Process understanding of the interaction between streamflow, groundwater and water usages under drought are hampered by a limited number of gauging stations, especially in tributaries. Recent technological advances facilitate the application of non-commercial measurement devices for monitoring environmental systems. The Dreisam River in the South-West of Germany was affected by several hydrological drought events from 2015 to 2020, when parts of the main stream and tributaries fell dry. A flexible longitudinal water quality and quantity monitoring network was set up in 2018. Among other measurements it employs an image based method with QR codes as fiducial marker. In order to assess under which conditions the QR-code based water level loggers (WLL) deliver data according to scientific standards, we present a comparison to conventional capacitive based WLL. The results from 20 monitoring stations reveal that the riverbed was dry for > 50 \% at several locations and even for > 70 \% at most severely affected locations during July and August 2020, with the north western parts of the catchment being especially concerned. Thus, the highly variable longitudinal drying patterns of the stream reaches could be monitored. The image-based method was found to be a valuable asset for identification of confounding factors and validation of zero level occurrences. Nevertheless, a simple image processing approach (based on an automatic thresholding algorithm) did not compensate for errors due to natural conditions and technical setup. Our findings highlight that the complexity of measurement environments is a major challenge when working with image-based methods.

We examined changes in catchment-scale annual and seasonal evapotranspiration after 50% strip thinning, using runoff data from headwater catchments. The short-term water balance (STWB) method between periods from 8 to 100 days was applied to the treated (KT) and control (KC) catchments. The estimated evapotranspiration during the pre- and post-thinning periods were 840 and 910 and 780 and 860 mm/year in the catchments KT and KC, respectively. According to a paired catchment analysis of estimated evapotranspiration, monthly evapotranspiration increased from 3 to 20 mm from June to December, while it decreased from 7 to 31 mm from January to May. The estimated annual and monthly evapotranspiration was compatible with the values monitored in the plot-scale interception, canopy transpiration, and ground surface evapotranspiration. Our findings showed that the decreases in evapotranspiration due to 50% thinning were similar or different in different methods of measurement when compared with thinning in the other catchments around the world. The STWB model can evaluate the effects of timber harvesting on changes in evapotranspiration (ET), including the reproduction of seasonal patterns of ET.

Urban waterlogging becomes a challenge with the higher urbanization. This paper aims to assess waterlogging risk in the high-tech district of Zhengzhou city in China by coupling land surface hazard-pregnant (LSHP) features and underground pipe network operation (UPNO) characteristics. The LSHP risk is assessed according to the regional surface features firstly, and then with the UPNO characteristics by the Storm Water Management Model (SWMM), the conduit, junction and inundation risk indices are proposed to evaluate UPNO risk. Based on the LSHP risk and UPNO risk, the integrated waterlogging risks of different land use types are evaluated with rainstorm in different return periods (such as 1, 3, 5 and 10 years) and the “7.20 rainstorm event”. The results show that the LSHP risk is not matched with the UPNO risk of each sub-region. From downtown to suburb, the LSHP risk increases first and then decreases, while the UPNO risk decreases. Combing with the LSHP and UPNO risk indices, the urban waterlogging risk is fully revealed, and it indicates that the study area can effectively resist rainstorm with return periods of 1 and 3 years. But for rainstorm with return period of more than 3 year, the rainwater will occur in the whole area. With the situation of the “7.20 rainstorm event”, the anti-waterlogging engineering will be almost lost their functions. Generally, the waterlogging risk is higher in the northwest and southeast of the downtown and it becomes smaller in the suburbs.

River estuaries are characterized by mixing processes between isotopically depleted freshwater inflows and isotopically more enriched marine water masses. Therefore, they often show linear correlation between salinity and water isotopes (δ18O and δ2H values). Here we evaluated spatial and seasonal isotope dynamics along three estuarine lagoon transects at the northern German Baltic Sea coast. The data show strong seasonality of isotope values even at locations located furthest from the river mouths. They further reveal a positive and linear salinity-isotope correlation in spring, but hyperbolic and partially even reverse correlation in summers. We conclude that additional physical processes, such as evaporation from the shallow lagoons, overprint the two-phase mixing correlation during summers. Understanding of those water isotope dynamics are crucial in context of ecological studies, for example when interpreting oxygen and hydrogen isotope data in aquatic organisms that depend on ambient estuarine waters.

A document by Iqra Munir. Click on the document to view its contents.

In the present study, a 3-year pot experiment was conducted to investigate the agronomic performance of different generation hybrids between genetically modified (GM) soybean and wild soybeans as well as inheritance of the CP4-EPSPS transgene and its effects on the seed germination rate, aboveground biomass, and fecundity in F1, F2 and F3 populations. Furthermore, the expression of transgenic proteins in various hybrids was also investigated. The results showed that the F1 hybrids had higher germination rates (weaker dormancy) and lower pod and seed numbers than the wild soybean. The F2 and F3 populations also had higher germination rates than wild soybean, but the F2 and F3 populations had nearly the same biomass, pod and seed yield as their maternal parents across the whole life cycle; while the seed germination rate, biomass, and fecundity were similar in EPSPS negative, homozygous and heterozygous plants of F2 and F3 populations. Furthermore, EPSPS proteins were detectable in F1, F2 and F3 progeny at different growth stages. While EPSPS genes had little effect on crop growth and reproduction, hybridization between GM soybean to wild soybean may have more impact on hybrid growth and fecundity, especially the seed germination rate and fecundity. F1, F2 and F3 had lower seed germination but higher pod and seed production than GM soybeans, and these parameters were close to those of wild soybean. Such characteristics acquired by gene flow have the potential to promote the adaptability of hybrids and may increase the possibility of dispersal of transgenes through seed systems.

Background Cold urticaria (coldU) is associated with substantial morbidity and risk of fatality. Data on coldU in children are sparse. We aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics, management, risk of associated anaphylaxis, and resolution rate of coldU in a pediatric cohort. Additionally, we sought to compare these metrics to children with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). Methods We prospectively enrolled children with coldU from 2013-2021 in a cohort study at the Montreal Children’s Hospital and an affiliated allergy clinic. Data for comparison with participants with solely CSU were extracted from a previous study. Data on demographics, comorbidities, severity of presentation, management, and laboratory values were collected at study entry. Patients were contacted yearly to assess for resolution. Results Fifty-two children with cold urticaria were recruited, 51.9% were female and the median age of symptom onset was 9.5 years. Most patients were managed with second generation H1-antihistamines (sgAHs). Well-controlled disease on sgAHs was negatively associated with concomitant CSU (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=0.69 [95%CI: 0.53, 0.92]). Elevated eosinophils were associated with cold-induced anaphylaxis (coldA) (aOR=1.38 [95%CI: 1.04, 1.83]), which occurred in 17.3% of patients. The resolution rate of coldU was 4.8 per 100 patient-years, which was lower than that of CSU (adjusted hazard ratio=0.43 [95%CI: 0.21, 0.89], P<10-2). Conclusion Pediatric coldU bears a substantial risk of anaphylaxis and a low resolution rate. Absolute eosinophil count and co-existing CSU may be useful predictive factors.

Phytoplankton functional traits can represent particular environmental conditions in complex aquatic ecosystems. Categorizing phytoplankton species into functional groups is challenging and time-consuming, and requires high-level expertise on species autecology. In this study, we introduced an affinity analysis to aid identification of candidate associations of phytoplankton from two datasets comprised of phytoplankton and environmental information. In the Huaihe River Basin with a drainage area of 270,000 km2 in China, samples were collected from 217 selected sites during the low-water period in May 2013; monthly samples were collected during 2006-2011 in a man-made pond, Dishui Lake. Our results indicated that the affinity analysis can be used to define some meaningful functional groups. The identified phytoplankton associations reflect the ecological preferences of phytoplankton in terms of light and nutrients acquisition. Advantages and disadvantages of applying the affinity analysis to identify phytoplankton associations are discussed with perspectives of their utility in ecological assessment.

Background: Respiratory viral infections (RVIs) are frequent in preterm infants and may have long-term impact on respiratory morbidity, especially those with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BDP). The immune response and respiratory are key defence elements, so the purpose of this study is to evaluate the immune response regulation and the respiratory epithelial barrier integrity in the preterm infants suffering RVIs during Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) admission. Materials and methods: Nasopharyngeal aspirate (NPA) was obtained, separating cells from supernatants. Viral detection was performed by RT-nested PCR, and gene expression by qPCR. Proteins were detected by western blot and ELISA or Luminex. Small airway epithelial cells (SAEC) were stimulated with Poly:IC and/or wounds. Results: Pre-infection samples from 26 preterm infants that later developed RVIs had less frequency of filaggrin gene expression and fewer protein levels compared to 23 noninfected controls. Conversely, filaggrin, IL-1β, MIP-1β, VEGF and HIF-1α levels were higher in pre-infection supernatant samples, being infection-risk biomarkers. IL-17A, RANTES, VEGF, and HIF-1α levels were higher during and post infection, while MCP-1 and amphiregulin were reduced after infection. Small airway epithelial cells (SAEC) stimulated by poly:IC reduced filaggrin gene expression and increased its levels at supernatant. Finally, poly:IC stimulation over SAEC increased TLR3 and TSLP expression, while reduced AREG. Conclusion: Filaggrin gene expression and protein quantity was reduced at cellular level of the NPA, while its secreted levels were increased in basal samples from infected newborns and in SAEC stimulated with poly:IC. Our findings highlight the importance of filaggrin as a factor facilitating RVIs.

AbstractGlobally researchers have unraveled unique locations that helped to understand the chronology of the critical events concerning the Earth’s past. Among such geological events, the time-shot of the Permian-Triassic (P-Tr) extinction event is one of the significant revelations concerning the end and start of life on Earth. Among various geological sites in the world that contain the critical information regarding the P-Tr extinction event, Guryul ravine in Kashmir India is geologically a treasure. It bears specimens of primordial corals, small invertebrates, plants, and a group of mammal resembling reptiles, called therapsids. Due to its immense importance, the Government of India had decided to accredit the site of Guryul ravine section as an international fossil park.  However, due to political turmoil in the region and unabated mining and industrial activities within the vicinity of it, has threatened the very existence of this scientific wealth. This paper reviews the importance of the Guryul Ravine Section, paleoclimatic conditions of that time, and the current threats it is facing to stimulate the stakeholders for the conservation of this site in the global scientific interest. Keywords: Paleo Climate Change;  Permian–Triassic (P–Tr) boundary; P–Tr mass extinction;  Guryul Ravine; Kashmir Himalaya IntroductionGuryul ravine is a fossil enriched area of Kashmir, just south of the Srinagar city. It is a representative of the Permian–Triassic (P–Tr ) extinction event, or the Great Permian Extinction (Chen et al. 2009; Tiwari et al. 2015). Guryul thus possesses a record of a significant geological phenomenon that took place about 251.9 million years ago during the pre-dinosaur Permian period (Becker et al. 2001). Guryul Ravine was known to British geologists as back as the 1880s Sir Walter Lawrence (1895) places on record in his famous book “Valley of Kashmir” of having obtained specimens of Triassic age from the area. He also mentions the fossils specimens being collected earlier by Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Haversham Godwin-Austen, a British Geoscientist, who first discovered Guryul’s fossils in 1886 (Lawrence 1895).  Since then, in every decade, geologists from all over the world have been writing and researching about Guryul (Sweet 1970; Teichert et al. 1970; Kapoor and Sahni 1971; Furnish et al. 1973; Shimizu 1981; Wang 1990; Kapoor 1996; Algeo et al. 2007; Brosse et al. 2017). Fig. 1 shows the location of the Guryul ravine in relation to the Kashmir valley, UT of Jammu and Kashmir, and India.

Title:Comment on Halken et alAuthors :Stefano Miceli Sopo a, Dario Sinattia, Francesco Mastellone b, Giulia Bersani a, Mariannita Gelsomino b.

This paper presents acoustic emission (AE) technique for detecting onset damage of composite materials damage and validate this technique using actual AE data from fatigue crack growth. AE piezoelectric transducer was attached to glass fibre reinforced polyester composite specimen during the fatigue cyclic test. For data collection, AE parameters, i.e., duration, amplitude, and energy near fracture zone were obtained and were correlated to fatigue life. AE signals were obtained at four different applied loads (60.97MPa, 67.75MPa, 74.52MPa, and 81.30 MPa) which were 45% to 60% of ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of material. The results show correlation between AE parameters and the number of cycles to failure. This correlations show that AE can be used to predict the fatigue life and can be tool for detecting damages in composite materials.

During their operation, modern aircraft engine components are subjected to increasingly demanding operating conditions, especially the high pressure turbine (HPT) blades. Such conditions cause these parts to undergo different types of time-dependent degradation, one of which is creep. A model using the finite element method (FEM) was developed, in order to be able to predict the creep behaviour of HPT blades. Flight data records (FDR) for a specific aircraft, provided by a commercial aviation company, were used to obtain thermal and mechanical data for three different flight cycles. In order to create the 3D model needed for the FEM analysis, a HPT blade scrap was scanned, and its chemical composition and material properties were obtained. The data that was gathered was fed into the FEM model and different simulations were run, first with a simplified 3D rectangular block shape, in order to better establish the model, and then with the real 3D mesh obtained from the blade scrap. The overall expected behaviour in terms of displacement was observed, in particular at the trailing edge of the blade. Therefore such a model can be useful in the goal of predicting turbine blade life, given a set of FDR data. Abstract A review provided about non-destructive testing (NDT) methods for the evaluation of composites. The review considers the capabilities of most common methods in composite NDT applications such as Visual Testing (VT or VI), Ultrasonic Testing (UT), Thermography, Radiographic Testing (RT), Electromagnetic Testing (ET), Acoustic Emission (AE), and Shearography Testing with respect to advantages and disadvantages of these methods. Then, methods categorized based on their intrinsic characteristics and their applications.

The damage of composite structure caused by impact events is one of the most critical damages that have been caused several design problems. Understanding damage and failure of composite materials is critical in order to produce a reliable and cost-effective design. Generally, the character of impact response influences the extent of structural degradation and type of damage. Therefore, it is important to identify the properties and physical parameters that determine the nature of impact response. We need to detect, characterise, size and localise the impact damage. This study presents types of damages in composite materials, impact damage and its classification in composite materials.

This study presents the evaluation of overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) at an enterprise crank shaft manufacturing in developing country of Iran. OEE is a measuring tool of equipment in the factories in order to reduce machinery problems and optimize the productivity of production equipment. This study analyzed the failure and repair data of the production line over the period of 1 year. The components availability (A), performance efficiency (PE), and quality rate (QR) of the OEE have been computed. The critical conditions have been identified by failure and repairing data to improve production line. The result shows that OEE is a reliable tool to eliminate the root causes of breakdown losses and speed losses. It can also be used in automobile manufacturing sector and other industrial manufacturers to improve the operation of the production line.

This research is triggered by the phenomenom of purchasing decisions on the online store Mephoto_Project. This research is used to analyze and prove the effect of reativity, innovation, and review of purchasing decisions. Quantitative methods use for this research. The sample technique used is incidental sampling technique. The numbrt of respondents are 105 consumers. Multiple linear regression analysis using SPSS software version 24. Regression equation obtained: Y = 5,063 + 0,251X1 + 0,257X2 + 0,212X3. This research has results indicate that: First, creativity has a positive impact on purchasing decisions on Mephoto_Project. Second, innovation has a positive impact on purchasing decision on Mephoto_Project. Third, the review has a positive impact on purchasing decision on Mephoto_Project. Fourth, the amount of influence contributed by creativity, innovation, and review of purchasing decisions on Mephoto_Project is 18.9%

This study aims to analyze and prove the influence of knowledge and motivation on interest in investing in the capital market. This research uses a descriptive method with a quantitative approach. The sampling technique used is simple random sampling, which is a random sampling technique for members of the population to be sampled. The number of respondents used the Slovin formula so that the sample used was 56 students of Triatma Mulya University. Multiple linear regression analysis using SPSS software version 24. Regression equation obtained: 4.215 + 0.564X1 + 0.331X2. The results showed that: first knowledge about investment has a positive and significant effect on interest in investing in the capital market, second motivation has a positive effect on students' interest to invest in the capital market and lastly knowledge and motivation together positively affect investment interest on the capital market. This adequate knowledge will shape a person's ability to gain profits and also be able to manage risks that exist both small and large so as to reduce the impact of losses that will be experienced. This risk factor is considered by potential investors to be able to invest in the capital market.

Masks have become a basic need for everyone in pandemic. This causes people to compete to buy masks. This resulted in an extreme spike in mask prices. The demand for masks has soared, resulting in a shortage of these products. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of price on supply and demand in the midst of the Covid-19 Pandemic in Denpasar City. This study used a sample of 200 respondents consisting of 100 traders and 100 buyers. Data were obtained by distributing questionnaires using a Likert scale. The method of analysis used is multiple linear regression. Based on the analysis, it is found that the price has an effect on supply with a positive regression coefficient. Price has an effect on demand with a negative coefficient.

A document by Qi Jiang. Click on the document to view its contents.

In the past decade, the Indonesian government has taken political and economic policy measures to improve the country's image as a Muslim-friendly destination. The leading destinations chosen to be developed with the concept of sharia tourism are one form of these efforts. However, the policy faced negative responses from several regions, especially from tourism stakeholders in Bali. Indeed, the Balinese are not enthusiastic about the possibility of their island being labelled as sharia tourism destination. Even though sharia tourism stakeholders took the initiative to show the potential benefits of sharia tourism economically, the idea was still rejected. Primary data was collected utilizing in-depth interviews with key informants selected purposively, while secondary data was obtained from literature, documents, information from mass media and local television. The data were analyzed with a critical theory approach in the style of cultural studies, using the theory of hegemony, ideology, power/knowledge relations and critical discourse analysis to explain the form of discourse, response forms and implications of the discourse on sharia tourism development in Bali. This paper also presents both empirical and theoretical findings and provides recommendations. This article concludes that Bali can't be transformed into a sharia tourism destination, however, Bali still accommodates the needs of Muslim tourists.

Mixed phenotype acute leukemia (MPAL) is a relatively rare and heterogeneous group of diseases, which account for 2-5% of leukemia. So far, no optimal treatment regimens have been established for MPAL patients. CD19 chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR T) therapy have shown remarkable efficacy in B-ALL patients. In this study, 5 MPAL patients received CD19 CAR T cell infusion and 3 out of 5 patients (60%) achieved complete response (CR). 2 of 5 patients had only mild cytokine release syndrome (CRS). Neurotoxicity was not observed. Our data indicate that CD19 CAR T therapy is safe and effective for majority refractory/relapsed (r/r) MPAL patients.

The Great hornbill (Buceros bicornis) and Rufous-necked Hornbill (Acerosnepalensis) are listed as vulnerable under the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of threatened species due to the rapid decline of their population in the world. This research focuses on analysing the habitat suitability of these two important birdspecies across Bhutan. A total of 51 presence locations were recorded from the field survey. The models were simulated using three topographic variables and 19 bioclimatic variables. MaxEnt modelling technique was used for delineating the distribution potential habitat suitability map. The habitat suitability analysis for Great hornbill and Rufous-necked hornbill shows that 2% and 3% of Bhutan’s total geographical area were highly suitable, respectively. The approach of this study will be beneficial in identifying suitable areas and aiddecision-makers in management and conservation of these vulnerable bird species.

Objective: This study aimed to establish a risk assessment model to predict postoperative severe acute lung injury (ALI) risk in patients with acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD). Methods: Consecutive patients with ATAAD admitted to our hospital were included in this retrospective assessment and placed in the postoperative severe ALI and non-severe ALI groups based on the presence or absence of ALI within 72 h postoperatively (oxygen index (OI) ≤100 mmHg). Patients were then randomly divided into training and validation groups in a ratio of 8:2. Logistic regression analyses were used to statistically assess data and establish the prediction model. The prediction model’s effectiveness was evaluated via tenfold cross-validation of the validation group to facilitate construction of a nomogram. Results: After screening, 479 patients were included in the study: 132 (27.5%) in the postoperative severe ALI group and 347 (72.5%) in the postoperative non-severe ALI group. Based on logistics regression analyses, the following variables were included in the model: coronary heart disease (CHD), cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) ≥257.5 min, left atrium (LA) diameter ≥35.5 mm, hemoglobin ≤139.5 g/L, preCPB OI ≤100 mmHg, intensive care unit (ICU) OI ≤100 mmHg, left ventricular posterior wall thickness (LVPWT) ≥10.5 mm, and neutrophilic granulocyte percentage (NEUT) ≥0.824. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of the modeling group was 0.805, and differences between observed and predicted values were not deemed statistically significant via the Hosmer–Lemeshow test (χ2=6.037, df=8, P=0.643). For the validation group, the area under the ROC curve was 0.778, and observed and predicted value differences were insignificant when assessed using the Hosmer–Lemeshow test (χ 2=3.3782, df=7; P=0.848). The average tenfold cross-validation score was 0.756. Conclusions: This study established a prediction model and developed a nomogram to determine the risk of postoperative severe ALI after ATAAD. Variables used in the model were easy to obtain clinically and the effectiveness of the model was good.

Hydrological processes such as evaporation, infiltration, and runoff are affected not only by natural climate change but also by land cover and soil conditions. The impact of urbanization on the key elements of the hydrological process is worth studying in context of rapid urbanization. This paper combines the soil-land use index grid and the GSSHA model to quantitatively study the impact of land use on urban hydrological processes under the background of the changing urbanization stage. The results show that with the increase in land development and utilization activities, the hydrological process will transform. When grassland and woodland are converted to construction land, the changes in runoff, infiltration, and evaporation are the largest. The runoff depth increased by 0.94×10-1~2.42×10-1mm/km², infiltration depth decreased by 0.80×10-1~ 2.18×10-1mm/km², evaporation decreased by 0.14×10-1~ 0.28×10-1mm/km². In the transition from forest land to grassland, from cultivated land to forest land, and from cultivated land to grassland, the increase of infiltration contributed over 80% to the decrease of runoff process. This provides a scientific basis for future urban planning and sponge city construction.