bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sediment contamination of an urban canal—a case study approach for an integrated assessment of organic sediment contamination
Authors: Ricking M. , Frische K. , Schwarzbauer J.
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The pesticide DDT and its metabolites represent a contamination risk for the aquatic environment, especially the polar metabolite DDA. The study provides a quantitative assessment of long-term pollution risks from sedimentary DDT residues with a special focus on DDA. It presents an overview of the contamination range of different DDX compounds in the sediments of a canal in Berlin (Germany), resulting from a former industrial point source that has implications for drinking water resources in the nearby area. The comprehensive analysis scheme provides information on free accessible and potentially metabolized precursors also in the non-extractable residues. This allows a quantitative assessment of the DDA pollution potential derived from the sedimentary DDT residues.

Materials and methods

The area was investigated for fine-grained sediment by means of a geo-electric mapping. Twelve sediment cores were taken in four areas (three in each section). A wider range of precursor metabolites has been included due to their transformation potential to the polar metabolite DDA. The sediments were analysed quantitatively for extractable and easily releasable fractions by application of a variety of degradation techniques as well as a dispersion extraction procedure on the sediment samples. These extracts were fractionated and subsequently analysed by GC-MS.

Results and discussion

Concentrations were obtained for extractable and bound metabolites. Different scenarios for the calculation of the amount of contaminated sediment are displayed as a tool for contamination assessment. The formation potential of DDA as the water-soluble metabolite is presented. Several precursor metabolites, e.g. DDD and DDMS, extractable from the sediment organic matter, revealed a high potential for a long-term formation of DDA, especially in the easily releasable fraction (via hydrolysis) with a mean concentration of up to 11,000 μg g−1 dry sediment. The resulting DDA contamination potential represents a significant pollution risk for the groundwater from a downstream waterworks area and by remobilisation into the whole ecosystem and adjacent rivers.

Conclusions

The application of the presented methods provides a tool for a quantitative assessment of the long-term release potential of DDA under different scenarios by a comprehensive analysis of contaminated sediments (and soils). This approach can be transferred to pollutants that are also characterized by a complex metabolism accompanied by bound residue formation.
Injective linear series of algebraic curves on quadrics
Authors: Ballico Edoardo , Ventura Emanuele
Published: August 2020

We study linear series on curves inducing injective morphisms to projective space, using zero-dimensional schemes and cohomological vanishings. Albeit projections of curves and their singularities are of central importance in algebraic geometry, basic problems still remain unsolved. In this note, we study cuspidal projections of space curves lying on irreducible quadrics (in arbitrary characteristic).
Benefits of conservation-driven mowing for the EU policy species Gladiolus palustris Gaudin in mountain fen meadows: a case-study in the European Alps
Authors: Canella Marco , Poloniato Gianni , Lasen Cesare , Orsenigo Simone , Rossi Graziano , Müller Jonas V. , Abeli Thomas
Published: August 2020

The sword lily Gladiolus palustris Gaudin is protected on European level and listed in Annexes II and IV of the EC Habitat Directive 92/43/EEC. It grows in nutrient-poor, calcareous meadows in central and eastern Europe. Tree encroachment in montane meadows of the European Alps as a result of recent land use changes and the abandonment of traditional farming practices threaten the survival of this species. Conservation-driven mowing is considered a feasible conservation measure for maintaining high species diversity in abandoned semi-natural grasslands. To assess the effects of ten years of biennial mowing on a grassland community in the Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park, Italy (Site of Community Importance, Natura 2000 network), ten 25 m2 plots were established whereby four plots were placed in the mowed area, four in the non-mowed area and two in a small non-mowed patch of grassland inside the mowed area. In each plot the following variables were recorded, total percentage of plant cover, percentage cover of woody species, percentage cover of herbaceous species, percentage cover and number of flowering ramets of G. palustris and a complete list of species and their percentage abundance. Mowed plots showed a higher species richness than non-mowed plots. The number of G. palustris flowering ramets and percentage cover increased manifold in mowed plots compared to non-mowed plots. The resumption of mowing for conservation purposes undertaken by the managing authority halted the process of tree encroachment and avoided a drastic change in plant composition. Periodic mowing (every second or third year) was demonstrated to be a cost-effective conservation measure in non-productive grasslands to keep grasses at bay in favour of forbs of high conversation value.
Lipidomic Abnormalities During the Pathogenesis of Type 1 Diabetes: a Quantitative Review
Authors: Suvitaival Tommi
Published: August 2020

Purpose of Review

The underlying factors triggering a cascade of autoimmune response that leads to the death of pancreatic beta cells and type 1 diabetes are to large extent unknown. Aberrations in the lipid balance have been suggested, either as factors directly contributing to autoimmunity or as a reflection of external factors, such as the diet or chemical exposure, which may increase the risk or even trigger the autoimmunity cascade.

Recent Findings

A small number of recent studies have investigated the blood lipidome before and after the onset of type 1 diabetes with a goal of identifying biomarkers of disease progression. Phosphatidylcholine levels in particular have been suggested to be reduced prior to the onset of type 1 diabetes.

In this review, we approach this question through a quantitative analysis of the reported lipids. We quantify the extent of consensus between these heterogeneous studies, describe the overall lipidomic pattern that has been reported, and call for more independent replication of the findings that we highlight in this review.
Sex Doll Ownership: An Agenda for Research
Authors: Harper Craig A. , Lievesley Rebecca
Published: August 2020

Purpose of Review

The topic of sex doll ownership is becoming an increasingly discussed issue from both a social and legal perspective. This review aims to examine the veracity of the existing psychological, sexological, and legal literature in relation to doll ownership.

Recent Findings

Strong views exist across the spectrum of potential socio-legal positions on sex doll ownership. However, there is an almost total lack of empirical analyses of the psychological characteristics or behavioral implications of doll ownership. As such, existing arguments appear to represent the philosophical positions of those scholars expressing them, rather than being rooted in any objective evidence base.

Despite an absence of empirical data on the characteristics and subsequent effects of doll ownership, discussions about the ethical and legal status of doll ownership continue. This highlights a real and urgent need for a coherent research agenda to be advanced in this area of work.
Effects of Impact Versus Non-impact Cardiovascular Machines in Individuals between Age 50 and 80 Years
Authors: Martins Damion , Padavan Dean , Kahn Adam , Saum Kevin , Rondon Nicole , Litz Arielle Sheris , Godwin Norman
Published: August 2020

Older adults are at increased risk of injury when initiating exercise due to inactivity, functional limitation, illness, or fall risk. We studied a novel non-impact cardio unit in an effort to determine whether there were differences in physiologic, functional, and strength benefits compared to a treadmill (TM), while producing less stress on the knee and lessening the risk of fall and injury. Utilizing a prospective, randomized, non-blinded, cohort design, individuals aged 50–80 years were recruited and enrolled in a 16-week exercise program. Subjects were randomly allocated to either exercise on the Cybex arc trainer or on a TM. Participants exercised for 120 min per week. Resistance was adjusted to achieve a target RPE in each group. Functional, strength, and physiologic markers were analyzed through balance testing, ten – repetition max leg press, body composition analysis, and lipid panel results. Overall health-related quality of life was also measured. There was a significant improvement in triglyceride and very low density lipoprotein levels from baseline to exit within the arc trainer group. An equal and significant increase in strength capacity was observed in both the arc trainer and TM groups, as were feelings of increased energy, improved emotional well-being, and decreased fatigue. Leg strength increased, percentage of body fat decreased, and balance improved following use of either an arc trainer or a TM in a study population of 58 participants over a 16-week period. This study demonstrated that positive change occurs, physiologically and psychologically when an arc trainer or TM is utilized. Given the similar benefits seen in this study, use of a non-impact modality such as the arc trainer may be a better alternative in the older population.
Do meta-emotion strategies and their effects vary in students between their family home and their university home?
Authors: Mansell Warren , Barnes Annabelle , Grant Laura , De Sousa Lauren Maria
Published: August 2020

Different meta-emotion strategies are often categorised as either adaptive (e.g. compassionate care) or maladaptive (e.g. suppression). Yet some evidence indicates that the same strategy can be adaptive in one culture and maladaptive in another. We aimed to test whether meta-emotion strategies and their effects can in fact vary across different social contexts within the same individuals. A total of 140 students completed measures of meta-emotion strategies, satisfaction with life scale, and anxiety. Each scale was adapted for both the family home and the university home context. On average, the students had a lower level of interest in their emotions and adopted a tough control to a lesser extent when in the family home, compared to the university home context. At the individual level, some students used suppression more in the family home than the university home, whereas for others the effect was reversed. A series of multiple regressions showed the context specificity of meta-emotion strategies. Students who reported greater suppression of their emotions were more anxious, but only within the home context that these had both been measured. Yet, the relationship with life satisfaction was transferred across contexts; suppression in the family home (but not suppression at university) predicted less satisfaction with life at university. For other strategies (tough control, anger and compassionate care), their relationship with satisfaction with life at university was only predicted by the extent to which the participants reported using these strategies at university, and not in relation to their use in the family home.
Multifractal characteristics of shale and tight sandstone pore structures with nitrogen adsorption and nuclear magnetic resonance
Authors: Wang Fu-Yong , Yang Kun , Zai Yun
Published: August 2020

Based on the experiments of nitrogen gas adsorption (N2GA) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), the multifractal characteristics of pore structures in shale and tight sandstone from the Chang 7 member of Triassic Yanchang Formation in Ordos Basin, NW China, are investigated. The multifractal spectra obtained from N2GA and NMR are analyzed with pore throat structure parameters. The results show that the pore size distributions obtained from N2GA and NMR are different, and the obtained multifractal characteristics vary from each other. The specific surface and total pore volume obtained by N2GA experiment have correlations with multifractal characteristics. For the core samples with the similar specific surface, the value of the deviation of multifractal spectra Rd increases with the increase in the proportion of large pores. When the proportion of macropores is small, the Rd value will increase with the increase in specific surface. The multifractal characteristics of pore structures are influenced by specific surface area, average pore size and adsorption volume measured from N2GA experiment. The multifractal characteristic parameters of tight sandstone measured from NMR spectra are larger than those of shale, which may be caused by the differences in pore size distribution and porosity of shale and tight sandstone.
General or Vocational Education? The Role of Vocational Interests in Educational Decisions at the End of Compulsory School in Switzerland
Authors: Jüttler Andreas , Schumann Stephan , Neuenschwander Markus P. , Hofmann Jan
Published: August 2020

Many educational systems are characterized by segregation between a general and vocational educational track. When adolescents must decide on their postcompulsory education at the end of lower secondary school, the different programs are typically embedded in one of these two main tracks. Prior career choice theories postulate that vocational interests, as structured by the six-dimensional RIASEC model of Holland (1997), play a crucial role in educational and vocational transition processes. However, regarding the question of general versus vocational education, previous studies have mainly focused on the effects of social background. Therefore, this paper examines the impact of vocational interests on the choice of Baccalaureate School (BAC, general track), Vocational Education and Training (VET, vocational track) or the Federal Vocational Baccalaureate (FVB), a hybrid qualification that links elements of both tracks. The sample consists ofN = 609 students at the end of lower secondary school in Switzerland. The results of multinomial logistic regression analyses show that all six dimensions of Holland’s interest model are significant predictors for the three postcompulsory tracks, even when controlling for school variables (e.g., grades) and variables of social background. While therealisticandsocialdimensions are positively interrelated with the choice of VET, theartistic,investigativeandenterprisingdimensions predict the choice of BAC. Theconventionaldimension is the only one positively linked to the choice of FVB. The results are discussed with special attention to segregation between more practical and more theoretical types of interests.
Biological fluid dynamics of airborne COVID-19 infection
Authors: Seminara Giovanni , Carli Bruno , Forni Guido , Fuzzi Sandro , Mazzino Andrea , Rinaldo Andrea
Published: August 2020

We review the state of knowledge on the bio-fluid dynamic mechanisms involved in the transmission of the infection from SARS-CoV-2. The relevance of the subject stems from the key role of airborne virus transmission by viral particles released by an infected person via coughing, sneezing, speaking or simply breathing. Speech droplets generated by asymptomatic disease carriers are also considered for their viral load and potential for infection. Proper understanding of the mechanics of the complex processes whereby the two-phase flow emitted by an infected individual disperses into the environment would allow us to infer from first principles the practical rules to be imposed on social distancing and on the use of facial and eye protection, which to date have been adopted on a rather empirical basis. These measures need compelling scientific validation. A deeper understanding of the relevant biological fluid dynamics would also allow us to evaluate the contrasting effects of natural or forced ventilation of environments on the transmission of contagion: the risk decreases as the viral load is diluted by mixing effects but contagion is potentially allowed to reach larger distances from the infected source. To that end, our survey supports the view that a formal assessment of a number of open problems is needed. They are outlined in the discussion.

Graphic abstract
Hourly energy profile determination technique from monthly energy bills
Authors: Lamagna Mario , Nastasi Benedetto , Groppi Daniele , Nezhad Meysam Majidi , Garcia Davide Astiaso
Published: August 2020

Hourly energy consumption profiles are of primary interest for measures to apply to the dynamics of the energy system. Indeed, during the planning phase, the required data availability and their quality is essential for a successful scenarios’ projection. As a matter of fact, the resolution of available data is not the requested one, especially in the field of their hourly distribution when the objective function is the production-demand matching for effective renewables integration. To fill this gap, there are several data analysis techniques but most of them require strong statistical skills and proper size of the original database. Referring to the built environment data, the monthly energy bills are the most common and easy to find source of data. This is why the authors in this paper propose, test and validate an expeditious mathematical method to extract the building energy demand on an hourly basis. A benchmark hourly profile is considered for a specific type of building, in this case an office one. The benchmark profile is used to normalize the consumption extracted from the 3 tariffs the bill is divided into, accounting for weekdays, Saturdays and Sundays. The calibration is carried out together with a sensitivity analysis of on-site solar electricity production. The method gives a predicted result with an average 25% MAPE and a 32% cvRMSE during one year of hourly profile reconstruction when compared with the measured data given by the Distributor System Operator (DSO).
Social Group Optimization–Assisted Kapur’s Entropy and Morphological Segmentation for Automated Detection of COVID-19 Infection from Computed Tomography Images
Authors: Dey Nilanjan , Rajinikanth V. , Fong Simon James , Kaiser M. Shamim , Mahmud Mufti
Published: August 2020

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by a novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, has been declared a global pandemic. Due to its infection rate and severity, it has emerged as one of the major global threats of the current generation. To support the current combat against the disease, this research aims to propose a machine learning–based pipeline to detect COVID-19 infection using lung computed tomography scan images (CTI). This implemented pipeline consists of a number of sub-procedures ranging from segmenting the COVID-19 infection to classifying the segmented regions. The initial part of the pipeline implements the segmentation of the COVID-19–affected CTI using social group optimization–based Kapur’s entropy thresholding, followed by k-means clustering and morphology-based segmentation. The next part of the pipeline implements feature extraction, selection, and fusion to classify the infection. Principle component analysis–based serial fusion technique is used in fusing the features and the fused feature vector is then employed to train, test, and validate four different classifiers namely Random Forest, K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), Support Vector Machine with Radial Basis Function, and Decision Tree. Experimental results using benchmark datasets show a high accuracy (> 91%) for the morphology-based segmentation task; for the classification task, the KNN offers the highest accuracy among the compared classifiers (> 87%). However, this should be noted that this method still awaits clinical validation, and therefore should not be used to clinically diagnose ongoing COVID-19 infection.
Site Suitability for RBF Using Geospatial Technology in Tungabhadra Sub-basin, India
Authors: Patil Nagraj S. , Dodawad Madhu , Vijaykumar H. , Nataraja M.
Published: August 2020

As per the 2017 global reports, 63 million Indians are living in rural areas without access to the safe drinking source of water. Access to the safe drinking water was declared as a human right by the United Nations but remains a challenge for India. Due to increase in demand of water, 30% of urban and 90% of rural households completely depend on untreated surface or groundwater, which causes serious health issues. It is estimated that 21% of communicable diseases in India are water related. These problems have raised concern on alternative, sustainable treatment solutions to manage pollution of source of water and to continue the supply of safe drinking water to the community. Many organizations and universities in India have been working to tackle the access to safe water problems with the novel approaches. In this context, a natural filtration technique, river bank filtration (RBF) is one of the alternatives which is proved to be cost-efficient technology for providing safe drinking water

The crucial step in the development of River Bank Filtration project is site selection. However, site selection for RBF using conventional methods are costly, time consuming and restricted to small area. This study highlights the use of geospatial technology to develop the site suitability for river bank filtration locations based on a case study in Tungabhadra river stretch between Mudenur and Halavagalu villages. Though several researches have carried out investigation on site selection for RBF, this is the first attempt to use geospatial technology in particular. The crucial parameters which influence site suitability for RBF are hydrology, hydrogeology, water supply, water quality, land use/land cover etc. The spatial maps were prepared using these parameters and weighted overlay analysis was done after assigning weights to the spatial maps in the GIS environment. The developed site suitability map shows the villages namely Halavagalu, Nitturu, Konnatambigi, Somlapur, Nitturubasapuram, Yellapur, Hirebidri and some parts of Udgatti, Airani, Tavaragundi areas were found to be suitable for implementing the RBF.
Mineralogical Studies of the Manganese Ores in Banswara Manganese Belt, Banswara District, Rajasthan
Authors: Shaif Mohd , Siddiquie F. N. , Ahmad Masood
Published: August 2020

A comprehensive study of the manganese ore deposits of Banswara manganese belt (23°10'-23°20'N to 74°15'-74°25'E) in the Banswara district, Rajasthan, has shown a characteristic assemblage of manganese ore minerals. The manganese ore deposits are associated with Aravali phyllite, schist, quartzite and limestone, etc., and occur within a narrow linear belt trending NW-SE. These meta-sediments hosted manganese ores that belong to the Aravalli Supergroup are of Paleo-Proterozoic age.

The mineralogical investigation of a number of polished blocks showed the dominance of braunite accompanied by pyrolusite and cryptomelane. A number of mineral assemblages are recommended. The significant ore textures are, banding, replacement and colloform, while other textures identified are veined, granular, brecciated, relict, open space, and mutual boundary relationship. The micro-structural and textural relations are discussed and interpreted to disclose the paragenetic history of ore minerals crystallization, which are usually divided into primary (metamorphic) and secondary (supergene) ores.

The aim of this study is to determine the presence of manganese oxides/silicates ore minerals, and to comprehend the sequence of their crystallization. This study is further correlated to a geochemical background of these Mn ores to depict the mode of their origin and depositional settings. The present study has come to the conclusion that the dominance of braunite, banded texture and conformable relations with the associated rocks, indicates the original deposition of syngenetic manganiferous pelitic-psammitic sediments, which, were regionally metamorphosed to form a low grade primary ore deposits but the dominance of pyrolusite, and cryptomelane, along with other secondary manganese ore minerals also pointed out a subsequent chemical weathering and leaching of these earlier formed primary ore, and silicate minerals, resulting in precipitation, and deposition of high grade secondary ore deposits of later origin.
Nano-sized Pt–NbOx supported on TiN as cost-effective electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Daudt N. F. , Poozhikunnath A. , Yu H. , Bonville L. , Maric R.
Published: August 2020

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) play a key role for sustainable energy; however, catalyst degradation remains one of the main challenges for competing with traditional energy technologies. The Pt/C commercially available electrocatalysts are susceptible to Pt dissolution and carbon support corrosion. In this context, we design a Pt–NbOx catalyst supported on TiN nanoparticles as an alternative electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The use of Pt–NbOx reduces materials’ costs by lowering the required platinum loading and improving catalyst performance. The TiN support is selected to improve support stability. The electrocatalyst is successfully synthesized by a one-step flame spray process called reactive spray deposition technology. Electrocatalyst with two different very low Pt loadings (0.032 mg cm−2 and 0.077 mg cm−2) are investigated and their performance as cathode is evaluated by the rotating disk electrode method. The new electrocatalyst based on Pt–NbOx supported on TiN has ORR performance that is comparable to the state-of-the-art Pt/C electrocatalyst. A half-wave potential of 910 mV was observed in the polarization curves, as well as a mass activity of 0.120 A∙mgPt−1 and a specific activity of 283 μA∙cmPt−2 at 0.9 V. These results demonstrate that Pt–NbOx on TiN electrocatalyst has the potential for replacing Pt/C cathode in PEMFC.
Two-dimensional CFD simulation and pilot-scale experimental verification of a downdraft gasifier: effect of reactor aspect ratios on temperature and syngas composition during gasification
Authors: Siripaiboon Chootrakul , Sarabhorn Prysathyrd , Areeprasert Chinnathan
Published: August 2020

This paper focuses on a two-dimensional CFD simulation of a downdraft gasifier and a pilot-scale experiment for verification using wood pellet fuel. The simulation work was carried out via the ANSYS-Fluent CFD software package with in-house coding via User Defined Function. Three gasification parameters were taken into account in the simulation and validation to achieve highly accurate results; namely, fuel consumption, temperature profile, and syngas composition. After verification of the developed model, the effects of aspect ratios on temperature and syngas composition were investigated. Results from simulation and experimental work indicated that the fuel consumption rate during the steady state gasification experiment was 1.750 ± 0.048 g/s. The average steady state temperature of the experiment was 1240.32 ± 14.20 K. In sum, the fuel consumption and temperature profile during gasification from modeling and experimentation show an error lower than 1.3%. Concentrations of CO, CO2, H2, and CH4 were 20.42 vol%, 15.09 vol%, 8.02 vol%, and 2.6 vol%, respectively, which are comparable to those of the experiment: 20.00 vol%, 15.48 vol%, 8.00 vol%, and 2.65 vol%. A high concentration of syngas is observed in the outer radial part of the reactor because of the resistive flow of the air inlet and the synthesis gas produced. The average temperatures during the steady state of the gasifier with aspect ratios (H/D) of 1.00, 1.38 (experiment), and 1.82 were 978.77 ± 11.60, 1256.46 ± 9.90, and 1368.94 ± 9.20 K, respectively. The 1.82 aspect ratio reactor has the smallest diameter, therefore the radiative heat transferred from the reactor wall affects the temperature in the reactor. Syngas compositions are comparable. Inverse relationships between the aspect ratios and the syngas LHV, (4.29–4.49 MJ/N m3), cold gas efficiency (29.66% to 31.00%), and carbon conversion (79.59% to 80.87%) are observed.
Recent Progress, Challenges, and Prospects in Two-Dimensional Photo-Catalyst Materials and Environmental Remediation
Authors: Khan Karim , Tareen Ayesha Khan , Aslam Muhammad , Sagar Rizwan Ur Rehman , Zhang Bin , Huang Weichun , Mahmood Asif , Mahmood Nasir , Khan Kishwar , Zhang Han , Guo Zhongyi
Published: August 2020

The successful photo-catalyst library gives significant information on feature that affects photo-catalytic performance and proposes new materials. Competency is considerably significant to form multi-functional photo-catalysts with flexible characteristics. Since recently, two-dimensional materials (2DMs) gained much attention from researchers, due to their unique thickness-dependent uses, mainly for photo-catalytic, outstanding chemical and physical properties. Photo-catalytic water splitting and hydrogen (H2) evolution by plentiful compounds as electron (e−) donors is estimated to participate in constructing clean method for solar H2-formation. Heterogeneous photo-catalysis received much research attention caused by their applications to tackle numerous energy and environmental issues. This broad review explains progress regarding 2DMs, significance in structure, and catalytic results. We will discuss in detail current progresses of approaches for adjusting 2DMs-based photo-catalysts to assess their photo-activity including doping, hetero-structure scheme, and functional formation assembly. Suggested plans, e.g., doping and sensitization of semiconducting 2DMs, increasing electrical conductance, improving catalytic active sites, strengthening interface coupling in semiconductors (SCs) 2DMs, forming nano-structures, building multi-junction nano-composites, increasing photo-stability of SCs, and using combined results of adapted approaches, are summed up. Hence, to further improve 2DMs photo-catalyst properties, hetero-structure design-based 2DMs’ photo-catalyst basic mechanism is also reviewed.
The Value of Autoethnography in Leadership Studies, and its Pitfalls
Authors: Deckers Jan
Published: August 2020

The field of leadership studies frequently focuses on defining leadership traits in abstraction from the context in which leadership operates. The first aim of this article is to provide a brief overview of reasons why this might be the case. Reasons include: leadership studies being dominated by the perspectives of leaders; the lack of definition and visibility of followership studies; the status and limitations of much qualitative research; and a predominant focus on good leadership. Consequently, many people who experience the effects of leadership, and particularly those of bad leadership, do not recognise their experiences in the literature. However, recognising that followers who experience bad leadership personally increasingly engage in autoethnographic studies, my second aim is to draw out some examples of bad leadership from the autoethnographic literature, as well as their effects. In spite of its negative effects, bad leadership frequently remains unchallenged. My third aim is to explain why this might be the case, where I argue that this stems partly from the pitfalls of autoethnographic studies. I also sketch how these pitfalls might be overcome and how doing so and adopting the principle of ‘accountability for reasonableness’ might help to tackle bad leadership.
Crack-based and Hair-like Sensors Inspired from Arthropods: A Review
Authors: Zhang Changchao , Zhang Junqiu , Chen Daobing , Meng Xiancun , Liu Linpeng , Wang Kejun , Jiao Zhibin , Sun Tao , Wang Dakai , Niu Shichao , Han Zhiwu , Ren Luquan
Published: August 2020

Over a long period of time, arthropods evolve to have two excellent mechanical sensilla of slit sensilla and trichobothria sensilla, which construct a perfect perception system. The former mainly perceives the change of the in-the-plane force while the latter perceives that of the out-of-plane force. In recent years, these two sensilla have attracted researchers as the models for developing artificial mechanical sensors. This review mainly includes the biomechanics and biomimetic manufacturing techniques as well as their future application value. In order to better understand the advantages of biological strategies, this review describes the morphology, mechanical analysis, and information recognition of slit sensilla and trichobothria sensilla. Then this review highlights the recent development of Crack-based Sensors (CBSs) and Hair-like Sensors (HLSs) based on the analysis of biological mechanism. The manufacturing method and substrate of crack in CBS and those of hair rods in HLS are discussed respectively. Finally, the practical applications and potential value of two sensilla, such as flexible wearable electronic devices, robot sensing system, autopilot sensing and wind tunnel speed detection, are briefly discussed.
The Absence of a Validated English-Language Survey to Assess Prosthesis Satisfaction: A Prospective Cohort Using the Sexual Quality of Life After Penile Prosthesis
Authors: Carlos Evan C. , Nosé Brent D. , Barton Gregory J. , Davis Leah , Lentz Aaron C.
Published: August 2020

Background

Prior assessments of sexual quality of life (SQoL) after penile prosthesis implantation have been performed without validated implant-specific tools. The Quality of Life and Sexuality with Penile Prosthesis (QoLSPP) questionnaire was designed and validated in Italian to specifically evaluate SQoL after a penile prosthesis is placed.

Aim

We aim to better characterize prosthesis-specific SQoL after inflatable penile prosthesis placement using the English translation of the QoLSPP questionnaire.

Methods

A total of 395 consecutive patients received an inflatable penile prosthesis between January 1, 2009 and November 27, 2017, and 270 had functional emails to whom the QoLSPP questionnaire was sent. 90 surveys were completed by 75 first-time implantees and 15 patients who underwent removal/replacement surgery. Responses were considered positive if ≥ 3. Among first-time implantees, subpopulation analysis was carried out by age at survey completion (<55 years, 55–65 years, and ≥66 years), age of penile prosthesis at survey completion (<1 year, 1–5 years, and >5 years), device model (Coloplast Titan, AMS 700 CX, and AMS LGX), history of a psychiatric diagnosis, etiology of erectile dysfunction, total device length > or ≤ 21 cm, diabetes status, and body mass index < /≥ 30. Responses were analyzed in R using t-tests for continuous variables and Chi-squared tests (Fisher's for small counts) for categorical variables.

Outcomes

The main outcome measure of this study was sexual quality of life assessed by QoLSPP.

Results

Patients completed the survey on average 3.15 years from their most recent prosthesis placement. 84% of first-time implantees had positive responses. Among them, there were no significant differences in the proportion of positive responses by device type, age, history of a psychiatric diagnosis, total implanted device length, etiology of erectile dysfunction, diabetes, or body mass index statuses (all P > .05). There was no difference in SQoL between first-time implantees and those who underwent removal/replacement surgery (P = 1.0).

Clinical Implications

Patients experience a positive impact on their SQoL following implantation of a penile prosthesis.

Strengths & Limitations

Our study is the first to apply the English language QoLSPP which demonstrates high prosthesis specific SQoL but is limited by size and a lack of a validated English language tool.

Conclusions

The positive impact on patients’ SQoL with penile prosthesis is 84% when assessed by the English QoLSPP questionnaire. While these results mirror those reported from Italy, the English-speaking patient population is plagued with a lack of a validated tool to assess satisfaction, a void the academic and prosthetic community must fill to better understand the impact prostheses have on their patients.
Comparison of Electron Density and Temperature From the CSES Satellite With Other Space‐Borne and Ground‐Based Observations
Authors: Yan Rui , Zhima Zeren , Xiong Chao , Shen Xuhui , Huang Jianping , Guan Yibing , Zhu Xinghong , Liu Chao
Published: August 2020

In this paper we provide a comprehensive comparison of in situ electron density (Ne) and temperature (Te) measured by Langmuir probe (LAP) on board the China Seismo‐Electromagnetic Satellite (CSES), with nearly simultaneous measurements from the Swarm B satellite, incoherent scatter radar (ISR) at Millstone Hill, as well as predictions from empirical models including the incoherent scatter radar ionospheric model (ISRIM) for Millstone Hill and International Reference Ionosphere model (IRI‐2016). Results reveal that the global distributions and their relative variations of Ne/Te from CSES and Swarm are quite consistent during conjunction periods of the two satellites, although the absolute values of Swarm Ne are proportionally larger than that of CSES. The large‐scale ionospheric structures, such as the equatorial ionization anomaly (EIA), the longitudinal wave number (WN3/4), the Weddell Sea anomaly (WSA), the northern midlatitude summer nighttime anomaly (MSNA), and the midlatitude ionospheric trough (MIT), are well represented by the CSES measurements. For the temporal variation over Millstone Hill station, CSES Ne at nightside shows some different characteristics from the predictions of IRI and ISRIM, possibly due to the influences of MIT and midlatitude arc (MLA) that are often observed at latitudes of Millstone Hill. Our results suggest that the CSES in situ plasma parameters are reliable with a high scientific potential for investigation of geophysics and space physics.
Detection of HCOOH, CH3OH, CO, HCN, and C2H6in Wildfire Plumes Transported Over Toronto Using Ground‐Based FTIR Measurements From 2002–2018
Authors: Yamanouchi Shoma , Strong Kimberly , Lutsch Erik , Jones Dylan B. A.
Published: August 2020

The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer at the University of Toronto Atmospheric Observatory has been operational since 2002, collecting solar absorption spectra from which atmospheric trace gas profiles and columns are retrieved. The time series of total columns of CH3OH and HCOOH over Toronto are presented here for the first time, along with those for CO, HCN, and C2H6. Transport of wildfire plumes over the site results in enhanced columns of biomass burning species. Here we report the detection of biomass burning enhancement events between 2002 and 2018. Several simultaneous enhancements of CO, HCN, and C2H6were observed, and the measured columns were used to derive emission ratios and emission factors for HCN and C2H6for fire events in 2012, 2015, and 2017. From these events, which included plumes from both boreal and temperate forest fires, emission ratios with respect to CO were derived using CO lifetimes of 30 and 61 days. HCN emission ratios range between 0.0037 ± 0.0003 and 0.0057 ± 0.0008, while C2H6emission ratios vary from 0.00122 ± 0.0015 to 0.019 ± 0.001. Enhanced columns of CH3OH and HCOOH were also observed during the 2015 and 2017 events, and emission ratios were derived but have greater uncertainties due to shorter lifetimes and other sources for these gases. The FLEXPART, HYSPLIT, and GEOS‐Chem models were used for source attribution and traveltime estimation. GEOS‐Chem was run in the tagged CO simulation mode and successfully captured the CO enhancements from fires for the 2015 and 2017 events.
Observing and Modeling the Isotopic Evolution of Snow Meltwater on the Southeastern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Pu Tao , Wang Ke , Kong Yanlong , Shi Xiaoyi , Kang Shichang , Huang Yonghui , He Yuanqing , Wang Shijin , Lee Jeonghoon , Cuntz Matthias
Published: August 2020

Observing the isotopic evolution of snow meltwater helps in understanding the process of snow melting but remains a challenge to acquire in the field. In this study, we monitored the melting of two snowpacks near Baishui Glacier No. 1, a typical temperate glacier on the southeastern Tibetan Plateau. We employed a physically based isotope model (PBIM) to calculate the isotopic composition of meltwater draining from natural snowpacks. The initial condition of the PBIM was revised to account for natural conditions, i.e., the initial δ18O stratigraphy of snow layers before melting. Simulations revealed that the initial heterogeneity of δ18O in snow layers as well as ice‐liquid isotopic exchange were responsible for most variations of δ18O in snow meltwater, whereas new snow and wind drift could result in sudden changes of the isotopic composition of the meltwater. The fraction of ice involved in the isotopic exchange (f) was the most sensitive parameter for the model output. The initial δ18O in the snowpack is mirrored in meltwater in case of small f and is smoothed with a large exchange fraction f. The other unknown parameter of the PBIM is the dimensionless rate constant of isotopic exchange, which depends on water percolation and initial snow depth. The successful application of the PBIM in the field might not only be useful for understanding snow melting process but might also provide the possibility of predicting the isotopic composition of snow meltwater and improve the accuracy of hydrograph separation.
Predictive Modeling of Envelope Flood Extents Using Geomorphic and Climatic‐Hydrologic Catchment Characteristics
Authors: Tavares da Costa R. , Zanardo S. , Bagli S. , Hilberts A. G. J. , Manfreda S. , Samela C. , Castellarin A.
Published: August 2020

A topographic index (flood descriptor) that combines the scaling of bankfull depth with morphology was shown to describe the tendency of an area to be flooded. However, this approach depends on the quality and availability of flood maps and assumes that outcomes can be directly extrapolated and downscaled. This work attempts to relax these problems and answer two questions: (1) Can functional relationships be established between a flood descriptor and geomorphic and climatic‐hydrologic catchment characteristics? (2) If so, can they be used for low‐complexity predictive modeling of envelope flood extents? Linear stepwise and random forest regressions are developed based on classification outcomes of a flood descriptor, using high‐resolution flood modeling results as training benchmarks, and on catchment characteristics. Elementary catchments of four river basins in Europe (Thames, Weser, Rhine, and Danube) serve as training data set, while those of the Rhône river basin in Europe serve as testing data set. Two return periods are considered, the 10‐ and 10,000‐year. Prediction of envelope flood extents and flood‐prone areas show that both models achieve high hit rates with respect to testing benchmarks. Average values were found to be above 60% and 80% for the 10‐ and the 10,000‐year return periods, respectively. In spite of a moderate to high false discovery rate, the critical success index value was also found to be moderate to high. It is shown that by relating classification outcomes to catchment characteristics, the prediction of envelope flood extents may be achieved for a given region, including ungauged basins.
Making Your Own Luck: A Meaningful Career From Being Open to Opportunities
Authors: Robock Alan
Published: August 2020

The most important work I have done in my career is to warn the world about the dangers of nuclear weapons. While the Soviet‐American nuclear arms race has ended, and the 2017 United Nations Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons is on its way to ratification, there is still much more work to do. The smoke from fires ignited by nuclear weapons would block out the Sun, cooling Earth's surface. The United States and Russia can still produce a nuclear winter, killing most crops and producing a global famine. I have worked on this because I have been open to new opportunities, have used my scientific expertise to apply to important problems, and am sensitive to issues that present dangers to society. Having spent more than $20 million of the public's money on my research, I feel an obligation to warn society of dangers I discover, and focus on that communication as an intimate part of my scientific efforts. And nuclear winter research has been very good to me. It led to meeting Sherri West (my wife), Carl Sagan, and Fidel Castro; to getting my current job at Rutgers; and to being a participant in the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, which won the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize. Taking advantage of chance encounters at the Fall American Geophysical Union Meetings has been an important factor in this tale.
Spatial Coherence of Interplanetary Coronal Mass Ejection Sheaths at 1 AU
Authors: Ala‐Lahti Matti , Ruohotie Julia , Good Simon , Kilpua Emilia K. J. , Lugaz Noé
Published: August 2020

The longitudinal spatial coherence near 1 AU of the magnetic field in sheath regions driven by interplanetary coronal mass ejection (ICME) is studied by investigating ACE and Wind spacecraft measurements of 29 sheaths. During 2000–2002 Wind performed prograde orbits, and the non‐radial spacecraft separation varied from 0.001 to 0.012 AU between the studied events. We compare the measurements by computing the Pearson correlation coefficients for the magnetic field magnitude and components and estimate the magnetic field coherence by evaluating the scale lengths that give the extrapolated distance of zero correlation between the measurements. The correlation is also separately examined for low‐ and high‐pass filtered data. We discover magnetic fields in ICME sheaths have scale lengths that are larger than those reported in the solar wind but that, in general, are smaller than the ones of the ICME ejecta. Our results imply that magnetic fields in the sheath are more coherently structured and well correlated compared to the solar wind. The largest sheath coherence is reported in the GSE y‐direction that has the scale length of 0.149 AU while the lengths for Bx, Bz, and |B| vary between 0.024 and 0.035 AU. The same sheath magnitude ordering of scale lengths also apply for the low‐pass filtered magnetic field data. We discuss field line draping and the alignment of preexisting discontinuities by the shock passage giving reasoning for the observed results.
Spatial Extent of Quasiperiodic Emissions Simultaneously Observed by Arase and Van Allen Probes on 29 November 2018
Authors: Martinez‐Calderon C. , Němec F. , Katoh Y. , Shiokawa K. , Kletzing C. , Hospodarsky G. , Santolik O. , Kasahara Y. , Matsuda S. , Kumamoto A. , Tsuchiya F. , Matsuoka A. , Shoji M. , Teramoto M. , Kurita S. , Miyoshi Y. , Ozaki M. , Nishitani N. , Oinats A. V. , Kurkin V. I.
Published: August 2020

Recent availability of a considerable amount of satellite and ground‐based data has allowed us to analyze rare conjugated events where extremely low and very low frequency waves from the same source region are observed in different locations. Here, we report a quasiperiodic (QP) emission, showing one‐to‐one correspondence, observed by three satellites in space (Arase and the Van Allen Probes) and a ground station. The main event was on 29 November 2018 from 12:06 to 13:08 UT during geomagnetically quiet times. Using the position of the satellites we estimated the spatial extent of the area where the one‐to‐one correspondence is observed. We found this to be up to 1.21 Earth's radii by 2.26 hr MLT, in radial and longitudinal directions, respectively. Using simple ray tracing calculations, we discuss the probable source location of these waves. At ∼12:20 UT, changes in the frequency sweep rate of the QP elements are observed at all locations associated with magnetic disturbances. We also discuss temporal changes of the spectral shape of QP observed simultaneously in space and on the ground, suggesting the changes are related to properties of the source mechanisms of the waves. This could be linked to two separate sources or a larger source region with different source intensities (i.e., electron flux). At frequencies below the low hybrid resonance, waves can experience attenuation and/or reflection in the magnetosphere. This could explain the sudden end of the observations at the spacecraft, which are moving away from the area where waves can propagate.