Aggregation-cokriging for highly multivariate spatial data

Best linear unbiased prediction of spatially correlated multivariate random processes, often called cokriging in geostatistics, requires the solution of a large linear system based on the covariance and cross-covariance matrix of the observations. For many problems of practical interest, it is impossible to solve the linear system with direct methods. We propose an efficient linear unbiased predictor based on a linear aggregation of the covariables. The primary variable together with this single meta-covariable is used to perform cokriging. We discuss the optimality of the approach under different covariance structures, and use it to create reanalysis type high-resolution historical temperature field

La société de l’information : l’affaire de tous

L’importance des droits humains Dans une société de l’information et du savoir, la liberté d’information et de communication est un droit fondamental de tous les individus. L’accès libre et universel aux informations et l’échange de savoirs sont une condition essentielle du développement économique, social et culturel de chaque être humain sur toute la planète. Personne ne peut, par principe, en être exclu et tous les êtres humains devraient pouvoir participer à la société de l’information. L..

Verkrebster Sihlwald : Lebensraumpotenzialanalyse für den Stein- und Dohlenkrebs im Sihlwald

Der Dohlen- (Austropotamobius pallipes) und der Steinkrebs (Austropotamobius torrentium) waren in der Schweiz weit verbreitet. Aufgrund der Zerstörung und Fragmentierung derer Lebensräume sowie der Einschleppung invasiver Arten mitsamt der Krebspest erfolgte jedoch ein starker Rückgang der Bestände, welcher bis heute nicht hatte gestoppt werden können. Mittlerweile stehen der Stein- und der Dohlenkrebs auf der Roten Liste und gelten als stark gefährdet. An die damalige krebsreiche Zeit erinnern heutzutage noch Flurnamen wie zum Beispiel «Chrebsächerli». Ein solches «Chrebsächerli» befindet sich auch im Sihlwald, wodurch angenommen wird, dass dort früher ebenfalls eine Flusskrebspopulation vorherrschte. Die Stiftung Wildnispark Zürich ist aus diesem Grund an einer Wiederansiedlung in diesem Gebiet interessiert. In dieser Arbeit wird daher untersucht, ob sich die sechs Fliessgewässer im gewählten Untersuchungsperimeter für eine solche Wiederansiedlung eignen. Dabei wurden sämtliche dieser Fliessgewässer einer Voruntersuchung unterzogen und eines davon zusätzlich in einer detaillierten Lebensraumpotentialanalyse auf dessen Potential für eine Wiederansiedlung bewertet. Ausserdem wurden einerseits die historischen Stein- und Dohlenkrebsbestände in und um den Perimeter untersucht und andererseits wurde für den im Detail untersuchten Tomenrainbach eine Populationsabschätzung vollzogen. Dabei wurde die historische Untersuchung mittels einer Literaturrecherche getätigt, wohingegen die Vor-, wie auch die Lebensraumpotentialanalyse direkt im Feld erfolgte. Die Voruntersuchung hat gezeigt, dass sich vier der sechs Gewässer für eine detaillierte Lebensraumpotentialanalyse eignen. Die zwei nicht geeigneten Fliessgewässer fielen im Sommer 2022 trocken und konnten daher für eine Wiederansiedlung von Flusskrebsen bereits ausgeschlossen werden. Des Weiteren ergab die Detailuntersuchung des Tomenrainbachs, dass sich dieser auf weiten Teilen seiner Gewässerstrecke für eine Wiederansiedlung von Flusskrebsen gut eignet. Hier gilt vor allem hervorzuheben, dass nahezu alle Wasserparameter dieses Gewässers für Flusskrebse optimale Werte aufweisen. Zudem bietet dieses Gewässer aufgrund des hohen Totholzanteils und der Beschaffenheit der Gewässersohle unzählige Versteckmöglichkeiten. Einzig die vielen Abstürze auf der Gewässerstrecke könnten ein Ausbreitungshindernis darstellen. Jedoch können diese auch als Chance angesehen werden, da diese eine natürliche Krebssperre und somit einen Schutz vor invasiven Krebsarten und der Krebspest darstellen. Basierend auf der Gewässerstrecke sowie der Lebensraumqualität des Tomenrainbachs wurde abschliessend einen Besatz von maximal 647 Individuen berechnet. Dabei eignet sich das Gewässer aufgrund der Nährstoff- und organischen Belastung besser für einen Dohlenkrebs- als für einen Steinkrebsbesatz.White-clawed crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes) and stone crayfish (Austropotamobius torrentium) were widespread in Switzerland. However, due to the destruction and fragmentation of their habitats and the introduction of invasive species, including crayfish plague, there was a sharp decline in populations, which has not been able to be stopped to this day. Stone crayfish and white-clawed crayfish are now on the Red List and are considered critically endangered. Field names such as "Chrebsächerli" are still reminiscent of the times when the crayfish population was high. Such a "Chrebsächerli" is also found in the Sihlwald, which suggests that a crayfish population used to be prevalent there as well. For this reason, the Foundation “Stiftung Wildnispark Zürich” is interested in reintroducing them to this area. Therefore, this scientific paper examines whether the six streams in the selected investigation perimeter are suitable for such a resettlement. All of these streams were subjected to a preliminary investigation whereby one of them was also evaluated in a detailed habitat potential analysis for its potential for resettlement. In addition, the historical stone crayfish and white-clawed crayfish populations in and around the perimeter were examined and a population assessment was carried out for the in detail analyzed Tomenrainbach. The historical investigation was carried out by means of a literature research, whereas the pre-analysis as well as the habitat potential analysis took place directly in the field. The preliminary investigation showed that four of the six bodies of water are suitable for a detailed habitat potential analysis. The two unsuitable streams went dry in the summer of 2022 and can therefore already be ruled out for crayfish to resettle. Furthermore, the detailed investigation of the Tomenrainbach showed that large parts of its stretch of water are well suited for the resettlement of crayfish. Above all, it should be emphasized that almost all water parameters of this body of water have optimal values for crayfish. In addition, this body of water offers countless hiding places due to the high proportion of dead wood and the nature of the water bed. Only the many falls on the stretch of water could represent an obstacle to the population spread. However, these can also be seen as an opportunity, as they represent a natural crayfish barrier and thus protection against invasive crayfish and crayfish plague. Based on the length of the watercourse and the quality of the Tomenrainbach habitat, a stocking of a maximum of 647 individuals was calculated. Due to the nutrient and organic load, the water body is better suited for stocking white-clawed crayfish than stone crayfish

Die Informationsgesellschaft geht alle etwas an

Die Wichtigkeit der Menschenrechte In einer Informations- und Wissensgesellschaft ist die Informations- und Kommunikationsfreiheit ein fundamentales Recht aller Menschen. Der freie und universelle Zugang zu Information und der Austausch von Wissen ist eine wesentliche Grundvoraussetzung für die wirtschaftliche, soziale und kulturelle Entwicklung der Menschen auf der ganzen Welt. Niemandem darf dieser Zugang grundsätzlich verwehrt sein ; es müssen möglichst alle Menschen weltweit an der Inform..

A ~180,000years sedimentation history of a perialpine overdeepened glacial trough (Wehntal, N-Switzerland)

A 30m-deep drill core from a glacially overdeepened trough in Northern Switzerland recovered a ~180ka old sedimentary succession that provides new insights into the timing and nature of erosion-sedimentation processes in the Swiss lowlands. The luminescence-dated stratigraphic succession starts at the bottom of the core with laminated carbonate-rich lake sediments reflecting deposition in a proglacial lake between ~180 and 130ka ago (Marine Isotope Stage MIS 6). Anomalies in geotechnical properties and the occurrence of deformation structures suggest temporary ice contact around 140ka. Up-core, organic content increases in the lake deposits indicating a warming of climate. These sediments are overlain by a peat deposit characterised by pollen assemblages typical of the late Eemian (MIS 5e). An abrupt transition following this interglacial encompasses a likely hiatus and probably marks a sudden lowering of the water level. The peat unit is overlain by deposits of a cold unproductive lake dated to late MIS 5 and MIS 4, which do not show any direct influence from glaciers. An upper peat unit, the so-called >, previously encountered in construction pits, interrupts this cold lacustrine phase and marks more temperate climatic conditions between 60 and 45ka (MIS 3). In the upper part of the core, a succession of fluvial and alluvial deposits documents the Late Glacial and Holocene sedimentation in the basin. The sedimentary succession at Wehntal confirms that the glaciation during MIS 6 did not apparently cause the overdeepening of the valley, as the lacustrine basin fill covering most of MIS 6 is still preserved. Consequently, erosion of the basin is most likely linked to an older glaciation. This study shows that new dating techniques combined with palaeoenvironmental interpretations of sediments from such overdeepened troughs provide valuable insights into the past glacial histor

Sex Does Not Affect Survival: A Propensity Score-Matched Comparison in a Homogenous Contemporary Radical Cystectomy Cohort.

OBJECTIVES To determine whether biological sex affects oncological outcome after extended pelvic lymph node dissection, radical cystectomy, and urinary diversion for muscle-invasive bladder cancer, and to identify risk factors impacting outcome. PATIENTS AND METHODS We performed a single-center, retrospective observational cohort study with prospective data collection with a propensity score matched population. A total of 1165 consecutive patients from 2000 to 2020, (317 women and 848 men) scheduled for open extended pelvic lymph node dissection, radical cystectomy, and urinary diversion for urothelial bladder cancer were included in the final analysis. Overall Survival (OS), Cancer-Specific-Survival (CSS), and Recurrence-Free-survival (RFS) were assessed with multivariable weighted Cox regression analysis as well as with propensity score matched Cox-Regression. RESULTS No significant difference was found between sexes regarding OS (HR 1.18, [0.93-1.49], P = .16), CSS (HR 0.87, [0.64-1.18], P = .38), or RFS (HR 0.80, [0.59-1.07], P = .13). These results were confirmed after propensity score matching: female sex was not associated with inferior OS (HR 1.20, [0.91-1.60], P = .19), CSS (HR 1.01, [0.75-1.35], P = .97) or RFS (HR 0.98, [0.75-1.27], P = .86). CONCLUSIONS We did not find a significant difference in cancer-related outcomes or overall survival after extended pelvic lymph node dissection, open radical cystectomy, and urinary diversion for urothelial cancer between males and females even after adjustment with propensity matching score for multiple factors including oncological parameters, smoking status, and renal function

Opioid-Free Anesthesia for Open Radical Cystectomy Is Feasible and Accelerates Return of Bowel Function: A Matched Cohort Study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) in open radical cystectomy (ORC) with urinary diversion and to assess the impact on recovery of gastrointestinal function. We hypothesized that OFA would lead to earlier recovery of bowel function. A total of 44 patients who underwent standardized ORC were divided into two groups (OFA group vs. control group). In both groups, patients received epidural analgesia (OFA group: bupivacaine 0.25%, control group: bupivacaine 0.1%, fentanyl 2 mcg/mL, and epinephrine 2 mcg/mL). The primary endpoint was time to first defecation. Secondary endpoints were incidence of postoperative ileus (POI) and incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). The median time to first defecation was 62.5 h [45.8-80.8] in the OFA group and 118.5 h [82.6-142.3] (p < 0.001) in the control group. With regard to POI (OFA group: 1/22 patients (4.5%); control group: 2/22 (9.1%)) and PONV (OFA group: 5/22 patients (22.7%); control group: 10/22 (45.5%)), trends but no significant results were found (p = 0.99 and p = 0.203, respectively). OFA appears to be feasible in ORC and to improve postoperative functional gastrointestinal recovery by halving the time to first defecation compared with standard fentanyl-based intraoperative anesthesia

Impact of Intraoperative Fluid Balance and Norepinephrine on Postoperative Acute Kidney Injury after Cystectomy and Urinary Diversion over Two Decades: A Retrospective Observational Cohort Study.

The use of norepinephrine and the restriction of intraoperative hydration have gained increasing acceptance over the last few decades. Recently, there have been concerns regarding the impact of this approach on renal function. The objective of this study was to examine the influence of norepinephrine, intraoperative fluid administration and their interaction on acute kidney injury (AKI) after cystectomy. In our cohort of 1488 consecutive patients scheduled for cystectomies and urinary diversions, the overall incidence of AKI was 21.6% (95%-CI: 19.6% to 23.8%) and increased by an average of 0.6% (95%-CI: 0.1% to 1.1%, p = 0.025) per year since 2000. The fluid and vasopressor regimes were characterized by an annual decrease in fluid balance (-0.24 mL·kg-1·h-1, 95%-CI: -0.26 to -0.22, p < 0.001) and an annual increase in the amount of norepinephrine of 0.002 µg·kg-1·min-1 (95%-CI: 0.0016 to 0.0024, p < 0.001). The interaction between the fluid balance and norepinephrine levels resulted in a U-shaped association with the risk of AKI; however, the magnitude and shape depended on the reference categories of confounders (age and BMI). We conclude that decreased intraoperative fluid balance combined with increased norepinephrine administration was associated with an increased risk of AKI. However, other potential drivers of the observed increase in AKI incidence need to be further investigated in the future

Evaluating the diagnostic role of in-bore magnetic resonance imaging guided prostate biopsy: a single-centre study.

BACKGROUND To evaluate the role of in-bore MRI-guided biopsy (IB-MRGB) in the diagnosis of clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa). METHODS In this tertiary single centre study, a total of 125 consecutive patients receiving IB-MRGB over a three-year period were evaluated, including 73 patients who had prior biopsies and 52 biopsy-naïve patients. We assessed cancer detection rate of patients according to the degree of suspicion based on mpMRI findings. Histopathological data were reviewed by experienced uropathologists. RESULTS The mpMRI was suspicious for PCa (PI-RADS 4/5) in 77% (96/125) and equivocal (PI-RADS 3) in 23% (29/125). The detection rate for csPCa was 54.2% (52/96) and 20.7% (6/29) for suspicious lesions (PI-RADS 4/5) and equivocal lesions (PI-RADS 3), respectively. In subgroup analysis, patients with previous negative biopsy, overall positive biopsy rate and csPCa detection rate were 48.3% (19/35) and 34.5% (13/35), respectively. In patients on AS, 36/44 (81.8%) and 21/44 (47.8%) had PCa and csPCa respectively. In biopsy-naïve patients 34/52 (65.4%) and 27/52 (51.92%) had PCa and csPCa respectively. Of the patients on AS, 18/44 (41.6%) upgraded from ISUP 1 to ISUP 2 PCa, and 4/44 (9.1%) upgraded from ISUP 1 to ISUP 3 PCa on IB-MRGB. A total of 14 Clavien-Dindo≤2 complications occurred in 14 patients (11.2%) that were directly related to the biopsy. No Clavien-Dindo≥3 complications occurred. CONCLUSION MRI-targeted biopsy is suitable for assessment of csPCa. Given the favourable complications profile, its use may be considered in both the initial biopsy and re-biopsy settings