bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing a hybrid antimicrobial resistance surveillance system in India
Authors: Kaur Jasmine , Sharma Arun , Dhama Ajay Singh , Buttolia Harish , Ohri V.C. , Walia Kamini , Sharma Amitesh Kumar , Yahara Koji , Ahmad Rafi , Singh Harpreet
Published: June 2019

Growing resistance to antimicrobials has become one of the most important problems of the 21st century. The development of new antibiotics is a time-consuming process involving huge financial resources. An alternate approach is proper utilization of the existing antibiotics through the surveillance of resistance. An important component of surveillance is the informatics tool for collection, management and analysis of antimicrobial resistance susceptibility testing data. Based on the scope, antimicrobial resistance surveillance resistance tools can be broadly classified as collectors and integrators. Individually, both the integrators and collectors have limitations which restrict their use in India. There is a strong requirement to develop a hybrid AMR surveillance tool that captures standardized data from small laboratories and integrates data from multiple sources to present a complete picture of the country. Here we describe a tool i-AMRSS developed by the Indian Council of Medical Research for collection, storage and management of AMR data from collaborating institutes/laboratories and to generate real-time analytics and reports.
Presence & mobility of antimicrobial resistance in Gram-negative bacteria from environmental samples in coastal Karnataka, India
Authors: Mohan Raj Juliet Roshini , Vittal Rajeshwari , Shivakumaraswamy Santhosh Kogaluru , Deekshit Vijaya Kumar , Chakraborty Anirban , Karunasagar Indrani
Published: June 2019

To understand antimicrobial resistance (AMR) patterns and mechanisms of horizontal gene transfer in human-associated environments is essential to AMR surveillance. Gram-negative bacteria (1122 isolates) from food-animal environments were characterized for antimicrobial susceptibility and AMR genes. Seventy five per cent of the isolates (837 of 1122) were resistant to at least one of the antibiotics tested. Resistance to more than three groups of antimicrobials (multidrug resistance) was observed in 43 isolates with most often encountered (12 of 43) resistance to β-lactams, tetracycline, quinolones and nitrofurantoin. The profile of frequently reported plasmid-mediated resistance gene in these isolates was determined. The mobility of these elements as plasmids or phages was examined. The blaCTX-M gene was present in the plasmid of 61 per cent and packed in induced phage fractions in 72 per cent of the isolates and blaTEM in 69 per cent phage fractions compared to 15 per cent presence in the plasmid.
Mismatch amplification mutation assay-polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Deekshit Vijaya Kumar , Jazeela Kadeeja , Chakraborty Gunimala , Rohit Anusha , Chakraborty Anirban , Karunasagar Indrani
Published: June 2019

The mismatch amplification assay is a modified version of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) that permits specific amplification of gene sequences with single base pair change. The basis of the technique relies on primer designing. The single nucleotide mismatch at the 3’ proximity of the reverse oligonucleotide primer makes Taq DNA polymerase unable to carry out extension process. Thus, the primers produce a PCR fragment in the wild type, whereas it is not possible to yield a product with a mutation at the site covered by the mismatch positions on the mismatch amplification mutation assay (MAMA) primer from any gene. The technique offers several advantages over other molecular methods, such as PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and oligonucleotide hybridization, which is routinely used in the detection of known point mutations. Since multiple point mutations in the quinolone resistance determining region play a major role in high-level fluoroquinolone resistance in Gram-negative bacteria, the MAMA-PCR technique is preferred for detecting these mutations over PCR-RFLP and sequencing technology.
Phenotypic & genotypic study of antimicrobial profile of bacteria isolates from environmental samples
Authors: Shivakumaraswamy Santhosh Kogaluru , Deekshit Vijaya Kumar , Vittal Rajeshwari , Akhila Dharnappa Sannejal , Mundanda Dechamma Muthappa , Mohan Raj Juliet Roshini , Chakraborty Anirban , Karunasagar Indrani
Published: June 2019

Background & objectives:

The resistance to antibiotics in pathogenic bacteria has increased at an alarming rate in recent years due to the indiscriminate use of antibiotics in healthcare, livestock and aquaculture. In this context, it is necessary to monitor the antibiotic resistance patterns of bacteria isolated from the environmental samples. This study was conducted to determine the phenotypic and genotypic profile of antimicrobial resistance in Gram-negative bacteria isolated from environmental samples.

Methods:

Two hundred and fifty samples were collected from different sources, viz. fish and fishery products (99), livestock wastes (81) and aquaculture systems (70), in and around Mangaluru, India. Isolation, identification and antimicrobial profiling were carried out as per standard protocols. The isolates were screened for the presence of resistance genes using PCR.

Results:

A total of 519 Gram-negative bacteria comprising Escherichia coli (116), Salmonella spp. (14), Vibrio spp. (258), Pseudomonas spp. (56), Citrobacter spp. (26) and Proteus spp. (49) were isolated and characterized from 250 samples obtained from different sources. A total of 12 antibiotics were checked for their effectiveness against the isolates. While 31.6 per cent of the isolates were sensitive to all the antibiotics used, 68.4 per cent of the isolates showed resistance to at least one of the antibiotics used. One-third of the isolates showed multidrug resistance. Maximum resistance was observed for ampicillin (43.4%), followed by nitrofurantoin (20.8%). Least resistance was seen for carbapenems and chloramphenicol. PCR profiling of the resistant isolates confirmed the presence of resistance genes corresponding to their antibiotic profile.

Interpretation & conclusions:

This study results showed high rate of occurrence of antimicrobial resistance and their determinants in Gram-negative bacteria isolated from different environmental sources.
Plasmid profiles among some ESKAPE pathogens in a tertiary care centre in south India
Authors: Ragupathi Naveen Kumar Devanga , Bakthavatchalam Yamuna Devi , Mathur Purva , Pragasam Agila Kumari , Walia Kamini , Ohri V.C. , Veeraraghavan Balaji
Published: June 2019

Background & objectives:

Plasmid has led to increase in resistant bacterial pathogens through the exchange of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genetic determinants through horizontal gene transfer. Baseline data on the occurrence of plasmids carrying AMR genes are lacking in India. This study was aimed to identify the plasmids associated with AMR genetic determinants in ESKAPE pathogens.

Methods:

A total of 112 ESKAPE isolates including Escherichia coli (n=37), Klebsiella pneumoniae (n=48, including 7 pan-drug susceptible isolates), Acinetobacter baumannii (n=8), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n=1) and Staphylococcus aureus (n=18) were analyzed in the study. Isolates were screened for antimicrobial susceptibility and whole genome sequencing of isolates was performed using Ion Torrent (PGM) sequencer. Downstream data analysis was done using PATRIC, ResFinder, PlasmidFinder and MLSTFinder databases. All 88 whole genome sequences (WGS) were deposited at GenBank.

Results:

Most of the study isolates showed resistant phenotypes. As analyzed from WGS, the isolates included both known and unknown sequence types. The plasmid analysis revealed the presence of single or multiple plasmids in the isolates. Plasmid types such as IncHI1B(pNDM-MAR), IncFII(pRSB107), IncFIB(Mar), IncFIB(pQil), IncFIA, IncFII(K), IncR, ColKP3 and ColpVC were present in K. pneumoniae. In E. coli, IncFIA, IncFII, IncFIB, Col(BS512), IncL1, IncX3 and IncH were present along with other types. S. aureus harboured seven different plasmid groups pMW2 (rep5), pSAS1 (rep7), pDLK1 (rep10), pUB110 (repUS12), Saa6159 (rep16), pKH12 (rep21) and pSA1308 (rep21). The overall incidence of IncF type plasmids was 56.5 per cent followed by Col type plasmids 18.3 per cent and IncX 5.3 per cent. Other plasmid types identified were <5 per cent.

Interpretation & conclusions:

Results from the study may serve as a baseline data for the occurrence of AMR genes and plasmids in India. Information on the association between phenotypic and genotypic expression of AMR was deciphered from the data. Further studies on the mechanism of antibiotic resistance dissemination are essential for enhancing clinical lifetime of antibiotics.
CTX-M type extended-spectrum β-lactamase in Escherichia coli isolated from extra-intestinal infections in a tertiary care hospital in south India
Authors: Rohit Anusha , Deekshit Vijaya Kumar , Balaraj Malathi , Alandur Veena Shetty , Abraham Georgi , Karunasagar Iddya , Karunasagar Indrani
Published: June 2019

Background & objectives:

Infections caused by extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli carrying bla
CTX-M genes have been spreading globally, but there are geographical variations in the type of bla
CTX-M genes prevalent and there are scanty data from India. This study was conducted to determine the CTX-M type ESBLs in E. coli isolates obtained from clinical specimens from patients with extra-intestinal infections attending a tertiary care hospital in south India.

Methods:

ESBL-producing E. coli isolated from patients with extra-intestinal infections were subjected to PCR using CTX-M group-specific primers. From a representative isolate, full-length CTX-M-15 gene was amplified and sequenced. An internal fragment of this gene was sequenced in 10 representative isolates.

Results:

Of the 300 isolates of E. coli tested, 88 per cent carried CTX-M genes and bla
CTX-M-15 was the most dominant gene present in 90 per cent of the positive isolates. Most (91%) of the isolates positive for bla
CTX-M were sensitive to meropenem.

Interpretation & conclusions:

Our findings showed bla
CTX-M-15 to be the dominant gene. Based on the data on antimicrobial susceptibility, cefoperazone-sulbactum could be an antimicrobial of choice.
Antimicrobial susceptibility profile & resistance mechanisms of Global Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System (GLASS) priority pathogens from India
Authors: Veeraraghavan Balaji , Walia Kamini
Published: June 2019

Antimicrobial resistance is a major concern globally. Infections due to drug-resistant pathogens are becoming difficult and a challenge to treat. As treatment choices are limited due to the high-drug resistance rates, there is an increase in the health care cost, duration of hospital stay, morbidity and mortality rates. Understanding the true burden of antimicrobial resistance for a geographical location is important to guide effective empirical therapy. To have a national data, it is imperative to have a systemic data capturing across the country through surveillance studies. Very few surveillance studies have been conducted in India to generate national data on antimicrobial resistance. This review aims to report the cumulative antibiogram and the resistance mechanisms of Global Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System (GLASS) priority pathogens from India.
Are General and Activity-Specific PGSI Scores Consistent?
Authors: Monson Eva , Kairouz Sylvia , Perks Matthew , Arsenault Nicole
Published: June 2019

Gambling research has highlighted substantial activity-specific differences in gambling behaviours, but measures of problem gambling remain non-specific. This paper aims to examine the consistency of general versus activity-specific Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) scores among a sample of moderate-risk and problem gamblers in Québec, Canada. Correlations and t tests were conducted to examine associations and differences between general and activity-specific PGSI scores. Results were analyzed by number of activities reported and activity rank for lottery, video lottery terminals (VLTs), and slot machines and suggested that PGSI scores may not accurately reflect problem gambling severity for all specific activities. General and activity-specific PGSI scores were more highly correlated when lottery was the primary activity, whereas for VLTs, scores were highly correlated regardless of number or rank of activities. General PGSI scores were significantly higher than activity-specific scores for lottery, but general and activity-specific scores were not significantly different for VLTs, demonstrating that the PGSI is a better indicator of activity-specific scores for some forms of gambling over others. Researchers conducting population surveys should exercise caution in assigning general PGSI scores to specific activities.RésuméLa recherche sur le jeu a mis en évidence des différences majeures dans les comportements de jeu spécifiques à des activités, mais les mesures du jeu problématique demeurent non spécifiques. L’étude vise à examiner la cohérence entre les scores généraux de l’indice de gravité du jeu problématique (IGJP) et ceux propres à des activités parmi un échantillon de joueurs à risque modéré et de joueurs compulsifs en [province, pays]. Des corrélations et des tests de Student ont été effectués pour examiner les associations et les différences entre les scores IGJP généraux et ceux spécifiques à des activités. Analysés en fonction du nombre d’activités déclarées et du classement des activités de loterie, d’appareils de loterie vidéo (ALV) et de machines à sous, les résultats laissent entendre que les scores IGJP pourraient ne pas refléter avec précision la gravité du jeu pathologique en ce qui concerne des activités particulières. Dans le cas où la loterie était l’activité principale, les scores IGJP généraux et ceux propres à l’activité étaient très fortement corrélés; pour les appareils de loterie vidéo, les scores étaient fortement corrélés, quels que soient le nombre ou le classement des activités. En ce qui concerne la loterie, les scores IGJP généraux étaient largement plus élevés que les scores propres à l’activité, mais ils n’étaient pas très différents dans le cas des ALV, ce qui démontre que l’IGJP est un meilleur indicateur seulement pour certaines formes de jeu. Les chercheurs qui mènent des enquêtes auprès de la population doivent faire preuve de prudence lorsqu’ils attribuent des scores IGJP généraux à des activités spécifiques.
Mamíferos silvestres predados por cães domésticos em fragmentos de Mata Atlântica no sul do Brasil
Authors: Pereira Alan Deivid , Antoniazzi Matheus Henrique , Vidotto-Magnoni Ana Paula , Orsi Mário Luís
Published: June 2019

O impacto de espécies exóticas sobre a fauna nativa está entre as maiores ameaças à biodiversidade global. O cão doméstico é considerado invasor quando acessa áreas naturais, podendo sobreviver independentemente da intervenção humana. No Brasil há poucos estudos com informações sobre o impacto da predação ou caça de cães sobre a fauna silvestre. Relatamos cinco eventos de predação de mamíferos silvestres por cães domésticos em fragmentos da Mata Atlântica na região norte do estado do Paraná, Brasil. Entre junho e setembro de 2018, espécimes de Didelphis albiventris (gambá-de-orelha-branca), Dasypus novemcinctus (tatu-galinha), Sapajus nigritus (macaco-prego) e Eira barbara (irara) foram abatidos por cão doméstico tanto em fragmentos de área urbana quanto de rural. Cães domésticos oferecem riscos à fauna silvestre inclusive àquelas espécies ameaçadas de extinção, sendo de extrema urgência ações diversificadas para eliminar e reduzir o acesso desses animais a fragmentos florestais. Nossos dados são um indicativo do impacto de cães domésticos sobre a fauna silvestre da Mata Atlântica no norte do estado do Paraná e podem dar suporte para medidas de controle, contenção e erradicação, obtendo-se assim a mitigação do impacto dos cães domésticos.
The impact of tool selection on back and wrist injury risk in tying steel reinforcement bars: a single case experiment
Authors: Lingard Helen , Selva Raj Isaac , Lythgo Noel , Troynikov Olga , Fitzgerald Chris
Published: June 2019

The paper explores the risk of work-related musculoskeletal injury in tying steel reinforcement bars. Three tools are compared to determine the extent to which ergonomic tools can reduce the risk of injury to the back and wrist in steel-tying. A whole body system of wearable sensors was used to measure biomechanical risk in tying. Three tools were assessed to determine their impact on the risk of work-related musculoskeletal injury when used at different heights. These were: a conventional pincer-cutting tool; a power-driven tying tool, and a long handled stapler tool.

No tool was found to work best in all situations. The long handled stapler tool significantly reduced trunk inclination when used from ground to shoulder height, but produced higher trunk extension (backward bending) when used above shoulder height. The power tying tool did not reduce the need to bend when working at lower work heights. The power-tying tool produced significantly lower peak wrist flexion values compared to the conventional pincer-cutter tool at all work heights except overhead. The power tying tool involved significantly lower levels of wrist rotation than the conventional pincer-cutter tool at all work heights above knee level.

Many assessments of ergonomic risk factors in construction rely on observational methods. The use of small, lightweight wearable sensors permits the objective measurement of biomechanical risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal injury, as well as providing objective performance data that can be used in the design and selection of task-specific tools. Our analysis of work by height also provides insight into the way in which risk factors and reduction opportunities afforded by different tools vary depending on the height at which work is to be performed.
Chemical characteristics of cloud water and the impacts on aerosol
properties at a subtropical mountain site in Hong Kong
Authors: Li Tao , Wang Zhe , Wang Yaru , Wu Chen , Liang Yiheng , Xia Men , Yu Chuan , Yun Hui , Wang Weihao , Wang Yan , Guo Jia , Herrmann Hartmut , Wang Tao
Published: June 2019

Abstract. To investigate the cloud water chemistry and the effects of cloud processes on aerosol properties, comprehensive field observations of cloud water, aerosols, and gas-phase species were conducted at a mountaintop site in Hong Kong in October and November 2016. The chemical composition of cloud water including water-soluble ions, dissolved organic matter (DOM), carbonyl compounds, carboxylic acids, and trace metals was quantified. The measured cloud water was very acidic with a mean pH of 3.63, as the ammonium (174 μeq L−1) was insufficient for neutralizing the dominant sulfate (230 μeq L−1) and nitrate (160 μeq L−1). Substantial DOM was found in cloud water, with carbonyl compounds and carboxylic acids accounting for 18.2 % and 5.6 %, respectively. Different from previous observations, concentrations of methylglyoxal (19.1 μM) and glyoxal (6.72 μM) were higher than that of formaldehyde (1.59 μM). The partitioning of carbonyls between cloud water and the gas phase was also investigated. The measured aqueous fractions of dicarbonyls were comparable to the theoretical estimations, while significant aqueous-phase supersaturation was found for less soluble monocarbonyls, suggesting complicated effects of both physical and chemical processes. In-cloud oxidation played an important role in increasing DOM and sulfate in the cloud water. Abundant glyoxal is suggested to be the most likely precursor of cloud water organics. The aqueous formation of organics was enhanced by photochemistry and under less-acidic conditions. Moreover, as a result of the cloud processes, DOM mass fractions were found to be significantly elevated in in-cloud aerosols, which was likely to contribute to the increase in droplet-mode mass fraction of cloud processed aerosols. This study demonstrates the significant role of clouds in altering the chemical composition and physical properties of aerosols via scavenging and aqueous processes, and provides valuable information about aerosol–cloud interactions in subtropical and coastal regions.
Investigation of adsorption/desorption behavior of small volume
cylinders and its relevance for atmospheric trace gas analysis
Authors: Satar Ece , Nyfeler Peter , Bereiter Bernhard , Pascale Céline , Niederhauser Bernhard , Leuenberger Markus
Published: June 2019

Abstract. Atmospheric trace gas measurements of greenhouse gases are critical in their precision and accuracy. In the past 5 years, atmospheric measurement and gas metrology communities have turned their attention to possible surface effects due to pressure and temperature variations during a standard cylinder’s lifetime. This study concentrates on this issue by introducing newly built small volume aluminum and steel cylinders which enable the investigation of trace gases and their affinity for adsorption/desorption on various surfaces over a set of temperature and pressure ranges. The presented experiments are designed to test the filling pressure dependencies up to 30 bar, and temperature dependencies from −10 °C up to 180 °C for these prototype cylinders. We present measurements of CO2, CH4, CO and H2O using a cavity ring down spectroscopy analyzer under these conditions. Moreover, we investigated CO2 amount fractions using a novel quantum cascade laser spectrometer system enabling measurements at pressures as a low as 5 mbar. This extensive dataset revealed that until pressures as low as 150 mbar the enhancement in the amount fraction of CO2 relative to its initial value (at 1200 mbar) is limited to 0.12 μmol mol−1 for the prototype aluminum cylinder. Up to 80 °C, the aluminum cylinder showed superior results and less response to varying temperature compared to the steel cylinder. For CO2, these changes were insignificant at 80 °C for the aluminum cylinder, whereas a 0.11 μmol mol−1 enhancement for the steel cylinder was observed. High temperature experiments showed that for both cylinders irreversible temperature effects occur especially above 130 °C.
A Fast Visible Wavelength 3-D Radiative Transfer Procedure for NWP
Visualization and Forward Modeling
Authors: Albers Steven , Saleeby Stephen M. , Kreidenweis Sonia , Bian Qijing , Xian Peng , Toth Zoltan , Ahmadov Ravan , James Eric , Miller Steven D.
Published: June 2019

Abstract. Solar radiation is the ultimate source of energy for all atmospheric motions. The visible wavelength range of solar radiation represents a significant contribution to the Earth’s energy budget and visible light is a vital indicator for the composition and thermodynamic processes of the atmosphere from the smallest weather to the largest climate scales. The accurate and fast description of light propagation in the atmosphere and its lower boundary environment is therefore of critical importance for the simulation and prediction of weather and climate. Simulated Weather Imagery (SWIm) is a new, fast and physically based visible wavelength 3-dimensional radiative transfer model. Given the location and intensity of the sources of light (natural or artificial) and the composition (e.g., clear or turbid air with aerosols, liquid or ice clouds, and precipitating rain, snow, or ice hydrometeors) of the atmosphere, it describes the propagation of light and produces visually and physically realistic hemispheric or 360° spherical panoramic color images of the atmosphere and the underlying terrain from any specified vantage point either on or above the Earth's surface. Applications of SWIm include the visualization of atmospheric and land surface conditions simulated or forecast by numerical weather or climate analysis and prediction systems for either scientific or lay audiences. Simulated SWim imagery can also be generated for and compared with observed camera images to (i) assess the fidelity, (ii) and improve the performance of numerical atmospheric and land surface models, as well as (iii) through their inclusion into an observational data assimilation scheme, improve the estimate of the state of atmospheric and land surface initial conditions for situational awareness and NWP forecast initialization applications.
Interdisciplinary Pressure Cooker: environmental risk
communication skills for the next generation
Authors: Cumiskey Lydia , Lickiss Matthew , Šakić Trogrlić Robert , Ali Javed
Published: June 2019

Abstract. This article presents a ‘Pressure Cooker’ approach for building interdisciplinary risk communication capacity in young researchers and professionals through an intensive 24-hour workshop. The event successfully brought together 35 participants from around the world to work on real-life environmental hazard/risk communication challenges for two areas in Mexico. Participants worked in interdisciplinary teams, following a three-step iterative process, with support from mentors and a range of specialists to develop risk communication outputs. Feedback surveys indicate that the workshop met its goal of improving participants’ knowledge of risk communication and interdisciplinary working. The workshop resulted in an inter-disciplinary community of researchers and practitioners, including organisers, participants and supporting specialists, still active after the event. It is recommended that such interdisciplinary workshops are used to build capacity to tackle complex challenges, such as risk communication, but require further testing. Insights into the design and implementation of such interdisciplinary workshops are given (e.g. team design, use of preparatory materials, and engagement of specialists and local stakeholders are presented), including critiques of challenges raised by the workshop participants. Guidance is provided to those interested in applying a Pressure Cooker approach and further adaptations of the approach are welcomed.
Volcanic ash forecast using ensemble-based data assimilation: the
Ensemble Transform Kalman Filter coupled with FALL3D-7.2
model (ETKF-FALL3D, version 1.0)
Authors: Osores Soledad , Ruiz Juan , Folch Arnau , Collini Estela
Published: June 2019

Abstract. Quantitative volcanic ash cloud forecasts are prone to uncertainties coming from the source term quantification (e.g. eruption strength or vertical distribution of the emitted particles), with consequent implications on operational ash impact assessment. We present an ensemble-based data assimilation and forecast system for volcanic ash dispersal and deposition aimed at reducing uncertainties related to eruption source parameters. The FALL3D atmospheric dispersal model is coupled with the Ensemble Transform Kalman Filter (ETKF) data assimilation technique by combining ash mass loading observations with ash dispersal simulations in order to obtain a better joint estimation of 3D ash concentration and source parameters. The ETKF-FALL3D data assimilation system is evaluated performing Observation System Simulation Experiments (OSSE) in which synthetic observations of fine ash mass loadings are assimilated. The evaluation of the ETKF-FALL3D system considering reference states of steady and time-varying eruption source parameters shows that the assimilation process gives both better estimations of ash concentration and time-dependent optimized values of eruption source parameters. The joint estimation of concentrations and source parameters leads to a better analysis and forecast of the 3D ash concentrations. Results show the potential of the methodology to improve volcanic ash cloud forecasts in operational contexts.
Coupled modelling of subglacial hydrology and calving-front melting at Store Glacier, West Greenland
Authors: Cook Samuel J. , Christoffersen Poul , Todd Joe , Slater Donald , Chauché Nolwenn
Published: June 2019

Abstract. We investigate the subglacial hydrology of Store Glacier in West Greenland, using the open-source, full-Stokes model Elmer/Ice in a novel 3D application that includes a distributed water sheet, as well as discrete channelised drainage, and a 1D model to simulate submarine plumes at the calving front. At first, we produce a baseline winter scenario with no surface meltwater. We then investigate the hydrological system during summer, focussing specifically on 2012 and 2017, which provide examples of high and low surface-meltwater inputs, respectively. In winter, we find channels over 1 m2 in area occurring up to 5 km inland, which shows that the common inference of zero winter freshwater flux is invalid and that the annual production of water from friction and geothermal heat is sufficiently high to drive year-round plume activity, with ice-front melting averaging 0.15 m d−1 in winter. When the model is forced with seasonally averaged surface melt from summer, outputs show a hydrological system with significant distributed sheet activity extending 65 km and 45 km inland in 2012 and 2017, respectively; while channels with a cross-sectional area higher than 1 m2 form as far as 55 km and 30 km inland. Using daily values for the surface melt as forcing, we find only a weak relationship between the input of surface meltwater and the intensity of plume melting at the calving front, whereas there is a strong correlation between surface-meltwater peaks and basal water pressures. The former shows that storage on multiple timescales within the subglacial drainage system plays an important role in modulating outflow. The latter shows that high melt inputs can drive high basal water pressures even when the channelised network grows larger. This has implications for the future velocity and mass loss of Store Glacier, and the consequent sea-level rise, in a warming world.
Plants of Nepeta cataria var. citriodora Beck. and essential oils from them for food industry
Authors: Frolova Nataliia , Ukrainets Anatoliy , Korablova Olga , Voitsekhivskyi Volodymyr
Published: June 2019

Nepeta cataria var. citriodora Beck. (catmints) is a source industrial production of citral and attractive raw material for food industry and cooking. Aerial part of Nepeta are characterized by high antimicrobial activity and fungicidal action against mold fungi, used in folk medicine, as ingredient in recipes for sausages, liqueurs and soft drinks, vegetable and fruit canned food, in the manufacture of vermouth. Ukrainian variety 'Melody' was created specifically for growing in the Forest-Steppe zone, and variety 'Peremozhets' - in the Steppe zone. Data on the yield aerial part and essential oil Nepeta was determined. The dry aerial part of plants N. cataria we used to create a dry spicy mixture for sweet dessert dishes. Quantitative content and qualitative composition of essential oil of plants by organs and phases of vegetation are presented in the article. In our research we used essential oils obtained by hydro distillation procedure for 2 h using Clevendger-type apparatus from the flowering parts of plants N. cataria 'Peremozhets' and 'Melody'. Investigate of components was carried out by high effective gas chromatography with HP 6890 chromatograph coupled with HP 5972 mass selective detector. The most abundant components of Nepeta essential oil was citral, geraniol, as well as nerol, citronellol, citronellal, carvacrol, camphor, eugenol. We proposed fractional distillation of essential oils to obtain a line of flavors with stable sensory and physicochemical indicators for food industry. The separation of essential oils into fractions was carried out on a pilot installation of fractional distillation DFD (Device of Fractional Distillation). Calculations of parameters controlled dispersal of essential oils (residual pressure, temperature regimes, number of theoretical plates, reflux number) were carried out. During fractionation of essential oil of N. cataria four fractions were obtained with a content of 96 ±0.5% to the total mass of samples. Sensory and physicochemical analysis of aromatic fractions announced them as promising flavours for food industry.
Optimization of infrared drying condition for whole duku fruit using response surface methodology
Authors: Rahmawati Laila , Saputra Daniel , Sahim Kaprawi , Priyanto Gatot
Published: June 2019

Duku (Lansium domesticum), tropical exotic fruit, was successfully preserved by drying using exposure to infrared radiation emitters. Response surface methodology (RSM) is used to optimize independent variables (IRE distance of 6 cm and 10 cm, IRE temperature of 200 °C, 300 °C, 400 °C, and IRE exposure time of 50 s, 60 s, 70 s, and to produce response variables (weight loss, fruit firmness, titratable acidity, total soluble solid, and browning index).  It could be concluded from the optimization performed that drying duku skin in a whole fruit by exposing the fruit to the infrared emitter resulted in a duku fruit with a relatively good physical and chemical conditions and still be consumable. The IRE distance of 6 cm gave a desirability value of 0.80 while the IRE distance of 10 cm gave a desirability value of 0.92 however the IRE distance of6 cm gave a better storage time.  The IRE distance of 6 cm has an optimum value of weight loss 2.2%; optimum value of fruit firmness of 40.92 N; optimum value of total soluble solid of 17.48 brix; optimum value of titratable acidity of 0.33%; and optimum value of browning index of 0.9. The fitting model base on RSM resulted from this research indicated that this study could be used as the basis for alternative process in food processing of duku but still need further research to increase the shelf life and a better result in the chemical and physical characteristics of duku.
The Pedagogical Evaluation of Q: Skills for Success Textbooks as Perceived by EFL Instructors at Taibah University
Authors: Ta'amneh Mohammad Abd Alhafeez Ali
Published: June 2019

This study evaluated Q: Skills for Success textbooks for first year students from EFL instructors’ perspectives at Taibah University to find practical implications for stressing major strengths and avoiding weak points in these textbooks and consequently developing students’ growth in EFL learning. The participants consisted of fifty EFL instructors teach these textbooks at Taibah University. They were asked to answer the questionnaire which was developed by the researcher to discover their beliefs about adopting the new textbooks. The question of the study was about instructors’ beliefs regarding pedagogical value of Q: Skills for Success in terms of objectives, contents, methods, and evaluation. Results revealed that these textbooks helped students in improving their proficiency in English, developing self-confidence and improving their overall education. English instructors, according to their responses, agreed on the suitability of Q: Skills for Success textbooks in terms of objectives, contents, methods and techniques and ways of evaluation. However, the findings revealed some negative points concentrated on the appropriateness of content and pictures to the local culture of the students in addition to the absence of instructors’ participation in the selection of objectives. In light of the findings, the researcher suggested other researchers to conduct similar studies in other regions to find out if there are cultural differences concerning teaching Q: Skills for Success textbooks.
Nuevos panoramas en la organización administrativa del Estado: ¿Solución o complicación?
Authors: Vergara Rojas Manuel Patricio
Published: June 2019

El presente trabajo analiza las diversas alternativas de reorganización de los servicios públicos ante las nuevas tareas del Estado, o bien, ante los problemas surgidos en la gestión de algunos de ellos, se evalúa su conveniencia y sugiriendo otras alternativas.
Determinación de la responsabilidad civil por el manejo de recursos públicos en la Administración
Authors: Cerda Cattan Ángela
Published: June 2019

La investigación analiza algunos aspectos relevantes de la responsabilidad civil por el manejo o cuidado de recursos públicos en la Administración a partir de sus rasgos generales, y luego desde sus elementos específicos, y de las normas particulares del proceso encaminado a su establecimiento. Asimismo, intenta esclarecer el rol que desempeña la contravención de un deber vinculado al ejercicio de la función pública, como un elemento fundante de la responsabilidad del agente.
La concreción democrática del procedimiento administrativo
Authors: Yanten Cabrera Diego
Published: June 2019

Resulta indudable la reducción político-normativa del principio de legalidad;la Administración no encuentra en este estándar un límite adecuado para su poder, mas sí un contrapeso que impide el libre cumplimiento de sus cometidos finales, razón por la cual la extensión dispositiva se redirige, en la actualidad, a los estándares jurídico-superiores con la eclosión del principio de juridicidad, el cual, al interior de la relación —esencialmente democrática— Administración-administrado[s], permite la proyección de los fines esenciales del Estado hacia la materialidad de verdaderas necesidades colectivas.
El Administrador Provisional de Establecimientos Educacionales en el Sistema Escolar Chileno: ¿Es útil esta técnica de intervención administrativa?
Authors: Rivera Hernández Carlos
Published: June 2019

En el presente trabajo se analizan las principales normas de la Ley N°20.529 (en adelante, Ley SAC), que regulan la figura del Administrador

Provisional de establecimientos subvencionados o que reciban aportes del Estado. Sugiere que la limitada configuración legal del referido interventor deviene en la pérdida de su eficacia normativa y práctica, impactando negativamente en la gestión administrativa y política de los órganos administrativos del sector. En tal sentido, se plantea que la deficiente técnica legislativa empleada en el diseño de esta figura de Administración Provisional en materia escolar, produce que los actores del sistema escolar no comprendan adecuadamente su verdadera naturaleza y finalidad pública.
Estudio de caso: breve evaluación preliminar sobre estado de emergencia en El Callao, a la luz del Derecho Constitucional peruano y el Derecho Internacional de los Derechos Humanos
Authors: Siles Vallejos Abraham
Published: June 2019

El artículo es un estudio de caso que evalúa el estado de emergencia recientemente instaurado y prorrogado de manera sucesiva en la Provincia Constitucional de El Callao (Perú), para enfrentar un problema de inseguridad ciudadana provocado por la delincuencia común y el crimen organizado. Revisa ciertos aspectos de la aplicación del instituto de excepción constitucional en la práctica, y en particular examina dos problemas centrales: de un lado, el de si la amenaza definida por el Ejecutivo supone una afectación a la vida de la nación y, de otro lado, el de si se respeta el principio de temporalidad; ambas, exigencias establecidas por la Constitución peruana y por el Derecho Internacional de los Derechos Humanos. El artículo concluye que no está justificado y es, más bien, ilegítimo el mantenimiento del estado de emergencia en El Callao, a la luz de la Constitución peruana y de los estándares del Derecho Internacional de los Derechos Humanos.
Antecedentes y evolución
Authors: Pereira Da Fonseca Luis Henrique
Published: June 2019

El tema que me corresponde presentar es referente a como se inició y como se encuentra el Mercosur.No pretendo hacer ninguna presentación académica, sino más bien apenas transmitir mi percepción muy personal de estas cuestiones.En mi carrera diplomática aun no tuve la oportunidad de ocuparme directamente de los asuntos del Mercosur.Acompañé en el pasado, hace mucho tiempo, y mis canas lo pueden testificar, el proceso de integración europea en sus inicios, y, más recientemente en 1989 y 1990 dirigí la División de América Meridional en el Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores, la cual se ocupa en Cono Sur.
Situación actual y perspectivas de la microempresa en El Salvador
Authors: Aguillón Godofredo
Published: June 2019

La presente investigación acerca del sector de la microempresa pretende mostrar la situación en la que se encuentra ese sector importante de la economía nacional y sus perspectivas que le deparan según la tendencia que se observa hoy día.En modo alguno este esfuerzo constituye una tautología de los análisis hechos hasta el presente por diferentes autores e instituciones, lo que se busca es brindar el estado actual de este sector de la actividad económica y el apoyo que recibe de parte de ciertas instituciones u organismos nacionales, en un marco tan complejo como riesgoso y azaroso para el sector de la microempresa salvadoreña.Situar el contexto doméstico y externo, así como las condiciones en las que se desenvuelven los microempresarios en nuestro país, resulta ponderativo y reflexivo a la hora de atisbar su desarrollo o estancamiento, retroceso o paralización.Si no la renuncia a seguir por el esfuerzo recorrido que inequívocamente es una pérdida económica y un efecto perverso hacia los microempresarios que desearon progresar aun contra adversidades en su entorno inmediato, que es donde desarrollan sus principales actividades empresariales.
Proyecto arqueológico Ciudad Vieja : temporada 1999
Authors: Fowler William R. , Gallardo Mejía Roberto
Published: June 2019

Este articulo pretende presentar un resumen de las investigaciones y los resultados más importantes de la temporada de 1999 del Proyecto Arqueológico Ciudad Vieja y una explicación de los factores y las consideraciones que guían las investigaciones.Comenzamos con unos comentarios breves sobre la fundación de la villa y su fechamiento y la relación y las diferencias entre la historia y la arqueología.
Integración regional y mundialización
Authors: Meza Roberto
Published: June 2019

El cambio constante parece ser el de nominador común de la civilización global que nos toca vivir, por eso, los países que consideran su realidad interna como inamovible son incapaces de asimilar los cambios, para ello, los cambios son algo irracional, cada vez más, la gente considera al cambio no como algo que enriquece su libertad y su dignidad, sino como una fuerza que promueve la avaricia y la injusticia.Al concentrar tanto la riqueza -el fenómeno conocido como Globalización y que a otros nos gusta llamar Mundialización- produce: más amenazas que oportunidades. Las dificultades para transferir conocimientos y nuevas tecnologías del centro a la periferia, por ejemplo, amplía las desigualdades económicas y someten algunos países a nuevas formas de colonialismo.Conscientes del fenómeno, muchos creen y de hecho opinan, que una nueva clase dominante manipula la mundialización para su propio beneficio.
Algunos comentarios curiosos sobre la gran pirámide
Authors: Barraza Ibarra Jorge
Published: June 2019

La Gran Pirámide de Egipto fue una de las siete Maravillas del mundo antiguo, todavía se yergue imponentemente a los ojos de los asombrados viajeros que se dirigen a la cuna de la civilización egipcia. Es una de las más viejas estructuras construidas en la tierra y se considera que es la mejor construida.Las junturas de sus componentes son de 1/50 de pulgada, lo que es un increíble trabajo humano, especialmente si se tiene en cuenta que está compuesta por más de dos millones de piedras, algunas de las cuales pesan menos de una tonelada, sin embargo, hay otras que llegan a pesar dos y cuarto de toneladas y muchas de ellas hasta 20 toneladas.La Pirámide cubre aproximadamente 13 acres de tierra, y su construcción es sólida a diferencia de las construcciones piramidales huecas o empastadas como las de América Central.La Gran Pirámide está emplazada muy especialmente sobre la faz de la tierra; Joseph Seiss y otros, han demostrado que la pirámide está situada en el centro de gravedad de los continentes. También yace en el centro exacto del área terrestre del mundo, dividiendo las masas de tierra en cuatro panes iguales.El eje Norte-Sur, 31 grados al este de Greenwich, es el meridiano más largo; el eje Este-Oeste, 30 grados al norte, es el paralelo más largo del mundo. Obviamente solo hay un punto donde se cruzan y es precisamente el lugar en donde está construida la Gran Pirámide.
El impacto cultural
Authors: Utec Universidad Tecnológica de El Salvador
Published: June 2019

Los daños que causaron los terremotos del 13 de enero y del 13 de febrero no son sólo socioeconómicos, también culturalmente son apreciables. Los daños sufridos en 107 iglesias, 57 centros históricos, 609 instalaciones culturales, representan aproximadamente un 80 por ciento del patrimonio cultural salvadoreño.Los daños de edificios, documentos, petrogra-bados, significa en la mayor parte de los casos una pérdida total e irrecuperable, ya que muchos de ellos son irremplazables por su misma antigüedad, dañándose nuestra identidad y nuestra memoria histórica para siempre.En la mayor parte de los casos, sin embargo, pueden reconstruirse y restaurarse para volver a enriquecernos culturalmente. Ya se conocen algunos datos de los daños producidos.Por ejemplo, las iglesias de Santa María Ostuma, San Pedro Nonualco, Nuesrra Señora del Pilar en San Vicente, el campanario de Santa Cruz de Roma de Panchimalco, todos monumentos nacionales que han sufrido daños muy severos.
Vulnerabilidad en El Salvador : un enfoque social
Authors: Utec Universidad Tecnológica de El Salvador
Published: June 2019

Los terremotos que azotaron al país, causaron mucho dolor entre las familias salvadoreñas y una destrucción física de grandes proporciones en viviendas, edificios, carreteras, etc., es pertinente realizar un análisis sobre la vulnerabilidad del país que se oriente más allá del movimiento en sí de la naturaleza, poniendo énfasis en las condiciones precarias y más vulnerables en los ámbitos económicos y sociales para la mayoría de la población.El daño sufrido modifica sustancialmente las ya deterioradas condiciones de vida y el mapa de pobreza que subyace en la sociedad. Los estragos de los sismos, agudizaron el drama social existente, y confirmaron lo endeble que son nuestras estructuras para mitigar los riesgos dentro de una concepción de desarrollo integral y de largo aliento.El propósito de estas líneas gira en torno a llamar la atención más sobre la vulnerabilidad social que nos caracteriza como nación, en lugar de centrarnos en la vulnerabilidad física y territorial que presenta nuestro país.
La política económica de la década de los noventa
Authors: Magaña Álvaro
Published: June 2019

Al inicio de la década de los noventa, los acuerdos de paz no contemplaron ningún aspecto de los problemas económicos y sociales, dejaron una secuela de efectos para la sociedad que no deberíamos olvidar.Así, para que el capital no interfiriera, porque se disminuiría el ejército, tuvo premios muy buenos como es del dominio público. Por su parte la izquierda obtuvo también, premios y dejó las cosas pasar.Así comenzó la que nosotros llamamos década perdida del neoliberalismo, cuando se inician las políticas que para la globalización exigían el Fondo Monetario internacional y el Banco Mundial (FMI/BM) tuvo un alto precio para la generalidad y que los obedientes líderes de la derecha ya en el poder, aceptaron y hasta ayudaron para lograr la aprobación de políticas que ya es hora de revisar, pues estamos bastante retrasados en evaluarlas seriamente y modificarlas para bien del país.Comenzaron bajando los impuestos de importación para abrir nuestros mercados a las importaciones, y reduciendo la tasa marginal más alta del impuesto sobre la renta a 25% o sea un poco más de un tercio de lo que era en tiempo en que había quienes entendían la Ciencia de la Hacienda, es decir sabían lo que hacían y cuando además actuaban con independencia y no siguiendo consignas de sectores económicamente poderosos.