Analysis of Peculiarities of the Stellar Velocity Field in the Solar Neighborhood

Based on a new version of the Hipparcos catalogue and an updated Geneva-Copenhagen survey of F and G dwarfs, we analyze the space velocity field of about 17000 single stars in the solar neighborhood. The main known clumps, streams, and branches (Pleiades, Hyades, Sirius, Coma Berenices, Hercules, Wolf 630-alpha Ceti, and Arcturus) have been identified using various approaches. The evolution of the space velocity field for F and G dwarfs has been traced as a function of the stellar age. We have managed to confirm the existence of the recently discovered KFR08 stream. We have found 19 Hipparcos stars, candidates for membership in the KFR08 stream, and obtained an isochrone age estimate for the stream, 13 Gyr. The mean stellar ages of the Wolf 630-alpha Ceti and Hercules streams are shown to be comparable, 4--6 Gyr. No significant differences in the metallicities of stars belonging to these streams have been found. This is an argument for the hypothesis that these streams owe their origin to a common mechanism.Comment: 23 pages, 9 figure

Downstairs

A colloquial and affectionate term used by many when referring to the areas below their public housing blocks, “downstairs” is also the apt title for this Singaporean documentary. Unfolding over a 24-hour period, “downstairs” marries meaningful and colorful visuals with an audio collage to tell the personal stories of its users. With random and diverse profiles as supporting cast to the protagonist – “downstairs”, this high-definition short documentary shares anecdotes of community, love, dreams and memories. Moving from the rustic charms of the old neighborhoods to the swanky sophistication of the newer estates, it also documents change, in the form of transient meanings that exists between man and space. “downstairs” features heartwarming and candid displays of human interaction, sometimes tinged with innocent humor, showing how a space is not just a space but something that is full of life. With 81% of the Singaporean population living in public housing flats, “downstairs” is a peek into the nation’s culture and identity.Bachelor of Communication Studie

Unveiling groundwater potential zones as catalyst for multidimensional poverty reduction using analytical hierarchical process and geospatial decision support systems (S-DSS) approach in the semiarid region, Jigawa, Nigeria

Integrating agricultural production with the identification and use of groundwater resources has been shown to reduce multidimensional poverty in semi-arid regions. Poverty reduction and socioeconomic growth depend on sustainable water supply, especially in developing countries with limited rainy seasons. Poverty eradication is a top priority among the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and its reduction in the 21st century has led to significant advances in research. This study used remote sensing, geographic information system (GIS), and geospatial decision support system (S-DSS) approaches to uncover potential groundwater zones. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) integrates geospatial data to create a groundwater potential zone map and suggests the best land requirements for groundwater abstraction for poverty alleviation programs. The groundwater potential zone maps indicate that the majority of the region was in the high-potential zone, covering 59.75 of the total area, followed by a moderate-potential zone at 23.21, an extremely high-potential zone at 14.6, a low-potential zone at 2.44, and an extremely low-potential zone at 0. In addition, the study emphasizes the need for alternative water sources and infrastructure development in dry seasons in areas with fewer drainage systems and proposes measures such as rainwater harvesting structures and small reservoirs. Diversifying income sources by promoting alternative livelihoods can help reduce poverty and vulnerability to fluctuations in agricultural productivity. The integration of socioeconomic data into the S-DSS framework will provide a comprehensive understanding of the complex relationship between groundwater resources, poverty, and socioeconomic development, enabling informed decision-making in water resource management for poverty reduction initiatives and the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals. © 2023 Elsevier B.V

Global impact of COVID-19 on stroke care

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic led to profound changes in the organization of health care systems worldwide. AIMS: We sought to measure the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the volumes for mechanical thrombectomy, stroke, and intracranial hemorrhage hospitalizations over a three-month period at the height of the pandemic (1 March-31 May 2020) compared with two control three-month periods (immediately preceding and one year prior). METHODS: Retrospective, observational, international study, across 6 continents, 40 countries, and 187 comprehensive stroke centers. The diagnoses were identified by their ICD-10 codes and/or classifications in stroke databases at participating centers. RESULTS: The hospitalization volumes for any stroke, intracranial hemorrhage, and mechanical thrombectomy were 26,699, 4002, and 5191 in the three months immediately before versus 21,576, 3540, and 4533 during the first three pandemic months, representing declines of 19.2% (95%CI, -19.7 to -18.7), 11.5% (95%CI, -12.6 to -10.6), and 12.7% (95%CI, -13.6 to -11.8), respectively. The decreases were noted across centers with high, mid, and low COVID-19 hospitalization burden, and also across high, mid, and low volume stroke/mechanical thrombectomy centers. High-volume COVID-19 centers (-20.5%) had greater declines in mechanical thrombectomy volumes than mid- (-10.1%) and low-volume (-8.7%) centers (p < 0.0001). There was a 1.5% stroke rate across 54,366 COVID-19 hospitalizations. SARS-CoV-2 infection was noted in 3.9% (784/20,250) of all stroke admissions. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a global decline in the volume of overall stroke hospitalizations, mechanical thrombectomy procedures, and intracranial hemorrhage admission volumes. Despite geographic variations, these volume reductions were observed regardless of COVID-19 hospitalization burden and pre-pandemic stroke/mechanical thrombectomy volumes.status: publishe

Global impact of COVID-19 on stroke care.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic led to profound changes in the organization of health care systems worldwide. AIMS: We sought to measure the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the volumes for mechanical thrombectomy, stroke, and intracranial hemorrhage hospitalizations over a three-month period at the height of the pandemic (1 March-31 May 2020) compared with two control three-month periods (immediately preceding and one year prior). METHODS: Retrospective, observational, international study, across 6 continents, 40 countries, and 187 comprehensive stroke centers. The diagnoses were identified by their ICD-10 codes and/or classifications in stroke databases at participating centers. RESULTS: The hospitalization volumes for any stroke, intracranial hemorrhage, and mechanical thrombectomy were 26,699, 4002, and 5191 in the three months immediately before versus 21,576, 3540, and 4533 during the first three pandemic months, representing declines of 19.2% (95%CI, -19.7 to -18.7), 11.5% (95%CI, -12.6 to -10.6), and 12.7% (95%CI, -13.6 to -11.8), respectively. The decreases were noted across centers with high, mid, and low COVID-19 hospitalization burden, and also across high, mid, and low volume stroke/mechanical thrombectomy centers. High-volume COVID-19 centers (-20.5%) had greater declines in mechanical thrombectomy volumes than mid- (-10.1%) and low-volume (-8.7%) centers (p \u3c 0.0001). There was a 1.5% stroke rate across 54,366 COVID-19 hospitalizations. SARS-CoV-2 infection was noted in 3.9% (784/20,250) of all stroke admissions. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a global decline in the volume of overall stroke hospitalizations, mechanical thrombectomy procedures, and intracranial hemorrhage admission volumes. Despite geographic variations, these volume reductions were observed regardless of COVID-19 hospitalization burden and pre-pandemic stroke/mechanical thrombectomy volumes