Late Research Articles

Late Bronze Age/Early Iron Age structure (Area F)

Late Bronze Age/Early Iron Age structure (Area F)

Assessment of climate change impact on high flows in a watershed characterized by flood regulating reservoirs

A climate-induced extreme flow event such as flooding is one of the most devastating natural hazards, which can significantly damage human lives and properties. This study examined the effects of climate change on the high flow conditions in the Great Miami River Watershed in Ohio under two emission scenarios (RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5). Streamflow for the 21st century was simulated by utilizing a watershed model - SWAT (Soil and Water Assessment Tool) and 10 different climate outputs from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5 (CMIP5). The future streamflow was divided into three equal periods: 2016-2043 (early century), 2044-2071 (mid-century), and 2072-2099 (late century) and independently analyzed to compare high flows of respective intervals with baseline periods (1988-2015). The analysis predicted that 7-day, 10-year high-flow (7Q10) would increase by 38% under RCP 4.5 and 44% under RCP 8.5. Similarly, the annual peak flows for study periods were predicted to increase by 26% under RCP 4.5 and 38% under RCP 8.5 from the base period. However, the analysis demonstrated an erratic response for monthly peaks indicating that the peak flow would increase in summer months - May and July to October. Meanwhile, the result did not show any significant increase during the winter season, especially from November to April. The analysis of the four major dams located in the watershed showed that the dam’s peak discharges increase in January, May, and September. Even though increasing peaks were projected in September for the 21st century, the monthly peaks from the watershed outlet were found to be lowest in September as compared to other months. The frequency of future flooding compared to the historical record was found to be increasing in the mid-century under RCP 4.5 and the late century under RCP 8.5. As the future flood is projected to increase, this study finds the reasonable impact of climate change on flood regulating reservoirs/dams in monthly flows. However, daily high flows (90th percentile flow) would be increasing significantly (44% to 250%) under RCP 8.5. Keywords: climate change, high flows, SWAT, Great Miami River Watershed, flood regulating reservoir, assessment DOI: 10.25165/j.ijabe.20211401.5883 Citation: Shrestha S, Sharma S. Assessment of climate change impact on high flows in a watershed characterized by flood regulating reservoirs. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2021; 14(1): 178–191.

Quaternary stratigraphy and paleoenvironmental evolution of the Ningbo Coastal Plain revealed by core Z02.

The Quaternary sediment in the Ningbo Coastal Plain was the deposit due to sea-land interaction, which recorded information of past climate changes. The region is therefore an ideal area to study paleoclimate changes and sedimentary characteristics. We determined the stratigraphic division and paleoenvironmental evolution based on 14C and paleomagnetic dating, along with detailed analyses of lithology, pollen assemblage, foraminifera and ostracodes assemblage, and grain size of sediment in core Z02 located in the southeastern Ningbo Coastal Plain. The results showed that the boundary between the Holocene and Upper Pleistocene in the core Z02 record was at 30.5 m, the boundary between the Upper and Middle Pleistocene was at 82.65 m, and the boundary between the Quaternary and Lower Cretaceous was at 90 m. The Middle Pleistocene section of the core contained few sediments, while the Lower Pleistocene section was completely missed. During the late Pleistocene, the hydrodynamic conditions experienced energy levels of medium to medium low to medium, and sedimentary facies changed from alluvial lake to overbank to river to lake to alluvial lake to lake to overbank. During the Holocene, the hydrodynamic changes experienced energy levels of medium low to low to medium, and the sedimentary facies changed from shoreland to shallow sea to shoreland lake. The Ningbo Coastal Plain had experienced tectonic uplift, weathering and erosion stage in the Early and Middle Pleistocene, from warm and humid to dry in the Late Pleistocene, and from warm and humid to dry and cool in the Holocene, as revealed by the core Z02 record. This study provided useful information in investigating past environmental changes in the subtropical coastal region of eastern China.

Management of GHB acute intoxications.

Intoxications related to γ-Hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), arising from its success as recreational drug due to its psychotropic properties, are significantly and alarmingly jeopardizing public health, posing major challenges to medical staff. In recent years, GHB's prodrug γ-butyrolactone (GBL) has often supplanted GHB in recreational settings, owing to its lower cost and the ease with which it can be obtained, mainly due to its various legal industrial applications. The Authors intend to stress that symptoms should be assessed and confirmed by timely toxicological analyses by highly-trained, expert professionals. Such tests aimed at analytical confirmation are instrumental in providing physicians valuable indications in terms of the proper pharmacological treatments in order to revert the adverse, or even fatal, side effects, particularly when the overall intoxication picture looks ambiguous. At the time being, little is known about the pharmacological therapies effective in GHB intoxication cases; further comprehensive research is therefore essential, if we are to tackle such a burgeoning public health emergency before it is too late.

Post-mortem diagnosis of sepsis: when it's too late.

Post-mortem diagnosis of sepsis is often very difficult to make, especially in the elderly affected by multiple comorbidities. However, clinical evaluation following histology, immunohistochemistry, microbiological tests, immunoassays and proteomics can improve reliability of this post-mortem diagnosis.

The effect of a new enclosure on the behaviour of a large captive group of lion-tailed macaques Macaca silenus

The captive environment can significantly impact animal behaviour. Relocating a captive group to a more biologically relevant enclosure can positively impact behaviour and welfare. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a new enclosure on the behaviour of a captive group of lion-tailed macaques Macaca silenus located in Fota Wildlife Park. The macaques were moved in late January/early February 2015 to an enclosure that is larger and more complex but is in closer proximity to visitors. Baseline data were collected from February to October 2014, prior to the move. Data in the new enclosure were collected for the 2 months following the move, prior to additional changes occurring in the group. One year since the relocation, data were collected again, in February and March 2016. The results showed that in the months following the move to the new enclosure the macaques spent more time out of sight and less time engaged in self-directed behaviours. Visitor number had an impact on behaviour of the macaques, but there was no significant difference between the two enclosures in terms of visitor effect. Further monitoring will continue to determine the effect of the new enclosure on behaviour.

PETROLOGICAL CONSTRAINTS ON THE ORIGIN OF PYROXENITE DYKES IN THE LITHOSPHERIC MANTLE OF THE CHESHMEH-BID OPHIOLITIC MASSIF, SOUTHERN IRAN

The Cheshmeh-Bid ophiolitic massif in the Khajeh-Jamali district (Southern Iran) is dominated by harzburgite-dunite tectonites locally intruded by orthopyroxenite dikes. These latter are composed of dominant coarse orthopyroxene with minor olivine, Cr-spinel, clinopyroxene and amphibole. Estimated equilibrium temperatures for Mg-hornblende and edenitic amphibole reveal a late stage magmatic origin. The Cheshmeh-Bid orthopyroxenites are characterized by very low Al2O3, CaO, Na2O and TiO2 abundances coupled to relatively high MgO and SiO2 contents. They display U-shaped REE patterns, selective LILE enrichment and positive Pb and Sr anomalies. The host harzburgites are highly refractory mantle residues resulting from fluid-assisted melting. Field observations and mineral assemblages suggest that the pyroxenites formed by melt injection along fractures within rather cold ambient harzburgites and chromitites at moderate pressure (P > 1 GPa). Based on bulk-rock compositions and mineral chemistry, we infer that the Cheshmeh-Bid orthopyroxenites originated from the intrusion and crystallization of hydrous Si-rich, low-Ca melts with a boninite signature in a suprasubduction environment. Fine-grained neoblastic domains developed in the pyroxenites in response to subsolidus ductile deformation and recrystallization, which were most likely related to the exhumation of the Cheshmeh-Bid ophiolite massif.

The Mundanity of Excellence in Medicine: A Tribute to the Late David H. Solomon.

The Mundanity of Excellence in Medicine: A Tribute to the Late David H. Solomon.

De-Globalisation and Decoupling: Post-COVID-19 Myths versus Realities

According to a recent Korean study of re-shoring, just 68 companies have returned their production back to Korea since 2014 A supply chain relying solely on limited local capacity hampered by a local lockdown, by contrast, would be unable to rapidly increase production to meet demand that might rise by ten or even one hundred times almost overnight [ ]a GVC will be able to identify and access countries where local institutions and infrastructure enable production to be expanded more flexibly and rapidly China's more flexible labour laws compared with Europe, for example, enabled companies such as medical equipment producer Zoncare to respond to a flood of inquiries from Spain to Saudi Arabia in late February 2020 by drawing on China's huge and flexible supply base and running its assembly lines twenty hours per day to increase its weekly output sixfold (Yu et al , 2020) [ ]it already had relevant international networks, skilled supply chain managers, and experience that could be redeployed at short notice to produce COVID-19 test kits

A Discussion on Blood Vessel Thromboembolism

Blood vessel thromboembolism is a perceived inconvenience of fundamental heparin treatment. Normal for the element is blood vessel impediment by platelet-fibrin thrombi with distal ischemia happening four to twenty days after the commencement of heparin treatment, gone before by significant thrombocytopenia with platelet includes in the scope of 30,000 to 40,000 for every cubic millimetre. The clinically evident impediment might be gone before by gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal side effects that give off an impression of being ischemic in root, and may serve to caution the clinician of these entanglements. Past reports of these marvels just as late investigations of the impact of heparin are explored. The normal factor relating thromboembolism and thrombocytopenia is heparin-prompted platelet accumulation. Proper treatment comprises of suspension of heparin, and anticoagulation with sodium warfarin if essential. Vascular strategies are preceded as demonstrated.

Sarcoidosis Presenting as Cranial Multinevritis

A 29-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with red eyes and hypoacusia since the previous weeks associated with a sudden right facial palsy. Ophthalmologic examination revealed bilateral uveitis and lumbar puncture was compatible with aseptic meningitis. Thoracic computed tomography scan showed pulmonary nodules and mediastinal and hilar lymphadenopathy. Bronchoalveolar lavage revealed a CD4/CD8 ratio of 8, and lymph node biopsy confirmed non-caseating granulomas. The diagnosis of sarcoidosis with ocular, pulmonary, and neurologic involvement was made. Due to sarcoidosis severity at presentation, the patient was started on systemic steroids and methotrexate with improvement. Sarcoidosis involvement of the central nervous system is a rare condition (5-10%) but can be the first manifestation of the disease. Its presentation can be heterogeneous; therefore, symptoms are frequently devalued by patients and physicians, leading to a late diagnosis and permanent damage. Clinicians’ awareness is crucial to early diagnosis and treatment. J Med Cases. 2021;12(3):112-114 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jmc3635

ASSESSMENT OF IMPLEMENTATION OF PUBLIC PROCUREMENT AND DISPOSAL LAW ON PROCUREMENT PROCESS AT MACHAKOS UNIVERSITY, MACHAKOS COUNTY, KENYA

For efficacy in public funds utilisation, the procurement process needs to be regulated, hence the enactment of Public Procurement Regulations of 2015. Nevertheless, of late billions of tax payer's money in Kenya have been lost by Public institutions through cancellation of contracts, uncompleted projects and services not rendered. This study sought to assess the implementation of public procurement and disposal law on procurement process at Machakos University, Kenya. The study objectives were: to determine the Machakos University procurement staffs’ awareness on procurement regulations, professionalism on procurement process, ethical practices on procurement process and the level of stakeholders’ involvement on procurement process. The study sought to fill the lacuna in the Kenya procurement literature as to whether ratification and application of the PPAD Act, 2015 has had influence in the procurement practices in the institutes of higher learning. Theories relevant to this study were the Agency theory and the Institutional theory. The study targeted a population of 86 procurement staff and members of consumer departments. A sample of 50 participants was selected using both purposive and simple random sampling techniques. Data collection tools were questionnaires and interview schedules. The study used mixed methods and employed the concurrent triangulation research design which enabled the researcher to use more than one design to cross-validate, confirm and corroborate findings. Data analysis was performed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study concluded that availability of procurement manual, staff in service training and ICT integration to the procurement process had a statistically significant influence on compliance to the principles and protocols governing public procurement process. The study recommends further research on the inherent nature of poor concept application due poor knowledge. Article visualizations:

The international cooperation between the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities and the University of Milan for the excavation and preservation of an endangered site in Aswan

The Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities and the University of Milan collaborate in the protection, preservation and valorisation of the large necropolis surrounding the Mausoleum of the Aga Khan in West Aswan. The first mission has been completed, the second is underway. Director Patrizia Piacentini describes the work and finds from the first mission and the experts from different fields (anthropology, palaeopathology, chemistry, botany, restauration, the computer sciences) that will be deployed during the second phase. Particular emphasis has been given to the historical meaning of the necropolis, in general, and, in particular, of tomb AGH026, which was excavated in 2019. They promise to yield information on the history and international contacts of the population of Aswan during the Late Pharaonic and Ptolemaic-Roman Period. Vicedirector Massimiliana Pozzi Battaglia enumerates some of the particular issues that were encountered from the point of view of conservation and transport. Inside Tomb AGH 026 different conditions were encountered, depending mostly on whether sand had covered a specific spot or not, which conditioned the preservation of the human bodies, cartonnage-making and wooden items and influenced their transportation and storage. Said Mahmoud Abd El-Moneim, General Director of Aswan and Nubia Antiquities Zone and Co-director of the mission at Aga Khan necropolis, widens the scope of the article to address other endangered sites that at present concerns of the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities. He describes the challenge posed by raising water levels and increased quarrying activity at Kom Ombo, Philae and Bigga, the rock art and palaeolake sites in the Aswan area.

El movimiento de objeción de conciencia e insumisión en España (1971-2002)

Hacemos una síntesis y un análisis de la movilización antimili y antimilitarista en la España de finales del siglo XX. Se enfoca como un nuevo movimiento social que desarrolló un ciclo de tres décadas de movilización subdividido en seis etapas, entre 1971 y 2002. Los objetores, partiendo de la noviolencia, construyeron una identidad y un consenso ideológico que perduraron gracias a la continuidad ininterrumpida del grupo fundacional, el MOC (Movimiento de Objeción de Conciencia). En la década de 1980 la movilización se diversificó con la creación de los colectivos Mili KK. Los grupos antimilitaristas, entre la rivalidad y la coordinación, compartieron dos valores fundamentales: el antimilitarismo y la desobediencia civil. Fue la perseverancia en la desobediencia civil la que lo hizo singular, históricamente hablando, pues gracias a ella se acentuó la impopularidad de la mili y la crisis del sistema de reclutamiento.

(Pre)ocupación urbana. La cooperación de retaguardia en la guerra moderna: Madrid, 1939

Antes de que las tropas de ocupación franquistas entraran en Madrid a finales de marzo de 1939 tras dos años y medio de asedio, sus colaboradores y agentes de sus servicios secretos emboscados en la ciudad se habían hecho con la capital de España. A este proceso de cooperación de retaguardia previo a la invasión de una gran ciudad moderna se le denomina en estas páginas “(pre)ocupación urbana”. Tras un breve recorrido por la historia de las principales organizaciones clandestinas que estos cómplices de los asaltantes crearon a fin de ganar la guerra en el territorio republicano y a las que se denominó «Quinta Columna», este artículo demuestra por primera vez cómo se pensó, gestionó e implementó la toma interna de la ciudad, la cual fue entregada.

Rethinking the management of the commons in the late 15th and 16th centuries: public utilities, usurpations and land practices in the Vercelli plain

The study of the management of the commons in the Vercelli area provides the opportunity for a broader reflection on the transformations which occurred in the late 15th and early 16th centuries, a period which has received limited attention in the Italian historiography on the commons. In actual fact, it marked a crucial turning point, as communities reconfigured their collective properties, increasing forms of indirect management, limiting common pastures, and investing in ovens and mills, which became public utilities of sorts. Usurpations, which must no doubt be viewed within the context of demographic growth and increased pressure on uncultivated lands, are another indicator of this renewal in the management of the commons and of the closer supervision exercised over them by local communities. In the area under investigation, moreover, the State, which in other parts of Italy was responsible for extensive enclosures of the commons, mostly contributed to regulating access to such resources.

«My desire would be to list them all». Lists of nobility in the cities of central and northern Italy (late middle ages-early modern period)

«My desire would be to list them all». Lists of nobility in the cities of central and northern Italy (late middle ages-early modern period)

The Use of Seungjeongwon Ilgi(承政院日記) in the Study of Gwageo(科擧) in the Late Joseon Period

The Use of Seungjeongwon Ilgi(承政院日記) in the Study of Gwageo(科擧) in the Late Joseon Period

Development Process of Japan-North Korea Trade in the late 1950s: Focusing on Conflict between MOFA and MITI

Development Process of Japan-North Korea Trade in the late 1950s: Focusing on Conflict between MOFA and MITI

Effects of Light and Temperature on Germination of Eggert's Sunflower (Helianthus eggertii)

Helianthus eggertii is a rare perennial sunflower of barrens and open habitats in Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, and South Carolina in the United States (U.S.). Despite its delisting in the U.S. Endangered Species Act in 2005, little is known about the germination biology of H. eggertii other than seeds require cold stratification for optimal germination. Knowledge about the germination biology of rare species can aid in the management of natural populations and inform strategies for ex situ seed conservation and propagation. We examined how cold stratification, light, and temperature interact to affect seed germination in H. eggertii, and whether germination proportions varied among populations. At the time of maturity in October, seeds have primary physiological dormancy and require cold stratification or prolonged (> 8 wk) incubation in light at cool (15/6 C) temperatures to germinate. Seeds maintained a light requirement for germination when cold stratified in darkness, but not after cold stratification in light. However, seeds germinated to lower proportions after cold stratification in light relative to darkness, and when incubated at temperatures that mimic summer (35/20 C) compared to late spring (25/15 C). Germination varied widely among populations (23-58%), with plants from more open sites exhibiting lower germination proportions than those from partially shaded sites. Our results indicate seeds most likely germinate in early- to mid-spring, and light promotes germination of H. eggertii. Our results highlight the interactive role of light and temperature in determining seed dormancy break and germination in H. eggertii.