bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quality Requirement for Academic Programs to Obtain Quality Certification and Accreditation
Authors: Jaber Louay Nasser
Published: July 2019

This research aims to obtain the quality and accreditation certificate from the Council of Quality Assurance and Accreditation in the Arab Universities Union for the Department of Economics of Investment and Resources Management , The research department evaluates the academic program of the ten main areas of the main requirements of the quality of the academic programs, but there is weakness in the application of some indicators, elements and characteristics of each of the main areas of the quality of academic programs and this is the problem of research. The importance of the research to achieve the evaluation of all the main requirements of the quality of academic programs as well as the identification of strengths to support them and weaknesses to processing each area and the implications of each area of indicators and elements and characteristics must be achieved as prerequisites for progression obtaining a certificate of quality and accreditation,                                                                                                                                                The Department of Economics of Investment Management and Resources Department of the distinct departments for the corresponding sections of the four disciplines grouped in the Department (Management, Economics, Accounting and Statistics), which should obtain the certificate of quality and accreditation through conducting self-evaluation studies of academic programs to improve the quality of performance according to International standards to support the strengths and processing weaknesses in the main areas of quality requirements for academic programs.

     This research has reached to a group of conclusions and recommendations. The most important of these is a self-assessment of all the ten main requirements and areas, but there is no application of some of the indicators, elements and characteristics, Therefore, the recommendations of the need to establish a subcommittee in the department means to carry out and follow-up the self-assessment of all the requirements of the quality of academic programs and the implications of each of the elements and indicators and the diagnosis of strengths and weaknesses to be processing and thus to report the application of all the requirements of the quality of academic programs and this leads to obtaining the academic program of the department quality and accreditation.
Job Ethics and their Role in Promoting Knowledge Management Processes
Authors: Sharif Ahmed Azan , Hassan Mohsen Osman , Jamil Breeshan Marouf
Published: July 2019

The current research aims to analyze the role of job ethics in knowledge management in its dimensions (finding and building knowledge, knowledge creation, knowledge sharing, knowledge organization) in the opinion of a sample of faculty members at the university.

The research presented a theoretical conceptual framework for the main and secondary variables. The humanitarian faculties at the University of Salahaddin-Erbil were selected as field fields.

The research was based on an analytical approach, and a set of hypotheses was identified as "guessing" answers to the problem of the research, which were tested using multiple statistical tools. The questionnaire was distributed to 112 teachers in 6 humanitarian colleges at Salahuddin University.

The research concluded that there is a good level of both work ethic and knowledge management in the faculties that are being investigated. This confirms the keenness of these colleges to practice the work ethic of the university teaching job and to create the appropriate climate for knowledge management. The research recommended the necessity of forming a committee in each faculty composed of heads of scientific departments and some experienced teachers And the skill to supervise the application of the principle of job ethics in those colleges
The Requirements of Quality of Higher Education and its Impact on the Achievement of Organizational Excellence
Authors: Hafez Abdel Nasser Alak , Hamid Wafa Adnan
Published: July 2019

The purpose of this research is to highlight the relationship between the requirements of quality of higher education and the organizational excellence of a sample of faculties of the universities of Baghdad and Al-Nahrain. The research sought to achieve a set of objectives, the most important of which are: To recognize the nature of the requirements of quality of higher education, to demonstrate and diagnose quality requirements, Influential relations between the requirements of quality of higher education and organizational excellence. The current research started from a problem expressed by several questions, namely: (What is the nature and level of some quality requirements in the investigated universities? What is the level of recognition of the dimensions of organizational excellence by the sample members in the investigated universities?) Does quality lead to achieving organizational excellence in the investigated universities? The correlation between higher education quality requirements and organizational excellence? Is there an impact between the requirements of quality of higher education and organizational excellence?). Based on this problem and objectives, and to clarify the relationship between the variables of research, we formulated two hypotheses, which were separated by five sub-hypotheses. The questionnaire was selected as a tool for data collection and analysis, as well as personal interviews on the practical side of the research. A sample of 88 members of the departments and teaching staff at the faculties of engineering and law at the universities of Baghdad and Nahrin were selected. The research found a number of conclusions, the most important of which were: All the correlation relations for the quality of higher education and organizational excellence were strong and significant, and the relations of influence were all significant. Which indicates the role of the quality of higher education in influencing the achievement of organizational excellence of universities.
Teaching English as a Foreign Language in Iraq
Authors: Al - Noori Bushra Saadoon
Published: July 2019

Baghdad University is located in Baghdad; the Capital of Iraq, consists of many colleges via Sciences and Humanities , for example: College of languages, College of Arts, College of Education for Women and College of Education /Ibn Rushd and others. Each one of these Colleges consists of various departments. Our department is the English Department for four academic years. In the First year, we have four sections of more than fifty students each. Our students are boys and girls and all of them are going to be English Language Teachers because all these four academic years will make them qualified to be so. The government helps them to find jobs immediately after graduation. In these four years, our students spend 45 days in schools as a student - teacher and the staff members are visiting those two or three times to evaluate them in relation to the method of teaching and daily plan. Staff members will evaluate the way of treating the pupils in the secondary school, their way of teaching, their confidence inside the classrooms and many other points.
Harmonizing Some Solutions For E-Learning And Online Learning
Authors: Ahmed Amjed Abbas , Najim Ali Hamza
Published: July 2019

This paper presents a descriptive information for the E-Learning, its design and development as well as the application and its management taking into consideration of its major components. In recent times, E-Learning applications has done one major thing: remove distance as a barrier toward learning. E-Learning applications in form of online or virtual classrooms has been embraced especially in environments that have the facility to accommodate it. However, recent trends has caused a lot of reputable institutions to re-examine their respective model: the mode at which education is disseminated to their student population as Online Classrooms increased competitions among institutions all over the world. The aim of this paper is to examine E-Learning, the effects it already has on learning and future implications it might have on the education industry as its recent solutions provide outstanding features that makes people question the importance and relevance of institutions with physical infrastructures. The sample size taken into consideration is the student population of Imam Kadhim (a) College for Islamic Science, Iraq. There are also a couple of E-Learning Systems and software online and for the sake of this paper, Edx.org will be used a reference system.
The Reality Of Scientific Research In Iraqi Universities And Ways Of Upgrading
Authors: Nasser Hussein Aliwi
Published: July 2019

The fields of scientific research expanded with the development of human civilization, where science was a practice of verbal description. It underwent a lot of change and development, and the Arabs had a long history in the field of science and scientists. The scientific messages contained the facts, theories and perceptions of the finest that can be obtained in any Another place of the world (1).

      The objective of the research is to study the concept of scientific research in Iraq and to show its role in the service of society, and it is natural to face difficulties and obstacles, because upgrading it according to available possibilities. The research also dealt with the impact of Iraqi universities as the main incubator for scientific research.

     As for the survey tools used in the research or the method used, the information was derived from different sources. The analytical descriptive descriptive approach was used in studying many of the developments and variables that accompanied the historical development of scientific research. As it is said, history is the "forefather of human sciences and (2), we are part of history, and one day we will turn to history, and history was the future of a date before and prior to the previous history. To understand the present, it is necessary to study the past in all its dimensions and to understand it in a way that helps us to predict the future and give the closest expectations to accuracy and realism.

      With regard to the sources of the study, it relied on the official sources and references in the field of scientific research, as well as the translated Arabic references
Alternativne žitarice u Srbiji u sistemu održive poljoprivredne proizvodnje
Authors: Đurić Nenad , Cvijanović Vojin , Glamočlija Milena , Popović Vera , Dozet Gordana , Janković Snežana , Glamočlija Đorđe
Published: July 2019

Suvremena ratarska proizvodnja ima izraženo geografsko, ekološko, ekonomsko i društveno obilježje. Prema navedenim osobinama može se podijeliti na tradicionalnu, konvencionalnu i održivu poljoprivredu. Tradicionalna ratarska proizvodnja u nas prevladava na malim obiteljskim imanjima. Poljoprivredni proizvodi koriste se za potrebe članova domaćinstva i ostaje malo tržišnih viškova. Unapređenje ovog sistema proizvodnje je u izmjeni strukture sjetve, odnosno uvođenju alternativnih ratarskih vrsta čiji proizvodi imaju veću tržišnu vrijednost. Za male farmere interesantan je i sistem održive poljoprivredne proizvodnje u okviru čega se izdvajaju tri sistema uzgajanja ratarskih biljaka. To su dobra poljoprivredna praksa, integralna i organska (ekološka ili biološka) poljoprivredna proizvodnja. Ukoliko se proizvođači odluče za neki od ova tri sistema uzgajanja, biljne vrste iz grupe alternativnih žita mogu biti pravi izbor, jer osiguravaju tržište kvalitetnim i zdravstveno sigurnim prehrambenim proizvodima. Prije nego što se odluče za ove sisteme proizvodnje farmeri treba da steknu neophodna predznanja.
Gospodarski važni virusi jezgričavog voća
Authors: Ivić Dario
Published: July 2019

Virusi jabuke, kruške ili dunje relativno su slabo poznati stručnjacima i
voćarima. Najvažnijim virusima koji se javljaju na jezgričavim voćnim vrstama smatraju se virus mozaika jabuke (Apple mosaic virus, ApMV), virus klorotične pjegavosti lista jabuke (Apple chlorotic leaf spot virus, ACLSV), virus brazdavosti debla jabuke (Apple stem grooving virus, ASGV) i virus jamičavosti debla jabuke (Apple stem pitting virus,ASPV). U radu je ukratko opisana njihova važnost, biologija i regulativni status, kao i osnovne mjere zaštite.
Olive growing in Herzegovina
Authors: Biško Ante , Prlić Marija , Barbarić Miro , Leko Marijo
Published: July 2019

The cultivation of olive trees (Olea europaea L.) has been expanding in Herzegovina significantly in the last fifteen years. In the past olives were principally grown in the hinterland of Neum, while in recent years the olive groves have been spreading throughout other parts of Herzegovina, in particular in the vicinity of the town of Ljubuški. Most
common are the small family plantations. However, in some cases, there are plantations of several to 50 hectares. In the past fifteen years approximately 300 hectares of olive groves were planted. Unfortunately, in some cases, not enough attention was paid to the selection of sites in terms of appropriate soil- and microecological conditions, and to the
selection of pollinators. The most common variety is Oblica, autochthonous Croatian variety, characterized by good tolerance to poor and shallow soil, drought and low temperatures. Oblica is followed by Istarska bjelica, Leccino and Pendolino, which together make up about 90% of varieties. Less commonly grown varieties include Carolea, Levantinka and Buža (approximately 10% of varieties). Several autochthonous Croatian varieties and some introduced varieties are being
used as pollinators. Levantinka (that is commonly used as Oblica’s pollinator in Croatia) proved to be sensitive to frost in Herzegovina, so it should be used only to a limited extend in appropriate sites, or it should be omitted. The situation is similar with the variety Pendolino which showed, compared to the Oblica, more sensitive to frost,
and the growers have to be cautious if planning to use it as a pollinator. In the future it is necessary to: a) carry out professional monitoring and evaluation of varieties already planted in different agro-ecological conditions of Herzegovina, b) include new potentially valuable varieties in the pre-introduction variety testing, c) pay special attention to the issue of pollinator for Oblica, seeing that it is a valuable variety resistant to low temperatures, whose pollinators Levantinka and Lastovka are, on the contrary, sensitive to frost.
On the front line?
Authors: Boyd Melanie , Amedegnato Ozouf Senamin
Published: July 2019

Is there room for war metaphor in academic libraries? Is there a good, or justifiable, reason for its use? In this paper, we argue the answer to these questions is no. The paper will discuss the nature of metaphor in general, the effects of its use, and why those effects matter. Grounded in this discussion, it will consider and analyze the use of war metaphor, specifically in the academic library world. Finally, it will offer suggestions for how, through individual and collective effort, the metaphor of war might be purged from the academic library lexicon.
Planting Base Value of Hardworking Character Education through Ulid Novel
Authors: Septiadi Hidayat Nur
Published: July 2019

Important hard work characters are taught for the younger generation today so that researchers are interested in describing and explaining the values of character education in hard work in Ulid's novel by Mahfud Ikhwan. This novel tells the story of the struggle of poor families to send their eldest children from kindergarten to high school with various struggles and hard work in his life. The actions that the characters to bring out the character values of hard work that are proven through the attitude and every dialogue of the characters. This study included descriptive qualitative with note-taking techniques and literature studies. The results of data analysis of hard work character values are known to 9 frequencies, including unyielding characters, passionate characters, active working characters, earnest characters, the full character of confidence in acting, the full character of the struggle for life, independent practice character, cooperative character, and characters fight together.
Antisickling and Antibacterial Activities of Anthocleista schweinfurthii Gilg. (Gentianaceae) from Non-human Primates Pharmacopoeia in Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Ngunde-te-Ngunde Samy , Lengbiye Emmanuel Moke , Joseph Tshidibi Dipa , Franck Kengo Velantia , Djolu Ruphin D. , Mesango Colette Ashande , Gbolo Benjamin Z. , Jeff Iteku Bekomo , Mpiana Pius Tshimankinda , Ngbolua Koto-te-Nyiwa
Published: July 2019

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the Chemical composition and bioactivity of Anthocleista schweinfurthii Gilg (Gentianaceae) fruits, leaves, root bark and stem bark extracts against Sickle cell disease (SCD) and associated bacteria. The antisickling and antibacterial activities were carried out using Emmel and micro-dilution methods respectively. The results revealed that the fruits, leaves, root bark and stem bark extracts  of A. schweinfurthii contains various secondary metabolites such as the alkaloids, saponins, total polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, anthocyanis, leuco-anthocyanins and quinones.  The ethyl acetate and methanol extracts displayed antisickling activity. While, the antibacterial activity of different plant extracts tested was weak toward tested bacterial strains (CMI ≥125μg/mL). The antibacterial activity can be improved by bio-guided fractionation of the n-hexane, ethyl acetate or methanol soluble fraction. This study provides for the first time a scientific basis for the in vitro antisickling activity of A. schweinfurthii.
Características clínicas de vulvovaginitis por cándida albicans en mujeres en edad reproductiva
Authors: Barraza Guimarrea Nathaly Lisseth , Ayala-Peralta Félix , Izaguirre-Lucano Humberto , Luna-Figueroa Antonio , Carranza-Asmat César
Published: July 2019

Objetivo: Determinar las características clínicas de la infección vulvovaginal por Candida albicans (CVV) en mujeres en edad reproductiva.  Materiales y métodos: Investigación observacional, descriptiva, retrospectiva y transversal. Se incluyó una muestra de 120 mujeres con diagnóstico de infección vulvovaginal por Candida Albicans atendidas en consulta externa en el Instituto Nacional Materno Perinatal periodo 2018. Resultados: La prevalencia de infección vulvovaginal por Candida albicans fue 28%. Las características sociodemográficas fueron, edad mediana con 53,3%, estado civil conviviente 39,2%, instrucción superior 49,2% y ama de casa 53,3%. Respecto a las características ginecológicas incluyeron número de parejas sexuales 2,1±0,8, uso de anticonceptivo depoprovera con 35% y anticonceptivo oral combinado 28,3%; hábitos de higiene íntima ocasional 61,7%.  La sintomatología predominante fue prurito en 100%, flujo genital blanquecino  99,2%  e irritación vulvar 55,7%. Conclusión: La prevalencia de CVV  fue  28%. Sintomatología  clínica predominante fue prurito vulvar  y  flujo genital blanquecino.
Manejo de un aborto frustro en paciente con útero doble más tabique vaginal longitudinal
Authors: Limay-Rios Antonio , Ayala-Peralta Félix , Toro-Quioz Rosa , Tupac-Molleda Junior , Valle-Sandoval Victor , Vicencio-Salazar Liliam , Vasquez-Ochoa Pedro , Yauri-Huaman Martin , Quispe José
Published: July 2019

Paciente de 32 años que de manera incidental se descubre un útero didelfo, a la especuloscopía presentaba un tabique vaginal longitudinal total; en la ecografía vaginal se evidencio dos cavidades endouterinas separadas, dos canales cervicales y la presencia de embrión inactivo de seis semanas en cavidad izquierda; tras el diagnóstico de aborto frustro se le realiza una aspiración manual endouterina (AMEU) con guía ecográfica, no se logra acceder a cavidad uterina izquierda, siendo fallido este proceso en varias oportunidades; se re examina el canal vaginal y  se encuentra un orificio vaginal anterior superior lateral izquierdo, con entrada de un pulpejo de dedo, en el cual se ingresa y evidencia cuello cervical izquierdo; este orificio fue ampliado en su abertura luego del cual se introdujo la cánula de aspiración previamente curvada, para que con ayuda ecográfica se proceda a realizar el aspirado el cual fue exitoso. Las malformaciones müllerianas tienen un sin número de variedades, es la experiencia del médico lo que determina resolviendo el caso
UJI KOMPARASI KADAR TESTOSTERON SERUM PADA BERBAGAI DERAJAT KEPARAHAN AKNE VULGARIS LAKI-LAKI
Authors: Setianingrum Firmina Kus , SHW Tantari , Widiatmoko Arif
Published: July 2019

Hormon testosteron merupakan prekursor adrenal poten yang menyebabkan peningkatan ukuran, sekresi, serta fungsi kelenjar sebasea dengan mengikat reseptor adrenal, peningkatan proliferasi keratinosit folikuler yang dapat menyumbat kanal pilosebasea dan mengakibatkan obstruksi aliran sebum, sehingga terjadi pembentukan mikrokomedo, sebagai lesi awal akne vulgaris (AV).Tujuan penelitian menentukan kadar testosteron serum dan uji beda kadar testosteron serum pada berbagai derajat keparahan AV. Metode penelitian secara potong lintang. Subyek penelitian adalah pasien AV laki-laki umur 13-30 tahun di instalasi rawat jalan (IRJ) Kulit dan Kelamin RSUD dr. Saiful Anwar, Malang, yang memenuhi kriteria penerimaan dan penolakan. Jumlah subyek 63 orang, terdiri dari AV derajat ringan, sedang, dan berat masing-masing berjumlah 21 orang.Hasil penelitian didapatkan rerata kadar testosteron serum AV ringan 6,66 ng/mL, AV sedang 8,11 ng/mL, dan AV berat 8,97 ng.mL. Komparasi rerata kadar testosteron serum ketiga derajat keparahan AV tidak menunjukkan perbedaan bermakna (p>0,05). Demikian pula hasil uji post hoc untuk mengetahui perbedaan kadar testosteron serum pada masing-masing derajat keparahan AV, yaitu AV ringan dengan sedang, ringan dengan berat dan sedang dengan berat menunjukkan hasil perbedaan tidak bermakna (p>0,05), walaupun nilai rerata pada masing-masing derajat keparahan AV lebih tinggi dibandingkan nilai normal.Disimpulkan tidak ada perbedaan bermakna kadar testosteron serum pada berbagai derajat keparahan AV.Kata kunci: hormon testosteron, akne vulgaris, laki-laki
Variational Calculus Approach to Optimal Interception Task of a Ballistic Missile in 1D and 2D Cases
Authors: Horla Dariusz
Published: July 2019

The paper presents the application of variational calculus to achieve the optimal design of the open-loop control law in the process of anti-ballistic missile interception task. It presents the analytical results in the form of appropriate Euler–Lagrange equations for three different performance indices, with a simple model of the rocket and the missile, based on the conservation of momentum principle. It also presents the software program enabling rapid simulation of the interception process with selected parameters, parametric analysis, as well as easy potential modification by other researchers, as it is written in open code as m-function of Matlab.
Contrasting Effects of NaCl and NaHCO3 Stresses on Seed Germination, Seedling Growth, Photosynthesis, and Osmoregulators of the Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)
Authors: Yu Song , Yu Lihe , Hou Yulong , Zhang Yifei , Guo Wei , Xue Yingwen
Published: July 2019

The common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), the most important food legume for human nutrition globally, contributes greatly to the improvement of soil fertility in semi-dry lands where most of the soil is already salinized or alkalized, such as in the Songnen Plain of China. In this study, we investigated the effects of salt stress (neutral and alkaline) on the salt-tolerant common bean. Seed germination, seedling growth, photosynthesis, and osmotic adjustment were assessed. Neutral and alkaline salt growth environments were simulated using NaCl and NaHCO3, respectively. The results indicated that at ≥60 mmol·L−1, both NaCl and NaHCO3 caused significant delays in seedling emergence and decreased seedling emergence rates. NaHCO3 stress suppressed seedling survival regardless of concentration; however, only NaCl concentrations >60 mmol·L−1 had the same effect. Alkaline salt stress remarkably suppressed photosynthesis and seedling establishment. The common bean compensated for the increase in inorganic anion concentration (influx of Na+) by synthesizing more organic acids and soluble sugars. This adaptive mechanism enabled the common bean to balance the large inflow of cations for maintaining a stable cell pH environment under alkaline salt stress.
Does in Ovo Injection of Two Chicken Strains with Royal Jelly Impact Hatchability, Post-Hatch Growth Performance and Haematological and Immunological Parameters in Hatched Chicks?
Authors: Taha Ayman E. , AbdAllah Osama A. , Attia Khalil M. , Abd El-Karim Ragaa E. , Abd El-Hack Mohamed E. , El-Edel Mohamed A. , Saadeldin Islam M. , Hussein Elsayed O. S. , Swelum Ayman A.
Published: July 2019

The hypothesis of the present work was that the effects of in ovo injection may differ in different chicken strains. The influence of in ovo royal jelly (RJ) injection on hatching, growth and blood parameters in two chicken strains (Dokki-4 and El-Salam as example for different strains) was evaluated. A total of 1080 eggs were used. On the seventh day of incubation, the eggs were randomly allocated into six experimental groups in a 2 × 3 arrangement that included the two chicken strains and three concentrations of RJ (0, 0.25 and 0.5 mL RJ/egg). Injection with 0.5 mL RJ/egg improved hatchability compared to the other treatments. The El-Salam strain exhibited significantly higher body weight and body weight gain than the Dokki-4 strain. Injection with 0.5 mL RJ/egg significantly (p < 0.05) improved chicken body weight and daily weight gain compared to the control treatment. RJ injection decreased blood lipid profile parameters and the numbers of monocytes and eosinophils and increased total protein, globulin, haemoglobin (Hb) and lymphocyte levels compared to the control treatment. The Dokki-4 strain showed significantly higher antibody titres against avian influenza virus (AIV) (p < 0.05) and sheep red blood cells (SRBCs) (p < 0.0001) than the El-Salam strain and RJ injection enhanced antibody titres against AIV, Newcastle disease virus (NDV) and SRBCs. Therefore, the Dokki-4 strain was superior to the El-Salam strain for the tested parameters and injection with 0.5 mL RJ/egg produced the best hatching parameters, growth performance and health-related traits. RJ in ovo injection was much more effective in the Dokki-4 strain than in the El-Salam strain, which supported the hypothesis of the study that varying the chicken strain could alter the response to the in ovo injection with RJ.
Comparing and Contrasting Knowledge on Mules and Hinnies as a Tool to Comprehend Their Behavior and Improve Their Welfare
Authors: McLean Amy , Varnum Angela , Ali Ahmed , Heleski Camie , Navas González Francisco Javier
Published: July 2019

Mules and hinnies are the hybrids between donkeys (Equus asinus) and horses (Equus caballus). For centuries, mankind has used them for agrarian purposes, the military, or recreation. Contrasting literature with behavioral observations, we seek a better behavioral understanding andthus comprehensive solutions for their welfare enhancement. Over the past 6 years, we have assessed physical and behavioral welfare in over 900 mules by surveying owners from Egypt, Peru, Portugal, Spain, Mexico, and the U.S. These mules participated in shows, brick kiln work, cart-pulling, packing, tourism, and cattle herding. Observations are discussed alongside facts from the literature. Unfortunately, their behavior has been misunderstood by many, and harsh treatment and equipment has been used to control them. Few studies have attempted to define or use learning theory to understand how and why mules and hinnies behave as they do. Hence, understanding their health considerations, natural behavior, and training theory is crucial for those who work with them.Solutions to welfare improvement partially lie in an individual’s ability to handle mules and hinnies from birth, and to proceed slowly through training. Conclusively, this review sets forth a clearer understanding of these hybrids’ behaviors and promotes positive handling, allowing their access to more routine healthcare and ultimately, a higher welfare standard.
Simulations of Monsoon Intraseasonal Oscillation Using Climate Forecast System Version 2: Insight for Horizontal Resolution and Moist Processes Parameterization
Authors: Tirkey Snehlata , Mukhopadhyay P. , Krishna R. Phani Murali , Dhakate Ashish , Salunke Kiran
Published: July 2019

In the present study, we analyze the Climate Forecast System version 2 (CFSv2) model in three resolutions, T62, T126, and T382. We evaluated the performance of all three resolutions of CFSv2 in simulating the Monsoon Intraseasonal Oscillation (MISO) of the Indian summer monsoon (ISM) by analyzing a suite of dynamic and thermodynamic parameters. Results reveal a slower northward propagation of MISO in all models with the characteristic northwest–southeast tilted rain band missing over India. The anomalous moisture convergence and vorticity were collocated with the convection center instead of being northwards. This affected the northward propagation of MISO. The easterly shear to the north of the equator was better simulated by the coarser resolution models than CFS T382. The low level specific humidity showed improvement only in CFS T382 until ~15° N. The analyses of the vertical profiles of moisture and its relation to rainfall revealed that all CFSv2 resolutions had a lower level of moisture in the lower level (< 850 hPa) and a drier level above. This eventually hampered the growth of deep convection in the model. These model shortcomings indicate a possible need of improvement in moist process parameterization in the model in tune with the increase in resolution.
Simulating Canadian Arctic Climate at Convection-Permitting Resolution
Authors: Diro Gulilat Tefera , Sushama Laxmi
Published: July 2019

Inadequate representation and parameterization of sub-grid scale features and processes are one of the main sources for uncertainties in regional climate change projections, particularly for the Arctic regions where the climate change signal is amplified. Increasing model resolution to a couple of kilometers will be helpful in resolving some of these challenges, for example to better simulate convection and refined land heterogeneity and thus land–atmosphere interactions. A set of multi-year simulations has been carried out for the Canadian Arctic domain at 12 km and 3 km resolutions using limited-area version of the global environmental multi-scale (GEM) model. The model is integrated for five years driven by the fifth generation of the European Centre for medium-range weather forecast reanalysis (ERA-5) at the lateral boundaries. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of horizontal model resolution on the simulated surface climate variables. Results indicate that although some aspects of the seasonal mean values are deteriorated at times, substantial improvements are noted in the higher resolution simulation. The representation of extreme precipitation events during summer and the simulation of winter temperature are better captured in the convection-permitting simulation. Moreover, the observed temperature–extreme precipitation scaling is realistically reproduced by the higher resolution simulation. These results advocate for the use of convective-permitting resolution models for simulating future climate projections over the Arctic to support climate impact assessment studies such as those related to engineering applications and where high spatial and temporal resolution are beneficial.
Simulating Arctic Ice Clouds during Spring Using an Advanced Ice Cloud Microphysics in the WRF Model
Authors: Keita Setigui , Girard Eric , Raut Jean-Christophe , Pelon Jacques , Blanchet Jean-Pierre , Lemoine Olivier , Onishi Tatsuo
Published: July 2019

Two Types of Ice Clouds (TICs) have been characterized in the Arctic during the polar night and early spring. TIC-1 are composed by non-precipitating small ice crystals of less than 30 µm in diameter. The second type, TIC-2, are characterized by a low concentration of large precipitating ice crystals (>30 µm). Here, we evaluate the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model performance both in space and time after implementing a parameterization based on a stochastic approach dedicated to the simulation of ice clouds in the Arctic. Well documented reference cases provided us in situ data from the spring of 2008 Indirect and Semi-Direct Aerosol Campaign (ISDAC) campaign over Alaska. Simulations of the microphysical properties of the TIC-2 clouds on 15 and 25 April 2008 (polluted or acidic cases) and TIC-1 clouds on non-polluted cases are compared to DARDAR (raDAR/liDAR) satellite products. Our results show that the stochastic approach based on the classical nucleation theory, with the appropriate contact angle, is better than the original scheme in WRF model to represent TIC-1 and TIC-2 properties (ice crystal concentration and size) in response to the IN acidification.
Immunological Backbone of Uveal Melanoma: Is There a Rationale for Immunotherapy?
Authors: Rossi Ernesto , Schinzari Giovanni , Zizzari Ilaria Grazia , Maiorano Brigida Anna , Pagliara Monica Maria , Sammarco Maria Grazia , Fiorentino Vincenzo , Petrone Gianluigi , Cassano Alessandra , Rindi Guido , Bria Emilio , Blasi Maria Antonietta , Nuti Marianna , Tortora Giampaolo
Published: July 2019

No standard treatment has been established for metastatic uveal melanoma (mUM). Immunotherapy is commonly used for this disease even though UM has not been included in phase III clinical trials with checkpoint inhibitors. Unfortunately, only a minority of patients obtain a clinical benefit with immunotherapy. The immunological features of mUM were reviewed in order to understand if immunotherapy could still play a role for this disease.
Infectious Knockdown of CREB and HIF-1 for the Treatment of Metastatic Uveal Melanoma
Authors: Voropaev Hanna , Gimmelshein Vatkin Maria , Shneor Dudi , Luski Shahar , Honigman Alik , Frenkel Shahar
Published: July 2019

Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most prevalent primary intraocular cancer in adults. Up to half the patients develop metastases that are currently incurable, and most patients die within two years following the diagnosis of metastases. Therefore, novel therapeutic approaches are required. It has been established that tumor cells are more resistant to the hypoxia cue than non-malignant cells and can remain viable in hypoxia. Oxygen absence in hypoxic tumor areas means the absence of chemotherapeutics and the absence of the effector for radiotherapy (free oxygen radicals). To overcome this treatment resistance, we constructed MuLV-based replication-competent retroviral (RCR) vectors expressing shRNA targeting the hypoxia-response regulating genes CREB and HIF-1. These RCRs express shRNAs either against a single exon or against an exon and the poly-A signal to minimize the point-mutation resistance. These RCRs that only infect replicating cells will preferentially infect tumor cells. Pre-infected Mel270 UM subcutaneous xenografts in SCID mice were monitored weekly in vivo via bioluminescence. Here, we demonstrate that the knockdown of CREB or HIF-1 in UM cells dramatically decreases UM tumor progression. The reduction of the expression of Glut-1, which is a major glucose transporter in cancer cells, within tumors that are infected with the armed viruses may indicate UM’s dependence on glycolysis for tumor progression.
Assembly Mechanism and the Morphological Analysis of the Robust Superhydrophobic Surface
Authors: Kim Doeun , Sasidharanpillai Arun , Yun Ki Hoon , Lee Younki , Yun Dong-Jin , Park Woon Ik , Bang Jiwon , Lee Seunghyup
Published: July 2019

Robust superhydrophobic surfaces are fabricated on different substrates by a scalable spray coating process. The developed superhydrophobic surface consists of thin layers of surface functionalized silica nanoparticle (SiO2) bound to the substrate by acrylate-polyurethane (PU) binder. The influence of the SiO2/PU ratio on the superhydrophobicity, and the robustness of the developed surface, is systematically analyzed. The optimized SiO2/PU ratio for prepared superhydrophobic surfaces is obtained between 0.9 and 1.2. The mechanism which yields superhydrophobicity to the surface is deduced for the first time with the help of scanning electron microscopy and profilometer. The effect of mechanical abrasion on the surface roughness and superhydrophobicity are analyzed by using profilometer and contact angle measurement, respectively. Finally, it is concluded that the binder plays a key role in controlling the surface roughness and superhydrophobicity through the capillary mechanism. Additionally, the reason for the reduction in performance is also discussed with respect to the morphology variation.
Crystal Structure of Fosfomycin Tromethamine, (C4H12NO3)(C3H6O4P), from Synchrotron Powder Diffraction Data and Density Functional Theory
Authors: Butler Zachary R. , Kaduk James A. , Gindhart Amy M. , Blanton Thomas N.
Published: July 2019

The crystal structure of fosfomycin tromethamine has been solved and refined using synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction data, and optimized using density functional techniques. Fosfomycin tromethamine crystallizes in space group P1 (#1) with a = 6.20421(6), b = 9.00072(7), c = 10.91257(15) Å, α = 93.4645(5), β = 101.9734(3), γ = 99.9183(2)°, V = 584.285(2) Å3, and Z = 2. A network of discrete hydrogen bonds links the cations and anions into layers parallel to the ab-plane. The outer surfaces of the layers are composed of the methyloxirane rings of the anions and the methylene groups of the cations. Furthermore, 93% of the atoms are consistent with an additional (pseudo)center of symmetry. The powder pattern has been submitted to ICDD® for inclusion in the Powder Diffraction File™.
GIS-modeling of the Range Shifts of the Sub-fossil and Extant European Pond Turtle (Emys orbicularis) in Eastern Europe in Holocene
Authors: Nekrasova Oksana , Yanish Yevheniia , Tytar Volodymyr , Pupins Mihails
Published: July 2019

The study of the dynamics of the European pond turtle’s Emys orbicularis range and distribution as an indicator of climate change in the past, present, and future is most relevant in connection with the protected status of this species in Europe. Based on our original finds, 25 archaeological sites yielding 1623 remains of 1504 individuals of subfossil pond turtles, current marginal distribution in Latvia, Ukraine, Russia, and literature data, we analyzed 437 records of Holocene turtles and 2847 current records of pond turtles. We identified areas that could serve as refugia for E. orbicularis, as a result of GIS modeling, while using 19 bioclimatic variables from the Worldclim and PaleoClim data bases. The data obtained confirm current hypotheses regarding the origin of more than 10 mtDNA lineages of E. orbicularis and the existence of multiple glacial refugia, and considerable Holocene home range dynamics.
Urban Mobility Demand Profiles: Time Series for Cars and Bike-Sharing Use as a Resource for Transport and Energy Modeling
Authors: Noussan Michel , Carioni Giovanni , Sanvito Francesco Davide , Colombo Emanuela
Published: July 2019

The transport sector is currently facing a significant transition, with strong drivers including decarbonization and digitalization trends, especially in urban passenger transport. The availability of monitoring data is at the basis of the development of optimization models supporting an enhanced urban mobility, with multiple benefits including lower pollutants and CO2 emissions, lower energy consumption, better transport management and land space use. This paper presents two datasets that represent time series with a high temporal resolution (five-minute time step) both for vehicles and bike sharing use in the city of Turin, located in Northern Italy. These high-resolution profiles have been obtained by the collection and elaboration of available online resources providing live information on traffic monitoring and bike sharing docking stations. The data are provided for the entire year 2018, and they represent an interesting basis for the evaluation of seasonal and daily variability patterns in urban mobility. These data may be used for different applications, ranging from the chronological distribution of mobility demand, to the estimation of passenger transport flows for the development of transport models in urban contexts. Moreover, traffic profiles are at the basis for the modeling of electric vehicles charging strategies and their interaction with the power grid.
Quantum Thermodynamics in the Refined Weak Coupling Limit
Authors: Rivas Ángel
Published: July 2019

We present a thermodynamic framework for the refined weak coupling limit. In this limit, the interaction between system and environment is weak, but not negligible. As a result, the system dynamics becomes non-Markovian breaking divisibility conditions. Nevertheless, we propose a derivation of the first and second law just in terms of the reduced system dynamics. To this end, we extend the refined weak coupling limit for allowing slowly-varying external drivings and reconsider the definition of internal energy due to the non-negligible interaction.
Altered Causal Coupling Pathways within the Central-Autonomic-Network in Patients Suffering from Schizophrenia
Authors: Schulz Steffen , Haueisen Jens , Bär Karl-Jürgen , Voss Andreas
Published: July 2019

The multivariate analysis of coupling pathways within physiological (sub)systems focusing on identifying healthy and diseased conditions. In this study, we investigated a part of the central-autonomic-network (CAN) in 17 patients suffering from schizophrenia (SZO) compared to 17 age–gender matched healthy controls (CON) applying linear and nonlinear causal coupling approaches (normalized short time partial directed coherence, multivariate transfer entropy). Therefore, from all subjects continuous heart rate (successive beat-to-beat intervals, BBI), synchronized maximum successive systolic blood pressure amplitudes (SYS), synchronized calibrated respiratory inductive plethysmography signal (respiratory frequency, RESP), and the power PEEG of frontal EEG activity were investigated for 15 min under resting conditions. The CAN revealed a bidirectional coupling structure, with central driving towards blood pressure (SYS), and respiratory driving towards PEEG. The central-cardiac, central-vascular, and central-respiratory couplings are more dominated by linear regulatory mechanisms than nonlinear ones. The CAN showed significantly weaker nonlinear central-cardiovascular and central-cardiorespiratory coupling pathways, and significantly stronger linear central influence on the vascular system, and on the other hand significantly stronger linear respiratory and cardiac influences on central activity in SZO compared to CON, and thus, providing better understanding of the interrelationship of central and autonomic regulatory mechanisms in schizophrenia might be useful as a biomarker of this disease.
Assessment of Renewable Energy Deployment Roadmaps
Authors: Mauleón Ignacio
Published: July 2019

This research implements a methodology to the joint assessment of the photovoltaic and onshore wind investment roadmaps put forward by the main institutions in the field, International Renewable Energy Association (Irena) and the International Energy Agency, to achieve a low carbon emissions economy with near zero net greenhouse gases emissions. The two energies taken together account for over 80% of the renewable energy deployments envisaged by both roadmaps. The assessment is conducted according to economic criteria (the levelized cost of energy, capital requirements and financial risks), and environmental (carbon avoided, its value, and its cost). Given the recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report on the urgency to tackle climate change, accelerated deployments of the roadmaps are assessed as well. Overall, it is found that the roadmaps are financially sound, even under an accelerated scenario. Possible limits to the deployment of renewable energies roadmaps derived from the availability of raw materials and other constraints are also discussed, showing likely constraints for lithium batteries but not for photovoltaic and wind energies.
Feedforward-Double Feedback Control System of Dual-Switch Boost DC/DC Converters for Fuel Cell Vehicles
Authors: Wu Xiaogang , Yu Boyang , Du Jiuyu , Shi Wenwen
Published: July 2019

DC/DC converters for fuel cell electric vehicles need not only high boost ratio and high efficiency, but also strong anti-jamming capability. Therefore, it is especially important to devise a control method with strong robustness under the premise of an appropriate topology. In this paper, a simple dual-switch boost converter topology is adopted. We use the state space averaging method to build a small signal model, and based on this model, we propose a feedforward-double feedback control system for continuous conduction mode (CCM) mode. Simulation and experimental results show that the proposed feedforward-double feedback control system improves the robustness of the system while ensuring a high boost ratio and efficiency, and solves the problem of weak output characteristics of fuel cells. The control effect is similar to the sliding mode control, which is known for its robustness, while the rise time of step response is only 1/10 of that of the voltage feedback control system. When the output voltage of the DC/DC converter is 55 V, the DC/DC converter using feedforward-double feedback control system is more robust than the voltage feedback control system under sudden change of load.
Impact of the Primary Break-Up Strategy on the Morphology of GDI Sprays in 3D-CFD Simulations of Multi-Hole Injectors
Authors: Sparacino Simone , Berni Fabio , d’Adamo Alessandro , Krastev Vesselin Krassimirov , Cavicchi Andrea , Postrioti Lucio
Published: July 2019

The scientific literature focusing on the numerical simulation of fuel sprays is rich in atomization and secondary break-up models. However, it is well known that the predictive capability of even the most diffused models is affected by the combination of injection parameters and operating conditions, especially backpressure. In this paper, an alternative atomization strategy is proposed for the 3D-Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation of Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) sprays, aiming at extending simulation predictive capabilities over a wider range of operating conditions. In particular, attention is focused on the effects of back pressure, which has a remarkable impact on both the morphology and the sizing of GDI sprays. 3D-CFD Lagrangian simulations of two different multi-hole injectors are presented. The first injector is a 5-hole GDI prototype unit operated at ambient conditions. The second one is the well-known Spray G, characterized by a higher back pressure (up to 0.6 MPa). Numerical results are compared against experiments in terms of liquid penetration and Phase Doppler Anemometry (PDA) data of droplet sizing/velocity and imaging. CFD results are demonstrated to be highly sensitive to spray vessel pressure, mainly because of the atomization strategy. The proposed alternative approach proves to strongly reduce such dependency. Moreover, in order to further validate the alternative primary break-up strategy adopted for the initialization of the droplets, an internal nozzle flow simulation is carried out on the Spray G injector, able to provide information on the characteristic diameter of the liquid column exiting from the nozzle.