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Flax (Linum usitatissimum) is a versatile plant used in a range of applications, from textiles to nutrition. Surfactin, a cyclic lipopeptide biosurfactant produced by bacteria such as Bacillus subtilis, has potential as a biocontrol agent or as a plant defense inducer in agriculture. This work aims to determine the effects of surfactin treatment at two kinetic points on the metabolism of flax hydroponic cultures, using advanced metabolomic techniques, including 1H NMR and LC-MS analyses. Surfactin, detected in the roots, has a significant local impact on the metabolic profiles of flax roots, leading mainly to a higher content of cyanogenic compounds and amino acids and a lower content of carbohydrates. Surfactin, which is not detected in the aerial parts, also induces contrasted changes in amino acids, sugars, and secondary metabolite accumulation between stems and leaves. Surfactin treatment of flax leads to both a local and systemic effect on flax metabolism. These changes suggest that plant response to surfactin treatment could induce an enhanced plant defense. This could suggest potential applications of surfactin in the agricultural field as a biostimulant or biocontrol agent, to limit the use of chemical compounds in culture, and to limit their negative impact on both health and the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As climate change continues to accelerate, there is a growing need for collaboration between geoscientists and community partners to cocreate equitable science-based climate solutions that align with community priorities. However, the curriculum of many geoscience Ph.D. programs focuses almost exclusively on physical science knowledge production confined to the academic sphere with little attention to usability or applications of climate information to decision-making. A consequence is that there is often little educational support to train future generations of geoscientists with the skills needed to serve as knowledge brokers and interpret climate information into the context needed for decision-making. To address this, a group of students and faculty at the University of Michigan developed a pilot course to provide hands-on experience engaging with local communities to develop climate solutions. This project involved a collaboration with the Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner's Office to discuss their high-priority objectives. The inaugural project involved identifying high-priority locations in Washtenaw County for rain garden development to be used for internal planning purposes. The process of recurring communications with partners played a critical role in tailoring the project to have ongoing use for local government after the course. This project provided a student-driven bridge between climate knowledge production, climate science usability, and community engagement. This type of formal engagement with community partners provides opportunities to train the next generation of geoscientists to have the skills to engage with practitioners and decision-makers and make climate science more accessible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nusantara, the new capital city of Indonesia, and its surrounding areas experienced intense heavy rainfall on 15–16 March 2022, leading to devastating and widespread flooding. However, the factors triggering such intense heavy rainfall and the underlying physical mechanisms are still not fully understood. Using high-resolution GSMaP (Global Satellite Mapping of Precipitation) data, we show that a mesoscale convective system (MCS) was the primary cause of the heavy rainfall event. The rainfall peak occurred during the MCS's mature stage at 1800 UTC 15 March 2022, and diminished as it entered the dissipation stage. To understand the large-scale environmental factors affecting the MCS event, we analyzed contributions from the MJO, equatorial waves, and low-frequency variability to column water vapor and moisture flux convergence. Results indicate a substantial influence of the MJO and equatorial waves on lower-level (boundary layer) meridional moisture flux convergence during the pre-MCS stage and initiation, with their contributions accounting for up to 80% during the growth phase. Moreover, while La Niña and the Asian monsoon had negligible impacts on MCS moisture supply, we find a large contribution from the residual term of the water vapour budget during the maturation and decay phases of the MCS. This suggests that local forcing (such as small-scale convection, local evaporation, land-surface feedback, and topography) also contributed to modulation of the intensity and duration of the MCS. The results of this study can help in our understanding of the potential causes of extreme rainfall in Nusantara and could be leveraged to improve rainstorm forecasting and risk management across the region in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Capsaicin, the most prominent pungent compound of chilli peppers, has been used in traditional medicine systems for centuries; it already has a number of established clinical and industrial applications. Capsaicin is known to act through the TRPV1 receptor, which exists in various tissues; capsaicin is hepatically metabolised, having a half-life correlated with the method of application. Research on various applications of capsaicin in different formulations is still ongoing. Thus, local capsaicin applications have a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect, while systemic applications have a multitude of different effects because their increased lipophilic character ensures their augmented bioavailability. Furthermore, various teams have documented capsaicin’s anti-cancer effects, proven both in vivo and in vitro designs. A notable constraint in the therapeutic effects of capsaicin is its increased toxicity, especially in sensitive tissues. Regarding the traditional applications of capsaicin, apart from all the effects recorded as medicinal effects, the application of capsaicin in acupuncture points has been demonstrated to be effective and the combination of acupuncture and capsaicin warrants further research. Finally, capsaicin has demonstrated antimicrobial effects, which can supplement its anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic actions.

We extend the literature on the influence of firm-level characteristics on housing markets by exploring the association between the labor productivity shocks of dominant firms and local housing prices. Using a sample of all U.S. firms from COMPUSTAT during 1980-2017, we find that the aggregate shocks of labor productivity of dominant firms at the metropolitan statistical area (MSA)-level explain for a significant portion of the local housing price changes in MSAs while controlling for other housing price determinants. About a year or more is required for the shocks to propagate through the local housing markets, which make them a viable predictor of future housing price. The productivity shock - housing price relation is stronger in areas that have more concentrated high-tech dominant firms or where dominant firms have closer links to their local non-dominant industry peers. Shocks are also more influential during economic expansion than economic contraction. Furthermore, the relation also exists at the zipcode level but the shocks propagate faster than at the MSA-level. The findings provide helpful insights for real estate practitioners and policymakers, especially in areas with a higher concentration of large companies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Jintsu-oroshi refers to Japan's south foehn, which blows over the Toyama Plain in the Hokuriku region. This region faces the Sea of Japan to the north and the central mountain range to the south. The Jintsu-oroshi occurs more frequently at night than during the day. In this study, we determined the primary factors causing this feature using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model. We selected a typical Jintsu-oroshi case in May 2016 for analysis. An extratropical cyclone traversed the Sea of Japan during the event, leading to a temporal change in the synoptic-scale pressure pattern. The observations and numerical simulation results showed that the collapse of the mixed layer over the mountains and the end of the sea breeze are key factors for the nighttime onset of the Jintsu-oroshi. Indeed, mountain waves and their resulting downslope winds did not occur under near-neutral atmospheric stability conditions over the mountains during the daytime. After sunset, the atmospheric stability changed to stable conditions, which caused the downslope winds to blow. However, the downslope winds did not reach the plains because of the sea breeze. After several hours, the sea breeze disappeared, and the downslope winds reached the leeward plains and increased the temperature there. Similar features were confirmed in August 2013 for another typical Jintsu-oroshi case under atmospheric conditions, without temporal changes in the synoptic-scale pressure pattern. We expect the results obtained in this study to advance our understanding of foehn occurrence in regions where mountains adjoin seas, similar to the coastal areas adjacent to the Sea of Japan. Significance Statement: The Jintsu-oroshi refers to Japan's south foehn, which blows over the Toyama Plain in the Hokuriku region. This foehn occurs more frequently at night than during the day. Strong foehns enhance the risk of fire. Nocturnal high temperatures due to foehns can cause sleeplessness in people. Nighttime foehns cause damage to paddy rice. Analyses of observations and numerical simulations for the two typical cases showed that Jintsu-oroshi did not tend to occur during the daytime because the development of a convective boundary layer over the mountains and sea breezes in the leeward plain inhibited the occurrence of the downslope winds. We expect the results obtained in this study to advance our understanding of foehn occurrence in regions where mountains adjoin seas, similar to the coastal areas adjacent to the Sea of Japan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pharmacodynamics (PD) is discussed in relation to inhalation exposure to inhaled pharmaceutical and toxic agents. Clearly PD is closely related to pharmacokinetics, and this relation is illustrated with reference to inhaled insulin. PD can be related to pharmacologic responses, and some examples are cited. However, PD can also be thought of as the improvement or deterioration in lung disease state. Some of the major PD endpoints, including histopathology, pulmonary function, and bronchoalveolar lavage are reviewed. Brief reference is also given to other specialty biomarkers of PD response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a consequence of global warming, extreme weather events are becoming more prevalent, which influences socioeconomic development. It is vital to reveal the variations of regional extreme precipitation for flood prevention and mitigation. This research presents a comprehensive analysis of spatiotemporal variation and segmentation trend of extreme precipitation indices (EPIs) from the spectrum of intensity, frequency, and duration in the Lixia River Basin (LRB), China, from 1960 to 2019. The influence of global warming [global mean near-surface temperature (GSTEMP)], atmospheric circulation [e.g., multivariate ENSO index (MEI), and East Asian summer monsoon index (EASMI)], and local effects (e.g., relative humidity and local temperature) are examined to explore the dominant driving factors on the trend of EPIs. Results show that the intensity and frequency of EPIs increase across the LRB, whereas the durations of extreme precipitation are decreasing. And the lower reach has more frequent extreme precipitation than the upper reach. And most stations in segmentation trend analysis of EPIs show UUD (i.e., increasing from 1960 to 1980, increasing from 1981 to 2000, and decreasing from 2001 to 2019). What is more, the intensity and frequency of extreme precipitation are more actively related to local temperature and relative humidity than others, with local temperature being the primary negative impact while other factors are positive. And relative humidity and GSTEMP have a greater impact on the duration of EPIs than others. The findings will help figure out how regional global warming affect the trends of extreme precipitation, and can be used on a regional scale for the development of socioeconomic activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gridded climate datasets are used by researchers and practitioners in many disciplines, including forest ecology, agriculture, and entomology. However, such datasets are generally unable to account for microclimatic variability, particularly within sites or among individual trees. One such dataset is a recent climatology of extreme minimum temperatures in the U.S. Great Lakes region, based on the Parameter–Elevation Regressions on Independent Slopes Model (PRISM) gridded temperature dataset. Development of this climatology was motivated by interest in the spatiotemporal variability of winter temperatures potentially lethal to the hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) (Adelges tsugae Annand) (Hemiptera: Adelgidae), an invasive insect that causes mortality of eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis). In this study, cold-season daily minimum temperatures were monitored at six Michigan sites varying in latitude, elevation, Great Lakes proximity, and HWA infestation status, to address two objectives. First, we documented the spatiotemporal variability in daily minimum air temperatures recorded at multiple aspects and heights on selected hemlock trees. Second, this variability was characterized in the context of the PRISM extreme minimum temperature climatology. Tree-sensor air temperatures exhibited minimal relationships with aspect but considerable sensitivity to height. Daily minimum temperatures were higher for some tree sensors positioned ≤ 0.2 m above ground level during some time periods, with overall muted temporal variability, relative to an adjacent ambient sensor. This phenomenon was attributed to the insulating effects of snow cover, because the tree–ambient sensor temperature difference was positively correlated with snow depth. Overall, results indicate that such unresolved variability warrants consideration by gridded climate dataset users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eurasian spring snowmelt plays an important role in the subsequent climate and hydrological cycle, however, the understanding of snowmelt itself and its causes remains insufficient. This study explored the basic characteristics of spring snowmelt in the eastern Europe–western Siberia (EEWS) region by classifying snowmelt anomalies into two categories based on the different factors that dominate spring snowmelt, and then investigated the associated atmospheric circulation anomalies and local physical processes. The first category of anomalous snowmelt (category 1) is controlled by both the initial snow mass and the later snowmelt process, while the second category of anomalous snowmelt (category 2) is mainly linked to the later snowmelt process. Specifically, category 1 is characterized by an anomalous trough in EEWS in winter, where water vapor transported and converged, accompanied by anomalous upward motion, which promotes snowfall and snow accumulation, providing initial conditions conducive to snowmelt. In April, this region is controlled by an anomalous ridge, with significant warm advection anomalies and subsidence promoting surface warming, thereby accelerating snow melting. In contrast, the winter circulation anomalies are insignificant in category 2, while the anomalous ridge in April is stronger than in category 1, accompanied by more intense snowmelt processes. In addition, from the surface energy balance perspective, atmospheric downward sensible heat transport is an important factor influencing the anomalous snowmelt in category 1, while shortwave radiation plays a secondary role. Conversely, the snowmelt in category 2 is dominated by shortwave radiation forcing, but the sensible heat effect is slightly weaker. Significance Statement: Eurasian spring snowmelt significantly impacts the subsequent climate and hydrological cycle, but the understanding of snowmelt itself and its causes is still inadequate. The purpose of this study is to explore the monthly evolution of atmospheric circulation associated with anomalous snowmelt and its local physical processes associated by categorizing them based on snowmelt characteristics. Category 1 is jointly affected by winter snow accumulation and later warming, while category 2 is dominated by strong snowmelt process in late spring. These two categories are accompanied by different winter and spring circulation configurations. Our results provide a basis for further investigation of snowmelt precursor signals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inauguration of high-speed rail (HSR) services is often associated with renewed expectations of revitalization of local tourism activity in sparsely populated regions. However, the empirical literature on the actual ex-post effects of this transport mode is scarce. This paper contributes to this line of research by estimating the causal impact of the HSR on the number of visitors in three small cities located in low-density areas in Spain. Our results, using the synthetic control method, robustly show that the ex-post causal effects of the HSR on overnight visitors are insignificant and, if any, they seem to exert a negative influence rather than a positive contribution. This suggests that smaller cities should be very cautious about the short-run expected impacts of transport improvements, and policy makers and planners should be aware of the actual contribution of such investments in their assessment of the net social benefits of HSR projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Envenomation caused by venomous animals may trigger significant local complications such as pain, edema, localized hemorrhage, and tissue necrosis, in addition to complications such as dermonecrosis, myonecrosis, and even amputations. This systematic review aims to evaluate scientific evidence on therapies used to target local effects caused by envenomation. The PubMed, MEDLINE, and LILACS databases were used to perform a literature search on the topic. The review was based on studies that cited procedures performed on local injuries following envenomation with the aim of being an adjuvant therapeutic strategy. The literature regarding local treatments used following envenomation reports the use of several alternative methods and/or therapies. The venomous animals found in the search were snakes (82.05%), insects (2.56%), spiders (2.56%), scorpions (2.56%), and others (jellyfish, centipede, sea urchin—10.26%). In regard to the treatments, the use of tourniquets, corticosteroids, antihistamines, and cryotherapy is questionable, as well as the use of plants and oils. Low-intensity lasers stand out as a possible therapeutic tool for these injuries. Local complications can progress to serious conditions and may result in physical disabilities and sequelae. This study compiled information on adjuvant therapeutic measures and underscores the importance of more robust scientific evidence for recommendations that act on local effects together with the antivenom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A local long-lived convective system developed at midnight over inland South China, producing record-breaking rainfall in Guangzhou on 7 May 2017. This study examines the physical processes responsible for nocturnal convection initiation (CI) and growth. Observational analyses show that the CI occurs in the warm sector under weakly forced synoptic conditions at 500 hPa, while moderate but nocturnally enhanced low-level southeasterlies with a mesoscale moist tongue at 925 hPa intrude inland from the northern South China Sea. Convection-permitting model results show that mesoscale low-level convergence and increased moisture at the leading edge of the southeasterlies are favorable for CI dynamically and thermodynamically. Local ascent and potential instability are further enhanced by orographic lifting and warm moist air from the urban surface, respectively, which trigger convection in northern Guangzhou. The mesoscale moist tongue of southeasterly flows then meets convectively generated outflows, thereby maintaining strong updrafts and continuously triggering back-building convective cells in eastern Guangzhou. Sensitivity tests are conducted to estimate the relative roles of ambient southeasterly moist tongue and urban thermal effects. The southeasterly moist tongue provides moisture that is crucial for CI, while warm moist air from the urban surface is lifted at the leading edge of the southeasterlies and locally facilitates convection. Therefore, the mesoscale processes of lifting and moistening due to nocturnal southeasterlies and their strong interaction with the local factors (orographic lifting, urban heating, and cold-pool-related ascent) provide the sustained lifting and instability crucial for triggering the local long-lived convective systems. The multiscale processes shed light on the understanding of the nocturnal warm-sector heavy rainfall inland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient schemes to represent mathematical model of thin-sheet metal structures jointed by bolted joints for accurately predict the structure dynamic behaviour has been a significant unresolved issue in structural dynamics community. The biggest challenge is to efficiently incorporate the joints local deformation effects on the developed mathematical model via finite element (FE) method. Generally, the joints local deformation typically exerts on the joints mating area. To solve this issue, this paper proposes efficient schemes to represent mathematical model of thin-sheet metal structures jointed by bolted joints with application to accurately calculate the structure dynamic behaviour using FE model updating method. The initial FE model of the assembled structure was developed by employed Fastener Connector (CFAST) in MSC NASTRAN software to represent the bolted joints while, the inclusion of the local deformation effects at the bolted joints mating area was represented by contact elements. Then, the responses obtained from the FE model was evaluated by weight up with experimental data. FE model updating (FEMU) method then was utilised for minimising prediction discrepancies originated from the initial FE model based on the experimental data. The proposed scheme shows the accuracy of the initial prediction was improved from 25.03 % to 14.65 % while the accuracy of the predicted mode shapes via modal assurance criterion (MAC) analysis were above 0.8. Therefore, the findings offer useful schemes for improving the quality of predicted dynamic behaviour, particularly in the thin-sheet metal jointed structure and the developed model can be used with confident for any subsequence dynamic analyses.

The Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow (CoCoRaHS) network is a well-regarded, trusted source of precipitation data. The network's volunteers also provide weather and climate observations through daily comments, significant weather reports, and condition monitoring reports. Designed to meet a need for local information about drought events and their impacts, "condition monitoring" was initiated as a pilot project in North Carolina and South Carolina in 2013 and launched nationally in October 2016. Volunteers regularly report on how precipitation, or a lack thereof, affects their local environment and community by ranking current conditions on a seven-point scale ranging from severely dry to severely wet and sharing observations through written narratives. This study assesses the usefulness of these reports for drought monitoring and decision-making, drawing from the >7,100 reports submitted in the Carolinas between October 2016 and June 2020. This period encompasses the Carolinas' climate patterns and extreme events such as droughts, wildfires, and hurricanes ("drought busters"). Three aspects of usefulness were evaluated in the reports: the extent to which volunteers' assessments of dry-to-wet conditions correspond to objective drought indicators (EDDI, SPI, SPEI) typically employed for monitoring drought; how volunteers' qualitative observations depict changing conditions, focusing on two flash droughts in 2019; and actual use of the reports by National Weather Service offices, State Climate Offices, U.S. Drought Monitor authors, and drought response committees. Although -report content can vary widely, findings show that volunteers' assessments reflect meteorological conditions and provide on-the-ground details that are being incorporated into existing drought monitoring processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is a global phenomenon that can affect neighbouring territories and the communities residing there in different ways. This fact, which is associated with the specificities of each of the territories, leads to the need to implement adaptive measures to address the new reality imposed by climate change and to create more resilient territories and communities capable of facing this new paradigm. The more these measures are adjusted to the specificities of the territories and their communities, the more efficient they will be. Thus, it is essential to have a thorough understanding of the evolution of the climate on the local scale and the real needs of the resident populations. To identify these needs, a survey was conducted, and it was found that the dominant opinion of all respondents, comprising citizens residing in Portugal, was that climate change can affect geographically close territories in different ways. In the present work, the municipality of Guimarães, located in the north of Portugal, was used as a case study, where a comparative analysis was carried out to assess the period between the current climate, characterized by the period of 1971–2021, and the climate of 100 years ago, characterized by the decade of 1896–1905, to determine trends for the variables of air temperature and precipitation. It was found that the temperature in the winter months increased, with less uniformity in the distribution of precipitation throughout the year. These differences in the air temperature and precipitation, as variables, lead to the need to plan adaptive measures that can be implemented so that the territory and its communities become more resilient to climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The H − projectile's survival probability versus the exit angle, after on-top collisions with Na adsorbates on Ag(111) and for various incident ion energies, exhibits a series of peaks mostly located below 60° measured from surface. • Avoided crossings of energy levels within the projectile/adsorbate/surface system contribute to the peaks formation along certain directions from surface. • A model is proposed for the variation of the H − ion's distance of closest approach to the Na/Ag(111) surface, in terms of the lateral distance measured from a single Na adsorbate to the ion's impact point on surface. The H − ion survival probabilities following on-top collisions with Na adsorbates deposited on Ag(111) at low coverage, are investigated for a wide range of exit angles from 20° to 90° measured from surface, and for various incident ion energies. A wave packet propagation approach is used in these calculations. The survival probabilities exhibit a series of well-defined peaks located at certain exit angles, that are indicative of avoided crossings between the various energy levels involved in the projectile/adsorbate/surface interaction. Both image states and the back-and-forth electronic motion between the ion projectile and the adsorbate/surface system contribute to the electronic population recaptured during the exit trajectory. For ion-surface collisions away from the on-top configuration, but in the close vicinity of adsorbates, a model is proposed to describe the variation of the H − projectile's distance of closest approach to the adsorbate-covered Ag(111) surface in terms of the ion's impact point on surface, e.g., starting from the on-top collision with a single adsorbate and gradually moving away, towards the "clean" surface. The distance of closest approach is a key factor in calculating correctly the ion survival probabilities in the close region around the adsorbate, where the scattered ion fractions are affected the most. Results are shown for H − in interaction with K/Ag(111). [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This study investigates lateral projectile-surface interactions in presence of adsorbates, specifically aimed to probe the nearside region of the adsorbate atom. • Compared to the "on-top" projectile – adsorbate configuration, the lateral projected density of states reveals adsorbate-induced local effects such as strong perturbations of energy levels, adsorbate-induced states not identifiable from on-top, and image states enhancement. • The projectile's survival probability is influenced by the balance between electron capture and loss at the start of the exit trajectory. This study investigates the electron transfer during lateral collisions between H− projectiles and Ag(1 1 1) surfaces with Na adsorbates. These interactions aim to probe the nearside region of the adsorbate. Compared to the on-top configuration, the lateral projected density of states reveals strong local effects such as perturbations of energy levels, adsorbate-induced states not identifiable from on-top, and image states enhancement. A study of dynamics reveals that, in addition to the projectile's distance of closest approach and interaction time with surface, the projectile's survival is influenced by the balance between electron capture and loss at the start of the exit trajectory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Western Equatorial Africa is one of the least sunny areas in the world. Yet, this has attracted little research so far. As in many other parts of Africa, light availability is mainly estimated using in situ measurements of sunshine duration (SDU). Therefore, this study conducts the first characterization of SDU evolution during the annual cycle for the region. It also evaluates the skill of satellite-based estimates of SDU from the Surface Solar Radiation Data Set–Heliosat, edition 2.1 (SARAH-2.1). Mean annual SDU levels are low: less than 5 h day−1 at the regional scale, with the sunniest stations in the northeast (Cameroon and Central African Republic) and the least sunny in an ∼150-km-wide coastal strip in Gabon and Republic of the Congo (RoC). For most of the stations except the southeast ones in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the lowest SDU levels are recorded in July–September, during the main dry season, with persistent overcast conditions. They are as low as 2.5 h day−1, especially on the windward slopes of the Massifs du Chaillu and du Mayombé, and of the Batéké Plateaus in Gabon and RoC. Although the mean annual and monthly spatial patterns are well reproduced in SARAH-2.1, SDU levels are systematically overestimated by 1–2 h day−1. The largest positive biases are recorded during the December–February dry season, especially at the northernmost stations. Analyses at the daily time scale show that SARAH-2.1 biases arise from a twofold problem: the number of dark days (SDU < 1 h day−1) is 50% lower than observed whereas that of sunny days (SDU > 9 h day−1) is 50% higher than observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A few studies examined the comparative side effects of Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) vaccines. We compared the extension and severity of self-reported side effects of seven COVID-19 vaccines [BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech), ChAdOx1 (AstraZeneca), mRNA-1273 (Moderna), CoronaVac (Sinovac Life Sciences), Gam-COVID-Vac (Gamaleya's Sputnik V), Ad5-nCoV (CanSinoBIO), and Ad26.CoV2.S (Johnson & Johnson/Janssen)] in the Mexican population. We also evaluated the association of type of vaccine, sex, age, comorbidity, and history of allergies to the extent and severity of side effects. This was a cross-sectional study carried out online between August 12 and September 3, 2021 in Mexico. The first inclusion criterion was to receive a COVID-19 vaccine and the second, being at least 18 years old. The survey link was distributed via multiple social media platforms. We questioned about the type of vaccine and symptoms based on short-term side effects reported in the literature. Side effect extension was classified as local, systemic, or both. We asked about the need to take medicine, stop activities/miss work, or seek medical attention. Then, a severity index was constructed based on responses. Descriptive and stepwise multivariate logistic ordinal regression analyses were used to calculate odds ratio (OR) and 95% CI for each outcome adjusted by potential confounders. The mean age was 38.9 ± 11.0 years (n = 4,024). Prevalence of at least one side effect varied between vaccines and by a number of doses. At dose 1, ChAdOx1 was the vaccine with the highest rate of at least one side effect (85%) followed by Gam-COVID-Vac (80%). Both were associated to greater extension (adjusted OR 2.53, 95% CI 2.16, 2.96 and adjusted OR 2.41, 95% CI 1.76, 3.29, respectively) and severity of side effects (adjusted OR 4.32, 95% CI 3.73, 5.00 and adjusted OR 3.00, 95% CI 2.28, 3.94, respectively). Young age (

Envenomation caused by venomous animals may trigger significant local complications such as pain, edema, localized hemorrhage, and tissue necrosis, in addition to complications such as dermonecrosis, myonecrosis, and even amputations. This systematic review aims to evaluate scientific evidence on therapies used to target local effects caused by envenomation. The PubMed, MEDLINE, and LILACS databases were used to perform a literature search on the topic. The review was based on studies that cited procedures performed on local injuries following envenomation with the aim of being an adjuvant therapeutic strategy. The literature regarding local treatments used following envenomation reports the use of several alternative methods and/or therapies. The venomous animals found in the search were snakes (82.05%), insects (2.56%), spiders (2.56%), scorpions (2.56%), and others (jellyfish, centipede, sea urchin—10.26%). In regard to the treatments, the use of tourniquets, corticosteroids, antihistamines, and cryotherapy is questionable, as well as the use of plants and oils. Low-intensity lasers stand out as a possible therapeutic tool for these injuries. Local complications can progress to serious conditions and may result in physical disabilities and sequelae. This study compiled information on adjuvant therapeutic measures and underscores the importance of more robust scientific evidence for recommendations that act on local effects together with the antivenom.

A large number of studies have confirmed the anti-inflammatory effects of acupuncture, and some of the mechanisms and pathways regulating inflammatory response have been revealed. However, most of these researches focused on the effect of acupuncture on systemic anti-inflammation, and there is no consensus about the effect characteristics of different acupoints on regulating inflammatory response. It is noteworthy that increasing attention and exploration have been paid to the neuro-immune interactions and regulation of immune-inflammatory homeostasis. Importantly, the understanding of local neuroimmune regulation of non-immune organs has been deepening, which was known as the regional immunity. This new concept lays a scientific foundation for elucidating the characteristics of acupoints on the inflammation, especially the modulation of target visceral organs by the relevant acupoint stimulation. In this paper, the local effects (e.g. activating regional nerve components to induce local neuroimmuno-inflammatory regulation, etc), target visceral organ effects (e.g. regulating activities of visceral resident immune cells to initiate regional immunity regulation mediated by locally resident lymphocytes to promote inflammatory response degradation and to restore the homeostasis of regional immunity in the internal organs, via somato-visceral neuro-segmental connection, etc.) and systemic anti-inflammatory effects (e.g. regulating cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway, including activating the vagus nerve to exert systemic anti-inflammatory effects through neuroimmune regulatory network, etc.) of acupoint stimulation were analyzed from different levels of neuroimmunological regulation, so as to provide new insights for clarifying the role of acupoints in improving inflammatory diseases.

Topography can have a significant influence on tornado intensity and direction by altering the near-surface inflow. However, past research involving topographic influence on tornadoes has shown significant variety in investigative approaches and conclusions. This study uses unpiloted aerial systems (UAS)–based high-resolution imagery, UAS-based 3D-modeling products, and correlation analyses to examine topographical influences on a portion of the 1 May 2018 Tescott, Kansas, EF3 tornado (EF indicates the enhanced Fujita scale). Two new metrics, visible difference vegetative index (VDVI) gap and VDVI aspect ratio, are introduced to quantify damage severity using UAS-based imagery and elevation information retrieved from a UAS-based digital surface model (DSM). Areas of enhanced scour are seen along the track in areas of local elevation maxima. Correlation analysis shows that damage severity, as measured by both VDVI gap and VDVI aspect ratio, is well correlated with increasing elevation. The VDVI gap is only weakly correlated with slope, and the VDVI aspect ratio is not correlated with slope. These findings are statistically significant at p < 0.05. As the tornado weakened in intensity, the path became nonlinear, traversing between two local elevation maxima. It is hypothesized that fast-moving intense flow formed and weakened as elevation increased over the short spatial distance. This research shows that topography and surface conditions are two of many important variables that should be considered when performing tornado-damage site investigations. It also illustrates the importance of UASs in detailed tornado analysis. VDVI gap and VDVI aspect ratio can provide insight into damage severity as a function of topography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Workers in the zinc production and processing of galvanized sheet steel are exposed to a complex mixture of particles and gases, including zinc oxide (ZnO) that can affect human health. We aimed to study the effects of short-term controlled exposure to nano-sized ZnO on airway inflammatory markers in healthy volunteers. Methods Sixteen subjects (8 females, 8 men; age 19–42, non-smokers) were exposed to filtered air and ZnO nanoparticles (0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mg/m3) for 4 h, including 2 h of cycling with a low workload. Induced sputum samples were collected during a medical baseline and a final examination and also about 24 h after each exposure. A number of inflammatory cellular and soluble markers were analyzed. Results Frequency and intensity of symptoms of airway irritation (throat irritation and cough) were increased in some subjects 24 h after ZnO exposures when compared to filtered air. The group comparison between filtered air and ZnO exposures showed statistically significant increases of neutrophils and interleukin-8 (IL-8), interleukin-6 (IL-6), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-9) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP-1) in sputum starting at the lowest ZnO concentration of 0.5 mg/m3. However, a concentration-response relationship was absent. Effects were reversible. Strong correlations were found between neutrophil numbers and concentrations of total protein, IL-8, MMP-9, and TIMP-1. Conclusions Controlled exposures of healthy subjects to ZnO nanoparticles induce reversible airway inflammation which was observed at a concentration of 0.5 mg/m3 and higher. The lack of a concentration-response relationship warrants further studies.

In recent decades there has been a surge in the scholarship on climate change adaptation (CCA) terminology, and diverging interpretations of the term have emerged. Given the crucial role of local governments in building societywide adaptive capacity, understanding how municipalities understand and interpret CCA is important. In this study, we analyze 12 large-scale questionnaires from 2007 to 2020 distributed to all Norwegian municipalities. Using a combination of directed and conventional content analysis of the questions and answers, we summarize and map the progress of adaptation work over the 14 years and assess the consistency and the scope of the surveys in light of the current research on climate adaptation. We find diverging views on what adaptation entails, both from the researchers, in the phrasing of questions, and from the respondents. The empirical evidence suggests an overall imbalanced interpretation of CCA, in terms of the risks and consequences we may face, the climate to which adapting is needed, and adequate adaptation strategies. We go on to discuss the implications of these findings, highlighting the need for a shared and well-communicated framework for local CCA and a closer monitoring of the actual efforts of the municipalities. If instead left unchecked, this confusion might lead to unsustainable maladaptation at the local government level throughout Norway and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today, the vast majority of meteorological data are collected in open, rural environments to comply with the standards set by the World Meteorological Organization. However, these traditional networks lack local information that would be of immense value, for example, for studying urban microclimates, evaluating climate adaptation measures, or improving high-resolution numerical weather predictions. Therefore, an urgent need exists for reliable meteorological data in other environments (e.g., cities, lakes, forests) to complement these conventional networks. At present, however, high-accuracy initiatives tend to be limited in space and/or time as a result of the substantial budgetary requirements faced by research teams and operational services. We present a novel approach for addressing the existing observational gaps based on an intense collaboration with high schools. This methodology resulted in the establishment of a regionwide climate monitoring network of 59 accurate weather stations in a wide variety of locations across northern Belgium. The project is also of large societal relevance as it bridges the gap between the youth and atmospheric science. To guarantee a sustainable and mutually valuable collaboration, the schools and their students are involved at all stages, ranging from proposing measurement locations, building the weather stations, and even data analysis. We illustrate how the approach received overwhelming enthusiasm from high schools and students and resulted in a high-accuracy monitoring network with unique locations offering novel insights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mountains are important global sites for monitoring biological and socioecological responses to climate change, and theHimalaya has some of the world'smost rapid and visible signs of climate change. The increased frequency and severity of climate anomalies in the region are expected to significantly affect livelihoods of indigenous communities in the region. This study documents the perceptions of indigenous communities of climate change in the western Himalaya of India. The study highlights the power of knowledge and understanding available to indigenous people as they observe and respond to climate change impacts. We conducted a field-based study in 14 villages that represent diverse socioecological features along an altitudinal range of 1000-3800m MSL in the western Himalaya. Among the sampled population, most of the respondents (.95%) agreed that climate is changing. However, people residing at low- and high-altitude villages differ significantly in their perception, with more people at high altitudes believing in an overall warming trend. Instrumental temperature and rainfall from nearby meteorological stations also supported the perception of local inhabitants. The climate change perceptions in the region were largely determined by sociodemographic variables such as age, gender, and income as well as altitude. A logistic regression, which exhibited significant association of sociodemographic characteristicswith climate change perceptions, further supported these findings. The study concluded that the climate change observations of local communities can be usefully utilized to develop adaptation strategies and mitigation planning in the Himalayan region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Capsaicin, the most prominent pungent compound of chilli peppers, has been used in traditional medicine systems for centuries; it already has a number of established clinical and industrial applications. Capsaicin is known to act through the TRPV1 receptor, which exists in various tissues; capsaicin is hepatically metabolised, having a half-life correlated with the method of application. Research on various applications of capsaicin in different formulations is still ongoing. Thus, local capsaicin applications have a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect, while systemic applications have a multitude of different effects because their increased lipophilic character ensures their augmented bioavailability. Furthermore, various teams have documented capsaicin's anti-cancer effects, proven both in vivo and in vitro designs. A notable constraint in the therapeutic effects of capsaicin is its increased toxicity, especially in sensitive tissues. Regarding the traditional applications of capsaicin, apart from all the effects recorded as medicinal effects, the application of capsaicin in acupuncture points has been demonstrated to be effective and the combination of acupuncture and capsaicin warrants further research. Finally, capsaicin has demonstrated antimicrobial effects, which can supplement its anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic actions.

There is increasing conflict between snow leopards and humans in many protected areas, the main driver of which is the overlap in spatial utilization between snow leopards and livestock. Understanding the spatial utilization and microhabitat selection of snow leopards in areas featuring different levels of livestock grazing is important to better understand and resolve this conflict, but such studies are rare. Here, we conducted line transect and plot surveys in low- and high-grazing-disturbance areas (LGDAs and HGDAs) in Wolong National Reserve, southwestern China. We compared snow leopard spatial utilization and microhabitat characteristics between LGDAs and HGDAs. Results showed that snow leopards had aggregated distribution in both LGDAs and HGDAs, but the distribution of snow leopards in HGDAs was more centralized than in LGDAs. Herb cover and height in LGDAs were greater than in HGDAs. We fit a resource selection function (RSF) that showed that snow leopards preferentially selected higher elevation, smaller basal diameter of shrubs, and lower height of herbs in LGDAs. In contrast, there were no significant microhabitat factors in our snow leopard RSF in HGDAs. Our results indicate that high-intensity grazing tends to reduce the habitat types available to and preferential selectivity of habitat by snow leopards. We recommend that livestock grazing should be controlled to restore the diversity of the alpine ecosystems in Wolong Nature Reserve. Our findings also highlight the need for evaluating the impact of livestock grazing on rare animals in alpine environments (e.g., snow leopard) in other areas facing similar issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzes the frequency of strong, isolated convective cells in the vicinity of Louisville, Kentucky. Data from the Severe Weather Data Inventory are used to compare the frequency of convective activity over Louisville with the observed frequency at nearby rural locations from 2003 to 2019. The results show that Louisville experiences significantly more isolated convective activity than do the rural locations. The difference in convective activity between Louisville and the rural locations is strongest during summer, with peak differences occurring between May and August. Relative to the rural locations, Louisville experiences more isolated convective activity in the afternoon and early evening but less activity after midnight and into the early morning. Isolated convective events over Louisville are most likely during quiescent synoptic conditions, whereas rural events are more likely during active synoptic patterns. To determine whether these differences can be attributed primarily to urban effects, two additional cities are shown for comparison—Nashville, Tennessee, and Cincinnati, Ohio. Both Nashville and Cincinnati experience more isolated convective activity than all five of their nearby rural comparison areas, but the results for both are statistically significant at four of the five rural locations. In addition, the analysis of Cincinnati includes a sixth comparison site that overlaps the urbanized area of Columbus, Ohio. For that location, differences in convective activity are not statistically significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Snakebite accidents are considered serious public health problems. They are often neglected, and individuals who have received insufficient treatment are subjected to various disabling alterations. Snake venoms are secretions composed of biologically active molecules capable of triggering local and systemic effects in envenomation victims. Bothropic snakes are responsible for most of the ophidian accidents in Brazil; their venoms are mainly related to local manifestations, due to a composition that is especially rich in proteases and phospholipases A 2. The most common local damages are inflammation, with consequent cellular activation and release of inflammatory mediators, hemorrhage, edema, pain and (myo)necrosis, which may lead to amputation of the affected areas. Antivenom therapy is the main treatment for snakebites. However, the efficiency is mainly due to the neutralization of the toxins responsible for the systemic alterations. Thus, the local damages can evolve to markedly compromise the tissue. The complexity of these local effects associated with the toxicity of the snake venom components of the genus Bothrops , arouse interest in the study of the biochemical and pathophysiological mechanisms involved with the actions caused by toxins of the venom. Therefore, this review aims to analyze the edematogenic, hyperalgesic and myotoxic effects caused by Brazilian bothropic venoms in order to contribute to the study and elucidation of the mechanisms of action of its components and, consequently, enable discoveries of more effective combined therapies in the treatment of local damages resulting from envenoming. • Bothropic snakes are responsible for most of the ophidian accidents in Brazil. • Bothropic envenomation presents serious local damage. • We analysed the local effects caused by Brazilian bothropic venoms and isolated proteins. • Most bothropic venoms and many isolated proteins cause significant edema, hyperalgesia and/or myonecrosis. • Phospholipases and proteases are the components that most contribute to the local effects of bothropic venom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Local effects pertain to the main factors determining the ground motion parameters during earthquakes. The local effects associated with seismic ground response have always been paid much attention in the practice of engineering seismology since most urban regions in the world are situated in river valleys, on the soft young sedimentary deposits. The river valleys in the earthquake-prone areas host a number of large cities of the world such as Tokyo, Osaka, Kobe, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Salvador, Caracas, Lima, Bogota, Kathmandu, Manila, Thessaloniki, Mexico City, etc. The abundance and significance of these effects stimulated numerous instrumental, theoretical, and numerical studies aimed at better understanding and quantifying these effects. To date, the methods have been developed in seismology for reliable assessment of these effects. In this paper, the methods of assessing the local effects of the earthquakes that were used at the early stages of seismology and their evolution up to the modern level are described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In non-pedigreed populations, insights into effects of inbreeding can be obtained by correlations between individual heterozygosity and fitness-related traits (HFCs). Using an information-theoretic approach, we explored whether heterozygosity of microsatellite markers, measured as internal relatedness (IR), is associated with infection by blood parasites (Plasmodium, Trypanosoma, or Leucocytozoon) in the threatened Aquatic Warbler (Acrocephalus paludicola). We also explored whether any of the markers is more influential than others, or than IR, in explaining blood parasitism (single-locus effects). While we observed that IR was a relatively important predictor of Plasmodium parasitism, we did not find strong evidence for IR to correlate with infection by the identified blood parasites, accounting for sex and population effects. Therefore, our data did not support negative inbreeding effects on blood parasite infection in the Aquatic Warbler. However, we found single-locus effects, such that individuals heterozygous at AW-03 and Ase19 had lower probability of infection by blood parasites pooled together and by Plasmodium, respectively. This indicates that these two markers are in linkage disequilibrium with unknown fitness loci which are related to resisting or clearing blood parasites, and which confer a heterozygote advantage in the Aquatic Warbler. Our results add to the growing evidence that single-locus effects contribute more to HFCs than formerly recognized and have implications for Aquatic Warbler conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The local effects of mining might simply come and go with mine production. In this paper we revisit Aragón and Rud's (2013) study of the Yanacocha mine, frequently cited to account for local economic effects and backward linkages, but we offer a more nuanced interpretation: first, effects fade with the mine exhaustion; and second, impacts are the result of consumption boom-and-bust dynamics. While we find it more conceptually accurate to reserve the concept of backward linkages for effects of a productive nature, our evidence reveals that unskilled services is the one sector that benefits, in contrast to manufactures and skilled services. We stress that impact evaluations of mines are contingent to time and place, and contend that exploring the extent to which multipliers generate spillovers is central. The short-run effects of a mine might in fact give little indication of how to tell or make a blessing from a curse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detailed temperature maps are required in various applications. Any temperature interpolation over complex terrain must account for differences in land cover and elevation. Local circulations and other small-scale factors can also perturb the temperature. This study considers the surface air temperature T mapping with geostatistical kriging. The kriging methods are implemented for both T and temperature anomalies ΔT, defined as difference between T at a given location and T at the same elevation in the free atmosphere. The study explores the parallelized atmospheric large-eddy simulation (LES) model (PALM) as a source for variogram and external drift in the kriging methods. Ten kriging methods for the temperature mapping have been considered: ordinary kriging (OK) of T and ΔT with variogram derived from the observations (methods 1 and 2, correspondingly); OK of T and ΔT with variogram derived from LES data (3 and 4); universal kriging with external drift (KED) that utilizes the LES data (5 and 6); a weighted combination of KED of T and ΔT (method 7); and methods 5, 6, and 7 enhanced with additional "virtual" points in remote areas (methods 8, 9, and 10). These 10 methods are evaluated for eight typical weather situations observed in Bergen, Norway. Our results demonstrate considerable added value of the LES information for the detailed meteorological temperature mapping. The LES data improve both the variogram and the resulting temperature maps, especially in the remote mountain parts of the domain and along the coast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the atmosphere–land surface interaction is crucial for clarifying the responses and feedbacks of terrestrial ecosystems to climate change. However, quantifying the effects of multiple climatic factors to vegetation activities is challenging. Using the geographical detector model (GDM), this study quantifies the relative contributions of climatic factors including precipitation, relative humidity, solar radiation, and air temperature to the interannual variation (IAV) of the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) in the northern grasslands of China during 2000 to 2016. The results show heterogeneous spatial patterns of determinant climatic factors on the IAV of NDVI. Precipitation and relative humidity jointly controlled the IAV of NDVI, illustrating more explanatory power than solar radiation and air temperature, and accounting for higher proportion of area as the determinant factor in the study region. It is noteworthy that relative humidity, a proxy of atmospheric aridity, is as important as precipitation for the IAV of NDVI. The contribution of climatic factors to the IAV of NDVI varied by vegetation type. Owing to the stronger explanatory power of climatic factors on NDVI variability in temperate grasslands, we conclude that climate variability may exert more influence on temperate grasslands than on alpine grasslands. Our study highlights the importance of the role of atmospheric aridity to vegetation activities in grasslands. We suggest focusing more on the differences between vegetation types when addressing the climate–vegetation relationships at a regional scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Workers in the zinc production and processing of galvanized sheet steel are exposed to a complex mixture of particles and gases, including zinc oxide (ZnO) that can affect human health. We aimed to study the effects of short-term controlled exposure to nano-sized ZnO on airway inflammatory markers in healthy volunteers.Methods: Sixteen subjects (8 females, 8 men; age 19-42, non-smokers) were exposed to filtered air and ZnO nanoparticles (0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mg/m3) for 4 h, including 2 h of cycling with a low workload. Induced sputum samples were collected during a medical baseline and a final examination and also about 24 h after each exposure. A number of inflammatory cellular and soluble markers were analyzed.Results: Frequency and intensity of symptoms of airway irritation (throat irritation and cough) were increased in some subjects 24 h after ZnO exposures when compared to filtered air. The group comparison between filtered air and ZnO exposures showed statistically significant increases of neutrophils and interleukin-8 (IL-8), interleukin-6 (IL-6), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-9) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP-1) in sputum starting at the lowest ZnO concentration of 0.5 mg/m3. However, a concentration-response relationship was absent. Effects were reversible. Strong correlations were found between neutrophil numbers and concentrations of total protein, IL-8, MMP-9, and TIMP-1.Conclusions: Controlled exposures of healthy subjects to ZnO nanoparticles induce reversible airway inflammation which was observed at a concentration of 0.5 mg/m3 and higher. The lack of a concentration-response relationship warrants further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deforestation influences surface properties such as surface roughness, resulting in changes in the surface energy balance and surface temperature. Recent studies suggest that the biogeophysical effects are dominated by changing roughness, and it remains unclear whether this can be reconciled with earlier modeling studies that highlighted the importance of a reduction of evapotranspiration in the low latitudes and a reduction of net shortwave radiation at the surface in the high latitudes. To clarify this situation, we analyze the local effects of deforestation on surface energy balance and temperature in the MPI‐ESM climate model by performing three separate experiments: switching from forest to grass all surface properties, only surface albedo, and only surface roughness. We find that the locally induced changes in surface temperature are dominated by changes in surface roughness for the annual mean, the response of the diurnal amplitude, and the seasonal response to deforestation. For these three quantities, the results of the MPI‐ESM lie within the range of observation‐based data sets. Deforestation‐induced decreases in surface roughness contribute substantially to winter cooling in the boreal regions and to decreases in evapotranspiration in the tropics. By comparing the energy balance decompositions from the three experiments, the view that roughness changes dominate the biogeophysical consequences of deforestation can be reconciled with the earlier studies highlighting the relevance of evapotranspiration. Key Points: Climate model simulations reveal that surface roughness dominates the local surface temperature change signal in most geographic regionsThe study reconciles findings from studies focusing on changes in the surface energy balance and on changes in surface propertiesModel outcomes are consistent with observed changes in surface temperature across annual, diurnal, and seasonal time scales [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scholarship on climate information use has focused significantly on engagement with practitioners as a means to enhance knowledge use. In principle, working with practitioners to incorporate their knowledge and priorities into the research process should improve information uptake by enhancing accessibility and improving users' perceptions of how well information meets their decision needs, including knowledge credibility, understandability, and fit. Such interactive approaches, however, can entail high costs for participants, especially in terms of financial, human, and time resources. Given the likely need to scale up engagement as demand for climate information increases, it is important to examine whether and to what extent personal interaction is always a necessary condition for increasing information use. In this article, we report the results from two experimental studies using students as subjects to assess how three types of interaction (in-person meeting, live webinar, and self-guided instruction) affect different aspects of climate information usability. Our findings show that while in-person interaction is effective in enhancing understanding of climate knowledge, in-person interaction may not always be necessary, depending on the kinds of information involved and outcomes desired. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Utility-scale solar power plants are a rapidly growing component of the renewable energy sector. While most agree that solar power can decrease greenhouse gas emissions, the effects of photovoltaic (PV) systems on surface energy exchanges and near-surface meteorology are not well understood. This study presents data from two eddy covariance observational towers, placed within and adjacent to a utility-scale PV array in southern Arizona. The observational period (October 2017–July 2018) includes the full range of annual temperature variation. Average daily maximum 1.5-m air temperature at the PV array was 1.3°C warmer than the reference (i.e., non-PV) site, whereas no significant difference in 1.5-m nocturnal air temperature was observed. PV modules captured the majority of solar radiation and were the primary energetically active surface during the day. Despite the removal of energy by electricity production, the modules increased daytime net radiation Q* available for partitioning by reducing surface albedo. The PV modules shift surface energy balance partitioning away from upward longwave radiation and heat storage and toward sensible heat flux QH because of their low emissivity, low heat capacity, and increased surface area and roughness, which facilitates more efficient QH from the surface. The PV modules significantly reduce ground heat flux QG storage and nocturnal release, as the soil beneath the modules is well shaded. Our work demonstrates the importance of targeted observational campaigns to inform process-based understanding associated with PV systems. It further establishes a basis for observationally based PV energy balance models that may be used to examine climatic effects due to large-scale deployment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We hereby present a new method with which to nowcast a thermally driven, downvalley wind using an artificial neural network (ANN) based on remote observations. The method allows the retrieval of wind speed and direction. The ANN was trained and evaluated using a 3-month winter-period dataset of routine weather observations made in and above the valley. The targeted valley winds feature two main directions (91% of the total dataset) that are aligned with the valley axis. They result from downward momentum transport, channeling mechanisms, and thermally driven flows. A selection procedure of the most pertinent ANN input variables, among the routine observations, highlighted three key variables: a potential temperature difference between the top and the bottom of the valley and the two wind components above the valley. These variables are directly related to the mechanisms that generate the valley winds. The performance of the ANN method improves on an earlier-proposed nowcasting method, based solely on a vertical temperature difference, as well as a multilinear regression model. The assessment of the wind speed and direction indicates good performance (i.e., wind speed bias of −0.28 m s−1 and 84% of calculated directions stray from observations by less than 45°). Major sources of error are due to the misrepresentation of cross-valley winds and very light winds. The validated method was then successfully applied to a 1-yr period with a similar performance. Potentially, this method could be used to downscale valley wind characteristics for unresolved valleys in mesoscale simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to investigate the heterogeneous responses in complex rocks, a compression-shear coupled constitutive relationship with four coupled parameters is established and a generalized wave equation is obtained. Based on the generalized self-consistent theory, the approach to determine the four coupling parameters related to local stress and strain state in the heterogeneous rock with multiphase components is proposed. A meso finite element model (meso-FEM) is employed to calibrate the calculation process according to four load paths. Based on the generalized wave equation, three characteristic wave velocities of 3-D plane waves are derived to describe the compression-shear coupled effect on wave propagation. These wave velocities (e.g. the primary wave and secondary wave) are different from those of the conventional compression wave and shear wave due to the coupled effects. As an example, the theoretical method is further employed to investigate wave velocities in the heterogeneous granular medium due to particle rotation. It indicates that wave velocities in the looser medium are related to local rotation and local strain. Particle rotation has significant effects on the wave velocities, which causes severe heterogeneity and compression-shear coupling effect in particle material. Both the heterogeneous distribution of internal materials and particle rotation affect wave velocities. The results provide a profound theoretical explanation for the heterogeneity of rock and are expected to provide a comprehensive understanding of the physical mechanism of the effect of heterogeneity on wave velocity. [Display omitted] • A generalized wave equation based on the compression-shear coupled constitutive relationship is established. • The four coupled parameters are determined based on the self-consistent theory. • Velocities of the primary wave and secondary wave of heterogeneous rocks are obtained. • Wave velocities considering local particle rotation induced heterogeneity are investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lung metastases are frequently removed with an Nd:YAG laser. The aim is to perform a non-anatomic resection of all intraoperatively palpable lung metastases completely in order to preserve the largest possible amount of healthy lung parenchyma. The surgeon can either work with a focusing handpiece or use a laser fiber of the so-called bare fiber with direct contact to the lung parenchyma. We currently use a 600 µm bare fiber for applications involving the lung parenchyma. Precise data on the local effect of the laser fiber on the lung parenchyma are not available, especially with regard to an increase in the laser energy. We want to study this question within the scope of an experimental model in pig lungs by means of systematic and reproducible tests. The lung lobes were removed from animals recently slaughtered in the abattoir and taken to the laboratory immediately, where the lobes were stored such that the surface of the lungs was parallel to the floor. A 600 µm bare fiber was attached to a mounting bracket vertically above the lung surface at a distance of either 0, 5, or 10 mm. This mounting bracket was in turn connected to a hydraulic feed motor. The feed motor is capable of moving the bare fiber forward across the lungs consistently at three different speeds (5 mm/s, 10 mm/s, or 20 mm/s). The bare fiber itself was connected to the diode-pumped Nd: YAG Laser LIMAX® 120 (Gebrüder Martin GmbH & Co KG, Tuttlingen, Germany). We carried out the tests using three different laser powers: 20 W, 60 W, and 120 W. The lung lesions caused by the laser in each of the lungs were resected and sent in for histological analysis. The exact size of the vaporization and coagulation zone was measured using the HE sections, and the respective mean values (with standard deviations) were ascertained. For all laser powers, the extent of the vaporization was greatest with a motion speed of 5 mm/s for the respective laser power: 756.4 ± 1.2 µm (20 W), 1411.0 ± 2.3 µm (60 W) and 2126.0 ± 1.4 µm (120 W). At the same time, the extent of the coagulation zone decreased with a consistent speed: 221.8 ± 2.9 µm (20 W), 324.9 ± 1.8 µm (60 W), and 450.5 ± 1.8 µm (120 W). With a consistent laser energy and increasing speed, we also saw a decrease in the size of the vaporization and of the coagulation zone. The same applies for an increasing distance of the bare fiber to the lung surface. The coagulation effect is the dominant effect here. At an operating speed of 5 mm/s and a maximum laser energy of 120, the 600 µm bare fiber exerts a maximum effect. With an increasing distance of the tip of the bare fiber to the lung surface, the coagulation effect is dominant. The effect of the laser decreases with increasing operating speeds.

The spatial distribution of storm-based severe weather warnings, local storm reports, and radar-detected storm cells around six large cities in the central United States is examined from October 2007 to May 2017. The cities are Columbus, Ohio; Cincinnati, Ohio; Indianapolis, Indiana; Louisville, Kentucky; Nashville, Tennessee; and St. Louis, Missouri. In all six cities, warning counts within 20 km of the city center are found to vary by 20%–40%. In every city except St. Louis, a maximum in warnings is located 5–15 km to the east (downwind) of the city center. Additional analysis reveals that the location of the warning maxima often varies with wind direction. Areas of enhanced convective activity are also evident in and around each city. Many of these areas are found to the east of the city center and are coincident with areas of increased warnings. This alignment could suggest that urban influences are creating areas of enhanced severe weather potential on the eastern side of large cities. However, there are also instances where the locations of maxima in warnings, local storm reports, and convective activity are spatially offset. In these locations, it is possible that other factors are impacting the distribution of one or more of these fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cold stress is a major environmental constraint that limits nut productivity worldwide. Late spring frost is identified as a yield-reducing factor in Persian walnut production as well. Despite significant improvements in cold and freezing tolerance methods, orchardists have not taken advantage of these recommended protection methods. This study examined determinants of walnut orchardists' frost-protection behavior, using the extended theory of planned behavior (TPB) as a conceptual framework. Based on TPB assumptions, frost-protection behavior is mediated by a series of constructs. The purpose of this research was to examine the role of TPB variables (extended by orchard-system profile) in meeting the necessities of performing active and passive methods of frost protection. A total of 91 orchardists completed a baseline questionnaire that included the TPB constructs. The present investigation was carried out in the major walnut growing site of Sepidan County, western Fars Province, Iran. The results from the hierarchical multiple regression showed that the behavioral attitude, perceived behavioral control (PBC), intention, orchard-system profile, and interaction of orchard-system features and PBC were significant predictors of frost-protection behavior in the prospective sample. Results of the present study provided evidence that the extended TPB is a useful framework for understanding orchardists' frost-protection behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) is increasingly being advocated as a climate adaptation approach that can deliver multiple benefits to communities. EbA scholarship argues that community-based projects can strengthen those ecosystems that deliver critical services to communities and in doing so enhance community resilience. In particular, the inclusion of indigenous and traditional knowledge (ITK) into community-based EbA projects is positioned as critical to successful climate adaptation. Yet, there is surprisingly little investigation into how ITK is being defined and incorporated into EbA initiatives. This paper critically reviews EbA literature and provides empirical examples from Vanuatu and Samoa to demonstrate the different ways ITK relates to EbA projects. We find that there is widespread recognition that ITK is important for indigenous and local communities and can be employed successfully in EbA. However, this recognition is more aspirational than practical and is not being necessarily translated into ITK-informed or ITK-driven EbA projects. ITK should not be conceptualized simply as a collection of local environmental information that is integrated with Western scientific knowledge. Instead, ITK is part of nested knowledge systems (information–practices–worldviews) of indigenous peoples. This knowledge includes local natural resource management, sociocultural governance structures, social norms, spiritual beliefs, and historical and contemporary experiences of colonial dispossession and marginalization. At present, most EbA projects focus on the provision of information to main decision-makers only; however, since ITK is held collectively, it is essential that entire communities are included in ITK EbA projects. There is a huge potential for researchers and ITK holders to coproduce knowledge that would be best placed to drive climate adaptation in a changing world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]