bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental and numerical effects of flow hydraulics and pipe geometry on leakage behavior of laboratory water network distribution systems
Authors: Nabil Tamer , Alhaddad Fahad , Dawood Mohamed , Sharaf Osama
Published: June 2020

Abstract. As the leakage behavior of water distribution network is considered life-threatening and critical issue, so the behavior of water distribution network system is investigated experimentally and numerically under the effect of different positions and flow rates of leakage outlets taking into consideretion the flowhydraulics and pipe geametry. A laboratory model of the real studied water distribution network is constructed. The laboratory water distribution network is horizontal and has 16 loops with total length 30 m and different diameters. The leakage position in the laboratory water distribution network is altered between main, sub-main and branch pipelines with different flow rates. The characteristics of the ideal laboratory water distribution network with no-leakage are studied first. The studied laboratory water distribution network system parameters are solved theoretically using Hardy-Cross method with seven iterations. The studied water distribution network system was simulated using computational fluid dynamics technique Ansys Fluent 18.2. The aim is to modify the ancient water distribution network by sensing the pressure values using dispersed pressure sensors. Also, from the pressure map of the laboratory water distribution network, the leakage position if exist can be localized. Depending on the sensed pressure, the control circuit programmed to close the corresponding solenoid valves. The leakage flow rates are 0.1, 0.25 and 0.4 L/s and changed between the main and sub-main pipes. The maximum pressure drop around 500 pa at the node directly preceding the leakage point at leakage flow rate 0.4 L/s. The performance of the used solenoid valve is simulated using Matlab-Simulink technique. The simulation results show the response to step down control signal is over damped with steady state error 2 % and settling time 0.6 s.
Rhönite in Cenozoic alkali basalt from Changle, Shandong Province, China, and its significance
Authors: Kong Fan-Mei , Schertl Hans-Peter , Zhao Ling-Quan , Li Xu-Ping , Liu Xiao-Han
Published: June 2020

Abstract. Four Cenozoic, rhönite-bearing alkali-olivine basalt samples from the
Changle area (Shandong Province, China) show an intracontinental character
and were generated in an extensional setting. Petrographic studies document
different generations of rhönite. In three samples, rhönite occurs
either as a reaction product surrounding coarse-grained corundum, spinel and
phlogopite or along cleavage planes in phlogopite. In one sample
rhönite forms disseminated crystals in a mantle xenolith, possibly
formed by a reaction of coarse-grained orthopyroxene or spinel with a melt.
Rhönite exhibits a wide range of compositions: 22.9 wt %–33.0 wt %
SiO2, 13.3 wt %–19.0 wt % Al2O3, 9.4 wt %–19.9 wt % MgO and
10.210.2 wt %–24.5 wt % FeO. The derived primary substitutions include (1) SiIV + NaVII = (Al, Fe3+)IV + CaVII, (2) MgVI = (Fe2+, Mn2+)VI and (3) TiVI + (Mg + Fe2+ + Mn2+)VI = 2Fe3+VI. Rare-earth-element (REE) patterns of euhedral rhönite crystals from the mantle xenolith
(sample SS17) and those surrounding spinel (sample CL04) have a concave-upward shape
for the heavy rare-earth elements (HREEs) and are slightly enriched in the light rare-earth elements (LREEs). These patterns resemble
those of kaersutitic amphibole and kaersutite reported from basanite,
olivine nephelinite, transitional alkali-olivine basalt and hawaiite. In
contrast, REE patterns of the other two samples containing fine-grained,
anhedral and acicular rhönite crystals (samples CL01 and EGS03) are
relatively steep, with lower HREE and higher LREE abundances, similar to
those of ocean island basalts (OIBs). All types of Changle rhönite show
positive Nb, Ti and V anomalies in spidergrams normalized to primitive
mantle. Mineral assemblages of the studied samples indicate that rhönite
crystallized at different stages within a temperature range from about
950 to 1180 ∘C and at pressures below 0.5 kbar, with
fO2 below the NNO buffer. The chemical composition of Changle
rhönite is interpreted to depend on the composition of the initial
silicate melt, the redox conditions during crystallization and the
composition of the minerals involved in reactions to form rhönite. Similar to metasomatic mantle amphibole, the compositions of Changle
rhönites cover the I-Amph (I-amphibole) and S-Amph (S-amphibole) fields, indicating that they may
have formed due to an intraplate metasomatic event, overprinting an older
metasomatic subduction episode.
Sensitivity of spatial aerosol particle distributions to the boundary
conditions in the PALM model system 6.0
Authors: Kurppa Mona , Roldin Pontus , Strömberg Jani , Balling Anna , Karttunen Sasu , Kuuluvainen Heino , Niemi Jarkko V. , Pirjola Liisa , Rönkkö Topi , Timonen Hilkka , Hellsten Antti , Järvi Leena
Published: June 2020

Abstract. High-resolution modelling is needed to understand urban air quality and pollutant dispersion in detail. Recently, the PALM model system 6.0, which is based on the large-eddy simulation (LES), was extended with a detailed aerosol module SALSA2.0 to enable studying the complex interactions between the turbulent flow field and aerosol dynamic processes. This study represents an extensive evaluation of the modelling system against the horizontal and vertical distributions of aerosol particles measured using a mobile laboratory and a drone in an urban neighbourhood in Helsinki, Finland. Specific emphasis is on the model sensitivity of aerosol particle concentrations, size distributions and chemical compositions to boundary conditions of meteorological variables and aerosol background concentrations. The meteorological boundary conditions are drawn from both a numerical weather prediction model and observations, which occasionally differ strongly. Yet, the model shows good agreement with measurements (fractional bias
Impact of downscaled rainfall biases on projected runoff changes
Authors: Charles Stephen P. , Chiew Francis H. S. , Potter Nicholas J. , Zheng Hongxing , Fu Guobin , Zhang Lu
Published: June 2020

Abstract. Realistic projections of changes to daily rainfall
frequency and magnitude, at catchment scales, are required to assess the
potential impacts of climate change on regional water supply. We show that
quantile–quantile mapping (QQM) bias-corrected daily rainfall from
dynamically downscaled WRF simulations of current climate produce biased
hydrological simulations, in a case study for the state of Victoria,
Australia (237 629 km2). While the QQM bias correction can remove bias
in daily rainfall distributions at each 10 km × 10 km grid point across
Victoria, the GR4J rainfall–runoff model underestimates runoff when driven
with QQM bias-corrected daily rainfall. We compare simulated runoff
differences using bias-corrected and empirically scaled rainfall for several
key water supply catchments across Victoria and discuss the implications for
confidence in the magnitude of projected changes for mid-century. Our
results highlight the imperative for methods that can correct for temporal
and spatial biases in dynamically downscaled daily rainfall if they are to
be suitable for hydrological projection.
Partitioning growing season water balance within a forested boreal catchment using sap flux, eddy covariance, and a process-based model
Authors: Kozii Nataliia , Haahti Kersti , Tor-ngern Pantana , Chi Jinshu , Hasselquist Eliza Maher , Laudon Hjalmar , Launiainen Samuli , Oren Ram , Peichl Matthias , Wallerman Jörgen , Hasselquist Niles J.
Published: June 2020

Abstract. Although it is well known that evapotranspiration (ET) represents an important water flux at local to global scales, few studies have quantified the
magnitude and relative importance of ET and its individual flux components in
high-latitude forests. In this study, we combined empirical sapflux, throughfall, and eddy-covariance measurements with estimates from a process-based model to partition the water balance in a northern boreal
forested catchment. This study was conducted within the Krycklan catchment, which has a rich history of hydrological measurements, thereby providing us with the unique opportunity to compare the absolute and relative magnitudes of
ET and its flux components to other water balance components. During the
growing season, ET represented ca. 85 % of the incoming precipitation. Both
empirical results and model estimates suggested that tree transpiration
(T) and evaporation of intercepted water from the tree canopy (IC)
represented 43 % and 31 % of ET, respectively, and together were equal to ca. 70 % of incoming precipitation during the growing season. Understory evapotranspiration (ETu) was less important than T and IC during most of the
study period, except for late autumn, when ETu was the largest ET flux component. Overall, our study highlights the importance of trees in regulating the
water cycle of boreal catchments, implying that forest management impacts on
stand structure as well as climate change effects on tree growth are likely
to have large cascading effects on the way water moves through these
forested landscapes.
Event generation for probabilistic flood risk modelling: multi-site peak flow dependence model vs. weather-generator-based approach
Authors: Winter Benjamin , Schneeberger Klaus , Förster Kristian , Vorogushyn Sergiy
Published: June 2020

Abstract. Flood risk assessment is an important prerequisite for risk management decisions. To estimate the risk, i.e. the probability of damage, flood damage needs to be either systematically recorded over a long period or modelled for a series of synthetically generated flood events. Since damage records are typically rare, time series of plausible, spatially coherent event precipitation or peak discharges need to be generated to drive the chain of process models. In the present study, synthetic flood events are generated by two different approaches to modelling flood risk in a meso-scale alpine study area (Vorarlberg, Austria). The first approach is based on the semi-conditional multi-variate dependence model applied to discharge series. The second approach relies on the continuous hydrological modelling of synthetic meteorological fields generated by a multi-site weather generator and using an hourly disaggregation scheme. The results of the two approaches are compared in terms of simulated spatial patterns of peak discharges and overall flood risk estimates. It could be demonstrated that both methods are valid approaches for risk assessment with specific advantages and disadvantages. Both methods are superior to the traditional assumption of a uniform return period, where risk is computed by assuming a homogeneous return period (e.g. 100-year flood) across the entire study area.
Technical Note: Estimation of global loss of freshwater based on sea level changes over geological time
Authors: Banfalvi Gaspar
Published: June 2020

Abstract. Water vapour at the upper layer of the atmosphere undergoes light-dependent photolysis generating reactive hydrogen ions in statu nascendi that escape to space by different mechanisms. Besides hydrogen, other volatile gases such as methane molecules and helium atoms also escape to space in smaller quantities or traces such as oxygen. The escape of hydrogen through the planetary air leak cannot be reliably judged. Our estimation of global freshwater loss used another approach based on the sea-level changes that continuously fluctuated over geological time. The most reliable evidence for eustatic sea-level changes was provided by geologists estimating the shifts of shorelines generating sedimentary deposits. The sea-level changes turned to volumetric used data of a) radii of the Earth (r1) to calculate the volume of the geoid Earth (V1) comparing and validating them with available estimations, b) average sea depth (r2) comparing volumetric values of the sea with best-fitting values (V2). c) showing the correlation between geological changes (r3) and corresponding sea volumes (V3). These data, along with the sea volume of the infant Earth, allowed to plot a calibration curve to calculate the sea level belonging to the volume and vice versa. Geologic data indicate the shrinkage of freshwater pools during interglacial dilution periods and the remarkable long-term salination of the ocean.
The regional scale surface mass balance of Pine Island Glacier, West Antarctica over the period 2005–2014, derived from airborne radar soundings and neutron probe measurements
Authors: Kowalewski Stefan , Helm Veit , Morris Elizabeth , Eisen Olaf
Published: June 2020

Abstract. We derive recent surface mass balance (SMB) estimates from airborne radar observations along the iSTAR traverse (2013, 2014) at Pine Island Glacier (PIG), West Antarctica. Ground based neutron probe measurements of snow density at 22 locations allow us to derive SMB from the annual internal radar reflection layers. The 2005 layer was traced for a total distance of 2367 km allowing us to determine annual mean SMB for the period 2005–2014. Using complementary SMB estimates from the RACMO2.3p2 regional climate model and a geostatistical kriging scheme we determine a regional scale SMB distribution with the same main characteristics as that determined for the period 1985–2009 in previous studies. Local departures exist for the northern PIG slopes, where the orographic precipitation shadow effect appears to be more pronounced in our observations, and the southward interior, where the SMB gradient is more pronounced in previous studies. For the PIG basin, we derive a total mass input of 79.9 ± 19.2 Gt yr−1. This is not significantly different to the value of 78.3 ± 6.8 Gt yr−1 for the period 1985–2009. Thus there is no evidence of a secular trend in mass input to the PIG basin. We note, however, that our estimated uncertainty is more than twice the uncertainty for the 1985–2009 estimates. Our error analysis indicates that uncertainty estimates on total mass input are highly sensitive to the selected krige methodology and assumptions made on the interpolation error, which we identify as the main cause for the increased uncertainty range compared to the 1985–2009 estimates.
Utilization of Chlorella sp. as biostimulant in the germination of melon seeds (Cucumis melo L.)
Authors: Lima José Franciraldo de , Queiroz Alexandre José de Melo , Figueirêdo Rossana Maria Feitosa de , Souza Wagner Rodrigo de , Debonsi Hosana Maria , Santos Vitor Francisco dos , Dantas Andréia Maria Nogueira , Araújo Railene Hérica Carlos Rocha
Published: June 2020

Bioactive microalgae compounds have been shown to be excellent stimulants for seed germination. This study aimed at the production of biomass of Chlorella sp. through the modulation of the culture medium and its further use as bioestimulant in melon seed germination (Cucumis melo L.). Chlorella sp. cells were grown in medium containing distinctive levels of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and carbon (C), and analyzes of yield, hygroscopic behavior and the amino acid profile of the biomass were carried out for all treatments. In addition, mechanical hydrolysis of the biomass through high-energy wet grinding was performed, obtaining suitable particle size. After biomass characterization, an aqueous solution of the hydrolyzate was used for biostimulation of melon seeds. The different growth medium composition affected biomass yield and amino acid profile. The most significant effects for seed biostimulation were obtained during growth in medium containing intermediary or low levels of NPK and C, with germination index (GI) of 92 and 95%, and germination speed index (GSI) of 8.00000 and 8,26087 seedlings.day-1, respectively. It is concluded that the modulation of the cultivation of Chlorella sp. is a viable strategy for the production of active compounds. The hydrolysates of Chlorella sp. demonstrated a biostimulant potential and can be a source of molecules for many applications in agriculture.
Mandative verbs and deontic modals in Russian: Between obligatory control and overt embedded subjects
Authors: Burukina Irina
Published: June 2020

The paper presents and examines a previously undescribed puzzle concerning the syntactic distribution of Russian mandative verbs (velet’ ‘order’, razrešit’ ‘allow’) and non-verbal deontic modals: these predicates exhibit dual behavior as they embed non-finite clauses with either implicit obligatorily controlled (PRO) or overt referential (DP) subjects. The ambiguity holds for the same native speakers and no detectable difference in terms of the Tense – Agreement characteristics can be found between infinitival constituents with DP/PRO subjects. To account for this phenomenon, I propose, first, to analyze mandative verbs as lexical realizations of a verb of communication that embeds a silent deontic modal head; the latter, in turn, takes a clausal proposition as its complement. Second, I demonstrate that the reported DP/PRO alternation is described by the following generalization: An embedded overt referential subject is allowed only when there is no potential dative DP controller available within the higher clause. In the spirit of the traditional Case theory, I argue that an embedded lexical subject must be Case licensed, and, since non-finite clauses are Case deficient, licensing may only be done by a higher (matrix) functional head, namely Appl0, which normally introduces an obligation Holder; thus, matrix Holders and lexical embedded subjects end up competing to receive Case from the same functional head. Finally, I show that, as no true subject raising happens, Case assignment proceeds long-distance over a CP boundary.
Cavaleiros em Tempos de Glória: uma análise etnográfica da história do vaqueiro do Nordeste
Authors: Pereira Renan Martins
Published: June 2020

Neste artigo, desenvolvo algumas questões abordadas na minha dissertação de mestrado sobre os vaqueiros do município de Floresta, sertão de Itaparica – PE. A partir delas, pretendo analisar como os meus interlocutores se deparam frequentemente com um dilema. Em Floresta, muitos de seus habitantes avaliam e questionam o futuro de vaqueiros de verdade – cavaleiros hábeis na arte de capturar o gado selvagem na caatinga –, ao passo em que imagens, discursos e práticas de vaqueiros de hoje ganham força e vitalidade em missas, festas e vaquejadas, onde são celebrados o prestígio de homens do passado, os seus maiores feitos e suas memórias, contribuindo aliás para novas possibilidades de ser vaqueiro. Por essa razão, examino como as narrativas locais e a literatura nacional constroem uma estabilização imagética e conceitual do passado, articulando temporalidades e espacialidades em que o vaqueiro nordestino se expressa de maneira simultaneamente histórica e contemporânea.
Caso Avá-Guarani e a UHE Itaipu Binacional sob os olhares da Justiça de Transição
Authors: Carvalho Navarra Júlia C
Published: June 2020

Sob a hermenêutica da Justiça de Transição e da avaliação de meios de reparação não meramente pecuniários e punitivistas, o presente artigo versa a respeito das graves violações de Direitos Humanos sofridas pelo povo Avá-Guarani, especificamente na região Oeste do Paraná, zona de tríplice fronteira entre Paraná, Mato Grosso do Sul e Paraguai. Após uma brevíssima contextualização da localidade, dos atores e do cenário político a ditar as diretrizes das violações cometidas contras o povo Guarani na região, o artigo dá especial atenção ao caso de violências empreendidas no processo de implementação da Usina Hidrelétrica de Itaipu Binacional.
Perspectivas tikmũ’ũn_maxakali sobre a história da ditadura e os desafios da justiça de transição no “tempo dos golpes”
Authors: Berbert Paula
Published: June 2020

Este artigo aborda as formulações dos Tikmũ’ũn_Maxakali sobre a história de sua relação com o Estado. A partir das marcações temporais de nossos interlocutores, tratamos das continuidades históricas da guerra colonial no tempo presente, uma “ditadura que nunca acaba”, e que lhes impossibilita o acesso à justiça de transição. Analisando os fluxos de golpe atualmente costurados por dentro da institucionalidade democrática do Brasil, refletimos sobre os desafios da efetivação do direito originário à terra como como medida transicional elementar aos povos indígenas.
ZHOURI, Andréa (Org.). 2018. Mineração, violências e resistências: um campo aberto à produção de conhecimento no Brasil. Marabá, PA: Editorial iGuana; ABA. 711kb; e-PUB.
Authors: Rocha Israel De Jesus
Published: June 2020

Resenha
Enhancing Board Monitoring Tasks: The Effect of Minority-Elected Directors
Authors: De Masi Sara , Zorzi Andrea
Published: June 2020

In companies with a controlling shareholder the agency relationship between controlling shareholders and minority shareholders poses significant issue. Managers may pursue, rather than the interests of the company as a whole, the interest of the controlling shareholder. When there is a controlling shareholder, independent directors may not prove sufficient to monitor the management behaviour, given that they are ultimately appointed by the same controlling shareholder whose possible opportunistic behaviour they are meant to constrain. Therefore, minority shareholders may be given appointment rights to the board: directors elected by minority shareholders may work as a corporate governance mechanism that fosters the board’s willingness and ability to monitor managers’ behaviour, on the assumption that managers are appointed by the controlling shareholder. This paper examines empirically whether having a minority-elected director on corporate boards increases the ability of the board to monitor management behaviour. Using a sample of the largest listed Italian companies in years 2008-2017, we find that minority-elected directors have a positive and statistically significant effect on board monitoring tasks. We also document that this effect is higher when they are elected by institutional investors. Our results have important implications for policy makers and, more generally, corporate governance best practice in all contexts in which companies have a concentrated ownership structure.
Samenwerken in de forensische keten
Authors: de Vogel Vivienne , Schaftenaar Petra , van den Broek Ellen
Published: June 2020

Interprofessional collaboration within the forensic mental health care system: worth the effort

Interprofessional collaboration in the treatment and supervision of clients in forensic mental health care is of great importance. However, collaboration between professionals within and between settings is not always easy. In this article, different forms of collaboration within the forensic mental health care system are described as well as the most important pitfalls and success factors. Finally, some recommendations are provided for practitioners, organizations and policy-makers to design and facilitate collaboration in forensic mental health care.
The Relationship Between Low Back Pain Incidence and Ultrasound Assessment of Trunk Muscles in Adult Soccer Players: A Cohort Study
Authors: Noormohammadpour Pardis , Aghaei-Afshar Morteza , Mansournia Mohammad Ali , Mirzashahi Babak , Akbari-Fakhrabadi Maryam , Linek Pawel , Tavakol Zahra , Pourgharib Shahi Mohammad Hossein
Published: June 2020

Background: Few studies have demonstrated the connection between trunk muscle thickness and low back pain (LBP) in athletes. Objectives: This study aimed to define whether the thickness of the lateral abdominal muscles (LAM) and lumbar multifidus (LM) are related to LBP incidence in elite male soccer players. Methods: In this short-term cohort study, 42 elite male soccer players from professional soccer teams were followed for a season. The muscle thickness of LAM and the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the LM were assessed. The relation between the incidence of LBP and the aforementioned factors was evaluated after the cohort study. Results: Thirty-seven participants completed the study, and seven participants (18.91%) experienced LBP during the follow-up period. No significant relationship was detected between LBP and the thickness of LAM and CSA of LM (P > 0.05). None of the other variables had any relationship with LBP incidence (P > 0.05). Conclusions: The LAM thickness and CSA of LM during a resting position and drawing-in maneuver was found not to be directly related to LBP incidence in elite male soccer players in the short term. Assessing these muscles’ conditions in more functional positions could be considered for further research.
The Efficacy of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on Psychological Resilience in Women with Substance Use Disorder
Authors: Najafi Leyla , Arab Ali
Published: June 2020

Background: Drug addiction, defined as a chronic brain disease, leads to worse physical and psychological status that has the most damaging effect on the family system. Objectives: This study investigated the effect of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) on psychological resilience in drug abuser women. Methods: This semi-trial study was done by a pre-test/post-test and the control group. The statistical population of this study was drug abuser women who were hospitalized in addiction treatment camps in Zahedan and were detoxified. The single-stage cluster was sampling method; twenty-seven females were randomly divided into the trial (n = 13) and control groups (n = 14). The Connor‐Davidson resilience scale (CD‐RISC) was used as questionnaire. The data were analyzed by multivariate covariance analysis. Results: There was a significant change in the interpersonal competence, negative affective tolerance, and spiritual effects in the post-test in the experimental group compared with the control group. According to the Eta coefficients report, the most effective issue was the perception of individual competence with the effect and difference equal to 34% in post-test scores, which was the effect of ACT. Conclusions: It appears that acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) may be an effective intervention in improving psychological resilience in drug abuser women. Accordingly, it is suggested that therapists should use ACT to significantly promote psychological resilience along with medical treatments for drug abuser women that need critical care of their psychological functioning.
Presenting Characteristics, Comorbidities, and Outcomes Among Hospitalized Patients with 2019 Novel Coronavirus-infected Pneumonia in Tehran, Iran
Authors: Farsi Zahra , Ahmadi Yazdan , Alazmani Noodeh Farshid , Hamidi Farahani Ramin , Baniyaghoobi Faezeh
Published: June 2020

Background: On February 19 2020, novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV)-infected pneumonia (NCIP) reported in Qom, Iran. The number of cases has increased rapidly but information on the differences in clinical characteristics of affected patients in different countries is limited. It seems that people with underlying diseases not only have a higher risk of developing the NCIP disease but also are more likely to die from the virus infection. Objectives: This study aimed to describe which one of NCIP patients are at higher risk for severe illness and what is the epidemiological, clinical, laboratory, radiological characteristics, and outcomes of the disease. Methods: Prospective, case series of the 50 hospitalized NCIP patients in two hospitals in Tehran, Iran, from March 1 to March 15, 2020, was implemented. The final date of follow-up was March 18, 2020. The final date of follow-up was March 18, 2020. Epidemiological, demographic, clinical, laboratory, radiological, treatment, and outcome data were collected from electronic or printed medical records with data collection forms and analyzed. Results: More than half of the patients were men (27 [54%]); the majority of them had underlying diseases, including hypertension (33 [66%]), diabetes mellitus (29 [58%]), chronic heart failure (19 [38%]), chronic renal failure (19 [38%]), and autoimmune diseases (18 [36%]). The median age was 60 years (IQR 41.5 - 68.5). Common symptoms of illness were fever (50 [100%]), sore throat (50 [100%]), dyspnea (44 [88%]), myalgia (43 [86%]), cough (42 [84%]), fatigue (39 [78%]), and diarrhea (28 [56%]). The majority of patients had lymphopenia 49 (98%), 24 (48%) leukocytosis, and 32 (64%) of them had thrombocytopenia. All patients had pneumonia with patchy shadows or ground-glass opacity on chest computed tomographic scans. Twelve (24%) patients had a decreased level of consciousness. Thirty-three patients (66%) were transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU) because of complications, including acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) (18 [36%]), arrhythmia (19 [38%]), and shock (14 [28%]). As of March 18, 37 patients (74%) were discharged, and 13 died (26%). Conclusions: Hospitalized NCIP patients who have serious underlying chronic illness might be at higher risk for severe illness. Common symptoms of illness were fever, sore throat, dyspnea, myalgia, cough, and fatigue. Major complications during hospitalization included ARDS, arrhythmia, and shock. Bilateral distribution of patchy shadows and ground-glass opacity was a typical hallmark of CT scans for NCIP. Currently, there is no effective drug treatment. Gaps in our knowledge need fulfillment by future studies with a higher sample size.
Attitude and Compliance with the Onset of Insulin Therapy in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Davoudi Zahra , Chouhdari Arezoo , Mir Mahshid , Akbarian Fatemeh
Published: June 2020

Background: Insulin therapy refusal among type 2 diabetic patients is most challenging for healthcare providers. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the type 2 diabetic patients’ attitude and compliance with the initiation of insulin therapy. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 type 2 diabetic patients at the Endocrinology Clinic of Loghman Hakim Hospital, Tehran, Iran. A questionnaire was prepared to assess the attitudes toward the onset of insulin therapy. Positive and negative attitudes toward insulin injection were compared between the two groups of accepting and rejecting insulin therapy. Results: In this study, 62% of patients with type 2 diabetes tended to start insulin therapy. There was a statistical difference between the total positive and negative attitude items toward insulin therapy (agree/disagree) and acceptance of insulin therapy (P < 0.05). The most agreements related to a positive attitude in the two groups of accepting and rejecting insulin therapy belonged to statements “Insulin injection prevents complications of diabetes (micro and macrovascular)” as 100% (P < 0.001) and “Insulin injection helps improve my diabetes” as 96.8% (P < 0.001). The most agreements related to negative attitudes in the two groups of accepting and rejecting insulin therapy belonged to statements “Insulin injection causes my dependence on it” as 72.6% (P = 0.001) and “I can control my diabetes with oral medication and diet without insulin injection” as 97.4% (P < 0.001). Conclusions: As 38% of patients with type 2 diabetes refused to initiate insulin therapy, it seems that effective communication between physicians and patients and continuous follow-ups by health care providers can increase positive attitudes toward insulin injection.
TMAO, a seafood-derived molecule, produces diuresis and reduces mortality in heart failure rats
Authors: Gawrys-Kopczynska Marta , Konop Marek , Maksymiuk Klaudia , Kraszewska Katarzyna , Derzsi Ladislav , Sozanski Krzysztof , Holyst Robert , Pilz Marta , Samborowska Emilia , Dobrowolski Leszek , Jaworska Kinga , Mogilnicka Izabella , Ufnal Marcin
Published: June 2020

Trimethylamine-oxide (TMAO) is present in seafood which is considered to be beneficial for health. Deep-water animals accumulate TMAO to protect proteins, such as lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), against hydrostatic pressure stress (HPS). We hypothesized that TMAO exerts beneficial effects on the circulatory system and protects cardiac LDH exposed to HPS produced by the contracting heart. Male, Sprague-Dawley and Spontaneously-Hypertensive-Heart-Failure (SHHF) rats were treated orally with either water (control) or TMAO. In vitro, LDH with or without TMAO was exposed to HPS and was evaluated using fluorescence correlation spectroscopy. TMAO-treated rats showed higher diuresis and natriuresis, lower arterial pressure and plasma NT-proBNP. Survival in SHHF-control was 66% vs 100% in SHHF-TMAO. In vitro, exposure of LDH to HPS with or without TMAO did not affect protein structure. In conclusion, TMAO reduced mortality in SHHF, which was associated with diuretic, natriuretic and hypotensive effects. HPS and TMAO did not affect LDH protein structure.
Formin-like 1 mediates effector T cell trafficking to inflammatory sites to enable T cell-mediated autoimmunity
Authors: Thompson Scott B , Sandor Adam M , Lui Victor , Chung Jeffrey W , Waldman Monique M , Long Robert A , Estin Miriam L , Matsuda Jennifer L , Friedman Rachel S , Jacobelli Jordan
Published: June 2020

Lymphocyte migration is essential for the function of the adaptive immune system, and regulation of T cell entry into tissues is an effective therapy in autoimmune diseases. Little is known about the specific role of cytoskeletal effectors that mediate mechanical forces and morphological changes essential for migration in complex environments. We developed a new Formin-like-1 (FMNL1) knock-out mouse model and determined that the cytoskeletal effector FMNL1 is selectively required for effector T cell trafficking to inflamed tissues, without affecting naïve T cell entry into secondary lymphoid organs. Here, we identify a FMNL1-dependent mechanism of actin polymerization at the back of the cell that enables migration of the rigid lymphocyte nucleus through restrictive barriers. Furthermore, FMNL1-deficiency impairs the ability of self-reactive effector T cells to induce autoimmune disease. Overall, our data suggest that FMNL1 may be a potential therapeutic target to specifically modulate T cell trafficking to inflammatory sites.
A systematic review of the direct and indirect effects of herbivory on plant reproduction mediated by pollination
Authors: Haas Stephanie M. , Lortie Christopher J.
Published: June 2020

Background

Plant reproduction is influenced by the net outcome of plant–herbivore and plant–pollinator interactions. While both herbivore impacts and pollinator impacts on plant reproduction have been widely studied, few studies examine them in concert.

Methodology

Here, we review the contemporary literature that examines the net outcomes of herbivory and pollination on plant reproduction and the impacts of herbivores on pollination through damage to shared host plants using systematic review tools. The direct or indirect effects of herbivores on floral tissue and reported mechanisms were compiled including the taxonomic breadth of herbivores, plants and pollinators.

Results

A total of 4,304 studies were examined producing 59 relevant studies for synthesis that reported both pollinator and herbivore measures. A total of 49% of studies examined the impact of direct damage to floral tissue through partial florivory while 36% of studies also examined the impact of vegetative damage on pollination through folivory, root herbivory, and stem damage. Only three studies examined the effects of both direct and indirect damage to pollination outcomes within the same study.

Conclusions

It is not unreasonable to assume that plants often sustain simultaneous forms of damage to different tissues and that the net effects can be assessed through differences in reproductive output. Further research that controls for other relative drivers of reproductive output but examines more than one pathway of damage simultaneously will inform our understanding of the mechanistic relevance of herbivore impacts on pollination and also highlight interactions between herbivores and pollinators through plants. It is clear that herbivory can impact plant fitness through pollination; however, the relative importance of direct and indirect damage to floral tissue on plant reproduction is still largely unknown.
Updating the Data Base of Indigenous Raw Food Materials by Analyzing Their Chemical Compositions
Authors: Aburime Lilian Chinelo
Published: June 2020

Introduction: The porosity of recent data on the chemical compositions of indigenous food might contribute to poor food choices thereby promoting food and nutrition insecurity. This study provides data on the proximate, mineral and antinutrient compositions of raw, Triticum aestivum, Musa paradisiaca, Xanthosoma sagittifolium, Ipomea batata, Zea mays and Sphenostylis stenocarpa.

Methodology: The raw food materials were purchased in Nigerian markets. Corn grains and African yam bean (AYB) seeds were sorted to remove impurities and separately milled into fine flours. Green matured plantain fruits, cocoyam, yellow and orange fleshed sweet potatoes tubers were separately washed to remove adhering soil particles, peeled and sliced into a thin thickness of about 2 cm and then dried in a food dehydrator (40- 50°C) for 24 hr. After drying, they were separately milled into fine flours. Chemical properties were analyzed using standard laboratory methods. Data generated were computed using means and standard deviations.

Results: The ranges of the proximate compositions of the food materials were as follows: Moisture 4.3-11.8%, ash 0.6 -2.8%, dietary fibre 3.2-17.5%, fat 0.8-4.3%, protein 2.8 - 20% and available carbohydrate 48.5 -72.5%. The mineral contents of the samples were in the following ranges; iron 0.8-5.4 mg/100 g, zinc 0.51-2.43 mg/100 g, calcium 8-109 mg/100 g, potassium 135-325 mg/100 g, sodium 3-12 mg/100 g, phosphorus 84- 688 mg/100 g, magnesium trace -119 mg/100 g. The antinutrients were as follows: trypsin inhibitors 1.85 IU/mg, phytate ranged from 5.1-6.57 mg/g, oxalate 0.21-0.29 mg/g, saponins 0.03-0.02 mg/100 g, raffinose 0.88- 2.18%, stachyose 1.93 – 3.16%, lectins 32.5 Hu/100 g and tannins 0.9 mg/g.

Conclusion: Knowing the nutrient contents of raw food materials will help food producers/processors and consumers combine foods leveraging on the comparative advantage of each nutrient to make up for limited nutrient(s). Also, knowledge of the antinutrient compositions of raw food staples will aid decisions on adequate processing methods to be employed in reducing or eliminating them.
Competitive Adsorption of Xylene and Toluene on Modified and Unmodified Sodium Bentonite Clay Mineral
Authors: Ewuzie H. E. , Chikwe T. N. , Ngobiri N. C. , Okoye I. P.
Published: June 2020

Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) – modified and unmodified sodium bentonite were both used for the competitive adsorption of m-xylene and toluene from their aqueous solution. Infrared spectroscopy (IR) and expansion tests (adsorption capacity and Foster swelling) measurement were performed in order to evaluate the performance of the adsorbents. The FT-IR results indicated that the quaternary ammonium salts (CTAB) were intercalated between the layers of the sodium bentonite clay. The Foster swelling test results indicated that the affinity of CTAB was more in the treated clay for all other organic compounds tested. The result showed that modified sodium bentonite swelled more than the unmodified and the order of the swelling factor is; m- xylene > toluene > gasoline > diesel > kerosene > water. However, when the assay was performed under agitation, it yielded higher swelling capacity. The modified clay exhibited very high capacity of adsorption compare to unmodified samples. The m-xylene and toluene uptake follows a pseudo second order kinetics mechanism, suggesting that the rate determining step of adsorption involves the two adsorbates competitively adsorbed on the adsorbent sites. Therefore this organo-modified bentonite can be used for the removal of organics from polluted aqueous effluents.
Psychosocial Determinants of Quality of Life and Mental Health Status of Caregivers of Children with Psychopathologies in Lagos Nigeria
Authors: Lawrence Deborah Adeyemi , Akinnawo Olutope E. , Akpunne Bede C. , Akintola Aderonke A.
Published: June 2020

This study was carried out to investigate the relationship between Quality of Life (QoL) and psychosocial health status of caregivers of children living with diagnosed psychological disorder. A total of 309 caregivers of children with psychological disorders using a Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital in  Nigeria (mean age = 41.2 years) were purposively selected during clinic appointment days and responded to Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), Multidimensional Scale of Social Support (MSPSS), The World Health Organization Quality of Life - Brief (WHOQOL-BREF) and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The result revealed that burden of care and social support were significant joint  predictors of the Quality Of Life of the participants (R2= .040, p = .003), age of caregiver, duration of marriage of caregiver, child age and duration of care failed to jointly significantly predict the quality of life of caregiver  (R2= .013, p = .424), but significantly predicted the psychological health of the caregivers (R2= .084, p = .000).Social support had strong beta contribution on QoL while age of caregiver had significant beta contribution on psychological health of the caregivers.
Effect of Drought and Irrigation Management on Two Rice Mutants of Bangladesh
Authors: Islam M. A. , Ali M. H. , Biswas P.
Published: June 2020

Drought stress is a major constraint to the sustainable production of of crops. Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is considered as a drought-sensitive crop species. The experiment was carried out to investigate the response of two rice mutants to drought condition and to develop appropriate irrigation management. Experiment was conducted at mini-lysimeter (1.5 m x 1.0 m x 0.28 m, having drainage outlet and rain-shed) at BINA, Mymensingh in Aman season (August to October, 2017) and Aus season (March to June, 2018) consecutively. The mutants used were N4/250/P-1(2) and N4/250/P-2(6)-26. The mutants were tested against four levels of drought stress. The imposed treatments were: Normal irrigation (3 days AWD), supplemental irrigation (ASM drops below 85%, throughout the growing season), irrigation at 0.85 ASM (up to booting stage) then irrigation at 0.60 PASM, irrigation at 0.85 ASM (throughout the growing season). Treatments were imposed after 3 weeks from transplanting. Experiment was laid out according to random complete block design (RCBD) with split-plot arrangements and three replications. The results showed that the mutants produced reasonable yield under stress condition compared to normal irrigation condition, which indicates their tolerance capacity under drought condition. Rice drought tolerance could help the country deal with the shortages in water that are facing Bangladesh farmers already.
Evaluation of Genotypic Performances in Native Rice Landraces of Bangladesh
Authors: Jui S. , Hossain M. , Devnath D. , Biswas B. K. , Upretee P.
Published: June 2020

Field experiments were carried out at Dinajpur, Nilphamari and Faridpur from July, 2017 to March, 2018 to evaluate the performance of native land races of rice viz., Chinigura, Kataribhog, Radhunipagol, Badshabhog, Kalozira, Uknimadhu, Dudshar, Salna, Shitabhog and Zirashail to assess G x E interaction against five quantitative characters, plant height (cm), productive tillers/hill, 1000-grain weight (g), grain yield/m2 and days to maturity, and three qualitative characters, proline (%) as µmol/g fresh weight, aroma from green leaves and cooked rice. The field experiment was conducted in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The highest grain yield (390.25 g/m2) was obtained from Radhunipagol at Dinajpur. Next to Radhunipagol, Kataribhog produced higher grain yield (350.00 g/m2) which was significantly higher than that of Nilphamari and Faridpur but Radhunipagol was suited both for Dinajpur and Nilphamari. The cultivar, Kalozira was adapted to three locations as reflected by its regression coefficient very close to unity (b=0.92) and deviation from the coefficient estimated very near to zero (s2d=0.16). Maximum proline was estimated (18.7 µmol/g fresh weight) from Chinigura cultivated at Dinajpur. The proline (%) estimated average from Kalozira at three locations and the range varied from 14.00 -15.90 µmol/g fresh weight. Dinajpur appeared as the best and Faridpur as an unfavorable location for local aromatic rice cultivars. Since, aroma was assessed through sensory method the maximum aroma was assessed from Chinigura under Dinajpur but its content gradually decreased at Nilphamari and Faridpur. The aroma assessed from cooked rice ranged from 7.05-8.90 over three locations but maximum aroma was assessed under Dinajpur. Chinigura, Radhunipagol and Kataribhog found suitable for Dinajpur, and Kalozira and Badshabhog might suggest cultivating over the locations of Bangladesh.
Potential Risk Factor for Malaria Infection in Banjarnegara, Indonesia: A Matched Case-control Study
Authors: Sulistyawati Sulistyawati , Rokhmayanti Rokhmayanti , Pradita Maririn Devi
Published: June 2020

Context: This research is performed in Banjarnegara, an endemic malaria area in Indonesia. Considering the incidence of malaria in Indonesia in the last ten years, it is essential to assess the potential risk factors to maintain the cases and to accelerate malaria elimination.

Aims: This study examined the potential risk factors from the human socio-economic aspect and human behavior for malaria cases.

Settings and Design: This is a match case-control study conducted in 34 cases and 34 controls in Banjarmangu Subdistrict, Banjarnegara, Indonesia. The subjects for the two groups were based on the routine report of Banjarmangu I public health center from July 2017–March 2018. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to select the subject.

Statistical Analysis: Logistic regression was used to seek the association among the variables.

Results: This research found that installing wire netting, not sleeping under a bed net, and consuming higher transportation costs were significant protective factors for malaria cases. Having lower family income was significant as a potential risk factor for malaria cases (OR=10.68, CI = 1.01-112.59).

Conclusions: This study may explain that economic income was the essential aspect of malaria prevention as it contributed to the other health issues, such as health-seeking behavior.