bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retrieval and evaluation of tropospheric aerosol extinction profiles using MAX-DOAS measurements over Athens, Greece
Authors: Gratsea Myrto , Bösch Tim , Kokkalis Panos , Richter Andreas , Vrekoussis Mihalis , Kazadzis Stelios , Tsekeri Alexandra , Papayannis Alexandros , Mylonaki Maria , Amiridis Vassilis , Mihalopoulos Nikos , Gerasopoulos Evangelos
Published: April 2020

Abstract. In this study, we report on the retrieval of aerosol extinction profiles from ground-based scattered sunlight multi-axis differential optical absorption spectroscopy (MAX-DOAS) measurements, carried out at Athens, Greece. It is the first time that aerosol profiles are retrieved from MAX-DOAS measurements in Athens. The reported aerosol vertical distributions at 477 nm are derived from the oxygen dimer (O4) differential slant column density observations at different elevation angles by applying the BOREAS retrieval algorithm. Four case studies have been selected for validation purposes; the retrieved aerosol profiles and the corresponding aerosol optical depths (AODs) from the MAX-DOAS are compared with lidar extinction profiles and with sun photometric measurements (AERONET observations), respectively. Despite the different approach of each method regarding the retrieval of the aerosol information, the comparison with the lidar measurements at 532 nm reveals a very good agreement in terms of vertical distribution, with r > 0.85 in all cases. The AODs from the MAX-DOAS and the sun-photometer (the latter at 500 nm) show a satisfactory correlation (with r ≈ 0.6 in three out of the four cases). The comparison indicates that the MAX-DOAS systematically underestimates the AOD in the cases of large particles (small Ångström exponent) and for measurements at small relative azimuthal angles between the viewing direction and the Sun. Better agreement is achieved in the morning, at large relative azimuthal angles. Overall, the aerosol profiles retrieved from MAX-DOAS measurements are of good quality; thus, new perspectives are opened up for assessing urban aerosol pollution on a long term-basis in Athens from continuous and uninterrupted MAX-DOAS measurements.
A compact QCL spectrometer for mobile, high-precision methane sensing aboard drones
Authors: Tuzson Béla , Graf Manuel , Ravelid Jonas , Scheidegger Philipp , Kupferschmid André , Looser Herbert , Morales Randulph Paulo , Emmenegger Lukas
Published: April 2020

Abstract. A compact and lightweight mid-IR laser absorption spectrometer has been developed as mobile sensing platform for high-precision atmospheric methane measurements aboard small, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The instrument leverages on two recent innovations: a novel segmented circular multipass cell (SC-MPC) design and a power efficient, low-noise, intermittent continuous-wave (icw) laser driving approach. A system-on-chip hardware control and data acquisition system enables energy-efficient and fully autonomous operation. The integrated spectrometer weighs 2.1 kg (including battery) and consumes 18 W of electrical power, making it ideally suited for airborne monitoring applications. Under stable laboratory conditions, the device achieves a precision (1σ) of 1.1 ppb within 1 s and 0.1 ppb CH4 at 100 s averaging time. Detailed investigations were performed to identify and quantify the effects of various environmental factors, such as sudden changes in pressure, temperature, and mechanical vibrations, which commonly influence UAV mounted sensors. The instrument was also deployed in two feasibility field-studies: an artificial methane release experiment as well as a study on vertical profiles in the planetary boundary layer. In both cases, the spectrometer demonstrated its airborne capability of capturing subtle and/or sudden changes in atmospheric CH4 mole fractions and providing real-time data at 1 s time resolution.
Mixing height derivation from aerosol lidar using machine learning: KABL and ADABL algorithms
Authors: Rieutord Thomas , Aubert Sylvain , Machado Tiago
Published: April 2020

Abstract. Atmospheric boundary layer height (BLH) is a key parameter for several meteorological applications, for example air quality forecast. To measure it, a common practice is to use aerosol lidars: a strong decrease in the backscatter signal indicates the top of the boundary layer. This paper describes and compares two methods of machine learning to derive the BLH from backscatter profiles: the K-means algorithm and the AdaBoost algorithm. Their codes are available under a fully open access, with the name KABL (K-means for Atmospheric Boundary Layer) and ADABL (AdaBoost for Atmospheric Boundary Layer). Both methods are compared to the lidar manufacturer's software and to reference BLH derived from collocated radiosondes. The radiosondes are taken as the reference for all other methods. The comparison is carried out on a two-year long period (2017–2018) on 2 Meteo-France's operational network sites (Trappes and Brest). Results show that, although its training is limited, ADABL is performing better than KABL and can easily be improved by enhancing its training set. However, KABL can be easily adapted for other instrumental device and used to make instrument synergy, while ADABL must be fully re-trained at each change in the instrument settings.
Unexpected high abyssal ophiuroid diversity in polymetallic nodule fields of the northeast Pacific Ocean and implications for conservation
Authors: Christodoulou Magdalini , O'Hara Timothy , Hugall Andrew F. , Khodami Sahar , Rodrigues Clara F. , Hilario Ana , Vink Annemiek , Martinez Arbizu Pedro
Published: April 2020

Abstract. The largest and commercially appealing mineral deposits
can be found in the abyssal sea floor of the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ), a
polymetallic nodule province, in the NE Pacific Ocean, where experimental
mining is due to take place. In anticipation of deep-sea mining impacts, it
has become essential to rapidly and accurately assess biodiversity. For this
reason, ophiuroid material collected during eight scientific cruises from
five exploration licence areas within CCZ, one area being protected from mining
(APEI3, Area of Particular Environmental Interest) in the periphery of CCZ
and the DISturbance and re-COLonisation (DISCOL) Experimental Area (DEA),
in the SE Pacific Ocean, was examined. Specimens were genetically analysed
using a fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI).
Maximum-likelihood and neighbour-joining trees were constructed, while four
tree-based and distance-based methods of species delineation (automatic barcode gap discovery, ABGD; barcode index numbers, BINs;
general mixed Yule–coalescent, GMYC; multi-rate Poisson tree process, mPTP) were employed to propose secondary species hypotheses (SSHs)
within the ophiuroids collected. The species delimitation analyses'
concordant results revealed the presence of 43 deep-sea brittle star SSHs,
revealing an unexpectedly high diversity and showing that the most
conspicuous invertebrates in abyssal plains have been so far considerably
underestimated. The number of SSHs found in each area varied from five (IFREMER area) to 24 (BGR (Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources,
Germany) area) while 13 SSHs were represented by
singletons. None of the SSHs were found to be present in all seven areas while
the majority of species (44.2 %) had a single-area presence (19 SSHs).
The most common species were Ophioleucidae sp. (Species 29), Amphioplus daleus (Species 2)
and Ophiosphalma glabrum (Species 3), present in all areas except APEI3. The biodiversity
patterns could be mainly attributed to particulate organic carbon (POC) fluxes that could explain the
highest species numbers found in BGR (German contractor area) and UKSRL (UK Seabed Resources Ltd, UK
contractor area) areas. The five exploration contract areas belong to a
mesotrophic province, while conversely the APEI3 is located in an
oligotrophic province, which could explain the lowest diversity as well as
very low similarity with the other six study areas. Based on these results
the representativeness and the appropriateness of APEI3 to meet its purpose
of preserving the biodiversity of the CCZ fauna are questioned. Finally,
this study provides the foundation for biogeographic and functional analyses
that will provide insight into the drivers of species diversity and its role
in ecosystem function.
Is deoxygenation detectable before warming in the thermocline?
Authors: Hameau Angélique , Frölicher Thomas L. , Mignot Juliette , Joos Fortunat
Published: April 2020

Abstract. Anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions cause ocean warming and oxygen depletion, with adverse impacts on marine organisms and ecosystems. Warming is one of the main indicators of anthropogenic climate change, but, in the thermocline, changes in oxygen and other biogeochemical tracers may emerge from the bounds of natural variability prior to warming.
Here, we assess the time of emergence (ToE) of anthropogenic change in thermocline temperature and thermocline oxygen within an ensemble of Earth system model simulations from the fifth phase of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project.
Changes in temperature typically emerge from internal variability prior to changes in oxygen. However, in about a third (35±11 %) of the global thermocline deoxygenation emerges prior to warming. In these regions,
both reduced ventilation and reduced solubility add to the oxygen decline. In addition, reduced ventilation slows the propagation of anthropogenic warming from the surface into the ocean interior, further contributing to the delayed emergence of warming compared to deoxygenation.
Magnitudes of internal variability and of anthropogenic change, which determine ToE, vary considerably among models leading to model–model differences in ToE. We introduce a new metric, relative ToE, to facilitate the multi-model assessment of ToE. This reduces the inter-model spread compared to the traditionally evaluated absolute ToE.
Our results underline the importance of an ocean biogeochemical observing system and that the detection of anthropogenic impacts becomes more likely when using multi-tracer observations.
Assessing the Statistical Uniqueness of the Younger Dryas: A Robust Multivariate Analysis
Authors: Nye Henry , Condron Alan
Published: April 2020

Abstract. During the last glacial period (c. 120–11 kyr BP), dramatic temperature swings, known as Dansgaard-Oeschger (D-O) events, are clearly manifest in high resolution oxygen isotope records from the Greenland ice sheet. Although variability in the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is often invoked, a unified explanation for what caused these "sawtooth shaped" climate patterns has yet to be accepted. Of particular interest is the most recent D-O shaped climate pattern that occurred from ∼ 14,600 to 11,500 years ago – the Bølling/Allerød (BA) warm interstadial and the subsequent Younger Dryas (YD) cold stadial. Unlike earlier D-O stadials, the YD is frequently considered a unique event, potentially resulting from a rerouting and/or flood of glacial meltwater into the North Atlantic, a meteorite impact, or a volcanic eruption. Yet, these mechanisms are seldom considered as the cause of the earlier stadials. Using a robust multivariate outlier detection scheme – a novel approach for traditional paleoclimate research – we show that the pattern of climate change during the BA/YD is not statistically different from the other D-O events in the Greenland record, and that it should not be considered unique when investigating the drivers of abrupt climate change. Our results thus raise important questions about the ability of glacial meltwater input and other "one off" events to trigger abrupt, centennial-to-millennial length, changes in climate.
Hillslope denudation and morphologic response to a rock uplift gradient
Authors: Godard Vincent , Hippolyte Jean-Claude , Cushing Edward , Espurt Nicolas , Fleury Jules , Bellier Olivier , Ollivier Vincent ,   the ASTER Team
Published: April 2020

Abstract. Documenting the spatial variability of tectonic processes from topography is routinely undertaken through the analysis of river profiles, since
a direct relationship between fluvial gradient and rock uplift has been identified by incision models. Similarly, theoretical formulations of
hillslope profiles predict a strong dependence on their base-level lowering rate, which in most situations is set by channel incision. However, the
reduced sensitivity of near-threshold hillslopes and the limited availability of high-resolution topographic data has often been a major limitation
for their use to investigate tectonic gradients. Here we combined high-resolution analysis of hillslope morphology and cosmogenic-nuclide-derived
denudation rates to unravel the distribution of rock uplift across a blind thrust system at the southwestern Alpine front in France. Our study is
located in the Mio-Pliocene Valensole molassic basin, where a series of folds and thrusts has deformed a plateau surface. We focused on a series of
catchments aligned perpendicular to the main structures. Using a 1 m lidar digital terrain model, we extracted hillslope topographic properties
such as hilltop curvature CHT and nondimensional erosion rates E∗.
We observed systematic variation of these metrics coincident with
the location of a major underlying thrust system identified by seismic surveys. Using a simple deformation model, the inversion of the E∗ pattern
allows us to propose a location and dip for a blind thrust, which are consistent with available geological and geophysical data. We also sampled
clasts from eroding conglomerates at several hilltop locations for 10Be and 26Al concentration measurements. Calculated hilltop
denudation rates range from 40 to 120 mm kyr−1. These denudation rates appear to be correlated with E∗ and CHT that were extracted
from the morphological analysis, and these rates are used to derive absolute estimates for the fault slip rate. This high-resolution hillslope analysis allows
us to resolve short-wavelength variations in rock uplift that would not be possible to unravel using commonly used channel-profile-based
methods. Our joint analysis of topography and geochronological data supports the interpretation of active thrusting at the southwestern Alpine
front, and such approaches may bring crucial complementary constraints to morphotectonic analysis for the study of slowly slipping faults.
Theatre, labs and gender: an education package to improve STEM working environment
Authors: Maciel Susanne Taina Ramalho , Gomide Caroline Siqueira , Silva Thatianny Alves de Lima , Alcântara Gustavo Braga , Barreto Cynara Caroline Kern , Andreoli Elisabeth , Sena Lyvian , Evangelista Leandro de Oliveira
Published: April 2020

Abstract. Gender affects all aspects of life, and the working and learning environment of science, technology, engineering and geosciences presents no exception. Gender issues concerning access, permanence and ascension of women in exact and earth sciences careers, in general, relates between other causes, to the underrepresentation of women in science communications, sexual or moral harassment caused by professors and colleagues during undergraduate and graduate ages, or the overload of housework for girls, when compared to boys, during early school ages. In other words, gender imbalance in science and technology careers may be seen as the result of a series of structured oppression suffered by women of all ages. In this context, we propose the development of an education package designed to understand these processes at different levels. One of the tools of this package is known as the Theatre of the Oppressed. Elaborated by Augusto Boal in the 1970s, the Theatre of the Oppressed uses theatre techniques as means of promoting social and political changes. Usually, a scene takes place, revealing an oppression situation. The audience becomes what is called spect-actors, where they become active by exploring, showing, and transforming the reality in which they are living. In the context of gender issues in exact sciences careers, the students can stage situations that reveal subtle actions of power relations that usually put women in subservience places. Our experience showed that even though the acting is fiction, the spectators learn much from the enactment, because the simulation of real-life situations, problems, and solutions stimulates the practice of resistance to oppression in reality, within a condition that offers a safe space for practising making a change. The package also includes a set of laboratory routines based on the work of female scientists, directed to students from 12 to 18 years old. The idea of the labs is to work as a school reinforcement on natural sciences disciplines, and to give visibility to women in science, improving issues such as underrepresentation and mistrust in women work. We show the evaluation of learning efficiency by assessing the results of a quiz.
Coffee and shade trees show complementary use of soil water in a traditional agroforestry ecosystem
Authors: Muñoz-Villers Lyssette Elena , Geris Josie , Alvarado-Barrientos María Susana , Holwerda Friso , Dawson Todd
Published: April 2020

Abstract. Globally, coffee has become one of the most sensitive commercial crops, being affected by climate change. Arabica coffee (Coffea arabica) grows in traditionally shaded agroforestry systems in tropical regions and accounts for ∼70 % of coffee production worldwide. Nevertheless, the interaction between plant and soil water sources in these coffee plantations remains poorly understood. To investigate the functional response of dominant shade tree species and coffee (C. arabica var. typica) plants to different soil water availability conditions, we conducted a study during near-normal and more pronounced dry seasons (2014 and 2017, respectively) and a wet season (2017) in a traditional coffee plantation in central Veracruz, Mexico. For the different periods, we specifically investigated the variations in water sources and root water uptake via MixSIAR mixing models that use δ18O and δ2H stable isotope composition of rainfall, plant xylem and soil water. To further increase our mechanistic understanding of root activity, the distribution of below-ground biomass and soil macronutrients was also examined and considered in the model as prior information. Results showed that, over the course of the two investigated dry seasons, all shade tree species (Lonchocarpus guatemalensis, Inga vera and Trema micrantha) relied, on average, on water sources from intermediate (>15 to 30 cm depth: 58± 18 % SD) and deep soil layers (>30 to 120 cm depth: 34±21 %), while coffee plants used much shallower water sources (<5 cm depth: 42±37 % and 5–15 cm depth: 52±35 %). In
addition, in these same periods, coffee water uptake was influenced by
antecedent precipitation, whereas trees showed little sensitiveness to
antecedent wetness. Our findings also showed that during the wet season
coffee plants substantially increased the use of near-surface water
(+56 % from <5 cm depth), while shade trees extended the water acquisition to much shallower soil layers (+19 % from <15 cm depth) in comparison to drier periods. Despite the plasticity in root water uptake observed between canopy trees and coffee plants, a complementary use of soil water prevailed during the dry and wet seasons investigated. However, more variability in plant water sources was observed among species in the rainy season when higher soil moisture conditions were present and water stress was largely absent.
Technical note: The beneficial role of a natural permeable layer in slope stabilization by drainage trenches
Authors: Urciuoli Gianfranco , Comegna Luca , Pirone Marianna , Picarelli Luciano
Published: April 2020

Abstract. Slope stabilization through drainage trenches is a classic
approach in geotechnical engineering. Considering the low hydraulic
conductivity of the soils in which this measure is usually adopted, a major
constraint to the use of trenches is the time required to obtain a
significant pore pressure decrease, here called “time lag”. In fact,
especially when the slope safety factor is small, the use of drainage
trenches may be a risky approach due to the probability that slope
deformations will damage the system well before it will become fully
operative. However, this paper shows that the presence of persistent permeable natural
soil layers can provide a significant benefit by increasing drainage
efficiency and reducing time lag. As a matter of fact, any permeable layer
that is intercepted by trenches may operate as part of the global hydraulic
system, reducing the drainage paths. A simplified approach to designing a drainage system that accounts for the
presence of a persistent permeable layer is proposed. This approach, which
can exploit solutions available in the literature for parallel drainage
trenches, has been validated by numerical analyses.
A method to use proxy data of runoff-related impacts for the evaluation of a model mapping intense storm runoff hazard: application to the railway context
Authors: Braud Isabelle , Lagadec Lilly-Rose , Moulin Loïc , Chazelle Blandine , Breil Pascal
Published: April 2020

Abstract. The IRIP method, or “indicator of intense pluvial
runoff” in English, is a geomatics method that allows mapping the
susceptibility of a territory to surface runoff and that provides three
maps of susceptibility to the generation, transfer and accumulation of
runoff. It is based on the combination of binary maps that represent the
impact of a given factor (favourable or not favourable) on runoff. These
factors are summed up to provide susceptibility maps for runoff with levels
ranging from 0 to 5. To be used for risk prevention, the quality and
limitations of the produced maps must be assessed. However, direct runoff
data are very scarce and not available everywhere in a territory. Proxy data
of impacts related to runoff can provide information useful for the
evaluation of the IRIP maps. However, both pieces of information cannot be compared
directly, and a specific methodology to compare susceptibility maps and proxy data must be proposed. This paper presents such a method, which accounts for
the hazard level, the vulnerability of the study area and possible
mitigation actions taken to reduce the risk. The evaluation method is
assessed using a comprehensive database of runoff-related impacts collected
on an 80 km railway line in Normandy (north of France) and covering the
whole 20th century. The results show that the evaluation method is
robust, relevant and generic enough for evaluating a non-quantitative
method of runoff hazard mapping using localized runoff-related proxy data.
In addition, the good performance of the IRIP model in the case study
confirms that the susceptibility maps produced by the IRIP model provide
relevant information related to runoff and that they can be used to design
risk management strategies, as illustrated in the railway context.
North Sea region energy system towards 2050: integrated offshore grid and sector coupling drive offshore wind installations
Authors: Koivisto Matti , Gea-Bermúdez Juan , Kanellas Polyneikis , Das Kauhshik , Sørensen Poul
Published: April 2020

Abstract. This paper analyses several energy system scenarios towards 2050 for the North Sea region. With focus on offshore wind power, the impacts of meshed offshore grid and sector coupling are studied. First, a project-based scenario, where each offshore wind power plant is connected individually to onshore, is compared to a meshed grid scenario. Both the amount of offshore wind installed and the level of curtailment are assessed. Then, these results are compared to a scenario with sector coupling included. The results show that while the introduction of a meshed grid can increase the amount of offshore wind installed towards 2050, sector coupling is expected to be a more important driver for increasing offshore wind installations. In addition, sector coupling can significantly decrease the level of offshore wind curtailment.
Evaluation of the foliar nutrition influence on selected quantitative and qualitative paprameters of sugar mayze (Zea mays SK saccharata)
Authors: Adamec Samuel , Andrejiová Alena , Hegedűsová Alžbeta , Šemnicer Marek
Published: April 2020

We evaluated the effect of foliar application of fertilizer Tecnokel amino Zn on selected quantitative (weight of one corn cob, average length of corn cob, number of grains per row and number of rows per cob) and qualitative (total yield, total carotenoid content, total sugar content) parameters of sweetcorn. The small trail experiment was founded in 2016 in the Botanical Garden of the Slovak University of Agriculture. We observed 7 selected varieties of sweetcorn and two variants: control and with leaf nutrition. 15 plants we revaluated for each variety under both variants. The corn was grown in three repetitions for each variant. Based on the obtained results, we found that both the qualitative and quantitative parameters were mainly dependent on the genotype. Statistically significant was effect of the variety on the total sugar content in maize grains. Influence of foliar nutrition was not confirmed as statistically significant, but Tecnokel amino Zn has a positive impact on several quantitative parameters as weight of one maize ear or average length of corncobs. Content of total carotenoid doesn´t depend on genotype or variant.
“Which is better: dog or cat?” Philosophical inquiries in shaping civic competences of children
Authors: Świdzińska Agata
Published: April 2020

The purpose of the article is to present the philosophical inquiry method (P4C) in working with children aged 6–10 who participated in the „ZA PROGIEM” ‒ wyprawy odkrywców project. The study has a methodological and research nature supported by the participatory observation method. The first part of the study discusses the theoretical premises for the training of civic competences. A brief description of social changes caused by the digitization of social reality and by social inequalities is also included. The second part of the study presents exercises – thinker’s games, which were proposed to children and discussed. The children’s statements collected during the classes confirmed the effectiveness of the method and philosophical questions in the education process.
Writing – necessary educators’ activity. Example of a nursery
Authors: Telka Lucyna
Published: April 2020

The subject of interest in the article is the educators’ activity in the nursery in the area of writing about events in the field of practice, especially about the relations of a young child and the educator, and taking a reflection on what has been written. Writing is conducive to reflecting on what is observed, reading what is written, conversation of educators with each other, in order to analyze the relationship of an adult and a child.
Benefits of Surgical Intervention in Women with Endometriosis-Related Infertility
Authors: Alexander Popov , Alexey Koval , Anton Fedorov , Svetlana Tyurina , Irina Fedotova , Tamana Khabibullakh
Published: April 2020

Endometriosis is one of the most common gynecological diseases in the world with a great variety of symptoms and clinical features. The true prevalence rates in the general population are not known, but according to different authors, endometriosis is to be found in 10% in women of reproductive age. According to different publications, around half of the patients with infertility were diagnosed with endometriosis which change the significance of this disease from the only female to a socio-economical problem. In this chapter, we will focus on the current view on endometriosis-associated infertility, from superficial to adenomyosis, with a closer view of surgical treatment, as it is still the standard of care for diagnosis and in severe cases—treatment of the disease.
Evaluation of BECN1 Gene Expression in Remission-Induction Therapy of Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Tandel Parisa , Ebrahimi Eqbal , Ramzi Mani , Rezvani Alireza , Ranjbaran Reza , Tamaddon Gholamhossein
Published: April 2020

Background: Acute myeloid leukemia is a type of hematological malignancy. Chemotherapy is the first-line treatment for AML. The main aim of treatment is to achieve complete remission in patients. Although complete remission is achieved in most patients, still the rate of relapse remains high. Recent studies revealed that drug resistance is an important cause of treatment failure in AML patients. Autophagy as a conserved catabolic process has a significant role in drug resistance of AML. Autophagy can act as a chemo-resistance mechanism in response to chemotherapy in AML patients. However, the role of this pathway in response to treatment of AML patients is not yet fully clarified. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the BECN1 gene, as a key regulator of autophagy on remission and response to chemotherapy in AML patients. Methods: The BECN1 gene expression was evaluated in 30 AML patients at diagnosis stage, on 18 patients with complete remission and 15 controls using qRT-PCR. Results: The results showed that BECN1 gene expression level was significantly higher in AML patients than controls at the rate of 5/3 fold, P < 0.0001. We found that expression level of BECN1 was significantly reduced in patients with complete remission in comparison with newly diagnosed AML patients at the rate of 0.73 fold, P = 0.004. Conclusions: Low expression of BECN1 gene might be associated to complete remission. Therefore, perhaps BECN1 gene can be used as a biomarker to assess remission status. Moreover, targeting BECN1 can be used as a potential strategy to improve treatment in AML patients.
The Triumph of Theological Economics
Authors: Johnston Adrian ,   DePaul University
Published: April 2020

Both Marx and Freud are children of the Enlightenment in certain manners. As such, they each display a qualified but firm optimism about history inevitably making progress in specific desirable directions. Freud predicts that continuing scientific and technological advances eventually will drive religiosity from human societies once and for all. Marx likewise forecasts the withering away of religions. Moreover, he treats this predicted process as symptomatic of even more fundamental socioeconomic developments, namely, his (in)famous anticipations of subsequent transitions to socialism and communism. However, the past century of human history has not been kind to any sort of Enlightenment-style progress narratives. My intervention on this occasion takes inspiration especially from Lacan’s reckoning with a “triumph of religion” defying Freud’s expectations of relentlessly broadening and deepening secularization. I argue that socio-political phenomena of the past several decades bear witness to religious superstructures having infused themselves into economic infrastructures.
Estudo da postura corporal em crianças com respiração predominantemente oral e escolares em geral
Authors: Basso Débora Bonesso Andriollo , Souza Juliana Alves , Pasinato Fernanda , Corrêa Eliane Castilhos Rodrigues , Silva Ana Maria Toniolo da
Published: April 2020

Objetivo: avaliar a postura de respiradores predominantemente orais e comparar com achados, descritos na literatura, de escolares em geral. Métodos: a amostra foi composta por 30 escolares, respiradores orais, que foram submetidos à avaliação postural subjetiva com análise da simetria e do posicionamento das estruturas, nas vistas anterior, posterior e lateral. Os achados obtidos foram comparados aos descritos na literatura sobre a postura corporal de escolares em geral. Resultados: na vista anterior predominou a elevação do ombro direito, flexão de cotovelo e dedos. Na vista posterior, observou-se abdução e elevação das escápulas e rotação dos joelhos. E, na vista lateral, anteriorização da cabeça, protrusão e rotação interna de ombros. Na literatura revisada predominaram: semiflexão de joelhos, protrusão de ombros, hiperlordose lombar. Conclusão: o modo respiratório é essencial no equilíbrio postural de crianças em idade escolar. Algumas alterações são próprias do desenvolvimento postural normal, pois apareceram em ambos os grupos.
Efeito do fogo na vegetação espontânea em sistema agroflorestal, Pará, Brasil
Authors: Alvino-Rayol Fabrízia de Oliveira , Rayol Breno Pinto
Published: April 2020

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito do fogo na estrutura, composição florística e diversidade da vegetação espontânea em um sistema agroflorestal com dois tipos de preparo da área: com e sem queima. O sistema agroflorestal foi composto pelas espécies: paricá (Schizolobium amazonicum), açaí (Euterpe oleracea) e cupuaçu (Theobroma grandiflorum). Para a amostragem da flora da vegetação espontânea, utilizou-se um gabarito de madeira de 0,25 m2, lançado, aleatoriamente, 20 vezes em cada área avaliada. Foram calculadas a diversidade de espécies (Índice de diversidade de Shannon) e taxa de cobertura da  vegetação espontânea. As espécies inventariadas foram coletadas e enviadas para identificação nos herbários da região. A diversidade de espécies não diferiu estatisticamente nos dois tratamentos. Porém, a maior taxa de cobertura de vegetação espontânea foi observada na área preparada com o uso do fogo. A composição florística da vegetação espontânea apresentou somente 32,3% de similaridade entre as duas áreas. A espécie que apresentou maior importância na flora emergente em ambas as áreas foi Myrciaria tenella (DC.) O. Berg. O fogo influenciou na composição florística e na taxa de cobertura da vegetação espontânea nas áreas avaliadas.
Tumor Mutation Burden and Depression in Lung Cancer: Association With Inflammation
Authors: McFarland Daniel C. , Jutagir Devika R. , Miller Andrew H. , Breitbart William , Nelson Christian , Rosenfeld Barry
Published: April 2020

Background: Patients with lung cancer with greater systemic inflammation have higher rates of depression. Tumor mutation burden (TMB) predicts immunotherapy response in patients with lung cancer and is associated with intratumoral inflammation, which may contribute to systemic inflammation and depression. This study evaluated whether higher TMB was associated with increased depression and systemic inflammation in patients with lung cancer. Patients and Methods: Patients with metastatic lung cancers were evaluated for depression severity using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. TMB was measured using the Memorial Sloan Kettering-Integrated Mutation Profiling of Actionable Cancer Targets. Inflammation was evaluated using C-reactive protein (CRP) level and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR). Results: A total of 96 patients with adequate TMB testing were evaluated. The average number of mutations (TMB) was 10.8 (SD, 10.9). A total of 19% of patients endorsed clinically significant depression symptoms. TMB was significantly correlated with depression severity (r = 0.34; P=.001) and NLR (r = 0.37; P=.002) but not CRP level (r = 0.19; P=.07). TMB was also higher in patients receiving chemotherapy (mean, 12.0) and immunotherapy (mean, 14.4) versus targeted therapy (mean, 4.8). A multivariate model found that TMB (β = 0.30; P=.01) and CRP level (β = 0.31; P=.01) were independently associated with depression; there was no significant interaction effect of TMB × CRP and depression. A similar multivariate model showed no independent effect for NLR and depression (β = 0.16; P=.17) after accounting for TMB. Conclusions: These data provide evidence for biologic depression risk in patients with lung cancer who have high levels of TMB. The underlying mechanism of the association is not clearly related to inflammation but warrants further analysis to broadly elucidate the mechanism of biologically derived depression in cancer.
Bridging the Gap Among Clinical Practice Guidelines for Pain Management in Cancer and Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Schatz Alyssa A. , Oliver Thomas K. , Swarm Robert A. , Paice Judith A. , Darbari Deepika S. , Dowell Deborah , Meghani Salimah H. , Winckworth-Prejsnar Katy , Bruera Eduardo , Plovnick Robert M. , Richardson Lisa , Vapiwala Neha , Wollins Dana , Hudis Clifford A. , Carlson Robert W.
Published: April 2020

Opioids are a critical component of pain relief strategies for the management of patients with cancer and sickle cell disease. The escalation of opioid addiction and overdose in the United States has led to increased scrutiny of opioid prescribing practices. Multiple reports have revealed that regulatory and coverage policies, intended to curb inappropriate opioid use, have created significant barriers for many patients. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Comprehensive Cancer Network, and American Society of Clinical Oncology each publish clinical practice guidelines for the management of chronic pain. A recent JAMA Oncology article highlighted perceived variability in recommendations among these guidelines. In response, leadership from guideline organizations, government representatives, and authors of the original article met to discuss challenges and solutions. The meeting featured remarks by the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, presentations on each clinical practice guideline, an overview of the pain management needs of patients with sickle cell disease, an overview of perceived differences among guidelines, and a discussion of differences and commonalities among the guidelines. The meeting revealed that although each guideline varies in the intended patient population, target audience, and methodology, there is no disagreement among recommendations when applied to the appropriate patient and clinical situation. It was determined that clarification and education are needed regarding the intent, patient population, and scope of each clinical practice guideline, rather than harmonization of guideline recommendations. Clinical practice guidelines can serve as a resource for policymakers and payers to inform policy and coverage determinations.
NCCN Guidelines Insights: Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment: Breast, Ovarian, and Pancreatic, Version 1.2020
Authors: Daly Mary B. , Pilarski Robert , Yurgelun Matthew B. , Berry Michael P. , Buys Saundra S. , Dickson Patricia , Domchek Susan M. , Elkhanany Ahmed , Friedman Susan , Garber Judy E. , Goggins Michael , Hutton Mollie L. , Khan Seema , Klein Catherine , Kohlmann Wendy , Kurian Allison W. , Laronga Christine , Litton Jennifer K. , Mak Julie S. , Menendez Carolyn S. , Merajver Sofia D. , Norquist Barbara S. , Offit Kenneth , Pal Tuya , Pederson Holly J. , Reiser Gwen , Shannon Kristen Mahoney , Visvanathan Kala , Weitzel Jeffrey N. , Wick Myra J. , Wisinski Kari B. , Dwyer Mary A. , Darlow Susan D.
Published: April 2020

The NCCN Guidelines for Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment: Breast, Ovarian, and Pancreatic provide recommendations for genetic testing and counseling for hereditary cancer syndromes, and risk management recommendations for patients who are diagnosed with syndromes associated with an increased risk of these cancers. The NCCN panel meets at least annually to review comments, examine relevant new data, and reevaluate and update recommendations. These NCCN Guidelines Insights summarize the panel’s discussion and most recent recommendations regarding criteria for high-penetrance genes associated with breast and ovarian cancer beyond BRCA1/2, pancreas screening and genes associated with pancreatic cancer, genetic testing for the purpose of systemic therapy decision-making, and testing for people with Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry.
COVID-19 Pandemic and Radiology: Facts, Resources, and Suggestions for Near-term Protocols
Authors: Mendel Jeffrey
Published: April 2020

The purpose of this editorial is to offer a synopsis about the COVID-19 pandemic and to present some recommendations as they relate to the practice of radiology, focused on Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMIC). Health departments and professional bodies around the world are issuing guidelines for personal protection and patient handling in radiology. In High-Income Countries (HIC) these guidelines have been periodically updated as knowledge evolves about COVID-19 viral disease (1,2,3). The HIC guidelines assume the availability of portable radiography, ability to reserve one of many CT scanners only for COVID-19 patients, supply of a whole range of personal protective equipment (PPE), sanitizers and a variety of disinfecting chemicals. Nevertheless the exponential spread of COVID-19 is causing shortages of supplies in regions with supposedly “unlimited” resources. Much continues to be published on the rapidly evolving body of knowledge on this highly contagious respiratory infection, with a much higher mortality compared to the Influenza-A virus responsible for respiratory disease during “flu season” (4). Concurrently, speculative and false information is being exchanged on social media by “experts” from all walks of life offering “science” on the current pandemic. We urge our readers to use resources from established health organizations and universities, many of whom are referenced in this editorial.
Marketing, estrategia y género. La fijación de límites en el uso de la imagen de la mujer en publicidad
Authors: Torres-Romay Emma , García-Mirón Silvia
Published: April 2020

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to carry out a qualitative analysis of the current situation of the use of the image of women in advertising, trying to establish a classification of these uses and identifying gender management from the perspective of marketing.

Design/methodology: To achieve our objective, we have monitored a database of own-made advertising, created in 2008 and which is still growing today (for this and other research). In a universe composed of more than 700 campaigns and delimiting the period between 2008 and 2019, we have collected cases that have provoked some kind of controversy due to the incorrect use of the image of women, cross-referencing with the complaints and sentences handed down around sexism in advertising in our country was carried out.

Findings: This has made it possible to establish, through this detailed case study, a categorization of the main existing problems regarding the image of women in commercial communication. In addition to the above, we have been able to identify the current avenues that the major brands are employing to counter these problems.

Research limitations/implications: The results of this work have far-reaching social implications, since it involves raising problems of sexism and mistreatment of the image of women that were going unnoticed or even assumed.

Originality/value: This is a contribution of great interest since, in recent years, studies on this subject have been significantly reduced and, although the quantitative perspective seems to be covered by some institutions, no qualitative assessments are contemplated as to what kind of messages are being disseminated and, above all, whether they are evolving and improving in this regard.
Redefining the Position of Daoism (Taoism) in Vietnamese History from the 2nd Century to the 9th Century
Authors: Van Vu Hong
Published: April 2020

Redefining the value of Taoism in Vietnam is a complex and difficult problem to evaluate thoroughly. This issue of defining and evaluation relates to historical document sources, archaeological relics still exist to this day and especially the influence of Taoism on beliefs life, religious life in particular and in the spiritual activities of Vietnamese people in general. Of the three religions of the Orient: Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Taoism is a religion that is difficult to study. Throughout the development process of the Vietnamese nation, along with Confucianism and Buddhism, Taoism has a significant influence on the spiritual life, tradition, and culture of the Vietnamese nation, especially in the spiritual life of the working people. However, research on this issue is still a very large gap, little attention of researchers. When studying Taoism in Vietnam, it is usually divided into stages, specifically: Taoism in Vietnam in the early period (from the 2nd century to the 9th century); Taoism under the Ly and Tran dynasties (the period when Taoism held the best position in history of Vietnam, often called the Royal Taoism); Taoism under the Le and Nguyen dynasties (the process of Taoism folkization through the worship of Mau Lieu Hanh). In this article, the author focuses on studying Taoism from the 2nd century to the 9th century. Because, at present, the historical documents on Taoism in this period are still quite vague, there are still many the debate broke out about the time when Taoism spread into Vietnam, the audience, Taoist missionaries have been to Vietnam, etc. Therefore, this article focuses on the process of Taoism propagating into Vietnam, identifying historical data that still exist today, Taoist figures have been to Vietnam.
Effects of Fermentation and Extrusion on the Proximate Compositions and Organoleptic Properties of Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas) and Beniseed (Sesamum indicum) Blends
Authors: Olawale Kemi Medinat , Ojokoh Anthony Okhonlaye
Published: April 2020

Fermentation and extrusion have been proven to increase the nutritional value of foods by reducing the water-binding capacity of cereal flour. Thus, the effect of fermentation and extrusion on the microbiological qualities, proximate compositions and organoleptic properties of orange flesh potato and beniseed blends were investigated using standard methods. The blended samples were prepared in four combinations (A=100 g sweet potato; B = 70 g sweet potato + 30 g beniseed; C= 60 g sweet potato + 40 g beniseed, D = 50 g sweet potato + 50 g Beniseed) and separated into four batches (i.e. first batch = preconditioned and fermented; second batch = extruded; third batch = fermented and extruded; and fourth batch = unfermented/unextruded). The blended samples were fermented for 72 hours using solid state fermentation. The bacteria isolated include Bacillus subtilis, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactococcus lactis and Staphylococcus aureus while fungi include Mucor mucedo, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium chrysogenium, Aspergillus flavus, Geotrichum spp, Mucor mucedo and Alternaria alternate. The results of the proximate composition of the fermented and extruded blends showed a significant difference as compared with the unfermented and unextruded blends. The moisture content was highest in fermented extruded 50% sweet potato + 50% beniseed (18.61%) and least in the unfermented unextruded 50% sweet potato + 50% beniseed (4.0%). Fermentation also helps to increase the protein content and the highest was observed in composite bleed containing 50% sweet potato + 50% beniseed which increased from 2.88% to 8.75%. Extrusion also increased the protein content. The highest protein content was observed in the composite blend that was extruded and fermented (18.61). The carbohydrate content was highest in the unfermented unextruded 50% sweet potato + 50 beniseed (84.04%). The crude fat content was highest in the fermented unextruded 100% sweet potato blends (21.50%) and least in fermented extruded 50% sweet potato + 50 beniseed (2.0%). The sensory evaluation of the samples showed a good preference for the fermented-extruded samples. Findings from this research have established that orange flesh potato and beniseed blends can be fermented and extruded to produce food of enhanced nutritional value.