bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global inorganic nitrate production mechanisms: comparison of a global model with nitrate isotope observations
Authors: Alexander Becky , Sherwen Tomás , Holmes Christopher D. , Fisher Jenny A. , Chen Qianjie , Evans Mat J. , Kasibhatla Prasad
Published: March 2020

Abstract. The formation of inorganic nitrate is the main sink for nitrogen
oxides (NOx = NO + NO2). Due to the importance of NOx for
the formation of tropospheric oxidants such as the hydroxyl radical (OH) and
ozone, understanding the mechanisms and rates of nitrate formation is
paramount for our ability to predict the atmospheric lifetimes of most
reduced trace gases in the atmosphere. The oxygen isotopic composition of
nitrate (Δ17O(nitrate)) is determined by the relative
importance of NOx sinks and thus can provide an observational
constraint for NOx chemistry. Until recently, the ability to utilize
Δ17O(nitrate) observations for this purpose was hindered by our
lack of knowledge about the oxygen isotopic composition of ozone (Δ17O(O3)). Recent and spatially widespread observations of Δ17O(O3) motivate an updated comparison of modeled and
observed Δ17O(nitrate) and a reassessment of modeled nitrate
formation pathways. Model updates based on recent laboratory studies of
heterogeneous reactions render dinitrogen pentoxide (N2O5)
hydrolysis as important as NO2 + OH (both 41 %) for global
inorganic nitrate production near the surface (below 1 km altitude). All
other nitrate production mechanisms individually represent less than 6 %
of global nitrate production near the surface but can be dominant locally.
Updated reaction rates for aerosol uptake of NO2 result in significant
reduction of nitrate and nitrous acid (HONO) formed through this pathway in
the model and render NO2 hydrolysis a negligible pathway for nitrate
formation globally. Although photolysis of aerosol nitrate may have
implications for NOx, HONO, and oxidant abundances, it does not
significantly impact the relative importance of nitrate formation pathways.
Modeled Δ17O(nitrate) (28.6±4.5 ‰)
compares well with the average of a global compilation of observations (27.6±5.0 ‰) when assuming Δ17O(O3) = 26 ‰, giving confidence in the model's
representation of the relative importance of ozone versus HOx (= OH + HO2 + RO2) in NOx cycling and nitrate formation on the
global scale.
Ground-based observations of cloud and drizzle liquid water path in stratocumulus clouds
Authors: Cadeddu Maria P. , Ghate Virendra P. , Mech Mario
Published: March 2020

Abstract. The partition of cloud and drizzle water path in precipitating clouds plays a key role in determining the cloud lifetime and its evolution.
A technique to quantify cloud and drizzle water path by combining measurements from a three-channel microwave radiometer (23.8, 30, and
90 GHz) with those from a vertically pointing Doppler cloud radar and a ceilometer is presented. The technique is showcased using 1 d of
observations to derive precipitable water vapor, liquid water path, cloud water path, drizzle water path below the cloud base, and drizzle water
path above the cloud base in precipitating stratocumulus clouds. The resulting cloud and drizzle water path within the cloud are in good qualitative
agreement with the information extracted from the radar Doppler spectra. The technique is then applied to 10 d each of precipitating closed and
open cellular marine stratocumuli. In the closed-cell systems only ∼20 % of the available drizzle in the cloud falls below the cloud base,
compared to ∼40 % in the open-cell systems. In closed-cell systems precipitation is associated with radiative cooling at the cloud top
<-100Wm-2 and a liquid water path >200 g m−2. However, drizzle in the cloud begins to exist at weak radiative cooling
and liquid water path >∼150 g m−2. Our results collectively demonstrate that neglecting scattering effects for frequencies at and
above 90 GHz leads to overestimation of the total liquid water path of about 10 %–15 %, while their inclusion paves the path for
retrieving drizzle properties within the cloud.
Doppler lidar at Observatoire de Haute-Provence for wind profiling up to 75 km altitude: performance evaluation and observations
Authors: Khaykin Sergey M. , Hauchecorne Alain , Wing Robin , Keckhut Philippe , Godin-Beekmann Sophie , Porteneuve Jacques , Mariscal Jean-Francois , Schmitt Jerome
Published: March 2020

Abstract. A direct-detection Rayleigh–Mie Doppler lidar for measuring horizontal
wind speed in the middle atmosphere (10 to 50 km altitude) has
been deployed at Observatoire de Haute-Provence (OHP) in southern
France starting from 1993. After a recent upgrade, the instrument gained the
capacity of wind profiling between 5 and 75 km altitude with
vertical resolution up to 115 m and temporal resolution up to
5 min. The lidar comprises a monomode Nd:Yag laser emitting at
532 nm, three telescope assemblies and a double-edge
Fabry–Pérot interferometer for detection of the Doppler shift in the
backscattered light. In this article, we describe the instrument
design, recap retrieval methodology and provide an updated error
estimate for horizontal wind. The evaluation of the wind lidar
performance is done using a series of 12 time-coordinated
radiosoundings conducted at OHP. A point-by-point intercomparison
shows a remarkably small average bias of 0.1 m s−1 between
the lidar and the radiosonde wind profiles with a standard deviation
of 2.3 m s−1. We report examples of a weekly and an hourly
observation series, reflecting various dynamical events in the middle
atmosphere, such as a sudden stratospheric warming event in January
2019 and an occurrence of a stationary gravity wave, generated by the
flow over the Alps. A qualitative comparison between the wind profiles
from the lidar and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) Integrated Forecast System is also
discussed. Finally, we present an example of early validation of the
European Space Agency (ESA) Aeolus space-borne wind lidar using its ground-based predecessor.
A deep insight into the Ion Foreshock with the help of Test-particles
Two-dimensional simulations
Authors: Savoini Philippe , Lembege Bertrand
Published: March 2020

Abstract. Two dimensional test-particles simulations based on shock profiles issued from 2D full PIC simulations are used in order to analyze the formation processes of ions backstreaming within the upstream region after these interact with a quasi-perpendicular curved shock front. Two different types of simulations have been performed based on (i) a FCE (Full Consistent Expansion) model which includes all self-consistent shock profiles at different times, and (ii) a HE (Homothetic Expansion) model where shock profiles are fixed at certain times and artificially expanded in space. The comparison of both configurations allows to analyze the impact of the front non stationarity on the backstreaming population. Moreover, the role of the space charge electric field is analyzed by switching it in/off in the simulations. A detailled comparison of these two last different configurations allows to show that the electric field component plays a key role in the ion reflection process within the whole quasi-perpendicular propagation range. Simulations evidence that the different populations observed in-situ namely the FAB (Field-Aligned Beam) and GBP (Gyro-Phase Bunch) populations are essentially formed by a E→t × B→ drift involving the convective electric field E→t. Simultaneously, the study emphasizes the leading role of the electrostatic (longitudinal) field E→l built up within the shock front in the acceleration process in addition to the magnetic mirror reflection (Fast Fermi). This electrostatic field component appears as essential to form backstreaming ions at high θBn angles and in particular at the edge of the ion foreshock around 70°. Moreover, the HE model shows that the rate BI% of reflected ions is strongly dependent on the shock front profile which varies because of the shock front non stationarity. In particular, reflected ions appear to escape periodically from the shock front as bursts  with an occurrence time period associated to the self-reformation of the shock front.
Migrating and non-migrating tides observed in the stratosphere from FORMOSAT-3/COSMIC temperature retrievals
Authors: Das Uma , Ward William E. , Pan Chen Jeih , Das Sanat Kumar
Published: March 2020

Abstract. Formosa Satellite-3 and Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere and Climate (FORMOSAT-3/COSMIC) temperature data during October 2009–December 2010 are analysed for tides in the middle atmosphere from ∼10 to 50 km. COSMIC is a set of six micro-satellites in near-Sun-synchronous orbits with 30∘ orbital separations that provides good phase space sampling of tides. Short-term tidal variability is deduced by considering ±10 d data together. The migrating diurnal (DW1) tide is found to peak over the Equator at 30 km. It maximises and slightly shifts poleward during winters. Over middle and high latitudes, DW1 and the non-migrating diurnal tides with wavenumber 0 (DS0) and wavenumber 2 (DW2) are intermittent in nature. Numerical experiments in the current study show that these could be a result of aliasing as they are found to occur at times of a steep rise or fall in the mean temperature, particularly during the sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) of 2010. Further, the stationary planetary wave component of wavenumber 1 (SPW1) is found to be of very large amplitudes in the Northern Hemisphere, reaching 18 K at 30 km over 65∘ N. By using data from COSMIC over shorter durations, it is shown that aliasing between stationary planetary wave and non-migrating tides is reduced and thus results in the large amplitudes of the former. This study clearly indicates that non-linear interactions are not a very important source for the generation of non-migrating tides in the middle- and high-latitude winter stratosphere. There is also a modulation of SPW1 by a ∼60 d oscillation in the high latitudes, which was not seen earlier.
Semimonthly oscillation observed in the start times of equatorial plasma bubbles
Authors: Paulino Igo , Paulino Ana Roberta , Cueva Ricardo Y. C. , Agyei-Yeboah Ebenezer , Buriti Ricardo Arlen , Takahashi Hisao , Wrasse Cristiano Max , Santos Ângela M. , Fragoso de Medeiros Amauri , Batista Inez S.
Published: March 2020

Abstract. Using airglow data from an all-sky imager deployed at São João do Cariri (7.4∘ S, 36.5∘ W), the start times of equatorial plasma bubbles was studied in order to investigate the day-to-day variability of this phenomenon. Data from a period over 10 years were analyzed from 2000 to 2010. Semimonthly oscillations were clearly observed in the start times of plasma bubbles from OI6300 airglow images during this period of observation, and four case studies (September 2003, September–October 2005, November 2005 and January 2008) were chosen to show in detail this kind of modulation. Since the airglow measurements are not continuous in time, more than one cycle of oscillation in the start times of plasma bubbles cannot be observed from these data. Thus, data from a digisonde at São Luís (2.6∘ S, 44.2∘ W) in November 2005 were used to corroborate the results. Technical/climate issues did not allow one to observe the semimonthly oscillations simultaneously by the two instruments, but from October to November 2005 there was a predominance of this oscillation in the start times of the irregularities over Brazil. Besides, statistical analysis for the data in the whole period of observation has shown that the lunar tide, which has semimonthly variability, is likely the main forcing for the semimonthly oscillation in the start times of equatorial plasma bubbles. The presence of this oscillation can contribute to the day-to-day variability of equatorial plasma bubbles.
A Canadian River Ice Database from National Hydrometric Program
Archives
Authors: de Rham Laurent , Dibike Yonas , Beltaos Spyros , Peters Daniel , Bonsal Barrie , Prowse Terry
Published: March 2020

Abstract. River ice is a common occurrence in cold climate hydrological systems. The annual cycle of river ice formation, growth, decay and clearance can include low flows and ice jams, as well as mid-winter and spring break-up events. Reports and associated data on river ice occurrence are often limited to site and season-specific studies. Within Canada, the National Hydrometric Program (NHP) operates a network of gauging stations with water level as the primary measured variable to derive discharge. In the late 1990s, the Water Science and Technology Directorate of Environment and Climate Change Canada initiated a long-term effort to compile, archive and extract river ice related information from NHP hydrometric records. This data article describes the original research data set produced by this near 20-year effort: the Canadian River Ice Database (CRID). The CRID holds almost 73,000 variables from a network of 196 NHP stations throughout Canada that were in operation within the period 1894 to 2015. Over 100,000 paper and digital files were reviewed representing 10,378 station-years of active operation. The task of compiling this database involved manual extraction and input of more than 460,000 data entries on water level, discharge, date, time and data quality rating. Guidelines on the data extraction, rating procedure and challenges are provided. At each location, a time series of up to 15 variables specific to the occurrence of freeze-up and winter-low events, mid-winter break-up, ice thickness, spring break-up and maximum open-water level were compiled. This database follows up on several earlier efforts to compile information on river ice, which are summarized herein, and expands the scope and detail for use in Canadian river ice research and applications. Following the Government of Canada Open Data initiative, this original river ice data set is available at: https://doi.org/10.18164/c21e1852-ba8e-44af-bc13-48eeedfcf2f4 (de Rham et al., 2020).
Evaluation of global terrestrial evapotranspiration using state-of-the-art approaches in remote sensing, machine learning and land surface modeling
Authors: Pan Shufen , Pan Naiqing , Tian Hanqin , Friedlingstein Pierre , Sitch Stephen , Shi Hao , Arora Vivek K. , Haverd Vanessa , Jain Atul K. , Kato Etsushi , Lienert Sebastian , Lombardozzi Danica , Nabel Julia E. M. S. , Ottlé Catherine , Poulter Benjamin , Zaehle Sönke , Running Steven W.
Published: March 2020

Abstract. Evapotranspiration (ET) is critical in linking global water, carbon and
energy cycles. However, direct measurement of global terrestrial ET is not
feasible. Here, we first reviewed the basic theory and state-of-the-art
approaches for estimating global terrestrial ET, including remote-sensing-based physical models, machine-learning algorithms and land surface
models (LSMs). We then utilized 4 remote-sensing-based physical models,
2 machine-learning algorithms and 14 LSMs to analyze the spatial and
temporal variations in global terrestrial ET. The results showed that the
ensemble means of annual global terrestrial ET estimated by these three
categories of approaches agreed well, with values ranging from 589.6 mm yr−1
(6.56×104 km3 yr−1) to 617.1 mm yr−1
(6.87×104 km3 yr−1). For the period from 1982 to 2011, both
the ensembles of remote-sensing-based physical models and machine-learning
algorithms suggested increasing trends in global terrestrial ET (0.62 mm yr−2 with a significance level of p<0.05 and 0.38 mm yr−2 with a significance level of p<0.05,
respectively). In contrast, the ensemble mean of the LSMs showed no
statistically significant change (0.23 mm yr−2, p>0.05),
although many of the individual LSMs reproduced an increasing trend.
Nevertheless, all 20 models used in this study showed that anthropogenic
Earth greening had a positive role in increasing terrestrial ET. The
concurrent small interannual variability, i.e., relative stability, found in
all estimates of global terrestrial ET, suggests that a potential
planetary boundary exists in regulating global terrestrial ET, with the value of this boundary being
around 600 mm yr−1. Uncertainties among approaches were identified in
specific regions, particularly in the Amazon Basin and arid/semiarid
regions. Improvements in parameterizing water stress and canopy dynamics,
the utilization of new available satellite retrievals and deep-learning methods,
and model–data fusion will advance our predictive understanding of global
terrestrial ET.
Towards plausible lithological classification from geophysical inversion: honouring geological principles in subsurface imaging
Authors: Giraud Jérémie , Lindsay Mark , Jessell Mark , Ogarko Vitaliy
Published: March 2020

Abstract. We propose a methodology for the recovery of lithologies
from geological and geophysical modelling results and apply it to field
data. Our technique relies on classification using self-organizing maps
(SOMs) paired with geoscientific consistency checks and uncertainty analysis.
In the procedure we develop, the SOM is trained using prior geological
information in the form of geological uncertainty, the expected spatial
distribution of petrophysical properties and constrained geophysical
inversion results. We ensure local geological plausibility in the
lithological model recovered from classification by enforcing basic
topological rules through a process called “post-regularization”. This
prevents the three-dimensional recovered lithological model from violating
elementary geological principles while maintaining geophysical consistency.
Interpretation of the resulting lithologies is complemented by the
estimation of the uncertainty associated with the different nodes of the
trained SOM. The application case we investigate uses data and models from
the Yerrida Basin (Western Australia). Our results generally corroborate
previous models of the region but they also suggest that the structural
setting in some areas needs to be updated. In particular, our results suggest
the thinning of one of the greenstone belts in the area may be related to a
deep structure not sampled by surface geological measurements and which was
absent in previous geological models.
Analytical model for the power–yaw sensitivity of wind turbines operating in full wake
Authors: Liew Jaime , Urbán Albert M. , Andersen Søren Juhl
Published: March 2020

Abstract. Wind turbines are designed to align themselves with the incoming wind direction. However, turbines often experience unintentional yaw misalignment, which can significantly reduce the power production. The unintentional yaw misalignment increases for turbines operating in the wake of upstream turbines. Here, the combined effects of wakes and yaw misalignment are investigated, with a focus on the resulting reduction in power production. A model is developed, which considers the trajectory of each turbine blade element as it passes through the wake inflow in order to determine a power–yaw loss exponent. The simple model is verified using the HAWC2 aeroelastic code, where wake flow fields have been generated using both medium- and high-fidelity computational fluid dynamics simulations. It is demonstrated that the spatial variation in the incoming wind field, due to the presence of wakes, plays a significant role in the power loss due to yaw misalignment. Results show that disregarding these effects on the power–yaw loss exponent can yield a 3.5 % overestimation in the power production of a turbine misaligned by 30∘. The presented analysis and model is relevant to low-fidelity wind farm optimization tools, which aim to capture the combined effects of wakes and yaw misalignment as well as the uncertainty on power output.
Patterns of Physical Activity and Self-rated Health Among Adult Populations in South Asia
Authors: Yaya Sanni , Bishwajit Ghose
Published: March 2020

Introduction: Although South Asians are considered to be at high risk for cardiovascular diseases, research evidence on the health impacts of physical activity (PA) remains very limited. In this study we aimed to explore the patterns of PA and to investigate whether engaging in regular PA is associated with better Self-Rated Health (SRH) among South Asians.Methods: Cross-sectional data on population health were drawn from the World Health Survey of WHO. Subjects were 28,020 male and female South Asians (from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka) aged 18 years and above. Data were analysed using descriptive and multivariable logistic regression analyses.Results: The proportion of the sample population reported good SRH was 44.3%, 58.7%, 37.7%, and 73.7% in Bangladeshis, Indians, Nepalese, and Sri Lankans, respectively. Regular engagement in moderate PA was highest in Nepal (69.7%) and lowest in Bangladesh (37.4%). Vigorous PA was highest in India (29.9%) and lowest in Bangladesh (17.9%). In  Bangladesh, compared to those never engaged in MPA, those who engaged for 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, or 7 days a week were 30% [AOR=1.306; 95%CI 1.085-1.572], 33% [AOR=1.326; 95%CI 1.093-1.609], 39% [AOR=1.389; 95%CI 1.125-1.716], and 46% [AOR=1.459; 95%CI 1.249-1.705] more likely to report being in good health, respectively.Conclusions: We found that self-reported engagement in physical activities varies in South Asian countries. Since engaging in PA may help improve subjective and objective health status, health policy makers need to focus on designing exercise-friendly neighbourhoods in an attempt to promote population health.
Outcome analysis of patients with Peyronie’s disease who elect for vacuum erection device therapy
Authors: MacDonald Landan P. , Armstrong M. Luke , Lehmann Kyle J. , Acker Matthew R. , Langille Gavin M.
Published: March 2020

Introduction: Peyronie’s disease (PD) affects approximately 0.7–11% of men1 and has numerous proposed treatments. Invasive management options include surgical or injectable therapy, while penile traction therapy with vacuum erection device (VED) represents a noninvasive approach. Our objective is to assess outcomes for patients with PD who opt for noninvasive management.

Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis for patients with PD who were followed for at least three months and opted for non-invasive therapy. All patients were instructed to initiate VED traction therapy for 10 minutes twice per day. Patients were assessed for degree of PD deformity and erectile function (Sexual Health Inventory for Men [SHIM] score) at initial and subsequent encounters.

Results: Fifty-three patients met the inclusion criteria. The mean (standard deviation [SD]) age was 57 (12) years, and the mean (SD) duration of PD prior to assessment was 25 (15) months. The mean (SD) duration of followup was 14 (11) months. Among untreated patients who did not use a VED, nine showed improvement, 20 remained stable, and four had worsening curvature. The untreated group had a significant change in curvature, with a mean improvement (SD) of 3.6 (12)º (p=0.048). All 20 men who initiated VED traction therapy had an improvement in curvature with a significant mean (SD) improvement of 23 (16)º (p=2.6x10-6). Changes in SHIM scores did vary significantly between groups. No complications were noted.

Conclusions: In patients who opt for non-invasive management of PD, VED traction therapy provides improved curvature resolution compared to those who do not use such a device. The limitations of this study include the retrospective nature and a small sample size at a single treatment center.
Post-chemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for non-seminomatous germ cell tumors: A single-surgeon, Canadian experience
Authors: King Joshua , Kawakami Jun , Heng Daniel , Gan Chun Loo
Published: March 2020

Introduction: Post-chemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (PCRPLND) has a well-established role in the management of residual retroperitoneal masses >1cm in patients with advanced non-seminomatous germ cell tumor (NSGCT). Herein, we report our singlesurgeon surgical experience in a Canadian tertiary hospital.

Methods: We identified 57 patients with NSGCT who received primary chemotherapy and PCRPLND from 2010–2016. Surgical complication rate was graded with Clavien-Dindo classification. Chi-squared testing was used in testing for differences in proportion of PCRPLND tumor histology vs. the historical cohorts. Chi-squared testing was also used to analyze the association between primary orchiectomy tumor histology and postchemotherapy residual mass (PCRM) tumor histology.

Results: The overall complication rate was 23% (n=13), of which four were Clavien-Dindo grade IIIb and one was grade IVa. Fourteen percent of patients required additional procedure for resection of adjacent organs intraoperatively. There was a statistically significant difference in the distribution of PCRPLND tumor histologies (chi-squared p=0.0187), with a lower rate of viable tumor (7%) and higher rate of teratoma (63%) compared to historical cohorts. The absence of teratoma in the primary orchiectomy specimen was associated with the findings of fibrotic/necrotic tissue in the PCRM (chi-squared p=0.0005).

Conclusions: Our series demonstrated that the rate of viable tumor in PCRM appears lower than published historical series, and this possibly reflects the improvement in chemotherapy delivery in a contemporary series. The high rate of teratoma in the PCRM calls for ongoing need for PCRPLND. Grade III and IV surgical complications are considered rare in our series.
A Study on “Value” Concept of the Austrian School
Authors: Feng Yu
Published: March 2020

The marginal utility theory of Austrian School is an important value theory in western economics. Need theory is the basis and premise of value theory. Need, which is equivalent to desire, has two specific connotations: "one of many needs" and "feelings of a certain need". The contribution and innovation of the need theory of Austrian School lies in that it puts forward two classifications of needs through studying the significance of needs, points out that value is only related to the classification of degrees of needs, reveals the general rule that the importance of one need decreases gradually with the increase in satisfaction, and puts forward the core concept of "marginal utility". The Austrian School studies the quality and quantity of value with human needs or desires as the measure of value. In the qualitative aspect of value, whether people's needs can be met is the direct basis for judging the existence of value, and whether it can improve people's life and welfare is the fundamental reason to judge the value of goods. In terms of the quantity of value, economists of the Austrian School propose the principle that marginal utility determines the value of the last unit of goods, completely solve Adam Smith's value paradox and achieve the transcendence of subjective utility theory.
A Study on Identity of New Chinese Immigrants in Bangkok
Authors: Han Jianghua
Published: March 2020

Survey results of this study have showed that: The Chinese new immigrants in Bangkok have a consistency on ethnic identity; they all agree that they are Chinese. However, on the national identity and cultural identity, the identity of them has multi-tendency. There are 45.29% respondents identify China, 30.63% respondents identify Thailand, and 24.08% respondents identify both China and Thailand. The degree of identifying China of them has declined with the increase of their settlement years in Bangkok; however, their degree of identifying Thailand has increased with the increase of settlement years in Bangkok. The cultural identity is very complicated, they are increasingly accepting and identifying Thai culture with the increase of their settlement years in Bangkok; however, they did not deny or abandon Chinese culture, lots of people still identify Chinese culture. Especially in the identity of traditional culture, in general, the degree of identifying Chinese traditional culture of them has declined with the increase of their settlement years in Bangkok; however, the proportion of people who identify Chinese traditional culture is still much higher than people who identify Thai traditional culture.
Contamination and Potential Ecological Risk Factors of Potentially Toxic Elements Present in the Soil of Shooting Range: Comparison with the Global Soils
Authors: Shoukat Saba , Nazneen Shahla , Khan Sardar , Zafar Urooj
Published: March 2020

This study was carried out to determine potentially toxic element (PTE) contamination and their potential ecological risk factors in shooting range soil. For this purpose soil samples were collected from different locations (left side, right side, shooting point, middle, and stop-butt) from the shooting range of Frontier Corps Training Centre (FCTC) present in Warsak, Peshawar. The soil samples were analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity (EC) and potentially toxic elements including Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, and Zn. The strong acids digested extracts were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry to determine the concentrations of selected PTEs. The concentration of Pb was found to be maximum at stop-butt i.e. 2049 mg/kg and exceeded the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US-EPA) critical value of 400 mg/kg, while its concentrations at left, right, shooting point and middle were 14.0 mg/kg, 18.8 mg/kg, 47.4 mg/kg, and 18.2 mg/kg, respectively and exceeded the background level of normal soils which is 10 mg/kg for Pb. This study revealed that the shooting range soil was highly contaminated with Pb, and very high contamination factor and potential ecological risk for Pb was observed at stop-butt, very high contamination factor and potential ecological risk for Cd, while moderate contamination factor for Zn was observed at all locations of the shooting range. In Pakistan, the environmental perspective of shooting range soils is overlooked and there is a need to take steps to avoid such contamination of soils with Pb and other PTEs that can enter into food chains and can also leach to contaminate the aquifer. Replacement of vegetation of shooting range with PTE tolerant species, addition of soil conditioners and uncontaminated soil would reduce the mobility of these contaminants into aerial portions of plants and protect the groundwater contamination.
Application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for Measuring the Impact Income Vulnerability on Rural Households: A Case Study of the 2010 Floods in Pakistan
Authors: Saleem Umer , Mizunoya Takeshi , Helmut Yabar , Moeen Muhammad Saad , Ajmal Ammara
Published: March 2020

While the economic impact of natural disasters has been studied extensively, there are rather few studies that have addressed their impact on household income. This research tries to fill this gap by analyzing their actual effect on household income caused by the 2010 floods. We look at the impact of natural disasters on rural households in Pakistan after a massive flooding event in 2010. We used the difference-in-difference (DID) approach, which showed statistical significance at 1 percent. We also calculated the household distance from the rivers to see how vulnerable household income is to such kinds of shock-like floods. The results showed that the sample households living near had more impact as compared to the ones living far. Stata and Geographical Information System (GIS) software packages have been used for regression analysis and calculation of distance, respectively. This research will not only give insight in order to understand household income losses but will allow government, policymakers, and International Aid agencies to plan, make countermeasure strategies before designing post-disaster projects. After taking into account the effect of floods, which tend to have far more impact on the households, which are located near the source of the flooding. In this case, they need to focus more in terms of reconstruction of infrastructure, particularly for the households which are near these flooded areas. Firstly, this finding can give policymakers insight in terms of strategies to develop agriculture and non-agriculture employment opportunities. Secondly, it is essential to reduce income vulnerability and improve rural household finance economic conditions.
African Library Information Services and Contribution to Sustainable Development: A Perception Paper
Authors: Shafack Rosemary M.
Published: March 2020

One of the main challenges of every society is how to gain access to authentic, quality and trustworthy information for the proper functioning of the various sectors of society. Every human being needs one type of information or the other to meet their varying needs in order to function properly. Information is an enabler of the acquisition of skills and knowledge for sustainable livelihood. This is evident in that access to information has been considered a fundamental human right and supported by many organizations such as, the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA). It is obviously clear that, there can be no sustainable development without access to information and there can be no meaningful inclusive access to information without libraries, a view supported by outstanding leaders of the information profession. Libraries have proven to drive the knowledge economy which constitutes an indicator of sustainability. As such, they have been so well structured into types in a way that covers all segments of the human society. There is no single individual whose information needs cannot therefore be catered for by one type of library or the other. Library services, therefore, are indispensable in all aspects of the human community. This paper ignites discussions on the contributions of the African library services in supporting individual citizens, communities, institutions and economies in order to improve livelihood and quality of life in a sustainable way. In partnership with governments, well-functioning African library services can contribute to sustainable development through education, literacy, health, economy, ensuring equality, social justice, cultural growth, and good governance. This is, certainly, needed to help build a resilient African society, the Africa we want, through sustainable development.
Analysis of Factors Influencing Domestic Water Consumption in Karoi Town, Zimbabwe
Authors: Reniko Gondo , Phonchi-Tshekiso Nametso D. , Mogomotsi Patricia K. , Mogomotsi Goemeone E. J. , Chirefu Harison
Published: March 2020

The current trends in water resources management underscore management of the resource as an economic good. Consequently, management strategies overlook demographic and social factors that influence domestic water consumption. Adopting water as an economic good conceptual framework, in a case study approach, a total of 120 household heads and two officials from Zimbabwe National Water Supply Authority (ZINWA) were selected in Karoi. While quantitative data were analysed using descriptive (frequency, percentages, etc.) and inferential statistics (t-test, ANOVA etc.), content analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. Findings revealed that while economic factors play a role in influencing domestic water consumption, demographic and social factors play equally the same in determining water consumption at the household level. The study recommends a further study to understand the role of demographic and socio-economic factors which affect water consumption.
Charipinae (Hymenoptera: Cynipoidea: Figitidae) present in the Museum of Natural History of the University of Wroclaw, with an identification key for Polish species
Authors: Ferrer-Suay Mar , Selfa Jesus , Pujade-Villar Juli
Published: March 2020

Charipinae (Cynipoidea: Figitidae) deposited in the Museum of Natural History of Wroclaw University (Poland) have been studied. Seven species are recorded for the first time from Poland: Alloxysta brachyptera (Hartig, 1840), A. castanea (Hartig, 1841), A. citripes (Thomson, 1862), A. consobrina (Zetterstedt, 1838), A. mullensis (Cameron, 1883), A. nottoni Ferrer-Suay & Pujade-Villar, 2015 and Phaenoglyphis heterocera (Hartig, 1841). The presence of previously recorded species is confirmed and new records are specified. A key to all Charipinae species ever recorded in Poland is given.
Rapid-Infusion Rituximab in a Pediatric Population
Authors: Gaffney Kelly J. , Dahl Elizabeth M. , Stanton Michael P. , Starek Elizabeth , Zembillas Anthony S.
Published: March 2020

OBJECTIVES The use of rapid rituximab infusion in certain pediatric populations has generally been regarded as safe. The safety of our institution's rapid rituximab protocol was evaluated.

METHODS The primary end point was the number of and severity of adverse drug reactions. Secondary end points included a description of the patient population defined by the indication, dose, and number of rituximab infusions administered. Additionally, the difference in infusion times in hours of those receiving rapid rituximab infusions versus the theoretical infusion time of subsequent administration rate schedules was defined.

RESULTS A total of 88 infusions for 22 patients were reviewed. No dose-limiting adverse reactions were observed. Three patients experienced grade 1 isolated infusion-related adverse events during a single infusion encounter. Two of the three patients received additional doses of rapid rituximab infusions without incident, whereas the other patient no longer required rituximab therapy.

CONCLUSIONS The use of a 90-minute rituximab infusion protocol in pediatric patients with non-rheumatic diseases was well tolerated.
Time to Stable Dose of Psychostimulants in Pediatric Patients With ADHD
Authors: Pasadyn Selena R. , Giuliano Kimberly , LaBianca Deanna , Manos Michael
Published: March 2020

OBJECTIVES The prevalence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is increasing and psychostimulants are the pharmacological standard of care. Patients benefit most when there is efficient titration to a stable dose of medication as defined by maintaining that same dose for 6 months. The aims of this study were to describe time to stable dose in a cohort of children with ADHD and examine the impact of demographic factors.

METHODS A list of pediatric patients with a diagnosis of ADHD in the electronic health record was generated, and a retrospective chart review of stimulant use was conducted on 500 patients randomly selected from 2010 to 2015 who met inclusion criteria. Time to stable dosing and its association with demographic characteristics were assessed.

RESULTS Patients were predominantly male (72%), white (81%), and privately insured (67%). Fifty-five percent of patients achieved a stable dose of medication on first attempt; therefore, the median time to stable dosing for the cohort was 0 days with the interquartile range being 0 to 133.8 days. There was significant increase in time to stable dose for patients younger than 10 years compared with those ≥10 years of age (p = 0.01). Time to stable dose was not significantly associated with race (p = 0.13), sex (p = 0.72), type of insurance (p = 0.56), or formulation being immediate or extended release (p = 0.56).

CONCLUSIONS Many patients had long titration periods when trying to reach a stable dose. Given that medication switching can be challenging for patients and families, more frequent contact with providers during titration may be necessary.
Caffeine Citrate for the Prevention of Apnea Associated With Alprostadil Infusions
Authors: Higgins Kristi L. , Buck Marcia L.
Published: March 2020

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the incidence of apnea and requirement for positive pressure ventilation in patients who received caffeine for prevention while receiving alprostadil compared with those who did not receive caffeine.

METHODS This was a single-center, retrospective study of patients who received alprostadil over a 7-year time frame. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on whether they received caffeine for prevention of apnea while receiving alprostadil. The incidence of apnea and requirements for positive pressure ventilation were recorded.

RESULTS A total of 64 patients who received alprostadil were included for review. Thirty-two patients received caffeine for the prevention of apnea, and 32 patients received alprostadil only. Alprostadil doses were similar between the 2 groups (0.04–0.05 mcg/kg/min). Seven patients had a documented apneic event; 3 in the group given caffeine and 4 in the control group. One patient in each group required intubation because of apnea. All patients with documented apnea were on low-dose alprostadil therapy (<0.05 mcg/kg/min). Three patients had apnea after dose reductions had been made. Six out of the seven patients experienced apnea within the first 24 hours after the infusion. Only 1 patient experienced multiple apneic events.

CONCLUSIONS In this small sample, there was no difference in incidence of apnea between patients on low-dose alprostadil who received caffeine for prevention and those who did not. Despite the use of low-dose alprostadil therapy and dose reductions, the incidence of apnea remains low, and most patients did not have repeated apneic events or require intubation.
Valproic Acid Induced Pancreatitis Presenting With Decreased Level of Consciousness in a Child With Tuberous Sclerosis Complex
Authors: Deschenes Pierre-Charles , Autmizguine Julie , Major Philippe , Kleiber Niina
Published: March 2020

A 2-year-old Caucasian boy with tuberous sclerosis complex presented to the emergency department with lethargy and new onset myoclonias. Pancreatitis, thrombocytopenia, and coagulopathy associated to a decreased level of consciousness were diagnosed. Valproic acid had been initiated 13 months before and had been slowly increased to a dose of approximately 38 mg/kg/day. All the symptoms resolved after discontinuation of the medication. The clinical presentation of this child highlights that valproic acid-related pancreatitis can present with decreased level of consciousness without associated gastrointestinal symptoms. Adverse drug reactions associated with valproic acid can lead to damage of multiple organs and may prove fatal if not promptly recognized and managed.
Théorie de l’action et histoire de la traduction : de l’intention du traducteur médical au xixe siècle
Authors: Olivier-Bonfils Delphine
Published: March 2020

Révélée en traductologie par le courant fonctionnaliste, la théorie de l’action de Wright (1963) offre un cadre de réflexion pertinent en histoire de la traduction en posant que l’intention de l’agent est consubstantielle à son action et en définissant les déterminants de cette intention. Appliquée au traducteur dans une perspective historique, cette théorie offre les outils conceptuels permettant de modéliser l’intention selon son objet, c’est-à-dire le résultat de l’action. Il s’agit alors d’explorer différentes dimensions de l’action du traducteur en envisageant les évènements successifs qui la constituent, de ses antécédents causaux à ses conséquences. Nous utilisons cette théorie comme cadre de réflexion en la situant dans l’approche historique de Lépinette (1997), et la mettons à l’épreuve pour étudier les intentions respectives des traducteurs français de deux auteurs princeps anglais, l’un physiologiste (Charles Bell), l’autre chirurgien (John Bell), publiés au début du xixe siècle. Grâce aux indices repérés, nous montrons que l’intention de ces deux traducteurs dépasse ce qu’ils revendiquent dans leurs préfaces respectives et que, loin de l’idée généralement admise que les traducteurs de textes pragmatiques ne font que répliquer le texte original, les deux traducteurs étudiés prennent une posture propre, tant par leurs choix de traduction que par la présentation de leurs écrits.
Measuring Trainee Translators’ Knowledge of German Culture. Design and Validation of a Cultural Declarative Knowledge Questionnaire
Authors: Olalla-Soler Christian
Published: March 2020

In the context of a quasi-experimental study on acquisition of cultural competence by trainee translators in the case of German-Spanish translation, a declarative knowledge questionnaire on German culture was designed and validated. This instrument, which consists of 30 items covering four cultural fields, was designed to gather data on the subjects’ declarative knowledge of German culture before performing a translation task. This paper presents the design and validation of the questionnaire, which was based on verification of content validity, criterion validity and face validity. Teachers of German as a second foreign language in the Bachelor’s degree in Translation and Interpreting at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, students of German as a first and second foreign language in the same degree programme, and citizens of the Federal Republic of Germany participated in the validation of the instrument. This resulted in a validated questionnaire that may be useful for other researchers and teachers. Despite its utility, the instrument has some limitations: it does not enable replication of the study with other samples without calibrating it, it is not stable over long periods of time and it only measures cultural knowledge at a nation-state level.
On Big Data: How should we make sense of them?
Authors: Mazzocchi Fulvio
Published: March 2020

The topic of Big Data is today extensively discussed, not only on the technical ground. This also depends on the fact that Big Data are frequently presented as allowing an epistemological paradigm shift in scientific research, which would be able to supersede the traditional hypothesis-driven method. In this piece, I critically scrutinize two key claims that are usually associated with this approach, namely, the fact that data speak for themselves, deflating the role of theories and models, and the primacy of correlation over causation. My intention is both to acknowledge the value of Big Data analytics as innovative heuristics and to provide a balanced account of what could be expected and what not from it.
Concretos deseos de (in)movilidad. Migraciones indígenas y arquitectura de remesas entre lo comunal y lo transnacional
Authors: Freddi Andrea , Carreño Alejandra , Martínez Mérida Leopoldo
Published: March 2020

The indigenous communities of Guatemala have historically been presented as societies of rural origin, whose form of political and social organization is based on the maintenance of community or communal ties. However, for several decades, these societies have been part of massive migratory processes that have made them active participants in one of the structural dimensions of the globalization process: transnationalism. This article aims to analyze the transformation of an indigenous community, Todos Santos (Guatemala), from the perspective of the new ways of reinventing the communal space through the local architecture that is being intervened by migrants with access to remittances. The recreation of the imaginary of the global through houses and constructions that represent the odyssey of migration is analyzed as part of the strategies that indigenous communities generate to negotiate with the global phenomena of which they are active parts. This analysis invites us to reflect on the communal and transnational links of the indigenous groups, which are reflected in the specific forms taken by the spaces they inhabit.
Juegos de mesa para la investigación participativa: una etnografía experimental sobre el comercio de productos de la chagra en comunidades indígenas de la Amazonía colombiana
Authors: De La Cruz Pablo , Bello Baltazar Eduardo , García-Barrios Luis Enrique , Baquero Vargas María Paula , Acosta Luis Eduardo , Estrada Lugo Erín
Published: March 2020

This article reflects on a participatory research that led to the design and use of a board game with indigenous people in the Colombian Amazon. The objective of the “Juego de Chagras” is to produce, process and market food, and in its execution, decision making involves the players in discussions and analysis of the studied phenomenon. The strategies of the players and how they connect to the decisions that people make on a daily basis are analyzed by means of experimental ethnography. It is concluded that games hold considerable potential for participatory research, if they are analyzed as cultural performances that reveal the situation of the players on the basis of their decisions in the game, and the social contexts in which they are immersed.