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Abstract: Alarmingly low pulp prices in early 2009 left pulp and paper mills across North America desperate for any way to improve thin profit margins. One solution that continues to gain popularity among the industry is improved energy management systems for cogeneration systems, which use steam for two purposes – to provide heat for the pulping process and to generate electricity for sale to regional providers. This paper presents an energy optimization algorithm for use in a pulp and paper mill cogeneration system. The algorithm is applicable to a number of popular mill configurations, power sale contracts, and fuel purchasing scenarios. The method is also extended to address weather-dependent cooling limitations encountered by a mill cogeneration facility, in which case an iterative solution is proposed in order to maintain convexity of the optimization problem. Results are presented in the form of three case studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The physical demands of daily life in developed countries have decreased remarkably during the last two centuries. General leisure time has increased and the age at retirement has decreased. General health has improved and life expectancy has increased. Most people can expect to live 20-30 years after retirement. By 2050, one in four people in Europe and North America will be aged 65 or over. Furthermore, women live longer than men. Generally, the physical demands on older women will be low. Thus, their physical fitness will decline, which in turn will affect a variety of organ systems and functions, and so impact on mental health, quality of life and independent living. This opinion paper explores exercise strategies for healthy ageing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients' understanding of radiation therapy (RT) and data regarding optimal approaches to patient education (PE) within radiation oncology (RO) are limited. We aimed to evaluate PE practices of radiation oncologists and interprofessional RT care team members to inform recommendations for delivering inclusive and accessible PE. An anonymous survey was administered to all Radiation Oncology Education Collaborative Study Group members (10/5/22-11/23/22). Respondent demographics, individual practices/preferences, and institutional practices were collected. Qualitative items explored strategies, challenges, and desired resources for PE. Descriptive statistics summarized survey responses. The Fisher exact test compared PE practices by respondent role and PE timing. Thematic analysis was used for qualitative responses. One hundred thirteen Radiation Oncology Education Collaborative Study Group members completed the survey (28.2% response rate); RO attendings comprised 68.1% of respondents. Most practiced in an academic setting (85.8%) in North America (80.5%). Institution-specific materials were the most common PE resource used by radiation oncologists (67.6%). Almost half (40.2%) reported that their PE practices differed based on clinical encounter type, with paper handouts commonly used for in-person and multimedia for telehealth visits. Only 57.7% reported access to non-English PE materials. PE practices among radiation oncologists differed according to RT clinical workflow timing (consultation versus simulation versus first RT, respectively): one-on-one teaching: 88.5% versus 49.4% versus 56.3%, P <.01, and paper handouts: 69.0% versus 28.7% versus 16.1%, P <.01. Identified challenges for PE delivery included limited time, administrative barriers to the development or implementation of new materials or practices, and a lack of customized resources for tailored PE. Effective strategies for PE included utilization of visual diagrams, multimedia, and innovative education techniques to personalize PE delivery/resources for a diverse patient population, as well as fostering interprofessional collaboration to reinforce educational content. Radiation oncologists and interprofessional RO team members engage in PE, with most using institution-specific materials often available only in English. PE practices differ according to clinical encounter type and RT workflow timing. Increased adoption of multimedia materials and partnerships with patients to tailor PE resources are needed to foster high-quality, patient-centered PE delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the height of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the test-negative design (TND) was extensively used in many countries to evaluate COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness (VE). Typically, the TND involves the recruitment of care-seeking individuals who meet a common clinical case definition. All participants are then tested for an infection of interest. To review and describe the variation in TND methodology, and disclosure of potential biases, as applied to the evaluation of COVID-19 VE during the early vaccination phase of the pandemic. We conducted a systematic review by searching four biomedical databases using defined keywords to identify peer-reviewed articles published between January 1, 2020, and January 25, 2022. We included only original articles that employed a TND to estimate VE of COVID-19 vaccines in which cases and controls were evaluated based on SARS-CoV-2 laboratory test results. We identified 96 studies, 35 of which met the defined criteria. Most studies were from North America (16 studies) and targeted the general population (28 studies). Outcome case definitions were based primarily on COVID-19-like symptoms; however, several papers did not consider or specify symptoms. Cases and controls had the same inclusion criteria in only half of the studies. Most studies relied upon administrative or hospital databases assembled for a different (non-evaluation) clinical purpose. Potential unmeasured confounding (20 studies), misclassification of current SARS-CoV-2 infection (16 studies) and selection bias (10 studies) were disclosed as limitations by some studies. We observed potentially meaningful deviations from the validated design in the application of the TND during the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate photovoltaic (PV) power forecast is crucial to power systems. Solar irradiance forecast is the fundamentals of PV power forecast. Current researches merely focus on improving the forecast accuracy. There hasn't been comprehensive study on the spatial-temporal characteristics of solar irradiance forecast errors. Thus, this paper analyzed the error characteristics of solar irradiance forecast provided by European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), one of the most accurate numerical weather prediction (NWP) products. ECMWF's forecasts were compared with ERA5 solar irradiance reanalysis data to reveal the error distribution characteristics. Four-year (2017–2020) data from the geographical region bounded by 63°N, −126°W, 21°S, and 36°E (covering most parts of Europe and North America) were studied. Experiments show that solar irradiance forecast errors peak at noon of the local time. Furthermore, correlations between solar irradiance forecast errors and other weather variables were also revealed. Experiments show that solar irradiance forecast errors have negative correlation with low cloud cover forecast errors and positive correlation with air temperature forecast errors. The possible reasons for the correlation relationship were also analyzed in detail. This paper systematically reveals the spatial-temporal characteristics of solar irradiance forecast errors and provides a useful guideline for solar PV system operation. • Error distribution of ECMWF's solar irradiance forecast in Europe and North America is revealed. • Solar irradiance forecast errors in Europe are smaller than those in North America. • Solar irradiance forecast errors peak at noon of local time. • Solar irradiance forecast errors have slight seasonal and monthly differences. • Correlation between solar irradiance forecast errors and other weather variables is revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• CVC firms develop additional expertise in pursuing both exploitation and exploration activities. • Dynamic sequential ambidexterity increases firm performance. • Simultaneous ambidexterity in CVC investing increases firm performance in times of crisis. • The frequency of changing both exploitative and explorative activities increases firm performance. • The interaction between balanced and simultaneous ambidexterity reinforces firm performance. The purpose of this paper is to study the evolution of corporate investors' exploitation-exploration allocations and their long-term performance outcomes. The sample consists of 243 North American firms pursuing corporate venture capital (CVC) investments from 1993 to 2017. The results show that dynamic sequential ambidexterity promotes higher firm performance than balanced or simultaneous forms of ambidexterity. Alternating pursuit of exploitation and exploration characterized by a regular frequency of change over time enhances corporate investors' financial performance. The results suggest that CVC firms develop additional expertise in pursuing both exploitation and exploration activities over time which helps to enhance their performance. The findings also show that in times of crisis, the combined use of both exploration and exploitation in CVC investments enables firms to enhance their financial performance. The results are robust to alternative measures of financial performance and to endogeneity concerns. This paper provides insights to policymakers and managers of firms that are investing in CVC activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing evidence suggests that napping is associated with cognitive impairment and dementia, but the conclusions are inconsistent. Moreover, the extent of the risk is uncertain. We therefore conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to quantify the connection between napping and cognitive impairment. We performed a systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library for studies that were published up to June 2023, and assessed associations between napping and cognitive impairment. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated as the effect sizes for all studies. Heterogeneity and potential publication biases were assessed. A total of 4535 papers were retrieved, with 20 reports assessing the relationships between napping and cognitive impairment. Pooled analysis indicated that napping was associated with dementia (OR = 1.14; 95% CI: 1.07−1.21). Importantly, we found that those napping longer than 30, 45, and 60 min/day were 35%, 41%, and 40%, respectively, more likely to have an increased risk of cognitive impairment (30 min: OR = 1.35; 95% CI: 1.24−1.48; 45 min: OR = 1.41; 95% CI: 1.27−1.58; 60 min: OR = 1.40; 95% CI: 1.26−1.56). North America and Europe showed that associations existed between napping and cognitive impairment (North America: OR = 1.15; 95% CI: 1.04−1.27; Europe: OR = 1.13; 95% CI: 1.08−1.18). This meta-analysis indicated associations between long napping durations and cognitive impairment or dementia, suggesting that longer napping might be a potential risk factor of adverse cognitive outcomes. • Meta-analyses of studies relating napping and cognitive impairment. • Longer daytime napping was associated with cognitive impairment. • Links between napping and cognitive impairment varied by region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to investigate the ambivalent identity of librarians supporting Middle Eastern studies in North America (Canada and the United States), and Western Europe (France, Germany and the United Kingdom), as well as in North American and European institutions located in the Middle East (such as the Library of Congress, American Universities Libraries, or French Research Institutes) in 2014. To do so, the article focuses first on the emergence and evolution of the profession, then on the demographics, training and competencies of the professional community, and last on their perceptions of both characteristics of, and challenges faced by the profession. This research is based on the collection and analysis of primary and secondary sources. After a thorough review of the existing literature on Middle Eastern studies libraries, librarians 1 1 Although the terminology commonly accepted in the professional community is “Middle East librarians”, for the purpose of this paper I prefer “Middle Eastern studies librarians”. and librarianship, a survey was conducted among librarians working in North America, Western Europe and the Middle East between June 9 and July 6, 2014. Through an analysis of the survey answers, I sought to glean a better understanding of professionals active in this field in 2014. Middle Eastern studies librarianship, in spite of fundamental differences inherent to each area studies specialization, shares many similarities with specialized librarianship on other geographic areas. This paper could therefore be used as a model for research on librarians serving the teaching and research community on other areas, or as a base to compare Middle Eastern studies librarianship with other area studies librarianship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scientific journals are the primary source for dissemination of research findings, and this process relies on rigorous editorial and peer-review. As part of continuing efforts by the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management (JPSM) to advance equity, diversity, and inclusion, JPSM's leadership requested an external evaluation of their publication decisions. 1) Describe primary author characteristics associated with final decisions to accept or reject manuscripts submitted for publication; 2) Report on whether there are potential publication biases in the JPSM editorial or peer-review processes. Data consisted of self-reported primary author demographic characteristics associated with manuscript submissions between June 18, 2020, and December 31, 2022. Characteristics included region of residence, race, gender, and ethnicity. A multiple logistic regression model was used to estimate adjusted odds of rejection for each author characteristic. A total of 1940 submissions were evaluated. Compared to authors residing in North America, authors residing in Asia had six-fold greater odds of rejection, authors residing in Europe had four-fold greater odds of rejection, and authors residing in other regions had two-fold greater odds of rejection. Female authors submitted 1.7 times more papers than males, but there was no difference in acceptance rates of their papers in adjusted analysis. In this analysis of publication decisions by the JPSM, there were differences in acceptance rates by region of residence, ethnicity, and race but not by gender. Asian authors and authors residing in regions outside of North America had greater odds of rejection compared to White or North American authors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Invasive plant management is highly variable, both in its application and outcome. • Long-term research on invasive plant management in forests is limited. • Improving native plant communities may require enrichment planting or seeding. • Disturbance facilitated by invasive plant control can lead to secondary invasion. • Silvicultural prescriptions should explicitly consider invasive plant control. Invasive plants can significantly impact the diversity of understory ground flora and forest regeneration in eastern North America. However, managing invasive plants has resulted in positive, negative, or neutral effects on key ecosystem components depending on treatment type, duration, and intensity. Management may also result in short-term control, but legacy effects from prior land use or secondary invasions may hamper desired long-term outcomes. We conducted a systematic review of the invasive plant management literature for eastern North American forests to examine treatment outcomes for invasive and native plants, tree regeneration, and secondary invasions. Our review included 165 articles with few papers published in the 1980s but the number of papers increasing through time thereafter. A variety of control methods were used, including herbicide applications, prescribed burning, torching, girdling, clipping, mastication, soil amendments, flooding, enrichment plantings, and biocontrol, as well as combinations of these treatments. Species included some of the most common forest invaders, such as the privets (Ligustrum spp.), honeysuckles (Lonicera spp.), autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata), buckthorns (Rhamnus cathartica and Frangula alnus), garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata), Japanese stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum), cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica), tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima), and Chinese tallow (Triadica sebifera). The literature also included recent invaders in eastern North America, such as Callery pear (Pyrus calleryana) and fig buttercup (Ficaria verna). Findings suggest that invasive plant control efficacy is highly variable and context dependent. Information on long-term effects is limited because most studies reported on findings occurring within a few years of treatment. However, long-term success may be limited without additional management (e.g., enrichment plantings, artificial tree regeneration, re-establishing historic fire regimes, reducing herbivore densities) that ameliorates impacts from past land-use, disturbance history, or other factors. We suggest that future studies and the development of control tactics consider comprehensive approaches to building resilience in forest communities where invasive plants are only one aspect of the forest management continuum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This paper provides a fresh perspective on the "desired end state" (DES) for adaptive water governance, proposing that the concept include three aspects: the nature and significance of contextual constraints, the current status of policy outputs, and the outcomes achieved by the system to date. • The paper provides means to clarify methodological challenges associated with studying the DES, including its relationship to adaptive governance institutions and how normative conceptualizations of DES might be avoided. • The possibilities for comparative analysis are demonstrated through illustrative investigation of DES in the Great Lakes and Rio Grande-Bravo basins. Scholars from diverse fields of inquiry agree on the need to redesign institutions for governance of complex transboundary water systems to become more 'adaptive', and they assume that this will lead to a 'desired end state.' However, the exact features of the desired end state are often not clearly delineated, and the relationship between attributes of adaptive governance and the desired end state is difficult to empirically assess. We advocate for shifting the research focus instead to investigating the 'proximity' of a complex water system to desired ends, by assessing three aspects: the nature and significance of contextual constraints operating on a policy regime, the current status of policy outputs, and the outcomes achieved by the system to date. Taken together, these can provide us with a broader and deeper picture of what we want to achieve with adaptive governance and how close we are to achieving it. Methodologically, it then becomes easier to assess the impact of changes to governance institutions in subsequent research. We demonstrate these arguments through an illustrative comparison of two complex water governance systems in North America: Great Lakes Basin and Rio Grande-Bravo River Basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The need of thermal storage in a northern passive greenhouse has been demonstrated with one-year experimental investigation. • An innovative Thermal Energy Storage (TES) system have been designed, built and tested. • Results indicate that the TES system meets the initial goal of increasing the greenhouse temperature during cold nights. • System performance coefficient is up to 3 taking into account the electricity consumption during the charging and discharging phases. This research focuses on the potential of greenhouse cultivation in circumpolar territories. It begins with a survey that encompasses most of the northern greenhouses in North America. This review emphasizes the need for appropriate data and for the right energy system design. Next, the paper focuses on a case study located in Nunavik, which is the northern Inuit territory of the province of Quebec. The Kuujjuaq cooperative greenhouse has been instrumented since June 2016 to collect data on temperature and relative humidity throughout the growing season. These measures have highlighted a major problem: a temperature difference between day and night that is too large, hindering crop development. To counteract this thermal behavior, a heat storage system was designed, built and installed in October 2018. It is the first time that a rock and air-based sensible thermal energy storage system, taking into account local materials and resources, has been designed and built in a northern greenhouse. This paper presents its main characteristics as well as records of temperature changes throughout the growing season. Moreover, an energy balance is presented for three days at the beginning of June 2019. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• TAV5 is a Termite-Associated Verrucomicrobium strain from Reticulitermes flavipes. • TAV5 contains genes that code for enzymes which can structurally modify lignin. • TAV5 increased the rate of degradation of MSW and resulting methane generation. • Methane increase by 49% – mixed waste, 34% – yard waste, and 297% – wood waste. • TAV5 has the ability to grow at oxygen levels between 2% and 20%. Lignocellulose comprises a significant portion of municipal solid waste (MSW) − 40–70% in developed countries, including paper, wood, and yard waste. Cellulose and hemicellulose are often shielded by lignin, posing a barrier to waste decomposition and landfill gas generation. Unfortunately, lignin is resistant to microbial degradation under low-oxygen conditions that normally occur in MSW landfills. The bacterium strain TAV5, microaerophilic and member of phylum Verrucomicrobia , isolated from the hindgut of the Reticulitermes flavipes termite, the most widely distributed subterranean termite in North America. Its genome contains genes associated with methylotrophic competency which code for enzymes that structurally modify lignin. The overall goal of this research was to use TAV5 to modify lignin and boost methane production from MSW. Batch-scale reactors (125 mL) were filled with paper, yard, or wood waste, and four ratios of mixed of waste. Reactors were seeded with different ratios of TAV5 to anaerobic digester (AD) microorganisms (representing landfill anaerobic microorganisms). Based on batch tests, optimal ratios of TAV5 to AD microorganisms were used to seed wastes (mixed, yard, and wood) in 6-gallon reactors. Addition of TAV5 increased methane production from mixed waste, yard waste, and wood, by 49%, 34%, and 297%, respectively. TAV5 decreased acid soluble lignin by 7–39%, depending on waste type. TAV5 grown under aerobic conditions and room temperature (not requiring a heated anaerobic chamber) was found to remain viable and increase methane production under low-level oxygen conditions (1–2%). This finding will potentially lessen costs for growing large volumes of it for seeding landfills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Observation of the 3-dimensional (3-D) electron density of the ionosphere is useful to study large-scale physical processes in space weather events. Ionospheric data assimilation and ionospheric tomography are methods that can create an image of the 3-D electron density distribution. While multiple techniques have been developed over the past 30 years, there are relatively few studies that show the accuracy of the algorithms. This paper outlines a novel simulation approach to test the quality of an ionospheric tomographic inversion. The approach uses observations from incoherent scatter radar (ISR) scans and extrapolates them spatially to create a realistic ionospheric representation. A set of total electron content (TEC) measurements can then be simulated using real geometries from satellites and ground receivers. This data set, for which the 'truth' ionosphere is known, is used as input for a tomographic inversion algorithm to estimate the spatial distribution of electron density. The reconstructed ionospheric maps are compared with the truth ionosphere to calculate the difference between the images and the truth. To demonstrate the effectiveness of this simulation framework, an inversion algorithm called MIDAS (Multi-Instrument Data Analysis Software) is evaluated for three geographic regions with differing receiver networks. The results show the importance of the distribution and density of GPS receivers and the use of a realistic prior conditioning of the vertical electron density profile. This paper demonstrates that when these requirements are met, MIDAS can reliably estimate the ionospheric electron density. When the region under study is well covered by GPS receivers, as in mainland Europe or North America, the errors in vertical total electron content (vTEC) are smaller than 1 TECu (2–4%). In regions with fewer and more sparsely distributed receivers, the errors can be as high as 20–40%. This is caused by poor data coverage and poor spatial resolution of the reconstruction, which has an important effect on the calibration process of the algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Numerous science and policy debates occur over efficient aquifer protection measures. • This paper formulates a basin scale hydroeconomic optimization framework. • Its application is to North America's Middle Rio Grande Basin. • It discovers least cost aquifer protection measures for handling climate water stress. • Results are presented showing the marginal and total cost of aquifer protection. Where surface and groundwater are managed conjunctively, the stress on water supplies from climate change can significantly influence water use patterns as well as the economic value and sustainability of those uses. However, aquifer protection can be an expensive proposition because water uses that currently rely on aquifer pumping may produce considerable economic value that would be lost if protection measures are carried out. Evidence from climate-stressed regions has attracted research addressing the costs and benefits of aquifer protection plans. Despite these efforts, few peer-reviewed papers have examined water use patterns that minimize the economic costs of aquifer protection. This work presents an original approach to address that gap by developing and applying a basin scale hydroeconomic optimization model of North America's Middle Rio Grande Basin to explore impacts of new policies not yet implemented supporting aquifer protection. It also gives model access to readers or stakeholders to experiment with their own scenarios to assess impacts of alternative aquifer protection plans. The model accounts for surface and groundwater storage, irrigation, urban, environmental, and recreational demands, surface water inflows under various climate scenarios, groundwater pumping and recharge, substitute water prices, crop water use, evaporation, as well as institutional constraints governing water use. The objective is implemented by finding the optimized discounted net present value of economic benefits summed over uses, sectors, and regions from use of surface water and connected aquifers. Results are shown for each of six water supply scenarios, two substitute water prices, and two system operation rules. To address impacts of aquifer protection targets, groundwater sustainability targets are specified and enforced as constraints for each of the region's two major aquifers. We assess total and marginal cost of achieving two targeted aquifer protection levels by identifying optimized surface use and groundwater pumping for each of 24 scenarios. Results show that climate change, in the form of reduced and highly variable inflows, considerably drives up the cost of protecting aquifer sustainability, amplified by the conjunctive nature of the system. Future work points to a need to assess economic performance of various water conservation measures as well as reducing costs of substitute water through measures such as technical advance in desalination, recycling and reuse, substitution of other resources for water, better characterization of existing aquifers, and development of new groundwater supplies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patient understanding of radiotherapy (RT) processes and data regarding optimal approaches to patient education (PE) within radiation oncology (RO) are limited. Our objective was to evaluate PE practices and preferences of interprofessional RO providers to inform recommendations for delivering inclusive, accessible, and patient-centered education. An anonymous 17-item online survey, approved by an ethics review board, was administered to all members of the Radiation Oncology Education Collaborative Study Group (ROECSG) between 10/5/22 to 11/23/22. Respondent demographics, provider practices/preferences, and institutional practices were collected. Qualitative items explored key strategies, challenges, and desired resources for PE. Descriptive statistics summarized survey responses. Fisher's exact test compared PE practices by provider role and PE timing. Thematic analysis was used for qualitative responses. A total of 123 ROECSG members, including RO attendings (64%), RO trainees (21%), medical physicists (7%), physician assistants/nurses (2%), and radiation therapists (2%), completed the survey (31% response rate). Most practiced in an academic setting (86%) in North America (82%). The most common PE resources used were custom created institution-specific (61%) and electronic health system generated materials (38%). PE was delivered primarily by one-on-one teaching (72%), paper handouts (69%), and organizational websites (21%) (e.g., RTanswers.org). Almost half (41%) reported that PE practices differed based on type of clinical encounter, for example paper handouts for in-person visits and multimedia for virtual visits. The majority (86%) stated that their institution has disease site-specific PE materials, with nearly all having breast cancer materials (91%). Only 58% reported access to non-English PE materials. RO attendings/trainees were more likely than other team members to deliver PE at consultation (98% vs 71%, p = 0.03). PE practices amongst radiation oncologists differed according to the timing along the RT care path (consultation vs simulation vs first fraction, respectively): one-on-one teaching: 89% vs 49% vs 56%, p<0.01 and paper handouts: 69% vs 28% vs 16%, p<0.01. Key PE strategies included incorporating multimedia resources, personalizing delivery, and repetition at multiple timepoints by the interprofessional team. Limited time, inadequate administrative support, and lack of customized resources were identified as challenges in PE delivery. Interprofessional RO providers engage in PE, with most utilizing institution-specific materials. PE practices differ according to the type of clinical encounter and timing in the RT care path. Increased adoption of multimedia materials and partnerships with patients to tailor PE resources based on language, learning styles, and cultural preferences are needed to foster high-quality, patient-centered PE delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the PAVICS-Hydro platform, the result of long-term strategic considerations and compromises between functionality and ease-of-use, which is developed to provide users with direct access to a comprehensive hydroclimatic modeling and analysis framework over North America. This includes a Python hydrological modelling package, efficient access to meteorological data, a large array of post-processed hydroclimatic data, numerical weather forecasts and bias-corrected CMIP6 climate projections at the scale of 5797 catchments, thus providing the basic components necessary for hydrological modeling and forecasting, as well as climate change impact studies. This paper presents the principles on which the PAVICS-Hydro platform was developed while explaining the choices behind its key features, with a specific focus on lessons learned for creators of the next generations' scientific research platforms. A case study using PAVICS-Hydro is given to illustrate how this platform can be used to support different needs in the field of water resources. • We present the PAVICS-Hydro platform for hydrological modelling and research. • The platform can be used for simulation, forecasting and climate change studies. • It helps automate repetitive tasks such as model building and data processing. • Access to multiple large-scale hydrometeorological and climate datasets is provided. • The platform is built on open-source software and free to use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The North American pawpaw (Asimina triloba L.) fruit is an underutilized specialty crop native to North America. Due to the short shelf life of the fruit, it has remained underutilized and uncommercialized. Over the years, various studies have found that it contains many valuable bioactive compounds. However, to date, there has been no review of the studies done to consolidate these findings and highlight the research gaps to create opportunities for future research. Bioactive compounds are high-value compounds with a wide range of applications. This paper reviews the studies done on the bioactive compounds in the tissues of the fruit (peels, seeds, and pulp) in the last 30 years to provide the current state of knowledge on the bioactive constituents of the North American pawpaw fruit. This review points out the gaps in the available research to pave the way for further studies on the North American pawpaw fruit. Among the bioactive compounds identified in the tissues of the fruit are phenolic compounds, annonaceous acetogenins, alkaloids, and phytosterols. Various studies have pointed out the biological activities of extracts from the seeds and the pulp. These biological activities include antitumor and anticancer properties, antioxidant activities, suppression of adipocyte proliferation, and anti-obesity activity, among others. Despite these findings over the last three decades, there are several opportunities to delve deeper into various aspects of the bioactive compounds present in the tissues of the pawpaw fruit to drive its utilization and commercialization. [Display omitted] • The North American pawpaw fruit is an underutilized specialty crop. • The tissues of the pawpaw fruit contain several important bioactive compounds. • The fruit has phenolic compounds, annonaceous acetogenins, alkaloids, carotenoids, and phytosterols. • Fruit extracts have shown anti-cancer, anti-obesity, and neurotoxic effects. • Pawpaw has the potential for use as a functional food and in pharmaceutical products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Review of the development and implementation of composite load models (CLMs). • Revealed the important details of the WECC CLM and its existing implementation. • Developed an improved initialization method for the WECC CLM. • Provided an open reference implementation of the WECC CLM. The composite load model (CLM) proposed by the Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC) is gaining increasing traction in industry, particularly in North America. At the same time, it has been recognized that further improvements in structure, initialization and aggregation methods are needed to enhance model accuracy and flexibility. However, the lack of a generic modeling and open-source implementation of the WECC CLM has become a roadblock for many researchers for further improvement. To bridge this gap, this paper presents a generic CLM modeling approach and the first open reference implementation of the WECC CLM. Individual load components and the CLM are first developed and tested in MATLAB, then translated to the high-performance computing (HPC) based, parallel simulation framework – GridPACK™. The main contributions of the paper include: (1) presenting important yet undocumented details of modeling and initializing the CLM, particularly for a parallel simulation framework like GridPACK™; (2) implementation details of the load components such as the single-phase air conditioner motor; (3) an improved initialization method; (4) implementing the CLM in a modular and extensible manner. The implementation has been tested at both the component and system levels, and benchmarked against commercial simulation programs with satisfactory accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviews previous work conducted on Laser Ablation – Inductively Coupled Plasma – Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) sourcing 33 Clovis period projectile points from the Gault Site (41BL323) in Central Texas. This paper includes new geochemical data from four new primary geologic sources to increase an Edwards Plateau region chert database to 302 primary geologic samples from 204 samples with which to test against the geochemistry of the 33 Clovis artifacts. These artifacts are then assessed with regards to their form, breakage patterns, and distance to source to suggest a blended model of mobility for Clovis period hunter-gatherers in Central Texas. This data suggests that the pattern of movement across the landscape of the Edwards Plateau for these hunter-gatherers may have been a blended pattern alternating between collector and forager based on changing distribution of resources seasonally. This patterning may have been influenced for the Gault Clovis hunter-gatherers reliant on availability of chert resources as well as ecotonal density and diversity of plants and animals; especially, as gauged by Clovis site types and distribution spread throughout much of the Southern Great Plains. • Clovis hunter-gatherers at the Gault Site used chert from over 300 km away. • Breakage and discard patterns of non-local and local chert suggests long distance mobility. • Gault Clovis hunter-gatherer likely alternated their mobility strategies throughout the year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes the biophilic design approach as a plausible hypothesis for the challenging conditions related to living and working in extreme cold climates. Biophilic design has recently been developed to overcome the adverse effects of the built environment and to improve human well-being by redefining the human-nature relationship. Yet, biophilic design should be adapted to extreme cold climates in order to meet the biological needs of people in northern territories. This issue becomes more important when considering the availability of natural light due to the strong seasonal photoperiod and its effects on human well-being in such regions. The present paper critically reviews biophilic design patterns and identifies their main shortcomings. These shortcomings include the lack of (1) recommendations applicable to extreme cold climates (2) adaptation to the local photoperiods, and (3) a systemic framework integrated into the design process. The paper draws attention to the image-forming and non-image-forming effects of light as a basis of the human-nature design approach. In this regard, photobiological outcomes have been reviewed. Then, the paper discusses the existing lighting standards and guidelines in North America and how they have mainly been developed to fulfil the image-forming demands for light. Further efforts are needed to revise these standards with respect to the non-image-forming effects of light and the biophilic design requirements. Finally, adaptive building envelopes are presented as a hypothetical solution to optimize the biophilic qualities of buildings and address the biological needs of people living and working in extreme cold climates in northern territories. Image 1 • The biophilic design approach has potential benefits in extreme cold climates, especially for Nordic occupants. • Lighting design should be developed to deal with the challenging state of living and working in northern latitudes. • Non-image-forming effects of light have become the missing link between human needs and lighting design standards. • Adaptive envelopes should be developed to optimize biophilic quality and fulfil the photobiological needs of Nordic people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • A detailed critical review of EOR techniques after steam injection is provided. • Typical processes include ISC and hybrid thermal recovery processes. • Both the recovery mechanisms and field performance are included. • Some other processes (electrical method, in-situ upgrading and solar energy, etc.) are involved. • The current challenges and future directions of heavy oil recovery processes are discussed. Abstract The in-situ steam-based technology is still the main exploitation method for heavy oil and oilsands resources all over the world. But currently most of the steam-based processes (e.g., cyclic steam stimulation (CSS), steam flooding and steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD)) in heavy oilfields have entered into an exhaustion stage. Considering long-lasting steam-rock interactions, how to further enhance the heavy oil and bitumen recovery in the post steam injection era is currently challenging. In this paper, we present a comprehensive and critical review of the enhanced oil recovery (EOR) processes in the post steam injection era in both experimental and field cases. Specifically, the paper presents an overview on the recovery mechanisms and field performance of thermal EOR processes by reservoir lithology (sandstone and carbonate formations) and offshore versus onshore oilfields. Typical processes include an in-situ combustion process, a thermal-solvent process, a thermal-NCG (non-condensable gas, e.g., N 2 , flue gas and air) process, and a thermal-chemical (e.g., polymer, surfactant, gel and foam) process. Some other processes and new processes are also presented in this work. This review shows that offshore heavy oilfields will be the future exploitation focus. Moreover, currently several steam-based projects and thermal-NCG projects have been operated in Emeraude Field in Congo and Bohai Bay in China. A growing trend is also found for an in-situ combustion process and a solvent assisted process in both offshore and onshore heavy oilfields, such as EOR projects in North America, North Sea, Bohai Bay and Xinjiang. The multicomponent thermal fluids injection process in offshore and the thermal-CO 2 and thermal-chemical (surfactant and foam) processes in onshore heavy oil reservoirs are some of the opportunities identified for the next decade based on preliminary evaluations and proposed or ongoing pilot projects. Furthermore, the new processes of an electrical method, in-situ upgrading (e.g., ionic liquids, addition of catalyst and steam-nanoparticles) and novel wellbore configurations have also gained some attention. We point out that there are some newly proposed recovery techniques that are still limited to a laboratory scale study, with the need for further investigations. In such a time of low oil prices, cost optimization will be the top priority for all the oil companies in the world. This critical review will help them identify the next challenges and opportunities in the EOR potential of heavy oil and bitumen production in the post steam injection era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper primarily discusses the development of fluidization in North America in the 20th century. Although the history described is primarily in North America, it cannot be completely divorced from fluidization developments in other parts of the world - such as the early fluidization research in Germany culminating in the first commercial fluidized -bed process, etc. Therefore, the paper primarily chronicles the development of fluidization from the early 1920s at the U.S. Bureau of Mines to the early 2000s. The paper describes how Fluid Catalytic Cracking and World War II combined to jump-start fluidization in North America in the 1940s. In addition, the growth of fluidization development is described by decade until the end of the century. The contribution of universities to the fluidization community in the United States and Canada are also explored. Some historical controversies regarding the choking velocity in pneumatic conveying, the location of the fast fluidization regime relative to the choking velocity and jets in fluidized beds are also discussed. Inevitably in such a paper it is impossible to recognize all who have contributed to this history. The authors would like to apologize for any unintended omissions to those who have made these significant contributions. Timeline of Important Fluidization History Events. No. of Countries Publishing Fluidization Literature vs. Time and the Percent of Total Publications from North America (U. S. and Canada). [Display omitted] • This paper gives a review of the history of fluidization in North America. • The fluidization work started in the in the US in the 1920's at the Bureau of Mines. • The first FCC process was commercialized in 1942. • The FCC process was the "engine" that started work on other fluidized bed processes. • Many different fluidized-bed processes were then developed in the following decades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen (H 2) storage, transport, and end-user provision are major challenges on pathways to worldwide large-scale H 2 use. This review examines direct versus indirect and onboard versus offboard H 2 storage. Direct H 2 storage methods include compressed gas, liquid, and cryo-compression; and indirect methods include physical and chemical adsorption and chemical carriers. In this review paper, we examine these different systems, identifying and discussing challenges related to safe and efficient storage, operating conditions, and applications. Research and development activities related to the economic, safety, and environmental aspects of H 2 storage and transportation in North America are also examined in detail. Technically, pressurized H 2 storage tanks (350 and 700 bar) have not reached the technical onboard applications target of 0.050 kgH 2 /L, where tanks' mass, size, and price are critical limiting factors. High specific energy consumption (SEC) and inevitable boil-off H 2 losses in liquefaction systems reduce their performance. H 2 liquefaction plants can be considered an efficient method for hydrogen storage by reducing energy consumption to less than 6 kWh/kgLH 2 and increasing the capacity of liquefaction systems more than 100 t/day. Various studies are ongoing despite the drawbacks of the irreversibility of H 2 adsorption/desorption operations (100–400 ˚C), successive cooling and heating cycles, and slow refueling in synthesized metal hydride (MH) systems. Insights and recommendations for H 2 storage and transportation in North America suggest short-, medium-, and long-term strategies. Short-term scenarios focus on compressed H 2 in light and heavy vehicles, energy consumption reduction in the provision of liquefied H 2 for ship and truck transport, and using existing natural gas (NG) transmission infrastructures for H 2 /NG mixtures (5–20 vol%). Medium-term scenarios address high-volume H 2 storage for stationary applications using compressed gas storage in upstream and underground tanks, liquid storage in large, insulated tanks, and higher purity H 2 transfer in NG pipelines. Long-term scenarios focus on large-volume subsurface geological storage and basement space use. Additionally, various standards and codes for H 2 storage technologies in North America are categorized. [Display omitted] • This review paper focuses on different H 2 storage strategies and their performance improvement. • Challenges related to safe and efficient storage conditions of H 2 are highlighted. • Various research and engineering potentials of H 2 storage in North America are discussed. • The salt/rock caverns and pipelines for H 2 bulk storage in North America are examined. • Standards/codes and future prospects for H 2 storage technologies in North America are classified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Assisted migration (AM) is being considered to adapt forests to climate change. • We review 104 North American common-garden studies and experiments focused on AM. • Forty-seven species were investigated, but studies focused on commercial conifers. • Recent studies include local environmental variables and effects of extreme weather. • Strengths and weaknesses of studies and pathways for future research are summarized. As greenhouse gas emissions rise unabated and temperatures continue to rise, forest managers have begun to consider assisted migration (AM) of trees as a strategy to adapt forests to climate change. To investigate the risks and benefits of AM, old provenance trials have been repurposed and new common-garden experiments initiated. In this paper, we review three decades of common-garden based research into the adaptation of species and provenances (geographically specific varieties) to current and future climates in North America. Using a filtered data base of 106 papers and reports, we investigate multiple aspects of this work, including subject species, tree response variables and their climatic predictors, statistical techniques, and the patterns of adaptation revealed in results. Although the reviewed work contained valuable insights into provenance-climate relationships, much of this work focused on growth in commercial conifer species and the correlation of that growth with annual or monthly climatic averages. A minority of studies investigated the effects of climate variables with direct mechanistic effects on growth or phenology, including temperature extremes, frost and drought indices, or growing-season duration. Furthermore, recent research has opened new avenues of investigation into the influence of local soil and topographic variables, and even ectomycorrhizal communities over provenance performance. We make the case that future common-garden research into provenance-climate relationships should focus on climatic variables with demonstrated mechanistic connections to growth, survival, and phenology. The effects of extreme weather merit particular attention because extreme weather is likely to be a key determinant of long-term tree health and persistence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The North American Prodrome Longitudinal Study (NAPLS) is a consortium of nine programs focusing on youth at clinical high risk (CHR) for psychosis. Funded by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), the sites are located at Emory University, Harvard University, University of Calgary, University of California at Los Angeles, at San Diego, and at San Francisco, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Yale University, and Zucker Hillside Hospital. There have been two previous endeavors completed by this consortium, known as NAPLS-1 and NAPLS-2. This paper first offers an overview of the methodology of the third phase of the NAPLS consortium, the second five-year prospective study NAPLS-3, which aims to determine mechanisms of the development of psychosis. In addition, we report on the ascertainment and demographics of the 710 CHR participants in NAPLS-3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pastureland maintenance is seen as a land-based measure to reduce dependency on feed concentrates and mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from livestock production in the EU, while providing other ecosystems services. This paper assesses potential market-mediated impacts, including global Land Use Change (LUC) and GHG emissions, from increased subsidies to pasture-based livestock production in the EU. A tax recycling strategy (TRS) is simulated against a baseline up to 2030 under the shared socioeconomic pathway 2 (SSP2). This implies a budget-neutral increase in the level of pasture subsidies in individual Member States, as land subsidies for other cropping activities decrease. We employ the computable general equilibrium (CGE) model GTAP in its recursive-dynamic version, GTAP-RDEM, extended with the Multi-Regional Input-Output (MRIO) database FABIO to disaggregate agri-food sectors from 21 to 31. This approach allows considering price- and income-dependent feedbacks when assessing long-run changes in the global economy, improving the sectoral resolution relative to GTAP v10. The policy increases pastureland areas and cattle production in almost all EU Member States, whereas cropland and crop production decrease, causing significant changes across EU agri-food markets. Crop prices increase, leading to the reduced output of intensive animal production sectors, mainly pig and poultry. Cropland areas decrease and most EU countries increase imports of grain, oilseeds, and cakes, essentially soybean cake from Brazil and North America. While GHG emissions decrease in those EU countries where pasturelands expand mainly at the cost of croplands, GHG emissions increase in those countries where pastureland expansion comes with forest loss. As a result, net GHG emissions increase in the EU-27 in 2030 (+2.49 Mt CO 2 -eq). Emissions from LUC in major non-EU grain- and oilseed-exporting countries increase, e.g., by 102.52 Mt CO 2 -eq in Brazil and by 129.17 Mt CO 2 -eq in North America. The simulated policy shows that promoting extensive livestock per se does not meet the objectives of the Common Agricultural Policy and the EU Green Deal. The TRS should be complemented with policies to foster crop diversification and promote the use of domestic feed sources (e.g., legumes) to effectively ensure feed self-sufficiency and that extensive cattle production in the EU does not lead to deforestation in carbon-rich countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper argues that the Rocky Mountains played a significantly more important role in the process of the peopling of the New World than archaeologists have traditionally recognized. Although First Americans did not reach the Rockies before they set foot in any other New World region—they could not have, regardless of their point of entry—by Clovis time, evidence suggests that Clovis people knew the Rocky Mountain landscape intimately. Archaeologists should have long anticipated this, given the many resources the Rocky Mountains offer that adjacent, albeit archaeologically better-known regions such as the Plains and some parts of the Far West do not; at least not as ubiquitously. These include plentiful water in the form of streams, lakes, snowpack, and glaciers; high-quality sources of obsidian, chert, quartzite and other knappable stone; and a vertically oriented landscape that maximizes floral and faunal diversity within comparatively condensed space. Two other non-economic characteristics likely contributed significantly to the appeal of the Rocky Mountains to some First Americans: the power and sanctity nearly all humans attribute to mountains, and the seemingly little-recognized fact that northeast Asian Upper Paleolithic people who populated the New World during the terminal Pleistocene occupied mountainous landscapes for some 45,000 years prior to their departure. For many First Americans, mountains—not the flat, windswept tundra of Siberian stereotypes—had always been home. Evidence for the familiarity of Clovis groups with the Rocky Mountain landscapes comes principally from three Clovis caches: Anzick, Fenn, and Mahaffy. All three caches are located in the Rockies, collectively contain artifacts made from ten of the highest-quality stone raw materials available in the Southern, Central and Northern Rockies, and at least one of the caches accompanies the burial of a young child who appears to have been interred intentionally on a prominent and likely sacred landform in a mountain valley. Bringing the paper's argument full circle, that same child's genetic profile shows a direct link to that of another youngster buried thousands of years earlier at the Late Glacial Maximum Mal'ta site in the mountainous Trans-Baikal region of Siberia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uncovering the tail risk spillover among global financial markets helps provide a more comprehensive understanding of the information transmission in extreme market conditions such as the COVID-19 outbreak. In this paper, we examine systemic distress risk spillover between the global stock market and individual stock markets in the countries most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Using two important measures of tail dependence risk: conditional value at risk (CoVaR) and delta conditional VaR (Δ CoVaR), we apply the bivariate dynamic conditional correlation (DCC) conditional autoregressive heteroscedastic (GARCH) model. The empirical results reveal that bivariate systemic risk contagion between the global stock market and each individual stock market evolved during the sample period and intensified as COVID-19 spread worldwide. During the COVID-19 period, the developed markets in Europe and North America transmitted and received more marginal extreme risk to and from the entire global market than Asian stock markets. Further analysis involving the connectedness among the value at risk (VaR) series of the sampled stock market indices and the global stock index, shows a high degree of integration in the extreme downside risk of the stock market system, especially during the COVID-19 period. These findings offer practical implications for regulators, policymakers, and portfolio risk managers during the unprecedented uncertainty period provoked by the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The location of logistics facilities significantly affects not only the activities of urban goods movement, but also the urban environment as these facilities represent major originators and receivers of freight. Recently, the phenomenon of logistics sprawl, i.e. the relocation of logistics facilities away from inner urban areas to suburban areas has received an increasing level of attention from both academics and policy makers. In this paper, a literature review of the various impacts of logistics sprawl is provided with a detailed taxonomy of the impacts. It has been observed that logistics sprawl contributed changes in geography of urban freight, increasing trucks' travelled distance and consequent emissions and impacting the commuting of logistics employment. The paper presents a summary of the empirical findings illustrating the additional distance trucks travel due to logistics sprawl in several European and North American cities. Furthermore, the paper provides an overview of the measures and policies implemented in various metropolitan areas to reintegrate small-scale logistics facilities within inner urban areas to act as consolidation centres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepato-pancreatico-biliary (HPB) surgery, and the training of HPB surgeons, has evolved significantly over the last several decades. The current state of training in HPB surgery in North America is defined through three main pathways: the Complex General Surgical Oncology (CGSO) ACGME fellowship, the American Society of Transplant Surgeons (ASTS) fellowship, and the Americas Hepatopancreaticobiliary Association (AHPBA) fellowship. These fellowships offer variable experiences in pancreas, liver, and biliary cases, and each pathway offers a unique perspective on HPB surgery. The CGSO ACGME, ASTS, and AHPBA fellowships represent decades of work by the three major surgical leadership stakeholders to improve and ensure quality training of future HPB surgeons. The best care is provided by the HPB surgeon who has been trained to understand the importance of all available treatment options within the context of a multidisciplinary setting. The three fellowship pathways are outlined in this paper with the nuances and variations characteristic of the different training programs highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mobility services including carsharing and transportation network company (TNC) services have been growing rapidly in North America and around the world. Measuring the effects of these services on traveler behavior is challenging because the results of any such analysis are sensitive to how (1) outcomes are measured and (2) counterfactuals are constructed. The lack of good control groups or randomization of assignment leaves lingering uncertainty over the contributions of selection bias and treatment effects to reported differences in travel behavior between users and non-users of these services. This paper reports on two approaches for measuring the effects of mobility service adoption on travel rate and car ownership. We first tried a pretest-posttest randomized encouragement experiment to deal with the shortcomings of poor control groups. Then, we turned to the approach of self-reported effects based on hypothetical controls to investigate whether variations in survey question presentation could influence respondents' answers and thus lead to changes in estimated effects. The data to conduct this study came from two sources: a panel survey administered by the authors at the University of Washington (UW), and a survey by Populus Technologies, Inc. (Populus). Various statistical tests were applied to analyze the data, and the results highlight the pivotal role that the research design plays in influencing the outcomes, and manifest the fundamental challenge of establishing credible estimates of the causal effects of adopting mobility services on travel behaviors. • Establishing valid estimates of causal effects of mobility services is challenging. • A randomized encouragement experiment in a pretest-posttest format offers promise. • Question framing is shown to influence self-reported effects of mobility services. • Research design plays a pivotal role in influencing estimated outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy vulnerability is gaining attention in light of global economic, social, and political conflicts. The digital economy has the potential to become a vital tool in addressing current issues. This paper explores the relationship, mechanisms, and heterogeneity between the digital economy and energy vulnerability for 110 economies by using a generalized method of moments (GMM) model. Our key findings are as follows: (1) The digital economy effectively reduces energy vulnerability, with digital infrastructure and social impact as the main contributors to this effect. (2) The digital economy helps upgrade the industrial structure and the level of financial development, thereby reducing energy vulnerability. (3) Heterogeneity results show that the negative impact of the digital economy on energy vulnerability is more significant in regions with higher income levels, particularly Europe and North America. (4) The level of economic development acts as a practical threshold variable, with the digital economy having a more pronounced negative impact on energy vulnerability at higher threshold levels. These findings provide new development ideas for improving global energy security and energy efficiency, and reducing energy vulnerability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes a 16-year study on the weathering behavior of unstabilized rammed earth constructed in the temperate climate of the Northeastern United States with an average annual precipitation of 1,174 mm. A freestanding experimental rammed earth wall utilizing natural clay binders was constructed on the campus of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2005 to evaluate its durability over time. The research documents the erosion of the 450 mm thick wall and identifies the environmental factors responsible for the observed deterioration. While erosion levels are highly dependent on localized environmental factors, results show that regions of the test wall with high levels of environmental exposure have an erosion rate of 3.5 mm/year, regions with medium exposure have an erosion rate of 1.5 mm/year, and regions with low exposure have an erosion rate of 0.5 mm/year. The estimated lifespan of the freestanding unstabilized rammed earth wall with minimal protection from natural climatic conditions in a temperate climate is between 37 and 75 years before repairs are required to preserve structural integrity. This lifespan is comparable to the typical service life of structures in North America built with more carbon-intensive materials such as concrete. The results presented, which are specific to the minimally protected test wall, can be considered conservative. Historic structures provide ample evidence that when adequately protected, unstabilized rammed earth can last nearly indefinitely, suggesting that this low impact material could be used to replace more carbon intensive construction materials with significant environmental benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Multi-component interventions showed the greatest promise in housing stabilization. • Flexibility is an important factor within housing support intervention design. • Housing stability was linked with housing first, transitional and outreach programs. • Further evidence on these interventions and underrepresented groups is needed. This scoping review synthesized the academic literature within North America that focuses on housing stabilization interventions for young people experiencing homelessness. A scoping review method was used to identify literature relevant to the question: What is the existing evidence in the peer-reviewed literature regarding housing stabilization interventions for youth who have experienced homelessness? The databases of PubMed, Scopus, PsychInfo and Google Scholar were searched, identifying 31 papers that were selected for the review. Three housing stabilization themes were identified, which included: 1) Multidisciplinary and outreach interventions, 2) Housing first models and 3) Transitional, Supportive and Independent Living programs. Results indicated improvements in housing stability among youth across types of housing stabilization interventions as well as promising impacts in areas of mental health, addictions, employment, education, and independent living skills. The evidence base, however, is limited, highlighting a need for future research to include more pragmatic design and examine what works best for who and when. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the implications of changing Chinese seafood value chains for producers in source countries. The paper shows how institutions mediate the relationship between luxury seafood consumption in China and the ability of producers to environmentally and socio-economically upgrade. Examples come from the live reef fish for food trade in the Philippines and different seafood products from North America. The paper traces the implications of differences in institutional context across developing and developed countries. Fisheries value chains linking China and Southeast Asia exemplify environmental and socio-economic downgrading, as a consequence of an institutional context of weak regulation and local financing capacities in the Philippines. In contrast, the massively different institutional context of North American seafood production means that growth in Chinese consumption presents opportunities to upgrade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviews the ways in which policies of enclosure, privatization, and deregulation have unfolded in several regions of North America and examines the consequences they have had for small-scale fisheries in practice. This introductory essay provides a brief overview of the history of neoliberal thought, discusses some of the key ways it has influenced fisheries policies in North America and around the world, and presents a thematic overview of the papers included in this special issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Decision support system of Vehicle Routing Problem for Reverse logistics of ELVs. • Efficiency in vehicle routing problem within reverse logistics context. • This paper presents its scientific contributions based on a real word case. • Sensitivity analyses confirmed the reliability of generated solutions. • Analytical tool for application in waste collection vehicle routing planning. Reverse logistics management of End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs) is increasingly focusing on practical solutions for getting additional value from products at the end of their life. As automotive is one of the fastest-growing sectors, the number of ELVs to be collected and recycled has been steadily increasing due to more stringent regulations. On the other hand, the operational cost (transportation) of collecting ELVs might exceed half of the purchased price. Furthermore, parameters that influence the solution of the routing problem for the collection of ELVs tend to change due to the dynamic customers' locations and variations in vehicle type and the condition of the vehicules at the end of their life. This research proposes a new reverse logistics routing problem for the collection of end-of-life vehicles. It combines the classical Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP) with the pick-up problem and additional constraints such as loading pick-up sequences, time-windows, multi-trips, heterogeneous internal fleet, and external carriers. We also developed an efficient heuristic to construct routes and assign dealers to truck routes for solving large and real-size instances in a reasonable time. In collaboration with a significant player in North America for ELVs recycling, we performed a sensitivity analysis to compare the industry's current practices and the proposed method. The validation process with different instances demonstrates results consistency and provides useful managerial insights. Finally, sensitivity analysis shows potential changes in the solution performance regarding the penalty cost of unused internal fleet, the extra broker cost, the size of ELVs collected, and the number of the internal carriers' truck fleet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Manoomin (wild rice) is a sacred food and relative for Great Lakes American Indians. • University-tribal partnership transforms interdisciplinary research on manoomin. • Ten tenets for responsible university research with Indigenous peoples. • Collaborative research to support tribal sovereignty and environmental justice. Manoomin, the Ojibwe word for wild rice, grows in shallow lakes and streams and provides physical, spiritual, and cultural sustenance as a sacred food and relative for Indigenous peoples across the Great Lakes region of North America. Unfortunately, Manoomin has been declining due to multiple environmental stressors. In 2018, an interdisciplinary group from the University of Minnesota came together with natural resource managers from tribes and inter-tribal organizations to understand Manoomin within its socio-environmental context. This partnership grew despite a history fraught with settler colonial structures of knowledge production and commodification. Based on lessons learned from building this transformational partnership, this paper describes ten tenets for responsible research: 1) Honor Indigenous sovereignty and rights; 2) Address past and present harms; 3) Be on the path together with researchers and Indigenous partners; 4) Recognize, respect, and value Indigenous participation and intellectual labor; 5) Encourage the robust exchange of ideas; 6) Recognize that documents formalizing a relationship are not the whole relationship; 7) Make a plan for identifying and protecting sensitive Indigenous data; 8) Be prepared to navigate institutional obstacles; 9) Seek, support, and collaborate with diverse students; and 10) Actively listen and be open to different ways of engaging with the world. These lessons can serve as tools to form accountable partnerships that enable robust, nuanced, and effective environmental science, policy, and stewardship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the construction industry, low-emissivity glass is used to improve both thermal efficiency and visual comfort by reflecting or transmitting thermal radiation. The solar optical performances of this type of glass are calculated using the ASTM G173 (AM 1.5) solar spectrum, the unique worldwide standard. However, the local atmospheric conditions of real sites around the world are different from those used to model the ASTM solar spectrum, originally created for PV deployment in North America in the 2000s. As the latter has an impact on the shape of the ground-based solar spectra, the real solar properties of the installed low-e glass can be different from those calculated in laboratory conditions and using the standard. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive, multi-years analysis of the solar performances of a complete set of low-e glass located on 12 sites around the world. Local solar spectra are modelled using local atmospheric data. This new study analyse the solar transmittance of low-e glass around the world. Our results show that the ASTM solar spectrum is appropriate for the majority of the selected locations. For some particular sites, such as buildings near the equator or located in cities with high atmospheric turbidity, the standard solar spectrum is not appropriate. For these sites, solar transmittance can vary up to 5% when compared to the ASTM standard. Consequently, this paper shows the necessity to include the impact of local atmospheric conditions on the performances of low-e glass. • Low-e glass with local atmospheric conditions comparison with the ASTM G173-03 solar spectrum. • Solar transmittance can vary up to 5% in comparison with the ASTM calculated one. • Necessity to include the impact of the local atmospheric conditions on the performances of low-e glass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By the end of the current decade, there are plans to deploy several geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) satellite missions for atmospheric composition over North America, East Asia and Europe with additional missions proposed. Together, these present the possibility of a constellation of geostationary platforms to achieve continuous time-resolved high-density observations over continental domains for mapping pollutant sources and variability at diurnal and local scales. In this paper, we use a novel approach to sample a very high global resolution model (GEOS-5 at 7 km horizontal resolution) to produce a dataset of synthetic carbon monoxide pollution observations representative of those potentially obtainable from a GEO satellite constellation with predicted measurement sensitivities based on current remote sensing capabilities. Part 1 of this study focuses on the production of simulated synthetic measurements for air quality OSSEs (Observing System Simulation Experiments). We simulate carbon monoxide nadir retrievals using a technique that provides realistic measurements with very low computational cost. We discuss the sampling methodology: the projection of footprints and areas of regard for geostationary geometries over each of the North America, East Asia and Europe regions; the regression method to simulate measurement sensitivity; and the measurement error simulation. A detailed analysis of the simulated observation sensitivity is performed, and limitations of the method are discussed. We also describe impacts from clouds, showing that the efficiency of an instrument making atmospheric composition measurements on a geostationary platform is dependent on the dominant weather regime over a given region and the pixel size resolution. These results demonstrate the viability of the “instrument simulator” step for an OSSE to assess the performance of a constellation of geostationary satellites for air quality measurements. We describe the OSSE results in a follow up paper (Part 2 of this study). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban transport policies are characterized by a wide range of impacts, and trade-offs and conflicts among these impacts. The task of integrating and reconciling these impacts poses challenges, because they are incommensurable, and they affect different groups differentially. Further, impacts such as those related to social equity are hard to define and measure. In this paper we address two inter-related questions: How is social equity conceptualized, operationalized, and prioritized relative to environmental and other objectives; and how might social equity be more effectively integrated in urban transportation plans in North America? We critically analyze how social equity is incorporated into transportation plans in 18 large North American metropolitan areas, in terms of the quality of the related objectives, how meaningfully their achievement is assessed through the choice of performance measures or indicators, and their prioritization relative to other objectives. We observe that social equity goals and objectives are in many cases not translated into clearly specified objectives, and appropriate measures for assessing their achievement in a meaningful, disaggregated manner are often lacking. At the same time, there are good examples of social equity objectives and measures in several plans. In general, there is a stronger focus on the local environment (and congestion reduction) than on social equity in the plans. We end the paper with a discussion related to considerations for generating objectives and measures for better integrating social equity into urban transportation plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the project management techniques needed to design the newest four evaporators installed in North America, and any similar project. The four evaporators included integral fluosilicic acid recovery systems, and were successfully designed, fabricated, erected and operational by mid 2009. Topics discussed in the paper include: Project Objectives, Project Stages, Scope Definition, Design Basis, Codes and Standards, Technology Selection, Capital Cost Estimation, Schedule Development and Control, Operating Cost Estimation, Value Improvement Practices, Equipment Specification, Contractor Bid Specification, Constructability Review, Construction Management, and Commissioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomass fuels have long been accepted as useful renewable energy sources, especially in mitigating greenhouse gases (GHG), nitrogen oxides, and sulfur oxide emissions. Biomass fuel is carbon neutral and is usually low in both nitrogen and sulfur. For the past decade, various forms of biomass fuels have been co-combusted in existing coal-fired boilers and gas-fired power plants. Biomass is used as a supplemental fuel to substitute for up to 10% of the base fuel in most full commercial operations. There are several successful co-firing projects in many parts of the world, particularly in Europe and North America. However, despite remarkable commercial success in Europe, most of the biomass co-firing in North America is limited to demonstration levels. This review takes a detailed look at several aspects of biomass co-firing with a direct focus on North America. It also explores the benefits, such as the reduction of GHG emissions and its implications. This paper shows the results of our studies of the biomass resources available in North America that can be used in coal-fired boilers, their availability and transportation to the power plant, available co-firing levels and technologies, and various technological and environmental issues associated with biomass co-firing. Finally, the paper proffers solutions to help utility companies explore biomass co-firing as a transitional option towards a completely carbon-free power sector in North America. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The USArray observatory, a component of the EarthScope science initiative, has provided a geophysical dataset that densely samples the continental US with unprecedented scale and resolution. The major scientific target of the multidisciplinary EarthScope project is an understanding of the structure, dynamics, and evolution of the North American continent, with emphasis on imaging the continental crust and lithosphere as well as illuminating dynamic processes in the deep Earth. This special issue of Earth and Planetary Science Letters presents a collection of papers that leverage data from the USArray observatory to provide fundamental insights into Earth's structure and dynamics. Here we present an overview of the papers in this issue on a range of topics, including the nature of crustal and mantle heterogeneity across North America, the dynamics of the subcontinental mantle, the assembly and preservation of continental interiors, and the physics of earthquakes and faulting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radio frequency interference into satellite transmission channels is a matter of concern. There have been many studies of this subject by the ITU (International Telecommunications Union) particularly to mobile user receivers in the satellite radio broadcasting services by IMT (International Mobile Telecommunications) transmitters, since such receivers have high sensitivities (e.g., downlink channel system noise temperatures of under 100 deg. Kelvin) and provide Satellite Digital Audio Radio Service (SDARS) quality using relatively low satellite signal levels on the ground. Recently, proposals have been made by future low orbit satellite constellations, IMT and terrestrial interconnection systems to share radio frequency bands used by the transmission uplinks to radio broadcasting satellites. The broadcasting satellite uplink transmission channel at 7 GHz has typical system noise temperatures of 900 deg. Kelvin followed by very high electronic and antenna amplification. The overall system transmission design is generally set so the satellite broadcast uplink C/N does not appreciably degrade the downlink C/N, since the downlink simultaneously serves than 35 million mobile users with satellite radio service in North America. This paper describes the effect of potential interference into a satellite radio broadcast service from in-band and adjacent band transmissions and from associated intermodulation products by sharing uplink frequency spectrum transmitters. The analysis shows that such sharing services should be carefully arranged in the radio frequencies utilized and limited in flux densities impinging the geostationary orbital arc so harmful interference to radio broadcast satellite services does not occur. • Description of SiriusXM service delivery architecture. • Overview of existing interference environment and types of interference. • Details proposal asking for unlicensed use of 6 GHz band SiriusXM has a license for. • Explains why satellite uplink bands must be protected from unlicensed interference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last years, the huge success of shale gas and oil exploitation in North America and enhanced oil recovery by injecting carbon dioxide have attracted more attentions in petroleum industry. The reasonable scheme for shale oil production is a key step for sustainable and high-efficiency products of shale resources, which is dependent on the basic law of liquid flow. In this paper, a multiscale model is established based on homogenization theory to investigate the law of liquid flow within shale system. Considering the results of molecular dynamics simulation, the Navier-Stokes equation coupled with slip boundary is used to describe the liquid flow within microscale domain and the slip-corrected Darcy-like transport model in which clear physical meaning can be shown for every parameter can be derived for macroscale domain. In order to validate derived model, three cases including water and oil flow within simple nanopores are implemented and the results show that homogenization models match well with the results of molecular dynamics simulation for water flow with different contact angle and oil flow within inorganic pore. However, high-order slip-corrected model will deviate from the molecular dynamics simulation for oil flow within simple organic pore when pore size is smaller than 5.24 nm. Then the fractal porous medias are reconstructed based on Monte Carlo simulation and the several critical parameters are discussed. Finally, the results of homogenization model are applied in reservoir scale model to investigate shale oil production performance for economic evaluation and production optimization. Image 1 • Homogenization model for liquid flow is established while coupled with Navier-Stokes equation and slip boundary which is compared with the results of the molecular simulation for simple pore structure. • The fractal porous medias are reconstructed based on Monte Carlo simulation. • The results of homogenization model are applied to predict shale oil production for economic evaluation and production optimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple wide-gage derailments have recently been attributed to broken spikes in track constructed with premium elastic fastening systems. Premium fasteners on timber crossties were introduced into heavy axle load (HAL) freight service in North America over the past few decades and have gained popularity given they are thought to reduce maintenance costs, reduce rail-rollover risk, and they do not generally require rail anchors. However, given recent derailments and identification of failed spikes during field testing at higher rates than traditional fasteners, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is investigating the stress state of cut spikes in premium fasteners. This paper provides background on the broken spike problem and initial results from a validated finite element model that was developed to quantify the magnitude and location of spike stress concentrations as load magnitude, load direction, and crosstie species are varied. Results from this study indicate that the longitudinal loading, which is not generally present in traditional cut spike fasteners, is more detrimental to the performance of the spike than lateral loading. Further, the depth to the maximum stress concentration increases as the ratio of longitudinal to lateral load increases. Finally, as crosstie species is varied, the magnitude and depth of spike stress changes; these changes are more likely driven by changes in compressive and shear strengths, and then by modulus. Results from this work are presented in an effort to provide information which can be used to mitigate field failures by reducing the spike stresses in an effort to increase the overall safety of HAL freight rail networks and increase the life cycle of premium spike fastening systems. A calibrated model was validated using laboratory data and the model outputs were representative of field performance, with the depth to maximum stress location being what was typically found in the field. The primary takeaways from this study related to cut spike stress state are: • The spike fatigue strength can be exceeded when 6.7 kN (1 lb) is applied in both directions • Spike fatigue stress can be exceeded by a given lateral load or by a 30% lower longitudinal load • Longitudinal loads can lead to maximum stress depths up to 2 times deeper than a lateral load. • Timber species significantly affected the magnitude and depth of maximum stress. Findings from this study help to quantify the sensitivity of spike stress to the addition of longitudinal loading. The results identify the addition of longitudinal load as a key driver of recent cut spike failures which have recently led to multiple derailments. Additionally, the findings indicate that hardwoods should be used exclusively with these premium fastening systems and specifications should recommend as high of strengths as locally sourced timber could provide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Along the last century there has been an unprecedented growth in both global food production and related socioecological impacts. The objective of this paper is to analyse the effects of long-term metabolic patterns of agrarian systems on land use and cover changes (LUCC). We have developed an Energy-Landscape Integrated Analysis (ELIA) of agroecosystems to measure the energy storage (E) and the information (I) represented by the complexity of internal energy cycles, in order to correlate both with the energy imprint in the landscape functional-structure (L) that sustains biodiversity. ELIA values are used to assess the agro-ecological landscape transitions in different case studies analysed in North America (Canada and USA) and Europe (Austria and Spain), demonstrating their sensitivity and robustness for case study comparisons on farm-driven environmental change. The results show two stages of the socio-metabolic transition: a first period (from 1830 to 1956) characterized by a non-significant decrease in energy reinvestment (E) and a decrease in energy redistribution (I); and a second period (from 1956 to 2000) with a significant loss of E·I optimal values and associated landscape patterns (L). To overcome the socioecological degradation that these trends implied requires a low external input strategy based on an innovative enhancement of cultural knowledge kept by rural populations, which may help to empower farm communities in the markets and in the public arena. Further research could help to reveal how and why different strategies of agroecosystem management lead to key turning points in the relationship between energy flows, landscape functioning and biodiversity. This research will be very useful for public policies aimed to promote more climate and socioecological resilience of agricultural landscapes and food systems worldwide. Unlabelled Image • An Energy-Landscape Integrated Analysis (ELIA) of agroecosystems is proposed. • ELIA relies on the complexity of internal energy cycles and land-use heterogeneity. • ELIA measures the energy reinvested, redistributed and imprinted in the landscape. • ELIA is used to assess long-term socioecological transitions in western agriculture. • Results recommend a low external inputs strategy for agroecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Siuna Serpentinite Mélange (SSM) is located in the boundary zone between continental Chortis block and oceanic Mesquito Composite Terrane in NE Nicaragua. In this paper, we present new large-scale structure, meso-scale kinematic analysis, 40Ar 39Ar geochronology, mineral chemistry, in situ trace element composition of clinopyroxene, and bulk rock geochemical data for representative ultramafic rocks preserved as blocks in the SSM. Structurally, the mélange is a > 2.5 km-thick tectonic unit characterized by a disrupted block-in-matrix fabric with occurrence of exotic blocks, which have igneous and sedimentary protoliths and were variably metamorphosed to high-pressure (P) conditions. There are also blocks of ultramafic rocks, which consist mainly of harzburgite and clinopyroxene (Cpx)-rich harzburgite, with minor lherzolite and pyroxenite, and rare dunite and chromitite. In these rocks, relics of bastite and mesh textures of lizardite are replaced by antigorite blades and overprinted by antigorite schistosity. The presented data give rise to argue the following points. (1) The serpentinite matrix of the mélange resulted from hydration, ductile deformation and metamorphism at high-P conditions of abyssal and supra-subduction zone (SSZ) mantle peridotites in a subduction channel. (2) The geochemical characteristics of the ultramafic protoliths can be explained by at least two-stages of melting and refertilization processes: the first-stage occurred in a mid-ocean ridge (MOR) environment and produced Cpx-rich harzburgite and the second-stage took place in an SSZ setting and resulted in harzburgite, dunite and chromitite. (3) The second-stage magmatic processes produced melts that range in composition between island-arc tholeiites (IAT) and boninites, similar to arc-like protoliths of some mafic blocks in the mélange, which establishes a genetic link between blocks and matrix. (4) The presence of ultramafic and mafic blocks in the SSM, derived from both an island-arc upper plate and a MOR-like lower plate sources, suggests its position in an intra-oceanic subduction zone during the late Jurassic-early Cretaceous. (5) By the Hauterivian, the SSM became exhumed and tectonically emplaced onto the Chortis block as a consequence of the collision between the intra-oceanic arc and the southern continental margin of North America. • The serpentinite matrix of the Siuna mélange resulted from hydration, ductile deformation and high-P metamorphism. • The Pacific-derived protoliths are abyssal and SSZ-type mantle peridotites. • The exhumation by arc-continent collision was in the Hauterivian. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]