bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polyunsaturated fatty acid status and risk of type 1 diabetes in infants and children: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Xingmu , Zhong Shuping , Dong Jingfen , Zhuge Fuyuan
Published: March 2021

Introduction

The existing findings about the association between polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) status (especially long-chain n-3 PUFAs) and the risk of preclinical or clinical type 1 diabetes (T1D) in children are controversial. This review aimed to evaluate the definite association.

Material and methods

Three databases were systematically viewed until July, 2019 to identify relevant articles, without language restriction. Any observational study or randomized controlled trial reporting the risk estimates of preclinical or clinical T1D for PUFA status in infants and children was enrolled. Regardless of the statistical heterogeneity assessed by the I2 statistic, we pooled the odds ratios (ORs), relative risks (RRs) or hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) through random-effects models.

Results

Five observational studies were enrolled in the meta-analysis. The status of n-3 PUFAs was negatively and significantly associated with the risk of preclinical, but not clinical, T1D (pooled RR = 0.85; 95% CI: 0.73–0.99) with substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 72.2%). However, no such association was found between n-6 PUFA status and the risk of preclinical or clinical T1D.

Conclusions

The meta-analysis suggests that n-3 PUFA might play a potential protective role in the cause of preclinical T1D, and n-3 PUFA intake may be beneficial, since the n-3 PUFA status was associated with a significant decrease in the risk of preclinical T1D in children. Nevertheless, more well-designed prospective studies are necessary to determine whether dietary or supplemental intake of specific n-3 PUFA alters the risk of preclinical T1D.
Quality of life, anxiety and depressive disorders in patients with extrasystolic arrhythmia
Authors: Mikhaylov Alexey Y. , Yumashev Alexei V. , Kolpak Eugeny
Published: March 2021

Introduction

The aim of this study was to perform a comparative and economic analysis of the degree of development of anxiety-depressive disorder in patients with different types of extrasystolic arrhythmia using different assessment scales.

Material and methods

The study was conducted in 2018–2019 at the premises of clinic No. 4, involving 450 patients (Moscow, Russia). Patients were divided into three groups: with coronary heart disease (CHD) (147 patients), with myocardiodystrophy (MCD) (113) and with cardiopsychoneurosis (CPN) (190). Everyone underwent round-the-clock electrocardiography (ECG) and echocardiography. If symptoms of depressive disorder are detected in a timely manner, the risk of adverse cardiovascular diseases may be reduced.

Results

Depression and anxiety indicators on all three scales differed significantly (p ≤ 0.05) in patients with supraventricular extrasystole (more than 40 points on the Zung scale, 14 points on the Montgomery-Asberg depression scale, more than 38 points on Zung and 3 points on Covi anxiety scales). For patients with ventricular extrasystole, a significant difference was established between groups 1 and 2 only in terms of the level of depression on the Zung scale. Factors of psychogenic origin determine the development of cardiac rhythm disturbances.

Conclusions

The study showed that for supraventricular extrasystoles, these factors determine the overall health of the patient. The differences between the three groups are significant on all scales of depression and anxiety (p ≤ 0.05). The most susceptible to depression and anxiety are patients with extrasystolic arrhythmias diagnosed with CHD, as well as MCD.
The effect of therapeutic exercise in the prevention
of lymphoedema secondary to breast cancer:
a systematic review
Authors: Tendero-Ruiz Laura , Palomo-Carrión Rocío , Megía-García-Carpintero Álvaro , Pérez-Nombela Soraya , López-Muñoz Purificación , Bravo-Esteban Elisabeth
Published: March 2021

Introduction

One of the most frequent complications of breast cancer treatment is lymphoedema (LE), with lymphadenectomy and radiotherapy being the main triggers of this pathology in developed countries. The aim of the study was to determine the efficacy of therapeutic exercise in the prevention of upper limb (UL) lymphoedema evaluated through cirtometry, volumetry, or bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) in women after breast cancer removal surgery.

Material and methods

The Pubmed, PEDro, and Cochrane databases were consulted up to May 2020, including randomised clinical trials (RCTs) on therapeutic physical exercise as a possible preventive measure against breast cancer-related lymphoedema (BCRL). The studies were requested to have participants with UL lymphoedema and a control group.

Results

A total of 304 articles were found, of which 9 were included (stand-alone studies). A therapeutic exercise program (strength and/or aerobic training) in women who had been surgically intervened for breast cancer may prevent lymphedema, compared to a regular care.

Conclusions

A therapeutic exercise program (strength and/or aerobic training) in women operated on for breast cancer contributes to reducing the number of cases that could obtain a greater difference in volume in their upper limbs, compared to a regular care program. However, further research is necessary to affirm that therapeutic physical exercise prevents BCRL.
Efficacy and harms of convalescent plasma for treatment of hospitalized COVID-19 patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Piscoya Alejandro , Ng-Sueng Luis , Parra del Riego Angela , Cerna-Viacava Renato , Pasupuleti Vinay , Thota Priyaleela , Roman Yuani , Hernandez Adrian
Published: March 2021

Introduction

We systematically reviewed benefits and harms of convalescent plasma (CP) in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

Material and methods

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies assessing CP effects on hospitalized, adult COVID-19 patients were searched until November 24, 2020. We assessed risk of bias (RoB) using Cochrane RoB 2.0 and ROBINS-I tools. Inverse variance random effect meta-analyses were performed. Quality of evidence was evaluated using GRADE methodology. Primary outcomes were all-cause mortality, clinical improvement, and adverse events.

Results

Five RCTs (n = 1067) and 6 cohorts (n = 881) were included. Three and 1 RCTs had some concerns and high RoB, respectively; and there was serious RoB in all cohorts. Convalescent plasma did not reduce all-cause mortality in RCTs of severe (RR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.33–1.10) or moderate (RR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.09–3.86) COVID-19 vs. standard of care (SOC); CP reduced all-cause mortality vs. SOC in cohorts (RR = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.49–0.91). Convalescent plasma did not reduce invasive ventilation vs. SOC in moderate disease (RR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.47–1.55). In comparison to placebo + SOC, CP did not affect all-cause mortality (RR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.48–1.16) or clinical improvement (HR = 1.07, 95% CI: 0.82–1.40) in severe patients. Adverse and serious adverse events were scarce, similar between CP and controls. Quality of evidence was low or very low for most outcomes.

Conclusions

In comparison to SOC or placebo + SOC, CP did not reduce all-cause mortality in RCTs of hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Convalescent plasma did not have an effect on other clinical or safety outcomes. Until now there is no good quality evidence to recommend CP for hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
A EXPANSÃO DO ENSINO SUPERIOR NO BRASIL E A DESIGUALDADE DE ACESSO
Authors: Lima Maria Nádia Alencar
Published: March 2021

O objetivo deste estudo é de contribuir para o debate democrático acerca da expansão da educação superior brasileira e as políticas de acesso que promoveram o significativo acréscimo de ingressantes nos cursos de graduação no Brasil. O trabalho atende a pesquisa bibliográfica e fundamenta-se na revisão de literatura com o suporte teórico de autores e legislações da área afim, como: Oliveira, (org. 2011), Mello (2002), Bezerra e Gurgel (2012) Cunha (2000), Wainer e Melguizo (2017), (LEI Nº9.394/1996), (CONSTITUIÇÃO/1988) entre outros. Trata-se de uma reflexão sobre o processo de evolução e inclusão mediante a implementação de programas e ações afirmativas para a educação superior que corroboraram para dirimir o caráter elitista impregnado no perfil deste nível de ensino a partir do momento que conseguiu alcançar um número maior de ingressantes das camadas menos favorecidas da sociedade e com isso a representatividade dos grupos denominados de minorias aumentou ainda que de modo tímido, mas refletindo na redução do déficit de acesso ao ensino superior, embora distante de reparar as injustiças sociais no Brasil.
A Embrapa e a formação de seus pesquisadores: objetivo, processo e perfil alcançado
Authors: Mengel Alex
Published: March 2021

Este artigo considera a constituição da Embrapa como fator decisivo para a estruturação da pesquisa agropecuária nacional a partir da década de 1970, da mesma maneira, considera que a formação de seu quadro de pesquisadores é elemento fundamental para a explicação de sua trajetória institucional. Assim, este trabalho tem dois objetivos: 1) compreender o perfil do profissional eleito pela sua direção para compor o quadro de pesquisadores; 2) entender como foram constituídos os processos responsáveis pela formação deste quadro. A análise fundamenta-se no conceito de “ação social” e de “instituição” de Max Weber (2009), bem como no conceito de campo de Pierre Bourdieu (1997). Os dados aqui examinados foram obtidos por meio de pesquisa documental efetuada nas bibliotecas da empresa e pela aplicação de entrevistas semiestruturadas a 22 pesquisadores e lideranças que trabalham ou haviam trabalhado em 11 centros da empresa, além de pessoas que trabalhavam em departamentos e secretarias da Embrapa Sede.
IMPLICAÇÕES DAS INTOXICAÇÕES EXÓGENAS POR AGROTÓXICOS À SAÚDE DO TRABALHADOR: UMA REVISÃO INTEGRATIVA
Authors: Santos Iraneide Nascimento dos , Ferraz Ivana Santos , Lirio Layse Kelle Silva , Silva Aline Soares da , Sotero Gilmara de Sousa , Ruela Guilherme de Andrade
Published: March 2021

O presente estudo teve como objetivo analisar as principais evidências científicas sobre as intoxicações associadas à exposição aos agrotóxicos na população de trabalhadores brasileiros. Realizou-se uma revisão integrativa de artigos científicos indexados nas bases de dados LILACS, SCIELO, Google Scholar e PubMed, considerando publicações dos últimos cinco anos, utilizando os seguintes descritores: "Agrochemicals" OR "Pesticides" AND "Poisoning" AND "Brazil". O levantamento da literatura foi realizado no mês de dezembro de 2020. De 19.415 artigos encontrados, 11 foram incluídos por preencherem os critérios de inclusão, bem como importados para o programa Mendeley®, na síntese qualitativa. Os artigos mostram que os agentes químicos, bastante utilizados no combate de pragas, podem acarretar efeitos maléficos à saúde humana. Apesar da subnotificação, os envenenamentos por agrotóxicos causam elevada morbimortalidade, além de não estarem restritos ao trabalho rural. Conclui-se que é necessária a oferta de melhores condições de trabalho para os trabalhadores expostos aos riscos de intoxicação, a criação de legislação para tornar mínimos esses riscos e a promoção da educação em saúde, com a finalidade de conscientizar acerca da relevância das medidas preventivas. Novos estudos sobre essa temática são importantes para a caracterização dos casos registrados das intoxicações por agrotóxicos e dos fatores predisponentes para a ocorrência desses agravos, para que sejam propostas medidas preventivas ou corretivas, bem como evidenciar a relevância da notificação.
Measurement report: Chemical characteristics of PM2.5 during typical biomass burning season at an agricultural site of the North China Plain
Authors: Liang Linlin , Engling Guenter , Liu Chang , Xu Wanyun , Liu Xuyan , Cheng Yuan , Du Zhenyu , Zhang Gen , Sun Junying , Zhang Xiaoye
Published: March 2021

Abstract. Biomass burning activities are ubiquitous in China, especially in northern China,
where there is a large rural population and winter heating
custom. Biomass burning tracers (i.e., levoglucosan, mannosan and potassium
(K+)), as well as other chemical components, were quantified at a rural
site (Gucheng, GC) in northern China from 15 October to 30 November, during a
transition heating season, when the field burning of agricultural residue
was becoming intense. The measured daily average concentrations of
levoglucosan, mannosan and K+ in PM2.5 (particulate
matter with aerodynamic diameters less than 2.5 µm) during this study were
0.79 ± 0.75, 0.03 ± 0.03 and 1.52 ± 0.62 µg m−3, respectively. Carbonaceous components and
biomass burning tracers showed higher levels during nighttime than daytime,
while secondary inorganic ions were enhanced during daytime. An episode with
high levels of biomass burning tracers was encountered at the end of
October 2016, with high levoglucosan at 4.37 µg m−3. Based on
the comparison of chemical components during different biomass burning
pollution periods, it appeared that biomass combustion can obviously elevate
carbonaceous component levels, whereas there was essentially no effect on secondary
inorganic aerosols in the ambient air. Moreover, the levoglucosan / mannosan
ratios during different biomass burning pollution periods remained at high
values (in the range of 18.3–24.9); however, the levoglucosan / K+
ratio was significantly elevated during the intensive biomass burning
pollution period (1.67) when air temperatures were decreasing, which was substantially
higher than in other biomass burning periods (averaged at 0.47).
Comparison of different droplet measurement techniques in the Braunschweig Icing Wind Tunnel
Authors: Knop Inken , Bansmer Stephan E. , Hahn Valerian , Voigt Christiane
Published: March 2021

Abstract. The generation, transport and characterization of supercooled
droplets in multiphase wind tunnel test facilities is of great importance
for conducting icing experiments and to better understand cloud
microphysical processes such as coalescence, ice nucleation, accretion and
riming. To this end, a spray system has been developed, tested and
calibrated in the Braunschweig Icing Wind Tunnel. Liquid droplets in the
size range of 1 to 150 µm produced by pneumatic atomizers were
accelerated to velocities between 10 and 40 m s−1 and supercooled to
temperatures between 0 and −20 ∘C. Thereby, liquid water contents between 0.07 and 2.5 g m−3 were obtained in the test
section. The wind tunnel conditions were stable and reproducible within
3 % standard variation for median volumetric diameter (MVD) and 7 %
standard deviation for liquid water content (LWC). Different instruments
were integrated in the icing wind tunnel measuring the particle size
distribution (PSD), MVD and LWC. Phase Doppler interferometry (PDI), laser
spectroscopy with a fast cloud droplet probe (FCDP) and shadowgraphy were
systematically compared for present wind tunnel conditions. MVDs measured
with the three instruments agreed within 15 % in the range between 8 and 35 µm and showed high coefficients of determination
(R2) of 0.985 for FCDP and 0.799 for shadowgraphy with respect to PDI data. Between 35 and 56 µm MVD, the shadowgraphy data
exhibit a low bias with respect to PDI. The instruments' trends and biases
for selected droplet conditions are discussed. LWCs determined from mass
flow calculations in the range of 0.07–1.5 g m−3 are compared to measurements of the bulk phase rotating cylinder technique (RCT) and the above-mentioned single-particle instruments. For RCT, agreement with the mass flow calculations of approximately 20 % in LWC was achieved. For PDI 84 % of measurement points with LWC<0.5 g m−3 agree with mass flow calculations within a range of ±0.1 g m−3. Using the different techniques, a comprehensive wind tunnel calibration for supercooled droplets was achieved, which is a prerequisite for providing well-characterized liquid cloud conditions for icing tests for aerospace, wind turbines and power networks.
Flood and center timing in a changing world
Authors: Wasko Conrad , Nathan Rory , Peel Murray
Published: March 2021

Climate change is expected to change the pattern of rainfall resulting in changed flood magnitude. However, in large part due to interannual variability, identifying a climate change signal in flood magnitude remains difficult. As an alternative to investigating trends in flood magnitude, it has been suggested that trends in flood timing, that is, the day of annual streamflow maxima, may be a detectable trend due climate change.

Here, using high-quality data from around the world, trends in flood and center timing are investigated. We begin by standardizing the data on a local definition of water year. We find an interesting property, that after standardization, the flood and centre timing of streamflow can be approximated by a normal distribution. Moreover, we find that without the standardization on local water year the calculated trend can reverse. We proceed by analyzing trends in centre and flood timing globally using linear regression.

Results are commensurable with large-scale climatic change. But, unlike changes in extreme rainfall, trends are not spatially consistent. Flood timing is shifting to earlier in the year in the tropics, and later in the year in the extra-tropics, consistent with changes in mean rainfall and flood magnitude. There is evidence of a reversal of trends post-drought, suggesting that the mechanisms controlling flooding at a catchment scale are changing as a result of climate change. It is concluded that trends in flood timing are related to flood generating mechanisms, and largely modulated by changing antecedent moisture conditions.
A possible radio anomaly observed on the occasion of the MW=6.0 earthquake occurred in Dodecanese islands at the end of January 2020
Authors: Biagi Pier Francesco , Ermini Anita , Boudjada Mohammed , Eichelberger Hans , Katzis Konstantinos , Contadakis Michael , Skebelis Christos , Moldovan Iren , Bezzeghoud Mourad , Nina Alexandra , Nico Giovanni
Published: March 2021

Since 2009, several VLF/LF radio receivers have been installed throughout Europe in order to realize a European radio network for studying the radio precursors of earthquakes, called the INFREP network. The current network has nine VLF/LF receiving stations, two in Romania and
Greece, one in Italy, Austria, Portugal, Cyprus, and Serbia. The receivers can measure with 1 min sampling rate the intensity of 10 radio signals in the band VLF (10-50 kHz) and LF (150-300 kHz). The scope of existing transmitters is manifold, e.g. they are used for radio broadcast (LF), for radio-navigation or time signals and mainly for military purposes in the VLF range. At the end of January 2020 an intense seismic crisis occurred in Dodecanese Islands; the main event (Mw= 6.0) occurred on January 30. This seismic activity occurred in the "sensitive" area of the INFREP network. The analysis of the data collected by INFREP receivers has revealed clear anomalies in three VLF signals appearing some days before the main earthquake. The anomalies appear in the trends collected by the Cyprus receiver and the epicenter is inside the 5th Fresnel ellipses defined by transmitters-receiver. Here we report the data analysis and we present in detail the anomalies. The possibility that they are precursors of the quoted earthquake seems significant.

Biagi, P.F., Colella, R., Schiavulli, L., Ermini, A., Boudjada, M., Eichelberger, H., Schwingenschuh, K., Katzis, K., Contadakis, M.E., Skeberis, C., Moldovan, I.A. and Bezzeghoud, M. (2019) The INFREP Network: Present Situation and Recent Results. Open Journal of Earthquake Research,8, 101-115. https://doi.org/10.4236/ojer.2019.82007
Orographic effect on extreme precipitation statistics peaks at hourly times scales
Authors: Marra Francesco , Armon Moshe , Borga Marco , Morin Efrat
Published: March 2021

Preparedness to natural hazards in mountainous areas strongly relies on the knowledge of extreme rainfall probability. The presence of mountains influences the motion of air masses, thereby modifying the storms characteristics. Here, we use a novel statistical approach to quantify the orographic impact on the probability of occurrence of extreme rainfall of short duration (10-min to 6-hour). We find that mountains tend to decrease the mean annual maximum intensities at sub-hourly scales, thereby confirming the previously reported “reversed orographic effect”, and tend to decrease the tail heaviness, thereby decreasing the extremely high intensities such as the events occurring on average once in 100 years. The second effect is however non-monotonic, in that it increases between 10 minute and 1 hour and diminishes between 1 and 6 hours. Sub-hourly extremes could thus be higher than what can be estimated from hourly data alone, implying that the scaling assumptions typically adopted for risk assessment may systematically underestimate the risk of short-duration extremes
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) time-lapse monitoring of the instability processes affecting Varano Hill: A case study of the ancient Roman site of Villa Arianna
Authors: Somma Renato , Trocciola Alfredo , Spizzichino Daniele , Fedele Alessandro , Leoni Gabriele , Matano Fabio , Holmberg Karen , Troise Claudia , De Natale Giuseppe , Napolitano Maria Cristina , Margottini Claudio
Published: March 2021

The archaeological site of Villa Arianna - located on Varano Hill, south of Vesuvius - offer tantalizing information regarding first-century AD resilience to hydrogeological risk. Additionally, the site provides an important test case for mitigation efforts of current and future geo-hazard. Villa Arianna, notable in particular for its wall frescoes, is part of a complex of Roman villas built between 89 BC and AD 79 in the ancient coastal resort area of Stabiae. This villa complex is located on a morphological terrace that separates the ruins from the present-day urban center of Castellammare di Stabia. The Varano hill is formed of alternating pyroclastic deposits, from the Vesuvius Complex, and alluvial sediments, from the Sarno River. The area, in AD 79, was completely covered by PDCs from the Plinian eruption of Vesuvius. Due to the geomorphological structure the slope is prone to slope instability phenomena that are mainly represented by earth and debris flows, usually triggered by heavy rainfall. The susceptibility is worsened by changes in hydraulic and land-use conditions mainly caused by lack of maintenance of mitigation works. Villa Arianna is the subject of a joint pilot project of the INGV-ENEA-ISPRA that includes non-invasive monitoring techniques such as the use of UAVs to study the areas of the slope at higher risk of instability. The project, in particular, seeks to implement innovative mitigation solutions that are non-destructive to the cultural heritage. UAVs represent the fastest way to produce high-resolution 3D models of large sites and allow archaeologists to collect accurate spatial data that can be used for 3D GIS analyses. Through this pilot project, we have used detailed 3D models and high-resolution ortho-images for new analyses and documentation of the site and to map the slope instabilities that threatens the Villa Arianna site. Through multi-temporal analyses of different data acquisitions, we intend to define the detailed morphological evolution of the entire Varano slope. These analyses will allow us to highlight priority areas for future low-impact mitigation interventions.
Regional emission loading of particulate and gaseous air pollutants over India using fine resolution WRF-Chem simulation technique
Authors: Azmi Sahir , Nagar Pavan Kumar , Sharma Mukesh
Published: March 2021

Only a few studies have reported sources, characteristics, and strategies for controlling severe air pollution events frequently occurring in several urban areas in India. For a detailed analysis of particulate matter (PM) and gaseous species for their temporal and spatial distribution, a high-resolution simulation through Weather Research and Forecasting with Chemistry (WRF-Chem) model was undertaken for the entire India. Emission Database for Global Atmospheric Research (EDGAR v2.2) was used. WRF-Chem model was used for predicting concentrations of NO2, O3, CO, SO2, and PM2.5 along with its components in major cities (Delhi, Lucknow, Patna, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai) spread all over India. The model's performance was validated against observations that were available for a few large cities from national ambient air quality monitoring stations. Generally, O3 predictions did not show an acceptable association with the measurements, but PM2.5 predictions did meet the model performance criteria (root mean square error (RMSE), normalized mean bias (NMB), normalized mean error (NME), mean fractional bias (MFB) and mean fractional error (MFE)). Model performance was better for days with higher levels of PM2.5. PM2.5 showed the highest concentration levels for India's Northern and Eastern parts and a major portion of the Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP). Concentrations of PM2.5 were observed to be lower during monsoon and higher during the winter seasons. Nitrate levels were found to be 150–240% higher in winter than the yearly average. However, a decrease in solar radiation intensity and temperature during the winter season showed sulfate levels to be much lower than in other seasons. Except for South India, Primary Organic Aerosol (POA) contribution to PM2.5 was highest for regional analysis. Analysis of model concentrations indicates the importance of controlling precursor gases for secondary pollutants in India. Conclusively, WRF-Chem predicted particulate and gaseous air pollutant levels can be used to develop control strategies for large regions that are part of the same airshed.
Partial core vaporization during giant impacts inferred from the entropy and the critical point of iron
Authors: Li Zhi , Caracas Razvan , Soubiran François
Published: March 2021

The prevailing theory of the origin of the Moon is the giant impact hypothesis, in which a Mars-sized impactor collides with the proto-Earth in the late stage of accretion, and the Moon is subsequently formed from the proto-lunar disk made of the ejected materials. As the laboratory-scale experiments are not able to simulate planetary-scale impacts, our understanding of the giant impact mostly comes from hydrodynamic simulations. However, the results of these simulations heavily depend upon the available equation of state to describe the thermodynamic response of the constituent materials of the proto-Earth and impactor to shock waves. Iron as a building block material of the terrestrial planets naturally received significant attention. But the major effort has been put to determine its phase diagram up to the Earth’s core conditions (126-360 GPa and 3000-7000 K) and beyond. The studies of iron at low densities are still scarce and the position of the critical point (CP) is uncertain. As the liquid-vapor dome ends at CP, the position of the latter determines the time evolution of the proto-lunar disk during its condensation. In order to assess whether the core of the planets undergoes significant vaporization during a giant impact, we employ ab initio molecular-dynamics simulations to explore iron over a wide density region encompassing the critical point (CP) and the Hugoniot lines of the shocked iron cores. We determine the critical point of iron in the temperature range of 9000-9350 K, and the density range of 1.85-2.40 g/cm3, corresponding to a pressure range of 4-7 kbars [1]. This implies that the iron core of the proto-Earth may become supercritical after giant impacts. We show that the iron core of Theia partially vaporized during the Giant Impact. Part of this vapour may have remained in the disk, to eventually participate in the Moon’s small core. Similarly, during the late veneer stage a large fraction of the planetesimals have their cores undergoing partial vaporization. This would help to mix the highly siderophile elements into magma ponds or oceans. References:[1] Z. Li, R. Caracas, F. Soubiran, Partial core vaporization during Giant Impacts inferred from the entropy and the critical point of iron, Earth Planet. Sci. Letters, 2020, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2020.116463 
Retrograde carbon sequestration in orogenic complexes: a case study from the Chinese Southwestern Tianshan
Authors: Hu Han , Vitale Brovarone Alberto , Zhang Lifei , Piccoli Francesca , Peng Weigang , Shen Tingting
Published: March 2021

The interaction between ascending carbonic fluids and rocks at shallow depths in orogenic systems plays an important role in carbon flux regulation. In subduction zones, most works have focused on processes related to carbon release from the subducting slab or sequestration via high-pressure (HP) carbonation of mafic or ultramafic lithologies. A significant fraction of the carbonic fluids released by deep metamorphic reactions can also reach orogenic complexes and react with crustal and exhumed metamorphic rocks. However, the amount of fluid-mediated carbonation that may take place at crustal depths in orogenic complexes is still poorly constrained.

We report the occurrence of retrograde mafic eclogites and metasomatic marbles in UHP units in the Chinese Tianshan orogenic belt. The mafic eclogites recorded two successive, superimposed metamorphic–metasomatic stages: graphite precipitation along fractures and veins at eclogite facies (Stage#1) and pervasive rock carbonation (i.e., Stage#2: silicate dissolution and carbonate precipitation) at retrograde amphibolite to greenschist facies. This work focuses on Stage#2 carbonation, which consists of the transformation of Stage#1 graphite-bearing eclogites into carbonate + paragonite (± zoisite) + quartz. We present field, microstructural, petrological, and geochemical results of carbonic fluid–rock interactions affecting exhumed mafic eclogites. These results are supported by thermodynamic modeling for low-pressure carbonation of mafic eclogite obtained by means of EQ3/6 and the Deep Earth Water model. Carbon and oxygen isotopic data and thermodynamic modeling suggest an external metasedimentary source for the Stage#2 carbonation. This deep carbon sequestration event can be referred to retrograde, greenschist-facies conditions at about 10 kbar and 450 °C, and redox conditions similar or more oxidized than the quartz–fayalite–magnetite (QFM) buffer. Our findings provide new insights into the reactivity of metastable, exhumed metamafic rocks with ascending carbonic fluids in orogenic systems. We conclude that retrograde, fluid-mediated rock carbonation can significantly impact on carbon fluxes from active collisional belts. 
An improved method for the parameterization of sediment trapping in VFSMOD
Authors: Reichenberger Stefan , Sur Robin , Sittig Stephan , Multsch Sebastian , Muñoz-Carpena Rafael
Published: March 2021

The most widely implemented mitigation measure to reduce transfer of pesticides to surface water bodies via surface runoff are vegetative filter strips (VFS). To reliably model the reduction of surface runoff, eroded sediment and pesticide load by VFS an event-based model is needed. The most commonly used model for this purpose is VFSMOD. VFSMOD simulates reduction of total inflow (∆Q) and reduction of incoming eroded sediment load (∆E) mechanistically. These variables are subsequently used to calculate the reduction of pesticide load (∆P). While ∆P can be relatively well predicted from ∆Q, ∆E and some other variables, errors in ∆Q and ∆E will propagate to ∆P. Hence, for strongly sorbing compounds, an accurate prediction of ∆E is crucial. The most important parameter characterizing the incoming sediment in VFSMOD is the median particle diameter d50. The objective of this study was to derive a generic d50 parameterization methodology for sediment trapping in VFSMOD that can be readily used for regulatory VFS scenarios.

Four studies with 16 hydrological events were selected for modelling. A first set of VFSMOD simulations, following the SWAN-VFSMOD sediment parameterization with d50 = 20 µm yielded a general overestimation of ∆E. Consequently, a maximum-likelihood-based calibration and uncertainty analysis with the DREAM-ZS algorithm was performed for the 16 events. The resulting d50 values were all in the low range (1.3-5.4 µm) and did not allow to establish a robust relationship to predict a wider range of d50 from the available explanatory variables. To increase the sample size and the range of d50 values, the comprehensive Kinston dataset for a loamy sand in North Carolina was calibrated with DREAM-ZS. Calibration was performed separately for each hydrological event. Further data points with measured particle size distributions in run-on were assimilated from the literature. The extended test data set of d50 values and explanatory variables was analysed using an extended multiple linear regression (MLR) approach and Classification and Regression Trees (CART).

A good calibration of event totals and outflow hydrographs could be achieved for most events and VFS treatments of the Kinston site. The calibrated d50 values yielded a wider range (2-16 µm) than the initial 16 events.

The improved d50 parameterization method derived with MLR/CART will be adopted in the next version of SWAN-VFSMOD to provide more realistic quantitative mitigation within FOCUS STEP4.
An approach to modelling soil structure dynamics and soil structure recovery due to earthworm bioturbation and root growth
Authors: Meurer Katharina , Keller Thomas , Jarvis Nicholas
Published: March 2021

The pore structure of soil is known to be dynamic at time scales ranging from seconds (e.g. compaction) to seasons (e.g. root growth, macro-faunal activity) and even decades to centuries (e.g. changes in organic matter content). Nevertheless, soil physical and hydraulic functions are generally treated as static properties in most soil-crop models. Some models account for seasonal variations in soil properties (e.g. bulk density) due to tillage loosening and post-tillage consolidation or soil sealing. However, no model can account for longer-term changes in soil structure due to biological agents and processes. The development of such a model remains a challenge due to the enormous complexity of the interactions in the soil-plant system. Here, we present a new concept for modelling soil structure evolution impacted by biological processes such as root growth and earthworm activity. In this preliminary test of the model, we compare simulations against field observations made at the Soil Structure Observatory (SSO) in Zürich, Switzerland, that was designed to provide information on soil structure recovery following a severe compaction event. In this simple application, we modelled changes in the pore size distribution in a bare soil treatment resulting from soil ingestion and egestion by earthworms and the loosening of compacted soil by casting at the soil surface. Following calibration, the model was able to reproduce the observed temporal development of total porosity, soil bulk density and pore size distribution during a four-year period following severe traffic compaction. The modelling approach presented here appears promising and could help support the development of cost-efficient strategies for sustainable soil management and the restoration of degraded soils.
Vulnerability of buildings to wildfire
Authors: Garlichs Celine , Diakakis Michalis , Mavroulis Spyridon , Fuchs Sven , Papathoma-Köhle Maria
Published: March 2021

Recent events worldwide have clearly shown that wildfires pose a serious threat to people and buildings located in the WUI (Wildland-Urban-Interface). In Europe, due to climate change, wildfires are expected to continue affecting areas not only in the Mediterranean but also in other European regions (e.g. alpine and Scandinavian context).  A wide range of tools is available for the assessment of physical vulnerability of buildings to different hazard types including floods, landslides and earthquakes. Yet, to date, vulnerability of buildings to wildfire still remains under-researched. Research gaps in this respect are pointed out in this study and a well-established approach for vulnerability assessment of buildings already used for tsunamis and dynamic flooding is adapted in order to be used for wildfires. The method is based on the development of a vulnerability index using building characteristics (indicators) that contribute to wildfire vulnerability, including construction material, surroundings, building design and surrounding vegetation. The index may be used as a basis for strategies for vulnerability reduction (reinforcement of buildings, building codes), evacuation planning, insurance purposes and resilient reconstruction of affected areas. Preliminary results of an application in Mati (Attica, Greece) based on the data of a wildfire occurred in July 2018 resulting in the death of more than 100 people are presented
Water-rock interactions in periglacial conditions from the Zayu area, SE Tibet
Authors: Ruan Xiaobai , Galy Albert
Published: March 2021

Weathering associated with bedrock landslides has great influence on the solute chemistry in active mountain rivers, such as in the Western South Alps and Taiwan Orogeny [1-4]. Bedrock landslides generate deposits with fresh surfaces and high porosity, favorable for enhanced chemical weathering. Driven by the weathering of reactive phases (biotite and carbonate)3 and potential sulfuric acid weathering [2,4], the seepages from those deposits are characterized by high total dissolved solid (TDS) [1] and high relative concentration of K+, Ca2+ and SO42-[2,4]. However, the existing studies are all from tropical to temperate climate conditions, and we are lacking case studies from high-altitude alpine regions and periglacial conditions such as cold and poorly vegetated settings.

The Zayu catchment on the SE margin of Tibetan Plateau spans great geographical gradient. The north of the catchment is in a periglacial alpine desert-meadow environment. The valley is widely covered by deposits related with talus fans or rock glacier, likely to be continuously fed by the freeze-thaw processes on mountain slopes. The south of the catchment is in temperate-subtropical monsoonal forest environment and is influenced by bedrock landslides.

We conduct comparative study for the seepages from the fan deposits in the north and the landslide in the south, as well as local stream waters in both part of the catchment, in terms of their solute load. In the south, the landslide seepages have a systematically higher Ca2+/TDS, K+/TDS and SO42-/TDS ratiosthan local streams, likely related with the recent exposure of sulfide, biotite, and carbonate. This result reproduces the pattern found in WSA and Taiwan and extends it to granitoid lithology characteristic of the Zayu catchment, suggesting a universal weathering mechanism for landslide deposits. In the north, the seepages and the nearby streams have nearly identical chemical characteristics, with variable, TDS, K+, Ca2+ and SO42- concentrations, but similar than in the south, on average. It suggests that the mass wasting deposits in periglacial conditions can promote chemical weathering, playing a similar role than the bedrock landslides in temperate conditions, and the universal freeze-thaw process in the north periglacial catchment could be responsible for enhancing chemical weathering, as it creates fresh surface, enlarge cracks that promote hydraulic conductivity, and reduce the time for adequate water-rock interaction.

Reference:
Mo mobility in lateritic weathering profiles overlying ultramafic rocks of the East Sulawesi Ophiolite, Indonesia
Authors: Damanik Adrianus , Wille Martin , Grosjean Martin , Cahyarini Sri Yudawati , Vogel Hendrik
Published: March 2021

Molybdenum (Mo) isotopes are known as sensitive recorders for changes in redox conditions because the oxidized form of Mo (Mo VI) is more soluble, whereas its reduced form is more particle reactive. Previous studies suggest that Mo isotopic fractionation during the weathering process is controlled by atmospheric input, Mo host, and bedrock composition. However, Mo isotopic variation and processes influencing fractionation in weathering profiles overlying ultramafic bedrock, the early Earth analog, have yet to be explored. This study explores for the first time (1) Mo behavior and (2) isotopic fractionation in two representative and intensely-weathered lateritic profiles overlying ultramafic bedrock of the East Sulawesi Ophiolite, Indonesia. Mo concentrations measured on samples obtained from laterite successions studied here range between 60 - 537 ppb and are overall higher compared to bedrock values ranging between 9 - 45 ppb. The Mo isotope compositions of laterite samples vary between -0.043‰ to -0.161‰ δ98MoNIST3134. The overall close to mantle Mo isotopic composition of the laterite samples, their small Mo isotope variability, and the covariation between Mo and Ti concentrations suggest low mobility of Mo during chemical weathering and laterite formation. This low Mo mobility is likely a consequence of a) the low Mo concentration of the ultramafic protolith and b) adsorption of Mo to secondary Fe-Oxides during laterite formation under oxic weathering conditions.
Explaining the large variability in empirical relationships between magnetic pore fabrics and pore space properties
Authors: Biedermann Andrea Regina , Zhou Yi , Pugnetti Michele
Published: March 2021

The magnetic pore fabric method was proposed in the 1990s as a fast and efficient way to characterize the preferred shape and alignment of pores in sedimentary rocks. Since then, magnetic pore fabrics have been interpreted based on empirical relationships, stating for example that the orientation of magnetic pore fabric relates to pore alignment, and that degree and shape of the magnetic anisotropy correlate with pore aspect ratio and pore shape. Unfortunately, these empirical relationships vary largely between studies, making it challenging to interpret the data quantitatively. Here, we are presenting numerical models and experiments that help explain the variability in published relationships. Magnetic pore fabrics are determined by first impregnating the samples with a suitable ferrofluid, followed by magnetic anisotropy measurements in various fields and at multiple frequencies. These data are compared to known pore properties in synthetic samples, or X-ray-computed-tomography-based models of the pore space in natural samples. Our data show how the magnetic properties of various ferrofluids vary with measurement conditions, in particular measurement frequency. Ultimately, the effective susceptibility of the ferrofluid at measurement conditions largely affects measured magnetic anisotropy, and thus the observed empirical relationships. These findings allow to re-interpret existing empirical relationships and their variability, and also provide recommendations for future magnetic pore fabric studies. 
Volcanism and carbon cycling in the High Arctic during the Late Jurassic – Early Cretaceous
Authors: Vickers Madeleine L. , Jelby Mads E. , Galloway Jennifer M. , Percival Lawrence , Wang Feiyue , Sanei Hamed , Śliwińska Kasia K. , Price Gregory D. , Ullmann Clemens V. , Hougård Iben W. , Midtkandal Ivar , Mather Tamsin , Korte Christoph
Published: March 2021

Arctic carbon cycling and its regional climate have been observed to deviate from global trends in the Late Jurassic and across the Jurassic–Cretaceous boundary interval, but appear to recouple with global trends in the Early Cretaceous (Galloway et al., 2019; Jelby et al., 2020). We investigate the possible link between these observed trends and volcanism by examining the mercury (Hg) and other element records from Arctic sites in Svalbard (Norway) and the Queen Elizabeth Islands, Canada. We assess whether pulsed phases of the High Arctic Large Igneous Province, or the globally significant emplacement of Paraná-Etendeka or Greater Ontong-Java Plateau, are expressed by stratigraphic Hg trends recorded in the studied sites of Arctic Canada and Svalbard, and how any signals correlate with the regional stable carbon-isotope (δ13C) record. We compare these new data to Hg and δ13C records from other globally distributed sites, focusing on the carbon isotope excursion (CIE) intervals: the Arctic-wide Volgian CIE (“VOICE”), the global Valanginian positive CIE (“Weissert Event”), and the global early Aptian CIE associated with Ocean Anoxic Event 1a (OAE1a).
Community geometric standards for remote sensing products
Authors: Lin Guoqing (Gary) , Wolfe Robert , Tan Bin , Nickeson Jaime
Published: March 2021

We have developed a set of geometric standards for assessing earth observing data products derived from space-borne remote sensors.  We have worked with the European Space Agency (ESA) Earthnet Data Assessment Pilot (EDAP) project to provide a set of guidelines to assess geometric performance in data products from commercial electronic-optical remote sensors aboard satellites such as those from Planet Labs. The guidelines, or the standards, are based on performance from a few NASA procured sensors, such as the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) sensors, the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) sensors and the Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI) sensors. The standards include sensor spatial response, absolute positional accuracy, and band-to-band co-registration. They are tiered in “basic”, “intermediate” and “goal” criteria. These are important geometric factors affecting scientific use of remote sensing data products. We also discuss possible approaches achieving the highest goal in geometric performance standards.
Identification and Comparison of Pathologies Encountered at the level of Bio Calcarinites used in the monuments of the city of Sala and Rabat in Morocco.
Authors: Belhaj Siham , Belhaj Omaima Essaad
Published: March 2021

Historical monuments represent an archive and a past full of information and emotions transmitted from our ancestors, to preserve this sacred and perilous heritage with universal value, it was necessary to study it and approach it meticulously as a living body that expressing by diseases or pathologies which must be well treated.

From one monument to another, the pathologies found change and differ following several criteria and conditions, in our work we will focus on the bio-calcarinite rock often used in the construction of historical monuments in the Rabat Sala Kenitra’s region because of its availability and its mechanical performances and also by focusing on the criterion of monument’s location opposite the agents of degradation (climate, urbanization, know-how, materials, direction, uses, marine aerosol, etc.) we will identify the various degradations of bio-calcarinites of the Borj Adoumoue monument (Tower of tears) located on the seafront of the city of Sala in Morocco and the Historic monument of Challah in the city of Rabat which was named shared heritage in 2012 and which knows currently a major urbanization project named Rabat capital of lights, the historic monument of Chellah overlooks the Bouregreg river.

And we will therefore compare the impact of the location of the monument on the latter and on the pathologies that manifest themselves on the biocalcarinite of this region.