bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Economic Diversification in Oil-Exporting Arab Countries
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: September 2019

countries face similar challenges to create jobs and foster more inclusive growth. The current environment of likely durable low oil prices has exacerbated these challenges.

The non-oil private sector remains relatively small and, consequently, has been only a limited source of growth and employment.
Because oil is an exhaustible resource, new sectors need to be developed so they can take over as the oil and gas industry dwindles.
Over-reliance on oil also exacerbates macroeconomic volatility.
Greater economic diversification would unlock job-creating growth, increase resilience to oil price volatility and improve prospects for future generations.

Macro-economic stability and supportive regulatory and institutional frameworks are key prerequisites for economic diversification...
Debt Service and Default
Authors: Nier Erlend , Popa Radu , Shamloo Maral , Voinea Liviu
Published: September 2019

We provide empirical evidence to support the calibration of a limit on household indebtedness levels, in the form of a cap on the debt-service-to-income (DSTI) ratio, in order to reduce the probability of borrower defaults in Romania. The analysis establishes two findings that are new to the literature. First, we show that the relationship between DSTI and probability of default is non-linear, with probability of default responding to increases in DSTI only after a certain threshold. Second, we establish that consumer loan defaults occur at lower levels of DSTI compared to mortgages. Our results support the recent regulation adopted by the National Bank of Romania, limiting the household DSTI at origination to 40 percent for new mortgages and consumer loans. Our counterfactual analysis indicates that had the limit been in place for all the loans in our sample, the probability of default (PD) would have been lower by 23 percent.
Optimal Macroprudential Policy and Asset Price Bubbles
Authors: Biljanovska Nina , Gornicka Lucyna , Vardoulakis Alexandros
Published: September 2019

An asset bubble relaxes collateral constraints and increases borrowing by credit-constrained
agents. At the same time, as the bubble deflates when constraints start binding, it amplifies
downturns. We show analytically and quantitatively that the macroprudential policy should
optimally respond to building asset price bubbles non-monotonically depending on the underlying
level of indebtedness. If the level of debt is moderate, policy should accommodate the bubble
to reduce the incidence of a binding collateral constraint. If debt is elevated, policy should lean
against the bubble more aggressively to mitigate the pecuniary externalities from a deflating
bubble when constraints bind.
The Gambia
Authors:   International Monetary Fund. Fiscal Affairs Dept.
Published: September 2019

The government has highlighted infrastructure development as a key element of
The Gambia’s National Development Plan, 2018–21. After a spurt in the early years of the
millennium, public investment slowed down and since 2008 has averaged only about 6 percent
of GDP, around two percentage points lower than the average of sub-Saharan African (SSA)
countries. Public investment has been constrained by tight fiscal constraints and high debt levels.
The need for increased public investment in the Gambia should be balanced against potential
fiscal risks related to future Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) and State-Owned Enterprise (SOE)
investments. These risks should be carefully managed to mitigate any negative impact on the
government’s fiscal and debt management strategy.
Maldives
Authors:   International Monetary Fund. Asia and Pacific Dept
Published: September 2019

Maldives’ growth performance over the last decade has been strong, but the
outlook has become more uncertain. The slowdown in growth in 2000 is likely to prove
temporary and a rebound is expected in 2001 . Medium-term prospects are generally
favorable, provided policy discipline is restored within a consistent macroeconomic policy
framework, and inflationary pressures  arising from the recent devaluation are contained.
Maldives
Authors:   International Monetary Fund. Asia and Pacific Dept
Published: September 2019

Maldives’ fiscal position is weak, and its external reserves are critically low. The
country has a long history of fiscal and external imbalances. The debt ratio is above
80 percent of GDP, and deficits above 10 percent. This loose fiscal stance has
contributed to current account deficits of over 25 percent of GDP and sustained
pressure on reserves, which has been compounded recently by large debt repayments.
Gross reserves could drop to $250 million (1½ months of imports) by February, with the
freely usable portion falling to just $50 million.
Age Limit for the Managing Director
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: September 2019

At the request of Executive Directors, and in light of the publicly announced nomination of a candidate who is over the age of sixty-five for the post of Managing Director, I am circulating the attached draft Report of the Executive Board to the Board of Governors. The draft report proposes an amendment of Section 14(c) of the By-Laws regarding the age limit for the Managing Director.
Effect of contrast water therapy on blood lactate concentration after high-intensity interval training in elite futsal players
Authors: Pelana Ramdan , Maulana Arman , Winata Bagus , Widiastuti Widiastuti , Sukur Abdul , Kuswahyudi Kuswahyudi , Juriana Juriana , Hermawan Rahmat
Published: September 2019

Introduction

In the process of improving an athlete’s performance, the recovery methods must be optimized. Recovery is required to maximize training and competition performance; fatigue should be minimized by recovering as fast as possible. This study aimed to assess effects of contrast water therapy on blood lactate concentration after high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in elite futsal players.

Methods

A total of 30 male futsal athletes volunteered to be subjects in this study. The test session consisted of repeated sprints at the distance of 25 m (3 series of two 1-min repetitions at 90% of maximum heart rate). After HIIT, the participants were randomized into 2 groups; 15 received contrast water therapy (CWT), and 15 were given slow jogging recovery (SJR). The recovery for the CWT group consisted of periodic immersions in cold water (18°C) for 1 min and then in hot water (37°C) for 2 min, with accumulating 15 min in the water. The recovery for the SJR group included 8 min of slow jogging (6.8 km · h−1) around a field.

Results

After 30-min recovery, lactate concentration was significantly greater (p = 0.001) in the SJR group (7.67 mmol/l) than in the CWT group (6.82 mmol/l) and remained significantly different 60 min after recovery (p = 0.0001; 6.80 mmol/l and 5.01 mmol/l, respectively).

Conclusions

We demonstrated that CWT after HIIT had an effect on the recovery of elite futsal players by decreasing the lactate concentration and rapid recovery of heart rate.
Defining a prognostic criterion of orthopaedic complications development in patients with an injury of anterior cruciate ligament of knee joint
Authors: Rusanov Andrey , Roy Irina , Rusanova Olga
Published: September 2019

Introduction

Prognostic indices of orthopaedic implications development were investigated among patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries on the basis of stabilography research during the functional period of rehabilitation.

Methods

The study included 52 randomly selected individuals with a complete ACL tear qualified for surgical reconstruction. The patients’ age was 18–59 (average: 37.8 ± 2.0) years. All participants underwent rehabilitation treatment in the Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, and had surgeries in the Institute’s clinics. The crural part of the graft was fixed with the assistance of either the RigidFix system or the Cross-Pin system, and the Biointrafix or Biosure Sync system was applied for the tibial part.

Results and conclusions

On the basis of the performed analysis of indices that characterize the functional condition of the injured limb of patients with an injury of ACL of knee joint at the functional stage of rehabilitation treatment, it is possible to identify a high and medium level of loading asymmetry in the lower extremities, decrease of electrobiological activity and muscle resistance ability during bending, stretching, adduction, and abduction, as the main prognostic criterion of orthopaedic complications development.
Trophic position and isotopic niche of mangrove fish assemblages at both sides of the Isthmus of Panama
Authors: Stuthmann Lara E , Castellanos-Galindo Gustavo A
Published: September 2019

Fishes are important components of marine coastal ecosystems, often represented in food webs as second and third order consumers. Fish trophic positions (TP) in these food webs can vary across ontogeny and accurate estimation can provide insights into the functioning of these ecosystems.
Mangrove ecosystem function can also vary depending on local and regional environmental conditions. Panamanian mangroves in the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean occur under strikingly different environmental conditions after the closure of the Panama Isthmus over 3 mya and likely function
differently. Here, we use δ15N and δ13C and Bayesian models to calculate the TP and the Convex Hull Area (TA) of the most common fish species inhabiting mangroves of the Gulf of Montijo and Bocas del Toro on the Pacific and Caribbean coasts of Panama, respectively.
Thirteen dominant fishes were used for the estimation of TP, eight in the Pacific and five in the Caribbean. Mean TP of the communities was similar but with significantly larger variations in the Caribbean than in the Pacific. Similarly, the TA was larger for the Caribbean fish assemblage
than for the Pacific. Both results indicate that trophic modes in the Caribbean fish assemblages are more varied than in the Pacific. With some exceptions, FishBase TP estimates correlated positively with TP stable isotope estimates. Our results suggest that TP and TA are good proxies for
mangrove fish communities' trophic modes and that these metrics may vary depending on mangrove environmental settings.
EVALUATION OF THE DISTRIBUTION MODELS OF "BURITI" AND "PARATUDO", ARBOREAL SPECIES OF THE PANTANAL, WITH DATA OF THE CLIMATE OF THE QUATERNARY AND THE PRESENT
Authors: Sciamarelli Alan , Torgeski Mariele Ramona
Published: September 2019

During the Quaternary, climatic variations caused changes in the size of vegetation formations in the Pantanal, promoting the expansion of seasonal forests at the beginning of the Holocene. Climatic conditions change the patterns of vegetation diversity on continental scales. Mauritia flexuosa L. f., The "Buriti", is a palm tree that explores humid environments with acid soils. While, Tabebuia aurea (Silva Manso) Benth. &Hook.f. ex S.Moore is a species of monodominant occurrence in the Pantanal in extensive areas locally denominated as "paratudal". Data sets of past eras have contributed to the study of plant species biogeography. The models of the potential distribution of these species were generated from the algorithm of the Maxent program with climatic data set of the Last Glacial Maximum (ca 22,000 years AP), Holocene Medium (ca. 6,000 years AP) and present time in two different versions. Potential distribution models with climatic packets from the present in the newer version presented areas of environmental suitability greater than in the older version. In the Holocene Middle and Late Glacial Maximum periods, the areas of environmental suitability were higher than in the newer present version. Many studies on climatic variations on the South American continent confirm the suggestions of the proposed models. The areas of environmental suitability of the species treated in the present are smaller in comparison with Last Glacial Maximum and Average Holocene. The species presented a potential distribution according to the biogeographic history of South America.
MORPHOMETRY OF THE HYDROGRAPHIC BASINS INSERTED IN THE URBAN AREA OF DOURADOS – MS – BRAZIL
Authors: Lima dos Santos Leonardo , De Oliveira Ribeiro Vinícius , Oliveira Diodato Jonailce
Published: September 2019

The morphometric characterization of watersheds has great importance and appliance for the prediction of phenomena such as floods. The objective of this study was to delimitate and characterize morphometrically the hydrographic basins that encompass the urban area of the Municipality of Dourados / MS – Brazil, which derived from estimated physical variables obtained by applying a license-free GIS software. Based on a Digital Elevation Model (DEM), the following microcatchment characteristics were determined: area, perimeter, slope, altitude, and watercourse orders. Four morphometric parameters that express a direct or inverse relationship with the water quantity factors of a hydrographic source were calculated and analyzed, being them: compactness coefficient, shape factor, circularity index, and drainage density. By comparing the studied basin results, it was observed that Água Limpa, Água Boa, and Laranja Azeda basin streams are more susceptible to flooding, especially considering the measurement factor and drainage density.
MAPPING PRIORITY AREAS FOR FOREST RECOVERY USING MULTICRITERIA ANALYSIS IN THE BRAZILIAN ATLANTIC FOREST
Authors: De Almeida Franciane Carla , Silveira Eduarda Martiniano De Oliveira , De Paiva Lara Lopes , Júnior Fausto Weimar Acerbi
Published: September 2019

The collapse of a mining dam with 62 million cubic meters of mud in the Rio Doce basin resulted in the destruction of whole communities and large areas of Atlantic Forest. As forest restoration activities are among the most costly conservation strategies, prioritization of restoration efforts is crucial. In the present article, we mapped priority areas for forest recovery in a portion of the Rio Doce Basin (DO1) using a GIS-based (geographic information system) multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA) employing the weighted linear combination (WLC) method. Five factors with different weights were taken into consideration according to their level of importance: distance from the drainage network, distance from the native vegetation patches, slope, soil class and precipitation. A map of priority areas was produced where 1.73% of the area was classified as very high priority for forest recovery, while 5.18% of the area was classified as high priority, 57.88% as medium priority, 1.34% as low priority and 0.00% as very low priority. The highest weights were both for the distance from the drainage network and the distance from native vegetation, revealing that areas of permanent preservation and those closer to forest fragments are priority areas for forest recovery. MCDA is a flexible and easy-to-implement method generating maps with suitable solutions for forest recovery. The approach taken can be replicated in regions that require support for decision making in environmental planning, such as the Pantanal biome, which is under considerable pressure from deforestation for the expansion of pastures.
A Revista de Investigações Constitucionais é indexada no SciELO
Authors: Hachem Daniel Wunder , Faria Luzardo
Published: September 2019

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Blockchain Research Agenda for Accounting
Authors: Vincent Nishani Edirisinghe
Published: September 2019

Blockchain technology is causing a commotion in the business environment. Senior executives and board of directors are continuing to monitor and, in some cases, invest in blockchain with the hope of gaining a competitive advantage. However, the technology itself is still in the development stage. Even though there are many use cases presented for blockchain, the technology has to mature in order for firms and the business ecosystem to reap the benefits of the technology. Although traditionally the accounting profession has reaped the benefits of technological advancements, the profession has taken a more reactive approach to technology adoption. The purpose of this paper is to encourage the accounting profession to take a proactive approach and influence the development of blockchain by engaging in research related to blockchain technology. Therefore, in this paper, I provide a list of broad research questions related to blockchain based on major research areas in accounting. Given the broad range of questions presented here, accounting researchers can significantly influence the development and adoption of blockchain if researchers are willing to extend current research to a blockchain context.
Mutual effects between Pinus armandii and broadleaf litter during mixed decomposition
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxi , Wang Boya , Liu Zengwen
Published: September 2019

Mixed-decomposition effects are commonly observed in natural and planted forests and affect nutrient cycling in a forest ecosystem. However, how one litter type affects the decomposition of another is still poorly understood. In this study, Pinus armandii litter was mixed with Betula albosinensis, Catalpa fargesii, Populus purdomii, Eucommia ulmoides, and Acer tsinglingense litter. The mixtures were placed in litterbags and buried in soil with consistent moisture for a 180-day indoor simulated decomposition experiment. The litterbags were periodically harvested during decomposition; the litter residues of different species were separated, and the biomass dynamics of each litter type were simulated. In addition, the soil sucrase, cellulase and polyphenol oxidase activities were also detected three times. The mutual effects of needle and broadleaf litter during mixed decomposition and the possible underlying mechanisms were investigated. The results indicated that (i) during the decomposition experiment, P. armandii needles significantly inhibited the decomposition of broadleaf litter in the first 3 months, while the broadleaf litter accelerated the decomposition of P. armandii needles in only approximately 40% of the cases. However, the inhibitory effects of needles on broadleaf litter decomposition subsequently exhibited significant weakening, while the accelerating effects of broadleaf litter were significantly enhanced. The effects of mixed decomposition on the activities of three enzymes can only partially explain the interactions between different litter types; (ii) the prediction by the decomposition model showed that most of the broadleaf litter types could continuously accelerate the decomposition of P. armandii needles throughout the mixed decomposition process, while the decomposition of broadleaf litter would be significantly inhibited at least in the short term. In general, four of the five broadleaf litter types (excluding E. ulmoides) could accelerate the early decomposition of P. armandii needles and consequently accelerate nutrient cycling in P. armandii pure forests. These species could be used for the transformation of pure P. armandii pure forests to mixed forests.
General practitioner databases in Australia
Authors: Saltman Deborah C , Mant Andrea
Published: September 2019

Objective

General practitioner‐based research has been hampered by the poorly defined database and the cost of continuous updating of lists of practitioners. Little is known about the general practitioner workforce. Fresh awareness by health planners of the serious maldistribution of general practitioners has heightened the need for workforce planning. Integral to this is the availability of an accurate listing of general practitioners.

Data sources

A CD‐ROM Medline review of all surveys involving general practitioners which were conducted in Australia in the period 1983‐1990 was performed. All general practitioner listings still existing at the end of the decade were identified.

Study selection

Nine listings considered for use as general practitioner databases.

Data extraction

Each listing was assessed in six ways — quality of information provided, availability for research purposes, cost, potential to provide the correct postal address, ability to identify general practitioners in active practice and comparative advantage over other lists.

Data synthesis

Each listing has limitations and advantages, with individual peculiarities and variable information relating to identifying characteristics of general practitioners. None was specifically created for research or workforce planning purposes. The Medical Provider File (formerly called the Central Register of Medical Practitioners) was the most used list.

Conclusions

We propose a framework for the ideal database and avenues for its development.
Sex steroid hormones and breast cancer: is there a link with oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy?
Authors: Khoo Soo Keat , Chick Pamela
Published: September 2019

Objective

To determine whether use of sex steroid hormones for contraception and hormone replacement therapy alters the risk of breast cancer, and whether the risk varies with their composition, duration of use, the period of a woman's life when the hormones are Used, and after successful treatment for breast cancer.

Data sources

The results of important epidemiological reports, readily available from the English literature and published since 1981, were evaluated, using reports of basic scientific work as a background to the problem.

Study selection

An attempt was made to obtain most of the relevant reports. Twenty case‐control and seven cohort studies were available on the oral contraceptive pill (OCP) and eleven case‐control and five cohort studies on hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Data extraction

The relative risk estimates for breast cancer (and their 95% confidence intervals) determined by each report were tabulated according to the specific conditions of analysis, for example users under age 25, duration of use. Results by meta‐analysis from previous studies were also used to determine risk. A significant positive association was present when the risk estimate exceeded 1.0 and the 95% confidence interval did not cross 1.0.

Data synthesis

Among OCP users, the vast majority of reports showed no significant risk of breast cancer — overall, longest duration of use, and use before first full‐term pregnancy. However, a positive association between breast cancer and users under age 25 was found in three of eight reports. Similarly, the majority of reports showed no significant risk of breast cancer among HRT users, overall as well as in relation to duration of use and interval since first use. There was no increased risk with additional progestogen; it may be protective. An improved prognosis was found in users who developed breast cancer. On the limited data, use of hormones for postmenopausal symptoms did not appear to be harmful to women who had been successfully treated for breast cancer.

Conclusions

The review revealed good evidence that use of sex steroid hormones had no significant effect on the risk of breast cancer, whether given for contraception or hormone replacement. There was some concern about increased risk with prolonged use of the OCP, especially in younger women. At present, use of these hormones is a matter of informed choice, with individual considerations of the risk‐benefit ratio.
The Fundamental and Application of Surface Heat Flux Estimation by Inverse Method in Cryogen Spray Cooling
Authors: Chen Bin , Tian Jia-Meng , Zhou Zhi-Fu
Published: September 2019

Surface heat flux is an important parameter in various industrial applications, which is often estimated based on measured temperature by solving inverse heat conduction problem (IHCP). In this chapter, the available IHCP methods including sequential function specification (SFS), transfer function (TF) and Duhamel’s theorem were compared, taking the example of surface heat flux estimation during spray cooling. The Duhamel’s theorem was improved to solve 1D multi-layer ICHP. Considering the significant nonuniformity of heat transfer, the 2D filter solution method was proposed to estimate surface heat flux for 2D multi-layer mediums. The maximum heat flux calculated by the 1D method was underestimated by 60% than that calculated by 2D filter solution, indicating that the lateral heat transfer cannot be ignored. The cooling performances based on 2D filter solution demonstrated that substituting the environment friendly R1234yf for R134a can remarkably reduce global warming potential to <1, but its cooling capacity is insufficient. The effective heat flux of R1234yf can be enhanced by 18.8% by reducing the nozzle diameter and decreasing the back pressure, providing the theoretical basis for the clinical potential substitution of R1234yf with low global warming potential (GWP) for commercial R134a with high GWP in laser dermatology.
Potencial erosivo e anomalias pluviais como estratégia conservacionista das terras cultivadas em Belterra no Pará
Authors: Rocha Samária Letícia Carvalho Silva , Martorano Lucieta Guerreiro , Peleja José Reinaldo Pacheco , Moraes José Reinaldo da Silva Cabral de , Santos Iracenir Andrade dos
Published: September 2019

O objetivo neste trabalho foi estimar a erosividade e as anomalias pluviais em Belterra que é um importante município que integra o polo de grãos do oeste do Pará. Os dados de precipitação pluvial foram obtidos da Base de Dados (BDMEP) do Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia (INMET), correspondentes ao período de 1972 a 2017. Estimou-se a erosividade das chuvas considerando-se a precipitação pluvial mensal e anual (mm) para calcular o coeficiente (Rc), considerando-se a precipitação mensal elevada ao quadrado e dividida pelo total de chuva que cai em Belterra. Também foram contabilizados os anos com anomalias pluviais (IAC) para identificar condições extremas tanto por excesso quanto por redução no volume de água precipitada anualmente e analisado os níveis de erosividade que vão de muito baixa a alta erosividade. Os resultados evidenciaram que o ano mais pluvioso foi 1985 com total de 3.057,0 mm e as menores cotas ocorreram em 1992, contabilizando-se 974,2 mm. No período analisado, estimou-se que a erosividade média anual é de 13.000 MJ mm ha-1 h-1 ano-1, indicando alto potencial erosivo em Belterra. Nota-se que nos meses com maior oferta pluvial (janeiro a maio) há elevado potencial erosivo com intensificação em anos de La Niña (anomalias positivas). Em Belterra foram detectados predominância de mecanismos climáticos típicos de El Niño, os quais apresentam anomalias negativas, decorrente da redução das chuvas na região, sendo que o ano mais rigoroso foi o de 1992. O índice de erosividade das chuvas no município de Belterra é elevado entre janeiro e maio, sendo esse o período de intensificação quando ao uso do uso no polo de grãos do oeste do Pará. Em anos com anomalias climáticas como em La Niña forte em que se intensificam as chuvas anuais, ampliam-se as chances de erosão hídrica, principalmente em áreas com solos sem cobertura vegetal. O aumento da área destinada ao cultivo de grãos entre 2014 a 2016 reflete a preocupação quanto aos impactos ambientais, sendo recomendado o uso de práticas conservacionistas como o sistema plantio direto na palha que aponta indicadores de qualidade do solo em outras regiões do Brasil.
Banheiro ecológico uma alternativa sustentável para comunidades no interior da Amazônia
Authors: Castro Alex Bruno Cunha , Castro Sâmia Rubielle Silva de
Published: September 2019

O banheiro ecológico surge como alternativa de saneamento descentralizado, e este artigo propõe descrever a experiência de banheiros secos como uma alternativa sustentável para as comunidades no interior da Amazônia. Para desenvolver esse estudo, foi escolhida como lócus da investigação a comunidade Alter do Chão, no município de Santarém (PA). A seleção dos sujeitos das entrevistas aconteceu a partir da identificação de pontos onde há construção dos banheiros ecológicos, com o intuito de discutir os princípios defendidos pelas tecnologias implantadas na sua construção e quais os benefícios e dificuldades dessa construção, apontando suas características, vantagens e desvantagens. Os banheiros secos apresentam um caráter tecnológico de fácil manejo e baixo custo de operação e construção. Portanto, entende-se que essa técnica é a melhor solução sanitária a ser construída nessas regiões.
La valutazione medico-legale delle ipoacusie in ambito assistenziale (invalidità civile e sordità civile) e previdenziale INPS
Authors: Sammicheli Michele , Scaglione Marcella
Published: September 2019

The authors address the issue of hearing loss assessment for civil incapacity and INPS social security disability benefits.The purpose of this work is to compile an easy-to-use handbook for the public and for doctors unfamiliar with legal medicine who need to address the complex issue of performing a medical-legal assessment of hearing loss for INPS social security disability and civil incapacity.General practitioners often incorrectly fill out INPS online application forms to obtain subsidies from Local Health Authorities (ASL / ASP) for the purchase of hearing aids for entitled citizens recognised as legally disabled due to loss of hearing.Frequently, instead of «civil incapacity», doctors select the term «legal deafness», introduced in 2006 as the legislative definition for deaf-mute individuals, i.e. persons with congenital deafness or hearing impairments acquired during childhood that have affected the normal learning of speech.
Dinamika erosi tanah dan krisis ekonomi-era reformasi di Daerah Aliran Sungai Serayu Hulu
Authors: Rustanto Andry
Published: September 2019

Selain perubahan penggunaan lahan di DAS Serayu Hulu, aktivitas pertanian holtikultura dalam skala besar terindikasi sebagai faktor yang mengakibatkan semakin cepatnya proses sedimentasi yang terjadi di bagian hilir waduk PLTA. Semakin tingginya laju sedimentasi tersebut dapat menjadi masalah serius untuk PLTA karena dapat memperpendek umur reservoir dari waktu yang telah diestimasikan. Dampak yang ditimbulkan dapat menjadi semakin parah jika penerapan konservasi lahan masih terbatas dan perubahan penggunaan lahan terus berlangsung. Hal ini mendorong terjadinya erosi. Salah satu situasi yang kontras adalah pada tahun 1997-1998 saat krisis keuangan terjadi. Situasi tersebut mendorong terjadinya perubahan penggunaan lahan yang membatasi perhatian petani holtikultura dalam menerapkan konsep konservasi lahan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa kedua faktor tersebut bersama dengan kondisi iklim telah meningkatkan sedimentasi pada saat sebelum dan sesudah masa krisis ekonomi tahun 1997-1998 sebesar 100%. Namun, laju sedimentasi tanah kemudian mengalami penurunan setelah beberapa tahun meskipun tetap tinggi jika dibandingkan dengan tahun 1997.

Kata kunci: erosi tanah, perubahan penggunaan lahan/tutupan lahan, reformasi politic, Serayu Hulu bagian atas, tanaman holtikultura
Structural mapping of oligomeric intermediates in an amyloid assembly pathway
Authors: Karamanos Theodoros K , Jackson Matthew P , Calabrese Antonio N , Goodchild Sophia C , Cawood Emma E , Thompson Gary S , Kalverda Arnout P , Hewitt Eric W , Radford Sheena E
Published: September 2019

Transient oligomers are commonly formed in the early stages of amyloid assembly. Determining the structure(s) of these species and defining their role(s) in assembly is key to devising new routes to control disease. Here, using a combination of chemical kinetics, NMR spectroscopy and other biophysical methods, we identify and structurally characterize the oligomers required for amyloid assembly of the protein ΔN6, a truncation variant of human β2-microglobulin (β2m) found in amyloid deposits in the joints of patients with dialysis-related amyloidosis. The results reveal an assembly pathway which is initiated by the formation of head-to-head non-toxic dimers and hexamers en route to amyloid fibrils. Comparison with inhibitory dimers shows that precise subunit organization determines amyloid assembly, while dynamics in the C-terminal strand hint to the initiation of cross-β structure formation. The results provide a detailed structural view of early amyloid assembly involving structured species that are not cytotoxic.
Evolution of (p)ppGpp-HPRT regulation through diversification of an allosteric oligomeric interaction
Authors: Anderson Brent W , Liu Kuanqing , Wolak Christine , Dubiel Katarzyna , She Fukang , Satyshur Kenneth A , Keck James L , Wang Jue D
Published: September 2019

The alarmone (p)ppGpp regulates diverse targets, yet its target specificity and evolution remain poorly understood. Here, we elucidate the mechanism by which basal (p)ppGpp inhibits the purine salvage enzyme HPRT by sharing a conserved motif with its substrate PRPP. Intriguingly, HPRT regulation by (p)ppGpp varies across organisms and correlates with HPRT oligomeric forms. (p)ppGpp-sensitive HPRT exists as a PRPP-bound dimer or an apo- and (p)ppGpp-bound tetramer, where a dimer-dimer interface triggers allosteric structural rearrangements to enhance (p)ppGpp inhibition. Loss of this oligomeric interface results in weakened (p)ppGpp regulation. Our results reveal an evolutionary principle whereby protein oligomerization allows evolutionary change to accumulate away from a conserved binding pocket to allosterically alter specificity of ligand interaction. This principle also explains how another (p)ppGpp target GMK is variably regulated across species. Since most ligands bind near protein interfaces, we propose that this principle extends to many other protein–ligand interactions.
Cellular accumulation and cytotoxic effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles in microalga Haematococcus pluvialis
Authors: Djearamane Sinouvassane , Lim Yang Mooi , Wong Ling Shing , Lee Poh Foong
Published: September 2019

Background

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are widely used in household and cosmetic products which imply an increased releasing of these particles into the environment, especially aquatic ecosystems, resulting in the need of assessing the potential toxic effects of ZnO NPS on the aquatic organisms, particularly on microalgae which form the base for food chain of aquatic biota. The present study has investigated the dose- and time-dependent cellular accumulation and the corresponding cytotoxic effects of increasing concentrations of ZnO NPs from 10–200 μg/mL on microalga Haematococcus pluvialis at an interval of 24 h for 96 h.

Methods

The scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) was used to qualitatively detect the cellular accumulation of ZnO NPs in algal cells, while inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES) was performed to quantify the cell associated-zinc in algal cells. The percentage of cell death, reduction in algal biomass, and loss in photosynthetic pigments were measured to investigate the cytotoxic effects of ZnO NPs on H. pluvialis. Extracellular and intracellular changes in algal cells resulted from the treatment of ZnO NPs were demonstrated through optical, scanning, and transmission electron microscopic studies.

Results

SEM-EDX spectrum evidenced the accumulation of ZnO NPs in algal biomass and ICP OES results reported a significant (p < 0.05) dose- and time-dependent accumulation of zinc in algal cells from 24 h for all the tested concentrations of ZnO NPs (10–200 μg/mL). Further, the study showed a significant (p < 0.05) dose- and time-dependent growth inhibition of H. pluvialis from 72 h at 10–200 μg/mL of ZnO NPs. The morphological examinations revealed substantial surface and intracellular damages in algal cells due to the treatment of ZnO NPs.

Discussion

The present study reported the significant cellular accumulation of ZnO NPs in algal cells and the corresponding cytotoxic effects of ZnO NPs on H. pluvialis through the considerable reduction in algal cell viability, biomass, and photosynthetic pigments together with surface and intracellular damages.
Effect of reduced pH on physiology and shell integrity of juvenileHaliotis iris(pāua) from New Zealand
Authors: Cummings Vonda J. , Smith Abigail M. , Marriott Peter M. , Peebles Bryce A. , Halliday N. Jane
Published: September 2019

The New Zealand pāua or black footed abalone,Haliotis iris, is one of many mollusc species at potential risk from ocean acidification and warming. To investigate possible impacts, juvenile pāua (~24 mm shell length) were grown for 4 months in seawater pH/pCO2conditions projected for 2100. End of century seawater projections (pHT7.66/pCO2~1,000 μatm) were contrasted with local ambient conditions (pHT8.00/pCO2~400 μatm) at two typical temperatures (13 and 15 °C). We used a combination of methods (morphometric, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction) to investigate effects on juvenile survival and growth, as well as shell mineralogy and integrity. Lowered pH did not affect survival, growth rate or condition, but animals grew significantly faster at the higher temperature. Juvenile pāua were able to biomineralise their inner nacreous aragonite layer and their outer prismatic calcite layer under end-of-century pH conditions, at both temperatures, and carbonate composition was not affected. There was some thickening of the nacre layer in the newly deposited shell with reduced pH and also at the higher temperature. Most obvious was post-depositional alteration of the shell under lowered pH: the prismatic calcite layer was thinner, and there was greater etching of the external shell surface; this dissolution was greater at the higher temperature. These results demonstrate the importance of even a small (2 °C) difference in temperature on growth and shell characteristics, and on modifying the effects at lowered pH. Projected CO2-related changes may affect shell quality of this iconic New Zealand mollusc through etching (dissolution) and thinning, with potential implications for resilience to physical stresses such as predation and wave action.
Identification of genes encoding ALMT and MATE transporters as candidate aluminum tolerance genes from a typical acid soil plant, Psychotria rubra (Rubiaceae)
Authors: Iguchi Akira , Sanmiya Kazutsuka , Watanabe Kenta
Published: September 2019

To understand how tropical plants have adapted to acid soils, we analyzed the transcriptome of seedlings of Psychotria rubra, a typical species found on acid soils. Using RNA-seq, we identified 22,798 genes, including several encoding proteins of the Al3+-activated malate transporter (ALMT) and multidrug and toxic compound extrusion (MATE) families. Molecular phylogenetic analysis of ALMTs and MATEs revealed the grouping of those from P. rubra, which may be useful to select targets for elucidating the molecular basis of P. rubra adaptation to acid soils in the future. The transcriptome datasets obtained in this study would help us to further understand the physiological and ecological aspects of soil adaptation of Psychotria species.
Agent-Based Model of Combined Community- and Jail-Based Take-Home Naloxone Distribution
Authors: Tatara Eric , Ozik Jonathan , Pollack Harold A. , Schneider John A. , Friedman Samuel R. , Harawa Nina T. , Boodram Basmattee , Salisbury-Afshar Elizabeth , Hotton Anna , Ouellet Larry , Mackesy-Amiti Mary Ellen , Collier Nicholson , Macal Charles M.
Published: December 2024

Importance

Opioid-related overdose accounts for almost 80 000 deaths annually across the US. People who use drugs leaving jails are at particularly high risk for opioid-related overdose and may benefit from take-home naloxone (THN) distribution.

Objective

To estimate the population impact of THN distribution at jail release to reverse opioid-related overdose among people with opioid use disorders.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This study developed the agent-based Justice-Community Circulation Model (JCCM) to model a synthetic population of individuals with and without a history of opioid use. Epidemiological data from 2014 to 2020 for Cook County, Illinois, were used to identify parameters pertinent to the synthetic population. Twenty-seven experimental scenarios were examined to capture diverse strategies of THN distribution and use. Sensitivity analysis was performed to identify critical mediating and moderating variables associated with population impact and a proxy metric for cost-effectiveness (ie, the direct costs of THN kits distributed per death averted). Data were analyzed between February 2022 and March 2024.

Intervention

Modeled interventions included 3 THN distribution channels: community facilities and practitioners; jail, at release; and social network or peers of persons released from jail.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was the percentage of opioid-related overdose deaths averted with THN in the modeled population relative to a baseline scenario with no intervention.

Results

Take-home naloxone distribution at jail release had the highest median (IQR) percentage of averted deaths at 11.70% (6.57%-15.75%). The probability of bystander presence at an opioid overdose showed the greatest proportional contribution (27.15%) to the variance in deaths averted in persons released from jail. The estimated costs of distributed THN kits were less than $15 000 per averted death in all 27 scenarios.

Conclusions and Relevance

This study found that THN distribution at jail release is an economical and feasible approach to substantially reducing opioid-related overdose mortality. Training and preparation of proficient and willing bystanders are central factors in reaching the full potential of this intervention.
Comparative Analysis of Indices for Social Determinants of Health in Pediatric Surgical Populations
Authors: Stephens Caroline Q. , Yap Ava , Vu Lan , Saito Jacqueline M. , Barry Dwight , Shui Amy M. , Cockrell Hannah , Cairo Sarah , Wakeman Derek , Berman Loren , Greenberg Sarah , Linden Allison F. , Kohler Jonathan , Tsao KuoJen , Wilson Nicole A.
Published: December 2024

Importance

Conclusions vary substantially among studies examining associations between area-based social determinants of health (SDOH) and pediatric health disparities based on the selected patient population and SDOH index. Most national studies use zip codes, which encompass a wide distribution of communities, limiting the generalizability of findings.

Objectives

To characterize the distributions of composite SDOH indices for pediatric surgical patients within a national sample of academic children’s hospitals and to assess SDOH index precision in classifying patients at similar levels of disadvantage.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This multicenter retrospective cohort study included patients younger than 18 years who underwent surgery from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2021, at 8 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Pediatric children’s hospitals. Data were analyzed November 15, 2023, to September 25, 2024.

Exposures

Exposures included the Social Vulnerability Index (SVI), Area Deprivation Index (ADI), and Child Opportunity Index (COI), which are composite scores of SDOH factors within a geographic area. A standardized, high-fidelity process was developed to link individual patients to SDOH indices at the US census tract and census block group level.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was composite SDOH index distribution, which was assessed using interrater reliability scores. Substantial agreement was defined as a Cohen κ statistic higher than 0.60.

Results

Of 55 865 included patients, 54.6% were male; 34.8% were infants and toddlers (0-3 years of age), 39.0% were school age (4-12 years), and 26.2% were adolescents (13-17 years). A total of 3468 patients (6.2%) could not be matched to either an SVI, ADI, or COI. Patients with missing geocodes were more likely to be Hispanic (20.1% vs 17.1%; P < .001) and have Medicaid insurance (48.1% vs 44.6%; P < .001) compared with patients with addresses that could be geocoded. With all institutions grouped, SDOH indices showed only minor variations. However, within each institution and among institutions, indices varied considerably, especially the ADI. Indices had low-to-fair interrater reliability within institutions (κ range, 0.15-0.33), indicating that each index classified individual patients differently according to disadvantage.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this multicenter retrospective cohort study of 55 865 pediatric surgical patients, 3 different composite measures of SDOH classified disadvantage for individual patients differently. The SDOH index components should be understood and carefully considered prior to inclusion of a composite measure in the analysis of children’s surgical outcomes.
Transition Metal Dichalcogenide‐Based Composites in Powder Bed Additive Manufacturing for Electrochemical Applications—A Review
Authors: Alinejadian Navid , Odnevall Inger , Meisnar Martina , Jafari Davoud
Published: December 2024

Robust electrochemical sustainability of tailored high‐performance nanocomposites is integral to advanced electrochemical energy conversion and storage (EECS) systems. Functions, such as nanoscale ionic‐diffusion distance, electrocatalytic reactions, electrical conductivity, and fluid distribution, of transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD)‐based nanostructures have been extensively designed and studied. However, challenges in materials selection, operational scalability, and design flexibility of TMD‐incorporated metal‐matrix composites (MMCs) consisting of non‐noble metallic nanostructures and their originating TMD materials have scarcely been studied. Highlighting the effectiveness of emerging additive manufacturing techniques in sustainable energy supply and storage, laser powder bed fusion (L‐PBF) can offer a directly added dual‐functionality to fabricated complex multimaterial and TMD‐incorporated MMC electrocatalytic electrodes. In this review, the characteristics of composite powder feedstock and optimizing process parameters are critically emphasized from another perspective to maintain a balance between mechanical robustness and enhanced electrochemical response. It is demonstrated how factors such as surface roughness, particle shape, and rheological characteristics of TMDs can influence the flowability of composite powder feedstock and the electrochemical performance of L‐PBF‐processed electrodes. The review further aims to contribute compiled information for use in the rapidly growing global market for advanced energy storage systems, underscoring the transformative potential of L‐PBF and TMD‐incorporated MMCs in modernizing the EECS components.
The Spiral of Attention, Arousal, and Release: A Comparative Phenomenology of Jhāna Meditation and Speaking in Tongues
Authors: Brahinsky Josh , Mago Jonas , Miller Mark , Catherine Shaila , Lifshitz Michael
Published: December 2024

Buddhist Jhāna meditation and the Christian practice of speaking in tongues appear wildly distinct. These spiritual techniques differ in their ethical, theological, and historical frames and seem, from the outside, to produce markedly different states of consciousness—one a state of utter calm and the other of high emotional arousal. Yet, our phenomenological interviews with experienced practitioners in the USA found significant points of convergence. Practitioners in both traditions describe a dynamic relationship between focused attention, aroused joy, and a sense of letting go or release that they describe as crucial to their practice. This paper highlights these shared phenomenological features and theorizes possible underlying mechanisms. Analyzing our phenomenological data through the lens of various theories of brain function, including sensory gating and predictive processing, we propose that these practices both engage an autonomic field built through a spiral between attention, arousal, and release (AAR).