bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Zircon Petrochronology of the Meghri-Ordubad Pluton, Lesser Caucasus: Fingerprinting Igneous Processes and Implications for the Exploration of Porphyry Cu-Mo Deposits
Authors: Rezeau Hervé , Moritz Robert , Wotzlaw Jörn-Frederik , Hovakimyan Samvel , Tayan Rodrik
Published: August 2019

The trace element composition of zircon, especially in tandem with U-Pb geochronology, has become a powerful tool for tracing magmatic processes associated with the formation of porphyry copper deposits. However, the use of the redox-sensitive Eu and Ce anomalies as a potential mineral exploration proxy is controversial. This study presents a comprehensive, temporally constrained data set of zircon trace element compositions (n = 645) for three compositionally distinct magmatic series identified in the Meghri-Ordubad pluton, southernmost Lesser Caucasus. The 30 million years of Cenozoic magmatism in the Meghri-Ordubad pluton are associated with several ore-forming pulses leading to the formation of porphyry copper deposits and epithermal-style mineralization. Our zircon geochemical data constrain the thermal and chemical evolution of this complex intrusive suite and allow an evaluation of the usefulness of zircon as a mineral exploration proxy for porphyry copper deposits. Our results combined with Rayleigh fractionation modeling indicate that the trace element composition of zircon (Th/U, Hf, Ti, YbN/DyN, Eu anomalies) is influenced by the composition and the water concentration of the parental magma, as well as by co-crystallizing titanite and apatite. In contrast, the variations of Ce anomalies remain difficult to explain by magmatic processes and could rather be ascribed to relative fluctuations of the redox conditions. In the Meghri-Ordubad pluton, we do not observe any systematic patterns between the trace element composition in zircons and the different ore-forming pulses. This questions the reliability of using the trace element composition in zircon as an exploration mineral proxy, and it rather emphasizes that a good knowledge of the entire magmatic evolution of a metallogenic province is required.
Geometric characterisation and out-of-plane seismic stability of low-rise unreinforced brick masonry buildings in Auckland, New Zealand
Authors: Walsh Kevin Q. , Dizhur Dmytro Y. , Almesfer Nasser , Cummuskey Patrick A. , Cousins Jim , Derakhshan Hossein , Griffith Michael C. , Ingham Jason M.
Published: August 2019

The 2010-2011 Canterbury earthquakes and corresponding Royal Commission reports have resulted in changes to the legislative environment and led to increased public awareness in New Zealand of the earthquake performance of unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings. As a result, building regulators, owners, tenants, users and heritage stakeholders will be facing a unique challenge in the near future where assessments, improvements and demolitions of URM buildings are expected to occur at an unusually high rate. Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand and because of the relative prosperity of Auckland during the period 1880-1935 when most URM buildings were being constructed in New Zealand, the city has the largest number of URM buildings in the country. Identifying those buildings most at seismic risk in Auckland’s large and varied building stock has warranted a rapid field assessment program supplemented by strategically chosen detailed assessments. Information that can be procured through rapid field inspections includes the building geometric typologies (e.g., heights, building footprint geometry and isolated versus row configuration), elevation type (e.g., perforated frame versus solid wall), wall construction (e.g., solid versus cavity, number of leaves) and basic construction material type (e.g., clay brick versus stone). Furthermore, investigation into the architectural history, heritage status and functional usage of Auckland’s URM buildings will affect the direction of retrofit strategies and priorities. As the owner of a large and varied portfolio of URM buildings as well as the local organisation responsible for assessing building safety, Auckland Council is developing exemplar inspection, assessment, prioritisation and retrofit strategies that will target the seismic risks associated with URM buildings, in particular, so as to preserve and enhance safety and the economic and community value of these special buildings. Collaboration amongst Auckland Council, The University of Auckland and GNS Science has resulted in a state-of-the-art rapid quantitative assessment program applied to a sampling of typologically representative URM buildings in Auckland.
Ring spring dampers
Authors: Bishay-Girges Nagui W. , Carr Athol J.
Published: August 2019

When a structure is excited by an earthquake ground motion the input energy may be reduced by inelastic action or by supplemental damping devices. If the seismic energy dissipation can be achieved by means of separate non-load bearing supplementary damping systems, the structure itself can remain elastic providing a continuing serviceability following the design level earthquake.

This paper illustrates the advantages of using added, or supplemental, damping in structures. The control system consists of passive friction dampers installed in the ground floor of the structure using tendons to transmit the damper forces to the other parts of the structure. The damping forces generated by the dampers are transferred to the structure by the tendons and horizontal links that oppose the inertial loads applied to the structure by the earthquake excitation. The dampers are ring spring friction devices consisting of inner and outer ring elements assembled to a form a spring interface. A four storey-two bay steel frame was used in the study.
Comparison of Force-Based and Displacement-Based Design approaches for RC coupled walls in New Zealand
Authors: Fox Matthew J. , Sullivan Timothy J. , Beyer Katrin
Published: August 2019

Reinforced concrete coupled walls are a common lateral load resisting system used in multi-storey buildings. The effect of the coupling beams can improve seismic performance, but at the same time adds complexity to the design procedure. A case study coupled wall building is designed using Force-Based Design (FBD) and Direct Displacement-Based Design (DDBD) and in the case of the latter a step by step design example is provided. Distributed plasticity fibre-section beam element numerical models of the coupled walls are developed in which coupling beams are represented by diagonal truss elements and experimental results are used to confirm that this approach can provide a good representation of hysteretic behaviour. The accuracy of the two different design methods is then assessed by comparing the design predictions to the results of non-linear time-history analyses. It is shown that the DDBD approach gives an accurate prediction of inter-storey drift response. The FBD approach, in accordance with NZS1170.5 and NZS3101, is shown to include an impractical procedure for the assignment of coupling beam strengths and code equations for the calculation of coupling beam characteristics appear to include errors. Finally, the work highlights differences between the P-delta considerations that are made in FBD and DDBD, and shows that the code results are very sensitive to the way in which P-delta effects are accounted for.
Representative ground-motion ensembles for several major earthquake scenarios in New Zealand
Authors: Tarbali Karim , Bradley Brendon A.
Published: August 2019

In this paper, representative ground motion ensembles for several major earthquake scenarios in New Zealand are developed. Cases considered include representative ground motions for the occurrence of Alpine, Hope and Porters Pass earthquakes in Christchurch city, and the occurrence of Wellington, Wairarapa and Ohariu fault ruptures in Wellington city. For each considered scenario rupture, ensembles of 20 and 7 ground motions are selected using the generalized conditional intensity measure (GCIM) approach, ensuring that the ground motion ensembles represent both the mean and distribution of ground motion intensity which such scenarios could impose. These scenario-based ground motion sets can be used to complement ground motions which are often selected in conjunction with probabilistic seismic hazard analysis, in order to understand the performance of structures for the question “what if this fault ruptures?”
Fitting in: Different Types of Person-Environment Fit as Drivers of Career Self-management in Kuwait
Authors: Abdalla Ikhlas , M. Al-Zufairi Awad , Al-Homoud Moudi , H. Muhammad Ali
Published: August 2019

Contributing to emerging efforts to integrate the understudied career self-management (CSM) with person- environment fit research, this study aims to assess the unique effects of person-organization, person-coworkers and needs-supplies fits on employees’ deployment of career advancement strategies. A questionnaire was completed by 548 highly educated young Kuwaitis and self-initiated expatriates (Arab and South Asian) working in medium and large Kuwaiti organizations. The simultaneous effects of the three types of fits is assessed and the findings demonstrate that an increase in person-coworkers fit and decrease in person-organization and needs-supplies fits consistently encourage the deployment of career advancement strategies concerning accessing influential networks, self-promotion, competence building and psychological boundaryless. A relatively more robust effect of person-coworker fit has been detected. It is attributed to the Arab collectivistic culture and to the construct being a career competency and a contextual factor as per the “intelligent career” theory. Interventions should be mindful of the differential effects of different types of fit on CSM. Developing organizational ‘standards of fit’ and CSM skills are essential for individual career development and organizational success. The study provides unique information about the understudied constructs of CSM and person-environment fit in a traditional and high inequality Arab Middle Eastern country, and infers the causes of the inconsistent effects of contextual factors reported by previous studies. 
Measuring the Effect of Social Background on Judicial Decision-Making in Tax Cases
Authors: Oren-Kolbinger Orli
Published: August 2019

Judicial decision-making is an important part of the law-making process. The positive research of judicial decision-making is expanding, and its normative significance is undeniable. Even so, judicial decision-making in tax cases has not yet received much empirical attention. This study contributes to the existing literature, empirically evaluating if, and to what extent, non-legal factors affect the outcomes of tax cases. It examines the potential effects of judges’ social backgrounds and adds to the rather small but growing empirical literature on tax litigation. I coded the dependent variable—the judge’s level of acceptance of the taxpayer’s claim, meaning whether the judge sides with the taxpayer and overrules the IRS’s decisions—as an ordinal variable rather than the more common binary coding of the prevailing party. Binary coding can often be arbitrary, resulting in loss of information and misestimation. By allowing for an intermediate category of the prevailing party, in addition to the traditional binary options, the variable transforms to an ordinal measure of the judge’s acceptance level of the taxpayer’s claim. This study finds that in the Israeli setting, judges’ gender, seniority, age at the time of appointment, and age at the time of the decision affect judges’ decisions and subsequently the law.
An Introduction to German Law
Authors: Robbers Gerhard
Published: August 2019

Die »Einführung in das deutsche Recht« in englischer Sprache ist ideal geeignet als Einstieg in das deutsche Rechtssystem und für das Erlernen der englischen Fachterminologie.
Die Neuauflage berücksichtigt unter anderem das Gesetz zur Einführung der gleichgeschlechtlichen Ehe, des dritten Geschlechts „divers“ im Personenstandsrecht sowie die geänderten Beträge im Sozialrecht.
COLLEGE & RESEARCH LIBRARIES - INDEX TO VOL. XXVIII
Authors: Library Association American
Published: August 2019

COLLEGE & RESEARCH LIBRARIES - INDEX TO VOL. XXVIII
DIX HONORED
Authors: Library Association American
Published: August 2019

DIX HONORED
College and Research Libraries - INDEX TO VOL. 30
Authors: Library Association American
Published: August 2019

College and Research Libraries - INDEX TO VOL. 30
Andrés Borrego: precursor liberal de la participación ciudadana = Andrés Borrego: Liberal Precursor of the Citizen Engagement
Authors: Martín Iglesia Juan Jesús
Published: August 2019

Andrés Borrego fue un liberal de talante independiente, postulaba que el éxito de las reformas requiere el respaldo ciudadano. El artículo expone, en el contexto político del periodo isabelino, su pretensión de armonizar el poder y la opinión representativa del país real. Sus innovadoras propuestas se agrupan en tres fases: educación para obtener la capacidad requerida para votar, ampliación de las libertades políticas y modernización de las prácticas electorales. La proyección de futuro de sus planteamientos hace de él un precursor de la participación ciudadana.AbstractAndrés Borrego was a liberal politician with his own criterion, he considered necessary the citizens support to reform society successfully. This article presents his aim to reconcile power and people in the political context of the Elizabethan period. His innovative proposals are set at three stages: training to be able to vote, expansion of political liberties and updating of electoral practices. The repercussion towards de future of his approach makes the article title advisable.
High Prevalence of Diabetes Distress in a University Population
Authors: Beverly Elizabeth A. , Rennie Rochelle G. , Guseman Emily H. , Rodgers Alicia , Healy Amber M.
Published: August 2019

Context

Diabetes distress is an affective condition that addresses an individual's frustrations, worries, and concerns about living with diabetes. It is associated with fewer self-care behaviors, suboptimal glycemic control, and lower quality of life (QOL). For these reasons, diabetes care guidelines recommend routine assessment of diabetes distress.

Objective

To assess diabetes distress in a university population.

Methods

This study was conducted using a descriptive, cross-sectional design. Researchers assessed diabetes distress and other psychosocial factors via an electronic anonymous survey among students, faculty, and staff at a large university in the Midwest.

Results

A total of 173 participants completed the survey (mean [SD] age, 35.1 [16.7] years), with 108 [62.4%] female and 142 [82.1%] white participants). Eighty-five participants had type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), and 88 had type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Of the 85 T1DM participants, 23 (27.4%) reported high diabetes distress, and 27 (30.7%) T2DM participants reported high diabetes distress. Sixteen T1DM (18.8%) and 15 T2DM (17.0%) participants screened positive for severe depression. Severe depression was associated with high distress for both T1DM and T2DM participants (T1DM: χ2=28.845,P<.001; T2DM: χ2=20.679,P<.001). Participants with T1DM reported more frequent self-care behaviors (mean [SD], 62.3 [17.1] vs 52.2 [19.2];P<.001), but lower diabetes QOL (63.3 [14.1] vs 68.5 [15.5];P=.021) compared with T2DM participants. No differences were observed in depressive symptoms, diabetes self-efficacy, and coping styles. Linear regression models showed that high diabetes distress scores (standardized β=.323,P=.025; standardized β=.604,P<.001) were independently associated with higher hemoglobin A1Clevels and lower diabetes QOL after controlling for depressive symptoms, age, and gender in T1DM participants. Similarly, high diabetes distress scores (standardized β=.434,P<.001) were associated with lower diabetes QOL in T2DM participants after controlling for the same variables.

Conclusion

High diabetes distress levels were associated with lower diabetes QOL for both T1DM and T2DM participants. These findings suggest that attending or working at a university may be associated with high diabetes distress scores and lower diabetes QOL. Additional research with a larger, more diverse sample from multiple universities is needed to confirm these findings.
Evaluating the Influence of Research on Match Success for Osteopathic and Allopathic Applicants to Residency Programs
Authors: Matthews Christopher N. , Estrada Danielle C. , George-Weinstein Mindy , Claeson Kerin M. , Roberts Michael B.
Published: August 2019

Context

Analyzing factors that may enhance osteopathic applicants’ likelihood of matching is warranted given that United States osteopathic and allopathic residency programs will have a single accreditation system in 2020.

Objectives

To determine the impact of research accomplishments and experiences on osteopathic and allopathic residency matching.

Methods

Analysis of variance, t test, and odds ratios were used to examine data from the National Resident Matching Program Charting Outcomes from 2016 and 2018. Relationships between match status and medical degree, specialty matching, and mean numbers of research accomplishments and experiences in the Main Residency Match were analyzed.

Results

Matched osteopathic and allopathic applicants had significantly greater numbers of research accomplishments (mean [SD], 5.18 [4.34]) than unmatched applicants (3.66 [2.87]) (P=.006). Applicants who matched (mean [SD], 2.81 [1.64]) had similar numbers of research experiences to those who did not match (2.43 [1.26]) (P=.068). Matched and unmatched allopathic applicants’ research accomplishments (5.91 [3.72]) were significantly greater than that of osteopathic applicants (2.60 [2.90]) (P<.001). Significant differences also were found between the means of research experiences of matched and unmatched osteopathic (mean [SD], 1.73 [1.21]) and allopathic applicants (3.36 [1.25], P<.001). Matched and unmatched osteopathic applicants’ had similar means for research accomplishments (mean [SD], 3.00 [3.64] and 2.20 [1.84], respectively; P=.242) and experiences (1.79 [1.31] and 1.66 [1.12], respectively; P=.664). By contrast, significant differences were found between the numbers of research accomplishments for matched (mean [SD], 6.97 [4.07]) vs unmatched (4.86 [3.02]) allopathic applicants (P=.007). The only subspecialty for which research experiences of osteopathic applicants correlated with matching was physical medicine and rehabilitation (OR, 2.75; 95% CI, 1.30-5.84).

Conclusion

Research seems to have a greater influence on matching for allopathic than osteopathic applicants. Although both osteopathic and allopathic programs have standards pertaining to scholarly activity, allopathic medical schools may place a greater emphasis on research. Increasing osteopathic medical students’ exposure to research is predicted to enhance their competitiveness for matching and help develop skills relevant to the practice of evidence-based medicine.
Detecting the impact of land cover change on observed rainfall
Authors: Liang Chun Xia , van Ogtrop Floris F. , Vervoort R. Willem
Published: August 2019

Analysis of observational data to pinpoint impact of land cover change on local rainfall is difficult due to multiple environmental factors that cannot be strictly controlled. In this study we use a statistical approach to identify the relationship between removal of tree cover and rainfall with data from best available sources for two large areas in Australia. Gridded rainfall data between 1979 and 2015 was used for the areas, while large scale (exogenous) effects were represented by mean rainfall across a much larger area and climatic indicators, such as Southern Oscillation Index and Indian Ocean Dipole. Both generalised additive modelling and step trend tests were used for the analysis. For a region in south central Queensland, the reported change in tree clearing between 2002–2005 did not result in strong statistically significant precipitation changes. On the other hand, results from a bushfire affected region on the border of New South Wales and Victoria suggest significant changes in the rainfall due to changes in tree cover. This indicates the method works better when an abrupt change in the data can be clearly identified. The results from the step trend test also mainly identified a positive relationship between the tree cover and the rainfall atp < 0.1 at the NSW/Victoria region. High rainfall variability and possible regrowth could have impacted the results in the Queensland region.
Cell-free supernatants from cultures of lactic acid bacteria isolated from fermented grape as biocontrol againstSalmonellaTyphi andSalmonellaTyphimurium virulence via autoinducer-2 and biofilm interference
Authors: Pelyuntha Wattana , Chaiyasut Chaiyavat , Kantachote Duangporn , Sirilun Sasithorn
Published: August 2019

Background

SalmonellaTyphi andSalmonellaTyphimurium are the causative pathogens of salmonellosis, and they are mostly found in animal source foods (ASF). The inappropriate use of antibiotics enhances the possibility for the emergence of antibiotic resistance in pathogens and antibiotic residue in ASF. One promising alternative to antibiotics in animal farming is the use of lactic acid bacteria (LAB).

Methods

The present study was carried out the cells and/or the cell-free culture supernatants (CFCS) from beneficial LAB againstS.Typhi andS.Typhimurium. The antibacterial mechanisms of LAB-CFCS as biocontrol agents against bothSalmonellaserovars were investigated through the analysis of anti-salmonella growth activity, biofilm inhibition and quorum quenching activity.

Results

Among 146 LAB strains isolated from 110 fermented food samples, the 2 strong inhibitory effect strains (WM33 and WM36) from fermented grapes against bothSalmonellaserovars were selected. Out of the selected strains, WM36 was the most effective inhibitor, which indicatedS.Typhi by showing 95.68% biofilm inhibition at 20% biofilm inhibition concentration (BIC) and reduced 99.84% of AI-2 signaling interference. The WM33 was the best to controlS.Typhimurium by producing 66.46% biofilm inhibition at only 15% BIC and 99.99% AI-2 signaling a reduction. The 16S rDNA was amplified by a polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The selected isolates were identified asWeissella viridescensWM33 andWeissella confusaWM36 based on nucleotide homology and phylogenetic analysis.

Conclusion

The metabolic extracts fromWeissellaspp. inhibitSalmonellaserovars with the potential to be used as biocontrol agents to improve microbiological safety in the production of ASF.
Association between serum uric acid and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in community patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Xu Linxin , Li Ting , Yin Jianhong , Lin Gang , Xu Yali , Ren Yi , Wang Yan , Yang Jing , Chen Liming
Published: August 2019

Background

To investigate whether SUA is associated with NAFLD in men and women with T2DM.

Methods

This cross-sectional study enrolled patients with T2DM at Shanxi High-Tech Development Zone Central Hospital (June 2011 to September 2017). Patients were stratified according to gender and presence/absence of NAFLD. Parameters associated with NAFLD were identified using multivariate stepwise linear regression and univariate/multivariate logistic regression.

Results

Among 597 patients (325 males) enrolled, 352 had NAFLD. SUA was higher in the NAFLD group than in the non-NAFLD group for both men and women (P < 0.001). Multiple linear regression showed that body mass index (positively), triglycerides (positively) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (negatively) were independently related to SUA (P < 0.001). Univariate logistic regression revealed increased odds of NAFLD for SUA tertiles 2 (P = 0.022) and 3 (P = 0.001) in women and tertile 3 (P = 0.039) in men. After adjustment for multiple clinical parameters, SUA tertiles were significantly associated with NAFLD for tertile 3 in women (P = 0.014), although there were trends toward associations for tertile 2 in women (P = 0.074) and tertiles 2 and 3 in men (P = 0.085 and 0.054, respectively).

Conclusion

SUA is not independently associated with NAFLD in men or women with T2DM after rigorous adjustment for other metabolic parameters.
Transgenerational effects of UV-B radiation on egg size, fertilization, hatching and larval size of sea urchinsStrongylocentrotus intermedius
Authors: Ding Jingyun , Zhang Lingling , Sun Jiangnan , Shi Dongtao , Chi Xiaomei , Yang Mingfang , Chang Yaqing , Zhao Chong
Published: August 2019

Transgenerational effects are important for phenotypic plasticity and adaptation of marine invertebrates in the changing ocean. Ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation is an increasing threat to marine invertebrates. For the first time, we reported positive and negative transgenerational effects of UV-B radiation on egg size, fertilization, hatchability and larval size of a marine invertebrate.Strongylocentrotus intermediusexposed to UV-B radiation showed positive transgenerational effects and adaptation on egg size, hatching rate and post-oral arm length of larvae. Negative transgenerational effects were found in body length, stomach length and stomach width of larvae whose parents were exposed to UV-B radiation. Sires probably play important roles in transgenerational effects of UV-B. The present study provides valuable information into transgenerational effects of UV-B radiation on fitness related traits of sea urchins (at leastStrongylocentrotus intermedius).
Assessment of Heavy Metal Levels in Offal Meats (Kidney and Liver) of Beef Sold at Gwagwalada Market, Abuja, Nigeria
Authors: Oloruntoba Adefarati , Nathaniel Isaiah Adukwu
Published: August 2019

Aims: To determine the concentrations of heavy metals (Cd, Fe, Mn, Pb, and Zn) in kidney and liver of slaughtered cattle.

Study Design:  Analytical method.

Place and Duration of Study: Samples obtained from Gwagwalada abattoir in Abuja, Nigeria and transported University of Abuja, Chemistry Laboratory for analysis. The study lasted for four (4) months.

Methodology: Wet digestion of samples followed by metal analysis using Accusys 211 Bulk Scientific Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS).

Results: The empirical results indicated that the mean levels or concentration of these heavy metals in kidney of cattle were 47.75±0.002 mg/g Zn, 279.5±0.084 mg/g Fe, 10.00±0.00mg/g Mn, while Cd and Pb were not detected. The levels or concentration of heavy metals in the liver sample were 0.500=±0.000025 mg/g Cd, 57.00±0.0001 mg/g Zn, 119.5±0.0016 mg/g Fe, 5.75±0.000025 mg/g Mn, Pb was not detected. The concentration of Fe and Mn were found to be high in kidney sample than the liver sample.

Conclusion: The evidence from this study revealed the safety of these investigated offal meats as the concentration of these metals in the kidney and liver sample were within the maximum permissible limit according to the European Commission (EC) and FAO/WHO standards.
Effect of Land Use on Soil Quality in Afaka Forest Northern Guinea Savannah of Nigeria
Authors: Haruna H.
Published: August 2019

Land use changes from forest into cultivated ecosystems result in negative impact on soil structure and quality. The purpose of this study was to determine effect of land use on soil quality in Afaka forest northern guinea savannah of Nigeria. Land use systems, including natural forest and cultivated land were identified. Eighteen (18) composite disturbed and undisturbed samples were collected from depth of 0-5 and 5-10 cm for analysis of pertinent soil properties in the laboratory using grid procedure. Most physical and chemical properties show relative variations in response to land use types and geomorphic positions. Results  indicate  that the soils had  high degree of weathering potentials, low  to moderate  bulk density at 0-5cm depth values between 1.42 to 1.49 Mg m-3 in  forest and  cultivated land, bulk density of  1.34 and 1.46 1.Mg m-3at 5 -1ocm depth   for forest and  cultivated land respectively. The soil water at 0-5cm depth is from 4.20 to 2.63 cm3/cm3, while at 5-10 cm depth these values vary from 4.32 to 2.13 cm3/cm3 under forest and cultivation land use. The pH (H2O) is 6.9 to 7.16 with low electrical conductivity of 0.13 dS/m(forest) and 0.12 dS/m (cultivation). The CEC of soils is recorded as 8.60 cmol kg-1 (forest) to 8.54 cmol kg-1 (cultivated)whereas  total nitrogen content of 1.21 g kg-1 and 1.11 g kg-1 and available phosphorus of 8.78 mg kg-1 (cultivated) and 5.47 mg kg-1 (forest).. Results indicate that soil fertility parameters were moderate to low for cultivated land and at all slope positions, suggesting that soil fertility management is required in order to make agriculture sustainable on Afaka area.
On Nonsingularity of RSFPLR Circulant Matrices
Authors: Cui Xiyou , Jiang Nan
Published: August 2019

In this paper, we discuss the non-singularity of a row skew rst-plus-last right (RSFPLR) circulant matrices with the rst row (a1; a2; : : : ; an),which is determined by entries of the first row. First,the suffient condition for the matrix to be nonsingular is that,there exists an element ai0 belonging to the first row,whose absolute value is greater than the sum of the corresponding power of 2 and the absolute values of the remaining (n − 1) elements, that is, $$|a_{i_0}|>\sum_{{i=1},{i\neq i_0}}^{n}2^{i-i_0}|a_i|.$$ Moreover, we derive other suffcient conditions for judging the non-singularity of the matrix.
Prevalence of Gram Negative Infections by Acinetobacter and Pseudomonas Severely Resistant to Antibiotic Susceptibility Based on Minimum Growth Inhibitor Concentration
Authors: Defaee Sahar , Farasatinasab Maryam , Makani Mahin Jamshidi , Rahimipour Hooman , Alinia Pouyan , Defaee Sara
Published: August 2019

Introduction: Currently, we are witnessing the formation of various species of gram-negative microorganisms, including Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and acinetobacter, resistant to antibiotics such as MDR, XDR and PDR. This study is important to confirm microbial resistance to an antimicrobial agent and also to monitor the activity of new antimicrobial agents. Regarding XDR gram-negative microorganisms isolated from samples, it was considered necessary to determine MIC.

Methods: Patients suspected of various infections with septicemia diagnosed in different wards of the Firoozgar Hospital were enrolled. The quantitative value of minimum growth inhibitor concentration (MIC) was determined for infections caused by highly resistant gram-negative bacteria (acinetobacter and Pseudomonas species) (XDR) reported by antibiogram disk.

Results: sample size was 117, of which 41.9% were female and 58.1% were male. Regarding Colistin, 80% of the cultures were resistant and 12% were intermittent; this value was 52% in the MIC test. Regarding tigecycline, 100% of the acinetobacter samples were susceptible to this antibiotic. Most of cultures which had antibiotic resistance were acinetobacter (61.4%) and pseudomonas (39.6%).

Discussion: Acinetobacter baumannii is susceptible to tigecycline. Emergence of multi-drug resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and A. baumannii is a major concern in the world, because several drugs, except polymyxins, are available to treat these infections. A significant resistance was found in MIC to Colistin (31.1%). Thus, there is resistance to Colistin, which is one of the last lines of antibiotic treatment.

Conclusion: This study shows an increase in percentage resistance of these bacteria to antibiotics. This trend is a worrying process for antibiotic treatment of diseases.
Causal Linkage amongst Public Expenditure on Health, Health Status and Growth: New Empirical Evidence from Toda-Yamamoto Approach for Nigeria
Authors: Nwani Stanley Emife , Kelikume Ikechukwu
Published: August 2019

This study investigates the causal linkages amongst public expenditure on health, health status and economic growth in Nigeria using the Toda-Yamamoto technique. The choice of the Toda-Yamamoto approach is predicated on its simplicity and the ability to overcome the shortcomings inherent in the conventional causality procedures by producing more robust results through the estimation of the augmented VAR that guarantees the asymptotic distribution of the Wald statistic. To this end, the study collected annual time series data from the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Statistical bulletin and the World Development Indicator on public expenditure on health, life expectancy, infant mortality and real gross domestic product spanning 38 years from 1981 to 2018. The result of the study’s empirical analysis based on the co-integration test indicates that public health expenditure, health status and economic growth have long-run association. Further, the Toda-Yamamoto causality test result reveals the absence of causality between health expenditure and health status. Similarly, health status and economic growth are not causally interdependent. On the basis of the findings, the paper vehemently concludes that efforts to stimulate economic growth by targeting health outcomes improvement through public expenditure will be futile. As such, there is the need to develop better national health policy and programmes such as compulsory national health insurance that is capable of resolving the fundamental problems in the health sector. This would help integrate healthcare into the mainstream of the Nigerian economy.
PLASTIC CHAIR VERSATILITY AS AN APPROACH TO CONSTRUCT PASAR 1 BARU INFORMAL SPACE
Authors: Prayitno Roland Tejo , Yatmo Yandi Andri , Atmodiwirjo Paramita
Published: August 2019

This paper investigates materiality as architecture manifestation in commercial informal space. The materialityapproach in this paper revolves around the Manuel De Landa idea of material’s properties and capacity, whichinteract to each other to create unlimited possibilities. This cycle of interaction is what Manuel DeLanda called as morphogenic power of its own. Understanding material system and existing context are two essential processin order to produce a responsive design in this random, unpredictable pattern of informal space, which in this paper, the context that will be specifically studied is Pasar Baru. In the further study, the material which will bestudied along with Pasar Baru context is the versatile usage of plastic chair. This paper will investigate materiality approach as a relevant method to create a contextual design, as this approach will be highly based oninteraction system between the physical material and the context.
LINEAR SETTLEMENT AS THE IDENTITY OF KOTAGEDE HERITAGE CITY
Authors: . Ikaputra
Published: August 2019

This study is aimed to enrich and strengthen the finding of previous research (1986) titled as “Kotagede between Gates” –a linier traditional settlement set in between “two-gates” in an old Javanese city known as Kotagede. This study discovered six-types of linear patterns associated with road layout that runs East-West where jalan rukunan (‘shared street”) becomes the single access to connect Javanese traditional houses in its linearity pattern. The study also found a pattern change on its linearity caused by a change of ownership, change of kinship and neighborhoods, and the problem of decay (by the age of building) and of damage (by earthquake) of the traditional houses. It is urgent to conserve the Kotagede’s identity in the future, by considering to preserve the existence and the uniqueness of these linear settlements.
Oral mobility reflects rate of progression in advanced Friedreich’s ataxia
Authors: Borel Stéphanie , Gatignol Peggy , Smail Mustapha , Monin Marie‐Lorraine , Ewenczyk Claire , Bouccara Didier , Durr Alexandra
Published: August 2019

Our objective was to identify a sensitive marker of disease progression in Friedreich’s ataxia. We prospectively evaluated speech, voice, and oromotor function in 40 patients at two timepoints. The mean disease duration was 20.8 ± 9.8 years and mean SARA score 23.7 ± 8.6 at baseline. Oral motor mobility, assessed by a combination of movements of the face, eyes, cheeks, lips, and tongue, decreased significantly after 1 year (P < 0.0001). The standardized response mean over 12 months was considered as large for oral mobility (1.26) but small for SARA (0.12). Oral mobility could therefore be a sensitive marker in therapeutic trials.
Global Photocurrent Generation in Phototransistors Based on Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes toward Highly Sensitive Infrared Detection
Authors: Fang Hehai , Wu Peisong , Wang Peng , Zheng Zhe , Tang Yicheng , Ho Johnny C. , Chen Gang , Wang Yueming , Shan Chongxin , Cheng Xinbin , Zhang Jin , Hu Weida
Published: August 2019

Because of their cost‐effective synthesis and appropriate bandgap opening by various mechanisms, single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) exhibit significant promise for highly efficient near‐infrared photodetection. In this work, the first investigation of manipulating the electrode contact and exciton effect is performed on photocurrent generation of SWCNT transistors by separately depositing Cr or Pd as symmetric source/drain electrodes. Two different photoconducting behaviors of the devices, namely localized and global photocurrent generations, are then observed, where these effects are attributed to thermally assisted tunneling at the 1D‐SWCNTs/3D‐metal contact. A phototransistor with global photocurrent generation is demonstrated having a typical photoconductive effect with a responsivity of 2 A W−1 at λ = 785 nm and a fast rise (decay) time of ≈7.35 µs (11.8 µs). However, the corresponding optical response at 2000 nm is still weak due to low incident photon energy and large exciton binding energy. By further spin coating PbS quantum dots onto the SWCNTs channel, the optical response can be greatly enhanced for 2000 nm irradiation. All these results can not only illustrate the photoresponse of SWCNTs but also indicate that photogating plays a crucial role in these devices, providing valuable insights for the performance enhancement.
Household water insecurity is strongly associated with food insecurity: Evidence from 27 sites in low‐ and middle‐income countries
Authors: Brewis Alexandra , Workman Cassandra , Wutich Amber , Jepson Wendy , Young Sera ,   Household Water Insecurity Experiences – Research Coordination Network (HWISE‐RCN)
Published: August 2019

Objectives

Food and water insecurity have both been demonstrated as acute and chronic stressors and undermine human health and development. A basic untested proposition is that they chronically coexist, and that household water insecurity is a fundamental driver of household food insecurity.

Methods

We provide a preliminary assessment of their association using cross‐sectional data from 27 sites with highly diverse forms of water insecurity in 21 low‐ and middle‐income countries across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas (N = 6691 households). Household food insecurity and its subdomains (food quantity, food quality, and anxiety around food) were estimated using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale; water insecurity and subdomains (quantity, quality, and opportunity costs) were estimated based on similar self‐reported data.

Results

In multilevel generalized linear mixed‐effect modeling (GLMM), composite water insecurity scores were associated with higher scores for all subdomains of food insecurity. Rural households were better buffered against water insecurity effects on food quantity and urban ones for food quality. Similarly, higher scores for all subdomains of water insecurity were associated with greater household food insecurity.

Conclusions

Considering the diversity of sites included in the modeling, the patterning supports a basic theory: household water insecurity chronically coexists with household food insecurity. Water insecurity is a more plausible driver of food insecurity than the converse. These findings directly challenge development practices in which household food security interventions are often enacted discretely from water security ones.
Pressure‐Induced Emission (PIE) and Phase Transition of a Two‐dimensional Halide Double Perovskite (BA)4AgBiBr8 (BA=CH3(CH2)3NH3+)
Authors: Fang Yuanyuan , Zhang Long , Wu Lianwei , Yan Jiejuan , Lin Yu , Wang Kai , Mao Wendy L. , Zou Bo
Published: August 2019

Two‐dimensional (2D) halide perovskites have attracted significant attention due to their compositional flexibility and electronic diversity. Understanding the structure–property relationships in 2D double perovskites is essential for their development for optoelectronic applications. In this work, we observed the emergence of pressure‐induced emission (PIE) at 2.5 GPa with a broad emission band and large Stokes shift from initially nonfluorescent (BA)4AgBiBr8 (BA=CH3(CH2)3NH3+). The emission intensity increased significantly upon further compression up to 8.2 GPa. Moreover, the band gap narrowed from the starting 2.61 eV to 2.19 eV at 25.0 GPa accompanied by a color change from light yellow to dark yellow. Analysis of combined in situ high‐pressure photoluminescence, absorption, and angle‐dispersive X‐ray diffraction data indicates that the observed PIE can be attributed to the emission from self‐trapped excitons. This coincides with [AgBr6]5− and [BiBr6]3− inter‐octahedral tilting which cause a structural phase transition. High‐pressure study on (BA)4AgBiBr8 sheds light on the relationship between the structure and optical properties that may improve the material's potential applications in the fields of pressure sensing, information storage and trademark security.
Lewis Acid Catalyzed Transfer Hydromethallylation for the Construction of Quaternary Carbon Centers
Authors: Walker Johannes C. L. , Oestreich Martin
Published: August 2019

The design and gram‐scale synthesis of a cyclohexa‐1,4‐diene‐based surrogate of isobutene gas is reported. Using the highly electron‐deficient Lewis acid B(C6F5)3, application of this surrogate in the hydromethallylation of electron‐rich styrene derivatives provided sterically congested quaternary carbon centers. The reaction proceeds by C(sp3)−C(sp3) bond formation at a tertiary carbenium ion that is generated by alkene protonation. The possibility of two concurrent mechanisms is proposed on the basis of mechanistic experiments using a deuterated surrogate.
Modulating the Electronic Structure of Porous Nanocubes Derived from Trimetallic Metal–Organic Frameworks to Boost Oxygen Evolution Reaction Performance
Authors: Lu Mengting , Yang Xigaogang , Li Yuwen , Zhu Zhenwang , Wu Yuhang , Xu Hui , Gao Junkuo , Yao Juming
Published: August 2019

The preparation of noble metal‐free catalysts for water splitting is the key to low‐cost, sustainable hydrogen generation. Herein, through a pyrolysis‐oxidation process, we prepared a series of Co‐Fe‐Ni trimetallic oxidized carbon nanocubes (Co1‐XFeXNi‐OCNC) with a continuously changeable Co/Fe ratio (X=0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 0.8, 0.9, 1). The Co1‐XFeXNi‐OCNC shows a volcano‐type oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity. The optimized Co0.1Fe0.9Ni‐OCNC achieves a low overpotential of 268 mV at 10 mA cm−2 with a very low Tafel slope of 48 mV dec−1 in 1 m KOH. At the same time, the stability of the Co0.1Fe0.9Ni‐OCNC is also outstanding; after 1000 CV cycles, the LSV plot is almost coincident. Moreover, the potential remains almost of the same value at 10 mA cm−2 after 12 h in comparison to the initial value. The excellent electrocatalytic properties can be attributed to the synergistic cooperation between each component. Therefore, the Co0.1Fe0.9Ni‐OCNC is a promising candidate instead of precious metal‐based electrocatalysts for OER.
Further Results in Indices for Diagnostic Screening II
Authors: Bennett B. M.
Published: August 2019

This article is in continuation of a previous one on properties of diagnostic indices (Bennett, 1976). Results are presented on biases in sample estimates of the sensitivity (ξ) and specificity (η) of a diagnostic test T for a disease, as well as their asymptotic variances.

The problem of combining estimates of ξ, η from various clinical centres and obtaining appropriate confidence limits is also discussed. A numerical example is also given. (Tables 1a, b). The log‐linear model for ξ, η is also discussed.
On the Analysis and Synthesis of a Four‐Field‐Table
Authors: Hellmich K.
Published: August 2019

The real four‐field‐table measure k is calculable as follows: K1 for V(a, b, c, d) with k1 = (arc K1)/100, K11 for V(a, b, 0, 0) with k11 = (arc K11)/100, K12 for V(c, d, 0, 0) with k12 = (arc K12)/100 and K121 for V(0, 0, c, d) with k121 = –k12.

The equation k1 = k11 – k12 holds good. It is possible to calculate the probability of error of a four‐field‐table with small frequencies, indirectly from component values. Two examples are given.
A Sampling Scheme for Study of Two Characters
Authors: Singh R.
Published: August 2019

The paper deals with the use of appropriate sampling scheme for estimating the means of a finite bivariate population. The conditions have been obtained for choosing from the two sampling schemes, one being the observing of same sampling units for both the characters and the other being observing first character alone for a part of the sample, second character alone for another part of the sample and observing both the characters together on some other part of the sample.
The MASCA Approach Applied to Break Multicollinearities in Quantitative Structure‐Activity Relationships
Authors: Mager Peter P.
Published: August 2019

Since the regressors in multiple and multivariate regression analysis are intercorrelated, the coefficients of a regression of regressands on them are unreliable with respect to the predictive model power. Nonpredictive and predictive multicollinearity affect the ability to predict the biological activity (regressand) of novel drugs based on a function of physiochemical parameters (regressors), therefore. The nonpredictive multicollinearity can be broken by using the principal component regression analysis of the MASCA model. The working technique is exemplified on bispyridinium oxime antidotes, trimethoprim derivatives, and Taft's steric constant.
Review of Some Important Techniques in Wildlife Sampling and Sampling Errors
Authors: Sen A. R.
Published: August 2019

This paper reviews some of the important methods for estimating animal numbers or densities based on (i) direct counts of population units as used in quadrat, strip, line‐transect and line‐intercept sampling and (ii) indirect counts and indices, such as capture‐mark recapture, change‐in‐ratio, catch‐effort methods and indices based on track counts, call, roadside and pellet‐group counts, etc.
Some elaborations towards a standard procedure of distribution‐free discriminant analysis
Authors: Kubinger K. D.
Published: August 2019

Because there is no standard procedure for the distribution‐free equivalent of discriminant analysis, this paper runs complementary to a hardly‐elaborated suggestion by Kendall. First of all, generalization is made so that interval‐ and ordinal‐scaled and qualitative data can now be handled simultaneously, and, an allusion is given for how to apply to more than two subject groups. The main objective is, however, to clarify whether or not a certain variable contributes significantly to discrimination. For this purpose a descriptive statistic is derived, which proves to be normally distributed if some kind of cross‐validation technique is used. Moreover, overall procedure, that is the use of all variables agglomerated is discussed and contrasted to step‐wise procedure as well as to a multivariate generalization which applies to compounded variables. Finally, an empirical example is given of how distribution‐free discriminant analysis now may work.
Maximum Likelihood Estimation of Genetic Parameters for Quantitative traits from Autotetraploid Self‐Fertilized Populations
Authors: Tan W. Y. , Haber M.
Published: August 2019

Assuming equality of genotypic effects over different loci, this paper provides an ML procedure for estimating genetic parameters for quantitative traits from autotetraploid self‐fertilized populations. The results are illustrated by computer generated data involving P1, P2, F2, B1 and B2 populations.