Hasil untuk "Geography"

D. Audretsch, Paula E. Stephan

Antonina Drzewiecka, Artur Drzewiecki, Oliwia Maciaszek et al.

Introduction and Purpose: Vascular access devices (VADs) are essential for modern inpatient care, yet optimal device selection remains complex due to heterogeneous data on dwell time, indications, and complications. Peripheral options such as midline catheters (MCs) and long peripheral catheters (LPCs) are increasingly proposed as alternatives to peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) and central venous catheters (CVCs), particularly for intermediate-duration therapy and in patients with difficult intravenous access (DIVA). The aim of this narrative review is to synthesize current evidence on peripheral and central vascular access, focusing on peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs), MCs, LPCs, PICCs, and CVCs, with respect to dwell time, therapeutic indications, and complication rates, including catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) and thrombosis. State of Knowledge: PIVCs, although most commonly used, have short dwell times and high failure rates, often complicated by phlebitis, infiltration, and occlusion. Midline catheters provide longer dwell times and reduce repeated cannulation but are associated with minor mechanical complications such as superficial thrombophlebitis and occlusion. PICCs and CVCs enable prolonged delivery of vesicant and hyperosmolar therapies but carry higher risks of bloodstream infection and venous thromboembolism. Comparative studies suggest midlines may reduce CRBSI and CLABSI-reportable events relative to PICCs, at the cost of more frequent minor complications. Conclusion: No single VAD is universally optimal. Device choice should integrate therapy duration, infusate characteristics, vascular anatomy, and the balance of infectious, thrombotic, and mechanical risks. MCs and LPCs appear promising for intermediate-duration, peripherally compatible therapies; however, high-quality randomized studies are needed to refine vascular access algorithms and confirm safety signals.

Zhiji Gao, Jin’an Xu, Hanjie Qiu et al.

Granite sawdust is a by-product in the process of stone processing, which is usually piled up, thus easily causing environmental pollution. To achieve resource utilization, granite sawdust was used as a partial substitution of cement in this work. The effects of different sawdust contents (10–50%) were systematically studied on the pore structure and the mechanical properties of its dry powder mortar. Combined with the grey correlation theory, the correlation between pore size distribution and compressive strength was analyzed. The results showed that the consistency and mechanical properties of the mortar gradually decreased along with the increasing sawdust content, while its critical pore-diameter decreased. The mortar performance was the best when its sawdust content is 10%, which meets the M25 technical requirements. When content reaches up to 30%, the mortar still met the strength standard of M20. Compared to fly ash, the mortar with 30% sawdust as the substitution has a higher water retention rate but lower mechanical strength. The grey correlation analysis indicated that the pores with diameters less than 10 nm and greater than 1000 nm had the most significant impact on the compressive strength.

Dominik Kret, Wiktoria Szlachta, Daria Twardowska et al.

Myocardial bridging (MB) of the coronary arteries has long been considered a benign anatomical variant with no significant clinical relevance. However, the development of modern imaging and functional diagnostic methods indicates that its impact on myocardial perfusion may become apparent under conditions of increased hemodynamic load, especially during physical exertion. In the context of sports science, this issue is particularly important, as even subtle coronary flow disturbances can modulate the heart's response to training load and affect exercise tolerance.The aim of this study was to present the current state of knowledge on the anatomy, pathophysiology, clinical picture, diagnosis, and therapeutic management of myocardial bridges, with particular emphasis on their functional significance under conditions of stress typical of physical activity. The article is a narrative review of the literature based on a critical analysis of anatomical, observational, and imaging studies, as well as works devoted to functional assessment and treatment strategies. Available data indicate that MBs are a common structure, but heterogeneous in terms of morphology and hemodynamic significance. Although they remain asymptomatic in most people, in selected cases they may be associated with myocardial ischemia, arrhythmias, and reduced exercise tolerance. Myocardial bridges require individualized clinical and functional assessment, and their presence should not be automatically considered insignificant, especially in the context of exercise capacity assessment.

Nicola Riccardi

Abstract This article investigates the epistemological convergence between French historiography and French Discourse Analysis (FDA), emphasizing their shared focus on language as a vehicle for historical meaning and ideological formation. Tracing the evolution from the Annales School to post-structuralist thinkers such as Foucault and LaCapra, the study highlights how history has increasingly embraced discourse as both a methodological tool and an object of analysis. Through a case study of Santiago Abascal, leader of Spain’s far-right party Vox, the article illustrates how FDA concepts – such as lexical worlds, interdiscursivity, and discursive ethos – can be applied to political rhetoric in the digital age. Using lexicometric methods (IraMuTeQ, SketchEngine) and qualitative interpretation, the study analyzes a corpus of Abascal’s tweets (2019-2022), focusing particularly on the term golpista as a strategic signifier of ideological antagonism. The findings show how far-right discourse reactivates historically loaded terms to construct binary oppositions and mobilize collective memory. Ultimately, the article argues that FDA offers historians a powerful framework to interrogate the linguistic production of identity, power, and historical continuity in contemporary political narratives.

Sifan Gu, Zhengyu Liu, Ning Zhao et al.

Abstract The rapid CO2 rise during the early deglaciation is often linked to enhanced ventilation by intensified Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW) overturning. The recorded radiocarbon ventilation seesaw during the early deglaciation, which describes improved Southern Ocean and reduced North Atlantic abyssal radiocarbon ventilation, has been interpreted as intensified AABW and reduced North Atlantic Deep Water convections. However, abyssal radiocarbon records also reflect changes in surface reservoir ages and interior water mass mixing. Using isotope-enabled simulations, we show that this seesaw results from weakened AABW overturning and decreased Southern Ocean surface reservoir age. With AABW occupying the abyssal ocean, weakened AABW overturning increases transit time, with the magnitude increasing northward. This transit time increase outpaced the declining $$\Delta ^{14}C_{{atm}}$$ Δ 14 C a t m induced Southern Ocean surface reservoir age decrease in the abyssal North Atlantic, but not in the abyssal Southern Ocean, thus producing a radiocarbon ventilation seesaw. Our results suggest sluggish deep water overturning from both poles during the early deglaciation.

Robert Mzungu Runya, Chris McGonigle, Rory Quinn et al.

ABSTRACT Understanding the spatial dynamics of harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) is crucial for effective conservation and management. The study presents a multidisciplinary approach to modelling and analysing the site occurrence and habitat use of Phocoena phocoena within the Skerries and Causeway Special Area of Conservation (SAC), identifying areas where they were seen surfacing and/or spending the most time. Using data derived from multibeam echosounders (MBES), particle size analysis of sediments, hydrodynamic modelling, and theodolite tracking observations, the study examines the influence of local hydrodynamics and environmental conditions on the spatial distribution of harbour porpoises. Kernel density analysis of 451 porpoise sightings over an 11‐day survey demonstrated that dense clusters and higher aggregations occurred within ~500 m of the shoreline. Generalised Additive Models (GAMs) identified slope, aspect, backscatter intensity and sediment grain size as the most significant environmental predictors, accounting for 47.6% of the deviance in harbour porpoise distribution. Porpoises' occurrence was particularly spatially coincident with coarser sediments (4.25–5 mm), and their distribution was highly concentrated around headlands, shoreline and within a 3‐h window before and after high water. Overall, these findings highlight the dynamic nature of harbour porpoises' use of habitat in space and time, with models predicting a high probability of porpoise encounters (> 0.6) nearshore, particularly in headland areas characterised by local flow acceleration and coarser seabeds. The study presents a robust workflow for developing a porpoise‐specific monitoring program. By leveraging multidisciplinary methodological approaches, the study provides a scientific basis for refining marine conservation measures, delivering long‐term protection for harbour porpoise habitats under existing legal and management frameworks both within and beyond the SAC boundaries.

Idris O. Sanusi, Godwin O. Olutona, Ibrahim G. Wawata et al.

Abstract The demand for domestic, public and industrial use of water increases with population growth. However, activities from humans and natural environment have resulted into decline in water quality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of groundwater and surface water collected from Kampala and Mbarara districts of Uganda using water quality index and multivariate statistics. A total of 10 physicochemical parameters (pH, water temperature, chloride, sulphate, nitrate, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, total suspended solids, total solids, and phosphate) were measured monthly to evaluate the quality of water in the study districts. Results showed that sulphate, electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids were observed with significantly high values in surface water than the groundwater for both seasons. Among all the parameters measured, electrical conductivity was observed with the highest value (2129.67 ± 1.41 µS/cm) while nitrate concentration (0.57 ± 0.02 mg/L) was observed with the lowest during the wet season in surface water. In addition, the mean values of nitrate, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids and sulphate detected in the groundwater and surface water were within the recommended limits, while phosphate and chloride were observed with mean concentrations above the regulatory limits in 50% of the samples. The correlation analysis revealed strong and positive association between electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids in groundwater and surface water for both seasons. Also, the chemical make-up of groundwater and surface water within the study districts revealed that the determination of water quality rests on two major indices (conductivity and anthropogenic-pollutants) based on the factor analysis. The two indices accounted for 0.619% in groundwater and over 0.70% in surface water, indicating more pollution in surface water. Moreover, the water quality index (WQI) values obtained ranged from 14.81 to 115.73 in dry season and 7.77 to 108.24 during the wet season. According to WQI classification, 42% of the samples collected fell within the “excellent” and “good” categories while others fell within “poor” and “unfit” categories (58%) during the dry season. Based on these findings, appropriate treatment methods, proper sanitation and waste management should be implemented in locations with critical water conditions. Also, frequent monitoring of groundwater and surface water quality by environmental protection agency is highly recommended.

R. B.

Katarzyna Słomska-Przech, Tomasz Panecki, Wojciech Pokojski

Recently, due to Web 2.0 and neocartography, heat maps have become a popular map type for quick reading. Heat maps are graphical representations of geographic data density in the form of raster maps, elaborated by applying kernel density estimation with a given radius on point- or linear-input data. The aim of this study was to compare the usability of heat maps with different levels of generalization (defined by radii of 10, 20, 30, and 40 pixels) for basic map user tasks. A user study with 412 participants (16–20 years old, high school students) was carried out in order to compare heat maps that showed the same input data. The study was conducted in schools during geography or IT lessons. Objective (the correctness of the answer, response times) and subjective (response time self-assessment, task difficulty, preferences) metrics were measured. The results show that the smaller radius resulted in the higher correctness of the answers. A larger radius did not result in faster response times. The participants perceived the more generalized maps as easier to use, although this result did not match the performance metrics. Overall, we believe that heat maps, in given circumstances and appropriate design settings, can be considered an efficient method for spatial data presentation.

W. H. Lipscomb, G. R. Leguy, N. C. Jourdain et al.

<p>The future retreat rate for marine-based regions of the Antarctic Ice Sheet is one of the largest uncertainties in sea-level projections. The Ice Sheet Model Intercomparison Project for CMIP6 (ISMIP6) aims to improve projections and quantify uncertainties by running an ensemble of ice sheet models with atmosphere and ocean forcing derived from global climate models. Here, the Community Ice Sheet Model (CISM) is used to run ISMIP6-based projections of ocean-forced Antarctic Ice Sheet evolution. Using multiple combinations of sub-ice-shelf melt parameterizations and calibrations, CISM is spun up to steady state over many millennia. During the spin-up, basal friction parameters and basin-scale thermal forcing corrections are adjusted to optimize agreement with the observed ice thickness. The model is then run forward for 550 years, from 1950–2500, applying ocean thermal forcing anomalies from six climate models. In all simulations, the ocean forcing triggers long-term retreat of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet, especially in the Filchner–Ronne and Ross sectors. Mass loss accelerates late in the 21st century and then rises steadily for several centuries without leveling off. The resulting ocean-forced sea-level rise at year 2500 varies from about 150 to 1300 mm, depending on the melt scheme and ocean forcing. Further experiments show relatively high sensitivity to the basal friction law, moderate sensitivity to grid resolution and the prescribed collapse of small ice shelves, and low sensitivity to the stress-balance approximation. The Amundsen sector exhibits threshold behavior, with modest retreat under many parameter settings but complete collapse under some combinations of low basal friction and high thermal forcing anomalies. Large uncertainties remain, as a result of parameterized sub-shelf melt rates, simplified treatments of calving and basal friction, and the lack of ice–ocean coupling.</p>

Fariba Askarian

Background: Sports Investments is one of the most unique sports events, in the country dealing both with collectors and dealers.Aim: The purpose of this study was to compare the sports investment o Iran in 2016 and 1998. Therefore, we estimate the value of the sports investment sector and share of total investment, GDP, GDSP and compare with 1998 in Iran.Materials and Methods: In this study, national accounts were used. Most of the basic data fare available in a decentralized manner in the Statistics Center and the Program and Budget Organization of Iran. Due to achieving real changes in sports investment between 1998 and 2016, prices in 1998 was considered as the base year and were considered. Then using the price index of the desired years, the effects of inflation were eliminated and growth real was calculated.Results: The results indicate that investment in sport in 1998 was 360 billion Rials, which is 0.43% of total investment, 0.1% GDP, and 26.2% of GDSP. Also, investment in sport in 2016 was 15449 billion Rials, which is 0.46% of total investment, 0.11% GDP and, 73.38% of GDSP. Investment in sport in 2016 compared to 1998 had 2347% real growth.Conclusion: Although, investment in sport in 2016 compared to 1998 has grown, but it is very small compared to the total investments. Results also show the major share of the public sector and the low participation of the private sector.

Dorozhkina Ekaterina, Pastukhov Alexander, Averyanova Anastasia et al.

The purpose of the research is to study and systematize the solutions of facade structures for prefabricated and precast-monolithic construction. The article considers single-layer, two-layer and three-layer external wall panels. An analysis of design solutions was carried out in terms of ensuring energy efficiency requirements. Possible options for finishing buildings with external walls made of large-sized elements were analyzed, taking into account their design solutions. The scientific novelty of the article lies in considering the issue of facade decoration both from the point of view of architectural expressiveness and energy efficiency. It also compares the most common types of external wall panels based on the thermal characteristics and geometric dimensions of the materials used and, as a result, their economic feasibility. As a result of the analysis, it can be concluded that modern solutions for prefabricated external walls have great importance for the implementation of design solutions and finishing the facade of buildings from large-size prefabricated elements. The best indicators of all the options considered are the two-layer hinged and three-layer external wall panels.

Rizescu Dana, Rizescu Ciprian Ion, Alionte Cristian Gabriel

The paper aims to create a unit using Fresnel lenses. This module consist of an arrangement of planar-convex Fresnel lenses, made of methyl polymethacrylate, mounted in a hexagonal raster and bent to form a dome for collecting and amplifying solar radiation at several focal points and with the possibility of adjusting the focal distance. The module has three aluminum alloy legs that are vertically adjustable. This construction using Fresnel lenses mounted in a hexagonal raster will increase the energy collected by a photovoltaic panel, thus significantly reducing energy losses and long-term costs. Compared to normal lenses, these lenses are considerably lighter because the material in the center of the lens is reduced, and for manufacturing can be used methyl polymethacrylate or polycarbonate, thus greatly reducing manufacturing costs. To show the functioning of the unit the authors presents in the paper a MATLAB simulation of the Fresnel lens model and a ray propagation.

K. Clayton, R. Chorley, B. Kennedy

Yan Yu, Jianhua He, Wenwu Tang et al.

Urban agglomeration has become the predominant form of urbanization in China. In this process, spatial interaction evidently played a significant role in promoting the collaborative development of these correlated cities. The traditional urban model&rsquo;s focus on individual cities should be transformed to an urban system model. In this study, a multi-scale simulation model has been proposed to simulate the agglomeration development process of the Wuhan urban agglomeration area by embedding the multi-scale spatial interaction into the transition rule system of cellular automata (CA). A system dynamic model was used to predict the demand for new urban land at an aggregated urban agglomeration area scale. A data field approach was adopted to measuring the interaction of intercity at city scale. Neighborhood interaction was interpreted with a logistic regression method at the land parcel scale. Land use data from 1995, 2005, and 2015 were used to calibrate and evaluate the model. The simulation results show that there has been continuing urban growth in the Wuhan urban agglomeration area from 1995 to 2020. Although extension-sprawl was the predominant pattern of urban spatial expansion, the trend of extensive growth to intensive growth is clear during the entire period. The spatial interaction among these cities has been reinforced, which guided the collaborative development and formed the regional urban system network.

W. Zelinsky

L. Bondi

E. Salisbury