bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative comparison of measured and simulated O4 absorptions for one day with extremely low aerosol load over the tropical Atlantic
Authors: Wagner Thomas , Dörner Steffen , Beirle Steffen , Donner Sebastian , Kinne Stefan
Published: May 2021

Abstract. In this study, we compare measured and simulated O4
absorptions for conditions of extremely low aerosol optical depth (between
0.034 to 0.056 at 360 nm) on one day during a ship cruise in the tropical
Atlantic. For such conditions, the uncertainties related to imperfect
knowledge of aerosol properties do not significantly affect the comparison
results. We find that the simulations underestimate the measurements by
15 % to 20 %. Even for simulations without any aerosols, the measured
O4 absorptions are still systematically higher than the simulation
results. The observed discrepancies cannot be explained by uncertainties of
the measurements and simulations and thus indicate a fundamental
inconsistency between simulations and measurements.
Simulating measurable ecosystem carbon and nitrogen dynamics with the mechanistically defined MEMS 2.0 model
Authors: Zhang Yao , Lavallee Jocelyn M. , Robertson Andy D. , Even Rebecca , Ogle Stephen M. , Paustian Keith , Cotrufo M. Francesca
Published: May 2021

Abstract. For decades, predominant soil biogeochemical models have used conceptual soil organic matter (SOM) pools and only simulated them to a shallow depth
in soil. Efforts to overcome these limitations have prompted the development of the new generation SOM models, including MEMS 1.0, which represents
measurable biophysical SOM fractions, over the entire root zone, and embodies recent understanding of the processes that govern SOM dynamics. Here
we present the result of continued development of the MEMS model, version 2.0. MEMS 2.0 is a full ecosystem model with modules simulating plant
growth with above- and belowground inputs, soil water and temperature by layer, decomposition of plant inputs and SOM, and mineralization and
immobilization of nitrogen (N). The model simulates two commonly measured SOM pools – particulate and mineral-associated organic matter (POM and
MAOM, respectively). We present results of calibration and validation of the model with several grassland sites in the US. MEMS 2.0 generally
captured the soil carbon (C) stocks (R2 of 0.89 and 0.6 for calibration and validation, respectively) and their distributions between POM and
MAOM throughout the entire soil profile. The simulated soil N matches measurements but with lower accuracy (R2 of 0.73 and 0.31 for calibration
and validation of total N in SOM, respectively) than for soil C. Simulated soil water and temperature were compared with measurements, and the
accuracy is comparable to the other commonly used models. The seasonal variation in gross primary production (GPP; R2 = 0.83), ecosystem
respiration (ER; R2 = 0.89), net ecosystem exchange (NEE; R2 = 0.67), and evapotranspiration (ET; R2 = 0.71) was well
captured by the model. We will further develop the model to represent forest and agricultural systems and improve it to incorporate new
understanding of SOM decomposition.
Quasi-tropical cyclone caused anomalous autumn coccolithophore bloom in the Black Sea
Authors: Stanichny Sergey V. , Kubryakova Elena A. , Kubryakov Arseny A.
Published: May 2021

Abstract. A quasi-tropical cyclone (QTC) observed over the Black Sea on 25–29 September 2005 caused an exceptionally strong anomalous autumn
coccolithophore bloom that lasted for more than 1.5 months. The QTC induced
intense upwelling, causing a decrease in sea surface temperature of
15 ∘C and an acceleration of the cyclonic Rim Current up to
extreme values of 0.75 m s−1. The Rim Current transported nutrient-rich Danube plume waters from the northwestern shelf to the zone of the cyclone action. Baroclinic instabilities of the plume boundary caused intense submesoscale processes, accompanied by mixing of the shelf and upwelling of the waters. These processes triggered the initial growth of remote sensing reflectance (Rrs) on the offshore front of the plume, indicating the beginning of the coccolithophore bloom. Furthermore, the bloom shifted to the zone of the strongest upwelling in the western cyclonic gyre. Intense vertical entrainment of nutrients in this area caused the increase in chlorophyll a concentration (Chl), which was then followed by a strong bloom of coccolithophores. Advection by the Rim Current spread the bloom over the entire southern part of the Black Sea, more than 1000 km from its initial source. A month after the QTC action, Rrs in these areas reached a value of 0.018 sr−1, corresponding to an estimate of a coccolithophore concentration of 107 cells per liter.
Impact of dust in PMIP-CMIP6 mid-Holocene simulations with the IPSL model
Authors: Braconnot Pascale , Albani Samuel , Balkanski Yves , Cozic Anne , Kageyama Masa , Sima Adriana , Marti Olivier , Peterschmitt Jean-Yves
Published: May 2021

Abstract. We investigate the climate impact of reduced dust during the mid-Holocene using
simulations with the IPSL model. We consider simulations where dust is
either prescribed from an IPSL PI simulation or from CESM simulations
(Albani et al., 2015). In
addition, we also consider an extreme mid-Holocene case where dust is
suppressed. We focus on the estimation of the dust radiative effects and the relative responses of the African and Indian monsoon, showing how local dust forcing or orography affect atmospheric temperature profiles, humidity and precipitation. The simulated mid-Holocene climate is statistically different
in many regions compared to previous mid-Holocene simulations with the IPSL
models. However, it translates to only minor improvements compared to
palaeoclimate reconstructions, and the effect of dust has little impact on
mid-Holocene model skill over large regions. Our analyses confirm the
peculiar role of dust radiative effect over bright surfaces such as African
deserts compared to other regions, brought about by the change of sign of
the dust radiative effect at the top of atmosphere for high surface albedo.
We also highlight a strong dependence of results on the dust pattern. In
particular, the relative dust forcing between West Africa and the Middle East
impacts the relative climate response between India and Africa and between
Africa, the western tropical Atlantic and the Atlantic meridional
circulation. It also affects the feedback on the Atlantic Ocean thermohaline
circulation. Dust patterns should thus be better constrained to fully
understand the changes in the dust cycle and forcing during the mid-Holocene,
which also informs on the potential changes in key dust feedbacks in the
future.
Sub-seasonal forecasts of demand and wind power and solar power generation for 28 European countries
Authors: Bloomfield Hannah C. , Brayshaw David J. , Gonzalez Paula L. M. , Charlton-Perez Andrew
Published: May 2021

Abstract. Electricity systems are becoming increasingly exposed to weather. The need for high-quality meteorological forecasts for managing risk across all timescales has therefore never been greater. This paper seeks to extend the uptake of meteorological data in the power systems modelling community to include probabilistic meteorological forecasts at sub-seasonal lead times. Such forecasts are growing in skill and are receiving considerable attention in power system risk management and energy trading. Despite this interest, these forecasts are rarely evaluated in power system terms, and technical barriers frequently prohibit use by non-meteorological specialists. This paper therefore presents data produced through a new EU climate services programme Subseasonal-to-seasonal forecasting for Energy (S2S4E). The data correspond to a suite of well-documented, easy-to-use, self-consistent daily and nationally aggregated time series for wind power, solar power and electricity demand across 28 European countries. The data are accessible from https://doi.org/10.17864/1947.275 (Gonzalez et al., 2020). The data include a set of daily ensemble reforecasts from two leading forecast systems spanning 20 years (ECMWF, an 11-member ensemble, with twice-weekly starts for 1996–2016, totalling 22 880 forecasts) and 11 years (NCEP, a 12-member lagged-ensemble, constructed to match the start dates from the ECMWF forecast from 1999–2010, totalling 14 976 forecasts). The reforecasts contain multiple plausible realisations of daily weather and power data for up to 6 weeks in the future. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first time a fully calibrated and post-processed daily power system forecast set has been published, and this is the primary purpose of this paper. A brief review of forecast skill in each of the individual primary power system properties and a composite property is presented, focusing on the winter season. The forecast systems contain additional skill over climatological expectation for weekly-average forecasts at extended lead times, though this skill depends on the nature of the forecast metric considered. This highlights the need for greater collaboration between the energy and meteorological research communities to develop applications, and it is hoped that publishing these data and tools will support this.
A new merged dataset for analyzing clouds, precipitation and atmospheric parameters based on ERA5 reanalysis data and the measurements of the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) precipitation radar and visible and infrared scanner
Authors: Sun Lilu , Fu Yunfei
Published: May 2021

Abstract. Clouds and precipitation have vital roles in the global
hydrological cycle and the radiation budget of the atmosphere–Earth system
and are closely related to both the regional and the global climate. Changes in
the status of the atmosphere inside clouds and precipitation systems are
also important, but the use of multi-source datasets is hampered by their
different spatial and temporal resolutions. We merged the precipitation
parameters measured by the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM)
precipitation radar (PR) with the multi-channel cloud-top radiance measured
by the visible and infrared scanner (VIRS) and atmospheric parameters in the
ERA5 reanalysis dataset. The merging of pixels between the precipitation
parameters and multi-channel cloud-top radiance was shown to be reasonable.
The 1B01-2A25 dataset of pixel-merged data (1B01-2A25-PMD) contains cloud
parameters for each PR pixel. The 1B01-2A25 gridded dataset (1B01-2A25-GD)
was merged spatially with the ERA5 reanalysis data. The statistical results
indicate that gridding has no unacceptable influence on the parameters in 1B01-2A25-PMD. In one orbit, the difference in the mean value of the
near-surface rain rate and the signals measured by the VIRS was no more than
0.87 and the standard deviation was no more than 2.38. The 1B01-2A25-GD and
ERA5 datasets were spatiotemporally collocated to establish the merged
1B01-2A25 gridded dataset (M-1B01-2A25-GD). Three case studies of typical
cloud and precipitation events were analyzed to illustrate the practical use
of M-1B01-2A25-GD. This new merged gridded dataset can be used to study
clouds and precipitation systems and provides a perfect opportunity for
multi-source data analysis and model simulations. The data which were used
in this paper are freely available at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.4458868 (Sun and Fu, 2021).
Vibration of Natural Rock Arches and Towers Excited by Helicopter-Sourced Infrasound
Authors: Finnegan Riley , Moore Jeffrey R. , Geimer Paul R.
Published: May 2021

Abstract. Helicopters emit high-power infrasound in a frequency range that can coincide with the natural frequencies of rock landforms. While a single previous study demonstrated that close-proximity helicopter flight was able to excite potentially damaging vibration of rock pinnacles, the effects on a broader range of landforms remain unknown. We performed a series of controlled flights at seven sandstone arches and towers in Utah, USA, recording their vibration response to helicopter-sourced infrasound. We found that landform vibration velocities increased by a factor of up to 1000 during close-proximity helicopter flight as compared to ambient conditions immediately prior, and that precise spectral alignment between infrasound and landform natural frequencies is required to excite resonance. We define admittance as the ratio of vibration velocity to infrasound pressure and recorded values up to 0.11 mm s−1 Pa−1. While our results demonstrate a strong vibration response, the measured velocities are lower than likely instantaneously damaging values. Our results serve as a basis for predicting unfavorable degradation of culturally significant rock landforms due to regular helicopter overflights.
BCC-CSM2-HR: a high-resolution version of the Beijing Climate Center Climate System Model
Authors: Wu Tongwen , Yu Rucong , Lu Yixiong , Jie Weihua , Fang Yongjie , Zhang Jie , Zhang Li , Xin Xiaoge , Li Laurent , Wang Zaizhi , Liu Yiming , Zhang Fang , Wu Fanghua , Chu Min , Li Jianglong , Li Weiping , Zhang Yanwu , Shi Xueli , Zhou Wenyan , Yao Junchen , Liu Xiangwen , Zhao He , Yan Jinghui , Wei Min , Xue Wei , Huang Anning , Zhang Yaocun , Zhang Yu , Shu Qi , Hu Aixue
Published: May 2021

Abstract. BCC-CSM2-HR is a high-resolution version of the Beijing Climate Center (BCC)
Climate System Model (T266 in the atmosphere and 1/4∘
latitude × 1/4∘ longitude in the ocean). Its development is on the
basis of the medium-resolution version BCC-CSM2-MR (T106 in the atmosphere
and 1∘ latitude × 1∘ longitude in the ocean) which is the
baseline for BCC participation in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project
Phase 6 (CMIP6). This study documents the high-resolution model, highlights
major improvements in the representation of atmospheric dynamical core and
physical processes. BCC-CSM2-HR is evaluated for historical climate
simulations from 1950 to 2014, performed under CMIP6-prescribed historical
forcing, in comparison with its previous medium-resolution version
BCC-CSM2-MR. Observed global warming trends of surface air temperature from
1950 to 2014 are well captured by both BCC-CSM2-MR and BCC-CSM2-HR.
Present-day basic atmospheric mean states during the period from 1995 to
2014 are then evaluated at global scale, followed by an assessment on
climate variabilities in the tropics including the tropical cyclones (TCs),
the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), the Madden–Julian
Oscillation (MJO), and the quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) in the
stratosphere. It is shown that BCC-CSM2-HR represents the global energy
balance well and can realistically reproduce the main patterns of atmospheric temperature and wind, precipitation, land surface air temperature, and sea
surface temperature (SST). It also improves the spatial patterns of sea ice
and associated seasonal variations in both hemispheres. The bias of the double
intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ), obvious in BCC-CSM2-MR, almost
disappears in BCC-CSM2-HR. TC activity in the tropics is increased with
resolution enhanced. The cycle of ENSO, the eastward propagative feature and
convection intensity of MJO, and the downward propagation of QBO in BCC-CSM2-HR
are all in a better agreement with observations than their counterparts in
BCC-CSM2-MR. Some imperfections are, however, noted in BCC-CSM2-HR, such as
the excessive cloudiness in the eastern basin of the tropical Pacific with
cold SST biases and the insufficient number of tropical cyclones in the
North Atlantic.
MPR 1.0: A stand-alone Multiscale Parameter Regionalization Tool for Improved Parameter Estimation of Land Surface Models
Authors: Schweppe Robert , Thober Stephan , Kelbling Matthias , Kumar Rohini , Attinger Sabine , Samaniego Luis
Published: May 2021

Abstract. Distributed environmental models such as land surface models (LSM) require model parameters in each spatial modelling unit (e.g. grid cell), thereby leading to a high-dimensional parameter space. One approach to decrease the dimen- sionality of parameter space in these models is to use regularization techniques. One such highly efficient technique is the Multiscale Parameter Regionalization (MPR) framework that translates high-resolution predictor variables (e.g., soil textural properties) into model parameters (e.g., porosity) via transfer functions (TFs) and upscaling operators that are suitable for every modeled process. This framework yields seamless model parameters at multiple scales and locations in an effective manner. However, integration of MPR into existing modeling workflows has been hindered thus far by hard-coded configurations and non-modular software designs. For these reasons, we redesigned MPR as a model-agnostic, stand-alone tool. It is a useful software for creating graphs of netCDF variables, wherein each node is a variable and the links consist of TFs and/or upscaling operators. In this study, we present and verify our tool against a previous version, which was implemented in the mesoscale hydrologic model mHM (https://www.ufz.de/mhm). By using this tool for the generation of continental-scale soil hydraulic param- eters applicable to different models (Noah-MP and HTESSEL), we showcase its general functionality and flexibility. Further, using model parameters estimated by the MPR tool leads to significant changes in long-term estimates of evapotranspiration, as compared to their default parameterizations. For example, a change of up to 25 % in long-term evapotranspiration flux is observed in Noah-MP and HTESSEL in the Mississippi River basin. We postulate that use of the stand-alone MPR tool will considerably increase the transparency and reproducibility of the parameter estimation process in distributed (environmental) models. It will also allow a rigorous uncertainty estimation related to the errors of the predictors (e.g., soil texture fields), transfer function and its parameters, and remapping (or upscaling) algorithms.
Locating trees to mitigate outdoor radiant load of humans in urban areas using a metaheuristic hill climbing algorithm – Introducing TreePlanter v1.0
Authors: Wallenberg Nils , Lindberg Fredrik , Rayner David
Published: May 2021

Abstract. Mean radiant temperature (Tmrt) is a frequently-used measure of outdoor radiant heat conditions. Excessive Tmrt, linked especially to clear and warm days, have negative effect on human well-being. Highest Tmrt on such days is found in sunlit areas, whereas shaded areas have significantly lower values. One way of alleviating high Tmrt is by planting trees to provide shade in exposed areas. To achieve the most efficient mitigation of excessive Tmrt by tree shade with multiple trees requires optimized positioning of the trees, which is a computationally extensive procedure. By utilizing metaheuristics, calculations can be reduced. Here, we present TreePlanter v1.0, which applies a metaheuristic hill climbing algorithm on input raster data of Tmrt and shadow patterns to position trees in complex urban areas. The hill climbing algorithm enables dynamic exploration of the input data to position trees, compared with very computationally demanding brute-force calculations. The results show that the algorithm, in relatively low model runtime, can find positions for several trees simultaneously that lowers Tmrt substantially. TreePlanter can assist in future research on optimization of tree planting in urban areas to increase thermal comfort. The current version can only position trees of equal tree characteristics (tree height, tree canopy and trunk height). Expected developments include positioning of trees with different tree characteristics.
Assessing interannual variability in nitrogen sourcing and retention through hybrid Bayesian watershed modeling
Authors: Miller Jonathan W. , Karimi Kimia , Sankarasubramanian Arumugam , Obenour Daniel R.
Published: May 2021

Abstract. Excessive nutrient loading is a major cause of water quality problems worldwide, often leading to harmful algal blooms and hypoxia in lakes and coastal systems. Efficient nutrient management requires that loading sources are accurately quantified. However, loading rates from various urban and rural non-point sources remain highly uncertain especially with respect to climatological variation. Furthermore, loading models calibrated using statistical techniques (i.e., hybrid models) often have limited capacity to differentiate export rates among various source types, given the noisiness and paucity of observational data common to many locations. To address these issues, we leverage data for two North Carolina Piedmont river basins collected over three decades (1982–2017) using a mechanistically parsimonious watershed loading and transport model
calibrated within a Bayesian hierarchical framework. We explore temporal
drivers of loading by incorporating annual changes in precipitation, land
use, livestock, and point sources within the model formulation. Also,
different representations of urban development are compared based on how
they constrain model uncertainties. Results show that urban lands built
before 1980 are the largest source of nutrients, exporting over twice as
much nitrogen per hectare than agricultural and post-1980 urban lands. In
addition, pre-1980 urban lands are the most hydrologically constant source
of nutrients, while agricultural lands show the most variation among high-
and low-flow years. Finally, undeveloped lands export an order of magnitude
(∼7–13×) less nitrogen than built environments.
Residential flood loss estimated from Bayesian multilevel models
Authors: Mohor Guilherme S. , Thieken Annegret H. , Korup Oliver
Published: May 2021

Abstract. Models for the predictions of monetary losses from floods mainly blend data deemed to represent a single flood type and region. Moreover, these approaches largely ignore indicators of preparedness and how predictors may vary between regions and events, challenging the transferability of flood loss models. We use a flood loss database of 1812 German flood-affected households to explore how Bayesian multilevel models can estimate normalised flood damage stratified by event, region, or flood process type. Multilevel models acknowledge natural groups in the data and allow each group to learn from others. We obtain posterior estimates that differ between flood types, with credibly varying influences of water depth, contamination, duration, implementation of property-level precautionary measures, insurance, and previous flood experience; these influences overlap across most events or regions, however. We infer that the underlying damaging processes of distinct flood types deserve further attention. Each reported flood loss and affected region involved mixed flood types, likely explaining the uncertainty in the coefficients. Our results emphasise the need to consider flood types as an important step towards applying flood loss models elsewhere. We argue that failing to do so may unduly generalise the model and systematically bias loss estimations from empirical data.
The effect of 2020 COVID-19 lockdown measures on seismic noise recorded in Romania
Authors: Grecu Bogdan , Borleanu Felix , Tiganescu Alexandru , Poiata Natalia , Dinescu Raluca , Tataru Dragos
Published: May 2021

Abstract. After the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic in March 2019, Romania followed the example of many other countries and imposed a series of restrictive measures, including restricting people's mobility and closing social, cultural and industrial activities to prevent the spread of the disease. In this study, we analyze continuous vertical component recordings from the stations of the Romanian Seismic Network – one of the largest networks in Europe containing 148 stations – to explore in detail the seismic noise variation associated with the reduced human mobility and activity in Romania due to COVID-19. We focused our investigation on four frequency bands – 2–8 Hz, 4–14 Hz, 15–25 Hz and 25–40 Hz – and found that the largest reductions in seismic noise associated with the lockdown corresponds to the high frequency range, from 15 to 40 Hz. We found that all the stations with large reductions in seismic noise (> ~40 %) are located inside and near schools or in buildings, indicating that at these frequencies the drop is related to the drastic reduction of human activity in these edificies. In the lower frequency range (2–8 Hz and 4–14 Hz) the variability of the noise reduction among the stations is lower than in the high frequency range, and the noise level is reduced by up to 35 %. This drop is due to reduced traffic during the lockdown, as most of the stations showing such changes in seismic noise in these bands are located within cities, near main or side streets. In addition to the noise reduction observed at stations located in populated areas, we also found seismic noise lockdown-related changes at several stations located far from urban areas, with movement of people in the vicinity of the station explaining the noise reductions. Apart from the opportunity to investigate in more detail the seismic noise characteristics due to human mobility and activity, we show that noise reduction during the lockdown has also improved the earthquake detection capability of the accelerometers located in noisy urban environments.
A win-win case of CSR 3.0 for wellbeing economics: digital currencies as a tool to improve the personnel income, the environmental respect & the general wellness
Authors: Sánchez Bayón Antonio , García Ramos Miguel Ángel
Published: May 2021

This is a critical paper (based in knowledge review with a constructivist proposal), under the Institutional Economics (including Austrian Economics), which analyzes the digital transition (from the welfare state economy to the authentic welfare or wellbeing economics) and the happiness management possibilities (as a part of the requirement for the global convergence process of Horizon 2030). Attention is focused on the digital currencies, as an example of technovation for personnel income and motivation management, environmental protection and a good practice of CSR 3.0 (in organizations oriented towards people wellness & happiness with sustainability). The paper explains how it works this win-win practice, with a real case of a Spanish cooperative company, with benefits for the whole stakeholders, the environment, other companies and the next generations.
Geografiando: Saberes y prácticas de educación geográfica
Authors:   Fundación Universitaria Católica Lumen Gentium, Robayo Coral Lina Juliana , Rubio Gallardo Julio Cesar ,   Fundación Universitaria Católica Lumen Gentium, Fajardo Quiñonez Nilson Giovani ,   Fundación Universitaria Católica Lumen Gentium
Published: May 2021

La relación educación y ‘geografía es un campo por explorar, sobre todo en nuestros contextos educativos y sociales, donde la disciplina y/o saber geográfico goza de cierta imagen o representación en la cual semeja o es un saber inútil. Atendiendo a esas dinámicas y reconociendo la centralidad de la dimensión espacial, varias disciplinas de las ciencias sociales y humanas han emprendido reflexiones teóricas y empíricas donde el espacio, el territorio, el lugar son problemas de conocimiento vital y pertinente para la comprensión del mundo.
La sagrada escritura en la vida del pueblo de Dios : hacia una lectura contextual de la Biblia
Authors:   Fundación Universitaria Católica Lumen Gentium, Imbachí Silva Carlos Andres , Pikaza Xabier ,   Universidad Pontificia de Salamanca, Támez Luna Elsa ,   Universidad Bilica Latinoamericana de Costa Rica, Buitrago López César de Jesús ,   Fundación Universitaria Católica Lumen Gentium, Cañaveral Orozco Anibal ,   Fundación Universidad Claretiana, Torres Muñoz José Santos ,   Universidad Santo Tómas, Mwangi Munyiri Venanzio ,   IMC, Matyor Tamayo Jhon Fredy ,   Fundación Universitaria Católica Lumen Gentium
Published: May 2021

El acercamiento a la Sagrada Escritura desde los contextos histórico sociales, se convierte en un desafío eclesial y pastoral, pues para que la Revelación llegue de la forma más diáfana posible, el texto se debe abordar desde el contexto en el cual fue escrito, para ser actualizado a las nuevas realidades
Challenges in morphological diagnosis of tuberculosis
Authors: Kuzyk Petro V. , Horoshchak Andriy Yu. , Serbin Bogdan Ya. , Musa-Bador Rahaina , Uchie-Okoro Uchenna
Published: May 2021

TB is the seventh leading cause of death worldwide and third leading cause of death among women in the 15–44 age group1. However, in 2010, the number of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) cases rose to 650,000 worldwide, with more than 150,000 deaths. All of the well-known widely available methods such as chest X-ray, culture in liquid and solid media should be accompanied with the modern and more accurate methods such as chest CT and molecular diagnostic tests which proved the necessity of usage with high sensitivity and accuracy, especially in smear-negative pulmonary TB patients and patients with the multi drug resistant forms.
Hábitos defecatorios en niños y adolescentes con mielomeningocele. Resultados de una gran serie incorporados en forma prospectiva
Authors: Bigliardi Román Néstor , Reynoso Ricardo , Messere Gabriela , Vidal Jorge , Ues Pata Andrea , Viltre Inés , Fernández Julián , Ortiz Gonzalo , Oviedo R Adriana , Varela Silvana , Varela Amanda
Published: May 2021

Introduction. Myelomeningocele (MMC) is an embryologic neural tube defect. Aim. To determine defecatory habits in MMC patients older and younger than 4 years old according to medullary level and factors affecting catharsis. Patient and methods. Descriptive study of prospective cohort by multidisciplinary team at Posadas Hospital, from March 2003 to March 2017. Inclusion criteria: MMC catered. Exclusion criteria: colostomizated. Results. n = 301. Female: 54%. Age: 1 month to 17 years. Median age: 3 years. GI: 178 patients ≤ 4 years. GII: 123 patients > 4 years. In GI: 82% normal defecation vs. 15% in GII; GI 18% constipation; GII 11% constipation, 79% incontinence. According medullary level: high (thoracic and high lumbar), low (middle lumbar, low lumbar and sacral). Constipation in GI: High 24% and in Low 14% (p = 0.13). GII incontinence in 86% High and in 73% Low (p = 0.06). 37% of walkers without aid, 23% of the children using valves and only 12% of wheelchair bound patients were continent (p = 0.01). Normal school: 30% continent; and 6% who continent attended special school (p = 0.001). Conclusions. 1) More frequent evacuation abnormalities after age of sphincteric control. 2) In ≤ 4 years old, constipation wasn´t related to medullary level; ≥ 4 years old patients defecatory trouble was directly. proportional to medullary level. 3) Special school pupils and wheelchair bound patients > 4 years experienced incontinence degree significantly higher. 4) No difference in defecatory trouble with or without urinary Catheterization. 5) More incontinence in > 4 with ventriculoperitoneal shunt. 6) Functional encopresis must be considered in association with organic factors in this patients.
Rectal GIST resection following neoadjuvant therapy. Reporting two cases from a single institute
Authors: Vaz Pandini Rafael , Silveira Júnior Sérgio , Ambar Pinto Rodrigo , Rizkallah Nahas Caio Sérgio , Tustumi Francisco , Brito Bezerra Pinheiro Rafaela , Ribeiro Júnior Ulysses , Nahas Sérgio Carlos , Cecconello Ivan
Published: May 2021

Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST) are the most common neoplasms arising from the mesenchymal cells of the gastrointestinal tract. Although GIST can arise in any gastrointestinal site, the most common are stomach and small bowel. Less than 5% of all GIST are located in rectum. Surgery is the main treatment option for resectable GIST. Currently, local excision has been increasingly employed thanks to neoadjuvant therapy. This paper reports two cases of rectal GIST treated with Imatinib neoadjuvant therapy followed by trans anal local resection.
Debates sobre educação no Brasil: olhares interdisciplinares vol.1
Authors: Mateus Yuri Givago Alhadef Sampaio , Mateus Natasha Nickolly Alhadef Sampaio , Rodrigues Jesse Lindoso
Published: May 2021

A obra Debates sobre educação no Brasil: olhares interdisciplinares volume 01 teve por finalidade dar visibilidade para o debate em torno da educação brasileira sob diversos olhares, isto é, como cada área do conhecimento (Ciências Humanas, Ciências da Natureza, Linguagens, Códigos, Matemática e suas Tecnologias) vem sendo aplicada no âmbito escolar, desde a educação básica ao ensino superior. Buscou-se discutir os entraves que historicamente assolam a educação, bem como os novos problemas que desafiam os educadores/as e educandos/as no cotidiano escolar.
The Usability of Content Management Systems
Authors:   Content-Wire Publishing
Published: May 2021

The Internet and the web are the most significant technology development of our times, likely to have the greatest impact on social and economic environment. Content Management Systems are software tools of different degrees of complexity that allow individuals and organizations worldwide to connect, exchange information in real time and participate in the emerging global networked economy. There are obstacles. Some are of political nature, other are technical.
Does Audit Committee Characteristics Promote Risk Management Practices in Nigerian Listed Firms?
Authors: Ojeka Stephen A. , Adeboye Alex , Dahunsi Olajide
Published: May 2021

There has been a huge and deluge of risk threatening industries at an unequalled magnitude in recent times. As such, the board of directors and senior executives are increasingly expected to manage their various organizations' risk portfolios, affecting their financial performance. This has led to the assigning of the risk assessment role to the audit committee. The board of directors and its audit committee play an essential function in Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) by building up the right condition or tone-at-the-top. Given the board's responsibilities for representing the interests of shareholders, it plays a vital role in overseeing management's approach to ERM. This study examined the relationship between audit committee characteristics and risk management of some selected listed firms in a developing country like Nigeria. The study used secondary data to describe the dependent variable (financial risk decomposed into credit risk and liquidity risk) and the explanatory variables (decomposed into audit committee accounting expertise, audit committee meetings, audit committee independence and audit committee gender). The study used pair sample t-test, student t-test, Pearson Moment Correlation and random panel data estimator for twenty (20) selected listed firms for 2012-2016. Findings indicate that there is a negative between audit committee accounting expertise and financial risk. This revealed that Accounting Expertise in Audit Committees are likely to involve in activities and practices to curb financial risk. In addition, the Audit committee meeting indicates a negative relationship with credit risk. Audit committee gender and audit committee independence have a negative effect on liquidity risk. Therefore, this study recommends that Audit committees embrace Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) to manage risks effectively across the organization. Risk management processes should be one of the major points of discussion during audit committee meetings.
Baseball Injuries of the Hand and Wrist
Authors: Gallant Gregory G. , Tulipan Jacob E. , Rivlin Michael , Ilyas Asif M.
Published: May 2021

Injuries of the hand and wrist are common in baseball. Because of the unique motions and loads encountered in this sport, physicians treating baseball players may encounter hand and wrist injuries ranging from common to rare. An understanding of these baseball-related injuries must include their pathoanatomy, diagnosis, and treatment options. This knowledge is critical for the general orthopaedic surgeon treating baseball players to allow for timely and appropriate treatment. This article reviews the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of baseball-related hand and wrist injuries, with a target audience of general orthopeadic surgeons.
Outcomes of Tourniquet-Less Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Matched Cohort Analysis
Authors: Tirumala Venkatsaiakhil , Klemt Christian , Oganseyan Ruben , Walker Paul , Padmanabha Anand , Kwon Young-Min
Published: May 2021

Introduction:

A tourniquet is routinely used in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) to limit perioperative blood loss and increase the visibility of the surgeon's field of view. This study aims to evaluate the postoperative clinical outcomes and complications associated with tourniquet use in revision TKA.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective review of 1,904 consecutive patients who underwent revision TKA. Propensity score–based matching was done to adjust for baseline differences in patient demographics and procedure details.

Results:

Propensity score matching resulted in a cohort of 548 revision total joint arthroplasty patients, 274 (50.0%) of whom were tourniquet patients matched to 274 (50.0%) tourniquet-less patients. Multivariate regression analyses demonstrated that, compared with the tourniquet-less cohort, the tourniquet cohort had significantly less intraoperative (413.7 to 353.2 mL, P < 0.01) and total perioperative (1,548.7 to 1,417.8 mL, P < 0.01) blood loss. However, no significant differences were present in total perioperative (8.4%, 6.6%, P = 0.43) transfusion rates. The tourniquet cohort had increased length of stay (3.2 to 3.7 days, P < 0.001) and 30-day readmissions (P = 0.04).

Discussion:

This study demonstrated that although omitting the tourniquet in revision TKA leads to markedly increased perioperative blood loss, notable differences in perioperative transfusion rates were not observed. Furthermore, revision TKA without tourniquet use was associated with reduced postoperative length of stay, 30-day readmissions, and increased range of flexion.
Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty Versus Hemiarthroplasty for the Treatment of Proximal Humerus Fractures: A Model-Based Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
Authors: Sheibani-Rad Shahin , Kuhn Andrew W. , Berrigan Patrick S. , Bedi Asheesh
Published: May 2021

Introduction:

Compared with hemiarthroplasty (HA), reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) may provide greater cost and health-related benefits for patients with complex three- and four-part proximal humeral fractures. This study set out to compare RTSA versus HA for the incremental cost per incremental improvement in quality adjusted life years (QALYs) for a hypothetical cohort of patients with proximal humerus fractures.

Methods:

Parameters and characteristics for a hypothetical cohort of elderly patients with proximal humerus fractures were collected through the literature. A cohort-level Markov decision model was constructed. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios representing the difference in cost divided by the difference in QALYs were calculated, and scenario, one-way, and probabilistic analysis were conducted.

Results:

RTSA was associated with lower cost and greater effectiveness compared with HA. The predicted cost difference corresponded to a saving of $99,626 per 100 individuals treated, and the predicted difference in QALY was 16.8 per 100 individuals treated. Results were sensitive to the discount rate, the health-related quality of life assigned to health states, and the cost of the surgical procedures. In probabilistic analysis, 77.1% of iterations were cost-effective at a threshold willingness-to-pay for a QALY of $100,000 US dollars.

Discussion:

Findings suggest that RTSA may be a cost-effective alternative to HA for treating elderly patients requiring surgery for proximal humerus fractures.

Data Availability:

The model and corresponding code are available on request to the corresponding author.

Level of Evidence Using the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons Guidance:

Level III
Eco-translatology-based Analysis of Children’s Literature Translation—A Case Study: Peter Pan
Authors: Guo Wentao
Published: May 2021

Children’s literature occupies a peripheral position in literature system according to the polysystem theory so that the translators of children’s literature can manipulate the texts with great liberty. The translator of children’s literature in the ternary relation of translation, namely the source texts, the translator and the target text, is in a relatively important position. Thus, it is a feasible way to analyze the translation of children’s literature from the translator-centered perspective. Eco-translatology is a translator-centered translation theory, aiming to analyze how the translator selects and adapts during the translation process in the translational eco-environment. In this paper, the author will adopt Eco-translatology as the translation framework to analyze the translation of children’s literature, and try to explore how ‘children’, an important factor in the translational eco-environment, influences the translator’s selection and adaptation in the process of translating children’s literature. Furthermore, the author will take Peter Pan as a case study, comparing two Chinese versions of this book to analyze how the two translators adapt and select differently from those three dimensions during the translation process, as one follows the target-reader-oriented strategy and the other one follows the source-text-oriented strategy.
Assessing the Communicative Use of Literary Texts in EFL Coursebooks
Authors: Al-Saeed Shaima J. , Alenezi Abdullah A.
Published: May 2021

Integrating and utilizing literary texts from coursebooks in foreign language teaching could impact the communicative competence of language learners. The study aims to scrutinize the usage of authentic and inauthentic literary texts found in 44 mainstream English as a foreign language (EFL) coursebooks. The article particularly examines how texts can facilitate communicative language learning and teaching in language classes. To do this, the study proposes a set of principles that can enable using literary texts more appropriately. The analysis of the study indicates that authentic and inauthentic literary texts are used differently, with authentic texts providing great opportunities for communication and offering a unique contribution to the EFL classroom. The study has implications for language teachers and coursebook designers in language programs. Further recommendations are made on how literature can be used communicatively.
Health-Related Quality of Life and Associated Factors of Children with Transfusion-Dependent Thalassemia in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Authors: Alshamsi Shaikha , Hamidi Samer , Narci Hacer Ozgen
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND: Patients with transfusion-dependent thalassemia require lifelong blood transfusions and iron chelation therapy. Iron overload associated with regular blood transfusion leads to a significant defect in the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with transfusion-dependent thalassemia. Quality of life has become a significant component of care, and it is therefore necessary to focus on the HRQoL of patients with transfusion-dependent thalassemia.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the HRQoL of children with transfusion-dependent thalassemia, identify the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics that affect the HRQoL, and identify the risk factors for poor HRQoL in children with transfusion-dependent thalassemia.

STUDY DESIGN: A descriptive cross-sectional study was used to address the study’s objectives.

SETTING: A representative sample was recruited from the Dubai Thalassemia Center in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

PARTICIPANTS: A total of 68 children with transfusion-dependent thalassemia aged 2-18 years.

INTERVENTION: PedsQL 4.0 was applied to assess the HRQoL. The total HRQoL score was treated as the dependent variable in the study. Regression analysis was applied to study the effect of sociodemographic and clinical characteristics on HRQoL.

RESULTS: This study included 68 children with transfusion-dependent thalassemia. Among them, 55.9% fell into the 13-18-year age group, and 42.6% were male. In addition, 57.4% were non-UAE nationals, and 44.1% of the children had less than 10,000 AED as monthly household income. The median (IQR) physical health summary score was 89.9 (15.6) and the psychosocial health summary score was 90.0 (10.3). Total PedsQL scores were significantly higher for younger children, those with a higher monthly household income, and those without complications. Older children were significantly correlated with lower total, physical, and psychosocial health summary PedsQL scores, whereas lower monthly household income was significantly correlated with lower total and psychosocial health summary PedsQL scores. Controlling for other variables, increasing age of patients was associated with worse total PedsQL scores.

CONCLUSIONS: Children with transfusion-dependent thalassemia and their families require long-term support for the prevention of physical and mental problems associated with this disease.
Rechtsmiddelen tegen niet-appellabele kantonuitspraken
Authors: Bentvelzen Frank
Published: May 2021

Rechtsmiddelen tegen niet-appellabele kantonuitspraken

Door de appelgrens in art. 332 lid 1 Rv en de beperkte cassatiegronden in art. 80 lid 1 Wet RO is beoordeling door een hogere rechter van kantonuitspraken slechts beperkt mogelijk. Dit leidt ertoe dat de kantonrechter soms als hoogste nationale rechter rechtsregels toepast en uitlegt. Deze bijdrage verkent verruiming van de mogelijkheden van hoger beroep en cassatie en bespreekt daartoe aanknopingspunten voor ruimere toepassing van de doorbrekingsleer en afschaffing dan wel aanpassing van art. 80 lid 1 Wet RO. Daarbij wordt aandacht besteed aan verruiming in algemene zin, maar ook specifiek gekeken naar verruiming voor gevallen met een Unierechtelijke dimensie.
Brexit: de gevolgen voor forumkeuzeclausules en de erkenning en tenuitvoerlegging van rechterlijke beslissingen in burgerlijke en handelszaken
Authors: Zilinsky Marek
Published: May 2021

Brexit: de gevolgen voor forumkeuzeclausules en de erkenning en tenuitvoerlegging van rechterlijke beslissingen in burgerlijke en handelszaken

In deze bijdrage komt de beoordeling van een forumkeuze voor de Nederlandse rechter en voor de Engelse rechter in burgerlijke en handelszaken na Brexit aan de orde. Aansluitend wordt aandacht besteed aan de grensoverschrijdende erkenning en tenuitvoerlegging van beslissingen gegeven door deze rechters. Op deze terreinen is na Brexit veel onduidelijkheid in verhouding tussen Nederland en het Verenigd Koninkrijk ontstaan.