Sediment source fingerprinting: benchmarking recent outputs, remaining challenges and emerging themes

Abstract: Purpose: This review of sediment source fingerprinting assesses the current state-of-the-art, remaining challenges and emerging themes. It combines inputs from international scientists either with track records in the approach or with expertise relevant to progressing the science. Methods: Web of Science and Google Scholar were used to review published papers spanning the period 2013–2019, inclusive, to confirm publication trends in quantities of papers by study area country and the types of tracers used. The most recent (2018–2019, inclusive) papers were also benchmarked using a methodological decision-tree published in 2017. Scope: Areas requiring further research and international consensus on methodological detail are reviewed, and these comprise spatial variability in tracers and corresponding sampling implications for end-members, temporal variability in tracers and sampling implications for end-members and target sediment, tracer conservation and knowledge-based pre-selection, the physico-chemical basis for source discrimination and dissemination of fingerprinting results to stakeholders. Emerging themes are also discussed: novel tracers, concentration-dependence for biomarkers, combining sediment fingerprinting and age-dating, applications to sediment-bound pollutants, incorporation of supportive spatial information to augment discrimination and modelling, aeolian sediment source fingerprinting, integration with process-based models and development of open-access software tools for data processing. Conclusions: The popularity of sediment source fingerprinting continues on an upward trend globally, but with this growth comes issues surrounding lack of standardisation and procedural diversity. Nonetheless, the last 2 years have also evidenced growing uptake of critical requirements for robust applications and this review is intended to signpost investigators, both old and new, towards these benchmarks and remaining research challenges for, and emerging options for different applications of, the fingerprinting approach

A Computational Theory of Dynamical Modeling in Scientific Reasoning

The focus of this research is on dynamical modeling in scientific reasoning. Dynamical modeling uses, transforms, and constructs models which capture the causal and structural dynamics of given phenomena. I describe a computational theory of dynamical modeling which utilizes representational and processing languages from artificial intelligence to represent and manipulate the dynamical models used in scientific reasoning practices. My theory uses transformational strategies such as model-based analogy (MBA) and Structure-based Model Transformation (SBMT) to allow the agent to draw on knowledge external to the model to solve problems. By doing so, the agent is able to revise and thus to evolve the model. To carry out this research I have developed a cognitive methodology which employs the following methods: cognitive analyses of historical case studies, expert problem solving protocols, and computational modeling. The thesis of this proposal is that a computational theory of dynamical m..

Medicolegal Aspect Analysis of Burn Cases in Liaquat University Hospital, Hyderabad

Background: Owing to the high potential of physical injuries, disabilities and even deaths resulting from burn-related injuries, these are considered as injuries of medico-legal importance. The study aims to investigate the medico-legal aspects of selective cases of burn victims admitted to the Burn unit of Liaquat University Hospital, Hyderabad. Methodology: This study was conducted at the Burn unit of Liaquat University Hospital, Hyderabad. The information on burn patients was collected retrospectively from the record for the period of three years from January 2018 to December 2020 from the Burn unit.  The data related to socio-demographic details, site, cause, severity and outcome of burn cases was recorded. Results: Total 418 victims record was evaluated; the highest prevalence of cases was in the age group of 0-10 years (60.6%). Majority; 58.8% of the victims were males. In more than half (52.6%) of the victims, 20% or less body area was burnt. In 34.2% cases, 21-40% area was burnt. About 48.1% of cases were of wet scalds and 40.2% dry flame burns. About 7.6% were cases of electrocution. Male and female burn victims demonstrated statistically significant difference (p<0.05) regarding site of burn, side, source, manner and survival from burn injuries. Conclusion: Males are more affected by burns than their counterpart while children ≤ 10 years are most commonly reported with burn injuries. Wet scald is the most common type of burn while most victims present with ≤20% burnt body area. Key Words: Accidental injuries, Burns, Suicid

Ameloblastic Carcinoma

Ameloblastic carcinoma (AC) is a rare aggressive malignant epithelial odontogenic tumor of the maxillofacial skeleton with a distinct predilection in the mandible. It may appear de novo or originate from a pre-existing ameloblastoma or odontogenic cyst. It exhibits cytological features of ameloblastoma and carcinoma. It may present as a cystic lesion with benign clinical features or as a large tissue mass with ulceration, significant bone resorption and tooth mobility. The clinical course of ameloblastic carcinoma is typically aggressive, with extensive local destruction. Direct extension of the tumour, lymph node involvement and metastasis to various sites has been reported. Wide local excision is the treatment of choice. Regional lymph node dissection should be considered and performed selectively. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy have limited role in the treatment of ameloblastic carcinomas. Close periodic reassessment of the patient is mandatory