bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biochar for Climate Change Adaptation: Effect on Heavy Metal Composition of Telfairia occidentalis Leaves
Authors: Akachukwu Doris , Gbadegesin Michael Adedapo , Ojimelukwe Philippa Chinyere , Atkinson Christopher John 
Published: May 2021

AbstractGas flaring is a key contributor of greenhouse gases that causes global warming and climate change. Adaptation measures for tackling impacts of climate change have gained much research interest. This chapter assessed vegetable farmers’ perception of gas flaring and the effect of biochar remediation on the heavy metal composition of cultivatedTelfairia occidentalis.A gas-flared area, Ohaji/Egbema L.G.A of Imo State, and a non-gas-flared area, Umudike, Ikwuano L.G.A, were selected for this research. Structured questionnaire was used to elicit information from 120 respondents. Soils were collected from the study sites and transported to the greenhouse. Five different rates, 0 t ha−1, 7.1 t ha−1, 13.9 t ha−1, 20.9 t ha−1, and 28.0 t ha−1, of palm bunch biochar were applied to the soils in plastic buckets. After 2 weeks of mineralization, two viable seeds ofTelfairia occidentaliswere planted in each bucket and watered every other day for 8 weeks. The result revealed that 63% of vegetable farmers where female, while 37% were male in the gas-flared area. A total of 97% of the farmers had knowledge of gas flaring. A total decrease of 55% percent income, 90% yield, and 67% market quality of vegetable farmers was attributed to gas-flared activities. The plant height of cultivated vegetables increased every 2 weeks with greater increase in the test plant. Heavy metal concentration (Pb, and Cr) decreased with increasing biochar rate and was significantly lower for 28.0 t ha−1. Biochar can enhance soil fertility and help immobilize heavy metals. The effect of biochar application on the heavy metal composition is dependent on the rate of application. Biochar use could be a cheap adaptation measure in the face of a changing climate.
Underutilized Indigenous Vegetables’ (UIVs) Business in Southwestern Nigeria: Climate Adaptation Strategies
Authors: Tanimonure V. A. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe impact of climate change, especially on agricultural sector, calls for a global and more localized strategies such as cultivation of underutilized indigenous vegetables (UIVs) which adapt better to local climate change. This chapter, therefore, examines the perception of UIVs farmers to climate change, their experiences of UIVs’ responses to climate change, adaptation strategies employed, and the determinants of the decision to adopt them in Southwest Nigeria. The study uses quantitative and qualitative primary household data from 191 UIVs farmers, 8 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), and secondary climate data from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency. Descriptive and econometric analyses are employed in the data analyses. The results show that farmers’ perceptions of climate change are high temperature and a high variability in rainfall pattern that has affected the yield, increased insects, pests, and diseases infestations, and reduced soil fertility. The results further show that the responses of UIVs to these resultant effects differ as such, and adaptation strategies farmers adopt are UIVs-specific. The adaptation strategies mostly employed by the UIVs farmers are cultivating UIVs along the river bank and the least is agroforestry and perennial plantation. The determinants of the decision to adopt adaptation strategies include UIVs revenue, age, years of experience, access to climate information, climate change awareness, agro ecological zone, and access to credit. Thus, promotion of UIVs business is advocated and provision of information on climate change essential and will encourage farmers to adopt appropriate climate change adaptation strategies to boost UIVs business.
Role of Small Grains in Adapting to Climate Change: Zvishavane District, Zimbabwe
Authors: Nciizah Tendai , Nciizah Elinah , Mubekaphi Caroline , Nciizah Adornis D. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractClimate change has become one of the most profound threats to smallholder agriculture in semi-arid and arid areas. Farmers in this sector are especially vulnerable to climate change due to reliance on rain-fed agriculture, limited access to capital and technology among other challenges. While several potential adaptation options exist, many barriers hinder effective adoption of these practices, hence production in marginal areas remains very low. This chapter discusses crop adaptation through the adoption of small grains in Zvishavane rural, a semi-arid area in Zimbabwe. Small grains are conducive in hot areas; their drought-tolerant nature enables them to thrive in marginal areas making them an appropriate strategy in responding to climate change. However, several production and policy challenges associated with small grain production hinder their adoption by farmers. In view of this, this chapter discusses the potential of small grains as an adaptation strategy to climate change in Zvishavane District, Zimbabwe, and addresses potential challenges and opportunities for increased adoption and future research. The review showed that farmers in Zvishavane have perceived climate change due to noticeable changes in rainfall and temperature patterns in the past years. Despite small grain production being the best strategy due to drought and high temperature tolerance, an insignificant number of Zvishavane farmers is involved in small grain production. This is due to numerous barriers such as high labor demand associated with small grain production, the challenge posed by the quelea birds, food preferences, low markets, and low extension services and government support. It is therefore necessary to encourage adoption of small grains by developing improved varieties, adoption of climate smart agricultural practices, improved technical support, and access to markets among other interventions.
GIS-Based Assessment of Solar Energy Harvesting Sites and Electricity Generation Potential in Zambia
Authors: Mwanza Mabvuto , Ulgen Koray 
Published: May 2021

AbstractLand and environment are some of limited nature resource for any particular country and requires best use. Therefore, for sustainable energy generation it is often important to maximize land use and avoid or minimize environmental and social impact when selecting the potential locations for solar energy harvesting. This chapter presents an approach for identifying and determining the potential sites and available land areas for solar energy harvesting. Hence, the restricting and enhancing parameters that influence sites selection based on international regulation have been imposed to the Laws of Zambia on environmental protection and pollution control legislative framework. Thus, both international regulations and local environmental protection and pollution control legislative have been used for identifying the potential sites and evaluating solar PV electricity generation potential in these potential sites. The restricting parameters were applied to reduce territory areas to feasible potential sites and available areas that are suitable for solar energy harvesting. The assessment involved two different models: firstly the assessment of potential sites and mapping using GIS, and secondly, evaluation of the available suitable land areas and feasible solar PV electricity generation potential in each provinces using analytical methods. The total available suitable area of the potential sites is estimated at 82,564.601 km2representing 10.97% of Zambia’s total surface area. This potential is equivalent to 10,240.73 TWh annual electricity generation potential with potential to reduce CO2emissions in the nation and achieve SDGs. The identification of potential sites and solar energy will help improve the understanding of the potential solar energy can contribute to achieving sustainable national energy mix in Zambia. Furthermore, it will help the government in setting up tangible energy targets and effective integration of solar PV systems into national energy mix.
Climate Variability on Fishing Activities in Inland Waters: Case of Owena River in Ondo and Osun States, Nigeria
Authors: Adeleke Lydia , Jerry Jacob Victor , Ayal Desalegn , Oluwatobi Akinola Joshua , Sunday Ayodele Idowu , Amos Ajibefun Igbekele 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis chapter examined the effects of climate variability on fishing activities in inland waters: the case of Owena River in Ondo and Osun States, Nigeria. The particular inland water body (Owena) was selected purposively because the Owena River crosses across the two States (Ondo and Osun States). A total of 100 respondents/fisher folks were selected randomly. Primary data was used to get information from the respondents with the aid of the structured questionnaire. Secondary data was used to get information on the climate variability existing in the locations in order to achieve the set objectives. Specifically, the effects of climatic variables such as temperature, rainfall, and wind were determined on fisher folk, fishing duration, fish catch, fishing techniques, and fishing equipment/gears. Descriptive survey design was used to examine the demographic characteristics of respondents. The result revealed that most of the respondents (96%) were male. This chapter established that climate variability particularly strong wind, rainfall, and temperature has adverse effects on fishing activities such as reduction in fish catch, long duration of fishing, loss of fishing gear, change in fishing techniques, and effect on health; hence, the livelihoods of the residence are adversely affected on the long run. In addition to the adverse effect of poverty and loss of life for the fisher folks. Although, the fisher folks livelihoods depend mainly on fisheries resources and optimum fishing depends on favorable climate/weather conditions. Therefore, proper preventive coping strategies against the adverse effect of climate variables should be paramount in both States (Ondo and Ekiti) to improve livelihoods and food security.
Impacts of Global Warming on West African Monsoon Rainfall
Authors: Gbode Imoleayo E. , Ajayi Vincent O. , Ogunjobi Kehinde O. , Dudhia Jimy , Liu Changhai 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe impacts of global warming on rainfall in West Africa were examined using a numerical framework for 5 monsoon years (2001, 2007, 2008, 2010, and 2011). Rainfall characteristics over the three climatic zones, Guinea coast, Savannah, and Sahel, were analyzed. The potential changes associated with global warming were assessed by the pseudo-global warming (PGW) downscaling method. Multiple PGW runs were conducted using climate perturbation from the 40-member ensemble of the Community Earth System Model version 1 (CESM1) coupled with Community Atmospheric Model version 5.2 (CAM5.2) component large ensemble project. The model output was compared with Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission and Global Precipitation Climatology Project rainfall alongside surface temperature from the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecast Reanalysis. Results show that the estimated rainfall amount from the future climate in the 2070s increases slightly compared with the current climate. The total rainfall amount simulated for the current climate is 16% and 63% less than that of the PGW runs and observations, respectively. Also found is an increase (decrease) in heavy (light and moderate) rainfall amount in the PGW runs. These results are, however, contingent on the global circulation model (GCM), which provides the boundary conditions of the regional climate model. CESM1.0-CAM5.2, the GCM employed in this study, tends to provide a greater surface temperature change of about 4 °C. This projected temperature change consequently caused the increase in the simulated precipitation in the PGW experiments, thus highlighting the advantage of using the PGW method to estimate the likely difference between the present and future climate with reduced large-scale model differences and computational resources. The findings of this study are, however, useful to inform decision-making in climate-related activities and guide the design of climate change adaptation projects for the West African region.
FinTech Applications
Authors: Chen Chung-Chi , Huang Hen-Hsen , Chen Hsin-Hsi 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe Financial Stability Board defines financial technology (FinTech) as “technology-enabled innovation in financial services.” At the 2015 World Economic Forum, experts proposed a taxonomy for financial services that can be classified into six major categories: payments, deposits and lending, market provisioning, capital raising, insurance, and investment management. Because financial opinion mining can be applied to many listed services, we survey various cases in this chapter and show that financial opinion mining is useful and crucial in many financial application scenarios.
Topological field theories and symmetry protected topological phases with fusion category symmetries
Authors: Inamura Kansei 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Fusion category symmetries are finite symmetries in 1+1 dimensions described by unitary fusion categories. We classify 1+1d time-reversal invariant bosonic symmetry protected topological (SPT) phases with fusion category symmetry by using topological field theories. We first formulate two-dimensional unoriented topological field theories whose symmetry splits into time-reversal symmetry and fusion category symmetry. We then solve them to show that SPT phases are classified by equivalence classes of quintuples (Z, M, i, s, ϕ) where (Z, M, i) is a fiber functor, s is a sign, and ϕ is the action of orientation- reversing symmetry that is compatible with the fiber functor (Z, M, i). We apply this classification to SPT phases with Kramers-Wannier-like self-duality.
Bounded and almost periodic solvability of nonautonomous quasilinear hyperbolic systems
Authors: Kmit Irina , Recke Lutz , Tkachenko Viktor 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe paper concerns boundary value problems for general nonautonomous first-order quasilinear hyperbolic systems in a strip. We construct small global classical solutions, assuming that the right-hand sides are small. In the case that all data of the quasilinear problem are almost periodic, we prove that the bounded solution is also almost periodic. For the nonhomogeneous version of a linearized problem, we provide stable dissipativity conditions ensuring a unique bounded continuous solution for any smooth right-hand sides. In the autonomous case, this solution is two times continuously differentiable. In the nonautonomous case, the continuous solution is differentiable under additional dissipativity conditions, which are essential. A crucial ingredient of our approach is a perturbation theorem for general linear hyperbolic systems. One of the technical complications we overcome is the “loss of smoothness” property of hyperbolic PDEs.
Measuring the Head Circumference on MRI in Children: an Interrater Study
Authors: Rau Alexander , Demerath Theo , Kremers Nico , Eckenweiler Matthias , von der Warth Rieka , Urbach Horst 
Published: May 2021

AbstractPurposeThe head circumference is typically used as a surrogate parameter for the development of the central nervous system and intracranial structures and is an important clinical parameter in neuropediatrics. As magnetic resonance images (MRI) can be freely zoomed, visual analysis of the head size often relies on impressions, such as the craniofacial ratio or a simplified gyral pattern. Aim of this study was to validate an MRI-based method to measure the head circumference.MethodsHead circumferences of 85 children (41 microcephalies, 22 macrocephalies and 22 normal controls; 47 male, mean age 3.22 ± 2.45 years, range 0.19–10.42 years) were retrospectively measured using sagittal 3D-T1w (MPRAGE) data sets. Three readers independently placed an ovoid region of interest in an axial plane starting from the supraorbital bulge and covering the largest supra-auricular head circumference. Clinical measurements of the head circumference taken within an acceptable period served for comparative purposes. Reliability was assessed by calculating the total error of measurement (TEM) and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).ResultsA close correlation was found between MRI-based and clinical measurements. The interrater reliability was excellent (ICC 0.985, 95% confidence interval 0.952–0.993). Absolute TEM ranged from 0.47–0.75, resulting in relative TEM ranging from 1.0–1.6%. Thus, TEMs were classified as acceptable. The mean accuracy of MRI-based measurements was high at 0.94.ConclusionThe head circumference can be reliably determined with a simple measurement on 3D sequences using multiplanar reformations. This approach may help to diagnose microcephaly and macrocephaly, especially when the head circumference is not reported by the referring physician.
Automation technology as a key component of the Industry 4.0 production development path
Authors: Brecher Christian , Müller Aleksandra , Dassen Yannick , Storms Simon 
Published: May 2021

AbstractSince 2011, the Industry 4.0 initiative is a key research and development direction towards flexible production systems in Germany. The objective of the initiative is to deal with the challenge of an increased production complexity caused by various factors such as increasing global competition between companies, product variety, and individualization to meet customer needs. For this, Industry 4.0 envisions an overarching connection of information technologies with the production process, enabling smart manufacturing. Bringing current production systems to this objective will be a long transformation process, which requires a coherent migration path. The aim of this paper is to represent an exemplary production development way towards Industry 4.0 using eminent formalization approaches and standardized automation technologies.
Efficacy and safety of magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound for the treatment of painful bone metastases: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Baal Joe D. , Chen William C. , Baal Ulysis , Wagle Sagar , Baal Jed H. , Link Thomas M. , Bucknor Matthew D. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Objective
To report the safety and efficacy of magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) in the treatment of painful bone metastases through a systematic review and meta-analysis of pain scores before and after MRgFUS treatment and post-treatment adverse events.

Materials and methods
A comprehensive literature search of PubMed and Embase databases was performed for studies evaluating the efficacy and/or safety of MRgFUS. The mean difference of pain scores (10-point visual analogue scale or numerical rating scale) between baseline and 1-month/3-month pain scores was collected and analyzed in a pooled meta-analysis. Post-treatment adverse events based on the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) grading were recorded and the pooled prevalence was calculated.

Results
A total of 33 studies published between 2007 and 2019 were collected, resulting in a total sample size of 1082 patients. The majority of the studies were prospective with a reported follow-up period of 3 months. The pooled proportion of patients that achieved pain relief from MRgFUS (complete response or partial response [≥ 2-point improvement of pain score]) was 79% (95% CI 73–83%). The pooled 1-month and 3-month mean difference in pain score were − 3.8 (95% CI − 4.3; − 3.3) and − 4.4 (95% CI − 5.0; − 3.7), respectively. The overall rate of high-grade (CTCAE grade 3 or higher) and low-grade (CTCAE grade 2 or lower) MRgFUS-related adverse events were 0.9% and 5.9%, respectively.

Conclusion
MRgFUS is an effective procedure that is able to provide significant pain palliation for patients with symptomatic bone metastases with a favorable safety profile.
Vorhersage der Fließgewässertemperaturen in österreichischen Einzugsgebieten mittels Machine Learning-Verfahren
Authors: Feigl Moritz , Lebiedzinski Katharina , Herrnegger Mathew , Schulz Karsten 
Published: May 2021

ZusammenfassungDie Fließgewässertemperatur ist ein essenzieller Umweltfaktor, der das Potenzial hat, sowohl ökologische als auch sozio-ökonomische Rahmenbedingungen im Umfeld eines Gewässers zu verändern. Um Fließgewässertemperaturen als Grundlage für effektive Anpassungsstrategien für zukünftige Veränderungen (z. B. durch den Klimawandel) berechnen zu können, sind adäquate Modellierungskonzepte notwendig. Die vorliegende Studie untersucht hierfür 6 Machine Learning-Modelle: Schrittweise Lineare Regression, Random Forest, eXtreme Gradient Boosting, Feedforward Neural Networks und zwei Arten von Recurrent Neural Networks. Die Modelle wurden an 10 österreichischen Einzugsgebieten mit unterschiedlichen physiographischen Eigenschaften und Eingangsdatenkombinationen getestet. Die Hyperparameter der angewandten Modelle wurden mittels Bayes’scher Hyperparameteroptimierung optimiert. Um die Ergebnisse mit anderen Studien vergleichbar zu machen, wurden die Vorhersagen der 6 Machine Learning-Modelle den Ergebnissen der linearen Regression und dem häufig verwendeten und bekannten Wassertemperaturmodell air2stream gegenübergestellt.Von den 6 getesteten Modellen zeigten die Feedforward Neural Networks und das eXtreme Gradient Boosting die besten Vorhersagen in jeweils 4 von 10 Einzugsgebieten. Mit einem durchschnittlichen RMSE (Wurzel der mittleren Fehlerquadratsumme; root mean squared error) von 0,55 °C konnten die getesteten Modelle die Fließgewässertemperaturen deutlich besser prognostizieren als die lineare Regression (1,55 °C) und air2stream (0,98 °C). Generell zeigten die Ergebnisse der 6 Modelle eine sehr vergleichbare Leistung mit lediglich einer mittleren Abweichung um den Medianwert von 0,08 °C zwischen den einzelnen Modellen. Im größten untersuchten Einzugsgebiet – Donau bei Kienstock – wiesen Recurrent Neural Networks die höchste Modellgüte auf, was darauf hinweist, dass sie sich am besten eignen, wenn im Einzugsgebiet Prozesse mit langfristigen Abhängigkeiten ausschlaggebend sind. Die Wahl der Hyperparameter beeinflusste die Vorhersagefähigkeit der Modelle stark, was die Bedeutung der Hyperparameteroptimierung besonders hervorhebt.Die Ergebnisse dieser Studie fassen die Bedeutung unterschiedlicher Eingangsdaten, Modelle und Trainingscharakteristiken für die Modellierung von mittleren täglichen Fließgewässertemperaturen zusammen. Gleichzeitig dient diese Studie als Basis für die Entwicklung zukünftiger Modelle für eine regionale Fließgewässertemperaturvorhersage. Die getesteten Modelle stehen im open source R‑Paket wateRtemp allen AnwenderInnen der Forschungsgemeinschaft und der Praxis zur Verfügung.
Präklinische Bluttransfusion bei lebensbedrohlicher Blutung – erweiterte lebensrettende Therapieoptionen durch das Konzept Medical Intervention Car
Authors: Schneider N. R. E. , Weilbacher F. , Maurer T. , Würmell A. M. , Leo A. , Weigand M. A. , Popp E. 
Published: May 2021

ZusammenfassungDas Medical Intervention Car (MIC) der Klinik für Anästhesiologie des Universitätsklinikums Heidelberg (UKHD) stellt ein neuartiges experimentelles Versorgungskonzept dar, welches zusätzliche Expertise und bisher nur innerklinisch etablierte Interventionen in der Präklinik verfügbar macht. Hierzu zählen die Transfusion von Blutprodukten, die Notfallthorakotomie, die „resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta“ (REBOA) sowie die Möglichkeit zur extrakorporalen kardiopulmonalen Reanimation (eCPR). Anhand der Fallvorstellung eines jungen Patienten, der sich mit einer Kettensäge in der Leiste verletzte und einen hämorrhagisch bedingten Kreislaufstillstand erlitt, wird insbesondere die Möglichkeit der lebensrettenden Transfusion diskutiert. In diesem Einsatz führte ein integratives präklinisches Versorgungskonzept, bestehend aus Rettungswagen, Notarzteinsatzfahrzeug und MIC, zur Wiederherstellung des Spontankreislaufs und einer vollständigen zerebralen Erholung des Patienten.