bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of interactions between APOE and ESR1 polymorphisms on cognitive functions in postmenopausal women
Authors: Pinkas Jarosław , Bojar Iwona , Gujski Mariusz , Sarecka-Hujar Beata , Owoc Alfred , Raczkiewicz Dorota
Published: January 2019

Introduction

During menopause the level of estrogens is decreased, which may lead to cognitive impairment or dementia. Some forms of genetic polymorphism were found to be related to cognitive functions, including APOE and ESR1 (PvuII and XbaI) polymorphisms. In the present study we aimed to analyze the impact of interactions between APOE and ESR1 polymorphisms on cognitive functions in the group of postmenopausal women.

Material and methods

The study group consisted of 266 postmenopausal women aged 50–65 years without symptoms of dementia. A computerized battery of the Central Nervous System Vital Signs (CNS VS) test was used to diagnose cognitive functions. APOE and ESR1 polymorphisms were genotyped using multiplex PCR and PCR-RFLP methods, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed using two-way analysis of variance in Statistica software.

Results

The best memory, visual memory, processing and psychomotor speeds were found in women carrying the C allele of the PvuII polymorphism (TC + CC genotypes) in the presence of the APOE 2/3 genotype, while a lower outcome was noted in women with 3/3, and the lowest if they had the 4 allele. In the case of women with TT genotype of the PvuII polymorphism, cognitive functioning did not decrease in women with the 4 allele. A similar effect on cognitive functions was observed for AG + GG genotypes of the XbaI and APOE polymorphisms. Women who simultaneously carried CC PvuII and GG XbaI genotypes had the lowest cognitive functions.

Conclusions

Interactions of polymorphic variants of APOE and ESR1 genes influenced cognitive functions in postmenopausal women.
Psychometric properties of the Polish version
of the Self-Concept Clarity Scale (SCCS)
Authors: Suszek Hubert , Fronczyk Krzysztof , Kopera Maciej , Maliszewski Norbert , Łyś Ewa Agnieszka
Published: January 2019

Background

Self-concept clarity is one of the features describing the structural aspect of the self. It refers to the extent to which the contents of an individual’s self-concept are clearly and confidently defined, internally consistent, and temporally stable. The aim of the study was to translate and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Polish version of the Self-Concept Clarity Scale (SCCS).

Participants and procedure

A total of 2507 graduates and undergraduates participated in the study. Their ages ranged from 18 to 70 years (M = 24.74, SD = 23.00); 66% of them were female. The Polish version of the SCCS was developed using the back-translation method. The SCCS was administered along with measures of sense of self (Sense of Self Scale), self-esteem (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale), psychological distress (Goldberg General Health Questionnaire), personality (NEO-Five Factor Inventory), and social desirability (Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale).

Results

The factor structure, reliability, and validity of the scale was investigated. Results from exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis showed a one-factor solution. Internal reliability and test–retest reliability was high. Signiﬁcant relations between SCCS and weak sense of self, self-esteem, psychological distress, personality, and social desirability supported its convergent validity.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that the Polish version of the SCCS is a reliable and valid self-report measure for the self-concept clarity.
Verbal fluency and emotional expression in young women differing in their styles of coping with threatening stimuli
Authors: Zinczuk-Zielazna Joanna , Kleka Paweł , Obrębska Monika
Published: January 2019

Background

In our study we decided to examine whether anxiety defined in personality terms and various emotional states, including the state of fear, measured in two ways – by means of subjective rating scales and by means of a more objective method, the Facial Action Coding System (FACS) developed by Ekman, Friesen, and Hager – would affect emotional verbal fluency understood as the number of words generated in answer to a question about the most liked and disliked trait of one’s personality.

Participants and procedure

The participants in the screening test were 570 students; in this sample, we selected 90 women and classified each of them into one of three groups – high-anxious individuals (n = 23), low-anxious individuals (n = 41), and repressors (n = 26) – distinguished based on the criteria proposed by Weinberger and colleagues. The research task, whose aim was to induce emotions, consisted in delivering a speech lasting a few minutes in front of an audience and a video camera.

Results

We obtained evidence of a significant association between emotional states and verbal fluency. Fear recognized by means of the FACS turned out to be the emotion that was the most strongly correlated with overall verbal fluency.
We found no significant differences in fluency between individuals differing in terms of trait anxiety: low-anxious, high-anxious, and repressors.

Conclusions

The structure of results shows that the participants’ loquaciousness in the situation of speaking in front of an audience was more strongly influenced by currently experienced emotions than by the stable personality trait of anxiety.
Embodied Carbon and Construction Cost Differences between Hong Kong and Melbourne Buildings
Authors: Langston Craig , Chan Edwin H.W. , Yung Esther H.K.
Published: January 2019

Limiting the amount of embodied carbon in buildings can help minimize the damaging impacts of global warming through lower upstream emission of CO2. This study empirically investigates the embodied carbon footprint of new-build and refurbished buildings in both Hong Kong and Melbourne to determine the embodied carbon profile and its relationship to both embodied energy and construction cost. The Hong Kong findings suggest that mean embodied carbon for refurbished buildings is 33-39% lower than new-build projects, and the cost for refurbished buildings is 22-50% lower than new-build projects (per square metre of floor area). The Melbourne findings, however, suggest that mean embodied carbon for refurbished buildings is 4% lower than new-build projects, and the cost for refurbished buildings is 24% higher than new-build projects (per square metre of floor area). Embodied carbon ranges from 645-1,059 kgCO2e/m2 for new-build and 294-655 kgCO2e/m2 for refurbished projects in Hong Kong, and 1,138-1,705 kgCO2e/m2 for new-build and 900-1,681 kgCO2e/m2 for refurbished projects in Melbourne. The reasons behind these locational discrepancies are explored and critiqued. Overall, a very strong linear relationship between embodied energy and construction cost in both cities was found and can be used to predict the former, given the latter.
La soberanía alimentaria y el riesgo ambiental en la construcción social del territorio rural en San Juan Ixtenco, Tlaxcala
Authors: Llanos Hernández Luis , Santacruz De León Eugenio Eliseo
Published: January 2019

Los territorios rurales, como todo territorio de México y el mundo, están en continua reconfiguración de su espacio social. En San Juan Ixtenco, estos cambios son resultado de procesos socioculturales y políticos relacionados con directrices que provienen de los organismos internacionales, de las políticas federales, así como de la acción de los actores sociales locales. Por otro lado, la cultura y la organización social de los actores sociales configuran procesos comunales que llevan a preservar la cohesión social y su cultura. La soberanía alimentaria es uno de estos procesos que descansa en las costumbres y las tradiciones de la cultura campesina y que se innova al construir nuevas formas de participación comunitaria. En esta perspectiva, la percepción del riesgo ambiental por parte de las comunidades también incide en la reconfiguración del territorio rural de Ixtenco. En este poblado de origen otomí, los actores sociales establecen sus vínculos con la sociedad nacional y global a través de la soberanía alimentaria y su percepción del riesgo ambiental. El cultivo del maíz y la elaboración de tortillas artesanales constituyen procesos que posibilitan la construcción social de la soberanía alimentaria y una defensa ecológica de su territorio.
Synergistic effect of water-soluble species and relative humidity on morphological changes in aerosol particles in the Beijing megacity during severe pollution episodes
Authors: Pan Xiaole , Ge Baozhu , Wang Zhe , Tian Yu , Liu Hang , Wei Lianfang , Yue Siyao , Uno Itsushi , Kobayashi Hiroshi , Nishizawa Tomoaki , Shimizu Atsushi , Fu Pingqing , Wang Zifa
Published: January 2019

Abstract. Depolarization ratio (δ) of backscattered light is an
applicable parameter for distinguishing the sphericity of particles in real time, which
has been widely adopted by ground-based lidar observation systems. In this study, δ values of particles and chemical compositions in both PM2.5 (aerodynamic diameter
less than 2.5 µm) and PM10 (aerodynamic diameter less than
10 µm) were concurrently measured on the basis of a bench-top optical particle
counter with a polarization detection module (POPC) and a continuous dichotomous aerosol
chemical speciation analyzer (ACSA-14) from November 2016 to February 2017 at an urban
site in Beijing megacity. In general, measured δ values depended on both size and
sphericity of the particles. During the observation period, mass concentrations of
NO3- in PM2.5 (fNO3) were about an order of
magnitude higher than that in PM2.5−10 (cNO3) with a mean
fNO3∕cNO3 ratio of 14±10. A relatively low
fNO3∕cNO3 ratio (∼5) was also observed under higher
relative humidity conditions, mostly due to heterogeneous processes and particles in the
coarse mode. We found that δ values of ambient particles in both PM2.5 and
PM2.5−10 obviously decreased as mass concentration of water-soluble species
increased at unfavorable meteorological conditions. This indicated that the morphology of
particles was changed as a result of water-absorbing processes. The particles
with optical size (Dp) of Dp = 5 µm were used to represent mineral dust
particles, and its δ values (δDp=5) decreased by 50 % as
the mass fraction of cNO3 increased from 2 % to 8 % and
ambient relative humidity increased up to 80 %, suggesting that mineral dust
particles were likely to be spherical during humid pollution episodes. During the
observation, relative humidity inside the POPC measuring chamber was stable at 34±2 %, lower than the ambient condition. Its influence on the morphology was estimated
to be limited and did not change our major conclusion. This study highlights the evident
alteration of non-sphericity of mineral dust particles during their transport owing to a
synergistic effect of both pollutant coatings and hygroscopic processes, which plays an
important role in the evaluation of its environmental effect.
Assessing uncertainties of a geophysical approach to estimate surface fine particulate matter distributions from satellite-observed aerosol optical depth
Authors: Jin Xiaomeng , Fiore Arlene M. , Curci Gabriele , Lyapustin Alexei , Civerolo Kevin , Ku Michael , van Donkelaar Aaron , Martin Randall V.
Published: January 2019

Abstract. Health impact analyses are increasingly tapping the broad spatial coverage of
satellite aerosol optical depth (AOD) products to estimate human exposure to
fine particulate matter (PM2.5). We use a forward geophysical approach
to derive ground-level PM2.5 distributions from satellite AOD at
1 km2 resolution for 2011 over the northeastern US by applying
relationships between surface PM2.5 and column AOD (calculated offline
from speciated mass distributions) from a regional air quality model (CMAQ;
12×12 km2 horizontal resolution). Seasonal average
satellite-derived PM2.5 reveals more spatial detail and best captures
observed surface PM2.5 levels during summer. At the daily scale,
however, satellite-derived PM2.5 is not only subject to measurement
uncertainties from satellite instruments, but more importantly to
uncertainties in the relationship between surface PM2.5 and column AOD.
Using 11 ground-based AOD measurements within 10 km of surface PM2.5
monitors, we show that uncertainties in modeled
PM2.5∕AOD can explain more than 70 % of the spatial and
temporal variance in the total uncertainty in daily satellite-derived
PM2.5 evaluated at PM2.5 monitors. This finding implies that a
successful geophysical approach to deriving daily PM2.5 from satellite
AOD requires model skill at capturing day-to-day variations in
PM2.5∕AOD relationships. Overall, we estimate that
uncertainties in the modeled PM2.5∕AOD lead to an error of
11 µg m−3 in daily satellite-derived PM2.5, and
uncertainties in satellite AOD lead to an error of 8 µg m−3.
Using multi-platform ground, airborne, and radiosonde measurements, we show
that uncertainties of modeled PM2.5∕AOD are mainly driven by
model uncertainties in aerosol column mass and speciation, while model
representation of relative humidity and aerosol vertical profile shape
contributes some systematic biases. The parameterization of aerosol optical
properties, which determines the mass extinction efficiency, also contributes
to random uncertainty, with the size distribution being the largest source of
uncertainty and hygroscopicity of inorganic salt the second largest. Future
efforts to reduce uncertainty in geophysical approaches to derive surface
PM2.5 from satellite AOD would thus benefit from improving model
representation of aerosol vertical distribution and aerosol optical
properties, to narrow uncertainty in satellite-derived PM2.5.
The Influence of Simulated Surface Dust Lofting Erodible Fraction on Radiative Forcing
Authors: Saleeby Stephen M. , van den Heever Susan C. , Bukowski Jennie , Walker Annette L. , Solbrig Jeremy E. , Atwood Samuel A. , Bian Qijing , Kreidenweis Sonia M. , Wang Yi , Wang Jun , Miller Steven D.
Published: January 2019

Abstract. The use of dust erodible fraction geographical databases in case-study numerical simulations provides more realistic dust loading compared to idealized, non-spatially-constrained methods. Idealized lofting in case study scenarios tends to generate unrealistically large amounts of dust compared to observations, due to the lack of locational constraints. Generally, simulations of enhanced dust mass via surface lofting lead to reductions in daytime insolation due to aerosol scattering effects, as well as reductions in nighttime radiative cooling due to aerosol absorption effects. In simulations with extreme dust concentrations, these effects noticeably suppress the model environment’s diurnal temperature range. In simulations with lesser amounts of lofted dust, the presence of dust is shown to still strongly impact the radiative fluxes while only marginally modifying the low-level temperature. Increased resolution in dust erodible fraction inventories are shown to enhance the details of dust lofting locations and potential, thereby, mitigate over-lofting and associated radiative response biases over regions that are unlikely source locations.
Temperature Effects on Sulfuric Acid Aerosol Nucleation and Growth: Initial Results from the TANGENT Study
Authors: Tiszenkel Lee , Stangl Chris , Krasnomowitz Justin , Ouyang Qi , Yu Huan , Apsokardu Michael J. , Johnston Murray V. , Lee Shan-Hu
Published: January 2019

Abstract. New particle formation (NPF) consists of two steps: nucleation and subsequent growth. At present, chemical and physical mechanisms that govern these two processes are not well understood. Here, we report initial results obtained from the TANGENT (Tandem Aerosol Nucleation and Growth Environment Tube) experiments. The TANGENT apparatus enables us to study these two processes independently. The present study focuses on the effects of temperature on sulfuric acid nucleation and further growth. Our results show that lower temperatures enhance both the nucleation and growth rate. However, under temperatures below 268 K the effects of temperature on the nucleation rate become less significant and the nucleation rate becomes less dependent on RH, indicating that particle formation takes place via barrierless nucleation at lower temperatures. We also examined the growth of newly formed particles under differing temperature conditions for nucleation and further growth. Our results show that newly nucleated clusters formed at low temperatures can indeed survive evaporation and grow in a warmer environment in the presence of SO2 and ozone, strongly implying that some heterogeneous reactions involving nanoparticles affect growth of newly formed particles.
Using Doppler lidar systems to detect atmospheric turbulence in Iceland
Authors: Yang Shu , Petersen Guðrún Nína , von Löwis Sibylle , Preißler Jana , Finger David Christian
Published: January 2019

Abstract. The temporal and spatial scale of atmospheric turbulence is very dynamic, requiring an adequate method to detect and monitor turbulence with high resolution. Doppler Light Detection and Ranging (lidar) systems have been used widely to observe and monitor wind velocity and atmospheric turbulence profiles. Lidar systems can provide continuous information about wind fields using the Doppler effect from emitted light signals. In this study, we use a Leosphere Windcube 200S lidar system stationed in Reykjavik, Iceland, to evaluate turbulence intensity by estimating eddy dissipation rate (EDR). For this purpose, we retrieved radial wind velocity observations from velocity azimuth display (VAD) scans to compute EDR based on the Kolmogorov theory. We compared different noise filter methods, scan strategies and calculation approaches during different selected weather conditions to assess the accuracy of our EDR estimations. The results reveal that the lidar observations can detect and quantify atmospheric turbulence with high spatial and temporal resolution, our algorithm can retrieve EDR and indicate the turbulence intensity. These results suggest that lidar observation can be of high importance for potential end-user, e.g. air traffic controllers at the local airport. The work is an important step towards enhanced aviation safety in a subpolar climate characterized by severe wind turbulence.
Daily measurements of near-surface humidity from a mesonet in the foothills of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, 2005–2010
Authors: Wood Wendy H. , Marshall Shawn J. , Fargey Shannon E.
Published: January 2019

Abstract. Hourly near-surface relative humidity and temperature were monitored from
2005 to 2010 in a mesoscale network of 232 sites in the foothills of the
Rocky Mountains in southwestern Alberta, Canada. The monitoring network
covers a range of elevations from 890 to 2880 m above sea level and an area
of about 18 000 km2, sampling a variety of topographic settings and
surface environments with an average spatial density of one station per
78 km2. Having been combined with air pressure measurements from
Calgary International Airport and adjusted for the site elevation, the hourly
data form the basis of estimates of daily mean specific humidity, vapour
pressure, and relative humidity at each site, available at
https://doi.org/10.1594/PANGAEA.889435. Overall data coverage for the study period is
89 %. This paper describes the processing methods used to quality control
and gap fill the data. Inverse-distance weighting techniques are used to
estimate the missing 11 % of data, based on neighbourhood values of daily
mean specific humidity. We also report monthly mean lapse rates of specific
and relative humidity. Plots of seasonal and spatial humidity patterns in the
region illustrate the relations between humidity variables and temperature,
elevation, and longitude.
Representation of fire, land-use change and vegetation dynamics in the Joint UK Land Environment Simulator vn4.9 (JULES)
Authors: Burton Chantelle , Betts Richard , Cardoso Manoel , Feldpausch Ted R. , Harper Anna , Jones Chris D. , Kelley Douglas I. , Robertson Eddy , Wiltshire Andy
Published: January 2019

Abstract. Disturbance of vegetation is a critical component of land cover,
but is generally poorly constrained in land surface and carbon cycle models.
In particular, land-use change and fire can be treated as large-scale
disturbances without full representation of their underlying complexities and
interactions. Here we describe developments to the land surface model JULES
(Joint UK Land Environment Simulator) to represent land-use change and fire
as distinct processes which interact with simulated vegetation dynamics. We
couple the fire model INFERNO (INteractive Fire and Emission algoRithm for
Natural envirOnments) to dynamic vegetation within JULES and use the HYDE
(History Database of the Global Environment) land cover dataset to analyse
the impact of land-use change on the simulation of present day vegetation. We
evaluate the inclusion of land use and fire disturbance against standard
benchmarks. Using the Manhattan metric, results show improved simulation of
vegetation cover across all observed datasets. Overall, disturbance improves
the simulation of vegetation cover by 35 % compared to vegetation
continuous field (VCF) observations from MODIS and 13 % compared to the
Climate Change Initiative (CCI) from the ESA. Biases in grass extent are reduced
from −66 % to 13 %. Total woody cover improves by 55 % compared
to VCF and 20 % compared to CCI from a reduction in forest extent in the
tropics, although simulated tree cover is now too sparse in some areas.
Explicitly modelling fire and land use generally decreases tree and shrub
cover and increases grasses. The results show that the disturbances provide
important contributions to the realistic modelling of vegetation on a global
scale, although in some areas fire and land use together result in too much
disturbance. This work provides a substantial contribution towards
representing the full complexity and interactions between land-use change and
fire that could be used in Earth system models.
Reanalysis of the PacIOOS Hawaiian Island Ocean Forecast System, an implementation of the Regional Ocean Modeling System v3.6
Authors: Partridge Dale , Friedrich Tobias , Powell Brian S.
Published: January 2019

Abstract. A 10-year reanalysis of the PacIOOS Hawaiian Island Ocean Forecast System was
produced using an incremental strong-constraint 4-D variational data
assimilation with the Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS v3.6).
Observations were assimilated from a range of sources: satellite-derived sea
surface temperature (SST), salinity (SSS), and height anomalies (SSHAs); depth
profiles of temperature and salinity from Argo floats, autonomous Seagliders,
and
shipboard conductivity–temperature–depth (CTD); and surface velocity
measurements from high-frequency radar (HFR). The performance of the
state estimate is examined against a forecast showing an improved
representation of the observations, especially the realization of HFR surface
currents. EOFs of the increments made during the assimilation to the initial
conditions and atmospheric forcing components are computed, revealing the
variables that are influential in producing the state-estimate solution and
the spatial structure the increments form.
Analysis of Spatiotemporal variations in mid-upper tropospheric
methane during the Wenchuan Ms8.0 earthquake by three indices
Authors: Cui Jing , Shen Xuhui
Published: January 2019

Abstract. This research studied the spatiotemporal variation in methane in the mid-upper troposphere during the Wenchuan earthquake (12 May, 2008) using AIRS retrieval data and discussed the methane anomaly mechanism. Three indices were proposed and used for analysis. Our results show that the methane concentration increased significantly in 2008, with an average increase of 5.12 * 10−8, compared to the average increase of 1.18 * 10−8 in the previous five years. The Alice and Diff indices can be used to identify methane concentration anomalies. The two indices showed that the methane concentration distribution before and after the earthquake broke the distribution features of the background field. As the earthquake approached, areas of high methane concentration gradually converged towards the west side of the epicenter from both ends of the Longmenshan fault zone. Moreover, a large anomalous area was centered at the epicenter eight days before the earthquake occurred, and a trend of strengthening, weakening and strengthening appeared over time. The Gradient index showed that the vertical direction obviously increased before the main earthquake, and the value was positive. The gradient value is negative during coseismic or postseismic events. The gradient index reflects the gas emission characteristics to some extent. We also determined that the methane release was connected with the deep crust-mantle stress state, as well as microfracture generation and expansion. However, due to the lack of any technical means to accurately identify the source and content of methane in the atmosphere before the earthquake, an in-depth discussion has not been conducted, and further studies on this issue may be needed.
Ensemble flood simulation for a small dam catchment in Japan using nonhydrostatic model rainfalls. Part 2: Flood forecasting using 1600 member 4D-EnVAR predicted rainfalls
Authors: Kobayashi Kenichiro ,   Apip, Duc Le , Oizumi Tsutao , Saito Kazuo
Published: January 2019

Abstract. This paper elaborated the feasibility of flood forecasting using a distributed rainfall-runoff model and huge number of ensemble rainfalls with an advanced data assimilation system. Specifically, 1600 ensemble rainfalls simulated by a four-dimensional ensemble variational assimilation system with the JMA nonhydrostatic model (4D-EnVAR-NHM) were given to the rainfall-runoff model to simulate the inflow discharge to a small dam catchment (Kasahori dam; approx. 70 km2) in Niigata, Japan. The results exhibited that the ensemble flood forecasting can indicate the necessity of flood control operation and emergency flood operation with the occurrence probability and a lead time (e.g. 12 hours). Thus, the ensemble flood forecasting may be able to inform us the necessity of the early evacuation of the inhabitant living downstream of the dam e.g. half day before the occurrence. On the other hand, the results also showed that the exact forecasting to reproduce the discharge hydrograph several hours before the occurrence is yet difficult, and some optimization technique is necessary such as the selection of the good ensemble members.
Study of the threshold for the POT method based on hindcasted significant wave heights of tropical cyclone waves in the South China Sea
Authors: Shao Zhuxiao , Liang Bingchen , Li Huajun , Li Ping , Lee Dongyoung
Published: January 2019

Abstract. An assessment of extreme significant wave heights is performed in the South China Sea (SCS), which is crucial for the coastal and offshore engineering in this area. Two significant factors influencing the assessment are the initial database and the assessing method. The initial database is a basic for assessment, and the assessing method is used to extrapolate appropriate return significant wave heights based on this database during a period. In this study, a 40-year (1975–2014) hindcasted significant wave height of tropical cyclone waves is adopted as the initial database. Based on this database, the peak significant wave height of every tropical cyclone wave is directly extracted as the initial sample; the independent and identically distributed assumption is satisfied; and the interference for the selection of the sample is avoided. The peak over threshold (POT) method with the generalized Pareto distribution (GPD) model is employed to extract the sufficiently large and high sample for model estimation. The peak excesses over a sufficiently high value (i.e., threshold) are fitted; thus, the return significant wave heights are highly dependent on the threshold. To determine the unique threshold for the POT method, characteristics of tropical cyclone waves are researched. The research results reveal that the separation value shown in the distribution of the initial sample is suitable for sampling in the SCS. Because the separation value is within the stable threshold range and the asymptotic tail approximation and estimation uncertainty are reasonable, the selected threshold is suitable and the corresponding return significant wave height is reliable.
Wave–current interactions in a wind-jet region
Authors: Ràfols Laura , Grifoll Manel , Espino Manuel
Published: January 2019

Abstract. Wave–current interactions (WCIs) are investigated. The study area is located
at the northern margin of the Ebro shelf (northwestern Mediterranean Sea),
where episodes of strong cross-shelf wind (wind jets) occur. The aim of this
study is to validate the implemented coupled system and investigate the
impact of WCIs on the hydrodynamics of a wind-jet region. The Coupled
Ocean–Atmosphere–Wave–Sediment Transport (COAWST) modeling system, which
uses the Regional Ocean Model System (ROMS) and Simulating WAves Nearshore (SWAN)
models, is used in a high-resolution domain (350 m). Results from uncoupled
numerical models are compared with a two-way coupling simulation. The results
do not show substantial differences in the water current field between the
coupled and the uncoupled runs. The main effect observed when the models are
coupled is in the water column stratification, due to the turbulent kinetic
energy injection and the enhanced surface stress, leading to a larger
mixed-layer depth. Regarding the effects on the wave fields, the comparison
between the coupled and the uncoupled runs shows that, when the models are
coupled, the agreement of the modeled wave period significantly improves and
the wave energy (and thus the significant wave height) decreases when the
current flows in the same direction as the waves propagate.
A Permanent Struggle against an Omnipresent Death: Revisiting Environmental Racism with Frantz Fanon
Authors: Opperman Romy
Published: January 2019

This article contributes to recent work that has turned to Frantz Fanon for a socio-ecological approach to racism and colonization. Its intervention is to take up Fanon to critically reflect on the concept and use of “environmental racism,” one of the few approaches we have to hand to interrogate the place of race in discussions of the Anthropocene. It shows that a Fanonian approach to environmental racism integrates a socio-ecological perspective with decolonial political phenomenology. It uses this position as a foundation to rethink environmental racism, reframing the problem in terms of racist environments. Environmental racism can then be understood as a symptom of a more fundamental problem with modes of experiencing and organizing the world.
Edge City: Reflections on the Urbanocene and the Plantatiocene
Authors: Mendieta Eduardo
Published: January 2019

Humans built cities, but cities are where we become civil, civilized, and civically minded; we are thus products of cities. Cities are also ubiquitous in the human experience. Yet, the last two hundred years witnessed an unprecedented mega-urbanization of humanity. In 2007, or so, it was announced that more humans now lived in cities than in the countryside. This article aims to analyze the new pattern of mega-urbanization in the twenty-first century, a century that brings extreme challenges: demographic growth (9 billion humans), global warming with its concomitant chaotic and severe weather, massive population displacements, precarious water resources, and greater global economic integration with growing volatility. The largest megalopolises of the twenty-first century will be in the “global South” in the “developing world.” Most of this urbanization will be in the form of irregular urbanization, that is, ghettos, shantytowns, favelas, slums.
Disposable Subjects: Staging Illegality and Racial Terror in the Borderlands
Authors: García Armando
Published: January 2019

This article draws on Gloria Anzaldúa's philosophy to analyze Latina/o cultural forms as responses to the lawful violence that renders migrants and other minoritarian peoples as disposable subjects. The article turns to Latina/o playwrights and undocumented poets whose art forms, produced under the deportation regime, express a desire for freedom from terrorizing governance. Focusing on Lydia (2008), a play by Mexican American playwright Octavio Solis, and poetry by an undocumented artist, Yosimar Reyes, it links these representations of “illegal” migrants to understand how minoritarian aesthetic practices respond to racial terror and lawful violence. It argues that if we are to map the present beyond terrorizing forms of law, we must center our philosophical thought on “illegal” imaginaries of freedom, not on the cultural forms sanctioned by legality—the latter risk reproducing the logic of state-sponsored violence, whereas the former enact freedom as a practice of everyday life.
The Importance of a Standardized Screening Tool to Identify Thromboembolic Risk Factors in Pediatric Lower Extremity Arthroscopy Patients
Authors: Ellis Henry Bone , Sabatino Meagan J. , Clarke Zachary , Dennis Garrett , Fletcher Amanda L. , Wyatt Charles W. , Zia Ayesha , Wilson Philip L.
Published: January 2019

Introduction:

Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are major complications that can occur in common orthopaedic procedures such as knee arthroscopy. The purpose of this study is to determine the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk factors in adolescent patients undergoing elective lower extremity arthroscopy. A second objective is to determine whether a targeted, standardized screening tool is both cost- and clinically effective in the identification of VTE risk factors in adolescents.

Methods:

A standardized VTE screening tool was prospectively administered to all elective arthroscopic procedures in a pediatric sports medicine practice. A comparison cohort that did not complete the screening tool was isolated through a retrospective chart review identifying VTE risk factors. The incidence and cost between the two cohorts were compared.

Results:

Of 332 subjects who did not receive a targeted screening (TS) tool, 103 risk factors were noted. One pulmonary embolism case was identified with a total incidence of 0.15% over 3 years. With TS, we identified 325 subjects with 134 identifiable risk factors. Six patients (1.8%) were noted to be very high risk, requiring consultation with hematology. No VTEs were reported. When compared with the retrospective review, TS identified 30% more risk factors. A significant increase in the identification of family history of blood clots (P < 0.001), history of previous blood clot (P = 0.059), recurrent miscarriages in the family (P = 0.010), and smoking exposure (P = 0.062) was found. Additionally, the total cost of screening was less than the cost of prophylaxis treatment with no screening ($20.98 versus $23.51 per person, respectively).

Discussion:

Risk factors for VTE may be present in 32.5% of elective adolescent arthroscopic patients. A TS model for VTE identified 30% more risk factors, especially a significant family history, and was shown to be a cost-effective way to safely implement a VTE prevention program.

Level of Evidence:

Level II
Self-Care Behavior Assessment of Fragile School-Age Children: An Application of Orem's Self-Care Framework
Authors: Abdelkader Raghad Hussein , Bawadi Hala
Published: January 2019

INTRODUCTION: Fragile children who were once called; “terminal cases” nowadays are able to live, due to technical advances; although they are requiring permanent assistance. This study aimed to identify the levels of self-care behavior of school-age medically fragile Jordanian children.

METHODS & MATERIAL: A cross-sectional design using Orem self-care behavior questionnaire to measure the level of self-care behavior of 96 medically fragile children in capital city (Amman), who hospitalized at least once at the affiliated hospitals. 

RESULT: 63. 3%, n=61 children had high level of self-care behavior with overall mean = 62.3 SD=20. ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc comparisons of the three groups indicate that the level of self care behavior at the late school age 12-14 years old (mean = 71.56, SD = 4.71) and the early school age 6-9 years (mean = 67.05, SD = 4.73) reported significantly higher than the middle school age 10-12 years old (mean 66.95, SD = 4.37), p = .001. A round half of the children complaining of respiratory disease 42.7%, n=41.

CONCLUSION: Performing nursing interventions and providing proper discharge plans for school age children and home care for medically fragile children will be based according to the self-care behavior level.
Was the Silver Y Moth Autographa gamma (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Plusiinae) in South America?
Authors: Erazo-Moreno Martha C. , Carneiro Eduardo , Specht Alexandre
Published: January 2019

In this study we confirmed former records of Autographa gamma in South America by examining four individuals collected in different locations of Brazil and Uruguay. Species identity was established by examining male and female genitalia morphology. Some, but not all, location records are in the vicinity of cities with large seaports used for commercial trades of agricultural goods. Additionally, literature records indicate this species was using local hostplants. Furthermore, addtional repports states that this species had large populations during the end of thirties decade but vanished after that without further justification. Here we discuss aspects related to a possible reintroduction of species in the future as a consequence of the increasing world trade business.
Growth and Tolerance of Pleurotus ostreatus at Different Selenium Forms
Authors: Silva Marliane de Cássia Soares da , Luz José Maria Rodrigues da , Paiva Ana Paula S. , Mendes Daniele Ruela , Carvalho Alexandrina A. C. , Naozuka Juliana , Kasuya Maria Catarina Megumi
Published: January 2019

Selenium is an important element in physiological and metabolic processes. Due to low Se concentration in most of the soils, strategies as enrichment and biofortification have been used to increase its incorporation in food. The fungus has capacity to absorb, accumulate and transform Se inorganic into organic compounds. However, the concentration and chemical forms of Se used for enrichment can affect the mycelial growth and mushrooms production. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze the capacity of Pleurotus ostreatus in absorb, accumulate and tolerate growing concentrations of different Se chemical forms. In the disc of agar with mycelium was added 20 mL of PDA medium and Se concentration (0-200 mg L-1) in the forms of sodium selenite, sodium selenate or selenomethionine (SeMet). The greatest inhibition of mycelial growth and biomass production were observed in highest Se concentration. Regardless of the Se level, SeMet and sodium selenite were more harmful to the P. ostreatus growth than sodium selenate. However, the highest Se accumulation in the mycelium was observed in culture medium with sodium selenite. Thus, Se supplementation in the forms of sodium selenite was more indicated to enrichment of P. ostreatus mushrooms than sodium selenate and SeMet.
The Design and the Construction of the Traditional Arabic Lexicons Corpus (The TAL-Corpus)
Authors: Sawalha Majdi
Published: January 2019

Arabic lexicography is a well-established and deep-rooted art of Arabic literature. Computational lexicography, invests computational and storage powers of modern computers, to accelerate long-term efforts in lexicographic projects. A collection of 23 machine-readable dictionaries, which are freely available on the web, were used to build the Corpus of Traditional Arabic lexicons (the TAL-Corpus). The purpose for constructing the TAL-Corpus is to collect and organize well-established and long traditions of traditional Arabic lexicons which can also be used to create new corpus-based Arabic dictionaries.

The compilation of the TAL-Corpus followed standard design and development criteria that informed major decisions for corpus creation. The corpus building process involved extracting information from disparate formats and merging traditional Arabic lexicons. As a result, the TAL-Corpus contains more than 14 million words and over 2 million word types (different words). 

The TAL-Copus was applied to create useful morphological database. This database was automatically constructed using a new algorithm which is informed by Arabic linguistics theory. The newly developed algorithm processed the text of the TAL-Corpus and as result it extracted 2 781 796 entries. These entries were stored in the morphological database where each represents a word-root pair (i.e. an Arabic word and its root).

A comparative evaluation of the TAL-Corpus and other three Arabic corpora showed that the lexical diversity of its vocabulary scored higher. Moreover, its coverage was computed by comparing words and lemmas against their equivalents of other corpora where it scored about 67% when comparing words and 82% when comparing lemmas.
A coupled hybrid fixed point theorem involving the sum of two coupled operators in a partially ordered Banach space with applications
Authors: Dhage Bapurao Chandrabahan
Published: January 2019

In this paper we prove a coupled hybrid fixed point theorem involving the sum of two coupled operators in a partially ordered Banach space and apply to a pair of nonlinear second order coupled linearly perturbed hybrid differential equations with the periodic boundary conditions for proving the existence and approximation of coupled solutions under certain mixed hybrid conditions. The abstract existence result of the coupled periodic boundary value problems is also illustrated by furnishing a numerical example.
Salvage surgery of hypopharyngeal cancer as a second malignancy post radiotherapy and the possibility of digestive track reconstruction – study of three cases and the literature review
Authors: Rzepakowska Anna , Jasińska Agnieszka , Wolniewicz Maria , Baranek Piotr , Osuch-Wójcikiewicz Ewa , Bruzgielewicz Antoni , Niemczyk Kazimierz
Published: January 2019

Patients with head and neck cancers have an increased risk of second malignant neoplasm occurrence (25% in long-term follow-up, 4% yearly). Most patients with a primary tumor can be treated with organ-preserving strategies including radiotherapy (RT) or chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Very often after radical surgical excision there are indications for adjuvant radiotherapy. However, if recurrence or second malignancy will develop after definitive primary RT, there are limitation to use therapeutic dose of radiation again for the same area. Salvage surgery is regarded as the only curative option in those cases. In our study we analysed 3 patients, who presented with head and neck second cancer in the area of hypopharynx, within 10-25 years after primary radiotherapy due to oropharyngeal and laryngeal cancer. A total pharyngectomy with larynx preservation and bilateral neck dissection were performed in the first case and the radial forearm free flap (RFFF) was used for reconstruction of the pharynx. Second patient, due to perilaryngeal invasion in radiological images, underwent total pharyngolaryngectomy with selective bilateral cervical lymph nodes dissection and digestive track was restored also with RFFF. The third patient had previously undergone laryngectomy and after total pharyngectomy the free autologous jejunal flap (FAJF) was used for reconstruction.
The main goal of reconstruction after salvage surgery due to hypopharyngeal cancer is to reconstruct the digestive tract. The other important aspect is to optimize the anatomy for voice rehabilitation and swallowing. Unfortunately, radiation and chemotherapy impair wound healing, which indicates increased risk of postoperative complications and makes salvage surgery results unpredictable.
Educating the new generation of architects: from ICT to EPT
Authors: Masdéu Marta
Published: January 2019

In the last decade, architectural studios have adopted more dynamic
communication and work structures thanks to the management, storage and
dissemination capacity of digital technologies. Consequently, schools of
architecture have faced the challenge of training professionals with digital skills.
They have progressively incorporated ICT into Design Studios. Its implementation
has initiated a process where teaching through ICT has been substituted by
learning with LKT. For the moment, it seems that the educational model of the
Design Studio is still in transformation as well as the professional practice.
Therefore, schools are introducing modifications to the Design Studio model while
these changes are occurring. In this context, it can be ventured that its future
seems to be heading towards the inclusion of EPT as empowering and
participatory learning environments.

En la última década, la capacidad de gestión, almacenamiento y difusión de las
tecnologías digitales ha hecho posible que los estudios de arquitectura puedan
disponer de estructuras de comunicación y trabajo más dinámicas. Ante el reto de
formar a profesionales digitalmente capacitados, las escuelas de arquitectura han
incorporado progresivamente las TIC en los Talleres de Arquitectura. Su
implementación ha desencadenado un proceso donde se ha pasado de enseñar
por medio de las TIC a aprender con las TAC. Por el momento, podemos afirmar
que el modelo educativo de Taller de Arquitectura donde se integran las TAC
sigue, al igual que la práctica profesional, en transformación. Por tanto, a medida
que dichos cambios van produciéndose, las escuelas están introduciendo
modificaciones en el Taller de Arquitectura. Teniendo esto en cuenta, podemos
aventurar que su futuro parece encaminarse hacia la inclusión de las TEP como
entornos de aprendizaje participativos y de empoderamiento.
Arquitectura en formato Olimpiada: aplicación de la metodología de Proyectos a Secundaria.
Authors: Carcelén González Ricardo , García Martín Fernando Miguel
Published: January 2019

Esta comunicación presenta la I Olimpiada de Arquitectura de la Región de Murcia,
una experiencia de innovación docente dirigida desde la E.T.S. de Arquitectura y
Edificación de la UPCT a los estudiantes de Secundaria y Bachillerato de la
Región de Murcia (España). Cientos de estudiantes, un equipo de alumnos de
arquitectura y dos equipos de arquitectos-docentes participaron en la primera
edición, en la que se invitó a los estudiantes a reflexionar sobre los espacios de
convivencia en sus propias escuelas y elaborar propuestas arquitectónicas para su
mejora. El texto analiza primero el contexto de las Olimpiadas Científicas en
España, enumerando a continuación los principios y objetivos básicos de esta
experiencia. Finalmente, se describe la experiencia, resumiendo sus puntos más
importantes y las tres fases en las que se ha organizado. Los resultados
obtenidos, muy positivos, estimulan a repetir y ampliar la experiencia.

This comunication presents the I Olympiad of Architecture of the Region of Murcia,
a teaching innovation experience led by the E.T.S. de Arquitectura y Edificación of
the UPCT to the Secondary and Baccalaureate students of the Region of Murcia
(Spain). Hundreds of pre-university students, a team of architecture students and
two teams of architects-teachers took part in the first edition, in which the
participants were invited to reflect on the spaces of coexistance in their own
schools and to elaborate architectural proposals for its improvement. The text first
analyzes the context of the Science Olympics in Spain and the basic principles and
objectives of the experience. Then, the experience is described, gathering its most
important points, and its three phases organization. The very positive results in the
architectural solutions that the stundents proposed and in their motivation for the
architecture encourage to repeat and extend the experience.