Hydrochemical Signatures of Glacial Meltwater on Volcán Chimborazo, Ecuador

University of Minnesota M.S. thesis. November 2017. Major: Earth Sciences. Advisors: G.H. Crystal Ng, Andrew Wickert. 1 computer file (PDF); viii, 110 pages.Glacier recession in the tropical Andes is generating significant concern over future water availability for domestic use, irrigation, and hydropower. Sparse data sets, extreme heterogeneity in climate patterns, and the limited understanding of groundwater and ecohydrological processes in these catchments make predicting the hydrologic response to glacier retreat difficult. Here I examine a glaciated watershed on Volcán Chimborazo, Ecuador. I use geospatial analysis and recent geologic studies to evaluate the vegetation and geologic factors that influence the hydrologic response of the watershed. Additionally, I utilize hydrochemical and stable isotope signatures to investigate how melt and groundwater contributions to streamflow have changed over time along with possible meltwater-groundwater connections. A new landcover map of Volcán Chimborazo, generated using object based image analysis, reveals a significant increase in the upper limit of vegetation on the mountain and expansion of crop and pasture land since 1978. Geologic cross-sections, based on recent studies, show that near surface geology is dominated by glacial deposits and underlain by relatively young volcanic bedrock. Results from a hydrochemical mixing model (HBCM) combined with discharge measurements reveal spatial variability in groundwater discharge and suggest that groundwater discharge during the dry season has decreased from 2012-2017. Short time scale variability is clearly influenced by precipitation, but long-term discharge trends remain uncertain. Lastly, stable isotope and solute concentrations in samples suggest groundwater in the study watershed is recharged by precipitation falling at high elevations where ice and snow may dominate the hydrologic system

Is Domestic Abuse an Adult Social Work Issue?

Within a global profession with a stated definition that includes ‘promoting social change and development, social cohesion and the empowerment and liberation of people’ (online), it would be expected that the issue of domestic abuse would be integral to the training and role of all social workers. This article reports on research, which highlighted both a lack of understanding of the role of adult social worker within cases of domestic abuse and also a desire for further training around the issue. However, this article sets out how the current UK (in particular, English) context of social work marginalises the issue of domestic abuse within practice with adults. This marginalisation has been achieved through the construction of domestic abuse as a children and families issue and limited duties, powers and resources within statutory work to support victims/survivors in their own right, rather than as ‘failing’ parents. However, the article argues that the role of social work education should be wider than teaching to the current policy or procedures and instead encourage a wider appreciation of the social, historical and political context. The article concludes with tentative suggestions for how domestic abuse could be considered within the social work curriculum for adult practitioners. This is in acknowledgement that social workers can be well positioned for the detection, investigation and support of those experiencing abuse

A Cross-Sectional Study of Symptom Prevalence, Frequency, Severity, and Impact of Long-COVID in Scotland: Part I

Background: Commonly reported symptoms of long COVID may have different patterns of prevalence and presentation across different countries. While some limited data have been reported for the United Kingdom, national specificity for Scotland is less clear. We present a cross-sectional survey to examine the symptom prevalence, frequency, and severity of long COVID for people living with the condition in Scotland. Methods: An online survey was created in the English language and was available between April 21, 2022 and August 5, 2022. Participants were included if they were ≥18 years old, living in Scotland, and had self-diagnosed or confirmed long COVID; and excluded if they were hospitalized during their initial infection. Within this article we quantify symptom prevalence, frequency, severity, and duration. Results: Participants (n = 253) reported the most prevalent long-COVID symptoms to be post-exertional malaise (95%), fatigue/tiredness (85%), and cognitive impairment (68%). Fatigue/tiredness, problems with activities of daily living (ADL), and general pain were most frequently occurring, while sleep difficulties, problems with ADL, and nausea were the most severe. Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation associated with symptom number, severity, and frequency, whereas vaccine status, age, sex, and smoking status had limited or no association. Conclusions: These findings outline the challenges faced for those living with long COVID and highlight the need for longitudinal research to ascertain a better understanding of the condition and its longer-term societal impact

A Cross-Sectional Study of Symptom Prevalence, Frequency, Severity, and Impact of Long COVID in Scotland: Part II

Background: There has been some effort to map the prevalence, frequency, and severity of symptoms of long COVID at local and national levels. However, what is frequently absent from such accounts is details of the impact the disease and its symptoms have had on those living with the condition. In this article, we present details of the impact on work, caring, and mental health gathered using a cross-sectional survey. Methods: Data were collected using an online survey that was available from April 21, 2022, to August 5, 2022. Included participants had either self-diagnosed or confirmed long COVID, were living in Scotland, and were aged ≥18 years. Hospitalization during initial COVID-19 infection was an exclusion criterion. Participants were asked to report on the impact of their illness on everyday activities such as working, studying, or caring. They also completed an assessment of their current mood. Results: People with long COVID were often severely impacted in their ability to work and study. Severe impact on work and study were predicted by more severe and more frequent fatigue, more severe pain, and more severe cognitive impairment. Respondents’ ability to care for child dependents was also associated with more severe and more frequent fatigue, and more severe cognitive impairments. More severe pain associated with greater impact on adult care. Negative mood correlated most strongly with frequency and severity of neurological symptoms, including lack of attention, loss of smell, impaired sense of smell, loss of taste, impaired sense of taste, and loss of appetite. Conclusions: Long COVID has a significant impact on ability to work, study, and care for dependents. The severity of this impact is associated with specific symptom burden, including fatigue, pain, and cognitive impairment

A Radio Pulsar/X-ray Binary Link

Radio pulsars with millisecond spin periods are thought to have been spun up by transfer of matter and angular momentum from a low-mass companion star during an X-ray-emitting phase. The spin periods of the neutron stars in several such low-mass X-ray binary (LMXB) systems have been shown to be in the millisecond regime, but no radio pulsations have been detected. Here we report on detection and follow-up observations of a nearby radio millisecond pulsar (MSP) in a circular binary orbit with an optically identified companion star. Optical observations indicate that an accretion disk was present in this system within the last decade. Our optical data show no evidence that one exists today, suggesting that the radio MSP has turned on after a recent LMXB phase.Comment: published in Scienc