bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Frequency of Cap+1 Mutation in Beta Thalassemia and its Associated Haematological Features
Authors: Iqbal Muhammad Ijaz , Robert Helen Mary , Khan Nabeela , Mahmood Asad , Haider Ali
Published: December 2022

Objective: To study the frequency of Cap+1 mutation and associated hematological parameters in suspected beta thalassemia patients.

Study Design: Analytical cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Hematology, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP) Rawalpindi from Aug 2017 to Aug 2018.

Methodology: 960 patients suspected to have beta thalassemia were inducted into the study. After detailed history and examination basic hematological parameters (Hemoglobin, Mean Corpuscular Volume, Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin) were analyzed using automated analyzer (Sysmex XE-5000). Molecular genetic analysis by conventional PCR was carried out for CAP+1 mutation. Genomic DNA purification kit (Gentra system USA) was used for extracting DNA from whole blood in order to study the molecular genetics for Cap+1 mutation. Primers were designed for detection and analysis of normal and mutant DNA.

Results: The frequency of Cap+1 mutation was observed in 3.2 ± 1.7% (31/960) in all suspected cases of beta thalassemia with a normal range of Hemoglobin (12.4 ± 1.1 g/dl), Mean Corpuscular Volume (86.4 ± 2.1fl/red cell) and Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (29 ± 1.7pg/cell).

Conclusion: Cap+1 mutation is a silent mutation and its diagnosis remains a challenge because of its normal clinical presentation and normal to mildly deranged basic hematological parameters. Detection of CAP+1 at molecular level has revolutionized the thalassemia prevention program in Pakistan.
The Detection of BRAF-V600E Mutation in Hairy Cell Leukaemia by Polymerase Chain Reaction and Study of its associated Clinicohaematological Parameters
Authors: Iqbal Muhammad Ijaz , Robert Helen Mary , Khan Nabeela , Mahmood Rafia , Khurshid Ayesha , Khan Saleem Ahmed
Published: December 2022

Objective: To contemplate the occurrence of a rare mutation (BRAF V600E) in the patients having Hairy cell leukemia in our setting, which wouldserve asuseful analytic and diagnostic criteria.

Study Design: Analytical cross sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Armed Forces Institute of Pathology Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Oct 2017 to Oct 2018.

Methodology: A sample of 36 patients with a suspicion of Hairy cell leukemia were included in this investigation. Complete blood counts, bone marrow examination (trephine biopsy and aspiration), cyto-chemistry and staining of the patients suspected to have Hairy cell leukemia was performed. PCR was done for detection of BRAF V600E mutation.

Results: 29 (80.5%) cases showed a positive BRAF mutational analysis and 7 (19.4%) cases showed a negative result.

Conclusion: Almost all the cases of classic Hairy cell leukemia had BRAF V600 E mutation.Isolating this mutation can be used as a regular tool in detection of disease and monitoring disease progression and relapse.
Thyroid Dysfunction During Combined Pegylated Interferon Alpha and Ribavirin Therapy in Patients of Chronic Hepatitis C-Virus Infection
Authors: Mumtaz Maher Aadil , Uttra Khurshid Muhammad , Ali Imtiaz , Ali Karamat , Zaheer Qasim , Akram Ammad
Published: December 2022

Objective: To determine frequency of thyroid dysfunction among patients of chronic hepatitis C receiving combined pegylated interferon alpha and ribavirin therapy.

Study Design: Cross sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Medicine, Military Hospital Rawalpindi, from Jan to Jul 2017.

Methodology: One hundred and twenty patients, aged 18–60 years from both genders, with established hepatitis C were included; while the patients with decompensated liver disease, previous antiviral treatment, pre-existing thyroid, autoimmune or severe cardiopulmonary disease and on immuno-suppressants or steroids were excluded. After formal informed consent, they were prescribed 24 weeks pegylated interferon alpha-2 (3 million units subcutaneously thrice weekly) and oral ribavirin (1000–1200 mg daily) therapy. After 12 weeks, serum thyroid stimulating hormone, free thyroxine and triiodothyronine levels were determined by chemiluminescence technique.

Results: Out of 120 patients, 100 (83.33%) were males and 20 (16.67%) were females with male to female ratio of 5:1. Mean thyroid stimulating hormone levels at baseline and 12 weeks were 2.86 ± 1.03uiu/ml and 2.16 ± 0.79 uiu/ml respectively. Mean triiodothyronine levels at baseline and 12 weeks were 3.27 ± 1.31pg/ml and 2.69 ± 1.01 pg/ml respectively. Mean thyroxine levels at baseline and 12 weeks were 1.26 ± 0.38 pg/ml and 1.07 ± 0.53 pg/ml respectively. Frequency of thyroid dysfunction was found in 40 (33.33%) patients.

Conclusion: Frequency of thyroid dysfunction among hepatitis C patients receiving combined pegylated interferon alpha and ribavirin therapy is quite high.
Comparison of Stool Antigen Test with Histopathology of Endoscopic Gastric Biopsies for Detection for Helicobacter Pylori; A Hospital-Based Study
Authors: Zubair Muhammad , Nawaid Muhammad Amir , Afridi Nabeel Khan , Baig Bilal , Hanif Muhammad , Mahmoud Tamer Mohamed , Gabalunos Helman Sansaet
Published: December 2022

Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of H. pylori Stool Antigen (HpSA) test keeping histopathology as gold standard.

Study Design: This is a cross sectional observational study.

Place and Duration: This study was performed from Jan 2015 to Mar 2020 at Najran Armed Forces Hospital, kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Methodology: Total 151 patients in whom HpSA was done were included in the study. They were followed for their results of histopathology on gastric biopsies.

Results: Among 151 patients 85(56.3%) were females and 66 (43.7%) were males. Mean age was 40 years. Forty three (28.5%) patients were positive for both HpSA and on histology, Fifteen (9.9%) patients were positive on HpSA test but negative on histology. Twenty two (14.6%) patients were negative on HpSA but they were positive on histology. Seventy one (47%) patients were negative both on HpSA and histology. The sensitivity and specificity were 66.1% and 82.5% respectively. Positive predictive value (PPV) was 74.1% and negative predictive value (NPV) was 76.3% for HpSA. Diagnostic accuracy for this test was 75.5%.

Conclusion: Keeping in view the low sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy HpSA test cannot be used as screening tool in all patients, however it can be used for clinical correlation in setups where other diagnostic tests are not available due to the simplicity of its use, low cost and easy repeatability
Renal Abnormalities in Young Healthy Individuals on Screening Ultrasonography of Kidneys
Authors: Saqib Rizwan , Bangash Tajamul Hussain , Ahmed Sajad , Asim Niaz Muhammad Muttahhar , Sabir Ghulam , Fatima Sughra
Published: December 2022

Objective: To determine the prevalence of renal abnormalities in young healthy individuals on screening ultrasonography of kidneys.

Study Design: Cross sectional study

Place and Duration of Study: Combined Military Hospital, Hyderabad from Sep 2019 to Mar 2020.

Methodology: 2050, Young asymptomatic healthy individuals of 15-24 years age, coming to radiology department for screening ultrasound of kidneys were included in the study. The examination was performed with standard convex probe of 3.5MHz on Aloka Pro sound SSD-3500 Ultrasound machine by experienced radiologist. Both kidneys were scanned with patient in supine and lateral positions. The images were taken in both longitudinal and transverse sections.

Results: Out of 2050 cases included in the study, 112 (5.46 %) had renal abnormalities, 81 (3.95 %) had renal calculi, hydronephrosis was found in 14 (0.68%) cases, out of which ten were due to calculi, 9 (0.44%) individuals had abnormalities of size, shape and position and renal cysts were found in 7 (0.34%) cases with six simple and one septated cyst, while only 1 (0.05%) case had bilaterally echogenic kidneys.

Conclusion: The overall prevalence of renal abnormalities was 5.46% with calculi comprising the major abnormality. Early detection with ultrasound screening can prevent further damage to the kidneys in young asymptomatic healthy individuals. It is recommended to perform screening ultrasonography of kidneys, ureters and bladder in young candidates before induction in services.
Macular Thickness Decreases with Age in Normal Eyes: A Study On Macular Thickness Map Protocol on the Oct
Authors: Tahir Tooba Bint , Muzzaffar Waqar , Faheem Mahum , Ashraf Ammarah
Published: December 2022

Objective: To evaluate the normal macular thickness and how it varies with age in the eyes of healthy subjects using macular map protocol on Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT).

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Armed Forces Institute of Ophthalmology, Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Jun 2020 to Sep 2021.

Methodology: Our study included one thousand seven hundred and four eyes (1704) of healthy subjects. They underwent imaging with macular thickness map protocol using Topcon Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT). According to the macular thickness map, protocol macular area was subdivided into nine ETDRS fields. Measurement of macular thickness and its variations with age were determined. Pearson correlation was applied to identify the relationship between age and macular thickness of layers.

Results: Our study revealed a negative relationship which was statistically significant between macular thickness and age for all the ETDRS regions. Results showed a mean macular thickness of 274.90 ± 15.18. The female gender was found to have greater macular thickness than males (p-value 0.002).

Conclusion: This study concluded a significant decrease in macular thickness with age. This is the first normative study using Topcon SD-OCT and macular map protocol for macular thickness measurement done in the Pakistani population.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Ultrasound and MRI for Diagnosis of Adenomyosis Taking Histopathology as Gold Standard
Authors: Anwar Javed , Tariq Mehwish , Amin Nabila , Gul Bibi , Niaz Ayesha , Nawaz Khurram Haq
Published: December 2022

Objective: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and ultrasonography to detect adenomyosis, keeping histopathology as the gold standard.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Radiology and Gynecology departments of the Combined Military Hospital, Quetta Pakistan, from Aug 2019 to Aug 2021.

Methodology: One hundred sixty-two patients were enrolled in this study after taking written and informed consent. After taking history, all patients were assessed by Magnetic resonance imaging and transvaginal ultrasonography. The magnetic resonance imaging and transvaginal ultrasound findings were noted on a predesigned proforma. All the patients underwent a hysterectomy, and a Biopsy specimen was sent for histological confirmation of adenomyosis. The accuracy of diagnosis was assessed in both initial modalities.

Results: A total of 162 patients were enrolled in the study. The mean age of the females and junctional zone diameter (JZmax) in mm on MRI was 38.56 years and 12.54.9 mm. In terms of parity, 32 (19.8%) females were nulliparous, 68 (42%) females had low multi-parity, and 62 (38.2%) females had high multi-parity. On magnetic resonance imaging, adenomyosis was present in 112 (69.1%) females. On transvaginal ultrasound, it was present in 97 (59.9%) females, and on histopathology, it was present in 105 (64.8%) females, out of which 36 (34%) had diffuse adenomyosis and 32 (30.8%) had focal adenomyosis. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and diagnostic accuracy of Magnetic resonance imaging was 86.7%, 36.9%, 81.3%, 71.8% and 78.4% respectively and of transvaginal ultrasound it was 65.7%, 50.9%,.............
La muerte como proceso natural en la fase terminal
Authors: Vilca Ruiz Anthony Steeven , López Pérez Grace Pamela
Published: December 2022

Introducción: El personal de Enfermería debe adquirir experiencia y conocimiento acerca del manejo a nivel físico y psicológico del paciente oncológico, considerando a la muerte como la finalización de la vida, el manejo y la aceptación del duelo deben ser prioritarios teniendo en cuenta que la muerte de los pacientes afecta indirectamente a nivel psicológico al personal de salud. Objetivo: Identificar la aceptación de la muerte cómo proceso natural en pacientes de fase terminal, por el personal de Enfermería. Metodología: La investigación fue de tipo cuantitativa, de campo y descriptiva, cuya población fue de 24 enfermero/as que laboran en el Hospital Solca Núcleo de Tungurahua, se aplicó la encuesta basada en el cuestionario de actitudes ante la muerte que abordó 6 dimensiones. Resultados: El 83,33% ha pensado en la muerte como un hecho posible, un 66% tienen miedo a morir joven y encuentra difícil encarar a la muerte, el 62% refiere que cuando asiste a un paciente terminal ha pensado en la posibilidad de su muerte y le conmueve enfrentar a la familia del mismo, un 29% ven la muerte como un paso a la eternidad y piensan que hay vida después de la muerte y el 33% pone de manifiesto que la muerte puede ser una salida a la carga de la vida. Conclusión: La muerte de un paciente en fase terminal es una escena a la cual el personal de enfermería se enfrenta a diario, aceptar la misma proporciona un manejo adecuado del duelo y permite brindar cuidados con empatía dirigidos al paciente.
Diet and grit characteristics in young Eurasian Bullfinches (Pyrrhula pyrrhula) inhabiting Iberian hedgerows
Authors: Hernández Ángel
Published: December 2022

For the first time, the diet of young Iberian Bullfinches (Pyrrhula pyrrhula iberiae) is studied, specifically in a hedgerow habitat in northwestern Spain, through stomach (younger nestlings up to 8 d of age, which died without researcher intervention) and faecal sac (older nestlings) analysis, and secondarily direct observation (nestlings and dependent juveniles). Also, for the first time, grit use by bullfinch nestlings is described in some detail. Bullfinches fed their young with a mixture of seeds and invertebrates, with greater quantitative importance of the former. The identity of the seeds varied considerably between spring and summer, and animal fraction gradually decreased from May to July for older nestlings, in both cases presumably because of the seasonal changes in food availability. Caterpillars and spiders were the most important arthropod prey in the diet. Apparently, the young were not fed non-arthropod invertebrates. The relative importance of invertebrates, which are very rich in proteins, was greater for younger nestlings than for older ones. Difficult to digest hard-bodied prey, such as beetles, were not present in the stomachs of the youngest nestlings. The frequency of occurrence and amount of grit in stomachs increased with nestling age, along with the need to grind food. There were no remarkable differences in number of units, size, or number of colour types of gastroliths between months. The high floristic diversity in the study area, which has great overall conservation value, provides a wide range of resources for bullfinches, including plenty of food for their young.
Implementasi Knowledge Management System Dalam Upaya Peningkatan Pengetahuan Sumber Daya Manusia Dengan Metode Seci
Authors: Edy Siswanto
Published: December 2022

APF is an international textile company that focuses on producing textile yarns located in Kendal district, Semarang city. This study aims to create a system using knowledge storage and management that is useful for sharing HR knowledge and to increase the speed of all handling conflicts. . The author reveals that using the existence of news knowledge management can facilitate organization and provide information and knowledge for the company, it can also increase the speed of handling conflicts that occur in the company
Instant and delayed effects of March biomass burning aerosols over the Indochina Peninsula
Authors: Zhu Anbao , Xu Haiming , Deng Jiechun , Ma Jing , Hua Shaofeng
Published: December 2022

Abstract. By analyzing observations and simulations from the Weather Research and Forecasting model coupled with Chemistry (WRF-Chem), we
investigated instant and delayed responses of large-scale atmospheric
circulations and precipitation to biomass burning (BB) aerosols over the
Indochina Peninsula (ICP) in the peak emission of March. The results show
that the BB aerosols inhibit precipitation over the ICP in March and promote precipitation from early April to mid April. Specifically, the March BB aerosols over the ICP can induce mid- to lower-tropospheric heating and planetary boundary layer cooling to enhance local atmospheric stability; meanwhile, the perturbation heating can trigger an anomalous low in the
lower troposphere to moisten the mid troposphere. However, the convection
suppression due to the stabilized atmosphere dominates over the favorable
water-vapor condition induced by large-scale circulation responses, leading
to overall reduced precipitation over the ICP in March. For the delayed effect, the anomalous low can provide more water vapor as the monsoon
advances in early April, although it becomes much weaker without BB aerosols' strong heating. On the other hand, the convective instability
above 850 hPa is enhanced by more water vapor, resulting in enhanced
precipitation over the ICP, northern South China Sea, and southern China.
Thereafter, the condensational latent heating gradually takes over from the
BB aerosol radiative heating, acting as the main driver for maintaining the
anomalous circulation and thus the delayed effect in mid April.
Doppler power spectrum processing methods for a vertical sensing 94 GHz millimeter-wavelength cloud radar
Authors: Lin Hai , Wang Jie , Chen Zhenhua , Ge Junxiang
Published: December 2022

Abstract. A set of Doppler power spectrum processing methods for TJ-II, a vertical sensing 94 GHz millimeter-wave cloud radar(MMCR), is proposed to distinguish clouds and enhance the data quality. The noise level is estimated by a modified segment method with 2-D segments. A two-step cloud signal mask method is proposed to distinguish clouds and noise. A Gaussian filter with adaptive standard variance is used to improve detection performance at the boundary of clouds and noise. Square signal blocks were constructed to test our method. Velocity dealiasing is carried out combined with a pre-dealiasing processing and the dual Pulse Repetition Frequency (PRF) technique to address a particular phenomenon called half-folded in MMCRs, which can not be fixed by post-processing at the base datum stage. Some observations of TJ-II are used to demonstrate our method. A comparison between our method as pre-processing and the method as post-processing proposed by Key Laboratory for Semi-Arid Climate Change of the Ministry of Education and College of Atmospheric Sciences, Lanzhou University, was carried out using one-day observation. It was found that our method shows some advantages in cloud base detection.
The impact of Aeolus winds on surface wind forecast over tropical ocean and high latitude regions
Authors: Zuo Haichen , Hasager Charlotte Bay
Published: December 2022

Abstract. To detect global wind profiles and improve numerical weather prediction (NWP), the European Space Agency (ESA) launched the Aeolus satellite carrying a space-borne Doppler Wind Lidar in 2018. After the successful launch, the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) performed the observing system experiments (OSEs) to evaluate the contribution of Aeolus data to NWP. This study aims to assess the impact of Aeolus wind assimilation in the ECMWF model on surface wind forecast over tropical ocean regions by taking buoy measurements for reference and over high latitude regions by taking weather station data for reference for the year 2020. The assessments were conducted through inter-comparison analysis and triple collocation analysis. The results show that with Aeolus data assimilation, the tropical sea surface wind forecast could be slightly improved at some forecast time steps. The random errors of u (zonal) and v (meridional) wind components from OSEs are within 1 m s-1 with respect to the model resolution. For the high latitude regions, Aeolus can reduce the wind forecast errors in the Northern Hemisphere with forecast extending, particularly during the first half-year of 2020 and during the winter months. For the Southern Hemisphere, the positive impact is mainly found for the u component at most forecast steps during June, July and August. Moreover, compared with the tropical ocean regions and the region > 60° N, the random error of OSEs for the region > 60° S increases significantly to 3 m s-1 with forecast extending. Overall, this study demonstrates the ability of Aeolus winds to improve surface wind forecast over tropical oceans and high latitude regions, which provides valuable information for practical applications with Aeolus data in the future.
On the peculiar polarimetric signatures backscattered by a still or quasi-still wind turbine acquired by an X-band radar in stare mode at high temporal resolution (64 ms): preliminary investigations
Authors: Gabella Marco , Lainer Martin , Wolfensberger Daniel , Grazioli Jacopo
Published: December 2022

Abstract. A still wind turbine (WT) observed with a fixed pointing radar antenna shows peculiar polarimetric signatures: during two minutes (from 17:08 to 17:10 UTC) of the first day (March 4, 2020) of the WT MeteoSwiss X-band radar campaign in Schaffhausen, the copolar correlation coefficient between the two orthogonal polarization states was persistently equal to 1. The reflectivity at vertical polarization was bounded between 38.5 and 41.5 dBz; however, the changes between two consecutive 64 ms values (retrieved by means of 128 transmitted pulses) were either 0 dBz or ±0.5 dBz. The 2-min median (mean) value was 40.0 (39.9) dBz over the 1875 echoes of this interval. The reflectivity at horizontal polarization was persistently equal to 56.5 dBz, which means no change exceeding ±0.25 dBz. The standard deviation (1874 degrees of freedom) of the differential phase shift, which in the absence of precipitation was, in fact, coincident with the dispersion of the differential backscattering phase shift, was as small as 3.0°. During two 10-min intervals (17:10–17:20 UTC and 17:30–17:40 UTC) the rotor has moved less than 1 revolution; however, this slow movement together with a change in blade angles and nacelle orientation was sufficient to cause large changes and significant variability in the polarimetric signatures, with two pairs of ZH consecutive values reaching the extreme of 78.5 dBz, which is the absolute reflectivity maximum reached in the whole campaign (March 4–21, 2020). Between 17:20 and 17:30 UTC, the rotor has accomplished 22.5 revolutions: the variability becomes smoother and softer in the central part of the interval (probably thanks to uniform rotor speed and “frozen” blade angles and nacelle orientation). It is desirable and recommended to extend this preliminary (32-minute) analysis (based on thirty thousand polarimetric measurables) to several other 10-min intervals with zero rotor speed.
Tracing the role of Arctic shelf processes in Si and N cycling and export through the Fram Strait: insights from combined silicon and nitrate isotopes
Authors: Debyser Margot C. F. , Pichevin Laetitia , Tuerena Robyn E. , Dodd Paul A. , Doncila Antonia , Ganeshram Raja S.
Published: December 2022

Abstract. Nutrient cycles in the Arctic Ocean are being altered by
changing hydrography, increasing riverine inputs, glacial melt and sea-ice
loss due to climate change. In this study, combined isotopic measurements of
dissolved nitrate (δ15N-NO3 and δ18O-NO3) and silicic acid (δ30Si(OH)4) are used
to understand the pathways that major nutrients follow through the Arctic
Ocean. Atlantic waters were found to be isotopically lighter (δ30Si(OH)4=+ 1.74 ‰) than their polar
counterpart (δ30Si(OH)4=+ 1.85 ‰)
owing to partial biological utilisation of dissolved Si (DSi) within the
Arctic Ocean. Coupled partial benthic denitrification and nitrification on
Eurasian Arctic shelves lead to the enrichment of δ15N-NO3 and lighter δ18O-NO3 in the polar
surface waters (δ15N-NO3= 5.44 ‰,
δ18O-NO3= 1.22 ‰) relative to
Atlantic waters (δ15N-NO3= 5.18 ‰,
δ18O-NO3= 2.33 ‰). Using a
pan-Arctic DSi isotope dataset, we find that the input of isotopically light
δ30Si(OH)4 by Arctic rivers and the subsequent partial
biological uptake and biogenic Si burial on Eurasian shelves are the key
processes that generate the enriched isotopic signatures of DSi exported
through Fram Strait. A similar analysis of δ15N-NO3
highlights the role of N-limitation due to denitrification losses on Arctic
shelves in generating the excess dissolved silicon exported through Fram
Strait. We estimate that around 40 % of DSi exported in polar surface
waters through Fram Strait is of riverine origin. As the Arctic Ocean is
broadly N-limited and riverine sources of DSi are increasing faster than
nitrogen inputs, a larger silicic acid export through the Fram Strait is
expected in the future. Arctic riverine inputs therefore have the potential
to modify the North Atlantic DSi budget and are expected to become more
important than variable Pacific and glacial DSi sources over the coming
decades.
Rethinking the role of transport and photochemistry in regional ozone pollution: Insights from ozone concentration and mass budgets
Authors: Qu Kun , Wang Xuesong , Cai Xuhui , Yan Yu , Jin Xipeng , Vrekoussis Mihalis , Shen Jin , Xiao Teng , Zeng Limin , Zhang Yuanhang
Published: December 2022

Abstract. Understanding the role of transport and photochemistry is essential to alleviate ambient ozone pollution. However, ozone budget and source apportionment studies often report conflicting conclusions — Local photochemistry is the main cause of ozone pollution based on the analyses of the former, while contrary, non-local ozone transported to the region accounts for the majority in the latter results. In order to explore its potential causes, we calculated the contributions of both processes to the variations of mean ozone concentration and total ozone mass (the corresponding budgets are noted as ozone concentration and mass budget, respectively) within the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) of the Pearl River Delta (PRD), China, based on the modelling results of WRF-CMAQ. Quantified results show that photochemistry drives the rapid increase of ozone concentrations in the daytime, whereas transport, especially the vertical exchange near the ABL top, controls the ozone mass budget. The changes in transport contributions in ozone budgets indicate the influences of the ABL diurnal cycle and regional wind fields, including prevailing winds and local circulations (sea breezes), on regional ozone pollution. Though transport in our simulations had a relatively limited effect on ozone concentration, its high contribution to ozone mass increase in the morning determined that most ozone in the PRD emanated from the outer regions. Consequently, the role of transport and photochemistry in ozone pollution may differ, depending on which of the two budgets is concerned. For future studies targeting ozone and other pollutants with moderately long atmospheric lifetimes, we suggest that attention should be paid to budget-type selections.
Impacts of soil management and climate on saturated and near-saturated hydraulic conductivity: analyses of the Open Tension-disk Infiltrometer Meta-database (OTIM)
Authors: Blanchy Guillaume , Albrecht Lukas , Bragato Gilberto , Garré Sarah , Jarvis Nicholas , Koestel John
Published: December 2022

Abstract. Saturated and near-saturated soil hydraulic conductivities Kh (mm.h-1) determine the partitioning of precipitation into surface runoff and infiltration and are fundamental to soils’ susceptibility to preferential flow. Recent studies have found indications that climate factors influence Kh, which is highly relevant in the face of climate change. In this study, we investigated relationships between pedo-climatic factors and Kh and also evaluated effects of land use and soil management. To this end, we collated the Open Tension-disk Infiltrometer Meta-database (OTIM), which contains 1297 individual data entries from 172 different publication sources. We analysed a spectrum of saturated and near-saturated hydraulic conductivities at matric potentials between 0 to 100 mm. We found that methodological details like the direction of the wetting sequence or the choice of method for calculating infiltration rates to hydraulic conductivities had a large impact on the results. We therefore restricted ourselves to a subset of 466 of the 1297 data entries with similar methodological approaches. Correlations between Ks and Kh at higher supply tensions decreased especially close to saturation, indicating a different flow mechanism at and very close to saturation as towards the dry end of the investigated tension range. Climate factors were better correlated to topsoil near-saturated hydraulic conductivities at supply tensions ≥ 30 mm than soil texture, bulk density and organic carbon content. We find it most likely that the climate variables are proxies for soil macropore networks created by respective biological activity, pedogenesis and climate specific land use and management choices. Due to incomplete documentation in the source publications of OTIM, we could investigate only a few land use types and agricultural management practices. Land use, tillage system and soil compaction significantly influenced Kh, with effect sizes appearing comparable to the ones of soil texture and soil organic carbon. The data in OTIM show experimental bias is present, introduced by the choice of measurement time relative to soil tillage, experimental design or data evaluation procedures. The establishment of best-practice rules for tension-disk infiltrometer measurements would therefore be helpful. Future studies are needed to investigate how climate shapes soil macropore networks and how land use and management can be adapted to improve soil hydraulic properties. Both tasks require large amounts of new measurement data with improved documentation on soil biology and land use and management history.
Chemical identification of new particle formation and growth precursors through positive matrix factorization of ambient ion measurements
Authors: Katz Daniel John , Abdelhamid Aroob , Stark Harald , Canagaratna Manjula R. , Worsnop Douglas R. , Browne Eleanor C.
Published: December 2022

Abstract. In the lower troposphere, rapid collisions between ions and trace gases result in the transfer of positive charge to the highest proton affinity species and negative charge to the lowest proton affinity species. Measurements of the chemical composition of ambient ions thus provide direct insight into the most acidic and basic trace gases and their ion-molecule clusters — compounds thought to be important for new particle formation and growth. We deployed an atmospheric pressure interface time-of-flight mass spectrometer (APi-ToF) to measure ambient ion chemical composition during the 2016 Holistic Interaction of Shallow Clouds, Aerosols, and Land Ecosystems (HI-SCALE) campaign at the United States Department of Energy Atmospheric Radiation Measurement facility in the Southern Great Plains, an agricultural region. Cations and anions were measured for alternating periods of ~24 hours over one month. We use binned positive matrix factorization (binPMF) and scaled Kendrick mass defect (SKMD) analysis to obtain information about the chemical formulas and temporal variation in ionic composition without the need for averaging over a long timescale or a priori high-resolution peak fitting. Negative ions consist of strong acids including sulfuric and nitric acid, organosulfates, and clusters of NO3- with highly oxidized molecules (HOMs) derived from monoterpene and sesquiterpene oxidation. Organic nitrates derived from sesquiterpenes account for most of the HOM signal. Combined with the diel profiles and back trajectory analysis, these results suggest that nitrate radical chemistry is active at this site. Sesquiterpene oxidation products likely contribute to particle growth at the SGP site. The positive ions consist of bases including alkylpyridiniums and amines and a series of high mass species. Nearly all the positive ions contained only one nitrogen atom and in general support ammonia and amines as being the dominant bases that could participate in new particle formation. Overall, this work demonstrates how APi-ToF measurements combined with binPMF analysis can provide insight into the temporal evolution of compounds important for new particle formation and growth.
Automatic classification and segmentation of Snow Micro Penetrometer profiles with machine learning algorithms
Authors: Kaltenborn Julia , Macfarlane Amy R. , Clay Viviane , Schneebeli Martin
Published: December 2022

Abstract. Snow-layer segmentation and classification is an essential diagnostic task for a wide variety of cryospheric applications. The SnowMicroPen (SMP) measures the snowpack's penetration force at submillimetre resolution against the snow depth. The resulting depth-force profile can be parameterized for density and specific surface area. However, no information on traditional snow types is currently extracted automatically. The labeling of snow types is a time-intensive task that requires practice and becomes infeasible for large datasets. Previous work showed that automated segmentation and classification is in theory possible, but can either not be applied to data straight from the field or needs additional time-costly information, such as from classified snow pits. To address this gap, we evaluate how well machine learning models can automatically segment and classify SMP profiles. We trained fourteen different models, among them semi-supervised models and artificial neural networks (ANNs), on the MOSAiC SMP dataset, a large collection of snow profiles on Arctic sea ice. We found that SMP profiles can be successfully segmented and classified into snow classes, based solely on the SMP's signal. The model comparison provided in this study enables practitioners to choose a model that is suitable for their task and dataset. The findings presented will facilitate and accelerate snow type identification through SMP profiles. Overall, snowdragon creates a link between traditional snow classification and high-resolution force-depth profiles. With such a tool, traditional snow profile observations can be compared to SMP profiles.
Explaining changes in rainfall–runoff relationships during and after Australia's Millennium Drought: a community perspective
Authors: Fowler Keirnan , Peel Murray , Saft Margarita , Peterson Tim J. , Western Andrew , Band Lawrence , Petheram Cuan , Dharmadi Sandra , Tan Kim Seong , Zhang Lu , Lane Patrick , Kiem Anthony , Marshall Lucy , Griebel Anne , Medlyn Belinda E. , Ryu Dongryeol , Bonotto Giancarlo , Wasko Conrad , Ukkola Anna , Stephens Clare , Frost Andrew , Gardiya Weligamage Hansini , Saco Patricia , Zheng Hongxing , Chiew Francis , Daly Edoardo , Walker Glen , Vervoort R. Willem , Hughes Justin , Trotter Luca , Neal Brad , Cartwright Ian , Nathan Rory
Published: December 2022

Abstract. The Millennium Drought lasted more than a decade and is notable for causing persistent shifts in the relationship between rainfall and runoff in many southeastern Australian catchments. Research to date has successfully characterised where and when shifts occurred and explored relationships with potential drivers, but a convincing physical explanation for observed changes in catchment behaviour is still lacking. Originating from a large multi-disciplinary workshop, this paper presents and evaluates a range of hypothesised process explanations of flow response to the Millennium Drought. The hypotheses consider climatic forcing, vegetation, soil moisture dynamics, groundwater, and anthropogenic influence. The hypotheses are assessed against evidence both temporally (e.g. why was the Millennium Drought different to previous droughts?) and spatially (e.g. why did rainfall–runoff relationships shift in some catchments but not in others?). Thus, the strength of this work is a large-scale assessment of hydrologic changes and potential drivers. Of 24 hypotheses, 3 are considered plausible, 10 are considered inconsistent with evidence, and 11 are in a category in between, whereby they are plausible yet with reservations (e.g. applicable in some catchments but not others). The results point to the unprecedented length of the drought as the primary climatic driver, paired with interrelated groundwater processes, including declines in groundwater storage, altered recharge associated with vadose zone expansion, and reduced connection between subsurface and surface water
processes. Other causes include increased evaporative demand and harvesting
of runoff by small private dams. Finally, we discuss the need for long-term
field monitoring, particularly targeting internal catchment processes and
subsurface dynamics. We recommend continued investment in the understanding of hydrological shifts, particularly given their relevance to water planning under climate variability and change.
Evaluation of a new observationally based channel parameterization for the National Water Model
Authors: Heldmyer Aaron , Livneh Ben , McCreight James , Read Laura , Kasprzyk Joseph , Minear Toby
Published: December 2022

Abstract. Accurate representation of channel properties is important for forecasting in hydrologic models, as it affects the height, celerity, and attenuation of flood waves. Yet, considerable uncertainty in the parameterization of channel geometry and hydraulic roughness (Manning's n) exists within the NOAA National Water Model (NWM), due largely to data scarcity; only ∼2800 out of the 2.7×106 river reach segments in the NWM have measured channel properties. In this study, we seek to improve channel representativeness by updating channel geometry and roughness parameters using a large, previously unpublished hydraulic geometry (HyG) dataset of approximately 48 000 gauges. We begin with a Sobol' sensitivity analysis of channel geometry parameters for 12 small, semi-natural basins across the continental U.S., which reveals an outsized sensitivity of simulated flow to Manning's n relative to channel geometry parameters. We then develop and evaluate a set of regression-based regionalizations of channel parameters estimated using the HyG dataset. Finally, we compare the model output generated from updated channel parameter sets to observations and the current NWM v2.1 parameterization. We find that while the NWM land surface model holds the most influence over flow, given its control over total volume, the updated channel parameterization leads to improvements in simulated streamflow performance relative to observed flows, with a statistically significant mean R2 increase from 0.479 to 0.494 across approximately 7400 gauge locations. HyG-based channel geometry and roughness provide a substantial overall improvement in channel representation over the default parameterization, updating the previous set value for most reaches of Manning's n=0.060 to a new range between 0.006 and 0.537 (median 0.077). This research provides a more representative, observationally based channel parameter dataset for the NWM routing module and new insight into the influence of the routing module within the overall modeling framework.
Geophysical measurements of the southernmost microglacier in Europe suggest permafrost occurrence in the Pirin Mountains (Bulgaria)
Authors: Georgieva Gergana , Tzankov Christian , Kisyov Atanas
Published: December 2022

Abstract. There are no large glaciers in the territory of Bulgaria, but small patches of snow
and firn have been observed in the high mountains at the end of summer. Perennial
snow patches and microglaciers are considered indicators of permafrost occurrence.
The results from the first detailed geophysical investigations of the Snezhnika
glacieret, considered to be the southernmost microglacier in Europe, situated in
the Golyam Kazan cirque, Pirin Mountains, Bulgaria, are presented in the paper.
Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and 2D electrical resistivity tomography (ERT)
were used to estimate the thickness of the microglacier as well as its subsurface
structure. Measurements started in 2018 and continued over the next 2 years in
order to assess changes in its size and thickness. The mean thickness of Snezhnika
is about 4–6 m, reaching 8 m or probably more in some areas. ERT measurements
of the deeper parts of the microglacier beds show high electrical resistivities
reaching over 60 000 Ωm at a depth of 4–10 m. An anomaly at this depth
is likewise distinguishable on the GPR profiles. These anomalies are interpreted
as permafrost areas and were consistently observed on the ERT and GPR profiles
in the 2 years of the study. These results imply for the first time the
existence of permafrost in the Pirin Mountains and in Bulgaria.
The collapse of the Cordilleran–Laurentide ice saddle and early opening of the Mackenzie Valley, Northwest Territories, Canada, constrained by 10Be exposure dating
Authors: Stoker Benjamin J. , Margold Martin , Gosse John C. , Hidy Alan J. , Monteath Alistair J. , Young Joseph M. , Gandy Niall , Gregoire Lauren J. , Norris Sophie L. , Froese Duane
Published: December 2022

Abstract. Deglaciation of the northwestern Laurentide Ice Sheet in
the central Mackenzie Valley opened the northern portion of the deglacial
Ice-Free Corridor between the Laurentide and Cordilleran ice sheets and a
drainage route to the Arctic Ocean. In addition, ice sheet saddle collapse
in this section of the Laurentide Ice Sheet has been implicated as a
mechanism for delivering substantial freshwater influx into the Arctic Ocean
on centennial timescales. However, there is little empirical data to
constrain the deglaciation chronology in the central Mackenzie Valley where
the northern slopes of the ice saddle were located. Here, we present 30 new
10Be cosmogenic nuclide exposure dates across six sites, including two
elevation transects, which constrain the timing and rate of thinning and
retreat of the Laurentide Ice Sheet in the area. Our new 10Be dates
indicate that the initial deglaciation of the eastern summits of the central
Mackenzie Mountains began at ∼15.8 ka (17.1–14.6 ka),
∼1000 years earlier than in previous reconstructions. The
main phase of ice saddle collapse occurred between ∼14.9 and
13.6 ka, consistent with numerical modelling simulations, placing this event
within the Bølling–Allerød interval (14.6–12.9 ka). Our new dates
require a revision of ice margin retreat dynamics, with ice retreating more
easterly rather than southward along the Mackenzie Valley. In addition, we
quantify a total sea level rise contribution from the Cordilleran–Laurentide
ice saddle region of ∼11.2 m between 16 and 13 ka.
Modeling Antarctic ice shelf basal melt patterns using the one-Layer Antarctic model for Dynamical Downscaling of Ice–ocean Exchanges (LADDIE)
Authors: Lambert Erwin , Jüling André , van de Wal Roderik S. W. , Holland Paul R.
Published: December 2022

Abstract. A major source of uncertainty in future sea-level projections is the ocean-driven basal melt of Antarctic ice shelves. Whereas ice sheet models require a kilometer-scale resolution to realistically resolve ice shelf stability and grounding line migration, global or regional 3D ocean models are computationally too expensive to produce basal melt forcing fields at this resolution. To bridge this resolution gap, we introduce the 2D numerical model LADDIE (one-Layer Antarctic model for Dynamical Downscaling of Ice–ocean Exchanges) which allows for the computationally efficient modeling of basal melt rates. The model is flexible, and can be forced with output from coarse 3D ocean models or with vertical profiles of offshore temperature and salinity. In this study, we describe the model equations and numerics. To illustrate and validate the model performance, we apply the model to two test cases: the small Crosson-Dotson Ice Shelf in the warm Amundsen Sea region, and the large Filchner-Ronne Ice Shelf in the cold Weddell Sea. At ice-shelf wide scales, LADDIE reproduces observed patterns of basal melt and freezing that are also well reproduced by 3D ocean models. At scales of 0.5–5 km, which are unresolved by 3D ocean models and poorly constrained by observations, LADDIE produces plausible basal melt patterns. Most significantly, the simulated basal melt patterns are physically consistent with the applied ice shelf topography. These patterns are governed by the topographic steering and Coriolis deflection of meltwater flows, two processes that are poorly represented in basal melt parameterisations. The kilometer-scale melt patterns simulated by LADDIE include enhanced melt rates in basal channels, in some shear margins, and nearby grounding lines. As these regions are critical for ice shelf stability, we conclude that LADDIE can provide detailed basal melt patterns at the essential resolution that ice sheet models require. The physical consistency between the applied geometry and the simulated basal melt fields indicates that LADDIE can play a valuable role in the development of coupled ice–ocean modeling.
El derecho internacional humanitario frente a los movimientos migratorios
Authors: Zambrano Vázquez Diana Pamela
Published: December 2022

La ruta migratoria es un escenario fértil para la vulneración de los derechos humanos, de tal manera que, a pesar de que el migrante cuenta con un amplio acervo de instrumentos e instancias que velan por su tutela, el derecho internacional humanitario (dih), área que tiene delimitado su objeto de estudio a los conflictos armados internacionales y no internacionales, también ha mostrado interés por incidir en la migración. El objetivo del presente trabajo es determinar la manera en la que el dih puede influir en la migración, lo cual se demuestra a través de la actuación del personal del Comité Internacional de la Cruz Roja, quienes brindan apoyo en las estaciones migratorias y en otros puntos de la ruta migratoria; de igual manera se observa con la aplicación del corpus iuris del dih cuando sea más favorable para la persona. No obstante, al interior del Estado mexicano se han presentado desafíos que obstaculizan la materialización del dih; por esta razón, la difusión, la atención a las reuniones de expertos, considerar la ratificación de instrumentos internacionales humanitarios, así como la armonización entre la norma interna y la internacional, son ejes que coadyuvan en la implementación del dih al interior de los Estados.
Free Market in Puerto Rico 2022
Authors:   Instituto de Libertad Económica para Puerto Rico, Carrión-Tavárez Ángel , Fernández López Luz N. , Lara Juan
Published: December 2022

The general objective of this study was to assess the knowledge of the main principles of economic liberty and free market, and the affinity with them in Puerto Rico. A questionnaire was constructed and administered that included the dimensions “current situation,” “economic liberty,” “free market,” “individual liberty,” “rule of law,” “property rights,” “limited government,” “challenges of free market,” “moral agency,” “social welfare,” and “meritocracy.” In addition, a ranking of a series of principles of economic liberty and free market was created, according to their importance to participants and the functioning of those principles in Puerto Rico. Respondents (a) have a mostly negative perception about the direction of the economy of the Island; (b) broadly support and value economic liberty and free-market system; (c) consider that the latter does not have the weight it should in Puerto Rico; and (d) negatively rate the functioning of the government as far as transparency, efficiency, and social responsibility.