bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Control of Rhipicephalus microplus ticks in dairy cattle using homeopathic therapy
Authors: Souza Mônica Filomena Assis , Oshiro Lucas Seikichi Nascimento , Correa Elton Bock , Cucco Marco Antonio , Ucco Pedro Henrique de Souza , Juliano Raquel Soares , Brum Karine Bonucielli
Published: May 2022

Background: The negative impact of Rhipicephalus microplus infestations on cattle farming is well-known. The main control method is the use of ixodicides, which have as side effects environmental contamination, the selection of resistant lineages, and toxicity. Their use is also prohibited in systems that produce organic and agroecological food. Such factors reinforce the importance of strengthening research related to the application of homeopathic principles in animal production. Aim: In this setting, this work aimed at assessing the efficacy of the homeopathic therapy to control Rhipicephalus microplus ticks in dairy cattle. Methodology: 63 crossbred and Girolando breed cows, 1 and 9 years of age, naturally infested by ticks and created under a semi-intensive system in three farms (1, 2, and 3) were assayed. The animals were divided into three control groups and three treated groups, using the drug product EndectoSigo® (Psorinum 12 CH, Sulphur 12CH, Ledum palustre 12 CH, Cina 12 CH e Apis mell. 7CH) at a dose of 10 g/animal/day added to mineral and/or food supplement. The visual counting of teleogines with the size equal to or higher than four millimeters in diameter was performed in the neck or udder area of the animal. Pluviometry and registration of ixodicide baths were performed as well. The means obtained were compared by using ANOVA test and Tukey’s test. Results: The mean number of teleogines on farm 1 was significantly lower (p<0.05) in the treatment group. As for farms 2 and 3, there was no statistical difference between the groups (treated and control); however, it was observed that two ixodicide baths were required in the control group (farm 2). The pluviometry did not interfere with the manifestation. Conclusion: It was concluded that the homeopathic treatment has the efficacy required to control this tick in cattle and can be an alternative to the use of chemical ixodicides.
Effect of homeopathy on quality of corncobs naturally exposed to sugarcane virus
Authors: Souza Mônica Filomena Assis , Macedo Kácio Gomes , Pereira David Junior de Oliveira , Machado Graciela Andreia Flis , Barbosa Leonardo Américo Souza , Gonçalves Larissa Wolff , Cucco ², Pedro Henrique de Souza , Cucco Marco Antonio , Brum Karine Bonucielli
Published: May 2022

Background: The use of pesticides is damaging to the health of farmers and consumers as their use is associated with numerous diseases. Homeopathy is one of the techniques for organic agriculture currently authorized by the MAPA. Aims: To assess the effect of homeopathic compounds on corncob quality in pesticide-free cultures. Methodology: The experiment was performed in, MS-Brazil. Two culture fields were used, each 30m2in size. The homeopathic group treatment consisted of 1ml of30% hydroalcoholic solution with homeopathic ingredients. This solution was diluted into 30ml of water and then sprayed onto 100 seeds. The control group was submitted to the same protocol excluding the homeopathic ingredients. The homeopathic ingredients used were Sulph9C, Mag-c 12C, and Calc-p9C, prescribed according to Materia Medica instructions. The evaluation was performed at harvest by comparing the average weight of 1000 kernels per group, obtained from a weighing of 3000 kernels per group. In addition, a number of corncobs from both groups were qualitatively evaluated as “good” or “bad.” Statistics analysis used the T-test to compare the kernel weight averages and Fisher’s exact test to analyze the corncob quality frequency. Both groups were naturally infected by a virus from a neighboring sugarcane field, causing qualitative and quantitative losses on both groups. Results and discussion: The average weight of 1000 kernels from the treated group (329 g) was not significantly greater (p=0.06) than the average weight of 1000 kernels from the non-treated group (308 g). It was observed that 71out of 158 (44.9%) corncobs from the homeopathic treatment group were classified as “good” while zero out of 50 (0%) corncobs from the non-treated group were classified as “good”, resulting in a significant difference (p<0.01). Conclusion: Homeopathic compounds can be used as a feasible treatment for health and productivity in the corn crop.
Effect of homeopathy on soybean germination through soil and seed treatment
Authors: Souza Mônica Filomena Assis , Macedo Kácio Gomes , Pereira David Junior de Oliveira , Machado Graciela Andreia Flis , Barbosa Leonardo Américo Souza , Gonçalves Larissa Wolff , Cucco Pedro Henrique de Souza , Cucco Marco Antonio , Brum Karine Bonucielli
Published: May 2022

Background: Homeopathy is a technique approved by the MAPA for organic production systems. Experiments demonstrating the effectiveness of homeopathy in agriculture are essential. Aims: To evaluate the effects of homeopathic treatment on soybean seed germination. Methodology: The experiment was performed in MS-Brazil. An area of 70 m² was used, divided into two comparison plots of 30 m² each. The soil of plot 1 (treated group) was treated with 5.25 kg of powdered Lithothamnium mixed with 250 ml of 30% hydroalcoholic solution (HS) containing homeopathic ingredients. The soil of plot 2 (control group) was treated with the same preparation but without homeopathic ingredients. Additionally, the 400 seeds assigned toplot 1 were treated with 0,3 ml of a solution made up of 10 ml of 30% HS with homeopathic ingredients diluted in 300 ml of water. The 400 seeds assigned toplot 2 were treated with 0.3 ml of a solution made up of 10 ml of HS without homeopathic ingredients diluted in 300 ml of water. The homeopathic ingredients Sulph 9C, Mag-c 12C, and Calc-p 9C were used on soil and seed treatment. The selection and prescription of those ingredients followed Materia Medica instructions. The experiment was conducted using randomized design and 400 seeds per group were sown. Results and discussion: In plot 1, an average of 11 seeds per m² germinated, adding up to 330 germinated seeds at a percentage of 82.5%. In plot 2, an average of 7 seeds per m² germinated, adding up to 210 germinated seeds at a percentage of 52.5%. The frequency of seed germination in both groups was assessed by the Chi-square test to check for significant differences (p<0.05). There was a statistical difference (p<0.05) in the seed germination in the treated group (n=330) compared to the control group (n=210). Conclusion: Homeopathic compounds can be used as a viable treatment for soybean germination.
Environmental parameters modulate lead chloride toxicity on Artemia salina
Authors: Mohammad Suham Nowrooz , Pinto Andreia Adelaide Gordinho , Nagai Mirian Oliveira , Coimbra Ednar do Nascimento , Suffredini Ivana Barbosa , Peres Giovani Bravin , Bernardi Maria Martha , Bonamin Leoni Villano
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Different environmental conditions can influence the effects of toxic agents on living beings. Recently, a series of experiments performed in Artemia salina submitted to different kinds of intoxication have shown that both, isotherapic and succussed water can change Artemia salina´s bio resilience at different levels. Moreover, it seems to vary according to the circalunar cycle. Objective: To verify if circalunar phases and water agitation can modify the toxicity of lead chloride on Artemia salina in vitro. Methodology: Artemia salina cysts were exposed to seawater containing 0.04% of lead chloride (equal to EC10 or 10% effective concentration, previously determined in a pilot study) in 96-well culture plates. Thirty-six experimental repetitions were performed in four series to observe the possible effects of adding stirred water, the so-called succussed water, and the moon phases. The hatched cysts were recorded after 48 hours using a digital microscope (1000x magnification) to identify the hatching percentage and the viability and mobility of the born nauplii. Results: The exposition of cysts to PbCl2 led to an increase in the hatching rate, and it was more evident during the full moon (p = 0.00014) The addition of succussed water into the seawater medium reduced this effect to the baseline levels. An increase in mobility was seen in nauplii born from exposed cysts during the full moon (p = 0.00077), but this effect was not affected by the treatment with succussed water. Discussion: Although the effects of lead chloride EC10 on the increase of nauplii hatching were expected, two environmental variables changed the sensitivity of cysts to this harmful stimulus. The circalunar cycle varied the hatching rate according to the moon phase, even in laboratory conditions, and the addition of succussed water into the medium reduced the hatching rate, even with different intensities according to the moon phase. The organization of nano and microbubbles generated after the succussion of water could be related to this protective effect and can explain, at least partially the effects of high diluted preparations on this biological context. Conclusion: Environmental factors, such as the circalunar cycle and products of water agitation, can modulate the adaptative control of hatching in Artemia salina exposed to lead chloride at EC10.
High Dilution in Dyslipidemia treatment in Dogs and Rabbits
Authors: Coelho Cidéli de Paula , Scardoeli Bruna
Published: May 2022

Background: Excess weight causes disorders in locomotor, cardiorespiratory and reproductive systems and increases the incidence of endocrinopathies, as well it can often cause dyslipidemias, leading to atherosclerosis. Aims: Report the evolution of homeopathic treatment in 4 overweight patients, being 2 female dogs and 2 female rabbits with hypertriglyceridemia, analyzing the values in biochemical test. Methodology: Homeopathic treatment was chosen, based on the principle of similitude, using Cholesterinum due to its action to decrease cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Results: The same protocol was made for all of the four patients, included 2 globules of Cholesterinum 30CH direct in its mouth, every 12 hours for 30 days. The first dog attended on 01/09/2019, presented 328 mg/dL of triglycerides, decreasing this level to 132 mg/dL after just one month treating. The second dog attended on 04/05/2019, presented higher hypertriglyceridemia with 617 mg/dL that decreased to 259 mg/dL. Likewise, on 02/06/2019, the first rabbit attended, presented 445mg/dL of triglycerides, which reduced to 337 mg/dL, while the second rabbit, on 06/27/2019, presented 372 mg/dL of triglycerides, decreasing to 274 mg/dL after. Although the values of cholesterol in all patients were in agreement with the reference, the treatment still proved improvements. In the beginning of the treatment, the first dog showed 207 mg/dL of cholesterol and in the end, it reduced to 170 mg/dL, as well with the second dog with 218 mg/dL in the beginning and 200 mg/dL after. Regarding rabbits, the first one presented inicial value of 60 mg/dL, which decreased to 52 mg/dL, while the second started with 57 mg/dL and went to 41 mg/dL. Conventionally, Bezafibrate is indicated as a lipid-lowering agent, but it is contraindicated in patients with liver or kidney failure, vesicular diseases and for pregnant or lactating. Conclusion: Dyslipidemia can be controlled with High dilution. (The exposed information is consented by the tutors)
In vitro evaluation of the effects of Viscum album homeopathic preparations on murine melanoma cells
Authors: Prado Priscila Baltuille , Holandino Carla , Baumgartner Stephan , Silva Thaís Cristina , Bonamin Leoni Villano , Hurtado Elizabeth Cristina Pérez
Published: May 2022

Background: Viscum album extract (VA) is a complementary treatment in cancer, with in vitro and in vivo cytotoxic effects on several tumor types when applied in phytochemical doses. However, highly diluted ethanolic homeopathic preparations' effects and mechanisms need further study. Aims: To assess the in vitro effects of highly diluted VA from the subspecies V. album abietis and V. album album at different potency levels in different dilution ratios on murine melanoma cells. Methodology: The VA mother tinctures (MT) from Abies alba (MTA) and Quercus robur (MTQ) were prepared with summer and winter samples, harvested in Switzerland. They were submitted to homeopathic ethanolic maceration and a subsequent dynamization process. MTA, MTQ and the following respective potencies were tested in B16F10 murine cells: 3x, 12x, 30x, 6cH, 12cH, 200cH, 2LM, 3LM, and 5LM. Dynamized water, dynamized and non-dynamized ethanol, and carboplatin were used as control groups. The mitochondrial activity and cell viability analysis were performed at 1, 24, 48, and 72 hours by in vitro incubation. MTA and MTQ harvested in summer, as well as 12x, 200cH and 5LM potencies were also tested to cell apoptosis and necrosis markers, reactive oxygens species (ROS) production, inflammatory cytokines profile, cell morphology, and migratory capacity. Results and discussion: MTA and MTQ induced a decrease in cell metabolism and higher cytotoxicity within 1 hour, with significant morphological changes and increased production of ROS and inflammatory cytokines. Both homeopathic dilutions 12x and 5LM showed an influence on cell metabolism, cell replication, and oxidative stress modulation with inflammatory cytokines, mitosis, and migration pattern changes. On the other hand, Quercus robur and Abies alba 200cH showed increased on cytotoxicity and ROS levels, respectively. Conclusion: The in vitro effects of Viscum album homeopathic solutions in melanoma cells highlight the promising antitumoral potential and reinforce the need for further research to better understanding their mechanisms of action.
La Gioconda Effect, Homeopathy and Self-Organizing Factors of Biofield methodology
Authors: Silva Silvio Leite Monteiro
Published: May 2022

Background: The phenomenon of people’s attraction to Homeopathy throughout its history is a known fact by all homeopaths. This attraction is noted in polarization of people’s opinions, some for and some against. People in favor of Homeopathy use dynamized drugs and contribute to the area, for example, the development of the methodology Self-Organizing Factors of Biofield (BioFAO). In contrast, people against Homeopathy try to stop its use and feed endless discussions. Despite be aware of these events, there was no prior description about the whole process identified as an effect to make easy the development of an appropriate response. This understanding was published in a brief explanation of the phenomenon exemplified by development of BioFAO. Due to similar behavior of people that happened with another great work, which is a famous painting, the phenomenon was called La Gioconda Effect. Aims: The purpose of this paper is to describe the La Gioconda Effect. Methodology: After comparing both Homeopathy’s and Mona Lisa’s histories found at bibliographic review, the La Gioconda Effect was revealed, described qualitatively, and published. Results and discussion: The relationship between people with Homeopathy showed several similarities with people and Mona Lisa. Both works survived on a secular scale, influenced generations, have a period of social acceptance, many people show extreme interest in the use, education, research and dissemination of them. A remarkable example of the development of Homeopathy is the creation of BioFAO, which is a protocol with a complex of dynamized dugs. The description of La Gioconda Effect helps to understand the history and development of Homeopathy, as well as people's behavior. Conclusion: La Gioconda Effect demonstrates people's attraction to Homeopathy.
Lycopodium as a treatment for Urate Deposition (gout) in birds: case report
Authors: Coelho Cidéli de Paula , Pinheiro Sônia Regina , Von Ancken Adalberto
Published: May 2022

Background: A 3-year-old male cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus) was diagnosed with joint arthritis due to hyperucemia syndrome. The bird presented deposition of urate crystals on the synovial membrane with inflammation of joints and tendons (tufts), causing listlessness, anorexia and lameness, with difficulty in keeping perched or moving. Laboratory tests displayed an increase in uric acid and creatinine phosphokinase levels, and leukocytosis despite lymphopenia. Unsucessfully, the animal had been treated with allopathic medicine for 2 months, without a favorable response and still developing stressful reaction to handling. Methodology: High dilution therapy was attempted with 2 globules of Lycopodium clavatum 30 cH /bid and Arnica montana 30 cH /bid /oral. The most expressive tufts were removed with daily cleaning of the affected area; a new diet was established and perches were removed, allowing the bird to remain on a flat surface until regression of symptoms. The medication was continued for 30 days. On the second appointment, although the caregiver reported episodes of probable pain, there was an improvement in behavior with normal appetite. Lyc 30cH /sid was continued and Arn 30cH /bid to qid, depending on pain episodes, for over 30 days. The tutor authorized the case report through a consent form. Results and discussion: Follow-up laboratory tests were performed every three months for one year, reaching normal levels ​​for uric acid (3.5-11 mg/dL) and CK (30-245mg/dL) on the third measurement. The bird presented no formation of new tufts along the second month of treatment. After 12 months, the animal ingests homeopathic globules spontaneously and presents stable clinical presentation (Lyc 30cH / sid / 3 times a week) with no recurrence and without side effects nor stressful behavior. Conclusion: In view of these results, it is considered that homeopathic treatment is an option to be considered in the treatment of joint arthritis from hyperuricemia syndrome in birds.
Zonal variations in the vertical distribution of atmospheric aerosols over the Indian region and the consequent radiative effects
Authors: Kala Nair K. , Anand Narayana Sarma , Manoj Mohanan R. , Pathak Harshavardhana S. , Moorthy Krishnaswamy K. , Satheesh Sreedharan K.
Published: May 2022

Abstract. The vertical structure of atmospheric aerosols over the
Indian mainland and the surrounding oceans and its spatial distinctiveness
and resultant atmospheric heating are characterised using long-term (2007–2020) satellite observations, assimilated aerosol single scattering albedo,
and radiative transfer calculations. The results show strong, seasonally
varying zonal gradients in the concentration and vertical extent of aerosols
over the study region. Compared to the surrounding oceans, where the
vertical extent of aerosols is confined within 3 km, the aerosol extinction
coefficients extend to considerably higher altitudes over the mainland,
reaching as high as 6 km during pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons.
Longitudinally, the vertical extent is highest around 75∘ E and
decreasing gradually towards either side of the study region, particularly
over peninsular India. Particulate depolarisation ratio profiles affirm the
ubiquity of dust aerosols in western India from the surface to nearly 6 km.
While the presence of low-altitude dust aerosols decreases further east, the
high-altitude (above 4 km) dust layers remain aloft throughout the year with
seasonal variations in the zonal distribution over north-western India.
High-altitude (around 4 km) dust aerosols are observed over southern
peninsular India and the surrounding oceans during the monsoon season.
Radiative transfer calculations show that these changes in the vertical
distribution of aerosols result in enhanced atmospheric heating at the lower
altitudes during the pre-monsoon, especially in the 2–3 km altitude range
throughout the Indian region. These results have strong implications for
aerosol–radiation interactions in regional climate simulations.
Metrology for low-cost CO2 sensors applications: the case of a steady-state through-flow (SS-TF) chamber for CO2 fluxes observations
Authors: Curcoll Roger , Morguí Josep-Anton , Kamnang Armand , Cañas Lídia , Vargas Arturo , Grossi Claudia
Published: May 2022

Abstract. Soil CO2 emissions are one of the largest contributions to the global carbon cycle, and a full understanding of processes generating them and how climate change may modify them is needed and still uncertain. Thus, a dense spatial and temporal network of CO2 flux measurements from soil could help reduce uncertainty in the global carbon budgets. In the present study, the design, assembly, and calibration of low-cost air enquirer kits, including CO2 and environmental parameters sensors, is presented. Different types of calibrations for the CO2 sensors and their associated errors are calculated. In addition, for the first time, this type of sensor has been applied to design, develop, and test a new steady-state through-flow (SS-TF) chamber for simultaneous measurements of CO2 fluxes in soil and CO2 concentrations in air. The sensors' responses were corrected for temperature, relative humidity, and pressure conditions in order to reduce the uncertainty in the measured CO2 values
and of the following calculated CO2 fluxes based on SS-TF. CO2 soil fluxes measured by the proposed SS-TF and by a standard closed non-steady-state non-through-flow (NSS-NTF) chamber were briefly compared to ensure the reliability of the results. The use of a multiparametric fitting reduced the total uncertainty of the CO2 concentration measurements by 62 %, compared with the uncertainty that occurred when a simple CO2 calibration was applied, and by 90 %, when compared to the uncertainty declared by the manufacturer. The new SS-TF system allows the continuous measurement of CO2 fluxes and CO2 ambient air with low cost (EUR ∼1200), low energy demand (<5 W), and low maintenance (twice per year due to sensor calibration requirements).
Observation of bioaerosol transport using wideband integrated bioaerosol sensor and coherent Doppler lidar
Authors: Tang Dawei , Wei Tianwen , Yuan Jinlong , Xia Haiyun , Dou Xiankang
Published: May 2022

Abstract. Bioaerosols are usually defined as aerosols arising from
biological systems such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses. They play an
important role in atmospheric physical and chemical processes including ice
nucleation and cloud condensation. As such, their dispersion affects not
only public health but also regional climate. Lidar is an effective
technique for aerosol detection and pollution monitoring. It is also used to
profile the vertical distribution of wind vectors. In this paper, a coherent
Doppler wind lidar (CDWL) is deployed for aerosol and wind detection in
Hefei, China, from 11 to 20 March in 2020. A wideband integrated bioaerosol
sensor (WIBS) is used to monitor variations in local fluorescent
bioaerosols. Three aerosol transport events are captured. The WIBS data show
that, during these transport events, several types of fluorescent aerosol
particles exhibit abnormal increases in their concentration, number
fractions to total particles, and number fractions to whole fluorescent
aerosols. These increases are attributed to external fluorescent bioaerosols
instead of local bioaerosols. Based on the
HYbrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) backward trajectory model and the
characteristics of external aerosols in WIBS, their possible sources,
transport paths, and components are discussed. The results prove the
influence of external aerosol transport on local high particulate matter
(PM) pollution and fluorescent aerosol particle composition. The combination
of WIBS and CDWL expands the aerosol monitoring parameters and provides a
potential method for real-time monitoring of fluorescent biological aerosol
transport events. In addition, it also helps to understand the relationships
between atmospheric phenomena at high altitudes like virga and the variation
of surface bioaerosol. It contributes to the further understanding of
long-range bioaerosol transport, the roles of bioaerosols in atmospheric
processes, and in aerosol–cloud–precipitation interactions.
Intercomparison of detection and quantification methods for methane emissions from the natural gas distribution network in Hamburg, Germany
Authors: Maazallahi Hossein , Delre Antonio , Scheutz Charlotte , Fredenslund Anders M. , Schwietzke Stefan , Denier van der Gon Hugo , Röckmann Thomas
Published: May 2022

Abstract. In August and September 2020, three different measurement methods for quantifying methane (CH4) emission from leaks in urban gas distribution networks were applied and compared in Hamburg, Germany: the “mobile”, “tracer release” and “suction” methods. The mobile and tracer release methods determine emission rates to the atmosphere from measurements of CH4 mole fractions in the ambient air, and the tracer release method also includes measurement of a gaseous tracer. The suction method determines emission rates by pumping air out of the ground using soil probes that are placed above the suspected leak location. The quantitative intercomparison of the emission rates from the three methods at a small number of locations is challenging because of limitations of the different methods at different types of leak locations. The mobile method was designed to rapidly quantify the average or total emission rate of many gas leaks in a city, but it yields a large emission rate uncertainty for individual leak locations. Emission rates determined for individual leak locations with the tracer release technique are more precise because the simultaneous measurement of the tracer released at a known rate at the emission source eliminates many of the uncertainties encountered with the mobile method. Nevertheless, care must be taken to properly collocate the tracer release and the leak emission points to avoid biases in emission rate estimates. The suction method could not be completed or applied at locations with widespread subsurface CH4 accumulation, or due to safety measures, and this sampling bias may be associated with a bias towards leak locations with low emission rates. The leak locations where the suction method could not be applied were the biggest emitters as confirmed by the emission rate quantifications using mobile and tracer methods and an engineering method based on leak’s diameter, pipeline overpressure and depth at which the pipeline is buried. The corresponding sampling bias for the suction technique led to a low bias in derived emission rates in this study. It is important that future studies using the suction method account for any leaks not quantifiable with this method in order to avoid biases, especially when used to inform emission inventories.
A universally applicable method of calculating confidence bands for ice nucleation spectra derived from droplet freezing experiments
Authors: Fahy William D. , Shalizi Cosma Rohilla , Sullivan Ryan Christopher
Published: May 2022

Abstract. A suite of generally applicable statistical methods based on empirical bootstrapping is presented for calculating uncertainty and testing the significance of quantitative differences in temperature and/or ice active site densities between ice nucleation temperature spectra derived from droplet freezing experiments. Such experiments are widely used to determine the heterogeneous ice nucleation properties and ice nucleation particle concentration spectra of different particle samples, as well as in studies of homogeneous freezing. Our methods avoid most of the assumptions and approximations inherent to existing approaches and if used properly can capture the full range of random variability and error in ice nucleation spectra. Applications include calculation of accurate confidence intervals and confidence bands, quantitative statistical testing of differences between observed freezing spectra, accurate subtraction of the background filtered water freezing signal, and calculation of a range of statistical parameters using data from a single droplet array freezing experiment if necessary. By improving the statistical tools available, this work will improve the quality and accuracy of future ice nucleation research and will allow quantitative comparisons of the ice nucleation ability of different particles and surfaces.
High-Fidelity Processing of Instantaneous Line-of-Sight Returns from Nacelle-Mounted Lidar including Supervised Machine Learning
Authors: Brown Kenneth A. , Herges Thomas G.
Published: May 2022

Abstract. Wind turbine applications that leverage nacelle-mounted Doppler lidar are hampered by several sources of uncertainty in the lidar measurement, affecting both bias and random error. Two problems encountered especially for nacelle-mounted lidar are solid interference due to intersection of the line of sight with solid objects behind, within, or in front of the measurement volume, as well as spectral noise due primarily to limited photon capture. These two uncertainties can be reduced with high-fidelity quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) processing techniques. Our work compares three QA/QC techniques, including conventional thresholding, advanced filtering, and a novel application of supervised machine learning with ensemble neural networks, based on their ability to reduce uncertainty introduced by the two observed non-ideal spectral features. The approach leverages data from a field experiment involving a continuous-wave (CW) SpinnerLidar from the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) that provided scans of a wide range of flows both unwaked and waked by a field turbine. Independent measurements from an overlapped meteorological tower permit experimental validation of the instantaneous velocity uncertainty remaining after QA/QC processing that stems from solid interference and strong spectral noise, which is a validation that has not been performed previously. All three methods perform similarly for non-interfered returns, but the advanced filtering and machine learning techniques perform better when solid interference is present, which allows them to produce overall standard deviations of error between 0.2 and 0.3 m/s, or a 1–22 % improvement versus the conventional thresholding technique, over the rotor height for the unwaked cases. Between the two improved techniques, the advanced filtering produces 3.5 % higher overall data availability, while the machine learning offers a faster runtime (i.e, ~1 second to evaluate) that is therefore more commensurate with the requirements of real-time turbine control. The QA/QC techniques are described in terms of application to CW lidar, though they are also relevant to pulsed lidar. Previous work by the authors (Brown and Herges, 2020) explored a novel attempt to quantify uncertainty after a lidar QA/QC process using simulated lidar returns; this article provides true uncertainty quantification versus independent measurement and does so for three rather than one QA/QC techniques.
Applying dynamical systems techniques to real ocean drifters
Authors: Rypina Irina I. , Getscher Timothy , Pratt Lawrence , Ozgokmen Tamay
Published: May 2022

Abstract. This paper presents the first comprehensive comparison of several different dynamical-systems-based measures of stirring and Lagrangian coherence, computed from real ocean drifters. Seven commonly used methods (finite-time Lyapunov exponent, trajectory path length, trajectory correlation dimension, trajectory encounter volume, Lagrangian-averaged vorticity deviation, dilation, and spectral clustering) were applied to 135 surface drifters in the Gulf of Mexico in order to map out the dominant Lagrangian coherent structures. Among the detected structures were regions of hyperbolic nature resembling stable manifolds from classical examples, divergent and convergent zones, and groups of drifters that moved more coherently and stayed closer together than the rest of the drifters. Many methods highlighted the same structures, but there were differences too. Overall, 5 out of 7 methods provided useful information about the geometry of transport within the domain spanned by the drifters.
Where to GreenDrill? Site selection for cosmogenic nuclide exposure dating of the bed of the Greenland Ice Sheet
Authors: Briner Jason P. , Walcott Caleb K. , Schaefer Joerg M. , Young Nicolás , MacGregor Joseph A. , Poinar Kristin , Keisling Benjamin A. , Anandakrishnan Sridhar , Albert Mary R. , Kuhl Tanner , Boeckmann Grant
Published: May 2022

Abstract. Direct observations of the size of the Greenland Ice Sheet during Quaternary interglaciations are sparse yet valuable for testing numerical models of ice sheet history and sea level contribution. Recent measurements of cosmogenic nuclides in bedrock from beneath the Greenland Ice Sheet collected during past deep drilling campaigns reveal that the ice sheet was significantly smaller, and perhaps largely absent, sometime during the past 1.1 million years. These discoveries from decades-old basal samples motivate new, targeted sampling for cosmogenic nuclide analysis beneath the ice sheet. Current drills available for retrieving bed material from the US Ice Drilling Program require <700 m ice thickness and a frozen bed, while quartz-bearing bedrock lithologies are required for measuring a large suite of cosmogenic nuclides. We find that these and other requirements yield only ~3.4 % of the Greenland Ice Sheet bed as a suitable drilling target using presently available technology. Additional factors related to scientific questions of interest are which areas of the present ice sheet are the most sensitive to warming, where a retreating ice sheet would expose bare ground rather than leave a remnant ice cap, and which areas are most likely to remain frozen bedded throughout glacial cycles and thus best preserve cosmogenic nuclides? Here we identify locations beneath the Greenland Ice Sheet that are best suited for potential future drilling and analysis. These include sites bordering Inglefield Land in northwestern Greenland, near Victoria Fjord and Mylius-Erichsen Land in northern Greenland, and inland from the alpine topography along the ice margin in eastern and northeastern Greenland.
Blockworlds 0.1.0: a demonstration of anti-aliased geophysics for probabilistic inversions of implicit and kinematic geological models
Authors: Scalzo Richard , Lindsay Mark , Jessell Mark , Pirot Guillaume , Giraud Jeremie , Cripps Edward , Cripps Sally
Published: May 2022

Abstract. Parametric geological models such as implicit or kinematic models provide
low-dimensional, interpretable representations of 3-D geological structures. Combining these models with geophysical data in a probabilistic joint inversion framework provides an opportunity to directly quantify
uncertainty in geological interpretations. For best results, care must be taken with the intermediate step of rendering parametric geology in a finite-resolution discrete basis for the geophysical calculation. Calculating geophysics from naively voxelized geology, as exported from commonly used geological modeling tools, can produce a poor approximation to the true likelihood, degrading posterior inference for structural parameters. We develop a simple integrated Bayesian inversion code, called
Blockworlds, showcasing a numerical scheme to calculate anti-aliased
rock properties over regular meshes for use with gravity and magnetic sensors. We use Blockworlds to demonstrate anti-aliasing in the context of an implicit model with kinematic action for simple tectonic histories, showing its impact on the structure of the likelihood for gravity anomaly.
Localising nuclear spins by pseudocontact shifts from a single tagging site
Authors: Orton Henry W. , Abdelkader Elwy H. , Topping Lydia , Butler Stephen J. , Otting Gottfried
Published: May 2022

Abstract. Ligating a protein at a specific site with a tag molecule containing a paramagnetic metal ion provides a versatile way of generating pseudocontact shifts (PCSs) in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra. PCSs can be observed for nuclear spins far from the tagging site, and PCSs generated from multiple tagging sites have been shown to enable highly accurate structure determinations at specific sites of interest, even when using flexible tags, provided the fitted effective magnetic susceptibility anisotropy (Δχ) tensors accurately back-calculate the experimental PCSs measured in the immediate vicinity of the site of interest. The present work investigates the situation where only the local structure of a protein region or bound ligand is to be determined rather than the structure of the entire molecular system. In this case, the need for gathering structural information from tags deployed at multiple sites may be queried. Our study presents a computational simulation of the structural information available from samples produced with single tags attached at up to six different sites, up to six different tags attached to a single site, and in-between scenarios. The results indicate that the number of tags is more important than the number of tagging sites. This has important practical implications, as it is much easier to identify a single site that is suitable for tagging than multiple ones. In an initial experimental demonstration with the ubiquitin mutant S57C, PCSs generated with four different tags at a single site are shown to accurately pinpoint the location of amide protons in different segments of the protein.
Helping Undergraduates to Contribute to an Evidence Based World
Authors:   Nottingham Trent University, Marriott John , Davies Neville ,   Nottingham Trent University
Published: May 2022

In recent times many authors have advocated change to the way statistics is taught to specialist and non-specialist undergraduates. One argument has been that adopting an approach that reflects real world experiences would better equip them for joining an evidence-based world after graduating. Even though some progress has been made, steps to change things have not been taken by curriculum designers or the vast majority of teachers of undergraduate statistics courses. More recently, in 2006 in the UK there were urgent calls from the Higher Education Funding Councils and the Economics and Social Science Research Council for proposals to develop undergraduate curricula to address the needs of today’s evidence based world. We describe an approach to teaching statistics to students in the key discipline area of the social sciences using an evidence-based problem-solving approach. Examples of materials that can be used to support this approach are also presented.
The State, Security, and Intervention beyond West Africa: examining the arc of instability and conflict on the continent of Africa
Authors: Yoroms Gani
Published: May 2022

Considering the tense moments of crises and conflicts which West Africa went through before the end of the Cold War, it was least expected that the post-cold-war era would unleash another moment of crisis—one that would be even more devastating to the entire continent. However, the end of the Cold War, and the events at the aftermath of 9/11, saw not only West Africa, but the entire African continent, immersed in a series of ongoing critical security paradoxes. This paper attempts to contribute to, and build upon, the insights of a key expert, Emmanuel Aning Kwesi, on the West Africa security conundrum as enunciated in the publication, “West Africa Security Perspectives: Kwesi Aning Explains,” published by the Danish Institute for International Studies. Emanuel Kwesi Aning, a Professor of Political Science and International Relations at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre, Ghana, was tasked to explain how the West African subregion found itself smeared by critical security scenarios. Aning, in his discourse, focused on eight critical security challenges in the sub-region, including the weak nature of the state, the rise and existence of organised crime, illegal mining, climate change, demography and urbanization, armed robbery at sea and piracy, security, and intervention. This paper continues the dialogue with Kwesi Aning by summarizing the eight critical security paradoxes into three major areas: the character of the state, the nature of security, and the necessity for external intervention. This paper also goes beyond the West African scenario in which Professor Kwesi Aning situated his discourse and submits that this challenge is not only for West Africa, but for the entire continent.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATION OF WOODEN CASKET PRODUCTION ON AMBIENT AIR QUALITY IN PART OF OWERRI MUNICIPAL, SOUTH EASTERN NIGERIA
Authors: Ubuoh E.A , Nwogu F.U. , Biose E
Published: May 2022

The study assessed the effect of wooden casket production on air quality at old market road in Owerri South Eastern Nigeria. The study was carried out in October, 2019, during morning, afternoon and evening periods of the day respectively. Priority air quality parameters sampled included: SO2, PM10, CO, NO2, TVOC, H2S, HCN and Cl2 alongside climatic variables at graded distances. Outdoor air quality was measured by digital air monitors hourly. Data collected were analyzed using ANOVA, SPSS v.20 software, and mean values separated using Duncan at p<0.05 significant level. Results were compared to Environmental standards, Air Quality Index (AQI) and Pollutant Standard Index (PSI). Ambient air qualities were significantly different (p<0.05) at the various distances except for PM10, SO2, CO, NO2, VOC, H2S, HCN and Cl2 which were all above the standards for clean air, describing the area as non-attainment spot. Temperature, relative humidity and wind speed were recorded in the mean values of 31.6oC, 91.6%, and 0.2m/s respectively. The result ranged in order of abundance: afternoon (A)>evening (E)>morning (M) respectively. Air quality rating ranged between poor - D (PM10) to very poor - E (CO, NO2, SO2), implying the poor stage of atmospheric air in the study area.  The mean results of the PSI showed that PM10 ranged from 133.96±0.75 - 138.5±1.25µg/m3, CO ranged from 183.25±1.2 - 297.59±6.47ppm while VOC ranged from 124.08±0.27-127.36±0.42ppm that fall within unhealthy and very unhealthy respectively. The results suggest that relocation of the industry and awareness creation on the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) by casket workers to avert occupational health hazards at work.
Kahramanmaraş Türkülerinin Konu, Makam, Usûl ve Ses Özellikleri Açısından İncelenmesi
Authors: KUM Elif Türkan , ULUSOY YILMAZ Duygu
Published: May 2022

Kahramanmaraş, tarihi Hititlere kadar uzanan köklü bir miras üzerine inşa edilmiş bir şehirdir. Böylesine köklü bir kültür mirası bulunan Kahramanmaraş’ın müzik kültürü de elbette çok eskilere uzanmaktadır. Zamanla Anadolu Türk kültürünün egemen olmasıyla şehrin en önemli müzik mirasını türküler oluşturmaya başlamıştır. Bu çalışmada, TRT Halk müziği repertuvarında yer alan, Kahramanmaraş yöresine kayıtlı türküler, betimsel tarama modeline göre ele alınmıştır. İncelenen 78 türkü konu, makam, usûl ve ses özelliklerine göre ele alındı. Kahramanmaraş yöresine kayıtlı türkülerin incelenmesi neticesinde; en çok işlenen konunun aşk ve sevda olduğu, bunu kahramanlık ve asker türküleri, ağıtlar, oyun ve tören konulu türküler izler. Makam olarak hüseyni makamının baskın olduğu yöre türkülerinin çoğunluk olarak karar sesinin la sesi, aynı şekilde bitiş sesinin de çoğunluk olarak la sesi olduğu tespit edildi. Kahramanmaraş yöresine kayıtlı türküler usûl açısından incelendiğinde 4/4’lük usûlün çoğunlukla kullanıldığı görülür. Türkiye Radyo Televizyon Kurumu (TRT) halk müziği repertuvar yer alan 78 Kahramanmaraş türküsünün incelenmesi neticesinde elde edilen veriler, grafik olarak çalışma içinde açıklamalarıyla verildi.
CENTRAL AND SOUTH ASIA AS A PRIORITY OF RUSSIAN AND BRITISH FOREIGN POLICY IN THE SECOND HALF OF THE 19TH AND EARLY 20TH CENTURIES
Authors:   Eurasian National University named after L.N Gumilyov,  Republic of Kazakhstan, Zhangabulova Zhansaya M. , Alpysbes Makhsat A. ,   Eurasian National University named after L.N Gumilyov,  Republic of Kazakhstan
Published: May 2022

For centuries, world powers have struggled for influence in the geographical area formed by Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Central Asia is the least explored world region and has long been a source of geopolitical tension. The aim of this study was to characterize Central and South Asia as a priority for Russian and British foreign policy in the second half of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Scientific and historiographic methods were used to analyze documented facts and ensure reliable results. Foreign policy relations of the Russian Empire and Great Britain during the great geopolitical confrontation were analyzed by comparison. The results support the hypothesis that there were influence spheres, contentious issues, and interests, which enabled the players to find compromises at the end of the ‘Great Game’ without resorting to force. These facts enriched diplomatic practices in buffer states, natural boundaries, de-escalation, and agreements for improving conflict management between competing foreign nations.
Beyond procurement: Anchor institutions and adaptations for resilience
Authors: Cunningham Naomi , Conner David , Whitehouse Claire , Blair Henry , Krueger Jessica
Published: May 2022

According to prior research, local food purchases at anchor institutions (AIs) support community development and food system resilience. AIs are placed-based organizations, such as schools, uni­versi­ties, and hospitals, that support their commu­nities by virtue of their mission. The COVID-19 pan­demic presents a unique opportunity to exam­ine how these institutions can support food system resilience during a period of increasing food inse­curity and supply chain disruptions. This study uses mixed methods, including interview and survey data, to investigate how foodservice operations at New England AIs adapted to COVID-19 and sup­ported local food systems throughout the pan­demic. The findings demonstrate that AIs experi­enced shortages of everyday food items among their broadline distributors—large, national distrib­utors that carry a wide variety of food products. However, AIs adapted to these shortages and found alternate sources for these products thanks to mutually beneficial relationships with local pro­ducers. Having relationships with both local and national distributors was an important source of functional redundancy within institutional food supply chains, reducing institutions’ reliance on a single supplier and enhancing their resilience. This finding suggests that local purchasing relationships help AIs adapt to systemic disruptions, further incentivizing farm-to-institution programs. This study also found that AIs engaged in a wide array of food access initiatives during the pandemic, including pop-up grocery stores and serving free or reduced-price meals. These initiatives supported staff members and communities through food shortages and increased food insecurity. We sug­gest that these diverse food access initiatives, some of which were created in response to COVID-19 and many of which were in place before the pan­demic, are an accessible way for AIs to support food system resilience in capacities beyond procurement.