bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Auditory Speech Based Alerting System for Detecting Dummy Number Plate via Video Processing Data sets
Authors: Deshpande Meena , Veena M. B. , Ferede Alachew Wubie
Published: September 2022

Spectrum of applications in computer vision use object detection algorithms driven by the power of AI and ML algorithms. State of art detection models like faster Region based convolutional Neural Network (RCNN), Single Shot Multibox Detector (SSD), and You Only Look Once (YOLO) demonstrated a good performance for object detection, but many failed in detecting small objects. In view of this an improved network structure of YOLOv4 is proposed in this paper. This work presents an algorithm for small object detection trained using real-time high-resolution data for porting it on embedded platforms. License plate recognition, which is a small object in a car image, is considered for detection and an auditory speech signal is generated for detecting fake license plates. The proposed network is improved in the following aspects: Training the classifier by using positive data set formed from the core patterns of an image. Training YOLOv4 by the features obtained by decomposing the image into low frequency and high frequency. The resultant values are processed and demonstrated via a speech alerting signals and messages. This contributes to reducing the computation load and increasing the accuracy. Algorithm was tested on eight real-time video data sets. The results show that our proposed method greatly reduces computing effort while maintaining comparable accuracy. It takes 45 fps to detect one image when the input size is 1280 × 960, which could keep a real-time speed. Proposed algorithm works well in case of tilted, blurred, and occluded license plates. Also, an auditory traffic monitoring system can reduce criminal attacks by detecting suspicious license plates. The proposed algorithm is highly applicable for autonomous driving applications.
Determinants of the Severity of Contract Enforcement in Chinese PPP Projects: From Public Sector’s Perspective
Authors: Zheng Xiaodan , Wang Shaojie , Yang Yuchen
Published: September 2022

In PPP projects, the enforcement of concession contract is of much importance. Thus, this study analyzed the severity of contract enforcement after private sectors violate concession contracts in Chinese PPP projects from the perspective of public sectors. Through 39 in‐depth interviews with those working in public sectors under Chinese PPP projects, there were four determinants identified for the severity of contract enforcement in public sectors: the consequence of contract violations, the intention of contract violations, private sectors’ remedies, and private sectors’ prior performance. Furthermore, this study analyzed the intrinsic relationship between the four determinants with trust foundation, destruction, and repair. The findings of this study extend the existing theory on the severity of contract enforcement. For those managers working in public sectors, the findings of this study can help improve their flexibility in contract enforcement, thus contributing to the success of PPP projects.
Analysis of Downstream Dairy Value Chain in Ziway-Hawassa Milk Shed Areas of Ethiopia
Authors: Misganaw Godadaw , Dagnew Yohannes
Published: September 2022

The increasing demand for raw milk cannot be met with the current inefficient production and marketing systems; designing a sustainable dairy value chain has the potential to increase the availability and affordability of milk for poor consumers and reduce poverty. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize the downstream dairy value chain and evaluate the relationship among the chain actors and their share of profit margin in Ziway-Hawassa milk shed areas of Ethiopia. The downstream chain has several links and is operated by a number of actors. In this study, the upstream part of the chain includes the input supply and production of raw milk at the farm level, and the rest parts of the chain are considered. Producers, collectors, and consumers channel was reported as the dominant milk route in the Ziway-Hawassa milk shed. The results showed that the downstream chain was controlled and monopolized by a few large-scale collectors and processors. Milk collectors took the highest gross margin in fresh milk, but the value share was higher for producers. In general, milk collectors and processors sourced milk directly from producers. Unlike the gross margin, the value share for collectors on fresh milk was less than the share of producers which implies that chain sustainability is under question. Therefore, fair value addition and share must be maintained across each actor of the chain.
Pseudo-Thrombotic Microangiopathy Secondary to Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Authors: Morrissey Dylan , Sun Yuheng , Koilpillai Sarina , Kropf Jacqueline , Carlan Steve J.
Published: September 2022

Background. Clinical B12 deficiency with hematological or neurological manifestations is rare. An unusual manifestation of B12 deficiency is pseudo-thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA), which is characterized by hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and schistocytosis and only occurs in 2.5% of those with B12 deficiency. Pseudo-TMA is misdiagnosed as thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) in 40% of cases, resulting in misguided treatment including plasmapheresis. Case. A 44-year-old Hispanic presented with 3 weeks of progressively worsening non-radiating chest pain, fatigue, and shortness of breath (SOB). Laboratory findings revealed severe pancytopenia and macrocytosis with a hemoglobin of 5.4 g/dL, mean corpuscular volume of 116.3 fL, and vitamin B12 low at 149 pg/mL. She was diagnosed with pseudo-TMA and after starting 1000 micrograms of parenteral vitamin B12 injections daily and discontinuing plasmapheresis and steroid administration, she improved. Conclusion. Failure to recognize pseudo-TMA often results in unnecessary treatment with plasmapheresis and delays appropriate treatment with vitamin B12 supplementation. It is therefore extremely important to consider pseudo-TMA as a differential diagnosis in patients that present with hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and schistocytosis.
Interface Design and Optimization Methods of Government Websites from a Flat Perspective
Authors: Zhong Wenyan , Liu Ming
Published: September 2022

Flat website design has become more and more popular in recent years due to its simplicity and elegance. Nevertheless, the current flat design thinking is mainly applied to conventional websites such as corporate websites. Recently, the increase in public demands has significantly increased the browsing frequency of government websites. To optimize the government website, this study establishes a government website design framework from the perspective of flattening. The established framework can extract flat design elements from the massive flat website design schemes in the past. Based on flat design elements, the particle swarm algorithm (PSO) algorithm in the established framework realizes the design and optimization of government websites. Subsequently, the performance of the CNN, which is used as the fitness function of the PSO algorithm, in predicting public acceptance is analyzed with a case study. The case results show that the average relative errors between the prediction results predicted by CNN and the real public acceptance in two provinces are 2.5416% and 1.4788%, respectively, which indicates that the predicted and real results are in good agreement. Moreover, the linear correlation coefficients between predicted and real public acceptance are 0.9553 and 0.9937, respectively, which further indicates that CNN is reliable as a fitness function of the PSO algorithm. Therefore, it is feasible to use the PSO algorithm to optimize the government website design scheme.
Incidence and Impact of Ventilator Associated Multidrug Resistant Pneumonia in Patients with SARS-COV2
Authors: Yohannes Seife , Ahmed Zaki , Schelling Rachel , Perinkulam Sathyanarayanan Swaminathan , Pratt Alexandra , Schreiber Mathew P.
Published: September 2022

Introduction. Ventilator Associated Pneumonia (VAP) is associated with significant cost, morbidity, and mortality. There is limited data on the incidence of VAP, appropriate antibiotic timing, and the impact of multidrug resistant VAP in intubated Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) patients. Methods. A retrospective study was conducted at 2 tertiary urban academic centers involving 132 COVID-19 patients requiring invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). The epidemiology of VAP, the impact of prior empiric antibiotic administration on the development of Multidrug Resistant Organism (MDRO) infections, and the impact of VAP on patient outcomes were studied. Results. The average age of the patients was 60.58% were males, 70% were African-Americans and two-thirds of patients had diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease. The average Body Mass Index (BMI) was 32.9. Forty-one patients (27%) developed VAP. Patients with VAP had a significantly higher Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score prior to Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission. Sixty percent received empiric antibiotics before initiation of IMV, mostly on hospital admission, and 81% received empiric antibiotics at the time of intubation. The administration of empiric antibiotics was not associated with a higher prevalence of VAP. The prevalence of VAP was 22 per 1000 days on ventilation. No difference in mortality was seen between VAP and non-VAP groups at 49% and 57% respectively (

p
=
0.4

). VAP was associated with increased ICU length of stay (LOS), 30 vs. 16 days (

p
<
0.001

), and longer hospital LOS 35 vs. 17 days (

p
<
0.001

). 40% of VAPs were caused by MDROs. The most common organism was Staphylococcus aureus (28%), with almost half (48%) being methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Conclusion. VAP was a common complication of patients intubated for COVID-19 pneumonia. Most patients received empiric antibiotics upon the hospital and/or ICU admission. There was a 40% incidence of multidrug resistant pneumonia. Patients who developed VAP had almost twice as long hospital and ICU LOS.
Management of Failed Bioprosthetic Aortic Valves: Mitigating Complications and Optimizing Outcomes
Authors: Norton Elizabeth L. , Ward Alison F. , Greenbaum Adam , Grubb Kendra J.
Published: September 2022

The use of bioprosthetic prostheses during surgical aortic valve replacements has increased dramatically over the last two decades, accounting for over 85% of surgical implantations. Given limited long-term durability, there has been an increase in aortic valve reoperations and reinterventions. With the advent of new technologies, multiple treatment strategies are available to treat bioprosthetic valve failure, including valve-in-valve (ViV) transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). However, ViV TAVR has an increased risk of higher gradients and patient prosthesis mismatch (PPM) secondary to placing the new valve within the rigid frame of the prior valve, especially in patients with a small surgical bioprosthesis in situ. Bioprosthetic valve fracture allows for placement of a larger transcatheter valve, as well as a fully expanded transcatheter valve, decreasing postoperative gradients and the risk of PPM.
Laboratory Test Predictors for Major Bleeding in Elderly (≥80 Years) Patients With Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation Treated With Edoxaban 15 mg: Sub‐Analysis of the ELDERCARE‐AF Trial
Authors: Mikami Takeshi , Hirabayashi Kagami , Okawa Keisuke , Betsuyaku Tetsuo , Watanabe Saori , Imamura Yuki , Tanizawa Kimihiko , Hayashi Takuya , Akao Masaharu , Yamashita Takeshi , Okumura Ken
Published: September 2022

Background

We investigated the predictors related to major bleeding events during treatment with edoxaban 15 mg in patients aged ≥80 years with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and high bleeding risk, for whom standard oral anticoagulants are inappropriate, focusing on standard laboratory tests related to bleeding.

Methods and Results

This was a prespecified subanalysis of the on‐treatment analysis set of the ELDERCARE‐AF (Edoxaban Low‐Dose for Elder Care Atrial Fibrillation Patients) trial. Major bleeding was the primary safety end point. The event rates were calculated according to prespecified characteristics at baseline. A total of 984 Japanese patients were randomly assigned to edoxaban 15 mg or placebo (n=492, each). During the study period, 20 and 11 major bleeding events occurred in the edoxaban and placebo groups, respectively. The adjusted analysis revealed that hemoglobin <12.3 g/dL (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 3.57 [95% CI, 1.10–11.55]) and prothrombin time ≥12.7 seconds; (aHR, 2.89 [95% CI, 1.05–8.02]) independently predicted major bleeding, while creatinine clearance <30 mL/min showed a tendency towards an increase in major bleeding (aHR, 2.68; 95% CI, 0.96–7.46). In patients treated with edoxaban lacking these 3 risk factors, no major bleeding occurred; major bleeding event rates increased with each risk factor. Patients with 3 risk factors were significantly more likely to have a major bleeding event at 11.05%/year (HR, 7.15 [95% CI, 1.92–26.71]).

Conclusions

In elderly patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation with high bleeding risk, baseline hemoglobin <12.3 g/dL, prothrombin time ≥12.7 seconds, and creatinine clearance <30 mL/min may predict major bleeding during treatment with edoxaban 15 mg.

Registration

URL: ELDERCARE‐AF
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique number: NCT02801669.
Patent Ductus Arteriosus: A Contemporary Perspective for the Pediatric and Adult Cardiac Care Provider
Authors: Backes Carl H. , Hill Kevin D. , Shelton Elaine L. , Slaughter Jonathan L. , Lewis Tamorah R. , Weisz Dany E. , Mah May Ling , Bhombal Shazia , Smith Charles V. , McNamara Patrick J. , Benitz William E. , Garg Vidu
Published: September 2022

The burden of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) continues to be significant. In view of marked differences in preterm infants versus more mature, term counterparts (viewed on a continuum with adolescent and adult patients), mechanisms regulating ductal patency, genetic contributions, clinical consequences, and diagnostic and treatment thresholds are discussed separately, when appropriate. Among both preterm infants and older children and adults, a range of hemodynamic profiles highlighting the markedly variable consequences of the PDA are provided. In most contemporary settings, transcatheter closure is preferable over surgical ligation, but data on longer‐term outcomes, particularly among preterm infants, are lacking. The present review provides recommendations to identify gaps in PDA diagnosis, management, and treatment on which subsequent research can be developed. Ultimately, the combination of refined diagnostic thresholds and expanded treatment options provides the best opportunities to address the burden of PDA. Although fundamental gaps remain unanswered, the present review provides pediatric and adult cardiac care providers with a contemporary framework in PDA care to support the practice of evidence‐based medicine.
Factors Contributing to Sex Differences in Health‐Related Quality of Life After Ischemic Stroke: BASIC (Brain Attack Surveillance in Corpus Christi) Project
Authors: Phan Hoang T. , Reeves Mathew J. , Gall Seana , Morgenstern Lewis B. , Xu Yuliang , Lisabeth Lynda D.
Published: September 2022

Background

Women have been reported to have worse health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) following stroke than men, but uncertainty exists over the reasons for the sex difference.

Methods and Results

We included all ischemic strokes registered with the BASIC (Brain Attack Surveillance in Corpus Christi) project (May 2010–December 2016), a population‐based stroke study, who completed a 90‐day outcome interview. Information on baseline characteristics was obtained from medical records and in‐person interviews. HRQoL was measured by the 12‐item short‐form Stroke Specific Quality of Life Scale. Multivariable Tobit regression was used to estimate the mean difference in overall HRQoL scores (range, 1–5; higher indicating better HRQoL) between sexes and to identify contributing factors to the differences. We included 1061 cases with complete data on HRQoL and covariates (median age, 67 years; 51% women). In unadjusted analyses, women had poorer overall HRQoL than men (mean difference, −0.26 [95% CI, −0.40 to −0.13]). Contributors to this difference included sociodemographic/prestroke factors (eg, age, race and ethnicity, prestroke function), risk factors/comorbidities (eg, history of stroke, Alzheimer disease/dementia), and initial stroke severity. Sociodemographic/prestroke factors explained 62% of the sex difference (mean difference, −0.08 [95% CI, −0.21 to 0.04]). In a fully adjusted model that included adjustment for all confounding factors, the sex difference was eliminated and became nonsignificant (mean difference, −0.03 [95% CI, −0.16 to 0.09]).

Conclusions

Poorer HRQoL in women compared with men was observed and explained by the combination of sociodemographic and prestroke factors, including physical function before stroke and stroke severity. The findings suggest potential subgroups of women who might benefit from more targeted interventions before and after stroke to improve HRQoL.
Stroke–Heart Syndrome: Recent Advances and Challenges
Authors: Scheitz Jan F. , Sposato Luciano A. , Schulz‐Menger Jeanette , Nolte Christian H. , Backs Johannes , Endres Matthias
Published: September 2022

After ischemic stroke, there is a significant burden of cardiovascular complications, both in the acute and chronic phase. Severe adverse cardiac events occur in 10% to 20% of patients within the first few days after stroke and comprise a continuum of cardiac changes ranging from acute myocardial injury and coronary syndromes to heart failure or arrhythmia. Recently, the term
stroke–heart syndrome
was introduced to provide an integrated conceptual framework that summarizes neurocardiogenic mechanisms that lead to these cardiac events after stroke. New findings from experimental and clinical studies have further refined our understanding of the clinical manifestations, pathophysiology, and potential long‐term consequences of the stroke–heart syndrome. Local cerebral and systemic mediators, which mainly involve autonomic dysfunction and increased inflammation, may lead to altered cardiomyocyte metabolism, dysregulation of (tissue‐resident) leukocyte populations, and (micro‐) vascular changes. However, at the individual patient level, it remains challenging to differentiate between comorbid cardiovascular conditions and stroke‐induced heart injury. Therefore, further research activities led by joint teams of basic and clinical researchers with backgrounds in both cardiology and neurology are needed to identify the most relevant therapeutic targets that can be tested in clinical trials.
Global Burden, Regional Differences, Trends, and Health Consequences of Medication Nonadherence for Hypertension During 2010 to 2020: A Meta‐Analysis Involving 27 Million Patients
Authors: Lee Eric K. P. , Poon Paul , Yip Benjamin H. K. , Bo Yacong , Zhu Meng‐Ting , Yu Chun‐Pong , Ngai Alfonse C. H. , Wong Martin C. S. , Wong Samuel Y. S.
Published: September 2022

Background

Nonadherence to antihypertensive medications is the leading cause of poor blood pressure control and thereby cardiovascular diseases and mortality worldwide.

Methods and Results

We investigated the global epidemiology, regional differences, and trend of antihypertensive medication nonadherence via a systematic review and meta‐analyses of data from 2010 to 2020. Multiple medical databases and
clinicaltrials.gov
were searched for articles. Observational studies reporting the proportion of patients with anti‐hypertensive medication nonadherence were included. The proportion of nonadherence, publication year, year of first recruitment, country, and health outcomes attributable to antihypertensive medication nonadherence were extracted. Two reviewers screened abstracts and full texts, classified countries according to levels of income and locations, and extracted data. The Joanna Briggs Institute prevalence critical appraisal tool was used to rate the included studies. Prevalence meta‐analyses were conducted using a fixed‐effects model, and trends in prevalence were analyzed using meta‐regression. The certainty of evidence concerning the effect of health consequences of nonadherence was rated according to Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations. A total of 161 studies were included. Subject to different detection methods, the global prevalence of anti‐hypertensive medication nonadherence was 27% to 40%. Nonadherence was more prevalent in low‐ to middle‐income countries than in high‐income countries, and in non‐Western countries than in Western countries. No significant trend in prevalence was detected between 2010 and 2020. Patients with antihypertensive medication nonadherence had suboptimal blood pressure control, complications from hypertension, all‐cause hospitalization, and all‐cause mortality.

Conclusions

While high prevalence of anti‐hypertensive medication nonadherence was detected worldwide, higher prevalence was detected in low‐ to middle‐income and non‐Western countries. Interventions are urgently required, especially in these regions. Current evidence is limited by high heterogeneity.

Registration

URL:
www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/
; Unique identifier: CRD42021259860.
Bereavement and Prognosis After a First Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Swedish Register‐Based Cohort Study
Authors: Wei Dang , Janszky Imre , Ljung Rickard , Fang Fang , Li Jiong , László Krisztina D.
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND

Despite accumulating evidence suggesting that bereavement is associated with increased risks of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, the association between bereavement and prognosis after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has not been well documented. We investigated the association by using Swedish register data.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We studied 266 651 patients with a first AMI included in the SWEDEHEART (Swedish Web‐system for Enhancement and Development of Evidence‐based care in Heart disease Evaluated According to Recommended Therapies) quality register from 1991 to 2018. We obtained information on bereavement (ie, death of a partner, child, grandchild, sibling, or parent), on primary (nonfatal recurrent AMI and death attributed to ischemic heart disease) and secondary outcomes (total mortality, heart failure, and stroke) and on covariates from several national registers. The association was analyzed using Poisson regression. The bereaved patients had a slightly increased risk of the primary outcome; the corresponding risk ratio (RR) was 1.02 (95% CI, 1.00–1.04). An increased risk was noted any time bereavement occurred, except if the loss was in the year after the first AMI. The association was strongest for the loss of a partner, followed by the loss of a child, grandchild, sibling, or parent. We also observed increased risks for total mortality (RR, 1.14 [95% CI, 1.12–1.16]), heart failure (RR, 1.05 [95% CI, 1.02–1.08]), and stroke (RR, 1.09 [95% CI, 1.05–1.13]) following bereavement.

CONCLUSIONS

Bereavement was associated with an increased risk of poor prognosis after a first AMI. The association varied by the relationship to the deceased.
Mouse Model of Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction Driven by Hyperlipidemia and Enhanced Cardiac Low‐Density Lipoprotein Receptor Expression
Authors: Williams Monique , Capcha Jose Manuel Condor , Irion Camila Iansen , Seo Grace , Lambert Guerline , Kamiar Ali , Yousefi Keyvan , Kanashiro‐Takeuchi Rosemeire , Takeuchi Lauro , Saad Ali G. , Mendez Armando , Webster Keith A. , Goldberger Jeffrey J. , Hare Joshua M. , Shehadeh Lina A.
Published: September 2022

Background

The pathways of diastolic dysfunction and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction driven by lipotoxicity with metabolic syndrome are incompletely understood. Thus, there is an urgent need for animal models that accurately mimic the metabolic and cardiovascular phenotypes of this phenogroup for mechanistic studies.

Methods and Results

Hyperlipidemia was induced in WT‐129 mice by 4 weeks of biweekly poloxamer‐407 intraperitoneal injections with or without a single intravenous injection of adeno‐associatedvirus 9–cardiac troponin T–low‐density lipoprotein receptor (n=31), or single intravenous injection with adeno‐associatedvirus 9–cardiac troponin T–low‐density lipoprotein receptor alone (n=10). Treatment groups were compared with untreated or placebo controls (n=37). Echocardiography, blood pressure, whole‐body plethysmography, ECG telemetry, activity wheel monitoring, and biochemical and histological changes were assessed at 4 to 8 weeks. At 4 weeks, double treatment conferred diastolic dysfunction, preserved ejection fraction, and increased left ventricular wall thickness. Blood pressure and whole‐body plethysmography results were normal, but respiration decreased at 8 weeks (
P
<0.01). ECG and activity wheel monitoring, respectively, indicated heart block and decreased exercise activity (
P
<0.001). Double treatment promoted elevated myocardial lipids including total cholesterol, fibrosis, increased wet/dry lung (
P
<0.001) and heart weight/body weight (
P
<0.05). Xanthelasma, ascites, and cardiac ischemia were evident in double and single (p407) groups. Sudden death occurred between 6 and 12 weeks in double and single (p407) treatment groups.

Conclusions

We present a novel model of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction driven by dyslipidemia where mice acquire diastolic dysfunction, arrhythmia, cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, pulmonary congestion, exercise intolerance, and preserved ejection fraction in the absence of obesity, hypertension, kidney disease, or diabetes. The model can be applied to dissect pathways of metabolic syndrome that drive diastolic dysfunction in this lipotoxicity‐mediated heart failure with preserved ejection fraction phenogroup mimic.
Symbolism, Use, and Knowledge of Birds in Tibetan Communities of China
Authors: Ji Yuanyuan , Zhang Shuping , Ahmed Selena , Li Feifei , Li Jianqin , Shu Hang , Huang Weijuan , Ren Guoying , Long Chunlin
Published: September 2022

Birds are valued in the traditional cultures of Tibetan areas of China for symbolism, spirituality, and medicine. A total of 329 informants from six Tibetan communities were interviewed through ethnobiological survey methods. Results highlight that Tibetan informants value a diversity of birds for multiple symbolic purposes including spirituality, a good harvest, happiness, fortune, beauty, glory, and omens. Over 20 avian species including eagles, crows, pheasants, and red-breasted parakeets were perceived as totems, taboos, and holy birds. Findings revealed that three vulture species (Gyps himalayensis, Gyps fulvus, and Gypaetus barbatus) are the most important avian species because of their sacred roles in celestial burial. A total of 27 bird species were recorded as being used as traditional medicine. The high valuation of birds in Tibetan culture has likely contributed to the transmission of traditional knowledge regarding birds as well as to the conservation of bird biodiversity in the study area.
Retourner de son gré dans un contexte d’ instabilité
Authors: Mbolipay Begu Josué , Flahaux Marie-Laurence , Usatu Nappa Jocelyn
Published: September 2022

The literature suggests that returns that were prepared and decided by migrants tend to last on the long term and do not lead to new departures. What happens when these returns take place in an unstable context ? This article focuses on the case of migrants who decided to return to Kinshasa, the capital city of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a country that has experienced deep economic and political crises, and where returns have become rare. Using qualitative interviews, we analyse the intentions of returnees to settle permanently or to go back abroad according to their family situation. Our results reveal that individuals implement migration and family strategies that take into account the context and the way they foresee the future, not only for themselves but also for their children.
Returning to Where?
Authors: Ahrens Jill
Published: September 2022

There is a growing understanding that migration trajectories can be complex – spanning several destination countries and including multi-directional mobilities. This paper contributes to the ongoing theorisation of diasporas through a focus on the ‘return mobilities of onward migrants’ – return moves of individuals who have lived in several destination countries either to Nigeria or a previous country of residence. Given that a longing to return to the ancestral homeland has generally been understood as a defining feature of diasporas, relatively few studies have focused on ‘returns’ to other countries or locales. Based on research with Nigerian migrants in Germany, England and Spain, this paper explores some of the core elements that structure their transnational practices and mediate experiences of return mobility, including family dynamics at different life stages and evolving understandings of ‘belonging’. Thereby, this paper highlights the shifting geographic constellations of transnational families and the variety of ‘return’ mobility patterns.
Applications of Geostationary Hyperspectral Infrared Sounder Observations: Progress, Challenges, and Future Perspectives
Authors: Li Jun , Menzel W. Paul , Schmit Timothy J. , Schmetz Johannes
Published: September 2022

A hyperspectral infrared (IR) sounder from geostationary orbit provides nearly continuous measurements of atmospheric thermodynamic and dynamic information within a weather cube, specifically the atmospheric temperature, moisture, and wind information at different pressure levels that are critical for improving high-impact weather (HIW) nowcasting and numerical weather prediction (NWP). Geostationary hyperspectral IR sounders (GeoHIS) have been on board China’s Fengyun-4 series since 2016 and will be on board Europe’s Meteosat Third Generation (MTG) series in the 2024 time frame; the United States and other countries are also planning to include GeoHIS instruments on their next generation of geostationary weather satellites. Although availability of on-orbit GeoHIS data are limited currently, studies have been conducted and progress has been made on developing the applications of high-temporal-resolution GeoHIS observations. These include but are not limited to deriving three-dimensional wind fields for nowcasting and NWP applications, trending atmospheric instability for warning in preconvective environments, conducting impact studies with data from the experimental Geostationary Interferometric Infrared Sounder (GIIRS) on board Fengyun-4A, preparing observing system simulation experiments (OSSEs), and monitoring diurnal variation of atmospheric composition. This paper provides an overview of the current applications of GeoHIS, discusses the data processing challenges, and provides perspectives on future development. The purpose is to provide direction on utilization of the current and assist preparation for the upcoming GeoHIS observations for nowcasting, NWP and other applications.
Seasonal Superrotation in Earth’s Troposphere
Authors: Zhang Pengcheng , Lutsko Nicholas J.
Published: September 2022

Although Earth’s troposphere does not superrotate in the annual mean, for most of the year—from October to May—the winds of the tropical upper troposphere are westerly. We investigate this seasonal superrotation using reanalysis data and a single-layer model for the winds of the tropical upper troposphere. We characterize the temporal and spatial structures of the tropospheric superrotation, and quantify the relationships between the superrotation and the leading modes of tropical interannual variability. We also find that the strength of the superrotation has remained roughly constant over the past few decades, despite the winds of the tropical upper troposphere decelerating (becoming more easterly) in other months. We analyze the monthly zonal-mean zonal momentum budget and use numerical simulations with an axisymmetric, single-layer model of the tropical upper troposphere to study the underlying dynamics of the seasonal superrotation. Momentum flux convergence by stationary eddies accelerates the superrotation, while cross-equatorial easterly momentum transport associated with the Hadley circulation decelerates the superrotation. The seasonal modulations of these two competing factors shape the superrotation. The single-layer model is able to qualitatively reproduce the seasonal progression of the winds in the tropical upper troposphere, and highlights the northward displacement of the intertropical convergence zone in the annual mean as a key factor responsible for the annual cycle of the tropical winds.
Generalization of Atmospheric Nonspherical Particle Size: Interconversions of Size Distributions and Optical Equivalence
Authors: Saito Masanori , Yang Ping
Published: September 2022

Atmospheric particles exhibit various sizes and nonspherical shapes, which are factors that primarily determine the physical–optical properties of particles. The “sizes” of nonspherical particles can be specified based on various size descriptors, such as those defined with respect to a volume-equivalent spherical radius, projected-area-equivalent spherical radius, geometric radius, or effective radius. Microphysical and radiative transfer simulations as well as remote sensing implementations often require the conversions of particle size distributions (PSDs) in terms of the number concentration, projected area, and volume. The various size descriptors cause ambiguity in the PSD interconversion, and thereby result in potentially misleading quantification of the physical–optical properties of atmospheric nonspherical particles. The present study aims to provide a generalized formula for interconversions of PSDs in terms of physical variables and size descriptors for arbitrary nonspherical particles with lognormal and gamma distributions. In contrast to previous studies, no empirical parameters are included, allowing intrinsic understanding of the nonspherical particle effects on the PSD interconversion. In addition, we investigate the impact of different size descriptors on the single-scattering properties of nonspherical particles. Consistent single-scattering properties among different nonspherical particles with the same size parameter are found when the size descriptor is the effective radius, whereby their mechanisms are suggested based on a modified anomalous diffraction theory. The overarching goal of this work is to eliminate the ambiguity associated with a choice of the size descriptor of nonspherical particles for Earth-atmosphere system models, cloud–aerosol remote sensing, and analyses of in situ measured atmospheric particles.

Significance Statement

Atmospheric dust and ice crystals have various sizes and mostly nonspherical shapes. Different definitions of these particle sizes and shapes cause uncertainties and even result in misleading solutions in the numerical modeling and remote sensing of atmospheric properties. We derived generalized analytical formulas to rigorously treat the sizes and shapes of particles in the atmosphere, and also investigated the importance of the treatment of particle sizes on the particle properties essential to the Earth–atmospheric climate system. This study aims to eliminate the ambiguity associated with particle sizes and shapes in atmospheric research.
Markovian Statistical Model of Cloud Optical Thickness. Part I: Theory and Examples
Authors: Alexandrov Mikhail D. , Marshak Alexander , Cairns Brian , Ackerman Andrew S.
Published: September 2022

We present a generalization of the binary-value Markovian model previously used for statistical characterization of cloud masks to a continuous-value model describing 1D fields of cloud optical thickness (COT). This model has simple functional expressions and is specified by four parameters: the cloud fraction, the autocorrelation (scale) length, and the two parameters of the normalized probability density function of (nonzero) COT values (this PDF is assumed to have gamma-distribution form). Cloud masks derived from this model by separation between the values above and below some threshold in COT appear to have the same statistical properties as in binary-value model described in our previous publications. We demonstrate the ability of our model to generate examples of various cloud-field types by using it to statistically imitate actual cloud observations made by the Research Scanning Polarimeter (RSP) during two field experiments.
Modifying the Mixed Layer Eddy Parameterization to Include Frontogenesis Arrest by Boundary Layer Turbulence
Authors: Bodner Abigail S. , Fox-Kemper Baylor , Johnson Leah , Van Roekel Luke P. , McWilliams James C. , Sullivan Peter P. , Hall Paul S. , Dong Jihai
Published: September 2022

Current submesoscale restratification parameterizations, which help set mixed layer depth in global climate models, depend on a simplistic scaling of frontal width shown to be unreliable in several circumstances. Observations and theory indicate that frontogenesis is common, but stable frontal widths arise in the presence of turbulence and instabilities that participate in keeping fronts at the scale observed, the arrested scale. Here we propose a new scaling law for arrested frontal width as a function of turbulent fluxes via the turbulent thermal wind (TTW) balance. A variety of large-eddy simulations (LES) of strain-induced fronts and TTW-induced filaments are used to evaluate this scaling. Frontal width given by boundary layer parameters drawn from observations in the General Ocean Turbulence Model (GOTM) are found qualitatively consistent with the observed range in regions of active submesoscales. The new arrested front scaling is used to modify the mixed layer eddy restratification parameterization commonly used in coarse-resolution climate models. Results in CESM-POP2 reveal the climate model’s sensitivity to the parameterization update and changes in model biases. A comprehensive multimodel study is in planning for further testing.

Significance Statement

The ocean surface plays a major role in the climate system, primarily through exchange in properties, such as in heat and carbon, between the ocean and atmosphere. Accurate model representation of ocean surface processes is crucial for climate simulations, yet they tend to be too small, fast, or complex to be resolved. Significant efforts lie in approximating these small-scale processes using reduced expressions that are solved by the model. This study presents an improved representation of the ocean surface in climate models by capturing some of the synergy that has been missing between the processes that define it. Results encourage further testing across a wider range of models to comprehensively evaluate the effects of this adjustment in climate simulations.
A Predictably Intermittent Rotationally Modified Gravity Current in the Strait of Georgia
Authors: Masoud Mina , Pawlowicz Rich
Published: September 2022

The Strait of Georgia is a large and deep fjordlike basin on the northeastern Pacific coast whose bottom waters are dramatically renewed by a series of intermittent gravity currents in summer. Here, we analyze a dataset that includes moored observations from 2008 to 2021 and shipborne measurements from a 2018 field program to describe the vertical and cross-channel structure of these gravity currents. We show that the timing of these currents for more than a decade is well predicted by proxy measurements for both tidal mixing strength in the Haro Strait/Boundary Pass region and coastal upwelling on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Renewals occur as an ∼30-m-thick turbid layer extending along the right-hand slope of a broad V-shaped valley that forms the southern end of the strait. Currents are primarily along-isobath at speeds of up to 20 cm s−1 with a small downhill component. A diagnostic analytical model with a depth-dependent eddy viscosity is fitted to the observations and confirms a clockwise rotation of current vectors with height, partly driven by boundary layer dynamics over a scale of a few meters and partly driven by Coriolis forces in the near-bottom linear density gradient. Bottom drag and (small) entrainment parameters are similar to those found in other oceanic situations, and the current is “laminar” with respect to large-scale instabilities (with Froude number ≈1 and Ekman number ≈0.01), although subject to turbulence at small scales (Reynolds number of ∼106). The predictability and reliability of this accessible rotationally modified gravity current suggests that it is an ideal geophysical laboratory for future studies of such features.
Roles of Surface Forcing in the Southern Ocean Temperature and Salinity Changes under Increasing CO2: Perspectives from Model Perturbation Experiments and a Theoretical Framework
Authors: Lyu Kewei , Zhang Xuebin , Church John A. , Wu Quran , Fiedler Russell , Dias Fabio Boeira
Published: September 2022

A rapid warming and freshening of the Southern Ocean have been observed over the past several decades and are attributed to anthropogenic climate change. In this study, ocean model perturbation experiments are conducted to separate roles of individual surface forcing in the Southern Ocean temperature and salinity changes. Model-based findings are compared with results from a theoretical framework including three idealized processes defined on the θ–S diagram. Under the future scenario of CO2 doubling, the heat flux forcing dominates the large-scale warming, deepening of isopycnals, and spiciness changes along isopycnals, which can be captured by an idealized pure warming process to represent the subduction of surface heat uptake. The poleward-intensifying westerly winds account for 24% of the enhanced warming between 35° and 50°S and would have comparable contribution as the heat flux forcing after removing the global ocean warming effect. In contrast, the widespread freshening in the Southern Ocean driven by increased surface freshwater input is largely compensated by the wind-driven saltening. The response to freshwater forcing could not be approximated as a similar pure freshening process as the induced cooling and freshening have comparable effects on density. The wind-driven changes are primarily through the local heave of isopycnals, thus resembling an idealized pure heave process, but contain considerable spiciness signals especially in the midlatitude Southern Ocean, resulting from anomalous northward transport and subduction of heat and salt that are largely density-compensating. These distinct signatures of individual surface forcing help us to better understand observed and projected changes in the Southern Ocean.

Significance Statement

Considerable changes including a rapid warming and freshening have been observed in the Southern Ocean as it absorbs most of the extra heat from the anthropogenic climate change, receives increased surface freshwater input, and experiences a poleward shift and intensification of the westerly winds. The purpose of this study is to distinguish different contributions from surface heat flux, freshwater flux, and wind forcing to the Southern Ocean temperature and salinity changes, based on ocean model experiments and three idealized processes from a theoretical framework. Our study reveals distinct signatures of individual surface forcing that help us to understand linkages between changes seen at the surface and in the interior Southern Ocean.
The PTGS1 (rs1330344) CC Genotype Contributes to Susceptibility to Kawasaki Disease in Southern Chinese Children
Authors: Zheng Hao , Fu Lanyan , Xu Yufen , Zhang Ting Fang , Che Di , Li Jin Qing , Zhou HuaZhong , Jiang ZhiYong , Lin Kun , Zhang Li , Pi Lei , Gu Xiaoqiong
Published: September 2022

Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute systemic vascular disease complicated by coronary artery injury. Although polymorphisms in prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 1 ( PTGS1) are being increasingly explored in cardiovascular diseases, little is known regarding the connection between PTGS1 polymorphisms and KD risk. We evaluated 834 KD patients and 1474 healthy controls to explore the relationship between PTGS1 polymorphisms (rs1330344 and rs5788) and KD risk. Our results showed that the rs1330344 CC genotype was significantly associated with KD risk and coronary artery injury in children with KD. In combined analysis, individuals with 1-2 unfavorable genotypes had an increased risk of KD, compared with those with no risk genotype. Stratified analysis indicated that the rs1330344 CC genotype is strongly associated with increased risk of KD in children aged ≤60 months and females. Moreover, carrying 1-2 of these SNP genotypes had a higher risk of KD than those who harbored none of them in children ≤60 months of age and females; the risk of coronary artery dilatations/small aneurysms and medium/giant aneurysms was also significantly increased in KD patients. In summary, the PTGS1 rs1330344 CC genotype is associated with increased susceptibility to KD, which may contribute to KD pathogenesis and serve as a genetic biomarker.
Granular data modeling and analysis based on optimized subsets of data
Authors: Dong Lihong , Li Guanchen , Wang Dan , Yu Zhenhua , Abouel Nasr Emad , Abdelgawad Abdelatty E , Fararah Emad
Published: September 2022

The study proposes a way of developing granular models based on optimized subsets of data with different sampling sizes, in which three generally used models, namely Support Vector Machine, K-Nearest Neighbor, and Long Short-Term Memory, are designed and transformed into granular version for achieving a good performance with sufficient functionality. First, a collection of subsets are determined using different sampling methods, which are subsequently applied to play as an essential prerequisite of the proposed models. Then, the principle of justifiable granularity is utilized to the design of interval information granules based on the subsets of data. The design process is associated with a well-defined optimization problem realized by achieving a sound compromise between two conflicting criteria: coverage and specificity. To evaluate the performance of the granular models, two aspects are considered: (i) sampling methods used in determining suitable subsets of data; (ii) different models applied to be transformed into granular models. A series of experimental studies are conducted to verify the feasibility of the proposed granular models.
Temperature compensation for quartz flexible accelerometer based on nonlinear auto-regressive improved model
Authors: Wang Xin , Zhang Chunxi , Song Lailiang , Ran Longjun , Xiao Tingyu
Published: September 2022

Temperature variation is an important factor affecting the performance of Quartz flexible accelerometer (QFA). Performance deterioration of QFA degrades the navigation accuracy of inertial navigation system (INS). Normally dramatic change in temperature causes both thermal effect and severe creep effect on the performance of QFA. Previous papers have proved that part of errors caused by thermal effect can be restrained through simple temperature compensation. However, error caused by severe creep effect is seldom considered. In this paper, creep effect and thermal effect in QFA are detailed analyzed, respectively. Furthermore, based on the analysis of thermal effect and creep effect, the novel temperature model based on nonlinear auto-regressive with external input (NARX) improved by wavelet transform (WT) is proposed to address the retardation problem caused by thermal effect. Creep error causing the ruleless deformation of QFA’s structure is separated from overall errors, and only the thermal error whose effect has strong relationship with temperature is compensated by proposed model. Moreover, a 4-point dumpling experiment in temperature control oven is conducted to train and verify the proposed temperature model. The result of the comparative experiments shows that the performance of proposed method is the best among the comparative models. The compensation result based on proposed method improves stability of 1 g output from 776 to 14.6 µg. The proposed temperature compensation method improves the performance of QFA effectively and feasibly, which could be promoted to other applications of INS in temperature changing environment.