Sampling rate-corrected analysis of irregularly sampled time series

The analysis of irregularly sampled time series remains a challenging task requiring methods that account for continuous and abrupt changes of sampling resolution without introducing additional biases. The edit distance is an effective metric to quantitatively compare time series segments of unequal length by computing the cost of transforming one segment into the other. We show that transformation costs generally exhibit a nontrivial relationship with local sampling rate. If the sampling resolution undergoes strong variations, this effect impedes unbiased comparison between different time episodes. We study the impact of this effect on recurrence quantification analysis, a framework that is well suited for identifying regime shifts in nonlinear time series. A constrained randomization approach is put forward to correct for the biased recurrence quantification measures. This strategy involves the generation of a type of time series and time axis surrogates which we call sampling-rate-constrained (SRC) surrogates. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach with a synthetic example and an irregularly sampled speleothem proxy record from Niue island in the central tropical Pacific. Application of the proposed correction scheme identifies a spurious transition that is solely imposed by an abrupt shift in sampling rate and uncovers periods of reduced seasonal rainfall predictability associated with enhanced El Niño-Southern Oscillation and tropical cyclone activity

Global maps of soil temperature

Research in global change ecology relies heavily on global climatic grids derived from estimates of air temperature in open areas at around 2 m above the ground. These climatic grids do not reflect conditions below vegetation canopies and near the ground surface, where critical ecosystem functions occur and most terrestrial species reside. Here, we provide global maps of soil temperature and bioclimatic variables at a 1-km² resolution for 0–5 and 5–15 cm soil depth. These maps were created by calculating the difference (i.e., offset) between in-situ soil temperature measurements, based on time series from over 1200 1-km² pixels (summarized from 8500 unique temperature sensors) across all the world’s major terrestrial biomes, and coarse-grained air temperature estimates from ERA5-Land (an atmospheric reanalysis by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts). We show that mean annual soil temperature differs markedly from the corresponding gridded air temperature, by up to 10°C (mean = 3.0 ± 2.1°C), with substantial variation across biomes and seasons. Over the year, soils in cold and/or dry biomes are substantially warmer (+3.6 ± 2.3°C) than gridded air temperature, whereas soils in warm and humid environments are on average slightly cooler (-0.7 ± 2.3°C). The observed substantial and biome-specific offsets emphasize that the projected impacts of climate and climate change on near-surface biodiversity and ecosystem functioning are inaccurately assessed when air rather than soil temperature is used, especially in cold environments. The global soil-related bioclimatic variables provided here are an important step forward for any application in ecology and related disciplines. Nevertheless, we highlight the need to fill remaining geographic gaps by collecting more in-situ measurements of microclimate conditions to further enhance the spatiotemporal resolution of global soil temperature products for ecological applications

Global maps of soil temperature.

Research in global change ecology relies heavily on global climatic grids derived from estimates of air temperature in open areas at around 2 m above the ground. These climatic grids do not reflect conditions below vegetation canopies and near the ground surface, where critical ecosystem functions occur and most terrestrial species reside. Here, we provide global maps of soil temperature and bioclimatic variables at a 1-km2 resolution for 0-5 and 5-15 cm soil depth. These maps were created by calculating the difference (i.e. offset) between in situ soil temperature measurements, based on time series from over 1200 1-km2 pixels (summarized from 8519 unique temperature sensors) across all the world's major terrestrial biomes, and coarse-grained air temperature estimates from ERA5-Land (an atmospheric reanalysis by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts). We show that mean annual soil temperature differs markedly from the corresponding gridded air temperature, by up to 10°C (mean = 3.0 ± 2.1°C), with substantial variation across biomes and seasons. Over the year, soils in cold and/or dry biomes are substantially warmer (+3.6 ± 2.3°C) than gridded air temperature, whereas soils in warm and humid environments are on average slightly cooler (-0.7 ± 2.3°C). The observed substantial and biome-specific offsets emphasize that the projected impacts of climate and climate change on near-surface biodiversity and ecosystem functioning are inaccurately assessed when air rather than soil temperature is used, especially in cold environments. The global soil-related bioclimatic variables provided here are an important step forward for any application in ecology and related disciplines. Nevertheless, we highlight the need to fill remaining geographic gaps by collecting more in situ measurements of microclimate conditions to further enhance the spatiotemporal resolution of global soil temperature products for ecological applications

Mid-Holocene rainfall seasonality and ENSO dynamics over the south-western Pacific

El Niño–Southern Oscillation dynamics affect global weather patterns, with regionally diverse hydrological responses posing critical societal challenges. The lack of seasonally resolved hydrological proxy reconstructions beyond the observational era limits our understanding of boundary conditions that drive and/or adjust El Niño–Southern Oscillation variability. Detailed reconstructions of past El Niño–Southern Oscillation dynamics can help modelling efforts, highlight impacts on disparate ecosystems and link to extreme events that affect populations from the tropics to high latitudes. Here, mid-Holocene El Niño–Southern Oscillation and hydrological changes are reconstructed in the south-west Pacific using a stalagmite from Niue Island, which represents the period 6.4–5.4 ka BP. Stable oxygen and carbon isotope ratios, trace elements and greyscale data from a U/Th-dated and layer counted stalagmite profile are combined to infer changes in local hydrology at sub-annual to multi-decadal timescales. Principal component analysis reveals seasonal-scale hydrological changes expressed as variations in stalagmite growth patterns and geochemical characteristics. Higher levels of host rock-derived elements (Sr/Ca and U/Ca) and higher δ18O and δ13C values are observed in dark, dense calcite laminae deposited during the dry season, whereas during the wet season, higher concentrations of soil-derived elements (Zn/Ca and Mn/Ca) and lower δ18O and δ13C values are recorded in pale, porous calcite laminae. The multi-proxy record from Niue shows seasonal cycles associated with hydrological changes controlled by the positioning and strength of the South Pacific Convergence Zone. Wavelet analysis of the greyscale record reveals that El Niño–Southern Oscillation was continuously active during the mid-Holocene, with two weaker intervals at 6–5.9 and 5.6–5.5 ka BP. El Niño–Southern Oscillation especially affects dry season rainfall dynamics, with increased cyclone activity that reduces hydrological seasonality during El Niño years.</p

Experiencias educativas en el marco de un proyecto de extensión

La presente comunicación describe el modo de trabajo del Proyecto de extensión "La Facultad va a la Escuela", perteneciente a la Universidad Nacional de La Plata, y las experiencias interactivas entre diferentes niveles educativos que éste ofrece. En particular se exponen tres situaciones educativas: el taller "Uso y Aplicaciones del Microscopio"; una Jornada de Evaluación Conjunta entre les extensionistas y destinataries y una Jornada de Talleres realizada en el edificio Karakachoff. A partir de ellas concluimos que es necesario no solo generar propuestas centradas en espacios presenciales de trabajo conjunto, sino también ampliar el alcance de las intervenciones, permitiendo una interacción continua entre docentes de escuela primaria y extensionistas en pos de fortalecer la articulación entre estes. Frente a esto proponemos la implementación de tecnologías de la información y comunicación (TICs), de acuerdo a lo impulsado desde la Dirección General de Cultura y Educación de la provincia de Buenos Aires.Fil: Rodríguez, Calén. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias de la Educación; Argentina.Fil: Abad, Jimena. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias de la Educación; Argentina.Fil: Abrego, Adrián Mauricio. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias de la Educación; Argentina.Fil: Marzetti, Celeste Yamil. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias de la Educación; Argentina.Fil: Villarreal, Luisina. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias de la Educación; Argentina

Experiencias educativas en el marco de un proyecto de extensión

La presente comunicación describe el modo de trabajo del Proyecto de extensión "La Facultad va a la Escuela", perteneciente a la Universidad Nacional de La Plata, y las experiencias interactivas entre diferentes niveles educativos que éste ofrece. En particular se exponen tres situaciones educativas: el taller "Uso y Aplicaciones del Microscopio"; una Jornada de Evaluación Conjunta entre les extensionistas y destinataries y una Jornada de Talleres realizada en el edificio Karakachoff. A partir de ellas concluimos que es necesario no solo generar propuestas centradas en espacios presenciales de trabajo conjunto, sino también ampliar el alcance de las intervenciones, permitiendo una interacción continua entre docentes de escuela primaria y extensionistas en pos de fortalecer la articulación entre estes. Frente a esto proponemos la implementación de tecnologías de la información y comunicación (TICs), de acuerdo a lo impulsado desde la Dirección General de Cultura y Educación de la provincia de Buenos Aires.Fil: Rodríguez, Calén. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias de la Educación; Argentina.Fil: Abad, Jimena. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias de la Educación; Argentina.Fil: Abrego, Adrián Mauricio. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias de la Educación; Argentina.Fil: Marzetti, Celeste Yamil. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias de la Educación; Argentina.Fil: Villarreal, Luisina. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias de la Educación; Argentina

Experiencias educativas en el marco de un proyecto de extensión

La presente comunicación describe el modo de trabajo del Proyecto de extensión "La Facultad va a la Escuela", perteneciente a la Universidad Nacional de La Plata, y las experiencias interactivas entre diferentes niveles educativos que éste ofrece. En particular se exponen tres situaciones educativas: el taller "Uso y Aplicaciones del Microscopio"; una Jornada de Evaluación Conjunta entre les extensionistas y destinataries y una Jornada de Talleres realizada en el edificio Karakachoff. A partir de ellas concluimos que es necesario no solo generar propuestas centradas en espacios presenciales de trabajo conjunto, sino también ampliar el alcance de las intervenciones, permitiendo una interacción continua entre docentes de escuela primaria y extensionistas en pos de fortalecer la articulación entre estes. Frente a esto proponemos la implementación de tecnologías de la información y comunicación (TICs), de acuerdo a lo impulsado desde la Dirección General de Cultura y Educación de la provincia de Buenos Aires.Fil: Rodríguez, Calén. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias de la Educación; Argentina.Fil: Abad, Jimena. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias de la Educación; Argentina.Fil: Abrego, Adrián Mauricio. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias de la Educación; Argentina.Fil: Marzetti, Celeste Yamil. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias de la Educación; Argentina.Fil: Villarreal, Luisina. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias de la Educación; Argentina

Global maps of soil temperature

Abstract Research in global change ecology relies heavily on global climatic grids derived from estimates of air temperature in open areas at around 2 m above the ground. These climatic grids do not reflect conditions below vegetation canopies and near the ground surface, where critical ecosystem functions occur and most terrestrial species reside. Here, we provide global maps of soil temperature and bioclimatic variables at a 1-km² resolution for 0‐5 and 5‐15 cm soil depth. These maps were created by calculating the difference (i.e. offset) between in situ soil temperature measurements, based on time series from over 1200 1‐km² pixels (summarized from 8519 unique temperature sensors) across all the world's major terrestrial biomes, and coarse-grained air temperature estimates from ERA5-Land (an atmospheric reanalysis by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts). We show that mean annual soil temperature differs markedly from the corresponding gridded air temperature, by up to 10° degrees C (mean = 3.0 +/‐ 2.1° degrees C), with substantial variation across biomes and seasons. Over the year, soils in cold and/or dry biomes are substantially warmer (+3.6 +/‐2.3° degrees C) than gridded air temperature, whereas soils in warm and humid environments are on average slightly cooler (‐0.7 +/‐ 2.3° degrees C). The observed substantial and biome-specific offsets emphasize that the projected impacts of climate and climate change on near-surface biodiversity and ecosystem functioning are inaccurately assessed when air rather than soil temperature is used, especially in cold environments. The global soil-related bioclimatic variables provided here are an important step forward for any application in ecology and related disciplines. Nevertheless, we highlight the need to fill remaining geographic gaps by collecting more in situ measurements of microclimate conditions to further enhance the spatiotemporal resolution of global soil temperature products for ecological applications

NEOTROPICAL XENARTHRANS: a data set of occurrence of xenarthran species in the Neotropics

Xenarthrans—anteaters, sloths, and armadillos—have essential functions for ecosystem maintenance, such as insect control and nutrient cycling, playing key roles as ecosystem engineers. Because of habitat loss and fragmentation, hunting pressure, and conflicts with domestic dogs, these species have been threatened locally, regionally, or even across their full distribution ranges. The Neotropics harbor 21 species of armadillos, 10 anteaters, and 6 sloths. Our data set includes the families Chlamyphoridae (13), Dasypodidae (7), Myrmecophagidae (3), Bradypodidae (4), and Megalonychidae (2). We have no occurrence data on Dasypus pilosus (Dasypodidae). Regarding Cyclopedidae, until recently, only one species was recognized, but new genetic studies have revealed that the group is represented by seven species. In this data paper, we compiled a total of 42,528 records of 31 species, represented by occurrence and quantitative data, totaling 24,847 unique georeferenced records. The geographic range is from the southern United States, Mexico, and Caribbean countries at the northern portion of the Neotropics, to the austral distribution in Argentina, Paraguay, Chile, and Uruguay. Regarding anteaters, Myrmecophaga tridactyla has the most records (n = 5,941), and Cyclopes sp. have the fewest (n = 240). The armadillo species with the most data is Dasypus novemcinctus (n = 11,588), and the fewest data are recorded for Calyptophractus retusus (n = 33). With regard to sloth species, Bradypus variegatus has the most records (n = 962), and Bradypus pygmaeus has the fewest (n = 12). Our main objective with Neotropical Xenarthrans is to make occurrence and quantitative data available to facilitate more ecological research, particularly if we integrate the xenarthran data with other data sets of Neotropical Series that will become available very soon (i.e., Neotropical Carnivores, Neotropical Invasive Mammals, and Neotropical Hunters and Dogs). Therefore, studies on trophic cascades, hunting pressure, habitat loss, fragmentation effects, species invasion, and climate change effects will be possible with the Neotropical Xenarthrans data set. Please cite this data paper when using its data in publications. We also request that researchers and teachers inform us of how they are using these data

Global variation in postoperative mortality and complications after cancer surgery: a multicentre, prospective cohort study in 82 countries

© 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an Open Access article under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 licenseBackground: 80% of individuals with cancer will require a surgical procedure, yet little comparative data exist on early outcomes in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). We compared postoperative outcomes in breast, colorectal, and gastric cancer surgery in hospitals worldwide, focusing on the effect of disease stage and complications on postoperative mortality. Methods: This was a multicentre, international prospective cohort study of consecutive adult patients undergoing surgery for primary breast, colorectal, or gastric cancer requiring a skin incision done under general or neuraxial anaesthesia. The primary outcome was death or major complication within 30 days of surgery. Multilevel logistic regression determined relationships within three-level nested models of patients within hospitals and countries. Hospital-level infrastructure effects were explored with three-way mediation analyses. This study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03471494. Findings: Between April 1, 2018, and Jan 31, 2019, we enrolled 15 958 patients from 428 hospitals in 82 countries (high income 9106 patients, 31 countries; upper-middle income 2721 patients, 23 countries; or lower-middle income 4131 patients, 28 countries). Patients in LMICs presented with more advanced disease compared with patients in high-income countries. 30-day mortality was higher for gastric cancer in low-income or lower-middle-income countries (adjusted odds ratio 3·72, 95% CI 1·70–8·16) and for colorectal cancer in low-income or lower-middle-income countries (4·59, 2·39–8·80) and upper-middle-income countries (2·06, 1·11–3·83). No difference in 30-day mortality was seen in breast cancer. The proportion of patients who died after a major complication was greatest in low-income or lower-middle-income countries (6·15, 3·26–11·59) and upper-middle-income countries (3·89, 2·08–7·29). Postoperative death after complications was partly explained by patient factors (60%) and partly by hospital or country (40%). The absence of consistently available postoperative care facilities was associated with seven to 10 more deaths per 100 major complications in LMICs. Cancer stage alone explained little of the early variation in mortality or postoperative complications. Interpretation: Higher levels of mortality after cancer surgery in LMICs was not fully explained by later presentation of disease. The capacity to rescue patients from surgical complications is a tangible opportunity for meaningful intervention. Early death after cancer surgery might be reduced by policies focusing on strengthening perioperative care systems to detect and intervene in common complications. Funding: National Institute for Health Research Global Health Research Unit