and economic value. The first is a return to the original natural landscape. The process is implemented by ground filling of technogenic depressions, removal and chemical and technological processing of waste accumulated at landfills and spoil tips. The second way is to use technogenic relief to form a new natural landscape. The main attention of the article is paid to the optimization of technogenic landscapes by forest plantations and forest reclamation. As a result of these activities, environmentally safe and aesthetically expressive spaces are formed. Most of these facilities have a high potential for economic, socio-economic and recreational use. The outstanding world achievements in this field are considered. Their ecological and economic characteristics are given.
Adjustments to the economic assessment of environmental violations
Authors: Gordin I V , Ryumina E V
Published: January 2022

The article highlights a number of scientific and practical issues of methodology for assessing economic damage. Special attention is paid to the damage caused by environmental violations associated with the long-term accumulation of pollution in uncontrolled territories. A number of world and Russian examples of large-scale environmental violations that caused enormous economic damage are given. The necessity of deepening and correcting a number of points in the analysis of ecological-economic and ecological-legal problems of damage assessment is emphasized.
Priority social and economic development areas as an economic development tool for the Siberian mono-settlements
Authors: Gurova O
Published: January 2022

The article is discussing the Priority Social and Economic Development Areas (PSEDAs) which are formed in the Siberian part of the Russian Federation (Siberian Federal District and the Baikal region). One of the goals for the PSEDAs formation is the diversification of mono-specialized towns and the reduction of their reliance on the city-forming enterprises. A typology of mono-settlements was carried out and the areas of activity that receive support within the framework of this mechanism in Siberia were presented.
A method of measuring transmittance of radiation from the film of ice 0 in the IR wave band deposited on a dielectric plate
Authors: Orlov A O , Gurulev A A , Tsyrenzhapov S V
Published: January 2022

A method of measuring transmittance of radiation from the film of ice 0 in the infrared wave band is described. Ice 0 is formed from supercooled water at the temperature below –23°C. This ice is ferroelectric and forms a highly conductive layer of the nanometric order of thickness at the boundary with dielectric. The complexity of the experiment consisted in the necessity of using low intensities of the probing signal and considering radiation of the cooled parts of the installation. In order to obtain a thin film of ice, the method of depositing water vapor on a substrate cooled in nitrogen was used. The method rules out formation of condensate in cooling. Deposition of water vapor is possible only in heating, when delivery of cold nitrogen vapor into the chamber with the sample is excluded. To ensure exposure of the film to IR radiation, two sources of infrared radiation were considered: a halogen lamp with a broad radiation spectrum (on the surface of heated glass) and a CO2 laser with the radiation wavelength of 10.6 µm. In the first case, spectral measurements are possible when filters are used. In the installation based on a CO2 laser, an intense signal is emitted, requiring consideration of sample heating. Components of the installation have been elaborated and investigated, on which transmittance of radiation from the film of ice 0 is planned to be measured.
Discovering formation of ice 0 by low-frequency measurement data
Authors: Orlov A O , Tsyrenzhapov S V
Published: January 2022

In this work, low-frequency characteristics of wetted nanoporous silicate materials were measured, as well as the specimen’s own low-frequency electric fluctuations at the frequencies of 1…100 Hz. The measurements at low frequencies were conducted at different voltages of the probing signal. A capacity cell was used in making the measurements. In the experiments, at the temperatures below –25…–30 °C, non-linearity of the medium was discovered. The experiments on the study of the specimen’s own electric fluctuations at these temperatures revealed their essential increase. These temperatures are below the point of phase transition of supercooled water to recently discovered ferroelectric ice 0. Based on the measurements made, a conclusion was made regarding formation of this modification of ice in the nanosize pores of the wetted materials under study. Ice 0 is a ferroelectric; therefore, its formation from deeply supercooled water may have a significant impact on the electric parameters of wetted bodies at the temperatures below –23 °C. At the interface of such ice with another dielectric, a thin layer with practically metallic conductivity emerges. Such a layer influences not only the non-linear dependence of dielectric permittivity on the electric field but also increases attenuation of electromagnetic radiation in a medium.
Why young people leave the Arctic: the results of sociological research
Authors: Potravnaya E V , Tishkov S V
Published: January 2022

The article deals with the issues of technogenesis and the evolution of relations with the environment through the example of the industrial development of the Arctic. The economic, environmental, and social aspects of the behavior of the indigenous population, the migration sentiments of the young people in connection with the implementation of investment projects for the development of the territory are analyzed. Particular attention is paid to identifying the relationship between the migration processes and the industrial development of the Arctic, substantiating the participation of mining companies to improve the socio-economic development of the Russian Arctic, and promoting employment. The subject of the study are the economic and social relations, migration attitudes of the local population, and youth, which arise in the process of the industrial development of the territory in the Arctic. Based on the example of conducting sociological surveys of the local population in Taimyr, in the Arctic regions of Yakutia, Karelia, and the Murmansk Region, recommendations are formulated for managing migration processes, promoting employment, income growth, and socio-economic development of the territory within the framework of mining companies’ activities to implement investment projects for the industrial development of the Arctic.
The Innokenty Lopatin and Friedrich Schmidt 1866 Yenissei (‘Turukhansk’) expedition: the first evidence of discovery of Norilsk-Talnakh Cu-Ni-PGE deposits
Authors: Kurguzova A V , Morozov M V
Published: January 2022

The history of the the discovery of world’s largest Ni-Cu-PGM deposits of Norilsk-Talnakh is revised. The 1866 prospecting and geographic expedition of Innokenty Lopatin and Friedrich Schmidt, studied the lowest Yenissei territories, and collected information and mineralogical samples (chalcopyrite from ‘copper slates’) proving by this the presence of a copper ore deposit in the Norilsk mountains. The deposit was developed by at least two adits since 1865 and was managed by brothers Pyotr and Cyprian Sotnikov from the settlement of Dudino (now Dudinka). This information was documented in the diaries by I. Lopatin and was reported by F. Schmidt in transactions of the Saint Petersburg Academy of Sciences. After the ‘re-discovery’ of the deposit in the 20th century the followers have ignored, omitted and incorrectly cited the information published by Friedrich Schmidt in 1869 and 1872, as well as its republishing made by Vladimir Obrutchev in 1917. The real sequence of events resulting in the discovery of Norilsk deposits has to be rewritten.

In memoriam of Sergey Gorbunov (1952–2021), archaeologist, traveler, Sakhalin history specialist
Prospects and priorities for the reconstruction and development of lithium mining production on the basis of domestic raw materials
Authors: Melentiev G B , Yurgenson G A , Delitzyn L M
Published: January 2022

The prospects of lithium as a component of new energy are considered. Provides data on the resources of lithium mineral raw materials. Variants of the reconstruction of lithium production facilities in Russia from domestic raw materials are evaluated in order to solve the problem of import substitution. Attention is focused on the choice of objects of priority industrial development and the need to create modern technologies for processing lithium raw materials. It is shown that the restored Zabaikalsk mining and processing plant can be a reliable source of lithium when using new technological solutions for extracting lithium and associated useful components from primary ores and waste of spodumene ores.
Modern materialistic understanding of the “energy” notion and the method of its systemic evaluation in chemicals
Authors: Sirotkin O S , Sirotkin R O
Published: January 2022

It was shown that the traditional approaches to understanding the notion of “energy” as a work or a physical quantity are outdated. For example, R. Feynman noted that “today’s physics does not know what energy is.” Therefore, even now, some researchers believe that “by and large, the concept of energy… is artificial, because unlike matter, of which we can say that it exists, energy is the fruit of human thought.” In contrast to these ideas, the authors showed that energy, like matter, objectively exists in various forms (energy continuum), which differ in structure, and is able to perform different types of work, to determine the forms of interaction and movement of matter in various material systems (substances, material bodies and megamaterial systems). A new scientific foundation for systematization and quantitative evaluation of energy characteristics of chemical compounds was proposed. It is based on a comprehensive assessment of contribution of chemical compounds’ composition and chemical bond type in line with a chemical bond’s unified model and the “System of chemical bonds and compounds” (SCBC). As a result of using this basic scientific innovation, the symbiosis of Mendeleev’s periodic table of atoms (composition – property) and SCBC (composition - chemical bond and structure – property) was realized for the first time. The foundation was laid for creating a database on systemic digitalization and evaluation of energy stored in various chemicals (natural gas, coal, oil, peat, wood, etc.) and the most effective ways of extracting it from these.
Heat transfer for the boiling crisis in porous systems
Authors: Genbach A A , Beloev H I , Bondartsev D Yu , Genbach N A
Published: January 2022

In this paper we analized and investigated the heat exchange crisis of boiling in porous structures, applicable in thermal power plants. Then we describe the heat exchange processes mechanism and determined the ideal sizes and thicknesses of porous structures. The designed porous structures can be implemented in gas turbine’s nozzles and combustion chambers. From an environmental point of view, the consumption coolant liquid is reduced by ten times in comparison the standard flow system. It’s effectively to develop mesh structures to allow the extension of the critical loads and manage the surface border.
Corrigendum: Study of the Radiotherapy Treatment Margins in Prostate Cancer with Fuzzy Logic Model (2020 IOP Conf. Ser.: Mater Sci Eng.
798 012042
)
Authors: Patnaikuni S K , Saini S M , Chandola R M , Choudhary V
Published: January 2022

Please see Article PDF for corrigendum text.
Imaging lidar prototype with homography and deep learning ranging methods
Authors: Kim Sehyeon , Chen Zhaowei , Alisafaee Hossein
Published: January 2022

We report on developing a non-scanning laser-based imaging lidar system based on a diffractive optical element with potential applications in advanced driver assistance systems, autonomous vehicles, drone navigation, and mobile devices. Our proposed lidar utilizes image processing, homography, and deep learning. Our emphasis in the design approach is on the compactness and cost of the final system for it to be deployable both as standalone and complementary to existing lidar sensors, enabling fusion sensing in the applications. This work describes the basic elements of the proposed lidar system and presents two potential ranging mechanisms, along with their experimental results demonstrating the real-time performance of our first prototype.
Quantitative biophysical metrics for rapid evaluation of ovarian cancer metastatic potential
Authors: Mukherjee Apratim , Zhang Haonan , Ladner Katherine , Brown Megan , Urbanski Jacob , Grieco Joseph P. , Kapania Rakesh K. , Lou Emil , Behkam Bahareh , Schmelz Eva M. , Nain Amrinder S.
Published: January 2022

Peritoneal cancer characterized by localized dissemination can be hard to treat due to a poor understanding of cellular properties driving metastasis. Using natural fibrillar environments, we present high throughput and high content quantitative strategy to measure biophysical properties of cells in ovarian cancer models on the timescale of hours.
Rotational head acceleration and traumatic brain injury in combat sports: a systematic review
Authors: Lota Kabir Singh , Malliaropoulos Nikos , Blach Wiesław , Kamitani Takeshi , Ikumi Akira , Korakakis Vasileios , Maffulli Nicola
Published: January 2022

Background

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) in combat sports is relatively common, and rotational acceleration (RA) is a strong biomechanical predictor of TBI. This review summarizes RA values generated from head impacts in combat sport and puts them in the context of present evidence regarding TBI thresholds.

Sources of data

PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and Scopus were searched from inception to 31st December 2021. Twenty-two studies presenting RA data from head impacts across boxing, taekwondo, judo, wrestling and MMA were included. The AXIS tool was used to assess the quality of studies.

Areas of agreement

RA was greater following direct head strikes compared to being thrown or taken down. RA from throws and takedowns was mostly below reported injury thresholds. Injury thresholds must not be used in the absence of clinical assessment when TBI is suspected. Athletes displaying signs or symptoms of TBI must be removed from play and medically evaluated immediately.

Areas of controversy

Methodological heterogeneity made it difficult to develop sport-specific conclusions. The role of headgear in certain striking sports remains contentious.

Growing points

RA can be used to suggest and assess the effect of safety changes in combat sports. Gradual loading of training activities based on RA may be considered when planning sessions. Governing bodies must continue to work to minimize RA generated from head impacts.

Areas timely for developing research

Prospective research collecting real-time RA data is required to further understanding of TBI in combat sports.
DYT6 mutated THAP1 is a cell type dependent regulator of the SP1 family
Authors: Cheng Fubo , Zheng Wenxu , Barbuti Peter Antony , Bonsi Paola , Liu Chang , Casadei Nicolas , Ponterio Giulia , Meringolo Maria , Admard Jakob , Dording Claire Marie , Yu-Taeger Libo , Nguyen Huu Phuc , Grundmann-Hauser Kathrin , Ott Thomas , Houlden Henry , Pisani Antonio , Krüger Rejko , Riess Olaf
Published: January 2022

DYT6 dystonia is caused by mutations in the transcription factor THAP1. THAP1 knock-out or knock-in mouse models revealed complex gene expression changes, which are potentially responsible for the pathogenesis of DYT6 dystonia. However, how THAP1 mutations lead to these gene expression alterations and whether the gene expression changes are also reflected in the brain of THAP1 patients are still unclear. In this study we used epigenetic and transcriptomic approaches combined with multiple model systems [THAP1 patients’ frontal cortex, THAP1 patients’ induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived midbrain dopaminergic neurons, THAP1 heterozygous knock-out rat model, and THAP1 heterozygous knock-out SH-SY5Y cell lines] to uncover a novel function of THAP1 and the potential pathogenesis of DYT6 dystonia.

We observed that THAP1 targeted only a minority of differentially expressed genes caused by its mutation. THAP1 mutations lead to dysregulation of genes mainly through regulation of SP1 family members, SP1 and SP4, in a cell type dependent manner. Comparing global differentially expressed genes detected in THAP1 patients’ iPSC-derived midbrain dopaminergic neurons and THAP1 heterozygous knock-out rat striatum, we observed many common dysregulated genes and 61 of them were involved in dystonic syndrome-related pathways, like synaptic transmission, nervous system development, and locomotor behaviour. Further behavioural and electrophysiological studies confirmed the involvement of these pathways in THAP1 knock-out rats.

Taken together, our study characterized the function of THAP1 and contributes to the understanding of the pathogenesis of primary dystonia in humans and rats. As SP1 family members were dysregulated in some neurodegenerative diseases, our data may link THAP1 dystonia to multiple neurological diseases and may thus provide common treatment targets.
High False-Positive Rate of (1,3)-β-D-Glucan in Onco-Hematological Patients Receiving Immunoglobulins and Therapeutic Antibodies
Authors: Tschopp Jonathan , Brunel Anne Sophie , Spertini Olivier , Croxatto Anthony , Lamoth Frederic , Bochud Pierre Yves
Published: January 2022

Immunoglobulins and/or therapeutic antibody preparations are associated with a high rate of false-positive (1,3)-β-D-glucan (BDG) tests in onco-hematological patients routinely screened for fungal infections. The benefit of BDG monitoring shall be balanced against the risk of false-positive tests leading to unnecessary investigations and costs in this population.
Development and Validation of a Parsimonious Tuberculosis Gene Signature Using the digital NanoString nCounter Platform
Authors: Kaipilyawar Vaishnavi , Zhao Yue , Wang Xutao , Joseph Noyal M , Knudsen Selby , Prakash Babu Senbagavalli , Muthaiah Muthuraj , Hochberg Natasha S , Sarkar Sonali , Horsburgh Charles R , Ellner Jerrold J , Johnson W Evan , Salgame Padmini
Published: January 2022

Background

Blood-based biomarkers for diagnosing active tuberculosis (TB), monitoring treatment response, and predicting risk of progression to TB disease have been reported. However, validation of the biomarkers across multiple independent cohorts is scarce. A robust platform to validate TB biomarkers in different populations with clinical end points is essential to the development of a point-of-care clinical test. NanoString nCounter technology is an amplification-free digital detection platform that directly measures mRNA transcripts with high specificity. Here, we determined whether NanoString could serve as a platform for extensive validation of candidate TB biomarkers.

Methods

The NanoString platform was used for performance evaluation of existing TB gene signatures in a cohort in which signatures were previously evaluated on an RNA-seq dataset. A NanoString codeset that probes 107 genes comprising 12 TB signatures and 6 housekeeping genes (NS-TB107) was developed and applied to total RNA derived from whole blood samples of TB patients and individuals with latent TB infection (LTBI) from South India. The TBSignatureProfiler tool was used to score samples for each signature. An ensemble of machine learning algorithms was used to derive a parsimonious biomarker.

Results

Gene signatures present in NS-TB107 had statistically significant discriminative power for segregating TB from LTBI. Further analysis of the data yielded a NanoString 6-gene set (NANO6) that when tested on 10 published datasets was highly diagnostic for active TB.

Conclusions

The NanoString nCounter system provides a robust platform for validating existing TB biomarkers and deriving a parsimonious gene signature with enhanced diagnostic performance.
Nucleic Acid Point-of-Care Testing to Improve Diagnostic Preparedness
Authors: Jani Ilesh V , Peter Trevor F
Published: January 2022

Testing programs for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 have relied on high-throughput polymerase chain reaction laboratory tests and rapid antigen assays to meet diagnostic needs. Both technologies are essential; however, issues of cost, accessibility, manufacturing delays, and performance have limited their use in low-resource settings and contributed to the global inequity in coronavirus disease 2019 testing. Emerging low-cost, multidisease point-of-care nucleic acid tests may address these limitations and strengthen pandemic preparedness, especially within primary healthcare where most cases of disease first present. Widespread deployment of these novel technologies will also help close long-standing test access gaps for other diseases, including tuberculosis, human immunodeficiency virus, cervical cancer, viral hepatitis, and sexually transmitted infections. We propose a more optimized testing framework based on greater use of point-of-care nucleic acid tests together with rapid immunologic assays and high-throughput laboratory molecular tests to improve the diagnosis of priority endemic and epidemic diseases, as well as strengthen the overall delivery of primary healthcare services.
Combined Histo-endoscopic Remission but not Endoscopic Healing Alone in Ulcerative Colitis is Associated with a Mucosal Transcriptional Profile Resembling Healthy Mucosa
Authors: Hernández-Rocha Cristian , Nayeri Shadi , Turpin Williams , Steel Mike , Borowski Krzysztof , Stempak Joanne M , Conner James , Silverberg Mark S
Published: January 2022

Background and Aims

A composite endpoint of histological and endoscopic remission is proposed to be the most complete measure of mucosal healing in ulcerative colitis [UC]. We aim to establish the prognosis, and transcriptional and microbial features of histo-endoscopic remission and activity.

Methods

A cross-sectional endoscopic rectosigmoid colon sample collection from UC patients and healthy controls [HC] was performed for histopathology and host genome-wide RNA-sequencing. Histo-endoscopic remission and histo-endoscopic activity were defined as Mayo endoscopic subscore [MES] 0–1 with and without histological activity, respectively. UC relapse, defined as symptomatic and endoscopic worsening, was retrospectively recorded for survival analysis. Unsupervised and differential gene expression analyses were performed, and the interaction between transcriptomics and mucosal gut microbiota was analysed based on the 16S rRNA gene sequencing profile.

Results

UC patients with histo-endoscopic remission showed a significantly lower risk of relapse compared to histo-endoscopic activity. Unsupervised analysis of the transcriptomic profile showed that histo-endoscopic remission and histo-endoscopic activity samples clustered with HC and MES 2–3 samples, respectively. A total of 452 host genes enriched for humoral immune response, antimicrobial defence, chemokine and TH17 signalling pathway were upregulated in histo-endoscopic activity compared to histo-endoscopic remission. A set of host genes with antimicrobial properties showed significant associations with mucosal microbiota.

Conclusions

The rectosigmoid mucosa transcriptional profile of UC patients in histo-endoscopic remission resembles that of HC mucosa and confers a lower risk of relapse. These data support that the combination of histo-endoscopic remission could be the most appropriate definition of mucosal healing in UC.
Acute lower respiratory infections: real-world evidence of antibiotic prescription pattern and costs from a large administrative Italian database
Authors: Calabria Silvia , Dondi Letizia , Ronconi Giulia , Piccinni Carlo , Pedrini Antonella , Esposito Immacolata , Addesi Alice , Maggioni Aldo Pietro , Martini Nello
Published: January 2022

Objective

This observational retrospective analysis aimed to describe antibiotic prescription pattern in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) and community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and their costs, from the Italian National Health Service perspective.

Methods

From the ReS database, a cross-linkage of Italian healthcare administrative databases through a unique anonymous code allowed to select subjects aged ≥12 years, supplied with at least an antibacterial for systemic use (ATC code: J01) from 01/01/2017 to 12/31/2017 and evaluable until the end of 2018. Prescriptions of different antibiotics on the same date were excluded. The prescription pattern was assessed for patients with an AECOPD (aged ≥50) or a CAP event (aged ≥12) in 2017. A 30-day cost analysis after the antibacterial supply and according to absence/presence (15 days before/after the supply) of AECOPD/CAP hospitalization was performed.

Results

In 2017, among patients aged ≥12 (~5 million), 1,845,268 were supplied with ≥1 antibacterial (37.2%). Antibacterial prescriptions potentially related to AECOPD were 39,940 and 4,059 to CAP: quinolones were the most prescribed (37.2% and 39.0%, respectively), followed by third-generation cephalosporins (25.5%; 27.5%), penicillins (15.4%; 14.9%), and macrolides (14.4%; 11.3%); the 30-day mean cost was €709 and €2,889. An association AECOPD/CAP-antibacterial supply costed more when the hospitalization occurred 15 days after the antibiotic supply (€5,006 and €4,966, respectively).

Conclusions

Findings confirmed the very high use of antimicrobials in Italy and highlighted the urgent need of improving current prescribing practices and developing new molecules, to stop the incessant spread of antimicrobial resistance and related socioeconomic impacts.
Automatic measurement and quality control of S3KS-SKKS differential traveltimes and the influence of mantle heterogeneity
Authors: Ji Qing , Zhao Li
Published: January 2022

The velocity structure of the uppermost part of the outer core can be investigated seismologically based on the differential traveltimes between the SKKS and S3KS waves (S3KS-SKKS). We develop a procedure for the automatic measurement and quality assessment of the S3KS-SKKS differential traveltime measurements. Four criteria with empirically determined thresholds are used to quantify the quality of the measurements in our automatic algorithm, which greatly simplifies the data quality control. Measurements obtained in the epicentral distance range of 120–140° display positive residuals relative to PREM with no obvious spatial dependency. Waveform simulations in both PREM and S40RTS models show that neither finite-frequency effects nor large-scale mantle heterogeneities can fully explain the magnitude of the observed residuals. Mantle heterogeneities have a significant contribution to the data uncertainty, but do not have sufficient effect on the mean finite-frequency correction. We thus conclude that the observed residuals in the S3KS-SKKS differential traveltimes after finite-frequency correction are mainly caused by the velocity structure in the uppermost outer core.
2-D joint inversion of semi-airborne CSEM and LOTEM data in eastern Thuringia, Germany
Authors: Cai Ji , Yogeshwar Pritam , Mörbe Wiebke , Smirnova Maria , Haroon Amir , Becken Michael , Tezkan Bülent
Published: January 2022

Various electromagnetic (EM) techniques have been developed for exploring natural resources. The novel frequency-domain semi-airborne controlled source electromagnetic (semi-AEM) method takes advantages of both ground and airborne techniques. It combines ground-based high-power electrical dipole sources with large-scale and spatially densely covered magnetic fields measured via airborne receivers. The method can survey the subsurface down to approximately 1000 m and is particularly sensitive towards conductive bodies (e.g. mineralized bodies) in a more resistive host environment. However, the signal-to-noise ratio of semi-AEM is lower than that of ground-based methods such as long-offset transient electromagnetics (LOTEM), mainly due to the limited stacking time and motion-induced noise. As a result, the semi-AEM often has reduced depth of investigation in comparison to LOTEM. One solution to overcome these flaws is to analyse and interpret semi-AEM data together with information from other EM methods using a joint inversion. Since our study shows that LOTEM and semi-AEM data have complementary subsurface resolution capabilities, we present a 2-D joint inversion algorithm to simultaneously interpret frequency-domain semi-AEM data and transient electric fields using extended dipole sources. The algorithm has been applied to the field data acquired in a former mining area in eastern Thuringia, Germany. The 2-D joint inversion combines the complementary information and provides a meaningful 2-D resistivity model. Nevertheless, obvious discrepancies appear between the individual and joint inversion results. Consequent synthetic modelling studies illustrate that the discrepancies occur because of (i) differences in lateral and depth resolution between the semi-AEM and LOTEM data caused by different measuring configurations, (ii) different measured EM components and (iii) differences in the error weighting of the individual data sets. Additionally, our synthetic study suggests that more flexible land-based configurations with sparse receiver locations are possible in combination with semi-AEM without a significant loss of target resolution, which is promising for accelerating data acquisition and for survey planning and logistics, particularly when measuring in inaccessible areas.
Secular variation signals in magnetic field gradient tensor elements derived from satellite-based geomagnetic virtual observatories
Authors: Hammer Magnus D , Finlay Christopher C , Olsen Nils
Published: January 2022

We present local time-series of the magnetic field gradient tensor elements at satellite altitude derived using a Geomagnetic Virtual Observatory (GVO) approach. Gradient element time-series are computed in 4-monthly bins on an approximately equal-area distributed worldwide network. This enables global investigations of spatio-temporal variations in the gradient tensor elements. Series are derived from data collected by the Swarm and CHAMP satellite missions, using vector field measurements and their along-track and east–west differences, when available. We find evidence for a regional secular variation impulse (jerk) event in 2017 in the first time derivative of the gradient tensor elements. This event is located at low latitudes in the Pacific region. It has a similar profile and amplitude regardless of the adopted data selection criteria and is well fit by an internal potential field. Spherical harmonic models of the internal magnetic field built from the GVO gradient series show lower scatter in near-zonal harmonics compared with models built using standard GVO vector field series. The GVO gradient element series are an effective means of compressing the spatio-temporal information gathered by low-Earth orbit satellites on geomagnetic field variations, which may prove useful for core flow inversions and in geodynamo data assimilation studies.
The impact of vent geometry on the growth of lava domes
Authors: Mériaux Catherine A , May Dave A , Jaupart Claude
Published: January 2022

Thick lava flows that are a feature of many volcanic fields on the Earth and Venus vary from sheet-like to nearly perfect axisymmetric domes. Here, we investigate how these geometrical characteristics depend on the shape of the feeder vent. We study the gravitational spreading of viscous lava erupting from elliptical vents onto a flat surface using 3-D numerical models. The aspect ratio of the vent, defined to be the major to minor axes ratio, varies between 1 and 25. In the limit of an aspect ratio of one, the vent is circular and spreading is axisymmetric. In the limit where the ratio is large, the vent behaves as a fissure. The numerical models rely on an isoviscous lava rheology and a constant volumetric eruption rate. In all cases, the initial phase of the dome’s evolution is in a lava-discharge dominated regime such that spreading is insignificant and the height of the dome increases at a constant rate over the vent area. For vent aspect ratios greater than five, three successive regimes of spreading are identified: 2-D spreading in the direction perpendicular to the major axis of the vent, a transient phase such that the dome shape evolves towards that of a circular dome and a late axisymmetric spreading phase that does not depend on the vent shape. These regimes are delimited by the times required for the flow thickness above the vent to reach a given height and for the flow to spread axisymmetrically up to a length equal to the semi-major axis of the vent. Numerical results for the flow height and runout length tend towards the similarity solutions in the 2-D and axisymmetric regimes. Two main implications for highly viscous (rhyolitic) fissure eruptions can be drawn. First, the fissure length determines the flow regimes. The longer the vent fissure length, the longer the early lava discharge regime and 2-D spreading perpendicular to the length of the fissure. Second, the aspect ratio of fissure-fed lava flows can be used as an indicator of the fissure length and the duration of lava discharge. The ellipticity of some terrestrial fissure-fed flows provides evidence for viscous gravity-driven spreading terminated before the onset of the axisymmetric regime. On the other hand, the circular domes on Venus appear to be the result of fissure-fed eruptions sustained enough for the spreading to reach the axisymmetric regime. We propose relationships providing estimates of the fissure length and the duration of lava discharge based on fossil dome dimensions.
3. Debating Politics and Making Laws
Authors: John Peter
Published: January 2022

This chapter evaluates the institution of the UK Parliament, where parliamentarians have a chance to debate issues of the day and to make laws. It reviews classic arguments about the power of Parliament in relation to the executive, before looking at the role of the House of Lords and the House of Commons. The account is still influenced by the Westminster system of government, whereby the executive in the form of the government is sustained in power by having a majority in the House of Commons. The chapter then considers what Members of Parliament (MPs) and other representatives do in office, and how their behaviour links to other features of the political process, such as public opinion and constituency interests. It also compares other legislatures, such as the Scottish Parliament, with the UK Parliament.
4. What People Think and Do about Politics
Authors: John Peter
Published: January 2022

This chapter focuses on citizen attitudes, values, cultures, and behaviours, which underpin the British political system. Particularly important is voting for elected representatives, whether MPs, Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs), Members of the Senedd (MSs), Members of the Northern Ireland Assembly (MLAs), directly elected mayors, police and crime commissioners (PCCs), local councillors, or even parish councillors. Then there are extensive forms of political participation from citizens and groups, ranging from complaining to public authorities to protesting. Both voting and participation are linked to wider attitudes and beliefs about politics. The chapter also provides an understanding of the different forms of turbulence that have emerged in recent years, in particular since 2014, with the arrival of populist movements, and the more frequent use of referendums.
8. Governing Through Bureaucracy
Authors: John Peter
Published: January 2022

This chapter explores the central government departments, executive agencies, and other public bureaucracies in operation in the UK today, such as those in local and territorial governments. These bodies help make and implement public policies and run public services. The chapter reviews more general work on bureaucracy and public administration, and sets out the theory of politician–bureaucrat relationships (going back to the principal–agent model), before addressing the classic question of civil service influence over public policy. It then takes account of the diversity of bureaucratic organizations operating in Britain today. The chapter also looks at the evidence of how politicians manage to satisfy their political objectives through delegating authority to these bodies.
11. Conclusion
Authors: John Peter
Published: January 2022

This concluding chapter presents a summary of the common themes and key points about British politics, which help make sense of current events, such as whether turbulence and instability now characterize British politics, and whether democracy can work well in these conditions. It provides a table containing summaries of each chapter, which relate to the themes of the book: party government and executive power, political turbulence, blunders/policy disasters, and the difficulties of achieving agency. With these and other insights, it is possible to assess whether there is anything left for traditional understandings of British democracy or whether the country is in uncharted waters, without any clearly understood democratic mechanisms and not capable of producing effective policy outcomes. Overall, how does Britain fare as a democracy with its old and new features? The chapter then looks at the debate about the quality of UK democracy.
1. Making Sense of Earth’s Politics
Authors: Dryzek John S.
Published: January 2022

This chapter introduces the politics of the Earth, which has featured a large and ever-growing range of concerns, such as pollution, wilderness preservation, population growth, depletion of natural resources, climate change, biodiversity loss, and destabilization of the Earth system. It explains how the issues of Earth’s politics are interlaced with a range of questions about human livelihood, social justice, public attitudes, and proper relation to one other and other entities on the planet. It also discusses the consequences of discourses for politics and policies. The chapter clarifies how environmental issues like ecological limits, nature preservation, climate change, biodiversity, rainforest protection, environmental justice, and pollution are interconnected in all kinds of ways. It develops an environmental discourse analysis approach and shows how this approach will be applied in subsequent chapters, beginning with the positioning of environmental discourses in relation to the long dominant of discourse of industrialism.
2. Looming Tragedy
Authors: Dryzek John S.
Published: January 2022

Ecologists have applied the concept of “carrying capacity”, the population of a species that an ecosystem can support, to human populations. Ecological limits to growth in population and the economy dominated environmental concern in the 1970s and beyond. More recently they have been supplanted by the idea of planetary boundaries, based on the stresses that the earth system is capable of absorbing, several of which (including biosphere integrity and climate change) have already been transgressed, suggesting the system is in grave peril. This chapter also considers the points of critics of the idea that there can be limits, then analyzes the political implications of limits and boundaries, from the authoritarianism associated with some 1970s thinkers to the need for cooperative global action to the more democratic possibilities that could be associated with degrowth and planetary boundaries.
8. Industrial Society and Beyond
Authors: Dryzek John S.
Published: January 2022

Countries such as Denmark, Finland, Germany, Japan, The Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland have apparently turned in some of the most successful environmental policy performance in recent decades. The reason has much to do with their adoption of ecological modernization discourse. This discourse is most at home in prosperous consensual democracies, though it has spread to many countries, including developing ones, as well as to global governance. Ecological modernization sees environmental protection and conservation implemented by government as good for business, and so economic growth. The slogan “pollution prevention pays” is prominent. Ecological modernization is largely a moderate technocratic discourses that stresses green re-tooling of the capitalist economy, though more radical “strong” versions exist that would contemplate thoroughgoing structural change that moves beyond the liberal capitalist status quo.
10. New Society
Authors: Dryzek John S.
Published: January 2022

The more political dimension of green radicalism analyzed in this chapter believes that ecological limits and boundaries can only be confronted, and the path to a better society charted, though political activism and thoroughgoing change in dominant institutions and practices. It finds its most conventional form of organization in green political parties that have been part of the electoral landscape since the 1980s, and that have in several countries (especially in Europe) joined governing coalitions and provided government ministers. However, social movements such as Occupy, Extinction Rebellion, Transition Initiatives, and those for environmental justice and sustainable materialism matter just as much. Movements for global environmental justice and the environmentalism of the global poor, and radical summits, have taken radical green politics to different parts of the world and to the global stage. An eco-anarchist disposition is associated with social ecology, and some radicals seek to link green politics and socialism. Green radicalism takes on economics in “doughnut economics” and proposals for a “Green New Deal”.