bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of physicochemical parameters and wetland water quality assessment by using Shannon’s entropy
Authors: Singh Kunwar Raghvendra , Dutta Rahul , Kalamdhad Ajay S. , Kumar Bimlesh
Published: October 2022

In water quality monitoring programs, optimization between information craved and information collected involves scrupulous judgment making processes and management approaches. The present study explores the few essential aspects of water quality monitoring program considering Shannon’s entropy with case studies on a few lakes and wetlands in North Guwahati, Assam (India). Firstly, the loss of information by traditional water quality indices (WQIs) has been addressed by the use of entropy weighted WQIs (EWQIs) which takes into account the randomness of data sets removing error through subjective judgments of experts in assigning parameter weights. This concept was extended to the quantification of heavy metals. The concept of multi-criteria decision-making methods (MCDMs) such as TOPSIS was introduced which utilize entropy weights and rough set theory to give a reliable and unbiased description of overall pollution levels of each sampling location. This study will be of great help to various agencies which take care of the water supply and water pollution control since this forms a significant tool for easy understanding and thereby making their applicability uncomplicated.
Method for indirect determination of soil parameters for numerical simulation of dikes and earth dams
Authors: Fichtner Thomas , El Masri Marwan , Dilshad Ghilman , Gräber Peter-Wolfgang , Blankenburg Rene
Published: October 2022

One of the most important steps in the numerical simulation of a hydrogeological system is the precise definition of initial and boundary conditions. The better these are characterized, the more efficient the calculation and the more accurate are the simulation result. In case of simulating processes in the unsaturated soil zone, the water retention curve, the relationship between volumetric water content and matric potential, is of great importance. However, the retention parameters determined locally by different standard methods often do not represent the whole soil system under consideration due to heterogeneities in the soil body caused by variability or different compaction of the soil. Resulting over- or underestimation of the parameters is leading to a worse performance of simulations of the water balance including to a higher calibration effort. Therefore, it is more favorable to identify these soil parameters by a method representing the whole soil system to avoid uncertainties. For this reason, a dike experiment was performed to investigate how soil parameters determined locally and globally can represent the properties of the whole soil system. When comparing the simulation results of the numerical models, a better agreement of measured and simulated water contents as well as a lower effort for calibration is observed by using the soil parameters determined globally.
An Overview of Structural Design, Analysis and Common Monitoring Technologies for Floating Platform and Flexible Cable and Riser
Authors: Wu Wen-hua , Zhao Yan , Gou Ying , Lyu Bai-cheng , Lu Qing-zhen , Lu Zhao-kuan , Yan Jun
Published: October 2022

Offshore oil and gas development plays an important part in the global energy sector. Offshore platforms and flexible pipes are the key equipments in the whole offshore oil and gas development system. Because of the randomness and uncertainty of wave and current loads in the ocean environment, the structural design and mechanical analysis of the marine equipment can be highly complicated. Therefore, this paper reviews the recent works of the theoretical model, numerical simulation, and experimental test in three research areas: hydrodynamic analysis of offshore platforms, structural mechanics analysis of flexible pipe and cable, and monitoring technology of offshore floating structures under marine loads. By analyzing their main research methods and key technical difficulties, this paper provides theoretical basis and technical support for the reliability engineering application of offshore platforms and flexible pipelines. Also, China is relatively backward in the design of marine floating platform, the design, analysis and testing of flexible pipeline and cable, as well as the marine equipment prototype monitoring technology research. Calling for breakthroughs at the earliest possible stage in the above fields, prime research should be focused on and strategic planning should be made to deal with “key areas and stranglehold problems”. It is of great significance for the development of China’s deep-sea energy and resource development of independent technology and on time to achieve the “carbon peak” national strategic objectives.
Autonomous shipping — an analysis of the maritime stakeholder perspectives
Authors: Theotokatos Gerasimos , Dantas Joao Lucas Dozzi , Polychronidi Georgia , Rentifi Georgia , Colella Marco Molica
Published: October 2022

Several major initiatives have been undertaken worldwide towards the development and commercialisation of maritime autonomous surface ships (MASSs). This study aims at capturing the current understanding and perspectives of the maritime industry stakeholders pertinent to the challenges and requirements for the design and operation of MASSs. A methodological approach consisting of five steps is followed. A questionnaire is developed and employed to conduct two surveys among the identified maritime industry stakeholders. Subsequently, the acquired response results are analysed, whereas statistical metrics are calculated and comparatively assessed using the box plot method, to provide evidence for identifying the perspectives and gaps from the considered stakeholders’ groups. Recommendations are provided for addressing these gaps, whereas further initiatives required in the maritime industry are also highlighted. This study contributes to the better understanding on the perspectives of the maritime industry stakeholders, whereas the results can support the prioritisation of future initiatives towards addressing existing barriers and overcome misconceptions for the next-generation autonomous shipping.
Impact of a pediatric infectious disease consultation service on timely step-down to oral antibiotic treatment for bone and joint infections
Authors: Mehler Katrin , Oberthür André , Yagdiran Ayla , Butzer Sarina , Jung Norma
Published: October 2022

Purpose

In recent years an earlier step down to oral antibiotic therapy has been advocated for numerous infections. Trained infectious disease specialists regularly consulting their colleagues may speed up the implementation of such recommendations into clinical practice and thus may improve treatment.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed bone and joint infections in children admitted to the University Hospital of Cologne between 2010 and 2021. We assessed clinical, imaging, and microbiological findings and treatment modalities. Additionally, we assessed both the impact of a newly implemented pediatric infectious diseases consultation service and publications on revised treatment recommendations by comparing antibiotic therapy in two periods (2010–2016 versus 2017 to 2021).

Results

In total, 29 children presented with osteomyelitis, 16 with bacterial arthritis and 7 with discitis. In period 2 (2017–2021) we observed shorter duration of intravenous treatment (p = 0.009) and a higher percentage of oral antibiotic treatment in relation to the total duration of antibiotics (25% versus 59%, p = 0.007) compared to period 1 (2010–2016).

Yet, no differences were identified for the total length of antibiotic treatment. Additionally, biopsies or synovial fluid samples were retrieved and cultured in more children in period 2 (p = 0.077). The main pathogen identified in osteomyelitis and bacterial arthritis was Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA), diagnosis was confirmed predominantly with MRI.

Conclusion

Recent guidelines addressing the safety of an earlier step-down (to oral) antibiotic therapy have influenced clinical practice in the treatment of bone and joint infections in our hospital. A newly implemented pediatric infectious diseases consultation service might have accelerated this progress resulting in a faster step down to oral treatment.
Recent Advances on Early-Stage Fire-Warning Systems: Mechanism, Performance, and Perspective
Authors: Li Xiaolu , Vázquez-López Antonio , Sánchez del Río Sáez José , Wang De-Yi
Published: October 2022

Early-stage fire-warning systems (EFWSs) have attracted significant attention owing to their superiority in detecting fire situations occurring in the pre-combustion process. Substantial progress on EFWSs has been achieved recently, and they have presented a considerable possibility for more evacuation time to control constant unintentional fire hazards in our daily life. This review mainly makes a comprehensive summary of the current EFWSs, including the working mechanisms and their performance. According to the different working mechanisms, fire alarms can be classified into graphene oxide-based fire alarms, semiconductor-based fire alarms, thermoelectric-based fire alarms, and fire alarms on other working mechanisms. Finally, the challenge and prospect for EFWSs are briefly provided by comparing the art of state of fire alarms. This work can propose a more comprehensive understanding of EFWSs and a guideline for the cutting-edge development direction of EFWSs for readers.
Needs and artificial intelligence
Authors: Human Soheil , Watkins Ryan
Published: October 2022

Throughout our history, we, Homo sapiens, have used technologies to better satisfy ourneeds. The relation betweenneedsandtechnologyis so fundamental that the US National Research Council defines the distinguishing characteristic of technology as its goal “to make modifications in the world [in order] to meet human needs” [1]. Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the most promising emerging technologies of our time. Similar to other technologies, AI is expected by many “to meet [human] needs”. In this article, we reflect on the relationship betweenneedsand AI, and call for the realization ofneeds-awareAI systems. We argue that re-thinkingneedsfor,through,by, andwithAI can be a very useful means towards the development of realistic approaches for sustainableHuman-aware,Accountable,Lawful, andEthical (HALE) AI systems. We discuss some of the most critical gaps, barriers, enablers, and drivers of co-creating future AI-based sociotechnical systems in which [human]needsare well considered and met. Finally, we provide an overview of potential challenges and considerations that should be carefully taken into account; and call for joint, immediate, and interdisciplinary efforts and collaborations to start on the path toneeds-awareAI.
Finding Your Social Science Project
Authors: Gerring John , Seawright Jason
Published: October 2022

The most important step in social science research is the first step – finding a topic. Unfortunately, little guidance on this crucial and difficult challenge is available. Methodological studies and courses tend to focus on theory testing rather than theory generation. This book aims to redress that imbalance. The first part of the book offers an overview of the book's central concerns. How do social scientists arrive at ideas for their work? What are the different ways in which a study can contribute to knowledge in a field? The second part of the book offers suggestions about how to think creatively, including general strategies for finding a topic and heuristics for discovery. The third part of the book shows how data exploration may assist in generating theories and hypotheses. The fourth part of the book offers suggestions about how to fashion disparate ideas into a theory.
Fractional Sobolev Spaces and Inequalities
Authors: Edmunds D. E. , Evans W. D.
Published: October 2022

The fractional Sobolev spaces studied in the book were introduced in the 1950s by Aronszajn, Gagliardo and Slobodeckij in an attempt to fill the gaps between the classical Sobolev spaces. They provide a natural home for solutions of a vast, and rapidly growing, number of questions involving differential equations and non-local effects, ranging from financial modelling to ultra-relativistic quantum mechanics, emphasising the need to be familiar with their fundamental properties and associated techniques. Following an account of the most basic properties of the fractional spaces, two celebrated inequalities, those of Hardy and Rellich, are discussed, first in classical format (for which a survey of the very extensive known results is given), and then in fractional versions. This book will be an Ideal resource for researchers and graduate students working on differential operators and boundary value problems.
Rare Causes of Stroke
Authors: Arsovska Anita
Published: October 2022

Stroke is the second leading cause of death and major cause of long-term disability, directly impacting the quality of life, worldwide. Strokes with more rare, and unknown causes unfortunately receive little to no attention due to the heterogeneity of disorders and a poor understanding of clinical features. There are considerable variations in the etiology of this rare sub-category of stroke; requiring heightened clinical awareness for recognition, evaluation and treatment. This book provides up-to-date guidance, through case reports concisely summarised by global leaders in the field describing the diagnosis and treatment of rare causes of stroke, from vasculitis, hypercoagulable states, hereditary and genetic factors, cardioembolism, vasculopathies, venous occlusive conditions to bone disorders. Offering practical advice and algorithms, this book aids the clinician in establishing an accurate diagnosis through detailed evaluation of such patients, leading to an early diagnosis improving risk assessment and family counselling.
Underwriting Empire: Marine Insurance and Female Agency in the French Atlantic World
Authors: Wade Lewis
Published: October 2022

This article offers the first extensive analysis of female agency in the marine insurance industry of early modern Europe. Drawing from a data set of more than four thousand insurance policies signed in the Royal Insurance Chamber in Paris between 1668 and 1672, the article studies the activities of Parisian women within the institution. These policies illustrate that women played a crucial role in the Chamber as underwriters, creditors, commission agents, and policyholders. Moreover, institutional papers and the records of the Parisian admiralty court reveal that women acted ably in defense of their interests when conflicts emerged, although there were limitations to their agency in the Chamber itself. In this way, the article challenges the long-standing perception that underwriting was an exclusively masculine activity in pre-modern Europe. Moreover, it sheds light on the role of women in supporting the maritime and colonial policies of Jean-Baptiste Colbert, Louis XIV’s eminent minister, thereby becoming underwriters of France’s early Atlantic Empire.
Oscillations of the large-scale circulation in experimental liquid metal convection at aspect ratios 1.4–3
Authors: Cheng Jonathan S. , Mohammad Ibrahim , Wang Bitong , Keogh Declan F. , Forer Jarod M. , Kelley Douglas H.
Published: October 2022

We investigate the scaling properties of the primary flow modes and their sensitivity to aspect ratio in a liquid gallium (Prandtl number

$Pr = 0.02$

) convection system through combined laboratory experiments and numerical simulations. We survey cylindrical aspect ratios

$1.4 \le \varGamma \le 3$

and Rayleigh numbers

$10^{4} \lesssim Ra \lesssim 10^{6}$

. In this range the flow is dominated by a large-scale circulation (LSC) subject to low-frequency oscillations. In line with previous studies, we show robust scaling of the Reynolds number

$Re$

with

$Ra$

and we confirm that the LSC flow is dominated by a jump-rope vortex (JRV) mode whose signature frequency is present in velocity and temperature measurements. We further show that both

$Re$

and JRV frequency scaling trends are relatively insensitive to container geometry. The temperature and velocity spectra consistently show peaks at the JRV frequency, its harmonic and a secondary mode. The relative strength of these peaks changes and the presence of the secondary peak depend highly on aspect ratio, indicating that, despite having a minimal effect on typical velocities and frequencies, the aspect ratio has a significant effect on the underlying dynamics. Applying a bandpass filter at the secondary frequency to velocity measurements reveals that a clockwise twist in the upper half of the fluid layer coincides with a counterclockwise twist in the bottom half, indicating a torsional mode. For aspect ratio

$\varGamma = 3$

, the unified LSC structure breaks down into multiple rolls in both simulation and experiment.
Dietary diversity and its determinants among children aged 6–23 months in Ethiopia: evidence from the 2016 Demographic and Health Survey
Authors: Sisay Binyam Girma , Afework Tsion , Jima Beshada Rago , Gebru Nardos Wondafrash , Zebene Addisalem , Hassen Hamid Y.
Published: October 2022

Dietary diversity in children may be influenced not only by individual circumstances but also by the features of the community in which they live. Our study aimed to assess community and individual-level determinants of minimum dietary diversity among children aged 6–23 months in Ethiopia. We included 2960 children aged 6–23 months from the recent Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey. A minimum dietary diversity was defined as the consumption of at least five food groups out of the eight reference food groups within 24 h by children aged 6–23 months. Multilevel logistic regression was used to investigate the drivers of minimum dietary diversity in Ethiopian children aged 6–23 months. About 12⋅5 % of children met the bare minimum of dietary diversification. Age of the child (9–11 months AOR, 3⋅3 (95 % CI 1⋅8, 5⋅6), 12–17 months AOR, 4⋅0 (95 % CI 2⋅4, 6⋅7), 18–23 months AOR, 3⋅5 (95 % CI 2⋅0, 5⋅8)), caregiver listening radio at least once a week AOR, 1⋅6 (95 % CI 1⋅1, 2⋅4) and wealth quantiles (Second AOR, 1⋅8 (95 % CI 1⋅1, 3⋅1), Fourth AOR, 2⋅9 (95 % CI 1⋅6, 5⋅2) and Highest AOR, 2⋅2 (95 % CI 1⋅1, 4⋅2)) were individual characteristics associated with dietary diversity. Place of residence was the only community-level characteristic associated with children's dietary diversity (Rural AOR, 0⋅4 (95 % CI 0⋅2, 0⋅6)). The minimum dietary diversity among Ethiopian children is suboptimal. Nutrition programmes aimed at enhancing dietary diversity should be strengthened in this population, particularly for those from poor families and residing in rural areas.
Large-ensemble climate simulations to assess changes in snow stability over northern Japan
Authors: Katsuyama Yuta , Katsushima Takafumi , Takeuchi Yukari
Published: October 2022

To examine the influence of global warming including increased heavy snowfall frequency on the potential of natural dry snow avalanche frequency and magnitude, we estimated the frequency of weak layer formation and the associated slab overload above the weak layer over northern Japan. The estimation was numerically performed using climate models' output for 1800 winter simulations in each of the historical (1951–2010) and +4°C experiments by forcing a physical-based snowpack model with the result of the climate models. Here the +4°C experiment was defined as a climate when the global mean air temperature had increased by 4°C from the preindustrial level. The estimation results showed that the probability of weak layer formation, identified by the natural stability index, would decrease all over the area because of the shorter age of the weak layers caused by a warmer climate, indirectly indicating a potential decrease in avalanche frequency. However, because of increased heavy snowfall frequency, slab overload would increase by 10–15% in inland areas for weak layers of decomposing fragments/precipitation particles and the mountainous area facing the Sea of Japan for weak layers of facets/depth hoar, thereby potentially indicating an increased magnitude of avalanches.
MULTIPLIERS ON THE SECOND DUAL OF ABSTRACT SEGAL ALGEBRAS
Authors: NEMATI MEHDI , SOHAEI ZHILA
Published: October 2022

We characterise the existence of certain (weakly) compact multipliers of the second dual of symmetric abstract Segal algebras in both the group algebra
$L^{1}(G)$
and the Fourier algebra
$A(G)$
of a locally compact group G.
On a class of Hilbert-type inequalities in the whole plane involving some classical kernel functions
Authors: You Minghui
Published: October 2022

In this paper, by the introduction of several parameters, we construct a new kernel function which is defined in the whole plane and includes some classical kernel functions. Estimating the weight functions with the techniques of real analysis, we establish a new Hilbert-type inequality in the whole plane, and the constant factor of the newly obtained inequality is proved to be the best possible. Additionally, by means of the partial fraction expansion of the tangent function, some special and interesting inequalities are presented at the end of the paper.
Bambara groundnut production, grain composition and nutritional value: opportunities for improvements
Authors: Maphosa Y. , Jideani V. A. , Maphosa L.
Published: October 2022

Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea L. Verdc; BGN) is an important legume grown mainly by small-scale subsistence farmers in sub-Saharan Africa, in parts of Thailand and Indonesia. It has a high concentration of seed carbohydrate (55–70%), protein (17–25%), fat (1.4–12%) and dietary fibre (5.2–6.4%). A range of biotic and abiotic stresses together with socio-economic constraints affect its productivity, yield and quality. The changing climate and a growing world population are putting pressure on food production, as world food supply is heavily reliant on few crops. As such, there is a need to broaden crop usage and increase yield of minor crops such as BGN. Improvements in production can potentially be achieved by a combination of advanced phenotyping, genotyping, environmental characterization and overall management approaches. Breeding for advanced lines is complicated by overreliance on landraces. This review aims to provide the current status of BGN production, production constraints and approaches to overcome these, as well as its grain composition and nutritional value. It further discusses and elaborates on potentially available opportunities for overall improvement, so that BGN, like all neglected crops, can play a valuable role in world food security. Efforts should be intensified to improve the overall utilization of BGN and its constituents to make it an economically viable crop.
Non-affective psychotic disorders and risk of dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Miniawi Sara El , Orgeta Vasiliki , Stafford Jean
Published: October 2022

Non-affective psychotic disorders have been associated with an increased risk of developing dementia. However, research in this area remains limited, highlighting the need for an up-to-date systematic review and meta-analysis of the evidence. We aimed to systematically review and quantify the risk of dementia associated with psychotic disorders. We searched four electronic databases for longitudinal studies investigating non-affective psychotic disorders and subsequent dementia. We used random-effects meta-analyses to pool estimates across studies and assessed risk of bias for each study. Non-affective psychotic disorders were associated with increased risk of all-cause dementia; pooled risk ratio (RR) = 2.52, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.67–3.80), I2 = 99.7%, n = 12,997,101; 11 studies, with high heterogeneity between studies. Subgroup analyses indicated stronger associations in studies with shorter follow-up periods, conducted in non-European countries, published after 2020, and where ≥60% of the sample were female. The risk was higher in people aged <60 years at baseline, in typical and late-onset psychotic disorders versus very late-onset psychosis, in broader psychotic disorders vs schizophrenia, and in prospective vs retrospective studies. Associations remained after excluding low quality studies (pooled RR = 2.50, 95% CI (1.71–3.68), I2 = 99.0%). Our review finds a substantial association between psychotic disorders and subsequent dementia. Our findings indicate that psychotic disorders are a potentially modifiable risk factor for dementia and suggest that individuals with psychotic disorders need to be closely monitored for cognitive decline in later life. Further research is needed to investigate the mechanisms underlying the association between psychotic disorders and dementia.
Maine's comparative jurisprudence in British Sinology: George Jamieson's interpretation of China's lack of wills
Authors: Liu Rui
Published: October 2022

Nineteenth-century comparative sciences profoundly informed Sinology, but this field remains largely unexplored. Despite recent attention to the comparative study of Chinese religion, researchers have overlooked the comparative spirit underpinning British understanding of Chinese law. This article addresses this oversight by focusing on George Jamieson's (1843–1920) translation and interpretation of Chinese inheritance law in the Qing Dynasty (1636–1912). Drawing on Henry Maine's (1822–1888) comparative jurisprudence, Jamieson reflected upon China's lack of the legal concept of wills, which was a starting point for him to decipher the different developmental routes of Roman and Chinese law. As a parallel to Maine's comparison of Hindu and Roman law, Jamieson compared Chinese with Roman law, revealing that sacrificial duties to ancestors and underdevelopment of the legal profession were key factors contributing to China's legal particularities.
From Militant Democracy to Normal Politics? How European Democracies Respond to Populist Parties
Authors: Bourne Angela K.
Published: October 2022

Problems with militant democracy and democratic defence approaches – a new typology of initiatives opposing populist parties: democratic defence as ‘normal politics’ – populist opponents: public authorities, parties and civil society – tolerant and intolerant modes of engagement with populists – intolerant initiatives opposing populist parties – rights restrictions by public authorities – ostracism by political parties – coercive confrontation by civil society actors – tolerant initiatives opposing populist parties – ‘ordinary’ legal controls and pedagogy by public authorities – forbearance by political parties – adversarialism by civil society actors
Chancen und Herausforderungen in der Lerntherapie auf Distanz
Authors: Maurer Jenny , Hilkenmeier Johanna , Löffler Lena , Becker Angelika , Daseking Monika
Published: October 2022

Zusammenfassung. Hintergrund: Kinder mit Schwierigkeiten beim Erwerb von Lesen, Schreiben und/oder Rechnen werden in der Lerntherapie unterstützt. Während der Corona-Pandemie musste Lerntherapie häufig auf Distanz durchgeführt werden. Diese Studie exploriert, welche Chancen und Herausforderungen sich durch Lerntherapie auf Distanz ergaben. Methode: Die Erfahrungen von 64 Lerntherapeut_innen wurden mittels qualitativer Inhaltsanalyse zusammengefasst. Ergebnisse und Diskussion: Gut umsetzbar waren digitale Spiele, Arbeit mit Materialien, die auf beiden Seiten vorhanden sind, gemeinsames Arbeiten am Bildschirm, Automatisierungsübungen und Verbalisieren von Lernschritten. Lerntherapie auf Distanz ist gut einsetzbar bei älteren Kindern, bekannten Kindern, Kindern aus unterstützenden Elternhäusern und Kindern, die nur eingeschränkt an Lerntherapie in Präsenz teilnehmen können. Herausforderungen ergaben sich bei Diagnostik, Beziehungsaufbau, Kommunikation, Handlung, Bewegungsspielen, fehlender Flexibilität, sowie durch unzureichende technische Voraussetzungen und Medienkompetenz bei allen Beteiligten. Für Kinder mit Auffälligkeiten im Bereich Motivation, Konzentration und Aufmerksamkeit sowie für sehr junge Kinder ist Lerntherapie auf Distanz herausfordernd.
Characteristics and Drivers of Marine Heatwaves in the Western Equatorial Indian Ocean
Authors: Qi Ruisi , Zhang Ying , Du Yan , Feng Ming
Published: October 2022

The spatio‐temporal characteristics of the interannual variability and long‐term trend of the marine heatwaves (MHWs) and related dynamic mechanisms in the western equatorial Indian Ocean (WEIO) are investigated using satellite observations. A prominent MHW hot spot is found in a region of the WEIO (48°E−54°E, 2°S–2°N), with a mean MHWs' intensity, duration, and frequency of 1.54°C, 13.33 days, and 1.97 times, respectively. MHWs in the hot spot region have significant interannual variability after removing the long‐term trend, associated with Indo‐Pacific major climate modes. In 1982/1983, 1983/1984, 1987/1988, 1997/1998, 2006/2007, 2009/2010, 2011/2012, 2012/2013, 2014/2015, 2015/2016, and 2019/2020, the MHWs occurred with longer duration, higher frequency, and more total days. These years correspond to a positive Indian Ocean Dipole, or an El Niño event, or both. The occurrence of MHWs accompanied by anomalous positive sea surface height suggests that oceanic planetary wave processes modulate MHWs in the WEIO. Westward‐propagating downwelling equatorial Rossby waves triggered by anomalous equatorial easterly winds drive the convergence of warm upper‐ocean water and weaken the upwelling of cool subsurface water, which favor anomalously warm sea surface temperature (SST) and the occurrence of MHWs. In addition, the westward‐propagating off‐equatorial downwelling Rossby waves in the southern tropical Indian Ocean also affect MHWs in the WEIO through the propagation and reflection of waves. The annual MHW frequency, duration, and total days in the hot spot region increase up to 1.56 times, 4.95 days, and 31.72 days per decade, respectively, related to the significant increase in mean SST under global warming.
Dispersion of Particle‐Reactive Elements Caused by the Phase Transitions in Scavenging
Authors: Maderich V. , Kim K. O. , Brovchenko I. , Jung K. T. , Kivva S. , Kovalets K.
Published: October 2022

A generalized model of scavenging of the reactive radionuclide 239,240Pu was developed, in which the sorption‐desorption processes of oxidized and reduced forms on multifraction suspended particulate matter are described by first‐order kinetics. One‐dimensional transport‐diffusion‐reaction equations were solved analytically and numerically. In the idealized case of instantaneous release of 239,240Pu on the ocean surface, the profile of concentrations asymptotically tends to the symmetric spreading bulge in the form of a Gaussian moving downward with constant velocity. The corresponding diffusion coefficient is the sum of the physical diffusivity and the apparent diffusivity caused by the reversible phase transitions between the dissolved and particulate states. Using the method of moments, we analytically obtained formulas for both the velocity of the center mass and apparent diffusivity. It was found that in ocean waters that have oxygen present at great depths, we can consider in the first approximation a simplified problem for a mixture of forms with a single effective distribution coefficient, as opposed to considering the complete problem. This conclusion was confirmed by the modeling results for the well‐ventilated Eastern Mediterranean. In agreement with the measurements, the calculations demonstrate the presence of a maximum that is slowly descending for all forms of concentration. The ratio of the reduced form to the oxidized form was approximately 0.22–0.24. At the same time, 239,240Pu scavenging calculations for the anoxic Black Sea deep water reproduced the transition from the oxidized to reduced form of 239,240Pu with depth in accordance with the measurement data.
Experimentally Induced Thermal Fatigue on Lunar and Eucrite Meteorites—Influence of the Mineralogy on Rock Breakdown
Authors: Patzek Markus , Rüsch Ottaviano
Published: October 2022

Thermal fatigue has been proven to be of fundamental importance for the nature and evolution of surfaces of airless bodies in the solar system. It is a rock erosive process acting in conjunction with meteoroid bombardment. We set up an experiment to simulate the diurnal temperature variation at 1 AU of centimeter sized sample cubes using a liquid nitrogen cooled cryostat, allowing to study unexplored conditions, that is, high vacuum and temperatures of 200 K similar to those occurring on the Moon. The sample cubes are investigated using scanning electron microscopy and micro computed tomography scans before and after 10, 20, 50, 100, and 400 total cycles. Cycling of the lunar anorthosite Northwest Africa (NWA) 11273 and the eucrite NWA 11050 reveal different behaviors: Whereas NWA 11273 responds to the cycling with micro‐flaking of tenth‐of‐µm‐sized grains on its surface and only limited crack growth, the eucrite NWA 11050 is less affected by micro‐flaking but the growth of cracks is observed to occur throughout the whole experiment. The rate of crack formation and growth is lower when compared to previously reported results on ordinary and carbonaceous chondritic samples carried out under nitrogen atmosphere and above 250 K. We propose that the size of particles and their rate of production by thermal fatigue highly depends on the mineralogy of the exposed rock and areas with mature rocks are prone to produce fine‐grained soil, while primary rocks such as basalts are likely to produce blocky regolith in a first step.
An Agenda for Land Data Assimilation Priorities: Realizing the Promise of Terrestrial Water, Energy, and Vegetation Observations From Space
Authors: Kumar Sujay , Kolassa Jana , Reichle Rolf , Crow Wade , de Lannoy Gabrielle , de Rosnay Patricia , MacBean Natasha , Girotto Manuela , Fox Andy , Quaife Tristan , Draper Clara , Forman Barton , Balsamo Gianpaolo , Steele‐Dunne Susan , Albergel Clement , Bonan Bertrand , Calvet Jean‐Christophe , Dong Jianzhi , Liddy Hannah , Ruston Benjamin
Published: October 2022

The task of quantifying spatial and temporal variations in terrestrial water, energy, and vegetation conditions is challenging due to the significant complexity and heterogeneity of these conditions, all of which are impacted by climate change and anthropogenic activities. To address this challenge, Earth Observations (EOs) of the land and their utilization within data assimilation (DA) systems are vital. Satellite EOs are particularly relevant, as they offer quasi‐global coverage, are non‐intrusive, and provide uniformity, rapid measurements, and continuity. The past three decades have seen unprecedented growth in the number and variety of land remote sensing technologies launched by space agencies and commercial companies around the world. There have also been significant developments in land modeling and DA systems to provide tools that can exploit these measurements. Despite these advances, several important gaps remain in current land DA research and applications. This paper discusses these gaps, particularly in the context of using DA to improve model states for short‐term numerical weather and sub‐seasonal to seasonal predictions. We outline an agenda for land DA priorities so that the next generation of land DA systems will be better poised to take advantage of the significant current and anticipated shifts and advancements in remote sensing, modeling, computational technologies, and hardware resources.
Seasonal Patterns of Mixing and Arsenic Distribution in a Shallow Urban Lake
Authors: Fung Samantha R. , Hull Erin A. , Burkart Kenneth , Gawel James E. , Horner‐Devine Alexander R. , Neumann Rebecca B.
Published: October 2022

Arsenic, a neurotoxin and carcinogen, is a legacy contaminant in the sediments of many urban lakes and poses health risks to aquatic ecosystems and lake users. Arsenic uptake into the aquatic food web is enhanced in shallow, polymictic lakes compared to deep, seasonally stratified lakes. We present the results of a 17‐month field study in Lake Killarney, a shallow, urban lake in Federal Way, Washington, USA, which examines the physical and biogeochemical mechanisms controlling arsenic mobilization and transport from sediment into lake waters, a prerequisite for arsenic uptake into the food web. In Lake Killarney, arsenic mobilization and transport into bottom waters occurred only when stratified conditions and elevated temperatures facilitated deoxygenation of bottom waters. Frequency of lake mixing varied seasonally and controlled the vertical distribution of arsenic in the water column. Convective mixing was the main contributor to elevated vertical turbulent intensity in the water column during periods of high arsenic mobilization, and thus to the upwards transport of arsenic from bottom waters. Maximum near‐surface arsenic occurred when the lakebed sediment temperature was elevated and the water column was overturning frequently. This work clarifies the mechanisms that contribute to vertical arsenic transport in shallow lakes and provides a basis for identifying contaminated systems with the physical and biogeochemical conditions that promote transport of arsenic into near‐surface water.
Differential nuclear import sets the timing of protein access to the embryonic genome
Authors: Nguyen Thao , Costa Eli J. , Deibert Tim , Reyes Jose , Keber Felix C. , Tomschik Miroslav , Stadlmeier Michael , Gupta Meera , Kumar Chirag K. , Cruz Edward R. , Amodeo Amanda , Gatlin Jesse C. , Wühr Martin
Published: October 2022

The development of a fertilized egg to an embryo requires the proper temporal control of gene expression. During cell differentiation, timing is often controlled via cascades of transcription factors (TFs). However, in early development, transcription is often inactive, and many TF levels stay constant, suggesting that alternative mechanisms govern the observed rapid and ordered onset of gene expression. Here, we find that in early embryonic development access of maternally deposited nuclear proteins to the genome is temporally ordered via importin affinities, thereby timing the expression of downstream targets. We quantify changes in the nuclear proteome during early development and find that nuclear proteins, such as TFs and RNA polymerases, enter the nucleus sequentially. Moreover, we find that the timing of nuclear proteins’ access to the genome corresponds to the timing of downstream gene activation. We show that the affinity of proteins to importin is a major determinant in the timing of protein entry into embryonic nuclei. Thus, we propose a mechanism by which embryos encode the timing of gene expression in early development via biochemical affinities. This process could be critical for embryos to organize themselves before deploying the regulatory cascades that control cell identities.
Environmental complexity is more important than mutation in driving the evolution of latent novel traits in E. coli
Authors: Karve Shraddha , Wagner Andreas
Published: October 2022

Recent experiments show that adaptive Darwinian evolution in one environment can lead to the emergence of multiple new traits that provide no immediate benefit in this environment. Such latent non-adaptive traits, however, can become adaptive in future environments. We do not know whether mutation or environment-driven selection is more important for the emergence of such traits. To find out, we evolve multiple wild-type and mutator E. coli populations under two mutation rates in simple (single antibiotic) environments and in complex (multi-antibiotic) environments. We then assay the viability of evolved populations in dozens of new environments and show that all populations become viable in multiple new environments different from those they had evolved in. The number of these new environments increases with environmental complexity but not with the mutation rate. Genome sequencing demonstrates the reason: Different environments affect pleiotropic mutations differently. Our experiments show that the selection pressure provided by an environment can be more important for the evolution of novel traits than the mutational supply experienced by a wild-type and a mutator strain of E. coli.
The HASTER lncRNA promoter is a cis-acting transcriptional stabilizer of HNF1A
Authors: Beucher Anthony , Miguel-Escalada Irene , Balboa Diego , De Vas Matías G. , Maestro Miguel Angel , Garcia-Hurtado Javier , Bernal Aina , Gonzalez-Franco Roser , Vargiu Pierfrancesco , Heyn Holger , Ravassard Philippe , Ortega Sagrario , Ferrer Jorge
Published: October 2022

The biological purpose of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) is poorly understood. Haploinsufficient mutations in HNF1A homeobox A (HNF1A), encoding a homeodomain transcription factor, cause diabetes mellitus. Here, we examine HASTER, the promoter of an lncRNA antisense to HNF1A. Using mouse and human models, we show that HASTER maintains cell-specific physiological HNF1A concentrations through positive and negative feedback loops. Pancreatic β cells from Haster mutant mice consequently showed variegated HNF1A silencing or overexpression, resulting in hyperglycaemia. HASTER-dependent negative feedback was essential to prevent HNF1A binding to inappropriate genomic regions. We demonstrate that the HASTER promoter DNA, rather than the lncRNA, modulates HNF1A promoter–enhancer interactions in cis and thereby regulates HNF1A transcription. Our studies expose a cis-regulatory element that is unlike classic enhancers or silencers, it stabilizes the transcription of its target gene and ensures the fidelity of a cell-specific transcription factor program. They also show that disruption of a mammalian lncRNA promoter can cause diabetes mellitus.
A multi-camera and multimodal dataset for posture and gait analysis
Authors: Palermo Manuel , Lopes João M. , André João , Matias Ana C. , Cerqueira João , Santos Cristina P.
Published: October 2022

Monitoring gait and posture while using assisting robotic devices is relevant to attain effective assistance and assess the user’s progression throughout time. This work presents a multi-camera, multimodal, and detailed dataset involving 14 healthy participants walking with a wheeled robotic walker equipped with a pair of affordable cameras. Depth data were acquired at 30 fps and synchronized with inertial data from Xsens MTw Awinda sensors and kinematic data from the segments of the Xsens biomechanical model, acquired at 60 Hz. Participants walked with the robotic walker at 3 different gait speeds, across 3 different walking scenarios/paths at 3 different locations. In total, this dataset provides approximately 92 minutes of total recording time, which corresponds to nearly 166.000 samples of synchronized data. This dataset may contribute to the scientific research by allowing the development and evaluation of: (i) vision-based pose estimation algorithms, exploring classic or deep learning approaches; (ii) human detection and tracking algorithms; (iii) movement forecasting; and (iv) biomechanical analysis of gait/posture when using a rehabilitation device.
A high spatial resolution dataset for anthropogenic atmospheric mercury emissions in China during 1998–2014
Authors: Chang Weicen , Zhong Qiumeng , Liang Sai , Qi Jianchuan , Jetashree
Published: October 2022

China is the largest atmospheric mercury (Hg) emitter globally, which has been substantially investigated. However, the estimation of national or regional Hg emissions in China is insufficient in supporting emission control, as the location of the sources may have significant impacts on the effects of Hg emissions. In this concern, high-spatial-resolution datasets of China’s Hg emissions are necessary for in-depth and accurate Hg-related studies and policymaking. Existing gridded datasets are constructed using population distribution as the proxy, which is limited as Hg emissions are closely related to energy consumption and economic processes. This study constructs a dataset of anthropogenic atmospheric Hg emissions in China gridded to a 1 km resolution during 1998–2014. This dataset is produced based on data of land uses, individual enterprises, roadmaps, and population, uncovering Hg emissions in agriculture, industries, services, and residents. This dataset can promote the reliability of Hg-related studies at a high spatial resolution. Moreover, this dataset can support spatially explicit Hg reduction of economic sectors.
Breast microecology improvement using probiotics following needle aspiration in patients with lactational breast abscess: a multi-center randomized double-blind controlled trial
Authors: Zhang Yi , Gao Yajun , Qin Jing , Li Xiaoting , Jiang Fei , Cai Yuanxuan , Feng Hui , Gu Xidong , Gao Mingze , Wang Lijuan , Lin Yiqi , Fan Yingyi , Xu Bucun , Wang Enli , Shao Qing
Published: October 2022

Although oral probiotics can improve breast microecology and alleviate the inflammatory response, there are no data regarding cases with existing abscesses. We aimed to investigate the effect of Lactobacillus fermentum CECT5716 during needle aspiration in patients with lactational breast abscesses. Patients (aged 20–41 years) with lactational single-cavity breast abscesses (diameter 3–6 cm) from 12 hospitals were randomly assigned to the experimental (n = 51) and control groups (n = 50). Outcome measures included the abscess cure rate on treatment day-5, delactation rate, relieving pain rate, and number of needle aspirations until day-28. The experimental group’s 5-day cure rate (43.1%) was significantly higher (p < 0.05). Breastfeeding continuation on day-5 did not differ significantly (experimental group: 88.2%, control group: 96.0%, p = 0.269). In the experimental and control groups, 19.6% and 14.0% of patients experienced moderate to severe pain on day-5, respectively, with no statistically significant differences (p = 0.451). Four patients in each group developed diarrhea, with adverse reaction rates of 7.84% and 8.0%, respectively. No adverse reactions were reported in the infants. L. fermentum can shorten the healing time in patients with lactational breast abscesses.

Trial registration This study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (http://www.chictr.org.cn), registration number: ChiCTR2000032682, registration date: 6/May/ 2020; first entry date: 11/May/2020.
A new concept of drought feeling against the meteorological drought
Authors: Hooshyaripor Farhad , Sardari Jamshid , Dehghani Majid , Noori Roohollah
Published: October 2022

Drought is a natural disaster that causes much damage to the communities. Recently, water demand has been increasing sharply due to the population growth and the development process. By approaching the amount of water demand to the natural supplies, any decrease in the water supply may lead to a considerable negative socio-economic consequence. In this condition, the sense of drought prevails over the physical drought. Therefore, usual drought indices can not be used for characterizing and monitoring the drought in a basin. In this paper, multivariate standardized drought feeling index (MSDFI) is introduced which represents two dimensions of water management: (1) water supply in terms of precipitation and (2) water demand in terms of population. The MSDFI is calculated and its variation over time is compared to the standardized precipitation index (SPI). According to the results, MSDFI values in the early years were usually higher than SPI values and vice versa in the last years. This situation is highly correlated with the population trend in the basin. Thereafter, intensity of drought index (IDI) was defined as the difference between MSDFI and SPI to show the role of water demand in the drought feeling. Results show that IDI has an increasing trend in the populated areas, generally downstream of the basin, where population growth is high. In contrast, in the sparsely populated areas generally upstream of the basin where population growth is low and even negative due to migration, the IDI does not show any significant sense of drought.