bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Designing Mangrove Ecology Self-Learning Application Based on a Micro-Learning Approach
Authors: Chai-Arayalert Supaporn , Puttinaovarat Supattra
Published: June 2020

the development of a mangrove ecology self-learning application integrates the advantages of mobile-based learning and the benefits of micro-learning into the virtual learning of mangrove ecology. The system was designed based on a case study in the Leeled mangrove forest, Thailand and encour-ages young learners to understand the value of mangrove forests, and to help to preserve them. The system developed uses a virtual learning environment and accommodates young learner’s behaviours, favouring micro-learning with the content organized into the learning units which take a maximum of 15 minutes to complete. The application therefore allows the learning to be integrated into the learners’ daily activities and can contribute to their life-long learning. It allows learners to conduct self-learning and gain experience from performance in a virtual environment which simulates a real mangrove forest. This approach is better suited to the needs of present day young peo-ple than traditional approaches to environmental education.
Impact of Information System and Blockchain on Organizational Learning Effectiveness
Authors: Turi Jamshid Ali , Al Adresi Alaeldeen Saleh , Bin Darun Mohd Ridzuan , Mahmud Fatimah Binti
Published: June 2020

The focus of this paper is to investigate the impact of information systems and blockchain technology on organizational learning effectiveness. Data was collected from the information system faculty and administrative staff of two different universities in Pakistan and a qualitative approach was used to achieve the objectives of the study. The paper discovered why and how faculty and administrators show resistance or exert influences or assist information system and blockchain initiatives in organizational learning effectiveness and sustainability. A qualitative approach was used in the study to comprehend the recurring phenomenon. The research finding demands the support of the senior faculty members, administrators, and most importantly, the leadership, in the design, orientation, and implementation of information systems and blockchain for organizational learning effectiveness.
Design and Application of Micro Course in Fundamentals of Computers
Authors: Liu Hongxia
Published: June 2020

Micro course is an emerging student-centered remote teaching tool. It offers inspirations to the teaching reform of the college course called Fundamentals of Computers. This paper introduces the status quo of the teaching and learning of the said course, and analyzes the application features of micro course, highlighting the advantages of integrating micro course with Fundamentals of Computers. On this basis, the authors established a student-centered micro course teaching system for Fundamentals of Computers, and designed the application mode of the teaching system. Contrastive experiments show that the proposed application mode improves the information awareness of teachers, stimulates the learning interest of students, and promotes the computer skills and information literacy of students.
Tierra de españa, tierra de mitos
Authors: Garcia López Sonia
Published: June 2020

Cet article est consacré à l’étude historique et analytique du film The Spanish Earth (Terre d’Espagne), mis en scène par Joris Ivens, en 1937. La conjoncture historique et politique particulière de cette époque est le cadre et le point d’ancrage de la réalisation du film (une production nord-américaine) sur la guerre civile espagnole. Le propos, ici, est d’analyser l’image de l’Espagne et des combattants fidèles à la République qui ont participé au conflit, à travers le point de vue de la politique du Front populaire qui a pris racine aux États-Unis durant les années trente, et dont les ont imprégné la production du film The Spanish Earth. D’un point de vue analytique, l’étude porte sur les stratégies discursives à partir desquelles l’eau et la terre sont représentées comme des mythes, dans le film, et, en tant que tels, ils fonctionnent comme un support de transmission du message idéologique que propose l’instance énonciative.
Le ravalement du franquisme par le décor du néo-cinéma historique
Authors: Blayo Nicolas
Published: June 2020

La reconstruction du passé récent dans une abondante production de fictions historiques s’effectue surtout à travers le décor et les accessoires d’un récit dont le lien avec l’histoire est parfois ténu. Une certaine tendance esthétisante que l’on peut observer dans nombre de ces films, qui versent souvent dans une nostalgie ambiguë (El Crimen del cine Oriente, Tiempos de azúcar, Secretos del corazón), implique une relecture de l’histoire car le monde imaginaire et fictif ainsi actualisé peut s’imposer lentement comme référence iconique et se substituer peu à peu aux documents authentiques et aux témoignages, qui se retrouvent en décalage avec l’image dominante, dans un processus de ravalement du franquisme qui n’est pas porté par les seuls cinéastes.
Environnement et développement : la culture de la filière ONU
Authors: Sauvé Lucie , Berryman Tom , Brunelle Renée
Published: June 2020

L’impulsion fournie par les conférences et les documents de l’UNESCO-PNUE pour légitimer, institutionnaliser et développer l’éducation relative à l’environnement (ERE) est certes remarquable. Les propositions qui en émanent agissent encore en tant que balises pour concevoir et mettre en œuvre des programmes et des projets dans les différentes régions du monde. En raison de l’importance d’un tel appui et d’une telle influence internationale, il convient d’examiner la teneur de ce discours formel et d’engager une discussion critique à cet effet. Les principaux résultats de notre analyse montrent que dans les propositions internationales liées à l’ERE, l’éducation est généralement considérée comme un instrument au service de la protection de l’environnement, qui à son tour, est généralement associé à un ensemble de problèmes de gestion des ressources, que le développement permettra de résoudre ; quant au développement lui-même, il est mal défini ou encore il est principalement associé à une croissance économique soutenue. Outre une discussion sur les principaux aspects de ce discours, cet article met en lumière certains éléments qui sont généralement négligés dans les propositions internationales : il s’agit de points de vue complémentaires ou divergents. L’étude que nous avons menée s’avère particulièrement pertinente au regard des réformes éducatives qui s’opèrent actuellement dans de très nombreux pays.
The role of fluoride on eruption of mandibular molar of albino rats
Authors: Femi-Akinlosotu Omowumi M. , Ogundoyin Olakayode O. , Akintola Morenike A.
Published: June 2020

Eruption of the tooth is a complex and highly regulated process which can be influenced by genetic, environmental and systemic factors. Fluoride is found naturally in water as well as in foods and dental products. The first mandibular molar is the first molar to erupt and it is essential for  mastication of food. We studied the effect of fluoride on the eruption of the first mandibular molar in albino rats. Fluoride at different  concentrations was added to the water of pregnant albino rats while sterile water without fluoride was given to the control pregnant dams. The pregnant dams were allowed to deliver, and the heads of their pups carefully decapitated, and mandibles dissected out on days 10, 12, 15 and 18 for assessment of eruption pattern of the first molar while also measuring the mandibular length and breadth. The mandibles were then processed for hematoxylin and eosin staining. On gross examination, some of the teeth developed intraosseously while others were located mucosally, pre-occlusally or occlusally. There was significant reduction in both the birth weight and mandibular length as the fluoride concentration increased compared to the control but a significant increment in the mandibular breadth between the experimental groups in comparison with the control group on day 15 (p value <0.05). These findings suggest that high concentrations of fluoride could delay mandibular molars’ eruption and also cause low birth weight.

Key Words: fluoride, mandibular molar, tooth eruption
Morphological and Vascular Study Of The Posterior Lumbar Epidural Fat
Authors: Sery Frejus , Broalet Esperance , Koya Herbert , Dido Arnauld
Published: June 2020

Posterior lumbar epidural fat has been described by several authors in various fields: Anesthetic, Radiology and Neurochemistry. In this study, we tried to describe the position of this fat in the lumbar canal (L1-L5), its vascularization and drainage system. 8 Ivorian cadavers are used for the practice of dissection in the laboratory. The anterior abdominal region is chosen for the approach of the lumbar epidural region. The study investigated the situation, morphology and microcirculatory structure of fat at the lumbar level. The fatty clusters were embedded in fine vessels and were better vascularized and drained by veins of large caliber. In the vertebral canal, the fat was struck in the intervertebral foramina and was simply spread on the anterior surface of the ligamentum flavum. The fat as triangular shape with a vertebral base and a foamy summit it wanders in the cerebrospinal fluid. The lumbar epidural fat is better vascularized, and its venous drainage is made by large veins facing the intervertebral foramina embedded in areolar tissue traversed by nerve roots.

Key Words: vertebral canal, fat, structure, vascularization.
Osteonecrosis of the head of femur in a Nigerian teaching hospital
Authors: Thanni L.O. , Gbadegesin S.A. , Adebanjo A.A. , Osundina B.A. , Olushiyan B.F.
Published: June 2020

Objective: Osteonecrosis (ON) of the head of femur is not uncommon. The characteristics of affected patients and the associated aetiological  factors in Nigeria are largely undocumented. To determine the epidemiological characteristics of patients with osteonecrosis of the head of femur,  the radiological severity at presentation and associated aetiological risk factorsMethods: A retrospective study was done, of patients with femoral head ON seen between January 2013 and January 2019. Data on patients' characteristics, affected hips and radiological severity were entered onto a proforma and analysed.Results: There were 29 patients with ON of the head of femur involving 32 hips. There were 55.2% females and 44.8% male patients. While 3 (10.3%) patients had bilateral affectation, 26 (89.7%) had unilateral affectation. Their mean age is 26.6years 13.3. The mean age of male and female patients are 29.3 years and 24.3 years respectively. The mean BMI is 21.9 5.2 and no significant difference in the BMI of both genders, p=0.74. Ninety percent of them presented with advanced radiographic stages. Factors found to be associated with ON are sickle cell disease (SCD) 44.8%, trauma 13.8%, CVA 3.4% and idiopathic cases 37.7%. There is no significant difference in the frequency of unilateral and bilateral occurrence in the groups with different hemoglobin genotypes.Conclusions: Osteonecrosis of the head of femur occurs more often in young patients. They present late, with collapse of the head of femur. SCD, especially HbSS is the most common associated risk factor followed by idiopathic cases.

Key words: Osteonecrosis, avascular necrosis, head of femur, sickle cell disease, risk factors
Pattern and associated factors of psychoactive substance use among undergraduate students in a North-eastern Nigerian University
Authors: Sulyman D. , Ayanda K.A. , Mahmud Y.M.
Published: June 2020

Objective: There is an increased trend in the use of psychoactive substances among youths in Northern Nigeria. Youths use substances to enhance  performances. Studies have shown associations between drug use and psychiatric morbidity. This study examined the use of psychoactive  substances among undergraduates. It also assessed the presence of psychiatric morbidity among the users and nonusers of psychoactive drugs.

Method: The study was a cross-sectional study using WHO Student Drug Use Survey Questionnaire and GHQ-12 for 983 undergraduates of a northern Nigeria university.

Results: The prevalence rate of psychoactive substance use was 36.5%. Tobacco, stimulants and alcohol were commonly used drugs. Parental separation and fathers' use of drugs were factors associated with the use of psychoactive substances. Psychiatric morbidity among substance users and non-users were 31.0% and 11.8%

Conclusion: The study found high rate for the use of psychoactive substances among the students with correspondingly high rate of psychiatric morbidity among the users of psychoactive substances.

Keywords: Psychoactive substance; Psychiatric morbidity; undergraduate students.
Detection of rabies virus antigen in brain tissue of dogs slaughtered for human consumption in Taraba State, Nigeria
Authors: Tirmidhi A.B. , Kazeem H.M. , Jibril A. , Jahun B.M. , Orakpoghenor O.
Published: June 2020

Rabies as an ancient zoonosis constitutes a threat to public health by causing over 59,000 annual human mortalities worldwide. The aim of this study was to detect rabies virus in brain tissue of dogs slaughtered for human consumption in Taraba State, Nigeria. A total of 150 dogs comprising 136 adults and 14 puppies consisting of 82 males and 68 females was sampled from slaughter points in five Local Government Areas. Brain samples were collected from each dog in labeled sterile sample bottles and screened for rabies virus antigen using direct fluorescent antibody test (DFAT). Results showed that 3 out of the 150 (2%) brain samples screened were positive for rabies virus; out of which 2 were from Unguwan Kasa (14.3%) and 1 was from Quarter Five (7.1%). This therefore suggests the presence of rabies virus in dogs slaughtered for human consumption in Taraba State, Nigeria and their role as reservoirs of the virus. Therefore, there is need for awareness education on safe handling of dog meat to minimize the risk for butchers/meat handlers.

Keywords: Brain samples, dogs, Prevalence, Rabies, Taraba State
Prevalence of single and mixed parasitic infections of dogs in Egbeda communities, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
Authors: Ojo G.A. , Adekeye T.A. , Awobode H.O.
Published: June 2020

Dogs harbour a wide array of parasites and have been implicated in the transmission of zoonotic diseases to humans. In a community-based cross-sectional study, 292 dogs and 241 dog owners were examined for parasites in urban and rural communities of Egbeda Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria. A questionnaire was used to obtain socio-demographic information of dog owners and identify possible risk factors. Ectoparasites were collected from dog fur and preserved in 70% alcohol before identification. Freshly passed stools from dogs and their owners were collected and examined for intestinal parasites by modified sucrose floatation technique. Ectoparasites were present on 199 (68.2%) dogs, while 239 (81.8%) had intestinal parasites. Six ectoparasite species identified were Ctenocephalides canis (5.5%), C. felis (39.7%), Rhipicephalus sanguineus (51.3%), Haemaphysalis leachii (48.9), Trichodectes canis (2.1%) and Linognathus spp (1.7%). Gastrointestinal parasites identified in dogs wereToxocara canis (55.8%), Ascaris spp (36%), Ancylostoma spp (40.1%), Trichuris spp (7.5%), Isospora spp (14.4%) and Toxascaris leonina (15.1%). Prevalence of gastrointestinal as well as ectoparasites were higher in rural communities with more mongrels infected compared to exotic breeds (p < 0.001). Ascaris lumbricoides, Ancyclostoma spp and Trichuris spp were identified in 99 (41.1%) of the dog owners. There was a significant relationship (r=0.36, p < 0.001) between the prevalence of infection in dogs and their owners. Most (75%) of the dog owners were aware only of the possibility of contracting rabies but not other zoonotic parasitic infections from their dogs. The high prevalence of gastrointestinal and ectoparasites of dogs in these communities suggests a very high risk of parasite transmission among dogs, their owners and other inhabitants of the community. The need for intervention programs including regular anti-parasitic treatment of dogs and health education which emphasizes the dangers of zoonotic infections in these communities is imperative.

Keywords: Dog owners, Ectoparasites, Gastrointestinal parasites, Urban and Rural dogs, Zoonoses
Comparative study of chicken egg yolk and quail egg yolk in two chilled canine semen extenders
Authors: Ubah S.A. , Sule M. , Chibuogwu I.C. , Columbus P.K. , Abah K.O. , Agbonu O.A. , Ejiofor C.E. , Mshelbwala P.P. , Bankole S.A.
Published: June 2020

The aim of this work was to substitute chicken egg yolk with quail egg yolk in two semen extenders and to evaluate the quality of the extended canine semen following chilled storage. Semen was pooled from male dogs (n= 4) of about 18-months old and body weight of about 28 kg. Four extenders were tested: (1) tris buffered chicken egg yolk extender (2) tris buffered quail egg yolk extender, (3) skimmed milk chicken egg yolk extender and (4) skimmed milk quail egg yolk extender. Semen was diluted with corresponding extender in the ratio 1:4. The diluted semen samples were analyzed for motility, mass activity, viability, abnormalities percentage and pH for three consecutive days. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) between chicken egg yolk and quail egg yolk in either tris diluent or skimmed milk extender with respect to pH, mass activity and sperm motility. Samples stored in both the tris and skimmed milk-based extenders with quail egg yolk displayed greater viability than those in chicken egg yolk but the difference was not significant (P>0.05). Viability, mass activity and sperm motility decreased as treatment days increased in both chicken and quail egg yolk extenders. Results showed that a pH of 6.5 was maintained from day 0 to day 3. There was no difference in semen quality between chicken and quail egg yolk in either the tris diluent or skimmed milk extender (P> 0.05). It was recommended that quail egg yolk could be substituted for chicken egg yolk in the two canine semen extenders. Further modifications of the diluents with quail egg yolk might produce an improved result.

Keywords: Canine, Chicken Chilled, Egg yolk, Extenders, Quail, Semen
Mogućnost primjene neodobrenih veterinarsko-medicinskih proizvoda (off-label use)
Authors: Terzić Svjetlana , Šandor Ksenija , Fajdić Dominika , Pehnec Mirta , Sinković Sonja , Vretenar Špigelski Katja , Perak Junaković Eleonora , Vujnović Anja , Žarković Irena , Andrišić Miroslav
Published: June 2020

Unatoč brojnim odobrenim veterinarsko-medicinskim proizvodima (VMP) u Republici Hrvatskoj povremeno se javlja potreba za određenim VMP-ima među kojima su posebice oni za pse, mačke ali i konje. Ulaskom RH u Europsku uniju (EU) dostupnost VMP-a se bitno poboljšala, ali još uvijek postoje situacije kada se poseže za neodobrenim lijekovima. Osim njihova nedostatka na tržištu, postoje i drugi razlozi kao primjerice cijena zamjenskih lijekova, očekivanja veće učinkovitosti ili kvalitete humanih lijekova i sl. Europsko i nacionalno zakonodavstvo predvidjelo je nekoliko mogućnosti primjene neodobrenog VMPa u svrhu smanjenja patnje životinja, odnosno u svrhu njihova izlječenja. Tako je jedna od mogućnosti primjena VMP-a koji nije odobren u RH nego u nekoj od država članica EU, ali i izvan EU (treća zemlja), pod određenim uvjetima. Druga je mogućnost primjena VMP-a odobrenog u RH, ali za drugu životinjsku vrstu i treća mogućnost je primjena lijekova za humanu primjenu. U svim navedenim slučajevima primjena VMP-a koji se primjenjuje vrsti ili kategoriji životinja koja nije navedena u odobrenju, u količini i na različiti način od odobrene te za indikaciju koja nije navedena u uputi, smatra se primjenom izvan odobrenja (engl. „off-label use“ ili „extra label use“). U slučaju potrebe primjene neodobrenog VMP-a doktor veterinarske medicine može na osobnu odgovornost, temeljem procjene koristi i rizika, primijeniti neodobreni VMP u skladu s nacionalnim propisima vodeći računa o karenciji u slučaju životinja za hranu. Pri tome je obvezno vođenje evidencije koja mora sadržavati identifikacijske podatke o životinji i vlasniku, sve podatke o primijenjenim ljekovima, uključujući i dozu lijeka te sve provedene postupke (dijagnoza, trajanje liječenja) i karenciju, ako je primjenjiva. S obzirom da lijekovi koji se koriste mimo odobrene upute mogu imati i nuspojave, potrebno je i o tome voditi računa, evidentirati ih i prijavljivati nadležnim tijelima.
Feasibility analysis of a photovoltaic system: the importance of expectations
Authors: Santamaría López J. E.
Published: June 2020

At present, problems such as climate change and pressure on ecosystems require profound changes at the economic and social levels. One of the most critical areas is energy generation, in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on non-renewable fossil fuels. In this context, this paper analyses, from a purely economic perspective, the viability of an investment in a domestic photovoltaic system, presenting three future scenarios. Results show how the legal context has great importance in the profitability of the project and, therefore, in the decisions of the economic agents.
Kajian Penerapan Manajemen Talenta dalam Rangka Mengoptimalkan Kinerja Sumber Daya Manusia pada Bank Bri Kantor Cabang Sukabumi Kantor Wilayah Bandung
Authors: Rizki Anugrah Ce Mulya
Published: June 2020

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengevaluasi dan mengetahui faktor – faktor penghambat program manajemen talenta yang dijalankan di Bank BRI Kantor Cabang Sukabumi Kantor Wilayah Bandung sebagai bagian dari aktivitas sumber daya manusia. Subjek dalam penelitian ini adalah Supervisor Operasional sebagai Kepala SDM dan Asisten Manajer Bisnis Mikro yang membina pegawai di BRI Unit (segmentasi mikro). Teknik pengumpulan data yang digunakan adalah dengan metode wawancara, studi dokumentasi dan observasi. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode penelitian kualitatif. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa kinerja sumber daya manusia di perusahaan sudah cukup baik namun belum dijalankan dengan optimal, baik pekerja maupun manajemen belum memahami secara mendalam mengenai definisi manajemen talenta di perusahaan. Selain itu perusahaan juga belum memiliki roadmap yang jelas mengenai penerapan manajemen talenta. Berdasarkan hal tersebut, maka peneliti membuat sebuah roadmap penerapan manajemen talenta yang diharapkan mampu memecahkan permasalahan yang selama ini terjadi sehingga penerapan manajemen talenta dapat berjalan dengan optimal.
A Critical Review on Aśvavaidyakanighanṭu
Authors: Goli Penchala Prasad , Pratap Goli Penchala , Srikanth Narayanam , Dhiman Kartar S
Published: June 2020

Aim:

Critical review and botanical identification of drugs mentioned in the lexicon portion of the Jayadatta's text on horse diseases. Identify new synonyms of the drugs that are not mentioned in classical lexicons such as Bhavāprakāśa, Kaiyyadeva, Madanapāla, Dhanvantari, etc.

Background:

Aśvavaidyakanighanṭu is part of the text “Aśvavaidyakam” written by Jayadatta. It was mentioned as a separate chapter for a better understanding of the treatment part of “Aśvavaidyakam.” “Aśvavaidyakam” is a complete text on horses, which includes anatomy, auspicious and inauspicious characters, factors denoting age and lifespan, birthplace of horses, riding, care of pregnant and after delivery, dosages of medicines, drugs used in the treatments, seasonal changes and their relation, alkali treatment, venesection, eye diseases, errhine therapy, oliation, fomentation, usage of oils, ghee, arishtha (fermented medications); diseases of face, head, ear, etc. Nighanṭu part is mentioned in the 12th chapter covering 174 important drugs used in horse diseases.

Review results:

One hundred and seventy-four important drugs used in the treatment of horse diseases were studied and their synonyms are highlighted. Critical notes on unique synonyms for this particular text are highlighted. All the drugs are botanically identified and a note has been given where the controversy prevailed.

Conclusion:

A critical study on various synonyms mentioned in this text and listing out the drugs are definitely supporting Ayurvedic veterinary medicine, Ayurvedic pharmacopeia in general and Ayurvedic veterinary pharmacopeia in particular.

Clinical significance:

The drugs mentioned in this article were used in various formulations to treat the diseases of the horse. Clinically these drugs have significance in treating the horse diseases. Further research on these drugs can enrich Ayurvedic veterinary pharmacopeia and find new treatment regimens in veterinary medicine.
Shelf Life Evaluation of Shirishavaleha and its Granules
Authors: Prajapati Dilip Kumar D , Ruknuddin Galib , Bedarkar Prashant , Patgiri Biswajyoti , Prajapati Pradeep K
Published: June 2020

Background:

Shelf life is the length of time, after which all substances start to degrade in their qualities and become unsuitable for consumption or sale. Every product has definite shelf life, which depends on various physical, chemical, environmental, and biological factors. Shelf life of various compound formulations was clarified in the classical text. So there is a need to revalidate and establish the shelf life of individual formulation. As the Government of India made it mandatory to display in the labels the shelf life of all products, it becomes essential to evaluate the actual shelf life of individual products by following the specified guidelines.

Aim:

To evaluate the shelf life of Shirishavaleha (SHA) and its granules prepared with Khanda Sharkara through accelerated stability parameters.

Materials and methods:

Physicochemical parameters of SHA and Shirishavaleha granules (SHG) were calculated by maintaining 40°C ± 2°C temperature and 75 ± 5% relative humidity at the intervals of 0, 1, 3, and 6 months. Based upon the observations, intercept, slope, 10% degradation of the sample, and finally the shelf life were calculated.

Results:

Accelerated stability study reveals the shelf life of SHA as 5.9 years, while that of the granules as 5.3 years. Similar Rf values obtained in high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) analysis of both samples initially and after 6 months showed minimum deterioration of the product. Microbial count and heavy metals were below the permissible limits in both the samples.

Conclusion:

Guidelines specified in the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, mentions 3 years as the shelf life of Avalehas and granules. This time period is general, and different formulations may have different shelf lives based upon the factors such as their composition, etc. The samples tested in the current study, i.e., SHA and SHG, are found to have a shelf life of 5.9 and 5.3 years, respectively, through accelerated stability study that are almost double the average time specified in the guidelines.
Exploration of Medicinal Plants of Hoshangabad Forest Division (Territorial), Madhya Pradesh, with Special Reference to Ayurveda
Authors: Lale Sanjeev K , Chandra Ravi , Rath Chinmay , Mangal Anupam , Murthy Soma N
Published: June 2020

Aims and objectives:

The present study deals with the important medicinal plants described in Ayurveda from Hoshangabad forest divisions of Madhya Pradesh. In July 2018, Hoshangabad forest division was explored. The study was conducted to prepare records of medicinal plants that deal with Ayurveda system with additional information such as the locality, botanical name, Sanskrit name, local name, and the GPS location in the study areas.

Materials and methods:

The medicinal plants described in Ayurveda with its GPS location and potential in the field has been recorded.

Results:

The important medicinal plants that are used in the Ayurvedic system like Adiantum lunulatum Burm. f., Anogeissus latifolia (Roxb. Ex DC.) Wall. Ex Guillem. and Perr., Asparagus racemosus Willd., Boerhavia diffusa L., Dioscorea bulbifera L., Enicostema axillare subsp. Littorale (Blume) A. Raynal, Gardenia latifolia Aiton, etc.

Conclusion:

Hoshangabad forest division of Madhya Pradesh is very rich in medicinal plants. Some important species of medicinal plants described in Ayurveda text grow in abundance, such as Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa, Crinum latifolium L., Curculigo orchioides Gaertn., Desmodium gangeticum (L.) DC., Drimia indica (Roxb.) Jessop, Nyctanthes arbor-tristis L., Strychnos potatorum L.f., Ventilago denticulata Willd., whereas plants of Aristolochia indica L., Argyreia sericea Dalzell, Holostemma ada-kodien Schult., Litsea glutinosa (Lour.) C.B. Rob., Nervilia concolor (Blume) Schltr., Uraria picta (Jacq.) DC., etc., are rare in the habitat.
Medicinal Plants in Local Health Traditions (LHTs)
Authors: Shiddamallayya N , Dora Binod B , Janardhanan Anjana , Anku Gyati , Borah T , Tripathi Ashish K , Rath Chinmay , Mangal Anupam K , Srikanth Narayanam , Dhiman Kartar S
Published: June 2020

Aim:

Tripura is a small state of the northeastern part of India. The floral biodiversity is playing an important role in the traditional system of treatment in tribal and rural population. The research pertaining to the use of medicinal plants in ethnomedico-botany and formulations of study area is limited. The Medico-Ethno-Botanical Survey (MEBS) team of Regional Ayurveda Research Institute (RARI), Itanagar, documented the local health traditions (LHTs) from traditional healers of rural and tribal pockets of Dharmanagar subdivision, North district, Tripura.

Materials and methods:

The MEBS has been conducted in tribal pockets and villages of Dharmanagar Range, Damchera Range, and Panisagar Ranges of Dharmanagar subdivision of Forest, North Tripura district, Tripura. Local health traditions (LHTs) were documented through discussion and interview with traditional healers in the prescribed format along with global positioning system (GPS) location and digital photography of healer and plant raw drugs used in the traditional medicine and also prepared formulations. Medicinal plants were identified by using local and regional flora followed by processing, mounting, and preservation. Documented information has been processed for scientific validation and Ayurvedic names were provided to medicinal plants.

Results and discussion:

The MEBS conducted and documented six folk claims with six medicinal plants in prescribed formats to conserve traditional knowledge. The data presented systematically as botanical name, family, Sanskrit name, part used, morphological description of the plant, method of formulation, indication, and information of folk healer.

Conclusion:

Folk healers of Dharmanagar subdivision, Tripura, collects and use medicinal plants from surrounding area in the treatment of Sarpa Danstra (snake bite), Kamala (jaundice), Stanyajanan (galactagogue), Udarasula (acute abdomen), Alpamutrata (oliguria), and Vrana (fresh wound) popularly. Further, scientific validation is required to understand the useful therapeutic benefits and large-scale medicine production for the treatment.

Clinical significance:

The MEBS team noticed that some medicinal plants are used in the treatment of human diseases, such as Alstonia scholaris (L.) R. Br. in snake bite, Cuscuta reflexa Roxb. in jaundice, Euphorbia herita L. in galactagogue, Scoparia dulcis L. in acute abdomen, Sida acuta Burm. f. for oliguria, and Mikania micrantha Kunth for fresh wound. These plants need to be studied in detail in order to harvest the maximum benefit for the mankind.
Development and Standardization of Chaturbhadra Kvath Churna
Authors: Mangal Anupam K , Tomer Rinku , Jindal Heena , Prasad Shyam B , Sharma Himanshu , Sharma Bhagwan S , Srikanth Narayanam , Dhiman Kartar S
Published: June 2020

Aim:

The present study aims to develop pharmacognostical standards, the standard operating procedure (SOP), and analytical profiling including the physicochemical analysis of Chaturbhadra Kvath Churna, an Ayurvedic formulation.

Materials and methods:

The pharmacognostical (macroscopy, microscopy, and powder drug analysis), thin-layer chromatography (TLC), quantitative physicochemical analysis including loss on drying, alcohol- and water-soluble extractive values, total acid-insoluble ash and pH value were performed as per the standard procedures described in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API). The microbial limit, aflatoxins, heavy metals, and pesticide residues were also determined.

Results and discussion:

Chaturbhadra Kvath Churna is greyish-brown color with slightly pungent taste. The powder microscopy revealed the presence of hexagonal thin-walled/polygonal/wavy-walled polygonal/stratified cork cells, crystalloid fiber of phloem, unicellular warty trichomes, bordered-pitted/annular/spiral vessels, nonlignified spindle-shaped fibers, stone cells, brown matter, prism-shaped calcium oxalate crystals, volatile oils, and free and compound types of starch grains. The TLC fingerprint was developed using hexane: ethyl acetate: formic acid (4:5:1) as a solvent system. The standardized limits of the physicochemical parameters, microbial count, aflatoxins, heavy metals, and pesticide residues were also laid down.

Conclusion:

This is the first-ever attempt made in order to develop the SOP and standardized specifications of Chaturbhadra Kvath Churna. Thus, the present study would be useful as the standardized reference protocol for the identification and standardization of this formulation.
Rethinking Authoritarian Resilience and the Coercive Apparatus
Authors: Scoggins Suzanne E.
Published: June 2020

A state's coercive apparatus can be strong in some ways and weak in others. Using interview data from security personnel in China, this study expands current conceptualizations of authoritarian durability and coercive capacity to consider a wide range of security activities. While protest
response in China is centrally controlled and strong, other types of crime control are decentralized and systematically inadequate in ways that compromise the state's coercive power and may ultimately feed back into protest. Considering security activities beyond protest control exposes cracks
in China's authoritarian system of control—an area where it is typically perceived to thrive—and calls into question our understanding of regime resilience as well as our current approach to assessing the role coercive capacity plays in authoritarian resilience elsewhere.
Refinancing the Rentier State: Welfare, Inequality, and Citizen Preferences toward Fiscal Reform in the Gulf Oil Monarchies
Authors: Gengler Justin J. , Shockley Bethany , Ewers Michael C.
Published: June 2020

Against the backdrop of fiscal reform efforts in Middle East oil producers, this article proposes a general framework for understanding how citizens relate to welfare benefits in the rentier state and then tests some observable implications using original survey data from the quintessential
rentier state of Qatar. Using two novel choice experiments, we ask Qataris to choose between competing forms of economic subsidies and state spending, producing a clear and reliable ordering of welfare priorities. Expectations derived from the experiments about the individual-level determinants
of rentier reform preferences are then tested using data from a follow-up survey. Findings demonstrate the importance of non-excludable public goods, rather than private patronage, for upholding the rentier bargain.
Sesquiterpenes dominate monoterpenes in northern wetland emissions
Authors: Hellén Heidi , Schallhart Simon , Praplan Arnaud P. , Tykkä Toni , Aurela Mika , Lohila Annalea , Hakola Hannele
Published: June 2020

Abstract. We have studied biogenic volatile
organic compound (BVOC) emissions and their ambient
concentrations at a sub-Arctic wetland (Lompolojänkkä, Finland),
which is an open, nutrient-rich sedge fen and a part of the
Pallas-Sodankylä Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW) station. Measurements
were conducted during the growing season in 2018 using an in situ thermal-desorption–gas-chromatograph–mass-spectrometer (TD-GC-MS). Earlier studies have shown that isoprene is emitted from boreal wetlands, and
it also turned out to be the most abundant compound in the current study.
Monoterpene (MT) emissions were generally less than 10 % of the isoprene
emissions (mean isoprene emission over the growing season, 44 µg m−2 h−1), but sesquiterpene (SQT) emissions were higher than MT
emissions all the time. The main MTs emitted were α-pinene,
1,8-cineol, myrcene, limonene and 3Δ-carene. Of SQTs cadinene,
β-cadinene and α-farnesene had the major contribution. During early growing season the SQT∕MT emission rate ratio was ∼10, but
it became smaller as summer proceeded, being only ∼3 in July.
Isoprene, MT and SQT emissions were exponentially dependent on temperature
(correlation coefficients (R2) 0.75, 0.66 and 0.52, respectively).
Isoprene emission rates were also found to be exponentially correlated with
the gross primary production of CO2 (R2=0.85 in July). Even with the higher emissions from the wetland, ambient air concentrations
of isoprene were on average > 100, > 10 and
> 6 times lower than MT concentrations in May, June and July,
respectively. This indicates that wetland was not the only source affecting
atmospheric concentrations at the site, but surrounding coniferous forests,
which are high MT emitters, contribute as well. Daily mean MT concentrations
had high negative exponential correlation (R2=0.96) with daily mean
ozone concentrations indicating that vegetation emissions can be a
significant chemical sink of ozone in this sub-Arctic area.
Numerical modelling of the wind over forests: roughness versus canopy drag
Authors: Sogachev Andrey , Cavar Dalibor , Kelly Mark , Dellwik Ebba , Klaas Tobias , Kühn Paul
Published: June 2020

Abstract. Parameterizing the effect of vertically-distributed vegetation
through an effective roughness (z0,eff) – whereby momentum
loss through a three-dimensional foliage volume is represented as momentum
loss over an area at one vertical level – can facilitate the use of forest
data in flow models, to any level of detail, and simultaneously reduce
computational cost. Results of numerical experiments and comparison with
observations show that a modelling approach based on z0,eff can estimate wind speed and turbulence levels over
forested areas, at heights of interest for wind energy applications
(∼60 m and higher), but only above flat terrain. Caution must
be exercised in the application of such a model to zones of forest edges.
Advanced flow models capable of incorporating local (distributed) drag
forces are recommended for complex terrain covered by forest.
Mass balance and hydrological modeling of the Hardangerjøkulen ice cap in south-central Norway
Authors: Eidhammer Trude , Booth Adam , Decker Sven , Li Lu , Barlage Michael , Gochis David , Rasmussen Roy , Melvold Kjetil , Nesje Atle , Sobolowski Stefan
Published: June 2020

Abstract. A detailed, physically based one dimensional, column snowpack model (Crocus) has been incorporated into the hydrological model WRF-Hydro. This allows for direct surface mass balance simulation of glaciers and subsequent modeling of meltwater discharge from glaciers. To evaluate the new system (WRF-Hydro/Glacier), WRF model simulations were downscaled to 1 km grid spacing to provide meteorological forcing data to the WRF-Hydro/Glacier system at 100 m grid spacing. Evaluation of the WRF downscaling showed that it compared well with in situ meteorological observations for most of the simulation period. The WRF-Hydro/Glacier system reproduced the glacier surface winter/summer and net mass balance, snow depth, surface albedo and glacier runoff well compared to observations. The WRF-Hydro/Glacier system is only activated over a priori designated glacier areas. This glacier area is initialized with observed glacier thickness and assumed to be pure ice (with corresponding ice density). This allows for melt of the glacier to continue after all accumulated snow has melted. Furthermore, the simulation of surface albedo over the glacier is more realistic as surface albedo is represented by snow where there is accumulated snow, and glacier ice when all accumulated snow is melted. The improved estimation of albedo has an appreciable impact on the discharge from the glacier during late summer. We have shown that the integrated snow pack system allows for improved glacier surface mass balance studies as well as hydrological studies.
Technical note: Diagnostic efficiency – specific evaluation of model
performance
Authors: Schwemmle Robin , Demand Dominic , Weiler Markus
Published: June 2020

Abstract. Better understanding of the reasons why hydrological model performance is good or poor represents a crucial part for meaningful model evaluation. However, current evaluation efforts are mostly based on aggregated efficiency measures such as Kling-Gupta Efficiency (KGE) or Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE). These aggregated measures only distinguish between good and poor model performance. Especially in the case of a poor model performance it is important to identify the different errors which may have caused such unsatisfying predictions. These errors may origin from the model parameters, the model structure, and/or the input data. In order to provide more insight, we define three types of errors which may be related to their origin: constant error (e.g. caused by consistent input data error such as precipitation), dynamic error (e.g. structural model errors such as a deficient storage routine) and timing error (e.g. caused by input data errors or deficient model routines/parameters). Based on these types of errors, we propose the novel Diagnostic Efficiency (DE) measure, which accounts for the three error types. The disaggregation of DE into its three metric terms can be visualized in a plain radial space using diagnostic polar plots. A major advantage of this visualization technique is that error contributions can be clearly differentiated. In order to provide a proof of concept, we first generated errors systematically by mimicking the three error types (i.e. simulations are surrogated by manipulating observations). By computing DE and the related diagnostic polar plots for the mimicked errors, we could then supply evidence for the concept. Finally, we tested the applicability of our approach for a modelling example. For a particular catchment, we compared streamflow simulations realized with different parameter sets to the observed streamflow. For this modelling example, the diagnostic polar plot suggests, that dynamic errors explain the model performance to a large extent. The proposed evaluation approach provides a diagnostic tool for model developers and model users and the diagnostic polar plot facilitates interpretation of the proposed performance measure.
A volcanic-hazard demonstration exercise to assess and mitigate the impacts of volcanic ash clouds on civil and military aviation
Authors: Hirtl Marcus , Arnold Delia , Baro Rocio , Brenot Hugues , Coltelli Mauro , Eschbacher Kurt , Hard-Stremayer Helmut , Lipok Florian , Maurer Christian , Meinhard Dieter , Mona Lucia , Mulder Marie D. , Papagiannopoulos Nikolaos , Pernsteiner Michael , Plu Matthieu , Robertson Lennart , Rokitansky Carl-Herbert , Scherllin-Pirscher Barbara , Sievers Klaus , Sofiev Mikhail , Som de Cerff Wim , Steinheimer Martin , Stuefer Martin , Theys Nicolas , Uppstu Andreas , Wagenaar Saskia , Winkler Roland , Wotawa Gerhard , Zobl Fritz , Zopp Raimund
Published: June 2020

Abstract. Volcanic eruptions comprise an important airborne hazard
for aviation. Although significant events are rare, e.g. compared to the
threat of thunderstorms, they have a very high impact. The current state of
tools and abilities to mitigate aviation hazards associated with an assumed
volcanic cloud was tested within an international demonstration exercise.
Experts in the field assembled at the Schwarzenberg barracks in Salzburg,
Austria, in order to simulate the sequence of procedures for the volcanic
case scenario of an artificial eruption of the Etna volcano in Italy. The
scope of the exercise ranged from the detection (based on artificial
observations) of the assumed event to the issuance of early warnings.
Volcanic-emission-concentration charts were generated applying modern
ensemble techniques. The exercise products provided an important basis for
decision-making for aviation traffic management during a volcanic-eruption
crisis. By integrating the available wealth of data, observations and
modelling results directly into widely used flight-planning software, it
was demonstrated that route optimization measures could be implemented
effectively. With timely and rather precise warnings available, the new
tools and processes tested during the exercise demonstrated vividly that a
vast majority of flights could be conducted despite a volcanic plume being widely
dispersed within a high-traffic airspace over Europe. The resulting number
of flight cancellations was minimal.
‘Lessons from the Front-Line’ Facing the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Buheji Mohamed , Ahmed Dunya
Published: June 2020

There has been great learning accumulated within the national and the international healthcare workers and COVID-19 pandemic risk mitigation professionals that are at the front line, facing the disease from different positions and at throughout its various stages. This paper aims to explore the type of learning and knowledge assets from all the multidiscipline perspectives through the observations capture by the front liners. The context deployed in this paper led to selecting different disciplines at the front-line with the pandemic in the WHO-EMRO region.While there have been many publications relevant to the different experiences faced by the healthcare staff with the disease, the implication of this study is that it provides a holistic approach of the type of accumulated learning that could be achieved if all the disciplines involved integrate their knowledge, share it and then re-capture it in one setting in the form of guidelines or protocols.Many of the learning could be a source for future initiatives and projects that would lead to strengthening the preparedness of the health systems, both regionally and globally. A framework is suggested for future collection of the lesson learned by the front line stakeholders to ensure the flow of the knowledge within the community at the right time. Limitations of the paper are discussed along with recommendations for further studies. The paper could be an excellent reference to WHO and public health authorities practices and performance review in relevant to the COVID-9 or similar public emergencies.
A Little Life and Empathy Aptitude Reading
Authors: Worthen Joseph R.
Published: June 2020

Reading literary fiction has long enjoyed a reputation as a constructive habit in American culture. It has been believed, at different times, to improve learnedness, social mobility, and even allay individual suffering as a type of therapy. This article examines one of the newest phases of reading as self-improvement: reading for the development of empathetic aptitude. Examining Goodreads reviews for Hanya Yanagihara's 2015 novel A Little Life reveals patterns in reader assumptions about the value of empathy to reading and points to a new paradigm catalyzed by Kidd and Castano's 2013 study, “Reading Literary Fiction Improves Theory of Mind.” Through a comprehensive interrogation of reader reviews and relevant scholarship, this article engages the characteristics, shortcomings, and future implications of the empathy aptitude reading.