bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal model complexity for terrestrial carbon cycle prediction
Authors: Famiglietti Caroline A. , Smallman T. Luke , Levine Paul A. , Flack-Prain Sophie , Quetin Gregory R. , Meyer Victoria , Parazoo Nicholas C. , Stettz Stephanie G. , Yang Yan , Bonal Damien , Bloom A. Anthony , Williams Mathew , Konings Alexandra G.
Published: December 2020

Abstract. The terrestrial carbon cycle plays a critical role in modulating the interactions of climate with the Earth system, but different models often make vastly different predictions of its behavior. Efforts to reduce model uncertainty have commonly focused on model structure, namely by introducing additional processes and increasing structural complexity. However, the extent to which increased structural complexity can directly improve predictive skill is unclear. While adding processes may improve realism, the resulting models are often encumbered by a greater number of poorly-determined or over-generalized parameters. To guide efficient model development, here we map the theoretical relationship between model complexity and predictive skill. To do so, we developed 16 structurally distinct carbon cycle models spanning an axis of complexity and incorporated them into a model–data fusion system. We calibrated each model at 6 globally-distributed eddy covariance sites with long observation time series and under 42 data scenarios that resulted in different degrees of parameter uncertainty. For each combination of site, data scenario, and model, we then predicted net ecosystem exchange (NEE) and leaf area index (LAI) for validation against independent local site data. Though the maximum model complexity we evaluated is lower than most traditional terrestrial biosphere models, the complexity range we explored provides universal insight into the inter-relationship between structural uncertainty, parametric uncertainty, and model forecast skill. Specifically, increased complexity only improves forecast skill if parameters are adequately informed (e.g., when NEE observations are used for calibration). Otherwise, increased complexity can degrade skill and an intermediate-complexity model is optimal. This finding remains consistent regardless of whether NEE or LAI is predicted. Our COMPLexity EXperiment (COMPLEX) highlights the importance of robust, observation-based parameterization for land surface modeling and suggests that data characterizing net carbon fluxes will be key to improving decadal predictions of high-dimensional terrestrial biosphere models.
A detailed radiostratigraphic data set for the central East Antarctic
Plateau spanning the last half million years
Authors: Cavitte Marie G. P. , Young Duncan A. , Mulvaney Robert , Ritz Catherine , Greenbaum Jamin S. , Ng Gregory , Kempf Scott D. , Quartini Enrica , Muldoon Gail R. , Paden John , Frezzotti Massimo , Roberts Jason L. , Tozer Carly R. , Schroeder Dustin M. , Blankenship Donald D.
Published: December 2020

Abstract. We present an ice-penetrating radar data set which consists of 26 internal reflecting horizons (IRHs) that cover the entire Dome C area of the East Antarctic plateau, the most extensive to date in the region. This data set uses radar surveys collected over the space of 10 years, starting with an airborne international collaboration in 2008 to explore the region, up to the detailed ground based surveys in support of the Beyond EPICA – Oldest Ice (BE-OI) European Consortium. Through direct correlation with the EPICA-DC ice core, we date 19 IRHs that span the past four glacial cycles, from the beginning of the Holocene to over 350 ka. We indirectly date and provide stratigraphic information for seven older IRHs using an 1-D ice flow inverse model, going back to an estimated 700 ka. Depth and age uncertainties are quantified for all IRHs and provided as part of the data set. The IRH data set presented in this study is available at the U.S. Antarctic Program Data Center (USAP-DC) (https://doi.org/10.15784/601411, Cavitte et al., 2020) and represents a contribution to the SCAR AntArchitecture program.
Using Google Earth Engine to monitor co-seismic landslide recovery
after the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake
Authors: Yang Wentao , Qi Wenwen , Fang Jian
Published: December 2020

Abstract. Earthquake-triggered landslides can pose serious threats to mountain communities by remobilizing and providing loose materials for debris flows in post-seismic years. However, how long co-seismic landslides recover remains elusive due to limited observations. Using vegetation dynamics, we studied surface recovery of co-seismic landslides induced by the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake from May 2008 to July 2019 for over 20,000 km2. Landsat derived vegetation recovery on all co-seismic landslides has been assessed based on the Google Earth Engine, a cloud-based computing platform. We found most co-seismic landslides have been recovering after the earthquake but the spatial pattern is heterogeneous. The epicentre region with low elevations along the bottom of the Min River valley has the best landslide recovery, whereas many landslides on the high Longmen Mountain are poorly recovered ten years after the earthquake. These unrecovered hillslopes and gullies together with widespread loose debris indicate that surface processes on high mountains may still active and may provide source materials for debris flows, threatening communities at low elevations. To decipher possible mechanisms, we further analysed the relations between landslide recovery and twelve influencing factors, including slope, pre-seismic vegetation condition, landslide depth, landslide area, elevation, ground peak acceleration of the earthquake, aspect, slope curvatures, topographic positions, mean annual precipitation, ground cohesion strength and vegetation types. We found elevation, topographic position and pre-seismic vegetation condition are the most important factors that influence landslide recovery over all others. This work also demonstrates the efficiency of the Google Earth Engine for continuously monitoring landslide dynamics over large areas.
Distributed faulting following normal earthquakes: reassessment
and updating of scaling relations
Authors: Ferrario Maria Francesca , Livio Franz
Published: December 2020

Abstract. Coseismic surface faulting is a significant source of hazard for critical plants and distributive infrastructures; it may occur either on the primary fault, or as distributed rupture on nearby faults. Hazard assessment for distributed faulting is based on empirical relations which, in the case of normal faults, were derived almost 15 years ago on a dataset of US earthquakes. We collect additional case histories worldwide, for a total of 21 earthquakes, and we calculate the conditional probability of distributed faulting as a function of distance from the primary fault. We found no clear dependency on the magnitude nor the time of occurrence of the earthquakes, but our data consistently show a higher probability of rupture when compared to the scaling relations currently adopted in engineering practice. We derive updated empirical regressions and show that results are strongly conditioned by the averaging of earthquakes effectively generating distributed faulting at a given distance and those which did not generate faulting; thus, we introduce a more conservative scenario, which can be included in a logic tree approach to consider the full spectrum of potential ruptures. Our results can be applied in the framework of probabilistic assessment of fault displacement hazard.
Significance of Membranous Urethral Length for Recovery From Postoperative Urinary Incontinence Following Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate
Authors: Oka Shintaro , Kobayashi Keita , Matsuda Kenji , Takai Kimio
Published: December 2020

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the significance of the membranous urethral length (MUL), including the thickness of the urethral sphincter, for recovery from postoperative stress urinary incontinence (SUI) following holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP).Methods: We analyzed 78 patients who underwent HoLEP between June 2013 and September 2018, all of whom preoperatively received magnetic resonance imaging. MUL was measured using sagittal T2-weighted fast spin-echo images. The clinical and anatomical factors associated with MUL were evaluated. The recovery time of urinary incontinence was compared between patients with a long MUL (≥14 mm) and a short MUL (<14 mm). SUI included both stress and mixed urinary incontinence. Continence was defined as complete dryness.Results: The median MUL in patients without incontinence at 1 month postoperatively was significantly longer than the MUL in patients with incontinence (15.3 mm vs. 12.7 mm, P<0.001). The continence rates at 1 month after HoLEP in patients with longer MULs and shorter MULs were 80.4% and 30.0%, respectively. The recovery time of urinary incontinence in patients with longer MULs (≥14 mm) was significantly shorter than that in patients with shorter MULs (<14 mm) (log-rank test, P=0.001). After 6 months, the continence rates in patients with longer MULs and shorter MULs were similar (97%). MUL was significantly correlated with the recovery period of urinary incontinence (r=-0.459, P<0.001).Conclusions: MUL was useful for predicting early recovery from urinary incontinence following HoLEP. This study provides evidence that postoperative urinary incontinence following a transurethral procedure for benign prostatic hyperplasia was associated with anatomical factors. A long MUL was associated with better tolerance to urinary sphincter damage by the transurethral procedure.
Comprehensive Review of Effective Application of Questionnaires for Clinical Research on Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms With Translation and Cultural Adaptation to the Korean Language
Authors: Suh Jungyo , Oh Seung-June , Cho Sung Yong
Published: December 2020

Lower urinary tract symptoms are highly prevalent and closely related to patients’ quality of life. Clinical research on urologic disease is essential for accumulating evidence on patient management; however, the major obstacle is converting patients’ subjective symptoms to objective parameters. The optimal application of well-developed and validated questionnaires is vital in achieving objectivity and minimizing bias in clinical research. Numerous questionnaires for measuring symptoms and quality of life in urologic diseases have been developed worldwide; however, they cannot be directly used in clinical studies without validation processes. This review aimed to explain the common procedures for translation, linguistic, and psychometric validation of developed questionnaires from other languages. Furthermore, we comprehensively reviewed currently available questionnaires for evaluating lower urinary tract symptoms in the Korean population.
Meta-Analysis of the Efficacy and Safety of Imidafenacin for Overactive Bladder Induced by Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Men Receiving Alpha-Blocker Therapy
Authors: Cai Tong , Wang Ning , Liang Liye , Zhou Zhongbao , Zhang Yong , Cui Yuanshan
Published: December 2020

Purpose: The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of imidafenacin for overactive bladder (OAB) induced by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men receiving alpha-blocker monotherapy.Methods: We performed a systematic research of the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases, and searched for studies about alpha-blocker with or without imidafenacin treatment for OAB in patients with BPH. We also investigated the original references of the included texts.Results: Four randomized controlled trials including 779 participants with BPH (389 in the alpha-blocker+imidafenacin group and 390 in the alpha-blocker only group) were studied. The main efficacy endpoint was the Overactive Bladder Symptom Score, which showed a mean difference of -1.88 (95% confidence interval, -2.32 to -1.44; P<0.00001), suggesting that alpha-blocker and imidafenacin treatment was effective in treating men with OAB. As other primary efficacy end points, the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) total score (P=0.47), the IPSS storage symptom score (P=0.07), the IPSS voiding symptom score (P=0.60), and the IPSS quality of life score (P=0.18) indicated that 2 methods had no significant differences in treating men with OAB. In terms of safety, which was assessed using postvoid residual volume (P=0.05) and maximum flow rate (P=0.53), the analysis suggested that combination treatment was very well tolerated.Conclusions: This study suggested that imidafenacin plus alpha-blocker was an efficacious and safe treatment for OAB symptoms in BPH patients.
A Method to Isolate Pericytes From the Mouse Urinary Bladder for the Study of Diabetic Bladder Dysfunction
Authors: Choi Min-Ji , Minh Nguyen Nhat , Ock Jiyeon , Suh Jun-Kyu , Yin Guo Nan , Ryu Ji-Kan
Published: December 2020

Purpose: Pericytes surround the endothelial cells in microvessels and play a distinct role in controlling vascular permeability and maturation. The loss of pericyte function is known to be associated with diabetic retinopathy and erectile dysfunction. This study aimed to establish a technique for the isolation of pericytes from the mouse urinary bladder and an in vitro model that mimics in vivo diabetic bladder dysfunction.Methods: To avoid contamination with epithelial cells, the urothelial layer was meticulously removed from the underlying submucosa and detrusor muscle layer. The tissues were cut into multiple pieces, and the fragmented tissues were settled by gravity into collagen I-coated culture plates. The cells were cultured under normal-glucose (5 mmol/L) or high-glucose (30 mmol/L) conditions, and tube formation, cell proliferation, and TUNEL assays were performed. We also performed hydroethidine staining to measure superoxide anion production.Results: We successfully isolated high-purity pericytes from the mouse urinary bladder. The cells were positively stained for platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β and NG2 and negatively stained for smooth muscle cell markers (desmin and myosin) and an endothelial cell marker (CD31). The number of tubes formed and the number of proliferating cells were significantly lower when the pericytes were exposed to high-glucose conditions compared with normal-glucose conditions. In addition, there were significant increases in superoxide anion production and the number of apoptotic cells when the pericytes were cultured under high-glucose conditions.Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to isolate and culture pericytes from the mouse urinary bladder. Our model would be a useful tool for screening the efficacy of therapeutic candidates targeting pericyte function in diabetic bladder dysfunction and exploring the functional role of specific targets at the cellular level.
Potential Role of Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 in Monitoring Disease Progression and Response to Treatment in Overactive Bladder Patients
Authors: Ghoniem Gamal , Farhan Bilal , Csuka David , Zaldivar Frank
Published: December 2020

Purpose: To compare urinary levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), an inflammatory cytokine, in healthy controls and overactive bladder (OAB) patients, to correlate changes in urinary MCP-1 with OAB treatment response and symptom severity, and to study the diagnostic potential of MCP-1 for OAB, as well as the efficacy of MCP-1 as a potential biomarker for different phenotypes of OAB.Methods: We used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to measure normalized urinary MCP-1 levels in 56 individuals (43 OAB patients and 13 controls). We assessed the OAB patients at 3 visits with 2 validated symptom severity questionnaires (OAB-V8 and Patient Perception of Bladder Condition).Results: The mean pretreatment urinary MCP-1 level at visit 1 (229.2-pg/mg creatinine) was significantly greater than the MCP-1 levels at visit 3 in both the treatment (107.0-pg/mg creatinine) (P<0.001) and control (52.35-pg/mg creatinine) groups (P<0.001). Average OAB symptom severity decreased significantly from visit 1 (baseline) to visits 2 (4 weeks) and 3 (12–14 weeks) and was significantly correlated with urinary MCP-1 levels. Urinary MCP-1 levels dropped significantly (P=0.002) posttreatment in patients whose symptom severity improved by >30%, whereas nonresponders displayed no significant MCP-1 decrease (P=0.164). The receiver operating characteristic analysis of the OAB visit 1 and control groups produced an area under the curve of 0.891. We found no significant differences in sex, race, or age between the OAB and control groups.Conclusions: MCP-1 levels differed significantly between the control and OAB groups and were closely correlated with symptom severity and treatment response. The good diagnostic accuracy of MCP-1 for OAB suggests the potential usage of MCP-1 for OAB diagnosis. The varying response of urinary MCP-1 levels to treatment may indicate at least 2 potential phenotypes of OAB. MCP-1, in combination with other biomarkers and symptom severity questionnaires, could potentially aid in developing a patient-centered OAB treatment approach.
Let’s Prefer the Pain Reducing Intervention, Buzzy or ShotBlocker: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Aykanat Girgin Burcu , Aktaş Eda , Kılınç Derya , Gözen Duygu
Published: December 2020

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to detect and compare the effects of ShotBlocker and Buzzy methods on pain, fear, and parental satisfaction during intramuscular injection. METHODS: This study was an experimental randomized controlled trial. The sample included 90 children at the ages of 6 and 12 to whom intramuscular injection was administered in the pediatric emergency department of a university hospital. The participants were randomly assigned to ShotBlocker (n=30), Buzzy (n=30), and control (n=30) groups. Child Information Form, Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale, Children’s Fear Scale, and Parental Satisfaction Questionnaire were used to collect the data. RESULTS: ShotBlocker and Buzzy groups had significantly lower pain and fear scores and higher parental satisfaction than control group after the procedure (p=0.0001). The lowest pain and fear score and the highest parental satisfaction score were observed in Buzzy group (p=0.0001). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Both ShotBlocker and Buzzy methods reduce pain and fear of children during intramuscular injection and increasing satisfaction of their parents. However, when compared to ShotBlocker, Buzzy method is more effective in reducing intramuscular injection-related pain and fear and should be preferred primarily.
Clinical Practice of Ketogenic Parenteral Nutrition in Children With Epilepsy
Authors: Ünalp Aycan , Gürbüz Gürkan , Akışın Zeynep
Published: December 2020

High-fat, low-carb ketogenic diets have been used around for over a century for the treatment of epilepsy. In recent years, the use of ketogenic diets traditionally used for the treatment of resistant pediatric epilepsies has expanded to include conditions ranging from refractory status epilepticus to febrile infection-related epilepsy syndrome. In such cases where the enteral route can not be used, it may be life-saving to consider the parenteral ketogenic diet. However, there are some points to be considered for proper and effective monitoring by starting this treatment effectively and reliably. The aim of this review is to increase the awareness of physicians and dieticians on this subject in the light of the case reports, studies and international clinical practice guide.
Knowledge Levels of Mothers of Asthmatic Children About Asthma
Authors: Çekiç Şükrü , Canıtez Yakup , Küçüker Hakan , Karalı Yasin , Çiçek Fatih , Sapan Nihat
Published: December 2020

INTRODUCTION: Parents' compliance with asthma treatment is one of the main factors determining the success of treatment. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge of asthma symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of mothers of asthmatic children. METHODS: A questionnaire consisting of 42 questions was used in the study. The survey was composed of questions prepared by us and adapted from a validated asthma knowledge level questionnaire named The Newcastle Asthma Knowledge Questionnaire (NAKQ).Each correct answer was considered 2.38 points. Those with 67.7 points and above were considered sufficient. RESULTS: The mothers of 323 children with asthma were included in the study. There was no one who answered all the questions correctly among the mothers. The total mean score of the mothers was 57.8±11.9 (median: 58.5, minimum: 26.8, maximum: 87.8). The median scores of the mothers who graduated from university (median: 65.9, minimum: 36.6, maximum: 85.4) was higher than those who graduated from primary school (median: 53.7, minimum: 29.3, maximum: 87.8), middle school (median: 58.5, minimum: 29.3, maximum: 78) and high school (median: 61, minimum: 26.8, maximum: 80.5) (p<0.001, p<0.001 and p=0.003). The median score of working mothers (median: 65.9, minimum: 34.1, maximum: 87.8) was higher than those who housewives (median: 56.1, minimum: 26.8, maximum: 87.8) (p<0.001). The median scores of mothers who breastfeed for more than six months (median: 61, minimum: 29.3, maximum: 87.8) was higher compared to those who breastfeed less than six months (median: 56.1, minimum: 26.8, maximum: 85.4) (p=0.005). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Education levels of the mothers and being a working mother were significant factors affecting the level of asthma knowledge among mothers.
A Rare Side Effect of Diazoxide Therapy: Pulmonary Hipertension
Authors: Gürsu Alper Hazim , Azak Emine , Mengen Eda , Ünal Sevim , Çetin İbrahim İlker
Published: December 2020

We present a newborn diagnosed with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome and hypoglycemia, and developed pulmonary hypertension due to initiated diazoxide treatment because of these indications. Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome was considered due to abdominal wall defect, macrosomia, macroglossia and hypoglycemia in a 34 week newborn with respiratory distress, hypoglycemia and syndromic appearance. Blood glucose level was measured as 1 mg/dL. Oral feeding, glucose infusion, prednisolone and then diazoxide treatment were started. At the first admission transthoracic echocardiographic examination, ventricular and atrial septal defects were detected. Control echocardiography performed under diazoxide treatment, showed development of enlarged right heart chambers, severe tricuspid regurgitation, and pulmonary hypertension. The development of pulmonary hypertension was thought to be related to diazoxide treatment. Diazoxide was discontinued after the patient became normoglycemic during follow--up period. Subsequently performed echocardiography revealed that the systolic pulmonary artery pressure regressed to 20 mmHg, and cardiac chambers returned to their physiologic balance. The patient without any problem during monitorization was discharged with the recommendation to attend further controls visits. In this case report, it was aimed to be reminded that pulmonary hypertension can develop due to diazoxide treatment, and it can regress with discontinuation of diazoxide. Besides, transthoracic ECHO should be performed to check for the development of pulmonary hypertension in newborns treated with diazoxide.
Entamoeba gingivalis and Evaluation of its Effectiveness in Periodontal Diseases
Authors: Esenkaya Taşbent Fatma , Ceran Boran Ceren
Published: December 2020

Periodontitis is one of the most common and public health problems worldwide. It is a multifactorial chronic inflammatory disease involving a complex interaction between various etiological factors, host responses, and environmental factors. Risk factors have still been under investigation. Many studies emphasize the possible bacterial etiology and host responses. Entamoeba gingivalis, is a protozoon that resides in the oral cavity of individuals. Many studies have reported that infection rates of this protozoa was higher in patients with periodontitis compared to healthy controls. However, the role of this protozoon in the development of periodontal disease remains controversial. Therefore, in this review, it is aimed to compile the literature data on E. gingivalis whose pathogenicity is yet to be determined.
Investigation of Drug Resistance in Leishmania tropica as Causative Agent of Canine Leishmaniasis
Authors: Perk Nami Ege , Çavuş İbrahim , Özbilgin Ahmet
Published: December 2020

Objective: Leishmaniasis is endemic in 98 countries, and poses risk to 1 billion people in the world. The infection caused by obligatory intracellular parasite Leishmania spp. in dogs is called Canine Leishmaniasis (CanL). In this study, it was aimed to detect the resistance status of Leishmania tropica strains isolated from dogs in our country against amphotericin B, meglumine antimoniate and sodium stibogluconate applied in leishmaniasis treatment. Method: Leishmania spp. promastigotes, taken out from the liquid nitrogen were first cultured in NNN media, then the growing isolates were transferred to RPMI-1640 medium and abundant amount of promastigotes were obtained. Isolates were genotyped using real-time polymerase chain reaction method with primers and probes specific to the ITS-1 region of Leishmania spp. and in five isolates that were found to be L. tropica causing CanL, resistance status against amphotericin B, meglumine antimoniate and sodium stibogluconate was investigated by hemocytometer and XTT methods. Results: The mean IC50 values were determined as 10.60 mg/ml for meglumine antimoniate, 0.1471 mg/ml for sodium stibogluconate, 0.0328 μM/ml for amphotericin B by hemocytometer method. Average IC50 values determined by XTT method were 10.48 mg/ml for meglumine antimoniate, 0.1470 mg/ml for sodium stibogluconate, 0.0326 μM/ml for amphotericin B. Conclusion: According to our data, while L. tropica strains which were isolated from CanL cases which are very rarely found causative agents in dogs, were not found to be resistant to amphoreticin B and sodium stibogluconate, parasite developed drug resistance against meglumine antimoniate. In future, this situation is thought to be a problem during treatment in human cutaneous leishmaniasis cases.
Staging Shaw: An Interview with Colin Murphy
Authors: O'Beirne Patricia
Published: December 2020

Judging Shaw was staged by ANU Productions in collaboration with playwright Colin Murphy as a site-specific promenade performance in the Royal Irish Academy (RIA) Dublin. It took place on the inaugural Shaw Day, 2 November 2017. The performance piece took its inspiration from Fintan O'Toole's biography of George Bernard Shaw, also called Judging Shaw. In this interview, Colin Murphy, playwright, journalist, and author of the performance script, discusses writing, staging, and indeed judging Shaw with Dr. Tricia O'Beirne. Additionally, an excerpt from Murphy's playscript “Judging Shaw: Sketches on the Life (and Afterlife) of George Bernard Shaw” to mark Shaw Day 2017 is included in this journal.
Researching Shaw in Performance: An Interview with Aisling Smith
Authors: O'Beirne Patricia
Published: December 2020

Aisling Smith completed her practice as research PhD program at NUI Galway from 2015 to 2018, focusing on the dramatic work of George Bernard Shaw. Specifically, she staged and directed three of his plays: a site-specific production of O'Flaherty V.C., an epic theater production of Pygmalion, and an intermedial production of The Millionairess. In this interview about her work, Smith discusses how relevant Shaw is to today's intellectual and performance scene and details the insights she gleaned into Shaw's dramatic work, including how, when creating her epic production of Pygmalion, she discovered new and revealing Brechtian elements in Shaw's play text and performance style.
Undergraduate Student Course Engagement of an Ethnically Diverse Population in Auckland, New Zealand
Authors: Brown Stephen James
Published: December 2020

Increasing student engagement leads to improved educational outcomes, promotes positive student experiences, and reduces attrition rates. In Aotearoa (New Zealand), Māori students now account for 20% of university enrolments, but first-year attrition rates are approximately 17%. Both Māori and Pasifika students are more likely to drop-out during their first year of study than Pākehā students. To address the question Are Māori and Pasifika students less engaged than Pākehā students when studying in their first year of university? we measured student engagement during a compulsory first-year course delivered by a university in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland). Questions were from the National Survey of Student Engagement, and students identified their ethnicity as either Māori, Pākehā, Pasifika, or Other. Information on the campus of study was also collected. Three scales within the questionnaire were (1) Cooperative Learning, (2) Cognitive Development, and (3) Personal Skills, and both total score, and score for each scale, were compared between ethnicities and across campuses. Total engagement for Māori students was higher than all other ethnicities on all campuses, and at the South Auckland Campus, Māori students scored higher in Cooperative Learning than all other ethnicities. These encouraging scores for Māori students reflect a commitment of inclusion and support for Māori enrolled at this large tertiary education provider in Tāmaki Makaurau, Aotearoa. The questionnaire was convenient to use and scales showed good internal consistency. We suggest that regular measures of student course engagement are made so trends can be shown for all student groups enrolled at universities throughout Aotearoa.
Basic aspects of using acid gel for propant injection during fracturing works in carbonate reservoirs in the Volga-Ural region
Authors:   Samaraneftegaz JSC, Oil and Gas Production Department, Samara, Russia, Gilaev Gen.G. , Khabibullin M.Ya. ,   Ufa State Petroleum Technological University, Branch in Oktyabrsky, Russia, Gilaev G.G. ,   Kuban State Technological University, Institute of Oil, Gas and Energy, Krasnodar, Russia
Published: December 2020

In JSC Samaraneftegaz, in recent years, there has been a steady trend towards a reduction in the proportion of proppant fracturing and an increase in the proportion of acid stimulation. After analyzing the previously performed hydraulic fracturing works on the carbonate reservoirs of Samaraneftegaz JSC, as well as world experience, it can be assumed that an increase in the duration of the effect of hydraulic fracturing in carbonate reservoirs can be achieved through a combination of acid fracturing with the use of a proppant (proppant) , where a crosslinked acid gel can serve as the main sand-carrying fluid. However, due to the difference in the geological conditions of carbonate reservoirs, on which the experience of using acid gel as the main sand-carrying agent was considered, the feasibility of using proppant fracturing technology on a cross-linked acid gel requires a set of studies.
Roman commercial networks in the eastern Pyrenees in the Late Republic and Early Empire: A cost analysis of the transport of imports and exports
Authors: Ward Koeck Alan
Published: December 2020

A computer model of the transport network in the eastern Pyrenees is drawn up, in association with a mathematical model of cost and speed of various means of transport and types of via. Results of these models include optimum routes for imports and exports to this region, and a breakdown of costs and transport times in each direction. The role of the port of Ruscino is noted in making Cerdanya and Iulia Lybica accessible from the sea, due to the higher cost of road transport in comparison to sea and river. So is the economic feasibility of the transport of merchandise such as imports of wine and exports of pernae ceretanae in relation with other regions of the Roman world, or quarried stone and salt between the region and neighboring regions in the central Pyrenees. The topic of a mountain range as a barrier to commercial activities is thus questioned.
Visibility Degradation and Its Contributors at an Urban Site in Korea
Authors: Ma Chang-Jin , Lim Cheol-Soo , Kang Gong-Unn , Jung Sun-A , Jo Mi-Ra
Published: December 2020

In order to provide a better knowledge of visibility degradation during the PM2.5 event day (episodic high PM2.5 level, hereafter called as “event day”), the relationship between visibility and the chemical species of PM2.5 measured in Gwangju, Korea was estimated. Moreover, a visibility forecasting model was constructed by a statistical approach. The diurnal variation of visibility and PM2.5 concentration on the event day indicated that as the concentration of PM2.5 increased, more light was absorbed and scattered, resulting in visibility deterioration. The averaged visibility during the event day was 7.9 km, which was almost three times lower than that observed during a non-event day. Although the hygroscopic growth of aerosol was not considered in this study, it has been proved that NH4NO3 and organics dominantly contributed to the light scattering during the PM2.5 event day in Gwangju, Korea. The visibility determined in this study had also a negative correlation with PM10, nitrate, relative humidity, EC, OC, and sulfate. Meanwhile, visibility was positively linked with wind speed and temperature. The results of interrelationship and a multiple regression model suggest that among the meteorological variables, temperature was the main variable that influenced visibility.
Analysis of the National Air Pollutant Emission Inventory (CAPSS 2016) and the Major Cause of Change in Republic of Korea
Authors: Choi Seong-woo , Kim Taekyu , Lee Hyang-kyeong , Kim Hyung-cheon , Han Jihyun , Lee Kyoung-bin , Lim Eun-hyouck , Shin Sang-ho , Jin Hyung-ah , Cho Eugene , Kim Young-min , Yoo Chul
Published: December 2020

In 2016, air pollutant emissions in the Republic of Korea were 795,044 metric tons (hereafter tons) of CO, 1,248,309 tons of NOx, 358,951 tons of SOx, 611,539 tons of TSP, 233,085 tons of PM10, 100,247 tons of PM2.5, 16,401 tons of BC, 1,024,029 tons of VOCs, and 301,301 tons of NH3. Including energy production, thirteen emission sources, which comprise the national air pollutant emission inventory, were classified by their characteristics into five sectors (Energy, Industry, Road, Non-road, and Everyday Activities and Other Emission Sources) to analyze their relative contributions to the national emissions. Specifically, their contributions by pollutant were as follows: NOx (11.0%), SOx (21.9%), PM2.5 (3.2%), VOCs (0.8%), NH3 (0.5%) from the energy sector; NOx (20.2%), SOx (59.7%), PM2.5 (42.1%), VOCs (24.3%), and NH3 (14.4%) from the industry sector; NOx (36.3%), SOx (0.1%), PM2.5 (9.7%), VOCs (4.6%), and NH3 (1.7%) from the road sector; NOx (24.8%), SOx (11.5%), PM2.5 (14.3%), VOCs (4.0%), and NH3 (0.04%) from the non-road sector; and NOx (7.6%), SOx (6.7%), PM2.5 (30.6%), VOCs (66.3%), and NH3 (83.4%) from the everyday activities and other emission sources sector. The data we calculate are used as official national emissions data for the establishment, implementation, and assessment of national atmospheric environment policy to improve air quality. As critical and necessary materials, the data are also utilized on a wide range of studies on policies such as customized regional particulate matter reduction measures. Thus, it is crucial to estimate highly reliable national emissions by enhancing the emissions factors and inventory and to establish a scientific emissions testing system by using air quality modeling and satellite data.
Challenges of the contemporary Ukrainian family
Authors: Bocharova Olena
Published: December 2020

At the end of the 1980s and at the beginning of the 21st century, significant changes took place in the Ukrainian family, as a result of the transformation of Ukrainian society and the globalization challenges. The model of family life has changed, the number of working women has increased, the level of parental involvement in the process of raising children has changed, the number of single parents has changed. The number of non-formalised relationships and extramarital births has also increased.
The purpose of this work is to present the impact of transformation processes in the Ukrainian society on the structure and functioning of families. The article provides information about the family as a social institution, as well as the problems faced by the contemporary Ukrainian family. The most important of these problems are: material difficulties, lack of support for young families, difficulties in combining professional and family responsibilities. Based on statistical data, contemporary trends in the transformation of the Ukrainian family and its function have been analysed. Particular attention was paid to the educational function of the family.
Views of female students on the future professional and family life
Authors: Cudak Sławomir
Published: December 2020

The family is an important value for women in the hierarchy of the axiological system. The model of a traditional family where the father works professionally and the mother brings up the children is a thing of the past. There is a significant increase in the employment of women (including wives and mothers) not only because of economic needs. They also have aspirations to achieve a professional career.
The aim of the study was to find out the views of women (female students) in the area of their future professional and family lives. The research adopted the method of a diagnostic survey, including the survey and interview technique. 142 women (female students) took part in the research which was conducted in the Łódź region in the first quarter of 2019.
The study results prove that family and work, including professional career, are of equal values for the surveyed women. Their structure of their future family will be formed with one or two children. Most of the surveyed women from urban environments (19.2%) as compared to rural environments (12.5%) want to achieve success at work, including a professional career, in their future lives.
The above-mentioned components in the future life of the surveyed women in the form of the structure of their family, work and professional career allow for the formulation of a view on the further transformation of a family life model in its functions, structure and social parenting roles.
Images of family homes of the surveyed volunteers and their role in undertaking voluntary activity – a case study
Authors: Piechowicz Agnieszka
Published: December 2020

Taking into account the significant role of family home in the process of shaping human pro-social attitudes, the investigations undertaken were aimed at determining which of the specific features and components of family home have a significant impact on undertaking and conducting socially useful activities by volunteers.
The subject of the empirical research of the study were the family homes of the surveyed volunteers, which may be a factor conditioning the undertaking of local initiatives. The aim of the research was to: diagnose which of the elements characterizing the family home of the surveyed volunteers constituted the source of undertaking and conducting their voluntary activity; learning about the nature of interpersonal bonds in the home of the surveyed social workers and determining the role of the family home in the care, upbringing and education of the surveyed volunteers, which determines the undertaking and conducting of local initiatives by them in the studied area. The research used the method of individual cases, and the research material was obtained using the interview technique.
The analysis of the research results showed that both the positive components of the family home (pro-social patterns presented by parents, good material base, mutual understanding of family members) and its negative elements (emotional coldness, fear of criticism, materialism) direct the pro-social activities undertaken by the surveyed volunteers.
As a result of the research, several models of the family home that are conducive to undertaking voluntary activities have been developed. An important conclusion from the analyzes carried out is the confirmation of the fact that, despite its diversity, each of the family homes of the surveyed volunteers to some extent conditioned the decisions of the social worker to undertake voluntary activities.
EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS OF THE HELICOPTER DITCHING
Authors: Kraskowski Marek
Published: December 2020

The paper presents the method and results of the model tests of helicopter ditching, aimed at adaptation of the helicopter's construction for marine mis-sions. The experiment, realized by Maritime Advanced Research Centre S.A. (CTO) required elaboration of dedicated measurement stand, and solving a number of specific technical problems resulting from the necessity of assuring the repeatability, and required accuracy of the measurements and scalability of the results. Such kind of experiment is not a standard task of a hydrodynamic model testing institution, so it brings an innovation in the testing methodology. The paper presents the details of the test stand and the model itself with rotating rotor, design of the experiment, as well as an overview of the results and main conclusions
Interação por Rastreamento de Mão em ambiente de Realidade Virtual
Authors: Castro Mateus , Xavier João , Rosa Paulo , De Oliveira Jauvane
Published: December 2020

Este artigo descreve a criação de um sistema de baixo custo que permite a interação de um usuário com ambientes virtuais modelados em Unity e visualizados através do Google Card Board - a interação testada se baseia no uso das mãos para mover objetos em uma tarefa de pick and place. O sistema proposto divide o processamento em uma arquitetura cliente-servidor na qual o ambiente virtual é executado no cliente, ao mesmo tempo que este envia fotos do celular do Card Board para o servidor. Este processa e retorna a pose da mão presente na imagem e envia de volta para o cliente, o qual renderiza e processa interações.
HarpyGame: A Customizable Serious Game for Upper Limb Rehabilitation after Stroke
Authors: Cyrino Gabriel , Tannús Júlia , Lamounier Edgard , Cardoso Alexandre , Soares Alcimar
Published: December 2020

Stroke is the most common disease that leads to the dexterity impairment of the upper limbs. Serious games have emerged as an advantageous and enjoyable alternative to rehabilitation treatment when compared to traditional therapies. This work presents the development of a customizable serious game, based on Virtual Reality techniques to achieve a more natural and intuitive interface. The game was developed to allow different types of input devices. In so doing, the system consists of a control panel for patient management and customization of the game, a serious game with a realistic environment with levels and adaptive tasks, and a database. The research considered the assistance of physiotherapists to provide protocols that the game followed. Results indicated significant acceptance by the patients, implying the system’s potential use in the post-stroke rehabilitation process of the upper limbs.
Identifying the Strategies of Learning Transfer to Workplace in Kermanshah Universities: Content Analysis
Authors: Mostafaei Sayyed Mohammad Reza , Khakrah Fataneh , Malekian Faramarz
Published: December 2020

Background: The persistent success of any organization depends on the effective and constant learning of its staff, as well as the communication of the learned material to improve job performance. Objectives: The present study aimed to elaborate on the strategies of learning transfer to the workplace based on content analysis in the universities of Kermanshah, Iran, especially Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences. Methods: The sample population included the universities of Kermanshah province, and the participants were 15 faculty members and the specialists in training and improvement of university human resources, who were selected via purposeful sampling. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews, and the validity of the questions was assessed based on the perspectives of the experts. Data analysis was performed using qualitative content analysis, and the findings were validated by member checking and peer debriefing. Results: The strategies to transfer leaning included organizational learning culture, development of participation and the teamwork culture, institutionalizing experiences and expertise in the organization, performance management, career path management, revision and modification of rules and regulations, creating opportunities to apply, improvement of scientific interactions, and promoting the status of training units. Conclusions: By applying the identified strategies, universities will be able to increase the rate of learning transfer, which in turn enhances the effectiveness of organizational training.
The Correlation Between Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC) and Relative Cerebral Blood Volume (rCBV) with Ki-67 Expression in Central Nervous System Lymphoma
Authors: Duy Hung Nguyen , Minh Duc Nguyen , Hong Nhung Ta , Thanh Dung Le , Van Giang Bui , Duy Hue Nguyen
Published: December 2020

Background: Central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma presents as the dense infiltration of tumor cells in the perivascular space and blood-brain barrier disruption, on histopathological examination. The Ki-67 expression has been significantly correlated with tumor proliferation and is considered to be a prognostic factor. Objectives: This study aimed at analyzing the correlations among the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), the relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV), and the Ki-67 proliferation index in CNS lymphoma. Methods: From August 2019 to March 2020, 26 patients (14 men and 12 women) who underwent biopsy or surgery and were histologically confirmed as CNS lymphoma were included in this retrospective study. Diffusion and perfusion acquisitions were performed in 26 and 10 examinations, respectively. The Ki-67 proliferation index was available for all cases. Results: The mean tADC, rADC, and rCBV values were 0.61 ± 0.12 × 10-3 mm2/s, 0.73 ± 0.14, and 1.1 ± 0.32, respectively. Negative correlations were identified between both tADC and rADC and the Ki-67 proliferation index (r = -0.656, P < 0.01 and r = -0.540, P < 0.01, respectively). No significant correlations were found between rCBV values and the Ki-67 proliferation index, between rCBV and rADC, or between rCBV and tADC. Conclusions: tADC and rADC values can be used as noninvasive indicators to predict cell proliferation in CNS lymphoma.
Study of Subtypes of Non-Delusional Jealousy and its Association with Personality Aspects and Psychopathological Dimensions in a Young Adult Sample in Iran
Authors: Sheikhmoonesi Fatemeh , Zarghami Mehran , Asgarnia Faal Atiyeh , Islami Parkoohi Parisa
Published: December 2020

Background: Jealousy is a complaint that can be related to a variety of psychopathologies. It is important to diagnose and distinguish the types of jealousy. Objectives: This study aimed to develop an Iranian version of the Jealousy questionnaire (JQ) and determine the relationship of jealousy subtypes with personality traits and psychopathological dimensions. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in 2019. The study population consisted of the students of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences. A convenience sampling method was used. The inclusion criteria were the people’s consent and marriage. The jealousy, personality, and psychopathological aspects were evaluated by JQ and NEO Five-Factor inventory (NEO-FFI), and Symptom Checklist-90-Revised inventory (SCL-90R), respectively. Results: Finally, 358 students of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences answered the study questionnaires. An Iranian version of JQ was developed. Confirmatory factor analysis provided a four-factor model for JQ, including self-esteem, paranoia, fear of being abandoned, and obsessive dimensions. According to the results of NEO-FFI, neuroticism was significantly associated with all types of jealousy. The Iranian version of JQ had enough internal consistency. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was 0.77 for the total instrument and 0.72 - 0.78 for jealousy dimensions/subtypes. Conclusions: In this study, the validity and reliability of the Persian version of the jealousy questionnaire were assessed and confirmed. The jealousy subtypes were correlated with different psychopathologies, age, gender, marriage duration, and history of infidelity or betrayal in first-degree relatives.