bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diurnal and nocturnal cloud segmentation of all-sky imager (ASI) images using enhancement fully convolutional networks
Authors: Shi Chaojun , Zhou Yatong , Qiu Bo , He Jingfei , Ding Mu , Wei Shiya
Published: September 2019

Abstract. Cloud segmentation plays a very important role in
astronomical observatory site selection. At present, few researchers segment
cloud in nocturnal all-sky imager (ASI) images. This paper proposes a
new automatic cloud segmentation algorithm that utilizes the advantages of
deep-learning fully convolutional networks (FCNs) to segment cloud pixels
from diurnal and nocturnal ASI images; it is called the enhancement fully
convolutional network (EFCN). Firstly, all the ASI images in the data set
from the Key Laboratory of Optical Astronomy at the National Astronomical
Observatories of Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) are converted from the
red–green–blue (RGB) color space to hue saturation intensity (HSI) color
space. Secondly, the I channel of the HSI color space is enhanced by
histogram equalization. Thirdly, all the ASI images are converted from
the HSI color space to RGB color space. Then after 100 000 iterative
trainings based on the ASI images in the training set, the optimum associated
parameters of the EFCN-8s model are obtained. Finally, we use the trained
EFCN-8s to segment the cloud pixels of the ASI image in the test set. In the
experiments our proposed EFCN-8s was compared with four other algorithms
(OTSU, FCN-8s, EFCN-32s, and EFCN-16s) using four evaluation metrics.
Experiments show that the EFCN-8s is much more accurate in cloud
segmentation for diurnal and nocturnal ASI images than the other four
algorithms.
Applicability and consequences of the integration of alternative models for CO2 transfer velocity into a process-based lake model
Authors: Kiuru Petri , Ojala Anne , Mammarella Ivan , Heiskanen Jouni , Erkkilä Kukka-Maaria , Miettinen Heli , Vesala Timo , Huttula Timo
Published: September 2019

Abstract. Freshwater lakes are important in carbon cycling, especially in the boreal zone where many lakes are supersaturated with the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO2) and emit it to the atmosphere, thus ventilating carbon originally fixed by the terrestrial system. The exchange of CO2 between water and the atmosphere is commonly estimated using simple wind-based parameterizations or models of gas transfer velocity (k). More complex surface renewal models, however, have been shown to yield more correct estimates of k in comparison with direct CO2 flux measurements. We incorporated four gas exchange models with different complexity into a vertical process-based physico-biochemical lake model, MyLake C, and assessed the performance and applicability of the alternative lake model versions to simulate air–water CO2 fluxes over a small boreal lake. None of the incorporated gas exchange models significantly outperformed the other models in the simulations in comparison to the measured near-surface CO2 concentrations or respective air–water CO2 fluxes calculated directly with the gas exchange models using measurement data as input. The use of more complex gas exchange models in the simulation, on the contrary, led to difficulties in obtaining a sufficient gain of CO2 in the water column and thus resulted in lower CO2 fluxes and water column CO2 concentrations compared to the respective measurement-based values. The inclusion of sophisticated and more correct models for air–water CO2 exchange in process-based lake models is crucial in efforts to properly assess lacustrine carbon budgets through model simulations in both single lakes and on a larger scale. However, finding higher estimates for both the internal and external sources of inorganic carbon in boreal lakes is important if improved knowledge of the magnitude of CO2 evasion from lakes is included in future studies on lake carbon budgets.
A soil non-aqueous phase liquid (NAPL) flushing laboratory experiment based on measuring the dielectric properties of soil–organic mixtures via time domain reflectometry (TDR)
Authors: Comegna Alessandro , Coppola Antonio , Dragonetti Giovanna , Sommella Angelo
Published: September 2019

Abstract. The term non-aqueous phase liquid (NAPL) refers to a group of organic compounds with scarce solubility in water. They are the products of various human activities and may be accidentally introduced into the soil system. Given their toxicity level and high mobility, NAPLs constitute a serious geo-environmental problem. Contaminant distribution in the soil and groundwater contains fundamental information for the remediation of polluted
soil sites. The present research explored the possible employment of time
domain reflectometry (TDR) to estimate pollutant removal in a silt-loam soil that was primarily contaminated with a corn oil as a light NAPL and then flushed with different washing solutions. Known mixtures of soil and NAPL were prepared in the laboratory to achieve soil specimens with varying
pollution levels. The prepared soil samples were repacked into plastic
cylinders and then placed in testing cells. Washing solutions were then
injected upward into the contaminated sample, and both the quantity of
remediated NAPL and the bulk dielectric permittivity of the soil sample were
determined. The above data were also used to calibrate and validate a
dielectric model (the α mixing model) which permits the volumetric
NAPL content (θNAPL; m3 m−3) within the contaminated sample to be determined and quantified during the different decontamination stages. Our results demonstrate that during a decontamination process, the TDR device is NAPL-sensitive: the dielectric permittivity of the medium increases as the NAPL volume decreases. Moreover, decontamination progression can be monitored using a simple (one-parameter) mixing model.
A Decade of Variability on Jakobshavn Isbrae: Ocean Temperatures
Pace Speed Through Influence on Mélange Rigidity
Authors: Joughin Ian , Shean David E. , Smith Benjamin E. , Floricioiu Dana
Published: September 2019

Abstract. The speed of Greenland’s fastest glacier, Jakobshavn Isbrae, has varied substantially since its speedup in the late 1990s. Here we present observations of surface velocity, mélange rigidity, and surface elevation to examine its behaviour over the last decade. Consistent with earlier results, we find a pronounced cycle of summer speedup and thinning followed by winter slowdown and thickening. There were extended periods of rigid mélange in the winters of 2016–17 and 2017–18, concurrent with terminus advances ~ 6 km farther than in the several winters prior. These terminus advances to shallower depths caused slowdowns, leading to substantial thickening, as has been noted elsewhere. The extended periods of rigid mélange coincide well with a period of cooler waters in Disko Bay. Thus, along with the relative timing of the seasonal slowdown, our results suggest that the ocean’s dominant influence on Jakobshavn Isbrae is through its effect on winter mélange rigidity, rather than summer submarine melting. The elevation time series also reveals that in summers when the area upstream of the terminus approaches flotation, large surface depressions can form, which eventually become the detachment points for major calving events. It appears that as elevations near flotation, basal crevasses can form, which initiates a necking process that forms the depressions. The elevation data also show that steep cliffs often evolve into short floating extensions, rather than collapsing catastrophically due to brittle failure. Finally, summer 2019 speeds are slightly faster than the prior two summers, leaving it unclear whether the slowdown is ending.
Reliability-based design optimization of offshore wind turbine support structures using analytical sensitivities and factorized uncertainty modeling
Authors: Stieng Lars Einar S. , Muskulus Michael
Published: September 2019

Abstract. The need for cost effective support structure designs for offshore wind turbines has led to continued interest in the development of design optimization methods. So far, almost no studies have considered the effect of uncertainty, and hence probabilistic constraints, on the support structure design optimization problem. In this work, we present a general methodology that implements recent developments in gradient-based design optimization, in particular the use of analytical gradients, within the context of reliability-based design optimization methods. By an assumed factorization of the uncertain response into a design-independent, probabilistic part and a design-dependent, but completely deterministic part, it is possible to computationally decouple the reliability analysis from the design optimization. Furthermore, this decoupling makes no further assumption about the functional nature of the stochastic response, meaning that high fidelity surrogate modeling through Gaussian process regression of the probabilistic part can be performed while using analytical gradient-based methods for the design optimization. We apply this methodology to several different cases based around a uniform cantilever beam and the OC3 Monopile and different loading and constraints scenarios. The results demonstrate the viability of the approach in terms of obtaining reliable, optimal support structure designs and furthermore show that in practice only a limited amount of additional computational effort is required compared to deterministic design optimization. While there are some limitations in the applied cases, and some further refinement might be necessary for applications to high fidelity design scenarios, the demonstrated capabilities of the proposed methodology show that efficient reliability-based optimization for offshore wind turbine support structures is feasible.
An Exploration of Writing Self-Efficacy and Writing Self-Regulatory Behaviours in Undergraduate Writing
Authors: Mitchell Kim M. , McMillan Diana E. , Rabbani Rasheda
Published: September 2019

Students will take independent action to improve their writing when they believe those actions will have a positive effect. The data presented focuses on the self-regulatory writing behaviours of nursing students in their third year. The purpose was to explore patterns of writing self-efficacy, anxiety levels, and student grade point average (GPA) in relation to student choices with help seeking, advanced planning of writing, revision habits, and response to feedback. Low writing self-efficacy, high anxiety students sought help from more sources, reported their feedback made them feel negative about their capabilities as writers, and were less likely to report reading and applying feedback to future writing efforts. No patterns of writing self-efficacy or anxiety levels emerged with respect to student revision habits or their choice to begin their assignments in advance of the due date. GPA was also not associated with the writing self-regulatory choices assessed. As the primary writing support for students in the later years of a nursing program, educators should consider interventions that encourage help seeking, facilitate students’ understanding and integration of the feedback they receive into their assignment revisions, and normalize the negative emotions that interfere with the self-efficacy levels required to write well.
Introducing a Late Bank in Online Graduate Courses: The Response of Students
Authors: Schroeder Meadow , Makarenko Erica , Warren Karly
Published: September 2019

In post-secondary education, students must demonstrate strong time-management skills while they navigate several courses in a semester. When students struggle to meet due dates, they can accrue late penalties, which exacerbates a stressful situation. In response, two graduate programs integrated a late bank system into their online courses. Students could submit one of two assignments up to five days after the due date without penalty. After each assignment was due, a survey was used to measure students’ levels of stress, the perception of the late bank, and reasons for using it. This study found the late bank was utilized by students, was positively regarded, and improved student attitudes toward their instructor. Reported levels of stress were similar for students who used the late bank compared to those did not. The results suggest that incorporating a late bank into the course design is an effective method of promoting student well-being.
La discriminación estructural de género y su recepción sistémica en el sistema de derechos humanos.
Authors: Iriarte Rivas Claudia Paz
Published: September 2019

Este trabajo recoge el planteamiento ius feminista de la necesidad de introducir en el derecho internacional de los derechos humanos de un modo sistemático el enfoque de discriminación estructural de género como mecanismo que permite abordar la realidad material del sujeto mujeres, dar cuenta del conflicto social de género, a fin de avanzar en la superación de la discriminación sistémica que afecta a las mujeres en materia de derechos.

Para ello, revisaremos primeramente la manera en que en el naciente derecho de los derechos humanos se recepcionó la noción abstracta de sujeto configurada por el constitucionalismo. Luego se verá cómo esta concepción, aún presente como sustrato del derecho internacional de los derechos humanos, ha impedido que los avances sucesivos del derecho internacional de los derechos humanos respecto de las mujeres constituyan modificaciones sustantivas. También analizaremos de qué modo la recepción de la noción de discriminación estructural permitiría avanzar de un modo importante en la deconstrucción de la noción de sujeto inicial y en la construcción de una concepción que recoja la subjetividad de los diversos sujetos y su materialidad.
Trabajo penitenciario: Análisis en virtud del derecho de igualdad ante la ley
Authors: Farías Pereira Javiera , Walker Martínez Agustín
Published: September 2019

El artículo describe la regulación establecida en el Código del Trabajo en

materia de remuneraciones y su protección, y la contrasta con la contenida en el Decreto

943, que establece un estatuto laboral y de formación para el trabajo penitenciario

aplicable a los trabajadores que desarrollan sus funciones privados de libertad, bajo un vínculo de subordinación y dependencia con su empleador. Con ello se busca graficar la situación de desigualdad normativa en que se encuentran los trabajadores privados de libertad en relación con sus pares en el exterior, con la consecuente vulneración del derecho de igualdad ante la ley, a la luz de las normas constitucionales y del derecho internacional de los derechos humanos.
La tipificación de los delitos de injuria y calumnia y su efecto inhibitorio en el ejercicio de la libertad de expresión en Chile
Authors: Viollier Bonvin Pablo Agustín , Salinas Salgado Matías
Published: September 2019

Este artículo analiza el efecto inhibitorio que la tipificación del delito de injuria y calumnia tiene en el ejercicio de libertad de expresión en nuestro país. El rol central que cumple la libertad de expresión en una sociedad democrática contrasta con la deficiente compatibilización que estos tipos penales hacen entre la protección de la honra de las personas —en especial de las figuras públicas— y el legítimo ejercicio de la libertad de expresión. De esta forma, la utilización estratégica de estos tipos penales

las ha transformado en verdaderas instituciones inhibidoras del ejercicio del derecho a informar y, por consiguiente, a ser informado.
Tribunales civiles en línea: Una propuesta para introducirlos sin afectar el derecho a acceder a la justicia de quienes no están conectados a internet
Authors: Allende Pérez de Arce José
Published: September 2019

Uno de las principales aprehensiones que ha generado la implementación de tribunales civiles online, es la situación en la que quedan frente a ellos las personas que no tienen acceso a internet. Por ello en este trabajo proponemos una fórmula para introducir dicho mecanismo de solución de controversias, sin afectar el derecho a la tutela judicial efectiva de aquellas personas que no tienen acceso a la web. En buenas cuentas lo que pretendemos es encontrar el equilibrio entre esta política que ya ha demostrado su valor en términos de ahorrar tiempo y costos de litigación, y la obligación del Estado de garantizar a todos sus habitantes el derecho a acceder a los tribunales de justicia.
La autorización de utilización de una obra ajena en la Ley de Propiedad Intelectual chilena
Authors: Bernet Manuel Antonio , Sierra Alfredo
Published: September 2019

El propósito de este artículo es examinar cómo la Ley de Propiedad Intelectual regula la autorización como un medio para que el autor permita a un tercero explotar una obra suya. En primer lugar, analizaremos si su otorgamiento debe ser expreso o tácito. En segundo lugar, pretendemos determinar cuál es el contenido mínimo que debe revestir esta autorización. Ambas cuestiones son relevantes desde un prisma práctico, puesto que la Corte Suprema en recientes sentencias ha manifestado posiciones ambivalentes acerca de la forma que debe revestir la autorización consentida por el titular de los derechos de autor y cuáles serían sus elementos esenciales. En esta investigación proponemos que la Ley de Propiedad Intelectual solo contempla la autorización en términos expresos, la cual debe cumplir, al menos, con el contenido prescrito en su artículo 20, inciso segundo.
Interés legítimo y tratamiento de datos personales: Antecedentes comparados y regulación en Chile
Authors: Contreras Vásquez Pablo , Trigo Kramcsák Pablo
Published: September 2019

El texto examina el concepto de interés legítimo como fuente de licitud para el tratamiento de datos personales. Primero, se desarrolla el concepto de interés legítimo y su conexión con el principio de licitud del tratamiento de datos personales. Segundo, el texto examina las fuentes europeas y españolas del concepto de interés legítimo. Finalmente, se analiza el estatus del interés legítimo en la legislación chilena, tanto en la Ley 19.628, Sobre Protección de la Vida Privada, como en la legislación bancaria. El artículo concluye que el concepto de interés legítimo ha sido desarrollado en el derecho comparado y que, en el evento de reformar la Ley 19.628, deberían considerarse tales estándares en su recepción general en el derecho chileno.
El problema con las potestades de fiscalización ambiental: ¿dèjá vu?
Authors: Hernández Riera José A.
Published: September 2019

El incendio en el relleno sanitario Santa Marta reveló un serio problema respecto de la fiscalización de permisos ambientales en instalaciones. La interpretación de la reforma ambiental que sostiene que la SMA tiene competencia exclusiva y excluyente de la fiscalización del permiso ambiental integrado -resolución de calificación ambiental-, y que previo a un convenio administrativo de encomendación de acciones de fiscalización y su subsecuente subprograma de fiscalización, pueden fiscalizarlas otros servicios públicos; resultó en la inhibición de la actividad fiscalizadora en terreno de estos últimos, y en el abandono de la revisión de los informes de seguimiento enviados por el operador, resultan-do en la virtual inevitabilidad del incendio. Este trabajo propone una solución interpretativa para este problema.
Alcance e interpretación de la Presunción del artículo 52 de la Ley N° 19.300, a la luz de la jurisprudencia de los Tribunales Ambientales
Authors: Arévalo Felipe , Mozó Mario
Published: September 2019

En el presente trabajo se busca identificar el alcance de la presunción contenida en el artículo 52 de la Ley N° 19.300, tanto desde su dimensión normativa, como de la interpretación que la doctrina y la jurisprudencia de los Tribunales Ambientales le han dado, así como también de las implicancias prácticas de la referida jurisprudencia.
Discrecionalidad administrativa en la determinación de las sanciones ambientales
Authors: Tejada Castillo Pablo
Published: September 2019

La presente investigación busca identificar los espacios discrecionales que existen en el proceso de determinación de las sanciones ambientales. Para alcanzar el objetivo propuesto, se analizarán todas las etapas que se deben seguir durante la tramitación de un procedimiento sancionatorio ambiental, hasta llegar a la sanción específica que se debe aplicar, incluyendo la ponderación de aquellas circunstancias que permiten modular la infracción. Finalmente, el artículo enfatiza la importancia de distinguir los aspectos discre-cionales de los reglados, en tanto ello incide en una diversa forma de motivar la resolución sancionatoria.
La protección del medio ambiente mediante la enseñanza legal clínica
Authors: Gumucio Solis Constanza
Published: September 2019

El ordenamiento jurídico de Colombia, al incorporar el ejercicio de acciones populares, ha permitido que diversos actores recurran ante los tribunales de justicia para hacer valer diversos derechos, siendo uno de éstos el derecho al medio ambiente sano y al manejo y aprovechamiento de los recursos naturales, establecido en la Constitución. Debido a la amplia legitimidad para accionar cuando estos derechos se ven afectados, las Clínicas Jurídicas han aparecido como un actor principal ante los tribunales de justicia donde, a través del litigio estratégico, buscan lograr la protección de dichos derechos. Una de estas clínicas jurídicas es el Grupo de Acciones Públicas de la Universidad del Rosario, la cual ha realizando una rigurosa selección de casos, logrando una efectiva protección del medio ambiente a través de la interposición de acciones populares.
La aplicación de las reglas sobre interpretación de los tratados a la luz de la sentencia sobre excepciones preliminares en el caso entre Somalia v. Kenia
Authors: Lertora Pinto Francisco
Published: September 2019

The judgment on preliminary objection was pronounced by the International Court of Justice on 2 February 2017. In this sentence, the Court rejected all the preliminary objections presented by Kenya. One of the most important task realized by the Court in every judgment is the work of interpretation of treaties. In the present case, the interpretation was relevant for the purpose of determinate both, why the Court has jurisdiction and why all the preliminary objections should be rejected. The interpretation according to the rules of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, in particular the Articles 31 and 32, are the purpose of the present study in relationship to its application in this case, particularly in the interpretation of the MOU.
Influencia de la recomendación 202 de la OIT en la legislación nacional de México: El caso del programa Prospera
Authors: Mendizábal Gabriela , Kurczyn Patricia
Published: September 2019

Desde la implementación de la Recomendación 202 de la OIT en el año 2012, cada país intenta de distintas formas dar cumplimiento a los pisos de protección social que ésta establece. Por ello, en este artículo se presenta el análisis de dicha implementación, tomando como base no los resultados en los beneficiarios —como es común—, sino a través del análisis en la legislación nacional de México de la incorporación de los nueve principios más importantes que la propia Recomendación establece, para diagnosticar si su adecuado cumplimiento permite establecer realmente un piso para la gente más pobre y si éste funciona como lo determina el instrumento internacional, en específico a través del análisis del programa Prospera.
Porphyry Copper Potential of the United States Southern Basin and Range Using ASTER Data Integrated with Geochemical and Geologic Datasets to Assess Potential Near-Surface Deposits in Well-Explored Permissive Tracts
Authors: Mars John C. , Robinson Gilpin R. , Hammarstrom Jane M. , Zürcher Lukas , Whitney Helen , Solano Federico , Gettings Mark , Ludington Steve
Published: September 2019

ArcGIS was used to spatially assess and rank potential porphyry copper deposits using Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) data together with geochemical and geologic datasets in order to estimate undiscovered deposits in the southern Basin and Range Province in the southwestern United States. The assessment was done using a traditional expert opinion three-part method and a prospectivity model developed using weights of evidence and logistic regression techniques to determine if ASTER data integrated with other geologic datasets can be used to find additional areas of prospectivity in well-explored permissive tracts. ASTER hydrothermal alteration data were expressed as 457 alteration polygons defined from a low-pass filtered alteration density map of combined argillic, phyllic, and propylitic rock units. Sediment stream samples were plotted as map grid data and used as spatial information in ASTER polygons. Gravity and magnetic data were also used to define basins greater than 1 km in depth. Each ASTER alteration polygon was ranked for porphyry copper potential using alteration types, spatial amounts of alteration, stream sediment geochemistry, lithology, polygon shape, proximity to other alteration polygons, and deposit and prospects data. Permissive tracts defined for the assessment in the southern Basin and Range Province include the Laramide Northwest, Laramide Southeast, Jurassic, and Tertiary tracts. Expert opinion estimates using the three-part assessment method resulted in a mean estimate of 17 undiscovered porphyry copper deposits, whereas the prospectivity modeling predicted a mean estimate of nine undiscovered deposits. In the well-explored Laramide Southeast tract, which contains the most deposits and has been explored for over 100 years, an average of 4.3 undiscovered deposits was estimated using ASTER alteration polygon data versus 2.8 undiscovered deposits without ASTER data. The Tertiary tract, which contains the largest number of ASTER alteration polygons not associated with known Tertiary deposits, was predicted to contain the most undiscovered resources in the southern Basin and Range Province.
Which Relationship between Gender Diversity, Intellectual Capital and Financial Performance?
Authors: Giuliani Marco , Poli Simone
Published: September 2019

Some would argue that gender diversity, both in ownership and in board of directors, can affect both financial performance and intellectual capital (IC) performance, and that the latter, in turn, can affect financial performance. This leads to hypothesise that IC performance can be a mediator in the relationship between gender diversity, in ownership or board of directors, and financial performance. As this hypothesis does not appear to have had an adequate investigation in literature, this paper aims to investigate if IC performance can be considered as a mediator in the relationship between gender diversity and financial performance. The test of this hypothesis is performed applying the multiple regression model suggested by Baron and Kenny (1986) to a sample of Italian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The study shows that gender diversity in ownership negatively impacts on financial performance, directly and indirectly, and that gender diversity in board of directors negatively impacts on financial performance, only indirectly. The indirect effects are due to the negative impact of gender diversity, both in ownership and in board of directors, on IC performance. IC performance plays the role of mediator in the relationship between gender diversity and financial performance. The mediating effect is partial regarding gender diversity in ownership. It is perfect concerning gender diversity in board of directors. This study contributes to the extant literature about the relationships between gender diversity, IC performance and financial performance by offering a systemic analysis of these three items that tend to be investigated separately.
Inflation and Profitability of Commercial Banks in Rwanda: A Case Study of Bank of Kigali
Authors: Batsinda Gilbert , Shukla Jaya
Published: September 2019

The study evaluates the impact of inflation on the profitability of commercial banks in Rwanda with specific focus on the Bank of Kigali. In Rwanda, the effect of inflation on the financial performance of commercial banks has not been adequately researched in relation to types of inflation. It is against this issue that the researcher wanted to carry out this research to find the relationship between inflation and profitability of commercial bank in Rwanda. The specific objectives of study were: to examine the trend of inflation in Rwanda; to examine the profitability of Bank of Kigali between 2011 and 2015; and to establish the relationship between inflation and profitability. To achieve objectives study used descriptive research design with population and sample size of 26 respondents. Correlation analysis is used to examine relationship between study variables. The study findings revealed that cost push inflation has positive high correlation to the Profitability of BK. Findings indicated that demand pull inflation and Monetary inflation has also positive high correlation profitability of Bank of Kigali. Finally it is concluded that the types of inflation affect commercial banks are cost push inflation, demand pull inflation and monetary inflation. Inflation has a significant role in enhancing commercial bank’s profitability.
A Pilot Study Assessing Attitudes toward Finance among Italian Business Students
Authors: Bocchialini Elisa , Ronchini Beatrice
Published: September 2019

Exploring ‘attitude toward finance’ as a factor predicting financial literacy is a new area of inquiry in academic literature. This study is a preliminary investigation of attitudes toward finance among a sample of students in higher education in Italy. It uses ten focus group discussions as data collecting method. Respondents are a total of 98 learners attending the Faculty of Business and Economics in a large University in  northern Italy, majoring in the areas of Finance, Accounting, or Marketing. The aim of this study is to assess the state of the art of the beliefs, feelings and self-perceptions of the target group regarding financial matters and practices, and to generate a questionnaire to measure attitudes toward finance in future quantitative studies. A Chi-Square analysis is used to analyse the collected data and determine if there are significant associations between students’ attitudes towards finance and characteristics like gender, level of study (first or second cycle degree) and faculty major. The research findings suggest that, even in a homogeneous cluster like our study population, the profile of attitude toward finance is not uniform. Overall, no significant differences are found between male and female students. Education level does not seem to significantly affect the construct either. However, the faculty major impacts on students’ attitude toward finance. Policy implications and suggestions for further work are discussed.
Dinámicas residenciales de la inmigración latinoamericana en las metrópolis de Barcelona y Madrid: cambios de tendencias durante la expansión, la crisis y la poscrisis
Authors: Thiers-Quintana Jenniffer , Gil-Alonso Fernando
Published: September 2019

El artículo analiza las pautas residenciales y migratorias de la población de origen latinoamericano durante el período 2000-2017 en las áreas urbanas funcionales de Barcelona y Madrid, divididas en coronas de municipios en función de la distancia a la ciudad central. Utilizando datos del Padrón continuo y de la Estadística de variaciones residenciales (INE), la investigación estudia cómo responden estos fenómenos a las variaciones del ciclo económico, por eso se divide el período en tres fases desiguales: expansión económica (2000-2008), crisis (2009-2014) y poscrisis (2015-2017). Los resultados muestran que la tendencia hacia la suburbanización de esta población en ambas áreas urbanas durante la fase de crecimiento económico se frenó con la crisis, pero que se ha reactivado durante la poscrisis; y que, sin embargo, hay un aumento de su concentración en ambas ciudades centrales en los últimos años, debido a la reactivación de la inmigración latinoamericana.
3-methyl-1-butanol. Documentation of proposed values of occupational exposure limits (OELs)
Authors: Pakulska Daria , Czerczak Sławomir
Published: September 2019

3-methyl-1-butanol, 3-metylobutan-1-ol, fermantation amyl alcohol, isobutylcarbinol, 3-methylbutan-1-on, 3-methylbutanol, 1 hydroxy-3-methylbutane
Drug Utilization Evaluation of Cefepime and Meropenem Based on the Infectious Disease Society of America and Defined Daily Dose Guidelines at the Payambare-Azam Bandar Abbas Hospital: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Hadad Mahshid , Karmostaji Afsaneh , Davoodian Parivash , Morabbi Daniel
Published: September 2019

Background: Given the significant consumption of antibiotics in hospitals and the likelihood of resistance, this study was designed to determine the pattern of meropenem and cefepime administration and prescription dose, according to Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA) and WHO Defined Daily Dose guidelines, at Payambare-Azam Hospital in Bandar Abbas, Iran. Methods: A Retrospective study was performed from August 2016-March 2017, on 200 patients (100 patients receiving cefepime and 100 patients received meropenem) hospitalized in different wards of the hospital. A total of 189 patients were enrolled in the study, with was with consideration of the patients receiving the two antibiotics concurrently. Results: Of the examined patients, 58 (31%) were female and 131 (69%) male. In the group receiving meropenem and cefepime, 62% and 60% of the patients were above 50 years old, respectively. In terms of prescriptions, 85% cases of meropenen and 49% cefepime were performed according to the defined daily dose (DDD)’s guideline. Prescribing antibiotics for 170 (90%) of patients was empirical. Also, in the 176 (93%) patients, the dose was adjusted according to the creatinine clearance. Conclusions: Increasing the number of empirical therapy, regardless of microbial cultures and susceptibility profiles, suggests further prospective studies to evaluate the reason for this finding.
Comparative Performance of High-Risk Human Papillomavirus RNA and DNA In Situ Hybridization on College of American Pathologists Proficiency Tests
Authors: Keung Elaine S. , Souers Rhona J. , Bridge Julia A. , Faquin William C. , Graham Rondell P. , Hameed Meera R. , Lewis James S. , Merker Jason D. , Vasalos Patricia , Moncur Joel T.
Published: September 2019

Context.—

Detection of high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) in squamous cell carcinoma is important for classification and prognostication. In situ hybridization (ISH) is a commonly used HR-HPV–specific test that targets viral RNA or DNA. The College of American Pathologists (CAP) provides proficiency testing for laboratories performing HR-HPV ISH.

Objective.—

To compare the analytical performance of RNA- and DNA-based ISH methods on CAP HR-HPV proficiency tests.

Design.—

Data from the 2016–2018 CAP HPV ISH proficiency testing surveys were reviewed. These surveys consist of well-characterized samples with known status for HR-HPV, including 1 to 2 copies, 50 to 100 copies, 300 to 500 copies, and no copies of HR-HPV per cell.

Results.—

Ninety-five participants submitted 1268 survey results from 20 cores. Overall, RNA ISH had a significantly higher percentage of correct responses than DNA ISH: 97.4% (450 of 462) versus 80.6% (650 of 806) (P < .001). This disparity appears to be the consequence of a superior sensitivity of RNA ISH compared to DNA ISH for samples with 1 to 2 and with 50 to 100 copies of HR-HPV per cell: 95.2% (120 of 126) versus 53.8% (129 of 240), P < .001, respectively, and 100% (89 of 89) versus 76.3% (119 of 156), P < .001, respectively.

Conclusions.—

An assessment of CAP HR-HPV proficiency test performance indicates that RNA ISH shows significantly higher accuracy than DNA ISH owing to higher analytical sensitivity of RNA ISH in tumors with low (1–2 copies per cell) to intermediate (50–100 copies per cell) HR-HPV viral copy numbers. These data support the use of RNA over DNA ISH in clinical laboratories that perform HR-HPV testing as part of their testing algorithms.
Uso do Nintendo WII como ferramenta para treinamento da cognição e equilíbrio em idosos institucionalizados
Authors: Silva Tamires Costa , Alves Lauana Crysney da Silva , Freire Rosimari de Faria
Published: September 2019

O envelhecimento é um processo natural, ocorrendo algumas alterações fisiológicas que irão ocorrer de forma progressiva e contínua. Uma das formas de melhorar as habilidades do idoso é através de estímulo às atividades cognitivas e motoras, sendo o Nintendo uma das ferramentas que tem sido estudada, no sentido de comprovar a relação destes jogos virtuais com os aspectos equilíbrio e funcionalidade em idosos. Este trabalho teve o objetivo de avaliar o efeito da utilização do Nintendo Wii Fit nas funções cognitivas e no desempenho funcional de idosos institucionalizados. Trata-se de uma pesquisa experimental, com abordagem intervencionista quanti-qualitativa, com uma amostra de oito idosos, submetidos a avaliação cognitiva e de equilíbrio, pré e pós-intervenção, utilizando o Mini Exame do Estado Mental (MEEM), o questionário Poma-Brasil. Foram submetidos a 10 intervenções com Nintendo, com 30 minutos cada. Os sinais vitais foram aferidos no início e no final de cada intervenção. Analisando os resultados do pré e pós-testes do MEEM, observa-se melhora significativa (p=0,05); na avaliação do Poma-Brasil, houve uma melhora significativa (p=0,02). O Nintendo Wii contribuiu para o treinamento da cognição e equilíbrio, mostrando-se capaz de gerar alterações hemodinâmicas positivas, contribuindo como um auxiliador no tratamento fisioterapêutico.
The number of nephrons in different glomerular diseases
Authors: Viggiano Davide , Nigro Michelangelo , Sessa Francesco , Vignolini Graziano , Campi Riccardo , Serni Sergio , Pollastro Rosa Maria , Vallone Gianfranco , Gigliotti Giuseppe , Capasso Giovambattista
Published: September 2019

Background

The total number of nephrons has been measured mainly from post-mortem studies and only in selected populations. Data from living subjects are scanty, and direct comparisons among different glomerular diseases are lacking. The present work exploits modern methodology to estimate the total nephron number in glomerulopathies with prevalent proteinuria/nephrotic syndrome versus glomerulopathies with nephritic syndrome (IgA nephropathy (IgAN), lupus nephritis), thus extending previous observations about the number and function of glomeruli in different physiological and pathological states.

Methods

This is a retrospective study based on one hundred and seven patients who have undergone renal biopsy. The glomerular density has been estimated from the biopsy specimens and the total cortical volume has been obtained from ultrasound recordings. Stereological methods have been applied to calculate the total number of nephrons and their volume. The correlation between clinical parameters and quantitative morphological data have studied using the Pearson correlation coefficient (r).

Results

The total number of nephrons inversely correlated with the systolic blood pressure (r= −0.4,p< 0.05). In proteinuric diseases, such as focal segmental glomerulo-sclerosis (FSGS), membranous nephropathy (MN) and diabetes, the change in estimated GFR (eGFR) directly correlated with the total number of non-sclerotic glomeruli (NSG) (r= 0.62,p< 0.01), whereas in nephritic syndrome no significant correlation was observed. The alterations in eGFR occurring in nephritic syndromes such as IgAN cannot be explained on the basis of the number of NSG.

Discussion

The fusion of the podocyte foot-processes that typically occurs in purely proteinuric diseases does not modify the glomerular filtration rate: therefore in these situations, the change in eGFR depends mainly on the number of available glomeruli. On the other side, the eGFR decrease occurring in nephritic syndromes, such as IgAN, cannot be explained simply on the basis of the number of NSG and likely depends on the substantial involvement of the mesangial axis. Future studies should verify whether these changes are reversible with appropriate therapy, thus reversing eGFR decrease.
Impact of Climate Change on the Production of Major Food and Commercial Crops in India: A Five Decadal Study
Authors: Arora Pooja , Devi Rajni , Chaudhry Smita
Published: September 2019

Climate change is posing a great threat to agriculture and food security, especially in the agriculture oriented and developing countries like India. The present study was carried out to critically study the impact of climate change on productivity of major cereal and commercial crops by statistically analyzing the time series data.  The analysis inferred that crop production of both food and commercial crops in India has increased since 1960-61. It was observed that major food crops (rice & wheat) were adversely affected by increase in maximum temperature and decrease in rainfall. The alternative measures such as area under cultivation, irrigation, fertilizer and pesticide consumption were observed to be nullifying that negative impact of climate change by enhancing the overall production. However, the commercial crops were observed to be positively affected by the increasing temperature. The study suggested that although the agriculture sector is able to withstand the adverse impact of climate change till now, but in near future this situation can become reversed. This necessitates the implementation of appropriate adaptation and mitigation measures to deal with the problems of climate change and to ensure the food security and food safety along in long run.
A Novel Tissue‐Based Liver–Kidney‐on‐a‐Chip Can Mimic Liver Tropism of Extracellular Vesicles Derived from Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Tian Hongzhu , Pang Jiushen , Qin Kairong , Yuan Weimo , Kong Jing , Ma Hongjuan , He Junzhou , Yang Xuesong , Luo Yong , Lu Yao , Lin Bingcheng , Liu Tingjiao
Published: September 2019

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) from cancer cells remodel distant organs to promote metastasis in vivo. A biomimetic microsystem may compensate costly and time‐consuming animal models to accelerate the study of EV organotropism. A tissue‐based liver–kidney‐on‐a‐chip is developed with precision‐cut tissue slices (PTSs) cultured to represent individual organs. The organotropism of breast cancer EVs is modeled using the biomimetic microsystem. A traditional animal model of EV organotropism is used to investigate the physiological similarity of the microfluidic model to animal models. It is demonstrated that breast cancer EVs show strong liver tropism rather than kidney tropism on both the microfluidic and animal models. It is found that the metastatic inhibitor AMD3100 inhibits liver tropism effectively in both the microfluidic and animal models. Overall, the tropism of EVs to different organs is reconstituted on the microfluidic model. The liver–kidney‐on‐a‐chip may expand the capabilities of traditional cell culture models and provide a faster alternative to animal models for EV studies.
Regenerative medicine for advanced surgical care
Authors: Lightner A L
Published: September 2019

Glimpse of the future
Using Mothur to Determine Bacterial Community Composition and Structure in 16S Ribosomal RNA Datasets
Authors: Chappidi Sruthi , Villa Erika C. , Cantarel Brandi L.
Published: September 2019

The 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene is one of the scaffolding molecules of the prokaryotic ribosome. Because this gene is slow to evolve and has very well conserved regions, this gene is used to reconstruct phylogenies in prokaryotes. Universal primers can be used to amplify the gene in prokaryotes including bacteria and archaea. To determine the microbial composition in microbial communities using high‐throughput short‐read sequencing techniques, primers are designed to span two or three of the nine variable regions of the gene. Mothur, developed in 2009, is a suite of tools to study the composition and structure of bacterial communities. This package is freely available from the developers (https://www.mothur.org). This protocol will show how to (1) perform preprocessing of sequences to remove errors, (2) perform operational taxonomic unit (OTU) analysis to determine alpha and beta diversity, and (3) determine the taxonomic profile of OTUs and the environmental sample. © 2019 The Authors.
High‐Throughput Gene Replacement in Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Zhao Can , Fraczek Marcin G. , Dineen Lauren , Lebedinec Ressa , Macheleidt Juliane , Heinekamp Thorsten , Delneri Daniela , Bowyer Paul , Brakhage Axel A. , Bromley Michael
Published: September 2019

Aspergillus fumigatus is a human pathogen and the principal etiologic agent of invasive and chronic aspergillosis leading to several hundreds of thousands of deaths every year. Very few antifungals are available to treat infections caused by A. fumigatus, and resistance is developing to those we have. Our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that drive pathogenicity and drug resistance have been hampered by the lack of large mutant collections, which limits our ability to perform functional genomics analysis. Here we present a high‐throughput gene knockout method that combines a highly reproducible fusion PCR method to enable generation of gene replacement cassettes with a multiwell format transformation procedure. This process can be used to generate 96 null mutants within 5 days by a single person at a cost of less than £18 ($24) per mutant and is being employed in our laboratory to generate a barcoded genome‐wide knockout library in A. fumigatus. © 2019 The Authors.
Catechin ameliorates Porphyromonas gingivalis‐induced inflammation via the regulation of TLR2/4 and inflammasome signaling
Authors: Lee Hyun Ah , Song Yu Ri , Park Mi Hee , Chung Hae‐Young , Na Hee Sam , Chung Jin
Published: September 2019

Background

Porphyromonas gingivalis is a major periodontopathogen found in patients with chronic periodontitis that can lead to alveolar bone or tooth loss. Interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), a proinflammatory cytokine, is most relevant to the pathogenesis of periodontitis. Catechin is one of the main polyphenol compounds found in green tea and possesses a range of health benefits. This study examined the anti‐inflammatory effects of catechin in THP‐1‐derived macrophages infected with P. gingivalis as well as its effects on P. gingivalis‐induced periodontitis in a mouse model.

Methods

The cytokine levels and relevant protein expression in THP‐1 cells were measured using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot analysis, respectively. An apoptosis‐associated speck‐like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain (ASC) pyroptosome formation was measured by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Micro‐computed tomography was used to determine the level of bone loss induced by a P. gingivalis oral infection.

Results

Catechin attenuated the production of IL‐1β by inhibiting pro‐IL‐1β expression via the downregulation of nuclear factor‐κB, p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase, and Toll‐like receptor signaling. In addition, catechin inhibited the activation of inflammasomes induced by P. gingivalis, but did not affect the growth of P. gingivalis. Catechin reduced the level of alveolar bone loss in a P. gingivalis‐induced periodontitis mouse model.

Conclusion

Catechin possesses anti‐inflammatory properties by reducing the level of IL‐1β production, suggesting that it can potentially be used for the prevention and treatment of periodontal inflammation caused by P. gingivalis.