bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A multiple charging correction algorithm for broad supersaturation scanning cloud condensation nuclei (BS2-CCN) system
Authors: Kim Najin , Su Hang , Ma Nan , Pöschl Ulrich , Cheng Yafang
Published: July 2022

Abstract. High time resolution (~1 s) of aerosol hygroscopicity and CCN activity can be obtained with a Broad Supersaturation Scanning Cloud Condensation Nuclei (BS2-CCN) system. Based on a commercial DMT-CCNC, the newly designed diffusive inlet in the BS2-CCN realizes a broad supersaturation distribution in a chamber with a stable low sheath to aerosol flow ratio (SARs). In this way, a monotonic relation between activation fraction of aerosols (Fact) and critical activation supersaturation (Saerosol) can be obtained. The accuracy of the size-resolved aerosol hygroscopicity, κ, measured by the BS2-CCN system can be, however, hampered by multiply charged particles, i.e., resulting in the overestimation of κ values. As the BS2-CCN system uses multiple and continuous supersaturations in the chamber and the size-resolved Fact value is directly used to derive κ values, the multiple charging correction algorithm of the traditional CCNC where single supersaturation is applied does not work for the BS2-CCN observation. Here, we propose a new multiple charging correction algorithm to retrieve the true Fact value. Starting from the largest size bin, a new Fact value at a specific particle diameter (Dp) is updated from a measured activation spectra after removing both aerosol and CCN number concentration of multiply charged particles using a Kernel function with a given particle number size distribution. We compare the corrected activation spectra with laboratory aerosols for a calibration experiment and ambient aerosols during the 2021 Yellow-Sea Air Quality Studies (YES-AQ) campaign. The difference between corrected and measured κ values can be as large as 0.08 within the measured κ values between 0.11 and 0.37 among the selected samples, highlighting that multiple charge effect should be considered for the ambient aerosol measurement. Furthermore, we examine how particle number size distribution is linked to the deviation of activation spectra and κ values.
A lightweight broadband cavity-enhanced spectrometer for NO2 measurement on uncrewed aerial vehicles
Authors: Womack Caroline C. , Brown Steven S. , Ciciora Steven J. , Gao Ru-Shan , McLaughlin Richard J. , Robinson Michael A. , Rudich Yinon , Washenfelder Rebecca A.
Published: July 2022

Abstract. We describe the design and performance of a lightweight broadband cavity-enhanced spectrometer for measurement of NO2 on uncrewed aerial vehicles and light aircraft. The instrument uses an LED centered at 457 nm, high-finesse mirrors (reflectivity=0.999963 at 450 nm), and a grating spectrometer to determine optical extinction coefficients between 430–476 nm, which are fit with custom spectral fitting software and published absorption cross sections. The instrument weighs 3.05 kg and has power consumption less than 35 W at 25 °C. A ground calibration unit provides helium and zero air flows to periodically determine the reflectivity of the cavity mirrors using known Rayleigh scattering cross sections. The precision (1σ) for laboratory measurements is 43 ppt NO2 in 1 s and 7 ppt NO2 in 30 s. Measurement of air with known NO2 mixing ratios in the range of 0–70 ppb agreed with the known values within 0.3 % (slope=0.997±0.007; r2=0.99983). We demonstrate instrument performance using vertical profiles of NO2 mixing ratio acquired onboard an uncrewed aerial vehicle between 0–120 m above ground level in Boulder, Colorado.
Assessing the consistency of satellite derived upper tropospheric humidity measurements
Authors: Shi Lei , Schreck III Carl J. , John Viju O. , Chung Eui-Seok , Lang Theresa , Buehler Stefan A. , Soden Brian J.
Published: July 2022

Abstract. Four upper tropospheric humidity (UTH) datasets derived from satellite sounders are evaluated to assess their consistency as part of the activities for the Global Energy and Water Exchanges (GEWEX) water vapor assessment project. The datasets include UTH computed from brightness temperature measurements of the 183.31 ± 1 GHz channel of the Special Sensor Microwave – Humidity (SSM/T-2), Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit-B (AMSU-B), and Microwave Humidity Sounder (MHS), and from channel 12 of the High-Resolution Infrared Radiation Sounder (HIRS). The four datasets are consistent in the interannual temporal and spatial variability of the tropics. Large positive anomalies peaked over the central equatorial Pacific region during El Niño events in the same phase with the increase of sea surface temperature. Conversely, large negative anomalies were obtained during El Niño events when the tropical domain average is taken. The weakened ascending branch of the Pacific Walker circulation in the western Pacific and the enhanced descending branches of the local Hadley circulation along the Pacific subtropics largely contributed to widespread drying areas and thus negative anomalies in the upper troposphere during El Niño events as shown in all four datasets. Due to differences in retrieval definitions, calibration methods, and sensor limitations, there are differences in spatial anomalies and temporal change rates, where more significant anomaly values are usually found in the microwave UTH data.
Zooplankton community succession and trophic links during a mesocosm experiment in the coastal upwelling off Callao Bay (Peru)
Authors: Ayón Dejo Patricia , Pinedo Arteaga Elda Luz , Schukat Anna , Taucher Jan , Kiko Rainer , Hauss Helena , Dorschner Sabrina , Hagen Wilhelm , Segura-Noguera Mariona , Lischka Silke
Published: July 2022

Abstract. The Humboldt Current Upwelling System (HUS) is the most productive eastern boundary upwelling system (EBU) in terms of fisheries yield on the planet. EBUs are considered hotspots of climate change with predicted expansion of mesopelagic oxygen minimum zones (OMZs) and related changes in frequency and intensity of upwelling of nutrient-rich/oxygen-low deep-water. To increase our mechanistic understanding of how upwelling impacts on plankton communities and trophic links, we investigated mesozooplankton community succession as well as gut fluorescence, fatty acid and elemental compositions (C, N, O, P), and stable isotope (δ13C, δ15N) ratios of dominant meso- and microzooplankton representatives in a mesocosm setup off Callao (Peru) after simulated upwelling with OMZ water from two different locations and N:P signatures. An oxycline between 5 and 15 m with hypoxic conditions below ~10 m (<50 μL-1) persisted in the mesocosms throughout the experiment. No treatment effects became apparent in the mesozooplankton community composition, but differences in nutrient concentrations established through OMZ water additions were negligible. Copepods and polychaete larvae dominated in terms of abundance and biomass. Development and reproduction of the dominant copepod genera Paracalanus spp., Hemicyclops sp., Acartia sp., and Oncaea sp. was hindered as evident from accumulation of adult copepodids but largely missing nauplii. Failed hatching of nauplii in the hypoxic bottom layer of the mesocosms and poor nutritional condition of copepods suggested from very low gut fluorescence and fatty acid compositions most likely explains the retarded copepod development. Correlation analysis revealed no particular trophic relations between dominant copepods and phytoplankton groups. Possibly particulate organic matter with relatively high C:N ratio was a major diet of copepods. C:N ratios of copepods (pooled and species-specific for Paracalanus spp., Hemicyclops sp.) and polychaetes ranged between 4.8–5.8 and 4.2–4.3, respectively. Stable isotope signatures of copepods varied over time but not between treatments. δ15N was comparatively high (~13–17 ‰) potentially because the injected OMZ source water was enriched in δ15N as a result of anoxic conditions. Elemental ratios of dinoflagellates deviated strongly from the Redfield ratio. We conclude, that intensification and increased frequency of upwelling and expanding/shoaling OMZs could severely impact population dynamics and reproductive success of zooplankton communities and, thus, the pelagic food web of the HUS.
Marine nitrogen fixation as a possible source of atmospheric water-soluble organic nitrogen aerosols in the subtropical North Pacific
Authors: Dobashi Tsukasa , Miyazaki Yuzo , Tachibana Eri , Takahashi Kazutaka , Horii Sachiko , Iwamoto Yoko , Wong Shu-Kuan , Hamasaki Koji
Published: July 2022

Abstract. Water-soluble organic nitrogen (WSON) in marine atmospheric aerosols affect the water-solubility, acidity, and light-absorbing properties of aerosol particles, which are important parameters in assessing both the climate impact and the biogeochemical cycling of bioelements. Size-segregated aerosol and surface seawater (SSW) samples were simultaneously collected over the subtropical North Pacific to investigate the origin of WSON in the marine atmosphere. The fine-mode WSON concentration (7.5±6.6 ngN m−3) at 200–240º E along 23º N defined as the eastern North Pacific (ENP) was significantly higher than that (2.4±1.9 ngN m−3) at 135–200º E, defined as the western North Pacific (WNP). Analysis of the stable carbon isotope ratio of water-soluble organic carbon (WSOC) (δ13CWSOC) together with backward trajectory indicated that most of the observed WSON in the fine particles in the ENP originated from the ocean surface. We found a significant positive correlation between the WSON concentrations and nitrogen fixation rate in SSW. The result indicates that reactive nitrogen (dissolved organic nitrogen and ammonium), produced and exuded by nitrogen-fixing microorganisms in SSW, contributed to the formation of WSON aerosols. This study provides new insights into the role of ocean-derived reactive nitrogen aerosols associated with marine microbial activity.
Seismic Characteristics of the Largest Measured Subglacial Flood from the Eastern Skaftá cauldron, Iceland
Authors: Eibl Eva P. S. , Vogfjörd Kristin S. , Ófeigsson Benedikt G. , Roberts Matthew J. , Bean Christopher J. , Jones Morgan T. , Bergsson Bergur H.
Published: July 2022

Abstract. Subglacial floods are hazardous events. Since seismic tremor accompanies them, the source can be located and tracked in space and time using a seismic array. However, understanding how these seismic signals are generated remains elusive. Here, we study the seismic characteristics of the largest measured flood from the Eastern Skaftá cauldron, Iceland. We track the propagation of the flood in 2015 using two seismic arrays and a local seismic network. Data from three GPS instruments above the cauldron lake and the subglacial flood path and from hydrological instruments in the Skaftá river aid the interpretation. We find that as the water drained from the lake, quakes were generated in the area around the cauldron and the glacier surface subsided by more than 100 m.We detected several-hours-long, non-harmonic tremor migrating downglacier following the subglacial flood front. We suggest that this tremor is composed of repeated, closely spaced icequakes generated as the glacier was being lifted, cracked and deformed enabling the subglacial water flow. When the lake had largely drained, we recorded minute-long tremor bursts with hour-long harmonic tails emanating from the cauldron area. Body waves compose the bursts. We interpret them as hydrothermal explosions in the geothermal system underlying the cauldron, followed by vigorous boiling due to the pressure drop within the hydrothermal system as a consequence of the lowering of the water level in the lake. We conclude that the three different tremor characteristics are associated with three different geophysical processes.
A repository of measured soil freezing characteristic curves: 1921 to 2021
Authors: Devoie Élise G. , Gruber Stephan , McKenzie Jeffrey M.
Published: July 2022

Abstract. Soil freeze–thaw processes play a fundamental role in the hydrology, geomorphology, ecology, thermodynamics, and soil chemistry of cold regions' landscapes. In understanding these processes, the temperature of the soil is used as a proxy to represent the partitioning of soil ice and water content via a soil freezing characteristic curve (SFCC). This mathematical construct relates the soil ice content to a specific temperature for a particular soil. SFCCs depend on many factors, including soil properties (e.g., porosity and composition), soil pore water pressure, dissolved salts, (hysteresis in) freezing/thawing point depression, and the degree of saturation, all of which can be site-specific and time-varying characteristics. SFCCs have been measured using various methods for diverse soils since 1921, but, to date, these data have not been broadly compared. This is in part because they had not previously been compiled in a single dataset. The dataset presented in this publication includes SFCC data digitized or received from authors, and it includes both historic and modern studies. The data are stored in an open-source repository, and an R package is available to facilitate their use. Aggregating the data has pointed out some data gaps, namely that there are few studies on coarse soils and comparably few in situ measurements of SFCCs in mountainous environments. It is hoped that this dataset (https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.5592825; Devoie et al., 2022a) will aid in the development of SFCC theory and improve SFCC approximations in soil freeze–thaw modelling activities.
Comparison of calibration characteristics of different acoustic impact systems for measuring bedload transport in mountain streams
Authors: Rickenman Dieter , Ammann Lorenz , Nicollier Tobias , Boss Stefan , Fritschi Bruno , Antoniazza Gilles , Steeb Nicolas , Chen Zheng , Wyss Carlos , Badoux Alexandre
Published: July 2022

Abstract. The Swiss plate geophone (SPG) system has been installed and tested in more than 20 steep gravel-bed streams and rivers, and related studies generally resulted in rather robust calibration relations between signal impulse counts and transported bedload mass. Here, we compare this system with three alternative surrogate measuring systems. A variant of the SPG system uses the same frame (housing) set-up but with an accelerometer instead of a geophone sensor to measure the vibrations of the plate (GP-Acc, for geophone plate accelerometer). The miniplate accelerometer (MPA) system has a smaller dimension of the impact plate and is embedded in more elastomer material than the SPG system. The Japanese pipe microphone (JPM) is a 1 m long version of the system that has been installed in many streams in Japan. To compare the performance of the four systems, we used calibration measurements with direct bedload samples from three field sites and an outdoor flume facility with controlled sediment feed. At our field sites, the systems with an accelerometer and a microphone showed partly large temporal variations in the background noise level, which may have impaired the calibration measurements obtained during certain time periods. Excluding these periods, the SPG, GP-Acc and JPM all resulted in robust calibration relations, whereas the calibration of the MPA system showed a poorer performance at all sites.
Complex 40Ar ∕ 39Ar age spectra from low-grade metamorphic rocks: resolving the input of detrital and metamorphic components in a case study from the Delamerian Orogen
Authors: Reid Anthony , Forster Marnie , Preiss Wolfgang , Caruso Alicia , Curtis Stacey , Wise Tom , Vasegh Davood , Goswami Naina , Lister Gordon
Published: July 2022

Abstract. In this study, we provide 40Ar / 39Ar
geochronology data from a suite of variably deformed rocks from a region of
low-grade metamorphism within the Cambro–Ordovician Delamerian Orogen, South Australia. Low-grade metamorphic rocks such as these can contain both
detrital minerals and minerals newly grown or partly recrystallised during
diagenesis and metamorphism. Hence, they typically yield complex
40Ar / 39Ar age spectra that can be difficult to interpret.
Therefore, we have undertaken furnace step heating 40Ar / 39Ar
geochronology to obtain age spectra with many steps to allow for
application of the method of asymptotes and limits and recognition of the
effects of mixing. The samples analysed range from siltstone and shale to
phyllite and contain muscovite or phengite with minor microcline as
determined by hyperspectral mineralogical characterisation. Whole rock
40Ar / 39Ar analyses were undertaken in most samples due to their very fine-grained nature. All samples are dominated by radiogenic 40Ar, and contain minimal evidence for atmospheric Ca- or Cl-derived argon. Chloritisation may have resulted in limited recoil, causing 39Ar argon loss in some samples, which is especially evident within the first few percent of gas
released. Most of the age data, however, appear to have some geological
significance. Viewed with respect to the known depositional ages of the
stratigraphic units, the age spectra from this study do appear to record
both detrital mineral ages and ages related to the varying influence of
either cooling or deformation-induced recrystallisation. The shape of the
age spectra and the degree of deformation in the phyllites suggest the
younger ages may record recrystallisation of detrital minerals and/or new
mica growth during deformation. Given that the younger limit of deformation
recorded in the high-metamorphic-grade regions of the Delamerian Orogen is
ca. 490 Ma, the ca. 470 to ca. 458 Ma ages obtained in this study suggest
deformation in low-grade shear zones within the Delamerian Orogen may have
persisted until ca. 20–32 million years after high-temperature ductile
deformation in the high-grade regions of the orogen. We suggest that these
younger ages for deformation could reflect reactivation of older structures
formed both during rift basin formation and during the main peak of the
Delamerian orogeny itself. The younger ca. 470 to ca. 458 Ma deformation may have been facilitated by far-field tectonic processes occurring along the eastern paleo-Pacific margin of Gondwana.
Improving Madden–Julian oscillation simulation in atmospheric general circulation models by coupling with a one-dimensional snow–ice–thermocline ocean model
Authors: Tseng Wan-Ling , Hsu Huang-Hsiung , Lan Yung-Yao , Lee Wei-Liang , Tu Chia-Ying , Kuo Pei-Hsuan , Tsuang Ben-Jei , Liang Hsin-Chien
Published: July 2022

Abstract. A one-column, turbulent, and kinetic-energy-type ocean mixed-layer model
(snow–ice–thermocline, SIT), when coupled with three atmospheric general
circulation models (AGCMs), yields superior Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO)
simulations. SIT is designed to have fine layers similar to those observed
near the ocean surface; therefore, it can realistically simulate the diurnal
warm layer and cool skin. This refined discretization of the near-surface ocean
in SIT provides accurate sea surface temperature (SST) simulation, and
thus facilitates realistic air–sea interaction. Coupling SIT with
the European Centre/Hamburg Model version 5, the Community Atmosphere Model
version 5, and the High-Resolution Atmospheric Model significantly improved MJO
simulation in three coupled AGCMs compared to the AGCM driven by a
prescribed SST. This study suggests two major improvements to the coupling
process. First, during the preconditioning phase of MJO over the Maritime
Continent (MC), the often underestimated surface latent heat bias in AGCMs
can be corrected. Second, during the phase of strongest convection over the MC,
the change in intraseasonal circulation in the meridional circulation
enhancing near-surface moisture convergence is the dominant factor in the
coupled simulations relative to the uncoupled experiments. The study results
show that a fine vertical resolution near the surface, which better captures
temperature variations in the upper few meters of the ocean, considerably
improves different models with different configurations and physical
parameterization schemes; this could be an essential factor for accurate MJO
simulation.
Predictability of Arctic sea ice drift in coupled climate models
Authors: Reifenberg Simon Felix , Goessling Helge Friedrich
Published: July 2022

Abstract. Skillful sea ice drift forecasts are crucial for scientific mission planning and marine safety. Wind is the dominant driver of ice motion variability, but more slowly varying components of the climate system, in particular ice thickness and ocean currents, bear the potential to render ice drift more predictable than the wind. In this study, we provide the first assessment of Arctic sea ice drift predictability in four coupled general circulation models (GCMs), using a suite of “perfect-model” ensemble simulations. We find the position vector from Lagrangian trajectories of virtual buoys to remain predictable for at least a 90 (45) d lead time for initializations in January (July), reaching about 80 % of the position uncertainty of a climatological reference forecast. In contrast, the uncertainty in Eulerian drift vector predictions reaches the level of the climatological uncertainty within 4 weeks. Spatial patterns of uncertainty, varying with season and across models, develop in all investigated GCMs.
For two models providing near-surface wind data (AWI-CM1 and HadGEM1.2), we find spatial patterns and large fractions of the variance to be explained by wind vector uncertainty. The latter implies that sea ice drift is only marginally more predictable than wind. Nevertheless, particularly one of the four models (GFDL-CM3) shows a significant correlation of up to −0.85 between initial ice thickness and target position uncertainty in large parts of the Arctic.
Our results provide a first assessment of the inherent predictability of ice motion in coupled climate models; they can be used to put current real-world forecast skill into perspective and highlight the model diversity of sea ice drift predictability.
Characteristics of the contemporary Antarctic firn layer simulated with IMAU-FDM v1.2A (1979–2020)
Authors: Veldhuijsen Sanne B. M. , van de Berg Willem Jan , Brils Max , Kuipers Munneke Peter , van den Broeke Michiel R.
Published: July 2022

Abstract. Firn simulations are essential for understanding Antarctic ice sheet mass change as they enable us to convert satellite altimetry observed volume changes to mass changes, and to quantify the meltwater buffering capacity of firn. Here, we present and evaluate a simulation of the contemporary Antarctic firn layer using the updated semi-empirical firn model IMAU-FDM for the period 1979–2020. In IMAU-FDM, we have improved the fresh snow density and firn compaction parameterizations, and used improved 5 atmospheric forcing. In addition, the model has been tuned and evaluated against 148 in situ observations across the ice sheet. The updated model captures the observed strong spatial variation in firn thickness and density. The temporal variation can be split into a rather stable seasonal cycle driven by snowfall, compaction and melt seasonal cycles, and more irregular decadal variations driven by snowfall anomalies. Comparison of simulated surface elevation change with altimetry shows that the decadal trends agree reasonably well, and that the performance of the updated model has improved, notably in Dronning Maud Land and Wilkins Land.
Origin of low-tropospheric potential vorticity in Mediterranean cyclones
Authors: Scherrmann Alexander , Wernli Heini , Flaounas Emmanouil
Published: July 2022

Abstract. Mediterranean cyclones are extratropical cyclones, typically of smaller size and weaker intensity than other cyclones that develop over the main open ocean storm tracks. Nevertheless, Mediterranean cyclones can attain high intensities, even comparable to the ones of tropical cyclones, and thus cause large socio-economic impacts in the densely populated coasts of the region. After cyclogenesis takes place, a large variety of processes are involved in the cyclone’s development, contributing with positive and negative potential vorticity (PV) changes to the lower-tropospheric PV anomalies in the cyclone center. Although the diabatic processes that produce these PV anomalies in Mediterranean cyclones are known in principle, it is still an open question whether they occur locally within the cyclone itself or remotely in the environment (e.g., near high orography) with a subsequent transport of high-PV air into the cyclone center. This study introduces a Lagrangian method to determine the origin of the lower-tropospheric PV anomaly, with an average amplitude of 1.2 PVU, relative to the tracks of cyclones identified in ERA5 reanalyses. We define and quantify so-called "cyclonic" and "environmental" PV and find that the main part of the lower-tropospheric PV anomaly (60 %) is produced within the cyclone, shortly prior (-12 h) to the cyclones mature stage. Nevertheless, in 10 % of the cyclones the environmental PV production near the mountains surrounding the Mediterranean basin plays the dominant role for the low-tropospheric PV anomaly, and therefore the intensity of the circulation associated with these cyclones. An additional investigation of IFS simulations with detailed output from physical parameterizations reveals that the major PV production inside the cyclone is typically due to convection and large-scale microphysics, whereas convection and turbulent momentum tendencies evoke most of the positive PV changes found in the environment.
Lifetime prediction of turbine blades using global precipitation products from satellites
Authors: Badger Merete , Zuo Haichen , Hannesdóttir Ásta , Owda Abdalmenem , Hasager Charlotte
Published: July 2022

Abstract. The growing size of wind turbines leads to extremely high tip speeds when the blades are rotating. The blades are prone to leading edge erosion when raindrops hit the blades at such high speeds and blade damage will eventually affect the power production until repair or replacement of the blade is performed. Since these actions come with a high cost, it is relevant to estimate the blade lifetime for a given wind farm site prior to wind farm construction. Modelling tools for blade lifetime prediction require input time series of rainfall intensities and wind speeds in addition to a turbine-specific tip speed curve. In this paper, we investigate the suitability of satellite-based precipitation data from the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Mission in the context of blade lifetime prediction. We first evaluate satellite-based rainfall intensities from the Integrated Multi-Satellite Retrievals for GPM (IMERG) final product against in situ observations at 18 weather stations located in Germany, Denmark, and Portugal. We then use the satellite and in situ rainfall intensities as input to a model for blade lifetime prediction together with the wind speeds measured at the stations. We find that blade lifetimes estimated with rainfall intensities from satellites and in situ observations are in good agreement despite the very different nature of the observation methods and the fact that IMERG products have a 30 minute temporal resolution whereas in situ stations deliver 10 minute accumulated rainfall intensities. Our results indicate that the wind speed has a large impact on the estimated blade lifetimes. Inland stations show significantly longer blade lifetimes than coastal stations, which are more exposed to high mean wind speeds. One station located in mountainous terrain shows large differences between rainfall intensities and blade lifetimes based on satellite and in situ observations. IMERG rainfall products are known to have a limited accuracy in mountainous terrain. Our analyses also confirm that IMERG overestimates light rainfall and underestimates heavy rainfall. Given that networks of in situ stations have large gaps over the oceans, there is a potential for utilizing rainfall products from satellites to estimate and map blade lifetimes. This is useful as more wind power is installed offshore including floating installations very far from the coast.
Are Wrist-Worn Activity Trackers and Mobile Applications Valid for Assessing Physical Activity in High School Students? Wearfit Study
Authors: Viciana Jesús , Casado-Robles Carolina , Guijarro-Romero Santiago , Mayorga-Vega Daniel
Published: July 2022

The purpose was to examine the validity of three wrist-worn commercial activity trackers (Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2, Apple Watch Series 5, and Xiaomi Mi Band 5) and six mobile apps (Pedometer and Pacer for android and iPhone mobiles, Google Fit for android, and Apple Health for iPhone mobiles) for estimating high school students’ steps and physical activity (PA) under free-living conditions. A sample of 56 (27 females; mean age = 14.7 years) and 51 (25 females; mean age = 14.0 years) high school students participated in Study 1 and 2, respectively. Study 1: Students performed a 200-meter course in four different conditions while wearing the wearables. Step counting through a video record was used as the golden standard. Study 2: Students wore the three wrist-worn commercial activity trackers during the waking time of one day, considering ActiGraph model wGT3X-BT accelerometers as a standard of reference. Afterward, the agreement between the PA scores measured by the commercial activity trackers and the video (study 1) or accelerometers (study 2) were calculated as follows: Equivalence test, Limits of Agreement (LOA); Mean Absolute Error (MAE); Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE); and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC). Results showed that all the wearables presented excellent validity for assessing steps in structured free-living conditions (study 1; MAPE < 5%), although their validity was between poor-excellent based on ICC (95% confidence interval) values (ICC = 0.56-1.00). Regarding Study 2, the Xiaomi wristband and the Samsung Watch presented acceptable-excellent (MAPE = 9.4-11.4%; ICC = 0.91-0.97) validity for assessing steps under unstructured free-living conditions (study 2). However, the Apple Watch presented questionable-excellent validity (MAPE = 18.0%; ICC = 0.69-0.95). Regarding moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and total PA, only the Apple Watch showed low-acceptable validity for MAPE value and questionable-excellent validity for the ICC values for MVPA assessment (MAPE = 22.6; ICC = 0.67-0.93). All wearables checked in this study have shown adequate validity results in order to assess steps in both structured and unstructured free-living conditions for both continuous and dichotomous variables. Moreover, for assessing MVPA, only the Apple Watch reported valid results for compliance or non-compliance with the daily PA recommendations. However, the results showed low validity for total PA and MVPA as continuous variables. In conclusion, depending on the user’s/researcher’s aim and context, one or another wearable activity tracker could be more adequate, mainly because of its valid measurements and its costs.
Revistas iberoamericanas de arquitectura en Web of Science (2017-2019): análisis de su internacionalidad y visibilidad
Authors: Mochón-Bezares Gonzalo , Sorli-Rojo Ángela
Published: July 2022

El presente trabajo realiza un análisis sobre la internacionalidad de las revistas iberoamericanas sobre arquitectura recogidas en las bases de datos de Web of Science en los años 2017, 2018 y 2019. Se han recogido para su estudio un total de 1528 artículos de 24 publicaciones periódicas sobre arquitectura, 6 de ellas incluidas en el Arts & Humanities Citation Index y el resto en el Emerging Sources Citation Index. Se analizan los siguientes parámetros: producción de los autores procedentes de instituciones extranjeras sobre el total publicado y su grado de colaboración, idiomas empleados en la redacción de los artículos, filiación institucional de los miembros de equipos editoriales, presencia de las revistas en fuentes secundarias de información. Los resultados dan una baja cantidad de autores extranjeros y una mínima colaboración internacional, un escaso uso del inglés en la redacción de los artículos, una mayoría de extranjeros entre los miembros de los equipos editoriales y una limitada presencia de muchas revistas en las fuentes de información secundaria consultadas, especialmente en las bases de datos de temática arquitectónica. Se concluye que para mejorar su nivel de internacionalidad las publicaciones periódicas iberoamericanas de arquitectura presentes en Web of Science deben incrementar la colaboración entre autores de distintos países, aumentar la publicación de trabajos en lengua inglesa y mejorar su presencia en bases de datos de temática arquitectónica.
12- 14 Yaş Arasındaki Ergenlerde İnternet Bağımlılığı ile Sürekli Öfke- Öfke Tarzı İfade ve Psikolojik Dayanıklılıkları Arasındaki İlişkinin İncelenmesi
Authors: BAKAN KIRAÇ İnci , SAHMUROVA (ŞAHMUR) Aida
Published: July 2022

The internet has become more and more attractive to the adolescents who had to stay at home and had no chance to socialize during the Covid-19 process. The social restrictions and distancing precoutions that Covid-19 brought with it and the decrease in social relations have affected the adolescents at an unprecedented depth. It has especially been effective on the brain and behavior developments of adolescents and their mental states and well-being. As a matter of fact, one of the emotions that reflect the adolescence period is anger. Within the scope of this study, 406 adolescents between the ages of 12-14 were reached in the Küçükçekmece disctrict of Istanbul. In this research, relational screening model and agent-based model analysis have been used. In the agent model analysis, it has been observed that psychological resilience has a significant partial role in the effect of internet addiction on trait anger. The internet addiction, trait anger and anger expression and the scores of psychological resilience scales of the adolescents were studied in terms of certain demographical characteristics (gender, the length of internet use, diet and sleeping habits) during the “Covid-19” pandemic process. Anger introjection scores have been found higher in female participants than males. Anger management and psychological resilience of the participants who have better diet have been found high. It has been observed that anger and internet addiction levels increase with the increase in the length of internet use while with less time on the internet, the level of anger management and psychological resilience increases. It has also been observed that the level of anger expression increases and anger management decreases when the daily total sleeping hours of the participant is below the average. Internet addiction scores have been found higher in male participants. Keywords: İnternet Addiction, Anger, Psychological Resilience, Sleep, Diet
The issue of qualification of the intended killing involving a plurality of victims
Authors:   Academy of Economic Studies, Republic of Moldova, Prisacari Vadim
Published: July 2022

In this scientific approach, rules are identified to qualify the offense of intentional killing involving several victims. Our attention is focused on the crime of killing as one of the most serious criminal acts against the person. Criteria for the offense of intentional killing are drawn up in a form that is extended by that which is simple and repeated. Similarly, the demarcation lines between the intentional killing involving several victims and the real contest between killing and killing are scored. Finally, some rules are highlighted to place the intended killing in a prolonged and repeated form. Several methods, inherent in an investigation of the nature of the one carried out, have been used in the scientific process: the logical method – in the plan of reasoning for the proposed qualification solutions; historical method - in the plan of showing the meaning of the aggravating circumstance referred to in letter o, paragraph (2) Article 145 of the Criminal Code or the republic of Moldova "by a person who previously committed an intentional killing referred to in paragraph 1"; comparative method – in the plan to demarcate the intended killing in simple form involving a plurality of victims of the prolonged form of the killing, as well as the separation of the prolonged form of the killing from the repeated form and the real contest between these facts.
A Comprehensive Review on Modeling and Simulation Studies in Electro-Chemical Discharge Machining
Authors: Prasad Sharma Mahaveer , Kumar Gupta Pankaj , Kumar Gaurav
Published: July 2022

Glass has wide application in the production of micro components. Electro-chemical discharge machining (ECDM) has proven an inexpensive and potential micromachining method for such nonconductive materials. ECDM has the electro-chemical machining (ECM) and electric discharge machining (EDM) constituent processes. It overcomes limitations and provides benefits of both constituent processes, namely EDM and ECM. The major limitation in the industrial application of this technique is controlling of gas film formation and discharge activity. Researchers have attempted numerous studies, both experimental and simulation, exploring the physics behind the process. In view of appraising research carried out in recent years, the present work reports a comprehensive review of modeling and simulation studies in electro-chemical discharge machining along with a brief introduction to ECDM. Different modeling and simulation approaches applied by researchers were discussed. The importance of various simulation parameters and material removal criteria were justified.
Signal Strength Extrapolation after Crossing an Urban Area
Authors: Domb Menachem , Leshem Guy
Published: July 2022

Free space wireless signal communication has the capacity and vast spread expansion to provide the right platform to support the growing demand for communication services. The propagation of electronic waves is the core of actual wireless communication links between ground stations and satellite ground communications. However, rain, dust, ground topography, urban surface, and other physical barriers weakened the transmitted signal strength and loss, reducing the quality and completion of the data transfer process. This work focuses on diffraction, weakening, and loss of signals when crossing urban areas surrounded by high buildings. We present a machine learning model for estimating the signal strength after crossing the urban areas. This assessment helps recommend the proper signal strength required when launching the signals towards the end station located in urban surroundings. We use a neural network system that derives patterns and rules from a given dataset containing simulated sampling data and predicts the optimal transmission strength when launched.
Effect of Acotiamide and Esomeprazole combination therapy on Functional Dyspepsia symptoms in comparison with Acotiamide or Esomeprazole Monotherapy: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Bhat Dhruva , N Mukunda , L V Lokesh
Published: July 2022

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of acotiamide and esomeprazole combination therapy in improving Functional Dyspepsia (FD) - related symptoms in comparison with acotiamide or esomeprazole monotherapy. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective observational study conducted in patients attending outpatient department of Gastroenterology, M S Ramaiah Hospitals and diagnosed to have functional dyspepsia based on Rome IV criteria. Group 1 received acotiamide, group 2 received esomeprazole and group 3 received acotiamide plus esomeprazole combination therapy for a period of 6 weeks. The efficacy of treatment was assessed using symptom assessment scale. We also assessed the responder rate, resolution rate and treatment emergent adverse events. Results: In this study a total of 52 patients completed the study in each group. There was a statistically significant improvement in symptom assessment scale - Epigastric pain syndrome (EPS), Postprandial distress syndrome (PDS), Total Abdominal Symptom (TAS) scores from baseline to 6 weeks in all the 3 treatment groups (p <0.001). Combination therapy (group 3) showed maximum reduction from baseline to week 6 (mean differences of 11.07, 3.53 and 5.65 in TAS, EPS, PDS scores respectively). The common adverse events reported were fever, headache, diarrhoea and nasopharyngitis. Conclusion: Combination therapy of acotiamide with esomeprazole was effective in reducing symptom scores at the end of 6 weeks in patients with FD as compared to monotherapy with either of the drugs.
Exploration of Basella alba mucilage as a novel adjuvant in Pharmaceutical Formulation
Authors: Chowdhury Moumita , Kumar De Pintu , Sekhar Maji Himangshu
Published: July 2022

Basella alba is a commonly available plant having significant quantity of mucilage present in its leaves and stem. The review focuses on the method of extraction of mucilage, its chemical composition, monosaccharide composition and various chemical and physical properties of mucilage. The rheological properties of B.alba mucilage, exhibiting pseudoplastic flow enable it to be used for formulating artificial human saliva. The B.alba mucilage is found to be used as disintegrating agent, binding agent, suspending agent, matrix former, gelling agent, encapsulating agent and as release retardant in pharmaceutical formulation. The properties of mucilage have been evaluated against standard excipient and confirmed of their adjuvant properties. The mucilage also possesses drag reducing ability due to which it can be used as natural flow improver in pipelines for reducing the frictional pressure drop. The plant is rapidly growing, commonly available and possesses wide additive properties; even then it remains under- utilized as pharmaceutical excipient so its versatility in targeted drug delivery, micro-/nano-drug delivery, tissue engineering and stimuli responsive delivery system is highly desirable. Apart from this, several opportunities of mucilage which are left unexplored is discussed in the review like formation of BioMEMS, formation of microneedles and as theranostic agents. Thus, the review explores various pharmaceutical applications and opportunities of B.alba mucilage to act as smart novel carrier in pharmaceutical formulation.
Statistical Design for Formulation Optimization of Diclofenac Sodium-Loaded Ethylcellulose Microsponges
Authors: Zohra Badaoui Fatima , Bouzid Djallel
Published: July 2022

For a better use of the drug, a decrease in side effects, an improvement in effectiveness, and a uniform release of the active ingredients, sustained-release forms have been developed. The objective of this study is to estimate the effect of the factors on the responses involved in the formulation of Diclofenac Sodium (DC) loaded ethylcellulose (EC) microsponges (MP) using Central Composite Design (CCD). Quasi emulsion solvent diffusion method was used to formulate MP. The ratio of ethylcellulose to Diclofenac Sodium and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) concentration (w/v%) were selected as independent variables for CCD. Entrapment efficiency (EE) and production yield (PY) were selected as dependent variables. The optimal formulation was characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), Optical Microscopy, and in vitro release. Optimized MP showed an EE of 31.02% and a PY of 66.44%, FTIR studies revealed no chemical interaction between drug and polymer used, MP were spherical and present an average size of 9.21±0.3µm. Kinetic studies revealed that drug release from optimized formulation followed Higuchi model. The results demonstrated the effectiveness of proposed design for development of DC microsponges for the sustained release.
A Case-control Study to Determine Metalloproteinase-12 and Lysyl Oxidase Levels in Iraqi women with Osteoporosis
Authors: O. Farhan Layla , M. Farhan Ahlam , Al Obaidi Sundus , M. Taha Ekhlass
Published: July 2022

The current study aimed to ascertain the levels of matrix metalloproteinase-12 (MMP-12) and Lysyl oxidase (LOX) in osteoporosis patients and their correlation with alkaline phosphatase (ALP), magnesium (Mg), vitamin D (Vit D), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), and T-score %. 110 participants recruited from Baghdad Teaching Hospital, Iraq, were enrolled in this study from November 2019 to March 2020). The participants were divided into two groups: Group 1 comprised 60 osteoporotic women and group 2 consisted of 50 healthy women. (MMP and LOX) were estimated using a quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA. The results showed significant differences in serum LOX, age, ALP, Mg, and T-score %, while no significant differences in serum MMP-12, Vit D, Ca, P, and body mass index (BMI) were noticed in osteoporosis patients as compared to the control group. The correlation analysis showed a significant correlation of T-score with Vit D and MMP12 in osteoporosis patients, when a t-test was conducted with the two participant groups. Moreover, no significant correlation was found between the T-score result and LOX, Mg, Ca, and P, which indicated that the relation was not linear because the change in the variables neither increased nor decreased systematically compared to the T-score. LOX, ALP, and Mg were significantly associated with osteoporosis patients, while MMP12 and Vit D were found to affect the density of the bone. Therefore, the studied parameters may be used in the form of a bone mineral density decline index.
The effect of some statins on Glucose blood levels in experimental animals
Authors: Abboud Nour , Makhous Rana
Published: July 2022

Statins are HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, which are widely used as cholesterol-lowering drugs to treat hypercholesterolemia. They are essential in the primary and secondary prevention of CVDs. They are also well tolerated drugs, although there might be some adverse reactions, particularly the new onset of T2DM. As DM, impaired fasting glucose and pre-diabetes are significant cardiovascular risk factors, the purpose of the current work was to study the effects of some statins (pravastatin and pitavastatin) on glucose blood levels in non-diabetic and diabetic mice. Non-diabetic and diabetic female albino mice were treated with pravastatin and pitavastatin once a day for 28 days. Diabetes was induced using alloxan monohydrate (160mg/Kg body weight). Both body weight and fasting blood glucose were measured. IGTT was performed before and after drug treatment. There was no significant statistical difference in body weight between groups before and after 4 weeks of treatment. In addition, we didn’t find any marked change in fasting glucose concentrations of the treated groups in comparison to the control groups of each mouse model. No statistically significant difference was reported when we compared glucose values of IGTT before treatment and at the end of the study for each of the non-diabetic groups. Furthermore, no significant difference was recognized in IGTT results within the diabetic groups before and after drug administration, except for the pravastatin group, which showed a significant decrease in minute 30 of IGTT. We concluded that pravastatin may improve glucose intolerance in diabetic patients. Pitavastatin also may not affect the glycemic status in both models. Both drugs didn’t adversely affect fasting glucose levels in the two mouse models. These findings suggest that pravastatin and pitavastatin may be considered as good choices for patients with DM and hypercholesterolemia.
Evaluation of Automotive Parts Suppliers through Ordinal Priority Approach and TOPSIS
Authors: Bah Mamadou Kalil , Tulkinov Shavkatjon
Published: July 2022

The problem of supplier selection is an important concern for all businesses. Also, as environmental concerns are mounting and socio-economic crises are increasing worldwide, the need for resilient and environment-friendly suppliers is aggravating. Companies are under tremendous pressure to redefine their business practices and operations to achieve sustainability goals while being resilient. The study aims to evaluate the Chinese automotive parts suppliers based on 'gresilience' (green and resilient) criteria. The suppliers are evaluated using the Ordinal Priority Approach (OPA) and TOPSIS models. Also, it is the first time the TOPSIS model has been executed on the OPA-based criteria weights. The results from the two methods were mostly consistent. However, the OPA is flexible and can produce ranking under different assumptions.