bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Systems Approach to Modeling Watershed Ecohydrology and Pesticide Transport
Authors: Janney Philip , Jenkins Jeffrey
Published: May 2019

Nonpoint‐source pollutant surface water loading from agricultural lands, including sediment, nutrients, and pesticides, is a major concern. As contaminants entering surface water may harm endangered species, there is ongoing concern regarding the compliance of agricultural practices with the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Compliance with the ESA for the protection of threatened salmonid species is of particular concern in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. We report here use of the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) to characterize ecohydrology and solute transport in the Zollner Creek watershed, Willamette River basin, Oregon. Using a systems approach, integrating institutional expertise with local knowledge, we evaluated a succession of parameterization scenarios designed to sufficiently simulate watershed ecohydrology. The model was further evaluated through simulation of solute transport. Using probabilistic methods to characterize pesticide application patterns, SWAT concurrent mean estimates of daily atrazine surface water concentrations were correlated with observed instantaneous grab samples (r2 = 0.37) and followed the general trend of the observed data near the watershed outlet. Further development of this modeling application may provide a new understanding of continuous pesticide surface water loading at the watershed scale, allowing assessment of environmental impacts with much greater certainty, thereby facilitating consideration of refined mitigation strategies.

Core Ideas

Sequential model optimization incorporating local knowledge improved ecohydrologic estimates.

Probabilistic pesticide application provided more realistic model estimates of solute transport.

This modeling application allows a systems approach to sustainable agricultural practices.
Controlled Drainage as a Targeted Mitigation Measure for Nitrogen and Phosphorus
Authors: Carstensen Mette V. , Børgesen Christen D. , Ovesen Niels B. , Poulsen Jane R. , Hvid Søren K. , Kronvang Brian
Published: May 2019

Drainage systems provide a more or less direct conduit for excess water and nutrients from fields to surface water. High nutrient loads to streams and lakes are known to adversely affect water quality and may potentially cause algae blooms. Therefore, in‐field as well as edge‐of‐field mitigation measures that can assist in reducing the loss of nutrients are needed. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness and possibility of using controlled drainage during the drainage season to reduce nutrient losses while growing a winter crop in a temperate climate. The 3‐yr‐long (2012–2015) study was conducted on four experimental field plots on loamy soil. The impacts of controlled drainage on groundwater levels, drain flow, and water quality at regulation levels of 50 and 70 cm above the conventional drain pipe level were determined by using a before‐after control‐impact study design. A regulation level of 70 cm was required to significantly elevate groundwater levels and reduce the drain outflow and N and P loss, which decreased by 37 to 54%, 38 to 51%, and 43 to 46%, respectively, relative to conventional drainage levels. Denitrification in the root zone, as measured with stable isotopes, was not markedly enhanced at the plots with controlled drainage, except on a few occasions. Resetting the groundwater level to conventional levels in early spring only had a marginal influence on water and nutrient losses. Thus, potential water quality tradeoffs (e.g., increased N loss to groundwater) need to be more thoroughly investigated before implementing controlled drainage as a mitigation measure in Denmark.

Core Ideas

Controlled drainage reduced the N and P loss from drainage systems.

The reduction of N and P loss was mainly due to reduced drain flow.

Denitrification was evident both at field plots with and without controlled drainage.

Controlled drainage is not officially accepted as a mitigation measure in Denmark.
Molecular Cytogenetic Characterization of the Native Forage GrassTrichloris crinita
Authors: Kozub Perla Carolina , Peñas María Laura Las , Novo Patricia Elda , Cavagnaro Pablo Federico
Published: May 2019

Trichloris crinita(Lag.) Parodi is a perennial forage grass native to—and of wide distribution in—arid and semiarid regions of the American continent. In addition to its good forage quality, this species is particularly valued in these drylands due to its high tolerance to drought, salinity, trampling, and grazing. Genetic and cytogenetic information forT. crinitais very scarce, hindering progress in genetic research and breeding of the species. We describe chromosome numbers, karyotypes, heterochromatin distribution, physical mapping of ribosomal DNA (rDNA) genes (18–5.8–26S and 5S) by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), and chromosome pairing in meiotic cells for the first time inT. crinitaaccessions. Karyotype based on chromosome morphology and cytogenetic landmarks are presented for eightT. crinitaaccessions. Physical mapping of rDNA loci revealed variation in the number, size, and intensity of the 18–5.8–26S FISH signals, whereas 5S rDNA produced two signals per accession. Considering a basic chromosome number of 10, as reported for most Chloridoideae species and the facts that all 20T. crinitaaccessions analyzed had 40 somatic chromosomes, that only bivalent chromosome pairings were observed in meiosis, and that chromosome morphology and sizes revealed high similarity between pairs of chromosomes, along with other reproductive features of the species, strongly suggest thatT. crinitais an allotetraploid (2n= 4x= 40). Our cytogenetic data represent a useful resource for advancing cytogenetic research and breeding inT. crinita.
Effect of Soil Water Content on Soil Detachment Capacity for Coarse‐ and Fine‐Grained Soils
Authors: Zhang H. Y. , Li M. , Wells R. R. , Liu Q. J.
Published: May 2019

Core Ideas

Aging had a nonlinear effect on soil detachment capacity for fine‐grained soil.

Detachment capacity of fine soil had a concave pattern as soil water increased.

Detachment capacity of coarse soil had a convex pattern as soil water increased.

A systematic set of flume tests was developed to explore the relation between soil water content and soil detachment capacity for a coarse‐grained soil and a fine‐grained soil. The experiments included aging treatments (three volumetric water contents of 4.0, 11.5, and 21.7% for the sandy loam soil and 5.0, 10.5, and 17.4% for the silt loam soil, and seven aging durations of 0, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, and 72 h) and drying treatments (saturated soil samples oven‐dried for 0, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, and 72 h). Results showed that soil detachment capacity for these two soils presented unique patterns as soil water content increased: the fine‐grained soil presented an increasing and then a decreasing trend under aging treatments, whereas the coarse‐grained soil showed a continuous increasing trend as soil water content increased. Both patterns could be fitted by quadratic equations. The effect of soil water content on soil detachment capacity was mainly reflected by water‐stable aggregate content. Higher soil water content results in weaker bonds for fine‐grained soil but in less slaking for coarse‐grained soil. Lower soil water content leads to less slaking for fine‐grained soil but more particle deposition and cementation for coarse‐grained soil. Future work will include additional soil textures and focus on soil erodibility and critical shear stress to expand our understanding of soil detachment influenced by soil water content.
Experimental and Numerical Studies of Saturation Overshoot during Infiltration into a Dry Soil
Authors: Zhuang Luwen , Hassanizadeh S. Majid , van Duijn C.J. , Zimmermann Susanne , Zizina Irina , Helmig Rainer
Published: May 2019

Core Ideas

Experiments measured saturation overshoot during infiltration of water into dry soil.

Two models based on Richards' equation with a dynamic capillarity term simulated the data.

The IFA model is an alternative approach to simulate saturation overshoot.

The IFA model and dynamic capillarity equation were combined to simulate experiments.

Downward infiltration of water into almost dry soil, when there is no ponding at the soil surface, often occurs in the form of fingers, with saturation overshoot at the finger tips. While this is well known, there is still uncertainty about the exact saturation pattern within fingers. We performed a series of one‐dimensional water infiltration experiments into a dry soil to study the non‐monotonicity of the saturation. We observed that saturation showed a non‐monotonic behavior as a function of time. The overshoot was somewhat plateau shaped at relatively low flow rates but was quite sharp at higher flow rates. Two mathematical models, referred to as the extended standard (ESD) model and the interfacial area (IFA) model, were used to simulate the experimental results. Both models were based on extended forms of the Richards equation by including a dynamic capillary term. In the ESD model, standard equations for hysteresis were used. In the IFA model, the specific interfacial area was introduced to simulate hysteresis. Parameter values for both models were obtained from preliminary experiments or using empirical formulas. Only one parameter, the dynamic capillarity coefficient τ, was optimized to model saturation overshoot. While the ESD model did not reproduce the form of saturation overshoot for any combination of parameter values, the IFA model could provide good agreement with the data. To our knowledge, this is the first time where a combination of the IFA model and the dynamic capillarity equation has been used to simulate a set of experiments.
Combining Visible−Near‐Infrared and Pedotransfer Functions for Parameterization of Tile Drain Flow Simulations
Authors: Varvaris Ioannis , Pittaki-Chrysodonta Zampela , Moldrup Per , de Jonge Lis Wollesen , Iversen Bo V.
Published: May 2019

Core Ideas

A concept was proposed to cover the absence of data on soil hydraulic properties.

Effective parameterization of properties was achieved by integrating vis‐NIR and PTF.

A hydrogeological model was used for simulating drainage discharge.

Sensitivity analysis examined the uncertainty when varying the predicted parameters.

Estimation of soil hydraulic parameters is essential when generating a hydrogeological model for simulating water flow dynamics in an agricultural field. However, estimation of the input parameters through direct measurements is time consuming and costly, and the spatial variability presents an uncertainty. Therefore, we proposed a rapid and inexpensive concept (integration of visible–near‐infrared spectroscopy [vis‐NIR] and a pedotransfer function [PTF]) to estimate hydraulic properties considering catchment scale. An existing vis‐NIR–predicted Campbell retention function was used for estimating the Campbell b parameter and the water content at −1000 cm H2O soil–water matric potential (log|−1000| = pF 3). A PTF was developed for predicting the saturated hydraulic conductivities using the vis‐NIR–predicted Campbell b and the effective porosity, defined as the difference in volumetric water contents at pF 0.3 and 3. The concept was evaluated by developing a hydrogeological model in HYDRUS‐2D software for simulating the tile drainage discharge from a clayey agricultural subcatchment in Denmark, using as input hydraulic parameters the output from the suggested approach. The suggested approach simulated the main attributes of the flow hydrograph with a reasonable degree of accuracy (R2 and RMSE values of 0.86 and 1.25 L s−1, respectively). A sensitivity analysis was performed to determine the response of the model to changes in values of predicted parameters when predicting the drainage discharge, and it showed that small variations (<10%) would not affect the predictive ability of the model.
Implementação de direitos humanos no ordenamento jurídico colombiano, um enfoque a partir da Constituição Política Nacional e do bloco de constitucionalidade
Authors: Aguirre Espinosa Juan Esteban , Do Nascimento Correia Vinicius , Galeano Sanchez Juan Esteban
Published: May 2019

O problema central analisado nessa investigação se constitui da seguinte pergunta: Quais são as características constitucionais e jurisprudenciais que sustentam a integração do Sistema Interamericano de Proteção aos Direitos Humanos, SIPDH no ordenamento jurídico interno?

A jurisprudência internacional determina que os Estados estão efetivamente em capacidade de concluir que tipo de normas podem gerar direitos e obrigações relativas a suas relações com os particulares. Para isto é necessário realizar uma análise a partir dos postulados constitucionais e da jurisprudência da Corte Constitucional considerada intérprete da Carta Política, com a finalidade de observar o conceito vinculante do bloco de constitucionalidade na implementação do SIPDH consagrados pelo Pacto de São José da Costa Rica, no interior do Estado Colombiano.
Üstün Yetenekli Öğrencilere Destek Odasında Verilen Eğitime İlişkin Okul Yöneticilerinin ve Öğretmenlerin Görüşleri
Authors: PEMİK Kübra , LEVENT Faruk
Published: May 2019

Bu
çalışmanın amacı, üstün yetenekli öğrencilere destek odasında verilen eğitime
ilişkin okul yöneticilerinin ve öğretmenlerin görüşlerinin incelenmesidir.
Nitel araştırma yöntemlerinden olgu bilim deseniyle yürütülmüş olan bu
çalışmanın verileri, yüz yüze görüşme ile yarı yapılandırılmış bir görüşme
formu kullanılarak elde edilmiştir. Araştırma kapsamında 20 okul yöneticisi ve
19 öğretmen ile görüşmeler yapılmıştır. Görüşmelerde elde edilen veriler,
içerik analizine tabi tutularak kodlamalar yapılmış ve temalar oluşturulmuştur.
Araştırma bulgularına göre katılımcı okul yöneticileri ve öğretmenler, destek
odalarında genellikle öğrencilere zekâ oyunlarının oynatıldığını ve
farklılaştırılmış bir eğitimin verilemediğini ifade etmişlerdir. Katılımcıların
çoğu, destek odasına ilişkin belli bir müfredat ve planın olmamasından,
materyal eksikliği ve fiziksel şartların yetersizliğinden dolayı sıkıntı
çektiklerini belirtmişlerdir. Ayrıca katılımcılar, destek eğitim odalarında
üstün yetenekli öğrencilerin eğitim ihtiyaçlarının karşılanmasında öğretmen
faktörünün belirleyici olduğunu ifade ederek öğretmenlere yönelik hizmet içi
eğitimlerin önemine dikkat çekmişlerdir.
ANÁLISE DO PROCESSO DE ASSOREAMENTO NO TRECHO I DO CANAL DE ACESSO AO PORTO DO RIO GRANDE ENTRE OS ANOS DE 2010 E 2018
Authors: Bastos da Silva Marine Jusiane , Calliari Lauro Julio , Fontoura José Antônio Scotti , Serpa Christian Garcia , Lemke Natália
Published: May 2019

O Porto do Rio Grande experimenta permanente processo de assoreamento nos ambientes de navegação, necessitando de dragagens periódicas. Este trabalho visa quantificar o processo de assoreamento no Trecho I do Canal de Acesso ao Porto do Rio Grande entre os anos de 2010 e 2018 e definir as regiões críticas onde a deposição de sedimentos é mais significativa. Foram utilizados quatro levantamentos batimétricos realizados nos anos de 2011, 2014, 2015 e 2018. A região de estudo é delimitada por um retângulo de 1.860.000 m² e possui profundidade de projeto de -18,00 metros (NR/DHN). A partir de cada levantamento batimétrico foi gerado um modelo digital de elevação (MDE), adotando-se uma malha padronizada com espaçamento de 10 metros e utilizando-se a Krigagem como método de interpolação. Por meio dos MDEs gerados, foram calculados os volumes acima da cota de projeto e abaixo da cota de projeto para cada levantamento e foram gerados mapas para identificação de áreas de maior deposição ou erosão de sedimentos em relação à cota de projeto. Além disso, foi calculada a variação de volume entre MDEs referentes a batimetrias consecutivas. As taxas de assoreamento encontradas em relação à cota de projeto foram 92.216,78 m³/mês entre julho de 2010 e fevereiro de 2011; 20.592,11 m³/mês entre julho de 2010 e fevereiro de 2014; 17.411,60 m³/mês entre julho de 2010 e novembro de 2015; e, 10.496,72 m³/mês entre julho de 2010 e fevereiro de 2018. A porção noroeste deste trecho apresenta a maior tendência ao assoreamento e reduziu gradualmente suas profundidades entre julho de 2010 (última dragagem) e fevereiro de 2018. Os volumes de deposição de sedimentos decaem no sentido sudeste, apresentando uma região intermediária com profundidades constantes muito próximas a -18 metros. Já na porção sudeste deste trecho é predominante a presença de cotas abaixo de -18,00 metros.
O SER HUMANO NÃO CABE AQUI
Authors: Silva Bárbara Cristina
Published: May 2019

Tentam mercantilizar a cidade, o modo como nos expressamos e ocupamos o território, mesmo sabendo que a individualidade do ser não cabe nessa lógica. A contradição gera violência não só entre as pessoas, mas do próprio ser consigo mesmo. Desconfiguração. Anonimato. A cidade não é apenas palco para o conflito, a forma que os espaços públicos são produzidos e geridos é fonte de desigualdade e exclusão.O ofício que as pessoas realizam não diz sobre elas, a vida perde a essência em prol de uma lógica cruel de sobrevivência. Nossa rotina é perpassada pela violência, negamos a nós mesmos e negamos, muitas vezes, a humanidade do outro. Os seres viram peças no cenário cotidiano.  As pessoas não cabem nessa lógica. Trabalho deve ser para criar, construir, ser e permanecer. Ocupar é fazer-se presente. Ocupar é resistir.
Socio-economic Impact of Unsystematic Mine Closure: A case of Kolar Gold Fields
Authors: Kandasamyhariramguptha Karthikeyan
Published: May 2019

This paper aims to study the Socio-Economic impact of un-systematic mine closure on the community and the neighborhood which is completely dependent on the mining. The sudden closure of the mines will affect the community’s entire livelihood and has counter effect on health, employment, environment, population and economy. India as a developing nation with its rich minerals content contributes sufficient towards the economic growth of the mining industry but the livelihood of the mining workers and their family are always kept in high level of risk. The policies and acts to control un-planned mine closure and counter its effects on the community should be made strong by the government. Kolar Gold fields, Karnataka (KGF) which holds an history of 120 years of mining and second deepest mine in the world has been chosen for the study. It is one among of the mines in the country which experienced the un-systematic closure in 2001 and facing its effects due to mill tailings, land contamination and loss of employment till date. These issues and challenges faced by the people of KGF will be addressed and can be improved if the government, mining company and people shows their support and interest for reviving the town.
Management Framework for Land Based Financing in Egyptian New Cities based on the Chinese Model
Authors: El-Nagdy Mostafa , El-borombaly Hossam , Khodeir Laila
Published: May 2019

Land based financing is a financing approach in which it can provide the needed financing to allurban infrastructure without depending on the government as the main economic funder or the low-income groups. This financing approach is based on obtaining revenues from private developers and high-end land owners through publicly-owned land selling or leasing to capture the increment in land value as a result of public investment in infrastructure which creates a sustainable financing mechanism for infrastructure provision and for urban development and expansion. However, the usage of this financing approach in some Egyptian new cities had exposed the government to many negative financial instability risks due to the current used policies which have caused to hinge and disturb the national urban development strategies. On the other hand, many international cases have used this financing approach effectively and achieved great outcomes on many levels; economic, social, sustainability, and urban development. One of these pioneering cases and considers have the longest experience in using this mechanism is China. The main objective of this research is to generate and deduce a management framework for this financing approach in Egyptian new cities based on the Chinese model. Accordingly, the research methodology includes literature review and qualitative analyses of some international pioneering cases in China in an attempt to deduce a set of criteria that eliminates any potential risks, neutralize the occurred risks, and unlock the full potentialities of this financing approach in Egyptian new cities.In conclusion, using land based financing effectively and with the right and suitable policies would achieve the governmental socio-economic, urban development, and sustainability objectives while keeps the negative impacts at their lowest levels.
Users’ Satisfaction in CityWaterfront: The Case of Jeddah Corniche
Authors: Alawi Ghadeer , Mostafa Lobna
Published: May 2019

Recreational waterfront developments can be only superficially pleasant as they lack substantial design qualities needed for their user’s comfort. Enhancing the user’s comfort and satisfaction will encourage people to spend more time outdoors, with the potential to improve their physical health, enrich their social cohesion, and enhance the overall quality of life. The objective of this study is to investigate the extent to which the physical characteristics of open spaces can contribute to the user’s satisfaction with space. The study evaluates the user’s perception of satisfaction in the recent development of Jeddah North Corniche and provides solutions to enhance this issue. The methodologies applied in this study are structured questioner survey, which focuses on understanding the current user’s preference and their level of satisfaction regarding the present condition. This increase the emphasis on representative citizen participation, who are usually not consulted in planning issues. The findings of this research involve the development of urban management principles for the adoption of sustainable waterfronts with the consideration of culture. The outcome should contribute to the Saudi 2030 vision by: Enhancing livability of Saudi Cities through improving the landscape and facilities of Jeddah urban waterfronts, and to encourage citizens to exercise at least once per week through enhancing the microclimate condition of waterfronts open spaces.
New Challenges for a Collaborative Urban Planning: Digital Platform for Promoting Relationship Between Local Administration and Citizens in the City of Malaga
Authors: Nieto Francisco Jose Chamizo , De Salazar Nuria Nebot Gomez , Rosa-Jimenez Carlos J.
Published: May 2019

The most conventional systems in the Urban Planning practice leave out needs and real social demands through inefficient management models in many cases. Nowadays there is a social, professional and institutional demand to transform these models into new ways of thinking and planning the city that are closer to its inhabitants. In fact, there is a high social involvement of people that are helping or developing activities in favour of their local communities. However, this social activism is not visible nor recognised as the one made by regulated associations. Undoubtedly, the use of new technologies offers a framework of opportunity in these new ways of ”making the city”, as well as it becomes a new area of work and research.In this sense, there are many experiences that incorporate technology as a resource to promote citizen participation in the management of cities. However, only some of them are effective and achieve the goal of becoming a useful tool for citizens. In the city of Malaga, there are already some digital tools at the service of citizenship, although these require a process of revision and updating that allows optimizing existing resources and increasing their impact as a participation tool. As a first step, it is necessary to identify the agents and social initiatives of existing participation in the city.The objective of this project is to create an interactive digital platform that shows the city of Malaga from a real social perspective, as it makes visible and map the emerging non regulated movements, neighbourhood initiatives and new urban trends with low visibility. Finally, the aim is to create a tool for collectives, associations, administrations and other urban agents to promote synergies and relationships among all of them. The incorporation of all of them is essential for the success of the platform as a participation tool. For this, a methodology of actions is established, and it begins with the identification of possible agents and the way of interaction with each one of them. The digital tool that is used is based on the use of geographic location systems.This article collects the results of the first phase of the research project that includes a methodological proposal for mapping the real social activist reality in cities and a functional test of the digital platform created for this. Likewise, an evaluation of the experience and possible improvements to be incorporated in the successive phases of the project is advanced
Sustainable Urban Land Development
Authors: Banker Ashima
Published: May 2019

Rapid Urbanisation trends worldwide has resulted in 54% of the world population living in urban areas, in 2014 from 39%, in 1980. As per 2014 Revision of World Population Prospects, UN, 2014, India & China are expected to be the largest contributors to the estimated increase in urban population till 2050. Most of the grunt of the population growth is going to be seen on big cities or mega-cities, with Asia to struggle most with estimated 60% of the megacities by 2025, most of them across India and China (13th annual edition of DemographiaWorld Urban Areas, 2017).Amongst the various challenges faced by these megacities, providing developed land (i.e. land with access toinfrastructure facilities) for future developments and city infrastructure within the limited funds available with the city & state governments, is a major one. Indian cities, due to limited funds often face delays in infrastructure development (due to high costs of land acquisition) resulting in haphazard development.Land acquisition for industrial, urban and infrastructure development has always been a contentious subject. For land development – land acquisition and land pooling are the two methods adopted in land acquisition process. Land acquisition is carried out under act (LAA), while land pooling is carried out using the provision of related town planning schemes like in the Gujarat. A public private partnership mode plays an important role in the land acquisition and in development of Land.This study attempts to analyse the mechanisms followed under the two methods and the benefits of each. It also recommends mechanism to provide for larger pockets of developed land to be used by the Urban Local Bodies for public purposes, generate revenue and provide for additional development provisions for the developers (for larger public good). The suggested tools & recommendations will in addition to cutting the cost of acquiring land will fetch capital to the project that would make the project self financed and self sustaining, releasing the financial pressure from the Urban Local Body.
Mobilising Youth Towards Building Smart Cities Through Social Entrepreneurship: Case of Amman, Jordan
Authors: Tarawneh Deyala
Published: May 2019

Social entrepreneurship is increasingly becoming a tool to undertake social, cultural and environmental issues in communities where startup businesses and entrepreneurs develop fund or implement ideas aimed for the solution of these problems. Whether intentionally or otherwise, numerous startups and spin-offs, have in a way or another, provided services that address larger themes including, but not limited to, sustainability, public transportation and mobility which are also key components to smart cities.Often led by youth, and through the employment of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and the Internet of Things (IoT), which have also become integral parts in smart cities thinking, social entrepreneurs are rapidly changing cities in ways city planners may never consider and thus becoming an under-recognised planning force to be reckoned with. On this note, this paper argues, a mobilisation for this force which aims to harnessing its potentials towards sustainable smart cities’ development is becoming an urgent need. Moreover, as social entrepreneurship heavily depends on social networking and social media, thus acquiring an immediate interaction with a larger group of the local community as opposed to traditional planning methods, this paper argues it may further the advancement of participative approaches that include the public in the decision-making and planning of their own cities.Through showcasing social entrepreneurship endeavours that have successfully addressed smart cities dilemmas in the case of Amman, Jordan, this paper aims to further explore the links between the two concepts. Furthermore, considering the little literature available on both topics in non-western literature and developing countries context, and through looking at the non-traditional ways these projects addressed city planning problems, this paper bids to find ways to inform traditional city planners towards the achievement of smart cities goals.
Democratically SmartWorld
Authors: Mehta Preyan
Published: May 2019

This paper discusses as to how the Human civilization has evolved over time, and how we already have become semi-humanoids. Living in the data driven society, we rely hugely on numbers and data, rationality and science (Lohr, 2013). Darwin postulated, and I paraphrase, complex organisms evolve out of the simplest ones, and the new, evolved and complex organisms evolve according to the natural selection and become better versions of yesterday (Ghiselin, 2013). This paper focusses on the development of a Universal system, which would help us solve all of the Global issues. Accordingly, this system proposes a Symbiotic relationship between the three major forces present on Earth- Humans, Nature and Technology. Currently, Humans have a Linear relationship with both of the forces. We are the Predators and Nature is the Prey. Because of this relationship, Human civilization have started to fear its own creations, which is reflected through what Prof. Stephen Hawking shared with BBC, “”...The development of full artificial intelligence could spell the end of the human race.... It would take off on its own, and re-design itself at an ever increasing rate.... Humans, who are limited by slow biological evolution, couldn’t compete, and would be superseded.....”((Cellan-Jones, 2014)). The system proposed in this paper will be Democratic in nature, where all the three forces have an equal voice to speak. The symbiotic relationship will be based on a concept known as Mutualism,” where all species mutually share the limited resource increasing both species ’ chances of survival or reproduction” ((Wolfe, 2016)). Till date, the World has not seen the true form of the Democracy. Instead, have witnessed pseudo Democracies, where the power is handed over to the few after the elections and the citizens stay where they were before. Instead, a true Democracy translates into- “By the People, for the People” ((Maskanian, n.d.)). The system is based on the principle, that to maintain a balance between powers, one need not go to war with it. Instead, try and understand one simple concept- “All is one, one is all”((Kotsos, n.d.)). As small as this statement is, it explains the entire functioning of the world. This paper will conclude with answering to the question, “The Distant Utopia or a mere Mirage?” and will also try to lay down the fundamentals of how to make the World Smart and not just few Cities, comparing the World to an Organism and Cities with Organs.
Full-scale comparison of N2O emissions from SBR N/DN operation versus one-stage deammonification MBBR treating reject water – and optimization with pH set-point
Authors: Kanders L. , Yang J-J. , Baresel C. , Zambrano J.
Published: May 2019

To be able to fulfill the Paris agreement regarding anthropogenic greenhouse gases, all potential emissions must be mitigated. Wastewater treatment plants should aim to eliminate emissions of the most potent greenhouse gas, nitrous oxide (N2O). In this study, these emissions were measured at a full-scale reject water treatment tank during two different operation modes: nitrification/denitrification (N/DN) operating as a sequencing batch reactor (SBR), and deammonification (nitritation/anammox) as a moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR). The treatment process emitted significantly less nitrous oxide in deammonification mode 0.14–0.7%, compared to 10% of total nitrogen in N/DN mode. The decrease can be linked to the changed feeding strategy, the lower concentrations of nitrite, a lower load of ammonia oxidized, a shorter aeration time, the absence of non-optimized ethanol dosage or periodic lack of oxygen as well as the introduction of biofilm. Further, evaluation was done how the operational pH set point influenced the emissions in deammonification mode. Lower concentrations of nitrous oxide were measured in water phase at higher pH (7.5–7.6) than at lower pH (6.6–7.1). This is believed to be mainly because of the lower aeration ratio and increased complete denitrification at the higher pH set point.
Percepción de la pobreza en Colombia en los años 2003 y 2016
Authors: Niño-Muñoz Diana , Morera-Ubaque Natalia
Published: May 2019

La percepción de pobreza en Colombia permite complementar los diagnósticos sobre bienestar que adelanta el país para procurar el desarrollo económico y social de sus habitantes. Por esta razón, el presente artículo analiza la incidencia de las características del individuo y su entorno sobre la percepción de la pobreza reportada por los colombianos en los años 2003 y 2016. Para ello, se estiman dos modelos: un probit y un logit ordenado generalizado, empleando los datos de la Encuesta Nacional de Calidad de Vida para ambos años. Se puede concluir que el ingreso monetario continúa siendo importante frente a la condición de percibirse pobre, aunque su contribución ha perdido peso. No obstante, han surgido otros factores, como: un buen estado de salud, el acceso a nuevas tecnologías y las soluciones a la congestión vehicular, entre otros, que contribuyen a reducir la percepción de pobreza. Finalmente, el estudio evidencia que existen factores que continúan siendo necesarios para que las personas dejen de considerarse pobres, pero que estos no han sido suficientes para cambiar su percepción.
Gestión logística en el sector textil-confección en Colombia: retos y oportunidades de mejora para la competitividad
Authors: Zuluaga-Mazo Abdul , Cano-Arenas José Alejandro , Montoya-Peláez Mauricio
Published: May 2019

El presente artículo tiene como objetivo revisar y analizar la problemática actual del sector textil - confección, diseño y moda en Colombia,  derivada de factores externos relacionados con la situación socioeconómica del país, las políticas de importación y exportación, la competencia desleal, las constantes reformas tributarias, entre muchos otros que pueden hacer vulnerable uno o más eslabones en la cadena de suministro. Con el fin de identificar el rol de la logística en este sector empresarial y plantear alternativas de productividad y competitividad, se realiza un análisis minucioso del marco teórico disponible, se procede con la realización de entrevistas a empresarios y se establece un estado del arte de la gestión logística. Como resultado, se plantea un contexto de la situación actual del sector y se proponen acciones y posibles aportes desde la logística que aumenten la productividad y competitividad de las empresas que pertenecen a este sector económico.
The Emerging role of Branch Chain Amino Acids in the Prediction of Diabetes: A Brief Review
Authors: Nawaz Shaik Sarfaraz , Siddiqui Khalid
Published: May 2019

Diabetes is a chronic condition; those with diabetes are at high risk of developing diabetes
complications. One important approach to tackle the diabetes burden is to screen for undiagnosed diabetes
and to identify factors that lead to the risk of developing diabetes in the future. The earlier identification
of individuals at risk of developing diabetes is crucial for delaying or preventing the onset of type 2
diabetes. Numerous studies have demonstrated that circulating concentrations of branch chain amino
acids (BCAAs) predict the risk for developing diabetes; thus, contributing to the recent resurgence of
interest in these common analytes. The present review aimed to address the recent findings regarding
BCAAs and their role in insulin resistance and diabetes. Recent studies demonstrate that BCAAs are
strongly associated with a number of pathological mechanisms causing insulin resistance and type 2
diabetes. The research findings related to BCAA signaling pathways and metabolism broaden our understanding
of this topic. However, it remains unclear how increased levels of BCAAs will assist in the
prediction of future insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes. Future research needs to determine whether
BCAAs are a causative factor for insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, or just a biomarker of impaired
insulin action.
Perceptions in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus with or Without the Use of Insulin Pump: An Online Study
Authors: Benioudakis Emmanouil S.
Published: May 2019

Background:

Technological developments concerning the treatment of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
have been rapid in the latest years. Insulin infusion systems along with continuous glucose monitoring,
as well as long-acting insulin analogues, are part of this progress.

Objective:

The aim of this study is to present the illness perceptions in type 1 diabetes mellitus, with or
without the use of an insulin pump. Sexual life and body image among therapy groups subjected to subcutaneous
insulin infusion (CSII) therapy and multiple daily injections (MDI) therapy were also examined.

Methods:

modified version of the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire was used. One hundred and
nine adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus, (males / females ratio 1:2.3) completed the online survey.
Thirty six of them (33%) used CSII therapy and 73 of them (67%) used MDI therapy.

Results:

Statistically important differences among the CSII and MDI therapy groups were found in
treatment control, illness comprehensibility, representations of control, representation of body image
and in the perception of sex life. There was no statistically significant difference among the different
types of therapy for participants’ negative perception of diabetes.

Discussion and Conclusion:

Negative perceptions of MDI users in treatment control, illness comprehensibility,
representations of control, body image and sex life with the insulin pump, differentiate CSII
and MDI therapy groups to a significant degree. According to the research, these parameters seem to
interfere with accepting CSII therapy for MDI users and discourage them.
Role of Phospholipase D Inhibitor in Regulating Expression of Senescencerelated Phospholipase D gene in Postharvest Longan Fruit
Authors: Li Li , Li Jiemin , Sun Jian , Yi Ping , Li Changbao , Zhou Zhugui , Xin Ming , Sheng Jinfeng , Shuai Liang , Li Zhichun , Ling Dongning , He Xuemei , Zheng Fengjin , Liu Guoming , Tang Yayuan
Published: May 2019

Background:

Phospholipase D (PLD)is closely related to browning and senescence of
postharvest longan fruit.

Objective:

This study investigated the effects of 2-butanol (a PLD inhibitor) on the expression and
regulation of PLD during storage of longan fruit at a low temperature.

Methods:

Senescence-related quality indices showed that the 2-butanol-treated fruit presented lower
pericarp browning index, pulp breakdown index and total soluble solid value than the untreated
fruit.

Results:

The fruit treated by 60 µL/L 2-butanol exhibited the strongest inhibition on senescence,
which significantly delayed changes in weight, titratable acidity content, total soluble solid content
and ascorbic acid content. This treatment maintained a high level of total phenolic content and
caused significant inhibition on pericarp browning and pulp breakdown. Through ELISA method,
60 µL/L 2-butanol treatment also reduced PLD activity. Real-time RT-PCR (RT-qPCR) results
showed that PLD mRNA expression level was inhibited by 60 µL/L 2-butanol within 15 days.
Western-blotting results further confirmed the differential expression of PLD during storage, and a
relatively higher expression for PLD protein was found in control compared to the 2-butanoltreated
fruit during 15-d storage.

Conclusion:

These results provided a scientific basis and reference to further investigating postharvest
longan quality maintenance by regulating the PLD gene expression.
Analysis of Process and Formulation Variables on Chitosan based Losartan Potassium Nanoparticles: Preparation, Validation and in vitro Release Kinetics
Authors: Singh Manisha , Kaur Ramneek , Rajput Rashi , Agarwal Shriya , Kumar Sachin , Sharma Malvika , Sharma Aishwarya
Published: May 2019

Background:

Although many potential therapeutic compounds have been discovered
and have exhibited a promising recovery, their effective delivery in the human system
has always remained questionable with many pharmacological constraints in delivering
them. Amidst all this, the concept of nanomedicine has always assured the potential to overcome
the drug delivery complications in the present treatment methods. Losartan Potassium
(LP) is indicated in the management of hypertension. Owing to its moderate bioavailability
(32%) and a number of side effects due to the oral dosage forms of LP thus, nanoparticles
based delivery would be beneficial.

Objective:

The present study is focused to develop a nanoparticle system of Losartan Potassium,
an Angiotensin II receptor antagonist and a well-known promising antihypertensive
drug, to conquer its limitation of bioavailability and potential adverse effects.

Method:

LP Loaded Polymeric Nanoparticles (LP-NPs) were developed by ionic gelation
method using Chitosan (CH) and Tripolyphosphate (TPP) for cross linkage in various optimising
ratios. After the successful optimisation and synthesis of LP-NPs, the optimised formulation
was further characterized by Particle Size Analysis (PSA), Polydispersity Index (PDI),
Zeta Potential (ZP), TEM analysis with the in vitro cytotoxicity and permeability evaluation.

Results:

The results showed the average size of 123.5 ± 1.23nm with polydispersibility score
of 0.257 ± 0.079 and charge of -2.74 mV respectively. Further, Transmission Electron Microscopy
(TEM) images showed the size range in almost conformity with DLS findings, representing
the spherical and smooth morphology. In vitro drug release kinetics estimation showed sustained
release routine of the drug and the cell viability studies done on Jurkat cell line displayed
lesser cytotoxicity of LP-NPs (99.3 ± 2.28% and 98.17 ± 1.86%) in comparison with the LP
only (85.3 ± 2.1% and 71.7 ± 1.07%) at different time periods (12 hours and 24 hours).

Conclusion:

The aforementioned results confirm the effective fabrication of LP-NPs and indicate
that it may further, used on higher model systems to investigate the above parameters
and their enhanced effectiveness in hypertension.
A Mobile App to Support Parents Making Child Mental Health Decisions: Protocol for a Feasibility Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Liverpool Shaun , Webber Helen , Matthews Rob , Wolpert Miranda , Edbrooke-Childs Julian
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND

Shared decision making (SDM) is recognized as a person-centered approach to improving health care quality and outcomes. Few digital interventions to improve SDM have been tested in child and adolescent mental health (CAMH) settings. One such intervention is Power Up, a mobile phone app for young people (YP), which has shown some evidence of promise that YP who received Power Up reported greater levels of SDM. However, even though parents play a critical role in CAMH care and treatment, they often feel excluded from services.

OBJECTIVE

This protocol is for a pilot trial to determine the feasibility of a large-scale randomized trial to develop and evaluate a Web app called Power Up for Parents (PUfP) to support parents and promote involvement in CAMH decisions.

METHODS

A 2-stage process, consisting of the development stage and pilot-testing stage of the initial PUfP prototype, will be conducted. At the development stage, a qualitative study with parents and clinicians will be conducted. The interviews will aim to capture the experience of making CAMH decisions, preferences for involvement in SDM, and determine situations within which PUfP can be useful. At the pilot-testing stage, up to 90 parents and their clinicians will be invited to participate in the testing of the prototype. Parents will be randomly allocated to receive the intervention or be part of the control group. This study design will allow us to assess the acceptability and usefulness of PUfP in addition to examining the feasibility of a prospective randomized trial. Clinicians’ perceptions of the prototype and how it has influenced parents’ involvement in SDM will also be examined.

RESULTS

Recruitment began in January 2019 and is scheduled to last for 10 months. Interviews and baseline data collection are currently in progress. To date, 11 CAMH sites have been recruited to take part in the study. It is anticipated that data collection will be completed by October 2019.

CONCLUSIONS

The lack of parents’ involvement in CAMH care and treatment can lead to higher rates of dropout from care and lower adherence to therapeutic interventions. There are significant benefits to be gained globally if digital SDM interventions are adopted by parents and shown to be successful in CAMH settings.

CLINICALTRIAL

ISRCTN Registry ISRCTN39238984; http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN39238984

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPOR

DERR1-10.2196/14571
Algunas consideraciones sobre la gramática y sus implicaciones para la enseñanza aprendizaje de la producción escrita
Authors: Espinal Olga
Published: May 2019

Este artículo presenta reflexión acerca de la gramática textual y de la lengua aplicadas a la enseñanza del español como lengua materna. En ese sentido, se estudia la gramática textual como una parte de la disciplina llamada Lingüística del texto que se ocupa de describir y explicar los patrones recurrentes en el uso real de la lengua y en el contexto en que este uso se produce La lingüística textual ha aportado una serie de conceptos que nos permiten integrar los aspectos formales tratados en las gramáticas tradicional y estructural, a las que podríamos denominar genéricamente como gramática de la lengua. Uno de esos conceptos es la cohesión que se refiere a relaciones significativas entre las oraciones y los elementos que posibilitan dicha relación En cuanto a la gramática de la lengua, ésta ha descrito aspectos formales: sintácticos, morfológicos y ortográficos que permiten la unificación de la lengua escrita. Esta unificación permite una comunicación eficaz entre los usuarios de una misma lengua. No hay sentido sin forma: la unidad indivisible de estos dos elementos constituye el significado. Esto se ilustra con los ejemplos de las producciones escritas de los estudiantes Se plantean unas recomendaciones finales para los maestros de lengua.