bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CHORUS. III. Photometric and Spectroscopic Properties of Lyα Blobs at z = 4.9–7.0
Authors: Zhang Haibin , Ouchi Masami , Itoh Ryohei , Shibuya Takatoshi , Ono Yoshiaki , Harikane Yuichi , Inoue Akio K. , Rauch Michael , Kikuchihara Shotaro , Nakajima Kimihiko , Yajima Hidenobu , Arata Shohei , Abe Makito , Iwata Ikuru , Kashikawa Nobunari , Kawanomoto Satoshi , Kikuta Satoshi , Kobayashi Masakazu A. R. , Kusakabe Haruka , Mawatari Ken , Nagao Tohru , Shimasaku Kazuhiro , Taniguchi Yoshiaki
Published: March 2020

We report the Subaru Hyper Suprime-Cam (HSC) discovery of two Lyα blobs (LABs), dubbed z70-1 and z49-1 at z = 6.965 and z = 4.888, respectively, that are Lyα emitters with a bright (

) and spatially extended Lyα emission, and present the photometric and spectroscopic properties of a total of seven LABs: the two new LABs and five previously known LABs at z = 5.7–6.6. The z70-1 LAB shows extended Lyα emission with a scale length of 1.4 ± 0.2 kpc, about three times larger than the UV continuum emission, making z70-1 the most distant LAB identified to date. All of the seven LABs, except z49-1, exhibit no active galactic nucleus (AGN) signatures such as X-ray emission, N v
λ1240 emission, or Lyα line broadening, while z49-1 has a strong C iv
λ1548 emission line indicating an AGN on the basis of the UV-line ratio diagnostics. We carefully model the point-spread functions of the HSC images and conduct two-component exponential profile fitting to the extended Lyα emission of the LABs. The Lyα scale lengths of the core (star-forming region) and halo components are r
c = 0.6–1.2 kpc and r
h = 2.0–13.8 kpc, respectively. The relations between the scale lengths and galaxy properties (Lyα luminosity L
Lyα
, Lyα rest-frame equivalent width EW0, and UV continuum magnitude M
UV) of our LABs are similar to those of Lyα halos (LAHs) identified around star-forming galaxies found previously by the Very Large Telescope/MUSE at similar redshifts, suggesting that our LABs are likely the bright version of high-z LAHs.
Ophthalmic Herpes Zoster in an 18-Month-Old Child
Authors: Gandhewar Jaishree , Birchall Wayne , Kwartz Jeffery
Published: March 2020

We present a case of herpes zoster ophthalmicus in an 18-month-old child. Early exposure to varicella zoster virus while being breast-fed appears to account for this clinical presentation. The incidence of herpes zoster in children younger than age 2 years is discussed.

J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus
2005;42:57–58.
On the Other Side of the Genre Boundary
Authors: Milosavljević Ljubica
Published: March 2020

The fieldwork conducted in Belgrade during the summer and autumn of 2017 was oriented towards jazz musicians, and their strategies of action, in gist, implied playing other popular music genres through compromise – function work. Such business tactics are a consequence of jazz musicians’ ever-insecure position, but strategic goals have changed over time with the nature of that insecurity. Going beyond the genre boundary first became a means of securing the profession itself after WWII due to (foreign-)political and ideological influences, whereas from the 1960s to date, it has been the economic guaranty of the survival of many jazz musicians. Playing folk music is one of the observed strategies analysed through a broader sociopolitical, socioeconomic and professional context.
El género Herpisticus Germar, 1823 de las islas Canarias (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Entiminae: Tanymecini)
Authors: Machado Antonio , Suárez Daniel
Published: March 2020

Se revisa la taxonomía del género Herpisticus Germar, 1823, endémico de las islas Canarias, con el apoyo de datos moleculares (mtCO1). El estudio morfológico incluye la descripción de la larva y pupa del género. A las cinco especies conocidas, se han añadido veinte taxones, que comprenden la resurrección de H. Eremita var. γ lanatus Wollaston, 1864 como especie válida y grancanariensis Palm 1974 como subespecie válida de H. Subvestitus Wollaston, 1864, además de los siguientes taxones nuevos: H. Famarae n. sp. de Lanzarote; H. Betancuriae n. sp., H. Jandiensis n. sp. y H. Rectipes n. sp. De Fuerteventura; H. subvestitus pseudolanatus n. ssp., H. Guanarteme n. sp., H. Denudatus n. sp., H. Gigas n. sp., H. Guayarmina >n. sp., H. Tasarticus n. sp., H. Scopulus n. sp. y H. Nanus n. sp. de Gran Canaria; H. Daute n. sp. y H. Aridicola n. sp. de Tenerife; H. Gomerensis n. sp., H. Hispidus n. sp. y H. Bobadillae n. sp. de La Gomera; y H. hierrensis benahoare n. ssp. de La Palma. Salvo H. hierrensis hierren­sis, todos los taxones son endemismos monoinsulares. Se presentan claves para la separación de machos las 25 especies y subespecies, mapas de distribución de todas ellas, fotografías del imago y algunos comentarios sobre la biología del grupo, su potencial como plaga agrícola y las perpectivas de conservación.
In Primitive Zebrafish, MHC Class II Expression Is Regulated by IFN-γ, IRF1, and Two Forms of CIITA
Authors: Hou Jing , Chen Shan Nan , Gan Zhen , Li Nan , Huang Lin , Huo Hui Jun , Yang Yue Cong , Lu Yishan , Yin Zhan , Nie Pin
Published: March 2020

Mammalian CIITA isoforms are tightly regulated by independent promoters. These promotors are induced by IFN-γ through JAK–STAT signaling pathway. The induction of CIITA controls the expression of MHC class II (MHCII) and Ag presentation to the adaptive immune system. In the current study, to our knowledge, we first identified two independent promoters, p1 and p2, in the zebrafish (Danio rerio) that control the expression of the two variants of CIITA, CIITA variant 1 (CIITAv1), and CIITA variant 2 (CIITAv2), respectively. Moreover, although IRF1 in an IFN-γ signaling pathway induced CIITAv2, which has two ISRE motifs in its promoter, CIITAv1 expression was not induced by this signal. Further, the transcription of MHCII DAB was controlled by IRF1 via two distinct mechanisms: 1) the transcription of MHCII DAB was controlled by IRF1 indirectly through the two ISREs in p2; and 2) directly via the ISRE in MHCII DAB promoter. We also found that IRF1 associated with CIITAv1 and CIITAv2 via protein–protein interactions to synergistically drive the transcription of MHCII DAB. The IFN-γ–IRF1–CIITA–MHCII signaling cascade was functional in early life stages of CIITA−/− and IRF1−/− zebrafish. Our findings imply that the immune system develops early in fishes and that the IFN-γ signaling cascade–induced CIITA and MHCII DAB is conserved in teleost fishes and mammals.
Prevalence and causes of visual impairment among older persons living in low-income old age homes in Durban, South Africa
Authors: Mashige Khathutshelo P. , Ramklass Serela S.
Published: March 2020

Background: Visual impairment (VI) increases with age and has been reported to be more prevalent among older adults living in old age homes than in the general population.Aim: To determine the prevalence and causes of VI among older adults living in low-income old age homes in Durban, South Africa.Setting: This study was conducted at low-income old age homes in Durban.Methods: This cross-sectional study of 118 residents aged 60 years and older, collected socio-demographic data, presenting visual acuities (VAs) for each eye, and binocularly. Anterior segment eye examinations were conducted with a penlight torch and a portable slit-lamp, while posterior segment evaluation was conducted with direct and indirect ophthalmoscopy. Objective and subjective refractions were performed, and the best-corrected distance and near VAs were measured in each eye. VI was defined as presenting VA 6/18 and included moderate VI ( 6/18−6/60), severe VI ( 6/60 –3/60) and blindness ( 6/120).Results: The mean age of the participants was 73.3 years and included 80.5% females and 19.5% males. The prevalence of VI and blindness was 63.6%. Optical correction significantly reduced the prevalence of VI and blindness by 19.5% (p 0.05). The main causes of non-refractive VI and blindness were cataract (54.5%), posterior segment disorders (25.5%) and corneal opacities (20%).Conclusion: The prevalence of VI and blindness is high among residents in low-income old age homes living in Durban. Refractive correction and surgical cataract intervention can significantly reduce the burden of VI and blindness among the elderly residents.
Influence of Turbulence Modelling on Predicting the Round Jet Flow Field: Technical Note
Authors: Hasen D. , Elangovan S. , Sundararaj M. , Parammasivam K.M.
Published: March 2020

In this study, the effects of different turbulence models on the decay characteristics of round jets were studied. The turbulence models considered for the current study is SST, k-Îµ, k-Ï‰, RNG kÎµ. For the entire turbulence model mesh density and boundary conditions were mentioned same. By comparing the simulated results with the experiments interesting results were obtained. SST predicts the flow better than the other models in this flow regime.
Design of Yaw Stability Control System for Electric Vehicle Driven by Hub Motor
Authors: Wang Dongliang
Published: March 2020

In extreme weather condition, the electric vehicle yaw stability control accuracy is low. A new yaw stability control system for electric vehicle driven by hub motor is designed to simplify the hardware system design and improve the system response speed. The driving control module is used to analyse the driving state parameters of the vehicle and calculate the four-wheel moment to control the yaw stability of the vehicle, which is transmitted to the battery control module. The UDU in the control module adjusts the motor speed and power output in real time according to the vehicle power demand after analyzing the vehicle driving state data. In the software part of the system, the vehicle dynamic model is built and yaw stability control strategy is used to complete the vehicle yaw stability control. The experimental results show three important parameters of the designed system for evaluating the manoeuvrability tend to ideal values under the control of the system, in which yaw angular velocity is controlled from 0.277 rads to 0.286 rads and the difference between them is 0.002 and 0.011. The yaw stability control accuracy is also high.
Simulation for Position Accuracy of Space Exploration Vehicle
Authors: Wang Rui , Yang Yuhui , Wu Nianchu , Yu Xinli
Published: March 2020

The position accuracy adjustment is an important part of the position of space exploration vehicle. Aiming at this problem, a method of designing an automatic adjustment system for positioning accuracy of space exploration vehicle based on pseudo range differential positioning is proposed. By analyzing the function of each module of the system, the automatic adjustment system for positioning accuracy of space exploration vehicle is designed. On this basis, the object contour of the positioning image is located by the adaptive smoothing method. According to this theory, the geometric centre values of two contour points near the centre point in the contour range are calculated and the curvature angle is further calculated to get the curvature symbols. By describing the changing process of each feature in the positioning process with the transition between states, a hidden Markov model is constructed to effectively adjust the positioning accuracy. Experiments show that the proposed method can effectively improve the positioning accuracy of aircraft, effectively reduce the positioning error of the system and has good application value.
Design of Dynamic Tracking System for Unmanned Intelligent Vehicle Trajectory Based on Inversion Method
Authors: Wang Hui , Song Jie
Published: March 2020

When using automatic driving control system to track vehicle trajectory dynamically, there are certain errors in tracking curve. A dynamic tracking system for unmanned intelligent vehicle (UIV) trajectory based on inversion method is designed. The monitoring module transmits the information collected by the camera and the obstacle, edge and battery information judged by the sensor to the monitoring and control terminals through the TCP network communication protocol. At the visual end and the control end, according to the received information, the control end makes corresponding operation instructions for the UIV and transmits them to the inversion controller to control, so that the position and prediction error of the tracking system tends to zero. The vehicle kinematics model is made linear by system software to obtain the vehicleâ€™s kinematics linear tracking error model to predict the future behaviour of the vehicle. Back-stepping control algorithm is used to complete the dynamic tracking of the unmanned intelligent vehicle trajectory. The experimental results show that the distance deviation is controlled in the range of Â± 0.1 m and the azimuth deviation is in the range of Â± 5Â°. The system can track the reference trajectory accurately and quickly in different scenarios as simulated using vortex seal time multimedia dynamics platform.
Comparison of Static and Dynamic Neural Network Models in Predicting Outlet Temperature of Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger
Authors: Manikandan J. , Naidu Yerram , Janardhan B. , Raj Kishore M. , Prabhakar K.
Published: March 2020

This paper presents the comparison of static and dynamic neural network (NN), model to predict the exit temperature of the heat exchangers. Feed forward NN was used as a static network while Time delay NN was used for a dynamic network. Experimental data was collected from a shell and tube heat exchanger to provide sufficient data processing, namely training, test and validation data to develop the models. The static and dynamic network models of the heat exchanger have been developed using Matlab. The performances of the models were evaluated by their statistical validity using the correlation co-efficient and the mean squared error. For time series predictions, the dynamic NN has shown better results than the static NN.
Adaptive Automobile Seat Design Based on Ergonomic Principle
Authors: Feng Kun
Published: March 2020

In order to improve the comfort of automobile seat, it is necessary to analyse and study the design method of automobile seat. A design method of adaptive automobile seat based on ergonomics principle is proposed. The height, width, depth, backrest, seat inclination and backrest inclination of automobile seat as well as the sitting posture physiology and body pressure distribution of human body are analysed. The frame of automobile seat is designed by using aluminium alloy in PROE software, the size of the energy absorption of headrest, cushion and seat are determined according to national regulations. By analyzing the back force, pillow force, seat belt force and seat belt locking, the force of automobile seat, the strength of back, head pillow and seat cushion of automobile seat are designed and the design of adaptive automobile seat is completed. The experimental results show that the proposed method has high comfort, low processing cost and high production efficiency.
Impact of Diesel Engine Technology Advancement on Particulate Exhaust Emission - A Review
Authors: Tiwari Awadhesh Kumar , Mandloi R.K.
Published: March 2020

In present scenario clean technologies with lesser fuel consumption for better air quality is needed from automobile sector. There is need to maintain regulatory emission standards, approaches to minimize green house gases. Therefore, it is highly required to address two major challenges, better engine efficiency with minimum exhaust emissions. Excessive work has been done on fuel improvement, combustion process and exhaust emission on diesel engine advancement since last 40 years. This review covers a comprehensive summary of the existing details related to technology advancement and its effect on pollution control. The investigations have focused on determination of the best operating conditions like overview of modified fuel, particulate emission effect and control strategies which include engine modifications and with advanced combustion strategies vehicular particulate exhaust emissions can be significantly controlled.
Study of Design Modification Effects through Performance Analysis of a Legacy Gas Turbine Engine
Authors: Gouda Gantayata , Sankar Balaji , Iyengar Venkat , Soumendu Jana
Published: March 2020

Modifications to the critical parameters, such as the exhaust nozzle area, are sometimes done during maintenance of aircraft engines. These modifications are done either to increase the design thrust or to compensate for the reduction of thrust due to leakage in the variable area jet nozzle. There is a trade-off between several performance parameters when such critical parameters are changed during maintenance. A tuned aerothermodynamic simulation model that agrees well with the experimental data from the original engine is required to study the effect of these changes. In the present work, a multipoint map scaling approach and a parameter estimation method are used to develop a simulation model that agrees well with the experimental data from the original turbojet engine. The design modifications are then incorporated in the model, and the effect of the modification on the various performance parameters is studied. The effect of leakage in the nozzle flaps and the corresponding reduction required in the nozzle throat area are calculated. It is shown that the tuned model developed with experimental testbed data enables the identification of ancillary effects of a change in a design parameter, such as the nozzle throat area.
Multidecadal Cycles of the Climatic Index Atlantic Meridional Mode: Sunspots that Affect North and Northeast of Brazil
Authors: Souza Correa Cleber , Lage Guedes Roberto , Muniz Marinho da Rocha André , Abel Bueno Corrêa Karlmer
Published: March 2020

Using the 1951-2017 historical series of the Atlantic Meridional Mode (AMM) index and the monthly number of sunspots, it was possible to observe a significant association between them. The use of wavelet and cross-wavelet analysis showed the presence of multidecadal cycles pronounced in eleven years, as well as cycles of 2.66 and 5.33. AMM index showed, in the part of the Sea Surface Temperature (SST), the presence of a weak signal of 21.33 years. Influence and association of sunspot variability on surface temperature in Northern and Northeastern regions of Brazil were investigated. Using a non-parametric statistical correlation test, the historical series of surface temperature anomalies in five locations (Belém, São Luiz, Fortaleza, Fernando de Noronha, and Natal) were compared with the monthly solar-series anomalies. The temperature series used were the minimum monthly average, the monthly average, and maximum monthly average temperatures, with their respective anomalies in relation to the mean. However, among all the series (except for São Luiz), the analyzed minimum temperature anomalies showed a negative correlation with sunspots. As a preliminary result, the analyzed climatic indexes present an apparent degree of memory associated with the variability of sunspot activity.
Successful use of buprenorphine-naloxone medication-assisted program to treat concurrent pain and opioid addiction after cancer therapy
Authors: Moryl, MD Natalie , Filkins Alexandra , Griffo, MD Yvona , Malhotra, MD Vivek , Jain Raina H. , Frierson, RN, BSN, OCN Ethel , Inturrisi, PhD Charles
Published: March 2020

Cancer pain is often treated with opioids, a therapeutic regimen that can become a challenge in patients with an opioid use disorder (OUD). While use of the buprenorphine-naloxone combination is an effective medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for OUD, its use in pain patients with OUD has been controversial due to concerns that co-administration of buprenorphine can reduce or block analgesia and precipitate opioid withdrawal in those patients requiring full opioid agonists. Data on its use in cancer pain patients are lacking. In this case series, the authors explore the frequency of buprenorphine-naloxone use and its outcomes in patients in a Comprehensive Care Center (CCC) Pain Registry. OUD was deduced from an International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) diagnostic code for opioid-related disorders recorded in the electronic medical records. Of 2,320 chronic cancer pain patients, 125 patients had ICD-10 code for opioid-related disorders, and 43 had a diagnosis of opioid abuse of whom 11 received buprenorphinenaloxone combinations. Eight patients on 18 (6-24) mg per day of buprenorphinenaloxone remained in therapy for 4 (2-7) years without opioid abuse relapse. This assessment was based on clinician's notes, the Prescription Monitoring Program, random urine drug screening, and the absence of Urgent Care Center visits for opioid withdrawal or overdose. When short-term opioids were administered for acute pain, these patients were able to taper down and stop them quickly without an opioid abuse relapse. Buprenorphine-naloxone was effective as the sole analgesic in selected patients. Given its success at the CCC, buprenorphine-naloxone should be made available and strongly considered as a treatment for patients suffering from OUD during and following cancer treatment and when cancer pain reduces or resolves.
An optimized tracer-based approach for estimating organic carbon emissions from biomass burning in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Authors: Nirmalkar Jayant , Batmunkh Tsatsral , Jung Jinsang
Published: March 2020

Abstract. The impact of biomass burning (BB) on atmospheric particulate matter of
<2.5 µm diameter (PM2.5) at Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, was
investigated using an optimized tracer-based approach during winter and
spring 2017. Integrated 24 h PM2.5 samples were collected on quartz-fiber filters using a 30 L min−1 air sampler at an urban site in
Ulaanbaatar. The aerosol samples were analyzed for organic carbon (OC) and
elemental carbon (EC), anhydrosugars (levoglucosan, mannosan, and galactosan), and water-soluble ions. OC was found to be the predominant species, contributing 64 % and 56 % to the quantified aerosol components in PM2.5 in winter and spring, respectively. BB was identified as a major source of PM2.5, followed by dust and secondary aerosols. Levoglucosan ∕ mannosan and levoglucosan ∕ K+ ratios indicate that BB in Ulaanbaatar mainly originated from the burning of softwood. Because of the large uncertainty associated with the quantitative estimation of OC emitted from BB (OCBB), a novel approach was developed to optimize the OC ∕ levoglucosan ratio for estimating OCBB. The optimum OC ∕ levoglucosan ratio in Ulaanbaatar was obtained by regression analysis between
OCnon-BB (OCtotal–OCBB) and levoglucosan concentrations that gives the lowest coefficient of determination (R2) and slope. The
optimum OC ∕ levoglucosan ratio was found to be 27.6 and 18.0 for winter and spring, respectively, and these values were applied in quantifying OCBB. It was found that 68 % and 63 % of the OC were emitted from BB during winter and spring, respectively. This novel approach can also be applied by other researchers to quantify
OCBB using their own chemical measurements. In addition to OCBB, sources of OCnon-BB were also investigated through multivariate correlation analysis. It was found that OCnon-BB originated mainly from coal burning, vehicles, and vegetative emissions.
Early results and validation of SAGE III-ISS ozone profile measurements from onboard the International Space Station
Authors: McCormick M. Patrick , Lei Liqiao , Hill Michael T. , Anderson John , Querel Richard , Steinbrecht Wolfgang
Published: March 2020

Abstract. The Stratospheric Aerosol and Gas Experiment III (SAGE
III, 2018) instrument was launched on 19 February 2017 from the NASA Kennedy
Space Center and was integrated aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
SAGE III-ISS has been providing ozone profile measurements since June 2017.
This paper presents an early validation of the Level 2 solar and lunar
occultation ozone data products using ground-based lidar and ozonesondes
from Hohenpeißenberg and Lauder as well as satellite ozone vertical products from
the Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment Fourier Transform Spectrometer
(ACE-FTS) instrument. Average differences in the ozone concentration between
SAGE III-ISS and Hohenpeißenberg lidar observations for 1 year are less
than 10 % between 16 and 42 km and less than 5 % between 20 and 40 km.
Hohenpeißenberg ozonesonde comparisons are mostly within 10 % between 18
and 30 km. The Lauder lidar comparison results are less than 10 % between
17 and 37 km, and the Lauder
ozonesonde comparison results are less than 10 % between 19 and 31 km. The seasonal average differences in the ozone concentration between
SAGE III-ISS and ACE-FTS are mostly less than 5 % between 20 and 45 km for
both the Northern Hemisphere and Southern Hemisphere. All results from these
comparisons show that the SAGE III-ISS ozone solar data compare well with
correlative measurements throughout the stratosphere. With few comparisons
available, the percentage difference between the SAGE III-ISS lunar ozone
data and the ozonesonde data is less than 10 % between 19 and 27 km. The
percentage difference between the SAGE III-ISS lunar ozone data and the
ACE-FTS ozone data is less than 10 % between 20 and 40 km.
Calibration of a semi-distributed lumped karst system model and analysis of its sensitivity to climate conditions: the example of the Qachqouch karst spring (Lebanon)
Authors: Dubois Emmanuel , Doummar Joanna , Pistre Séverin , Larocque Marie
Published: March 2020

Abstract. Flow in complex karst aquifers is challenging to conceptualize, therefore to model for better management practices, especially in poorly investigated areas, in semi-arid climates, and under changing climatic conditions. The objective of this work is to propose a calibration approach based on time-series analyses for a karst aquifer and to assess the impact of changing climate conditions on the spring discharge. Based on more than three years of high-resolution continuous monitoring, a semi-distributed lumped model was calibrated and validated for the Qachqouch karst spring, north of Beirut (Lebanon). Time-series analyses and decomposition of spring hydrographs revealed that the system has a high regulatory function, with considerable storage capacity providing stable flow (minimum flow of 0.2 m3/s) during the dry season, and with flow rates exceeding 10 m3/s during the wet season, similar to other karst aquifers in the region. Based on this detailed understanding of the hydrodynamics of the system, the model geometry and parameters were validated. Three linear reservoirs were implemented to reproduce the combined contribution of the different flow components of the system. A satisfactory simulation (Nash–Sutcliffe coefficient = 0.72) of measured spring flow rates was obtained after calibration. Climate change conditions (+1 to +3 °C warming, −10 to −30 % less precipitation annually, and intensification of rain events) were added to a baseline climatic year to produce scenarios of expected spring flow responses. Results show that the Qachqouch karst aquifer is sensitive to decreasing rainfall, which is associated with more pronounced recessions, with flow rates decreasing by 34 % and 1-month longer dry periods. Because of the limited influence of snow on the spring flow rate, a warming climate has less impact on spring flow conditions than a reduction in precipitation. Although the model shows that increasing rainfall intensity induces larger floods, recessions and shorter low flow periods, the real impact of high-intensity precipitation events remains uncertain, since the model does not account for complex unsaturated and epikarst processes. This work shows that calibrating a semi-distributed lumped model using time series analysis can be an efficient approach to improve simulations of complex karst aquifers, thus providing useful models for long-term sustainable water management.
Rapid flood risk screening model for compound flood events in Beira, Mozambique
Authors: van Berchum Erik C. , van Ledden Mathijs , Timmermans Jos S. , Kwakkel Jan H. , Jonkman Sebastiaan N.
Published: March 2020

Abstract. Coastal cities combine intensive socio-economic activity and investments with high exposure to flood hazards. Developing effective strategies to manage flood risk in coastal cities is often a costly and complicated process. In the design of these strategies, engineers rely on computationally demanding flood simulation models and only compare a few strategies due to computational constraints. This limits the efficacy of standard flood simulation models in the crucial conceptual phase of flood risk management. This paper presents the Flood Risk Reduction Evaluation and Screening (FLORES)-model, which specifically aims to provide useful risk information early on in the planning process. FLORES performs numerous quick simulations and compares the impact of many storms, strategies, and future scenarios. This article presents the screening model and demonstrates its merits in a case study for Beira, Mozambique. Our results demonstrate that expansion of the drainage capacity and strengthening of its coastal protection in the southwest, are crucial components of any effective flood risk management strategy for Beira.
Ice content and interannual water storage changes of an active rock
glacier in the dry Andes of Argentina
Authors: Halla Christian , Blöthe Jan Henrik , Tapia Baldis Carla , Trombotto Dario , Hilbich Christin , Hauck Christian , Schrott Lothar
Published: March 2020

Abstract. The quantification of volumetric ice and water contents in active rock glaciers is necessary to estimate their role as water stores and contributors to runoff in dry mountain catchments. In the semi-arid to arid Andes of Argentina, active rock glaciers potentially constitute important water reservoirs due to their widespread distribution. Here however, water storage capacities and their interannual changes have so far escaped quantification in detailed field studies. Volumetric ice and water contents were quantified using a petrophysical four-phase model (4PM) based on complementary electrical resistivities (ERT) and seismic refraction tomographies (SRT) in different positions of Dos Lenguas rock glacier in the Upper Agua Negra basin, Argentina. We derived vertical and horizontal surface changes of the Dos Lenguas rock glacier, for the periods 2016–17 and 2017–18 using drone-derived digital elevation models (DEM). Interannual water storage changes of −36 mm yr−1 and +27 mm yr−1 derived from DEMs of Difference (DoD) for the periods 2016–17 and 2017–18, respectively, indicate that significant amounts of annual precipitation rates can be stored in and released from the active rock glacier. Heterogeneous ice and water contents show ice-rich permafrost and supra-, intra- and sub-permafrost aquifers in the subsurface. Active layer and ice-rich permafrost control traps and pathways of shallow ground water, and thus regulate interannual storage changes and water releases from the active rock glacier in the dry mountain catchment. The ice content of 1.7–2.0 × 109 kg in the active Dos Lenguas rock glacier represents an important long-term ice reservoir, just like other ground ice deposits in the vicinity, if compared to surface ice that covers less than 3 % of the high mountain catchment.
Concordance between tuberculin skin test and interferon-gamma release assay for latent tuberculosis screening in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Alrajhi Saad , Germain Pascale , Martel Myriam , Lakatos Peter , Bessissow Talat , Al-Taweel Talal , Afif Waqqas
Published: March 2020

Background/Aims: Latent tuberculosis screening is mandatory prior to initiating anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) medications. Guidelines recommend interferon-gamma release assays (IGRA) as first line screening method for the general population. Studies provided conflicting evidence on IGRA and tuberculin skin test (TST) performance in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. We assessed test concordance and the effects of immunosuppression on their performance in IBD patients.Methods: We searched MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane databases (2011–2018) for studies testing TST and IGRA in IBD. Primary outcome was TST and IGRA concordance. Secondary outcomes were effects of immunosuppressive therapy on performance. Immunosuppression defined as either steroids, thiopurine, methotrexate or cyclosporine use. We used the pooled random effects model to adjust for heterogeneity analyzed using (I2–Q statistics). We compared the fixed model to exclude smaller study effects.Results: Sixteen studies (2,488 patients) were included. Pooled TST and IGRA concordance was 85% (95% confidence interval [CI], 81%–88%; P=0.01). Effects of immunosuppression were reported in 8 studies (814 patients). The odds ratio of testing positive by IGRA decreased to 0.57 if immunosuppressed (95% CI, 0.31–1.03; P=0.06). The odds ratio of testing positive by TST if immunosuppressed was 1.14 (95% CI, 0.61–2.12; P=0.69). The fixed model yielded similar results, however the negative effect of immunosuppression on IGRA reached statistical significance (P=0.01).Conclusions: While concordance was 85% between TST and IGRA, the performance of IGRA seems to be negatively affected by immunosuppression. Given the importance of detecting latent tuberculosis prior to anti-TNF initiation, further randomized controlled trials comparing the performance of TST and IGRA in IBD patients are needed.
Applicant’s Self Confidence Influence in Employment Interview Process According to Recruiters Perceptions. An Exploratory Study in Greece
Authors: Dimopoulos Andreas
Published: March 2020

Self confidence, self esteem and self efficacy are widely common terms in job search effectiveness according to literature. There is a consensus in a large extent that candidates’ self confidence during interview process has significant influence and affects recruiters’ decisions and respectively hiring results. This study aims to search the significance of employee candidates’ self confidence and its relative impact in recruiters, employers, hiring decisions during employment interview. For this purpose, an empirical research has been conducted in order to explore the importance and relative impact of candidates’ self-confidence in a sample of two hundred and sixty recruiters’, personnel managers’ and employers in Greece about the impact of candidates’ self confidence, might have in their hiring decisions, during interview selection process. The significance of candidates self confidence was measured according to three specific dimensions of the recruiters decisions, which were in particular, the possibility of hiring them, the possibility of consider them as suitable for the position they applied for, and thirdly for the possibility of giving them a chance for a second interview. The three measures were analysed each one individually, and then unified in one, with the term hireability- sellectability. The new index has been tested for cronbach’s alpha measure of reliability, taking high acceptant value. Results show that employee candidates’ self confidence has significant influence and affect recruiters’ decisions and selection outcomes regarding this index. There is also significant impact of candidate’s self confidence, in all three of interviewers’ decisions options as in particular, to hire the candidates, to consider them suitable for the position and to invite them in a second interview.
Evaluation of the Effects of Various Preparations of Dichlorvos-Treated Beans on the Biochemical and Haematological Parameters of Male Wistar Albino Rats
Authors: Nwauzobilom Darlington O. , Nwuke Paulinus C. , Odo Christian E.
Published: March 2020

This study was aimed at evaluating the hepatotoxicity, haematological and antioxidant effects of differently prepared (parboiled and un-parboiled) beans treated with sniper (i.e. a dichlorvos insecticide) and fed to albino Wistar rats. Thirty (30) male albino wistar rats of known body weight were assigned into six (6) groups of 5 rats each. The beans were treated with 0.7 ml (high dose) and 0.3 ml (low dose) of dichlorvos per one kg of beans. Group 1 and group 2 of un-parboiled beans compounded with standard feed stock, group 3 and group 4 were fed with high dose and low dose of parboiled beans compounded with feed stock, group 5 received beans only while group 6 received standard feed for a period of 30 days. The rats were euthanized, and blood samples were collected after the termination of the study. The increases in the activities of liver enzymes (ALT, AST and ALP) in the rats sera of different groups showed a hepatocellular damage as a result of dichlorvos toxicity which also significantly (P<0.05) decreased the activities of the antioxidant enzymes (GSH, GPx, SOD, CAT) in the rats of groups fed with un-parboiled beans unlike the groups fed with parboiled beans which were non-significantly decreased. There was significant increase in the malondialdehyde concentration of the rats of the groups fed with un-parboiled beans when compared to group 6 rats. Dose dependent variations were seen in the packed cell volume (PCV), white blood cell (WBC), haemoglobin (Hb) and platelet. However, a reduced concentration of red blood cell count (RBC) for the un-parboiled groups and an increase in the parboiled group were seen, although both were not significant (P<0.05). Consumption of un-parboiled beans exposes consumers to the risk of dichlorvos contamination and its harmful effects as seen in this study, hence there is need for the parboiling of beans which helps to reduce the dichlorvos residues deposited on beans.
PARTIDOS POLÍTICOS, ORGANIZAR-SE PARA NÃO PERECER: REVISITANDO A TEORIA DE ROBERT MICHELS.
Authors: Alcantra Adriana Soares
Published: March 2020

RESUMO: O presente artigo objetiva estabelecer uma relação entre a formação e a existência dos partidos políticos no Brasil e a doutrina de Robert Michels analisando, para tanto, desde os procedimentos previstos para a criação de partidos, a estrutura das agremiações, a hierarquia observada na composição e manutenção dos diretórios provisórios e na ausência de participação dos filiados na vida político partidária. Ressalta-se no trabalho o entendimento firmado por Michels quando estudou o partido socialista alemão e indicou as falhas, os conflitos, os pontos altos e baixos das organizações e a partir dai busca-se um paralelo com as agremiações partidárias existentes no Brasil. Utilizar-se-ão dados estatísticos extraídos do site da Justiça Eleitoral acerca da situação dos partidos políticos e o número de filiados distribuídos no período de 2014 a 2018. Há ainda uma análise acerca do procedimento de formação dos partidos políticos no Brasil sugerindo, ao final, uma reflexão acerca da real participação dos eleitores no sistema partidário brasileiro e do papel dos partidos políticos no exercício da representação política, buscando delimitar quais as funções que mais se conectam e em que momento elas tomam corpo na existência de cada partido político.
Who Governs a Movement? The IAAF and Road-Running—Historical and Contemporary Considerations
Authors: Krieger Jörg , Henning April
Published: March 2020

During the 1970s and the 1980s, road-running experienced an extraordinary growth in terms of participants and running events. Even though the runners mainly participated for reasons of well-being and fitness, and less for competition, the world governing body of track and field, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), attempted to govern and profit off the running movement from the end of the 1970s onward. This paper utilizes previously unexamined historical sources such as IAAF Council and Commission minutes to analyze the IAAF’s approach to the road-running movement against the background of elite sport’s increasing commercialization and professionalization at the end of the amateur era. It will be demonstrated that the federation did not understand road-running on its own terms as a mass health-and-fitness movement but approached it as a track-and-field discipline. These misunderstandings led to friction with many road-running stakeholder groups.
A new and rapid micropropagation protocol for Eucalyptus grandis Hill ex Maiden
Authors: Di-Gaudio Anabel-Viviana , Tubert Esteban , Laino Leandro-Ezequiel , Chaín Jose-María , Pitta-Alvarez Sandra-Irene , Amodeo Gabriela , Regalado-Gonzalez Jose-Javier
Published: March 2020

Aim of the study: We developed a faster micropropagation protocol specifically designed for Eucalyptus grandis. Eucalyptus breeding programs use micropropagation protocols to obtain high quality cloned seedlings, but current protocols are excessively time consuming.Area of the study: The protocol has been developed in Argentina, but it can be applied in anywhere.Materials and methods: We used nodal segments as initial explants to obtain micropropagated shoots, which were then simultaneously rooted ex vitro and acclimated in a hydroponic system. Nodal segments were cultured in a MS medium supplemented with 1 mg l-1 6-benzylaminopurine, 30 g l-1 sucrose, 1 g l-1 active charcoal and 8 g l-1 agar and incubated for four weeks at 25 ± 2°C under 16 h day photoperiod. Then, micropropagated shoots were exposed 15 seconds to 5000 ppm indol-butyric acid prior to being transferred to a hydroponic system, allowing simultaneous ex vitro rooting and acclimatization.Main results: 73 ± 9% of nodal segments grew to generate 1.73 ± 1.03 shoots per explant (length: 0.76 ± 0.44 cm). After four weeks in hydroponic system, 46 ± 4 % of micropropagated shoots developed roots, which represents an acceptable and intermediate rate of success, compared to the reported in vitro rooting rates.Research highlights: Our protocol allowed to obtain micropropagated seedlings in a total timespan of 8 weeks. Our results show that, by utilizing a hydroponic system, traditional protocols to micropropagate Eucalyptus can be substantially enhanced, allowing for improved production dynamics and potentially resulting in better organized seedling manufacturing facilities.Keywords: Woody plants; silviculture; nursery seedlings; rooting methods; hydroponics; acclimatization.
The Orthopaedic Political Action Committee: Growth and Influence Over 20 Years
Authors: Calcei Jacob G. , Delanois Ronald E. , Lajam Claudette M. , Gill John T. , Freedman Brett A.
Published: March 2020

The Political Action Committee (PAC) of the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons, also known as the OrthoPAC, is one of the most powerful and well-respected healthcare PACs in Washington, DC. Since its inception in 1999, the OrthoPAC has advocated at the federal level for orthopaedic patients and orthopaedic surgery as a profession. This manuscript will familiarize the reader with PACs, the history and structure of the OrthoPAC, important accomplishments of the OrthoPAC, current legislative positions, and leadership/organization. We also review the various ways that orthopaedic surgeons can engage in advocacy for musculoskeletal care.
Consumer Preferences for Solar Energy: A Choice Experiment Study
Authors: Mamkhezri Jamal , Thacher Jennifer A. , Chermak Janie M.
Published: March 2020

Electricity generation in the United States is rapidly moving towards integrating more renewables into the system due to several factors, including cost competitiveness, consumer preferences, and state and federal policies, such as production and income tax incentives, renewable portfolio standards (RPSs), and state level subsidies for solar energy. While these policies have been researched comprehensively, in this paper we investigate consumer preference and willingness to pay toward renewable energy. Consumer preferences may impact the type of renewable energy utilized, as well as state-determined RPS requirements. We implement a choice experiment survey to gain understanding of consumer preferences and their preference heterogeneity. We conduct the survey in New Mexico, a state with RPS and great potential for renewables, particularly in solar where it ranks third in the U.S. for that potential. Focusing on the consumers of the state’s major utility, our choice experiment considers an increase in renewable energy and preference for different types of solar energy (rooftop solar and solar farm). We control for location heterogeneity (i.e., rural vs. urban), as well as exposure to solar installations. Utilizing multinomial logit and random parameter logit our results suggest respondents support an increased RPS solar requirement and they have a positive marginal willingness to pay (MWTP) for rooftop solar and smart meter installation. These values are impacted by several factors, including location and exposure to solar. We also observe a distance decay effect on respondents’ MWTP for different solar plans. For regulators considering additional RPS levels, or utilities considering solar installations, the results provide improved information on consumer preferences, heterogeneity of response, and MWTP for solar energy.
The (time-varying) Importance of Oil Prices to U.S. Stock Returns: A Tale of Two Beauty-Contests
Authors: Broadstock David C. , Filis George
Published: March 2020

We evaluate the probability that oil prices affect excess stock returns for U.S. listed firms. The probabilities are obtained from a time-varying multi-factor asset pricing framework estimated using dynamic model averaging techniques, including oil price information among several other possible risk factors. Two widely used oil price measures are considered, one based on raw oil price changes and another based on disentangling the source of oil price changes due to supply-side or demand-side effects. As far as we know our dataset, which comprises 10,118 stock price series with up to 25,372,588 observations between 1995-2018, is the most comprehensive used for this purpose. We develop two “beauty-contests” in which we estimate the multi-factor models separately for individual stocks, for each of the two oil price measures. The results suggests that, when working with daily data (beauty contest 1), oil price changes are a significant (important) determinant for around 1-3% of the sample. When using oil price shocks-as opposed to oil price changes-(beauty contest 2) this percentage increases to 27-45%, suggesting that oil supply and demand shocks (as opposed to oil price changes) can better explain firm-level excess returns, at least for monthly frequency data where such a decomposition is available. We provide evidence that the increase in percentage is only partially attributable to data-frequency, and more likely attributed to the decomposition into supply/demand driven oil price changes. We reconcile differences between our findings and those reported in previous literature on the basis of the fully dynamic nature of our adopted methodology.
Energy R&D Investments and Emissions Abatement Policy
Authors: Yin Di , Chang Youngho
Published: March 2020

The study examines the interactions of the energy R&D investments and the CO2 abatement policy using an endogenous energy R&D climate-economy model. Energy R&D investments affect the carbon emissions directly through efficiency improvements and indirectly by changing the comparative advantages of resources.

This study considers the R&D investments in energy efficiency and low-carbon technology and explores how energy R&D investments accelerate the energy transition from fossil fuels to low-carbon technology. Three policies of carbon abatements are considered, namely, the optimal policy, the 2 ଌ policy, and the 1.5 ଌ policy. From the perspectives of benefits and costs, the optimal policy leads to the least abatement costs compared to the other two abatement policies. This study indicates that the more restrictive the abatement policy is, the more severe economic damage is caused in the short run, but more economic welfare is gained in the long run.